The Korea Daily News, The Chosun Ilbo

[South Korea (Kimo)]

1Q2012

Republic of Korea Air Force to Acquire Stealth Fighters
Korea-Russia Agree on $6.25 Billion Deal

MOSCOW --- Military leaders of both the Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation have concluded talks regarding a multi-billion dollar deal to supply the Republic of Korea Air Force with 5th generation Su-50 stealth fighters.

The Korean Air Force currently operates about 467 combat aircraft including KF-16 Fighting Falcons and F-15K Slam Eagles. The coming FA-50 Golden Eagle order and the Su-50 order from Russia will raise this number to 537 combat aircraft making the ROKAF the 6th largest air force (in terms of combat aircraft) in the world until the F-4 and F-5 fighters are decommissioned.

The Su-50 are scheduled to enter service with the ROKAF in 2015 and are slated to replace South Korea's fleet of F-4 fighters.

According to political analysts, the order shows a shift in foreign policy within the Lee Administration away from the United States and closer to South Korea's neighbors. The Su-50 is the first combat aircraft operated by the ROKAF that originates from another country other than the US.

The official Korean designation for the Su-50 is KF-17 "Sparrowhawk."

[South Korea (Kimo)]

1Q2012

New Air Force Procurement Program Turns Heads
Hawks, Eagles, & Griffins, Oh My!

GYERYONG --- Air Force Chief of Staff General Park Jong-heon could't be bothered with our questions, however, the Ministry of National Defense was happy to oblige. According to a recent report published by the Ministry of National Defense, the Republic of Korea Air Force is slated to spend more than $14 billion over the next 3 to 5 years procuring over 225 fighter aircraft (including 50 KF-17 "Sparrowhawk" stealth fighters, 100 FA-50 "Golden Hawk" multirole fighters [pictured], and 75 KF-39 "Griffin" multirole fighters).

Beginning in 2015, the Republic of Korea could procure an average of 40 to 50 fighter aircraft per year through 2020. The aim of the new program is to completely replace the ROKAFs fleet of F-4 and F-5 fighters by 2019.

However, the program is turning heads in both South Korea and the United States. In Korea, many are concerned with the massive price tag of the program and even some high ranking officials within the Armed Forces have spoken out against the program. Army Chief of Staff General Kim Sang-ki argued that the "recent allocation of funds to the Air Force and Navy leave the Army with very little fiscal wiggle room when the K2A1 ['Black Panther' main battle tank] becomes operational next year."

In 2016, the majority of United States Forces Korea installations and garrisons will be shut down and/or placed under Korean command. The recent ROKAF procurement program did not include a single American made aircraft which showed as red flags for many analysts as signs that the Republic of Korea could be drifting further away, politically and militarily, from the United States.

In a related program, the Republic of Korea Navy will spend more than $5.5 billion over the next 5 years to procure 6 additional Sejong the Great-class Guided Missile Destroyers.

[South Korea (Kimo)]

1Q2012

Argentina Joins KF-X Program
Fabrica Argentina de Aviones Joins KAI and IAe to Develop Stealth Fighter

CORDOBA --- Officials from Korea Aerospace Industries met in Cordoba, Argentina earlier this week prospecting Fabrica Argentina de Aviones as a possible partner in the KF-X program. According to a release by KAI, the Argentine aircraft manufacturer expressed interest and intent to join the KF-X program.

Although details of the partnership have yet to be released (development share, production share, etc.), KAI President and CEO Kim Hong-Kyung said, "We are very excited and hopeful for this new partnership in South America. We hope it will open a wider market in Latin America for the KF-X and it will also help lower the production cost of the aircraft later down the road."

[South Korea (Kimo)]

2Q2012

Republic of Korea Gears up for 2012 Elections
Two Parties Ready Candidates; Two More Expected to Commit Soon

YEOUIDO-DONG --- Flanked by current President of the Republic of Korea Lee Myung-Bak and Prime Minister Kim Hwang-sik, member of the Korean National Assembly and former President of the Grand National Party Park Geun-hye made her official announcement that she would be running to replace Lee this December in the 2012 Presidential Election.

Her announcement comes in light of an announcement by the Democratic United Party that they've selected former Prime Minister and opposition leader Han Meyong-sook to run against the Grand National Party this year.

With the Grand National Party and Democratic United Party beginning to run television and radio ads around the Republic of Korea, the Liberty Forward Party and the Unified Progressive Party have both expressed intent to name candidates for the 2012 presidential election.

[South Korea (Farrfin)]

Defence Ministry: Republic of Korea 'will monitor' Chinese naval exercise
Q2 2013

SEOUL, REPUBLIC OF KOREA -- A spokeswoman for the Ministry of National Defence has said that the Republic of Korea 'will monitor' the military exercises due to take place in the East China Sea.

"We trust that the explanation given by the PRC Government is honest and accurate," the spokeswoman said when asked by reporters. "But the Republic of Korea will, naturally, be monitoring the situation as we would with any country conducting such exercises within the region."

"The Republic of Korea commends the PRC for providing prior notice and public maps of the planned area in which the exercise will be conducted."

It is understood that no alerts have been issued for the RoK Navy at this time.

[South Korea (Farrfin)]

President Park: 7-4-7 Goal "is still within reach"
Q3 2013

SEOUL, REPUBLIC OF KOREA -- President Park announced today that "my administration believes that the 7-4-7 goal set down by my predecessor is still within reach".

The 'Korea 7.4.7 plan' was initially expounded by former President Lee Myung-bak, who said that the aim was to raise the RoK's GDP growth rate to 7% per year, increase the GDP per capita to $40,000 and develop the South Korean economy into the world's 7th largest.

Although President Lee failed to achieve his goal whilst in office, it is a policy that has been readily adopted by President Park.

"I understand how important the economy is to everyone in this country," she said. "We are in a very strong position economically and we are ready to take advantage of the global recovery to boost our trade with the West and other markets."

President Lee has been criticised by some as the Republic of Korea's GDP growth rate is forecast to drop slightly this year. The President's spokesman shrugged off the criticism, pointing out that South Korea's problems were not of the same magnitude as those in Europe and the United States.

[South Korea (Farrfin)]

South Korea remains world leader in shipbuilding
Q4 2013



BUSAN, REPUBLIC OF KOREA -- Shipyards in the Republic of Korea received over half of global new orders for commercial ships, the government revealed today. In the third quarter of this year, South Korea received orders for 64 new vessels totalling over $8 billion in orders.

The vessels included cargo ships, oil tankers and natural gas carriers as well as other high-tech designs.

South Korea has gained a strong reputation as one of the world's largest and most capable shipbuilder, although orders have suffered with the recent financial crisis. Analysts predict that the industry, which saw its growth stunted due to a reduction in the number of orders from 2008-2012, is poised to bounce back as global trade increases and the worst effects of the economic downturn are overcome.

South Korean companies have been active in overseas markets, particularly in Europe, in an attempt to outbid their rivals in China and other nations in the Far East. Rumours have also been circulating to suggest that South Korean shipbuilders are considering buying a number of European corporations.

"Our shipbuilding industry is second to none in the world. South Korean vessels are known for their quality, efficiency and value for money backed up by a highly skilled workforce and a first class industry," said a spokesman from the Ministry of Strategy and Finance.

[South Korea (Farrfin)]

Controversial naval base nears completion
Q1 2014

JEJU-SI, REPUBLIC OF KOREA -- Construction of the controversial naval base on the South Korean island of Jeju is nearing completion, the RoK Navy has announced today.

The construction site, which has been rocked by protests since engineers arrived in 2011, has been transformed from a quiet, isolated area of natural beauty into a sophisticated naval facility, capable of housing around twenty of the Republic of Korea's most advanced vessels and thousands of personnel. It will become operational later this year.

Protesters have constantly targeted the site since work began for a variety of reasons. Some have protested against the environmental impact that the facility would have; others have been concerned about the cost of the base or the message that it may send to Korea's neighbours. It has been suggested that the base may be used by the United States as a forward outpost against China.

"These allegations are patently false," said Admiral Kim Sung-Chan, the Chief of Naval Operations who was holding a press conference at the base. "The United States is taking a greatly reduced role in the world, and next year will hand over its responsibilities for defending the Republic of Korea to our own armed forces. We are also one of the region's biggest exporters, and the vast majority of this trade travels on the oceans. Much of our exports to China and Japan passes through the sea lanes close to Jeju and so it makes perfect strategic sense to have vessels stationed here to patrol those vital arteries of trade."

[South Korea (Farrfin)]

President Park: DPRK Must Be Held to A Higher Standard
Q3 2014

SEOUL, REPUBLIC OF KOREA -- President Park Geun-hye has called for North Korea "to be held to a higher standard of behaviour, as befits a sensible member of the international community" in a speech which she made today.

The remark, made at a press conference which included foreign journalists, suggests that the President is likely to continue the harder line towards Pyongyang adopted by her predecessor.

When asked to elaborate, the President explained that she felt that Pyongyang must be held accountable for its actions both domestically and internationally.

"I do not believe that the DPRK should be allowed to conduct missile launches, nuclear tests and threaten its neighbours without knowing that severe consequences will assuredly follow. Other nations in the region, as well as the members of the Six Party talks, should be prepared to act when Pyongyang falls below the standards expected of any responsible nation."

The President's remarks may well send a signal to Washington, Beijing, Moscow, Tokyo and Pyongyang itself that South Korea is less willing than in the past to tolerate any wayward behaviour from its neighbour to the north.

[South Korea (Farrfin)]

Seoul Urges Calm in Spratly Dispute
Q1 2015

SEOUL, REPUBLIC OF KOREA -- Foreign Minister Kim Sung-Hwan has urged all parties involved in the current dispute over the Spratly Islands to remain calm and come to the negotiating table. "It would be utter madness if the situation deteriorated to the point where conflict broke out," he said.

Much of the trade between Asia and Europe, the Middle East and Africa passes through the South China Sea and concerns are mounting that vital trade arteries may be blocked if skirmishes break out between the belligerents. If such an event were to occur, South Korea would be one of a number of nations to suffer the impact.

"The government is of the view that the People's Republic of China, as a mature nation and a member of the UN Security Council, should lead by example and should not resort to violence to resolve this decades-old dispute. If Beijing uses force to take the Spratly Islands, its moral authority in the region and the wider world will be bankrupt and there is a real risk of an arms race that will engulf the whole of Asia."

Rumours have been circulating that the RoK Navy has been considering options to ensure that vital imports, such as oil and food, continue to arrive safely at South Korean ports to prevent shortages. The Defence Ministry has refused to comment.

[South Korea (Farrfin)]

DPRK Faces Consequences If Missile Test Proceeds, Says President
Q2 2015

SEOUL, REPUBLIC OF KOREA -- President Park has warned that Pyongyang will face consequences if it proceeds with its proposed missile test in the East China Sea. The President, speaking to reporters whilst on a visit to the University of Seoul, has condemned the proposed launch as "unnecessary and provocative."

"The fact that North Korea is attempting to launch a missile from a submarine is disturbing, not only for our nation but for all responsible countries in our region. There is no need for the DPRK to possess this capability. It is not a defensive measure; it will be used for bullying and blackmail. I would urge all nations that care about peace and security to condemn this launch, and put pressure on Pyongyang to cancel it."

"My administration is always open to dialogue with the North. That avenue is never closed. However, when any member of the international community acts in a manner that destabilises the wider region and threatens its neighbours, it must be brought back into line. I have ordered that preparations be put into place for a response to any missile test."

It is believed that the message is aimed particularly at Beijing, widely seen as North Korea's only friend and benefactor. The level of Beijing's influence in Pyongyang is something of an unknown quantity in the aftermath of Kim Jong-Il's death in 2011, but the Chinese are seen by Seoul as the most likely party to dissuade the North from its current course of action. Seoul's calculation is simple: we can offer you more than Pyongyang ever could. Whether Beijing agrees with this analysis remains to be seen.

[South Korea (Farrfin)]

Opposition Lawmakers criticise government over North Korea policy
Q3 2015

SEOUL, REPUBLIC OF KOREA -- Members of the opposition Democratic United Party have sharply criticised the Park Administration for its response to the recent North Korean missile test in the East China Sea.

Lim Su-kyung, a Member of the National Assembly who made an unauthorised visit to Pyongyang in 2002, told reporters that she felt "thoroughly ashamed of the President and her approach to reunification."

"I cannot see how closing Kaesong and referring the matter to the Security Council will have any positive impact on Pyongyang. Reunification requires us to be patient and understanding, and to stand by our fellow Koreans across the DMZ. President Park and her administration have much to answer for."

A lively debate in the National Assembly following Ms Lim's remarks, with one conservative lawmaker accusing her of being a communist sympathiser. He was forced to withdraw his remark by the Speaker.

"She has already been arrested under the National Security Act once for her trip across the DMZ," he said after the debate. "Unfortunately, her naivety means that she'll believe anything the North says. It's rather sad that such an intelligent person should be so gullible when it comes to North Korea."

Representative Lim is to arrange a demonstration outside the Blue House, the the Presidential residence, calling for a change in policy towards the North. The President's press secretary and the spokesman from the Reunification Ministry have refused to comment.

[South Korea (Farrfin)]

RoK assumes Wartime Operational Control of Armed Forces
Q4 2015

COMBINED FORCES COMMAND HEADQUARTERS, REPUBLIC OF KOREA -- The Republic of Korea has assumed operational control of its armed forces in the event of a war following a ceremony at the Combined Forces Command HQ attended by President Park, Defence Minister Kim and senior members of the RoK Armed Forces and US Forces Korea (USFK).

Under previous arrangements the RoK's Armed Forces would fall under the command of the Combined Forces Command, headed by a US General, in the event of renewed hostilities on the Korean Peninsula. As of 1 December 2015, the RoK Armed Forces will remain under Korean command in the event of a conflict.

In her remarks at the ceremony, President Park described it as a "historic moment" and praised the Americans in their staunch defence of the Republic against aggression from the North.

"Today, the Republic of Korea has some of the most sophisticated armed forces in the world. Each year these grow ever stronger, and we must constantly re-evaluate the threats that our nation faces."

The United States has 29,500 US military personnel stationed in South Korea, and have signed a mutual defence treaty with the RoK. No announcement has yet been made about the status of the American personnel by the Pentagon, but it is understood that the Foreign Ministry and the Defence Ministry are following the matter up with their US counterparts.

[South Korea (Farrfin)]

Petrochemicals Become RoK's Top Export
Q1 2016

SEOUL, REPUBLIC OF KOREA -- Processed petrochemicals such as petroleum and diesel became the Republic of Korea's top export in the final two quarters of 2015, the Ministry of Strategy and Finance. They have knocked the shipbuilding industry as the RoK's primary export product.

With petrochemicals and the shipbuilding industry taking first and second place respectively, cars take up third place, with semiconductors and other general machinery/components taking up fourth place.

"This is the first time that our petrochemical industry has been our premier exporter," said an analyst at the Ministry of Strategy and Finance. "As our neighbours in Japan, China and other Asian countries require more and more fuel we anticipate that the industry will continue to grow. South Korea stands to become one of Asia's dominant forces in the petrochemical industry."

The announcement highlights the importance of the Republic of Korea to the region's economy, in particular those nations who are dependant on imports of fuel.

Share prices in the top petrochemical corporations rose sharply at the announcement of the news, and the KOSPI index of leading shares closed up by 28 points.

[South Korea (Farrfin)]

Four Korean Aid Workers Seized in Mali
Q2 2016

BAMAKO, REPUBLIC OF MALI -- Four South Korean aid workers delivering humanitarian assistance to the poor of northern Mali have been kidnapped by what is believed to be an al-Qaeda cell operating in the region. No ransom demands have yet been issued.

The Koreans, who are part of the UN International Fund for Agricultural Development, were working on local projects to improve the lives of farmers in the region. Subsistence agriculture remains the predominant form of economic activity in this part of the world. The workers were approximately 75km from the city of Timbuktu when they were kidnapped.

Northern Mali has been a hotbed of unrest since the country effectively split in two in 2012. The National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (NMLA), which allegedly has links to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, unilaterally declared the independence of northern Mali as the state of Azawad. Thus far, no other nations or international organisations have recognised the state. Islamic groups within the new state have since turned on the NMLA and proceeded to capture large tracts of territory.

Concerns have been raised for a number of years concerning the possibility of Mali housing al-Qaeda due to the instability and lack of government control. The situation worsened as the Libyan uprising began, and large quantities of weapons, ammunition and battle-hardened insurgents flowed into Mali from Libya. Analysts have suggested that Mali may become "the new Afghanistan" if the situation remains unresolved.

A spokesman for the Foreign Ministry confirmed that the RoK Government was in talks with the government of the Republic of Mali, and attempts to make contact with the kidnappers were currently under way.

(OOC: The situation in Mali is real - details here).