Tuesday, October 19, 2021
Round-up of important news from major Korean dailies and from international media today
The Korea Post (http://www.koreapost.com/)
“We should try to eliminate barriers, harmonize technical regulations”
he following are details of the speech by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of the Republic of Uzbekistan at an extraordinary meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council via video conference on Oct. 14, 2021. The information and photos were provided by the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Seoul to The Korea Post media for publication. The Korea Post publishes 3 English and 2 Korean-language news publications since 1985—Ed. On October 14, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev took part in an extraordinary meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council via videoconference. The President of Uzbekistan is participating in the summits of this integration association for the third time since Uzbekistan received the status of an observer state in the EAEU in December 2020.
Azerbaijan marks 30th anniversary of Restoration of Independence
The Republic of Azerbaijan marks the 30th anniversary of adoption of the Constitutional Act on the Restoration of the State Independence on Oct. 18, 2021. On this most auspicious occasion, the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan provided The Korea Post media with a special statement. Details follow: October 18, 1991, it was thirty years ago when the Supreme Council of Azerbaijan adopted the Constitutional Act on Restoration of State Independence. Thus, Azerbaijan regained its independence for the second time in the 20th century. On May 28, 1918, the First Democratic Republic in the Muslim East was established in Azerbaijan, and we are proud to have been the first in the Muslim World.
Amb. Fen greatly contributes to promoting ties between Korea, Uzbekistan, also other countries
On Oct. 6, 2021, The Korea Post media honored Ambassador Vitaliy Fen of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Seoul with a Plaque of Citation for the unreserved efforts and dedication he has made to the promotion of relations, cooperation and friendship between Korea and his country of Uzbekistan.
With an ability of impeccable ability of communication in the Korean language, Ambassador Fen has immeasurably contributed to the enhancement of relations between Korea and Uzbekistan. Ambassador Fen was also very instrumental in the promotion of relations between Korea and the 117 different countries of the world with resident embassies in Korea as the dean of the Seoul Diplomatic Corps.
KBS (http://world.kbs.co.kr/service)
S. Korea's Top Security Adviser, US Intelligence Chief Discuss N. Korea Issues
A top national security official has met with a U.S. intelligence chief to discuss North Korea issues. According to an official at the presidential office, Suh Hoon, director of national security at the top office, met with U.S. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines over lunch on Monday in Seoul. The two sides reportedly had extensive discussions on the situation on the Korean Peninsula and ways to develop the South Korea-U.S. alliance. They are thought to have shared assessments on the recent missile launches by North Korea and its calls for Washington and Seoul to withdraw their hostile policies toward Pyongyang.
Blinken Meets IAEA Chief to Discuss N. Korea, Iran
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency(IAEA) on Monday to discuss pending issues including North Korea and Iran's nuclear programs. According to the State Department, at the start of talks with IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi in Washington, Blinken said the U.S. strongly supports the agency’s work, as it plays a vital role in monitoring Iran's nuclear activities. He added that Iran will be a big part of the focus in the meeting, but there are many things to discuss. Grossi also said that the two sides have a vast agenda, ranging from important political issues like Iran and the North Korea situation. He said the meeting will also discuss the U.S.' roles in peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
Key Figure in Land Development Scandal Arrested on Arrival from US
A key figure in a land development scandal has been arrested as he returned home from the United States on Monday morning. Lawyer Nam Wook, who left for the U.S. in mid-September before the investigation into the land development scandal began, arrived at 5 a.m. at Incheon International Airport. Nam was arrested upon arrival and transported to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office. Nam is one of four key figures in the massive construction project in Seongnam, including Kim Man-bae, the largest shareholder of Hwacheon Daeyu Asset Management, and Yoo Dong-gyu, the former acting president of Seongnam Development Corporation, which holds a majority stake in the project.
Yonhap (http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr)
New virus cases hit 3-month low; eased rules on private gatherings in force
South Korea's daily coronavirus cases dropped to the lowest level in more than three months Monday as the country eased restrictions on private gatherings ahead of preparations for a gradual shift to the "living with COVID-19" scheme. The country reported 1,050 new cases, including 1,030 local infections, raising the total caseload to 343,445, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said. Monday's tally is the lowest daily number since July 7, when the country reported 1,211 additional virus cases on the onset of the fourth wave of the pandemic. The daily cases have since stayed in the quadruple digits, including the record high of 3,273 on Sept. 25.
U.S. intel chief meets S. Korea's top security advisor to discuss N. Korea
U.S. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines held talks with a top South Korean security official in Seoul on Monday to discuss North Korean issues as Seoul and Washington crank up diplomacy to resume dialogue with Pyongyang, sources said Monday. Haines, who arrived in South Korea on Sunday, met with Suh Hoon, director of national security at Cheong Wa Dae, over lunch at a Seoul hotel. The two have shared their assessments of the security situation on the Korean Peninsula, following Pyongyang's recent series of missile launches, according to the sources.
S. Korea to kick off large-scale defense exhibition
South Korea will kick off a biennial defense exhibition this week to showcase cutting-edge military hardware and technologies, including stealth fighters, hydrogen-fuel drones and laser weapons, organizers said Monday. The Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (ADEX) will begin its five-day run on Tuesday at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam, just south of Seoul, as the security landscape in Northeast Asia is fraught with uncertainties stemming from a muscle-flexing China and a nuclear-ambitious North Korea, to say nothing of an intensifying Sino-U.S. rivalry.
The Korea Herald (http://www.koreaherald.com)
Lee shifts blame for corruption, takes credit for project
Gyeonggi Province Gov. Lee Jae-myung on Monday continued to praise himself for his role in a controversial land development project while distancing himself from any alleged corruption, and attacked the opposition bloc for undercutting his milestone achievement. The leading presidential candidate representing the ruling Democratic Party said Monday that he was the chief officer responsible for the land development project in Daejang-dong, a neighborhood within Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, when he was mayor of the city from 2014 to 2018.
Countdown on for S. Korea's self-developed satellite launcher Nuri
South Korea will test its first domestically-developed satellite launch vehicle this week, which, if successful, will mark a major step forward in the country’s space program. The three-stage liquid fuel rocket, also known as Korean Satellite Launch Vehicle II or the Nuri, will lift off at 4 p.m. on Thursday from the Naro Space Center in Goheung, South Jeolla Province, carrying a 1.5-ton dummy payload. If all things go well, the payload will enter into low orbit 600 to 800 kilometers above the Earth. Whether or not the test is a success will likely be known about 16 minutes after the launch, according to Han Sang-yeop, director of the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, which designed the vehicle.
NK may test long-range missile next year: US intelligence agency
North Korea may resume long-range ballistic missile tests next year, the US Defense Intelligence Agency said, warning that the regime is unlikely to renounce its weapons of mass destruction as it believes they are critical to the country’s survival. The DIA, which provides intelligence to the Defense Department, released a report Friday examining Pyongyang’s military program, strategy and intentions, stressing that the North will continue to pose a “critical security challenge” for the US and its allies. “North Korean leaders view nuclear arms as critical to regime survival,” the report said, noting that the regime retains its WMD capabilities
The Korea Times (http://www.koreatimes.co.kr)
US envoy for North Korea to visit Seoul for talks on end-of-war declaration
U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Policy Sung Kim will visit Seoul this week for talks on ways to restart dialogue with the reclusive North, including an end-of-war declaration, the U.S. diplomat said Monday. Kim's trip to Seoul will follow his meeting with his South Korean and Japanese counterparts, Noh Kyu-duk and Takehiro Funakoshi, respectively, here in Washington this week. "Special Representative Noh and I also discussed the end of war proposal, and I look forward to continuing those discussions and other issues of mutual concern when I'm in Seoul later this week," the U.S. diplomat said of his meeting with Noh at the State Department.
Korea falls far behind in decarbonization: climate advocacy
Korea's overall climate action remains highly insufficient, as indicated by its heavy reliance on fossil fuels for energy generation, government financing for coal projects and a shortfall in its carbon emissions target, global climate advocacy said Monday. Korea should promptly phase out coal power by 2030, halt construction of new coal plants, streamline operation approval for generators of renewables and improve grid access, according to Climate Transparency, a global partnership of 16 think tanks and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The entity comprises experts from the majority of G20 member nations with a mission of advocating for stronger climate action by the G20 countries.
LGES on aggressive U.S. expansion with Stellantis tie-up
LG Energy Solution (LGES) is aggressively expanding its presence in the fast-growing U.S. market for electric vehicles (EVs), unveiling plans for its second joint venture with a global carmaker, Monday. LGES has moved quickly to recover from the fallout over GM EV battery fires, accelerating the process to debut on the local stock market. LG's battery-making affiliate stated it has signed a partnership with Stellantis, the world's sixth-largest automotive group, to jointly produce EV batteries. Stellantis launched in January as a merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group, and its brands include Jeep, Ram, Dodge and Fiat.
Chosun Ilbo (http://english.chosun.com)
Mom-and-Pop Stores Face Closure Due to Lockdown
A majority of mom-and-pop stores have been driven to the brink of bankruptcy by the coronavirus pandemic, an alarming new survey suggests. Pollster Embrain surveyed 800 mom-and-pop stores in Seoul, Gyeonggi Province, Busan, Daegu, Daejeon and Gwangju in late August and early September, and six out of 10 owners said they are not sure if they can stay open much longer if lockdown continue. Fifty-eight percent of respondents face closure, but all said their financial difficulties will worsen if lockdown is tightened. Over 60 percent of service businesses said they cannot last another three months, while 66 percent expect business conditions to worsen.
Space Rocket All Set for Launch on Thursday
Korea's Nuri space rocket will blast off on Thursday unless a sudden change in the weather gets in the way. The country spent W1.96 trillion since 2010 to develop its first wholly homegrown space rocket (US$1=W1,184). If the launch is successful, Korea will become only the 10th country to send a rocket into space with its own technology. The Nuri is a three-stage space rocket capable of putting a 1.5-ton satellite into orbit 600 to 800 km above the earth. It will be transported to the launch pad at the Naro Space Center in Goheung, South Jeolla Province on Wednesday morning, but the exact timing of the blastoff on Thursday afternoon will be decided based on the weather and risks of colliding with satellites and space debris. The maximum wind speed must be below 21 m/s.
N.Korea 'Poised to Resume Nuke, ICBM Tests'
North Korea could be poised to resume tests of nuclear bombs and intercontinental ballistic missiles, a U.S. intelligence agency warns. In a report released last week, the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency said, "Integrating a nuclear weapon with a ballistic missile and enabling that nuclear-armed missile to function reliably as a system is North Korea's ultimate operational goal. Further underground nuclear tests to validate weapon capabilities are possible if North Korea reconstitutes its nuclear test site or establishes a new one."
HanKyoReh Shinmun (http://english.hani.co.kr)
Flurry of high-level talks between US, S. Korea rekindle hope for dialogue with N. Korea
Amid a series of high-level deliberations between South Korea and the US, attention is focusing on whether the two countries can find a way to resume dialogue with North Korea, perhaps by pushing for an official end to the Korean War. An end-of-war declaration is something that South Korean President Moon Jae-in has repeatedly proposed. “I expect there will be full-fledged deliberations at the working level on several ways [to resume the Korean Peninsula peace process], including an end-of-war declaration,” said Noh Kyu-duk, special representative for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs, while visiting Washington, DC, on Saturday, following a trip to Russia. An end-of-war declaration, Noh said, “could create an opportunity for resuming important kinds of dialogue right now.”
Solidarity and cooperation for a safer future
The New York Times columnist Thomas L. Friedman argued that the history of humanity would be divided into “BC” and “AC” — “before COVID-19,” and “after COVID-19.” The world is now endeavoring to respond to the multifaceted social changes and new challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has brought. Policing is at the frontline of these changes as it must be sensitive to risk factors affecting public safety. The police should be proactive in understanding the emerging circumstances and putting forward new approaches to protect public safety everywhere all the time.
Lee Jae-myung fails to pick up post-nomination boost in polls
Democratic Party presidential nominee Lee Jae-myung failed to enjoy a post-convention bump to his popularity, which opinion polls showed slipping slightly instead. The conclusion of his selection as a nominee was overshadowed by fellow presidential hopeful Lee Nak-yon’s objections over the selection process, along with allegations concerning a land development scandal in Seongnam’s Daejang neighborhood. The awkward start for Lee Jae-myung as a nominee — with his campaign taking a hit rather than enjoying a boost — leaves him trying to turn things around.
The Dong-A Ilbo (http://english.donga.com/)
All coal power plants to disappear by 2050 in S. Korea
South Korea set a goal to close all coal power plants by 2050 to achieve carbon neutrality. To achieve the goal, the country plans to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases to 40 percent of the 2018 level by 2030. The presidential committee on carbon neutrality by 2050 deliberated and passed “2050 carbon neutrality scenarios” and “revised plan for 2030 nationally determined contributions (NDC),” containing the above goals at a plenary meeting on Monday. There are two scenarios to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 – A. removing all coal and LNG power plants and B. removing only coal power plants.
Seoul Int’l Music Festival to be held under theme of ‘Amusement Park’
“Having everyday life forever changed by the COVID-19 pandemic, I’m starting to realize how precious the things we had taken for granted were.” The theme of the 13th Seoul International Music Festival (SIMF) is “Amusement Park.” In a press conference held in Seoul last week, art director Ryu Jae-joon said he wants to give people the hope that they can have those moments of happiness in life again, like the moments they enjoyed the rides in amusement parks with their loved ones.
Synod 2021 opens in Vatican
The Catholic Church community’s eyes are on the Synod 2021, which recently opened. The Synod is a convention of bishops to discuss matters of the church and seek advice from the Pope. Pope Francis formally opened the Synod of Bishops on Oct. 10 (local time) with a solemn Mass in St Peter’s Basilica. “Let us not soundproof our hearts; let us not remain barricaded in our certainties,” he said. Instead, “Let us listen to one another.” When we follow Jesus in listening with the heart, “people feel they are being heard, not judged; they feel free to recount their own experiences and their spiritual journey.”
The KyungHyangShinmun (http://english.khan.co.kr/)
Prime Minister Kim, “From Next Week, up to 8 People Can Gather in the Greater Seoul Area and up to 10 People in Other Areas”
On October 15, Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum announced the new distancing measures that will be applied beginning October 18 and said, “Even in areas where level-4 distancing is enforced, private gatherings of up to eight people will be allowed, regardless of whether the time is before or after 6 p.m. In level-3 areas, up to 10 people can gather.” This day, the prime minister presided over a Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting on COVID-19 and said, “The government will adjust some of the disease prevention measures after taking into consideration the changing circumstances in order to relieve some of the pain of small business owners and self-employed business owners who are struggling to make ends meet.”
The Aftermath of the Democratic Primaries Rings an Alarm: 40% of Lee Nak-yon’s Supporters Went to Yoon Seok-youl
On October 14, the results of a survey showed that some of the supporters of Lee Nak-yon, former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea who lost in the party primaries, expressed their support for former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl, a presidential candidate of the People Power Party and not Gyeonggi Governor Lee Jae-myung, who was elected as the Democratic Party candidate. ounds from the party primaries have yet to heal, and they appear to be behind the latest result. Some experts believe this is a warning sign on the “one team” that the Democratic Party is trying to form ahead of the presidential race. According to an OhmyNews survey of 2,027 people conducted by Realmeter on October 11-12, when the respondents were asked which candidate they supported in a four-way presidential race of Lee Jae-myung, Yoon Seok-youl, Sim Sang-jeung, and Ahn Cheol-soo, 34.0% chose Lee Jae-myung and 33.7% chose Yoon Seok-youl.
“What? Is He Blind?” Yoo Seong-min Attacks Yoon Seok-youl for His Unrefined Criticism
On October 14, former lawmaker Yoo Seong-min, one of the People Power Party’s presidential candidates, attacked former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl for making crude comments criticizing him and said that Yoon should take care of the cases of his mother-in-law, his wife and himself first; quit making one reckless comment a day; and study policies. He also said, “He (Yoon) became an overnight sensation thanks to his role as the Moon Jae-in government’s faithful dog, and now what? Is he blind?” This day, Yoo uploaded a post on social media and asked, “How can a cowardly candidate full of weaknesses beat Lee Jae-myung?”
Maeil Business News Korea (http://www.pulsenews.co.kr/)
Chinese display makers made fast strides in OLED, threatening Korean dominance
South Korean display makers may have to look over their shoulder on their competitive field of OLED as Chinese names make fast strides in the high-performance flexible panel market after dominating LCD. BOE, China’s biggest display manufacturer, has recently started shipping low temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) OLED panels for 6.1-inch iPhone 13 series. BOE has won order from Apple after it activated 6th generation flexible OLED manufacturing factory in May 2017. Last year, it began supplying OLEDs for refurbished iPhones.
U.S. biotech firm Cerecin raises $30mn from Korean investors
Cerecin, a global healthcare company under Swiss food giant Nestlé, has raised about 35 billion won ($30 million) from Korean institutions to become ready for Kosdaq debut next year. According to sources on Sunday, the U.S. biotech firm dedicated to central nervous system drugs, recently completed a $30 million series II funding round led by K&T Partners. Other Korean investors participated in the funding round include Hana Financial Investment, Arche Investment, SK Securities, KB Securities, M Capital, Shinhan Investment, Partners Investment
H Robotics draws $10mn in series B round pre-IPO fundraising
H Robotics, a Korean rehabilitation robot device developer, said on Monday it has raised 12 billion won ($10 million) in a series B round of funding to speed up commercial developments and overseas market penetration while prepping to go public on the Kosdaq market next year. The latest investment round led by Posco Capital was attended by Hana Financial Investment, Shinhan Venture Investment, Openwater Investment, DSC Investment, Schmidt, BNK Venture Investment, and L&S Venture Capital, among others.
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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
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Mainichi www.mainichi.jp
Le Monde www.ilemonde.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
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LSM.lv http://www.lsm.lv/en
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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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