Archives South Korea - Page 2 of 25 - New Eastern Outlook

South Korea faces a difficult choice over whether and how to support maritime security efforts in the Strait of Hormuz. With pressure from the United States, risks from Iran, and the continuing threat from North Korea, Seoul must balance alliance commitments with its own security priorities.

Seoul’s deepening ties with the EU and NATO, as well as recent statements made by President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae Myung during foreign visits, suggest that by the end of 2026, South Korea may transition to direct military cooperation with Kiev.

Protests in Seoul have now been under way for more than twenty days; the head of the Central Election Commission has resigned and a criminal case has been opened against him; President Lee Jae Myung’s approval rating, once triumphant, has for the first time fallen below 50 per cent and is now outpaced by his disapproval rating. These are all outcomes of the scandal that erupted after the Democratic Party secured what initially appeared to be a convincing victory in the local government elections.