South Korea

Latest News

South Korea seeks North Korea talks, warns of risk of border clashes - Indo-Pacific Defense FORUM

S.Korea’s corporate reform fuels new era of activist muscle in boardrooms - The Korea Economic Daily Global Edition

North, South Korea in 'very dangerous' standoff, Yonhap quotes Lee saying - Reuters

Xi Jinping cracks joke about spying with phones given to South Korean president - The Guardian

Trump Has Likened Himself to a King. South Korea Gave Him a Crown. - The New York Times

Quick Summary of South Korea & Lee Jae-myung

South Korea has been gripped by political turbulence in recent months, with opposition leader Lee Jae-myung at the center of a high-stakes legal and political battle. Lee, the head of the liberal Democratic Party and a prominent critic of President Yoon Suk-yeol’s conservative administration, faces multiple legal challenges, including allegations of corruption and breach of trust related to a controversial development project in Seongnam during his tenure as mayor. While Lee has denied wrongdoing and framed the investigations as politically motivated, prosecutors have pushed aggressively for his arrest, raising concerns among his supporters about the weaponization of judicial power. The situation has deepened the country’s political divide, with Lee’s party accusing Yoon’s government of authoritarian overreach, while conservatives argue the legal proceedings are necessary to uphold accountability. The standoff has also sparked large-scale protests, reflecting broader public frustration with political polarization and economic hardships under Yoon’s leadership. The possibility of Lee Jae-myung’s impeachment or incarceration carries significant implications for South Korea’s political landscape, particularly ahead of the 2027 presidential election, where he remains a leading contender. His legal troubles have galvanized his base, positioning him as a martyr for democratic resistance against what his supporters view as a vindictive administration. Meanwhile, Yoon’s approval ratings have remained low amid inflation, labor disputes, and diplomatic tensions with North Korea, further complicating the government’s efforts to stabilize its authority. The outcome of Lee’s case could either embolden the opposition or reshape the Democratic Party’s strategy, potentially paving the way for a new generation of leaders. As South Korea navigates these challenges, the confrontation between Lee and Yoon underscores the broader struggle over the country’s democratic norms and the balance of power between its political factions.