Domestic Politics
How Seoul’s election result triggered a fight for South Korea’s ruling party
The contest has become a debate over leadership style, party discipline and ties to President Lee Jae Myung
South Korea turns US investment pledge into long-term state policy
New rules create a 20-year framework for managing alliance-linked investments and strategic projects
South Korea escalates response to ballot shortage election controversy
Lee Jae Myung backs investigations and reforms as pressure mounts on election authorities after voting disruptions
Democratic victory masks deeper political battles already shaping 2030
Election strengthened Lee Jae Myung today, but raises new questions about succession, housing and opposition renewal
DP dominates local elections, PPP holds Seoul and ballot controversy — Ep. 135
South Korea’s ruling party expands its regional foothold as conservatives find reasons for optimism in the capital
Ruling party dominates local elections but Seoul denies complete political sweep
Democratic Party expands control nationwide while Oh Se-hoon, Han Dong-hoon and party rivals gain new momentum
Democrats tighten grip on South Korea as local election map turns blue
Broad victories expand ruling party’s influence while NEC ballot shortages fuel challenges from the opposition
South Korea cuts EUV bottlenecks as AI chip race accelerates worldwide
New rules slash deployment timelines for ASML lithography systems as Seoul seeks faster semiconductor expansion
Deadly Hanwha Aerospace explosion puts spotlight on defense industry risks
Investigators will examine structural causes as Seoul pushes defense exports and advanced industrial growth
South Korea in May 2026: A month in review and what’s ahead
An analytical look at the main developments from May 1 to 29, 2026, and key outlook for June 2026














