Headlines, May 21, 2019

SPECIAL NOTICE:

My heart-felt gratitude to the Excellencies and Madams for the kind response in the affirmative to the one-night-two-day Tour of Ulsan and Gyeongju on May 31-June 1, 2019.

Excellencies and Madams who have not yet made a reservation, please scroll down to the bottom of this Headlines Report for full details of the invitation. For further details, please call Ms. Son (010-4847-3414), Hwang (010-7200-1267) and/or Chairman Lee Kyung-sik of The Korea Post media at 010-5201-1740.

For full details, please scroll down to the bottom of this Report.

The Korean daily media headlines and humor

Tuesday, May 21, 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.

Trump says Kim wanted to remove 1 or 2 of five nuke sites during Hanoi summit

U.S. President Donald Trump has said that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un wanted to remove only one or two of the five nuclear sites in his country during their summit in Hanoi in February. Trump made remarks in an interview with Fox News on Sunday (Washington time), reiterating his vow not to allow Iran to have nuclear arms amid heightened military tensions with the Islamic republic.

S. Korea says will prudently consider Japan's call for arbitration panel over forced labor

South Korea will look prudently into Japan's request for the formation of an arbitration panel involving a third-country member to address the long-simmering issue of Tokyo's wartime forced labor, Seoul's foreign ministry said Monday. Earlier in the day, the ministry received a formal request for the panel's establishment. Tokyo bases it on dispute settlement procedures laid out in a 1965 state-to-state accord that normalized bilateral ties after Japan's 1910-45 colonization of the peninsula.

Moon appreciates UAE's help in getting S. Korean hostage freed

President Moon Jae-in had phone talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday, days after a South Korean hostage in Libya was released with the help of the UAE authorities. Moon expressed his gratitude to the UAE government and the crown prince, who doubles as deputy supreme commander of the country's armed forces, for efforts to get the man freed, according to Cheong Wa Dae spokesperson, Ko Min-jung.

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

Floor Leaders of Three Parties Agree on Need to Normalize Parliament

The floor leaders of the ruling Democratic Party(DP) and two opposition parties agreed on the need to resume stalled parliamentary talks but failed to reach any agreement. The floor leaders of the DP, the main opposition Liberty Korea Party and the minor opposition Bareunmirae Party held a meeting on Monday over beers at a bar near the National Assembly to discuss ways to normalize parliament.

Moon Thanks UAE Crown Prince for Hostage Release

President Moon Jae-in held phone talks with the leader of the United Arab Emirates(UAE) to express his gratitude for the release of a South Korean hostage in Libya. Presidential spokeswoman Ko Min-jung said that President Moon spoke with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the phone for 20 minutes from 9 p.m. on Monday.

S. Korea's Producer Prices Rise for Third Consecutive Month in April

South Korea's producer prices rose in April for the third straight month due to rising prices of crude oil and farm products. According to the Bank of Korea on Tuesday, the producer price index, a barometer of future consumer inflation, came to 103-point-67 last month, up point-three percent from a month earlier. The index rose for three straight months since February after falling for four months since October of last year.

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

S. Korea, Switzerland seek better future through 4th Industrial Revolution

South Korea and Switzerland seek to harness the Fourth Industrial Revolution to improve the lives of people and fuel growth going forward, the government said Tuesday. At a joint "smart living" symposium in Seoul, the two sides highlighted the potential of ongoing industrial changes such as smart mobility and security, inclusive technologies to help the socially disadvantaged and finding tech-driven solutions to resolve tough issues facing the world, the Ministry of Science and ICT said.

Cabinet approves lowering stock transaction tax

South Korea said Tuesday it will begin to lower the tax rate on securities transactions by 0.05 percentage point early next month in an apparent move to stimulate the local stock market. The cut in the securities transaction tax -- endorsed by the Cabinet earlier in the day -- is set to begin June 3, according to the Ministry of Economy and Finance. Currently, South Korea levies a 0.15 percent and a 0.3 percent tax on transactions of stocks listed on the country's benchmark KOSPI bourse and tech-heavy KOSDAQ, respectively.

S. Korea pushing to hold defense ministers' talks with Japan, China

South Korea is trying to set up bilateral defense ministers' talks with Japan and China on the sidelines of an annual regional security forum early next month in an effort to restore strained defense ties with the neighboring nations, officials said Tuesday. Discussions are underway with Japan and China to organize one-on-one talks between Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo and his counterparts when the top defense officials gather in Singapore for the annual forum, known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, slated for May 31-June 2, according to the officials.

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

Officials to introduce police reform measures aimed at preventing power abuse

Officials of South Korea’s legislative and executive branches as well as Cheong Wa Dae on Monday agreed on the need to prevent abuse of power by police, who will be given greater authority under a political reform bill being fast-tracked through the National Assembly. To increase checks and balances, the officials agreed to establish a head office to separate police tasked with investigative assignments from general police. They also talked about amendments to punish police intelligence officers that misuse the information they gather.

NK raises pressure on Seoul while receiving aid from China

North Korea continued its criticism of South Korea on Monday, calling on Seoul to reject interference from foreign powers and taking issue with a meeting of a Seoul-Washington working group. Meanwhile, Chinese data showed that Pyongyang received aid from Beijing last year despite UN Security Council resolutions.

S. Korea ups guard against US-China trade tensions

South Korea’s fiscal chief on Monday warned that the economy may have become more vulnerable to the escalating trade conflicts between the United States and China, apparently shifting from his previous optimistic tone. He also vowed to take “appropriate measures” to stabilize the financial markets when necessary, hinting at the possibility that the government might expand its involvement in foreign exchange to defend the value of the local currency.

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

Huawei apt to be stripped of Google services after US ban

Huawei could quickly lose its grip on the No. 2 ranking in worldwide cellphone sales after Google announced it would comply with U.S. government restrictions meant to punish the Chinese tech powerhouse. The Trump administration's move, which effectively bars U.S. firms from selling components and software to Huawei, ups the ante in a trade war between Washington and Beijing that partly reflects a struggle for global economic and technological dominance.

North Korea urges UN chief to act against US ship seizure

North Korea denounced the United States as ''a gangster country'' for seizing one of its cargo ships and urged U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to take ''urgent measures'' to contribute to stabilizing the Korean peninsula. North Korea's U.N. ambassador, Kim Song, said in a letter to Guterres obtained Monday by The Associated Press that the Trump administration committed ''an unlawful and outrageous act'' by taking over the ship Wise Honest and moving it to American Samoa. He called the seizure a violation of international law and the U.N. Charter.

Red fire ants discovered in imported stones from China

Four red fire ants were discovered at a port in Incheon, west of Seoul, prompting officials to intensify countermeasures against infestations, authorities in South Korea said Tuesday. The Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency confirmed that the highly invasive ant species were discovered in landscape rocks from one of the containers shipped from the Guangdong province in China. It marked the second discovery of red fire ants in South Korea this year and the 10th time since September 2017.

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

Seoul Dangles Reopening of Kaesong Complex Before N.Korea

Seoul on Monday announced a plan to speed up US$8 million worth of humanitarian aid for North Korea through an international agency and called for a reopening of the inter-Korean Kaesong Industrial Complex. Unification Ministry spokesman Lee Sang-min told reporters the government has allowed South Korean manufacturers to visit the industrial park in the North Korean border town recently to "protect their property."

Twisty Thriller Draws 1 Million Viewers in Less Than a Week

Actor Ma Dong-seok's latest film "The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil," released last Wednesday, may seem just like any other gangster movie, but after 20 minutes it becomes clear that the twisty plot is unique and why it attracted over a million viewers in just four days. The story is simple. A gang leader, played by Ma, and a detective, played by Kim Moo-yeol, secretly strike a deal to hunt down a serial killer. This strange alliance cleverly blurs the boundaries between good and evil, legal and illegal.

Samsung Chief Tries to Market 5G Mobile Devices in Japan

Samsung chief Lee Jae-yong launched a marketing blitz to gain a foothold in Japan's 5G mobile communication market. Japan hopes to launch full-fledged 5G services when it hosts the Summer Olympics next year, but there is as yet dearth of 5G handsets available there. It also hit a hurdle importing 5G infrastructure due to the U.S. government's crackdown on Chinese tech giant Huawei. Samsung is the only other company in the world that has both communication equipment and 5G-ready phones to sell.

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

How will N. Korea respond to business owners’ Kaesong visit and food aid?

After the South Korean government under President Moon Jae-in decided to approve a visit to the North by the owners of tenant companies at the Kaesong Industrial Complex and to donate US$8 million to international organizations running humanitarian aid programs for North Korea on May 17, the next question is what North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will decide to do. It remains to be seen whether Moon’s overture, which had been delayed because of cooperation between South Korea and the US, will break through North Korea’s apathy and help restart dialogue.

Moon gives commemorative address at 39th anniversary of Gwangju Democratization Movement

“I am so sorry to the people of Gwangju.” A full 19 seconds of silence followed. “I felt terribly ashamed, and I wanted to reach out to the public.” With some difficulty, he began speaking again, but his throat was choked, his eyes quivering. So too did the eyes of people in the crowd that packed the ceremony site. Some took out handkerchiefs to dab away the tears.

An airborne battalion commander kept record of first shooting during Gwangju Democratization Movement

An airborne battalion commander’s record of indiscriminate shooting by martial law forces during the events of the May 1980 Gwangju Democratization Movement has been uncovered for the first time. Many are insisting that an investigation commission should be quickly established to identify who issued the order to open fire on civilians and to examine issues raised in reports by the Hankyoreh, including false claims that victims were carrying carbine rifles and allegations of secret burials and civilian massacres.

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

Tokyo asks Seoul for arbitration over forced labor

The Japanese government requested that the Korean government hold an arbitration committee meeting regarding a rule by South Korea’s Supreme Court on compensations for forced labor. In response, the Korean government answered that it would review the request prudently.

CJ Cheiljedang promotes laver snack as new flagship business

CJ Cheiljedang has just ramped up its effort to lead the global laver market nicknamed the semiconductor in the food industry, planning to make laver snack their next-gen flagship product after its Bibigo steamed dumplings. In fact, snack-typed laver makes the mouth of global consumers watering. The year 2024 is expected to see a double increase of Korean laver exports, which recorded the threshold of 500 million dollars or 596.7 billion won in 2017 for the first time.

Ryu Hyun-jin leads National League Cy Young Points

The best ERA in the entire Major League (1.51). The joint leaders for the most number of wins in the National League (six wins and one loss). “Korean M0nster” Ryu Hyun-jin is reaching for the top of the Major League Baseball. The 32-year-old starter of the Los Angeles Dodgers didn’t allow any run during his 7-inning appearance at Great American Ballpark, single-handedly leading an overwhelming 8-3 victory against Cincinnati on Monday. This marks the first time that Ryu has chalked up a win in an away game. Thanks to his outstanding performance, some even propose the possibility of Ryu’s winning the Cy Young this season. While it is still early in the season, the South Korean is leading the Big League on several fronts.

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

Hwang Kyo-ahn’s True Thoughts on May 18, Put to the Test Again

On May 18, Hwang Kyo-ahn (62), leader of the Liberty Korea Party swung his right fist and arm up and down singing "March for the Beloved" along with the other participants at a ceremony commemorating the 39th anniversary of the May 18 Gwangju Uprising at the May 18 National Cemetery. This was quite a change from 2016, when he attended the May 18 ceremony as a prime minister. Back then, he neither sang, nor swung his fist.

Bill for Security Cameras Inside the Operating Room Abolished after a Day

Ahn Gyu-back, a Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker proposed an amendment of the Medical Service Act, which included the installment of closed circuit cameras inside operating rooms, on May 14. The bill proposed measures to guarantee the safety and human rights inside the operating room and to end surgeries performed by unqualified practitioners by using security cameras. However, the five lawmakers who had jointly proposed the bill withdrew their support, and the bill was scrapped after a day. It is very unusual for a bill to be canceled due to the withdrawal of support by lawmakers who jointly proposed the bill.

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

Seoul on alert for “graver than expected” impact from US-China trade war: fin min

The intensification in the trade friction between the United States and China could bring about “graver than expected consequences” on the Korean economy, Korea’s top economic policy chief said, ordering the government to ready “all possible” policy actions to defend the fortress on local economy and capital markets. “The deepening trade conflict between the U.S. and China could have more serious impact on the economy,” said Hong Nam-ki, deputy prime minister and minister of economy and finance, at a meeting of economy-related ministers on Monday.

Posco seeks steel import relief from Mexico after failing to persuade U.S.

South Korea’s largest steelmaker Posco has turned to Mexico for import relief after it failed to persuade the United States from removing its quota cap on Korean steel. According to the Korean steel giant on Monday, the company has requested the Mexican government to sequentially raise its import quota of automotive cold rolled steel sheets over the next five years.

Woori Financial embarks on first overseas IR after holding transition

South Korea’s Woori Financial Group has gone on its first overseas investor relations road show since it turned into a comprehensive financial holding entity beginning of the year. Chairman Son Tae-seung leads four-day tour in Japan and Hong Kong this week. He aims to generate investors’ attention through the group’s best-ever earnings report for the first quarter.

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Invitation for Ambassadors and Spouses to a Tour of Ulsan and Gyeongju for Ambassadors and Madams
Friday May 31-June 1, 2019

Good news! A tour of Ulsan and Gyeongju for the Ambassadors, Spouses.
I am pleased to inform Your Excellency that The Korea Post organizes a tour for the ambassadors and spouses to visit the Cheomman-sa Buddhist Temple in Ulsan and meet the mayor and the governor in a one-night, two-day program on May 31-June 1, 2019 in celebration of the Buddha’s Birthday in May.

The Ambassadors’ Tour will be fully covered by all five media outlets of The Korea Post, including www.koreapost.com (English) and www.koreapost.co.kr (Korean).

The schedule is as follows:

Day 1 (May 31, 2019)
09:30 hours: Meet at the VIP Guest Room at the Seoul Railroad Station
10:00~12:06 hours: Move by deluxe train from Seoul to Sin-Gyeongju Station
12:06~12:40 hours: Arrive at the Cheonman-sa Temple by Limousine Bus
12:40~13:40 hours: Attend a luncheon co-hosted by the Mayor of Ulsan and the Chief Abbot Venerable Park Seung-eok
13:40~14:40 hours: Presentation of Plaque of Appreciation to each Ambassador followed by a tea party
14:40~15:10 hours: Move to the Gyeongju City Hall.
15:10~16:00 hours: Meet with the Mayor of the Gyeongju City and the Governor of the Gyeongsangbuk-do Province
16:00~17:00 hours: Tour the tourist attractions of the Gyeongju City.
17:00~18:00 hours: Attend dinner hosted by the Mayor of the Gyeongju City.
18:00~20:00 hours: Attend the Gyeongju World Culture Heritage Festival.
20:00 hours: Check in at the Commodore Tourist Hotel for the night.

Day 2 (June 1, Saturday)
08:00~09:00 hours: Breakfast at the hotel, and check out.
09:00~12:00 hours: Tour the tourist attractions of the Gyeongju City.
12:00~13:30 hours: Luncheon with the Mayor and other city dignitaries.
13:30~14:00 hours: Move to Sin-Gyeongju RR Station.
14:00~14:50 hours: Brief farewell greetings by the Mayor and free time.
14:50~16:54 hours: Move by deluxe train from Sin-Gyeongju to back to Seoul.

Please RSVP Your Excellency's convenience at 010-5201-1740, 010-3388-1682, 010-4847-3414

Very Respectfully Yours

URL : http://www.koreapost.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=8996

Lee Kyung-sik edt@koreapost.com