South Korea

Hankyoreh - E | English | News | Nov. 14, 2025 | Political Scandal or Corruption

The former chief of South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS), Cho Tae-yong, was arrested on suspicion of dereliction of duty related to the martial law crisis on December 3, 2024. His arrest is notable as the first by the special counsel team investigating the crisis involving someone not serving as a Cabinet member at that time. The arrest warrant was issued by the Seoul Central District Court due to concerns over potential evidence destruction.

The special counsel team accused Cho of failing to report the planned martial law declaration to the National Assembly Intelligence Committee, despite being aware of it, and of not notifying the Assembly after receiving an illegal martial law plan, which included mobilization of troops to arrest key political figures. They argued Cho neglected his duty in an emergency and did not maintain the required political neutrality. The NIS reportedly provided selective evidence during former President Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment proceedings, favoring one party over another.

Additional allegations against Cho include perjury before the Constitutional Court and National Assembly, and conspiracy to destroy evidence through deletion of encrypted records, involving the former head of the Presidential Security Service. The special counsel supported their arrest request with extensive documentation, including a detailed legal opinion and presentation.

Cho’s defense denied prior knowledge of the martial law declaration and argued the situation's urgency made reporting impractical. Cho expressed regret over the developments, referencing his previous public service roles. Following Cho’s arrest, the special counsel will focus on arrest warrant reviews for People Power Party lawmaker Choo Kyung-ho and former Minister of Justice Park Sung-jae, both implicated in the insurrection probe, with Park’s review scheduled for November 14 and Choo’s pending an arrest ratification vote later in the month.

이재명 정부 AI 대전환에 지방정부도 '속도전'

Digital Daily | Local Language | News | Nov. 14, 2025 | UndeterminedTech Development/Adoption

President Lee Jae-myung's government is advancing the "AI Transformation (AX)" policy by accelerating AI integration across local governments including Seoul, Gyeonggi Province, Busan, and Sejong Special Self-Governing City. These metropolitan areas have established dedicated AI organizations and are fostering public-private cooperation ecosystems to embed AI into local policy, industry, and administration.

Seoul is implementing AI policies down to the district level, with Gangseo District declaring itself an "AI-specialized city" and enacting a "Basic Ordinance on Artificial Intelligence" to institutionalize AI adoption across education, healthcare, welfare, and industry. Gyeonggi Province created the "Gyeonggi-do Artificial Intelligence Committee" with subcommittees for policy, ethics, and innovation, focusing on AI registration systems, administrative automation, and ethical standards to model an "AI administration" across sectors.

Busan is pursuing an industry-focused AI city model through the "WAVE Project," valued at 1 trillion won, aimed at integrating AI with key industries such as shipping, ports, and defense. The project plans to begin in 2027 following a feasibility study. Sejong City, as an administrative hub, formed an "AI Innovation Task Force" to enhance public services with generative AI and automation, operating specialized subcommittees aligned with the national AX policy.

The AI transformation in local governments has moved beyond experimental stages to become institutionalized, incorporating AI efforts across policy, industry, and administration simultaneously. Despite progress, challenges remain in evaluating performance, establishing ethical standards, and addressing regional disparities as the projects continue to expand.

Joongang Ilbo | English | News | Nov. 14, 2025 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

South Korea's efforts to acquire nuclear-powered submarines are deemed "possible" but face significant challenges, according to James Kim, director of the Korea Program at the Stimson Center. These challenges include U.S. licensing and certification hurdles, particularly from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and local authorities in Philadelphia, where the submarines are planned to be constructed. The presence of nuclear materials near a major metropolitan area adds complexity to the approval process.

Additional obstacles involve South Korea's need to develop supply chains and recruit engineers experienced in nuclear submarine construction, an area new to its shipbuilding industry. Geopolitical issues also come into play, especially concerns over nuclear proliferation and reactions from China, as well as involvement from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The push for nuclear-powered submarines aligns with South Korea's long-standing goal to enhance its independent military capabilities amid growing nuclear threats from North Korea. This move followed former U.S. President Donald Trump's approval to build the submarine at a U.S. shipyard, although South Korea prefers domestic construction. The situation remains complex due to current agreements limiting nuclear energy cooperation between the U.S. and South Korea to peaceful uses, not military applications.