The Korean daily media headlines and humor

Friday, April 26, 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.

Kim says Korean Peninsula peace entirely depends on Washington's future attitude

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said peace and security on the Korean Peninsula will entirely depend on Washington's future attitude during his first summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, state media said Friday. In the summit held in Russia's Far East city of Vladivostok on Thursday, Kim blamed Washington's "unilateral" attitude for the breakdown of his February meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump and the current stalemate in denuclearization negotiations, according to the Korean Central News Agency.

Moon says N. Korea-Russia summit to help promote regional peace

South Korean President Moon Jae-in said Thursday that the summit between North Korea and Russia is expected to be helpful to a regional peace process. Meeting here with a top aide to President Vladimir Putin, Moon also appreciated Putin's efforts for a political and diplomatic resolution to the Korean Peninsula issue, according to his office, Cheong Wa Dae.

Trump, Abe to coordinate N.K. policy at White House meeting

U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will coordinate their next steps to achieve North Korea's denuclearization when they meet at the White House this week, a senior U.S. government official said Thursday. Abe will be in Washington on Friday for an official working visit, which will include bilateral meetings involving national security and trade officials, and a private dinner between the two leaders and their spouses, the official said during a background briefing.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

National Assembly Fails to Put Reform Bills on Fast Track amid Violent Clashes

The National Assembly has failed to put a set of reform bills on the fast track due to a strong protest from the main opposition Liberty Korea Party(LKP). The ruling Democratic party and three minor parties planned to put the bills to a vote on Thursday night by holding sessions for two special Assembly committees on judiciary and political reform. However, LKP lawmakers and party members blocked the committee members' entry into the conference rooms, resulting in violent physical scuffles.

Kim Jong-un: Korean Peninsula Peace Depends on US' Future Attitude

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said on Thursday that peace and security on the Korean Peninsula will depend entirely on the U.S.'s future attitude during his first summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The North's official Korean Central News Agency reported on Friday that during the summit held in Russia's Far East city of Vladivostok, Kim blamed Washington's "unilateral" attitude for the collapse of his February meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump and the current stalemate in denuclearization negotiations.

S. Korea's Consumer Sentiment Rises for 5th Straight Month

South Korea's consumer sentiment improved for the fifth consecutive month in April. According to the Bank of Korea(BOK) on Friday, the composite consumer sentiment index(CCSI) came to 101-point-six for the month, up one-point-eight from the previous month. The reading posted growth for five straight months since last December and also marks the first time in seven months the index breached the 100 mark. A reading above 100 means optimists outnumber pessimists. Five of six indexes comprising the CCSI increased, while one remained unchanged from the previous month.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

BOK chief says economic conditions will improve

South Korea's economic conditions will improve from the current dire situation down the road, the central bank chief said Friday."It is true that the economy is facing hardship as external conditions are not favorable and the private sector remains subdued," Bank of Korea Gov. Lee Ju-yeol said in a meeting with heads of local banks."But the government spending's contribution to the economic growth will increase, and global economic conditions will gradually improve," he said.

Prosecution rejects ex-President Park's plea for suspension of prison sentence

The prosecution on Thursday dismissed the petition of former President Park Geun-hye, now serving jail time for abuse of power and corruption, to suspend the execution of her sentence, citing that her health condition does not warrant receiving such a measure. The decision was made by a committee under the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office tasked with deliberating on whether to grant suspensions of jail terms.

PM Lee visits southwestern province to foster hydrogen economy

Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon on Thursday visited a center focusing on hydrogen fuel cell technology and a factory run by leading carmaker Hyundai Motor Co. in North Jeolla Province. Lee's trip is part of the government's efforts to nurture the so-called hydrogen economy as the country seeks to shift toward emission-free energy resources. North Jeolla Province, in the southwest of the country, seeks to become a hub of hydrogen fuel cell-related industries. Riding in a hydrogen fuel cell car, Lee arrived at the innovation center aimed at supporting the development of hydrogen fuel cell components and technology in Wanju County and met with local businessmen and officials.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

PM Lee visits southwestern province to foster hydrogen economy

Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon on Thursday visited a center focusing on hydrogen fuel cell technology and a factory run by leading carmaker Hyundai Motor Co. in North Jeolla Province. Lee's trip is part of the government's efforts to nurture the so-called hydrogen economy as the country seeks to shift toward emission-free energy resources.

Kim says Korean peace depends on US' attitude

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said peace and security on the Korean Peninsula will entirely depend on Washington's future attitude during his first summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, state media said Friday. In the summit held in Russia's Far East city of Vladivostok on Thursday, Kim blamed Washington's "unilateral" attitude for the breakdown of his February meeting with US President Donald Trump and the current stalemate in denuclearization negotiations, according to the Korean Central News Agency.

Putin calls for six-way talks for North Korea’s denuclearization

Russian President Vladimir Putin called Thursday for the resumption of six-way talks on North Korea’s denuclearization to move stalled negotiations forward. “If South Korea and the US can offer sufficient measures for (North Korea’s security) guarantee, the six-party talks may not be operated. But the guarantee mechanism from the South and the US does not seem to be sufficient,” he said. He was speaking at a press conference after a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un for the first time at Far Eastern Federal University in Russia’s Pacific port city Vladivostok.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

BOK chief says economic conditions will improve

South Korea's economic conditions will improve from the current dire situation down the road, the central bank chief said Friday. "It is true that the economy is facing hardship as external conditions are not favorable and the private sector remains subdued," Bank of Korea Gov. Lee Ju-yeol said in a meeting with heads of local banks. "But the government spending's contribution to the economic growth will increase, and global economic conditions will gradually improve," he said.

Young Koreans delay marriage amid economic uncertainties

Yoon Hwan was on cloud nine last year when his girlfriend said "yes" after he popped the question. He envisioned a happy future full of precious moments with his wife and children. But that euphoria quickly gave way to a heavy heart when his dream was deflated by a lack of money and uncertain financial future. He feels his confidence being eroded by a lingering perception that, upon marriage, men should provide a home for the couple to live in and women should buy furniture and appliances to fill the home.

im says Korean Peninsula peace entirely depends on Washington's future attitude

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said peace and security on the Korean Peninsula will entirely depend on Washington's future attitude during his first summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, state media said Friday. In the summit held in Russia's Far East city of Vladivostok on Thursday, Kim blamed Washington's "unilateral" attitude for the breakdown of his February meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump and the current stalemate in denuclearization negotiations, according to the Korean Central News Agency.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Hyundai Turns Performance Around Thanks to Palisade SUV

Hyundai saw its performance turn around in the first quarter of this year after suffering earnings shocks last year. The carmaker said on Wednesday that its first-quarter sales rose 6.9 percent on-year to W23.99 trillion and operating profit 21.1 percent to W824.9 billion (US$1=W1,150). Its net profit stood at W953.8 billion. In the fourth quarter of last year, Hyundai suffered a net loss of W203 billion, while its operating profit plunged 35.4 percent on-year to W501.1 billion.

LG to Stop Making Smartphones in Korea

LG is about to close its smartphone factory in Korea after four years of losses and move production to Vietnam, sources said Wednesday. LG is already in talks with its labor union over the shutdown of the factory in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province. "The decision was made to narrow losses at a time when the global smartphone market is suffering from a slump," an LG source said. The Korean electronics giant has overseas smartphone plants in Brazil, China, India and Vietnam. The Pyeongtaek plant makes the G8 ThinQ and V50 phones and accounts for around 15 percent of its annual output of 39.7 million handsets.

Kim Jong-un Fires Right-Hand Man After Hanoi Debacle

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un fired his erstwhile right-hand man Kim Yong-chol after the collapse of his summit with U.S. President Donald Trump in Hanoi in February.The National Intelligence Service here on Wednesday told lawmakers that Kim Yong-chol was replaced as head of the United Front Department by Jang Kum-chol, a member of the Asia-Pacific Peace Committee.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

US senators visit S. Korea to reiterate denuclearization must come before sanctions relief
The position among US politicians and the US public that sanctions against North Korea cannot be relieved until it takes significant and concrete steps toward denuclearization was reiterated by Democratic Party Senators Chris Coons and Maggie Hassan on Apr. 24 following a two-day visit to South Korea – one of numerous recent visits by US Senators. Coons and Hassan also said the South Korean government stressed the absence of any differences with the US in terms of its approach to North Korea issues.

North Korea replaces director of United Front Department

Reports indicate that Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) Central Committee Vice Chairman Kim Yong-chol, who has overseen the North’s dealings with South Korea and the US, including its high-stakes denuclearization talks with the US, since last year, was abruptly replaced as the director of the WPK United Front Department by Jang Kum-chol, a member of the Korea-Asia-Pacific Peace Committee. Rep. Lee Hye-hun, a lawmaker with the Bareunmirae Party and the chair of the National Assembly’s Intelligence Committee, told the Hankyoreh over the telephone on Apr. 24 that she had heard this information from the National Intelligence Service (NIS).

Kim Jong-un arrives in Vladivostok for summit with Putin
At 6 pm on Apr. 24, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un arrived in Vladivostok, Russia, on his personal train. Kim indulged in some unconventional behavior on the occasion, agreeing with a smile to an impromptu interview with international reporters. After his train arrived at Khasan, a town near the North Korea-Russia border, Kim was interviewed by the TV station Russia 24. “As I receive the warm welcome of the Russian people, I believe that this will be a useful and successful visit and that my meeting with your president will be an opportunity to discuss many issues, exchange many opinions and have a conversation that will be very useful for maintaining stability in the region and jointly managing affairs,” Kim said.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Chinese media points to THAAD aftermath for Hyundai Motor’s plant closure

In the wake of news that Beijing Hyundai Motor Company, a Chinese joint-venture of Hyundai Motors, will discontinue the operation of its No.1 plant in Beijing, China in May, a Chinese state-run media pointed to the aftermath of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) issue as a cause for the automotive company’s recent sluggish sales. Hyundai Motor is likely to shut Beijing plant amid sinking sales after suffering from weak competitiveness and being also affected by the falling appeal among Chinese consumers for South Korean brands after the country's deployment of the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense anti-missile system, The Global Times, a Chinese state-run English-language newspaper, reported Monday, citing multiple employees of Beijing Hyundai Motor.

What if an artificial brain has consciousness?

“Mini brains consisting of millions of brain cells are grown from stem cells. What happens if they react to stimuli, such as light, and have consciousness? Who, if anyone, should ‘own’ ex vivo brain tissue when the entire brain or partial tissues are extracted from patients for the purpose of treatment? If the brain is transplanted to other animals, is it human’s or animal’s?” The above is from the statement released by 17 U.S. life scientists and legal scholars in Nature, an international scientific journal, in April 2018. The authors presented a future situation to be faced with saying, “difficult questions will be raised as models of the human brain get closer to replicating its functions.” One of the questions raised in the statement involved a possible change to the definition of death.

Leader of Liberty in North Korea met with FBI in New York and LA

Adrian Hong, who leads an NGO called “Liberty in North Korea” that had broken in at the DPRK embassy in Spain in February, met with the FBI in New York and Los Angeles. According to an FBI written prosecution released by The Associated Press on Tuesday (local time), Hong boarded a plane for New York on February 23, the following day he broke into the DPRK embassy in Spain. Hong took out and showed the items he had acquired and told the FBI that he had “brought them from the embassy” and “though he had carried a knife and air soft gun, he did not take them out.” Later on, when he went to Los Angeles and met with FBI agents, he told them that “there was a U.S. Marine veteran retired from Southern California involved in the attack,” disclosing information about Christopher Ahn, a fellow member of the NGO.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Shinhan Financial’s Q1 net profit up 7.1% on gains from new insurance unit

South Korea’s Shinhan Financial Group Co. reported a 7.1 percent increase in its net profit for the first quarter ended March from a year earlier, thanks to gains from its insurance unit Orange Life Insurance Ltd. it acquired last year. Shinhan Financial Group said in a regulatory filing on Thursday that it posted a net profit of 918.4 billion won ($791 million) on a consolidated basis in the January-March period, up 7.1 percent from the same period a year earlier. The bottom line is well above market expectation of 880.3 billion won.

BOK to mull rate cuts this year due to unexpected fall in Q1 GDP: Brokerages

South Korea’s central bank is expected to cut policy rates later this year, which is sooner than previously forecast, after the country’s economy unexpectedly contracted in the firth quarter, brokerage houses projected on Thursday. KTB Investment & Securities Co. said in a report on Thursday that Korea’s growth in the first quarter was much weaker than expected and there is now greater possibility for a rate cut by the Bank of Korea (BOK) later this year to prevent the country’s economy from further retreating.

Samsung’s three biosimilars hit record-high quarterly sales in Europe

Three biosimilars developed by Samsung Bioepis have achieved the biggest quarterly sales of nearly $180 million in Europe in the first quarter of this year, according to the company’s marketing partner Biogen on Wednesday. The combined sales of Benepali (etanercept), Flixabi (infliximab) and Imraldi (adalimumab), key biosimilars to treat auto-immune diseases, came to $174.4 million across Europe, up 12 percent from the fourth quarter of last year.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 http://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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What are you waiting for?

Use us!
The Korea Post media are more than eager to be used, and to serve you—with the following five news outlets, 34 years old this year!

Korean-language Internet edition: http://www.koreapost.co.kr
English-language Internet edition: http://www.koreapost.com
Korean-language print newspaper:
http://pdf.koreapost.co.kr/38/3801.pdf
http://pdf.koreapost.co.kr/38/3802.pdf
http://pdf.koreapost.co.kr/38/3803.pdf
http://www.koreapost.co.kr/pdf/list.php?category=&syear=2018&smonth=03&sday=26&hosu=40
English E-daily: http://www.koreapost.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=8921
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

저작권자 © The Korea Post 무단전재 및 재배포 금지