Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Round-up of important news from major Korean dailies and from international media today
The Korea Post (http://www.koreapost.com/)
Uzbek people receive tax breaks, deferred loan repayment, financial assistance
On Dec. 29, 2020, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev delivered a message to the Oliy Majlis. The head of state summed up the results of the work done, determined the priorities of domestic and foreign policy. A distinctive feature of the current Address, first of all, is that it ended a really difficult year both for Uzbekistan and the whole world.
KITA Selected 'New and Renewable Energy · Electric Vehicle · Bio Health · Digital Transformation · Home Living' as Five Promising Export Fields in Biden Era
It was argued that Korean companies should actively expand into the US market as the launch of the new administration of Biden will likely to boost the exports of new industries such as new and renewable energy, electric vehicles, biohealth, digital transformation, and home living.
CES Innovation Awards, One of Four is Made in Korea
Since the pandemic began, Korean companies have actively engaged in digital innovation and swept the Innovation Awards at this year's Consumer Electronics Show(CES). According to a report titled “CES 2021 Confirms Life-centered Digital Transformation as Innovation Trend in Pandemic Era” issued by the Institution for International Trade (President: Choi Yong-min) of the Korea International Trade Association issued on January 26th, among the products exhibited at this year's fair, 101 Korean products were selected as the most innovative products and won the CES Innovation Awards, accounting for 26.2 percent of the total (386 items).
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KBS (http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/)
WHO Grants Emergency Authorization for AstraZenaca Vaccine
The World Health Organization(WHO) has granted authorization for emergency use for two versions of the COVID-19 vaccine by AstraZeneca and Oxford University. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Monday that the WHO cleared the AstraZeneca vaccines made by South Korea's SK Bioscience and the Serum Institute of India.
Snow, Cold Snap Hits S. Korea Tuesday
Snow is expected in most parts of the nation on Tuesday with temperatures plunging overnight.
The Korea Meteorological Administration(KMA) said southern Gyeonggi Province and South Chungcheong Province will receive up to seven centimeters of snow, while Seoul and other parts of the nation will see one to three centimeters.
S. Korea's Export Prices Rise for Second Month in January
South Korea's export prices rose for the second straight month in January on a decline in the Korean currency's value against the U.S. dollar and rising oil prices. According to data from the Bank of Korea(BOK) on Tuesday, the country's export price index, in terms of the local currency, gained one-point-eight percent on-month in January.
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Yonhap (http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr)
New infections in 300s for 3rd day; distancing rules eased for small businesses
South Korea's daily new coronavirus cases stayed in the 300s for the third consecutive day Monday on fewer tests during the Lunar New Year holiday, with social distancing measures eased to help small businesses whose operations have been in limbo over tougher regulations.
Cold wave advisory issued for Seoul and most parts of Korea
A cold wave advisory will be issued in Seoul and almost all other parts of the nation Monday night, as a cold snap is forecast to grip the nation for three days or longer this week, the weather agency said. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said the cold wave advisory will take effect at 9 p.m. in Seoul and many other major cities and regions, including Busan, Daegu, Gwangju and Daejeon.
Cat tests positive for COVID-19 in Seoul's 1st case involving pet
A cat living with a family infected with COVID-19 has tested positive for the coronavirus in Seoul's first case involving a pet, the city government said Monday. The female, 4-to-5-year-old cat was tested Saturday after she showed symptoms, including vomiting and lethargy.
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The Korea Herald (http://www.koreaherald.com)
Korea advises against AstraZeneca vaccine for those over 65
The AstraZeneca vaccine will not be used on those aged 65 and over for the time being, the Korean government committee for COVID-19 immunization said Monday, citing insufficient evidence on how well the vaccine works for the age group.
Moon hints at further easing of COVID-19 restrictions
President Moon Jae-in on Monday hinted at further easing of the nation’s COVID-19 social distancing rules to boost the pandemic-battered economy, especially hardest-hit small business owners. “We can no longer ignore the urgent appeals (from small businesses). The government will come up with new social distancing measures in March when full-fledged vaccinations start,” the president said during a weekly meeting with his key aides.
Seoul, Washington close to striking defense cost-sharing deal
South Korea and the US are inching toward a conclusion to their stalled negotiations on the defense cost-sharing agreement that governs the 28,500 US troops stationed here, according to media reports. The two countries could be “just weeks away” from clinching a deal, CNN reported last week, citing multiple sources. The deal would likely be a multiyear agreement that increases Korea’s contribution by 13 percent from the previous accord -- the same figure Seoul suggested as its “best offer” last year.
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The Korea Times (http://www.koreatimes.co.kr)
Korea to hold off inoculating elderly with AstraZeneca vaccines
Korea has decided to hold off on administering AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine to people over the age of 65, Monday, changing its initial plan to prioritize the elderly population in the first round of vaccinations set to begin later this month.
School bullying history dragging down celebrities
An increasing number of celebrities including athletes and singers have been embroiled in controversy recently over their checkered past as bullies in school, following revelations from their old teammates or schoolmates. The revelations have increased particularly in recent years as online communities and social media have been developed into a key communication method among young people.
Negotiation touted as best option in LG-SK dispute
In the world of business, a negotiation is a process between interested parties aiming to find common ground and eventually reach a consensus to possibly settle a matter of "mutual concern," resolve a conflict and exchange value.
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HanKyoReh Shinmun (http://english.hani.co.kr)
S. Korea eases COVID-19 restrictions as third wave still smolders
The South Korean authorities are relaxing social distancing restrictions on Feb. 15, despite the continuing risk of the infection spreading again. More than 500 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed on Feb. 11, the first day of the extended Lunar New Year holiday.
S. Korean society mourns death of former comfort woman Jeong Bok-soo
Jeong Bok-soo, South Korea’s oldest surviving comfort woman, passed away on Feb. 12, the Lunar New Year. In response to the news, people from all areas of Korean society posted their condolences online throughout the extended holiday.
Gyeonggi Gov. Lee Jae-myung holds big lead in poll on next S. Korean presidential election
Lee Jae-myung, governor of South Korea’s Gyeonggi Province, held firm in first place among contenders in next year’s South Korean presidential election in various polls released during the Lunar New Year holiday. Lee’s rivals — including Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yon, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, and former Blue House Chief of Staff Im Jong-seok — also appeared focused on reining in his lead with their messaging.
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Chosun Ilbo (http://english.chosun.com)
Price Hikes Only Fuel Appetite for Luxury Labels
Yet another hefty price hike has failed to dent Koreans' insatiable appetite for luxury labels. The average price of a Chanel Classic handbag rose from US$2,850 in 2010 to $6,800 in late 2020, up 2.4 times after the French luxury company jacked up prices every year. Last year alone Chanel raised prices twice, but that still did not deter customers.
Popular YouTubers Make a Mint
Popular YouTubers made substantial amounts of money in 2019.
The top 10 percent of YouTubers earned an average of W200 million per year, and the top one percent earned an average of W671 million (US$1=W1,106). Their main source of income is advertising.
Convenience Stores Overtake Malls' Offline Sales
Convenience stores outperformed department stores in offline sales for the first time last year.
According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on Sunday, three major supermarkets -- E-Mart, Homeplus and Lotte Mart -- accounted for 33.4 percent of all offline retail sales, up 0.2 percentage point on-year.
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The Dong-A Ilbo (http://english.donga.com/)
Moon says ROK-US alliance needs to be strengthened for peace process
South Korean President Moon Jae-in told Minister of Foreign Affairs Chung Eui-yong on Monday that the ROK-U.S. alliance needs to be strengthened for the peace process on the Korean Peninsula. The president added that it requires close communication and cooperation with the U.S. administration led by President Joe Biden. President Moon also asked Chung to make efforts to closely cooperate with neighboring countries and protect national interests.
A 13-year-old puts out fire at parents’ restaurant
A fire was reported on Feb. 6 in Gimje, North Jeolla Province. It was reported by a young boy, who informed the firefighters of the situation and location in a calm voice. When fire trucks reached the scene, an elementary school boy was waving his hand to them. The fire had already been extinguished and only residual smoke rising from the scene. It was Jeong Si-yool, who responded quickly to the fire even before the firefighters’ arrival.
Bill Gates’ daughter mocks vaccine conspiracies
Jennifer Gates, the daughter of Microsoft founder Bill Gates, has wittily dispelled vaccine conspiracies involving her dad. Jennifer, the oldest among two daughters and one son of the founder of Microsoft, is currently attending a medical school in New York.
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The KyungHyang Shinmun (http://english.khan.co.kr/)
Why Did Coupang Choose to Go Public in the New York Stock Exchange?
News that the South Korean E-commerce company, Coupang filed for an initial public offering (IPO) at the New York Stock Exchange on February 12 (local time) has drawn attention to why the company chose to go public in the U.S. and not in South Korea.
Will the AstraZeneca Vaccine Be Administered to Senior Citizens as Planned?
The government decided to begin COVID-19 vaccination by distributing the AstraZeneca vaccine on February 26, and now eyes on whether or not the government will administer the vaccine to the elderly, aged 65 and older.
Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong Takes the Mound in the Ninth Inning: First Pitch Is Cooperation with the U.S.
On February 9, Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong began his official duties. Chung launched his official schedule by paying his respects at the Seoul National Cemetery. He then attended a simple inauguration ceremony at the ministry office in Doryeom-dong, Seoul and went straight to work.
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Maeil Business News Korea (http://www.pulsenews.co.kr/)
S. Korea’s Feb. 1-10 exports up 70% on strong chip, auto demand
South Korean exports are picking up faster than expected, with shipments in the first 10 days of February surging nearly 70 percent on year on robust demand for chips and automobiles, data showed. According to data released by the Korea Customs Service, the country’s exports totaled $18 billion in the first 10 days of February, up 69.1 percent from the same period a year ago. Daily exports averaged $2.11 billion, up 39.3 percent from a year ago, based on 8.5 working days, 1.5 days longer than a year ago.
Korea’s auto output, shipments at home and abroad in double-digit gains in Jan
South Korea’s automobile output and shipments at home and abroad all gained by double digits in January in the biggest growth in multiple years. According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on Monday, Korea exported total 192,322 vehicles last month, up 29.5 percent from a year earlier as demand recovered sharply in most major markets.
Hankook Tire to expand its U.S. plant with $91 mn investment this year
South Korea’s leading tire maker Hankook Tire & Technology Co. is set to expand its plant in Tennessee, U.S. during the second half of 2021 to meet growing demands in North America and avoid penalty duties. Hankook Tire will expand its Clarksville manufacturing facility under a 2-phase plan with the aim of completing the construction by late 2023 or early 2024, the company said Monday.
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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
Australia Brisbane Times www.brisbanetimes.com.au syndication@fairfaxmedia.com.au
Sydney Morning Herald www.smh.com.au
Colombia Reports www.colombiareports.com
Bogota Free Planet www.bogotafreeplanet.com bfp@bogotafreeplanet.com
El Universal www.eluniversal.com.mx/english
Andes www.redaktionstest.net/andes-info-ec/
Ecuador Times www.ecuadortimes.net/
The Jordan Times www.jordantimes.com/
LSM.lv www.lsm.lv/
The Baltic Times www.baltictimes.com lithuania@baltictimes.com, estonia@baltictimes.com, editor@baltictimes.com
El Pais https://english.elpais.com/
Philippine Daily Inquirer www.inquirer.net/
Daily News Hungary https://dailynewshungary.com/
Budapest Times www.budapesttimes.hu/
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The Korea Post is running video clips from the different embassies.
Azerbaijan: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OR8CBpcQ4WM
Sri Lanka: www.youtube.com/watch?v=hByX92Y2aGY&t=22s
Morocco: www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfFmp2sVvSE
And many other countries.
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