South Korea

Joongang Ilbo | English | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | Communal and Religious Strife

President Lee Jae Myung has declared that any entity, including religious organizations, should be dissolved if found guilty of crimes or acts harmful to society. This statement is widely seen as an indirect targeting of the Unification Church amid allegations of the church's political interference, raising complex legal questions about the dissolution of religious foundations under Korean law. Lee emphasized that corporate bodies, including religious groups, can be legally dissolved if they commit serious violations, and instructed a strict investigation into illegal ties between religious groups and politicians regardless of political affiliation.

The remarks come amid a special prosecutor’s investigation into the Unification Church’s illegal political donations, including a 100 million won payment to a People Power Party (PPP) lawmaker, Rep. Kweon Seong-dong. The probe uncovered attempts by the church to influence PPP lawmakers and mass membership drives supporting a specific candidate. Allegations have also surfaced of the church’s financial links to the Democratic Party (DP), including the revelation that the church allegedly gave cash and gifts to two DP lawmakers. This has heightened political tensions, with both parties accusing each other of collusion and deflecting blame.

President Lee’s firm stance echoes his past confrontations with religious groups, such as the 2020 Shincheonji Church incident, suggesting a broader aim to enforce the separation of church and state and to challenge the longstanding alliances between conservative Protestant groups and the PPP. However, the prospect of actual dissolution proceedings remains uncertain given Korea’s legal framework, which involves administrative rather than judicial dissolution orders, likely leading to contentious legal battles and political fallout.

Lee also reiterated his commitment to reform despite inevitable resistance, aligning with ongoing judicial reform efforts pushed by his Democratic Party, including controversial bills aimed at prosecuting former President Yoon. His approach has drawn fierce criticism from the PPP, which accuses him of political threats and diversion tactics amid unfolding scandals. The situation continues to evolve amid heightened political and legal scrutiny over the influence of religious organizations in Korean politics.

Joongang Ilbo | English | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | UndeterminedTrade Issues and Numbers

Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo met with the newly appointed Indian Ambassador to Korea, Gourangalal Das, in Seoul on December 10, 2025, to discuss enhancing bilateral economic and trade cooperation. Both parties agreed on the importance of strengthening the foundation for expanding trade ties by improving and upgrading the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with plans to resume negotiations soon.

Yeo emphasized the need for India's support for Korean companies operating in India, which face nontariff barriers and other challenges. Currently, over 670 Korean firms, including Hyundai Motor and LG Electronics, operate in India. Yeo highlighted India as a key regional partner and expressed hope for deeper cooperation in sectors like shipbuilding and critical minerals.

Ambassador Das committed to actively advancing bilateral economic and trade cooperation during his tenure, signaling a positive outlook for future collaboration between South Korea and India.

“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.