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Politics
NK newspaper runs rare advertisements
A North Korean newspaper has in recent weeks run advertisements for clothes and other products in the latest sign of the Stalinist state attempting to update its economy. The ads in the Pyongyang Sinmun include those for flowers and flowerpots; “hanbok” or traditional Korean dress; and a water-heating device using…
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Candidates’ shift toward NK engagement draws concern
Experts are concerned that both liberal and conservative presidential candidates are leaning too much toward a policy of engagement with North Korea as part of campaign tactics geared at signaling a departure from the hard-line policies employed by President Lee Myung-bak. What matters, they say, is that the major candidates…
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Samsung, Hyundai take up half of top 30 firms’ income
Korea has seen a growing gap between a few leading performers and the rest of the pack amid the prolonged global economic slump. Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors are projected to account for over half of net profits generated this year by the country’s top 30 listed firms…
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Business
CEOs suspected of dodging audit
Questions are being asked about the recent swooping foreign trips of bosses of Korean conglomerates, for what their aides say is “business purposes.” It is particularly curious that such trips are taking place at a time when the nation-wide parliamentary audit of institutions is in progress. There is suspicion that…
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Business
Singapore magnet for K-food business
All roads lead to Singapore. This is a maxim for many Korean food companies seeking successful overseas expansion. The country’s two leading bakery brands — CJ Foodville and SPC — have opened flagship stores in the city-state, testing their strength before moving on to its neighbors that include China, Vietnam,…
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Business
Korea, Japan halt currency swap compact
Decision comes at low point in bilateral ties Korea and Japan will let their expanded currency swap arrangement expire at the end of this month amid a bitter diplomatic row. Policymakers both in Seoul and Tokyo claimed that the agreement between the two nations Tuesday was not a political decision.…
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Column
Psy comes to America
“A week ago, no one ever heard of the guy. Three million You Tube hits later and he’s everywhere,” marveled comedian Seth MacFarlane on Saturday Night Live. The subject of his astonishment was, of course, the now ubiquitous Psy, who with his international mega-hit “Gangnam Style” did what neither Rain,…
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Honoring Kono statement
Retraction would mean Japan’s diplomatic gaffe Yohei Kono, the former Japanese chief Cabinet secretary who admitted in a formal statement in 1993 his country’s coerced sexual slavery during World War II, said Monday that his statement was based on a careful study of extensive records and testimonies. In an interview…
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Column
[Indonesia Report] Jayapura, an ideal place to enjoy holiday cheaply
What is your planning for winter holiday this year? Want to go abroad enjoying exotic and warm weather but tight with budget? Indonesia is a perfect gateway. According to Kompas.com, you can spend holiday in Jayapura, one of Indonesian’s city, famous for its unique and still preserved beauty of traditional…
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South East Asia
[The AsiaN Video for Indonesian] Berhenti Campur Tangan dan Nyatakan Afghanistan Negara Netral
Halo! Saya Meidyana Rayana dari Indonesia. Berikut adalah ulasan mengenai masa depan Afghanistan oleh Ghulam Faruq Achikzad, Analis senior Institut Nautilus. 30 tahun terakhir Afghanistan telah melewati masa paling bergejolak dalam sejarah moderennya. Afghanistan telah berjuang mengatasi efek mengerikan dari konflik bersenjata, pendudukan dan intervensi pihak asing. Lebih dari 5…
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