Nazi, Hitler rhetoric back in Korean politics — and expats, experts are alarmed

References to Nazism and Adolf Hitler are appearing with increasing frequency in South Korea’s political discourse — raising concerns among foreign residents and scholars that such rhetoric must be used with far greater caution. On Thursday, Rep. Jang Dong-hyeok, chair of the main opposition People Power Party, likened President Lee Jae Myung to Adolf Hitler during a party leadership meeting, accusing Lee of pursuing authoritarian rule. “He is threatening the public by invoking Nazi war criminal

Dec. 4, 2025

Lee says he ‘lacks info’ on S. Koreans held in North Korea

President Lee Jae Myung on Wednesday said he lacks specific information on South Korean nationals detained in North Korea — a remark that raised questions about his administration’s willingness to address the issue. During a press conference with foreign media, Lee was asked whether his government plans to pursue the release of South Koreans held in the North, Lee avoided giving a direct answer. Instead, he turned to Wi Sung-lac, head of the presidential National Security Office, asking him to r

Dec. 3, 2025

Martial law review disrupts civil service, military

A sweeping review of government departments to identify areas of cooperation with last year's martial law declaration has already begun to disrupt their work, civil servants say, as the vague terms of the probe leave many uncertain over their future. The review, launched Nov. 21 by a task force under Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, spans 49 ministries and agencies — including the military, prosecution and police — with its assessment due Jan. 31 and personnel actions due by Feb. 21. But civil serva

Dec. 3, 2025

Assembly passes 2026 budget on time after rare bipartisan deal

The National Assembly on Tuesday approved a budget for 2026 — the first under the Lee Jae Myung administration — after the rival parties reached a last-minute agreement on the final day of the statutory review period. Tuesday’s vote marks the first on-schedule passage of a national budget in five years, since 2020. The 727.9 trillion won ($495 billion) budget, passed during a plenary session Tuesday night just minutes before the legal deadline, is about 1 trillion won smaller than the government

Dec. 2, 2025

PPP split over apology ahead of 1-year martial law anniversary

South Korea's main opposition People Power Party remains divided over whether to issue an official apology for former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration, as the one-year anniversary of the Dec. 3 incident approaches. The internal rift is deepening ahead of next year’s local elections, with party leadership under pressure to attract centrist voters while maintaining support from its traditional conservative base. The dilemma is further complicated by concerns that an apology could

Dec. 1, 2025

Prosecutors seek fines for DP lawmakers over 2019 fast-track clash

Prosecutors on Friday sought fines for former and sitting lawmakers of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea over their involvement in a 2019 physical clash at the National Assembly during deliberations on fast-tracked reform bills. During the final hearing at the Seoul Southern District Court, prosecutors requested a fine of 4 million won ($2,700) for fourth-term lawmaker Rep. Park Beom-kye, and 3 million won for three-term lawmaker Rep. Park Joo-min on charges including joint assault under the

Nov. 28, 2025

Could PM Kim Min-seok’s next move be Seoul mayor or DP leader?

Prime Minister Kim Min-seok’s increasingly political public schedule is fueling speculation that he may seek the Seoul mayorship or a leadership post within the ruling Democratic Party of Korea. The discussion intensified in recent weeks as his public schedule took on a broader political nature. After representing the government at last month’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, Kim embarked on a series of high-visibility activities, including visits to Gwangju, Daejeon, Sejong and Incheo

Nov. 28, 2025

Assembly approves former PPP floor leader's arrest

South Korea's National Assembly on Thursday approved a motion to allow the arrest of Rep. Choo Kyung-ho, former floor leader of the main opposition People Power Party, in connection with the martial law declaration by former President Yoon Suk Yeol on Dec. 3 of last year. The motion, which allows investigators to apply for an arrest warrant for Choo, passed with 172 votes in favor, four against, two abstentions and two invalid ballots out of 180 participating lawmakers. The ruling Democratic Par

Nov. 27, 2025

[Breaking] National Assembly passes arrest motion for ex-PPP floor leader in martial law probe

South Korea's National Assembly on Thursday approved a motion to arrest Rep. Choo Kyung-ho, former floor leader of the main opposition People Power Party, over allegations that he disrupted a parliamentary vote to lift martial law declared by former President Yoon Suk Yeol on December 3 of last year. The motion passed with 172 of the 180 ballots cast in favor. The ruling Democratic Party of Korea holds 166 seats. Lawmakers from the People Power Party — numbering 107 — did not cast their ballots.

Nov. 27, 2025

South Korea to transfer submarine to Poland for free

South Korea plans to provide its first-generation Jang Bogo-class submarine to Poland at no cost, as Seoul seeks to support a domestic bid for Warsaw’s next-generation submarine program, the Ministry of National Defense said Wednesday. The submarine completed its final operational deployment on Nov. 19 and is scheduled to be officially retired at the end of the year. After decommissioning, it will be transferred to Poland “for effective use in defense exports and cooperation,” the ministry said.

Nov. 26, 2025