Psy in Seoul

[Anchor Lead]

Singer Psy gave a free concert last night in front of Seoul’s City Hall to thank his fans for all his recent success. Some 80-thousand people flooded in to see him.

[Pkg]

When Psy's first song of the night "Right Now" took off at the Seoul Plaza, an audience of 80-thousand began jumping in unison. They called out the name "Psy," now a global sensation, and went wild at his performance.

[Soundbite] Psy (Singer) : "Hi, I'm Psy, and 12 years after my debut I’ve become a new singer in another country."

Psy rolled out his hit songs without missing a beat and his trademark energetic performance fired up the crowd. The highlight of the night was of course, his global blockbuster hit single Gangnam Style. Psy with the crowd sang the lyrics and performed the horse riding dance together making it a spectacle to behold. Psy promised that he'd take off his shirt on stage if Gangnam Style moved up to the number one spot on the US Billboard chart. Though the song remained at second place for the second week, Psy held the concert for free to thank his fans at home.

[Soundbite] "It was nothing that I did. It was all of you that brought me back on stage."

Covered in sweat and to the fans’ delight, he still took off his shirt by the end of the show wrapping up his two-hour performance. Hosted by the Seoul city government, the concert was aired live on YouTube. The portal at one point froze with more than 100-thousand people viewing it at once.

2. Concert Accidents

[Anchor Lead]

Overall, the concert was a smashing success and celebrated Psy’s new global status. But the night wasn’t without incident, with some spectators needing medical attention, and Psy continuing the provocative ways that helped put him in the spotlight in the first place.

[Pkg]

Psy's concert held at Seoul Plaza Thursday night free of charge was nothing less than a wild frenzy. Some 80-thousand citizens gathered at the plaza in front of Seoul City Hall to congratulate Psy on his sensational global success.

[Soundbite] "We're all jumping and are one together. All my stress is gone and I had fun. It's absolutely amazing."

But there were some mishaps as well. Fourteen people were rushed to the hospital including a 64-year-old person who fainted from exhaustion after watching the two-hour show. Eleven others were injured and received immediate medical help. As for Psy, he sparked a controversy for his provocative behavior, such as drinking alcohol on stage. Some people took issue with Psy's drinking in front of the audience, which included minors. The concert began at 10 p.m. and ended near midnight. For security reasons, City Hall Subway Station, which was located near the concert venue, was closed, so citizens had to take buses or walk to Gwanghwamun Station to get home.

3. Dokdo Violation

[Anchor Lead]

It has been revealed that a Japan Self-Defense Forces helicopter violated Korean airspace last month, approaching the Dokdo Islets, which have long been a source of bad blood between the two nations.

[Pkg]

On September 21, just when tensions between Korea and Japan were running high due to Japan's territorial claims over the Dokdo islets, a 4000-ton Japanese destroyer approached the waters 54 kilometers off the islets. At 7:23 p.m. a helicopter took off from the ship and violated South Korea's Air Defense Identification Zone. When the South Korean Air Force sent in four F-15K fighter jets to the location, the Japanese helicopter changed directions, but stayed in the Dokdo area for about five more minutes. An official from the Joint Chiefs of Staff says the Japanese helicopter left after the Korean Air Force issued a warning of trespassing using a hot line after sending in the fighter jets. It's the first time that a Japan Self-Defense Forces helicopter appeared in the Dokdo airspace since the end of the Second World War. Japan ignored an international rule mandating that countries notify the relevant countries and obtain permits before entering their air defense identification zones. Sources also say that Japan had been expressing their protest over Dokdo once or twice a year by sending its Coast Guard helicopters, one of which even approached the islets' airspace in May of this year. But the South Korean military kept the matter of the Japanese helicopters confidential.

4. Visiting Dokdo

[Anchor Lead]

As part of the Korean government’s continuing efforts to promote Dokdo as Korean territory, foreign correspondents stationed in Seoul and Tokyo were taken for a visit to the rocky islets yesterday. Plans are also being made to place advertisements about Dokdo with domestic and foreign media outlets next year.

[Pkg]

A group of foreign correspondents stationed in Seoul and Tokyo visited the Dokdo islets on Thursday. They include reporters from CNN, BBC, The New York Times, The Financial Times and the French daily Le Figaro, among others. The visit was organized under the auspices of the Korean Culture and Information Service. Sources say the correspondents took a helicopter in Seoul to reach the Dokdo islets. The last time foreign reporters visited Dokdo was in 2008. A government official said that foreign media outlets requested the visit and Seoul provided unofficial support to help the visit take place in a bid to boost its efforts to publicize the islets as a part of Korean territory. Seoul has also reiterated that it will not respond to Tokyo's move to bring the Dokdo case to the International Court of Justice, as was reported by the Japanese media.

[Soundbite] Cho Tae-young (Spokesman, Min. of Foreign Affairs & Trade) : "We reiterate that Japan must ithdraw its unlawful territorial claims and work to improve bilateral ties."

The government is considering earmarking over 580-thousand U.S. dollars for placing advertisements about Korea's sovereignty over Dokdo in the global news media next year.

5. Toxic Aftermath

[Anchor Lead]

Damage from the toxic gas leak in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province is snowballing, but it seems government authorities have yet to fully realize how extensive it really is.

[Pkg]

On Friday, the government's joint calamity investigation team began examining the site of the hydrofluoric acid gas leak in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province. Eight days have passed since the accident took place, and trees and crops in nearby farm villages have shriveled up and died after being exposed to the deadly gas. People in the region are also suffering from the aftereffects. Firemen who were exposed to the gas on scene for more than six hours were treated for rashes and respiratory problems. The number of locals receiving treatment has risen to 900.

[Soundbite] Jang Sun-ok (Resident) : "Why did Gumi City allow the dangerous building to be built in the neighborhood?"

The accident was the most serious gas leak that occurred in the nation but authorities didn’t handle the matter with urgency. At the time of the explosion, lime should have been sprayed to neutralize the hydrofluoric acid, but water was sprayed instead causing the toxic gas to spread further. Orders for residents and workers to evacuate were also announced too late worsening the situation. Meanwhile, the authorities still have yet to grasp the extent of damage and are under criticism for delaying their actions in dealing with the emergency.

6. Soaring Prices

[Anchor Lead]

With the price of daily necessities continuing to soar over the past year, those most in need are the hardest hit.

[Pkg]

Admission to this public bath house in Seoul exceeds 9 U.S. dollars per adult. In other words, a combined admission for one family surpasses 36 U.S. dollars. A government survey shows that the prices of 30 items that are mostly used by low-income people have surged 4.6 percent over the past one year. That's more than double the inflation rate that has been recorded during the same period. One of the main factors behind the price growth lies in the soaring prices of agricultural produce stemming from typhoons. The price of kimchi cabbage has spiked 70 percent, while the price of radish has surged nearly 20 percent ahead of the kimchi-making season. Eating out is also more expensive these days. The price of one serving of the chicken and ginseng soup called "samgyetang" has jumped nearly 3 percent to almost 10 U.S. dollars. A serving of kimchi stew and knife-cut noodles now costs around 5 U.S. dollars. The only food that can be bought for less than 5 U.S. dollars a serving are rolled rice "gimbap" and Chinese noodles "jajangmyeon." Even using public transit is a burden to many, as subway and bus fares have risen 10 percent and 7 percent, respectively.

7. Changdeok Palace

[Anchor Lead]

An autumn walk around the Changdeok Palace gardens in the moonlight is an experience that should not be missed when in the Korean capital. Foreign diplomats were recently taken for just such a stroll to promote the palace.

[Pkg]

The moon shines brightly on an ancient palace. The Injeongjeon, or the throne hall of Changdeok Palace, is where many Joseon Dynasty kings discussed national affairs. Moonlight tours are held from spring to autumn only about 20 times a year at Changdeok Palace, a World Cultural Heritage site. Diplomats from 31 countries currently stationed in Korea were invited to one of these moonlight tours. They enjoyed the splendid view while carrying traditional Korean lanterns known as "cheongsachorong." The Juhap Pavilion, which used to house the royal library of the Joseon Dynasty, is serene and elegant, while the Buyongji Pond, where ancient kings enjoyed fishing, surrounds the pavilion.

[Soundbite] Francois Bontemps (Belgian Ambassador)

The guests also watched an enticing traditional music performance against the Joseon architecture and the scenic landscape.

[Soundbite] Sung Kim (U.S. Ambassador)

Autumn moonlit nights are the best times to discover the genuine beauty of the serene palace.

8. Film Festival

[Anchor Lead]

The Busan International Film Festival, which is the largest film festival in Asia, kicked off yesterday for a ten-day run.

[Pkg]

The Busan International Film Festival, which is widely recognized as the event of a global scale, has begun. Some four thousand fans filling up the Busan Cinema Center greet their favorite celebrities from Korea and abroad with loud cheers. The festival's opening film is the Hong Kong crime thriller "Cold War." Its lead actors, who include such big names as Aaron Kwok and Tony Leung Ka-fai, have also visited Busan. Some 300 films from 75 countries will be screened at the festival this year in seven theaters in Busan's Nampodong and Haeundae areas. The Master Class, which tells about renowned filmmakers, will begin with a lecture by Japanese cinema art director Toshihiro Isomi. In the festival village in Haeundae, viewers will be able to meet with their favorite stars such as actress Han Ga-in and actor Ha Jung-woo during an outdoor stage event.

[Soundbite] Matsuyama (Japanese Tourist) : "I saw a lot of beautiful actors and I’m having a great time."

To crank up the festive mood, music bands will stage concerts on Friday on Haeundae Beach.

9. Talented Soldiers

[Anchor Lead]

People from every corner of society take part in TV audition programs, regardless of their age or their job. Now, the Korean military has jumped on the bandwagon, holding an audition show for soldiers.

[Pkg]

KBS went to the final of an audition program the military held for the first time in its history. A duo, who are among the finalists, practices in their barracks with the final competition a day away.

[Soundbite] Cpl. Yun Jae-ho (12th Army Infantry Division) : "We always sang the way we felt. We’re now discussing chords, because we need to divide parts at the audition."

[Soundbite] Cpl. Park Jun-yeong (12th Army Infantry Division) : "We’ve sung together since we were in the second grade of middle school. We’ll be in harmony and do better than any other contestant."

[Soundbite] "It’s always fun and pleasant to be with him."

The day of the final arrives, bringing together finalists from the Army, the Navy and the Air Force.

[Soundbite] "I'm nervous but I’m going to enjoy it."

Five-thousand soldiers participated in the program, which began in January. Twelve finalists vie for the grand prize. The audience cheers on their favorite contestants. Judges say that this special forces soldier is so good that he could debut as a professional singer immediately. This program has come to mean a lot for this man, as he got married after proposing to his wife on stage in a preliminary round.

[Soundbite] Capt. Kim Geon-wu (13th Special Forces Brigade) : "I was really nervous. I feel good after singing. It's really great."

Corporals Park Jun-yeong and Yun Jae-ho take the stage. The two are friends from middle school.
The team representing the Navy sings a song they wrote and composed. Called "See You in Two Years," it strikes a chord with the enlisted men and women who have to serve around that long.

[Soundbite] "I feel more nervous than before the show."

The final comes to an end, and everyone waits to see who will win the grand prize.

[Soundbite] "The grand prize goes to Park Jun-yeong and Yun Jae-ho from the 12th Army Infantry Division."

The duo ends up coming out on top. They win almost nine hundred thousand U.S. dollars in prize money and a chance to record military songs.

[Soundbite] "I love my mom and my dad."

[Soundbite] Hong Kyung-min (Singer) : "A lot of participants were nearly perfect. They can make a professional debut immediately. I was surprised and impressed."

[Soundbite] Park Hyo-shin (Singer) : "The military is not always strict and rigorous. People who enjoy what they’re doing can do well in other fields. The audition can show the future of the Korean military. It’s really good to come down here as a judge. I hope they will take good care of themselves until they are discharged."

Enlisted soldiers have the opportunity to develop and show off their talents during their military services, sometimes in more ways then expected.