South Korea

Joongang Ilbo | English | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | Communal and Religious Strife

President Lee Jae Myung has declared that any entity, including religious organizations, should be dissolved if found guilty of crimes or acts harmful to society. This statement is widely seen as an indirect targeting of the Unification Church amid allegations of the church's political interference, raising complex legal questions about the dissolution of religious foundations under Korean law. Lee emphasized that corporate bodies, including religious groups, can be legally dissolved if they commit serious violations, and instructed a strict investigation into illegal ties between religious groups and politicians regardless of political affiliation.

The remarks come amid a special prosecutor’s investigation into the Unification Church’s illegal political donations, including a 100 million won payment to a People Power Party (PPP) lawmaker, Rep. Kweon Seong-dong. The probe uncovered attempts by the church to influence PPP lawmakers and mass membership drives supporting a specific candidate. Allegations have also surfaced of the church’s financial links to the Democratic Party (DP), including the revelation that the church allegedly gave cash and gifts to two DP lawmakers. This has heightened political tensions, with both parties accusing each other of collusion and deflecting blame.

President Lee’s firm stance echoes his past confrontations with religious groups, such as the 2020 Shincheonji Church incident, suggesting a broader aim to enforce the separation of church and state and to challenge the longstanding alliances between conservative Protestant groups and the PPP. However, the prospect of actual dissolution proceedings remains uncertain given Korea’s legal framework, which involves administrative rather than judicial dissolution orders, likely leading to contentious legal battles and political fallout.

Lee also reiterated his commitment to reform despite inevitable resistance, aligning with ongoing judicial reform efforts pushed by his Democratic Party, including controversial bills aimed at prosecuting former President Yoon. His approach has drawn fierce criticism from the PPP, which accuses him of political threats and diversion tactics amid unfolding scandals. The situation continues to evolve amid heightened political and legal scrutiny over the influence of religious organizations in Korean politics.

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.

Joongang Ilbo | English | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | UndeterminedReal Estate

Korea's heritage authorities and the Seoul Metropolitan Government have held initial talks to address disagreements over a proposed high-rise redevelopment project near Jongmyo Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site in central Seoul. Officials from the Korea Heritage Service (KHS), the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and Seoul city government met to discuss practical matters ahead of further coordination between central and local authorities. No consensus was reached on whether a heritage impact assessment is needed for the project.

The redevelopment plan involves Sewoon District 4, located directly across from Jongmyo Shrine, where the city has decided to double the building height limit to 145 meters. Heritage officials argue this could harm the shrine’s historic landscape, while the city contends the project would rejuvenate the area by adding new open green spaces. UNESCO has requested a heritage impact assessment, but Seoul has not yet responded. Additional preliminary talks and a full coordination meeting involving senior officials are planned to resolve the dispute.