Saturday, November 7, 2026Korea
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Democrats win big in U.S. midterms Reclaim both chambers of Congress
Photo: 한국경제
In short
On November 3, the U.S. midterm elections were held, with Democrats predicted to control both the Senate and House of Representatives.
Democrats won victories in Texas, Kansas, Ohio, and South Carolina—traditionally Republican strongholds.
President Trump said he would accept the results but did not acknowledge the reasons for his party's defeat.
Key facts
When
The U.S. midterm elections were held on November 3 (local time).
Who
Democrats are predicted to hold the majority in both the federal Senate and House of Representatives simultaneously.
What
Democrats secured at least 244 of the 435 House seats and 54 Senate seats, surpassing the 51-seat majority threshold.
How
They won victories in Republican strongholds including Texas, Kansas, Ohio, and South Carolina.
What it means for me
Changes in the U.S. political landscape could also affect the outlook for Korea-U.S. trade and diplomatic policies.
Society · 10 sources combinedp. 2 / 10
Yoon Seok-yeol seeks death penalty in appeal First trial imposed life imprisonment
Photo: 연합뉴스
In short
The special counsel for insurrection sought a death penalty for former President Yoon Seok-yeol in his appeal trial on October 29.
While the first trial imposed life imprisonment, the special counsel requested the maximum sentence again in the appeal trial.
Final arguments by the defendant's side and closing statements will take place on November 3 and 5, with the sentencing date not yet set.
Key facts
When
The special counsel sought a death penalty on October 29, and the defendant's final statements will be held on November 3 and 5.
Who
The special counsel team for insurrection, former President Yoon Seok-yeol, and the Seoul High Court Criminal Division 12-1 are involved.
What
The special counsel sought a death penalty in the appeal trial for former President Yoon, charged as the ringleader of insurrection.
How
The special counsel argued that the first trial's life sentence was too lenient and must set a precedent of punishment.
What it means for me
For the general public, this is a matter to watch as the trial proceeds, with no immediate impact on daily life.
Society · 2 sources combinedp. 3 / 10
Nov 7 teacher hiring exam Glasses checked every session
D-DAY Deadline November 7 · Entry by 8:20 AM
Photo: 연합뉴스
In short
Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education will hold the first round of hiring exams for kindergarten, elementary, and special education teachers on November 7.
Before each session begins, invigilators will check examinees' glasses.
If smart glasses are suspected, security personnel will conduct additional inspections during breaks.
Key facts
When
It will be held from 9:00 AM to 1:40 PM on November 7.
Where
The exam will take place at three locations in Seoul: Gwangnam High School, Gwangnam Middle School, and Yongsan High School.
Who
Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education will conduct the inspection for applicants to kindergarten, elementary, and special education teacher positions.
What
All glasses must be removed and checked before the first session, and wear status will be inspected during the second and third sessions.
What it means for me
Applicants taking the hiring exam on November 7 will have their glasses checked every session regardless of type.
Society · 5 sources combinedp. 4 / 10
Severance Hospital in Sinchon Psychiatry professor stabbed by patient
Photo: 연합뉴스
In short
A knife attack occurred at Severance Hospital in Sinchon, Seoul on the afternoon of the 4th.
A psychiatry professor was injured after being stabbed by a patient wielding a knife.
Police arrested a patient in his 50s at the scene and are investigating.
Key facts
When
It occurred around 4:30 p.m. on November 4th.
Who
A man in his 50s (Patient A) wielded a knife in the psychiatry outpatient clinic at Severance Hospital.
What happened
The attending professor was stabbed, sustaining injuries to the face, head, and hands.
How
Police arrested the suspect at the scene on charges of aggravated assault and are investigating the motive.
What it means for me
Calls are expected to intensify for strengthened security in psychiatric care settings.
Defense · Planned · 11 sources combinedp. 5 / 10
Kim Yo-jong announces loudspeaker plan Military prepares proportional response
Photo: 연합뉴스
In short
Kim Yo-jong, deputy director of the North Korean Workers' Party, announced on October 22 that loudspeakers targeting the South would operate along the entire border during October.
North Korea claimed its new countermeasures would also be in standby mode throughout the border zone.
South Korea's military stated it would take proportional measures if the loudspeakers actually begin operating.
Key facts
When
On October 21-22, Kim Yo-jong inspected a border fortification construction site before issuing a statement.
Who
Kim Yo-jong, deputy director of the North Korean Workers' Party, and Pak Jong-chon, advisor to the Ministry of National Defense, appeared together.
What
She announced loudspeakers targeting the South would operate along the entire border during October.
How
She cited a mine explosion in the DMZ on the western front and South Korean military warning shots as justification.
What it means for me
Residents near the border should be aware of loudspeaker noise and the possibility of heightened military tension.
International · 10 sources combinedp. 6 / 10
Spain high-speed train collision 69 confirmed dead
Photo: 연합뉴스
In short
A high-speed train collided with a stationary train in Spain, killing many people.
There were 10 Korean passengers on the accident train, and 2 of them were injured.
The Spanish government declared a four-day national mourning period.
Key facts
When
The accident occurred at 8:53 a.m. local time on October 28.
Where
It happened on a high-speed rail section near Urda in Toledo province, south of Madrid.
Who
Passengers of state-owned railway company Renfe's high-speed train and private Ilyo train were in the accident.
What
69 people died and over 100 were injured, including 2 Koreans.
What it means for me
Koreans traveling in Spain should check the local embassy contact information in advance.
International · 8 sources combinedp. 7 / 10
U.S. Midterm Election Early Voting Record 60.73 Million Voters Cast Ballots
Photo: 연합뉴스
In short
The United States held midterm election voting on November 3rd (local time).
Early voters exceeded 60.73 million, marking a record high.
Voting was intense in competitive Senate races in Texas, Ohio, and Georgia.
Key facts
When
Midterm election voting took place in the United States on November 3rd (local time).
Who
Voters from competitive Senate races in Texas, Ohio, Georgia and other areas participated in large numbers.
What
Early voters exceeded 60.73 million, up 32% from 2022.
How
Some areas experienced disruptions including voting machine errors and heavy rain forcing polling place relocations.
What it means for me
Changes in U.S. Senate composition could affect Korea-U.S. relations and the global economy.
International · Under review · 7 sources combinedp. 8 / 10
Trump hints preemptive pardons If Democrats control Congress
Photo: 연합뉴스
In short
President Trump said he would preemptively pardon his close associates.
He said he would do so if Democrats take control of Congress in the midterm elections.
He said everyone who worked for him, including Musk, would be eligible.
Key facts
When
He made the statement on November 2, 2026 (local time) on the New York Post podcast 'Pod Force One'.
Who
U.S. President Donald Trump made the statement.
What
He said he would preemptively pardon his staff and close associates if Democrats take control of Congress in the midterm elections.
How
He said all people who worked for him, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk, would be eligible.
What it means for me
Although a domestic U.S. political matter, it could affect international affairs including U.S.-Korea relations.
International · Under review · 7 sources combinedp. 9 / 10
Iran warns Korean shipping company Maritime association denies ownership
Photo: 연합뉴스
In short
Iran has warned South Korean shipping company Sinokor Merchant Marine of legal action.
The reason was the most violations of transit regulations in the Strait of Hormuz.
The shipping association countered that the ships in question are not owned by Sinokor Merchant Marine.
Key facts
When
On October 27 (local time), Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority issued a warning statement.
Who
Ships belonging to South Korean shipping company Sinokor Merchant Marine were identified as targets.
What
Most violations in transit over the past three months; enforcement measures announced for at least seven vessels.
How
The shipping association confirmed on the 28th that the warned vessels are not owned by Sinokor Merchant Marine.
What it means for me
Concerns are rising over potential disruptions to Korean vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz and crude oil import logistics.
Defense · 9 sources combinedp. 10 / 10
North Korea fires 10+ ballistic missiles
Photo: 한국경제
In short
North Korea fired around 10 missiles toward the East Sea on the afternoon of October 29.
The flight distance was approximately 250km, confirmed as short-range ballistic missiles.
This was an additional launch 17 days after the October 12 firing.
Key facts
When
North Korea launched missiles toward the East Sea around 12:30 p.m. on October 29.
Where from
The missiles were fired from the Wonsan area toward the East Sea direction.
Who
North Korea fired around 10 short-range ballistic missiles (SRBM).
What
The missiles flew approximately 250km, and detailed specifications have been analyzed.
What it means for me
Military tension continues, but direct impact on ordinary citizens' daily lives is limited.
