Investors can be confident that fears of a debt contagion “bonfire” across the eurozone were without grounds and that the bloc’s economic future is bright, a senior member of the European Central Bank said on a visit to Korea on Wednesday.Central Bank of Luxembourg governor Yves Mersch was in Seoul to meet with Bank of Korea head Kim Choong-soo and senior figures in investment, banking and insuran

Foreign Affairs July 31, 2011

‘Food innovation key to feeding global population’With a rapidly growing world population, ensuring food security and safety for future generations is a crucial challenge. New Zealand has a key role in meeting the task, according to the general manager of a renowned food science institute and an official from the country’s economic development agency. “Riddet Institute is really interested in unde

Foreign Affairs July 31, 2011

With the current statute largely ignored ...A common practice outside the lawAbortion in South Korea is illegal in most circumstances, with only a limited number of exceptions listed under 1973’s Maternal and Child Health and the Mother and Fatherless Child Health Acts. An abortion may legally be performed if either parent has a eugenic, hereditary or communicable disease; the pregnancy is the res

July 27, 2011

January’s popular uprising against former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak will continue to have an impact not just across Egypt and the Middle East but also the world, Egyptian Ambassador Mohammad El-Zorkany told a gathering on the country’s national day on Thursday.“The revolution that erupted in Egypt on the 25th of January 2011 is proceeding and is evolving and I think eventually we will give

Foreign Affairs July 24, 2011

Italian artist Omar Galliani’s newest exhibition “Seoul’s Soul” consists of multiple monumental charcoal drawings that demonstrate his ability to blend together reality, spirituality and the imagination. But Galliani brought more than a collection of enigmatic, sensual artworks to Seoul ― he brought with him conduits for diplomacy between Italy and South Korea.“Seoul’s Soul” is Galliani’s first ex

Foreign Affairs July 24, 2011

Country’s new talent connects at PiFan showcaseIsrael and Korea may not share a common tongue, but it was the international language of film that shone through at the Israeli Film Reception on Wednesday, held in cooperation with the 15th Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival.Two Israeli films showcased at PiFan were celebrated at the event: “Rabies,” a horror written and directed by Navot P

Foreign Affairs July 24, 2011

 Following the FTC’s guidelines to protect young entertainers ... K-pop groups with underage members such as KARA have caused controversy with their provocative dress and dance routinesDrawing a line between sex and popOver the last 15 years, K-pop has grown from being entertainment for Koreans to being the subject of affection of fans across Asia, North America and Europe. Concerns over the incre

July 20, 2011

Armaments is one possible point of cooperation between Switzerland and South Korea if the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission becomes obsolete in the event of reunification of North and South, Swiss Defense Minister Ueli Maurer told a gathering at the Swiss Embassy in Seoul on Tuesday.Switzerland, along with Sweden, is one of two nations making up the NNSC, tasked with keeping the peace at the

Foreign Affairs July 17, 2011

Soju may be the typical accompaniment to “samgyeopsal,” but German Ambassador to Korea Hans-Ulrich Seidt is on a mission to promote a less obvious pairing with the Korean favorite ― Riesling white wine.“I like Korean food very much. And I realized that German white wine goes very, very well with Korean food, in particular Riesling from the different areas we have in Germany,” Seidt said Wednesday

Foreign Affairs July 17, 2011

New Poland ambassador sees promise in academic partnershipsAmbassador and scientist ― those are the two titles that the new Polish envoy is bringing to an already strong and flourishing bilateral relationship.“I plan to put a lot of emphasis on developing science and technology cooperation,” said Poland Ambassador Krzysztof Ignacy Majka during his first interview with the local English press.As a

Foreign Affairs July 17, 2011