South Korean Prime Minister Visits Military Hospital Amid Doctor Strike

SEONGNAM - Prime Minister Han Duck-soo visited the Armed Forces Capital Hospital in Seongnam, just south of Seoul, to oversee its adaptation to a new role of accepting civilian patients during a nationwide strike by trainee doctors. The strike, which is in protest of the government's proposal to increase medical school admissions, has significantly strained the country's healthcare system. According to Yonhap News Agency, During his visit, the Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the hospital's medical staff for their crucial role in mitigating the impact of the healthcare workers' walkout. He also took time to console the family of a patient who underwent emergency surgery at the military facility due to the ongoing disruptions in civilian hospitals. The office of the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of the military hospital's support in ensuring continued medical care for civilians amid the challenging circumstances caused by the strike. SEOUL - Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is set to travel to Brazil this week to participate in a Group of 20 (G20) meeting that will bring together finance ministers and central bank governors from around the world. The focus of the discussions will be on addressing pressing global economic and financial challenges. The Ministry of Economy and Finance announced on Sunday that Minister Choi's departure is scheduled for Monday, highlighting the significance of South Korea's participation in these crucial international deliberations. According to Yonhap News Agency, while in Brazil, Minister Choi plans to engage in bilateral discussions with key international figures, including International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, as well as finance ministers from various countries. These sideline meetings aim to bolster cooperation and address mutual concerns amid the complex global economic landscape. NEW YORK — South Korea's Foreign Minister, Cho Tae-yul, convened with South Korean business officials in New York this week, committing government support for their international expansion efforts. This meeting occurred amidst Cho's global engagements, following a Group of 20 meeting in Rio de Janeiro and preceding his visit to Washington. According to Yonhap News Agency, Cho emphasized the integral relationship between economic prowess and national security in today's global landscape. He assured that the government would provide comprehensive support to mitigate the adverse effects of the evolving external environment on South Korean enterprises, aiming to bolster their global expansion and export capabilities. The gathering saw participation from representatives of major South Korean companies and institutions, including tech giants Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, conglomerate CJ, national carrier Korean Air, and financial institutions such as the Bank of Korea and Korea Development Bank. These discussions are poised to inform Cho's upcoming dialogues with U.S. government and congressional officials during his Washington visit, highlighting the strategic economic concerns shared between South Korea and its international partners.