• 

  Foreign Affairs

  Trump says troop withdrawal not on summit agenda

  • N. Korea's Kim to make official visit to Vietnam in 'coming days'
  • N. Korea has long way to go to denuclearize, Yongbyon offer 'significant': ex-CIA official
  • Bolton cancels trip to S. Korea: White House
  • Pompeo to travel to Vietnam for summit Feb. 26-28

• Foreign Affairs
  

  N. Korean, U.S. envoys continue talks on summit agenda

  Senior North Korean and U.S. envoys held another meeting in Hanoi on Saturday to discuss the agenda for the second summit between Pyongyang and Washington slated for next week. (Yonhap)Kim Hyok-chol, Pyongyang's special representative for the United States, met his U.S. counterpart Stephen Biegun, Washington's envoy for North Korea, for the third straight day on Saturday in Hanoi.The second summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and President Donald Trump is slated for Feb. 27-28 in the

• Defense
  

  Chinese military plane enters S. Korea's air defense zone

  A Chinese military jet entered South Korea's air defense zone without notice three times Saturday, defense authorities said. (Yonhap)The aircraft entered the country's air defense identification zone, called the KADIZ, at around 8:03 a.m. near Ieo Island and exited at 8:27 a.m. according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).It re-entered the KADIZ at 9:34 a.m. near the southeastern city of Pohang, and flew between Ulleung and the easternmost islets of Dokdo, eventually leaving the air defense zone

• Technology
  

  Samsung develops RF chipsets for 5G base stations

  Samsung Electronics announced Friday that it has completed chipset development for fifth-generation network base stations. The core components of the 5G chipsets are mmWave radio frequency integrated circuits and digital/analog front-end ASICs, supporting 28-gigahertz and 39-gigahertz bands.  (Samsung Electronics) (Samsung Electronics)Samsung’s new RFICs and DAFE ASICs enable a reduction in size, weight and power consumption of about 25 percent for the 5G base stations when compared with previou

• Industry
  

  Samsung, Hyundai Motor chiefs meet Modi at state lunch

  The de facto heads of South Korea’s two biggest conglomerates met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a state lunch at Cheong Wa Dae, according to industry sources on Friday. Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong and Hyundai Motor Group Executive Vice Chairman Chung Eui-sun attended the luncheon at the request of the Indian government to discuss their business operations in India.  (Yonhap) (Yonhap)It was not immediately known what the Indian state leader hoped to discuss with th

• Social affairs
  

  Police probe alleged bribery of police by club ‘Burning Sun’

  Police are tracking transactions between a Gangnam club called Burning Sun and police officers upon finding that the club, reportedly a hotbed of drugs and sexual violence, offered money to the police.A regional investigation unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency is questioning former and incumbent officers of Gangnam Police Station over how they closed an underage clubbing case at Burning Sun last year, and booked a number of the ex-officers on bribery charges. (Yonhap)Gangnam Police Sta

NEWSMAKER

• Social affairs

  

  US missionaries speak out against controversial Gwangju Uprising comments

  US missionaries who lived in Gwangju through the May 18 Democratization Movement in 1980 sent a letter to National Assembly Speaker Moon Hee-sang on Friday, referring to controversial remarks from far-right figures as “blatantly false.”“It was not an organized movement -- it was an illicit assault upon our city of 800,000 people by military forces under the control of Chun Doo-Hwan. … Believe us, we know what happened in Gwangju -- we were eye-witnesses, and we recorded what we saw and experienc

LATEST NEWS

• Today

  

  Foreign Affairs

  N. Korea's Kim to make official visit to Vietnam in 'coming days'

  North Korea's Kim Jong Un will soon make an official visit to Vietnam, Hanoi said Saturday as it beefed up security on the Chinese border where Kim is expected to cross by train ahead of his summit with US President Donald Trump next week. (Yonhap)Vietnam is hastily preparing for a second summit between Trump and Kim on February 27-28 in Hanoi, and sources have said the North Korean leader is likely to arrive ahead of the meeting for an official visit and to tour industrial zones. "Kim Jong Un w

• Today

  

  Foreign Affairs

  N. Korea has long way to go to denuclearize, Yongbyon offer 'significant': ex-CIA official

  North Korea has a long way to go to dismantle its nuclear weapons program, but its offer to shut down the Yongbyon facility is a "significant" step, a former U.S. intelligence official said Friday.(Yonhap)Andrew Kim, who retired in December as head of the Central Intelligence Agency's Korea Mission Center, said North Koreans had complained to him that they weren't getting due credit for the steps they took to honor their denuclearization commitment after the first U.S.-North Korea summit in June

• Today

  

  Foreign Affairs

  Ex-CIA official lays out road map for N. Korea's complete denuclearization

  A former U.S.intelligence official with vast experience dealing with North Korea on Friday presented a road map for achieving the U.S. goal of final, fully verified denuclearization of the North.(Yonhap)Andrew Kim, who retired in December as head of the Central Intelligence Agency's Korea Mission Center, said Washington's vision for FFVD starts with the continued suspension of North Korea's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile tests.The next step, he told a lecture at Stanford University, was t

• Today

  

  Foreign Affairs

  Vietnam summit will be more productive than Singapore summit: ex-CIA official

  The second summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is likely to be more productive than the first because the sides have been working to narrow their differences, a former U.S. intelligence official said Friday. (Yonhap)The projection by Andrew Kim, former head of the Central Intelligence Agency's Korea Mission Center, comes amid skepticism that the Feb. 27-28 summit in Hanoi, Vietnam, will lead to a concrete agreement to dismantle the North's nuclear weapo

• Today

  

  Education

  S. Korea's average foodstuff price rises sharply in Q4 on summer heat

  The average price of foodstuff in South Korea increased sharply in the fourth quarter of 2018 compared with other major advanced countries, data showed Saturday, apparently due to the scorching summer heat last year. (Yonhap)According to the data compiled by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and Statistics Korea, the average price of foodstuff in South Korea went up 5.1 percent on-year in the October-December period of 2018.It marked the second highest rise compared with

More Stories

SPOTLIGHT

• World News

  

  Kim and Trump lookalikes draw the crowds in Hanoi

  Cars stopped and tourists gawked at what appeared to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un wanderingthe streets of Hanoi.Days before the second summit between Kim and US President Donald Trump in Vietnam's capital, a Kim impersonator appeared on Friday at the Metropole Hotel, a back-up location for the meeting.Howard X, an Australian, has been cashing in his resemblance to North Korea's leader, especially with the haircut, as he engages with the outside world. US President Donald Trump impersonator Ru

• 

  Theater

  ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’ from NT Live to screen at National Theater of Korea

  The National Theater of Korea will hold screenings of Benedict Andrews’ production of Tennessee Williams’ “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” and James Macdonald’s reinterpretation of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” by Edward Albee, from March 14 -24 at Daloreum Theater. The National Theater of Korea’s upcoming screenings of the two theater masterpieces are imports from National Theatre Live, the Royal National Theater’s program launched in 2009 to broadcast live performances of British theater works and

• 

  Social affairs

  Student hospitalized after Grand Canyon fall to return home

  Park Joon-hyuk, a 25-year-old university student who was hospitalized after a fall at the Grand Canyon National Park in the US, will return to Korea on Friday afternoon with the help of citizens and aviation company authorities. 　Park boarded Korean Air KE006A on Thursday at 11:40 a.m., US time, at the Las Vegas McCarran International Airport. His flight is scheduled to arrive at Incheon around 5:39 p.m. The flight was originally scheduled to arrive early Friday morning, but heavy snow in Las Ve

• 

  Music

  BTS launches online archive 'Armypedia' to reach out to fans

  Global K-pop phenomenon BTS has launched an online archive, inspired by its dedicated fans around the world, where their fans, known as Army, can get together to record memories from the band's six-year career, the band's management agency said Friday."Armypedia" at www.armypedia.net has gone online and will officially go into operation starting on Monday to gather together BTS fans to collectively record memorable moments of the six years since BTS' debut on June 13, 2013, according to Big Hit

GRAPHIC NEWS

• 

EDITORIAL

• Blacklist or checklist?

  In light of clues to Cheong Wa Dae’s involvement, there should be no sanctuary from investigation

• Small deal

  Concerns rise over low-level denuclearization deal in Trump-Kim talks

VIEWPOINTS

THE INVESTOR

• Deals

  

  Netmarble, Kakao, global PEFs bid for Nexon takeover

  Kakao, Netmarble Games and a couple of leading private equity funds participated in a preliminary bid for Korea’s largest game developer, Nexon, industry sources said Feb. 22. Initially, the deal -- estimated to be worth between 10 trillion won (US$8.88 billion) and 13 trillion won -- was expected to draw offers from global PEFs and substantial foreign companies like Tencent and Disney. But at the last minute, some such as Affinity Equity Partners, KKR and The Carlyle Group withdrew, while inves

• 

  Startups & Investors

  WeWork Korea to open 18th location in Seoul in July

  Office-sharing platform company WeWork announced on Feb. 22 that it would open its 18th shared office in Seoul in July. The new location in Seolleung in southern Seoul, which will occupy the entire 20th floor of a building in the district, can accommodate up to 2,700 members — the second largest in size in Korea after WeWork Euljiro in northern Seoul, which can house up to 2,800 members.The building in Seolleung district that WeWork Korea will use for its 18th location.With the opening of the ne

• 

  Industrials

  SK hynix moves to clear red tape for chip cluster

  SK hynix is taking steps to overcome the red tape for creating the world’s biggest semiconductor cluster in the Yongin area of Gyeonggi ProvinceOn Feb. 22, the Trade, Industry and Energy Ministry said it plans to ask the Land Ministry to ease the regulations that restrict factory building in the wider Seoul area by next month. If approved, it would mark the first occasion that the Moon Jae-in administration has relaxed such rules. 　The reports come a day after the world’s No. 2 chipmaker said it

• 

  Samsung

  Analysts split on whether Samsung Galaxy Fold can be a game changer

  Samsung Electronics’ first foldable smartphone Galaxy Fold impressed some, but naysayers are saying that the phone may not be as big a game changer as Apple’s first iPhone. Meritz Securities, in particular, dished out one of the harshest reviews on the foldable phone by saying the newly unveiled product is far from perfect. Samsung Electronics mobile chief Koh Dong-jin introduces the firm's first foldable smartphone Galaxy Fold during the launch event held on Feb. 20 (local time) in San Fracisco

K-POP HERALD

• 

  ‘Save Me,’ Episode 7, recap

• 

  ‘BTS’ spirit cannot be duplicated’

• 

  50 facts about V of BTS

• 

  Govt. rolls back ‘K-pop beauty guidelines’

HERALD INTERVIEW

• Social affairs

  

  Gates Foundation, UN acknowledge Korea’s school farm in Kenya

  ‘Students were eating only one meal a day, but that has changed’

• 

  Music

  Nobody can imitate our powerfulness: Monsta X

  After seeing its biggest stateside success last year, which included its iHeart Radio Jingle Ball tour, Monsta X has returned with the new hard-hitting single “Alligator,” a culmination of its yearlong efforts. And the act confidently said that with the new single it was set to prove that 2019 would be its year for both musical growth and global recognition. “Performing at multiple Jingle Ball events taught us so many things and offered opportunities to connect with global audiences. It was such

• 

  Economy

  SK Innovation’s participation to bring better understanding of EV in US city

  SK Innovation’s decision to build a US production facility for electric vehicle batteries in Commerce, Georgia, will help raise public awareness and understanding of the next-generation vehicle technology according to the city’s mayor. Mayor Clark Hill visited Seoul for a weeklong trip that will involve a tour of SK Innovation’s EV battery plant in Seosan, South Chungcheong Province, and some learning about Korea’s cultural aspects. “SK’s participation in the community will bring about a better

• 

  Industry

  ‘4th industrial revolution’ technologies now crucial for customs clearance

  The global trade volume has expanded at a drastic pace over recent years on the back of e-commerce growth, but has also led to increasing abuse of simplified customs procedures.Responding to such a market reality, it is inevitable that customs offices should fundamentally innovate their administrative systems with key technologies of the “fourth industrial revolution,” according to the head of the information bureau at South Korea’s customs agency.“It is now time that customs administrations ado

PHOTO NEWS

• Culture

  

  Traditional Korean culture alive at King’s Street

  It’s easy to spot beautiful palaces when you walk around Seoul, a city that blends modern and traditional Korean cultures. Changdeokgung, a royal palace built in 1405, is among them. Donhwanum is the main gate of Changdeokgung, the second royal palace built in 1405. (Park Hyun-koo/The Korea Herald)The palace Changdeokgung viewed from above. (Park Hyun-koo/The Korea Herald)Visitors clad in traditional Korean hanbok take pictures in front of Donhwamun. (Park Hyun-koo/The Korea Herald)The main gate

VIDEO

• Social affairs

  

  Inside dog farm in Korea

  Humane Society International rescues 200 dogs in South Chungcheong Province

• 

  Automode

  Hyundai Motor chief makes video debut on Nexo

  Taking a step closer to the company’s young workforce, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Vice Chairman Chung Eui-sun recently made a surprise video debut -- filming himself test-driving the Nexo, the fuel-cell electric vehicle that the company is betting on as the key to its future growth.In the video, a CEO message addressed to the carmaker’s midlevel employees, Chung drinks coffee and checks his “urgent email” while the vehicle is in self-driving mode.Hyundai Motor Group Executive Vice Chairman Ch

• 

  Industry

  Netmarble eyes growing business in Thailand

  Korean game companies seek to tap new markets away from regulation-heavy domestic market

• 

  Social affairs

  Contract worker’s funeral held two months after death

   Memorial services for 24-year-old Kim Yong-gyun, a contract worker who died in an industrial accident Dec. 11 while inspecting a coal-fired power station in Taean, South Chungcheong Province, will be held for three days from Feb. 7 to 9.  (Yonhap) A wake, popularly called the “Democratic Society Funeral,” will take place at Seoul National University Hospital’s funeral home. The wake is open to the public.

MOST POPULAR

• BTS launches online archive 'Armypedia' to reach out to fans
• Tickets sell out for BLACKPINK's N. America tour
• Fine dust emergency measures issued nationwide except Jeju
• Video shows Korean Air ‘nut rage’ heiress assaulting husband
• Police halt Seungri nightclub Burning Sun's exit from building
• Police probe alleged bribery of police by club ‘Burning Sun’
• N. Korean, US envoys hold additional talks on summit agenda
• US missionaries speak out against controversial Gwangju Uprising comments
• Samsung, Hyundai Motor chiefs meet Modi at state lunch
• Student hospitalized after Grand Canyon fall to return home

FEATURES

• Food

  

  Hide and Seek, new, not-quite-underground bakery-deli

  Baked goods, sandwiches and salads at Darling Kitchen offshoot

• 

  Finance

  US’ decision on Bitcoin ETF to set mood for Korea‘s cryptocurrency market

  The bearish global cryptocurrency market has prompted investors to turn their attention to “safer” bitcoin exchange-traded funds. But South Korean institutions have kept a tight leash on the whole cryptocurrency industry, instead observing the US’ steps for the time being.“The US has been the front-runner on the cryptocurrency market and related derivatives, and there are strong voices supporting the launch of bitcoin ETFs within the market -- which is why we are observing the progress and respo

• 

  Industry

  Iranian firm likely to seize assets of Korean firms amid dispute

  An Iranian business group is seeking to seize the overseas assets of Korean firms after winning a suit against the South Korean government in an investor-state dispute case, according to the financial regulator Wednesday.Enterkhab, owned by Iran’s Mohammad Reza Dayyani, recently got international court approval at Rotterdam, the Netherland, to seize assets of Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, KEB Hana Bank and others, according to officials.The compensation dispute between the Iranian company

• 

  Defense

  Military changing to embrace diversity

  Negative attitudes remain to be tackled

WEEKENDER

• Travel

  

  How cheese transformed a poor village: The story of Imsil Cheese

  Imsil-gun, a tiny rural village in North Jeolla Province, is a town that most people in South Korea have heard of and precious few have visited. For starters, a trip there via public transportation is not easy.It is secluded behind mountains and admittedly scenic rivers, crouching behind the slopes just a little over 20 kilometers from Jeonju. Stretched across 597 square kilometers of mostly farmland and home to a meager 29,160 as of 2019, it is, for the most part, but a tiny speck on the map. B

• 

  Social affairs

  Fine dust, a force changing society

  “The first thing I do when I wake up is check the weather report for fine dust and plan the day accordingly,” said Choi Ju-yeon, a 40-year old resident of Paju in northwest Gyeonggi Province. (Yonhap)Despite being in a relatively rural area, Paju is often affected by high levels of fine and ultrafine dust. “When levels are high, I try to stay indoors as much as possible. I also have air quality monitoring devices at home.”While Choi may be more sensitive than others, it seems undeniable that fin

• 

  Automode

  Reinterpreting taxis in era of sharing economy

  Taxis are more than a means of transport for Koreans. They serve as a platform where people talk about life, societal changes and, of course, politics, with those behind the wheel. On top of their cultural and social value, for decades, they have been one of the most reliable and relatively inexpensive door-to-door transport services, offering convenience to people with hectic city lives. These are probably the reasons why taxis and drivers appear frequently in cultural content. (Yonhap)From mov

• 

  Industry

  Korea, always in search of the next unicorn

  Rising investments likely to prop up startup sector, economy