eFM News

≡ N. Korea Announces Large-Scale Pardons Ahead Of Founding Anniversary

North Korea will grant large-scale pardons next month ahead of its 70th founding anniversary slated for September 9th. The North's state-run Korean Central News Agency reported today that pardons will be issued for those convicted of crimes starting August 1st. Pyongyang last carried out a general amnesty in 2015 in celebration of the 70th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japan's colonial rule. The latest move appears to be aimed at consolidating social unity and boosting people's loyalty for North Korean leader Kim Jong-un amid recent changes in relations with the U.S.■[2018.07.16]

≡ Parliament To Elect Heads Of Standing Committees

Parliament will hold a plenary session this afternoon to elect the heads of 16 standing committees for the second half of the 20th National Assembly. Lawmakers will also pass a revision bill to parliamentary law that will allow the committee on education, culture, sports and tourism to be separated into two -- one in charge of education and the other the remaining affairs. The heads of the two committees will be elected on July 26th. Rival parties earlier agreed the ruling Democratic Party would chair eight committees, the main opposition Liberty Korea Party seven, the Bareunmirae Party two, while the joint bloc of the Party for Democracy and Peace and the Justice Party would head one.■[2018.07.16]

≡ 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]

≡ Seoul Stocks In Midday Trade

Turning to the local bourse, stocks in Seoul are trading _________ at this hour. As of noon, the benchmark KOSPI was up/down _____ percent at _______, while the tech-heavy KOSDAQ was up/down _____ percent at _______. The local currency was trading at _______ won against the greenback, up/down/unchanged _____ won from last Friday's close.■ 1,124[2018.07.16]

≡ Trump, Putin To Hold Closely Watched Summit In Finland

U.S. President Donald Trump is in Finland for his closely watched summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump landed in Helsinki, late Sunday, and has no public appearances planned until Monday, when he heads to the Presidential Palace for breakfast with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto. Trump and Putin will meet at the palace later in the day. The American leader set expectations for the summit low, telling CBS he does not expect anything, but believes such meetings are beneficial to improving relations between Washington and Moscow. Trump has said he will raise the issue of Russian election meddling, along with Syria, Ukraine, nuclear proliferation and other topics.■ [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]