eFM News

≡ N. Korean Negotiator Heads To US To Discuss 2nd Trump-Kim Summit

[Anchor] Top North Korean official Kim Yong-chol is expected to depart for Washington via Beijing this evening, reportedly carrying a letter from leader Kim Jong-un to U.S. President Donald Trump. Kim's second U.S. trip in nearly eight months is widely seen as a preparation for an envisioned second summit between the two leaders. Hanna Choi has our top story. [Reporter] Kim Yong-chol, Pyongyang's former spy chief, was spotted this morning at a Beijing airport, where he is set to catch a flight to Washington D.C. this evening. The envoy will reportedly hold talks with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday morning local time and then meet President Donald Trump to deliver a letter from Kim Jong-un. South Korean government officials said that during the high-level U.S.-North Korea talks, both sides will likely flesh out details for the summit, setting the agenda, date and venue. Meanwhile, the Washington Post reported that Trump could announce his second summit with the North Korean leader as early as Friday. It said the summit would probably take place in March or April, with Danang, Vietnam seeming to be the most likely venue. As the two sides are getting ready to finalize details, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence reaffirmed that the North should take "concrete steps" to dismantle its nuclear weapons program. Speaking at a meeting of U.S. ambassadors on Wednesday, Pence said Washington still awaits Pyongyang to denuclearize. Hanna Choi, eFM News.■[2019.01.17]

≡ S. Korea To Deliver Tamiflu Antiviral Medicine To N. Korea Next Week

Seoul's unification ministry says South Korea will likely send antiviral medicine and supplies to North Korea as promised early next week. An unnamed ministry official told reporters today that consultations and other necessary proceedings for the delivery will be finalized this week. Earlier, Seoul announced plans to send the North 200,000 doses of Tamiflu as well as early medical detection kits based on an agreement made between the leaders of the two Koreas last September. But, the aid provision had been postponed as the government said it needed more time to prepare.■ [2019.01.17]

≡ Govt To Tap Into Hydrogen Power As New Growth Engine

President Moon Jae-in says the government is determined to advance the so-called hydrogen economy as a new growth engine for the country. In a meeting in Ulsan with hydrogen-related businesses, the president said changing the main source of energy from fossil fuels to hydrogen would also help the environment and enhance the country's energy security. The government unveiled a roadmap today that aims to raise the accumulated number of such vehicles manufactured locally to 6.2 million by 2040, compared to the current figure of less than 2,000. If all goes as planned, the country would see a hydrogen car costing about 30 million won in six years, about half its current price. It expects the next generation industry will create 420,000 new jobs and added value worth some 43 trillion won by 2040.■ [2019.01.17]

≡ Kakao To Suspend Beta Test Service For Carpooling App Friday

Kakao Corporation plans to temporarily suspend a beta test service of its carpooling app from 2 p.m. tomorrow. The move follows strong protests by the country's taxi industry against the app's official launch. The company said it will try to reach a social consensus on the issue through discussions with other interest groups. Four taxi groups were expected to meet today to decide whether to join the discussion.■ [2019.01.17]

≡ Seoul Stocks End Flat Amid Lack Of Fresh Risks

South Korean stocks ended unchanged today as investors took a breather following solid gains in recent sessions. The benchmark KOSPI little changed to finish at 2,107. Other Asian markets finished lower. Tokyo fell 0.2 percent, Shanghai slipped 0.4 percent while Hong Kong closed 0.7 percent lower. The local currency closed at 1,123 won against the U.S. dollar, down 2 won from the previous session's close.■ [2019.01.17]

≡ Govt To Establish Measures To Eradicate Sexual Violence In Sports

The government plans to come up with a set of measures to root out sex crimes in professional sports. Vice Gender Minister Lee Sook-jin told a press briefing today that it will toughen punishment on those who cover up any cases of sexual violence involving athletes. The ministry also decided to operate a consultative body that includes ministers and director generals from the gender, culture and education ministries. Lee said it will look into every athlete susceptible to potential sexual assault, including some 63,000 student-athletes. The measures are likely in response to a series of sexual assault and harassment allegations against former coaches by athletes.■ [2019.01.17]

≡ Govt To Honor Unrecognized Independence Fighters

The government says it will honor hundreds of independence fighters who have yet to be recognized for their work. Announcing the result of its inspection last year, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs said over 5,300 people were imprisoned during the Japanese colonial era for advocating Korea's independence. The ministry said nearly 2,500 of them have not received state recognition. The move comes as part of a project to mark the centennial of the March 1st Independence Movement.■ [2019.01.17]