The Korean daily media headlines and humor

The Korean daily media headlines and humor

Monday, February 6, 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

Plenty of time before Vietnamse party after

the culinary Tour on Wednesday!

Whoops, we had thought (mistakenly) that the Culinary Tour on the upcoming Wednesday overlapped with the Reception of Vietnam. HOWEVER, IT DOSEN'T!

The Vietnamse party begins at 6:30 pm, while the Culinary Tour ends at 3:00 pm, and the buses return to Grand Hyatt BEFORE 3:40 pm THE SAME AFTERNOON as it is in Seoul!

So, the Excellecies and Madams need not worry about the punctual arrival at the Vietnamese party after attendance at the much-coveted Tour of the Culinary Class at the KOT College!

Now re-run of the Invitation: There are only TWO DAYS left to the Tour of the Korean Cooking Class at the Korea Occupational Training College in Seoul on Wednesday 8 February 2017! Madam and His Excellency could also personally take part in the cooking of the traditional and genuine Korean food and beverage--and also win a prestigious Plaque of Citation!

The itinerary is as follows:

0920 hours, Wednesday 8 February 2017: Meet at the Grand Hyatt Seoul (near the Water Fountain).

0920-1020 hours: Move by Limousine Buses to the Korea Occupational Training College in Seoul.

1100-1300 hours: Madams have a hands-on experience in Korean cooking. Presentation of Plaque of Citation to winners.

1300-1350 hours: Luncheon with President Moon Sang-joo.

1400-1500 hours: Tour of the school facilities.

1500: Depart College, and arrival back at the Grand Hyatt at 1540 hours the same afternoon.

Please indicate your interest in the following space:

Yes, we___(I alone___) will attend. Emergency cellphone number____________________

Fax back the completed form to edt@koreapost.com.

Contact phones of The Korea Post media: 2298-1740/2, mobile 010-3341-5918 (Ms. Park So-yeon), 010-2595-8495 (Ms. Yoo Heui-jin) or 010-5201-1740 (Chairman Lee for English callers).

Very Respectively Yours

/s/

Lee Kyung-sik

Publisher-Chairman

The Korea Post media

Chungnam Mayor Ahn Hee-jung makes a big jump

Moon continues to lead the polls for the Presidential hopefuls

So, who is the front runner in the Presidential race this morning?

The latest survey conducted by a leading Korean-language daily, Dong-A Ilbo, published this morning, the front runner, invariably, is Moon Jae-in, former chairman of the main opposition Minjoo Party. Here is the tally:

From left: Moon Jae-in, Governor Ahn Hee-jung of Chungcheongnam-do Province, Acting President Hwang Kyo-ahn

From left: Former Chairman Ahn Cheol-soo of the People’s Party, Mayor Lee Jae-myung of Seongnam City, Chairman Yoo Seung-min of the newly formed conservative Bareun Party

Moon Jae-in: 28.7%

Governor Ahn Hee-jung of Chungcheongnam-do Province: 12.9%

Acting President Hwang Kyo-ahn: 10%

Former Chairman Ahn Cheol-soo of the People’s Party: 7.4%

Mayor Lee Jae-myung of Seongnam City: 7%

Chairman Yoo Seung-min of the newly formed conservative Bareun Party: 3.5%

So who got most of the votes cast before for former UN Chief Ban Ki-moon? It appears that the biggest benefactor seems to be Ahn Hee-jung.

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Major topics on The Korea Post website (www.koreapost.com) today:

ROK firms rank low in corporate dividend yield rate

The projected dividend yield rate of South Korea's listed firms lags far behind that of foreign companies listed on other advanced and emerging markets, a brokerage said Monday.

Special counsel seeks to interrogate President Park in person this week

The special counsel investigating an influence-peddling scandal centered on impeached President Park Geun-hye is seeking to interrogate her face-to-face this week. It will be the first-ever prosecution inquiry of a sitting South Korean president if it is carried out as planned, officials said Sunday.

Iran unlikely to have tested N. Korea's Musudan missile: expert

Chances are low that the ballistic missile recently test-fired by Iran could have been North Korea's Musudan intermediate range ballistic missile, a defense expert said. Iran launched the missile on Jan. 29, which flew about 1,000 kilometers. Media reports have since surfaced suggesting that the missile could be the same as North Korea's Musudan missile, which, if confirmed, would mean missile cooperation between the two countries is still ongoing.

Imported car sales gain 2.7 pct on-year in January

Sales of imported vehicles in South Korea grew slightly from a year earlier in January, market data showed Monday, signaling a possible recovery in the sector still struggling with an emissions scandal.

Offshore fisheries output hits 44-year low in 2016

South Korea's offshore fisheries output sank to a 44-year low in 2016 due to tumbling fish stocks caused by a combination of Chinese illegal fishing, climate change and overfishing, a report showed Monday.

North Korea likely to watch US reaction to Iran missile test before its own test: expert

North Korea is expected to watch closely how the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump responds to Iran's missile launch and what policy the new administration puts together on Pyongyang before it carries out its threatened missile test, a U.S. expert said Sunday.

For up-to-the-minute Korea-language news, please visit www.koreapost.co.kr. there 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/)

US Defense Chief Proposes Round-the-Clock Communication with S. Korean Defense Minister

United States Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has proposed maintaining around-the-clock communication with South Korean Defense Minister Han Min-koo. An official at the Defense Ministry in Seoul said that Secretary Mattis suggested to Minister Han they communicate closely around the clock and all year round, during their defense ministerial talks in Seoul on Friday.

S. Korea Confirms 1st FMD Case in 11 Months

Health authorities have confirmed that a cow bred at a farm in North Chungcheong Province tested positive for foot-and-mouth disease(FMD). The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said on Monday that the cow at a farm in Boeun County was confirmed to have contracted the O-type, the most common type of FMD in South Korea.

4 Killed in Dongtan Shopping Mall Fire

Four people were killed in a fire at a shopping mall connected to residential skyscrapers in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province. Fire authorities said that the fire started at a kids’ park on the third floor of the four-story shopping mall linking two skyscrapers in the Dongtan new town at around 11 a.m. Saturday.

S. Korea, US Discussing Strategic Assets for Joint March Drills

U.S. strategic weapons are expected to be mobilized for the annual South Korea-U.S. Key Resolve and Foal Eagle exercises slated to kick off next month. A South Korean government official said Saturday that military authorities of the two countries are discussing details of the exercise and are also believed to be exchanging views on the deployment of the strategic assets.

Acting President Reserves Comment on Counsel Team's Raid Request

Acting President Hwang Kyo-ahn has reserved making comments concerning the independent counsel team's request for cooperation in its plan to raid the presidential office. Hwang's camp said Saturday there is nothing more to say at the moment in regards to the failed raid after the top office blocked the team's entry on Friday.

S. Korea's Food Self-sufficiency Decreasing

South Korea’s food self-sufficiency decreased in recent years. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said on Sunday that the country’s grain self-sufficiency rate posted 48-point-four percent last year, down seven percentage points from 55-point-six percent in 2000.

Won's Sharp Appreciation Likely to Burden Exporters

The South Korean currency posted the second largest appreciation against the United States dollar this year among major currencies. According to the Bank of Korea’s economic data system on Sunday, the won strengthened five-point-two percent against the U.S. dollar this year, the second largest gain among major countries after the Australian dollar, which gained six-point-two percent against the greenback.

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

Special counsel seeks to interrogate Park in person this week

N. Korea likely to watch U.S. reaction to Iran missile test before its own test: expert

S. Korean An Byeong-hun comes up short of 1st PGA Tour win

South Korean An Byeong-hun has come up short of his first PGA Tour victory in Arizona with shaky play down the stretch. An blew his lead in the final round of the Waste Management Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona, on Sunday (local time), finishing in sixth place at 14-under 270.

Iran unlikely to have tested N. Korea's Musudan missile: expert

Chances are low that the ballistic missile recently test-fired by Iran could have been North Korea's Musudan intermediate range ballistic missile, a defense expert said.

Japan to allow entry to N. Korean athletes for Asian Winter Games: report

Japan will allow entry to North Korean athletes for an upcoming regional sports competition as an exception to its travel ban, a news report said Monday. Citing multiple government sources, Kyodo News said Japan will let North Koreans compete at the Asian Winter Games in Sapporo from Feb. 19 to 26.

Russia takes Cross-Country World Cup team title in PyeongChang

Russia edged out France to win the men's team sprint event at the International Ski Federation (FIS) Cross-Country World Cup in South Korea on Sunday. Russia won the team event in 19 minutes and 34.11 seconds, beating France by 0.03 second at Alpensia Cross-Country Skiing Centre in PyeongChang, Gangwon Province, some 180 kilometers east of Seoul.

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

Impeachment trial recap: It started with a kiss?

About a month ago, South Korea’s Constitutional Court began a historic trial on President Park Geun-hye to determine whether she deserves to be removed from office. The court has so far held 10 hearings and called in 16 witnesses to find the truth behind the corruption and influence-peddling allegations that led to her parliamentary impeachment on Dec. 9.

Cornered Park to be questioned by independent counsel

President Park Geun-hye, who has been stripped of her powers since December due to a corruption scandal, is likely to undergo questioning this week, becoming South Korea’s first incumbent president to do so.

Gov. An surges in election; Saenuri scrambles to find candidate

The liberal Democratic Party of Korea’s presidential primary race is heating up, with a young, lesser-known candidate rising prominently on his quest to challenge an older and more established longtime favorite.

Korean webtoon readership growing, themes need diversifying: report

Korean webtoons -- online comic strips -- have in recent years become the basis of various successful drama series, including “Cheese in the Trap” (2016), “The Girl Who Sees Smells” (2015) and “Misaeng” (2014).

KH explains: South Korean presidential race

With former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon bowing out of the race, the dynamics of South Korea’s presidential contest appear to have shifted further to the left. Yet there are three key variables that may drastically change the race and its outcome. The Korea Herald explains what and whom to look out for in this year’s presidential election.

Le Pen rallies supporters for French presidential launch

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen gave a major speech Sunday to formally launch her presidential bid with a programme featuring many of the themes that propelled Donald Trump to the White House.

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

'AI to make reunification of Koreas more difficult'

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and the a widening technical gap between South and North Koreas will make unification of the two countries more difficult, said Yuval Noah Harari, author of the international bestsellers "Sapiens" and "Homo Deus."

S. Korea confirms foot-and-mouth disease case

South Korea confirmed a case of foot-and-mouth disease at a dairy farm, the agriculture ministry in Sejong said Monday. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said that 195 cows at the farm in Boeun, 180 kilometers southeast of Seoul, of North Chungcheong Province, tested positive for the animal disease.

US may opt for pre-emptive strike against N. Korea

Calls in the United States for a pre-emptive strike against North Korea are growing amid escalating tension after Pyongyang said it was apparently ready to test-fire an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at any time from any location.

Suspected case of foot-and-mouth disease reported here

South Korea's agriculture ministry said Sunday it has received a report of suspected outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the central county of Boeun and a diagnosis is under way. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said the report came from a dairy farm of 195 cows in Boeun, 180 kilometers southeast of Seoul, of North Chungcheong Province.

Actress Moon Geun-young recovering from surgery

Top actress Moon Geun-young is recovering from surgery to treat acute compartment syndrome, her agency, Namoo Actors, said Sunday. She underwent the first surgery on Friday and the second on Saturday. Moon is expected to have another surgery. "She is OK for now," an agency official said. "It is hard to say when she will return (to work)."

Prosecution to probe alleged abuse of Bangladeshi chefs

A Bangladeshi-born restaurant owner is facing an indictment on charges of embezzling the wages of two chefs from his native country who worked for him. The owner, a naturalized Korean surnamed Kim, allegedly withdrew some 131 million won ($112,600) from the bank accounts of the two chefs ― Md. Mohiuddin and Kamrul Hasan. They had worked at Kim's restaurant in Itaewon, Seoul, beginning in 2010, with proper visas.

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Dong-AIlbo (http://english.donga.com)

Pyongyang sells leftover rice cookers in Gaesong Complex to China

Radio Free Asia (RFA) has recently announced that North Korea is selling electric rice cookers that South Korean companies left behind in February last year when Gaesong Industrial Complex was closed.

Park Byung-ho in crisis; Off the Minnesota’s 40 Roaster

Twins first baseman Park Byung-ho (photo) faced his biggest crisis since he made inroads into the Major League. On Saturday, Minnesota Twins announced that it has excluded Park from the 40-man roster. In a nutshell, Park was Designated For Assignment (DFA).

Mattis proposes around-the-clock communication with Han

United States Defense Secretary James Mattis, who recently visited South Korea, proposed to South Korean Defense Minister Han Min-koo to maintain around-the-clock communication on key pending issues including North Korea’s nuclear and missile provocations during their meeting on Friday, the South Korean military said Sunday.

U.S. Court blocks Trump from railroading anti-immigration law

U.S. President Donald Trump’s railroading of “America First” stopped for a while, thanks to the three separation of legal, administrative, and judicial powers based on “check and balance.”　

Airbnb’s unfair business clauses face lawsuit

An office worker named Kim Min-seong (aged 27) who recently made a reservation for an apartment in outskirt Paris, France through Airbnd, an online marketplace and homestay network, was perplexed to find out that he has to pay some 400,000 Korean won (approx. 351 U.S. dollars) of cancellation charge to cancel the reservation. “It’s unfair to charge me cancellation fee at more than 50 percent of reservation fee when the actual date of stay is more than three months away,” Kim complained.

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

Park Denies Charges in Statement to Constitutional Court

President Park Geun-hye in a statement to the Constitutional Court denied all charges against her in the National Assembly's impeachment motion.

Park's lawyer Lee Joong-hwan in a text message to reporters confirmed that he has finally submitted the statement, for which the court had set a Friday ultimatum.

Bridal Fashions Get Simpler, More Individual

Bridal fashions are getting simpler and more individualistic thanks to the stars of screen and stage. Actress Kim Tae-hee surprised label addicts when she wore a custom-tailored mini dress to her wedding to K-pop superstar Rain in Seoul on Jan. 19. Kim, who majored in clothing and textiles at Seoul National University, designed the dress herself.

Singles Spend 1/4 of Income on Rent

Single householders spend a quarter of their monthly disposable income on rent, according to a study. Property information service Real Estate 114 analyzed census data and other figures gathered by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

U.S. Defense Secretary Affirms Security Commitment to S.Korea

U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis arrived in South Korea, Thursday on his first overseas trip since taking office less than two weeks ago.

Mattis told Cheong Wa Dae National Security Adviser Kim Kwan-jin that the Trump administration places "top priority" on dealing with the North Korean nuclear threat.

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

Over 30 years, imported car registrations go from 10 to 225,279

In 30 years, the annual number of new registrations increased from 10 to 225,279 – of imported cars, that is. The history of imported vehicles mirrors the growth and opening of the South Korean economy. In the past, driving a foreign vehicle home for the Lunar New Year was a quintessential token of success, but imported vehicles are no longer necessarily viewed as the exclusive domain of the wealthy.

Highest ever sales of imported cars in March

Monthly sales of imported cars in the South Korean market exceeded 20,000 for the first time ever this past March. The Korea Automobile Importers and Distributors Association (KAIDA) announced on Apr. 6 that 22,280 imported cars were newly registered last month, up from 15,733 in Mar. 2014, a 41.6% increase year on year.

Most PhDs get temporary jobs, earn around $32,800 a year

A new study shows that approximately seven out of ten people who become employed after receiving a doctorate degree are hired as temporary workers. Their average salary is about 38 million won (US$32,800).

North Korean State Security Minister dismissed, South Korea claims

Kim Won-hong, head of the Ministry of State Security, a key part of the North Korean government, was recently dismissed, the South Korean government confirmed.

Blue House refuses to cooperate with Special Prosecutors’ search and seizure

An attempt by the investigative team led by Special Prosecutor Park Young-soo on Feb. 3 to perform a search and seizure ended in withdrawal after a five-hour standoff, due to the Blue House’s refusal to cooperate.

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

Fire in Dongtan mall kills four

A fire broke out in an iconic residential-commercial complex in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi, on Saturday, killing four people and injuring nearly 50 others in what appears to be a construction site accident caused by a welding operation, local police said.

Adoptee discovers that you can go home again

June 18, 2002 was a momentous day for Korea. In a World Cup match held in Daejeon, the national football team defeated Italy 2 to 1, propelling it into the quarterfinals for the first time ever.

AI at Seoul’s doorstep but unlikely to spread further

The Korean government is keeping a close eye on the H5N6 avian influenza virus after a small water bird known as the horned grebe, found dead in Seoul on Jan. 30, was confirmed to be affected by the virus on Saturday.

Wealth centers fill void left by brokerage firm cutbacks

Last month at Samsung Securities’ financial center, Jeong Bum-sik, who heads the brokerage firm team in charge of bonds, lectured to 50 or so officials in charge of financial management at nonprofit organizations.

Food imports increase on lower prices, flavor variety

Korea’s self-sufficiency rate of grain, beef and seafood sharply fell last year as imported food items appealed to consumer tastes with their lower prices and variety of flavors, according to government data on Sunday.

North’s economy picks up steam

While the world community has been strengthening economic sanctions against North Korea, recent data show that the country’s economy has improved.

Banking transactions in palm of your hand

Financial companies have been introducing payment systems using biometric identification that will relieve the burden of carrying wallets when going to the nearby supermarket or simplify the process when wiring money through mobile banking apps.

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

Mattis Delivers Trump's Message, "Cooperation Against North Korea's Nuclear Program Top Priority"

U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis made an official visit to South Korea on February 2. His first remarks emphasized the strengthening of the ROK-US alliance and bilateral cooperation against North Korea's nuclear program. He also made clear U.S. intentions to conclude the discussions on the placement of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system in Korea.

A Warning Against the Argument from the U.S. Senate Calling for a Pre-emptive Strike on North Korea

As soon as the Donald Trump administration took office, people in the U.S. began voicing a hardline stance on North Korea, including talks of a preemptive strike. In a hearing organized by the U.S.

"No Plans to Support Other Parties or Factions"

On February 1, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced that he would not run in the upcoming presidential election. This day, he said, "It is true that I did think that I could do better than any other leader in the Republic of Korea, but the barrier was high.

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

Possibility of Stagflation Can't Be Ruled out...Report

In a situation where the low-growth regime has been in place for years, inflationary pressure is mounting lately, which led some to believe that this may be signs for "stagflation." Hyundai Economic Research Institute said in a report on February 5 titled "Stagflation in the Offing?" "Given the expectations that oil and commodities prices and the exchange rate would get higher this year, the low-growth, low-price regime may come to an end and there may be a possibility of a low-growth, high-price regime emerging."

Samsung Slips to No. 5 in Asia-Pacific Smartphone Market

Samsung Electronics slipped from No. 1 to No. 5 in the Asia-Pacific smartphone market, while Oppo of China shot up to the No. 1 spot. According to U.S. market research firm Strategy Analytics on February 5, Samsung Electronics grabbed a share of 9.4 percent in the Asia-Pacific smartphone market in the fourth quarter of last year, ranking No. 5 among major smartphone makers.

Apartment Prices Take Downturn, Signaling Slump of Real Estate Market

After showing an upward trend for about an year, apartment prices took a downturn beginning in January 2017. Amid forecasts that Korea's real estate market could slip into the slump this year amid growing concerns about the government's measures to curb household debts and housing oversupply, the downturn in the prices of apartments is confirmed in recent statistical data.

New Round of Competition Heats up between Samsung and LG in Vehicle Component Business

With the vehicle component business emerging as a new cash cow for the electronics industry, a new round of fierce competition is expected to begin for Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics this year.

Mid-sized Shipyards at Higher Risk of Collapse

Korea's shipbuilding industry is still having difficulty in getting out of the trap of excessive investment. Massive shipyards, plants, and capacities that were built during the boom time of the shipbuilding market remain idle today as new orders became rare today.

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

Presidential officials locked in standoff with special investigators

After a modest noodle party for her 65th birthday, President Park Geun-he holed up behind a protective wall of her heavily guarded residence Friday amid a standoff between special prosecutors and presidential officials.

S. Korea confirms fresh outbreak of food-and-mouth animal disease

South Korea confirmed a fresh outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease Monday at a dairy farm as its livestock community is still reeling under the worst outbreak of avian influenza that has ravaged poultry farms, sending egg prices soaring.

S. Korea discount chains remove P&G Pampers from shelves

South Korea's three major discount chains suspended sales of diapers from Proctor & Gamble (P&G) as a state watchdog launched a probe into allegations that its diapers contained toxic chemicals.

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

Hankook Tire’s 2016 OP rises 25% on strong premium tire sales

Hankook Tire Co., South Korea’s leading tire maker, said Friday its operating profit jumped 24.7 percent last year, boosted by brisk sales of high-performing premium tires.

Samsung Electronics loses leadership in Q4 Asia Pacific smartphone shipment

South Korea tech giant Samsung Electronics lost its leadership throne to China’s Guangdong Oppo Electronics Co. in Asian Pacific smartphone market in the fourth quarter as it grappled with the worst tech recall crisis over its newest invention Galaxy Note7 which eventually had to exit from the market over safety risk.

Shares of S. Korean food companies head upwards on markup announcements

Shares of South Korean food companies are riding high in Seoul trading on the expectation for improved earnings as they are announcing to mark up their products one after another.

Samsung mulls building first U.S. home appliance plant either in Alabama or South Carolina

Samsung Electronics has confirmed it is looking for a factory site either in Alabama or South Carolina that would be its first American production line for home appliances.

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 Timeswww.nytimes.com inytletters@nytimes.com

Wall Street Journalwww.wsj.com support@wsj.com ,service@wsj-asia.com

Financial Times www.ft.com ean@ft.com

The Timeswww.thetimes.co.uk help@timesplus.co.uk

The Sun www.thesun.co.uk talkback@the-sun.co.uk

Chinese People's Dailywww.people.com.cn kf@people.cn

China Dailywww.chinadaily.com.cn circulation@chinadaily.com.cn

GwangmyeongDailywww.gmw.cn webmaster@gmw.cn

Japan's Yomiuriwww.yomiuri.co.jp japannews@yomiuri.com