Domestic Politics
Lee Jae-myung could make strong push for presidency if he can overcome scandals
Early poll suggests South Koreans prefer Democratic leader as next political leader, but caveats abound
February 9, 2023
Could South Korea’s Democratic Party suffer from embattled opposition leader?
Corruption investigations into Lee Jae-myung will extract resource and reputation costs ahead of parliamentary elections
February 8, 2023
Itaewon crowd crush memorial becomes flash point in political fight over tragedy
Conservative Seoul government risks fueling politicization of disaster after stopping mourners from setting up altar
February 6, 2023
Yoon Suk-yeol pays respect to ROK dictator in latest appeal to conservative base
South Korean president needs conservative stronghold behind him, but paying homage to Park Chung-hee carries risks
February 3, 2023
An outsider candidate could soon lead South Korea’s conservative party
An unpopular president and resilient opposition leader may be incentivizing conservatives to give Ahn Cheol-soo a chance
February 2, 2023
Why local politics will prevent Yoon Suk-yeol from sending weapons to Ukraine
Facing a combative opposition and even harsher geopolitical landscape, Yoon will demur from sending direct military aid
February 1, 2023
Yoon Suk-yeol faces headwinds as he seeks to shore up support through reforms
South Korean public is lukewarm about changes like extending work week, but Yoon likely sees value in taking harder line
January 30, 2023
South Korean president plays dangerous game by wading into party leadership race
Yoon Suk-yeol forced frontrunner from race for ruling party chair but risks discord if he backs a remaining candidate
January 27, 2023
Why South Korea’s 18-month parental leave is unlikely to reverse fertility woes
The new policy is insufficient to combat entrenched patriarchal values and the gender pay gap
January 26, 2023
How lack of redevelopment provided tinder for a fire in Seoul’s last shantytown
Political disputes have left Guryong Village residents to face poverty and the elements despite ROK’s economic success
January 23, 2023
