Wednesday, September 28, 2022
Round-up of important news from major Korean dailies and from international media today
The Korea Post ( www.koreapost.com )
“I would like to praise the strategic, friendly, cooperative relations between Saudi Arabia and Korea!”
Ambassador Sami M. Alsadhan of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Seoul said, “Taking this opportunity, I would like to praise the strategic, friendly, and cooperative relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Korea, which marks the 60th anniversary this year since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries in 1962.” Ambassador Alsadhan made the remarks at a gala reception he hosted at Hotel Shilla in Seoul on Sept. 23, 2022 in celebration of the 92nd National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as well as the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Saudi Arabia.
‘Independent, neutral Turkmenistan successfully conducts multilateral, integrated foreign policy’
In the Autumn of 1991, Turkmenistan proclaimed itself as an independent state. The independence is valuable for each citizen of Turkmenistan. After gaining its independence, Turkmenistan got the opportunity to freely interact with the rest of the world. The Neutrality of Turkmenistan is inseparably connected with its Independence, since the statehood gave our country the opportunity to implement its independent policy around the world. Thus, Turkmenistan freely expresses its position on any regional or international issues with its full openness.
President Yoon holds 30-minute talks with Japan PM Kishida in NY
President Yoon Suk-yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida held their first summit talks on Sept. 21 in New York, discussing issues of common interest. On a visit to the Big Apple to attend the 77th United Nations General Assembly, President Yoon hosted informal talks lasting 30 minutes with his Japanese counterpart at a conference building near U.N. headquarters from 12:23 p.m., according to the presidential office in Seoul. This was the first talks between the leaders of both nations in two years and nine months since a December 2019 meeting between then President Moon Jae-in and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Chengdu, China.
Chosun Ilbo (http://english.chosun.com)
Starving N.Korea Squanders Billions on Developing Nukes
North Korea has squandered somewhere between US$1.1 and $1.6 billion developing nuclear weapons over the past 50 years, according to recent calculations. It will likely cost the regime another $160 million to conduct another nuclear test. According to data from the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses, the North has spent up to $1.6 billion developing nuclear weapons, including six nuclear tests since the 1970s. It spent $600 to $700 million building a uranium refinery in Pyongsan,
S.Korea, U.S. Start Massive Naval Exercise
South Korea and the U.S. kicked off a four-day joint maritime exercise in the East Sea on Monday, mobilizing some 20 warships including the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan and about 110 warplanes. This is the first time the drill has been conducted since November 2017. North Korea fired a new ballistic missile into the East Sea the previous day. The two countries are staging the drill from Monday until Thursday in a show of force against North Korean provocations and improve their combat readiness.
Hanwha to Acquire Daewoo Shipbuilding for W2 Trillion
Debt-ridden Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering will be sold to Hanwha Group for W2 trillion (US$1=W1,431). State-run Korea Development Bank, DSME's main creditor, said Monday that Hanwha has been chosen as the preferred bidder for the shipbuilder. DSME entered a debt-restructuring program in 1999 after the spectacular implosion of parent Daewoo Group during the Asian financial crisis. KDB became DSME's biggest shareholder when its loans were converted into equity in 2000.
Joongang Ilbo (https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com )
Korean airlines add more flights to Japan as demand increases
Airlines are adding more flights to and from Japan as the country opens visa-free travel and Koreans rush to fly abroad. Asiana Airlines announced Tuesday it will bump up its Incheon-Narita flights to 12 times a week starting Oct. 30, up from the current 10 flights a week. There will be 10 Incheon-Osaka flights per week, compared to the current seven. The company said it increased flight frequencies following Japan’s decision to allow visa-free travel. Starting Oct. 11, foreigners of certain countries will be able to visit Japan for up to 90 days without a visa.
DP wants foreign minister out after hot mic embarrassment
The liberal Democratic Party (DP) called for the dismissal of Foreign Minister Park Jin to hold him accountable for President Yoon Suk-yeol's recent disaster-plagued overseas trip. Rep. Wi Seong-gon, the DP's chief deputy floor leader, told reporters Tuesday that "all 169 DP lawmakers" decided to submit a motion in the National Assembly calling for Park's dismissal "without any disagreement." The motion is expected to be passed in a plenary session on Thursday since the DP controls a majority in the National Assembly, although it will not be binding on the president in any way.
Hints dropped that USFK might have to help defend Taiwan
U.S. military and diplomatic officials made remarks Monday implying that South Korea could be expected to work with the United States to support a defense of Taiwan in case of a conflict with China. In an interview with Radio Free Asia on Tuesday, retired Gen. Robert Abrams, who served as the commander of the United States Forces Korea (USFK) from 2018 to 2021, said that the United States will keep open "all options" in deciding what forces might be used in the event of a military conflict between China and Taiwan, "including those assigned to the USFK."
The Dong-A Ilbo (http://english.donga.com/)
Korean military rebuts possibility of USFK deploying for Taiwan
The South Korean military authorities rebutted the possibility of the USFK deployed for a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan after Former USFK Commander Robert Abrams mentioned such a scenario. According to the Radio Free Asia on Monday, the retired general, who led the USFK from 2018 to 2021, said it would be “possible” to deploy the USFK forces when asked if there is any possibility that the USFK might be mobilized in the event that China invades Taiwan.
Organizations transcending borders and academic discipline is key to public health innovation
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), a research and development body under the U.S. Department of Defense, manages and oversees various R&D projects for U.S. national defense. The DARPA developed the world’s first Internet when the institution studied military networks in the 1960s. The agency is benchmarked by many countries worldwide for its capability to achieve groundbreaking military breakthroughs for high-cost and risky projects. The U.S. government applied the DARPA model in founding ARPA-H (Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health).
Meloni becomes Italy’s first far-right PM in a century
Giorgia Meloni, a hard-right coalition leader in Italy, is poised to become the first far-right leader in a century since Benito Mussolini and the country’s first-ever female prime minister. The nationalist Brothers of Italy, a hardliner party that had been finding itself on the periphery of national politics, has come to power in the E.U.’s third-largest economy, hinting at significant changes in the political landscape in Europe. According to an exit poll released by the public media Rai on Monday, a right-wing coalition with the extreme-right party at the center is on course to win 45 percent of the vote, taking the lead in the election.
Maeil Business News Korea (http://www.pulsenews.co.kr/)
Korean airliners rush to normalize flights to Japan upon Tokyo’s border reopen
South Korean airliners are rushing to expand flights to Japan as Tokyo is allowing visa-free pleasure trips and lifting the cap on the number of inbound travelers after 30 months of closure. Korean Air Lines Co. is doubling flights from Incheon, Korea to popular Japanese destinations of Tokyo and Osaka to 14 times a week from Oct. 11, the flag carrier announced Tuesday. The route between Incheon and Fukuoka will be run three times a week from Oct. 14, and daily from Oct. 30. The Incheon-Sapporo route will be reopened on Oct. 30.
Kospi next year may return to sub-2000 levels of 2020 spring
Kospi could revisit the dismal sub-2000 levels of the spring 2020 at the onset of Covid-19 pandemic next year amid little sign for upsides for the Korean capital markets rattled by the freefall in currencies around the world and rapid tightening actions. The main index briefly slipped below 2,200 for the first time in 26 months on Tuesday. Kosdaq has been hovering below 700 from Monday for the first time since June 2020. Market experts project Kospi to dip below 2,000 next year and hit as low as 1,920 amid gloomy earnings prospects.
Hanwha envisions civil defense power commanding ground, sky, and sea with DSME
South Korea’s seventh largest conglomerate Hanwha can complete its newfound identity as a civil defense power since 2015 multibillion-dollar acquisition of defense and chemical operations from Samsung Group when it adds Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marin Engineering (DSME), No. 4 global shipbuilder and Korea’s sole supplier of defense vessels. The 2 trillion won ($1.4 billion) deal would be sealed if no other bidders come up with better offers by the end of November.
HanKyoReh Shinmun (http://english.hani.co.kr)
Unapologetic, Yoon calls reporting on hot mic moment “damaging” to alliances
President Yoon Suk-yeol commented on the controversy surrounding his purported use of profanity during his trip to the US last week, stating that “damaging [South Korea’s] alliance through false reportage is akin to deeply endangering the public” while demanding an investigation into the initial media report. This is expected to stir even more controversy, as Yoon went on the offensive by insinuating that the media jeopardized the South Korea-US alliance rather than eat crow for using language unbefitting the diplomatic stage.
N. Korea’s envoy to UN slams SK-US naval drills as driving peninsula to “brink of war”
Addressing the general debate of the UN General Assembly’s 77th session on Monday, Kim Song, North Korea’s permanent representative to the UN, slammed the joint maritime exercises by South Korea and the US that kicked off that day in the East Sea, calling them “an extremely dangerous act of igniting the fuse to drive the situation on the Korean Peninsula to the brink of war.”“We are now caught in a vicious cycle of tension and confrontation due to the increasing hostility of the US,” Kim continued, adding that it is “heading into a much more dangerous place” in recent times.
Ambassador offers clarification of Yoon’s hot mic remarks to White House
South Korea’s ambassador to the US told reporters that President Yoon Suk-yeol had met with President Joe Biden of the US three times on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, resulting in the “meaningful outcome” of reaffirming their commitment to working together to solve pending bilateral issues such as the Inflation Reduction Act. “We discussed our industry's concerns regarding the Inflation Reduction Act at the summit level and confirmed our sincere will to cooperate on this issue,” Cho told press correspondents in Washington on Monday.
The KyungHyangShinmun (http://english.khan.co.kr/)
President Yoon Attacks the Press but Stays Silent on Controversial Remark, Fueling the Debate Instead of Resolving It
On September 26, President Yoon Suk-yeol opted to fuel the controversy rather than settle the debate over his foul comment. He concluded that the press reported false facts mentioning a threat to the people and demanded an investigation into the truth. Reportedly, the president claims that he does not remember what he said. The Office of the President continues to deny the president’s use of foul language. The presidential office and the ruling People Power Party (PPP) are following suit and focusing their efforts on changing public opinion. President Yoon, the person who made the controversial comment, has turned the issue into a game of truth or dare instead of presenting an apology or expressing his regrets.
“Media Coverage Was Different from Fact, Tarnishing the Alliance. The Truth Must Be More Accurately Clarified,” President Yoon Speaks on His Controversial Foul Language
On September 26, President Yoon Suk-yeol spoke on his controversial remark during his trip to New York and argued, “Tarnishing the alliance with media coverage different from fact is putting the people at risk.” There was no apology or mention of regret for stirring the controversy. His use of foul language now has everyone guessing at the truth, and in this situation, the president opted to face the controversy head on. On his way to work at the Office of the President in Yongsan this day, President Yoon met with reporters and when asked about the comment in question, he said, “I would describe it like this rather than call it a controversy,” and made his argument.
Presidential Office Claims “Idiots” Referred to the Opposition Party, and President Yoon Says He Expects Willing Cooperation from the National Assembly
On September 22, President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was in New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly, wrote on social media about the South Korean government’s pledge to give US$100 million to the Global Fund and said, “I expect the willing cooperation of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea.” Just before the president’s message, the Office of the President explained that the recent foul language used by President Yoon, was aimed at the massive opposition party in the National Assembly. The Democratic Party of Korea immediately disapproved, and the president’s road to obtaining willing cooperation from the opposition party does not look smooth.
KBS(http://world.kbs.co.kr/service)
'US Taking S. Korea's Concerns about IRA Seriously'
A senior U.S. official said on Tuesday that the United States is taking South Korea's concerns about the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act(IRA) seriously and related dialogue is underway. The official, accompanying U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris on her trip to Japan, made the remarks during a press briefing on Tuesday. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and Vice President Harris met earlier in the day in Japan before attending the state funeral of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and the IRA issue was discussed during the talks. The U.S. official said that the vice president did not make the visit to discuss the issue, but did note that Washington is listening to Seoul's concerns and Vice President Harris promised to work with South Korea to address them as it implements the law.
Prime Minister Attends Abe's Funeral in Tokyo
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo led the South Korean delegation that attended the state funeral of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo on Tuesday. The official delegation, which includes interim leader of the ruling People Power Party Chung Jin-suk and South Korea's Ambassador to Japan, Yun Duk-min, attended the funeral held at the Nippon Budokan Hall in Tokyo on Tuesday afternoon. The prime minister then attended a reception hosted by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the state guest house Akasaka Palace and offered his deepest condolences over Abe's death on behalf of the South Korean government, his office said.
Former Vice Gyeonggi Governor Arrested on Bribery Charges
The former vice governor of Gyeonggi Province, Lee Hwa-young, has been arrested on charges of receiving bribes from a local clothing company. The Suwon District Prosecutors Office issued an arrest warrant for Lee Wednesday morning, saying that the charges against the suspect have been verified and he may destroy evidence. The former vice governor is accused of receiving about 250 million won in bribes from Ssangbangwool Group from August 2018 to early this year in exchange for favors with its inter-Korean economic exchange project.
Yonhap (http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr)
Yoon pays respects to victims of Daejeon shopping mall fire
President Yoon Suk-yeol on Tuesday visited a mourning altar for seven people who died in a fire at a Daejeon outlet mall earlier this week. Yoon paid his respects at the altar set up on the site of Monday's fire at Hyundai Premium Outlet mall in the city 160 kilometers south of Seoul, according to his office. The president happened to be in the area as he presided over a Cabinet meeting in the central city of Sejong earlier in the day. He comforted the families of the victims and thanked firefighters for their work after being briefed by officials on the damage, his office said.
Harris' trip to DMZ will highlight U.S. commitment to security of S. Korea: U.S. official
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris' visit to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) will underscore the U.S.' commitment to the defense of South Korea, a senior U.S. official said Tuesday. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, also said the trip had been planned for weeks, despite the sudden announcement of plans this week. "The key messaging that she's talking about on this trip is how our defense commitments are ironclad," the administration official said of Harris' trip to the DMZ in a press briefing in Tokyo, according to the White House.
Yoon calls for follow-up measures after 3-nation tour
President Yoon Suk-yeol instructed officials Tuesday to come up with measures to follow up on his meetings with foreign leaders and investors during his trip to Britain, the United States and Canada last week. Yoon gave the instructions while presiding over a Cabinet meeting in the central city of Sejong, saying he used the trip to clearly state his commitment to defending the international order that is based on the spirit of freedom and solidarity. "I saw the commitment of leaders to cooperate and achieved meaningful results for the economy,"
The Korea Herald (http://www.koreaherald.com)
Herald Design Forum returns as in-person event, explores spaces in new era
The 12th edition of Herald Design Forum kicked off Tuesday at the Shilla Seoul, exploring how spaces have evolved and will expand in the post-pandemic world. Under the theme of “Design Universe: Beyond the Space,” the event was held as an in-person event.“Designing space is equivalent to designing lives. Architects and industrial designers have continuously transformed space over time. Now the concept of space has expanded to virtual reality beyond three-dimensional space. It is an irony that COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this evolution,”
PM attends Abe funeral in Tokyo, holds talks with US, Japan leaders
The South Korean delegation led by Prime Minister Han Duck-soo attended the state funeral for former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo on Tuesday. Before the funeral, Han met with US Vice President Kamala Harris, who was also visiting the country for the occasion. About 4,300 were to attend the ceremony that kicked off at 2:00 p.m. at the Nippon Budokan Hall in Tokyo, with at least 48 current or former government officials, including the US vice president.
N. Korea blames US for first-use nuclear doctrine
North Korea claimed Monday that the United States compelled the country to adopt a first-use nuclear doctrine and vowed to continue military buildup in a tit-for-tat move against the US’ “hostile policy.” At the UN General Assembly, the claim was immediately dismissed by South Korea, but North Korea repeatedly clarified that it no longer seeks to discuss Korean Peninsula affairs with the Yoon Suk-yeol government. North Korean Ambassador to the United Nations Kim Song underscored the legitimacy of the country’s nuclear expansion in his speech at the UN General Assembly in New York.
The Korea Times (http://www.koreatimes.co.kr)
Tank, howitzer exports to Poland feared to create arms shortage in Korean military
Dozens of tanks and self-propelled howitzers that were supposed to be delivered to the Republic of Korea (ROK) Army will be shipped to Poland, according to a lawmaker. In addition, some howitzers that have already been in operation for years, will also be delivered to the Central European country, raising concerns over a possible weapons shortage in the military. Korea and Poland agreed to a framework contract in July, under which Warsaw will purchase 980 K2 tanks from Hyundai Rotem and 648 K9 howitzers from Hanwha Defense as well as 48 FA-50 light attack aircraft from Korea Aerospace Industries.
Pro-Russian officials in Ukraine claim victory in annexation votes
Officials in four Moscow-occupied regions of Ukraine on Tuesday claimed victory in referendums for a merger with Russia amid international condemnation of sham ballots. The local poll body in the southern Zaporizhzhia region said 93.11 percent of voters opted for Russian annexation after all ballots were counted. It said however that this was a preliminary result. In Kherson, also in the south, authorities said 87.05 percent of voters opted for Russian annexation after a vote count was completed. In the eastern Lugansk region controlled by pro-Russia separatists, 98.42 percent opted for annexation by Russia, Russian news agencies said, citing local authorities.
US VP Harris to visit Korean DMZ
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris will visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which divides the rival Koreas, on Thursday in Washington's latest bid to demonstrate its commitment to Seoul's security. This would mark the first visit to the border barrier by a top Biden administration official at a time when tensions are mounting as a result of a series of recent North Korean provocations, including a short-range ballistic missile test on Sunday. Harris, who held a meeting with Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida before attending a state funeral for former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo, will make a one-day visit to Seoul, where she is scheduled to meet with President Yoon Suk-yeol and top diplomats to discuss urgent issues between the two countries.
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Budapest Times http://budapesttimes.hu
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