Tuesday July 14, 2020
Round-up of important news from major Korean dailies and from international media today
The Korea Post (http://www.koreapost.com/)
“Soldiers, if you see me retreat, shoot me dead!”
General Paik Sun-yup (ret.), a “Republic of Korea Army Hero,” died at 11 p.m. on July 10, 2020. Paik was 99 years old.
The late Paik is largely considered one of the few persons in South Korea responsible for today’s existence of the Republic of Korea for his invaluable role as a ROK Army officer defending the country from the North Korean and Chinese aggression forces that started on June 25, 1950.
“The issue at hand is ‘green,’ I am seeking ways for sustainable growth”
As the CEO of SK Innovation, I am constantly contemplating ways for our company to achieve sustainable growth and bring even greater happiness. In order to draw a new future, I heed the voices of stakeholders regarding their expectations from our company, and it all pretty much comes down to one key value: it’s “green.” This brings me to the question, “How can I turn ‘green,’ i.e. the environment, which is an obstacle for petrochemical companies, into the growth vision of SK Innovation?”Korea hosts Plaque of Peace presentation ceremony to thank the U.N. veterans of Korean War.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KBS (http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/)
Japan Makes False Claims to Dokdo in Defense White Paper
Japan has made false claims to South Korea's easternmost Dokdo islets in its defense white paper for the 16th consecutive year.
In the latest report adopted by the Japanese Cabinet on Tuesday, Tokyo reiterated its false claim that issues surrounding inherent Northern Territories and Takeshima remain unresolved.
Takeshima is the name Japan uses for Dokdo islets.
S. Korea Reports 33 New COVID-19 Cases
South Korea’s daily COVID-19 cases have fallen below 40 due to a decline in both domestic and foreign transmissions.
The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(KCDC) on Tuesday tallied the national coronavirus tally at 13-thousand-512, including 33 cases compiled throughout Monday.
Last time the daily hike was less than 40 was Saturday, which saw 35 new cases.
Small Businesses, SMEs Accept Wage Hike, Call For Gov't Support
Small to medium-sized enterprises(SMEs) and small business owners in South Korea accepted a one-point-five-percent minimum wage hike set for next year, but called for supplementary measures to ease their burden.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Minimum Wage Commission set next year's minimum wage at eight-thousand-720 won, raising the legal threshold by the smallest-ever annual increase amid the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yonhap (http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr)
Foreign ministry calls in Japanese diplomat over renewed Dokdo claims in defense white paper
The foreign ministry called in a senior Japanese diplomat Tuesday to lodge a protest after Tokyo renewed its claims to South Korea's easternmost islets of Dokdo in its latest defense white paper.
Kim Jung-han, director general for Asia and Pacific affairs at Seoul's foreign ministry, summoned Hirohisa Soma, a senior official from the Japanese Embassy in Seoul, to express regret over the annual report and urge Tokyo to withdraw the claims.
Soma entered the ministry building at about 11 a.m., without taking questions from reporters.
Police to look into money laundering allegations against child abuse site operator
South Korean police will relaunch a probe into Son Jong-woo, an operator of one of the world's biggest known child abuse websites, for money laundering allegations.
The National Police Agency is expected to call in Son's father on Friday to investigate the complaints filed by him in May. The father's complaint was widely seen as intended to open a new legal case, thereby keeping his son in Korea ahead of a court ruling on his son's possible extradition to the United States.
Pandemic-hit movie industry banks on summer rebound
The new coronavirus pandemic has crippled every aspect of daily life as people increasingly opt to reduce contact, stay at home and shun visits to closed environments out of fear of contracting the virus.
But the movie industry, one of the sectors hit hardest by the COVID-19 outbreak, is pinning hopes on a rebound during the summer, albeit far slower and weaker than expected, as the economy and people begin to limp back to normality.
"July will be our most important pacemaker for a rebound in the second half," said Hwang Jae-hyun, spokesperson of South Korea's leading cinema chain CJ CGV.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Korea Times (http://www.koreatimes.co.kr)
Samsung, SK, Micron; competitors or allies?
Over the last few years, a positive or negative earnings report by one memory chip leader ― either Samsung Electronics, SK hynix or Micron Tech ― has resulted in positive or negative stock activity among all companies.
While the industry's "top three" rational players are planning to spend a collective $50 billion in order to differentiate their products to win customers, stock activity have been moving in tandem, according to observations by stock market analysts.
Next year's minimum wage set at 8,720 won
A national commission on Tuesday set next year's minimum hourly wage at 8,720 won ($7.25), a level representing the smallest-ever annual increase of 1.5 percent.
The decision came in the early hours of the day during the ninth plenary meeting of the Minimum Wage Commission, which is comprised of nine members each from all three sides ― employers, employees and those representing social interests.
The increase is the smallest since the minimum wage was first introduced in 1988. The next smallest was 2.7 percent during the financial crisis in 1998.
S. Korea reports 33 new cases of coronavirus infection
South Korea's new virus cases fell back to below 40 on Tuesday, but a continued rise in cluster infections and imported cases put a strain on the country's efforts to contain the virus.
The country added 33 cases, including 14 local infections, raising the total caseload to 13,512, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
The tally marked a sharp fall from 62 new virus cases reported Monday and 44 cases Sunday.
Imported cases emerged as yet another stumbling block in the country's virus fight, with 19 additional imported cases being reported Tuesday.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HanKyoReh Shinmun (http://english.hani.co.kr)
Death of controversial four-star general stokes S. Korea’s ideological divide
The passing of Paik Sun-yup on the evening of July 10 has left South Korean society sharply divided over how to assess the legacy of a collaborator during the Japanese occupation who also contributed to the establishment of the Republic of Korea. Daejeon National Cemetery has been decided on as the four-star general’s place of interment. But with the presentation of a National Assembly bill to amend the National Cemetery Act to forcibly relocate the graves of collaborators from national cemeteries, a heated battle appears likely to ensue if the legislation is passed.
N. Korea says 3rd summit is not necessary in 2020
Kim Yo-jong, first deputy director of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK), said on July 10 that she is “of the view that the DPRK [North Korea]-US summit talks [are] not needed this year and beyond, and for our part, [are] not beneficial to us unless the US shows [a] decisive change in its [stance].”|In a statement released by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) early on Friday morning, Kim said that “there is no need for us to sit across with the US right now” and that that issue can “be decided when [. . .] major changes are made in the attitude of the US.”
S. Korea to require negative COVID-19 tests for all travelers from high-risk countries starting July 13
As of July 13, all foreign travelers arriving from countries subject to “increased COVID-19 control” measures will be required to submit certification of negative testing status for the virus. The measure is being adopted in response to the growing number of overseas arrivals among recently diagnosed cases in South Korea.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chosun Ilbo (http://english.chosun.com)
Haeundae Beach Revelers to Be Fined for Not Wearing Masks
All visitors to Busan's Haeundae Beach must wear a face mask or face a fine up to W3 million from July 20.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said Sunday, "We have seen many visitors, especially foreigners, who didn't wear masks, so we're starting a pilot period for a week until July 20 to encourage them to wear a mask. Visitors who fail to wear a mask on the beach will be fined up to W3 million (US$1=W1,202)."
Seoul Mayor's Accuser Speaks out
The woman accusing late Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon of sexual harassment said Monday that the abuse continued for about four years. It did not even stop after Park saw similar charges against fellow officials.
In a statement to the media read by her lawyer, the woman, who was Park's secretary at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, claimed that her complaints to other city officials fell on deaf ears.
Seoul Mayorship up for Grabs Next Year
Seoul citizens will go to the polls again on April 7 next year to elect a new mayor after Park Won-soon killed himself last week.
Also up for grabs is the mayorship of the southern port city of Busan after mayor Oh Keo-don resigned earlier this year over sexual harassment charges.
The ruling Minjoo Party appears to have been caught off guard by two of their stars falling over sexual misconduct.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Dong-A Ilbo (http://english.donga.com/)
‘S. Korea’s prosperity is thanks to heroes like Paik Sun-yup,’ U.S. NSC says
The National Security Council (NSC) of the White House released a statement mourning the death of Gen. Paik Sun-yup. Former commanders of the United States Forces Korea (USFK) also commemorated the memory of Paik.
“South Korea is a prosperous, democratic Republic today thanks to Paik Sun-yup and other heroes who put everything on the line to defeat Communist invaders in the 1950s. We mourn General Paik’s death at age 99 and salute his legacy,” said the NSC on Sunday (local time) via its Twitter account, along with the cover of “From Pusan to Panmunjom,” Paik’s memoir in English.
Fourth-generation Kia Carnival to be rolled out this month
Kia Motors has unveiled the interiors of the fourth-generation of its flagship minivan Carnival, which is expected to be launched as early as late this month.
The concept of the model’s first full-change in six years is “infinite space utilization.” Befitting the status as one of the biggest RVs that Kia has to offer, the new Carnival boasts a wide space inside the vehicle, providing not only the driver but passengers easy access to various internal functions on the move.
U.S. top infectious-disease expert at risk of being fired
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infections Diseases (NIAID) who has constantly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s response to COVID-19, faces the risk of being fired. Some argue that the Trump administration could try to scapegoat Dr. Fauci in order to shift responsibility for its inadequate dealing with the pandemic.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The KyungHyang Shinmun (http://english.khan.co.kr/)
National Petition Against 5-Day Funeral for Mayor Park Obtains 500,000 Signatures: What Does This Mean?
In just two days, more than 500,000 people signed a Cheongwadae (Cheong Wa Dae) petition opposing “an official 5-day funeral for the mayor of Seoul” for the late Park Won-soon. The petition drew the support of hundreds of thousands of people in a short time, showing that it was more than an evaluation of the individual Park. It reflected the public’s disappointment and anger at the ruling party and their lax response to power-related sex abuse.
The 21st National Assembly Disgraced by “the Tardiest Opening” Since the Constitutional Amendment
On July 12, the 21st National Assembly broke the record for being the tardiest in opening parliamentary sessions. This was the result of initial conflicts between the ruling and opposition politicians surrounding the parliamentary committee members heading toward an extreme. The July special session, which began on July 6, is also filled with combustible variables, such as the establishment of an independent investigative agency overseeing crimes by senior public officials, real estate legislation, and allegations surrounding the late Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon, so cooperation in the National Assembly does not seem likely.
Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon Dead Following a Sexual Harassment Claim
Park Won-soon (65), the mayor of Seoul, who went missing after communication was severed, was found dead on July 10. With no signs of forced trauma, it appears the mayor may have taken his own life. This day, the police received a report on sexual harassment allegations against Mayor Park.
On July 10, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced, “Mayor Park was found dead in the mountain near Samcheonggak, Seoul.” He was discovered approximately seven hours after the police launched a search following a missing persons report from the mayor’s family at 5:17 p.m. the previous day.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maeil Business News Korea (http://www.pulsenews.co.kr/)
Korean financial holding firms likely to report double-digit fall in Q2 net profit
South Korean financial holding firms are projected to take a 10 to 20 percent hit to their second-quarter net profit due to the virus-triggered recession, record-low interest rates and massive costs related to the latest private equity debacle.
KB Financial Group Inc. would be the first to release its second-quarter earnings on July 21, followed by Shinhan Investment Corp., Hana Financial Group Inc. and Woori Financial Group Inc.
NCSoft shares likely to break 1 million won milestone on solid earnings from Lineage series
South Korea’s leading game developer NCSoft Corp. will likely see its shares hit 1 million won ($831.1) in the coming months on growing expectation of best-ever earnings this year on the back of its massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPG) Lineage 2M and Lineage M. Shares of NCSoft finished 2.22 percent higher at 965,000 won on Monday in the main Korea Composite Stock Price Index (Kospi) after touching 978,000 won during the day. On July 6, NCSoft shares were trading at 997,000 won, hitting 52-week high, slightly short of touching 1 million won.
S. Korea’s unemployment allowances hit fresh monthly high of $917 mn in June
South Korea doled out yet another monthly-high unemployment allowance in June as jobless number surged amid deepening recession from undying virus spread.
According to data from the Ministry of Employment and Labor on Monday, state unemployment allowance reached 1.1 trillion won ($917 million) in June, up 62.9 percent from 428.7 billion won in the same period last year. The handout beat previous record of 1.02 trillion won in May.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 Herald www.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/49/4901.pdf
http://pdf.koreapost.co.kr/49/4902.pdf
http://pdf.koreapost.co.kr/49/4903.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=21180