South Korea

“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.

금융보안원 "연이은 해킹, 디지털 혁신만큼 AI·제로트러스트 중요"

Digital Daily | Local Language | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | Cyber Attacks and Data Loss

Park Sang-won, president of the Financial Security Institute, emphasized the critical need to strengthen AI technology frameworks and implement zero-trust security strategies to prevent large-scale security incidents in the financial sector. Speaking at the "Financial IT Innovation" event in Seoul on December 11, 2025, he asserted that the importance of security has grown to equal that of digital innovation, urging financial companies to continuously develop new security systems.

Financial authorities are shifting from rule-based regulations to principle-centered security frameworks, encouraging firms to build autonomous security environments. Park highlighted that with the government's move to relax network separation regulations, financial companies should focus on constructing updated security frameworks beyond traditional network separation.

AI is highlighted as a vital strategy to address evolving security challenges. The Financial Security Institute is supporting financial companies by providing AI security assessments and performance verification metrics. Park also noted ongoing preparations of unique AI guidelines for the financial sector in collaboration with financial authorities, driven by the AI Innovation Act.

Zero trust, which assumes threats arise both externally and internally, was underscored as essential following recent hacking incidents. The Institute is working with financial companies through consultative bodies to implement zero trust and is exploring models for export and overseas trends.

Park forecasted that as AI integration advances in financial services, leading to complex interconnections and innovation, security will become increasingly crucial. He described this shift as moving beyond digitalization toward AI-based reconfiguration, necessitating stronger security measures.

Yonhap | English | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | Epidemics and Pandemics

South Korea reported two additional cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza on December 10, 2025, bringing the total number of infections at poultry farms this season to 10. The new infections were confirmed at a layer chicken farm in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, and another in Anseong, Gyeonggi Province.

Agricultural authorities are implementing follow-up measures including entry controls, culling of affected poultry, and epidemiological investigations. The agriculture ministry has called on farms to strengthen quarantine measures to prevent further spread of the disease, particularly in the Gyeonggi and South Chungcheong provinces where multiple cases have been reported this season.

Disinfection efforts are underway near affected farms, including a duck farm in Yeongam County in the southwest, following an outbreak there on December 9, 2025.