By Daniel DeMarco |Copy Editor| Sony Pictures decided to cancel the release of the new film, The Interview― what a disgrace. This decision is contemptible; plain and simple. Sony should not have cancelled the film release. The Interview has been courting controversy since it was introduced, as it is a film in which the main plot involves assassinating the current-leader of North Korea, Kim-Jong Un. Keep in mind that the film is a comedy portraying the concept in a satirical fashion, ultimately making a mockery of the whole concept. Of course, the only source of controversy to the making and release of the film was North Korea. Kim-Jong Un made threatening statements and … [Read more...] about Sony proves to be weak under fear
North Korea
North Korean concentration camp survivor tells horrific life story
By Erica Wong |Staff Writer| Life in North Korea is shrouded in mystery but a defector’s testimony allowed the international community to gain an insider’s perspective of the brutality of the North Korean government against its people. A near-perfect map has helped the international community finally locate Camp 18, a concentration camp North Korea has repeatedly denied existence of. Kim Hye-Sook is a North Korean defector that managed to escape Camp 18 and is now campaigning against the abomination by using the map and her pictures as her life memoir. Kim spent almost three decades at Camp 18, forced to do manual labor in the mining town for 16-18 hours per day. For 15 … [Read more...] about North Korean concentration camp survivor tells horrific life story
North Korea releases hostages
By Yara Del Rio-Dominguez |Staff Writer| Americans detained in North Korea have been released back into the United States (U.S.) after being sentenced to six years of hard labor. Both Kenneth Bae, 46, former Lynwood resident, and Matthew Todd Miller, 24, a Bakersfield resident, are the last two Americans detained in North Korea, according to CNN. “The charges for which Miller and the other detained U.S. citizens were arrested and imprisoned would not give rise to arrest or imprisonment in the U.S.,” said spokesman Darby Holladay. Unclear of exactly what law they broke, both Americans remained in North Korea and did not know exactly what their charges were until they went to trial. The … [Read more...] about North Korea releases hostages
North Korean defector lecture
By Erica Wong |Staff Writer| North Korean defector Lee spoke last Wednesday to an overflowing room about his experiences as a high-ranking official in the Worker’s Party of Korea (WPK) and worked closely with the Kim family. Lee’s full name and his exact title will not be disclosed due to security reasons. Lee had a quiet, friendly demeanor, but there was an air of mystery about him as he tactfully evaded questions that were too personal. When asked about the circumstances behind his defection, he smiled and said, “I will just have to tell you next time.” Everything done in North Korea is to highlight Kim Jong-Un, his leadership and the regime, according to Lee. There were … [Read more...] about North Korean defector lecture
North/South Korea Peace Talks
By Erica Wong |Staff Writer| North and South Korea’s agreement to resume peace talks beginning in November have once again elevated hopes in easing the high tensions on the peninsula. South Korean President Park Geun-hye has been calling for resumption of peace talks since February, and North Korean officials were welcomed at the Asian Games in Incheon. Since North Korea’s visit to South Korea, however, there have been shots fired between the two, agitating their already strained relationship. On Sunday Oct. 19, gunfire was exchanged across the DMZ line when North Korean soldiers approached the border and did not stop after warning shots were fired from South Korea, according to … [Read more...] about North/South Korea Peace Talks
Coyote Chronicle News Briefs
By Yara Del Rio-Dominguez |Staff Writer| Nov. 10: North Korea Publicly Executes 80 people Eighty people throughout seven cities were executed this month in North Korea, many for watching smuggled South Korean TV shows and prostitution. Citizens gathered by the thousands and filled a sports arena to watch the public execution of eight people by a firing squad. CSUSB Student Gabe McClellan said, “That’s crazy North Korea is going to great lengths to punish their people for watching TV shows we watch here in the states, and then covering it up.” Watching unsanctioned foreign films or TV shows, especially from the capitalist South, is a serious offense in North … [Read more...] about Coyote Chronicle News Briefs
North Korea threatens missle attacks
By Aimee Villalpando |Staff Writer| With rumors circulating about North Korea’s possible missile threats, the United States continues to take preventative action despite their claims that an attack is not expected. At this point in time, the world is divided on whether or not they believe North Korea will carry out its promise of nuclear attacks on their enemies, South Korea and the United States. North Korea’s vague expressions of their intent to push the U.S. “to the brink of war” has effectively pushed most into a panic. The President responds According to CNN, U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel reassures that, “we have every capacity to deal with any action North … [Read more...] about North Korea threatens missle attacks
Weekly Chuckle
By Julia Matulionis |Opinions Editor| In recent weeks North Korea has been threatening The United States, South Korea and Japan; crossing Beijing as well by ignoring their warnings against missile testing. CNN reports a secret meeting between U.S. and North Korean officials, “The source described the meeting as part of regular back channel exchanges between the countries.” The meeting occurred shortly before more threats from Kim Jong-Un and his plan to attack the United States with nuclear missiles. North Korea has been performing missile tests since the new young leader took over, a successful underground test was done in mid-February. The U.S. has been keeping a close eye … [Read more...] about Weekly Chuckle