Korea Monitor
Korean Monitor (11/2025)
November saw intensified actions related to the settlement of the state-of-emergency crisis, including the establishment of a broad investigative task force. In parallel, the government continued work on its decentralization strategy (“5 Poles, 3 Special Zones”) and presented a record budget for 2026. In relations with Central and Eastern Europe, there was a noticeable strengthening of cooperation with Hungary, discussions with Poland on security and North Korea’s involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine, as well as a South Korean proposal to support the “Orka” submarine program. In inter-Korean relations, the month brought both escalatory messages from North Korea and de-escalation initiatives from Seoul (a proposal for military talks, a call for gradual denuclearization, and a statement declaring no hostile intent). Download the full November report with commentary here.
Korean Monitor (10/2025)
In October, President Lee Jae-myung’s administration continued its policy of multi-vector diplomacy, combining active economic engagement with a careful balancing of relations among the United States, China, and Japan. The key event of the month was the APEC Summit in Gyeongju, which included a series of high-level bilateral meetings. Seoul also presented a new framework for cooperation with ASEAN under the CSP concept – Contributor, Springboard, Partner. In domestic policy, attention focused on audits of government agencies, a personnel crisis in the military, and reforms of consular services. In relations with Central and Eastern Europe, South Korea strengthened cooperation with Poland and Estonia. Inter-Korean relations were marked by heightened North Korean diplomatic activity, including Kim Jong-un’s meetings with the leaders of China, Vietnam, and Russia, as well as a series of missile tests ahead of the APEC summit. Download the full October report with commentary here.
Korean Monitor (9/2025)
In September, President Lee Jae-myung’s administration continued its pragmatic policy of balancing relations between the United States, China, and North Korea. In relations with Washington, a key point of contention emerged over visa issues following the detention of Korean workers in Georgia. In ties with Beijing, Seoul launched a temporary visa-free program for Chinese group tourists. In inter-Korean relations, President Lee promoted the phased peace initiative known as END (Exchange, Normalization, Denuclearization). Domestically, the government announced a five-year plan titled “123 Major National Tasks”, outlining constitutional reform, decentralization, and investments in AI and biotechnology. In relations with Central and Eastern Europe, cooperation continued to deepen with Poland (a presidential meeting in New York, defense and energy projects) and the Czech Republic (nuclear partnership). Full coverage of September’s developments and analysis available here.
Korea Monitor (7-8/2025)
In July and August, President Lee Jae-myung’s administration focused on consolidating power and delivering on promises of a pragmatic domestic and foreign policy. Domestically, a series of key government appointments were approved, an additional budget bill was passed, and the implementation of a five-year reform plan was launched. Summits were held with the leaders of the United States, Japan, and Vietnam. In relations with Central and Eastern Europe, defense cooperation continued, particularly with Poland (contract for additional K2 tanks). In inter-Korean policy, President Lee Jae-myung declared his willingness for dialogue and the restoration of communication with Pyongyang, stressing the need to move away from the confrontational line of the previous administration. The full report of events from July and August, along with commentary, can be downloaded here.
Korea Monitor (6/2025). In June, South Korea’s new president, Lee Jae-myung, was sworn in after winning the presidential election held following the impeachment of his predecessor. The new president announced a pragmatic domestic and foreign policy agenda focused on the development of AI, social equality, and administrative reform. A wide array of government appointments was made in a short period, with attention to gender parity, and a National Planning Committee was established. Relations with Central and Eastern Europe saw intensified engagement, including the opening of an Eximbank office in Poland and discussions on defense cooperation, as well as increased contacts with the Czech Republic and Romania. In inter-Korean affairs, the Lee administration signaled a willingness to resume dialogue by reactivating civilian communication channels, while simultaneously rebuilding guard posts in the Demilitarized Zone in response to actions taken by North Korea. Download the full June monitor with commentary here.
Korea Monitor (5/2025). In May, the election campaign ahead of the presidential elections (June 3) dominated public debate, focusing on the consequences of martial law, the economy, social policy, and relations with North Korea. In relations with Central and Eastern Europe, further development of ties with Poland and the Czech Republic in strategic areas was notable. In North Korea, the launch of a destroyer ended in failure, leading to changes in the military leadership. Download the entire May news with commentary here.
Korea Monitor (4/2025). In April, the Constitutional Court unanimously ruled in favor of impeaching President Yoon Suk-yeol. Domestic politics focused on debates among presidential candidates ahead of the elections scheduled for June 3. Legal issues became a threat to poll leader Lee Jae-myung. In relations with Central and Eastern Europe, cooperation in nuclear energy and the arms industry remained prominent. Poland and South Korea signed an agreement on missile production. Inter-Korean relations remained tense—Seoul concentrated on joint military exercises with the U.S. Download the entire April news with commentary here.
Korean Monitor (3/2025). In March, the Constitutional Court rejected the motion to impeach Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. Meanwhile, opposition leader Lee Jae-myung was acquitted in the election law violation case. For the first time since 2019, a trilateral ministerial meeting was held with the participation of trade ministers from China, Japan, and South Korea. Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul visited Poland, where an agreement on partnership for 2025-2028 was signed. Large-scale military drills between South Korea and the U.S. took place, drawing criticism from North Korea. Download the entire March news with commentary here.
Korea Monitor (2/2025). In February, the final hearings before the Constitutional Court took place regarding the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol. The major parties failed to reach an agreement on economic reforms. South Korea made efforts to negotiate tariff rates with the United States. In its relations with Central and Eastern Europe, Seoul focused on building a partnership with the Czech Republic. Inter-Korean relations remained tense. Download the entire February news with commentary here.
Korea Monitor (1/2025). In January, attempts were made to arrest President Yoon Suk-yeol – only the second attempt was successful. Hearings related to the president’s impeachment also took place. The ruling People Power Party recorded an increase in public support. In international relations, Seoul focused on reassuring partners such as the U.S. and Japan of its commitment to continued cooperation despite the change in leadership, as well as strengthening economic ties with ASEAN. South Korea also joined the EU’s Horizon Europe program. Inter-Korean relations remained unchanged, with no communication between the two states. At the beginning of the month, North Korea launched missile tests, prompting South Korea and its allies to conduct military drills in response. Download the entire January news with commentary here.
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