Korean Broadcasting System

[Jay]

[Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) (Korean: 한국방송공사; Hanja: 韓國放送公社) is the national public broadcaster of South Korea. It was founded in 1927, and operates radio, television, and online services, being one of the largest South Korean television networks. KBS provides]

Domestic NEWS
Gov't Vows to reform
Health Care with Medical
Community consultation

1997.11-29 12:30:00
HEALTHCARE

Satisfaction of healthcare had been consistently among the highest in the world, once South Korea was rated as the second most efficient healthcare system by Bloomberg. Today the current state of our healthcare system is dilapidated and in need of major reform from the era of authoritarian military rule. Democracy is a system of government where sovereignty is in the people, but today the people feel most distant from their political leadership and the desperate calls for healthcare reform are genuine. Dr. Kim Pilji the current Minister for Health and Welfare has announced a major review of the Medical Insurance Act from 1963 amended with the 1977 Act to provide coverage for low-income citizens. Prime Minister Jo Jaehyuk outlined the Government’s major policy initiative for infrastructure and healthcare as outlined in internal government documents said to have been shared with the National Assembly.


Shared information has outlined 221.26 billion KRW (200 million USD) to invest in new ambulances, health equipment ( Equipment which constantly measures blood pressure, oxygen level, and other vital signs), subsidized healthcare education at top universities for low-income students, gradual increasing of the number of doctors in rural and non-urban communities through post-medical school contracts, and integrated digitalized network of medical information for eased access to care for patients across the country. The Mayors of Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Jeonju, Chongchu, and Incheon met on Friday with President Kim Daejung to discuss investment from the central government into health clinics. The National Healthcare Act expanded insurance for government workers and self-employed individuals, and created the National Health Insurance (NHI) and extended it to the entire country under President Kim Daejung. South Koreans now enjoy universal healthcare for all its citizens through the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) 국민건강보험 Insurance


Minister for Health and Welfare Dr. Kim Pilji expected by 2006 that 96% of Koreans will be covered by the NHIS program and the remainder covered by the MAP program. All of the different health insurance societies were merged into the NHIS and a single-payer healthcare system has been under discussion. In the National Assembly a major debate is underway over how to properly assess self-employed individuals in order to determine their contribution which has stalled the healthcare reform process. President Kim Daejung has promised to raise spending on Healthcare from 4% to 7% by 2016 and to spending $1,300 per capita.


“We anticipate that a progressive plan to consolidate the over 500 healthcare insurance companies into a single NHIS program is the most effective way to fix our current system. This of course requires we create a single-payer structure that is fair to all citizens. As a Government it is our duty to provide this basic level of welfare and President Kim Daejung has outlined this on numerous occasions to be a major part of his reform strategy.” - Dr. Kim Pilji [Minister of Health and Welfare]

Korean citizens have a strong desire for equality, and equal access to healthcare with no exception, and it should be the government's basic duty to provide it for the lowest costs possible because it is related to the people's lives”, said Rep. Kim Jinpyo of the ruling Millennium Democratic Party. Going further by saying ”This is the basic concept of the administration's policy on healthcare ― expanding the coverage of the state-run health insurance and reducing inefficiencies to create an environment of equality,”


The government's current goal is to expand the coverage ratio of the national health insurance to 70 percent of the medical expenses for the five years. ”Basically necessary for the improvement of medical services to guarantee the people's right to full and affordable healthcare, especially for the underprivileged. It is based on the government's theory of protecting the people," Kim said. "We have a gap between levels of income and welfare, and we have to narrow it.”

The government is also increasing the number of hospitals where patients can get not only medical services but also care by nurses when their family members are unavailable to reduce costs and increase access to care. Insurance coverage for treatment of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia as well as dentures and implants are under considerations and measures that meet expected aging society must be tackled head on. The administration pledges to continue to build a country where people can receive treatments without having to worry about expenses. The Government is targeting an average of 12 beds per every 1,000 people by 2010. The country's medical institutions also have a higher number of high-tech instruments, such as CT and MRI scanners. However while these policies are aimed at enhancing public healthcare, not everybody consents to it because it means higher national health insurance premiums or taxes and sometimes clash with specific groups' interest. It means changes in budget spending and the medical system for the elderly, but the government has not drawn enough consensus from the medical sector. We need social consensus to cope with factors that could risk the sustainability of the nation's healthcare system. Especially with rising needs for infrastructure, new roads and airport expansions, and an advanced army to defend our country.

 

[Jay]

Domestic NEWS
Gov't expands female
representation in diplomacy
appointing more female
and non-career diplomats

1997.11-30 10:00:00
DIPLOMACY


In the first reshuffle of foreign mission heads under the Kim Daejung government, the foreign ministry replaced nearly one-third of the chiefs of the country's overseas missions. The objectives of the reshuffling has primarily uprooted former military officials appointed by the military regime, expand female role in diplomacy, establish a meritocratic system of promotion for professional diplomats, and fall in line with a new global vision of cooperation.


Yet, at the same time, 3 of the newly appointed mission chiefs were brought from outside the foreign ministry, including new ambassadors to Germany and Australia, who were both former lawmakers of the MDP, as the ministry strives to align its foreign service with President Kim’s diplomacy vision, according to the ministry.


In a reform drive to enhance the foreign service's openness and professionalism, the ministry has pledged to hire up to 30 percent of the country's ambassadors from a new pool of female career diplomats and expand opportunities to reduce limits and constraints to female representation in the foreign ministry .The latest choice of mission chiefs was made based upon their "understanding of the philosophy and policy vision of the new administration and willingness to implement them," as well as their morality and leadership as high-ranking public officials. The heads of South Korea's embassies in other countries, including Ukraine, Spain, New Zealand, Germany and France were replaced.


The Minister of Foreign Affairs outlined; Korean reunification, bilateral and multilateral cooperation, strong principled democratic engagement, pragmatic engagement with all regimes, development of security policy reflective of global concerns, and desire for global peace and engagement. The Foreign Minister, Baek Jeonghee confirmed these changes would be a gradual process, but taking that leap of faith was always difficult. The Minister believes strong engagement by other women makes Korea stronger not weaker, and having more female government officials will only advance the national interest.

 

[Jay]

Domestic NEWS
Korean Government announces sweeping reforms
Healthcare, education, national defense,
criminal justice, and racial reforms and legislature
approved at latest cabinet meeting major resistance expected
in the National Assembly

President Kim Daejung meets with officials in Seoul after cabinet meeting (AFP/Getty)

The Korean Government today approved major bill considerations within healthcare, education, defense, and criminal justice. The National Assembly approved last week a ₩325 billion ($300 million) healthcare financing expansion program that would expand healthcare coverage for all citizens on the path for eventual universal healthcare. The bill outlined major state purchasing of ambulances and health equipment ( Equipment which constantly measures blood pressure, oxygen level, and other vital signs, anesthesia machine, aspiration/suction pumps, sterilizer., blood chemistry analyze, c-arm system – unit, monitor, table, dialysis machines, surgical lights, blanket and fluid Warmer, cast saws,MRI, and other advanced medical equipment.) The bill expanded subsidized healthcare education at top universities for low-income students to boost medical professionals with increased subsidized for dentist, pharmacists, and nurses. The Government outlined a gradual increasing of the number of doctors in rural and non-urban communities through post-medical school contracts that would make it necessary for certain beneficiaries of state subsidies. Increased funding to local clinics to ensure wages are fairly distributed and increase competitive work environment in rural communities. The Korean Government has allocated over a million dollars for an integrated digitalized network of medical information for eased access to care for patients across the country. Major cities of Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Jeonju, Chongchu, Incheon, Gwangju, Ulsan, and Sejong are the primary participant with gradual expansion to encompass the whole country These reforms seek to expand healthcare coverage through reducing the number of private healthcare insurance providers and gradually replace them with a single-payer system, and address the medical deficit in the country by increase incentives for Korean doctors to remain in Korea. The healthcare reforms managed to pass the National Assembly after 8 months of debate and negotiations with attempts to block the reforms by the conservative opposition broken by a consensus of the governing coalition and independents in opposition. The reforms are set to be followed up with an additional ₩360 billion bill to be passed next month to provide further funding across the entire country and complete a single-payer system for all Koreans.

The Prime Minister personally visited the National Assembly with Education Minister Cho Sooin to push a new educational package earmarked for ₩378 Billion ($340 million) in subsidized education costs, uniform and meal tuition financing, financial resourcing improvements, non-urban school financing increasing, digital infrastructure development, and support for over 280 local-government initiatives with regards to education policy. "With a traditionally strong appreciation of education and firm belief that achieving a better life is possible with strong education background. Devoted attitudes to study are only the first step in our society, but students need strong family support. Socioeconomic background should not have a critical effect on academic performance, and ensuring the of social mobility in Korea is high." - Prime Minister Jo Jaehyuk. The Prime Minister has hedged his bets with this reform in the real hopes for a breakthrough with fears of raised spending. The Government's budget has already overspent by ₩67 billion, but the Prime Minister reassured the National Assembly this was in line with the 2% limit set by the constitution on overspending or underspending the approved budget. The Government is set to still maintain a surplus budget of over ₩2 trillion KRW by January with the conservative opposition seeking to redistribute the surplus in tax-reduction, and are less enthusiastic of welfare projects or northern rapprochement as the liberal government is.

The President approved through an executive order over the weekend an arms export licensing program for national defense companies to begin exporting equipment. KBS obtained a preliminary list of export-approved items, with the first portion of the AELP to be naval equipment focused before a gradual shifting into air equipment by the weeks end and then ground and small arms over a period of a month. The Government has made ethical and accountability part of contract negotiations and subject to formal review from a list of ministries before final purchasing rights.

Classification	Type	Production Value	Final Product Value (percentage decrease with purchase order size)
Pohang-class, Patrol Combat Corvette	Corvettes and Cruisers	108,820,000.00	125,143,000 [15%]
Chang Bogo-class, Type 209 Variant Submarine	Submarines	356,666,600.00	392,333,260 [10%]
Yi Sun-sin-class Destroyer, Aegis KDX-II	Destroyers and Frigates	700,000,000.00	735,000,000 [5%]
Sohn Won-yil-class, Type 214 Variant Submarine	Submarines	330,000,000.00	371,250,000 [12.5%]

The President's office confirmed that discounted rates for friendly states, bulk orders, and if necessary financial constraints would be the grounds to reduce the FPV with the national defense companies given the right to negotiate prices either in increase or decrease. The NDC's held a meeting with the MoND minister last night to agree on a final list of export-approved equipment. The Minister, Park Hyunjin supported the measures taken by the President, and seeks to expedite ground equipment AEL which are in higher demand and more profitable. The Minister has outlined an ambitious ₩3 trillion in arms purchasing from domestic and foreign firms to advance the national defense which he has viewed as "in a dire state of affairs and in need of real change." The ROK National Assembly is set to review conscription laws to reduce the number of exceptions granted to increase manpower shortages with technological equipment advances sought to bridge the gap.

The President and Justice Minister with a foreign affairs team are discussing international law reforms over the area of racial discrimination in a bid for a global mission to reduce xenophobia, anti-asian, anti-black, and other forms of racism, and protect the global community from discrimination in other states. These attempts to implement these protections have faced stiff opposition by all parts of Korea's political spectrum over fears of what entitles discrimination and if this would be expanded to other marginalized communities. The President's office has already struggled to implement anti-discrimination measures for North Korean defectors, a major social problem in Korean society. Making changes to the country will be far more difficult than anticipated for the human rights championing President, but nonetheless, his team has not stopped yet with their mission.

 

[Jay]

Domestic NEWS
Korean Government approves increased
CCTV coverage, Busan, Seoul, Ulsan,
Daegu, and many other cities
announce over 300 new CCTV installations over the
next 2 months; move comes ahead of national crime
prevention act to be brought to the National Assembly
on September 12

The Korean Ministry of Gender Equality and Family pushed a revised act to increase protection of children and juveniles against sexual abuse, with tough sentencing and reducing legal loopholes that allow those who engage in sex trafficking of children or youths below the age of 16 in the past that allowed them to get a lenient sentencing. The law outlined increased financial and prison terms, with those who purchase sex from minors or inducing them to engage in prostitution will result in an additional penalty of up to 10 years in prison or a fine of 50 million won ($45,000).In the previous legal code only prostitution of disabled children was subject to the additional punishment. The revised law will mandate international schools, juvenile care centers and entertainment agencies to report all sexual crimes against underaged people at their institutions, with numerous leaked assault and harm cases growing in Korea. The Government has also offered public access to all convicted sexual criminals, with neighbors, local schools, and children-facilities to be made aware by the local police chief, and their residences to be under continual surveillance by CCTVs and ground patrols.

While violent crime is very low in Korea, with a homicide rate of 0.7 per 100000 people, violent crime and murder is low. However, petty crimes, organized criminal gangs, rape, molestation, and bodily harm are a major problem. The Korean Government outlined ₩54 billion ($50 million) in CCTV upgrades and installation, personnel recruitment and wage increases, increased equipment availability to police units, and of the ₩54 billion, ₩12 Billion will go to the joint interior-justice ministries crime prevention bureau with funding for research, legal training, and public prosecutor availability.

The President has also come under pressure to address rape and violent crimes against women which exceed any other category. female victims of date violence widely exceeds their male counterparts, and the rise of domestic violence with limited police ability to intervene has been criticized. The NPA (National Police Agency) and the Justice Office continued to fail to provide adequate protection for women who are victims of sexual violence including verbal assault.

 

[Jay]

Domestic NEWS
Korean Government approves national crime
law convention, National Police Agency
raids 20 homes, breaking up $14 million in gambling,
organized criminal rings in Seoul, and smuggling rings in Busan,
President promising to bring the crime rate to lower levels,
New legislature approved to tackle these problems

The National Assembly approved this week the follow legislative acts

• ACT ON SPECIAL CASES CONCERNING THE PUNISHMENT, ETC. OF CHILD ABUSE CRIMES
• ACT ON SPECIAL CASES CONCERNING THE PUNISHMENT, ETC. OF SEXUAL CRIMES
• CRIME VICTIM PROTECTION ACT
• CRIME VICTIM PROTECTION FUND ACT
• ACT ON SPECIAL CASES CONCERNING THE PUNISHMENT, ETC. OF CRIMES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

The sweeping judicial reforms over the week provide many Koreans a new form of comfort. Primarily for victims of domestic violence and sexual crimes who have largely been victim to legal loopholes that covered up their cases and limited the prosecutions ability to prosecute the offenders. Often at times the result of financially wealthy individuals paying off the victims knowing the legal process would result in the victims loosing anyways. The Minister of Justice Baek Jaeeun promised to provide the utmost of legal capacity to the ministry to take down these criminals and to ensure that the Korean people were safe on their own streets, homes, and workplaces. The Minister outlined the spending breakdown at a meeting with the National Assembly, KBS obtained a the list from the Ministry with $520 million USD appropriated for the major judicial reforms that cover not only crime prevention, but education, working assistance, and technical training. These steps are as the Government seeks to ensure an ethical and humane outlook on criminal justice while also keeping accountability for ones crime center. This is in no way a cushion for violent offenders, but the President saw those who engaged in nonviolent crime such as theft etc... to be criminals, but also people in need of assistance.

Funding Projection	Responsible Agency	Cost	Effect
Installation of new CCTV cameras, subsidized cost for CCTV installations for small businesses and schools updated infrastructure	Local Governments	$50 million	Deterrence of crime, as well as assisting police in conducting investigations and into crimes. The CCTVs will assist in protecting small businesses and other entities from nonviolent crimes. By having CCTVs, criminals will be able to be not only caught, but tracked without foot patrols present. These measures will be effective to deter and reduce crime rates.
Judicial Reforms that will expand punishment for crimes against minors and juveniles; protection of victims their privacy, and their anonymity to avoid social judgement as victims; provide public information on sexual crimes as well as domestic violence; expanding services at prisons to help rehabilitate nonviolent offenders,	Ministry of Justice	$120 million	These reforms are set to act as a deterrence and provide protection for victims of crimes to ensure that they can provide evidence without fear of retribution or social ostracization. By providing these platforms more victims may feel encouraged to come speak, especially victims of sexual crimes and violence. These measures will be overseen as well with services being expanded in prison. A public database and information campaign will let neighbors and the community know of violent crime offenders who have been released, with the ability to be informed about repeated nonviolent criminal offenders.
Training and skills development whilst in prison for nonviolent crime offenders and those deemed by the Ministry of Justice as capable or returning to a civilian life post-release The Ministry of Finance and Interior shall cooperate to provide a fair outlook to ensure former inmates to not return to violence with a path towards labor and future employment The Ministry of Trade shall assist where necessary to provide relief and oversight in matters of industrial affairs to post-release productivity with a program to train inmates while in prison	Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy Ministry of Interior and Safety Ministry of Justice	$45 million	Reduce post-release criminal offenders recidivism, and a return to a criminal life by providing a positive outlook to become a productive member of society with educational and training benefits whilst in prison to ensure they can engage meaningfully when they leave prison
Anti-bullying, bullying prevention, education awareness, after-school activities, rigorous educational initiatives, program for educational specialization in arts, science, mathematics music, dance, and computer science	Ministry of Education Ministry of Justice Local Schools and Governments	$180 million	To prevent the youth from engaging in crime the government seeks to create a positive educational environment fight school violence (bullying) to preemptively stop future criminal or workplace violence offenders and protect students from violence by their peers. An effective schooling program is crucial, for this goal, the ministry of education has outlined a program to not only educate students on crime and its negative society consequences, but engage their parents and their community
Communal police patrols, local communities conducting night patrols around school zones, restaurants, areas of non-violent crime possibility, and cooperation between the local police units and these patrols	Ministry of Justice Ministry of Interior and Safety National Police Agency Local Governments	$45 million	This will reduce the nonviolent crime rate through the community being engaged and also aware of their surroundings. By being apart of the effort, community members influence one another to not engage in crimes. They also will have a vested interested to report and stop crimes as they will occur in their neighborhoods. These patrols will reduce attacks on women and minors at night, but also protect all citizens who go out at night. These patrols will be supported by the police to allow the comfort and security of the local communities.
Equipment procurement, crowd dispersement equipment, vehicles, training funding, and other item procurement	Ministry of Interior and Safety National Police Agency	$80 million	To raise the standards of all police units across the country and to provide adequate funding for new projects and requested proposals.

The President's office confirmed that the President had signed the legislature with the cabinets approval. The Minister of Justice, Baek Jaeeun pushed the current measures taken by the President, and was happy with the pace of results the National Assembly under went to provide these new legal protections. The Minister has outlined ₩567.19 billion in new spending for the justice ministry, but also for the education ministry, local governments, and police agency as a cooperative program to reduce crime across the country.

The President and Justice Minister with a foreign affairs team are still discussing international law reforms over the area of racial discrimination in a bid for a global mission to reduce xenophobia, anti-asian, anti-black, and other forms of racism, and protect the global community from discrimination in other states. Making changes to the country will be far more difficult, but human rights remain center to the Governments agenda.

The Korean Police Agency seized $14 million in money from a gambling ring in the capital of Seoul. The KNP raided over 20 homes making 48 arrests with individuals involved in organized crimes. As part of a continuation from last months major breakthrough and crackdown on violent crime. In Busan, a smuggling ring of cheap merchandize was broken up with 8 arrested made. These efforts are a continual reminder of Korea's strong policing capabilities and intelligence gathering abilities.

 

[Jay]

International NEWS
Korean Government approves arms sales
accountability, ethics, national defense,
remain fundamental principles of the 'arms exporting licensing'

Almost 80 percent of Korea's budget for defense capacity building over the next five years will be spent on developing its domestic arms industry, Minister of National Defense Park Hyunjin said during a military exposition Wednesday. He defense industry as a key engine of economic growth and the basis for responsible security. At the Defense & Security Expo (DX) Korea conference in Seoul, various military attaches from the Embassies in Seoul were in attendance.
Korea outlined in a close door meeting it seeks to make advancements in technologies like drones, robots and artificial intelligence, as the minister pledged to actively nurture domestic arms manufacturers so that they can lead the world in producing and exporting cutting-edge military hardware. Some of the most ambitious projects Seoul plans to cash out on are building a light aircraft carrier, a nuclear-powered submarine, a homegrown modern generation fighter jet and a multi-tiered missile interception system which it hopes to collaborate with various international partners such as Russia and the United States. The withdrawal of the U.S. military deployment on the Korean Peninsula in the past has seen exponential defense expenditures in the Korean government budget, topping with over $2 billion in arms sales with US companies, $4 billion in domestic production, and $1 billion on recruitment, personnel, and wages over the next two years increasing by an unprecedented margin. While a return to the certainty of a U.S. military's commitment to Korea would be a stabilizing factor, Seoul's measures seem to be long term.

Korea seeks to become amongst the top arms exporter hoping to target buyers such as Thailand, Pakistan, Norway, and Ukraine. While the US, UK, Germany, and conglomerate defense industries remain the top sellers, Korea hopes to enter the market with affordable and durable equipment to support importers of arms and equipment. Among the world's top 100 defense companies, South Korea had three on the list -- Hanwha Aerospace Co. at 46th, Korea Aerospace Industries at 60th and LIG Nex1 Co. at 67th.

 

[Jay]

Domestic NEWS
National Assembly ₩1.9 trillion railway renovation,
installation, upgrades, and dedicated drivers,

South Korea has an extensive and well-kept system of roads. There are over 64,808 kilometers (40,272 miles) of paved roads, including 1,996 kilometers (1,240 miles) of expressways, and 22,182 kilometers (13,784 miles) of unpaved roads. The Government has put through a ₩1.9 trillion program aimed at completing the KTX project, upgrading infrastructure flagged by the MDP during the previous administration, and ensuring accountability of the project. President Kim Daejung announced the project at a press conference a the Cheongwadae. To address the challenge, The Government has adopted measures to with partners in the private sector to support major infrastructure projects. The focus was clear, towards the long-term development and to focus clearly and exclusively on infrastructure, with priority being placed on the construction of facilities to promote industrialization, the export-based economic system, and the ease of travel of the citizens. The government passed The Act on Private Participation in Infrastructure to ensure the proper enforcement of the project and hold the partners and government accountable. Initially, the project was set to be funded with the initiative funds based on the Korean Infrastructure Guarantee Fund. Today, it is highly likely the Government will seek financial grants to complete the funding gaps that may occur in 2003 onward. The Private Infrastructure Investment Centre of Korea (PICKO), was created to provide technical assistance to the government and local authorities to promote private participation in infrastructure (PPI). Producing feasibility studies, PPI tenders, review studies and bid evaluations and negotiated concession agreements.

Map of the KTX outline by the Government and connecting lines of KTX and local train routes​

The South Korean Government pushes through with the Korea Train Express (KTX) plans originally launched over two decade ago in 1982. The initial aim was to ease travel between the Seoul–Busan corridor, the countries busiest traffic corridor. In 1982 the corridor represents a overwhelming percentage of our countries' population at 65.8%. In 1995 that number increased by 7.5% to 73.3% accounting for over 70% of freight traffic and 66% of passenger traffic. With both the Gyeongbu Expressway and Korail's Gyeongbu Line being congested as early as the late 1970s. While construction was initially launched in 1992, it had been completely ignored by previous administrations, pressing the President to outline an ambitious program to renovate the project and complete it. The first commercial services are expected to be launched by the end of this year or early next year. The top speed for trains in regular service is set to be 305 km/h (190 mph), although the infrastructure is designed for 350 km/h (220 mph) speeds, pushback due to longterm maintenance cost and noise complaints by the opposition reduce the top speed appropriate. The The domestically developed HSR-350x, which achieved 352.4 km/h (219.0 mph) in tests, is being operated by Korail.

The current administration laid heavy blame on previous mismanagement of the project. Largely undergone by the opposition and military government. As construction has been started even before the choice of the main technology supplier was complete. The government released data that in total it would be a 411 km (255 mi) line. 152.73 km (94.90 mi) would be laid on bridges, and another 138.68 km (86.17 mi) in tunnels. City sections however, have caused dispute as the local governments disagreed with the Government's outlines. Additionally, construction work suffered from early quality problems. As a result of those disputes, the planned operating speed was also reduced from 350 km/h (217 mph) to the 300 km/h (186 mph). Already ordered, France's TGV trains and its Korean subsidiary eukorail were chosen as winner back in 1994. The technology was practically identical to that found on the high-speed lines of France's TGV system. With modifications aimed at having track-related design specifications included a design speed of 350 km/h (217 mph) and standard gauge.

Program	Funding Allocation	Projected completion	Effect
KTX Program	1 billion USD	Early 1998	Shall reduce total time of travel, comfort of the citizens, invest in rural communities through stations and rest stops both decreasing unemployment and raising consumption and spending. Easing travels during Chuseok, easing travels during other festive and holidays, reducing cost of attending universities in regional and national capital
KTX Wage	100 million USD	Immediately, to be implemented upon final completion of KTX project	Incentives, train, and maintain drivers for the high speed railway. Ensuring them a dignified life with a stable wage rate to be increased with experience and years served. Shall ensure reduced probability of human error causing accidents.
KTX Maintenance Support	25 million	Stockpile of spare parts initiated with arrival of first train-parts	Avoid cannibalization of other trains and ensuring a high equality of engineers and spare parts to provide the maintenance and safety of trains operated by Korail.
KTX service operations	50 million	To be implemented upon full commercial opening of KTX	Service operations shall be apart of the governments employment strategy with an expected 5,000 to be employed yearly in KTX-related actives outside of Korail.
Gokdu (Nat'l Highway)	475 million USD	Late 1997	The national highway system is a land-based investment program to develop roads and infrastructure across the country. This program like KTX is aimed at both civilian as well as corporate use. The roads will increase availability of goods from non-urban centers in urban communities, increase self-employment, support small businesses and start-ups, and assist Chaebols in advancing their domestic market access
Gokdu Maintenance support	100 million USD	Immediately	The maintenance support is a major concern for the government, existing red flags must be addressed to avoid future costs. This shall reduce human negligence resulting in collapsed bridges, road cave-ins, and dangerous routes unattended.
Gokdu serice station funding	50 million	Immediately	Service stations are expected to employ 15,000 by 1998 and over 50,000 by 2002.

The President's office held an meeting with over a hundred mayors and governors over the course of two days to address speed, environmental, community disruption, and other. concerns. The Government and local governments with consultation based on trends of the publics transportation moves and constituents feedback. Korail has confirmed it shall have standard discounts for children, disabled, seniors and groups to be applied on all its services. The President ensured that fire prevention standards to high-speed line to be completely guaranteed, ensuring tunnels had emergency exits, and in high-speed railway tunnels, the average walking distance was 500 m in line with the norm of emergency exits every 500 m (1,640 ft). The National Fire Agency announced updates to its contingency plan for fires in KTX tunnels and in the national disaster manual. These were overlooked by the previous administration, causing some concern for safety.

Services to be provided (According to Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport public data and Korail Information)

Services	Train #	Daily Freq. (July 2018)	Route
Gyeongbu KTX	HSR route	10x/20x	39–48	(Haengsin –) Seoul – Gwangmyeong – Daejeon – Dongdaegu – Ulsan – Busan
via Gupo	25x/27x	6–8	(Haengsin –) Seoul – Gwangmyeong – Daejeon – Dongdaegu – Gupo – Busan
via Suwon	23x	4	Seoul – Suwon – Daejeon – Dongdaegu – Ulsan – Busan
Gyeongjeon KTX	40x/44x	12–14	(Haengsin –) Seoul – Gwangmyeong – Daejeon – Dongdaegu – Changwon – Masan (– Jinju)
Donghae KTX	45x/49x	12–13	(Haengsin –) Seoul – Gwangmyeong – Daejeon – Dongdaegu – Pohang
Honam KTX	HSR route	50x	20–21	(Haengsin –) Yongsan – Gwangmyeong – Gongju – Iksan – Gwangju Songjeong (– Mokpo)
via Seodaejeon	57x	8	(Haengsin –) Yongsan – Gwangmyeong – Seodaejeon – Iksan (– Mokpo)
Jeolla KTX	HSR route	70x	12	(Haengsin –) Yongsan – Gwangmyeong – Gongju – Iksan – Jeonju – Yeosu Expo
via Seodaejeon	75x/78x	2–3	(Haengsin –) Yongsan – Gwangmyeong – Seodaejeon – Iksan – Jeonju (– Yeosu Expo)
Gangneung KTX	80x/85x	18–26	(Seoul –) Cheongnyangni – Manjong – Pyeongchang – Gangneung
Gyeongbu SRT	30x	40	Suseo – Daejeon – Dongdaegu – Ulsan – Busan
Honam SRT	60x	20	Suseo – Gongju – Iksan – Gwangju Songjeong (– Mokpo)

Seoul Transportation Corporation (Seoul Metro) is a municipal-owned corporation owned by Seoul Metropolitan Government, and one of the two major operators of Seoul Metropolitan Subway with Korail. The Seoul Metro has greatly improved economic productivity, reduced car pollution, combated the yellow dust problem Korea has been facing, and as part of a broader set of reforms by the Ministry of Health and Environment. Ministers Park Mujin (Environment) and Minister Kim Pilji announced the metro is going to have a positive effect on the nations health, reduced the burden on the healthcare system, and protect the future generation from respiratory-based illnesses. With the National Highway Routes to be updated, some are concerned with an increase in motovehicle traffic. However, the Ministry of Environment guidelines for Korean manufacturers has increased regulatory standards on car-based CO2 emission, pvc, pvp, and other pollutants, O3 depletion pollutants, and fumes that could harm the public. Additional, the overhaul in rural areas will ensure better equality access and as a result better quality transportation for busses and large group movement. Reducing personal driving.

National Highway Routes

Sign​	Link​	Origin	Terminus	Major Cities​	Total Length(km)​
1	National Route 1	Mokpo, South Jeolla Province	Paju, Gyeonggi Province	Muan, Hampyeong, Naju, Gwangju, Jangseong, Jeongeup, Gimje, Jeonju, Wanju, Iksan, Nonsan, Gyeryong, Daejeon, Gongju, Sejong City, Cheonan, Pyeongtaek, Osan, Hwaseong, Suwon, Uiwang, Anyang, Seoul, Goyang	509.9 km (North Korea jurisdiction is excluded.)
2	National Route 2	Sinan, South Jeolla Province	Jung-gu, Busan	Mokpo, Muan, Yeongam, Gangjin, Jangheung, Boseong, Suncheon, Gwangyang, Hadong, Jinju, Changwon	477.4 km
3	National Route 3	Namhae, South Gyeongsang Province	Cheorwon, Gangwon Province	Sacheon, Jinju, Sancheong, Hamyang, Geochang, Gimcheon, Sangju, Mungyeong, Goesan, Chungju, Eumseong, Yeoju, Icheon, Gwangju, Seongnam, Seoul, Uijeongbu, Yangju, Dongducheon, Yeoncheon	540.9 km (North Korea jurisdiction is excluded.)
4	National Route 4	Gunsan, North Jeolla Province	Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province	Seocheon, Buyeo, Nonsan, Gyeryong, Daejeon, Okcheon, Yeongdong, Gimcheon, Chilgok, Daegu, Gyeongsan, Yeongcheon	417.9 km
5	National Route 5	Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province	Cheorwon, Gangwon Province	Changwon, Haman, Changnyeong, Daegu, Chilgok, Gunwi, Uiseong, Andong, Yeongju, Danyang, Jecheon, Wonju, Hoengseong, Hongcheon, Chuncheon, Hwacheon	576.5 km (North Korea jurisdiction is excluded.)
6	National Route 6	Jung-gu, Incheon	Gangneung, Gangwon Province	Bucheon, Seoul, Guri, Namyangju, Yangpyeong, Hoengseong, Pyeongchang	274.3 km
7	National Route 7	Jung-gu, Busan	Goseong, Gangwon Province	Yangsan, Ulsan, Gyeongju, Pohang, Yeongdeok, Uljin, Samcheok, Donghae, Gangneung, Yangyang, Sokcho	484.3 km (North Korea jurisdiction is excluded.)
13	National Route 13	Wando, South Jeolla Province	Geumsan, South Chungcheong Province	Haenam, Gangjin, Yeongam, Naju, Gwangju, Damyang, Gokseong, Namwon, Sunchang, Imsil, Jangsu, Jinan	308.9 km
14	National Route 14	Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province	Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province	Tongyeong, Goseong, Changwon, Gimhae, Busan, Ulsan, Gyeongju	315.9 km
15	National Route 15	Goheung, South Jeolla Province	Damyang, South Jeolla Province	Suncheon, Boseong, Hwasun, Gokseong	167.4 km
17	National Route 17	Yeosu, South Jeolla Province	Yongin, Gyeonggi Province	Suncheon, Gurye, Gokseong, Namwon, Imsil, Wanju, Jeonju, Geumsan, Daejeon, Cheongju, Jincheon, Anseong	432.6 km
18	National Route 18	Jindo, South Jeolla Province	Gurye, South Jeolla Province	Haenam, Gangjin, Jangheung, Boseong, Suncheon, Gokseong	282.6 km
19	National Route 19	Namhae, South Gyeongsang Province	Hongcheon, Gangwon Province	Hadong, Gurye, Namwon, Jangsu, Muju, Yeongdong, Okcheon, Boeun, Cheongju, Goesan, Chungju, Wonju, Hoengseong	496.4 km
20	National Route 20	Sancheong, South Gyeongsang Province	Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province	Uiryeong, Hapcheon, Changnyeong, Cheongdo, Gyeongju	230.2 km
21	National Route 21	Namwon, North Jeolla Province	Icheon, Gyeonggi Province	Sunchang, Jeongeup, Gimje, Wanju, Jeonju, Iksan, Gunsan, Seocheon, Boryeong, Hongseong, Yesan, Asan, Cheonan, Jincheon, Eumseong	430.9 km
22	National Route 22	Jeongeup, South Jeolla Province	Suncheon, South Jeolla Province	Gochang, Yeonggwang, Hampyeong, Gwangju, Hwasun	204.5 km
23	National Route 23	Gangjin, South Jeolla Province	Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province	Jangheung, Yeongam, Naju, Hampyeong, Yeonggwang, Gochang, Buan, Gimje, Iksan, Nonsan, Gongju, Sejong City	395.7 km
24	National Route 24	Sinan, South Jeolla Province	Nam-gu, Ulsan	Muan, Hampyeong, Jangseong, Damyang, Sunchang, Namwon, Hamyang, Geochang, Hapcheon, Changnyeong, Miryang	404 km
25	National Route 25	Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province	Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province	Gimhae, Miryang, Cheongdo, Gyeongsan, Daegu, Chilgok, Gumi, Uiseong, Sangju, Boeun	318.8 km
26	National Route 26	Gunsan, North Jeolla Province	Seo-gu, Daegu	Iksan, Gimje, Jeonju, Wanju, Jinan, Jangsu, Hamyang, Geochang, Hapcheon, Goryeong	235.6 km
27	National Route 27	Goheung, South Jeolla Province	Gunsan, North Jeolla Province	Boseong, Suncheon, Gokseong, Sunchang, Imsil, Wanju, Jeonju, Iksan	257.8 km
28	National Route 28	Yeongju, North Gyeongsang Province	Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province	Yecheon, Uiseong, Gunwi, Yeongcheon, Gyeongju	204.8 km
29	National Route 29	Boseong, South Jeolla Province	Seosan, South Chungcheong Province	Hwasun, Gwangju, Damyang, Sunchang, Jeongeup, Buan, Gimje, Gunsan, Seocheon, Buyeo, Cheongyang, Yesan, Hongseong	330.4 km
30	National Route 30	Buan, North Jeolla Province	Seo-gu, Daegu	Gimje, Jeongeup, Imsil, Jinan, Muju, Gimcheon, Seongju	355.1 km
31	National Route 31	Gijang, Busan	Yanggu, Gangwon Province	Ulsan, Gyeongju, Pohang, Cheongsong, Yeongyang, Bonghwa, Taebaek, Yeongwol, Pyeongchang, Hongcheon, Inje	627.6 km (North Korea jurisdiction is excluded.)
32	National Route 32	Taean, South Chungcheong Province	Jung-gu, Daejeon	Seosan, Dangjin, Yesan, Gongju, Sejong City	180.7 km
33	National Route 33	Goseong, South Gyeongsang Province	Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province	Sacheon, Jinju, Sancheong, Uiryeong, Hapcheon, Goryeong, Seongju, Chilgok	226.1 km
34	National Route 34	Dangjin, South Chungcheong Province	Yeongdeok, North Gyeongsang Province	Asan, Cheonan, Anseong, Jincheon, Jeongpyeong, Goesan, Mungyeong, Yecheon, Andong, Cheongsong	310.8 km
35	National Route 35	Buk-gu, Busan	Gangneung, Gangwon Province	Yangsan, Ulsan, Gyeongju, Yeongcheon, Cheongsong, Andong, Bonghwa, Taebaek, Samcheok, Jeongseon	458.6 km
36	National Route 36	Boryeong, South Chungcheong Province	Uljin, North Gyeongsang Provinge	Cheongyang, Gongju, Sejong City, Cheongju, Jeungpyeong, Eumseong, Chungju, Jecheon, Danyang, Yeongju, Bonghwa	388.2 km
37	National Route 37	Geochang, South Gyeongsang Province	Paju, Gyeonggi Province	Muju, Geumsan, Okcheon, Boeun, Sangju, Goesan, Eumseong, Icheon, Yeoju, Yangpyeong, Gapyeong, Pocheon, Yeoncheon	448.2 km
38	National Route 38	Seosan, South Chungcheong Province	Donghae, Gangwon Province	Dangjin, Asan, Pyeongtaek, Anseong, Icheon, Eumseong, Chungju, Jecheon, Yeongwol, Jeongseon, Taebaek, Samcheok	353 km
39	National Route 39	Buyeo, South Chungcheong Province	Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi Province	Cheongyang, Gongju, Asan, Pyeongtaek, Hwaseong, Ansan, Siheung, Bucheon, Incheon, Seoul, Goyang, Yangju	225.4 km
40	National Route 40	Dangjin, South Chungcheong Province	Gongju, South Chungcheong Province	Yesan, Hongseong, Boryeong, Buyeo	145.6 km
42	National Route 42	Jung-gu, Incheon	Donghae, Gangwon Province	Siheung, Ansan, Suwon, Yongin, Icheon, Yeoju, Wonju, Hoengseong, Pyeongchang, Jeongseon, Gangneung	336.1 km
43	National Route 43	Sejong City	Cheorwon, Gangwon Province	Gongju, Cheonan, Asan, Pyeongtaek, Hwaseong, Suwon, Yongin, Gwangju, Hanam, Seoul, Guri, Namyangju, Uijeongbu, Pocheon	268.5 km (North Korea jurisdiction is excluded.)
44	National Route 44	Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province	Yangyang, Gangwon Province	Hongcheon, Inje	137.2 km
45	National Route 45	Seosan, South Chungcheong Province	Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province	Yesan, Asan, Pyeongtaek, Anseong, Yongin, Gwangju, Namyangju	202.6 km
46	National Route 46	Jung-gu, Incheon	Goseong, Gangwon Province	Bucheon, Seoul, Guri, Namyangju, Gapyeong, Chuncheon, Hwacheon, Yanggu, Inje	281.7 km
47	National Route 47	Ansan, Gyeonggi Province	Cheorwon, Gangwon Province	Gunpo, Uiwang, Anyang, Gwacheon, Seoul, Guri, Namyangju, Pocheon, Gapyeong, Pocheon	133.8 km
48	National Route 48	Ganghwa, Incheon	Jongno-gu, Seoul	Gimpo	68 km
56	National Route 56	Cheorwon, Gangwon Province	Yangyang, Gangwon Province	Hwacheon, Chuncheon, Hongcheon	205.7 km
58	National Route 58	Changwon, North Gyeongsang Province	Cheongdo, South Gyeongsang Province	Busan, Gimhae, Miryang	82.8 km
59	National Route 59	Gwangyang, South Jeolla Province	Yangyang, Gangwon Province	Hadong, Sancheong, Geochang, Hapcheon, Seongju, Gimcheon, Gumi, Sangju, Uiseong, Yecheon, Mungyeong, Danyang, Yeongwol, Jeongseon, Pyeongchang, Gangneung	494.2 km
67	National Route 67	Chilgok, North Gyeongsang Province	Gunwi, North Gyeongsang Province	Gumi	40.5 km
75	National Route 75	Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province	Hwacheon, Gangwon Province		85 km
77	National Route 77	Jung-gu, Busan	Paju, Gyeonggi Province	Changwon, Goseong, Tongyeong, Sacheon, Namhae, Yeosu, Goheung, Boseong, Wando, haenam, Mokpo, Sinan, Muan, Yeonggwang, Gochang, Buan, Gimje, Gunsan, Seocheon, Boryeong, Taean, Seosan, Dangjin, Asan, Pyeongtaek, Hwaseong, Ansan, Siheung, Incheon, Bucheon, Seoul, Goyang	1239.4 km
79	National Route 79	Uiryeong, South Gyeongsang Province	Changnyeong, South Gyeongsang Province	Haman, Changwon	111.6 km
82	National Route 82	Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province	Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province		31.2 km
87	National Route 87	Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province	Cheorwon, Gangwon Province		61.2 km
88	National Route 88	Yeongyang, North Gyeongsang Province	Uljin, North Gyeongsang Province		38.5 km

 

[Jay]

International NEWS
South Korean Foreign Minister in Bangkok,
Attending Funeral of Late Crown Prince and coronation
of new Crown Princess, restart to Korean-Thai relations

Baek Jeonghee, Minister of Foreign Affairs, arrived in Bangkok to attend the funeral of the late crown prince, alongside a delegation from the Ministries of Economy and Finance and National Defense and the Intelligence Agency. It is unknown if an official meeting with the Crown Princess has been scheduled, but a technical team including translators and protocol agents is said to be amongst the delegation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed to KBS that a handful of side meetings are to be scheduled with relevant ministers in the Kingdom discussing arms, trade, and security relations.

The Korean Government outlined on the Foreign Ministry an initiative to revitalize relations with South East Asian countries to expand trade and cooperation. Thailand had previously been a major importer of Korean arms, products, and tourist destination. However, diplomatic mismanagement by the past administrations has led to a neglect of the relationships, becoming a new focal point for the Ministry. The Rattanakosin Kingdom is set to be the beginning of a major diplomatic push in the region, hoping to expand diplomatic cooperation with neighboring countries including India, Pakistan.

The Foreign Ministry confirmed that a financial package is under discussion between Korea and Pakistan signifying a major shift as the Government attempts to push Pakistan out of the North's corner in supplying missile technology and expertise.

Security is tight in the country where little under a decade ago a North Korean spy network assassinated 13 ministers including the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and over 40 other idnvidiauls in Ragoon, Burma. The Korean Government and Rattanakosin Governments have coordinated the security detail, upon arrival, the Foreign Minister was greeted by the Kingdom's Defense Minister before being escorted to the Royal Palace where she and the delegation will be staying. Also on the tarmac was Korea's Ambassador to the Kingdom, seeking to move forward on security and trade issues first.

Following South Korean Foreign Minister Baek Jeonghee's delivery of a letter to the Crown Princess from President Kim Daejung, the two countries have held their highest level visit for sometime. Vice Ministers from National Defense, Economy and Finance, and the Deputy Director of the NIS are all in Bangkok for the funeral and coronation. It appears both sides are gearing up for a high level discussion perhaps with the countries soon to be Queen following the abdication of her Father and death of the late crown princess. This opportunity may come with a major success for the administration battling internal unrest over massive systemic overhauls of the countries judicial, economic, and social sturctures.

Speaking to the South Korean press at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul before her trip, Baek commented on the situation with discussions between South Korea and Rattanakosin on bilateral efforts towards reunification, peaceful co-existence, and security relations.
“I've been in discussion with my counterpart in the Kingdom, we've discussed some of these issues, and the President had made it clear, the Kingdom and Korea are going to continue to be longstanding friends. We hope this visit will signify the importance of the Kingdom, as well as our support for His Majesty the King in this personally challenging times. Since his reign, the Kingdom has both developed and moved forward in addressing human rights, democracy, and protecting the country from subversive ideologies. We have indicated that we wish to resume full bilateral relations and hopefully we can show our continual support,” she explained.

While Baek did not share the specifics of who and when discussions and meetings will be held, analysts are speculating that they will occur prior to the coronation to set the foundation. Followed up with possibly an official meeting with the Queen. Focused on different ideas including arms sales, trade agreements, and a visa-free policy for Koreans to the Kingdom. How these will be addressed with the Kingdom finding an already willing foreign provider, and uncertainty of how a visa-free scheme would work may require further discussion. Policy experts at KBS speculate that the meetings will attempt to dish out the hard details before a future agreement can be signed by an official visit by the President indicating a long-term strategy from the Ministry.

 

[Jay]

Domestic NEWS
South Korean President fires Defense and Foreign Affairs officials,
Vice Minister of National Defense, Vice Chief of the Army, and Director of Asia policy,
fired over row with President, Chairman of the Navy tenders resignation

Seoul, Korea

On Thursday, South Korea's vice army chief was fired over a major impasse with President Kim Daejung over the expected peacekeeping mission, failed military procurement, and hostile work relationship with government officials. This ordeal has shone a critical spotlight on the internal battle inside the Blue House as President Kim Daejung attempts to push Korea further on the national spotlight. Army Chief Nam Yeongshin is rumored to be on the cusp as well being considered to be fired alongside 2 other Army chiefs. Minister of National Defense Park Hyunjin has been spotted in the Blue House, already in hot water with the President over ideological disagreements. However, the respect for the Minister will make firing him more difficult, especially with the current coalition government. Vice Army Chief of Staff Kim Oh-won was fired in his capacity as acting-Chief of the Army the following week after the President's office commented "his services were no longer required."

South Korean President Kim Daejung on Friday reaffirmed his mission to change the countries outlook and end the self-isolating in-ward looking diplomatic, security, and trade policies of the previous administrations. He confirmed in the statement that the Defense Minister, Foreign Minister, and Finance Minister were summoned to his office over the recent incidents within the armed forces and diplomatic corps. Two high level directors in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were asked to resign over their actions with regards to government policy, instead, the Foreign Minister relocated the two directors, causing friction between the Foreign Minister and President.Ramping up pressure against the President, the opposition has taken the opportunity to attack the President and his failings over security and diplomacy.

The President's office began falling out with the defense and foreign affairs ministries as continued attempts to push broad global engagement have been faltering and stalled by unwilling directors and officials. The President has this week clamped down on this dissent, explaining during his Friday Statement that the national outlook needs to be rethought not by the previous administration mentality, but a future looking mentality. The Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Health, and Deputy Director of Intelligence are rumored to be fired over the coming weeks as well. The President in recent days has taken aggressive steps to counter the opposition, for the first time since his electoral victory calling out the opposition for clear economic mismanagement, corruption, and defense irresponsibility. Citing lack of diplomatic engagement with crucial defense partners, failing to ensure delivery of purchased arms, unchecked government spending programs, and a general sense of irresponsibleness in governance.

The Opposition has responded with slander against the President whom many regard as the Nelson Mandela of Asia for his efforts in ending the military dictatorship and the transition towards democracy, risking his life and nearly being killed in Japan by KCIA agents. The Previous administration remains silent over the recent attacks, however, it is unlikely that any credible statements can be made to defend the lack of care and attention. Already, protestors whom the opposition suspected of being against the President turned up to chant slogans against the previous administration, demanding accountability for billions in arms purchases, projects, and initiatives not bearing fruit. The current administration however should not look with a calm eye, as the protests may equally challenge the current administration for likewise failing to deliver on its promises after an extra-ordinary election in 1997 following the entire government failures of 1996.

How do South Koreans feel about the current state of affairs? Many are worried that this crisis just as the ones that precipitated in the 1960s and 1950s will result in either a military take over over a possible invasion from the North. Military officials continue to echo calm and order as the apolitical armed forces continues its duties in protecting the state from all threats. The President's OPI strategy appears to be gaining Korea already diplomatic credit, and his foreign outreach has brought new partners such as Germany and Norway while also building friendships with new ones like Ukraine and Rattanakosin. Yet, many Koreans don't care if the President is making new friends, rather, they want to visit this exotic places and experience their cultures and people. The Korean people want to live a dignified life, and they want the opportunity to go beyond their current lifestyles. Will the President deliver on these promises? He has a well equipped and popular team, as many youth have fallen in love with the Ministers of National Defense, Foreign Affairs, Environment, and especially the Prime Minister, boosting the President's approval ratings...but making these ministers all the more powerful.

 

[Jay]

International NEWS
South Korean peacekeepers ready for duty,
400 peacekeepers officially complete training,
preparations for deployment to begin

The Korean Army held a ceremony to congratulate the 400-strong peacekeeping contingents soon to be deployed to Romania as part of the General Assembly's Peacekeeping Force to Romania. The 'Haechi' unit will be deployed along the Romanian & Moldovan border where hostilities broke out over decades old historical animosity between both countries. The unit will deploy to ensure the maintenance of peace between both states and ensure the continued peaceful co-existence of both countries. Korea joins Spain and the United Kingdoms as part of the peacekeeping force, aiming to ensure stability and peace. The ceremony took place in the attendance of the Korean President, Kim Daejung who has launched the Overseas Peacekeeping Initiative which seeks to bring Korea onto the global stage through supporting peacekeeping initiatives. The first 400 peacekeepers will be deployed for at least a year, before being replaced by another contingent of Korean peacekeepers.

Moldova and Romania's conflict was brought to an end by the quick diplomatic initiatives of Spain. The efforts of Spain to bring about peace have been recognized by the globe, and Korea's President recognized the Spanish Presidents efforts, in the ceremony, "Haechi will be representing Korea, but will also be representing the General Assembly's efforts for peace. The actions of Spain brought a much quicker end to the conflict, avoiding further bloodshed. I know you will serve in the highest of capacity and skill, and I congratulate you on completing your training mission."


The General Assembly adopted Resolution A/R0006 aimed at assisting the peaceful restoration of pre-war boundaries, the demilitarization of the border area, and the implementation of free and fair elections in Romania, South Korea accepted the GA's request to dispatch peacekeeping troops there.

Some 1,000 people, including Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Hwang Eui-don, attended the ceremony to encourage the troops, which will operate as part of the General Assembly Peacekeeping Force in the Eastern European state.

“I hope that it can plant seeds of hope in the region with pride in your mind as a representative of this glorious country." The soldiers were selected following a fierce competition process, with around eight individuals vying for each seat. Since September 10, they had received a three-week training session for the overseas operations as well as two weeks of language courses. The force consists mainly of engineers, medical professionals, nurses, and mechanics and support staff, alongside a troop contingent.

South Korea stands among two powerful European states, and ensuring South Korea can maintain the high level of standards is to be seen. The Korean people attending waved flags and gave gifts to their family members and countrymen and women, representing a new phase of Korean interaction with the globe.

 

[Jay]

South Korea's Foreign Minister was spotted at Sampeng Market in Bangkok during her visit to the Kingdom. Along with a delegation of other vice ministers and agency directors, the highest level visit to the Kingdom in the past decade is underway. The Foreign Minister's image featured a large pit-roasted cow, alongside fried and pan-seared prawns, exemplifying the Kingdom's rich cuisine and culinary history. There were large amounts of green as well, the Korean delegation is being well kept in the Kingdom.

The Foreign Minister visited many tourist attractions in the Kingdom, visiting Wat Arun, Wat Traimit, and Khao San Road. The images have raised Rattanakosin as an exotic location many Koreans now want to see and visit, with rumors of a possible visa-free agreement between Korea and Rattanakosin in the works, many Koreans are eager to take their winter vacations and spending Christmas with their significant others in the beautiful country and tropical climate of the Kingdom

Many experts see tourism to be a strong if not the strongest link between Rattanakosin and Korea in the coming decade with hopes of Korean cultural penetration to be pushed by cultural centers, linguistic schools, and financial backing for educational projects. Thai food has swept many parts of Seoul, alongside Turkish and Brazilian cuisine as the Diaspora community connects with Koreans over food.

South Korean Minister Baek appears to be very happy in the Kingdom, and the prospects for successful visit given the somber occasion of her visit seem highly plausible. The coronation of Her Majesty was a delightful spectacle, with vibrant colors and decorations, a very unique and special occasion for many in Asia. The development of the Kingdom stands a strong testament to the region's overcoming of imperialism, communism, and foreign interventions, and a strong Korean-Rattanakosin partnership seems to be very likely.

Baek, the South Korean foreign minister, told reporters in Bangkok during her time in the market that "an excellent opportunity for Koreans and Thai people comes closer everyday, I hope we can achieve, that is, through culture and friendship, a strong partnership. The leadership of the Royal Family stands stark against autocratic Royals of other countries, where the decision-making process is open for the people to participate, understand, and criticize, when there is very little debate, those weakest will be left behind, yet in the Kingdom I am always being amazed by the capabilities and talents of the Thai people, and I hope my compatriots can be blessed with the opportunity to visit."

Also with the Foreign Minister, Vice Minister of National Defense Park Jaemin, the top Defense official on Arms Sales, Counter-Insurgency, and Deterrence is in Bangkok for talks with his counterparts in the Defense Ministry of the Kingdom. In Seoul, The National Defense Ministry spokesperson Kim Chooin said Park has met with defense officials form the Kingdom, and talks would be scheduled to address security issues for the greater Asia region, the situation on the Korean Peninsula, and security concerns for both parties. Park “reaffirmed Korea's continued support for the Kingdom's regional concerns, but pursuing a broad regional cooperative scheme to secure peace, stability, development, and independence."

Nevertheless, this week the issue of bilateral talks seems sidelined by the Korean people's hopes to get to visit Sampeng Market and try that open-pit roasted beef.

 

[Jay]

Economic NEWS
South Korean Finance Minister Shin Shinyoung,
reaffirms Korea's economic growth healthy,
cautioning against over speculation, situation in Russia monitored

Over the course of the weekend, British Nexus Group experienced large amounts of debt following its acquisition of Russian assets. The Russian Economy for its part continued to slump, much below expectations following large bidding offers for shares in Russian companies, the IPO's were significant enough to attract lofty investments and purchasing from Western Countries. However, last quarters economic growth continued to go into decline, Russia accumulating $311 billion in debt, with $50 billion in debt added just this week. It is suspected Russia's financial reserves can only cover 69-70% of its debt. Russia's GDP even after the selling of state assets, the result of the public offerings, and tax revenue, the debt mounted, speculating that further downturn will push the Russian Ruble into new lows as it falls against the dollar. Rising unemployment and low health levels have increasingly become major factors of instability and low economic productivity.

The major concern arose following British Nexus Group's closing in on bankruptcy, began steps asking for a bailout from the UK government, immediately indicating that the financial shockwave form Russia's near economic collapse was spreading. Fears of economic collapse in Russia could upend global energy prices and tumble the European economy if Russian natural gas, petroleum, and other resources necessary for Europe's export-oriented economy based on manufacturing-based goods and services could cause a global economic meltdown.

In New York, the stock exchange plummeted 20% causing the stock market to be closed to trading as the US government hopes the panic selling will break off over the weekend. Here in Seoul, the Central Bank, Ministry of Finance, and Presidential Economic Advisors began a series of meetings looking at the Korean Won and taking measures to ensure that the won would not destabilize and depreciate. The Korean Central Bank also began taking steps to raise the reserve rate to increase cash on hand for banks, as well as discussions opened on moving the discount rate offered to banks. The Central Bank would take strong monetary measures. The foreign reserves of American and German currencies began to increase in the event of a currency depreciation, as well as discussion on the current interest rate.

The Government stressed these measures are all preventive, seeking to avoid a financial crisis that would upend decades of Korean economic growth and development. Already, Korean small businesses are worried they would be worst hit by a financial crisis, but home owners are also worried about rising interest rates that would raise their household debt. The Korean personal debt is most at stake, as raising interest rates would supercharge existing payments schemes not based on fixed-interest rates.

The Korean Government announced it would begin reviewing government planned purchases and make necessary cuts to ensure a stable surplus budget for the upcoming quarter. Additionally, the Korean Government applied for a $3 billion grant from the General Assembly Monetary Foundation in hopes it would raise much needed capital for public work projects and help increase economic productivity in infrastructure.

Korea's Finance Minister held a press conference, seeking to address a lot of concerns of the public especially on government spending and projects.

Shin Shinyoung: "At this stage, my message is that the Korean people should not be panicking. At the moment, government debt in Russia has been steadily increasing over the past year, and with high unemployment, low health services, and high crime, these are all factors that indicate Russia's economic situation is unstable. Yet, Russian corporations are still valued highly in their IPOs, a possible move towards financing their current debt which is roughly 3 times the current GDP. We will be monitoring the situation in the United Kingdom to see what happens with Nexus Group, as well as the European economies to get an estimate of the economic impact of Russia's latest developments. As per the Central Banks announcement, the Government will continue to act professionally and respectful to the Central Bank's measures. What is needed to be understood, is if you panic and make rash decisions, this is not the best decision."

South Korea's economic growth continued by wider margins, the Finance Minister attributing this to the announcement of a Korean-Germany Free Trade Agreement to be signed soon as well as a healthy credit balance for Korea with high rating by international analysts. Private investment and consumer spending was also high for this quarter, with Government spending also reaching higher levels, prompting efforts to roll back large fiscal spending by the Government.

The Chaebols also began meetings with Korea's finance ministry over fears of an economic slowdown globally to negatively impact the Korean conglomerates. As they continue to absorb more capital investment and finance ministry warnings over non-performing assets and excess debt may eventually lead economic regression, however, a large number of sketchy actions by these conglomerates has also threatened economic stability in Korea.

Minister Shin discussed these actions during his press conference, "The Government is calling on all corporate entities to act more responsibly now, taking on of assets we've been warning about, as well as overvaluing their own value is a major problem we will have to be tackling. Regardless, with regards to the economic productivity of Chaebols, we are very much satisfied. Strong economic growth in automobiles and electronics has continued to be persistent and a major driver of the economic growth of the economy through outsourced contracting to SME local businesses as well as high hiring actions that have continued to lower unemployment. We are monitoring the situation and being preventive for a reason, and we hope the Korean people will be reassured by their Governments actions."

 

[Jay]

Kim Kisoo, Prosecutor General

South Korea's Supreme Prosecutors Office today issued warrants against 18 former politicians, all in the opposition. 6 current officials within the Blue House were brought in for investigation, and the former son of the previous President was also brought into questioning. The leader of the opposition was requested to visit SPO to answer questions over his knowledge of the widespread bribery and slush fund activities of the previous administration. South Korea's Supreme Prosecutors Office informed the press that it had not been in consultation with the Blue House over these actions, reassuring that it was acting independently. Justice Minister Baek did not respond to comments during a briefing at the Justice Ministry over a criminal reforms implementation process review.

The Scandal has some worried it may be tainting the business community in South Korea, which at times has had one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia, but under intense pressure due to allegations of corruption. Just months after the heads of some of the nation's biggest companies stood trial for contributing to the illegal slush funds of two former presidents, prosecutors are again investigating the nexus of business and politics. This time going after current members of the opposition stroking fears of a politically motivated prosecutors office.

Under question is how South Korea's second-largest steel company persuaded banks to lend it nearly $3 billion to build a steel mill. Hanbo Steel, part of the Hanbo Group, South Korea's 14th-largest conglomerate, or chaebol, is under investigation after defaulting on the loans and then filing for bankruptcy. The loans, made by most of South Korea's biggest banks, represented far more than Hanbo Steel's net worth. According to some reports, the company had only $100 million in capital. Besides having inadequate collateral, the loans apparently were approved without the proper feasibility study of the mill. Considering it would've become one of the world's largest if completed, the prosecutors office began an investigation following the unexpected collapse of the previous government due to corruption allegations.

The former Finance Minister was asked to come into the prosecutors office after an internal investigation at the Ministry of Finance and Economy was mired in interference by the Minister, suspected working on the behest of the Blue House. The widely reported suspicion here is that Hanbo used kickbacks or improper political contributions to government officials to put pressure on the banks to lend. The Prosecutors Office arrested the heads of two other leading banks Sheen Kwangshik of Korea First Bank and Woo Chanmok of Cho Hung Bank on charges of bribery. Both standing accused of funneling money into the current oppositions financing. Hanbo Group's chairman, Chung Tae Soo, was arrested on charges of writing bad checks. Prosecutors say their investigation is only beginning, and the picture emerging is that Hanbo is suspected of controlling a secret fund to bribe legislators and other officials.

The Supreme Prosecutors Office denied to comment on if other politicians are being investigated. However, the opposition spokesman decried the 'politically motivated' attacks by the Blue house. However, the public has not forgotten the large political scandal that toppled the previous government, with President Kim Daejung sworn in during an extraordinary election on a promise to clean up the country. Prosecutor General Kim Kisoo sworn in in 1997 by President Kim Daejung was given a mandate to clean Korea from corruption.

Hanbo's problems have however, renewed scrutiny to the relationship between government and business in South Korea. Due to the nature of South Korea's economic configuration, it which has relied on the close ties to focus the economy's energy on specific industries to unleash its potential. The result has been growth of 9 to 10 percent a year for South Korea's export-driven economy, which has developed world-class industries like steel, shipbuilding and automobile manufacturing.

But the close relationship has also led to scandal. Former presidents Chun Doo Hwan and Roh Tae Woo each were accused of amassing political slush funds from corporate donors totaling millions. Both men were sentenced to long prison terms last year for their roles in a military coup as well as for corruption while in office. Many suspect the previous President as well of having amassed huge amounts of political slush money, financed and organized by his son, the current leader of the opposition, and a handful of ministers. A poll by the KBS found that more than half of 138 bank executives surveyed believed the Hanbo loan scandal was the result of the government's heavy influence in making credit decisions by banks. Minister of Finance and Economy Shin has widely been praised by the public for his efforts to reign in the conglomerates who grow incredibly powerful in their ability to influence the Korean political system. Also taking steps to reform the Finance Ministry's investigation and oversight mechanisms to ensure proper reporting of discrepancies and safety concerns.

"Lending out this huge amount of money cannot be explained by an economic point of view," said Lee Bankoo, president of the Daewoo Economic Research and Intelligence Institute. "In Korea, financial institutions are often thought to be close to the government and are expected to help those companies investing in important businesses with national significance. They think that these companies will never go bankrupt." This mentality has been challenged by the recent financial crash in Russia, and its wide effect on Nexus Group conglomerate in the UK. The move may be a major spearhead by the Justice & Finance ministries and Prosecutors office seeking to cut the cycle of corruptive behaviors by corporations and politicians.

New guidelines by the Finance Ministry enacted following the 'Russia Economic Crisis', has taken measures to limit their risky undertakings and also give them in some respects greater autonomy to act independently. Safeguards, inspector boards, and other security oversight have often been neglected are now being enforced in much more strongly.

The suspicion that Hanbo has committed wrongdoing is fueled partly by the checkered past of Chung, the Hanbo Group chairman, who was acquitted in the slush fund case last year on the grounds that the money was forcibly extracted. But he was convicted in 1991 of bribery in a multimillion-dollar housing scandal involving Hanbo's construction unit. "If the history of Hanbo is any guide, the impending investigation . . . will most likely result in the disgrace and fall of bank executives, politicians and other officials," the Korea Herald confidently wrote.

Prosecutor General Kim Kisoo said today that Hanbo’s chairman, put at least $34.5 million into slush funds from bank loans he had drawn to build his steel plant and that the SPO would continue its investigation into whether chairman Chung distributed the money among politicians,″ Prosecutors were working with state tax collectors trying to find more slush funds or hidden property belonging to the Chung family. When prosecutors conducted their investigation Chung on corruption charges in early September, they alleged he siphoned off $251 million from bank loans to buy other companies and pay bribes. Now the Prosecutors are going to try find the slush funds. Over $400 million in stocks and assets was allegedly being hidden, the Prosecutors office froze the assets. The state prosecutor's office asked the former President's second son, to appear in the afternoon to answer questions about allegations that he played a role in arranging bank loans for a bankrupt steel company. Although he denied any relationship with Hanbo Steel Industry Company, South Korea's No. 2 steelmaker, which collapsed on June. 23 under the weight of over nearly $3 billion in debt. 6 blue house officials from the previous administration are under questioning as well, with suspecting their knowledge of the scandal to be substantive enough to issue warrants.

President Kim did not comment on the investigation, a sign the Blue House wishes to appear at least neutral. Given the nature of this investigation, at least 8 active members of the opposition including the current leader of the opposition are being investigated. Charges of a politically motivated campaign are not difficult to see or be argued. Opposition rallies have scheduled protests against the President, however, massive rallies took place today against the opposition. Kim Kisoo is expected to act quickly and professionally, and the President put lots of faith in his assignment. However, the extent of cooperation is still unknown.

 

[Jay]

Newly named Director of the Office of National Security: Moon Jaein chairs NSC meeting on Friday

SEOUL-- South Korea held an emergency meeting of the National Security Council following the events in India and Ukraine. South Korea's military entered a state of alert following communist-inspired attacks across Europe and South Asia. South Korea's Ministry of National Defense did not comment if Korea's Navy had reinforced the Northern Line Limit which has been the subject of aggression by the North in the past half decade. South Korea has warned of retaliatory measures against North Korea, in the latest escalation of tensions over global tensions. South Korea was put on edge following soviet factions bolstered in Russia and it has been rumored President Kim has had intensive conversations with his Spanish and Italian counterparts over the recent incidents.

South Korea's President has not yet spoken with his Indian or Ukrainian counterparts, however, Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the violence and vowed its support for the democratic states. Urging peaceful protests and exhibitions of dissatisfaction, South Korea is waddling in dangerous territories between a wall of fire and wall of water. Following the departure of US Forces in Korea in 1995, an uneasy ceasefire continues to remain in place, despite numerous violations by North Korea. The political instability in 1997 sent fears of a Northern Invasion and that the Military would step into power. Yet, in Korea, democracy prevailed and a special election was held. South Korea elected its first liberal President and ended 36 years of conservative rule. Yet, change on the unification of Korea has been slow.

Moon Jaein was sworn in Director of National Security on Wednesday following the creation of the specialized blue house entity tasked with national security has had a tough week ahead of them following the events in Ukraine and India. South Korea's Director of National Security told the press that; "The Republic of Korea is monitoring these threats and will continue to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all Koreans across the globe." Europe as a whole was issued a Travel Advisory and Warning Notice by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following the events in Ukraine and India received a Travel Advisory and Warning Notice days after. South Korea's intelligence agencies have been monitoring North Korea the past 72 hours after fears that Kim Ilsung may attempt to maneuver against the South during the European Economic Crisis and global attention deficit to Korea. Following Korea's welcoming into the global community and its raising status, the low standards of the North have been highlighted.

On Friday, South Korea’s National Security Council meeting was chaired by the Director of National Security with security, science, and diplomatic chiefs in attendance, "to examine the current situation of the (Korean) peninsula," the presidential Blue House said, without elaborating. South Korea's Unification Ministry and Defence Ministry each released statements reaffirming (South) Korea's commitment to the 1953 Armistice, but the Ministry of Defense going further ins saying the (ROK) armed forces would respond to any threat, adding it is closely monitoring moves by the North Korean military.

Global tensions were raised when what is believed to be communist or ethnic Russian assassins shot the Ukrainian President. Following these actions, in Norway, a 46 year old woman was arrested with numerous weapons by its police, and in India, government buildings were nearly stormed, while an emergency broadcast was made by the President of India over the violence. Analysts say that global communist networks were bolstered unlike the events in 1995 due to the fact an economic crisis has swept much of Europe and America. While Asia was not hit as hard as Europe, many have begun to question their governments and their efficacy. American political theorist following the collapse of the U.S.S.R in 1991, wrote a book called "The End of History" implying the victory of western capitalist liberal democracy. Yet, the 1995 hardliner coup and the current resurgent of communist groups has largely increased criticism on the naivety of the statement.

Across Europe, political instability has become more public, as the unaddressed traumatic and historical issues of partitioning and ethnic scrambling continues to effect countries such as Germany and Ukraine. In India, the democratic government itself has often shown fascist tendencies. Between 1975 and 1977, a state of emergency was declared across India in which human rights abuses, arresting opposition leaders, and cracking the bedrock of India's democracy. These historical issues continue to linger, and across the globe, the insecurity of states can be quickly exploited to see mobilization of discriminated and underdeveloped communities against the state.

While South Korea's Government has condemned violence by communists and supported democratic governments...and even autocratic ones, it has not commented on the use of state violence by India and Russia resulting in large numbers of deaths of innocent people as well as rioters. This gap in Korea's statements, and of many global leaders is a deafening blow to human rights and democracy. Yet, some may argue that it is difficult to condemn state violence in the face of entities the seek to subvert those democratic principles. However, these arguments were used in Korea to suppress a generation of Koreans under the guise of anti-communism, involving grotesque human rights violations, massacres, arrests, and torture.

South Korea is in a difficult geopolitical situation, whereas other governments are worried about domestic insurrection or protests, South Korea is worried about an invasion from its neighbor. A heavily armed and dangerous regime that sits less than 50km from the capital of South Korea. A misperception could see Pyongyang and Seoul go head to head over military maneuvers in these tense times. In the event of a resumption of hostilities, it is clear, millions would die, and the catastrophe to Korea would be unprecedented.

South Korea's government has been forced to rethink their liberalist policy to North Korea. The National Security Council Meeting was said to have drafted new plans and contingencies and reviewed very radical reshaping of Korean Foreign Policy regarding Europe and Asia. While the globe watches on, South Korea took the initiative to push a GA Resolution to assist Russia and provide financial assistance. South Korea and Spain took global leadership in responding to the crisis and both countries worked closely over the situation in Moscow. Yet, the global communities inability to respond to this crisis has only pushed many to question the global institutions left in the wake of the reforms of the United Nations and if changes are needed to the Global Assembly. It is clear, that history has not ended as Francis Fukuyama stated, but rather, opened a new chapter in the instability of this new global order.

 

[Jay]

The Republic of Korea held a ceremony for the opening of its state of the art medical research and development complex. The Osong Health Technology Administration Complex was opened by Governor Lee Sijong, Minister of Science & ICT Roh Hyemin, the Minister of Health, Dr. Kim Pilji, the Global Assembly Undersecretary for Health, and a number of foreign dignitaries. The facility covers a large stretch of land, and includes a number of facilities including: Virus & vaccine research, Government medical facilities, a surgical ward, a university attached-program for Yonsei Medical University, amongst many other facilities.

The project was launched by the Ministries of Science & ICT, Health, and Food & Drug administration is to provide the basis for the Republic of Korea's medical research and innovation. The facilities are expected to be fully operational and staffed by the end of the month, as the various ministries and associated personnel move to relevant facilities and areas. Already a number of staff have moved in and set up the facilities. The moving process had begun months prior, with a number of equipment, and other essential items moved. The ROK Army, National Police, and Intelligence Agency transported pathogens and other diseases to the facility under regulations specified by the KCDA, Ministry of Health, Science & ICT, and international regulations. All highly contagious and deadly viruses were stored according to regulation, and are accounted for. The facilities are able to provide the space required for disease research and prevention. With plans to create vaccines, the facilities will become an important international research and development facility. As such, efforts were made to ensure the facilities can provide the basis for future cooperation with other countries in the areas of medical operations, professionalism, and exploration.

One of the buildings to be built in the Complex will be the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. An organization under the South Korean Ministry of Welfare and Health, it is responsible for organ transplant and advancement of public health by managing prevention, survey, quarantine, trial and research on infectious diseases, chronic and rare illnesses and injuries. It is to be located in Osong Health Technology Administration Complex in Cheongju. The organisation is led by vice-ministerial-level Commissioner of KDCA. Alongside its governmental and international functions, the OHTA Complex will house medical students from partner universities of Korea Universities Infectious Disease and Virology Degrees to help develop a cadre scientifically inclined students to help humanity develop. The OHTA are certified for biosafety level 4 capacity and will be able to house and research infectious and dangerous diseases.

The Complex is guarded protected by the ROK Army Military Police, Special Forces contingent, NBC regiment, and ROK NIS operatives. Protocols are in place for police and other law enforcement with regards to reviewing, screening, and investigating all persons attempting to enter the facility.

Cheongju Mayor Han Changheem & KCDA interim-director Kim Cheongmin opening the Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency office at the complex.

Also located in the Complex is the Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency. With a Biosafety level 3 and 4 laboratories in the OHTA support research on infections with high-risk pathogens that may pose a threat to humans and the environment. The facilities also provides laboratory safety education as well as manages and certifies biosafety facilities. Dedicated facilities will also contribute to the advancement of medical science and the improvement in the public’s health. To this end, the Center collects, processes, preserves, and provides a wide range of resources of biomedical science from inside and outside Korea. The Center also builds a sharing infrastructure as well as manages and provides research data for biomedical science. Another facility, the VRC will conduct a comprehensive program for research and development of vaccines to help improve the public’s health. The primary focus of research will be on the development of vaccines to prepare for pandemic infectious diseases and bio-terrorism. Also, the VRC will carry out a nonclinical evaluation of vaccine candidate materials as well as collect and manage vaccine candidates. The National Pathogen Bank, the centralized pathogen resource bank, is a facility that collects and standardizes infectious pathogens in a safe and efficient manner. The bank provides useful pathogen resources, a safe and systematic preservation of pathogen resources, a space for the management and analysis of pathogen resource information, and an administrative space.

 

[Jay]

March 1, The movement that embodied the democratic principles, self-determination of peoples, and the rights of Koreans in perspective

Korean Government officials attend a reading of the Declaration of Independence, President Kim, Prime Minister Jo, Ministers Kim, Baek, Roh, Cho, and Directors Moon and Kim in attendance.

This month marks the 79th anniversary of the March 1 Movement during the darkest hours of Japanese colonial rule. On this day, the leaders of the independence movement gathered in Jongno in Seoul and proclaimed Korea’s independence from Japan. The movement quickly spread to cities and town across the peninsula, a reminder of the undivided unity of the Korean people. Over 2 million people took part in the movement, making up nearly ren percent of the Korean population at the time. Overwhelmed by the size of protests, Japanese authorities used military troops to suppress the movement, resulting in thousands of deaths, thousands more injured, and tens of thousands arrested, tortured, and executed. Japan's bloody grip over the Korean people would continue to rule over the Korean people until 1945 when the Korean people won their independence. While The movement led to the founding of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea in Shanghai, The provisional government did not achieve recognition from the major power. Undeterred, it sponsored armed resistance to Japanese rule and the Korean people would not accept the cultural genocide and oppression by Japan resisting in many ways. Founded in 1948, the Republic of Korea draws on the Provisional Government for its legitimacy. Today, the anniversary of the movement is a national holiday in South Korea and most of the signers of the Korean Declaration of Independence are remembered as national heroes.

The March 1 Movement reminds us as Koreans our unity and values as a people. It is an important legacy in the long sweeping history of our country, it was the first nationwide popular rebellion against an authoritarian government. While Previous rebellions were peasant uprisings that were often local and not organized into a nationwide movement. During the pro-democracy movement and 1997 Anti-Corruption Movement, the March 1 movement serves as not only inspiration, but a guiding light to topple all forms of oppression and injustices. The tradition of taking to the streets to challenge the government enriches Korean democracy by creating a citizens’ check on government power. Reminding Koreans of the long legacy of democratic principles to which we inherent.

Our nation has always had a history of movements seeking to turn Korea into a paradise on earth where people were free and equal. From the three kingdoms, to King Sejong the great, to the Donghak rebellion, to the efforts of the provisional government, to the efforts of the governments since, a long history of leaders and wise men and women sought to cultivate our people. The Korean people continue to resist foreign influence over the peninsula, the same influences that divided and partitioned the peninsula, and the same influences that undermined and treated Korea as a tributary state or colony. Despite the sharp differences in religious and political beliefs, the leaders came together in solidarity for the cause of independence. Such should be the guiding principle for our leaders today as we water the storm of the anti-corruption movement. Since then, division and conflict have become the dominant narrative in Korea, and the current division into two antagonistic states continues to reinforce this narrative. In South Korea, unity of purpose propelled the two historical projects -- economic prosperity and democracy. Much of the success of the 1988 Seoul Olympics came from a unity that came from pride in hosting these events.

In President Kim's address, he handed an olive branch to the resurgent Japanese imperialist powers, to stop sharpening their spears and to pick up the pen. A relationship based on acceptance of the past, repentance and just compensation, and working forward. To the globe he offered a commitment to all nations, none would be left out. Indeed, the globe may have turned away Korea in 1919, however, never again will Korea be turned away from the global order. Today, Korea is a leading nation in this global order, ensuring no nation is left behind. When President Kim declared the Republic of Korea would join the Nordic Council as equals, when South Korea is the leading nation charging forward to aid the former superior Russia, when South Korea sends its troops to help other nations, the Korean people declare very loudly, they are not a nation to be ignored and forgotten. The Korean people today come from a nation which in under fifty years has become the fastest growing economies and a high level of income. The Korean people achieved this with their own two hands, their sacrifices, and their perseverance. The Korean nation built itself on the backs of none, and not through exploitation. The Korean people exploited, our lands looted, our identity suppressed, know very well the actions of colonial powers against the native people whom they colonized.

March 1 is the first popular nationalistic movement that asserted that only Korea had the right to define itself among nations. Today, this may seem obvious, but the division of Korea into two states and the tension that the division creates are reminders of the continued influence of outsiders. This explains why, despite its historical importance, March 1 remains a complex and unfulfilled celebration. As the bells ring across the country in remembrance, the Korean people will never forget the feeling of betrayal, loneliness, and rejection, nor will they forget the feelings of unity, perseverance, and hope. 만세!

 

[Jay]

Domestic NEWS
South Korean Environment Minister announces $3.3 billion in hydroelectric investment

Environmental Minister Park Mujin announced at the Blue House a $3.3 billion investment in domestic energy supplies using hydroelectric energy. The Republic of Korea would open two new hydroelectric plants and dams and complete a third project unfinished from the previous administration. The project was announced by the Environmental Ministry, however the project is expected to be co-financed by international partners, private sector, and public financing. The Environmental Minister Park Mujin pledged $2.3 billion in appropriated funds for the National Energy Self-Sufficiency Program. The initial spending would be covered by the Republic of Korea, hoping to attract private investment and international partner funding for the remaining $1 billion. The additional spending upon the initial spending completion to provide further maintenance, expansion, and
renovation funds.

While the Republic of Korea was able to avoid the worse of the financial crisis, the long-term impact of debt-based economic programs has damaged global confidence. Last month, the ROK was estimated to have depleted $5.4 billion in reserves repaying debt and covering government procurements. The project is set to disperse the $3.3 billion over the mid and late fiscal year of 1998. This comes as a number of proposals are pushed back by the Korean state council in lieu of poor economic performance in Korea during early 1998. The already carried out feasibilities studies which have indicated all three projects as suitable for construction and development is a positive indicator that constructions will go ahead. The timetable depending on the ambitiousness of the program can range for a couple of months, however will have long-term impact will be beneficial to Korea’s energy needs, promote a healthier energy market, and expand Korea’s energy sector. These programs have been spearheaded by political rookie Park Mujin, a graduate of Korea's prestigious KAIST university and former professor, has taken a stern approach to environmental-based trade. In the German-Korean trade agreement, environmental standards in Korea were applied on German automobiles, marking a significant victory for the environment where environmental regulations in Korea have become very stringent in the past couple of months under new regulations.

South Korea's announcement is the first major infrastructure project in Asia, however, is not unmatched by a nearly $7 billion in record arms purchases in Q1 of 1998. In contrast, South Korea spent $3.2 billion on arms sales in all of 1997, while it spent more than $10 billion in total, the majority was not used for weapons by the Yong Administration. Still, South Korea joined Spain in January opening the second vaccine research and development complex in Cheongju. South Korea also announced one of the first major green energy development programs in the globe. South Korea significantly diversified its arms exports in 1998, becoming a supplier of naval equipment countries across Europe and the Americas. Meanwhile, South Korea has also diversified its importing sector of weapons, signing a number of agreements with European and American corporations to procure advanced weapons and systems.

 

[Jay]

Sports NEWS
South Korean IRC race team hits Korean Grand Prix

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South Korean Formula One team A1 Korea Racing duo Kim Iseok and Yi Kunha hit up the Korean Grandpix over the past week ahead of the International Tournament. South Korea's first international sporting event in the past year is set to kickstart in less than a month. Ahead of the teams departure, President Kim and Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Min visited the Korean Grand Prix. The great honor has led to a $15 million investment in upgrading infrastructure. South Korea is expected to host a portion of the race while the international tournament is set to begin in Canada. Concerns over security were made by the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, while the International Racing Commission reaffirmed its decision and Canadian diplomats alleviated the concerns to Korean diplomats privately sources in the Foreign Ministry indicated.

Pre-season racing and testing has already begun in a number of countries as different racing teams unveil their vehicles and skills. In East Asia, all eyes are turned to Korea which will be the only East Asian country to participate in the race. It will be one of three Asia-Oceania racing teams and will be competing against India and New Zealand to see who will lead the Asian teams. Going up against veteran racers, Kim Iseok spoke to the press, looking forward to the race and hoping to sharpen his skills against some of the globes best racers.

The months and years of preparation for the race will be decided quickly and with an edge on their home turf, the team hopes to make up for their losses. Koreans will be watching close the tournament to see if Korea's excelling in the arts and diplomacy will translate into sports as well. The nation watches closely as the races progress, while tickets are being eyed when released for the portion of the race in South Korea.

The Foreign Ministry approved a F1-related sports visa for racers and their staff as well as upgrading facilities at both Incheon Port and Airport to facilitate the transit of racers and their vehicles. South Korean Vice Minister Kim spoke to KBS indicating that visas for foreigners coming to Korea for the racing tournament would be given special attention. While Germany, Norway, and Italy have travel agreements with South Korea, other participants do not. It is unknown for visitors what will happen. South Korea's Embassy in Canberra promoted the event and held a visa-information session while South Korea's Embassy in Buenos Aires expanded its visa interviews for the next month. South Koreans also spent their weekend filling out visa applications, some going to Montreal where South Korea's Foreign Ministry has issued travel warnings but stopped short of banning travel. A move the South Korean Government denied was politically motivated due to the IRC racing season. Citizens are still urged not to travel to Canada, while travel bans to Russia and India are in place.

Still, politics should not be dominating the spots. The Korean nation watches with enthusiasm one of the most successful global sporting events and one that draws countries across the globe and of different cultures, values, and identities. As one South Korean Cafe Naver blogger said, "It is time for Korea to steal the sporting world."

 

[Jay]

Sports NEWS
South Korean A-1 team keeps up the practice

Kim Iseok out on the Korea Grandprix, practice continues for both Kim and Yi before the race in Austin
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After a difficult first match, the Korean A1 racing team kept up their practices over the past month. Racers Kim Iseok and Yi Kunha eyeing to swipe the first place mark in Austin where the next leg of the IRC Tournament is taking place. After a difficult first match, Yi told reporters; "I will work harder to ensure that Korea rises to the top of the leaderboard We have a lot to learn, and every race is an opportunity to enhance and advance our skills." Racer Kim surprised others with his strong performance albeit mild victory. South Koreans are watching him closely as they hope to see him make reach the top 10 at Austin. South Korea's Culture Minister cheered the team on with a post from the Ministry; "Koreans are watching IRC Austin hoping for a great victory, A1 Hwaiting!" On the race track, the engineers and specialists review the race car being used by both drivers during every training exercise. The vehicle has been serviced to clean the interior, ensure it is ready to race at Austin. As the time nears for the teams to head to Austin, South Koreans once again watch the match closely.

A lot more investment is needed for South Korea to become a competitive racing nation. The first race looked completely flat in the first half, with Yi barely pulling through while Kim barely presenting a threat to seasoned drivers of IRC '97. It was no surprise for many when Korea placed lowest amongst the Asian Countries. They looked underprepared for the race and although Kim surprised men, he won't be slamming into the top five any time soon. Things will get better for the pair. The Montreal track was a litmus test for the A1 racers to adapt and learn. Kim's performance picked up late into the match, but, still shows an opportunity for high improvement. Korea's A1 team is beginning to recruit some strong talents from Kim Yesom Korea's first female A1 driver to Choi Haemin joining the team. This is just the beginning for South Korea's sports development, with the South Korean National Football Team being readied for International competitions, the renown and stellar Ice Skating and Badminton teams of Korea restating their talent development programs at elementary level schools, South Korea is beginning to make steady advancements.

 

[Jay]

North and South Korea set date for first summit

Vice Minister of Unification
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North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-Il, and President Kim Dae-jung of South Korea will meet for the first time on June 3, Vice Minister Lee Jongjoo said on Friday, setting a date for talks meant to extend the recent détente on the Korean Peninsula and pave the way for discussions between Chairman Kim and President Kim. Early this month North Korea agreed to a major effort with South, part of a flurry of diplomacy around deescalation of tensions that began with a breach of the DMZ by infiltrators in 1998. South and North Korean military officials signed a deescalation agreement and have begun to put these into action. Senior negotiators from both Koreas met Thursday at Panmunjom, the so-called truce village on the countries’ border, to agree on a date and discuss other aspects of the summit meeting. The two Korean leaders will meet at Panmunjom, while no words if either leader will cross over, according to internal memos the negotiators wanted the talks to occur in the Peace House which lies south of the demarcation line that bisects Panmunjom, which means that Chairman Kim would become the first North Korean leader to set foot in the South since the Korean War.

Unification Vice Minister Cho Lee Jongjoo, the South’s chief delegate to the Panmunjom talks on friday, hinted at progress toward including reunification in the agenda for the Kim-Kim meeting. But she said the two Koreas might need another round of high-level talks in coming weeks to settle the matter. The Vice Minister confirmed that in the past three months, three high-level talks occurred between government ministers and on March 31st the military agreement. “The South and North agreed on efforts to make the summit successful, sharing its historic significance in reunification of the Korean Peninsula, settling peace there and improving inter-Korean relations,” Vice Minister Lee told reporters. The meeting will be the first ever held between leaders of the two Koreas. Chairman Kim Jong-il will become the first North Korean leader to meet with his South Korean counterparts has offered to host the Korean President in Pyongyang. A move which the Unification Ministry did not confirm. The diplomacy was welcomed by the Global Assembly Special Representative, Harsh Schulze, who arrived in South Korea this week to meet with South Korean officials. He told reporters after a meeting at the Blue House “I think there is an opportunity to address the longstanding issue and bring about the reunification Korea and peace for East Asia.”
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South Korean envoys who met with Kim Jong-Il in Pyongyang this month said he had expressed willingness towards genuine efforts towards reunification and said he would take efforts to create the environment needed to host these talks. Chairman Kim also promised to suspend all missile tests while talks were underway, the Vice Minister said. This week, Chairman Kim surprised South Korea by offering to host the Korean President in Pyongyang, which would make Kim Dae-jung the first South Korean leader to visit the North since the war. Chairman Kim met with South Korea's Unification Minister, Park Hyunseon the highest level official to visit the North officially in decades. In a bid to mend distrust before the talks North Korea sent information on mines near South Korean guard posts which were dismantled the following day.

In his discussions with Minister Park, Chairman Kim reaffirmed his intention to meet with the South's leaders, according to Korean Central News Agency, the North Korean state news agency. The KCNA released a statement affirming Chairman Kim’s plan to meet with President Kim, without disclosing the time and venue of their meeting. President Kim's office, in its first comment on the Pyongyang meeting, said on Monday that it was a welcome development, calling it “highly significant” that Chairman Kim had reportedly confirmed his willingness to discuss reunification and meet with the South Korean president. The North and South have increased communications since the start of 1998. the two Korea's agriculture Ministers met at Panmunjom on March 31st signing an agreement towards cooperating on food aid and family visits. The meeting was followed up by a low-level intelligence meeting by the North's RGB and South's NIS. After the low-level meeting, a mid-level military meeting took place in mid-April signing the Agreement towards de-escalation. No information has been released on the intelligence meeting, although both sides confirmed that the meeting took place. The two Korea's unification Ministers North Korea's equivalent Unification Minister Ri Songwon said: "Over the past 90 days or so, many events that were unprecedented in inter-Korean relations took place. We are in agreement that the division of Korea is both artificial and a relic of a past we must move from." South Korea's Unification Minister Park Hyunseon added on: "The predicaments of our region require we resolve this wound in the hearts of all Koreans so that none can exploit and prolong this pain and suffering."

Officials hope that President Kim's meeting with Chairman Kim will provide further clues to Chairman Kim’s strategy and help prepare for further efforts towards reunification between the two Koreas. Officials and analysts disagree about whether Chairman Kim’s recent outreach represents a real move toward reunification or a short-term ploy to confuse his political and military rivals, gain relief from a growing fuel crisis and buy time to advance his arms programs further. When Chairman Kim met with Minister Park last week, he proposed “phased” moves toward reunification, which is the major break in approach from the North which proposed a one-country two systems approach on a confederation basis in past discussions. In those talks, the North offered to take incremental steps toward speeding up discussions on reunification, beginning with a freeze on missile tests, and demanded that the South reciprocate with incentives like food shipments. All previous meetings were not substantial enough to build up on the minor progress and all eventually collapsed. Both Seoul and Pyongyang have accused each other in the past of reneging on agreements and hold high distrust.

Chairman Kim’s proposal for step-by-step reunification process appears to preclude the kind of confederation proposals that Kim Il-Sung had envisioned. Following the 06.25 War (Korean War) the North's vision for a reunified Korea under the North had failed. The collapse of the ROK-US alliance in 1995 payed a way for a new opportunity, and tensions have soared since 1995 between the two Koreas. Analysts suspect Chairman Kim’s renewed aspirations for a military solution were crushed with the collapse of China a few years later, exacerbating the North's dwindling fuel and food resources. Still, President Kim's office, which abhors the prospect of military action against the North, says negotiations are the only realistic approach. President Kim has called for efforts to end the War officially, as the two Koreas are still in a de-facto state of war. Steps leading to the reunification of Korea shall be apart of the discussion, is the message the Blue House has given. But the South Koreans have said they will not repeat the mistakes of the past, an indication that North Korea won't be able to get many concessions and give little in return.