1.The European Union announced Thursday that it has given the final approval for a 1.8 trillion-won, or roughly 1-point-4 billion U.S. dollar, merger deal between Korean Air and Asiana Airlines.

2.The Korean Medical Association on Thursday urged members of the consultative body on the doctors’ walkout to withdraw from talks, after People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon supported establishing new medical schools. A decision on their continued involvement is expected to be made today.

3.The defense ministry said Friday that South Korea has completed the development of a homegrown Long-range Surface-to-Air Missile system, in a feat that will help bolster the military's air defense capabilities against North Korea's nuclear and missile threats.