Hundreds of thousands of South Koreans from across the country gathered in central Seoul recently, in an organized and peaceful protest against the president, Park Geun-hye. They are demanding she resign because she has been charged with abuse of power and fraud. The South Korean president shared classified information with a friend and was advised by her on a range of state affairs. President Park says she understands the seriousness of this situation, but shows no sign she will resign. Listen to hear more about the government crisis in South Korea.
Story Length: 2:15
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March 24, 2016
2:47
When an American college student tried to steal a propaganda sign in a North Korean hotel he was arrested and sentenced to fifteen years of hard labor. As a result, the United States has strongly recommended that U.S. citizens not travel to North Korea. Diplomats have tried to negotiate with North Korea and have urged them to release this man on humanitarian grounds. The U.S. assumes North Korea will use him to bargain for something in return. Listen to hear more about the politics of this unfortunate arrest.
Read MoreMarch 14, 2016
4:44
Countries such as Germany, the Philippines, Argentina and Great Britain have elected women leaders, but the United States has never elected a woman president. Sexism and legal discrimination have stopped women from gaining leadership positions for the past 200 years, but things have changed recently. Women have been supporting each other to gain elected positions, and have proven that women are capable leaders. Listen to hear more about the history of women leaders in the United States.
Read MoreAugust 20, 2015
4:14
In South Korea people like to impress their neighbors and one of the biggest opportunities is a wedding. Weddings can turn into elaborate productions instead of a celebration of love. In a trend that started in the 1990s some brides families hire guests to fill out the party. The additional people are sometimes needed to help the bride avoid humiliation, or “save face.” Often the groom does not realize people are playing a role. In this story you’ll hear how there are agencies devoted to assign role-playing actors to participate in a variety of occasions, such as playing fake parents, fake spouses and fake office employees
Read MoreAugust 18, 2014
7:47
Forty years ago President Richard Nixon resigned after getting caught obstructing the investigation of the Watergate break in. In today’s story we hear from a reporter who covered this investigation and resignation in 1974. She recalls the uncertainty and anxiety of the American people that the system may not hold up in this time of transition. We hear from politicians at the time and the reflections of citizens in the aftermath of Nixon’s resignation. Listen to this story to better understand how Americans felt during this unprecedented period of transition.
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