Cancer is the No. 1 cause of death among South Koreans, the Korean Medical Association's institute said Thursday, citing data by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).The Research Institute for Healthcare Policy said in a report that for every 100,000 South Koreans, 193.7 died from cancer in 2010. This is less than the 211.6 cancer deaths on average among the 34 member states of the OECD.South Korea ranked as the fifth-lowest country in terms of the cancer mortality ra

Technology May 16, 2013

South Korean rapper Psy will attend the Billboard Music Awards 2013 on Sunday as a nominee and presenter.Psy is one of the celebrities that will present an award during the ceremony, which is scheduled air live in the United States from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Other presenters include Cee-Lo Green, Miley Cyrus, Celine Dion and Shania Twain, according to the Billboard's Web site Thursday.Psy, whose real name is park Jae-sang, is the first Korean to present an award during the sho

Performance May 16, 2013

미국 연구팀은 다양한 조직으로 분화하는 배아줄기세포 (배성간세포•ES세포)를 만드는 데 세계 최초로 성공했다고 미국 과학잡지 셀(cell) 전자판이 15일(현지시간) 전했다.오리건건강과학대학의 다치바나 마사히토(立花眞仁) 연구원을 비롯한 연구팀은 셀에 기고한 논문을 통해 성인 여성에서 기증받은 난자에 다른 사람 피부세포의 핵을 넣은 '체세포 인간복제 기술'을 사용해 이 같은 배성간세포를 만들어냈다고 밝혔 다.인간복제 배아줄기세포를 놓고선 서울대 수의대의 황우석 전 교수가 이끈 줄기세포 연구팀이 2004년 제작에 성공했다고 발표했지만 나중에 조작된 것으로 판명 났 다.재생 의료를 실현할 수 있는 인간복제 배아줄기세포에 대한 연구는 2006년께 유 도만능줄기(iPS)세포가 등장하면서 열기가 식었다.다치바나 연구원은 "이번에 만든 배아줄기세포는 iPS세포보다 유전적 결함이 적을 가능성이 크다"고 소개했다. 연구팀은 환자의 체세포를 이용하면 유전자가 같아 이식 때 거부반응을 일으키지 않는

한국어판 May 16, 2013

South Korea criticized an adviser to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Thursday for making an "unhelpful" visit to North Korea, voicing concerns that the trip may undermine efforts in forging a coordinated approach toward Pyongyang. Foreign ministry spokesman Cho Tai-young made the remarks two days after the aide to Abe, Isao Iijima, arrived in Pyongyang in a surprise visit that spawned speculation that Japan may be trying to mend frosty ties with the North amid a deepening territorial dispute

Foreign Affairs May 16, 2013

South Korean stocks closed 0.79 percent higher Thursday, as a stabilizing yen offset concerns over the negative impact the currency may bring to the local economy, analysts said. The Korean won inched down against the U.S. dollar. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) jumped 15.55 points to finish at 1,986.81. Trading volume was moderate at 309.5 million shares worth 4.43 trillion won (US$3.96 billion) with gainers outstripping losers 445 to 369. "The yen has been stabilizing a

May 16, 2013

Toyota has accelerated past South Korea's Samsung Electronics to become Asia's biggest company by market value, after the Japanese automaker's shares doubled in the past year.Toyota's market capitalisation stood at 22.23 trillion yen ($217 billion) on Thursday, beating out the Galaxy smartphone and tablet computer giant which was worth the equivalent of 20.32 trillion yen.Toyota, also the world's biggest automaker, has seen its shares jump on the back of improving financial results. The Corolla

World Business May 16, 2013

South Korea on Thursday expressed regret over the North’s reproach of its offer of talks but remained steadfast in prioritizing dialogue as the means to resolve their dispute over the stalled Gaeseong industrial park. Pyongyang dismissed as a “crafty ploy” President Park Geun-hye’s third proposal Wednesday to discuss how to ship out raw and subsidiary materials and finished products of the companies. It demanded Seoul first resolve “fundamental problems,” urging an end to “provocative, reckless

North Korea May 16, 2013

Hundreds of local non-regular instructors who teach English conversation at primary and secondary schools submitted a petition to the rights watchdog Thursday against massive layoffs, calling on the government to keep its pledge to guarantee their job security.The Association of Non-regular Workers at School said they asked the National Human Rights Commission to step in to prevent the government from terminating the contracts of some 600 irregular English conversation teachers upon their expira

Social Affairs May 16, 2013

U.S. President Barack Obama on Wednesday nominated Daniel Russel, a senior White House official, as his new point man on East Asia.Picking the career diplomat for the post, which requires a Senate confirmation hearing, was widely expected.If confirmed, Russel will serve as assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs.Announcing his decision, Obama said Russel both brings "a depth of experience and tremendous dedication" to his new role.State Department officials welcomed the n

Politics May 16, 2013

Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors have dug themselves into a huge hole in the AFC Champions League after dropping the opening leg at home against their Japanese rival.Kashiwa Reysol of Japan's J. League blanked Jeonbuk of the K League Classic 2-0 in the first leg of their round of 16 series on Wednesday night. At Jeonju World Cup Stadium, about 240 kilometers south of Seoul, Masato Kudo and Tatsuya Masushima each scored for the visiting club.Jeonbuk was the champion in 2006 and the runner-up in 2011 at the

Soccer May 16, 2013

An elderly man suspected of being bitten by a killer tick died on Jeju Island on Thursday, the first such case in the country following recent reports of deaths in Japan, local health authorities said.The 73-year-old farmer, identified as his surname Kang, died earlier in the day of blood poisoning after showing symptoms similar to those of SFTS, or severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome.Kang had been in the intensive care unit since last week after suffering from high fever, diarrhea, vomi

Technology May 16, 2013

South Korean stocks traded 0.63 percent higher late Thursday morning, led by gains in IT companies and logistics firms, analysts said. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) jumped 12.42 points to 1,983.68 as of 11:20 a.m.NHN, the No. 1 Internet portal service provider, spiked more than 7 percent on foreign buying in spite of an unfair trading probe launched by the anti-trust watchdog. Hyundai Merchant Marine, a leading logistics firm, rose more than 8 percent. In contrast, Daew

May 16, 2013