Wednesday, January 26, 2022

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

The Korea Post ( www.koreapost.com )
"We will develop Jecheon into the best tourist city in the central region"

"We will actively promote Jecheon in 2022 to establish itself as the best tourist city in the central region," Mayor Lee Sang-cheon of Jecheon City said on Jan. 25. In a New Year interview with the Korea Post, Mayor Lee said, "We will link the regional tourism development project in the Uirim area, including Dream Farm Land on Jecheon Green Road, and the Uirimji Repair Park project to the Uirimji Complex Resort Private Capital Project. "We will gather capabilities and wisdom with citizens to increase the competitiveness and brand value of our city, focusing on revitalizing the city center and staying tourism, and to take strategic measures to accelerate regional development through new growth engine projects."

 

Andaz Seoul Gangnam Launches ‘Romance at Andaz’ Package

Andaz Seoul Gangnam, a lifestyle hotel of the Hyatt Hotels & Resorts located at Apgujeong, offers a perfect option for a romantic staycation. Themed around the concept of creating ‘Romantic Moments,’ the ‘Romance atAndaz’ package is available from January 14, 2022 to December 31, 2022. Breakfast, sparkling wine and cake, bath bomb set, etc. are included in the package, which is priced starting at KRW 320,000 (excluding 10% tax). For rooms, you can choose from Deluxe rooms, Premium rooms, Andaz suites, or Balcony suites. Immerse in a romantic atmosphere while relieving fatigue in Andaz's unique stylish bathtub with La Cuvee Maisonbath bomb made with the finest essential oils from France and carefully selected raw materials. Two types of bath bomb featuring the love story of Dionysus and Ariadne as a motif are included.

 

Taihan obtains a $50 million order from SP PowerAssets in Singapore

Taihan has won an order for a project to build a 400kV ultra-high voltage cable power grid ordered by Singapore's power company SP PowerAssets, the company said on Jan. 21. It is a large project with orders worth about $50 million (about 60 billion won). The project is to build an underground power grid on Jurong Island, located in the southwest of Singapore, and Taihan will supply all 400kV ultra-high pressure cables and connections, and performs the project in a full turn-key manner responsible for designing, laying, connecting and testing the power grid. The 400kV power grid is the highest voltage used in Singapore, and a thorough evaluation of technology and quality is conducted to ensure stability.

 

 

                                                                                                              

KBS (http://world.kbs.co.kr/service)

Sports Minister Hwang to Lead S. Korea's Delegation to Beijing Winter Olympics

Sports Minister Hwang Hee will spearhead South Korea’s delegation to the Beijing Winter Games. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on Tuesday announced the government’s plan, saying the minister will leave for China on February 3 to attend the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics to be held the next day. The government said the decision was made based on South Korea’s role as the host of the previous Winter Olympics, as well as the significance of the Beijing Games, Seoul-Beijing relations, past practices and the COVID-19 situation. Separately, National Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-seug will also attend the opening ceremony of the Games at the invitation of Li Zhanshu, chairman of the Chinese National People's Congress Standing Committee.

 

Ministry Concludes Kim Keon-hee Inflated Credentials in Seeking Professorship

The education ministry has concluded that the wife of main opposition People Power Party(PPP) presidential candidate Yoon Suk Yeol falsely stated her credentials in applying for a professorship at Kookmin University and that the college did not verify them. The Ministry of Education on Tuesday announced the results of its probe on the Seoul-based university, prompted by allegations that Kim Keon-hee had exaggerated her credentials in past job applications. Launched in November, the inspection zeroed in on the processes by which Kim earned a Ph.D. degree at Kookmin’s Graduate School of Techno Design and was hired as an adjunct professor.

 

IMF Cuts 2022 Growth Forecast for S. Korea to 3%

The International Monetary Fund(IMF) marked down its economic forecast for South Korea for this year, citing the omicron spread and lowered growth rates for Seoul’s major trade partners among other factors. The Ministry of Economy and Finance said that in the revised global outlook released on Tuesday, the IMF projected Asia’s fourth largest economy will grow three percent in 2022, down by zero-point-three percentage points from its earlier forecast in October. The IMF’s latest outlook is one-tenth of a percentage point lower than the government’s projection but is the same as those from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development(OECD), Bank of Korea, and an average of major investment banks.


                                                                                                               

 

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

U.S. remains prepared to engage in dialogue with N. Korea: State Dept.

The United States remains committed to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula through diplomacy and dialogue, state department press secretary Ned Price said Tuesday. The spokesperson also reiterated that the U.S. harbors no hostile intent toward North Korea. "We have no hostile intent. We harbor no hostile intent towards the DPRK. We are open to dialogue. We're open to diplomacy," Price said in a press briefing, referring to North Korea by its official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. His remarks come after North Korea launched what appeared to be two cruise missiles on Tuesday (Seoul time), marking its fifth missile launch so far this year.

 

Sports minister to head S. Korean gov't delegation to Beijing 2022

Hwang Hee, the minister of culture, sports and tourism, will lead the South Korean government delegation to the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics, his ministry said Tuesday. With President Moon Jae-in not traveling to the Chinese capital for the Feb. 4-20 competition, the government decided to make Hwang, the top Cabinet minister for sports, the chief delegate, according to the ministry. In Beijing, Hwang will attend the opening ceremony on Feb. 4, and support and encourage South Korean athletes while watching their games, it said. There has been speculation that Yoo Eun-hae, the minister of education who doubles as deputy prime minister for social affairs, had also been in the running for the position along with Hwang.

 

Yoon's wife submitted false records to local university: education ministry
The wife of main opposition presidential candidate Yoon Suk-yeol submitted false records of her academic and career background on a job application sent to a local university in 2014, the education ministry said Tuesday following an inquiry. Kim Keon-hee, the wife of the nominee of the conservative People Power Party, has been hit with allegations that she exaggerated her credentials on multiple resumes, including one for a teaching job at Kookmin University, which she ultimately secured. The education ministry launched an inquiry into the university in November to look into the circumstances surrounding her hiring as an adjunct professor, her earning of a degree from the university's Graduate School of Techno Design and the university's acquisition of stocks in Deutsch Motors Inc., a local BMW car dealer suspected of having ties to Kim.

 

                                                                                  

 

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

 

New NK sanctions face up to 6-month delay on China and Russia’s objection

The US’ push to impose UN sanctions on five North Koreans responsible for the regime’s recent missile launches could be delayed for at least six months, after China and Russia blocked the move. Norway, which holds the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council in January, confirmed that China and Russia have put a hold on a US initiative to impose additional UN sanctions on the regime, according to a Voice of America report Tuesday. It added that the block period can last up to six months. After that, another council member can extend the delay for an additional three months, before it is permanently removed from the council’s agenda.

 

Korea seeks longer FX trading hours to win developed status from MSCI

SEJONG -- South Korea’s chief economic policymaker on Tuesday has confirmed the government’s intention to come up with measures to win developed market status from Morgan Stanley Capital International. The government has pushed for continuous attempts to campaign for Korea’s capital market -- such as stock and foreign exchange markets -- to be included in MSCI’s Developed Markets Indexes. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki commented on investors’ accessibility to the currency market. At a ministerial meeting for external economic policies in Sejong, Hong said that the government is planning “to provide foreign investors with easier accessibility to the foreign exchange market.”

 

Pentagon calls for China to support enacting new UN sanctions on N. Korea

The US Defense Department on Monday urged China to use its leverage to support and enforce UN Security Council resolutions and enact new UN sanctions, while reiterating its call on North Korea to cease “provocations” and de-escalate tensions. The Pentagon pointed out Beijing’s stonewalling on the international community’s efforts to implement UN economic sanctions on North Korea. Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said China, the “direct neighbor of North Korea,” should exert its leverage.They have influence in Pyongyang. We know that. They know that. Pyongyang knows that,” Kirby said during a press briefing when asked if Washington views Beijing as intentionally turning a blind eye to North Korea’s ballistic missile launches amid the growing US-China rivalry.

 

                                                                                    

 

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

China denies alleged intervention in Korean presidential election

The Chinese Embassy in Seoul has denied the allegation that China tried to meddle in Korea's upcoming presidential election. In a statement released to Korean journalists on Monday, the embassy expressed regret that a JoongAng Ilbo newspaper column published on the same day accused China of trying to intervene in the presidential election based on several Chinese officials' remarks. "China, like many other countries in the world, is watching the South Korean presidential election, but it has never intervened in it and will never do it," the press release reads. "China's announcing of its position and argument on China-related issues is aimed at protecting its interests and the overall development of Sino-Korea relations, and has nothing to do with the so-called interference in the Korean presidential election."

 

State pension's plan to strengthen lawsuit rights unnerves businesses

Korea's state pension fund, one of the largest in the world with around 918 trillion won under management, plans to strengthen its ability to file lawsuits against corporate management officials and boards of directors in order to exercise stronger rights to intervene in the management activities of major listed firms here. The move, however, has been making businesses feel increasingly uncomfortable. The National Pension Service (NPS) plans to do this by giving its external committee ― comprised of officials from labor and civic groups ― the authority to file shareholder derivative suits against local companies. The NPS plans to discuss shifting this authority to the organization from its fund management committee, at an upcoming meeting next month.

 

Culture minister to attend Beijing Winter Olympics

Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister Hwang Hee will visit China next month to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics as chief of the Korean government's official delegation, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said, Tuesday. Hwang will fly to Beijing on Feb. 3 to attend the opening ceremony of the Olympics scheduled for the next day. The decision to send Hwang comes amid growing calls led by the United States for a diplomatic boycott of the Games citing China's human rights violations. Korea has remained undecided over the delegation until last minute, considering both its economic ties with China and its much-needed security alliance with the U.S.

 

                                                                                                                

 

Chosun Ilbo (http://english.chosun.com)
Americans More Worried About N.Korea's Missiles Than Ukraine Crisis

Americans are more concerned about North Korea conducting missile tests than about a possible invasion of Ukraine by Russia, a poll suggests. In the poll of 1,001 American voters on Jan. 16-19 by Fox News, 68 percent of respondents said they are concerned about North Korea conducting missile tests, compared to 62 percent who worry about the standoff between Russia and Ukraine. Thirty-one percent ticked they are "extremely concerned" about North Korea's missile tests and 37 percent "very concerned." Twenty-five percent said they are "not very concerned" and a mere seven percent "not concerned at all."
 

Moon Cancels New Year's Press Conference over Omicron Spread
President Moon Jae-in has canceled his annual New Year's press conference due to the spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus, Cheong Wa Dae said Monday. Moon, who has just returned from an eight-day visit to the Middle East, will work from his official residence from Sunday to Tuesday. Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Park Soo-hyun told reporters, Moon "had been preparing to answer questions from reporters during the New Year's press conference and planned to hold the event this week after returning from his trip. But as the Omicron variant has become the dominant strain here, such an event appears impossible." The presidential office is not considering delaying the press conference until February or March either because that might expose Moon to moral hazard.

Populism Brings Fresh Risks for Economy
Korea's economy faces huge challenges this year, from the coronavirus prolonged coronavirus pandemic to stagnation. First of all, it is uncertain if the pandemic is really ending. If it drags on until the end of this year, sluggish consumption and production could drive Korea into a sump of low growth. The government targets 3.1 percent growth this year, but private research institutes forecast only growth in the mid two percent. Another risk is inflation. There is a possibility of consumer prices rising even more this year after increasing at the highest rate in a decade in 2021. Excess global liquidity stemming from quantitative easing programs around the world to cushion the impact of the coronavirus pandemic plus surging raw material prices and global supply chain disruptions amid mounting U.S.-China tensions could fuel inflationary pressure.

                                                                                                

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

Vision 3000 redux? Yoon’s N. Korea policies hearken back to Lee Myung-bak

People Power Party presidential nominee Yoon Suk-yeol said Monday that the current administration’s Korean Peninsula peace process has “completely failed,” while announcing security and diplomatic pledges focused on deterring North Korea. Some, however, are noting that Yoon’s North Korea policies are reminiscent of the failed foreign and security policies of the Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye administrations. That day, Yoon announced pledges including the resumption of joint military exercises with the US and the “normalization" of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) base in Seongju, North Gyeongsang Province.

 

The real reason N. Korea keeps firing missiles

North Korea has conducted numerous missile tests already this year. Its hypersonic missile tests on Jan. 5 and 11, were followed up with a test of the “North Korean Iskander” (KN-23) from a train on Jan. 14 and a short-range tactical missile test launch on Jan. 17. Why is the North doing this? US Secretary of State Tony Blinken said, “I think some of this [missile testing] is North Korea trying to get attention. It's done that in the past. They'll probably continue to do that.” This reference to “getting attention” is something that then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also made often during the Barack Obama administration. But there’s an aspect about this that’s strange.

 

Kim Keon-hee in hot water over additional off-color comments

People Power Party (PPP) presidential candidate Yoon Suk-yeol’s wife, Kim Keon-hee, is once again making headlines as more of her phone conversations were made public. In the latest release, it was revealed that after hearing that a fortune-teller advised that the Blue House state guest house be relocated, Kim expressed agreement with the sentiment. During the call, Kim reportedly also mentioned that her husband has “spiritual energy.” Despite the controversy regarding shamanism, the party is still considering how and when to involve her in Yoon’s campaign for the Blue House. In the recording, which was released on Monday by online media outlets Open Mind TV and Voice of Seoul, a reporter surnamed Lee said to Kim, “Of the [Taoist] masters I know, [one said Yoon Suk-yeol] will become president.

 

                                                                                    

 

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

‘Going to prison in case of election loss’ is not about me,’ says Lee

The presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea Lee Jae-myung said it was not about him when he said he would be sent to prison in case of election loss. The People Power Party criticized Lee for changing his words. Regarding the ‘prison’ statement during an interview with YTN on Monday, which has become controversial, Lee said it was his way of expressing concerns about the reopening of the Republic of Prosecution if Yoon Suk-youl, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, wins. He added that it was not about himself. He meant he was worried about the prosecution gaining power, including Yoon, rather than about his personal matters. “Yoon said I definitely look like a criminal when

 

IS Dongseo to make equity investment in battery recycling company

Mid-sized construction company IS Dongseo will enter the battery recycling market. It aims to grow the battery recycling business as the core business of its ESG management. IS Dongseo announced on Tuesday that it bought more than five percent of Canada-based battery recycling company Lithion’s shares. The South Korean company acquired an exclusive right for domestic business using Lithion’s technologies and will jointly enter the global market. Lithion is believed to have world-class technologies in lithium-ion battery recycling. The company is also competitive in ESG for its environment-friendly wet disposal method of waste batteries that prevents particles and wastewater.

 

Six people killed in crush at Africa Cup of Nations soccer game

At least eight people have died in a crush at a stadium in Cameroon hosting an Africa Cup of Nations soccer game. Among the dead included a child. Media outlets including Reuters and AFP reported that the stampede was triggered by a massive rush of people trying to enter the stadium in Olembe, Cameroon’s capital city, hosting the last-16 matches for the Africa Cup of Nations between Cameroon and Comoros. In an attempt to uptick dismal attendance figures of the tournament, the organizer accepted free entrance to the stadium, even providing transportation.


                                                                                                

 

The KyungHyangShinmun (http://english.khan.co.kr/)

Why Did President Moon Send a Gift with a Picture of Dokdo to Japan?

The Embassy of Japan in South Korea refused to accept the Lunar New Year’s present from President Moon Jae-in because of a painting of the sun rising over Dokdo decorating the box. The incident has sent ripples throughout the diplomatic circle, because it is very unusual for an embassy to refuse a gift from the leader of the host country. In addition to the reason the Japanese embassy refused the gift, why Cheongwadae sent a present with a picture of Dokdo to the Japanese embassy is also drawing much attention. On January 18, Cheongwadae sent local specialties--Munbaeju from Gimpo; plum extracts from Gwangyang, Jeollanam-do; magnolia berry syrup from Mungyeong, Gyeongsangbuk-do; and chestnuts from Buyeo, Chungcheongnam-do--as gifts to medical staff dedicated to the nation’s response to COVID-19 and people in social groups that require special care as well as foreign missions in South Korea. But the Japanese embassy protested the painting of a sunrise over Dokdo on the box and refused to accept President Moon’s gift. The Japanese press in South Korea, which too received the president’s gift, also showed discomfort.

 

“Completely Reconsider Trust in the U.S.” North Korea Hints at Plans to Resume Nuclear and ICBM Tests

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) hinted at intentions to resume its nuclear and missile tests claiming it would reconsider its preemptive measures to establish trust with the U.S. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) announced on January 20 that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un attended the sixth Political Bureau Meeting of the eighth Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea, listened to a report of the situation surrounding the Korean Peninsula and international affairs, and discussed the direction of North Korea’s future response to the U.S. The North Korean state media reported, “The Political Bureau Meeting relisted national defense policy tasks to promptly strengthen and develop stronger physical means to firmly overpower hostile actions against the DPRK by the U.S.,

 

Sexual Offense Case Reported Against the Victim’s Wishes: Controversial Military Guideline on Mandatory Sexual Trauma Counseling Report

The Ministry of National Defense instructed civilian counselors to immediately report any incidents of sexual violence to the military when they confirmed such cases. The purpose was to enable quick action by blocking any attempt to conceal such incidents and to separate the victim from her assailant, but it also poses the risk of exposing the victim’s identity, who may not want her case to be known, along with the details of the incident to her unit. It could also further isolate the victim, who may avoid counseling because of such concerns. According to the Kyunghyang Shinmun coverage on January 24, the defense ministry established “Guidelines on Implementing the Victim Support Policy Before Reporting the Case to an Investigative Agency” last August and distributed them throughout the military.

 

                                                                                                

 

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

Korea’s GDP meets ’21 target of 4.0% and 11-yr high, adds 1.1% on qtr in Q4

The South Korean economy has managed to meet growth target of 4.0 percent for last year in the biggest annual gain in 11 years by adding 1.1 percent expansion in the final quarter of 2021 thanks to active trade and rebound in private consumption despite ongoing virus variant threat. According to the preliminary data, the Bank of Korea on Tuesday projected 1.1 percent on-quarter rebound in gross domestic product in the fourth quarter, accelerated from 0.3 percent gain in the third quarter. The on-quarter growth is the fastest since the first quarter of 2021.

 

Hyundai Engineering pitches nuclear and green biz ahead of IPO pricing

Hyundai Engineering Co., the plant engineering unit of Hyundai Engineering & Construction, ahead of pricing its initial public offering vowed to enhance eco-friendly energy solutions for sustainable growth. We’ve improved the brand awareness with global EPC projects and housing business so far and now is planning to prepare for sustainable growth in the future by strengthening capabilities in energy transition and new eco-friendly business after the IPO,” said Kim Chang-hak, CEO of Hyundai Engineering, during the online press conference held Tuesday.

 

RCEP to enter into force on March 18

KUALA LUMPUR: The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the world`s largest free trade agreement, will finally be effective for Malaysia on March 18. This followed the submission by Malaysia of its Instrument of Ratification (IOR) to the Asean Secretariat on Jan 17, according to the International Trade and Industry Ministry. RCEP covers 15 countries with 2.2 billion or nearly a third (29.5 per cent) of the world`s population. This represents US$25.8 trillion or 29.4 per cent of the world`s gross domestic product (GDP) based on the World Bank`s 2019 data.


                                                                                                                  

 

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

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
                                                                                                               

 

The Korea Post is running video clips from the different embassies.

Azerbaijan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OR8CBpcQ4WM

Sri Lanka: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hByX92Y2aGY&t=22s

Morocco: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfFmp2sVvSE

And many other countries.
 

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