South Korea

Yonhap | English | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

South Korea's Second Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jina arrived in Washington on December 10, 2025, to urge the United States to swiftly implement an agreement enabling South Korea to enrich uranium and reprocess spent nuclear fuel for peaceful purposes. This request follows a prior agreement between the two countries, and Kim emphasized the need to start substantive discussions by assigning South Korea's counterpart in the process.

The upcoming 10th Senior Economic Dialogue (SED) between Kim and U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg will focus on enhancing bilateral economic and industrial cooperation. Topics expected to be covered include shipbuilding, energy, cutting-edge technologies, critical minerals, and small modular reactors. However, the issue of South Korea's ambition to build nuclear-powered submarines will not be discussed during the SED, as it is considered a military matter slated for separate talks involving South Korea's National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac.

The backdrop to this diplomatic activity includes a November 13 joint fact sheet where the U.S. expressed support for South Korea's civil nuclear fuel cycle activities, marking a departure from previous restrictions under the bilateral nuclear energy pact. South Korea is seen as an important partner in the U.S.'s broader "nuclear energy renaissance," with cooperation anticipated to benefit both nations. After the SED, Kim will represent South Korea at the "Pax Silica" artificial intelligence summit later in the week.

Joongang Ilbo | English | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | North Korea

North Korea's ruling Workers’ Party held an expanded plenary meeting of its 8th Central Committee on December 9, 2025, with leader Kim Jong-un in attendance. The session marked the beginning of a politically significant period leading up to the party's forthcoming ninth congress, expected in January or February 2026. The plenary approved discussing five agenda items, including reviewing the implementation of party and state policies for 2025 and preparations for the congress.

Traditionally held at the year's end, the earlier timing of this plenary suggests a shift in focus toward the upcoming party congress, where Kim is expected to present a new five-year plan and strengthen his authority, possibly by adopting "Kimjongunism" as a guiding ideology and restoring the state presidency. Experts believe the congress will emphasize defining Kim’s political era and solidify the ideological foundation of his long-term rule.

The Rodong Sinmun also revealed the return of Ri Il-hwan, the party’s propaganda secretary, to the leadership podium after nearly a year of absence, indicating his reinstatement. Ri was seated among top officials, including Kim Jong-un and other key leaders. The meeting sets the stage for a critical period in North Korea’s internal political landscape as it gears up for the ninth party congress.

Yonhap | English | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | Epidemics and Pandemics

South Korea reported two additional cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza on December 10, 2025, bringing the total number of infections at poultry farms this season to 10. The new infections were confirmed at a layer chicken farm in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, and another in Anseong, Gyeonggi Province.

Agricultural authorities are implementing follow-up measures including entry controls, culling of affected poultry, and epidemiological investigations. The agriculture ministry has called on farms to strengthen quarantine measures to prevent further spread of the disease, particularly in the Gyeonggi and South Chungcheong provinces where multiple cases have been reported this season.

Disinfection efforts are underway near affected farms, including a duck farm in Yeongam County in the southwest, following an outbreak there on December 9, 2025.