Top 10 Korea News Stories of 2025: A Year of Transformation, Challenges & Culture

1️⃣ Constitutional Court Removes Former Police Chief Linked to Martial Law Incident

In December 2025, South Korea’s Constitutional Court formally removed the impeached police chief over his role in enforcing martial law during a controversial political crisis. The court found that unconstitutional orders were carried out to block the National Assembly in late 2024 — part of a broader political conflict that included the impeachment and removal of President Yoon Suk Yeol earlier in April 2025. AP News

2️⃣ Coupang Data Breach Shocks the Nation

Cybersecurity took center stage when Coupang, the country’s largest e-commerce platform, suffered a massive data breach affecting ~33 million users — roughly two-thirds of the population. The incident triggered public backlash, corporate leadership resignations, and urgent calls for national cybersecurity reforms. Financial Times

3️⃣ 2025 South Korea Floods: Summer Disaster

Intense seasonal rains struck Korea between July and August, causing deadly floods and landslides across multiple regions. Emergency evacuations, infrastructure damage, and prolonged recovery efforts made this natural disaster one of the year’s biggest domestic challenges. 위키백과

4️⃣ Political Transition & National Debate on Leadership

The impeachment of President Yoon earlier in the year and subsequent political developments dominated headlines. The country watched an intense public and legal debate around governance, civil rights, and accountability in modern Korean politics. AP News

5️⃣ Seoul’s Global Startup & Innovation Surge

Seoul continued to position itself as a global tech and startup hub, attracting record investments and hosting international startup festivals like COMEUP 2025 and TRY EVERYTHING, which highlighted Korea’s economic ambitions and entrepreneurial ecosystem. Official Website of the+1

6️⃣ Cultural Powerhouse: 30th Busan International Film Festival

The 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) solidified Korea’s cultural influence, featuring acclaimed films, international guests, and expanded programming. Its success underlined Asia’s growing role as a global film destination. 위키백과

7️⃣ Controversial University Entrance English Exam Goes Viral

South Korea’s 2025 college entrance English test stirred national controversy when it included complex philosophical references and gaming jargon. The backlash led to the resignation of the exam chief and reignited debates about education fairness and testing standards. The Times of India

8️⃣ Defense & Security Highlights: North Korea and Regional Tensions

Tensions on the Peninsula remained high, with North Korea’s military rhetoric and continuing joint exercises with global partners shaping security discussions throughout the year. Al Jazeera

9️⃣ K-Pop, Music & Entertainment Awards Dominate 2025

Korea’s entertainment industry continued its global dominance with the 2025 Korea Grand Music Awards and major tours by top artists. Events like this reflected the continued global power of Korean pop culture and its economic importance. 위키백과

🔟 Sports Moments & National Pride

From baseball victories like the LG Twins’ KBO triumph to international football and athletic events, sports brought fans together and provided moments of national pride throughout the year. TSN KOREA

📌 Final Thoughts

2025 was a year of contrasts — political turmoil and cultural celebration, economic ambition and cybersecurity failures. Each major event reshaped public discourse and Korea’s image at home and abroad.

Whether it was courtroom drama, viral education headlines, or global festival stages, Korea’s headlines in 2025 brought stories of resilience, transformation, and deep national conversations.

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