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: Mar. 31.
Democratic Party threatens cabinet-wide impeachments
South Korea’s main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) has threatened to launch a wave of cabinet impeachments—targeting Acting President Han Duck-soo and others—if the government fails to immediately appoint Ma Eun-hyuk as a Constitutional Court justice. The ruling People Power Party (PPP) condemned the move as a “parliamentary coup” and said it would file criminal charges against DPK leader Lee Jae-myung and commentator Kim Ou-joon, accusing them of orchestrating the impeachment push. The DPK is also pressuring the Constitutional Court to deliver a swift verdict on President Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment amid growing concerns that the ruling could be delayed to mid-April.
Top 3 local whiskey brands up for sale
South Korea’s top three local whiskey brands—Golden Blue, Windsor Global, and Drinks International—are all up for sale, with their controlling stakeholders seeking buyers amid a stagnant market. Golden Blue, the market leader with a 60% share, is targeting a 300 to 350 billion won ($239 million) valuation. Windsor Global, which holds 30% of the market, is aiming for a 230 billion won valuation. Drinks International, which has the distribution rights for the Imperial brand in South Korea, is seeking an 80 billion won valuation after buying the brand from Pernod Ricard for 60 billion won. However, all three are facing tepid investor interest due to valuation issues, and Golden Blue has denied reports of a sale.
South Korea’s crypto investor base exceeds 16 million
The number of cryptocurrency investors in South Korea has surpassed 16 million, driven by renewed market enthusiasm amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s pro-crypto stance. As of February 2025, accounts registered with the country’s five major crypto exchanges reached 16.29 million. Investor growth surged sharply after Trump’s election, with over 500,000 new accounts added in a single month. Of the 15.16 million investors whose gender and age were identifiable, men accounted for 10.13 million. By age group, investors in their 30s made up the largest segment at 4.51 million. Despite the growth, 12.6 million investors, or 83% of the total, held less than 1 million won ($750) in crypto assets.
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