Seoul Today_Sep 7

- New measures by education ministry face a mounting criticism from education circles.

- Prosecutors revealed Kim Sang-jin confessed he gave Chung Yoon-jae, close aide to President Roh, a kickback of W20m for a political favor back in 2003.

- Hyundai Motor union members voted yes by 77.09 per cent to a tentative wage agreement struck between management and labor.

- The BOK decided to keep its call-rate at 5 per cent.

- FSS (Financial Supervisory Service) governor Kim Yong-duk told Seoul Financial Forum, this morning, “there needs to be some patience (regarding the KEB sale) because of legal issues.” In the past, New Bridge, Commerzbank, Carlyle came to Korea, legally did their business and exit Korea without any problem, he said.

- FSS governor Kim Yong-duk said in order to encourage financial institutions M&As, the government will increase incentives and create environment that can push up competitiveness

- UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon moved into his new house, of which guest room is especially decorated in Korean style with traditional Korean paper from Jeon-ju being used as wallpapers.

- Korea University said it will file a complaint within next week against Education Ministry’s measure to cut new student enrollment for 2008.

- Six ministers (Finance, Defense, Unification, Science & Technology, Agriculture, and Welfare), seven people from Cheong Wa Dae, including NIS chief, will accompany President Roh on his visit to Pyongyang.

- The BOK prospects the Korean economy continues its growth momentum in the next half of this year, putting a growth rate at mid 4 per cent.

- Judge Lee Jae-hong said in the court ruling for Chung Mong-koo, “I have, too, bitter taste in my mouth. Judges have intensive, long debate on the issue, and I even asked a tax driver and a restaurant working staff about this case…I am well aware of the fact that there are lots of criticism levied on court for its leniency to white-collar crimes and giving out a suspended sentence to Chaebol, and I will humbly accept (such criticism).”