The Minute to Read (Weekdays) series provides a quick overview of significant events in Korea everyday, conveniently condensed into a one-minute read. Here’s a recap of what happened yesterday: Feb. 26.

President Yoon Suk-yeol delivers his closing argument in the impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court on Feb. 25, stating that the declaration of martial law was a public appeal framed as martial law. He added that if reinstated, he would not be preoccupied with the remainder of his term but would instead focus on constitutional and political reform. /Constitutional Court

President Yoon defends martial law, vows constitutional reform in final hearing

President Yoon Suk-yeol defended his Dec. 3 martial law declaration during a Feb. 25 Constitutional Court hearing, arguing that opposition-led impeachment motions, legislative obstruction, and budgetary gridlock left him no choice. He maintained that such actions subverted constitutional order and pledged to focus on constitutional and political reforms if reinstated, hinting at a potential amendment that could shorten his term. Yoon described the current constitutional framework as outdated and emphasized national unity, foreign affairs, and a strengthened prime ministerial role in governance. While he apologized for the public impact of martial law, he did not explicitly commit to accepting the court’s ruling. Opposition lawmaker Jung Chung-rae accused him of undermining democracy and called for his removal. With the final hearing concluded, the Constitutional Court is set to deliver its ruling by mid-March.

South Korea, U.S. to discuss tariffs, energy imports, and investment

South Korea’s Trade Minister Ahn Duk-geun will visit the U.S. on Feb. 26 to discuss tariff relief, leveraging shipbuilding cooperation, increased energy imports, and U.S. investment. He will meet with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Energy Secretary Chris Wright, advancing negotiations after delays due to U.S. leadership vacancies. With the Trump administration pushing aggressive tariff policies and Lutnick urging Korean conglomerates to invest in the U.S., Korea has developed a shipbuilding cooperation package and plans to propose expanded ship maintenance partnerships. Ahn will also address energy imports and concerns over semiconductor subsidies under the Inflation Reduction Act. Meanwhile, Ambassador Choi Jung-kyung will visit seven U.S. states to discuss investment incentives for Korean battery manufacturers.

BLACKPINK’s Lisa to perform at Oscars, a milestone for K-pop

Lisa of BLACKPINK will become the first K-pop singer to perform at the Academy Awards. On Feb. 24 (local time), the Academy announced its lineup for the 97th Oscars, confirming that Lisa will take the stage alongside Doja Cat and Raye, with whom she recently collaborated on Born Again. This marks the first time a K-pop artist has been included in the event’s performance lineup. The ceremony, set for Mar. 2, will also feature performances from Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, the stars of the upcoming musical Wicked, as well as rapper Queen Latifah and others.

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