SM5 Legacy Continues With Redesign

The new and improved SM5, a mid-sized sedan by Renault Samsung Motors, has been garnernig glaring reviews from the local car market

The Red Devils, or official fan club of the South Korean national football team, cheer the Korean players during the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup match against the United States at Daegu World Cup Stadium on June 10, 2002. The Red Devils brought together offline and online worlds. They refined the concept of nationalism and upgraded national image. The world remembers the images of patriotic and organized gatherings of millions of the Red Devils, which replaced the past memories of militant and angry protesters.

Korea, long divided, will inevitably reunify

Soldiers from South and North Koreas stand guard at Panmunjom inside the Demilitarized Zone that divides the two Koreas in this file photo. The recent North Korean sinking of a South Korean ship has pushed the two Koreas to one of the most dangerous points since the Korean War. / Korea Times

By Ralph Hassig
Adjunct professor
at the University of Maryland University College

Several themes run through the history of inter-Korean relations. First, the Korean nation was divided by foreigners. Second, the division was sustained because of the incompatibility of the two Korean governments. Third, despite their sharp political divisions, the two Koreas have begun to develop economic and social relations. And fourth, the two Koreas will inevitably reunify, although their sharp diversion will make the social and economic costs of reunification staggering.

GS chairman at construction site

GS chairman at construction site: GS Group Chairman Huh Chang-soo, center, talks with managers at the construction site of Mokpo Bridge in Mokpo, South Jeolla Province, Tuesday. GS Engineering & Construction is leading construction of the 4.1 kilometer long bridge linking Mokpo and Goha Island, which is scheduled for completion in June 2012. Huh encouraged GS employees and executives at the site to improve quality and pay heed to safety precautions.

Changwon Chosen as Host of 2012 IAEC Congress

The opening session of the 11th four-day biennial congress of the International Association of Educating Cities (IAEC) is under way in Guadalajara, southwestern Mexico, on April 22, local time.

Changwon, capital of South Gyeongsang Province, has been chosen as the host of the next general assembly meeting of the International Association of Educating Cities (IAEC) slated for 2012.

The selection was made at the opening day of the 11th four-day IAEC Congress in Guadalajara, southwestern Mexican state of Jalisco, on April 22.

Kim Tae-yul, director of Changwon City in charge of lifelong learning affairs division, and chief of the steering committee of the 12th biennial IAEC World Congress, said in an acceptance speech that the city will successfully host the next general assembly meeting under the theme of "Green Environment, Creative Education" from April 26-28, 2012.

"Our city will be reborn as a mega Changwon on July 1, integrating two neighboring cities of Masan and Jinhae," Kim said. The integrated Changwon will have 1.08 million population, compared to the current half a million population, become the largest primary local administrative unit in Korea.

He introduced "world-class prime city" of Changwon in a video to participants, along with a recorded congratulatory message of Mayor Park, attracting their interest to "Changwon," the first Asian city ever hosting its congress. Mayor Park Wan-su was unable to take part in the congress due to local elections slated for June 2, he added.

IAEC was set up in 1990, aimed at working together on projects and activities for improving the quality of life of city inhabitants according to the approved Educating Cities Charter. It has some 400 member cities from 35 countries.

Park Ji-sung to Promote Asiana Airlines

By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter

Asiana Airlines said Wednesday it has renewed its honorary ambassador contract with the Manchester United striker Park Ji-sung for another year. Park has been honorary ambassador to the flight company for three consecutive years and this will be his fourth.

The carrier will offer free first-class seat tickets to Park and his parents for all service routes, while his staff will also receive free business class tickets.

Yoon Young-doo, CEO of Asiana, said, ``We hope Park inspire use once again at the World Cup.''