Wednesday, March 11, 2020
Round-up of important news from major Korean dailies and from international media today
The Korea Post (http://www.koreapost.com/)
Etihad Airways to launch new service to Vienna
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, will launch new daily scheduled year-round flights to Austria’s capital Vienna using a two-class Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The service will initially operate with four weekly flights between 22 May and 30 June. Etihad is introducing the new service to provide greater choice and convenience for business and leisure travellers connecting its network Austria.
S. Korea's new virus cases slow to 2-week low, cluster infections still in focus
South Korea said Tuesday it has stepped up vigilance in its battle to halt the spread of the new coronavirus, with an alarming cluster of infections emerging in Seoul, although the pace of daily new infections continued to slow. The 131 new cases, which were detected Monday, brought the nation's total number of infections to 7,513, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
Seoul call center emerges as city's biggest infection cluster, numbers feared to rise
With at least 50 cases, a call center in southwestern Seoul emerged as the biggest COVID-19 infection cluster here Tuesday, triggering concerns over potential mass transmission in the metropolitan area that is home to 25 million, or nearly half of the country's population. A high-rise in the neighborhood of Sindorim was closed and disinfected late Monday after workers at a call center on its 11th floor were confirmed as patients, according to Guro Ward, which oversees Sindorim.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KBS (http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/)
COVID-19 Cases Linked to Guro Call Center Surpass 80
The number of novel coronavirus cases linked to a call center in southwestern Seoul has surpassed 80.
Seoul City said on Tuesday that as of noon, at least 64 people had contracted COVID-19 via the workplace located in Guro District. However, the number of infections linked to the call center quickly increased to more than 80 overnight.
Pentagon Sees No Dramatic Reduction in Readiness in S. Korea after Delay of Exercises
The U.S. Defense Department said on Tuesday that it has not seen a significant reduction in the readiness or ability of its troops in South Korea following the postponement of combined military exercises due to the coronavirus. Pentagon spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman issued the position during a press briefing when asked about the delayed exercises and readiness of U.S. troops in South Korea.
Pentagon Official: Trump Wants Countries to Pay More for Defense
A senior Pentagon official said on Tuesday that U.S. President Donald Trump has been clear on the need for other countries to pay more for shared defense. Deputy Secretary of Defense David Norquist made the comment at a House Budget Committee hearing when asked about the stalled negotiations with South Korea on a new cost-sharing agreement for the upkeep of American troops on the Korean Peninsula.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yonhap (http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr)
S. Korea reports 90 cases of new coronavirus tied to Seoul call center
South Korea has reported 90 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus linked to a call center in southwestern Seoul, the capital's mayor said Wednesday, spawning concerns about potential mass transmission in the metropolitan area. The cases marked the biggest COVID-19 infection cluster in the metropolitan area, home to 25 million, Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon told a radio program.
Korea's jobless rate at 4.1 pct in February, 492,000 jobs created
South Korea's jobless rate fell in February and job creations rose by more than 400,000 for the third straight month, with the outbreak of the new coronavirus dealing a harsh blow to some sectors, such as the retail and wholesale segment, data showed Wednesday. The unemployment rate fell 0.6 percentage point to 4.1 percent last month, and the number of employed people reached 26.83 million, according to the data compiled by Statistics Korea. South Korea added 492,000 jobs in the month.
S. Korea's new virus cases slow to 2-week low, cluster infections still in focus
South Korea said Tuesday it has stepped up vigilance in its battle to halt the spread of the new coronavirus, with an alarming cluster of infections emerging in Seoul, although the pace of daily new infections continued to slow. The 131 new cases, which were detected Monday, brought the nation's total number of infections to 7,513, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Korea Herald (http://www.koreaherald.com)
S. Korea on edge over largest yet mass infections in Seoul
Seoul’s biggest-yet cluster of infections emerged Tuesday, keeping South Korea’s health authorities on their toes despite the number of newly discovered infections across the country slowing for the fourth consecutive day. The nationwide total of reported coronavirus cases rose by 131 to 7,513 with 54 deaths, marking the lowest daily increase in two weeks, according to data tallied Monday at midnight by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Jeju’s international schools to make up for COVID-19 delay through online learning, Saturday classes
One of the major concerns amid the COVID-19 panic in South Korea is how it will affect the academic calendar for students in elementary school through high school. Considering the delayed start of the new school year, which was supposed to begin March 2, parents are asking whether their children will be able to attend classes for the required number of days and whether the authorities will fine-tune the vacation period to make up for school closures.
S. Korea to tighten grip over stock short selling as emergency action
South Korea vowed Tuesday to tighten regulations on stock short selling to stabilize the market amid increased volatility caused by the spread of the new coronavirus, and also the sudden drop in global oil prices. “As a market stabilizing action, (the government) will alleviate the requisites for (designating) overheated short selling and expand the transaction ban period (for these stocks),” Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki was quoted as saying in a ministerial meeting.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Korea Times (http://www.koreatimes.co.kr)
KBS main building temporarily closes after cleaner tests positive for COVID-19
Korea's largest broadcaster KBS temporarily closed its main building in Seoul Tuesday after a cleaner who works there tested positive for COVID-19. The employee of KBS Business, the company's subsidiary, was confirmed Monday to have been infected with the coronavirus. KBS said 11 people, who had been in close contact with her, have quarantined themselves since.
Government's 'self-praise' in virus fight taking flak
The government's hasty self-praise for its fight against the coronavirus outbreak is drawing criticism. Critics say that it is too early for the administration to bask in optimism given that the nation still reports more than 100 cases daily despite the pace slowing.
COVID-19 outbreak empties Incheon Int'l Airport
In airports, it's normal to run into massive crowds. One of the small joys of flying would be avoiding those crowds and arriving at your seat only to discover that nobody's sitting next to you. And now, that is becoming a common experience for travelers.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HanKyoReh Shinmun (http://english.hani.co.kr)
Looking at dealing with the coronavirus over the long term
Mar. 9 marked the 50th day since the first confirmed novel coronavirus case in South Korea. Arriving from China, the virus ran into an unpredicted variable with the Shincheonji religious sect, which became the epicenter of a “supercluster” event that led to infections in local communities. The rate of increase in new diagnoses dropped off notably over the course of the weekend, but experts all agreed that the important focus going forward will be on preventing additional deaths. Some are also suggesting that the day-to-day infectious disease response system will need to be overhauled in the intermediate to long term, with the assumption that the coronavirus will become a global pandemic.
Customers show support for delivery drivers who are swamped with work amid coronavirus outbreak
With the outbreak of the novel coronavirus driving up deliveries of essential goods, concerns are being raised that delivery drivers are being overworked and face a high risk of infection. This has prompted a social media campaign of support for delivery drivers, with people putting snacks and masks outside their homes for workers.
Vietnam’s travel restrictions for starting to harm S. Korean companies
Restrictions on business trips to Vietnam by engineers of South Korean companies are already having a palpable negative impact. The Vietnamese government disallowed visa-free entry for South Korean passport holders as a response measure to the novel coronavirus outbreak. Over 700 employees at Samsung Display alone have been prevented from traveling to Vietnam, which is resulting in difficulties for the company. The South Korean Ambassador to Vietnam has begun urging the country to “permit exceptional entries for business travelers whose health status has been verified.”
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chosun Ilbo (http://english.chosun.com)
Epidemic Fails to Cool Koreans' Appetite for Luxury Goods
Almost the only part of the economy that seems resistant to any catastrophe is Koreans' insatiable appetite for luxury labels. Luxury goods have maintained double-digit growth even as nearly all other retail goods have suffered from the coronavirus epidemic.
Meditation Guides Enjoy Surge Amid Coronavirus Scare
A growing number of people are turning to meditation books to overcome their fears and isolation amid the coronavirus epidemic. According to Korea's largest bookstore Kyobo Book Centre, sales of books about meditation and mindfulness surged 33 percent in January and February compared to the same period last year.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Dong-A Ilbo (http://english.donga.com/)
Italy extends quarantine nationwide for 4 weeks
Countries across the world are putting forward strict measures to stop the spread of COVID-19, and Italy has unprecedentedly extended travel restrictions to the entire country. The nationwide travel restrictions by the Italian government took effect on Monday (local time) as the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases in Italy rose 1,797 from the previous day to 9,172 in total with 463 deaths. The new emergency measure came in one day after the country’s quarantine measure on 15 regions, including Lombardy in the North.
Moon orders efforts over travel ban exemptions for business travelers
South Korean President Moon Jae-in has instructed his diplomats to discuss special entry permit for the country’s business travelers with countries that have banned the entry of South Korean nationals in response to the COVID-19 outbreak in the country. “President Moon has ordered discussions through diplomatic channels to allow special entry for business travelers who can present a health condition report,” said Kang Min-seok, Cheong Wa Dae spokesman.
Samsung develops battery technology to drive 800 km per charge
The Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology (SAIT) has successfully developed seed technology to extend the cycle life and safety of the all-solid-state battery while reducing its size by half. The SAIT announced on Tuesday that it published a study on the all-solid-state battery in Nature Energy, which enables an electric vehicle to travel up to 800 kilometers on a single charge and features a cycle life of over 1,000 charges.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The KyungHyang Shinmun (http://english.khan.co.kr/)
Infection Confirmed Within 6 Hours Using DNA Amplification: At South Korea’s “World Best” COVID-19 Testing Site
A quick diagnosis in the early stage of infection is more important in the fight against COVID-19 than against any other infectious disease, because the new coronavirus is highly contagious. A patient in the early stage of the disease with minor symptoms can transmit the virus to several people, even before she is aware of the symptoms.
“Aerial Disinfection Operations Using Drones Are Ineffective” Wiping Doorknobs with Alcohol Is Effective
Recently, a number of local governments began spraying disinfectants from the air using drones to stop the transmission of COVID-19, but health authorities and the medical field do not expect such measures to be effective. Some argue that local governments are carrying out irregular quarantine measures not included in the official guidelines released by authorities just to psychologically calm the public.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maeil Business News Korea (http://www.pulsenews.co.kr/)
COVID-19 can infect up to 70% of world’s population in 12 months: Distributed Bio CEO
“Pessimistic modeling is that this is going to last for the next 12 months and 70 percent of human population gets infected,” Dr. Jacob Glanville, founding partner and CEO of Distributed Bio, said in a recent interview with Maeil Business Newspaper in San Francisco. He said the current modeling indicated that the assumption that the virus may go away in summer could be wrong considering the high contagion rate of the new coronavirus.
Korea’s Jan tax revenue $500 million less than a year-ago period
South Korea’s tax revenue in January was 600 billion won ($502.7 million) smaller against a year-ago period to suggest much wider fiscal deficit as the result of yawning spending to fight virus outbreak and reduced corporate income. According to the Ministry of Economy and finance on Tuesday, the government has collected 36.5 trillion won in taxes in January, 600 billion won less than a year ago. Tax collection reached 12.5 percent of annual target, 0.1 percentage point behind last year’s.
Korean shipyards top global order book in Feb, orders halved from Jan
Korean shipbuilders brought home eight new vessel orders totaling 200,000 compensated gross tonnage (CGT) in February, accounting for 67 percent new order volume worldwide, according to British shipbuilding and marine industry tracker Clarkson Research Services on Tuesday. They were followed by the Philippines with 60,000 CGT and Japan with 30,000 CGT.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What’s ticking around the world at this second?
See what the world media around the world have to report:
USA Today www.usatoday.com aallman@gannett.com
The New York Times www.nytimes.com inytletters@nytimes.com
Wall Street Journal www.wsj.com support@wsj.com, service@wsj-asia.com
Financial Times www.ft.com ean@ft.com
The Times www.thetimes.co.uk help@timesplus.co.uk
The Sun www.thesun.co.uk talkback@the-sun.co.uk
Chinese People's Daily www.people.com.cn kf@people.cn
China Daily www.chinadaily.com.cn circulation@chinadaily.com.cn
GwangmyeongDaily www.gmw.cn webmaster@gmw.cn
Japan's Yomiuri www.yomiuri.co.jp japannews@yomiuri.com
Asahi www.asahi.com customer-support@asahi.com
Mainichi www.mainichi.jp
Le Monde www.ilemonde.com
Italy LaRepubblica www.quotidiano.repubblica.it vittorio.zucconi@gmail.com
Germany Frankfurter AllgemeineZeitung www.faz.net anzeigen.ausland@faz.de
SüddeutscheZeitung www.sueddeutsche.de forum@sueddeutsche.de
Australia Brisbane Times www.brisbanetimes.com.au syndication@fairfaxmedia.com.au
Sydney Morning Herald www.smh.com.au
Colombia Reports http://colombiareports.com
Bogota Free Planet http://bogotafreeplanet.combfp@bogotafreeplanet.com
El Universal http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/english
Andes http://www.andes.info.ec/en
Ecuador Times http://www.ecuadortimes.net
The Jordan Times https://www.jordantimes.com
LSM.lv http://www.lsm.lv/en
The Baltic Times http://www.baltictimes.com, lithuania@baltictimes.com,
estonia@baltictimes.com, editor@baltictimes.com
El Pais http://elpais.com/elpais/inenglish.html
Philippine Daily Inquirer https://www.inquirer.net
Daily News Hungary http://dailynewshungary.com
Budapest Times http://budapesttimes.hu
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Korea Post is running video clips from the different embassies.
Azerbaijan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OR8CBpcQ4WM
Sri Lanka: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hByX92Y2aGY&t=22s
Morocco: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfFmp2sVvSE
And many other countries.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What are you waiting for?
Use us!
The Korea Post media are more than eager to be used, and to serve you—with the following five news outlets, 35 years old this year!
Korean-language Internet edition: http://www.koreapost.co.kr
English-language Internet edition: http://www.koreapost.com
Korean-language print newspaper:
http://pdf.koreapost.co.kr/38/3801.pdf
http://pdf.koreapost.co.kr/38/3802.pdf
http://pdf.koreapost.co.kr/38/3803.pdf
http://www.koreapost.co.kr/pdf/list.php?category=&syear=2018&smonth=03&sday=26&hosu=40
English E-daily: http://www.koreapost.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=20437
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------