2010년 8월 16일 월요일
Beating the Heat
Children chill out on Thursday at Gwanghwamun Plaza, when most regions in the nation were under heat advisories.
Unification Tax
In his Independence Day speech delivered on Sunday, President Lee Myung-bak said, “Unification will certainly come one day and I believe it’s time for measures to prepare for that time, such as a ‘unification tax.’”
Civic calls for such a tax have been made in the past but it’s the first time for the president to make the remark.
Civic calls for such a tax have been made in the past but it’s the first time for the president to make the remark.
The Cost of Unification
Typically, the cost of unification refers to the expenses incurred while overcoming the chaos of the unification process (food, medical support, etc.) and the overall post-unification expenditures needed to consolidate the two sides’ political, defense, economic, social and cultural systems. It also includes investment to raise the gross domestic product of the poorer side (North Korea in this case) to a sufficient degree in order to ease the income discrepancy. These three components comprise the theoretical cost of unification, but the actual calculation is very complex and controversial. When to consider the cost is debated (e.g. until the moment of unification or until the united nation fully recovers from the aftermath). The actual cost will also vary depending on whether the North collapses abruptly or if it gradually narrows the wide economic gap with the South.
Typically, the cost of unification refers to the expenses incurred while overcoming the chaos of the unification process (food, medical support, etc.) and the overall post-unification expenditures needed to consolidate the two sides’ political, defense, economic, social and cultural systems. It also includes investment to raise the gross domestic product of the poorer side (North Korea in this case) to a sufficient degree in order to ease the income discrepancy. These three components comprise the theoretical cost of unification, but the actual calculation is very complex and controversial. When to consider the cost is debated (e.g. until the moment of unification or until the united nation fully recovers from the aftermath). The actual cost will also vary depending on whether the North collapses abruptly or if it gradually narrows the wide economic gap with the South.
[ Estimated Cost ]
| Charles Wolf (Rand Corp.) | $1.7 trillion | Per capita GDP of South and North Korea is $20,000 and $700, respectively, while the populations are 48 million and 24 million. On this assumption, this is what will cost to raise the North’s level to the South’s. |
| Peter Beck (Stanford Univ.) | $2.0~5.0 trillion | The cost necessary for 30 years to raise the average N. Korean person’s income to 80% of the S. Korean level. |
| Samsung Economic Research Institute | $460 billion (KRW 545.8 trillion) | 2005 estimate |
| Korea Institute of Public Finance | 7~12% of GDP | Cost for 20 years after unification |
Council Releases College Admission Guidelines for 2011
A unified application form will be adopted starting this year under the 2011 academic year guidelines for 196 universities.
According to the guidelines, about 62 percent, or some 235-thousand students, will be admitted into college before the annual college entrance test. About 34-thousand students will be picked through an admission officer system.
About 100 universities will only consider students' high school academic records in the selection process, while 34 universities will hold an essay test.
The application period will be between September 8th and December 7th, with the announcement of successful applicants by December 12th.
Heat-Related Death Toll Hits 5 This Summer
Of the 93, one died, raising the death toll from heat-related illnesses this summer to five.
A total of 238 people have received medical treatment for heat-related illnesses this summer, 72 percent of which were men. Thirty percent of those hospitalized were in their 60s and 17 percent were in their 50s.
Gov’t Vows to Keep Prices Stable ahead of Chuseok
Vice Finance Minister Lim Jong-ryong and other related vice ministers say they have monitored changes in product prices and have discussed measures to keep product prices stable ahead of the Korean thanksgiving holiday season.
Lim said the government will proactively tackle factors that could cause product prices to rise, such as higher international raw material prices and local governments’ moves to raise public service fees.
The government will unveil early next month a set of comprehensive measures to prevent surges in product prices.
Boeing Sole Bidder for S.Korean Presidential Plane
An official from the administration said that Boeing is the only company being considered for the bid for the plane South Korea plans to purchase by 2013.
The agency will review Boeing’s proposal and will test by October the Boeing 747-8 model the U.S. aircraft company is promoting before pricing negotiations are held.
The 747-8, which is the largest commercial airplane manufactured in the United States, is capable of flying more than 15-thousand kilometers with 460 people aboard.
Lee: Unification Tax is Not Immediate
Lee was quoted as saying Tuesday that the divided state of the Korean Peninsula must not persist and that a policy shift from managing division to managing unification must be sought.
He added that he proposed the tax in order to prepare the nation for the unification era, which he said was integral to Korea becoming a world-class nation.
Lee said that all Koreans should join together to forge policies for unification, adding that he will gather opinions on the issue.
Mahindra executive to visit Seoul
The vice chairman of India‘s top utility vehicle maker Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., which was named as the main bidder for Ssangyong Motor Co., will travel to Korea this week, the Indian company said Sunday.
Anand Mahindra plans to meet with the management and creditors of the Korea’s smallest automaker, senior government officials and local reporters during his visit, Mahindra & Mahindra said in a statement.
Ssangyong Motor selected the Indian company Thursday as the prime bidder for its majority stake.
Mahindra & Mahindra is expected to sign a preliminary deal with Ssangyong to buy the stake on August 26, after putting down a deposit worth 26 billion won ($21.9 million) to fulfill its bid, which represents 5 percent of the bidding price.
The Indian company is then expected to study Ssangyong Motor‘s books in September and finalize the deal in November.
Ssangyong has been put under court receivership since February 2009, after its former Chinese parent Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. abandoned it in the aftermath of the 2008 global financial crisis.
Anand Mahindra plans to meet with the management and creditors of the Korea’s smallest automaker, senior government officials and local reporters during his visit, Mahindra & Mahindra said in a statement.
Ssangyong Motor selected the Indian company Thursday as the prime bidder for its majority stake.
Mahindra & Mahindra is expected to sign a preliminary deal with Ssangyong to buy the stake on August 26, after putting down a deposit worth 26 billion won ($21.9 million) to fulfill its bid, which represents 5 percent of the bidding price.
The Indian company is then expected to study Ssangyong Motor‘s books in September and finalize the deal in November.
Ssangyong has been put under court receivership since February 2009, after its former Chinese parent Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. abandoned it in the aftermath of the 2008 global financial crisis.
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| Anand Mahindra |
Samsung Electronics to form W1 trillion fund for suppliers
Samsung Electronics said Monday that it will form a 1 trillion won ($843.24 million) fund to support its suppliers in October, joining a growing number of conglomerates pursuing co-prosperity with smaller partners.
The world’s largest technology company said the fund will be used to support facility investment, technology development and operation funding assistance. It will be run in cooperation with the Industrial Bank of Korea.
Specific details like the interest rate have yet to be decided, said Samsung officials. The company will pick recipients after credit checks by the bank.
The move came amid growing calls from the government and the public for large firms to make a greater contribution to smaller firms and society.
President Lee Myung-bak spoke about the necessity of a win-win strategy for large firms and their suppliers in his speech marking the 65th Liberation Day on Sunday.
“The key of the unveiled plan is that we largely strengthened support for second-layer and third-layer suppliers which have been rather isolated in the past,” said Park Jong-suh, executive vice president and chief of the partner collaboration and enhancement center at the company. “Samsung Electronics has always put a focus on mutual development but we reexamined the situation since the discussion in the social level started in late June and we’re releasing the results (Monday).”
To help save procurement costs for its suppliers, Samsung will directly purchase core raw materials and provide them to those companies, it said.
The method will first be applied to the manufacturing process of electric items such as refrigerators, washers, air conditioners and liquid-crystal display televisions. The company will then consider using the method for the manufacturing of other products.
The company will give additional support for its second-layer and third-layer suppliers, possibly boosting their position to primary suppliers if their transaction records over 500 million won per year.
It will also make efforts for the primary and second-layer suppliers to go forward with fair trade by operating an online report system and providing the educational support program -- currently available for primary suppliers -- to second-layer suppliers.
Some programs which have been held for the affiliated firms are economic consulting supports, employee nurturing programs, giving away and business infrastructure improvement measures.
Samsung will also implement the “Best Company” policy in a bid to develop 50 of the small and mid-sized firms into globally-recognized ones by 2015.
The world’s largest technology company said the fund will be used to support facility investment, technology development and operation funding assistance. It will be run in cooperation with the Industrial Bank of Korea.
Specific details like the interest rate have yet to be decided, said Samsung officials. The company will pick recipients after credit checks by the bank.
The move came amid growing calls from the government and the public for large firms to make a greater contribution to smaller firms and society.
President Lee Myung-bak spoke about the necessity of a win-win strategy for large firms and their suppliers in his speech marking the 65th Liberation Day on Sunday.
“The key of the unveiled plan is that we largely strengthened support for second-layer and third-layer suppliers which have been rather isolated in the past,” said Park Jong-suh, executive vice president and chief of the partner collaboration and enhancement center at the company. “Samsung Electronics has always put a focus on mutual development but we reexamined the situation since the discussion in the social level started in late June and we’re releasing the results (Monday).”
To help save procurement costs for its suppliers, Samsung will directly purchase core raw materials and provide them to those companies, it said.
The method will first be applied to the manufacturing process of electric items such as refrigerators, washers, air conditioners and liquid-crystal display televisions. The company will then consider using the method for the manufacturing of other products.
The company will give additional support for its second-layer and third-layer suppliers, possibly boosting their position to primary suppliers if their transaction records over 500 million won per year.
It will also make efforts for the primary and second-layer suppliers to go forward with fair trade by operating an online report system and providing the educational support program -- currently available for primary suppliers -- to second-layer suppliers.
Some programs which have been held for the affiliated firms are economic consulting supports, employee nurturing programs, giving away and business infrastructure improvement measures.
Samsung will also implement the “Best Company” policy in a bid to develop 50 of the small and mid-sized firms into globally-recognized ones by 2015.
POSCO raises hiring plans
POSCO announced Monday that the steelmaker and its subsidiaries will hire an additional 1,000 people during the second half of the year.
The company said that those hired during the second half of the year will be put to work in overseas projects, research and development and in new businesses.
With the latest change in hiring plans, the steelmaker and its subsidiaries will hire a total of 3,500 people this year, up 44 percent from last year’s 2,428 people.
Of the 3,500, POSCO will hire 850 with the remainder being divided among the steelmaker’s subsidiaries.
Aside from the expanded hiring plan, POSCO’s operating rate for the first half of the year was shown to have increased significantly from a year ago.
According to a regulatory filing submitted Monday, the company’s operating rate for the first half of the year came in at 100.6 percent.
Of the company’s two steel mills, the facilities in Gwangyang, South Jeolla Province recorded the higher operating rate with 103.9 percent.
The company’s other steelworks in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province recorded an operating rate of 96.5 percent for the period.
For the same period last year POSCO recorded an operating rate of 83.2 percent. By steelworks, Pohang steelworks’ operating rate came in at 91 percent and that of Gwangyang steelworks at 76.3 percent.
The operating rate is calculated by dividing crude steel output by the company’s production capacity, and figures exceeding 100 percent indicate that facilities are being operated at full capacity.
The company attributed the rise in operating rate to the increase in demand for steel products seen during the first six months of the year.
The company said that those hired during the second half of the year will be put to work in overseas projects, research and development and in new businesses.
With the latest change in hiring plans, the steelmaker and its subsidiaries will hire a total of 3,500 people this year, up 44 percent from last year’s 2,428 people.
Of the 3,500, POSCO will hire 850 with the remainder being divided among the steelmaker’s subsidiaries.
Aside from the expanded hiring plan, POSCO’s operating rate for the first half of the year was shown to have increased significantly from a year ago.
According to a regulatory filing submitted Monday, the company’s operating rate for the first half of the year came in at 100.6 percent.
Of the company’s two steel mills, the facilities in Gwangyang, South Jeolla Province recorded the higher operating rate with 103.9 percent.
The company’s other steelworks in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province recorded an operating rate of 96.5 percent for the period.
For the same period last year POSCO recorded an operating rate of 83.2 percent. By steelworks, Pohang steelworks’ operating rate came in at 91 percent and that of Gwangyang steelworks at 76.3 percent.
The operating rate is calculated by dividing crude steel output by the company’s production capacity, and figures exceeding 100 percent indicate that facilities are being operated at full capacity.
The company attributed the rise in operating rate to the increase in demand for steel products seen during the first six months of the year.
[KOREA-JAPAN 100 YEARS ON ] Korea, Japan remain poles apart on FTA
This is the seventh in a series of articles that look over the relationship between Korea and Japan over the past century since Japan’s annexation of Korea and look into ways for leveling up their ties to full partnership in the coming century. ― Ed.
Korea and Japan have made little progress in their six-year-old talks on a bilateral free trade agreement due largely to differences over agriculture and automobiles.
Discussions have been conducted at various levels since negotiations were launched in 2003. Despite promises of sizable increase in trade volume and mutual benefits, the two countries still remain poles apart over a range of issues.
Korea has run a deficit on its trade with Japan since the two recovered diplomatic ties in 1965.
The government said last week that the nation’s deficit with Japan has widened to a record high of $18 billion in trade in the first half of this year.
Exports totaled $12.8 billion while imports stood at $30.9 billion, marking the biggest half-year deficit since the government started collecting official tradedata in the mid-1940s.
Korea’s trade shortfall with Japan grew steadily to $17.1 billion in the first half of 2008, however, the deficit curved up in the first half of 2009 due to the global economic turndown.
“Both countries could take the first step to solve the imbalance in trade investment through establishing a comprehensive form of FTA,” Park June, a senior research at the Samsung Economics Research Institute, said in a report released last week. “We could improve the environment for Korean products to more easily enter the Japanese market and also ease up the situation in Korea for Japanese component-producing firms to make biggest investments here.”
Park also said Korea should maintain its stance of signing a high-class FTA and that Japan must focus on protecting its farming market and improving the investment environment in Korea.
“The possibility of reaching the trade agreement could get higher by sharing the FTA contents, the level of policy establishment and the time plan between the two nations,” Park said.
Going a step further, Korea and Japan could find a solution for their high number of unemployed youth and seniors by opening the labor market, said Park, adding that it would also contribute to strengthening the competitiveness of technology for each other.
The FTA negotiations between Korea and Japan started a while back in December 2003.
The talks, however, came to a halt less than a year after in November 2004 following six rounds of negotiations held in Seoul, Tokyo and Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province.
Although both sides realize that a free trade pact would help promote their economic relationship, there were differences on automobiles, manufacturing and agriculture which could not be narrowed down.
Japan refused to liberalize its agriculture and fisheries market while Korea insisted on protecting local small and medium-sized firms, turning down the request to open the automobile market.
As a result, the talks were stalled for about three years until they resumed in the form of working-level meetings following the Korea-Japan summit in April 2008.
Korea and Japan have made little progress in their six-year-old talks on a bilateral free trade agreement due largely to differences over agriculture and automobiles.
Discussions have been conducted at various levels since negotiations were launched in 2003. Despite promises of sizable increase in trade volume and mutual benefits, the two countries still remain poles apart over a range of issues.
Korea has run a deficit on its trade with Japan since the two recovered diplomatic ties in 1965.
The government said last week that the nation’s deficit with Japan has widened to a record high of $18 billion in trade in the first half of this year.
Exports totaled $12.8 billion while imports stood at $30.9 billion, marking the biggest half-year deficit since the government started collecting official tradedata in the mid-1940s.
Korea’s trade shortfall with Japan grew steadily to $17.1 billion in the first half of 2008, however, the deficit curved up in the first half of 2009 due to the global economic turndown.
“Both countries could take the first step to solve the imbalance in trade investment through establishing a comprehensive form of FTA,” Park June, a senior research at the Samsung Economics Research Institute, said in a report released last week. “We could improve the environment for Korean products to more easily enter the Japanese market and also ease up the situation in Korea for Japanese component-producing firms to make biggest investments here.”
Park also said Korea should maintain its stance of signing a high-class FTA and that Japan must focus on protecting its farming market and improving the investment environment in Korea.
“The possibility of reaching the trade agreement could get higher by sharing the FTA contents, the level of policy establishment and the time plan between the two nations,” Park said.
Going a step further, Korea and Japan could find a solution for their high number of unemployed youth and seniors by opening the labor market, said Park, adding that it would also contribute to strengthening the competitiveness of technology for each other.
The FTA negotiations between Korea and Japan started a while back in December 2003.
The talks, however, came to a halt less than a year after in November 2004 following six rounds of negotiations held in Seoul, Tokyo and Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province.
Although both sides realize that a free trade pact would help promote their economic relationship, there were differences on automobiles, manufacturing and agriculture which could not be narrowed down.
Japan refused to liberalize its agriculture and fisheries market while Korea insisted on protecting local small and medium-sized firms, turning down the request to open the automobile market.
As a result, the talks were stalled for about three years until they resumed in the form of working-level meetings following the Korea-Japan summit in April 2008.
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English encyclopedia on Korean seasonal customs released
The first English-language encyclopedia on Korea’s seasonal customs has been published by the National Folk Museum of Korea.
The “Encyclopedia of Korean Seasonal Customs” consists of sections on the country’s four seasons and leap months, introducing in detail what each season has to offer culturally from holidays to manners and customs.
The museum launched a website in 2008 consisting of the online version of the original encyclopedia published in Korean. In the following year, the English version became available online. The newly released book is largely based on the English content of the website, carefully re-translated and edited.
The “Encyclopedia of Korean Seasonal Customs” consists of sections on the country’s four seasons and leap months, introducing in detail what each season has to offer culturally from holidays to manners and customs.
The museum launched a website in 2008 consisting of the online version of the original encyclopedia published in Korean. In the following year, the English version became available online. The newly released book is largely based on the English content of the website, carefully re-translated and edited.
Writers, scholars gather for Comparative Literature Congress
The 19th Congress of the International Comparative Literature Association started its seven-day run at Chung-Ang University in Heukseok-dong, Seoul, on Sunday.
Organized by International Comparative Literature Association and Korea Comparative Literature Association and hosted by the Korean Organizing Committee of ICLA 2010, the triennial ICLA is known as the Olympics of literature.
Following the 13th Congress held in Tokyo and the 17th Congress held in Hong Kong, this is the third ICLA Congress to be held in Asia.
This year’s ICLA brings together over 1,000 academics and writers from more than 65 different countries to exchange literary studies, creative writing, and teaching ideas under the theme “Expanding the Frontiers of Comparative Literature.”
“The Organizing Committee of the 2010 Congress of the ICLA anticipates that this event will not only awaken Korean literature and literary studies from its recent lethargy but will also have positive ramifications for humanities studies in general. This event will be truly a meaningful gathering of the great minds, coming together in Seoul to address and collectively search for a viable solution to the crisis in the humanities studies,” said Chung Chung-ho, chairperson of the Organizing Committee of the 19th Congress of ICLA.
Organized by International Comparative Literature Association and Korea Comparative Literature Association and hosted by the Korean Organizing Committee of ICLA 2010, the triennial ICLA is known as the Olympics of literature.
Following the 13th Congress held in Tokyo and the 17th Congress held in Hong Kong, this is the third ICLA Congress to be held in Asia.
This year’s ICLA brings together over 1,000 academics and writers from more than 65 different countries to exchange literary studies, creative writing, and teaching ideas under the theme “Expanding the Frontiers of Comparative Literature.”
“The Organizing Committee of the 2010 Congress of the ICLA anticipates that this event will not only awaken Korean literature and literary studies from its recent lethargy but will also have positive ramifications for humanities studies in general. This event will be truly a meaningful gathering of the great minds, coming together in Seoul to address and collectively search for a viable solution to the crisis in the humanities studies,” said Chung Chung-ho, chairperson of the Organizing Committee of the 19th Congress of ICLA.
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Google leads revival in commercial paper
Google Inc., owner of the most popular Internet search engine, and Germany’s Merck KGaA are leading a revival in commercial paper as nonfinancial companies grab the biggest share of the $1.1 trillion U.S. market from banks since 2002 amid lower borrowing costs.
Industrial borrowers have $151 billion of debt typically due in 270 days or less, up 47 percent this year and 14 percent of the total outstanding, seasonally adjusted Federal Reserve data show. Google, based in Mountain View, California, started a CP program last month for as much as $3 billion, while Merck helped fund its acquisition of Millipore Corp. in July with the debt.
Three years after the market froze, contributing to the worst financial crisis since the 1930s, the surge in so-called CP issuance may signal that companies are confident the U.S. will avoid slipping back into recession. The highest-rated non-bank issuers pay an annualized 0.27 percent for 90-day paper, compared with an average of 1.94 percent over the past 10 years.
“There’s a sense of confidence in the market,” said Chris Conetta, head of global commercial paper at Barclays Capital in New York. “It’s just so cheap for non-financial borrowers that it’s attracting some back to the market.”
Industrial borrowers have $151 billion of debt typically due in 270 days or less, up 47 percent this year and 14 percent of the total outstanding, seasonally adjusted Federal Reserve data show. Google, based in Mountain View, California, started a CP program last month for as much as $3 billion, while Merck helped fund its acquisition of Millipore Corp. in July with the debt.
Three years after the market froze, contributing to the worst financial crisis since the 1930s, the surge in so-called CP issuance may signal that companies are confident the U.S. will avoid slipping back into recession. The highest-rated non-bank issuers pay an annualized 0.27 percent for 90-day paper, compared with an average of 1.94 percent over the past 10 years.
“There’s a sense of confidence in the market,” said Chris Conetta, head of global commercial paper at Barclays Capital in New York. “It’s just so cheap for non-financial borrowers that it’s attracting some back to the market.”
KT&G rolls out new Raison cigarette
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| KT&G rolls out new Raison cigarette |
To introduce the product, the tobacco company has invented automatic supply equipment for cigarettes of different kinds for the first time in the world, it said.
The product contains cigarettes with menthol capsule filters. Each cigarette has 6mg tar content and is priced at 2,500 won a pack.
Smartphones lift telecom spending
Households spend average of $120 a month for telephone, mobile and Internet services
Koreans’ spending on communications increased to a record-high in the second quarter, driven by popularity of costly wireless services and high-end devices, a government agency reported Monday.
Statistics Korea said households spent an average 142,542 won ($120) per month on telephone services, the Internet and telecom devices between April and June, the highest since it began to collect the data in 2003.
The amount rose by 6.3 percent year-on-year, the fast since the first quarter of 2004.
Telecom accounted for 7.35 percent of the households’ total expenditure, 1.94 million won, compared to 7.24 percent in the same period of 2009 and 7.23 percent of 2008.
The advent of smartphones contributed to the increase, though mobile carriers have adopted more affordable pricing policies, the agency said.
Koreans’ spending on communications increased to a record-high in the second quarter, driven by popularity of costly wireless services and high-end devices, a government agency reported Monday.
Statistics Korea said households spent an average 142,542 won ($120) per month on telephone services, the Internet and telecom devices between April and June, the highest since it began to collect the data in 2003.
The amount rose by 6.3 percent year-on-year, the fast since the first quarter of 2004.
Telecom accounted for 7.35 percent of the households’ total expenditure, 1.94 million won, compared to 7.24 percent in the same period of 2009 and 7.23 percent of 2008.
The advent of smartphones contributed to the increase, though mobile carriers have adopted more affordable pricing policies, the agency said.
Race may have started among GNP hopefuls
In his first two years in office, President Lee Myung-bak strove to groom a successor strong enough to defeat his longstanding GNP rival for the 2012 presidential.
The task remains unresolved, however, as Park Geun-hye -- Lee’s rival during the ruling party presidential primary in 2007 and his strongest in-house dissenter -- continues to lead polls as the strongest rightwing contender for the 2012 presidential vote. Park, the former chairwoman of the ruling Grand National Party and daughter of the late President Park Chung-hee, enjoys rare nationwide support in this country with regionally-skewed voting patterns.
For such reasons, speculation has mounted over Lee’s hidden intention in his recent Cabinet shakeup.
By bringing a young, relatively unknown politician and his most trusted confidant into the Cabinet, the president appears to be aiming at setting off early competition among rightwing presidential contenders to undermine Park’s leading position, sources said.
The task remains unresolved, however, as Park Geun-hye -- Lee’s rival during the ruling party presidential primary in 2007 and his strongest in-house dissenter -- continues to lead polls as the strongest rightwing contender for the 2012 presidential vote. Park, the former chairwoman of the ruling Grand National Party and daughter of the late President Park Chung-hee, enjoys rare nationwide support in this country with regionally-skewed voting patterns.
For such reasons, speculation has mounted over Lee’s hidden intention in his recent Cabinet shakeup.
By bringing a young, relatively unknown politician and his most trusted confidant into the Cabinet, the president appears to be aiming at setting off early competition among rightwing presidential contenders to undermine Park’s leading position, sources said.
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U.S. legislator to receive honorary doctorate
U.S. Congresswoman Diane Watson will receive an honorary doctorate from Chung-Ang University in Seoul on Wednesday for her contribution to the friendship between Korea and the U.S., school officials said Monday.
The Democratic congresswoman from California, 66, is considered one of the U.S. politicians who are friendly to Korea.
She supported a 2007 House resolution, which called for Japan to apologize over the issue of Korean comfort women during its colonial rule. Following the U.S. resolution, other countries such as the U.K., the Netherlands and Canada also adopted their own statements.
In 2008, the U.S. parliamentary library was to record the name of Dokdo as the “Liancourt Rocks,” which derives from a French whaling ship that was wrecked on the rocks in 1849, and to categorize it as “disputed.” A subcommittee of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs sent a letter to then President George Bush to review the decision and she also joined other Congress members in signing the letter at the time.
The Democratic congresswoman from California, 66, is considered one of the U.S. politicians who are friendly to Korea.
She supported a 2007 House resolution, which called for Japan to apologize over the issue of Korean comfort women during its colonial rule. Following the U.S. resolution, other countries such as the U.K., the Netherlands and Canada also adopted their own statements.
In 2008, the U.S. parliamentary library was to record the name of Dokdo as the “Liancourt Rocks,” which derives from a French whaling ship that was wrecked on the rocks in 1849, and to categorize it as “disputed.” A subcommittee of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs sent a letter to then President George Bush to review the decision and she also joined other Congress members in signing the letter at the time.
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Beckham’s sister on state financial aid
Billionaire football star David Beckham was reportedly furious with his sister for receiving financial aid from the government, a news report said Monday.
According to the Daily Mail, Beckham’s elder sister Lynne Beckham was found to be living on government benefits. Earning $256 weekly in handouts, she receives $106 a week in income support with $150 in weekly tax credits, making $512 in total. This figure is just slightly above of minimum standard of living in United Kingdom, $400 a week.
According to the Daily Mail, Beckham’s elder sister Lynne Beckham was found to be living on government benefits. Earning $256 weekly in handouts, she receives $106 a week in income support with $150 in weekly tax credits, making $512 in total. This figure is just slightly above of minimum standard of living in United Kingdom, $400 a week.
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Unification tax proposal sparks debate
President Lee Myung-bak’s surprise proposal Sunday for the “unification tax” sparked a heated debate among politicians, highlighting a wide ideological rift between the liberal and conservative forces as to how to deal with the communist North Korea.
While leaders of the ruling conservative party were generally supportive of the idea, opposition politicians took it as an opportunity to criticize the current administration’s handling of the North Korean issue.
“It is now time that we start considering the matter as part of preparations for reunification, which will happen eventually,” said Rep. Kim Moo-sung, the floor leader of the governing Grand National Party.
The party’s chief policymaker, Rep. Ko Heung-kil, said he will follow up on the president’s proposal by forming a task force team or planning public hearings to collect ideas and opinions from experts and the general public.
Some within the ruling camp called for a more cautious approach, fearing possible voter resistance to an additional tax burden.
“The unification tax means that our generation will have to shoulder a greater financial burden of future reunification. It may not be easy to build a public consensus on it,” GNP Rep. Seo Byoung-soo said.
Opposition politicians played down the proposal as lacking sincerity as it contradicts with the past stance of the conservative president who severed all inter-Korean exchange programs and cut off humanitarian aid to the impoverished North.
“The proposal may provoke North Korea as it can be seen as a show of the South’s intention to integrate the North into our system,” said Rep. Park Jie-won, the floor leader of the main opposition Democratic Party.
“Rather than proposing a new tax plan, the government needs to work to resolve the current impasse in South-North relations, using the existing inter-Korean cooperation fund,” he added.
While leaders of the ruling conservative party were generally supportive of the idea, opposition politicians took it as an opportunity to criticize the current administration’s handling of the North Korean issue.
“It is now time that we start considering the matter as part of preparations for reunification, which will happen eventually,” said Rep. Kim Moo-sung, the floor leader of the governing Grand National Party.
The party’s chief policymaker, Rep. Ko Heung-kil, said he will follow up on the president’s proposal by forming a task force team or planning public hearings to collect ideas and opinions from experts and the general public.
Some within the ruling camp called for a more cautious approach, fearing possible voter resistance to an additional tax burden.
“The unification tax means that our generation will have to shoulder a greater financial burden of future reunification. It may not be easy to build a public consensus on it,” GNP Rep. Seo Byoung-soo said.
Opposition politicians played down the proposal as lacking sincerity as it contradicts with the past stance of the conservative president who severed all inter-Korean exchange programs and cut off humanitarian aid to the impoverished North.
“The proposal may provoke North Korea as it can be seen as a show of the South’s intention to integrate the North into our system,” said Rep. Park Jie-won, the floor leader of the main opposition Democratic Party.
“Rather than proposing a new tax plan, the government needs to work to resolve the current impasse in South-North relations, using the existing inter-Korean cooperation fund,” he added.
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German pop star Nadja Benaissa admits hiding HIV virus
Nadja Benaissa, one of Germany’s biggest pop stars, has admitted that she had sexual relationships with several men without telling them that she carries HIV virus, according to Daily News.
Benaissa of the best-selling girl group No Angels, told a German court on Monday that she knowingly exposed multiple men to the HIV virus without telling them she was a carrier.
Benaissa of the best-selling girl group No Angels, told a German court on Monday that she knowingly exposed multiple men to the HIV virus without telling them she was a carrier.
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Police chief nominee mired in scandal
The National Police Agency chief designate Jo Hyun-oh is facing mounting pressure to withdraw as his controversial remarks have angered liberal opposition parties and civic groups while embarrassing the ruling camp.
Aside from his defamatory remarks toward the late former President Roh Moo-hyun, Jo was also found to have made controversial statements earlier this year about the protests against U.S. beef imports in 2008.
“Nobody has died from a water canon shot,” the then-Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency Chief said in a lecture for police officials.
“It may even give a pleasant winter-like chill in summertime, when appropriately mixed with tear gas.”
His words were recorded on an in-house police CD which was recently leaked to the media.
Jo also said that the U.S. police would respond more violently to illicit protesters who crossed over the police line or used weapons, and as such praised Korean police for abiding by the basic principles of human rights.
The top police official came under fire last Friday as a broadcaster aired his remarks on Roh and the family members of the sunken navy corvette Cheonan.
Jo was quoted earlier this year as saying that Roh committed suicide the day after it was discovered be allegedly had a bank account in someone else's name.
The prosecution, however, said Monday that Jo’s words were groundless and that he had no direct supervisory authority over the Roh case at the time.
Jo also described the Cheonan victims’ families as “wailing and shouting like animals,” requesting that they restrain themselves.
Aside from his defamatory remarks toward the late former President Roh Moo-hyun, Jo was also found to have made controversial statements earlier this year about the protests against U.S. beef imports in 2008.
“Nobody has died from a water canon shot,” the then-Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency Chief said in a lecture for police officials.
“It may even give a pleasant winter-like chill in summertime, when appropriately mixed with tear gas.”
His words were recorded on an in-house police CD which was recently leaked to the media.
Jo also said that the U.S. police would respond more violently to illicit protesters who crossed over the police line or used weapons, and as such praised Korean police for abiding by the basic principles of human rights.
The top police official came under fire last Friday as a broadcaster aired his remarks on Roh and the family members of the sunken navy corvette Cheonan.
Jo was quoted earlier this year as saying that Roh committed suicide the day after it was discovered be allegedly had a bank account in someone else's name.
The prosecution, however, said Monday that Jo’s words were groundless and that he had no direct supervisory authority over the Roh case at the time.
Jo also described the Cheonan victims’ families as “wailing and shouting like animals,” requesting that they restrain themselves.
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South Korea, U.S. begin war games
South Korean and U.S. forces began their annual war games Monday, less than a month after a joint military drill in the East Sea, irking North Korea and China.
This year’s “Ulchi Freedom Guardian” exercises include anti-terrorism drills to prepare for a successful Seoul G20 summit in November as well as crisis control practices against North Korea’s asymmetric threats such as nuclear weapons, missiles, submarines and special forces, five months after the North sank a South Korean naval vessel.
President Lee Myung-bak called for an intensive training, describing Ulchi as “a peacekeeping exercise aimed at deterring war.”
“Despite being an annual event, the Ulchi drill could make people nervous as it comes amid high tensions between the Koreas since the Cheonan’s sinking,” Lee said during a Cabinet meeting Monday.
This year’s “Ulchi Freedom Guardian” exercises include anti-terrorism drills to prepare for a successful Seoul G20 summit in November as well as crisis control practices against North Korea’s asymmetric threats such as nuclear weapons, missiles, submarines and special forces, five months after the North sank a South Korean naval vessel.
President Lee Myung-bak called for an intensive training, describing Ulchi as “a peacekeeping exercise aimed at deterring war.”
“Despite being an annual event, the Ulchi drill could make people nervous as it comes amid high tensions between the Koreas since the Cheonan’s sinking,” Lee said during a Cabinet meeting Monday.
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