eFM News

≡ Heat Wave Continues With Warnings, Health Advisories

The country remains in the grips of a heat wave with temperatures to again peak in the mid to high 30s this afternoon. Related weather warnings and advisories are still in effect in most regions, with intensified measures in the south and the Chungcheon provinces. The mercury will peak at 34 degrees in Seoul, while Daejon gets up to 35 degrees, Gwangju 36 and Daegu 37. Compared to the same period last year, the readings are about 5 degrees hotter. Tropical nights will also continue throughout the week. Under these conditions, the Korea Meteorological Administration is reminding the public about heightened risks of heat related illnesses and to reduce outdoor activities and stay hydrated.■[2018.07.16]

≡ Rival Parties Expected To Clash During July Extraordinary Session

The National Assembly's July extraordinary session will be in full swing once the formation of standing committees is completed. However, as the rival parties are coming off a more than 40-day standoff, it is likely they will engage in fierce battles on pending bills and upcoming confirmation hearings for the national police chief designate and three Supreme Court justice nominees. The ruling Democratic Party plans to activate some of the key committees in earnest to speed up the process to deal with urgent reforms and bills that affect people's livelihoods. Meanwhile, the main opposition Liberty Korea Party said it will focus on measures to tackle fine dust and develop the service industry while taking critical aim at the government's real estate tax reform and minimum wage hike plans.■ [2018.07.16]

≡ Special Team To Launch Probe Into Military's Alleged Political Interference

An independent probe team will officially launch an investigation into alleged misdeeds by the top military intelligence unit under the former Park Geun-hye administration. The team will look into two separate but related allegations -- that the Defense Security Command drafted plans for the possible declaration of martial law during candlelight vigils last year, and that the unit conducted surveillance on the bereaved families of Sewol ferry victims. Those subject to scrutiny include former DSC chief Cho Hyun-chun and then-Defense Minister Han Min-koo. Incumbent Defense Minister Song Young-moo may also be questioned. He apparently did nothing even after he was briefed about documents related to the case earlier this year.■[2018.07.16]

≡ South, North Korean Table Tennis Players Begin Joint Training

South and North Korean table tennis players will start joint training sessions today in preparation for an international table tennis competition in Daejeon this week. The two Koreas agreed to form joint double teams for the International Table Tennis Federation Tour Platinum Korea Open to be held from Tuesday to July 22nd. Upon the North Korean players' arrival in the South, yesterday, Seoul's Korea Table Tennis Association said the two sides agreed to field unified teams to play in the men's, women's and mixed doubles events at the tournament.■[2018.07.16]

≡ S. Koreans Split Over More Military Service Exemptions For Athletes: Poll

South Koreans are apparently torn over whether military service exemptions should be expanded for athletes. Realmeter conducted a survey on 500 adults last Thursday and found that 47.6 percent were for creating more ways for male athletes to be exempt from conscription, while 43.9 percent said they were against such moves. Another 8.5 percent did not have an opinion either way. The survey had a margin of error of 4.4 percentage points and a 95 percent confidence level. All healthy men aged 18 to 35 must serve about two years in the armed forces but athletes who win an Asian Games gold medal or an Olympic medal receive exemptions and only have to undergo four weeks of basic training.■[2018.07.16]

≡ Weather Update 1100

Taking a look at the weather, it's sunny skies nationwide. Heat wave advisories and warnings remain in effect as hot, humid conditions continue. Be aware of strong UV rays and ozone levels when outdoors. Afternoon highs will range between 31 to 37 degrees. As for the current temperature in central Seoul, it is _____ degrees Celsius or _____ degrees Fahrenheit.■ [2018.07.16]