Top headlines in major S. Korean newspapers

South Korean newspapers published their top headlines on August 18, 2021. In Korean-language dailies, the ruling party emphasized the need for closer communication with Cheong Wa Dae, and Kim Min-seok was elected as the new leader by the Kim Min-seok-elected new leader (Kyunghyang Shinmun). Another major story in Kyunghyang Shinmun reported that Trump's order to substantially reduce joint military exercises signaled a dialogue overture to Kim Jong-un.

In Donga Ilbo and Seoul Shinmun, the ruling party's new leader Kim Min-sek vowed to maintain close cooperation between the party and Cheong Wa Dae. Kim Min-sek was also elected as the new leader of the Democratic Party in Seoul Shinmun and Chosun Ilbo.

English-language dailies covered the same developments. The Korea Herald reported on downpours, floods, and landslides in southeastern Korea. The Korea Times covered the news of Kim Min-seok's election as the new leader of the ruling party.

The Blue House was set to serve as a pacemaker for the nation's affairs. Kim Min-seok, a close aide to President Lee, was elected as the Democratic Party's new leader in the Korea JoongAng Daily. The Maeil Business Newspaper announced the government's plan to construct youth housing on the Yongsan Children's Garden site.