US concerned Japan will remove S. Korea from 'whitelist': report

The United States on Thursday expressed concern that Japan will follow through on its threat to remove South Korea from a "whitelist" of countries given preferential treatment in export procedures, leading to an escalation of tensions between the two sides, Reuters reported.Japan is expected to drop South Korea from the list on Friday, just weeks after it tightened controls on the export of some high-tech materials to the neighboring nation.Seoul regards the measures as retaliation for

Foreign AffairsAug. 2, 2019

Bolton says US ready to resume talks with N. Korea

US National Security Adviser John Bolton said Thursday that the United States is ready to resume denuclearization talks with North Korea, including another summit at the right time.Bolton made the remarks on Fox Business following a series of missile tests by North Korea in the past week. South Korea described the projectiles as short-range ballistic missiles, but the North said the second test on Wednesday involved a new rocket launch system.The launches came despite Washington's efforts to res

North KoreaAug. 2, 2019

N. Korea fires unidentified short-range projectiles: JCS

North Korea on Friday fired unidentified short-range projectiles off its east coast, South Korea‘s military said, its third launch in a week.The Joint Chiefs of Staff said the projectiles were fired at 2:59 a.m. and 3:23 a.m. from Yonghung, South Hamgyong Province, into the East Sea.“We are monitoring the situation in case of additional launches and maintaining a readiness posture,” the JCS said.Last week, North Korea test-fired two short-range ballistic missiles off its east c

North KoreaAug. 2, 2019

Pompeo voices hope Kim will deploy team for nuclear talks

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday voiced hope that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will deploy his negotiation team, reiterating that the US is "ready to go."Pompeo made the remarks amid limited progress in the efforts to resume working-level nuclear talks as agreed by US President Donald Trump and Kim during their impromptu meeting at the Demilitarized Zone separating the Koreas on June 30."We stand ready to continue our diplomatic conversation with the North Koreans,

North KoreaAug. 1, 2019

K League demand apology from Juventus for 'disappointing' exhibition match

South Korea's pro football governing body, the K League, on Thursday demanded Juventus FC apologize for breach of contract for benching Cristiano Ronaldo in an exhibition match in Seoul last week.Earlier this week, the K League sent a letter of protest to the Italian football club over its irresponsible conduct during the friendly held at Seoul World Cup Stadium on Friday.The game between Juventus and the K League All-Stars ended in a 3-3 draw, but it caused angry reactions from South Korean fan

SoccerAug. 1, 2019

[Graphic News] South Korea’s coffee market to reach W6.8tr

　The size of the South Korean coffee market will reach 6.8 trillion won ($5.76 billion) by the end of this year, according to a report released by the Hyundai Research Institute.　Koreans, aged over 20, drank a total of 353 cups of coffee per person on average last year, the report said. 　The average per capita coffee consumption in the world was 132 cups in the same year, which is one-third of domestic consumption. (Yonhap)

NationalAug. 1, 2019

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