SK Scandal
입력 2013.02.01 (16:06)
수정 2013.02.01 (16:30)
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브라우저에서만 사용하실 수 있습니다.
[Anchor Lead]
The leniency business leaders have traditionally enjoyed in Korean courtrooms looks to be coming to an end, as the head of the nation’s third-largest conglomerate has been sentenced to four years in prison for embezzlement.
[Pkg]
SK Group chairman Chey Tae-won was indicted for embezzlement and creating a slush fund. The court ruled him guilty and laid down a four-year prison sentence. Chey made SK affiliates invest around 91.9 million US dollars to the investment company Benex, and of that amount, he had 42.7 million US dollars invested to an associate. The court ruled the chairman not guilty of creating a slush fund of around 12 million US dollars as he was not directly involved. However, he was put under court custody for the heavy nature of his crime as a conglomerate head. Chey was imprisoned in 2003 for SK Global's accounting fraud and will be going to prison again after ten years. The same charges against vice chairman Chey Jae-won, the chairman's younger brother, was cleared due to a lack of evidence. The court said it tried to be as fair and unbiased as it could with the ruling and that it was against lessening the criminal liability for a conglomerate head. In his final defense, Chey Tae-won claimed himself innocent. SK Group said it will appeal against the court's decision.
2. Nuke Test Imminent
[Anchor Lead]
South Korean officials are on high alert as evidence continues to surface of an impending nuclear test in North Korea. Here are the latest details.
[Pkg]
The image shows nuclear test tunnels in Punggye-ri, Hamgyong Province in North Korea. South Korean military authorities are tending particular attention to the tunnels in the west and the south. It's believed that the west tunnel has completed the 9th stage in nuclear test preparations, which is the final phase. Authorities also believe that the south tunnel has covered and concealed other preparations, which are in the 7th stage. The 8th stage of tidying up the test site and the 9th stage of installing measuring equipment only take a day. South Korean officials project a higher chance of a nuclear test being conducted in the south tunnel. In its second nuclear test in 2009, North Korea prepared two tunnels, but only conducted the test in one. Movements among the North Korean military also show signs of an impending provocation.
[Soundbite] Kim Min-seok(Spokesman, Min. of National Defense (Jan. 30)) : "We recognize North Korea has ordered an increase in military tensions while it prepares for the nuclear test."
The North's state-run Korean Central News Agency has again threatened that the North will defend its autonomy through nuclear deterrence and took issue with the recent winter defense drills that was jointly held between South Korea and the US.
3. Countering the North
[Anchor Lead]
As it begins to look more and more certain that Pyongyang will go ahead with the nuclear test, Seoul is stepping up its counter efforts. President Lee Myung-bak convened an emergency meeting in which he instructed foreign affairs and securities officials to take strong measures. The defense minister also visited the inter-Korean border to check the preparedness of the South’s military.
[Pkg]
President Lee Myung-bak convened an emergency meeting of foreign affairs and national security officials. In an unprecedented move the meeting was taped and disclosed to the public. The president ordered Defense Minister Kim Kwan-jin to take proactive measures against North Korea's attempt to raise military tensions on the Korean Peninsula apparently to threaten the incoming administration. Kim immediately visited the inter-Korean border to check the military's preparedness. He ordered the military to ready ballistic missiles whose range can cover the entire North Korean territory. International cooperation is also gaining pace. South Korean, U.S. and Japanese officials recently met in Tokyo to announce a joint statement warning Pyongyang.
[Soundbite] Im Gwan-bin(Min. of National Defense) : "If North Korea chooses to take more provocative measures such as nuclear tests, this would be neglectful of the international community's resolution. Pyongyang will be fully responsible for its actions."
The three countries as well as China and Russia have agreed to collaborate in taking proactive measures. The situation is expected to become more favorable for South Korea once it begins its duties as a non-permanent member of the U.N. Security Council today.
4. Another Toxic Leak
[Anchor Lead]
Samsung Electronics has experienced another chemical leak on the heels of a toxic gas leak just a few days ago.
[Pkg]
The road in front of a plant is stained where there was a waste chemical spill. On Thursday morning at around 10:30 a.m., a liquid chemical was spilt onto the road at Samsung Electronics’ Giheung plant site. It happened while a chemical in a storage tank was being transferred to a tank truck.
[Soundbite] Fire Station Official(Voice Modified) : "Because of the pressure, liquid can spatter when the hose gets twisted up in the middle. It spattered a bit like that."
Two liters of isoprophylene alcohol was spilt. The chemical was to be thrown away after being used to clean semiconductors. Samsung Electronics officials say they're flustered. Meanwhile, the police are speeding up investigations on Samsung's hydrofluoric acid leak. Investigators say surveillance camera footage show that the dead worker identified as Park was working on repairs for six hours from 12:13 a.m. on Monday. Park was also seen not wearing a chemical protection suit for about eight minutes. Three more Samsung officials were questioned, and materials from Samsung are being closely examined.
5. Pardon Firestorm
[Anchor Lead]
The controversy continues to rage over President Lee Myung-bak’s pardoning of close associates convicted of corruption. The former head of the Korea Communications Commission, Choi See-joong and Sejoong Namo Chairman Chun Shin-il were released from jail yesterday.
[Pkg]
A car carrying the former head of the Korea Communications Commission Choi See-joong exits the compounds of a jail. Choi holds his head down with a stiff expression on his face.
[Soundbite] Choi See-joong(Fmr. Chief, Korea Communications Commission) : "I apologize to the public."
Choi headed straight to a hospital after his release. Previously, he said that he felt remorse, but in his interview with KBS TV he says again and again that he did nothing wrong.
[Soundbite] "I'm not guilty. I never received money for personal reasons. Those who gave me money did so to help with my policies."
Sejoong Namo Chairman Chun Shin-il was also released from jail and transported with an ambulance. He remained lying in the ambulance, refusing to appear in public. One citizen tossed tofu and dozens of 1,000 won bills onto the car expressing his anger. The bills contained written phrases protesting against special pardons issued by President Lee Myung-bak to his relatives and friends. Choi and Chun were exempt from 21 and 13 months in jail respectively upon being released.
6. Special Olympics
[Anchor Lead]
We go now to the Special Olympics in Pyeongchang, a festival of athletics aimed at letting all who participate share the joy of the games.
[Pkg]
The snowboarding competition venue is reminiscent of a festival venue. Each time an athlete reaches the finish line, the spectators congratulate them with loud cheers. Eleven-year-old Kim Dae-hyun, who is the youngest among the South Korean athletes, fell during the race. But thanks to the encouragement that he received from the spectators, he was able to rise back to his feet and finish sixth among the six athletes in his group. Even though he finished at the bottom of the group, he received plenty of applause and climbed the podium. In the Special Olympics, all of the athletes are invited to the podium. The top three athletes get medals, while those who place fourth or later receive special ribbons. This way, all of the athletes have a chance to step onto the podium and celebrate their achievements.
[Soundbite] Kim Dae-hyeon(S. Korean Snowboarding Athlete) : "I feel great. I will win a medal in the future."
The numerous award ceremonies are the most important events of the Special Olympics. Award ceremonies for the top 13 athletes have been held three times, while those for 30 intermediate-level athletes have been held six times already. Celebrating the value of challenge is the unchanging spirit of the Special Olympics.
7. Bridge-Building Play
[Anchor Lead]
Despite political strains between Korea and Japan, actors from both countries have come together for a performance.
[Pkg]
This play is entitled "Bring Me My Chariot of Fire," which has been jointly produced and is staged by a staff and cast from Korea and Japan. The play is about a friendship between a young Korean man and a Japanese teacher while Korea was under Japanese rule. On stage, the actors and actresses speak in their own respective languages. The play was first staged in Japan late last year. Despite the growing tensions between the two countries, tickets for all 40 performances sold out. The politically strained relationship between Seoul and Tokyo had no effect.
[Soundbite] Jeong Ui-sin(Director) : "We wanted to go back to the starting point of the Korea-Japan relationship in the 1910s and reflect on the past and advance into the future."
The play is now being staged in Korea. The cast is comprised of stars from both countries including Cha Seung-won and Ryoko Hirosue. They say the play holds special meaning to them as well.
[Soundbite] Cha Seung-won(Actor) : "The characters hurt each other but they end up healing and embracing one another."
The tragic historical background mixed with humor says to the viewers that the inner pain people suffer from can be healed by loving each other regardless of national borders and time.
8. Rare Birds
[Anchor Lead]
Endangered Siberian cranes have been spotted on Jeju Island. Take a look.
[Pkg]
A white Siberian crane has been spotted recently among the reeds in a small wetland overlooking the scenic Seongsanilchul Peak. The bird picks reed roots with its long beak, rinses them in the water, and then eats its meal. With the global population of Siberian cranes estimated at a total of just three thousand, it's an endangered species. The cranes spend winters in India or the Middle East. They have reddish faces and legs, while the tips of their wings are black. So far, Siberian cranes were spotted only in Cheolwon, Gangwon Province and Suncheon, South Jeolla Province. It's the first time the birds showed up on Jeju Island.
[Soundbite] Kim Wan-byeong(Folklore & Natural Museum) : "The birds lost while flying to the southern regions of China, India and places in the Middle East, such as Iran."
The Siberian cranes are spending this winter on Jeju Island, where they have built nests by the wetlands, drawing great interest from ornithologists.
9. Korean BBQ Classic
[Anchor Lead]
Roasted pork belly called "samgyepsal" in Korean is one of the most popular dishes here. Today we're taking a closer look at a Korean barbeque classic.
[Pkg]
Grilled pork belly called "samgyepsal" in Korean is one of the most popular dishes here. Today we're taking a closer look at this Korean barbeque classic.
[Soundbite] Kim Yeong-jun(Modern Relics Expert) : "The word "samgyeopsal" first appeared in encyclopedias in the early 1990s. The word itself wasn’t used widely until the late 80s, when people began to use it on a daily basis. We can say that it was first included in Korean dictionaries in the early 90s."
To find the roots of samgyeopsal, we visited a mining village in Taebaek. Documents say that local miners were the first in the nation to start eating it.
[Soundbite] Kim Jun-su(Coal Miner) : "Samgyeopsal became popular because miners found it good for their bodies. Samgyeopsal tastes best when grilled on stones."
Taebaek miners called it “stone grill,” because they grilled their pork on stones. Former miners who live in this village still enjoy grilling samgyeopsal on stones, just like they did back in the day. Grilling pork on flat stones eventually became a local custom. Until the early 1990s, when environmental issues began to garner more attention in Korea, a picnic by the stream was not complete with out some stone grill. You can still find many vestiges of that.
[Soundbite] Bae Yeong-jun(Fmr. Coal Miner) : "When grilled in a frying pan, the grease stays in the meat, making it too greasy. But when grilled on stones, the pork tastes lighter and more delicious, because the grease disappears."
Just a few decades ago, stone grill was Taebaek's regional specialty. In the 1960s and 70s, miners who worked hundreds of meters underground without any safety equipment were constantly exposed to coal dust.
[Soundbite] Bae Dong-hwan(Fmr. Coal Miner) : "Miners liked to grill pork on stones in order to wash down the coal dust that accumulated in their respiratory organs."
Nowadays samgyeopsal has become the nation's favorite food. To the miners, it's a nostalgic reminder of their youth.
[Soundbite] Jang Gil-su(Fmr. Coal Miner) : "I still remember it. Back in the day we used to eat pork like this in mines."
[Soundbite] "Working in a mine can be dangerous at times. It's stressful, so after work we just needed a glass of liquor. We would eat meat to get rid of stress, and the following day we would feel much better at work. It was our life pattern."
Once eaten by miners who believed it helped rid their bodies of coal dust, samgyeopsal is now an iconic Korean dish enjoyed all over the world.
The leniency business leaders have traditionally enjoyed in Korean courtrooms looks to be coming to an end, as the head of the nation’s third-largest conglomerate has been sentenced to four years in prison for embezzlement.
[Pkg]
SK Group chairman Chey Tae-won was indicted for embezzlement and creating a slush fund. The court ruled him guilty and laid down a four-year prison sentence. Chey made SK affiliates invest around 91.9 million US dollars to the investment company Benex, and of that amount, he had 42.7 million US dollars invested to an associate. The court ruled the chairman not guilty of creating a slush fund of around 12 million US dollars as he was not directly involved. However, he was put under court custody for the heavy nature of his crime as a conglomerate head. Chey was imprisoned in 2003 for SK Global's accounting fraud and will be going to prison again after ten years. The same charges against vice chairman Chey Jae-won, the chairman's younger brother, was cleared due to a lack of evidence. The court said it tried to be as fair and unbiased as it could with the ruling and that it was against lessening the criminal liability for a conglomerate head. In his final defense, Chey Tae-won claimed himself innocent. SK Group said it will appeal against the court's decision.
2. Nuke Test Imminent
[Anchor Lead]
South Korean officials are on high alert as evidence continues to surface of an impending nuclear test in North Korea. Here are the latest details.
[Pkg]
The image shows nuclear test tunnels in Punggye-ri, Hamgyong Province in North Korea. South Korean military authorities are tending particular attention to the tunnels in the west and the south. It's believed that the west tunnel has completed the 9th stage in nuclear test preparations, which is the final phase. Authorities also believe that the south tunnel has covered and concealed other preparations, which are in the 7th stage. The 8th stage of tidying up the test site and the 9th stage of installing measuring equipment only take a day. South Korean officials project a higher chance of a nuclear test being conducted in the south tunnel. In its second nuclear test in 2009, North Korea prepared two tunnels, but only conducted the test in one. Movements among the North Korean military also show signs of an impending provocation.
[Soundbite] Kim Min-seok(Spokesman, Min. of National Defense (Jan. 30)) : "We recognize North Korea has ordered an increase in military tensions while it prepares for the nuclear test."
The North's state-run Korean Central News Agency has again threatened that the North will defend its autonomy through nuclear deterrence and took issue with the recent winter defense drills that was jointly held between South Korea and the US.
3. Countering the North
[Anchor Lead]
As it begins to look more and more certain that Pyongyang will go ahead with the nuclear test, Seoul is stepping up its counter efforts. President Lee Myung-bak convened an emergency meeting in which he instructed foreign affairs and securities officials to take strong measures. The defense minister also visited the inter-Korean border to check the preparedness of the South’s military.
[Pkg]
President Lee Myung-bak convened an emergency meeting of foreign affairs and national security officials. In an unprecedented move the meeting was taped and disclosed to the public. The president ordered Defense Minister Kim Kwan-jin to take proactive measures against North Korea's attempt to raise military tensions on the Korean Peninsula apparently to threaten the incoming administration. Kim immediately visited the inter-Korean border to check the military's preparedness. He ordered the military to ready ballistic missiles whose range can cover the entire North Korean territory. International cooperation is also gaining pace. South Korean, U.S. and Japanese officials recently met in Tokyo to announce a joint statement warning Pyongyang.
[Soundbite] Im Gwan-bin(Min. of National Defense) : "If North Korea chooses to take more provocative measures such as nuclear tests, this would be neglectful of the international community's resolution. Pyongyang will be fully responsible for its actions."
The three countries as well as China and Russia have agreed to collaborate in taking proactive measures. The situation is expected to become more favorable for South Korea once it begins its duties as a non-permanent member of the U.N. Security Council today.
4. Another Toxic Leak
[Anchor Lead]
Samsung Electronics has experienced another chemical leak on the heels of a toxic gas leak just a few days ago.
[Pkg]
The road in front of a plant is stained where there was a waste chemical spill. On Thursday morning at around 10:30 a.m., a liquid chemical was spilt onto the road at Samsung Electronics’ Giheung plant site. It happened while a chemical in a storage tank was being transferred to a tank truck.
[Soundbite] Fire Station Official(Voice Modified) : "Because of the pressure, liquid can spatter when the hose gets twisted up in the middle. It spattered a bit like that."
Two liters of isoprophylene alcohol was spilt. The chemical was to be thrown away after being used to clean semiconductors. Samsung Electronics officials say they're flustered. Meanwhile, the police are speeding up investigations on Samsung's hydrofluoric acid leak. Investigators say surveillance camera footage show that the dead worker identified as Park was working on repairs for six hours from 12:13 a.m. on Monday. Park was also seen not wearing a chemical protection suit for about eight minutes. Three more Samsung officials were questioned, and materials from Samsung are being closely examined.
5. Pardon Firestorm
[Anchor Lead]
The controversy continues to rage over President Lee Myung-bak’s pardoning of close associates convicted of corruption. The former head of the Korea Communications Commission, Choi See-joong and Sejoong Namo Chairman Chun Shin-il were released from jail yesterday.
[Pkg]
A car carrying the former head of the Korea Communications Commission Choi See-joong exits the compounds of a jail. Choi holds his head down with a stiff expression on his face.
[Soundbite] Choi See-joong(Fmr. Chief, Korea Communications Commission) : "I apologize to the public."
Choi headed straight to a hospital after his release. Previously, he said that he felt remorse, but in his interview with KBS TV he says again and again that he did nothing wrong.
[Soundbite] "I'm not guilty. I never received money for personal reasons. Those who gave me money did so to help with my policies."
Sejoong Namo Chairman Chun Shin-il was also released from jail and transported with an ambulance. He remained lying in the ambulance, refusing to appear in public. One citizen tossed tofu and dozens of 1,000 won bills onto the car expressing his anger. The bills contained written phrases protesting against special pardons issued by President Lee Myung-bak to his relatives and friends. Choi and Chun were exempt from 21 and 13 months in jail respectively upon being released.
6. Special Olympics
[Anchor Lead]
We go now to the Special Olympics in Pyeongchang, a festival of athletics aimed at letting all who participate share the joy of the games.
[Pkg]
The snowboarding competition venue is reminiscent of a festival venue. Each time an athlete reaches the finish line, the spectators congratulate them with loud cheers. Eleven-year-old Kim Dae-hyun, who is the youngest among the South Korean athletes, fell during the race. But thanks to the encouragement that he received from the spectators, he was able to rise back to his feet and finish sixth among the six athletes in his group. Even though he finished at the bottom of the group, he received plenty of applause and climbed the podium. In the Special Olympics, all of the athletes are invited to the podium. The top three athletes get medals, while those who place fourth or later receive special ribbons. This way, all of the athletes have a chance to step onto the podium and celebrate their achievements.
[Soundbite] Kim Dae-hyeon(S. Korean Snowboarding Athlete) : "I feel great. I will win a medal in the future."
The numerous award ceremonies are the most important events of the Special Olympics. Award ceremonies for the top 13 athletes have been held three times, while those for 30 intermediate-level athletes have been held six times already. Celebrating the value of challenge is the unchanging spirit of the Special Olympics.
7. Bridge-Building Play
[Anchor Lead]
Despite political strains between Korea and Japan, actors from both countries have come together for a performance.
[Pkg]
This play is entitled "Bring Me My Chariot of Fire," which has been jointly produced and is staged by a staff and cast from Korea and Japan. The play is about a friendship between a young Korean man and a Japanese teacher while Korea was under Japanese rule. On stage, the actors and actresses speak in their own respective languages. The play was first staged in Japan late last year. Despite the growing tensions between the two countries, tickets for all 40 performances sold out. The politically strained relationship between Seoul and Tokyo had no effect.
[Soundbite] Jeong Ui-sin(Director) : "We wanted to go back to the starting point of the Korea-Japan relationship in the 1910s and reflect on the past and advance into the future."
The play is now being staged in Korea. The cast is comprised of stars from both countries including Cha Seung-won and Ryoko Hirosue. They say the play holds special meaning to them as well.
[Soundbite] Cha Seung-won(Actor) : "The characters hurt each other but they end up healing and embracing one another."
The tragic historical background mixed with humor says to the viewers that the inner pain people suffer from can be healed by loving each other regardless of national borders and time.
8. Rare Birds
[Anchor Lead]
Endangered Siberian cranes have been spotted on Jeju Island. Take a look.
[Pkg]
A white Siberian crane has been spotted recently among the reeds in a small wetland overlooking the scenic Seongsanilchul Peak. The bird picks reed roots with its long beak, rinses them in the water, and then eats its meal. With the global population of Siberian cranes estimated at a total of just three thousand, it's an endangered species. The cranes spend winters in India or the Middle East. They have reddish faces and legs, while the tips of their wings are black. So far, Siberian cranes were spotted only in Cheolwon, Gangwon Province and Suncheon, South Jeolla Province. It's the first time the birds showed up on Jeju Island.
[Soundbite] Kim Wan-byeong(Folklore & Natural Museum) : "The birds lost while flying to the southern regions of China, India and places in the Middle East, such as Iran."
The Siberian cranes are spending this winter on Jeju Island, where they have built nests by the wetlands, drawing great interest from ornithologists.
9. Korean BBQ Classic
[Anchor Lead]
Roasted pork belly called "samgyepsal" in Korean is one of the most popular dishes here. Today we're taking a closer look at a Korean barbeque classic.
[Pkg]
Grilled pork belly called "samgyepsal" in Korean is one of the most popular dishes here. Today we're taking a closer look at this Korean barbeque classic.
[Soundbite] Kim Yeong-jun(Modern Relics Expert) : "The word "samgyeopsal" first appeared in encyclopedias in the early 1990s. The word itself wasn’t used widely until the late 80s, when people began to use it on a daily basis. We can say that it was first included in Korean dictionaries in the early 90s."
To find the roots of samgyeopsal, we visited a mining village in Taebaek. Documents say that local miners were the first in the nation to start eating it.
[Soundbite] Kim Jun-su(Coal Miner) : "Samgyeopsal became popular because miners found it good for their bodies. Samgyeopsal tastes best when grilled on stones."
Taebaek miners called it “stone grill,” because they grilled their pork on stones. Former miners who live in this village still enjoy grilling samgyeopsal on stones, just like they did back in the day. Grilling pork on flat stones eventually became a local custom. Until the early 1990s, when environmental issues began to garner more attention in Korea, a picnic by the stream was not complete with out some stone grill. You can still find many vestiges of that.
[Soundbite] Bae Yeong-jun(Fmr. Coal Miner) : "When grilled in a frying pan, the grease stays in the meat, making it too greasy. But when grilled on stones, the pork tastes lighter and more delicious, because the grease disappears."
Just a few decades ago, stone grill was Taebaek's regional specialty. In the 1960s and 70s, miners who worked hundreds of meters underground without any safety equipment were constantly exposed to coal dust.
[Soundbite] Bae Dong-hwan(Fmr. Coal Miner) : "Miners liked to grill pork on stones in order to wash down the coal dust that accumulated in their respiratory organs."
Nowadays samgyeopsal has become the nation's favorite food. To the miners, it's a nostalgic reminder of their youth.
[Soundbite] Jang Gil-su(Fmr. Coal Miner) : "I still remember it. Back in the day we used to eat pork like this in mines."
[Soundbite] "Working in a mine can be dangerous at times. It's stressful, so after work we just needed a glass of liquor. We would eat meat to get rid of stress, and the following day we would feel much better at work. It was our life pattern."
Once eaten by miners who believed it helped rid their bodies of coal dust, samgyeopsal is now an iconic Korean dish enjoyed all over the world.
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- SK Scandal
-
- 입력 2013-02-01 15:04:48
- 수정2013-02-01 16:30:19

[Anchor Lead]
The leniency business leaders have traditionally enjoyed in Korean courtrooms looks to be coming to an end, as the head of the nation’s third-largest conglomerate has been sentenced to four years in prison for embezzlement.
[Pkg]
SK Group chairman Chey Tae-won was indicted for embezzlement and creating a slush fund. The court ruled him guilty and laid down a four-year prison sentence. Chey made SK affiliates invest around 91.9 million US dollars to the investment company Benex, and of that amount, he had 42.7 million US dollars invested to an associate. The court ruled the chairman not guilty of creating a slush fund of around 12 million US dollars as he was not directly involved. However, he was put under court custody for the heavy nature of his crime as a conglomerate head. Chey was imprisoned in 2003 for SK Global's accounting fraud and will be going to prison again after ten years. The same charges against vice chairman Chey Jae-won, the chairman's younger brother, was cleared due to a lack of evidence. The court said it tried to be as fair and unbiased as it could with the ruling and that it was against lessening the criminal liability for a conglomerate head. In his final defense, Chey Tae-won claimed himself innocent. SK Group said it will appeal against the court's decision.
2. Nuke Test Imminent
[Anchor Lead]
South Korean officials are on high alert as evidence continues to surface of an impending nuclear test in North Korea. Here are the latest details.
[Pkg]
The image shows nuclear test tunnels in Punggye-ri, Hamgyong Province in North Korea. South Korean military authorities are tending particular attention to the tunnels in the west and the south. It's believed that the west tunnel has completed the 9th stage in nuclear test preparations, which is the final phase. Authorities also believe that the south tunnel has covered and concealed other preparations, which are in the 7th stage. The 8th stage of tidying up the test site and the 9th stage of installing measuring equipment only take a day. South Korean officials project a higher chance of a nuclear test being conducted in the south tunnel. In its second nuclear test in 2009, North Korea prepared two tunnels, but only conducted the test in one. Movements among the North Korean military also show signs of an impending provocation.
[Soundbite] Kim Min-seok(Spokesman, Min. of National Defense (Jan. 30)) : "We recognize North Korea has ordered an increase in military tensions while it prepares for the nuclear test."
The North's state-run Korean Central News Agency has again threatened that the North will defend its autonomy through nuclear deterrence and took issue with the recent winter defense drills that was jointly held between South Korea and the US.
3. Countering the North
[Anchor Lead]
As it begins to look more and more certain that Pyongyang will go ahead with the nuclear test, Seoul is stepping up its counter efforts. President Lee Myung-bak convened an emergency meeting in which he instructed foreign affairs and securities officials to take strong measures. The defense minister also visited the inter-Korean border to check the preparedness of the South’s military.
[Pkg]
President Lee Myung-bak convened an emergency meeting of foreign affairs and national security officials. In an unprecedented move the meeting was taped and disclosed to the public. The president ordered Defense Minister Kim Kwan-jin to take proactive measures against North Korea's attempt to raise military tensions on the Korean Peninsula apparently to threaten the incoming administration. Kim immediately visited the inter-Korean border to check the military's preparedness. He ordered the military to ready ballistic missiles whose range can cover the entire North Korean territory. International cooperation is also gaining pace. South Korean, U.S. and Japanese officials recently met in Tokyo to announce a joint statement warning Pyongyang.
[Soundbite] Im Gwan-bin(Min. of National Defense) : "If North Korea chooses to take more provocative measures such as nuclear tests, this would be neglectful of the international community's resolution. Pyongyang will be fully responsible for its actions."
The three countries as well as China and Russia have agreed to collaborate in taking proactive measures. The situation is expected to become more favorable for South Korea once it begins its duties as a non-permanent member of the U.N. Security Council today.
4. Another Toxic Leak
[Anchor Lead]
Samsung Electronics has experienced another chemical leak on the heels of a toxic gas leak just a few days ago.
[Pkg]
The road in front of a plant is stained where there was a waste chemical spill. On Thursday morning at around 10:30 a.m., a liquid chemical was spilt onto the road at Samsung Electronics’ Giheung plant site. It happened while a chemical in a storage tank was being transferred to a tank truck.
[Soundbite] Fire Station Official(Voice Modified) : "Because of the pressure, liquid can spatter when the hose gets twisted up in the middle. It spattered a bit like that."
Two liters of isoprophylene alcohol was spilt. The chemical was to be thrown away after being used to clean semiconductors. Samsung Electronics officials say they're flustered. Meanwhile, the police are speeding up investigations on Samsung's hydrofluoric acid leak. Investigators say surveillance camera footage show that the dead worker identified as Park was working on repairs for six hours from 12:13 a.m. on Monday. Park was also seen not wearing a chemical protection suit for about eight minutes. Three more Samsung officials were questioned, and materials from Samsung are being closely examined.
5. Pardon Firestorm
[Anchor Lead]
The controversy continues to rage over President Lee Myung-bak’s pardoning of close associates convicted of corruption. The former head of the Korea Communications Commission, Choi See-joong and Sejoong Namo Chairman Chun Shin-il were released from jail yesterday.
[Pkg]
A car carrying the former head of the Korea Communications Commission Choi See-joong exits the compounds of a jail. Choi holds his head down with a stiff expression on his face.
[Soundbite] Choi See-joong(Fmr. Chief, Korea Communications Commission) : "I apologize to the public."
Choi headed straight to a hospital after his release. Previously, he said that he felt remorse, but in his interview with KBS TV he says again and again that he did nothing wrong.
[Soundbite] "I'm not guilty. I never received money for personal reasons. Those who gave me money did so to help with my policies."
Sejoong Namo Chairman Chun Shin-il was also released from jail and transported with an ambulance. He remained lying in the ambulance, refusing to appear in public. One citizen tossed tofu and dozens of 1,000 won bills onto the car expressing his anger. The bills contained written phrases protesting against special pardons issued by President Lee Myung-bak to his relatives and friends. Choi and Chun were exempt from 21 and 13 months in jail respectively upon being released.
6. Special Olympics
[Anchor Lead]
We go now to the Special Olympics in Pyeongchang, a festival of athletics aimed at letting all who participate share the joy of the games.
[Pkg]
The snowboarding competition venue is reminiscent of a festival venue. Each time an athlete reaches the finish line, the spectators congratulate them with loud cheers. Eleven-year-old Kim Dae-hyun, who is the youngest among the South Korean athletes, fell during the race. But thanks to the encouragement that he received from the spectators, he was able to rise back to his feet and finish sixth among the six athletes in his group. Even though he finished at the bottom of the group, he received plenty of applause and climbed the podium. In the Special Olympics, all of the athletes are invited to the podium. The top three athletes get medals, while those who place fourth or later receive special ribbons. This way, all of the athletes have a chance to step onto the podium and celebrate their achievements.
[Soundbite] Kim Dae-hyeon(S. Korean Snowboarding Athlete) : "I feel great. I will win a medal in the future."
The numerous award ceremonies are the most important events of the Special Olympics. Award ceremonies for the top 13 athletes have been held three times, while those for 30 intermediate-level athletes have been held six times already. Celebrating the value of challenge is the unchanging spirit of the Special Olympics.
7. Bridge-Building Play
[Anchor Lead]
Despite political strains between Korea and Japan, actors from both countries have come together for a performance.
[Pkg]
This play is entitled "Bring Me My Chariot of Fire," which has been jointly produced and is staged by a staff and cast from Korea and Japan. The play is about a friendship between a young Korean man and a Japanese teacher while Korea was under Japanese rule. On stage, the actors and actresses speak in their own respective languages. The play was first staged in Japan late last year. Despite the growing tensions between the two countries, tickets for all 40 performances sold out. The politically strained relationship between Seoul and Tokyo had no effect.
[Soundbite] Jeong Ui-sin(Director) : "We wanted to go back to the starting point of the Korea-Japan relationship in the 1910s and reflect on the past and advance into the future."
The play is now being staged in Korea. The cast is comprised of stars from both countries including Cha Seung-won and Ryoko Hirosue. They say the play holds special meaning to them as well.
[Soundbite] Cha Seung-won(Actor) : "The characters hurt each other but they end up healing and embracing one another."
The tragic historical background mixed with humor says to the viewers that the inner pain people suffer from can be healed by loving each other regardless of national borders and time.
8. Rare Birds
[Anchor Lead]
Endangered Siberian cranes have been spotted on Jeju Island. Take a look.
[Pkg]
A white Siberian crane has been spotted recently among the reeds in a small wetland overlooking the scenic Seongsanilchul Peak. The bird picks reed roots with its long beak, rinses them in the water, and then eats its meal. With the global population of Siberian cranes estimated at a total of just three thousand, it's an endangered species. The cranes spend winters in India or the Middle East. They have reddish faces and legs, while the tips of their wings are black. So far, Siberian cranes were spotted only in Cheolwon, Gangwon Province and Suncheon, South Jeolla Province. It's the first time the birds showed up on Jeju Island.
[Soundbite] Kim Wan-byeong(Folklore & Natural Museum) : "The birds lost while flying to the southern regions of China, India and places in the Middle East, such as Iran."
The Siberian cranes are spending this winter on Jeju Island, where they have built nests by the wetlands, drawing great interest from ornithologists.
9. Korean BBQ Classic
[Anchor Lead]
Roasted pork belly called "samgyepsal" in Korean is one of the most popular dishes here. Today we're taking a closer look at a Korean barbeque classic.
[Pkg]
Grilled pork belly called "samgyepsal" in Korean is one of the most popular dishes here. Today we're taking a closer look at this Korean barbeque classic.
[Soundbite] Kim Yeong-jun(Modern Relics Expert) : "The word "samgyeopsal" first appeared in encyclopedias in the early 1990s. The word itself wasn’t used widely until the late 80s, when people began to use it on a daily basis. We can say that it was first included in Korean dictionaries in the early 90s."
To find the roots of samgyeopsal, we visited a mining village in Taebaek. Documents say that local miners were the first in the nation to start eating it.
[Soundbite] Kim Jun-su(Coal Miner) : "Samgyeopsal became popular because miners found it good for their bodies. Samgyeopsal tastes best when grilled on stones."
Taebaek miners called it “stone grill,” because they grilled their pork on stones. Former miners who live in this village still enjoy grilling samgyeopsal on stones, just like they did back in the day. Grilling pork on flat stones eventually became a local custom. Until the early 1990s, when environmental issues began to garner more attention in Korea, a picnic by the stream was not complete with out some stone grill. You can still find many vestiges of that.
[Soundbite] Bae Yeong-jun(Fmr. Coal Miner) : "When grilled in a frying pan, the grease stays in the meat, making it too greasy. But when grilled on stones, the pork tastes lighter and more delicious, because the grease disappears."
Just a few decades ago, stone grill was Taebaek's regional specialty. In the 1960s and 70s, miners who worked hundreds of meters underground without any safety equipment were constantly exposed to coal dust.
[Soundbite] Bae Dong-hwan(Fmr. Coal Miner) : "Miners liked to grill pork on stones in order to wash down the coal dust that accumulated in their respiratory organs."
Nowadays samgyeopsal has become the nation's favorite food. To the miners, it's a nostalgic reminder of their youth.
[Soundbite] Jang Gil-su(Fmr. Coal Miner) : "I still remember it. Back in the day we used to eat pork like this in mines."
[Soundbite] "Working in a mine can be dangerous at times. It's stressful, so after work we just needed a glass of liquor. We would eat meat to get rid of stress, and the following day we would feel much better at work. It was our life pattern."
Once eaten by miners who believed it helped rid their bodies of coal dust, samgyeopsal is now an iconic Korean dish enjoyed all over the world.
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