S. Korean Lawmakers Brawl Over Trade Bill

(NEWSER) - Parliamentary debate over the relaxation of media ownership rules in South Korea descended into fisticuffs today, AFP reports. After negotiations stalled, the ruling conservative Grand National Party moved to vote on the reform, which will allow newspapers to own a greater stake of television media. In response, MPs of the opposition Democratic Party attempted to physically block the vote, and a brawl ensued. More»

Korean left vows to change, repeal, if they win looming elections

(NEWSER) - The US-South Korea free trade agreement takes affect today, despite plenty of opposition in both countries, reports Reuters . As South Korea is the fourth-largest economy in Asia, US officials touted the deal as a major win for the American economy. "Starting today, Korea's doors are wide open for Made-In-America exports that will support well-paying jobs here at home," says the US trade rep, while South Korean President Lee Myung-bak praised it as "a high-standard treaty that will become a good model of global free trade." More»

State visit coincides with new free trade agreement

(NEWSER) - President Obama welcomed Lee Myung-bak to the White House with all the requisite pomp and circumstance today, touting the newly-minted free trade agreement between South Korea and the US. “With our landmark trade agreement, we will bring our nations even closer, creating new jobs for both our people and preserving our edge as two of the most dynamic economies in the world,” Obama declared, as he and Michelle Obama formally welcomed the South Korean president and his wife in a rainy South Lawn ceremony. More»

Obama scores win with S. Korea, Colombia, Panama deals

(NEWSER) - President Obama scored a victory with the passage of a trio of free-trade pacts yesterday, marking America's biggest trade expansion in nearly 20 years. The House and Senate both approved the pacts with South Korea, Colombia, and Panama. While the Latin American pacts may have little impact, the South Korean deal could create as many 280,000 American jobs and boost exports by $12 billion, the Washington Post reports. More»