Thursday, November 11, 2021
Round-up of important news from major Korean dailies and from international media today
Amb. Teymurov of Azerbaijan hosts gala reception at Floating Island near in Seoul
On the occasion of the National Flag Day and the First Anniversary of the Victory Day of Azerbaijan on Nov. 8, 2021, Ambassador Ramzi Teymurov of the Republic of Azerbaijan hosted a reception on the Dung Dung Seom Floating Island on the southern end of the Double-deck Bridge of Banpo over the Han River. It was so far the first diplomatic function following the seemingly nearing end of the COVID-19 pandemic in Korea. The reception consisted of a gala dinner with performing artist performances of singers and dancers. Many ambassadors attended the reception with their spouses and there also were a good number of Korean society figures who included Mrs. Park Jae-kyu, madam of the president of the Kyungnam University. Among the ambassadors were (in alphabetical order) Ambs. Edgar Gaspar Martins of Angola, Bakyt Dyussenbayev of Kazakhstan, Dinara Kemelova of Kyrgyz Republic, Daul Matute-Mejia of Peru and Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi of the United Arab Emirates.
The Korea Post (http://www.koreapost.com/)
Bangladesh’s Mega Projects help Bangladesh in reviving its economy during this pandemic
Bangladesh's ability to spend money has increased even earlier. Ability to borrow and repay foreign loans has also increased. In the meantime, Bangladesh has also written its name in the list of middle-income countries. Top 10 Mega Project in Bangladesh such as Padma Bridge, Dhaka Metro Rail, Dhaka-Chittagong Elevated Expressway, Dhaka to Chittagong Express Railway, Dhaka-Sylhet 4 Lane Highway, Dhaka Cox’s Bazar Railway Link, Dhaka Elevated Expressway, Paira Deep Sea Port, 4 Lane Expansion of Major Highways in Bangladesh, Ruppur Nuclear Power Plant that will change the country rapidly. The development partners have also been informed about the capacity of internal resources by implementing large projects like the Padma Bridge with their own funds. Besides, construction work of Metro Rail, Karnaphuli Tunnel, Bay Terminal, Ruppur Nuclear Power Station, Dhaka Elevated Expressway, Bus Rapid Transit, Third Terminal of the airport is also going ahead in the Corona epidemic. The workers and engineers are working day and night in compliance with the hygiene rules.
“Angola marks Independence Day on Nov. 11, has many Korean firms contributing to bilateral cooperation”
Ambassador Edgar Gaspar Martins of the Republic of Angola in Seoul said, “Angola celebrates her National Day on November 11 marking her winning of independence from Portugal in 1975.” Speaking at a recent interview with The Korea Post at the Embassy of Angola in Seoul, Ambassador Martins said that many Korean companies are contributing to the promotion of cooperation and friendship between the two countries. He said, “In the recent past, Korean companies, such as Sonangol E.P. and DSME (Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering), have developed several projects in the field of shipbuilding and equipment for the oil industry. Then he cited many other Korean companies actively engaged in the promotion of economic cooperation between the two countries as well as to the economic growth and development in their host country of Angola.
KBS (http://world.kbs.co.kr/service)
Pentagon Reaffirms Conditions-based OPCON Transfer
The U.S. Department of Defense has reaffirmed that the U.S. transfer of wartime operational control(OPCON) to South Korea will be carried out according to mutually agreed conditions. Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby issued the position on Wednesday during a press briefing. Asked if Seoul and Washington have differences on the transfer, Kirby said that the decision on the timing for any final operational capability will be an assessment made within the alliance. He said neither U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin nor his South Korean counterpart have made any decisions on the timing. Kirby also said that the OPCON transition is going to be conditions-based in accordance with bilaterally agreed upon conditions inside the OPCON transition plan..
S. Korea, Colombia Discuss Ways to Enhance Bilateral Ties
Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum met with Colombian Vice President Marta Lucía Ramírez on Wednesday to discuss ways to enhance relations between the two nations. In the meeting at the government complex in Seoul, Kim assessed that bilateral ties are moving toward a future-oriented innovative partnership after the summit of their leaders in August. The prime minister then proposed the two nations work together to expand their cooperation to various areas of digital innovation, environment friendly infrastructure, renewable energy, and health care. Ramirez appreciated South Korea's provision of COVID-19 supplies and sharing its experience in dealing with the pandemic. The vice president also hoped the two nations will strengthen cooperation in shipbuilding, aviation, Korean beauty and food products.
Pres. Moon to Hold Town Hall Event with Some 300 Citizens
President Moon Jae-in will hold a town hall with some 300 citizens next Sunday to be broadcast live by KBS from 7:10 p.m. Presidential spokesperson Park Kyung-mee in a Wednesday briefing said, during the event dubbed “Dialogue with the People”, the president will discuss ways to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, quarantine efforts and issues regarding people’s livelihoods. It will be the second such town hall the president has hosted since the first in November 2019. The 100-minute event will be attended by some 300 citizens that KBS selects through polling agencies. Roughly 200 citizens who’ve been fully vaccinated will take part in-person, while around 100, including those unvaccinated, will participate virtually.
Yonhap (http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr)
Yoon apologizes for defending ex-President Chun on visit to Gwangju
Main opposition presidential candidate Yoon Seok-youl traveled to the liberal stronghold of Gwangju on Wednesday and apologized in person for remarks seen as praising a former authoritarian president accused of bloodily quelling a democracy uprising in the southwestern city. Yoon of the conservative People Power Party (PPP) was met by protesters as he arrived to pay his respects to victims of the 1980 massacre at the May 18th National Cemetery in Gwangju, 329 kilometers south of Seoul. Blocked by the protesters, he was forced to cancel his plans to lay flowers and light an incense at an altar and instead offered a silent tribute at the entrance.
No decision made on timing of OPCON transfer to S. Korea: Pentagon press secretary
The United States and South Korea have yet to make any decision on the timing of wartime operational control (OPCON) transfer to Seoul, U.S. Department of Defense Press Secretary John Kirby said Wednesday. The press secretary also said the countries continue to make progress toward the proposed OPCON transition, but that they still have more work to do. "The other thing important to remember is that the OPCON transition is going to be conditions-based in accordance with bilaterally agreed upon conditions inside the OPCON transition plan. And we, as an alliance, are making strides in that direction and we still have some work to do," he said in a daily press briefing.
New infections bounce back to above 2,400 amid eased virus curbs
South Korea's new coronavirus cases bounced back to above 2,400 for the first time in six days Wednesday amid growing concerns over a resurgence of infections as the country began its "living with COVID-19" scheme last week. The country reported 2,425 new COVID-19 cases, raising the total caseload to 385,831, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said. Wednesday's tally marked a sharp hike from 1,715 reported a day earlier. The daily infection tally has stayed in the quadruple digits since July 7, including the record high of 3,272 cases on Sept. 25.
The Korea Herald (http://www.koreaherald.com)
Ruling party candidate questions security alliance with Japan
Lee Jae-myung, presidential nominee for the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, expressed caution toward forming a military alliance among South Korea, the United States and Japan, voicing concerns over Japan being an ally on trust issues. The presidential nominee of the ruling party said in a press conference in Jung-gu, central Seoul, that Japan should be questioned as a trustworthy partner for alliance, citing the historical importance of keeping the Dokdo islets under South Korean sovereignty. “Dokdo is historically Korean territory, but the fact that Japan keeps questioning the matter shows that this issue could be a problem in the future,” he said in a meeting with the press Tuesday.
South Korea, Colombia vow to expand ties in health care, climate change
South Korea and Colombia vowed to deepen ties and step up cooperation in the areas of health care, digital transformation and climate change, as the top envoys of the two countries met Wednesday. Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong held talks with visiting Colombian Vice President and Foreign Minister Marta Lucia Ramirez in Seoul, discussing a wide range of bilateral and regional issues. Ramirez was in Seoul to attend the Korea-Pacific Alliance Green Economy Forum held earlier in the day, joined by three other Pacific Alliance members, Chile, Peru and Mexico.
Kepco, six subsidiaries announce complete exit from coal by 2050
Korea Electric Power Corp. and its six power generation subsidiaries on Wednesday announced a gradual but complete exit from coal by 2050. Kepco and the six subsidiaries -- Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, Korea South-East Power, Korea Midland Power, Korea Western Power, Korea Southern Power and Korea East-West Power -- together discharged 269.6 million tons of carbon in 2018, accounting for a whopping 37 percent of South Korea‘s total emissions. The seven companies’ carbon neutrality commitments will play a pivotal role in Korea’s plan to go carbon neutral by 2050.
The Korea Times (http://www.koreatimes.co.kr)
Seoul hopes to become global cultural powerhouse with new Lee Kun-hee Museum
A large empty lot in Songhyeon-dong, Jongno District in Seoul, which previously had housing for U.S. embassy staff, has been chosen as the site for the tentatively named Lee Kun-hee Museum, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The culture ministry signed a memorandum of understanding with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Wednesday, to construct the museum there, close to the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA). The government plans to launch a preliminary feasibility study this month and receive international bids for the museum's design in the second half of next year. It aims to complete construction and open the museum in 2027. "We have decided to build the museum in Songhyeon-dong because of its proximity to other museums and art galleries, as well as its tourism infrastructure," Culture Minister Hwang Hee said on Thursday.
Shinhan Financial chief calls for joint efforts to achieve carbon neutrality at COP 26
Shinhan Financial Group Chairman Cho Yong-byoung stressed the importance of the financial industry playing a bigger role together to advance green initiatives to meet the government's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Cho, the first figure in the private sector invited to speak at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland, gave a presentation on the group's measures put in place to reduce carbon emissions, Nov. 9 (local time). Cho introduced the "Zero Carbon Drive," the first concrete de-carbonization strategy outlined among financial services firms in East Asia, including ways to measure carbon emissions caused by investment activities among firms in its asset portfolios.
Rival candidates strive to lure voters with state subsidy pledges
The rival candidates of the country's two major parties, vying to become the next president, are engaging in a cash handout competition to woo voters. Their pledges, however, are facing the criticism that they are populist and could harm the country's fiscal stability. Lee Jae-myung of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) has proposed providing another round of COVID-19 disaster relief funds to all people regardless of their financial status. Supporting his idea, the DPK said Tuesday it would push for handouts of 200,000 won ($170) to 250,000 won to all citizens, claiming that the money is to cover people's expenses in following quarantine guidelines. It said funding would come from this year's tax revenue surplus, and so no state bonds would have to be issued.
Chosun Ilbo (http://english.chosun.com)
Facial Recognition Quashes Kim Jong-un Rumors
Facial recognition technology has finally put paid to speculation that the new, slimmer North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is a double and the real Kim is seriously ill. Some sensationalist media claimed that Kim had not just dramatically shed pounds when he appeared at a ceremony in September but had different facial features and hairstyle. Japan's Tokyo Shimbun daily quoted a former South Korean Defense Ministry official as claiming that one of Kim's bodyguards could be the double. What drew particular attention was a report in the American tabloid The Globe that quoted a Pentagon official as saying facial recognition technology showed that the slimmer man who appeared on the rostrum in recent pictures was not Kim.
Must Korea Shoulder Bigger Carbon-Reduction Aim Than China?
The government pledged ambitious carbon-reduction goals at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow even as China, India and Russia, which are major global polluters, either did not bother to turn up or fudged the issue. The world's top polluter China, which accounts for 28 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, only repeated that it will address climate change once emissions peak in 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality in 2060. India, the third-biggest polluter, proposed 2070 as its target, and Russia, ranked fourth, also said 2060 but has not proposed any goals for the next decade. The three combined account for 40 percent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. The success or failure of the COP26 goals depends on them. China's per-capita greenhouse gas emissions stand at 7.1 tons, which is higher than most advanced countries in Europe, but says it will not do anything to reduce them until the end of the decade.
Korea Secures COVID Treatments
Korea will buy enough COVID-19 pills for some 400,000 patients from February next year. The government said Monday it signed a deal with Merck in September for treatments for 200,000 patients and with Pfizer for another 70,000. The government says it will keep talking to both companies and Roche about additional pills for 134,000 people. But health experts stressed the importance of vaccination, even when there are highly effective treatments. Jung Jae-hun of Gachon University's Gil Medical Center said, "The pills could lower the chance of serious illness or death if they're administered in the early stages, but vaccines not only prevent infections but also the risk of severe illness and death."
HanKyoReh Shinmun (http://english.hani.co.kr)
S. Korean chipmakers submitted data to US, but left out sensitive information
Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix provided semiconductor supply chain information at the US government’s behest by the Monday, Nov. 8, deadline. Like other global semiconductor companies, they left out sensitive information when they passed the data along, sources say. Sources with the Washington offices of Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix said on Tuesday afternoon that the companies had submitted the data to the US Commerce Department. Specific client company information and other sensitive details were omitted, they said. The US government had presented a list of 26 questions it wanted global semiconductor companies to answer, requesting information about client companies, inventory and sales. When the businesses balked at supplying confidential details, the government reportedly compromised, allowing companies to lump information together into categories such as “automotive,” “PC,” and “mobile” rather than providing detailed information by client.
Despite lofty goals and declarations, S. Korea ranks among worst on climate change action
While South Korea has publicly adopted an aggressive posture on tackling climate change — promising to reduce carbon emissions by 40% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 — it continues to rank near the bottom in terms of climate policy and implementation. On Tuesday, the 17th Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) was published by Germanwatch, an international assessment organization, and NewClimate Institute, a climate research organization. The CCPI evaluates the climate policy and implementation level of the European Union and the 60 countries that are responsible for 90% of greenhouse gas emissions around the world. South Korea ranked No. 59 among the 64 spots on the CCPI chart. The top three spots were left empty because no countries did well enough to merit a “very high” rating.
Visiting top US diplomat seeks meetings with S. Korean Trade Ministry, presidential candidates
A senior American diplomat visiting South Korea on Wednesday is reportedly arranging meetings not only with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) but also with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE). He’s also trying to set up meetings with presidential nominees from both major parties, a move that has piqued interest. US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink will have a discussion with Yeo Seung-bae, deputy minister for political affairs at MOFA, on Thursday morning, with lunch to follow. Seeing as this is Kritenbrink’s first trip to Korea since he assumed the position in September, this meeting was reportedly arranged to introduce him to his South Korean counterpart. He’s reportedly also planning to meet First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Choi Jong-kun that afternoon.
The Dong-A Ilbo (http://english.donga.com/)
China decides to export 18,700 tons of urea solution to S. Korea
The Chinese government notified the South Korean government that it will export 18,700 tons of urea solution contracted with South Korean companies. It is enough to cover two to three months of domestic demand. About 10,000 tons of urea for cars among the amount to be exported by China will arrive in South Korea as early as the end of this month or the beginning of the next month. It will resolve the shortage of urea solution in the short term, however, it still remains uncertain whether urea solution will be imported smoothly from China in the future as the country has not suspended its inspection system of urea solution before export.
France vows to build new nuclear energy reactors
France will build new nuclear reactors in order to meet its net-zero emissions target by 2050 and achieve greater energy independence. The French media, including Le Monde, reported that the country’s first new nuclear reactor construction plan in decades will be a major issue in the presidential election in April next year. In a televised address to the nation on Tuesday, French President Emmanuel Macron announced the decision to build new nuclear energy reactors, adding it is investment to achieve energy independence and reduce carbon emissions, the primary driver of climate change. The Reuters reported that France will announce details about the construction of six third-generation EPR nuclear reactors as early as next week.
Daniel Krittenbrink visits Seoul for nuclear talks
The U.S. State Department announced that Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Krittenbrink will be visiting Korea on Wednesday and meet with the South Korean government to discuss broad issues including on dealing with North Korea’s nuclear program and achieving full de-nuclearization on the Korean Peninsula. “I would suspect that the threat that is posed by the DPRK’s missile and ballistic – ballistic missile and nuclear program will certainly be on the table, as will our strategy to advance the prospects for the complete and total denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula will also be a topic of discussion as well,” replied U.S. State Department Spokesperson Ned Price to a question asking whether Krittenbrink will discuss on the end-of-war declaration in a briefing held on Wednesday (local time).
The KyungHyangShinmun (http://english.khan.co.kr/)
Yoon Seok-youl and Lee Jae-myung Meet for the First Time after Being Chosen as Their Parties’ Candidates: “Met Often in Court” “Don’t Remember”
Democratic Party of Korea’s presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung and People Power Party’s candidate Yoon Seok-youl met at a formal event on November 10. This was their first meeting since they were elected as the presidential candidates of their parties. This morning, Lee and Yoon both attended the Global HR Forum 2021 at the Grand Walkerhill Seoul in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. Sim Sang-jeung, the presidential candidate of the Justice Party was also present, so the three presidential candidates gathered this morning. Ahn Cheol-soo, the presidential candidate of the People’s Party did not attend the event. Lee and Yoon met in the venue for the opening ceremony and engaged in a brief conversation after exchanging greetings. Yoon said, “I often saw you in court in Seongnam some twenty-something years ago.”
Public Support for Candidates in Upcoming Presidential Election: Yoon Seok-youl 44.4%, Lee Jae-myung 34.6%
People Power Party’s presidential candidate Yoon Seok-youl continues to enjoy a lead outside the margin of error against Democratic Party of Korea’s candidate Lee Jae-myung in a survey of public support for presidential candidates. A YTN survey conducted by the polling firm, Realmeter on November 8-9, asked 1,030 adults nationwide which candidate they would vote for in the next presidential election. The result showed that 44.4% of the respondents chose Yoon. Lee trailed Yoon by 9.8% and only received 34.6% of the votes. He was followed by Ahn Cheol-soo (5.4%) of the People’s Party, Sim Sang-jeung (2.8%) of the Justice Party, and Kim Dong-yeon (1.5%) of the New Wave (tentative name).
Government Bans Hoarding of Urea Water Beginning Nov. 8 and Will Import 20,000ℓ from Australia This Week
The government will prohibit cornering the market by hoarding urea water to stabilize supply beginning November 8. It will also import 20,000 liters of urea water from Australia using military transport vehicles this week. On November 7, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Hong Nam-ki presided over the second meeting on the economy and national security at the government office in Seoul and discussed the status of industrial urea and urea water supply along with the government response to the situation. First, the government decided to crack down on any cornering of the market by hoarding urea and urea water to stabilize supply. Anyone caught hoarding urea or urea water will be punished by up to three years in prison or with a fine of up to 100 million won according to the Price Stabilization Act.
Maeil Business News Korea (http://www.pulsenews.co.kr/)
Korea’s sea flag carrier HMM Q3 best in top and bottom line with operating margin at 57%
South Korean sea flag carrier HMM roared along with its hot earnings streak, with top and bottom line at fresh quarterly high in July-September period and the ratio of profit made from sales at as high as 57 percent due to spike in shipping rates on top of peak-season demand. According to its disclosure Tuesday, HMM reported third-quarter operating profit of 2.27 trillion won ($1.9 billion), surging 63.5 percent on quarter and 719.6 percent on year. Net profit soared 992.4 percent on quarter and 9,239.8 percent on year to 2.3 trillion won. Sales jumped 38.2 percent on quarter and 133.7 percent on year to 4.02 trillion won. The income and revenue results are the company’s best-ever.
S. Korea’s job growth stays on the upswing in Oct, jobless rate falls to 8-year low
South Korea’s job market extended its gaining streak in October, with payroll additions staying above 600,000 for the second straight month and unemployment at the lowest for the month in eight years in the latest sign of a recovering economy. According to data released by Statistics Korea on Wednesday, the number of employed reached 27.74 million in October, adding 652,000 from the same month a year ago. The pace of growth eased from September when the country reported the biggest payroll increase of 671,000 in seven years but remained above the 600,000 level. Korea reported job additions for the eighth straight month, All age groups except those in their 30s added jobs, data showed.
Korean shipyards climb back to the peak in global order book in Oct
South Korea bounced back to No.1 position in global ship orders in October on the surging global trade volume. Korean shipyards brought home the largest 1.12 million compensated gross tonnages (CGT), or 52 percent of the total 2.13 million CGTs in new global ship orders last month, according to Clarkson Research Services on Tuesday. China ranked second with 810,000 CGTs in new orders. Global ship orders from January to October jumped 162 percent from the same period last year to 40.99 million CGTs, reaching the highest level since 2013. China secured the largest cumulative orders of 19.93 million CGTs over the past 10 months, followed by Korea 15.79 million CGT and Japan 3.71 million CGTs.
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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 Heraldwww.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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Morocco: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfFmp2sVvSE
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