The Korea Herald

Nuclear stocks to be reduced after summit: official

Mar 26, 2012

While individual participating countries are expected to announce their goals to eliminate or minimize highly enriched uranium and plutonium at the 2012 Seoul Nuclear Security Summit, the reduction amount is likely to reach at least hundreds of kilograms, the summit’s South Korean spokesperson said Monday.His comments came as news reports said that the Seoul summit will lead to 400 kilograms of reduction in HEU and plutonium.“I cannot mention a specific number because the summit has not even sta
Chinese NGO chief urges international involvement of N.K.

Mar 26, 2012

A Chinese disarmament expert has called for the international community to involve North Korea in nuclear safety and security talks. Li Hong, secretary general of the China Arms Control and Disarmament Association, told media ahead of the Seoul Nuclear Security Summit that North Korea is rather secluded from the international community and its nuclear security and nuclear safety has caused concerns in the international community. The CACD is an NGO specializing in research and exchanges on arms
Obama urges Pyongyang to choose peace

Mar 26, 2012

U.S. president reaffirms N. Korea will not be rewarded for provocations U.S. President Barack Obama on Monday repeated his stern message to North Korea: “There will be no rewards for provocations.” Speaking to hundreds of students and dignitaries at the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul, Obama urged the North Korean leadership to “have the courage to pursue peace.”His remarks came as the reclusive state is preparing to launch what it claims to be a satellite on a long-range rocket in
Technology strengthens nuclear summit security

Mar 26, 2012

Seoul has rolled out a host of cutting-edge security equipment as it strives to host the Nuclear Security Summit without a glitch.With representatives of 53 nations including 39 heads of state gathered in one place, security is at the top of the agenda for those organizing the event.The most noticeable of such equipment is the facial recognition system placed at all entrances of the COEX. Although the system was used during the G20 summit held in Seoul in 2010, the system has been upgraded this
Seoul traffic expected to worsen Tuesday due to nuclear summit

Mar 26, 2012

As the Seoul Nuclear Security Summit kicked off Monday, traffic in parts of the city was brought to a standstill as officials locked down roads for delegates making their way around the city.According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, only 61 percent of citizens took part in rotational driving during the morning commute on Monday, as Korea’s biggest-ever diplomatic event kicked off.Seoul is host to leaders and representatives from 53 countries and four international organizations until Tuesd
Students question English university lectures

Mar 26, 2012

Schools push to increase English lectures in a global era while students complain of unpreparednessKorean universities are increasing the number of courses taught in English in a bid to raise their global competitiveness, a key criterion in university rankings. Some students, however, doubt whether English lectures are effective for study. They argue that lectures in English cause hassle for both professors and students.Rhee Ki-peum, a senior majoring in Russian language and literature at Sungky
Travel assistance offered for student and elderly groups

Mar 26, 2012

Group tour organizers that attract students or elderly people to Seoul will receive financial assistance from the Seoul Metropolitan Government.The city government said Monday that it will provide up to 4 million won ($3,500) per group made up of more than 20 persons and up to 500,000 won ($440) for elderly groups. The support will be given for events such as welcoming dinners or cultural performances.“We expect more student or elderly groups to visit Korea. We will develop tour programs customi
Conscientious objectors lodge appeal with U.N.

Mar 26, 2012

A total of 50 Korean men who have refused to perform military service duty citing their belief that they deny all violence, recently petitioned to a United Nations agency, saying the government persecuted them in violation of a U.N. convention, court officials have said. The conscientious objectors, who have been convicted by the local Supreme Court, filed a petition with the United Nations Human Rights Committee. They argue that the Korean government has violated the International Covenant on C
Thai P.M. pushes for education exchanges

Mar 26, 2012

Shinawatra highlights women’s power as driving force for developmentThai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra hoped her visit to one of the world’s largest women’s universities would boost exchanges between her country and South Korea in enhancing women’s rights and education, She also said that women were driving national development. “Women’s power will bring a sustainable development to a country’s economy,” Shinawatra said in a lecture to Ewha Womans University students on Monday. “I also hope
Security tight minutes ahead of nuclear summit

Mar 25, 2012

On Sunday morning a fortress of police vehicles surrounded the Seoul Plaza and adjacent areas. Riot police wearing navy-and-green uniforms occupied the Gwanghwamun area, making passers-by take detours from time to time. Around COEX in southern Seoul, where the Seoul Nuclear Security Summit kicks off Monday, police squads incessantly patrolled in and outside the convention halls. Layers of security walls blocked public access to the venue and the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency allowed only thos
The volunteers who keep the nuclear security summit afloat

Mar 25, 2012

As Korea’s biggest international summit kicks off Monday, the massive preparations involving thousands of people and countless man-hours would not be possible without the backbone of the events: the volunteers.And many of them have a story to tell, explaining their own reason for helping out at the Seoul Nuclear Security Summit.For Hwang Tae-ha, volunteering as a Media Liaison Officer was simply a natural and somewhat unconscious step, after he felt the shock of a life-changing event 11 years ag
(NEW) The volunteers who keep the Nuclear Security Summit afloat

Mar 25, 2012

As Korea’s biggest international summit kicks off Monday, the massive preparations involving thousands of people and countless man-hours would not be possible without the backbone of the events: the volunteers.And many of them have a story to tell, explaining their own reason for helping out at the Seoul Nuclear Security Summit.For Hwang Tae-ha, volunteering as a Media Liaison Officer was simply a natural and somewhat unconscious step, after he felt the shock of a life-changing event 11 years ag
University split over Korean-U.S. World Bank candidate

Mar 24, 2012

HANOVER (AFP) - Dartmouth College students, returning from spring break, were divided over President Obama's decision to nominate their president to lead the World Bank. Jim Yong Kim, a Korean-American who became the first Asian-American to lead a prestigious Ivy League university, began
Image matters in election year

Mar 23, 2012

Strong impression a powerful asset but can confound real policies, positionsIt is not only policy pledges that candidates are working out and refining to woo voters.With elections looming, they are busy polishing their images as well, employing the help of experts. Image is important for politicians to communicate with voters. A positive image can be associated with ideology and competence by voters, according to consultants.Choice of dress, body language, facial expression, haircut, choice of n
More journalists to support MBC strike

Mar 23, 2012

The nation’s largest umbrella union of journalists is set to support media workers on strike against what they call interference by politically biased management in news reporting.Members of the National Union of Media Workers gathered at Seoul Plaza around 3 p.m. Friday to protest the administration’s alleged ongoing interference and suppression of freedom of speech. They vowed to support the ongoing strike at three national broadcasters ― MBC, KBS and YTN ― and Yonhap news agency.Unionists of