Crash Controversy

[Anchor Lead]

The Korean government has issued an official confirmation that Asiana Airlines Flight 214 received no warnings about its low speed or altitude from the control tower in San Francisco.

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Seven seconds before the Asiana Airline jetliner crash-landed on the runway it was traveling at 197 kilometers per hour, falling far short of the minimum speed of 254 kilometers, according to the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board. It was confirmed that although the plane was flying at an abnormally low speed near the airport, the control tower did not issue any warnings.

[Soundbite] Choe Jeong-ho(Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport) : "The investigation team is looking into the scope of air traffic controllers' duties and how faithfully they were carried out."

The Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transportation, however, refrained from placing blame on the air traffic controllers, saying that it is the responsibility of the pilot to land safely once the plane is given the go-ahead. But the Korean government referred to international regulations to strongly refute an NTSB claim that the pilot in training and the instructor co-pilot had switched seats.

[Soundbite] "It’s normal for the pilot under training to be in the captain’s seat on the left. I don't think there’s any problem with that."

As to the NTSB investigating why evacuation orders were issued 90 seconds after the crash, the Korean officials said that it’s the rule for the pilot to confer with the control tower about the condition of the runway before giving out evacuation orders.

2. Heroes Return

[Anchor Lead]

Six crew members from the flight returned to Korea Thursday evening, where they’re being hailed as heroes.

[Pkg]

It was really a life and death moment when everyone tried to live by rescuing themselves. However, at that critical moment, these individuals tried to save the lives of others before trying to save themselves. She broke her bone but didn't feel it. She ditched her heels and ran bare foot. They were heroes. They were angels. And they have returned home. Instead of their usual bright smiles that would greet the passengers, they looked anguished with their eyes full of tears. Even though they did their best, they continue to bow their heads, still feeling a heavy burden as if they were responsible for the accident.

[Soundbite] Lee Yoon-hye(Senior Flight Attendant, Asiana Airlines) : "We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families."

Six flight attendants returned home on Thursday. The remaining crew will also head home as soon as they wrap up questioning by investigators for a probe that is under way in the U.S.

3. Back to Kaesong

[Anchor Lead]

Companies based in the inter-Korean Kaesong Industrial business park began removing materials from the complex today. But many products have already been damaged.

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South Korean employees of companies based in the Kaesong Industrial Complex have been checking on their facilities for the second day in a row despite the heavy rain. The tightly closed door has become rusty and there are puddles of water on the floor. You can see water leaking out of the walls of the factory. Wet boxes containing finished products are left unattended.

[Soundbite] Jang Jin-gap(Employee, Kaesong-based Firm) : "Our company was more flooded than others. We have to replace all of the equipment."

Many of the finished products are out of season now, as it’s been a while since they were made.

[Soundbite] Kim Hyeong-ju(CEO, Kaesong-based Firm) : "Products that are out of season are useless even if we bring back the spring and summer ones."

After checking up on their factories, the personnel gets even busier. This is because they are transporting their products to the South today. More than 170 South Korean businessmen visited North Korea today alone. Each company is allowed to send only three employees who can only stay in Kaesong for two days.

[Soundbite] Yu Chang-geun(CEO, Kaesong-based Firm) : "We don't have a choice since the date has been set. We’re planning to first transport the finished products that can still be supplied to our clients."

Mechanical and electric companies will be allowed to transport their goods today and tomorrow, while apparel companies will start transporting their products on Monday.

4. Moon Steps Up

[Anchor Lead]

Former presidential candidate Moon Jae-in is urging officials who served in the Roh Moo-hyun administration to tell the truth about the late president's remarks on the inter-Korean maritime border during a summit with Kim Jong-il.

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Democratic Party Representative Moon Jae-in, who used to serve as a Cheong Wa Dae chief secretary during the Roh Moo-hyun administration, is urging high-ranking government officials to come clean on President Roh's remarks regarding the Northern Limit Line. In particular, Moon is addressing certain officials, such as the current presidential national security chief Kim Jang-soo, who was the defense minister back then; Defense Minister Kim Kwan-jin, who headed the Joint Chiefs of Staff at that time; and Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se, who was the Roh’s secretary for foreign affairs. Moon is demanding that Defense Minister Kim Kwan-jin tell the truth on whether the late president indeed wanted to abandon the inter-Korean maritime border. Moon also wants national security chief Kim Jang-soo to clarify why his current stance contradicts his position during the Roh Moo-hyun administration. Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se has already admitted that the Roh Moo-hyun administration had no intentions to abandon the Northern Limit Line.

[Soundbite] Yun Byung-se(Foreign Affairs Minister (July 11)) : "If our views on the country's interests and national security were ambiguous, we wouldn't be working for the incumbent administration. If you look at it from this perspective, you will understand."

The Defense Ministry says that the discussion of the joint fishing area might have been misinterpreted as an attempt to abandon the maritime border.

[Soundbite] Kim Min-seok(Spokesman, Ministry of National Defense) : "We made concessions to North Korea with regards to the fishing area. It might have been misunderstood as an abandonment of the NLL."

The National Intelligence Service issued a statement two days earlier, one that is similar to the Defense Ministry's stance.

5. War Memorial

[Anchor Lead]

Korean War veterans from the United Kingdom have held a parade in London.

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Korean War veterans who risked their lives in a foreign country more than 60 years ago gathered at a parade. They marched a kilometer from the military training grounds to the Westminster Abbey. Most of the veterans are over 80 years old. But they marched with precision and dignity, receiving applause and respect from the onlookers.

[Soundbite] "British Korean War Veteran"

[Soundbite] "British Korean War Veteran"

A memorial service for the fallen soldiers was then held at the Westminster Abbey. It was attended by the representatives of the countries that sent troops to fight in Korea, as well as high-ranking royal officials.

[Soundbite] Lim Sung-nam(Korean Ambassador to U.K.)

Ten years ago, a similar event was attended by some one thousand veterans. This year, the number has dwindled down to around 300. The veterans stressed that the Korean War is no longer a forgotten, but a great war that was fought to protect freedom and peace.

6. Struggling With Heat

[Anchor Lead]

Public officials are having a tough time in the heat of the Korean summer as energy conservation rules have tightened at government offices. North Chungcheong Province has raised the room temperature standard to 30 degrees Celsius.

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Temperatures climb to 32 degrees Celsius amid high humidity. The temperature inside a government building in North Chungcheong Province measures over 30 degrees. But air conditioning is a tall order. A few electric fans and a few portable folding fans are far from being enough to cool down the room. Even though the workers have rolled up their pants and took off their socks, beads of sweat continue to flow. It’s an arduous task to try to focus on work while trying to beat the heat.

[Soundbite] Gang Chang-won(N. Chungcheong Province Official) : "I go to the bathroom to wash the sweat off of my face, but it’s challenging because sometimes it's hotter in here than outside."

The North Chungcheong Province government has raised its indoor temperature regulation for all government offices, except for those that deal with citizens. For July and August, government offices must not go below 30 degrees Celsius, up from the previous 28 degrees. The policy is practically a ban on air conditioning altogether. Instead, there will be no night shifts on Wednesdays, a day designated as "family love day." Outdoor events will also be restricted. The North Chungcheong Province office of education has their temperature level set at 28 degrees Celsius but decided to turn on the AC only when the mercury reaches 30 degrees.

[Soundbite] Kim Hyeok-su(N. Chungcheong Provincial Office of Education) : "Our target is to cut energy use by 15% from last year."

Civil servants are the most affected by government policies, making summer the season they wish would go by the fastest.

7. Culture Programs

[Anchor Lead]

Artists from abroad are visiting Andong and getting a first hand experience of traditional Korean culture. We take you there now.

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Foreigners sporting traditional Korean masks are learning to dance to the traditional rhythms. It's their first time wearing the masks but they're quick to follow and get used to the moves.

[Soundbite] Tshering Dorji(Bhutanese Musician)

They even try making the masks themselves. Each one is made from multicolored traditional Korean paper. Now it's time to experience Confucian culture. They change into the Korean attire called hanbok and reenact the Confucian coming of age rituals. They also watch a video together about the Korean folklore, Simcheong. Artists from four Asian countries are taking part in this interactive program. They will stay in Andong through October for an up-close experience of Korean culture.

[Soundbite] Park Seong-hyeon(Andong Festival Tourism Foundation) : "Such cultural partners have come together in Andong to learn and experience traditional Korean culture; this is our greatest asset."

They will perform at the Andong International Maskdance Festival in September and even serve as guides for other international tourists.

8. Dokdo Live

[Anchor Lead]

Korea’s Dokdo Islets, which Japan continues to claim, are used in a wide range of media here to promote patriotism. Now, a learning center has opened that centers on the live streaming images of the islets provided by KBS.

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A Dokdo visual learning center has opened at the nation's first elementary school, which was established in 1894. Here, the students can watch a live streaming image of the Dokdo islets and learn about its ecology, geography and history. In a joint campaign, KBS and the Industrial Bank of Korea will open more of these centers at 200 elementary, middle and high schools nationwide by October.

[Soundbite] Ju Jun-hui(President, Industrial Bank of Korea) : "It's very meaningful and important to accurately teach our students about the Dokdo Islets and instill them with the historical value of Korea's territory."

The Industrial Bank will also present KBS’ live streaming of Dokdo at 650 of its branches across the country. The Dokdo imagery service KBS launched last year is part of the public broadcaster's effort to boost Koreans’ pride in their homeland.

[Soundbite] Kil Hwan-young(President, KBS) : "KBS provides this with hoping that by viewing the image, Koreans will care more about their land and country."

Japan has renewed its claim over the Dokdo islets in its annual defense white book. The real time Dokdo islet streaming transmitted by KBS airs at some 530 locations at home and abroad, including Korean embassies overseas.

9. Close to Home

[Anchor Lead]

Summer is hot and muggy in Korea, but it can be tough to make your way out of the city to get to the beach. But these days, there are lots of ways of staying cool closer to home.

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This is a neighborhood water park in a residential area in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province. Kids cool off in the wading pool situated next to the Tan Stream. They splash around and cool off on one a typically sizzling summer day. It’s a great escape from the heat, right near home for the people who live in the neighborhood.

[Soundbite] Lee Yu-jeong(Visitor) : "It's fun to play in water. It's nearby. So it's good for me to come only with my friends."

There’s all kinds of fun stuff like inflatables and water guns. The quality of the water is strictly controlled and life guards are on standby to guarantee the safety of the little visitors. There’s a shower facility, changing rooms and a shop. And best of all, entrance is free.There are spots in the shade and places for people to set up their tents. It’s a perfect place for a family picnic. You can even get food delivered here if you don’t feel like packing lunch.

[Soundbite] "It taste better when you eat out here."

This apartment complex in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, has a playground that is roasting in the middle of the day. But the addition of water turns it into a kids’summer paradise. Water spouts out of the slide and other playground equipment. This playground that transforms into a water park is a huge hit in the neighborhood. At 11 a.m., locals start to gather for a dip. First, they make sure to take off their shoes. In Korea’s sweltering summer, water parks like these are a huge blessing for overheated city-dwellers. The kids have the time of their life. Many people say they come nearly every day. And kids aren’t the only ones having fun.

[Soundbite] Lee Sang-jin(Visitor) : "It's cold and good. I’m having fun too, like my kid."

Friends wait for the water bomb and make summer memories. The playground has everything you could want from a water park. The ground is made of soft rubber, so it’s safe to take a tumble. There’s also places to rest in the shade.

[Soundbite] Lee Jeong-yun(Visitor) : "I didn't know that we had this kind of facility is in the neighborhood. It’s better than I expected."

[Soundbite] "It's really fun. You should come."

This is an outdoor swimming pool near the Yangjae Stream. A nearby forest and fountain are also great places to escape from the heat. This shallow stream is crowded with little kids. This place also has a picnic site. Here, you can have a barbecue with your friends and family.

[Soundbite] Ju Su-hwan(Visitor) : "It’s fun to eat barbecue and catch tadpoles out here."

The thought of battling the traffic to get out of the city can be daunting, but more and more local facilities are cropping up to help people get through the summer.