Good Morning: weather is becoming more cold but Korean politics becoming more hot!

Markets

National

South Korean officials abandon efforts to arrest the impeached president following a stand-off.

South Korean investigators have called off their attempt to arrest President Yoon Suk Yeol after a tense stand-off at his residence in Seoul. Following his failed attempt to impose martial law last month, They sought his arrest as part of a probe into alleged treason and abuse of power.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) said the stand-off, which involved physical clashes between investigators and Yoon’s security forces, led them to halt the operation due to concerns for their investigators’ safety. Yoon’s security team, which outnumbered the investigators, blocked access with barricades, and some officers were reportedly armed, though no weapons were used. The CIO plans to ask acting President Choi Sang-mok to ensure cooperation from Yoon’s security.

Yoon’s legal team called the arrest attempt “illegal,” and his security service defended their actions as following legal procedures. Hundreds of Yoon’s supporters gathered outside his residence to protest. The president faces impeachment by parliament, but the Constitutional Court must approve the decision.

The CIO wants to question Yoon about possible insurrection after he allegedly sent troops to the National Assembly to prevent lawmakers from rejecting his martial law decree. The arrest warrant, which expires Monday, was issued after Yoon failed to respond to repeated summons.

Opposition leaders criticized the halt of the arrest attempt, urging the CIO to try again, while the ruling party called the action an abuse of power. Under South Korean law, the president is immune from prosecution unless accused of rebellion or treason.

On Friday, the Constitutional Court held a second hearing regarding Yoon’s impeachment, with a decision due by June. A presidential election must be held within 60 days if Yoon is removed.

Society

240 people were rescued from a fire at a shopping complex in Seongnam.

A fire broke out at an eight-story shopping complex in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, at 4:37 p.m. on Friday. Approximately 300 people were inside the building at the time, with around 240 rescued and 70 escaping on their own. About 130 people were affected by smoke inhalation, and 35 were taken to hospitals, though none of the injuries were life-threatening.

Authorities believe the fire started in the kitchen of a restaurant on the first floor and are conducting a full investigation into its cause. The building, which includes five basement floors with parking, sports facilities, and restaurants, as well as stores and hospitals above ground, was partially evacuated.

Fire authorities initially issued a second-stage response at 4:43 p.m. due to concerns about potential casualties, but later downgraded the alert to the first stage after the fire was brought under control. The second-stage response mobilizes 51 to 80 fire trucks from eight to 14 fire departments.

Travel Guide Korea

The Ultimate Guide of Seoul Station

I think the first place is Seoul station after coming to Korea, right? I might be wrong but most people come to Seoul station. You should know if you come to Korea. [link]

Entertainment

Netflix announces that 'Squid Game' Season 3 will premiere this year.

Netflix has officially announced the release of "Squid Game" Season 3, confirming it will debut in 2025. The announcement came with a teaser poster and video featuring the iconic robot doll, Younghee, alongside Cheolsu, who made a surprise appearance in Season 2’s post-credit scene. The teaser and poster have sparked significant excitement among fans.

The announcement follows the success of Season 2, which topped Netflix’s global Top 10 TV Series list in 93 countries after its release on Dec. 26. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk previously suggested that Season 3 might arrive in the summer or fall of 2025.

Netflix Korea briefly uploaded a video hinting at a June 27 release date for Season 3, but it was later made private, further fueling speculation.

Season 2 focuses on Gi-hun (Lee Jung-Jae) returning to the deadly games for revenge, facing off against the mysterious frontman (Lee Byung-hun) as the games resume.

Job Post

Looking for AOS app developer

Working conditions: Intern, Contract Worker

Work area: Gangnam- gu, Seoul

Salary: Decision after discussion

Apply: [Here]

Digital Marketing, Thai Market

Working conditions: Full-time

Work area: Gangnam- gu, Seoul

Salary: Decision after discussion

Apply: [Here]