[Anchor Lead]
A Korean cargo vessel has survived a failed hijacking attempt by pirates in the Indian Ocean. The pirates opened fire but the freighter's crew hid in the safety room.
[Pkg]
Contact with the Korean freighter Hanjin Tianjin was lost around 5 a.m. Thursday after the ship sent an emergency signal in waters northeast of Somalia. The vessel is believed to have been hijacked by pirates. The Joint Chiefs of Staff dispatched the Korean destroyer Choi Young to the scene. When the pirates attacked, the crew pushed the emergency button calling for rescue and fled to the safety compartment.
[Soundbite] Brig. Gen. Kim Un-yong (Joint Chiefs of Staff) : "Orders to strengthen safety rooms have been made and the captain ordered an evacuation."
Korean military officers thoroughly checked the inside of the vessel. They said they found evidence that the pirates shot rifles and roamed about to look for the crew.
[Soundbite] Col. Lee Bung-woo (Spokesperson, Joint Chiefs of Staff) : "Three bullets from the AK rifles were found as well as numerous footprints and other traces indicating a hijack attempt."
The freighter suffered no damage and so will continue its voyage. The Hanjin Tianjin will return to Busan a week later after stopping over in Singapore.
2. Emergency Alert
[Anchor Lead]
Cutting edge information technology is being put to use to prevent crimes against women and children. A new safety service is being started where people can call the police with the push of a button on a mobile phone.
[Pkg]
Parents are waiting in front of an elementary school to pick up their children. They're concerned about their safety.
[Soundbite]
We keep hearing in the news about incidents of abduction and sexual violence.
A middle-aged man tries to talk to an elementary school student who is on her way home. The student pushes a speed dial on her cell phone. The location and the caller identity reach the police station.
[Soundbite]
(112 Notification): Police in the area are ordered to move to the site immediately.
The police arrives immediately. The Public Administration and Security Ministry has introduced on a trial basis this public safety service. An emergency situation is signaled to the police and parents via a cell phone, a smartphone, or an exclusive terminal.
[Soundbite] Maeng Hyung-kyu (Public Admin. & Security Minister) : "You don't need to report the crime verbally and it's easy to use. We’re expecting strong psychological crime prevention effects."
Through the trial service in Seoul, the government will sharpen the accuracy of detecting locations and will expand the service to nationwide in the year's second half.
3. Ginseng Farms
[Anchor Lead]
The country's southern region is seeing an increase in ginseng farming. The soil and other conditions are favorable for ginseng cultivation there, providing a stable source of income for farmers.
[Pkg]
Workers put up a facility to block sunlight at a ginseng farm in Haenam, South Jeolla Province. The farm was previously a 30-thousand square meter sweet potato field. The workload has increased since the switch but more profits are expected.
[Soundbite] Kim Myeong-seob (Ginseng Farmer) : "After growing for six years, ginseng can be harvested every year. If you put up with the work for the first 5-6 years, profits will increase from thereon."
The area of ginseng fields in South Jeolla Province has nearly doubled over the past three years. In contrast, the area of ginseng fields is decreasing 3 percent each year in South Chungcheong Province, which is considered the country's main ginseng harvest area. To avoid problems in yearly harvests of ginseng, cultivation is moving southward to South Jeolla where soil conditions are better. Predicting supply and demand for cabbage and radish is difficult. But ginseng farmers have a contract with the Korea Ginseng Corporation that guarantees a stable income. Ginseng consumption is also on the rise so the size of ginseng fields is expected to keep growing.
[Soundbite] Wi Sam-seob (S. Jeolla Provincial Government) : "It’s tough because it requires a lot of money in the beginning. The province must increase support for the farmers."
South Jeolla Province used to be a barren land for ginseng, but is growing into the main harvest area for the plant.
[Anchor Lead]
Thirty percent of Korean adults suffer from high blood pressure. Korean researchers have developed a candidate material for a new medicine to treat hypertension. The drug is said to have the same effect as lowering blood pressure through exercise.
[Pkg]
Existing hypertension treatment mostly involves forcibly suppressing the contraction of blood vessels. This has caused side effects including dizziness and patients could not take the medication for extended periods. But a new candidate medicine developed by Korean researchers pump up the metabolism inside the cells and expand the blood vessels, a similar effect produced through exercise.
[Soundbite] Lee Cheol-ho (Research Inst. of Bioscience & Biotech) : "It relaxes your blood vessels. It produces the same effect of exercising without doing it."
For this reason, the researchers say the medicine is also effective for cardiovascular diseases in general. The medicine was given to mice with high blood pressure for six weeks. Their blood pressure was reduced by 20 percent, their weight by 21 percent and cholesterol levels were down by 33 percent.
[Soundbite] Prof. Gu Bon-jeong (Chungnam National Univ. Hospital) : "The drug can be an innovative invention because it helps treat hypertension, obesity and hyperlipemia all at the same time."
The content of their blood vessels also saw a significant hike in nitric oxide which is produced through exercise and which increases the vessels' elasticity. The study is published in the online edition of the renowned Journal of Cardiovascular Research.
5. Neutral Fat
[Anchor Lead]
A study says 27 percent of Korean adults have excessive neutral or true fat. High levels of such fat can raise the risk of heart disease and stroke.
[Pkg]
The results of a physical say this 40-something man's neutral fat level is 399, more than three times the normal figure. His 36-inch waist shows that he has a weight problem.
[Soundbite]
I eat irregularly late at night and eat too much at once.
A survey of 130-thousand patients who received physicals at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital has found that 27 percent have high neutral fat levels. Thirteen percent are deemed in serious condition. The average neutral fat level of people in the West is 70 while that of Koreans is around 120. This is because Koreans consume little fat but a large amount of carbs through foods such as rice. Alcohol consumption is another leading cause of excessive neutral fat. Excessive neutral fat can cause hardening of the arteries and raise the risk of heart disease and stroke.
[Soundbite] Prof. Park Cheol-yeong (Kangbuk Samsung Hospital) : "Excessive neutral fat reduces the good cholesterol and increases harmful LDL cholesterol in the blood."
Neutral fat is mainly stored in the abdomen, so keeping one's gut in check is crucial. Doctors recommend reduction of carb intake and moderate consumption of alcohol.
6. Secret Divorce
[Anchor Lead]
Turning to entertainment, the country has been shocked to learn that musician Seo Taiji and actress Lee Ji-ah were secretly married and have gotten a divorce. Lee has filed a suit against Seo over the division of assets.
[Pkg]
Singer Seo Taiji was a sensation in the K-pop scene in the 1990s. He earned the nickname "cultural president" for bringing dramatic changes to the world of K-pop. But recently Seo has been mired in a divorce lawsuit demanding a large amount of alimony to his ex-wife. His former spouse is actress Lee Ji-ah. Seo and Lee got married secretly in the U.S. after Seo announced his retirement in the late 1990s. Lee filed a suit against Seo in January demanding alimony worth 460-thousand dollars and property worth 4.6 million dollars.
[Soundbite]
(Official from Lee Ji-ah's Agency): (Did you know about the lawsuit?) You'll learn about details from media reports later.
The former spouses had already met twice through their attorneys to discuss the legal proceedings. The lawsuit between the two top stars had been a secret until the news broke. They both use their artistic names and have never appeared in court.
[Soundbite]
Are you in charge of Jeong Hyeon-cheol (Seo Taiji)'s lawsuit?
[Soundbite]
(Seo's Attorney (Voice Modified)): I can't disclose information about my client.
Last month Lee acknowledged rumors that she was dating actor Jung Woo-sung, co-star of a recent TV drama.
7. English Musicals
[Anchor Lead]
English language musicals enjoy enormous popularity among children these days. They're fun to watch and offer kids a chance to brush up on their English.
[Pkg]
The popular picture book "Guess How Much I Love You" is about a bunny and its caring Daddy rabbit. Recently, a musical has been made based on the book. Characters discuss change of seasons in English through the eyes of the baby bunny. Though it's an English musical, it's easy to understand to children.
[Soundbite]
I was worried because it's in English but my child loved it.
Another popular picture book "Cloud Bread" about flying adventures was also staged as an English musical. It features 12 popular children's songs in English. English musicals have been gaining in popularity because they're fun to watch and offer a chance to learn English.
8. Sports Update
[Anchor Lead]
In Korean pro baseball, the defending champion Incheon SK Wyverns have taken the league lead with a win over the Seoul LG Twins. LG's star pitcher Benjamin Jukich committed two errors in the game.
[Pkg]
Pitcher Benjamin Jukich has shined for LG early this season, but struggled in the second inning against SK. He allowed the runner to advance due to a series of wild pitches. He also gave up a run by committing a balk with runners on first and third. The SK Wyverns grabbed this chance. Park Jung-kwon drove in a run. In the third, Chung Keun-woo scored to make it 3-0 after Jukich committed his second balk of the game. The Wyverns' Choi Jung added a solo homer in the bottom of the fourth. SK's 5-1 win over LG put the Wyverns on top of the league.
The second-place Seoul Doosan Bears beat crosstown rivals Nexen Heroes for the third straight time. Doosan's Kim Dong-joo posted his 1-thousandth RBI with a three-run double in the fifth. Choi Jun-seok added four RBIs in the Bears' 8-1 win.
[Soundbite] Kim Dong-joo (3rd Baseman, Doosan Bears) : "My juniors gave me a good chance. We achieved this together. I'm grateful to my teammates."
The Daegu Samsung Lions edged the Gwangju Kia Tigers, 4-3. The Daejeon Hanwha Eagles also rallied from the seventh inning to push the Busan Lotte Giants to the bottom of the league standings.
9. Spring Flowers
[Anchor Lead]
Spring flowers are in full bloom and are drawing people out of their homes to welcome the season. Rape flowers are also among the spring guests. Jeju Island is the most famous place for fields of rape flowers. But they can also be found on the east coast of the peninsula. We take you there now.
[Pkg]
Yellow rape flowers sway in the breeze in Samcheok, Gangwon Province.
[Soundbite]
It's really good. So beautiful.
This year, they're bloomed later than usual, but they’re no less beautiful.
[Soundbite]
My heart is pounding.
[Soundbite]
It's fantastic. Yellow flowers are everywhere.
Visitors are taken in by the yellow waves and the scent of the flowers.
[Soundbite]
The flowers are so beautiful and picturesque.
There is a special program here for kids. Children can ride a horse along a path.
[Soundbite]
It looks fun.
This young rider is excited for his ride.
[Soundbite]
It's bumpy.
He creates a great memory from on horseback. Lunch boxes are a key item for spring picnics.
[Soundbite]
Flowers are pretty and the lunch was good. I'm happy.
Here we have bowls of special bibimbap.
[Soundbite]
This is rape flower bibimbap. It's wonderful.
Rape leaves and flowers top the small mountain of vegetables and hot steamed barley. The dish is a specialty of the season.
[Soundbite]
IT smells nice and it’s delicious. It melts in your mouth.
Another must-try is fried scallions topped with rape flowers. And here we have sticky rice cake with rape. Add rape to the sticky rice dough as you beat it. The whole mixture takes on the yellow color.
[Soundbite]
It's soft, flavory and delicious.
[Soundbite]
It's great. It goes well with strawberry jam.
Other hands-on programs are also available. Children love the animals in this makeshift zoo. They are busy blowing bubbles and taking the rides. One day isn’t long enough to do everything.
[Soundbite]
The rape flowers are beautiful. There are lots of things to see and do. My children love it. I'm satisfied.
And there’s still more to see.
[Soundbite]
It's wonderful.
The sea is just a few steps away from the rape field. This is Maengbang Beach, with its stretching sands and shallow water.
[Soundbite]
I feel refreshed to see the rape flowers and the sea.
Samcheok also runs a cave trip.
[Soundbite]
They made it look just like a real cave.
People can go in and check what it’s like down in the bowels of the caves.
[Soundbite]
We stopped here after seeing the rape flowers. IT seems like a real cave; it’s a great experience.
Rape festivals are also being held in other regions of the nation. The blooming rape flowers are inviting you to come out and enjoy the spring.
A Korean cargo vessel has survived a failed hijacking attempt by pirates in the Indian Ocean. The pirates opened fire but the freighter's crew hid in the safety room.
[Pkg]
Contact with the Korean freighter Hanjin Tianjin was lost around 5 a.m. Thursday after the ship sent an emergency signal in waters northeast of Somalia. The vessel is believed to have been hijacked by pirates. The Joint Chiefs of Staff dispatched the Korean destroyer Choi Young to the scene. When the pirates attacked, the crew pushed the emergency button calling for rescue and fled to the safety compartment.
[Soundbite] Brig. Gen. Kim Un-yong (Joint Chiefs of Staff) : "Orders to strengthen safety rooms have been made and the captain ordered an evacuation."
Korean military officers thoroughly checked the inside of the vessel. They said they found evidence that the pirates shot rifles and roamed about to look for the crew.
[Soundbite] Col. Lee Bung-woo (Spokesperson, Joint Chiefs of Staff) : "Three bullets from the AK rifles were found as well as numerous footprints and other traces indicating a hijack attempt."
The freighter suffered no damage and so will continue its voyage. The Hanjin Tianjin will return to Busan a week later after stopping over in Singapore.
2. Emergency Alert
[Anchor Lead]
Cutting edge information technology is being put to use to prevent crimes against women and children. A new safety service is being started where people can call the police with the push of a button on a mobile phone.
[Pkg]
Parents are waiting in front of an elementary school to pick up their children. They're concerned about their safety.
[Soundbite]
We keep hearing in the news about incidents of abduction and sexual violence.
A middle-aged man tries to talk to an elementary school student who is on her way home. The student pushes a speed dial on her cell phone. The location and the caller identity reach the police station.
[Soundbite]
(112 Notification): Police in the area are ordered to move to the site immediately.
The police arrives immediately. The Public Administration and Security Ministry has introduced on a trial basis this public safety service. An emergency situation is signaled to the police and parents via a cell phone, a smartphone, or an exclusive terminal.
[Soundbite] Maeng Hyung-kyu (Public Admin. & Security Minister) : "You don't need to report the crime verbally and it's easy to use. We’re expecting strong psychological crime prevention effects."
Through the trial service in Seoul, the government will sharpen the accuracy of detecting locations and will expand the service to nationwide in the year's second half.
3. Ginseng Farms
[Anchor Lead]
The country's southern region is seeing an increase in ginseng farming. The soil and other conditions are favorable for ginseng cultivation there, providing a stable source of income for farmers.
[Pkg]
Workers put up a facility to block sunlight at a ginseng farm in Haenam, South Jeolla Province. The farm was previously a 30-thousand square meter sweet potato field. The workload has increased since the switch but more profits are expected.
[Soundbite] Kim Myeong-seob (Ginseng Farmer) : "After growing for six years, ginseng can be harvested every year. If you put up with the work for the first 5-6 years, profits will increase from thereon."
The area of ginseng fields in South Jeolla Province has nearly doubled over the past three years. In contrast, the area of ginseng fields is decreasing 3 percent each year in South Chungcheong Province, which is considered the country's main ginseng harvest area. To avoid problems in yearly harvests of ginseng, cultivation is moving southward to South Jeolla where soil conditions are better. Predicting supply and demand for cabbage and radish is difficult. But ginseng farmers have a contract with the Korea Ginseng Corporation that guarantees a stable income. Ginseng consumption is also on the rise so the size of ginseng fields is expected to keep growing.
[Soundbite] Wi Sam-seob (S. Jeolla Provincial Government) : "It’s tough because it requires a lot of money in the beginning. The province must increase support for the farmers."
South Jeolla Province used to be a barren land for ginseng, but is growing into the main harvest area for the plant.
[Anchor Lead]
Thirty percent of Korean adults suffer from high blood pressure. Korean researchers have developed a candidate material for a new medicine to treat hypertension. The drug is said to have the same effect as lowering blood pressure through exercise.
[Pkg]
Existing hypertension treatment mostly involves forcibly suppressing the contraction of blood vessels. This has caused side effects including dizziness and patients could not take the medication for extended periods. But a new candidate medicine developed by Korean researchers pump up the metabolism inside the cells and expand the blood vessels, a similar effect produced through exercise.
[Soundbite] Lee Cheol-ho (Research Inst. of Bioscience & Biotech) : "It relaxes your blood vessels. It produces the same effect of exercising without doing it."
For this reason, the researchers say the medicine is also effective for cardiovascular diseases in general. The medicine was given to mice with high blood pressure for six weeks. Their blood pressure was reduced by 20 percent, their weight by 21 percent and cholesterol levels were down by 33 percent.
[Soundbite] Prof. Gu Bon-jeong (Chungnam National Univ. Hospital) : "The drug can be an innovative invention because it helps treat hypertension, obesity and hyperlipemia all at the same time."
The content of their blood vessels also saw a significant hike in nitric oxide which is produced through exercise and which increases the vessels' elasticity. The study is published in the online edition of the renowned Journal of Cardiovascular Research.
5. Neutral Fat
[Anchor Lead]
A study says 27 percent of Korean adults have excessive neutral or true fat. High levels of such fat can raise the risk of heart disease and stroke.
[Pkg]
The results of a physical say this 40-something man's neutral fat level is 399, more than three times the normal figure. His 36-inch waist shows that he has a weight problem.
[Soundbite]
I eat irregularly late at night and eat too much at once.
A survey of 130-thousand patients who received physicals at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital has found that 27 percent have high neutral fat levels. Thirteen percent are deemed in serious condition. The average neutral fat level of people in the West is 70 while that of Koreans is around 120. This is because Koreans consume little fat but a large amount of carbs through foods such as rice. Alcohol consumption is another leading cause of excessive neutral fat. Excessive neutral fat can cause hardening of the arteries and raise the risk of heart disease and stroke.
[Soundbite] Prof. Park Cheol-yeong (Kangbuk Samsung Hospital) : "Excessive neutral fat reduces the good cholesterol and increases harmful LDL cholesterol in the blood."
Neutral fat is mainly stored in the abdomen, so keeping one's gut in check is crucial. Doctors recommend reduction of carb intake and moderate consumption of alcohol.
6. Secret Divorce
[Anchor Lead]
Turning to entertainment, the country has been shocked to learn that musician Seo Taiji and actress Lee Ji-ah were secretly married and have gotten a divorce. Lee has filed a suit against Seo over the division of assets.
[Pkg]
Singer Seo Taiji was a sensation in the K-pop scene in the 1990s. He earned the nickname "cultural president" for bringing dramatic changes to the world of K-pop. But recently Seo has been mired in a divorce lawsuit demanding a large amount of alimony to his ex-wife. His former spouse is actress Lee Ji-ah. Seo and Lee got married secretly in the U.S. after Seo announced his retirement in the late 1990s. Lee filed a suit against Seo in January demanding alimony worth 460-thousand dollars and property worth 4.6 million dollars.
[Soundbite]
(Official from Lee Ji-ah's Agency): (Did you know about the lawsuit?) You'll learn about details from media reports later.
The former spouses had already met twice through their attorneys to discuss the legal proceedings. The lawsuit between the two top stars had been a secret until the news broke. They both use their artistic names and have never appeared in court.
[Soundbite]
Are you in charge of Jeong Hyeon-cheol (Seo Taiji)'s lawsuit?
[Soundbite]
(Seo's Attorney (Voice Modified)): I can't disclose information about my client.
Last month Lee acknowledged rumors that she was dating actor Jung Woo-sung, co-star of a recent TV drama.
7. English Musicals
[Anchor Lead]
English language musicals enjoy enormous popularity among children these days. They're fun to watch and offer kids a chance to brush up on their English.
[Pkg]
The popular picture book "Guess How Much I Love You" is about a bunny and its caring Daddy rabbit. Recently, a musical has been made based on the book. Characters discuss change of seasons in English through the eyes of the baby bunny. Though it's an English musical, it's easy to understand to children.
[Soundbite]
I was worried because it's in English but my child loved it.
Another popular picture book "Cloud Bread" about flying adventures was also staged as an English musical. It features 12 popular children's songs in English. English musicals have been gaining in popularity because they're fun to watch and offer a chance to learn English.
8. Sports Update
[Anchor Lead]
In Korean pro baseball, the defending champion Incheon SK Wyverns have taken the league lead with a win over the Seoul LG Twins. LG's star pitcher Benjamin Jukich committed two errors in the game.
[Pkg]
Pitcher Benjamin Jukich has shined for LG early this season, but struggled in the second inning against SK. He allowed the runner to advance due to a series of wild pitches. He also gave up a run by committing a balk with runners on first and third. The SK Wyverns grabbed this chance. Park Jung-kwon drove in a run. In the third, Chung Keun-woo scored to make it 3-0 after Jukich committed his second balk of the game. The Wyverns' Choi Jung added a solo homer in the bottom of the fourth. SK's 5-1 win over LG put the Wyverns on top of the league.
The second-place Seoul Doosan Bears beat crosstown rivals Nexen Heroes for the third straight time. Doosan's Kim Dong-joo posted his 1-thousandth RBI with a three-run double in the fifth. Choi Jun-seok added four RBIs in the Bears' 8-1 win.
[Soundbite] Kim Dong-joo (3rd Baseman, Doosan Bears) : "My juniors gave me a good chance. We achieved this together. I'm grateful to my teammates."
The Daegu Samsung Lions edged the Gwangju Kia Tigers, 4-3. The Daejeon Hanwha Eagles also rallied from the seventh inning to push the Busan Lotte Giants to the bottom of the league standings.
9. Spring Flowers
[Anchor Lead]
Spring flowers are in full bloom and are drawing people out of their homes to welcome the season. Rape flowers are also among the spring guests. Jeju Island is the most famous place for fields of rape flowers. But they can also be found on the east coast of the peninsula. We take you there now.
[Pkg]
Yellow rape flowers sway in the breeze in Samcheok, Gangwon Province.
[Soundbite]
It's really good. So beautiful.
This year, they're bloomed later than usual, but they’re no less beautiful.
[Soundbite]
My heart is pounding.
[Soundbite]
It's fantastic. Yellow flowers are everywhere.
Visitors are taken in by the yellow waves and the scent of the flowers.
[Soundbite]
The flowers are so beautiful and picturesque.
There is a special program here for kids. Children can ride a horse along a path.
[Soundbite]
It looks fun.
This young rider is excited for his ride.
[Soundbite]
It's bumpy.
He creates a great memory from on horseback. Lunch boxes are a key item for spring picnics.
[Soundbite]
Flowers are pretty and the lunch was good. I'm happy.
Here we have bowls of special bibimbap.
[Soundbite]
This is rape flower bibimbap. It's wonderful.
Rape leaves and flowers top the small mountain of vegetables and hot steamed barley. The dish is a specialty of the season.
[Soundbite]
IT smells nice and it’s delicious. It melts in your mouth.
Another must-try is fried scallions topped with rape flowers. And here we have sticky rice cake with rape. Add rape to the sticky rice dough as you beat it. The whole mixture takes on the yellow color.
[Soundbite]
It's soft, flavory and delicious.
[Soundbite]
It's great. It goes well with strawberry jam.
Other hands-on programs are also available. Children love the animals in this makeshift zoo. They are busy blowing bubbles and taking the rides. One day isn’t long enough to do everything.
[Soundbite]
The rape flowers are beautiful. There are lots of things to see and do. My children love it. I'm satisfied.
And there’s still more to see.
[Soundbite]
It's wonderful.
The sea is just a few steps away from the rape field. This is Maengbang Beach, with its stretching sands and shallow water.
[Soundbite]
I feel refreshed to see the rape flowers and the sea.
Samcheok also runs a cave trip.
[Soundbite]
They made it look just like a real cave.
People can go in and check what it’s like down in the bowels of the caves.
[Soundbite]
We stopped here after seeing the rape flowers. IT seems like a real cave; it’s a great experience.
Rape festivals are also being held in other regions of the nation. The blooming rape flowers are inviting you to come out and enjoy the spring.
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- Crew Safe
-
- 입력 2011-04-22 18:03:14
[Anchor Lead]
A Korean cargo vessel has survived a failed hijacking attempt by pirates in the Indian Ocean. The pirates opened fire but the freighter's crew hid in the safety room.
[Pkg]
Contact with the Korean freighter Hanjin Tianjin was lost around 5 a.m. Thursday after the ship sent an emergency signal in waters northeast of Somalia. The vessel is believed to have been hijacked by pirates. The Joint Chiefs of Staff dispatched the Korean destroyer Choi Young to the scene. When the pirates attacked, the crew pushed the emergency button calling for rescue and fled to the safety compartment.
[Soundbite] Brig. Gen. Kim Un-yong (Joint Chiefs of Staff) : "Orders to strengthen safety rooms have been made and the captain ordered an evacuation."
Korean military officers thoroughly checked the inside of the vessel. They said they found evidence that the pirates shot rifles and roamed about to look for the crew.
[Soundbite] Col. Lee Bung-woo (Spokesperson, Joint Chiefs of Staff) : "Three bullets from the AK rifles were found as well as numerous footprints and other traces indicating a hijack attempt."
The freighter suffered no damage and so will continue its voyage. The Hanjin Tianjin will return to Busan a week later after stopping over in Singapore.
2. Emergency Alert
[Anchor Lead]
Cutting edge information technology is being put to use to prevent crimes against women and children. A new safety service is being started where people can call the police with the push of a button on a mobile phone.
[Pkg]
Parents are waiting in front of an elementary school to pick up their children. They're concerned about their safety.
[Soundbite]
We keep hearing in the news about incidents of abduction and sexual violence.
A middle-aged man tries to talk to an elementary school student who is on her way home. The student pushes a speed dial on her cell phone. The location and the caller identity reach the police station.
[Soundbite]
(112 Notification): Police in the area are ordered to move to the site immediately.
The police arrives immediately. The Public Administration and Security Ministry has introduced on a trial basis this public safety service. An emergency situation is signaled to the police and parents via a cell phone, a smartphone, or an exclusive terminal.
[Soundbite] Maeng Hyung-kyu (Public Admin. & Security Minister) : "You don't need to report the crime verbally and it's easy to use. We’re expecting strong psychological crime prevention effects."
Through the trial service in Seoul, the government will sharpen the accuracy of detecting locations and will expand the service to nationwide in the year's second half.
3. Ginseng Farms
[Anchor Lead]
The country's southern region is seeing an increase in ginseng farming. The soil and other conditions are favorable for ginseng cultivation there, providing a stable source of income for farmers.
[Pkg]
Workers put up a facility to block sunlight at a ginseng farm in Haenam, South Jeolla Province. The farm was previously a 30-thousand square meter sweet potato field. The workload has increased since the switch but more profits are expected.
[Soundbite] Kim Myeong-seob (Ginseng Farmer) : "After growing for six years, ginseng can be harvested every year. If you put up with the work for the first 5-6 years, profits will increase from thereon."
The area of ginseng fields in South Jeolla Province has nearly doubled over the past three years. In contrast, the area of ginseng fields is decreasing 3 percent each year in South Chungcheong Province, which is considered the country's main ginseng harvest area. To avoid problems in yearly harvests of ginseng, cultivation is moving southward to South Jeolla where soil conditions are better. Predicting supply and demand for cabbage and radish is difficult. But ginseng farmers have a contract with the Korea Ginseng Corporation that guarantees a stable income. Ginseng consumption is also on the rise so the size of ginseng fields is expected to keep growing.
[Soundbite] Wi Sam-seob (S. Jeolla Provincial Government) : "It’s tough because it requires a lot of money in the beginning. The province must increase support for the farmers."
South Jeolla Province used to be a barren land for ginseng, but is growing into the main harvest area for the plant.
[Anchor Lead]
Thirty percent of Korean adults suffer from high blood pressure. Korean researchers have developed a candidate material for a new medicine to treat hypertension. The drug is said to have the same effect as lowering blood pressure through exercise.
[Pkg]
Existing hypertension treatment mostly involves forcibly suppressing the contraction of blood vessels. This has caused side effects including dizziness and patients could not take the medication for extended periods. But a new candidate medicine developed by Korean researchers pump up the metabolism inside the cells and expand the blood vessels, a similar effect produced through exercise.
[Soundbite] Lee Cheol-ho (Research Inst. of Bioscience & Biotech) : "It relaxes your blood vessels. It produces the same effect of exercising without doing it."
For this reason, the researchers say the medicine is also effective for cardiovascular diseases in general. The medicine was given to mice with high blood pressure for six weeks. Their blood pressure was reduced by 20 percent, their weight by 21 percent and cholesterol levels were down by 33 percent.
[Soundbite] Prof. Gu Bon-jeong (Chungnam National Univ. Hospital) : "The drug can be an innovative invention because it helps treat hypertension, obesity and hyperlipemia all at the same time."
The content of their blood vessels also saw a significant hike in nitric oxide which is produced through exercise and which increases the vessels' elasticity. The study is published in the online edition of the renowned Journal of Cardiovascular Research.
5. Neutral Fat
[Anchor Lead]
A study says 27 percent of Korean adults have excessive neutral or true fat. High levels of such fat can raise the risk of heart disease and stroke.
[Pkg]
The results of a physical say this 40-something man's neutral fat level is 399, more than three times the normal figure. His 36-inch waist shows that he has a weight problem.
[Soundbite]
I eat irregularly late at night and eat too much at once.
A survey of 130-thousand patients who received physicals at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital has found that 27 percent have high neutral fat levels. Thirteen percent are deemed in serious condition. The average neutral fat level of people in the West is 70 while that of Koreans is around 120. This is because Koreans consume little fat but a large amount of carbs through foods such as rice. Alcohol consumption is another leading cause of excessive neutral fat. Excessive neutral fat can cause hardening of the arteries and raise the risk of heart disease and stroke.
[Soundbite] Prof. Park Cheol-yeong (Kangbuk Samsung Hospital) : "Excessive neutral fat reduces the good cholesterol and increases harmful LDL cholesterol in the blood."
Neutral fat is mainly stored in the abdomen, so keeping one's gut in check is crucial. Doctors recommend reduction of carb intake and moderate consumption of alcohol.
6. Secret Divorce
[Anchor Lead]
Turning to entertainment, the country has been shocked to learn that musician Seo Taiji and actress Lee Ji-ah were secretly married and have gotten a divorce. Lee has filed a suit against Seo over the division of assets.
[Pkg]
Singer Seo Taiji was a sensation in the K-pop scene in the 1990s. He earned the nickname "cultural president" for bringing dramatic changes to the world of K-pop. But recently Seo has been mired in a divorce lawsuit demanding a large amount of alimony to his ex-wife. His former spouse is actress Lee Ji-ah. Seo and Lee got married secretly in the U.S. after Seo announced his retirement in the late 1990s. Lee filed a suit against Seo in January demanding alimony worth 460-thousand dollars and property worth 4.6 million dollars.
[Soundbite]
(Official from Lee Ji-ah's Agency): (Did you know about the lawsuit?) You'll learn about details from media reports later.
The former spouses had already met twice through their attorneys to discuss the legal proceedings. The lawsuit between the two top stars had been a secret until the news broke. They both use their artistic names and have never appeared in court.
[Soundbite]
Are you in charge of Jeong Hyeon-cheol (Seo Taiji)'s lawsuit?
[Soundbite]
(Seo's Attorney (Voice Modified)): I can't disclose information about my client.
Last month Lee acknowledged rumors that she was dating actor Jung Woo-sung, co-star of a recent TV drama.
7. English Musicals
[Anchor Lead]
English language musicals enjoy enormous popularity among children these days. They're fun to watch and offer kids a chance to brush up on their English.
[Pkg]
The popular picture book "Guess How Much I Love You" is about a bunny and its caring Daddy rabbit. Recently, a musical has been made based on the book. Characters discuss change of seasons in English through the eyes of the baby bunny. Though it's an English musical, it's easy to understand to children.
[Soundbite]
I was worried because it's in English but my child loved it.
Another popular picture book "Cloud Bread" about flying adventures was also staged as an English musical. It features 12 popular children's songs in English. English musicals have been gaining in popularity because they're fun to watch and offer a chance to learn English.
8. Sports Update
[Anchor Lead]
In Korean pro baseball, the defending champion Incheon SK Wyverns have taken the league lead with a win over the Seoul LG Twins. LG's star pitcher Benjamin Jukich committed two errors in the game.
[Pkg]
Pitcher Benjamin Jukich has shined for LG early this season, but struggled in the second inning against SK. He allowed the runner to advance due to a series of wild pitches. He also gave up a run by committing a balk with runners on first and third. The SK Wyverns grabbed this chance. Park Jung-kwon drove in a run. In the third, Chung Keun-woo scored to make it 3-0 after Jukich committed his second balk of the game. The Wyverns' Choi Jung added a solo homer in the bottom of the fourth. SK's 5-1 win over LG put the Wyverns on top of the league.
The second-place Seoul Doosan Bears beat crosstown rivals Nexen Heroes for the third straight time. Doosan's Kim Dong-joo posted his 1-thousandth RBI with a three-run double in the fifth. Choi Jun-seok added four RBIs in the Bears' 8-1 win.
[Soundbite] Kim Dong-joo (3rd Baseman, Doosan Bears) : "My juniors gave me a good chance. We achieved this together. I'm grateful to my teammates."
The Daegu Samsung Lions edged the Gwangju Kia Tigers, 4-3. The Daejeon Hanwha Eagles also rallied from the seventh inning to push the Busan Lotte Giants to the bottom of the league standings.
9. Spring Flowers
[Anchor Lead]
Spring flowers are in full bloom and are drawing people out of their homes to welcome the season. Rape flowers are also among the spring guests. Jeju Island is the most famous place for fields of rape flowers. But they can also be found on the east coast of the peninsula. We take you there now.
[Pkg]
Yellow rape flowers sway in the breeze in Samcheok, Gangwon Province.
[Soundbite]
It's really good. So beautiful.
This year, they're bloomed later than usual, but they’re no less beautiful.
[Soundbite]
My heart is pounding.
[Soundbite]
It's fantastic. Yellow flowers are everywhere.
Visitors are taken in by the yellow waves and the scent of the flowers.
[Soundbite]
The flowers are so beautiful and picturesque.
There is a special program here for kids. Children can ride a horse along a path.
[Soundbite]
It looks fun.
This young rider is excited for his ride.
[Soundbite]
It's bumpy.
He creates a great memory from on horseback. Lunch boxes are a key item for spring picnics.
[Soundbite]
Flowers are pretty and the lunch was good. I'm happy.
Here we have bowls of special bibimbap.
[Soundbite]
This is rape flower bibimbap. It's wonderful.
Rape leaves and flowers top the small mountain of vegetables and hot steamed barley. The dish is a specialty of the season.
[Soundbite]
IT smells nice and it’s delicious. It melts in your mouth.
Another must-try is fried scallions topped with rape flowers. And here we have sticky rice cake with rape. Add rape to the sticky rice dough as you beat it. The whole mixture takes on the yellow color.
[Soundbite]
It's soft, flavory and delicious.
[Soundbite]
It's great. It goes well with strawberry jam.
Other hands-on programs are also available. Children love the animals in this makeshift zoo. They are busy blowing bubbles and taking the rides. One day isn’t long enough to do everything.
[Soundbite]
The rape flowers are beautiful. There are lots of things to see and do. My children love it. I'm satisfied.
And there’s still more to see.
[Soundbite]
It's wonderful.
The sea is just a few steps away from the rape field. This is Maengbang Beach, with its stretching sands and shallow water.
[Soundbite]
I feel refreshed to see the rape flowers and the sea.
Samcheok also runs a cave trip.
[Soundbite]
They made it look just like a real cave.
People can go in and check what it’s like down in the bowels of the caves.
[Soundbite]
We stopped here after seeing the rape flowers. IT seems like a real cave; it’s a great experience.
Rape festivals are also being held in other regions of the nation. The blooming rape flowers are inviting you to come out and enjoy the spring.
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