Korea24 - 2020.12.23.(Wednesday)

News Briefing : Chung Kyung-shim, the wife of former Justice Minister Cho Kuk, has been sentenced to four years in prison. Chung, a professor at Dongyang University, was found guilty of academic fraud related to her daughter's college admission and was partially convicted on charges related to violating capital market laws and the destruction of evidence. (Sam Len)

In-Depth News Analysis : "2020: Year In Review" Shim Kyuseok from the Korea JoongAng Daily wraps up the major political issues of the year, from the general election that ended with a landslide victory for the ruling party, to the government's push for judicial reform and the year-long feud between the Justice Minister and the Prosecutor General, and the #MeToo allegations surrounding the mayors of the largest cities. He also discusses what we can look forward to next year in politics.

Korea Trending with Alex Sigrist : Test takers receive their CSAT results(수능 성적표 배부), a celebrity history lecturer apologizes to the public for inaccuracies in a recent episode of his show(설민석 역사왜곡 논란에 사과), and K-pop legends Rain and JYP tease their upcoming musical collaboration, "Switch To Me”(비X박진영 신곡 “나로 바꾸자”).

Korea Book Club : Barry Welsh wraps up the year of Korean Literature in translation. He traces some key trends that surfaced this year and looks ahead to the year 2021, with more books set to be published.

Korea24 - 2020.12.22 (Tuesday)

News Briefing : South Korea reported 869 new COVID-19 cases throughout Monday, the daily figure remaining below 1,000 for the second straight day. The government, however, has announced that it would tighten quarantine protocols to curb the spread of the coronavirus, banning gatherings of five or more people at restaurants nationwide, and closing nearly 180 winter sports facilities and major tourist destinations. (Robert Koehler)

In-Depth News Analysis : The South Korean government has officially approved the controversial bill banning anti-Pyongyang leaflet campaigns on Tuesday, with backlash from both within and outside of Korea citing concerns of infringing upon the freedom of expression. Phil Robertson, Deputy Director of Human Rights Watch’s Asia Division, and Choi Ji-eun, International Spokesperson for the ruling Democratic Party join the show to discuss both sides of the argument. (대북전단금지법 논란-국제 인권단체 휴먼라이츠워치 필 로버트슨 아시아 부지부장/더불어민주당 최지은 국제대변인)

Korea Trending with Lee Juyoung : Rapper Jung Il-hoon from Kpop group BtoB’s alleged drug charges surfaced(정일훈 상습 대마초 흡입 혐의), Apple announced plans to develop self-driving cars by 2024(애플 자율주행 전기차), and singer Naul released a new song, his first single in nearly three years(나얼 신곡 “서로를 위한 것” 공개).

Touch Base in Seoul : Filmmaker Kim Kang-min, whose short film “KKUM” won the Grand Prize and the Public Prize at the 44th Ottawa International Animation Festival earlier this year, shares his experience of winning the prestigious awards and his process of making an animated film. (단편영화 “꿈”으로 한국인 최초 오타와국제애니메이션영화제 대상 수상한 김강민 감독 인터뷰)

Korea24 – 2020.12.21. (Monday)

- News Briefing : Seoul and the surrounding metropolitan area announced a ban on gatherings of five or more people, starting Wednesday. Meanwhile, the government is also set to announce enhanced quarantine measures for the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays on Tuesday, while maintaining the current social distancing level for now. (Sam Len)

- In-Depth News Analysis : Dr. Spencer Shorte, Chief Scientific Director of Institut Pasteur Korea, and Dr. Ogan Gurel, biomedical expert and visiting professor at DGIST, join the show to analyse the current surge of COVID-19 infections in South Korea and share their prospects on the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.

- Korea Trending with Alex Sigrist : Some European countries ban travel from the UK as a new strain of the coronavirus is reported in Southern England(영국 변종 코로나 확산), Koreans mark “Dongji,” or winter solstice on Monday(동지/애동지), and actress Youn Yuh-jung brings home the best supporting actress award for her role in “Minari” from the LA Film Critics Association Awards, taking a step closer to the Oscars(‘미나리’ 윤여정, LA비평가협회 여우조연상).

- Sports : Yoo Jee-ho from Yonhap News Agency shares the latest news from the sports world, including Ulsan Hyundai winning the AFC Champions League title and South Korean golfers Ko Jin-young and Kim Sei-young making the nation proud again.

Korea24 – 2020.12.18. (Friday)

- News Briefing: Government officials said that deals to buy COVID-19 vaccines from two more pharmaceutical companies are set to be completed by the end of the year. This comes as South Korea recorded more than a thousand new cases for the third consecutive day. (Sam Len)

- In-Depth News Analysis(Weekly Economy Review): Professor Yang Jun-suk from the Catholic University of Korea gives his assessment on the Finance Ministry's economic policy for 2021, which would seek to promptly recover from the pandemic and turn into a leading economy.

- Korea Trending with Alex Sigrist: The nation's blood reserves reach a critical point due to the drop in blood donors amid the pandemic(헌혈), veteran Korean singer Boa is probed for allegedly smuggling psychotropic drugs into the country(보아), and Song Heung-min wins the Puskas Award, also known as FIFA's best goal of the year(손흥민, 푸스카스상).

- Movie Spotlight: Film critics Jason Bechervaise and Darcy Paquet share two winter holiday-themed films: "The Christmas Chronicles," starring Kurt Russell as Santa Claus, and the romantic-comedy "Let it Snow," based on the novel, "Let It Snow: Three Holiday Romances." They also share some holiday-themed Korean films such as the upcoming "New Year Blues(새해전야)," by Hong Ji-young(홍지영).

- Next Week from Seoul: Mark Wilson-Choi brings us stories and events to look out for the following week, including Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha meeting with her Mongolian counterpart.

Korea24 – 2020.12.17. (Thursday)

- News Briefing : The daily number of COVID-19 infections throughout Wednesday remained above 1,000 for the second straight day, and the third time in the past week. The government has decided to tighten social distancing rules while remaining at the current social distancing level, and stated that they launched discussions on the possibility of going to Level Three. (Robert Koehler)

In-Depth News Analysis Part One : Dr. Lee Han-sung, Professor of Internal Medicine at Severance Hospital, gives his assessment of the current COVID-19 situation, with South Korea recording the most COVID-19 related deaths throughout Wednesday and the nation running low on available sickbeds for treating infected patients. (코로나19 사망자 급증/병상 부족 상황, 세브란스병원 통합내과 이한성 교수)

In-Depth News Analysis Part Two : Google’s global blackout on Monday became the first case under the so-called “Netflix Law,” a revision to Korea’s Telecommunication Business Act, which went into effect on December 10. Song Kyoung-son from the Korea JoongAng Daily joins the show to break down the law and what it would mean for service providers and users. (구글 먹통 넷플릭스법 첫 적용, 코리아중앙데일리 송경선 기자)

Korea Trending with Lee Ju-young: A man who spent 20 years in prison for rape and murder had his name cleared through a retrial (윤성여 무죄), Tottenham Hotspur’s star player Son Heung-min is now tied for the lead in goals in the Premier League after netting his 11th goal this season(손흥민 EPL 시즌 11호골), and K-pop group SEVENTEEN will be appearing on ‘The Late Late Show with James Corden’ for the first time in January(세븐틴 美 제임스 코든 쇼 첫 출연 확정).

Andy St. Louis from Seoul Art Friend takes a look at the SongEun Art Award, which is celebrating its 20th edition this year. This year’s shortlisted artists for the award, whose works are being shown at SongEun Art Space in Gangnam, are Hyunsun Jeon, Jong Oh, Youngjoo Cho, and Ifie Sin. (송은 아트스페이스 “제20회 송은 미술대상전” - 전현선, 오종, 조영주, 신이피)

Korea24 – 2020.12.16. (Wednesday)

- News Briefing Part 1: Reporter Shim Kyu-seok from the Korea JoongAng Daily discusses the Justice Ministry's disciplinary committee decision to suspend Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl from duty for 2 months for alleged misconduct.

- News Briefing Part 2: South Korea's COVID-19 cases hit a new daily record high of 1078 on Wednesday, prompting health authorities to seriously consider adopting the toughest virus curbs. (Sam Len)

- In-Depth News Analysis: Professor Lyoo Young-soo from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Konkuk University talks about the highly pathogenic strain of Avian Influenza, H5N8, as more cases are confirmed in poultry farms across the nation. Professor Lyoo also assesses the risks of this particular strain and discusses what can be done to fight its spread.

(고병원성 조류독감, 건국대학교 수의과대학 류영수 교수)

- Korea Trending with Alex Sigrist: Jeju Island seeks to make COVID-19 testing mandatory for all arrivals(제주도 코로나검사), Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering(KSOE) secures orders to build four LNG carriers and two VLCCs(한국조선해양), and Grammy Museum Experience Prudential Center features girl group GFriend on their Mini Masterclass series(여자친구, 그래미뮤지엄).

- Korea Book Club: Barry Welsh shares "Table for One(1인용 식탁)” by Yun Ko-eun(윤고은). Barry talks about how Yun addresses elements of modern Korean society and how her short story explores social anxiety, the rise in single-person households, and the concept of solitary living.

- Morning Edition Preview: Mark shares a piece from the Korea Times that talks about Nowon District Office's plan to launch a smart plug installation project to detect health emergency situations for older residents who live alone. He also shares a story in the Korea Herald that covers travel agencies launching tour packages as they anticipate the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines.

Korea24 – 2020.12.15. (Tuesday)

- News Briefing: A disciplinary committee tasked with deliberating action against Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl for alleged ethical lapses resumed discussions on Tuesday. (Robert Koehler)

- In-Depth News Analysis: Professor Kim Kee-Chang from Korea University's School of Law and Dr. Ethan Hee-Seok Shin, Legal Analyst for the NGO Transitional Justice Working Group, give their insight on the passage of a bill banning anti-North Korea leaflet campaigns that was passed on Monday.

- Korea Trending with Lee Ju-young: The government rolls out a new plan to tackle the nation's low birth rate(영아 수당), Korean Air and Asiana Airlines launch a more streamlined check-in service(연결탑승수속서비스), and pro golfer Kim A-lim wins the 75th US Women's Open (김아림).

- Touch Base in Seoul: Jack Aitken(한세용), the very first driver of Korean descent to drive on the Formula 1 circuit, shares his history and love of racing that led to his debut at the Sakhir Grand Prix in Bahrain earlier this month.

- Morning Edition Preview with Mark Wilson-Choi: Mark shares a piece from the Korea Herald that covers the growing 2-mile fashion trend that has gained popularity amid the COVID-19 vaccine.

Korea24 – 2020.12.14 (Monday)

- News Briefing: The daily COVID-19 increase in South Korea fell back down to the 700s, after surging over one-thousand for the first time since the start of the epidemic in January. With authorities considering further raising social distancing to Level 3, 150 temporary test sites opened across the capital region to accelerate testing and tracing. (Sam Len)

- In-Depth News Analysis: Dr. Jerome Kim, Director-General of the International Vaccine Institute(IVI), gives his assessment on the South Korean government’s plan to secure enough vaccines to immunize up to 44-million people. He also talks about several types of COVID-19 vaccines and gives his thoughts on if/when life can return to normal.

- Korea Trending with Alex Sigrist: Pyeongtaek’s very first general hospital steps up to exclusively treat COVID-19 patients(평택박애병원), ruling party lawmaker Youn Mee-hyang faces criticism over a photo that she recently posted(윤미향), and actor Seo Kang-joon honors his promise to the late comedian Park Ji-sun(서강준).

- Sports: Yoo Jee-ho from Yonhap News Agency talks about Ulsan Hyundai FC heading to the AFC Champions League final, professional women's volleyball star Lee Jae-yeong testing negative for COVID-19, and KBO's KT Wiz re-signing William Cuevas for another season.

- Morning Edition Preview with Mark Wilson-Choi: Mark shares a piece from the Korea Times that covers a new English magazine by the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage. He also talks about a story from the Korea Herald that covers the Korea Film Council's(KOFIC) forecast for this year's low box office sales due to the pandemic.

Korea24 – 2020.12.11. (Friday)

- News Briefing: At the National Assembly, the main opposition People Power Party(PPP) pushes on with its filibuster, making their case against a bill that would strip the National Intelligence Service of its domestic investigative powers. (Sam Len)

- In-Depth News Analysis(Weekly Economy Review): Professor Yang Jun-suk from the Catholic University of Korea gives his assessment on the bills passed by Parliament on Wednesday that made revisions on the Commercial Act, Fair Trade Act and Financial Group Supervision Act, also referred to as the "Fair Economy Bills.” (공정경제3법)

- Korea Trending with Alex Sigrist: Notorious child rapist Cho Doo-soon is set to be released on Saturday(조두순 출소), a popular baby bathtub is recalled due to hazardous material(다이소 아기욕조), and Baek Yerin releases her latest album, "tellusaboutyourself"(백예린 컴백).

- Movie Spotlight: Film critics Jason Bechervaise and Darcy Paquet share "Josee(조제)." the Korean remake of the Japanese melodrama, "Josee, The Tiger and the Fish." They also give their take on the science-fiction film "The Midnight Sky(미드나이트 스카이)," starring and directed by George Clooney.

- Next Week from Seoul: Mark Wilson-Choi brings us stories and events to look out for the following week, including over 100 makeshift COVID-19 screening centers that will be set up in the greater Seoul region.

Korea24 – 2020.12.10. (Thursday)

- News Briefing: President Moon Jae-in's pledge to set up an independent body with the strict mission of probing corruption among the country's top political powers is one step closer to realization. On Thursday, the nation's ruling party - with their supermajority in parliament - ratified revisions to a law that would establish what's called the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO). (Robert Koehler)

- In-Depth News Analysis: Dr. Frank Rijsberman, Director-General of the Global Green Growth Institute(GGGI), gives his assessment of the government’s plan to phase out the country’s reliance on fossil fuels and become carbon neutral by 2050. He also discusses where South Korea stands in the fight against climate change.

- Korea Trending with Lee Ju-young: South Korea's state employment insurance program is extended to artists(예술인 고용보험), the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) delays its ruling on the trade secret case involving LG Chem and SK Innovation(LG-SK 배터리 분쟁 판결 연기), and Son Heung-min wins Goal of the Month for the third straight month(손흥민, 토트넘 이달의 골 세 달 연속 수상).

- Explore Korea: Jennifer Chang shares the 22nd Mungyeong Tea Bowl Festival(문경찻사발축제), an event that showcases ceramics and pottery from both inside and outside of Korea. She also talks about how it has been moved online this year due to strengthened quarantine measures and how listeners can check it out for themselves.

- Morning Edition Preview with Mark Wilson-Choi: Mark shares a piece from the Korea Times that features the award-winning hanbok designer Lee Jin-hee. He also talks about a story from the Korea Herald that covers the upcoming "Farewell 2020" musical gala concert that will feature Korean/Korean-American Broadway actors.