South Korea

Yonhap | English | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | North Korea

Senator Andy Kim, a Korean American lawmaker from New Jersey, expressed serious concerns over the recent U.S. National Security Strategy (NSS) for its "deprioritization" of the Korean Peninsula. He criticized the strategy for omitting a U.S. commitment to North Korea's denuclearization and for failing to recognize Russia as a threat, warning that such omissions could lead the U.S. and its allies "down a very dangerous path." Kim argued the strategy effectively reduces America's global role to that of a regional power, which he believes is the wrong direction for U.S. national security.

The NSS, released by the Trump administration, prioritizes reasserting American influence in the Western Hemisphere, deterring conflict over Taiwan, and promoting burden-sharing with allies. Regarding concerns about a possible U.S. troop reduction in South Korea, Kim highlighted the fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes measures to prevent unilateral withdrawal of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) personnel. The House has passed the NDAA, and the Senate is expected to approve it, after which it will require the President's signature to become law.

Kim emphasized that decisions about troop levels should involve consultation with South Korea, underscoring the importance of partnership and strategic alliance. He pledged strong opposition to any efforts by the current administration to reduce U.S. forces in South Korea without allied and congressional agreement. Recently, U.S.-South Korea joint documents omitted language committing to maintaining the current 28,500 USFK troop level, raising concerns over potential future reductions.

The press conference marked one year since Kim became the first Korean American senator, a milestone that raised hopes for his influential role in supporting the Korean American community, strengthening the Seoul-Washington alliance, and addressing North Korea's nuclear threat. Kim's extensive foreign policy background includes service at the National Security Council, Pentagon, State Department, USAID, and advisory roles to top generals in Afghanistan.

"한일 정상회담, 日나라 고찰서 개최 조율…아베 피격 장소 헌화도 검토"

Hankyung | Local Language | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

President Lee Jae-myung of South Korea and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi are coordinating a summit to be held in Nara City, Japan, around January 13–14, 2026. The leaders plan to hold talks and a dinner in Nara, which is Takaichi’s birthplace and electoral district, and a former ancient capital of Japan.

The historic temple Tōdai-ji, known for its Great Buddha statue and cultural ties to the Korean kingdom of Baekje, is being considered as the venue for the summit. There is also a proposed visit to the site near Yamato-Saidaiji Station in Nara City, where former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated in 2022, to lay flowers. Takaichi, a hardline conservative, is known to pursue Abe’s political line.

Following their first meeting at the October 30 APEC summit in Gyeongju, President Lee expressed interest in visiting Nara Prefecture, which Takaichi supported. This will be Lee’s first visit to Japan since Takaichi took office.

The summit's location in a regional area like Nara is expected to create a more intimate atmosphere by omitting formal ceremonies. Japan aims to reaffirm cooperation with South Korea amid deteriorating relations with China and continue improving bilateral ties.

Bae, Kim & Lee LLC | English | AcademicThink | Dec. 12, 2025 | Regulation

The Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) has amended its Consumer Protection Guidelines in Electronic Commerce Transactions, effective October 24, 2025. The amendments establish detailed standards and recommendations concerning regulations on six types of online dark patterns under the Act on Consumer Protection in Electronic Commerce. These include hidden renewal, drip pricing, pre-selected options, false hierarchy structures, obstructing cancellation or withdrawal, and nagging.

The amended Guidelines clarify that businesses must obtain explicit consumer consent at least 30 days prior to increasing recurring payments or converting free trials to paid services. They define the initial price display page and the total mandatory price, which must include all compulsory fees but exclude optional or circumstance-specific costs. The Guidelines provide concrete examples of prohibited practices relating to pre-selected options, false hierarchy, obstructing cancellation, and nagging to enhance clarity and market predictability.

Recommendations within the Guidelines advise businesses to clearly disclose pricing conditions, notify consumers of possible additional charges from optional selections, ensure consumers can decline these options, and prominently display cancellation or withdrawal buttons. These changes signal the KFTC's intent to strengthen enforcement against dark patterns, urging businesses to review and comply with the updated regulations to avoid violations.