South Korea

Hankyoreh - E | English | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | UndeterminedPolitical Policy Resistance

President Lee Jae Myung publicly acknowledged “overwhelming public support” for nuclear power during a recent Cabinet meeting, signaling a potential shift from his previous preference for renewable energy policies. While he did not explicitly direct the construction of new nuclear plants, his call for “reasonable discussion free from ideology” and the collection of public feedback suggests a possible tacit approval for expanding nuclear energy.

Previously, Lee had emphasized the rapid supply benefits of renewable energy, citing concerns that nuclear plants take 15 years to build and may not meet immediate energy demands. However, industry pressures, particularly from sectors like AI and semiconductors that require large electricity supplies, appear to have influenced this change. Comments from SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son highlighting energy as a critical bottleneck in Korea’s AI industry were noted as a potential turning point.

Public opinion polls have shown strong support for nuclear power expansion, with a recent Gallup Korea survey indicating 54% of respondents favor building more nuclear plants compared to 25% opposition. This shift in the political landscape, along with an upcoming local election in June, may also be driving the administration's reconsideration of nuclear energy policy.

Energy experts view President Lee’s comments as guidelines for energy policymakers working on the country’s 12th master plan for energy supply. Civic groups suggest that the renewed focus on nuclear power is partly a strategic response to electoral considerations.

Hankyoreh - E | English | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | North Korea

President Lee Jae Myung has condemned the act of a civilian sending drones into North Korean airspace as an unacceptable security risk that could trigger military clashes between the two Koreas. He emphasized that such drone incursions violate the Armistice Agreement and international law, calling for a thorough investigation and punishment of those involved. Lee warned that individuals engaging in actions resembling acts of war would face consequences, reflecting concerns that the incident could destabilize the fragile armistice.

Investigations suggest the drone flights may not have been the work of a lone civilian. The man involved, Oh, initially claimed he was inspecting pollution from North Korean uranium factories, but evidence points to possible involvement from conservative political groups and the military’s Defense Intelligence Command. Oh’s connections to conservative media and his previous work in the presidential office during the Yoon Suk-yeol administration have fueled speculation of broader ties.

President Lee also criticized the Ministry of National Defense for failing to adequately detect the drone incursions despite radar indications. He called the surveillance failure unacceptable and urged improvements to military facilities and equipment to better prevent future threats. Lee’s strong response reflects his priority of safeguarding inter-Korean relations and preventing incidents that could undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Lee’s denunciation of the drone incident is closely linked to his administration’s push to ease tensions with North Korea. Despite conciliatory gestures, North Korea has yet to respond, and Lee stressed the importance of seeking openings to improve engagement. The drone incursions risk derailing these efforts by provoking security concerns and hardening military stances on both sides.

Hankyoreh - E | English | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | North Korea

President Lee Jae Myung condemned the recent incident of a civilian manufacturing and sending a drone into North Korea, calling it "akin to starting a war." During a Cabinet meeting at the Blue House, he emphasized that such actions are unacceptable and likened them to firing a gun towards the North. The individual involved had sent drones on three occasions, prompting Lee to criticize the Ministry of National Defense for inadequate surveillance measures and to demand improved facilities and equipment to prevent hostility and mistrust between the two Koreas. He ordered a thorough investigation into the incident, stating concerns that state agencies might be implicated.

Lee’s comments also aimed to maintain ongoing military efforts to ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula, such as the suspension of loudspeaker and radio broadcasts toward North Korea, signaling his intention to hold those responsible accountable without undermining diplomatic measures.

On energy policy, Lee called for rational, ideology-free discussions regarding the construction of new nuclear power plants and small modular reactors. He acknowledged strong public support for nuclear power as essential to addressing electricity needs and urged efforts to minimize political polarization on the issue. These remarks follow previous government officials’ statements emphasizing the inevitability of expanding nuclear power facilities.

Additionally, Lee addressed the importance of media neutrality concerning court decisions, urging adherence to fairness and the public interest, especially in politically sensitive cases where public broadcasts might criticize prosecutors regardless of verdicts.