Dankuk

[beifengxiaoxiao]

Keeping a Culture Alive - An Exclusive Interview with Changtae Island's Yoo Wooram
March 15, 5332

The Kingdom of Great Bae is a nation situated on the northwestern coast of the Dovanian continent, with a population of 41 million. Of those 41 million denizens, about 22 million are Kyo, the dominant national ethnic group. The Kyo were originally a branch of the Gao-Showan nomads who, after intermarrying with the indigenous Proto-Dan peoples, settled down in the fertile Pan River Valley and began a continuous civilization that has survived into the modern day, withstanding the brutal tests of time - whether it be Gao-Sotoan imperialism or Egelian genocide and colonial conquest. The Kyo people have, since their inception as a unique blend of Gao-Showan and indigenous Dan, held on to their traditions for millennia with a unique and unified cultural, ethnic, and linguistic tradition...or so we are told. In actuality, about 670 thousand people, labeled 'Kyo' today, are of a proud, unique, and brilliant culture. Their home? A warm, sleepy tropical island. Their civilization? A wondrous amalgamation of fresh produce, female divers, and phallic idols. Their language? Virtually unintelligible with modern, standard Kyomal. These are the Changtae people, a subgroup of the Kyo that inhabit the island of Changtaeto, some 38 kilometers southwest from the mainland city of Monyeol.

For centuries the Changtae were politically and culturally subsumed by the wider Kyo population. Even their name itself, Changtae, was a mainland Kyo invention that means "Long and Large"; the Changtae themselves prefer to be called the Tawntawn, which in their language means "Sweet-sweet", a tribute to the natural bounty of the land from which their ancestors subsisted. Official historiography has not been kind to the denizens of Changtae island, especially beginning under the censorship and revisionism begun by the 3608 Great Kyo Revolution. They were consistently excluded from reference and being a cultural 'part' of the Dankukian nation. Even today little public visibility is present, both around the world and even in parts of Baeguk itself, surrounding Changtae island's unique institutions.

But today the Changtae people are finally beginning to take a stand against historical and cultural revisionism and erasure. Central to the modern story of the Changtae struggle for recognition and continuity is Mr. Yoo Wooram, who grew up in the small Changtae town of Chawmchintol in the 5280s. The then-struggling Provisional State of Dankuk had just emerged from 70 long years of fascist terror, a terror which had led to the deaths of some 90,000 Changtae residents. They had been genocided by the state due to trumped up charges of anti-national conspiracy, a deeply traumatic suppression that continues to be burned into the minds of the people to this day. The region was desolated, her once-bountiful farms reduced to stockpiles for the mainland population. Even with the promises of a new democratic government, the liberation was marred by the restoration of the status-quo apathy that had seemingly dominated national politics since 5th millennium; a forced and artificial 'diversity' for the big three ethnicities, with little consideration for the half million that still resided on Changtae.

So it would be until the 5299 Gongmangdo coup attempt that shook the nation as communist rogues attempted to thieve the instruments of state power from the young republic. It was a time of political upheaval in Baeguk that ultimately led to the restoration of the milennia-deposed Baek dynasty. But even more importantly, it gave the Changtae new hope that the political situation could be changed. Mr. Yoo subsequently formed the committee for Changtae Autonomy, beginning an island-wide campaign that attempted to achieve political self-rule for the island. They campaigned for around a decade before 5311, when the Royal Senate officially passed constitutional reforms granting Changtae local political autonomy and special representation in the Hall of Sages, the upper house of the Baegukese parliament. Mr. Yoo subsequently formed a new political party in Changtae City, Everyone's Dream (in the local language, Monttak Sarawmui Kkum), that is to this day ruling. He is currently the regional governor.

The Terran Herald now offers snippets of an exclusive interview with Mr. Yoo, available for full viewing online, which was conducted inside of his traditional Changtae-style hut, on march the fourteenth, 5032.

Q: Would you say that a sort of "reniassance" for the Changtae culture is going on right now?
A: Whilst I appreciate the new enthusiasm for the Changtae, I think our movement is merely shedding light on a culture that has existed for millennia. I don't necessarily think that the term 'renaissance' applies here, because it implies that there was some sort of death or revival of our unique culture. It's less that it ever stopped existing, and more that we're finally beginning to make the rest of the world hear our voices and care about our contributions. Personally, I'd contend that it's more of an Awakening.

Q: Were the constitutional amendments of 5311 the Changtae Autonomy Movement's 'watershed' moment?
A: Yes, you could put it that way. We always thought it wasn't fair even after the revolution nominally granted everyone the same rights; the Mainlanders, the Draniano, the Draddwyr, they all got special representation. So why were we refused? That's what we were fighting for, the eternal urge to finally have all of Bae recognize our accomplishments. And I'm very happy to say that our victory in that campaign was the beginning of our island's autonomous self rule, something we continue to fight for every day.

Q: Some would argue that the representation of Changtae people is overblown. Every national ethnic group receives 5 seats, in addition Changtae gets 3. With mainland Kyo people comprising 53% of the population, Draniano 31%, and Draddwyr 10%, why should half a million people get nearly the same representation in the Hall of Sages?
A: I think those critics miss the point of our national ethnic and regional representational system, especially the foundational creed of the Hall of Sages. The whole purpose of the institution is to represent the regions and peoples of our nation as equals, so that the large majority doesn't stamp out the voices of the important minority. If you want it to be 'proportional', why not give Draniano people half the amount of the Kyo representatives, and Draddwyr people half of that still? Supposed 'proportionality' is completely antithetical and nonsensical in a body that is supposed to bring everyone in this great nation together, to ensure that all Baegukese voices can be heard.

Q: Can you give us some examples of how Changtae's visibility has increased since the autonomists took power?
A: I think there have been some incredibly positive developments for Changtae representation and development in recent years. Politically, I've been visited countless times by various community leaders, Kyo, Draniano, and Draddwyr alike. I've met His Majesty [the Misaeng Sovereign, Baeguk's head of state] several times now, and he has always expressed a great interest and appreciation for our contributions.

Q: What does the future hold for the denizens of Changtae Island?
A: I think, if we work hard enough, we can somewhat turn back the clock on the millennia of injustice and erasure the Changtae people have suffered. The bare minimum we ask for is mutual dignity and recognition for the innumerable unique contributions we have made, that we're still making, to the development, history, and nation of Baeguk. I'm not at all advocating for any sort of separation from the nation of Baeguk, but our island is special to us, and we want to keep it that way. If the movement continues at this rate, I believe that positive and mutually beneficial relations between our island and the mainland are in store, for the greater good of Baeguk as a whole nation.

[beifengxiaoxiao]

NEVER AGAIN was the call that resonated unanimously throughout the streets of Gongmangdo in the waning years of the 5270s, as the Baegukese nation's fascist military junta finally crumbled. After 70 long years of militarist oppression, it was vowed that the country would forevermore be governed by the common democratic goodwill of her peoples. Perhaps this was what made it so surprising when in 5304, Baeguk included explicit military provisions in the founding charter of the West Dovanian Union. Immediately the result was the creation of a joint command and the beginning of frequent military drills and exercises with staunch longtime ally and fellow union member Seko; within years she had begun steady armaments trading. The tides of her arms trade ebbed ever further outwards; within two decades these efforts had effectively culminated in a de facto arms deal with Dorvish investors, renowned across Terra for their expertise. Indeed, hardware and military buildup has been continuing ever steadily, evermore strongly in the peninsular country. The Baegukese nation, which dramatically rose defense spending by several million Dovanian Circi (equivalent to billions of Bu) starting in the left-leaning cabinets of the 5320s, has continued to take active strides towards a modernization of the armed forces.

Mutually negotiated revisions to the Dorvish-Bae Haldor-Gongmangdo Business and Cooperation Treaty (HGT) have given liberal caveats to various parties desiring closer arms development and manufacturing in Baeguk. Northstar Heavy Industry, Baeguk's main military contractor, along with Ebner Defense AG, one of Dorvik's premier arms producers, have since jointly opened up a munitions factory in Gongmangdo's industrial Bangtan district. Bangtan itself, whose namesake is literally derived from the bulletproof military equipment historically produced in the district (防彈), was once the center of the Baegukese arms manufacturing world, being notable for the high quality of armor and bulletproof glass produced there. Just as recent reinvigoration projects have rapidly enlarged the city's manufacturing capabilities, so too are government and private investors alike working at a breakneck pace to increase production size and sophisticate Baegukese technology, which still has notable areas for improvement. As Northstar and Ebner's joint ventures continue to diversify, Artanian Defense Group and other parties have also announced various projects that are slated to take hold in the southwestern Kongkito province. Kongkito is home to roughly 17 million of Baeguk's 41 million population (an estimated 8.9 million living in the greater Gongmangdo metropolitan region) and the majority of headquarters of the country's top chaebol conglomerates; making it by extent the nation's most productive subdivision.

But why, surrounded by steadfast allies and economic partners, would Baeguk need an arms buildup? Unfortunately, today the geopolitical climate is growing more hostile, as seen with recent flares of authoritarianism in nations like Trigunia. A resurgent Yingdala, once the sleeping giant of Terra, has been renewed, but whereas previous negotiations with the Republican forces of the anti-NR revolution were positive, the new regime in Tian'an is largely unpredictable and unknown. Now headed by a renewed wave of national spirit that could easily corrupt into oriental despotism, these are not predictable times off of the West Dovanian coast. Yingdala, which has historically attempted at various junctures to interfere and mitigate the sovereignty of nations like Seko, may potentially once again take a new and unwelcome course. Baegukese foreign policy, which is increasingly becoming more dictated by faith in the Union and its institutions, has a duty to step up and lead their part of the continent, together with regional allies, in a reliable, organized, modernized, and robust collective defense mechanism. Until that day, perhaps nobody can sleep as sound in Gongmangdo as much as Fiimyoo-choo, that peace is secure. In the meantime, Baeguk continues to devote some of her brightest minds and best factories to the increasing modernization of a military for the new century. For, when it comes to West Dovanian collective defense, a rising tide floats all boats.

[beifengxiaoxiao]

January 1st, 5333

As trade relations further strengthen between firms in Baeguk and Endralon, Lehel Vehicular, one of that nation’s largest vehicle conglomerates, has announced separate joint ventures with Baeguk's Sinsidae Shipbuilding and Mallima Motors. Sinsidae has been offered a contract to construct a multitude of shipping vessels for the Endralonian corporation, whereas Lehel will be investing into current expansion and construction of new Mallima auto plants. This new spur in cooperation between the nations comes on the back of last year's announcement that Endralonian firms Boros Creative Group and Livenian Trade Group would invest in textile operations alongside Baeguk's Hong Kildong corporation. Hong Kildong has since increased sales all across Dovani, being reputable for afforability yet relative reliability and endurance. The successful Boros/Livenian/Hong Kildong deal appears to have set further precedent for future Baeguk-Endralonian private trade ventures; if the new partnerships can replicate the deal's fortuitous results, both nations have a strong partnership ahead of them.

Sinsidae Shipbuilding is directly owned by the Sinsidae Corporation, Baeguk's second largest chaebol conglomerate. Endralon, which is undergoing an attempt to further it's export and trade fields, has requested the construction of ships coming from Baeguk due to the industry's fame and success. Baeguk has, since the rapid improvement of her industrial shipbuilding capabilities starting in the 5290s, been the world's 4th most ship producing nation, a source of great pride for the tiny 41-million strong nation. Baeguk has collaborated with nations like Dalibor, Seko, and Lourenne in relative geographical proximity to help build their freight vessels. Now even far-away Endralon seems to want "in" on the trade.

Mallima Motors is Baeguk's largest car company, having traditionally created a loyal market in Seko, Dalibor, Kazulia, Beiteynu, and Saridan; even having made minor headways into nations like Lourenne and Dorvik. Mallima currently runs several plants in the Kongkito, Myeoggito, and Hyonggito provinces; Lehel has announced several billions (in Bu) of investment in the plants, having acquired a 3% share of Mallima. Mallima is legally an independent corporation, but a controlling 23% stake is held by Mr. Bang Emanuel, head of the wider chaebol Hanulro. Hanulro Group, along with Mallima and CMMC (both owned by Mr. Bang); were assessed in 5330 to control approximately 21% of the entire worth of the Baegukese GDP.

IN OTHER NEWS

Royal Government Officially Condemns Situation in Trigunia
His majesty's government officially condemned the Trigunian government today, sanctioning several prominent individuals. Trigunia has recently undergone negative and dramatic steps towards complete anarcho-capitalistic deregulation, with new initiatives that will make practices like human experimentation legal. The Royal Foreign Ministry released the following statement:

The Kingdom of Great Bae, concerned with recent developments in the Trigunian Federation, officially condemns the reckless actions of state actors in the nation. Potential violations of human rights, most notably the recent legalization of possibly cruel and inhumane human experimentation, are not and will never be tolerated as acceptable by our Kingdom. The Kingdom of Great Bae urges the Trigunian Federation to reconsider reform and to peacefully and swiftly restore the rights of the people once present in their country. In the meantime, starting from 3:00 PM January 31, the Foreign Ministry will enforce our List of Sanctioned Individuals from the Trigunian Federation. These nationals will be forbidden from entry into the Kingdom and all citizens of the Kingdom are in turn forbidden from contacting or doing business with them. The Foreign Ministry believes that the listed individuals are at the core of the current human rights violations in Trigunia. We have announced the comprehensive list through all state channels, and have sent our counterparts in Trigunia a thorough copy as well. Trigunia will now be designated a Level 4 Foreign Nation [Tier: Do Not Travel], as the Kingdom urges all Baegukese nationals to consider immediate exit from Trigunia; our diplomatic corps shall continue to strive to assist all Baegukese citizens in the Trigunian Federation. If inhumane actions do not cease more measures may be instituted.

Baeguk and Trigunia still officially maintain diplomatic relations, although there have been public urges to cut them altogether. Only time will tell if this geopolitical stand-off will come to a resolution.

[beifengxiaoxiao]

Hanulro Electronics, Baeguk’s most prominent producer of electronic and ‘smart’ products, has finally begun to release their long anticipated Nebula smartphone line. Hanulro, long at the cutting edge of Baegukese technology, is already recognized as one of Terra’s most prolific producers of digital hardware like microchips; with strong partnerships in nations like Beiteynu, Dorvik, Trigunia, and Lourenne. However, the jump to domestic smartphones was a long and wildly anticipated move for the conglomerate, which had up until this point not yet released any such devices.

The initial research and development Stage first began in 5326, with the Baegukese company reportedly working together with technicians from Beiteynu’s Bira Tech and Beiret Packed. Smartphones, which were once a major Baegukese industry in the past, were effectively dead in the water by the end of the fascist DNWA regime. Whilst heavy industry and technological development resumed and improved rapidly in the coming decades of democratization and chaebol consolidation, smartphones were largely sidelined for more immediate needs like air conditioners, heaters, washers, computers, and other such goods. The Nebula line marks the beginning of a revival of the domestic smartphone industry, and is already experiencing foreign success. Seko, one of Baeguk’s closest trading partners, has thus far ordered the most imports of Nebula phones. Following them shortly is Kazulia, with more exports to the wider Dovanian and Selayan regions.

[beifengxiaoxiao]

Picture this: Blue skies, sparkling white sand, and crystal clear waters as far as the eye can see. Phallic hatted stone idols of local ancestors, Tol Harupang, stare and smirk at you mischievously with wide unseeing eyes, as if holding back a punchline beyond your feeble mortal comprehension. As you pick a local tawktawkpong citrus off of a nearby tree, the warm summer breeze gently sprays you with a delicious ocean mist. Surely such a paradise must only exist at the equator, right?

….Wait, what? That’s right, this tropical paradise is no other than Baeguk, that seemingly frosty oriental peninsula.

Welcome to Changtae island, a sleepy warm patch of heaven to the southwest of the mainland Dan Peninsula. The unique warm ocean currents and composition of the surrounding harbors makes the island have an unusually hot and sunny climate, averaging temperatures as high as 25 degrees Celsius in July. A welcome contrast to the frigid winds of northwest Dovani, Changtae island has recently emerged as a major tourist destination in the region; attracting tourists mainly from nearby Kazulia and Seko, but the list of nations served is only growing every day. The Gongmangdo-Changtae airplane line is the 9th busiest in the world, and this traffic is only expected to grow. As West Dovani continues to become an important part of world commerce, so too has interest been generated in this previously-obscure part of the world.

Thus it was that the Avienne chain of Hotels and Resorts officially announced its new partnership with Hanulro Real Estate under the Avienne name; a new luxury resort is under construction. The Tauntaun Grand, a planned resort hotel on the Changtae island beachfront, will be the biggest and most ambitious ever seen on the island. The Grand will feature a 24/7 restaurants, a cabaret bar, a theater, a casino, and even a beachfront swimming pool that feeds into the ocean. Tours, offered in Canrillaise, Kazulianisk, Dundorfian, Yeudi, and Yingdalan, will take guests around the island where they can take in the majesty of Changtae island’s ancient temples, grottoes, and hot springs, bask in the beauty of the island sun, and eat the delicious local delicacies. The Tauntaun Grand is slated to open soon in 5337, so book now for a vacation in paradise!

[Auditorii]

Verteidigung wöchentlich: Dorvik and Dankuk begin new era of defense cooperation. (July 5334)

[cakepops]

Rivero sees AI vital to gov't devolution
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JUNE 22, 5335 — TCI National Chairperson Leonora Rivero openly advocated for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in achieving the movement's cause of decentralization at the 2nd Officials' Conference in Myeoggi.

Senator Rivero has cited the need for artificial intelligence as a prospect to consider in the national platform, saying that the elimination of common societal and logistical issues within the nation would allow the local governments, being bestowed the autonomy that TCI is fighting for, to maximize their potential.


A NEEDED CORNERSTONE. Senator Rivero sees AI vital in national cause of governmental grassroots-based decentralization.

"The implementation of artificial intelligence to administrate basic human tasks would allow the local governments, having given the adequate autonomy and governmental powers that the TCI advocates, to be able to expand further their potential, thus allowing the possible raise of living standards and holistic development", said Rivero.

She believes that in the midst of the acceleration of technology in its development and assimiliation to day-to-day living, digitization and decentralization must go hand in hand.

"The call for decentralization goes hand in hand with digitization, as the discourse among the Councils and the people will now be focused on the more unconventional issues, assuming that the basic societal and logistical issues people always face with has now been dealt with through artificial intelligence", said Rivero.

TCI hasn't discussed the possibility of a reform within its national platform, but it is currently a topic that is being considered during the plenums in open and closed doors in the midst of a rampant rate of technological advancement and digitization of the Baegukese life.#

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THE HERALD is the official publication of The Council Initiative Baeguk (TCI). Follow our newsletter to be updated about the TCI National Movement.

[beifengxiaoxiao]

September 2, 5335

News from Auroria has emerged as three prominent firms have declared their public investment and acquisition of respectable shares of the Mallima Motor Company; Baeguk’s largest and most prominent manufacturer of cars, trucks, and other such vehicles. The firms in question are Denter Cūriōque, Grex Collocātiōnum Flōrentiae (GCF), and Investīmenta Strūctī; their estimated shares of acquisition are speculated to be 1.2%, 0.9%, and 0.7% respectably. Denter Cūriōque is Selucia's biggest and most reputable bank, whereas GCF and Investīmenta Strūctī are large investment firms in the nation.

Mallima Motors is owned by Mr. Bang Emanuel of the larger Hanulro Group, Baeguk's largest chaebol conglomerate. Mallima's automobiles have become popular internationally, exported to regions such as Beiteynu, Seko, and Kazulia. Mallima cars are praised for their relative pragmatism and affordability in comparison with local competition. The biggest market for the cars outside of Baeguk itself is the Western Dovanian area and certain parts of Selaya and Majatra. However, with new trade opportunities also beginning to open with the third world, south and eastern Dovanian nations may also begin to import Mallima cars as well. In any case, new Selucian patronage indicates the further popularity and spread of Baegukese automobiles across Terra. Automobiles have grown to be a key pillar of both the Baegukese economy and her greater soft power capabilities; with deals like the one made today, investors can be confident that this trend only strengthens.

IN OTHER NEWS

Royal Dating Rumor Confirmed
Baek Min-Ho, a Nambyeon florist and Prince of House Baek, officially confirmed widespread rumors on his Urilink social media account yesterday, when he revealed that he had in fact been dating for two and a half years. More surprisingly, he revealed that the woman in question was the future Duchess of Verdanloix, Valérie Orléans-Vasser-DeChambeau. Allegedly, Lady Orléans-Vasser-DeChambeau met Prince Baek during one of her vacations in the Kongkito city of Nambyeon, where she was a patron of his flower shop. He did not comment further and requested that the public respect their personal affairs as a private matter. When asked for comment, both the Houses of Baek and Orléans-Vasser-DeChambeau declined to respond, leaving the public unclear about most details.

[cakepops]

Rivero announces midyear reform
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APRIL 25, 5337 — TCI National Chairperson Sen. Leonora Rivero virtually addresses members and supporters of an upcoming inter-movement reform to happen in July with proceedings to be held at the TCI Gongmangdo Annex.

The decision was held after a vote with the TCI National Council, the collective elite overseeing the operations of the national movement and the quasi-governmental People's Council in Myeoggi.


BIG, BIG CHANGE! Rivero cites inter-movement restructure, which would include mergers and reorganization of leadership structure.

"A competitive political landscape such like Baegukese politics calls for measures to keep up with the times strategically. We are a corps of public servants, but engaging in politics can be a daunting task.", said Rivero.

Last February, the 5337 General Elections saw the TCI lose 12 seats in the Senate, but has retained its majority in Kongki, losing their dominance in Haegi as they placed second in the regional polls.

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THE HERALD is the official publication of The Council Initiative Baeguk (TCI). Follow our newsletter to be updated about the TCI National Movement.

[beifengxiaoxiao]

Communist Refoundation Party to Rebrand as Chinpotang
May 1, 5335

Comrades of the Communist Refoundation Party Central Committee (CC) today formally announced the restructuring of the once Metzist-Leonidist party around a core ideology of trade unionism under the title of the Progressive Party, or Chinpotang (進步黨). Stating that the material conditions of the 54th century have slowly but surely made obsolete the need for a proletarian revolution, the new Chinpotang will advocate class collaboration and worker's rights in the framework of the current capitalist system. Most notably, Chinpotang has formally abandoned the pursuit of socialism, in favor of a 'human-based capitalism'. Analysts have noticed a general decrease in CRP power since the most recent elections, which have seen the CRP gradually lose seats to the more moderate center left. It appeared this was what motivated the final change to the party that had once been the stronghold of the Baegukese 'hard' left. Chinpoyang's new position was summarized by comrade chairman Taliesin Caddell, who released the following statement.

Following extensive collaboration and counsel with comrades of the Central Committee, the party cells of the Gonggi, Roggi, Myeoggi, Haegi, and Hyonggi provinces, and the Baegukese Confederation of Trade Unions, the party has formally declared the following three principles of discovery.

I. The party has undoubtably lost the previous support of the Baegukese people.
II. The party has lost support because it's former ideological position, that of Metzist-Leonidist communism, has become outdated in the dynamic class composition of the current Baegukese society.
III. Because the party has lost mass popularity, and that this loss is the result of outdated and ill-fitted ideological basis ignorant of the material conditions of the Baegukese nation, the resolution to this contradiction can be no less than the modernization of the CRP platform through radical and fundamental ideological self-correction.

It has become apparent that the rapid development of the material conditions of our nation has made obsolete the former classification of all men into the camps of labor and capital. The ever-intensifying stratification and diversification of social relationships has led socialism as viable method for organizing sociopolitical economy to become obsolete. Human-based capitalism is the new goal that we must work through, exclusively through the legal confines of the current political system. To this end we announce the END of the Communist Refoundation Party, and the beginning of the new Chinpotang. Chinpotang bases itself firmly on the position of human-based capitalism and social liberty; on the unity of the whole people, worker and boss, for the common prosperity of the Baegukese kingdom.

Chinpotang calls immediately for the end of coal as a national energy resource, for employee representation on chaebol corporate boards, for paid maternity and paternity leave, and for the security of wages.

So that we may resuscitate the Baegukese movement of the masses, we have made these decisions.

Chinpotang will continue to caucus with the Alliance of Dovanian Worker's and People's Representatives (WPR) in the Dovanian Parliament, where it holds 3 seats.