The Korean daily media headlines and humor

Thursday, January 12, 2017

Your Excellency:

Here are The Korea Post notices and a roundup of important headlines from all major Korean-language dailies, TV and other news media of Korea today:

Very Respectfully Yours

/s/

Lee Kyung-sik

Publisher-Chairman

Korea Post Media

Over donation of 20.4 billion won to bodies influenced by controversial Mrs. Choi

Samsung VC Lee Jae-yong questioned as bribery suspect in influence-peddling scandal

This file photo, taken on Dec. 6, 2016, shows Samsung's heir apparent Lee Jae-yong at a parliamentary hearing in Seoul to undergo questioning over a mega corruption scandal centered on President Park Geun-hye and her friend. (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Jan. 12 (Yonhap) -- Samsung's heir apparent was questioned by investigators as a bribery suspect Thursday as special investigators in Seoul accelerated their probe into the influence-peddling scandal centered on President Park Geun-hye and her friend.

Lee Jae-yong, vice chairman of Samsung Electronics Co., appeared before the investigation team's office in southern Seoul to undergo questioning over suspicions the country's largest business group gave undue financial support to Park's friend Choi Soon-sil in return for business favors.

South Korea's largest family-run conglomerate is suspected of having struck a 22 billion-won (US$18.3 million) contract with a Germany-based firm owned by Choi and her daughter under the name of a consulting arrangement to fund the daughter's equestrian training.

There have been allegations that the contract was signed in return for the state-run pension fund's backing of a major merger deal between Samsung subsidiaries in 2015. Investigators are looking into whether the presidential office pressured the pension fund to support the merger in return for favors Samsung gave to Choi.

Moon Hyung-pyo, chief of the National Pension Service and former health minister, was formally arrested last month over his role in the merger deal.

Samsung donated 20.4 billion won to two nonprofit foundations that may have been influenced by Choi, which is the largest amount given by any local business group.

The conglomerate has insisted that it thought the money donated to the foundations was for a good cause to promote South Korean culture abroad and the sports sector, and there was no thought of getting anything in return. It also said that Samsung, like other business groups, was not in a position to shrug off the wishes of the president when she asked for help on the matter.

During a parliamentary hearing held last month, Lee stressed several times that the group "never took part in the donation, seeking any kind of a benefit in return."

The independent counsel on Wednesday requested the parliamentary panel, which questioned the figures during the hearing, to file a formal complaint against Lee for perjury.

scaaet@yna.co.kr

(END)

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Other major topics on The Korea Post website (www.koreapost.com) this morning:

GM Brender of Grand Hilton hosts informal party for German, Korean celebrities

General Manager and Mrs. Bernhard Brender of the Grand Hilton Hotel in Seoul hosted a cozy informal party at his Hotel on Dec. 7, 2016 in honor of Ambassador Stephan Auer of Germany in Seoul, German Inventor Wilfred Sturm, General Manager and Mrs. Frank Stechow of Fraser Place Central Seoul, Executive Director and Mrs. Marla Stukenbert of Goethe Institue Korea and Publisher-Chairnman Lee Kyung-sik of The Korea Post media (on behalf of whom, Vice Chairman Choe Nam-suk attended the function due to the bad cold suffered by Chairman Lee).

FKI to hold meeting of key members despite low attendance

SEOUL, Jan. 12 (Yonhap) -- The Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) plans to hold a meeting of its key member companies later Thursday, but most of the firms are widely expected to miss the meeting because of a corruption scandal involving the business lobby that has made their chief executives subject to investigation.

Foreign Minister Yun speaks with Kerry amid tensions over comfort women statues

SEOUL, Jan. 12 (Yonhap) -- Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se spoke by phone with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Wednesday, the ministry said, amid heightened tensions between Seoul and Tokyo over a statue symbolizing Japan's wartime sexual slavery.

Tensions have flared anew between the two American allies after South Korean civic activists erected the girl's statue in front of Japan's consulate in the South Korean port city of Busan.

For up-to-the-minute Korea-language news, please visit www.koreapost.co.kr. ther major topics on The Korea Post website (www.koreapost.com)

What’s ticking in Korea today? Here is a quick roundup of important news stories from the major Korean news media today:

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

Independent Counsel Discloses Choi's 2nd Tablet PC

The independent counsel team probing the Choi Soon-sil scandal has shown to the public the second tablet PC allegedly belonging to her that contains traces of her influence-peddling.

Ex-Culture Minister Arrested for Artist Blacklist

The independent counsel team on Thursday arrested former Culture Minister Kim Jong-deok and two others suspected of helping in the creation or management of a blacklist of artists critical of the government.

US State Secretary Nominee: US Must Compel Beijing to Denuclearize N. Korea

Anchor: U.S. Secretary of State nominee Rex Tillerson on Wednesday said a “new approach” toward China is necessary to make Beijing effectively reign in North Korea and its nuclear and missile programs. Appearing before a Senate committee for his confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill, Tillerson also affirmed that the South Korea-U.S. alliance under the incoming Trump administration will remain strong.

Kim Bum-soo has more.

Committee on Constitutional Revision Holds Second Session

A parliamentary special committee on revising the Constitution has discussed how to reform the power structure and when to amend the Constitution.

Opposition Party Launches Discussion of Primary Rules

The main opposition Democratic Party has launched discussions on rules for a primary to elect its candidate for the presidential election.

KOSPI, KOSDAQ Close up on Wednesday

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index(KOSPI) on Wednesday spiked one-point-47 percent to close at two-thousand-75 as shares of Samsung Electronics surged.

Finance Minister Yoo Meets with Key Wall Street Figures

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Yoo Il-ho on Wednesday met with key Wall Street figures in New York and requested that they play the role of a bridge between Seoul and the incoming U.S. government.

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

FM speaks with Kerry amid renewed historical tensions with Japan

Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se spoke by phone with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Wednesday, the ministry said, amid heightened tensions between Seoul and Tokyo over a statue symbolizing Japan's wartime sexual slavery.

Tillerson: U.S. cannot accept China's 'empty promises' to pressure N.K., vows to consider 'actions'

Incoming U.S. President Donald Trump's nominee for secretary of state strongly criticized China on Wednesday for making "empty promises" to put pressure on North Korea, and vowed to consider "actions" to get Beijing to fully enforce sanctions on Pyongyang.

US imposes sanctions on N.K. leader's sister over human rights violations

The United States imposed sanctions on the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Wednesday for her links to human rights violations in the communist nation.

Former U.N. chief Ban departs for South Korea

Former U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon left for South Korea on Wednesday after his 10-year service at the international organization, amid widespread expectations about his run for the country's president this year.

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

Pyongyang’s plutonium stockpile grows to 50 kg: Seoul

North Korea has made significant progress on its nuclear capability with its plutonium stockpile reaching 50 kilograms, which is capable of making up to a dozen fission bombs, according to South Korea’s 2016 defense white paper released Wednesday,

Special counsel summons Samsung’s Lee Jae-yong for questioning

Just three days after questioning Samsung Group’s top brass, the independent counsel investigating the President Park Geun-hye scandal summoned the de facto leader of the country’s largest conglomerate, Lee Jae-yong, as a suspect for bribery charges, according to the special investigator’s office Wednesday.

Choi withdraws testimony; An challenges validity of evidence

Choi Soon-sil, who is at the center of the President Park Geun-hye scandal, withdrew the testimony she gave at a prosecutorial investigation, denying all charges brought against her, during her trial in Seoul on Wednesday.

Ban Ki-moon to speak on allegations upon return

Ban Ki-moon, former secretary-general of the United Nations and a potential candidate for the upcoming presidential election here, will take time to decide whether to create a new party or join one of the existing entities.

Award honors individuals for globalizing Korea

Winners of the 2017 Korea Image Award ceremony, an event annually organized by the Corea Image Communications Institute, pose at the InterContinental Seoul Coex on Wednesday.

North Korea is a bad trip if you're looking to get high

North Korea has been getting some pretty high praise lately from the stoner world.

Germany says 2016 asylum seeker arrivals down two thirds

Germany took in 280,000 asylum seekers in 2016, about one third of the previous year's record figure, Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere said on Wednesday.

Economic inequality top global risk: WEF

Rising income inequality is seen as the top risk for the global economy in 2017, with reforms to market capitalism increasingly viewed as necessary to ward off a populist backlash, the World Economic Forum said Wednesday.

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

Samsung chief to be questioned Thursday

Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong will be summoned today for questioning by the independent counsel team over allegations he offered financial support to President Park Geun-hye's confidant Choi Soon-sil in return for business favors.

Bribery allegation awaits Ban Ki-moon's return

Former U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will speak on bribery allegations raised against him upon his arrival at Incheon International Airport, today, his supporters said Wednesday.

Shivers! Korea braces for winter's coldest weekend

Korea is facing its coldest weekend this winter, with temperatures expected to plunge as low as minus 13 degrees Celsius.

'N. Korea can make 10 nuclear bombs'

North Korea has increased its stockpile of weapons-grade plutonium to about 50 kilograms from 40 over the past two years despite pressure and sanctions from the international community, according to the 2016 Defense White Paper released Wednesday.

Korea, US reaffirm THAAD deployment

Incoming U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Flynn and South Korea's National Security Office chief, Kim Kwan-jin, have reaffirmed that the two nations' plan to deploy an advanced U.S. anti-missile system here will go as planned despite China's growing protest.

Lost in translation: USFK soldiers booked for 'rescue' assault

Two soldiers from the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) were booked Wednesday for assaulting two Korean men after mistakenly thinking they were attacking two girls.

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

Taiwan on alert over passage of Chinese aircraft carrier

Chinese warships, led by its Liaoning aircraft carrier which held a show of force in the South China Sea, have entered the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday, putting the Taiwanese military on an alert. Analysts say that Taipei’s move was a warning against the Chinese fleet’s entry into the Taiwanese waters at a time when Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen was visiting Latin American countries.

'Geological clock' shows moon is 4.51 billion years old

Researchers have announced that moon is 4.51 billion years old. The recent finding is derived from analysis on rocks shipped by the manned lunar probe “Apollo 14” in 1971.

Channel A’s ‘Outsiders’ emerges as popular TV show

"Outsiders," a news and entertainment show on Channel A, has garnered a viewership of over 4 percent on just the third episode after its launch, emerging as a dark horse among TV programs airing on Tuesdays. Channel A is an affiliate of The Dong-A Ilbo.

Hotspur star Dele Alli sheds hope on EPL

Harry Kane was the top scorer in 2015/16 English Premier League season represented Tottenham Hotspur F.C., where Son Heung-min is also playing for. However, another Hotspur rookie is currently challenging Kane’s throne – attacking midfielder Dele Alli who is only in his second season in the EPL.

Samsung to release the world’s first foldable phone

A new forecast predicts Samsung Electronics will unveil its first foldable phones this year, which is to become the next-generation smartphone. Foldable phone users may fold in and out their displays.

Playboy magazine to release a Korean edition in June

“Playboy,” an American men’s style and entertainment magazine, will land on Korea in June. Kaya Media, a local agency, said on Tuesday that it signed a contract with Playboy Enterprise and will release a Korean edition in June.

Trump team likely to keep deputy defense secretary

.S. President-elect Donald Trump asked deputy defense secretary Robert Work (photo) to continue working for the incoming administration due to concerns about North Korea’s nuclear test or long-range missile launch after the president's inauguration. It implies that the Trump team takes North Korea’s nuclear issue seriously after the North announced it would launch an intercontinental ballistic missile at any given time and place.

Washington issues stern warnings against Pyongyang’s threats

North Korea’s threat on Sunday to launch an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) an act of intimidation targeting the incoming Donald Trump administration, experts say. There have been no signs of abnormality at the Dongchang-ni launch station in North Pyongan Province, and the threat was made as countermeasure to U.S. President-elect Trump’s recent remarks downplaying Pyongyang’s ICBM capability, according to the sources.

Cristiano Ronaldo becomes FIFA's best player of 2016

Cristiano Ronaldo has made it again. Ronaldo was picked as the best male player at the FIFA's "The Best Football Awards 2016" held in Zurich, Switzerland on Tuesday, proving it was his best year in 2016. The award is new after Ballon d'Or departed from FIFA Ballon d'Or that FIFA had jointly awarded with football magazine France Football from 2010 to 2015. Ronaldo won the Ballon d'Or in December last year.

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

N.Korea's Plutonium Stockpile 'Grows Alarmingly'

North Korea's plutonium stockpile has grown to some 50 kg, enough to make two or three more nuclear weapons, according to South Korea's 2016 defense white paper.

Another Tablet PC Surfaces in Crony Scandal

The independent counsel probing the corruption scandal that has engulfed President Park Geun-hye has obtained another tablet PC that seems to have been used by her crony Choi Soon-sil.

Choi Soon-sil's Daughter Hires Money-Laundering Lawyer

Chung Yoo-ra, the daughter of Choi Soon-sil, has hired a lawyer specializing in economic crimes.

Korea 'Begged Off Submarine Drill with Japan, U.S.'

Korea recently turned down proposals for a joint submarine drill with the U.S. and Japan due to anti-Japanese sentiment here, the Asahi Shimbun reported Tuesday.

Bird Flu Spreads to Jeju

Bird flu has broken out on the southern resort island of Jeju, which had been one of only two remaining safe zones in Korea.

GM's Chevrolet Bolt EV Wins North American Car of the Year

GM's Chevrolet Bolt has become the first electric vehicle to be named the North American Car of the Year.

Samsung Ranks 2nd in U.S. Patent Registration

Two Korean electronic giants were among the top 10 patent holders in the U.S. last year.

Samsung Electronics ranked second in terms of patent registrations for the 11th year running and LG Electronics seventh.

Court Dismisses Park's Account of 'Missing 7 Hours'

The Constitutional Court on Tuesday dismissed as "insufficient" a 16-page statement from President Park Geun-hye purporting to explain where she was during the 2014 ferry disaster.

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HanKyoReh-Shinmoon (http://english.hani.co.kr)

All frontrunners for next presidency in favor of renegotiating comfort women agreement

With Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn making his first official remarks as acting president on Jan. 10 on the issue of South Korea’s dispute with Japan, stating that “it’s advisable to refrain from words or actions that could aggravate the situation,” attention is shifting to the approaches being taken to South Korea and Japan’s Dec. 28 comfort women agreement by the leading candidates in the presidential election.

PM and acting president advises not to “aggravate” comfort women situation with Japan

“It’s advisable to refrain from words or actions that could aggravate the situation,” said Prime Minister and acting president Hwang Kyo-ahn on Jan. 10. Hwang was speaking of the intensifying dispute between South Korea and Japan over the comfort woman statue that has been set up in front of the Japanese consulate in Busan.

Former US Secretary of Defense calls for Plan B on N. Korean nukes and missiles

Former US Secretary of Defense William Perry, one of the US’s leading realist advocates of dialogue with North Korea, suggested Washington should proactively attempt negotiations with Pyongyang, but also consider “Plan B” actions such as shooting down airborne North Korean missiles in case the talks fail.

In apparent show of force, China sends ten aircraft into S. Korean ADIZ

When asked about 10 Chinese military aircraft that entered the Korea Air Defense Identification Zone (KADIZ) near Ieo Island to the south of Jeju Island on Jan. 9, a senior South Korean military official admitted the “exceptional scale” of the flight but only said that the military was still trying to figure out China’s intentions. Analysts believe that the action was largely intended as a show of force, but they were divided about whether this show of force was only aimed at the US and Japan, or whether South Korea was included as a target.

[Analysis] Comfort women agreement: a diplomatic debacle in three acts

The Dec. 28, 2015 agreement about the comfort women issue by the governments of South Korea and Japan - which has led to a diplomatic catastrophe - was one of a handful of major diplomatic ventures that South Korea pursued on its own since its liberation from Japanese colonial rule occupation. The dispute between the administrations of South Korean President Park Geun-hye and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe over the comfort women has unfolded in three acts.

[Interview] A “guardian” pledges to protect comfort woman statue in Busan

“No matter what external pressure there may be, we will protect the comfort woman statue that was set up in Busan by the power of the people,” said Ma Hee-jin, 24, on Jan. 9. Ma is a third year student at Pusan National University majoring in aerospace engineering, as well as the chair of the Promotional Committee for the Comfort Woman Statue Set Up by Future Generations, which unveiled the statue in front of the Japanese consulate in Busan on the last day of 2016.

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JoongAng-Ilbo(conservative) (http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/)

Trump’s security adviser endorses Thaad placement

Kim Kwan-jin, chief of Korea’s National Security Office, and Michael T. Flynn, the incoming U.S. national security adviser, confirmed that the U.S.-led Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (Thaad) system will be deployed in Korea as planned, regardless of China’s opposition.

Lee of Samsung questioned as suspect today

Lee Jae-yong, the third-generation leader of Samsung Group, will be questioned today as a suspect by an independent counsel in an investigation of whether the country’s largest conglomerate bribed President Park Geun-hye through her controversial friend.

1 million Koreans are jobless for first time ever

The number of out-of-work Koreans surpassed 1 million for the first time in history, largely due to a struggling manufacturing sector.

AmorePacific sets up shop in the Middle East

AmorePacific is making strategic moves to step into the Middle Eastern market.

The cosmetics leader signed a partnership deal with the biggest retail company in the region, Alshaya Group, last month to export its products, the company said Wednesday.

U.S. says Korean washers from China dumped

Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics were found guilty of dumping China-produced washing machines onto the U.S. market and hurting the U.S. appliance industry Tuesday.

HMM will hire 220 Hanjin Shipping workers

Hyundai Merchant Marine plans to employ up to 220 workers from sunken Hanjin Shipping as it pledged earlier to take some responsibility as the sole surviving sea carrier in the country.

Price hikes on luxury goods receive pushback

Price increases by international luxury brands like Hermes and Chanel at the beginning of the year are routine in Korea.

SKT earmarks 11 trillion won to boost AI, IoT

SK Telecom has vowed to spend a whopping 11 trillion won ($9.2 billion) in the next three years to build an ecosystem centered on artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and next-generation 5G networks as it seeks to become a global IT leader.

Gov’t pushes to cut small funds

The government is ordering asset management companies to reduce the number of public mutual funds containing 5 billion won ($4 million) or less to protect investors who might suffer losses because firms rarely manage such small funds properly.

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

UN Secretary-General and Political Rookie "The Two Edges of a Sword," A Typhoon or a Breeze?

Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (73) will return on January 12. He is practically just seconds away from entering the ring of a presidential race as a strong outside candidate. The message he presents on national reforms and leadership is expected to determine whether the "Ban Ki-moon phenomenon" will be typhoon or an illusion.

[Editorial] South Korean Diplomacy Cornered: We Need to Reset

South Korea's foreign relations and security stands cornered. South Korea is being attacked by Japan for the bilateral agreement on the comfort women issue and is facing pressure from China in various ways after the decision to place the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missiles on the peninsula.

[2017 Presidential Dreams] Moon Jae-in, Former Leader of the Minjoo Party of Korea, "Aren't There Too Many Moon Supporters to Speak of a Pro-Moon Hegemony?"

On January 7, former leader of the Minjoo Party of Korea Moon Jae-in said, "Compared to the last presidential election, I am much more desperate to change the world with a new government and better prepared." This day, Moon spoke with the Kyunghyang Shinmun for a New Year's interview at a hotel in Mapo-gu, Seoul and said, "If we have early elections, the new president will have to immediately tend to the tasks without a transitional committee phase. I am fully prepared."

[2017 Presidential Dreams] Seongnam-si Mayor Lee Jae-myung, "We Need a Revolutionary Change... A Tough Field Commander Should Lead"

Mayor of Seongnam-si Lee Jae-myung (53, Minjoo Party of Korea), who has emerged as a strong presidential candidate from the opposition through the "candlelight demonstrations" said on January 3, "Others all talk about growth and growth, but that is populism. We need to fairly distribute economic opportunities and resources and restore fairness in our economic order." This day during an interview of presidential candidates in the Kyunghyang Shinmun reception room, Lee also added, "The best way is to strengthen the labor unions like President Roosevelt, who had the National Guard support the union strikes."

It’s Vacation, a Time Feared by Fixed-Term Teachers

A, who worked as a fixed-term teacher at a middle school in the Seoul metropolitan area received a letter from the school in early December notifying her of an abrupt termination of her contract. A signed a one-year contract from March 2016 to February 2017, but was greatly surprised at the school's position to terminate the contract about three months sooner.

[2017 Presidential Dreams] New Conservative Party for Reform’s Yoo Seong-min, "End of Rhee Syngman ~ Park Geun-hye System. We Will Be Judged

On January 2, New Conservative Party for Reform (tentative name) lawmaker Yoo Seong-min said, "The ancien regime (old system), which has been the root of the conservative party from Rhee Syngman to Park Geun-hye, has ended. We will rebuild a new conservative force and receive the judgment of the people." This day, Yoo sat with the Kyunghyang Shinmun at the National Assembly as part of a New Year's interview of presidential candidates and said, "Arguing that the New Conservative Party for Reform is not qualified to present a presidential candidate because the existing conservatives have failed is an arrogant idea that denies the people's right to choose."

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

Nation's Employment Ratio Hits Record Level at 66.1%...NSO

The employment ratio has hit a record-high level last year as the number of new jobs reached a high of 300,000. At the same time, however, the number of the unemployed climbed up more than 1 million for the first time in history while youth unemployment was also at an all-time high.

Banks Start Tightening Self-employed Business Loan Standards

Banks have started tightening their lending standards in efforts to rein in the mounting balance of loans given out to self-employed business owners, based on the judgment that it may trigger a debt crisis if market rates increase further in the near future. According to banking industry sources on January 11, the nation's top-five banks such as Shinhan, Kookmin, KEB Hana, Woori, and Nonghyup have already decided not to increase loans to small business operators.

Korea’s Big 2 Institutional Investors Invest 440 Bil. Won in UK Private Equity Fund

Korea’s big two institutional investors – National Pension Service (NPS) and Korea Investment Corporation (KIC) – are confirmed to have invested 350 million euros (approx. 440 billion won) in a buyout fund that a UK-based private equity fund BC Partners raised first in five years.

Foreigners Net-buy KOSPI Stocks for 11 Consecutive Trading Days

The KOSPI easily surpassed the 2,070 mark largely due to a flood of buy orders from foreign investors. This is the highest level in 18 months since July 21, 2015 when the stock index hit 2,083.62. The price of Samsung Electronics hit a record high by moving over the 1.9-million-won milestone for the first time since its IPO.

Samsung Electronics Mulls over Expanding Dacor LA Plant

Korea's major companies such as Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor, and LG Electronics are redefining their investment strategies, reviewing the ideas of establishing plants in the United States.

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

[FOCUS] Former UN chief hit by unsavory incident involving relatives in New York

Ban Ki-moon, a top contender in South Korea's presidential election, has hit an unexpected snag in his political path before he returns home after a glorious 10-year tenure as secretary general of the United Nations.

Ex-UN head Ban rejects any connection with relatives accused of bribery

Former UN chief Ban Ki-moon expressed regret at a bribery case involving his relatives but dismissed any connection with them as he took a step towards an uncertain political life at his homeland.

Secretary of state nominee denounces China's 'empty promises': Yonhap

Incoming US President Donald Trump's nominee for secretary of state strongly criticized China for making "empty promises" to put pressure on North Korea, and vowed to consider "actions" to get Beijing to fully enforce sanctions on Pyongyang.

US imposes sanctions on N. Korea leader's sister: Yonhap

The United States imposed sanctions on the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un for her links to human rights violations in the communist nation.

First Korean ballerino to join Britain's Royal Ballet: Yonhap

Jun Joon-hyuk will join Britain's Royal Ballet in August, becoming the first Korean ballerino to become a member of the prestigious group of dancers.

Will LG's new flagship 'G6' act as counterpunch against Samsung?

Smartphone sales of South Korea's second largest electronics company LG have been all downhill from a few years ago. The time for revenge may come in March with its new flagship "G6".

Samsung's virtual head faces criminal investigation for perjury

The de facto head of South Korea's top conglomerate, Samsung Group, faces a possible criminal investigation this week after investigators want a parliamentary committee to bring an accusation against him for perjury.

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

SK Telecom to invest $4.17 bn in AI and IoT technology development

South Korea’s leading mobile carrier SK Telecom Co. pledged to pursue bold investments in information and communications technology including artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IOT), joining global technology and communications peers in the race to grab opportunities the so-called fourth industrial revolution would bring.

S. Korea’s unemployment hits a record high in 2016 with highest youth jobless rate

The number of unemployment in South Korea in 2016 topped 1 million for the first time in 16 years with youth jobless rate hitting a fresh record high as jobs dwindled amid sweeping restructuring across the nation on top of a protracted economic slump.

China bans imports of Korean cosmetics amid THAAD tensions

Chinese authorities have recently refused to approve imports of 11 tons of Korean cosmetics products, a move suspected to be part of the country’s retaliation against Korea’s decision to allow the deployment of a U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery here.

Samsung Elec showcases new luxury built-in home appliance lineups under Dacor

South Korea’s leading home appliance maker Samsung Electronics Co. unveiled two new premium household appliances lineups - Heritage and Modern - under Dacor, a luxury kitchen appliance maker it acquired last year, accelerating its efforts to win the world’s largest built-in home appliance market.

Hyundai Merchant mulls acquiring shipping terminals in Indonesia and Vietnam

South Korea’s Hyundai Merchant Marine Co. (HMM) is gearing up to take over shipping terminals in Indonesia and Vietnam in a bid to expand its presence in the global market. HMM is now the country’s leading container carrier after once the world’s seventh largest shipper Hanjin Shipping Co. was put under court receivership.

SK Chemicals’ hemophilia drug approved for sale in Europe

SK Chemicals Co. said on Tuesday its hemophilia A drug Afstyla has been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), marking the first case of Korea’s novel biologic drug to be marketed across Europe.

Samsung Display mulls $2.5 bn investment to add lines in Vietnam

South Korea’s Samsung Display Co. is considering a plan to invest $2.5 billion to expand its display module assembly line in northern Vietnam in a move to respond to growing demand for smartphone display panels.

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

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

Gwangmyeong Daily 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

lemonde www.ilemonde.com

Italy rarepupeul Rica 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

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