New South Korean leader to put economy first South Korea's president-elect promised on Thursday to put the economy first once he takes office and not to be shy about telling prickly North Korea to mend its ways over nuclear weapons and human rights. 20 Dec 2007
32.
South Korea votes for "salaryman legend" South Korea's "salaryman legend" Lee Myung-bak, who rose from abject poverty to head one of the biggest business conglomerates Hyundai, has won the presidential elections on Wednesday by a landslide margin as tens of millions of people voted for him, hoping that he will use his "business" instincts to turn around the nation into an economic powerhouse. 20 Dec 2007
33.
Residents say lives ruined by South Korea oil spill South Korean officials say they have made progress in cleaning up the country's worst oil spill but residents worried on Thursday about ruined livelihoods and conservationists saw damage lasting for years. 14 Dec 2007
34.
South Korea vote may curb aid, end hugs for North The start of a new inter-Korean train service on Tuesday could be a last hurrah in cooperation because the man poised to be the South's next president is likely to put such projects on a new and more arduous set of tracks. 13 Dec 2007
35.
South Koreans favour pragmatist Lee to boost wealth: Poll Opinion polls ahead of the Dec. 19 presidential election suggest voters believe Roh has fallen well short of expectations, and conservative candidate Lee Myung-bak, whose campaign has focused on boosting the economy, is easily the favourite to win. 13 Dec 2007
36.
Two Koreas restore rail link after 50 years The two Koreas on Tuesday started their first regular train service since the 1950-1953 war by sending freight cars across their heavily armed border for a run hailed as a milestone in reconciliation. 11 Dec 2007
37.
Bush sends letter to North Korea's Kim Jong-il President George W. Bush has urged North Korea to keep its promise to reveal all nuclear programs, in his first direct communication with the reclusive leader of a country he once branded part of an "axis of evil." 07 Dec 2007
38.
Japan builds second missile defence shield Japan set up its second ballistic missile interceptors at an air base east of Tokyo on Thursday, the Defence Ministry said, as part of its efforts to strengthen defences against neighbour North Korea. 29 Nov 2007
39.
South Korea presidential race officially kicks off Monday South Korea's presidential race officially kicks off on Monday, with a pro-business conservative looking certain to win on Dec. 19 if he can avoid being dragged down by a simmering fraud scandal. 26 Nov 2007
40.
North Korea's Kim taps second son for major post: Report North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has named his second eldest son to a major post, making him the top candidate to eventually take over as head of the reclusive state, a Japanese newspaper reported. 25 Nov 2007
