South Korea

이번에는 '짱구'에 불통 뛴 중·일 갈등…"日 영화 상영 중단"

Hankyung | Local Language | News | Nov. 19, 2025 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks on a possible Japan intervention in a Taiwan contingency have triggered a significant backlash in China, leading to restrictions on Japanese cultural imports, including the suspension of Japanese film screenings. Chinese authorities and distributors decided to halt the release of several Japanese movies, notably "Crayon Shin-chan: Super Gorgeous! The Blazing Sapling Village Dancers" and "Cells at Work," citing unfavorable market conditions and negative public sentiment following Takaichi's comments.

State-run China Central Television (CCTV) reported that after the remarks, box office revenues for Japanese films, including the recent release of "Demon Slayer: Muhanseong-hen," sharply declined. Chinese distributors and importers expressed concerns that Japan’s provocative statements were influencing audience reception and chose to suspend upcoming Japanese film showings out of respect for the market and viewers. Additionally, China has issued advisories discouraging travel and study in Japan, framing Japan as a public safety concern.

The tension follows Takaichi’s unprecedented statement in the Japanese House of Representatives that a Taiwan contingency could threaten Japan’s survival and justify collective self-defense. China has strongly protested and escalated diplomatic pressure, warning of further measures if Takaichi does not retract her remarks. Analysts highlight that while China may intensify economic pressures, such as controls on rare earth exports critical to Japanese industries, Takaichi is unlikely to back down due to her strong domestic political standing.

Observers suggest that a reconciliation between China and Japan may occur after a cooling-off period, as seen in past disputes, but Japan is expected to face ongoing diplomatic and economic risks in the interim. The situation remains precarious, with potential for further escalation involving strategic economic resources controlled by China.

Joongang Ilbo | English | News | Nov. 19, 2025 | Corporate Corruption or Fraud

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in South Korea reported potentially uncovering 290 illegal housing transactions by foreigners. These findings stem from an analysis of 438 housing deals involving foreign buyers between June 2024 and May 2025, revealing irregularities in 210 transactions. Suspected violations include false transaction reports, illicit gifting, illegal overseas funds, misuse of trusts, unauthorized loans, and running rental businesses without proper qualifications.

The majority of cases involved buyers from China (125 cases), followed by the United States (78), Australia (21), and Canada (14). Specific instances cited include a buyer registering family members as tenants under a large jeonse deposit contract and borrowing from them, raising concerns over related-party transactions. Another case involves a foreigner on a working visa operating an unauthorized rental business in Incheon, which is under investigation for illegal rental income.

Current laws impose severe penalties for such violations, with prison sentences up to five years and fines reaching 200 million won for offenses like falsified registrations and misuse of trusts. Unauthorized rental operations can result in up to three years imprisonment or fines of 30 million won. The government plans to enhance penalties and enforcement measures, with further actions to be determined in upcoming meetings. Investigations into suspicious foreign transactions involving nonresidential properties and land are expected to conclude by the end of 2025.

Yonhap | English | News | Nov. 19, 2025 | Regulation

Starting in 2026, South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources will begin issuing regular reports on foreign trade barriers to better address policies negatively impacting South Korean companies. This initiative was announced at a public-private conference involving government officials and representatives from key industries such as batteries, steel, and biopharmaceuticals.

The forthcoming reports will resemble the U.S. Trade Representative's National Trade Estimate (NTE) Report on Foreign Trade Barriers. The move follows a recent trade agreement between Seoul and Washington, which includes commitments to tackle various trade obstacles, including issues related to Seoul's regulations on digital services and automobile imports.

The ministry plans to develop a database cataloging foreign trade barriers encountered by Korean firms abroad and analyze their effects. This effort aims to foster a more favorable overseas business environment for domestic industries. Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo emphasized the need for proactive trade policies in response to evolving global trade dynamics despite the recent U.S.-Korea trade negotiations.