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Real Reality · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Location: Seoul

Inchon Mayor Under Fire for Support to NK
Inchon city government, located west of Seoul, diverted 1 billion won from the city budget to purchase asphalt mortar to support North Korea before Ahn's visit to the North between May 30 and June 2, according to the city government and city council. It was found that the city had purchased asphalt mortar since April and had provided 2,500 tons to the North ahead of the mayor's visit. During the visit, Ahn reportedly viewed a road construction site in Pyongyang where the material sent from Inchon was used.

Ahn also promised to send an additional 7,500 tons of asphalt mortar and paint, worth 4 billion won, by the end of July, according to the city officials who accompanied the mayor to North Korea. The city government presented a bill to the city council asking for the extra 3 billion won.
By Kim Rahn, Korea Times (June 8, 2005)
http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/200506/kt2005060819365968040.htm

North Korea triples coal exports to China
North Korea's coal exports to China more than tripled to US$25.19 million year-on-year in the first four months of 2005, the Seoul-based Korea International Trade Association said Sunday. The North's China-bound coal shipments in the same period of last year totaled $7.88 million, it said, adding the annual export volume had also risen from $1.71 million in 2001 to $15.43 million in 2003 and $49.08 million in 2004.
Yonhap News (June 5, 2005)
http://english.yna.co.kr/Engnews/20050605/430100000020050605110553E7.html

Seoul to push for US$9 million in aid to N. Korea this year
The Unification Ministry and private aid groups agreed to seek 9.2 billion won ($9 million) worth of aid programs to help North Korea, officials said Thursday. The aid ranges from housing improvement, medical infrastructure and welfare programs for children under the age of 5, pregnant women and nursing mothers, to clean drinking water.
Yonhap News (June 2, 2005)
http://english.yna.co.kr/Engnews/20050602/430100000020050602115448E9.html