January 9, 2026 – South Korea Headlines

Story gist: German President criticized U.S. President Donald Trump, stating the world is becoming a den of thieves. French President Emmanuel Macron said the U.S. is turning away from some allies and deviating from international norms.

Bias summary: Left-leaning Hankyoreh spotlights German President’s direct hit on Trump with vivid ‘den of thieves’ quote. Center source neutrally emphasizes Macron’s measured critique of U.S. deviation from norms and allies. Right-leaning Chosun Ilbo amplifies joint French-German harsh attacks on U.S. as ‘new colonialism’ and ‘den of thieves,’ stressing anti-American rhetoric.

Story gist: South Korean politician Lee Hye-hoon profited 4 billion won from a lottery apartment subscription. Media reports question whether her married eldest son claimed extra application points by appearing unmarried.

Bias summary: Left-leaning Hankyoreh uses questioning tone on 4 billion won profit and son’s potential point boost. Center sources stress hypocrisy (‘내로남불’) and ‘fake single’ suspicions. Right-leaning Chosun Ilbo escalates profit to 7 billion won, emphasizes ‘tricks’ for winning, and omits family angle for personal deceit focus. All outlets criticize Lee, a conservative, without pro-right defense absent.

Story gist: Former U.S. President Trump proposed acquiring Greenland. U.S. Vice President stated Europe should take Trump’s position on Greenland seriously. Reports indicate the U.S. has existing military access rights in Greenland.

Bias summary: Left-leaning MBC questions U.S. motives for coveting Greenland despite military access, implying hidden agendas. Center-leaning Daum neutrally reports U.S. VP urging Europe to treat Trump’s stance seriously, without added interpretation. Right-leaning Chosun Ilbo frames Trump’s interest as a credible ‘takeover operation,’ portraying it positively as strategic resolve rather than bluster.

Story gist: South Korea’s People Power Party changed its name five times over the past 10 years. Opposition figures criticized the moves as ‘fake closure’ or signboard changing.

Bias summary: Left-leaning Hankyoreh frames with sarcasm via questioning headlines and ‘disguised closure’ label, emphasizing criticism of the ruling party. Center outlets like Daum report factual name changes and note the party’s mocking retort of ‘Burden of the People.’ Right-leaning coverage absent, omitting potential defenses of rebranding as renewal.

Story gist: South Korea’s Ministry of the Interior and Safety forecasts heavy snow nationwide from December 9 to 12, with an emergency response system needed on the 11th. Temperatures will drop to minus 40 degrees.

Bias summary: Left-leaning Kyunghyang emphasizes government ministry’s directive for emergency snow response systems. Center KBS focuses on specific forecasts of up to 15cm snow in Gangwon northern inland and mountains. Right-leaning Chosun uses dramatic phrasing like ‘blizzard’ and ‘ice air’ for nationwide snow and extreme cold, heightening alarm.