Asian Insider: Botched martial law in S. Korea | HK leader fires 2 ministers

Dear ST reader, 

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol shocked an entire nation when he declared martial law late on Tuesday night, citing “anti-state forces” among his political opponents.

This unleashed six hours of chaos in the country, with lawmakers rejecting the declaration and Yoon eventually rescinding the order.

While the subsequent political drama is still unfolding with an impeachment motion due to be voted on by lawmakers this weekend, Wendy Teo looks at how the debacle has revived painful memories for South Koreans as they reflect on the country’s turbulent history. 

Meanwhile, Lin Suling and Walter Sim explore how this episode has called into question South Korea’s reliability as a major security partner.

In Syria, Jonathan Eyal writes about the dramatic developments there that saw Islamic fighters conquer significant parts of the country’s north, and how this is fuelled by a broader struggle for mastery in the region. 

Lastly, Switzerland is a major player in the world of luxury watches but Chinese brands are also beginning to make their mark. Lim Min Zhang writes about how China is moving up the value chain in this market, mirroring a trend in other industries such as electric vehicles and semiconductors.

Martial law debacle in South Korea

“I was in shock. I didn’t expect it to happen during my lifetime,” says an office worker.

The latest on South Korea:

Live blog: The fallout continues

Prosecutors probing Yoon over martial law decree

Confidence in Seoul’s part in trilateral grouping shaken

Younger Chinese vying for civil service jobs amid uncertain market

These posts, which offer a stable income and benefits, are sometimes called “iron rice bowls”.

The latest from our correspondents in China:

Corruption cases against officials soaring in towns and villages

AI-generated videos boom in China

S’pore needs to work extra hard to maintain valuable ties with China

Hong Kong’s John Lee refreshes Cabinet

The Hong Kong Chief Executive says that the new tourism and transport ministers have a “reform mindset”.

More on Hong Kong:

Hong Kong mega development plan to devour villages, wetlands

Hong Kong leader says golf course ruling will not hit plans for public housing

Hong Kong’s tiny homes are a housing horror, thanks to creative landlords

Adani Group bribery allegations rock India

Parliamentary proceedings ground to a halt for several days amid demands for a debate from opposition lawmakers.

More on the case:

How Gautam Adani’s alleged bribery scheme took off and unravelled

What are the Adani indictments, and how do they affect S’pore’s financial sector?

Indonesia likely to delay start of VAT hike

A senior official indicated that there would likely be a delay of several months from the original start date of Jan 1, 2025.

More on Indonesia’s economy:

Indonesia’s economic adviser says 8 per cent growth goal will be achieved gradually

In Asia’s next miracle growth story, a tale of two Indonesias emerges

As cheap, illegal imports gain ground in Indonesia, concerns mount over job losses

What’s worrying about Prabowo’s foray into South China Sea claims

While visiting Beijing, the Indonesian leader seemed to have made important concessions to China.

More on the South China Sea:

Prabowo vows to safeguard sovereignty in South China Sea

Philippines files diplomatic protest against China over South China Sea incident

Vietnam, Malaysia seek to smooth tensions in South China Sea

Starbucks cafe offers view of village in North Korea

Besides residences, the village appears to have a school, a plaza and rice fields near the riverbank.

Related coverage:

Watch our video on the inside of the Starbucks in Aegibong Peace Ecopark