The Korean daily media headlines and humor

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Your Excellency:

Here are The Korea Post notice, humor from a Korean-language economic daily from and a roundup of important headlines from all major Korean-language dailies, TV and other news media this morning:

Lee Kyung-sik

Publisher-Chairman

Korea Post Media

P.S.: 1. To see the desired site, press down the Control key and click the blue URL of the media.

2. If received by a person other than the intended recipient, please kindly convey the mail to His/Her Excellency.

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Today’s humor:

Humor from a generous former Asian ambassador

Two Pilots!

Air Canada plane leaves Pearson Airport under the
control of a Jewish captain; his co-pilot is Chinese.

It's the first time they've flown together and an
awkward silence between the two
seems to indicate a mutual dislike.

Once they reach cruising altitude, the Jewish captain
activates the auto-pilot, leans back in his seat, and mutters,

'I don't like Chinese..'

'No rike Chinese?' asks the co-pilot, 'why not?'

'You people bombed Pearl Harbor , that's why!'

'No, no', the co-pilot protests, 'Chinese not bomb Peahl Hahbah!

That Japanese, not Chinese.'

'Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese.....doesn't matter,
you're all alike!'

There's a few minutes of silence.

'I no rike Jews!' the co-pilot suddenly announces.

'Oh yeah, why not?' asks the captain.

'Jews sink Titanic!' says the co-pilot.

'What? You're insane! Jews didn't sink the Titanic!'
exclaims the captain,

'It was an iceberg!'

Iceberg, Goldberg, Greenberg, Rosenberg , .....all same.

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An old lady was standing at the railing of the cruise ship holding her hat tightly so that it would not blow away in the wind.     

A gentleman approached her and said, "Pardon me, madam, I'm sorry to appear forward, but did you know that your dress is blowing up in this high wind?"    

"Yes, I know," said the lady. "I need both my hands to hold onto this hat."     

"But madam, you must know that you are not wearing any panties and your privates are exposed!" said the gentleman in earnest. 

The woman looked down, then back up at the man and replied,  "Sir, anything you see down there is 85 years old. I just bought this hat yesterday"

Marriage is like a public toilet

Those waiting outside are desperate to get in

& those inside are desperate to come out.

Why were hurricanes usually named female names

because when they arrive, they're wet and wild, but

when they go, they take your house and car..

Seoul Kyungje

There was a hound dog laying in the yard and an old geezer in overalls was sitting on the porch. "Excuse me, sir, but does your dog bite?"

A tourist asked. The old man looked up over his newspaper and replied, "No." As soon as the tourist stepped out of his car, the dog began snarling and growling,

and then attacked both his arms and legs. As the tourist flailed around in the dust, he yelled,

"I thought you said your dog didn't bite!" The old man muttered, "Ain't my dog."

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Top headlines of major news media of Korea this morning:

KBS (http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/)

N. Korea Calls Emergency Meeting of Heads of Gaeseong Firms

North Korea has summoned the heads of South Korean companies operating in the Gaeseong Industrial Complex for a meeting at eleven in the morning Tuesday.

NIS Chief Nominee Vows NIS Reform

Labor Minister Presses Gov't, Mgt to Meet Compromise Deadline

US Sends Assistant Secretary to Seoul for Consultations

S. Koreans' Overseas Card Spending Hits Record High in 2014

KOSPI Changes Little Ahead of FOMC Meeting

Chinese Investment in S. Korea Soars

N. Korea Calls Emergency Meeting of Heads of Gaeseong Firms

Tensions Rise Ahead of Leaflet Campaign

Gov't Regrets N. Korea's Demand for Dissolution of Unification Preparatory Committee

UN Chief Urges Japanese Leaders to Have Broader, Future-Oriented Vision

Murayama: Past and Future are Inseparable

Japan's Opposition Chief Confirms Merkel's Remarks on Comfort Women

S. Korea to Hold Administration Ministers' Meeting in Africa

POSCO Executives to be Summoned for Questioning

Blind S. Korean to Scale Mt. Everest

Seoul to Open Experimental Curriculum for

School for Multi-cultural Children to Open

Poll Reveals Koreans' Favorite Celebs

S. Korea's Arirang-3A Satellite to be Launched on March 26

Gamtae Seaweed Extract Recognized for Sleep-Enhancing Effects

Korean Scientists Discovery Could Help Treat Hearing Impaired

S. Korea Grabs Gold at ISU Championships

Event Promoting 2018 Pyeongchang Paralympics Kicks Off in Seoul

FIFA to Pick Host of 2019 Women’s World Cup Next Week

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Yonhap (http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr)

Nearly half of Chinese tourists to S. Korea visit Jeju Island

Almost one out of two Chinese tourists to South Korea visited the southern resort island of Jeju in 2014 thanks to the accommodative visa policy and expansion of direct flights and cheap cruise packages, the state tourism agency said Tuesday.

U.S. State Department revises Korea map to include Dokdo

The U.S. State Department revised a map of Korea on its website Monday to include a reference to South Korea's easternmost islets of Dokdo.

U.S. Army allocates THAAD systems to deploy to S. Korea in emergencies: report

The U.S. Army has allocated THAAD missile defense systems to be deployed to South Korea in the event of emergencies, a news report said Monday.

China voices concern over U.S. THAAD on Korean soil

China called on South Korea Monday to take heed of Beijing's concern over the possible deployment of an advance U.S. missile-defense system on South Korean soil when Seoul makes a decision on the issue.

Top headlines in major S. Korean newspapers

U.S. State Department revises Korea map to include Dokdo

U.S. Army allocates THAAD systems to deploy to S. K..

All options should be on table against N. Korea's threats:..

S. Korea's JCS chief visits U.S. battle ship

Activist vows to send leaflets despite N.K. threat

New minister says no let-up in push for peaceful re..

Nearly half of Chinese tourists to S. Korea visit Jeju Isl..

Asiana flight returns to Hong Kong after passenger mix-up

PyeongChang Winter Games organizers launch separate entity..

U-22 football players vow not to underestimate oppo..

Teen short tracker Choi Min-jeong takes world overa..

Nat'l football coach Uli Stielike buoyed by good turnout i..

U-22 football players vow not to underestimate opponents a..

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The Korea Times (http://www.koreatimes.co.kr)

Spring concert thrills audience

A standing ovation rounded off The Korea Times’ Spring Music Festival, which featured soprano Kim Soo-yeon, tenor Ryu Jung-phil and musical actress Sonya, among others. More than 1,500 guests including the newspapers’ readers, g...

China forces tough choice on S. Korea

China has increased pressure on South Korea to make an either/or choice between Beijing and the United States on two key issues. “It would be appreciated if South Korea takes China’s interest and concerns over THAAD into deep co...

Asiana flight takes off with wrong passenger aboard 

An Asiana Airlines flight bound for Incheon from Hong Kong returned to the airport after finding a “wrong” passenger was on board.

POSCO probe may expand to other groups 

The prosecution’s ongoing investigation into POSCO’s alleged creation of a slush fund is causing anxiety to several other conglomerates that are suspected of ...

Rate cut expected to have little impact 

The Bank of Korea’s reducing its key rate to a record low 1.75 percent, Thursday, will be insufficient to boost consumption and investment, analysts said Mond... 

'Seoul buses need to improve on safety' 

Buses in Seoul have been rated as decent, but have room for improvements in safety, a survey relea...

Seoul Phil cancels US tour 

The Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra’s (SPO) decision to cancel its U.S. tour set for April due to a lack of funding could have far reaching implications beyond j...

Foreign visitors find Korean food 'so-so' 

Korean food, or hansik, is emerging as a trendy cuisine in many parts of the world, and it is on top of foreigners’ minds when they think about Korea.

Spy chief nominee promises political neutrality 

Lee Byung-ho, President Park Geun-hye’s nominee for director of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), vowed to make the nation’s top spy agency politically...

Samsung to beat forecast on S6 

Samsung Electronics is expected to report stronger-than-expected results in the first quarter on improvement in chips and smartphones, analysts said Monday.

Lippert to return to business this week 

Mark Lippert, Washington’s ambassador to Seoul, is set to soon get back to work. 

Former Navy chief to face probe

Hwang Ki-chul, former chief of naval operations, is likely to face an investigation over alleged ...

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DongA Ilbo (http://english.donga.com)

Korean researchers develop anticancer substance

Korean researchers have developed an anti-cancer substance candidate that can effectively kill cancer cells. It was found that little side-effects were detected on animal testing. A team led by Chemistry Professor Shin... 

NIS chief nominee faces tough grilling at confirmation hearing

A historical perspective on the May 16 coup became a hot topic of debate during the parliament’s confirmation hearing for Lee Byung-ho (see photo), a nominee to serve as the head of the National Intelligence Service, on...

Prosecutors summon POSCO E&C executives over alleged slush funds

Prosecutors are investigating POSCO Engineering & Construction`s alleged corruption scandal and summoned Monday the company`s two executives and others who reportedly created more than 10 billion won (8.84 million U.S....

Ryu Hyun-jin, Choo Shin-soo highly likely to face off on Tuesday

A showdown between Ryu Hyun-jin and Choo Shin-soo is expected to take place on Tuesday. LA Dodgers pitcher Ryu Hyun-jin is set to take the mound for a second time at an exhibition game for this season. Ryu will likely...

TV show sparks controversy for airing drinking scenes

Is it appropriate to air scenes that stars drink makgeolli rice wine during hiking on an entertainment show? "Two Nights, One Day segment on KBS 2 TV’s Happy Sunday" program aired scenes in which cast drank makgeolli...

Huge saltwater ocean found on Jupiter`s moon Ganymede

It has turned out that Jupiter’s moon “Ganymede” has a vast subterranean ocean. As the fact there is a deep ocean in the solar system is confirmed, the expectation for the possibility of extraterrestrial life is rising....

Controversies over N. Korean leader’s call for ‘highest-level’ talks 

Ki Sung-yueng, Son Heung-min as promising Korean soccer players 

New year’s wishes change over time 

France drops its super tax on millionaires 

Samsung’s mobile phone beats Apple to top ACSI 

Actor Lee Jung-jae reported to be in a relationship with Daesang heiress 

N. Korean leader shows willingness to hold inter-Korean summit 

U.S. military base in Yongsan bans civilian drones, model aircrafts

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Chosun Ilbo (http://english.chosun.com)

More N.Korean Defectors Driven to Crime

A North Korean defector from North Hamgyong Province was given a prison sentence after getting caught smuggling drugs into South Korea from China last year. The defector told police she needed money to feed herself and felt rejected by South Korean society. >> Full Text

SNU Hospital Emergency Room Most Stretched in Korea

The emergency room at Seoul National University Hospital has the biggest shortage of sickbeds in Korea. The Ministry of Health and Welfare investigated 415 emergency rooms across the nation last year and found that the busiest among the top five hospitals in the country is SNU Hospital. >> Full Text

U.S. Envoy Inundated with Get-Well Tokens

U.S. Ambassador Mark Lippert has thanked well-wishers after he was injured in a slash attack on March 5. "Thanks for all of the friendship & support! Means so much to the Lippert family! Back to work later next week!" he tweeted on Friday. >> Full Text

U.S. Envoy Attack Boosts Demand for Police Protection

No Sign of the Missing After Coast Guard Chopper Crash

Attack on U.S. Ambassador 'Carefully Planned'

Hyundai Genesis Beats Audi, Lexus in U.S. Premium Market

Kia Releases Compact SUV Exclusively for Chinese Customers

Nearly 4 Million Hyundai Tucsons Sold in 11 Years

People in Their 30s Keenest Buyers of Foreign Cars

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Hankyoreh Shinmoon (http://english.hani.co.kr)

Is South Korea poised to board China’s runaway train?

Time running out to decide whether to join China’s AIIB, which yields economic benefits, but risks harming alliance with the US

Late March is the deadline for South Korea to decide if it plans to be a founding member of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), a financial institution spearheaded by Beijing. Its establishment signals a further expansion for China as an emerging power against the traditional advanced economies behind the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Asian Development Bank (ADB), and World Bank (WB), including the US, the countries of Europe, and Japan.

Participation stands to offer excellent economic opportunities to South Korea

At shareholders' meeting, Hankyoreh renews commitment to the public

“There is nowhere left in the Republic of Korea to tend to the pain and tears of the working class. I hope the Hankyoreh will listen more closely to the voices of the working class and underprivileged, and keep marching with them.”

This was the powerful message shared by Hankyoreh shareholder Song Gwang-seop at the newspaper’s 27th shareholders’ meeting on Mar. 14 at the Kim Koo Museum and Library in Seoul.

Why are politicians drumming up support for THAAD?

THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense), one of the key means of interception in the US missile defense system, is once again sparking controversy. But this time around, the controversy is rather odd.

It is unusual for politicians to step forward to lead the debate, and it is also unusual for them to insist on deploying a specific weapon system. Developed by US defense firm Lockheed Martin,

Korean-Americans take out ad calling on Obama to make peace with North Korea

A group of Korean-Americans took out an ad in the New York Times urging US President Barack Obama to take steps to sign a peace treaty with North Korea.

The group, who identified themselves as Korean-Americans who support a peace treaty between North Korea and the US, ran a full-page advertisement titled “An open letter to President Obama” on page five of the Mar. 15 edition of the newspaper.

Work is the main worry keeping South Koreans up at night

Worry about work is the number one reason that South Koreans have trouble getting to sleep, a recent survey found.

Dutch electronics company Philips surveyed 8,000 people from 10 countries about sleep. When asked about the greatest obstacle to sleep, the most common response from the 500 South Koreans who were surveyed was “worry about work” (43%, multiple answers permitted).

The beginnings of an intense investigation into corruption

President Park Geun-hye, who started her third year in office with a shuffle of her cabinet and Blue House secretaries, is finally unsheathing the sword of internal audits. The current mood is distinctly different from focused audits aimed at investigating and prosecuting specific issues.

Hyundai Motor announces body to protect investor rights

Hyundai Motor has agreed to set up a body and procedures in its board of directors for the protection of investor rights.

The move comes in response to demands for protections by domestic and foreign minor shareholders and institutional investors. It marks the first time a South Korean corporation has set up a safeguard for investor protections in its top decision-making institution.

Younger Koreans see attack on US Ambassador as an “isolated act” by a crazy person

South Koreans in their twenties to forties widely view the knife attack on US ambassador Mark Lippert as an “isolated act by a crazed individual,” while those aged 60 and older see it as an “act by pro-North Korea forces,” a recent survey shows.

Opposition party criticizes talk of THAAD after attack on US ambassador

After certain members of the ruling Saenuri Party - including Floor Leader Yoo Seong-min - used the attack on US Ambassador Mark Lippert as an opportunity to start a public debate about deploying THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) on the Korean peninsula, the New Politics Alliance for Democracy (NPAD) responded on Mar. 14 with harsh criticism.

Twentysomethings putting the brakes on car purchases

A company employee surnamed Seo who turns thirty this year, has resolved to buy a car in his twenties. It never happened. When he first went to work four years ago, he resolved to save up money for two to three years before buying a car. But after paying back student loans and the large key money deposit he had borrowed for his apartment, there wasn’t anywhere near enough left over for a car.

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JoongAng Ilbo (conservative): (http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/)

Graffiti punks from abroad target Seoul’s subway

On Feb. 2, four Australians in baseball caps and hoodies appeared around Wangsimni Station, eastern Seoul, at three in the morning. They carefully scoped out the area and then stopped in front of a ventilation window behind a bus stop. They cut the bars of the window and swung down to a temporary garage where a car for the Line No. 5 subway was idle…

Chinese envoy brings up Thaad

China stepped up pressure on Korea Monday to steer clear of a U.S. plan to deploy an advanced anti-ballistic missile system here, publicly expressing its concerns.…

Posco probe widening to possibly reach MB

Prosecutors investigating top steelmaker Posco amassing a slush fund in Vietnam are now focusing on former Chairman Chung Joon-yang and his alleged connection…

Chaebol are investing more, hiring a bit less

Korea’s top 30 conglomerates including Samsung and Hyundai will invest 16 percent more this year than last but will hire 6.3 percent fewer entry-level workers…

Lotte opens R&D center in Busan

Lotte Group became the latest Korean conglomerate to join President Park Geun-hye’s creative economy drive on Monday by opening a research and development center in Busan.…

Nuclear reactor accident rate is higher than at thermal plants

Korea’s nuclear power plants had almost twelve times more industrial accidents than other kinds of power plants largely due to a shortage of manpower…

Starbucks Korea grapples with rising rent, human resource costs

Despite the surging popularity of coffee, the profit margins of major cafe chains have plummeted due to the exorbitant cost of rent and personnel management.…

Abe pressed by Ban, Murayama

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon urged Japanese leaders Monday to adopt a “broader, future-oriented” perspective to improve relations with neighbors in East Asia …

Korean school to open branch in Qingdao, China

A Korean school will open a China branch in September, the first such expansion outside Korea by a special-purpose high school. Daewon Education Foundation…

Investigated Posco E&C hopes to close share sale with Saudis

Posco, which is under investigation for its construction arm’s alleged slush fund in Vietnam, is worrying that some of its overseas businesses might be impacted…

Support builds at home for construction work abroad

Small and midsize companies (SMEs) will receive support from financial institutions when bidding on overseas construction projects. SMEs,…

Good news from China buoys the market

Seoul’s main bourse opened around the 1,980 mark due to the strength of the dollar, but the positive outlook on additional growth in China’s economy…

Spending on credit cards overseas is at all-time high

Koreans’ credit card spending overseas reached an all-time record last year on the back of the rising value of the Korean won against the U.S. greenback…

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Maeil Kyungje (neutral-oriented conservative, economic/business): (http://news.mk.co.kr/english/)

Prosecution calls on FTC to file charge against SK E&C over price rigging

The South Korean prosecution has asked the Fair Trade Commission (FTC) to charge SK Engineering & Construction with price fixing. Upon the request, the prosecution’s.. ...

Engineering dept shows signs of resurgence over medical school

Engineering department, which has been behind the medical school since the 2000s, is showing signs of resurgence. The rise of engineering department comes from the bel.. ...

S. Korean men in 40s emerge as new consumer group

Korean men in their 40s are emerging as a new consumer group. They are no longer confined to spending on private tutoring for kids, home loan repayment and preparatio.. ...

S. Korea develops anticancer substance blocking cancer cell growth

South Korea’s medical research team has found a substance that could prevent cancer cells from growing, providing a foundation for developing a novel anticancer drug... ...

Lotte to lead efforts to raise fund for industries in Busan

Lotte Group will lead efforts to raise a fund worth 230 billion won over the past five years, helping the government’s initiative to develop Busan into a business hub.. ...

Samsung Electronics’ system semiconductor turning into darling

Samsung Electronics’ system LSI business is transforming from money-losing to money-making division led by good performance of three major parts of system semiconduct.. ...

This week will mark shareholders’ meeting by 464 listed firms

The third week of March will see the biggest number of shareholders’ meetings held by listed companies. According to the Korea Securities Depository, from March 16-20.. ...

Ruling party, gov’t and presidential office agree to up minimum wage

Minimum wage hike discussions are gathering pace, as wage growth has recently emerged as a hot button issue related to economic revitalization. Moon Jae-in, leader o.. ...

FTC chief says chances are low that Qualcomm will prove not guilty

Chung Jae-chan, chief of Fair Trade Commission (FTC) said that South Korea’s anti-trust authority is looking into the global mobile chipmaker Qualcomm over the allege.. ...

Economic mathematics to be introduced in 2018

From 2018 when the current 6th graders of elementary school enter high school, economic mathematics would be included as an elective subject of high school. The Minist.. ...

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The Kyunghyang Shinmoon (http://english.khan.co.kr/)

"How Can One Threaten China While Raking in Money from the Country?” South Korea Has Sovereignty over the Placement of THAAD

On March 15, Mun Il-hyeon (photo), a professor at China University of Political Science and Law commented on the issue of placing the Terminal High Altitude Air···

[Editorial] Arrested in the Act for Distributing Flyers Criticizing the President?

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency sent guidelines telling officers to request anyone who distributes flyers criticizing the president to accompany them and a···

Base Interest Rate Down to the 1% Level for the First Time: Bombing Households with Debt to Stimulate Economy

South Korea has entered the age of the 1% level base interest rate. This is the lowest rate ever, even lower than during the global financial crisis in 2008. So···

[Editorial] We Support International Female Activists and Their Plan to Cross the DMZ

Early this year, the leaders of North and South Korea stressed the significance of the seventieth anniversary of national liberation and displayed their strong ···

Cheong Wa Dae Pulls the Brakes on the Ruling Party's Attempt to Raise the Issue of THAAD

On March 11, Cheong Wa Dae pulled the brakes on attempts to bring the topic of the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Air Defense (THAAD) system to the public forum sa···

[Editorial] The Pope Remembers the Sewol, While South Korea Forgets

Pope Francis who visited South Korea last August and comforted the family members of those killed in the sinking of the Sewol once again mentioned the Sewol tra···

North Korean Goods Exported as 'Made in Korea'?

A report claimed that North Korea decided to use the same label as South Korea, "Made in Korea," instead of the "Democratic People's Republic of Korea" in ···

Lippert Said in Korean, 'The Ground Hardens after the Rain'

U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Mark Lippert, who had been hospitalized for treatment after he was assaulted with a knife, was discharged from the hospital on Ma···

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