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Korea’s birth rate increased for the first time in 8 years, reports The Korea Times

Korea Reader | 29 August 2024, Thursday | Vol.1 No. 160
South Korean President proposes increase in pension premiums, reports The Korea Times
On 29 August, The Korea Times reported that the President of South Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol had proposed increasing pension premiums for the young and middle-aged generations at different paces. Yoon’s remarks come amidst forecasts that the National Pension Service run by the Government of South Korea will be depleted by 2055; as the country deals with an ageing population and declining birth rate. In a televised address, Yoon stated that the South Korean government would restore public trust through sustainable reforms, such as codifying the guarantee of national pension payments into law, increasing the pension fund’s profitability, adjusting the contribution and income replacement rates, introducing automatic stabilizing mechanisms for long-term sustainability and expanding credit for citizens who give birth or engage in military service. In addition, Yoon stated that the government would try to reform the basic retirement and private pensions for the welfare of retirees; and requested the cooperation of the opposition-controlled National Assembly in revising the pension laws. The latest proposal follows previous attempts by the government and opposition parties to agree on pension reforms. Meanwhile, Yoon also promised health care sector reforms like the restructuring of general hospitals, after protests by the medical community over a proposed increase in the medical school quota. (“Yoon proposes increasing pension premiums for younger, middle-aged generations at different pace,” The Korea Times, 29 August 2024)

Korea Reader | 28 August 2024, Wednesday | Vol.1 No. 159
Korea’s birth rate increased for the first time in 8 years, reports The Korea Times
On 28 August, The Korea Times reported that babies born in Korea rose for the first time in more than eight years. A total rise of 1.2 per cent of babies were born in the April-June period. The increase marked on-year growth for the first time since September 2022, in April it increased by 2.8 per cent and again by 2.7 per cent in May, in line with the growth in the number of newly married couples after the COVID-19 pandemic. The total fertility rate, came to 0.71 in the second quarter of 2024, unchanged from the previous year. To maintain a stable population without immigration 2.1 per cent of birth-rate was needed. Additionally, The Korea Times reported on Korea’s unpleasant demographic changes, as the youth opt to postpone both marriage and having babies in line with shifting lifestyles. Korea is expected to be a highly aged society by 2072 as the median age will be 63.4 by the time and the population will flip to around 36.22 million in 2072. (“Childbirths in Korea rebound for first time in 8 years in Q2,” The Korea Times, 28 August 2024)

Korea Reader | 27 August 2024, Tuesday | Vol.1 No. 158
US soldier who fled to North Korea pleads guilty, reports BBC
On 27 August, BBC reported on a guilty plea of desertion and other charges against the US soldier Travis King who fled from South Korea to North Korea. Mr Travis was charged by the army; he was a victim of fourteen charges against him and a special charge for illegally crossing the border on July 2023. In a statement to BBC, Mr King’s lawyer Franklin Rosenblatt said: “He will plead not guilty to the remaining offenses, which the Army will withdraw and dismiss.” Additionally, the layer stated he would answer a military judge’s questions about why he is pleading guilty and be sentenced based on the allegations. Also, charges expected to be dismissed include possession of child pornography. Before the cross-border incident, he was under detention in South Korea for assaulting two people and kicking a police car. Furthermore, the US stated it made no concessions to secure his release, his release deal was brokered by Swedish officials. (“US soldier who fled to North Korea to plead guilty to desertion,” BBC, 27 August 2024)
 
Czech decision to pick Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power firm condemned by US-based Westinghouse, reports The Korea Times
On 27 August, The Korea Times reported on an appeal filed by the US nuclear energy firm with the Czech Republic to protest against a South Korean company. The Czech Anti-Monopoly Office with Westinghouse Electric Co. appealed against the decision to choose Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) for the construction project. The US firm said: “KHNP's APR1000 and APR1400 plant designs utilize Westinghouse-licensed Generation II System 80 technology while stressing KHNP neither owns the underlying technology nor has the right to sublicense it to a third party without Westinghouse consent.” Additionally, Westinghouse also warned that if South Korea's APR1000 reactor is introduced to the Czech Republic, it could lead to a loss of jobs for the US and the European nations. On 24 August the South Korean presidential office said: “that a debate has lingered over whether South Korea's export of reactors that its companies have domestically mastered with initial technological assistance from the US firm should be subject to US export control regulations and it has been in close consultation with the US government to resolve the dispute between KHNP and Westinghouse.” (“Westinghouse protests Czech decision to pick S. Korea's KHNP as the preferred bidder,” The Korea Times, 27 August 2024)

Korea Reader | 26 August 2024, Monday | Vol.1 No. 157
South Korean President to meet ruling party leadership, reports The Korea Times
On 26 August, The Korea Times reported that the President of South Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol would host a dinner meeting with the leadership of the ruling People Power Party(PPP). According to PPP officials, Yoon is expected to meet the leader of the PPP Han Dong-hoon, five members of the Supreme Council for National Reconstruction, floor leader Choo Kyung-ho, and the policy chief of the party at the meeting scheduled for later this week. The meeting is expected to be a discussion of key policy issues before the National Assembly of South Korea’s regular session begins next month; and will be the second meeting between Yoon and Han since the latter became PPP leader. (“Yoon to meet ruling party leadership this week,” The Korea Times, 26 August 2024)

Paraguay's Trade Minister seeks more South Korean investments, interview with The Korea Times
On 25 August, in an interview with The Korea Times, the Minister of Industry and Trade of Paraguay Javier Gimenez Garcia de Zuniga stated the signing of the Trade and Investment Promotion Framework (TIPF) would lead to greater cooperation in manufacturing, energy, and trade. According to Gimenez Garcia, after the signing of the agreement between Paraguay and South Korea, Paraguay aims to invite South Korean investors to its country. He pointed out that Paraguay’s low corporate tax rate and location as a logistical hub would make it an attractive destination for investments, and planned to increase the trade volume between the two nations with South Korea currently exporting 20 billion USD worth of goods. The Paraguayan Minister also informed of plans to invite the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy of South Korea for the Energy Week in October, and that his country was trying to reduce high tariffs on Paraguayan meat exports to South Korea. Gimenez Garcia stated that Paraguay aimed to emulate the South Korean approach towards education and economic development. He drew a contrast between how both countries had been at the same economic level in the 1950s, but 75 years later South Korea was one of the top economies globally while Paraguay’s status had not significantly improved. The Paraguayan Minister informed that his government would try to learn from South Korea’s success, especially its investment in education. ( Kim Hyun-bin, “Paraguay seeks more Korean investments via TIPF: Paraguayan trade minister,” The Korea Times, 25 August 2024)

North Korean leader watches ‘suicide drones’ test, reports Japan Today
On 26 August, Japan Today reported that North Korean Supreme Leader, Kim Jong Un had witnessed a test of ‘suicide drones’ taking off and destroying test targets. According to the North Korean state news agency KCNA, Kim visited the Drone Institute at the Academy of Defence Sciences in North Korea and called for more of these drones to be produced. KCNA stated that Kim wanted the drones to be used in tactical infantry and special operation units like underwater suicide attack drones or multipurpose attack drones. He also urged the development of artificial intelligence for unmanned vehicles. According to the Ministry of Unification of South Korea, this was the first time North Korea had revealed these drones, and South Korea plans to use laser weapons to shoot down North Korean drones. Suicide drones have been utilized during the war in Ukraine and in the Middle East, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea believe the North Korean drones might be a gift from Russia. ( Joyce Lee, “North Korea’s Kim Jong Un oversees tests of ‘suicide drones',” Japan Today, 26 August 2024)

Korea Reader | 24 August 2024, Saturday | Vol.1 No. 156
China and South Korean ties are improving, says an editorial in The Korea Times
On 23 August, an editorial in The Korea Times published an article on improving ties between the governments of the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Korea, as the two nations mark 32 years of diplomatic relations between them. Secretary of the Jiangsu Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China, Xin Changxing, and the Governor of Hainan Province in China Liu Xiaoming have both visited South Korea in recent months.  The Minister of Trade, Security and Energy of the Republic of South Korea Jeong In-kyo was an attendee at the South Korea-Shandong Economic and Trade Cooperation Exchange Meeting in China, and the Ministries of National Defence of both China and South Korea conducted a military hotline inspection. Head of the China Research Centre at Kyungnam University, Lee Sang-man stated that the atmosphere was completely different now compared to a year ago. Lee felt that China might be seeking better ties with South Korea, as its traditional ally North Korea grows closer to Russia. Professor of Chinese Studies at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Kang Joon-young believed that China was also trying to prevent South Korea from becoming too entrenched in its alliance with the US and Japan, through diplomatic ways. According to Lee, South Korea should utilize this for a flexible foreign policy balance between China and the US-Japan. (Lee Hyo-jin, “S. Korea, China ties show signs of thawing on 32^nd anniversary,” The Korea Times, 23 August 2024)

Korean Health and Medical Workers Union to go on a nationwide strike for pay rise and better healthcare system, reports The Korea Times
On 24 August, The Korea Times reported that The Korean Health and Medical Workers’ Union had agreed to go on a nationwide strike next week. The striking workers are demanding a 6.4 per cent increase in wages, as well as a government resolution to the ongoing walkout by trainee doctors which has damaged the South Korean health system. About 12,000 trainee doctors have left their workplaces since February, protesting a governmental plan to increase the number of medical students. The Union confirmed that it would launch simultaneous strikes on Thursday, 29 August, if attempts by the National Labour Relations Commission at bringing about a solution failed. However, the Union confirmed that nurses and doctors in essential services would continue to work even in case of a strike. (“Health care workers approve strike over crippled medical system, pay raise,” The Korea Times, 24 August 2024)

Korea Reader | 23 August 2024, Friday | Vol.1 No. 155
North Korea displeased with US approving the sale of Apache attack helicopters to Seoul, reports the Korea Times
On 23 August, Korea Times reported on North Korea’s criticizes US for approving the sale of large number of Apache attack helicopters to South Korea. According to the Korean Central News Agency, it said: “The US is now getting more active in its arms sale to Japan, ROK and other allies in the Asia-Pacific region, and this is a challenge to security in the region that cannot be overlooked.” The statement further emphasised deliberately increasing the security instability in the region and the approval for the helicopter came when tensions on the Korean Peninsula were high due to joint military exercises under way between South Korea and the US. Additionally, North Korea stated it will steadily conduct necessary military activities to control the imbalance and instability in the territory. The KCNA further said: “Since the US is keen on the provision of war hardware and lethal equipment to its allies in the region, the DPRK's strategic deterrence will be further strengthened to protect the national security and interests and the regional peace.” Furthermore, the Korea Times reported on the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise launched by the US and South Korea aimed to bolster joint defence readiness against North Korea's evolving military threats. (“N. Korea slams US approval of sale of Apache attack helicopters to S. Korea,” the Korea Times, 23 August 2024)

South Korean Unification minister urges North Korea to respond to proposal of forming inter-Korean working group
On 23 August, Korea’s Minister of Unification Kim Yung-ho urged North Korea to respond to their request for working-level consultations and initiate a dialogue. In a press conference, Kim said: “We’ve seen a history where the working-level consultations eventually led to higher-level consultations and an agreement between the two Koreas. So I’d like to ask the North to carefully consider our proposal and return to the path of dialogue.” Additionally, President Yoon suggested North Korea to engage in working-level consultations without limiting the agenda, further adding, that North Korea will utilize the advancement of technologies to spread information and culture to North Korea. Furthermore, Kim expressed hope that the next US administration would implement a policy that calls for the denuclearization of North Korea, in addition, he said: “Both the Democrats and the Republicans have not mentioned the denuclearization of North Korea. Whichever party comes in next, there will be a policy review in the beginning. During this process, we sincerely hope there is a mention of the complete denuclearization of North Korea as one of the priorities and goals for U.S. diplomacy.” (“Unification minister urges NK to respond to proposal of forming inter-Korean working group,” the Korea Times, 23 August 2024)

South Korean supply chain hit due to Urea crisis, says and editorial in East Asia Forum
On 23 August, an editorial in the East Asia Forum titled “Urea crisis sparks South Korean supply chain revamp,” looked into South Korea’s intermittent shortages of urea, an industrial commodity used for vehicles and agriculture fertilisers, since 2021. China temporarily suspended exports due to domestic supply issues. The crisis exposed South Korea’s dependence on Chinese urea exports, which declined to 71.7 per cent in 2022 but rose again to 90 per cent in 2023. Subsequently, in September 2023 China blocked shipments even after customs were cleared. The lawmakers in South Korea have recently passed three pieces of legislation aimed at supplies of critical industrial inputs: the Framework Act on Supply Chain Stabilization Support for Economic Security, the Special Measures to Strengthen the Competitiveness of Materials, Parts, and Equipment Industry Act and the Special Act on National Resources Security. The Framework Act took effect in June 2024 along with the supply chain committee intending to support and foster businesses that contribute to the production of economic security items. The government has established the Fund for Supply Chain Stabilization at the Korean Export-Import Bank, with USD 3.6 billion to USD 7.2 billion, to support firms that contribute to the stabilisation of supply chains, by developing alternative technologies and supporting reshoring. The supply chain requires international cooperation and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) which promises a platform, to maximise the efficacy of IPEF by undertaking joint research and development and cooperation on matters relating to the diversification of import sources with IPEF member countries such as Australia, Singapore and others. (“Urea crisis sparks South Korean supply chain revamp,” East Asia Forum, 23 August 2024)

Korea Reader | 22 August 2024, Thursday | Vol.1 No. 154
South Korean court orders Japanese Nippon steel firm to compensate the forced labour victims’ family, reports The Korea Times
On 22 August, The Korea Times reported on a district court in Seoul ruling Japan's Nippon Steel to pay compensation to four children of deceased South Korean victims, during Japan's wartime forced labour. The appellate division of the Seoul Central District Court made the ruling after a lawsuit was filed by the descendants of the victim, demanding two hundred million won. A descendant surnamed Jeong claimed that he was forced to work for the Japanese Iwate steel mill from 1940-42. Additionally, the court ruled against the petitioners, saying their rights for entitlement to compensation had expired. The appellate court reversed the order without disclosing any explanations in court. (“Court of appeals orders Japan firm to compensate forced labor victim's children,” The Korea Times, 22 August 2024)

North Korean children not vaccinated for three years, reports The Korea Times
On 22 August, The Korea Times reported on North Korean children not being vaccinated against polio for the third straight year. According to the 2024 statement by the Expanded Program on Immunization fact sheet, it stated that the immunization coverage with the type 3 oral polio vaccine (OPV3) for North Korea was zero last year without any change from 2021 and 2022. The vaccination rate with OPV3 always stood above 98 per cent from 2014 to 2019 before declining to 70 per cent in 2020. North Korea's tuberculosis BCG vaccination rate also declined to 63 per cent last year.  In 2023, the inoculation rate against measles stood at 28 per cent. Additionally, The Korea Times also reported that a sharp decline in vaccination rates was due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Minister for Unification Kim Yung-ho said: “in March that the impact of North Korean children not being properly vaccinated will become evident three to five years later.” (N. Korean children not vaccinated against polio for 3rd straight year in 2023: WHO, The Korea Times, 22 August 2024)
Korea Reader | 21 August 2024, Wednesday | Vol.1 No. 153

South Korean government to fund vendors effected by delayed e-commerce payments, reports The Korea Times
On 21 August, The Korea Times reported on the South Korean government's plan to fund USD 1.2 billion to vendors affected by delayed payments by the e-commerce platforms TMON and WeMakePrice. The call came after the Singapore-owned firm Qoo10 filed for corporate rehabilitation which failed to make payments to vendors and provide refunds to customers. South Korean Finance Minister Choi Sang-Mok said: “We will also consider measures to ease the financial burden on affected small merchants and small-to-midsized businesses by lowering interest rates.” Additionally, he stated that the increase was due to the regional government's decision to expand their support through the emergency management stabilization fund for the affected vendors. Furthermore, the government provided travel packages, accommodation reservations and gift vouchers, to the affected customers and assured them that it would quickly track the collective dispute mediation. The Korea Times further reported on introducing measures to constitute the payment period for e-commerce platforms with their vendors. (“Gov't to provide $1.2 bil. in support for e-commerce vendors hit by TMON, WeMakePrice,” The Korea Times, 21 August 2024)

Korea Reader | 20 August 2024, Tuesday | Vol.1 No. 152
North Korean soldier found near the Military Demarcation Line, reports The Korea Times
On 20 August, The Korea Times reported that a North Korean soldier was found on the northern part of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) by the South Korean Military. It was informed that a North Korean soldier crossed the border into South Korea on the wee hours of 20 August. Additionally, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) confirmed the defection of the soldier and stated that a relevant investigation is underway into how the defection happened. The defection occurred 12 days after a North Korean resident came to the South by crossing the neutral zone of the Han River, South Korea has been conducting full-scale anti-Pyongyang broadcasts in response to the North's repeated launches of trash-carrying balloons. (“N. Korean soldier defects to S. Korea: military,” The Korea Times, 20 August 2024)

Korea Reader | 19 August 2024, Monday | Vol.1 No. 151
US-South Korea launches joint military exercises, reports The Korea Times
On 19 August, The Korea Times reported on the 11-day joint military exercises conducted between South Korea and the United States to deter North Korean threat. The military exercise aims to bolster their joint defence readiness amid advancing North Korean military threats. The annual Ulchi Freedom Sheild (UFS) exercise is concerned by Pyongyang's continued weapons development, citing 37 ballistic missiles launches this year alone and recent trash balloon incidents. According to the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), the exercise is focused on computer simulation-based command, concurrent field training and civil defence drills. In addition, the JCS said: “The exercise will further strengthen the allies' capability and readiness to respond to any provocations and defend against North Korea's weapons of mass destruction by conducting multi-domain exercises utilizing a variety of assets, including land, sea, air, cyber and space.” Furthermore, on 18 August, the Institute for American Studies of the North Korean Foreign Ministry condemned the exercise as the most offensive and provocative war drill for aggression. The Korean Central News Agency said: “We will continue to make crucial efforts to build up strong defence capabilities for creditably defending our state sovereignty, security, interests and territorial integrity and change the security environment of the Korean peninsula and the region in our favour.” (“S. Korea, US launch key summertime military exercise,” The Korea Times, 19 August 2024)

Korea Reader | 17 August 2024, Friday | Vol.1 No. 150
Camp David summit between US, Japan and South Korea to be commemorated with joint statement, reports The Korea Times
On 17 August, The Korea Times reported that a joint statement would be announced on Sunday, 18 August to commemorate the first anniversary of the Camp David summit between the US, Japan, and South Korea.  The Camp David Summit held in August 2023 witnessed President of South Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol, President of the US, Joe Biden, and the Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida signing several landmark agreements aimed at creating a strong trilateral cooperation system between their nations. An official from the Office of the President of South Korea stated that the joint statement to be released would showcase the achievements of the past year and the potential for greater collaborations. Additionally, the statement is expected to show Yoon’s Korean unification doctrine which plans greater access to information for North Korea and opening an official dialogue channel between the two Koreas. It is also believed that another trilateral summit is expected before the end of 2024, despite leadership changes in Japan and the US. (“ S. Korea, US, Japan leaders to announce joint statement Sunday to mark Camp David summit,” The Korea Times, 17 August 2024)

Korea Reader | 16 August 2024, Friday | Vol.1 No. 149
North Korean and Russian leaders pledge to consolidate ties, reports The Korea Times
On 16 August, The Korea Times reported that North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un pledge to continue cooperation with Russia. Kim’s pledge was in response to a congratulatory message from the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, on the occasion of National Liberation Day of Korea, which commemorates Korean liberation from Japanese rule. Putin stated in his message that the bond made as Soviet soldiers fought against Japan continued to serve as the basis of relations between Russia and North Korea. In response, Kim said, “The friendly feelings of the armies and peoples of the two countries forged and deepened in the bloody struggle against the common enemy serve as a strong driving force for developing…relations of friendship and cooperation into a comprehensive strategic partnership and invincible comradeship.” Back in June, Kim and Putin had signed a “comprehensive strategic partnership” pact including a mutual defence agreement. Kim has also been accused of supporting Russia’s war effort in Ukraine through rocket and missile supplies, in exchange for Russian military and economic assistance. (“ N. Korea’s Kim and Russia’s Putin Vow Deeper Ties on Korean Liberation Day,” The Korean Times, 16 August 2024)

Korea Reader | 13 August 2024, Tuesday | Vol.1 No. 147
South Korean National Assembly urged to reconsider two controversial bills, reports The Korea Times
On 13 August, The Korea Times reported that the National Assembly of South Korea demanded to reconsider two contentious bills aimed at enhancing the rights of workers. The Cabinet meeting approved the motion demanding parliamentary reconsideration which will be sent to President Yoon Suk Yeol for endorsement and expected to approve the motion. In addition, The Korea Times reported on the “yellow envelope bill,” seeking to limit companies from making false claims against workers and companies, the bill was passed by the opposition-controlled National Assembly earlier this month. On 12 August 2024, Yoon also vetoed four opposition-led bills aiming to change the governance structure of public broadcasters, apparently slammed by the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK). The DPK’s Floor Leader Rep. Park Chan-dae said: “This is the worst record since democratization.” (“Gov't demands parliamentary reconsideration of pro-labor, cash handout bills,” The Korea Times, 13 August 2024)

Korea Reader | 12 August 2024, Monday | Vol.1 No. 146
Survey: Foreign firms expecting a negative impact by the "yellow envelope bill, " reports the Korea Times
On 12 August, The Korea Times reported on a survey conducted by Mono Research of 100 foreign companies and employees, 55 per cent responded that they anticipated a negative impact from the “yellow envelope bill.” The proposed bill promises the negotiating rights of indirectly employed workers and prohibits companies from litigation for damages and provisional confiscations against unionized workers intending to quash their strikes. In addition, the Korea Times reported on the survey commissioned by the Federation of Korean Industries, that 49 per cent of firms expected a slightly negative effect, and 6 per cent expected a negative impact. On the other hand, 35 per cent stated the bill would have no impact, and 10 per cent viewed the proposed change as positive. The federation expressed concern that the strikes could lead to increased rigidity in the labour market and intensify labour-management conflicts. (“55% of foreign firms expect negative impact from 'yellow envelope bill': survey, The Korea Times, 12 August 2024)

Chips and automobiles account for 30 per cent of Korea's exports, reports The Korea Times
On 12 August, The Korea Times reported that semiconductors and automobiles account for a record 31.7 per cent of Korea’s total exports. According to data from the Korea International Trade Association, semiconductors accounted for 20.3 per cent of the country’s outbound shipments and automobiles at 11.4 per cent. Combined, chips and cars accounted for 31.7 per cent of total exports, marking the highest contribution ever. Korea’s leading chip suppliers, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, had strong earnings, Market analysts estimated a recovery in semiconductor demand driven by rising memory chip prices and the planned deliveries of memory chips for artificial intelligence (AI) processors. Automobile showed a stable rise in the second quarter, in money terms rising to a quarterly record of USD 19.5 billion in the second quarter. According to the Korea Automobile & Mobility Association, Korean carmaker's exports declined for July month, 21.1 per cent lower compared to June and 13.4 per cent from the previous year (“Chips, cars collectively account for over 30% of Korea's exports,” The Korea Times, 12 August 2024)

Korea Reader | 10 August 2024, Saturday | Vol.1 No. 145
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visits flood-stricken areas and calls for hasty rehabilitation, reports KCNA
On 10 August, KCNA reported that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited the flood-stricken areas as he called for rehabilitation measures in the region. He informed his plans to support the areas affected by the floods and heavy rainfall and informed that he plans to bring 15,400 people to Pyongyang until their new homes are built. This was a two-day trip to Uiju County which is the worst affected area. He called to raise the water passage capacity so that the area does not turn into reservoirs after heavy downpours. He called for the engineers to take out practical measures to build the flood prevention capacity, as the water levels are bound to grow due to the River Amnok. Kim expressed that he wants “building an ideal "rural cultural city," where all amenities related to urban management, ranging from the supply of electricity and drinking water to sewage disposal, are perfectly provided,” reports KCNA. (“Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Takes Important Measures for Rehabilitation in Flood-hit Areas,” KCNA, 10 August 2024)
 
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un rejects foreign aid for flood rehabilitation, reports The Korea Times  
On 10 August, The Korea Times reported that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un while visiting the flood-stricken areas thanked the international organisation for their humanitarian support but vowed that he would rehabilitate the affected without outside assistance. KCNA reported that Kim said: “He (Kim) said what we regard as the best in all realms and processes of state affairs is the firm trust in the people and the way of tackling problems thoroughly based on self-reliance.” In the past week South Korea’s Red Cross, United Nations Children’s Funds, Russia, and China have offered to assist North Korea and its rehabilitation measures. Kim also stated that South Korean media is exaggerating the issue and that they are fabricating and spreading false propaganda, stating that all flood-stricken areas and individuals are safe and well. (“N. Korean leader rejects international aid to deal with flood damage,”  The Korea Times, 10 August 2024)

Korea Reader | 08 August 2024, Wednesday | Vol.1 No. 142
South Korean ambition to build domestic nuclear weapons might rupture its alliance with the US, says South Korean Defence Minister
On 08 August, Reuters reported on South Korea’s attempt to building nuclear weapons might rupture the US alliance and shake the financial markets states South Korean Defence Minister Shin Won-sik. As neighbouring North Korea rapidly expands its nuclear capabilities, more South Korean officials have called for the development of nuclear weapons. The former Three-Star Army General Shin said: “having a homegrown nuclear arsenal risked devastating fallout to the South's diplomatic standing and economy, akin to what analysts called Black Monday this week for the stock market's worst losses since 2008.” Additionally, Reuters reported on Shin’s statement that the debate among politicians and foreign policy experts was a sign that South Koreans were still anxious about America’s Military capabilities, especially its nuclear forces. Yoon's administration has been welcoming Washington's calls for "like-minded nations" to unite in the face of tension with China and Russia, Shin said South Korea has not discussed joining US allies in naval exercises in the South China Sea, where Beijing has clashed with neighbours over maritime claims. ("South Korean nuclear weapons would fracture US ties, defence chief says,"  Reuters, 08 August 2024)
  
US extends North Korean travel restriction, reports The Korea Times
On 08 August, The Korea Times reported on United States travel restrictions for North Korea by another year. The department posted the decision to extend the restriction until 31August next year, the restriction has been extended annually. The US State Department stated that due to the severe risk to its citizens of arrest and long-term detention in the isolated state, the extension has been extended. The US State Department said: “All U.S. passports shall remain invalid for travel to, in, or through the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, unless specially validated for such travel under the authority.” The call for restriction came after Otto Warmbier, an American college student, was imprisoned in the North on a charge of subversion subsequently released from the North, and died in 2017. ("US extends NK travel restriction by another year, cites 'serious' risk of arrest, long-term detention," The Korea Times, 08 August 2024)

Korea Reader | 07 August 2024, Wednesday | Vol.1 No. 142
Kim Jong-un directs for recovery work in the flood-hit region, reports The Korea Times
On 07 August, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un attended a ceremony to drive young workers to flood-affected areas on the northern border, terming the efforts as a “gigantic revolutionary construction campaign.” Borders of Sinuiju and Uiju County in North Phyongan Province were recently hit by heavy rains. Despite North Korea denying information on the damage, South Korean media reported that the number of dead or missing could exceed a thousand. According to the Korean Central News Agency, the departure of the Paektusan Hero Youth Shock Brigade took place in Pyongyang on 06 August, the North Korean leader praised restoration work as a complete facelift to the territory, expressing that the youth would lead the unit for socialist construction. Kim's presence is seen as a knack for preventing large-scale ideological defection during a national crisis and demonstrating to the world his ability to overcome disaster situations in his regime. In addition, some observers state that North Korea is likely to accept flood aid from South Korea. The Paektusan Hero Youth Shock Brigade is a youth organization deployed for large-scale civil engineering and construction projects, they were pivotal in the completion of a power plant in 2016 and the construction of urban districts in Pyongyang. (NK leader describes recovery work in the flood-hit region as 'revolutionary construction', The Korea Times, 07 August, 2024)

South Korean government to extend application period for trainee doctor’s program, reports The Korea Times
On 07 August, The Korea Times reported on Prime Minister Han Duck-Soo’s Government’s permission to extend application tenure for trainee doctor programs. Han’s remark came after only 104 candidates (1.4 per cent) of trainee doctors had applied for the training programs despite having more vacant positions at 126 hospitals. The training program begins next month amid a prolonged deadlock between the government and the medical community. Thousands of trainee doctors have resigned due to the government's plan to expand the medical school quota and declined to apply for training programs. In addition, The Korea Times reported on Han’s encouragement towards the trainee doctors to return to hospitals and would consider measures to prevent them from having difficulties in the medical community. A senior Health official said: “It was very regrettable that the application rate had been low despite the government's efforts to promptly normalize the training system.” According to the Ministry of Health, 5,701 resident doctors resigned and 625 doctors have returned to hospitals. (PM says hospitals will extend application period for trainee doctor programs, The Korea Times, 07 August 2024)

Korea Reader | 06 August 2024, Tuesday | Vol.1 No. 141
The US and South Korean Intelligence alerted of North Korea’s new missile launchers, reports The Korean Times
On 05 August, North Korean flagship news media KCNA announced that Pyongyang would deploy 250 ballistic missile launchers to frontline military units, a development, that poses serious threats to South Korea's missile defence abilities. Experts said: “Theoretically if this new weapons system is used in full force, it would be capable of firing up to 1,000 short-range missiles simultaneously across the inter-Korean border.” The Korean Times reported on North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's visit to Pyongyang unveiling 250 new tactical ballistic transporter erector launchers (TELs). According to KCNA Kim delivered a "historic speech," reaffirming his belief that stockpiling nuclear weapons would be the best strategy to counter supposed nuclear threats from the US and its allies. A professor of North Korean studies Park Won-gon, stated that this scale of stockpiling nuclear armaments would pose a serious threat to the South. The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) of South Korea Col. Lee Sung-jun stated that the missile launchers appear as serious threats to the South. However, the South Korean and US intelligence authorities are continuously tracking and monitoring North Korea's weapon programs. (“N. Korea's 250 new missile launchers could overwhelm South's defense: experts, “The Korean Times, 06 August, 2024)
 
US calls on North Korea to stop proactive and unproductive missile development, reports Yonhap News Agency
On 06 August, the Yonhap News Agency reported about the United States call on North Korea’s provocative and unproductive positioning of 250 new tactical missile launchers to frontline military units. The spokesperson of the US State Department Matthew Miller said: “We would encourage North Korea to discontinue taking provocative and unproductive steps and return to the negotiating table.” In addition, the Yonhap News Agency stated the concerns about North Korea's nuclear and missile threats that have persisted in the absence of diplomacy, despite Washington's repeated proposals to meet with the North Koreans without preconditions. Pyongyang expressed its gratitude for Russian President Vladimir Putin's assistance during the floods. Miller further said: “Whatever differences we have with any government, those are not differences with the people of that country. So we would hope to see the humanitarian needs of the North Korean people addressed.” (U.S. calls on N. Korea to stop 'unproductive' steps after event for tactical missile launcher transfer,” Yonhap News Agency, 06 August, 2024)

Korea Reader | 05 August 2024, Monday | Vol.1 No. 140
The caregiver pilot program invites 100 Philippines to Seoul, reports The Korea Times
On 05 August, The Korea Times reported on the Pilot Programme aimed at bringing foreign workers to local households. A set of hundred Philippines caregivers arrived in Seoul, and upon arrival, they were given special training for four weeks. The pilot project was launched to address Korea's low birth rate and aims to provide Korean parents with reasonable support from foreign workers. The job provides safety and health control regulations, sexual harassment prevention, child care and household duties, Korean language instruction, and cultural education. In addition, The Korean Times reported on the facilities provided by the government for caregivers by staying in the nearest periphery, ensuring their travel is convenient. The government emphasized the first pilot program for foreign domestic workers in Korea by systematically examining accommodations, training centres, education programs, and registration procedures for foreign workers. (“100 Philippine caregivers arrive in Seoul for foreign domestic worker pilot program,” The Korea Times, 05 August 2024)

Kim Jong-Un commemorates weapon system development, reports The Korea Times 
On 05 August, The Korea Times reported that the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un commemorated a new-type tactical ballistic missile weapon system. The missile serves as a pivot for military hardware. The event witnessed 250 new-type tactical ballistic missile launchers to front-line military units, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Kim said: “US-led alliance has changed into a military bloc based on nuclear power, using it as a rationale for strengthening the country's military capabilities.” The North Korean leader again blamed the US for crafting various threats forcing North Korea to enhance its military capabilities. The event comes after North Korea started focusing on short- and intermediate-range missile capabilities this year with the test launch of short-range ballistic missiles, strategic cruise missiles and hypersonic missiles. (“N. Korean leader Kim attends a ceremony commemorating tactical ballistic missile weapon system,” The Korea Times, 05 August, 2024)

Korea Reader | 03 August 2024, August | Vol.1 No. 139
Historic US Navy promotion ceremony on Korean frigate
On 02 August, the US Navy held its first-ever promotion ceremony on a Korean naval vessel, the newly commissioned frigate ROKS Gyeongnam. This milestone which took place at Busan Operational Base underscores the deep-rooted alliance between the two nations’ navies. The ceremony honored US Navy officers who contributed to bolstering joint defence capabilities.  Among those promoted was a Korean American whose career journey brought him back to Korea Commander Jonathan Park. He played a crucial role in planning the trilateral Freedom Edge exercise with Korean and Japanese forces. This collaborative effort aims to enhance coordinated responses to regional security challenges.
The event symbolises the evolving partnership between the US and Korean navies, which have safeguarded maritime security for over seven decades. Since the relocation of US Naval Forces Korea headquarters to Busan in 2016, the two navies have developed an integrated maritime operations system, enabling swift joint responses to various security threats. (Kim Hyun-bin, “First US Navy promotion ceremony held aboard Korean naval ship,” The Korea Times, 02 August 2024)

Kim Jong-un rebuffs South Korean on exaggerating North Korea’s flood damage
On 03 August, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un lashed out at South Korean media for allegedly exaggerating the impact of recent floods in his country. In a statement reported by state media, Kim accused South Korea of having a “wicked” agenda to tarnish North Korea’s image, labeling the South as an “unchangeable enemy.” The floods which primarily affected Sinuiju City and Uiju County, reportedly submerged over 4,100 houses and 3,000 hectares of farmland. While South Korean media suggested casualties could exceed 1,000, Kim dismissed these reports as “fabricated news.” Kim’s hostile stance comes despite Seoul’s recent offer of humanitarian aid, to which Pyongyang has not responded. The North Korean leader personally oversaw rescue operations, including an effort to save 5,000 stranded residents. (Kim Soo-yeon, “N.K. leader Kim slams S. Korean 'fabricated' news on flood damage in his 1st reaction to Seoul over downpours,” Yonhap News Agency, 03 August 2024)

Korea Reader | 02 August 2024, Friday | Vol.1 No. 138
Impeachment motion floated by Democratic Party against new KCC head, reports The Korean Herald
On 01 August, South Korean Democratic Party proposed an impeachment motion against the newly elected broadcasting regulator Lee Jin-Sook. The party condemned her actions for unfair decision-making over the recommendation of only two out of five for the Korean Communication Commission (KCC). In addition, the party stated that the broadcasting regulator also suppressed the labour union. The impeachment motion requires the consent of one-third of the serving parliamentary members to be tabled and half of the lawmakers to be sanctioned, failing which the motion may be scrapped within 96 hours. Lee would face long suspension if the motion passes in the assembly creating a leadership void in the KCC. Furthermore, the Constitutional Court is held in charge of sanctioning or rejecting the motion. (“Opposition parties float impeachment motion against new KCC head,” The Korean Herald 02 August 2024)
 
Korea Reader | 01 August 2024, Thursday | Vol.1 No. 137
North Korean envoy to Tehran attends the new Iranian president’s inauguration
On 31 July, North Korean ambassador to Tehran’s was present during the inauguration ceremony of the new Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian. North Korean ambassador attended the ceremony in Tehran on an invitation by the Iranian Government. In 2013 and 2017 Kim Yong-Nam, then president of North Korea visited the inauguration of the then President of Iran Hassan Rouhani, implying the fostering of a diplomatic relationship since 1973.  In addition, the countries have allegedly exchanged ballistic missiles and technology during the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq War. Furthermore, North Korea’s economic delegation’s visit to Tehran last April marks the first of its kind in sending a high-ranked official to Iran in the last five years. (“N. Korea's top envoy to Tehran attends inauguration ceremony of Iran's new president,” Yonhap News Agency, 01 August 2024)