koreanoodles: October 2014

Friday, October 31, 2014

Seoul Cancels Designation of 6 Autonomous Private High Schools

[Domestic] :

The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education has cancelled the designation of six schools as …

[more...]
…read more

Source:: KBS World Radio

Seoul Cancels Designation of 6 Autonomous Private High Schools

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Memorial Event Held to Mark 200th Day since Sewol Ferry Sinking

[Domestic] :

An event has been held in the city of Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, to mark the 200th day since the Sewol ferry capsized in waters off the coast of Jindo Island, killing some 300 people.

[more...]
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Source:: KBS World Radio

Memorial Event Held to Mark 200th Day since Sewol Ferry Sinking

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

SNU Ranks 72nd Among 500 Global Universities

[Domestic] :

Seoul National University (SNU) has ranked 72nd among 500 global universities.

[more...]
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Source:: KBS World Radio

SNU Ranks 72nd Among 500 Global Universities

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

China 'to Overtake Korea in Most Industries in 4 Years'

Most of Korea’s leading export products will be overtaken by Chinese rivals by 2018, according to a state-run research institute.

Suh Dong-hyuk of the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade on Monday said Chinese businesses are either catching up with or overtaking almost all … …read more

Source:: Chosun Ilbo

China "to Overtake Korea in Most Industries in 4 Years"

Monday, October 27, 2014

Messing with U.S. Garrison Plans Is a Costly Blunder

Korea and the U.S. have agreed to keep the Combined Forces Command in Seoul even after the U.S. Forces Korea headquarters moves to Pyeongtaek in 2016. The CFC compound accounts for between eight to nine percent of the total area of the U.S. garrison right in the middle of Seoul.

If the ho… …read more

Source:: Chosun Ilbo

Messing with U.S. Garrison Plans Is a Costly Blunder

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Korean Air Sponsors Korean Language Service at Musee D’Orsay

[Culture] :

Korean Air, South Korea’s largest air carrier, will sponsor Korean language service in the Musee D’Orsay, a museum in Paris, France.

[more...]
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Source:: KBS World Radio

Korean Air Sponsors Korean Language Service at Musee D’Orsay

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Finance Minister: S. Korean Economy Needs More Time to Recover

[Politics] :

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Choi Kyung-hwan said South Korea’s economy needs more time to recover, commenting on the country’s third quarter economic growth indicator released Friday.

[more...]
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Source:: KBS World Radio

Finance Minister: S. Korean Economy Needs More Time to Recover

WHO Advises Against Ebola Travel Ban

The emergency Ebola committee of the World Health Organization has again come out against bans on travel and trade with the countries where the virus is wreaking the greatest havoc. The committee of experts says this will not stop the spread of Ebola.

The Emergency Committee declared Ebola… …read more

Source:: Chosun Ilbo

WHO Advises Against Ebola Travel Ban

Friday, October 24, 2014

Park to Meet Delegation of Japan-Korea Parliamentarians' Union Friday

[Politics] :

President Park Geun-hye will grant an audience to a delegation of the Japan-Korea Parliamentarians’ Union at the presidential office on Friday.

[more...]
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Source:: KBS World Radio

Park to Meet Delegation of Japan-Korea Parliamentarians" Union Friday

Thursday, October 23, 2014

N. Korea Urges S. Korea to Take Steps to Prevent Military Clashes

[Inter-Korea] :

North Korea has urged South Korea to take steps to prevent military clashes.

[more...]
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Source:: KBS World Radio

N. Korea Urges S. Korea to Take Steps to Prevent Military Clashes

Ebola Help Requires Meticulous Preparation

Four nurses at the infectious diseases ward at the National Medical Center resigned recently after the government decided earlier this week to send a team of medical experts from the ministries of health and welfare, defense and foreign affairs to Ebola-hit West Africa early next month.

T… …read more

Source:: Chosun Ilbo

Ebola Help Requires Meticulous Preparation

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

'Roaring Currents' Heads to China

The film “Roaring Currents,” which drew 17.6 million viewers in Korea, will open in 3,000 theaters throughout China by the end of the year, the film’s distributor CJ E&M said on Monday.

China’s largest state-run distributor, China Film Group, is in charge of the film’s distribution in… …read more

Source:: Chosun Ilbo

"Roaring Currents" Heads to China

Monday, October 20, 2014

Education Ministry to Conduct Safety Drill on Disasters

[Domestic] :

The Education Ministry will carry out a safety drill from Tuesday to Thursday on countering disasters.

[more...]
…read more

Source:: KBS World Radio

Education Ministry to Conduct Safety Drill on Disasters

Pantech Files for Bankruptcy Protection in U.S.

Pantech said Sunday it has applied for bankruptcy protection in the U.S., listing debts of US$1 billion and assets of $500 million in a filing in Atlanta.

The ailing phone maker went into court receivership here earlier this year.

Also known as Chapter 15, the filing protects forei… …read more

Source:: Chosun Ilbo

Pantech Files for Bankruptcy Protection in U.S.

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Japan's Abe Sends Offering to War Shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has sent a ritual offering to a Shinto shrine that many of Japan’s neighbors see as a symbol of the country’s imperialist past.

On the first day of an autumn festival Friday, Abe sent a traditional potted plant to the Yasukuni Shrine, but did not visit th… …read more

Source:: Chosun Ilbo

Japan"s Abe Sends Offering to War Shrine

Chosun Sinbo: "S. Korea Must Show Intent For Improved Inter-Korean Relations"

[Inter-Korea] :

A pro North Korea newspaper has criticized President Park Geun-hye and her confidants for showing hostility to the North, saying the chance for reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula through inter-Korean talks could be squandered.

[more...]
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Source:: KBS World Radio

Chosun Sinbo: "S. Korea Must Show Intent For Improved Inter-Korean Relations"

Friday, October 17, 2014

Ventilation Grille Near Concert Venue Collapses in Seongnam, Killing 15 People

[Domestic] :

A ventilation grille near an outdoor concert venue collapsed Friday in Seongnam city, Gyeonggi Province, killing at least 15 concert watchers and injuring 10 others.

[more...]
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Source:: KBS World Radio

Ventilation Grille Near Concert Venue Collapses in Seongnam, Killing 15 People

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Eugene, Ki Tae-young Expect 1st Child

Actor couple Eugene and Ki Tae-young are expecting their first child after three years of marriage.

The couple’s agencies said on Wednesday that Eugene is 13 weeks pregnant and that they are thrilled about the news.

They started dating in 2010 after appearing in the 2009 MBC drama … …read more

Source:: Chosun Ilbo

Eugene, Ki Tae-young Expect 1st Child

Gov't to Attend UN Bonn Climate Change Conference Oct. 20-25

[Politics] :

A South Korean government delegation will attend the United Nations Climate Change Conference …

[more...]
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Source:: KBS World Radio

Gov"t to Attend UN Bonn Climate Change Conference Oct. 20-25

A Sign Of The Times

McDonald’s opening in Dongducheon.

While certainly not the height of culture, a McDonald’s opening in Dongducheon is certainly a sign that things are changing. The city has grown a great deal in the last 20 years, particularly with the arrival of the subway and the construction of “New Town” aka Jihueng-Dong. Yes, Dongducheon has finally arrived, for better of worse.

This construction site sprung up recently, with little fanfare, on MSR 3 near Jihueng Station.

McDonald’s opening in Dongducheon.

Actually, it’s surprising it took so long. Neighboring Pocheon has two McDonald’s and Uijeongbu has at least two or three, among other American/international franchises.

Local conventional wisdom is it took a long time because someone had to pay to construct a purpose built, stand alone building, as McDonald’s facility requirements for franchises are usually very stringent. I would say it is long overdue and expect the restaurant will do pretty well bushiness-wise.

Good luck, Ronald-Shi.

A Sign Of The Times

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

First Cold Wave Watch Issued Tuesday Morning

[Science] :

Morning lows plunged sharply across the nation on Tuesday as Typhoon Vongfong made its way toward Japan.

[more...]
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Source:: KBS World Radio

First Cold Wave Watch Issued Tuesday Morning

Lydia Ko Makes Time's Influential Teens List for 2nd Year

Lydia Ko has made TIME’s list of the 25 most influential teens for the second year in a row. She is the only ethnic Korean on the list.

“After going pro last year, Ko now ranks third among women golfers worldwide, sparking interest in the sport ‘not just in her native South Korea and adop… …read more

Source:: Chosun Ilbo

Lydia Ko Makes Time"s Influential Teens List for 2nd Year

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

First Cold Wave Watch Issued Tuesday Morning

[Science] :

Morning lows plunged sharply across the nation on Tuesday as Typhoon Vongfong made its way toward Japan.

[more...]
…read more

Source:: KBS World Radio

First Cold Wave Watch Issued Tuesday Morning

Monday, October 13, 2014

Anti-N.Korea Activists Must Show Some Common Sense

Heavy machinegun fire by North Korea on Friday aimed at balloons carrying anti-North propaganda leaflets prompted people in a South Korean town near the border to block activists from their neighborhood to send more balloons on Saturday.

When activists attempted to return to the town to s… …read more

Source:: Chosun Ilbo

Anti-N.Korea Activists Must Show Some Common Sense

Images From The Past: Dongducheon - Part 2

Various images of Dongducheon, or Tongduchon as it was once known, through the decades.

Images from the past: Dongducheon
Courtesy: Kim Dae Hwan

Images From The Past: Dongducheon - Part 2

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Seoul, Washington Finalizing OPCON Transfer Details

[Politics] :

Seoul and Washington are coordinating on the issue of further delaying the planned transfer of …

[more...]
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Source:: KBS World Radio

Seoul, Washington Finalizing OPCON Transfer Details

Images From The Past: Dongducheon - Part 1

Various images of Dongducheon, or Tongduchon as it was once known, through the decades.

Images from the past: Dongducheon
Courtesy: Kim Dae Hwan

Images From The Past: Dongducheon - Part 1

Saturday, October 11, 2014

Multiple Judges to Handle Sankei's Ex-Seoul Bureau Chief Case

[Domestic] :

Seoul Central District Court says it will assign the trial of Tatsuya Kato, the former bureau chief …

[more...]
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Source:: KBS World Radio

Multiple Judges to Handle Sankei"s Ex-Seoul Bureau Chief Case

Ebola Death Toll Surpasses 4,000

The World Health Organization says the death toll from the Ebola outbreak has risen to more than 4,000 people.

The UN agency said Friday that nearly 8,400 cases of the diseases have been recorded in seven countries, with 4,033 people dying from the epidemic. It said all but nine of the de… …read more

Source:: Chosun Ilbo

Ebola Death Toll Surpasses 4,000

Friday, October 10, 2014

84.97% of Samcheok Voters Against Nuclear Power Plant

[Domestic] :

Residents of Samcheok city in Gangwon Province have voted against the construction of a nuclear …

[more...]
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Source:: KBS World Radio

84.97% of Samcheok Voters Against Nuclear Power Plant

Massive Gov't Spending Fails to Boost Birthrate

The government has squandered vast sums on raising Korea’s record-low birthrate over the last eight years but to no avail, a report shows.

According to the report from Ministry of Health and Welfare for the National Assembly, the budget for stimulating the birthrate has grown almost seven … …read more

Source:: Chosun Ilbo

Massive Gov"t Spending Fails to Boost Birthrate

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Trip to Changwon Offers a Variety of Must-See Attractions

A trip to Changwon helps visitors appreciate the beautiful southeastern city. Visitors look around a variety of points of interests, including an art village, a set for TV dramas, a pleasure boat trip, a museum, an eco-park and an ancient pavilion.

An art village in Chang-dong is a must-se… …read more

Source:: Chosun Ilbo

Trip to Changwon Offers a Variety of Must-See Attractions

An art village in Chang-dong is a must-se… …read more

Source:: Chosun Ilbo

Trip to Changwon Offers a Variety of Must-See Attractions

An art village in Chang-dong is a must-se… …read more

Source:: Chosun Ilbo

Trip to Changwon Offers a Variety of Must-See Attractions

3 Japanese Scientists Win Nobel Prize in Physics

[Science] :

Three Japanese scientists have won this year’s Nobel Prize in Physics for their invention of …

[more...]
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Source:: KBS World Radio

3 Japanese Scientists Win Nobel Prize in Physics

Park: Establishing Foundation for Unification is Historical Task

[Politics] :

President Park Geun-hye says overcoming the abnormal state of division and establishing the foundation for a peaceful unification are historical tasks for all Koreans.

[more...]
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Source:: KBS World Radio

Park: Establishing Foundation for Unification is Historical Task

Total Eclipse Begins In Seoul On October 8th at 7:27 PM

Total Eclipse begins in Seoul on October 8th at 7:27 PM

Residents of Korea will be treated to an eclipse in the early evening tonight.

An eclipse occurs when the Moon passes through the shadow cast by the Earth. Usually, the Moon misses this shadow, but a few times a year it passes directly through the shadow, causing the Moon to appear anywhere from brick red to copper to dark gray.

The light beams into Earth’s shadow, filling it with a coppery glow that colors the moon red. Additionally, recent volcanic activity also could contribute to a darker and redder moon. The eclipse is the second in a rare series known as the tetrad, in which the moon is completely covered by the Earth’s umbral shadow for four eclipses in a row, as opposed to only partial eclipses that fall in the outer penumbra.

If cloudy skies are a problem, both NASA.gov and Slooh.com will be hosting live webcasts.

Total Eclipse begins: Oct 8 at 7:27 PM Total moon eclipse starts – completely red moon.

Maximum Eclipse: Oct 8 at 7:55 PM Moon is closest to the center of the shadow.

Total Eclipse ends: Oct 8 at 8:22 PM

More information at: http://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/in/south-korea/seoul

The nest total lunar eclipse will occur on 28 July, 2018.

Total Eclipse Begins In Seoul On October 8th at 7:27 PM

Cross-Border Thaw Hopes Buoy Hyundai Shares

Shares in the Hyundai Group rose by their daily limit on Monday following the surprise visit over the weekend of three top confidants of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

The boost was due to expectations that subsidiary Hyundai Asan may soon be able to resume package tours to North Korea’… …read more

Source:: Chosun Ilbo

Cross-Border Thaw Hopes Buoy Hyundai Shares

Chinese Tourists Boost Consumption in Korea

Surging numbers of Chinese tourists are changing the landscape of major commercial districts in Korea as shops and other businesses rush to cater to their demands. This plays a significant role in keeping the economy buoyant despite ever-shrinking domestic consumption.

Popular destinations… …read more

Source:: Chosun Ilbo

Chinese Tourists Boost Consumption in Korea

Monday, October 6, 2014

World Youth Sambo Championship to Open in Seoul

[Sports] :

The youth world championship of the Russian martial art of sambo will begin on Wednesday in Seoul …

[more...]
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Source:: KBS World Radio

World Youth Sambo Championship to Open in Seoul

Four Lawmakers to Compete for NPAD Floor Leader Post

[Politics] :

Four lawmakers have registered as candidates for the main opposition party’s floor leader …

[more...]
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Source:: KBS World Radio

Four Lawmakers to Compete for NPAD Floor Leader Post

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Cases of Foreign Infectious Diseases on the Rise

[Domestic] :

Government data show a rising number of patients having contracted infectious diseases of foreign origin as more Koreans travel abroad.

[more...]
…read more

Source:: KBS World Radio

Cases of Foreign Infectious Diseases on the Rise

US Author Urges Abe to Apologize for Sex Slavery

[International] :

A writer in the United States who wrote a book on the plight of Japan’s wartime sex slavery victims has urged the Japanese leader to issue a formal statement apologizing for Tokyo’s past wrongs over the issue.

[more...]
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Source:: KBS World Radio

US Author Urges Abe to Apologize for Sex Slavery

Saturday, October 4, 2014

US Says It Supports Improvement in Inter-Korean Ties

[International] :

The U.S. Department of State said it is supportive of improvement in relations …

[more...]
…read more

Source:: KBS World Radio

US Says It Supports Improvement in Inter-Korean Ties

Incheon Asian Games Wrap Up 16 Days of Competition

[Sports] :

The Incheon Asian Games have wrapped up 16 days of competition with the closing ceremony on …

[more...]
…read more

Source:: KBS World Radio

Incheon Asian Games Wrap Up 16 Days of Competition

NORTH KOREAN COUP? Has Kim Jong Un lost control?

Kim Jong Un during happier times.

There is some media buzz about Kim Jong Uns sister taking control and the North Korean capital being on lock down. It is hard to say from the outside what is transpiring in the secretive state. Of course these types of events are always worrisome but life continues as normal in the south.

Of course, if true, this is a major news event. Meanwhile I just checked the TV and FOXNEWS, CNN, and the BBC are droning on about the ebola issue. Never mind that 1 million people a year die from malaria. Not news. No panic. How contagious is ebola? The facts may surprise you.

But I digress…

Vice News– Former Top Official Says Kim Jong-un Is No Longer in Control of North Korea

The Country’s Organization and Guidance Department (OGD), a powerful group of officials, have stopped taking orders from Kim Jong-un. A battle is simmering between factions within the OGD.

North Korean tyrant Kim Jong Un went missing this week.

The media said he was recovering from ankle surgery.

There are also reports that Kim Jong Un’s sister is now running the country.
Market Watch says his sister is running the country.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un’s younger sister Kim Yo-Jong has taken over the running of the country and is making all the important decisions in her brother’s absence, according to a think tank in Seoul formed by North Korean defectors. The North Korea Intellectuals Solidarity reported Wednesday that Kim Yo-Jong convened a meeting of Workers’ Party officials in early September and secured their support for her to act as regent while her brother is hospitalized. All party officials have been commanded to continue faithfully carrying out Kim Jong-Un’s orders and the military has been put on high alert, the NKIS said.

North Korean politician Yan Hyong-sop, vice-president of the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly, met with the delegation of the Lenin Young Communist League of the Russian Federation this week.

The Daily Mail reported:

A former North Korean counter-intelligence officer has claimed that Kim Jong-Un is no longer in control of the nation and is now just a ‘puppet leader’.

Jang Jin-sung, who used to be an influential officer in Kim Jong-il’s propaganda division, made the sensational assertion at a September conference in Holland attended by several elite exiles, it’s been reported.

The capital, Pyongyang, meanwhile, has been placed into lockdown with even the elite banned from entering or leaving, according to a respected news site. This adds weight to Jin-sung’s claim, as a North Korean expert said that this kind of measure is only put in place when a coup has taken place – or is suspected.

UPDATE: The Telegraph is reporting that the capital Pyongyang is currently under lockdown.

New Focus International says the regime has restricted entry and exit permissions to Pyongyang three days ago. The source could not confirm whether this move was related to Kim Jong-un’s disappearance from the public eye for the past 26 days.

From [thegatewaypundit]

NORTH KOREAN COUP? Has Kim Jong Un lost control?