other important headlines_Oct.13

- A total of 77 Uri party lawmakers released a statement in the press conference today to oppose Korea’s expanded participation in the PSI and urge the government to stay firm on the engagement policy with North Korea.

- Robert Joseph, US Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, canceled his planned visit to Korea. Government officials explained the cancellation is because a UN resolution hasn’t been out yet, but domestic blame on the US for North Korea’s N-test can be one of the reasons.

- According to the NIS and the Police, two diplomats in one in Asia and another in Africa have been blackmailed by North Korean agents into handing out confidential information including code-breaking of telegraph text. The diplomats are said to have been threatened that their family members could be killed if not cooperating.

- An increasing number of female workers join the ranks of ‘battery people’ which refers to people who voluntarily quits a job and recharge themselves for another work. Yoon Jeong-sook, CEO of a recruiting company, The HR, said “men hardly quit a job because most of them are in charge of dependent family but women increasingly choose recharging.” “’Battery’ women are often found in the field of PR or marketing.”

- The Defense Ministry estimates that North Korea has spent about $290-764m for its development of nuclear weapons since 1979 when it began in earnest the development.