In February, South Korea's domestic politics remained dominated by the aftermath of the December 2024 coup attempt, culminating in a life sentence for former President Yoon Suk-yeol. Concurrently, an intense debate continued over institutional reforms, including changes to the functioning of the judiciary and housing policy. In foreign policy, Seoul was active in its relations with international partners, ranging from political dialogue with the European Union to considerations regarding participation in the NATO-coordinated Ukraine support program. In inter-Korean relations, limited, indirect communication between Seoul and Pyongyang was noted in connection with an incident involving drone flights over DPRK territory. In North Korea, changes in the power elites also drew attention, including the promotion of Kim Yo-jong within the party structures. Download all the information from February along with commentary here.

In January, South Korea's domestic politics were dominated by the entry into a decisive phase of reckoning for the December 2024 coup attempt, including the demand for the death penalty against former President Yoon Suk-yeol and further sentences against senior officials of the former administration. Simultaneously, President Lee Jae-myung's administration presented its priorities for 2026. In foreign policy, an intensification of the so-called head of state diplomacy was evident, from a visit to China to deepening cooperation with Japan. In inter-Korean relations, Seoul consistently signaled a readiness for dialogue and de-escalation, although this was accompanied by North Korea's missile tests. Download the full January news and commentary here.