Strategic partnership with Brazil formalized South Korean and Brazilian officials announced on Feb 24 2026 that their countries will move to a strategic partnership, a step highlighted by Seoul Shinmun, the Korea Herald and Korea JoongAng Daily. The upgrade promises deeper cooperation in trade, technology and investment, aiming to boost bilateral commerce that reached $12 billion in 2025 [1]. Both governments scheduled a series of joint ministerial meetings for the next year to operationalize the agreement [1].

Democratic Party newcomers prioritize livelihoods Kyunghyang Shinmun reported that fresh faces in the Democratic Party are centering their platforms on personal economic concerns such as housing costs, job security and pension reforms, rather than traditional ideological battles [1]. The shift reflects voter fatigue with partisan rhetoric and signals a potential re‑orientation of the party’s legislative agenda ahead of the upcoming local elections [1]. Party leaders have pledged to incorporate these grassroots demands into their policy proposals.

Lee Jae‑Myung fan group splits from Kim Eo‑jun Kookmin Daily noted that a prominent supporter faction of former presidential candidate Lee Jae‑Myung formally broke away from the group aligned with Kim Eo‑jun on Feb 24 2026 [1]. The schism could redraw power balances within the ruling coalition, as the new faction is expected to back alternative leadership candidates in the next parliamentary session [1]. Analysts warn the split may intensify intra‑party competition ahead of the 2026 legislative elections.

Local‑election tension over regional merger Donga Ilbo highlighted escalating friction surrounding the proposed merger of North Chungcheong and Daejeon, scheduled for the February 2026 local elections [1]. Opposition parties argue the integration could dilute local representation, while the ruling party claims it will streamline administrative services and boost regional development funds [1]. Protest rallies erupted in both provinces on Feb 23, underscoring the political stakes of the merger.

Economic headlines reveal education and tech contrasts Chosun Ilbo reported that 92 % of middle‑school students failed a national reading‑speed test, prompting calls for curriculum reform [1]. Maeil Business contrasted this with Korea’s strong performance in memory‑semiconductor production, where the country leads globally despite lagging behind China in automotive and robotics output [1]. JoongAng Ilbo added that the People Power Party spent 80 minutes debating a party‑name change before ultimately retaining the existing name, illustrating internal focus on branding over policy [1].