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South Korea Announces Diplomatic Push, Court Verdict, Defense Bid, and Cultural Approvals

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President Lee’s diplomatic drive targets North Korea‑U.S. talks President Lee Jae Myung told reporters at a New Year press conference he will employ diplomatic channels to restart stalled North Korea‑United States negotiations and to create conditions for inter‑Korean dialogue, positioning diplomacy as the engine for broader regional engagement[1]. He pledged swift action to bring both sides back to the table[1].

Won expected to firm around 1,400 per dollar soon Lee indicated that financial authorities anticipate the Korean won will strengthen to roughly the 1,400‑won level within one to two months, and they will implement measures to stabilize the foreign‑exchange market[1]. The comment responded to lingering market worries about currency weakness and its impact on the economy[1].

Seoul court to deliver verdict on former PM Han’s insurrection case A Seoul court is scheduled to announce its ruling on charges that former Prime Minister Han Duck‑soo aided former President Yoon Suk‑yeol’s failed attempt to impose martial law on 3 December 2024[1]. A conviction would make Han the first cabinet member sentenced over the emergency decree, which the National Assembly lifted after about six hours[1].

Hanwha appoints former Canadian navy officer to lead submarine bid Hanwha Ocean Co. named Glenn Copeland, a retired Royal Canadian Navy officer, as CEO of its newly created Canadian unit, Hanwha Defence Canada, to steer the company’s pursuit of the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project contract[1]. The appointment underscores Hanwha’s intent to secure a foothold in Ottawa’s defense procurement process[1].

New prime minister to travel to United States this week Prime Minister Kim Min‑seok will make his first overseas trip as head of government, visiting Washington and New York to meet senior U.S. officials and possibly Vice President J.D. Vance[1]. The itinerary also includes outreach to Korean‑American communities, signaling an early diplomatic outreach agenda[1].

Cultural heritage board clears BTS filming at historic Seoul sites Authorities granted conditional approval for BTS to shoot a promotional video at Gyeongbok Palace and the Sungnyemun gate as part of a Gwanghwamun‑area performance, pending a subcommittee review of potential impacts on cultural assets[1]. The decision reflects a balance between cultural promotion and heritage preservation[1].

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Timeline

Dec 3 2024 – Former President Yoon Suk‑yeol issues an emergency decree that attempts to impose martial law; the National Assembly lifts it after about six hours, and former Prime Minister Han Duck‑soo is later charged with abetting the decree, setting the stage for a historic tribunal on the 2024 emergency order [3].

Nov 2025 (APEC summit) – President Lee Jae Myung meets Chinese President Xi Jinping at the APEC gathering, signaling a constructive turn in Seoul‑Beijing relations and laying groundwork for a second Lee‑Xi summit early next year aimed at coaxing North Korea back to negotiations [3].

Dec 25 2025 – In a pre‑election address Lee declares, “We must translate political stabilization into concrete results on diplomacy and the economy,” and outlines a push for U.S. security talks, a $350 billion investment pledge, deeper China engagement, and a pending martial‑law tribunal while noting North Korea’s continued unresponsiveness [3].

Dec 31 2025 – On New Year’s Day Lee proclaims a “great leap forward” for 2026, citing that the Korea Composite Stock Price Index has broken 4,000 points, exports have topped US$700 billion, and a deal secures 260,000 Nvidia GPUs for AI development; he also announces a 150‑trillion‑won National Growth Fund to attract private capital for AI, semiconductors and renewable energy and to fund diplomatic outreach for peace on the peninsula [2].

Jan 21 2026 – Lee vows to “use diplomatic channels to help North Korea and the United States resume talks swiftly,” pledging rapid inter‑Korean dialogue; he predicts the won will firm to the 1,400 level within two months, while a Seoul court prepares to deliver the first verdict on a former cabinet member’s role in the 2024 martial‑law episode, underscoring the administration’s blend of diplomacy and domestic accountability [1].

Jan 21 2026 – Hanwha Ocean Co. appoints former Royal Canadian Navy officer Glenn Copeland as CEO of its new Canadian unit to lead the bid for Ottawa’s Patrol Submarine Project, highlighting South Korea’s push to export submarine technology [1].

Jan 21 2026 – Prime Minister Kim Min‑seok embarks on his first overseas trip, traveling to Washington and New York to meet senior U.S. officials and possibly Vice President J.D. Vance, marking a high‑profile diplomatic outreach early in his tenure [1].

Jan 21 2026 – Cultural heritage authorities grant conditional approval for BTS to film at Gyeongbok Palace and Sungnyemun gate for a comeback promotion, reflecting the government’s balancing of cultural preservation with pop‑culture economic benefits [1].

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