Buddy,
It just happens that I'm from Singapore - and for my maiden and subsequent short bike tours, I'd be likely to do it through Malaysia (Singapore's too small to cycletour!) and perhaps Thailand - but let me assure you that rain is one of the most treacherous bits of stuff you have to be able to take - just about a month ago or so, there was a really huge downpour that flooded amongst other cars, at least one Ferrari in a townhouse (I'm not too sure if the term is used correctly by me or not...)
And heck no, I do not intend to criticize. Just sharing my personal values system where I would rather spending more (yeah, I know Ortliebs are overpriced...) on things that are durable. Raccoons don't exist where I foresee where I'd be going, and factoring a spill I had while doing some personal errands which resulted in some abrasion in my Back Roller Classic... I think with adequate erring on the side of caution etc, I'll get through fine.
It's good to know you are prepared for rain - I have no idea how bad rain might get in Korea (ha, reminds me of the singer Rain!) but I've seen some crazy weather since I may be riding South East Asia more than you might be doing...
For zippers I'd at least make sure it's by YKK, if not I'd pass. By now you'd probably have an idea why I got myself a Tubus LOCC (yes, I got the ABUS U-Lock as well...) just to ensure my bike wouldn't be the one doing me an injustice... I'm not going for perfection on a ride - I'll just sharing what works for me. The only experience I've had so far is just last month with my girlfriend and 3 more friends on a short tour (230km over 3 days) with a continuous 4 to 5 hour downpour on Day 2. That alone was good enough to "test drive" for my future trips I have in mind for the future.
The world seems to work by a free economy, so if the Lone Peaks are your best bet, go for it. I sure hope I am getting a correct impression of you starting a thread just to solely solicit for a round of pertinent consideration factors instead of convincing yourself of a preconceived notion (which doesn't need to be done - it was decided already!).