South Korea’s acting leader and replacement both resign

This edition of FirstFT Asia highlights significant political turmoil in South Korea, where Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok both resigned amidst impeachment proceedings, raising concerns over the upcoming election against left-wing frontrunner Lee Jae-myung. Additionally, Australia faces a crucial election this weekend while grappling with economic data releases, and the CIA seeks to undermine the Chinese Communist Party through targeted media campaigns. In other news, Apple reports strong revenue growth amid trade tensions, and the Bank of Japan revises its economic forecasts downward.