Thursday June 11, 2020

 

 

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

The Korea Post (http://www.koreapost.com/)
“Dr. Seo gives Oriental medicine tips on how to stay away from COVID-19 woes”
Some 30 ambassadors, other senior diplomats and spouses heard the important tips at the El Tower in Seoul on this morning (June 9, 2020) which are viewed to be helpful on how to beat the on-going (and, in some countries, continuously aggravating) COVID-19 cases.
Some 30 ambassadors, other senior diplomats and spouses heard the important tips at the El Tower in Seoul on this morning (June 9, 2020) which are viewed to be helpful on how to beat the on-going (and, in some countries, continuously aggravating) COVID-19 cases.

EcoBizNet operates a microbial business platform CellAct; recruits franchisees from around the worldEcoBiznet, situated in the Bio Complex in Chuncheon Bioindustry Foundation, is a Small and medium-sized promising venture company that started out as a corporation which became independent from Doosan Group in 2000. In the beginning, the company mainly focused on consulting, but with the establishment of a R&D institute in 2006, it has remained committed to developing business models.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KBS (http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/)
US Fed Keeps Rates Steady, Signals No Hikes Through 2022
The U.S. Federal Reserves on Wednesday decided to keep the key interest rate at near zero and reiterated its commitment to maintaining easy monetary policy measures for some time.
After a Federal Open Market Committee meeting, the Fed said it has decided to maintain the benchmark rate at a range of zero to zero-point-25 percent.
The Fed said in a statement that it is committed to using its "full range of tools" to support the U.S. economy in this challenging time.

S. Korea Defense Chief: N. Korea Blaming S. Korea for Strained Relations
South Korea's Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo said on Wednesday that North Korea is placing the blame for strained inter-Korean relations upon South Korea.
During a meeting of top commanders, the minister said North Korea is threatening to scrap an inter-Korean military agreement and shut down the inter-Korean liaison office, while criticizing the Seoul government.

US: Improvement in Human Rights Required for Full Normalization of US-N. Korea Ties
The United States said it has made clear to North Korea that an improvement in human rights conditions, including religious freedom, will be required for a full normalization of bilateral ties.
In the annual International Religious Freedom Report released on Wednesday, the U.S. State Department said the North Korean government continued to deny its people the right to religious freedom and committed violations that constituted crimes against humanity.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yonhap (http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr)
N. Korea accuses U.S. of interfering in inter-Korean affairs, warns of 'terrible' things
North Korea slammed the United States on Thursday for interfering in inter-Korean affairs after Washington voiced disappointment over Pyongyang's decision to cut off all communication lines with South Korea.
Kwon Jong-gun, director general of the North Korean foreign ministry's American affairs department, made the remark, warning that the U.S. better mind its own business without meddling in inter-Korean issues if it wants to avoid "terrible" consequences.

Child abuse goes unnoticed amid COVID-19 confinement
The new coronavirus has upended daily life for people around the world. And many children have been hurt due to being locked at home with abusive and neglectful parents.
In the southern city of Changnyeong, a 9-year-old girl was found wandering on a roadside by a neighbor late last month. Wearing shoes that were far too big, the girl had severe bruises around her eyes and body, cuts on her head and blisters on her fingers.

Korean Air adopts 'back-to-front' boarding amid virus outbreak
Korean Air Lines Co., South Korea's biggest carrier, said Wednesday it has started boarding passengers from back to front to help stem the potential spread of the new coronavirus.
On Wednesday, Korean Air began to apply the back-to-front boarding system on all of its domestic and international routes to minimize contact among passengers, the company said in a statement.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Korea Herald (http://www.koreaherald.com)
Virus-free or cheating-free? Exams a growing headache for universities
After delivering virtual lessons for the entire spring semester due to the COVID-19 outbreak, universities are agonizing over how to hold their final exams -- whether it should be in person or online.
Many universities and professors prefer having the students physically present on campus for the assessments to prevent cheating.

Moon’s progress on NK at risk of being undone
President Moon Jae-in’s North Korean policies are drawing heavy fire after Pyongyang snapped all inter-Korean communications, casting doubts on the future of relations between both countries.
On Tuesday, North Korea’s dissatisfaction with Seoul came to a head, with Pyongyang ending communications with the South on all lines, and warning of hostile actions to exact the price of “betrayal.”

Stock recovery puts Woori privatization plans back on track
Financial Group’s privatization plan, which has been stalled due to the novel coronavirus outbreak here coupled with its plunge in stock price, is likely to move forward again, on account of its recent stock price recovery, government sources said Wednesday.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Korea Times (http://www.koreatimes.co.kr)
Moon's peace drive buffeted by NK offensive
North Korea's decision to sever all official communication channels with South Korea is further weighing on President Moon Jae-in, who was already frustrated by Pyongyang's lack of response to his inter-Korean peace initiative.
Experts advise Seoul to take a "timeout" from repeatedly offering something to engage the Kim Jong-un regime, while bracing for any possible fallout from increasing tension on the Korean Peninsula.

Medical workers struggle with heat wave
An early heat wave here, with daytime temperatures reaching over 30 degrees Celsius, is causing medical staff to struggle as they have to wear full-body protective clothing, goggles and masks to carry out COVID-19 tests and take care of patients.
Teachers and students who are required to wear face masks at all times at schools, and citizens who are asked to do so while using public transportation are also grappling with maintaining safety measures in scorching temperatures amid the prolonged pandemic.

QR code scanning becomes mandatory at bars, karaokes
Mandatory QR code scanning went into effect Wednesday for bars, room salons and singing rooms across Korea, one of many measures taken by the health authorities to contain the spread of COVID-19. Also, indoor sporting facilities and indoor theaters must scan visitors.
The government introduced the mandatory scanning as infections linked to entertainment outlets have continued after an outbreak linked to bars in early May.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HanKyoReh Shinmun (http://english.hani.co.kr)
Inter-Korean relations reach a critical point as N. Korea cuts all communication lines
Inter-Korean relations are in danger of lapsing to the state they were in before the Panmunjom Declaration of Apr. 27, 2018. With North Korea declaring on June 9 that “the work towards the South should thoroughly turn into the one against an enemy,” the risk of the situation escalating beyond a suspension of interchange into military conflict and clashes cannot be ruled out. At the same time, the extent and course of changes to inter-Korean relations could vary depending on what additional measures Pyongyang takes and how Seoul responds.

Why Kim Yo-jong and Kim Yong-chol have switched to a hardline stance against S. Korea
North Korea’s state-run newspaper the Rodong Sinmun reported on June 9 that the orders to completely severe all lines of communication between South and North Korea were given by Kim Yo-jong, first deputy director of the Center Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK), and Kim Yong-chol, vice chairman of the WPK Central Committee, during a meeting with departments handling South Korean affairs on June 8.

National Police Agency commissioner general apologizes to mother of victim of police brutality
On June 9, Min Gap-ryong, commissioner general of the Korean National Police Agency (NPA), offered an apology to Bae Eun-sim, mother of Lee Han-yeol, on June 9. That was the day, 33 years ago, when Lee was fatally injured by the police.
This was the first time that the head of South Korea’s police force has personally met Lee’s family members to offer an apology.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chosun Ilbo (http://english.chosun.com)
N.Korea Diplomacy Back to Square One
South Korea's diplomacy with North Korea has gone back to square one, with Pyongyang furiously building up its weapons arsenal and refusing to engage in any way.
A U.K. think tank has pointed out that "much of the optimism that enveloped Korean Peninsula diplomacy at the start of 2019 has dissipated." The International Institute for Strategic Studies made the claim in an annual report on June 5.

Hyundai-led Consortium Postpones Asiana Buyout as Debts Mount
Property developer HDC Hyundai Development asked creditors on Tuesday to reconsider the terms of buying Asiana Airlines, whose debts have surged by more than W4.5 trillion this year amid the coronavirus epidemic (US$1=W1,201).
A consortium of HDC and Mirae Asset had agreed to buy Asiana for W2.5 trillion and already paid a W250 billion deposit. Creditors Korea Development Bank and Export–Import Bank of Korea have agreed to postpone the deadline for the takeover by six months to Dec. 27.

Black Pink Conquer U.S., U.K. Charts
Black Pink have become the highest-ranked Korean girl band ever on the U.S. Billboard and the U.K's Official Charts.
On Monday "Sour Candy," Lady Gaga's collaboration track with Black Pink, ranked 33rd on the Hot 100, and the song debuted on the Official Singles Chart at No. 17 last week.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Dong-A Ilbo (http://english.donga.com/)
U.S. expresses disappointment in N. Korea’s recent actions
“We are disappointed in the DPRK's recent actions. We urge the DPRK to return to diplomacy and cooperation,” said a member of the U.S. State Department on Tuesday regarding the recent threats continuously posed by North Korea. It is unusual for the U.S. to use the term “disappointed” regarding the North.

Samsung helps reduce faulty testing kits amid virus outbreak
“SolGent,” a manufacturer of COVID-19 testing kits located in Daejeon’s District of Yuseong, has increased both production quality and quantity since last month when it started producing its own containers for testing kits. Coupled with its efforts to make its factory smart, the shift has enabled the company to swiftly respond to the coronavirus.
The State of Hawaii has proclaimed June 25 as “Korean War Remembrance Day,” marking the 70th anniversary of the start of the Korean War. Hawaii has become the first U.S. state to commemorate the anniversary. Earlier in 2010, other states, including Washington, Florida, and Arkansas commemorated the 60th anniversary of the Korean War.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The KyungHyang Shinmun (http://english.khan.co.kr/)
Inter-Korean Relations Begin to Collapse: Are We Retreating to an Age of Confrontation?
On June 9, North Korea cut off all channels of communication between North and South Korea including the Cheong Wa Dae hotline. It also said it would “change projects concerning the South to ones against an enemy,” and labeled South Korea as an “enemy.” North Korea, which had criticized the South Korean authority’s response to the distribution of propaganda flyers, launched specific measures to sever inter-Korean relations and even warned of future military action. The relationship between North and South Korea is now at a critical crossroad as the North threatens to annul the September 19 military agreement and the Panmunjom Declaration, in which the two Koreas agreed to cease all hostile activities.

Is the Prosecution Service Being Unreasonable or Is There a Need for Prosecution? Investigation Review Board, Round 2
On June 9, the court denied the request for an arrest warrant for Lee Jae-yong (52), vice chairman of Samsung Electronics, who allegedly engaged in various illegal activities in the process of merging Samsung C&T and Cheil Industries, but the prosecutors are expected to press charges. The Prosecution Service believes that the court recognized the need to prosecute Lee when it stated the reason for dismissing the arrest warrant and suggested that Lee “be tried in court.”

President Moon, “Movement Supporting the Comfort Women Is a History That Cannot Be Denied or Undermined”
On June 8, President Moon Jae-in spoke on the controversy surrounding the Korean Council for Justice and Remembrance for the Issues of Military Sexual Slavery by Japan and said, “Attempts by some to deny the movement in support of the comfort women and to undermine the cause of the movement are not right.” He added, “That would tear down the dignity and honor of the elderly victims.”

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maeil Business News Korea (http://www.pulsenews.co.kr/)
LG Chem to sell LCD polarizer biz to China’s Shanshan for $1.1 bn
South Korea’s LG Chem Ltd. struck a conditional agreement with China’s Ningbo Shanshan Co. to sell its liquid crystal display (LCD) polarizer business for $1.1 billion as part of its portfolio restructuring initiative.
Some products, including the automotive LCD polarizer, would not be included in the sale, the Korean chemical and battery maker said on Wednesday.

Korea’s jobless rate hits record high for May as losing streak stretches to 3rd month
South Korea’s unemployment rate hit an all-time for May as the country extended job losses for the third straight month under the virus outbreak.
The number of employed in May totaled 26.93 million, down 392,000 from the same month a year earlier, Statistics Korea said Wednesday.

COVID-19 is opportunity to digitally transform supply chains: Foxconn vice chair
Companies need to be more agile in digitalizing the global supply chain to turn the challenges imposed by the pandemic into business opportunities, Foxconn Technology Group’s vice chairman said.
“Changes in the supply chain and market demand have challenged the company to reluctantly face a ‘New Normal.’ Foxconn has been balancing its global operations so the company always operates with great agility to reconfigure its operations to minimize risk,” Jay Lee, vice chairman of the Taiwanese multinational electronics contract manufacturer, said in an email interview with Korea’s Maeil Business Newspaper. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
AustraliaBrisbaneTime
www.brisbanetimes.com.au syndication@fairfaxmedia.com.au
Sydney Morning Heraldwww.smh.com.au
Colombia Reports http://www.colombiareports.com
BogotaFree Planet http://www.bogotafreeplanet.com,bfp@bogotafreeplanet.com
El Universal https://www.eluniversal.com.mx/english
Andes https://www.redaktionstest.net/andes-info-ec/
Ecuador Times https://www.ecuadortimes.net/
The Jordan Times https://www.jordantimes.com/
LSM.lv https://www.lsm.lv//
The Baltic Times http://www.baltictimes.com lithuania@baltictimes.com, estonia@baltictimes.com, editor@baltictimes.com
El Pais https://english.elpais.com/
Philippine Daily Inquirer https://www.inquirer.net/
Daily News Hungary https://dailynewshungary.com/
Budapest Times https://www.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, 34 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=20888

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

저작권자 © The Korea Post 무단전재 및 재배포 금지