South Korea

Joongang Ilbo | English | News | Nov. 28, 2025 | North Korea

North Korea currently possesses an estimated 150 nuclear weapons, including between 115 and 131 uranium-based weapons and 15 to 19 plutonium bombs. This figure is significantly higher than international estimates of around 50 weapons. An analyst from the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses (KIDA), Lee Sang-kyu, projects that North Korea’s nuclear arsenal could expand to about 243 weapons by 2030 and may exceed 400 by 2040 as the country strengthens its nuclear material production capabilities.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has emphasized an exponential increase in the nuclear arsenal since a 2022 party meeting, reaffirming the policy in 2024 as part of efforts to deter threats. North Korea is also developing advanced weapons systems including nuclear-powered submarines. The country is constructing a 5,000 to 6,000-ton nuclear submarine and aims to develop a small reactor to power it, though this could take over a decade. There is speculation that Russia might provide technological assistance or key materials for the submarine project.

Kim Jong-un’s visit to a shipyard in March 2025 marked North Korea’s first official public confirmation of building a nuclear-powered submarine, signaling an expansion of its maritime defense capabilities. These efforts are part of broader strategic advancements alongside other sophisticated weapons such as spy satellites and solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles.

Korea Herald | English | News | Nov. 28, 2025 | Regulation

South Korea’s ruling Democratic Party has introduced a special bill to implement a $350 billion US investment pledge, aiming to secure a retroactive tariff cut on Korean automobiles and parts from 25 percent to 15 percent starting November 1. The bill, titled “Special Act on Managing Korea-US Strategic Investments,” was submitted to the National Assembly less than two weeks after a joint fact sheet and a memorandum of understanding were signed between South Korea and the US. The legislation establishes frameworks and procedures for strategic investments, including the creation of a Korea-US strategic investment fund and a temporary corporation to manage it.

The bill requires that investments stay within an annual remittance cap of $20 billion out of the $200 billion pledged for US strategic sectors, ensures projects recommended by the US are “commercially reasonable,” and encourages priority for Korean vendors and personnel where possible. The legislation covers both the $200 billion in US strategic sector investments and a $150 billion commitment to the US shipbuilding industry. South Korean economic officials have emphasized the strategic importance of the investment for the country’s future growth and global economic positioning, while the Ministry of Economy and Finance noted the bill eases uncertainty for Korean exporters.

Opposition lawmakers from the People Power Party have criticized the bill for its structural flaws, warning it could place a financial burden on taxpayers due to a provision requiring the government to cover any investment losses. They also challenged the vague standard of “commercially reasonable,” defined by the US Investment Committee’s good faith, and expressed concern over weakened requirements for Korean project management. The opposition is calling for full National Assembly ratification of the US investment plan, citing constitutional provisions requiring legislative consent for treaties imposing significant financial obligations. The ruling party, however, is pushing forward without a set timetable for deliberation, hoping for bipartisan cooperation to pass a more comprehensive bill.

Experts remain divided on whether the US investment arrangement requires legislative ratification. Some argue that ratification could limit South Korea’s negotiating flexibility and that the National Assembly’s role should focus on oversight rather than a binding approval process. The Lee administration has warned that ratifying the memorandum could tie South Korea to unfavorable clauses, such as the revenue-sharing formula with the US, potentially undermining the country’s interests.

최소 34명 사망·2.7만명 대피…태국·말레이 홍수로 몸살

Maekyung | Local Language | News | Nov. 28, 2025 | Extreme Weather Events

Floods in southern Thailand and Malaysia have resulted in at least 34 deaths and the evacuation of over 27,000 people. In Thailand, 33 fatalities occurred across seven southern provinces due to drowning and electrocution following heavy rains that started at the end of the previous week. Rescue operations are underway using boats, jet skis, military trucks, aircraft carriers, and helicopters to assist stranded residents and tourists. A state of emergency has been declared in Songkhla province, where feeding centers are providing up to 20,000 food boxes daily.

In Malaysia, significant flooding has affected eight states, with one death reported in Kelantan. More than 27,000 people have been relocated to temporary shelters as the Malaysian Meteorological Department forecasts continued rain and thunderstorms in the northern states of Perlis, Kedah, Penang, and Perak. The Malaysian Foreign Ministry is closely monitoring the situation, especially as thousands of Malaysian tourists remain stranded in southern Thailand.

Rainy seasons in both countries contribute to these annual flood risks: Thailand's monsoon season peaks from June to September, while Malaysia's northeast monsoon brings heavy rains from November to March. Scientists warn that such extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and unpredictable due to climate change.