U.S. THAAD Talks

입력 2016.02.01 (13:56) 수정 2016.02.01 (14:37)

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브라우저에서만 사용하실 수 있습니다.

[Anchor Lead]

Seoul and Washington will likely hold talks soon regarding the deployment of the U.S. anti-ballistic missile system THAAD on the Korean Peninsula to counter Pyongyang's long-range ballistic missiles. The two allies are stepping up their reaction to North Korea's nuclear program and missile threat in the wake of last month’s fourth nuclear test.

[Pkg]

The U.S. daily The Wall Street Journal has reported that Seoul and Washington have been holding intensive behind-the-scene discussions on THAAD deployment. The newspaper wrote that the two nations were highly likely to disclose their ongoing talks as early as next week. The Wall Street Journal also added that Seoul and Washington were just a step from reaching a final agreement on the deployment of the anti-ballistic missile system on the Korean Peninsula. Seoul denied the speculation. Yet, it said that working-level officials from the two nations were indeed discussing the technological aspect of the THAAD system, such as its usability. The Korean government expressed hopes that the THAAD system will contribute to strengthening national security and defense capabilities if it's deployed by the U.S. forces stationed in Korea. The Defense Ministry has announced its positive stance on the deployment of the THAAD system several times so far, raising speculations that the official talks between Seoul and Washington on this matter were imminent.

2. Change in Stance

[Anchor Lead]

Until now, the South Korean government has maintained a stance of "strategic ambiguity" over the deployment of the THAAD battery in the country. Next, we will look into why Seoul has shifted its stance over the issue and made the THAAD discussions with the U.S. official noting possible benefits of the weapons system.

[Pkg]

The South Korean government has remained resolute in its stance regarding the deployment of the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery on the Korean Peninsula. The issue was first raised after North Korea's third nuclear test in 2013. Seoul has maintained its stance of "strategic ambiguity," saying that there were no requests from the U.S., no consultations between Seoul and Washington and no final decisions. The stance was a measure intended to take opposition from China into account.

[Soundbite] Rep. Yoon Hoo-deok(Parliamentary Defense Comte/Oct. 2015)) : "Please confirm whether the two governments have ever discussed the THAAD deployment, officially or unofficially."

[Soundbite] Han Min-koo(Defense Minister) : "The South Korean and U.S. governments have never discussed the issue."

However, the atmosphere has rapidly shifted following signs of a North Korean missile launch on the heels of its fourth nuclear test. There is now a wider consensus on the need for the nation to possess a multilayer missile defense system to respond to nuclear and missile threats from the North. Meanwhile, some have posited that it is a measure intended to pressure China, as Beijing has been lukewarm in its attitude on sanctions against Pyongyang for the nuclear test. With China and Russia reacting sensitively to the THAAD issue, it appears likely that their final decisions regarding sanctions against North Korea will be the last variable in deciding for or against the deployment of the U.S. weapons system on the Korean Peninsula.

3. Air Force Patrols

[Anchor Lead]

South Korea's Air Force has stepped up its patrol operations to bolster air defense capabilities amid rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The Air Force has been striving to build on teamwork to carry out missions to the best of its ability.

[Pkg]

The main pillar of South Korea's Air Force, the KF-16 fighter jets, soar into the sky one by one. The aircraft can perform sophisticated maneuver tactics thanks to its maximum speed of Mach 2.5, or 3000 kilometers an hour, and its ability to endure pressure nine times that of Earth's gravity. Tensions run high even during preparations for flights. The operation and maintenance records of fighter jets are usually managed by analyzing big data. But right before a flight everything is checked by hand to detect any technological glitches. Thorough examination is a must before a takeoff. Pilots are trained using simulators to respond to various emergency situations, such as a sudden engine stoppage. The runway is always kept in the best condition.

[Soundbite] Col. Kim Jong-ha(ROK Air Force 19th Fighter Wing) : "All of us make sure to maximize safety by checking steering, maintenance, weather conditions and control."

The military says it's determined to keep the nation's flight safety at the highest level by leaving no room for error.

4. Airport Security Push

[Anchor Lead]

The government has devised measures to beef up security at Incheon International Airport. It will install alert systems at main entrances and investigate all automatic immigration checkpoints. Let's take a look.

[Pkg]

This is a security inspection area through which Chinese travelers left. The government will install alarm systems to prevent trespassing at these and other main entrances. Security will be ramped up dramatically after investigating 106 automatic immigration checkpoints, one of which was used by a Vietnamese passenger to enter South Korea illegally. Cutting-edge scientific devices will also be implemented, including intelligent video monitors, motion-detecting surveillance cameras and full-body scanners. Authorities will further introduce stronger anti-terrorism measures. Security teams will be newly dispatched to immigration inspection areas, and anti-terrorism training will be held under real-life operation conditions. Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn called for rapid processing of anti-terrorism legislation which is pending in parliament, saying that South Korea is no longer safe from terrorist attacks.

[Soundbite] Hwang Kyo-ahn(Prime Minister) : "It is no exaggeration to say that there is a legal void where anti-terrorism measures are needed to protect the public."

The government will obtain a list of dangerous international terrorists to block their entry to South Korea, and actively investigate whether suspects have already entered the nation.

5. Korean Steel Industry

[Anchor Lead]

Korea's largest steelmaker, POSCO, posted a deficit for the first time due to the barrage of cheap steel products coming from China. The nation's steel industry is striving to overcome the recession by developing high value-added products.

[Pkg]

An ink jet printer prints out a picture. It looks like a piece of paper, but in fact it's a coated steel sheet that has been developed by POSCO for the first time in the world. The product can be custom-made as a decorative material for buildings and home appliances. This pipe contains significantly more manganese than a regular pipe. Its sturdiness makes it ideal for extracting shale gas. The Dangjin factory of Hyundai Steel mostly manufactures steel sheets for cars. Its products are sold for a high price because they are made of high-quality alloy and molten metal.

[Soundbite] Lim Hee-jung(Hyundai Steel) : "The steel industry has been evolving into a high-tech industry that produces high value-added products such as steel sheets for cars."

The steel industry, which has been struggling recently amid oversupply, is trying to survive in the global market by developing high-quality, high-performance products.

6. Robot Championships

[Anchor Lead]

Robots were first developed for military or industrial purposes. But now, the use of robots is being expanded, as seen in the emergence of robotic personal secretaries or caregivers for patients. Aspiring young robotics scientists came together to show off some of the robots they developed at the Korea Robot Championship.

[Pkg]

A robot clears away blocks scattered around the floor. Another ascends a slope by supporting itself with a hook. This is a contest to select the robot which is the quickest to stabilize a disaster site.

[Soundbite] Won Ji-hye(8th Grade, Joyang Middle School) : "I felt rewarded when the robot moved at once."

Young, aspiring robotics engineers have gathered here. Approximately 2,000 elementary, middle and high school students participated in the contest to boast their creativity and technical skills. Eight foreign teams from countries like Romania and Mongolia also took part. Interest among students was boosted by Hubo, a robot developed at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology which won an international disaster-relief robot contest last year.

[Soundbite] Prof. Doh Kyung-min(Induk Univ.) : "Through these contests, children will grow up to lead robot technology in the future."

In order to foster the robot industry as a future growth engine, the government plans to increase investments in promoting talented people and technology development.

7. Preparing for Old Age

[Anchor Lead]

Although medical advances have greatly extended people’s life expectancies, many of us fail to adequately prepare for post-retirement lives. The Old Age Preparation Act has been enacted, putting a counseling service into place to provide people with free counseling and design customized post-retirement plans.

[Pkg]

Mr. Jo Jeon-beom, head of a three-member family, is getting counseling for his post-retirement years. He saves a certain portion of his 4,100-dollar income every month, but he worries about his later years as he is a contracted professional. He met with a senior life planning counselor and found that his health, recreation, and interpersonal relationships scored in the 80s, but his financial conditions were seriously inadequate with 59 points. The counselor advised that he should put more money in his personal pension fund.

[Soundbite] Jo Jeon-beom(Gyeonggi Prov. Resident) : "The money for my senior years was seriously lacking. So I plan to spend less and save more from now on."

Mr. Kim Ki-yeol, a small business owner, couldn't afford to think about his post-retirement years until now. But this counseling session proved to be a big help.

[Soundbite] Kim Ki-yeol(Seoul Businessman) : "I should start preparing now by enrolling in a personal pension or insurance program."

The poverty rate for Korea's elderly population nears 50%, the highest among the OECD member nations. Getting ready for the later years in life as early as possible is one way to raise the quality of post-retirement life in the age of longevity.

8. Korean Musical Market

[Anchor Lead]

The term "blockbuster" no longer applies just to movies. Now there are blockbuster musical productions as well that can cost over 10 million U.S. dollars to produce. Let’s take a look.

[Pkg]

The musical "Mata Hari" is based on the true story of an alluring double agent. To appeal to global audiences, the show's musical score composition, direction, and choreography were entrusted to the hands of a famed Broadway production team headed by Frank Wildhorn.

[Soundbite] Frank Wildhorn(Musical Composer)

With the casting of such big names as Ock Joo-hyun and an impressive stage set-up, the musical cost over 10 million U.S. dollars to produce. The local production costs alone amounted to 10.3 million U.S. dollars, the most ever for a domestic original musical and rivaling the scales of Broadway imports. Original musicals have become as massive and costly as many blockbuster movies. There are more extravagant productions costing as much as 5 to 10 million dollars to come later this year and next, such as "The Plague" and "Ben Hur." The Korean musical market has ballooned to ten times its size in 2000. But concerns are mounting over investment polarization, as funding is focused on a handful of productions in a domestic market valued at between 250 and 330 million dollars.

9. Late Winter Festivals

[Anchor Lead]

Several winter festivals failed to open this year due to the warm weather at the outset of the season. But in the past few weeks, a frigid cold snap gripped the nation, preventing people from even venturing outdoors. Today we introduce a few winter festivals worthy of checking out with your family before the winter ends.

[Pkg]

Here is the site of the Daegwallyeong Snow Festival, a wonderland of snow and ice.

[Soundbite] "It's nice to be here with my parents."

Snow sleighing is a pastime that cannot be missed in the winter. Bobsleighing on a track made with snow is exceptionally fun. Turning the corners at high speed is an exhilarating experience.

[Soundbite] Woo Jeong-woo(Suseong District, Daegu) : "It's fast, thrilling and so much fun."

There's also what's called snow rafting where you slide down the slopes in a breeze. Traditional skiing is also available. The skis are made from snowshoes and wood. The Daegwallyeong Snow Festival featuring a wealth of activities continues through February 10. This crowded place is none other than the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival. It's a leading winter event in Korea and also famous abroad. To accommodate the many foreign visitors, an exclusive fishing site for expats has also open. Sancheoneo, a type of trout, is an indigenous fish that only lives in clean, fresh waters. Festival goers are busy trying to catch trout through ice holes. Exclamations are heard everywhere. Some folks attempt catching the fish with their bare hands despite the freezing weather. The fish they catch can be cooked up on the spot for a delicious meal. Here, we find ice sculptures depicting famed world heritage assets. The festival is a replica of the world renowned Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, revered as one of the top three winter festivals in the world. An ice sculpture of the Colosseum has visitors wondering if they're in Rome. People can climb steps and also ride the slide at this Pyramid-shaped ice work.

[Soundbite] "I feel like I've returned to childhood."

Consider visiting a winter festivity with your loved ones before the season slips away!

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  • U.S. THAAD Talks
    • 입력 2016-02-01 13:07:27
    • 수정2016-02-01 14:37:03
    News Today
[Anchor Lead]

Seoul and Washington will likely hold talks soon regarding the deployment of the U.S. anti-ballistic missile system THAAD on the Korean Peninsula to counter Pyongyang's long-range ballistic missiles. The two allies are stepping up their reaction to North Korea's nuclear program and missile threat in the wake of last month’s fourth nuclear test.

[Pkg]

The U.S. daily The Wall Street Journal has reported that Seoul and Washington have been holding intensive behind-the-scene discussions on THAAD deployment. The newspaper wrote that the two nations were highly likely to disclose their ongoing talks as early as next week. The Wall Street Journal also added that Seoul and Washington were just a step from reaching a final agreement on the deployment of the anti-ballistic missile system on the Korean Peninsula. Seoul denied the speculation. Yet, it said that working-level officials from the two nations were indeed discussing the technological aspect of the THAAD system, such as its usability. The Korean government expressed hopes that the THAAD system will contribute to strengthening national security and defense capabilities if it's deployed by the U.S. forces stationed in Korea. The Defense Ministry has announced its positive stance on the deployment of the THAAD system several times so far, raising speculations that the official talks between Seoul and Washington on this matter were imminent.

2. Change in Stance

[Anchor Lead]

Until now, the South Korean government has maintained a stance of "strategic ambiguity" over the deployment of the THAAD battery in the country. Next, we will look into why Seoul has shifted its stance over the issue and made the THAAD discussions with the U.S. official noting possible benefits of the weapons system.

[Pkg]

The South Korean government has remained resolute in its stance regarding the deployment of the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery on the Korean Peninsula. The issue was first raised after North Korea's third nuclear test in 2013. Seoul has maintained its stance of "strategic ambiguity," saying that there were no requests from the U.S., no consultations between Seoul and Washington and no final decisions. The stance was a measure intended to take opposition from China into account.

[Soundbite] Rep. Yoon Hoo-deok(Parliamentary Defense Comte/Oct. 2015)) : "Please confirm whether the two governments have ever discussed the THAAD deployment, officially or unofficially."

[Soundbite] Han Min-koo(Defense Minister) : "The South Korean and U.S. governments have never discussed the issue."

However, the atmosphere has rapidly shifted following signs of a North Korean missile launch on the heels of its fourth nuclear test. There is now a wider consensus on the need for the nation to possess a multilayer missile defense system to respond to nuclear and missile threats from the North. Meanwhile, some have posited that it is a measure intended to pressure China, as Beijing has been lukewarm in its attitude on sanctions against Pyongyang for the nuclear test. With China and Russia reacting sensitively to the THAAD issue, it appears likely that their final decisions regarding sanctions against North Korea will be the last variable in deciding for or against the deployment of the U.S. weapons system on the Korean Peninsula.

3. Air Force Patrols

[Anchor Lead]

South Korea's Air Force has stepped up its patrol operations to bolster air defense capabilities amid rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The Air Force has been striving to build on teamwork to carry out missions to the best of its ability.

[Pkg]

The main pillar of South Korea's Air Force, the KF-16 fighter jets, soar into the sky one by one. The aircraft can perform sophisticated maneuver tactics thanks to its maximum speed of Mach 2.5, or 3000 kilometers an hour, and its ability to endure pressure nine times that of Earth's gravity. Tensions run high even during preparations for flights. The operation and maintenance records of fighter jets are usually managed by analyzing big data. But right before a flight everything is checked by hand to detect any technological glitches. Thorough examination is a must before a takeoff. Pilots are trained using simulators to respond to various emergency situations, such as a sudden engine stoppage. The runway is always kept in the best condition.

[Soundbite] Col. Kim Jong-ha(ROK Air Force 19th Fighter Wing) : "All of us make sure to maximize safety by checking steering, maintenance, weather conditions and control."

The military says it's determined to keep the nation's flight safety at the highest level by leaving no room for error.

4. Airport Security Push

[Anchor Lead]

The government has devised measures to beef up security at Incheon International Airport. It will install alert systems at main entrances and investigate all automatic immigration checkpoints. Let's take a look.

[Pkg]

This is a security inspection area through which Chinese travelers left. The government will install alarm systems to prevent trespassing at these and other main entrances. Security will be ramped up dramatically after investigating 106 automatic immigration checkpoints, one of which was used by a Vietnamese passenger to enter South Korea illegally. Cutting-edge scientific devices will also be implemented, including intelligent video monitors, motion-detecting surveillance cameras and full-body scanners. Authorities will further introduce stronger anti-terrorism measures. Security teams will be newly dispatched to immigration inspection areas, and anti-terrorism training will be held under real-life operation conditions. Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn called for rapid processing of anti-terrorism legislation which is pending in parliament, saying that South Korea is no longer safe from terrorist attacks.

[Soundbite] Hwang Kyo-ahn(Prime Minister) : "It is no exaggeration to say that there is a legal void where anti-terrorism measures are needed to protect the public."

The government will obtain a list of dangerous international terrorists to block their entry to South Korea, and actively investigate whether suspects have already entered the nation.

5. Korean Steel Industry

[Anchor Lead]

Korea's largest steelmaker, POSCO, posted a deficit for the first time due to the barrage of cheap steel products coming from China. The nation's steel industry is striving to overcome the recession by developing high value-added products.

[Pkg]

An ink jet printer prints out a picture. It looks like a piece of paper, but in fact it's a coated steel sheet that has been developed by POSCO for the first time in the world. The product can be custom-made as a decorative material for buildings and home appliances. This pipe contains significantly more manganese than a regular pipe. Its sturdiness makes it ideal for extracting shale gas. The Dangjin factory of Hyundai Steel mostly manufactures steel sheets for cars. Its products are sold for a high price because they are made of high-quality alloy and molten metal.

[Soundbite] Lim Hee-jung(Hyundai Steel) : "The steel industry has been evolving into a high-tech industry that produces high value-added products such as steel sheets for cars."

The steel industry, which has been struggling recently amid oversupply, is trying to survive in the global market by developing high-quality, high-performance products.

6. Robot Championships

[Anchor Lead]

Robots were first developed for military or industrial purposes. But now, the use of robots is being expanded, as seen in the emergence of robotic personal secretaries or caregivers for patients. Aspiring young robotics scientists came together to show off some of the robots they developed at the Korea Robot Championship.

[Pkg]

A robot clears away blocks scattered around the floor. Another ascends a slope by supporting itself with a hook. This is a contest to select the robot which is the quickest to stabilize a disaster site.

[Soundbite] Won Ji-hye(8th Grade, Joyang Middle School) : "I felt rewarded when the robot moved at once."

Young, aspiring robotics engineers have gathered here. Approximately 2,000 elementary, middle and high school students participated in the contest to boast their creativity and technical skills. Eight foreign teams from countries like Romania and Mongolia also took part. Interest among students was boosted by Hubo, a robot developed at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology which won an international disaster-relief robot contest last year.

[Soundbite] Prof. Doh Kyung-min(Induk Univ.) : "Through these contests, children will grow up to lead robot technology in the future."

In order to foster the robot industry as a future growth engine, the government plans to increase investments in promoting talented people and technology development.

7. Preparing for Old Age

[Anchor Lead]

Although medical advances have greatly extended people’s life expectancies, many of us fail to adequately prepare for post-retirement lives. The Old Age Preparation Act has been enacted, putting a counseling service into place to provide people with free counseling and design customized post-retirement plans.

[Pkg]

Mr. Jo Jeon-beom, head of a three-member family, is getting counseling for his post-retirement years. He saves a certain portion of his 4,100-dollar income every month, but he worries about his later years as he is a contracted professional. He met with a senior life planning counselor and found that his health, recreation, and interpersonal relationships scored in the 80s, but his financial conditions were seriously inadequate with 59 points. The counselor advised that he should put more money in his personal pension fund.

[Soundbite] Jo Jeon-beom(Gyeonggi Prov. Resident) : "The money for my senior years was seriously lacking. So I plan to spend less and save more from now on."

Mr. Kim Ki-yeol, a small business owner, couldn't afford to think about his post-retirement years until now. But this counseling session proved to be a big help.

[Soundbite] Kim Ki-yeol(Seoul Businessman) : "I should start preparing now by enrolling in a personal pension or insurance program."

The poverty rate for Korea's elderly population nears 50%, the highest among the OECD member nations. Getting ready for the later years in life as early as possible is one way to raise the quality of post-retirement life in the age of longevity.

8. Korean Musical Market

[Anchor Lead]

The term "blockbuster" no longer applies just to movies. Now there are blockbuster musical productions as well that can cost over 10 million U.S. dollars to produce. Let’s take a look.

[Pkg]

The musical "Mata Hari" is based on the true story of an alluring double agent. To appeal to global audiences, the show's musical score composition, direction, and choreography were entrusted to the hands of a famed Broadway production team headed by Frank Wildhorn.

[Soundbite] Frank Wildhorn(Musical Composer)

With the casting of such big names as Ock Joo-hyun and an impressive stage set-up, the musical cost over 10 million U.S. dollars to produce. The local production costs alone amounted to 10.3 million U.S. dollars, the most ever for a domestic original musical and rivaling the scales of Broadway imports. Original musicals have become as massive and costly as many blockbuster movies. There are more extravagant productions costing as much as 5 to 10 million dollars to come later this year and next, such as "The Plague" and "Ben Hur." The Korean musical market has ballooned to ten times its size in 2000. But concerns are mounting over investment polarization, as funding is focused on a handful of productions in a domestic market valued at between 250 and 330 million dollars.

9. Late Winter Festivals

[Anchor Lead]

Several winter festivals failed to open this year due to the warm weather at the outset of the season. But in the past few weeks, a frigid cold snap gripped the nation, preventing people from even venturing outdoors. Today we introduce a few winter festivals worthy of checking out with your family before the winter ends.

[Pkg]

Here is the site of the Daegwallyeong Snow Festival, a wonderland of snow and ice.

[Soundbite] "It's nice to be here with my parents."

Snow sleighing is a pastime that cannot be missed in the winter. Bobsleighing on a track made with snow is exceptionally fun. Turning the corners at high speed is an exhilarating experience.

[Soundbite] Woo Jeong-woo(Suseong District, Daegu) : "It's fast, thrilling and so much fun."

There's also what's called snow rafting where you slide down the slopes in a breeze. Traditional skiing is also available. The skis are made from snowshoes and wood. The Daegwallyeong Snow Festival featuring a wealth of activities continues through February 10. This crowded place is none other than the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival. It's a leading winter event in Korea and also famous abroad. To accommodate the many foreign visitors, an exclusive fishing site for expats has also open. Sancheoneo, a type of trout, is an indigenous fish that only lives in clean, fresh waters. Festival goers are busy trying to catch trout through ice holes. Exclamations are heard everywhere. Some folks attempt catching the fish with their bare hands despite the freezing weather. The fish they catch can be cooked up on the spot for a delicious meal. Here, we find ice sculptures depicting famed world heritage assets. The festival is a replica of the world renowned Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, revered as one of the top three winter festivals in the world. An ice sculpture of the Colosseum has visitors wondering if they're in Rome. People can climb steps and also ride the slide at this Pyramid-shaped ice work.

[Soundbite] "I feel like I've returned to childhood."

Consider visiting a winter festivity with your loved ones before the season slips away!

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