eFM News

≡ Seoul May Announce Stance On Military Deal With Japan Thursday: Yonhap

[Anchor] Cheong Wa Dae is reportedly planning to announce as early as tomorrow whether to extend or scrap a bilateral military intelligence-sharing pact with Japan. The move comes as the top diplomats of Seoul and Tokyo produced no tangible results from their talks on trade and diplomatic issues in Beijing. Julie Sohn reports. [Reporter] According to Yonhap News, citing a presidential official, the top office could announce the decision through Seoul's deputy director of the National Security Office Kim Hyun-chong on Thursday at the earliest. Seoul has until Saturday to express intent to scrap the military accord. Otherwise, the agreement will be automatically renewed for another year. The presidential office is expected to make a final decision on the matter after taking into account the outcome of bilateral foreign ministers' meeting in Beijing today. Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and her Japanese counterpart, Taro Kono, met on the sidelines of a trilateral meeting with their Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi. The two top diplomats are known to have reaffirmed their difference in stance regarding the current feud over trade and historical issues, but agreed on the need for continued dialogue to prevent the situation from worsening. Kang is said to have renewed Seoul's call for Tokyo to retract its recent export curbs, while Kono maintained Japan's earlier stance justifying its measures. Julie Sohn, eFM News.■[2019.08.21]

≡ Govt To Strengthen Safety Checks On Food Imports From Japan

The government is intensifying safety inspections of food imports from Japan amid growing public concern over radioactive contamination. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced today that it will double inspections on food imports with a history of being sent back to Japan due to traces of radiation. A total of 17 items are subject to the inspections, including Japanese tea, beverages and agricultural products such as coffee and blueberries.■[2019.08.21]

≡ Biegun Vows Progress In N. Korea Talks, Dismisses Rumor Of Russian Ambassadorship

Washington's top nuclear envoy Stephen Biegun has vowed to make progress in denuclearization talks with North Korea. Biegun made the pledge to reporters after talks with his South Korean counterpart, Lee Do-hoon, in Seoul this morning, dismissing media speculation about his possible ambassadorship in Russia. He said he is "fully committed to this important mission," adding the United States is prepared for dialogue as soon as it hears from the North. Washington and Pyongyang were expected to resume working-level talks last month based on an agreement between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during their impromptu meeting on June 30th at the inter-Korean border. But the two sides have failed to make headway amid tensions over a combined military exercise between Seoul and Washington that ended yesterday.■[2019.08.21]

≡ Allegations Against Justice Minister Nominee Unwarranted: Cheong Wa Dae

Cheong Wa Dae says while some allegations against Justice Minister nominee Cho Kuk are reasonable, some are unwarranted, as media reports have been raising doubts about fairness in his personal matters. Senior presidential secretary Yoon Do-han said during a briefing today that some accusations raised by local media organizations lack evidence and such claims will be verified at Cho's confirmation hearing. It is the first time that the presidential office has made an official statement about the allegations against Cho and his family. One such allegation is about his daughter having received improper preferential academic treatment. Cho said he will "humbly accept" all criticism directed at him, but denied allegations surrounding his daughter.■[2019.08.21]

≡ S. Koreans With Record Of North Visit Allowed To Travel To Guam, Saipan

The foreign ministry says South Korean citizens with a record of visiting North Korea in the past eight years can enter Guam and Saipan without a visa. The ministry said today those who have travelled to the North since March 2011 will be allowed to visit the American islands for up to 45 days by just applying for visa exemptions online or in-flight. Under a tightened U.S. measure that took effect early this month, anyone with a record of North Korean visit during the period is required to apply for a U.S. visa in person at the embassy and undergo necessary steps, including an interview. The U.S. government has said the new travel restrictions against foreign nationals follow its 2017 designation of the regime as a state sponsor of terrorism.■[2019.08.21]

≡ Major Seoul Landmarks To Turn Off Lights To Celebrate 'Energy Day'

Major landmarks in Seoul will go dark for five minutes at 9 p.m. tomorrow to mark "Energy Day." They include City Hall, the National Assembly building, N Seoul Tower, Seoul Arts Center and Hangang Bridge. Earlier in the day, at 2 p.m. for one hour, local district offices in the capital will raise the temperature of its air conditioners by 2 degrees. Similar "Energy Day" events will also be held in 11 cities and provinces nationwide.■[2019.08.21]