Aja

• Two political figures from opposing backgrounds criticized President Lee Jae-myung’s government on September 13. • The criticism was reported by members of the Asia Journalist Association and THE AsiaN. • This political friction indicates growing instability or opposition within the current South Korean administration.

• South Korean Presidential policy chief Kim Yong-beom resigned from his position on September 1, 2026. • The resignation followed a formal request submitted to President Lee Jae Myung the previous day, which was promptly accepted. • This sudden leadership change marks a significant shift in the administration's policy management team.

• The U.S. Army is preparing to deploy a portion of its Multi-Domain Task Force to South Korea to strengthen regional security. • This deployment focuses on upgrading the alliance's capabilities in critical areas, specifically cyber, information, and space operations. • The move signifies a strategic shift toward integrated, multi-domain warfare to better counter evolving threats in the region.

• South Korea’s presidential office rejected the nomination of Judge Son Bong-gi to the Supreme Court on August 28. • The decision follows a nomination put forward by Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae. • The presidential office has officially requested that a new nominee be submitted for the position.

• South Korea’s Navy and the Agency for Defense Development conducted maritime trials of a domestically developed medium-size kamikaze drone on August 25. • The tests were carried out aboard the amphibious assault ship Marado, but both launch attempts resulted in failure. • This development is significant as South Korea seeks to enhance its naval capabilities through the integration of autonomous suicide drones.

• Justice Mehta has reported allegations of misused powers and the threatening of judges to Chief Justice of India (CJI) Kant regarding the acting chief of the Rajasthan High Court. • The report specifically targets Justice Sharma, leading Justice Mehta to call for Sharma's immediate transfer from the court. • To ensure judicial impartiality and resolve the current tension, Justice Mehta has recommended the appointment of an "out of state" chief justice.