Korea Joongang Daily
Korea JoongAng Daily

Lee wants 10 SNUs. But can this solve Korea's education crisis?

Higher education is overtly concentrated in the greater capital region, with regional schools facing uncertain futures. President Lee Jae-myung thinks making those universities satellites of Seoul National University can fix that.

2025-06-12

Korean, Czech leaders call nuclear power plant deal 'cornerstone' of economic cooperation in first call

President Lee Jae-myung held his first phone call with Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala on Wednesday to discuss the direction of development of Korea-Czech relations, just a week after a $18.6 billion nuclear power plant deal was finalized.

2025-06-11

Hong Jin-kyung 'swears on daughter’s life' to deny political bias in red sweater controversy

Celebrity entertainer Hong Jin-kyung again addressed accusations of political bias, "swearing" on her daughter's life that her red dress was not meant to endorse the conservative party — or anyone in particular.

2025-06-11

President Lee Jae-myung vows to relocate the presidency to Sejong. But should he?

Despite Lee’s blueprint to transform Sejong into the new hub of state governance, the city needs better connectivity with other regions to fully function as the center of Korean state affairs, experts say.

2025-06-10

Lee Jae-myung’s fiscal policy faces early test on sustainability

The credibility and sustainability of the Lee administration’s economic program are on the line. The government must send a clear message to markets that its fiscal policy is not about short-term relief, but long-term transformation.

2025-06-10

A divided mandate and the weight of expectations for Korea’s new president

Lee’s administration holds tremendous power. But that power demands awareness, restraint and the ability to see beyond domestic arenas.

2025-06-10

Lee, Ishiba stress trilateral cooperation with the U.S. in first phone call

President Lee Jae-myung held his first phone call with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Monday and agreed to enhance efforts to address various geopolitical challenges within the framework of Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation.

2025-06-09

Prudence expected from Korea’s new president

President Lee has made a strong case for pragmatism and performance in government. But beyond administrative speed and effectiveness, what will sustain public trust is prudence — governance that is thoughtful, measured, and responsible.

2025-06-09

Lee Jae-myung, Trump agree to swift tariff negotiations in first phone call

New President Lee Jae-myung and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to work toward “satisfactory” tariff negotiations in their first bilateral phone call on Friday night.

2025-06-06

A divided nation cannot weather the storm

President Lee has a rare political opening — unlike many of his predecessors, he begins his term with momentum and legislative alignment, offering a brief window for bold reforms.

2025-06-06