Moon’s call for THAAD suspension draws harsh criticism

The ruling Saenuri Party on Monday assailed Moon Jae-in, a potential presidential candidate of the main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea, for his call for the suspension of the deployment of a controversial US-led missile shield in South Korea. 　“I’m disappointed at the level of understanding that a presidential hopeful like Moon has on our security and reality,” Saenuri floor leader Rep. Chung Jin-suk said. “The one who would be most delighted by the news that we suspend the THAAD deployment is

PoliticsOct. 10, 2016

Allies stage military drills with nuke-powered carrier

South Korea and the US kicked off a large-scale joint naval drill involving a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Monday in a fresh display of force to deter North Korean provocations. The Invincible Spirit program, scheduled to run through Saturday in the waters surrounding the peninsula, came amid soaring speculation that the communist state may stage another long-range missile or nuclear test in celebration of the Oct. 10 anniversary of the founding of its ruling Workers’ Party.“This drill is de

North KoreaOct. 10, 2016

Truckers go on strike, but no major disruptions reported

Unionized cargo truck drivers started a general strike midnight Monday, but no major disruptions were reported as of early afternoon due to lower than expected participation. Local authorities and the industry are on high alert for a possible crisis in freight handling nationwide, as a separate strike by rail workers has been hampering railway transportation for the past two weeks. “Cargo transportation is processing smoothly despite the strike,” said a task force team under the Transport Minist

Social AffairsOct. 10, 2016

Beyond ‘fun and laughter’

In recent weeks, slow ballad tracks have been creeping their way up on local music charts where light and poppy tunes of K-pop typically dominate. 　Earlier this month, singer-songwriter Park Hyo-shin made his return to the spotlight with his first full-length album “I am a Dreamer” in six years.　Though the album relies heavily on the motif of romance, it has been providing listeners with “unlimited consolation” and a “feeling of self-worth,” according to fans online. 　Korea has been experiencing

PerformanceOct. 10, 2016

BIFF opens Korean indie films up to international audiences

BUSAN -- Huge blockbuster hits keep churning out of Korean cinema in recent years, and all the while Korea’s indie film scene keeps on producing quality films exploring aspects of Korean life on a smaller budget, if no less a smaller scale.This year’s Busan International Film Fest, running Oct. 6-15, presents 301 films from 69 countries, maintaining its position as Asia’s largest. In addition to international cinema and local blockbusters, the spotlight will also shine on lesser-known directors

FilmOct. 10, 2016

FSC preparing protective measures for ELS investors

The South Korean financial regulator is preparing measures to protect investors of equity-linked securities, known as ELS, and these will be announced by November, the regulator chief said Monday. “As ELS issuances soar, problems with investor protection and the fiscal soundness of securities brokerages are being highlighted,” said Yim Jong-yong, chairman of the Financial Services Commission, at a press conference in Gwanghwamun, central Seoul. Total ELS issuances stood at 101.4 trillion won ($9

Oct. 10, 2016

[WWF Special] Running out of Earth to live on

For more than 40 years, humanity’s demands have exceeded what our planet can regenerate. This year, people are using natural resources equivalent to 1.6 times that found on Earth. And for Koreans, the amount is 3.3 times that found on the planet. This is according to the ecological balance sheet, known as the Global Ecological Footprint Report, released by the World Wild Fund for Nature, Korea (WWF-Korea) and the Global Footprint Network.  The report shows that there is a signific

Oct. 10, 2016

Actress Kim Yun-jin returns to local production in upcoming thriller

Actress Kim Yun-jin is returning to the big screen in Korea for the first time in two years after her role in the 2014 historical drama “Ode to My Father.”Directed by horror filmmaker Lim Dae-woong, the upcoming “House Above Time” will star Kim, K-pop boy band 2PM’s Ok Taec-yeon and actor Jo Jae-yun, who most recently appeared in romantic comedy “Mood of the Day” earlier this year. 　“I chose this film not only because of the script, but also because it’s a new genre for me,” said Kim in a statem

FilmOct. 10, 2016

BTS makes splash with new album

K-pop boy band Bangtan Boys, or BTS, had a strong first day back in the spotlight.　Returning with its second full-length album, “Wings,” this week, the group has already topped charts at home and abroad. Released Monday morning, the 15-track album soon dominated eight major local music charts -- MelOn, Mnet, Olleh Music, Soribada, Genie, Bugs, Naver Music and Monkey3 -- according to BTS’ management agency Big Hit Entertainment on Monday.Garnering the attention of international fans, “Wings” also

PerformanceOct. 10, 2016

[NEWSMAKER] Hyundai Motor struggles to contain fallout

Hyundai Motor, the world’s sixth-largest carmaker, is grappling with a series of distressing events including chronic disputes with its hard-core laborers and unfavorable market conditions. Over the years, the nation’s largest carmaker has fought to maintain a lead in the market, competing globally through investments in research and development, brand value and design. (Yonhap)Despite its stellar performance in and out of the country, the carmaker is likely to continue having it rough for a whi

MobilityOct. 10, 2016

Biggest annual sales in Korea continues

The mega discount shopping event of the Korea Sale Festa ended last Saturday with participating brands seeing a major sales boost, but the festival will continue through cultural events and additional discount offers through Oct. 31, organizers said.Visit Korea Committee has set up an event center at Korea’s fashion hub Dongdaemun to provide various services for visitors during the bargain sale organized specifically for foreigners. Visiting tourists will be offered free translation services in

IndustryOct. 10, 2016

Top court reviews faster procedure for patent disputes

The Supreme Court is considering reducing procedures for the patent trial system so that it can resolve patent disputes quicker, industry sources said Monday.Currently, an applicant or an agent for a patent trial has to receive an administrative ruling from the Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board under the Korean Intellectual Property Office, before appealing to higher courts -- the Patent Court and the Supreme Court.However, the highest court is considering abolishing the administrativ

IndustryOct. 10, 2016

Walkerhill to drop other names

SK Networks, a trading and retail arm of SK Group, will run its flagship hotels Sheraton Grande Walkerhill and W Seoul Walkerhill under its own brand Walkerhill from Jan. 1 2017, the firm announced Monday. SK Networks has decided to stop using the brand names Sheraton and W as of Dec. 31 this year, and go ahead as an independent brand highlighting on its 53 years of experience in hotel management, the company said. (Yonhap)Sheraton Grande Walkerhill has been moving to position itself as a family

IndustryOct. 10, 2016