North Korea welcomed the New York Philharmonic and an entourage of 165, the largest group of Americans to visit since the Korean War.  Besides Dvorak, Gershwin and Wagner, the orchestra played the “Star-Spangled Banner”, which was heard respectfully.  On a visit to Beijing, Condoleezza Rice, America's secretary of state, urged China to exert pressure on North Korea to end its nuclear programme. See article  美國紐約愛樂樂團在北韓首都平壤作歷史性演出。表演開始時樂團先後演奏北韓及美國國歌全場肅立。樂團亦演奏新世界交響曲，期間未見北韓領袖金正日。
Philharmonic Is Feted in North Korea  2/26  SB120395516339590585
For One Evening, U.S., North Korea Set Aside Enmity  2/27  SB120401750068993375

Lee Myung-bak was inaugurated (2/25) as the country's 17th president following a landslide victory in December's election.  His celebrations were marred by the resignation of three of his nominees for cabinet posts over controversial property dealings. See article  OJ: SB120389555831389233  South Korea Puts Merger Of State Firms on Table  3/13  SB120532643096430075

南韓第一號國寶首爾的崇禮門俗稱南大門付諸一炬，當局懷疑有人縱火正展開調查，預計南大門需時約兩三年復修，耗資一億六千萬港元；候任總統李明博到場了解情況，他說重建不會有問題，但國民會因為這場火災而心痛，此外，南大門是旅遊首爾不能錯過的景點更是文化象徵，他對社會氛圍混亂感到擔憂。崇禮門建於1395年，還早過北京故宮25年興建，火警昨晚近八時發生，目擊者說看到一名男子走上南大門旁邊的台階，隨即發生火警。
South Korea's government has vowed to rebuild one of the country's most recognisable historic landmarks, the Namdaemun Gate, which has been destroyed by fire (2/10).  The 700-year-old gate stood out as a piece of history amidst the sprawling modern metropolis of Seoul.  Fire fighters thought the blaze had been extinguished, but it flared up hours later, completely engulfing the gate.  Police say they're investigating possible arson, and an investigation has also been launched into the firefighting effort.  Government officials say the gate will be rebuilt at a cost of more than 20 million dollars. 



Lee Myung-Bak has named a United Nations special envoy on climate change as the country's prime minister and the first member of his new cabinet.  Lee says he selected (1/29) Han Seung-Soo as prime minister because of his wide experience in diplomacy, economics and politics.  The president has also said he wants a 'low-key conservative' in the role.  Han Seung-Soo is 71 years of age and has served as foreign and finance minister, and as ambassador to the United States from 1993-4.  Prime ministers hold little real power in South Korea, but can play an important role in coordinating the tasks of various government agencies.  President Lee takes office on February 25 and is expected to finalise his cabinet line-up this week.
南韓候任總統李明博委任聯合國氣候變化問題特使韓升洙出任新總理

OJ: PYONGYANG AND HELSINKI  1/21  SB120086759363103871

President-elect Lee Myung-bak for the first time explained how he intends to change the way South Korea's government works with North Korea, and he defended a controversial decision to eliminate the separate ministry that deals with Pyongyang.  1/18  SB120059363479698159  Lee proposed streamlining the government's economic activities into two mega-agencies, one focused on finance and the other on industries.  1/17  SB120048786968594485

South Korea has chosen a new head of state, with Lee Myung Bak 李明博 claiming victory in the presidential poll (2//0/12/19). Lee celebrates his 66th birthday with his wife, Kim Soon-ok, after an overwhelming win. The former senior executive with the conglomerate Hyundai made his political name as mayor of Seoul. He becomes the first president from the conservative side of politics in a decade.   High campaign season and Korean cuisine 
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The first regular train service in more than half a century to link North and South Korea began operating, carrying freight across the border. 

DPRK state media broadcast (10/2) still images of North Korea's leader Kim Jong-il 北韓領袖金正日 meeting South Korea's president Roh Moo-hyun 南韓總統盧武鉉, describing the summit as a positive step for reunification. President Roh has been feted at a state dinner in Pyongyang. The summit is only the second time the leaders of the two Koreas have met. The last meeting was in 2000, also in Pyongyang. 
Did North Korea Meet Deadline? 2008/1/07
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