eFM News

≡ 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]

≡ Number of People Suffering From Heat-Related Illness Surges

The heat wave gripping the nation has led to a rise in the number of heat-related illnesses. The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says nearly 300 people have suffered from heat stroke, exhaustion and other related ailments over the last four days. Among them, two have died -- both were elderly men in their 80s from the South Gyeongsang region who were exposed to extreme heat while outdoors. Health officials recommend drinking plenty of water, staying in cool, shaded areas, and avoiding unnecessary outdoors activities during peak afternoon hours.■ [2018.07.17]

≡ Two Koreas Restore Western Military Communication Line

South and North Korea have fully restored their military communication line on the western part of the peninsula. The defense ministry said today the restoration marks another step toward enhancing confidence between the two countries and reducing cross-border tensions in line with the Panmunjom Declaration. The western line was suspended in 2016 following Seoul's shutdown of the inter-Korean industrial complex in the North's border city of Kaesong. The two Koreas are also set to restore the eastern line, which was blocked off in 2011 amid military tensions.■ [2018.07.17]

≡ 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]

≡ Seoul Stocks In Midday Trade

Turning to the local bourse, stocks in Seoul are trading _________ at this hour. As of noon, the benchmark KOSPI was up/down _____ percent at _______, while the tech-heavy KOSDAQ was up/down _____ percent at _______. The local currency was trading at _______ won against the greenback, up/down/unchanged _____ won from yesterday's close.■ 1,129[2018.07.17]

≡ US Submits Complaints At WTO Against Trading Partners

The United States has submitted five separate disputes at the World Trade Organization challenging tariffs imposed by China, the European Union, Canada, Mexico, and Turkey in response to President Donald Trump's actions on trade in aluminum and steel. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said on Monday that the retaliatory tariffs, which come to some 28.5 billion dollars worth of American exports, appear to breach WTO rules. Washington has maintained the position that its initial tariffs on imported steel and aluminum are acceptable on the grounds that they pose a threat to national security.■ [2018.07.17]

≡ South, North Korea To Team Up For 2018 Asian Games

South and North Korean athletes will be competing as a team for women's basketball, canoeing and rowing at upcoming Asian Games in Indonesia. The women's basketball team will be made up of nine South Korean players and three North Koreans, while eight members from both sides will come together for canoeing events. In rowing, inter-Korean teams will compete in the lightweight men's coxless four and eight, and women's lightweight double skulls events. With about a month to go before the tournament kicks off, dates for joint team trainings have yet to be determined.■ [2018.07.17]