IN BRIEF (Page 12)

South Korea

Minister offers to resign amid scandal

South Korea's justice minister on Monday offered to step down amid an investigation into allegations of financial crimes and academic favors surrounding his family. The scandal has rocked the government and deeply polarized national opinion. The minister, Cho Kuk, said in a statement that he was offering to resign to lighten President Moon Jae-in's political burden. Moon's office didn't immediately comment on whether Moon would accept Cho's offer. Kang Gi-jung, Moon's chief of staff, said Moon would comment on Cho's resignation offer during a meeting with senior advisers later on Monday.

Ecuador

Govt, protesters agree deal to end unrest

Ecuador celebrated a deal President Lenin Moreno and indigenous leaders struck late on Sunday to cancel a disputed austerity package and end nearly two weeks of protests that have paralyzed the economy and left seven dead. Under the agreement, Moreno will withdraw the International Monetary Fund-backed package known as Decree 883 that included a sharp rise in fuel costs. Indigenous leaders, in turn, will call on their followers to end protests and street blockades. "Comrades, this deal is a compromise on both sides," Moreno said.

Australia

Eight-year-old hooks 314-kg monster shark

Fishermen are often known to tell tall tales, but for eight-year-old Australian Jayden Milauro, there's no need to exaggerate after reeling in a 314-kilogram tiger shark. The youngest member of the Port Hacking Game Fishing Club said on Sunday: "I was trying to hold myself by pushing off the wall in the boat." The haul is yet to be officially recognized as a junior world record, with the current top spot set in 1997 with a 312-kg catch. Barely fitting onto the crew's boat, the shark was eventually able to be lifted on board.

AP - Xinhua

(China Daily 10/15/2019 page12)