Heavy rainfall has been affecting South Korea since 9 July, causing floods and landslides with casualties and damage; as of 18 July, media reports indicate 49 deaths, with the highest number of 19 people dead in North Chungcheong Province

Former President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to life in prison, charged with leading an insurrection as he imposed martial law for a few tumultuous hours on 3 December 2024; some argue it is a sign of a healthy democracy

Chief of the National Office of Investigation reportedly visited China to finalize crime-response cooperation, including tackling phishing and tracking fugitives, extraditing a former Coupang employee suspected of orchestrating a massive data breach

Travel bans have been imposed on three civilians accused of flying drones toward North Korea from Ganghwa, allegedly photographing a Marine base; case widened as links emerged to former presidential staff and military intelligence–related online outlets

2026 economic master plan aims at a “great economic leap,” forecasting 2% GDP growth; government plans substantial investments in semiconductors, AI, defense and biotech, new fiscal policy, price stabilization and measures to boost consumption