Headlines, February 26, 2019

The Korean daily media headlines and humor

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Round-up of important news from major Korean dailies and from international media today

The Korea Post media (www.koreapost.com) in English, (www.koreapost.co.kr) in Korean.

FM voices expectation for 'important milestone' from Trump-Kim summit

outh Korea's Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha on Monday expressed hopes that this week's summit between the United States and North Korea will mark "another important milestone" in the ongoing efforts for lasting peace on the peninsula. Speaking at a disarmament conference in Geneva, Switzerland, Kang also reiterated that Seoul will fully enforce international sanctions "until we are assured that we are firmly and irrevocably on our way toward complete denuclearization." U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un are set for their second meeting in Hanoi on Wednesday and Thursday with a focus on fleshing out Pyongyang's denuclearization steps in return for Washington's corresponding measures.

N.K. officials gather at train station ahead of leader's arrival

North Korean officials were gathering at a Vietnamese train station on the border with China on Tuesday to welcome the arrival of leader Kim Jong-un ahead of his second summit with U.S. President Donald Trump. At Dong Dang Station, several kilometers south of the Chinese border, a military band started playing amid tight security and rows of Vietnamese and North Korean flags lining the entrance. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is expected to arrive soon after traveling across China on the train that left Pyongyang station Saturday afternoon. Top North Korean officials, including his "butler," Kim Chang-son, and top nuclear negotiator, Kim Hyok-chol, were spotted outside the building.

N. Korean leader arrives at Hanoi hotel

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un arrived in Hanoi by car Tuesday on the eve of his summit with U.S. President Donald Trump. It took about two hours for him to reach the five-star Melia hotel in the Vietnamese capital from a train station in the border down of Dong Dang. Earlier in the day, he wrapped up a 66-hour train trip from Pyongyang across China. He is scheduled to meet with Trump on Wednesday and Thursday.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

N. Korean Leader Arrives in Hanoi for Second Summit with Trump

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un arrived in Hanoi on Tuesday for his second summit with U.S. President Donald Trump. Kim traveled thousands of kilometers and more than 65 hours in an armored train from Pyongyang to Vietnam's Dong Dang station near the country's border with China. From there, he took a car to the Vietnamese capital. The North Korean leader was greeted at the train station, where he arrived at around 8:13 a.m., by high-ranking Vietnamese officials, as well as dozens of security guards, military officers and the police.

Moon Visits Graves of Independence Fighters

President Moon Jae-in paid a visit to the graves of independence activists ahead of the March First Independence Movement day. The president visited Hyochang Park in central Seoul on Tuesday along with Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon and other ministers to pay tribute to Kim Koo, the last premier of the provisional government who steered the independence movement. Moon also paid respects to the so-called three martyrs -- Yoon Bong-gil, Lee Bong-chang and Baek Jeong-gi.

S. Korea's FM Expresses Hopes for 'Tangible, Substantial Outcome' from Hanoi Summit

South Korea’s Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha has expressed hope that this week’s summit between the U.S. and North Korea will bring about “a tangible and substantial outcome” towards the North’s denuclearization. At a UN disarmament conference in Geneva, Switzerland on Monday, Minister Kang emphasized she hopes the upcoming summit will mark another important milestone in the ongoing efforts for denuclearization and lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula. Kang said while she expressed "cautious hope" about the situation surrounding North Korea during her speech a year ago, she wants to bring a message of "progress and expectation" this time around.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Trump, Kim expected to meet at least five times in Hanoi

U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un are expected to meet at least five times in this week's summit.The two leaders are scheduled to kick off the two-day event with a brief one-on-one conversation and a "social dinner" Wednesday, according to the White House.

Pompeo arrives in Vietnam for N. Korea summit

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived in Vietnam on Tuesday, hailing the upcoming second summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as an "important opportunity" for denuclearization and peace. Pompeo traveled to Hanoi on his own official aircraft, separate from Air Force One, and landed hours before Trump's scheduled arrival. "Made it to Vietnam for President @realDonaldTrump's #HanoiSummit with the DPRK," Pompeo tweeted, referring to North Korea by its official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. "Will be important opportunity to make progress on Singapore Summit commitments of transformed relations, building lasting peace, and complete denuclearization."

Moon stresses nation's leadership in shaping future of Korean Peninsula

President Moon Jae-in reiterated the importance of his country's leadership in deciding the fate of the country and the Korean Peninsula on Tuesday as the country is set to mark a key independence movement day this week. "The Republic of Korea has accomplished a lot. One hundred years ago, we fell to the colonial rule as we were unable to decide our own fate amid a struggle between powerful nations," the president said in a Cabinet meeting held at the Kim Koo memorial museum and library in downtown Seoul.The meeting marked the first-ever Cabinet meeting to be held outside of a public facility, according to the president.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Kim Jong-un arrives in Vietnam for summit with Trump

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un arrived in Vietnam on Tuesday for a second summit with US President Donald Trump, after traveling for more than 60 hours by train all the way from Pyongyang through China. Kim's armored train made a stop at the Dong Dang station near the border with China around 8:10 a.m.After stepping off the train in a black Mao-style suit, Kim shook hands with officials and slowly walked out of the station, beaming a smile and waving to school kids. Kim soon headed to the capital city of Hanoi in a black limousine. The 170-kilometer road trip is expected to take a few hours. Kim is scheduled to hold a summit with Trump on Wednesday and Thursday.

Korea to pardon activists, minor offenders to mark independence movement day

The government on Tuesday said it will grant special pardons to 4,378 people, mostly those involved in political protests and convicted of crimes for the sake of their livelihoods, this week to mark the centennial of the March 1 Independence Movement.The beneficiaries included 19 people that were found guilty of staging violent rallies against a government plan to build a naval base on the southern Jeju Island, the Ministry of Justice said in a release. The pardons to be conducted Thursday will be offered to seven others who took part in the protests against Ssangyong Motor Co.'s restructuring plan that entailed a huge layoff of its workers.

Turnout for main opposition party leader vote reaches 24%

Amid heated competition for leadership of the main opposition party, voter turnout has come in at 24.58 percent, lower than the 25.24 percent recorded in 2017, the Liberty Korea Party said Monday. Former Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn has emerged as a leading candidate, increasingly appealing to ultraright members of the party and taking the lead in opinion polls. However, this year’s turnout has not reached the level seen in 2017, when previous party leader Hong Joon-pyo was elected. During two days of mobile and on-site voting, 90,943 of the party’s 369,952 members are eligible to cast votes, the party’s election commission said.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Trump, Kim to have private dinner Wednesday

U.S. President Donald Trump will begin his second summit with North Korea's Kim Jong Un with a private dinner Wednesday. The White House said Monday that the leaders' two-day meeting in Hanoi will begin with an official greeting and a meal. Trump will be joined by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney. Kim will also have two aides present and both men will have translators. Trump and Kim will then hold a series of official meetings Thursday.

Trump- Kim summit schedule

U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will kick off their highly anticipated summit with a brief one-on-one and a "social dinner" on Wednesday, the White House said. Trump and Kim are set to meet in Hanoi, Vietnam, on Wednesday and Thursday to discuss the denuclearization of the regime. Kim arrived at Vienam's Dong Dang station Tuesday morning and Trump is expected to arrive in Hanoi later in the day.

Pompeo arrives in Vietnam for North Korea summit

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived in Vietnam on Tuesday, hailing the upcoming second summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as an "important opportunity" for denuclearization and peace.Pompeo traveled to Hanoi on his own official aircraft, separate from Air Force One, and landed hours before Trump's scheduled arrival. "Made it to Vietnam for President @realDonaldTrump's #HanoiSummit with the DPRK," Pompeo tweeted, referring to North Korea by its official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. "Will be important opportunity to make progress on Singapore Summit commitments of transformed relations, building lasting peace, and complete denuclearization."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Shadowy Anti-N.Korean Group Promises 'Big Announcement'

A group calling itself Cheollima Civil Defense, which is believed to have rescued the son of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's half-brother from his assassination squads, on Monday promised an "important" announcement this week. The group reportedly spirited Kim Han-sol to safety when North Korean agents assassinated his father Kim Jong-nam in Kuala Lumpur in February 2017.

Hanoi Corridors in Lockdown as N.Korean, U.S. Leaders Arrive

As the elevator doors opened on the 21st floor of the Meliá Hanoi hotel on Monday morning, a tall North Korean glared at a Chosun Ilbo reporter and pointed down with his hand. The reporter said, "I'm a guest here. Are you from North Korea?" but the North Korean continued to gesture down without saying anything. So it is the Meliá where North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is expected to stay during his visit to Vietnam for the second summit with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Fangirls More Devoted Than Fanboys to Their Stars, Sales Trends Suggest

Boy groups enjoy higher CD sales than girl groups in Korea, while girls do much better on streaming services. The pattern reflects differences in fangirl and fanboy cultures, industry insiders say. Male fans tend to appreciate girl groups rather passively by listening to music and watching videos. On the other hand, boy bands' female fans tend to buy CDs and goods to boost their favorite bands' sales and chart rankings, like parents who are willing to do anything for their children.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HanKyoReh Shinmun (http://english.hani.co.kr)

Why did Kim Jong-un choose to travel to Hanoi by train?

North Korea’s Rodong Sinmun newspaper published a front-page story on Feb. 24 announcing that leader Kim Jong-un had departed Pyongyang Station by personal train the afternoon before to attend a meeting and second summit with US President Donald Trump in Hanoi on Feb. 27 and 28. The newspaper also reported Kim would be paying an “official friendly visit” to Vietnam at the invitation of Communist Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong on an unspecified date. Why did Kim decide to forgo air travel to make the journey by train? At 2,760km, the aviation distance from Pyongyang to Hanoi could be covered in five hours by private jet. Instead, Kim opted for a three-day train voyage stretching over 4,500km – 4,000km of them in China alone. The possibility does remain that Kim could divide his travel between the private train and the Chammae-1 state aircraft or travel by means of a Chinese high-speed train or private aircraft. But the circumstances to date suggest a strong possibility that his personal high-security train will be his chief means of transportation.

We look forward to 2nd NK-US producing concrete results

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un departed from Pyongyang on a personal high-security train to Hanoi on the afternoon of Feb. 23. His trip signals the opening of a historic second North Korea-US summit. Compared to the two sides’ first-ever summit eight months ago, the significance of the second summit is by no means small. We look forward to concrete and practical progress being achieved through North Korea and the US’ efforts toward denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, the establishment of a peace regime, and the normalization of diplomatic relations at their second summit in Hanoi.

Preparation for 2nd NK-US summit in Hanoi in high gear

As North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s personal high-security train embarked for Vietnam, which is hosting the second North Korea-US summit, on Feb. 23, the eyes of the world are turning to Hanoi, which will be the site of an event that many expect to be a turning point in the history of the Korean Peninsula. The delegations from North Korea and the US that have spent the past three days discussing the agenda of the second summit continued their talks on Feb. 24. At 2:20 pm, North Korean State Affairs Commission Special Representative for US Affairs Kim Hyok-chol left the Vietnamese government’s State Guest House, where he is staying, and headed to Hanoi Central Park Hotel, where US State Department Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun is staying. Kim was accompanied by Workers’ Party of Korea United Front Department Office Director Kim Song-hye and Foreign Ministry North American Affairs Bureau Acting Director General Choe Kang-il. Since Feb. 21, the two delegations have been carrying out marathon negotiations for up to 10 hours each day.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Cheong Wa Dae: War-ending declaration expected at Hanoi summit

South Korea's presidential office Cheong Wa Dae has expressed their expectations that the second round of the U.S.-North summit scheduled on Wednesday will end up with a war-ending declaration. Amid such expectations, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said that he would make proactive preparations for the New Korean Peninsula System that pursues economic development and prosperity. “We do not know which form a war-ending declaration would take but there is some possibility that Washington and Pyongyang will reach their agreement in Vietnam,” said presidential spokesman Kim Ui-gyeom in a briefing on Monday. He added to say that the end-of-war declaration is differentiated from a peace agreement and it has essential significance in it. This implies that Washington could agree on a war-ending declaration if Pyongyang takes denuclearization action of some certain level.

SK Telecom launches joint venture agreement with Comcast

SK Telecom, one of the biggest South Korean telecommunications operators, is establishing an e-sports company with Comcast, the American telecommunications giant and the owner of global enterprises such as NBC, Universal Studio, and DreamWorks Animation. The joint venture project is expected to help SK Telecom to make inroads into the ever-growing global e-sports market while boosting exposure to the mainstream viewership represented by the millennial generation.

Asan saves U.S. patient with successful liver transplantation

A birthday song filled the air at the liver transplantation unit Friday in East Wing of the Asan Medical Center. Charles Carson, a 47-year-old American man shed tears of joy in his patient gown at the sight of his birthday cake. Having been rejected from some of the best medical centers in the U.S., Carson visited South Korea last November for a liver transplant operation, and back then, he wasn’t sure if he were ever to celebrate his 47th birthday.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Kim Jong-un arrives in Vietnam for summit with Trump

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s train arrived at Dong Dang station in Vietnam’s northern Lang Son province Tuesday morning. He switched to a car to travel to the capital Hanoi, where he will hold his second summit with U.S. President Donald Trump Wednesday and Thursday. Kim’s armored train, which departed Pyongyang on Saturday, traveled across some 4,500 kilometers (2,796 miles) over 60 hours and arrived at Dong Dang station around 8:24 a.m. Kim was spotted waving to the crowds as he got off his green train with his entourage from Pyongyang. He switched over to his armored Mercedes-Benz S600 Pullman Guard luxury limousine to complete the last stretch of his trip to Hanoi.

Blue House says Korean War may end at summit

A Blue House spokesman floated the possibility on Monday that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and U.S. President Donald Trump could sign a formal declaration ending the 1950-53 Korean War this week in Hanoi even as South Korean President Moon Jae-in is in Seoul, saying the Blue House would “welcome any form” of declaration even if Moon is left out. But presidential spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom didn’t say whether the war-ending declaration was on the agenda for the second U.S.-North summit, slated for Wednesday and Thursday in Vietnam’s capital, instead vaguely mentioning during a regular press briefing with Blue House correspondents that the “possibility was open” that it would be.

LG skips foldables, opts for two screens instead

LG Electronics launched the V50 ThinQ on the eve of the MWC 2019 in Barcelona on Sunday, presenting its vision of how the much-hyped 5G network can take a mobile device’s multimedia experience to the next level. The V50 ThinQ is the tech giant’s first 5G smartphone, a direct competitor to Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy Fold and Huawei’s Mate X, both of which are equipped with foldable screens.Rather than a foldable screen, LG Electronics has opted for a secondary detachable 6.2-inch screen, slightly smaller than the main 6.4-inch screen. When the second screen is attached, users can activate multiple apps at the same time. The screen on the left, for example, can have the YouTube app playing a video, while the second screen on the right can be simultaneously used for chatting to friends.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Whose “Territory” Is Bolton's Trip to South Korea?

U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton would visit South Korea this weekend ahead of the second summit between North Korea and the United States, scheduled for February 27-28 in Hanoi, Vietnam. The report drew instant attention from South Korea. The government did not deny the report, but it did not confirm it either. They refused to answer questions on why Bolton was coming and whom he was planning to meet. On the morning of February 21, Cheong Wa Dae simply sent out a text message with its official response to the reporters' questions on this issue stating, "It is not an issue that our government should confirm."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Pro-biz climate, deregulation primary driver of the Indian econ.: Modi interview

Pro-business environment and relaxation in regulatory practices have been the main driver of the Indian economy in making the fastest growth among big economies by running at more than 7 percent, said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Modi, confident of his economy growing by more than 7.5 percent this year, claimed the government has gained credibility from own people and investors outside through the series of privatization and liberalization including strategic sectors of defense, railways, and space.

Korean duty-free biz stocks strong on pickup in Chinese tourists, stronger yuan

Duty-free store operators are big winners on the Korean stock exchange this month as Chinese tourists are coming in full force on the back of strong Chinese currency. Shares of Hotel Shilla jumped 9 percent, Shinsegae 9.64 percent, and Hanwha Galleria Timeworld 12.56 percent since beginning of February. The travel retailers’ stocks outperformed the main Kospi, which added 1.26 percent so far this month. Investors snatched up the stocks that fell sharply in December - Hotel Shilla and Shinsegae down 11 to 12 percent - on concerns about their income due to a new regulatory action from Beijing.

S. Korea to allow open banking for easier, faster money transfers

South Korea will introduce the so-called open banking system that will enable bank customers to manage and control multiple bank accounts in one place including a non-traditional financial app within this year to foster innovation in the local financial industry. The Financial Services Commission (FSC) announced on Monday that as part of its efforts to innovate the country’s financial infrastructure, it will build an open banking system, in which lenders let their customers share their transaction data with third parties, including financial technology (fintech) firms. With the introduction of open banking, it will be possible for small fintech startups to provide with their own payment and transfer services, which is expensive and inconvenient now.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What’s ticking around the world at this second?
See what the world media around the world have to report:

Use us!
The Korea Post media are more than eager to be used, and to serve you—with the following five news outlets, 34 years old this year!

Korean-language Internet edition: http://www.koreapost.co.kr
English-language Internet edition: http://www.koreapost.com
Korean-language print newspaper:
http://pdf.koreapost.co.kr/38/3801.pdf
http://pdf.koreapost.co.kr/38/3802.pdf
http://pdf.koreapost.co.kr/38/3803.pdf
http://www.koreapost.co.kr/pdf/list.php?category=&syear=2018&smonth=03&sday=26&hosu=40
English E-daily: http://www.koreapost.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=8535
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lee Kyung-sik edt@koreapost.com