[The Chosun Ilbo, February 20 2008] New York Philharmonic’s Pyongyang Gig on Live TV
The North Korean government has agreed to a live broadcast of the New York Philharmonic concert in Pyongyang on Feb. 26, the New York Times reported Tuesday. An official from the North Korean Mission to the UN in New York recently sent confirmation to the orchestra by e-mail, the daily reported.
"We’re very pleased that they’ve finally confirmed it,” it quoted New York Philharmonic president Zarin Mehta as saying. The paper commented, “Since the invitation to perform became widely known in October last year, the orchestra has had to confront criticism that performing in North Korea would lend legitimacy” to the regime there.
Friday, March 28, 2008
[The Chosun Ilbo, February 20 2008] Samsung Elec. Ranks No. 1 in Flat Screen TV Sales
Samsung Electronics has retained the number one spot in the world for the second straight year in terms of flat-screen TV sales. The latest ranking also shows Samsung has widened its lead over number two player Sony.
Samsung Electronics has retained the number one spot in the world for the second straight year in terms of flat-screen TV sales. The latest ranking also shows Samsung has widened its lead over number two player Sony.
[The Chosun Ilbo, February 19 2008] Int'l Journalists Group Condemns Roh's Press Policy
Reporters Without Borders (RSF), a Paris-based international non-governmental organization that advocates freedom of the press, criticized the Roh Moo-hyun administration's so-called "advanced media support system" in a recent report.
RSF last Wednesday released its annual evaluation of press freedoms in 98 countries around the world.
On the press situation in Korea, the report said, "The (Roh) administration in May 2007 adopted new rules entitled 'Measures to develop a modern system of media support' which meant the closure of most press rooms within public buildings in the capital Seoul. New rooms were built but they no longer allowed journalists free access to ministries and major administrations as had been the case previously."
Reporters Without Borders (RSF), a Paris-based international non-governmental organization that advocates freedom of the press, criticized the Roh Moo-hyun administration's so-called "advanced media support system" in a recent report.
RSF last Wednesday released its annual evaluation of press freedoms in 98 countries around the world.
On the press situation in Korea, the report said, "The (Roh) administration in May 2007 adopted new rules entitled 'Measures to develop a modern system of media support' which meant the closure of most press rooms within public buildings in the capital Seoul. New rooms were built but they no longer allowed journalists free access to ministries and major administrations as had been the case previously."
[The Chosun Ilbo, February 18 2008] Chosun.com's New 'Corrections' Page
On the first pages of the Internet websites of the New York Times and the Washington Post is a menu option that cannot be found on the homepages of Korean news media. It's a button that leads to a "Corrections" page. For example, accessing the Jan. 11 (Korean time) edition of www.nytimes.com and clicking on the Corrections link on the menu located on the left side of the screen, a viewer can see 15 corrected articles in fields ranging from sports to real estate to books. Major U.S. news media aren't satisfied with just putting a corrections link on the first pages of their websites. Articles containing mistakes are flagged with a subtitle "Correction Appended" which is printed under the headline. And the corrected content is written in a different font at the end of those articles. Readers accessing news through Google searches can read the corrected New York Times articles.
...
Starting today, Chosun.com has begun a service on its website that shows a corrected version of articles and writings that refute previous articles. Placed on the middle of the menu on the right hand side of the first page of Chosun.com is a "Corrections" icon. Linked are corrections to erroneous articles that have appeared on Chosun.com over the last three years. And the erroneous articles carry separate signs that read "Correction Appended." Now our readers will be able to read both the erroneous article and the corrected version on the same page. This may be a small move, but we believe it is the way to regain the trust of our readers.
On the first pages of the Internet websites of the New York Times and the Washington Post is a menu option that cannot be found on the homepages of Korean news media. It's a button that leads to a "Corrections" page. For example, accessing the Jan. 11 (Korean time) edition of www.nytimes.com and clicking on the Corrections link on the menu located on the left side of the screen, a viewer can see 15 corrected articles in fields ranging from sports to real estate to books. Major U.S. news media aren't satisfied with just putting a corrections link on the first pages of their websites. Articles containing mistakes are flagged with a subtitle "Correction Appended" which is printed under the headline. And the corrected content is written in a different font at the end of those articles. Readers accessing news through Google searches can read the corrected New York Times articles.
...
Starting today, Chosun.com has begun a service on its website that shows a corrected version of articles and writings that refute previous articles. Placed on the middle of the menu on the right hand side of the first page of Chosun.com is a "Corrections" icon. Linked are corrections to erroneous articles that have appeared on Chosun.com over the last three years. And the erroneous articles carry separate signs that read "Correction Appended." Now our readers will be able to read both the erroneous article and the corrected version on the same page. This may be a small move, but we believe it is the way to regain the trust of our readers.
[The Chosun Ilbo, February 18 2008] Phone Industry Unhappy Over Hanaro Takeover Approval
Korea’s anti-trust regulator on Friday conditionally approved the proposed takeover of Hanaro Telecom by Korea’s leading wireless operator.
The Fair Trade Commission made the ruling in a general meeting with one attached condition -- that SK Telecom redistribute the 800 MHz frequency it currently monopolizes. The FTC said that the merger of SK Telecom’s mobile phone business and Hanaro’s high-speed Internet business could lead to a monopoly.
But the decision prompted opposition from all parties -- including SK itself, its rivals KTF and LG Telecom, and the Ministry of Information and Communication, which has the final say on the takeover.
Korea’s anti-trust regulator on Friday conditionally approved the proposed takeover of Hanaro Telecom by Korea’s leading wireless operator.
The Fair Trade Commission made the ruling in a general meeting with one attached condition -- that SK Telecom redistribute the 800 MHz frequency it currently monopolizes. The FTC said that the merger of SK Telecom’s mobile phone business and Hanaro’s high-speed Internet business could lead to a monopoly.
But the decision prompted opposition from all parties -- including SK itself, its rivals KTF and LG Telecom, and the Ministry of Information and Communication, which has the final say on the takeover.
[The Chosun Ilbo, February 18 2008] Korean CEOs Name IPhone Most Inspirational Gadget
South Korean CEOs consider Apple's iPhone as the most inspirational invention of last year.
In a poll of 590 CEOs conducted by the Samsung Economic Research Institute, 26.4 percent of respondents chose the iPhone as the no. 1 item of inspiration among devices included in Time Magazine's "Inventions of 2007" list.
The iPhone is not just a mobile phone, but rather a portable multimedia computer that plays music and video, takes pictures, and comes with a built-in mapping system.
The CEOs' choice of the iPhone shows that local business leaders think highly of functional integration and refined design, the research institute said.
A flexible display that can be folded or even rolled up like paper also received a favorable response, gaining 21.8 percent of the vote.
South Korean CEOs consider Apple's iPhone as the most inspirational invention of last year.
In a poll of 590 CEOs conducted by the Samsung Economic Research Institute, 26.4 percent of respondents chose the iPhone as the no. 1 item of inspiration among devices included in Time Magazine's "Inventions of 2007" list.
The iPhone is not just a mobile phone, but rather a portable multimedia computer that plays music and video, takes pictures, and comes with a built-in mapping system.
The CEOs' choice of the iPhone shows that local business leaders think highly of functional integration and refined design, the research institute said.
A flexible display that can be folded or even rolled up like paper also received a favorable response, gaining 21.8 percent of the vote.
[The Chosun Ilbo, February 18 2008] Blu-Ray Wins Format War
The Blu-ray camp appears set to declare victory over the rival HD DVD camp in the next-generation data storage format war. Korea's top two electronics giants, Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics, are both in the Blu-ray camp.
Nihon Keizai Shimbun and other Japanese media reported Sunday that Toshiba, which has led the HD DVD camp, is about to abandon its high-definition format.
The company is expected to decide soon whether it will exit the business completely, reduce production of HD DVD equipment, or withdraw from the Japanese and U.S. markets where sales have been slow and focus instead on Europe.
The Blu-ray camp appears set to declare victory over the rival HD DVD camp in the next-generation data storage format war. Korea's top two electronics giants, Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics, are both in the Blu-ray camp.
Nihon Keizai Shimbun and other Japanese media reported Sunday that Toshiba, which has led the HD DVD camp, is about to abandon its high-definition format.
The company is expected to decide soon whether it will exit the business completely, reduce production of HD DVD equipment, or withdraw from the Japanese and U.S. markets where sales have been slow and focus instead on Europe.
[The Chosun Ilbo, February 15 2008] Celebrated Conflict Photog Reveals True Identity
Those who followed the story of the 23 Koreans kidnapped in Afghanistan in July last year may remember the name Kim Joo-seon, a Korean freelance reporter who went where no other Korean reporters were allowed to go. Kim scored an exclusive interview with Taliban commanders in the Ghazni region, the base of the Taliban militants, and filed story after story and photo after photo for the Chosun Ilbo, though few people knew who she was.
Now "Kim" has finally revealed her true identity: Jean Chung. "I hid my real name because of my parents," she said. "I'm the only daughter in my family. My parents would have a heart attack if they knew I was in Afghanistan. They still think that I was in India."
Those who followed the story of the 23 Koreans kidnapped in Afghanistan in July last year may remember the name Kim Joo-seon, a Korean freelance reporter who went where no other Korean reporters were allowed to go. Kim scored an exclusive interview with Taliban commanders in the Ghazni region, the base of the Taliban militants, and filed story after story and photo after photo for the Chosun Ilbo, though few people knew who she was.
Now "Kim" has finally revealed her true identity: Jean Chung. "I hid my real name because of my parents," she said. "I'm the only daughter in my family. My parents would have a heart attack if they knew I was in Afghanistan. They still think that I was in India."
[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.
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.
[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."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
