South Korea

Joongang Ilbo | English | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | North Korea

North Korea's ruling Workers’ Party held an expanded plenary meeting of its 8th Central Committee on December 9, 2025, with leader Kim Jong-un in attendance. The session marked the beginning of a politically significant period leading up to the party's forthcoming ninth congress, expected in January or February 2026. The plenary approved discussing five agenda items, including reviewing the implementation of party and state policies for 2025 and preparations for the congress.

Traditionally held at the year's end, the earlier timing of this plenary suggests a shift in focus toward the upcoming party congress, where Kim is expected to present a new five-year plan and strengthen his authority, possibly by adopting "Kimjongunism" as a guiding ideology and restoring the state presidency. Experts believe the congress will emphasize defining Kim’s political era and solidify the ideological foundation of his long-term rule.

The Rodong Sinmun also revealed the return of Ri Il-hwan, the party’s propaganda secretary, to the leadership podium after nearly a year of absence, indicating his reinstatement. Ri was seated among top officials, including Kim Jong-un and other key leaders. The meeting sets the stage for a critical period in North Korea’s internal political landscape as it gears up for the ninth party congress.

Yonhap | English | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | Corporate Corruption or Fraud

The South Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources announced the official end of mediation between Oxy Reckitt Benckiser and victims of the toxic humidifier disinfectant scandal, as no settlement was reached in an ongoing appeal case. Mediation efforts were led by the National Contact Point (NCP) for Responsible Business Conduct, a government body implementing OECD guidelines for multinational enterprises. The NCP has made three attempts to facilitate a settlement after individual consumers requested additional relief measures for victims whose injuries were not covered under the existing damage classification system.

The humidifier disinfectant scandal is considered one of South Korea's worst consumer product disasters, with Oxy, a Korean subsidiary of the British company Reckitt Benckiser, held responsible for selling products linked to deaths and illnesses starting in 2011. By 2023, 5,691 people were eligible for government-backed compensation, including 1,262 fatalities. Oxy maintains it cannot provide further compensation, having completed settlements and paid into a government-managed relief fund.

The NCP criticized Oxy for insufficient efforts to verify product safety and for making false safety claims. It urged the company to improve its internal policies, strengthen communication with victims outside the existing injury classification, and participate in the environment ministry-led relief efforts. The NCP also recommended that Oxy’s headquarters in Britain engage in these processes and submit a progress report within one year.

“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.