THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: Tieup with SoKor boosts PH afri, fod sectors --- PBBM

 

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. hopes the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Philippines and South Korea would improve the country's agricultural productivity and food security.

Marcos said this following the ceremonial signing of the MOU on Cooperative Partnership for Agricultural Machinery between the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Korea Agricultural Machinery Industry Cooperative (KAMICO) on Tuesday, June 6.

In his speech, the President stressed the importance of mechanization to agricultural production, saying it was the government's goal to boost food production, particularly rice.

"We all recognized very clearly the importance of mechanization for our country because we are trying to move the production; we are trying to make sure that at least the local supply for rice is sufficient and, of course, hopefully, also the other crops," he said.

"The key to all of this is mechanization and all of the things that we're trying to do. We have some programs to mechanize. We have the RCEF (Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund) program, in which the collections from the tariffs on rice importations are then applied also to mechanize," he added.

According to Marcos, establishing local machinery production is the first step toward agricultural development. It is expected to result in better yield and lower production costs, making Filipino farmers more competitive.

Among the salient features of the MOU include the establishment in the country of a local agricultural machinery manufacturing cluster, including an assembly production line, research and development of agricultural machinery technology, workforce training on agricultural machinery technology, and a grant of Official Development Assistance (ODA) to further explore potential projects.

Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil, citing a KAMICO official, said that an initial investment of $30 million would be made in Phase 1 of the project and triple that amount in the second phase.

"The project is expected to result in food production self-sufficiency; the Philippines becoming a food-exporting country; increased employment and farmers' income; establishment of infrastructure on agricultural mechanization and industrialization; and technology transfer and production of specialized machinery," she said.

The Palace official said that the DA has been collaborating with KAMICO for some time now. Among the completed projects are adaptability testing of a self-propelled Mechanical Elevating Work Platform for mango production operations and technology performance verification and adaptation of a mechanized onion production system.

Ongoing projects, on the other hand, include pilot adoption and pre-commercialization of the Philippine Center for Post-harvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) - KAMICO developed corn mill; technology advice and solutions from South Korea; Agricultural Mechanization Design and Prototyping Center project.

Established in 1962 and recognized by the Korean government, KAMICO has more than 650 members and is a significant player in the mechanization of Korea's agriculture sector.

KAMICO actively works in the global agricultural machinery industry by providing aid to developing countries, dispatching investment research groups to emerging markets overseas, and conducting training for international customers.

Source: Manila Bulletin

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: Evacuation alerts, sirens cause panic in Seoul after North Korea launch

 

Rare wailing air raid sirens and mobile phone alerts calling for evacuations rattled residents of the South Korean capital, Seoul, early on Wednesday after North Korea tried to launch what it said was a satellite.

Nuclear-armed North Korea's sixth satellite launch ended in failure, with the booster and payload plunging into the sea, but not before prompting emergency alerts and evacuation warnings in parts of South Korea and Japan.

"I was so panicked. Nine-one-one lines were busy and the internet was slow," said Lee Juyeon, 33, a resident in the densely populated city of about 10 million who has a 9-month-old child. "So without knowing what was really happening, I was about to head down to a basement wearing a wrap carrier with my baby."

The sirens started in Seoul at 6:32 a.m. (2132 GMT Tuesday) as the city issued a "Presidential Alert" asking citizens to prepare for a potential evacuation.

Then came a second mobile alert, at least 10 minutes later, as the interior ministry said the city's alert was sent in error.

Lee did not evacuate after seeing a television headline saying the alerts related to a North Korean space vehicle flying farther south, but she showed photographs of friends packing bags, readying to leave.

Although residents of Seoul are used to living in the shadow of threats from their nuclear-armed neighbour, an element of complacency has crept in among many in the city about the risks and how to respond.

The two countries are still technically at war seven decades after the Korean War ended in an armistice.

Some office workers in the Seoul's central district said they had considered during their commute how to respond to the alarm, such as by withdrawing cash or hoarding water.

"I understand it was a mistake, but even if it has to be simple, that alert message should have said what went on and where to go," Kim Jong-hyun, 48, said on his way to work after dropping off his child at school.

Later on Wednesday, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon apologised for confusion over the city's alert but defended the decision to send one as a precaution for public safety. He said the city would improve the wording in future messages and on warning systems.

"Alerts" and "evacuation" were the most trending topics on Twitter in South Korea on Wednesday morning, with confused tweets scrambling to grasp what was going on or to find evacuation areas.

"Hey guys, given Twitter is still working, I guess it is not a war," one user using the handle @Kimisnim__ said.

Source: Reuters

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: North Korea informs Japan of upcoming 'satellite launch'

 

North Korea has informed Japan that it is preparing to launch a satellite as early as this week, Tokyo announced Monday but warned it may actually be a sanctions-defying ballistic missile test.

North Korea informed Japan that it will launch a rocket between May 31 and June 11, identifying waters near the Yellow Sea, the East China Sea and to the east of Luzon Island in the Philippines as warning areas, a Japanese coast guard spokesman told AFP.

Such zones are usually designated for falling debris or rocket stages.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told officials to gather intelligence "on North Korea's notification about the launch of a ballistic missile that it describes as a satellite", his office said in a tweet.

"Even if it's described as a satellite, a launch using ballistic missile technology would be a violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions" and would threaten people's safety, Kishida told reporters.

In 2012 and 2016, Pyongyang tested ballistic missiles that it called satellite launches. Both flew over Japan's southern Okinawa region.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un this month inspected the country's first military spy satellite as it was prepared for launch, and gave the green light for its "future action plan".

In 2021, Kim had identified the development of such satellites as a key defence project for the North Korean military.

Because long-range rockets and space launchers share the same technology, analysts say developing the ability to put a satellite in orbit would provide Pyongyang with cover for testing banned intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).

Japan's defence ministry issued an order to shoot down any ballistic missile confirmed to be on course to fall into its territory.

South Korea's foreign ministry condemned the launch plan, but officials did not confirm to AFP if Seoul had been directly notified too.

"North Korea's so-called 'satellite launch' is a serious violation of UN Security Council resolutions banning all launches using ballistic missile technology, and is a clearly illegal act that cannot be justified under any pretext," the ministry said.

South Korea and Japan have been working to mend long-frayed ties, including with greater cooperation on North Korea's military threats.

Unusual stance

Meanwhile, Kishida on Monday reiterated that Tokyo is open to talks with Pyongyang.

North Korean state media on Monday published a statement from the country's vice-minister of foreign affairs, appearing to endorse a conciliatory approach to relations with Japan -- an unusual stance from Pyongyang.

If Japan avoids "being shackled by the past, and seeks a way out for improving the relations, there is no reason for the DPRK and Japan not to meet", said the statement from Pak Sang Gil, using the initials of North Korea's official name.

Pak said, however, that Japan needs to move on from sticking points such as the "abduction issue" for ties to improve.

Japan suspects dozens of people who are still missing were abducted by North Korean agents in the 1970s and 1980s to train spies in the Japanese language and culture.

Source: Agence-France-Presse

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: Ex-foreign service employee fined for attempt to sell BTS member Jungkook’s lost hat

 

The Seoul Central District Court has fined a former foreign service employee 1 million won ($749) on charges of attempting to sell BTS member Jungkook’s lost hat online, legal sources said Wednesday, May 3.

The employee, whose identity has been withheld, put the bucket hat for sale on an online second-hand market for 10 million won in October, claiming the K-pop star had left it at the foreign ministry building in Seoul when he visited to apply for a passport.

The seller deleted his offer and turned himself in to the police amid the controversy, and prosecutors later summarily indicted him, seeking a 1-million-won fine. 

Source: The Korea Herald

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: BTS' J-Hope becomes second band member to enlist for military service

 

BTS star J-Hope was set to start his mandatory South Korean military service on Tuesday, local media reported, becoming the K-pop juggernaut's second member to enlist, prompting an outpouring of well-wishes from fans.

The septet has become a global cultural phenomenon, selling out stadiums around the world and dominating key US charts while raking in billions for South Korea's economy and building an international legion of fans known as ARMY.

But all able-bodied men in South Korea must serve at least 18 months in the military, and after a years-long debate about whether BTS deserved an exemption, Jin, the oldest member of the group, enlisted in December.

J-Hope -- whose full name is Jung Ho-seok -- was set to begin his five-week basic training at an army boot camp in Gangwon province on Tuesday, Yonhap News Agency reported.

The 29-year-old posted pictures of himself on Weverse late Monday, with his newly shorn, military-approved buzzcut.

"I love you, ARMY. I'll go and come back safely!" he said.

The post attracted thousands of comments from fans, with many expressing sorrow over the group's ongoing hiatus.

"Be careful and stay healthy. ARMY will do its best to stay positive by streaming and supporting the things you love and enjoy! Say hi to Jin for us, please? We will miss you so much!" one wrote.

"It suits you so well," another wrote of J-Hope's buzzcut. "With much respect, I salute you. For your loyalty, honour, and sense of duty to serve your country."

Band member Jin, who is currently serving in the military, left the comment "D-1♡" on one of J-Hope's Weverse posts on Monday -- a nod to the fact he had one day left before enlistment.

The septet's agency HYBE had confirmed on April 1 that J-Hope would be enlisting, but did not disclose details "to prevent any issues that might occur from crowding".

"Please note that there will be no official event on the day of his entry," the agency said at the time.

"The entrance ceremony is a time to be observed by military personnel and their families only... Fans are advised to refrain from visiting the site."

Source: Agence-France-Presse

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: South Korea wildfire forces 500 residents to evacuate, rain helps fight flames

 

More than 500 people evacuated from their homes in South Korea's eastern coastal city of Gangneung as strong winds fanned a wildfire on Tuesday, officials said, but fears of a further spread eased as rain helped firefighters battle the blaze.

The fire, which started at around 8:30 a.m. local time (2330 GMT on Monday) in Gangneung, was mostly extinguished as of 4:30 p.m., after consuming 170 hectares (420 acres) of land and prompting the evacuation of some 550 residents in the city of more than 200,000 people, the Korea Forest Service said.

The fire injured three people, including two firefighters, and destroyed dozens of buildings, the national forestry agency said.

The fire appears to have started after strong winds blew a tree over onto live overhead power cables, igniting flames, officials said.

Firefighting crews had struggled to put out the fast-moving blaze due to strong winds, but rain then tamped it down by the afternoon.

Photos and footage circulating on social media showed fires razing forests and fields, and buildings engulfed by smoke.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol had ordered officials to mobilise all available resources to put out the fire as soon as possible and quickly evacuate nearby residents to minimise casualties, his office said.

Source: Reuters

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: North Korea unveils new nuclear warheads as Kim orders more weapons-grade materials

 

North Korea unveiled new, smaller nuclear warheads as leader Kim Jong Un called for scaling up the production of weapons-grade nuclear material to expand the country's arsenal, state media KCNA said on Tuesday.

KCNA released photos of the warheads, dubbed Hwasan-31, during Kim's visit to the Nuclear Weapons Institute, where he inspected new tactical nuclear weapons and technology for mounting warheads on ballistic missiles, as well as nuclear counterattack operation plans.

Experts say the images could indicate progress in miniaturising warheads that are powerful yet small enough to mount on intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of striking the U.S.

"It has something more powerful in a smaller space. ... That's worrisome," said Kune Y.Suh, professor emeritus of nuclear engineering at Seoul National University, comparing the new warheads to the 2016 version.

George William Herbert, an adjunct professor at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies' Center for Nonproliferation Studies, said the photos showed "a significant size improvement over prior North Korean nuclear weapons, and possibly design advance."

Kim ordered the production of weapons-grade materials in a "far-sighted way" to boost its nuclear arsenal "exponentially" and produce powerful weapons, KCNA said.

He said the enemy of the country's nuclear forces is not a specific state or group but "war and nuclear disaster themselves," and the policy of expanding North Korea's arsenal is solely aimed at defending the country, and regional peace and stability.

Kim was also briefed on an IT-based integrated nuclear weapon management system called Haekbangashoe, which means "nuclear trigger," whose accuracy, reliability and security were verified during recent drills simulating a nuclear counterattack, KCNA said.

North Korea has been ramping up military tests, firing short-range ballistic missiles on Monday and conducting a nuclear counterattack simulation last week against the United States and South, Korea which it accused of rehearsing an invasion with their military exercises.

North Korea's military simulated a nuclear airburst with two tactical ballistic missiles during Monday's training, while testing underwater strategic weapons systems again on March 25-27, KCNA said in separate dispatches.

All these activities came as a U.S. carrier strike group led by the USS Nimitz is set to arrive at a naval base in South Korea on Tuesday after conducting joint military drills a day earlier.

Seoul officials said the combined exercises were designed to improve U.S. extended deterrence - the military capability, especially nuclear forces, to deter attacks on its allies - amid the North's evolving threats. The carrier's arrival, its first for nearly six years, also marks the 70th anniversary of South Korea's alliance with the United States.

Pyongyang has accused the allies of stoking tensions and using exercises to rehearse an invasion.

A commentary in the Rodong Sinmun, the North's ruling party media outlet, said the drills, especially those involving the aircraft carrier, amount to "an open declaration of war" and preparations for a "preemptive attack" against North Korea.

"The frantic war drills in the puppet region are not just military drills but nuclear war drills for a preemptive strike ... pursuant to the U.S. political and military option to escalate confrontation with the DPRK and finally lead to a war," it said.

DPRK is an abbreviation for North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Source: Reuters

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: North Korea says it tested new underwater nuclear attack 'drone'

 

North Korea claimed Friday it had tested an underwater nuclear attack drone able to unleash a "radioactive tsunami", as it blamed recent US-South Korea exercises for a deteriorating regional security situation.

Pyongyang carried out drills in response this week, the official Korean Central News Agency said, including testing of the new underwater nuclear delivery system.

"This nuclear underwater attack drone can be deployed at any coast and port or towed by a surface ship for operation," the report said.

The weapon's mission is to "stealthily infiltrate into operational waters and make a super-scale radioactive tsunami ... to destroy naval striker groups and major operational ports of the enemy," it added.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally oversaw the tests, KCNA reported, and images released by Pyongyang's Rodong Sinmun newspaper showed a smiling Kim and what appeared to be an underwater explosion.

The agency also said Pyongyang had fired strategic cruise missiles "tipped with a test warhead simulating a nuclear warhead" on Wednesday.

But analysts questioned North Korea's claims.

The idea that Pyongyang has "a nuclear-capable underwater drone should be met with skepticism," said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul.

"Pyongyang's claims about a new weapons system are not the same as a credible demonstration of capability," he added.

In a Twitter post, US-based analyst Ankit Panda said it could not be ruled out that the announcement was "an attempt at deception/psyop".

Even so, the claim was "shocking," Cheong Seong-chang of the private Sejong Institute told AFP.

If true, it is hard to see how Seoul "could respond to such a formidable new weapon from North Korea that (it says) can completely destroy the South's major operational ports."

The KCNA statement also indicates "Pyongyang is more than ready to use its tactical nuclear weapons at any time," An Chan-il, a defector-turned-researcher, told AFP.

"This obviously further strengthens Kim's justification for his future nuclear tests."

Nuclear power?

After a record-breaking year of weapons tests and growing nuclear threats from Pyongyang in 2022, Seoul and Washington have ramped up security cooperation.

On Thursday, the two allies completed their largest joint military drills in five years.

Pyongyang views all such exercises as rehearsals for invasion and has threatened "overwhelming" action in response.

On Friday, KCNA described the US-South Korea joint exercises -- dubbed Freedom Shield -- as a drill for "occupying" North Korea.

Pyongyang's "underwater nuclear attack drone" drill had been held "to alert the enemy to an actual nuclear crisis," the agency said.

Leader Kim had also stressed that the North's nuclear capabilities were "being bolstered at a greater speed," KCNA said.

North Korea last year declared itself an "irreversible" nuclear power and Kim recently called for an "exponential" increase in weapons production, including tactical nuclear weapons.

Washington has repeatedly restated its "ironclad" commitment to defending South Korea, including using the "full range of its military capabilities, including nuclear".

South Korea, for its part, is eager to reassure its increasingly nervous public about the US commitment to so-called extended deterrence, where US military assets, including nuclear weapons, serve to prevent attacks on allies.

Friday's statement comes about a week after Pyongyang test-fired its largest and most powerful missile, a Hwasong-17 -- its second ICBM test this year.

Source: Agence-France-Presse

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: North Korea fires ballistic missiles, warns of turning Pacific into ‘firing range’

 

North Korea fired two ballistic missiles off its east coast, South Korea’s military said on Monday, February 20, as the powerful sister of leader Kim Jong-Un warned the isolated and nuclear-armed state could turn the Pacific into a “firing range.”

The launches come just two days after North Korea fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the sea off Japan’s west coast, prompting joint air exercises by the United States and South Korea on Sunday.

North Korea’s state media confirmed it fired two projectiles from a multiple rocket launcher, aiming at targets 395 kilometers (245 miles) and 337 kilometers (209 miles) away, respectively.

“The 600mm multiple rocket launcher mobilized in the firing… is a means of tactical nuclear weapon,” capable of “paralyzing” an enemy airfield, state news agency KCNA said.

Japan’s Defense Ministry said the two ballistic missiles, fired around 2200 GMT, reached a maximum altitude of about 100 km and 50 km, travelling a distance of about 350-400 km before falling outside Japan’s EEZ.

There were no reports of damage to aircraft or vessels.

In a statement, the ministry said it would continue to gather and analyse information in close cooperation with the United States.

“North Korea’s series of actions, including its repeated ballistic missile launches, threaten the peace and security of Japan, the region, and the international community,” the ministry said. “Japan lodged a strong protest and forcefully condemned North Korea.”

Tensions rising

North Korean leader Kim’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, warned against increased the presence of US strategic assets on the Korean peninsula after the United States held joint air exercises with South Korea and separately with Japan on Sunday.

“We are carefully examining the influence it would exert on the security of our state,” she said in a statement. “The frequency of using the Pacific as our firing range depends upon the U.S. forces’ action character.”

She also refuted experts’ assessment of its missile capabilities after some pointed out that it took over nine hours for the “sudden” missile launch to take place following an order from leader Kim, and said South Korea didn’t even fly reconnaissance planes at the time of its launch.

“We have possessed satisfactory technology and capability and, now will focus on increasing the quantity of their force,” she said.

Monday’s missile launch is the North’s third major weapons test this year after Pyongyang threatened an “unprecedentedly persistent, strong” response as South Korea and the United States geared up for their annual military exercises as part of efforts to fend off the growing nuclear and missile threat that the North poses.

Source: Reuters

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: South Korea, US to hold nuclear drills amid growing threats from North

 

South Korea and the United States will stage tabletop exercises in Washington next week to improve operations of American nuclear assets as part of efforts to better counter North Korea’s threats, Seoul’s defense ministry said on Friday, February 17.

Nuclear-armed North Korea fired an unprecedented number of missiles last year, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) that could strike anywhere in the United States, while resuming preparations for its first nuclear test since 2017.

The drills, called the Deterrence Strategy Committee Tabletop Exercise, are scheduled for February 22 at the Pentagon and will involve senior defense policymakers from both sides, the ministry said.

It would be their first such exercises since the two countries agreed last year to hold them annually, as Seoul seeks to bolster confidence in American extended deterrence – its military capability, especially nuclear forces, to deter attacks on its allies.

The South Korean delegation will be led by Deputy Defense Minister Heo Tae-keun; the US team will be led by Siddharth Mohandas, deputy assistant defense secretary for East Asia, and Richard Johnson, deputy assistant defense secretary for nuclear and countering weapons of mass destruction policy.

“With a focus on North Korea’s nuclear threats, both sides will have in-depth discussions on various measures to strengthen US extended deterrence, including information sharing and consultation procedures,” the ministry said in a statement.

On February 23, the officials will visit the Kings Bay naval base in Georgia that houses key nuclear submarines.

The allies have said they were working to boost joint nuclear planning and implementation as well as information sharing.

In May, both sides’ militaries will stage their own tabletop exercises for the first time, which will be “far more concrete and substantive” than the upcoming programs.

Source: Reuters

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: North Korea conducts ‘final-stage test’ for spy satellite: state media

 

North Korea carried out an “important final-stage test” for the development of a spy satellite, which it will complete by April next year, state media said on Monday.

The report comes a day after Seoul’s military said it had detected launches by Pyongyang of two medium-range ballistic missiles, the North’s latest in a year of unprecedented weapons tests.

Analysts say developing such a satellite would provide North Korea with cover for testing banned intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), as they share much of the same technology.

The launches were “an important final-stage test for the development of (a) reconnaissance satellite”, a spokesperson with the North’s National Aerospace Development Administration (NADA) said, according to the official Korean Central News Agency on Monday.

Conducted from Sohae Satellite Launching Ground in Tongchang-ri, Sunday’s test confirmed “important technical indices” including camera operation in space, and data processing and transmission capabilities of communication devices.

State media also said the vehicle carrying the “test-piece” satellite — which included cameras, image transmitters and receivers, control devices and batteries — reached an altitude of 500 kilometres (311 miles) when it was fired at a high angle.

“The NADA said this is an important success which has gone through the final gateway process of the launch of (a) reconnaissance satellite,” the spokesman said, adding that preparations will be completed by April.

Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party, carried two black-and-white photographs that appeared to show South Korea seen from space.

The development of a military reconnaissance satellite was one of Pyongyang’s key defence projects outlined by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un last year.

Pyongyang carried out two launches earlier this year, claiming it was testing components for a reconnaissance satellite, which the United States and South Korea said likely involved components of its new Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile.

Nuclear state

On Thursday, the North tested a “high-thrust solid-fuel motor” at the Sohae launch site, which analysts say would allow quicker and more mobile launches of ballistic missiles.

All of Pyongyang’s known ICBMs are liquid-fuelled, and solid-fuel ICBMs that can be launched from land or submarines are on Kim’s wish list revealed last year.

Kim, who has doubled down on his banned weapons programmes since nuclear talks collapsed in 2019, said this year he wants the North to have the world’s most powerful nuclear force, and declared his country an “irreversible” nuclear state.

The United States and South Korea have warned for months that Pyongyang is preparing to conduct its seventh nuclear test.

North Korea is under multiple UN Security Council sanctions over its nuclear and missile activity since 2006.

Source: Agence-France-Presse

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: North Korea fires 2 ballistic missiles – South Korea military

 

North Korea fired two ballistic missiles towards the sea off the Korean Peninsula’s east coast on Sunday, South Korea’s military said.

Japan’s Vice Defense Minister Toshiro Ino said the North Korean-fired ballistic missiles seemed to have landed outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The missiles flew to an altitude of 550 kilometers (342 miles) and covered a range of 250 kilometerss (53 miles), according to the Japanese Defense Ministry.

Ino said there had been no report of damage from the missiles so far.

The North’s missile launch comes just days after the country tested a high-thrust solid-fuel engine that experts said would allow quicker and more mobile launch of ballistic missiles, as it seeks to develop a new strategic weapon and speed up its nuclear and missile programmes.

The test, overseen by leader Kim Jong Un, was conducted on Thursday at North Korea’s Sohae Satellite Launching Ground which has been used to test missile technologies, including rocket engines and space launch vehicles, the official KCNA news agency reported on Friday.

North Korea has conducted an unprecedented number of missile tests this year, including an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of reaching the U.S. mainland, despite international bans and sanctions.

In November, North Korea test-fired an ICBM that Japanese officials said had sufficient range to reach the mainland of the United States and that landed just 200 kms (130 miles) off Japan

Japan on Friday unveiled its biggest military build-up since World War II with a $320 billion plan that will buy missiles capable of striking China and ready it for sustained conflict.

Source: Reuters

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: K-pop star Jin from BTS begins military service

 

Jin, the oldest member of K-pop mega-band BTS, has entered military service - the first of the group to do so.

The 30-year-old posted a photo of himself with his new military haircut before enlisting on Tuesday. "It looks cuter than I expected," he said.

As South Korea is still technically at war with its hostile neighbour North Korea, all able-bodied men are required to serve in the army.

Jin has begun five weeks' training at a bootcamp near the North Korean border.

After this, he will reportedly be assigned to a frontline unit. This news sent his millions of adoring fans into a frenzy.

So, what can Jin expect from his time on the frontline?

At the Yeoncheon bootcamp, where Jin has enrolled, recruits sleep on mats on the floor, in rooms with 30 people. They are taught how to handle weapons and fire live ammunition before being put through demanding wartime scenarios.

Cadets told us that the most challenging tasks they faced were being sealed in a gas chamber, to experience the effects of CS gas, and having to detonate a live grenade.

"I was pretty nervous to hold the grenade and shocked to learn how powerful it was," said 22-year-old Yang Su-yeon, who completed his training at Yeoncheon last year.

"It was physically demanding, but mentally it was okay. The drill sergeants were all friendly," Yang said.

After training, Jin will reportedly be stationed near the North Korean border, with a frontline unit.

North and South Korea are separated by a 4km (2.5-mile) wide strip of land, which runs along the length of their border, known as the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Both sides are fenced off with barbed wire and heavily armed.

Yang spent his service as an out-post guard at the DMZ, with the 5th Infantry Division, which is one of the most frontline positions. He would keep watch through the night, constantly surveying the North Korean soldiers on the other side, using thermal imaging equipment.

"A few times I saw the North Korean soldiers being beaten, either kicked or slapped in the face," he said.

"They had to do manual labour because they didn't have nice equipment like us to help them."

Yang said watching the North Korean soldiers made him feel grateful for his own experience. "When I saw what they had to do, I realised, 'Wow, I am so much more comfortable.' I would feel sorry for them."

But BTS's Jin will have to contend with the cold winter approaching. Yang recalled days spent shovelling snow as temperatures fell below -20C.

"When we went outside, our eyelashes would freeze," he said.

Yang praised the culture of his unit: "Because we carried guns loaded with ammunition, we had to remain calm, so there was no harassment or beatings."

Yang volunteered to be deployed as a frontline guard, as this position comes with perks, including more time off base.

It is more likely Jin will be sent to a base set further back from the DMZ, like 26-year-old Heo Sungyoung, who spent his service with the 6th Corps Command Centre from 2018 to 2020.

For the first six months he guarded the entrance to the command centre.

"It was so long and boring. I had nothing to do but stare at the sky," Heo said. From there, he was moved on to the logistics team, where he was responsible for ordering supplies such as tissues and socks.

South Korea's compulsory military service is a source of grievance for many young men, who begrudge it for taking them away from their studies, work and friends.

For months it was rumoured that the government might allow the members of BTS to skip the service, on the basis they had already served their country by earning it billions of dollars, and it would be more beneficial to allow them to carry on doing so.

But in October, the members of BTS announced they were all planning to enlist, with Jin, as the oldest, going first.

Even so, the reports he was being sent to the front line surprised some fans, who had assumed he would be given a less risky role.

There used to be a special unit for celebrities, where they could continue to work as entertainers and were given privileges. But there was public outcry when some were found abusing the system, by leaving their barracks more often than allowed. In 2013, the two-tier system was abolished.

"If I said it didn't feel like a waste of time, I'd be lying," said Yang who was stationed at the guard post. "If I had the choice again, I wouldn't do it. I could have learnt so much more in 18 months in the real world.

"My advice to Jin is to just bide his time and pray it passes quickly."

But Heo, from the logistics team, had better memories. Initially he said he questioned, like many men in their 20s, why he needed to be there, but ended up learning some valuable lessons.

"At school, I had only mixed with people from the same background, but in the army, everyone was so different. I realised how much bigger and more diverse the world was."

His advice for Jin is to enjoy this experience. "As a top star, he will not have had much opportunity to meet normal people. This will be good for him, I think."

Online, tens of thousands of fans have already messaged Jin to offer their own advice and tell him how terribly they will miss him.

"Please take care and bring enough warm clothes and medicine," wrote Maliah Leah. "I hope your colleagues treat you well. We will be waiting patiently for your comeback."

Source: BBC

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: Seoul orders striking truckers in fuel, steel sectors back to work

 

South Korea on Thursday (Dec 8) ordered striking truck drivers in the fuel and steel sectors back to work as a walkout that has caused havoc in Asia's fourth-largest economy prepares to enter its third week.

The strike, which started on Nov 24 over minimum pay, delayed the supply of goods worth an estimated 3.5 trillion won (US$2.65 billion) in its first 12 days, according to Seoul's trade ministry.

The second major industrial action in less than six months, the walkout has triggered concerns about the impact on global supply chains, already strained by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"At today's cabinet meeting, the government decided to expand the scope of the order to restart work for transportation deniers to the steel and petrochemical industries," finance minister Choo Kyung-ho told reporters.

Thursday's order to around 10,000 drivers comes after Seoul last week ordered striking cement truck drivers back to work, which President Yoon Suk-yeol said was necessary as their action posed a danger to the economy.

Due to the strike, shipments of steel materials were down to about 48 per cent compared to normal levels, while petrochemical products were shipping at only 20 per cent of normal levels, Choo said.

"Our economy is facing a crisis due to the decrease in exports, inflation, and high-interest rates - we have no time and energy to waste on an unnecessary conflict," Choo told reporters.

Truckers who fail to comply with the order can be punished with jail terms of up to three years or a fine of up to 30 million won and have their licences suspended.

The 25,000-strong Cargo Truckers Solidarity Union told AFP they were working on a statement in response to the government's decision.

With fuel prices rising, the drivers have been demanding the government make permanent a "safe freight rate" minimum pay scheme, which is set to expire at the end of the year.

The government said last month it would extend the programme for three years but truckers say more of them will become vulnerable to overwork and safety risks without a permanent minimum wage guarantee.

South Korea has one of the highest industrial fatality rates for a rich economy, with more than 4,000 work-related deaths reported from 2020 to last year, according to Seoul's labour ministry.

Source: Agence-France-Presse

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: BIGHIT MUSIC Releases Official Statement Regarding BTS’s Jin’s Military Enlistment

 

BIGHIT MUSIC has released a statement ahead of BTS’s Jin’s upcoming military enlistment.

Read the full statement below:

Hello,

This is BIGHIT MUSIC.

We want to thank you for your continued support of BTS and would like to update you on Jin’s upcoming enlistment into the military.

Jin will fulfill his required time with the military by enlisting in the army. Please note that we will not be holding any kind of official event on the day of his recruitment.

The entrance ceremony is a time to be observed by military personnel and their families only. In order to prevent any issues that might occur from crowding, we ask fans to please refrain from visiting the site. Instead, we ask you to keep your heartwarming words of support and farewell in your hearts.

We also advise you not to get adversely affected by purchasing unauthorized tours or product packages illegally using artist IP. Our company will take necessary action against any attempts at commercial activity making unauthorized use of such IP.

We ask for your continued love and support for Jin until he finishes his military service and comes back. Our company will also strive to provide every support he needs during this time.

Thank you.

Previously in late November, it was reported that Jin will enter the recruit training center on December 13 to receive his official assignment after completing basic training. Regarding the reports, BIGHIT MUSIC commented that it is difficult to confirm.

Source: Soompi

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: South Korea truckers strike again with auto, battery supply chains at risk

 

Unionised truckers in South Korea kicked off their second major strike in less than six months on Thursday, threatening to disrupt manufacturing and fuel supplies for industries from autos to petrochemicals in the world's 10th-largest economy.

With fuel costs soaring, the truckers are calling on the government to make permanent a minimum-pay system known as the 'Safe Freight Rate' that is due to expire by the end of the year, and to expand benefits for truckers in other industries, including oil tankers.

The government has said it will extend the scheme for three years but rejected other union demands. In June, an eight-day, non-violent strike by truckers delayed cargo shipments across Asia's fourth-largest economy, costing more than $1.2 billion in lost output and unmet deliveries before it ended with each side claiming it won concessions.

The organising union kicked off 16 rallies across the country on Thursday morning, including at a port in Ulsan that houses Hyundai Motor's main manufacturing plant. The union estimated some 22,000 took part in the rallies, while the transport ministry said about 9,600 people attended, and there were no clashes with police monitoring events.

As a noisy rally got under way at transport hub Uiwang, 25 kilometres (15 miles) south of Seoul, hundreds of truckers marched around the depot - watched by a heavy police presence - carrying banners and wearing headbands with the slogan "Unite Fight". They chanted, "We stop, the world will stop!" and "Let's stop driving to change the world!".

Union officials said about a thousand truckers gathered at the rally, where the head of the union's Seoul metropolitan area branch, Lee Kwang-jae, told them to take up key positions to try to block any attempts to make shipments. One person leading the protesters called out to a container truck making for a depot, "Don't embarrass yourself by working. Join us!"

They planned to split in two groups, with half staying at Uiwang and the other half heading to Pyeongtaek, about 44 kilometres (27 miles) away, which is close to ports serving China.

At Busan, South Korea's biggest port, police officers and buses were seen lined up along key routes.

Lead organiser the Cargo Truckers Solidarity Union (CTSU) has warned the strike could stop oil supplies at major refineries and transport at major ports and industrial plants. The union has said almost all of CTSU's 25,000 members, about 6% of the country's truck drivers, will take part in the strike, joined by an unspecified number of non-union members.

"We have no choice but to stop all logistics in Korea," said Lee Bong-ju, head of the union, on Thursday.

'CRACK DOWN'

Earlier this week, Transport Minister Won Hee-ryong said the Safe Freight Rate system had not been proven to improve the safety of truckers but to only raise their incomes, a reason why the government has refused to expand the scope of the scheme.

"The government and the ruling party misled, and openly defended capital saying that truckers' income levels were not low - and that if the Safe Freight Rate system were expanded, prices could rise due to increased logistics costs," Lee said.

The union is asking the government to ensure big businesses are held accountable if they violate the minimum wages rule.

"Frontline truck drivers should not be sympathetic to unjustified collective action. We will strictly crack down on truck drivers' obstruction with the police so that safe transportation can be ensured," Transport Minister Won said on Thursday.

Industry giants including Hyundai Motor and steelmaker POSCO were forced to cut output by the June strike, and POSCO has warned that fresh action could slow repair works at a major plant hit by floods this summer.

"If the cargo union strike continues, it will put too much of a burden on not only major industries, but also people's livelihoods and the national economy," said Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on Thursday.

Companies such as Hyundai Steel, petrochemical firms and a battery maker told Reuters that because the strike was expected, urgent contract volumes were shipped out and necessary raw materials were prepared in advance. However, limits in storage space and logistics would make the strike problematic if it lasted.

A Hyundai Steel spokesperson said its daily shipment of about 8,000 tonnes of steel products at its Pohang factory could not be moved on Thursday due to the strike.

The government is deploying alternatives such as military-run container transport vehicles and considering securing more storage space in case cargoes pile up. Some industry officials noted that military vehicles may not be equipped to carry products such as steel or fresh produce.

The Korea Oil Station Association is asking gas station owners to secure enough inventory ahead of the strike, an association official said earlier, while charging stations for hydrogen-powered cars have put up signs warning that supply could be cut.

Source: Reuters

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: S. Korea’s Moon seeks to give up dogs gifted by North’s Kim Jong Un

 

South Korea’s former president Moon Jae-in is seeking to give up two dogs gifted to him by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, citing a lack of support from Seoul, his office said Monday.

The white Pungsan dogs, one male named Songkang and a female named Gomi, were given to Moon by Kim after their third summit in Pyongyang in September 2018 as a token of their blossoming friendship.

The pair gave birth to seven puppies during Moon’s presidency, and he had taken Songkang, Gomi, and one puppy to his private residence after his term ended in May this year.

Under the Presidential Records Act, legally speaking the dogs are state property to be returned to the care of the Presidential Archives but an agreement was signed entrusting the three dogs to Moon on the last day of his term, his office said in a statement.

The agreement included a provision for government support to cover the expense of keeping the dogs totalling 2.5 million won ($1,800) a month, according to local reports.

But Moon’s office said the agreement had not been implemented due to an objection from the presidential office of his successor Yoon Suk-yeol, adding Moon was willing to hand over custody of his dogs.

“Looking at the progress so far, the Presidential Office seems to be negative about entrusting the management of the Pungsan dogs to former president Moon,” his office said in a statement.

“If that’s the case, we can be frank about it,” it said, adding Moon was willing to end his custody if the government had come up with a better management plan.

The Presidential Office denied the claims by Moon’s office, saying discussions among relevant ministries were still ongoing.

The fate of the hounds triggered an outpouring of public concern and criticism, with social media users asking to take the trio.

“Dogs are family. How can they be sent away simple because of money?” asked one user.

Another commented: “As a person who has a dog, this is hard to wrap my head around. If I can, I’d take the dogs.”

Known for loyalty and intelligence, the Pungsan breed — a hunting dog with a thick, creamy white coat, pointy ears and hazel eyes — is originally from an area of the same name in the North.

Source: Agence-France-Presse

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: N. Korea vows ‘resolute’ military response to US-S.Korea exercises

North Korean forces said they would respond to joint exercises by the United States and South Korea with “sustained, resolute and overwhelming” military measures, its state media reported Monday.

The warning came following a spate of missile tests by North Korea last week, including four ballistic missiles on Saturday, while the United States and South Korea conducted their biggest-ever air force drills.

A statement from the General Staff of the Korean People’s Army said it “will continue to correspond with all the anti-DPRK war drills of the enemy with the sustained, resolute and overwhelming practical military measures,” using an acronym for North Korea’s official name, according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.

The statement described North Korea’s recent ballistic missile tests as a “clear answer” to the US-South Korea joint exercises last week, and said they were “corresponding military operations”.

“The more persistently the enemies’ provocative military moves continue, the more thoroughly and mercilessly the KPA will counter them,” the statement said.

Hundreds of US and South Korean warplanes — including B-1B heavy bombers — participated in the Vigilant Storm exercises last week.

It was the first time B-1Bs have flown to the Korean peninsula since December 2017.

The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff had said the move demonstrated the “capability and readiness to firmly respond to any provocations from North Korea”.

US-South Korea joint drills have long sparked strong reactions from North Korea, which sees them as rehearsals for an invasion.

Pyongyang has especially condemned past deployments of US strategic weapons such as long-range bombers and aircraft carrier strike groups.

Experts say Pyongyang is particularly sensitive about drills such as Vigilant Storm because its air force is one of the weakest links in its military, which lacks high-tech jets and properly trained pilots.

Compared with North Korea’s ageing fleet, Vigilant Storm saw some of the most advanced US and South Korean warplanes in action, including F-35 stealth fighters.

The flurry of North Korean launches last week included an intercontinental ballistic missile and one that landed near South Korea’s territorial waters.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has called the barrage “effectively a territorial invasion”.

The United States and South Korea have warned that these launches could culminate in a nuclear test by North Korea.

Source: Agence-France-Presse

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: CSC chief highlights importance of ASEAN cooperation in personnel administration at int’l conference in Korea

 

Civil Service Commission (CSC) Chairperson Karlo Nograles emphasized the significance of ASEAN cooperation, especially in advancing personnel administration in the Philippines and the entire region, during the 2022 ASEAN Conference on Civil Service Matters Plus Three (ACCSM+3) International Conference on Human Resource Management in the Public Sector held at the Sejong Convention Center, Sejong, Republic of Korea.

In a statement on Friday, Nov. 4, Nograles mentioned that this cooperation is important as the world starts to transition to the so-called “new normal” following the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“As we continue to face similar challenges, it is comforting to know that we are not alone in our struggle and that we have a network of people and organizations that can help us in our own efforts to find solutions. To be able to gather together with our counterparts in ASEAN as well as the Plus Three Countries and learn from each other’s innovations and best practices is always a welcome experience,” he said.

During the event, he delivered a congratulatory message at the 2022 ASEAN Conference on Civil Service Matters Plus Three (ACCSM+3) International Conference on Human Resource Management in the Public Sector held Tuesday, 1 November, at the Sejong Convention Center, Sejong, Republic of Korea.

The conference was attended by ministers and senior officials of ACCSM+3: the ACCSM which is composed of the civil service of the 10 ASEAN Member States (AMS), and the Plus Three Countries—China, Japan, and the host country, Republic of Korea.

Senior officials from the King’s College of London, the Australian Public Service Commission, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) were also present at the event.

In his message, Chairperson Nograles congratulated Minister Kim Seung Ho and the Ministry of Personnel Management of the Republic of Korea for successfully hosting the said conference.

“This will surely serve as an avenue to gather and disseminate knowledge on recent advancements in emerging areas of human resource administration and reforms as well as HR innovations in managing global changes,” he said.

CSC said that it has continuously strengthened ties with its counterpart civil service agencies in the region through the ASEAN Cooperation on Civil Service Matters (ACCSM).

it added that through ACCSM, cooperation took life beyond sharing information and experiences in the conference venue toward a more sustainable partnership before and after the conference. The connection among AMS became sustained, cohesive, and more regular.

“The ACCSM led efforts toward the signing of a landmark declaration elevating the civil service as a ‘catalyst’ in achieving the ASEAN’s development goals. On the occasion of the 30th ASEAN Summit in April 2017 in Manila, Philippines, leaders of ASEAN’s 10 Member States signed the ASEAN Declaration on the Role of the Civil Service as a Catalyst for Achieving the ASEAN Community Vision 2025,” CSC said.

The declaration recognizes “the significance of the civil service as the backbone of good governance in the region, and its critical mission not only in providing vital public services to the people of ASEAN, but also in driving national and social development.” The declaration also tasked the ACCSM to take the lead in realizing the goals to “raise the professional standards and capability of civil servants,” “ensure that the civil services of ASEAN embrace good governance principles such as citizen-centricity and innovation”, and “uphold and protect the welfare of civil servants in the region,” among others.

Source: Manila Bulletin

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: N Korean missile lands close to S Korean waters for 'first time', Seoul military says

 

North Korea fired at least 10 missiles Wednesday, including one that landed close to South Korea's territorial waters and prompted a rare warning for people on an island to shelter in bunkers.

"The North Korean missile launch is very unusual and unacceptable as it fell close to South Korean territorial waters south of the Northern Limit Line for the first time" since the peninsula was divided, Kang Shin-chul, director of operations for the Joint Chiefs of Staff told reporters.

An air raid warning was issued for the island of Ulleungdo, JCS said, which was flashed on national television and told residents to "evacuate to the nearest underground shelter".

"We declare that our military will respond decisively to this," he added.

In a statement, the JCS described the missile launch near South Korean territorial waters as very rare and intolerable".

"Our military vowed to respond firmly to this (provocation)," it added.

The JCS had initially said it detected the launch of three short range ballistic missiles, but later announced North Korea had fired "at least 10 missiles of various types today towards the east and west".

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol called a meeting of the National Security Council over the launch, ordering "swift and stern measures so that North Korea's provocations pay a clear price."

Japan also confirmed North Korean missile launches, with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida telling reporters he planned to call a "national security meeting as soon as possible."

VIGILANT STORM 

Pyongyang's latest launch comes as Seoul and Washington stage their largest-ever joint air drills, dubbed "Vigilant Storm", which involve hundreds of warplanes from both sides.

Pak Jong Chon, a high-ranking official in North Korea, said the drills were aggressive and provocative, according to a report in state media Wednesday.

Pak said the name of the exercises harks back to Operation Desert Storm, the US-led military assault on Iraq in 1990-1991 after it invaded Kuwait.

"If the US and South Korea attempt to use armed forces against the (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) without any fear, the special means of the DPRK's armed forces will carry out their strategic mission without delay," he said. 

"The US and South Korea will have to face a terrible case and pay the most horrible price in history."

CLOSE TO S KOREA

One of the missiles on Wednesday landed in waters just 57 kilometers east of the South Korean mainland, the military said.

"In protest of the joint US-South Korea drill, Pyongyang seems to have staged the most aggressive and threatening armed demonstration against the South since 2010," Cheong Seong-chang, a researcher at the Sejong Institute told AFP.

In March 2010, a North Korean submarine torpedoed the South Korean naval vessel Cheonan, killing 46 sailors including 16 who were on their mandatory military service.

In November the same year, the North shelled a South Korean border island, killing 2 marines -- both of them young conscripts.

"It is now a dangerous and unstable situation that could lead to armed conflicts," he added.

The test follows a recent blitz of launches, including what the North said were tactical nuke drills, that Washington and Seoul have repeatedly warned could culminate in another nuclear test -- which would be Pyongyang's seventh.

The Vigilant Storm air drills were preceded by 12 days of amphibious naval exercises.

"As far as I can remember, North Korea has never made such a provocation when South Korea and the US were holding their joint drills," Park Won-gon, a professor at Ewha University, told AFP. 

"Pyongyang seems to have completed its most powerful deterrent. This is a serious threat. The North also seems confident in their nuclear capabilities."

Source: Agence-France-Presse