Theresa Kim Hwa-young

The dust fell between Sunday and Monday. Children and elderly people have been warned to stay indoors and people going out have worn protective masks.

In a message published for Easter, the Korean bishops underlined the importance of the Eucharist, a "privileged meeting place with Jesus" and urged "each and every Catholic to reject those unethical techniques that go against man, God's creation".

The trial of the "cloning pioneer" appeared to have blocked the ascent of the rising star of South Korean medical research. However the country can still boast about an army of young committed researchers in the field of cancer research.

The National Statistical Office said 14 out of every 100 marriages in 2005 were with foreign citizens, especially Chinese.

Police have warned firms across the country: "You are targeted because of our participation in the Iraq war, so be on the lookout for attacks aiming to destroy the national economy."

This is the thirteenth such reunion after the first historic meeting in 2000. Meanwhile, tension between the two Koreas remains high thanks to imminent military exercises with the US, "a foreign and hostile nation".

The birth rate is falling and life expectancy is climbing in South Korea. To counter the ageing population, banks and insurance companies are offering new products and special terms for families with children.

Government and opposition are working together on a new bill to deal with the problem. In 2005 police reported 738 sex offence cases against minors under the age of 13. A repeat offender was involved in 11.4 per cent of the cases.

In the case of US military intervention without the green light from Seoul, most youth interviewed were for an alliance with Pyongyang. "This does not mean hostility towards the USA,'' said an expert in South Korean politics. "It means opposition to attempts to solve the nuclear crisis by armed force.''

The Korea Development Institute said the main causes of the economic disparity are an ageing population and the trend of living in nuclear families.

The Ministry of Justice plans to issue new employment visas for ethnic Koreans living abroad, but at home some fear that local Koreans might lose their jobs.

It is the highest figure since 2001. The Health Ministry wants to set up new free health clinics but critics argue more is needed.