Recent Surge in KRW-USD Exchange Rate 📈💸

On December 27, the KRW-USD exchange rate spiked to 1,486.7 won during trading hours, marking a significant fluctuation. This represents a 6% increase compared to early December, before the ongoing domestic political turmoil. The intervention by South Korea's foreign exchange authorities helped stabilize the rate, closing at 1,467.5 won. 🌍
Key factors driving this volatility include the global strength of the U.S. dollar and domestic political uncertainty. The market became particularly jittery following Prime Minister Han Duck-soo’s decision to reject the appointment of constitutional court judges on December 26. Experts warn that unless the political situation stabilizes, the exchange rate could surpass the symbolic 1,500-won mark. 😮

Unprecedented Political Situation: Han Duck-soo Impeached 🏛️⚖️

On the same day, South Korea’s National Assembly passed an impeachment motion against acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo with 192 votes in favor. This marks the first time in South Korean history that both a president and their acting replacement have faced impeachment.
The motion included five major charges, such as neglecting investigations under special prosecution laws and allegedly enabling insurrection-related activities. Following the vote, Han’s duties were immediately suspended, with Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok stepping in as the new acting president. The Constitutional Court now has 180 days to decide the outcome of this historic impeachment. The political and economic implications remain a focal point of public and market attention. 👀

First Captured North Korean Soldier Dies in Ukraine 💥📺

On December 26, Ukrainian Special Forces captured a North Korean soldier during operations in Russia’s Kursk region. However, the soldier, reportedly the first North Korean captured in Ukraine, succumbed to severe injuries within a day, as confirmed by South Korea’s National Intelligence Service. 
North Korea has sent over 11,000 troops to support Russian forces, with many recently deployed to the frontlines. Analysts highlight the lack of modern combat experience and familiarity with drone warfare as key vulnerabilities, leading to significant casualties. Reports suggest that North Korean troops suffered approximately 1,000 casualties last week alone, underscoring the severe toll of outdated battle strategies. 😔

Tragic Explosion of Jeju Airplane at Muam Airport: An Unprecedented Disaster

At approximately 9:10 AM today, a Jeju Air passenger plane suffered a sudden explosion at Muam Airport, leaving the nation in shock. The aircraft, which had departed from Bangkok, Thailand, was attempting to land at Muam Airport when it veered off the runway and exploded, resulting in devastating loss of life.

The plane carried a total of 181 people, including 175 passengers and 6 crew members. Tragically, 179 lives were lost, leaving only two survivors. The survivors, both crew members, were rescued from the relatively intact tail section of the aircraft. Aside from two Thai nationals, all passengers were South Korean, ranging in age from a 3-year-old child born in 2021 to individuals in their 70s.

The Final Four Minutes of Tragedy

At 8:59 AM, a distress signal of “Mayday” was sent from the cockpit. Four minutes before landing, air traffic control had warned the crew of possible bird strikes. The plane experienced a landing gear failure and attempted a belly landing but collided with the runway’s outer wall and was quickly engulfed in flames.

According to the Accident Response Headquarters, the aircraft initially intended to land in the 01 direction (nearer side) but changed to direction 19 (opposite side) two minutes after declaring Mayday. During the landing attempt, the plane overran the runway, striking a localizer antenna and eventually colliding with a wall. Communication records between the pilot and air traffic control are being reviewed for further details.

Why Did This Tragedy Occur?

The exact cause of the accident remains under investigation, but public criticism of the aircraft’s condition is mounting. The plane was a Boeing B737-8AS model, equipped with 189 seats, and manufactured in 2009, making it relatively new at 15 years old. Aviation sources report that just a day earlier, the same aircraft model had made an emergency landing at Oslo Gardermoen Airport. During that incident, the plane, carrying 182 passengers, diverted to Oslo Torp Sandefjord Airport after experiencing loud noises. Fortunately, there were no injuries, but the plane came to a stop on a grassy field after overrunning the runway.

Mourning the Victims

Efforts are ongoing to identify the victims, and families are watching the disaster response unfold in shock and grief. We extend our deepest condolences to those who lost their lives in this tragedy and hope for the swift recovery of the injured. To the grieving families, we offer our heartfelt sympathy and encourage everyone to come together to support the victims and their loved ones during this difficult time.

전대미문의 비극, 무암공항 제주항공 여객기 폭발 사고 ✈️🎗️  by 에디터 티니🍸