Most Popular
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Tensions heighten ahead of first president-opposition chief meeting
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Seoul to provide housing subsidy to married couples with newborns
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New celebrity-endorsed therapy for face contouring requires only a pair of rubber bands
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Rapper jailed after public street fight with another rapper
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[KH Explains] No more 'Michael' at Kakao Games
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Woman gets suspended term for injuring boyfriend with knife
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Nominee for chief of anti-corruption body pledges 'independence, effectiveness'
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Samsung chief bolsters ties with Germany’s Zeiss
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Med schools expect 1,500+ new admission slots next year
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KT launches new mobile plans for foreign residents
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Current account surplus hits 6-month high in May
South Korea’s current account surplus hit a six-month high in May due mainly to a fall in dividend payouts to foreign investors, the central bank said Thursday.The current account surplus reached $3.61 billion in May, up from a revised $1.73 billion the previous month, according to the Bank of Korea. The current account is the broadest measure of cross-border trade.The May data marked the largest surplus since the $4.56 billion in November 2011 and the current account remained in the black for t
June 28, 2012
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Seoul to offer incentives to banks to raise foreign currency savings
The government will provide incentives to banks that expand foreign currency deposits in a bid to reduce damage from possible capital flights in case of financial market instability, the Bank of Korea said Thursday.Korean banks and local branches of foreign banks held $37.3 billion in foreign currency savings, or about three percent of total deposits, as of April. The proportion is much lower compared to Taiwan (10 percent) which has a similar economic structure.For companies and individuals in
June 28, 2012
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SKT wins award for innovative femtocell
SK Telecom, Korea’s largest mobile carrier, won recognition at a ceremony held in London Wednesday for having and commercializing femtocell technology and services.At the Small Cell Industry Awards hosted by the Small Cell Forum, SK Telecom received an innovative award for its femtocell, which allows mobile phone users to remain connected in small and limited spaces via broadband networks.SK Telecom’s partners Contela, a Korean wireless solution firm, and Mindspeed Technologies, a U.S.-based sem
TechnologyJune 28, 2012
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Banks to run pre-debt workouts for potential credit delinquents
The nation’s financial watchdog plans to have banks run pre-workout programs to help out potential credit delinquents. The Financial Supervisory Service announced on Thursday it recently discussed with local bankers in charge of loans running a joint pre-workout program with local banks. The key is to lower loan rates depending on the debtor’s ability to repay and enable them to pay back the principal through divided payments during a long-term period, FSS officials said. The plan will focus on
June 28, 2012
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Shares end almost flat despite upbeat U.S. data
Korean stocks closed almost unchanged Thursday as nagging eurozone concerns offset improved U.S. economic data, analysts said. The local currency rose against the U.S. dollar.The Korea Composite Stock Price Index gained 1.53 points, or 0.08 percent, to finish at 1,819.18. Trading volume was light at 305 million shares worth 3.10 trillion won ($2.68 billion) with losers just outpacing gainers 398 to 383.“Investors sat on the sidelines amid a lack of upward momentum,” said Kim Joo-young, an analys
June 28, 2012
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The subtle art of brand management
When we examine the original meaning behind the term “brand,” it often refers to a company’s collective efforts in distinguishing a new product from its competitors, via methods such as naming, symbolism and design. But its use nowadays is not limited solely to the business world. Rather, it’s become a catchphrase, used in all walks of society. A local university in Seoul, for example, has adopted a motto which roughly translates to, “A factory where I can develop my brand.” The term is used dur
June 28, 2012
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Prudential Life Insurance cherishes trust
Prudential Life Insurance Co. of Korea’s vision is “to become the most trusted company.” The insurer values honesty and ethics above size or profit. Behind the ideal to become the most trusted life insurance company is Prudential’s philosophy “the man of brotherhood and love of family,” and the mission “to help customers achieve financial prosperity and peace of mind.” Since its establishment in Korea in 1989, Prudential Life Insurance has accomplished many firsts for the Korean life insurance i
June 28, 2012
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Singapore Airlines: Innovation trendsetter
Winning the most airline industry awards worldwide, Singapore Airlines’ reputation as the industry trendsetter and innovative market leader is built on firm ground. Besides global master chefs’ selection of gourmet in-flight meals, the company offers business applications, enabling passengers to do office work on board ― even without a laptop ― by accessing files from a USB flash drive and using a remote control equipped with a QWERTY keyboard.Singapore Airlines boasts high efficiency and safety
June 28, 2012
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KB’s GOLD&WISE remains leader in private banking
KB Kookmin Bank’s private banking brand GOLD&WISE has been a market leader ever since it was launched 10 years ago based on the principles of trust, professionalism and the clients’ interest.With the nation’s largest private banking sales network and client base, GOLD&WISE has shown exceptional private banking products, risk management systems, private banking expertise and advisory and marketing service. Using the vast network of KB Financial Group, it has strengthened product support, expanded
IndustryJune 28, 2012
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Samsung’s Galaxy S2 readies for 30m sales mark
Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy S2, which served as its flagship smartphone until the release of Galaxy S3, is getting ready to hit the 30-million mark in total sales worldwide.The world’s top smartphone maker said recently that it sold more than 28 million units of the Galaxy S2, surpassing its former model Galaxy S’ 24 million units.“The two figures put together ― about 50 million units ― is twice the size of last year’s smartphone market in the country,” said a Samsung official.Since rolling out
IndustryJune 28, 2012
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Truly good bank: IBK upholds slogan with community activities
As the top commercial bank for small and mid-sized businesses in Korea, IBK operates under the slogan “a truly good bank,” and has especially sought in recent years to uphold this motto via activities that give back to the community. According to the company’s latest annual report, IBK used over 6 percent of its net income for social contribution activities in 2011, and even received a presidential commendation from the Korean government last year in recognition of these efforts. The bank, which
June 28, 2012
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Video imaging test fees to go down
Starting July 15, fees for examinations using video imaging equipment at hospitals and clinics will go down, the Ministry of Health and Welfare said Tuesday. A panel of governmental officials, doctors, hospital management, medical system experts as well as patients has agreed to a 15.5 percent cut in the fee for CT use, 24 percent for MRI and 10.7 percent for PET.The discount will save about 111 billion won ($96 million) from the national health insurance coffers, Park Min-soo, a ministry offici
TechnologyJune 28, 2012
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Samsung to add global touch to patient meals
Samsung Medical Center on Wednesday released its menu for foreign patients in four different languages and introduced its 40 different diet menus for patients from all over the world. The menu offerings are published in English, Mongolian, Arabic and Russian. The cuisine includes contemporary Western, Russian, Mongolian, Arabic, Thai, Greek and others. “We will be able to provide foods outside the menu upon patients’ request,” said Cho Yeong-yeon, head nutritionist at the hospital. (baejisook@he
TechnologyJune 28, 2012
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LG’s ‘Gemiglo’ wins KFDA approval
The Korea Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday that it has approved the manufacture and distribution of LG Life Sciences’ diabetes treatment, Gemiglo.Gemiglo, the main substance of which is gemigliptin, is the 19th new drug developed by a domestic pharmaceutical company and fifth new diabetes treatment in the world. According to the developer, Gemiglo is effective on type-2 diabetes patients, who have a high blood sugar level though their insulin secretion is working. By its use patients
TechnologyJune 28, 2012
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Know your BMI: Docs urged to screen for obesity
WASHINGTON (AP) ― Chances are you know your blood pressure. What about your BMI?Body mass index signals if you’re overweight, obese or just right considering your height. Some doctors have begun calling it a vital sign, as crucial to monitor as blood pressure.But apparently not enough doctors check: A government panel renewed a call Monday for every adult to be screened for obesity during checkups, suggesting more physicians should be routinely calculating their patients’ BMIs.And when someone c
TechnologyJune 28, 2012
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Heatstroke and heat exhaustion
The summer heat often leads to changes in lifestyle patterns. During the daytime, people may sink into a state of torpor and at night, people may experience difficulties going to sleep.People who work in an environment with strong air-conditioning may also suffer various symptoms because of the drastic difference between the outdoor and indoor temperatures. In the summer, it is also easy for food to spoil and the conditions are ideal for microbial growth. Therefore, people are more likely to suf
TechnologyJune 28, 2012
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Shoes with minimal soles bring maximum results for runners
MINNEAPOLIS ― Shelly Noland’s running shoes fit her like a glove.Literally.Noland is on her 14th marathon, her ninth wearing Vibram FiveFingers, minimalist shoes that cover the foot like a five-toed sock, offering protection against the occasional pebble or shard of glass, but no extra cushioning.This is by design. There is a growing group that believes running barefoot ― or something close to it ― is best, advocating a running style that’s easier on the body.Noland is a true believer. And, like
TechnologyJune 28, 2012
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Mental health screening to be adopted for everyone next year
The Ministry of Health and Welfare plans to conduct psychological tests on all nationals from as early as July next year to detect mental ailments believed to be affecting millions of people in the country. The government also decided to ease regulations on those suffering or having suffered from lighter psychological ailments in order to encourage people to see their doctors.According to the ministry, the tests will be conducted twice before children go to school, twice during their elementary
TechnologyJune 28, 2012
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Landmark sexual behavior study found to be ‘flawed’
Scientists have found potentially fatal flaws in an iconic decades-old study that claimed males are genetically programmed to look for multiple partners, Science Daily reported Tuesday.The famous 1940s study, conducted by British geneticist Angus John Bateman, says that male fruit flies that mate with a variety of partners have more offspring, while female flies have same number of offspring no matter how many mates they have.The findings was widely accepted and gave birth to a theory that men a
TechnologyJune 28, 2012
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Seoul shares end almost flat despite upbeat U.S. data
South Korean stocks closed almost unchanged Thursday as nagging eurozone concerns offset improved U.S. economic data, analysts said. The local currency rose against the U.S. dollar.The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) gained 1.53 points, or 0.08 percent, to finish at 1,819.18. Trading volume was light at 305 million shares worth 3.10 trillion won (US$2.68 billion) with losers just outpaci
June 28, 2012