*** NEWS BRIEF (Part 2)

N. Korea Joins International Space Treaties: Report

*** NEWS IN BRIEF (Part 1)

In Unusual Move, N. Korea Reports Coal Mine Collapse

*** TOPIC OF THE WEEK (Part 2)

N.K. Informs International Organizations of Satellite Launch in April

*** TOPIC OF THE WEEK (Part 1)

North Korean Border Closures Threaten Future of Kaesong

SEOUL, March 19 (Yonhap) -- The value of foreign-owned South Korean stocks has
fallen by almost half over the last two years due to a bearish market stemming

SEOUL, March 19 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's quarterly economic growth is expected
to be near zero for the first quarter with a full-blown recovery unlikely in the

SEOUL, March 19 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks got off to a strong start on
Thursday, taking a cue from overnight gains in U.S. markets.

SEOUL, March 19 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean government will spend an additional
4.9 trillion won (US$3.54 billion) this year to create 550,000 new jobs, the

SEOUL, March 19 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean government will spend an additional
4.9 trillion won (US$3.54 billion) this year to create 550,000 new jobs, the

SEOUL, March 19 (Yonhap) -- Hyundai Motor Co.'s vehicle sales in Russia plunged
54 percent in February amid slumping demand, industry data showed Thursday.