The Korean daily media headlines and humor

The Korean daily media headlines and humor

Tuesday, February 21, 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

The Korea Post TV:-

English: www.koreapost.com

Korean: www.koreapost.co.kr

Your Excellency:

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Publisher-Chairman Lee Kyung-sik

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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/)

'Assassination Aimed at Removing Possible Alternative to Kim Jong-un'

South Korean Defense Minister Han Min-koo says the assassination of the North Korean leader's half brother, Kim Jong-nam, appears to be an act by Pyongyang to remove any potential figure who can replace leader Kim Jong-un.

N. Korea Says Malaysia Cannot be Trusted to Investigate Kim Jong-nam Murder

North Korea says Malaysia cannot be trusted to investigate the murder of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’shalf brother Kim Jong-nam.North Korean Ambassador to Malaysia Kang Chol made the remarks on Monday, after he was summoned by Malaysia's Foreign Ministry, and denied speculations that Pyongyang was behind the murder.

S. Korea Adds 3 Gold Medals at Asian Winter Games

South Korean speed skater Choi Min-jeong has clinched gold in women’s short track at the Winter Asian Games in Sapporo.Choi finished first with a time of two minutes 29-point-416 seconds in the one-thousand-500 meter final at Makomanai Indoor Ice Rink on Monday. Her compatriot Shim Suk-hee came in second with two minutes 29-point-569 seconds.

Independent Counsel to Soon Decide on Questioning Park

The independent counsel team investigating the corruption scandal surrounding President Park Geun-hye and her confidante Choi Soon-sil will soon make its decision on questioning the president.Deputy Independent Counsel Lee Kyu-chul said on Monday during a news briefing that special prosecutors cannot just wait around until the questioning is realized, adding it will soon announce if it can be carried out.

Rival Parties Differ on Extension of Special Prosecutor Team's Probe

Rival parties are clashing head-on over whether to extend the special prosecutor team’s probe into the Choi Soon-sil influence-peddling scandal.The main opposition Democratic Party’s spokesman Yoon Kwan-sik said in a news briefing Monday that his party will employ all possible means to have a bill on the extension of the independent counsel’s term approved at parliament, noting that their patience is running out for Acting President Hwang Kyo-ahn’s silence.

Military Prepares for N. Korean Tactic to Divert Attention

The military is beefing up its vigilance in case North Korea could stage provocations in a bid to divert international criticism over the apparent assassination of its leader's half brother, Kim Jong-nam.A defense official said Monday the South Korean military has strengthened the surveillance on the North although no unusual moves are being detected.

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

N.K. assassination, coal glut behind China's suspension of coal imports: U.S. expert

North Korea's apparent killing of the half brother of leader Kim Jong-un, a glut in coal production and other factors could have led Beijing to suspend coal imports from North Korea, a U.S. expert said Monday.

NYT calls for Trump to negotiate freeze on N.K. nuclear program

U.S. President Donald Trump should negotiate a freeze on North Korea's nuclear production as well as its nuclear and missile testing, even though completely ending the program should be the goal, the New York Times said Monday.

Trump names new national security adviser

U.S. President Donald Trump named Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster to be his new national security adviser Monday, a week after sacking Mike Flynn accused of having inappropriate contact with Russia's ambassador.

S. Korea to invest 134.3 bln won into civilian-military cooperative projects in 2017

South Korea will invest a combined 134.3 billion won into civilian-military cooperative projects this year in a bid to develop high-end technologies for both sectors, the government said Tuesday.

N. Korea could step up cybercrimes to make up for losses from China's coal import ban: report

North Korea could step up cybercrimes to make up for revenue losses from China's suspension of North Korean coal imports, a news report said Monday.China suspended North Korean coal imports Sunday through the end of the year in accordance with the latest U.N. Security Council resolution adopted in December to punish Pyongyang for its fifth nuclear test in September.

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

Acting president blames NK for murder of Kim Jong-nam

Acting President Hwang Kyo-ahn on Monday blamed North Korea for the murder of its leader Kim Jong-un’s estranged half brother Kim Jong-nam, criticizing the incident as an act of terrorism and urging the international community to condemn the regime.

Human vs. AI translation battle to take place Tuesday

Recent advances in artificial intelligence have brought significant improvements in automated translations, which was accompanied by a sense of uneasiness that it would eventually spell an end to human translators.

Samsung's defense against widened allegations

Special investigators last week used fresh evidence to find their way through Samsung Group’s de facto leader Lee Jae-yong’ legal defense and arrest him on suspicion of bribery, embezzlement and perjury.The approval came a month after a district court had rejected the special prosecutors’ request to arrest him, citing a lack of evidence of Lee’s involvement in the scandal.

High-school apprenticeships gain traction

Most of this year’s high school graduates will choose to further their education, but Kim Sung-woo has decided to take a different path. Instead of enrolling in a university, the Steve Jobs wannabe chose to work full-time at a local software developer, hoping to kick-start his career as an IT professional.

Court again thwarts Park’s delaying tactic

The Constitutional Court reviewing the legality of President Park Geun-hye’s impeachment Monday urged President Park to decide by Wednesday whether she will appear at court for closing arguments.

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

'North Korea regime behind Kim Jong-nam's death,' says acting President

It seems "certain" that the North Korean regime was behind the murder of Kim Jong-nam, the estranged half-brother of its leader Kim Jong-un, in Malaysia last week, acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn said Monday.

Why do pro-Park activists wave US, Israeli flags?

Controversy is brewing over the use of U.S. and Israeli flags by supporters of the impeached President Park Geun-hye during their weekend rallies that have nothing to do with the countries.

Right-wing groups have organized these rallies to counter much-larger demonstrations demanding Park's removal from power by the Constitutional Court.

Luxury brands far from socially responsible

Imported luxury brands such as Chanel, Hermes and Louis Vuitton are highly coveted here, often promoted as "masterpieces" by home shopping channels.Korean consumers adore luxury brands. They are must-have items for many.However, the companies have long been negligent in corporate social responsibility (CSR) in a market where they rake in huge profits.

Samsung chief's arrest hampers 'holding firm' project

The arrest of Samsung Group's de facto leader Lee Jae-yong last week is feared to be causing a butterfly effect of adversely affecting the conglomerate's attempt to make its affiliate Samsung Life Insurance a financial holding company.

Presidential hopefuls happy to be laughing stocks

Nowadays it is easy to see presidential contenders appear on entertainment and talk shows, willing to face embarrassing situations and often making themselves a laughing stock. And they tend to opt for such TV programs rather than news or current affairs ones, because in the former, the politicians can show their so-called human side and be more relatable to voters, especially to younger generations.

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

Users may soon unlock iPhone with facial recognition

There are some indications that Apply may choose facial recognition as a new way to unlock iPhone. Samsung, the biggest rival of Apple, has adopted iris recognition technology that offers heightened security in its strategic smartphones. It now remains to be seen who will lead the biometric authentication paradigm between Apple and Samsung.

AhnCheol-soo camp expects shy voter effect

The camp of Rep. AhnCheol-soo, former co-chair of the People’s Party, is proposing the optimistic possibility that Ahn could be made president on the back of shy voters in the same way Donald Trump was elected president of the U.S.

Ryu Hyun-jin performs first live pitching after surgery

“I have confidence in the strength of my pitches and my body condition.” Pitcher Ryu Hyun-jin (30) of the Los Angeles Dodgers expressed confidence after performing the first live pitching since his elbow surgery last year.

Soundtrack of a hit movie in the 1970s reprinted in LP record

The soundtrack of "A Woman in Winter," the top Korean hit movie in the 1970s, was reprinted in a LP record form for the first time in 40 years. The soundtrack in LP record, which will be released Thursday, enlists "A Letter Written in Tears" by Kim Se-hwa and "Winter Story," a duet song by Lee Yeong-sik and Kim Se-hwa, as well as all other songs that had been contained in the original record through sound quality revision.

Park’s last chance at Constitutional Court

The Constitutional Court on Monday demanded President Park Geun-hye’s counsel team to inform by Wednesday whether the president will attend court hearing for her final argument in her impeachment trial.

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

N.Korea Builds Anti-Aircraft Gun Battery Near Kaesong

North Korea has built an anti-aircraft gun battery and a large-scale military drill ground near the border town of Kaesong, Radio Free Asia reported Sunday.RFA also posted imagery of the camp under the North Korean Army's 1344th Unit shot by a U.S. commercial satellite in October last year.

Malaysia Won't Hand Over Kim Jong-nam's Body to N.Korea

Malaysian police on Sunday told North Korea they will not hand over the body of Kim Jong-nam, the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, without DNA samples from his family.

China Halts Coal Imports from N.KoreaTill Year's End

China abruptly halted coal imports from North Korea on Sunday after the assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's half-brother Jong-nam and a missile launch earlier this month.

Park's Lawyers in Last-Ditch Wrangle for More Time

President Park Geun-hye's lawyers have made a last-ditch bid to drag out her impeachment trial by asking the Constitutional Court to postpone the final hearing from this Friday to next week.

N.Korean Envoy Lashes out Over Kim Jong-nam Killing

The North Korean Ambassador to Malaysia on Friday engaged in furious grandstanding over the apparent assassination of Kim Jong-nam, the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

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

Four North Korean suspects fled Malaysia immediately after Kim Jong-nam’s killing

What was learned from the Malaysian police’s announcement on Feb. 19 of the first results of their investigation into the killing of Kim Jong-nam, 46, was that all four of the suspects who fled are North Korean nationals. The police also said that five suspects and witnesses, including the two North Korean nationals who are currently in custody, are all cooperating with the investigation.

Pres. Park’s attorneys now seeking to delay closing arguments in impeachment trial

Attorneys for President Park Geun-hye asked the Constitutional Court to delay the closing arguments in Park’s impeachment trial from Feb. 24 until Mar. 2 or Mar. 3. They also stated that Park might attend the final hearing, provided that she will not be questioned. This apparent attempt to swap Park’s attendance with postponing the date of the closing arguments is being criticized as a last gambit to delay the sentencing until after Lee Jung-mi, current acting Constitutional Court President, steps down from her position on Mar. 13.

Despite Lee Jae-yong’s detention, Samsung acquisition of Harman goes ahead

Samsung Electronics successfully acquired the US-based car installation and audio company Harman, despite fears of a crisis in the wake of Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong‘s arrest.

Many are now watching to see how Lee’s absence affects the company during the upcoming investigation and trial process.

“Snowy Road” and “The Apology” films on comfort women coming to theaters

A feature film and a documentary about Japanese military comfort women will be coming to theaters this March.

The film “Snowy Road” debuts on Mar. 1, while the documentary “The Apology” opens on Mar. 16. The British film “The Eichmann Show” is set to open alongside “Snowy Road” on Mar. 1, with proceeds to be donated to comfort women survivors.

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

Murder suspects return home to North

Four North Korean suspects in the assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’shalf brother Kim Jong-nam appear to be back in Pyongyang, according to Malaysian media reports Monday.

Constitutional Court tells Park’s lawyers to stop stalling

The Constitutional Court Monday shot down attempts by President Park Geun-hye’s lawyers to prolong her impeachment trial, sending a clear signal that it will wrap up the case swiftly, with a possible ruling in March.

Samsung’s image takes a big nosedive

Samsung’s corporate reputation nosedived from seventh in the world to 49th, according to a recent U.S. survey of the 100 most visible companies in the world.

The 2017 Harris Poll Reputation Quotient study showed the Korean tech giant fell well behind other IT giants such as Amazon.com, which captured the top spot, as well as Apple, Google, Microsoft and Sony. Even Hyundai Motor was ahead of Samsung by one slot in the 48th position.

Asiana Airlines website shut down by hackers

The web page of Asiana Airlines was hacked Monday morning, causing troubles on the airline’s online service for about four hours.Starting at about 4:35, visitors who clicked on the Asiana homepage were connected to a page reading “No Justice No Peace,” with an image of two men in black masks.

Hyundai Global Service, KSS sign retrofit deal

Hyundai Global Service, a shipbuilding support services subsidiary of Hyundai Heavy Industries, announced its entry into the eco-friendly ship business on Monday.The company signed a memorandum of understanding with Korean shipowner KSS Line on Monday to retrofit an exhaust gas cleaning system, which cuts ship emissions, on the shipping line’s LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) carriers.

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

President Park's Involvement in "Plan B" to Support Chung Yoo-ra: Changes to Horse Management Method Written in Ahn Jong-beom's Planner

The team of special prosecutor Park Young-soo secured circumstantial evidence suggesting President Park Geun-hye's involvement in establishing "Plan B" to have Samsung "indirectly" support Chung Yoo-ra (21), the daughter of Choi Soon-sil (61), and her equestrian training in Germany after Choi's involvement in state affairs was exposed to the media last September.

Those Who Dream One Dream Shall Prevail

All the candidates talk about a “ready president.” Regardless of whether their approval ratings are high or low, it's the same. Even those whose approval ratings we do not know because they're not even included in public surveys claim to be ready. But then again, there's no way they would say, "I'm not completely ready because I was in a hurry to run in this race, but I will make up for what I lack as I work as president."

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.

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

2016 Petroleum Tax Revenue Hits Record High at 23 Tril. Won

The amount of tax collected from petroleum products such as gasoline and diesel has surpassed 23 trillion won for the first time in history. This is largely because the consumption volume has increased despite the prices fell by a large margin.

Mongolia to Receive $5.5 Bil. Financial Aid Package...Korea to Be Part of Donors

In the face of a financial crisis, the government of Mongolia has agreed to received bailout money of US$5.5 billion from the International Monetary Fund including $440 million for the next three years. The three East Asian countries including China, Japan, and Korea will also help the cause as the nation will be on the verge of bankruptcy unless it is unable to pay back a debt of $580 million that will come due next month.

Norwegian Sovereign Wealth Fund's Korean Stock Market Investment to Increase by 1.2 Tril. Won

A research report said a 10 percentage point increase in global stock markets by Norges Bank Investment Management, the world's largest sovereign wealth fund, would raise the investment in the Korean stock market by 1.18 trillion won. The Norwegian Parliament is currently reviewing a proposal to bring up the stock market investment portion of Norges Bank Investment Management with assets under management of 7.53 trillion krone (US$900 billion) from 60 percent to 70 percent.

Korea's Major Telecom CEOs Rush to MWC

All of CEOs at Korea's top-three telecom companies will take part in the upcoming Mobile World Congress 2017 scheduled to be held in Barcelona, Spain, on February 27. The CEOs will promote the publicity of their respective new businesses, including artificial intelligence, connected car, and the Internet-of-Things, while looking for new opportunities to form businesses and technological partnerships with foreign companies.

Mirae Asset Daewoo Launches Prime Brokerage Service in the U.S.

Mirae Asset Daewoo will kick-start a prime brokerage service in the United States in March at the earliest, for the first time among Korea's securities firms. According to industry sources on February 19, Mirae Asset Daewoo's New York business unit recently acquired an approval for the launch of prime brokerage service operation from the U.S. Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

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

Seoul condemns Kim's death as intolerable anti-human criminal act

South Korea condemned the killing of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's estranged half-brother as an intolerable anti-human criminal act Monday after Malaysian police identified more North Koreans as suspects in an operation mobilizing South East Asian helpers.

Apple could introduce 'red' iPhone in March: Rumors

Apple could unveil the "red" version of its iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus in March along with a new iPad model, according to Japan's specialist blog, MacOtakara, well known for its precise Apple-related predictions.

S. Korea praises Chinese ban on coal imports from N. Korea

South Korea praised China Monday for demonstrating its strong will to join international sanctions against North Korea with an effective trade embargo on coal imports.Beijing announced a ban Sunday on coal imports from North Korea for the rest of 2017 in the latest of punitive measures against Pyongyang. China's Ministry of Commerce said the decision was made to comply with a UN Security Council resolution.

Girls' Generation member Taeyeon to release first full solo album next week

Girls Generation member Taeyeon will release her first full solo album of diverse genre next week, her agency, SM Entertainment, said Monday.The album to be released on February 28 includes pop ballad, pop R&B and contemporary R&B, along with the title track "Fine", according to SM Entertainment said. The 27-year-old pre-released a music video last Saturday for "I Got Love", a song from the album, that garnered more than 4.5 million views on YouTube.

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

Samsung Elec’s credibility in U.S. dips to 49th from seventh

A series of setbacks from product deficiency to arrest of its top chief has taken heavy toll on the international credibility of South Korea’s technology giant Samsung Electronics. According to U.S-based survey company The Harris Poll on Monday, Samsung Electronics came 49th in its 2017 Reputation Quotient survey, a tumble from the seventh rank in last year’s survey.

POSCO to double output of advanced electrical steel to 160,000 tons per year

South Korea’s top steelmaker POSCO said Monday that it would be able to double output of electrical steel sheets used to make clean-fuel vehicles and high-end consumer electronics through capacity expansion.

Korea’s Mirae Asset Daewoo to invest $214mn in Posco Energy

Posco Energy is about to draw fresh capital of 245 billion ($213.5 million) from Mirae Asset Daewoo Securities Co. through issue of redeemable convertible preferred shares in the energy firm to raise proceeds to pay off maturing debt.

LG’s next flagship G6 to feature a wide-angle dual camera

LG Electronics` new flagship smartphone, the G6, will feature a wide-angle dual camera with 1.3 megapixel resolution that does not pop out of its sleek back design, the company said.

Naver receives govt’ permission for road test for self-developed autonomous vehicle

South Korea’s biggest online portal operator Naver Corp. will put its self-driving car on the roads for test run. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on Monday that it issued a permit for the road test of an autonomous vehicle developed by Naver’s research and development subsidiary Naver Labs, making it the 13th car that has received the government permission since February last year.

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