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≡ Moon Expresses Regret Over S. Korea's Vietnam War Massacres
President Moon Jae-in has expressed regret over what he called "unfortunate history" between South Korea and Vietnam.
President Moon made the remark ahead of summit talks with his Vietnamese counterpart Tran Dai Quang in Hanoi.
He was apparently referring to South Korean soldiers' alleged massacres of Vietnamese civilians during the Vietnam War.
Moon also expressed hope that the two countries would pool efforts for future-oriented cooperation.
The president is scheduled to attend a state dinner hosted by Quang later in the day.■
[2018.03.23]
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≡ S. Korea To Work Closely With Incoming US Security Advisor: Top Office
A senior Cheong Wa Dae official says the government will work closely with incoming U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton.
President Donald Trump announced Thursday that Bolton will be replacing H.R. McMaster next month.
Bolton, who served as undersecretary of state and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, has long been considered one of the most hawkish U.S. officials on North Korea.
The Seoul official dismissed concern about negative effects Bolton's appointment or the sacking of H.R. McMaster, who has coordinated closely with South Korea, would have on the upcoming inter-Korean and U.S.-North Korea summits.■
[2018.03.23]
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≡ USFK To Hold Civilian Evacuation Drill In April
The U.S. military is planning to hold a noncombatant evacuation drill in South Korea next month, despite the current state of eased tensions.
According to the Stars and Stripes newspaper, the Focused Passage training will take place from April 16th to the 20th, when Korean and American troops stage the annual Foal Eagle military exercises.
It's aimed at ensuring U.S. Forces Korea service members, families and other non-essential civilians are prepared to evacuate in case of a conflict on the peninsula.
And for the first time, the plan is to transport them all the way back to the U.S.
A similar regular drill is also held in the fall.■[2018.03.23]
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≡ KB Financial Chief Apologizes For Alleged Hiring Irregularities
The chairman of KB Financial Group has apologized for being embroiled in allegations of hiring irregularities at its flagship bank.
Chairman Yoon Jong-kyoo issued the apology at KB's annual sharehol1ders' meeting today, and said he will clarify his position on the matter if questioned by police.
Police raided the homes and offices of the group's senior executives, including Yoon, earlier this month over the allegations at Kookmin Bank.
Yoon's grandniece was reportedly suspected of receiving special favors when she got a job at the bank in 2015.■[2018.03.23]
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≡ US Senate Passes $1.3 Trillion Federal Spending Bill
The United States Senate has passed a 1.3 trillion dollar federal spending bill, overcoming hurdles that threatened to send the government into its third shutdown of 2018.
The bill passed early Friday by a vote of 65-32.
The measure boosts military and domestic spending, increases border security, funds infrastructure and student loan projects, and includes provisions to reduce gun violence.
It now goes to the White House to be signed by President Donald Trump, whose aides have said he supports the bill.■
[2018.03.23]
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≡ Natl Women's Curling Team Advances To Playoffs Of Intl Championship
South Korean women curlers have beaten Japan to advance to the playoffs of the Ford World Women's Curling Championship in North Bay, Canada.
The team led by skip Kim Eun-jung dominated their Asian rival throughout Thursday's match, winning 9-5.
With seven wins and three losses at the competition, South Korea currently ranks third.
On Friday, the team will face Russia and Scotland to round out the preliminary round.■
[2018.03.23]