THREAD: south korean

SOUTH KOREAN Election Shocker: Voters Lean Left in Historic Turn

11 April 2024 — South Korean voters, upset by the economic slump, are showing their disapproval towards President Yoon Suk-yeol and his ruling People Power Party (PPP). Early exit polls indicate a dramatic tilt in the National Assembly, with the opposition DP/DUP coalition on track to win between 168 and 193 of the 300 seats. This would leave Yoon’s PPP and its partners trailing with just 87-111 seats.

A record-breaking turnout of 67 percent — the highest for a midterm election since 1992 — reflects widespread voter engagement. South Korea’s unique proportional representation system aims to give smaller parties a chance but has resulted in a crowded field that confuses many voters.

PPP leader Han Dong-hoon has publicly recognized the disappointing exit poll figures. He pledged to honor the electorate’s decision and wait for the final tally. The election results could mark a pivotal change in South Korea’s political landscape, hinting at broader shifts ahead.

This electoral outcome underscores growing public discontent with current economic policies and signals a desire for change among South Korean voters, potentially reshaping the nation’s policy direction in years to come.

ANC on SHAKY Ground: South Africa’s Opposition Parties Gaining Momentum

14 March 2024 — Recent polling data indicates a potential shift in South Africa’s political scene, the likes of which haven’t been seen since 1994. The ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), has experienced a decline in support from 44% to 39% since November 2022.

On the other hand, the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) has seen its share rise from 23% to a notable 27%. A newcomer on the scene, the MK Party, has made an impressive debut with a surprising 13%, while support for the radical Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party has dwindled to just 10%.

This changing landscape could potentially pave the way for DA to form a majority coalition with other parties excluding ANC and EFF. This tactic proved successful in Cape Town’s municipal elections back in 2006. Despite ANC’s historical appeal due to its instrumental role in ending apartheid, ongoing issues such as electricity and water shortages, high crime rates, and rampant corruption have strained voters’ loyalty.

The shifting political climate suggests that voters are seeking change and are willing to look beyond traditional party lines. This could lead to significant changes in South Africa’s political landscape moving forward.

South Africa SLAMS Israel with GENOCIDE Accusations at UN Court: The Truth Unveiled

11 January 2024 — South Africa has officially leveled accusations of genocide against Israel at the United Nations’ highest court. The case, which challenges the very essence of Israel’s national identity, demands an immediate cessation of Israeli military operations in Gaza. In response to these grave allegations, Israel, a nation born out of the Holocaust aftermath, has vehemently denied them.

In a surprising move that deviates from their usual approach of boycotting international tribunals or U.N. investigations — perceived as biased and unjust — Israeli leaders have decided to confront this matter head-on in court to defend their global reputation.

South African legal representatives argue that the recent conflict in Gaza is simply an extension of what they see as decades-long oppression by Israelis against Palestinians. They assert there is “a credible claim of genocidal acts,” grounded on evidence presented over the past 13 weeks.

With preliminary orders sought by South Africa to compel Israel to halt its military campaign in Gaza — where over 23,000 deaths have been reported by the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry — they firmly believe that only a decree from this court can alleviate ongoing suffering.

HARRIS and BIDEN Storm South Carolina: A Cunning Strategy for 2024 Victory?

07 January 2024 — Today, Vice President Kamala Harris is making waves in South Carolina. She’s the keynote speaker at the annual retreat of the Women’s Missionary Society of the Seventh District African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Harris plans to commemorate the third anniversary of the Jan. 6 Capitol riots during her address. In a parallel move, President Joe Biden will be speaking at Mother Emanuel AME Church in South Carolina on Monday — a place marked by a devastating racially-motivated mass shooting in 2015.

South Carolina has been a Republican stronghold, with Donald Trump securing victory in both the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections.

The strategic visits by Biden and Harris hint at an ambitious attempt to sway this traditionally conservative state ahead of their potential run in the upcoming 2024 election.

Korean Leader’s UK VISIT UNVEILED: Diplomacy, Royalty, and a K-POP Twist

22 November 2023 — The UK government is leveraging the three-day visit of Korean leader Yoon Suk Yeol to bolster its “Indo-Pacific tilt” in foreign and trade policy. A lavish banquet at Buckingham Palace hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla marked the occasion. The event celebrated South Korea’s political progress, economic strides, and cultural influence.

During his banquet speech, King Charles gave a nod to globally renowned K-pop girl group Blackpink. He applauded members Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, and Rose for their global advocacy for environmental sustainability. The group was among the distinguished guests in attendance at the grand ballroom.

Earlier that day at Horse Guards Parade in central London, Charles and Camilla warmly greeted Yoon and his wife Kim Keon Hee. Prince William joined government ministers to welcome the Korean couple who inspected rows of Scots Guards soldiers on parade. Following this ceremony was a horse-drawn coach ride to Buckingham Palace along an avenue adorned with British and Korean flags.

This state visit marks King Charles’s second during his reign. It presented an intriguing blend of diplomacy, royal fashion — highlighted by Queen Elizabeth II’s ruby

Marcos Jr STANDS UP to China: The Bold Challenge Over South China Sea Barrier

30 September 2023 — Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has taken a firm stance against China’s installation of a 300-meter barrier at the entrance to Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. This marks his first public opposition to this move, following his directive to dismantle the barrier. Marcos asserted, "We’re not seeking conflict, but we won’t back down from defending our maritime territory and our fishermen’s rights.”

This recent face-off between China and the Philippines follows Marcos’ decision earlier this year to increase U.S. military presence under a defense pact from 2014. This move has raised concerns in Beijing, as it could lead to an increased American military presence near Taiwan and southern China.

After the Philippine coast guard removed the Chinese barrier at Scarborough Shoal, Filipino fishing boats managed to catch around 164 tons of fish in just one day. “This is what our fishermen miss out on... it’s evident that this area belongs to the Philippines,” stated Marcos.

Despite these efforts, two Chinese coast guard vessels were seen patrolling the shoal’s entrance by a Philippine surveillance aircraft on Thursday. According to Commodore Jay Tar

Conservatives CLING Onto Boris Johnson’s Old Seat in By-Election

21 July 2023 — The Conservatives have narrowly secured Boris Johnson’s old constituency in Uxbridge and South Ruislip. Last month, the former Prime Minister stepped down as an MP, triggering the by-election. The local councilor, Steve Tuckwell, is now the Conservative MP for the west London constituency.

Johnson’s influence largely dominated the race, although the Conservatives tried to divert attention toward the expansion of London’s Ultra-low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

Despite a swing of 6.7 towards Labour, the party failed to wrestle control, with the Conservatives maintaining their grip on the seat.