North Claims

[Anchor Lead]
North Korea says South Korea proposed inter-Korean summits in a secret bilateral meeting last month in Beijing. But Seoul has denied the allegation and given a cold response.

[Pkg]
North Korea has released details of what it calls a secret inter-Korean meeting in Beijing on May 9. Pyongyang says Seoul proposed a series of inter-Korean summits in Panmunjeom late this month, Pyongyang in late August, and Seoul in March next year. The North adds that the South pleaded with Pyongyang to apologize for its sinking of the South Korean naval corvette Cheonan and attack on Yeonpyeong Island last year as a prerequisite for the summits.

[Soundbite] (NK Central TV (Jun. 1)) : "The South proposed that we apologize in a way that would look like an apology to the world but not to us, and pleaded for concessions."

Pyongyang blasted Seoul for demanding a summit as soon as possible and for even offering money to the North. The North made the bombshell announcement five days after leader Kim Jong-il returned from his visit to China. So North Korea is apparently not depending on holding an inter-Korean summit any time soon. The South appeared dumbfounded by the North's announcement but reacted in a coolheaded way.

[Soundbite] Chun Hae-sung (Spokesman, Ministry of Unification) : "It is a unilateral statement that distorts Seoul's intentions. We don't need to respond to it."

South Korea also denied that its officials offered money to the North.

2. Mobile Risks

[Anchor Lead]
The World Health Organization says mobile phones could lead to a higher cancer risk. Here's more on the impact of electromagnetic radiation emitted by cell phones and how users can better protect themselves.

[Pkg]
This test checks the volume of electromagnetic radiation absorbed by the brain when a person uses a mobile phone. The specific absorption rate is 0.733 watts per kilogram averaged over one gram of biological tissue, far below the permissible limit of 1.6 watts.

[Soundbite] Gong Seong-sik (Radio Research Agency) : "We measure the specific absorption rate emitted by cell phones in the market. We only issue permits for phones that meet the standards."

But tests on animals show that when the body is exposed to radiation for long periods, its DNA becomes modified. This means a higher risk of cancer. An epidemiological survey shows that people who've used mobile phones for more than 10 years are 18 percent more at risk for brain tumors than those who've never used cellphones. So experts advise reducing the frequency and duration of mobile phone use. They also recommend putting the phone to the ear after hearing one connection signal after dialing. This is because mobile phones emit most of their radiation during dialing. Using earphones also helps minimize damage from radiation.

3. Korean Cars

[Anchor Lead]
Korean carmakers Hyundai and Kia control 10 percent of the U.S. market for the first time. The two companies posted stellar sales last month while major competitors continued to struggle.

[Pkg]
Of the more than one million cars sold in the U.S. last month, more than 107-thousand were Hyundai or Kia models. The share of the two Korean automakers in the U.S. has surpassed the 10-percent mark for the first time. Their sales rank climbed to fifth, going past Honda and trailing GM, Ford, Chrysler and Toyota. Hyundai Motor America reports sales of 59-thousand-214 cars in the U.S. last month, up 21 percent from the same month a year ago. Hyundai posted the highest sales in May and broke its monthly sales record for the fifth consecutive month. Kia Motors America sold 48-thousand-212 vehicles last month for sales growth of more than 53 percent, the highest among major automakers. Kia broke its monthly sales record for the third consecutive month. Leading American carmakers GM and Ford are struggling with dwindling sales. Hyundai and Kia's sales streak will likely continue in the U.S. as Toyota will recall 139-thousand cars, including 52-thousand in the U.S., due to steering system problems.

4. Soccer Scandal

[Anchor Lead]
The K-League, the federation of Korean pro-soccer teams, has been aware of match fixing schemes by players and brokers since last year. The organization has come under fire for attempting to brush the scandal under the carpet.

[Pkg]
The K-League dealt with a confidential issue in a meeting of executives in October last year. The meeting was called because the suspicion has been generated over illegal sports gambling and match fixing schemes. The list of teams potentially engaged in the match fixing schemes was mentioned.

[Soundbite] (Senior K-League Official (Voice Modified)) : "Based on the rumor that A versus B and B versus C matches were fixed, we began investigations."

But the K-League did not ask investigators to look into the rumors. Instead, it attempted to settle the issue privately. Some teams launched their own investigations and some players have been laid off. But the scandal has not been cleared.

[Soundbite] (Senior K-League Official (Voice Modified)) : "After the investigation, we released one (player). He was a minor leaguer; he didn’t take part in many games."

But the K-league has been further tainted by match fixing. Prosecutors' investigation is now shedding light on the schemes. The K-League is now promising to root out any illegal match fixing practices. The Korea Football Association has decided to form an emergency committee tasked with eradicating all match fixing and corruption. It remains to be seen how effective the measures will be.

5. Smoking Ban

[Anchor Lead]
Smoking was banned at plazas in downtown Seoul starting June 1. But not everyone knew the ban was taking effect.

[Pkg]
A delivery man smokes at Cheonggye Plaza in Seoul. He was fined 100 thousand won, or 92 dollars, on the scene.

[Soundbite]

It’s more harsh than throwing away butts.

This office worker was caught by Seoul city government officials while smoking at Gwanghwamun Plaza.

[Soundbite] (Office Worker (Voice Modified)) : "Didn't you know about the new smoking ban? (No.)"

The ban has been in the pre-reform period for the past three months. So a few smokers have been spotted at the plazas in downtown Seoul. But most of the violators did not know that the ban has gone into effect starting yesterday. And some regulators did not fine the violators who strongly protested, causing complaints about unfairness.

[Soundbite] (Regulator): "It’s the first day. Harsh crackdowns may cause controversies. So we’re going easy."

[Soundbite] Lee Seon-yeong (Seoul Metropolitan Official) : "If people see officials in uniforms, they’d know the place is being patrolled. It’ll work better than a crack down."

The Seoul city government is planning to designate more areas as nonsmoking zones. Bus stops and schools zones will be added to the nonsmoking areas.

6. Drunken Attacks

[Anchor Lead]
Women emergency rescue workers are often attacked by drunk people while performing their job. This has led to calls for better protection for them.

[Pkg]
A drunk man gets violent as soon as he is taken into an ambulance. He hits a woman rescue worker in the face. A firefighter in Boryeong, South Chungcheong Province, was hit by a 22-year-old drunk man at 1 a.m. Wednesday. The firefighter suffered wounds requiring two weeks to heal.

[Soundbite] Lee sang-kwon (Boryeong Fire Station) : "He was drunk and violent when we got to his home. He grew more violent while being taken into the ambulance."

In November last year, a woman rescue worker was also hit while transporting a drunk man in Dangjin, South Chungcheong Province. When drunks get physical, rescue workers are often victims of violence inside small ambulances. Women rescue workers are frequent targets of such violence. Women accounted for 17 percent of the 104 rescue workers who fell victim to violence last year.

[Soundbite] Lee Gwang-sung (Provincial Fire & Safety Management Dept.) : "Rescue workers have to take care of patients and handle violent people."

The National Emergency Management Agency says that from September 7th, people who attack rescue workers or obstruct rescues will face up to five years in prison or a fine of around 9-thousand-300 U.S. dollars.

7. Car Seat Safety

[Anchor Lead]
Many parents don't transport their children in car seats in Korea, saying they’re uncomfortable and their kids don't like them. But this clip should change the attitude of such parents.

[Pkg]
A car cruises on a road and turns to the left. Suddenly, one of the back-seat doors opens and a child falls out of the car. The following car honks the horn to let the driver know what happened. The parents of the child finally comes out of the car. The child was safe but it could have led to a serious accident.

[Soundbite] Lee Gyeong-seon (Korean Association for Safety Communities) : "A child must sit in a car seat and fasten the seat belt. It’s also crucial to lock the doors, preventing the child from opening them. "

Installing a car seat has been mandatory in Korea since 2006, but the rule has was often disregarded.

[Soundbite] (Driver (Voice Modified)) : "When I put him back into the car seat, he starts crying. So I often hold him in my arms."

If an accident occurs while an adult passenger is holding a child, the shock is a few times greater than when the child is in a car seat. The risk of injury rises to three times higher. More than 90 percent of parents have car seats in their cars in the U.S. and Europe. But in Korea, the rate stands at below 20 percent.

8. Gull Habitat

[Anchor Lead]
Tens of thousands of black-tailed gulls have flown over to Nan Island in Taean Bay, South Chungcheong Province. It’s the bird's main breeding spot in Korea.

[Pkg]
Nan Island is located near Taean Bay of South Chungcheong Province. At the summit of the cliff, the entire island can be seen. It's now covered by thousands of black-tailed gulls. It's breeding season and two or three eggs fill each nest. The mother gull on guard attacks and chases intruders with her beak. The gulls lay eggs in between boulders and amid bushes from mid April. Fledglings are easily spotted all around the island. Young gulls come outside of the nest with their mother birds and some meet grumpy neighbors. The island of 47,000 square meters has become a paradise for black-tailed gulls since it was designated as a natural monument in 1982 to ban public entrance.

[Soundbite] Lee Il-beom (Bird Expert) : "When human contact is avoided, the island is the best place for black-tailed gulls to lay eggs and so preserving it is very important."

The black-tailed gulls will leave the island around mid June and come back next year for breeding.

9. Night Tours

[Anchor Lead]
Night tours offer some new options for tourists. Today we’re going to take you to some places that look a little different under the moonlight.

[Pkg]
This is the historic city Gyeongju, where history seems to come alive. In addition to the day tour of cultural heritage sites around the city, the moonlit tour is also a must see. In Gyeongju, this nighttime tour is offered once a month.

[Soundbite]

I've never seen such moonlight.

[Soundbite]

I feel as if I'm in heaven.

This is the An-ab-ji pond, where banquets once took place for national events. A festival of lights unfolds under the moon. Visitors who have come with their loved ones get a little closer in the moonlight.

[Soundbite]

The lake is so beautiful. I want to jump into it.

[Soundbite]

My daughter's reflection on the pond under the moon is so pretty that she beats a beauty pageant contestant.

You can’t forget to make a wish on this type of night.

[Soundbite]

“Healthy life. Happy life. And a life of sharing” My daughter’s are funnier. “I hope grandma will live long.”

Some people make wishes to the moon.

[Soundbite]

Let's receive good energy from the moon and make a son.

Nighttime in Gyeongju makes for a romantic trip.

[Soundbite]

Enjoy a moonlit tour.

Here's another moonlit vista quite different from that of Gyeongju. At first glance, it looks like a performance stage. This is the Han River Park. The performances held here are free.

[Soundbite]

A ballet show is rare. But to enjoy it for free is great. It's also nice I'm with my girlfriend.

And there are more chances to make a memory.

[Soundbite]

Jang Ju-mi, you've cared for me. Now I'll care for you more.

On the Han River every weekend evening, a proposal event is held for couples. She is the lucky person tonight. Let’s find out how it feels to be proposed to in the moonlight.

[Soundbite]

It's great. I'm so happy.

Anyone can participate as long as you make reservations in advance.

Our next destination is the royal Changdeok Palace in downtown Seoul, which has opened during night hours.

[Soundbite]

It's the palace so I'm more careful. I'm also walking more carefully.

The atmosphere is solemn.

[Soundbite]

It's a time machine travel to the Joseon era.

Just like the old days, visitors walk the palatial courtyard only by the light of the moon and lanterns.

[Soundbite]

I'm a male servant guiding my madam.

His lady looks happy. Some romantic folks even recite poetry during a rest stop. A soft traditional melody resonates throughout the palace as visitors walk through.

[Soundbite]

It's much more cozy and romantic at night.

The moonlit performance also takes place at Deoksu Palace. A tour under the moon is a great way to get out and create some memories.