eFM News

≡ Prosecutors To Likely Indict Disgraced Ex-President In Early April

[Anchor] Former President Lee Myung-bak is behind bars over a range of corruption allegations, including bribery and abuse of power. Prosecutors are reportedly seeking to indict him early next month. Liyah Kim has our top story. [Reporter] The former president was processed like any other criminal suspect when he arrived at the Seoul Eastern Detention Center early this morning. He had his identity checked and mug shot taken - the disgraced former leader then changed into a prison uniform before he was locked up in a solitary cell. Lee faces a slew of charges, including taking more than 11 billion won in bribes from the state spy agency and local businesses. He is also suspected of using a private company called DAS to establish illicit slush funds worth 35 billion won. Lee has denied most of the allegations against him. If convicted of all the allegations, he could be jailed for up to 45 years. Prosecutors said they don't plan to question the 77 year-old former leader today to give him some time to rest considering his age. According to local media reports, the prosecution is seeking to indict him with formal charges early next month. Prosecutors have 20 days to hold Lee but his detention period could be extended if needed. Liyah Kim, eFM News.■[2018.03.23]

≡ Prosecutors Seek Arrest Warrant For Ahn Hee-Jung For Alleged Sexual Violence

Prosecutors have requested an arrest warrant for former South Chungcheong Governor Ahn Hee-jung for alleged sexual violence. Ahn is accused of sexually assaulting at least two women, including his secretary. The Seoul Western District Prosecutors' Office is said to have decided to seek an arrest warrant for Ahn considering his denial of the allegations and the possibility of destroying evidence.■ [2018.03.23]

≡ Moon Expresses Regret Over Korea's Participation In Vietnam War

[Anchor] President Moon Jae-in and his Vietnamese counterpart Tran Dai Quang have agreed to work together to increase bilateral trade and cooperation during their summit in Hanoi. Moon also took the opportunity to express regret over what he called "unfortunate history" between the two countries during the Vietnam War. Jenny Hur reports. [Reporter] At the start of the summit, Moon expressed his regret over his country's past wrongdoing, in an apparent reference to the killing of Vietnamese people by South Korean troops during the Vietnam War. It was the first time Moon publicly expressed his regret on the matter. In response, Quang thanked Moon, saying he highly evaluates the South Korean government's sincere attitude towards the history of the war. During talks, the two leaders agreed to substantially increase their bilateral trade and deepen diplomatic ties. Moon said both countries will aim for 100 billion dollars in trade by 2020. President Moon also briefed Quang on the upcoming summit with North Korea, and asked for support for the rare meeting aimed at denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula. Tomorrow, Moon is scheduled to meet Vietnam's prime minister and parliamentary speaker before departing for the United Arab Emirates. Jenny Hur, eFM News.■[2018.03.23]

≡ US Temporarily Exempts S. Korea From Steel Tariffs

The United States is temporarily exempting South Korea from stiff tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, following weeks of lobbying by Seoul officials. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer told a Senate hearing in Washington Thursday that President Donald Trump had authorized a "pause" in the 25 percent tariff on imported steel and 10 percent tariff on aluminum set to go into effect Friday. Also on the list were Canada, Mexico, the European Union, Argentina, Brazil and Australia. South Korean Trade Minister Kim Hyun-chong said it would last until the end of April, for now, but negotiations need to continue on conditions for a permanent exemption. South Korean officials have been in Washington in recent days for talks on renegotiating the bilateral free trade deal with the U.S., citing the importance of maintaining a united front as the allies seek to resolve the issue of North Korea's nuclear weapons program.■ [2018.03.23]

≡ China Opposes US Plan For Tariffs On Chinese Goods Worth $60 Bln

China says it firmly opposes U.S. President Donald Trump's plans for tariffs on Chinese imports, asserting it has "set a very bad precedent." Beijing's commerce ministry said in a statement that the U.S. tariffs are "not conducive to global interests" While saying it does not want a trade war, the ministry added that it is "confident and capable of meeting any challenge." The comments come in response to Trump's decision Thursday to approve a possible tariff hike on Chinese goods worth up to 60 billion dollars. Earlier today, Beijing announced a three billion-dollar list of U.S. goods, including pork, apples, and steel pipes, saying it would offset Chinese losses due to Trump's tariff hike on steel and aluminum imports.■ [2018.03.23]

≡ 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]