North Korea punished World Cup team manager: report

North Korea's football manager has been punished for the team's World Cup flop by being made to work on a building site, according to The Sun.

The report said Kim Jong-hun, 53, will be grafting as a laborer for up to 14 hours a day.

 

The coach received his sentence after he and his players faced a six-hour grilling from 400 officials of the Communist country's hardline regime, the daily reported. 

Kim was also stripped of his membership of the Workers' Party of Korea, led by pint-sized Kim Jong-il.

 

The Sun said the dictator was furious as the team lost all three matches, including a humiliating 7-0 thrashing by Portugal.

 

What made it worse for the tiny tyrant was his decision to allow that match to be shown on state TV after North Korea's narrow 2-1 defeat by Brazil in their opening game.

The North Korean team’s manager, players and backroom staff were ordered to a World Cup inquest at the People's Palace of Culture in the capital Pyongyang when they returned from South Africa.

 

North Korean striker Jong Tae-se shed tears ahead of a match with Brazil during the World Cup in South Africa. (Yonhap)

(AP-Yonhap)

The players were then allegedly forced to blame their coach for the defeats. Kim was being punished for "betraying the trust of Kim Jong-Un", Kim's son, the report said.

Hyundai Kia gets more carbon certificates

Hyundai Kia Automotive Group announced on Thursday that the Hyundai Tucson ix and Kia Sportage R compact sport utility vehicles received the Carbon Footprint Labeling Certification from the Korea Environmental Industry and Technology Institute.

With the addition of the two SUVs, the two carmakers now have five models whose carbon footprint from production to scrapping have been certified by the state-run organization. The other Hyundai and Kia vehicles certified under the program are the Hyundai Sonata, and Kia’s K5 and K7. 

S. Korea, Libya relations sour on alleged spying

South Korea’s relations with Libya are swiftly deteriorating over alleged espionage activities by a South Korean official, diplomatic sources said on Tuesday.

The sources said Libya was upset because of information-gathering activities by a National Intelligence Service agent who was looking into defense industry cooperation between North Korea and Libya. 

Pyongyang has traded weapons with Libya in the past. 

But the Libyan media claimed that Libya’s fury was actually targeted at probes into the activities of leader Muammar Gaddafi and his son. It said that the Libyan government was angered by the official’s investigation into Gaddafi, who has led Libya since the 1969 coup. 

The South Korean government acknowledged such reports but denied that the current case involved Gaddafi. 

One high-ranking official said that the agent’s information-gathering work was a normal part of the spy agency’s overseas conduct. 

Foreign bloggers to promote census

A group of 10 foreign bloggers will urge other expats to reply to the 2010 census questionnaires.

They speak eight foreign languages as their mother tongues ― English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Mongolian, Japanese, Russian, Thai and Hindu. The questionnaires about foreigners are to be written in the eight languages.

The bloggers will try to share information on census questionnaires with other expats through their personal blogs and connections with their expat communities.

The census will be undertaken for 15 days from Nov. 1, for both Korean nationals and expats. This time, there will be more questions for foreign residents, a move reflecting an increasingly multicultural society.

The foreign bloggers got together in the building of Statistics Korea in Daejon on July 21 to start their census promotion.

Hyundai Steel steps up social responsibility efforts

Korean companies are increasingly emphasizing their commitment to a better society to improve their image and make their growth sustainable.

Hyundai Steel has set an example for incorporating social responsibility in management philosophy with a range of in-house projects since 2008. Its endeavor has already been recognized by local and international organizations. 

In 2009, Hyundai Steel became the first Hyundai Kia Automotive Group firm to be included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for Asia Pacific which picked 130 firms from the region’s 600 largest companies. Hyundai Steel was also included in the index for Korea, which selected 41 firms from the countries 200 largest companies. The company also received the top award for the private sector in the Ministry of Knowledge Economy’s sustainability award. In addition, Hyundai Steel was assessed by the Korea Standards Association to be the most sustainable company in the metal and machinery industry in Korea.

Such achievements are the result of Hyundai Steel’s systematic approach to corporate social responsibility.

In order to operate its corporate social responsibility projects more effectively and encourage more employee participation, the company has introduced a number of measures over the years.

In 2008, the company established a social responsibility committee chaired by the company’s chief executive as part such efforts. 

Before the launch, the company has been pushing various measures including a matching grant system introduced in 2005. 

Hyundai Steel employees taking part in the campaign to donate a set amount from their monthly paychecks, and the company donates matching amounts to the fund.

According to the company, the number of those taking part in the project has increased gradually since its launch and now about 33 percent of Hyundai Steel employees have signed up, generating about 340 million won ($288,000) each year. 

The fund is used once a year on a variety of projects ranging from teaching elementary school students about the environment and providing throwing fire extinguishers to facilities for the disabled to repairing houses for underprivileged households. 

The project repairing houses, conducted in collaboration with the Korean branch of Habitat for Humanity, is one of Hyundai Steel’s key corporate social responsibility project for this year.

Hyundai E&C leads construction transition

Korean construction companies are stepping up efforts to diversify their project portfolios and customer bases in search of increased stable revenue streams. 

Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co., Korea’s largest contractor, is leading the industry’s transition with a range of contracts for skyscrapers, infrastructure and plants. 

While 83 percent of overseas construction projects that a majority of domestic companies are running largely involve building power plants or development facilities, Hyundai E&C has diversified its project portfolio in a number of different international markets through new contracts for green energy production and harbor works in Middle Eastern countries like Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. 

Under the five-year plan to promote overseas construction, the government has proposed a mid- and long-term strategy to fit the rapidly-changing global market climate, involving measures to diversify markets and project types to explore future growth industries such as green technology-related businesses. 　

The plan focuses on practical strategies for a shift to higher value-added businesses, improved profitability and the development of niche markets, while diversifying project portfolios to occupy new areas such as green energy resources such as nuclear, water, wind and tidal power, which has been emphasized due to hikes in oil prices and the growing need for renewable energy.　

Since CEO Kim Joong-kyum took office last year, Hyundai E&C has successfully stepped up in the global market, targeting new business areas such as alternative energy, nuclear power, water industry and environment, especially for low-carbon green growth, officials say.

The construction firm aims to receive orders worth $12 billion in total by the end of this year, more than double last year’s $4.5 billion. The goal seems highly achievable, since the number has already reached $6.7 billion as this month, and additional projects in regions such as Southeast Asia and the Middle East are expected to button up. 　

Between January and June, the company won domestic and overseas contracts worth 10.6 trillion won ($8.97 billion), up 45.3 percent from the same period last year, posting a net profit record of 331.1 billion won, a 50 percent increase from a year earlier.　

The builder also collected 283 billion won in operating profits in the first half of the year, a 22.4 percent increase due to reduction in costs, it said.　

In the pace of the global economic rebound, the number of overseas construction orders received by Korean builders swings upward rapidly, the government reported.　

So far this year, contracts have exceeded $41 billion mark, according to the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs’ data, a 138.6 percent increase from the same period of last year.

The drastic increase is driven by growing demand in the Middle East, where oil-rich nations have expanded investment for facilities. Orders from other Asian countries also grew, the ministry said. 

By region, orders from the Middle East reached $30.8 billion, which includes $18.6 billion worth of deals to build nuclear reactors in the UAE. Asian countries come next with $8.5 billion, followed by $1.2 billion from Latin America　

The latest totals are in line with trends over the past six years. 　

In 2004, Korean builders secured a combined $7.5 billion in overseas orders, with the corresponding figures growing to $10.9 billion in 2005, $16.4 billion in 2006 and $39.8 billion in 2007.

The figure rose further to $47.6 billion and $49.1 billion in 2008 and 2009. 　

The ministry forecasts that the upward move will continue, predicting the nation’s overseas orders will likely top the annual objective of $60 billion for this year.　

GM moves to relese Volt in Korea next year

U.S. automaker General Motors Co. (GM) will bring its new electric vehicle, the Volt, to South Korea next year for a market test before a possible launch, the top executive for the automaker's South Korean unit said Wednesday, according to Yonhap News.

"The Chevrolet Volt is going to bring innovative change to the global auto market. We will bring a Volt demonstration fleet to Korea next year to examine consumer interest before deciding on the launch in the market," said Mike Arcamone, president of GM Daewoo Auto & Technology.

Hit-girl

Korea’s Ji So-yun shines at U20 World Cup

Korean forward Ji So-yun has become a star attraction in Germany following spectacular performances during South Korea’s successful run to the semifinals of the Under 20 Women’s World Cup. 

Notably, the 19-year-old Ji proved herself by scoring a hat-trick in Korea’s 4-0 win over Switzerland in the group stage. 

The 161 cm-tall player, nicknamed as “Ji Messi,” for her resemblance to Lionel Messi, also scored a crucial goal with a deft free-kick in the team’s 3-1 drubbing of Mexico in the quarterfinals. 

‘Salt’ suits for an adrenaline rush

However preposterous a plot it has, the action-packed Hollywood flick, “Salt,” can keep moviegoers seeking some thrills this summer on the edge of their seats.

But aren’t logic and plausibility key to a finely produced action thriller you ask?

Well, not really.

In this age of fast information and fast everything, who goes to summer action flicks for logic or even plausible characters?

We cough up our hard earned won for a ticket and maybe a tub full of buttered popcorn to feel the adrenaline rush of seeing crazy stunts on screen and in this case seeing Angelina Jolie kick a lot of butts and take down names. 

The plot goes something like this: Jolie plays Evelyn Salt, a Russian double agent working for the CIA who may or may not be playing both sides.

A former high-ranking officer of Soviet-era Russia turns himself in to the CIA with some vital information that has to do with a lot of doomsday boogeyman rhetoric appropriate for a film of this type.

Salt is ushered into the interrogation room to see whether the guy is legitimate. It turns out he is.

Here’s the kicker: He spills the beans on Salt’s supposed true identity as a Russian super-spy trained and brainwashed to assassinate the American president.

Needless to say, Salt nearly blows up the entire CIA headquarters in a thrilling escape, taking down highly trained field agents in the process.

This all happens within the first 10 minutes of the film and the action never lets up, and builds to a truly hilarious showdown with the unexpected baddie. 

Along with her previous bullet festivals like the “Tomb Raider” franchise, “Wanted,” and “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” Jolie proves that she is just as convincing an action star as male counterparts like Will Smith. 

Ex-Kumho chief may come back

Speculations are growing over who will take charge of the once-wealthy Kumho Asiana Group following its chairman Park Chan-bup’s resignation which was made official last week.

Earlier on Friday, the group said in a statement that Park, 65, will step down from the chief post after serving a full year and move on to become a senior adviser to the country’s No. 2 carrier Asiana Airlines.

Although the group noted that the seat will remain vacant for some time, rumors spread quickly in the business sector which suspected the possible comeback of its former chairman Park Sam-koo.

Park, together with Park Chan-koo, who was the group’s chemical division head, left the top post last July to take responsibility for management failure.

Lee expected to pardon Roh’s brother

President Lee Myung-bak will likely grant a special pardon to the elder brother of ex-President Roh Moo-hyun who had been convicted of accepting bribes, an aide to Lee said over the weekend. 

The move would be a reconciliatory measure toward his liberal predecessor, who leapt to his death last year amid a humiliating corruption probe into his relatives and close associates. 

Universities slammed for exaggerated advertising

Korea University, Yonsei University and some other renowned universities were slammed for exaggerated or false advertising regarding employment among graduates and access to stipends. 

The Fair Trade Commission said Sunday that it has ordered a total of 17 universities and two-year colleges to remove deceptive ads on their official websites and leaflets. It issued a warning to two others. 

The 17 which received the order include Korea University, Yonsei University, Sogang University, Hyung Hee University and Sahmyook University in Seoul. Dongguk University in Seoul and Kyungpook National University received a warning. 

Universities, competing to attract more applicants and raise their profile, advertize themselves using various university ranking data. However, one university was found to have advertized as if they had the highest graduate employment rate out of all universities in Korea, when it ranked No. 1 among a group of universities of a similar size. 

Some others were found to have misled readers to believe they were on top of the university rankings for years in a row, when they were just on top for one particular year. 

Kongju University, for instance, was found to have advertised being among the top universities in terms of availability of a stipend, when it ranked only 40 out of 200. 

FTC officials advised university applicants not to blindly believe what universities advertize and to check information about the university they are applying to at a website run by the Education Ministry, www.academyinfor.go.kr. 

Bae Doo-na grabs the mike in ‘Gloria’

 Following her debut as a model in her late teens, actress Bae Doo-na carved a niche for herself on both the small and silver screens. 

She managed to build up a colorful and largely successful repertoire, including a memorable stint as an archer who tries to save her brother's daughter in the blockbuster hit “The Host” (2006). 

Now, following her role as a schoolmarm in the popular KBS series “The Masters of the Art of Study” (2010), Bae tackles the role of a loving sibling yet again in MBC’s “Gloria.” 

Bae’s previous stint as a devoted sister was as an accomplished sportswoman with a career in the spotlight. Her new one is of a woman who supports her mentally disabled older sister (played by “High Kick 2” actress Oh Hyeon-kyeong) with a series of odd jobs. 

“She cares for her sister on her own, without their parents,” the 30-year-old said at the drama’s press conference on Tuesday. 

“I play this character as if there is no one else in the world but me and my sister.” 

While showing grit and spunk in the face of adversity is not new to Bae, her latest job presents a huge challenge for her. 

Bae must play a talented singer, someone good enough to go from settling for odd jobs like delivering newspapers and running a nightclub coat check to dreaming of a career on stage. 

“That is the part that scared me the most,” she admitted. “I have to sing well in order for it to set the premise (for the drama) and for the plot to move forward. Even if this were a good role that I wanted badly, if I really was unable to sing well then I would be doing (the drama) a disservice.” 

Yankees drop Park

The New York Yankees announced Sunday that they had dropped Park Chan-ho from their 40-man roster, following another unimpressive performance from the Korean veteran on Friday. 

The 37-year-old Park was designated for assignment by the reigning Major League champion on the July 31 trade deadline, meaning he has now only 10 days to either find a new team or accept the assignment to head to the minor leagues. 

On Friday, Park gave up three runs during the team’s 11-4 win against the Cleveland Indians. After shutting out the Indians in the eighth, the right-handed pitcher got the first two out in the ninth. However, then he allowed five runners on base, conceding three walks and two singles as the Indians tagged him for three runs. 

Afterward the Yankees crossed out Park’s name from their roster, making room for the newly signed Cleveland relief pitcher Kerry Wood. 

Wonder Girls meet world through MTV

Popular K-pop group the Wonder Girls captivated an audience of some 15,000 at the MTV World Stage Live in Malaysia 2010 held in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday night. 

The girl group showcased six numbers, including “Tell Me,” “So Hot,” “2 Different Tears” and their biggest hit “Nobody,” during the 40-minute performance. The crowd especially went wild when “Nobody” blared through the speakers. 

The performance will air on MTV from Aug. 21 in 154 countries, starting from five Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia and Indonesia. Over 550 million households worldwide are expected to watch the show. 

“We are so excited to have been given this opportunity. Knowing how difficult it is to be on such a stage, we had so much fun while preparing for it. We newly arranged some numbers so that we could show you styles that we have never showcased before,” said Sun-ye, the group’s leader, at a press conference before the event. 

Child sex crimes rising fast in Korea

Although child sex crimes were committed less frequently in Korea than other major countries, the growth rate here had been higher in recent years, a report found Sunday. 

According to the Korea Institute of Criminology, which analyzed the official figures in five countries ― Korea, Germany, the U.K., the U.S. and Japan ― the nation’s rate of sex crime against children was 16.9 per 100,000 children in 2008, the fourth-highest.

The Korean figure was 6.8 times lower than that of Germany, 6 times than the U.K. and 3.5 times than the U.S., the report said. 

New Avante gears up for local market

Hyundai Motor Co.’s much-publicized new Avante goes on sale on the domestic market on Monday. 

Unveiled for the first time at the Busan International Motor Show in April, the latest Avante is considered by many in the industry to be the key to solving Hyundai’s falling domestic market share.

One killed by boxed mine drifted from North

One man was killed and another injured Saturday night after a mine explosion in a restricted area near the border with North Korea, police said Sunday.

According to police and military officials, the wooden-boxed land mine was believed to have drifted south after recent heavy rainfall in the North.

Military investigators found an additional 17 mines Sunday morning near the accident area. 

“It is unlikely that the North had floated the mines deliberately,” said an official from the Joint Chiefs of Staff. 

“It appears that the mines buried or stored had washed away due to the flooding in North Korea.”

It was the first time that the boxed mines have been found in the South, the official added. 

Hahoe, Yangdong named U.N. World Heritage

Two historic villages in Korea were designated as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites on Saturday.

Hahoe and Yangdong, both located in North Gyeongsang Province, are known for their notable cultural display of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), preserving its old tradition of nobility clans.

The World Heritage Committee officially put the two villages on the UNESCO World Heritage List during its 34th convention meeting in Brasila, Brazil. Hahoe and Yangdong reflect “the distinctive aristocratic Confucian culture” of the dynasty, the Committee said on UNESCO’s website.