Welcome back to NHK Newsline. I'm Kanako Sachno.
FORMER S.KOREAN PRESIDENT YOON GETS 5-YEAR PRISON SENTENCE
Former South Korean President Yoon Sun-yeol has been sentenced to five years in prison.
It's the first legal blow in the aftermath of his martial law declaration in late 2024 and his subsequent ouster.
Yoon still faces more sentencing for other charges, which could carry even harsher consequences.
Joining us from outside the court with the latest is NHK World's Kim Chan-ju.
Chan-ju, what was the reaction to the decision?
00:00:45 話者 2/Kim Chan-ju
Yoon's critics are celebrating the sentence, although some online have said this was too lenient.
The court itself is under heavy security lockdown and there are via police deployed all around.
But the proceedings were broadcast live, so in essence, the whole country was given a front-row seat.
When the sentence was read, we heard hundreds of pro-Yoon supporters chant, Dismiss the case, release Yoon.
There was no major anti-Yoon demonstration, but some civil rights organizations had demanded Yoon receive what they call the maximum sentence.
So five years in prison might be a disappointment.
Looking back, many South Koreans saw Yun's actions as a fundamental threat to their democratic way of life. They want to ensure it never happens again.
00:01:42 話者 1
And what was the reaction like inside the courtroom?
00:01:51 話者 2
It was pretty subdued. Yun and his legal team did not show very much emotion.
The special counsel had asked for a 10-year prison sentence for charges including obstructing investigators.
This trial involved Yoon's use of the presidential security service to prevent his detention last year.
Yoon had argued the investigation was unlawful and that the indictment should have been dismissed.
Yoon's lawyers have already protested the judge's decision in this case, saying they plan to appeal.
00:02:31 話者 1
Now, we also know Yoon is facing some more serious legal hurdles, including one case which could carry the death penalty. What can you tell us about what's next?
00:02:44 話者 2
That's right. As I mentioned, this was just one of many trials Yun is facing.
Another is for allegedly disrupting South Korea's constitutional order by declaring martial law. That one does carry the possibility of capital punishment.
Here's what the special counsel said on Tuesday.
00:03:06 話者 3
The defendant shows no remorse.
Therefore, it would be inappropriate to impose the minimum sentence.
The only other sentence allowed by law in this case is the death penalty.
00:03:19 話者 2
Now, this doesn't necessarily mean Yoon's fate is sealed.
Thirty years ago, another former president, Chun Doo-hwan, was given the death penalty for unlawfully declaring martial law. This was later reduced to life in prison.
South Korea has also not executed anyone since 1997, despite having dozens of people on death row.
We'll find out more when the sentencing Yoon's alleged insurrection case is handed down next month.
00:03:51 話者 1
Thanks for bringing us up to speed, Chan-ju.
NHK World's Kim Chan-ju reporting from Seoul.
JAPAN, ITALY AGREE TO COOPERATE ON ECONOMIC SECURITY, SPACE
The prime ministers of Japan and Italy have agreed to strengthen collaboration on economic security and set up a body to discuss cooperation in space.
Takaichi Sanae met her Italian counterpart Giorgio Meloni in Tokyo on Friday.
Japan and Italy marked the 160th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year.
The leaders also said they would elevate bilateral relations to a special strategic partnership and promote cooperation in a broad range of fields.
00:04:31 話者 11/Takaichi Sanae/Japanese Prime Minister
As the strategic environment surrounding the Indo-Pacific region becomes increasingly tough. Close collaboration between like-minded countries has become more important than ever for the peace and prosperity of the two countries and the region.
The summit was an opportunity to bring us and our countries closer.
00:04:52 話者 1
The two discussed security and confirmed that the Japanese Self-Defense Forces and the Italian military will engage in joint training.
Japan and Italy are working with Britain for the joint development of a next-generation fighter jet. Takaichi and Meloni agreed to accelerate cooperation on the initiative.
00:05:10 話者 12/Giorgia Meloni/Italian Prime Minister
The initiative is more than just a defense strategy is aimed at strengthening security in the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions.
Cooperation between the two countries is an effective answer to risks and threats we are facing now.
00:05:34 話者 1
The countries also agreed to cooperate on developing resilient supply chains for critical minerals.
The collaboration efforts will include energy and providing each other with liquefied natural gas in emergencies.
The leaders also agreed to launch a new consultative body to promote collaboration in space.
MACHADO SAYS SHE GAVE HER NOBEL PRIZE TO TRUMP
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Carina Machado says she's given her Nobel Peace Prize medal to US President Donald Trump. Machado was last year's Nobel laureate.
She and Trump met for the first time in person at the White House on Thursday.
She told reporters after the meeting that she'd presented her medal to Trump in recognition of his commitment to the freedom of the Venezuelan people.
00:06:21 話者 12
First of all, I was very impressed by how clear he is, how he understands the situation in Venezuela, how he cares about what the Venezuelan people are suffering.
00:06:33 話者 1
Trump posted on social media, Maria presented me with her Nobel Peace Prize for the work I have done. Such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect. Thank you, Maria.
Trump has indicated he intends to work with Venezuela's interim president, Delsey Rodriguez, after a US military operation on January 3rd resulted in the capture of former president Nicolas Maduro.
Trump has said it would be difficult for Machado to become the leader of Venezuela.
US media say Machado's apparent attempt to win Trump's favour may not have achieved the results she was hoping for.
UN HOLDS EMERGENCY MEETING OVER IRANIAN PROTESTS
The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting on Thursday to address nationwide anti-government protests in Iran.
The protests have been fuelled by soaring inflation and have left many people dead or injured. The United States requested the meeting.
US Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Walz, strongly condemned Iran.
00:07:30 話者 13
The regime is solely, solely responsible for the economic misery of the Iranian people and the repression of their freedom.
00:07:43 話者 1
Wall said although Iran says it's ready for dialogue, its actions say otherwise.
He reiterated that all options remain on the table when it comes to a US response.
During the meeting, Britain, France, Denmark and others also criticised Iran.
Iran's deputy permanent representative hit back at the US.
00:08:05 話者 15
It is shameful that the United States regime transferred this esteemed body to a scene for theater and show for baseless accusation and statement.
00:08:22 話者 1
He denied allegations that the Iranian government had killed peaceful protesters.
Darzi claimed that terrorist cells and violent separatist groups funded and armed by a few foreign entities, including the Israeli regime, were responsible.
He said those groups deliberately targeted civilians and law enforcement officers in an attempt to ignite civil war and create conditions for foreign intervention.
BOYCOTT OR PARTICIPATE? PRO-DEMOCRACY LEADER'S DILEMMA
Myanmar's general election is more than halfway through. The military government is holding it in three phases, with the final results expected later this month.
It comes amid a civil war. The military seized power in a coup five years ago.
Pro-democracy and other forces have fought back.
The military claims it aims to transition to civilian rule.
But most pro-democracy parties have been shut out of the process, and many opposition figures in exile are urging citizens to boycott what they call a sham election.
Still, a prominent pro-democracy leader, once seen as a possible successor to Aung San Suu Kyi, has decided to run as a candidate.
NHK World's Kitai Genki went to Myanmar to understand why.
00:09:42 話者 6
We did not choose this because it was our favourite option.
We chose it because we had no other choice.
00:09:51 話者 5
Kokoji leads the People's Party. He says that despite the conditions, participation is the only practical way to keep his party's presence in the political sphere alive.
00:10:06 話者 6
Even before the election, we did not expect it to be 100% fair. Because security threats are very high right now, we cannot expect it to be like a normal election.
00:10:26 話者 5
Kokoji rose to prominence during the 1988 pro-democracy uprising. As one of the student leaders, he helped spearhead nationwide protests that challenged military rule.
His efforts landed him in prison several times, nearly 20 years in total, earning him a reputation as an unbreakable activist.
And for nearly 30 years, he worked alongside Aung San Suu Kyi and campaigned across the country.
He is now 64 years old. He says that after decades in the pro-democracy struggle, he has come to see that fighting the military with weapons leads nowhere.
00:11:11 話者 6
We have reached the 78th Independence Day.
This means Myanmar's armed revolution is also 78 years old.
In our view, the only lasting result is that the people continue to suffer.
That is why we are trying to strengthen the peace process and work toward a solution through political means once again.
00:11:35 話者 5
Meanwhile, pro-democracy forces led by Myanmar's shadow government, the National Unity Government, or NUG, have continued to call for resistance from abroad.
00:11:49 話者 15
Nothing will change, even after the election.
It will provide no real solution to Myanmar's problems.
The NUG is working to issue this appeal to the international community.
00:12:01 話者 5
But Kokoji says the group's influence has weakened since the coup, and promises went unfulfilled.
00:12:11 話者 6
As time passed, I could see that the people's hopes began to fade. People living inside the country are personally facing daily security threats and survival crises.
People living abroad only see the information available online, so there is a big difference.
00:12:34 話者 5
Kokoji emphasizes the importance of pressuring the military to change through political means.
00:12:46 話者 6
Our ultimate goal is 100% democracy. The main reason the military became involved in politics in the 1st place was the armed conflict that started after independence.
That is why we are primarily working to make political solutions strong again and to develop a culture of solving problems through political means.
ANALYSIS: MYANMAR FACES BLEAK PROSPECTS DESPITE VOTE
00:13:11 話者 1
Earlier, I spoke with Genki about the election. I began by asking him what people think about a pro-democracy leader taking part in a military-led election.
00:13:22 話者 5/Kitai Genki/NHK World
Based on my visit to Myanmar this month, his stance has not attracted a lot of support, at least not openly. In fact, I noticed an error of resignation among people.
Many just aren't paying much attention to him.
People have been under military repression for many years.
Then, just as a glimmer of hope for democratization appeared on the Aung San Suu Kyi administration, the coup happened.
While many really feel they cannot accept the military's overreach, they also have their doubts about the vote. Here's what they told me.
00:14:01 話者 6/interviewee 1
I have almost no hope things will improve.
00:14:05 話者 6/interviewee 2
We run a business, so there is pressure from the authorities.
In this case, we have no choice but to vote.
Because of that pressure, we are forced to live in fear.
00:14:19 話者 1/interviewee 3
Things have been difficult during these five years.
The next five are only going to be even more painful.
I have to keep trying and working hard for the sake of my child.
00:14:29 話者 1
Now, that all sounds pretty bleak, but Kokoji seems committed to bringing change to the military through political means. How viable is that strategy?
00:14:37 話者 5
At this point, it appears it will be a difficult one to see through.
The Union Solidarity and Development Party is backed by the military.
The election authority says that the group has won more than 80 percent of the seats in both houses of parliament in the first phase.
The party is widely expected to secure an overall victory, so the military is likely to maintain its influence even after the election.
Kokoji says he hopes to reduce the military's power through constitutional amendments, but that would require a lot of time and effort.
00:15:15 話者 1
And how is Myanmar expected to look after the election?
00:15:20 話者 5
The turmoil has taken a heavy toll on people.
the worsening economy, soaring prices, and the exodus of young people abroad.
There are concerns that this negative spiral will only accelerate.
And it's worth pointing out that only a relatively small number of countries, including China and Russia, support this election.
Most others, including Western nations, as well as the UN, maintain that it lacks legitimacy. But criticism along from the international community, including Japan, will not lead to a democratic resolution.
A long-term strategy will likely be required to break the deadlock.
BUSINESS
00:16:15 話者 1
Now let's see what's happening in the world of business.
Here's Gene Otani from the BizDesk.
00:16:20 話者 7/Gene Otani
Kanako, thanks. In our top business story this hour,
CEO TO RESIGN AMID STAFF MISCONDUCT AT JAPAN PRUDENTIAL LIFE
the CEO of Japan's Prudential Life Insurance will resign following revelations of employee misconduct. They include allegations of embezzlement of customer funds.
The company on Friday said more than 100 current and former employees were involved.
The unit of Prudential Financial in the US says some staff profited from selling non-company products, while others borrowed money from customers.
The total amounts are said to be more than 3.1 billion yen or $19 million and involve more than 500 customers.
The company said in a statement that president and CEO Mabarak Khan will step down in February. It also apologized for the wrongdoing and said it has consulted the police and started discussions on compensation.
US, TAIWAN AGREE ON CHIP-FOCUSED TRADE DEAL, LOWER TARIFFS
The United States says it has reached a trade deal with Taiwan.
The pact cuts tariffs on Taiwanese goods in exchange for massive investments on American soil. The main aim is to boost chip production.
The Commerce Department said on Thursday the US will lower the tariff rate for Taiwanese imports to no more than 15 percent.
Aircraft components, generic pharmaceuticals and some other items will face no levies.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced plans in an interview with CNBC-TV to build giant semiconductor industrial parks in America and bring semiconductors home.
He said the objective is to bring 40 percent of Taiwan's entire supply chain and production to the US.
Under the deal, Taiwanese chipmakers and other tech firms are to make new and direct investments totaling at least $250 billion in the US.
That's to expand production and innovation capacity of advanced chips, energy, and AI.
Taiwan's authorities will provide credit guarantees of at least $250 billion.
BIZ PICKS
Next, NHK World's John LaDue is here with BizPix.
00:18:38 話者 3/John LaDue
Let's take a look at some of the business and economic stories we'll track in the week ahead. On Monday, China releases GDP figures for the October to December quarter.
Beijing said its GDP growth target for all of 2025 at around 5%.
FOREIGN VISITORS TO JAPAN SURGE TO RECORD HIGH IN 2025
And on Wednesday, the Japan National Tourism Organization provides an estimate for the number of foreign visitors to Japan in 2025.
The figure from January to November last year already surpassed 39 million, beating the previous annual record set in 2024.
Ebisawa Toshinori at Japan Travel Bureau Foundation says visitor numbers for all of 2025 may reach 43 million.
00:19:29 話者 8/Ebisawa Toshinori/Japan Travel Bureau Foundation
Compared to other destinations, the weaker Japanese yen is clearly one draw for overseas visitors, as it reduces costs when traveling.
Promotions by the Japan Tourism Agency to highlight the country's attraction is also producing strong results.
Japan has a unique culture and cuisine that is now much better known around the world.
00:19:52 話者 3
Visitors from China typically made-up the largest number of arrivals. But since bilateral relations soured in November, China has discouraged its citizens from traveling to Japan.
Many group tours were canceled.
Ebisawa says this dented revenue at facilities and regions targeting Chinese.
But he adds there is less impact in regions that attracted a diversified group of overseas visitors and domestic tourists.
00:20:27 話者 8
Chinese visitors accounted for more than 30% of the arrivals in Japan in 2019.
That figure has fallen to about 23% in 2025. However, that is mostly because the number of visitors from other countries has increased.
Even for China, group tours have fallen recently, but the number of individual travelers has not decreased so much.
00:20:49 話者 3
Ebisawa estimates visitor numbers to Japan will top 45 million this year.
He says tourism is one of the country's few growth sectors and could become a core industry of the future.
00:21:06 話者 8
The tourism industry benefits a wide range of businesses, such as restaurants, hotels, and transport providers. These sectors, in turn, employ millions of workers.
Tourism is classed as an export industry that earns foreign currency.
Spending by foreign visitors topped 8.1 trillion yen, or about $51 billion in 2024, and may have hit 10 trillion yen in 2025.
Tourism could rank with the auto sector in the coming years as a leading export industry of Japan.
00:21:37 話者 3
As for the challenges, the tourism industry faces labor shortages over tourism and competition from foreign companies.
Ebisawa says digital transformation of the industry can help with these issues, along with appropriate regulations from the government.
I'm John Ladue, and that wraps it up for this week's Biz Picks.
00:21:59 話者 7
All right, John, thanks.
NARITA INTERNATIONAL TRAVELER NUMBERS NEAR PRE-COVID LEVELS
Another sign of surging tourism. More than 1,000,000 travelers use the international terminals at Narita Airport near Tokyo during the year and end New Year holidays.
That is almost back at level seen before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Preliminary figures from immigration officials show about 1,015,000 people used the airport in Chiba Prefecture for international trips between December 26 and January 4.
Roughly 530,000 people left Japan in the period, while about 490,000 arrived.
The figure rose 5% from a year earlier. The total was about 98.6% of the number of travelers seen in fiscal 2019 or before the pandemic.
Almost 350,000 were Japanese and slightly more than 665,000 were foreigners.
However, the number of people using flights to China fell about 20% from a year ago.
MARKETS
All right, let's have a look at the markets.
♪
And that's it for Business News.
POLICE CONFIRM FINAL DEATH TOLL AT 168
00:23:39 話者 1/Kanako Sachno
Hong Kong police say the final death toll from the fire at a high-rise apartment complex in November stands at 168.
Police said on Thursday they had completed the identification and forensic examination of all remains recovered from the blaze in the northern district of Taipo.
They said the victims ranged in age from six months to 98 years old.
The fatalities include a firefighter and five construction workers, as well as 10 foreign domestic helpers, nine Indonesians and one Filipina.
Police said details of the victims will not be disclosed at this stage out of respect for the wishes of bereaved family members.
Investigators say protective nets that did not meet fire safety standards were being used during renovation work when the fire broke out.
Fire alarms at the site were also reportedly faulty.
Residents and members of the public are calling on authorities to take responsibility over safety management.
WEATHER
Now it's time for a check on the world weather. People in the Balkans are reeling from severe cold. Our meteorologist Yumi Hirano has the details.
00:24:48 話者 4
Cold air extends from Russia to the Balkans this week.
Temperatures in Budapest remained below, freezing even during the daytime.
The cold weather has turned Hungary's second biggest lake into a winter landscape.
The entire surface of the lake froze on Thursday, creating a breathtaking sight.
The surface hasn't frozen solid for the past 10 years.
Local people had to break the ice around the boards left on the lake.
Authorities reported the ice was about 13 centimeters thick.
They said going onto the lake poses a safety risk.
Below average temperatures are expected to continue in Budapest with a high of 1.
The temperatures will be -9 in Moscow and -12 in Kyiv.
But warmer-than-usual conditions are likely in the west.
The highs will be 10 in London and 12 in Paris.
Now moving to Japan, a low pressure system is expected to shift toward the country over the weekend.
Snow is likely in northern Japan on Saturday, but dry conditions are expected to continue on the Pacific side, with a risk of wildfires.
Sunny skies are expected in Tokyo. The high will be 16, which is as warm as in March.
Finally, across the Philippines, the first tropical storm of the year formed on Thursday.
The storm is moving northward along the eastern Philippines, bringing downpours.
Up to 200 millimeters is possible in eastern Bisayas and Luzon by Saturday, with a risk of flash flooding.
That's it for now. Stay safe.
♫～ 3-DAY FORECAST ～♫
00:27:41 話者 1
That wraps up this edition of NHK Newsline. I'm Kanako Sachno in Tokyo.
Thanks very much for joining us.
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