eFM News

≡ Two More Suspected Cases Of African Swine Fever Under Probe

[Anchor] Officials are investigating two more suspected cases of African swine fever from farms near the border with North Korea as fears grow over the spread of the disease. Jenna Lee has more details. [Reporter] The agriculture ministry said today officials are testing samples of dead pigs from two farms in Paju, a city that is about 9 km away from a farm where the country's first case of the disease was confirmed Monday. A second case was confirmed Tuesday in the nearby town of Yeoncheon. The ministry said test results could be announced as early as tonight. South Korea has stepped up efforts to contain the disease, which may have crossed from North Korea, which reported an outbreak in May. The disease has been spreading steadily since the first report, but the route in which the fever entered the country has not been determined, raising further concerns. Workers had culled more than 10,000 pigs at border area farms as of Friday morning. Although ASF is not harmful to humans, it is fatal and highly infectious for pigs, and there is currently no available cure. Jenna Lee, eFM News.■[2019.09.20]

≡ Typhoon Tapah Churning Towards Korean Peninsula

Typhoon Tapah is barreling towards the Korean Peninsula. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the storm is forecast to arrive in waters near Jeju Island on Sunday morning. Tapah is expected to bring torrential downpours and gusty winds to most of the country. The southern areas and the eastern coastline will likely be hit the hardest. Police say they will increase patrols around flood-prone areas. Traffic restrictions could take effect if the areas are flooded. Earlier this month, Typhoon Lingling smashed South Korea, killing three people, injuring more than 20 others and damaging nearly 10,000 properties.■[2019.09.20]

≡ Japan Agrees To Hold Talks With S. Korea Regarding Export Controls

Tokyo says it will hold talks with Seoul over Japan's move to tighten export controls on South Korea, agreeing to Seoul's request for consultations as part of a dispute settlement through the World Trade Organization. Japanese Trade Minister Isshu Sugawara said his country will make arrangements through diplomatic channels. Earlier, South Korea initiated a WTO dispute against Japan's export curbs involving three materials used in smartphone chips and displays.■[2019.09.20]

≡ Seoul Says Japanese Companies Hit By Tokyo's Export Curbs On S. Korea

Japan's recent export restrictions on South Korea are seen to be having a negative impact on Japanese companies. According to government data, South Korea's imports of semiconductor equipment from Tokyo dropped over 30 percent since export curbs were placed on three key materials from July 1st. Meanwhile, the Japanese tourism industry is suffering a similar repercussion. The number of Korean tourists visiting Japan dropped over 19 percent on-year in August, while in some popular areas to Koreans, such as Kyushu and Tsushima Island, the number dropped by more than 40 percent. Japanese manufacturers have also been hit by Korean consumers' boycott. Japanese beer imports decreased 97 percent in August compared to the same month last year, while imports of Japanese cars also went down by over 80 percent for some of its brands.■[2019.09.20]

≡ Hwaseong Serial Murder Case Suspect Denies Wrongdoing For Third Time

The main suspect in one of South Korea's most notorious serial murder cases has again denied any wrongdoing. According to police, a team of detectives and profilers was sent today to the Busan Prison, where the suspect is incarcerated, to question the 56-year old man for a third time. Earlier, during two rounds of questioning, the suspect told investigators that he had nothing to do with the Hwaseong serial murder case. The man, currently serving a prison sentence for a separate crime, is the suspected perpetrator in at least three of the 10 deaths of women that are collectively known as the Hwaseong serial murder case that occurred in between 1986 and 1991.■[2019.09.20]

≡ Coast Guard Investigates Submerged Boat Believed To Be From N. Korea

An investigation has been launched into the discovery of a submerged wooden boat believed to be from North Korea off the coast of Goseong, Gangwon Province. According to the military and Coast Guard, a fisherman discovered the vessel some 2 kilometers from Munam Port today at 9 a.m. Divers were sent into the water to locate possible passengers but they came back empty-handed.■[2019.09.20]

≡ Police Drop Pimping Charges Against Ex-YG Entertainment Chief

Police say they have dropped pimping charges against Yang Hyun-suk, the former head of YG Entertainment. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said today that investigators failed to verify suspicions that Yang arranged sex services for foreign investors and sent his case to the prosecution with a recommendation that he not be indicted. The 49-year-old was booked in July on suspicions that he invited prostitutes to a Seoul restaurant on two occasions in 2014 to arrange sex services for a foreign businessman. Yang was also suspected of having 10 prostitutes travel abroad with him the same year to offer sex services for foreign investors.■[2019.09.20]

≡ Seoul Intl Music Fair Set To Open Sept. 30

The Seoul International Music Fair will kick off on September 30th for a four-day run to pitch new K-pop artists to the global music scene. South Korea's biggest music fair will take place at outdoor areas surrounding Coex in southern Seoul. Musicians from various genres, including indie rock band Se So Neon and singer-songwriter Sam Kim, will join this year's event.■[2019.09.20]