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≡ N. Korea's Isolation Means Less Leverage In Talks: Obama
Former U.S. President Barack Obama says negotiations with North Korea on its nuclear weapons program are difficult, partly because the country's isolation minimizes possible leverage, such as trade and travel sanctions against Pyongyang.
Obama made the remark while speaking at a nonprofit in Tokyo Sunday, adding that countries working together to combine pressure on North Korea is better than nations working alone.
He said past U.S. efforts on Iran's nuclear weapons were more successful because there was more leverage.■[2018.03.25]
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≡ Prosecutors To Question Ex-President Lee Myung-Bak Monday
Prosecutors are expected to question former President Lee Myung-bak tomorrow afternoon.
Investigators will visit Lee at the Seoul Eastern Detention Center where he is in lockup.
But, it remains unclear whether the disgraced leader will cooperate.
Lee was taken into custody early Friday after a court issued an arrest warrant over 12 counts of corruption including bribery, abuse of power and embezzlement.
Prosecutors have up to 20 days to hold him but his detention period could be extended if needed.
If convicted of all charges, he could face up to 45 years in prison.■[2018.03.25]
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≡ Korea's Economy Contracted 0.2% In Q4: Moody's
Korea's economy is forecast to have contracted slightly in the fourth quarter last year due largely to a slowdown in exports and construction investment.
Moody's Analytics said in its final estimate that Korea's GDP posted a negative growth of minus 0.2 percent in the final quarter of 2017, the same prediction made by the Bank of Korea earlier.
The U.S.-based economic analysis provider, however, added that Korea's near-term growth prospects remain positive, as global growth is projected to remain solid this year, and the government's expansionary policies are likely to lift consumer spending.■
[2018.03.25]
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≡ Police Look Into Sexual Assault Claims Against Singer Kim Heung-Kook
Seoul police are looking into sexual assault allegations against singer Kim Heung-kook.
Last week, a woman in her 30s filed a complaint with prosecutors, claiming she was raped by Kim.
Investigators said they will question the woman this week and then summon the veteran singer.
Kim has strongly denied the accusations.■
[2018.03.25]
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≡ Environment Ministry To Implement Emergency Measures Against Fine Dust
The environment ministry is planning to implement emergency measures to reduce fine dust in coordination with local governments.
The move comes as high levels of ultra fine dust have been affecting air quality.
The ministry said it will set up an emergency situation room this weekend, and has asked local governments to take action against high concentration of fine dust in the country and tighten control standards.
Municipal governments will operate road sweeper trucks during the day and notify citizens of fine dust related information and safety precautions.
Emergency measures will be extended by a day if high levels of fine dust continue through tomorrow.■
[2018.03.25]
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≡ Weather Update 1400
Taking a look at the weather, a thick layer of fine dust is blanketing the capital region at this hour.
Ultrafine dust advisories remain in effect in Seoul and the surrounding Gyeonggi.
People are being advised to take extra precautions when outdoors.
Temperatures, meanwhile, will hover in the low to mid teens.
Looking ahead, these conditions are forecast to continue through Tuesday before heavy cloud cover moves in midweek.
As for the current reading in central Seoul, it is _____ degrees Celsius or _____ degrees in Fahrenheit.■
[2018.03.25]
