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Ex-PM Han Duck-soo sentenced to 23 years in prison in martial law case

A Seoul court sentenced former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to 23 years in prison on Wednesday over his involvement in former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law on Dec. 3, 2024, finding Han guilty of aiding an insurrection and playing a central role in its execution. The ruling marked the judiciary’s first explicit determination on whether the martial law declaration constituted an act of insurrection. The decision is expected to heavily influence the ongoing trial of the former president, for which a verdict on insurrection charges is scheduled for next month. The jail term for Han was heavier than the special prosecution's earlier request of 15 years. Han was taken into custody immediately following the ruling. “The declaration of martial law was issued with the purpose of undermining the constitutional order, and constituted an act of insurrection,” the Seoul Central District Court said. It added that Han, as the country’s second-highest-ranking official, failed to take sufficient steps to prevent the declaration and instead became involved in procedures to

Jan 21, 2026By Bahk Eun-ji
Ex-PM Han Duck-soo sentenced to 23 years in prison in martial law case

Lee says authorities expect won to strengthen to around 1,400 level in 1 or 2 months

President Lee Jae Myung said Wednesday that financial authorities expect the won to strengthen to around the 1,400 level in one or two months, vowing to take measures to stabilize the foreign exchange market. Lee made the remarks at a New Year's press conference amid growing economic concerns as the Korean currency's prolonged weakness has strained the economy. Noting that some view the persistently weak won as a "new normal," Lee said the trend is not unique to Korea and is therefore difficult to reverse through domestic policy measures alone. "(The government) will continue to identify available policy tools and make efforts to stabilize the foreign exchange rate," he said, adding that the government is already implementing a range of effective policy measures within its capacity.

Jan 21, 2026By Yonhap
Lee says authorities expect won to strengthen to around 1,400 level in 1 or 2 months

Lee vows diplomatic efforts for resumption of N. Korea-US talks, creating conditions for inter-Korean dialogue

President Lee Jae Myung said Wednesday he will make diplomatic efforts to help North Korea and the United States swiftly resume bilateral talks while implementing measures to create conditions for a resumption of inter-Korean dialogue. "As a pacemaker, we will make diplomatic efforts to ensure that North Korea-U.S. dialogue will soon take place and create conditions for the resumption of inter-Korean dialogue," Lee said in a nationally televised press conference for the new year. "The sharp chill will not thaw all at once, but we will consistently pursue feasible measures to draw a response from the North and reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula," Lee said. Lee also vowed to take steps to restore the Sept. 19 military agreement signed in 2018 between former President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The pact was fully suspended in 2024 amid heightened tensions between Seoul and Pyongyang. "We will restore the Sept. 19 military agreement to prevent accidental clashes between the South and the North and to build political and military trust," Lee said, adding that South

Jan 21, 2026By Yonhap
Lee vows diplomatic efforts for resumption of N. Korea-US talks, creating conditions for inter-Korean dialogue

Overseas Koreans Agency at odds with Incheon over potential relocation to Seoul

The Overseas Koreans Agency (OKA) is embroiled in a dispute with Incheon Metropolitan City after its chief raised the possibility of moving the agency's headquarters to Seoul, citing logistical hurdles in providing services from its current base in Incheon, located west of the capital. Following fierce backlash from Incheon officials, the agency has stepped back from formally pursuing the relocation. Officials say, however, that they may bring it up again if Incheon fails to provide sufficient logistical and institutional support. "For now, we have temporarily suspended the review of a relocation plan, but only on the condition that Incheon comes up with concrete improvement measures," an agency official told The Korea Times on Tuesday. The official added that the agency has proposed conducting a joint survey of overseas Koreans with the Incheon city government, through a credible polling firm, to assess whether they are satisfied with the agency's current location. "We understand that similar surveys had been carried out before Incheon was selected," the official said. "But now that the

Jan 20, 2026By Lee Hyo-jin
Overseas Koreans Agency at odds with Incheon over potential relocation to Seoul

Lee calls for thorough probe into civilian suspect's alleged drone flight to N. Korea

President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday instructed authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into a civilian accused of flying a drone into North Korea, calling it an unacceptable act that requires stern measures. Lee made the remarks during a Cabinet meeting, as the civilian was questioned by a joint military-police investigation team last Friday over the alleged drone incursion. "It is unacceptable to send drones to the North for unlawful purposes or for a civilian to infiltrate drones into North Korean territory," he said. North Korea claimed early this month that South Korea infringed on its sovereignty with drone incursions in September last year and on Jan. 4. The influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un demanded Seoul admit to and apologize for the incident. South Korea's military has denied such claims, saying the drones in question were not models operated by the military. Lee said it was unimaginable that a civilian alone could have sent the drone to gather intelligence from the North, noting speculations that state institutions could have been involved in the case.

Jan 20, 2026By Yonhap
Lee calls for thorough probe into civilian suspect's alleged drone flight to N. Korea

Nomination scandals, weak currency drive president's support lower

President Lee Jae Myung’s approval rating fell last week for the first time in almost a month, slipping to 53.1 percent, while support for the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) also declined after four straight weeks of gains — a shift that has prompted fresh questions about what is driving the slide. Despite the administration’s emphasis on diplomatic gains from Lee’s recent visits to China and Japan, analysts said concerns about a weakening won against the U.S. dollar and younger voters’ perceptions of fairness in ongoing political controversies have weighed heavily on support, particularly among people in their 20s. A survey conducted by Realmeter last week found that 53.1 percent approved of Lee’s job performance, down 3.7 percentage points from the previous week. The disapproval rate rose 4.4 points to 42.2 percent, while 4.8 percent remained undecided. Approval ratings declined across all regions and age groups, with the steepest drop seen in Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province — a traditional conservative stronghold — where positive assessments of Lee’s per

Jan 20, 2026By Anna J. Park
Nomination scandals, weak currency drive president's support lower

Board of Independence Hall approves motion on chief's dismissal

The Independence Hall of Korea on Monday voted in favor of a motion demanding the chief's dismissal amid allegations of financial misconduct and other irregularities. Kim Hyoung-suk, director of the history museum, is accused of using the facility for private purposes and engagement in irregularities. A special audit by the veterans ministry listed 14 irregularities, including his involvement in rent-free leasing of basic assets, and receiving money and solicitation of donations. Kim filed an appeal against the audit results, but it was rejected. Shortly after Monday's vote, Kim again denied the accusations, saying the "audit was conducted with the clear intention to remove me." The motion passed with 10 out of 12 board members in favor, according to lawmakers of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) after a board meeting. The DPK has called for Kim's resignation, describing Kim, appointed by former President Yoon Suk Yeol, as a conservative "New Right" scholar with a "distorted" view of history. Kim also came under fire for remarks that appear to justify Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule

Jan 19, 2026By Yonhap
Board of Independence Hall approves motion on chief's dismissal

Partisan standoff stalls confirmation hearing for budget minister nominee

Rival political parties were locked in a fierce standoff Monday over the parliamentary confirmation hearing for Lee Hye-hoon, the nominee to lead the newly launched Ministry of Planning and Budget, amid disputes over her qualifications and allegations of misconduct. The main opposition People Power Party (PPP) refused to hold the hearing, citing what it viewed as Lee's failure to adequately submit requested materials. The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) argued that the hearing should proceed as scheduled so that the National Assembly could properly evaluate the nominee. The Assembly's Strategy and Finance Committee chair, Rep. Lim Lee-ja of the PPP, declined to hold the confirmation hearing slated for 10 a.m. She told members of the two main parties in the committee to reach an agreement about the submission of the materials, such as records of real estate purchases. "If we are to hold a proper confirmation hearing, we need proper materials," Rep. Park Soo-young of the PPP said during the meeting. He claimed that the nominee had submitted only a small portion of the requested doc

Jan 19, 2026By Lee Hyo-jin
Partisan standoff stalls confirmation hearing for budget minister nominee

Ex-floor leader of ruling party decides to voluntarily leave party over bribery allegations

The former floor leader of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) decided to voluntarily leave the party Monday, a week after the party's ethics panel voted to expel him over allegations of bribe taking and other misconduct. Rep. Kim Byung-kee submitted a formal secession document to withdraw from the DPK earlier in the day, a DPK official told Yonhap News Agency by phone, in a move that will spare the party from holding a vote on his expulsion. His departure comes after the ethics committee decided to expel him last Monday following his refusal to step down despite calls from the party's leadership. Kim earlier said he would not seek to challenge the panel's decision. "I decided that I should fully shoulder the burden if there is even the slightest disagreement within the party and any burden on my colleagues because of me," he said during a press conference at the National Assembly. "I will not seek reconsideration and leave the party." "I will thoroughly cooperate with the investigation and submit all relevant evidence to prove my innocence," he added. He asked that the party finali

Jan 19, 2026By Yonhap
Ex-floor leader of ruling party decides to voluntarily leave party over bribery allegations

Lee's approval rating edges down to 53.1%

President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating inched down to 53.1 percent last week, a survey showed Monday. The survey by Realmeter showed the positive assessment of Lee's overall performance retreated 3.7 percentage points from the previous week to 53.1 percent, while the negative evaluation rose 4.4 percentage points to 42.2 percent. Realmeter said that despite Lee's economic and diplomatic achievements, including his recent summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the approval rating fell amid controversies over the government's move to reform the prosecution and claims of illicit payments linked to the ruling Democratic Party of Korea's (DPK) election nominations. The survey was conducted on 2,516 adults from Monday to Friday last week and had a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points, with a confidence rate of 95 percent. In a separate survey conducted by the same pollster on 1,004 individuals aged 18 and over Thursday and Friday, the approval rating for the DPK edged down 5.3 percentage points to 42.5 percent. Support for the main opposition People Power Party r

Jan 19, 2026By Yonhap
Lee's approval rating edges down to 53.1%
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