Politics

• Kweon Seong-dong Elected People Power Party Floor Leader: Kweon Seong-dong emphasized party unity and collaboration with party leader Han Dong-hoon, stating that impeachment discussions will be held during the general assembly.
• President Yoon’s Public Address: President Yoon Suk-yeol cited vulnerabilities in the National Election Commission’s system as justification for declaring martial law, calling for trust restoration in elections and defense system inspections.
• Park Ji-won Demands Arrest: Democratic Party member Park Ji-won strongly opposed President Yoon’s address and called for his immediate arrest.
• Impeachment Vote Absenteeism: Public backlash grew over some People Power Party members skipping the impeachment vote, with criticism spreading online.
• Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon’s Position Shift: Mayor Oh Se-hoon reversed his stance, expressing support for President Yoon’s impeachment.

Society

• Community Child Centers’ Social Contributions: Hygiene education and supply projects were launched to help children develop better hygiene habits in community child centers and kindergartens.
• Northern Seoul Station Development: Plans for an international convention center and hotel near Seoul Station were announced.
• Heavy Snowfall Advisory in Gangwon: The Gangwon region issued a heavy snow warning with additional alerts for dense fog and dry weather conditions.
• Local Festival Struggles: Regional festivals and winter resort bookings suffered cancellations due to abnormal weather and political instability.

Economy

• Foreign Investors’ Net Outflows: Over 4 trillion KRW was pulled out of the Korean stock market by foreign investors last month.
• POSCO Future M Technology Localization: POSCO achieved the localization of electrode rod manufacturing technology, reducing reliance on imports.
• Shinsegae Duty-Free Partnership: Shinsegae Duty-Free formed a strategic alliance with Marriott International.
• US Consumer Price Stability: Bitcoin surpassed $100,000 as the US consumer price index stabilized.
• DN Solutions Export Milestone: DN Solutions celebrated 8 billion USD in export achievements.
• Korea Investment Management Growth: Overseas equity ETFs surpassed 1 trillion KRW in net assets.

Technology/IT

• LG Electronics Ventures Into EdTech: LG Electronics announced its entry into the EdTech market, focusing on interactive whiteboards.
• Blizzard Launches Warcraft Rumble Beta: Blizzard began PC beta testing for Warcraft Rumble with crossplay support.
• Cyworld’s Comeback: Cyworld rebrands as a nostalgic SNS with plans for mobile-friendly services.
• AI Marketing Solution by RocketTools: RocketTools launched “RocketAd,” an AI-powered ad optimization solution to reduce advertising costs.
• EU Plans AI Factory: The European Union revealed plans for a supercomputer-based AI factory for training and development.
• Korea Digital Advertising Award: EMCG won the Korea Digital Advertising Association’s top award.

International

• Lisa Su Named CEO of the Year: AMD CEO Lisa Su was recognized as Time’s CEO of the Year.
• Japan’s Soaring Apartment Prices: New apartment prices in Japan surged, with Tokyo units costing up to 18 times the average annual salary.
• Volvo Partners with Nobel Prize: Volvo Cars joined as an official partner of the Nobel Prize, providing ceremonial vehicles.
• Elton John Criticizes Marijuana Legalization: Elton John condemned the legalization of marijuana in parts of the US and Canada.
• EU Strengthens Climate Initiatives: The EU expanded its funding and research for eco-friendly technology to combat climate change.
• China’s Economic Recovery Efforts: China boosted investments in real estate and manufacturing to stimulate economic recovery.

Real Estate/Construction

• Decreased Unsold Homes in Key Areas: Unsold homes dropped in regions like North Gyeongsang and South Chungcheong provinces, contrary to nationwide trends.
• Jamsil Redevelopment Plan: Seoul reclassified the Jamsil apartment area for district planning, adjusting building coverage and floor area ratios.
• Expanded Urban Renewal Loans: Urban renewal loans now cover larger projects with more flexible floor area requirements.
• North Seoul MICE Center: Construction began on a new MICE facility in northern Seoul, dubbed “Gangbuk’s COEX.”
• Rising Popularity of Remodeling: Remodeling gained attention as a sustainable housing alternative, emphasizing advanced demolition and dismantling techniques.
• Undergrounding of the Gyeongbu Line: Seven local governments proposed making the Gyeongbu Line an underground national flagship project.

Culture

• Han Kang Wins Nobel Prize in Literature: Han Kang attended the Nobel Banquet, elevating the global status of Korean literature.
• ‘Seoul Spring’ Tops Netflix: The film “Seoul Spring,” set in a martial law period, surged to the top of Netflix’s movie charts.
• Nexon Opens Playground: Nexon inaugurated a public children’s playground in Seongnam.
• Kim Soo-mi’s Diary Published: The late actress Kim Soo-mi’s diaries detailing struggles with extreme stress and panic attacks were published.
• AI and Art Integration: Veteran actress Na Moon-hee’s transformation into an AI-powered character sparked artistic innovation.

Sports

• Sports Industry Development Support: The Korea Sports Promotion Foundation highlighted digital innovation in supporting the sports industry.
• Yang Joon-hyuk Welcomes Daughter: Former pro baseball player Yang Joon-hyuk announced the birth of his daughter at 55.
• Local Sports Activation: Gyeonggi Province improved local sports facilities and encouraged community participation.
• Support for Sports Startups: Initiatives to foster sports tech startups connecting technology and entrepreneurship gained momentum.
• Preparation for International Competitions: Korean sports organizations outlined plans to enhance performance ahead of major global events.
• Sports Tech Advancements: Innovations in digital solutions for training and health management expanded.