Day: January 13, 2024

SEOUL, North Korea is pressing ahead with measures to disband its inter-Korean organizations, apparently stopping a radio station previously used to send encrypted messages to its spies in South Korea.

As of Saturday, the North appears to have stopped broadcasting the state-run Pyongyang Radio and cut off access to its website.

The latest move comes after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un ordered “readjusting and reforming” its organizations in charge of inter-Korean affairs during a key Workers’ Party meeting last month amid growing cross-border tensions.

Pyongyang Radio is known for broadcasting a series of mysterious numbers, presumed to be coded messages, giving directions to its agents operating in South Korea.

The North resumed such broadcasts in 2016 after suspending them in 2000, when the two Koreas held their first historic summit.

On Saturday, North Korea said it also held a meeting the previous day to decide to dissolve organizations in charge of civilian exchanges with the South, according to
the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

All relevant organizations, including the North Side Committee for Implementing June 15 Joint Declaration, the North Headquarters of the Pan-national Alliance for Korea’s Reunification, the Consultative Council for National Reconciliation and the Council for the Reunification of Tangun’s Nation, will be readjusted, the KCNA said.

The meeting also called for a new reunification policy based on the view that the “South Korean puppets” who have pursued only the collapse of the North’s power and unification by absorption are the “main enemy of the DPRK to be completely wiped out.”

DPRK stands for the North’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

North Korea has stepped up provocations after Kim defined inter-Korean ties as relations “between two states hostile to each other” and called for stepped-up preparations to “suppress the whole territory of South Korea” at the year-end ruling party meeting.

Kim also for a “fundamental change” in dealing with
South Korea and instructed the disbandment of organizations in charge of inter-Korean affairs.

As a follow-up measure, North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui led discussions early this month to dismantle the United Front Department in charge of relations with the South, according to state media.

Relations between South and North Korea remain strained, with tensions sharply escalating last week after Pyongyang fired around 350 rounds of artillery shells in waters off its west coast between Jan. 5 and 7, the first live-fire drills near the sea border since December 2022.

Source: Yonhap News Agency

LAS VEGAS, More than 4,000 companies from 150 countries participated in CES 2024, an annual global event held in Las Vegas, from Tuesday to Friday. It has served as a key platform for global companies, both big and small, to unveil innovations and contribute to the discourse on emerging technologies.

Among them, more than 800 companies were from South Korea, making it the third-largest exhibitor after the United States and China at this year’s event.

A senior official from the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), the event’s organizer, said the South Korean presence at CES has grown remarkably in recent years, with its companies leading the tech trends across various industries.

“Korea is vitally important to the success and growth of the global technology industry,” John Kelley, vice president and CES show director at the CTA, said in an interview with Yonhap News Agency. “Korea has increasingly grown into a hotbed for innovation and technological advancements and we have a strong showing of more than
850 Korean companies at CES 2024.”

Prominent Korean companies, like Samsung Electronics Co., LG Electronics Co., Hyundai Motor Co., Kia Corp. and energy-to-telecom conglomerate SK Group, managed their respective showrooms at the Las Vegas Convention Center to show off their state-of-the-art products, ranging from home appliances and mobility technologies to self-driving vehicles.

Samsung Electronics showcased its artificial intelligence-powered robot Ballie and transparent microLED screens, while LG Electronics showcased the first wireless transparent OLED TV and future mobility concept car Alpha-able, attracting business professionals, media and tech enthusiasts.

Hyundai Motor’s air mobility unit, Supernal, captured visitors’ attention with its eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle) concept, S-A2, along with Kia’s concept cars for purpose-built vehicles (PBVs).

“We’ve seen dozens of innovative product launches from Korean companies at CES 2024,” he noted, adding that a growing number of Ko
rean companies have successfully found new business opportunities and secured growth momentum at the tech show.

“That’s because Korean companies recognize that global business events and trade shows like CES allow innovative companies to gain global exposure in an efficient way that opens doors to new opportunities and accelerates growth,” he emphasized.

Due to their increasing leadership in the global tech industry, South Korea has been at the top of the CTA’s special preference list.

CTA Vice President Kelley visited South Korea in October to have meetings with its Korean customers.

“I was there, because Korea is so important,” he said. “The Korean presence is very large, and it’s a very important country in the tech economy.”

Source: Yonhap News Agency

WASHINGTON, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and a visiting senior Chinese official held talks in Washington on Friday over a range of issues concerning North Korea, Taiwan, Russia’s war in Ukraine and the Middle East, a State Department spokesperson said.

The talks between Blinken and Liu Jianchao, minister of the International Liaison Department of the Chinese Communist Party’s Central Committee, came just before Taiwan’s presidential election on Saturday.

“The secretary reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the South China Sea,” Matthew Miller, the spokesperson, said in a statement.

“The two sides exchanged views on regional and global issues, including Russia’s war against Ukraine, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and the Middle East,” he added, referring to North Korea by its official name.

Among the topics, the Taiwan issue has been a source of tension between Washington and Beijing as China has expressed its hope for reunificat
ion with the self-governing island democracy with the U.S. opposing any unilateral change to the status quo despite its One China policy.

Blinken also noted the importance of defending navigational rights and freedoms in the Red Sea, the crucial waterway where tensions have spiked due to Iran-backed Houthi rebels’ repeated attacks on commercial vessels.

The two officials reaffirmed the importance of continuing the progress made on key issues at the summit between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping in California in November, Miller said. The issues include counter-narcotics cooperation and military-to-military communications.

“Both sides recognized the importance of continuing to maintain open channels of communication between the U.S. and the PRC,” the spokesperson said, referring to China by its official name, the People’s Republic of China.

Separately, Blinken also held talks with Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa at the State Department.

In his opening remarks, Blinken stressed
that the U.S.-Japan alliance is “truly the cornerstone of peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.”

“I think what we’ve seen in recent years, but especially over the last couple of years, is an alliance that has reached new heights where we are working together not only on a bilateral basis, not only on a regional basis, but genuinely on a global basis,” he said.

Source: Yonhap News Agency

SEOUL, North Korea has announced it will dissolve organizations in charge of civilian exchanges with South Korea, state media reported Saturday, as Pyongyang calls Seoul its “main enemy” to be completely wiped out.

The decision was made during a meeting of “officials in charge of affairs with enemies” on Friday to implement the “switchover in the policy” toward the South as was instructed by leader Kim Jong-un during a key Workers’ Party meeting last month, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

All relevant organizations, including the North Side Committee for Implementing June 15 Joint Declaration, the North Headquarters of the Pan-national Alliance for Korea’s Reunification, the Consultative Council for National Reconciliation and the Council for the Reunification of Tangun’s Nation, will be readjusted, the KCNA said.

The meeting also called for a new reunification policy based on the view that the “South Korean puppets” who have pursued only the collapse of the North’s power and unificati
on by absorption are the “main enemy of the DPRK to be completely wiped out.”

DPRK stands for the North’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

The latest move came as the North stepped up provocations after North Korean leader Kim defined inter-Korean ties as relations “between two states hostile to each other” and called for stepped-up preparations to “suppress the whole territory of South Korea” at a year-end ruling party meeting.

During the ninth plenary meeting of the eighth Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea, leader Kim called for a “fundamental change in dealing with South Korea and ordered measures for “readjusting and reforming” the organizations in charge of inter-Korean affairs.

North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui led discussions early this month to dismantle the United Front Department (UFD) in charge of relations with the South, according to state media.

Relations between South and North Korea remain strained, with tensions sharply escalating last wee
k after Pyongyang fired around 350 rounds of artillery shells in waters off its west coast between Jan. 5 and 7, the first live-fire drills near the sea border since December 2022.

Source: Yonhap News Agency

Government House, National Children’s Day event at Government House. This morning was lively. Parents brought their children to join in the activities in great numbers.

Immediately at Gate 1, Government House It opened at 8:00 a.m. and children and parents had been waiting since morning. They all came together to join in the National Children’s Day activities for the year 2024, which this year organized activities. Under the Children’s Day motto of Prime Minister Mr. Settha Thavisin: “Look at the world broadly, think creatively. respect differences Together we create democracy’ emphasizing creative activities to promote learning for children and youth in all dimensions. And to have fun and happiness in participating in various activities from both the government and private sectors, including more than 50 agencies, including playing games, handing out gifts, and having a chance to win many prizes.

The highlight of today’s event that the children were looking forward to was getting to sit in the Prime Minis
ter’s office chair in the Muang Room. On the ground floor of the Thai Khu Fa building and taking photos, but more special than that. This year, the area of ??the Naree Samoson Building There will be a prize draw every 30 minutes and special events organized under the theme of Soft Power.

by the Prime Minister He came to preside over the opening ceremony at approximately 9:30 a.m. and participated in activities with children and youth. Representatives of various groups of children and youth met, such as underprivileged youth from Ministry of Social Development and Human Security Including the opportunity for children to sit in the Prime Minister’s chair. and visited various buildings within Government House

Before traveling to Government House, the Prime Minister presided over the opening ceremony of the National Children’s Day celebration. At the Ministry of Education this year, it was held under the concept of “Study well, be happy” and “Hold hands and go together” with Pol. Gen. Permpoon Chidchob, Ministe
r of Education. along with the Ministry’s executive team Related agencies Including many children and youth attending the event. The Prime Minister watched the children’s performance. Visit the booth at the event Ready to talk with children, youth and citizens who came to welcome us.

Source: Thai News Agency

Jan. 14

1963 — South Korea establishes diplomatic ties with Canada.

1967 — Ninety-four people are killed when the passenger ship Hanil-ho collides with a Navy vessel.

1978 — South Korean actress Choi Eun-hee is abducted by North Korean agents in Hong Kong, two weeks before her husband, movie director Shin Sang-ok, is also taken to the North. Choi and Shin made movies that extolled the rule of former North Korean leader Kim Il-sung and his son Kim Jong-il while in North Korea before successfully escaping and seeking refuge at the U.S. Embassy in Vienna in March 1986.

1987 — Student activist Park Chong-chul is tortured to death, the news of which sparked massive protests that forced the military regime of Roh Tae-woo to introduce a set of democratization measures.

1996 — South Korea’s second commercial satellite, the Mugunghwa-2, is launched at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in the U.S. state of Florida.

2002 — Prosecutor General Shin Seung-nam resigns after his younger brother is arrested on cha
rges of receiving money from businessman Lee Yong-ho, who was under investigation for stock manipulation and embezzlement at the time, in return for exerting his influence to cover up the case.

2011 — Creditors of Hyundai Engineering and Construction Co. clinch a preliminary deal with Hyundai Motor Group to sell a 35 percent stake in the country’s leading builder for about 5 trillion won.

2016 — Samsung Electronics Co. delivers a letter of apology to the families of its workers who fell ill or died from working at its chipmaking facilities, claiming the eight-year dispute has come to an end.

2018 — The government announces plans to reform the country’s three major investigation agencies, a move partly aimed at preventing the abuse of power by such government institutions, including the spy agency.

2021 — The Supreme Court upholds a 20-year sentence for former President Park Geun-hye in a high-profile corruption case, closing the yearslong saga that gripped the country and ultimately removed her from o
ffice in 2017.

Source: Yonhap News Agency

Government House, National Children’s Day event at Government House. This morning was lively. Parents brought their children to join in the activities in great numbers.

Immediately at Gate 1, Government House It opened at 8:00 a.m. and children and parents had been waiting since morning. They all came together to join in the National Children’s Day activities for the year 2024, which this year organized activities. Under the Children’s Day motto of Prime Minister Mr. Settha Thavisin: “Look at the world broadly, think creatively. respect differences Together we create democracy’ emphasizing creative activities to promote learning for children and youth in all dimensions. And to have fun and happiness in participating in various activities from both the government and private sectors, including more than 50 agencies, including playing games, handing out gifts, and having a chance to win many prizes.

The highlight of today’s event that the children were looking forward to was getting to sit in the Prime Minis
ter’s office chair in the Muang Room. On the ground floor of the Thai Khu Fa building and taking photos, but more special than that. This year, the area of ??the Naree Samoson Building There will be a prize draw every 30 minutes and special events organized under the theme of Soft Power.

by the Prime Minister He came to preside over the opening ceremony at approximately 9:30 a.m. and participated in activities with children and youth. Representatives of various groups of children and youth met, such as underprivileged youth from Ministry of Social Development and Human Security Including the opportunity for children to sit in the Prime Minister’s chair. and visited various buildings within Government House

Before traveling to Government House, the Prime Minister presided over the opening ceremony of the National Children’s Day celebration. At the Ministry of Education this year, it was held under the concept of “Study well, be happy” and “Hold hands and go together” with Pol. Gen. Permpoon Chidchob, Ministe
r of Education. along with the Ministry’s executive team Related agencies Including many children and youth attending the event. The Prime Minister watched the children’s performance. Visit the booth at the event Ready to talk with children, youth and citizens who came to welcome us.

Source: Thai News Agency

Chiang Mai, The atmosphere on Children’s Day at Chiang Mai Zoo is lively. Children hold hands with their parents to admire the cuteness of various animals. It is free to enter and has many activities for children. Participate in the fun and win prizes all day long.

The cuteness of “Uncle Sam” the orangutan Couple of the Chiang Mai Zoo Waiting to welcome the children and their older siblings, the Humboldt penguins. They come to stand and show off their cuteness from the edge of the glass. Children can also feed marcours, rabbits, turtles, and giraffes, various animals in each zone. Followed by a procession of mascots who came to welcome us. Ready to deliver happiness to children and everyone at this year’s National Children’s Day event

As for parents, you don’t have to be afraid of being lonely. You can go pay homage to the principal Buddha image of Wat Ku Din Khao. For good fortune and admire the beauty of winter flowers Within the zoo, there will be buses that park at all 13 stations within the Chiang Mai
Zoo. To see the cuteness of various animals.

This year is another year that the Chiang Mai Zoo is open to children. Those under 12 years of age can enter for free, with many activities lined up to welcome them. Starting from the main stage area Animal talent show area Mascots and seniors Officers wearing dream job-themed outfits Come welcome and join in creating fun and color for the children. Along with prizes that kind-hearted adults handed out to the children, including bicycles, electrical appliances, and dolls.

This year’s most special The Chiang Mai Zoo has opened a water park for children to enter for free. You can rent clothes and rubber rings, and next to the water park there are activities to enhance your children’s skills. Participate in the fun and win prizes. In the koala arch too

In addition to the cute atmosphere At the Chiang Mai Zoo I will take you to see the atmosphere that is considered to be a favorite among children. It’s not lost on all kinds of animals, that is, admiring the military
equipment of the brothers. Airmen at the National Children’s Day event at Wing 41 had an airplane piloting demonstration. Showcasing the performance of an F-16 airplane that is performing acrobatics in the sky. Making an impression on many children, it is considered a highlight for the children. We see each other every year.

It also gives children the opportunity to Try inserting and firing ammunition. Try boarding different types of airplanes, where children who attend the event pose for their parents to take souvenir photos. and said that he was excited to see the real thing And if I grow up I want to be a soldier.

Source: Thai News Agency

Khon Kaen, The atmosphere at the Children’s Day event in Khon Kaen Province is full of cuteness. There are a variety of activities for children to have fun with, especially activities that cultivate children. Learned about finances and love of health with FUN RUN-FUN LEARN activities

Pictures of the atmosphere from the past morning. The news team visits the province to observe the atmosphere at National Children’s Day events. Let’s start at the first point. Khon Kaen University Around the Golden Jubilee Auditorium, there is a FUN RUN x FUN LEARN activity, running for health with a mini marathon in a family atmosphere, a distance of 5.4 kilometers, which is being held for the 19th year. The activity starts at 6:00 a.m. with parents bringing their children to join the event. More than 3,000 people. The atmosphere is full of cuteness of families taking their children. Come exercise. Cultivating love of health and sportsmanship, including walking and running, by Nong Malin’s parents. And Nong Sabir, ages 4 and
5, said running is an easily accessible activity that brings children to soak up the atmosphere. and spending free time doing activities together

After exercising, the children can join in the Children’s Day activities in the auditorium area. There was a performance by senior soldiers in jungle and mountain tactical gear. and display equipment To insert discipline into the youngsters In addition, the Faculty of Education Has organized academic activities Inserting fun and creativity Within the event, there were many recreational activities for the children to do, such as the subject of art education. Bring coloring to the kids. Got to practice using my imagination. Science Education Department uses the AR system and provides knowledge about PM 2.5 pollution. Mathematics Education Department Organize academic game activities to test computational thinking skills Create a lot of fun for the children.

At the train station in Khon Kaen Province, activities were organized by the State Enterprise Club of Khon Kae
n Province. There were recreational activities such as dance performances and giving away prizes including bicycles and sports equipment. Including many desserts

As for the Bank of Thailand Northeast Organize a balloon stomping game activity Practicing coloring according to imagination and perform on stage for the kids Got to dance to the rhythm of the song In addition, basic financial knowledge was included. It’s said to be fun and also informative.

The last stop is at the zoo in Khon Kaen Province. There are families taking their children. Come visit and see many different kinds of animals. Mascots dance and answer fun questions. Draw and color wild animals. See the special abilities of the clever seals. and play in the water to cool off at the water park.

Source: Thai News Agency

Bangkok, Phetkasem Police Station holds Children’s Day event. Strict control of waterfront activities Advise parents to closely monitor their children and youth.

On January 13, Pol. Lt. Gen. Thiti Saengsang, commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, ordered the deputy commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau to inspect the area of ??responsibility of the 1st-9th Police Station in accordance with measures to maintain the security of the event. children’s day The Metropolitan Police Bureau has prepared an incident response plan. There are procedures and responsibilities for all police officers. In particular, CCTV cameras should be provided to cover the area. and provide security at the waterfront if activities are held near the river. Including public relations for parents to take care of their children and youth closely. A card with the name and telephone number of the parents should be prepared and attached to the child, as well as following traffic rules. Refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages an
d use extreme caution when driving. If officials find an offense, strict legal action will be taken.

Meanwhile, Pol. Maj. Gen. Pong Anan Klaiklueng, deputy commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, rushed to inspect the target area. Organizing National Children’s Day activities for the year 2024, Phetkasem Police Station, with Pol. Col. Pramote Chan Boon Kaew Superintendent of Phetkasem Police Station Bringing police officers, youths, and children of police officers as well as children and youth within the nearby community joining in the food activities Prizes were drawn for bicycles, dolls, stationery and snacks. The Deputy Commissioner of Police participated in giving over 90 scholarships, totaling over 140,000 baht, to children and youth who attended the event. He also led a team to inspect the Wat Muang pier. Which is a precarious spot where Phetkasem Police Station has prepared water rescue, leaving 2 rescue boats and life-saving rubber rings hanging along the route. Pol. Maj. Gen. Pong Anan We also
participated in giving a scholarship to Ms. Rujirada Phurit, daughter of Police Sergeant Weera Phurit, Squad Commander (P.O.), Phetkasem Police Station, who passed away on Feb. 10. .2023 in order to lighten the burden and continually strengthen morale for the families of police officers.

Source: Thai News Agency

Songkhla, Songkhla Province opens the provincial governor’s residence. Or Khao Noi Palace, where children can sit in the governor’s office chair. To strengthen, inspire and make children cherish their national heritage.

Khao Noi Palace Songkhla Provincial Governor’s Residence Organize Children’s Day activities Starting at 7:00 a.m., there were performances from students in Mueang Songkhla District, taking turns showing off their talents on stage, by Mr. Somnuek Promkhieo, Governor of Songkhla Province. Read the Prime Minister’s National Children’s Day 2024 message. and joined the children on bicycles to open the event

After that, certificates were given to children with good behavior and outstanding children from Songkhla Province, a total of 27 people. The children were also taken to visit Khao Noi Palace. which is currently used as the governor’s residence It is an important historical site of Songkhla, allowing children to sit in the governor’s office chair. so that the children Inspired and cherished f
or the nation’s heritage.

As for Tinsulanonda Stadium, Mr. Paijen Maksuwan, President of the Songkhla Provincial Administrative Organization Organize activities for the children to have fun with. both performing on stage Stomp on balloons, blow up balloons and let the children join in their expressions. Distribute more than 50 bicycle gifts and provide food, desserts, ice cream, and many drinks to the children.

As for the area of ??Hat Yai Municipality Public Park, Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province, Pol. Lt. Gen. Sakorn Thongmunee, Mayor of Hat Yai City. Organize many activities for the children. Including stage performances from children under Hat Yai Municipality, schools in Hat Yai District and nearby provinces. along with giving away prizes to the children who attended the event But what really excited the children was the fire fighting demonstration. Firefighting equipment and disaster relief equipment of Hat Yai Municipality.

Source: Thai News Agency