S. Korean maestro returns home after trip to N. Korea

SEOUL, Sept. 15 (Yonhap) -- A South Korean orchestra conductor returned home Thursday after a trip to North Korea. Chung Myung-whun, who leads the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra and doubles as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador, arrived at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul. Chung plans to hold a news conference on Friday on his trip to Pyongyang. During his stay, he conducted performances of the North's State Symphony Orchestra and the Unhasu Orchestra, according to the North's state media. His trip comes amid lingering tensions over North Korea's two deadly attacks on the South last year. Seoul imposed sanctions on the North last year in retaliation for the sinking of its warship, which was blamed on the North. Still, South Korea has selectively approved trips to the North by its citizens and humanitarian aid to the North. South Koreans are not allowed to travel to North Korea without government approval.