A year-end column links three songs to three major Korean issues the author hopes will improve next year. First, debate over raising the retirement age to 65 has stalled amid political gridlock and labor‑management disagreement, making legislation unlikely this year. Second, despite repeated loan curbs (the 6·27 measures and tighter October rules limiting mortgage loans, e.g., to 200 million won for homes over 2.5 billion won), Seoul housing—especially expensive Gangnam area properties—has continued to rise; the writer argues liquidity and supply issues mean contradictory policies won’t stabilize prices. Third, the trio of special prosecutors (so‑called 3대 특검 (three special investigations) into alleged crimes by former President Yoon Seok‑youl and his wife Kim Kun‑hee) is expected to continue into next year; the author wishes for complete trials and appropriate accountability to resolve past wrongs. The piece mixes political commentary with cultural references to Beatles, Rosé & PSY, and Elvis songs to frame hopes for better outcomes in 2026.
