The major news developments in South Korea for September 22, 2026:

• President Lee Jae Myung advocates step-by-step nuclear freeze: In interviews with foreign media during the UN General Assembly meetings, President Lee urged the United States to pursue a realistic, phased trade-off offering North Korea sanctions relief in exchange for freezing its nuclear program and intercontinental ballistic missile development, rather than demanding immediate total denuclearization.

  The Manila Times

• Appeals court reduces sentence for former First Lady: A Seoul appellate court reduced the prison term of former First Lady Kim Keon Hee from seven years to five years in connection with bribery and corruption charges involving luxury goods accepted during the administration of former President Yoon Suk Yeol. Her defense team announced plans to take the case to the Supreme Court.

  WTVB

• Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) blast investigation: South Korean military authorities are investigating an explosion that occurred in the western sector of the DMZ, which injured three officers. Preliminary assessments point to a legacy landmine or stray ordnance blast.

  Al Jazeera+ 1

• Reports of North Korean defections at Asian Games: South Korean media outlets reported that two members of North Korea’s delegation to the 2026 Asian Games in Japan have sought asylum, signaling further geopolitical friction in the region.

  The Hindu