Ice show version of Disney's 'Frozen' lands in Seoul

One of Disney's most successful animated films, "Frozen," has come alive on South Korean ice."Disney on Ice: Frozen" opened at Mokdong Ice Rink in western Seoul on Wednesday for a 12-day run, featuring the full story of the Academy Award-winning animated film. "What makes it so unique and exciting is that 'Frozen' and ice make a perfect match," Gig Siruno, performance director of the show, said in a press conference on Thursday. "We are excited to bring these i

CultureAug. 1, 2019

Washington showing open hand, not closed fist: US ambassador

US Ambassador to South Korea Harry Harris remained upbeat about relations between Washington and Pyongyang despite the recent missile tests by North Korea, saying in an interview with tbs eFM on Thursday that practical level talks should kick off soon. “We are aware of those reports of missile launch from North Korea yesterday. We’re continuing to monitor the situation,” said Harris on “This Morning,” hosted by Alex Jensen.  “I’ll just say that Secr

North KoreaAug. 1, 2019

N. Korea says it fired multiple launch guided rocket, not ballistic missiles

North Korean media reported Thursday that the projectiles fired the previous day were a newly developed type of guided rocket, casting doubt on Seoul’s analysis that the North had fired two short-range ballistic missiles.According to the Korean Central News Agency, North Korea successfully fired what it called a new type of large-caliber guided ordnance rocket, which will “play a main role in ground military operations.” “The test-fire scientifically confirmed that the ta

North KoreaAug. 1, 2019

[Bio Startup] Bridge Biotherapeutics readies third IPO try after clinching mega deal

Korean biotech startup Bridge Biotherapeutics, established in 2015, has tried to go public twice on secondary bourse Kosdaq, both times unsuccessfully.The 18-man company’s “no research, development only” business model, albeit more common overseas, did not appeal to Korean regulators reviewing the soundness of the company’s fiscal portfolio. The regulators’ reception is hoped to have warmed up, however, after Bridge Biotherapeutics bagged a record license-out deal w

IndustryAug. 1, 2019

S. Korea hints at cutting defense cooperation with Japan

Seoul will be forced to reconsider its security cooperation with Tokyo, should Japan take further trade-curbing measures, South Korea’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang Kyung-wha said Thursday. According to Seoul’s Foreign Ministry, Kang gave the warning during her meeting with her Japanese counterpart Taro Kono in Bangkok, on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum.“If the decision (to remove South Korea from the trade whitelist) is made at tomorrow’s Cabinet meeting,

Foreign AffairsAug. 1, 2019

Further rate cut possible if downside risks expand: BOK

South Korea’s central bank said Thursday that it could consider further cuts in its base rate amid growing economic uncertainties, such as the trade tension with Japan.“If the economic conditions worsen, (a rate cut) will of course have to be considered,” Bank of Korea Gov. Lee Ju-yeol told reporters. When asked about the US Federal Reserve’s decision to cut the key interest rate Wednesday, Lee welcomed the much-anticipated move, but also expressed some disappointment.&ld

EconomyAug. 1, 2019

YouTuber under fire for abusing dog during live show

A YouTuber here is facing heated public criticism and possible punishment over his behavior in live broadcasts. An online petition calling for authorities to punish the streamer gained almost 120,000 signatures in just four days after he was seen apparently abusing his dog in livestreaming video.  The online petition, which also calls for tougher rules against such abusive acts on the video platform, was filed on the presidential office website on Monday. The online petition will be reviewe

TelevisionAug. 1, 2019

[Leonid Bershidsky] Putin reminds Russians he can do suppression

July 27 saw a new post-Soviet era record set in Moscow: 1,373 people were taken into custody following a day of protests. Meanwhile, jailed opposition leader Alexey Navalny suffered a strange “allergic reaction” after calling for the demonstrations. These developments were set in motion by something seemingly trivial: An election to Moscow’s city council. One of Russia’s weakest regional legislatures, it can’t even hold the capital’s mayor responsible for doin

ViewpointsAug. 1, 2019

[David Ignatius] Trump’s dangerous intelligence shakeup

Among intelligence professionals, President Donald Trump’s nomination of an inexperienced, partisan politician to oversee America’s spy agencies prompted deep dismay -- but also a stolid reaffirmation of the spymaster’s credo: Let’s get on with it. This combination of incredulity and stoicism was voiced by a half-dozen current and former officers I spoke with Monday about Trump’s choice of Rep. John Ratcliffe, R-Texas, to become director of national intelligence. Th

ViewpointsAug. 1, 2019

SE Asia brims with opportunities for startups: WeWork Labs chief

Region is fast becoming Asian hub for startups based on advanced technologies[THE INVESTOR] BANGKOK -- Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand and Vietnam are well-known tourist destinations. What is not so evident is how fast they are transforming into startup hubs, implementing a range of support measures and adopting advanced technologies like smartphones and artificial intelligence.The likes of startup unicorns Grab and Gojek are prime examples of the exponential growth of the ecosystem i

TechnologyAug. 1, 2019

[News Focus] Hanwha Chemical-Q Cells merger draws eyes to heir, solar biz

A decision to have Hanwha Chemical Corp. absorb its wholly owned subsidiary Hanwha Q Cells & Advanced Materials drew market interest this week not just because of the move aimed to boost solar power business, but also the indication that the group may be laying the groundwork for a leadership transfer to the chairman’s son.Hanwha Q Cells & Advanced Materials is a global manufacturer of solar power modules and automotive lightweight materials.It has been led by Executive Vice Presid

IndustryAug. 1, 2019

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 features first gesture-controlled S Pen

Samsung Electronics on Thursday unveiled its first table PC Galaxy Tab S6 that can be controlled by hand gestures.The sixth edition of Galaxy Tab features remote control functionality enabled by Samsung’s signature S Pen.S Pen has built-in Bluetooth Low Energy remote control technology that allows users to take selfies and videos and control multimedia without actually touching the device. A 10-minute-long wireless charge lasts 10 hours. Other features include converting handwritten notes

TechnologyAug. 1, 2019

[News Focus] Sejong residents much younger than Seoulites

SEJONG -- It is now seven years since the launch of Sejong Special Autonomous City in July 2012.The centrally located city borders Daejeon to the south, Gongju to the west, Cheonan to the north and Cheongju to the east. It is also relatively close to the southern provinces of North Jeolla and North Gyeongsang.As of June 2019, its population came to 327,643 with the number of households reaching 129,937.As the fastest-growing city in South Korea, Sejong is actively attracting people from neighbor

Social AffairsAug. 1, 2019

Maestro Chung Myung-whun to conduct, perform at upcoming concert

Maestro Chung Myung-whun will play the piano and also take the baton at One Korea Orchestra’s upcoming concert. One Korea Orchestra, led by the 66-year-old maestro, will hold its third performance at the Seoul Arts Center on Aug. 18, presenting Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 in B minor. The organizers had hoped to invite a North Korean pianist to perform the Mozart piece, but failed. Instead, Chung will play the piano for the piece.&n

PerformanceAug. 1, 2019

Mountains and music: Olympic city PyeongChang lifted up by classical music

PYEONGCHANG, Gangwon Province -- A two-hour drive from Seoul, PyeongChang is widely known as a Winter Olympics host city filled with ski slopes, rental shops and resorts. But this week PyeongChang got a sudden infusion of classical music.“A Different Story,” the 16th Music in PyeongChang event also known as the Great Mountains Music Festival, kicked off Wednesday and will continue until Aug. 10. 　Located 700 meters above sea level in PyeongChang, the Alpensia Resort welcomed visitors

PerformanceAug. 1, 2019

LG CNS to introduce AI-based X ray analysis system for public health center

　South Korean information technology firm LG CNS said Thursday it will install an artificial intelligence-based X-ray analysis system at a local public health center to offer patients speedier medical assessments. 　Starting from late September, the AI-based X-ray assessment will be brought to a public medical facility in the Eunpyeong district of Seoul. The system is expected to help doctors and patients receive accurate X-ray images within 20 seconds, LG CNS added. 　According to the IT solution

TechnologyAug. 1, 2019

Korean Air to place smaller jets on Japanese routes amid trade row

Korean Air Lines Co., South Korea's flag carrier, said Thursday it will begin placing smaller jets on several Japanese routes this month amid escalating trade tensions with Japan.  The move is part of Korean Air's extended efforts to respond to a fall in Japan-bound routes after the neighbor implemented tighter restrictions on exports of key materials to Korea, in apparent retaliation against a series of South Korean court rulings last year over Japan's wartime forced labor.Japan is also se

IndustryAug. 1, 2019

Delta increases stake in Korean Air's parent firm

Delta Air Lines, Inc. said Thursday it has increased its stake in Hanjin KAL, the parent company of Korean Air Lines Co., in what it called a just investment.  In a report to the bourse operator, the Korea Exchange, Delta said it increased its stake in Hanjin KAL to 5.13 percent from 4.3 percent. "The purpose of the investment is not aimed at affecting the management rights," the report said. In June, Delta announced it purchased the 4.3 percent stake in Hanjin KAL, and it would e

IndustryAug. 1, 2019

Disgraced Produce X 101 faces class-action suit amid the downfall

The name of “Produce X 101,” the most recent installment in Mnet’s TV talent show franchise pitting K-pop trainees against each other, is likely to go down in infamy, as fans are suing the program’s producers for allegedly fixing the competition.Local law firm Mast Law & Consulting said Thursday it has filed a class-action suit on behalf of 260 “citizen producers” -- the label the show gives fans voting for their favorite contestants on the show -- accusin

PerformanceAug. 1, 2019