On 29 January 2026, the Korean National Assembly passed an amendment introducing statutory attorney-client privilege, granting attorneys and clients the right to protect confidential legal communications and related materials. The amendment is expected to meaningfully affect tax audits, investigations, and appeals by offering stronger protection against broad document requests and the use of privileged materials.

A recent memorandum from Attorney General Pam Bondi signals a potential shift in the Department of Justice’s FCPA enforcement priorities. According to the memorandum, FCPA enforcement should prioritize foreign bribery linked to Cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs), potentially altering the landscape of white-collar corporate enforcement. While traditional FCPA cases will likely continue, the new directive grants local US Attorneys’ Offices greater latitude in conducting FCPA investigations touching on Cartels and TCOs.