Topics

76

Clandestine Stations / Shiokaze/Sea Breeze, via Yamata (Japan) with special year-end program

« on: December 29, 2021, 2326 UTC »

6085 kHz., Shiokaze/Sea Breeze, via Yamata (Japan), 1307 UT (scheduled 13-14), Dec 29. Normally would be in English
on Wednesday, but today in Japanese, with the annual, special year-end program; with a totally different format than usual; a
presentation of Jang Jin-Sung's poems "I Sell My Daughter for 100 Won" (Won, the currency of N. Korea); reception was fairly
good, without jamming till after 1130, while // 7250 was totally unusable; thanks to Hiroshi for a lot of info about this special show;
he indicates this same show was first aired in May, 2011 and has been repeated numerous times over the years. My audio is
at http://bit.ly/32Id0Ew .

Additional online info about Jang Jin-Sung and his poems is at http://bit.ly/3HlbBTh :

"The poet, Jang Jin-Sung, used to be a citizen and well renowned poet of North Korea. Kim Jong-Il even read and appreciated his
work. In 2004, he left for South Korea and published several memoirs on living conditions in the North. This poem, published in a
collection, shows the poor quality of life of the working class. Jang Jin-Sung criticized the North Korean regime through his poetry
as he remembered the great famine of millions of citizens while the wealthy did not nothing but watch."

Ron
Asilomar State Beach, Calif. (near Monterey)
Etón E1; external antenna of 30m long wire

77

Clandestine Stations / Korea

« on: December 27, 2021, 2218 UTC »

KOREA SOUTH:

Regarding Glenn Hauser's log in WOR iog - "KOREA SOUTH [and non]. 6000, Dec 24 at 0741, checking RHC frequenciesbut this one
normally off by a sesquihour earlier, yet something weak is here and also with jamming noise. Must be Echo of Hope, instead of
alternate 5995. No report from Ron this week about its current jumparounds, but Dec 24 Aoki has it on 6000 from 0500 but no
indication of jamming (Glenn Hauser, OK, WOR)"

Glenn - You were correct! From Dec 20 (Mon.) to 26 (Sun.), Echo of Hope - VOH frequencies were - 3990 // 4885 // 6000 // 6250 //
6355 // 9100 kHz.

VOH frequencies heard on Dec 27 (Mon.) -  3985 // 4880 // 5995 // 6245 // 6350 // 9095 kHz., all were fair-good with no N. Korea
jamming yet; at 1140 UT, with EBS TV audio feed for the English language lesson "Wang cho bo yeong-eo," which is always aired
only on weekdays; later at 1239, with the EBS news headlines and news stories in English and Korean. These frequencies should be
good through Jan 2 (Sun.) 

Voice of the People frequencies on Dec 27 (Mon.) - 3910 // 3930 // 3480 (heard daily now after the reactivation on Dec 6) // 4450 //
6520 // 6600 kHz., at 1145 UT.

Voice of Freedom, on 5920, at 1200 UT, on Dec 25; single tone; "Jayu-e solibangsong-eseo bam 9 (ahob) sileul allyeodeulibnida." (In
 English - Voice of Freedom has announced 9pm); singing station jingle - "jinsil-e soli, huimang-e soli, jayu-e soli bangsong!" (Voice of
Truth, Voice of Hope, Voice of Freedom broadcast); "Bodo gwangjang" (News Plaza); fair-good reception with no N. Korea jamming. If
they are smart, they will stay on this frequency, as their alternate frequency of 6045 is again being heard with N. Korea super jamming.
KBS Hanminjok Bangsong 1, on 6015, continues to be free of the usual strong white noise jamming from NK, but instead has light jamming
heard underneath, at 1150 UT.

CDNK North Korean Democratization Committee, on 6085, with *1400, on Dec 23. Heard just after the first day closing of Shiokaze at 1400*,
on their alternate frequency of 6085 (// 7250); CDNK with good reception, but by Dec 25, N. Korean jamming had found Shiokaze and is now
causing QRM for CDNK 1400+. 

KOREA NORTH - On Dec 27, at 1205 UT: 

Echo of Unification, 3945 // 5905, both fair.

Also N. Korea super jamming returned to 6045 kHz. on Dec 25 and still here Dec 27. We can only hope Voice of Freedom does not again use this
alternate frequency while the super jamming is active.

Ron
Asilomar State Beach, Calif. (near Monterey), USA
Etón E1; external antenna of 30m long wire

78

Clandestine Stations / Korea - Voice of Freedom back on alternate 5920 kHz.

« on: December 02, 2021, 1108 UTC »

KOREA SOUTH. first day back to alternate frequency of 5920, Voice of Freedom (ex: 6045). *0753+ UT, Dec 2.

*0753 - Sign on; gong rung three times; Voice of Freedom ID; Republic of Korea choral National Anthem; VOF FM frequency announcement;
VOF singing station jingle; 0500 PM KST announcement; 0800, program "Hamkke tteonaneun eum-ag-yeohaeng" (Let's go music together).

Later - 0915, program "Ma-eum-e swimpyo" (Resting heart); 0920, program “Kkumkkuneun cheongchungeug“ (Dreaming youth drama); fair
with no jamming of any kind.

79

Clandestine Stations / Korea

« on: December 01, 2021, 0207 UTC »

KOREA SOUTH. Monday (Nov 29) observations:

Echo of Hope - VOH - This week on 3980 // 4885 // 5990 // 6250 // 6348 // 9100; at 0851 UT; weekday EBS (Educational Broadcasting
System) produced English news and Korean. N. Korea jamming is getting smarter, as at 0810, the jamming was on ex 4880, but by
0851, jamming had already moved up to block VOH on 4885. They have learned that Monday is when VOH changes frequencies!

Voice of the People, this week unable to confirm; only some frequencies seemed to have a carrier, but no audio detected. Will have to
wait and see what happens during the week. Nov 30, only able to make out audio on 6520 at 1115 UT, while other frequencies seemed
to just have a carrier; 3480 continues to be off the air.

Voice of Freedom (6045). Continues to be free of the former super jamming from N. Korea; at 0900 UT with the usual format (single time
tone; station jingle "jinsil-e soli, huimang-e soli, jayu-e soli bangsong!" [Voice of truth, Voice of hope, Voice of Freedom Broadcast], "Jayu-e
solibangsong-eseo ohu 6 [yeoseos] sileul allyeodeulibnida" ["Voice of Freedom announces 6pm"], "Bodo gwangjang" [News Plaza]).

80

Clandestine Stations / Korea - Email from Sae Nala Bangsong (New Country Broadcasting) (9585 kHz.)

« on: November 19, 2021, 1509 UTC »

Had a nice surprise today (Nov 19) by receiving the following reply to my report sent to Sae Nala Bangsong (New Country Broadcasting)
at social@sonsndaughters.co .

"Dear Mr. Ron Howard,

It is such a pleasant surprise to receive your encouraging and thoughtful e-mail. We have only just begun this media venture and are greatly
encouraged by your email.

May I ask how it is that you came across our program, our contact information, and if you are able to understand the Korean language?

To briefly share a little bit more about the broadcast program, Sae Nala Bangsong is a radio broadcast produced by Sons & Daughters Co.
in hopes to touch the lives of North Koreans and offer hope.

We are a small media startup made up of young adults. We have big dreams and visions to create impactful media content for our generation.
Among other things we are currently putting in our time and effort into producing these radio program and creating YouTube content regarding
North Korea. You may also find out more about us via our YouTube channel where you can find our company introduction video which is in
English. < https://youtu.be/13kzzSo4Ojg >.

We are in the pre-production stages of more content related to North Korea and if you feel led to share our program and our company with easy
to share links I have provided links below for your convenience. You may also be interested in our short film that was made for the promotion of
our radio program. We have created this film in hopes to raise support for our media projects regarding North Korea.

I want to thank you again for taking your time to listen to our program and reaching out to us with such encouraging news. We greatly appreciate
your interest and well wishes.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach us through this email address.

Sincerely,
Sons & Daughters Co.

Hear Me in The Wind | Short Film
https://youtu.be/VKFL7tGs7I0

새나라방송 | Sae Nala Bangsong Sample programs
Monday program | http://gladdesert.sonsndaughters.co/monday
Wednesday program | http://gladdesert.sonsndaughters.co/wednesday
Friday program | http://gladdesert.sonsndaughters.co/friday "

? Does this now mean they are on the air on Mon-Wed-Fri and no longer Tue-Thu-Sun? Ron

81

Clandestine Stations / Korea - Voice of the People now on 9100 kHz. (ex: 3480) (ex: Echo of Hope - VOH)

« on: November 19, 2021, 1314 UTC »

Recently Echo of Hope - VOH had not been heard on their regular alternating weekly frequencies of 9095-9100-9105. But
today (Nov 19) for the first time I was instead hearing the programming of the Voice of the People on 9100 kHz. (ex: 3480),
at 1002 UT, with a good signal (no N. Korea jamming).  VOP: 3910 // 3930 // 4450 // 6520 // 6600 // 9100 kHz. So they are
back to their full six frequencies.

VOP - Bodo (News) - 1002-1019 UT - My audio is at http://bit.ly/3x4DNGf .
Gohyang-e on pyeonji (A letter from home) - 1019 UT - My audio is at http://bit.ly/3FBzaql .

Whereas, Echo of Hope - VOH, was heard on 3990 // 4885 // 6000 (back on the air today) // 6250 // 6355 kHz., at 1030 UT.
Is there a sixth frequency hiding someplace?

Ron
Asilomar State Beach, Calif. (near Monterey)
Etón E1; external antenna of 100 ft. long wire

82

Clandestine Stations / Korea

« on: November 18, 2021, 0310 UTC »

KOREA SOUTH. Monday (Nov 15) observations:

Echo of Hope - VOH, this week again with two frequencies silent (alternate 5990-5995-6000 & 9095-9100-9105); while 3990 // 4885 (killing Brazil
reception) // 6250 // 6355 were all on the air and not jammed on their new alternate frequencies today at 0920 UT, but the next day (Nov 16) all were
jammed by N. Korea; so Brazil (4885), was doubly killed!

Voice of the People, this week the same three frequencies were silent today - 3930, 3480 & 4450; while 3910 // 6520 // 6600 all active today, at 0925 UT.
Interesting to note Nov 16, that 3930 & 4450, were briefly heard again for a short time about 1043, but didn't stay on for long.

Voice of Freedom (6045). Am happy to report that the N. Korean pulsating jamming (formerly 0700-1100 UT) is now totally silent, leaving very good
reception here; Nov 14, at 0900 UT - time tone; station jingle "jinsil-e soli, huimang-e soli, jayu-e soli bangsong!" (Voice of truth, Voice of hope, Voice
of Freedom Broadcast), "Jayu-e solibangsong-eseo ohu 6 (yeoseos) sileul allyeodeulibnida" ("Voice of Freedom announces 6pm"), "Bodo gwangjang"
(News Plaza); after 0923, QRM from OTH radar.

Ron
Asilomar State Beach, Calif. (near Monterey)
Etón E1; external antenna of 100 ft. long wire

83

Clandestine Stations / North Korea's super white noise jamming of Brazil on 4885 kHz.

« on: November 08, 2021, 1151 UTC »

Thanks to a timely tip from Amano (Japan), I found at 1010 UT, on Nov 8, that N. Korea's super white noise jamming is now
on 4885, totally blocking Brazil. Probably only a temporary situation, as Echo of Hope - VOH is on 4890 for this week and the
jamming should eventually move up to that frequency. Time will tell as to what develops here.

It was on back on Sept 27, that I noted N. Korea had stopped broadcasting their super white noise jamming in the 49m band
(weekly alternating from 5990-5995-6000, as well as 6015 and also 6045). Had to wonder what was happening? Why the
sudden change and what were they going to do in the future? Now we know they plan to jam Echo of Hope - VOH, as they
alternate weekly between 4880-4885-4890. During the years that I have monitored VOH, had never heard 4880-4885-4890
jammed before by NK; yes, blocked at times by OTH radar QRM, but not jammed.

Nov 8 (Monday), Echo of Hope - VOH frequencies for this week: 3985 (CNR2 QRM) // 4890 (clear of the 4885 jamming,
but probably only a matter of time before the jamming moves up to 4890) // 5995 // 6255 // 6350 // 9105, at 0946 UT, with
pop song (Chicago - "Hard To Say I'm Sorry").

VOP, at 0950 UT on 3910 // 3930 // 4450 // 6520 // 6600; while 3480 remains silent.

Voice of Freedom, at 0956, on 6045; almost fair with moderate NK pulsating jamming (not super white noise jamming).

KBS Hanminjok Bangsong 1, at 0955, on 6015; fair with weak NK pulsating jamming (not super white noise jamming) underneath.

84

Shortwave Broadcast / WRNO 7505 AM 1253 UTC 7 Nov 2021

« on: November 07, 2021, 1425 UTC »

WRNO (7505) 1253 UT, Nov 7; Chinese language program ("Praise for Today"); 1300, Chinese WRNO ID and program ID;
1305, WRNO ID in English; brief preaching in English; into religious songs. Continuing with their new extended schedule.

85

Clandestine Stations / Korea - November 3, 2021

« on: November 03, 2021, 1103 UTC »

> KOREA SOUTH. 6015, KBS Hanminjok Bangsong 1, from 0714+ UT, Sept 27. Normally this station would be totally
> blocked by strong NK white noise jamming, but not today; a very rare situation here; "K-B-S Radio" SA; pop songs;
> 0800, frequencies given; time pips; radio drama. My audio posted at http://bit.ly/3ugiyzF .
>
> KBS Hanminjok Bangsong 1, on 6015, continues to be free of the usual strong white noise jamming from NK; at 1220 UT,
> on Sept 28, in progress with the audio feed from the TV KBS news at 9 (1200 UT = 9:00 PM KST), after each news item
> SA given - "K-B-S News"; program is posted daily to YouTube ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjJZpGKr2eA ). Wonderful
> to hear this without the normally, always strong white noise jamming! There is some QRM from a much weaker station, which
> I think is probably PBS Xinjiang. Ron (California)

Since Sept 27, the 49m band has been free of the three N. Korea super white noise jamming frequencies: against Echo of Hope - VOH
(weekly alternating between 5990-5995-6000); KBS Hanminjok Bangsong 1 (6015); and on 6045. Has been great to now hear VOH, KBS
and VOF (now on 6045 [ex 5920]) without the usually strong white noise jamming.

Nov 3 - KBS Hanminjok Bangsong 1, on 6015, at 0744, with the station's singing "K-B-S" jingle; as usual now clear of white noise jamming.

Nov 3 - Echo of Hope - VOH new frequencies for this week; 3980 // 4885 // 5990 // 6250 // 6348 // 9100, at 0727. Pleased to find they have
returned to their regular weekday language lesson, instead of the recent non-stop music played during this time period; start of the audio
feed from a TV program called "Wang cho bo yeong-eo" (Beginner's English); intro & exit theme song is the "Party Will Come Alive" by
Wizardz Of Oz (with Ruben Martinez); the usual intro with announcer saying "English trainer" and gives his name ("Mayu"), then the woman
announcer says her name ("Mini"), then they both say in English, "Good morning everybody"; "Is this your first visit?", "No, I have been here
before," "What are your symptoms?", "I have a fever and I have a chill as well," etc. This program will be repeated again today at 1127 and
1527 UT.

Nov 3 - Voice of Freedom now on 6045 (ex: 5920), at 0635 UT, first noted the VOF open carrier; audio started at 0753 UT, with details
corresponding to those reported by Amano (Japan) on Nov 1 (VOF's first day on 6045) - starting music at 0753, gong rung three times,
VOF ID, Republic of Korea national anthem, VOF FM frequency announcement, VOF station's singing jingle, 0500 PM KST announcement,
time pips and at 0800, the start of the program "Hamkke tteonaneun eum-ag-yeohaeng" (Let's go music together). My unedited ten minute
audio is at http://bit.ly/3mGCWb8 . Thanks very much to Amano for his ongoing assistance with these Korean stations!

Unfortunately VOF's ex 5920 continued today to be jammed by NK with a pulsating noise jamming (not the white noise jamming). Suspect
it is only a matter of time before it moves up to 6045 and will probably continue to be on from about 0700 to ending sometime after 1100
(cut off time varies a lot!).

Ron
Asilomar State Beach, Calif. (near Monterey)
Etón E1; external antenna of 100 ft. long wire

86

Clandestine Stations / Korea - Sae Nala Bangsong (New Country Broadcasting)

« on: October 20, 2021, 1405 UTC »

Info found online and with the excellent assistance of pasar malam (via "Now On The Radio" Website):

Sae Nala Bangsong (New Country Broadcasting), is a religious radio station presented by Sons and Daughters Company,
of South Korea. The CEO and founder is Matthew Bahng. The company creates and delivers hopeful messages packed with
new sounds to attract all demographics of North Koreans. They know for a fact that their programs are already making
an impact in people's lives in North Korea and this is one project that will continue and will not stop until they
become one as a nation. Sons & Daughters Company aims to arouse the interest of North Koreans and people around the
world by delivering messages through creative and modern content. Little by little, they are seeing results. They are
confident that this project will have a positive impact on youth in North Korea and around the world. Intro video in
English - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13kzzSo4Ojg . Sons and Daughters Company homepage in Korean -
https://www.sonsanddaughtersco.com/ . Thanks very much to pasar malam for his wonderful help!

My Oct 19 (Tuesday) observations - Sae Nala Bangsong (New Country Broadcasting) via RRTM Telecom Tashkent (per Ivo),
on 9585, from *1600 to 1630* UT; in Korean; fair-good reception; first time I have checked on this religious station broadcasting
to N. Korea; intro frequency (S-W, gu - oh - pal - oh [SW 9585]); sounded like preaching and religious song; at 1626,
a clear "Amen." My 1600-1615 UT audio is posted at http://bit.ly/3jimMm8 . Station is only on Tue/Thu/Sun.

Ron
Asilomar State Beach, Calif. (near Monterey)
Etón E1; external antenna of 30m long wire

87

Clandestine Stations / Korea - VOH and VOP anomalies

« on: October 18, 2021, 1233 UTC »

KOREA SOUTH. :

Echo of Hope - VOH, on Sat., Oct 16, noted the normal weekend only reading of a Harry Potter story, on 3985 // 5995 // 6350, at 0723 UT.

Observed on Monday, Oct 18

VOH, on new frequencies of 3990 // 6000 // 6355; checking for the usual 0723-0752, EBS TV audio feed for the English language lesson
("Wang cho bo yeong-eo" - Beginner's English), which is always aired on weekdays, but today surprised to find instead only non-stop EZL
pop songs (Whitney Houston - "I Will Always Love You," Carpenters - "Close To You," Celine Dion - "My Heart Will Go On,"  Bee Gees -
"How Deep Is Your Love," etc.). This is the first time I have heard this format. Perhaps the TV audio feed was not available today, so they
played filler music? Later at 0846, I heard the usual EBS news headlines in English.

Echo of Hope - VOH: this week's frequencies: 3990 // 4890 (no change!) // 6000 (this week no longer QRMing Mali) // 6250 // 6355 // 9100, at 0903 UT.

Voice of the People: only three frequencies heard at 0910 UT, not the usual six: 3910 // 4450 // 6520; no trace of 3480 (recently has been off the air!),
3930, nor 6600.

Ron
Asilomar State Beach, Calif. (near Monterey)
Etón E1; external antenna of 100 ft. long wire

88

Clandestine Stations / Korea - Oct 11 update

« on: October 13, 2021, 0055 UTC »

KOREA. Observed on Monday, Oct 11:

Echo of Unification, 3945 // 5905, at 1205 UT; both fair.

Voice of Freedom, 5920, at 1230 UT, with strong signal; no NK jamming.

The frequencies for this week for VOP and VOH:

Voice of the People: no changes; 3910 // 3930 // 4450 // 6520 // 6600, at 1200 UT; continuing to be off the air is 3480, which is unfortunate,
as it was formerly the best heard frequency.

Echo of Hope - VOH: 3985 // 4890 // 5995 (yes, will again cause QRM for Mali when they are on the air) // 6255 // 6350 // 9105, at 1150 UT.
On Oct 12, was able to hear VOH at 0540, on 5995, in the clear before the start of Mali; after Mali came on, VOH was unusable.

89

Shortwave Broadcast / Radio Ethiopia (Home Service) 7110 AM 1500* UTC 10 Oct 2021

« on: October 11, 2021, 0059 UTC »

ETHIOPIA. 7110, Radio Ethiopia (Home Service), 1430-1500* UT, Oct 10. Very respectable reception via long path; my local sunrise was
at 1410 UT and Addis Ababa sunset was at 1510 UT; usual program during this time period with chatting on the phone; also some HOA
music; 1455, non-stop music till IDs, nice IS and audio cut off after gong rung only two times (not the usual three times). My audio, ending
with IDs, IS and gongs, at http://bit.ly/3iMyCES .

Ron
California

90

Clandestine Stations / Taiwan - Sound of Hope ID

« on: October 04, 2021, 1851 UTC »

TAIWAN. 6214.92, Sound of Hope, 1200 UT, Oct 4. Clear IDs in Chinese; "Xiwang zhi sheng guoji guangbo diantai"
(Sound of Hope international broadcast station), given twice (once by OM and once by YL); into the news; // 6230
// 6280. Never any time pips at top-of-the-hour. My audio at http://bit.ly/3FjvTwv .