Dankuk

[beifengxiaoxiao]

The Daechwita, the music of the royal procession, roared the loudest it ever had today as the Kingdom of Great Bae celebrated 50 years of restoration, 1204 years of the Kingdom, 2193 years of Kongtusan rule, and 5583 years since the descent of the progenitor of the royal Kongtusan Bloodline, Dan Seon, to Terra. The founding myth of the kingdom, which officially dates back to 233 BCE, October 3, is celebrated every year as the national foundation day of Baeguk. This year's date was especially special, as it marks the semicentennial anniversary of the Baek Restoration, which saw the royal lineage re-established in Baeguk for the first time in millenia.

To celebrate, a massive festival was staged in the Gongmangdo Capital City near Beonyeonggung Palace. Daechwita bands in procession were joined by local Pungmul groups of percussionists and Taepyeongso pipe blowers. The epics of the Hanhoe Byeolsingut Talnori, Namseodo Chilgwangdae Yeongnochum, Dongbukcheong Beomnoreum, the Draddwyr Chwim Lwyd, and other such mask dramas were recited en masse to large crowds of jubilating onlookers. Namsadang riled up the youth with Kkokdugaksinoreum, Deotbuigi, and Jultagi. Draniano cathedrals and churches rang bells to the traditional 'Zorrito' melodies in celebration. Masses of citizens wore distinctive national ethnic clothing; the vast majority being in bright pastel-colored Muchikaeot, but a visible minority donning the stark and refined Traje de Ciudadano as well.

Finally, the Misaeng Sovereign reappeared at approximately 20:00 (8:00 PM) to begin the final stretch. The Uiku (meaning 'Righteous Drum'), the largest drum in the world, weighing at a whopping 7 tons (~15,400 pounds) and standing at 3.3 Baegukese Po (步, a unit of measure approx. 5.96 meters or 19 feet) tall, was brought out in head of the royal procession as it continued down the streets of Kungmal District, Gongmangdo Capital City.

For attendance in the final procession were also spectators and delegates from foreign nations. Namely, these included Her Excellency Agasha Nikitovna, President of the Trigunian Commonwealth, His Excellency Erich Siekert, Federal President of the Federal Republic of Dundorf, His Excellency Daniel Rubin, Rosh HaMemshala of the State of Beiteynu, His Excellency Filip Mareš, President of the Kundrati Union, the honorable Franz Wendl, Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Dorvik, the honorable John McClair, Foreign Minister of the Holy Luthorian Empire, and the honorable Nathan Sanchez, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Kalistan. Mr. Sanchez was controversially apprehended at the airport for possession and abuse of illegal substances - Baeguk having much stricter and conservative drug laws than Kalistan; he was ultimately cleared and absolved of all charges due to his diplomatic immunity. Every member and observer of the West Dovanian Economic Union sent representatives - the State of Seko, the Republic of Kazulia, and the Grand Duchy of Ostland. The United Kingdom especially sent ahead both the Lourennais foreign minister the honorable Adeline Pâtissère and His Majesty King Philippe VIII; whilst the Republic of Dalibor sent His Excellency President Gao Lin.

Reportedly, the foreigners were most intrigued and amused by the famous Sangmo hat dance preformed as the procession marched to the front of Kwangtanmun Gate. As the Sovereign entered Beonyeonggung finally, the celebration concluded with a dazzling display of drone lights and fireworks in the sky; the Daechwita bands played the Beonyeonggung Taryŏng to finish out the night.

에헤 南門을 열고 罷漏를 치니
鷄鳴山川이 밝아온다
※ 에 - - - 에헤 - 에이야- 얼럴럴 거리고 방아로다

에헤 乙丑 四月 甲子日에
繁永宮을 이룩일세
※

大拜 다섯旗 有名한 돌은
繁永宮 짓는데 주춧돌 감이로다
※

에헤 萬歲 萬歲 萬萬歲라
發展하는 大花拜國 萬萬歲라
※

[myungggg]

New bill aims to abolish protections for active euthanasia
The Moderate Conservatives' proposal also provides harsh fines and penalties for medical professionals that would perform operations related to voluntary medically-assisted dying.


_______________________________________________________________________________________

The Moderate Conservative Party proposed a new bill proposes to remove the legal protections for voluntary medically-assisted dying.

One of the most contentious aspects of the bill is the severe punitive measures it outlines for medical professionals who participate in medically-assisted dying. The provisions include allowing for the prosecution of medical professionals who have an 'active' role in operations that perform active euthanasia, as well putting in fines as high as ฿50000 and imprisonment as long as 10 years.

Current legislation allows the usage of active euthanasia for 'terminally ill' patients who have an 'inherently degenerative' disease that would make death 'foreseeable'. This would require informed consent of the patient, consideration of eligibility, and the issuance of a court order allowing such a request for doctor-assisted dying. The proposed legislation has quickly become a focal point of contention within both the political sphere and the broader society as there had been a longstanding consensus that euthanasia has been a 'settled' matter among mainstream political parties.

The Moderate Conservatives' social policy spokesperson and bill proponent Im Joo-hwan asserted that this bill would help provide stricter regulations intended to prevent any potential abuse or misuse of the medically-assisted dying process. "It is imperative for the government to assure its citizens that there is no legitimacy for state-sanctioned dying," he said in a short interview. "It is only just to provide our citizens with a death full of pride and dignity."

Critics vehemently assert that it infringes upon individuals' autonomy and hampers the compassionate delivery of care during sensitive moments. Ha Young-soon Mirasol, President of the Bae Medical Association, argues that imposing harsh consequences on medical practitioners could create an environment of fear and reluctance. "We need our patients to be transparent and those in the medical field be protected," she voiced out in a podcast, "or else we would lose our ability to provide the best care for our citizens".

Advocates representing patients' organizations also contend that the elimination of safeguards and the introduction of penalties might create a chilling effect. This could result in situations where individuals genuinely in need of help from their distress are deprived of the opportunity for a dignifed culmination of their lives.

It is expected for the bill to fail with most parties within the red and centre bloc, as well as CoMo's ally the Liberal Party, to be vehemently opposed to such measures. Netizens have also taken online to protest the euthanasia bill, with #DieWithDignity trending as a sarcastic response to the legislation.

[beifengxiaoxiao]

The United Kingdom of Lourenne, one of Baeguk’s most important regional partners and a fellow WDEU member, opened another summit with the royal government today; following Lourennais attendance at the 5350 Semicentennial Kaechonchol Ceremony in Gongmangdo.

The two countries reconfirmed their shared commitment to cooperation for peace, prosperity, and stability in the West Dovanian region, particularly as recent events in Hulstria and Gao-Soto threaten the integrity of the West Dovanian Order. Both nations issued a mutual condemnation of the recent democratic backsliding of Hulstria and Gao-Soto. The two parties made it explicit that they valued the nation as a potential future regional partner, and were deeply saddened and disturbed by the current human rights violations of the current regime.

Economically, Lourenne continues to account for the largest percentage of imports into Baeguk; Baeguk is within the top 5 of Lourenne's. Their important contributions to both the world and regional economy have also led to their trade being naturally interconnected - Baeguk supplies many key industrial parts and raw natural materials to the south, whilst Lourennais capital is instrumental in the continued growth of speculation in the stock exchanges of the north. Both parties reconfirmed their commitment to an ease of economic transactions, movement, and trade between the two countries; with an additional agreement to mutually lower taxes and tarrifs on imported luxury goods from their respective lands. Lourennais fashion designers are in particular of immense interest to Baegukese society - Baeguk punches well above it's medium-income weight in the consumption of Lourennais luxury goods - and Baegukese skincare is emerging as a potent market in Lourenne as well.

Culturally, a topic of significant discussion was how the ruling houses of Baek and Orléans-Vasser-DeChambeau were to consider the legal role of Minho and Valérie; members of each respective house that were wed in 5337. The resulting document, signed off on by both His Majesty Philippe VIII and the Misaeng Sovereign, officially declared the new matrimony to have founded a separate and independent House, dubbed the House of Berneux. The House of Berneux shall inherit in perpetuity the titles and privileges of the Duchess of Verdanloix and the Prince of Changtae; on the condition of resolutely, completely, and perpetually rescinding the right to claim the thrones of either Lourenne or Baeguk. House Berneux shall remain perpetually at the right side and in the grace of both the Houses of Baek and Orléans-Vasser-DeChambeau, and it's members shall be guaranteed the happy company of the royal houses as separate noble entities.

Currently the House of Berneux comprises Valérie Berneux (maiden name Orléans-Vasser-DeChambeau), seen in Kyo Yaetot ethnic clothing at middle of this article's featured picture, her daughter Eloise (pictured left) and son Youngsoo (pictured right), and her husband Minho Berneux (birth name Baek). They have announced that they shall reside presently on the Baegukese island of Changtae. Thus, they are severed with legal certainty from future complications between the two nations.

Non-politically, reportedly the skincare routine of the House of Baek was of great interest to the House of Orléans-Vasser-DeChambeau. Princess Baek Deokmi demonstrated the application of various local cleansers, exfoliators, serums, and masks to the Queen of Lourenne, who was visibly intrigued. Baegukese skincare is notably different from Lourennais skincare through the promotion of the natural essences and simple treatments over synthesized cosmetics and strong perfumes, as have traditionally been used in the Canrillaise-speaking nation. Instead of powerful and potent treatments, Baegukese skincare aims to use simple remedies over a long period of time to assist the body in better moisturizing and exfoliating, more naturally producing soft and refined skin. This produces a much desired "glass skin" look, which is noticeable among not only the women but even the men of House Baek. The Misaeng Sovereign himself was once lauded to have had very desirable skin; even now he is said to look quite younger than his actual, advanced age.

[BACKDATED]

[beifengxiaoxiao]

West Dovanian Union Passes Resolution Condemning Hulstria and Gao-Sotoan Human Rights Violations

[iltamzumra]

Tensions Mount in Western Dovani as DDO Drills Held
October 23, 5351

As tensions escalate in the western Dovanian region following the enslavement of the Mikuni (Hulstria and Gao-Sotoan) Kunihito ethnic group by the government in that nation, the Dovanian Defense Organization (DDO) has been conducting joint drills close to the Mikuni border in what many analysts are considering to be a warning to the regime. The operations, having started October 22, will last until November 3 and will feature 32 field training and urban warfare scenarios simulating a military intervention and invasion of a nameless enemy. Whilst no power was explicitly said to be the target of the drills, analysts almost universally consider it a thinly veiled threat to Mikuni. Most crucially, the site of the exercises - Dietenhal District, Ostland (the Grand Duchy having authorized the movement of DDO personnel within it's borders) - is only kilometers from the Mikuni capital, Kien. In particular, the inclusion of long-range artillery in the demonstrations was seen as a threat to the capital, which is well in range of a potential DDO first strike along the Sekowan and Kazulian borders. No naval or aerial components were visibly included in the training, although an increase in sights of aerial activity were sited by some reporters on the Dan Peninsula; likely additional preparation from the Royal Army of Bae Air Force (RABAF).

Notably, the Royal Army of Bae Ground Forces (RABGF) were seen with new equipment; the results of years of rigorous public-private military spending and development, alongside Dorvish and Equifund investment. Infantry have been equipped with the new Hongwoo (洪宇) K1 assault carbines and K2 assault rifles, both new and first unveiled in 5349. The Hongwoo K1 weighs approximately 7.65 Bae Kun (2.87 kg), measures 217.6 Bae Pun (653 mm) following retraction of the 61.6 Pun (185 mm) stock, and uses standard 5.56×45mm IMS bullets for it's Pun 87.6 (263 mm) long barrel. In addition, soldiers were spotted with the Hongwoo K3 light machine gun. The K3 is gas-operated with a rotating bolt; allowing it to boast impressive capabilities of approximately 950 rounds per minute - effective to a range of around 264-1,188 Bae Chang (800-3,600 meters).

Prominently featured were domestic artillery and ballistics developed by Baeguk's Northstar Industries. Most prominent among these is the 155 mm self-propelled artillery system known as the K9 Thunder, unveiled only four weeks ago. The Thunder will demonstrate it's abilities in battlefield conditions for the first time during these exercises, so analysts will be glued to their seats as they assess its capabilities. The RABGF's recently developed rocket artillery system, the K136 Kooryong (九龍), is also seeing deployment to the drills. Developed in 5346, the Kooryong has 36 tubes and is capable of striking targets as far away as 91.6 Bae Ri (36 kilometers). Whilst the Kooryong is not as powerful as other systems, it has been rigorously tested for sturdiness and easy field mobility. The RABGF has claimed that 117 units have been built since 5346 launch, although independent analysts are unable to confirm nor deny this statistic. Besides these new models were also the older, imported Howitzers that have been in use in the Baegukese military for long periods of time, some dating to the 5310s.

Despite official DDO statements that the drills were routine operations (DDO military drills are typically held every three years), the increased scale and unorthodox location of the drills leads observers to believe almost certainly that these enlarged exercises are meant to be a threat to the Mikuni state. The Dovanian Defense Organization itself is a joint command military system comprised of the armed forces of Baeguk, Kazulia, and Seko, as ordained by the charter of the West Dovanian Union. The acting Supreme Allied Commander of the DDO is Kim Jin-Pyo, who also serves as Chief of the General Staff of the RABGF, but his actions are informed by the Dovanian Defense Council, which includes Defense Minister Rouleau Kazuo of Seko and Defense Minister Erik Lonstad of Kazulia. Whilst only Baeguk appears to have been making attempts to diversify and strengthen it's military capabilities as of late, the three nations (rated to largely be middling military powers without significant power projection capabilities) nonetheless possess prime geopolitical positions relative to the increasingly rogue and pariah state now situated in Mikuni. The DDO effectively surrounds Mikuni from it's north and south - most critically, at the coastline. Were the DDO to wish, Mikuni could be effectively cut off from access to international waters, which it has historically relied on as an inherent lifeline to the once import-driven economy. As international sanctions regimes begin to batter the pariah, many hold their breath to wonder what may happen next in Mikuni.

[iltamzumra]

'All [Unequal] Treaties ... Null and Void' - Latest Bae-Egelian Summit
5352.9.14
Author: Mrs. Mangjul Elena

Today marked the end of the historical summits held between the Kingdom of Great Bae and the Republic of Egelion from 9.10-9.14. The summits are seen as a positive and mutually beneficial development in both the diplomatic and historical processes. Baeguk, which was colonized by Egelion in 1910 and remained a colony until 2177, has historically had quite poor relations with the neighbor to the west. However, recently the winds of history have begun to reverse these prejudices; as the 1905 Gasa treaty - which began the process of annexation completed in 1910 - was formally declared illegitimate in the soon to be iconic clause;

It is confirmed that all treaties concluded between the Kingdom of Egelion and the Kingdom of Great Bae on or before November 17, 1905 are already null and void.

On a more tangible economic level, the Baegukese government announced that it would direct the Royal Treasury to lower tariffs on Egelian imports to between 4-8%. In addition, all Egelian citizens will be given Class D VISA eligibility - one of the most rapid and coveted for quick and guaranteed entry into Baeguk. This is in return for reciprocal easing of both tariffs and travel restrictions for Baegukese citizens on the part of the Egelian Republic.

Besides the easing of trade and travel barriers, cultural wrongs were also righted. During the colonial period, hundreds of priceless cultural artifacts were illegally procured by the Egelian government from Baeguk. The Egelian government has since announced a program to repatriate all artworks found to be illegally acquired and looted from Baeguk to Gongmangdo, with conditional monetary compensation by the Baegukese government. Most notably of these artifacts, the Sadalla Crown (四達羅 金冠) was officially transferred to the Misaeng Sovereign, making history. The Sadalla Crown, the golden crown of King Balhyu (otherwise known as Dan Sadalla) of the Gongmangdo Kingdom and ancestor of the Misaeng Sovereign, was stolen from the royal tombs in 1921 during the Egelian colonial period. It is known as the only of the royal crowns of Bae to have been stolen, removed from it's sacred tomb, and carried abroad. Despite attempts by later, independent Baegukese governments to seek repatriation, the crown remained permanently on display in the Egelian National Museum - that is, until this summit, whereupon it once more became the property of the House of Baek, to which it had belonged for centuries prior to it's plundering. Many Baegukese celebrate it's return as the symbolic end of colonial-era diplomatic disputes that have historically plagued the Baegukese-Egelian relationship.

The summit was, however, not without incident. Some vocal citizens from the Draniano ethnic minority, having ties to the 2049 failed revolution against Egelion, still feel a deep disdain for their historical great antagonist. The Draniano right-wing nationalist group, Nara de Valor, issued a strongly worded condemnation of the government efforts to strengthen ties with Egelion. Included in the five-thousand word manifesto, sent to all major news outlets in the Kingdom, was an accusation that the Baegukese nation had abandoned the 'Supasna spirit of Namgung'.

Nonetheless, Nara de Valor is considered a fringe organization without much support - statistics indicate their membership at no more than 203, nearly all in the city of Sinsu. For most of Baeguk, Egelian cooperation is welcomed as the nation continues to bolster trade and technological partnerships with the outside world; establishing new and beneficial lines of communication, consumption, and the spread of prosperity. Many look to the future with hope that Baeguk and Egelion will overcome past differences and achieve progress for humanity together.

[iltamzumra]

5352.12.10

The Misaeng Sovereign, Baek Taejoon, has officially declared that he will abdicate his position as the 3rd Isageum of Great Bae. He cited a heart attack he recently had at the Baegukese-Egelian summits; although not shared with the public until now out of security concerns, the Sovereign revealed that his health is beginning to deteriorate. Although only 60 years old, the Sovereign is noted to have various afflictions such as muscle atrophy that are feared to have contributed to the loss of health. Royal physicians have attributed the recent heart attack to stress. Concluding that he could no longer effectively fulfil his constitutional duties as the Head of State of the Kingdom of Bae, the Misaeng Sovereign has elected to begin the process of transferring power to the next Sovereign of the Kingdom.

Whilst Gongmangdo has not yet announced a successor, nearly all eyes are on princess Ryeo Deokmi. She is wife of prince Baek Dongju, the Misaeng Sovereign's eldest son. Prince Dongju was once the heir apparent of the Baek Monarchy but following a series of undisclosed and private conflicts in the royal family, disappeared in 4949. The last known records of his presence had him board a flight to Jinppo, North Dovani, on a cultural mission to connect with the majority Kyo population there. However, he never appeared, was never seen in public, and never returned to Baeguk. Since then, he has been considered missing and declared legally dead. Due to the secretive nature of Prince Dongju's disappearance, theories remain speculative. Guesses as to why he would disappear - or even who would disappear him - range from financial troubles due to the recession, to political sabotage and assassination, to even rumors of unorthodox sexuality. Regardless, prince Dongju was widely seen as the next-in-line to the throne. He has no male siblings, but his wife is eligible to be crowned as a Geoseogan - or Queen Regent. She would then effectively rule as Head of State until her son became of age to ascend. If princess Deokmi were to take the position of Sovereign, it would mark the first time in millennia that a woman has held the Hibiscus Throne.

Whatever the case, when His Majesty’s successor takes the throne, the Misaeng Era (having began in 5318 CE) will finally end. The Misaeng Sovereign succeeded his late father, Gojong III (Baek Seonbo), in 5318, after the former abdicated his own position after less than a year as Isageum. The Misaeng Sovereign presided over marked rises in living standards and the re-industrialization of Baeguk; leading its transition from a developing nation into a middle-income economy. The Misaeng era was also marked with a flurry of increased trade, prestige, and diplomacy; seeing a sizable expansion of the West Dovanian Union and the further deepening of inter-union ties amongst member nations. Baeguk became a leading world producer of technology such as smartphones, semiconductors, industrial chemical complexs, ferroalloys, and machine parts. Generally, it was a period of growth and increasing prosperity; although future historians may take criticism to the rift of wealth distribution thanks to the economic Chaebol system, as well as the concerning but ultimately mitigated 5343 recession.

The Misaeng Sovereign will step down from public activities to recuperate and better his health. He announced in his declaration of abdication that he would also continue to compose calligraphy and traditional landscape paintings. These activities generated interest in him during his time as Sovereign; having gifted numerous world leaders his works and turning global diplomatic attention to traditional Baegukese art forms. Public opinion generally seems positive given his public activism and leadership; a Gongmangdo poll found that 86% of respondents approved of his reign – the highest yet exit poll in modern times.

[BACKDATED]

[TRA]

Beiteynu
Equifund takes another step closer to fulfilling its vision
August 5357 - Defence executives from across the board have confirmed that an unprecedented supranational partnership between 4 states has been sealed in the development and co-production of 2 jet fighters led by KDC of Kundrati, paving the way for the Equifund to become a global platform for military partnerships

[iltamzumra]

On 5353 July 21, Princess Ryeo Deokmi was coronated as the Changan Geoseogan (長安居西干), regent for her 3-year old son Baek Seongju. She assumed the titles and responsibilities of the Head of State, becoming the fourth official sovereign following the Baek Restoration.

[iltamzumra]

April 5, 5254

Her Majesty’s government has officially opened the Taehui (大輝) nuclear material enrichment plant just east of the city of Nambyeon, Konggi Province. The first domestic nuclear enrichment facility to operate on the Dan Peninsula in centuries, Taehui is projected to help bolster the booming domestic uranium industry, which is centered in Rokki Province. Baeguk is currently home to 6 nuclear power plants, all built after 5340, which collectively house 21 reactors and supply almost 30% of the national electricity supply. Nuclear overtook Hydroelectric to become the second largest energy source; it is just behind Geothermal. Baeguk is proud to be a largely "green" energy-fueled. However, Baeguk remains reliant on petroleum and similar for various key industries; most notably the production of plastics and synthetic materials necessary to support the nation's prolific chemical industry.

Baegukese uranium has seen strong growth in the last decade and a half. Economic contributions to extraction efforts in the mountainous southeast, once impoverished, have since brought about new investment and rebound. There have been sharp decreases in unemployment and rises in the minimum wage. However, despite the large amount of uranium being extracted domestically, there was a noticeable lack of domestic enrichment to follow. Instead, Baegukese uranium would be exported all throughout the world. Nations with the capability to enrich the isotopes such as Kundrati and Dundorf would then sell the enriched uranium back to the Baegukese plants, which would use them to produce energy. This supply chain was costly, inefficient, and prone to potential vulnerabilities over international borders.

The Taehui plant effectively removes the middleman; allowing the process of nuclear power generation to be completed from scratch to finish all within Baegukese borders. This energy autarky has long been a goal of the Baegukese government, which also funded earlier efforts to harness domestic geothermal and hydroelectric resources. As advances are made in the field of energy, the Baegukese economy will continue to be a consistently productive and growth-oriented member of the international economy.

IN OTHER NEWS

GISE Stabilizes after Two Month Rollercoaster
Following a rocky two months (February 21-22 seeing a historic 16 point change between the former's -7% and the latter's +9%), the mean stock price fluctuation of the Gongmangdo Stock Exchange has returned to normal. The nominally private exchange effectively serves as the primary economic forum for the northwest Dovanian region, and holds special importance regarding trade between Baeguk and foreign nations such as North Dovani, Egelion, Kazulia, Seko, Lourenne, and Ostland. The security of the GISE is effectively seen as crucial pillar of the trade-oriented Baegukese economy, which - despite having built a solid domestic market over the last half century - remains reliant on foreign imports for crucial resources, most notably food. Baeguk is technically a net food exporter in theory, but as the population grows and the average wage, domestic food stores are neither desirable nor large enough to satisfy the 42-million strong peninsula. Whilst some may be disappointed that stock prices are increasing less, ultimately stability is good for the market as a whole in the future.

National Birthrate Continues to Concern Ministry of Health
The Ministry of Health held a press conference Monday, confirming and emphasizing the awful birthrate situation in the kingdom. Despiteearlier predictions from the 5320s that the Baegukese birthrate would eventually fall, the exact opposite has happened. Baeguk's Total Fertility Rate (TFR), or hypothetical amount of new babies to every mother, is a horrifying 3.6. There is additionally disparity between national ethnic groups; whilst the Penru TFR is 1.4 and the Draniano TFR is 2.3, the Kyo TFR is a whopping 4.1. Most observers conjecture that the dramatic disparity is the result of affirmative action and more cushy economic benefits given to ethnic minorities by the state. Because Kyo citizens are the least likely to be granted subsidies and are the most statistically likely to be below the poverty line, many households purposely have many children to exploit the generous state benefits and tax cuts given to parents. Health officials warned that Baeguk has already reached the point of inevitable demographic shift, and that new policies are desperately needed to lower the birthrate quickly and stabilize the rapidly growing population.