Monday, October 19, 2020
Round-up of important news from major Korean dailies and from international media today
The Korea Post (http://www.koreapost.com/)
Leaving Dulles Airport
It was 11:15 in the morning when Chŏng-suk and her family arrived at Dulles Airport. Because security procedures had been tightened following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11, they had come early to allow ample time for them to check-in for their Korean Air Line flight that would depart at 2 o’clock that afternoon.
As soon as they got out of the car, Chŏng-suk waved her hands in a gesture of farewell. “Now we can go by ourselves from here. You just go back home. Go!”
But her daughter and son-in-law ignored her command. “No, no, it’s okay,” they said as they walked on ahead, pulling the luggage.
LG Electronics ranked 6th, Samsung 28th in the world’s sustainably managed firms list
LG Electronics ranked 6th in the "100 Most Sustainably Managed Companies in the World" list selected by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ).
LG Electronics received 76.9 points out of 100 and Samsung Electronics 74.2 points in the evaluation of "The 100 Most Sustainably Managed Companies in the World."
Japan's Sony ranked first among the top 100 global sustainable management companies selected by the WSJ this year. The WSJ praised Sony CEO Kenichiro Yoshida, who took office in 2018.
A Samsung Electronics exec., who visited lawmaker’s office with a press pass, steps down
An executive of Samsung Electronics, who entered the National Assembly hall with a press card, stepped down to take responsibility for causing a stir.
In a statement titled "We apologize again," Samsung Electronics said on Oct. 8, "We sincerely apologize once again for a Samsung Electronics executive entering the National Assembly in an inappropriate manner. We are also thoroughly probing whether there are more cases of violating parliamentary procedures."
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KBS (http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/)
S. Korea Reports 76 New COVID-19 Cases
South Korea's daily new COVID-19 cases remained below 100 for the fourth consecutive day.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said on Monday that 76 additional cases were confirmed throughout Sunday, bringing the accumulated caseload to 25-thousand-275.
The daily figure dropped by 15 from the previous day and remained in double-digits for four consecutive days.
Justice Ministry, Prosecution Clash over Fund Fraud Scandal
The Justice Ministry and the prosecution clashed over an ongoing investigation into a high-profile financial fraud scandal involving Lime Asset Management.
The ministry raised allegations on Sunday that the prosecution did not sufficiently investigate the claims by Kim Bong-hyun, a key suspect in the Lime scandal, that he lobbied former and incumbent prosecutors and bribed a prosecutor-turned-opposition politician, in connection with the case. The Justice Ministry and the prosecution clashed over an ongoing investigation into a high-profile financial fraud scandal involving Lime Asset Management.
Top Office: US National Security Adviser to Visit Seoul Next Month
The presidential office said on Sunday that U.S. National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien will visit Seoul next month.
Presidential spokesperson Kang Min-seok said during a briefing that Suh Hoon, director of South Korea's National Security Office, asked O'Brien to visit Seoul during their meeting at the White House last week. O'Brien reportedly expressed his intent to visit in the meeting.
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Yonhap (http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr)
New virus cases under 100 for 4th day; cluster infections still on rise
South Korea's new coronavirus cases rose by double digits for a fourth consecutive day Monday, but sporadic cluster infections at senior nursing homes continued to hamper the country's efforts to stem further spread of COVID-19.
The country added 76 more COVID-19 cases, including 50 domestic infections, raising the total caseload to 25,275, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
Pupils take more in-person classes amid eased social distancing rules
The Ministry of Education's expansion of in-person classes at schools went into effect Monday amid a growing concern over a widening learning gap and a recent drop in new coronavirus cases.
The ministry raised the attendance cap, previously at one-third for elementary and middle schools, and two-thirds at high schools, to two-thirds for all schools on Oct. 11, in line with the government's decision to relax social distancing guidelines nationwide.
N.K. media slams S. Korea over alleged nuclear fuel purchase plan
A North Korean propaganda outlet on Sunday slammed South Korea over a media report that Seoul approached Washington to purchase nuclear fuel for a nuclear-powered submarine.
Meari, one of the North's propaganda websites, called a visit by Kim Hyun-chong, South Korea's deputy national security adviser, and his alleged talks with Washington, an "extremely dangerous" act that "destroys the peace of the Korean Peninsula, heightens tension and triggers an arms race."
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The Korea Herald (http://www.koreaherald.com)
New virus cases under 100 for 4th day; cluster infections still on rise
South Korea's new coronavirus cases rose by double digits for a fourth consecutive day Monday, but sporadic cluster infections at senior nursing homes continued to hamper the country's efforts to stem further spread of COVID-19.
The country added 76 more COVID-19 cases, including 50 domestic infections, raising the total caseload to 25,275, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
Fund fraud scandal spills over to prosecution
A financial fraud scandal involving a private equity investment company has spilled over to the prosecution after a key suspect claimed to have lobbied ranking prosecutors, one of whom is now part of the investigative team.
The revelation added fuel to the political debate surrounding the country’s law enforcement authority, which the Moon Jae-in administration has openly criticized for wielding “uncontrolled” power and has vowed to reform.
Pupils take more in-person classes amid eased social distancing rules
The Ministry of Education's expansion of in-person classes at schools went into effect Monday amid a growing concern over a widening learning gap and a recent drop in new coronavirus cases.
The ministry raised the attendance cap, previously at one-third for elementary and middle schools, and two-thirds at high schools, to two-thirds for all schools on Oct. 11, in line with the government's decision to relax social distancing guidelines nationwide.
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The Korea Times (http://www.koreatimes.co.kr)
Korea needs to embrace inclusive policies for multiracial families
Korea needs to become more accepting of those with foreign backgrounds, a task that requires continued nationwide advertising and education campaigns to end discrimination, experts said Sunday.
Social cohesion will be best achieved through consistency in education and awareness-raising programs, backed by sensitivity training of not only children but also their parents and educators early on to fundamentally change their bias-oriented remarks and behavior, they added.
Korea sees increase in male nurses
While nursing professionals still remain predominately female, the number of male nurses has steadily been growing in recent years. The concept of male nurses is nothing new, but the trend is obviously set to accelerate.
Figures show that men in nursing are increasing every year ― 3,460, graduated from the 203 nursing colleges across the country in 2019.
Tearful reunion after 44 years
A 78-year-old woman was reunited with her 47-year-old daughter who went missing 44 years ago in Seoul, in an emotional video meeting on Friday that connected Korea and the U.S.
The daughter, Yoon Sang-ae, was adopted out to a family in the U.S. where she currently resides. The video reunion was organized by the Korean National Police Agency (NPA).
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HanKyoReh Shinmun (http://english.hani.co.kr)
Mullae: a place to get lost and perhaps rediscover yourself
The rain may pour, the COVID-19 pandemic may rage, but life does go on. Even amid these somber events, people have been born and passed away; families have had to wrestle with upcoming wedding ceremonies. Life truly is a series of unknowable things.
“The aging process is linear, but isn’t it true to say that the essence of our lives is actually closer to nonlinear?” This is a thought that has often crossed my mind recently as I’ve spent more time recording and digitally editing videos for remote lectures
S. Korea’s public sphere plagued by English and confusing wording
A debate about Korean language and culture was held at the Hoam Faculty House at Seoul National University at 11 am on Oct. 10, jointly organized by the Hankyoreh Written and Spoken Language Research Center and Hangul Cultural Solidarity, to mark this year’s Hangul Day, on Oct. 9.
S. Korea’s local population to begin declining after peaking in 2020
According to government projections, South Korea’s local population will begin to decline after peaking this year. By 2040, the immigrant-derived population — including foreigners, naturalized citizens, and the children of immigrants — is expected to increase to 6.9% of the country’s total population.
Statistics Korea, the government’s statistics office, released its 2019 long-term population projections on Oct. 15. According to the projections, Korea’s total population is projected to reach 51,781,000 people this year, consisting of 50,051,000 Korean citizens (96.7%) and 1,730,000 foreigners (3.3%).
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Chosun Ilbo (http://english.chosun.com)
Many Koreans Put on Weight in Lockdown
Many Koreans admit they put on weight in lockdown, be it for lack of exercise or because there was simply nothing better to do than eat and watch TV.
Pollster Tillion Pro surveyed 5,016 adults, and 44 percent said they gained weight this year. Only 24 percent said they lost weight while the rest said their weight remained the same.
Those who said they gained weight were asked how many kilograms they put on. Thirty percent said more than 3 kg, 29 percent between 2 kg and 3 kg, and 28 percent 0.5 kg to 1 kg.
U.S. Backtracks on Troop Control Transfer
The U.S. seems to be getting cold feet at the prospect of putting its troops on the Korean Peninsula under the command of a South Korean general in wartime.
Troop control transfer was scheduled within the next two years, and South Korea is pushing to regain it before President Moon Jae-in's single, five-year term ends in 2022.
But U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper in defense talks with his South Korean counterpart Suh Wook on Wednesday said the transfer will have to take time.
SK Telecom Teams up with Uber for Mobility Services
SK Telecom will team up with Uber to provide delivery or taxi services.
Korea's largest mobile operator in a board meeting Thursday decided to spin off its navigation business and launch a new mobility service after a W100 billion investment from Uber (US$1=W1,49).
SK Telecom will provide the business infrastructure and staff to become the top shareholder, and Uber will own the second-biggest stake.
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The Dong-A Ilbo (http://english.donga.com/)
Trump says he may leave the U.S. if he loses in the election
U.S. President Donald Trump is trying to consolidate his supporters by even suggesting the possibility of leaving the U.S. as the presidential election is only 15 days away. Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden also asked citizens to participate in the vote.
“Anti-American leftist will erase American history, purge American values and destroy the American way of life,” said Trump to denounce Biden in the campaign in Muskegon, Michigan on Sunday (local time). He called Biden “the worst candidate in political history of the U.S.,” while saying he would have to leave the country if he loses to him. Trump ratcheted up the game by visiting two swing states a day on the weekend.
People’s Power Party independently holds parliamentary inspection session
Lee Rae-jin, elder brother of the civil servant from South Korea’s Oceans and Fisheries Ministry who had been killed by the North Korean military in the Yellow Sea, raised again the possibility of his brother losing his footing before being killed. Lee did so at a people’s parliamentary inspection of the government, which was hosted by the main opposition People’s Power Party on Sunday.
K-beauty booms with highest number of overseas online purchases
The number of online purchases from overseas on South Korean shopping websites recorded a new high of 18.41 million from January through September, exceeding the figure for last year, which had so far been the highest.
Rep. Park Hong-geun of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea on Sunday released data provided by the Korea Customs Service showing that the number of direct purchases by overseas online users on South Korean websites between January and September was around 18.49 million, up from 13.19 million for the whole last year.
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The KyungHyang Shinmun (http://english.khan.co.kr/)
Methodist Church Declares a 2-Year Suspension of a Pastor Who Blessed Sexual Minorities: Reverend Lee Dong-hwan to Appeal the Decision
In a church trial, the Korean Methodist Church suspended Reverend Lee Dong-hwan from his clerical position for two years for blessing sexual minorities at the Queer Cultural Festival.
The judicial committee of the Gyeonggi branch of the Korean Methodist Church made the decision in a hearing at Onnuri Keunbit Church in Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do on October 15. The committee said, “His (Reverend Lee) attending the queer festival in clergy vestments and publicly blessing sexual minorities is proof that he supports homosexuality,” and further explained the reason for the decision saying, “The phrase, ‘the Methodist church and queers together,’ which was on the poster (promoting the blessing), is also strong evidence.”
The Hyeongje Welfare Center Case Returned to Court after 32 Years
“People say that people have equal rights. Of course, Park Jong-cheol was an intellectual who went to university, and we were homeless people locked up in a facility.” This was written in a petition that A submitted to the prosecutors in 1987. A had been locked up at Hyeongje Welfare Center, a facility for the homeless in Busan, for a year and eight months. The human rights violations at Hyeongje Welfare Center, which had been run like a concentration camp from 1975 until 1987 under the protection of the military government, were disclosed after the persistent investigation by one prosecutor, but people soon lost interest amid dramatic events, such as the June Democratic Struggle, that drove the nation toward democracy.
“Samsung Sniper,” Lawmaker Ryu Ho-jeong, “I Raised the Issue of Samsung’s Unfair Practices to Resolve Inequality”
“I think the nickname actually describes the social influence of Samsung. After all, just pointing it (problem with Samsung) out drew a huge response.”
This was the answer given by Justice Party lawmaker Ryu Ho-jeong (28), when asked about her thoughts on emerging as a “Samsung sniper” in her first parliamentary inspection on October 14. Ryu, who is a member of the parliamentary Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs and Startups Committee fiercely criticized the problem of Samsung Electronics seizing technological developments by small and medium-sized enterprises in the latest parliamentary inspection
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Maeil Business News Korea (http://www.pulsenews.co.kr/)
Nearly 20 PEFs chase pre-IPO shares in CJ Olive Young
Private equity funds from home and abroad are going after pre-initial public offering (IPO) stake in CJ Olive Young Corp. with bets on big returns after Korea’s No. 1 health and beauty goes public in 2022.
Nearly 20 PEFs including Carlyle, IMM Private Equity, Hahn & Company, and Glenwood Private Equity, reportedly have applied for the stake offering from CJ Group owner families.
Wi-Fi in South Korea will be in high-frequency 5G from next year
Free Wi-Fi in South Korea will be in high-band 5G allowing data speed up to 2.1 gigabytes per second from next year.
The government on Thursday opened up a plot of spectrum in the 6GHz band for unlicensed use – from 5,925 to 7,125MHz range – to allow more open airwaves that routers can use to broadcast Wi-Fi signals.
Korea’s economically active to make up just half of population by 2040
South Korean population will fall below the 50 million threshold two years later, and the economic active number will barely make up half of the population 20 years later, according to the estimate by the statistics office.
According to Statistics Korea’s 2017-2040 population outlook, South Korean population will start thinning next year. The country’s population that stands at 50.051 million this year is projected to dip below the 50 million mark in 2022 at 49.997 million after declining to 50.029 million next year. The population is expected to reach 48.576 million by 2040.
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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
AustraliaBrisbaneTime www.brisbanetimes.com.au syndication@fairfaxmedia.com.au
Sydney Morning Herald www.smh.com.au
Colombia Reports http://www.colombiareports.com
BogotaFree Planet http://www.bogotafreeplanet.com bfp@bogotafreeplanet.com
El Universal https://www.eluniversal.com.mx/english
Andes https://www.redaktionstest.net/andes-info-ec/
Ecuador Times https://www.ecuadortimes.net/
The Jordan Times https://www.jordantimes.com/
LSM.lv https://www.lsm.lv//
The Baltic Times http://www.baltictimes.com, lithuania@baltictimes.com, estonia@baltictimes.com, editor@baltictimes.com
El Pais https://english.elpais.com/
Philippine Daily Inquirer https://www.inquirer.net/
Daily News Hungary https://dailynewshungary.com/
Budapest Times https://www.budapesttimes.hu/
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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.
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