South Korea

Story gist: South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol stated respect for the ‘One China’ policy and described Xi Jinping as a leader with broad vision. A spokesperson reiterated the stance, amid reports of a planned presidential visit to China for a summit.

Bias summary: Right-leaning Chosun Ilbo emphasizes President Yoon’s direct praise of Xi Jinping’s vision, potentially highlighting concessions. Left-leaning MBC focuses on a spokesperson’s routine affirmation of One China respect and response strategy, downplaying praise. Center Policy Briefing neutrally details a presidential state visit and summit schedule, omitting personal compliments; no strong lane absences.

Story gist: South Korean politician Lee Hye-hoon faces abuse of power allegations during her confirmation process. The Democratic Party called it a poor appointment, the presidential office urged observing the hearing, and the People Power Party demanded her resignation amid emerging issues.

Bias summary: Left-leaning Hankyoreh emphasizes Democratic Party criticism of the appointment and Blue House neutrality, framing broad disapproval. Center Yonhap focuses on intensifying People Power Party pressure for resignation, providing comprehensive coverage. Right-leaning Munhwa Ilbo highlights scandal details like seat upgrade with public funds, using sensational tone (‘another erupted’) to amplify controversy.

Story gist: South Korean Democratic Party lawmaker Kang Sun-woo stated Kim Kyung had no choice but to receive party nomination, with his false explanation decisive for expulsion. Reports indicate Kang refused to account for 100 million won to the ethics inspection team.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets like Hankyoreh emphasize Kang’s quote justifying Kim Kyung’s nomination while highlighting false explanation as expulsion trigger, critiquing internal failings. Center sources stress Kang’s prior ‘save me’ pleas against post-election floor leader ambitions, suggesting opportunism. Right-leaning Channel A focuses exclusively on Kang’s refusal to explain 100 million won, portraying evasion and scandal without mentioning Kim’s expulsion.

Story gist: South Korean President Lee wore a red-and-blue tie and stated ‘national unity is most urgent’ during a visit to the National Seoul Hyunchungwon. The People Power Party did not attend.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets like Hankyoreh highlight the symbolic red+blue tie and People Power Party’s absence, emphasizing unity efforts amid partisan divide with vivid framing. Center sources offer neutral photo coverage of the memorial visit, focusing on the event without commentary. Right-leaning outlets are absent, omitting any perspective on the unity message or party boycott.

Story gist: A taxi at Jonggak Station in Seoul collided with two others before striking pedestrians, resulting in one death and nine injuries.

Bias summary: Left-leaning Kyunghyang uses neutral phrasing focused on ‘triple collision then citizens hit.’ Center Daum emphasizes ‘dreadful scene’ for emotional impact in comprehensive coverage. Right-leaning Chosun highlights ’70s driver’ charging into crowd, specifies 40s victim death and foreign injuries, stressing perpetrator age and demographics omitted elsewhere.