Key Facts

• U.S. investors notify Korea of arbitration: Greenoaks Capital Partners and Altimeter Capital Management said they will file arbitration claims under the Korea-U.S. free trade agreement and asked the United States to probe Seoul’s handling of Coupang. They sent notices to President Lee Jae Myung and Deputy Minister Chung Hong-sik, and they hold equity interests in Coupang valued at more than US$1.5 billion. [1]
• Investors seek USTR probe under Section 301: In a separate document to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the firms requested a Washington investigation into what they call ‘unreasonable’ and ‘discriminatory’ acts by the Seoul government and asked for appropriate trade remedies under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. [1]
• Disputed data breach scale; Coupang relies on Korea: The Seoul probe followed revelations of a massive customer data leak, which the government says affected about 33.7 million customers. Coupang contends the breach affected about 3,000 accounts. Coupang generates roughly 90 percent of its sales in South Korea, underscoring the stakes for the local market. [1]
• Regulators framed as unusually aggressive toward Coupang: The investors claim enforcement actions across multiple Korean agencies have intensified as Coupang gained market share from Korean and Chinese rivals, resulting in hundreds of audits, inspections, raids, and penalties—more than for any other company in Korean history. [1]
• Seoul’s probe positioned as standalone, not trade issue: Cheong Wa Dae said the ongoing Coupang probe should not be interpreted as part of a broader U.S.-Korea trade dispute, describing the investigations as in line with applicable laws and noting the data leak as unprecedented. [1]
• Government rhetoric cited by investors: In the USTR filing, the investors highlighted a remark attributed to the Prime Minister urging regulators to pursue enforcement against Coupang with the same determination used to wipe out mafias. [1]

Who Said What

• Greenoaks Capital Partners and Altimeter Capital Management, U.S. investors in Coupang: "As Coupang took increasing market share from Korean and Chinese competitors, enforcement actions across the Korea Fair Trade Commission, National Tax Service, Ministry of Employment and Labor, Financial Supervisory Service, and others increased, resulting in hundreds of audits, inspections, and raids and more penalties against Coupang than any other company in Korean history." [1]
• Greenoaks Capital Partners and Altimeter Capital Management, U.S. investors in Coupang: "These losses have been borne directly by U.S. shareholders -- including individual investors and institutional funds holding the retirement savings of millions of American workers." [1]
• Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, South Korea's prime minister: "urged state regulators in December to approach enforcement against Coupang for the data breach 'with the same determination used to wipe out mafias'." [1]
• Cheong Wa Dae, South Korea's presidential office: "The ongoing probe into Coupang should not be interpreted as part of a broader trade issue with the United States as the case involves an unprecedented scale of personal data leakage, and the investigations are in line with applicable laws." [1]

Key Facts

• Seventy-three Koreans detained in Cambodia repatriated: Cheong Wa Dae announced the group will be forcibly returned to South Korea for investigation. A chartered flight will depart Incheon International Airport at 8:45 p.m. and return at 9:10 a.m. on Friday, carrying the suspects. [1]
• Accused of swindling 48.6 billion won from 869 victims: The suspects are alleged to be part of organized scam rings that used fake romance and investment schemes to extract money. The total loss is reported as 48.6 billion won from 869 victims. A joint investigation team raided seven scam sites in December, including locations in Sihanoukville, Poipet and Mondulkiri Province. [1]
• Largest repatriation after joint investigation: The repatriation is described as the largest for criminal suspects following a joint operation involving South Korean and Cambodian police and the National Intelligence Service. The operation followed the December raids on seven scam compounds. [1]
• Arrest warrants issued for all suspects: Arrest warrants have been issued for all suspects, and they will be handed over to investigative authorities immediately upon arrival for thorough investigation and judicial proceedings. [1]
• Government to confiscate criminal proceeds: The government plans to confiscate criminal proceeds by tracking down the suspects' concealed assets to the end, according to the spokesperson. [1]
• Suspects linked to organized scams using deepfakes: The suspects are described as members of organized scam syndicates that carried out fake romance and investment schemes. Some used deepfake technology to deceive victims and underwent plastic surgery to evade law enforcement. [1]

Who Said What

• Kang Yu-jung, Presidential spokesperson: "Arrest warrants have been issued for all of the suspects, and they will be handed over to investigative authorities immediately upon arrival for thorough investigation and judicial proceedings." [1]
• Kang Yu-jung, Presidential spokesperson: "(The government) plans to confiscate criminal proceeds by tracking down the suspects' concealed assets to the end." [1]

Key Facts

• South Korea enacts world's first comprehensive AI safety law: South Korea formally enacted the AI Basic Act, which takes effect the same day. The law creates a regulatory framework aimed at ensuring safe AI use and curbing misinformation and other hazards. It gives authorities power to probe violations and impose penalties. [1]
• High-risk AI defined under the act: The act defines high-risk AI as models that can significantly affect daily life or safety, covering employment decisions, loan reviews and medical advice. Entities using such AI must inform users the service is AI-based and are responsible for safety. [1]
• Watermarks required on AI content: Content generated by AI must carry watermarks indicating its AI origin. A ministry official described watermarks as the minimum safeguard to prevent abuse such as deepfakes. [1]
• Global AI firms must designate local reps: Global firms meeting criteria such as high global revenue, domestic sales, or user numbers in Korea must appoint a local representative. OpenAI and Google currently fall under these criteria. [1]
• Penalties and grace period: Violations may incur fines up to 30 million won, with a one-year grace period planned to help the private sector adjust to the new rules. [1]
• Government support and oversight: The science ministry will promote the AI industry and require a policy blueprint every three years. A support desk to assist businesses will respond to general inquiries in three days and in-depth reviews in 14 days. [1]

Who Said What

• Ryu Je-myung, Second Vice Science Minister: "The AI Basic Act stands at the center of South Korea's AI industry and the realization of an AI-based society." [1]
• Ministry official, ministry official: "Applying watermarks to AI-generated content is the minimum safeguard to prevent side effects from the abuse of AI technology, such as deepfake content." [1]

Key Facts

• KOSPI briefly tops 5,000 intraday: The Korea Composite Stock Price Index opened sharply higher, about 2% up, and briefly surpassed the 5,000-point level. It crossed the milestone at around 9:01 a.m. local time. The jump comes less than three months after it first moved past 4,000 on Oct. 27. [1]
• 12-session rally with a brief breather: Seoul shares had posted a 12-session winning streak to start the year before a brief pause Tuesday and a rebound the following day. The run underscores sustained domestic momentum behind the move to new highs. [1]
• Overnight U.S. stocks gain on tariff retreat: U.S. equities rose overnight after President Trump retracted his plan to impose Greenland-related tariffs on eight European nations. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 1.21 percent, the S&P 500 rose 1.16 percent, and the Nasdaq Composite advanced 1.18 percent. [1]
• Milestone achieved less than three months after 4,000: The 5,000-point level was reached less than three months after the index crossed 4,000, marking rapid gains in Korea's stock market and signaling continued enthusiasm among investors. [1]

Key Facts

• Seoul approves BTS comeback show at Gwanghwamun: The Seoul metropolitan government conditionally approved BTS's request to stage the comeback show in central Gwanghwamun Square in March, following a review by a city advisory panel. The plan, titled BTS 2026 Comeback Show @ Seoul, would bring performances to the square. The approval is contingent on safety requirements, including managing exit times and minimizing traffic disruption. [1]
• Safety rules target crowd flow and traffic: Officials said safety conditions include preventing overlaps in performers' and audiences' exit times and reducing traffic impacts. The city also plans on-site checks to guard against inflated hotel prices and other unfair business practices around Gwanghwamun Square. [1]
• BTS album Arirang due March 20: BTS will release its fifth full-length album Arirang on March 20, their first new album in nearly four years since Proof. The announcement aligns with the comeback show timeline and the broader push around BTS's return. [1]
• Concerts planned: 18,000 at Gwanghwamun, 30,000 at Seoul Plaza: Hybe applied to host a roughly 18,000-person concert at Gwanghwamun Square on March 21 and another event for about 30,000 at Seoul Plaza in front of City Hall, according to city officials. If approved, this would mark a milestone for the venue. [1]
• Venue milestone: first solo K-pop act at Gwanghwamun: If approved, the BTS show would be the first solo concert by a single K-pop act at Gwanghwamun Square, reflecting the city’s openness to large international pop events. [1]
• City to organize comeback-day programs for fans and tourists: The city plans to run a range of programs on the day to entertain BTS fans and foreign tourists, aiming to maximize the event’s appeal beyond local residents. [1]

Key Facts

• South Korean PM arrives in Washington for five-day visit: Kim Min-seok landed at Dulles International Airport to begin a five-day trip. It is his first overseas journey as prime minister and the first standalone U.S. visit by a South Korean premier since the country's democratization in the late 1980s. He will meet government officials, lawmakers and Korean residents during the visit. [1]
• Visit includes New York leg: The itinerary includes a stop in New York, with Kim planning engagements across government channels, lawmakers and the Korean expatriate community as part of broader talks on trade and security cooperation. [1]
• Talks may include meeting with Vance: Officials have been arranging a potential meeting with Vice President JD Vance as part of the outreach during the trip. [1]
• Chips tariffs highlighted by U.S. official: A U.S. official cited by Yonhap said memory chipmakers could face new tariffs unless they boost U.S. manufacturing capacity, adding pressure to the bilateral talks. [1]
• Trump administration seeks separate tariff deals: A U.S. official told Yonhap that the Trump administration would pursue separate semiconductor tariff agreements for individual countries, signaling a flexible approach to policy. [1]
• Deal links $350B investment to tariff cuts: The bilateral trade and investment framework would see Seoul investing US$350 billion in the U.S., in return for reciprocal tariffs on Korean goods reduced to 15 percent from 25 percent, with Kim set to return home on Monday. [1]

Who Said What

• U.S. official, unidentified official: the Trump administration would seek 'separate' agreements on semiconductor tariffs for individual countries. [1]

Key Facts

• KPop Demon Hunters earns two Oscar nominations: Netflix's animated hit is nominated for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for 'Golden' at the 98th Academy Awards. The nominations were announced by the Academy in its nominees livestream. Released on June 20 last year, the film quickly became Netflix's most-watched movie of all time, underscoring its global appeal. [1]
• Directors and producer tied to Sony Pictures Animation: The film is co-directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, with production by Sony Pictures Animation. The collaboration brings together Korean-Canadian and American directing talent under Sony’s animation banner. [1]
• Plot centers on Huntr/x balancing music career and demon hunting: The narrative follows Huntr/x who juggle a music career with duties as warriors protecting the world from demonic spirits, such as Gwi-Ma and the Saja Boys. This blend of music and fantasy helped drive the film's popularity on Netflix. [1]
• Theatrical singalong release in multiple countries: A limited-time theatrical singalong version was released in the United States, Australia and Britain, extending the film’s reach beyond streaming to cinema audiences. [1]
• Golden Globes and Critics Choice momentum ahead of Oscars: Earlier this month the film won Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song at the Golden Globes, with similar success at the Critics Choice Awards, signaling strong momentum going into the Oscar ceremony. [1]
• Oscars ceremony date set for March 15: The Academy has scheduled the Oscars ceremony for March 15, with KPop Demon Hunters among the nominated titles in major categories. [1]

Key Facts

• Krafton to expand PUBG across platforms: Krafton will expand PUBG across multiple platforms as part of a broader growth strategy. The company aims to move beyond a single title by building a big franchise IP that can spawn new titles, sequels, merchandise and other media. The effort emphasizes expanding across genres, content and service formats to drive sustainable, long-term growth. [1]
• Franchise IP goal outlined: Officials described the goal as extending beyond a single game experience, with expansion across genres and service formats to create an original, competitive IP. Krafton says the strategy aims to build a franchise that can span games, media and merchandise over the long term. [1]
• PUBG central to Krafton plan: PUBG is the centerpiece of Krafton's 2026 strategy. The battle royale title first released in 2017 has since come to PC, consoles and mobile, forming the backbone of the expanded IP approach. [1]
• Ground Zero ties PUBG to media expansion: Krafton previously expanded the PUBG universe with Ground Zero, a live-action short released in 2021 starring Ma Dong-seok. The project demonstrates cross-media expansion as part of the broader franchise strategy. [1]
• 26 new projects in development, 12 due soon: Krafton says it is developing 26 projects, with 12 slated for release within the next two years. Among the lineup is Subnautica 2, described as a survival game, illustrating the breadth of titles planned under the strategy. [1]
• CEO signals move to execution phase: CEO Kim Chang-han said Krafton will move into the execution phase of producing new titles and expand the PUBG IP as a content platform. He added the company will create franchise IPs via the new title pipeline and creative leadership. [1]

Who Said What

• Kim Chang-han, Chief Executive Officer: "We will remain focused on Krafton's core gaming business as we begin to move into the execution phase of producing new titles. While expanding the PUBG IP franchise as a content platform, we will begin to create franchise IPs via our new title pipeline and creative leadership." [1]

Key Facts

• Hyundai chief Chung kicks off 10-day global tour: Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung visited China, the United States and India in a 10-day swing aimed at pursuing partnerships and opportunities in major markets for future growth. He attended the Korea-China Business Forum linked to a state visit and CES 2026 in Las Vegas, and also toured Hyundai’s production facilities in India as part of evaluating capacity and strategy. The trip signals Hyundai’s intent to align with global partners to strengthen its mobility push. [1]
• Beijing meetings target CATL and Sinopec collaborations: In Beijing, Chung met Zeng Yuqun, chairman of CATL, to discuss cooperation in the electric-vehicle battery sector, and Hou Qijun, chairman of Sinopec, to explore hydrogen-related opportunities. The discussions reflect Hyundai’s emphasis on securing energy and supply-chain partnerships to support its EV and hydrogen initiatives. The talks come as Hyundai seeks to deepen ties with leading Chinese firms. [1]
• China EV push includes Elexio and model expansion plan: Hyundai launched its China-dedicated EV model, Elexio, to bolster sales and plans to grow its Chinese EV lineup to six models by 2030. Its affiliate Kia plans to add at least one new EV model per year through 2027 after the EV6 launch in 2023. The moves underscore Hyundai’s strategy to strengthen its presence in the world’s largest automotive market. [1]
• Atlas humanoid robot and AI strategy shown at CES: At CES 2026, Chung held meetings with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Qualcomm COO Akash Palkhiwala while Hyundai unveiled its AI and robotics strategy, including Atlas, a humanoid robot developed by its Boston Dynamics unit. The spectacle highlights Hyundai’s ambition to integrate robotics and AI into its future mobility offerings and partner ecosystem. [1]
• India plants tour reinforces export hub plan: In India, Chung toured Hyundai Motor’s Chennai and Pune plants and Kia’s Anantapur plant to review production and sales strategies. Hyundai Motor Group holds about 20 percent of the Indian market, and the three plants have a combined annual output capacity of about 1.5 million vehicles. Hyundai aims to develop India into a strategic export hub after Hyundai Motor India’s 2024 IPO, while Chung framed a home-brand growth plan for the next 30 years to make Hyundai a truly national company in India. [1]
• Trip reflects Hyundai’s global partnerships and growth push: The company’s official account frames the visit as part of Hyundai’s broader strategy to expand in major economies and pursue partnerships with global tech and energy leaders. The tour was designed to align production, sales, and collaboration opportunities across three key markets, reinforcing Hyundai’s future mobility ambitions. [1]

Who Said What

• Euisun Chung, Executive Chair, Hyundai Motor Group: "Hyundai has been able to grow over the past three decades thanks to the support of the Indian people. We must pursue a home-brand strategy for the next 30 years so that Hyundai can become a truly national company in India." [1]
• Jensen Huang, CEO, Nvidia: Not quoted directly in this summary. [1]

Key Facts

• Emergency funds crucial to revive Homeplus: Homeplus's rehabilitation plan to Seoul Bankruptcy Court emphasizes reorganization and an M&A process to find a new owner after court approval. It also calls for securing emergency operating funds worth 300 billion won, shutting down 51 outlets, offloading non-core units, and relocating workers. [1]
• Ceo Joh Joo-yun warns of looming crisis: Joh Joo-yun says product volumes at Homeplus outlets have nearly halved during normal operating times, and an urgent cash injection would help normalize operations. [1]
• Court and creditors view cash injection positively: The court and Meritz Securities, representing creditors, say a cash injection is a constructive approach and urge labor unions to cooperate for the company's survival. [1]
• MBK and Meritz plan injections and loans: MBK Partners and Meritz Securities aim to inject 100 billion won apiece and seek 100 billion won in loans from state lenders such as the Korea Development Bank as part of the plan. [1]
• MBK pledges support for a new owner: MBK Partners said in a press release that it has provided 300 billion won in financial support and would inject an additional 200 billion won if a new owner is found. [1]
• LOIs existed but no bids in auction; MBK bought Homeplus in 2015: In October, Harex InfoTech and SnoMad submitted letters of intent to acquire Homeplus but did not submit bids in the auction that ended on Nov. 26; MBK Partners acquired Homeplus in 2015 from Tesco for 7.2 trillion won. [1]

Who Said What

• Joh Joo-yun, co- chief executive officer: "There might be a crisis in one to two weeks from now as product volumes at Homeplus outlets have nearly halved compared to normal operating times. An urgent injection of emergency funds will help normalize the company's operations." This underscores the urgency of securing capital to stabilize the business. [1]
• MBK Partners, major shareholder: "MBK has provided 300 billion won in financial support to Homeplus and has pledged to inject an additional 200 billion won if a new owner is found," MBK Partners said in a press release. This shows MBK's commitment to backing the rehabilitation. [1]

Key Facts

• O'Brien blasts parliament's Coupang scrutiny: The former national security adviser labeled the National Assembly's actions as aggressive targeting of Coupang, the U.S.-listed firm, and urged a strong U.S. response to protect American companies. He warned the move could invite discriminatory regulatory measures by Korea and broader barriers to American firms. The remarks frame the episode within wider tensions over tech regulation and U.S.-Korea economic dynamics. [1]
• O'Brien urges coordinated U.S. response: In a post on X, he argued a strong, coordinated U.S. response is essential to safeguard fair treatment of U.S. companies and counter China’s growing influence in the sector. He stressed that protecting American interests requires a unified approach from Washington. [1]
• Coupang data leak affected 33.7 million: Coupang disclosed that personal data of about 33.7 million customers had been leaked, including names, phone numbers and email addresses, triggering heightened scrutiny from Korean regulators and lawmakers over the company’s operations. [1]
• Korean regulators/lawmakers scrutinize Coupang: The disclosure spurred intense examination by Korea’s regulators and lawmakers over Coupang’s data security practices and regulatory compliance as calls for accountability grew. [1]
• O'Brien ties issue to Trump trade policy: He said it would be very unfortunate if Korea undermines Trump’s effort to rebalance the trade relationship by targeting U.S. tech firms, linking the Coupang episode to broader bilateral tensions. [1]
• KFTC stands for Korea Fair Trade Commission: The Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) is the regulator referenced in discussions of potential discriminatory measures against U.S. firms and broader regulatory barriers. [1]

Who Said What

• Robert O’Brien, former U.S. national security adviser: "The National Assembly's aggressive targeting of Coupang will set the stage for further KFTC discriminatory measures & broader regulatory barriers towards U.S. firms," he wrote on X, calling for a strong, coordinated U.S. response to protect American companies. [1]
• Robert O’Brien, former U.S. national security adviser: "A strong, coordinated U.S. response is essential to safeguard fair treatment of U.S. companies & maintain strategic balance against China's growing economic influence in the sector," he added. [1]

Key Facts

• South Korea weighs a state award for Japanese civic group: Interior Minister Yun Ho-jung said Seoul plans to honor the Association to Etch the Calamity of the Under Sea Coal Mine Disaster into History and the divers who helped recover remains at the Chosei mine site. The move comes after a bilateral agreement to conduct DNA analysis to identify four bone fragments recovered last year. If realized, it would mark the first time Seoul awards a Japanese civic organization with a state honor since Korea’s liberation. [1]
• Decision would mark a historic first since liberation: The planned recognition would be the inaugural state-level decoration awarded to a Japanese civic organization by the South Korean government. Yun framed the plan as part of ongoing efforts to acknowledge victims and cooperate with Japanese groups on memory and identification work. The plan would involve delivering the commendation next month in Japan. [1]
• Association background and latest recovery effort: The Association to Etch the Calamity of the Under Sea Coal Mine Disaster into History, formed in 1991, has pursued investigations and underwater recovery of victims for decades. Through crowd funding, it retrieved four bone fragments, including a skull, last August. South Korean divers Kim Kyung-soo and Kim Soo-eun participated in the remains’ recovery. [1]
• DNA analysis agreement linked to renewed hope for families: Last week, South Korea and Japan agreed to conduct DNA analysis to identify the recovered remains during President Lee Jae Myung’s summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, raising hopes that the remains could be returned to families. The interior ministry’s plan to honor the group aligns with this cooperative step. [1]
• Possible further state honors for others: Yun said he would be willing to push for state awards for others, including a Japanese journalist who uncovered a list of passengers aboard a ship that sank in 1945 while repatriating Koreans, an incident that killed hundreds. This signals broader potential recognition tied to wartime history and memory. [1]

Who Said What

• Yun Ho-jung, Interior Minister: "The Japanese government had previously not acknowledged that there were victims at the Chosei coal mine site. That's why it was South Korean divers who worked with the Japanese civic group that found the remains. There will be a government award for the Japanese civic group and our divers who participated in the remains recovery." [1]

Key Facts

• Parliament vote on Norway rocket project set for Tuesday: The Norwegian parliament will take up an authorization bill for the procurement in a plenary session on Tuesday, according to the NDMA. After passage, the Ministry of Defence must formally task the Armed Forces Staff to proceed with the project before contract formalization. Industry watchers say the time from approval to signing is typically days, not weeks. If all goes as planned, contract formalization could happen in the early February window. [1]
• NDMA expects rapid contract timeline after approval: Endre Lunde, a special adviser at the NDMA, told Yonhap that once parliament confirms the procurement, steps to formalize the contract can begin. He noted the time from approval to signature is typically a matter of days, not weeks. He also indicated an early-February signing would be possible if the vote goes as planned. [1]
• Hanwha Aerospace leads Norway bid against Lockheed Martin: Hanwha Aerospace is widely viewed as a leading contender in Norway's US$1.9 billion long-range rocket capability project, with coverage by Norwegian outlets and industry watchers. The company is reportedly competing against Lockheed Martin of the United States. An anonymous Hanwha official said the proposal has been positively received at the working level in Norway. [1]
• Hanwha official signals cautious optimism about outcome: The Hanwha official, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the ongoing bid, said they are hoping for the best but will wait to see how the process unfolds, citing past cases like Hyundai Rotem's K2 tank procurement in Norway. [1]
• Hanwha signed a third contract for K9 Vidar with NDMA: Hanwha Aerospace signed its third contract with the NDMA in September for 24 additional K9 Vidar self-propelled howitzers. The contract is seen as reflecting Norway's armed forces' confidence in the company's performance and reliability. [2]
• Norway's parliament debate centers on interoperability and European options: Local media reports say the ruling coalition supports the government recommendation, while opposition parties urge considering a European solution due to interoperability with NATO and regional partners. [1]

Who Said What

• Endre Lunde, Special adviser, Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency: "Once a procurement has been confirmed by parliament, the Ministry of Defence must formally issue a tasking to proceed with the project via the Armed Forces Staff, after which we can begin formalizing the contract." [1]
• Endre Lunde, Special adviser, Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency: "Assuming this (parliamentary approval) goes as planned, we should be able to do so (formalize a contract) within a few days of parliament giving its approval." [1]
• Hanwha official, Company official (anonymous): "We are hoping for the best, but given past cases, such as the K2 tank, we will have to wait and see." [1]

Key Facts

• KOSPI briefly breaches 5,000 intraday: The Korea Composite Stock Price Index rose about 0.87 percent, closing at 4,952.53, after a session that briefly pushed the index above 5,000 for the first time this year. The move came amid a rally led by technology and semiconductor shares, reflecting investor optimism around AI-driven demand. The intraday spike underscored the market’s sensitivity to AI and chip sector strength. [2]
• BTS comeback show approved in Gwanghwamun: Seoul’s city government conditionally approved BTS's request to hold a comeback show in Gwanghwamun Square in March, on the condition the event meets safety standards. The concert, titled ‘BTS 2026 Comeback Show @ Seoul,’ is planned after approval at an advisory panel meeting. [3]
• Opposition urges Ukraine talks to repatriate NK POWs: An opposition lawmaker urged mobilizing all diplomatic resources to bring back two North Korean prisoners of war held in Ukraine, arguing for special envoys to Kyiv to facilitate repatriation to South Korea. [4]
• South Korea enacts AI Basic Act, first globally: The Basic Act on the Development of Artificial Intelligence and the Establishment of a Foundation for Trustworthiness officially took effect, creating a comprehensive regulatory framework to curb misinformation and other AI risks. [5]
• Unification Minister vows to resume inter-Korean exchanges: Unification Minister Chung Dong-young said Seoul will pursue mutually beneficial, multilateral projects to find a path to resuming exchanges with North Korea. [7]

Who Said What

• Chung Dong-young, Unification Minister: By designing mutually beneficial, multilateral and innovative cooperative projects, the government will find a path to resuming inter-Korean exchanges. [7]

Key Facts

• Consensus to swiftly amend Commercial Act to cancel own shares: Lee Jae Myung hosted a luncheon with lawmakers from the ruling Democratic Party's special committee that has been driving the third round of Commercial Act revisions. The discussion centered on accelerating amendments that would require listed firms to cancel their own shares. Officials say the measure is widely expected to boost shareholder returns and support a bullish stock market. [1]
• Luncheon shows party unity on the push: The event brought together members of the ruling party's special committee, which is leading the third-round revisions. The gathering focused on ways to advance the amendments and to bolster the bullish stock market. Attendees signaled a shared commitment to moving the legislation forward without delay. [1]
• Committee head cites consensus on swift passage: Rep. Oh Gi-hyoung, who heads the committee, told reporters there was a consensus on swiftly passing the third round of amendments to the Commercial Act. The remark underscores the ruling bloc's intent to push the bill through without further holdups and to sustain reform momentum. [1]
• Bill targets mandatory cancellation of own shares: The revision bill centers on mandatory cancellation of own shares held by listed firms. Supporters say the move is likely to increase shareholder returns and could influence corporate behavior in ways that benefit investors. The measure is part of the broader effort to revise the Commercial Act. [1]
• Bill remains pending in parliament as third-round revisions move forward: The amendment package is currently pending in parliament as part of the third-round revisions pushed by the ruling party. Officials described the push as a priority to maintain reform momentum, and the leadership indicated no intention to delay further. [1]

Who Said What

• Oh Gi-hyoung, Head of ruling Democratic Party special committee leading the third-round revisions: Oh Gi-hyoung said there was a consensus on swiftly passing the third round of amendments to the Commercial Act. [1]

Key Facts

• Opposition pushes all-out diplomacy to repatriate POWs: South Korea should mobilize all diplomatic resources to retrieve two North Korean prisoners of war held in Ukraine. Rep. Yu Yong-weon of the main opposition People Power Party called on President Lee Jae Myung to send special envoys to Kyiv to negotiate with Ukrainian authorities for repatriation to South Korea. He framed the captives as individuals who yearn for freedom rather than merely enemies of Ukraine. He cited media reports that the prisoners want to be sent to South Korea and argued they should not be repatriated to North Korea under the Third Geneva Convention and the non-refoulement principle. [1]
• Lawmaker urges Kyiv envoy to finalize repatriation: Yu Yong-weon urged direct talks with Ukrainian authorities to complete the repatriation to South Korea, arguing a special envoy could accelerate the process. He said negotiations should be conducted with local authorities to secure the two prisoners' return. [1]
• Captives framed as potential South Koreans seeking freedom: The lawmaker asserted the prisoners are not merely enemies of Ukraine but potential South Korean members who yearn for freedom. He pointed to media reports indicating the captives desire repatriation to South Korea. [1]
• Geneva non-refoulement cited to oppose NK repatriation: Yu argued the two should not be sent back to North Korea under the Third Geneva Convention or the non-refoulement principle, which prohibits returning refugees to places where they face persecution. The stance frames repatriation as both legal and moral. [1]
• NK forces fight with Russia in Ukraine since 2024: The article notes that North Korea has deployed thousands of troops to fight alongside Russian forces in the war in Ukraine since October 2024. Pyongyang's involvement adds geopolitical context to the repatriation push. [1]
• Yu met the prisoners in Kyiv during February visit: Yu Yong-weon met the two North Korean prisoners during his visit to Ukraine in February of last year, with photos showing him with the captives in Kyiv. [1]

Who Said What

• Yu Yong-weon, Lawmaker, People Power Party: "They are not simply enemies of Ukraine, but potential members of South Korea who yearn for freedom." [1]
• Yu Yong-weon, Lawmaker, People Power Party: "They should not be repatriated to North Korea under the Third Geneva Convention and the non-refoulement principle." [1]

Key Facts

• Seoul weighs Cho Hyun attending MSP meeting: Seoul signaled that Foreign Minister Cho Hyun may attend the U.S.-led meeting on critical minerals, planned for Feb. 4. The ministry is positively considering Cho's attendance among U.S. allies and partner nations. The gathering is to be hosted by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and aims to discuss stabilizing and diversifying critical mineral supply chains. [1]
• Seoul emphasizes MSP chair role and cooperation: A Seoul official said South Korea, as chair of the Minerals Security Partnership, has actively contributed to international discussions on critical minerals. The official added that Korea is actively engaging with the U.S. and other countries on cooperative measures to stabilize and diversify supply chains. [1]
• Washington seeks to curb China reliance on minerals: The article notes that reports have said Washington is seeking to push for an agreement on efforts to reduce reliance on China for critical minerals supply, as part of broader diversification aims. [1]
• U.S. policy prioritizes diversification away from Beijing: Boosting the supply chain of critical minerals away from Beijing has been a key U.S. policy priority amid China's increasing strategic leverage on its rare earth exports. [1]
• MSP launched in 2022 to diversify minerals: The MSP was launched in 2022 by the U.S. to strengthen the global supply and promote investment in critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt and nickel. The U.S., Japan, Canada, France and the European Union are among its member countries. [1]

Who Said What

• Seoul official, Seoul official: "South Korea, as chair of the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), has actively contributed to international discussions on critical minerals." [1]
• Seoul official, Seoul official: "We are actively engaging with the U.S. and other countries on a range of cooperative measures to stabilize and diversify critical mineral supply chains." [1]

Key Facts

• DP leader proposes merger with Rebuilding Korea Party ahead of local elections: Jung Chung-rae announced at an emergency press conference at the National Assembly on Jan 22 that swift, working-level merger talks should begin to broaden the ruling bloc before the June 3 local elections. [1]
• Proposal ties to joint election history with Lee administration: Jung noted they previously ran a presidential election together to launch the Lee Jae Myung government and expressed hope to run the June 3 local elections together as well. [1]
• Parties share opposition to Yoon regime and past martial law bid: Jung argued that the DP and the Rebuilding Korea Party opposed the Yoon Suk Yeol administration and overcame Yoon's martial law bid together, framing the merger as aligned with the spirit of the times. [1]
• Both parties emphasize teamwork to back the Lee administration: Jung said the DP and the Rebuilding Korea Party must work as a team to ensure the success of the Lee administration and indicated discussions should proceed with the other party's response. [1]
• Cho Kuk signals cautious stance and listening approach: Cho Kuk, who leads the minor party, avoided an explicit answer but said he will listen to the voices of the public and party members to determine the best way to realize the tasks of their times. [1]
• Cheong Wa Dae notes potential positive outcome and oversight: Hong Ihk-pyo, senior presidential secretary for political affairs, said President Lee has long wished for the merger and Cheong Wa Dae will wait to see how discussions unfold, noting he had been notified ahead of Jung's announcement. [1]

Who Said What

• Jung Chung-rae, Leader of the Democratic Party: "We held a presidential election together to launch the Lee Jae Myung government," he said. "I hope we will also hold the June 3 local elections together." [1]
• Cho Kuk, Leader of the Rebuilding Korea Party: "I will listen to the voices of the people and party members to see what is the best way to realize the tasks of our times," [1]
• Hong Ihk-pyo, Senior presidential secretary for political affairs: "President Lee has long wished for the merger of the DP and the Rebuilding Korea Party," Hong said. "Cheong Wa Dae will wait to see how the discussions unfold, noting he had been notified of the merger proposal ahead of Jung's announcement." [1]

Key Facts

• Lee orders stern measures against transnational crimes: During a Cheong Wa Dae meeting, President Lee Jae Myung urged senior aides to crack down on transnational crimes targeting South Korean nationals, calling them malicious and capable of causing diplomatic friction. He said actions should be taken whether crimes occur at home or abroad and urged close cooperation with foreign countries to seize proceeds hidden overseas. [1]
• Cambodian detentions prompt repatriation for investigation: Seventy-three South Korean nationals detained in Cambodia over alleged scam crimes are set to be brought home on Friday for investigation. The suspects are accused of swindling 48.6 billion won from 869 victims through fake romance, investment and other schemes. [1]
• Scam ring swindled 48.6 billion won from 869 victims: The figures cited by Cheong Wa Dae detail the scale of the alleged online scam operations involving South Korean victims and their losses. [1]
• Lee links AI Basic Act to policy support: Lee called for government support for businesses to minimize confusion and unintended side effects from the AI Basic Act, noting AI is reshaping society and requires proactive management of its side effects. [1]
• Policy support urged for startups and venture firms: He stressed comprehensive support for venture firms and startups to help them adapt to the new system without stifling innovation and called for policy implementation to be reasonable and transparent. [1]

Who Said What

• Lee Jae Myung, President of South Korea: Transnational crimes not only destroy individual lives and undermine trust within our society but can also cause diplomatic friction. They are highly malicious and threatening crimes. [1]
• Lee Jae Myung, President of South Korea: Measures should be taken to clearly demonstrate that transnational crimes that threaten public safety and undermine people's livelihoods will be punished without exception, whether committed at home or abroad. [1]
• Lee Jae Myung, President of South Korea: AI has already emerged as a key driving force that is fundamentally reshaping society and our daily lives beyond the economic sphere, which requires policy support and efforts to proactively manage foreseeable side effects. [1]

Key Facts

• JCS vice chairman joins NATO meeting: Lt. Gen. Kwon Dae-won attended the NATO Military Committee meeting in Brussels from Wednesday to Thursday after NATO invited South Korea as an Indo-Pacific partner. The visit signals Seoul's ongoing push to deepen defense ties with the alliance. Officials described the trip as a step to boost cooperation with NATO and its partners. The engagement took place as the alliance seeks closer cooperation with Indo-Pacific partners. [1]
• Kwon meets Dragone and senior officials: Kwon met Adm. Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, chair of the NATO Military Committee, along with other senior military officials to exchange views on current security conditions. The talks focused on regional and global security challenges facing the alliance and member countries. The encounter underscores Seoul's active role in multinational security discussions. [1]
• Thursday session to assess peninsula security: At a session on Thursday, the vice chairman planned to assess the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and call for international cooperation to address security threats. The briefing reflects Seoul's emphasis on allied support to confront evolving threats. Officials described the agenda as part of ongoing engagement with NATO partners. [1]
• South Korea's 11th participation since 2010: This year marks South Korea's 11th time participating in the meeting since 2010. The repeated participation highlights Seoul's ongoing effort to engage with Western security institutions and to discuss regional stability and collective defense. The invitation as an Indo-Pacific partner signals broader regional collaboration. [1]
• JCS photo from Brussels meeting: JCS released a photo from the Brussels meeting showing Kwon Dae-won (right) posing with Adm. Dragone. The image was provided by the JCS and included in Yonhap's coverage. The caption notes the photo is not for sale. [1]

Key Facts

• Wife of ex-DP lawmaker questioned as bribery suspect: Lee, wife of former Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Byung-kee, arrived at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Public Crime Investigation Unit to be grilled as a suspect in violation of the Political Funds Act. Police allege she received illegal political funds totaling 30 million won from two Dongjak Ward Councilors in 2020 and returned the money three to five months later. The sums were 20 million won from one councilor in January 2020 and 10 million won from another about two months later. [1]
• Lee silent on money and husband’s knowledge: Lee remained tight-lipped when reporters asked if she received money or if her husband was aware. Police plan to question whether she first requested the money and whether she accepted it and then returned it. Investigators had already questioned one of the Dongjak ward councilors on Wednesday. [1]
• Kim Byung-kee denies bribery allegations after defection: Kim Byung-kee, who defected from the ruling party earlier in the week, has denied the bribery allegations. The Dongjak ward in southern Seoul is his constituency. [1]
• Lee under separate probe for councilor’s corporate card use: Lee is also under police investigation on suspicion of personally using a Dongjak ward councilor's corporate card between July and September 2022. [1]
• Investigation ongoing; no charges announced yet: No charges have been announced in connection with the bribery allegations; investigators continue to examine the case and collect testimony. [1]

Key Facts

• Lee Jae Myung's approval dips to 59%: A National Barometer Survey conducted Monday through Wednesday shows the president's approval slipping two points from two weeks earlier, while the share of respondents with a negative view rose to 31%. The ruling Democratic Party gained support to 40%, while the main opposition People Power Party fell to 20%. The poll surveyed 1,001 adults and carried a margin of error of 3.1 percentage points at 95% confidence. [1]
• Ruling party support rises to 40%: Support for the Democratic Party rose by one point to 40%, while the People Power Party declined three points to 20%. The results reflect shifting public backing for the major parties amid the president's rating movement. [1]
• China ties favored by half the respondents: Fifty percent said Seoul should strengthen ties with Beijing, while 41% said Seoul should keep its distance. The finding highlights public sentiment on a core foreign policy issue. [1]
• Japan relations favor further improvement: On Japan, 65% supported further improving bilateral relations and 31% said Seoul should be cautious about deepening ties. The split shows appetite for closer cross-border engagement despite regional sensitivities. [1]
• Poll size and margin of error: The survey covered 1,001 adults aged 18 and older with a margin of error plus or minus 3.1 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. [1]

Key Facts

• Jang ends eight-day hunger strike in Seoul: Jang Dong-hyeok, leader of the main opposition PPP, announced the end of his eight-day hunger strike in a wheelchair. The decision followed a visit by former President Park Geun-hye who urged him to stop fasting. He was moved to a nearby hospital as health concerns persisted. The PPP has been pressing the ruling DP to accept special probe bills related to the Unification Church and election-nomination bribery allegations. [1]
• Park Geun-hye visits Jang and urges end to fasting: Park Geun-hye visited Jang at the National Assembly area and urged him to end the fast, a moment described by reports as influential in the decision to suspend the hunger strike. Her intervention occurred earlier in the day before the announcement. The meeting underscores the high-profile attention around the protest. [1]
• PPP pushes special probe bills on Unification Church and nominations bribery: The opposition bloc has demanded that the ruling Democratic Party accept special probe bills to investigate allegations that DP officials received illegal money from the Unification Church and bribery related to election nominations. Jang has framed the bills as essential to exposing potential corruption among senior officials. [1]
• Jang accuses DP of blocking bills out of fear: Jang claimed the DP rejected the bills out of fear that investigations could reveal a wider corruption network involving key figures from DP leader Jung Chung-rae to Cheong Wa Dae officials. The allegation frames the protest as a broader fight against perceived graft. [1]
• Jang health deteriorates prompting hospital transfer: Following the conclusion of the hunger strike, Jang was transferred to a hospital after health deterioration during the eighth day of fasting. He had been sustained by public attention and political pressure through the protest. [1]

Who Said What

• Jang Dong-hyeok, Leader of the People Power Party: "I am announcing an end to the hunger strike for a longer and greater fight. But the public's lament against the corrupt Lee Jae Myung administration and the tyranny of the Democratic Party will burn like wildfire starting today." [1]

Key Facts

• S Korea seeks UNC talks to reopen three DMZ trails: The unification ministry said Thursday it will consult the United Nations Command over reopening three DMZ Peace Trail sections. The plan targets segments in the DMZ near border towns that were closed in April 2024 for national security reasons amid rising tensions with the North. Officials frame the move as part of broader efforts to restore trust with North Korea through the Peace Trail. [1]
• Three DMZ Peace Trail sections closed in 2024: The DMZ Peace Trail opened in 2019 and includes 11 routes along border towns near the DMZ. The three sections in Paju, Cheorwon and Goseong were shuttered in April 2024 due to security concerns amid escalating tensions with North Korea. [1]
• Chung Dong-young vows to reopen DMZ sections within year: Unification Minister Chung Dong-young visited a closed trail section in Goseong and renewed his commitment to reopening the trail. He said he will work to reclaim the full DMZ course, aligning with the government’s measures to preemptively restore trust with North Korea. [1]
• UNC likely to object; DMZ access under jurisdiction: The plan to reopen the trails is expected to face objections from the UNC, which oversees the DMZ as the armistice enforcer. The ministry says it will pursue consultations with the UNC, arguing that the armistice does not prohibit peaceful DMZ use. [1]
• UNC maintains DMZ paths remain restricted under its jurisdiction: The UNC stated that three walking paths located inside the DMZ remain restricted due to security considerations and fall under UNC jurisdiction, with existing DMZ access policies remaining unchanged. [1]

Who Said What

• Chung Dong-young, Unification Minister: "I will make efforts to have the Peace Trail reclaim its full course by reopening the (closed) sections within the DMZ, in line with the Lee Jae Myung government's measures to preemptively restore trust (with North Korea)." [1]
• Unification Ministry official, Unification Ministry official: "The government is pushing to restore three sectors of the DMZ Peace Trail, which are situated within the DMZ." [1]
• United Nations Command, UNC: "Three walking paths located inside the DMZ remain restricted due to ongoing security considerations and fall under UNC jurisdiction, and existing DMZ access policies and procedures remain unchanged." [1]
• United Nations Command, UNC: "For more than 70 years, the UNC has administered the DMZ under the Armistice Agreement to prevent escalation and preserve stability on the Korean Peninsula. All access to the DMZ is reviewed carefully, case by case, with safety, security, and Armistice compliance as the top priorities." [1]

Key Facts

• 1981: Death sentence for Kim Dae-jung reduced to life: South Korea's military government commuted Kim Dae-jung's death sentence to life in prison. The previous year's verdict charged him with instigating an insurgency in Gwangju. The move signaled a shift in handling political dissent at that time. [1]
• 1996: NK embassy official Hyun Sung-il defects to South Korea: Hyun Sung-il, an official at the North Korean Embassy in Zambia, defects to South Korea. The defection stands out as a notable inter-Korean development in the timeline. [1]
• 1997: Hanbo Group bankruptcy declared amid mounting debt: Hanbo Group, a conglomerate, declares bankruptcy amid mounting debt. The collapse marks a significant corporate failure within the era. [1]
• 2001: North Korea establishes diplomatic relations with Belgium: North Korea establishes diplomatic relations with Belgium in 2001. The move expands Pyongyang's formal ties with Europe. [1]
• 2007: Top nuclear envoys meet in Beijing to reopen six-nation talks: Top nuclear negotiators from North and South Korea meet in Beijing and agree to reopen the six-nation talks on denuclearizing North Korea. The meeting signals a renewed push for diplomacy on the peninsula. [1]
• 2019: South Korea condemns Japanese warplane's low-altitude flight near destroyer: South Korea's military condemns a Japanese warplane's low-altitude approach to a South Korean destroyer. The Maritime Self-Defense Force P-3 reportedly flew at 60 to 70 meters, about 540 meters away, in international waters near Ieo Islet. [1]

Key Facts

• KOSPI hits 5,000-point mark in early trading: South Korea's benchmark KOSPI opened sharply higher and briefly surpassed the 5,000-point level, signaling strong early momentum. The index crossed the milestone at about 9:01 a.m. after an opening gain of almost 2 percent. The move marked another intraday record and reflected investor enthusiasm at the outset of the session. [2]
• Korea posts 1% 2025 growth; Q4 contracts 0.3%: The economy expanded by 1 percent in 2025, aided by robust exports but weighed down by a slump in construction in the fourth quarter. The growth matched the Bank of Korea’s early forecast but slowed from a 2 percent rise the previous year. The Q4 contraction occurred on a quarter-on-quarter basis, signaling sector-specific weakness. [3]
• Nationwide cold spell peaks with subzero temperatures: The cold wave remains severe across the country, with temperatures dropping to minus 24.2 C in parts of Gangwon Province. In the Imnam district, wind chill pushed the perceived temperature to minus 36.8 C in the morning, exacerbating conditions for residents and travelers. [4]
• Trump touts 'historic' deals at Davos; seeks Greenland: U.S. President Donald Trump used a Davos speech to claim progress on trade deals with South Korea, Japan and European nations, portraying them as historic. He also reiterated his interest in acquiring Greenland, highlighting it as a strategic Arctic territory. [5]
• South Korea enacts AI Basic Act, first global comprehensive AI law: South Korea formally enacted the AI Basic Act, creating a regulatory framework for the safe use of AI models and aiming to curb misinformation and other hazards. Officials described it as the first national law of its kind aimed at governing safe AI usage. [6]
• DP proposes merger with Rebuilding Korea Party ahead of local elections: The ruling Democratic Party proposed merging with the minor liberal Rebuilding Korea Party, hoping to broaden its political spectrum before local elections. DP leader Jung Chung-rae called for swift discussions on the merger, signaling a potential reshaping of the local political landscape. [7]

Key Facts

• Seoul seeks UNC talks to reopen three DMZ trail sections: The unification ministry said it will pursue consultations with the United Nations Command to reopen three shuttered segments of the DMZ Peace Trail. The sections are located in Paju, Cheorwon and Goseong inside the DMZ and were closed in April 2024 on national security grounds amid rising tensions with North Korea. The move signals a push to restore public access to a formerly restricted area and to align the plan with broader policy goals. [1]
• Three DMZ Peace Trail sectors closed in 2024: Public access to the three segments was halted in April 2024 due to security concerns linked to heightened North Korean tensions. The closures affected sections in Paju, Cheorwon and Goseong within the buffer zone, part of the 2019 DMZ Peace Trail initiative that linked border towns to rarely accessible sites. [1]
• Chung Dong-young renews commitment during visit: Unification Minister Chung Dong-young visited a closed trail section in Goseong and reiterated the government’s commitment to reopening the DMZ Peace Trail. He framed the effort as part of a broader strategy to restore trust with North Korea under the current administration. [1]
• Reopening planned within the year as policy aim: The ministry has included the reopening of the three closed DMZ trail sections in its policy plans for this year, which were reported to President Lee Jae Myung last month. The plan would involve coordination with UNC and careful consideration of security concerns. [1]
• UNC objections anticipated; consultations underway: Officials say the plan will be advanced through consultations with the UNC, which oversees the DMZ as part of the armistice framework. The government also notes that the armistice is military in nature and does not bar peaceful use of the DMZ. [1]
• DMZ Peace Trail launched in 2019 with 11 routes: The DMZ Peace Trail was launched in 2019, offering public access to trails linking border cities near the DMZ. The program created a limited window into forest areas and security sites that are normally off-limits, and three routes were closed in 2024. [1]

Who Said What

• Chung Dong-young, Unification Minister: I will make efforts to have the Peace Trail reclaim its full course by reopening the (closed) sections within the DMZ, in line with the Lee Jae Myung government's measures to preemptively restore trust (with North Korea). [1]
• Unification ministry official, Unification Ministry official: The government is pushing to restore three sectors of the DMZ Peace Trail, which are situated within the DMZ. [1]

Key Facts

• Record low rice consumption in 2025: Per capita rice consumption fell to 62.5 kg in 2025, down 3% from 2024; this marks a record low and continues the long-run downward trend since data collection began in 1962. [1]
• 1995 consumption much higher at 117.9 kg: The 2025 figure is about half the 1995 level of 117.9 kg, illustrating the scale of the decline over three decades. [1]
• Diet shifts reduce rice demand: The decline is linked to changing diets and a growing preference for other grains, such as wheat flour, reducing rice demand. [1]
• Manufacturers boost rice use despite overall drop: Use of rice by food and beverage manufacturers rose 6.7% year on year to 931,201 tons in 2025. [1]
• Source of data: The figures come from data compiled by the Ministry of Data and Statistics. [1]

Key Facts

• Hearing set for budget minister nominee Friday: Rival parties agreed to hold the confirmation hearing Friday for Lee Hye-hoon, the nominee to lead the newly established Ministry of Planning and Budget, on the condition that she provides key documents lawmakers requested. The plan follows weeks of partisan wrangling over the nomination. The session was delayed after a clash over document completeness, prompting the committee chair to suspend proceedings and call for further talks. The agreement signals a pause in partisan bickering as the hearing approaches. [1]
• Parties compromise after wrangling over documents: Leaders from the ruling DP and the main opposition PPP reached a deal to proceed with the hearing on Friday only after Lee Hye-hoon submits the documents lawmakers want. The delay stemmed from disputes about incomplete materials, and the Strategy and Finance Committee chair paused the session to allow further talks. [1]
• Nominee Lee Hye-hoon scrutinized for personal conduct: Lee is a former three-term lawmaker from the conservative bloc and has drawn criticism from both ruling and opposition camps. Opponents cite suspicions related to her husband's real estate dealings and allegations about how she treated subordinates and an intern during her time in parliament. [1]
• Nomination draws cross-party criticism after presidential pick: The nomination was made by President Lee Jae Myung and has faced scrutiny from both sides of the aisle since it was announced. [1]
• Nominee arrives in Seoul to prepare for hearing: Lee Hye-hoon arrived at a temporary office in Seoul to prepare for the parliamentary confirmation hearing. [1]

Key Facts

• DP proposes merger with minor Rebuilding Korea Party: The ruling Democratic Party's leader, Jung Chung-rae, announced at an emergency press conference at the National Assembly that the party should merge with Cho Kuk's Rebuilding Korea Party to broaden its political spectrum ahead of local elections. He urged swift, working-level discussions to explore the merger. He said, "We held a presidential election together to launch the Lee Jae Myung government," and, "I hope we will also hold the June 3 local elections together." Jung stressed that both parties opposed the Yoon Suk Yeol administration and "overcame Yoon's failed martial law bid together" and said they share the same spirit of the times, including winning the local elections and supporting the Lee administration, adding that he would wait for the Rebuilding Korea Party's response. [1]
• Cho Kuk avoids explicit answer, will listen to voices: Cho Kuk, who leads the minor Rebuilding Korea Party, avoided giving an explicit answer to the merger proposal during a Supreme Council meeting in North Jeolla Province. He said he would listen to the voices of the people and party members to determine the best way to realize the tasks of their times. The cautious stance came as the parties weigh the potential political alignment amid overlapping regional bases. [1]
• Proposal comes four months before local elections: The call for a merge arrives about four months ahead of the local elections, signaling a strategic effort to consolidate support in key regions where both parties compete. The move highlights the overlap in their voter bases and signals an intent to present a united front under the Lee administration as voting approaches. [1]
• Overlap in Jella Province draws attention: Observers note that Jung's proposal is drawing attention because the DP and the Rebuilding Korea Party share voter bases in regions such as Jella Province, where competition between the two parties is strongest. The merger could reshape local political dynamics in the run-up to the elections. [1]

Who Said What

• Jung Chung-rae, leader of the Democratic Party: "We held a presidential election together to launch the Lee Jae Myung government," and "I hope we will also hold the June 3 local elections together." The statements frame the merger as an extension of a prior alliance to support the governing administration and set clear timing and goals. [1]
• Cho Kuk, leader of the Rebuilding Korea Party: "I will listen to the voices of the people and party members to see what is the best way to realize the tasks of our times," [1]

Key Facts

• Prime Minister departs Korea for U.S. trade talks: Kim Min-seok leaves Incheon for a five-day visit to Washington and New York, aiming to resolve bilateral trade issues through meetings with senior U.S. officials, lawmakers and Korean residents. A meeting with Vice President J.D. Vance is being arranged to discuss tariff and trade questions. [1]
• First overseas trip as prime minister to the United States: This marks Kim's first overseas trip since taking office and the first solo prime ministerial visit to the United States since Korea's transition to democracy in 1987. [1]
• Tariff deal lowers reciprocal duties to 15%: Under a deal reached in November, Washington agreed to lower reciprocal tariffs on South Korean goods to 15 percent while Seoul committed to invest US$350 billion in the U.S. [1]
• New U.S. tariffs loom for memory chip makers: Washington announced plans to impose separate tariffs on memory chip makers that do not build facilities in the United States, adding pressure on South Korea's semiconductor companies. [1]
• Kim's office frames visit as strengthening Korea-U.S. ties: Kim's office said the visit is expected to positively contribute to the stable maintenance and strengthening of South Korea-U.S. relations. [1]
• Trip includes meetings with U.S. officials, lawmakers and residents: The prime minister's office said he plans meetings with senior U.S. officials, lawmakers and Korean residents during the Washington and New York portions of the trip as part of a broader effort to address trade frictions. [1]

Who Said What

• Office of the Prime Minister, Spokesperson for Prime Minister Kim Min-seok: This visit is expected to positively contribute to the stable maintenance and strengthening of South Korea-U.S. relations. [1]

Key Facts

• Special counsel appeals five-year obstruction sentence: The special counsel team filed an appeal on Thursday against the Seoul Central District Court's ruling that sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison for obstructing investigators from detaining him at the presidential residence during his failed martial law bid. The filing also challenges not-guilty verdicts on several charges, including Yoon's alleged orders to distribute false press statements. The moves reflect ongoing disputes over how the case was tried and what evidence may be reconsidered. [1]
• Ruling handed down last Friday by Seoul court: The five-year sentence was handed down Friday by the Seoul Central District Court, marking the first ruling on charges stemming from Yoon's short-lived imposition of martial law in December 2024. The decision sits at the center of a high-profile prosecution linked to the powers exercised during that period. [1]
• Obstruction charge centers on blocking detainment: Chief among the charges was that the then president had ordered the Presidential Security Service to block investigators from executing a warrant to detain him at the official presidential residence in January last year. Prosecutors argued this act prevented lawful detainment and constituted obstructing justice. [1]
• Yoon's legal team files Monday appeal on procedure: Yoon's legal team submitted an appeal Monday claiming procedural errors and that evidence they had requested during the trial was dismissed without proper assessment. The filing adds to the ongoing legal fight over the trial's conduct and the handling of evidence. [1]
• Insurrection charges and death-penalty push: Yoon also faces charges of leading an insurrection through his declaration of martial law, with special prosecutors seeking the death penalty. A ruling on that charge is scheduled for February 19, underscoring the severity of the broader case against him. [1]

Key Facts

• 73 South Koreans held in Cambodia: Seventy-three South Korean nationals detained by a joint investigation team in Cambodia face forcible repatriation for investigation into alleged scam crimes. [1]
• Chartered flight to carry suspects home: A chartered flight will depart Incheon International Airport at 8:45 p.m. and return at 9:10 a.m. on Friday carrying the suspects back to South Korea for inquiry. [1]
• Alleged losses and victims quantified: The suspects are accused of swindling 48.6 billion won from 869 South Korean victims, according to the briefing. [1]
• Cross-border coordination in detention: The operation was conducted by a joint investigation team that detained the group in Cambodia, reflecting cooperation between authorities. [1]
• Announcement by Cheong Wa Dae: Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung told reporters the plan to repatriate the suspects is to enable investigation upon their return. [1]

Key Facts

• 73 Koreans detained in Cambodia over scams: Cheong Wa Dae confirmed the group is held abroad on suspicion of scam crimes. The government says they will be forcibly repatriated to South Korea. The announcement frames this as a formal decision by the presidential office. No further details on charges, detention conditions, or timing were provided. [1]
• Blue House orders forced repatriation: The repatriation plan is described as a government action to bring citizens home from abroad, issued by Cheong Wa Dae, the Blue House. The report provides no timetable or procedural specifics for the transfer. [1]
• No timetable disclosed: The article does not publish a timeline for when the return will occur or how it will be carried out. [1]
• Report published January 22, 2026: The information is dated January 22, 2026, placing the development in a specific timestamp for readers. [1]

Key Facts

• Unification minister pledges to resume inter-Korean exchanges: Chung Dong-young spoke at a Seoul meeting of the South-North Korea Exchanges and Cooperation Support Association on Jan. 22, 2026. He pledged that by designing mutually beneficial, multilateral and innovative cooperative projects, the government will find a path to resuming inter-Korean exchanges. He framed exchanges as the surest route to building peace and said the government is ready to end hostility and reopen all roads and railways toward the North. The discussion also centered on programs funded by the Inter-Korean Cooperation Fund. [1]
• Association chaired by minister includes 25 officials and private members: The South-North Korea Exchanges and Cooperation Support Association is chaired by the Unification Minister. It is a public-private consultative body on inter-Korean exchanges, bringing together 25 officials from the Office of National Security and the foreign, finance and justice ministries, plus private-sector members. The body functions as a coordinating forum for policy ideas and project planning. [1]
• Nine Inter-Korean projects discussed, including dictionary and Manwoldae survey: Nine North Korea projects outlined under the Inter-Korean Cooperation Fund were discussed. Among the items are a joint Korean dictionary and a joint survey of the Manwoldae site, a historic Goryeo Dynasty palace in Kaesong, North Korea. The package demonstrates a mix of cultural and historical cooperation aimed at rebuilding ties and practical exchanges. [1]

Who Said What

• Chung Dong-young, Unification Minister: "By designing mutually beneficial, multilateral and innovative cooperative projects, the government will find a path to resuming inter-Korean exchanges." [1]
• Chung Dong-young, Unification Minister: "The surest path to building peace would be (facilitating) exchanges between the South and the North." [1]

Key Facts

• Rodong Sinmun front page signals 'people-first' policy: The Rodong Sinmun front-page article emphasizes 'the party's absolute sense of service' to the people, calling the people 'the revolutionary root and life of the party.' It says projects to fulfill the people's long-cherished wishes should be carried out willingly and promptly, regardless of costs. The piece frames the policy as part of a broader effort to drum up public support ahead of the party congress. [1]
• Policy tied to Kim's regional development projects: The article notes the 'people-first' principle is illustrated by Kim Jong-un's signature regional development projects aimed at improving living standards. It frames the policy as a core leadership principle and links it to upcoming congressional goals. [1]
• Congress to unveil five-year economic plan: The report says the party congress will unveil a five-year economic development vision and carry out a personnel reshuffle, marking a major policy and leadership review at the gathering that will be the first in five years. [1]
• Official discipline tightened ahead of congress: The regime is tightening discipline among officials ahead of the congress, a move seen as reinforcing control and signaling seriousness in the run-up to the event. [1]
• Kim Jong-un dismisses vice premier at Hamhung: At a machinery plant in Hamhung, Kim fired the vice premier for the machinery industry in a rare public dismissal, criticizing 'defeatism, irresponsibility and passiveness' among officials. [1]
• KCNA photo shows Kim at hot spring resort ceremony: The article includes a KCNA photograph showing Kim Jong-un at a hot spring resort inauguration, illustrating ongoing high‑level public appearances amid the party push. [1]

Who Said What

• Rodong Sinmun, North Korea's ruling party newspaper: "The people are the revolutionary root and life of the party." [1]
• Rodong Sinmun, North Korea's ruling party newspaper: "It is our party's firm stance that any projects aimed at realizing the people's long-cherished wishes should be carried out willingly and as promptly as possible, regardless of advantages or disadvantages or the cost of any effort." [1]

Key Facts

• NK produces enough material for 10–20 weapons yearly: Lee Jae Myung disclosed this at his New Year’s press conference, framing it as evidence that North Korea’s arsenal is expanding. He said the material could fuel 10 to 20 weapons annually and noted that such information is usually classified, underscoring its sensitivity. The disclosure was presented as part of a push to restart negotiations to halt production and curb the growing program. [1]
• NK operates HEU sites Yongbyon and Kangson; plutonium at Yongbyon: Lee cited the Yongbyon and Kangson facilities as sites producing highly enriched uranium, with Yongbyon also producing plutonium. He noted the uranium facilities are estimated to generate dozens of kilograms of uranium per year, while a single weapon requires kilograms of material, highlighting the scale of potential weaponization. [1]
• KIDA estimates NK arsenals around 150 warheads in 2025: An official at the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses estimated North Korea possessed roughly 115–131 uranium-based weapons and 15–19 plutonium-based weapons in 2025, with a combined arsenal about 150 warheads. The projection framework suggests growth to hundreds in the coming years. [1]
• Projections: uranium-based arsenals near 216 by 2030, 386 by 2040; plutonium-based 27 by 2030, 43 by 2040: Officials project substantial growth in both uranium- and plutonium-based weapons, with uranium-based warheads rising to roughly 216 by 2030 and 386 by 2040, while plutonium-based arms could reach about 27 by 2030 and 43 by 2040. [1]
• Kim Jong-un ordered exponential nuclear expansion in 2023: In a key party meeting in 2023, Kim Jong-un instructed officials to expand North Korea’s nuclear arsenal exponentially, linking leadership intent to the ongoing buildup. [1]
• Lee advocates a three-stage denuclearization: freeze, reduce, denuclearize: Since taking office, Lee has pursued a three-stage approach: first a freeze on activity, then reduction, and finally denuclearization. He argues negotiations should start with halting the program before pursuing disarmament and ultimately denuclearization, without abandoning the ideal. [1]

Who Said What

• Lee Jae Myung, President of South Korea: "At this very moment, enough material to produce 10 to 20 nuclear weapons each year is being churned out continuously," [1]
• Lee Jae Myung, President of South Korea: "Denuclearizing North Korea would be most ideal," but that the North may not be willing to give up its nuclear weapons program, calling it "the undeniable reality." [1]
• Lee Jae Myung, President of South Korea: "It would also be in (our) interest to prevent the North from producing more nuclear material, transferring it overseas or further developing intercontinental ballistic missile technology." [1]
• Lee Jae Myung, President of South Korea: "Based on this reality, negotiations to first 'halt' the North's nuclear program could begin before pursuing 'disarmament,' and then ultimately denuclearization 'without abandoning the ideal'." [1]

Key Facts

• Chung Dong-young visits DMZ with UNC escort: On Jan 21, 2026, Unification Minister Chung Dong-young visited peace trail routes and other areas near the DMZ under UNC supervision. The visit occurred at a designated DMZ Education and Orientation Program site, part of 15 sites designated to uphold safety and stability in the area. He also walked the established ROK Peace Trail routes south of the DMZ's Southern Boundary Line, which run from Ganghwa to Goseong near the inter-Korean border. [1]
• UNC notes 15 DMZ education sites: The U.N.-led UNC described the DMZ Education and Orientation Program as a set of 15 sites intended to promote safety and stability around the zone. The minister's presence at one site underscores ongoing educational and transparency efforts around the border area. [1]
• ROK Peace Trail runs from Ganghwa to Goseong: The minister walked the ROK Peace Trail routes south of the DMZ's Southern Boundary Line. The routes connect settlements and border areas from Ganghwa Island to Goseong, illustrating public access to the zone under UNC oversight. [1]
• UNC enforces armistice and DMZ activities: The UNC serves as the enforcer of the 1950-53 Korean War armistice and oversees activities inside the DMZ. Its involvement frames visits by South Korean officials and the operation of education programs in the area. [1]
• Photo from Panmunjom included in report: A file photo from July 25, 2025 shows Chung Dong-young at Panmunjom near the inter-Korean border. The image is provided by the unification ministry and accompanies the report. [1]

Who Said What

• U.N. Command (UNC) spokesperson, UNC spokesman: The minister's visit was conducted at a designated Demilitarized Zone Education and Orientation Program site. [1]

Key Facts

• KCNA reports Namhung ceremony signals leadership shift: KCNA published that Chemical Industry Minister Kim Sun-myong gave a speech at a completion ceremony for a catalyst production line at the Namhung Youth Chemical Complex in South Pyongan Province, described as happening the day before the report. The appearance aligns with a broader pattern of leadership discipline ahead of the party congress, though the article does not say a replacement occurred at that ceremony. [1]
• Kim Chol-ha previously served as minister, attended Hungnam event: Kim Chol-ha was the last publicly identified chemical industry minister, and KCNA noted his attendance at the inauguration of a melamine resin production line at a fertilizer complex in Hungnam last year, indicating a continuity of ministerial roles prior to the reported change. [1]
• KCNA hints at a ministerial reshuffle after mid-2025: Wednesday’s KCNA report did not state whether the chemical industry minister was replaced, or why a change would have occurred. The wording suggests a disciplinary tightening rather than a clearly announced personnel move. [1]
• Leader ties incidents to discipline concerns about deputy premier: In a Monday speech, Kim Jong-un cited incidents at the Namhung and Hungnam facilities as illustrating the irresponsibility of the then vice premier, implying lax discipline may have driven personnel changes involving Kim Chol-ha. [1]
• Crackdown on economic officials ahead of party congress includes high-level firing: The article notes Kim fired Vice Premier Yang Sung-ho at an inauguration ceremony for a modernization project, framing it as part of a broader push to root out poor conduct among Cabinet cadres before the ninth party congress, which will outline economic aims and personnel reshuffles. [1]
• Captioned image ties leadership to Namhung complex: A KCNA file image caption shows Premier Pak Thae-song inspecting the Namhung Youth Chemical Complex, underscoring the ongoing focus on this facility as a symbol of economic development at the time. [1]

Who Said What

• Kim Jong-un, North Korea’s leader: "incidents" at the Namhung Youth Chemical Complex and the Hungnam Fertilizer Complex demonstrated the irresponsibility of the then vice premier. [1]
• Kim Jong-un, North Korea’s leader: "inveterate way of work" and being "unfaithful to their own duties and incompetent" describe the Cabinet cadres the regime aims to discipline. [1]
• Kim Jong-un, North Korea’s leader: He fired Vice Premier Yang Sung-ho over irresponsibility involving a modernization project at a machine complex. [1]

Key Facts

• Lee claims North Korea can fuel 10-20 bombs annually: Lee's claim centers on North Korea's alleged annual output of fissile material, which the report says could suffice for 10 to 20 bombs per year. The article does not provide independent data or sources backing the figure. The report is dated Jan 21, 2026. [1]

Key Facts

• Kim Jong-un attends inauguration of Onpho holiday camp: Kim joined a ceremony inaugurating the Onpho Working People's Holiday Camp in North Hamgyong Province, described as North Korea's largest hot spring resort. KCNA said the event occurred the previous day. The camp was remodeled from a rest home into a comprehensive service and therapy facility after Kim ordered the project in 2018 following criticisms of its management and sanitary conditions. [1]
• Remodeling ordered in 2018 to upgrade the camp: In July 2018, Kim ordered remodeling to turn the rest home into an all-round service base and therapy facility after criticizing the camp's conditions. The project has been described as years of remodeling before the opening. [1]
• Kim notes balanced layout and harmony after inspection: After inspecting the rebuilt resort, Kim assessed that all sections are arranged in a balanced manner and that its architectural elements harmonize with the surroundings. KCNA quoted him as saying he is proud that he has done another worthwhile thing. [1]
• Officials told to prepare for February opening: Kim ordered resort officials to make full preparations for operation and to open the camp in February. [1]
• Inspection seen as discipline push ahead of party congress; firing noted: The inspection appears aimed at tightening discipline among party and government officials ahead of a key party congress expected next month. Separately, Kim has fired Vice Premier Yang Sung-ho over irresponsibility in a machinery plant modernization project. [1]

Who Said What

• Kim Jong-un, North Korean leader: "He said that taking a look at the holiday camp, which has been remodeled as a wonderful holiday service base for the people, made him feel proud that he has done another worthwhile thing." This underscores the leadership's emphasis on project success and discipline before a key party congress. [1]

Key Facts

• Kim agreed to visit Seoul in 2018 amid warming ties: South Korea says the trip was agreed after Moon Jae-in's Pyongyang visit earlier in 2018, with planning framed by the inter-Korean summit in September and a Dec. 1 date discussed before the cancellation. [1]
• Logistics mapped for security and transport: Officials looked for hotels in Seoul and set aside an entire building to accommodate security personnel. Plans included Kim riding the high-speed KTX train, a performance at the Gocheok Sky Dome, and a visit to Samsung Electronics facilities. [1]
• Cancellation occurred a day before announcement: The North canceled the trip citing security concerns and Pyongyang’s relations with Washington, according to the lawmaker. He described the decision as influenced by safety worries surrounding Kim and the broader geopolitical context. [1]
• Drone attack context cited as risk: The lawmaker attributed the decision in part to security fears, noting a drone terror incident against Venezuela’s president around that time. [1]
• Potential impact on Hanoi summit noted: Youn suggested Pyongyang might have avoided the no-deal summit with U.S. President Donald Trump in Hanoi the following year if Kim had visited Seoul. [1]
• Kim’s nuclear stance referenced: Youn recalled Kim stating during a March 2018 Pyongyang visit that North Korea could not hand over nuclear weapons to future generations. [1]

Who Said What

• Youn Kun-young, Representative, ruling Democratic Party; former presidential aide in charge of state affairs planning and monitoring: "Kim's visit had been agreed upon during the inter-Korean summit in September 2018 and was in the works behind the scenes," [1]
• Youn Kun-young, Representative, ruling Democratic Party; former presidential aide in charge of state affairs planning and monitoring: "There was commotion with the date fixed for Dec. 1." [1]
• Youn Kun-young, Representative, ruling Democratic Party; former presidential aide in charge of state affairs planning and monitoring: "The North's logic was there were concerns for Kim's safety as there was a drone terror attack against Venezuela's president at the time." [1]
• Youn Kun-young, Representative, ruling Democratic Party; former presidential aide in charge of state affairs planning and monitoring: The North may have avoided the Hanoi no-deal summit by Kim visiting Seoul, according to Youn [1]

Key Facts

• Progressive coalition urges suspension of drills: A coalition of 357 progressive civic and religious groups plus 13 lawmakers urged suspending the regular South Korea–U.S. military exercises at a Seoul press conference on Tuesday. The move comes as inter-Korean ties have remained stalled despite Seoul’s outreach efforts. Rep. Lee In-young of the ruling Democratic Party is among the lawmakers backing the call. [1]
• More than 200 participants join call: The press conference in Seoul drew more than 200 individuals who joined the coalition’s push to suspend drills and pursue diplomacy with North Korea. The organizers framed the call as a step toward reducing hostility and seeking peace on the peninsula. [1]
• Call to halt hostilities near border and redefine buffer zones: The coalition urged the government to suspend joint South Korea–U.S. exercises and halt hostilities near the inter-Korean border to open a path to peace. They also asked the government to rein in firing drills or drone flights that could threaten the Military Demarcation Line by redefining buffer zones in air, sea and on land, in the spirit of the 2018 tensions reduction pact. [1]
• Policy shift urged toward normalization over military pressure: The groups called on the government to renounce a North Korea policy that prioritizes military pressure in favor of one focused on normalizing relations and respecting each other’s systems. [1]

Key Facts

• In 2025, 224 defectors entered South Korea: A unification ministry official said last year 224 North Korean defectors entered for resettlement. Of these, 198 were female and 26 were male. The figure brings the cumulative number of defectors resettled in the South to 34,538. [1]
• 2025 total slightly below 2024: Officials noted the 2025 total is slightly lower than the previous year, which saw 236 defectors enter. This marks a modest decline after a rebound from earlier years. [1]
• COVID-19 border controls cut inflows: Inflows of defectors significantly dwindled during the COVID-19 pandemic as Pyongyang tightened border controls. The drop followed years of fluctuating numbers. [1]
• Rebounds to 196 in 2023, 236 in 2024: Inflows rebounded to 196 defectors in 2023 and rose further to 236 in 2024, signaling a gradual recovery after the pandemic-related reduction. [1]
• Future inflows may stay at similar levels: Officials say those who have stayed in third countries such as China as stopover points are expected to enter South Korea, keeping inflow levels roughly steady in coming years. [1]
• Defectors' Day event in Seoul: A Seoul culture event marking the North Korean Defectors' Day featured paintings wishing for reunification of the peninsula, reflecting ongoing attention to defectors and their stories. [1]

Key Facts

• Kim sacks vice premier at Ryongsong ceremony: Kim Jong-un dismissed Vice Premier Yang Sung-ho on the spot during the inauguration of the first-stage modernization project at the Ryongsong Machine Complex in South Hamgyong Province. Yang is a former machinery minister and was overseeing the machinery sector as vice premier. The action punctuates a rare public reprimand of a senior economic official ahead of the party congress and signals heightened discipline over industrial projects. [1]
• Kim cites project losses and confusion: Kim said the project encountered difficulties and incurred not a little amount of economic loss, experiencing unnecessary man-made confusions. The remarks frame the dismissal as accountability for poor project execution. The portrayal comes from KCNA, the state media that reported the event. [1]
• Yang accused of mocking the party and deemed unqualified: Kim accused Yang of attempting to mock the party center with unjust remarks and acts, saying he was unqualified for the post. Yang holds the machinery portfolio as vice premier and is also an alternate member of the party Politburo. The accusation underscores the regime’s emphasis on loyalty and competence in economic leadership. [1]
• Discipline push ahead of ninth party congress: The rare public reproach is viewed as a move to tighten discipline among economic officials ahead of the ninth party congress, where the regime is expected to outline an economic development plan and potentially reshuffle personnel. Kim framed the action as part of a broader shift away from old practices toward renewed initiative. [1]
• Review group and 60 problems cited: Kim said the party would deploy a group of experts to conduct an overall review of the project, noting around 60 problems were reported due to shoddy implementation. He also accused Cabinet officials of passing the buck and engaging in self-protectionism. The findings are presented as justification for the leadership-level scrutiny. [1]
• Ryongsong Machine Complex key to modernization: The Ryongsong Machine Complex is described as a major machinery plant supplying equipment to key mines and other industrial factories, highlighting the strategic importance of accelerating modernization in the machine-building sector. [1]

Who Said What

• Kim Jong-un, North Korean leader: "encountered difficulties and incurred not a little amount of economic loss, experiencing unnecessary man-made confusions." [1][1][significance]
• Kim Jong-un, North Korean leader: "unjust remarks and acts." [1]
• Kim Jong-un, North Korean leader: "the WPK has come to a clear-cut determination ... that breaking with old practices of pinning hope on those who have too long been accustomed to defeatism, irresponsibility and passiveness will be a new starting point for future pioneering and development." [1]

Key Facts

• Kim Jong-un sacks vice premier Yang Sung-ho: Kim dismissed Vice Premier Yang Sung-ho during a site inspection of the Ryongsong Machine Complex modernization project. KCNA said the project encountered difficulties and incurred economic losses due to avoidable confusion, and the dismissal was described as happening on the spot. The move signals accountability ahead of a major party congress. [1]
• Project tied to party congress plan: The Ryongsong Machine Complex modernization was promoted as part of Kim's drive to upgrade the machine-building sector ahead of the ruling party's eighth congress. The project is framed as a test case for technological upgrading and economic reform within the state-run economy. [1]
• Party acknowledges need to change economic guidance: Kim said the party determined that the present economic guidance forces are unlikely to guide readjustment of the country's industry or its technological upgrade. The statement frames a break with past practices of defeatism, irresponsibility, and passivity as a new starting point for future development. [1]
• Sacking seen as rare pre-congress move: The public dismissal ahead of a key party congress is described as a rare act, underscoring the regime's emphasis on accountability and signaling potential policy shifts as the congress approaches. [1]
• Yang Sung-ho is a cabinet vice premier: Yang Sung-ho held the rank of vice premier in the North Korean cabinet, making him one of the senior economic policymakers targeted by the regime for project missteps. [1]

Who Said What

• Kim Jong-un, North Korean leader: "the party has come to a clear-cut determination that the present economic guidance forces can hardly guide the work of readjusting the country's industry as a whole and upgrading it technologically and that breaking with old practices of pinning hope on those who have too long been accustomed to defeatism, irresponsibility and passiveness will be a new starting point for future pioneering and development." [1]

Key Facts

• Kim sacks vice premier over machine complex modernization project: North Korea's leader dismissed a vice premier, citing irresponsibility tied to the machine complex modernization project. KCNA described the move as an accountability measure within the leadership. The firing underscores the government’s focus on the governance of major industrial programs. [1]
• Irresponsibility cited as the reason for dismissal: KCNA cited irresponsibility in the project’s management as the reason for the dismissal. It offered no specifics about the alleged misconduct. Observers will look for further details about accountability within the sector. [1]
• KCNA is the official report source: KCNA is the North Korean state news agency that released the report. The agency's coverage signals state endorsement of the leadership's actions. The report frames the dismissal as a formal decision rather than a rumor. [1]
• Date of publication: January 19, 2026: The dispatch announcing the dismissal was published on January 19, 2026. This date anchors the timing of the leadership action within North Korea's public announcements. It also signals the official cadence of personnel changes. [1]
• Context: machine complex modernization project described: The phrase refers to a state-driven effort to upgrade North Korea's machine-building sector. Observers view it as a centerpiece of the regime's industrial modernization push. The project has long been part of the country's economic planning. [1]

Key Facts

• Banners declare South Korea No. 1 hostile country: KCNA photos show banners in the Central Class Education House in Pyongyang during celebrations for the Socialist Patriotic Youth League's 80th founding anniversary. Rows of uniformed soldiers listen to a guide as the hall displays banners, photos and messages opposing Seoul and Washington. [1]
• Banners accuse Seoul of a ‘confrontational frenzy’ to topple the North: The signs describe South Korea as the No. 1 hostile country and the unchanging archenemy, alleging Seoul seeks to upend North Korea and end the regime. [1]
• Messages reference Seoul’s constitution on the peninsula: The banners include an article of South Korea's Constitution defining the territory as the entire Korean Peninsula, interpreted by Pyongyang as showing Seoul intends to unify the North by absorption. [1]
• Kim Jong-un’s past stance frames inter-Korean ties as hostile: The article notes Kim’s prior remarks denouncing the constitutional article as reflecting the most hostile true color by nature and his pledge to strengthen education to portray the South as the No. 1 hostile country. [1]

Who Said What

• Kim Jong-un, Supreme Leader of North Korea: denounced the constitutional article as codifying what he called 'the most hostile true color by nature'. [1]