eFM News

≡ Concerns Emerge As Koreas Plan Olympic March Under Unified Flag

[Anchor] South and North Korea have agreed to march under a unified flag at the opening ceremony of next month's PyeongChang Winter Olympics. The decision came during working-levels talks at Panmunjom, where they also worked on plans to form a joint women's ice hockey team. These developments however, are drawing a mixed response. Jeongeun Lee has more. [Reporter] In what's expected to be a major, symbolic milestone, the two Koreas are planning to march together at the opening of the PyeongChang Games under a unified Korean flag. They also agreed on fielding a joint women's hockey team and if that is approved at this week's International Olympic committee meeting in Switzerland, it will be the first time the Koreas form a single team at the Olympics. In addition, the North also agreed to open up its scenic Mt. Kumgang area for a cultural event ahead of the sporting event as well as its Masikryong Ski resort for joint training sessions. There are concerns however, that these positive developments are not all they seem. While Japan has called the sudden change in the North's attitude nothing more than a "charm offensive," others have voiced opposition to the joint hockey team idea with little time left. After yesterday's meeting, Vice Unification Minister Chun Hae-sung reiterated that Seoul believes the move will help promote peace and improve inter-Korean ties, adding that the single team will be pursued in a way that does not damage South Korean players. Jeongeun Lee, eFM News.■[2018.01.18]

≡ N. Korea Rejects Sanctions Talks In Vancouver: Reuters

North Korea has reportedly condemned a U.S.-led meeting of top diplomats in Vancouver, Canada this week, where they discussed tougher sanctions against Pyongyang. Choe Myong-nam, North Korea's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations in Geneva, told Reuters that the meeting was harmful to the ongoing process between the two Koreas to ease tensions on the peninsula. Choe said Pyongyang is "committed" to do what it can to fight against sanctions. Reuters also quoted Choe as saying that the North is determined to help make the PyeongChang Olympics a success.■ [2018.01.18]

≡ Seoul Keeps Emergency Measures In Place To Combat Fine Dust

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has kept emergency measures in place today to tackle high levels of fine dust in the capital. The concentration of fine dust and ultra fine dust particles in Seoul and surrounding areas remain at "bad" levels. Conditions have worsened as smog combined with yellow dust has swept down from China. Under the city's emergency measures, government officials who drive cars with odd-numbered license plates should stay off the roads. Individual drivers are also being encouraged to follow the alternate no driving day system. Public transportation, meanwhile, will be offered free of charge this morning until 9 a.m. and during the evening commute hours from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.■ [2018.01.18]

≡ Incheon Intl Airport's New Terminal Launches Full Operations

Incheon International Airport has opened its new second passenger terminal today for official operations. The terminal serves Korean Air, Delta, Air France and KLM. Passengers flying out of Terminal 2 are advised to pay extra attention to direction signs when heading there, because going the wrong way can add up to 40 minutes to the trip. An AREX subway station link to the new terminal is also up and running.■[2018.01.18]

≡ Weather Update 0900

Taking a look at the weather, it's gray skies again over the capital region. Elsewhere, expect a mix of sun and clouds. Temperatures nationwide will be similar to yesterday, with highs ranging from 2 to 11 degrees. With fine dust affecting air quality, make sure to take precautions when outdoors. Masks are recommended. As for the current reading in central Seoul, it is _____ degrees Celsius or _____ degrees Fahrenheit.■ [2018.01.18]