Politics
- Yoon Suk-yeol’s Martial Law Controversy: President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law but revoked it within six hours. This has drawn domestic and international criticism for undermining democracy. The National Assembly swiftly passed a resolution to revoke the law, but political aftershocks continue.
- Opposition Parties Preparing for Impeachment Vote: Six opposition parties are gearing up to vote on President Yoon’s impeachment, with debates intensifying between supporters and opponents.
- Domestic and International Reactions: Medical and religious sectors strongly opposed the martial law declaration, while the U.S., EU, and Japan expressed significant interest.
Economy
- Domestic Stock Market Weakens: The martial law incident caused a market slump, though some thematic stocks surged dramatically.
- Mastern Investment Management for Sale: The second-largest real estate investment firm in Korea is now up for acquisition.
- Stock Buybacks by Celltrion and Hanwha: Celltrion (₩562.9 billion) and Hanwha (₩10.4 billion) announced major stock buyback plans to enhance shareholder value.
Industry
- Hyundai and Kia’s Success in the U.S.: Hyundai and Kia achieved record-breaking sales in the U.S. despite weak domestic demand.
- Recycling Technology for Tire Molds: Hankook Tire & Technology is developing a recycling technology for discarded tire molds.
- Samsung’s AI Appliance Partnership: Samsung offers travel discounts to AI Subscription Club customers who purchase home appliances.
Real Estate/Construction
- Yongsan Development Projects: The Yongsan Electronics District will be transformed into a complex featuring public housing and high-tech facilities.
- Reconstruction of Yongsan Asia Apartment: Plans announced to redevelop the complex into a 36-story residential building.
International
- China Pushes Semiconductor Independence: Following U.S. sanctions, China encourages increased use of domestic semiconductors.
- Tokyo Introduces Four-Day Work Week for Officials: Tokyo to implement an optional four-day work week for government employees starting next year.
Technology/IT
- Meta Opts for Nuclear Energy: Meta shifts to nuclear power as a sustainable energy alternative for its data centers.
- Netflix Announces Cooking Survival Show Season 2: Netflix begins casting for Season 2 of its popular cooking competition show.
Gaming
- LCK Photography Exhibition: League of Legends Champions Korea to host a photography exhibition celebrating major achievements.
- Cookie Run: Kingdom Holiday Update: Cookie Run adds new cookies and combat features in its holiday-themed update.
- Blue Archive Introduces New Character: Blue Archive launches a summer-themed story and a new character update.
Environment/Health
- Carbon Neutrality Discussions: The Central Green Environment Support Center holds talks on long-term solutions for climate and environmental issues.
- WE Hotel Christmas Dinner Event: WE Hotel Jeju prepares a festive Christmas Eve dinner buffet.
Culture
- Seoul Chamber Society Performance: Scheduled for December 17, with the theme “Music Born of Solitude.”
- Pioneer in Korean Musical Theater: Actor Nam Kyung-joo’s 40-year career highlighted for contributions to popularizing musicals.
- Korean Fermentation Culture Recognized by UNESCO: Korea’s traditional sauce fermentation culture added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Weather
- Partly Cloudy Nationwide: Light snow or rain expected in some areas during the morning. Daytime highs range from 2°C to 11°C, with chilly conditions forecast.