Wednesday, November 21, 2018

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

The Korea Post media (www.koreapost.com) in English, (www.koreapost.co.kr) in Korean.

We want denuclearizing not outpaced by better S-N relations’

The United States wants to ensure that progress in denuclearizing North Korea is not outpaced by efforts to improve inter-Korean ties, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Nov. 20, 2018. Pompeo's remark underscores U.S. concerns that a recent flurry of inter-Korean activity could undermine sanctions placed on the North for its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.

Samsung Elect Co. showcases a new lineup of horticulture LED solutions

Samsung Electronics Co. on Nov. 21, 2018 showcased a new lineup of horticulture light-emitting diode (LED) solutions optimized for greenhouses and vertical farming, which can help farmers improve produce quality. The South Korean tech giant said the new products, including white full-spectrum packages and modules, as well as color LEDs, provide farmers with a broader spectrum of light that leads to healthier plant growth, along with reduced lighting system costs.

Jeju Air inks $4.4 bil. contract to buy 4- new Boeing planes

Jeju Air Co., South Korea's biggest budget carrier by sales, said on Nov. 20, 2018 it inked a US$4.4 billion deal for 40 new planes, with the delivery set to begin in 2022. Jeju Air has decided to buy Boeing Co.'s new B737 MAX passenger jets to strengthen its fleet, the company said in a statement.

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

Seoul Hosts Boao Forum for Asia

South Korean Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon and former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon attended Tuesday's opening of the Boao Forum for Asia in Seoul.The gathering, considered by some to be an Asian version of the Davos Forum, brings together hundreds of government officials and businesspeople as well as a sizable Chinese delegation.

Seoul to Disband Japan-Funded Foundation for Sexual Slavery Victims

The South Korean government plans to announce as early as this week its decision to disband a Japan-sponsored foundation for the Korean victims of Japan’s wartime sexual slavery.The Reconciliation and Healing Foundation was founded in 2016 as part of a deal made seven months earlier between Japan and the administration of then-President Park Geun-hye.

Two Koreas to Connect DMZ Roads

A South Korean military official says the two Koreas plan to connect roads within the Demilitarized Zone(DMZ) this week. It's part of a South-North military agreement aimed at easing border tensions.The roads to be connected by army engineering battalions are up to 12 meters wide.

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

Opposition parties offer condition for parliamentary normalization

Rival parties failed Tuesday to reach an agreement over normalization of the deadlocked parliament as the ruling Democratic Party (DP) refused to accept their demand for a parliamentary probe into a hiring scandal at a public subway operator. Opposition parties are pressing the ruling party to accept the probe into allegations that Seoul Metro, under the city government, gave unfair job favors to its employees.

S. Korea's exports up 5.7 pct in first 20 days of November

South Korea's exports increased 5.7 percent on-year during the first 20 days of November due to a rise in outbound shipments of chips, autos and petrochemical goods, customs data showed Wednesday. The country's outbound shipments reached US$31.6 billion in the November 1-20 period, according to the Korea Customs Service (KCS).

Regulator asks prosecutors to probe accounting breaches at Samsung BioLogics

South Korea's financial regulator formally asked state prosecutors on Tuesday to launch a criminal probe into accounting breaches at Samsung BioLogics Co., a move that is expected to deal another blow to the biotechnology unit of Samsung Group. After a regulatory review that has lasted months, a panel of the Financial Services Commission (FSC) ruled last Wednesday that Samsung BioLogics intentionally inflated the value of its affiliate, Samsung Bioepis Co., ahead of its listing in 2016.

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

Korea accelerates post-Brexit trade deal with UK

South Korea is slated to hold a public hearing on Wednesday on a move for a free trade agreement with the UK in an effort to cushion risks posed to Korean firms doing business in the UK after Brexit. Official negotiations of the trade deal may start as early as next year if all trade procedures go smoothly.

Business, political leaders of Korea, China urge Asia to stay open, innovative

In the face of growing protectionism and anti-globalization moves, Asian countries should remain open to multilateral and free trade platforms, and seek innovative strategies to keep economic growth high, according to business and political leaders from South Korea and China at a forum in Seoul on Tuesday.

Lotte, Shinsegae to vie for full acquisition of Ministop Korea

South Korean retail giants Lotte and Shinsegae are likely to vie for acquiring 100 percent of Ministop Korea, the fourth-largest convenience store chain here in terms of the number of locations. According to Japan’s Aeon Group, the largest shareholder of Ministop Korea, it had received bid proposals from Lotte, Shinsegae and Seoul-based Glenwood Private Equity as of Tuesday.

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

Banks rush to form alliance with e-commerce firms

A growing number of banks in Korea are seeking strategic partnership with e-commerce companies in a move to diversify their customer bases and find new revenue sources. KB Kookmin Bank signed a memorandum of understanding with WeMakePrice (WMP) and Seoul Guarantee Insurance in October to offer tailored financing to small- and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Bitcoin plunges below $5,000 for first time in 13 months

The price of bitcoin plunged below $5,000, Tuesday, reflecting deteriorated investor confidence in virtual coins. It was the first time the digital coin fell below $5,000 in 13 months. The price fell below the $6,000 level last week, and has continued its downtrend by hitting the lowest level of the year.

Moon to visit Czech Republic, Argentina, New Zealand

President Moon Jae-in will attend the G20 summit in Buenos Aires later this month, Cheong Wa Dae said Tuesday. President Moon will fly to Czech Republic, Nov. 27 (KST), for a summit with Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis. He will then move on to Buenos Aires to attend this year's G20 summit.

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

2 Koreas Build New Cross-Border Road

The two Koreas have completed another cross-border road at Arrowhead Ridge in the demilitarized zone in Cheorwon, Gangwon Province. It is the third cross-border road after one on each coast. The two Koreas have been removing landmines and building a road for personnel and equipment since October ahead of a joint excavation of the remains of soldiers who died in the Korean War.

Multiple-Home Owners Increase Despite Crackdown

In spite of the government's efforts to crack down on real estate speculation, the number of multiple-home owners increased by 140,000 last year. This was mainly due to tax benefits for landlords with registered rental businesses to boost transparency in property transactions. According to Statistics Korea last week, 2.12 million people owned more than two homes as of last year, up 139,000 compared to 2016 and 15.5 percent of total home owners, up from 14.9 percent. The number of people who owned more than five homes grew by 6,000 to 115,000.

Koreans' Biggest Worry Is Employment, Biggest Desire Is Pollution-Free Environment

Koreans' biggest worry is employment, and the thing they desire the most is an environment free from pollution and fine dust. According to a survey of 1,000 people over 20 years old by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, employment was Koreans' top concern. Some 36 percent of respondents mentioned employment as their biggest worry. It was followed by physical and mental health with 17 percent, retirement with 15 percent and children's education with 7 percent.

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

Civic groups rally in support for district mayor who stood up to Costco

While serving as mayor of Ulsan’s Buk (North) District Office in 2011, Yoon Jong-o rejected three separate applications to build a local branch of the warehouse retailer Costco. Yoon’s repeated refusals to permit the construction were based on his belief that it should not be allowed “until we have a system and alternatives in place to protect small merchants and local commercial districts.”

KCGI announces it does not plan to seize management of Hanjin Group

The domestic activist fund KCGI said it does not plan to seize management powers in the Hanjin Group after acquiring a 9% stake from the group’s holding company Hanjin KAL. “As much misunderstanding and speculation has raged in connection with our reasons for investing and future plans following the announcement on Nov. 15 that we acquired Hanjin KAL’s 9% share through the special purpose company Grace Holdings, we wish to explain our position,” KCGI said in a position statement on Nov. 19.

NHRCK chair visits defense minister to discuss period of alternative service

Choi Yeong-ae, chair of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK), visited Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo on Nov. 19 to express her basic disagreement with a proposed alternative to military service that the Defense Ministry is seriously considering. This alternative service would involve 36 months of work only at correctional facilities.

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

Pres. Moon to visit Czech Republic, Argentina, New Zealand

South Korean President Moon Jae-in will visit Argentina, the Czech Republic and New Zealand starting from next Tuesday for eight days on the occasion of the G20 summit and to help attract nuclear orders, said the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae on Tuesday.

S. Korea holds Boao Forum for Asia Conference in Seoul

In the wake of the Boao Forum for Asia Seoul Conference held on Tuesday, visiting Chinese State Councilor Wang Yong met with Korean business leaders including Hyundai Motor Group Vice Chairman Chung Eui-sun, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won and Samsung Electronics CEO Kwon Oh-hyun. Wang Yong is the 7th highest among the nine Chinese state councilors including Vice Premier Li Keqiang in the Chinese government.

Gov't to revise emergency medical service act

The government has decided to scrap old regulations that get in the way of paramedics performing emergency treatment by tying their hands and feet. According to a report from the Dong-A Ilbo, paramedics are not allowed by law to perform an electrocardiogram (ECG) to patients with acute myocardial infarction or to cut the umbilical cord even if a woman delivers a baby inside an ambulance.

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

U.S. wants ‘evidence’ of North’s sincerity

A South Korean government official said Tuesday that U.S. government officials recently called for “evidence that North Korea will denuclearize,” even as Pyongyang and Washington are trying to reschedule a high-level meeting in New York initially set for Nov. 8. Meanwhile, North Korea has stepped up efforts to attract foreign investment - despite sanctions that forbid them - promising investors special perks and incentives to prevent any inconvenience.

Barbed-wire fences along 284 km to be torn down

South Korea’s military will scrap 284 kilometers (176.5 miles) worth of barbed-wire fences by 2021, opening up nearly 68 percent of the country’s military installations along shorelines and riverbanks to local communities. The Ministry of National Defense and the Anti-Corruption & Civil Rights Commission announced the plan Tuesday in a press release, saying they co-authored a report describing the measures and submitted it to the cabinet.

Focus is innovation at big fintech conference

Government officials and major financial firms voiced their determination to push for innovation at Korea’s largest financial technology conference on Tuesday. The Korea Fintech Industry Association opened the two-day 2018 Fintech Conference on Tuesday in Yeouido, western Seoul. The association is made up of over 300 member companies involved in financial technology, or fintech, including notable members such as Kakao Pay. The conference was sponsored by various government agencies, including the Financial Services Commission (FSC) and the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

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

Judges Call for the Impeachment of Judges Who Abused Court Authority

On November 19, the National Judges Conference agreed to consider impeachment in addition to other punitive measures for incumbent judges connected to the alleged abuse of court authority. They passed a declaration that read, “Officials at the National Court Administration discussed the future of trial proceedings with government officials concerning certain trials and made specific demands and suggested the direction of court rulings for some judges on the bench. We share the awareness that this is a serious violation of the Constitution.”

After the Supreme Court Ruling on Conscientious Objectors, the Court First Acquitted Defendant for Refusing to Take Part in Reserve Training

After the Supreme Court ruling against criminal punishment for conscientious objectors, the first acquittal in a lower court of law concerned a case against a man who refused to take part in reserve training. The Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court have yet to make a clear decision, but the lower court allowed a man to refuse reserve training, just as with military service, in order to guarantee the freedom of conscience according to the Constitution.

Controversial "Hyegyeonggung Kim": Revealing the Truth Is Top Priority

A police investigation revealed that the owner of the Twitter account, @08__hkkim, also known as Hyegyeonggung Kim, was Kim Hye-gyeong, the wife of Gyeonggi-do governor, Lee Jae-myung. However, Lee refuted, "The police investigation result was based totally on speculation and we find it difficult to accept the results." It's difficult to even guess at the truth about Governor Lee. The leader of the nation's largest local government, overseeing a population of 13 million, has been at the center of various allegations for four months since he entered office. It is questionable as to whether he could properly tend to the affairs of the province.

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

Samsung shipyard and Norway's Jotun develop solvent-free paint for commercial vessels

Harmful air pollutants emitted from shipyards come mostly from volatile organic compounds used in solvent-based paints. As an alternative, solvent-free paints have been recommended, but it's been difficult to use them for commercial ships because of high viscosity.

SK Telecom and Samsung join hands to develop 5G technologies

South Korea's top mobile carrier SK Telecom teamed up with Samsung Electronics to develop technologies which are needed to provide stable 5G-based services such as the transmission of ultra-high-definition video files, augmented reality and autonomous driving.

Lunit partners with IT firm to commercialize medical image detection assistant software

In an effort to speed up the commercialization of its technology, Lunit, a promising Seoul-based venture company developing software for medical data analysis and interpretation with artificial intelligence and deep learning technology, partnered with LG CNS, an information technology service provider.

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

Lotte, Shinsegae, Glenwood submit final bids for Ministop

South Korean retail giants Lotte Group and Shinsegae Group, and a local private equity fund will vie for full ownership of Ministop Korea, the country’s fifth-largest convenience store operator with more than 2,500 outlets. According to multiple industry sources on Tuesday, all of the three shortlisted bidders – Lotte, Shinsegae and Glenwood Private Equity – submitted final bids to buy a full stake in Ministop. Japan’s Aeon Group, the largest shareholder of Ministop with a 76.6 percent stake, and lead financial advisor Nomura Securities Co. will select a preferred bidder after a week-long review.

Korean job seekers turn to drone license amid scarce jobs in traditional sector

A drone license is getting popular in South Korea as intensely narrow and competitive job market has turned young job seekers to look beyond the traditional sector. According to Korea Transportation Safety Authority on Tuesday, a total of 9,635 people received drone flight certification from Jan. 1 to Nov. 16, a 3.3-fold increase from 2,872 a year ago. This is a big jump given that the cumulative number of drone license holders totaled 4,137 persons last year since the certification system was introduced in 2014.

AI-based visual tech to be applied to catch fly tippers in Korea

A visual-based artificial intelligence (AI) technology developed by South Korea’s Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) will be deployed on CCTV cameras to better catch out fly tippers ETRI announced on Tuesday that it will use its visual AI technology, “Deep View,” to strictly control litterbugs in city areas. The technology helps precisely track down movements of people placing down or throwing objects as well as those illegally throwing away rubbish.

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What’s ticking around the world at this second?
See what the world media around the world have to report:

USA Today www.usatoday.com aallman@gannett.com
The New York Times www.nytimes.com inytletters@nytimes.com
Wall Street Journal www.wsj.com support@wsj.com, service@wsj-asia.com
Financial Times www.ft.com ean@ft.com
The Times www.thetimes.co.uk help@timesplus.co.uk
The Sun www.thesun.co.uk talkback@the-sun.co.uk
Chinese People's Daily www.people.com.cn kf@people.cn
China Daily www.chinadaily.com.cn circulation@chinadaily.com.cn
GwangmyeongDaily www.gmw.cn webmaster@gmw.cn
Japan's Yomiuri www.yomiuri.co.jp japannews@yomiuri.com
Asahi www.asahi.com customer-support@asahi.com
Mainichi www.mainichi.jp
Le Monde www.ilemonde.com
Italy LaRepubblica www.quotidiano.repubblica.it vittorio.zucconi@gmail.com
Germany Frankfurter AllgemeineZeitung www.faz.net anzeigen.ausland@faz.de
SüddeutscheZeitung www.sueddeutsche.de forum@sueddeutsche.de
Australia Brisbane Times www.brisbanetimes.com.au syndication@fairfaxmedia.com.au
Sydney Morning Herald www.smh.com.au
Colombia Reports http://colombiareports.com
Bogota Free Planet http://bogotafreeplanet.combfp@bogotafreeplanet.com
El Universal http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/english
Andes http://www.andes.info.ec/en
Ecuador Times http://www.ecuadortimes.net
The Jordan Times https://www.jordantimes.com
LSM.lv http://www.lsm.lv/en
The Baltic Times http://www.baltictimes.com lithuania@baltictimes.com, estonia@baltictimes.com, editor@baltictimes.com
El Pais http://elpais.com/elpais/inenglish.html
Philippine Daily Inquirer https://www.inquirer.net
Daily News Hungary http://dailynewshungary.com
Budapest Times http://budapesttimes.hu
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The Korea Post is running video clips from the different embassies.
Azerbaijan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OR8CBpcQ4WM
Sri Lanka: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hByX92Y2aGY&t=22s
Morocco: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfFmp2sVvSE
And many other countries.
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