Theresa Kim Hwa-young

More than 70 per cent of all South Korean companies involved in intra-Korean economic projects want to continue ties to Stalinist regime. President Roh, meanwhile, appoints four "doves" despite US displeasure.

The divorce rate is rising among people with more than 26 years of marriage behind them: they account for 19% of the total number of cases in the first six months of 2006. Some analysts have said the reason for this phenomenon could be found in an evolving society that seeks to be ever more similar to its western counterpart.

Last year more than one Korean who died in two chose to be cremated. And the number is bound to grow and the authorities are trying to cope with the trend. The Church, too, is trying to adapt to the new situation. In many parishes, cineraria are replacing traditional cemeteries.

South Korea's president is ready to renew contacts with Japanese leaders if they are sincere and stop visiting a shrine that honours Japanese war criminals.

The country's prevalence and morality rates are among the highest in the world. Last year alone, there were 35,000 new cases. The Korea Center for Disease Control and Prevention will spend 50 million euros to seek to eradicate the problem.

The event was held last week attracting more people than in previous editions. South-East Asian nations become destinations of choice for retirees and students.

The South Korean government plans to raise foreign aid levels. It currently stands at 0.09 per cent, far short of the 0.7 recommended by the United Nations. More money also means better chances for a South Korean candidate to the post of UN secretary general.

The sixth Bush-Roh summit took place yesterday in Washington. The two leaders renew the agreement to work together to resolve the North Korean nuclear standoff in a peaceful manner. Both say they are satisfied of their renewed alliance.

A report by the US department of Labour claims the South Korea is the point of destination of human trafficking. South Korean authorities deny the claim and point to the report's lack of data.

The government is seeking to rein in the country's low birth rate by offering incentives to mothers and part-timers . Grants will be provided for businesses who take up the plan.

Members of the Unification, Foreign Affairs and Trade Committee of the South Korean parliament have complained about the Chinese government's approval of university textbooks describing Korea as "part of China". China's perceived imposition with regard to the 2018 Winter Olympic Games has also come under fire.

The Conference for Asian Political Parties is taking place in the South Korean capital. Around 500 delegates from 40 Asian nations are expected to attend to discuss "poverty, peace and economic cooperation".