KOREA MONITOR

Korea Monitor (12/2022). In December, former President Lee Myung-bak was pardoned and the dispute between the opposition Democratic Party and the prosecutor's office escalated. South Korea was surprised by North Korean drones that reached Seoul and were not shot down. This sparked a discussion about the tightness of security systems. The first shipment of Korean tanks and howitzers has arrived in Poland - due to contracts with Poland, in 2022 South Korea has become one of the leading arms exporters. More information from December, along with the commentary, download here.

Korea Monitor (11/2022). In November, President Yoon Suk-yeol attended the G-20 and ASEAN+3 summits. Seoul condemned excessive economic protectionism and called for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Domestic politics was dominated by the tragedy in Itaewon and the demand for the resignation of the head of the Ministry of Interior. North Korea conducted an intercontinental ballistic missile test, and Chairman Kim Jong-un presented his daughter to the public for the first time. Record-breaking arms deals with Poland remained a hot topic in relations with Central and Eastern Europe. More information from November, along with the commentary, download here.

Korea Monitor (10/2022). In October, the tragedy in Itaewon shocked the world. In South Korea, it sparked discussions about problems with safety regulations. The entire country has also been frozen by the failure of Kakao's servers. Poland and South Korea extended their cooperation to another sector, expressing their willingness to jointly build a nuclear power plant. In response to continued provocation from North Korea, South Korea, the United States and Japan intensified joint military maneuvers. More information from October with the commentary download here.

Korea Monitor (9/2022). In September, President Yoon Suk-yeol attended the UN General Assembly in New York. Diplomatic mishaps during trips abroad had an impact on the president's support, and the opposition demanded the resignation of the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. North Korea conducted a series of missile tests in opposition to joint military maneuvers between the United States and South Korea. In relations with Central and Eastern Europe, Seoul promoted cooperation at the level of the arms industry. Download the entire September briefing with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (7-8/2022).  In July and August, public support for President Yoon Suk-yeol gradually decreased, mainly due to high inflation and rising fuel prices. August marked the 30th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations with China, which was an opportunity to intensify bilateral meetings. President Yoon Suk-yeol also took steps to rebuild relations with Japan and establish dialogue with the DPRK. In relations with Central and Eastern Europe, Seoul focused primarily on the defense industry and energy. Download the entire July and August briefing with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (6/2022). In June, President Yoon Suk-yeol attended the NATO summit. His People's Power Party won the local elections. The new administration has expressed a desire to repair bilateral relations with Japan. South Korea has expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Central and Eastern Europe to include the arms industry. In response to North Korean provocations, the South Korean and US military conducted ballistic missile maneuvers. Download the entire June briefing with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (5/2022). In May, President Yoon Suk-yeol met Joe Biden at the summit in Seoul. The summit strengthened the US-South Korean alliance. South Korea has also joined the IPEF initiative. North Korea has announced that it is facing the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, Pyongyang conducted further missile tests. In the face of the war in Ukraine, the Polish government expressed interest in purchasing Korean tanks. Download the entire May news with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (4/2022). In April, President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol nominated candidates for members of the new administration. The National Assembly has adopted a controversial law restricting the powers of the prosecution. South Korea has offered humanitarian aid to Ukraine, but has not changed its position on the transfer of lethal weapons. The North Korean military parade and the announcement of the possibility of using nuclear weapons not only for defense purposes raised concern about the escalation of tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Download the entire April news with commentary here.

Korean Monitor (3/2022). In March, Yoon Suk-yeol was elected the new president of South Korea. The first decision was to move the headquarters of the Presidential Office to Yongsan. This month, South Korea joined the international sanctions against Russian banks. North Korea conducted the first ICBM test since 2017. In turn, South Korea carried out the first successful test using a solid fuel rocket. Download the entire March news with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (2/2022). In February, Russia's aggression against Ukraine influenced policy in South Korea. Security issues became the main topic of the presidential debate. The sense of the threat from North Korea also increased. Seoul eventually decided to join the international sanctions imposed on Russia. Download the entire February news with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (1/2022). In January, domestic politics in South Korea focused on the upcoming presidential elections. The candidates presented their direction of policy towards the DPRK. North Korea has threatened to return to full-scale missile testing. Regarding Eastern Europe, Seoul expressed concern about the situation in Ukraine and the impact of the escalation of the conflict on the Korean economy. Download the entire January news with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (12/2021). In December, securing supplies of raw materials was the main focus of President Moon Jae-in's diplomatic meetings with the leaders of Australia and Uzbekistan. The worsening pandemic situation forced the re-introduction of restrictions. Former president Park Geun-hye was pardoned due to her deteriorating health. South Korea has once again become the largest investor in Hungary. North Korea has not presented its foreign policy plans for 2022, focusing on domestic issues. More information from December, along with the commentary, download here.

Korea Monitor (11/2021). In November, Yoon Seok-youl was named as the candidate for president of the opposition People Power Party. President Moon Jae-in focused on international diplomacy, including participating in the V4 + South Korea summit. This month, former president Chun Doo-hwan passed away. The issue of inter-Korean relations and the alliance with the United States dominated the pre-election debates. More information from November, along with the commentary, download here.

Korea Monitor (10/2021). In October former President Roh Tae-woo died. Lee Jae-myung has been nominated by the Democratic Party as a candidate in the upcoming presidential election despite the Seongnam scandal. North Korea, instead of a military parade, organized an exhibition on the 76th anniversary of the founding of the Workers' Party of Korea. Washington and Seoul began consultations on the official end of the Korean War. KHNP has announced the date of submitting an offer for the Polish Nuclear Power Program. More information from October with the commentary download here.

Korea Monitor (9/2021). In September, the National Assembly was supposed to vote on the controversial amendment to the media law - eventually the Democratic Party of Korea moved work on the law to a special cross-party committee. President Moon Jae-in once again called on the international community to endorse the declaration officially ending the Korean War. North Korea has carried out a series of missile tests in violation of UN resolutions. Deputy ministerial talks between representatives of the Visegrad Group and South Korea indicated the main areas of interest for cooperation in this format: vaccine production, electromobility, new technologies and energy. Download the entire September briefing with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (7-8/2021). In July and August, South Korea struggled with the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted the need to create another aid budget for the economy. In August, South Korea admitted Afghans who had cooperated with the Korean government. There was a debate on the political scene regarding the controversial media law. Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power has implemented a strategy of entering Eastern European markets together with Korean enterprises from the SME sector. Tension has arisen in inter-Korean relations over the annual military maneuvers involving the United States. Download the entire July and August briefing with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (6/2021). In June, President Moon Jae-in attended the G7 summit and met with Southwest European leaders. A meeting with Central American countries was organized at Seoul's initiative. The National Assembly passed resolutions condemning Japan - regarding the territorial dispute and the decision to release water from the Fukushima reactor. This month, President Kim Jong-un outlined a strategy of "confrontation and dialogue" toward Washington. Download the entire June briefing with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (5/2021). In May, President Moon Jae-in nominated controversial ministers and a prime minister. One should also notice the first meeting of Presidents Joe Biden and Moon Jae-in. National Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-seung's visit to Prague promoted Korean nuclear power solutions. Pyongyang has condemned South Korea's removal of ballistic missile regulations. Download the entire May news with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (4/2021). By-elections were held in April, with the opposition winning. Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun resigned to begin preparations for presidential elections. Poland responded to KHNP's offer of cooperation. In South Korea, controversy arose over the publication of Kim Il Sung's memoirs. Download the entire April news with commentary here.

Korean Monitor (3/2021). In March, the loudest topic in South Korea was the LH scandal involving land speculation. In recent months, it was another event that has undermined the Blue House's credibility in the fight against corruption at the highest levels. Negotiations to share the cost of stationing of the U.S. military forces were concluded. SK Innovation-owned SK IET announced a major investment in Poland. The government was criticized for being "too lenient" in its response to new North Korean provocations. Download the entire March news with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (2/2021). In February, the National Assembly made decisions related to the fourth round of financial assistance for businesses. A national vaccination program was launched. Incheon Airport officially became a strategic advisor to the Polish CPK project. An incident in the demilitarized zone exposed gaps in border security. Download the entire February news with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (1/2021). January saw further changes in the government, in Justice and Foreign Ministry. In response to growing business discontent, the Democratic Party proposed the establishment of a solidarity fund. In relations with Hungary, another year opened with news of investments in the electromobility sector. Both Seoul and Pyongyang are waiting for the new direction of U.S. policy. Download the entire January news with commentary here.

Korean Monitor (12/2020). In December, there were significant changes in the government - including the Ministry of Justice. The COVID-19 pandemic allowed the budget to pass quickly, with all political parties agreeing on the need for additional funds to deal with the effects of the pandemic. Despite the current global situation, Koreans continue to invest in Hungary. Hoping to improve inter-Korean relations, the National Assembly passed a controversial law banning the propagation of anti-North Korean leaflets across the border. Download the entire December news with commentary here.

Korean Monitor (11/2020). In November, the South Korean government's international efforts focused on promoting economic cooperation, which is seen as an important part of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. This strategy is being pursued by Korean companies, which have not slowed down their investments in Hungary. In addition, the Seoul-Incheon Airport has become a strategic advisor to the Central Communications Port. South Korea remained determined to help the DPRK during the pandemic, offering assistance in obtaining vaccines for COVID-19. Download the entire November news with commentary here.

Korean Monitor (10/2020). Confrontations between the head of the Justice Ministry and the attorney general resurfaced in October. The need for a new anti-corruption agency has intensified amid more financial scandals involving government officials. President Kim Jong-un's speech was seen as a desire to resume inter-Korean dialogue, but it was contradicted by the military parade, indicating further reinforcements. Hungary has again attracted the attention of South Korean companies as an investment destination. Download the entire October news with commentary here.

Korean Monitor (9/2020). In September, support for the Democratic Party and President Moon Jae-in was eroded by another scandal involving Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae. The shooting of a South Korean official in North Korea posed a challenge to inter-Korean relations. Thanks to President Kim Jong-un's formal apology, however, it did not escalate. South Korea is eagerly awaiting the outcome of the tender to build a new nuclear power plant in the Czech Republic, as evidenced by the visit of the president of Korea Hydro &Nuclear Power to Prague. Download the entire September news story with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (7-8/2020). In July and August, the government faced a second wave of COVID-19 infections. In addition to new pandemic-related restrictions, public discontent was sparked by rising housing prices in the capital and political scandals that eroded support for the President and the ruling Democratic Party. During these months, natural disasters struck the entire Korean peninsula, but they did not become an excuse for inter-Korean cooperation. Despite the pandemic, Hungary continued to pursue an active policy towards South Korea, which was reflected in the visit of Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó to Seoul. Download the entire July and August news with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (6/2020). In early June, South Korea introduced new restrictions related to the second wave of the coronavirus. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula escalated this month, manifested by the blowing up of a liaison office in Kaesong. The 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War was held without joint ceremonies. More investments by South Korean companies in the electromobility sector were launched in Central and Eastern Europe. Download the entire June news with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (5/2020). In May, the government proposed a new economic exit strategy. At the same time, a resurgence of COVID-19 infections forced changes in the planned opening of some sectors. In Central and Eastern Europe, borders were opened to key Korean investors. Inter-Korean relations remain frozen. They were not even affected by the incident in the demilitarized zone earlier this month. Download the entire May news with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (4/2020). South Korea held parliamentary elections in April, with the Democratic Party winning. During that month, there was speculation about the health of the DPRK chairman, which Seoul toned down. South Korea's strategy to combat COVID-19 proved successful, allowing Seoul to focus on providing assistance to other countries. Download the entire April news story with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (3/2020). In March, the South Korean government focused on minimizing the negative economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak. At the same time, preparations for parliamentary elections, which were not canceled, began. In Central and Eastern Europe, South Korea sought to lift some of the travel restrictions that affected Korean companies operating in the region. North Korea did not abandon its missile tests despite the international emergency related to the COVID-19 outbreak. Download the entire March news with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (2/2020). In February, the fight against the increasingly rapidly spreading COVID-19 disease dominated national politics. Election campaigning came to a halt, and the National Assembly got to work on passing an additional budget to combat the epidemic. A political party formed by North Korean refugees entered the political scene for the first time this month, drawing criticism from the DPRK. The suspension of flights to South Korea has reduced the intensity of economic exchange with Central and Eastern Europe. Download the entire February news with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (1/2020). A new prime minister, Chung Sye-kyun, entered the political scene in January. The United States and South Korea failed to agree on sharing the cost of stationing U.S. troops. Although strengthening relations with North Korea was an important theme in President Moon Jae-in's New Year's speech, the impasse in inter-Korean relations has not changed. Download the entire January news release with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (12/2019). The National Assembly passed key reforms and the 2020 budget in December. President Moon Jae-in and Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo held their first formal summit in more than a year in Chengdu. The issue of inter-Korean relations was not discussed during the DPRK leadership meeting. South Korea has expressed interest in cooperating on nuclear projects in Poland and Bulgaria. Download the entire December news with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (11/2019). Seoul conditionally extended its intelligence agreement with Tokyo in November. The ASEAN+Korea summit was held in Busan, during which the "New South Policy 2.0" was unveiled. North Korea's missile tests were seen by Seoul as a warning rather than an actual threat. Poland and Hungary have expressed interest in South Korea's arms industry. Download the entire November news with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (10/2019). In October, Justice Minister Cho Kuk resigned. A meeting between the prime ministers of Japan and South Korea failed to produce a breakthrough for trade and historical disputes. The resumption of President Kim Dae-jung's key "sunshine policy" tourism project came into question after Chairman Kim Jong-un's decision to demolish South Korean resorts in the Diamond Mountains. Download the entire October news story with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (9/2019). In September, Cho Kuk's ascension to the minister of justice was met with protest from opposition parties. In front of the UN General Assembly, President Moon Jae-in proposed creating a "zone of peace" on the border with North Korea. In New York, the Presidents of South Korea and Poland discussed expanding bilateral cooperation. Download the entire September news with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (7-8/2019). In July and August, the trade dispute with Japan dominated both foreign and domestic policy. Joint U.S.-South Korean maneuvers had a cooling effect on inter-Korean relations. Meanwhile, in the Central and Eastern European region, South Korean investors announced the construction of more factories for electric car parts. Download the entire July and August news with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (6/2019). In June, at the initiative of President Moon Jae-in, an American delegation visited Seoul. The third Trump-Kim summit was held in Panmunjom without prior preparations. Faced with deteriorating relations between South Korea and Japan, Seoul is looking for new economic partners: also in Central, Eastern and Northern Europe. Download the entire June news with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (5/2019). In May, the impasse in inter-Korean relations and the economic slowdown cast a shadow over the second anniversary of President Moon Jae-in's inauguration. Despite Seoul's efforts, the resumption of denuclearization dialogue between Pyongyang and Washington failed. The sinking of a tourist ship in Hungary has challenged the government's crisis management skills to avoid the mistakes made in the wake of the Sewol ferry disaster. Download the entire May news with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (4/2019). Conflict on the political scene between the government and the opposition Freedom Party of Korea increased in April. Among other things, the largest opposition party disagrees with the reform of the electoral system. There was some cooling in inter-Korean relations, resulting in Pyongyang's non-participation in the joint celebration of the first anniversary of the Panmunjom summit. An increasing number of South Korean automobile companies have expressed interest in investing in Central and Eastern Europe. Download the entire April news with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (3/2019). In March, the South Korean government was developing a new policy direction toward the DPRK after the Hanoi Summit. To that end, President Moon Jae-in appointed a new minister for unification. Pyongyang, on the other hand, manifested dissatisfaction with the pace of implementation of inter-Korean projects. In Central and Eastern Europe, South Korea continues to show interest in the automotive market. Download the entire March news with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (2/2019). February saw the second meeting between the leaders of the U.S. and the DPRK, but the summit failed to produce a breakthrough on the peace treaty and denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. In domestic politics, the South Korean government continued to focus on economic reform. The signing of a framework agreement between a Korean and a Czech nuclear power company may open a further avenue for Seoul to develop cooperation with Central and Eastern Europe. Download the entire February news with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (1/2019). In January, President Moon Jae-in launched a public dialogue on planned economic reforms. Hundreds of Koreans bid farewell to iconic women's suffrage activist Kim Bok-dong, who died earlier this month. Seoul welcomed news of a second Trump-Kim summit planned for December. Hungary began celebrating the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with the Republic of Korea. Download the entire January news with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (12/2018). The conflict between Seoul and Tokyo escalated in December. Meanwhile, in the context of inter-Korean relations, the DPRK chairman called for cooperation in his New Year's address. The month also saw increased activity in Budapest's relations with Seoul due to the upcoming 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Download the entire December news with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (11/2018). In November, the South Korean Supreme Court issued a verdict on compensation for forced laborers from the Japanese occupation. In addition, Seoul received approval from the UN Security Council and Washington to inspect DPRK railroads. This month also saw significant progress in disarming the demilitarized zone. Download the entire November news with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (10/2018). In October, former President Lee Myung-bak was convicted of corruption and embezzlement. The two Koreas began implementing the Pyongyang summit resolutions by removing landmines along the military demarcation line. President Moon Jae-in participated in a series of meetings with European leaders, urging support for proposals to ease sanctions on the DPRK. Download the entire October news release with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (9/2018). In September, President Moon Jae-in and Chairman Kim Jong-un met for the third time. A motion to ratify the Panmoujom Declaration was submitted to the South Korean National Assembly to facilitate inter-Korean cooperation. The Polish-Korean Nuclear Forum was held in Warsaw, which confirmed Seoul's interest in exporting nuclear technologies to Central and Eastern Europe. Download the entire September news with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (8/2018). In August, declining public confidence in the government contributed to personnel changes among ministers. A visit to Seoul by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy aimed to strengthen relations between the European Union and South Korea. As for the inter-Korean relations, it is worth noting the announcement of another summit between the leaders of the two Koreas. Download the entire August news with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (6-7/2018). In June, the ruling Democratic Party of Korea claimed victory in local elections. An increased influx of refugees from Yemen sparked a migrant crisis on the island of Cheng. In June, the "Visit and Work" agreement came into effect, under which young Poles can take up employment during a holiday trip to South Korea. In inter-Korean relations, military communication channels resumed in July and preparations were completed for a meeting of separated families. Download the entire June and July news with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (5/2018). In May, the situation in Washington-Seoul-Pyongyang relations was very dynamic. Pyongyang's hostile rhetoric toward joint US-South Korean military maneuvers returned. At the same time, there was a dismantling of the nuclear training ground with the participation of foreign media. Donald Trump suspended the Singapore summit, leading to another meeting between Moon Jae-in and Kim Jong-un in Panmunjom. Seoul has also shown interest in improving relations with China and Japan. Download the entire May news with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (4/2018). April marked the 3rd inter-Korean summit. Kim Jong-un and Moon Jae-in declared their desire to sign a peace treaty ending the Korean War. Central and Eastern European countries supported Korean reconciliation. However, on the issue of lifting international sanctions against Pyongyang, the condition of verifiable denuclearization of the DPRK was made. In South Korea, the former presidents stood trial: Park Geun-hye was sentenced to 24 years in prison, and Lee Myung-bak was charged with corruption. Download the entire April news with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (3/2018). A meeting between a South Korean delegation and Kim Jong-un took place in March. There was a significant deescalation of tensions on the Korean Peninsula: a date was set for the third inter-Korean summit, and Donald Trump agreed to meet with the North Korean leader. Seoul expressed interest in the automotive market in Central and Eastern Europe. In domestic politics, a constitutional revision was the dominant theme. Download the entire March news with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (2/2018). In February, South Korea hosted the XXIII Winter Olympics. The event saw meetings between President Moon Jae-in and the North Korean delegation, the vice president of the United States, the prime minister of Japan, or the presidents of Poland and Slovenia. North Korea's participation in the Olympic Games contributed to the deescalation of tension on the Korean Peninsula. Pyongyang even came up with a proposal to organize the Moon-Kim summit. Download the entire February news with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (1/2018). Dialogue between the two Koreas resumed in January. Parts of the South Korean public are skeptical of the results of the inter-Korean talks. With the start of the new year, Poland began its membership in the UN Security Council, which faces the challenge of resolving the North Korean arms issue. North Korea was preparing not only for the Olympics, but also for a military parade. Download the entire January news story along with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (12/2017). In December, Presidents Moon Jae-in and Xi Jinping met. Both sides indicated the need to normalize economic relations. South Korea decided to postpone military maneuvers with the United States to reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula in view of the upcoming Olympic Games. Relations with Central and Eastern Europe have seen increased cooperation in the areas of innovation and high technology. Download the entire December news with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (11/2017). November saw Donald Trump's state visit to Seoul. That month, foreign policy played a large role at the central level, with Moon Jae-in visiting South Asia. North Korea again threatened security on the Korean Peninsula by testing an intercontinental-range missile and violating the Ceasefire Treaty during the pursuit of a defector. This month, European countries and South Korea discussed developing cooperation at the ASEM summit. Download the entire November news with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (10/2017). In October, South Korea marked the anniversary of protests against former President Park Geun-hye. In contrast, Park herself declared that she was the victim of "political revenge." The new administration has also launched an investigation into Park's predecessor, Lee Myung-bak, who is also accused of corruption and abuse of power. South Korea's relations with Poland and Bulgaria were revived in October. North Korea, on the other hand, focused on internal reforms. Download the entire October news with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (9/2017). President Moon Jae-in held many international meetings in September. At the UN General Assembly, he called for a peaceful resolution of the Korean crisis, and in a meeting with Vladimir Putin and Abe Shinzo, he expressed support for tightening sanctions against Pyongyang. On the South Korean political scene there is a growing conflict between the new authorities and the conservative opposition. In September, the Republic of Korea's economic and cultural relations with Central and Eastern Europe were quite lively. Download the entire September news with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (7-8/2017). In July and August, the situation on the Korean Peninsula became tense again after more North Korean missile tests. In July, the UN Security Council decided to impose a new package of sanctions on Pyongyang. In South Korea, President Moon Jae-in presented his government's policy plan for the next five years. The president wants to improve working conditions and increase the birth rate through reforms. And in Central and Eastern Europe, the first Korean EXPO in the region was held, which attracted many visitors. Download the entire July and August news with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (6/2017). In June, Presidents Moon Jae-in and Donald Trump met in Washington. Among the issues discussed at the summit were North Korea and U.S.-South Korean economic cooperation. In June, there was also a proposal to create a joint Korean team for the Olympic Games, but the North Korean side rejected this. Cultural diplomacy continued to dominate relations with Central and Eastern Europe. Download the entire June news with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (5/2017). In May, Moon Jae-in won the presidential election and began the process of forming a new government. In inter-Korean relations, the new president of the Republic of Korea is betting on a two-track policy of firmly punishing Pyongyang for provocations and seeking a path to dialogue and improved relations. Kim Jong-un's regime is not helping to restore the "sunshine policy" by conducting another missile test in May. Meanwhile, some Eastern European countries decided to stop hiring North Korean workers, who are described as "modern-day slaves." Download the entire May news story along with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (4/2017). In April, the escalating Korean crisis was a topic covered by Korean and global media. The international community faced the problem of North Korea's nuclear armament and increasingly frequent ballistic missile tests. There was even a special meeting of the UN Security Council on the issue. Meanwhile, the South Korean political scene focused on the upcoming presidential elections in May. According to the April polls, the battle for the presidency will be between Moon Jae-in and Ahn Cheol-soo. Download the entire April news with commentary here.

Korean Monitor (3/2017). The most significant event of March was the removal of Park Geun-hye from her post as president of the Republic of Korea. Park, who was no longer protected by immunity, was questioned by the prosecution and arrested at the end of the month. Preparations for the presidential election, set for May 9, are also in full swing. Inter-Korean relations have been strained due to joint military maneuvers by U.S. and South Korean soldiers. Relations with Europe continue to be stagnant due to internal chaos on the political scene. Download the entire March news with commentary here.

Korea Monitor (2/2017). In February, Ban Ki-moon resigned to run for election, and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn made the controversial decision not to renew the corruption investigation of President Park Geun-hye. Foreign policy was marked by North Korean provocations and the death of Kim Jong-nam. The world was shocked by the news that North Korea may pose a nuclear threat and possess an arsenal of chemical weapons of mass destruction. Download the entire February news story along with commentary here.