South Korea

Yonhap | English | News | Dec. 2, 2025 | Political Scandal or Corruption

Ruling and opposition party officials in South Korea resumed talks on November 30, 2025, to resolve differences over contentious issues including next year’s budget and a parliamentary probe into the prosecution’s decision not to appeal a corruption case. Earlier discussions at the National Assembly failed to reach an agreement. Key items under negotiation include policy funds, local gift certificates, special activity expenses of the presidential office, education, taxes, and corporate tax rates.

The Democratic Party (DP) supports reversing corporate tax cuts made under the previous Yoon Suk Yeol administration, while the opposition People Power Party (PPP) opposes tax increases due to concerns about business impacts. Another major point of contention is a parliamentary investigation into the prosecution's choice to forgo an appeal in a real estate development corruption case involving private asset management firms and former Mayor Lee Jae Myung. The parties face pressure to compromise, especially on the budget, with only two days remaining before the deadline for passing the 2026 budget.

인도네시아·태국·스리랑카 대홍수…사망자 800명 넘었다

Hankyung | Local Language | News | Dec. 2, 2025 | Natural Disasters

Heavy rains over the past week have caused severe flooding and landslides across Indonesia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, resulting in a death toll exceeding 800. Indonesia has been the hardest hit, with 442 deaths and 402 missing reported in three northern Sumatra provinces. The casualty figure rose sharply from 303 the previous day as rescue efforts continue amid difficult conditions due to damaged infrastructure. Approximately 297,000 people have lost their homes, and thousands remain injured. The government has deployed naval ships to transport relief supplies, and officials warn the death toll may rise as many bodies are still unaccounted for.

In southern Thailand, record-breaking rains have killed 170 people across eight provinces, with Songkhla province suffering the highest fatalities at 131. Flooding persists in some areas, slowing recovery. Power has been restored to around 80% of affected districts, while rescue operations continue to clear debris and search for missing persons. Approximately 3 million people in Thailand and 1.1 million in Indonesia have been impacted by the extreme weather.

Sri Lanka has also faced significant flooding and landslides, with 193 deaths and 228 people missing. The disaster has affected around 790,000 people, leaving 148,000 displaced in shelters and damaging over 20,000 homes. The government declared a state of emergency and has called for international help, with India sending helicopters, rescue teams, and relief supplies.

Experts attribute the widespread heavy rains and flooding to an unusual tropical storm near the Malacca Strait, noting that climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of such storms in Southeast Asia. This year’s monsoon season has brought unprecedented rainfall and damage compared to previous years.

Joongang Ilbo | English | News | Dec. 2, 2025 | North Korea

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un pledged new missions and strategic military assets for the Korean People's Army Air Force during an event commemorating its 80th anniversary on November 28, 2025. He emphasized the air force’s role in the country’s nuclear deterrence and modernization efforts, though he did not specify the exact new assets being deployed. Military sources suggest these assets likely include long-range air-to-ground missiles mounted on Su-25 aircraft.

Photos released show a missile resembling Germany’s Taurus KEPD 350 or Russia’s Kh‑59MK2 cruise missiles, capable of striking targets from beyond an adversary’s air defense range. Analysts believe North Korea aims to extend the operational reach of its aircraft through these long-range precision strike capabilities, potentially bypassing South Korean and U.S. air defense systems. Additionally, a new domestically produced air-to-air missile, similar to the German IRIS-T or China’s PL-12, was displayed on a MiG-29 fighter jet.

The event also unveiled two strategic reconnaissance drones, the Saetbyeol-4 and Saetbyeol-9, North Korea’s versions of the U.S. Global Hawk and Reaper drones respectively. Kim Jong-un highlighted the importance of countering reconnaissance and military provocations, referencing the unmanned aircraft operations over Pyongyang in late 2024. North Korea has not showcased any anti-drone weapons, but the leader stressed the need to repel espionage and incursions into its airspace with strong offensive and defensive measures.

Kim’s daughter Ju-ae attended the event, marking her first public appearance in about three months. The South Korean special counsel indicted former President Yoon Suk Yeol and others for espionage related to the drone incident near Pyongyang. North Korea’s foreign ministry released a strong statement condemning South Korean provocations following those incidents.