South Korea

Joongang Ilbo | English | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | UndeterminedPolitical Policy Resistance

Taiwan has escalated its protests against South Korea’s designation of Taiwan as “China (Taiwan)” on Korea’s new electronic arrival card system introduced in February 2025. Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry warned it would review its relationship with Korea, and President Lai Ching-te personally urged the Korean government to amend the label, emphasizing the close trade and people-to-people ties between the two countries. Seoul has not yet provided an official response.

Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi also condemned the designation, calling it an unfriendly measure given Korea’s significant trade surplus with Taiwan. Taiwanese lawmakers from multiple parties criticized the move, with some suggesting it reflects Seoul’s shifting stance toward China. However, Taiwanese tourism stakeholders cautioned against damaging relations, noting the economic importance of Korean visitors.

China supported Korea’s position, with a spokesperson reiterating the One China principle and dismissing Taiwan’s protests as political maneuvers by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Taiwan’s representative office in Seoul has raised the issue several times, but Korea has yet to provide a satisfactory resolution.

Yonhap | English | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | North Korea

Senator Andy Kim, a Korean American lawmaker from New Jersey, expressed serious concerns over the recent U.S. National Security Strategy (NSS) for its "deprioritization" of the Korean Peninsula. He criticized the strategy for omitting a U.S. commitment to North Korea's denuclearization and for failing to recognize Russia as a threat, warning that such omissions could lead the U.S. and its allies "down a very dangerous path." Kim argued the strategy effectively reduces America's global role to that of a regional power, which he believes is the wrong direction for U.S. national security.

The NSS, released by the Trump administration, prioritizes reasserting American influence in the Western Hemisphere, deterring conflict over Taiwan, and promoting burden-sharing with allies. Regarding concerns about a possible U.S. troop reduction in South Korea, Kim highlighted the fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes measures to prevent unilateral withdrawal of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) personnel. The House has passed the NDAA, and the Senate is expected to approve it, after which it will require the President's signature to become law.

Kim emphasized that decisions about troop levels should involve consultation with South Korea, underscoring the importance of partnership and strategic alliance. He pledged strong opposition to any efforts by the current administration to reduce U.S. forces in South Korea without allied and congressional agreement. Recently, U.S.-South Korea joint documents omitted language committing to maintaining the current 28,500 USFK troop level, raising concerns over potential future reductions.

The press conference marked one year since Kim became the first Korean American senator, a milestone that raised hopes for his influential role in supporting the Korean American community, strengthening the Seoul-Washington alliance, and addressing North Korea's nuclear threat. Kim's extensive foreign policy background includes service at the National Security Council, Pentagon, State Department, USAID, and advisory roles to top generals in Afghanistan.

Korea Herald | English | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | Shifting Geopolitical Alliances

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi are planning a summit in mid-January in Nara, Japan. The talks are expected to take place around January 13-14, with the historic Todaiji Temple in Nara considered a possible venue. Nara Prefecture is Takaichi's home region.

This summit would be Lee's second visit to Japan during his tenure, following a trip to Tokyo in August where he met with Takaichi's predecessor. The leaders aim to maintain positive momentum in bilateral relations through ongoing "shuttle diplomacy," involving reciprocal visits.

Despite efforts to promote future-oriented cooperation, tensions persist due to territorial disputes. Lee's office recently reaffirmed South Korea's sovereignty over the Dokdo islets, rejecting Takaichi's renewed territorial claims. The summit will continue to address both cooperation and historical and territorial issues between the two nations.