Friday, January 27, 2023
Round-up of important news from major Korean dailies and from international media today
The Korea Post ( www.koreapost.com )
Looking forward to higher-level space cooperation with China: South African engineer
As Chinese astronauts recently completed China's first in-orbit crew rotation, China's space station has entered an era of long-term manned residence. China's space industry is developing at an admirable speed. 2022 marks the 30th anniversary of China's manned space program. Over the past three decades, China has independently developed its manned space program, completed the construction of its space station, and made leapfrog achievements in space technology. The country has also launched lunar and planetary exploration missions, making continuous breakthroughs in space science. It is one of the most dynamic players in the space field.
“Situation on the Korean Peninsula may gradually improve after the cold wave”
In the world of the Chinese character culture, including Korea, the year begins in the real earnest only after the Lunar New Year. During the Lunar New Year holidays, the Korean Peninsula suffered a cold wave from Siberia. The severe cold that came in decades seems to reflect the frozen relationship between South Korea and North Korea and economic difficulties. However, considering the sincerity of Koreans who are more patient in the face of difficulties, I believe that the situation on the Korean Peninsula will gradually improve after the cold wave passes.
“Leaders of the two countries have a strong desire to enhance relations, cooperation and friendship to a higher level.”
Ambassador Nguyen Vu Tung of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam in Seoul said, “The two friendly countries discussed and agreed to elevate the bilateral relationship to a ‘comprehensive strategic partnership,’ which is a new framework that will serve the goal to bring the cooperative relations between the two countries to a higher level.” It appears that the two countries are now in good hands, especially at this time when Korea is led by President Yoon Suk-yeol who is very international cooperation-friendly.
Chosun Ilbo (http://english.chosun.com)
Koreans' Yardstick of Success Is Changing
An increasing number of Koreans believe that success is when their children find a job they like rather than a place at a top university or a big conglomerate, a survey suggests. The Korean Educational Development Institute polled 4,000 parents nationwide last September. Asked what success in their children's education means, the largest proportion or 25.8 percent of respondents ticked finding a job they like or want to do. Next came growing up as a well-rounded person (22.7 percent); landing a highly-regarded job (20.5 percent); being economically well-off (14.3 percent); studying at a prestigious university (10.1 percent); and finding a good spouse (6.6 percent).
Koreans to Get COVID Vaccine Shots Once a Year
Health authorities are considering annual COVID vaccinations to Koreans like flu shots. The news comes after similar proposals by the U.S.' Federal Drug Administration and some European countries with high vaccination rates like Italy. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on Wednesday, the shift in the COVID vaccine policy will allow healthy adults to get their jabs once each year and high-risk groups such as the elderly and immunodepressed twice a year. Only high-risk groups will be eligible for free vaccinations on a long-term basis. Annual COVID shots will likely be given from September each year alongside annual flu shots to prepare for a surge of infections in winter.
U.S. Think Tank Calls for Talks on Redeploying Nukes to S.Korea
A leading U.S. think tank has called for South Korea and the U.S. to start discussing the redeployment of U.S. tactical nuclear weapons on the Korean Peninsula. The Center for Strategic and International Studies in a report urges South Korea and the U.S. to "lay pre-decisional groundwork for possible redeployment of U.S. low-yield nuclear weapons at some point in the future." It stresses the need to "consider allied tabletop planning exercises that would be explicitly pre-decisional and leave the timeline and scope of weapons deliberately ambiguous."
Joongang Ilbo (https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com )
Prosecutors indict 17 for drugs, including chaebol scions
The Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office announced Thursday it indicted 17 people for the alleged illegal use and supply of marijuana, including scions tied to Korea's chaebol. Included among the accused is the 40-year-old grandson of Namyang Dairy founder Hong Doo-young and the 39-year-old grandson of the founder of Koryo Steel. They also include a singer with American citizenship.
Yoon discusses UAE trip in meeting with party leaders
President Yoon Suk Yeol held a luncheon meeting with the leadership of the People Power Party (PPP) on Thursday to discuss follow-up measures to his trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Switzerland last week and focus on other key policies of his administration. He also told senior PPP lawmakers that he will attend the party's upcoming national convention on March 8 to replace the current interim leadership.
Bill calling for civil defense training for women sparks controversy
People Power Party (PPP) Rep. Kim Gi-hyeon proposed a bill Wednesday requiring women to undergo mandatory civil defense training, a controversial move which lawmakers across party lines and civic groups say is promoting gender conflict. Through this bill, women aged 20 to 40 will be required to receive annual civil defense training annually, just as men do. Exceptions will be made for women who are pregnant or who have recently miscarried.
The Dong-A Ilbo (http://english.donga.com/)
Energy bill subsidies to be expanded for low-income households
The South Korean government and local municipalities are coming up with an emergency plan to double subsidies for low-income households to tackle the mounting complaints about the recent spike in utility bills from earlier in the new year. “Our plan aims to subsidize heating bills for 1.6 million low-income families,” Senior Presidential Secretary for Economic Affairs Choi Sang-mok said Thursday in a briefing at the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul. “It will expand energy vouchers and make a significant cut in gas bills to help them cope with the energy bills.”
Chinese companies keep exporting nuclear and missile items to N. Korea
The U.S. Congressional Research Service (CRS) has pointed out that Chinese companies and individuals continue to export items that could be used in nuclear and missile development to North Korea and Iran. In a report titled “China’s Nuclear and Missile Proliferation,” published on Monday (local time), CRS said, “Although the Chinese government appears to have stopped direct intervention in the transfer of nuclear and missile-related items, Chinese companies and individuals continue to export these items, especially to North Korea and Iran.”
Trump claims victory at golf tournament although he did not play
Former U.S. President Donald Trump, a “golf fanatic,” declared that he won the gold medal at his own Florida club’s senior golf championship. However, Palm Beach Post reported that the former president did not play in the tournament's first round. Trump boasted that he claimed victory in the senior club championship at his Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach.
Maeil Business News Korea (http://www.pulsenews.co.kr/)
Hyundai Motor posts record $8 billion profit in 2022 on EV, SUV demand
Despite the global economic slowdown, Hyundai Motor Co. posted record operating profit of nearly 10 trillion won ($8 billion) last year, driven by strong sales of lucrative electric and sport-utility vehicle models and favorable currency influences. In a conference call on Thursday, Hyundai Motor said that last year’s total revenue increased 21.2 percent on year to 142.52 trillion won with operating profit up 47.0 percent to 9.82 trillion won.
South Korea’s Q4 GDP shrinks 0.4% on weak private spending
The South Korean economy shrank 0.4 percent in the fourth quarter from the previous quarter to post negative growth for the first time since the second quarter of 2020 due to weak private spending and exports but it still managed to report 2.6 percent growth for the full year as targeted earlier by the Bank of Korea (BOK).
Korean firms step up capex in U.S. solar power market
Korean photovoltaic materials companies are increasing their investments in the rapidly growing U.S. solar power market. Hanwha Qcells Co., a leading solar module provider in the U.S. that’s operating a 1.7 gigawatt solar module plant in Dalton, Georgia, has a 3.2 trillion won ($2.6 billion) investment plan. It is working to expand its current capacity at Dalton factory to 5.1GW and add a 3.3GW plant in nearby Cartersville.
HanKyoReh Shinmun (http://english.hani.co.kr)
Korea’s living dead: Overlooked, solitary deaths on society’s margins go undeclared
In October 2021, 78-year-old Kim Hyeong-sik was found dead in his cold, tiny flat, measuring less than 13 square meters, in the Daerim neighborhood of Seoul’s Yeongdeungpo District. The cause of death was a heart attack. Sitting next to the body was his 47-year-old son Kim Jin-su. The two had been living together. Their landlord, a 55-year-old surnamed Kang, had gotten worried after not seeing the two for a few months.
Korean rights watchdog advocates curbs on government’s use of facial recognition data
The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) is putting the brakes on the government’s indiscriminate collection of the public’s facial data and its use in policies.“Facial recognition technology risks infringing on the confidentiality and freedom of privacy and on freedom of assembly and association,” NHRCK said on Jan. 12. On Wednesday, NHRCK also expressed to the prime minister and speaker of the National Assembly the need to “push forward legislation in a way that basic rights are not violated.”
When it comes to nukes, US won’t share with Korea anytime soon
“America doesn’t even share nukes with its brothers.” This comment was made by a US official in response to talk of potential nuclear sharing between Korea and the US in a private meeting between foreign affairs and security personnel of the two countries. “The US and Europe have close historic and cultural ties, and we have a special relationship with the UK in particular as our former colonizer. However, nuclear sharing between the US and Europe is nothing more than symbolic,” the official taking part in the meeting stated.
The KyungHyangShinmun (http://english.khan.co.kr/)
Up to 7cm of Snow Forecast in Seoul. City to Increase Number of Buses and Subway Trains During Rush Hour
On January 25, the Seoul metropolitan government announced that it would operate an emergency snow removal system after a heavy snowfall was forecast for the greater Seoul area on January 26. On Wednesday, the Korea Meteorological Administration forecast 2-7cm of snow in Seoul and surrounding areas from the early hours to 3 p.m. Thursday. The snow forecast came after a fierce cold wave hit the nation from Tuesday to Wednesday, so the snow is expected to freeze.
“Not Research Misconduct” Han Dong-hoon’s Niece Named Her Aunt-in-Law, a Yonsei Medical School Professor, as Co-author of Research Paper
The Research Ethics Reliability Committee at Yonsei University reviewing the allegation of research misconduct by a professor in the College of Medicine, who co-authored a research paper with the niece of Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon, concluded that they could not confirm any misconduct. However, they added, “There is a need to take particular caution so that proper research ethics is understood and observed.” According to the coverage by The Hankyoreh, Yonsei University sent an official letter notifying the results of the investigation by the Research Ethics Reliability Committee to Mijumom, a community of Korean parents in the United States.
“Disapproval of the Yoon Suk-yeol Government Is at Its Peak”
On January 24, the Democratic Party of Korea summarized the public sentiment over the Seol (Lunar New Year) holiday and said, “The Yoon Suk-yeol government has gone too far.” On Tuesday, Cho Jeong-sik, secretary general of the Democratic Party, met with the press at the National Assembly to convey public opinion over the holiday. He relayed the views of many people who said President Yoon Suk-yeol had “gone too far,” after watching how he treated former lawmaker Na Kyung-won and the Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung. Cho further argued, “The political oppression of Lee is heading to extremes,”
KBS(http://world.kbs.co.kr/service)
Business Sentiment Worsens for 5th Month in January
Business sentiment worsened for the fifth consecutive month in January, amid lingering economic uncertainties. According to the Bank of Korea on Friday, the business survey index(BSI) for all industries dropped by five points on-month to stand at 69 for January, the lowest in 28 months. A BSI of 64 was posted in September 2020. A reading below 100 means pessimists outnumber optimists.
FM Park: Japanese Firms' Voluntary Participation in Forced Labor Compensation Desirable
Foreign minister Park Jin said on Thursday that it would be desirable for Japanese companies to voluntarily participate in compensating South Korean victims of Japan's wartime forced labor. The minister made the remarks in an interview with broadcaster SBS, saying that the government is discussing the matter with the Japanese government. The foreign ministry held a public hearing on January 12 and announced a proposal to compensate the victims through a Korean public foundation rather than direct reparations from Japanese companies.
US Intelligence Official: Kim Jong-un Does Not See Need for 7th Nuclear Test Yet
A U.S. intelligence official said that North Korea has not conducted a seventh nuclear test because leader Kim Jong-un does not see a need yet. Sydney Seiler, a top intelligence official on North Korea at the National Intelligence Council(NIC) under the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, issued the assessment during a webinar hosted by the Center for Strategic and Intelligence Studies, a think tank based in Washington. As reasons for the North not proceeding with a seventh nuclear test, Seiler said that the North has no internal urgency to meet a certain artificial deadline.
Yonhap (http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr)
S. Korea's gas, coal imports hit record high in 2022: data
South Korea's imports of gas and coal hit an all-time high last year on surging global energy prices, data showed Thursday. The value of gas imports came to US$56.7 billion last year, the highest since 1956 when the government began compiling the related data, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. The previous record of $36.6 billion was set in 2014. The import value of coal also reached an all-time high of $28.1 billion, surpassing the previous record of $18.3 billion logged in 2011, the data showed.
UNC says both Koreas breached armistice by flying drones in each other's territory
The U.S.-led U.N. Command (UNC) announced Thursday both South and North Korea violated the armistice by sending drones into each other's territory last month. The UNC released the outcome of a probe by its special investigation team (SIT) into the North's Dec. 26 drone infiltrations, which led the South to send its drones north of the inter-Korean border in a "corresponding" counteraction. "The SIT was able to determine that the Korean People's Army side committed a violation of the armistice when multiple North-side unmanned aerial systems (UAS) entered ROK-controlled airspace,
Gov't to enact law prohibiting sex offenders from living close to schools
The government plans to enact a law prohibiting sex offenders at high risk of reoffending from living close to kindergartens or schools, the justice ministry said Thursday. The ministry plans to submit a revision to the Act on Electronic Monitoring to the National Assembly for approval in May, the ministry said in its 2023 policy plans submitted to President Yoon Suk Yeol. Under the planned revision, sex offenders who are discharged from prison and at high risk of recommitting sexual crimes will be prohibited from living within an up to 500-meter radius of child care centers, kindergartens or schools from the elementary to high school levels.
The Korea Herald (http://www.koreaherald.com)
Seoul to expand energy vouchers for low-income families
The government decided Thursday to expand support for low income families struggling to pay gas bills by offering energy vouchers and discounts as rapidly growing energy costs have become the center of political debate. President Yoon Suk Yeol’s economic secretary Choi Sang-mok said the value of energy vouchers given to 1.17 million households classified as economically vulnerable would be doubled to 304,000 won ($246). The range of discounts for gas bills will also be doubled to 18,000 won-72,000 won for a separate 1.6 million low-income households.
UNC says S. Korean military’s tit-for-tat action not legitimate
South and North Korea breached the armistice agreement by flying drones across the inter-Korean border last December, said the United Nations Command on Thursday. South Korea disputed the UNC’s conclusion, saying that sending drones to North Korea after Pyongyang’s infiltration was carried out in “self-defense,” which is not restricted by the armistice agreement.
Blinken looks forward to any opportunity to engage with S. Korean FM: State Dept.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken would welcome any future opportunity to engage with his South Korean counterpart, a state department spokesperson said Thursday. Vedant Patel, principal deputy spokesperson for the state department, however, said he had nothing to announce when asked about a possible meeting between Blinken and South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin in Washington.
The Korea Times (http://www.koreatimes.co.kr)
S. Korea to increase joint air defense exercises following N. Korean drone incursions
The South Korean military will expand annual air defense exercises in the wake of North Korean drone infiltrations into the South's airspace late last year, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said Thursday. "The South Korean military plans to conduct a joint air defense exercise featuring all units four times a year," a JCS officer told reporters. The training has been held biannually until now. The JCS plans to operate drones that match the size of North Korean unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that crossed the Military Demarcation Line and conduct training drills to integrate and operate all available forces in the South Korean military.
Gov't to double subsidies for vulnerable households as energy bills soar
The government will increase energy vouchers and gas price discounts for economically vulnerable families, in order to alleviate their economic burdens amid soaring utility fees. Choi Sang-mok, a senior presidential secretary for economic affairs, said in a press conference on Thursday that the government will temporarily double the amount of energy vouchers granted for 1.71 million vulnerable households from current 152,000 won ($123.42) to 304,000 won per home this winter.
SK E&S retains gov't support for Barossa gas project in Australia
The Korea Trade Insurance Corp. (K-Sure) decided recently to continue guaranteeing 400 billion won ($325 million) worth of financial support for a drilling project at Barossa offshore gas field in Australia, reducing uncertainties surrounding SK E&S that has participated in the project with Australia's Santos and Japan's JERA. The state-run financial institution's latest decision indicates the Korean government's intention to prioritize energy security by standing with the energy firm against environmental activists who have pointed out that the drilling project could destroy the marine ecosystem and cultural heritage of indigenous Australians.
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Financial Times www.ft.com ean@ft.com
The Times www.thetimes.co.uk help@timesplus.co.uk
The Sun www.thesun.co.uk talkback@the-sun.co.uk
Chinese People's Daily www.people.com.cn kf@people.cn
China Daily www.chinadaily.com.cn circulation@chinadaily.com.cn
Gwangmyeong Daily 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
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El Universal http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/english
Andes http://www.andes.info.ec/en
Ecuador Times http://www.ecuadortimes.net
The Jordan Times https://www.jordantimes.com
LSM.lv http://www.lsm.lv/en
The Baltic Times http://www.baltictimes.com lithuania@baltictimes.com, estonia@baltictimes.com, editor@baltictimes.com
El Pais http://elpais.com/elpais/inenglish.html
Philippine Daily Inquirer https://www.inquirer.net
Daily News Hungary http://dailynewshungary.com
Budapest Times http://budapesttimes.hu
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