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Weekly news : 29th - 6th May




1 - South Korea and EU Strengthen Pharmaceutical Information Exchange

South Korea and the EU have agreed to exchange confidential information on pharmaceuticals. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety signed the agreement with EU agencies in Brussels. Information on drug safety, efficacy, and quality, including clinical trial data, will be shared. This builds on a previous agreement made during the COVID-19 pandemic. Minister Oh Yu-kyoung aims to bolster drug safety and support Korean medical exports through diplomacy.


2 - Sales of eco-friendly cars top 100,000 in Q1 in South Korea

In South Korea, eco-friendly car sales topped 100,000 units in Q1, driven by hybrid vehicle demand. Data from industry sources showed 101,727 units sold, up 8.7% from last year. Hybrid cars made up 84.4% of sales, rising 42.4%, while electric vehicle sales fell 51.4% to 15,237 units. Top-selling models included Kia's Sorento Hybrid (19,729 units), Hyundai's Santa Fe Hybrid (15,981 units), and Kia's Carnival Hybrid (12,203 units).


3 - US election will ‘never undermine bilateral business foundations’ with Korea : KCCI Chief

KCCI Chairman Chey Tae-won assured that the U.S. election outcome won't disrupt Korea-U.S. business ties. He emphasized the need for continuous dialogue and not being swayed by political rhetoric. Chey cautioned about the unpredictable future of the chip industry despite recent successes. However, he remained optimistic about the battery industry's long-term growth despite current challenges.


4 - NK slams U, other countries for seeking alternative to UN sanctions monitoring panel

North Korea criticized the U.S. and allies for seeking alternatives to the UN sanctions monitoring panel, warning of "self-destruction." The panel's mandate expired due to Russia's veto. U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield discussed exploring non-UN options during her Seoul visit. The envoy cautioned against persisting with hostile policies, predicting a "miserable defeat."


5 - Korea Season ‘breaks’ off in Paris with powerful dance performances

At the Chatelet Theatre in Paris, South Korea's 1Million and the French Pockemon Crew kicked off Korea Season 2024 with their performance "Urban Pulse Uprising," celebrating street dance and breaking's inclusion in the Paris Olympics. Choreographers Lia Kim and Back Koo-young expressed optimism for Korea's breaking team. Korea Season 2024 aims to globally promote Korean culture, particularly during the Paris Olympics, with over 30 events showcasing traditional music, opera, and dance.


6 - Crypto Excluded from New South Korean Donations law

South Korea's updated donation law, effective July, excludes cryptocurrencies, opting for cash alternatives. The Ministry aims to expand donation options to include loyalty points and gift vouchers but excludes crypto assets. This decision poses challenges for charities and crypto enthusiasts in South Korea. Despite rising interest, legal obstacles persist for crypto-powered donation campaigns, requiring partnerships with exchanges for conversion.

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