The Korean daily media headlines and humor

The Korean daily media headlines and humor

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Your Excellency:

Here are The Korea Post notices and a roundup of important headlines from all major Korean-language dailies, TV and other news media of Korea today:

Very Respectfully Yours

/s/

Lee Kyung-sik

Publisher-Chairman

Korea Post Media

The Korea Post News

President Park Geun-hye (left) receives a letter of credentials from newly accredited Ambassador Adel Adaileh of Jordan in Seoul.

Interview with Ambassador Adel Adailhe of Jordan in Seoul

Jordan is a very ideal country for Korea to increase economic cooperation

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is considered one of the top producing countries of phosphate in the world and the second largest producer of potash. This was disclosed by Ambassador Adel Adaileh of Jordon in Seoul at a recent interview with The Korea Post media, publisher of three English and two Korean-language news publications for the past 31 years. Excerpts from the interview follow:

Question: What are your competitive field of industry and products attractive to Korea and what are Korean products and services that your country might wish to import

Answer: Jordan also has large oil shale, metallic minerals such as copper, manganese, other nonmetallic resources and radioactive elements such as uranium and zirconium reserves in the world. Jordan needs affordable energy supply for the economic growth because 96% of the country’s energy needs are coming from neighboring Arab countries. The rising costs of the fuel and electricity burdens Jordan’s economy. Therefore, the Kingdom seeks for new energy resources to extend its capacity and needs by searching for more investments and foresight in this respect. K-wave or Hallyu effect raise the interest in beauty and hygiene related cosmetic products. Jordan’s beauty market is steadily growing 3 consecutive years since 2013. In this respect, the Korean cosmetic products in Jordanian local market will bring the positive market growth.

(Further details of the interview are at the end of this Headlines.—Ed.)

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What’s ticking in Korea today? Here is a quick roundup of important news stories from the major Korean news media today:

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

UN Chief Ban Passes Baton to António Guterres in Farewell Speech

Outgoing UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has delivered his farewell address to the UN General Assembly, describing the responsibility entrusted to him ten years ago as "a great privilege of a lifetime." The incoming UN chief, António Guterre, was also sworn in during the Assembly and took oath of office ahead of his term beginning in 2017.

Kim Bum-soo has more.

Government Bans Poultry Movement to Contain Bird Flu

The spread of avian influenza in South Korea this year is faster than the worst outbreak to date in 2014. More than ten million birds are expected to be culled and the government has banned the movement of chickens and ducks from poultry farms across the nation for two days beginning Tuesday.

Our Kim In-kyung has more.

S. Korea to Invest $43 Mln in Turning Greenhouse Gases into Useful Chemicals

South Korea plans to invest approximately 50 billion won, or 43 million U.S. dollars, over the next six years in testing technologies that could turn greenhouse gases into useful chemical materials.

Acting President Hwang to Meet with Parliamentary Speaker

Acting President Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn will visit the National Assembly on Wednesday to meet Speaker Chung Sye-kyun.

S. Korea Holds Meeting of Ambassadors in South Asia, Pacific Region

South Korean Ambassadors in South Asian and Pacific countries have gathered together to discuss Seoul’s foreign policies in the region and exchange views on global issues and their respective roles.

Acting President Hwang Retains Deputy PM for Economic Affairs

Acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn has decided to retain Deputy Prime Minister for economic affairs Yoo Il-ho.

S&P: Impeachment Passage Won't Impact Credit Rating

Global ratings agency Standard and Poor's said Monday that the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye won't impact South Korea's credit rating.

Gov't Issues 2-day Standstill Order Amid AI Spread

Starting Tuesday, about 89-thousand chicken and duck production facilities around the country will be prohibited from transporting poultry.

S. Korea Asks US to Send More Surveillance Assets

South Korea has asked the United States to increase surveillance and reconnaissance assets deployed here.

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

S. Korea, U.S., Japan hold talks to discuss cooperation against N.K. nukes

Top nuclear envoys of South Korea, the United States and Japan met Tuesday to discuss cooperation against North Korea's growing nuclear and missile threat.

N.K. leader stresses self-reliance during power plant inspection

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has stressed the need to boost self-reliance when he visited a power station in the country's east coastal city, Pyongyang's state media said Tuesday.

Main opposition party demands delay of THAAD deployment

South Korea's main opposition party on Tuesday demanded the government delay the controversial deployment of an advanced U.S. missile defense system until the next administration as President Park Geun-hye faces impeachment over corruption allegations.

Samsung in dilemma over CEO shakeup amid scandal

Samsung Group appears to be in a quandary over when to conduct a leadership shakeup amid a nation-rocking political scandal, which has also forced the country's top conglomerate to delay a couple of year-end events, sources said Tuesday.

Park loyalists regroup amid internal feud

A group of South Korea's ruling party members supporting President Park Geun-hye are set to launch their alliance Tuesday to cope with challenges from increasingly vocal anti-Park rivals.

Opposition considers questioning Choi at prison

Opposition lawmakers investigating the president's corruption allegations said Tuesday they are considering questioning a key confidante who was taken into custody last month by visiting her cell, as she has refused to respond to the probe.

Fantasy rom-com 'Guardian' debuts at No. 1 on TV chart

A cable TV series about a goblin under the spell of eternal life opened at the top of a chart measuring TV shows' popularity, data showed Tuesday.

Financial authorities on high alert against cyberthreats

South Korea's top financial regulator on Monday stressed the importance of beefing up the security of the nation's finance-related cyber networks amid speculation that North Korea may launch cyberattacks on the South's key state agencies.

S. Korea requests U.S. deploy more military surveillance assets

South Korea's defense ministry said Monday it has requested the United States to send more surveillance and reconnaissance assets to counter growing threats from North Korea.

S. Korea's sovereign rating not much affected by Park's impeachment: S&P

South Korea's sovereign credit rating will not be affected much by the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye, global credit appraiser Standard & Poor's (S&P) said Monday.

LG Chem's EV battery sales to grow 70 pct this year

LG Chem Ltd., a South Korean chemicals firm, is expected to see a whopping increase in its electric vehicle battery sales this year, aided by an expanded customer base, industry sources said Monday.

'Korea-France Year' of cultural exchange comes to close

South Korea's cultural ministry held a ceremony on Monday to officially bring down the curtain on the cultural exchange programs with France that started last year.

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

Court begins pretrial process on President's impeachment

South Korea’s Constitutional Court on Monday began preparations for the impeachment trial of President Park Geun-hye, holding the first assembly of its justices.

Ruling party on verge of breakup

Two rival factions within the ruling Saenuri Party continued to clash with one another Monday, as the conservative ruling camp’s factional strife reached a boiling point following the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye.

Hwang turns to domestic issues amid economic, bird flu fears

Acting President Hwang Kyo-ahn launched a new ministerial consultative body Monday, setting security, the economy, people’s livelihood and public safety as top items on his agenda for stable state management.

Korea’s exports of cultural products plunge amid THAAD row

South Korea’s exports of cultural products have dropped for two straight months, central bank data showed Monday, possibly due to the aftermath of a clampdown by main importer China.

David Villa launches football academy in Korea

Spanish football star David Villa launched his football academy in South Korea on Tuesday.

Villa announced the inauguration of his DV7 Soccer Academy, which aims to help young children develop personal values through football. The prolific goal scorer, now with New York City FC in Major League Soccer (MLS), said that he is willing to support kids who are looking to maximize their abilities and planning a professional football career.

Korea, China, Japan to delay three-way summit until 2017: report

South Korea, China and Japan have decided to postpone their trilateral summit until next year, which had been slated for this month in Tokyo, a Japanese media organization reported Tuesday amid political turmoil in Korea.

Ex-prosecutor gets 4 years for corruption, but cleared of taking bribe from Nexon founder

A South Korean lower court sentenced a former senior prosecutor to four years in prison Tuesday for offering illegal favors to a company in return for a lucrative business deal for his relative.

Trade and industry ministry to spend 3% less on R&D in 2017

South Korea's trade ministry will spend 3 percent less on research and development (R&D) in 2017, officials said Tuesday.

Foreign currency deposits down $770 mln in November

Foreign currency deposits held by banks in South Korea dropped in November from a month earlier due mainly to a decline in US dollar deposits by exporters and individuals, central bank data showed Tuesday.

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

Ruling, opposition parties form alliance to manage state affairs

The floor leaders of the ruling and opposition parties agreed Monday to set up a tripartite consultative body including the government to manage state affairs following the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye.

Park loyalists regroup amid internal feud

A group of South Korea's ruling party members supporting President Park Geun-hye are set to launch their alliance Tuesday to cope with challenges from increasingly vocal anti-Park rivals.

Opposition considers questioning Choi at prison

Opposition lawmakers investigating the president's corruption allegations said Tuesday they are considering questioning a key confidante who was taken into custody last month by visiting her cell, as she has refused to respond to the probe.

3.3-magnitude earthquake rattles Gyeongju

A moderate 3.3-magnitude earthquake rattled Gyeongju at 5:53 p.m. Monday.

Migrants 'could be my neighbors'

On Dec 12, people on streets around Seoul Plaza in front of City Hall could not help but not notice four unusual human sculptures.

Park Tae-hwan grabs 3rd gold in Canada

Korean swimming star Park Tae-hwan, 27, wrapped up the 2016 season with great success after he clinched his third gold medal at the Short Course Swimming World Championships in Windsor, Canada, Monday (KST).

$11,000 bounty offered on presidential secretary-turned-fugitive Woo Byung-woo

Woo Byung-woo, former senior presidential secretary for civil affairs, has been put on an unofficial wanted list. Politicians and online celebrities have donated 13 million won ($11,110) in prize money for catching Woo, one of the key figures in the influence-peddling scandal surrounding President Park Geun-hye's confidant Choi Soon-sil.

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

Trump suggests to shake up ‘One-China' policy to pressure China

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump indicated to pressure China by using relations with two Chinas (China and Taiwan) in order to p…

Constitutional court begins pretrial process on impeachment

The Constitutional Court and the prosecution’s special investigative team led by independent counsel Park Young-soo are stepping …

British rock band Coldplay to perform additionally in Korea

After a booming ticket reservations last month, British rock band Coldplay will be performing in Korea one more time.Hyundai Card…

Classics Reimagined series published in Korea

The "Classics Reimagined” series, classical novels with paintings by famous illustrators who interpreted them in a fresh perspect…

Senior leaders call on rival parties for shared responsibility

The Republic of Korea has entered an uncharted route in the wake of Friday’s passing of the impeachment bill against President Park Geun-hye. Retired national leaders unanimously said that now is the best time to recreate the Republic of Korea.

Citizens light candles to 'expedite decisions'

A day has passed since the impeachment bill on President Park Geun-hye passed the National Assembly, but the candles were still burning bright the next day on last Saturday.

Trump likely to pick ExxonMobil chief as his secretary of state

U.S. media outlets that President-elect Donald Trump is expected to name Rex Tillerson, the chief executive of the world’s largest oil company, ExxonMobil, as his secretary of state to manage foreign policies. If Tillerson is actually named and confirmed by the Senate, he would become the first secretary of state with no governing or diplomatic experience. Then, the new administration’s foreign policies would be led by Trump and Tillerson, who are both dubbed “Washington outsiders.”

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

Top Court to Take Its Time Over Park's Impeachment

The Constitutional Court on Monday poured cold water on hopes that it will arrive at a swift decision on the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye after the National Assembly voted overwhelmingly in favor.

Prosecutors Wrap up Probe in Corruption Scandal

Prosecutors on Sunday wrapped up their investigation into a massive corruption scandal that has engulfed President Park Geun-hye and handed over to a newly appointed independent counsel.

Park Stripped of Powers After Impeachment Vote

President Park Geun-hye was holed up in her official residence on Sunday after the National Assembly voted to impeach her over a massive corruption scandal.

Independent Counsel Poised to Start Investigating Crony Scandal

Independent counsel Park Young-soo is setting up an office in Gangnam and will next week start investigating the massive corruption scandal that has engulfed the president.

Births Drop to Record Low

Only some 413,000 babies were born this year, the fewest since records began in 1925. The last nadir was in 2005, when 435,031 children were born.

1st Shipment of Bunker-Buster Missiles Arrives

A first shipment of about 40 German Taurus long-range air-to-surface cruise missiles has arrived in Korea, a military source said Monday.

Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Taxis Start Test Run in Ulsan

Hydrogen fuel-cell taxis are starting test runs in Ulsan on Tuesday for the first time in Korea.

A total of 10 such taxis based on Hyundai's Tucson model are operated by three local operators with a minimum fare of W2,800, the same as other regular taxis (US$=W,170).

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HanKyoReh-Shinmoon (http://english.hani.co.kr)

Pres. Park an accomplice in ordering resignation of CJ Group vice chairman

President Park Geun-hye was found to have had former Blue House Senior Secretary to the President for Economic Affairs Cho Won-dong order the resignation of CJ Group vice chairperson Lee Mi-kyung from the company’s management front lines.

Ruling and opposition parties hurrying to establish dialogue channels

Politicians are moving to take follow-up measures to fill the government void after a successful impeachment and prosecution motion against President Park Geun-hye.

After impeaching, Pres. Park to have six months of restful seclusion

President Park Geun-hye began what could be a six-month period of seclusion at home after being suspended from her duties with the National Assembly‘s approval of an impeachment motion on Dec. 9.

With impeachment passed, more than 1 million still gather for candlelight demonstrations

The candles will never stop burning. The seventh candlelight rally that was held the day after the motion for President Park Geun-hye’s impeachment was passed was attended by 800,000 people in Seoul and 1.04 million people around South Korea.

Symbol of “historical understanding,” comfort woman statue comes to Washington DC

As the cold wind blew through the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on the afternoon of Dec. 10, the “peace statue” of a young girl was wearing a white knit cap and wrapped in a scarf made of brown and white yarn.

Comfort woman statue in Washington DC seeking a permanent home

The temporary unveiling of a “peace statue” in Washington, DC, to honor victims of Japanese military comfort women mobilization has sparked efforts have a permanent monument raised.

Comfort women group in Japan receives bomb threat

The Women’s Active Museum on War and Peace (WAM), a group working to resolve the comfort women issue in Japan, is facing high tensions after the arrival of a letter - believed to be from a far-right group - threatening a bomb attack.

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JoongAng-Ilbo(conservative) (http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/)

Hwang takes over president’s official duties

Adopting his new role as acting president, Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn received briefings from senior presidential secretaries on Monday, hoping to stabilize an administration left adrift by the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye.

Constitutional Court warns that Park’s trial will be long

The Constitutional Court said Monday it will scrutinize all grounds cited in the National Assembly’s motion to impeach President Park Geun-hye, indicating that the trial will be a long process, possibly as long as six months.

Belief in getting ahead shrinks among Koreans

More Koreans are pessimistic about whether their children can climb the social ladder - to enjoy better lives than their parents - due to the dearth of high quality jobs.

Korea raises target for ratio of fixed mortgages

With the U.S. central bank teeing up for its first interest rate increase in a year, Korean financial authorities are raising the target rates for fixed-rate mortgages to lower risks that could affect both the financial market and the overall economy.

Study finds 8 in 10 insecure over work status

Eight out of 10 regular employees at companies of varying sizes and sectors feel insecure about their job status, according to a recent survey by Job Korea, a market research firm.

Impeachment isn’t alarming investors from abroad

Some overseas investors remain bullish on Korean stocks and are sticking to their investment strategy in the wake of Friday’s impeachment vote.

Nuclear plants to fortify against quakes

The Gyeongju earthquake in September was a wake-up call for many Koreans. Now as a part of a nationwide initiative to prepare for future seismic activities, nuclear power plants in Korea will bolster their structures to withstand earthquakes stronger than those in September, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said Monday.

Market calm after impeachment

There were no jitters on the financial market’s first trading day since President Park Geun-hye was impeached.

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

To Go Beyond June of 1987

The candlelight revolution, some call it a civil revolution. But a revolution means the replacement of the system. The National Assembly passed the impeachment proposal of President Park Geun-hye, but that does not mean that the president has been impeached yet, and the system that gave birth to Park Geun-hye and Choi Soon-sil remains the same. So it is too early to pour the champagne. It is not yet a revolution.

Twelve Recordings of Choi Soon-sil's Involvement in State Affairs After Park Entered Office

The investigation of the "Park Geun-hye, Choi Soon-sil scandal" by the special investigation team of the Prosecutors' Office concluded on December 11, 45 days after the team was launched.

The National Assembly Must Impeach President Park

Today, the National Assembly will vote on the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye. Lawmakers, who will determine whether or not to oust the chief of state affairs, and the citizens witnessing this are all facing a page in history with heavy hearts. Will we guard democracy and march toward a better country or will we betray democracy and drive the country into a crisis. The citizens have made their position clear. They are calling for the politicians to impeach President Park and establish a new country, a new order.

Thirteen Violations of the Constitution: Leaked Confidential Information, Suppressed the Press, and Responded Poorly to the Sewol Accident

Major Issues in the Impeachment of President Park Geun-hye

· Legal Violations

- Forced donations to fund the MI-R Foundation and the K-Sports Foundation: Charges of bribery, misfeasance, and coercion according to the Act on the Aggravated Punishment Etc. of Specific Crimes.

"Choi Soon-sil Purchased 100 Outfits and 40 Handbags for the President"

The second hearing in the parliamentary investigation of the Choi Soon-sil case was conducted by a special parliamentary committee at the National Assembly on December 7. Key witnesses including Choi Soon-sil, Cheong Wa Dae's "doorknob trio" including the president’s former personal secretary Jeong Ho-seong, and former Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs Woo Byung-woo did not appear before the lawmakers this day. Former Chief of Staff Kim Ki-choon and former Second Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Kim Chong appeared as witnesses, but consistently denied the numerous allegations or claimed they did not know.

“I Recommended a Minister to Choi and It Went Through... I Wondered If There Could Be Such a Person”

Cha Eun-taek (47), former head of the Creative Economy Initiative and also a close acquaintance of Choi Soon-sil (60) said that he realized the power of Choi after he witnessed a person he recommended to Choi be appointed as minister during a hearing of the parliamentary investigation of the Park Geun-hye, Choi Soon-sil scandal at the National Assembly on December 7. Cha also said Choi personally suggested that they prepare their answers for a possible investigation by prosecutors, when he had fled overseas.

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The Korea Economic Daily (http://english.hankyung.com/)

National Pension Service to Break the Mold in How Consigned Funds Are Evaluated

Korea Investment Value Asset Management runs four equity funds out of Korea's top-ten funds in terms of five-year average returns. For example, the five-year cumulative returns of "Korea Value 10 Year Investment Fund" run directly by its vice president Lee Chae-won, one of the company's star fund ma...

Employment Hits Bottom in Nov...Lowest in 74 Months

The net gain in the number of the employed has stopped short of 280,000 in November from the same month last year. This is the lowest figure since September 2010 when the figure was 273,000. The main factor for the poor showing was the low employment growth rate of the manufacturing sector which was...

"Home Prices May Fall More Than 15% Next Year"...Presidents of Five Major Banks

Presidents of Korea's five major commercial banks picked the risk of housing prices to fall abruptly as one of the biggest business risks next year. In a situation where it is almost certain that the U.S. Fed will raise its benchmark interest rate while loan rates are steadily on the rise, the housi...

No. of Employees Hired by Shipbuilding and Aircraft Manufacturers Continues to Decline

The growth in the number of employees in Korea hit the lowest level since the 2008 global financial crisis. The main culprit behind this situation is the slump of the manufacturing industry. According to the "Labor Market Trend for November 2016" report released by the Ministry of Employment and La...

Countdown Begins for Tivoli to Break 100,000 Mark in Cumulative Domestic Sales

The cumulative domestic sales of Ssangyong Motor's compact SUV Tivoli are set to break the 100,000 level. According to Ssangyong Motor on

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AJU Business Daily (http://eng.ajunews.com/korea)

S. Korea's tallest new tower invites super-rich residents

The Lotte World Tower, a new high-rise landmark in South Korea, invited hundreds of super-rich people Tuesday for an event to promote the sale of luxurious residential homes in a vertical city that can provide a marvelous view and withstand a powerful earthquake.

Impeachment adversely affects diplomacy

The leadership vacuum created by the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye is expected to darken the already bleak diplomatic landscape for South Korea, making it tougher to get over growing challenges it faces with major partner countries and allies through the so-called summit diplomacy, experts said Friday.

Absolut Vodka's commercial ad sparks hot consumer reaction in S. Korea

A global brand of premium vodka produced in Sweden has received an unexpected consumer response in South Korea, good or bad, with an advertising image depicting a candlelit rally sparked by a corruption scandal engulfing President Park Geun-hye.

S. Korea to take preemptive steps against market volatility

South Korea vowed Saturday to take preemptive measures against factors that could destabilize markets following the parliamentary impeachment against President Park Geun-hye.

China temporarily suspends coal imports from N. Korea

China said Sunday it will temporarily suspend its coal imports from North Korea in a measure seen as a move to join the international sanctions on the North for its nuclear threats and provocations.

Trump picks 'old friend' of China to be ambassador

US President-elect Donald Trump tapped Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, known for his close ties with Chinese President Xi Jinping, to be the next ambassador to Beijing.

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

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

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

Gwangmyeong Daily 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

lemonde www.ilemonde.com

Italy rarepupeul Rica 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

Interview with Ambassador Adel Adailhe of Jordan in Seoul

Jordan is a very ideal country for Korea to increase economic cooperation

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is considered one of the top producing countries of phosphate in the world and the second largest producer of potash. This was disclosed by Ambassador Adel Adaileh of Jordon in Seoul at a recent interview with The Korea Post media, publisher of three English and two Korean-language news publications for the past 31 years. Excerpts from the interview follow:

Question: What are your competitive field of industry and products attractive to Korea and what are Korean products and services that your country might wish to import?

Answer: Jordan also has large oil shale, metallic minerals such as copper, manganese, other nonmetallic resources and radioactive elements such as uranium and zirconium reserves in the world. Jordan needs affordable energy supply for the economic growth because 96% of the country’s energy needs are coming from neighboring Arab countries. The rising costs of the fuel and electricity burdens Jordan’s economy.

Therefore, the Kingdom seeks for new energy resources to extend its capacity and needs by searching for more investments and foresight in this respect.

K-wave or Hallyu effect raise the interest in beauty and hygiene related cosmetic products. Jordan’s beauty market is steadily growing 3 consecutive years since 2013. In this respect, the Korean cosmetic products in Jordanian local market will bring the positive market growth.

Q: What are the important developments scheduled between Korea and your country, including the possible visit of your Head of Government to Korea?

A: Jordan is considered as one of the first countries to establish the diplomatic ties with the Republic of Korea, both countries have grown trust and friendship for more than half a century, hence, in 2015 His Majesty the King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein paid an fifth official visit to Korea to discuss bilateral relation, particularly, on trade, investment, and cooperation in various sectors, including construction, energy, defense industry, culture, education and development. The officials from both countries will continued to follow up what His Majesty the King has established in his Royal visit to Korea.

Korean companies are actively participating in Jordan’s vital infrastructure projects, such as the nuclear research reactor and the south Amman wastewater treatment projects. Both projects are partially funded by Korean government’s soft loans.

Jordan recently announced a plan to increase its reliance on renewable energy to 11% of its annual need by 2025 and Jordan and Korea are cooperating in this particular field. A Korean built modern power plant in Jordan is currently in full operation. Another power plant is still underway, but these two power plants expect to produce 946 megawatts (MW).

Many Korean companies are showing a great interest in participating in oil, oil shale explorations and renewable energy projects. In this respect, both Jordan and Korea have worked to open two big thermal power plants.

KEPCO signed a $510 million agreement with National Electric Power Company in Jordan to build wind power plant to produce electricity almost about 100 megawatt (MW).

For tourism sector, Jordan would like to attract more Korean tourists as possible. The tourism market is vital in Korea especially to attack Koreans for religious and archeological sites in Jordan. Jordanian Embassy in Seoul is doing our best to participate in many cultural events to promote Jordan products and unique and diverse feature of the Kingdom.

President Park Geun-hye (left) receives a letter of credentials from newly accredited Ambassador Adel Adaileh of Jordan in Seoul

Q: What is the volume of bilateral trade, its outlook in the next 12 months?

A: Trade balance between Jordan and Korea reached $1.3 billion in 2012, but the amount declined to $975 millions in 2013 and $550 millions in 2014 due to the global economy crisis.

Despite the global economy in turbulent, I hope Jordan and Korea continuously discuss the measures to boost bilateral economic relation in the field of common interest, electricity, clean energy and more. I will work hard with my colleagues from public and privet sectors in Korea to stimulate and to enhance our trade exchange more in the near future.

Jordan is one of the top importers of Korean automobile, smart mobiles and other electrical appliances. The Jordanian market is dominated by Korean cars and other products, and they have been in favor in the region due to the growing popularity and reliability of Korean vehicles.

Q: Who are the Korean companies actively engaged in the promotion of economic cooperation between Korean and your country?

A: The Korean companies who are actively engaged in the promotion of economic cooperation between Jordan and Korea are below include: KOSPO Jordan L.L.C; Lotte ENC, Daewoo Electronics Corp, Samsung Electronics Levant Co. Ltd; LG Life Sciences Ltd, LG International Corp, Kolon Engineering Construction Co, Daewoo Engineering Construction Co. Ltd; Daewoo International Corp, Asia Electric Power Co; KEPCO KPS Engineering co and others. Jordan is also looking forward to meeting with small and medium sized enterprises who wish to work with the Kingdom. Jordan is largely open to foreign investments.

Q: What are the areas in your country where you want Korean companies to invest and what are the areas where you wish your businessmen to invest in Korea?

A: The Kingdom’s goal is to increase the share of the renewable energy needs up to 11% by 2025. To reach this goal, the kingdom needs to expand the development of renewable energy projects, to promote energy conservation and energy efficiency and to generate electricity from nuclear energy. In this respect, Jordan the Kingdom wishes to continue the strong ties with the Republic of Korea.

Photo shows President Park Geun-hye flanked by newly accredited Ambassador Adel Adaileh of Jordan in Seoul (left) and Second Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul.

Q: Please introduce your Head of Government in details, including major achievement:

A: Jordan is a constitutional monarchy under the 1952 constitution and its followed amendments. The head of state is the King Abdullah II Bin-Al-Hussein, and the Prime Minister is appointed by the King.

The bicameral parliament consists of the 65-seat Chamber of Senate (Upper House), whose members are appointed by the king, and the 130-seat for the House of deputies ( Lower House), whose members are popularly elected, with 15 reserved for women out of 130 seats, All legislators serve four-year term .

Administratively, Jordan is divided into 12 governorates, in 2016; the country’s population was approximately 7.5 million people with the vast majority being bilingual. More than 92% of Jordanian populations are Moslem, and 6%to 10% are Christians.

Q: What is your personal view of Korea and the Korean people before and after your arrival here?

A: I had an idea that Korea is very developed nation, which it has a stable, secure, independent economy, highly educated workforce and high technology. The expectation didn’t change much. I was impressed by well systemized infrastructures in Korea such as road, tunnel, subway and other transportation. Due to the excellent transportation system, it is quite easy for me and my family to get around the cities.

Korea has wonderful historical and tourist sites where tourists can see the deep history, not only of Korea but of the whole region. Tourist facilities, hotels, furnished apartments, residential complex, motels, restaurants are convenient. Tourists can enjoy delicious food and relax in coffee shops.

More than that, Korean people are very hospitable and generous. I was always welcomed and felt home. Halal food market is somewhat limited in Korea so it is a little challenging to find decent Halal restaurants in Seoul, however, as a growing number of Muslims tourists are visiting Korea, I expect to see more Halal food markets in Korea in the near future.

Dead Sea. Jordan has many fascinating attractions for Korean tourists.

Q: As Your Excellency is relatively new in Korea, our readers would wish to learn as much information as possible concerning Your Excellency. Please introduce yourself to the fullest possible extend, including your career, personal details and idea for increased cooperation with Korea, especially in the economic area.

A: I am a resident Ambassador to the Republic of Korea from September 21, 2016. Prior to my post here, I served as a Director of Asian Department at the Ministry Foreign Affairs, Amman, Jordan (2013-2016), Ambassador to Azerbaijan (2010-2013), and non-resident Ambassador to Georgia (2012-2013).

I joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1987 and began my career as a diplomatic attaché in Chile. I worked mostly on Political Affairs and Consular Affairs in Libya and Romania. Later I was appointed as a head of Arab League Section, tapped as Charge d’ Affairs in Gaza, Palestine, and lead the North African Countries Desk.

For 29 years of faithful service in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I was assigned to several countries in the world. When I began my career in the Republic of Korea, I immediately felt Jordan and Korea share some similarities. Both countries are lack of natural resources, sharing border with unstable neighborhoods, and value high percentage of educated people.

Jordan and Korea have much room for cooperating to deepen our bilateral economic, trade and investment relations.

Q: What are the attractive tourist destinations of your country?

A: The major tourist attraction sites in Jordan include Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba, Jordan River, Bethany, and Jerash.

Petra: One of the famous attraction sites spots in Jordan, it’s one of the Seven world wonder, the city carved inside rocks in the desert, Al Khazneh, one of the most elaborate temples of Petra.

It is hard to believe such culture could develop in the middle of the desert in 6 century B.C. It is truly an out-of- this-world experience.

Dead Sea: At 410 meter below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest place on earth, the main attractions of the Dead Sea is of course the soothing, abnormally salty water itself. The salt content of the water is 31.5 making the water so buoyant that it is impossible for the visitor to sink.

Wadi Rum: Wadi Rum, a valley cut into sandstone and granite rock, is the most famous desert attraction site, from the morning to the evening, the jeep tours and the camel tours follow the key sites along the way.

Aqaba: The beautiful coastal city in Jordan, its location next to Wadi Rum and Petra has placed in Jordan's golden triangle of tourism, which strengthened the city's location on the world map and made it one of the major tourist attractions in Jordan, on a clear day, from Aqaba; you can see Palestine, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Israel.

Jordan River in Jordan: The Jordan River runs through the land and history of the Bible, where Jesus was baptized in its water, it flows into the Dead Sea in the south. Bethany: Bethany, these places have remained pilgrimage routes, it’s located on the east bank of the Jordan River where Jesus was baptized in its water, many religious groups in the world build memorial cathedrals at the site and welcomes travels to the Holy Land and baptism site.

Jerash: Jerash is one of the largest and most well-preserved sites of Roman architecture in the world outside Italy.