Monday Briefing | November 25

Stories to Follow

Japan-South Korea relations: South Korea has been resistant to improve its relations with Japan for a while now; however, in a last-minute turn of events on Friday, Nov. 22, it reversed its decision to abandon its military intelligence-sharing agreement with Japan. The General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) intends to counter North Korean nuclear and missile threats, and President Moon Jae-in initially announced its termination earlier this year as a response to Japan’s tightening of export regulations. But concerns of its potential damage on not only Japan-Korea relations, but also Korea-US relations pushed the country to halt its decision, at least for now. President Moon Jae-in and Prime Minister Abe are expected to meet in a one-on-one summit next month.

Struggle for autonomy in Ethiopia: On Wednesday, Nov. 20, members of Ethiopia’s Sidama ethnic group voted on a referendum to form an independent regional state within the country’s federal system. Preliminary counts show that the majority are in favor of a semi-autonomous regional state which would allow the creation of a regional constitution and council with their own policies. The question remains, will these results be accepted successfully and peacefully?

Happening This Week

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, November 28, 2019 | 9 a.m.– 12 p.m. | Kicks off at West 77th Street & Central Park West and ends at Macy’s Herald Square

The annual Thanksgiving Day Parade is here! You can watch it on your TV or go out and see it live! Don’t forget to keep an eye out this year for Japanese contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama’s balloon. 

Yayoi Kusama: EVERY DAY I PRAY FOR LOVE, November 9 – December 14, 2019 | David Zwirner, 537 West 20

Speaking of Kusama, whose aesthetic Infinity Mirror Rooms have become an Instagram favorite, she currently has her work displayed in New York City for a limited time. Don’t miss the chance to see it!

Union Square Holiday Market, November 21 – December 24, 2019 | Monday – Friday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sat, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sun, 11 a.m.–7 p.m. |Union Square Park, East 14th to East 17th Streets, between Broadway and Park Avenue South

Enjoy the final days of autumn, and say hello to the holidays as we head into the last week of November! Head over to one of New York City’s largest holiday markets to get a head start on your gift shopping.

In Your Free Time

La Casa de Papel (Money Heist) on Netflix

Want to change up your Netflix binge-watching game with something different? Check out this Spanish action series about a group of modern-day Robin Hoods attempting to rob the Royal Mint of Spain. With its never-ending plot twists and dramatic chain of events, you’ll be hooked in no time. And oh, don’t watch it in English. Turn on the subs and before you know it, you’ll be quoting El Professor and singing along to “Bella Ciao.”

This week’s Monday Briefing was brought to you by Erika Wakabayashi.