yna--2020-10-04--BTS agency chief to be stock-rich after IPO

In early August , the septet received a total of 478,695 shares , equally divided in seven .
Each BTS @ @ @ @ @ spike up to 24 billion won on the first day of listing .

SEOUL, Oct. 4 (Yonhap) -- The chief of Big Hit Entertainment, the creative force behind K-pop superstar BTS, will become the 14th-richest stockholder in South Korea after his company's initial public offering (IPO) in mid-October.
The company is scheduled to open subscription for retail investors Monday and Tuesday at an IPO price of 135,000 won (US$115).
Bang Si-hyuk holds 12,377,337 shares, or a 36.6 percent stake valued at about 1.67 trillion won based on the IPO price, in Big Hit Entertainment, according to the agency and financial industry data.
The IPO, set for on Oct. 15, will instantly raise Bang to the 14th-richest shareholder in South Korea.
This file photo provided by Big Hit Entertainment on Dec. 5, 2019, shows the management company's CEO, Bang Si-hyuk. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Big Hit Entertainment has been dubbed one of this year's three big IPO deals in South Korea, along with biopharmaceutical blue chip SK Biopharmaceuticals and mobile game giant Kakao Games.
If Big Hit closes at the highest permissible on its debut day, Bang's stockholding will soar to 4.34 trillion won, analysts said. This will make Bang the fifth-richest stockholder in South Korea to replace Hyundai Motor Group chairman Chung Mong-koo.
The IPO event is also expected to boost the assets of each BTS member.
In early August, the septet received a total of 478,695 shares, equally divided in seven. Each BTS member's stock value could spike up to 24 billion won on the first day of listing.
Based on the offering price, Big Hit Entertainment is forecast to raise 962.6 billion won through the planned IPO, with its market value estimated to reach nearly 4.8 trillion won.
Last year, the agency's annual sales almost doubled to 587.2 billion won, with an operating profit of 98.7 billion won.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-04--Prolonged slump bodes ill for Korean shipyards in Q3

There have been hopes that the deal in June clinched by Korean shipyards such as Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering @ @ @ @ @ bottom lines down the road if the preliminary deal leads to actual orders .

By Nam Kwang-sik
SEOUL, Oct. 4 (Yonhap) -- An extended slump is expected to undermine South Korean shipbuilders' earnings in the third quarter of the year amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with a meaningful recovery in the near future not in sight.
According to the data provided by global market researcher Clarkson Research Service, global new orders for ships more than halved to 8.12 million compensated gross tons (CGTs) in the first eight months of the year from 17.47 million tons a year earlier.
"South Korean shipbuilders may log another round of poor performances in the third quarter due to a decrease in ship prices caused by faltering orders for ships," Yoo Seung-woo, an analyst at SK Securities Co., said in his recent report.
This photo provided by Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co. shows a liquefied natural gas carrier built by Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
He also said Korean shipbuilders' earnings in the fourth quarter may not improve because it is unclear whether a preliminary deal to build about 100 liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers from Qatar will materialize.
There have been hopes that the deal in June clinched by Korean shipyards such as Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co. may help improve their bottom lines down the road if the preliminary deal leads to actual orders.
But some analysts said local shipyards may win more deals during the remainder of the year.
Kim Hong-gyun at DB Financial Investment said local shipbuilders would win orders for LNG carriers in the fourth quarter from Mozambique and Russia to carry LNG to be produced in the countries' gas fields.
In addition, a slight rise in oil prices would be a bright spot for South Korea's large-sized shipbuilders, as delayed orders for offshore plants might be placed in Australia, Nigeria and Canada, Kim added.
Offshore plants refer to large-scale floating facilities to explore, drill, extract, store and process crude and natural gas that lies deep under the seabed.
ksnam@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-04--SK Telecom's subsidiaries eye IPOs

SK Telecom's subsidiaries eye IPOs

`` Among SK Telecom 's ICT subsidiaries , the first IPO candidate will likely be ONE Store , '' Choi @ @ @ @ @ Yuanta Securities Korea Co. , said in a report .
`` The company is expected @ @ @ @ @ IPO review in the first half of next year and complete the process during the @ @ @ @ @ . ''

By Chae Yun-hwan
SEOUL, Oct. 4 (Yonhap) -- SK Telecom Co., South Korea's top telecom operator, is eyeing initial public offerings (IPO) for its digital service subsidiaries starting next year, analysts said Sunday, as the company seeks to realign its business structure.
The move has been widely expected after the mobile carrier announced its IPO ambitions for its wide ranging digital units of internet protocol TV (IPTV) operator SK Broadband Co. to video streaming service operator Content Wavve Corp. in its second quarter earnings call in August.
Analysts expect SK Telecom's Android app market unit ONE Store, which has an estimated value of 1 trillion won (US$855.1 million), to lead the IPO push.
"Among SK Telecom's ICT subsidiaries, the first IPO candidate will likely be ONE Store," Choi Nam-kon, an analyst at Yuanta Securities Korea Co., said in a report. "The company is expected to file for a preliminary IPO review in the first half of next year and complete the process during the second half of next year."
SK Telecom holds a 52.7 percent stake in the Android app market operator, which was established in 2016 after merging with rivals from the country's top portal operator, Naver Corp., and the carriers KT Corp. and LG Uplus Corp.
ONE Store has narrowed its operating losses in recent years from 12.9 billion won in 2018 to 5.2 billion won last year after gradually expanding its market share.
The homegrown app store's total sales were estimated at 1.1 trillion won last year, accounting for 11.2 percent of the local market share, according to the Korea Mobile Internet Business Association, compared with an 11 percent stake at 940.3 billion won in 2018.
While the figure pales in comparison with the 63.4 percent share held by Google's Play store at 6 trillion won last year, ONE Store has been in the spotlight lately amid growing discontent from local app developers against Google.
The U.S. tech giant recently decided to enforce its billing system on all apps on the Play store, taking a 30 percent fee for all in-app digital content purchases. In comparison, ONE Store charges 20 percent.
SK Telecom's other digital subsidiaries are expected to follow ONE Store's IPO, including SK Broadband and smart security firm ADT Caps.
"SK Broadband's sales growth continues as the local pay TV market is increasingly centered around IPTVs," Jang Min-jun, an analyst at Kiwoom Securities, said. "ADT Caps' security business is also experiencing a continued growth due to rising demand for unmanned systems."
Video streaming firm Wavve Content Corp., a joint venture between SK Telecom and the country's three major broadcasters KBS, MBC and SBS, is also targeting an IPO in 2024.
The video streaming service Wavve is shown in this undated file image provided by Content Wavve Corp. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The company, which launched last year, said its subscriber count has surpassed 10 million on the back of its growing catalogue of original series.
SK Telecom owns a 30 percent stake in the video streaming firm.
Analysts expect the IPOs to accelerate SK Telecom's goal to move beyond its telecommunications realm and become a tech giant.
"The IPOs could lead SK Telecom's transition to an ICT holding company from just a network service provider," Choi said.
SK Telecom CEO Park Jung-ho said earlier this year the company is considering dropping Telecom from its name to shift away from its network-focused business.
yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-04--BTS featured on remix of viral sensation 'Savage Love'

The 17-year-old producer Jawsh 685 became an internet sensation after his `` Laxed ( Siren Beat ) '' went viral @ @ @ @ @ Jawsh 685 to turn the song into `` Savage Love ( Laxed - Siren Beat @ @ @ @ @ .
The track peaked at No .
7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart .

SEOUL, Oct. 4 (Yonhap) -- Global K-pop star BTS participated in a remix project for the hit song "Savage Love" by U.S. pop singer Jason Deluro and New Zealand producer Jawsh 685, according to the band's agency Sunday.
BTS lent its singing and rapping to "Savage Love (Laxed - Siren Beat) (BTS Remix)," the latest version of "Savage Love," which generated a viral dance challenge movement on the social media platform TikTok earlier this year, according to Big Hit Entertainment.
This photo, provided by Big Hit Entertainment on Oct. 3, 2020, shows K-pop group BTS singing "Dynamite," its latest Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit, for the "BTS Week" special on NBC's "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" in the United States. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The 17-year-old producer Jawsh 685 became an internet sensation after his "Laxed (Siren Beat)" went viral on TikTok. Deluro approached Jawsh 685 to turn the song into "Savage Love (Laxed - Siren Beat)" earlier this year. The track peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
BTS' participation in the remix is expected to further fuel the song's popularity. The new remix also includes Korean verses.
"What those guys are doing right now is huge. I respect them so much," Jawsh 685 said about BTS in a recent interview with Billboard.
The producer added, "I really like seeing how people interpret the beat and do something different with it every time."
BTS plans to hold a paid online concert on Oct. 10-11 and release its new studio album "BE (Deluxe Edition)" on Nov. 20.
The band made history by becoming the first South Korean artist to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart last month with its disco-pop single "Dynamite."
This photo, provided by Big Hit Entertainment on Sept. 21, 2020, shows K-pop group BTS performing on the "Tiny Desk Concert" show on National Public Radio in the United States. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-04--(2nd LD) New infection cases under 100 for 4th day; post-Chuseok virus fight in focus

Despite the latest decrease in the number of new cases , the slowdown was in part attributable to fewer COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ holiday .
More than 10,000 tests are normally carried out over weekdays , while they @ @ @ @ @

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SEOUL, Oct. 4 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new coronavirus cases hovered below 100 for the fourth consecutive day on Sunday, but the daily tally may bounce back as millions of people traveled over the Chuseok fall harvest holiday.
The country added 64 more COVID-19 cases, including 47 local infections, raising the total caseload to 24,091, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
It marked a slight decrease from 75 cases reported on Saturday and a rise from 63 identified on Friday. After daily infections hit 133 on Wednesday, they have declined back to double-digit figures.
Sunday marks the end of the extended Chuseok autumn holiday that began on Wednesday. Millions of people traveled across the country to meet their family members and relatives over the Korean equivalent of Thanksgiving.
Travelers head to the departure hall of Jeju International Airport on the southern resort island of Jeju on Oct. 4, 2020. (Yonhap)
Health authorities designated Monday to Oct. 10 as a special two-week period for toughened virus curbs on concerns that new virus cases may resurge again due to the long holiday.
So far, only two people who visited the southeastern port city of Busan during the holiday have tested positive for the virus.
The country also has a three-day break from Oct. 9 to 11, when Hangeul Day, which celebrates the Korean alphabet, is combined with the weekend.
Despite the latest decrease in the number of new cases, the slowdown was in part attributable to fewer COVID-19 tests carried out during the holiday. More than 10,000 tests are normally carried out over weekdays, while they halved over the holiday.
Considering the incubation period of the virus, there could be a number of travelers who have not yet suffered symptoms of the virus as well.
Over the past two weeks, 18.4 percent of newly added patients had unknown infection routes. Around 26.6 percent were traced to cluster infections as well, according to the latest data.
Of the newly identified local infections, 16 cases were reported in Seoul and 14 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital. Incheon, west of Seoul, reported five more cases.
Other municipalities reported new infections, with the country's largest port city of Busan adding five cases and the central city of Daejeon reporting two new cases.
Cases traced to an art high school in western Seoul reached seven as of Sunday at noon, up six from the previous day. Six of them were staff members, and the other was one of their family members.
A hospital in Bucheon, west of Seoul, reported seven more patients, raising the related caseload to 11.
Cases traced to a factory in the southeastern port city of Pohang came to six, up five from a day earlier.
The Gwanghwamun area in central Seoul is nearly empty on Oct. 4, 2020, the last day of the Chuseok holiday. (Yonhap)
On Saturday, local authorities sealed off the Gwanghwamun area in central Seoul to prevent illegal protests. The move came as an anti-government rally in central Seoul held in mid-August emerged as a hotbed for South Korea's virus pandemic, with more than 600 infections being traced to the gathering.
Conservative groups staged "drive-thru" anti-government rallies in southern Seoul after winning court approval to hold demonstrations only under certain conditions to prevent another coronavirus resurgence from mass gatherings.
The country's new virus cases had been in the triple digits for more than a month since Aug. 14, due mainly to cases tied to a church in northern Seoul and the anti-government rally. Daily infections soared to 441 on Aug. 27.
But new COVID-19 cases have slowed on the back of tightened social distancing rules. The country reported 38 new cases Tuesday, marking the first time that daily infections fell below 50 since Aug. 11.
Imported cases came to 17.
Of the imported cases, the Philippines and India accounted for three cases each. There were patients from Russia, Iran, Britain and the United States as well.
South Korea added one additional death, raising the death toll to 421.
The fatality rate reached 1.75 percent.
Seoul Station in central Seoul is filled with travelers on Oct. 4, 2020, the final day of the Chuseok holiday. (Yonhap)
So far, there have been no deaths among patients aged 29 and below. More than 20 percent of the victims were aged 80 and above.
The number of patients in serious or critical condition came to 105, up one from the previous day.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 21,845, up 58 from the previous day. More than 90 percent of the patients reported here have been cured.
South Korea has carried out 2,346,345 COVID-19 tests since Jan. 3, including 6,486 from the previous day.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


Sunday's weather forecast

SEOUL , Oct. 04 ( Yonhap ) -- The following is the weather forecast for South Korea 's 12 major @ @ @ @ @ .

(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--2020-10-04--Today in Korean history

Today in Korean history

2013 -- Officials of South Korea and the United States met for talks but failed to narrow differences over how @ @ @ @ @ Korea should share to keep American troops on its soil .

Oct. 5
1962 -- South Korea establishes diplomatic relations with Ecuador.
1978 -- South Korea adopts the "Nature Protection Charter," which is comprised of seven resolutions highlighting South Koreans' duties and education for natural preservation.
1986 -- South Korea holds a closing ceremony for the 10th Asian Games in Seoul.
2009 -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao visits North Korea and meets its leader Kim Jong-il. South Korea expresses concerns that a set of economic deals reached between the North and China during the premier's trip to Pyongyang may affect the implementation of U.N. sanctions against the North.
2013 -- Officials of South Korea and the United States met for talks but failed to narrow differences over how much of the cost South Korea should share to keep American troops on its soil.
2018 -- Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon meets his North Korean counterpart, Ri Son-gwon, in Pyongyang on the sidelines of a joint event to celebrate the 11th anniversary of the 2007 inter-Korean summit.
2019 -- The United States and North Korea resume working-level nuclear talks in Sweden after a monthslong hiatus. The talks marked their first formal negotiation since February's summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Hanoi ended without a deal.
(END)


yna--2020-10-04--No. of foreign visitors to S. Korea dips 75 pct during H1: lawmaker

SEOUL , Oct. 4 ( Yonhap ) -- The number of international visitors to South Korea plummeted by more than @ @ @ @ @ half of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic , according to a lawmaker Sunday .

SEOUL, Oct. 4 (Yonhap) -- The number of international visitors to South Korea plummeted by more than 70 percent during the first half of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a lawmaker Sunday.
The number of inbound foreign travelers during the January-June period reached 2.14 million, marking a 74.7 percent plunge compared to the 8.44 million tally from a year ago, according to Rep. Lim O-kyeong of the ruling Democratic Party.
Travel agencies' booths are empty at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, on July 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
Lim cited data submitted by the culture ministry ahead of the annual parliamentary audit of the government.
"The government should prop up domestic spending by developing various tourism projects, such as healing-themed programs, cultural heritage visit campaigns and region-specific travel courses," Lim said.
Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, is almost empty on April 10, 2020, as the novel coronavirus pandemic effectively halted international travel around the world. (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-04--Steelmakers may see earnings improvement in Q3: analysts

Dongkuk Steel Mill Co. is expected to have posted 61.2 billion won in operating profit , slightly down from the @ @ @ @ @ ago .
South Korea 's third-biggest steelmaker kept up its sturdy performance in both quarters @ @ @ @ @ .

SEOUL, Oct. 4 (Yonhap) -- South Korean steelmakers are expected to have performed better in the third quarter despite the new coronavirus fears, moving on from a slump a quarter ago, analysts said on Sunday.
The country's major steelmakers are likely to have earned more in the July-September period, thanks to a rebound in global steel demand, according to the analysts.
POSCO, the world's fifth-biggest steelmaker by output, is forecast to have logged 492.9 billion won in operating profit on a consolidated basis, according to the brokerage consensus compiled from Yonhap Infomax data.
The figure almost tripled from 167.7 billion won in the April-June period, when the conglomerate suffered its first-ever operating loss on a standalone basis.
Hyundai Steel Co., South Korea's second-biggest steelmaker by output, is estimated to have logged 18.9 billion won in operating profit, up 35 percent from an operating income of 14 billion won the previous quarter.
Dongkuk Steel Mill Co. is expected to have posted 61.2 billion won in operating profit, slightly down from the 62.2 billion won a quarter ago. South Korea's third-biggest steelmaker kept up its sturdy performance in both quarters despite the pandemic's fallout.
This photo, taken on June 30, 2019, shows steel wire products at POSCO's integrated steel mill in Pohang, about 370 kilometers south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
The data signaled a major turnaround from the April-June period, when the pandemic slashed global demand and raised the prices of raw materials. Low-priced bulk products from Japan also deepened South Korean steelmakers' slump.
"A decline in Chinese steel exports raised the global demand for steel," said a steel company official who is close to the matter.
"The improving Chinese economy pushed up steel prices in China, directing Chinese steelmakers' focus back on their domestic markets," the official added.
In addition to the uptick forecast, local analysts noted that the steelmakers may suffer some difficulties from the price hikes in raw materials.
The recent price of iron ore in Qingdao, China, hovered around the US$130-level, sharply up from $70 in April last year.
The price of coal, the second-most used material in steelmaking after iron ore, surged to $134.55 per ton as of Thursday, up 27 percent from a month ago.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-04--FM Kang's spouse makes personal trip to U.S. despite travel advisory

Lee is presumed to be planning to purchase a yacht and travel around on board in the U.S. , according @ @ @ @ @ professor emeritus has shared the plan on his personal blog since several months back .

SEOUL, Oct. 4 (Yonhap) -- The spouse of South Korea's top diplomat has traveled to the United States, presumably for a yacht tour, despite a government travel advisory asking people to avoid making overseas trips due to COVID-19 concerns, a broadcaster has reported.
Public broadcaster KBS on Saturday reported that Lee Yill-byung, the husband of South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and professor emeritus of computer science at Yonsei University, departed for America via Incheon International Airport for personal travel.
"I'm going on a free (self-guided) travel. Corona (COVID-19) isn't going to disappear in a day or two. I just can't remain at home all the time," Lee said on camera at the airport.
This file photo shows South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha (R) and her husband Lee Yill-byung, professor emeritus of computer science at Yonsei University, at Kang's appointment ceremony at the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on June 18, 2017. (Yonhap)
Lee is presumed to be planning to purchase a yacht and travel around on board in the U.S., according to the report. The professor emeritus has shared the plan on his personal blog since several months back.
The travel comes amid the South Korean government having put in place a special travel advisory since March 23, asking the public to either cancel or postpone all overseas trip schedules in order to curb the transmissions of the new coronavirus.
While the advisory does not legally restrict a private individual's overseas travel, Lee's trip has raised questions as to whether it is appropriate for direct family of a Cabinet member to travel overseas freely against the government recommendation.
Lee's trip also came just a little over two weeks after Kang's ministry extended the special travel advisory until Oct. 19. The advisory can be extended again.
The foreign ministry has remained silent on Lee's travel, citing it as a "personal matter."
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha under fire for husband's yacht-shopping trip to US Youtube https://youtu.be/1FheOCeqMkI
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-04--S. Korea to conduct population census this month amid pandemic

For the first time , this year 's census will not use papers during door-to-door interviews , and census workers @ @ @ @ @ according to the official .

SEJONG, Oct. 4 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will launch a national census this month, with census workers taking extra precautions amid the coronavirus pandemic, Statistics Korea said Sunday.
The nation conducts a population census every five years, and this year's survey includes 27,000 census workers who will carry out door-to-door interviews with residents.
To reduce door-to-door visits, people will be encouraged to use mobile phones, fixed-line telephones and personal computers to register their personal, family and other information.
The "contactless" census will be conducted from Oct. 15 to Oct. 31, a Statistics Korea official said.
For those who fail to respond to the Oct. 15-31 survey, census workers will visit their homes from Nov. 1 to Nov. 18.
The official said Statistics Korea has drawn up precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
For the first time, this year's census will not use papers during door-to-door interviews, and census workers will use tablet computers, according to the official.
South Korea's total population inched up last year, but elderly people continued to outnumber children due to a rapid aging trend and a record low birth rate, according to an annual survey of Statistics Korea.
A total of 51.78 million people lived in South Korea as of Nov. 1, 2019, up 0.3 percent, or 150,000, from a year earlier.
Statistics Korea started to hold an annual population survey based on national resident registration records in 2016, with the conventional person-to-person survey to be conducted every five years.
Health workers disinfect streets near Sarang Jeil Church in Seoul, which is at the center of a recent resurgence of the coronavirus, on Sept. 24, 2020, ahead of the Chuseok holiday, which fell on Oct. 1. (Yonhap)
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-04--Insurers' risk-based capital ratio rises in Q2

The risk-based capital ( RBC ) ratio -- the actual solvency capital divided by the minimum solvency capital required -- @ @ @ @ @ 277.2 percent at the end of June , up 10 percentage points from three months @ @ @ @ @ data from the Financial Supervisory Service ( FSS ) .

SEOUL, Oct. 4 (Yonhap) -- Insurance firms in South Korea saw their risk-based capital ratio increase in the second quarter of this year, data showed Sunday.
The risk-based capital (RBC) ratio -- the actual solvency capital divided by the minimum solvency capital required -- of insurance firms stood at 277.2 percent at the end of June, up 10 percentage points from three months earlier, according to the data from the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS).
The RBC is required to be above the regulatory standard of 100 percent, the FSS said.
The FSS said it will encourage insurance companies to preemptively improve their financial stability by expanding capital and strengthening the crisis situation analysis in case there are concerns over the falling RBC ratio.
Insurance firms in South Korea are required to gradually increase their capital reserves to better cope with tougher global accounting standards for insurers.
Under the new rules, set to take effect in 2022, insurers' liabilities will be assessed on the basis of their market value rather than book value.
The new rules are aimed at enabling a fairer assessment of insurers' ability to withstand stress and to have a larger capital base and reserves to cover potential losses.
entropy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-05--Seoul stocks extend gains late Mon. morning on U.S. stimulus hopes

Over the weekend , U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted his support for the stimulus bill , with House Speaker Nancy @ @ @ @ @ the stimulus talks .

SEOUL, Oct. 5 (Yonhap) -- South Korean shares extended gains late Monday morning after a long holiday, as investor sentiment improved on hopes for fresh economic stimulus in the United States.
The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 32.71 points, or 1.41 percent, to 2,360.6 as of 11:20 a.m.
The gains were largely attributed to optimistic statements by key U.S. officials related to the new US$2.2 trillion stimulus proposal.
Over the weekend, U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted his support for the stimulus bill, with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi showing stronger confidence about the stimulus talks.
Most large caps traded higher in Seoul, led by strong chip and auto gains.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics added 1.72 percent, while No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix shed 0.6 percent.
Hyundai Motor, the country's largest automaker, jumped 3.92 percent, and its smaller affiliate Kia Motors spiked 7.04 percent.
Leading steelmaker POSCO surged 5.87 percent.
Internet portal giant Naver lost 0.67 percent, but its rival Kakao advanced 1.1 percent.
Leading chemical maker LG Chem edged up 0.15 percent, and rechargeable battery maker Samsung SDI rose 1.04 percent.
Top pharmaceutical firm Samsung Biologics remained flat, and Celltrion dropped 1.17 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,163.45 won against the U.S. dollar, up 6.05 won from the previous session's close.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-05--(2nd LD) New virus cases under 100 for 5th day, potential uptick after holiday worrisome

It marked a slight rise from the 64 cases added Sunday and a drop from 75 cases reported Saturday .
@ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday , they have been in double-digit figures .
The drop was in part @ @ @ @ @ out over the Chuseok autumn holiday that began Wednesday .

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SEOUL, Oct. 5 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new coronavirus cases stayed below 100 for the fifth straight day Monday, but the country remained cautious about another potential uptick in new infections down the road after the long Chuseok holiday.
The country added 73 more COVID-19 cases, including 64 local infections, raising the total caseload to 24,091, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
It marked a slight rise from the 64 cases added Sunday and a drop from 75 cases reported Saturday. After daily infections hit 133 on Wednesday, they have been in double-digit figures. The drop was in part attributed to fewer tests carried out over the Chuseok autumn holiday that began Wednesday.
While millions of people normally travel across the nation over the Korean equivalent of Thanksgiving, health authorities advised people to refrain from visiting their families and relatives this year.
Health authorities said around 30 million people traveled across the nation over the holiday, down 3.1 percent from the previous year.
The number of people traveling by trains and buses also decreased 57 percent and 55 percent, respectively, over the cited period. South Korea earlier decided to limit sales of tickets and adopted various infection prevention measures, including selling only window seats.
"We are currently at a critical juncture, as COVID-19 can still spread in the autumn and winter," Yoon Tae-ho, a senior health official, said during a daily briefing.
The country will enjoy another three-day break from Friday to Sunday to celebrate the Korean alphabet. The government earlier designated a special two-week period for toughened virus curbs until the end of this week.
Commuters wearing protective masks wait for buses in central Seoul on Oct. 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
Under the scheme, South Korea will continue to maintain the Level 2 social distancing nationwide, which bans indoor gatherings of 50 or more people.
The country operates a three-tier social distancing policy. Under the highest level, all gatherings of 10 or more people are banned.
The so-called high-risk facilities, such as bars or clubs, will remain fully shut down regardless of the number of visitors in the greater Seoul throughout Sunday, before the country comes up with a post-holiday guideline.
Such business establishments outside the capital area, however, will be allowed to resume their operations Monday.
Health authorities said although the number of daily new infections has clearly slowed over the holiday, the country still needs to stay vigilant over the potential hike in new virus cases.
Health authorities said they can determine later this week whether virus situations worsened or not in the aftermath of the holiday season.
Patients with unknown infection routes also have been straining the country's antivirus efforts.
Over the past two weeks, 18.4 percent of newly added patients had unknown infection routes. According to the latest data, 26.6 percent were traced to cluster infections as well.
The average number of daily new patients over the past two weeks came to 66.5, falling sharply from 121 posted during the previous two-week period.
A medical staff member works at a makeshift clinic in central Seoul on Oct. 4, 2020. (Yonhap)
Of the newly identified local infections, 19 cases were reported in Seoul and 25 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital. Incheon, west of Seoul, reported five more cases.
The southern port city of Busan added five cases, and the neighboring Ulsan reported four more patients.
Cases traced to an art high school in western Seoul reached seven as of Sunday noon.
A hospital in Bucheon, west of Seoul, reported seven more patients, raising the related caseload to 11. Cases traced to a factory in the southeastern port city of Pohang came to six.
A military base in Pocheon, north of Seoul, reported 36 virus cases as of Monday morning, sparking concerns over yet another major group infection.
The base, which reported three COVID-19 cases Sunday, has carried out tests on 230 potential cases. Health authorities are currently working to identify the infection route.
The country's new virus cases had been in the triple digits for more than a month since Aug. 14, due mainly to cases tied to a church in northern Seoul and an anti-government rally. Daily infections soared to 441 on Aug. 27.
But new COVID-19 cases have slowed on the back of tightened social distancing rules.
Commuters wearing protective masks wait for buses in central Seoul on Oct. 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
Imported cases came to nine. The United States and Poland accounted for two patients each. There were also cases from Ireland, Britain, Russia, Uzbekistan and Syria.
South Korea added one additional death, raising the death toll to 422.
The fatality rate came to 1.75 percent.
The number of patients in serious or critical condition came to 107, up two from the previous day.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 21,886, up 41 from the previous day. This indicates more than 90 percent of the virus patients here have been cured.
South Korea has carried out 2,352,378 COVID-19 tests since Jan. 3.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-05--Unification ministry calls on N.K. to respond to joint probe on shooting incident

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has offered a rare apology over the killing , but the North offered a different @ @ @ @ @ including whether the official 's body was set on fire .
The North claimed what @ @ @ @ @ a floating object the official was relying on , not his body .

SEOUL, Oct. 5 (Yonhap) -- The unification ministry on Monday called on North Korea to respond to South Korea's calls for a joint probe into the recent killing of a South Korean fisheries official, as Pyongyang has remained unresponsive for over a week.
In late September, South Korea's presidential office Cheong Wa Dae demanded North Korea agree to a joint probe into the North's killing of the 47-year-old fisheries official who went missing while on duty near the Yellow Sea border island of Yeonpyeong.
"There has been no response from North Korea yet," Yoh Sang-key, the ministry's spokesperson, said during a regular press briefing. "The unification ministry is currently keeping an eye on North Korea's response. We hope the North responds as soon as possible."
The South claims that the North shot the official to death and burned his body after spotting him in its territorial waters.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has offered a rare apology over the killing, but the North offered a different account of what happened, including whether the official's body was set on fire. The North claimed what it set on fire was a floating object the official was relying on, not his body.
The military and the Coast Guard continue to search for the body of a South Korean fisheries official, who was shot to death by North Korean troops last month, in waters off the western border island of Yeonpyeong on Oct. 3, 2020 in this photo provided by the Coast Guard. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-05--USFK has not used 68 bln won of Korea's defense contributions since 2014: data

They said almost all of the personnel expenses out of Korea 's defense contributions have been used , but it @ @ @ @ @ not spent a large amount of the budget earmarked for military facility improvements every year @

SEOUL, Oct. 5 (Yonhap) -- About 68 billion won (US$58.4 million) out of South Korea's defense contributions to the United States Forces Korea (USFK) over the six years from 2014 has been left unused, data from the defense ministry showed Monday.
According to the data released by Rep. Jeon Hae-cheol of the ruling Democratic Party, USFK has not used 67.88 billion won out of Seoul's contributions made since 2014 toward shared defense costs.
This file photo, taken on June 19, 2020, shows a USFK counter-battery radar deployed in an area close to the inter-Korean border. (Yonhap)
The amount of Korean defense contributions unused by the U.S. reached 14.5 billion won in 2017, 20.4 billion won in 2018 and 7.9 billion won in 2019, the data found.
Jeon, who belongs to the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, released the defense data amid the two countries' long-stalled discussions on defense cost-sharing.
Jeon and other Korean politicians said that such a huge amount of unused defense costs should be fully reflected in the upcoming defense cost-sharing negotiations, noting USFK has failed to transparently disclose how it has handled the unused money.
They said almost all of the personnel expenses out of Korea's defense contributions have been used, but it is believed that USFK has not spent a large amount of the budget earmarked for military facility improvements every year.
The military facility improvement sector accounted for 5.9 billion won, or 75 percent, of last year's unused defense contributions from Seoul.
"The annual recurrence of unused money out of South Korea's defense contributions indicates there could have been some structural problems in bilateral defense-cost sharing talks," said Jeon, calling for efforts to terminate the practice.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-05--Moon vows S. Korea to play role in global fight against infectious diseases

`` Now is the time for their country to play a role , '' the president stressed .
`` ( @ @ @ @ @ to give them courage and pride that 'My country , the Republic of Korea , @ @ @ @ @ ' ''

SEOUL, Oct. 5 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in reaffirmed South Korea's commitment Monday to closer cooperation with the international community in response to the new coronavirus and other infectious diseases.
He was delivering a Facebook message on the occasion of World Korean Day.
"COVID-19 has awakened (us) to the lesson that there shouldn't be a health care blind spot in any place of the globe," Moon wrote.
The government will share South Korea's experience in the fight against the coronavirus and offer humanitarian assistance and development cooperation for a joint response to infectious diseases, he added.
This file photo shows President Moon Jae-in delivering a speech during the annual World Korean Day event in Seoul on Oct. 5, 2019. (Yonhap)
Moon cited South Korea's partnerships with the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on strengthening their diagnostic capabilities.
He took note of contributions by 7.5 million Koreans living in 193 nations to the development of their homeland.
"Now is the time for their country to play a role," the president stressed. "(The government) will try to give them courage and pride that 'My country, the Republic of Korea, is always with me.'"
Koreans abroad celebrate World Korean Day on Oct. 5. This year, Korean community leaders have skipped their annual gathering in Seoul due to coronavirus concerns.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-05--The Korea Interbank Offered Rates (KORIBOR)

SEOUL , Oct. 5 ( Yonhap ) -- The Korea Interbank Offered Rates ( KORIBOR ) as posted by Yonhap @ @ @ @ @ and information arm of Yonhap News Agency , at 11:00 a.m .


yna--2020-10-05--'DNA' becomes first BTS music video to hit 1.1 bln views on YouTube

YouTube views for the music video of `` DNA , '' released in September 2017 , passed 1.1 billion views @ @ @ @ @ the septet 's first video to reach the milestone , according to Big Hit Entertainment @

SEOUL, Oct. 5 (Yonhap) -- South Korean superstar BTS set another new record on YouTube as its music video for the song "DNA" racked up 1.1 billion views on Monday.
YouTube views for the music video of "DNA," released in September 2017, passed 1.1 billion views at 7:38 a.m., becoming the septet's first video to reach the milestone, according to Big Hit Entertainment.
"DNA," the main track for the group's EP album "Love Yourself: Her," was the first song by a South Korean act to simultaneously break into the Billboard's Hot 100 and Bill 200 main charts.
[BTS NEWS] 'BTS week' on NBC successful/ New album “BE” ready to hit Hot 100/ BLM /DNA hits 1.1 bln Youtube https://youtu.be/jF4pb0-Fnz8
In addition to "DNA," the group's music videos "Boy with Luv" and "Fake Love" had also racked up 969 million views and 781 million views on YouTube, respectively, as of Monday.
The band made history by becoming the first South Korean artist to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart last month with its disco-pop single "Dynamite."
BTS is set to release a new album titled "BE" on Nov. 20.
This photo, provided by Big Hit Entertainment, shows K-pop superstar BTS. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
This image, provided by Big Hit Entertainment, marks 1.1 billion YouTube views set by the BTS music video "DNA" on Oct. 5, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-05--Samsung's Galaxy S20 FE smartphone to go on sale in S. Korea next week

SEOUL , Oct. 5 ( Yonhap ) – Samsung Electronics Co. said Monday the budget model of its Galaxy S20 @ @ @ @ @ in South Korea next week as the tech giant aims to boost its handset sales @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Oct. 5 (Yonhap) – Samsung Electronics Co. said Monday the budget model of its Galaxy S20 smartphone will go on sale in South Korea next week as the tech giant aims to boost its handset sales amid the pandemic.
The Galaxy S20 Fan Edition (FE) will hit local shelves on Oct. 16 with a price tag of 899,800 won (US$770), according to Samsung, the world's largest smartphone vendor.
Pre-orders for the S20 FE will open Tuesday for local consumers, and they can receive the device starting Oct. 13.
The S20 FE, which was unveiled on Sept. 23, was launched globally Friday, but on home turf, Samsung decided to release the device late following the Chuseok fall harvest holiday here.
The S20 FE is the fourth model under the Galaxy S20 family that made its debut with the entry-level S20, mid-tier S20 Plus and high-end S20 Ultra in February.
This photo, provided by Samsung Electronics Co. on Sept. 23, 2020, shows the company's Galaxy S20 Fan Edition smartphone. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The S20 FE boasts a 32-megapixel selfie camera with its tetra-binning technology to capture more vivid pictures. The 5G-supporting device also has a 6.5-inch Infinity-O Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and packs a 4,500 mAh battery.
In South Korea, the S20 FE comes in five colors: cloud red, cloud lavender, cloud mint, cloud navy and cloud white.
Meanwhile, Samsung said its new wearable device, the Galaxy Fit2, will be launched in South Korea on Thursday.
The Fit2 wristband can track various fitness features including calories burned, heart rate and sleep patterns.
Samsung said the latest band can run up to a maximum of 21 days on a single charge depending on settings and conditions.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-05--Samsung launches new home cinema projector in S. Korea

Samsung said the Premiere is one of its lifestyle TV products that reflects users ' lifestyle and living patterns .
@ @ @ @ @ currently includes the Serif , a home decor-focused TV , and the Terrace , an @ @ @

SEOUL, Oct. 5 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Co. on Monday launched its new home cinema projector here amid the pandemic-driven stay-at-home trend.
The Premiere, Samsung's latest 4K ultra short throw laser projector, comes in two models, with the high-end LSP9T priced at 7.49 million won (US$6,430) and the standard LSP7T selling at 4.49 million won.
The home theater projector was first unveiled Sept. 2 at Samsung's virtual press conference event "Life Unstoppable."
The flagship LSP9T delivers up to a 130-inch screen with 4K picture quality using triple laser technology and boasts a maximum brightness of 2,800 ANSI lumens, according to the company.
Samsung said the Premiere is one of its lifestyle TV products that reflects users' lifestyle and living patterns. Samsung's lifestyle TV lineup currently includes the Serif, a home decor-focused TV, and the Terrace, an outdoor TV.
This photo provided by Samsung Electronics Co. on Oct. 5, 2020, shows models promoting Samsung's new home cinema projector, the Premiere. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-05--S. Korea, Cambodia to hold 3rd round of FTA talks

`` Cambodia has been boasting an annual economic growth of more than 7 percent since 2011 .
With around 72 @ @ @ @ @ aged 35 and below , it is a nation with high growth potential , '' @ @ @ @ @ statement .

By Kang Yoon-seung
SEOUL, Oct. 5 (Yonhap) -- South Korea said Monday it plans to start its third round of free trade talks with Cambodia this week to outline details, in line with Seoul's efforts to diversify its export portfolio in Southeast Asia.
The three-day virtual meetings, with a goal to come up with a finalized draft of the deal by the end of this year, will start Tuesday, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
The two countries held their first round of negotiations in July, which was followed by another gathering from Aug. 31 to Sept. 2.
"Cambodia has been boasting an annual economic growth of more than 7 percent since 2011. With around 72 percent of the population being aged 35 and below, it is a nation with high growth potential," the ministry said in a statement.
"The FTA with Cambodia, coupled with the existing FTA with ASEAN, will establish a favorable trade environment and beef up the competitiveness of South Korean companies," the ministry added.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen proposed making preparations for the bilateral free trade pact during his summit with South Korean President Moon Jae-in in Phnom Penh in March 2019.
The two nations launched their joint studies on the deal from January to May this year and declared they have officially kicked off the process in July.
The combined trade volume between the two countries came to a record high of US$1.03 billion in 2019, up 6 percent from a year earlier. Exports reached $697 million, up 5.5 percent on-year.
Cambodia was the 58th-largest export destination for South Korea in 2019.
South Korea mostly exports cargo trucks, drinks and textiles to Cambodia while importing clothes and shoes from the Southeast Asian nation.
Seoul has been rolling out the so-called New Southern Policy, which is aimed at bolstering Seoul's strategic and economic relations with emerging Asian partners, and reducing its heavy dependence on China or the United States.
The world's two largest economies account for roughly 40 percent of South Korea's exports, making it vulnerable to an economic fallout from the escalating tension between Washington and Beijing.
When the pact is signed, Cambodia will be added to South Korea's list of separate FTA partners in Southeast Asia, which currently covers Vietnam and Singapore.
Seoul and Manila held the fifth round of official negotiations for their FTA in January. Talks with Malaysia are also in progress, and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Indonesia is also awaiting an official signing ceremony.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-05--S. Korean manufacturing stays below par amid virus impact: IHS Markit

IHS Markit said South Korea 's manufacturing industry is showing signs of pulling out of the worst level , but @ @ @ @ @ rebound if sluggish demand persists .

SEOUL, Oct. 5 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's manufacturing activity gathered ground for the fourth straight month in September but remained below par amid the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, a global market researcher said Monday.
The purchasing managers' index (PMI) of the country's manufacturing sector stood at 49.8 last month, up 1.3 points from the previous month, according to a survey by IHS Markit.
Yet the September figure was below the 50-point mark that separates contraction from expansion. PMI is a key measure of factory activity in a country.
IHS Markit said South Korea's manufacturing industry is showing signs of pulling out of the worst level, but it could take longer to rebound if sluggish demand persists.
The findings also showed South Korea's corporate production climbing for the first time in eight months in September amid a downturn in total orders and employment.
South Korea, Asia's fourth-largest economy, has been pounded by the impact of the coronavirus pandemic that has sent its exports and private consumption hitting the skids.
The novel coronavirus, with the first case confirmed in South Korea in late January, has infected 24,091 people here, with the death toll reaching 422.
(END)


yna--2020-10-05--N. Korean paper carries article on Iran's new weapons

SEOUL , Oct. 5 ( Yonhap ) -- North Korea 's official newspaper on Monday ran an article on Iran @ @ @ @ @ other weapons systems amid speculation that Pyongyang could unveil its own `` new strategic weapon @ @ @ @ @ to mark this week 's key national anniversary .

SEOUL, Oct. 5 (Yonhap) -- North Korea's official newspaper on Monday ran an article on Iran's upgraded submarine-launched missile and other weapons systems amid speculation that Pyongyang could unveil its own "new strategic weapon" during a military parade to mark this week's key national anniversary.
Quoting recent state media reports in Teheran, the Rodong Sinmun said that Iran succeeded in improving the range of Jask-II cruise missiles that can be launched from the Middle East country's homegrown Fateh submarine.
The paper also mentioned Iran's new homegrown radar systems dubbed Soroush and Misaq.
It is not rare for North Korean media to carry articles about Iran's new weapons. North Korea and Iran are presumed to have maintained close ties in missile development since the 1980s.
The latest report, however, draws attention amid speculation that North Korea might unveil a "new strategic weapon" during a military parade expected to be held on Saturday when the country is to celebrate the 75th party founding anniversary.
Observers say that the North could roll out an upgraded intercontinental ballistic missile or submarine-launched ballistic missile this week.
N.Korea to launch '80-day campaign' for crucial anniversary Youtube https://youtu.be/b4td_bUtl8w
North Korean soldiers march during a military parade at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang on Sept. 9, 2018, to mark the 70th anniversary of North Korea's founding day, in this photo released by the North's official Korean Central News Agency. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-05--Pompeo asks for S. Korea's understanding over postponed trip to Seoul

Despite the cancellation of his trip to Seoul , Pompeo still plans to visit Japan for Tuesday 's Quad forum @ @ @ @ @ , India and Japan , in a trip seen as a move to keep an @ @ @ @ @ .

SEOUL, Oct. 5 (Yonhap) -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and asked for understanding of the postponement of his planned trip to Seoul originally set for this week, the foreign ministry said.
Pompeo called off his visit to Seoul as he cut short his East Asia trip after U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump tested positive for COVID-19 last week.
"Secretary Pompeo explained that his visit to South Korea, planned for this week, has been delayed for the U.S. side's inevitable reasons and asked for our side's understanding," the ministry said in a press release.
Kang, in turn, wished for U.S. President Trump and the first lady's swift recovery.
Despite the cancellation of his trip to Seoul, Pompeo still plans to visit Japan for Tuesday's Quad forum involving his counterparts from Australia, India and Japan, in a trip seen as a move to keep an increasingly assertive China in check.
During the talks, Kang also called for Washington's continued support for South Korean Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee's bid for the top post of the World Trade Organization.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (R) poses for photos with South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha during their meeting at the Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley in Palo Alto near San Francisco on Jan. 14, 2020, in this file photo provided by Kang's ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-05--Cold weather hits, first ice seen on Mount Seorak

The Korea Meteorological Administration said that as of 5 a.m. , the mercury dropped to 8.8 C in Seoul , @ @ @ @ @ and 8.6 C in Suwon .
On average , temperatures nationwide dropped more than 7 @ @ @ @ @ .

SEOUL, Oct. 5 (Yonhap) -- Cold weather hit the nation Monday morning, with Seoul recording the lowest temperature of this fall and the season's first ice seen in Mount Seorak on the east coast.
The Korea Meteorological Administration said that as of 5 a.m., the mercury dropped to 8.8 C in Seoul, 11.2 C in Incheon, and 8.6 C in Suwon. On average, temperatures nationwide dropped more than 7 C from a day earlier.
People cross a street in Gwanghwamun, central Seoul, on Oct. 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
In the mountainous Gangwon Province, the temperature fell to 5.4 C in Chuncheon and minus 1.7 on Mount Seorak, the first time it went below zero this autumn.
According to the local meteorological administration, the first ice of the season was also seen in the mountains, four days earlier than last year.
Since 2015, the first ice on Mount Seorak has always been reported in early October, with the exception of 2017, when it was Sept. 29.
In the central region of the country, temperatures ranged from 10.6 C in Cheongju to 8.9 C in Daejeon.
In the southwestern cities of Jeonju and Gwangju, the mercury dropped to 10.3 C and 12.1 C, respectively.
The southeastern cities of Daegu, Busan, Ulsan and Changwon recorded 11.8 C, 14.8 C, 13 C and 12.9, respectively.
The southern resort island of Jeju saw the highest temperature of 17.5 C.
The KMA said the highs are expected to range from 17 to 23 C.
This photo, provided by the Seoraksan National Park Office, shows the first ice of the year inside the park on Oct. 5, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-05--N.K. media launch PR campaign to promote Kim's achievements ahead of key anniversary

At the factory 's inauguration ceremony on Sunday , the chairman of the Jagang Provincial Committee of the Workers ' @ @ @ @ @ `` further cement the national foundation for anti-epidemic work and thoroughly protect and promote the @ @ @ @ @ people from malignant infectious disease and all other diseases , '' KCNA said .

SEOUL, Oct. 5 (Yonhap) -- North Korean state media launched a public relations campaign to promote what the country has achieved under leader Kim Jong-un, such as a remodeled factory and newly built houses, in an effort to rally public support ahead of this week's founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party.
The North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) carried a report touting the successful reopening of the Myohyangsan Medical Appliances Factory in the country's northwestern province of Jagang after it was recently remodeled.
At the factory's inauguration ceremony on Sunday, the chairman of the Jagang Provincial Committee of the Workers' Party called on officials to "further cement the national foundation for anti-epidemic work and thoroughly protect and promote the life and health of our people from malignant infectious disease and all other diseases," KCNA said.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited the factory in August 2018 and last October, calling for stepped-up efforts to modernize the factory.
Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the North's ruling party, stressed the successful development of a district surrounding Pyongyang International Airport, saying that the construction of hundreds of new houses and public facilities was completed.
The paper has highlighted the development of the area last year, saying that workers and officials have joined hands to finish the construction scheme as planned.
In a separate article, the paper also said "groundbreaking progress" in recovery efforts has been made at flood-ravaged areas in South Hamgyong Province.
The North appears to be reiterating several of its visible yet minor achievements in an effort to rally public support ahead of the party anniversary amid multiple challenges from its ongoing campaign against the coronavirus, devastation caused by recent typhoons and economic woes from global sanctions.
North Korea marks the 75th party founding anniversary on Saturday.
In this photo, provided by the Korean Central News Agency, a ceremony takes place to mark the reopening of the Myohyangsan Medical Appliances Factory after remodeling in Jagang Province on Oct. 4, 2020. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
This photo, provided by the Korean Central News Agency, shows the Myohyangsan Medical Appliances Factory in Jagang Province, which reopened after remodeling on Oct. 4, 2020. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-05--S. Korean carmakers' U.S. market share rises above pre-COVID levels

In the fourth quarter , however , Hyundai and Kia may face tough competition with their rivals , such as @ @ @ @ @ Motors Co. in the world 's most important automobile market as the rival carmakers have @ @ @ @ @ .

SEOUL, Oct. 5 (Yonhap) -- South Korean carmakers' market share in the United States rose above pre-coronavirus levels in the March-August period, helped by new models, an industry association said Monday.
Local carmakers accounted for 8.9 percent of the U.S. passenger car market during the cited period, up from the 7.7 percent during the December-February period, the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association (KAMA) said in a statement.
South Korea reported its first confirmed coronavirus case on Jan. 20, with its total caseload reaching 24,091 as of Monday.
Most car-manufacturing plants in the United States were suspended from March to May to stem the spread of the unprecedented respiratory illness.
Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Motors Corp., the country's two biggest carmakers, also suspended their U.S. plants during the same period.
But they continued to operate their domestic plants during the period as Seoul has managed the virus outbreak at low levels compared with other governments.
The combination of increased launches of SUV models, improved quality ratings and effective inventory control helped the country's two biggest carmakers expand their share in the U.S. passenger car market in the six-month period, the statement said.
In the fourth quarter, however, Hyundai and Kia may face tough competition with their rivals, such as Toyota Motor Corp. and General Motors Co. in the world's most important automobile market as the rival carmakers have begun operations in their plants.
Hyundai, its independent Genesis brand, and Kia sold 883,060 vehicles in the U.S. market in the January-September period, down 10 percent from 984,863 units a year earlier.
This file photo taken April 8, 2020, shows vehicles lined up at Hyundai Motor's port in Ulsan, about 410 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-05--N.K. paper lauds leader Kim's care for people ahead of party founding anniv.

`` The days and nights of the past nine years all boil down to the people , '' the Rodong @ @ @ @ @ , referring to Kim 's rule since late 2011 .
`` The top priority and @ @ @ @ @ party is to safeguard the lives and homes of our people . ''

SEOUL, Oct. 5 (Yonhap) -- North Korea's official newspaper lauded leader Kim Jong-un for putting people ahead of anything else, calling for loyalty to his people-oriented leadership ahead of this week's founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party.
"The days and nights of the past nine years all boil down to the people," the Rodong Sinmun said in a commentary, referring to Kim's rule since late 2011. "The top priority and most important thing for our party is to safeguard the lives and homes of our people."
"Not only the prolonged and worsening sanctions blockade but also the fight against the invisible disease and fierce recovery efforts from the border regions to the eastern and western areas have been unprecedented challenges of intensity matching several wars and the most terrible predicament," it added.
The paper called for people's loyalty to Kim, saying that a bright future for the country will be guaranteed if they believe in and follow his leadership despite such multiple challenges currently confronting the country.
The paper also said the party will unveil the "great strategic tasks" in the upcoming party congress scheduled for January, saying that people will see the ruling party's strong commitment to carrying out its obligation of leading the country.
North Korea will mark the 75th party founding anniversary Saturday. North Korean media have recently played up the party's care for the lives of people reeling from the damage done by recent back-to-back typhoons and the fallout of the prolonged fight against COVID-19 and crippling global sanctions.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (R) visits a rice paddy in the central border county of Kimhwa, Gangwon Province, in this photo provided by the Rodong Sinmun on Oct. 2, 2020. He was accompanied by Kim Yo-jong (2nd from L), his younger sister and first vice department director of the ruling Workers' Party's Central Committee. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-05--BTS agency begins 2-day IPO subscription from individuals

Big Hit Entertainment put up 1,426,000 shares , valued at 192.51 billion won ( US $ 165.3 million ) , @ @ @ @ @ .
The shares account for 20 percent of the company 's total offering this time @ @ @ @ @ at 135,000 won .

SEOUL, Oct. 5 (Yonhap) -- Big Hit Entertainment, the management agency of K-pop superstars BTS, began a two-day subscription on Monday for its initial public offering (IPO) next week, probably the biggest share sale on the local market.
The IPO subscription runs Monday to Tuesday, prior to the company's listing on Oct. 15.
Big Hit Entertainment put up 1,426,000 shares, valued at 192.51 billion won (US$165.3 million), for offering for retail investors. The shares account for 20 percent of the company's total offering this time. Its IPO was set at 135,000 won.
The agency has been dubbed one of this year's three big IPO deals in South Korea, along with biopharmaceutical blue chip SK Biopharmaceuticals and mobile game giant Kakao Games.
Last month, investors chipped in 58.5 trillion won in Kakao Games' subscription deposit, the most in South Korean IPO history.
Some experts forecast that Big Hit Entertainment, the creative nest of BTS, may break the game publisher's record subscription.
The firm's annual sales almost doubled to 587.2 billion won last year, with an operating profit of 98.7 billion won.
Brokerage houses' forecasts vary over how the company will perform in the pandemic-hit entertainment markets.
In late September, the agency decided to switch BTS' "BTS MAP OF THE SOUL ON:E" concert to an online event.
Some brokerages noted that virus risks will have limited impact on the agency, as BTS has accumulated rich experience in online activities.
BTS accounted for 98.2 percent of the agency's annual sales in 2018 and 97.4 percent in 2019, according to the agency's data.
Big Hit Entertainment has built up its own K-pop empire since it was founded in 2005 by former JYP Entertainment producer Bang Si-Hyuk.
Upon the company's market debut, Bang will become the 14th-richest stockholder in South Korea.
As the company's largest shareholder, the agency chief holds a 36.6 percent stake valued at about 1.67 trillion won.
Big Hit shares, new souvenir for BTS ARMYs? Youtube https://youtu.be/gd3klCOXzqI
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-05--(LEAD) New virus cases under 100 for 5th day, potential uptick after holiday worrisome

It marked a slight rise from the 64 cases added Sunday and a drop from 75 cases reported Saturday .
@ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday , they have been in double-digit figures .
The drop was in part @ @ @ @ @ out over the Chuseok autumn holiday that began Wednesday .

(ATTN: ADDS details throughout; CHANGES photo)
SEOUL, Oct. 5 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new coronavirus cases stayed below 100 for the fifth straight day Monday, but the country remained cautious about another potential uptick in new infections down the road after the long Chuseok holiday.
The country added 73 more COVID-19 cases, including 64 local infections, raising the total caseload to 24,091, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
It marked a slight rise from the 64 cases added Sunday and a drop from 75 cases reported Saturday. After daily infections hit 133 on Wednesday, they have been in double-digit figures. The drop was in part attributed to fewer tests carried out over the Chuseok autumn holiday that began Wednesday.
While millions of people normally travel across the nation over the Korean equivalent of Thanksgiving, health authorities advised people to refrain from visiting their families and relatives this year.
The country will enjoy another three-day break from Friday to Sunday to celebrate the Korean alphabet. The government earlier designated a special two-week period for toughened virus curbs until the end of this week.
Commuters wearing protective masks wait for buses in central Seoul on Oct. 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
Under the scheme, South Korea will continue to maintain the Level 2 social distancing nationwide, which bans indoor gatherings of 50 or more people.
The country operates a three-tier social distancing policy. Under the highest level, all gatherings of 10 or more people are banned.
The so-called high-risk facilities, such as bars or clubs, will remain fully shut down regardless of the number of visitors in the greater Seoul throughout Sunday, before the country comes up with a post-holiday guideline.
Such business establishments outside the capital area, however, will be allowed to resume their operations Monday.
Health authorities said although the number of daily new infections has clearly slowed over the holiday, the country still needs to stay vigilant over the potential hike in new virus cases.
Health authorities said they can determine later this week whether virus situations worsened or not in the aftermath of the holiday season.
Patients with unknown infection routes also have been straining the country's antivirus efforts.
Over the past two weeks, 18.4 percent of newly added patients had unknown infection routes. According to the latest data, 26.6 percent were traced to cluster infections as well.
Citizens enjoy picnics at a park in Daegu, 300 kilometers south of Seoul, on Oct. 4, 2020. (Yonhap)
Of the newly identified local infections, 19 cases were reported in Seoul and 25 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital. Incheon, west of Seoul, reported five more cases.
The southern port city of Busan added five cases, and the neighboring Ulsan reported four more patients.
Cases traced to an art high school in western Seoul reached seven as of Sunday noon.
A hospital in Bucheon, west of Seoul, reported seven more patients, raising the related caseload to 11. Cases traced to a factory in the southeastern port city of Pohang came to six.
A military base in Pocheon, north of Seoul, reported 36 virus cases as of Monday morning, sparking concerns over yet another major group infection.
The base, which reported three COVID-19 cases Sunday, has carried out tests on 230 potential cases. Health authorities are currently working to identify the infection route.
The country's new virus cases had been in the triple digits for more than a month since Aug. 14, due mainly to cases tied to a church in northern Seoul and an anti-government rally. Daily infections soared to 441 on Aug. 27.
But new COVID-19 cases have slowed on the back of tightened social distancing rules.
Imported cases came to nine. The United States and Poland accounted for two patients each. There were also cases from Ireland, Britain, Russia, Uzbekistan and Syria.
South Korea added one additional death, raising the death toll to 422.
The fatality rate came to 1.75 percent.
The number of patients in serious or critical condition came to 107, up two from the previous day.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 21,886, up 41 from the previous day. This indicates more than 90 percent of the virus patients here have been cured.
South Korea has carried out 2,352,378 COVID-19 tests since Jan. 3.
colin@yna.co.kr
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yna--2020-10-05--SuperM's 1st studio album debuts at No. 2 on Billboard 200

`` The set 's sales were bolstered by many merchandise/album bundles sold via the group 's official webstores , including @ @ @ @ @ with Marvel .
In addition , sales were encouraged by more than a dozen variants @ @ @ @ @ digital and CD formats , including a Target-exclusive version with different packaging and a poster @ @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Oct. 5 (Yonhap) -- K-pop project boy band SuperM has landed at No. 2 on the Billboard's main albums chart with its first full-length album "Super One."
The U.S.-based publisher reported Sunday (local time) that the SuperM album reached second place on the Billboard 200, which ranks the most popular albums of the week in the U.S. based on multi-metric consumption as measured in equivalent album units.
SuperM's album sales reached 104,000 equivalent album units, including 101,000 from traditional album sales and other album units from streaming and digital downloads.
"The set's sales were bolstered by many merchandise/album bundles sold via the group's official webstores, including a range of items co-branded with Marvel. In addition, sales were encouraged by more than a dozen variants of the album released across digital and CD formats, including a Target-exclusive version with different packaging and a poster," Billboard said.
SuperM is formed of members from SM Entertainment's popular boy groups SHINee, EXO, NCT 127 and WayV. It had a strong debut in October last year, with the EP album "SuperM: The 1st Mini Album" topping the Billboard 200 albums chart in the U.S., becoming the second K-pop group to do so after BTS.
The seven-member act under SM Entertainment, released its 15-track studio album, which includes prereleased singles -- "With You," "100," "Tiger Inside" and "One (Monster & Infinity)" -- in September.
This photo, provided by SM Entertainment, shows K-pop project boy band SuperM. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
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yna--2020-10-05--S. Korea reports 1 additional injection of mishandled flu vaccine

The KDCA claimed on Sept. 22 that no one had received the mishandled flu shot .
Three days later , @ @ @ @ @ been injected with the vaccine , and the figure has since been climbing .

SEOUL, Oct. 5 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Monday reported one more case of an injection with a potentially defective flu vaccine.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said as of Sunday, 2,296 people had received the vaccines that were exposed to room temperature, up one from the previous day.
The number of people who have reported abnormal reactions, such as a fever and chills, has stayed at 12 since last Wednesday.
In this file photo from Sept. 23, 2020, people line up outside the headquarters of the Gwangju office for the Korea Association of Health Promotion in Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul, to receive flu vaccines. (Yonhap)
In September, the public health agency temporarily halted its plan to offer free seasonal flu shots after some of about 5.78 million doses of flu vaccines were partially exposed to temperatures outside the storage range.
Inactivated vaccines should be refrigerated, and exposure to room temperature could result in decreased vaccine potency and increased risk of vaccine-preventable diseases.
The KDCA claimed on Sept. 22 that no one had received the mishandled flu shot. Three days later, it said 105 people had been injected with the vaccine, and the figure has since been climbing.
The KDCA has been conducting quality tests on those vaccines, in conjunction with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, and their findings will be announced Tuesday.
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yna--2020-10-05--Carmakers' Sept. sales rise 3.4 pct on local demand

Their overseas sales fell 1 percent to 540,019 units from 545,314 during the same period as Hyundai and Kia fared @ @ @ @ @ the world 's most important U.S. automobile market last month .

SEOUL, Oct. 5 (Yonhap) -- South Korean carmakers' vehicle sales rose 3.4 percent last month from a year earlier as robust domestic demand offset weak overseas sales amid the new coronavirus outbreak, industry data showed Monday.
The five carmakers in South Korea -- Hyundai Motor Co., Kia Motors Corp., GM Korea Co., Renault Samsung Motors Corp. and SsangYong Motor Co. -- sold a combined 678,549 vehicles in September, up from 655,968 units a year ago, according to data from the companies.
Strong sales of Hyundai and Kia's recreational vehicles drove up the carmakers' overall monthly sales results, though the COVID-19 pandemic continued to weigh on consumer sentiment, the data showed.
These photos show logos of the country's five carmakers: (clockwise from top L) Hyundai Motor, Kia Motors, SsangYong Motor, GM Korea and Renault Samsung Motors. (Yonhap)
The five carmakers' domestic sales jumped 25 percent to 138,530 units in September from 110,654 a year ago.
Their overseas sales fell 1 percent to 540,019 units from 545,314 during the same period as Hyundai and Kia fared better than their rivals in the world's most important U.S. automobile market last month.
In September, Hyundai's sales fell 5.3 percent to 360,762 autos from 380,910, while Kia's rose 10 percent to 260,023 from 235,810 during the same period.
Hyundai and Kia said they will continue to make efforts to minimize the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on vehicle sales in global markets while focusing on boosting sales of sport-utility vehicles.
GM Korea performed better than SsangYong Motor and Renault Samsung. Its sales jumped 90 percent on-year to 40,544 units last month from 21,393 a year ago helped by increased shipments of its SUV models.
SsangYong Motor saw its sales fall 4.4 percent to 9,834 units in September due to weak exports. Its domestic sales climbed 13 percent on-year to 8,208 units last month but exports plunged 47 percent to 1,626.
Renault Samsung was the worst performer last month.
Its sales fell 51 percent to 7,386 units last month from 15,208 a year earlier. Its domestic sales declined 24 percent to 5,934 and exports plummeted 80 percent to 1,452 during the cited period.
From January to September, the five carmakers sold a total of 4,903,445 autos, down 16 percent from 5,813,658 in the same period of last year due to the virus impact on vehicle production and sales.
Hyundai and Kia, which together form the world's fifth-biggest carmaker by sales, suspended operations of their major overseas plants until late May, and overseas parent firms of the three other carmakers reduced production to control inventories amid the pandemic.
Production at the five carmakers' plants has fallen short of the levels before the coronavirus hit the automobile industry early this year.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
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yna--2020-10-05--(2nd LD) Prosecutors seek 18-month prison term for ex-President Chun in libel trial

During the final presentation at the court , Jung said , `` There was not a single shot fired from @ @ @ @ @ That is the truth , '' he argued , adding that there was no evidence @ @ @ @ @ claim that citizens were being shot from helicopters .

(ATTN: ADDS details, comments in last 6 paras; UPDATES with minor edits)
GWANGJU, Oct. 5 (Yonhap) -- The prosecution on Monday sought an 18-month prison term for former President Chun Doo-hwan on charges of defaming an activist priest who documented a bloody crackdown by Chun's troops on pro-democracy demonstrators in Gwangju.
On May 18, 1980, citizens in Gwangju, about 330 kilometers south of Seoul, rose up against the military junta led by Chun. His troops ruthlessly cracked down on the nine-day uprising, leaving more than 200 people dead and 1,800 others wounded, according to official data.
The 89-year-old, who led an authoritarian government from 1980-1988, was indicted in May 2018 for allegedly making slanderous statements toward the late activist priest Cho Pius' eyewitness accounts of the brutal crackdown in his controversial memoir.
The undated file photo shows former President Chun Doo-hwan. (Yonhap)
In the memoir published in early 2017, Chun refuted earlier claims made by Cho, who had testified to witnessing the military shooting at citizens from helicopters during the Gwangju uprising. Chun has insisted that Cho lied, calling him "Satan wearing a mask."
In the last court arguments at the Gwangju District Court on Monday, which Chun did not attend, citing poor health, the prosecution asked for an 18-month prison term for Chun for defaming the late priest.
"Scoffing at people who remember the pain of history should not be justified as freedom of expression ... Giving the defendant a jail term would serve as a stepping stone for our society to gain power to not repeat unjust history," the prosecution said.
In a meeting with reporters before attending the final court hearing, Father Cho Young-dae, the plaintiff and also a nephew of the late priest, said the testimony by the late priest made it possible for the country to "take a big step toward the truth" about the May 18 democratic uprising.
Priest Cho Young-dae, the plaintiff, speaks to the press in front of the Gwangju District Court in the southwestern city of Gwangju on Oct. 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
On the other side, Jung Ju-gyo, a lawyer for Chun, told reporters that he was confident that the former president will be cleared of the charges "based on evidence that has been garnered so far."
"On the question of whether there were shootings from helicopters, there is only one truth," he said. "I have been working on the trial with my eyes set on finding the truth," he said.
During the final presentation at the court, Jung said, "There was not a single shot fired from the skies of Gwangju. That is the truth," he argued, adding that there was no evidence to support the prosecution's claim that citizens were being shot from helicopters.
Since his indictment in May 2018, Chun has rejected court summons several times, citing health reasons, which include a claim that he suffers from Alzheimer's disease. He appeared in court most recently in April.
Jung Ju-gyo, a lawyer for former President Chun Doo-hwan, speaks to reporters in front of the Gwangju District Court in the southwestern city of Gwangju on Oct. 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
The disgraced ex-leader stood in a separate criminal trial on treason and other charges in 1996. The former Army general, who seized power in a 1979 coup, received the death penalty, but the top court reduced the sentence to life imprisonment. He was released in December 1997 on a presidential pardon.
The court will hand down the sentence on Nov. 30.
The legal representative for Cho, along with the May 18 Memorial Foundation, welcomed the recommendation of the prison term for Chun, while calling it short for someone that they said should be incarcerated for longer.
Kim Jung-ho, the attorney for victims involved in the uprising, claimed the case isn't simply one of defamation between individuals.
"The key here is the distortion of historical facts, which are in the realm of public interest," Kim said. "With his irresponsible words and behavior, Chun has caused unnecessary social conflict."
The foundation, along with other interest groups representing victims of the Chun-led crackdown in 1980, issued a statement calling on the court to make the right decision.
"The court should set history straight by handing down a sentence on Chun, who has been distorting history with his lies," they said. "This trial is significant in that it is the formal recognition by our judicial branch of the helicopter shooting. The court must show that fabrication will no longer be tolerated."
This photo provided by the May 18 Memorial Foundation shows a military helicopter flying over Gwangju in May 1980. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-10-05--S. Korean cinemas see 70 pct drop in revenue due to protracted coronavirus pandemic

A total of 49 people who have contracted the virus were found to have visited cinemas between February and September @ @ @ @ @ were reported among the 31.5 million people who used the facilities during the same period @ @ @ @ @ a separate tally from the Korean Film Council .

SEOUL, Oct. 5 (Yonhap) -- The combined revenue for South Korean movie theaters declined by over 70 percent as the new coronavirus pandemic has continued for months, according to a lawmaker Monday.
Cinemas across the country posted revenue of 415.1 billion won (US$356.9 million) in the first nine months of this year, more than a 70 percent fall from 1.448 trillion won a year ago, Rep. Park Jeung of the ruling Democratic Party said.
The number of moviegoers also fell by some 70 percent, from 170 million to 48 million, over the same period, the lawmaker said citing data from the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.
In the latest tally, for the week from Aug. 31 to Sept. 6 when the country was under toughened virus curbs of Level Two, theaters in most regions, aside from Seoul, recorded over 90 percent drop both in the number of moviegoers and revenue.
South Jeolla Province saw the largest drop of 94.2 percent, followed by Gangwon Province and the southeastern city of Ulsan, both at 93.9 percent.
In this file photo taken on Aug. 26, 2020, a movie theater in Seoul is almost empty. (Yonhap)
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)
Despite the losses, movie theaters have so far been successful in preventing the spread of the virus, according to the lawmaker.
A total of 49 people who have contracted the virus were found to have visited cinemas between February and September, but no virus transmissions were reported among the 31.5 million people who used the facilities during the same period, he said, citing a separate tally from the Korean Film Council.
"Antivirus measures seem to be well implemented in movie theaters but it is true that concerns still exist," the lawmaker said, calling for measures to encourage the people to visit theaters without concerns and keep the local film industry from collapsing from the pandemic.
nyway@yna.co.kr
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yna--2020-10-05--American aces headline list of candidates for KBO's top player award for Sept.

The Korea Baseball Organization ( KBO ) unveiled six nominees for the Player of the Month for September on Monday @ @ @ @ @ Kia Tigers and Drew Rucinski of the NC Dinos are the two pitchers , up @ @ @ @ @ Yang Eui-ji , their second baseman Park Min-woo , the Tigers ' outfielder Choi Won-jun @ @ @ @ @ baseman Roberto Ramos .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Oct. 5 (Yonhap) -- Two American aces are among six candidates for September's top player award in South Korean baseball.
The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) unveiled six nominees for the Player of the Month for September on Monday. Aaron Brooks of the Kia Tigers and Drew Rucinski of the NC Dinos are the two pitchers, up against the Dinos' catcher Yang Eui-ji, their second baseman Park Min-woo, the Tigers' outfielder Choi Won-jun and LG Twins' first baseman Roberto Ramos.
In this file photo from Sept. 13, 2020, Aaron Brooks of the Kia Tigers pitches against the NC Dinos in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Changwon NC Park in Changwon, 400 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
Brooks and Rucinski tied for most wins in September with four apiece. Brooks led the KBO in ERA with 0.95 over 28 1/3 innings, while Rucinski had the most strikeouts with 36 in 31 2/3 innings.
At the plate, Yang batted .367/.422/.673 in 25 September games and led everyone with 32 RBIs that month. His teammate, Park, was tops in batting average with .410, in on-base percentage with .475 and in hits with 41 across 26 games.
In this file photo from Sept. 23, 2020, NC Dinos' starter Drew Rucinski tosses the ball to first base during the top of the sixth inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game against the Samsung Lions at Changwon NC Park in Changwon, 400 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
Choi, the Tigers' leadoff man, tied for the KBO lead in runs for September with 25 and ranked second behind Park with a .452 on-base percentage. Choi enjoyed a 21-game hitting streak last month.
Ramos launched a league-high nine home runs in September. He also led the league in the long-ball department in August with 10. This is Ramos' third nomination for the Player of the Month award, after May and August.
In this file photo from Sept. 24, 2020, Yang Eui-ji of the NC Dinos hits a single during the bottom of the eighth inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game against the LG Twins at Changwon NC Park in Changwon, 400 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
A combination of media votes and online fan votes will determine the winner, to be announced Sunday. The winner will receive 2 million won (US$1,720) in prize money and a gold bar worth 600,000 won, courtesy of the league's title sponsor, Shinhan Bank.
In this file photo from Sept. 20 2020, Choi Won-jun of the Kia Tigers hits an infield single during the bottom of the fifth inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game against the Hanwha Eagles at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field in Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-05--(LEAD) Expressway traffic during recent Chuseok holiday falls 10 pct amid pandemic

But the smaller-than-expected decline in traffic during this year 's Chuseok break indicates that many people opted to drive their @ @ @ @ @ of using public transportation that carries higher risks of exposure to the virus .

(ATTN: UPDATES with crowds of air travelers in last 5 paras; ADDS photo)
SEOUL, Oct. 5 (Yonhap) -- Traffic volume on the country's expressways during the recent extended Chuseok holiday dropped 10 percent from a year ago amid the COVID-19 pandemic, data showed Monday.
Traffic counts along the national expressways came to a daily average of 4.54 million vehicles during the five days from last Tuesday to Saturday, according to the data from Korea Expressway Corp. submitted to Rep. Park Sang-hyuk of the ruling Democratic Party.
The five days include the day before and after the three-day Chuseok holiday, which was from Wednesday to Friday.
The number represents a decline of 10.7 percent from the average daily traffic volume recorded during the same five-day holiday period, from Sept. 11-15, last year, according to the report.
Chuseok, the Korean fall harvest celebration and one of the country's biggest traditional holidays, usually serves as a chance for family members to visit their hometowns or travel.
The government had initially expected traffic volume to plunge about 30 percent during this year's Chuseok holiday week from last year, as people were discouraged from visiting their hometowns due to concerns over another surge in coronavirus infections.
But the smaller-than-expected decline in traffic during this year's Chuseok break indicates that many people opted to drive their own vehicles to travel instead of using public transportation that carries higher risks of exposure to the virus.
During the three-day holiday, Korea Expressway Corp. collected a total of 37.8 billion won (US$32.5 million) in expressway tolls, representing only 75.9 percent of what was due during the three-day Chuseok break a year earlier.
The country has traditionally lifted expressway tolls during the Chuseok holiday each year. But the government held off the benefit this year to discourage nationals from long-distance travel and avert mass infections of the new coronavirus.
The report also showed that sales by expressway restaurants, stores and other service providers plunged about 60 percent to a daily average of 3.8 billion won during the Chuseok holiday this year, compared with last year.
As part of virus curbs, sitting at expressway restaurants and cafes was prohibited and only takeaway food services were allowed this year.
Cars line up on an expressway during the recent extended Chuseok break that ran from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2, 2020. (Yonhap)
Meanwhile, as many as 860,000 people used domestic airports during the five days from Wednesday to Sunday, separate data showed, despite the government's advice against overseas and local travel to fight against COVID-19.
According to Korea Airports Corp. (KAC), the number of people who used domestic airports, excluding Incheon International Airport, during the period was tallied at 862,697, which stands at 67 percent of 1.28 million airport users recorded during last year's Chuseok holiday.
Considering that most international flights have been suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak, however, the actual decline in local holiday air travelers was not that large. As for domestic flights, the number of passengers decreased by only 17 percent from the previous year.
By region, the airport on Jeju Island, the nation's top travel destination, was used by 325,618 people during the holiday, while Seoul's Gimpo airport was used by 295,218 people.
KAC officials speculated that the smaller-than-expected decline in local air travelers was attributed to many people choosing to travel to enjoy the extended holiday instead of visiting their hometowns for family reunions.
Gimpo International Airport in western Seoul is crowded with travelers on Oct. 4, 2020, the last day of the extended Chuseok holiday. (Yonhap)
pbr@yna.co.kr
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yna--2020-10-05--(LEAD) Ahead of long-awaited matches, U-23 nat'l football coach feels alive again

The last time the U-23 national team played a match of any kind came in January this year , when @ @ @ @ @ first place at the Asian Football Confederation ( AFC ) U-23 Championship .
The tournament @ @ @ @ @ for the Tokyo Olympics , and had it not been for the coronavirus pandemic that @ @ @ @ @ 's team would have competed at the quadrennial event this past summer .

(ATTN: ADDS comments, photos)
PAJU, South Korea, Oct. 5 (Yonhap) -- It has been nine months since the South Korean men's under-23 national football team played a match, and for head coach Kim Hak-bum, the pair of exhibitions against the senior national team couldn't have come a day sooner.
"I feel alive again," Kim said Monday after arriving at the National Football Center (NFC) in Paju, just north of Seoul, to open mini-training camp for his squad. The U-23 team will face the senior side on Friday and next Monday.
Kim Hak-bum, head coach of the South Korean men's under-23 national football team, speaks to reporters at the National Football Center in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, on Oct. 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
"I think the players are also really excited to be here," Kim added. "Our fans have been thirsting for national team action, and we'll give them something to cheer about."
The last time the U-23 national team played a match of any kind came in January this year, when Kim led South Korea to first place at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-23 Championship. The tournament doubled as the qualifying event for the Tokyo Olympics, and had it not been for the coronavirus pandemic that forced its postponement, Kim's team would have competed at the quadrennial event this past summer.
These exhibitions will give Kim an opportunity to see some of his mainstays back in the national team setting and also to test new faces who are hoping to make an impression on the coach and make the Olympic team for next July.
The entire 23-man squad is made up of players from the domestic K League. The mandatory, 14-day quarantine for all inbound travelers to South Korea during the pandemic ruled out selections of any overseas-based players.
"I hope someone will step up and be the hero for our side," Kim said. "Every one of these players is capable of that."
Paulo Bento, head coach of the South Korean men's national football team, speaks to reporters at the National Football Center in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, on Oct. 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
Kim's counterpart, Paulo Bento, acknowledged that the pressure is on the senior team, since the junior team will come in with nothing to lose.
"As a football coach, I've always had to deal with that kind of pressure, and that's part of my job," Bento said. "I will handle all the pressure, and I hope the players will just have fun training and playing these matches."
At least Kim's young guns saw action in 2020. The same can't be said about Bento's team, whose last matches came in December 2019 at the East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) E-1 Football Championship in Busan, 450 kilometers southeast of Seoul.
All of their FIFA World Cup qualifying matches for 2020 have been postponed to next year. These exhibition matches will be played during the FIFA international window. Given global travel restrictions, South Korea may not play any international matches this year, though the Korea Football Association (KFA) is trying to scheduled friendlies in Europe during the Nov. 9-18 FIFA window.
Kim Hak-bum, head coach of the South Korean men's under-23 national football team, waves at cameras at the National Football Center in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, on Oct. 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-05--FM Kang keeps it low-key amid growing criticism over husband's overseas trip

Earlier Monday , Kang skirted the media by turning up at her office in the morning through the basement parking @ @ @ @ @ .
But she is expected to face intense scrutiny over the matter during the parliamentary @ @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Oct. 5 (Yonhap) -- Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha sought to keep it low-key on Monday after she came under fire over her husband visiting the United States in disregard of a travel advisory that her ministry issued to warn citizens against going overseas over coronavirus concerns.
Lee Yill-byung, Kang's husband and a professor emeritus at Yonsei University, left for the United States on Saturday, reportedly to buy a yacht and sail on it. The trip sparked sharp criticism as Kang has urged South Koreans to refrain from overseas trips under the ministry's non-binding travel advisory.
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha under fire for husband's yacht-shopping trip to US Youtube https://youtu.be/1FheOCeqMkI
"Professor Lee is also very much embarrassed," Kang told Yonhap News Agency. "I'd like to continue to offer words of apology again."
Kang also offered an apology on Sunday.
Earlier Monday, Kang skirted the media by turning up at her office in the morning through the basement parking lot of the ministry building. But she is expected to face intense scrutiny over the matter during the parliamentary audit slated for Wednesday.
The foreign ministry has recently renewed the special travel advisory until Oct. 19, recommending against travel to all countries and territories over COVID-19 concerns.
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha is surrounded by reporters as she leaves her office on Oct. 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
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