South Korea politics · April 2026

South Korea's foreign ministry summoned a Japanese diplomat to protest Tokyo's renewed territorial claims over the Dokdo islets, which were included in Japan's 2026 Diplomatic Blue Book. Seoul condemned the claims as false and a violation of Korea's sovereignty. The protest underscores ongoing tensions between the two neighbors over the disputed islands. South Korea named former Ambassador to Kuwait Chung Byung-ha as special envoy to Iran, as the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked. North Korea and China enhanced friendly ties, with China's top diplomat meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and calling for closer coordination. South Korea's main opposition Democratic Party nominated Chong Won-o as its candidate for Seoul mayor.