eFM News

≡ Foreign Minister Reaffirms Cooperation With US On N. Korea Issue

Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha says Seoul will continue to work closely with Washington in seeking dialogue with North Korea. Kang made the remark this morning during a meeting with acting U.S. ambassador Marc Knapper and U.S. Forces Korea Commander General Vincent Brooks. Kang also reaffirmed that South Korea will not pursue inter-Korean talks separately from efforts to deal with the North's nuclear and missile threats. Knapper reportedly expressed appreciation towards President Moon Jae-in's commitment to denuclearizing the North, while Brooks underscored the strong alliance between the two countries.■ [2018.01.04]

≡ No Indication Of An Imminent Missile Test By N. Korea: Seoul JCS

Defense officials say there has been no indication of an imminent missile test by North Korea. Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesman Roh Jae-cheon made the remark in response to unconfirmed U.S. news reports that said the North appears to be preparing another intercontinental ballistic missile launch. Roh pointed out, however, that it's possible for the North to launch a missile at anytime, adding that the South Korean and American militaries are keeping close tabs on the regime.■ [2018.01.04]

≡ US Skating Head Warns Against Possible PyeongChang Olympics Boycott

The head of U.S. Figure Skating has warned against any potential boycott of the PyeongChang Winter Olympics by the United States. President Sam Auxier made the remark in response to U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham's comments that North Korea's possible participation should prompt a U.S. team boycott. U.S. Olympic Committee spokesman Mark Jones reiterated the governing body's long-held position, saying it plans to send full delegations to the Olympic and Paralympic Games.■ [2018.01.04]

≡ Public Supports Graphic Warnings Covering 80% Of Cigarette Packs: Poll

Most South Koreans think graphic warning images should cover more than 80 percent of cigarette packs sold in the country. The warnings cover half of cigarette packs under current law. The Korea Health Promotion Institute conducted the survey on 1,500 people last year, and also found that respondents are more influenced by pictorial warnings than warning phrases alone. The smoking rate for men in the country stood at 31 percent in 2015, the highest among 15 member states in the OECD.■ [2018.01.04]

≡ Search For Missing Malaysia Airlines Flight To Soon Resume

The search for a Malaysia Airlines plane that went missing in March 2014 en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing is set to soon resume. The Malaysian government has enlisted the U.S. seabed exploration company Ocean Infinity to lead the operation. The flight had 239 people onboard when it disappeared, sparking the largest search in aviation history. The Australian-led search for the aircraft was suspended in January 2017.■ [2018.01.04]

≡ Samsung To Supply 5G Network Solutions To Verizon

Samsung Electronics announced Thursday that it has clinched a deal with U.S. mobile carrier Verizon to supply commercial 5G network equipment. The two companies will launch the service in Sacramento, California over the second half of 2018. Samsung and Verizon conducted trial runs of the 5G network in seven cities across the U.S. last year. The network technology is considered critical to the Internet-of-Things industry, paving the way for faster data transmission speeds than the fourth generation network.■ [2018.01.04]

≡ Weather Update 1200

Taking a look at the weather, it's partly sunny skies and frigid temperatures across the nation. The local mercury will peak at zero, while Incheon will see a high of minus 2 degrees. Cold wave advisories remain in effect in northern parts of Gangwon Province. Tonight, snow is forecast for parts of the Gangwon and North Gyeongsang provinces. As for the current reading in central Seoul, it is _____ degrees Celsius or _____ degrees Fahrenheit.■ [2018.01.04]