eFM News

≡ S. Korea Seeks To Create State Investigative Control Tower

Cheong Wa Dae, the government and the ruling Democratic Party have agreed to push for the creation of a state investigative control tower as part of their drive for police reform. During a meeting on the issue earlier today, they also agreed to urge the National Assembly to speed up legislative efforts in introducing an autonomous police system. The moves are aimed at preventing police officers from inappropriately intervening in politics and decentralizing police power. At the same time, the government is seeking to empower police to have bigger authority to conduct probes as part of broader plans to overhaul the prosecution.■ [2019.05.20]

≡ Kim Jong-Un Wanted To Close 2 Of 5 Nuclear Sites: Trump

U.S. President Donald Trump says North Korean leader Kim Jong-un told him during their latest summit in February in Hanoi that he was only willing to shut down one or two nuclear facilities among five in the North. Trump also reiterated that he told leader Kim that he wasn't ready for a deal. He made the remarks Sunday during an interview with Fox News while talking about the situation in Iran. Trump said the U.S. doesn't need another country with nuclear weapons, referring to his predecessor's deal with Iran that says in the next five years from now, the country will have an open path to making nuclear weapons.■ [2019.05.20]

≡ 2nd DMZ Peace Trail To Open In June In Cheorwon

South Korea is opening its second border trail along the Demilitarized Zone to civilian hikers next month. Starting today, the Korea Tourism Organization is receiving applications for those who want to walk along the DMZ Peace Trail in Cheorwon, Gangwon Province. The hiking course, located right up against the southern boundary of the DMZ, passes through the Baekma and Arrowhead ridges where some of the fiercest battles took place during the Korean War. It also leads up to a guard post within the buffer zone, giving civilians access to the GP for the first time since the division of the Korean Peninsula. South Korea is said to have notified the North of its plan to open the trail in an effort to ensure visitors' safety. The first DMZ Peace Trail was revealed on April 27th in Goseong, Gangwon Province.■[2019.05.20]

≡ President Moon To Meet Ex-US President Bush Thursday

President Moon Jae-in is set to sit down for talks Thursday with former U.S. President George W. Bush at Cheong Wa Dae. Bush will be visiting South Korea to attend a ceremony marking 10 years since the passing of his former counterpart, Roh Moo-hyun. He is expected to give a eulogy at the event at Bongha Village in Gimhae, South Gyeongsang Province, and also unveil a portrait he painted of Roh. It was reported earlier that Bush's visit was arranged by local defense firm Poongsan Corporation, which is known to have close ties with his family.■ [2019.05.20]

≡ Changdeokgung Special Performance To Highlight S. Korean Culture

The culture ministry is hosting a special performance at Changdeokgung Palace on Wednesday to introduce South Korean culture to foreigners living here. The theme for the event is based off the concept of a palace outing in celebration of the Joseon queen's birthday. Some 90 guests, including foreign students, ambassadors and content creators will be invited to watch the three-part performance while strolling the royal grounds.■[2019.05.20]

≡ BTS Management Agency To Recruit New Producers In N. America

Big Hit Entertainment, the agency in charge of boy band BTS, says it will recruit new producers in North America. Those who reside in the region can apply for the "Next New Creator North America" competition regardless of their age, nationality, education and experience. The application period is from today through June 19th, and selected applicants will participate in the main competition. There will also be prize money of 5,000 dollars.■[2019.05.20]