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☆ South Korea, US, Japan hold anti-submarine drills to counter North Korea threats
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] Crews are seen on the flight deck of the USS Nimitz, off the coast of Busan, South Korea, 27 March 2023. Jeon Heon-Kyun/Pool via REUTERSSEOUL, April 3 (Reuters) - The navies of South Korea, the U.S. and Japan will hold two days of anti-submarine exercises starting Monday to better counter North Korea's evolving nuclear and missile capabilities, South Korea's defence ministry said. The trilateral drills come as North Korea unveiled last week new, smaller nuclear warheads, vowed to produce more weapons-grade nuclear materials to expand its arsenal, and boasted of what it called a nuclear-capable underwater attack drone. This week's exercises will use a mobile anti-submarine warfare training target to improve the capabilities needed to detect, track and destroy North Korean underwater threats, the ministry said. The three countries last held trilateral anti-submarine drills in September - the first time in five years - amid tension over North Korea's unprecedented number of missile tests.

☆ Fact Check-Video shows zombie-themed event in Indonesia
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-29 | by ( Reuters Fact Check | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

A video showing passengers encountering zombies at a train station from a zombie-themed event called ‘Train to Apocalypse’ organized in Indonesia has been shared online with false captions saying it shows a “zombie virus” in China. “Zombie virus spotted in china!,” states a tweet with more than 200,000 views sharing the clip (here) (archive.is/IUcOf). “We can confirm that the video is one footage of our previous event, Train to Apocalypse, organized by LRT Jakarta and Pandora Box,” a spokesperson for LRT Jakarta told Reuters. Other footage from the event can be found on Pandora Box’s Instagram account (here). Videos shows zombie-themed event in Indonesia, not an actual zombie virus outbreak.

☆ US amphibious assault ship joins drills in South Korea
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-23 | by ( Soo-Hyang Choi | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

BUSAN, South Korea, March 23 (Reuters) - South Korean and U.S. troops launched their largest amphibious landing drills in years involving a U.S. amphibious assault ship, officials said on Thursday, a day after North Korea tested four long-range cruise missiles. About 12,000 sailors and marines from the two countries will take part, as will 30 warships, 70 aircraft and 50 amphibious assault vehicles, the South Korean military said. Hours before the ship docked, North Korea fired four cruise missiles off its east coast, South Korea said, in apparent protest of ongoing drills by the U.S. and South Korea. The ship's welldeck, which can be flooded to provide direct access to the sea, allows it to launch and recover landing craft and other amphibious vehicles, the U.S. military said. South Korea and the U.S. say the exercises are purely defensive.

☆ Rome hopes to reverse decline and relive La Dolce Vita
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-17 | by ( Giselda Vagnoni | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

[1/5] General view of the Colosseum next to a subway's construction sites in Rome, Italy, February 16, 2023. However, flailing public services can make La Dolce Vita seem a remote dream, for both visitors and residents alike. "It is the biggest investment plan Rome has ever had," Gualtieri told Reuters. "Milan was turned around by the EXPO and has become a city capable of attracting capital from all over the world. Rome is an incredible place and second to none," Luca Luciani, head of BAI Communications Italia, told Reuters.

☆ We're really excited about the Asia-Pacific region, real estate firm says
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-08 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailWe're really excited about the Asia-Pacific region, real estate firm saysRaymond Lawler of Hines discusses its $1 billion mixed use development in Busan, South Korea, and explains why it's interested in the region.

☆ South Korea posts the worst trade deficit in its history
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-01 | by ( Jihye Lee | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

05 November 2022, South Korea, Pusan: Containers are loaded from the container freighter "Alula Express" at Busan Newport International Terminal, one of the largest container ports in the world. Photo: Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa (Photo by Bernd von Jutrczenka/picture alliance via Getty Images)It marked the worst trade deficit since the agency started compiling data in 1956 and far more than the $20.6 billion trade deficit in 1996. South Korea recorded a trade deficit of $47.5 billion for 2022, official data from the customs agency showed. January exports fell $46.3 billion, or 16.6% – declining more than expectations for a drop of 11.3%. That resulted in a deficit of $12.7 billion for January, more than the $9.27 billion expected by economists polled by Reuters.

☆ Davos 2023: Riyadh city developing fast with eye on Expo 2030 bid
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan 19 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia, which has bid to host the Expo 2030 world fair, is pushing ahead with plans to turn its capital Riyadh into a major global metropolis, a government official said on Thursday. Should Riyadh win Expo hosting rights it would be ready, but the build-up, which includes an additional 120,000 hotel rooms by 2030, was needed regardless to meet tourism goals, he said. The host country for the 2030 Expo is expected to be selected in November. Asked if alcohol would be allowed in Riyadh by 2030, Al Rasheed said: "No, but I think you can ... consider it a wellness detox." If Saudi Arabia wins its bid it would be the second Arab country to host Expo after the United Arab Emirates.

LONDON, Jan 6 (Reuters) - March 2022 will go down in the history books as the moment the global nickel market broke down. The search is on for a new nickel price discovery process. Global Commodities Holdings (GCH) thinks it has a solution, a blast from the LME's own distant past that could have far-reaching consequences for industrial metals trading. This is self-evidently true of the LME nickel contract, which simply could not absorb the scale of short positions accumulated by China's Tsingshan Group. It may not just be nickel players keeping a close eye on GCH's proposed new metals pricing solution.

[1/5] Striking South Korean unionised tank drivers Lee Geum-sang and Ham Sang-jun pose in front of tank trucks as they participate in a nationwide walkout in front of a major oil storage facility in Seongnam, south of Seoul, South Korea, December 1, 2022. But these drivers, and tens of thousands of others striking across the country, say their calls for stronger minimum pay protections are all that stand between them and poverty. He earns about 3 million won ($2,300) per month, far less than last year because diesel prices have nearly doubled. Ham, the father of two teens, earns about 3 million to 4 million won a month working 12 hours a day, five days a week, often overnight and weekends. That is 2 million won less than last year because of fuel costs.

☆ Singapore and New York are the most expensive cities to live in, EIU says
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-02 | by ( Charmaine Jacob | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

New York City, along with Singapore, is the most expensive city to live in, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit. Alexander Spatari | Moment | Getty ImagesSingapore has once again been ranked as the most expensive city to live in, sharing the top spot with New York City this year, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). San Francisco — which did not make the top 10 last year — is now the eighth most expensive city to live in. Japan's Osaka is the 43rd most expensive city to live in, a big drop from its 10th position in 2021. Japan's Osaka is the 43rd most expensive city to live in, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit.

☆ South Korea's LGBTQ community confronts crushing headwinds in fight for equality
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-28 | by ( Michael Mitsanas | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +8 min

NBC News spoke with South Korean lawmakers, human rights organizations and dozens of LGBTQ South Koreans in three of the country’s largest cities: Seoul, Daegu and Busan. Most say a bill that would outlaw discrimination against all minority groups — including the LGBTQ community — is the critical first step toward legal equality. The documentary filmmaker turned progressive lawmaker calls herself an advocate for this country’s LGBTQ community. This, he added, “includes South Korea.”While support for a comprehensive nondiscrimination bill is strong in South Korea, Jang concedes that the odds of one passing, at least in the near future, are slim. The country’s conservative president and People Power Party oppose a comprehensive nondiscrimination bill, while the left-leaning Democratic Party has expressed lukewarm support.

☆ In Halloween crush, South Koreans see young people being failed again
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-07 | by ( Soo Youn | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +8 min

Then they placed white chrysanthemums on a memorial altar for the 156 mostly young victims of the Halloween crowd crush, and wrote condolences for scores of people who had departed this life decades too soon. Older generations, she said, failed them like they failed the costumed partygoers on Oct. 29. “Why couldn’t the police have gotten there sooner?”South Koreans across the country are asking the same questions. On Monday, Yoon apologized for the crowd crush, vowing to improve police and safety management systems and hold accountable anyone found responsible. The anti-Yoon protests have been going on for weeks with a heavy police presence, including the night of the Halloween crush, which has also angered critics, as has Yoon’s move out of the official presidential residence into a luxury apartment building.

SEOUL, Oct 31 (Reuters) - Across South Korea, events such as autumn foliage festivals and K-Pop concerts are canceled, and grief-stricken communities are putting off gatherings after a Seoul crowd crush killed at least 154 people, threatening to crimp growth further. Universities have canceled weekend retreats known as MTs, and the opening event of the two-week Korea Sale Festa, the Korean version of the Black Friday, was called off. South Korea's southern resort island of Jeju called off the Jeju Olle Walking Festival, scheduled from Nov 3 to 5. The Korea Baseball Organization and Korea Volleyball Federation both said there won't be cheerleaders during its championship series. South Korea's economic growth already decelerated last quarter in response to slowing exports and a weakening currency.

☆ 'Decision To Leave' review: The latest Korean drama you need in your life
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-20 | by ( Review Thomas Page | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

This month the spotlight is on South Korean crime drama “Decision To Leave.”CNN —A language barrier lies at the heart of swoon-worthy Korean police procedural “Decision To Leave.” Hae-joon (Park Hae-il) is a polite Busan cop, Seo-rae (Tang Wei), the Chinese wife of a dead businessman. Park Hae-il and Tang Wei as a detective and suspect drawn together by the death of a mountain climber. The interview: Writer-director Park Chan-wookPark Chan-wook attends the "Decision To Leave" UK Premiere during the 66th BFI London Film Festival on October 14, 2022. Gareth Cattermole/Getty ImagesThe Korean master told CNN he wanted to adhere to then subvert film noir in “Decision To Leave,” playing with tropes, structure and the male gaze. For more details on his “very meta approach,” why he cast Tang Wei and why “Vertigo” was far from his mind, read the full interview.

☆ Park Chan-wook on 'Decision To Leave': 'This story departs from all conventions'
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-20 | by ( Thomas Page | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Director Park is no stranger to the slippery nature of language barriers. In the film, Korean detective Hae-joon (Park Hae-il) is probing the death of a climber who fell from a mountaintop on the outskirts of Busan. Director Park Chan-wook says he had a longstanding desire to cast the Chinese star in one of his films. The first part is “full-on male gaze,” Hae-joon “steal(ing) the look.” He inserts himself into Seo-rae’s life, even fantasizing standing in her living room, observing private moments. Tang Wei as suspect Seo-rae and Park Hael-il as detective Hae-joon in "Decision To Leave."

☆ K-pop star BTS member Jin to release first solo single next week ahead of military duty
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-19 | by ( Joori Roh | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

SEOUL, Oct 19 (Reuters) - K-pop singer Jin, a member of the hit boy band BTS, will release his first official solo single next week, the seven-member band's agency said on Wednesday, following this week's announcement that he will soon start military duty. The song, titled 'The Astronaut', will be released on Oct. 28 at 1 p.m. (0400 GMT), with pre-orders to begin later on Wednesday. The announcement came after band's management group HYBE (352820.KS), which owns Bighit, on Monday said Jin will cancel a request to further delay his enlistment in late October. The other younger band members also plan to serve their compulsory service. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterReporting by Joori Roh; Editing by Lincoln FeastOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ BTS stars to serve military duty in South Korea
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-17 | by ( Chantal Da Silva | Chantal Da Silva Is A Breaking News Editor For Nbc News Digital Based In London. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +3 min

The global superstars of BTS will perform their mandatory military service in South Korea, the group's representatives said Monday, confirming a move that was long dreaded by their army of fans. The star, 29, had faced possible enlistment starting early next year after he turns 30 in December, with BTS' members already granted a two-year extension. The music agency said it was the "perfect time" for the announcement following a "phenomenal concert to support Busan's bid for the World Expo 2030." Other members of the group plan to carry out their military service based on their own individual plans, BigHit Music said. Lee Ki Sik, commissioner of the Military Manpower Administration, had told lawmakers earlier this month that it was "desirable" for BTS members to fulfill their military duties to ensure fairness.

☆ K-pop stars BTS to serve military duty
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-17 | by ( Soo-Hyang Choi | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

SEOUL, Oct 17 (Reuters) - K-pop boy band BTS will go off on mandatory military service, starting shortly with oldest member Jin, their agency said on Monday. Since their 2013 debut, BTS have became a worldwide sensation with their upbeat hits and social campaigns aimed at empowering youth. All other members will also serve the mandatory military duty according to their respective plans, it added. BTS announced a break in June from group musical activities to pursue solo projects, raising questions about the band's future. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterReporting by Soo-hyang Choi; Editing by Tom Hogue and Susan FentonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Russians flee to South Korea to avoid being drafted to fight in Ukraine
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-16 | by ( Stella Kim | Stella Kim Is An Nbc News Freelance Producer Based In Seoul. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +4 min

SEOUL — Groups of Russians have sailed to South Korea in an attempt to avoid being conscripted for the war in Ukraine — only for most of them to be refused entry at the border. Alexandr Kryazhev / Sputnik via APBut he said 21 were denied approval on the basis of “insufficient documentation and unclear objective" for entering South Korea. The two successful applicants had documents showing records of having previously been in South Korea. A 6-ton yacht also arrived in South Korea on Oct. 1, according to the Coast Guard. All four individuals aboard were denied entry.

☆ BTS performs emotional concert in Busan, Korea, as uncertainty hovers over group's future
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-15 | by ( Soo Youn | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +3 min

“It feels a little strange to be in my hometown,” said Jimin, one of the two band members from Busan. The South Korean government grants exemptions to some athletes, classical and traditional musicians, ballet and other dancers who have won top prizes like Olympic medals. While some fans are hoping for a last-minute exemption, Lee Ki Sik, commissioner of the Military Manpower Administration, said last week it is “desirable” for BTS members to serve. BTS performs in Busan, South Korea, on Saturday. Bighit MusicThe streets, bridges and beachfronts of Busan turned purple, the band’s signature color, in the days leading up to the concert.

☆ BTS to hold free concert to support S.Korea's bid to host World Expo
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

SEOUL, Oct 15 (Reuters) - K-pop boy band BTS is reuniting on Saturday for a concert in the southern port city of Busan, which the city and the South Korean government hope will help win a bid to host the World Expo 2030. Four countries, including South Korea, Italy, Ukraine and Saudi Arabia, have submitted competing candidatures to organise World Expo 2030, according to the expo organising body Bureau International des Expositions (BIE). The host country of the World Expo 2030 is expected to be elected next year. In July, K-pop sensation BTS was named as the official ambassadors for the World Expo 2030 in Busan. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterReporting by Heekyong Yang; Editing by Michael PerryOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ BTS to reunite for free concert in South Korea
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-14 | by ( Story Reuters | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

K-pop boy band BTS is reuniting on Saturday for a concert in the southern port city of Busan, which the city and the South Korean government hope will help win a bid to host the World Expo 2030. Four countries – South Korea, Italy, Ukraine and Saudi Arabia – have submitted competing candidatures to organize World Expo 2030, according to the expo organizing body Bureau International des Expositions. The host country of the World Expo 2030 is expected to be elected next year. In July, BTS were made official ambassadors for the World Expo 2030 in Busan. Last year, BTS became the first Asian band to win artist of the year at the American Music Awards.

SEOUL, Oct 11 (Reuters) - Renault (RENA.PA) Chief Executive Luca De Meo said on Tuesday the automaker was looking to find a partner for a carve-out of its combustion-engine business that would bring scale and drive down costs on technology, including hybrids. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterDe Meo said Renault was in talks with the French government over its evolving strategy. De Meo has said Renault needs new partnerships because of the scale of the investment needed to shift toward battery-powered cars and charging. In exchange for investing in the EV venture, Nissan is looking to Renault to reduce its stake in the Japanese automaker, a person familiar with the talks said. Renault currently owns about 43% of Nissan, which in turn has a 15% stake in its long-term partner with the French state holding another 15%.

The Renault CEO was scheduled to speak to reporters in Seoul on Tuesday evening, his first public appearance since news broke of the talks with Nissan. In exchange for its investment in Renault's EV unit, Nissan has asked Renault to take steps to sell down its 43% stake in Nissan, people with knowledge of the talks have said. Nissan has a 15% stake in Renault, as does the French government, but the Japanese automaker does not have voting rights. Nissan would also have to sign off on the plan for Geely to take a large stake in Renault's gas-engine business, code-named "Horse." Volvo and Geely created a joint-venture under the name Aurobay to shift their own combustion-engine business into a new stand-alone business.

☆ Amphibious houses and floating cities could protect coastal communities from sea-level rise
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-27 | by ( Lindsey Jacobson | In | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Hurricane Fiona has just devastated Puerto Rico, flooding the island leaving hundreds of thousands without access to electricity or running water. To combat the some of the worst impacts of flooding, a new industry of floating infrastructure is emerging. There are two distinct approaches that are being put forth as possible solutions: retrofitting homes to be amphibious and building floating city blocks. English's design places a steel frame beneath a house, and then below that, in the crawl space, buoyancy elements. She does, however, hope that her design could help preserve culture and give communities one option to help as they decide how they want to adapt to rising sea levels.

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