Dankuk

[Zongxian]

29 September 4753
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Federal Senate Passes Education Overhaul
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SEONGTAEK: The Federal Senate voted today to pass the Federal Education Restructuring Act (FERA), comprehensive legislation that completely overhauls the Dranian education system. The FERA touches every level of education, from kindergarten to university, and it includes provisions to ensure that all Dranians can pursue a public education at all levels with minimal cost.

The legislation’s most dramatic adjustments are in secondary and tertiary education with the FERA now clearly defining a variety of different educational pathways at those levels. In particular, apprenticeships and vocational education have received a significant boost as an option for secondary education. Premier Hyun Alfaro’s Innovative Dankuk, the party behind the legislation, has sought to highlight these pathways as alternatives to the strictly university-focused education of the past. Premier Alfaro commented that a university education is still something that is strongly encouraged but that such sentiment should not detract from the opportunity that may exist for some students if they focus towards an apprenticeship or vocational profession. “Students should not feel discouraged in their personal choice to not attend university if their goals and passions do not require such a commitment. There are viable opportunities in the trades for example and a person can still find success without a four-year post-secondary degree. The FERA will ensure that any and all pathways, whichever a student may choose, are accessible and affordable.”

The FERA has also renewed full funding for the Greater National University System and its five universities. Additionally, all provincial- and municipal-run public institutions will receive federal funding that ensures that those institutions can also be operated tuition-free for residents of those regions.
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Crime & Inequality in Gongmangdo
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GONGMANGDO: The Federal City of Gongmangdo has struggled over the past decade and as economic opportunity has mostly emerged elsewhere in the nation, more and more people have been moving away from Gongmangdo. Once the primary economic center and home to innumerable corporations, places like Seongtaek or Port Rhynach now lead the way and many businesses have moved their headquarters away from Gongmangdo.

While the rich city center and historic districts remain largely unaffected, it is many of the surrounding inner and outer districts which have seen major population declines. Businesses have shuttered, apartments have been vacated, and some buildings have even started to decay. Gongmangdo Metropolitan Police have also faced new crime problems and some vacant buildings have become hotbeds for homeless congregations.

Aside from things being business as usual for the rich residents of central Gongmangdo, there also has been minimal change for the poorest citizens living on the furthest edges of the city. Conditions in these particular districts weren’t great to begin with and many relied on employment at locations closer to the city core. They don’t possess the ability to easily relocate away from Gongmangdo and are now trapped dealing with shrinking employment opportunities.

And to make matters worse, the Gongmangdo elite haven’t reacted well to the growing crime problem in their city. The outer district poor have been blamed as a whole for the crime and homeless problems of the decline of the inner districts. In recent months the city core has grown increasingly unwelcoming to travelers from the outer district and socioeconomic discrimination has become quite blatant. Just this week, the city council was pressured into shutting down some metro stations after initially refusing to act on a petition from an alliance of city core condominium residents that demanded these closures. It is no secret that the closures are a direct attempt to stop the transit of poor people from the outskirts. The city council now defends their actions, citing lower ridership due to the population decline and an interest in achieving greater efficiency for the city railways.

[Zongxian]

28 February 4758
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Casino Boss Disqualified from Federal Elections
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IGLESIA MAYOR: For the past two years the Federal Election Commission (FEC) has faced a lengthy legal battle with Choe Jungsook, owner of one of the only two legal casinos in Gongmangdo, over Choe’s application to run for the federal chairmanship in this year’s election. Following Choe’s submission of his candidacy, the FEC ruled that he would be disqualified from participation on the basis of his criminal record and “divisive attitude” not being in line with the objectives of the Federal Council for Unity. This immediately set off a legal battle that reached the highest courts. Ultimately though, court opinions were unanimous against Choe, upholding the FEC’s disqualification.

With elections only a few months away, Choe now intends to run for Mayor of Gongmangdo, vowing to stand against the “corrupt and weak federal government” and promising to return Gongmangdo to its former glory.
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Other Happenings in the Federation


Dankuk Exploring Hanzen Investment
SEONGTAEK: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that it is in early stages of negotiating Dranian investment in Hanzen. A number of Dranian corporations have already signaled their interest in helping build Hanzen’s manufacturing capabilities, especially if it is able to do so under a preferential trade agreement between Dankuk and Hanzen. More details are expected in the coming months.

Gongmangdo Open University Shuts Down
GONGMANGDO: As more university students continue to flock to Dankuk’s most popular modern urban centers each academic year, the innumerable institutions of Gongmangdo face even greater financial struggle. Historically the educational hub of Dankuk, Gongmangdo has seen major decline and aside from a small cluster of long-standing prestigious universities, the majority of institutions in Gongmangdo face years of declining enrollments. The outlook is especially grim for private institutions, which have accounted for 80% of institutional closures in the past decade. The latest victim is now Gongmangdo Open University, which will no longer be accepting new students starting immediately this year.


Federal Advisory on Fraud & Scams
SEONGTAEK: The National Police Bureau has issued a federal advisory to all citizens to beware of deceptive business practices and internet scams. This warning comes following widespread reports of predatory activity by illegitimate businesses in the Lorena and Valdoria Provinces early this year. Federal police continue to investigate these reports and it is known that numerous smaller communities were swindled, in total, out of millions of Dran by fraudulent shell companies. Rumors point to organized crime syndicates based out of Gongmangdo but this has not been verified by authorities.

Dranian Pop Orchestra

[Zongxian]

15 August 4760
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Premier Alfaro Outlines Economic & Environmental Plans
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SEONGTAEK: Premier Hyun Alfaro has outlined a five-year plan that focuses on new economic development and environmental protection in the Dranian Federation. As it is expected that Dankuk will soon officially sign the Western Dovani Economic Agreement, there is an even greater push to empower the Dranian economy and to expand the economic base of communities beyond just Dankuk’s core cities. The Premier is exploring a potential reduction of the corporate tax rate and, at the very least, the establishment of federal tax credits to assist provincial small businesses and entrepreneurs.

The Premier’s plan includes new investment in the Dankuk Railroad Corporation to expand rail lines and upgrade trains to newer, faster models. Additionally a new international airport will be constructed in Port Rhynach under cooperation with the municipal government. Federal funding will be allotted to research on tidal energy production and tax credits will be issued to corporations that develop new energy infrastructure that reduces the need for fossil fuels.

On environmental issues, Premier Alfaro will be unveiling plans for the designation of federally protected lands, national forests, and parks. While there are current laws which protect Dranian forests, there has never been a formally organized structure to oversee all these areas. The first of the national parks is expected to be designated in 4762.
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Other Happenings in the Federation


Auto Drania Opens First Factory
CHEONSSU: Upstart automotive manufacturer, Auto Drania, has opened their first factory in Cheonssu. Investors have welcomed the establishment of this new Dranian manufacturer and Auto Drania may be very well positioned to take on the dominating Haedodi Motor Company. While Haedodi remains a strong company, there have been few reliable alternatives aside from more expensive foreign imports. Consumers have already expressed excitement for Auto Drania, which reached its production cap on vehicle pre-orders in the months ahead of the factory opening.


New Nuclear Power Plant Opens
PYEONGREO: CostaNorte has completed construction of a new nuclear power plant in Pyeongreo. This new facility will supplement Magadonia’s geothermal and wind energy production and move the province even closer to complete elimination of fossil fuel reliance.


Gongmangdo Set to Legalize Gambling
GONGMANGDO: The Gongmangdo Metropolitan Government has voted in favor of legislation that sets the stage for complete legalization of gambling in the Federal City. Mayor Choe Jungsook, now also at the helm of the local Conservative Party, completely shifted the party’s position on gambling and now Gongmangdo will become the only location in Dankuk to allow large-scale, unregulated gambling practices. The neighboring Elbiana Province has openly condemned the broad legalization and expressed concerns on the impact of the new laws on an already troubling crime situation in Gongmangdo.

[Maxington]

[Wu Han]

20 April 4771
Sekowan boy-band 11PM concludes Dankuk tour
After performing in theatres and stadiums across Dankuk, 11PM will be returning home


11PM performs at the Yonseo Municipal Theatre to a packed crowd

GONGMANGDO: Sekowan boy-band 11PM concluded their ambitious nation-wide tour last night in Gongmangdo, performing at Eljang National Stadium to thousands of adoring fans. The 12 week tour zigzagged across Dankuk, greeting fans in sold out stadiums and theatres across the country. At many of the stops, 11PM was joined by former Dranian contestants of Pick Me! the competition reality show from which 11PM was formed.

Industry observers estimate that 11PM performed to around 700,000 people over the duration of the tour, generating roughly $78 million in revenue. As a result of the Seko-Dankuk Declaration of Friendship, Dankuk and Yingdala (for which a similar agreement exists) have become a popular destinations for Sekowan overseas performers, given the income and sales tax exemptions under the agreement. Nevertheless, the group's earnings will be taxed under Sekowan income levies.



The Baeguk Ilbo is a daily newspaper published in Gongmangdo, Dankuk. It is one of the three biggest newspapers in Dankuk. The Baeguk Ilbo Company is publically traded; the Kaizhou Inquirer Media Group maintains a 40.4% stake.

[Liu Che/Zhuli]

Yingdala Set to Host First Council of Shinekh Meeting

[Zongxian]

28 January 4818
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Hyeonwu Alfaro Secures Narrow Leadership Victory
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SEONGTAEK: After months of highly contested campaigning for the leadership of Innovative Dankuk, Hyeonwu Alfaro has emerged as victor but only just barely. When Premier Seojoon Alfaro last summer announced his intention to retire, his son immediately emerged as front-runner to take over the party and the premiership, continuing the Alfaro political dynasty. But as the days went by, influential local party leaders emerged as challengers. One unifying concern among many of these challengers was the continuation of party leadership under the same family name for a third generation. The Alfaro family still enjoys popular support but an increasing number of people seem eager to give other notable figures a chance at leading the nation. And speaking to the name of the party itself, Hyeonwu Alfaro's challengers point out that passing leadership down the family line isn’t too “innovative.”

What began as a field of five candidates for leadership of Innovative Dankuk narrowed down to just two as the Alfaro-challengers united behind Concha Aritza, Mayor of Iglesia Mayor. The final months of the leadership contest were civil yet quite fierce as Aritza dug into Alfaro’s governance experience and depth of knowledge on a range of specific regional political concerns. Ultimately Alfaro came out on top, winning by just over a dozen votes. Still, Aritza stood out as a highly intellectual candidate, astutely aware of the unique needs of Dranians in very different areas of the country. And in recognition of her existing contributions to the people and her future potential, Alfaro has offered Aritza a place in his government.

While Hyeonwu Alfaro has secured the third generation of his family’s leadership in the Federation, his challengers, including Aritza, have promised to provide plenty of constructive criticism to ensure that democracy never erodes and that nepotism doesn’t come to characterize the nature of modern Dranian politics.
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[KimDonghan]

FLOR*IZ blooms in debut "Simiente"
2 May 4771
Written by Kim Magnolia
Seongtaek, Dankuk


Inspired by both the Sekowan music industry and the Dranian colorful heritage, FLOR*IZ seeks to be the Nation's Girl Group


On March 1, People's Publication had the opportunity to attend the well-anticipated FLOR*IZ’s debut showcase at Seongtaek Musical Centre. As the showcase began, FLOR*IZ introduced themselves by shouting their greeting, “Eyes on me! As long we're together, the bloom is of endless climax” The members of FLOR*IZ then professionally posed for the cameras and mesmerized the audience with their charms.

Also on that day, FLOR*IZ also released its first EP named Simiente under Fuerza Entertainment. Upon its release, the group received immediate commercial success, selling over 225,000 units and peaking at number 2 on Danguk's Johwa Chart. In addition, both the EP and its lead single "Perspectiva en Pink" also charted in neighbouring Seko and Yingdala.

Likewise surprisingly, their showcase in Pyeongtaek was sold-out already just after a minute of opening sales. In addition, he music video for the title track "Perspective en Pink" achieved more than 4.5 million views within 24 hours of its release on video streaming platforms in Drania, making it the most-watched debut music video by a Korean act in 24 hours at the time.

There is no doubt that FLOR*IZ will continue to "bloom" to be the Darlings of Danguk.

The 12-member group was formed with the winners in the talent survival show WeProveWe, all of them especially handpicked by the public.


The People's Publication is a newspaper publication headquartered in Seongtaek, seeking to inform and explain different issues, in a more comprehensive approach. The Dankuk Media Group has controlling share (68.6%) in the Publication but ensures neutrality on its editorial matters.

[Zongxian]

16 April 4824
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PRN Landslide Victory, Alfaro Set to Resign
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SEONGTAEK: Decades of political leadership by Innovative Dankuk (DI) came to an end last night with the landslide victory of the Nationalist Reform Party (PRN). Founded only a few years ago, the PRN quickly positioned itself as one of the most significant opposition parties to challenge DI. And now the PRN has succeeded where other opposition parties have failed, it has won representation at the federal level. And not just that, it did so in a landslide and the power to form a new government is in their hands.

Premier Hyeonwu Alfaro offered his congratulations to the PRN and called their electoral success a victory for Dranian democracy. "My party has long held power in the federation and while we have enjoyed public support in the past, it seemed inevitable that one day change would come. And that day has come and while I am certainly not happy to see my party lose so much of its political representation, this is an important and needed exercise in Dranian democracy. Our nation's history that precedes the first and second federations is not a history of democracy. There are attempts at democracy but this nation was rife with conflict, often violent, and almost always ending with authoritarianism. Yesterday, we had an election and we took on a strong opposition party. Ultimately they won and will form a government, which we wholeheartedly believe will uphold the ideals of the constitution, the federation, and this democracy. We wish them the best of luck in governing this nation and we look forward to finding ways that our parties can work together for our continued democracy and the success of this country."

In the coming weeks, it is widely expected that Hyeonwu Alfaro will resign as leader of Innovative Dankuk, likely after he is officially replaced by the incoming PRN government. The favorite to replace Alfaro is Concha Aritza, who was just elected, with endorsement from the PRN, as Chair of the Federal Council. However, Aritza has outright declined becoming the new DI leader, citing a desire to commit herself to a nonpartisan role during her six-year term heading the Federal Council. With Aritza out, the future DI leadership election will be a wide open race and as we get closer to Alfaro's actual departure, it is likely that a long slate of candidates will emerge.
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[KimDonghan]

SPEECH: PRN leader Kim Haesung's address to the nation
13 August 4824
Written by Han Do-yeong
Seongtaek, Dankuk


Kim Haesung in his speech at the 2/20 Memorial. A former lieutenant general, he is the first party leader of the newly-formed Partido Reforma Nacionalista. A charismatic young rookie politician, he is poised to become Premier.


The Partido Reforma Nacionalista, under the leadership of Lt. Gen. Kim Haesung (Ret.), is momentarily preparing to form a government after their landslide victory in April 4824 elections. The recently-formed PRN had experienced an exponential increase in support after the previous elections. Today, he addresses the nation in a televised program from the 2/20 Memorial in Gongmando.

Kim thanked former Premier Hyeonwu Alfaro for his words of congratulations and will ensure that democracy will be sustained in his term. "Change is inevitable as we all know. Despite our contrasting beliefs, we believe that [Drania] Inovadora (Innovative Dankuk) catalyzed progress for Dankuk. Therefore, we are honoured to receive their greetings. We will continue to ensure to fulfil our promise of progressive and democratic Drania."

He also affirmed their respect to the new President of Federal Council, Concha Aritza. "To Mrs Aritza, we believe in your leadership as you are voted in office by the people and we likewise endorsed you. We look forward to working with you for the betterment of the nation."

He continuously hinted since before that Innovative Dankuk may have a seat in the cabinet, although we are still not sure.

Finally, he asked his colleagues in the PRN to pledge to the people that they will work only for the advancement of the Dranian people. "My dear countrymen, it is my great pleasure to work for you. Likewise, my colleagues in the PRN must also do the same. Repeat our oaths, the oaths of allegiance to the nation and its people. The oaths for the advancement of civil society and the fulfilment of democratic institutions. Let us show that we had enough of the authoritarian past and we are heading to a bright Dankuk where citizens can make their destinies."


The People's Publication is a newspaper publication headquartered in Seongtaek, seeking to inform and explain different issues, in a more comprehensive approach. The Dankuk Media Group has controlling share (68.6%) in the Publication but ensures neutrality on its editorial matters.