Yonhap News Summary

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Wednesday.

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(LEAD) N. Korea threatens to conduct nuclear, missile tests
SEOUL -- North Korea said Wednesday it will conduct another nuclear test and
test-launch ballistic missiles if the U.N. Security Council fails to apologize
for its condemnation of Pyongyang's rocket launch.
"Unless the U.N. Security Council offers an apology immediately, we will be
forced to take additional self-defense measures to protect the highest interests
of our republic," the North's foreign ministry spokesman said in a statement
carried by the official Korean Central News Agency.
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Seoul hosts consolatory event for separated families
PAJU, South Korea -- Seoul's unification minister on Wednesday urged North Korea
to resume reunions of families separated by the Korean War, which have been
suspended for more than a year due to damaged political relations.
"The clock is ticking against us," Hyun In-taek said during an event held for
separated family members in the western border town of Paju, Gyeonggi Province.
"Whatever situation the South and the North are in, as far as the issue of
separated families is concerned, it is time for North Korea to make a decision."
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Gov't will not overreact to swine flu scare: official
SEOUL -- South Korea will not overreact to the current swine flu outbreak for
fear it could further hurt local pig farms and restaurants, a senior government
official said Wednesday.
Food and agriculture minister Chang Tae-pyong told reporters that Seoul is taking
all necessary steps to guard against the spread of the disease in the country in
accordance with clearly proven scientific facts about risks associated with the
virus.
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Samsung, LG curb Mexico travel as swine flu fears grow
SEOUL -- Two major South Korean companies began restricting or banning employees
from traveling to Mexico on Wednesday as the number of deaths from a deadly swine
flu epidemic continued to rise there.
The outbreak has reportedly killed as many as 159 people in Mexico, with cases
also being reported in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Spain and Israel.
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Swine flu has affected economic activities with Korea: Mexican envoy
Seoul -- Mexico's economic exchanges with South Korea have been partially
affected by the swine flu outbreak, with a Seoul trade delegation canceling a
scheduled trip, a Mexican envoy said Wednesday.
"Our economic activities have been affected. For example, we had a group of KOTRA
officials slated to visit Mexico, but we were notified that the visit has been
postponed due to the South Korean government's travel ban on our country," Amb.
Leandro Arellano said in an interview with Yonhap News Agency. "This certainly
impedes our economic activities with Korea," he said.
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(LEAD) S. Korea conditionally lifts ban on stem cell research
SEOUL -- South Korea conditionally lifted its three-year-old ban on somatic stem
cell research on Wednesday, paving the way for scientists to resume experiments
that could open new horizons for the treatment of various disabilities.
The decision allows Cha Medical Center to conduct research involving somatic or
adult stem cell cloning if it abides by four preconditions, a presidential
committee on bioethics said.
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(LEAD) Seoul stocks end 2.94 pct up on bargain-hunting
SEOUL -- South Korean shares closed 2.94 percent higher Wednesday as investors
hunted for bargains following recent losses, analysts said. The local currency
gained against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) surged 38.18 points to
1,338.42, snapping a three-day losing streak. Volume was moderate at 591.29
million shares worth 5.58 trillion won (US$5.54 billion), with gainers outpacing
losers 681 to 134.
brk@yna.co.kr
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