Headlines, July 9, 2019

The Korean daily media headlines and humor

Tuesday July 9, 2019

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.

Moon urges Japan to retract export restrictions, indicates plan B

President Moon Jae-in called on Japan on Monday to withdraw its recent export control against South Korean firms, describing it as an attempt to limit trade for a political purpose. Breaking his strategic reticence on the sensitive issue, Moon said his administration will first make "calm" efforts to resolve it diplomatically.

N. Korea-Russia border trade nearly triples in Q1 on improving ties

North Korea's trade with Russia's Far Eastern region nearly tripled in the first quarter from a year earlier, data showed Tuesday, amid intensifying efforts by the two neighbors to strengthen bilateral relations. According to the data by South Korea's Consulate General in Vladivostok, the trade between the North and Russia's Far Eastern region totaled US$10.69 million during the January-March period, up from $3.72 million tallied a year earlier.

N. Korea slams Japan's export curbs as 'shameless' act

A North Korean media outlet Monday slammed Japan's recent restriction on high-tech exports to South Korea, calling the measure a "shameless" act that indicates a lack of remorse for Tokyo's historical wrong-doings against the Korean people. Japan began to tighten regulations last week on shipments to South Korea of three materials essential to the production of semiconductors and display panels.

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

Japan's Trade Minister: Export Control Not up for Discussion

Japan’s trade minister says Tokyo’s export restrictions of high-tech materials to South Korea are not up for discussion. Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Hiroshige Seko made the remarks in a news conference after attending a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. The minister said the export controls are aimed at appropriately managing Japan’s exports, adding Tokyo has no plans to withdraw the restrictions.

Eight Private High Schools in Seoul to Lose Autonomous Status

Eight autonomous private high schools in Seoul will lose their independent licenses and become conventional private high schools after failing an assessment by the city’s education office.The office announced on Tuesday that it will rescind autonomous private high school licenses for eight institutions in its jurisdiction. They are Kyunghee High School, Paichai High School, Sehwa High School, Soongmoon High School, Shinil High School, Choong Ang High School, Ewha Womans University High School and Hanyang University High School.

Parties to Discuss Confirmation of Prosecutor General Nominee

Rival parties on Tuesday will discuss whether to adopt a confirmation hearing report for prosecutor general nominee Yoon Seok-youl. The National Assembly legislation and judiciary committee began Yoon's confirmation hearing on Monday and it ultimately lasted for 16 hours until 2 a.m. the following morning. Whether or not to adopt Yoon's confirmation hearing report is unlikely to be an easy decision. The main opposition Liberty Korea Party remains opposed to the nominee, citing unresolved suspicions involving Yoon and doubts about his political neutrality.

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

N. Korea-Russia border trade nearly triples in Q1 on improving ties

BTS becomes highest-charting foreign artist in Japan with new Japanese single

Super group BTS topped Japan's Oricon weekly singles chart this week with its latest Japanese single "Lights/Boy With Luv," garnering the highest weekly score for any foreign artist in the Japanese music market, the band's management agency said Tuesday. The three-track single, dropped in Japan on July 3, earned some 621,000 sales points to finish atop the Oricon weekly singles chart for the week of July 1-7, according to Big Hit Entertainment.

Group tours to DMZ hiking trail in eastern coastal area to begin this month

The state-run tourism agency said Tuesday it will begin group bus tours to a trail along the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas later this month in the eastern coastal town of Goseong. The Korea Tourism Authority will accept applications for group bus tours to the first DMZ Peace Trail, to which only individual tourists have been allowed to travel since it was launched in April. The group tours are expected to begin July 23, with up to 40 people, including individual participants, accepted each time.

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

Moon urges Japan to reconsider export restrictions on Korean tech firms

President Moon Jae-in on Monday urged Japan to withdraw restrictions on exports of hi-tech materials to South Korea, while calling on government agencies to work closely with the business community to deal with the “unprecedented emergency.” Speaking at a weekly meeting with senior presidential aides, Moon said that Japan’s move violates principles of free trade, and urged it to reconsider using trade for political ends.

Soldier jumps into river after unit's coastal operations failure

An Army soldier jumped off a Han River bridge to his death, officials said Tuesday, after his unit came under fire for failing to detect a North Korean boat's arrival at a South Korean port last month. The 21-year-old private first class from the Army's 23rd division in Samcheok, Gangwon Province, threw himself into the Han River on Monday night. After being rescued, the solider, whose identity was withheld, was rushed a nearby hospital, but died soon after, Col. Jeon Ha-kyu said.

Foreigners defaulting on state health insurance fees required to cover full medical cost

Foreign residents in South Korea who default on state health insurance fees will be required to personally pay for all medical costs, the health ministry said Tuesday. Under changes made to the National Health Insurance Act that will go into effect on July 16, foreign nationals who reside in the country for more than six months must mandatorily join the public health insurance plan, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

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

Trump's North Korea policy shakes up South Korea's ideological politics

It used to be simple: conservatives in South Korea view the United States far more favorably than liberals, especially when it comes to its unwavering North Korea policy. No longer. U.S. President Donald Trump's drastic North Korea policy shift ― from "fire and fury" to warm handshakes with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in less than two years ― has confused conservatives and the liberals alike because it challenges their traditional ideological lines. Some liberal opinion leaders, including best-selling author and former health minister Rhyu Si-min, who were once critical of Trump, now praise his "peace efforts" in dealing with North Korea ― a major fault line in South Korean politics. On the other hand, leading conservatives, who generally support a more confrontational approach to the regime, increasingly become uneasy about his "political show."

US stresses cooperation amid escalating row between Korea, Japan

The United States on Monday expressed its continued commitment to strengthening ties with South Korea and Japan amid an escalating row between the Asian nations. Tensions between Seoul and Tokyo have spiked since the Japanese government last week announced tightened controls on exports of high-tech materials to the neighboring country. South Korea views the measure as retaliation for last year's Supreme Court rulings that ordered Japanese companies to compensate Korean victims of forced labor during Tokyo's 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula.

Moon slams Abe's political intention behind export curbs

President Moon Jae-in is taking a critical tone regarding Japan's export restrictions on three high-tech materials used by Korean firms in their manufacture of semiconductors and display panels announced last week. During a meeting with senior secretaries at Cheong Wa Dae, Monday, Moon underlined that the export curbs were prompted by political reasons. "Japan's move to contain mutually beneficial trade between private businesses for political motives has caused concern not just for Korea, but the entire world." Moon called for an "immediate withdrawal" of the restrictive measures, urging Japan to adhere to the principles of free trade.

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

Moon Urges Japan to Withdraw Export Curbs
President Moon Jae-in on Monday urged Japan to withdraw "politically motivated" export restrictions on materials vital to Korean IT giants. This is the first time that Moon has commented on the retaliatory curbs announced a full week ago. Speaking in a meeting with his top aides at Cheong Wa Dae, Moon said, "Korean businesses face complications in production and global supply chains due to Japan's recent export curbs. I hope that Japan will return to abiding by the principles of free trade, which it has always advocated." He warned against a "vicious cycle of action and reprisal" and vowed to find a diplomatic solution. "If Korean businesses suffer actual damage, our government will have no choice but to take necessary measures," he added and told officials to come up with an emergency response.

KOSPI Plummets Over Conflict with Japan
Asian stock markets plunged Monday on strong U.S. employment figures decreasing the chances of the Fed lowering interest rates. In Korea, the plunge was compounded by concerns over trade conflict with Japan that dampened investor sentiment. The Korea Composite Stock Price Index closed down 2.2 percent on Monday at 2,064.17 points, the biggest daily decline since May 9.

How to Keep Your Heart Healthy in the Summer Heat

Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart malfunctions and suddenly stops beating. People with cardiovascular disease need to take care of themselves with extra caution, especially during the sweltering summer months as most heart attacks can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle. "To prevent cardiac arrest, it is essential to maintain sufficient water intake," said Chang Ki-yuk at Catholic University's St. Mary's Hospital. "Drinking water regularly keeps the blood thin and boosts circulation. You may crave iced coffee or cold beer on hot summer days to quench your thirst, but caffeinated drinks and alcoholic beverages are not good for the heart, making it dehydrated."

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

Abe cites S. Korea’s potential violations of N. Korea sanctions as reasons for export controls

In connection with Japan’s adoption of export controls in retaliation for a South Korean court’s ruling that Japanese companies must pay damages to victims of forced labor, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe provocatively suggested that this was because South Korea may not comply with sanctions against North Korea. Abe appears to have linked North Korea to his restrictions on the exports of three materials used to manufacture semiconductors in an attempt to defuse criticism, some of it inside Japan, that the export controls were an excessive step.

S. Korea’s chronic trade deficit with Japan

Following Japan’s imposition of export controls on materials used to manufacture domestic semiconductors and displays, government figures show that South Korea has racked up a 9 trillion won trade (US$7.63 billion) deficit with Japan in the area of parts and materials over the past five years. While the South Korean government regards the export controls as an opportunity to reduce the country’s dependence on Japan and to accelerate the domestic production of parts and materials, those issues aren’t likely to be resolved in the short term.

Moon lights LED lamp powered by cooking oil to kick off 2019 Social Economy Expo

At the opening ceremony for the 2019 Social Economy Expo on Daejeon, South Korean President Moon Jae-in turned on an LED lamp powered by cooking oil, exhibiting a product created by a South Korean startup. In his opening remarks, Moon pledged increased public support for the country’s social enterprises by 67 percent from last year. The same LED lamp was donated to over 4,300 people in Indonesia who live in areas with electricity shortages. (provided by the city of Daejeon)

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

Pres. Moon vows to take countermeasures when Korean businesses face harm

Korean President Moon Jae-in said on Monday that it would be inevitable for the Korean government to respond, if necessary, if Korean businesses face practical harm, calling for Japan’s withdrawal of the export limit on Korea and sincere discussion between Korea and Japan. His message intends to warn Japan of Seoul’s possible countermeasures in case of any damage to Korean companies while calling on Japan to cancel its trade restrictions on Korea.

POSCO E&C develops concrete conveying pipes and pumping technology

POSCO Engineering & Construction (E&C) said Monday that it has succeeded in developing concrete conveying pipes and concrete pumping technology in collaboration with four South Korean SMEs and researchers in Civil and Environmental Engineering Department of Myongji University. Conveying pipes capable of withstanding high pressure and advanced pumping technology are necessary to lift concrete to a building with a height of up to hundreds of meters. Construction companies have had to rely 100% on pricey European products due to lack of domestic conveying pipes.

Unification ministers absent at 20th anniversary event of Hanawon

Criticism is being stoked that the Unification Ministry is walking on eggshells for North Korea as neither its minister nor deputy minister attended the recent event celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Settlement Support Center for North Korean Refugees commonly known as Hanawon. The ceremony was held Monday at Hanawon in Anseong City, Gyeonggi Province. Various events took place such as a music performance by North Korean refugees, a commendation for settlement supporters, and a large-sized puzzle assembly. However, not only the unification minister but the deputy minister failed to attend for the events. “It’s Hanawon’s 20th anniversary, but neither of them showed up” said a refugee with indignation. “We cannot help but think they are concerned about complaints from Pyongyang.”

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

Another Case of Domestic Violence Against an Immigrant Woman: We Need Fundamental Measures for Prevention
A video of a Vietnamese woman brutally attacked by her Korean husband has ignited public outrage. The video showed the thirty-something husband beating his Vietnamese wife with his fist, kicking her with his feet and striking her with a soju bottle. All this while their two-year-old son was watching nearby. Reportedly, the victim suffered abuse frequently due to her poor Korean skills. The person who posted the video online wrote in Vietnamese, "The Korean husband is crazy." Indeed, it was horrible and shameful.

From L.A. to New York 6,600km: Young People Traveling on Two Wheels with the "Comfort Women" Issue
The history of forced labor during Japanese occupation returned with economic retaliation from Japan. Some mention this and claim that the "problem of the past" ruined relations between South Korea and Japan. Complex reasoning based on economic and foreign affairs turned an issue of "history" into a "naive" argument. The tragic history became an opportunity to boast of such reasoning. There was no empathy. For these people, the tragedy nearly a century ago was not their problem.

Cheong Wa Dae Claims “Retaliation,” Finance Minister Calls for “Firm Response”
On July 4, Cheong Wa Dae defined the tighter export regulations on semiconductor-related products by the Japanese government as "retaliatory." This was the first time that Cheong Wa Dae recognized the "retaliatory nature" of the Japanese government measure, after Japan tightened export regulations on July 1. Cheong Wa Dae's latest response has led to speculation that the South Korean government has opted to fight Japan's action head-on. Japan began tightening exports to South Korea this day, as it had warned. After a meeting of the standing committee of the National Security Council (NSC) presided by Chung Eui-yong, head of the National Security Office, Cheong Wa Dae distributed a press release and announced, "The recent action by the Japanese government to tighten regulations on exports to South Korea is a clear violation of international law, including the principles of the World Trade Organization (WTO)." It further said, "We will actively seek diplomatic measures to encourage Japan to withdraw the measures."

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

Nexon founder formally abandons plan for stake sale

The founder of South Korean gaming giant Nexon Co. issued a formal statement to bidders calling off the planned stake sale, capping a months-long auction of what would have been Korea’s biggest M&A deal in years. Kim Jung-ju, founder and chief executive of Nexon, said he was officially suspending the deal in an email sent out to shortlisted bidders through the lead advisor Morgan Stanley, according to sources from the gaming and investment bank industry Monday.

Korean bourse-listed Japanese firms battered amid trade tensions

Japanese stocks listed on the South Korean bourses are weighed down by escalating trade spat between Seoul and Tokyo following Japan’s retaliatory embargo actions against Korea. Shares of Japanese game publisher SNK Corp. finished Monday 6.05 percent lower at 19,400 won ($16.45) in Seoul trading. Duty-free store operator Japanese Tourism Corp. (JTC) also lost 5.8 percent to close the day at 6,660 won, with payment gateway provider SBI FinTech Solutions Co. off 8.13 percent at 15,250 won.

Samsung Elec chief Jay Y. Lee visits Japan amid Korea-Japan trade spat

Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Jay Y. Lee is in Japan in hopes to use his influence in addressing Tokyo’s trade embargo that can disturb production of the world’s largest chip and smartphone maker. The head of Korea’s largest conglomerate headed for Japan Sunday to meet with local suppliers and discuss the impact of Japan’s export sanctions, according to business sources.

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