Korea Joongang Daily
Korea JoongAng Daily

Candidates pour in with pork-barrel relocation promises prior to election

With about a month to go before the June 3 local government elections, candidates are flooding the campaign trail with pork-barrel pledges and promises to relocate public institutions to their regions.

2026-04-29

People Power Party nominates three-term lawmaker Choo Kyung-ho for Daegu mayor election

The main opposition People Power Party (PPP) on Sunday nominated three-term lawmaker Rep. Choo Kyung-ho as its candidate for the mayor of Daegu, a major conservative stronghold, for the upcoming June 3 local elections.

2026-04-26

President Lee's approval rating returns to 67 percent amid support for diplomatic efforts

President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating rose back to its previous high of 67 percent amid positive public sentiment over his diplomacy, a poll showed Friday.

2026-04-24

Feeling like pawns, voters in 20s move away from dynastic parties

As of late, a 20-year-old university student surnamed Na has begun describing himself as politically unaffiliated — a label that would have seemed unlikely just a couple of years ago. He's not alone.

2026-04-17

'Politics abandoned us': Young Koreans blame older politicians for neglecting their concerns

Interviews with 35 people in their 20s conducted by the JoongAng Ilbo between April 6 and 11 share a common grievance: that their participation has not improved the country’s political culture.

2026-04-17

Trump nominates former Rep. Michelle Park Steel as U.S. ambassador to Korea

U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated a former Korean American congresswoman as the United States' top envoy to South Korea, according to a presidential nomination document released Monday.

2026-04-14

National Assembly set to handle bill on extra budget intended to mitigate Iran war fallout

The National Assembly is set to handle an extra budget bill on Friday that is intended to mitigate the economic fallout from the Iran war.

2026-04-10

High school student enters race for Gimhae city council as youngest candidate nationwide

An 18-year-old high school student — the youngest candidate nationwide — has entered the race for a seat on the Gimhae city council in South Gyeongsang for the upcoming June 3 local elections.

2026-03-25

'Political polarization has deepened,' report warns, calls for easing divide

A report released Wednesday by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs found that respondents ranked the liberal-conservative divide as the most severe form of social conflict.

2026-03-04

Survey reveals Lee's approval rating on the rise for 4th consecutive week

President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating rose to 58.2 percent last week, a survey showed Monday, amid a strong stock rally and the government's efforts to stabilize the housing market.

2026-02-23