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Wednesday Briefing: South Korea in turmoil
Good morning. We're covering a political crisis in South Korea and a push for more weapons for Ukraine. Plus: The best books of the year.
Political turmoil rocked South KoreaPresident Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea this morning lifted an emergency martial law declaration hours after imposing it, bowing to pressure by lawmakers and protesters who resisted his audacious attempt to overcome a political deadlock that has hobbled his tenure. It was the first time in more than 40 years that a South Korean president had declared martial law. Here's what to know. Yoon's decree, which he announced in an unscheduled address late last night, incited political chaos and evoked memories of the country's dictatorial postwar regimes. As largely peaceful demonstrations arose in Seoul, the National Assembly voted 190 to 0 to rescind the president's declaration. Hours later, Yoon convened his cabinet, which agreed to end martial law. Yoon, who is deeply unpopular, characterized his decision as an act "of national resolve against the anti-state forces that are trying to paralyze the essential functions of the state." Top presidential aides have now offered to resign, and opposition lawmakers say they will begin impeachment proceedings unless Yoon himself steps down. Read more about the political backdrop to the crisis. On the ground: Thousands of protesters gathered outside the National Assembly, chanting, "End martial law!" Others filled a section of an eight-lane road to call for Yoon's arrest. A trade union with more than a million members declared an "indefinite general strike" and said it would demand Yoon's resignation. Analysis: The Biden administration has hailed South Korea as a model democracy and bolstered military ties, relying on the country as a bulwark against North Korea, China and Russia. The crisis has risked straining those ties, our correspondents write.
NATO chief urged more weapons for UkraineMark Rutte, the new NATO secretary general, said that Ukraine should put off any peace talks with Russia until Western allies can send enough military aid to help Kyiv push ahead on the battlefield and gain a stronger negotiating position. With President-elect Donald Trump vowing to secure a quick cease-fire that officials in Kyiv fear would be favorable to Russia — and despite war fatigue hanging over parts of Europe — Rutte urged the alliance's members to step up shipments of weapons, ammunition and air defenses before they try working toward a truce. Quotable: "Let's not have all these discussions, step by step, on what a peace process might look like," Rutte said, ahead of two days of meetings of foreign ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels. "Make sure that Ukraine has what it needs to get to a position of strength when those peace talks start." Related: President Vladimir Putin of Russia and senior Kremlin officials "intentionally and directly" authorized a program of coerced fostering and adoption of Ukrainian children, a Yale University report found. The report provides strong new evidence for a war crimes case against Putin and other officials, the researchers said.
China is banning rare mineral exports to the U.S.China said that it would begin banning the export of several rare minerals to the U.S., an escalation of the tech war between the world's two biggest powers. Sales of gallium, germanium, antimony and so-called superhard materials to the U.S. would be halted immediately because they have dual military and civilian uses, China's Ministry of Commerce said. The export of graphite would also be subject to stricter review. Analysis: The ban, which came a day after the Biden administration tightened Chinese access to advanced American technology, signals Beijing's willingness to engage in supply chain warfare by blocking the export of components used to make products like weaponry and semiconductors.
The Colosseum and Airbnb want to give a select few the chance to unleash their inner gladiator. Over two nights in May, re-enactment experts will teach up to 32 people how to fight in the sands of the ancient Roman arena. The plan has angered many Romans, who say it demeans a cultural treasure. Lives lived: Neale Fraser, the tennis legend who won 19 Grand Slam titles and captained Australia to four Davis Cups, has died at 91.
The best books of 2024The New York Times Book Review has compiled its list of the 10 best books of the year — those that made lasting impressions, their stories imprinting themselves on hearts and psyches. (Five are novels, and five are nonfiction.) Among the top picks are a book described as the first great perimenopause novel, a spin on the classic romantic comedy form and the reinvention of one of the most iconic books in American letters. Read the full list here. For more: Listen to a special edition of the Book Review podcast, or watch our critics break down three picks in a handy video. For even more great books, take a spin through all 100 Notable Books of 2024, or even this list, which features every book we've anointed the best since 2000. We hope you've enjoyed this newsletter, which is made possible through subscriber support. Subscribe to The New York Times.
Cook: This creamy tortellini soup is one of our most popular recipes this week. Sustain: Most people can enjoy good health into their 90s. Here's how to do it. Style: Bring a beaded bag to your next holiday party. Listen: Learn about the instrument that gives Tchaikovsky's "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" its glassy, bell-like melody. Play the Spelling Bee. And here are today's Mini Crossword and Wordle. You can find all our puzzles here. That's it for today's briefing. See you tomorrow. — Natasha Reach Natasha and the team at briefing@nytimes.com.
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