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Politics
Is North Korea becoming China’s satellite?
China has struck deals with North Korea this week to develop economic zones and foster investment in the impoverished country. The moves, analysts say, signals Beijing’s full support of fledgling North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The promises boost the viability of Kim, who is in his late twenties, but also…
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‘Japan massacred Koreans on Sakhalin’
A recently released Soviet Union report suggests that a large-scale massacre of Koreans by Japanese soldiers took place on Sakhalin, off Russia’s east coast. It also sheds more light on the fate of victims of forcible conscription for wartime labor under Japanese colonial rule (1910-1945). The National Archives of Korea…
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Politics
‘Japan’s sex slavery is anti-humanity crime’
President Lee Myung-bak said Wednesday colonial Japan’s conscription of sex slaves who were forced to serve soldiers amounted to a crime against humanity. “The issue involving mobilization of comfort women by the Japanese military goes beyond relations between Korea and Japan,” Lee said in a speech to mark the 67th…
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Politics
Japan differs over Dokdo, Kuril Islands
Japan’s reaction to President Lee Myung-bak’s trip to Dokdo last Friday was almost identical to that when former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev visted Kuril Islands in 2010, except for one fact. Back then, Japan didn’t threaten to involve the International Court of Justice (ICJ). This time Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba…
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UN chief calls for ethical corporate management
U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon urged business leaders in Korea to take a greater responsibility for eradicating poverty and ensuring sustainable, equitable development, Tuesday. “I expect corporations to proactively engage in social and economic issues, such as the eradication of poverty,” the U.N. chief said in a meeting hosted by…
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Politics
‘Akihito should make apologies first’
President Lee Myung-bak indirectly demanded Tuesday that Japan offer sincere apology for its 36-year-long brutal colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula and war crimes committed during World War II. Lee made the remarks amid a worsening Seoul-Tokyo diplomatic row after his surprise visit to Korea’s easternmost islets of Dokdo last…
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Politics
China, NK in deal on economic zones
China and North Korea have agreed to accelerate the development of economic zones in the North, Beijing said Tuesday amid signs that Pyongyang is seeking to boost its economy. Under the agreement, the two sides will establish committees to oversee the zones. It also deals with the supply of electricity…
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Politics
Ahn Cheol-soo foundation to change name
A non-profit foundation, established with money donated by Ahn Cheol-soo last year, may undergo a name change as the election watchdog warned it not to use the founder’s name in its title for the time being. On Monday, the National Election Commission (NEC) said providing financial support or scholarships under…
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N. Korea slams Lee, Japan over Dokdo
North Korea on Monday criticized President Lee Myung-bak for his surprise visit to Dokdo last week ― the nation’s easternmost islets ― that ratcheted up tensions with Japan. In a dispatch, Pyongyang’s state media accused Lee of trying to stave off his status as a lame-duck president by politically exploiting…
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Politics
North Korean leader, military waging ‘money war’
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has set some lofty goals since taking power in December, calling for better living conditions for the hungry populace and issuing orders that may provide autonomy over agriculture and business. To deliver on these promises, analysts said Monday that Kim has some dirty work ahead…
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