“Roaring into space on two mighty blowtorches and a magnificent column of steam, the space shuttle Columbia was given a go-ahead Sunday to complete the 54-hour mission that is expected to open a new space frontier. The liftoff ― the world’s most spectacular space launch ― awed veteran space watchers at the Kennedy Space Center here.” ― Chicago Tribune, April 13, 1981.Thirty years ago, space shuttl

The prosecution and the police have struck a deal to end an unedifying dispute on the right to investigate crimes. The agreement, struck Monday between Justice Minister Lee Kwi-nam and National Police Agency chief Cho Hyun-oh, is a compromise that balances the key demands of the two sides.Specifically, they agreed to empower police officers to launch an investigation if there is reasonable suspici

The government’s renewed plan to privatize Woori Finance Holdings appears to have collapsed in the face of lawmakers’ opposition to the possible emergence of a mega bank. Last month, the Public Fund Oversight Committee resumed the process of selling off the government’s 57 percent stake in the nation’s second-largest financial group. The process was stalled in December following an aborted attempt

Thanks to modern technology, peering into private lives all around the world has never been easier.When Su Lin, the San Diego-born daughter of Chinese parents Bai Yun and Gao Gao, had her first medical exam, eager viewers proclaimed that she was the cutest baby ever. When a mother of three died in an airplane accident, leaving the father to care for the family alone, thousands of people across the

Ban Ki-moon, who succeeded in securing his second term as the U.N. chief on Tuesday, is well known for his diligence and sincerity.U.N. diplomats who have assisted the South Korean U.N. secretary-general for four and a half years all cite his “tireless efforts” in steering the global organization. They say Ban made them realize that diligence and perseverance are the most important values of all.B

The South Korean government said it will nurture diversity in Korean pop, which is heavily idol-group centered, as part of its strategy to boost the global competitiveness of Korean pop culture.The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced a package of plans to promote Korea’s pop culture as a new growth industry overseas, along with the celebration of the re-opening of the Olympic Hall as