#South Korea Politics

President Lee Jae-myung's approval rating rebounded to 54.1% in January 2026, driven by record exports and the KOSPI crossing 4,300. Read the full Realmeter poll analysis.

Rep. Kang Sun-woo quit the Democratic Party following allegations of receiving 100 million won in bribes. The party has moved to expel her as police investigations intensify.

Rep. Kang Sun-woo leaves the ruling Democratic Party on Jan 1, 2026, amid a 100 million won bribery scandal. Learn more about the 2022 election probe and its political impact.

President Lee Jae Myung accepted the resignation of ACRC head Ryu Chul-whan on Dec 30, 2025. The move comes after controversies involving former first lady Kim Keon Hee.

Rep. Kim Byung-kee, the ruling Democratic Party's floor leader, resigned on Dec 30, 2025, amid allegations of power abuse and receiving free gifts from Korean Air.

President Lee Jae-myung nominated Lee Hye-hoon as the first Minister of Planning and Budget on Dec 28, 2025. Discover the implications of this cross-party appointment.

President Yoon Suk Yeol has nominated veteran economist and former three-term lawmaker Lee Hye-hoon as the first-ever head of the Ministry of Planning and Budget.

President Lee Jae-myung nominated conservative economist Lee Hye-hoon as the first Minister of Planning and Budget. The move signals a focus on fiscal expertise and cross-party cooperation.

Special counsel indicts Rep. Kim Gi-hyeon and his wife for giving a 2.67 million won Roger Vivier bag to former First Lady Kim Keon Hee. The case raises questions about party democracy.

Rep. Kim Gi-hyeon and his wife were indicted on Dec 27, 2025, for giving a $1,760 luxury bag to former First Lady Kim Keon Hee. The special counsel cites the gift as a potential bribe.

Special counsel seeks a 10-year prison term for former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol over obstruction of justice. The first verdict is set for Jan 16, 2026.