PRESS DIGEST - South Korean newspapers - Aug 12

SEOUL, Aug 12 (Reuters) - The following is a summary of major South Korean newspapers on Wednesday, prepared by Reuters in Seoul. Reuters has not checked the stories and does not guarantee their accuracy.

CHOSUN ILBO

Market researcher Strategy Analytics said on Tuesday South Korean handset makers Samsung Electronics (005930.KS) and LG Electronics (066570.KS) extended their market share in North America by 24.7 percent and 22.6 percent, respectively, in the second quarter.

The number of foreign nationals involved in drug-related crimes in 2008 tripled to 928 from a year earlier, while the total number of offenders declined, the drug and gang crime investigation bureau of the Prosecutor-General's Office said in a report on Tuesday.

KOREA ECONOMIC DAILY

Hyundai Group chairwoman Hyun Jeong-eun extended her stay in Pyongyang by one day and is scheduled to come back to Seoul on Thursday, according to a Hyundai Group official. A source familiar with North Korean issues said Hyun was likely to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-il on Wednesday.

DONG-A ILBO

Two shopping malls in Seoul will be sold to Singapore soverign wealth fund the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation for 230 billion won ($185.1 million), according to the current owner E-Land Group.

JOONGANG ILBO

The head of the ruling Grand National Party Park Hee-tae will step down to run for a parliamentary by-election in Gyeongsang Province, the party's chief secretary said on Tuesday. ($1=1242.7 Won)