1. While the South Korean government has issued a return-to-work order for trainee doctors, the International Labor Organization (ILO) expressed concerns about the government's measure. "We are carefully observing the current situation between the government and trainee doctors, but it would not engage with the situation because the Korean Trainee Doctors' Association called for it." the ILO said in a comment to the Korea Herald's inquiry regarding the organization's stance.
According to the ILO, only governments and major representatives of labor organizations and businesses are qualified for the help of the ILO, and the Korea Trainee Doctors' Association is not among them. However, the ILO put a great emphasis on the principle that prohibits work against employees' will, adding that any measures against the principle must be taken very carefully with limited interpretation.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Labor said the government's return-to-work order is not against the principle, as it is meant to protect the health and lives of people. "The problem should be solved with consensus and conversation in a peaceful manner, instead of unilateral measures, which could be violent and coersive." ILO added.
2. Kim juae, Kim Jong-un's 13 year old daughter is drawing attention, as she is highly likely to be the next leader of North Korea. According to a report from the National Intelligence Service (NIS) to the National Assembly, the NIS has recently acknowledged Kim juae as the No.1 heir of North Korea.
Given her young age, experts say there might be issues on Kim Jong-un's health, forcing him to make his daughter ready for Supreme leader as soon as possible. "The rapid emergence of Kim juae could be a sign that the current leader isn't confident with his health, but given that North Korean society is male oriented, there's no clear evidence that she is going to be the next Supreme Leader," Yang Wook, a senior researcher for the Asan Think Tank said.
Meanwhile, a high ranking official from the Defense Ministry said it is carefully observing the situation, preparing for every possible issue related to North Korea, in a comment to an inquiry from the Korea Herald. Regarding unprecedented moves with Kim juae, Tae Young-ho, a lawmaker from the ruling Peole Power Party who had been a North Korean diplomat, said given the fact that the country is very conservative, this is an overdramatic move for North Korea.