[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, May 23 2007] Korea to launch health telemonitoring system
A health telemonitoring system supported by government funds will be soon launched in Korea, officials said Friday (May 23).
According to the Ministry of Public Administration and Security, it will offer "Ubiquitous Health Service" for the socially disadvantaged in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Family Affairs.
Personal computerized sensors will be operated to continuously monitor the health status of the elderly or ill in their homes, officials said.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
[Korea.net News, Culture / Events, June 3 2007] Korean history records held in France digitalized
Thirty of 297 books taken during the invasion of Korea by French troops in 1866 have returned home in digitalized form.
The Korean Government's Cultural Heritage Administration revealed Monday (Jun. 2) that it has completed the digitalization of 30 volumes of Korean historical records that exist nowhere else in the world, currently held by the French National Library for over a century.
Thirty of 297 books taken during the invasion of Korea by French troops in 1866 have returned home in digitalized form.
The Korean Government's Cultural Heritage Administration revealed Monday (Jun. 2) that it has completed the digitalization of 30 volumes of Korean historical records that exist nowhere else in the world, currently held by the French National Library for over a century.
[Korea.net News, Culture / Events, June 2 2007] Daegu to host international musical festival
The southeastern city of Daegu is to host an international musical festival this month, organizers said on Monday (June 2).
The Daegu International Musical Festival (DIMF) is to be held from June 17 to July 7 in main theaters and provisional stages around downtown Daegu, and is sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Daegu city officials said.
The southeastern city of Daegu is to host an international musical festival this month, organizers said on Monday (June 2).
The Daegu International Musical Festival (DIMF) is to be held from June 17 to July 7 in main theaters and provisional stages around downtown Daegu, and is sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Daegu city officials said.
[Korea.net News, Culture / Events, May 27 2007] BIE officials to visit Seoul for inspections of int'l expo
A delegation from the Bureau of International Expositions (BIE) will visit Korea this week to check preparations of the country's 2012 international fair, the organizing committee said Tuesday (May 27).
The delegation, led by BIE president Jean-Pierre Lafon and secretary general Vincente Gonzalez Loscertales, will arrive here on Thursday (May 29), and inspect the country's port city of Yeosu, the venue for the 2012 World Expo.
A delegation from the Bureau of International Expositions (BIE) will visit Korea this week to check preparations of the country's 2012 international fair, the organizing committee said Tuesday (May 27).
The delegation, led by BIE president Jean-Pierre Lafon and secretary general Vincente Gonzalez Loscertales, will arrive here on Thursday (May 29), and inspect the country's port city of Yeosu, the venue for the 2012 World Expo.
[Korea.net News, Culture / Events, May 27 2007] Film adaptation of French comic to go global: Bong
Even with only three feature films to his name, Bong Joon-ho has become one of the few Korean directors who have been able to "catch both hares" -- commercial success and critical acclaim.
After directing short films, he made his feature film debut in 2000 with "Barking Dogs Never Bite." The story of a college instructor trying to kill his neighbors' dogs won critical recognition, but was not well-received by audiences.
Even with only three feature films to his name, Bong Joon-ho has become one of the few Korean directors who have been able to "catch both hares" -- commercial success and critical acclaim.
After directing short films, he made his feature film debut in 2000 with "Barking Dogs Never Bite." The story of a college instructor trying to kill his neighbors' dogs won critical recognition, but was not well-received by audiences.
[Korea.net News, Culture / Events, May 22 2007] Song Hye-kyo to star in John Woo's film
Korean actress Song Hye-kyo will appear as the heroine of the popular Chinese director John Woo's new movie "1949."
The 26-year-old will play a war widow in the movie about a tragic love story set in 1949, when China was in the middle of a civil war between the Nationalist and Communist parties.
Korean actress Song Hye-kyo will appear as the heroine of the popular Chinese director John Woo's new movie "1949."
The 26-year-old will play a war widow in the movie about a tragic love story set in 1949, when China was in the middle of a civil war between the Nationalist and Communist parties.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
[The Chosun Ilbo, May 28 2008] Jackie Chan to Publicize Korean-Wave Theme Park
Gyeonggi Province is to appoint Jackie Chan as a goodwill ambassador for a Korean Wave theme park on Wednesday. Hallyuwood -- a conflation of “hallyu” or Korean wave and Hollywood -- features a variety of tourist facilities such as studios where Korean soap operas and films are made, entertainment facilities, museum, shops, Korean cooking classes and restaurants. The park is going up on a 990,000 sq.m site and is to be completed by 2012.
Gyeonggi Province is to appoint Jackie Chan as a goodwill ambassador for a Korean Wave theme park on Wednesday. Hallyuwood -- a conflation of “hallyu” or Korean wave and Hollywood -- features a variety of tourist facilities such as studios where Korean soap operas and films are made, entertainment facilities, museum, shops, Korean cooking classes and restaurants. The park is going up on a 990,000 sq.m site and is to be completed by 2012.
[The Chosun Ilbo, May 27 2008] Samsung Elec. Builds Phone with Infineon Chipset
In a bid to diversify its source of chipsets, a key component of mobile phones, Samsung Electronics has begun importing them from Germany's largest chip maker, Infineon Technologies.
Until recently, Samsung had imported all of its third-generation mobile phone chipsets from Qualcomm of the U.S., which owns the core CDMA technology. But in April the Korean company developed its first phone equipped with an Infineon chipset and began exporting it in early May.
In a bid to diversify its source of chipsets, a key component of mobile phones, Samsung Electronics has begun importing them from Germany's largest chip maker, Infineon Technologies.
Until recently, Samsung had imported all of its third-generation mobile phone chipsets from Qualcomm of the U.S., which owns the core CDMA technology. But in April the Korean company developed its first phone equipped with an Infineon chipset and began exporting it in early May.
[The Chosun Ilbo, May 27 2008] Korean Wave Turns to Kids for New Export Growth
Korean animation is sweeping the world, promoting the culture to a global audience. "Pororo the Little Penguin," which began airing on Education Broadcasting System in 2003, has been exported to 81 nations so far, including France where it has won viewing ratings of a whopping 57 percent on the country's largest terrestrial channel TF1. "Iron Kid" recently began airing across the U.S., topping the ratings list of terrestrial channels. "King of Card Mix Master" has been exported to 25 nations, and "Janggeum's Dream" to 27. Korean animation earned US$66.8 million from exports in 2006, compared to the $24.5 million earned overseas by Korean cinema. These cartoons for kids are emerging as a new edge of the Korean Wave.
Korean animation is sweeping the world, promoting the culture to a global audience. "Pororo the Little Penguin," which began airing on Education Broadcasting System in 2003, has been exported to 81 nations so far, including France where it has won viewing ratings of a whopping 57 percent on the country's largest terrestrial channel TF1. "Iron Kid" recently began airing across the U.S., topping the ratings list of terrestrial channels. "King of Card Mix Master" has been exported to 25 nations, and "Janggeum's Dream" to 27. Korean animation earned US$66.8 million from exports in 2006, compared to the $24.5 million earned overseas by Korean cinema. These cartoons for kids are emerging as a new edge of the Korean Wave.
[The Chosun Ilbo, May 26 2008] Samsung Starts Work on Massive Network Project
Samsung Electronics' ambitious enterprise resource planning (ERP) scheme to integrate the computer systems of its headquarters and more than 120 overseas affiliates is confirmed to be underway.
A total of W1 trillion (US$1=W1,048) has been budgeted for hardware, software and labor costs for the project, involving leading global IT firms such as HP, IBM, and SAP.
Samsung Electronics' ambitious enterprise resource planning (ERP) scheme to integrate the computer systems of its headquarters and more than 120 overseas affiliates is confirmed to be underway.
A total of W1 trillion (US$1=W1,048) has been budgeted for hardware, software and labor costs for the project, involving leading global IT firms such as HP, IBM, and SAP.
[The Chosun Ilbo, May 26 2008] East-Meets-Western Offers Hope for Korean Film Recovery
Invited to the Out of Competition section of the 61st International Cannes Film Festival, the Korean movie "The Good, the Bad, the Weird" screened at the Grand Theater Lumiere on Saturday (local time), giving the world its first glimpse at the potential of a bold new genre -- the Korean Western.
Invited to the Out of Competition section of the 61st International Cannes Film Festival, the Korean movie "The Good, the Bad, the Weird" screened at the Grand Theater Lumiere on Saturday (local time), giving the world its first glimpse at the potential of a bold new genre -- the Korean Western.
[The Chosun Ilbo, May 26 2008] Video Game Industry Expects More M&As
It is a known fact within the game industry that software providers have the upper hand as they are the ones introducing the up-and-coming computer games.
One local game manufacturer hit the jackpot with its computer dancing game which simulates a dancing competition for a maximum of six people. After taking over the Chinese market and enjoying more profit, the company decided to take things to the next level.
It is a known fact within the game industry that software providers have the upper hand as they are the ones introducing the up-and-coming computer games.
One local game manufacturer hit the jackpot with its computer dancing game which simulates a dancing competition for a maximum of six people. After taking over the Chinese market and enjoying more profit, the company decided to take things to the next level.
[The Chosun Ilbo, May 23 2008] How to Win the Hearts of the Public
President Lee Myung-bak apologized to the Korean people in a live televised press conference on Thursday, taking responsibility for the public outcry over the resumption of U.S. beef imports. “I very much regret all this,” the president said. “I admit that the government has been lacking in efforts to sound out public opinion and try to seek people's understanding. I also humbly accept the criticism that I have been negligent in carefully reading the public's mind.” The president bowed three times as he read his address.
President Lee Myung-bak apologized to the Korean people in a live televised press conference on Thursday, taking responsibility for the public outcry over the resumption of U.S. beef imports. “I very much regret all this,” the president said. “I admit that the government has been lacking in efforts to sound out public opinion and try to seek people's understanding. I also humbly accept the criticism that I have been negligent in carefully reading the public's mind.” The president bowed three times as he read his address.
[The Chosun Ilbo, May 23 2008] SK Telecom to Build 2nd-Gen WiBro Network
SK Telecom announced Thursday that it has succeeded in sending high-definition video using its WiBro technology in real time. Theoretically, WiBro with the improved "Wave 2" functionality can receive data at speeds of up to 37.44 Mbps and send at 10.08 Mbps.
SK Telecom announced Thursday that it has succeeded in sending high-definition video using its WiBro technology in real time. Theoretically, WiBro with the improved "Wave 2" functionality can receive data at speeds of up to 37.44 Mbps and send at 10.08 Mbps.
[The Chosun Ilbo, May 23 2008] The Brave New World of Online Part-Time Marketing
Companies increasingly use part-timers to take care of their online marketing, some paying active Internet users to promote their products on the web through planted consumer reviews on dedicated sites or other more or less clandestine puffs.
◆ Who spends how much and how?
◆ An evolving discipline
Companies increasingly use part-timers to take care of their online marketing, some paying active Internet users to promote their products on the web through planted consumer reviews on dedicated sites or other more or less clandestine puffs.
◆ Who spends how much and how?
◆ An evolving discipline
[The Chosun Ilbo, May 23 2008] Korea's Animation Industry Maturing
With a growing number of Korean animated characters gaining international fame, Korea is becoming one of the leading countries in animation. More companies are getting the chance to enter lucrative foreign markets.
"Pororo the Little Penguin" is what children are all hyped up about, both in Korea and abroad. Its creators have already exported content currently being aired in ten countries outside Korea. As for the reasons behind the country's fast growing animation market, the company says it is due to a major shift in production.
On Wednesday one of Asia's biggest animation festivals lifted its curtains in Seoul. The event was originally established to promote the Korean animation and cartoon industry, as well as to provide a platform for local talent. But now it has grown into a world-renowned festival featuring the latest trends in animated films and works of artists from around the globe.
With a growing number of Korean animated characters gaining international fame, Korea is becoming one of the leading countries in animation. More companies are getting the chance to enter lucrative foreign markets.
"Pororo the Little Penguin" is what children are all hyped up about, both in Korea and abroad. Its creators have already exported content currently being aired in ten countries outside Korea. As for the reasons behind the country's fast growing animation market, the company says it is due to a major shift in production.
On Wednesday one of Asia's biggest animation festivals lifted its curtains in Seoul. The event was originally established to promote the Korean animation and cartoon industry, as well as to provide a platform for local talent. But now it has grown into a world-renowned festival featuring the latest trends in animated films and works of artists from around the globe.
[The Chosun Ilbo, May 23 2008] IOC Singing Contest Winner Voiture Performs in Seoul
Korean a cappella group Voiture, which took first prize at the International Olympic Committee's "Sport and Singing Contest" held a special concert in Seoul on Thursday.
Korean a cappella group Voiture, which took first prize at the International Olympic Committee's "Sport and Singing Contest" held a special concert in Seoul on Thursday.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
[The Chosun Ilbo, May 22 2008] Mobile Operator Tests 3G Network in N.Korea
Orascom Telecom, a leading Egyptian mobile operator which secured a license for a third-generation WCDMA mobile service in North Korea, said it has successfully tested its network in a North Korean city.
The communist country introduced a GSM-based telecom service in Pyongyang and the Rajin-Sonbong special economic zone in 2002, but it has banned any use of mobile phones since 2004.
Orascom Telecom, a leading Egyptian mobile operator which secured a license for a third-generation WCDMA mobile service in North Korea, said it has successfully tested its network in a North Korean city.
The communist country introduced a GSM-based telecom service in Pyongyang and the Rajin-Sonbong special economic zone in 2002, but it has banned any use of mobile phones since 2004.
[The Chosun Ilbo, May 22 2008] Conference Addresses Future of Korean Journalism
Keeping commercial interests from dominating journalism was the theme of a conference held in Seoul Wednesday.
Experts at the conference, hosted by the National Union of Media Workers, expressed concerns over large business groups trying to create mega-enterprises that combine newspapers with radio and TV.
Panelists including professors and producers said journalism is the public's window on society so it should not tinted by commercial and other powerful interests.
From Wednesday's venue of ChungAng University the conference moves to the National Assembly's library on Thursday and Friday to address, among others, the direction of Korean journalism under the new administration.
Keeping commercial interests from dominating journalism was the theme of a conference held in Seoul Wednesday.
Experts at the conference, hosted by the National Union of Media Workers, expressed concerns over large business groups trying to create mega-enterprises that combine newspapers with radio and TV.
Panelists including professors and producers said journalism is the public's window on society so it should not tinted by commercial and other powerful interests.
From Wednesday's venue of ChungAng University the conference moves to the National Assembly's library on Thursday and Friday to address, among others, the direction of Korean journalism under the new administration.
[The Chosun Ilbo, May 21 2008] Egyptian Firm Launching Mobile Network in N.Korea
An Egyptian telecom operator has announced a successful first test of its mobile phone network in North Korea.
It's a first step to providing mobile service coverage throughout the communist country as Orascom Telecom prepares to make mobile service available to North Koreans within the second half of this year.
Earlier this year the Cairo-based operator became the first foreign company to acquire a North Korean license to provide mobile service.
An Egyptian telecom operator has announced a successful first test of its mobile phone network in North Korea.
It's a first step to providing mobile service coverage throughout the communist country as Orascom Telecom prepares to make mobile service available to North Koreans within the second half of this year.
Earlier this year the Cairo-based operator became the first foreign company to acquire a North Korean license to provide mobile service.
[The Chosun Ilbo, May 21 2008] Gov't Plans to Double Cellphone Production by 2012
The government plans to double Korea's annual cellphone production to 600 million units by 2012.
Meeting with key players in the country's mobile telecom industry, Knowledge Economy Minister Lee Youn-ho said a plan is in the works to promote the industry as a key economic growth engine.
The mobile communications sector currently accounts for 7 percent of Korea's gross domestic product.
The government plans to double Korea's annual cellphone production to 600 million units by 2012.
Meeting with key players in the country's mobile telecom industry, Knowledge Economy Minister Lee Youn-ho said a plan is in the works to promote the industry as a key economic growth engine.
The mobile communications sector currently accounts for 7 percent of Korea's gross domestic product.
[The Chosun Ilbo, May 20 2008] Translating Hollywood for Korea: Lee Mi-do
Pretty much every Korean alive must have seen the words “Translation: Lee Mi-do” appear on the end credits of a Hollywood movie. But despite the fame, not much is known about the personal story of Korea’s most famous film translator. Indeed, because of the name, many people think Lee (47) is a woman -- in fact he is a man.
Pretty much every Korean alive must have seen the words “Translation: Lee Mi-do” appear on the end credits of a Hollywood movie. But despite the fame, not much is known about the personal story of Korea’s most famous film translator. Indeed, because of the name, many people think Lee (47) is a woman -- in fact he is a man.
[The Chosun Ilbo, May 19 2008] Spam Soars to 95% of E-Mails Sent
The number of spam mails sent during the first quarter this year broke all records after a series of hacker attacks left the personal information of hundreds of thousands exposed.
The computer security firm Jiransoft on Sunday said a sample survey of customers revealed that spam mails accounted for 94.5 percent of e-mails sent from January to March, the highest percentage since the company started the survey in 2005.
The number of spam mails sent during the first quarter this year broke all records after a series of hacker attacks left the personal information of hundreds of thousands exposed.
The computer security firm Jiransoft on Sunday said a sample survey of customers revealed that spam mails accounted for 94.5 percent of e-mails sent from January to March, the highest percentage since the company started the survey in 2005.
[The Chosun Ilbo, May 19 2008] Microsoft Commissions 'Traditional Korean' Xboxes
When Bill Gates met President Lee Myung-bak at Cheong Wa Dae on May 6, the Microsoft chairman came bearing a very special gift: a Microsoft Xbox video game console inlaid with traditional Korean mother-of-pearl. In fact 100 similar Xboxes are being prepared by a Korean artisan, intended as special VIP gifts from the Microsoft chief.
When Bill Gates met President Lee Myung-bak at Cheong Wa Dae on May 6, the Microsoft chairman came bearing a very special gift: a Microsoft Xbox video game console inlaid with traditional Korean mother-of-pearl. In fact 100 similar Xboxes are being prepared by a Korean artisan, intended as special VIP gifts from the Microsoft chief.
[The Hankyoreh, May 22 2008] Threatening letters
Korean Broadcasting System President Jung Yun-joo keeps getting threats and calls for him to leave.
The first came from broadcasting commission commissioner and right hand man to President Lee Myung-bak, Choi Si-jung.
The second came from Korea’s three, big conservative newspapers: the Donga-Ilbo, JoongAng Ilbo and Chosun Ilbo.
The latest threat comes from the Board of Audit and Inspection.
Korean Broadcasting System President Jung Yun-joo keeps getting threats and calls for him to leave.
The first came from broadcasting commission commissioner and right hand man to President Lee Myung-bak, Choi Si-jung.
The second came from Korea’s three, big conservative newspapers: the Donga-Ilbo, JoongAng Ilbo and Chosun Ilbo.
The latest threat comes from the Board of Audit and Inspection.
Dokdo:
[The Chosun Ilbo, May 20 2008] Seoul to ‘Respond Firmly’ to Japan’s Dokdo Claims
[The Chosun Ilbo, May 20 2008] Pointless Posturing From Japan
[The Chosun Ilbo, May 19 2008] Japanese Textbooks to Repeat Dokdo Claim
[The Hankyoreh, May 22 2008] No right to Dokdo
[The Hankyoreh, May 20 2008] Seoul demands correction of Japan’s Dokdo claim
Japanese ambassador summoned to S. Korean Foreign Ministry for a warning
[The Hankyoreh, May 19 2008] [Editorial] Japan and the reconciliation of history
[The Chosun Ilbo, May 20 2008] Seoul to ‘Respond Firmly’ to Japan’s Dokdo Claims
[The Chosun Ilbo, May 20 2008] Pointless Posturing From Japan
[The Chosun Ilbo, May 19 2008] Japanese Textbooks to Repeat Dokdo Claim
[The Hankyoreh, May 22 2008] No right to Dokdo
[The Hankyoreh, May 20 2008] Seoul demands correction of Japan’s Dokdo claim
Japanese ambassador summoned to S. Korean Foreign Ministry for a warning
[The Hankyoreh, May 19 2008] [Editorial] Japan and the reconciliation of history
[The Hankyoreh, May 15 2008] [Column] Reflections on the freedom of the press
Yoshimasa Furuno, former correspondent for the Mainichi Shimbun
I came to Korea as a correspondent for the Mainichi Shimbun in March 1973. Four and half months after former President Park Chung-hee established the Yusin system in October 1972, press censorship was more severe than I expected. One time, a reporter for an evening newspaper wrote an exclusive about the personnel shakeups in the military. In Japan, the reporter certainly would have received a prize. I was shocked to hear that the reporter was tortured and given a jail term after having been taken to a police station with an arrest warrant. Journalists know they are putting themselves at risk when they make contact with sources for exclusive stories. Getting information is one thing, writing an article is another.
Yoshimasa Furuno, former correspondent for the Mainichi Shimbun
I came to Korea as a correspondent for the Mainichi Shimbun in March 1973. Four and half months after former President Park Chung-hee established the Yusin system in October 1972, press censorship was more severe than I expected. One time, a reporter for an evening newspaper wrote an exclusive about the personnel shakeups in the military. In Japan, the reporter certainly would have received a prize. I was shocked to hear that the reporter was tortured and given a jail term after having been taken to a police station with an arrest warrant. Journalists know they are putting themselves at risk when they make contact with sources for exclusive stories. Getting information is one thing, writing an article is another.
[The Hankyoreh, May 15 2008] [Editorial] Twenty years of The Hankyoreh
Thursday, May 15, marks the twentieth anniversary of the birth of The Hankyoreh, the first newspaper in the world owned entirely by public shareholders. We cannot put in words the sentiment we are overcome with as we look back at the long and difficult path we’ve taken since we began. The death throes of dictatorship were still being felt during The Hankyoreh’s early years, and the unseen persecution we faced meant there were always questions as to whether the paper would survive. Editorial advisor Lee Yeong-hee was arrested just for putting together plans to begin covering North Korea from inside the country, and our editorial offices were once served with a search warrant.
...
In the future as well, we, The Hankyoreh, will be an unchanging monitor and critic of power, making clear at every turn the errors of the elements with political and economic control. We will grasp the new call of the times and lead the way in inter-Korean reconciliation and establishing peace on the Korean Peninsula, just as we have since we first began. We will take an open approach and prepare a place for discussion for all, this while giving ear to those whose views and claims differ from ours. On this the day of our twentieth anniversary we reaffirm the validity of the spirit with which we first began, that of the Korean nation, democracy and civil rights. We will walk the way of the progressive media, so as to attain a life as a warm community, this with a flexible composure that never goes against the flow of the times and never loses hope.
Thursday, May 15, marks the twentieth anniversary of the birth of The Hankyoreh, the first newspaper in the world owned entirely by public shareholders. We cannot put in words the sentiment we are overcome with as we look back at the long and difficult path we’ve taken since we began. The death throes of dictatorship were still being felt during The Hankyoreh’s early years, and the unseen persecution we faced meant there were always questions as to whether the paper would survive. Editorial advisor Lee Yeong-hee was arrested just for putting together plans to begin covering North Korea from inside the country, and our editorial offices were once served with a search warrant.
...
In the future as well, we, The Hankyoreh, will be an unchanging monitor and critic of power, making clear at every turn the errors of the elements with political and economic control. We will grasp the new call of the times and lead the way in inter-Korean reconciliation and establishing peace on the Korean Peninsula, just as we have since we first began. We will take an open approach and prepare a place for discussion for all, this while giving ear to those whose views and claims differ from ours. On this the day of our twentieth anniversary we reaffirm the validity of the spirit with which we first began, that of the Korean nation, democracy and civil rights. We will walk the way of the progressive media, so as to attain a life as a warm community, this with a flexible composure that never goes against the flow of the times and never loses hope.
[The Hankyoreh, May 15 2008] Seoul Human Rights Film Festival takes it to the streets
Festival will be held on the streets of Daehangno to protest gov’t censorship
The 12th Seoul Human Rights Film Festival will be held later this month - on the streets. On May 14, the Sarangbang Group for Human Rights, the festival organizer, said it will hold this year’s festival on the streets of Daehangno, which is known as a neighborhood for young people, but not as a movie theater. With the theme “We rate their ratings,” the festival organizers chose to hold the festival in Daehangno to protest against a series of restrictions on freedom of expression imposed by the government’s movie ratings system.
Festival will be held on the streets of Daehangno to protest gov’t censorship
The 12th Seoul Human Rights Film Festival will be held later this month - on the streets. On May 14, the Sarangbang Group for Human Rights, the festival organizer, said it will hold this year’s festival on the streets of Daehangno, which is known as a neighborhood for young people, but not as a movie theater. With the theme “We rate their ratings,” the festival organizers chose to hold the festival in Daehangno to protest against a series of restrictions on freedom of expression imposed by the government’s movie ratings system.
[The Hankyoreh, May 13 2008] [Editorial] Korea Communications Commission: Questionable neutrality
They’re saying that Korea Communications Commission head Choi Si-jung was at a barbeque party held over the weekend at a guesthouse near the Blue House. The event was a reception for recently erstwhile members of the media who helped President Lee Myung-bak during his campaign. The head of the KCC is supposed to maintain independence, and it is very inappropriate for him to be attending what was an extremely private meeting.
...
The KCC was already facing criticism for its behavior in the recent mad cow disease controversy. A KCC official is said to have telephoned the Internet portal site Daum and demanded that it delete user comments critical of the president’s handling of the matter of American beef imports. The official explanation is that it was Daum that contacted the KCC, which merely responded. But questions remain because, by the looks of it, it is possible that an official who knew that his boss is close with the president may have gone overboard in making a demonstration of his loyalty. Choi needs to keep in mind that his every action sends a signal to KCC officials.
Comments by Choi at the Cabinet meeting of May 6 have also stirred controversy. “Beef is becoming more of an issue because the media is making an issue of it,” he said.
They’re saying that Korea Communications Commission head Choi Si-jung was at a barbeque party held over the weekend at a guesthouse near the Blue House. The event was a reception for recently erstwhile members of the media who helped President Lee Myung-bak during his campaign. The head of the KCC is supposed to maintain independence, and it is very inappropriate for him to be attending what was an extremely private meeting.
...
The KCC was already facing criticism for its behavior in the recent mad cow disease controversy. A KCC official is said to have telephoned the Internet portal site Daum and demanded that it delete user comments critical of the president’s handling of the matter of American beef imports. The official explanation is that it was Daum that contacted the KCC, which merely responded. But questions remain because, by the looks of it, it is possible that an official who knew that his boss is close with the president may have gone overboard in making a demonstration of his loyalty. Choi needs to keep in mind that his every action sends a signal to KCC officials.
Comments by Choi at the Cabinet meeting of May 6 have also stirred controversy. “Beef is becoming more of an issue because the media is making an issue of it,” he said.
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