Rival parties are pushing to abolish the statute of limitations for those charged with sexual assault against disabled people or children under 13.The bill review subcommittee of the National Assembly’s Legislation and Judiciary Committee examined and passed the so-called “Dogani” bill regarding sexual assault on children and the disabled. The bill is now awaiting approval by the National Assembly. Dogani is the title of a film based on the true story of teachers who committed sex crimes against

The economic slowdown, if it extends well into next year, may hold sway over the results of the parliamentary and presidential elections, observers say.The ruling Grand National Party and its presidential frontrunner Rep. Park Geun-hye are positioned to feel the chill from a cooling economy more than the opposition bloc.Aides to Park have recently expressed concerns over the impact of the prolonged economic slump on her prospects for succeeding in her second presidential challenge. They fear det

The National Human Rights Commission on Tuesday advised the administration to abolish police conscription and hire professional police officers to replace draftees. It also advised the Ministry of National Defense to cooperate with the National Police Agency in replacing personnel. The panel recommended the Ministry of Public Administration and Security increase recruitment of police officers and that the Ministry of Strategy and Finance allocate sufficient funds for it.According to the independ

More foreigners who have made large corporate investments will be able to obtain temporary residency visas, while a new visa class will be opened for foreign spouses, the Justice Ministry said Tuesday.According to ministry officials, foreigners currently holding a corporate investment (D-8) visa may now obtain an F-2 visa if they have spent three continuous years here.The revised bill passed by the Cabinet Tuesday also states foreigners who have invested over $300,000 and employ at least two Kor

The U.S. Defense Acquisition Board’s deferral last week of its decision on whether to acquire new trainer jets from overseas has prompted concern here about the export of Korea’s T-50 supersonic aircraft.The Korean aviation industry and government officials paid keen attention to what decision the DAB would make at its Oct. 21 session. They believe that the T-50 is one of the strongest contenders for the U.S. trainer procurement project. With technological assistance from U.S. defense giant Lock

NEW YORK (AP) ― Solar energy may finally get its day in the sun.The high costs that for years made it impractical as a mainstream source of energy are plummeting. Real estate companies are racing to install solar panels on office buildings. Utilities are erecting large solar panel “farms” near big cities and in desolate deserts. And creative financing plans are making solar more realistic than ever for homes.Solar power installations doubled in the United States last year and are expected to dou

Opposition rejects proposal for special parliamentary address by LeePolitical parties made some progress Monday in talks over the proposed free trade agreement with the U.S., but key differences remained. Two committees of the National Assembly began the handling of all 14 bills that need to be approved for the FTA to take effect. The bills would revise local rules to abolish tariffs and import barriers between the two countries.Members of the National Assembly’s foreign affairs and trade commit

On cultural heritage...When asked about cultural heritage, most people come up with Bulguksa, palaces and so on.But few think Hangeul is cultural heritage which is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage property.Therefore, I would like to talk about Hangeul.These days, animated by The Korean Wave, many countries are running Hangeul classes.Though it is through the Korea Wave, I would like to highly praise the government’s efforts.Also, I have some things I would like the government to do.The firs

South Korea and Indonesia agreed to significantly boost their economic ties, a move that will include the signing of a free trade deal at an early date, the Seoul government said Monday.The countries have also agreed to seek what they called joint “mega projects” that will symbolize their economic cooperation and Seoul’s support for the economic development of the Southeast Asian country, according to the Ministry of Knowledge Economy.The agreements came at a Seoul meeting of the countries’ join

South Korea should strengthen its fiscal health to brace for growing welfare demand from the nation’s fast-aging population and protracted low birth rates, the top economic policymaker said Monday.“Low birth rates and aging population could result in decreasing the number of economically active people and hiking welfare spending, all of which could undercut the nation’s growth potential and worsen its fiscal status,” Finance Minister Bahk Jae-wan told a gathering in Seoul.“We should prepare ours

The 63 City Building, the nation’s second-tallest building, will undergo a five-year renovation including the replacement of its 13,400 gold-tinted windows, industry sources said Monday. The 249-meter-high skyscraper in Yeouido, Seoul’s financial district, is currently home to more than 10,000 employees of Korea Life Insurance and other companies. The landmark building also houses a number of foreign companies operating in Korea.The large-scale renovation, including the remodeling of vacant offi