1200 2016-08-08 NEWSCENTER 22:00
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NEWSCENTER 22:00
(THIS IS THE TRANSCRIPT FOR ARIRANG NEWS THAT AIRED ON 08 Aug 2016- 22:00 KST.)
Title: News Headlines
Tonight on Newscenter...
Shiny news from Rio - colored gold, silver and bronze.
Team Korea continues a strong Olympics start after a remarkable 8th successive Olympic title from its women archers... and podium finishes in judo and weightlifting.
Highlights from Day two of the 2016 Summer Olympics... we have it all.
President Park Geun-hye calls for national cooperation over the country's latest decision to deploy THAAD to the peninsula... highlighting it is a response to North Korea's continuing nuclear weapons development.
This... as six members of parliament make a controversial visit to Beijing.
One of the world's leading credit-rating agencies raises Korea's long-term credit rating by one notch to AA citing the nation's steady economic performance and flexible fiscal and monetary policies.
It's Monday, August 8th, 2016. Newscenter begins right now.
Title: NEWSCENTER TITLE
2015. 11. 2~
Title: Opening
It is 10 in the morning in Rio and 10 in the evening here in Seoul.
Hello and welcome to our viewers all across the globe.
This is Arirang Newscenter.
Title: President Park criticizes opposition lawmakers' China visit, asks for unity on THAAD issue
President Park Geun-hye has once again renewed her call for support and cooperation on national security and the economy.
She urged the country's politicians to stand together with the government in putting top priority on protecting the country and the South Korean people from North Korea's continued nuclear and missile provocations.
First, here's Arirang News' top office correspondent Song Ji-sun.
President Park expressed concern about the visit to China by opposition party lawmakers,... which she said could be used to strengthen Beijing's opposition against the deployment of the THAAD missile defense system,... and asked the main opposition Minjoo Party to trust the government and unite for the national interest.
She reiterated the need to deploy THAAD against North Korea's continual nuclear and missile threats... and sought cooperation from the political sphere in guarding the nation and the people's security.
"It's a nation's duty to prepare measures to protect the people, an inevitable self-defense. There cannot be rival parties or ideological differences when it comes to the matter of public security."
On the economic front, President Park stressed the need for long-term planning and improving competency... to mitigate times of low growth and oversupply.
"Restructuring shouldn't be solely limited to eliminating a business' weaknesses. The plan must go forward in a way toward creating future growth engines by improving the industries' competitiveness."
"Saying the fast-advancing era requires continuous restructuring and innovation efforts,... President Park asked businesses to not just focus on reforms but to also find new growth engines for the future,... for example, in sectors like telemedicine.
Song Ji-sun, Arirang News."
Title: Ruling party prepares for new leadership; opposition urges diplomacy on THAAD
In Seoul's parliament... the ruling Saenuri Party is gearing up to elect a new leadership tomorrow... while the main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea sends six of its members to China this Monday.
Our Ji Myung-kil from the National Assembly.
Kim Hee-ok gave his final speech the ruling Saenuri Party's interim leader at a meeting on Monday, ahead of a leadership election on Tuesday.
"I hope the Saenuri Party becomes the most disciplined with itself, but at the same time shows the utmost humility and is fully responsible for the people."
Kim urged party members to take pride in the party... and urged them to go back to the basics to win back the hearts of the people.
"Kim has served in his role as interim chief since June, when he vowed to restore the public's trust in the Saenuri Party after it lost its parliamentary majority in the April general election."
On the other side of the aisle, the main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea urged the presidential office of Cheong Wa Dae to stop criticizing the party for its decision to send a group of six first-term lawmakers to China on Monday.
The party says the purpose of the three-day visit is to prevent Seoul-Beijing relations from deteriorating in the wake of Seoul's decision to deploy the THAAD missile defense system to South Korea.
"The president has characterized our efforts at diplomacy as unpatriotic and an act of sympathizing with China. Why does the president have to meddle with the diplomatic activities of opposition lawmakers?"
Both the Minjoo Party and the minor opposition People's Party urged the presidential office to use diplomacy to resolve the THAAD controversy with China.
"We warn the presidential office that diplomacy is the answer, not inciting confrontations."
Park said he was in the city of Mokpo over the weekend and saw that the number of Chinese tourists had sharply decreased,... which he said signaled the start of China's moves to retaliate for the THAAD decision.
Ji Myung-kil, Arirang News.
Title: S. Korean opposition lawmakers should emphasize need for growing N. Korean threat to China: Experts
Our Connie Kim spoke to some international relations and China experts for their take on what talking points the six South Korean members of parliament should address when they meet with officials and experts in China.
With opposition lawmakers leaving for China to discuss the THAAD deployment to South Korea,… concerns are rising that their visit could stir up more conflict within South Korea, especially if they voice their opposition to the deployment to Beijing.
Since Seoul's announcement of the location of the THAAD battery, China has seemingly started its revenge on South Korea's entertainment and travel industries in addition to state-run newspapers slamming Seoul's decision.
Experts caution it is important lawmakers from the main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea do not make any comments that go against South Korea's national interest as there is high possibility Beijing may use their visit to its advantage.
"It's desirable to listen to Chinese officials, scholars opinions and discuss it within South Korea, but if the lawmakers voice their opposition to Chinese officials and scholars, it will only stir up domestic controversy and worsen the situation."
The issue of deployment of the U.S. made missile defense system was first brought up in the aftermath of Pyongyang's long-range missile launch early this year, with Seoul and Washington saying THAAD can be a protection against North Korea's growing nuclear and missile capabilities.
Analysts are concerned the focus of the THAAD debate has shifted away from the fundamental issue saying the visiting lawmakers could bring back the focus of the talks.
"The lawmakers should take this opportunity while in China to explain the reality of North Korea's nuclear threats, and that South Korea's national security is being threatened rather than voicing opposition against the THAAD deployment."
Beijing, Pyongyang's long-time ally, has been reluctant in tightening its grip on North Korea sanctions with some criticizing China is throwing the ball on the South Korean court.
"Many experts agree that Beijing wouldn't go as far as deteriorating bilateral ties with Seoul in the long run, and therefore, lawmakers visiting China should focus on explaining why it is that South Korea needs to deploy the THAAD battery to the peninsula.
Connie Kim, Arirang News."
Title: Rio 2016: Korea's women archers strike consecutive 8th gold in team event
Day three of competitions in Rio de Janeiro... and Team Korea is looking to basket more medals from various events today.
Our Olympics correspondent Kwon Jang-ho joins me live with all the bits and pieces of Rio 2016.
Jangho, another exciting day athletes are waking up to in Rio... but let's first talk about the first two days of competitions for Team Korea. Quite a few shiny gold, silver, and bronze it's managed to collect.
Absolutely, Connyoung. And, the gold - not just any gold, but the eighth successive gold medal from Korean's women archers.
It's an Olympic record that stretches back 28 years to the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, and Korea's women archers have been simply unrivalled.
Including the individual events, there have been 15 gold medals up for grabs so far, and the Korean women have taken 14 of them.
The team of Chang Hye-jin, Choi Mi-sun and Ki Bo-bae carried on this impressive legacy with strong performances on Sunday.
But despite dispatching their rivals in what seemed like comfortable fashion, the Korean archers showed that they had been feeling the weight of extremely high expectations... with tears of joy and relief coming after the win.
Now attention turns to the individual events, and they're not about to rest on their laurels as Team Korea looks to scoop all four-out-of-the-four gold medals in archery.
The remarkable dominance of Korean archers have got many asking why? Why is Korea so exceptional in archery?
There's no one reason, and if you ask the athletes themselves, they will simply say it's lots and lots of hard work.
Then there's the cyclical pattern of Olympic success bringing more interest in the sport, which produces more archers, which in turn brings further Olympic success.
And the training has really been perfected. They don't just do the physical but mental training as well, such as noise training, where they go to a baseball stadium and shoot arrows in front of loud, noisy crowds to improve their focus. It's this combination of factors that leads Korea archers to perform at the highest levels. Just on a sidenote - nine other national archery teams competing at the Rio Olympics are led by Korean coaches.
I've heard some even say Korean has become the official language of the archery range in Rio. Well, best of luck to them.
Now, what about other highlights from the second day of competitions in Rio.
Sure. First up is the judo where world number-one, Korea's An Ba-ul won silver.
But it was actually a disappointment as he lost the gold to Italy's Fabio Basile, who is only ranked 26th in the world.
An carelessly allowed himself to be thrown for a match-winning ippon in 84 seconds, and An couldn't believe he had let the gold slip through his fingers.
It was the opposite story for Yoon Jin-hee, who just managed to sneak into third place, after the Chinese competitor Li Yajun unexpectedly failed in her lift.
It's an especially sweet achievement for Yoon as she came back to the sports two years ago after retiring in 2012.
And finally, the Korean men's football team missed out on automatically qualifying for the quaterfinals after giving away a late lead in extra time to Germany to end the match three-all. Korea will now have to win or draw against Mexico in the final group game on Wednesday to progress.
But, a handful of old records were broken and new world records were set in the swimming pool. And, yes, Michael Phelps.
He got his first gold with the U.S. swim team in the Men's 100m freestyle relay. That's his 19th gold medal, 23 medals overall, and he's looking to add three more by the end of this week. And then, he could add even more, as incredibly there is suggestion he might be back for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. But just in case that isn't the case I would suggest watching his races here in Rio in case they are the last ones left.
Now, for what's ahead on day three of competitions...
For Team Korea all eyes will be on Judo again, as world number-one for the men's 73-kilo weight class, An Chang-lim, and world number-two in the women's 57-kilo weight class, Kim Jan-di, aim for Korea's first gold in Judo at this Olympics.
In fencing there are high hopes for Kim Ji-yeon to get on the podium for the women's sabre event as well.
Elsewhere there are the first ever finals of the women's rugby sevens, as well as the first gold event in gymnastics. There will also be continued medal events in the swimming, shooting and diving among others.
Looking at the medal tables... Korea is currently in fifth with 2 golds, 2 silvers and a bronze, while the U.S. are top, courtesy of 8 medals from the swimming.
Title: N. Korea appears to be putting efforts in sports diplomacy in Rio
Hopefully many more to add in the coming days.
Now, also at the 2016 Summer Games... a senior delegation from Pyongyang.
The Olympics are providing North Korea a platform and a reason to make itself seen on the global stage. The isolated state appears to be making various efforts to improve its image to the rest of the world.
But, it ain't going to be easy... says South Korea... as the international community looks to tighten the screws on North Korea.
Kwon Soa reports.
The first news Pyongyang's state media delivered on Choe Ryong-hae's diplomatic activity after his attendance to the opening ceremony of the Rio games,... was that the senior official met with interim President of Brazil Michel Temer.
According to the Korean Central News Agency Choe expressed the regime's desire to develop the cooperative friendship with Brazil,... and that Temer emphasized the Brazilian government will develop that bilateral relationship.
Thursday through Friday, Choe reportedly met with not only International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach and other high Olympic officials,... but also heads and officials from Switzerland, San Marino, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, and Zambia.
""These meetings are not only seen as a way to promote North Korea as a strong sports power,... but appear to be an attempt to wiggle out of the international isolation Pyongyang is facing."
South Korea's government says,... the North's actions are seen as inevitable for the regime,... as it's facing limitations due to the strong sanctions imposed over its nuclear and missile provocations.
"North Korea seems to be using the sporting event as a means to show that it's like any other country, doing what it can to try and improve its global image."
However, experts say,... such diplomatic efforts could have some effects,... but only for a short while.
"By enforcing diplomacy in a non-political, non-social field,... calls for sanctions against North Korea could diminish for a while,... but since the sporting event has a limited duration,... calls for sanctions will only get louder when the event is over."
Though the North Korean official seems to be engaging in diplomatic efforts with several nations and international bodies, some experts say,... Choe Ryong-hae does not seem to have meetings scheduled with big powers as China and Russia during the Rio games.
Kwon Soa, Arirang News.
Title: 0808 Korean nationals living in Brazil put on cheer-mode for Team Korea
Staying in Rio... for all athletes striving for Olympic glory with their national flags on their uniforms... they are not alone in the competitions. They've got the full support and encouragement from fellow nationals in and outside of the stadium.
Our very own Shin Semin is on the ground... she joins us from Rio de Janeiro.
Semin, another bright day you're waking up to there in the host city.
"Connyoung, we're waking up to a windy day-4 of the Summer Olympics here in Rio,... and with each day's events, this seaside city is more filled with the Olympic spirits brought together from around the world. And Korean fans in Rio are no exception,... cheering for their nation's athletes with all their hearts."
The banners and flags,… the red t-shirts -- even traditional musical instruments are among the symbols of the Korean spirit brought to Rio to cheer on the nation's athletes.
Despite driving eight straight hours from Sao Paulo, these Korean superfans are none the worse for wear.
"We all are here because of the country. I'm so thrilled to be watching the Olympic Games and hope that our cheer will help the athletes to win "
"My heart's filled with emotions, just being able to see Korean national team here, halfway across the globe,... and we're here to support Team Korea, especially the Judo team."
From the unbounded enthusiasm shown through the Korean traditional folk dance, Pungmul,… to the interminable chants between events,… Korean fans do all they can to support the team.
"Our enthusiasm and our cheering will give the team a boost and hopefully help them bring home a good result."
The team may be half a world away from their fans back in Korea -- and the time difference doesn't help. But they won't be alone over the next two weeks as they work to bring home the victory,... and the cheering squad will be right there the whole way,… helping convey all the support they have back home.
"And we're definitely looking at an exciting and full-day ahead, as Team Korea has a string of competitions lined up, Connyoung?"
Precisely. Thanks, Semin. Keep up the excellent work. Our Shin Semin from 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
Title: NEWS BUMPER
2015.11.2~
Title: S&P upgrades Korea's sovereign rating to 'AA'
Global ratings agency Standard and Poor's upgraded Korea's sovereign credit rating by one notch to a record high of double A.
The credit appraiser says the adjustment comes on the back of the country's sound fiscal conditions and relatively stable growth momentum.
Kim Min-ji looks beyond the label.
Standard and Poor's has raised Korea's credit rating to a record high of 'double A'
The upward adjustment for the country is the second in less than a year...... after it revised its rating to a 'double A-minus'.... in September last year.
It puts the country on the third-highest rating.... and places it on the same footing as France and the UK.
Korea's rating is also higher compared to those of China and Japan.
Explaining the upgrade,... the global ratings agency said Korea has exhibited stronger economic growth in recent years than that of most advanced economies.
Korea's per capita GDP growth stood at 2-point-6 percent in 2015,... higher than the 0-point-3 to 1-point-5 percent range seen in most high-income nations.
This year, there are concerns the growth rate could slow,... due to the fallout from the government's ongoing corporate restructuring and faltering exports,... which have fallen every month for over a year and a half now.
But the agency brushed off such concerns saying Korea's export performance has not been out of line with other economies,... and that a recovery in the U.S. should be able to help.
On top of that,... S&P said Korea's monetary policy has provided strong support for sustainable economic growth.
The Bank of Korea slashed its key rate in June to a record low of 1-point-W5 percent as part of efforts to prop up the economy.
In addition,... the agency cited Korea's healthy fiscal position,... saying that the country's government debt level remains modest at around 20 percent of the GDP in 2015.
"If a country's credit rating goes up,... it means state-run companies, financial institutions, and private corporations can borrow at cheaper rates when drawing up capital overseas."
While the credit appraiser expects Korea's new rating to remain unchanged over the next two years,... it says geopolitical risks,... stemming from inter-Korean conflicts,... is one of main the factors that could hurt Korea's credit fundamentals down the line.
Kim Min-ji, Arirang News.
Title: Ministry of Justice makes final decision to dismiss senior prosecutor Jin Kyung-joon over bribery case
For the first time in Korea's prosecution history, senior prosecutor Jin Kyung-joon, whose post falls no short to that of a vice minister, is being stripped of his title for receiving bribes and getting involved in a murky insider trading deal..
Lee Minyoung brings us the latest on this high-profile corruption scandal.
The Korean government decided on Monday to remove senior prosecutor Jin Kyung-joon from his post,...who was arrested on bribery charges for receiving kickbacks from the nation's leading online game maker Nexon.
This is the first time in the 68-year history of the state prosecutor's office that a vice-minister level prosecutor has been dismissed....as prosecutors' positions are in most cases protected by law unless they are jailed or impeached.
With the decision made by a disciplinary committee at the Ministry of Justice, Jin is also prohibited from opening a private practice as a lawyer for at least three years, and his pension benefits will be cut off as well.
A week ago, the prosecution verified all evidence against Jin, prompting a request to the justice ministry to dismiss the scandal-ridden top prosecutor from his post.
Based on the findings, the high-ranking prosecutor was detained and indicted on bribery charges and receiving insider information on trading Nexon shares to reap unjust gains.
Jin allegedly acquired 10-thousand Nexon shares in 2005 when the company was unlisted... with money he received from the online game maker's founder Kim Jung-ju.
A year later, Jin raked up a profit of more than 10-point-4 million U.S. dollars by selling all of the shares back to Nexon.
Jin also received over 85 thousand dollars in kickbacks including a luxury sedan and cash for his family's travel expenses from Kim.
Lee Minyoung, Arirang News.
Title: Japan's emperor hints at abdication, citing deteriorating health
The head of the world's oldest monarchy, Japanese Emperor Akihito has hinted that he wants to abdicate because of age and ill health, potentially ushering in the most significant change to Japan's imperial system in the postwar era.
Kim Hyesung reports.
In a rare televised address, Japan's 125th Emperor Akihito said if his health worsens he may not be able to fulfill his duties.
"When I consider that my fitness level is gradually declining, I am worried that it may become difficult for me to carry out my duties as the symbol of the State with my whole being as I have done until now."
The emperor has had health problems in recent years. He underwent a heart surgery operation in 2012 and was also hospitalized for prostate cancer.
In his message, Akihito stopped short of saying directly that he wanted to abdicate, which could be interpreted as interfering in politics in Japan.
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"In Japan, an emperor is required to serve until death by law. For Akihito to step down, the Japanese parliament would have to change the law."
And following the speech, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he took the emperor's words "seriously," and that the government will discuss the legal changes required for that to happen.
According to Japanese media, this would require a parliamentary discussion and making legal changes that could take around two to three years.
During his 28-year reign, Akihito has strived to mend ties with countries hurt by Japanese wartime aggression.
In 2015, the Emperor expressed "deep remorse" over Japan's role in World War Two, which stands in stark contrast with the Abe Administration's attempts to reinterpret the Pacifist Treaty and rearm Japan.
Beloved by the Japanese public, most people seem to support the emperor's desire to step down.
A Kyodo News poll showed last week that nearly 86 percent of the public would accept an abdication.
If the emperor does step down, it would make him the first Japanese monarch in 200 years to do so.
Kim Hyesung, Arirang News.
Title: Korean households need better billing system amid the country's record high electricity usage
Amid the scorching weather, Korea hit its highest ever electricity usage earlier this Monday afternoon. The Korean government has been implementing various regulations to limit over-usuage of electricity.
But some experts say it is outdated and no longer applicable to Korean households.
Our Lee Ji-won has more.
With the continuous heat wave and sizzling hot weather, Korea's demand for electricity hit an all-time high at around 2 in the afternoon on Monday.
According to the state-run Korea Power Exchange, a total of 84-point-21 million kilowatts of electricity was consumed,... replacing the all-time high of 82-point-97 million kilowatts on January 21st of this year.
In an effort to limit electricity use nationwide the government's Progressive Electricity Billing System requires householders to pay a higher price for the same amount of electricity when they use more.
On top of the base bill, the system additionally charges households in 6 stages. For the first 100 kilowatts, the household pays about 5-cents per kilowatt in U.S. currency,... but over 501 kilowatts, the household has to pay about 64 cents per kilowatt.
However, studies show that most of the energy being used in Korea is by the industries. A report by the International Energy Agency showed that industries used 53-point-3-percent of Korea's overall electricity in 2014 while households only used 12-point-9 percent. This is a very different consumption pattern from other OECD nations, which have an average of 32-percent for industry's electricity use and about 31-percent for households.
Some experts say this is understandable as Korea's main industries are manufacturing and export which require a lot of electricity,... but they agreed that the billing system on households needs to be changed.
"In the case of U.S. and Japan, there are only about 2 to 3 stages of the Progressive Electricity Billing System,... and the amount charged in the last stage is only about 1-point-5 times the amount in the first stage. But in Korea, the last stage is 11-point-7 times more expensive than the first stage."
The expert added that people's electricity consumption patterns have changed since the Progressive Electricity Billing System was first implemented in 1973 and that it has to change to reflect the current society. Lee Ji-won, Arirang News.
Title: Hideaways in Seoul offer refreshing break from city life
We're now at the peak of summer, the time to escape from all the hustle and bustle of the city to cool off and replenish the body and the soul.
But a getaway isn't so easy for some. More and more city-dwellers are opting for alternatives: One of them - a quick getaway WITHIN the City of Seoul... but AWAY from people, traffic and the likes.
It does sound tempting, doesn't it? Urban Hideaways - our News Feature tonight with Oh Soo-young.
Worn out by the complexities of urban life, most city-dwellers want some time out from all the commotion.
But holidays can be a hassle to arrange and the travel time can make trips prohibitive.
That's why more and more people in Seoul are seeking more private getaways within the city... where they can find some peace and quiet... and a bit of culture.
In the middle of the busy Gwanghwamun area,... walk west along the alleyways of the traditional Seochon village... and you'll come across a hidden valley.
"Suseongdong Valley is perfect for a breath of fresh air and a leisurely stroll along the creek,... against the backdrop of Inwang mountain."
The striking scenery has, for centuries, inspired poets and artists alike.
One of the best known works is a painting by Jeong Sun, a landscape artist from the early 17th century.
The painting portrays the impressive boulders and trees sweeping across the slope.
An apartment was built over the valley in the 1970s, but demolished eight years ago,... and the government has since restored the landmark to its former glory.
Now, the picturesque valley is a public park that's open all year round.
You can enjoy some quiet time alone by the brook or dip your toes in the creek.
"I had no idea there was such a pretty place in Seochon. I hope this gorgeous natural scenery stays well preserved."
"We were looking for a place to sort of beat the heat. It's beautiful. It's one of the things I like about Seoul, cuz it's very city, very modern and metropolis, but at the same time you get outside of those areas and you're suddenly on a mountain. It's nice."
Heading back to the city center,... you can visit a quaint red-brick house along the way.
It's the home-turned-gallery of artist Pak No-su, renowned for vivid colors and fine brushstrokes that harmonize Korean and Western styles of art.
Some of his finest works can be admired as you explore the two-storey house, a historical landmark in its own right.
It was built in 1938 and mixes Korean and Western styles of architecture.
Creaky wooden floorboards, ornate lamps and a bright red fireplace -- original features like these have been preserved, lending authenticity and charm.
The garden outside, which was designed and tended to by the artist himself,... makes an ideal place for quiet contemplation.
Not too far away... there's a small forest library tucked away among the trees of Samcheongdong Park, north of Anguk Station.
If you're looking for a place to sit down with a book,... the library offers cool shade and a menu of beverages.
It currently sees about 150 visitors a day,... but the numbers are growing.
"The center was originally built for the local community and to encourage children to read more books, but many of our visitors come not just from our district, but from other parts of Seoul, Gyeonggi-do Province and as far away as Jindo and Ulsan. We believe they come here, as it's a place where you can relax and refresh yourself in nature."
"It's hot at home but it's cool up here. My little brother doesn't bug me either, so I can read my books and study, too."
"We were just at an art gallery in a nearby town and now we're here to cool down and read. I like the fact that this place is just minutes away from the busy pace of the city."
Outside the library, you can lose yourself in the woods, taking a picnic under the branches or cool off by a small stream.
This... and the other locations tucked into the nooks and crannies of the city... show that people Seoul needn't look too far... for a brief respite from the fast pace of life in the capital.
Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.
Title: KOREA'S WORLD HERITAGE
KOREA'S WORLD HERITAGE
Title: Jongmyo Shrine, resting place for Korea's royal spirits
Jongmyo is the oldest and most authentic of the Confucian royal shrines to have been preserved.
Dedicated to the forefathers of the Joseon dynasty founded in the 14th century here in Korea... its unique spatial layout and tradition have been preserved in its entirety to this day.
Our Kim Jung-soo takes us on a tour of the Jongmyo Shrine, Korea's UNESCO World Heritage.
At the center of metropolitan Seoul lies a solemn royal Confucian shrine.
The structure is Jongmyo Shrine, built in the year 1394 under the order of King Taejo.
Although Koreans have long been proud of their Confucian roots, no other building better embodies the Confucian philosophy of filial piety, or "hyo" because the shrine is the site of one of the country's most sacred ancestral rites.
The Jongmyo Jerye is a ceremonial rite held for worshipping the late kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty... and involves ritual music, called Jongmyo Jeryeak, as well as the spirit tablets of past royalty.
The ceremony used to be held five times a year, but now, it has become an annual event, held on the first Sunday in May.
The shrine was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in December of 1995 and both the ritual and ritual music were recognized by UNESCO as Masterpieces of Oral and Intangible Heritage in 2001.
The Jongmyo Jerye ceremony is comprised of three main parts.
Arriving at the shrine after a long procession, the king, accompanied by his civil and military servants, initiates an invitation and greeting of the royal spirits by reciting prayers.
Next, the spirits are entertained with music, 64 kinds of food and 64 female dancers.
Finally, the spirits are sent off to return to heaven, food and wine are shared by the officiants, and the prayer papers are burned.
Although the ceremony takes place once a year, the shrine is open to the public from March to September.
"Over 500 hundred years of Joseon Dynasty's history is laid to rest, right here at the Jongmyo Shrine. Visitors interested in exploring the shrine can also use a special app called 'Jongmyo in My Hand,' to navigate through the cultural and historical site."
The augmented reality app, developed by Korea's Cultural Heritage Administration, offers narration in four languages, telling users stories and anecdotes related to the shrine's main structures.
Jongmyo Shrine contains five main houses, and each one plays an important and distinct role in the annual Jongmyo Jerye ritual.
The main setting for the ceremony is Jeongjeon Hall, which is composed of 19 spirit chambers... and houses over 49 spirit tablets for the Joseon kings and queens.
Hyangdaecheong is the room high-ranking officials used to get themselves ready for the grand ceremony.
The king and the rest of the royal family would use the three buildings of the Jaegung Area to purify body and soul before the ritual.
The king and his heir apparent would then wait for their turn to participate in the ritual at Jeonjacheong Hall, which is next to the main Jeongjeon Hall.
Yeongnyeongjeon, also known as the Hall of Eternal Peace, functions as an annex to the main Jeongjeon Hall, and houses 34 spirit tablets in 16 chambers.
In addition, the tablets of tyrannical kings such as Yeonsangun or Gwanghaegun have been excluded from the shrine as a whole, as their behaviors have been deemed below Confucian standards.
Over 180-thousand people visited Jongmyo Shrine during the first half of the year.
While the annual Jongmyo Jeyre is designed to offer the heavenly spirits consolation, it is evident that the shrine itself offers a much-needed atmosphere of serenity and peace for modern-day visitors as well.
Kim Jung-soo, Arirang News.
Title: Blistering heat to persist across nation
Not just ANY summer temperatures, but extraordinary, record-high temperatures heating up the Korean peninsula these days.
Let's see if there is any relief in store for us. Our Lee Jeehyung is at the weather center. Jee-hyun, this record breaking weather is posing a challenge to various aspects of society.
Right and the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the number of Koreans rushed to hospital emergency rooms nationwide for heat-related illnesses has topped 1,000 this summer, with half of them reported over the last two weeks.
Well, on Korea's traditional farming calendar, yesteray marked Ipchu, the formal beginning of fall. Please don't burst my bubble - the weather should be cooling down very soon, right?
It should eventually... but not for another week. Blistering heat will continue to dominate across the nation with highs hovering around the mid thirties in Seoul,... under mostly sunny skies meaning tropical night conditions will also continue.
Tomorrow should see a repeat of today's sweltering conditions with heat advisories remaining in place. There is a slim chance of sporadic rain at times in some of the inland regions.
And now, here are the readings for tomorrow.
Seoul and Busan will have a low of 26 degrees Celsius tomorrow.
For the highs,
The highs in Seoul, Daejeon will reach 34 degrees Celsius while Gwangju will reach 35 degrees Celsius.
Over in Rio de Janeiro, where the Summer Olympic Games are taking place, there will be pleasant conditions with highs in the mid twenties.
That's Korea for you, and here's a look at the weather conditions around the world.
Title: Closing
That is our broadcast on this Monday night. Hope we all stay cool and keep our cool through this very unpleasant weather.
I'm Moon Conn-young. Thank you 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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