1. The National Intelligence Service said Tuesday that South Korea's election systems may be vulnerable to foreign hacking threats and are in need of fortification ahead of next year’s general election.

2. South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said Wednesday the country has signed a joint statement on the conclusion of negotiations for the Strategic Economic Cooperation Agreement, a type of free trade deal, with Ecuador. This is South Korea's 23rd FTA.

3. The armed conflict between Israel and Hamas continued for a fifth day on Wednesday, claiming at least 2,100 lives on both sides. The Gaza Ministry of Health reported on Wednesday nearly 1,000 deaths since Saturday, while Israel's Defense Forces reported at least 1,200 deaths.