1177 2016-07-26 NEWSCENTER 22:00

• NEWSCENTER 22:00
• (THIS IS THE TRANSCRIPT FOR ARIRANG NEWS THAT AIRED ON 27 Jul 2016- 22:00 KST.)
  
  Title: News Headlines
  
  Tonight on Newscenter...
  
  The ASEAN regional security forum draws to a close... with Seoul, Washington, Pyongyang, and Beijing stepping up last-minute diplomatic efforts to carry through their agenda. Our correspondent is live in Vientaine.
  
  At least 19 people are killed and 26 injured in a stabbing spree at a facility for disabled people in Tokyo.
  One of Japan's deadliest mass killings since World War II.
  
  Rio, here we come. Korea's Olympic squad heads to Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Summer Olympics... now just 10 days away.
  
  It's Tuesday, July 26th, 2016. Newscenter begins right now.
  
  
  
  Title: NEWSCENTER TITLE
  
  2015. 11. 2~
  
  Title: Opening
  
  It is 9 in New York, 4 p.m. in Ankara, and 10 here in Seoul.
  Hello and welcome to our viewers all across the globe. You're watching Arirang Newscenter.
  
  Title: North Korea's Foreign Minister holds press briefing at ARF
  
  The ASEAN Regional Forum -- the main event of the three-day ministerial level meetings organized by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations wrapped up roughly about an hour ago in the Laotian capital Vientiane.
  It proved to be a platform that clearly paints the current political landscape in the Asia Pacific region.
  Our Kwon Soa is live on the line for us from Vientiane.
  Soa, the latest from there seems to be a press conference by North Korea's foreign minister, Ri Yong ho?
  
  That's right Conn-young,... North Korea's top diplomat,... who has been unwilling to answer any questions from reporters throughout the last couple of days here in Laos,... has spoken.
  
  He explained North Korea's presence at this regional meeting,... saying current tensions could seriously escalate.
  He was referring to the international community's response to its nuclear tests,... including the unprecedented strong sanctions from the UN Security Council.
  Ri blamed the U.S. for the regime's nuclear development,... and said everyone is doing nuclear tests and weapons tests,... claiming he doesn't understand why only the North's nuclear ambitions are deemed as a threat.
  When asked by reporters about another nuclear test,... he said that depends on the U.S.' actions.
  On the resumption of the stalled six-party denuclearization talks,... Ri said that's disappeared into thin air due to the U.S.
  Officials here say though,... the North's rethoric in the statement was nothing new.
  
  So, Soa,... these words from North Korea come after the ARF meeting,... where the 27 members took turns to speak on regional issues of their interest. What's been discussed there?
  
  Conn-young,... the key issue at the 23rd round of the ASEAN Regional Forum,... was arguably the South China Sea dispute... and the key issue for South Korea was North Korea,... and its nuclear and missile threats.
  
  South Korea's top diplomat Yun Byung-se,... gave a strong message on North Korea's continuous violations against the international community,... and put his efforts to get all the other 26 ARF members on the same page.
  
  
  
  
  
  "I explained to many colleagues before and during the meeting the severity of North Korea's nuclear issue and asked for them to make statements on the strict implementation of the UN Security Council resolution. Most ministers have actively shown cooperation on that request."
  
  Now attention is on a joint statement to be issued by the host country Laos,... but it won't be all smooth sailing,... as member nations have conflicting views on different matters,... especially the South China Sea issue.
  The statement may need days or even a week to be issued... according to officials.
  That's all I have for now, back to you Conn-young
  
  Title: N. Korea dispatches over 10 terror groups to China, Southeast Asian countries
  
  We are learning today that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un sent over 10 terror groups to China and Southeast Asian countries.
  As we reported last night... sources say this is to revenge against South Koreans,... after 13 North Korean workers escaped from Pyongyang-run restaurant in China late April. South Korean authorities are preparing to strengthen their security on local residents.
  Oh Jung-hee has the story.
  North Korean leader Kim Jong-un dispatched over 10 terror groups to China and Southeast Asian countries for terror against South Koreans there,... according to sources familiar with the North on Tuesday.
  The North Korean regime has been encouraging retaliation against South Koreans visiting these countries,... after 13 of its workers in a Pyongyang-run restaurant in China escaped and defected to South Korea about three months ago.
  North Korean authorities are said to have assigned these terror groups to specific targets such as South Korean diplomatic offices and associations,... and ordered them to immediately carry out "a revenge hundred and thousand times larger" when commanded.
  To show loyalty, the terror groups are reportedly seeking to attack South Korean nationals or kidnap them in places like Cambodia or Laos.
  The sources claimed that these terror groups authored the murder of a South Korean-Chinese pastor in China late April.
  
  In regards to these possible threats, the South Korean foreign ministry announced that it will keep close tabs on latest developments and ensure the safety of South Korean residents overseas.
  
  
  
  "The ministry recently requested diplomatic offices in concerned areas to limit contact with North Koreans and keep close contact with local security authorities. Safety meetings will be held with missionaries, correspondents and defector-turned South Koreans as they are most likely to be attacked."
  
  South Korean residents in Beijing were told to avoid visting places near the border with North Korea, especially northeastern Chinese provinces such as Liaoning, Jilin and Heilongjiang.
  Oh Jung-hee, Arirang News.
  
  
  
  Title: Gov't submits extra budget proposal to parliament
  
  Over in Seoul's National Assembly...
  The government has submitted its proposal for a nearly 9-point-7 billion U.S. dollar budget supplement to parliament.
  But fierce debates over the plan are expected.
  Ji Myung-kil has a preview of the brewing dispute at the National Assembly.
  The National Assembly is set to begin deliberations on the government's 9-point-6 billion U.S. dollar extra budget bill.
  The government and the ruling Saenuri Party say the fiscal spending package is aimed at propping up the economy, easing the fallout from the ongoing corporate restructuring drive and boosting job creation.
  The government hopes the parliament will pass the bill in early August so that it can begin spending the funds before September.
  Yet the deliberation process could be extended, as the opposition parties are critical of the way the government has allocated the funds.
  
  
  
  "The supplementary budget was devised to support the restructuring of the ailing shipbuilding industries. We must not forget how poorly the shipbuilding companies have handled the economic uncertainties. We will undertake a thorough review of how the money will be used."
  
  The minor opposition People's Party said the government pushed for the additional budget without a clear,... well-considered spending plan.
  
  
  
  "Whenever there have been economic difficulties, the government and the ruling party have submitted extra budget bills. That's done nothing to help the economy; instead, it's pulled the growth rate down."
  
  The opposition parties want the bill to include spending for a free childcare program for children between ages 3 and 5.
  
  
  
  "Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn will deliver an administrative policy speech on the matter on Wednesday to lay out the details of the proposal.
  Ji Myung-kil, Arirang News."
  
  Title: NEWS BUMPER
  
  2015.11.2~
  
  Title: South Korea's Rio Olympic delegates depart early Wednesday
  
  We're ten days away from the Summer Olympic Games kick off in Rio de Janeiro... Korea's Olympic squad... determined to live their Olympic dream departs for the South American country in less than two hours from now.
  Our Shin Semin is live at the Incheon International Airport. where she caught up with the Korean athletes before they depart for Brazil.
  Se-min, did you get a chance to catch up with Team Korea tonight?
  
  Less than an hour ago,… the Korean Olympic delegation, comprised of 159 athletes, officials and some members of the press, checked their luggage and belongings as they prepared to take off to Rio de Janeiro for the 31st Summer Olympics.
  The mood was quite subdued,… most athletes at the airport didn't look too excited,… nor did they seem too nervous, as they leave for a journey which they have been waiting on for the past four years.
  
  
  
  "Despite concerns over security there, my goal is to draw the best result from the games,... and at least to perform better than my previous records set in London four years ago."
  
  
  
  "Our main focus is for the athletes to perform to their fullest ability within their competence. Meeting the needs of the athletes to adapt to the local environment comes first, as our team strives to win medals this time."
  
  The team of delegates, departing after midnight, will fly for more than 24-and-half hours,… stopping over in Dubai, to arrive in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday afternoon, local time.
  Team Korea will not be exposed to the media at the Rio International Airport,… given the security concerns in the area.
  The athletes will then have a week, until the Olympics start on August 5th, to prepare and adapt to the local climate and surroundings.
  Standing before the press, with the Korean national flag held up high, team Korea showed confidence that they would finish among the top ten teams in these games, aiming at securing at least 10 gold medals.
  And Korea's Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn, during a Cabinet meeting Tuesday morning, sent a message to the athletes,… saying that he hopes team Korea helps bring the nation together and boost national pride, while urging related ministries to put the security and safety of the Korean athletes and staff first.
  Connyoung?
  
  Safety comes first, of course. Keeping our fingers crossed that all of our athletes will return home safe and sound... AND even better, with medals around their neck.
  Our Shin Semin from Incheon International. Thanks, Semin.
  
  
  
  
  
  Title: BD Korean economy grows 0.7% in Q2 q/q
  
  The Korean economy got a slight bump in the second quarter... the pace of expansion, however, still below one percent.
  Kim Min-ji explains why it's too little too early to wipe off lingering concerns about Korea falling into a low growth trap.
  Korea's GDP in the second quarter now shows the country has been stuck in zero-percent-range growth for the third straight quarter... adding to concerns about the strength of the economy.
  But there are some moderate signs of improvement.
  In its estimates, the Bank of Korea says the country's GDP expanded 0-point-7 percent in the April-to-June period from the previous quarter...
  This marks a slight pickup from the 0-point-5 percent expansion posted in the first three months of the year.
  
  "Domestic consumption contributed to the GDP largely compared to the previous quarter. Private spending and construction investment contributed by 0-point-4 percent,... while facilities investment also turned positive."
  
  Construction and facilities investment in fact led the growth rising two-point-nine percent, respectively.
  Private consumption and exports also returned to positive territory... both rising 0-point-9 percent from the previous quarter.
  But with growth figures still feeble, and uncertainties, such as a global slowdown and the government's ongoing corporate restructuring drive, abound,... the central bank recently cut its growth outlook to 2-point-7 percent for this year.
  
  "The overall slowdown in growth is due to tepid exports,... and they're not likely to pick up soon as the global economy remains weak. On top of that, consumption and construction investment will slow as oil prices pick up,... and because the government frontloaded its budget in the first half,... it doesn't seem as though things will get much better in the latter half of the year."
  
  To prop up the economy,... the central bank slashed its key rate to a record low of 1-point-2-5 percent in June,... and the government drew up an aggressive stimulus package,... which includes a supplementary budget worth some 9-point-7 billion U.S. dollars.
  But some say that's not enough.
  
  
  
  Analysts argue that while the expansionary measures may have positive effects to a certain extent,... they shouldn't focus on lifting immediate figures,... but rather on structural reforms and fostering new growth engines to ensure the long-term growth potential of the country. Kim Min-ji, Arirang News.
  
  Title: Big Mac Index shows Korean won is "less under-valued" from earlier this year
  
  The latest Big Mac Index is out.
  Big Mac index, of course, being lighthearted guide to whether currencies are at their "correct levels."
  The latest number shows that Koreans have more purchasing power, at least in theory.
  With the Korean currency closing stronger against the greenback as of recent, Korea now ranks 23rd in the Big Mac index.
  Here's our Lee Jiwon.
  
  The Big Mac, the iconic burger sold at McDonald's restaurants, has become more affordable in Korea, at least in theory,... according to the latest Big Mac Index, published by The Economist on Tuesday.
  The 'Big Mac Index' is an informal way of measuring the purchasing power parity of countries,... by comparing a country's currency to the U.S. dollar and the price of a Big Mac in that country.
  The lower index a country has, the more its currency is under-valued.
  And the latest results show that Korea's Big Mac index stood at 3-point-59 earlier this year, compared to the current 3-point-86, meaning the Korean won has become "less under-valued".
  
  This is an increase in Korea's rank from 24 to 23,... showing that the gap between "currency in Big Mac" and actual currency have narrowed.
  This also means, theoretically, that purchasing power has increased in Korea.
  Based on the index, Korea now has the second most expensive Big Mac in Asia,... after Singapore.
  However, the Korean won is still under-valued by 23-point-5-percent.
  The index for the second half of 2016 was based on the exchange rate of 1-thousand-140 won against one U.S. dollar.
  But according to the Big Mac index, it should be right for one U.S. dollar to cost 873 won.
  
  China and Japan have also seen a decrease in their under-valuation of currencies as the Chinese Yuan and Japanese Yen have become stronger against the greenback in the first half of the year. Lee Ji-won, Arirang News.
  
  
  
  Title: German auto exports to Korea decrease in 13 years
  
  Volkswagen, still struggling with its emissions rigging scandal in this country and around the world, saw its sales in Korea plunge by more than thirty percent... in the first half of this year.
  The story doesn't end there. The sales of German cars overall took a sharp deep in Korea.
  Kim Hye-sung looks into what could be an irreversible trend.
  
  
  
  "German automakers have long enjoyed popularity here in Korea, thanks to sophisticated design details and durability. But for the first time in thirteen years, the companies have seen their sales drop sharply."
  
  According to the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association, Korea's imports of German vehicles during the first five months of this year fell below fifty-two-thousand units, dropping more than twelve percent on-year.
  Inbound shipments from the European nation had increased every year since 2003, posting double-digit growth in recent years, and notably recording a near 34 percent jump and 26 percent increase in 2014 and 2015.
  But in the first half of this year, Volkswagen Korea's sales plummeted by more than thirty-three percent on year, Audi and BMW also saw their sales fall, with only Mercedes-Benz seeing a boost of 6-point-eight percent.
  The sales drop seems to indicate the so-called Volkswagen diesel gate scandal has hit German carmakers hard, with the vacuum filled by Japanese automakers like Toyota and Honda.
  
  
  
  "Unlike in the United States, Volkswagen has not yet sincerely apologized to consumers in Korea nor paid fines. Given a choice, I would buy imported cars from other countries rather than Germany."
  
  Despite Volkswagen Korea's efforts to boost sales in the country through promotions and discounts earlier this year, sales nevertheless dropped by around 7-thousand units compared to the same period the previous year.
  
  
  
  "I bought my car from Volkswagen last July, three months before the emissions scandal broke out. Since then, the price of my car model dropped by more than 10 thousand U.S. dollars. I basically lost that money. And now there are some issues with my auto parts, but the customer service department never picks up the phone."
  
  Korea's environment ministry is expected to make a final decision by next week the latest on whether to revoke the sales certificates for 32 Volkswagen models suspected of having fabricated test results.
  With complaints from car owners increasing by the day and issues with the governemnt still to be resolved, seems like the German automaker has a long way to go before it regains its former reputation of being a leading player in the global car industry.
  Kim Hyesung, Arirang News.
  
  Title: Democratic National Convention kicks off amid email leak controversy
  
  Shifting our focus to the race for the White House.
  The U.S. Democratic Party's national convention is underway in Philadelphia.
  It's supposed to be a festive, star-studded event,... but things got off to a rough start amid a controversy that threatened to torpedo the party's message of unity.
  Hwang Hojun tells us more.
  
  "I hereby call the 47th quadrennial Democratic National Convention to order."
  
  The Democratic Party kicked off its four-day national convention on Monday with a star-studded line-up of guest speakers that included Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and First Lady Michelle Obama.
  The theme of the evening was "United Together"...
  
  
  
  "We've got to elect Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine."
  
  
  
  But things got off to a rough start amid the fallout from a recent email leak... that added a touch of irony to the proceedings.
  The party has been embroiled in controversy ever since the release on Friday of 20-thousand emails appearing to show party officials working to sabotage the Sanders campaign in favor of Clinton.
  The FBI has since opened an investigation into the matter...
  and a recent poll suggests that the ongoing scandal may have dented Clinton's poll numbers.
  A CNN/ORC poll released Monday gave Trump a three-point lead over Clinton, at 48 to 45 percent.
  
  Disappointed Sanders supporters disrupted the early part of the convention, repeatedly booing at Clinton's name,
  There were also speakers who said that continuing to oppose Clinton was hurting the party.
  
  
  
  "I love Bernie as much as the next person, but this is our country, for Christ's sake. Not voting for Hillary is a sure win for Donald Trump."
  
  Ahead of the convention, the party laid out its platform.
  The document stands in stark contrast to the Republican platform, especially on domestic policy, but there are some similarities when it comes to foreign policy.
  While vowing to deepen America's relationships in the Pacific, including with South Korea, the party calls North Korea "the most repressive regime on the planet, run by a sadistic dictator."
  The document also says the country must review its past trade agreements with other nations.
  
  The party is scheduled to formally nominate former secretary of state Clinton as its candidate for the White House on Tuesday... and she will deliver an acceptance speech on Thursday.
  Hwang Hojun, Arirang News.
  
  Title: Special two-part interview series on U.S. election: Part 2
  
  Following up on the Democratic National Convention,... we have the second interview in our two-part election series.
  Today, we hear from a Democratic Party representative... who sat down with our Park Ji-won in a DC suburb.
  Meet Democratic National Committee's Asian American Pacific Islanders Caucus Chair Bel Leong-Hong.
  The former deputy assistant secretary of defense, and now a super delegate from Maryland, says Hillary Clinton is a savvy candidate who is ready to assume the country's top job in every way.
  
  "Our presumptive nominee Hillary Clinton would be much better for this country. She knows about the national security strategies, she knows the relationship with other countries, she knows how to govern, she knows policies, she knows the structure."
  
  She emphasized that Clinton has more concrete policy ideas than her Republican rival in areas from business to education.
  For example, she says the Democratic Party is seeking a raise in the minimum wage to 15 dollars per hour,... from current seven dollars and 25 cents,... to create a more level playing field in business.
  The DNC caucus chair also says that she believes the party's Northeast Asia policy will maintain some commonalities with those of the current Obama administration,... despite language in the latest party platform reflecting the candidate's changed view that free trade pacts with other countries need to be reexamined.
  
  "In general, I think our candidate will be following a lot more of the current administration's policies in regards to Korea and other countries in Asia. Our candidate is experienced in dealing with South Korea, for example, and is experienced in dealing in the international theater."
  
  The party enjoys particularly strong support from minority groups,... including Asian Americans,... based on data from the 2012 presidential election,... and it aims to build on that going forward.
  
  "The Asian American vote represented 74-percent of the Asian Americans that voted for President Obama. We expect to move forward and continue to build on the messages and values our party has to offer."
  
  The DNC caucus chair also laid out her hopes for the convention.
  
  "Our party's convention will come out with a strong nominee, first of all. Secondly, from our community's perspective, we'll be going to be energizing them, so that we're ready to go as soon as the convention's over, and we'll going to go fight to win this election."
  
  In the remaining months until November,... the party aims to focus on letting voters in swing states and independents know about the differences in values and governing styles between Hillary Clinton and her rival Donald Trump.
  Park Ji-won, Arirang News.
  
  Title: AROUND THE WORLD
  
  2015. 11. 2~
  
  Title: At least 19 dead and dozens injured in knife attack in Japan
  
  Over in Japan,... at least 19 people are killed and 26 injured in a stabbing spree at a facility for disabled people west of Tokyo.
  Those killed in the attack - nine men and ten women, ranging in age from 18 to 70.
  Lee Minyoung has more on one of Japan's deadliest mass killings since World War II.
  Japan's NHK says a young man wielding a bag with several knives... broke into a facility for the disabled in Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture, just outside of Tokyo, on Tuesday at around 2:30 a.m.
  The gruesome attack has left dozens of people dead or seriously injured.
  
  
  
  "I just want to know why this happened, the cause of it. It is something that could happen anywhere, and these cases always have to do with human relationships."
  
  
  
  "This area is a very peaceful neighborhood. I could never have imagined something like this happening. I am extremely shocked."
  
  Satoshi Uematsu, a 26-year-old former employee of the facility, later turned himself in to the police.
  He has since been arrested and charged with murder.
  Japanese media reports say that, during the incident, the man screamed that he wanted to rid the world of the disabled.
  The police are investigating possible motives for the crime.
  
  Later in the day, Japan's chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga expressed his condolences to the victims and vowed to prevent any recurrences.
  He also said there hasn't been any information to suggest a link to Islamist extremism.
  
  
  
  "We have received information from the police that there is no evidence of the attacker being related to the Islamic State militant group."
  
  The facility is home to 149 residents with mental disabilities and Japan's Kyodo news agency said about a third of them are over 60.
  The incident is one of the worst mass killings in Japan -- which has one of the world's lowest crime rates -- in decades.
  Lee Minyoung, Arirang News.
  
  Title: Priest Killed in Church Attack in France
  
  A Catholic priest has been killed after two assailants took hostages at a church in Northern France. Barry Welsh joins us live in the studio. It's yet another deadly attack on French soil.
  
  Indeed. French police shot and killed two men who had taken five hostages in a church in the Normandy region. French media reported the assailants were armed with knives and that they slit the priest's throat during the attack. He was 84 years old and had worked in the local community for a decade. The attack happened in the town of Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, south of Rouen. The priest was confirmed dead at the site, while a second hostage is reportedly in a critical condition.
  
  
  
  "Investigations are underway. We have found that a man was assassinated, and that another person was seriously wounded. That person was immediately taken by the emergency services and medical teams."
  
  
  
  The hostages taken were a priest, two nuns and two church-goers. One of the hostages managed to escape during the initial attack and raise the alarm.
  
  Police have blocked off roads around the church and paramedics were observed attending the scene.
  
  French President Francois Hollande visited the site of the attack. Prime Minister Manuel Valls took to social media to condemn the attackers. He posted a message on Twitter saying that France "will stand together" and described the attack as a barbaric assault on all Catholics and the entire country.
  
  President Hollande said the attackers had claimed to be members of ISIS.
  
  The IS militant group has used social media to call for citizens in Western countries to carry out these kinds of attacks.
  
  Yes that's right. Just two weeks ago a Tunisian man drove a truck into crowds of people celebrating Bastille Day in Nice. 84 people were killed and over 300 were wounded. The attack in Nice was the third significant strike in France in 18 months. It was claimed by the Islamic State even though the attacker did not have direct links with the organization.
  
  The incident comes as the French government is under intense pressure to prevent further attacks.
  
  In November 2015 IS was responsible for a coordinated series of terrorist attacks in Paris. Suicide bombers and mass shootings killed 130 people and wounded 368. In January of last year an attack on the Charlie Hebdo magazine killed 12 and injured 11. That attack was claimed by a branch of Al Qaeda. This was World News on Arirang News Center
  
  
  
  Title: Moon Connyoung Reports.
  
  2016.0725~0727
  
  Title: 63 Years of Korean Armistice: Part 2. Panmunjom, Joint Security Area
  
  This week in July 1953, an armistice agreement was signed ending a brutal three-year conflict on the Korean peninsula... until a final peace agreement could be found.
  More than six decades years later... no peace deal has been found and the armistice has created the most heavily militarized border in the world.
  63 Years After the Ceasefire... that what's left behind. We take you inside Korea's DMZ and over the line into North Korea. In the middle of rugged terrain... stands this newly built, modern railway station.
  Inside... a sign shows this is the way to Pyongyang. But, security stations are unmanned and rows of immaculate seats remain empty.
  
  
  
  "The shiny and relatively new station, was built to connect north and south Korea. Sign shows, this, is the way to Pyongyang, you can even buy a ticket, and the rail lines are built in, all ready to go, but until relations improve, the ticket is just souvenir, because trains aren't running."
  
  Beyond the red stop sign lies North Korea.
  
  For now, the station is a symbol and hope of what could be improved relations with the North... something that will likely happen first with talks in a small building in the JSA.
  
  Camp Bonifas. This is where the Republic of Korea and the United States JSA battalions jointly serve under the United Nations Command flag.
  We're briefed on the history of the Korean War, the armistice, and the current status.
  
  "The northern boundary line and southern boundary line were each set at two kilometer distance from the MDL. This four kilometer wide and 248 km long buffer zone defined by boundaries came to be known as the demilitarized zone, or DMZ."
  
  The opening salvo in the Cold War, the Korean War, was fought from 1950 until 1953, when the the armistice ended open warfare, but the war has unofficially been on for more than six decades now.
  
  As recently as in August 1976, an overwhelming force of club- and axe-wielding North Korean guards assaulted UN Security Personnel while they monitored a civilian tree-trimming work party... here... in the JSA... killing two UNC officers were beaten to death.
  
  Unlike threats from Iran or Syria's civil war, the Korean situation has been unresolved for 63 years... its most recognized flashpoint... is right here, Panmunjom.
  
  
  
  "This is a joint security area along the Korean border. We're walking towards the line that divides the two Koreas, I have to actually walk this way because we can't shoot right or left we can only shoot forward, there's a lot of restrictions on cameras. Now this is the blue room, which is the focal point of the JSA and we'll be walking inside the room."
  
  The focal point of the JSA: the UN Military Armistice Commission's conference room T-2. It is here that a ceasefire was negotiated after the Korean War.
  In fact, it's still used for negotiations.
  
  "The microphones on the table are recording and monitored 24 hours a day. They also represent the military demarcation line which is further extended to my right and to my left, outside this building."
  
  
  
  "So literally these microphone line here on the table defines the line, so South Korea on this side, and North Korea on this side."
  
  On July 27th, 1953... the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed... in practice ending the bloody three year Korean War.
  Signed by U.S. representing the United Nations Command, North Korea's Korean People's Army and the Chinese People's Volunteer Army... it was designed to "insure a complete cessation of hostilities and of all acts of armed force until a final peaceful settlement is achieved.
  No "final peaceful settlement" has been achieved yet.
  
  
  
  This concrete slab is literally the border. We're shooting from the northern side, 17 inches by 5 inches concrete, that's it, that marks the border, since 1953.
  
  A line runs down the middle of these huts. Half of it is owned by South Korea, half is owned by North Korea.
  
  "The grey building on the far right, is North Korean recreation center, this building has a purpose, keeping 10 to 20 armed KPA soldiers whenever inter-Korean talks are held here in the JSA."
  
  North Korean and South Korean soldiers stand here every single day and stare at each other... both sides constantly watching every move the other makes.
  This border is armed to the teeth.
  
  The area all around is heavily mined... remnants from the Korean War more than six decades ago.
  Amidst the mine fields is a bridge. North Korea is on the other side. There is actually a cement wall to prevent defectors from coming over to the South.
  This was the site of the prisoner exchange that followed the armistice.
  Once a prisoner crossed the bridge his fate was sealed forever... hence the name Bridge of No Return.
  
  The border, very tense at the best of times... is coupled with an almost seeming serenity... here at the DMZ... the safest yet the most dangerous battlefield in the world.
  63 years after the ceasefire, it's still a lonely place.
  
  Title: IT&SCIENCE FRONT
  
  IT&SCIENCE FRONT
  
  Title: Local manufacturers of commercial drones in spotlight
  
  From transporting blood pints to undertaking surveillance missions, the potential of drones is considered endless.
  So for this week's IT and Science Front, we take a closer look into a local manufacturer that specializes in providing drones for commercial use.
  Kim Ji-yeon has this report.
  
  It's a daunting task to water thousands of square meters of agriculture land on a hot summer day.
  But that may no longer be the case,... thanks to the Air-FOX-one-A model,... which can fly over 13-thousand-200 square meters of land with one single charge.
  In fact, the drone can cover a total of 396-point-7-thousand square meters of land in a single day.
  
  
  
  "Specialized drones are increasingly being developed to meet public health and safety needs, including this drone... which is used to help prevent aviation disasters and distribute pesticides."
  
  This latest model by local drone manufacturer Kascom is 155 centimeter-long and weighs 32 kilograms... and costs around 61-point-7-thousand U.S. dollars,... meaning that it is not the kind of drone used by the average consumer for entertainment and leisure purposes.
  But there's continuous demand for this unmanned vehicle... says CEO of Kascom, Kim Ki-duk... adding that the market for commercial drones are growing at a fast pace.
  The company says it expects to reach more than 3-point-5-million dollars in sales by the end of the year... that's four times the amount it had earned just last year.
  
  
  
  "Our buyers, who are running business owners, seek reliable drones that have high durability and safety standards and can withstand harsh weather and flight conditions. We guarantee that our drones can be effectively operated at any time of the year, as long as the drone pilot is properly trained to determine the appropriate level of flight altitude, speed and carrying capacity on a day-to-day basis."
  
  Using his decade-long experience working as a full-time helicopter pilot... the CEO says Kascom is one of the country's first startups that provides custom-made commercial drones that weigh more than 16 kilograms.
  Its business model is geared toward increasing customer satisfaction, and services are tailored to the specific needs of its clients.
  Also, all of the company's customers are provided with a 3-week, 20-hour drone pilot curriculum, approved by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
  As an insurance policy, the company also provides back-up drones in case of product malfunction.
  And because the company says its tailored business platform is in high demand overseas... it is planning to export its products to China and Southeast Asian countries starting next year.
  
  On the back of government deregulatory initiatives and financial support, the number of local manufacturers of commercial drones increased six-fold from 2013 to more than 7-hundred.
  The Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning announced plans to set aside 37-point-3-million dollars starting in 2017... to build traffic management and surveillance systems for the safe passage and technological development of drones.
  The ministry also simplified the authorization process of efficiency tests when companies install 5G radio command stations for drones. In other words, what used to take up to six months will now take a maximum of eight weeks or less for government approval.
  It also abolished the country's ten-milliwatt electromagnetic frequency limit to allow frequency distances of up to two-hundred milliwatts.
  The global drone industry as a whole was estimated to be worth 5-point-3-billion dollars 2 years ago, but now, it is expected to grow into a 12-and-a-half billion dollar-industry by 2023.
  Kim Ji-yeon, Arirang News.
  
  
  
  Title: Monsoon rain in upper regions, sweltering heat in southern provinces
  
  Severe hot conditions have been sweeping the nation for a couple of weeks now, but I hear relief is on the way. For more on the weather updates, let's go to Lee Jeehyun at the weather center.
  Jeehyun, it was another sauna like afternoon today.
  
  Yes, and the number of heat stroke patients doubled compare to this same time last year,... with 5 fatal casualties so far. most of them being senior citizens working at farms.
  
  And with the last week of July and the first week of August being considered as the hottest period of the year, things could only get worse.
  
  That's right. So when heat advisories are in place in your area, be sure to take necessary precautions, drinking plenty of water at all times The heat wave advisory in the capital was lifted after 8 days, and now there is monsoon rain in the forecast.
  
  But the amount of precipitation is expected to be less than 50 millimeters in the upper areas.
  
  Rain will start early in the morning, and will gradually become stronger as the day goes on, lasting until late afternoon.
  On to tomorrow's readings,
  
  Most regions will start out at a low of 25 degrees Celsius.
  
  As for the highs,
  Seoul will get up to 28 degrees Celsius while Daegu and Gwangju remain at 34 and 33.
  
  After tomorrow's short relief from the heat, sweltering conditions will return.
  
  That's Korea for you, and here's a look at the weather conditions around the world.
  
  cg
  1. Tomorrow's conditions
  2. Expected rainfall
  
  3. Rainy Wednesday in Seoul
  
  
  
  Title: 0726 viewfinder
  
  :
  
  
  
  
  
  Sunflower fields
  Suwon Citizens' Park
  
  ed:paul
  
  Title: Closing
  
  That is our broadcast tonight. I'm Moon Conn-young. Thanks for watching.
  For our viewers in other parts of the world, have a good one... for those of you in Korea and across Asia, a good night from Seoul.
  
  Title: NEWSCENTER ENDING
  
  2015. 11. 2~

     

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