June 2025 – A South Korean consortium led by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. (KHNP) and the Czech government finalizes an estimated US$18 billion deal to complete the Dukovany nuclear power plant, setting the financial foundation for the project[1].

Prior to 2025 – The former Czech administration plans a follow‑up nuclear project to add two reactors at the Temelin site, linking it to the broader Czech‑South Korean nuclear cooperation[1].

Prior to 2026 – Under the previous South Korean administration, a policy to phase out nuclear power is pursued, later criticized as flawed by the new climate minister[6].

Jan 8, 2026 – Climate, Energy and Environment Minister Kim Sung‑hwan tells a policy forum that the earlier nuclear phase‑out “needs reevaluation,” calling nuclear power “indispensable” for the AI‑era semiconductor industry and noting the paradox of exporting reactors while not building them at home[6].

Jan 26, 2026 – Climate Minister Kim Sung‑whan announces that South Korea will build two large‑scale nuclear reactors by 2038, embedding the projects in the 12th basic electricity‑supply plan (2026‑2040) to meet climate and energy‑mix goals[3][4][5].

Jan 26, 2026 – Defense Minister Ahn Gyu‑back meets U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby, discussing acquisition of nuclear‑powered submarines and seeking full wartime operational control, describing the alliance as at a “historic turning point”[3].

Jan 26, 2026 – Presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon‑sik departs for Toronto to lobby for South Korea’s bid in Canada’s submarine procurement worth up to 60 trillion won, pitting Hanwha Ocean against Germany’s Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems[4].

Jan 26, 2026 – Police issue arrest warrants for 55 of the 73 repatriated online‑scam suspects from Cambodia and seek warrants for 72 individuals tied to a 48.6 billion‑won fraud affecting 869 victims[4].

Jan 26, 2026 – Former foreign minister Gong Ro‑myung dies at 94; he is remembered for establishing diplomatic ties with the Soviet Union in the early 1990s[4].

Jan 26, 2026 – A Realmeter poll shows President Lee Jae Myung’s approval rating holding at 53.1 % despite recent political controversies[4].

Jan 26, 2026 – Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. plans to launch site‑selection bidding for the two new reactors by 2027, aiming for nuclear‑safety watchdog approval by 2031 before construction begins[5].

Jan 26, 2026 – Government‑commissioned surveys reveal roughly 80 % of South Koreans say nuclear power is needed, with 60 % supporting the additional reactor plan, underscoring broad public backing[5].

Jan 27, 2026 – The KOSDAQ index closes above 1,000 points for the first time since 2022, a surge attributed to reforms favoring technology firms and a tech‑driven rally[2].

Jan 27, 2026 – The government formally reverses its nuclear phase‑out, approving construction of two new reactors (including one small modular reactor) as part of an “AI era” energy strategy[2].

Jan 27, 2026 – The National Pension Service raises its domestic equity allocation to 14.9 % for the year, aiming to bolster Korean capital markets and improve fund returns[2].

Jan 27, 2026 – Hyundai Motor Group’s chairman joins a diplomatic delegation to Canada to promote South Korea’s submarine procurement proposal, seeking to expand defense export ties[2].

Feb 18, 2026 – Industry Minister Kim Jung‑kwan meets Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš in Prague, presents President Lee Jae Myung’s handwritten note, and reaffirms Seoul’s commitment to the smooth completion of the Dukovany plant[1].

Feb 18, 2026 – Kim and Czech counterpart Karel Havlíček agree to establish a minister‑level joint body that will coordinate and troubleshoot issues affecting Dukovany’s construction, institutionalizing bilateral oversight[1].

Feb 18, 2026 – An official photo of Babiš shaking hands with Kim is released, symbolizing the diplomatic tone of the encounter and reinforcing the partnership’s visibility[1].