The Korean daily media headlines and humor

Monday, January 02, 2017

Your Excellency:

Here are The Korea Postnoticesandaroundup 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

So who’s the front runner in the latest Presidential polls published this morning in Korea?

According to a report published this morning by popular Korean-language business daily, Maeil Kyungje, based on the result of a survey conducted on Dec. 27-28, 2016, the popularity rating of the different Presidential hopefuls was as follows:

Main opposition Minjoo Party leader Moon Jae-in: 25.2%

Former UN Chief Ban Ki-moon: 22.1%

Seongnam City Mayor Lee Jae-myung: 11.5%

Former Chairman Ahn Cheol-soo: 6.8%

Governor Ahn Hee-jung of Chungcheonganm-do: 4%

Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon: 2.8%

Former Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon: 2.7%

Former Advisor Sohn Hak-kyu of the Minju Party: 24.5%

Rep. Yoo Seung-min: 2.2%

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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/)

Acting Pres. Vows Stable Management of State Affairs

Acting President Hwang Kyo-ahn noted that 2017 will be a year of hopes and challenges for the country.

In his New Year’s message, Hwang pledged his best efforts to work towards stabilizing the management of state affairs for the people and the future of the country.

Parties Stress Reforms in New Year's Messages

Both ruling and opposition parties have vowed to seek reforms for the country in their New Year’s messages.

Chairwoman Choo Mi-ae of the main opposition Democratic Party said in her New Year’s message that politicians must not use a constitutional revision for their political interests and should take the path of reforms for the country based on their sincere reflections.

Kim Jong-un Says N. Korea Close to Testing ICBM

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un says that his country is in the "final stages" of preparing to test-fire an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

In a televised New Year’s speech on Sunday, Kim touted the advancements of the North’s nuclear and missile capabilities, saying that he made great achievements over several years including successful tests of a hydrogen bomb and artificial satellites.

S. Korea's Exports Decrease for Second Year in 2016

South Korea's exports decreased for the second straight year last year.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said Sunday that exports posted 495-point-five billion U.S dollars last year, down five-point-nine percent from a year earlier.

Authorities Assure AI Infection from Cats Unlikely

The nation is on alert after cats were found infected with the avian influenza (AI).

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one house cat and another stray cat were found dead earlier this week in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province.

Gov’t to Provide Special Loans to AI-hit Small Businesses

The government will provide special loans to small business owners who are feeling the pinch due to the avian influenza(AI) outbreak.

The decision came during an emergency meeting Friday chaired by Vice Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok.

N. Korean Outlet Slams Defector as 'Top Criminal'

A North Korean media outlet has blasted a high-ranking diplomat who recently defected to South Korea as a "top class criminal."

On Friday, Uriminzokkiri, a North Korean propaganda Web site, claimed that former deputy ambassador to London Thae Yong-ho embezzled state funds and sold national secrets.

Sakhalin Museum Opens Exhibition Hall for South and North Korean Art

A museum in Russia’s Sakhalin Oblast started displaying South Korean artworks along with North Korean art.

Kim Jung-chae, the head of an organization promoting Korean traditional music said on Sunday that the Sakhalin Regional Museum has only displayed North Korean art, but it opened a permanent exhibition for Korean artworks after his organization donated 28 South Korean paintings and 20 pottery pieces in October.

Ban Agrees on Need to Revise Constitution

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Friday that he agrees on the need for revising South Korea's Constitution regarding the parts that need to be revised.

Speaking to Korean correspondents at the UN headquarters in New York City after delivering a New Year's message to the Korean people, Ban said the current Constitution was last amended in 1987.

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

Ban finishes 10-year term as U.N. chief

Ban Ki-moon has finished his 10-year term as secretary-general of the United Nations, putting the responsibility of tackling global challenges behind him, and is now eyeing a new dream of becoming South Korea's president.

U.S. says N.K. ballistic missile launches unacceptable

The United States said Sunday that North Korea's ballistic missile launches are unacceptable and vowed to show Pyongyang consequences in the event of such firings after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un strongly hinted the country is close to test-firing a long-range missile.

Moon holds lead against ex-U.N. head in opinion poll

Moon Jae-in, former head of the main opposition, outpaced other presidential contenders, an opinion poll showed Sunday, standing as the most popular candidate even in a hypothetical two-way race.

S. Korea condemns terrorist attack in Turkey

South Korea on Sunday condemned a gun attack on a night club in Istanbul, reiterating that acts of terrorism cannot be justified under any circumstances.

At least 39 people were killed and 69 were wounded in the mass shooting during New Year's Eve celebrations at a night club in the Turkish capital, according to foreign media.

Independent counsel team requests arrest warrant against Ewha professor

The independent counsel team investigating a corruption scandal involving President Park Geun-hye and her friend Choi Soon-sil requested an arrest warrant on Sunday against a professor suspected of offering academic favors to Choi's daughter.

N. Korea kicks off 2017 with large-scale fireworks display

North Korea kicked off the new year with a large-scale fireworks display over the capital city, the country's state-run media said Sunday.

According to Chosun Central TV, the fireworks lit up the sky along the Daedong River that flows through Pyongyang.

N.K. media puts Putin before Xi on list of foreign leaders offering New Year's greetings

North Korea's state media on Saturday put Russian President Vladimir Putin before Chinese President Xi Jinping on the list of foreign leaders who sent North Korean leader Kim Jong-un New Year's cards, an apparent indication of diplomatic estrangement between Pyongyang and Beijing.

S. Korea's exports sink 5.9 pct in 2016

South Korea's exports fell 5.9 percent last year from a year earlier due largely to a drop in global demand and weak oil prices, government data showed Sunday.

The country's exports reached US$495.5 billion in 2016, while its imports dropped 7.1 percent on-year to $405.7 billion, according to the data released by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

SK Innovation to invest 3 tln won in 2017

South Korea's top oil refiner SK Innovation Co. will invest 3 trillion won (US$2.48 billion) throughout the new year, an aggressive move despite sluggish global economic conditions, industry sources said Sunday.

Hyundai ships record-high number of cars to Europe in 2016

South Korea's top automaker Hyundai Motor Co. shipped a record-high number of cars to the European market in 2016, data showed Sunday, helped by the robust performance of the Tucson compact SUV.

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

Park flip-flops on apology

President Park Geun-hye on Sunday asserted the innocence of not only herself but her aides, who she said were “suffering hardships” for their hard work, going back on her previous apology for the scandal that led to her impeachment.

NK leader claims to be in last phase of ICBM testing

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Sunday claimed his country was in the “closing phase” of preparations for an intercontinental ballistic missiles test, raising the possibility for a major provocation in time for government changes in Seoul and Washington.

Reasons for hope in 2017

After a year of political, economic and corporate setbacks, South Korea is ushering in the New Year, which is expected to be full of even greater uncertainties.

Its economy, already in a bad shape, is projected to get even worse in 2017. North Korea’s despotic leader is said to be planning a “prime time” nuclear weapons push. The coming Donald Trump administration in the US, South Korea’s top ally, also presents its own set of challenges.

Four keywords affecting Korean economy in 2017

The South Korean economy has opened 2017 on a gloomy note, with the government cutting the economic growth forecast to 2.6 percent at the end of last year.

The vacancy of the state leader since President Park Geun-hye was impeached and the ensuing political uncertainties as to when the next presidential election will take place are cited by economists as the biggest risk to the economy.

Moon holds lead against ex-UN head in opinion poll

Moon Jae-in, former head of the main opposition, outpaced other presidential contenders, an opinion poll showed Sunday, standing as the most popular candidate even in a hypothetical two-way race.

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

President denies all allegations

President Park Geun-hye denied, Sunday, all allegations leveled against her regarding her mysterious whereabouts during the sinking of the Sewol and the corruption and influence-peddling scandal involving her confidant Choi Soon-sil.

Korean actor sues Tesla for 'sudden acceleration' accident

Korean actor Son Ji-chang has filed a class action against Tesla Motors, claiming his electric SUV suddenly accelerated while being parked, causing it to crash through the garage into his living room.

Another Foreign Ministry official indicted for sex-related crime

Another foreign ministry official has been indicted for committing a sex-related crime in Seoul.

Korean cosmetic company and Japanese artist in copyright dispute

Korean cosmetic company W. Lab and Japanese pop artist Yoshimoto Nara are in a copyright dispute, with the company suing the artist who claims the company copied his work.

Savvy internet users search for open source intelligence to unearth truth

A few hours after the media reported on a violent passenger on a Korean Air flight who was arrested last week, his personal information was made public online.

Ban to spark political realignment

Political realignment is expected to gain momentum as former U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is anticipated to begin political activities after ending 10 years at the helm of the global body, analysts said, Sunday.

Opposition lawmakers to visit China over THAAD

Eight lawmakers from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) will visit China later this week for talks with Chinese government officials and scholars over the planned deployment of an U.S. anti-missile system to South Korea, a major thorn in relations between Seoul and Beijing.

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Dong-AIlbo (http://english.donga.com)

Dozens dead in terror attack on nightclub in Istanbul

Istanbul, the largest city of Turkey located between Europe and Asia, was rocked by a terror attack during New Year’s celebrations. A gunman dressed in a Santa Claus costume opened fire at a crowded nightclub in Istanbul. At least 39 people, including a police officer, died and another 69 people are receiving treatment for wounds. Turkish police are still hunting for the terrorist.

Thae Yong-ho: ‘N. Koreans should be guided to dump Kim Jong Un’

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un strongly expressed his determination to make additional provocations on Sunday, the New Year’s Day, saying, “We are in the concluding stages of the preparation to test-launch an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).”

Son Ji-chang in action against Tesla for SUA in U.S.

On Sunday morning, Son updated two photos and the details of the accident on his Facebook, saying that the accident occurred at 8 p.m. on Sept. 10, 2016.

Park Sung-hyun joins Korean golfers in LPGA Tour in new season

Korean golfers who are active in the U.S. LPGA Tour have growing expectations about the new season, as 2017, the Year of the Rooster, has just come.

Bosingak bell ringer recollects the legacy

“He worked for 24 hours, and ate and slept without leaving the bell at the Bosingak Pavilion Bell maintenance office. There were no shifts at that time, so my husband kept his place there for four decades in case something happens to the ‘dear bell’.”

China says Trump and Russia criticize Obama

China shows some hope that the Russian hacking scandal could act in its favor. Previously, China was concerned that the relations between the U.S. and Russia will be closer when the pro-Russian Trump is sworn in as the president of the U.S. on Jan. 20, 2017.

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

Women More Prone to Smartphone Addiction

Women are twice as likely as men to become addicted to their smartphones, a study suggests.

Scientist Overtakes Pop Star as Kids' Dream Job

A widely publicized match earlier this year pitting baduk or go champion Lee Se-dol against a proto-artificial intelligence program has evidently made science more glamorous in the eyes of Korean children.

Crony Scandal Tops Online Buzz in 2016

The most trending topics on the Internet and social media in Korea this year were the bill impeaching President Park Geun-hye and the massive influence-peddling and corruption scandal involving her longtime confidante Choi Soon-sil.

Bird Flu Crisis on the Wane

The bird flu outbreak appears to be slowly retreating after millions of poultry were culled.

Seoul Apartment Market Starts Dwindling

Fewer apartments were bought and sold in Seoul this year after three straight years of expansion.

Koreans at Risk of Defaulting on W80 Trillion of Debt

Some W78.6 trillion worth of household loans in Korea are at risk of default if interest rates rise next year. That is 6.4 percent of the total household debt as of the end of September (US$1=W1,208).

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

Why one grandfather bought Hankyoreh stock for all nine of his grandchildren

“I heard you recently gave your grandchildren some stock in the Hankyoreh. How many grandchildren do you have?” I asked Kim Jong-chae, 81, who called the stockholder hotline at the Hankyoreh on Nov. 22 to arrange a stock purchase.

This year, Santa’s best present would be Pres. Park’s resignation

In this “revolutionary moment” in which people were calling for the resignation of President Park Geun-hye, the idea this man had was Santa Claus. He figured that impeachment would be the best present that Santa could bring this year. So he found Santa costumes and collected small gifts to give to children.

Single-person households find ways to not be lonely anymore

On the evening of Oct. 31, a neighborhood meeting was held for 13 members of single-person households who are residents of the Nosy Neighbors apartment complex in the Hongeun neighborhood of Seoul. The people at the meeting were discussing slogans for the end-of-the-year party, which was rapidly approaching. Some of the suggested party slogans were “Gotta renew our contracts,” “Meeting the world again” and “Begin again.”

Across all age groups, South Korean singles are older on average

South Korean singles are older on average than five years ago in all age groups. The increase in the singles population was especially steep at what is considered “optimal” marrying age (late twenties to early thirties), as well as the period from the late thirties to early forties.

Parents spending roughly a quarter of their income on raising their kids

South Korean parents are spending roughly 25% of their household income on raising their children, a recent survey shows. The same survey found that around 60% of parents regard this cost as a burden.

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

Lee Myung-bak says he plans to leave Saenuri

Former President Lee Myung-bak said Sunday he will leave the troubled ruling party, leading to rumors of a conservative realignment by his loyalists.

New year brings hope for justice and growth

Ten-year-old Choi Jae-woong hopes to live in a “free world” where success relies on how “nice” one is to others.

NPS in crosshairs over susceptibility to pressure

The National Pension Service, the country’s biggest and most influential institutional investor responsible for the financial security of many Koreans after retirement, is under fire for lack of responsibility and being used by Korea’s biggest business, Samsung.

Chinese officials ban charter flights to Korea

The Chinese government banned Korea-bound chartered flights in January and February, a move seen as another retaliation over Korea’s decision to deploy a missile defense system.

Reliance on China makes tourism vulnerable

A senior director at Lotte Duty Free said the Korean retail giant has lost customers recently.

Kim says North is in ‘final stage’ of testing ICBMs

Pyongyang is currently in the “final stage” of preparing to test-fire an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), North Korean leader Kim Jong-un declared Sunday in his New Year’s message.

Indie counsel seeks to arrest Yoo-ra’s teacher

The independent counsel team, which is investigating the corruption scandal involving President Park Geun-hye and her friend, Choi Soon-sil, plans to seek an arrest warrant this week for a professor suspected of giving academic favors to Choi’s daughter, a source said Sunday.

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

Overflowing ‘Plans for Presidency’ Around Ban Ki-moon: A Circumstantial Evidence Indicating Ban’s Lack of Ability to Stand on His Own

As UN Secretary-General Ban Kim-moon (72) is soon to return to Korea, words are going back and forth regarding the political steps the emerging candidate for the next presidential election may take. Plans for presidency are discussed including a ‘third zone’ or ‘great integration,’ with Ban as one constant. But according to some observations, the flip side of the coin may be indicating the Secretary-General’s weakness, which means that it is not so easy for him to be his own man.

Abe Offers Condolences at Pearl Harbor, and Japan Defense Minister Goes to Yasukuni Shrine?

On December 28th, Japan’s Prime Minister Abe Shinzo visited Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, the site of Japanese warplane attack during World War II in the Pacific. Although no direct expression of apology was given, this was the first visit by a Japanese prime minister to the USS Arizona Memorial. And as the prime minister offered condolences to the victims, it was construed as an apology to the United States.

Two Ruling, Two Opposition or One Ruling and Three Opposition? Will the 4-Party System Be the Destination or a Stop on the Way?

Now that the ruling party has split into the Saenuri Party and the New Conservative Party for Reform (tentative name), the National Assembly has entered an era of the four-party system based on the number of bargaining groups. The last time that South Korea had a four-party system was around the fifteenth parliamentary election in 1996 when the New Korea Party, the National Congress for New Politics, the United Liberal Democrats and the United Democratic Party occupied the National Assembly.

Ban Ki-moon's Imminent Return, "Verification" Awaits

Arguments continue on the allegation that UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (72, photo), cited as a strong presidential candidate, received $230,000 from Park Yeon-cha, former chairman of Taekwang Inc. Ban denied the allegation claiming it was outrageous slander, but the impact remains. Ban announced that he would return in January and begin preparing for his presidential bid, and some experts claim that he will now be put to the test, undergoing a verification process to see whether he is suitable as a presidential candidate.

A Year after the Hasty Agreement, Seven Blossoms Have Fallen

The "Wednesday Demonstration for the Resolution of the Comfort Women Issue" held on December 28, a year after South Korea and Japan signed an agreement on this issue, was covered with flowers in memory of the elderly victims who passed away this year. Some surviving victims and families of the deceased victims filed a lawsuit for damages against the Japanese government.

A “Super” Opposition with 201 Seats, Enough for Constitutional Amendments: Expectations for Legislation on Reforms

With the division of the Saenuri Party, the National Assembly has now become a four-party system (based on bodies with bargaining power) for the first time in twenty years since 1996. After the lawmakers passed the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye, the weight of state administration has moved toward the National Assembly, and with the birth of a “super” opposition with over 200 seats, the requisite for constitutional amendments, the opposition‘s dominance in politics is expected to grow.

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

Moon Jae-in Picked as Most Likely Presidential Candidate Who Can Keep Economy Growing...Survey

A survey said the most likely Presidential candidate who will help the economy grow fast was Moon Jae-in, former Monjoo Party leader, with 13.6 percent of respondents saying so, followed by Seongnam city mayor Lee Jae-myung (12.0%) and Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General of the United Nations (11.3%).

"Keyword for 2017 Monetary Policy Is Financial Stability"...BOK Governor

Bank of Korea Governor Lee Ju-yeol said in his New Year's Day remarks that the keyword for 2017 monetary policy would be financial stability. He said this on January 1, "As we will likely see high volatility in the financial and foreign exchange markets this year, the monetary policy makers in the central bank will try hard to maintain the stability in the financial markets."

Korean Exports Down 5.9% in 2016

Korea's exports fell for two straight years in annual terms. The country, however, posted a trade surplus as its imports also declined. According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy on January 1, the nation's exports amounted to US$495.5 billion last year, down 5.9 percent from a year ago.

Global Smartphones Usage Forecast to Surpass 3 Bil. Units This Year, First in History

The number of smartphones in use worldwide is forecast to pass the 3-billion unit this year. According to U.S. market research firm Strategy Analytics on January 1, the number of smartphones in use worldwide is forecast to reach 3.23 billion units this year.

Consumers Grip Wallets Tight Amid Surge in Won-Dollar Exchange Rate

Consumers are feeling an increasing burden from the surge in the won-dollar exchange rate. According to industry sources, the won-dollar exchange rate closed at 1,210.5 won on December 28, passing the 1,210-won level first in 9 months since March 9 (1,216.2 won).

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

Former f(x) member Sulli sparks rare Instagram battle of hate comment

Sulli, a former member of girl group f(x), has sparked a rare Instagram battle between fans and good haters in the latest round of cyber-bullying that has plagued the singer-actress for many years.

US says N.K. ballistic missile launches unacceptable: Yonhap

The United States said that North Korea's ballistic missile launches are unacceptable and vowed to show Pyongyang consequences in the event of such firings after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un strongly hinted the country is close to test-firing a long-range missile.

A heroic Uber driver saves 16-year-old girl from sex trafficking

A story about a heroic Uber driver, Keith Avila, saving a 16-year-old girl from sex trafficking is going viral.

AOA releases sexy teaser video for ‘Bing Bing’

AOA has geared up for the group's comeback on January 2 with a series of teaser clips, including a new one released on Friday. Violet umbrellas are used as props for dance performances.

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

S. Korea’s exports up 6.4% in Dec on year, down 5.9% for 2016

South Korean exports rose for a second consecutive month, gaining 6.4 percent to $45.1 billion in December on year, for the first time in 26 months since October of 2014 thanks to expanded overseas shipments of machinery, petrochemical products, automobiles and medicines.

SK Innovation to invest up to $2.5 bn in 2017

South Korea’s SK Innovation Co. said Sunday it will invest up to 3 trillion won ($2.49 billion) throughout the new year in its chemicals, oil exploration and battery businesses to accelerate its global growth.

LG Elec unveils webOS smart fridge at CES 2017

South Korea’s LG Electronics Inc. has incorporated webOS – the operating system technology it acquired from HP in February, 2013 – in its refrigerator, hinting that it would go head-to-head with its archrival Samsung Electronics Co. which earlier opted for Tizen in its own fridge, over dominance in the so-called “smart home” market.

International seats taken by budget carriers top 22% in Korea

South Korea’s low-cost carriers (LCCs) are thriving and poised for further growth, as air travelers opt for cheaper alternatives amid a protracted slowdown in the economy that has led their long-haul rivals to struggle to turn a profit.

What’s ticking around the world at this second?

See what the 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

timeswww.thetimes.co.uk help@timesplus.co.uk

The Sun www.thesun.co.uk talkback@the-sun.co.uk

Chinese People's Dailywww.people.com.cn kf@people.cn

China Dailywww.chinadaily.com.cn circulation@chinadaily.com.cn

GwangmyeongDailywww.gmw.cn webmaster@gmw.cn

Japan's Yomiuriwww.yomiuri.co.jp japannews@yomiuri.com

asahiwww.asahi.com customer-support@asahi.com

mainichiwww.mainichi.jp

lemondewww.ilemonde.com

Italy rarepupeul Rica www.quotidiano.repubblica.it vittorio.zucconi@gmail.com

Germany Frankfurter AllgemeineZeitungwww.faz.net anzeigen.ausland@faz.de

SüddeutscheZeitungwww.sueddeutsche.de forum@sueddeutsche.de

Australia Brisbane Times www.brisbanetimes.com.au syndication@fairfaxmedia.com.au

Sydney Morning Heraldwww.smh.com.au

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