yna--2020-07-19--(LEAD) PM Chung calls for 'caution' in mulling opening greenbelt zones

(ATTN: ADDS more info in paras 10-14)
SEOUL, July 19 (Yonhap) -- Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun called Sunday for "caution" in considering lifting greenbelt zones in the Seoul metropolitan area to address the country's housing supply shortage, warning they can't be restored once damaged.
The ruling Democratic Party and the government have been weighing the option of lifting the development restrictions on greenbelt zones, although activists and other opponents raised concerns over its environmental impact and claimed it should be mulled only as a "last resort."
"What is right is that we should take a very cautious approach. That is because the greenbelts cannot be restored once they are damaged," he said in an interview with the local broadcaster KBS.
This photo, taken on July 17, 2020, shows Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun speaking during a policy coordination meeting at the government complex in Seoul. (Yonhap)
The prime minister noted that the government has yet to finalize its decision on whether to lift the greenbelt restrictions to secure more land for the construction of new homes in Seoul and in its surrounding areas.
"We are at a stage where we are reviewing all possibilities," Chung said.
"We will formulate and announce refined policy measures -- rather than measures hastily cobbled together -- at the earliest possible date," he added.
Over the past week, senior public and ruling party officials, including Kim Sang-jo, presidential chief of staff for policy, have said that the government will mull lifting greenbelt restrictions.
Their remarks polarized the public as critics argue that there can be other alternatives to secure more construction space while keeping intact the greenbelt zones, which they call the "lungs" of the bustling city.
The premier said that it is "inappropriate" for policymakers to make a flurry of remarks on policy measures that are not finalized, while warning those remarks could confuse the public and give a "wrong signal" to the market.
Development restriction areas in Seoul reach about 150 square kilometers, or 25 percent of its total area.
The Seoul metropolitan government has long opposed the idea of easing restrictions on greenbelt areas, citing the need to protect the environment and avoid excessive expansion of the city.
Gyeonggi Province Gov. Lee Jae-myung, bandied about as a potential presidential contender for the ruling party, also voiced opposition to the lifting of greenbelt development restrictions, warning "losses will outweigh gains."
"There is a need to reconsider the idea of expanding home supplies by damaging greenbelt zones," Lee told Yonhap News Agency over the phone.
"We need to be cautious, because if we lift the restrictions on greenbelt zones in important swaths of land in southern Seoul, chances are high that they would become assets for real estate speculation," he added.
The ruling party and government have been agonizing over how to rein in the continued rise in home prices amid growing public anger at its plan to impose higher tax rates on multiple homeowners, which critics say would only lead to a further increase in housing rental costs.
The median price of Seoul apartments jumped 52 percent from 606 million won (US$505,000) to 920 million won in three years since the Moon Jae-in administration came into office in May 2017, according to property data from KB Kookmin Bank.
Record-low interest rates and excess liquidity, which has been pumped into the market to help revive the virus-hit economy, have contributed to soaring home prices, analysts said.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-19--Doosan Heavy eager to generate more revenue from offshore wind power biz

SEOUL , July 19 ( Yonhap ) -- Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction Co. , South Korea 's largest power @ @ @ @ @ ambitious plan Sunday to boost its annual sales from its offshore wind farm business to @ @ @ @ @ US $ 830 billion ) by 2025 , more than what it has generated over @ @ @ @

SEOUL, July 19 (Yonhap) -- Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction Co., South Korea's largest power plant builder, set an ambitious plan Sunday to boost its annual sales from its offshore wind farm business to over 1 trillion won (US$830 billion) by 2025, more than what it has generated over the past decade.
Doosan Heavy is the biggest local supplier of wind farm equipment, but its accumulated sales in the field since 2010 still sit at 660 billion won.
The bold business target follows the so-called Green New Deal, unveiled last week by the government, that seeks to drastically transform the country's fossil fuel-reliant economy into an environmentally friendly one.
The photo, provided by Doosan Heavy Industries and Construction Co., shows wind turbines at an offshore wind farm in South Korea. The company announced a goal on July 19, 2020, to boost its annual sales from its wind farm business to 1 trillion won (US$829 billion) by 2025. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Seoul said it will spend a total of 73.4 trillion won for the initiative, including 14 trillion won to build new offshore wind farms with a combined generation capacity of 2.4 gigawatts.
The generation capacity of South Korea's offshore wind farms currently stands at 124.5 megawatts, according to earlier reports.
Doosan Heavy is said to have developed technologies and equipment specifically fit for South Korea's less-than-powerful gusts.
It has so far supplied wind turbines, each with 3-megawatt capacity, and is said to have successfully developed a 5-megawatt turbine.
It began its research for a new 8-megawatt turbine in 2018.
The localization rate of equipment supplied by Doosan Heavy currently stands at about 70 percent, according to company officials.
They said the company has so far invested 180 billion won in the wind farm business and plans to expand its investment in related research and development, as well as production facilities.
(END)


yna--2020-07-19--PM Chung calls for 'caution' in mulling opening greenbelt zones

`` What is right is that we should take a very cautious approach .
That is because the greenbelts can @ @ @ @ @ are damaged , '' he said in an interview with the local broadcaster KBS .

SEOUL, July 19 (Yonhap) -- Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun called Sunday for "caution" in considering lifting greenbelt zones in the Seoul metropolitan area to address the country's housing supply shortage, warning they can't be restored once damaged.
The ruling Democratic Party and the government have been weighing the option of lifting the development restrictions on greenbelt zones, although activists and other opponents raised concerns over its environmental impact and claimed it should be mulled only as a "last resort."
"What is right is that we should take a very cautious approach. That is because the greenbelts cannot be restored once they are damaged," he said in an interview with the local broadcaster KBS.
This photo, taken on July 17, 2020, shows Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun speaking during a policy coordination meeting at the government complex in Seoul. (Yonhap)
The prime minister noted that the government has yet to finalize its decision on whether to lift the greenbelt restrictions to secure more land for the construction of new homes in Seoul and in its surrounding areas.
"We are at a stage where we are reviewing all possibilities," Chung said.
"We will formulate and announce refined policy measures -- rather than measures hastily cobbled together -- at the earliest possible date," he added.
Over the past week, senior public and ruling party officials, including Kim Sang-jo, presidential chief of staff for policy, have said that the government will mull lifting greenbelt restrictions.
Their remarks polarized the public as critics argue that there can be other alternatives to secure more construction space while keeping intact the greenbelt zones, which they call the "lungs" of the bustling city.
The premier said that it is "inappropriate" for policymakers to make a flurry of remarks on policy measures that are not finalized, while warning those remarks could confuse the public and give a "wrong signal" to the market.
The ruling party and government have been agonizing over how to rein in the continued rise in home prices amid growing public anger at its plan to impose higher tax rates on multiple homeowners, which critics say would only lead to a further increase in housing rental costs.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-19--Today in Korean history

Today in Korean history

2018 -- A Seoul court convicts ousted President Park Geun-hye of additional charges and sentences her to eight more years @ @ @ @ @ total jail term to 32 years .
She was found guilty on charges of embezzlement @ @ @ @ @ funds for illegally accepting billions of won from Seoul 's spy agency .

July 20
1907 -- King Gojong of the Joseon Dynasty abdicates in favor of his son under pressure from the Japanese colonial regime. The king was a thorn in Japan's side, as he made several diplomatic efforts to counter its colonial policies.
1948 -- The National Assembly of South Korea names Rhee Syngman as the nation's first president.
1989 -- The government begins to allow citizens to make proposals to visit North Korea under the Inter-Korean Cooperation and Exchange Act.
2005 -- The divided Koreas agree to resume dismantling propaganda facilities, along their heavily fortified border as part of tension-easing measures following the historic inter-Korean summit in 2000.
2007 -- Taliban insurgents kidnap 18 South Koreans, including 15 women, in Afghanistan, threatening to kill them if Seoul doesn't withdraw its troops from the war-torn country.
2013 -- South Korea's western port city of Incheon is chosen to be the World Book Capital for 2015 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
2018 -- A Seoul court convicts ousted President Park Geun-hye of additional charges and sentences her to eight more years in prison, raising her total jail term to 32 years. She was found guilty on charges of embezzlement and incurring loss of state funds for illegally accepting billions of won from Seoul's spy agency.
2018 -- A unified Korean men's doubles ping pong team, the duo of Lee Sang-su (South Korea) and Pak Sin-hyok (North Korea), wins the bronze medal after losing in the semifinals of an international tournament in South Korea.
(END)


yna--2020-07-19--Mobile version of retro PC-based games set for launch in H2

A total of 1 million people applied for the mobile version on the first day of the launch , Nexon @ @ @ @ @ also became the highest grossing application on Apple 's App Store for iPhones , and @ @ @ @ @ popular app on Google 's Play Store for Android devices .

By Kim Han-joo
SEOUL, July 19 (Yonhap) -- A slew of highly-anticipated mobile games based on classic PC titles have been or are set to be launched during the second half of this year, as game publishers aim to attract more mobile game users.
In the lineup is "The Kingdom of the Winds: Yeon," by major game publisher Nexon Co., that began the service on mobile platforms on Wednesday, 20 years after the original PC game became available.
This undated image, provided by Nexon Co. shows "The Kingdom of the Winds: Yeon," a mobile version of "The Kingdom of the Winds," a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) released in 1996. (PHOTO FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
"The Kingdom of the Winds," a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) released in 1996, is part of the first-generation internet graphic games. It is one of the oldest MMORPGs still in service and was recognized as the "Longest-running commercial graphical MMORPG" by Guinness World Records.
A total of 1 million people applied for the mobile version on the first day of the launch, Nexon said. The mobile MMORPG also became the highest grossing application on Apple's App Store for iPhones, and was one of the most popular app on Google's Play Store for Android devices.
This mobile version retains much of the 2-dimensional graphic and everything from the opening screen to the music looks the same as the original, but the modern interpretation of characters and contents was added to it, officials said.
An image of Trickster M by Ntreev Soft Co., a subsidiary of South Korean online game developer NCSOFT Corp., provided by the company (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Ntreev Soft Co., a subsidiary of online game developer NCSOFT Corp. is also scheduled to roll out "Trickster M," a mobile edition of its flagship MMORPG title, "Trickster," that was in service between 2003 and 2014.
The fantasy mobile edition will also present 2-D graphics, like the original version, and will provide a new technology that allows players to enjoy a "seamless world."
NCSOFT earlier said the mobile edition is to be rolled out in the country within this year, with the global launch set for later.
This undated image, provided by Gravity Co., shows "Ragnarok Origin," a mobile edition of online role-paying game "Ragnarok." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
"Ragnarok Origin," a mobile edition of online role-paying game "Ragnarok" by local game company Gravity Co., was launched on July 7 in South Korea, becoming one of top 5 grossing game apps.
The original version, launched in 2002, retains the big heads, fairytale scenery and cute graphics favored by local gamers and has spawned a cult animation series in neighboring Asian countries, including Japan.
Ragnarok Origin is heavily based on the original version, but also brings forth a satisfying MMORPG experience despite being on mobile platforms. It also features various innovative technology, like an automatic system to deter players from cheating.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-19--Sales of privately placed funds to retail investors down for 11th consecutive month

Sales of such funds to individuals stood at 20.7 trillion won ( US $ 17.2 billion ) as of May @ @ @ @ @ from a year ago .
It also marked the lowest since 20.8 trillion won posted @ @ @ @ @ 2018 , according to the data .

SEOUL, July 19 (Yonhap) -- Sales of privately placed funds to individuals have fallen for the 11th consecutive month, as consumer distrust grew following a series of misseling fiascos, industry data showed Sunday.
Sales of such funds to individuals stood at 20.7 trillion won (US$17.2 billion) as of May, down 500 billion won from a year ago. It also marked the lowest since 20.8 trillion won posted at the end of July 2018, according to the data.
Experts said the figure is likely to tumble below the 20 trillion mark soon.
Experts attributed the fall to a series of derivatives-linked investment funds through which a large number of retail investors suffered massive losses. First-tier banks and brokerage houses involved in the misselling fiasco came under fire for selling complicated derivatives-linked products tracking overseas indices.
The liquidity crisis of funds operated by Lime Asset Management, once the largest hedge fund in the country, also raised consumer alerts.
The company's suspension of fund redemption spooked investors, forcing investors to scramble to withdraw their money.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-19--IBs maintain steady growth outlook for S. Korea

`` Global economic uncertainties have again increased due to the recent resurgence of COVID-19 cases .
Our economic growth may @ @ @ @ @ a delay in the recovery of exports that is closely linked to global economic conditions @ @ @ @ @ press briefing on Thursday when he and six other members of the BOK monetary policy @ @ @ @ @ the country 's policy rate frozen at 0.5 percent .

SEOUL, July 19 (Yonhap) -- Major global investment banks (IBs) maintained their revised-up growth outlook for South Korea's economy, a report showed Sunday, despite a gloomier outlook recently portrayed by the country's central bank.
In June, nine global investment banks forecast the South Korean economy to contract 0.4 percent from a year earlier in 2020, unchanged from their estimate tallied in May, according to the report from the Korea Center for International Finance (KCIF).
The file photo, taken May 20, 2020, shows stacks of import-export cargo at South Korea's largest port in Busan, 450 kilometers south of Seoul. South Korea's exports have dropped for four consecutive months as of June. (Yonhap)
In May, the nine investment banks revised up their growth outlook from a 0.9 percent contraction for Asia's fourth-largest economy forecast the month before, according to the KCIF.
The nine investment banks are Barclays, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Citi, Credit Suisse, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, HSBC, Nomura and UBS.
In the latest poll, the nine IBs revised down their average growth outlooks for five Asian countries, including India, Indonesia and the Philippines, while revising up growth projections for three -- Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam -- and keeping intact those for South Korea and Singapore.
The steady outlook for South Korea, however, comes amid an apparently imminent downward revision by the Bank of Korea (BOK).
The BOK in late May forecast the local economy to shrink 0.2 percent on-year, a sharp slowdown from a 2.1 percent expansion forecast three months earlier.
BOK Gov. Lee Ju-yeol last week said a further downward revision may be inevitable due to a recent global resurgence of new coronavirus infections.
"Global economic uncertainties have again increased due to the recent resurgence of COVID-19 cases. Our economic growth may further slow down due to a delay in the recovery of exports that is closely linked to global economic conditions," he told a press briefing on Thursday when he and six other members of the BOK monetary policy board voted unanimously to keep the country's policy rate frozen at 0.5 percent.
The top central banker noted the local economy still required support against the growing fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic but that there may be little the BOK can do.
South Korea's exports have dropped from a year earlier for four consecutive months since March, plunging 24.5 percent and 23.7 percent on-year in April and May, respectively. They again fell 10.9 percent on-year in June.
The BOK is set to offer its latest growth projection next month.
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-19--N.K. paper touts N.K.-Russia ties on occasion of 20th anniv. of declaration on bilateral cooperation

`` The historic meeting in Pyongyang and the adoption of the declaration laid the sturdy foundation to develop on a @ @ @ @ @ friendly relations between the two countries in a way that befits the demand of the @ @ @ @ @ newspaper said in an editorial .

SEOUL, July 19 (Yonhap) -- North Korea's main newspaper touted its friendly relations with Russia on Sunday on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the two countries' landmark declaration on multifaceted cooperation.
The Rodong Sinmun, the daily of the North's ruling Workers' Party, called the declaration a historical milestone in the two countries' relations and said the bilateral ties will further strengthen in a way that benefits peoples of the two countries.
Then-North Korean leader Kim Jong-il and Russian President Vladimir Putin adopted the declaration aimed at further deepening bilateral cooperation during the latter's first visit to Pyongyang on July 19, 2000.
"The historic meeting in Pyongyang and the adoption of the declaration laid the sturdy foundation to develop on a full scale the cooperative, friendly relations between the two countries in a way that befits the demand of the new era," the newspaper said in an editorial.
The paper also mentioned the summit between current North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Putin in Russia's Far Eastern port city of Vladivostok in April last year, as it stressed the deepening of bilateral ties.
"In line with the spirit of the agreement between the two countries, they are taking the shared approach towards key matters of international relations and making efforts to safeguard peace and security in the world and establish a fair international order," the paper said.
The North has been seen as trying to maintain closer ties with its traditional partners, China and Russia, amid an impasse in nuclear negotiations with Washington.
North Korean leader Kim sent a congratulatory letter to Putin when Russia marked its 75th anniversary of victory in World War II in May and Russia Day, the country's national day, in June.
Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) shakes hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un before their talks in Russia's Far Eastern port city of Vladivostok in this photo released on April 26, 2019, by the North's official Korean Central News Agency. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-19--Beer imports down for first time in decade

Since July last year , South Korean consumers have waged an anti-Japan campaign in protest of Tokyo 's export regulations @ @ @ @ @ crucial to the production of chips and displays .

SEOUL, July 19 (Yonhap) -- South Korean imports of beer fell for the first time last year in a decade, largely on a nationwide boycott of Japanese products amid a yearlong trade dispute, data showed Sunday.
Imports of beer stood at 360,000 tons in 2019, down 7.2 percent from 387,000 tons a year earlier, according to the data compiled by the Korea Customs Service.
It marked the first on-year decrease since 2009, a sharp turnaround from a 17.1 percent hike in 2018 and a 50.2 percent jump in 2017.
Local vendors largely attributed the fall to weak demand for Japanese beer products.
How Korean beer went from boring to brilliant Youtube https://youtu.be/UEZoMnTffmo
Since July last year, South Korean consumers have waged an anti-Japan campaign in protest of Tokyo's export regulations on some key industrial materials crucial to the production of chips and displays.
Whisky imports also dipped last year, extending their fall to a third consecutive year.
Inbound shipments of whisky stood at 19,800 tons in 2019, down 0.7 percent from 19,900 tons in 2018 and 20,200 tons in 2017.
The decrease began amid the country's implementation of a new anti-corruption act in 2016, industrial sources said.
The introduction of a 52-hour work hour system in 2018 also pulled down whisky consumption, they said.
This undated photo, provided by Lotte Mart, shows a variety of Japanese beer products imported to South Korea. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-20--Gov't to expand employment insurance to all workers by 2025: minister

Last week , President Moon Jae-in announced plans to invest 160 trillion won ( US $ 133 billion ) by @ @ @ @ @ jobs under the Korean version of the New Deal .
He described it as a @ @ @ @ @ transformation '' of the nation in preparation for the post-coronavirus era .

SEOUL, July 20 (Yonhap) -- South Korea plans to put all working citizens under employment insurance coverage by 2025 as part of its ambitious policy project aimed at overcoming the new coronavirus pandemic, the labor minister said Monday.
With the plan, some 21 million people are forecast to be covered by the state employment insurance scheme by 2025, compared with the current figure that falls short of 14 million.
The five-year project does not include soldiers, public servants and faculty at private schools who are covered by separate insurance programs.
The expansion is aimed at protecting temporary workers and freelancers who are regarded as being in a "blind spot" as they are not directly employed by companies and are not covered by employment insurance.
By job, it would bring in artists and people who are hired under special contracts -- such as delivery workers, insurance agents and caregivers -- into the national insurance system, making them eligible to receive jobless benefits when they lose their jobs.
It would also allow them to apply for government subsidies for pre- and post-maternity leave as well as parental leave.
An illustration depicting employment stability (Yonhap)
To prepare for the expansion, the government said it plans to establish a system to verify the income of these workers and carry out necessary legal revisions.
As part of the "New Deal" project, the ministry said it also plans to expand work injury insurance programs and government subsidies for low-income job seekers.
Also among the plans are providing internships at public and private sector companies as well as non-governmental organizations. The government also aims to foster more IT jobs for younger job seekers and expand relevant job training courses.
Last week, President Moon Jae-in announced plans to invest 160 trillion won (US$133 billion) by 2025 to create 1.9 million jobs under the Korean version of the New Deal. He described it as a campaign for the "grand transformation" of the nation in preparation for the post-coronavirus era.
Labor Minister Lee Jae-gap explains on how the government's "New Deal" project will help provide stability to workers, during a press briefing at the government complex in the administrative city of Sejong, on July 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-20--KBO clubs vying for 2nd place to clash in Seoul

The hard-throwing setup man An Woo-jin had a particularly rocky week .
His string of scoreless appearances was snapped at @ @ @ @ @ the SK Wyverns touched him for four runs in one inning .
Two days later @ @ @ @ @ and was charged with four earned runs in 2/3 of an inning against the same @ @ @ @ @ losing pitcher in both games .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, July 20 (Yonhap) -- With the NC Dinos enjoying a comfortable lead at the top of the South Korean baseball standings, other playoff hopefuls may already have been left to play for second place.
Two of those clubs will collide in the nation's capital starting Tuesday in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO).
The Doosan Bears (38-26), sitting 5.5 games behind the Dinos for second place, will host the Kiwoom Heroes (38-28), who are one game back of the Bears, for a three-game series at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul.
Behind the Heroes are five teams separated by 3.5 games, with the fourth-place LG Twins (34-29-1) trailing the Heroes by 2.5 games.
Members of the Doosan Bears celebrate their 8-4 victory over the Kia Tigers in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field in Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul, on July 19, 2020. (Yonhap)
The Bears went 4-2 last week, while the Heroes were 3-4, with some Jekyll & Hyde performances by their bullpen.
The hard-throwing setup man An Woo-jin had a particularly rocky week. His string of scoreless appearances was snapped at nine on Friday, as the SK Wyverns touched him for four runs in one inning. Two days later, An issued three walks and was charged with four earned runs in 2/3 of an inning against the same Wyverns. An was the losing pitcher in both games.
An and the rest of the Heroes' pitching staff will have their hands full against the Bears, who have the league's best team batting average (.302), the second most runs (395) and the second-highest on-base plus slugging percentage (.816).
The Heroes took two out of three against the Bears in their first series from June 30-July 2. It was their first meeting since the Bears swept the Heroes in last year's Korean Series.
Han Seung-taek of the Kia Tigers hits an RBI single against the Samsung Lions in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Daegu Samsung Lions Park in Daegu, 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on July 16, 2020. (Yonhap)
They may well have a rematch in this year's Korean Series, though the Dinos (42-19-2), despite some bullpen issues of their own, remain firmly entrenched at the top. The regular season champions earn a bye to the Korean Series.
Also starting Tuesday, the Dinos will host the Samsung Lions (34-31), who are trying to stay in the tight race for a playoff spot. The Lions entered the week trailing the Kia Tigers (33-29) for the fifth and the last postseason berth by half a game.
And those two clubs will clash on the weekend at the Tigers' home in Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul. The Tigers and the Lions are currently ranked first and second in team ERA. Over the weekend, the Lions welcomed Ben Lively back from a long injury layoff. The American right-hander earned his first win of the season on Saturday after holding the Lotte Giants to two runs over five innings.
The Twins, who swept the lowly Hanwha Eagles over the weekend to move into fourth place, will take on the KT Wiz starting Tuesday. The Wiz have tumbled below .500 mark at 31-32-1 after posting one tie and two losses against the Dinos.
Slugger Mel Rojas Jr. has kept on mashing for the Wiz. The Player of the Month for June has been even better in July, batting .419/.486/.774 with five home runs and 15 RBIs in 16 games in July.
Rojas Jr. is the league leader in batting Triple Crown categories with a .387 batting average, 22 home runs and 60 RBIs.
Mel Rojas Jr. of the KT Wiz (R) is greeted by his first base coach Park Ki-hyuck at the plate after hitting a two-run home run against the NC Dinos in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Changwon NC Park in Changwon, 400 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on July 19, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-20--N.K. paper stresses surveillance on possible virus spread through imported goods

The paper emphasized that it is necessary to maintain tight border control on land and at sea to block any @ @ @ @ @ which the virus could be transmitted into the communist state .

SEOUL, July 20 (Yonhap) -- North Korea's official newspaper called Monday for increased surveillance against the possibility of the inflow of the coronavirus via imported goods as it is striving to stave off an outbreak of the highly contagious disease.
North Korea's media outlets have intensified calls for antivirus efforts since leader Kim Jong-un demanded "maximum alert" against COVID-19, saying complacency will lead to an "unimaginable and irretrievable crisis."
"Recently, customs authorities in a country reported that the coronavirus had been found from package paper of an imported food item," said the Rodong Sinmun, the organ of the ruling Workers' Party.
The paper was apparently referring to cases in China, which recently suspended some food imports after discovering the coronavirus on package paper for frozen shrimp shipped from Ecuador.
"Even if separation periods for imported items have been met, it does not necessarily mean that virus spread would be prevented," the paper added. "There is no such scientific guarantee whatsoever."
The paper emphasized that it is necessary to maintain tight border control on land and at sea to block any possible "hole" through which the virus could be transmitted into the communist state.
North Korea has not reported any confirmed coronavirus infections, but it has taken relatively swift and drastic antivirus measures since early this year, including closing its border and toughening quarantine criteria.
The North has recently stressed the importance of stepped-up surveillance against the possible spread of the virus through major trade gateways, including sea ports.
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-20--The Korea Interbank Offered Rates (KORIBOR)

SEOUL , Jul .
20 ( Yonhap ) -- The Korea Interbank Offered Rates ( KORIBOR ) as posted by @ @ @ @ @ news and information arm of Yonhap News Agency , at 11:00 a.m .

(URGENT) N. Korea says Travis King decided to come over to N. Korea because he harbored ill feeling within the U.S. Army: KCNA


yna--2020-07-20--(Yonhap Interview) Playing far away from home, American pitcher learns to appreciate fans

`` I 'd like to have a good time when not pitching .
I definitely still take every game seriously @ @ @ @ @ when I am not pitching , other guys are playing every day and trying to @ @ @ @ @ Buchanan said .
`` When the situation presents itself and the timing is right , @ @ @ @ @ fun .
When the game is going well and everybody is having a good time @ @ @ @ @ interact with cameras because I know fans are home and they 're not able to @ @ @ @ @ .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, July 20 (Yonhap) -- A few years ago, in pre-pandemic times when baseball fans could camp outside stadiums, a video clip showing Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) players ignoring fans' pleas for post-game autographs went viral. The images of players keeping their heads down as they boarded the team bus, as if they couldn't hear the fans, seemed to be the perfect encapsulation of spoiled, selfish athletes who didn't appreciate their supporters and couldn't even bother to spend a few seconds with them.
In this file photo from June 7, 2020, David Buchanan of the Samsung Lions pitches against the SK Wyverns in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at SK Happy Dream Park in Incheon, 40 kilometers west of Seoul. (Yonhap)
And if David Buchanan, the first-year import pitcher for the Samsung Lions, were ever filmed in such a clip, he would never be caught simply walking past fans. Chances are, he'd probably be signing so many autographs that he may keep his teammates waiting inside the bus.
This is the fourth year in Asia for the 31-year-old American, who spent the past three seasons with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He'd been in his native United States for the first seven seasons of his professional career, including the 2014 and 2015 seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies, but it's the time spent in Asia that has taught Buchanan a valuable life lesson.
He has realized that even a brief moment with his fans can change their lives.
"Playing so far in Korea and definitely a few years in Japan, I learned that there's so much more to myself than just being a baseball player," Buchanan told Yonhap News Agency in a recent interview.
"Interactions that you have with your fans ... what a difference you can have and impact you can have on them just by being polite and shaking hands, taking a couple of pictures, saying hello to kids ... I think that really showed me how much of a difference I can make in the profession that I have," Buchanan continued. "The opportunities and interactions I've had with people have shown me much more about myself, and what kind of person I can be."
In this file photo from July 1, 2020, David Buchanan of the Samsung Lions pitches against the SK Wyverns in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Daegu Samsung Lions Park in Daegu, 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
And to be sure, Buchanan isn't just a nice guy off the field. He has been one of the KBO's best starters this year. He's 8-4 with a 3.36 ERA in 13 starts, and he's top 10 in the league in wins, ERA, innings pitched, walks and hits per innings pitched (WHIP), and quality starts.
Buchanan had a roller coaster first month of the season in May. In his second KBO start on May 13, Buchanan tossed seven shutout innings against the Kiwoom Heroes. Six days later, he was roughed up for 10 runs on 10 hits, including three home runs, against the LG Twins.
And in his next start, on May 24, Buchanan blanked the Doosan Bears over seven innings.
He has been far more consistent since, save for the six-inning, eight-run outing on June 25 against the Hanwha Eagles. Since that May 24 start, Buchanan has put up two more scoreless starts and pitched his first complete game in the KBO on July 1 against the SK Wyverns.
He has been one of the KBO's top starters in July, with a 3-1 record and a 1.20 ERA in four starts spanning 30 innings. He's struck out 20 and walked only four.
"I think the biggest keys to my success now are just the fact that I can trust my catcher (Kang Min-ho) when I am on the mound," Buchanan said of the veteran backstop who has started 11 of the right-hander's 13 starts so far.
"We have the same approach to the hitters, so it's easy to work quick. Having confidence in him is very big," Buchanan added. "The same goes for my defense. My defense is always behind me, making amazing plays day in and day out. That's a huge part of pitching; trust your catcher and trust your defense."
When he's not starting, Buchanan returns some of that love he has for his Lions teammates by serving as one of the biggest dugout cheerleaders. And without spectators in KBO stadiums due to the lingering COVID-19 infection concerns, Buchanan has also decided to have a little fun with fans watching games at home.
In this file photo from July 14, 2020, David Buchanan of the Samsung Lions (L) bumps fists with his catcher Kang Min-ho after the Lions' 5-0 victory over the Kia Tigers in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Daegu Samsung Lions Park in Daegu, 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
The pitcher has preened in front of the dugout cameras, making faces, dancing and even playing a bit of hide-and-seek by ducking behind teammates, away from the prying lens.
"I'd like to have a good time when not pitching. I definitely still take every game seriously because I know, even when I am not pitching, other guys are playing every day and trying to win the game," Buchanan said. "When the situation presents itself and the timing is right, I'll have a little fun. When the game is going well and everybody is having a good time, I'd like to interact with cameras because I know fans are home and they're not able to be here at the field.
"So (I'm) just giving them something at home to feel more like they're at the stadium and like they're interacting with us as much as they can," Buchanan continued. "I think it's a fun thing for them to have."
As much as Buchanan tries to pitch well for fans on the mound and then entertain them away from the hill, his fans have wholeheartedly embraced Buchanan and his young family.
Buchanan's wife, Ashley, and their son, Bradley, spent an early part of the season in South Korea, but they had to return to the United States earlier this month due to Ashley's complications with her pregnancy.
Buchanan, who fought off tears in a post-game television interview following his complete game performance on the eve of his family's departure, said fans have given his family "kindest messages of love and support" on social media.
"We've been treated so politely," he said. "The fans are outstanding. They've done nothing but welcome me with open arms. I can't wait until we get the chance to see them in person (at stadiums)."
In this file photo from May 19, 2020, David Buchanan of the Samsung Lions pitches against the LG Twins in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Daegu Samsung Lions Park in Daegu, 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-20--(LEAD) Seoul authorities looking into case of 'worm' discovered in tap water, no problem found at ta

(LEAD) Seoul authorities looking into case of 'worm' discovered in tap water, no problem found at tank, reservoir in initial search

`` We have conducted an inspection of all water-purifying facilities and reservoirs in Seoul following similar reports in Incheon , @ @ @ @ @ detected , '' an official said , `` Since there is just one complaint so @ @ @ @ @ on determining the condition of the building 's basement water tank . ''

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead, parts of story; ADDS details in paras 4-7)
SEOUL, July 20 (Yonhap) -- Seoul water authorities on Monday said they were examining local waterworks after an organism resembling a worm was discovered in the city's tap water.
Workers at the Seoul Waterworks Authority have collected and are examining the organism, about 1 centimeter long, which was discovered at an apartment in Seoul's Jung Ward and reported at around 11 p.m. Sunday.
The person who reported the organism said it had a thickness of a hair and was moving when found.
Officials are focusing on determining whether the organism flowed in through the water pipes or entered through an external channel.
An initial probe showed there were no issues at the building's basement water tank. However, there were some bugs found outside of the tank, officials said.
There are low possibilities the organism may have come in from a connected water-purifying plant or reservoir, they added.
"We have conducted an inspection of all water-purifying facilities and reservoirs in Seoul following similar reports in Incheon, and there were no issues detected," an official said, "Since there is just one complaint so far, we are focusing on determining the condition of the building's basement water tank."
The report came amid the city of Incheon and several regions near Seoul having seen a large number of similar reports, of finding worm-like or larva-like organisms in their respective tap water.
Since July 9, Incheon has received 580 complaints of larva-like organisms being discovered in the city's tap water. Of those, water officials collected larva-like organisms from 149 cases.
A worm-like organism that was discovered in tap water at an apartment in Seoul's Jung Ward at around 11 p.m. on July 19, 2020, is seen in this photo provided by the resident. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-07-20--Moon's approval rating hits 9-month low amid falling support from core base: Realmeter

In a five-day survey on 2,516 adults nationwide through last Friday , the rating dropped 3.9 percentage points from a @ @ @ @ @ Realmeter .
It marks the lowest since 41.4 percent in the second week of October @ @ @ @ @ Korea was in the midst of huge political rifts over Moon 's appointment of Cho @ @ @ @ @ closest aides , as justice minister .
Cho and his family were accused of having @ @ @ @ @ gains and received favors in schooling .

SEOUL, July 20 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in's approval rating plunged to 44.8 percent, the lowest in nine months, as an increased number of people in their 30s, especially women, have turned their backs on the liberal-minded president, a poll showed Monday.
In a five-day survey on 2,516 adults nationwide through last Friday, the rating dropped 3.9 percentage points from a week earlier, according to Realmeter. It marks the lowest since 41.4 percent in the second week of October last year, when South Korea was in the midst of huge political rifts over Moon's appointment of Cho Kuk, one of his closest aides, as justice minister. Cho and his family were accused of having made illegal or unfair financial gains and received favors in schooling.
Moon's disapproval rating hit an eight-month high at 51 percent, up 4.5 percentage points on week. The margin of error is plus and minus 2.0 percentage points.
In this file photo, dated July 16, 2020, President Moon Jae-in delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of South Korea's 21st National Assembly. (Yonhap)
The poll results showed negative assessments of Moon's presidency surpassing positive ones in what political analysts here call a "dead cross."
Notably, Moon's job approval among people in their 30s plummeted 14.4 percentage points to 42.6 percent. His favorable rating among female voters dived 6.6 percentage points to 44.1 percent.
Women and those in their 30s and 40s are Moon's traditional core base.
His latest approval rating seems to have been affected by controversies over the abrupt death of Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon, his Democratic Party (DP) colleague. Park was found dead after a former secretary filed a sexual harassment complaint with police. His funeral was held last Monday and soon afterwards the accuser's lawyer had a press conference.
Moon has been suffering a constant decline in his approval rating, apparently attributable to skyrocketing housing prices in Seoul and nearby cities. It fell 4.7 percentage points to 39.6 percent in the capital with a 9.7-million population, Realmeter said.
The support ratings for the DP and the main opposition United Future Party (UFP) have continued to narrow. The popularity of the DP fell 4.4 percentage points to 35.3 percent and that of the UFP gained 1.3 percentage points to 31 percent.
The Moon administration's real estate policy has come under growing public criticism. Addressing the National Assembly's opening ceremony on Thursday, the president pledged all available policy measures to stabilize the housing market, including the expansion of supply.
But there have been confusing signals from his office, Cheong Wa Dae, over the issue of whether to lift "greenbelt" development restrictions around Seoul to expand housing supply.
A senior Cheong Wa Dae official told reporters Sunday that the government has yet to reach a conclusion on the sensitive matter.
"Our position is to review all alternative options (including the greenbelt one). There's no conclusion yet," the official said.
A separate Realmeter survey showed a majority of South Koreans oppose using the greenbelt to create more residential areas.
In the poll of 1,000 people, aged 18 or older, across the nation, 60.4 percent of respondents said it's "unnecessary" to do so, while 26.5 percent said it's needed for the expansion of housing supply.
Among residents in Seoul, 61.8 percent were negative about developing the greenbelt areas, with 31.7 percent supporting it.
The survey was conducted last Friday and the margin of error is plus and minus 3.1 percentage points.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-20--SsangYong Motor teases 1st all-electric SUV

As of July 6 , SsangYong had 199 billion won worth of short-term debt that has to be paid back @ @ @ @ @ lenders , such as JP Morgan , BNP Paribas and Bank of America , in @ @ @ @ @

SEOUL, July 20 (Yonhap) -- SsangYong Motor Co., the South Korean unit of Indian carmaker Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., on Monday released a teaser for its first all-electric vehicle ahead of its domestic launch next year.
SsangYong has developed a pure electric compact SUV under the project name of E100 to meet rising demand for electrified models, the company said in a statement.
More details about the electric SUV will be released later, SsangYong said.
This image provided by SsangYong Motor shows its first all-electric SUV set to be launched next year. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
SsangYong Motor has struggled with declining sales due to a lack of new models and Mahindra's recent decision not to inject fresh capital into the Korean unit.
SsangYong continued to report net losses in the past 13 quarters through the first quarter of this year.
From January to June, SsangYong's sales fell 28 percent to 49,387 units from 68,189 in the year-ago period due to a lack of new models.
SsangYong's lineup consists of the flagship G4 Rexton, as well as the Tivoli, Korando and Rexton Sports.
In 2011, Mahindra & Mahindra acquired a 70 percent stake in SsangYong Motor for 523 billion won (US$437.93 million). The Indian parent currently owns a 74.65 percent stake in the SUV-focused carmaker.
Mahindra is in the process of selling the South Korean unit by picking a lead manager for a potential exit from the loss-making affiliate, according to industry sources.
Last month, Mahindra hinted at the possibility of giving up control of SsangYong Motor.
Meanwhile, SsangYong's main creditor, the state-run Korea Development Bank (KDB), rolled over the carmaker's 90 billion won in debt maturing this month to the end of this year to help it stay afloat amid the pandemic.
As of July 6, SsangYong had 199 billion won worth of short-term debt that has to be paid back to the KDB and foreign lenders, such as JP Morgan, BNP Paribas and Bank of America, in the following 12 months.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-20--(LEAD) New virus cases at over 3-week low; imported cases still rising

SEOUL , July 20 ( Yonhap ) -- South Korea 's new daily virus cases fell below 30 for the @ @ @ @ @ three weeks on Monday in a potential sign of a slowdown in virus infections , @ @ @ @ @ rise by double digit figures .

(ATTN: ADDS details throughout, photo)
SEOUL, July 20 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new daily virus cases fell below 30 for the first time in more than three weeks on Monday in a potential sign of a slowdown in virus infections, but imported cases continued to rise by double digit figures.
The country identified 26 new cases, raising the total caseload to 13,771, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC). Of the newly added cases, just four were local infections.
It was the lowest daily increase since 17 cases reported on June 22.
The number of locally-transmitted cases also reached a single-digit figure for the first time in two months after nine cases on May 19, the KCDC data showed.
It marked a drastic turnaround from the previous day, when the country reported more locally transmitted cases than imported cases for the first time in eight days.
The country has seen double-digit numbers of imported cases for 25 consecutive days as of Monday, adding 22 of such cases.
Medical staffs take a break at a makeshift clinic located in Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul, in this photo released by the office of the city's Buk ward. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
South Korea has recorded a sharp increase in the number of imported cases, mostly attributable to workers returning from Iraq and a series of cluster infections on Russian-flagged vessels docked in the country's southeastern port city of Busan.
The country has been struggling to curb such infections detected at border check-points, requesting arrivals from six high-risk nations to submit proof of negative virus test results.
The accumulated number of imported cases reached 2,067, with Asian countries, excluding China, taking up 39 percent of the total, the KCDC data showed. Arrivals from the Americas accounted for 34 percent. Those from China were responsible for 1 percent.
Of the locally-transmitted cases, two were from Seoul.
An office building in the capital city's southwestern ward of Gwanak reported 13 new cases on Sunday, raising the total related caseload to 32.
Gwangju, located some 330 kilometers south of Seoul, added one more case on Monday.
South Korea, which did not impose a full lockdown since detecting its first COVID-19 case in January, lifted most of its social-distancing rules in early May when it reported single-digit daily cases.
Medical staffs cheer each other at a makeshift clinic located in Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul, in this photo released by the office of the city's Buk ward. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The country later decided to again tighten social-distancing rules in Seoul and its surrounding areas in June due to growing infections from nightlife establishments, churches, and logistics centers.
With the number of daily local transmissions recently hovering around 20 or below, South Korea resumed operations of some museums and libraries in the greater Seoul area starting Monday.
Health authorities, however, are still vigilant over the spread of the virus in vacation spots over the summer, pointing out that the season will serve as a critical juncture for the nation's anti-virus fight.
The country's death toll came to 296, with one more virus-caused death reported, according to the KCDC. The fatality rate reached 2.15 percent.
As of Monday, 12,572 of the infected have been released after a full recovery, up 16 from a day before.
The country has carried out 1,470,193 COVID-19 tests so far.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-20--Nat'l museum exhibit to showcase latest state-designated treasures

NMK said that the exhibit will be operated through a reservation system in order to prevent the spread of the @ @ @ @ @ 200 people will be permitted to enjoy the exhibition in subsequent two-hour viewing sessions , @ @ @ @

SEOUL, July 20 (Yonhap) -- Nearly 200 cultural items recognized as state treasures in recent years will be brought together for a special exhibit at the National Museum of Korea (NMK), the museum said Monday.
The exhibit, "New National Treasures 2017-2019," will open on Tuesday and run until Sept. 27 at NMK in central Seoul. The exhibition is co-organized with the state-run Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA).
The special exhibition will introduce 27 items connected to 12 national treasures and 169 items connected to 71 treasures designated by the government between 2017 and 2019. Architectural and heavyweight items were excluded.
An image of "Gisa Gyecheop" (Album of Paintings of the Gathering of Elders) to be put on display at special exhibition "New National Treasures 2017-2019" from July 21-Sept. 27 at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The exhibit will be the largest-ever in South Korea of its kind in terms of the number of treasures to be showcased.
Outside of state-possessed heritage items, organizers have borrowed items owned by private galleries, such as the Kansong Art Museum.
According to the country's cultural heritage protection act, a treasure is defined as a tangible cultural heritage of important value, such as historic architecture, ancient books and documents.
National treasures are chosen among those deemed to have exceptional artistic, cultural and historical value to the country.
An image of "Miindo" (Portrait of A Beauty), by Joseon Dynasty painter Shin Yun-bok, to be put on display at special exhibition "New National Treasures 2017-2019" from July 21-Sept. 27 at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Hard-to-access cultural heritage items, including the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), "Painting of Endless Mountains and Rivers" by Joseon-era painter Yi In-mun, "Miindo" by painter Shin Yun-bok and reliquaries from the Wangheung Temple site from the Baekjae era in Buyeo, South Chungcheong Province, will be put on public display.
NMK said that the exhibit will be operated through a reservation system in order to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus. Up to 200 people will be permitted to enjoy the exhibition in subsequent two-hour viewing sessions, the museum said.
An image of reliquaries from the Wangheung Temple site, historic site No. 427, to be put on display at special exhibition "New National Treasures 2017-2019" from July 21-Sept. 27 at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-20--S. Korean man detained for lying to authorities tracing COVID-19

The 24-year-old , who contracted the virus after visiting nightclubs in the Seoul neighborhood of Itaewon in early May , @ @ @ @ @ health authorities about his job and itinerary , which eventually led to a community spread @ @ @ @ @ kilometers west of Seoul .

INCHEON, July 20 (Yonhap) -- A man who worked at a private education institution in Incheon was detained for not cooperating with authorities who were tracing the new coronavirus and apparently worsening the outbreak in the western port city, police said Monday.
The 24-year-old, who contracted the virus after visiting nightclubs in the Seoul neighborhood of Itaewon in early May, is suspected of lying to health authorities about his job and itinerary, which eventually led to a community spread in Incheon, about 40 kilometers west of Seoul.
The police detained him on charges of violating the law on prevention and control of infectious diseases, and sent the case to the prosecution saying he should be indicted.
The instructor reportedly told authorities that he is jobless and did not report that he taught at a cram school in Incheon.
Local health authorities, who were dubious of his report, asked the police to secure his mobile phone records, which delayed the tracing process that could have prevented additional infections.
More than 40 elementary, middle and high school students were infected in Incheon, with chain transmissions estimated to have infected some 80 patients across the country.
The man recovered from the infectious virus after a monthlong treatment but had remained hospitalized due to another medical condition police did not elaborate on.
Police said they plan to strictly deal with those refusing or disrupting epidemiological studies.
South Korea has reported more than 13,700 cases of the new coronavirus since its first case was reported on Jan. 20.
This May 14, 2020, file photo shows a pedestrian passing by a building in Incheon, west of Seoul, where a man infected with the new coronavirus was working as an instructor. The 24-year-old allegedly lied about his job as an instructor, leading to a bigger outbreak in the area. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-07-20--Doosan Infracore's excavator sales top 10,000 units in China

South Korea 's biggest construction equipment maker sold 10,728 excavators in the January-June period in China , up 10 percent @ @ @ @ @ marking the largest number since the same period of 2011 , when it sold about @ @ @ @ @ said in an emailed statement .

SEOUL, July 20 (Yonhap) -- Doosan Infracore Co. said Monday its excavator sales in China topped 10,000 units in the first half of the year.
South Korea's biggest construction equipment maker sold 10,728 excavators in the January-June period in China, up 10 percent from a year ago, marking the largest number since the same period of 2011, when it sold about 12,000 excavators, the company said in an emailed statement.
Doosan Infracore's sales of excavators reached 1,320 units in China in June, also up 23 percent from a year earlier.
The company also said it has rolled out its new excavator, the 6-ton DX 60W ECO, specially tailored to the Chinese market to expand its sales.
This photo provided by Doosan Infracore Co. shows the company's new excavator, the 6-ton DX 60W ECO. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
ksnam@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-20--New virus cases at over 3-week low; imported cases still rising

SEOUL, July 20 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new daily virus cases fell below 30 for the first time in more than three weeks on Monday in a potential sign of a slowdown in virus infections, but imported cases continued to rise by double digit figures.
The country identified 26 new cases, raising the total caseload to 13,771, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC). Of the newly added cases, just four were local infections.
It was the lowest daily increase since 17 cases reported on June 22.
The number of locally-transmitted cases also reached a single-digit figure for the first time in two months after nine cases on May 19, the KCDC data showed.
It marked a drastic turnaround from the previous day, when the country reported more locally transmitted cases than imported cases for the first time in eight days.
The country has seen double-digit numbers of imported cases for 25 consecutive days as of Monday, adding 22 of such cases.
South Korea has recorded a sharp increase in the number of imported cases, mostly attributable to workers returning from Iraq and a series of cluster infections on Russian-flagged vessels docked in the country's southeastern port city of Busan.
The country has been struggling to curb such infections detected at border check-points, requesting arrivals from six high-risk nations to submit proof of negative virus test results.
Medical staffs take a break at a makeshift clinic located in Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul, in this photo released by the office of the city's Buk ward. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Of the locally-transmitted cases, two were from Seoul.
An office building in the capital city's southwestern ward of Gwanak reported 13 new cases on Sunday, raising the total related caseload to 32.
Gwangju, located some 330 kilometers south of Seoul, added one more case on Monday.
South Korea, which did not impose a full lockdown since detecting its first COVID-19 case in January, lifted most of its social-distancing rules in early May when it reported single-digit daily cases.
The country later decided to again tighten social-distancing rules in Seoul and its surrounding areas in June due to growing infections from nightlife establishments, churches, and logistics centers.
With the number of daily local transmissions recently hovering around 20 or below, South Korea resumed operations of some museums and libraries in the greater Seoul area starting Monday.
Health authorities, however, are still vigilant over the spread of the virus in vacation spots over the summer, pointing out that the season will serve as a critical juncture for the nation's anti-virus fight.
The country's death toll came to 296, with one more virus-caused death reported, according to the KCDC.
As of Monday, 12,572 of the infected have been released after a full recovery, up 16 from a day before.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-20--S. Korea to soon draw up measure to supply more homes in Seoul, neighboring area

However , the statement stopped short of saying whether the government would open up greenbelt zones in the Seoul metropolitan @ @ @ @ @ available for housing .

SEJONG, July 20 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will soon draw up measures to supply more homes in Seoul and its neighboring area, the finance ministry said Monday, in the latest move to curb rising home prices.
Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki and senior policymakers held a meeting earlier in the day and discussed measures to help resolve housing supply shortage in the densely populated area, the ministry said in a statement.
However, the statement stopped short of saying whether the government would open up greenbelt zones in the Seoul metropolitan area to make more land available for housing.
The Seoul metropolitan government has long opposed the idea of developing greenbelt areas, citing the need to protect the environment and avoid excessive expansion of the city.
Earlier this month, the central government announced its toughest measures yet to rein in rising housing prices, as a series of steps, including tax hikes and loan regulations, failed to put a brake on soaring home prices.
Record-low interest rates and excess liquidity, which has been pumped into the market to help revive the virus-hit economy, have contributed to soaring home prices, analysts said.
Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki (C), who doubles as deputy prime minister for economic affairs, speaks at a press conference at the government complex in Seoul on July 10, 2020, to announce South Korea will raise property ownership tax rates for multiple home owners in the latest move to curb housing prices. (Yonhap)
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-20--Samsung's new teaser hints at Galaxy Fold 2 launch at Unpacked event

There has been speculation that Samsung 's Galaxy Fold 2 may not be introduced at the upcoming Unpacked event .
@ @ @ @ @ latest teaser confirms that the South Korean tech giant will unveil its latest foldable smartphone @ @ @ @ @ alongside other new mobile devices , such as the Galaxy Note 20 phablet and the @ @ @ @ @ .

SEOUL, July 20 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Co.'s new foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Fold 2, is likely to be unveiled next month, industry insiders said Monday, following the company's latest teaser for the launch event.
The world's largest smartphone maker on Sunday released a 13-second video for its Aug. 5 Galaxy Unpacked event on its Twitter account, with a message "one fold, infinite possibilities."
The video shows Samsung's mystic bronze-colored droplet transforming into a butterfly-like object, which denotes the Galaxy Fold smartphone which had the butterfly image wallpaper when it was first released last year.
This captured image from Samsung Electronics Co.'s teaser video for its Galaxy Unpacked event shows a butterfly-like object. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
There has been speculation that Samsung's Galaxy Fold 2 may not be introduced at the upcoming Unpacked event. But industry insiders said the latest teaser confirms that the South Korean tech giant will unveil its latest foldable smartphone at the online event, alongside other new mobile devices, such as the Galaxy Note 20 phablet and the Galaxy Buds Live wireless earbuds.
According to industry sources, Samsung is reportedly considering lowering price of the Galaxy Fold 2. The price for the Galaxy Fold was 2.39 million won (US$1,985) in South Korea, but sources said the Galaxy Fold 2 could be sold at a lower price than the predecessor.
"Like the Galaxy Note 20, the Galaxy Fold 2 could come up with a lower price tag compared to its predecessor to boost sales," an industry official said.
Industry insiders predicted that Samsung's Galaxy Fold 2 may be available on the market after September following the Galaxy Note 20's release, which is expected to be launched on Aug. 21 in South Korea.
The specs of the Galaxy Fold 2 have not been confirmed, but foreign tech reviewers have predicted that the Galaxy Fold 2 will feature a 7.6-inch screen when unfolded, while having a 6.23-inch cover display, both larger than its predecessor's 7.3-inch and 4.6-inch displays, respectively.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-20--Korea's economy tipped to have contracted 0.86 pct in Q2: poll

`` In the first quarter , domestic consumption nearly halted but exports continued to grow steadily .
It is highly @ @ @ @ @ gross domestic product may have contracted at a faster rate in the second quarter than @ @ @ @ @ Eugene Investment & Securities researcher Lee Sang-jae said .

SEOUL, July 20 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's economy is estimated to have again contracted from three months earlier in the second quarter amid a sharp decline in exports caused by the new coronavirus pandemic, a poll suggested Monday.
In a poll conducted by Yonhap Infomax, the financial news arm of Yonhap News Agency, eight economists surveyed estimated the local economy to have contracted 0.86 percent on-quarter in the April-June period.
From the same period last year, it would mark a 1.54 percent contraction, the sharpest on-year drop since the first quarter of 2009.
The South Korean economy shrank 1.3 percent on-quarter in the first three months of the year.
From a year earlier, however, the local economy expanded 1.4 percent in the first quarter.
The file photo, taken Dec. 1, 2019, shows rows of import-export cargo containers stacked at South Korea's largest seaport in Busan, 450 kilometers south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
"In the first quarter, domestic consumption nearly halted but exports continued to grow steadily. It is highly likely that the country's gross domestic product may have contracted at a faster rate in the second quarter than in the first," Eugene Investment & Securities researcher Lee Sang-jae said.
"This is because exports have dropped sharply in the second quarter due to pandemic-caused slumps in major economies," Lee added.
South Korea's exports gained 4.5 percent on-year in February, followed by a 0.2 percent decline in March.
In April, however, shipments plunged 24.5 percent on-year, apparently with the new coronavirus beginning to take toll in nearly all major markets.
Exports again plunged 23.7 percent on-year in May and 10.9 percent in June, according to earlier reports.
In May, the Bank of Korea revised its 2020 growth projection for Asia's fourth-largest economy to a 0.2 percent on-year contraction, sharply down from a 2.1 percent expansion forecast in February.
The South Korean central bank is set to publish its Q2 growth estimate later this week, and its latest growth estimate in August.
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-20--(URGENT) 16 more released from coronavirus treatment, total now at 12,572.


yna--2020-07-20--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 1 additional coronavirus-related death, total now at 296.


yna--2020-07-20--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 26 more cases of new coronavirus, total now at 13,771: KCDC


yna--2020-07-20--S. Korea's first military satellite to be launched this week: reports

`` There are many factors to take into consideration for a launch , such as technical issues and weather conditions @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` We are closely working with the U.S. side and monitoring related situations @ @

By Oh Seok-min
SEOUL, July 20 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's first military communications satellite will be launched into space later this week after weeks of delay, U.S.-based websites on space launch schedules showed Monday.
The Anasis-II satellite is scheduled to lift off from Florida on a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket by U.S.-based commercial space firm SpaceX on Tuesday (Seoul time), according to the Space Launch Schedule.
"The status of the launch is GREEN with a 70 percent chance for favorable weather conditions," the website said.
Anasis-II was originally scheduled to launch in early July, but the blastoff was pushed back to July 14, July 20 and then to Tuesday, according to multiple space launch trackers.
Announcing the postponement of the July 14 plan, SpaceX tweeted that it was "to take a closer look at the second stage, swap hardware if needed."
It then tweeted, "Targeting Monday, July 20 for Falcon 9 launch of ANASIS-II from SLC-40," based on the California time. SLC refers to space launch complex.
This image captured from the website of Space Launch Schedule shows the launch window for South Korea's first military satellite. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
South Korea's arms procurement agency, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), has refused to officially confirm the launch date, with officials saying they will announce details once it is successfully launched.
"There are many factors to take into consideration for a launch, such as technical issues and weather conditions," a DAPA official said. "We are closely working with the U.S. side and monitoring related situations."
The project is part of an offset package for South Korea's purchase of 40 F-35A fighter jets from Lockheed Martin in 2014. Lockheed subcontracted the satellite manufacturing deal in 2016 to Airbus Defense and Space.
Currently, the South Korean military relies on international and civilian-owned satellites for communications.
The satellite is based on the Airbus Eurostar E3000 satellite platform and will provide "secured communications over wide coverage," according to the manufacturer. Other detailed features were not known.
This undated photo uploaded on the website of Airbus Defense and Space on June 11, 2020, shows the Anasis-II satellite. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-20--(4th LD) Complaints of worm-like creatures in tap water spreading nationwide

In Busan , municipal officials said they have received 11 complaints of organisms appearing to be larvae in tap water @ @ @ @ @ confirmed the existence of worms in four cases .
They also said the possibility of @ @ @ @ @ plants is very low and those creatures may have come from private water tanks or @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES with more details in paras 12-13)
SEOUL, July 20 (Yonhap) -- A growing number of worm-like creatures have been reported in tap water in Seoul, Busan, Gyeonggi Province and other parts of the nation over the past week after residents of Incheon, west of the capital, made the first complaints about weird-looking organisms in their drinking water about two weeks ago.
Since July 9, authorities in Incheon, 50 kilometers west of Seoul, have received nearly 600 complaints of larva-like organisms being discovered in the city's tap water. Of those, the city's water officials collected larva-like creatures from 166 cases.
Incheon officials suspect that winged insects may have laid eggs in water treatment facilities and larvae produced from them may have made their way into households through the water pipe.
Since about a week ago, authorities of Seoul, Busan, Gyeonggi and other places have been flooded with similar reports of worm-like organisms in their tap water, prodding Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun to issue an emergency instruction on Monday for inspection of all water purification plants nationwide.
Chung ordered Minister of Environment Cho Myung-rae by phone to immediately address the mounting public concerns about tap water safety.
"The environment ministry and local governments should join hands to swiftly conduct investigations and transparently disclose all relevant information to help ease public unrest," Chung was quoted as telling Cho. The prime minister also ordered an emergency inspection of all 484 water purification plants nationwide to cope with the problem.
A worm-like organism that was discovered in tap water at an apartment in Seoul's Jung Ward at around 11 p.m. on July 19, 2020, is seen in this photo provided by the resident. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
In Seoul, water authorities examined local waterworks after a resident at Seoul's central Jung Ward reported discovery of a 1-centimeter long organism late Sunday. The person who reported the case said that the organism had a thickness of a hair and was moving when found.
Officials concluded that it is unlikely the organism came in through water pipes.
"A microscopic observation of water samples conducted by the Seoul Water Institute showed that no debris or larva were found," the city government said following a study of water samples collected from nine spots at the resident's building.
They added that the building's maintenance manager suspected the "bug" to have grown in a shower drain, citing a similar case reported a month earlier.
An additional probe of the water purification plant that supplies water to the building showed no issues, they added. Authorities said they have completed inspections of six water purification facilities and 101 water reservoirs in the city last week.
An official inspects a water purification plant in eastern Seoul on July 20, 2020, after a report of a worm-like creature in the district. (Yonhap)
The government of Gyeonggi Province, which surrounds Seoul, said it has received 94 complaints of larva-like organisms in tap water from 21 cities and counties. It has launched an inspection into 53 purification facilities in the province.
Siheung, 26 kilometers southwest of Seoul, reported the most complaints with 14 cases, followed by Hwaseong, 42 km southwest of the capital, with 12 cases and Bucheon, just west of Seoul, with 10 cases.
The provincial government also rules out the possibility of such creatures originating from water purification plants, assuming that they may have entered homes via apartment water tanks, sewers or other channels.
In Busan, municipal officials said they have received 11 complaints of organisms appearing to be larvae in tap water over the past week and confirmed the existence of worms in four cases. They also said the possibility of those worms originating from water plants is very low and those creatures may have come from private water tanks or sewers.
Indeed, an apartment house in Anyang, just south of Seoul, reported a worm-like creature in its tap water but authorities later confirmed that it came from the home's drainage.
In Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, an apartment resident posted a complaint of larva-like organism on social media, but municipal authorities failed to find anything strange in the apartment house's tap water and the district's purification plant.
(END)


yna--2020-07-20--(LEAD) N.K. leader strongly rebukes officials for building Pyongyang hospital 'in careless manner'

`` Noting that it is making a serious digression from the Party 's policy in supplying equipment and materials ... @ @ @ @ @ burdening the people by encouraging all kinds of 'assistance , ' '' it added .
@ @ @ @ @ the construction coordination commission and replacement of all the officials responsible . ''

(ATTN: UPDATES with more details in last 3 paras)
By Koh Byung-joon
SEOUL, July 20 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un strongly criticized officials for carrying out the construction of a large-scale general hospital "in a careless manner" and ordered the replacement of all of those responsible, state media said Monday.
Kim made the remarks during a "field guidance" trip to the construction site for Pyongyang General Hospital, one of his top-priority projects he has vowed to complete by Oct. 10, the 75th founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party. He attended its groundbreaking ceremony in March, calling it a "crucial task" for the country's public health.
"After hearing a detailed report on the overall situation of the construction from the construction coordination commission on the spot, he pointed out serious problems in economic organization for the construction," the Korean Central News Agency said.
Kim Jong-un strongly rebukes officials for building Pyongyang hospital 'in careless manner' Youtube https://youtu.be/OxD-UwzQg8M
"The construction coordination commission is organizing economy in a careless manner with no budget for the construction properly set up, yet," he was quoted as saying.
"Noting that it is making a serious digression from the Party's policy in supplying equipment and materials ... he severely rebuked it for burdening the people by encouraging all kinds of 'assistance,'" it added. "Kim instructed an investigation the construction coordination commission and replacement of all the officials responsible."
He also pointed out that the construction is progressing ahead of schedule thanks to workers' "patriotic zeal and devoted efforts" but added that it is in the early stages with a lot of tasks still to accomplish before its completion.
Kim's strong rebuke came as skepticism has risen over whether the construction can be completed by October amid challenges in securing necessary materials due to tight border control kept in place to stave off the new coronavirus and crippling global sanctions.
North Korea said it has no coronavirus infections, but it has been relatively swift in closing its borders and implementing toughened quarantine criteria, calling antivirus efforts a "political matter" that will determine the fate of the country.
The KCNA did not disclose when the on-site inspection was made to the construction site. It usually reports on the leader's public activity a day later.
Kim was accompanied by Kim Yo-jong, his younger sister now serving as the first vice department director of the party's Central Committee; Pak Pong-ju, vice chairman of the party's central committee; Kim Jae-ryong, the cabinet premier; and other officials in charge of the construction project.
Kim Yo-jong and Jo Yong-won, the first vice director of the party's propaganda and agitation department, were spotted listening to Kim Jong-un's instructions while not wearing masks.
Kim Yo-jong recently showed hawkish stances toward South Korea. Last month, North Korea blew up the inter-Korean liaison office in its border city of Kaesong after she voiced anger over anti-Pyongyang leaflets sent by North Korean defectors across the border.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un strongly rebukes officials for carrying out the construction of Pyongyang General Hospital "in a careless manner" during his "field guidance" trip to the site, in this photo released by the Korean Central News Agency on July 20, 2020. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-20--Naver moving oversea data center from Hong Kong to Singapore

Naver said there have been no leaks of user data .
There is no possibility of a third party looking @ @ @ @ @ are strictly coded , it added .

SEOUL, July 20 (Yonhap) -- Naver Corp., South Korea's top internet portal operator, said Monday it is moving its overseas data backup center from Hong Kong to Singapore amid privacy concerns in the Chinese territory.
Concerns about leaks of personal information arose after China implemented a new security law in Hong Kong early this month.
Naver said it is in the process of changing the host country of backup data servers to Singapore from Hong Kong.
"(We) deleted all backup data saved at the center in Hong Kong early this month and completed formatting the server," the company said.
Naver said there have been no leaks of user data. There is no possibility of a third party looking into personal data as they are strictly coded, it added.
Naver saves user information at domestic data centers, including one in the eastern city of Chuncheon, and runs backup centers in foreign countries.
Rep. Kim Young-bae of the ruling Democratic Party said Naver has saved sensitive personal information of Korean users at its server in Hong Kong.
Kim called for authorities' probe into Naver, claiming that the company has sent personal data including body sizes and family photos without users' consent to its unit in Hong Kong since 2016.
This photo, provided by Naver Corp., shows the logo of Naver. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-07-20--LG Display to begin to mass-produce OLED panels in China soon

Details about the mass production may come out soon as Jeong Ho-young , CEO of LG Display , and other @ @ @ @ @ a plan to visit the Guangzhou factory on Wednesday .

SEOUL, July 20 (Yonhap) -- LG Display Co., South Korea's major display panel maker, said Monday it will begin to mass-produce OLED panels soon at its factory in Guangzhou, China, after a one-year delay due to the new coronavirus outbreak.
LG Display said it is currently producing 8.5 generation OLED panels at the factory on a small scale but will begin mass production soon.
The company completed the construction of the factory in August 2019, but its plan to produce the panels was largely held off due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Demand for TVs has declined as major TV sales outlets in the United States and Europe closed down amid the virus outbreak. But LG Display needs to increase panel production to meet demand for OLED panel TVs.
Details about the mass production may come out soon as Jeong Ho-young, CEO of LG Display, and other executives are believed to have a plan to visit the Guangzhou factory on Wednesday.
LG Display is currently producing OLED panels at a factory in Paju, just north of Seoul. Its monthly production capacity reaches some 70,000 panels.
The Guangzhou line is capable of producing 60,000 OLED panels per month, and the company plans to increase the capacity to up to 90,000 panels after next year.
This photo, provided by LG Display Co., shows its OLED panel-producing factory in Guangzhou, China. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-07-20--(LEAD) S. Korea to draw up measure to supply more homes in Seoul, neighboring area by end-July

With the coronavirus crisis deepening around the world , Hong said it is likely to take more time for exports @ @ @ @ @ , Hong said .

(ATTN: UPDATES with finance minister's remarks; AMENDS headline; TRIMS)
SEJONG, July 20 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will draw up measures to supply more homes in Seoul and its neighboring areas by the end of this month, Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki said Monday, in the latest move to curb rising home prices.
Hong said an uptick in home prices recently showed signs of a slight slowdown, but the government will announce measures to supply more homes by the end of July.
With the coronavirus crisis deepening around the world, Hong said it is likely to take more time for exports to recover from the pandemic, Hong said.
The government will take all possible measures for an economic recovery in the second half of this year, Hong said.
Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki attends a meeting with economy-related ministers on July 20, 2020, in this photo provided by the ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Earlier this month, the central government announced its toughest measures yet to rein in rising housing prices, as a series of steps, including tax hikes and loan regulations, failed to put a brake on soaring home prices.
Record-low interest rates and excess liquidity, which has been pumped into the market to help revive the virus-hit economy, have contributed to soaring home prices, analysts said.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-20--S. Korean chain reopens cinemas in China as coronavirus slows

Under the country 's anti-COVID-19 measures , moviegoers have to wear face masks and are prohibited from eating or drinking @ @ @ @ @ have to keep one meter of distance from other moviegoers who come as separate groups @ @ @ @ @ real names online .

BEIJING, July 20 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's leading cinema chain CGV reopened in parts of China Monday, as the country allowed movie theaters to resume operation after six months of closure amid the slowdown of the new coronavirus.
CGV resumed business at 21 branches in 12 Chinese cities, including Shanghai, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Nanjing and Chengdu, according to its operator CJ China Ltd., a unit of CJ Group.
"The local governments are permitting branches to resume after conducting quarantine surveys. All of our theaters are expected to normally operate within this week," a CJ China official said.
The multiplex chain operates 140 theaters in 70 cities across China and is known to have lost some 70 billion won (US$58 million) due to the pandemic. The reopening schedules for CGV's theaters in Beijing and other cities have yet to be fixed.
The Chinese government ordered the shutdown of all theaters nationwide in late January to contain the spread of COVID-19, prior to the Lunar New Year holiday.
In March, the government was scheduled to approve reopening of cinemas in big cities, such as Shanghai, as part of efforts to revitalize its virus-hit economy but scrapped the plan as concerns over the resurgence of the virus grew.
According to Chinese media reports, 376 theaters reopened in 120 cities on Monday. China reported 22 new cases of the coronavirus on Sunday, raising its total caseload to 83,682.
Under the country's anti-COVID-19 measures, moviegoers have to wear face masks and are prohibited from eating or drinking in theaters. They also have to keep one meter of distance from other moviegoers who come as separate groups and reserve tickets under their real names online.
Tickets sales should not exceed 30 percent of the theater's capacity, while the running time of each movie cannot exceed two hours.
The Shanghai International Film Festival, one of Asia's largest, is scheduled to take place from Saturday to Aug. 2 in the Chinese city. The festival's organizing committee said the red carpet event will be canceled due to the coronavirus.
This file photo taken on July 14, 2020, shows a worker disinfecting a CGV theater in Bucheon, just west of Seoul, to prevent spread of the new coronavirus. (Yonhap)
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-20--(3rd LD) Complaints of worm-like creatures in tap water spreading nationwide

(ATTN: UPDATES with probe result in paras 7-12)
SEOUL, July 20 (Yonhap) -- A growing number of worm-like creatures have been reported in tap water in Seoul, Busan, Gyeonggi Province and other parts of the nation over the past week after residents of Incheon, west of the capital, made the first complaints about weird-looking organisms in their drinking water about two weeks ago.
Since July 9, authorities in Incheon, 50 kilometers west of Seoul, have received nearly 600 complaints of larva-like organisms being discovered in the city's tap water. Of those, the city's water officials collected larva-like creatures from 166 cases.
Incheon officials suspect that winged insects may have laid eggs in water treatment facilities and larvae produced from them may have made their way into households through the water pipe.
Since about a week ago, authorities of Seoul, Busan, Gyeonggi and other places have been flooded with similar reports of worm-like organisms in their tap water, prodding Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun to issue an emergency instruction on Monday for inspection of all water purification plants nationwide.
Chung ordered Minister of Environment Cho Myung-rae by phone to immediately address the mounting public concerns about tap water safety.
"The environment ministry and local governments should join hands to swiftly conduct investigations and transparently disclose all relevant information to help ease public unrest," Chung was quoted as telling Cho. The prime minister also ordered an emergency inspection of all 484 water purification plants nationwide to cope with the problem.
A worm-like organism that was discovered in tap water at an apartment in Seoul's Jung Ward at around 11 p.m. on July 19, 2020, is seen in this photo provided by the resident. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
In Seoul, water authorities examined local waterworks after a resident at Seoul's central Jung Ward reported discovery of a 1-centimeter long organism late Sunday. The person who reported the case said that the organism had a thickness of a hair and was moving when found.
Officials concluded that it is unlikely the organism came in through water pipes.
"A microscopic observation of water samples conducted by the Seoul Water Institute showed that no debris or larva were found," the city government said following a study of water samples collected from nine spots at the resident's building.
They added that the building's maintenance manager suspected the "bug" to have grown in a shower drain, citing a similar case reported a month earlier.
An additional probe of the water purification plant that supplies water to the building showed no issues, they added. Authorities said they have completed inspections of six water purification facilities and 101 water reservoirs in the city last week.
An official inspects a water purification plant in eastern Seoul on July 20, 2020, after a report of a worm-like creature in the district. (Yonhap)
The government of Gyeonggi Province, which surrounds Seoul, said it has received 14 complaints of larva-like organisms in tap water and has launched an inspection into 53 purification facilities in the province.
The provincial government also rules out the possibility of such creatures originating from water purification plants, assuming that they may have entered homes via apartment water tanks, sewers or other channels.
In Busan, municipal officials said they have received 11 complaints of organisms appearing to be larvae in tap water over the past week and confirmed the existence of worms in four cases. They also said the possibility of those worms originating from water plants is very low and those creatures may have come from private water tanks or sewers.
Indeed, an apartment house in Anyang, just south of Seoul, reported a worm-like creature in its tap water but authorities later confirmed that it came from the home's drainage.
In Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, an apartment resident posted a complaint of larva-like organism on social media but municipal authorities failed to find anything strange in the apartment house's tap water and the district's purification plant.
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

SEOUL -- A growing number of worm-like creatures have been reported in tap water in Seoul , Busan , Gyeonggi @ @ @ @ @ the nation over the past week after residents of Incheon , west of the capital @ @ @ @ @ about weird-looking organisms in their drinking water about two weeks ago .

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Monday.
----------------
(LEAD) Moon urges 'productive' use of floating money to ease overheating real estate market
SEOUL -- President Moon Jae-in called Monday for policy measures to funnel the flood of floating money in South Korea's asset market to "productive investment," not property speculation.
His statement came amid growing concerns about a potential real estate market bubble in the nation driven by record-low interest rates and excess liquidity. The Moon administration has also adopted an expansionary fiscal policy in response to the COVID-19 crisis, like governments in many other nations.
----------------
(4th LD) New virus cases at over 3-week low, imported cases still rising
SEOUL -- South Korea's new daily virus cases fell below 30 for the first time in more than three weeks on Monday in a potential sign of a slowdown in virus infections, but imported cases continued to rise by double-digit figures.
The country identified 26 new cases, raising the total caseload to 13,771, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC). Of the newly added cases, just four were local infections.
----------------
(LEAD) Moon backs preserving 'greenbelt' development restriction zone, gov't says
SEOUL -- President Moon Jae-in has decided to preserve the "greenbelt" development restriction zones around Seoul, dismissing a call for using parts of the areas as land for the construction of housing, the Prime Minister's Office said Monday.
Moon revealed the position during a weekly meeting with Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, it said in a press release.
----------------
(2nd LD) Complaints of worm-like creatures in tap water spreading nationwide
SEOUL -- A growing number of worm-like creatures have been reported in tap water in Seoul, Busan, Gyeonggi Province and other parts of the nation over the past week after residents of Incheon, west of the capital, made the first complaints about weird-looking organisms in their drinking water about two weeks ago.
Since July 9, authorities in Incheon, 50 kilometers west of Seoul, have received nearly 600 complaints of larva-like organisms being discovered in the city's tap water. Of those, the city's water officials collected larva-like creatures from 166 cases.
----------------
(LEAD) Abrams says USFK takes recent spike in imported virus cases 'very, very seriously'
SEOUL -- U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) is handling the recent surge in the number of imported coronavirus cases among its population "very, very seriously," USFK Commander Gen. Robert Abrams said Monday.
Abrams made the remark amid growing concerns over the spike in the number of positive COVID-19 cases among USFK-related people arriving in South Korea, as Seoul has been struggling to curb the number of imported cases.
On Monday, South Korea reported 26 new cases of the virus, with the total caseload standing at 13,771.
----------------
S. Korea to send chartered flight to virus-hit Iraq to bring about 300 nationals home
SEOUL -- South Korea is planning to send at least one government chartered flight to Iraq later this week to bring home about 300 nationals amid rapid spread of the virus in the Middle Eastern country, officials said Monday.
The government has been in talks with Iraqi authorities to arrange details, including how many flights they will need to operate as well as quarantine procedures, a foreign ministry official said.
----------------
(END)


yna--2020-07-20--Moon raps opposition party for 'inappropriate' criticism of state spy agency chief nominee

Joon went on to say that it was wrong for the president to have chosen Park , who is `` @ @ @ @ @ for the job in charge of the agency tasked with `` tracing the enemy and @ @ @ @ @ calm manner . ''

SEOUL, July 20 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in said Monday it is "very inappropriate" for the main opposition party to accuse his nominee to head the National Intelligence Service (NIS) of "colluding" with North Korea, according to the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae.
It was highly unusual for the president to publicly express his critical view of the United Future Party's (UFP) political attack on a specific figure.
It came a day after Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the conservative party, asked openly whether Park Jie-won, a former lawmaker, is qualified to lead the state spy agency, given his "close ties with the enemy."
Joo was apparently taking issue with Park's long history of engaging North Korea, including his pivotal role behind the historic 2000 summit between then-President Kim Dae-jung of South Korea and North Korea's leader Kim Jong-il. Park is known for his relatively high level of understanding and expertise on the communist nation.
That's apparently a reason that Moon picked him as the chief of the NIS earlier this month in hopes of his contributing to efforts for a breakthrough in long-frosty inter-Korean relations.
Park faces the National Assembly's confirmation hearing slated for next Monday.
Joon went on to say that it was wrong for the president to have chosen Park, who is "colluding" with Pyongyang, for the job in charge of the agency tasked with "tracing the enemy and figuring it out in a calm manner."
Moon described Joo's remarks as "very inappropriate," Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kang Min-seok told reporters.
"How could even the opposition party say something like that?" Moon was quoted as adding.
Park Jie-won, the nominee to lead the National Intelligence Service, in a file photo (Yonhap)
In his own statement earlier, Park said it's a very "insulting" comment and a groundless ideological attack.
"There's a line (not to cross) even in a political offensive," Park said, urging "some of the UFP lawmakers to prevent the recurrence of such an incident."
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)