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Koreans urged to stay away from Shanghai film festival over MERS fears

Actor Jang Dong-gun / YonhapBy Lee Min-hyungKorean actors and movie officials have been asked not to attend the Shanghai movie festival because of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) outbreak, according to the South China Morning Post, Friday.“On the principle of being responsible about health, we suggest they do not come,” the Post quoted festival official Yang Xinwei as saying.Following the announcement, Korean stars have cancelled plans to visit Shanghai. Actor Jang Dong-gun was to attend the Jackie Chan festival on Thursday, but withdrew. Actor So Ji-sub was scheduled to join the event while staying in China, but returned to Korea.“According to the current circumstances of the breakout and development of the MERS virus, the Korean government has adopted a series of protection measures and cancelled mass events and activities,” a letter from the festival committee said. “We consider your health and hope you are taking extra precautions to maintain your well-being.”Twenty-two Korean movies were originally scheduled to be released at the f

Chungang University closes building over MERS fear

Chungang University temporarily closed a law school building, Saturday, after a student was suspeceted of having MERS infection. / YonhapBy Lee Min-hyungChungang University has temporarily closed a law school building after a student was suspected of having Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) infection.“A student was quarantined on Saturday morning after suffering from high fever while taking a class on the fourth floor of the building,” a school official said.“Students please don’t come to the building, and wait for further notice about the final examination.”Students were blocked from entering the floor. The school then disinfected the building and decided to close it temporarily.The student was moved to a hospital, but tested negative for the virus, according to the school.The student union said the building would reopen on Monday morning for the final exams.

Break-up far from a joke for comedian couple

Comedian-actress Shin Bo-ra, left, and comedian Kim Ki-ri / YonhapBy Lee Min-hyungComedian-actress Shin Bo-ra has broken up with fellow comedian Kim Ki-ri, Shin’s management agency said Sunday.“She said she has recently finished their relationship,” an agency official said. “But they are supporting each other as colleagues.”Shin, 28, and Kim had been dating since the end of 2012. They appeared on the KBS comedy show, “Gag Concert.”They had reportedly grown apart since Shin left the show in May 2014 to focus on her acting.Shin debuted as a KBS comedian in 2010. Kim debuted in 2006 on SBS comedy program “Gag One.”

Kevin Spacey awarded knighthood

/ mtl blogQueen Elizabeth has knighted American actor Kevin Spacey has been knighted for his contribution to culture and British theatre.The Academy award winner, 55, who became director of the Old Vic in 2003, said he felt humbled and honored to have his work recognized in this way.”At this year’s Olivier Awards, Dame Judy Dench presented the Oscar winner with a special award for his work at the Old Vic.

Summer brings out the vanity in men

/ Korea Times fileWith summer approaching, men are increasingly buying sandals and starting to take care of their feet.According to shoemaker KumKang, sales of men's sandals in April and May rose 26 percent on the same period last year.And as they reveal their feet, men are looking after their toenails.Data from online retailer Auction shows purchases of clippers and nail files by men in the first week of June jumped 195 percent on the same period last year.Men's purchases of manicure and pedicure products also rose 7 percent. 

Korea reports additional death from MERS, 12 new cases

Korea reported another death from the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) on Saturday, along with 12 new cases that put the total number of people diagnosed with the potentially deadly disease at 138.According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, a 67-year-old woman died while receiving treatment at a hospital. She is believed to have been infected after coming in close contact with a MERS patient at a hospital in Pyeongtaek late last month. She was diagnosed on Wednesday.Ministry officials said the woman already had health conditions, including high blood pressure, that were apparently worsened by MERS.The latest fatality was the 14th since the outbreak of the viral respiratory illness here first confirmed on May 20. (Yonhap)

헤드라인 필수 어휘 (9) - (Headline Vocabulary 9)

Bilateral cooperation

Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Park Sung-choon delivers a souvenir to Greek Alternate Minister for Tourism Elena Kountoura at the ministry building in Yongsan, Seoul, Thursday. Koantoura, the daughter of veteran, is visiting to promote bilateral cooperation in veterans affairs./ Courtesy of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs

Match-fixing probe

Jeon Chang-jin, head coach of pro basketball team Anyang KGC, gets in a car after visiting the Jungbu Police Station in Seoul, Thursday, to protest against the way police are handling an alleged match-fixing case involvinghim. He asked the police to investigate him as soon as possible, saying police are dragging their feet in the investigation. He allegedly rigged matches when he coached his former team, the KT Sonicboom, and bet on the games to make illegal gains. / Yonhap

MERS check

A doctor measures Saenuri Party Chairman Kim Moo-sung’s temperature at a clinic for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) at St. Mary’s Hospital in Yeouido, Seoul, Thursday. / Yonhap