[Anchor Lead]
Six North Koreans and three ethnic Koreans from China have been found on a boat in South Korean waters off Gunsan, North Jeolla Province. The North Koreans comprise two families and are known to have stayed for a time in China.
[Pkg]
A boat with North Koreans on board is discovered in waters off Gunsan. Nine people are found on board. The South Korean Coast Guard says six of the passengers were North Korean defectors and three were ethnic Koreans from China. The six North Korean are known to comprise two families, including a couple with a daughter. A North Korean human rights group says the six defectors are known to have stayed in China after escaping the North, and reached South Korea on the boat. North Korean defectors getting to the South by boat from China is rare. A South Korean investigation team will hold a second round of questioning on the defectors and send the ethnic Koreans back to China. Separately, a vessel on which 27 North Koreans accidentally entered South Korean waters last month has been repaired. But bad weather has postponed their return to the North.
2. Food Aid
[Anchor Lead]
The United Nations World Food Program, which has investigated the situation in North Korea, has advised that the country needs 430 thousand tons of food support. The report is likely to have impact on Seoul’s North Korean food support policy. Here's more.
[Pkg]
United Nations organizations are advising that food support is urgent in North Korea. The World Food Program and the Food and Agriculture Organization report that six million North Koreans are suffering from severe famine because of the summer flood and severe cold in winter. The organizations identified the specific amount of support required, saying that the North must be provided with a total of 430 thousand tons of food supply. The two international organizations have surveyed local conditions from last month until recently. The investigation results are to have impact on Washington and Seoul who had both been considering of resuming North Korean support. Washington had formerly stated that resumption of food supply to the North will be determined based on the inspection results. With issues raising that former U.S. president Carter will visit the North next month for humanistic support, the U.S. State Department stresses that it's just a personal trip.
[Soundbite]Mark Toner (Spokesman, U.S. Department of State)
Meanwhile, the UN Human Rights Council has adopted the North Korean Human Rights Resolution and urged to obtain transparency when supporting the North.
3. Island Recovery
[Anchor Lead]
The Yellow Sea island of Baengnyeong has seen very few visitors since North Korea sank a South Korean warship nearby and shelled neighboring Yeonpyeong Island last year. A year has passed since the Cheonan sinking and inter-Korean tensions remain high, but Baengyeong residents are trying to focus on the future.
[Pkg]
Baengyeong Island residents say life has been a nightmare since the sinking of the Cheonan one year ago. Since North Korea shelled Yeonpyeong Island in November last year, Baengyeong Island has seen few tourists. The volume of fish caught and crops harvested also plummeted last year.
[Soundbite]Jang Ju-myeong (Fisherman): “It was such a disastrous year for the five islands in the Yellow Sea. We didn’t catch a lot of fish. We’ve also seen a poor harvest.”
[Soundbite]Kang Gye-ja (Restaurant Owner): “They say more soldiers have been sent here but they hardly come out because they're in emergency mode; it's no good for us.”
Despite lingering inter-Korean tension, Baengyeong residents are more determined to remember the two incidents and overcome their pain. Signs around the island are reminders of the Cheonan sinking. People go there to remember the 46 young soldiers killed in the attack.
[Soundbite]Kim Yong-geun (Pohang City Resident): “After the incident, I wanted to come to Baengnyeong Island. I had to come.”
A monument on the beach closest to where the Cheonan sank honors the victims. The monument is a reminder of a painful memory and noble sacrifice that South Koreans will never forget.
4. Radiation Alarm
[Anchor Lead]
The government had considered restricting imports of produce from regions near the troubled Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan but has put off this measure. Koreans are greatly concerned about radioactive contamination, and many are wondering why the restrictions have been withdrawn.
[Pkg]
This is a large supermarket in Seoul. At this aisle, liquor produced in the Ibaraki Prefecture located near the recent Fukushima nuclear facility explosion is displayed for sale. The product is not likely to be radioactive contaminated, since the manufactured date is last year. A total of some 60 tons of 11 processed food items from the four regions nearby Fukushima have been imported but they've all been manufactured before the earthquake. A total of 1,159 cases of food imports from Japan had been reported since the nuclear plant explosion and melons are the only produce among the list. Most of the food were produced before the earthquake so the Korean government has put off plans to ban customs on agricultural products from areas near the nuclear facility.
[Soundbite]Kim Jin-suk (Food & Drug Administration): “We're inspecting all imported foods produced in or brought in from Japan. So no additional customs ban seems necessary.”
But concerns are still rising and some stores have stopped selling fish from Japan.
[Soundbite] “I'm still worried. I don't feel like buying anything from Japan.”
The Food and Drug Administration says no radioactive contaminated food has been found in order to relieve the public's concerns. Measures will be reviewed when test results show possibilities of radioactive contamination.
5. Smartphones
[Anchor Lead]
The number of smartphone subscribers in Korea has surpassed 10 million 16 months after their debut in the country. The handy gadgets are making life easier for people, even as they rack up hefty monthly bills.
[Pkg]
Thirty-something office worker Jo Hyeon-min has two smartphones. The devices are an indispensable part of his daily life. He buys movie tickets, listens to music, does work, and even Tweets using his smartphones.
[Soundbite]Jo Hyeon-min (Office Worker): “Now, using just a regular cell phone would probably be really inconvenient.”
The number of smartphone subscribers has surpassed 10 million, with even elementary school students using them. The milestone has come just 16 months after smartphones were introduced in Korea. But users also complain over the downsides.
[Soundbite]Kwon Sun-jeong (Homemaker): “People don’t even look where they’re going, they just keep using them. I’ve seen people almost bump into each other a few times.”
[Soundbite]Kim Gwang-hyeon (Office Worker): “I use it all the time, everywhere, so it’s almost like an addiction.”
Many consumers say smartphone charges are too high.
[Soundbite]Kim Jan-dui (College Student): “I don't get much money from my parents. I have to pay 60,000 to 70,000 won (US$50-60 a month). It’s such a waste.”
The average communication costs per household hit an all-time high last year of more than 121 dollars. Communications costs accounted for more than 7 percent of household consumption expenditures, another record high. Telecom charges in Korea are higher than the average of most advanced economies. Korea's three telecom providers earn 1.8 billion dollars in annual net profit, prompting demands for lower charges. But the companies are reluctant to do so, claiming that smartphone charges are "comprehensive culture expenditures."
6. Special Beer
[Anchor Lead]
A new beer made from Gyeonggi Province specialties ginseng and rice has been developed. It's aimed at promoting the local products and raising the income of farmers from the region.
[Pkg]
Rice powder is mixed with water to make the base liquid for beer. Malt is added and the mixture is boiled. When the yeast is added to the mixture, the alcoholic base is ready. The formula needs to be matured for a month to make ginseng rice beer.
[Soundbite]Lee Yu-chang (Gimpo Ginseng Cooperative Assn.): “It was very difficult to harmonize the bitter taste of hops and that of ginseng. We tried 5 to 6 hundred times to get the final taste.”
The manufacturing method of preserving the subtle scent of ginseng has acquired a patent. It took three years and cost 3.6 million dollars to develop the product. The Ginseng Rice beer which will be sold from next month is already luring people's taste buds.
[Soundbite]Lee Mi-gyeong (Taster): “The aftertaste is a little bit bitter. If this can be adjusted, more people will like it, I think.”
The agricultural cooperatives and farmers are also preparing to develop other kinds as well such as Red Ginseng beer.
7. Bam Island
[Anchor Lead]
Bam Island in downtown Seoul is a haven for migratory birds. And now, ahead of their breeding season, the island is getting a clean-up. Let’s take a look.
[Pkg]
Human access is restricted to the avian paradise the Bam Island. But it's been open for a spring cleanup. Trash that floated from the upper river is picked up to create a cozy habitat for birds ahead of their breeding season.
[Soundbite]Son Dong-sik (Hangang Project Headquarters): “It's always refreshing to clean up. The birds have to lay their eggs, so it’s better to do it ahead of time.”
The number of great cormorants seen on the island has surged and their droppings have piled up on willow trees. They are cleaned up for the trees to sprout new buds. Thanks to the cleaning campaign, 77 bird species have been detected on the island up until now.
[Soundbite]Kim Seong-man (Korea Assoc. for Bird Protection): “If pheasants come, they can attract goshawks. A steller's sea eagle and a white-tailed eagle were spotted just the other day. This means the island is a great place for birds to rest.”
The Bam Island where people lived until 1968 is now a resting place for birds.
8. Soccer Update
[Anchor Lead]
The national soccer team plays host to Honduras today in an exhibition game in Seoul. New Korea captain Park Chu-young is healthy and ready for the match. Coach Cho Kwang-rae says he will set the roster for World Cup preliminaries based on this game.
[Pkg]
Striker Park Chu-young is the national soccer team's new captain and offensive leader with the retirement of Park Ji-sung from international play. Park Chu-young has shown good health in practice. He says he will show all at any position.
[Soundbite]Park Chu-young (Forward, National Soccer Team): “There's only a slight change in my role in different positions. We need to do what the coach says to become a good team.”
The exhibition game is Korea's first step toward the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Coach Cho Kwang-rae will decide his final roster for World Cup regional preliminaries based on this contest.
[Soundbite]Cho Kwang-rae (Coach, National Soccer Team): “World Cup prelims will begin following an A-match in June. The players, the coaching staff and fans should consider Friday's friendly as a real match.”
To advance to the World Cup finals, Korea must first play group preliminaries to secure one of the four to five berths allotted to Asia. The journey from group preliminary matches to the final qualifiers will span 22 months from September this year through June 2013. The newest Taegeuk Warriors will show what they're made of in Friday's home game versus Honduras.
9. Zoo Trip
[Anchor Lead]
Here's some good news for people who love animals but find going to the zoo and watching them in cages to be boring. There are some places where you can feed the animals and even play with them. Let's get a closer look.
[Pkg]
The world's largest and smallest breeds of horse hang out together here. The shire is more than ten times bigger than the miniature.
[Soundbite] “They're completely different, like a mother and baby.”
This little black pearl seems to have no trouble with the hurdles. And this is a spotted appaloosa. All kinds of rare breeds from around the world can be seen at this horse zoo.
[Soundbite] “There are horses of all different sizes. My kid loves it!”
And visitors don't just look here, but can also feed and groom and play with the horses. Among the many different things to do at this zoo, going for a ride is the most popular.
[Soundbite] “I'm waiting for a horse ride. It's going to be really fun!”
This little guy has never been on a horse before.
[Soundbite] “Giddyup! Let's go!”
But not everyone is nervous.
[Soundbite] “I was scared only this tiny bit.”
If actually riding the horse itself is too much for you, you can try out a wagon ride.
[Soundbite] “It's amazing how such a small horse can pull so many people!”
Admission is only 70 cents and all the programs are free.
[Soundbite] “We only paid 800 won (US 70 cents) per person and the kids love it here! We rode horses and bicycles for free and saw a lot of horses. It's great!”
Here's a baby animal zoo.
[Soundbite] “We came to see babies!”
The indoor zoo is home to different baby animals like calves and deer. Children love watching them eat. This girl thinks this rabbit has had enough.
[Soundbite] “(Daddy, can I stop feeding it?) Sure.”
She cuts its meal short. These ducklings keep running away, not knowing that the young visitor is trying to give them something to eat. The children become friends with the animals by feeding and playing with them.
[Soundbite] “(My daughter) used to be scared of animals and couldn't feed them at first, but after feeding and petting them, she loves them. I'm glad we came here.”
[Soundbite] “Seeing the live animals and touching them is much different from just seeing them in picture books.”
Here's a zoo you can get to quickly and easily.
[Soundbite] “We came to see animals!”
It’s located inside a subway station is home to around 500 amphibians and reptiles like frogs, lizards and turtles. You can even cozy up to some slimy-looking snakes.
[Soundbite] “It's fun! The snake is very slimy.”
Visitors can even try catching frogs and mudfish, just like kids did in the old days in the countryside.
[Soundbite] “It's fun to see animals and insects that I usually can’t see.”
These zoos are a great option for people with kids who want to get up close and personal with the animals.
Six North Koreans and three ethnic Koreans from China have been found on a boat in South Korean waters off Gunsan, North Jeolla Province. The North Koreans comprise two families and are known to have stayed for a time in China.
[Pkg]
A boat with North Koreans on board is discovered in waters off Gunsan. Nine people are found on board. The South Korean Coast Guard says six of the passengers were North Korean defectors and three were ethnic Koreans from China. The six North Korean are known to comprise two families, including a couple with a daughter. A North Korean human rights group says the six defectors are known to have stayed in China after escaping the North, and reached South Korea on the boat. North Korean defectors getting to the South by boat from China is rare. A South Korean investigation team will hold a second round of questioning on the defectors and send the ethnic Koreans back to China. Separately, a vessel on which 27 North Koreans accidentally entered South Korean waters last month has been repaired. But bad weather has postponed their return to the North.
2. Food Aid
[Anchor Lead]
The United Nations World Food Program, which has investigated the situation in North Korea, has advised that the country needs 430 thousand tons of food support. The report is likely to have impact on Seoul’s North Korean food support policy. Here's more.
[Pkg]
United Nations organizations are advising that food support is urgent in North Korea. The World Food Program and the Food and Agriculture Organization report that six million North Koreans are suffering from severe famine because of the summer flood and severe cold in winter. The organizations identified the specific amount of support required, saying that the North must be provided with a total of 430 thousand tons of food supply. The two international organizations have surveyed local conditions from last month until recently. The investigation results are to have impact on Washington and Seoul who had both been considering of resuming North Korean support. Washington had formerly stated that resumption of food supply to the North will be determined based on the inspection results. With issues raising that former U.S. president Carter will visit the North next month for humanistic support, the U.S. State Department stresses that it's just a personal trip.
[Soundbite]Mark Toner (Spokesman, U.S. Department of State)
Meanwhile, the UN Human Rights Council has adopted the North Korean Human Rights Resolution and urged to obtain transparency when supporting the North.
3. Island Recovery
[Anchor Lead]
The Yellow Sea island of Baengnyeong has seen very few visitors since North Korea sank a South Korean warship nearby and shelled neighboring Yeonpyeong Island last year. A year has passed since the Cheonan sinking and inter-Korean tensions remain high, but Baengyeong residents are trying to focus on the future.
[Pkg]
Baengyeong Island residents say life has been a nightmare since the sinking of the Cheonan one year ago. Since North Korea shelled Yeonpyeong Island in November last year, Baengyeong Island has seen few tourists. The volume of fish caught and crops harvested also plummeted last year.
[Soundbite]Jang Ju-myeong (Fisherman): “It was such a disastrous year for the five islands in the Yellow Sea. We didn’t catch a lot of fish. We’ve also seen a poor harvest.”
[Soundbite]Kang Gye-ja (Restaurant Owner): “They say more soldiers have been sent here but they hardly come out because they're in emergency mode; it's no good for us.”
Despite lingering inter-Korean tension, Baengyeong residents are more determined to remember the two incidents and overcome their pain. Signs around the island are reminders of the Cheonan sinking. People go there to remember the 46 young soldiers killed in the attack.
[Soundbite]Kim Yong-geun (Pohang City Resident): “After the incident, I wanted to come to Baengnyeong Island. I had to come.”
A monument on the beach closest to where the Cheonan sank honors the victims. The monument is a reminder of a painful memory and noble sacrifice that South Koreans will never forget.
4. Radiation Alarm
[Anchor Lead]
The government had considered restricting imports of produce from regions near the troubled Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan but has put off this measure. Koreans are greatly concerned about radioactive contamination, and many are wondering why the restrictions have been withdrawn.
[Pkg]
This is a large supermarket in Seoul. At this aisle, liquor produced in the Ibaraki Prefecture located near the recent Fukushima nuclear facility explosion is displayed for sale. The product is not likely to be radioactive contaminated, since the manufactured date is last year. A total of some 60 tons of 11 processed food items from the four regions nearby Fukushima have been imported but they've all been manufactured before the earthquake. A total of 1,159 cases of food imports from Japan had been reported since the nuclear plant explosion and melons are the only produce among the list. Most of the food were produced before the earthquake so the Korean government has put off plans to ban customs on agricultural products from areas near the nuclear facility.
[Soundbite]Kim Jin-suk (Food & Drug Administration): “We're inspecting all imported foods produced in or brought in from Japan. So no additional customs ban seems necessary.”
But concerns are still rising and some stores have stopped selling fish from Japan.
[Soundbite] “I'm still worried. I don't feel like buying anything from Japan.”
The Food and Drug Administration says no radioactive contaminated food has been found in order to relieve the public's concerns. Measures will be reviewed when test results show possibilities of radioactive contamination.
5. Smartphones
[Anchor Lead]
The number of smartphone subscribers in Korea has surpassed 10 million 16 months after their debut in the country. The handy gadgets are making life easier for people, even as they rack up hefty monthly bills.
[Pkg]
Thirty-something office worker Jo Hyeon-min has two smartphones. The devices are an indispensable part of his daily life. He buys movie tickets, listens to music, does work, and even Tweets using his smartphones.
[Soundbite]Jo Hyeon-min (Office Worker): “Now, using just a regular cell phone would probably be really inconvenient.”
The number of smartphone subscribers has surpassed 10 million, with even elementary school students using them. The milestone has come just 16 months after smartphones were introduced in Korea. But users also complain over the downsides.
[Soundbite]Kwon Sun-jeong (Homemaker): “People don’t even look where they’re going, they just keep using them. I’ve seen people almost bump into each other a few times.”
[Soundbite]Kim Gwang-hyeon (Office Worker): “I use it all the time, everywhere, so it’s almost like an addiction.”
Many consumers say smartphone charges are too high.
[Soundbite]Kim Jan-dui (College Student): “I don't get much money from my parents. I have to pay 60,000 to 70,000 won (US$50-60 a month). It’s such a waste.”
The average communication costs per household hit an all-time high last year of more than 121 dollars. Communications costs accounted for more than 7 percent of household consumption expenditures, another record high. Telecom charges in Korea are higher than the average of most advanced economies. Korea's three telecom providers earn 1.8 billion dollars in annual net profit, prompting demands for lower charges. But the companies are reluctant to do so, claiming that smartphone charges are "comprehensive culture expenditures."
6. Special Beer
[Anchor Lead]
A new beer made from Gyeonggi Province specialties ginseng and rice has been developed. It's aimed at promoting the local products and raising the income of farmers from the region.
[Pkg]
Rice powder is mixed with water to make the base liquid for beer. Malt is added and the mixture is boiled. When the yeast is added to the mixture, the alcoholic base is ready. The formula needs to be matured for a month to make ginseng rice beer.
[Soundbite]Lee Yu-chang (Gimpo Ginseng Cooperative Assn.): “It was very difficult to harmonize the bitter taste of hops and that of ginseng. We tried 5 to 6 hundred times to get the final taste.”
The manufacturing method of preserving the subtle scent of ginseng has acquired a patent. It took three years and cost 3.6 million dollars to develop the product. The Ginseng Rice beer which will be sold from next month is already luring people's taste buds.
[Soundbite]Lee Mi-gyeong (Taster): “The aftertaste is a little bit bitter. If this can be adjusted, more people will like it, I think.”
The agricultural cooperatives and farmers are also preparing to develop other kinds as well such as Red Ginseng beer.
7. Bam Island
[Anchor Lead]
Bam Island in downtown Seoul is a haven for migratory birds. And now, ahead of their breeding season, the island is getting a clean-up. Let’s take a look.
[Pkg]
Human access is restricted to the avian paradise the Bam Island. But it's been open for a spring cleanup. Trash that floated from the upper river is picked up to create a cozy habitat for birds ahead of their breeding season.
[Soundbite]Son Dong-sik (Hangang Project Headquarters): “It's always refreshing to clean up. The birds have to lay their eggs, so it’s better to do it ahead of time.”
The number of great cormorants seen on the island has surged and their droppings have piled up on willow trees. They are cleaned up for the trees to sprout new buds. Thanks to the cleaning campaign, 77 bird species have been detected on the island up until now.
[Soundbite]Kim Seong-man (Korea Assoc. for Bird Protection): “If pheasants come, they can attract goshawks. A steller's sea eagle and a white-tailed eagle were spotted just the other day. This means the island is a great place for birds to rest.”
The Bam Island where people lived until 1968 is now a resting place for birds.
8. Soccer Update
[Anchor Lead]
The national soccer team plays host to Honduras today in an exhibition game in Seoul. New Korea captain Park Chu-young is healthy and ready for the match. Coach Cho Kwang-rae says he will set the roster for World Cup preliminaries based on this game.
[Pkg]
Striker Park Chu-young is the national soccer team's new captain and offensive leader with the retirement of Park Ji-sung from international play. Park Chu-young has shown good health in practice. He says he will show all at any position.
[Soundbite]Park Chu-young (Forward, National Soccer Team): “There's only a slight change in my role in different positions. We need to do what the coach says to become a good team.”
The exhibition game is Korea's first step toward the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Coach Cho Kwang-rae will decide his final roster for World Cup regional preliminaries based on this contest.
[Soundbite]Cho Kwang-rae (Coach, National Soccer Team): “World Cup prelims will begin following an A-match in June. The players, the coaching staff and fans should consider Friday's friendly as a real match.”
To advance to the World Cup finals, Korea must first play group preliminaries to secure one of the four to five berths allotted to Asia. The journey from group preliminary matches to the final qualifiers will span 22 months from September this year through June 2013. The newest Taegeuk Warriors will show what they're made of in Friday's home game versus Honduras.
9. Zoo Trip
[Anchor Lead]
Here's some good news for people who love animals but find going to the zoo and watching them in cages to be boring. There are some places where you can feed the animals and even play with them. Let's get a closer look.
[Pkg]
The world's largest and smallest breeds of horse hang out together here. The shire is more than ten times bigger than the miniature.
[Soundbite] “They're completely different, like a mother and baby.”
This little black pearl seems to have no trouble with the hurdles. And this is a spotted appaloosa. All kinds of rare breeds from around the world can be seen at this horse zoo.
[Soundbite] “There are horses of all different sizes. My kid loves it!”
And visitors don't just look here, but can also feed and groom and play with the horses. Among the many different things to do at this zoo, going for a ride is the most popular.
[Soundbite] “I'm waiting for a horse ride. It's going to be really fun!”
This little guy has never been on a horse before.
[Soundbite] “Giddyup! Let's go!”
But not everyone is nervous.
[Soundbite] “I was scared only this tiny bit.”
If actually riding the horse itself is too much for you, you can try out a wagon ride.
[Soundbite] “It's amazing how such a small horse can pull so many people!”
Admission is only 70 cents and all the programs are free.
[Soundbite] “We only paid 800 won (US 70 cents) per person and the kids love it here! We rode horses and bicycles for free and saw a lot of horses. It's great!”
Here's a baby animal zoo.
[Soundbite] “We came to see babies!”
The indoor zoo is home to different baby animals like calves and deer. Children love watching them eat. This girl thinks this rabbit has had enough.
[Soundbite] “(Daddy, can I stop feeding it?) Sure.”
She cuts its meal short. These ducklings keep running away, not knowing that the young visitor is trying to give them something to eat. The children become friends with the animals by feeding and playing with them.
[Soundbite] “(My daughter) used to be scared of animals and couldn't feed them at first, but after feeding and petting them, she loves them. I'm glad we came here.”
[Soundbite] “Seeing the live animals and touching them is much different from just seeing them in picture books.”
Here's a zoo you can get to quickly and easily.
[Soundbite] “We came to see animals!”
It’s located inside a subway station is home to around 500 amphibians and reptiles like frogs, lizards and turtles. You can even cozy up to some slimy-looking snakes.
[Soundbite] “It's fun! The snake is very slimy.”
Visitors can even try catching frogs and mudfish, just like kids did in the old days in the countryside.
[Soundbite] “It's fun to see animals and insects that I usually can’t see.”
These zoos are a great option for people with kids who want to get up close and personal with the animals.
■ 제보하기
▷ 카카오톡 : 'KBS제보' 검색, 채널 추가
▷ 전화 : 02-781-1234, 4444
▷ 이메일 : kbs1234@kbs.co.kr
▷ 유튜브, 네이버, 카카오에서도 KBS뉴스를 구독해주세요!
- NK Defectors
-
- 입력 2011-03-25 17:32:34
[Anchor Lead]
Six North Koreans and three ethnic Koreans from China have been found on a boat in South Korean waters off Gunsan, North Jeolla Province. The North Koreans comprise two families and are known to have stayed for a time in China.
[Pkg]
A boat with North Koreans on board is discovered in waters off Gunsan. Nine people are found on board. The South Korean Coast Guard says six of the passengers were North Korean defectors and three were ethnic Koreans from China. The six North Korean are known to comprise two families, including a couple with a daughter. A North Korean human rights group says the six defectors are known to have stayed in China after escaping the North, and reached South Korea on the boat. North Korean defectors getting to the South by boat from China is rare. A South Korean investigation team will hold a second round of questioning on the defectors and send the ethnic Koreans back to China. Separately, a vessel on which 27 North Koreans accidentally entered South Korean waters last month has been repaired. But bad weather has postponed their return to the North.
2. Food Aid
[Anchor Lead]
The United Nations World Food Program, which has investigated the situation in North Korea, has advised that the country needs 430 thousand tons of food support. The report is likely to have impact on Seoul’s North Korean food support policy. Here's more.
[Pkg]
United Nations organizations are advising that food support is urgent in North Korea. The World Food Program and the Food and Agriculture Organization report that six million North Koreans are suffering from severe famine because of the summer flood and severe cold in winter. The organizations identified the specific amount of support required, saying that the North must be provided with a total of 430 thousand tons of food supply. The two international organizations have surveyed local conditions from last month until recently. The investigation results are to have impact on Washington and Seoul who had both been considering of resuming North Korean support. Washington had formerly stated that resumption of food supply to the North will be determined based on the inspection results. With issues raising that former U.S. president Carter will visit the North next month for humanistic support, the U.S. State Department stresses that it's just a personal trip.
[Soundbite]Mark Toner (Spokesman, U.S. Department of State)
Meanwhile, the UN Human Rights Council has adopted the North Korean Human Rights Resolution and urged to obtain transparency when supporting the North.
3. Island Recovery
[Anchor Lead]
The Yellow Sea island of Baengnyeong has seen very few visitors since North Korea sank a South Korean warship nearby and shelled neighboring Yeonpyeong Island last year. A year has passed since the Cheonan sinking and inter-Korean tensions remain high, but Baengyeong residents are trying to focus on the future.
[Pkg]
Baengyeong Island residents say life has been a nightmare since the sinking of the Cheonan one year ago. Since North Korea shelled Yeonpyeong Island in November last year, Baengyeong Island has seen few tourists. The volume of fish caught and crops harvested also plummeted last year.
[Soundbite]Jang Ju-myeong (Fisherman): “It was such a disastrous year for the five islands in the Yellow Sea. We didn’t catch a lot of fish. We’ve also seen a poor harvest.”
[Soundbite]Kang Gye-ja (Restaurant Owner): “They say more soldiers have been sent here but they hardly come out because they're in emergency mode; it's no good for us.”
Despite lingering inter-Korean tension, Baengyeong residents are more determined to remember the two incidents and overcome their pain. Signs around the island are reminders of the Cheonan sinking. People go there to remember the 46 young soldiers killed in the attack.
[Soundbite]Kim Yong-geun (Pohang City Resident): “After the incident, I wanted to come to Baengnyeong Island. I had to come.”
A monument on the beach closest to where the Cheonan sank honors the victims. The monument is a reminder of a painful memory and noble sacrifice that South Koreans will never forget.
4. Radiation Alarm
[Anchor Lead]
The government had considered restricting imports of produce from regions near the troubled Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan but has put off this measure. Koreans are greatly concerned about radioactive contamination, and many are wondering why the restrictions have been withdrawn.
[Pkg]
This is a large supermarket in Seoul. At this aisle, liquor produced in the Ibaraki Prefecture located near the recent Fukushima nuclear facility explosion is displayed for sale. The product is not likely to be radioactive contaminated, since the manufactured date is last year. A total of some 60 tons of 11 processed food items from the four regions nearby Fukushima have been imported but they've all been manufactured before the earthquake. A total of 1,159 cases of food imports from Japan had been reported since the nuclear plant explosion and melons are the only produce among the list. Most of the food were produced before the earthquake so the Korean government has put off plans to ban customs on agricultural products from areas near the nuclear facility.
[Soundbite]Kim Jin-suk (Food & Drug Administration): “We're inspecting all imported foods produced in or brought in from Japan. So no additional customs ban seems necessary.”
But concerns are still rising and some stores have stopped selling fish from Japan.
[Soundbite] “I'm still worried. I don't feel like buying anything from Japan.”
The Food and Drug Administration says no radioactive contaminated food has been found in order to relieve the public's concerns. Measures will be reviewed when test results show possibilities of radioactive contamination.
5. Smartphones
[Anchor Lead]
The number of smartphone subscribers in Korea has surpassed 10 million 16 months after their debut in the country. The handy gadgets are making life easier for people, even as they rack up hefty monthly bills.
[Pkg]
Thirty-something office worker Jo Hyeon-min has two smartphones. The devices are an indispensable part of his daily life. He buys movie tickets, listens to music, does work, and even Tweets using his smartphones.
[Soundbite]Jo Hyeon-min (Office Worker): “Now, using just a regular cell phone would probably be really inconvenient.”
The number of smartphone subscribers has surpassed 10 million, with even elementary school students using them. The milestone has come just 16 months after smartphones were introduced in Korea. But users also complain over the downsides.
[Soundbite]Kwon Sun-jeong (Homemaker): “People don’t even look where they’re going, they just keep using them. I’ve seen people almost bump into each other a few times.”
[Soundbite]Kim Gwang-hyeon (Office Worker): “I use it all the time, everywhere, so it’s almost like an addiction.”
Many consumers say smartphone charges are too high.
[Soundbite]Kim Jan-dui (College Student): “I don't get much money from my parents. I have to pay 60,000 to 70,000 won (US$50-60 a month). It’s such a waste.”
The average communication costs per household hit an all-time high last year of more than 121 dollars. Communications costs accounted for more than 7 percent of household consumption expenditures, another record high. Telecom charges in Korea are higher than the average of most advanced economies. Korea's three telecom providers earn 1.8 billion dollars in annual net profit, prompting demands for lower charges. But the companies are reluctant to do so, claiming that smartphone charges are "comprehensive culture expenditures."
6. Special Beer
[Anchor Lead]
A new beer made from Gyeonggi Province specialties ginseng and rice has been developed. It's aimed at promoting the local products and raising the income of farmers from the region.
[Pkg]
Rice powder is mixed with water to make the base liquid for beer. Malt is added and the mixture is boiled. When the yeast is added to the mixture, the alcoholic base is ready. The formula needs to be matured for a month to make ginseng rice beer.
[Soundbite]Lee Yu-chang (Gimpo Ginseng Cooperative Assn.): “It was very difficult to harmonize the bitter taste of hops and that of ginseng. We tried 5 to 6 hundred times to get the final taste.”
The manufacturing method of preserving the subtle scent of ginseng has acquired a patent. It took three years and cost 3.6 million dollars to develop the product. The Ginseng Rice beer which will be sold from next month is already luring people's taste buds.
[Soundbite]Lee Mi-gyeong (Taster): “The aftertaste is a little bit bitter. If this can be adjusted, more people will like it, I think.”
The agricultural cooperatives and farmers are also preparing to develop other kinds as well such as Red Ginseng beer.
7. Bam Island
[Anchor Lead]
Bam Island in downtown Seoul is a haven for migratory birds. And now, ahead of their breeding season, the island is getting a clean-up. Let’s take a look.
[Pkg]
Human access is restricted to the avian paradise the Bam Island. But it's been open for a spring cleanup. Trash that floated from the upper river is picked up to create a cozy habitat for birds ahead of their breeding season.
[Soundbite]Son Dong-sik (Hangang Project Headquarters): “It's always refreshing to clean up. The birds have to lay their eggs, so it’s better to do it ahead of time.”
The number of great cormorants seen on the island has surged and their droppings have piled up on willow trees. They are cleaned up for the trees to sprout new buds. Thanks to the cleaning campaign, 77 bird species have been detected on the island up until now.
[Soundbite]Kim Seong-man (Korea Assoc. for Bird Protection): “If pheasants come, they can attract goshawks. A steller's sea eagle and a white-tailed eagle were spotted just the other day. This means the island is a great place for birds to rest.”
The Bam Island where people lived until 1968 is now a resting place for birds.
8. Soccer Update
[Anchor Lead]
The national soccer team plays host to Honduras today in an exhibition game in Seoul. New Korea captain Park Chu-young is healthy and ready for the match. Coach Cho Kwang-rae says he will set the roster for World Cup preliminaries based on this game.
[Pkg]
Striker Park Chu-young is the national soccer team's new captain and offensive leader with the retirement of Park Ji-sung from international play. Park Chu-young has shown good health in practice. He says he will show all at any position.
[Soundbite]Park Chu-young (Forward, National Soccer Team): “There's only a slight change in my role in different positions. We need to do what the coach says to become a good team.”
The exhibition game is Korea's first step toward the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Coach Cho Kwang-rae will decide his final roster for World Cup regional preliminaries based on this contest.
[Soundbite]Cho Kwang-rae (Coach, National Soccer Team): “World Cup prelims will begin following an A-match in June. The players, the coaching staff and fans should consider Friday's friendly as a real match.”
To advance to the World Cup finals, Korea must first play group preliminaries to secure one of the four to five berths allotted to Asia. The journey from group preliminary matches to the final qualifiers will span 22 months from September this year through June 2013. The newest Taegeuk Warriors will show what they're made of in Friday's home game versus Honduras.
9. Zoo Trip
[Anchor Lead]
Here's some good news for people who love animals but find going to the zoo and watching them in cages to be boring. There are some places where you can feed the animals and even play with them. Let's get a closer look.
[Pkg]
The world's largest and smallest breeds of horse hang out together here. The shire is more than ten times bigger than the miniature.
[Soundbite] “They're completely different, like a mother and baby.”
This little black pearl seems to have no trouble with the hurdles. And this is a spotted appaloosa. All kinds of rare breeds from around the world can be seen at this horse zoo.
[Soundbite] “There are horses of all different sizes. My kid loves it!”
And visitors don't just look here, but can also feed and groom and play with the horses. Among the many different things to do at this zoo, going for a ride is the most popular.
[Soundbite] “I'm waiting for a horse ride. It's going to be really fun!”
This little guy has never been on a horse before.
[Soundbite] “Giddyup! Let's go!”
But not everyone is nervous.
[Soundbite] “I was scared only this tiny bit.”
If actually riding the horse itself is too much for you, you can try out a wagon ride.
[Soundbite] “It's amazing how such a small horse can pull so many people!”
Admission is only 70 cents and all the programs are free.
[Soundbite] “We only paid 800 won (US 70 cents) per person and the kids love it here! We rode horses and bicycles for free and saw a lot of horses. It's great!”
Here's a baby animal zoo.
[Soundbite] “We came to see babies!”
The indoor zoo is home to different baby animals like calves and deer. Children love watching them eat. This girl thinks this rabbit has had enough.
[Soundbite] “(Daddy, can I stop feeding it?) Sure.”
She cuts its meal short. These ducklings keep running away, not knowing that the young visitor is trying to give them something to eat. The children become friends with the animals by feeding and playing with them.
[Soundbite] “(My daughter) used to be scared of animals and couldn't feed them at first, but after feeding and petting them, she loves them. I'm glad we came here.”
[Soundbite] “Seeing the live animals and touching them is much different from just seeing them in picture books.”
Here's a zoo you can get to quickly and easily.
[Soundbite] “We came to see animals!”
It’s located inside a subway station is home to around 500 amphibians and reptiles like frogs, lizards and turtles. You can even cozy up to some slimy-looking snakes.
[Soundbite] “It's fun! The snake is very slimy.”
Visitors can even try catching frogs and mudfish, just like kids did in the old days in the countryside.
[Soundbite] “It's fun to see animals and insects that I usually can’t see.”
These zoos are a great option for people with kids who want to get up close and personal with the animals.
이 기사가 좋으셨다면
-
좋아요
0
-
응원해요
0
-
후속 원해요
0
오늘의 핫 클릭
실시간 뜨거운 관심을 받고 있는 뉴스
헤드라인
많이 본 뉴스
-
각 플랫폼에서 최근 1시간 동안 많이 본 KBS 기사를 제공합니다.
-
각 플랫폼에서 최근 1시간 동안 많이 본 KBS 기사를 제공합니다.
-
각 플랫폼에서 최근 1시간 동안 많이 본 KBS 기사를 제공합니다.
이 기사에 대한 의견을 남겨주세요.