The Korean daily media headlines and humor

The Korean daily media headlines and humor

Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2016

Your Excellency:

Here are roundup of important headlines from all major Korean-language dailies, TV and other news media of Korea 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.

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

Finance Ministry: China's Market Plunge to Have Limited Impact

The government said Tuesday that the Chinese stock market plunge on Monday will have a limited impact on the South...

BOK Convenes Emergency Meeting Following China's Market Plunge

Current Account Surplus Continues for 45th Month as Imports Dwindle

Drug Exports Rise Threefold in 10 Years

Finance Minister Nominee Reserved about Increasing Welfare Spending

N. Korean Foreign Minister Likely to Attend Davos Forum

Main Opposition Urges Seoul's Renegotiation with Japan over Sex Slavery Issue

Finance Ministry: China's Market Plunge to Have Limited Impact

Current Account Surplus Continues for 45th Month as Imports Dwindle

Drug Exports Rise Threefold in 10 Years

N. Korea Ends Anti-MERS Measures at Gaeseong Factory Park

'Kim Jong-un's New Year's Speech Stressed Economy Over Military'

N. Korea Demands Japan's Apology, Compensation on Sex Slavery Issue

Ex-US Envoy to Seoul Bosworth Passes at 77

Abe: Sexual Slavery Issue Has Finally been Settled

UN Envoy Commends Seoul-Tokyo Agreement on Sex Slavery Issue

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

S. Korea's current account surplus widens on narrowing service deficit in Nov.

South Korea's current account surplus grew from a month earlier in November as the deficit in the service sector narrowed, nearly offsetting a drop in the goods account, preliminary data from the central bank showed Tuesday.

Ex-U.S. Amb. Stephen Bosworth dies

Stephen Bosworth, a long-time Korea expert who served as U.S. ambassador to South Korea and as Washington's special representative for North Korea policy, has died. He was 76.

S. Korean medicine exports triple in 10 years

South Korean medicine exports jumped threefold in the last 10 years as local pharmaceutical companies have become more competitive on the global stage, government data showed Tuesday.

Park receives pay raise of more than 3 pct

The Cabinet raised President Park Geun-hye's annual salary by more than 3 percent in a wage hike that also affected all other civic servants across South Korea, officials said Tuesday.

N.K. leader inspects firing test by military units

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has inspected a firing test by the military's artillery units as his first "field guidance" of the new year, Pyongyang's state media said Tuesday.

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The Korea Herald (http://www.koreaherald.com)

Chinese stock markets closed after shares fall

Chinese stock markets closed after shares fall 7%SHANGHAI (AFP) -- Chinese authorities for the first time closed the Sha...

Concern rising over consumption cliff

In a meeting of economy-related ministers last week, outgoing Finance Minister Choi Kyung-hwan ...

Child care crisis looms as funding standoff persists

The Education Ministry stepped up its offensive against local education superintendents this we...

Hyundai Motor sets modest sales target

Hyundai Motor Group chairman Chung Mong-koo on Monday set a global production and sales target ...

Rival parties look to Ban as presidential ga...

With the imminent launch of a new centrist political party by Ahn Cheol-soo, the leading parties are acce...

Economic challenges

One year ago, government economists said that the Korean economy would be able to recover it...

Hope for change

Major Korean newspapers and broadcasters usually conduct opinion polls on the occasion of N...

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

Young Koreans overcome UAE 2-0 in prep game before Olympic football qualifier

Korea’s Olympic football team on Tuesday clinched a 2-0 win over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) under-23 team, in a tune-up match before Asian U-23 Championship, which will be the qualifier to the Rio Olympics football. During t...

Ex-US Amb. Stephen Bosworth dies 

Stephen Bosworth, a long-time Korea expert who served as U.S. ambassador to South Korea and as Washington's special representative for North Korea policy, has...

S. Korea defeat UAE 2-0 in test before Olympic football qualifiers 

The South Korean men's under-23 football team defeated the United Arab Emirates (UAE) 2-0 in Dubai on Monday in a test match ahead of next week's Olympic qual...

3-way battle looming in April election 

A dozen more lawmakers may leave the main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea (MPK) this week to join a new envisioned party led by Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo, Ahn’s aid...

Park presents change, reform as key words 

President Park Geun-hye highlighted change and reform as key words for the year ahead, Monday, saying cooperation from the National Assembly was crucial to ma... 

Warm weather changing winter scene 

Despite a brief cold snap forecast for this week, unusually warm weather has been sweeping the cou... 

Attention sought on sex slavery depiction in new textbook 

People are focusing on how sexual slavery perpetrated by the Japanese military before and during W... 

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DongAIlbo (http://english.donga.com)

Global economy stirred by diplomatic rupture between Saudi Arabia and Iran

The diplomatic rupture between Saudi Arabia and Iran, the two most powerful states in the Middle East, is jolting the political landscape in the region. The extreme conflict between the two countries is emerging as the... 

Neon streets of Times Square to be seen in Korea`s major cities

New York’s Times Square and London`s Piccadilly Circus are well-known for their streets full of colorful neon signs. Large outdoor neon billboards are seen in various forms, using state-of-the-art display technologies...

World No. 1 Lydia Ko is ready for the Rio Olympics

At the age of 24, American professional golfer Tiger Woods earned more than 5 million dollars in 1998 as the total prize, but world No. 1 female golfer Lydia Ko has already come close to the same amount at 19. She has...

K-art poised to lead to Korean Wave in the global market

"An era of Korean arts has arrived following that of Japan and China." "How to spend it," a luxury lifestyle weekly magazine from the British media Financial Times, has released a cover story titled "Korea Driven"...

Lotte World Tower picked as one of the most exciting architectural projects

The Lotte World Tower in Seoul slated to be completed this year has been included for the “eight of the most exciting architectural projects” by the BBC. According to the BBC on Sunday, architectural critic Jonathan...

Students protest to protect comfort woman statue in Seoul

The weather was rather warm for winter, but the wind was still cold in the square where there is nothing to block the wind. A group of college students saw the morning come next to a "comfort woman" memorial statue....

Will first African Major Leaguer emerge this year? 

Exhibition on monkeys in celebration of the year of monkey

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ChosunIlbo (http://english.chosun.com)

Baggage Handling at Incheon Airport Breaks Down

A breakdown in the baggage handling system during the New Year's rush at Incheon International Airport on Sunday created a misery for passengers until Monday and left many without their belongings. >> Full Text

None of the Richest Koreans Are Self-Made

None of the richest Koreans are self-made billionaires, according to Bloomberg's list of the world's 400 wealthiest people. All five Koreans on the list inherited their wealth, whereas 28 out of the 29 Chinese entrants and all five Japanese tycoons on the list are self-made. >> Full Text

Temperatures to Plunge This Week

The mercury is expected to drop below freezing in the capital and surrounding areas for the time being. The Korea Meteorological Administration on Monday said a cold weather front has arrived from the northwest, while strong winds make it feel even colder. >> Full Text

New Year's Pictures Hint at Changes in N. Korean Regime

N. Korean FM to Attend World Economic Forum30% of Senior Citizens in Seoul Still Working

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HankyorehShinmoon (http://english.hani.co.kr)

Young people increasingly looking to escape Korea for a life abroad

Fed up with what they see as Korea’s discriminatory and hypercompetitive society, more twenty something express desire to emigrate

Kim Min-a, 22, a junior at a university in Seoul, is already pursuing her dream of living in Germany in the not-so-distant future. This is not just a resolution, though - she has already laid concrete plans for making this a reality.Non-Germans who are hired by Lufthansa receive permanent residency in the country after six years with the airline. After completing a two-year contract with Lufthansa and passing a German language test, employees can receive a permanent contract.

South Korea-Japan comfort women agreement faces stumbling blocks

Trouble may well be looming for the agreement reached on Dec. 28 between the South Korean and Japanese foreign ministers on the issue of the so-called comfort women, who were forced to serve as sex slaves for the Imperial Japanese Army. The potential deal breakers are the establishment of a foundation in which the Japanese government has agreed to donate 1 billion yen (US$8.30 million) and the debate about relocating the statue of a young girl, which symbolizes the comfort women. .

Citizens and foreign residents gather to express solidarity with comfort women

On Dec. 28, the first Wednesday demonstration was held since the governments of South Korea and Japan declared that they had reached an agreement on the issue of the comfort women, who were forced to serve as sex slaves for the Imperial Japanese Army. Given that there was a much bigger turnout than usual in front of the Japanese embassy in Seoul’s Jongno District, the Hankyoreh decided to find out what had brought the participants onto the street.

South Korea’s stranglehold on the shipbuilding industry loosens, but only just

The world shipbuilding market, once dominated by five major South Korean companies, has seen some major changes in the space of a little over a decade. As the South Korean builders struggle with financial troubles and declining orders, China has kept up its hot pursuit and broken into the world’s top five for the first time. While the South Korean companies had previously traded the top five spots among themselves, this marks the first time [in more than 10 years] that they have lost one of them to a foreign competitor. .

South Korea’s nearly 30,000 venture companies generated sales amounting to 14.5% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) last year, a report shows.

With 214.6 trillion won (US$183.8 billion) in sales for 2014, the venture companies are maintaining quantitative and qualitative growth under difficult economic conditions and emerging as major players in South Korean economic growth.

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JoongAngIlbo(conservative): (http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/)

Asian markets tumble in 2016

The Asian market, as well as Seoul’s main bourse, was heavily shaken on the first trading day of 2016, raising concerns that the global economy could experience another downturn like the one last summer when Chinese stocks crashed. Chinese stocks unexpectedly plummeted on the first day of trading...

It is time to prepare for peace and unification

Opportunity comes as the political situation fluctuates. From the South China Sea to the Korean Peninsula, East Asia is in turmoil as the United States...

Most Koreans split over Japan’s legal liability

Koreans are generally divided on whether they believe the Japanese government has acknowledged legal responsibility for sexually enslaving…

Conglomerates to innovate through uncertainty

The heads of major conglomerates named “preemptive transformation and innovation” as key to their survival in the new year…

Economic leaders vow reform, growth for 2016

The nation’s economic leaders kicked off the new year by expressing determination in creating structural reforms and securing growth potentials…

U.S. report shows Japan as No. 1 arms importer

Japan ranked as the largest arms importer worldwide, having a significant military expenditure, as shown by a U.S. government report …

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

North Korean delegation to attend WEF for first time in 18 years

A North Korean delegation led by North Korea’s Foreign Minister Ri Su-yong will participate in the 46th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) scheduled from Jan. 20 to 23 in Davos, Switzerland, signaling a possible shift in the isolated nation’s foreign policy.

Hyundai Motor expects slower sales in 2016

Hyundai Motor Group set a lower global sales target for 2016 compared with last year’s, citing slow global economic growth and ...

U.S. Fed rate hike premature, another form of financial crisis looming

Niall Ferguson, renowned historian, Harvard University professor and author of many books on economics and geopolitics, called the ...

Doosan Heavy wins 670bn won power plant order in Vietnam

Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction Co., South Korea’s top power equipment maker, said Monday it has won a 670 billion won ($566 ...

Dividend payout hits new record high in S. Korea

South Korean listed companies paid out a record level of dividends last year, topping 22 trillion won ($18.7 billion), according to ...

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The KyunghyangShinmoon(http://english.khan.co.kr/)

This Life Is Screwed: Four out of Ten Think 'Isaengmang'

"This life is screwed." These days, young people often voice this phrase, one that people dreaming of reincarnation or the afterlife might say. They say “isa···

[An In-depth Look into China] Why Is the World Afraid? The Rise of the Great Power: Crisis and Opportunity, Double Edges of a Blade

China now accounts for more than 25% of South Korea's exports. The trade volume between South Korea and China is now bigger than South Korea's trade with the ···

[Aftermath of the Korea-Japan Comfort Women Agreement] Angry Comfort Women Victim, 'I Will Fight Till the End for the 238 Women Who Have Already Passed Away'

"I will fight till the end even for the 238 people who have already passed away." Yi Yong-su, an elderly comfort women victim made this statement at the Wedn···

[Aftermath of the Korea-Japan Comfort Women Agreement] Yun Byung-se, Who Oversaw the Negotiations, Now Cornered

Minister of Foreign Affairs Yun Byung-se (62, photo), who had received the favor of the incumbent government as the head of foreign affairs since the inaugurati···

[Aftermath of the Korea-Japan Comfort Women Agreement] Government Signs Agreement Behind Closed Doors and Asks for Citizens' 'Understanding': Government Has the Order Mixed up

The South Korean government is busy these days due to public opinion against the agreement on the comfort women in the Japanese military. The president and ···

'Grab the Heart of the Honam Region' Three Opposition Parties Seek Support in Honam

The main opposition, Deobureo Minjudang (formerly the New Politics Alliance for Democracy), and independent lawmakers Ahn Cheol-soo and Chun Jung-bae, who are b···

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The Korea Economic Daily(http://english.hankyung.com/)

2016 Export and Import Volume Estimated to Rise 2-4%

The government and major economic think tanks put out this year's outlook that exports would rise 2-4 percent from the previous year as the global economy picks up steam slowly. Still, the current low oil price regime won't change any time soon, which will likely lead to another year of poor export ...

Low-cost Smartphone Battle Gets More Heated

The popularity of low-cost smartphones is expected to continue throughout the New Year of 2016. Following SK Telecom’s Luna, a string of popular budget models was released into the market, including KT’s Galaxy J7 and LG U ’s Y6. As low-cost smartphones are gaining higher popularity, telecom comp...

KIC Invests 300 Bil. Won to Buy Berlin Prime Real Estate Assets

Korea Investment Corp., the nation's sovereign wealth fund, has invested about 300 billion won in buildings in Potsdamer Platz, one of Germany's most famous squares. According to financial investment sources on January 4, Korea Investment Corp. acquired the 100-percent stake in real estate propertie...

Memory Chip Sector Expected to Perform Poorly until 1Q...Hyundai Securities

Hyundai Securities said on January 4 that the semiconductor sector will see their profitability suffer at least until the first quarter of this year. Park Young-joo, analyst with Hyundai Securities, said, "The long-term supply price for 4-GB DRAMs remained the same in December as the previous month ...

Doosan Heavy Lands 670 Bil. Won Power Plant Deal in Vietnam

Doosan Heavy Industries said on January 4 that it has won a 670-billion-won project to build a coal-fired thermal power plant in Vietnam commissioned by Vietnam Electricity, the nation's largest electric utility. The latest project, named the "Vinh Tan IV extension coal-based power station construct...

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AJU Business Daily(http://eng.ajunews.com/korea)

South Korea holds emergency meetings to discuss China market turmoil

South Korean financial authorities on Tuesday held emergency meetings as Asian stock market were on the ropes for a second straight day on Tuesday to see if Beijing…

Violent disciplinary action looms among athletes

Sa Jae-hyuk was indicted with assault charges against a fellow athlete, resulting in hospitalization. [AJU NEWS DB] Reported assault charges by a former weightlifting medalist shocked the nat…

Illness caused by drinking, obesity, and smoking costs $19.7 million yearly

It is a wide known fact that drinking, obesity, and smoking cause a lot of health problems. It also costs a lot. South Korea used KR 23.3 trillion (U.S$ 19.7 million) …

Korea to launch moon exploration project

South Korea plans to launch a lunar exploration project in 2016, the project’s final goal ? landing on the moon by 2020. The Science Minist…

North Korea’s Kim avoid references to nuclear weapon in New Year speech

In his annual New Year’s speech, North Korean leader Kim Jung Un warned on Friday that the North’s military would keep working to develop “more diverse means of military st…

Top aide to North Korean leader Kim Jung Un dies in car crash

North Korea leader Kim Jung Un will lead a funeral on Thursday for his close aide Kim Yang Gon who has died in a car crash, the North’s state media KCNA reported on Wednesday. "Comrade Kim Yang Gon, a Workers' Party

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ETNEWS(http://english.etnews.com/)

4th Quarter Operating Profits for Samsung Display and LG Display Face D...

4th quarter profitability for LCD industries is facing dangerous state due to decrease in LCD (liquid crystal display) panels¡? prices. It is an aftereffect...

Researcher Rim You-seung Develops Ultra-Thin Sensor That Measures Blood-S...

World¡?s thinnest semiconductor film that is coated with ink and a technology that checks blood-sugar level with a drop of tear by using this film are devel...

Panel of Judges for 4th Mobile Telecommunication Business to Be Decide...

Actual evaluation that will decide establishment of 4th mobile telecommunication business is about to take place. Ministry of Science, ICP and Future Planning (MSIP) ...

LG Display to Introduce Many Leading Technologies at CES 2016

LG Display has introduced 18-inch Rollable OLED (organic light-emitting diode) and large OLEDs for industries and vehicles and is making prediction of expansion of OLED markets in 2016. LG Display (CEO Han Sang-bum) made an announcement on the 4th that it will prepare exhibitions for its business customers at ¡®CES 2016, which will be held at conventi...

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Special Notices:

Photo shows President Soon-Heung Chang of Handong Global University (fifth from left, front row) with ambassadors and other visiting members of the Seoul Diplomatic Corps (SDC), including Ambassador Mme Natallia Zhylevich of Belraus (dean of the visiting members of the SDC), fourth from left the same row With Ambassador and Mrs. SylvestreKouassi Bile of Cote d’ Ivoire (third and second from left, front row).

And Ambassador Roballo of Argentina (sixth from left, same row) and Ambassadors Mohamed Abdi Gello of Kenya (on the right of the rear row).

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“Why not try to change the world?”

Ambassadors, senior diplomats visit Handong Global University in Pohang

Ambassadors NatalliaZhylevich of Belarus, Kouassi Bile of Cote d’Ivoire, Jorge Roballo of Argentina and Mohamed Abdi Gello of Kenya and 20 other senior diplomats, including the charges d’affaires, visited Handong Global University in Pohang City on the Southeast Coast of Korea on Nov. 12, 2015 at the invitation of President Soon-Heung Chang of the University.

The tour, organized by The Korea Post, included also a visit to POSCO and a cruise ride around the harbor of the Pohang City.

The Korea Post has been organizing tours for the ambassadors and other senior members of the Seoul Diplomatic Corps for the past 30 years, but it must be said that the one hosted by Handong Global University is one of the most impressive in terms of the interest on the part of the host who met the guests with a true heart and warm welcome.

President Soon-Heung Chang of the University made such an excellent arrangement out of respect and special regard for the distinguished international guests by asking his Vice President Simon Kang(Administrative Affairs) and Professor JinwonAhn (School of Management and Economics) to come all the way from Pohang to Seoul to welcome and escort the ambassadors and other senior diplomats to comfortably visit his University.

The tour of the Handong Global University was a truly memorable one where many outstanding features of the University continuously surprised the visiting ambassadors and the other senior diplomats. For further details, visit

/news/view.html?section=161&category=181&no=1119.

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