Latest news in South Korea? September 18th, 2026

Key developments in South Korea for September 18, 2026:

• Lee Rules Out Hormuz Combat Deployment & Holds Public Briefing: President Lee Jae Myung formally ruled out deploying South Korean combat troops to the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that Seoul will avoid being drawn into foreign conflict despite ongoing security discussions and diplomatic pressure. During a high-profile press conference, Lee also addressed falling public approval ratings, pledging policy realignments to tackle domestic economic issues.

  Yeni Safak English – Yeni Şafak+ 1

• Fuel Tax Cut Extension: Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol announced that South Korea will extend its fuel tax cut scheme by another two months through November. The measure aims to cushion households and businesses from rising global energy volatility tied to Middle Eastern supply tensions.

  www.wam.ae

• Policy Moves on Abortion Medication: Regulatory attention remains focused on the government’s plans to authorize the country’s first prescription abortion pills (mifepristone/misoprostol) under restricted medical oversight, addressing a regulatory vacuum that persisted following the Constitutional Court’s earlier decriminalization ruling.

  TIME