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≡ Unification Minister Nominee Vows To Normalize Inter-Korean Liaison Office
[Anchor]
South Korea's unification minister nominee has vowed to normalize the inter-Korean liaison office, following the recent pull-out of North Korean staff there.
North Korea, meanwhile, still remains mum on its abrupt withdrawal.
Soa Kwon has this report.
[Reporter]
Nominee Kim Yeon-chul says he will focus his efforts to resume normal operations at the inter-Korean liaison office in the North's border city of Kaesong, if he gets appointed as the new unification minister.
In a written reply to the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee today on his upcoming confirmation hearing, Kim said his first and foremost task will be the quick normalization of the inter-Korean liaison office.
Kim assessed the office as having served well as a channel for negotiations on governmental and civilian exchanges.
The nominee also vowed for efforts on establishing lasting inter-Korean ties based on trust, as well as a thorough implementation of the two Koreas' joint agreement.
North Korean media on Sunday meanwhile remained silent on its abrupt withdrawal of the inter-Korean liaison office.
None of the North's state-run media outlets have released a statement on the matter since the pullout on Friday.
Propaganda outlets however continued to criticize the coordination between Seoul and Washington over Pyongyang's nuclear programs.
In an editorial, Uriminzokkiri said South Korea can gain nothing from cooperation with the U.S.
Soa Kwon, eFM News.■
[2019.03.24]
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≡ Plastic Surgery Clinic Booked Over Samsung Heiress' Alleged Propofol Use
Seoul police said they have booked the head of a plastic surgery clinic in Gangnam accused of administering propofol to Hotel Shilla CEO Lee Boo-jin.
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said they booked the official without detention on Friday before they conducted their raid to the clinic yesterday.
Investigators seized medical records and a drug log book of the clinic.
The raid comes as the clinic refused to comply with police's request to voluntarily hand over their documents.
Lee has denied the allegation, saying she had only visited the clinic for legitimate treatment.
The police plan to summon related officials at the clinic for questioning after they finish reviewing the seized materials.■
[2019.03.24]
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≡ Seoul City To Crack Down On Single-Use Plastic Bags
The Seoul Metropolitan Government is planning to crack down on large supermarkets that use single-use plastic bags.
Starting April 1st, major supermarkets that do not abide by the government's restriction of plastic bags will be fined up to 3 million won.
Over 5,600 discount stores, supermarkets and bakeries are subject to the new rule.
Since January 1st, the environment ministry has banned the use of single-use plastic bags at supermarkets bigger than 165 square meters, as well as bakeries.■
[2019.03.24]
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≡ Seoul Metro Posts ₩510 Deficit Per Passenger In 2018
Seoul Metro continues to post deficits mostly due to offering free rides for the elderly.
According to the subway operator, it cost 1,457 won per commuter last year, but the average fare was 946 won, leading to a deficit of 510 won per passenger.
The figure is up 3 percent compared to a year earlier.
Data showed senior citizens with free access to subways accounted for nearly 15 percent of all passengers.■
[2019.03.24]