The Korean daily media headlines and humor

The Korean daily media headlines and humor

Monday, February 20, 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

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

The Korea Post media news sites:-

Korean: www.koreapost.co.kr

Engllish: www.koreapost.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Malaysian Police Identify Five N. Korean Suspects in Kim Jong-nam's Murder

Malaysian police say that they have identified five North Korean suspects involved in the killing of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’shalf brother Kim Jong-nam.Malaysia's National Police Deputy Inspector-General of Police Noor Rashid Ibrahim said on Sunday during a news conference that five North Korean men involved in the case have been identified, including Ri Jong-chol who was arrested on Friday.

Seoul: N. Korea Behind Killing of Kim Jong-nam

Seoul has pointed the finger at Pyongyang for the murder of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s estranged half-brother, Kim Jong-nam.Following the Malaysian police' briefing on the apparent assassination, Unification Ministry Spokesman JeongJoon-hee held a news conference on Sunday to address the issue.

S. Korea's Kim Min-hee Wins Best Actress Award in Berlin Film Festival

South Korea's Kim Min-hee has won the best actress award at the 67th Berlin International Film Festival for her performance in "On the Beach at Night Alone."The jury led by Paul Verhoeven announced Saturday night local time that the South Korean earned the Silver Bear for Best Actress for her latest film directed by Hong Sang-soo. She became the first South Korean actress to clinch the honor at the international film competition.

Foreign Ministers of S. Korea, China Reaffirm Respective Positions on THAAD

Foreign ministers of South Korea and China have reaffirmed their respective positions over the issue of Seoul's plan to deploy a United States advanced THAAD antimissile system on the Korean Peninsula.

Opposition Parties Urge Acting Pres. to Approve Extension of Special Probe's Investigation

Four opposition parties have urged Acting President Hwang Kyo-ahn to approve the extension of the independent counsel team’s investigation in a massive scandal involving President Park Geun-hye and her friend Choi Soon-sil.

KITA: US-China Trade Dispute Could Hurt S. Korea's Exports of Textile, Electronic Devices

A local trade organization says that a trade dispute between the United States and China could directly hurt South Korea’s electronic devices and textile industries.The Korea International Trade Association (KITA) said in a report on Sunday that U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to slap a 45 percent tariff on Chinese imports and if the United States pushes ahead with these trade sanctions, China will likely take steps in response.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Preparations under way to set up unofficial talks in New York between N. Korea, U.S.: report

Talks are under way to bring senior North Korean officials to New York in the coming weeks for unofficial talks with former U.S. officials, a news report said Sunday.Choe Son-hui, director-general at the North Korean Foreign Ministry in charge of U.S. affairs, is expected to lead the North's delegation should the "Track 1.5" talks take place in the next few weeks, The Washington Post reported, citing unidentified sources.

Acting president to preside over security meeting on Kim Jong-nam's death

South Korea's Acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn will preside over a National Security Council (NSC) meeting Monday to discuss the death of the estranged half brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, his office said.

State Department urges China to use 'unique leverage' over N. Korea

The United States on Sunday kept up its demand for China to use its "unique leverage" on North Korea to pressure the regime in Pyongyang after Beijing suspended coal imports from the neighboring nation.

U.S. lawmakers call for relisting N. Korea as state sponsor of terrorism

Calls are growing in the U.S. Congress for relisting North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism in the wake of Pyongyang's latest ballistic missile test and the killing of the half brother of the North's leader.

China's suspension of N.K. coal imports sends strong signal to Pyongyang: U.S. expert

China's decision to suspend coal imports from North Korea sends a strong signal to Pyongyang that Beijing will be less flexible in sanctions enforcement in the wake of the North's latest missile test and the assassination of the half brother of the North's leader, a U.S. expert said.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Malaysia identifies four more NK suspects in Kim Jong-nam murder

Malaysia‘s senior police officials said Sunday they are looking for four more North Korean suspects linked to the mysterious murder of Kim Jong-nam, the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

Samsung vows normal operation despite arrest

Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong appeared for the second day of questioning by a special counsel team Sunday, two days after his arrest made headlines here and abroad, with the conglomerate vowing business as usual despite the leadership vacuum.

Chaebol’s governance restructuring hangs in balance

South Korea’s key conglomerates are expected to closely watch the National Assembly’s move this week over whether lawmakers would pass pending bills to limit their ownership in the course of governance restructuring.

Kim Min-hee notches best actress at Berlin film fest

Kim Min-hee has become the first South Korea actress to win the Silver Bear for Best Actress at the Berlin International Film Festival.Kim won the award for her role in the upcoming movie “On the Beach at Night Alone” which is directed by Hong Sang-soo.

What’s next for Lee Jae-yong?

Samsung heir apparent Lee Jae-yong’s life has been turned upside down since he was taken into custody on allegations of bribery Friday.For the second consecutive day on Sunday, Lee stood handcuffed and bound with white ropes in front of special prosecutors, his prisoner identification number marked on his navy suit.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Malaysian police seeking four more N. Koreans over Kim Jong-nam's death

Malaysian police have found that four more North Korean suspects were linked to the assassination of Kim Jong-nam, the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.Deputy Inspector-General of Police Noor Rashid Ibrahim announced the interim results of investigations into the case at a press conference Sunday, after a suspect, identified as Ri Jong-chol, 47, was arrested in Selangor State, Friday.

Kim Min-hee wins best actress award in Berlin film festival

Korean actress Kim Min-hee won the best actress award at the 67th Berlin International Film Festival, Saturday.Kim is the first Korean to win the Silver Bear for Best Actress at the Berlinale, and was awarded it for her role in Hong Sang-soo's "On the Beach at Night Alone," defeating 17 other candidates. The Silver Bear is second most honored prize after the Golden Bear.

84% of women victimized by online hate speech

Eighty-four percent of women have come across hate speech against women online, according to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Sunday.According to an NHRC report on hate speech and measures to prevent it, the rate was even higher among sexual minorities, with 95 percent answering they were confronted with hate speech against them online.

YouTube accused of beating Korean rivals with 'stolen' business model

"One sows and another reaps" seems to be a perfect match for YouTube's long-term business tactics.The U.S.-based video streaming giant unveiled last month its plan to start Super Chat, a platform where creators and the company share profits raised from fans who watch live videos from YouTube "stars."

Park demands delay of final impeachment hearing

President Park Geun-hye has requested the Constitutional Court put off the final hearing on her impeachment to early March.According to the court Sunday, her lawyers requested the court to postpone the date of the hearing to March 2 or 3, claiming that the schedule change is necessary for a fair decision.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Foreign minister demands China’s withdrawal of retaliatory actions for THAAD deployment

South Korea’s Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se has officially asked Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to withdraw Beijing’s growing retaliatory actions for the deployment of an advanced U.S. anti-missile system at a meeting held in Munich on Saturday. This is the first time that a Korean minister directly complained to his Chinese counterpart and demanded correction.

U.S. aircraft carrier fleets start operation in South China Sea

The U.S. Navy’s Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson entered the South China Sea and started regular operation on Saturday, the aircraft carrier said in its Facebook page. Earlier, the Navy Times of the U.S. said the Carl Vinson fleet will conduct "Freedom of Navigation" operation going forward, while navigating within 20 nautical miles of the artificial islands constructed in the South China Sea by China.

Sympathetic farewell from Japan

“We want our Masao (Japanese pronunciation of Kim Jong Nam) back!”More and more Japanese are expressing their condolences online to Kim Jong Nam who was murdered on Feb. 13, as Malaysian local press disclosed the last days of Kim and explained he had been constantly on the verge of death amid continuous threats. In recent days, a commemorating video is going viral on the Japanese streaming website, including clips titled “Farewell Jong Nam” and “Rest in Peace.” Furthermore, as the case slowly unfolds and develops into an act made by North Korea, more voices are being heard that “Kim Jong Un cannot be unpardonable.”

Korea ranks No. 8 in mobile broadband penetration

has the eighth largest market in terms of mobile penetration, of which service is being used via smartphones, tablet PCs, and navigation devices among 35 OECD countries.

According to the OECD's broadband statistics update released on Sunday, Korea had mobile broadband penetration of 109 percent as of June last year.

LG to unveil G6, LG Watch in Korean market in early March

LG Electronics will launch its premium smartphone G6 in the Korean market on March 10. The company will also unveil its LG Watch, which has been already put to market in the U.S., concurrently with its flagship phone on March 10.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Fewer Parents Willing to Leave Home to Children

One in every four elderly people does not plan to leave their home to their children, a survey shows. This is double the figure from a similar survey in 2008. The Korea Housing Finance Corporation on Tuesday released the findings of the survey conducted on 3,600 homeowners aged 55-84 between late June to early August.

Independent Counsel Asks for Extension of Probe

Independent counsel Park Young-soo on Thursday asked acting president Hwang Kyo-ahn to give him another month to investigate the corruption scandal that has brought down President Park Geun-hye.

China Vows to Protect Kim Jong-nam's Family

Authorities in Macau said they will protect the family of Kim Jong-nam, the murdered half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, according to local media on Thursday.His widow RiHye-kyong (42), who is also goes by Jang Kil-son, and two children Han-sol (23) and Sol-hui (18) all hold Macau citizenship.

Malaysia to Hand Over Kim Jong-nam's Body to N.Korea

The Malaysian government said Thursday it will accept a request from North Korea to hand over the body of Kim Jong-nam, the murdered half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

How might Lee Jae-yong’s arrest affect Pres. Park’s impeachment trial?

Attention is focusing on what impact Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong’s arrest on bribery charges will have on the impeachment trial of President Park Geun-hye.

While it appears unlikely to have much impact due to the many other grounds for impeachment besides bribery, it does appear to undercut the argument from Park’s attorneys that the impeachment cannot be sustained unless bribery is proven.

With Lee Jae-yong under arrest, Special Prosecutor turning to in-person questioning of Pres. Park

The investigation of President Park Geun-hye gained further momentum with the arrest of Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, seen as a key link in proving charges of bribery.

Anticipating a close to the investigation once its initial investigation period expires on Feb. 28, the Special Prosecutor investigative team now plans to commit its energies to in-person questioning of Park as the central figure in it.

Lee Jae-yong’s arrest a chance for management changes at Samsung

Samsung, a multinational corporation with more than US$20 billion in yearly sales, is reeling with shock from the unprecedented arrest of its owner. On Feb. 17, the Samsung Group only offered a terse response to the arrest of Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, promising to do its best to ensure that the truth is revealed during the upcoming trial. A source at the Samsung Group who stayed up all night awaiting the results of the court’s review of the request for a warrant against Lee described this as “a situation about which nothing can be said,” hinting at turbulent emotions.

Average S. Korean woman: Employed at 24, married at 30, first child sixteen months later

Employed at 24, married at 30, first child sixteen months later, second child after some debate and a two-year, four-month wait, no pregnancies after around age 42.

This is the average life trajectory for a married South Korean woman as determined by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs (KIHASA).

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Four North Korean men wanted in Kim murder

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - Four North Korean men are wanted in connection with the assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’shalf brother Kim Jong-nam, Malaysian authorities said Sunday. The men are believed to have fled Malaysia on Feb. 13 after killing the former heir apparent at Kuala Lumpur International Airport that morning.

China suspends coal imports from Pyongyang

China said it would suspend all imports of coal from North Korea for the rest of the year, putting it further in line with UN Security Council sanctions meant to curb Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile weapons program. The Chinese Commerce Ministry said Saturday that the ban, which went into effect Sunday, would last through Dec. 31, which comes after Pyongyang’s universally condemned intermediate ballistic missile launch one week ago.

Harman shareholders approve Samsung deal

Harman International Industries’ shareholders approved on Friday a merger with Samsung Electronics, the first move since the two companies announced their intentions in November.

Cream cheese makgeolli? Drink gets modern twist

Brewers of makgeolli, the Korean liquor known for its milky-white color, sweet taste and traditionally as the “drink of farmers,” are hoping to break through sluggish sales by adding a fruity twist to this traditional liquor.

Mobile money: Phone loans rise

On a recent weekend, a 33-year-old office worker, who wished to be identified only by his family name Kim, visited an apartment in Sindorim, western Seoul, which he hoped would be a new home for him and his bride-to-be.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Impeachment of Park Geun-hye, "Sentence" to Be Made Around March 10

The Constitutional Court announced that they would hear the final arguments on the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye on February 24. Given that it takes about two weeks to draw up the written sentence after the final argument, the court is expected to announce its judgment around March 10.

Keep Calm! THAAD Won’t Prevent the Death of Kim Jong-nam

The death of Kim Jong-nam, the half-brother of Kim Jong-un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea, has triggered a heated debate on national security. Some in the political circle refer to the latest incident and argue that it proves the necessity of placing the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system in Korea and also claim this is why we should place additional missiles.

Death of Kim Jong-nam Confirms Pyongyang's Reign of Terror: A Calm Judgment Is Required

Kim Jong-nam, the half-brother of Kim Jong-un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea was poisoned by two women, suspected as North Korean agents, in a Malaysia airport. This incident is creating quite a stir.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Samsung Electronics Remains on Track Despite Arrest of Its Vice Chairman

Despite the arrest of its vice chairman Lee Jae-yong, Samsung Electronics embraced the worlds' largest automotive electronics firm Harman as its subsidiary. Samsung Electronics will also likely to release its strategic smartphone Galaxy S8 within next month as previously scheduled, aimed at regaining the market's confidence and overcoming the setback it suffered from the decision to discontinue selling the Galaxy Note 7.

Issues to Watch at Samsung Electronics' General Shareholders' Meeting

Samsung Electronics is reviewing an idea of holding a general shareholders' meeting in late March, according to industry sources on February 19. The exact date of the meeting is expected to be released within this month. Such a date must be disclosed at least two weeks before the meeting.

Korea Slips to No. 8 in Terms of Export Volume

Korea ranked the world's eighth in terms of exports, slipping by two notches compared to a year ago. In a situation where the world's trade volume fell for two straight years, first in 33 years, the declining pace of exports was faster in Korea than in other countries.

Naver Dwarfs YouTube and Facebook in Advertising Earnings

In the Korean advertising market, the earnings created by the nation's leading online portal Naver turned out to have dwarfed those of YouTube and Facebook. Digital marketing firm Mezzo Media, a research unit of CJ E&M, disclosed the list of top-ten digital media firms in terms of advertising profit.

Hyundai and Kia Sweep Top Spots in Israel

Israel is emerging as a hot-selling market for Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors. Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors ranked No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, in the Israeli car market last year, while sweeping the top-three spots in the best-selling model ranking.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Chinese follow footsteps of S. Korean carmakers to attack their home turf

South Korea's iconic carmaker, Hyundai Motors, took its first step into the North American car market in 1986 with "Excel", an affordable and sturdy cost-effective compact car.

Hyundai started off its first year by shipping about 170,000 cars and four years later, over one million cars were sold, surprising the world's car industry. Now, Hyundai represents Korea Inc. as the world's fifth-largest carmaker.

Girl group TWICE tops music charts with comeback song 'Knock Knock'

Girl group TWICE has scored an all-kill in all major South Korean music charts Monday with its comeback track "Knock Knock" included in the group's new album.The nine-member group's popularity is at its peak. After topping the real-time charts of major music services -- Naver, Melon, Olleh and Soribada, the music video, uploaded onto YouTube, garnered over 3.7 million views in less than 12 hours of its release.

Hackers attack web page of South Korea's Asiana Airlines

The web page of Asiana, one of South Korea's two major airlines, was attacked Monday by hackers who left a message criticizing Albanians along with a graphic image of the Newborn sculpture in Kosovo.

Kim Min-hee wins best actress at Berlin International Film Festival

South Korea's Kim Min-hee has won best actress at the 67th Berlin International Film Festival for a film exploring the meaning of love through unconventional relationships.

She took home the Silver Bear for Best Actress on Saturday for "On the Beach at Night Alone," beating tough competition from 17 other films.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Only 4 out of Korea’s top 30 groups ready with hiring and investment for 2017: survey

Only four out of Korea’s top 30 conglomerates confirmed their hiring and investment plans for the year, a survey showed. According to a survey conducted by Maeil Business Newspaper inquiring country’s top 30 conglomerates, based on asset size, on 2017 hiring and investment plans, only four groups – Hyundai Motor, SK, S Oil and Kolon said they established employment and investment map for this year. Among the largest 10 groups, only two groups – SK and Hyundai Motor have finalized their outlines. SK Group last month announced that it would recruit 8,200 new hires and invest 17 trillion won ($14.8 million) this year.

Samsung Elec to introduce upgraded Galaxy Tab S series on Feb 26

Samsung Electronics Co. will unveil its new flagship tablet Galaxy Tab S series running on Microsoft’s Windows operating system on February 26 (local time in Spain), one day prior to opening of annual tech tradeshow 2017 Mobile World Congress, the company said Friday.

CJ Group chairman likely to head Federation of Korean Industries

Federation of Korean Industries (FKI), a lobby group for the country’s major conglomerates, will name Sohn Kyung-shik, co-chairman of CJ Group as its next chairman.

Samsung to run day-to-day business under group council management

Samsung Group with its de facto head Jay Y. Lee physically detained on criminal charges will temporary come under council management with individual chief executives responsible for their corporate jurisdiction.

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