The Korean daily media headlines and humor

The Korean daily media headlines and humor

Friday, November 29, 2013

Good morning, Excellency!
Here are The Korea Post news, African proverbs, humor from Korean-language economic dailies, and a roundup of important headlines from all major Korean-language dailies, TV and other news media this morning:
/s/
        
Lee Kyung-sik
Publisher-Chairman
Korea Post Media
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The Korea Post news

At the KUK Cultural Foundation Building behind Ritz Carlton Hotel

KUP hosts Year-end Concert with famed World Vision Children’s Choir of Korea

The Korea United Pharmaceutical Co. (KUP), hosts a Gala Year-end Dinner and Concert at the Cultural Foundation Building of the Company in Seoul (located behind the Ritz Carlton Hotel) on Dec. 26, 2013. It is presented by the famed World Vision of Korea Children’s Choir. Chairman Kang Duk-yung of the KUP invites the ambassadors and madams to the prestigious concert. 

Members of the Sunmyung-hoe World Vision Children’s Choir in performance

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The past remains in the ears.
-A Ghanaian proverb

Time is not such a thing as the wine contained in a bottle..
- A Ugandan proverb
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Humor from Korean-language economic dailies this morning:

Seoul Kyungje

A banker was arrested for embezzling $100,000 to pay for his daughter's college education. As the policeman, who also had a daughter in college, was leading him away in handcuffs, he said to the banker, "I have just one question for you. Where were you going to get the rest of the money?"
Hankuk Kyungje
Politician

A grade school teacher was asking students what their parents did for living. “Jim, you be first,” she said. “What does your mother do all day?” Jim stood up and proudly said, “She’s a doctor.” “That’s wonderful. How about you, Amie?” Amie shyly stood up and said, “My father is a mailman.” “Your father is doing a great service for the community. And what about your father, George?” George stood up and announced, “My dad plays piano in a whorehouse.” The tracher was aghast and promptly changed the subject. Later that day she went to George’s house. The teacher told George’s father what his son had said. George’s father explained, “I’m actually a politician. But how can I explain a thing like that to a seven-year-old?”
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KBS (http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/)
China Refuses to Redraw New Air Zone Boundaries
China has refused to accept South Korea's request to redraw the boundaries of its newly claimed air defense zone in the East China Sea. 

White House Official Visits Seoul to Discuss China's New Air Defense Zone
official has visited South Korea to discuss China’s newly claimed air defense zone in the East China Sea.

Parliament Approves Nominee for Chief Auditor
The National Assembly has approved the president's nomination of Hwang Chan-hyun to lead the Board of Audit and Inspection.

Ahn Cheol-soo Launches Committee to Form New Party
Independent lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo has launched a committee as he steps up efforts to establish his own political party.

Democratic Party to Boycott Nat'l Assembly from Friday
The main opposition Democratic Party says it will boycott the National Assembly from Friday to protest the unilateral approval of the president's nominee for Board of Audit and Inspection chief.

KOSPI Surges on Thursday
Korean shares rose nearly 17 points on Thursday on buying by foreigners and institutions.
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Yonhap (http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr)
S. Korea mulls expanding air zone further south
South Korea was considering expanding its own air defense zone further south to possibly include a reef that falls in China's newly declared control area over the East China Sea, Seoul officials said Thursday.

S. Korea's industrial output grows 1.8 pct on-month in Oct.South Korea's industrial output grew at the fastest pace in 11 months in October, raising hopes that the economy might be picking up its recovery momentum, a government report showed Friday.

S. Koreans' overseas card spending hits new record high in Q3
South Koreans' overseas credit card spending rose to a fresh record high in the third quarter as the number of outbound travelers increased amid the local currency's ascent, the central bank said Friday.

Nuclear operator says small cracks found in reactor tunnels
South Korea's nuclear plant operators found microscopic cracks in control rod tunnels at a reactor during a scheduled maintenance, an official said Thursday, adding that they do not pose any radiation risks.

DP vows continued boycott over unilateral confirmation of top auditor
The ruling Saenuri Party voted unilaterally to approve President Park Geun-hye's nominee for top state auditor on Thursday despite the opposition's boycott, a move that could further sour relations between the rival parties.

China says it monitored S. Korea's defiant flight over air zone
China said Thursday it monitored a defiant flight by South Korea's military over its newly declared air control zone over the East China Sea, acknowledging that Beijing let the South Korean surveillance aircraft fly unhindered.

Chronic malnutrition persists in N. Korea despite better harvests: U.N.
North Korea is still struggling with chronic malnutrition with 84 percent of households having borderline or poor food consumption, United Nations agencies said on Thursday, despite a 5 percent rise in staple food output.

N. Korea slams Seoul for role in UN human rights resolution
North Korea on Thursday slammed Seoul for leading a campaign to pass a United Nations resolution condemning the communist country's human rights abuses.
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The Korea Herald (http://www.koreaherald.com)
Ahn to launch new party
Former independent presidential candidate Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo announced on Thursday that he would launch a new party in t...

Beijing rejects Seoul’s call for adjustment of its air zone
China on Thursday rejected South Korea’s demand to adjust its recent demarcation of an air defense zone in the East China Sea, which has raised tension by covering an area over Ko...

[Power Korea] SPC Group bakes formula for success
The Korea Herald is publishing a series of articles titled Global Brand as part of the first in...

Korean-Chinese wins top literary translation prize
Korean-Chinese scholar Kim Hak-cheol (Jin Hezhe) arrived in Seoul in 2001 at age 28 without kno...
 
War veteran buried alongside his men
Retired Lt. Gen. Chae Myung-shin, the first commander of South Korean forces in the Vietnam War, was buri...

[Editorial] Tiger not to blame
Zoo incident reveals poor safety awareness
A 3-year-old Siberian tiger at a zoo on the southern outskirts of Seoul can have no way of knowing that his fate has been hanging in the balance since he attacked a zookeeper Sunday. The ill-fated worker, 52, who was bitten in the neck by the tiger while preparing to feed him, remains in serious condition.

[Graphic News] Unemployed married women
Nearly one out of five married women was found to have discontinued her career due to marriage, childbirth or the education of her children, according to Statistics Korea. 
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The Korea Times (http://www.koreatimes.co.kr)
China rejects Korea's ADIZ call
Seoul and Beijing failed to find a solution to the ongoing international conflict over China’s announcement of a controversial air defense identification zone (ADIZ).

Park's 'equidistant diplomacy' put to test
Can President Park Geun-hye stick to what is seen as her version of "equidistant diplomacy" between China and the United States?

Anchor in hot water over Park criticism 
Korea’s most influential television journalist finds himself under the threat of punishment after ... 

Singer Rain under investigation  
The prosecution said Thursday it is investigating popular singer Rain on suspicion of breaking mil... 

Hana to join top 50 global lenders 
While global operation has become a must for domestic banks to survive amid the saturated Korean m... 

Does Doosan leader feel new job worth it? 
Doosan Group Chairman Park Yong-maan seems to have successfully spent his first 100 days as chief ... 

Rep. Ahn announces plan on new party  
Independent lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo officially announced that he intends to form a new political pa... 

US to address historical issues with Japan 
United States Vice President Joe Biden plans to urge Japan to resolve conflicts with neighboring c... 

'We offer customers what they want' 
Shim Sang-don, CEO of hearing aid manufacturer Starkey Korea, said his company’s top priority is t... 

Meritz introduces hybrid fund product 
Meritz Securities has begun to sell a hybrid fund product that guarantees stable returns by invest... 

Students' rights ordinance upheld  
The Supreme Court dismissed Thursday the education ministry’s petition to nullify a students’ righ...
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Dong A (http://english.donga.com)
S. Korea-China tensions grow over air defense zone
China has rejected South Korea`s demand to redraw Chinese air defense zone overlapping the South`s own zone and covering the underwater rock of Ieo Island controlled by South Korea. China unilaterally declared the air... 

Park In-bee and caddie
South Korean golfer Park In-bee (right) and her Australian caddie Brad Beecher (left) are pictured in this file photo taken at the British Open Championships in August. The duo, who remains a team for the sixth year, is...
President Park concerns about delayed legislation
President Park Geun-hye said at National Economic Advisory Council on Thursday, “The National Assembly should pass bills for economic vitalization and job creation and next year’s budget in a timely manner.” President...
Italy`s Senate expels scandal-ridden ex-prime minister 
Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has survived all kinds of corruption and sex scandals, including underage sex, tax evasion, embezzlement, bribery and illegal political funds.

Green products become more accessible in Korea
“Oh, the brush part is replaceable!” An SME in Korea developed a toothbrush with a replaceable head, so that people can replace only the brush part when it is worn. In addition, the brush part is made from degradable materials to contribute to reducing wastes. This is the first certified environmental toothbrush in Korea. However, the toothbrush is not easily accessible in the market and customers are not familiar with the product. 

Parliamentary committee approves 245 trillion-won closing account
Parliamentary review of next year’s state budget is picking up speed. 

FC Seoul`s Choi Yong-soo won AFC Coach of the Year award 
Choi Yong-soo, head coach of South Korean professional soccer club FC Seoul, failed to grab the Asian championship but has been named the top coach of 2013 in Asia.
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Chosun Ilbo (http://english.chosun.com)
Jeju Tourism Numbers Outstrip Bali, Hawaii
Jeju has seen more visitors this year with 10 million than Bali, Hawaii and Okinawa, establishing itself as a leading destination. As of Tuesday, 9.97 million tourists had visited the island so far this year, up 11.4 percent from the same period last year.

Sticking to Nukes 'Will Cost N.Korea $100 Billion'
The economic cost to North Korea of maintaining its nuclear program in the face of global sanctions has been tallied at US$100 billion until 2020 in trade with South Korea and China alone. The North's current doctrine of simultaneous economic and nuclear development would cost the regime about $20 billion a year in trade with South Korea and China.

20% of Working Women Quit Jobs After Marriage
One in five working women quit their jobs after tying the knot. Statistics Korea on Wednesday said a total of 1.95 million working women quit their jobs because of pregnancy, childcare and other reasons. A total of 1.08 million or 55 percent were in their 30s.

Korea Defies Chinese Aerial Zone
A Korean patrol plane flew over the submerged shelf of Ieo on Tuesday without notifying China, three days after Beijing unilaterally announced an air defense identification zone that includes it.
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Hankyoreh (http://english.hani.co.kr)
Religious organizations turn up pressure seeking Pres. Park’s resignation
Groups say they have little faith that the government will responsibly deal with illegal election interference
As some Protestant organizations join calls for the President Park Geun-hye to step down, it appears that religious organizations are shifting from efforts to investigate the unfair presidential election toward putting pressure on the president to step down. This reflects a sense of hopelessness about reasonable calls for an investigation to be carried out into state institutions’ interference in the election and for those responsible to be punished being repeatedly blocked by the state powers.

[Special series part IV] Emotional laborer can’t forget being kicked to the floor by a customer
The woman, surnamed Lee, cannot forget what happened to her three years ago while she was working as a salesperson at a clothing store. Approaching a male customer who was trying on a pair of pants, she kneeled down and started adjusting the trouser cuffs. But the man told her to take her hands off of him and kicked her, knocking her to the floor. Her face red with embarrassment, Lee looked around at the coworkers nearby for help, but no one did anything.

US responds sternly to China’s declaration of airspace
The G2 states look poised for a conflict over Northeast Asia, with the US responding to China’s declaration of an air defense identification zone in the East China Sea with its own show of force.
At a summit in June, US President Barack Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed in principle to a “new type of great power relationship.” Taking a lesson from historical conflicts between established and emerging powers, they opted to look for a path to peaceful coexistence.

Opposition politician calls out “Park Geun-hye followers”
“Being pro-North Korea is anachronistic, but being a Park Geun-hye follower is anachronistic, too,” an opposition lawmaker said.
For several days in a row, Democratic Party floor leader Jeon Byung-hun has used the term “Park Geun-hye follower” in an attempt to stand up to the ruling party’s witch hunt against those accused of being pro-North Korea. By “Park Geun-hye follower,” Jeon is referring to uncritical followers of the president.

Park’s ‘creative economy’ just repackaged so-called ‘green’ projects
While the administration of President Park Geun-hye is advocating a creative economy, it was revealed that a significant number of the proposed projects related to the creative economy are identical to projects from the “green economy” implemented by the Lee Myung-bak government. Since this means that “green economy” projects are being repackaged as part of the “creative economy,” the Park administration may find it difficult to dodge accusations that the creative economy is copying previous policies.

Vietnam war commander to be buried among fallen comrades
South Korea’s first commander of troops in the Vietnam War is set to be buried alongside enlisted soldiers who died in the conflict. Retired Lt. Gen. Chae Myung-shin, who passed away on Nov. 25, was reported by many to have been tormented by the deaths of s...
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Joong Ang (conservative): (http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/)
Korea squeezed in air zone row
U.S. B-52s challenge China’s declaration of wider defense area
The United States flew two B-52 bombers over disputed islands in the East China Sea without prior notification in defiance of Beijing’s newly declared air defense identification zone. The flights escalated tension in the Northeast Asia region, leaving Korea in an awkward position…

Scant fallout from nuke shenanigans
Last May 28, the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission announced the outcome of its investigation into the nuclear reactor corruption scandal involving…

Raids find NIS link in love-child controversy
Prosecutors have determined that the personal details of a 54-year-old woman and her 11-year-old son - alleged paramour…

Budget deliberations in second day
The National Assembly yesterday entered into its second day of deliberations over next year’s budget proposals. Right now the prospect of completing…

Gov’t allays fears over railroad privatization
The Blue House scrambled yesterday to refute allegations raised by the opposition Democratic Party that the government is taking steps to privatize railroads…

Philippines arrests Korean mobster
The former leader of a Korean crime syndicate was arrested in the Philippines after hiding out in the Southeast Asian nation for more than two years…

Ancient seal likely stolen, official says
LOS ANGELES - South Korean officials say a 16th century royal seal in the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) may have been stolen…

Chun family’s art trove is up for auction
The private art collection of former strongman Chun Doo Hwan and his family will go on the block next month. Among some 600 pieces of art confiscated from…

Medical groups to defy reforms
The medical community is up in arms about a range of reform measures announced by the Park Geun-hye government.In a rare display of unity…

FSC scales back its financial vision
Financial Services Commission Chairman Shin Je-yoon had a determined look as he stepped into the press room yesterday to give a briefing on government…

LG names mobile head a president in reshuffle
LG Electronics promoted Park Jong-seok, head of the Mobile Communications unit, to be a president of the company yesterday despite a loss in its handset…

Government sells fraction of IBK shares
After years of effort, the government sold a small portion of its shares in the Industrial Bank of Korea yesterday, adding more than 265 billion won ($249.2 million)…

Gas kills 1, injures 8 at Hyundai plant
A gas leak at a Hyundai Green Power plant in Dangjin, South Chungcheong, killed one worker and injured eight.The fatal accident happened on Tuesday…
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Edaily (http://eng.edaily.co.kr/Stock/)
[US the closing price]The U.S. Dow Jones Index, 24.53p( 0.15%) slightly up.
The U.S. Dow Jones Index Closing (At 2013.11.27) The Dow closed at 16,097.33p, slightly up 24.53p( 0.15%)...

[Table]Exchange Rate Quotation
This is Exchange rate Quotation offered by Korea Exchange Bank. [table] Exchange Rate Quotation Offered by KEB ...

[Table]Exchange Rate Currency Crossrate
2013.11.29 08:10(Korean time), this is Currency Crossrate of major 12 countries. [table] FX Cross Currency ...

[Closed] Domestic rate of return of final bid closed. 3-year government bond up 2bp.
This is the rate of return of final bid. Quoted by Korea Financial Investment Association, domestic rate of return of final bid of 3-year government bond recorded at 2.99%, up ( 2bp) from yesterday. ...

[Closed]Dollar-won 1,061.50won, slightly up 0.40won( 0.04%)
Korean won closed at 1,061.50won per dallar slightly up 0.40( 0.04%) from previous day. [table] currently market of won dollar ...
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Maeil Kyungje (neutral-oriented conservative, economic/business): (http://news.mk.co.kr/english/)
MK suggests building new airport in Busan to foster it into global logistics hub
A new airport should be built at Busan, which considerably lacks airlift functions, to develop the city into a center of land, marine and air logistics, according to a proposal.Maeil Business Newspaper (MK) and Maeil Broadcasting Network unveiled a strategy to develop Busan into a hub covering the South Sea of South Korea at the 22nd Vision Korea National Conference held under the theme of “One Asia Metamorphosis, Ocean Initiative” at Lotte Hotel in..

Samsung SDI wins exclusive ESS deal in India
South Korea’s Samsung SDI said Thursday it has signed an exclusive deal to provide its Energy Storage System (ESS) to India’s telecom equipment company ACME.

Poll: only 8% of respondents say Park administration’s investment environment improves
Foreign companies’ appetite on investment in South Korea has deteriorated rapidly on a triple whammy - the anti-trust dog and National Assembly’s overregulations, labor-management conflicts including ordinary wage issue and tax authority’s pressure.

Ahn Cheol-soo declares to form new political party
Ahn Cheol-soo, an independent lawmaker, Thursday officially declared to establish a “committee for opening new politics with the public” to prepare for founding a new political party.

Salaries of officials at 10 public agencies likely to be slashed
The South Korean government will cut compensations of officials at public organizations that stirred a controversy for having piled up excessive debt or offering too much employee benefits.

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At the KUK Cultural Foundation Building behind Ritz Carlton Hotel

KUP hosts Year-end Concert with famed World Vision Children’s Choir of Korea

The Korea United Pharmaceutical Co. (KUP), hosts a Gala Year-end Dinner and Concert at the Cultural Foundation Building of the Company in Seoul (located behind the Ritz Carlton Hotel) on Dec. 26, 2013. It is presented by the famed World Vision of Korea Children’s Choir. Chairman Kang Duk-yung of the KUP invites the ambassadors and madams to the prestigious concert.

The repertoire consists of three parts, which include:

Part I:
Han-River Taryung (arr. Lee, Hyun Chul)
This is an arrangement of Korean folk song 'Han River Taryung' and winner of '2013 Andrea O. Veneracion International Choral Festival' in Folk song category. Using Korean traditional musical techniques and colors, it demonstrates the beauty and prosperity of Han river. Also fan dance emphasizes its beauty.

Surround A-Ri-Rang (arr. Lee, Sun Taek)One of most famous Korean folk song in Korea would be 'Arirang', and this piece is an arrangement with this song in unique way. Divided into three groups, it starts with echoes and developed more dramatically. The final climax with Arirang is a breathtaking moment in this piece.

Gagopa (arr. Lee, Hyun Chul)
Originally composed by Kim Dong Jin, this famous Korean Art Song is re-arranged to emphasize its beauty. Longing for homeland and old friends, lyrical melody line shows the emotion of sadness and also happiness.

About the World Vision Korea Children’s Choir
Throughout its 53-year history, various professional musicians in Korea and around the world compliment the Children’s Choir, praising the Choir as “Echoes of the Heaven.” The Choir’s achievement and quality have been proven by thousands of successful worldwide concerts. World Vision Children’s Choir of Korea (led by Artistic Director Kim Hee-Churl) has been bringing messages of hope and love to children around the world since 1960.
After the Korean War (1950-3), the World Vision Children’s Choir brought aid from foreign sponsors to the orphans and war widows of Korea. Founded by Rev. Dr. Bob Pierce, the Children’s Choir was formed by those helped by the World Vision.
Their mission was to sing on hope and love through God, and to seek more sponsorship. After winning the highest award at the prestigious 'Let the Peoples Sing' competition organized by the BBC of the United Kingdom in 1978, the World Vision Children’s Choir of Korea has gained international fame.
For the past 53 years, the Choir has sun to give hope and love to the helpless and voiceless children in Korea and around the world.
The Choir also performed for combined traditions and fresh ideas to create the best choral music that the Choir is proud as it plays a role model in sharing peace, hope, and love.

About the Artistic Director Kim Hee-Churl
Hee Churl Kim studied choral conducting under worldly renowned conductor Hak Won Yoon in Chung-Ang University. In Georgia State University, he studied with Dr. John Heberlen, who was the president of ACDA. In 1993, Mr. Kim conducted Vancouver Chamber Choir in Eric Ericson Master Class as a representative of Asia in World Choral Symposium held in Canada. From 1995 to 1997, he joined Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus to sing with Robert Show, who was one of the best choral conductors in the world. He conducted Atlanta Korean Children's Choir and Atlanta Master Chorale, and he served as a president of Atlanta Korean Musician Association. From 1994 to 1997, while he was a visiting professor of Georgia Theological Seminary, he had served as a coordinator in 'Music and Worship Conference’ held by PCUSA. After returning to Korea in 1997, he had conducted many choirs, such as, World Vision Korea Children's Choir, Gwang-Myung City Women's Chorale, and Sung-Nam City Teacher's Choir. He also taught in Chung-Ang University. He also served as a board member of the Korean Church Music Association. Currently, he is the conductor of Gwacheon City Women's Choir, which is the only professional women's choir in Korea, had concert tours in Manila, Philippine by invitation of Philippine Madrigal Singers in 2004. Also, the choir was invited from Vancouver to celebrate the Winter Olympic Games in 2009. In 2004, he became an Artistic Director and Administrative Director of World Vision Korea Children's Choir. In 2009, he made a film called 'You and You' with World Vision Korea Children's Choir under director Je Hyun Park, who is one of the famous movie directors in Korea. As an artistic director, he has been hosting International Children's Choir Festival every three years by inviting the most prestige choirs from all around the world to help poor and devastated children in the world. As an opening concert of 2007 ICCF, he conducted a contemporary piece 'Gana and Dara' composed by In Sun Cho, worldly renown contemporary composer who served as a professor in Chung-Ang University. Mr. Kim made several CDs and DVDs, such as, 'Blessings', Songs of Love', 'Winter Sonata', and etc.
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