In Seoul, residents are grappling with the heaviest November snowstorm the city has seen in 52 years, which blanketed the area in 20 to 26 centimeters of snow, leading to significant travel disruptions and two tragic fatalities, grounding flights and closing hiking trails across the nation.

Turning to Europe, a Paris court is set to make a crucial decision in March regarding Marine Le Pen's eligibility for future elections, as she faces trial over allegations of embezzling European Parliament funds, potentially blocking her path to presidential aspirations in 2027.

Meanwhile, Khalid Al-Zahrani from Saudi Arabia has been elected to an influential role as vice chair of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, reflecting Saudi Arabia's growing influence in global food safety and sustainable practices, and cements the kingdom's recent WHO recognition for eliminating trans fats in food.

In the Middle East, Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas has named Rawhi Fattuh as his potential successor, excluding Hamas from the succession plan amidst ongoing conflicts, and stipulates that elections must occur within 90 days should the presidential office become vacant, albeit with potential extensions.

On a related note, the Israeli military has intercepted a drone allegedly smuggling weapons from Egypt, intensifying security concerns despite Egypt’s assertions of dismantling tunnel networks and preventing arms smuggling, a claim that is challenged by recent incidents attributed to Hamas.

Finally, in the United States, newly appointed government efficiency advisor Elon Musk has called for the dismantling of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, aligning with Republican efforts to limit the agency, even as it advances rulemaking to bolster protections during the last weeks of Joe Biden's presidency.