▶ WHO: CORONAVIRUS INFECTIONS SURGE WORLDWIDE
The World Health Organization has said 9.5 million COVID-19 cases were recorded around the world over the last week, a 71 percent surge compared to the previous week.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said during a regular press briefing that he was certain the weekly tally was an underestimate because of a backlog in testing during the year-end holidays.
Dr. Tedros noted that while the Omicron variant appears to be less severe than Delta, it "does not mean it should be categorized as mild."
He said in fact, the "tsunami" of cases fueled by Omicron "is so huge and quick that it is overwhelming health systems around the world."
WHO emergencies chief Dr. Michael Ryan also said speculation that Omicron might be the last variant of the outbreak was "wishful thinking."
▶ S. KOREA'S COVID-19 CASES DROP AMID TOUGHER CURBS
Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum says South Korea is clearly seeing a downward trend in new coronavirus infections amid tighter antivirus curbs and the ongoing vaccine rollout.
He made the remarks as the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency reported 3,717 new coronavirus cases, marking a big drop from two weeks ago when daily caseloads topped 6,000.
Speaking to officials during a regular interagency COVID-19 response meeting, Kim also pointed to the steady decline in critically ill patients.
According to the KDCA, 839 severe coronavirus patients were in intensive care units across the country, compared to the high of 1,084 recorded in the weeks prior.
Despite these positive signs, Kim still urged caution and said the government will continue to expand its medical capabilities and speed up vaccinations.
He added that the first shipment of antiviral COVID-19 pills will arrive next week.
▶ KDCA: MORE THAN 20 MILLION RECEIVE BOOSTER SHOT
More than 20 million people in South Korea aged 18 and up have gotten a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot.
The figure covers 45.3 percent of the population.
The milestone was achieved 87 days after the booster rollout began in the country on October 12.
▶ SEOUL HOPEFUL BEIJING OLYMPICS LEAD TO PEACE
The unification ministry has said there is no change in the government's stance that it hopes the upcoming Beijing Olympics will contribute to peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia and the world.
The ministry made the remark in response to reports that North Korea said it supports the event despite their absence.
▶ BIDEN CALLS OUT TRUMP FOR JAN. 6 CAPITOL ATTACK
Events to mark the anniversary of the attack on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of former President Donald Trump have exposed the country's enduring political divide.
In a speech, President Joe Biden accused his predecessor of inciting the assault because he couldn't accept that he lost the last election.
The BBC's Anthony Zurcher reports.
[Reporter]
President Joe Biden used the televised address to launch one of his most sharply-worded attacks on Donald Trump since the 2020 presidential campaign.
He said that the former president, who continues to make unfounded allegations of election fraud, values power and his bruised ego over principle and American democracy.
The speech represents a rhetorical shift for Mr. Biden away from his talk of national unity and healing.
The speech prompted quick condemnations from Republicans in Congress, who largely stayed away from today's events and the former president himself.
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