Weekly Korea News Digest

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August 25 – September 2, 2025

Weekly Korea News.

Here in Busan, September is rolling in and you can already sense that Siwol (October) is not far away. The air is lighter, the evenings are cooler, and the whole country seems to be getting ready for autumn. Meanwhile, the news in Korea never stops. Let me share with you what caught my eye this past week — and what it might mean for students, travelers, and businesses looking at Korea.

Politics & Justice: Still Stormy at the Top

Politics here continues to surprise me. This week, both former First Lady Kim Keon-hee and ex-Prime Minister Han Duck-soo were indicted in the martial law case [1][2]. Heavy stuff, with words like corruption and rebellion floating around. At the same time, Han Hak-ja, the leader of the Unification Church, denied that she had anything to do with political bribery [3].

For someone like me, watching as an “outsider-insider” in Busan, it shows how public life here is never dull. Even the highest figures can suddenly find themselves before the courts. Messy perhaps, but it also shows how institutions keep moving.

Economy & Business: Prices Down, Exports Under Pressure

There was also economic news that felt a bit mixed. On the one hand, inflation dropped to 1.7% in August [4]. That’s the lowest in nine months. Prices for fuel and communication are down, and daily life feels just a little more affordable.

On the other hand, exports didn’t do so well. Shipments to the U.S. fell sharply, hit by new tariffs [5]. For a country that lives on trade, that’s a big warning light.

And then the corporate soap opera: prosecutors want 15 years of jail time for Kim Beom-su, the founder of Kakao [6]. The accusation is that he fiddled with stock prices during the 2023 SM Entertainment takeover drama. Whether he goes to jail or not, this will say a lot about how far Korea is willing to rein in its tech tycoons.

Business Consulting note: For foreign businesses looking at Korea, this all means one thing: opportunity and risk always go hand in hand here. Prices may be easing, but the trade winds can shift overnight. That’s exactly why I set up our Business Soft Landing support — to help new partners find their feet in this lively, sometimes unpredictable market.

Study in Korea: Why It Still Attracts

Meanwhile, President Lee Jae-myung is preparing to go to New York for the U.N. General Assembly [7]. Education often comes along in these diplomatic talks. Korea knows how powerful universities are as a way of building bridges.

And with inflation cooling, studying here actually gets a little easier on the wallet. Combine that with the safety, modernity, and cultural buzz — and you can see why so many students are interested.

Study in Korea note: We are now actively helping Dutch and European students explore this option. Whether for a language course or a full degree, we walk with them from the first question to the first day on campus. Because yes, Korea can be confusing at first, but also so rewarding.

Culture & Tourism: Autumn is Knocking

Of course, K-Pop never takes a break. This week RM of BTS was spotted side-hugging Mini Han, a transgender icon here [8]. Instead of scandal, it sparked conversations about inclusivity. Meanwhile, BTS is gearing up for a big U.S. return [9].

But for me, the real story is the season. September is already nice, but October — Siwol (시월) — is Korea at its best. There’s even a saying: “In October the sky is high and the horses grow fat.” It means the air is clear, the harvest is rich, and life feels generous. So for me, I’m on a trip to The Netherlands during September, coming back October 1st. Lucky me!

Here in Busan, October means:

• Golden and red mountains: Geumjeongsan, Jangsan, and temple trails glowing with autumn colors [10].
• Film & art: The 30th Busan International Film Festival runs Sept 17–26 [11], followed by the Asia Contents Awards in early October [12]. Add the Sea Art Festival by the beach [14], and the city is basically one big cultural playground.
• Fireworks: If tradition holds, the Busan Fireworks Festival lights up Gwangalli Beach in late October [13].

Private Tours note: This is why I love guiding people in October. You can breathe the air, see the colors, taste the food, and feel how alive Busan becomes. Our tours are small and personal — no rushing — and October gives you the city at its finest.

Diplomacy & Security: Korea in the World

Not all was festive. Ten Air Force personnel were disciplined after a C-130 plane accidentally entered Japanese airspace in July [15]. A reminder that the region’s balance is delicate.

And of course, the big stage: President Lee heading to the U.N. and even chairing a Security Council session [7]. Korea clearly wants to be seen as more than just a regional player.

Wrapping Up

So, what kind of week was it?

• Heavy politics, lightened by cultural sparks.
• An economy cooling at home, but pressured abroad.
• A study destination growing more attractive.
• And Busan, my Busan, ready to shine in October.

For me, that sums up Korea: complex, surprising, and always worth following. And from here in Busan, I’ll keep sharing what I see, linking it back to students, businesses, and travelers who are curious about this part of the world.

Sources

1. Times of India – South Korea martial law probe: Ex-First Lady Kim Keon Hee, former PM Han Duck-soo indicted; accused of influencing People Power Party (28 Aug 2025)
2. AP News – South Korea indicts ex-first lady, ex-prime minister in martial law probe (25 Aug 2025)
3. Reuters – Unification Church leader denies directing political bribery in South Korea (1 Sept 2025)
4. Wall Street Journal – South Korea’s Inflation Hits Nine-Month Low (1 Sept 2025)
5. Reuters – South Korean negotiators struggle to close gaps with US despite summit, tariff deal (29 Aug 2025)
6. Reuters – South Korea prosecutors seek 15-year jail term for Kakao founder Kim (29 Aug 2025)
7. Reuters – South Korea’s President Lee to attend U.N. General Assembly, host Security Council session (1 Sept 2025)
8. IndiaTimes – BTS’ RM spotted hugging mystery woman at Paradise Art Night 2025, sparking dating rumours – but she’s a South Korean queer icon, Mini Han (30 Aug 2025)
9. Times of India – BTS announces return to U.S. for new album and music video filming (31 Aug 2025)
10. Odynovo Tours – South Korea Fall Foliage Guide 2025 (accessed Sept 2025)
11. Wikipedia – 30th Busan International Film Festival (updated Aug 2025)
12. Wikipedia – Asia Contents Awards & Global OTT Awards (updated Aug 2025)
13. Wikipedia – Busan International Fireworks Festival (accessed Sept 2025)
14. Wikipedia – Sea Art Festival (accessed Sept 2025)
15. Stars and Stripes – South Korea disciplines airmen over Japan airspace breach (2 Sept 2025)