eFM News

≡ Ruling Party Wins Landslide Victory In Male-Dominated Elections

[Anchor] The ruling Democratic Party has clinched a landslide victory in the local elections, winning 14 of the 17 metropolitan cities and provinces, as well as 11 out of 12 parliamentary seats in the by-elections. Opposition parties, on the other hand, suffered a crushing defeat, prompting their leaders to step down to take responsibility for the loss. Julie Sohn reports. [Reporter] The main opposition Liberty Korea Party managed to win in only two of its strongholds. After the crushing defeat, party chief Hong Joon-pyo stepped down from his post. Co-leader Yoo Seong-min of the minor opposition Bareunmirae Party, which failed to secure any posts in the elections, has also resigned. The DP's major victory is expected to greatly enhance President Moon Jae-in's grip on domestic politics, strengthening and accelerating his administration's ongoing reform drive. However, it is facing criticism from female activists for disregarding women's lack of representation in politics. For this year's local elections, women accounted for less than 10 percent of all mayoral and gubernatorial candidates, while none of them were able to win. Calls are growing for gender quotas to ensure women have more of a chance at key political and administrative positions. Julie Sohn, eFM News.■[2018.06.14]

≡ Pompeo: S. Korea, Japan Crucial To N. Korea's Denuclearization

[Anchor] U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says the Trump administration is still aiming for the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of North Korea. Pompeo also told reporters in Seoul today that Kim Jong-un understands that denuclearization must happen quickly while warning there will be no sanctions relief until that process is complete. Ron Chang reports. [Reporter] After meeting with his South Korean and Japanese counterparts, Pompeo said the trilateral cooperation between Washington, Seoul and Tokyo will be "crucial to the effectiveness" of the denuclearization process. [Clip - Pompeo] "As the president said, this will be a process and not an easy one. Staying close to the alliance with our allies, the Republic of Korea and Japan will be critical in the success of that outcome. " Pompeo noted that Tuesday's Trump-Kim summit marks a turning point in Washington-Pyongyang relations. Japan's Foreign Minister Taro Kono also expressed hope towards North Korea's promise to denuclearize. [Clip - Kono] "This is only the beginning of a challenging yet significant process to achieve our common goal - peace and stability in the region and beyond." Seoul's Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha, meanwhile, said the issue of possibly suspending joint military drills with the U.S. was not covered much during her talks with Pompeo and Kono. She said it's an alliance issue, adding it is being discussed by military officials from both sides. After his meeting with the North Korean leader, Trump announced plans to scrap the so-called "war games," calling them provocative and expensive. Ron Chang, eFM News.■[2018.06.14]

≡ Koreas Hold General-Level Military Talks On Easing Cross-Border Tensions

South and North Korea are holding general-level military talks to discuss ways to ease cross-border tensions. The talks, which began at 10 a.m. on the northern side of Panmunjom, are the first such meeting in more than 10 years - the two sides last met in December 2007. South Korea's five-member delegation is led by Major General Kim Do-gyun while the North's delegation is led by Lieutenant General An Ik-san, who is accompanied by four other officials. The general-grade talks are expected to focus on discussing the restoration of a cross-border military communication line, holding military talks on a regular basis and establishing a hotline between their military leaders.■ [2018.06.14]

≡ FIFA World Cup To Kick Off In Russia Thursday

The 2018 FIFA World Cup is set to kick off in Russia on Thursday. The host country will get the ball rolling with their opener against Saudi Arabia at the completely refurbished Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow after an opening ceremony attended by President Vladimir Putin. Brazil have won the title a record five times while defending champions Germany are on four and determined to draw level with the Brazilians when the final is played on July 15th. South Korea will start their Group F campaign against Sweden next Monday, 9 p.m. Korea time.■ [2018.06.14]

≡ Korean Stocks End Lower Over US Rate Hike Concerns

Korean stocks ended lower today as worries over a possible fallout from the U.S. interest rate hike and its future belt-tightening outlooks led to a selling spree by foreign investors. The benchmark KOSPI fell 1.8 percent to 2,423. Elsewhere in Asia, Tokyo was down 1 percent, Hong Kong dropped 1.1 percent while Shanghai slipped 0.2 percent. The Korean currency closed at 1,083 won against the U.S. dollar, down 5.9 won from the previous session's close.■ [2018.06.14]

≡ Prosecutors Seek 12-Year Jail Term For Ex-President Park Geun-Hye On Bribery Charges

Prosecutors have demanded 12 years in prison and a fine of 8 billion won for former President Park Geun-hye on charges of taking bribes from the state spy agency. At a final hearing at the Seoul Central District Court, the prosecution also requested 3.5 billion won in asset forfeiture. The hearing was held in her absence. Park is accused of taking kickbacks worth 3.65 billion won from the National Intelligence Service during her presidency between 2013 and 2016.■ [2018.06.14]