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≡ FM Kang Vows To Seek Diplomatic Solution To N. Korean Nuclear Issue
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha has vowed to continue efforts in seeking a peaceful resolution to the North Korean nuclear issue.
Speaking at an annual meeting of the heads of South Korea's foreign diplomatic missions, Kang noted that Pyongyang accelerated its nuclear armament this year, citing the regime's sixth and largest nuclear test as well as frequent missile launches.
Despite the provocations, Kang pledged to secure room for diplomacy and to search for various ways to bring the North back to the dialogue table by cooperating with the international community.■
[2017.12.18]
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≡ FM Kang Set To Depart For Japan Tuesday
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha heads to Japan tomorrow for a two-day trip.
There, she will sit down with her Japanese counterpart, Taro Kono, to discuss a range of issues, including Seoul-Tokyo relations and North Korea.
The ministry said her trip comes at the invitation of Kono.■[2017.12.18]
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≡ Prosecutors Question Ex-Cheong Wa Dae Aide Woo Byung-Woo Over Corruption Allegations
Seoul prosecutors are questioning former senior presidential secretary Woo Byung-woo for the first time since his arrest last week over a slew of corruption charges.
He appeared at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office earlier this afternoon.
Woo is accused of being involved in illegal surveillance operations against various figures, including Lee Seok-su, who served as the independent inspector-general from 2015 to last year.
The former aide to ex-President Park Geun-hye is also suspected of being involved in creating and managing a blacklist of cultural figures deemed critical of the conservative government.■[2017.12.18]
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≡ Autopsies Performed After Mysterious Deaths Of Four Newborns
Autopsies are being carried out on four newborn babies, who suddenly died Saturday night at Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital in western Seoul.
A police official says all possible causes are being considered at this stage.
According to the Korea Centers for Disease Control, medical records show three of them may have had an infection, though it is not yet clear what they might be.
Other possibilities being considered include a malfunction in the incubator and outside intrusion.■[2017.12.18]
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≡ Korean Tourists Injured In Bus Accident On Hokkaido
Several Korean tourists have been injured in Japan's Hokkaido, after their tour bus skidded off a snow-covered road yesterday afternoon.
Seoul's foreign ministry said 34 Koreans were on board and only sustained minor injuries, but the Japanese driver is said to have been badly hurt.
The ministry added it will provide consular support for the injured to help them receive treatment in Japan and come home safely. ■[2017.12.18]
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≡ Seoul Plaza Skating Rink To Open This Friday
An outdoor ice skating rink at Seoul Plaza will open on Friday and run until February 25th.
It will be open from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. every Sunday to Thursday, and until 11 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and public holidays.
It will cost 1,000 won per person for using the rink and renting skates.
In celebration of next year's PyeongChang Winter Olympics, a special area will be set up from February 1st to the 14th for visitors to try their hand at curling.■[2017.12.18]
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≡ McCain Returns Home After Treatment, But Misses Senate Tax Plan Vote
U.S. Senator John McCain has returned home to Arizona after being hospitalized for a viral infection while battling brain cancer.
The 81-year-old Republican will undergo physical therapy and rehabilitation at the Mayo Clinic.
He will miss a crucial Senate vote on the GOP tax package on Wednesday.
McCain's office said he has expressed gratitude for the care and support he has received, and that he looks forward to returning to Washington next month.■[2017.12.18]