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South Koreans searching Google on Oct. 18, 2026, focused on a widening political fight, postseason baseball and disruptions caused by heavy rain and strong winds, according to Google Trends’ real-time list.
The ranking reflects the order of Google’s trending list rather than a strict comparison of search volume. That is why the No. 2 term had an estimated 100-plus searches while several lower-ranked terms exceeded 1,000.
Chief justice leads political searches
Cho Hee-dae, chief justice of South Korea’s Supreme Court since December 2023, ranked first with more than 5,000 searches as political parties clashed over calls for his impeachment.
The Democratic Party said it was considering options that could include impeachment and an investigation but had not decided whether to proceed. Cho Kuk, who leads a policy institute affiliated with the Rebuilding Korea Party, urged the Democrats to set an impeachment timetable. Former politician Hong Joon-pyo argued that suspending proceedings through impeachment could allow former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s detention period to expire, potentially leading to his release.
The conservative People Power Party said it would use every available means to block impeachment. The dispute was also expected to dominate a parliamentary audit involving the National Assembly’s legislation and judiciary committee.
Baseball and cricket draw interest
KIA Tigers outfielder Kim Ho-ryeong ranked second after his team defeated the LG Twins 6-3 for its second straight win in the second game of a postseason series. Kim started in center field, and attention also centered on an unsuccessful stolen-base attempt. He is among the outfield candidates for the 2026 Golden Glove awards.
“Pak vs SL,” shorthand for a cricket match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, ranked third as the teams sought the right player combinations ahead of the World Cup.
Heavy rain disrupts flights and festival
“Aircraft” ranked fourth after downpours and strong winds flooded roads and toppled trees in Gyeonggi province and Incheon. At Incheon International Airport, 40 flights were canceled, 34 were delayed and nine were diverted because of poor weather.
Grand Mint Festival, commonly shortened in Korea to “GMF,” placed fifth. Severe weather forced organizers to cancel or temporarily suspend some outdoor performances at Seoul’s Olympic Park and offer full refunds for second-day tickets. Appearances by Bol4, Lee Seok-won and Roy Kim were left uncertain.
Industry, shopping and sports round out list
South Korea’s semiconductor industry placed sixth amid local government efforts to attract chip investment, including participation in the SEDEX industry exhibition in Seoul. A professional basketball matchup between Anyang Jung Kwan Jang and Busan KCC ranked seventh, while searches for the Yeosu Expo site placed eighth as the southern coastal city opened its October cultural celebration.
Shinsegae Group ranked ninth ahead of its major “SSG Day” shopping event beginning Oct. 30. Eighteen affiliates, including the E-Mart retail chain, were set to participate, with discounted Korean beef and limited-edition whiskey among the promoted items.
Dodgers player links trend to the U.S.
“MLB” completed the top 10 after South Korean player Kim Hye-seong expressed disappointment about his limited playing time with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Criticism of the interview by U.S. media helped drive search interest in Korea.
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