Se Eun Gong

Many North Korean defectors in South Korea use a secret network of brokers to stay connected to those back home. But recently, South Korea investigated some of those brokers for espionage.

After months of political upheaval, South Koreans are going to the polls on Tuesday to elect a new president. But polarization in the Asian democracy remain.

South Korea has been one of the top countries sending babies abroad for adoption for decades. Now, after an investigation triggered by hundreds of complaints from adoptees, the country has admitted its agencies mishandled adoptions.

Young men and women are politically drifting apart across the developed world. The growing political gender divide in South Korea is making experts worried about the country's future.

These are the first adjustments to social measures since the country began a long-awaited transition to a new phase in pandemic response in early November and lifted most of the restrictions.

South Korea is seeking a degree of normalcy by gradually easing restrictions. "We have to find a way to safely coexist with COVID-19 even if that means taking some risks," an official said.

The country's ruling Democratic Party suffered a devastating defeat in Wednesday's mayoral by-elections, widely considered a bellwether for Moon Jae-in's chances for reelection next year.

Beginning Christmas Eve and through Jan. 3, South Korea will limit public and private gatherings to four people. Many tourist sites popular during the holiday period will be closed.

Churches resume in-person services and stadiums welcome sports fans as the country once again manages to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.

A former secretary of Park's says she endured four years of sexual harassment. The mayor was found dead on Friday in a park, and the allegations have left the country divided about his legacy.