Former United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon, who is scheduled to return to South Korea, his home country, later Thursday, has kept his second place in presidential polls for two weeks, a survey showed. Support for Ban, whose second, five-year term as the UN head ended late last year, was 20.3 percent this week, according to a poll of 1,511 voters conducted by local pollster Realmeter between Monday and Wednesday.
Category: South Korea
Former UN chief keeps 2nd place in S. Korean presidential poll
Former United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon, who is scheduled to return to South Korea, his home country, later Thursday, has kept his second place in presidential polls for two weeks, a survey showed. Support for Ban, whose second, five-year term as the UN head ended late last year, was 20.3 percent this week, according to a poll of 1,511 voters conducted by local pollster Realmeter between Monday and Wednesday.
U.S. blacklists North Korean officials over rights abuses
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un guides the 3rd Meeting of Activists of the Korean People’s Army in the Movement for Winning the Title of O Jung Hup-led 7th Regiment in this undated photo released by North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency in Pyongyang on August… The U.S. Treasury Department has added seven senior North Korean officials, including leader Kim Jong Un’s sister, to its sanctions list because of human rights abuses and censorship by the communist nation.
Bird flu-plagued South Korea agrees to buy US eggs
In this Dec. 28, 2016, file photo, customers look at eggs at a discount store in Seoul, South Korea, a day after government officials announced that millions of chickens would be culled because of an outbreak of bird flu. Because of the spreading bird flu outbreak, South Korea has asked the United States for the first time to ship it shell eggs.
Feds: Ex-U.N. official’s relatives indicted in bribe scheme
Two relatives of former U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon were charged in an indictment unsealed Tuesday with plotting to bribe a Middle East official to influence the $800 million sale of a building complex in Vietnam. Ban’s nephew, Joo Hyun Bahn, was released on $250,000 bail over the objections of prosecutors, who sought to deny bail on the grounds that he is a flight risk and a financial threat to his community.
NK leader’s public activity in decline since 2013: data
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s public activity has been on the decline since 2013 as he is seen to have established his power base, reducing the need to show his presence publicly, a Seoul government official said Tuesday. The North’s leader conducted public activities on 132 occasions in 2016, down 14 percent from the previous year, according to the data compiled by South Korea’s unification ministry.
Korea to spend W937.2b won in 2017 for Winter Olympic preparations
South Korea plans to spend 937.2 billion won this year in support for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games preparations, the sports ministry said Tuesday. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said its 2017 budget for the Olympic preparations is down 49.4 percent from 2016, due largely to a decrease in costs of facility construction that has entered the final stretch.
24 Apache helicopters to be deployed in Korea by Feb
US Forces Korea plans to deploy 24 Apache helicopters to South Korea by next month to better counter growing threats from North Korea, military officials said Monday. As part of a scheduled rotational deployment, the 24 AH-64D Apache heavy attack helicopters will gradually replace the 30 OH-58D Kiowa Warrior observation and light attack choppers by early February, the USFK and the Ministry of National Defense said in a joint statement.
S. Korea considering building tree nurseries in areas bordering NK
South Korea is considering setting up small tree nurseries in areas bordering North Korea in a bid to support the North’s forestation, a government official said Monday. Seoul’s possible move is aimed at promoting inter-Korean cooperation in forestation as North Korea has recklessly cut down trees to increase its farmland.
N Korea claims it can test launch ICBM ‘anytime and anywhere’
North Korea says it can test launch an intercontinental ballistic missile at any time from any location set by leader Kim Jong-un, blaming what it calls “hostile United States policy” for its arms development. “The ICBM will be launched anytime and anywhere determined by the supreme headquarters of the DPRK ,” an unnamed Foreign Ministry spokesman was quoted as saying by the official KCNA news agency.
[Herald Interview] – Era of free banking is over’: Citibank
Brendan Carney, head of customer banking at Citibank Korea, speaks during an interview with The Korea Herald at his office in central Seoul on Dec. 27. As banking becomes more mobile and branchless, it is also to bring a change in the way people perceive traditional banking services, and Citibank has introduced a new maintenance fee system to encourage customers to adopt faster to the new trend, according to Brendan Carney, senior vice president of Citibank Korea. With the introduction of the account maintenance fee system, which will start from March, the bank will charge new customers with less than 10 million won in bank deposits with monthly fees of between 3,000 won and 5,000 won.
Impact of Korea-Japan swap deal halt limited
Japan’s decision to suspend talks on a currency swap last Friday will have limited impact while caution is still advised, according to economists and experts. Song In-chang, deputy finance minister, played down a possible repercussion of the suspension of the bilateral currency swap deal, saying that “It wouldn’t have much impact as it is not like an existing program ended.”
Tesla’s official launch in Seoul immine…
Tesla Motors has reaffirmed its planned launch in Seoul, stressing that the recent case of a South Korean celebrity claiming serious defects in its car would not affect its plans, an industry source told The Korea Herald. An official closely related to the US electric vehicle maker said the launch is “imminent” and will be carried out within the beginning of the year.
‘Comfort woman’ statue a blow to Japan-South Korea ties
An illegal act, which would undermine relations with Japan, has been pushed through in South Korea in the midst of that country’s political turmoil. This is a grave situation.
S. Korean critical after self-immolating over sex slave deal
A South Korean Buddhist monk is in critical condition after setting himself on fire to protest the country’s settlement with Japan on compensation for wartime sex slaves, officials said Sunday. The 64-year-old monk suffered third-degree burns across his body and serious damage to vital organs.
The Latest at CES: What should brands do with shopping data?
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Japan postpones high-level dialogue with S. Korea over offensive statue
London [UK], Jan. 6 : Japan has postponed high-level economic discussions with South Korea to express its displeasure at the placement of a statue symbolising victims of Japanese wartime sex slavery outside its consulate. [NK World] Tokyo also recalled its ambassador to South Korea in protest, reports the Guardian.
SKorean president refuses to testify in impeachment trial
A lawyer for South Korean President Park Geun-hye prays before the first hearing arguments for Park’s impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, Jan 3, 2017. less A lawyer for South Korean President Park Geun-hye prays before the first hearing arguments for Park’s impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, Jan 3, 2017.
Stocks start 2017 with gains, but many markets stay shut
The Korea Composite Stock Price Index opened at … . South Korean Chairman of the Financial Services Commission Yim Jong-yong, third from left, applauds with other participants during the opening of the 2017 trading year at the Korea Exchange in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, Jan. 2,… .
New Year, New Missile Threats from North Korea: North Korea plans to…
NEW YEAR, NEW MISSILE THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA : North Korea plans to test a new long-range missile. It’s the same old extortion racket, but South Korea and Japan are no longer putting up with it.
South Korea’s Park Says She Was Set Up, Charges False
South Korean President Park Geun-hye on Sunday rejected allegations of wrongdoing in the political scandal that threatens her presidency, saying she was “set up” and the allegations were “fabrication and falsehood,” said South Korean media. Park said Choi Soon-sil, her long-time friend, was “merely an acquaintance” and denied Choi was allowed to wield undue and wide-reaching influence over state affairs, Yonhap news agency and YTN television reported.
Impeached S. Korean leader rejects accusations against her
SEOUL, South Korea – Impeached South Korean President Park Geun-hye vehemently rejected accusations Sunday that she conspired with a longtime friend to extort money and favors from companies, accusing her opponents of framing her.
South Korea’s Park rejects wrongdoing in scandal, says she was…
South Korean President Park Geun-hye speaks during a meeting with reporters at the Presidential Blue House in Seoul, South Korea, in this handout picture provided by the Presidential Blue House and released by Yonhap on January 1, 2017. Blue House/Yonhap via South Korean President Park Geun-hye listens to a reporters’ question during a meeting with reporters at the Presidential Blue House in Seoul, South Korea, in this handout picture provided by the Presidential Blue House and released by Yonhap on January 1, 2017.
Geometric Concrete Fortress in Korea was Designed to Look Like a Giant Glaring Owl
Located in the South Korean port city of Busan, this concrete fortress by architect Moon Hoon has four levels, and was designed to resemble a perched growling owl. Don’t let its cold looks fool you, as this is actually a cozy modern home on the inside.
S. Koreans demand president’s removal on New Year’s Eve
Even on New Year’s Eve, large crowds of South Koreans were expected to join another rally demanding the ouster of impeached President Park Geun-hye, who’s determined to restore her powers through a court trial. Hundreds of thousands were expected to participate in the evening marches near Seoul’s presidential palace and the Constitutional Court.
US Scrambles to Clear Egg Exports to Bird Flu-hit South Korea
U.S. officials are urgently seeking an agreement with South Korea that would allow imports of American eggs so farmers can cash in on a shortage caused by the Asian country’s worst-ever outbreak of bird flu. South Korea banned imports of U.S. table eggs last year after the United States grappled with its own bout of bird flu.
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The 29th London Art Fair , the UK’s premier Fair for Modern British and contemporary art, will be the most international edition to date when it returns to the Business Design Centre, Islington, from 18-22 January 2017. The Fair is renowned for providing a supportive environment for collectors of all levels, enhanced by an engaging programme of curated exhibitions, talks, tours, films and performances.
UN head calls for ‘political integration’ in S. Korea
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, whose term ends this month, said Friday that South Korea must seek political integration amid the discord over the influence-peddling scandal. The remark, quoted as saying by Rep. Chung Jin-suk of the ruling Saenuri Party, came after the two met in New York.
Iconic comedian Yoo Jae-suk wins top award, again
Comedian and TV host Yoo Jae-suk nabbed his 13th big accolade at the MBC Entertainment Awards on Thursday evening, further cementing his position as an icon of Korean onscreen entertainment. “The more prizes I receive, the more apologetic I feel,” Yoo, a 25-year comedy veteran, said in his acceptance speech upon receiving the Grand Prize at the awards ceremony held at the MBC Media Center in Sangam-dong, Seoul.
Death threats to exiled men
Death threats to exiled men. December. 29, 2016 07:10. pisong@donga.com. While Leon Trotsky was in exile in Mexico, he did not stop denouncing Stalin.
Endless fight until official apology from Japan
Endless fight until official apology from Japan. December. 29, 2016 07:10. by Ho-Kyeong Kim kimhk@donga.com.
Korean manned robot takes first baby steps
A giant South Korean-built manned robot that walks like a human but makes the ground shake under its weight has taken its first baby steps. Designed by a veteran of science fiction blockbusters, the four-metre-tall , 1.5 ton Method-2 towers over a room on the outskirts of Seoul.
South Korean ruling party splits over impeached president
Dozens of lawmakers split from South Korea’s ruling party Tuesday over the corruption scandal involving impeached President Park Geun-hye in a move that could shape presidential elections that might take place in just months. The 29 anti-Park lawmakers who left the Saenuri Party planned to create a new conservative party that will likely try to lure outgoing United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as its presidential candidate.
Statue export ban hits at Pyongyang’s soft power, hard cash
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Defectors tell of challenges before and after fleeing North Korea
In a crowd full of one-time enemies, the former North Korean soldier quickly gained sympathy when describing his mandatory 10-year military service. Many of the American soldiers sitting in the auditorium at Suwon Air Base groaned or cried “no way,” then leaned forward, eager to hear the rest of Ken Eom’s story.
South Korean scandal escalates: Choi, former presidential aides…
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North Korea Says US Should Expect ‘Imminent War’ Over Sanctions
North Korean military participate in the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea, in this undated photo released by North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency in Pyongyang on October 12, 2015. REUTERS/KCNA/File Photo Pyongyang is threatening “imminent war” in response to the latest batch of sanctions brought against it by the United Nations.
Seoul to confiscate passport from daughter of key figure in residential scandal
South Korea’s foreign ministry said Thursday it will soon initiate the process of confiscating the passport of the daughter of Choi Soon-si, the long-time friend of President Park Geun-hye, who faces charges for meddling in state affairs. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to swiftly issue an order for the return of Chung Yoo-ra’s passport, and if it is not returned before a deadline, it will take steps to annul it,” ministry spokesman Cho June-hyuck said in a press briefing.
E-Land, SPC under fire for alleged labor…
A union of part-time workers and labor activists called Thursday for the arrest of the CEO of E-Land Park and a crackdown on alleged unfair labor practices. Eight groups including the Arbeit Workers Union and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions held a press conference in front of the E-Land Park headquarters in Geumcheon-gu, Seoul, to demand that the company’s food business CEO, Park Hyeong-sik, be taken into custody for breaking labor laws.
Central bank chief urges Seoul to use st…
South Korea’s central bank chief publicly urged the Finance Ministry to use more aggressive expansionary fiscal policy next year to sustain growth, saying the era of monetary policy has nearly ended. His comments could lead to the Bank of Korea and the Finance Ministry each pushing the other to take on the burden of propping up the flagging Korean economy.