South Korea

“삿포로 눈보러 가야하는데”…7.5 강진에 멈칫, 흔들리는 여행객들

Maekyung | Local Language | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | Natural Disasters

A magnitude-7.5 earthquake struck off the coast of Aomori Prefecture, Japan, on the night of December 8, 2025, causing significant anxiety among Korean travelers planning trips to Japan. Despite Tokyo and Osaka being distant from the epicenter, concerns about aftershocks have led some travelers to consider postponing their plans. Although cancellation rates have not sharply increased, travel agencies report a noticeable rise in inquiries and steady cancellation requests from independent travelers driven by psychological anxiety. Flights and accommodations remain operational, with cancellation fees still in effect.

Communities and travelers are actively sharing practical advice for earthquake preparedness, emphasizing the "Drop, Cover, Hold On" method, following public transportation guidance, and moving to higher ground in case of tsunami warnings. Key preparedness steps include saving emergency shelters in maps apps, and using earthquake alert apps such as "Yurekuru Call" and "Yahoo Earthquake Information," alongside maintaining an emergency kit stocked with water, food, and flashlights.

The Japanese government has elevated alert levels following the quake, with the Japan Meteorological Agency issuing a "Hokkaido and Sanriku offshore subsequent earthquake advisory"—the first since the advisory system was introduced in December 2022. Officials noted that after a magnitude 7.0 or greater earthquake, the chance of an 8.0+ magnitude quake within a week is approximately 1 in 100, reflecting an increased likelihood compared to normal conditions.

The earthquake’s epicenter was located about 50 km deep in the sea off Aomori Prefecture, near Hachinohe City, which recorded a seismic intensity of upper 6 (6+), with neighboring areas like Oirase Town and Hashikami Town experiencing intensity lower 6 (6-). The quake caused no fatalities but injured around 30 people and resulted in property damage, including collapsed roads.

Korea Herald | English | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | Shifting Geopolitical Alliances

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi are planning a summit in mid-January in Nara, Japan. The talks are expected to take place around January 13-14, with the historic Todaiji Temple in Nara considered a possible venue. Nara Prefecture is Takaichi's home region.

This summit would be Lee's second visit to Japan during his tenure, following a trip to Tokyo in August where he met with Takaichi's predecessor. The leaders aim to maintain positive momentum in bilateral relations through ongoing "shuttle diplomacy," involving reciprocal visits.

Despite efforts to promote future-oriented cooperation, tensions persist due to territorial disputes. Lee's office recently reaffirmed South Korea's sovereignty over the Dokdo islets, rejecting Takaichi's renewed territorial claims. The summit will continue to address both cooperation and historical and territorial issues between the two nations.

Bae, Kim & Lee LLC | English | AcademicThink | Dec. 12, 2025 | Regulation

The Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) has amended its Consumer Protection Guidelines in Electronic Commerce Transactions, effective October 24, 2025. The amendments establish detailed standards and recommendations concerning regulations on six types of online dark patterns under the Act on Consumer Protection in Electronic Commerce. These include hidden renewal, drip pricing, pre-selected options, false hierarchy structures, obstructing cancellation or withdrawal, and nagging.

The amended Guidelines clarify that businesses must obtain explicit consumer consent at least 30 days prior to increasing recurring payments or converting free trials to paid services. They define the initial price display page and the total mandatory price, which must include all compulsory fees but exclude optional or circumstance-specific costs. The Guidelines provide concrete examples of prohibited practices relating to pre-selected options, false hierarchy, obstructing cancellation, and nagging to enhance clarity and market predictability.

Recommendations within the Guidelines advise businesses to clearly disclose pricing conditions, notify consumers of possible additional charges from optional selections, ensure consumers can decline these options, and prominently display cancellation or withdrawal buttons. These changes signal the KFTC's intent to strengthen enforcement against dark patterns, urging businesses to review and comply with the updated regulations to avoid violations.