There’s an election in South Korea too – the Dec. 19 Presidential Election.

Independent candidate, Ahn Cheol Soo, has called for end to an 8-year stalemate in talks with Japan over a free trade agreement:

“Talks on a free trade deal with Japan have been at a standstill due to political issues. The talks should be resumed at the earliest possible date,” Ahn told a news conference for foreign correspondents.
“What’s more desirable is that talks on a free trade deal with Japan should be held ahead of talks on a free trade deal between South Korea, China and Japan,” said Ahn, a former university professor and software mogul who is popular with young voters.

S. Korea presidential hopeful Ahn calls for free trade with Japan