2010년 7월 26일 월요일
Promoting Korea everyone’s responsibility
An important aspect of a diplomatic mission in Korea is promotion, promotion and promotion in every sphere.
So it is appreciated when the local and diplomatic communities get together to help Korea’s young but vibrant tourism industry.
One new tool is the Tourism Supporters’ Network which was inaugurated last month.
The network is the brainchild of the Korea Tourism Organization’s CEO Lee Charm.
The first trip under this new umbrella was to Gangjin in the southwestern part of the country, an area almost unknown to foreigners.
A lot could be said about Gangjin, all good of course, but one important feature that is missing is a brand that will propel the city into the hearts and minds of locals and international tourists alike.
Sure Gangjin is famous for its celadon, sure they make great tea, sure they have beaches, delicious seafood and interesting museums, but that one branding image for the area is missing.
So it is appreciated when the local and diplomatic communities get together to help Korea’s young but vibrant tourism industry.
One new tool is the Tourism Supporters’ Network which was inaugurated last month.
The network is the brainchild of the Korea Tourism Organization’s CEO Lee Charm.
The first trip under this new umbrella was to Gangjin in the southwestern part of the country, an area almost unknown to foreigners.
A lot could be said about Gangjin, all good of course, but one important feature that is missing is a brand that will propel the city into the hearts and minds of locals and international tourists alike.
Sure Gangjin is famous for its celadon, sure they make great tea, sure they have beaches, delicious seafood and interesting museums, but that one branding image for the area is missing.
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Film archive to hold Kim Ki-young retrospective
The Korean Film Archive will host a week-long retrospective of influential writer-director Kim Ki-young’s films at its screening center, the Cinematheque KOFA, from July 27-Aug. 1.
Known for his “nyeoh,” meaning “women,” involved in taboo subject matters such as extra-marital affairs and crimes of passion, the late auteur’s works were largely unknown and ignored until the 1990s.
One year before Kim and his wife were tragically killed in a blaze at their home, a career retrospective at the 1997 iteration of the Pusan International Film Festival sparked renewed interest in his films.
The program proved to be a huge success in attracting international interest as his films subsequently made the rounds at international film festivals.
In 2008, a digitally restored and re-mastered print of Kim’s most representative film “The Housemaid” was screened at the world’s most prestigious movie gala, the Cannes International Film Festival.
When it was first released to local audiences in 1960, the story of an upper middle-class family undone by a husband and father’s extra-marital affair with his housemaid proved to be a hit with both critics and audiences alike.
Known for his “nyeoh,” meaning “women,” involved in taboo subject matters such as extra-marital affairs and crimes of passion, the late auteur’s works were largely unknown and ignored until the 1990s.
One year before Kim and his wife were tragically killed in a blaze at their home, a career retrospective at the 1997 iteration of the Pusan International Film Festival sparked renewed interest in his films.
The program proved to be a huge success in attracting international interest as his films subsequently made the rounds at international film festivals.
In 2008, a digitally restored and re-mastered print of Kim’s most representative film “The Housemaid” was screened at the world’s most prestigious movie gala, the Cannes International Film Festival.
When it was first released to local audiences in 1960, the story of an upper middle-class family undone by a husband and father’s extra-marital affair with his housemaid proved to be a hit with both critics and audiences alike.
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Hyundai brings out bicycles
Hyundai Motor Co. introduced two bicycles whose designs are based on the mid-sized sedan Sonata and the compact sport utility vehicle Tucson ix on Thursday.
The Sonata bicycle, built from aluminum, weighs 10.9 kilograms and comes with a 14-speed gear system. The Tucson ix-based bicycle is a mountain bike that comes with a 24-speed gear system and 26-inch alloy wheels.
The Sonata bicycle is priced at 255,000 won ($212) and the Tucson ix bike is priced at 425,000 won.
Both bikes are available at www.shop-hyundai.com and blu.hyundai.com, as well as at bike stores.
The Sonata bicycle, built from aluminum, weighs 10.9 kilograms and comes with a 14-speed gear system. The Tucson ix-based bicycle is a mountain bike that comes with a 24-speed gear system and 26-inch alloy wheels.
The Sonata bicycle is priced at 255,000 won ($212) and the Tucson ix bike is priced at 425,000 won.
Both bikes are available at www.shop-hyundai.com and blu.hyundai.com, as well as at bike stores.
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Korean firms set to lead rechargeable battery market
Korea’s rechargeable battery makers are set to dethrone their Japanese rivals in the global market this year as they bask in surging orders of largely digital mobile gadgets and cost competitiveness stemming from the weaker currency.
According to industry experts, an alliance of the two Korean electronic giants, Samsung and LG, have been in hot pursuit of Sanyo and Sony, which have long dominated the global market. The Korean firms, however, are likely to expand their presence in the global market as the explosive popularity of IT products such as smart phones continues.
Samsung SDI which provides rechargeable battery products for Apple’s iPad and iPhone and Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy S will take the No.1 title from Sanyo this year, experts predicted.
A lithium-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery mainly used in portable electronics such as laptops and mobile phones, but they are increasingly being used to power electric or hybrid cars.
Last year, Japan’s Sanyo held 20 percent of the market followed by Samsung SDI Co. and LG Chem Ltd., with 19 percent each, Japan’s Sony Corp. with 12 percent and China’s BYD with 7 percent. Korea, Japan and China control 95 percent of the global production of small rechargeable batteries used in portable electronic devices, such as mobile phones.
According to industry experts, an alliance of the two Korean electronic giants, Samsung and LG, have been in hot pursuit of Sanyo and Sony, which have long dominated the global market. The Korean firms, however, are likely to expand their presence in the global market as the explosive popularity of IT products such as smart phones continues.
Samsung SDI which provides rechargeable battery products for Apple’s iPad and iPhone and Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy S will take the No.1 title from Sanyo this year, experts predicted.
A lithium-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery mainly used in portable electronics such as laptops and mobile phones, but they are increasingly being used to power electric or hybrid cars.
Last year, Japan’s Sanyo held 20 percent of the market followed by Samsung SDI Co. and LG Chem Ltd., with 19 percent each, Japan’s Sony Corp. with 12 percent and China’s BYD with 7 percent. Korea, Japan and China control 95 percent of the global production of small rechargeable batteries used in portable electronic devices, such as mobile phones.
Talk flourishes over iPhone 4 delay
Even with KT’s official announcement involving the delay in launching the new iPhone 4 here, speculations continue to grow over why South Korea was left off of Apple’s list of 17 countries receiving the new model on July 30.
KT, the exclusive provider of the iPhone in Korea, said Sunday: “Initially, KT was scheduled to launch the iPhone 4 in July. However, because it is taking longer to prepare for regulatory approval, KT will now launch the iPhone 4 in the coming months.”
A KT official said the company is expecting to release the new model in the upcoming one to two months, following a government approval process such as testing of the radio wave usage.
The exact date of the launch, however, was yet to be known as KT or Apple has not filed the request for the government’s testing as of Sunday, according to Lee Tae-hee, spokesman for the state-run Korea Communications Commission.
“Neither KT or Apple has requested the government to examine and approve the usage of radio wave on the new wireless device iPhone 4, which is necessary for the commercial selling of the device” he said. “KT officials have noted that they have not made the request since they’re currently processing their own examinations (ahead of the government approval).”
As soon as the news about the delay in the launch of iPhones was released, hundreds of postings flooded the social networking sites, especially by people who were eagerly waiting for the new model.
“How am I supposed to wait another one or two months again?” Lee Seung-ha, a university student who lives in Ilsan, Gyeonggi Province, wrote on the micro-blogging site Twitter.
KT, the exclusive provider of the iPhone in Korea, said Sunday: “Initially, KT was scheduled to launch the iPhone 4 in July. However, because it is taking longer to prepare for regulatory approval, KT will now launch the iPhone 4 in the coming months.”
A KT official said the company is expecting to release the new model in the upcoming one to two months, following a government approval process such as testing of the radio wave usage.
The exact date of the launch, however, was yet to be known as KT or Apple has not filed the request for the government’s testing as of Sunday, according to Lee Tae-hee, spokesman for the state-run Korea Communications Commission.
“Neither KT or Apple has requested the government to examine and approve the usage of radio wave on the new wireless device iPhone 4, which is necessary for the commercial selling of the device” he said. “KT officials have noted that they have not made the request since they’re currently processing their own examinations (ahead of the government approval).”
As soon as the news about the delay in the launch of iPhones was released, hundreds of postings flooded the social networking sites, especially by people who were eagerly waiting for the new model.
“How am I supposed to wait another one or two months again?” Lee Seung-ha, a university student who lives in Ilsan, Gyeonggi Province, wrote on the micro-blogging site Twitter.
Korea economy grows 7.2% in Q2
May have entered ‘expansionary’ phase, central bank official says
Korea’s economy again beat growth forecasts, pulling off 7.2 percent growth on-year in the second quarter.
Strong exports and reviving domestic demand lifted the country’s gross domestic product 1.5 percent from a quarter earlier in the April-June period, the Bank of Korea said Monday. From a year ago, GDP was 7.2 percent larger.
First and second quarters combined, the economy has grown 7.6 percent, its best first-half performance in nearly 10 years.
“Korea’s economy, continuing a sharper than expected rebound, may have achieved more than just recovering to the pre-crisis level and may have entered an expansionary phase,” BOK’s director general Kim Myung-kee told reporters, explaining the data.
The second-quarter GDP growth was higher than forecasts of officials and many private economists and underpinned economic confidence in Korea, as the country rolls back emergency measures taken to fight a global financial crisis.
Earlier this month, the BOK estimated the quarterly growth rate at 1.2 percent, 0.3 percentage point lower than Monday’s reading. It has said that growth for the full of 2010 would reach 5.9 percent.
Korea’s economy again beat growth forecasts, pulling off 7.2 percent growth on-year in the second quarter.
Strong exports and reviving domestic demand lifted the country’s gross domestic product 1.5 percent from a quarter earlier in the April-June period, the Bank of Korea said Monday. From a year ago, GDP was 7.2 percent larger.
First and second quarters combined, the economy has grown 7.6 percent, its best first-half performance in nearly 10 years.
“Korea’s economy, continuing a sharper than expected rebound, may have achieved more than just recovering to the pre-crisis level and may have entered an expansionary phase,” BOK’s director general Kim Myung-kee told reporters, explaining the data.
The second-quarter GDP growth was higher than forecasts of officials and many private economists and underpinned economic confidence in Korea, as the country rolls back emergency measures taken to fight a global financial crisis.
Earlier this month, the BOK estimated the quarterly growth rate at 1.2 percent, 0.3 percentage point lower than Monday’s reading. It has said that growth for the full of 2010 would reach 5.9 percent.
Jung crowned Miss Korea 2010
Jung So-ra, a 19-year-old university student, was crowned Miss Korea 2010 on Sunday.
The pageant winner beat 55 competitors at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Seoul, after going through a range of programs from community service activities to a swimsuit contest.
Jung, who currently is enrolled at the University of California, Riverside, said that she wants to be a diplomat. She speaks English, Chinese and Japanese aside from her native Korean.
Jung will represent South Korea in the Miss World 2010 and Miss Universe 2011 competitions.
She has admirable qualities including her multilingual ability, but her father is now in the spotlight, as well.
Her father, Jung Han-young, is CEO of Humantech China and chairman of Korean Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, according to local reports.
The pageant winner beat 55 competitors at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Seoul, after going through a range of programs from community service activities to a swimsuit contest.
Jung, who currently is enrolled at the University of California, Riverside, said that she wants to be a diplomat. She speaks English, Chinese and Japanese aside from her native Korean.
Jung will represent South Korea in the Miss World 2010 and Miss Universe 2011 competitions.
She has admirable qualities including her multilingual ability, but her father is now in the spotlight, as well.
Her father, Jung Han-young, is CEO of Humantech China and chairman of Korean Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, according to local reports.
The father of Miss Korea of 2010 is a well-known figure among Korean immigrants in Shanghai, China, not only for his outstanding position in the local business community, but for his career that includes a stint as an actor in MBC, one of the three biggest TV stations here.
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Lee turning back on big firms?
President Lee Myung-bak is turning up the heat on business conglomerates whose reluctance in investing and caring for smaller firms hinder his key policies for a broader well-being of ordinary people.
His accusations toward big businesses are not new but the tone and severity are perplexing many who painted him as a staunchly business-friendly leader.
Last week, Lee lashed out at big firms for remaining hesitant to invest despite their massive cash piles. He also accused large businesses of operating high-interest loan-services, burdening the poor.
On another front, the nation’s antitrust regulator has launched a probe into large businesses on charges that they used their dominant positions to force unfair deals with SMEs.
Large firms logged record profits in the second quarter, leading the country to post one of the fastest economic growth rates among advanced nations. But their fat profits have not translated into benefits for SMEs and ordinary citizens, the president said, calling on large firms to take “social responsibility.”
His remarks come as the ruling Grand National Party is struggling to shore up voter support following its crushing defeat on the June 2 local elections.
The GNP threw its support behind Lee on Monday.
“In the case of Samsung Electronics, it has reported a record-profit, and it has increased exports. But SMEs and ordinary citizens are living really tough lives,” GNP lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo was quoted as saying in a meeting.
“The effects of economic growth should be distributed equally to SMEs and ordinary citizens,” he said.
The latest remarks by Lee and GNP lawmakers have sparked a backlash from business and political circles, which accused the government of political meddling and populist policies.
His accusations toward big businesses are not new but the tone and severity are perplexing many who painted him as a staunchly business-friendly leader.
Last week, Lee lashed out at big firms for remaining hesitant to invest despite their massive cash piles. He also accused large businesses of operating high-interest loan-services, burdening the poor.
On another front, the nation’s antitrust regulator has launched a probe into large businesses on charges that they used their dominant positions to force unfair deals with SMEs.
Large firms logged record profits in the second quarter, leading the country to post one of the fastest economic growth rates among advanced nations. But their fat profits have not translated into benefits for SMEs and ordinary citizens, the president said, calling on large firms to take “social responsibility.”
His remarks come as the ruling Grand National Party is struggling to shore up voter support following its crushing defeat on the June 2 local elections.
The GNP threw its support behind Lee on Monday.
“In the case of Samsung Electronics, it has reported a record-profit, and it has increased exports. But SMEs and ordinary citizens are living really tough lives,” GNP lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo was quoted as saying in a meeting.
“The effects of economic growth should be distributed equally to SMEs and ordinary citizens,” he said.
The latest remarks by Lee and GNP lawmakers have sparked a backlash from business and political circles, which accused the government of political meddling and populist policies.
Yu blasted for criticism of left-wing youth
Foreign Minister Yu Myung-hwan has come under fire for his recent controversial comments denouncing those in the younger generation who appear to support North Korea.
Yu stoked an ideological debate over the weekend when he said progressive young people should “go live with the Dear Leader” if they adore him so much.
He also criticized the pro-North youngsters for taking sides with the North while they enjoy all the benefits of a democratized society.
“Why do they live here? Why do not they live in the North?” he said.
The remarks were part of the government’s response on the possibility of future provocations from the North in case Seoul pushes the envelope too far.
The ministry Monday explained that the minister meant to “emphasize the importance” of the public showing of a unified stance against possible future provocations from North Korea.
“The government wants the younger generation to have a more balanced view on defense matters,” said Kim Young-sun, the Foreign Ministry spokesman.
The ministry expressed regret for any misunderstandings Yu’s remarks may have caused.
Yu stoked an ideological debate over the weekend when he said progressive young people should “go live with the Dear Leader” if they adore him so much.
He also criticized the pro-North youngsters for taking sides with the North while they enjoy all the benefits of a democratized society.
“Why do they live here? Why do not they live in the North?” he said.
The remarks were part of the government’s response on the possibility of future provocations from the North in case Seoul pushes the envelope too far.
The ministry Monday explained that the minister meant to “emphasize the importance” of the public showing of a unified stance against possible future provocations from North Korea.
“The government wants the younger generation to have a more balanced view on defense matters,” said Kim Young-sun, the Foreign Ministry spokesman.
The ministry expressed regret for any misunderstandings Yu’s remarks may have caused.
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Hangeul as Indonesian Tribe’s Writing System
The Indonesian government has officially approved the use of the Korean Hangeul writing system by the Cia-Cia tribe living in Bau-Bau City.
Bau-Bau Mayor Amirul Tamim conveyed the news of the government’s final approval of the use of the Hangeul writing system in an interview with Seoul's Yonhap News.
Bau-Bau Mayor Amirul Tamim conveyed the news of the government’s final approval of the use of the Hangeul writing system in an interview with Seoul's Yonhap News.
Cia-Cia Tribe
This tribe, with a population of 80,000, is a minority living on Buton Island in Sulawesi, Indonesia. The Cia-Cia people mainly produce corn, rice and cassava. Some men fish and build vessels for a living. Some 95% of the tribe consists of Muslim believers, but folk religion also has major influence in their life. About 60,000 of the population live in Bau-Bau, the biggest city and administrative center of Buton Island. They speak the Cia-Cia spoken language which is on the verge of extinction due to lack of a writing system.
This tribe, with a population of 80,000, is a minority living on Buton Island in Sulawesi, Indonesia. The Cia-Cia people mainly produce corn, rice and cassava. Some men fish and build vessels for a living. Some 95% of the tribe consists of Muslim believers, but folk religion also has major influence in their life. About 60,000 of the population live in Bau-Bau, the biggest city and administrative center of Buton Island. They speak the Cia-Cia spoken language which is on the verge of extinction due to lack of a writing system.
Hangeul
The Cia-Cia adopted the Korean alphabet because Hangeul can more accurately record their spoken language than English, Indonesia’s official writing system. Aware of Cia-Cia's predicament, Korea's Hunminjeongem Society proposed the tribe adopt the Hangeul alphabet which it accepted. The two sides signed an MOU on July 21st last year and the society started writing textbooks, training teachers and building a Hangeul center for the tribe. It took a year for the Indonesian government to endorse the tribe’s use of Hangeul.
The Cia-Cia adopted the Korean alphabet because Hangeul can more accurately record their spoken language than English, Indonesia’s official writing system. Aware of Cia-Cia's predicament, Korea's Hunminjeongem Society proposed the tribe adopt the Hangeul alphabet which it accepted. The two sides signed an MOU on July 21st last year and the society started writing textbooks, training teachers and building a Hangeul center for the tribe. It took a year for the Indonesian government to endorse the tribe’s use of Hangeul.
Approval and ControversyIn the past, Korea tried to introduce Hangeul to minority tribes in China, Thailand and Nepal but the efforts failed because the central governments of those nations objected to the move as ‘cultural invasion.’ Indonesia's approval is therefore highly significant. There has been local controversy and some Indonesia intellectuals are still in opposition. To abate concerns and not to trigger any misunderstanding, Korea should continue support the effort and maintain a prudent approach.
VOA: NK Banks Have 37 O'Seas Bank Accounts
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The Voice of America (VOA) says North Korean banks reportedly have a total of 37 overseas bank accounts in 12 nations, including China.A 'Cool' Performance by Kim Yu-na
The audience forgets about the heat wave as they watch skater Kim Yu-na’s performance during the “Samsung Anycall Hauzen 2010 All That Skate Summer” last week. World-renowned skaters joined Kim for the three-day event. The Olympic gold medalist will now head to Canada to prepare for the 2011 World Figure Skating Championships.
'10 Mln S.Korean Women Hold Driver’s Licenses'
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Data from Statistics Korea shows that more than ten million South Korean women had driver’s licenses as of late last year.Koreans Comprise 14% of Foreign Students in US
Koreans comprise nearly 14 percent of foreign students in the U.S, second among all nationalities. Second-quarter data by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement say 733-thousand foreign students were in the U.S. as of this month, with Chinese accounting for the most with 118-thousand.
Second came Koreans with 101-thousand, Indians 100-thousand and Canadians and Japanese with 29-thousand each.
By major, business was the most popular major among foreign students in the U.S. with 150-thousand students, followed by engineering with 99-thousand.
By state, California had the most foreign students with 123-thousand, trailed by New York, Texas and Massachusetts.
Lee Chung-yong Says He'll Stay at Bolton
Rising soccer star Lee Chung-yong has ended speculation over a possible transfer by saying he will stay with the Bolton Wanderers of the English Premier League.He told a news conference Sunday afternoon at Incheon International Airport before leaving for England that Bolton is a good team and that he is not considering leaving at this time.
Lee says he does not want to go to an ordinary team but one that he earnestly wishes to join.
Rumors have spread that Liverpool and other European teams are interested in signing the midfielder.
Lee is nicknamed "Blue Dragon" and has scored five goals in 26 games for his national team, including two in the last World Cup. He also scored four times in 34 games in his first Premiership season.
Bolton has doubled his salary for the upcoming season to three million U.S. dollars.
F-22 Raptors Participate in Joint Drills
The newest U.S. stealth fighter, the F-22 Raptor, has been disclosed to the public.The world's most advanced stealth fighter jets on Monday were shown at Osan Air Base in Gyeonggi Province.
Commander of the U.S. 7th Air Force Jeffrey Remington told a news briefing that the employment of F-22 jets for the drills demonstrate Washington's strong commitment to deter and defeat any provocative acts that threaten the stability of the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia.
F-22 jets equipped with an advanced radar can identify and detect objects sized one meter in diameter from a distance of up to 250 kilometers.
Four F-22 Raptors flew over the Korean Peninsula on Monday for the first time.
Public View of Firms Improving
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A survey finds that the public's view of companies has improved for two straight years.'US to Penalize Banks Not Complying with NK Sanctions'
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The United States is reportedly planning to back its new financial sanctions on North Korea with potential penalties for financial institutions in other countries that don’t comply with the sanctions.S.Korea, US Joint Drills Enter Day 3
 South Korea and the U.S. began antisubmarine attack drills on Tuesday morning, the third day of joint maritime exercises in the East Sea.The Combined Forces Command and the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Seoul say the drills in waters just east of Gangwon Province will be comprised of underwater infiltrations and simulated attacks on enemy subs. Antiaircraft and antiship drills will also take place, as will live-fire drills against submarines and exercises using depth charges. A special warfare unit will simulate detecting and attacking North Korean forces attempting to infiltrate via the sea. F-15K and F-16 fighter jets will fly from the East Sea to areas over the Gangwon and Gyeonggi provinces as part of air-to-surface maneuvers. The North Korean Navy is believed to own 260 troop transport vessels including 130 hovercrafts and 90 high-speed landing crafts. |
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