South Korea

Joongang Ilbo | English | News | Oct. 14, 2025 | North Korea

North Korea held a late-night military parade on October 10, 2025, in Pyongyang’s Kim Il Sung Square to mark the 80th anniversary of the ruling Workers’ Party. The parade showcased Pyongyang’s latest military advancements, including the newly revealed Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and hypersonic short-range missiles like the Hwasong-11Ma. The display emphasized North Korea’s capability to strike targets in both the United States and South Korea, signaling an increased strategic threat.

The Hwasong-20 ICBM, described as a powerful nuclear weapon system, was presented on an 11-axle mobile launcher. Analysts suggest North Korea might be developing multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs) for this missile to bypass U.S. defenses, although the system is likely still in development. The parade also featured strategic cruise missiles from the “Hwasal” series, capable of targeting U.S. assets in the region, and hypersonic glide vehicles designed for enhanced range and maneuverability, comparable in design to Russian and Chinese weapons.

In addition to strategic missile advancements, North Korea displayed modernized conventional weapons, including upgraded tanks, self-propelled howitzers, and a new multiple launch rocket system reminiscent of South Korean and U.S. artillery. A loitering munition drone similar to Israel’s Harop also debuted, reflecting Kim Jong-un’s directive to expand unmanned aerial systems. Analysts interpret the comprehensive weapons display as part of North Korea’s broader effort to project military confidence and strengthen its diplomatic bargaining position amid ongoing international isolation.

Notable foreign dignitaries, including China’s Premier Li Qiang and Russia’s Dmitry Medvedev, attended the parade, indicating continued support from key allies. Kim Jong-un did not directly name adversaries in his speech but emphasized containing threats since the party’s founding. Kim’s daughter, Kim Ju-ae, was absent from the event, having last appeared publicly in China one month prior.

Chosun Ilbo | English | News | Oct. 14, 2025 | UndeterminedDemographics

The population aged 70 and above in Korea has surpassed those in their 20s for the first time in history, reflecting accelerating low birth rates and aging. The 70+ demographic reached 6,543,000 in 2024, exceeding the 20s population of 6,302,000. Korea entered a super-aged society last year, with 20% of the population aged 65 or older.

Elderly individuals are becoming major consumers, with total consumption by those aged 65 and above hitting a record 243.8 trillion Korean won in 2023, a 12% increase from the previous year. This growth rate is twice that of the working-age population. Private consumption among the elderly rose 14.9%, driven by spending on leisure, culture, and dining out rather than medical expenses. Active seniors investing in quality-of-life improvements are shifting market dynamics.

Although most elderly are retired and have limited labor income, their consumption is supported by real estate and financial assets accumulated over their lifetimes. Private asset allocation among those 65 and older reached 4.93 trillion Korean won in 2023, the highest ever, with over 85% of household assets in real estate. Consequently, individuals aged 60 and above contribute disproportionately to comprehensive real estate tax, accounting for 57% of payments last year.

Experts note that the rise of the elderly as main consumers and taxpayers reshapes Korea’s economic landscape amid demographic shifts. With a shrinking population of young adults and scarce jobs, the asset-rich elderly are becoming the economic backbone, exacerbating intergenerational economic disparities.

트럼프 “푸틴에 ‘우크라 토마호크 지원’ 경고할수도”…러 “극단적 우려”

Maekyung | Local Language | News | Oct. 14, 2025 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that he may supply Ukraine with Tomahawk long-range cruise missiles, which have a range of 2,500 km and could potentially strike Moscow from Ukrainian territory. He made these remarks on October 12 while en route to Israel, stating that if the war in Ukraine does not get settled, he plans to send the "incredibly" and "very aggressive" Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine.

This is the first time President Trump has publicly suggested providing Tomahawks to Ukraine, following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's earlier request for the missiles. Currently, the U.S. has supplied Ukraine with shorter-range ATACMS missiles (about 300 km), and European countries have provided Storm Shadow missiles with a range of 250 km. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance confirmed the Trump administration is reviewing Ukraine’s request, with the final decision resting with President Trump.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed serious concern about the potential delivery of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, warning on October 2 that such a move could cause a "completely new and qualitatively new level of deterioration" in Russia-U.S. relations.