Reunion Rejection

입력 2014.01.10 (15:23) 수정 2014.01.10 (16:14)

읽어주기 기능은 크롬기반의
브라우저에서만 사용하실 수 있습니다.

[Anchor Lead]

North Korea has rejected Seoul’s proposal for family reunions around the Lunar New Year’s holiday. While thousands of families remain separated from the Korean War, Pyongyang referenced South Korea-U.S. military drills in its rejection.

[Pkg]

North Korea has kept silent for three days over South Korea's proposal for holding family reunion talks. The North turned this down through a telegram sent by its Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland. The regime took issue with what it called imprudent words and actions by the South Korean media and government officials. It also mentioned the South's scheduled defense drills. But the message also included hints that Pyongyang was not completely rejecting the notion of family reunions. South Korea expressed regret that the North linked a humanitarian issue with Seoul's annually held defense exercise.

[Soundbite] Kim Ui-do (Spokesman, Ministry of Unification (Jan. 9)) : "North Korea should show its sincerity through actions and not just words to improve inter-Korean ties."

Last year, North Korea unilaterally delayed family reunions scheduled at the North's Mount Kumgang resort just four days prior to the event. Experts believe the rejection is the regime's way of saying it's not pleased with South Korea's policy of separating family reunions and the resumption of Mount Kumgang tours. But a Seoul official has reaffirmed the government's insistence of separating the two matters.

2. Economic Outlook

[Anchor Lead]

The Bank of Korea has set Korea’s economic growth outlook for this year at 3.8 percent, lowering the projected inflation rate to 2.3 percent.

[Pkg]

The Bank of Korea says the nation's GDP will likely expand 3.8 percent this year, which is higher than the 2.8 percent recorded last year. The bank's outlook has remained unchanged since it was first announced in October 2013. The bank expects the nation's economy to grow 4 percent next year. The bank added that Korea's economy will expand at its potential growth rate and will rebound on the higher domestic demand, including consumption, investment, and export growth. The bank has lowered the projected inflation rate by 0.2 percentage points to 2.3 percent. The bank says that inflation will be higher in the second half of the year because of the high demand for agricultural produce and housing.

[Soundbite] Kim Jung-su (Governor, Bank of Korea) : "I think factors that can push prices higher still exist. The inflation rate will be within our price stability target in the second half of the year."

Meanwhile, the government will analyze the charges on public utilities to prevent its recent efforts to reduce the public sector debt from pushing up electricity and highway fees.

3. Investment Drive

[Anchor Lead]

President Park Geun-hye is preparing for an international tour with stops in India and Switzerland. She’ll attend the Davos Forum next week, but got a head start this week seeking foreign investment.

[Pkg]

President Park Geun-hye is scheduled to visit India and Switzerland between January 15 and 22. She will meet with their leaders to discuss ways to expand trade investment. Park will also attend the Davos Forum in Switzerland where she'll deliver a keynote speech regarding the creative economy and meet with CEOs of global corporations. Yesterday Park met with foreign investors in Korea where she asked them to expand their investments.

[Soundbite] Park Geun-hye (President) : "I can confidently recommend Korea as a a promising country to invest in."

The president cited Korea's global corporations, strong component and materials manufacturing bases, highly skilled human resources and Korea's free trade agreements with major economies as reasons to invest. She also stressed the Korean government's strong support for foreign investors while the representatives of foreign corporations based in Korea promised to expand their own investments. Sergio Rocha, CEO of GM Korea, denied rumors that his company would soon close its operations in Korea. In response, Park promised support for investing companies. The president also pledged to reflect foreign investors' opinions in her government policies.

4. Winter Adventures

[Anchor Lead]

South Korea’s northern Gangwon Province is gripped by the winter’s cold: far colder than other parts of the country. But those who are brave enough can enjoy a multitude of winter activities.

[Pkg]

The waterfall has frozen up due to the subzero temperature. One step at a time, they carefully climb the icy wall. People below watch them nervously. But the hikers themselves enjoy the exhilarating thrill. They are happy the ice has finally completely frozen over.

[Soundbite] O Yu-jin (Visitor) : "In warm weather, the water drips and ice breaks. This is unlikely to happen when the ice freezes up firmly."

The Hongcheon River trout angling ground was closed for nearly ten days due to the warm weather. Most of the fishing sites have reopened. Children and adults alike are immersed in trout fishing.

[Soundbite] Jeon Myeong-jun (Festival Organizer) : "Visitors were disappointed since they weren't able to fish, but now that the mercury has fallen below freezing, they love it."

People are hoping the temperatures will remain low as a slew of winter festivities are in the waiting, including the Inje Icefish Festival opening next week.

5. Sanitizer Risks

[Anchor Lead]

Korean researchers have discovered that the sanitizers used to clean out humidifiers can cause lung disease. Their findings have been published in a world renowned journal.

[Pkg]

138 children were affected by humidifier sanitizers between 2006 and 2011 in Korea. 80 of them have died. It was confirmed that two toxins in question, PHMG and PGH, caused the lungs of mice to harden during a laboratory test. Recent revelations find the toxins can cause lung disease to people as well. The finding has been published in the latest issue of a world renowned journal on respiratory illnesses. Asan Medical Center surveyed child patients of respiratory diseases at 84 hospitals nationwide. It found no cases of children suffering from stiff lungs whose causes were unknown since 2011 when humidifier sanitizer was banned. The research team has also confirmed patients' lungs were mostly damaged in the center area when exposed to the air from outside. This led to the discovery that toxic water molecules from the humidifier caused the illness. The team has more concretely shown than in previous lab tests that the cleaning agent of humidifiers can damage your lungs. The victims are currently filing a collective suit against the state and manufacturers.

6. Baekje Tomb

[Anchor Lead]

A tomb belonging to an aristocratic family of the Baekje Kingdom has been discovered in Namhae County of South Gyeongsang Province, changing the way historians think about the region.

[Pkg]

Researchers from the Gyeongnam Development Institute have found an unfamiliar tomb in a small village in Namhae County, South Gyeongsang Province. The tomb looks like a typical stone chamber used during the Baekje Kingdom. Its walls are covered with stones, and its entrance and threshold are also made of stone. Inside the tomb, the researchers found decorations, such as silver diadem ornaments that were only used by Baekje's high-ranking officials. So far only 12 pieces of silver diadem ornaments have been discovered, mostly in Buyeo, which was the last capital of the Baekje Kingdom.

[Soundbite] Kim Mi-yeong (Center of History & Culture Head, Gyeongsang Development Inst.) : "This tomb is a Baekje stone chamber because the silver diadem ornaments were only used to decorate the hats of Baekje's high-ranking level six officials and beyond."

Although ancient historic records say that Naemhae County belonged to the Silla Kingdom, the latest discovery points to the possibility that this area used to be a part of the Baekje Kingdom.

[Soundbite] Prof. No Jung-guk (Keimyung University) : "This discovery shows that we must conduct a new study of Baekje's territory and its relations with Silla and Gaya."

The government of Naemhae County will conduct additional excavations and research on the fortresses of the three ancient kingdoms of Korea to come up with ways to preserve the ancient tombs.

7. Music Majors

[Anchor Lead]

With a growing number of young Koreans aspiring to become singers, admissions to applied or contemporary music departments are getting more competitive. Surprisingly, students in these majors have the highest dropout rate.

[Pkg]

This is an admissions test for the contemporary music department of a junior college. The waiting room is packed with students. The competition is intense. They have to show off all they've got, from playing the guitar to singing and dancing, all within a minute. Only one in 170 vocalist applicants will be able to get into this contemporary music department. This field has become so popular that it has shot up to top eight spots in terms of competitiveness. That's because the fame of talent shows and audition programs is giving rise to evermore aspiring singers. But the rate of dropouts has risen to an average of 9% over the past three years. That figure is more than double the rates of other departments which stands at 4%. Most of the dropouts merely fantasized about becoming K-pop stars and but failed to adjust to the rigorous curriculum, which includes vocalization or composition theory.

[Soundbite] Choe Il-gwon (Student, Applied Music Department) : "If they're here just to be a singer, they will have trouble with the music theory or practice lesson courses."


The applied music department houses theoretical studies of pop music as well singing classes. Experts say that those who just want to become celebrities will have difficulty enduring the grueling courses.

8. Entertainment News

[Anchor Lead]

In today’s entertainment news, look forward to American rap icon Snoop Dogg in an upcoming Psy music video. This and more coming up.

[Pkg]

World-famous hip hop musician Snoop Dogg has sold nearly 200 million copies over the past two decades. He is now reportedly working on Psy's latest song and will make an appearance on Psy's music video this month. Psy has already posted on his social network site that he is collaborating with Snoop Dogg. The Korean pop star is expected to release his next album as early as next month. Korea's latest box office hit "The Attorney" will be shown in theaters in North America next month. Starting February 7th, "The Attorney" will be released in eleven major American cities, including Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and Boston. The film's American distributor said the amazing story about a human rights attorney's courage and patience would appeal to the American audience.

9. Year of the Horse

[Anchor Lead]

In time for the year of the horse, horse-riding facilities are going up around the country. Join us for an exploration of the growing interest in horses in Korean society.

[Pkg]

2014 is the year of the horse,the seventh sign on the Chinese zodiac consisting of 12 animals. To be more specific, 2014 is the year of the blue horse. What is the basis to determine the color of the animal symbolizing the year?

[Soundbite] Cheon Jin-gi (Director, National Folk Museum of Korea) : "In the sexagenary cycle, five years are symbolized by the horse. 2014 is a "gap-o" year. “Gap” refers to the east and trees. It’s symbolized by the color blue. So 2014 is the year of the blue horse.

Of the 12 animals on the Chinese zodiac, the horse symbolizes energy and speed. It is widely said that people born in the year of the horse tend to be tough and strong. Is this true?

[Soundbite] "In Japanese colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula, people began saying that those born in the year of the horse were tough and strong. In the 1950s and 60s, the groundless belief was reinforced through TV shows and movies. But the horse symbolizes energy, vigor and strength, the virtues most needed in modern society."

Horse riding and racing are often regarded as sport for the rich. A KBS team met a professional horse rider performing equestrian dressage. Equestrian dressage is so difficult it's often referred to as "figure skating on sand." It requires both the horse and rider to show a high level of technique and skill in harmony.

[Soundbite] Jeon Jae-sik (Dressage Rider) : "Her name is Classic Girl. Isn't she pretty? We formed a team two years ago. While training, we have been through a lot and have overcome many difficulties together."

"Classic Girl" is not an expensive horse. But she was a real hidden gem for Mr. Jeon here. With their perfect harmony, the pair have dominated the Korean equestrian dressage field. In dressage, horses are judged for their various poses and movements, like extended trots and quick steps. Jeon has a special goal in the year of the horse.

[Soundbite] "I hope she and I can win a medal at the 2014 Asian Games."

Horses also enjoy a good grooming. Now, it's time for new shoes. First, the horse' hooves are evened. Then the shoes are fixed. The horse got new shoes with the arrival of the New Year. Korea's indigenous horses are smaller than Western ones. However, they are strong and vigorous. There are more than 200 species of horses around the world.

[Soundbite] "You all did a good job. I’m going to show you horseback martial arts skills."

A man shows off his acrobatic equestrian martial skills. He has practiced for 16 years. He referred to ancient books to find information about the nation's traditional horseback martial art. Now, he has become a master and serves as a martial arts instructor for TV dramas. This audience is clearly pleased with the performance.

[Soundbite] Go Seong-gyu (Equestrian Martial Art Player) : "Horseback martial arts are a tradition of Korea. I want to introduce and promote traditional Korean horseback martial arts to the world."

Best wishes for a strong and energetic year of the horse.

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  • Reunion Rejection
    • 입력 2014-01-10 15:37:46
    • 수정2014-01-10 16:14:52
    News Today
[Anchor Lead]

North Korea has rejected Seoul’s proposal for family reunions around the Lunar New Year’s holiday. While thousands of families remain separated from the Korean War, Pyongyang referenced South Korea-U.S. military drills in its rejection.

[Pkg]

North Korea has kept silent for three days over South Korea's proposal for holding family reunion talks. The North turned this down through a telegram sent by its Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland. The regime took issue with what it called imprudent words and actions by the South Korean media and government officials. It also mentioned the South's scheduled defense drills. But the message also included hints that Pyongyang was not completely rejecting the notion of family reunions. South Korea expressed regret that the North linked a humanitarian issue with Seoul's annually held defense exercise.

[Soundbite] Kim Ui-do (Spokesman, Ministry of Unification (Jan. 9)) : "North Korea should show its sincerity through actions and not just words to improve inter-Korean ties."

Last year, North Korea unilaterally delayed family reunions scheduled at the North's Mount Kumgang resort just four days prior to the event. Experts believe the rejection is the regime's way of saying it's not pleased with South Korea's policy of separating family reunions and the resumption of Mount Kumgang tours. But a Seoul official has reaffirmed the government's insistence of separating the two matters.

2. Economic Outlook

[Anchor Lead]

The Bank of Korea has set Korea’s economic growth outlook for this year at 3.8 percent, lowering the projected inflation rate to 2.3 percent.

[Pkg]

The Bank of Korea says the nation's GDP will likely expand 3.8 percent this year, which is higher than the 2.8 percent recorded last year. The bank's outlook has remained unchanged since it was first announced in October 2013. The bank expects the nation's economy to grow 4 percent next year. The bank added that Korea's economy will expand at its potential growth rate and will rebound on the higher domestic demand, including consumption, investment, and export growth. The bank has lowered the projected inflation rate by 0.2 percentage points to 2.3 percent. The bank says that inflation will be higher in the second half of the year because of the high demand for agricultural produce and housing.

[Soundbite] Kim Jung-su (Governor, Bank of Korea) : "I think factors that can push prices higher still exist. The inflation rate will be within our price stability target in the second half of the year."

Meanwhile, the government will analyze the charges on public utilities to prevent its recent efforts to reduce the public sector debt from pushing up electricity and highway fees.

3. Investment Drive

[Anchor Lead]

President Park Geun-hye is preparing for an international tour with stops in India and Switzerland. She’ll attend the Davos Forum next week, but got a head start this week seeking foreign investment.

[Pkg]

President Park Geun-hye is scheduled to visit India and Switzerland between January 15 and 22. She will meet with their leaders to discuss ways to expand trade investment. Park will also attend the Davos Forum in Switzerland where she'll deliver a keynote speech regarding the creative economy and meet with CEOs of global corporations. Yesterday Park met with foreign investors in Korea where she asked them to expand their investments.

[Soundbite] Park Geun-hye (President) : "I can confidently recommend Korea as a a promising country to invest in."

The president cited Korea's global corporations, strong component and materials manufacturing bases, highly skilled human resources and Korea's free trade agreements with major economies as reasons to invest. She also stressed the Korean government's strong support for foreign investors while the representatives of foreign corporations based in Korea promised to expand their own investments. Sergio Rocha, CEO of GM Korea, denied rumors that his company would soon close its operations in Korea. In response, Park promised support for investing companies. The president also pledged to reflect foreign investors' opinions in her government policies.

4. Winter Adventures

[Anchor Lead]

South Korea’s northern Gangwon Province is gripped by the winter’s cold: far colder than other parts of the country. But those who are brave enough can enjoy a multitude of winter activities.

[Pkg]

The waterfall has frozen up due to the subzero temperature. One step at a time, they carefully climb the icy wall. People below watch them nervously. But the hikers themselves enjoy the exhilarating thrill. They are happy the ice has finally completely frozen over.

[Soundbite] O Yu-jin (Visitor) : "In warm weather, the water drips and ice breaks. This is unlikely to happen when the ice freezes up firmly."

The Hongcheon River trout angling ground was closed for nearly ten days due to the warm weather. Most of the fishing sites have reopened. Children and adults alike are immersed in trout fishing.

[Soundbite] Jeon Myeong-jun (Festival Organizer) : "Visitors were disappointed since they weren't able to fish, but now that the mercury has fallen below freezing, they love it."

People are hoping the temperatures will remain low as a slew of winter festivities are in the waiting, including the Inje Icefish Festival opening next week.

5. Sanitizer Risks

[Anchor Lead]

Korean researchers have discovered that the sanitizers used to clean out humidifiers can cause lung disease. Their findings have been published in a world renowned journal.

[Pkg]

138 children were affected by humidifier sanitizers between 2006 and 2011 in Korea. 80 of them have died. It was confirmed that two toxins in question, PHMG and PGH, caused the lungs of mice to harden during a laboratory test. Recent revelations find the toxins can cause lung disease to people as well. The finding has been published in the latest issue of a world renowned journal on respiratory illnesses. Asan Medical Center surveyed child patients of respiratory diseases at 84 hospitals nationwide. It found no cases of children suffering from stiff lungs whose causes were unknown since 2011 when humidifier sanitizer was banned. The research team has also confirmed patients' lungs were mostly damaged in the center area when exposed to the air from outside. This led to the discovery that toxic water molecules from the humidifier caused the illness. The team has more concretely shown than in previous lab tests that the cleaning agent of humidifiers can damage your lungs. The victims are currently filing a collective suit against the state and manufacturers.

6. Baekje Tomb

[Anchor Lead]

A tomb belonging to an aristocratic family of the Baekje Kingdom has been discovered in Namhae County of South Gyeongsang Province, changing the way historians think about the region.

[Pkg]

Researchers from the Gyeongnam Development Institute have found an unfamiliar tomb in a small village in Namhae County, South Gyeongsang Province. The tomb looks like a typical stone chamber used during the Baekje Kingdom. Its walls are covered with stones, and its entrance and threshold are also made of stone. Inside the tomb, the researchers found decorations, such as silver diadem ornaments that were only used by Baekje's high-ranking officials. So far only 12 pieces of silver diadem ornaments have been discovered, mostly in Buyeo, which was the last capital of the Baekje Kingdom.

[Soundbite] Kim Mi-yeong (Center of History & Culture Head, Gyeongsang Development Inst.) : "This tomb is a Baekje stone chamber because the silver diadem ornaments were only used to decorate the hats of Baekje's high-ranking level six officials and beyond."

Although ancient historic records say that Naemhae County belonged to the Silla Kingdom, the latest discovery points to the possibility that this area used to be a part of the Baekje Kingdom.

[Soundbite] Prof. No Jung-guk (Keimyung University) : "This discovery shows that we must conduct a new study of Baekje's territory and its relations with Silla and Gaya."

The government of Naemhae County will conduct additional excavations and research on the fortresses of the three ancient kingdoms of Korea to come up with ways to preserve the ancient tombs.

7. Music Majors

[Anchor Lead]

With a growing number of young Koreans aspiring to become singers, admissions to applied or contemporary music departments are getting more competitive. Surprisingly, students in these majors have the highest dropout rate.

[Pkg]

This is an admissions test for the contemporary music department of a junior college. The waiting room is packed with students. The competition is intense. They have to show off all they've got, from playing the guitar to singing and dancing, all within a minute. Only one in 170 vocalist applicants will be able to get into this contemporary music department. This field has become so popular that it has shot up to top eight spots in terms of competitiveness. That's because the fame of talent shows and audition programs is giving rise to evermore aspiring singers. But the rate of dropouts has risen to an average of 9% over the past three years. That figure is more than double the rates of other departments which stands at 4%. Most of the dropouts merely fantasized about becoming K-pop stars and but failed to adjust to the rigorous curriculum, which includes vocalization or composition theory.

[Soundbite] Choe Il-gwon (Student, Applied Music Department) : "If they're here just to be a singer, they will have trouble with the music theory or practice lesson courses."


The applied music department houses theoretical studies of pop music as well singing classes. Experts say that those who just want to become celebrities will have difficulty enduring the grueling courses.

8. Entertainment News

[Anchor Lead]

In today’s entertainment news, look forward to American rap icon Snoop Dogg in an upcoming Psy music video. This and more coming up.

[Pkg]

World-famous hip hop musician Snoop Dogg has sold nearly 200 million copies over the past two decades. He is now reportedly working on Psy's latest song and will make an appearance on Psy's music video this month. Psy has already posted on his social network site that he is collaborating with Snoop Dogg. The Korean pop star is expected to release his next album as early as next month. Korea's latest box office hit "The Attorney" will be shown in theaters in North America next month. Starting February 7th, "The Attorney" will be released in eleven major American cities, including Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and Boston. The film's American distributor said the amazing story about a human rights attorney's courage and patience would appeal to the American audience.

9. Year of the Horse

[Anchor Lead]

In time for the year of the horse, horse-riding facilities are going up around the country. Join us for an exploration of the growing interest in horses in Korean society.

[Pkg]

2014 is the year of the horse,the seventh sign on the Chinese zodiac consisting of 12 animals. To be more specific, 2014 is the year of the blue horse. What is the basis to determine the color of the animal symbolizing the year?

[Soundbite] Cheon Jin-gi (Director, National Folk Museum of Korea) : "In the sexagenary cycle, five years are symbolized by the horse. 2014 is a "gap-o" year. “Gap” refers to the east and trees. It’s symbolized by the color blue. So 2014 is the year of the blue horse.

Of the 12 animals on the Chinese zodiac, the horse symbolizes energy and speed. It is widely said that people born in the year of the horse tend to be tough and strong. Is this true?

[Soundbite] "In Japanese colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula, people began saying that those born in the year of the horse were tough and strong. In the 1950s and 60s, the groundless belief was reinforced through TV shows and movies. But the horse symbolizes energy, vigor and strength, the virtues most needed in modern society."

Horse riding and racing are often regarded as sport for the rich. A KBS team met a professional horse rider performing equestrian dressage. Equestrian dressage is so difficult it's often referred to as "figure skating on sand." It requires both the horse and rider to show a high level of technique and skill in harmony.

[Soundbite] Jeon Jae-sik (Dressage Rider) : "Her name is Classic Girl. Isn't she pretty? We formed a team two years ago. While training, we have been through a lot and have overcome many difficulties together."

"Classic Girl" is not an expensive horse. But she was a real hidden gem for Mr. Jeon here. With their perfect harmony, the pair have dominated the Korean equestrian dressage field. In dressage, horses are judged for their various poses and movements, like extended trots and quick steps. Jeon has a special goal in the year of the horse.

[Soundbite] "I hope she and I can win a medal at the 2014 Asian Games."

Horses also enjoy a good grooming. Now, it's time for new shoes. First, the horse' hooves are evened. Then the shoes are fixed. The horse got new shoes with the arrival of the New Year. Korea's indigenous horses are smaller than Western ones. However, they are strong and vigorous. There are more than 200 species of horses around the world.

[Soundbite] "You all did a good job. I’m going to show you horseback martial arts skills."

A man shows off his acrobatic equestrian martial skills. He has practiced for 16 years. He referred to ancient books to find information about the nation's traditional horseback martial art. Now, he has become a master and serves as a martial arts instructor for TV dramas. This audience is clearly pleased with the performance.

[Soundbite] Go Seong-gyu (Equestrian Martial Art Player) : "Horseback martial arts are a tradition of Korea. I want to introduce and promote traditional Korean horseback martial arts to the world."

Best wishes for a strong and energetic year of the horse.

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