US-N. Korea dialogue could resume 'any time' but no signs of direct contact: spy agency

North Korea and the United States could resume dialogue "at any time in the future," but direct communication cannot be confirmed, the National Intelligence Service revealed Tuesday. According to Rep. Youn Kun-young of the Democratic Party of Korea, a member of the Intelligence Committee, the NIS believes a meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is possible. However, the agency has so far been unable to verify whether any communication has taken place betwe

2026-09-01 13:43:05:00

Lee's approval rating sinks as friction with top court flares

President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating fell below the 40 percent mark for the first time in Realmeter's opinion polls since Lee's inauguration in June 2025, as friction with the Supreme Court flares up. The decline came amid growing controversy surrounding Supreme Court justice appointments, in the latest development in the power struggle between South Korea's liberal bloc and the top court led by Chief Justice Jo Hee-de. Lee's approval rating has been on a downward trend for seven consecutiv

2026-08-31 14:57:19:00

Assembly floats 1st special bill to support nuclear submarine

Opposition lawmakers at the National Assembly on Thursday proposed a special bill to support South Korea's production of nuclear-powered attack submarines, which would involve cooperation with Washington on securing nuclear propulsion technology. The bill stipulates that a special presidential committee be set up to ensure the lengthy process of nuclear submarine construction, which would be unaffected by a power transition in the future. The bill also aims to consolidate the process for licensi

2026-08-27 13:58:18:00

OPCON transfer reopens S. Korea's political divide

This is the third in a series of articles exploring how key foreign and security issues are politicized, how political issues spread beyond South Korea’s borders, and the costs this carries for South Korea’s national interest. -- Ed. President Lee Jae Myung's push to complete the transfer of wartime operational control to Seoul by 2030 has reignited one of South Korea's longest-running security debates, with liberals emphasizing sovereignty and conservatives warning against allowing a political

2026-08-27 12:00:00:00

Main opposition chair hints at conservative coalition

Rep. Jang Dong-hyeok, chair of the main opposition People Power Party, on Wednesday hinted at forming a coalition with other right-wing parties in a bid to widen the parties' reach. In a press conference to mark his first anniversary since taking office in August 2025, Jang said his party was willing to team up with any other conservative force willing to uphold his party's conservative values. "I will unite with any force to fight together and make every effort to seize power together," Jang to

2026-08-26 14:44:59:00

Minor right-wing party chair resigns

Rep. Lee Jun-seok, of the minor conservative Reform Party, resigned as party leader Wednesday. Lee cited a lack of support from within the party in his monthslong reform push since the party's loss in major races in the June local elections and parliamentary by-elections. "I take full responsibility as party chair for failing to persuade (my fellow party members)," Lee said. "If I'm standing in the way of other members, my resignation will be a path for the party." According to the party, Floor

2026-08-26 09:52:28:00

[Key Points] Korea eyes record 800 trillion won budget to revive growth

Budget push: South Korea’s ruling bloc is pressing for a more expansionary 2027 budget, with total spending expected to exceed 800 trillion won ($577 billion) for the first time. Growth over restraint: President Lee Jae Myung urged the government to move beyond a narrow focus on fiscal capacity and pursue a “productive” spending strategy to counter low growth. Double-digit increase: Budget Planning Minister Park Hong-keun has said the 2027 budget will rise more than 10 percent from the initial 2

2026-08-25 17:55:37:00

Ruling bloc calls for pro-growth budget boost

The ruling Democratic Party of Korea called for expansionary fiscal policy Tuesday, amid expectations that the annual budget bill for next year could exceed 800 trillion won ($577.9 billion) for the first time. President Lee Jae Myung said in a Cabinet meeting at Cheong Wa Dae that South Korea should not make the mistake of fixating on "managing fiscal capacity." "We must take advantage of our increased fiscal capacity ... and transition to a productive fiscal strategy," Lee told the Cabinet. Hi

2026-08-25 15:07:45:00

President picks 1st independent inspector general in 10 years

President Lee Jae Myung on Monday nominated prosecutor-turned-attorney Choi Kil-su for the post of independent inspector general. The post, which requires Assembly confirmation, has been vacant since 2016. If his appointment goes through, Choi, 59, will be tasked with inspecting any irregularities concerning first lady Kim Hea Kyung, Lee's families and relatives, as well as Cheong Wa Dae chief secretaries and senior secretaries. Cheong Wa Dae chief spokesperson Kang Yu-jung described Choi as the

2026-08-24 17:44:58:00

[Key Points] Ruling party resets opposition ties, eyes liberal alliance

Reconciliation push: Democratic Party chair Kim Min-seok called for frequent, informal talks with People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok, signaling a softer approach than his predecessor. Tone shift: Kim praised Jang for sharing the goal of ending former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law, contrasting former party chief Jung Chung-rae’s refusal to engage conservatives he linked to “insurrectionist forces.” Disputes persist: Despite conciliatory rhetoric, Kim and Jang clashed over Supreme C

2026-08-24 17:33:58:00