ED Global Korea's next leap

Visitors pose next to a new year sculpture on Haeundae Beach in Busan, Monday, ahead of the Year of the Horse in 2026. Yonhap

Last year was a defining chapter in Korea's history. An abrupt and deeply troubling imposition of martial law in late 2024 tested the foundations of the nation’s constitutional order. Yet the episode did not end in retreat, instead revealing Korea’s democratic resilience. An alert citizenry, functioning institutions and adherence to the rule of law worked in concert to contain the threat and restore constitutional normalcy. Korea demonstrated, to itself and to the world, that democracy here is not a slogan but a living system capable of withstanding shock and emerging stronger.

The inauguration of the Lee Jae Myung administration marked the institutional consolidation of that hard-won resilience. The new government took office amid high expectations and pressing demands to stabilize the people's livelihoods, repair social trust and reposition the nation for sustainable growth. Fairness, social inclusion and structural reform are no longer aspirational ideals. They are prerequisites for national renewal in an era marked by economic uncertainty and social division.

External economic conditions proved challenging. As protectionism gained momentum worldwide, Korea faced a particularly demanding round of tariff negotiations with the United States. Through a pragmatic yet principled trade strategy, the government concluded talks that reduced uncertainty for exporters and stabilized key industries. The outcome did more than avert immediate disaster. It reinforced confidence in Korea as a reliable partner in increasingly fragmented global supply chains, laying firmer groundwork for recovery and future investment.

Korea also became more visible on the global diplomatic stage. The successful hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, which brought together leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, underscored Seoul’s capacity to promote dialogue on a global level. At a time when geopolitical rivalries threaten multilateral cooperation, Korea demonstrated the value of middle-power diplomacy that bridges competing interests, aligns norms with practical outcomes and maintains open channels of communication. This was not merely a ceremonial achievement, but a strategic one.

No global ambition, however, can be sustained without addressing domestic challenges. The remnants of anticonstitutional forces associated with the martial law episode continue to pose risks to democratic stability. These elements must be addressed firmly and lawfully. Accountability is not revenge; it is the minimum condition for restoring constitutional order and reaffirming the principle that no individual or faction stands above the law.

Korea must also confront structural crises that threaten its long-term viability. Population decline, soaring housing prices, widening inequality and regional extinction are no longer distant warnings; they are present realities. Incremental measures will not suffice. The government must deploy the full range of policy tools to reform child care and family support systems, stabilize the housing market, curb asset-driven inequality and revive regional economies. The future will favor a nation that is willing to act decisively and swiftly.

Security challenges complicate the landscape further. Strategic competition between the United States and China, rising tensions between China and Japan, and Beijing’s mounting pressure on Taiwan are no longer abstract concerns. Deepening ties between North Korea and Russia add another layer of volatility to Korea’s security environment. In this context, a strong alliance with the U.S. remains indispensable. Yet alliance strength must be complemented by strategic autonomy and a calibrated approach to relations with China, North Korea, Russia and Japan that protects national interests while avoiding unnecessary confrontation.

Looking ahead, Korea’s sources of momentum are both economic and cultural. K-culture — encompassing music, film, television and digital content — has firmly established itself as a global force, amplifying Korea’s national brand and opening new paths for its core industries. At the same time, the era of artificial intelligence (AI) demands a comprehensive national strategy that integrates technology, education, ethics and industrial policy. Leadership in AI will not be achieved through innovation alone, but through an ecosystem that aligns technological progress with public trust.

Korea today is no longer a peripheral actor. It is a global pivot state whose choices influence regional stability and emerging international norms. With that status comes the responsibility to contribute to peace, uphold democratic values and foster shared prosperity beyond its borders.

The Korea Times, as the nation’s representative English newspaper, will carry out a "Global Korea" campaign this year to support the acceleration of the nation's globalization and inclusiveness efforts. The campaign will feature a series of articles and events that focus on employment of foreign workers, internationalization of higher education, spread of K-food and overseas advancement of small and medium-sized companies.

As the new year begins under the symbol of the Red Horse — a sign of vitality and forward momentum — there is reason for cautious confidence. If Korea can reinforce its democratic resilience, confront internal challenges with honesty and navigate external risks with strategic clarity, it can leap forward once again. This should be the year when Korea moves not only faster, but wiser, for the benefit of its citizens and the wider world.