Jeju Shinbo
1. Administration
Seongsan scored highest as site for new airport
The provincial government and the land ministry released Wednesday part of a feasibility report on the location for Jeju’s second airport. Seongsan got 89 out of 100 points, outscoring all other areas. Daejeong came second with a score of 70.5.

2. Economy
Jeju Golden Buses run empty
The paper says the Jeju Golden Buses, which are operated by the Jeju Provincial Tourism Association, are running empty. They are reportedly carrying only around 30 passengers a day.

Jemin Ilbo
1. Economy
Jeju’s middle class disappearing
The Jemin Ilbo has an article on how Jeju’s middle class is disappearing due to income polarization. Jeju’s economy has been rapidly growing at an average rate of 5%, but the average wage here remains much lower than the national average.

2. Society
Safety a concern for ‘haenyeo’
Over the past five years, 46 haenyeo have died while diving. Experts say the main reasons for the fatalities include old age, bad weather, and long working hours. In 2015, 83.5 percent of Jeju’s women sea divers were at least 60 years old.

Halla Ilbo
1. Economy
Companies can apply to hire foreign workers
The Halla Ilbo is reporting that the Jeju Employment Center says companies suffering from a worker shortage can apply for permission to legally hire foreign workers through January 19th. This applies to small-and-mid-sized manufacturers, construction companies, agricultural and dairy firms, fishing companies, and certain service industries.

2. Society
NK tremor tremor detected in Jeju
A tremor was recorded at the local meteorology office on Wednesday, following a detection of seismic activity in North Korea minutes earlier. The North claims that it has successfully carried out a hydrogen bomb test.

Yonhap
1. National
Ruling party leadership calls for nuclear armament
Yonhap is reporting that South Korean ruling party leaders said Thursday that the country should consider creating its own nuclear potential for self-defense. This came a day after North Korea claimed to have successfully tested a hydrogen bomb.

2. Diplomacy
Obama reaffirms ‘unshakeable’ US commitment
U.S. President Barack Obama spoke by phone with President Park Geun-hye on Wednesday and reaffirmed the "unshakeable U.S. commitment" to South Korea's security.