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≡ Dog Days Of Summer Arrive As Temperatures Hit Mid 30s
Today is Chobok or the first of the three dog days of summer in Korea.
As the heat spell continues, weather warnings and advisories remain in effect across most of the country.
The mercury will get up to 34 degrees in Seoul this afternoon, 35 in Suwon, while Pohang and Daegu are expected to hit a sizzling 37 degrees.
There will be little respite from the heat when the sun goes down as overnight lows will still hover above 25 degrees.
These so-called tropical nights can lead to sleeplessness, fatigue, headaches, loss of concentration and other health issues.
Experts are encouraging all to take precautions, drink more water and reduce outdoor activities to avoid heat stroke.■
[2018.07.17]
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≡ Finance Minister Promises Financial Support To Tackle Minimum Wage Hike Fallout
Finance Minister Kim Dong-yeon says the government will expand its financial support to minimize any fallout from next year's minimum wage hike.
In opening remarks delivered this morning at a meeting with officials from the ruling Democratic Party and the government, Kim said he will do his best to come up with follow-up support measures such as tax benefits for low-income earners.
He added that the government will also strengthen countermeasures such as raising basic pension for the elderly and cuts in credit card commissions for small business owners.■[2018.07.17]
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≡ Trump Says Russia Will Help End N. Korean Nuclear Threat
U.S. President Donald Trump says he is confident Washington and Moscow will work together to end North Korea's nuclear threat.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, Trump said he updated Putin on his meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and thanked him for his committment to help end the nuclear problem.
In return, Putin lauded Trump for opting for dialogue instead of confrontation.
As a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, Russia has backed resolutions against the North for its nuclear missile programs but traditionally has favored dialogue over sanctions.
Trump and Putin held their first ever summit in Helsinki, Finland earlier in the day, where they discussed mending relations and issues regarding Israel and Syria.
However, no headway was made in regards to addressing alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.■
[2018.07.17]