[The Chosun Ilbo, February 15 2008] Warner Bros. to Build $4 Bil. Theme Park in Korea
Warner Bros., a major American movie studio, has decided to invest US$4 billion to build a theme park in the Misari area of Hanam, Gyeonggi Province, a key member of the presidential Transition Committee said on Thursday.
This committee member said that Warner Bros. chairman Barry M. Meyer and executive vice president John Schulman are expected to attend the inauguration ceremony of president-elect Lee Myung-bak on Feb. 25.
Friday, March 28, 2008
[The Chosun Ilbo, February 15 2008] KT to Launch 3rd Satellite into Orbit
Korea's leading broadband communications service provider KT will launch its third satellite into orbit in 2010 in a bid to accommodate the increasing demand for high definition digital broadcasting.
The new-and-improved satellite Mugunghwa 6 will replace its predecessor Mugunghwa 3 which will be put out of service in 2011.
The soon-to-be decommissioned satellite provides TV broadcasts to more than 2 million subscribers of Skylife, a commercial satellite broadcaster in Korea.
Koreans who live in areas where cable and terrestrial TV reception are both unavailable are reportedly Skylife's main customers. KT has two satellites currently operating in orbit.
Korea's leading broadband communications service provider KT will launch its third satellite into orbit in 2010 in a bid to accommodate the increasing demand for high definition digital broadcasting.
The new-and-improved satellite Mugunghwa 6 will replace its predecessor Mugunghwa 3 which will be put out of service in 2011.
The soon-to-be decommissioned satellite provides TV broadcasts to more than 2 million subscribers of Skylife, a commercial satellite broadcaster in Korea.
Koreans who live in areas where cable and terrestrial TV reception are both unavailable are reportedly Skylife's main customers. KT has two satellites currently operating in orbit.
[The Hankyoreh, March 26 2008] Lee appoints spy chief, top media policymaker
President Lee Myung-bak Wednesday appointed former Justice Minister Kim Sung-ho as the new chief of the National Intelligence Service (NIS) and Choi Si-jung, one of his most trusted advisors, as the new chairman of the Broadcasting and Communications Commission (BCC).
Kim was nominated as Lee's first spy chief in late February but failed to undergo the National Assembly's confirmation hearing due to rival parties' opposition stemming from an allegation that he had received bribes from Samsung Group while serving as a senior prosecutor years ago in return for favors to Samsung in criminal probes.
Under the current law, the president can appoint Cabinet ministers and other minister-level officials, including the heads of NIS and BCC, if political parties fail to hold a confirmation hearing for over 20 days after their nominations are reported to the Assembly.
President Lee Myung-bak Wednesday appointed former Justice Minister Kim Sung-ho as the new chief of the National Intelligence Service (NIS) and Choi Si-jung, one of his most trusted advisors, as the new chairman of the Broadcasting and Communications Commission (BCC).
Kim was nominated as Lee's first spy chief in late February but failed to undergo the National Assembly's confirmation hearing due to rival parties' opposition stemming from an allegation that he had received bribes from Samsung Group while serving as a senior prosecutor years ago in return for favors to Samsung in criminal probes.
Under the current law, the president can appoint Cabinet ministers and other minister-level officials, including the heads of NIS and BCC, if political parties fail to hold a confirmation hearing for over 20 days after their nominations are reported to the Assembly.
[The Hankyoreh, March 18 2008] 100 entrepreneurs picked for presidential hotline
Cheong Wa Dae, the presidential office, said Wednesday that it has selected 100 entrepreneurs eligible to directly call President Lee Myung-bak 24 hours a day over business difficulties.
"Lee will this week open a hotline cell phone solely for entrepreneurs as part of his drive to enhance corporate investment and competitiveness. Cheong Wa Dae has picked about 100 entrepreneurs who will be allowed access to the presidential hotline," the office said in a press release.
Cheong Wa Dae, the presidential office, said Wednesday that it has selected 100 entrepreneurs eligible to directly call President Lee Myung-bak 24 hours a day over business difficulties.
"Lee will this week open a hotline cell phone solely for entrepreneurs as part of his drive to enhance corporate investment and competitiveness. Cheong Wa Dae has picked about 100 entrepreneurs who will be allowed access to the presidential hotline," the office said in a press release.
[The Hankyoreh, March 18 2008] Roadkill is not just on the roads
We’ve all seen it as we drive by. Roadkill, defined as animals that have been hit by vehicles, is everywhere. But these days, it is not just on the road. It has become the subject of both a research study and film documenting the study.
...
A film documenting Choi’s study, entitled “One Day on the Road” and directed by Hwang Yun, will be screened exclusively at art houses in Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Daejeon and Gwangju on March 27. This is the first documentary on the ecosystem to be shown in theaters in South Korea.
We’ve all seen it as we drive by. Roadkill, defined as animals that have been hit by vehicles, is everywhere. But these days, it is not just on the road. It has become the subject of both a research study and film documenting the study.
...
A film documenting Choi’s study, entitled “One Day on the Road” and directed by Hwang Yun, will be screened exclusively at art houses in Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Daejeon and Gwangju on March 27. This is the first documentary on the ecosystem to be shown in theaters in South Korea.
[The Hankyoreh, March 18 2008] Film on tragedy of N.K. defectors to be released
SEOUL, March 18 (Yonhap)The first Korean film depicting the tragic reality of life for North Korean defectors will be released by the end of June after four years of "quiet" filming and production, the film's producer said Tuesday.
"Crossing," a story directed by Kim Tae-gyun and starring Korean TV star Cha In-pyo, depicts an 8,000 km arduous and lonely journey made by an 11-year-old North Korean boy in search of his coal-miner father who ended up defecting to South Korea.
...
"I had to be very cautious in making this film because of the political sensitivity of the defector issue," Kim said during a news conference in which part of the incomplete film was open to media for the first time.
SEOUL, March 18 (Yonhap)The first Korean film depicting the tragic reality of life for North Korean defectors will be released by the end of June after four years of "quiet" filming and production, the film's producer said Tuesday.
"Crossing," a story directed by Kim Tae-gyun and starring Korean TV star Cha In-pyo, depicts an 8,000 km arduous and lonely journey made by an 11-year-old North Korean boy in search of his coal-miner father who ended up defecting to South Korea.
...
"I had to be very cautious in making this film because of the political sensitivity of the defector issue," Kim said during a news conference in which part of the incomplete film was open to media for the first time.
[The Hankyoreh, March 18 2008] [Column] Hypocritical appointments for the broadcast media
Yun Tae-jin, Professor, Graduate School of Communication and Arts, Yonsei University
The reason children fight is simple. One kid jokingly hits another on the back of the head. The other cusses him out for a while, then sends him a fist when his anger still hasn’t disappeared. The buddy who had started playing around feels he’s been done wrong, since he got verbal abuse, and hit to boot. Now the fight gets bigger. If you really look at it, the friend who did the cursing and hitting is more at fault. If you verbally attack someone for doing something, then do just the same, isn’t that double jeopardy?
Which is why it is annoying to have the country’s so-called leaders acting like children. ...
...
Does Lee’s administration have any interest in serving the public interest required of broadcasting, when it nominates a close aide to the president as Broadcasting Commission director and someone with a Ph.D. in management to be the Blue House secretary for broadcasting and communication? If Jung steps down, Lee just might appoint someone who has spent all his life in construction to be the next president of KBS. Things are off to the wrong start. The Broadcasting Commission was, from the start, supposed to be an independent government body. It was not supposed to be something the president got to name the head of. Lee said he wanted to fix problematic laws when the election was over, so I want to propose starting with the broadcasting and communications law. If that is too much to ask for, try appointing someone who makes sense. That would at least be a response that’s a little better than children fighting.
Yun Tae-jin, Professor, Graduate School of Communication and Arts, Yonsei University
The reason children fight is simple. One kid jokingly hits another on the back of the head. The other cusses him out for a while, then sends him a fist when his anger still hasn’t disappeared. The buddy who had started playing around feels he’s been done wrong, since he got verbal abuse, and hit to boot. Now the fight gets bigger. If you really look at it, the friend who did the cursing and hitting is more at fault. If you verbally attack someone for doing something, then do just the same, isn’t that double jeopardy?
Which is why it is annoying to have the country’s so-called leaders acting like children. ...
...
Does Lee’s administration have any interest in serving the public interest required of broadcasting, when it nominates a close aide to the president as Broadcasting Commission director and someone with a Ph.D. in management to be the Blue House secretary for broadcasting and communication? If Jung steps down, Lee just might appoint someone who has spent all his life in construction to be the next president of KBS. Things are off to the wrong start. The Broadcasting Commission was, from the start, supposed to be an independent government body. It was not supposed to be something the president got to name the head of. Lee said he wanted to fix problematic laws when the election was over, so I want to propose starting with the broadcasting and communications law. If that is too much to ask for, try appointing someone who makes sense. That would at least be a response that’s a little better than children fighting.
[The Hankyoreh, March 17 2008] N. Korea accuses Seoul of stepping up 'propaganda broadcasting'
North Korea accused conservatives in South Korea of stepping up "propaganda broadcasting" aimed at fueling cross-border tensions and undermining the communist regime, a state-controlled front said Sunday.
In a communique carried by the (North) Korean Central News Agency, the Democratic Front for the Reunification of the Fatherland claimed conservatives in the South were using radio broadcasts as a tool to bring down the Pyongyang regime.
It said broadcasts by North Korea Reform Radio, the Open Radio for North Korea and several Christian evangelical programs reaching North Korea were using human rights as a weapons to hurt the communist regime.
North Korea accused conservatives in South Korea of stepping up "propaganda broadcasting" aimed at fueling cross-border tensions and undermining the communist regime, a state-controlled front said Sunday.
In a communique carried by the (North) Korean Central News Agency, the Democratic Front for the Reunification of the Fatherland claimed conservatives in the South were using radio broadcasts as a tool to bring down the Pyongyang regime.
It said broadcasts by North Korea Reform Radio, the Open Radio for North Korea and several Christian evangelical programs reaching North Korea were using human rights as a weapons to hurt the communist regime.
[The Hankyoreh, March 15 2008] Korean TV networks demand YouTube tackle illegal uploads
South Korea's three major broadcasters said Friday they have called for YouTube's local unit to tackle unauthorized uploads of their TV programs.
The demand over intellectual property rights is the first of its kind in South Korea since YouTube, the world's most popular video-sharing Web site owned by Google Inc., launched a Korean-language version of its service in January.
South Korean broadcasters, including the state-run Korea Broadcasting System, sent a joint letter of protest to YouTube's subsidiary in Seoul, demanding the company stop allowing uploads of copyrighted video content.
"YouTube Korea's service has significantly infringed on the protected contents of the three broadcasters," the broadcasters said in a statement. The broadcasters expect "YouTube to comply with local laws on intellectual property rights," according to the statement.
Unless YouTube takes aggressive action against the unauthorized uploads, the broadcasters will take legal measures, the statement said.
South Korea's three major broadcasters said Friday they have called for YouTube's local unit to tackle unauthorized uploads of their TV programs.
The demand over intellectual property rights is the first of its kind in South Korea since YouTube, the world's most popular video-sharing Web site owned by Google Inc., launched a Korean-language version of its service in January.
South Korean broadcasters, including the state-run Korea Broadcasting System, sent a joint letter of protest to YouTube's subsidiary in Seoul, demanding the company stop allowing uploads of copyrighted video content.
"YouTube Korea's service has significantly infringed on the protected contents of the three broadcasters," the broadcasters said in a statement. The broadcasters expect "YouTube to comply with local laws on intellectual property rights," according to the statement.
Unless YouTube takes aggressive action against the unauthorized uploads, the broadcasters will take legal measures, the statement said.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
[The Hankyoreh, March 13 2008] Samsung Group heir cleared over failed Internet venture
A special prosecutor cleared the son of Samsung Group Chairman Lee Kun-hee and dozens of senior Samsung executives Thursday of allegations that they illegally covered up a huge loss from a failed Internet venture led by the heir.
"We decided not to indict them on the grounds that there was not enough evidence to prove the allegations," special prosecutor Cho Joon-woong told reporters.
The decision was the first by the special prosecutor authorized to verify a slew of corruption allegations against the family-controlled conglomerate.
A civic organization filed a complaint against the chairman's son and heir, Jae-yong, and 27 Samsung executives, in 2005, accusing them of breach of trust over a failed Internet business.
A special prosecutor cleared the son of Samsung Group Chairman Lee Kun-hee and dozens of senior Samsung executives Thursday of allegations that they illegally covered up a huge loss from a failed Internet venture led by the heir.
"We decided not to indict them on the grounds that there was not enough evidence to prove the allegations," special prosecutor Cho Joon-woong told reporters.
The decision was the first by the special prosecutor authorized to verify a slew of corruption allegations against the family-controlled conglomerate.
A civic organization filed a complaint against the chairman's son and heir, Jae-yong, and 27 Samsung executives, in 2005, accusing them of breach of trust over a failed Internet business.
[The Hankyoreh, March 10 2008] [Editorial] Ethics and pride in the media
There has been another series of migrations from the political desks at major newspapers and straight into the Blue House. Last month, a senior Joongang Ilbo editorial writer quit his newspaper and went immediately to work in the office of the Blue House secretary for political affairs. Now, this past week, one has learned that the head of the political page at the Hankook Ilbo, is also moving to the same office at the Blue House.
This is not the first time journalists have entered politics, but with these two individuals it is troublesome. The latter was in charge of the Hankook Ilbo’s political coverage right up to the day before he submitted his resignation. Two days before leaving the Joongang Ilbo, the former wrote a political column for the paper. Both were heavyweights and were very influential within their news organizations. It makes you suspect them and their respective organizations for their coverage and editorial positions to know these two were writing articles and editorials while all along preparing to go work for Lee Myung-bak. This is not something to take lightly, since the news media is supposed to be based on impartiality and objectiveness.
There has been another series of migrations from the political desks at major newspapers and straight into the Blue House. Last month, a senior Joongang Ilbo editorial writer quit his newspaper and went immediately to work in the office of the Blue House secretary for political affairs. Now, this past week, one has learned that the head of the political page at the Hankook Ilbo, is also moving to the same office at the Blue House.
This is not the first time journalists have entered politics, but with these two individuals it is troublesome. The latter was in charge of the Hankook Ilbo’s political coverage right up to the day before he submitted his resignation. Two days before leaving the Joongang Ilbo, the former wrote a political column for the paper. Both were heavyweights and were very influential within their news organizations. It makes you suspect them and their respective organizations for their coverage and editorial positions to know these two were writing articles and editorials while all along preparing to go work for Lee Myung-bak. This is not something to take lightly, since the news media is supposed to be based on impartiality and objectiveness.
[The Hankyoreh, March 6 2008] [Editorial] Degrading the media
When Hong Seok-hyun, the head of the JoongAng Ilbo, appeared at the office of the prosecution in central Seoul for questioning in connection with the ongoing investigation into the Samsung Group scandal, the behavior of some of the reporters working for the mass-circulation newspaper was enough to make other reporters feel ashamed. A former Samsung Group worker, who had been fired, arrived in time to protest Hong’s appearance but was immediately shoved by a reporter with his camera; the reporter currently works for the JoongAng’s video team. When Hong returned home, around four to five JoongAng reporters blocked a group of other journalists from him, engaging in a physical scuffle. Their behavior makes them seem more like Hong’s private body guards.
By using the privilege reporters have to access a scene, the JoongAng reporters served as a shield for their employer. They even hampered the work of their colleagues, who were trying to get a glimpse of Hong for their stories. This is tantamount to negating their raison d’etre. Photo and television journalists, who are covering the Samsung investigation for other newspapers, issued a statement, asking for an official apology and a promise that this kind of thing would not happen again.
When Hong Seok-hyun, the head of the JoongAng Ilbo, appeared at the office of the prosecution in central Seoul for questioning in connection with the ongoing investigation into the Samsung Group scandal, the behavior of some of the reporters working for the mass-circulation newspaper was enough to make other reporters feel ashamed. A former Samsung Group worker, who had been fired, arrived in time to protest Hong’s appearance but was immediately shoved by a reporter with his camera; the reporter currently works for the JoongAng’s video team. When Hong returned home, around four to five JoongAng reporters blocked a group of other journalists from him, engaging in a physical scuffle. Their behavior makes them seem more like Hong’s private body guards.
By using the privilege reporters have to access a scene, the JoongAng reporters served as a shield for their employer. They even hampered the work of their colleagues, who were trying to get a glimpse of Hong for their stories. This is tantamount to negating their raison d’etre. Photo and television journalists, who are covering the Samsung investigation for other newspapers, issued a statement, asking for an official apology and a promise that this kind of thing would not happen again.
[The Hankyoreh, March 3 2008] N.K. steps up condemnation of military drill
North Korean news media have stepped up their offensive on a joint military drill involving South Korea and the United States that started early this week, calling it a "frantic war move."
The North's Korean Central Broadcasting Station, monitored here, said on Monday the joint military exercises, codenamed "Key Resolve", are "aimed at the rapid deployment of the U.S. imperialist aggressor forces and South Korean forces, the formation of combined forces and commando operations against the DPRK for another Korean war."
North Korean news media have stepped up their offensive on a joint military drill involving South Korea and the United States that started early this week, calling it a "frantic war move."
The North's Korean Central Broadcasting Station, monitored here, said on Monday the joint military exercises, codenamed "Key Resolve", are "aimed at the rapid deployment of the U.S. imperialist aggressor forces and South Korean forces, the formation of combined forces and commando operations against the DPRK for another Korean war."
[The Hankyoreh, February 28 2008] [Editorial] Broadcast control
As a controversial bill to create a body governing both broadcasting and telecommunications passed the National Assembly the day before yesterday, the nation will soon see the launch of the Broadcasting-Telecommunications Commission. In this day and age, when the broadcast and telecommunications industries are quickly converging, it makes sense to set up a body that can formulate new policies. However, it is also worrisome that the new body will be under the control of the president. The status of the commission, and the method by which the body will be constructed, could threaten this ideal. Under these circumstances, President Lee Myung-bak’s new administration reportedly considering naming Choi Si-jung, one of his senior political advisers and former president of Gallup Korea, to head the commission. Many analysts point out that the appointment of Choi might indicate Lee’s intention to take control of broadcasting.
As a controversial bill to create a body governing both broadcasting and telecommunications passed the National Assembly the day before yesterday, the nation will soon see the launch of the Broadcasting-Telecommunications Commission. In this day and age, when the broadcast and telecommunications industries are quickly converging, it makes sense to set up a body that can formulate new policies. However, it is also worrisome that the new body will be under the control of the president. The status of the commission, and the method by which the body will be constructed, could threaten this ideal. Under these circumstances, President Lee Myung-bak’s new administration reportedly considering naming Choi Si-jung, one of his senior political advisers and former president of Gallup Korea, to head the commission. Many analysts point out that the appointment of Choi might indicate Lee’s intention to take control of broadcasting.
[The Hankyoreh, February 14 2008] KT plans to launch satellite in 2010
KT Corp., South Korea's top fixed-line operator, said Thursday it plans to launch a new satellite to meet the growing demand of the country's satellite broadcasting service.
The company plans to launch the new satellite, named Mugunghwa-6, in June 2010 to replace the currently operating Mugunghwa-3, scheduled to be shut down in late 2011.
Mugunghwa-3 relays satellite broadcast service of Skylife Co.,a commercial satellite broadcaster, which has some 2.14 million subscribers.
The new satellite will be equipped with the latest device capable of relaying high-definition digital images, according to KT.
KT Corp., South Korea's top fixed-line operator, said Thursday it plans to launch a new satellite to meet the growing demand of the country's satellite broadcasting service.
The company plans to launch the new satellite, named Mugunghwa-6, in June 2010 to replace the currently operating Mugunghwa-3, scheduled to be shut down in late 2011.
Mugunghwa-3 relays satellite broadcast service of Skylife Co.,a commercial satellite broadcaster, which has some 2.14 million subscribers.
The new satellite will be equipped with the latest device capable of relaying high-definition digital images, according to KT.
LG CNS Sets Up IPTV for Hospital Beds(The Korea Times)
LG CNS Sets Up IPTV for Hospital Beds (The Korea Times, 24/3/08):
"By Cho Jin-seo
Staff Reporter
No more fights over TV channels and no more complaint over the meal menu in hospital wards. The introduction of personal Internet-TV screens may improve the everyday life of hospital patients.
LG CNS said that it has installed the Internet-protocol TV (IPTV) systems for 150 beds at Kyunghee University Medical Center, northeastern Seoul. The personal TV, similar to that of on-seat flight TV screens on international flights, started its operation on Monday.
The 15-inch screen is attached to each bed using a flexible cradle, and has a built-in set top box on the rear. Patients can select over 60 free cable and terrestrial channels, or watch pay-per-view movies.
Furthermore, from this July, they will be able to select meal menus using the touch-sensitive screen, and order other items delivered to the bed from an online shopping mall, LG CNS said."
"By Cho Jin-seo
Staff Reporter
No more fights over TV channels and no more complaint over the meal menu in hospital wards. The introduction of personal Internet-TV screens may improve the everyday life of hospital patients.
LG CNS said that it has installed the Internet-protocol TV (IPTV) systems for 150 beds at Kyunghee University Medical Center, northeastern Seoul. The personal TV, similar to that of on-seat flight TV screens on international flights, started its operation on Monday.
The 15-inch screen is attached to each bed using a flexible cradle, and has a built-in set top box on the rear. Patients can select over 60 free cable and terrestrial channels, or watch pay-per-view movies.
Furthermore, from this July, they will be able to select meal menus using the touch-sensitive screen, and order other items delivered to the bed from an online shopping mall, LG CNS said."
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
AsiaMedia :: NORTH KOREA: N. Korea accuses Seoul of stepping up 'propaganda broadcasting'
AsiaMedia :: NORTH KOREA: N. Korea accuses Seoul of stepping up 'propaganda broadcasting':
"North Korean media claims certain South Korean radio broadcasts use human rights discussions as 'weapons' to bring down the Pyongyang regime
The Korea Herald
Monday, March 17, 2008
North Korea accused conservatives in South Korea of stepping up 'propaganda broadcasting' aimed at fueling cross-border tensions and undermining the communist regime, a state-controlled front was quoted as saying by Yonhap News Agency.
In a communique carried by the (North) Korean Central News Agency, the Democratic Front for the Reunification of the Fatherland claimed conservatives in the South were using radio broadcasts as a tool to bring down the Pyongyang regime.
It said broadcasts by North Korea Reform Radio, the Open Radio for North Korea and several Christian evangelical programs reaching North Korea were using human rights as a weapons to hurt the communist regime.
This, the reunification front said, is in direct violation of the spirit of the June 15 Declaration reached between the two leaders in 2000, and would have a detrimental effect on bilateral relations.
'Such actions are anti-unification and anti-nationalistic in nature and will lead to ideological confrontation,' it said in the message picked up in Seoul."
"North Korean media claims certain South Korean radio broadcasts use human rights discussions as 'weapons' to bring down the Pyongyang regime
The Korea Herald
Monday, March 17, 2008
North Korea accused conservatives in South Korea of stepping up 'propaganda broadcasting' aimed at fueling cross-border tensions and undermining the communist regime, a state-controlled front was quoted as saying by Yonhap News Agency.
In a communique carried by the (North) Korean Central News Agency, the Democratic Front for the Reunification of the Fatherland claimed conservatives in the South were using radio broadcasts as a tool to bring down the Pyongyang regime.
It said broadcasts by North Korea Reform Radio, the Open Radio for North Korea and several Christian evangelical programs reaching North Korea were using human rights as a weapons to hurt the communist regime.
This, the reunification front said, is in direct violation of the spirit of the June 15 Declaration reached between the two leaders in 2000, and would have a detrimental effect on bilateral relations.
'Such actions are anti-unification and anti-nationalistic in nature and will lead to ideological confrontation,' it said in the message picked up in Seoul."
AsiaMedia :: KOREA: N.K. refugee women sold to Chinese, Chosun documentary shows
AsiaMedia :: KOREA: N.K. refugee women sold to Chinese, Chosun documentary shows:
"South Korea's 'Chosun Ilbo' newspaper releases a four-part series exposing the sale of North Korean women as wives
The Korea Herald
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Many of the female North Korean refugees in China are being sold into marriage or forced to perform unpaid labor, according to a television documentary, reported Bloomberg News.
'Human rights groups estimate there are about 100,000 North Korean refugees hiding out in China, and seven out of 10 are females,' Park Jong-in, senior producer of 'On the Border,' told journalists at the Seoul Foreign Correspondents' Club. 'Many cross the border through brokers who sell them as wives to farmers in rural China, and sometimes as workers in the service industry who are never paid.'
Women from the ages of 18 to 20 are sold for 7,000 yuan ($989), those 21 to 25 are sold for 5,000 yuan, while women over 25 are sold for more than 3,000 yuan, according to Lee Hark-joon, the reporter on the four-part series by the media unit of South Korea's Chosun Ilbo newspaper. Girls under 18 are also targeted, and can be sold at higher prices. A summary of the film was shown at the correspondents' club."
"South Korea's 'Chosun Ilbo' newspaper releases a four-part series exposing the sale of North Korean women as wives
The Korea Herald
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Many of the female North Korean refugees in China are being sold into marriage or forced to perform unpaid labor, according to a television documentary, reported Bloomberg News.
'Human rights groups estimate there are about 100,000 North Korean refugees hiding out in China, and seven out of 10 are females,' Park Jong-in, senior producer of 'On the Border,' told journalists at the Seoul Foreign Correspondents' Club. 'Many cross the border through brokers who sell them as wives to farmers in rural China, and sometimes as workers in the service industry who are never paid.'
Women from the ages of 18 to 20 are sold for 7,000 yuan ($989), those 21 to 25 are sold for 5,000 yuan, while women over 25 are sold for more than 3,000 yuan, according to Lee Hark-joon, the reporter on the four-part series by the media unit of South Korea's Chosun Ilbo newspaper. Girls under 18 are also targeted, and can be sold at higher prices. A summary of the film was shown at the correspondents' club."
Monday, March 24, 2008
Korean TV networks demand YouTube tackle illegal uploads : Business : Home
Korean TV networks demand YouTube tackle illegal uploads [Hankyoreh, March 16, 2008]:
"South Korea's three major broadcasters said Friday they have called for YouTube's local unit to tackle unauthorized uploads of their TV programs.
The demand over intellectual property rights is the first of its kind in South Korea since YouTube, the world's most popular video-sharing Web site owned by Google Inc., launched a Korean-language version of its service in January.
South Korean broadcasters, including the state-run Korea Broadcasting System, sent a joint letter of protest to YouTube's subsidiary in Seoul, demanding the company stop allowing uploads of copyrighted video content.
'YouTube Korea's service has significantly infringed on the protected contents of the three broadcasters,' the broadcasters said in a statement."
"South Korea's three major broadcasters said Friday they have called for YouTube's local unit to tackle unauthorized uploads of their TV programs.
The demand over intellectual property rights is the first of its kind in South Korea since YouTube, the world's most popular video-sharing Web site owned by Google Inc., launched a Korean-language version of its service in January.
South Korean broadcasters, including the state-run Korea Broadcasting System, sent a joint letter of protest to YouTube's subsidiary in Seoul, demanding the company stop allowing uploads of copyrighted video content.
'YouTube Korea's service has significantly infringed on the protected contents of the three broadcasters,' the broadcasters said in a statement."
[Analysis] Samsung Group struggles with shattered image and decline in morale : Business : Home
The Hankyoreh, March 21, 2008: [Analysis] Samsung Group struggles with shattered image and decline in morale: Outcome of independent counsel’s investigation could further damage once much sought after corporate culture
"A senior executive of Samsung Electronics Co., the flagship of Samsung Group, says the company has been suffering from a shattered image and a decline in its corporate culture after allegations of slush funds and other corporate irregularities rocked the world’s largest maker of computer memory chips. Corporate culture is one of the core components, along with products and human resources, used to gauge a company’s competitiveness. In the wake of the scandal, and following an investigation by an independent counsel to look into the allegations, Samsung, which turns 70th aniversary on March 22, is struggling with things that it has never experienced.
The corruption scandal was seen as a great shock to Samsung employees, who take a great deal of pride in working at one of South Korea’s best companies. In one orientation session for new employees, questions about the slush fund scandal arose. Some young and talented employees have quit the company."
"A senior executive of Samsung Electronics Co., the flagship of Samsung Group, says the company has been suffering from a shattered image and a decline in its corporate culture after allegations of slush funds and other corporate irregularities rocked the world’s largest maker of computer memory chips. Corporate culture is one of the core components, along with products and human resources, used to gauge a company’s competitiveness. In the wake of the scandal, and following an investigation by an independent counsel to look into the allegations, Samsung, which turns 70th aniversary on March 22, is struggling with things that it has never experienced.
The corruption scandal was seen as a great shock to Samsung employees, who take a great deal of pride in working at one of South Korea’s best companies. In one orientation session for new employees, questions about the slush fund scandal arose. Some young and talented employees have quit the company."
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Web 2.0 Asia :: Comparison between Asian social networks
Web 2.0 Asia :: Comparison between Asian social networks
March 19, 2008
"Benjamin Joffe of Plus Eight Star offers a great summary of leading social networks in Asia - namely, QQ, Mixi, Cyworld."
March 19, 2008
"Benjamin Joffe of Plus Eight Star offers a great summary of leading social networks in Asia - namely, QQ, Mixi, Cyworld."
KT and KTF to Merge? | Korean Insight
KT and KTF to Merge? Korean Insight:
"The Korean telecommunications market has been shaken up of late given the news that the Korean Free Trade Commission (KFTC) accepted the acquisition of Hanaro Telecom by SK Telecom which has been protested by some of the other players.
This acquisition by SK Telecom who is already the dominant player in mobiles in Korea, has caused the other incumbents to rethink their strategy and plan responses to the situation. KT and KTF have renewed their habitual talks about a merger, given that KTF is SK Telecoms main competition. KT already owns a major stake in KTF, yet a wide scale integration effort would seriously affect the telecom landscape in Korea."
"The Korean telecommunications market has been shaken up of late given the news that the Korean Free Trade Commission (KFTC) accepted the acquisition of Hanaro Telecom by SK Telecom which has been protested by some of the other players.
This acquisition by SK Telecom who is already the dominant player in mobiles in Korea, has caused the other incumbents to rethink their strategy and plan responses to the situation. KT and KTF have renewed their habitual talks about a merger, given that KTF is SK Telecoms main competition. KT already owns a major stake in KTF, yet a wide scale integration effort would seriously affect the telecom landscape in Korea."
Nokia to Double Presence in Korea(The Korea Times)
Nokia to Double Presence in Korea (The Korea Times): "Phone World’s Giant Capitalizes on Both Sales and Manufacturing
By Cho Jin-seo
Staff Reporter
Nokia is the world's superpower mobile phone brand, but it has been a nonentity in South Korea. The handsets are not sold here for various reasons.
The situation may improve for the Finnish brand this year. The three mobile service operators ― SK Telecom, KTF and LG Telecom ― have said they are working on plans to sell foreign-made phones such as Nokia, Sony-Ericsson and the Apple iPhone as early as this year. The government's regulations on mobile phones, which have acted as a non-tariff barrier to foreign manufacturers, are likely to be eased as well."
By Cho Jin-seo
Staff Reporter
Nokia is the world's superpower mobile phone brand, but it has been a nonentity in South Korea. The handsets are not sold here for various reasons.
The situation may improve for the Finnish brand this year. The three mobile service operators ― SK Telecom, KTF and LG Telecom ― have said they are working on plans to sell foreign-made phones such as Nokia, Sony-Ericsson and the Apple iPhone as early as this year. The government's regulations on mobile phones, which have acted as a non-tariff barrier to foreign manufacturers, are likely to be eased as well."
Korea's Information Society 한국의 정보 사회: Language and Culture as a Double-edged Sword
Korea's Information Society 한국의 정보 사회: Language and Culture as a Double-edged Sword:
James Larson writes:
"[...] Korean language and its Hangeul alphabet are also a source of nationalistic pride and can be viewed as limiting Korea's participation in the global internet. The most popular and dominant search engine in South Korea is Naver, a service that searches only Korean language (Hangeul) web sites and documents. The nation's immensely popular social networking site, Cyworld, failed in its initial attempt to penetrate markets outside of Korea. The new government of President Lee Myung Bak is facing opposition to its plan to improve English education, in part because some Koreans believe it will diminish appreciation of the Korean language."
James Larson writes:
"[...] Korean language and its Hangeul alphabet are also a source of nationalistic pride and can be viewed as limiting Korea's participation in the global internet. The most popular and dominant search engine in South Korea is Naver, a service that searches only Korean language (Hangeul) web sites and documents. The nation's immensely popular social networking site, Cyworld, failed in its initial attempt to penetrate markets outside of Korea. The new government of President Lee Myung Bak is facing opposition to its plan to improve English education, in part because some Koreans believe it will diminish appreciation of the Korean language."
INSIDE JoongAng Daily
INSIDE JoongAng Daily: "First gaming event to go intercontinental set here
March 14, 2008
The Seoul Metropolitan Government wants to position itself as a hub of e-sports by co-hosting the 2008 Seoul International e-Stars gaming competition in July."
March 14, 2008
The Seoul Metropolitan Government wants to position itself as a hub of e-sports by co-hosting the 2008 Seoul International e-Stars gaming competition in July."
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
AsiaMedia :: KOREA: JoongAng Ilbo publisher questioned
AsiaMedia :: KOREA: JoongAng Ilbo publisher questioned:
"Hong Seok-hyun investigated for his acquisition of 'JoongAng Ilbo' shares from Samsung chairman
The Korea Herald
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
By Song Sang-ho
Hong Seok-hyun, chairman and publisher of the JoongAng Ilbo, was questioned yesterday as part of a special inquiry into corruption charges against Samsung Group.
'I will respond to the inquiry in earnest. There are false allegations, which I believe will be thoroughly cleared up,' Hong told reporters at the office of independent counsel Cho Joon-woong in southern Seoul."
"Hong Seok-hyun investigated for his acquisition of 'JoongAng Ilbo' shares from Samsung chairman
The Korea Herald
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
By Song Sang-ho
Hong Seok-hyun, chairman and publisher of the JoongAng Ilbo, was questioned yesterday as part of a special inquiry into corruption charges against Samsung Group.
'I will respond to the inquiry in earnest. There are false allegations, which I believe will be thoroughly cleared up,' Hong told reporters at the office of independent counsel Cho Joon-woong in southern Seoul."
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Web 2.0 Asia :: "Korean internet users are prisoners of their language barrier"
Web 2.0 Asia :: "Korean internet users are prisoners of their language barrier": "Michael Hurt left a long comment to my post 'Social network fatigue is clear and present'. To re-post the comment (with Michael's consent - boldings are mine):
Cyworld and their ilk are pumped-up, top-down, bloated extensions of Web 1.0-ware: Friendster/Cyworld are the same.
The difference between those and Facebook is that FB isn't a 'social networking site' per se, but a network and PLATFORM upon which 3rd-party developers can add all sorts of (monetizable) functionality.
That difference is seen in the success of Scrabulous, or the fact that any OTHER non-FB service can write a plugin for FB that adds the user's existing network to the utility if that particular application.
What you see is nearly unbounded potential in FB, whereas Cyworld is still very much just a MINI-'hompy.' Much more than they know, Cyworld is less than a homepage and not really much of anything else.
That's why I saw Cyworld moving anywhere outside of Korea as a stupidly arrogant mistake. I called this as soon as Cyworld went into the US and Europe.
The only reason half of the Korean Internet even remains used by the Korean population is because there's no other choice – they're prisoners of the Korean language barrier. If and when FB made a platform in other languages, namely Korean – goodbye Cyworld, with a quickness."
Cyworld and their ilk are pumped-up, top-down, bloated extensions of Web 1.0-ware: Friendster/Cyworld are the same.
The difference between those and Facebook is that FB isn't a 'social networking site' per se, but a network and PLATFORM upon which 3rd-party developers can add all sorts of (monetizable) functionality.
That difference is seen in the success of Scrabulous, or the fact that any OTHER non-FB service can write a plugin for FB that adds the user's existing network to the utility if that particular application.
What you see is nearly unbounded potential in FB, whereas Cyworld is still very much just a MINI-'hompy.' Much more than they know, Cyworld is less than a homepage and not really much of anything else.
That's why I saw Cyworld moving anywhere outside of Korea as a stupidly arrogant mistake. I called this as soon as Cyworld went into the US and Europe.
The only reason half of the Korean Internet even remains used by the Korean population is because there's no other choice – they're prisoners of the Korean language barrier. If and when FB made a platform in other languages, namely Korean – goodbye Cyworld, with a quickness."
Web 2.0 Asia :: Myspace Korea launched
Web 2.0 Asia :: Myspace Korea launched: "Myspace Korea is up now, and the first thing I notice is that it's not just a simple word-by-word translation of the original Myspace service. The Korean version has its own site menus that include 'Minilog', something that's not found in the US version. Minilog is apparently the aggregation of snippets of messages composed by Myspacers. Overall, the site is quite well localized - but it remains to be seen if the service will become the 'post-Cyworld' in Korea."
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