South Korea

Yonhap | English | News | Jan. 19, 2026 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

South Korea's military has begun deploying the Hyunmoo-5 ballistic missile, a high-power surface-to-surface weapon designed to target underground bunkers. The missile, nicknamed the "monster" due to its size, plays a critical role in South Korea's strategy to deter and respond to potential large-scale attacks from North Korea. The deployment started late last year and is expected to be completed by 2030, during President Lee Jae Myung's administration.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back emphasized the need for a "balance of terror" to counter North Korea's nuclear threats and called for a substantial buildup of conventional strike capabilities, including mass production of the Hyunmoo-5 missile. South Korea, as a Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty signatory, cannot possess nuclear weapons and therefore focuses on enhancing its missile arsenal. The country plans to field hundreds of advanced missiles, including upgraded variants of the Hyunmoo-5 currently under development.

The Hyunmoo-5 missile was first publicly revealed in 2023 but most details about its capabilities have remained classified due to strategic sensitivity. South Korea’s emphasis on strengthening conventional strike capabilities reflects its broader efforts to bolster deterrence against North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.

Chosun Ilbo | English | News | Jan. 19, 2026 | UndeterminedPolitics and Elections

President Lee Jae-myung's recent visits to Japan and China at the start of 2026 have received warm welcomes, underscoring South Korea's increasing geopolitical importance. His engagements included striking drums with Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi and taking a selfie with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People, signaling strengthened diplomatic ties. These visits contrast sharply with those of former President Moon Jae-in, whose travels to China and Japan were marked by cold diplomatic receptions and limited engagement.

During his state visit to China from January 4th to 7th, President Lee was treated with high-level hospitality, including dining with Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, and meeting Zhao Leji, Chairman of the National People’s Congress. This stands in contrast to former President Moon’s visit nine years ago amid the THAAD conflict, which was marred by protocol issues, assaults on journalists, and a low-level official delegation. Moon’s visit was perceived as “humiliating diplomacy” due to these challenges and China's minimal showing of respect.

President Lee’s visit to Japan is also being compared to Moon’s brief 10-hour trip in May 2018. While Moon’s visit was mainly limited to attending a trilateral summit and included no additional engagements, Lee’s visit in 2026 was met with more substantial diplomatic and public interactions. Moon’s reluctance to deepen engagement with Japan, partly due to ongoing tensions following a Supreme Court ruling on forced labor compensation, contrasts with Lee’s proactive diplomacy.

Former Chinese Premier Li Keqiang’s extended visit to Japan in May 2018 is also highlighted as a point of comparison, emphasizing the deeper level of engagement with Japan seen in China’s approach compared to Moon’s brief visit. President Lee’s recent visits are viewed as part of a strategic effort to strengthen South Korea’s position amidst Sino-Japanese tensions, receiving what is described as “strategic hospitality” from both countries.

Joongang Ilbo | English | News | Jan. 19, 2026 | North Korea

Former U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Joseph Yun stated that North Korea would likely seek acknowledgment and acceptance of its nuclear weapons, similar to Pakistan's status, along with the lifting of sanctions if it agrees to dialogue with the United States. He suggested that these conditions represent North Korea’s bid to gain de facto nuclear state recognition outside the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) framework.

Yun noted that despite the Trump administration’s desire to resume talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, Kim remains unprepared for dialogue. He attributed this reluctance to North Korea’s close ties with Russia and China, Pyongyang’s financial gains from supporting Russia in the Ukraine conflict and engaging in cyber theft, and past unresolved diplomatic disappointments, such as the failed 2019 Hanoi summit with Trump.

Highlighting South Korea’s crucial role in facilitating U.S.-North Korea talks, Yun emphasized that successful dialogue depends significantly on Seoul’s cooperation. He expressed confidence that the U.S. would approve South Korea’s pursuit of nuclear-powered submarines and support its efforts to secure civil uranium enrichment and spent nuclear fuel reprocessing rights, referencing agreements made during a summit between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Trump.

Regarding U.S. diplomatic staffing, Yun mentioned that the Trump administration is still seeking a senior envoy closely aligned with President Trump to serve as ambassador to South Korea, a position currently filled on an interim basis by Deputy Chief of Mission James Heller. Recalling his tenure as acting ambassador amid regional and political uncertainties, Yun affirmed that the U.S.-South Korea alliance remains strong despite recent challenges.