Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Hankyoreh: Interactive role-playing games gain popularity - over the phone : Business : Home: "With increased Internet speed, complex games see boost among mobile phone users"
Hankyoreh: Korean TV dramas take a nosedive in Asia: "Popularity wanes as ’anti-Korean wave’ sentiment sets in"

Monday, December 04, 2006

The Korea Times : Role of Quality Journalism in Environment
The Korea Herald : The Nation's No.1 English Newspaper: " SK Telecom to launch mobile network games

SK Telecom Co., the country's largest wireless operator, said yesterday it would shortly unveil 30 kinds of mobile network games including three-dimensional battles, first-person shooters, strategic simulations and one-button games."
Korea's IT minister to launch overseas tour to strengthen tech ties| Korea.net News: "Korea's top technology policymaker will embark on an overseas trip to three countries next week in order to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the information technology sector (IT), the nation's Information Ministry said Friday (Dec. 1). "
Individuals can become broadcasters| Korea.net News: "Web users can broadcast video clips to pre-registered audiences from across the world on a real-time basis thanks to a new channel service, called Hooopy.

Shotech, a Korean developer of online marketing solutions, said on Tuesday (Nov. 28) that the venture startup had commercially launched the English-language service Hooopy.

“Hooopy is a platform that enables users to transmit video clips or digital music files in real time to whoever agrees to receive them in advance,” Shotech President Sho Ryu said. "
Technology think tank develops reality-mixed e-learning system| Korea.net News: "The state-run Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) has developed an e-learning system, under which students are be able to learn in the classroom or at home with both real textbooks and three-dimensional virtual contents. "
Cell phones revolutionize Korean lifestyles| Korea.net News: "The Internet, a watch, credit card, MP3 player, digital camera, subway ticket, dictionary and alarm clock -- What do these things have in common?

In case you don't have an answer, here's a hint. All these functions are neatly tucked into one small gadget, and more than 40 million Koreans, or about four in five, have them in their pockets, hang them around their necks, carry them in their bags or clip them on their belts. Simply, they are ubiquitous. "
Big Brother Is Watching You - OhmyNews International:
"Widespread use of security cameras in Korea causes invasion of privacy

Published 2006-12-03 18:38 (KST)

They are everywhere, most of the time they are inconspicuously placed, secretly watching our every move. Other times they are placed out in the open with signs announcing their presence in an attempt to scare us to comply with the established rules. Surveillance cameras are now a part of our everyday life."
INSIDE JoongAng Daily: "Hooopy: Real-time news to your desktop
November 24, 2006 ㅡ Fans of high tech may start going Hooopy.
Hooopy?

A Korean venture company has developed an English language service that enables people to choose Web sites, blogs, or other media content and receive that content on their desk top computer in real-time. "
INSIDE JoongAng Daily: "Internet-assisted suicides rise as legal bars obstruct rescues

December 04, 2006 ㅡ A 19-year-old female college student in Seoul typed 'potassium cyanide' into a search box on the portal site Naver in mid-October. In a second, she found a series of postings about suicide on the Web site's board where users ask and answer questions. "
donga.com [english donga]:

"Digital Cameras, the Omnipotent Individual Information Appliance

MARCH 30, 2004 22:45
by Tae-Han Kim (freewill@donga.com)

--Troublesome pen, go away!

In a classroom of a college, students are eager to push the buttons of their digital cameras when the professor leaves the classroom.

“I don’t have to laboriously write down all the stuff on the board. I can print it out after taking a picture with my digital camera,” remarked Lee Su-jin, a college student, 20.

A borrowed notebook of a friend no longer needs to be photocopied. Printing out digital camera-captured pictures is same in respect to quality.

“When I am faced with the important part when I read a book in a library, I take it as a picture with my digital camera,” remarked Kim Soo-jung, 27, who majors in design art.

Large bookstores are suffering from the digital camera mania because people take pictures of the necessary parts of the book rather than buying the whole book."
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "Sony Hesitates to Bring PlayStation 3 to Korea "
South, North Korean journalist associations meet for first time : National : Home:

"Journalist associations from South and North Korea met for the first time in 61 years on Wednesday to discuss ways to promote inter-Korean exchanges and reconciliation.

The meeting at Mt. Geumgang, a scenic resort on North Korea's east coast, brought together 115 journalists from South Korea and 50 from the North, according to the Seoul-based Journalists Association of Korea (JAK).

The South Korean journalists at the meeting were from news agencies, newspapers and online media, along with producers from broadcasting companies, while North Korean reporters from official media such as the Rodong Sinmun, the organ of the North's ruling Worker's Party of Korea, the Korean Central News Agency and Radio Pyongyang participated."
Korean waves sweeps Jeju : Arts & Entertainment : Home: "Star-studded int'l expo hopes to deepen understanding of Korean pop culture to Asia"
Increased Internet information leaks raise alarm : National : Home:
"There are growing worries over the Internet violence in Korea."

Monday, November 27, 2006

donga.com [english donga]: "40M Koreans Now Using Cell Phones
NOVEMBER 27, 2006 07:05
Recently, the number of cell phone users has reached the 40 million mark. This comes after 22 years of the introduction of the analogue cell phone service and 10 years after the start of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) service."
Look to Korea for future of Internet: The Independent| Korea.net News:
"Date: November 23, 2006
A major British newspaper featured Korea's world-leading Internet technology in its weekly media special edition on Saturday (Nov. 20).

In the article titled “South Korea: Look east to see the future of the Internet,” The Independent's reporter David McNeill wrote, “A tech-savvy government, the highest broadband penetration rate in the world, and a nation of restless young cyber-activists make South Korea the most fascinating media laboratory on the planet.” "
New English-language news site offers alternative views| Korea.net News:
"Date: November 27, 2006
The Hankyoreh, Korea's leading daily newspaper, has launched an online English edition (http://english.hani.co.kr). "
Korean wave arrives in Central, South America| Korea.net News: "Date: November 27, 2006
Newspapers have published reports about the recent Korean culture boom, or hallyu, sweeping over East Asian countries. Though some critics claim hallyu works only in Asia, such phenomenon, however, is not solely based on the similarity or common feelings that Asians share. "
Korea announces new IT vision| Korea.net News:
"Date: November 22, 2006
The Ministry of Information and Communication announced a new information technology (IT) vision on Monday (Nov. 20), vowing to turn Korea into the world's IT superpower. "
Choi, new Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute president| Korea.net News
Firms ride on user-created video boom | Korea.net News: "Date: November 27, 2006
Companies are shrewdly taking advantage of the soaring popularity of Internet video sharing services, planting advertising spots in the free-of-charge videos created by users.

LG Electronics has featured its MP3 player on a series of yoga video clips made by Kim Jin-hee this month. Kim, a Sookmyung Women's University student, wears an MP3 player around her neck throughout the 3-minute clips. She has become a popular figure in the Internet community as her videos are frequently viewed at video sharing sites such as Mgoon and Tag Story. "
The Korea Herald : The Nation's No.1 English Newspaper: " KT aims to be a leader in TV service on internet. Broadband operator eyes Web-based television as future revenue source"
The Korea Times : Internet-Based TV Conjures Up Magical World: "... This is an imagined snap shot of Korean people’s daily lives in just five years. All the aforementioned services will be powered by the Internet protocol TV (IPTV), if all goes as planned."
YONHAP NEWS: "Saturated market prompts mobile carriers to seek new revenue sources"

Thursday, November 23, 2006

Variety.com - Korean pic has no 'Regrets' at B.O.:
"Gay-themed drama off to strong start
By DARCY PAQUET
SEOUL -- Gay-themed Korean drama 'No Regrets,' which was picked up by Fortissimo for world sales at this fall's Pusan Intl. Film Festival, is off to a strong start at the Korean box office.

Despite opening on only six screens, the low-budget film sold 12,126 tickets to gross $84,000 in its first weekend."
Variety.com - South Korea starts IPTV trial:
"260 households in Seoul region to be connected to service
By DARCY PAQUET
SEOUL — South Korea moved a stop closer to its long-delayed rollout of internet protocol television (IPTV) with the start of trial services by a KT Corp.-led consortium."
GigaOM » Social Networking by the Numbers: "Written by Liz Gannes- Posted Wednesday, November 8 at 1:34 PM

Some interesting figures from social networking company executives here at the Web 2.0 Summit1. Cyworld and MySpace are, more than ever, heads and shoulders above the competition."

Monday, November 20, 2006

TV joins campaign to promote marriage, birth | Korea.net News: "Date: November 21, 2006
TV soap operas are to join the government's campaign to promote marriage and birth.

A two-day workshop organized by the state-run Planned Population Federation of Korea and the Korean TV and Radio Writers Association began on Monday in South Chungcheong Province, the Ministry of Health and Welfare said on Monday (Nov. 20). The event aims to increase positive portrayals of marriage and birth in mass media, especially in TV dramas. "
INSIDE JoongAng Daily: "Some spamming can save lives

November 15, 2006 ㅡ Joo Ah-young, a 15-year-old with a mental handicap, was separated from her parents on an outing, and was missing for 15 days before the police decided to take another approach to the search. An SMS message with her photo was sent to people in Seoul and Gyeonggi province. Two days after the message was sent, a call came to the police from a security guard of a shopping mall in Dongdaemun, saying that he had found Ms. Joo. "
INSIDE JoongAng Daily: "Barely-clad models cause controversy at game expo

November 15, 2006 ㅡ Korea's four-day game expo Gstar 2006 ended on Sunday, with a little more exposure than its organizers had planned for. On the last day, a special event took place at the Nexon booth, involving a team of female dancers wearing bra tops. During the performance, the top of one of the dancers was pushed up, baring most of her breasts. She quickly fixed her attire, but many of the people attending the show, including minors, were quick enough to capture the moment with their digital cameras."
INSIDE JoongAng Daily: "Barely-clad models cause controversy at game expo

November 15, 2006 ㅡ Korea's four-day game expo Gstar 2006 ended on Sunday, with a little more exposure than its organizers had planned for. On the last day, a special event took place at the Nexon booth, involving a team of female dancers wearing bra tops. During the performance, the top of one of the dancers was pushed up, baring most of her breasts. She quickly fixed her attire, but many of the people attending the show, including minors, were quick enough to capture the moment with their digital cameras."
INSIDE JoongAng Daily: "[Going to the blogs]Free speech and emotional land claims

Freedom of speech, impetuous Korean netizens and the always controversial Dokdo issue converged this past week to provide fodder for the Korean blogosphere. The story began with a post at the blog 'Occidentalism' (www. occidentalism.org/) stating that one of its frequent contributors, Gerry Bevers, had been asked by the president of the university where he is employed to cease posting on the Internet his research into Korea's and Japan's claims on Dokdo/Takeshima. The request from the president evidently came after angry netizens voiced their complaints to the university concerning Bevers' assertions about flaws in Korea's historical claims to the islands"
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "Korean Dubbing Puts Sexism in Hollywood Mouths"
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "New KTF Add Throws Political Correctness Overboard"
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "Symptoms of Terminal Spin Disease

Former prime minister Lee Hae-chan told a group of supporters of President Roh Moo-hyun on Saturday the Roh administration is the most stable in terms of system. But the government and ruling party have failed in letting the people feel it.” He said it was mortifying to be the target of so much criticism due to insufficient PR.

The government has split the post of Cheong Wa Dae PR chief into two, the chief presidential public relations secretary and presidential spokesman, and promoted the information officers of administrative agencies from level 2 or 3 officers to level 1 directors. In several meetings with the directors, the president sought to motivate them by saying “public relations reform” is crucial to becoming a world-class country.

The administration has locked the press and civil servants into one-way government propaganda, to the point where the Government Information Agency urged all public officials to protest against, explain, and file suit countering any press articles critical of the government. It also made senior bureaucrats who are either interviewed by or contribute articles to conservative newspapers file written explanations.

That is not nearly all. The president and Cabinet mi.."
Presidential office Web site comes under fire : National : Home:
"With repeated controversy over content, redesign in works, say sources"

Monday, November 13, 2006

Egyptian media praises Korea's IT culture| Korea.net News:
"Date: November 07, 2006
“Korean children learn how to use the Internet even before acquiring table manners,” Al-Ahram, the most widely circulated vernacular weekly in Egypt, said of Korea's highly penetrated information technololgy (IT) culture. "
Website opens for 'Vision 2030' with animation| Korea.net News:
"Date: November 10, 2006

The Government Information Agency said Tuesday (Nov. 7) that it has opened an Internet homepage with animation to help the public have a better understanding of strategies for 'Vision 2030,' a long-term development blueprint for Korea. "
Ubiquitous city, buzz that is here to stay | Korea.net News:
"Date: November 07, 2006

We've heard it once, we've heard it twice -- in fact, we have heard it so many times. It seems like everybody is talking about it these days. Well, at least, those who are continually looking at advances in the field of Information Technology.

The buzzword is U-City or Ubiquitous City. So, what is the buzz all about? This article neither will give you a technical brief nor a white paper about U-City. It will just simply share, in layman's terms, U-City some aspects worth knowing and sharing. "
Government to check Internet speed| Korea.net News:
"Date: November 08, 2006

Korean Internet service providers say that their online connection speed is 100 megabits per second (Mbps), fast enough to download a two-hour high-definition movie in about a minute.

Subscribers may suspect that the real-time connection speed is not as fast as the service provider's pledge but they could not measure the real-time speed.

To address the problem, the government plans to monitor whether the broadband operators provide the speed guaranteed in the contracts. "
Korea showcases e-Government excellence at Canada's GTEC| Korea.net News: "
Date: November 08, 2006
Korea's world-class e-Government has again shown its excellence in Canada.

At Canada's annual Government Technology Exhibition, known as the GTEC Week and held in Ottawa, for multifaceted learning and networking event for public sector IT professionals, Korea's e-Government showcased high-end IT technology to the world, with the help of the popular Einstein-headed humanoid robot Albert Hubo. "
Game industry emerging as Korea's growth engine| Korea.net News
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "Lee Sa-bi Talks About Her Big Screen Dreams

Lee Un-jeong may not be a household name, but everyone knows Lee Sa-bi. The two are in fact the same person, but the glamour model decided to return to the name she was born with to make the leap from scantily clad Playboy photographs into acting. She has already been a part of five productions including dramas and movies."
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "Samsung Sees Huge Global Interest in WiBro Technology"
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea:

"Internet Phone Fees Beat Conventional Calls by a Mile
Internet telephony providers are irresistibly luring customers with their rock-bottom fees. Internet phones prefixed “070” allow users to make international calls at drastically cheaper prices than fixed-line phones. Free calls are limitless when both the caller and receiver use Internet phones."
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "Dacom Offers Int’l Web Calls for W50 a Minute

International Internet phone call fees have dropped to W50 (US$1=W935) per minute. LG Dacom, the Internet and fixed-line telephony arm of LG Group, released a new Internet call package called 002 IP Special with the industry’s cheapest phone tariff on Wednesday"
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "SK Affiliate Launches ‘Buddy Tracking’ Feature

Mobile virtual network operator Helio, an affiliated company of SK Telecom, has introduced a new mobile phone called Drift by Samsung Electronics that had access to Google Maps and a new satellite GPS technology called “Buddy Beacon.” "
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea:

"Nude Riot Police Pictures Prompt Uneasy Questions

More Revealing Soldier Photos Embarrass Authorities
Korean Army Barracks ‘Like Concentration Camps’
Civic Group Releases Dozens of Nude Soldier Photos
Authorities are investigating nude photos of Korean riot policemen that are circulating in cyberspace, some evoking queasy memories of the Abu Ghraib scandal by suggesting the subjects could have been forced to pose by senior officers."
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "Movies, TV, Banish all other Forms of Culture

Even though the five-day work week has taken root, giving people more free time, and the GNI (gross national income) per person reached as high as UD$16,291(as of 2005), giving people more money, cultural activities, or lack thereof, are becoming more and more a cause for panic. "
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: /Yonhap
Former KBS president Jung Yun-joo (60) is to get his old job back despite resistance from the KBS labor union and opposition parties. The choice has sparked charges that it aims to help the ruling party in the presidential election next year. The KBS board of directors announced on Thursday that Jung won six out of 11 votes, the most among the 13 candidates, adding it will recommend Jung as KBS chief to President Roh Moo-hyun. The decision to reappoint Jung, whose term ended on June 30, comes after four months of fierce wrangling. "
KT to unveil WiBro-enabled laptop computer:
"KT Corp., South Korea's largest fixed-line and broadband operator, said Sunday that it will introduce this week a laptop computer model incorporating wireless Internet WiBro."

Thursday, November 09, 2006

Japan-South Korea Editors Seminar Aims for Better Mutual Understanding [NSK News Bulletin]

The 43rd Japan-South Korea Editors Seminar in Tokyo on Oct. 25 engaged 24 editors from 14 Japanese media and 15 from 13 South Korean media in discussions on the theme, “Rebuilding Japan-South Korea Relations ? the Media's Role.” They covered the North Korean nuclear weapons test and the latest developments in bilateral relations.

Monday, November 06, 2006

High technology used in promoting tourism| Korea.net News: "Date: November 07, 2006
Korea has a lot to show to both its own people and to foreigners. Is it doing a good job? Are there more effective ways of displaying Korea's attractions and helping people experience them?

Kim Jong-min, president of the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), is constantly asking that question. He sees tourism as an industry, combining high tech and high touch.

“Tourism is an industry that steals away people's minds. Thus it requires the highest technology. The technology should also be a combination of technologies used in other various fields,” Kim said. "
Watching movies is favorite weekend pastime for Koreans: Survey | Korea.net News: "
Date: November 07, 2006
A growing number of Koreans go to the movies in their free time on the weekend, but other types of entertainment like plays and concerts are not enjoying similar popularity, a government survey suggested Monday (Nov. 6). "
Korea eyes merger of communications, broadcast regulators| Korea.net News:
"Date: November 02, 2006

Korea is considering the consolidation of the country’s communications and broadcasting regulators in an effort to expedite the convergence of the two sectors, a top policymaker said Wednesday (Nov. 1).

Under the plan, a special committee will be established to put the Ministry of Information and Communication and the Korean Broadcasting Commission under its wing, Information and Communication Minister Rho Jun-hyong said. "
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "Samsung Sets Up Cell Phone Graduate Program

The world's third-largest mobile phone maker Samsung Electronics has joined hands with Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul to set up a graduate program for mobile handset technology. The program is the first of its kind in Korea, and will graduate 40 master's and 12 doctorate students every year. Samsung's head researchers and executive staff will take part in teaching courses. The company will set up another graduate program on mobile communications technology with Yonsei University.

Arirang News "
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "Samsung to Release New Sub-Notebook
Samsung Electronics is releasing a new 12.1 inch-monitor sub-notebook, the Sens Q40. The new 1.18 kg unit makes use of “no fan” technology which will make using it in very quiet places like libraries less of an annoyance."
Asian int’l affairs journal makes debut:
"Seoul-based publication looks at world from Asian perspective"
Looking for the real enemy [cartoon]:
"The media, the prosecution, and an intelligence official are scrutinizing everyone with a magnifying glass in front of a series of signs."
As Koreans go mobile, pay phones face extinction

Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Online videos subject to review as of Oct. 29| Korea.net News: "Date: October 27, 2006
Beginning Oct. 29, Internet movie and video downloads will be reviewed and rated by the Korea Media Rating Board when new regulations concerning movies and videos go into effect, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism said on Thursday (Oct. 26). "
U.S. Hallyu: Korean-American roles become more visible in Hollywood | Korea.net News
Kim Duk-soo reinvents tradition| Korea.net News: "Date: October 30, 2006
“Hallyu,” or the Korean wave that has swept Asia, has been serving as a driving force in Korean pop culture _ dramas, songs and films _ in recent years.

Do you know, however, that there is a man who has pioneered the true meaning of hallyu, successfully adapting the spirit of Korean tradition to the flavor of international pop music? "
Over 80 Korean films to be shown at American Film Market | Korea.net News: "Date: October 31, 2006
Most Korean films released this year, including Lee Joon-ik's 'Radio Star' and Kim Ki-duk's 'Time,' will be entered in the American Film Market this week in an effort to find foreign buyers, the market's website said Monday (Oct. 30). "
'StarCraft' quarterfinals to kick off | Korea.net News
Kids become 'digital natives'| Korea.net News: "
Date: October 30, 2006
In Korea, “digital natives” are sprouting up at a fast pace to help cement the nation's global status as a high-tech pacesetter full of technology gurus. "
INSIDE JoongAng Daily: "Korea, France sign deal for film co-productions

October 28, 2006 ㅡ South Korea signed its first-ever film co-production with France yesterday, paving the way for their film industries to advance into each other's markets and enjoy the same status as domestic movies.
Culture and Tourism Minister Kim Myung-gon and his French counterpart Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres inked the Film Co-production Accord in Seoul. The agreement centers on a barrier-removing policy that will recognize films co-produced between the two countries as domestic ones. "
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "Half Korean Lands Lead in New ABC Drama "
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "Ads Pit Jeon Ji-hyun Against Lee Hyo-lee

TV Spot Pitches Korea's Sexiest Against Each Other
Top Korean stars Jeon Ji-hyun and Lee Hyo-lee are pitted against each other in single combat in the new commercials for the Samsung Anycall mobile phones."
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "Click Fraud Sets Back Internet Advertising
There had been over 134 million cases of so-called click fraud until the end of the third quarter this year, it has emerged. Click fraud makes use of the practice whereby online advertisers pay per click on their ads, by generating scores of “fake clicks” and then getting a commission from advertisers."
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "Daum Shares Soar on ‘Google Effect’ "
Ghost writers : Arts & Entertainment : Home: "Ghost writers" [Satirical short piece on "shocking" spy news in the meida.]

Monday, October 23, 2006

YONHAP NEWS: "(LEAD) S. Korea unveils blueprint to boost local cinema industry to top 5 worldwide"
The Korea Times : ‘Columnist’ Prosecutor Shifted to Office Job:
"A state prosecutor who created controversy by writing a newspaper column on the legal rights of criminal suspects and defendants was recently reassigned to a non-investigative department, prosecution officials said yesterday."
The Korea Times : Cable TV Operators Block HanaTV
The Korea Herald : The Nation's No.1 English Newspaper: "Restriction tightened for gaming rooms

The government today announced new limits, effective this Sunday, on the opening hours of adult gaming rooms. Content regulations will also be strengthened, a panel chaired by Prime Minister Han Myeong-sook decided."
"Daejanggeum" out to make splash in India| Korea.net News: "Date: October 06, 2006
'Daejanggeum' (Jewel in the Palace), the Korean miniseries based on the life of a 16th century cook in the Joseon Dynasty who became the first and only woman physician to serve a Korean king, debuted in India last Sunday (Sept. 24). From China to Hong Kong and even Japan, this historical drama was a raging hit in Asia, racking up record ratings. "
Manhwa: Comics that are more than just funny books| Korea.net News: "
Date: October 08, 2006
As Korean movies and TV dramas sweep Asia and the world, well-known Korean cartoonist Lee Hyun-sae, 50, bellows out, 'Why not our comic books, too?' "
Ubiquitous life for everybody| Korea.net News: "Ubiquitous life for everybody

Date: October 10, 2006
By Song Yoo-jong,
Director General, Financial Planning Officer
Ministry of Information and Communication

The Ministry of Information and Communication largely bears two things in mind in its financial plans: one is to make an all-out effort to cultivate IT projects that will be the growth engine of the nation and the other is to make sure society as a whole benefits from it. "
Information protection knowledge portal put into operation| Korea.net News:
"Date: October 21, 2006
The Korea Information Security Agency (KISA) on Friday (Oct. 20) launched a knowledge portal on information protection, Secure Net (www.securenet.or.kr), the Ministry of Information and Communication said. "
Int'l standardization agency adopts Korea's ubiquitous home network services | Korea.net News:
"Date: October 21, 2006
Adoption by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) of Korea's ubiquitous home network services has provided momentum for local companies on a head start in the global home network services market, raising hope for the advent of a ubiquitous city. "
E-government, Korea's flagship innovation| Korea.net News: "E-government, Korea's flagship innovation

Date: October 19, 2006
Amid high global interest in the Korean government's innovative efforts, an international seminar on government innovations was recently held in Seoul.

The Presidential Committee on Government Innovation and Decentralization (PCGID) and the Korean Association for Public Administration (KAPA) co-hosted an international seminar titled “Government Reform: Past, Present, and Future - A Comparative Perspective,” on Oct. 13-14 with some 500 local and foreign scholars and government officials participating. "
INSIDE JoongAng Daily: "[OUTLOOK]Intellectuals must enrich Net culture

Recently a web log by Gary Becker and Richard Posner was introduced to Korea by Ahn Min-ho, a communications professor at Sookmyung Women's University. Professor Ahn said he felt 'men of letters' were being resurrected on this blog. Journalism at its early stage was created when letters written by renowned intellectuals were published. Lately, famous American law experts, scholars and professionals have posted items sharing their knowledge and experience on the Internet. The blog from Mr. Becker, a Nobel Prize laureate in economics, and Judge Posner is a good example of this."
INSIDE JoongAng Daily: "Marketers going straight-to-Internet

October 23, 2006 ㅡ Marketers looking to hawk their goods to young Internet-savvy customers are putting their video clips online. In the past, the companies would put the videos on television or in theaters before putting them up on their Web sites.
Samsung Electronics recently filmed a four-part drama series with the popular actor Lee Jun-ki. The company said yesterday that the video clips ― initially shown only online ― had garnered more than 1.5 million hits as of Friday, only 10 days after they were posted on the Web site for Samsung's Anycall cell phone brand. On major portal sites, popular Web content is considered anything with more than 1 million hits. "
INSIDE JoongAng Daily: "Man accused of posting 14,000 porn clips online

October 18, 2006 ㅡ Busan police said yesterday they had arrested and briefly detained a 29-year-old who they said distributed 14,000 Japanese pornographic video clips on the Internet, which police estimated was 70 percent of all such online clips posted in Korea."
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "Fuji TV Producing Special on Korean Wave Star
Fuji TV is in the process of producing a documentary on Korean Wave star Song Seung-hun. "
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "
LG Follows Chocolate with Stainless Shine "
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "
LG Follows Chocolate with Stainless Shine "
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "Korea's Video Sharing Websites Brace for the Big Time

A key talking point in this year's Miss Korea beauty pageant was video clips recorded by candidates themselves of their time during the contest. They were posted on video sharing site Mgoon and proved extremely popular among Netizens by offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the daily lives of the champions of world peace. News that the top global search engine Google took over video sharing site YouTube for US$1.65 billion has also boosted interest in “user-created content” in Korea."
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "SK Communications Takes Over Search Engine Empas"
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "How Much Slimmer Can Mobile Phones Get?
Mobile phones seem headed for two-dimensionality, so relentless is the slimming down the gadgets have undergone. Phones less than 1 cm thick now cause no great stir. It all started, perhaps, with Motorola’s RAZR, which became a big hit when it was released last year, and now the entire cell phone industry has gone anorexic. Like the bulging wallet, the bulging phone pocket will soon seem utterly quaint. "
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: " Updated Oct.23,2006 09:37 KST
Webcams Are Evolving Fast

Webcams are evolving, their image quality matching that of camcorders or digital cameras and their use expanding from online chat to playing games, taking high-resolution pictures or recording video clips."
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "A Home Entertainment System in Your Lap

As more consumers use their notebook PCs for entertainment purposes like gaming and video playback, laptops with powerful entertainment features are gaining popularity. "
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "Chosun Ilbo Faces Tax Probe After Irking Cheong Wa Dae

The National Tax Service said Thursday it will launch a tax investigation of the Chosun Ilbo and Sports Chosun, one of its subsidiaries. The probe comes five years after the last, devastating probe. The Seoul Regional Tax Office sent the two newspapers prior notice that it intends to conduct a regular tax investigation that will span 60 business days from Oct 20, 2006 through Jan 23, 2007. Under the Kim Dae-jung administration in 2001, the NTS conducted a four-month tax probe of 23 media companies including major newspapers Chosun and DongA Ilbo and slapped them with W505.6 billion (US$1=W957) in additional taxes, giving rise to cries of a crackdown on the critical press."
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "A Familiar Attack on the Chosun Ilbo

The National Tax Service has notified the Chosun Ilbo that it will conduct a 60 business-day regular tax investigation of this newspaper from Oct. 30 to Jan. 23. The tax probe comes five years after the last one, which happened during the Kim Dae-jung administration. The Maeil Business Newspaper and state-run broadcaster KBS will also be subject to a tax probe, the NTS said."
Korean pop stars to converge in Shanghai : Arts & Entertainment : Home: "South Korean pop singers will showcase their talent in a concert next month in Shanghai with support from their government, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism said Wednesday."

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

INSIDE JoongAng Daily: "KT plans Internet TV launch in fall

October 13, 2006 ㅡ A global workshop concluded yesterday in Seoul on IPTV, or Internet-protocol TV.
It was the first international workshop for IPTV."
INSIDE JoongAng Daily: "KT, Daum to lead Internet TV test

October 14, 2006 ㅡ The Ministry of Information and Communication announced yesterday that two consortia have been selected to lead the test operation of the Internet-based broadcasting service called IPTV, or Internet-protocol TV. "
INSIDE JoongAng Daily: "LG draining Netizens from KT, Hanaro

October 16, 2006 ㅡ The number of subscribers for Xpeed, a high-speed Internet service brand offered by LG Powercom, has surpassed 1 million, reflecting a major shift in the broadband market since its deregulation."
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "Google Launches Assault on Korean Market"
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "LG's Chocolate Phone Wins U.K. Consumer Prize "
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "Hollywood Distributors to Merge in Onslaught on Korean Film "
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "Singer's Hotpants Inflame Cyberspace"
Google signs deal to build R&D center in South Korea : Business : Home: "Google, the world's largest Internet search engine, signed a deal Tuesday with South Korea's government to set up a research and development (R&D) center in the country."
Two consortia picked to lead Internet-based TV service in S. Korea : Business : Home: "Two consortia have been chosen to spearhead the test operation of the much-awaited Internet-based broadcasting IP-TV service in South Korea before this year, the government said Friday."

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

The Korea Times : Naver CEO Threatens to Scrap News Service:
"Naver, South Korea’s primary Internet portal site, may stop offering its news service, according to chief executive officer of NHN, which runs the popular site (www.naver.com)."
The Korea Times : Parody Sites Anger Government Agencies:
"The Ministry of Male and Family (http://norway.goalibaba.com), a parody site of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family (MOGEF), shut down on Sept. 25 with the organizer of the Web site leaving an apology on the memo board"
The Korea Times : Lawmaker Plans Bill to Call Time Out for Internet Games:
"A South Korean lawmaker plans to draft regulations to prevent children and adolescents from spending too much time on online games and Internet chatting."

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

Traffic complaints can be reported via cell phone during Chuseok| Korea.net News: "Date: October 04, 2006
Passengers will be able to report traffic accidents or other traffic-related complaints by sending still pictures or moving images via cell phone to the authorities from Oct. 3 to Oct. 8 to minimize inconvenience during the Chuseok holiday. "
Mobile digital broadcasting phone users asked for upgrade | Korea.net News: "Date: October 02, 2006
Users of terrestrial-DMB (digital multimedia broadcasting) TV receivers are being asked to check with manufacturers for an upgrade as soon as possible due to critical malfunctions that are expected to happen in the middle of this month. "
INSIDE JoongAng Daily: "Cyberspace law, role of Internet focus of forum

October 02, 2006 ㅡ

How to police cyberspace is a work in progress.
With the world using the Internet as a means of expression more and more, global leaders met in Seoul last week to discuss the role of the Internet as a new platform for democracy."
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "Chosun Honorary Chairman Suffers Hate Attack"
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "A Terror Attack on the Press

Chosun Honorary Chairman Suffers Hate Attack

The terror attack against Chosun Ilbo honorary chairman Bang Woo-young is a reminder of the state of the society we live in, and of the environment in which the press must carry out its mission to make the truth public. "
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "ADSL Users Get Slowest Service
ADSL high-speed Internet service is only about half as fast as cable internet service despite costing on average more than W5,000 (US$1=W948) more. "
S. Korea introduces new personal identification system for cyberspace

Thursday, September 28, 2006

The Korea Herald : The Nation's No.1 English Newspaper: " Row brewing over KBS appointment

The main opposition Grand National Party has stepped up its campaign against President Roh Moo-hyun's possible reappointment of a 'pro-government' head of the public broadcaster KBS."
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "
Korean Firms Turn to Neuromarketing"
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "Organized Spammers Busted

Spammers who sent more than 15 billion unsolicited e-mails over the last two years have been nabbed by a joint investigation of the Ministry of Information and Communication, the Korea Information Security Agency and the Cyber Crime Division of Gyeonggi Provincial Police."
[Column] Korean Film Council makes a good move : Editorial & Opinion : Home: "One of the most important steps taken by the Korean Film Council (KOFIC) to support Korean film was to increase access to box office information."

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

The Korea Times : e-Learning Booms in Korea: "A series of international conferences and events for e-Learning is currently taking place in Korea."

Sunday, September 24, 2006

Korea Times: "
Prosecutor Kum Gives Up Controversial Newspaper Column

By Kim Tong-hyung
Staff Reporter

Apparently pressured by colleagues, a state prosecutor gave up a newspaper column providing legal advise on criminal procedures, including the rights of suspects or defendants when questioned by law enforcement authorities, vernacular daily Hankyoreh said yesterday."
Korea Times Search: "Prosecutor Kum Gives Up Controversial Newspaper Column


By Kim Tong-hyung
Staff Reporter

Apparently pressured by colleagues, a state prosecutor gave up a newspaper column providing legal advise on criminal procedures, including the rights of suspects or defendants when questioned by law enforcement authorities, vernacular daily Hankyoreh said yesterday."
The Korea Times : How Has Korea Become Internet Powerhouse?: " Competition, Early Adopters Boost Korean Success
By Seong Nak-yang
President of Yahoo Korea
The widespread popularization of the Internet in Korea during the 1990s can be traced back to PC-based communications."

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Korea blocks access to foreign-based online gambling | Korea.net News: "The government is continuing to shut down access to Korean-language gambling websites, whose operations are based in foreign countries. "
Korean portals customize search options| Korea.net News:
"Date: September 18, 2006
When a student inquires about China using a search engine to find news about studies, the chances are he will receive a flood of irrelevant information. "
INSIDE JoongAng Daily: "Digital cinema systems coming to movie screens

Technology allows easy conversion to TV, Internet

September 19, 2006 ㅡ Backed on digital technology, the Korean theater industry is taking yet another step toward getting rid of plastic film forever. "

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

The Korea Times : Koreans Talk More, Eat Less: "South Korean households are spending more on the high-speed Internet, mobile calls and other telecommunication-related services, while tightening their belts on other expenses amid the sluggish domestic economy, according to the Bank of Korea (BOK) Tuesday."
The Korea Times : Global Positioning System Helps Catch Thieves: "By Kim Tae-gyu
Staff Reporter

Information technology has lengthened the long arm of the law in South Korea with the global positioning system (GPS) being used to catch a thief."
The Korea Herald : The Nation's No.1 English Newspaper: " Romania, Russia show interest in WiBro

Korea will strengthen ties with European countries in information technology, Information Minister Rho Jun-hyong told reporters yesterday after returning home from his nine-day swing through Romania, Russia, Germany and Hungary."
The Korea Herald : The Nation's No.1 English Newspaper: "LG considers entering digital-music service"
Korean products attract Finnish consumers at IT show| Korea.net News:
"Date: September 11, 2006
Korea's advanced information technology (IT) has been attracting Finnish citizens in Helsinki, the capital of the Scandinavian country, at the four-day show, which will continue through Monday (Sep. 11). "
President busy in 'sales diplomacy' in Finland| Korea.net News
[Photo News] President promoting Korean handset| Korea.net News
Director Ryoo is sole Korean presence at Venice| Korea.net News:
"Date: September 07, 2006
VENICE, Italy _ Ryoo Seung-wan's “City of Violence” (Chakpae) was the sole Korean film invited to this year's Venice Film Festival. Ryoo's fifth feature film was screened at the festival, one of the world's leading film events, as part of the midnight screenings on Sept. 1. "
7th Mexican Film Festival to kick off| Korea.net News: "7th Mexican Film Festival to kick off

Date: September 11, 2006
The Mexican Embassy in Seoul said on Sunday (Sept. 10) that it will host the 7th Mexican Film Festival at Seoul Art Cinema from Sept. 16 to 20. "
Lightning-fast Internet to debut this year| Korea.net News: "Lightning-fast Internet to debut this year

Date: September 08, 2006
Korea, the world's most wired nation, continues to push the envelope on the speed of broadband Internet, as it looks set to make 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) a commercial possibility. "
Samsung sells new handset with roaming in 90 countries | Korea.net News
INSIDE JoongAng Daily: "Telecom firms spar over plans for ‘bundling'

September 07, 2006 ㅡ The Information Ministry is considering allowing all telecommunications companies to bundle sales of wireless and fixed-wire services, a practice now prohibited among companies deemed to hold a monopolistic position, defined as half the market. Should the rules be relaxed, it could auger big changes in the telecommunications market."
INSIDE JoongAng Daily: "In search of phone ideas, firms turn to amateurs

September 08, 2006 ㅡ

What do cell phone makers do when they get designers' block?
Pantech Group, Korea's No. 2 handset maker, may turn to its 'designer community.' Since 2004, the cell phone maker has selected a couple of dozen students every year to fill this group, which works as a pseudo in-house research unit. "
INSIDE JoongAng Daily: "Korean firm supplies the key(pad) to Razr phone's success

September 11, 2006 ㅡ In the cell phone universe, there seem to be a million options. But one stands out.
The Razr."
INSIDE JoongAng Daily: "Full range of Skype calls will soon be offered here

September 12, 2006 ㅡ Skype, the world's largest Internet phone service provider, will officially begin offering full service in Korea as early as next month. "
INSIDE JoongAng Daily: "Russia may install Korean wireless Internet technology"
INSIDE JoongAng Daily: "Key cell phone markets are emerging

September 12, 2006 ㅡ As global competition intensifies, cell phone makers here need to aggressively expand into emerging markets to regain lost ground, a report said yesterday."
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "Seoul Film Festival Opens in New Guise

The seventh Seoul Film Festival opened on Friday at Seoul Art Cinema and Sponge House. The festival has been held under the name of Seoul Net Festival: SeNef, but it changes its name from this year and starts all over, bringing together 143 films from 30 countries."
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "
Home> Biz/Tech
Updated Sep.11,2006 20:23 KST

Korean Giants Invade Eastern Europe

Korean Companies Rethink Mass Production
Korean electronics companies and carmakers are flocking to Eastern Europe, building factories to make forays into the European market, the world’s largest and moving assembly lines from Western European countries to the former Warsaw Pact nations."
Mobile providers balk at carrying broadcast service : Business : Home: "Reluctance based on weak profits rather than customer interest"
Samsung develops world's 1st 32-gigabit NAND flash

Friday, September 08, 2006

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

The Korea Times : Mobile Phones Become Extra Smart:
"By Kim Tae-gyu
Staff Reporter

Over the past decade cell phones have emerged as an important consumer gadget, but for many using the phone’s applications _ sending a text message for instance _ has proved a challenge."
The Electronic Times Internet: "Blue-ray Gets Ahead in Competition for Next-generation DVD Players"
The Electronic Times Internet: "Mobile Phones are fast upgrading to a Total Multimedia

Tuesday, September 05, 2006 By Kim Won-suk

Mobile phones are sucking high technologies of advanced information home appliances like digital TV, notebook PC, and laser printer. "
LG Electronics to launch 2nd LCD TV plant in Poland| Korea.net News: "Date: September 06, 2006
LG Electronics, Korea's second-largest electronics maker, will launch the operations of its second liquid crystal display (LCD) TV plant in Poland later this month, a company spokesman said Tuesday (Sept. 5) "
INSIDE JoongAng Daily: "Phone exports may be turning corner

September 05, 2006 ㅡ After struggling earlier this year, Korea's mobile phone exports are showing signs of a revival. "
Next generation wireless internet sees slow start in S.K. : Business : Home: "Next generation wireless internet sees slow start in S.K.
Poor service range, lack of handsets named as culprits"

Monday, September 04, 2006

32-year-old to take part in World Cyber Games | Korea.net News:
"Date: September 04, 2006
How old is too old to be a world champion in a sport? The pinnacle of a gymnast's career may come and go before 20, while some baseball players remain spectacular even after they turn 40. "
Interview by President Roh Moo-hyun With the Korea Broadcasting System (KBS)| Korea.net News
KBS extends terrestrial digital multimedia broadcasting services nationwide | Korea.net News
INSIDE JoongAng Daily: "Digital music market includes Samsung

September 04, 2006 ㅡ NEW YORK ― Samsung Electronics has stepped into the ring to compete with firms in the digital music service market currently dominated by Apple Computer's iTunes."
INSIDE JoongAng Daily: "Samsung positions firm for digital boom in 2010

September 04, 2006 ㅡ BERLIN ― Samsung Electronics' digital media president Choi Gee-sung said Friday in Berlin that in 2010 the consumer electronics market will see a 'digital boom' along with the opening of a 'digital golden age.'"
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "’The Host’ Set for All-Time Box-Office Record

Monster flick 'The Host' is poised to overtake the 'King and the Clown' with the most successful run in Korean movie history."
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "First Hollywood Remake of Korean Film Opens

The unusual scenario of a man exchanging letters with a woman living two years in the future was the premise of the internationally acclaimed Korean film ‘Il Mare.’"
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "IT Firms Ready for Battle in Hot MP3 Market

The market for MP3 players, one of the most popular items of the digital era, is heating up fast as the technology develops."
[Column] I want to use a $100 phone, too : Editorial & Opinion : Home:

Shin Jong-won, Executive Director, Seoul YMCA

"Ever since Korea became the first country to employ the regular use of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology in mobile phones in 1996, Korean phones have been a source of pride in terms of growth in both phone styles and services. "

Thursday, August 31, 2006

YONHAP NEWS: "South Korea's Information Network Villages get global attention"
YONHAP NEWS: "'Forbidden Quest,' a comic satire of hidden desire in Confucian era"
YONHAP NEWS: "Korean movie 'Mimong' portrays a woman's desire in 1930s"
The Seoul Times:
S. Korean Papers Court European Companies

Kwon Tae-Sun, lead editorial writer for Hankyoreh Newspaper, admits to "some truth to the analysis" that the "Korean press tends to be nationalist, anti-American and anti-corporate."
The Korea Times : Mobile Internet to Become Faster Than Fixed Line: "
Mobile Internet to Become Faster Than Fixed Line
Samsung Unveils 4G Techs for First Time

By Kim Tae-gyu
Staff Reporter

CHEJU _ People on the road will be able to download hundreds of music files in seconds around 2010 thanks to the new portable Internet technologies of Samsung Electronics."
The Korea Herald : The Nation's No.1 English Newspaper: " SKT signs pact to help China develop 3G mobile platform

SK Telecom Co., Korea's largest mobile-phone operator, said it will help develop China's homegrown third-generation mobile technology, laying the foundation for expansion into the most populous nation."
The Korea Herald : The Nation's No.1 English Newspaper: " Samsung unveils 4G wireless
A movie file will now take just 5.6 seconds to download

By Hwang Si-young

JEJU - The upcoming fourth-generation mobile service will take on a whole new dimension and its specific service requirements and spectral efficiencies will be more actively discussed throughout the world, according to Lee Ki-tae, president of Samsung Electronics Co.'s telecommunication network business."
Humble Korean kid rocks YouTube and the world| Korea.net News: "Date: September 01, 2006
The identity of a mysterious Korean guitarist has been finally revealed to the world. His name is Lim Jeong-hyun. "
Humble Korean kid rocks YouTube and the world| Korea.net News: "Date: September 01, 2006
The identity of a mysterious Korean guitarist has been finally revealed to the world. His name is Lim Jeong-hyun. "
INSIDE JoongAng Daily: "Cyworld gears up for its U.S. launch with youth in mind

August 29, 2006 ㅡ SAN FRANCISCO ― Cyworld may be a start-up firm capitalized at about 1 billion won ($1 million), but it doesn't put on a fancy face."
INSIDE JoongAng Daily: "Samsung to demonstrate 4G mobile systems today

August 31, 2006 ㅡ Samsung Electronics Co. will demonstrate for the first time today its fourth-generation mobile system, which it says will enable movies to be downloaded onto mobile handsets in just three to four seconds. "
donga.com [english donga]: "Gaming Association President Arrested

AUGUST 31, 2006 06:56

The special investigation team (directed by Jeong Yun-gi, head of the drug and organized crime division) of the Seoul District Prosecutors` Office has arrested Kim Min-seok (41), president of the Korea Computer Game Industrial Association (KCGIA), on August 30 on the suspicion of lobbying in the course of deliberation over a game machine for adults and is carrying out investigations on him."
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "Korea Ranks Third in Internet Population Worldwide"
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, Who’s the Slimmest of Them All?

Phone Makers Bet on Slim Designs to Woo Customers
The IT industry is afflicted with serious anorexia, with products from phones to TVs getting slimmer and slimmer."
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "Louvre Exhibits Samsung Phones for a Day
Models show off Samsung Electronics’ Ultra Edition phones at a European launch extravaganza at the Louvre in Paris on Tuesday.
The pride of France, the Louvre, on Tuesday saw an unusual display for arguably the greatest art museum in the world when Samsung Electronics held a product launch for mobile phones there."
S Korea PC maker Trigem attracts bids: "SEOUL, AUG 30: Failed South Korean personal computer maker Trigem Computer Inc., up for auction after it filed for protection from creditors last year, has attracted about 10 potential bidders, a company spokesman said."

Monday, August 28, 2006

The Korea Times : Google Faces Lawsuit: "

A South Korean Internet solution provider said Monday that it filed a suit with a Seoul court against Google Inc., the world's leading search-engine company, for its alleged violation of a patented technology, Yonhap News Agency reported."
TV banking services to start | Korea.net News: "Dacom, Korea's No. 3 fixed-line telecom operator, will launch TV-based banking services on Tuesday (Aug. 29) along with Korea Post, the country's postal service. "
Korea's IT gap with U.S. narrows to 1.6 years | Korea.net News
OhmyNews Japan Debuts - OhmyNews International:
"New site launches with 1,000 citizen reporters
Published 2006-08-28 11:43 (KST)
A new model of media is being exported from Korea to Japan for the first time in the history of the Korean media, OhmyNews CEO Oh Yeon-ho said on Monday, announcing the launching of OhmyNews Japan. "
INSIDE JoongAng Daily: "Phone service on the Internet hits 1-year mark

August 23, 2006 ㅡ Happy birthday VoIP.
Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP), or Internet phone service, is celebrating its first birthday in Korea. Although Internet phone service started in the late 1990s with Serome Technology's Dialpad, commercial service only started last year."
INSIDE JoongAng Daily: "New Windows released in Korea today

August 24, 2006 ㅡ Having lost an anti-trust case earlier this year, Microsoft Corp. will release today specially revised versions of the Windows operating system in Korea."
INSIDE JoongAng Daily: "Korean Air looks for in-flight Internet alternative

August 23, 2006 ㅡ The two Korean airlines, which both promoted in-flight Internet service, are scrambling to find alternatives to the Boeing service that the U.S. aircraft manufacturer plans to end.
Korean Air said yesterday that it had no strategy yet for the day when 29 of its aircraft that have the service installed are unplugged."
donga.com [english donga]: "Cops Crack Down on Internet Obscenity
AUGUST 28, 2006 07:26
About forty people who earned money by posting obscene materials on the Internet have been caught. They posted obscene pictures of themselves or their wives or girlfriends after cutting out the faces on the pictures."
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "Search Engines Burrow Deep Into Private Lives
A is keeping tabs on his ex-girlfriend. But the employee with a large conglomerate has not seen her since they broke up, nor spoken to her on the phone, and his information does not come via an indiscreet mutual friend."
In-flight Internet service takes a nose dive : Business : Home:
"Boeing cancels online access on its aircraft
In-flight Internet service, which drew huge public attention when it was launched a year ago, has failed to meet customers’ demands, causing losses for airline companies and Internet operators."
Organized crime controls gaming rooms: report :
"Adult video arcades under the thumb of syndicates, government report says"

Friday, August 25, 2006

South Korea gets stripped-down Windows XP: "South Korea gets stripped-down Windows XP

8/24/2006 12:36:10 PM, by Eric Bangeman

Microsoft's antitrust troubles, which started in the US, have definitely gone worldwide. In South Korea, the company was found to have violated antitrust rules by the country's Fair Trade Commission."

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

YONHAP NEWS: "(LEAD) Prime minister calls for intensive probe into arcade game scandal
By Kim Hyun
SEOUL, Aug. 22 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's Prime Minister Han Myeong-sook on Tuesday called for an intensive investigation into the mounting scandal over arcade video games amid allegations that the gambling industry has mushroomed under the influence of some government officials."
The Korea Times : Instant Messenger Changes Ways of Communications:
"Male Internet users are logged on to instant messenger programs more than three hours per day on average, while females spend more time viewing blog and mini-homepages than men, a report said."
Another promising Korean soap opera to debut in Japan Korea.net News:
"Date: August 22, 2006
A new hit Korean television soap opera starring an internationally recognized Korean singer-cum-actor will be broadcast in Japan, its provider said Monday (Aug. 21). "
Samsung markets 8GB cell phone Korea.net News:
"Date: August 23, 2006
Samsung Electronics, the world's third-largest cell phone vendor, will start to market a handset this week, which can store more than 1,500 music files. "
donga.com [english donga]: "[Opinion] Communication Record Access
AUGUST 21, 2006 03:06
Certain students in the Gwangju area used their mobile phones to cheat during the 2005 national scholastic achievement examination for the college entrance."
donga.com [english donga]: "Political Video Gambling Links Probed
AUGUST 22, 2006 03:01
Some argue that political pressure and lobbying played a major role in selecting companies to produce gift certificates used for gambling houses, including “Sea Story.” "
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "Samsung Unveils World's Largest Full-HD Panel

Samsung Electronics has unveiled the world's-largest, 70-inch LCD panel it plans to use in TV sets. The firm said Monday it developed a 70-inch Full-HD LCD that is twice clearer than existing HD LCDs, and plan to release the display as a finished product in the first half of next year. "
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "Arcade Game Probe to Tap Figures Close to Gov't

Prosecutors on Monday decided to launch an investigation into the suspected involvement of influential figures in an arcade games scandal. They are considering a travel ban for several people and raids on the Korea Media Rating Board and the Korea Game Development & Promotion Institute. The scandal has snowballed since it emerged that President Roh Moo-hyun’s nephew is involved in an adult slot machine game company that markets the highly addictive game “Sea Story.” "

Monday, August 21, 2006

INSIDE JoongAng Daily: "Customs to target Internet fakes
August 19, 2006 ㅡ The Internet is an increasingly attractive shopping place for Koreans; transactions have increased in number each of the past five years. But with the increased volume has come an increase in counterfeit goods.
The Seoul office of the Korea Customs Service wants that ended, announcing yesterday that it has signed an agreement with several Internet sites that host retailers. "
INSIDE JoongAng Daily: "[GOING TO THE BLOGS]MEDIA WEIRDNESS
Korea is rightly known as a trailblazer in electronic gadgetry, as one of the most wired nations in the world, and as a testing ground for the very latest in omnipotent cell phones. Which is partly why, one assumes, many K-bloggers and commenters are so bemused that such a large chunk of the local media continue to entertain some rather ― ahem ― unorthodox scientific theories."
The Korea Times : Working for Xbox as Fun as Playing It:
"There are two benefits in working at a game company: First, you can play ``Halo’’ or ``FIFA 06’’ in the office and pretend that it's work. Second, you can easily mix with the younger generation, or at least you feel like you do. "
The Korea Times : Hubo to Appear in Music Video: "
TAEJON _ Hubo, South Korea's two-legged walking robot, will feature in a music video next month together with six-time Grammy award-winning producer and rapper Kanye West of the United States, according to its creator. "
The Korea Times : Nationalism Weakens ‘Hallyu’:
"This is the second in a series of articles on the repercussions of rising nationalism in Korea and East By Nationalism has emerged as a major hindrance to the globalization of the Korean wave."

Friday, August 18, 2006

Ulchi drill tests cyber security Korea.net News:
"Date: August 18, 2006
A national crisis management drill participated in by the public, civilian and military sectors took place on Thursday (Aug. 17), focusing on measures to counter 'cyber terrorism' in the 21st century. "
English CDs to publicize Korea overseas Korea.net News:
"Date: August 18, 2006
The Voluntary Agency Network of Korea (VANK) has produced 5,000 CDs to publicize Korea in the English language and will distribute them overseas for free.

According to VANK, the English CDs contain information on Korean history to help people around the world have a better understanding about Korea. "
Korea to host international digital broadcasting meeting Korea.net News:
"Date: August 19, 2006
Korea will host an international conference on digital broadcasting in October, the Ministry of Information and Communication said Friday (Aug. 18). "

Thursday, August 17, 2006

The Korea Herald : The Nation's No.1 English Newspaper: "Samsung's new PDP TV dispenses with cables
Video lecture for bed-ridden students Korea.net News:
Date: August 17, 2006
"The Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (DOE) plans to put a video lecture program in place from August to help bedridden students."
Internet TV to debut in October Korea.net News:
Date: August 17, 2006
"Koreans will be able to get the glimpse of Internet protocol (IP) TV soon as a trial run of the web-based audio, visual services is due in October."
Is it Sunny in Seoul? - OhmyNews International:
"New Web site predicts Korean weather in amazing detail"
INSIDE JoongAng Daily: "Internet firms win the right to broadcast TV content
August 17, 2006 ㅡ Internet service providers have won their battle with cable television networks, after senior figures in the government and broadcasting ruled that Internet providers can and should broadcast television content."
donga.com [english donga]: "[Opinion] Public Broadcasting’s Grip
AUGUST 15, 2006 03:13
Broadcasting System (KBS) has made a new cable channel. KBS Sky Family, which will soon be on the air, is an entertainment channel that will specialize in quiz shows and variety shows. Most of the day time broadcasts allowed on KBS last December were reruns. KBS’s lax administration is expanding its business when it should be restructuring. The criticism of the masses couldn’t be lost on KBS. The reason it still keeps going in the wrong direction is because of egotism within the organization. "
donga.com [english donga]: "Newspaper Chief Appropriated Loans
AUGUST 17, 2006 03:34

It was revealed that the director of The Korea Newspaper Circulation Service (KNCS) Kang Gi-seok appropriated private loans for operating expenses. A stir is expected over this affair because it is an unprecedented event that a government-run organization borrowed money from private loans. "
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea:
"Internet TV to Go on Trial This Year
The IP TV service will enable users to watch the programs they want. Internet protocol TV, or online TV broadcasting, is to go on trial service as early as November. "
Large internet service providers push out small firms
"Daum and Naver hold sway; others struggle to survive

With a few large and deep-pocketed Internet portal companies dominating the market, small and medium-sized online service providers are struggling to keep their businesses alive."

Journalists vote Hankyoreh most reliable media company
"Over 80 percent said Blue House mishandles publicity

The Hankyoreh is considered the most reliable media outlet by journalists in the nation, according to the results of a survey conducted by Hangil Research & Consulting at the request of the Journalists Association of Korea upon the 43rd anniversary of its founding. The survey involved asking 300 reporters across the nation their opinion on current issues."

United Press International - NewsTrack - South Korea's Internet Protocol TV launch: "SEOUL, Aug. 16 (UPI) -- A trial run of Internet Protocol TV will take place in South Korea in October, it was reported Wednesday. "

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

International kids’ film festival kicks off in Busan: "The first Busan International Kids’ Film Festival (BIKI) opened at Megabox in Haeundae, Busan, at 5 p.m. yesterday. The festival will continue for five days. The festival, organized by the BIKI Organizing Committee and The Hankyoreh, will introduce 102 movies from 19 nations, including 21 made by children themselves."
INSIDE JoongAng Daily: "Broadcast squabble slated for review
August 16, 2006 ㅡ The dogfight between Internet service providers and cable networks over the rights to television broadcasting has become more than a private affair, as big brothers have stepped into the ring. Today, the Information Ministry and the Korean Broadcasting Commission will hold official negotiations on communication and broadcasting at ministry headquarters in Gwanghwamun, Seoul."
Yahoo to webcast 24-hour cable news channel YTN Korea.net News:
"Date: August 16, 2006
Yahoo Korea said yesterday it will start to service YTN, a 24-hour cable news channel, on the Internet portal from noon on Wednesday (Aug. 16). The live webcasting, however, falls in legal gray areas where regulations for broadcasting and showing of footage over the Internet are not well
The Seoul Times: "Monster Film Success Soothes S. Korea's Worried Cinema Industry
A rare monster film is blazing a trail in South Korea's cinema history, drawing record audiences and bolstering a local movie industry being weaned from decades of a protective screen quota."
YONHAP NEWS: "SK Communications launches Web community service in U.S. SEOUL, Aug. 16 (Yonhap) -- South Korean online company SK Communications Co. said Wednesday it has launched an Internet community service in the U.S. in a bid to secure a foothold in one of the world's largest cyber community markets. "
YONHAP NEWS: "S. Korea pushes for earlier introduction of Internet-based TV service SEOUL, Aug. 16 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's telecom regulator and broadcasting authorities came to an agreement Wednesday to make joint efforts for the test-operation of Internet-based TV within this year, clearing one of obstacles blocking the introduction of the next-generation communications and broadcasting service."
AsiaMedia :: KOREA: Court lifts charges against journalist:
"Lee Sang-ho's MBC report on wire-tapped conversations 'served the public's right to know' Korea Times Friday, August 11, 2006 By Kim Tong-hyung
A Seoul court Friday dropped criminal charges against a television news reporter who broke the story on the spy agency's illegal eavesdropping on civilians during previous governments last year."
Samsung YP-K5: Korea Gets All of the Cool MP3 Players - Gizmodo: "Samsung has released the YP-K5 MP3 player in Korea. This is pretty unfortunate for everyone else in the world because this player seems pretty awesome."

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

The Korea Herald : The Nation's No.1 English Newspaper: "Can WiBro go along with DMB? What if the portable broadband platform WiBro comes with mobile TV functions? An easy combination it seem, as technologies are getting matured."

Monday, August 14, 2006

All Headline News - Telecom Companies Acquiring Content Providers In S. Korea - August 14, 2006: "Seoul, South Korea (AHN) - South Korea's biggest telecom firms Hanarotelecom Inc., KT Corp. and SK Telecom Co. are acquiring more content providers, in a bid to secure quality content for their services. "
S. Korea starts comprehensive online foreign investor service : International : Home: "South Korea on Friday started a comprehensive online information service that is expected to facilitate inbound investments and enhance living conditions for foreign nationals."

Friday, August 11, 2006

donga.com [english donga]: "[Editorial] WiBro: Korea’s Hope
AUGUST 10, 2006 05:29
Wireless Broadband (WiBro) is a wireless broadband Internet technology that uses frequency bands for wireless communications. It is fourth-generation (4G) mobile technology that will open the era of the ubiquitous Internet. Samsung Electronics has joined hands with Sprint Nextel, Intel and Motorola to successfully introduce WiBro to the U.S. market, thereby gaining a foothold to WiBro becoming an international standard."
YONHAP NEWS: "S. Korean game firms face hurdles in China
By Kim Soo-yeon SEOUL, Aug. 11 (Yonhap) -- South Korean online game companies are keen to tap the potentially lucrative Chinese market, but their China push is hitting a snag due to state regulation, heated competition and rampant piracy, analysts say."
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "Korean MP3 Firms Shed Crocodile Tears at Apple Scandal

Kosdaq-listed MP3 player makers here could be forgiven a certain amount of Schadenfreude after news that the bane of their existence, Apple CEO Steve Jobs, is embroiled in a stock options scandal. Korean MP3 firms have risen recently, with Reigncom, whose iRiver lost market share to Apple’s iPod, up 4.57 percent to close at W4,580 (US $1=W958) on Thursday."
AsiaMedia :: KOREA: WiBro to put Korea on IT leadership map: "With the majority of shares and most of the core technology's patents in Korean hands, hopes rise that Korea might finally benefit from its IT successes"

Thursday, August 10, 2006

INSIDE JoongAng Daily: "[EDITORIALS]A hand-held economic plan
WiBro (Wireless Broadband), a next-generation mobile communications technology developed in Korea, is now making its way into the United States, the home of telecommunications technology. Samsung Electronics agreed to begin WiBro commercial services across the United States on a nationwide basis with the service provider Sprint Nextel, starting in 2008."
INSIDE JoongAng Daily: "Hallyu hopefuls strut, sing and prance for the judges
August 10, 2006 ㅡ It wasn't their first audition, they said, but it was just as tense. Byun Hyo-myeong and her friend Yang Eun-bi, both 16, were getting twitchy and nervous, waiting for their turn to go up on the stage and sing. 'My mother really wants me to become a star, so she's been taking me to casting auditions since I was thirteen,' Hyo-myeong said as she tried to smooth out her shirt. "
The Korea Herald : The Nation's No.1 English Newspaper: "[BOX OFFICE]Dasepo Naughty Girl (Korea) To be released Aug. 10
Comedy. Directed by Lee Jae-yong. At sexually corrupted Maseulmo High School, teachers and students skip school because of a sexual disease."
The Korea Herald : The Nation's No.1 English Newspaper: "WiBro poised to bring huge benefits to Korea.
Industry analysts are keenly watching the export potential of WiBro, the development of derivative technologies and commercialization of new services, as the wireless platform was selected by Sprint Nextel for its broadband mobile network in the United States. "
INSIDE JoongAng Daily: "Huge U.S. wireless project is a coup for Korean firm.
August 10, 2006 ㅡ After years of deliberation and much industry speculation, U.S. telecom firm Sprint Nextel selected mobile WiMAX, whose technology was developed by Samsung Electronics, for its wireless high-speed Internet infrastructure for millions of subscribers across the United States. The service will be available in most of the United States."