Theresa Kim Hwa-young

A benefit concert for leprosy patients in Asian and African countries was held last Saturday with performances by renowned musicians. A mass was later held at St Lazarus village for the sick.

The two Koreas agree to reopen trans-border rail tracks. South Korea hopes the new railway line will be linked to the Trans-Siberian railway, connecting the peninsula to Europe.

South Korean Unification Minister replies to statement by US ambassador in Seoul who said that reunification of the peninsula required international mediation. US analysts not surprised by reaction.

National Statistical Office releases 2006 population data showing a surprising 3.3 jump. Fertility rates are also up.

Free trade talks begin between South Korea and the 27-member European Union. The EU is already South Korea’s second largest trading partner and its main source of foreign investment. Seoul wants to increase its traditional exports of cars, textiles and electronics as well as other products.

In his message for World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Mgr Vincent Ri Pyung-ho, bishop of Jeonju, urges the faithful to break down the wall of enmity towards the country’s million immigrants.

After five days of heated talks, Seoul and Pyongyang agree to test run cross border railways. In exchange North gets 400,000 tonnes of rice.

A group of independent scientists accuses Lee Byung-cheon and Shin Nam-sik, of cloning wolves and of “manipulation and inaccuracies” during their research. Both admit being at fault but claim their errors were not intentional.

The South Korean Minister for Education confirms that starting from next year text books and other didactic resources will be digitalized. By 2013, it will be extended to schools across the country.

The government decides to offer traditional Eastern medical treatment for free to illegal workers in Inchon and Ansan provinces. If successful, plan will be extended to other provinces.

The economic accord with Washington is seen as a threat to farmers and small businesses. Meanwhile, Seoul’s economy ministry is warning against investing in Vietnam.

The former bishop, who was excommunicated in September, will take part in a “Unification Church” conference and Rev Moon’s birthday party.