South Korea Approves $17.7 Billion Budget to Counter Middle East Conflict Impact

South Korea's National Assembly has passed a 26.2 trillion-won ($17.7 billion) extra budget aimed at mitigating the economic fallout from the ongoing Middle East conflict. The vote, held Friday, saw an overwhelming 214 lawmakers in favor out of 244 present. The budget maintains its original size as proposed by the government, following a bipartisan agreement between the ruling Democratic Party and the opposition People Power Party earlier in the day. The funds will provide direct cash assistance