a south korean government source says north koreans appear to have almost completed preparations for their nuclear test. the source says satellite images show a tunnel at the punghari test side plugged with dirt and concrete likely to prevent a radiation leak. the images reportedly captured what appeared to be detonator cables extending out of the tunnel. a south korean defense ministry spokesperson didn't give us much detail but he said scientists in the north are on standby. >> translator: we believe north korea is ready to conduct a nuclear test whenever the country's leadership decides to go ahead with it. >> the spokesperson says south korean military commanders have been closely monitoring test preparations and other moves in north korea. >>> japan is not exporting as much as it used to. ron madison is here with this story and more in business. >> gene, we saw a widening with the trade deficit here in the country. in fact, officials with the finance ministry say japan's annual trade deficit is the worst in its history. they say imports outweighed exports in 2012 by 6.9 trillion

a south korean government source says north koreans appear to have almost completed preparations for their nuclear test. the source says satellite images show a tunnel at the poongkye-ri test site has now been plugged with dirt and concrete, likely to prevent a radiation leak. the images reportedly captured what appeared to be detonator cables extending out of the tunnel. a south korean defense ministry spokesperson didn't give us much detail but he said scientists in the north are on standby. >> translator: north korea is ready to conduct a nuclear test whenever its leadership decides. >> the spokesperson says south korean military commanders have been closely monitoring test preparations and other moves in north korea. >>> officials with the finance minister resay japan's annual trade deficit is the worst in its history. they say imports outweighed sports in 2012 by about 6.9 trillion yen or more than $78 billion. that's three times greater than 2011. nhk world takes a look at the causes and the outlook for this year. >> reporter: they released the report for 2012 on thursday. it s

the north koreans launch a missile, the u.n. reacts, and in the north, they carry out a nuclear test. the same process seems to be under way again. >> what's behind north korea's intentions in the face of so much international pressure? >> yes. i think they use these launches and the nuclear tests to keep a level of control with the u.s. the ultimate goal is to have ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads. they think that will put them on a more even footing with the americans. it's like an insurance policy. but it doesn't just help the north in their dealings with other nations. leader kim jung-un carries out these provocative actions to cement his power at home. the countries aeconomy is stagnant. most people insist on a minimum amount of food.yies aeconomy is stagnant. most people insist on a minimum amount of foo'ies aeconomy is stagnant. most people insist on a minimum amount of foosies aeconomy is stagnant. most people insist on a minimum amount of fooes aeconomy is stagnant. most people insist on a minimum amount of foos

it can help us explore north korean thinking, explore possible north korean flexibility, explore the reasons and reasoning behind their actions. it can help us develop a better sense of how the regime thinks and what its priorities are. but maybe most importantly for us, it can help us deliver strong and clear and important messages directly to the north koreans. but at the same time, we ought to be taking all of these other steps in terms of deterrents and pressure to demonstrate to north koreans that we will defend ourselves. >> revere also emphasized a joint effort with countries in the region is important, including japan and south korea. >>> supporters of china's impresidented nobel laureate posted videos online showing his wife under house arrest. it's expected to draw fresh attention to how the government is treating the pro-democracy activist and his wife. the video was reportedly shot when the couple's friends visited last friday at her home in beijing. it shows visitors entering the residence in defiance of a guard who tried to stop them. she thanked her friends and told th

it can help us explore north korean thinking, explore possible north korean flexibility, explore the reasons and reasoning behind their actions. it can help us develop a better sense of how the regime thinks and what its priorities are. but maybe most importantly for us, it can help us deliver strong and clear and important messages directly to the north koreans. but at the same time, we ought to be taking all of these other steps in terms of deterrence and defense and containment and pressure to demonstrate to the north koreans that we will defend ourselves. >> revere also said a joint effort with countries in the region is important, including japan and south korea. >>> and now let's take a look at the extended weather forecast for selected cities around the world. ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ >>> and that concludes this edition of "newsline." i'm catherine kobayashi in tokyo. thanks for joining us.

last month the korean automotive research institute released a report.he report says that when the yen weakens by 1% against the yuan south korean car exports decrease by 1.2%. hyundai owns hyundai motor and kia motors and one of the main j.j.s of the south korean economy. in his new year's speech the company chairman acknowledged the tough global economic situation vowing to tackle the challenges ahead. >> translator: we have to boost our competitive edge by improving the quality of our cars. >> reporter: the rising yuan is not the only challenge. workers have staged a series of strikes. they demanded wage increases and improved working conditions. domestic production costs have soared as a result. one of hyundai's biggest korean plants is about 300 kilometers south of seoul. company managers and union leaders worked out a new deal in september after four months negotiation. hyundai officials eliminated overnight shifts for the first time since 1967, the company's founding. >> translator: i think it's great because now i have time to do something for my

north korean leaders have denounced a u.n. security resolution, calling for sanctions in response to the rocket launch last month. analysts say they are shoring up the power ahead of a possible nuclear test. north korean scientists carried out this type of test in 2006 and 2009. >>> chinese protesters in guangzhou have been rallying against censorship of a newspaper. over in taiwan, people are also protesting about the media, worried about pro china ownership and control here is a report from taiwan. >> reporter: this is one of taiwan's four major newspapers. until recently, it had more leaders but one of its competitors owned by hong kong interests, the daily was known for articles that criticized the chinese government. but in november, that changed. in a partnership expected to receive approval of the authorities, a consortium of companies owns the paper, and major part is pro china. [ speaking foreign language ] >> reporter: if there had been any doubt, the company showed its colors in september. a fleet of taiwanese boats

north korean authoritiesd their readiness to conduct another test. the security council condemned north korea's december rocket launch. >>> north korean authorities are warning south korea of counter measures if it takes part in u.n. sanctions. >>> a north korean statement criticizes south korea for pressing other nations to adopt the u.n. resolution condemning last month's rocket launch. it says sanctions amount to a declaration of war and warns of what it calls strong physical countermeasures if the south koreans participate in them directly. authorities in pyongyang say there will be no more bilateral discussions on the issue of denuclearization on the korean peninsula. they add a 1992 joint declaration on that issue is no longer valid. north korea's words and possible actions are raising the heat in east asia, along with threatening another nuclear test. authorities in the reclusive nation are promising more rocket launches. japanese defense ministry analysts say the north now have a missing that could travel more than 10,000 kilometers, far enou

we are also going to look at the humanitarian status of the korean people. but also, there is an american that is detained there -- a korean-american. we are going to inquire on his status, see if we can see him. possibly lay the groundwork for him coming home. , florence looi -- >> florence looi has been following this story. >> they are going to visit universities. beyond that, he was not too sure what the schedule would be because that is being set by north korean officials. he expects to lay the groundwork for securing the .elease of kenneth dabae he certainly has experience when it comes to dealing with north korean officials. he has visited the country more than six times in the last 20 years and has participated in talks ranging from food aid to securing the release of the remains of american soldiers who died are in the korean war. he is being accompanied two executives from google. the executive chairman, eric schmidt, and the director of google ideas. both men have written a book was -- that is due to be released in april about how internet can hel

korean air started direct flights to yangon last year. last may lee myung bak became the first south korean president to visit myanmar in 29 years. he met with his counterpart than seng during his trip. he pledges increase korean investment into myanmar because of the country's great potential. before meeting with park, aung san suu kyi met with lee myung bak to discuss issues such as economic development and dedication. they pledge further cooperation between their countries. both south korea's incumbent president and its president-elect will count the democratic icon. their attitude says that south korea is eager to work on multiple fronts toward a firm relationship with myanmar, whether they are dealing with the president or the opposition leader. soichi tsukamoto, nhk world, seoul. >>> u.s. secretary of state hillary clinton has urged north korea to give up on the idea of conducting another nuclear test. she made the appeal during a question and answer session with citizens and reporters around the world. she'll leave office on friday

>>> north korean officials suggest they may carry out another nuclear test. they're protesting against aup security council resolution that condemns their recent missile launch. prime minister netanyahu's right-wing coalition wins a narrow victory in israel's general election. a centrist party makes an unexpected strong showing. >>> fulfilling a need in north eastern japan. a woman in one tsunami-hit town opens a hotel so reconstruction crews can commute less and work more. we'll tell you why she put it on wheels. >>> welcome to nhk world "newsline." people who watch north korea are watching the clock. they say it's only a matter of time before the country carries out another nuclear test. north korean leaders promised to boost their military power in reaction to a u.n. security council resolution condemning their recent rocket launch. security council members passed the resolution unanimously. it expands existing sanctions adding four individuals and six organizations, including the space agency. assets will be frozen and the individuals will also face a tra

it's not an endorsement of the north korean regime.hat bill richardson thinks north korea is a good place to live. it's just a recognition of the reality. we've got problems with these guys. let's talk to them. >> fareed zakaria, it's always good to talk to you. you need to visit more. >> done. >> that's what's called an open invitation to visit here. don't miss "memo to the president, roadmap for the second term" sunday night 8:00 p.m. and, again, 11:00 p.m. eastern right here on cnn. thanks, fareed. >> you're welcome. >>> the alleged gunman in the colorado theater massacre will stand trial. james holmes was scheduled to be arraigned at this hour, but we have news just in. we're learning his arraignment has been delayed. this at the request of his defense attorneys. i want to get straight out to casey wian who just came out of the courtroom. give us an update. >> reporter: what has happened is the judge has decided to delay the arraignment that was supposed to happen today until march 12th. it was over the objections of prosecutors an

north korean authorities d thei conduct another test. the security council condemned north korea's december rocket launch. >>> north korean authorities are warning south korea of counter measures if it takes part in u.n. sanctions. >>> a north korean statement criticizes south korea for pressing other nations to adopt the u.n. resolution condemning last month's rocket launch. it says sanctions amount to a declaration of war and warns of what it calls strong physical countermeasures if the south koreans participate in them directly. authorities in pyongyang say there will be no more bilatera discussions on the issue of denuclearization on the korean peninsula. they add a 1992 joint declaration on that issue is no longer valid. north korea's words and possible actions are raising the heat in east asia, along with threatening another nuclear test. authorities in the reclusive nation are promising more rocket launches. japanese defense ministry analysts say the north now have a missing that could travel more than 10,000 kilometers, far enoug

-- and the outbound south korean president has been unwilling to do. the chinese have considerable leverage over north korea. on the other hand, beijing's top priority is to ensure stability in north korea. they are not going to do anything that would undermine the regime of kim jong-un or accelerate any movement toward collapse or internal trouble in north korea. for china, that is more important than the nuclear issue, although clearly they will try to rein in north koreans in now. it is likely the north koreans will ignore the chinese. >> the mali rebel army, which currently holds large parts of the country's north, is split in two. the breakaway faction says it is ready for peace talks with the government. the group has been weakened by french, malian, an african union attacks. rebels have abandoned rocket attacks. the residents say they used them as human shields. u.s. president barack obama says he will put general john allen ford for the top nato job. tuesday he was cleared of misconduct over a series of emails he sent to a woman in florida. the

we postponed at their request once, right before the south korean elections. there never seems to be a good time to go. in the past, i have postponed visits to north korea at their requests, but i felt at this time because of the humanitarian nature of the trip, the fact that there is an american detainee there, i heard from the son of the detainee, i think it is important we go. it is a brief visit. eric schmidt is going as a private visit, this is not a google visit. and so i hope that the state department is appropriately cautious, but obviously, they have gotten a little bit of concern. but we're going to be fine. >> so one of your goals is to bring home this american citizen who has been detained in north korea, is that right? >> well, our goals are several. the primary mission is humanitarian. we're going to look at the human situation in north korea. the poorest nation in the world. the detainee issue is another one. we're going to try to see the detainee, i think it is going to be difficult to bring him back, because the judicial process there has not

they are victims of the south korean and he-north korean campaign. >> there was a terse confirmation the group had lived in south korea. >> it has been confirmed they are defectors. the investigation is going on to check how they returned to the north. >> this is the third time in seven months north korea has held a news conference like this. there is no doubt in the majority who defected struggle to live on the margins on alien society. there are concerns these double defectors have not chosen freely to go back. the latest cited the case in june saying they were inspired by the leniency she was shown. an investigation by the washington post last year heard from friends in south korea and were convinced threats to the well-being of her son still in north korea played into it. a man whose job was to help with korean defectors in the capitol and had access to a vast database of names and addresses. french jets are continuing to target rebel bases in northern mali. ground troops are preparing for a major assault. they are trying to push fighters went to al qaeda further north. >> we are

leader in -- it was the first new year's address by a north korean leader in 19 years.nternational response was skeptical. germany says that north korea needs to match its words with actions. >> in ivory coast, new year's celebrations ended in tragedy. at least 60 people were killed and 200 injured during a stampede as crowds left fireworks display in the country's largest city of abidjan. many of the victims were children. , at least 16 people were crushed to death -- in angola, at least 16 people were crushed to death. >> in syria, at least 30 people were killed. eyewitnesses said petrol had been delivered shortly before the explosion and drivers had lined up to refill their tanks. the assad regime is increasingly relying on its air force. to reduce its effectiveness, opposition forces attacked a military airport. the un now says over 60,000 people have been killed in the conflict. some 15,000 more than previously estimated. the un has expressed concern at the number of atrocities committed by both the government and rebel forces. >> german police launched an inquiry

. >> south korean president park geun-hye visited disputed islands in the sea of japan last august. japan claims the islands which are controlled by south korea, the visit angered many japanese and inflamed emotions in south korea. >>> as japanese politicians try to repair relations with their counterparts in south korea, a legal case is presenting yet another challenge. a chinese man accused of committing a crime in tokyo has returned home after a south korean court denied an extradition request by japan. the man is suspected of setting a fire at the yasukuni shrine. he served a 10 month prison sentence in south korea in connection with another case. he threw molotov cocktails at the japanese embassy in seoul. they believe he set fire at the yasukuni shrine in december of 2011. the shine honors war dead including convicted japanese war criminals. the authorities demand his practice addition based on a bilateral treaty but a south korean court rejected the request on thursday. it ruled he's exempt from the practice addition treaty on the grounds he committed crimes based on his poli

they include the korean committee for space technology, that's north korea's space agency. their assets will be frozen. the individuals will also face a travel ban. the u.s. state department said they are adding the space agency and two related individuals to their sanction list. the u.s. treasury department black listed two beijing based representatives of a north korean bank and a hong kong based trading company. a spokesperson for the department said it's imposing further restrictions on entities that support the north's nuclear program. it wants to restrict the country's ability to use the international financial system for illicit purposes. north korean authorities responded to the united nations sanctions by announcing they will carry out a nuclear test of a higher level. now they are warning their southern neighbor counter measures if it takes part in the international clamp down. a north korean statement criticizes south korea for pressing other nations to adopt the u.n. resolution condemning last month's rocket launch. it says sanctions amount to a declaration of w

. >>> this here marks the 60th anniversary of the end of the korean war. the korean peninsula has been divided ever since and it has been difficult for most separated families to be in touch, but officials in the south have begun programs for those people to communicate through video letters. nhk world's anna jung reports. >> reporter: here a video letter is being taped to be sent to relatives in north korea. the families have been separated for about 60 years. this 92-year-old is originally from the north. 66 years ago she arrived in pusan with her husband. he had a job in the solvent city. soon after the move the korean peninsula was divided. she became separated from her sister. they have not seen each other since. >> translator: i dearly want to meet you, my younger sister. i can't forget the memory of you crying and screaming because we would be apart. i pray that north/south relations improve and that we can meet again as soon as possible. >> reporter: seong is cared for by her four children in seoul. realizing her remaining days are numbered, she re

the group met with north korean officials. richardson suggested that they discuss the release of a u.s. citizen detained in the country since last year. >> it's a good productive but frank meeting. >> they'll discuss their visit to north korea after they arrive. >>> japanese prime minister abe and his government have confirmed the outline to revitalize the nation's sluggish economy. cabinet ministers took part in the first meeting of a new task force on tuesday. >> translator: japan has been tackling deflation for ten years. it's an effort over the course of human history. we must attack the problem with three main policies. implementing bold monetary easing, flexible fiscal measures, and a growth strategy to spur private investment. >> abe called for the cooperation of all ministers. the outline includes infrastructure projects for disaster recovery and prevention such as renovating aging roads and making school buildings earthquake proof. it also includes measures to help businesses invest in facilities for renewable energy

that could mean the start of a new era in injured-korean relations. -- in inter-korean relations. >> the speech is a way of asserting himself as leader. >> this is the first time in 19 years that you have the north korean leader talk directly to his people. that is an important sign. it is also a speech that is probably trying to take a vantage of a transition in south korea and the fact that there is an attack -- an appetite to engage. also, the focus on a strong military nation is unimportant -- is under a important indication of [indiscernible] at the same time, this is a speech with the new young berliners turn to marked out his own distinctive approach -- the new young leader is trying to mark out his own distinctive approach. i i think the leaders in secure. this is a way of reinforcing the sense of renewed confidence. but there is also a recognition that, if north korea is going to deliver on its promises to its own people, the leadership needs to have closer contact with the outside world, precisely to gain access to much-needed resources. >> in pakistan, they have released e

south korean court rejected the request on thursday. it ruled he's exempt from the practice addition treaty on the grounds he committed crimes based on his political views and he considers yasukuni shrine a symbol of japanese justification for its past colonial wars and not merely a religious facility. liu flew to shanghai on friday. prime minister abe's envoy protested against the court decision when he met in seoul with south korean foreign minister kim sung-hwan. he responded the judgment of left in the hands of the judicial branch in accordance with law. >>> traders at the tokyo stock exchange are buying and selling for the first time in 2013. they also mark their first day of business as part of the japan exchange group. >> translator: we hope to build relations where both parties can clearly state their positions without being carried away. by emotions or sentiments and better understand each other and economic and cultural aspects. the chinese suspect he flew to shanghai on friday. japan and china do not have an extradition treat

chinese delegates have long provided diplomatic protection for their north korean allies. but they approved the resolution and members adopted it unanimously. the statement criticizes the launch as a violation of previous resolutions. the security council will add organizations and individuals to lists of existing sanctions and freeze their assets. the north korean space agency is among those named. >> today's resolution also makes clear that if north korea chooses again to defy the international community such as by conducting another launch or a nuclear test then the council will take significant action. >> american delegates told the chinese the resolution would not bring in new measures but would build on existing sanctions. those assurances convinced the chinese to approve the resolution. >> and we believe that there's opportunity for all stakeholders of the peninsula, korean peninsula, to start a diplomatic track and to avoid escalation of tension. >> the north korean foreign ministry responded by suggesting authorities there may conduct another nuclear test. they is

north korean leaders have denounced a u.n. security council resolution calling for wider sanctions in response to the rocket launch last month. analysts say they're shoring up their power head of a possible nuclear test. north korean scientists carried out this type of test in 2006 and 2009. >>> chinese protesters in gong zau over a newspaper. in taiwan people are also protesting about the media. they're worried about the increase of pro-china ownership and coverage. nhk reports from taipei. >> reporter: one of taiwan's four major newspapers and until recently it had more readers than one of its competitors. owned by hong kong interests, it was known for articles criticizing the chinese government. in november that changed. they are expected to areceive approval of authorities, a consortium of companies bought the paper. and the major partner is pro-china. >> reporter: if there had been any doubt, the company showed their colors in november. taiwanese boats entered waters in the senkaku islands in protest against japan's contr

one of hyundai's biggest korean plants is about 300 kilometers south of seoul.ny managers and union leaders worked out a new deal in september after four months of negotiations. hyundai officials eliminated overnight shifts for the first time since the company's founding in 1967. >> translator: i think it's great because now i have time to do something for myself. i can probably be healthier because i can sleep at night. >> reporter: along with the elimination of overnight shifts, the firm is raising basic wages by 5.4%. in addition, to make up for the reduced working hours, management will invest $300 million in better facilities. however, the labor disputes are still continuing. two union leaders have been staging a sit-in protest on an electricity pylon since october. >> translator: what we demand, as temporary workers, is that the company follow the court's decision and hire us as full-time employees. >> reporter: a research fellow at korea institute for industrial economic trade says labor management is one of the most pressing issues. >> translator: since

americans who teach the north koreans about all the technicalities of doubt so i don't know about those particular reports and up to the german newspaper but in general i think we can confirm that there is a trend that has been going on for a couple of years now and it would be really nice to see if it would see some progress however the big problem is actually not north korea building this to receive investors it is the reluctance of western investors. if you go to the career certainly if that is the case it might might be seen strange by sun because when you talk about an economically speaking opening up and without mean that in some way the control could be slipping from the all powerful north korean military it's one of the most powerful militaries in the world it's absolutely enormous do you think the north korean military would allow for that. what is the possibility and you have to approve most of all that is that it is an internal shift of power within the government over the state if you if you like everyone from literally back to the state into the government into a party but

the north korean's first big assault could be another nuclear bomb threat -- test. the expert says the next explosion could be a big one. we'll sprain it when we return. >> 22 minutes past the hour. the north koreans are now claiming they'll carry out new nuclear tests and launch more rockets and what they're calling a new phase of combat against the united states. the leader there, kim the younger'srer's defense commissin released a statement say the moves will be part of an all-out action targeting the united states which it calls, quote, the sworn enemy of the korean people. after the united nations security council passed a resolution condemning north korea's rocket launch in december. the united nations also moved to expand restrictions it has on north korea, and the white house says the dprk threats are needlessly provocative and further tests would violate un resolutions. >> good to see you, gordon. we have been talking about the north korean rhetoric for a long time. this is new. >> this is new. it's a in escalation in rhetoric. the thing that is important i

, threatening against the south koreans, and we don't do anything meaningful.eeting, we don't have a containment policy, the work even with the chinese and the russians to contain the north koreans. you do more of it. at some point in time there will show us the missiles with the bomb. the other byproduct of this is that other regimes, the iranian regime is looking at how we are not containing the north koreans, even after the develop the weapon. what will their conclusion b? so if we don't have a containment now, not only north korea, but other countries, other regimes are going to follow the path. lou: what will china do? it is the sponsor of north korea. it has determined the influence over their regime irrespective of what people want to play at in this country and our national media. what should be the relationship between the united states and china on the issue of north korea? >> it should be around nationals this -- national security discussion with the chinese. they have a lot of problems. many asset minorities rising. a lot of the system. when we sit

and more than 20,00,000 koreans are at work.ally began over a century ago with western missionaries. >> port of buson is a major asset to south korea's dynamic economy. but he had another reputation, at the wilderness of the gospel. daifdavies was an accomplished educator, and founder of the school in melbourne, australia, when he felt called to take the gospel to korea. yet, tragically, davi davies died the day after arriving in korea. his sacrifice was not in vain. it inspired the arrival of another 126 australian missionaries. >> i said, now this means we must give ourselves even more completely to preach the gospel to the koreans. >> reporter: one of the new missionaries, pastor noble mackenzie, built a medical facility to care for lepers. he eventually received a government cite fashio citation for his humanitarian work. two of his daughters founded the hospital in boshon. >> the lepers had to leave their home, but after they were able to be treated in the hospital, the patients were so thankful. >> reporter: another austra

north korean leader kim jong-un, who took over for his father, has remained mysterious and reclusive. tonight, what we heard from him, we haven't heard before. here's abc's akiko fujita now. >> reporter: the new year came with expected fanfare in reclusive north korea, but in a rare speech, we heard the young north korean leader's voice with a different message. "this year, the entire korean nation should turn out a nation wide patriotic struggle for reunification," kim jong-un said. >> he has sent various signals that he's going to move his country in new and different directions. this speech was that first step in that direction. >> reporter: on the streets of pyongyang, residents predictably praised the first new year's address in nearly 20 years. kim jong-un's father shunned the public, speaking just once in his 17-year rule. pyongyang has gone to great lengths to project a modern, more outgoing image of their leader. seen here visiting an amusement park with his young wife by his side. >> he knows far more about the outside world than his grandfather or his father and that brings

south korean shares ended 0 high pressure 49% higher. mainland china stocks rose touching higher levels in more than six months. the hang seng closed at its peak for 2012. here in japan business leaders have urged prime minister shinzo abe to join negotiations for a transpacific partnership trade agreement as soon as possible. a letter was handed to abe to request the government action. in the letter, okamura said japan's participation is essentially to make the hopes of people reflected. he called on abe to beef up the competitiveness of the country's farming sector. one of the industries that could be affected by the tpp. some members of the ruling liberal democratic party have voiced opposition to japan's participation in the tpp talks. about 100 members opposing the tpp held a meeting on friday. they said japan's participation could hurt agriculture and health care and insurance. leader of the group said the party should keep its election pledge that it will not accept an accord that would require partners to lift import tariffs with

the south korean capital seoul is taking a positive approach to this huge task. there, waste management authorities are beginning to rely on sophisticated recycling techniques and reclaiming precious resources to fuel this metropolis. we take a look at seoul's attempt to make city life more sustainable. >> the district of myeongdong, one of seoul's main shopping areas, is teeming with customers almost every evening. south korean teenagers in particular are keen to keep up with the latest fashions and trends. while the masses shop till they drop, others are getting to work on the night shift. seoul's waste collectors handle with the trash produced by the city's consumerist society. an estimated 20,000 people living in the asian megacity live or earn extra income from recycling what others throw away. they concentrate on the entertainment and business districts. the refuse picked up in most of the residential areas is now conscientiously separated and recycled. >> the law allows the trash collectors to pick up plastic packaging, waste paper and scrap metal. the pro

we will look at the humanitarian status of the korean people. also, there is an american that is detained there. a korean american. we will try to inquire on his status and see if we can see him. hopefully we can lay the ground work for him to come home. >> this is the first president by a google executive to north korea. most koreans do not have access to the world white web and in the efforts to promote connectist he is expected to make a donation during the visit the back to you. >> our time is 5:34. >> the man charged with seven murders in a shooting rampage is scheduled to be back in court today. police say a former student admitted to killing six students and an administrator at oakland school in april and charged with wounding three others. today, a judge will hear arguments on whether he is competent to stand trial. the 43-year-old korean national has been undergoing a mental evaluation since october. >> the mother of a nine-year-old may find out later this morning if a bone fragment found in the central valley to solve the mystery of he

we are concerned about the nuclear proliferation of the north koreans. but i've been dealing with them successfully for 15 years -- >> governor? >> -- and i felt there be an opportunity to talk to them at this very critical juncture. >> governor, from your first trip when kim jong-un took over, there's talk of things starting to open up. is it your belief that things are beginning to change? >> well, there are mixed signals, anthony. there are mixed signals because the north koreans unfortunately launched those missiles at a time when it appear thad the new leader kim jong-un was opening up. he was loosening the economy. a couple of days ago he said he wanted to talk to the south koreans in a more positive way. that's a good sign. so i think our trip is to make an assessment of the trip to north korea, but it's a private visit. we're private citizens. i don't work for the u.s. government. neither does eric schmidt. and so i think these visits at a time of confrontational diplomacy of private citizens is good. we can bring back a perspective and at the sa

the north korean government continues to issue warnings. yesterday it was the united states, now it is south korea, the second warning in just two days pledging "physical countermeasures" and south korea if it participates in the u.n. sanctions. all of these take its toll on their relationships. their closest ally, china, appears to hint at exasperation. beijing is calling for restraint from north korea, while an editorial in china apostate-run "global times," says that -- in china's state-run of "global times" says there will be consequences. in its claim that aid could be cut if north peraea persists with these tests of nuclear and -- if north korea persist with these tests of nuclear and rocket technology. >> that is right. this is a clear indication of the growing frustration with north korea. the fact that this editorial here in one of the top newspapers in the country passed the government census, that means there is government approval. from beijing point of view, there is growing anger behind the scenes over north korea's actions. y

a spokesman for south korean president elect said he will not tolerate north korean provocation but will push for dialogue with pyongyang. the top governing body of the north said they will continue rocket launches. the u.n. imposes sanctions in response to the rocket launch. a furious launch suggested a third nuclear test is coming from pyongyang. >> louisiana governor is criticizing the republican party with sharp words at g.o.p. leaders promise fundamental changes urging republicans yesterday to "stop being stupid party" during the address at the g.o.p. winter meeting in north carolina. he says it is time for republicans to articulate plans and vision for america in real terms and stop using bizarre comments. jindal is considered to be a potential presidential candidate in 2016. >> the warnings are over coming up why you have to be extra careful about feeding the meter in san francisco on sunday. >> the pharmacy break ins caught on camera. police want to stop the c >> this sunday the city of san francisco will give tickets to drivers with expired meters. a few weeks ago the city went