Seoul soon to start procedures to deliver US$ 8 mil. contribution to WFP, UNICEF 2019-05-20 09:58:23 KST
News Keywords Nat'l/Politics North Korea Economy IT/Science Foreign Policy World Life/Culture Sports Weather Floor leaders of three main political parties to meet Monday to disc 2019-05-20 Pres. Moon meets Denmark's Crown Prince Frederik as two countri 2019-05-20 Pres. Moon likely to speak on country's current economic situation dur 2019-05-20 China sent 1,000 tons of rice and 162,000 tons of fertilizer to N. K 2019-05-20 Lighthouse relighting ceremony held on Yeonpyeong-do island 2019-05-17 UN Rapporteur urges China not to send N. Korean defectors back to regi 2019-05-17 Korea's potential growth rate expected to fall to 2.5% for next 2019-05-20 S. Korea's budget for 2020 expected to surpass US$ 418.2 bil. 2019-05-19 Operating profits down 32.4% y/y in Q1 among 59 large business groups 2019-05-19 Kilogram gets new definition after 130 years 2019-05-20 Commute and short-distance travel made fun and easy on electric bikes 2019-05-17 Verizon launches its first 5G phone with Samsung G10 2019-05-17 Japanese Defense Minister says he's looking forward to restorin 2019-05-20 Construction spotted at N. Korea's Sohae Satellite Launching St 2019-05-17 UK's Prince Andrew visits Korea 2019-05-15 Exit polls in India indicate victory for PM Narendra Modi and BJP 2019-05-20 Trump opposes highly restrictive Alabama abortion ban 2019-05-20 Oprah Winfrey receives honorary doctorate, tells graduates "pay 2019-05-20 Celebration ceremonies held to mark Coming of Age Day 2019-05-20 BTS's 'Singularity' MV becomes 20th BTS video to hit 2019-05-20 Life & Info: Seoul to open fine dust research center on May 20 2019-05-20 Incheon City training young archers from Thailand 2019-05-20 High ranking Korean Olympic Committee official to visit Pyeongyang to 2019-05-17 Legendary speed skater Lee Sang-hwa retires 2019-05-17 Breezy but with clearer skies 2019-05-20 Sunnier skies with cool highs 2019-05-20 Skies turn sunny after rain, breezy day 2019-05-20
Most Popular President Moon expresses regret over May 18 Gwangju Democratic Movement President Moon Jae-in expressed his deepest regret and sincerest apology to the people of Gwangju for the violence and massacre it was subjected to by the state 39 years ago. Attending an event to commemorate the anniversary of the May 18th Democratization Movement, the president was visibly emotional as he addressed the citizens of Gwangju, saying the date marks the start of true democracy in Korea. (KOREAN/ ) "I feel very sorry for Gwangju citizens and am genuinely ashamed and wanted to make an appeal to all Koreans." ( , .) Saying the Korean people are indebted to Gwangju's citizens, the president also added that the pain they suffered and their aspirations for democracy are shared by their brethren nationwide, and that its legacy cannot be subject to political differences. (KOREAN/ ) "The truth about May 18 cannot differ between conservatives and liberals. That's because the values that Gwangju struggled to protect were none other than "freedom" and "democracy." The only ones who could view May 18 in a different light are the would-be heirs of dictatorship." (5.18 · . ' ' ' ' . 5.18 .) The president stressed the importance in uncovering the truth of what exactly transpired in 1980 in Gwangju. (KOREAN/ ) "Our task now is to uncover the truth that has yet to be clarified. This will allow us to put down the heavy historical burden that Gwangju has so far shouldered and turn the May of tragedy into the May of hope." ( . , .) Those tasks, referring to the identification of those responsible for the massacre and secret burials of victims. And the person at the center of it all, former President Chun Doo-hwan, currently facing libel charges for defaming a late activist priest, though not facing more serious charges related to the brutal crackdown he ordered on Gwangju. The president also highlighted the introduction of a special legislation in March last year that revolves around the creation of a fact-finding committee -- though it has yet to be officially launched over political controversy over the details. President Moon, called on parliament to show bipartisan support and a greater sense of responsibility in rectifing past mistakes. Shin Se-min, Arirang News. 2019-05-19 S. Korea allows biz people to visit Gaeseong Industrial Complex The South Korean government has decided to allow businesspeople with equipment and facilities at the Gaeseong Industrial Complex, to return for the first time since it was shut down in 2016. "The government has approved this trip to the North as it relates to the protection of South Korean people's property. The government will do its utmost to ensure that the businesspeople can check on their assets." The Unification Ministry said the trip will be made by around 200 personnel. The National Security Council said it will also provide support for the trip so that it can happen soon. It was the ninth request from the business owners. The government had turned the last eight requests over roughly the last three years. Washington maintains the reopening of the complex would violate UN sanctions against the North, but Seoul has repeatedly explained that the purpose of the trip to Gaeseong is about checking on the equipment and facilities, not the reopening of the complex, a position the Unification Ministry says the U.S. fully understands. But for the trip to happen, Pyeongyang has to cooperate. The Unification Ministry says it has spoken with North Korea about the trip but isn't giving any more details about how or when the two Koreas will hold discussions. The businesspeople who made the request welcomed the government's decision, but added that for this trip to be meaningful, they need to be able to inspect their machines and find ways to maintain them. Kan Hyeong-woo, Arirang News 2019-05-17 Trump postpones tariff decision on car imports U.S. President Donald Trump has decided to wait another six months before deciding on whether to impose a 25 percent tariff on imported cars and parts from the European Union, Japan and other countries. This has set the stage for a new round of trade talks, although many are envisioning a rocky road ahead in the negotiation process. With the 180-day deferral, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer will continue to engage in discussions, but if they are unsuccessful, Trump said that he will decide "whether and what further action needs to be taken". Trump had previously said that imports of foreign cars and car parts were causing harm to the domestic auto industry and threatening national security. But, the proposed tariff measures have drawn many critics outside the Trump administration due to skepticism over the U.S. Commerce Department's conclusion that auto imports are a potential national security threat.. Opposition has also stemmed from the fact that a large bulk of U.S. auto imports come from close American allies such as Mexico, Japan, Canada, Germany and South Korea. Those countries combined accounted for more than 85 percent of American automotive imports in 2018. But the order could also mean that Canada, Mexico and South Korea could be exempt from tariffs, because they had already reached a trade deal with the U.S, according to Bloomberg. Officials from South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, having analyzed the statement regading the tariff delay, said there is no way of knowing whether a waiver will be granted to Korea pending an official confirmation from Washington. The U.S. renegotiated a trade deal with South Korea last year, which included a provision to double the number of cars U.S. automakers can sell in South Korea without restrictions from local safety standards. Hong Yoo, Arirang News. 2019-05-18 S. Korean kidnapped in Libya returns home after 315 days A South Korean man who was held captive by militants in Libya returned to his homeland earlier this afternoon, 315 days since he was first kidnapped. Speaking to reporters upon his arrival, Joo thanked the government for its rescue efforts, and extended his gratitude to the United Arab Emirates as well, which played a crucial role in the process at the request of the Blue House. Though his initial physical check-ups showed he was in good health, Joo said that he had lost around 10 kilograms in body weight. He also left a message to four South Korean residents who refused to leave Libya, expressing concerns for their well being and encouraging them to leave the country. Joo, who was an employee of a waterway management company, was kidnapped by a group of armed militants in Libya last July. 2019-05-18
