Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Round-up of important news from major Korean dailies and from international media today

The Korea Post (http://www.koreapost.com/)

“Senegal, like Korea, is a model country in Africa controlling COVID 19”
BBC reported on April 4, 2020: “Senegal has cancelled giant celebrations to mark its 60th Anniversary of Independence because of coronavirus. The West African nation has 140 active cases of Covid-19, 66 people have recovered and one person has died over the last month. Senegal has become one of the countries in Africa leading the fight against coronavirus.” Korea is rated as a model country in the world in properly controlling the CORONA cases and so is considered Senegal. At this juncture, The Korea Post, publisher of 3 English and 2 Korean news media since 1958, recently had an exclusive interview with Ambassador Mamadou Guyeye Faye of Senegal in Seoul.

Donate your Etihad Guest Miles to support vulnerable refugees during the novel coronavirus pandemic
Etihad Guest, the award-winning loyalty programme of Etihad Airways, launched a campaign to encourage members to donate their Etihad Guest Miles to support the prevention and response efforts in view of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in refugee settings.

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

Report: Global Growth Projected to Have Plunged to 11-Year Low in 1Q
A research institute has projected that global growth plunged to an eleven-year low in the first quarter due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. In a report released on Tuesday, Bloomberg Intelligence forecast the global economy to have expanded one-point-three percent on-quarter between January and March. It is the smallest growth since the first quarter of 2009 when the world was in the midst of the global financial crisis.

S. Korea's Daily COVID-19 Cases Remain Below 50 for 2nd Day in Row
South Korea has added less than 50 coronavirus cases for the second consecutive day. The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(KCDC) on Tuesday compiled 47 patients in the past 24 hours as of 12 a.m. The same number of cases were reported from Sunday, but the number of tests taken nearly doubled during the two-day period from five-thousand-571 to 10-thousand-500. Fourteen out of the latest cases were from the Seoul metropolitan area, including 10 cases in Gyeonggi Province, while Daegu reported 13 patients.

Samsung Electronics Says Operating Profit Likely Rose 2.7% in Q1
Samsung Electronics said on Tuesday that its first-quarter operating profit likely rose two-point-seven percent from a year earlier. The world's largest memory chip maker said its operating profit was expected to post six-point-four trillion won in the January-March period, slightly beating analysts' forecasts. The operating profit slipped ten-point-six percent from the previous quarter, but grew by two-point-seven percent from a year earlier.

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

New virus cases fall below 50 for 2nd day, but vigilance urged
South Korea reported fewer than 50 new cases of the novel coronavirus Tuesday for the second straight day, but health authorities warned against complacency. South Korea has recorded around 100 or fewer daily new cases for more than three weeks, but health authorities still remain on high alert over cluster infections at churches and hospitals, as well as new cases coming from overseas.

Korea's current account surplus widens to US$6.41 bln in Feb.
South Korea's current account surplus sharply increased from a year earlier in February as its goods account surplus widened while its service account deficit slightly narrowed, central bank data showed Tuesday. The country's current account surplus came to US$6.41 billion in the month, up from a $3.85 billion surplus the same month last year, according to preliminary data from the Bank of Korea (BOK). Its goods account surplus widened to $6.58 billion from $5.42 billion over the cited period, helped by the first rise in exports in 15 months.

Samsung delivers estimate-beating Q1 performance, virus fallout in store
Samsung Electronics Co. on Tuesday delivered better-than-expected first-quarter earnings as robust demand for chips apparently offset a slump in smartphone and home appliance sales amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, but analysts warned that the company may feel the pinch of the COVID-19 outbreak during the current quarter. The South Korean tech giant put its first-quarter operating profit at 6.4 trillion won (US$5.2 billion) for the January-March period, up 2.73 percent from 6.23 trillion won a year ago.

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

Public anxiety grows as Korean expats rush home
Public concerns are growing over a continued influx of COVID-19 cases from abroad, as more and more Koreans living overseas rush home amid increasing uncertainties in the wake of the global novel coronavirus crisis. Despite a stabilizing trend in new infections here, the country has seen an increasing number of imported cases in the past weeks, posing a threat to the country’s fight to stem the spread of the infectious virus.

Samsung manages sound operating profit in Q1 despite pandemic
Samsung Electronics on Tuesday estimated a revenue of 55 trillion won ($45 billion) and operating profit of 6.4 trillion won in the first quarter of 2020 -- higher than estimates --- despite the sluggish economy on the back of the ongoing global virus pandemic. The economic effects of COVID-19 will start being reflected from the second quarter, industry watchers surmised, as the pandemic has cast increased economic uncertainty from mid-March. Samsung’s first quarter revenue was an 8.1 percent slide from the previous quarter, but a 4.9 percent rise on-year.

Public anxiety grows as Korean expats rush home
Public concerns are growing over a continued influx of COVID-19 cases from abroad, as more and more Koreans living overseas rush home amid increasing uncertainties in the wake of the global novel coronavirus crisis. Despite a stabilizing trend in new infections here, the country has seen an increasing number of imported cases in the past weeks, posing a threat to the country’s fight to stem the spread of the infectious virus.

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

Why Moon begging for Xi's visit to Korea?
South Korea said Tuesday it is continuing consultations with China on an "early visit" here by President Xi Jinping, dismissing a news report that the two sides have retracted a related accord amid the prolonged coronavirus outbreak. Xi has agreed to travel to South Korea in the first half of the year for talks with President Moon Jae-in. The exact schedule has not been announced yet. The Chosun Ilbo, a major Seoul-based daily, reported that Xi would postpone the trip to the latter half of 2020 or beyond due to the continued spread of COVID-19.

British PM moved to intensive care as coronavirus symptoms have 'worsened'
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was moved to the intensive care unit of a London hospital after his coronavirus symptoms dramatically worsened Monday, just a day after he was admitted for what were said to be routine tests. Johnson was admitted to St. Thomas' Hospital late Sunday, 10 days after he was diagnosed with COVID-19, the first major world leader to be confirmed to have the virus. The 55-year-old Conservative was conscious and did not require ventilation, but he was moved into intensive care in case he needs it later, his office said in a statement.

Woowa Brothers apologizes over 'new fee system' fiasco
After facing heavy criticism over its highly controversial decision to introduce a new fee system, Woowa Brothers, the operator of the country's top food delivery firm Baedal Minjok (Baemin) issued a statement apologizing over its controversial decision. The public apology came six days after Baemin decided to change its advertising rates. Also, its hurriedly released statement came ahead of next week's general election. "I fully offer my sincere apology for adopting the new fee system. We were facing criticism over the introduction of the new system as the coronavirus spreads across the country with restaurant owners facing economic difficulties," Woowa Brothers CEO Kim Beom-joon said in the statement released Monday afternoon.

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HanKyoReh Shinmun (http://english.hani.co.kr)

S. Korean government to extend intensive social distancing period by 2 weeks
The South Korean government has decided to extend its recommended period of intensive social distancing for two more weeks, postponing its original plan to transition into a system of “lifestyle disease prevention” and resume daily life and economic activities as of Apr. 6. But it turns around people moved around even more during the initial intensive social distancing period than before it started, leading some observers to say the “sit tight” approach can only do so much. A sense of fatigue has built up within the public as COVID-19 continues to inflict social and economic damage.

S. Korea working to identify high-risk COVID-19 patients early to dampen spread
Following the announcement that intense social distancing will be extended through Apr. 19 to stop the spread of COVID-19, the South Korean government is planning to have disease control officials focus on quickly identifying patients at facilities with a high risk of transmission. As more doctors and health workers fall sick with the novel coronavirus, the government has released new guidelines for preventing infection among medical personnel, which include setting aside a space for quarantine treatment in emergency rooms. Experts say the government should focus on preventing the spread of transmission in hospitals, especially in the Seoul Capital Area (SCA), and consider using the multiple sample techniques to expand testing.

City of Pyeongtaek to test all foreign nationals in and outside US bases
Full-scale novel coronavirus testing is to be performed on all foreign nationals who work on US military bases in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, and live outside of its barracks. The city plans to hold discussions with the US military on the methods and costs of the testing, which applies to overseas workers affiliated with partner companies working at Camp Humphreys (K-6) and Osan Air Base (K-55) within the area of jurisdiction. The city of Pyeongtaek announced on Apr. 5 that it made the decision following an emergency meeting with the US military in response to the growing number of coronavirus diagnoses involving individuals associated with US military bases.

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

Gov't Mulls Electronic Tags for People in Self-Quatrantine
The government is considering forcing people in self-quarantine to wear electronic tags like sex offenders to prevent them from breaking their isolation. Sources said Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun is chairing a closed-door meeting on Tuesday to discuss the Draconian option. "The most likely option is to use electronic bracelets to make it easier to monitor people in self-quarantine."

Older Voters Hold Key to Election Outcome
Older voters are expected to hold the key to the outcome of the general elections next week since nearly half of all registered voters are over 50. The National Election Commission said of 43.96 million eligible voters, 2.6 percent are between 18 and 19, 15.5 percent in their 20s, 15.9 percent in their 30s and 19 percent in their 40s. Although these younger people account for more than 50 percent of the total voters, their proportion has dwindled since the last general elections as society ages rapidly -- by 0.5 percentage points among 20 somethings, 2.2 percentage points among 30-somethings and two percentage points among 40-somethings.

Social Distancing Crumbles Amid Slowdown in Infections
Korea reported 47 more coronavirus infections on Monday, raising the total to 10,284. It was the first time in 46 days that the number of new cases dropped below 50, but increasing numbers of people were caught violating self-quarantine orders last weekend. Across the country, 13.54 million people headed outdoors last weekend to enjoy the warm weather, up 290,000 compared to two weeks ago when the government started a stringent social-distancing campaign. Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said Monday, "I don't even want to imagine it, but if we see a surge in infections in the capital region, we might experience the kind of crisis that is happening in many Western countries."

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The Dong-A Ilbo (http://english.donga.com/)

Americans in their 20s to 40s die suddenly of COVID-19
Grief and fear are growing in the U.S. as young people in their 30s and 40s suddenly passed away due to COVID-19. Thirty-year-old special education teacher, Ben Luderer, in New Jersey made little of the minor COVID-19 symptoms he experienced, such as fever, on March 27. He had been very healthy as he played baseball since high school and was coaching the baseball team. However, as he soon developed a high fever and experienced short breathing he went to an emergency room. The medical staff used a respirator to relieve his breathing difficulties and prescribed Tylenol and other medicines.

Ruling party pledges to relocate government offices
Eight days ahead of the April 15 general elections, the ruling Democratic Party of Korea pledged that it would relocate government agencies out of Seoul. The relocation has been in its cards since President Moon Jae-in came into office, but it is the first time the ruling party has made an official promise. With criticism that it is an attempt to win over voters, it is likely to rekindle the debate over the effectiveness of relocation. “I will consult with different regions to formulate a solid plan for relocating government agencies to other parts of the country as soon as the general elections are over,” Chairman Lee Hae-chan of the ruling party said on Monday at an election committee meeting with the Open Minjoo Party and the Platform Party.

Research scientists develop AI smart toilet
Research scientists from the U.S. and South Korea have developed the world’s first artificial intelligence (AI) smart toilet, which helps detect diseases ranging from urinary tract infection to prostatic hyperplasia to inflammatory bowel diseases by simply installing the device on a toilet. A team of researchers including Park Seung-min and Lee Jun from the Stanford University School of Medicine, and Chairman Lee Jong-kyun, chief surgeon Won Dae-yeon, and Kim Jeong-ha from Songdo Hospital used pressure sensors, high-speed cameras, and visual AI to develop a healthcare technology that examines the time of defecation, the shape of feces, the speed urine flow, and the amount of urine. The technology was published in Nature Biomedical Engineering on Monday (local time).

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The KyungHyang Shinmun (http://english.khan.co.kr/)

From Breadwinner to Whistleblower of Patriarchy, Eldest Daughters in Korea Enter the Narrative
“Of all the crazy Asian girls, the craziest is the eldest daughter. Remember that.” (@fries_vonyeosu on Twitter) “K-jangnyeo (eldest daughter)” is a new word popular online. The word was coined by attaching “K” the first letter in “Korea” to “jangnyeo,” a Korean word that refers to the eldest daughter in the family. This word is often used as a form of self-mockery by women, who have endured a “patriarchal hell.” It is also a symbolic modifier. The simple sentence, “I am a K-jangnyeo” is enough to show the personality of the speaker in one breath: unnecessary sense of responsibility, serious modesty, habitual concessions, etc.

“Quarantine Hallyu” Triggered by COVID-19
As COVID-19 continues to spread across the world, exports of South Korea-made hand sanitizers, hand cleaners, and infectious disease test kits have soared. South Korea’s response to the novel coronavirus has been cited as a model for quarantine and hygiene measures against COVID-19, igniting a huge increase of demand for related products worldwide. According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on April 5, the exports of hand sanitizers reached US$5.6 million last month, a 604.1% increase from the same period last year. Last month, the country exported what amounted to 83.9% of the total export of hand sanitizers (US$6.7 million) during the entire year, last year. Compared to the same period last year, the export of hand sanitizers skyrocketed, increasing by 12.5% in January, 2081.9% in February when COVID-19 began to spread throughout the world, and 604.1% in March. The increase in exports of hand cleaners also jumped 10.2% in January, 104.7% in February and 81.4% in March.

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Maeil Business News Korea (http://www.pulsenews.co.kr/)

Korea’s dalgona coffee creates sweet splash across the globe under stay-at-home order
Making a sweet in the Korean style has emerged as a new universal pastime amid global stay-at-home lifestyle under virus threat. The recipe for the creamy latte drink is simple enough: instant coffee, sugar, water and milk. But it does require some arm muscle as it needs to be stirred at least 400 times to create a thick frothy foam. With many people stuck at home to practice social distancing, challenging a cup of “dalgona coffee” has become viral in the social media.

S. Korea to lease state fuel space to refiners to store surplus oil
South Korea, taking cue from the United States, will share its Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) storages with refiners to ease the supply glut amid plummeting demand from the coronavirus pandemic. Korea decided to lease out the space to local energy companies from April to June, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on Monday.

Studio Dragon shares falter on CJ ENM’s stake sale
Shares of Studio Dragon Corp., the drama-making wing of South Korea’s entertainment giant CJ ENM, underperformed the broad market Tuesday morning on news that its parent disposed 2,250,000 shares in the subsidiary to secure fund to facilitate the growth of future growth engines. At 9:40 am, shares of Studio Dragon declined 6.41 percent to trade at 75,900 won ($62.16), whereas CJ ENM gained 1.04 percent to trade at 106,400 won and the Kospi traded up more than 1 percent.

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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.deforum@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
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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.
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