Korea Monitor

In June, South Korea participated in the second Pax Silica Summit, while the government announced plans to establish a Korean counterpart to the U.S. In-Q-Tel investment fund. In domestic politics, the administration unveiled a strategy for decentralizing investment and introduced reforms to military protection zones. In foreign affairs, the key event was President Lee Jae-myung’s first overseas trip to Europe, which included participation in the G7 Summit and meetings with European Union leaders, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in security, trade, and emerging technologies. Inter-Korean relations remained tense, although the Lee administration signaled its willingness to restore dialogue with Pyongyang. At the same time, North Korea strengthened its strategic cooperation with China, rejected the G7's calls for denuclearization, and continued the development of new weapons systems. Download the full June news release, along with commentary, here.

In May, South Korea's domestic politics focused on preparations for local elections. Issues of historical remembrance played a significant role in public debate, as exemplified by the controversy surrounding Starbucks Korea's campaign commemorating the anniversary of the Gwangju Uprising. In foreign policy, Seoul focused on diversifying partnerships and strengthening economic security. A summit between Lee Jae-myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was particularly significant. Inter-Korean relations remained tense, although there were signs of a reduction in anti-South Korean rhetoric in the revised North Korean constitution. At the same time, Pyongyang continued missile tests, developed new weapons systems, and deepened military and intelligence cooperation with Russia. Download the full May news release, along with commentary, here.

In April, South Korea's domestic policy focused on implementing further reforms, including those related to the AI ​​sector. In foreign policy, Seoul pursued diplomatic efforts aimed at securing supply chains. Prime Minister Donald Tusk's state visit to Seoul took place that month, resulting in the elevation of bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Inter-Korean relations remained tense. Pyongyang continued missile tests and intensified its rhetoric toward Seoul and Western countries, while strengthening ties with Moscow and Beijing. Download the full April news release, along with commentary, here.

In March, South Korea's domestic policy focused on the state's response to the energy crisis triggered by tensions in the Middle East. Simultaneously, the government implemented institutional reforms and social policy initiatives. Seoul's foreign policy saw a visible increase in technological and economic diplomacy, exemplified by the initiative to establish a global AI fund in cooperation with Singapore. Inter-Korean relations remained highly charged. North Korea continued escalatory actions, including missile tests and the strengthening of border infrastructure, while Seoul declared its readiness for dialogue and upheld the concept of peaceful coexistence. Download all the information from March along with commentary here.

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.