South Korea approves $17.7 billion emergency budget for Middle East war impact

South Korea's National Assembly passed a 26.2 trillion-won ($17.7 billion) supplementary budget to counter economic shockwaves from the ongoing Middle East conflict. The bill, approved with an overwhelming 214-11 vote, comes as rising oil prices hit households and industries hard. Cash assistance targeting the bottom 70% of income earners will reach up to 600,000 won per person, aiming to alleviate immediate financial burdens. Additionally, 200 billion won has been earmarked to stabilize naphtha