Politics
- The People Power Party demanded the Democratic Party withdraw its recommendations for Constitutional Court judge candidates.
- Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon urged the acting president to immediately initiate a special investigation into rebellion-related issues.
- U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Philip Goldberg met with ruling and opposition party leaders to discuss strengthening Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation and economic exchanges.
- People Power Party lawmakers Kim Dae-sik and Jo Jung-hoon were invited to attend Donald Trump’s inauguration ball on January 20, 2025.
- The Catholic Church was the first religious group to issue an apology and demand accountability over the December 3 martial law incident.
Economy
- Shinsegae Centum City Department Store in Busan became the first non-metropolitan department store to surpass annual sales of 2 trillion KRW.
- The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry reported an 86% employment rate for semiconductor training graduates, with plans to expand programs next year.
- Kakao Bank extended the exemption period for mortgage prepayment fees until June 2025.
- Gold and silver ETFs showed recent declines amid a strong dollar, following significant growth earlier this year.
- Asiana Airlines announced the supply of 9,000 mileage seats for the Gimpo-Jeju route in early 2025.
Society
- A woman in her 40s saved three lives through organ donation and provided hope to over 100 others.
- Government officials were caught embezzling public funds by falsifying documents for office supply purchases.
- Kim Na-young donated 100 million KRW of YouTube revenue to support single mothers.
- KT Hope Sharing Foundation awarded its Hope Sharing Award to a couple who practiced giving by repairing shoes.
- A multicultural child, Felicia, received heart surgery in Korea and aspires to become a doctor to help others.
Technology/IT
- NH Investment & Securities partnered with leading AI graduate schools to establish an AI-industry collaboration center.
- Nexon Games donated 10 million KRW for pediatric cancer treatment and conducted a blood donation campaign.
- Kakao Games’ “Path of Exile 2” ranked 11th in PC cafe popularity.
- Netmarble launched a new server, “Erzebet,” for Lineage 2 Revolution with substantial benefits for new players.
- Smilegate offered winter discounts for its open-world survival RPG, “If Sunset.”
Culture
- Stray Kids achieved their sixth No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart.
- Media N Art hosted an exhibition of Gustav Klimt’s artwork.
- Actress Kim Bu-seon sparked controversy with political remarks on her YouTube channel.
- Seoul National University Dental Hospital announced plans to globalize its specialized dental services for people with disabilities.
- Band DAY6 sold out their concert at Gocheok Sky Dome.
International
- Vietnam resumed construction on Ho Chi Minh City’s first subway line with funding support from Japan.
- A trend of single Chinese women wearing “fake baby bumps” for photoshoots gained attention.
- Turkish Airlines set a Guinness World Record as the airline serving the most countries worldwide.
- Reports emerged about the potential sale of The Washington Post, owned by Jeff Bezos.
- Donald Trump secured a $100 billion investment promise from Masayoshi Son.
Environment
- Hyundai Department Store collaborated with the fashion industry to tackle climate-change-induced challenges.
- NetEase Games addressed environmental pollution in its new game scenario, “Code: Purify.”
- Gangwon Province’s Yeongwol County launched “Solo Dining” certified restaurants for single travelers.
- Daeyeol Boiler worked to overcome European environmental regulations through innovation.
- The government introduced measures to adjust construction costs following failed bids for major national projects.
Real Estate/Construction
- Construction cost adjustments announced for major national projects, including Gadeokdo Airport.
- Jungheung Group held an awards ceremony for its outstanding partner companies.
- Lotte donated 7 billion KRW to support underprivileged youth and small business owners.
- Re-bidding commenced for large-scale infrastructure projects like Seoul’s underground drainage tunnels.
- New public rental housing projects set to break ground in the first half of next year.
Health/Medical
- SK Bioscience signed a joint development agreement with Sanofi for a next-generation pneumococcal vaccine.
- Kyobo Life Insurance launched a health insurance product that provides lifetime coverage for dementia and caregiving.
- Ceragem introduced the “Pause M8” full-body massage chair.
- Seoul National University Dental Hospital aims to globalize its disability-focused dental services.
- Nine-year-old Felicia shared her dream of becoming a doctor after receiving life-saving heart surgery in Korea.
Gaming
- Nexon hosted various game events to celebrate its 30th anniversary.
- Com2uS launched global pre-registration for its new title, “Summoners War: Rush.”
- Kakao Games’ “Path of Exile 2” gained popularity in PC cafes.
- Nexon Games supported pediatric cancer patients with donations and blood donation campaigns.
- “Mabinogi” introduced new storylines and NPCs with its winter update.
Travel/Leisure
- Japan’s Hoshino Resorts launched winter promotions targeting tourists.
- Hanwha Resorts offered up to 56% discounts on winter packages.
- Air Seoul held special promotions to attract budget travelers to Japan.
- Lahan Hotel partnered with Mokpo youth for local travel packages.
- Mode Tour promoted Southeast Asia and Japan travel deals for the Lunar New Year holiday.
Finance
- NH Amundi Asset Management reported a 90% annual return for its generative AI ETF.
- Kakao Bank extended its mortgage prepayment fee exemption.
- Gold and silver ETFs experienced a downturn due to a strong dollar.
- NH Investment & Securities partnered with Seoul National University and KAIST for AI research.
- Korea Investment Trust Management announced a 37% three-month return on its K-pop ETF.