yna--2020-11-10--S. Korea's spy chief meets Suga amid protracted dispute over wartime forced labor

Despite the persistent tussle between Seoul and Tokyo , calls have been growing for them to move beyond their historical @ @ @ @ @ Biden government , intent on shoring up multilateralism to strengthen America 's global leadership , @ @ @ @ @ a fissure in its regional alliance network .

TOKYO/SEOUL, Nov. 10 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's National Intelligence Service Director Park Jie-won met with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga in Tokyo on Tuesday, a senior Japanese official said, amid strained relations between the two countries over wartime history and trade.
Tokyo's Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told a regular press briefing that Park paid a courtesy call on Suga, in the first high-level meeting between the two countries since Suga took office in September after his predecessor, Shinzo Abe, resigned due to deteriorating health.
Their meeting came amid expectation that the incoming administration of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden might want Washington's two Asian allies to patch things up as it eyes a closer-knit alliance network for regional security.
Park and Suga were expected to discuss the long-simmering issue of Japan's wartime forced labor, as well as Seoul's efforts to host a trilateral summit with China and Japan next month and seize on next year's Tokyo Olympics to reengage with Pyongyang.
Seoul and Tokyo remain far apart over the forced labor issue, amid fears that victims' move to sell off seized assets in South Korea of Japanese firms to get compensation could exacerbate tensions between the countries.
A legal process to liquidate the assets took a step further Tuesday, as a local court's public notice to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries regarding the process took effect with no diplomatic solution in sight.
Seoul honors the 2018 Supreme Court rulings that ordered Japanese firms to compensate victims of forced labor during Japan's 1910-45 colonization of the Korean Peninsula.
But Tokyo argues that all reparation issues stemming from its colonial rule were settled under a 1965 treaty that normalized bilateral relations.
The historical row has darkened the prospects for their envisioned trilateral summit with China, as Suga reportedly expressed his intent not to join the gathering unless South Korea promises not to liquidate the assets of Japanese firms to compensate forced labor victims.
Despite the persistent tussle between Seoul and Tokyo, calls have been growing for them to move beyond their historical animus, as the incoming Biden government, intent on shoring up multilateralism to strengthen America's global leadership, is expected to balk at a fissure in its regional alliance network.
Seoul's spy chief, keen on creating momentum to reengage with the North, was also expected to use his talks with Suga to enlist Tokyo's cooperation in bringing the North back to dialogue on the occasion of next year's Olympic Games.
Should the North's athletic delegation participate in the Olympics, the international sporting event could set the stage for diplomatic engagement with North Korean officials amid a protracted deadlock in nuclear talks between Washington and Pyongyang.
Park made an unannounced visit to Tokyo on Sunday.
On Monday, Park reportedly met Japan's National Security Secretariat Secretary General Shigeru Kitamura and Cabinet Intelligence Director Hiroaki Takizawa.
National Intelligence Service (NIS) chief Park Jie-won attends a parliamentary audit session at the NIS headquarters on Nov. 3, 2020. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-10--Creditors invite bidders for STX Offshore

The sale will proceed in the form of a so-called stalking-horse bid , which allows a preliminary preferred bidder a @ @ @ @ @ for sale unless open bidding falls through .

By Nam Kwang-sik
SEOUL, Nov. 10 (Yonhap) -- Mid-sized shipyard STX Offshore & Shipbuilding Co. said Tuesday that its creditors led by the Korea Development Bank (KDB) have invited preliminary bidders to sell their stake in the shipbuilder.
On Monday, the company made public its plan on its website to woo investors. Ernst & Young Han Young, the sale manager for the deal, will finalize the bidding by Nov. 23.
The KDB-led creditors wholly own the shipyard after debt-for-equity swaps and a debt rescheduling program.
STX Offshore started its debt rescheduling program in 2013 and was released from the program in July 2017.
This file photo, taken in April 2018, shows large-scale shipbuilding cranes at the shipyard of STX Offshore & Shipbuilding Co. (Yonhap)
"The announcement means creditors will accept any ways by bidders to sell the company," a company official told Yonhap News Agency on condition of anonymity.
The sale will proceed in the form of a so-called stalking-horse bid, which allows a preliminary preferred bidder a right to buy assets up for sale unless open bidding falls through.
A consortium of local private equity fund KH Investment and United Asset Management Company (UAMCO), South Korea's biggest bad debt clearer, has been chosen as the preliminary bidder for the purchase of the shipyard.
ksnam@yna.co.kr
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

The deaths had stoked public anxiety over the safety of such vaccines , but the Korea Disease Control and Prevention @ @ @ @ @ 97 of those deaths have very limited relation with the flu shots .
Another four @ @ @ @ @

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Tuesday.
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S. Korea considering arranging Moon-Biden phone talks at 'appropriate time': foreign ministry
SEOUL -- South Korea is considering arranging phone talks between President Moon Jae-in and U.S. President-elect Joe Biden at an "appropriate" time, the foreign ministry said Tuesday.
Lee Jae-woong, the ministry's deputy spokesman, made the remarks as speculation has grown over when Moon will hold his first phone conversation with Biden as President Donald Trump has refused to concede defeat in last week's election.
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(LEAD) Parties in process to pick inaugural chief of new anti-corruption probe body
SEOUL -- Eleven seasoned legal professionals have been nominated to lead an envisioned organization tasked with investigating corruption among high-ranking government officials, as doubts remain over whether the organization will be launched anytime soon amid a drawn-out partisan strife.
The nominations were filed earlier this week by a seven-member panel of government officials and outside experts, entrusted to designate two final candidates for the top post of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO).
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(LEAD) Moon to join ASEAN-related summits this week
SEOUL -- President Moon Jae-in plans to participate in a series of ASEAN-related summits this week, via video links, with a focus on Seoul's cooperation with Southeast Asian nations and the greater Asia-Pacific region, Cheong Wa Dae said Tuesday.
Moon will hold an online group summit with leaders of ASEAN, a regional intergovernmental organization comprised of 10 Southeast Asian nations, on Thursday to discuss Seoul's cooperation with member nations in various fields.
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(2nd LD) S. Korea launches new 3,000-ton-class SLBM submarine
GEOJE -- South Korea launched a new 3,000-ton-class indigenous submarine on Tuesday capable of firing submarine-launched ballistic missiles in an effort to boost underwater defense capabilities.
The ceremony for the mid-class diesel-powered submarine, named after a prominent Korean independent fighter, Ahn Mu, took place at the Okpo Shipyard of Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Co. in the southeastern city of Geoje.
-----------------
Estee Lauder apologizes for changing foundation color 'unfit for Asians'
SEOUL -- U.S. cosmetic giant Estee Lauder posted an apology on Instagram Tuesday after shipping the wrong color foundation to an online customer with a note saying that the product she ordered "does not suit Asians."
Estee Lauder was accused of racism after an anonymous customer posted a review on the Korean e-commerce site 11st on Sunday, claiming a Seoul department state selling its products online arbitrarily switched the color of the foundation she ordered.
-----------------
101 suspected flu shot deaths reported in S. Korea
SEOUL -- South Korea's health agency said Tuesday that a total of 101 people, most of whom were elderly, died after receiving seasonal flu vaccines.
The deaths had stoked public anxiety over the safety of such vaccines, but the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said 97 of those deaths have very limited relation with the flu shots. Another four cases are under investigation.
-----------------
S. Korea to decide on Delivery Hero's acquisition of Woowa next month
SEJONG -- South Korea's antitrust regulator plans to decide next month whether to approve a US$4 billion deal by Germany's Delivery Hero to acquire the nation's top food delivery app operator, Woowa Brothers, officials said Tuesday.
The Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) said it has sent documents about an antitrust review to the German food delivery company.
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(END)


yna--2020-11-11--Banks' household loan growth quickens in October on home-backed lending

The value of outstanding bank loans to local households came to 968.4 trillion won ( US $ 868.4 billion ) @ @ @ @ @ 10.6 trillion won from the previous month , according to the data from the Bank @ @ @ @ @ .

SEOUL, Nov. 11 (Yonhap) -- South Korean banks' household loans continued to grow at a fast pace in October, driven by home-backed lending amid soaring home prices, central bank data showed Wednesday.
The value of outstanding bank loans to local households came to 968.4 trillion won (US$868.4 billion) as of end-October, up 10.6 trillion won from the previous month, according to the data from the Bank of Korea (BOK).
The October reading is compared with a 9.6 trillion-won gain in September and an all-time high of an 11.7 trillion-won gain in August.
The BOK said the rise in lending was mainly attributable to solid demand for home-backed lending.
This photo, taken on Sept. 2, 2020, shows the headquarters of Hana Bank in central Seoul. (Yonhap)
Banks' mortgage loans grew 6.8 trillion won on-month to 709.3 trillion won in October, accelerating from a 6.7 trillion-won increase the previous month.
South Korea has unveiled a set of measures to cool the overheated housing market but has failed to put a lid on home prices.
Non-mortgage loans gained 3.8 trillion won last month, accelerating from a 3 trillion-won increase in September.
Unsecured loans accounted for the bulk of banks' non-mortgage lending. South Korean households rushed in recent months to borrow money to meet demand for property-related costs and subscribe to initial public offering (IPO) shares.
The financial regulator is seeking to tighten regulations on unsecured loans as excessive demand for credit loans is feared to hurt households' debt-serving capacity and banks' financial soundness.
Meanwhile, outstanding corporate loans totaled 975.2 trillion won at the end of October, up 9.1 trillion won from the previous month. It accelerated from a 5.1 trillion-won gain in September.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-11--KDI revises down 2021 growth outlook on pandemic-caused slumps in domestic demand

The think tank said the main downside risks to the Korean economy will be the possibility that the COVID-19 pandemic @ @ @ @ @ flare-up in trade tensions between the United States and China .

By Kim Soo-yeon
SEOUL, Nov. 11 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean economy is likely to grow at a slower-than-expected pace next year as domestic demand remains weak amid the fallout of the new coronavirus outbreak, a state-run think tank said Wednesday.
The Korea Development Institute (KDI) revised down the 2021 growth outlook for Asia's fourth-largest economy to 3.1 percent from its September estimate of 3.5 percent. It kept steady its 2020 outlook at a contraction of 1.1 percent.
A cut in KDI's growth forecast is mainly blamed on lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on consumer spending as slumps in the service sector will go on amid a non-contact trend.
"In 2021, despite improvements in exports, the South Korean economy is likely to grow 3.1 percent as domestic demand will undergo limited recovery," KDI said in a statement.
Given the country's yearly average economic growth rate in 2020-2021 will remain around 1 percent, the economy is expected to stay below the normal growth path next year, it added.
"The recovery of the South Korean economy is expected to proceed slowly in a limited manner," KDI noted.
This file photo, taken June 4, 2020, shows stacks of import-export cargo containers at South Korea's largest seaport in Busan, 450 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
KDI's projection is higher than the Bank of Korea (BOK)'s growth outlook. The BOK forecast the Korean economy to retreat 1.3 percent this year and grow 2.8 percent next year, citing pandemic-caused uncertainties.
The South Korean economy grew 1.9 percent on-quarter in the third quarter, marking the first quarterly growth after two quarters of contraction, as exports rebounded amid eased global lockdowns.
KDI said private spending is expected to remain weak next year amid the impact of the pandemic, while outbound shipments of chips and autos, key export items, will likely recover.
Private spending is forecast to contract 4.3 percent this year and only grow 2.4 percent next year despite the base effect, according to the KDI.
Exports, which account for about 50 percent of the Korean economy, are expected to grow 3.1 percent in 2021, after retreating 4.2 percent this year.
The think tank said the country's consumer inflation is forecast to remain subdued throughout next year, affected by low inflation expectations and weak demand-side pressure.
Consumer prices are expected to grow 0.7 percent next year after rising 0.5 percent this year, lower than the 2 percent inflation target by the BOK over the medium term.
The think tank said the main downside risks to the Korean economy will be the possibility that the COVID-19 pandemic will protract and a potential flare-up in trade tensions between the United States and China.
KDI said the government needs to maintain its expansionary macroeconomic policy for the time being as the pandemic-economic slumps could continue.
The government drew up four rounds of extra budgets this year to cushion the impact of the pandemic on the economy. It proposed a record 555.8 trillion-won (US$498.5 billion) budget for next year to spur economic recovery and create jobs.
KDI raised the need to remain vigilant against fast growth in state debt on concerns about financial health and its negative impact on the country's sovereign rating.
"Over the mid and long term, (the government) should make an effort to control growth in state debt and maintain fiscal soundness in consideration of the aging population and a fall in potential economic growth," KDI noted.
The country's debt is likely to reach a record 846.9 trillion won this year as the government sold deficit-covering bonds to finance four supplementary budgets, according to the finance ministry.
The nation's debt-to-GDP ratio will reach an all-time high of 43.9 percent this year, up 6.2 percentage points from the end of last year.
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


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(END)


yna--2020-11-11--Union of Hyundai Mipo begins strike vote on wage dispute

The labor union has called for a pay raise , additional bonus , the extension of the retirement age and @ @ @ @ @ peak system , saying the company had been in the black in the January-September period @

ULSAN, Nov. 11 (Yonhap) -- Unionized workers at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co. launched a strike vote Wednesday after failing to bridge a wide gap with its management on a wage and collective agreement.
The 2,000-strong union members of the shipbuilder, a unit of Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co., began casting votes over whether to authorize a strike.
The strike vote is set to end Friday.
This photo provided by Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co. shows its shipyard in Ulsan, 414 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
On Oct. 28, the union asked the regional office of the National Labor Relations Commission in the southeastern industrial city of Ulsan to mediate a labor dispute, but the commission instructed the union and management to hold more talks.
The state-run commission is responsible for mediating and adjudicating labor disputes.
Under the advice, the labor union is required to continue to hold talks with the management to launch a legal walkout even if the strike vote is passed.
The labor and management had 23 rounds of talks since July 8, but significant progress has not been made yet.
The labor union has called for a pay raise, additional bonus, the extension of the retirement age and the abolition of the wage peak system, saying the company had been in the black in the January-September period.
But the management has yet to put out its proposal.
ksnam@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-11--Moon vows to continue support for farming community, industry

`` Amidst the coronavirus crisis , we were able to feel the importance of the natural ecosystem more acutely than @ @ @ @ @ notice the enormous potential of farming villages as homes , '' he said .

By Lee Haye-ah
SEOUL, Nov. 11 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in met with farmers at Cheong Wa Dae on Wednesday and pledged his administration's continued support for the farming community and industry.
Moon hosted the event to celebrate the 25th Farmers Day, an annual occasion that is often overshadowed by the unofficial "Pepero Day," on which friends and lovers exchange the chocolate-covered stick cookies of the same name.
President Moon Jae-in delivers an address during an event to mark the 25th Farmers Day at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Nov. 11, 2020. (Yonhap)
Moon is the first president to formally mark Farmers Day since President Roh Moo-hyun in 2003, according to the presidential office.
"The farming industry is a life industry and a core national industry, while farming villages form our nation's base," the president said in an address.
"Amidst the coronavirus crisis, we were able to feel the importance of the natural ecosystem more acutely than ever and were made to notice the enormous potential of farming villages as homes," he said.
Moon laid out plans to push a new agricultural policy in preparation for the post-coronavirus era.
He said his administration will draw up a national food plan and a farming village space plan to turn farming communities into a central piece of his government's "New Deal," which aims to create jobs and develop the nation's future growth engines.
This photo shows President Moon Jae-in (front row, L) and first lady Kim Jung-sook (front row, R) attending an event marking the 25th Farmers Day at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Nov. 11, 2020. (Yonhap)
"The farming industry and farming villages will be the driving force behind a sustainable future and a reliable pillar in the food security regime," he added.
Stressing the importance of food security, Moon pledged to raise the nation's self-sufficiency rate for wheat to 10 percent and for beans to 45 percent by 2030.
The president also noted that even in the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic, exports of kimchi and "gochujang" (Korean red pepper paste) rose by 40 percent in the first 10 months of this year compared to last year.
He said agricultural goods exports exceeded US$6 billion, while 116,000 farming jobs were added in the three years since 2017.
This photo shows President Moon Jae-in (L) and first lady Kim Jung-sook observing a moment of silence for veterans on the occasion of the International Memorial Day for U.N. Korean War Veterans, at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Nov. 11, 2020. (Yonhap)
"Our rice is also contributing to saving lives," Moon said, noting that 50,000 tons of rice are sent to Yemen, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda every year through the United Nations World Food Program.
"This is the precious achievement of our nation's 2.2 million farmers," he said, citing WFP Executive Director David Beasley's congratulatory video message.
Beasley expressed gratitude for South Korea's support for his organization, saying that over the period of a generation the country had transformed itself from a food aid recipient to the world's ninth largest donor.
Cheong Wa Dae said the president decided to attend the event to console the nation's farmers who have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and seasonal heavy rains earlier this year.
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-11--Seoul stocks extend gains late Wed. morning on vaccine hopes, export jump

South Korean exports jumped 20.1 percent on-year in the first 10 days of November , raising hopes for a quick @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic .
Chip and auto exports increased 31.9 percent and 8.3 percent , respectively @

SEOUL, Nov. 11 (Yonhap) -- South Korean shares built up further gains late Wednesday morning, tracking Dow's continued gain related to Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine test results and improved exports.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 26.16 points, or 1.07 percent, to 2,478.99 as of 11:20 a.m., set to extend its winning streak to a seventh day.
Investors remained optimistic about Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine test results, backed by positive comments by top U.S. infectious disease specialist Anthony Fauci.
Overnight, the Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 0.9 percent to close at 29,420.92 points. The Nasdaq Composite retreated 1.37 percent, and the S&P 500 slipped 0.14 percent.
South Korean exports jumped 20.1 percent on-year in the first 10 days of November, raising hopes for a quick economic recovery from the new coronavirus pandemic. Chip and auto exports increased 31.9 percent and 8.3 percent, respectively.
In Seoul, most large caps traded higher.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics advanced 1.16 percent, with No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix gaining 0.35 percent.
Leading chemical firm LG Chem rose 1.57 percent, but rechargeable battery maker Samsung SDI shed 1.5 percent.
Pharmaceutical giant Samsung Biologics added 1.6 percent, and Celltrion spiked 6.51 percent.
Hyundai Motor, the country's largest carmaker, moved up 0.29 percent.
Internet portal giant Naver fell 0.53 percent, but its rival Kakao climbed 0.56 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,112.3 won against the U.S. dollar, up 2.8 won from the previous session's close.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-11--BTS shares details of upcoming album 'BE'

The simple image shows the main track `` Life Goes On '' as well as the titles for seven other @ @ @ @ @ & Grey , '' `` Skit '' , `` Stay '' and `` Dynamite .
@ @ @ @ @ the titles of the songs themselves , according to Big Hit Entertainment .

SEOUL, Nov. 11 (Yonhap) -- K-pop megastars BTS on Wednesday unveiled the details of their much-anticipated album "BE," scheduled to be released later this month.
An image posted on the band's agency Big Hit Entertainment's Twitter account showed a handwritten list of the eight songs that will be featured on the album set for release on Nov. 20.
The simple image shows the main track "Life Goes On" as well as the titles for seven other songs -- including "Blue & Grey," "Skit", "Stay" and "Dynamite." The members jotted down the titles of the songs themselves, according to Big Hit Entertainment.
Another image shows a message, written in cursive, that reads: "Life goes on/Like an echo in the forest/Like an arrow in the blue sky/On my pillow, on my table/Life goes on like this again."
BTS is set to showcase its lead track for the new album "Life Goes On" at the 2020 American Music Awards on Nov. 22.
The septet made history with its latest single "Dynamite" by becoming the first K-pop act to top the Billboard main singles chart. The upbeat disco-pop track landed at No. 1 on the Billboard's Hot 100 in its first week of release.
This photo, provided by Big Hit Entertainment on Nov. 11, 2020, shows the track list for the upcoming BTS album "BE." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)
This photo, provided by Big Hit Entertainment on Nov. 11, 2020, shows the digital cover for the upcoming BTS album "BE." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)
This photo, provided by Big Hit Entertainment, shows K-pop megastars BTS. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-11--S. Korea, U.S. seek to create working-level dialogue on regional policy coordination

The talks between Park and Knapper came ahead of this week 's series of summits involving the ASEAN member states @ @ @ @ @ to unveil the New Southern Policy Plus , a more fleshed-out version of the original @ @

SEOUL, Nov. 11 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and the United States are seeking to establish a new working-level dialogue platform on deepening cooperation between Seoul's New Southern Policy and Washington's Indo-Pacific Strategy, the foreign ministry said Wednesday.
Seoul's policy seeks to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and India, while Washington's Indo-Pacific Strategy is aimed at enhancing America's engagement with partner countries and protecting what it calls the rules-based order in the region.
On Tuesday, Park Jae-kyung, the ministry's director-general for ASEAN and Southeast Asian affairs, met with Marc Knapper, deputy U.S. assistant secretary of state for Korea and Japan, to discuss ways for "concrete, practical" cooperation between their regional policy initiatives, the ministry said in a press release.
"We are in talks (to create the dialogue platform)," a ministry official told Yonhap News Agency on condition of anonymity.
"It is designed to regularly exchange views on projects that are being carried out under the New Southern Policy and Indo-Pacific Strategy, and on their direction," the official added.
The talks between Park and Knapper came ahead of this week's series of summits involving the ASEAN member states, during which Seoul plans to unveil the New Southern Policy Plus, a more fleshed-out version of the original one.
Knapper arrived here last week to attend a local forum in Seoul.
Park Jae-kyung (R), the foreign ministry's director-general for ASEAN and Southeast Asian affairs, and Marc Knapper, deputy U.S. assistant secretary of state for Korea and Japan, pose for a photo before their talks at the ministry in Seoul on Nov. 10, 2020, in this photo provided by the foreign ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-11--S. Koreans neck and neck over reopening of Kaesong complex: Realmeter

By political inclination , 61.5 percent of conservative respondents opposed the resumption of the industrial park , while 70.8 percent @ @ @ @ @ .
Among moderates , 55.9 percent are against the reopening .

SEOUL, Nov. 11 (Yonhap) -- South Koreans are almost evenly divided over the reopening of the inter-Korean industrial complex of Kaesong, a poll showed Wednesday, before U.S President-elect Joe Biden maps out his North Korean policy.
In a survey conducted by Realmeter the previous day, 43.6 percent of 500 respondents aged 18 or older agreed with resuming operations of the Kaesong Industrial Complex in a preemptive way.
But 45.8 percent answered they disagree with it, while 10.6 percent said they are not familiar with the issue.
This image, provided by Realmeter, shows the result of a poll on the preemptive reopening of Kaesong Industrial Complex before the creation of U.S President-elect Joe Biden's North Korean policy. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
By political inclination, 61.5 percent of conservative respondents opposed the resumption of the industrial park, while 70.8 percent of liberals supported the idea. Among moderates, 55.9 percent are against the reopening.
The poll was commissioned by a local media outlet, OhmyNews, and the margin of error is plus and minus 4.4 percentage points.
This file photo, taken on Sept. 22, 2020, shows the inter-Korean industrial complex in North Korea's border town of Kaesong. (Yonhap)
Kaesong Industrial Complex, hailed as a symbol of inter-Korean economic cooperation, has been shut down since 2016 amid tensions over Pyongyang's nuclear and missile provocations.
In June, North Korea demolished the inter-Korea joint liaison office in the complex, citing anti-Pyongyang propaganda leafleting by North Korean defectors here as the reason.
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-11--(LEAD) S. Korea tests unmanned drone taxis in downtown Seoul

The six drones used in the demonstration are EH216s made by Chinese pilotless air taxi firm Ehang .
They have @ @ @ @ @ kg per drone , the ministry said , adding the `` K-drone traffic management system @ @ @ @ @ a state-financed project .

(ATTN: REPLACES 1st photo; ADDS details in paras 6-8, 11)
SEOUL, Nov. 11 (Yonhap) -- South Korea has tested an unmanned air taxi service in the capital city of Seoul as it seeks to commercialize urban air mobility services in 2025, the transport ministry said Wednesday.
The government has tested six drone taxis in Yeouido, western Seoul, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said in a statement.
It is the first time for the country to test the drone taxi service in a densely populated city.
Similar tests were previously conducted at designated test sites in Incheon, just west of Seoul, and Yeongwol, 200 kilometers east of Seoul, the statement said.
The six drones used in the demonstration are EH216s made by Chinese pilotless air taxi firm Ehang. They have two seats and weigh 650 kg per drone, the ministry said, adding the "K-drone traffic management system" is being developed under a state-financed project.
This file photo provided by Hanwha Systems shows the Butterfly, a mockup of the personal air vehicle it is developing with U.S.-based air taxi startup Overair. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Hanwha Systems Co., a defense industry and ICT service unit of chemical-to-finance conglomerate Hanwha Group, unveiled the Butterfly, the mockup of a personal air vehicle it is developing with U.S.-based air taxi startup Overair, during the air taxi event.
The company said it is seeking to establish a "verti-hub," the terminal for the takeoff and landing of air taxis, at Gimpo International Airport in western Seoul in cooperation with Korea Airports Corp.
The verti-hub, if built, will be the world's first such facility for drone taxis, according to Hanwha Systems.
The drone taxi program is in line with the government's broader plans to develop urban air mobility (UAM) solutions to begin commercial services in 2025 to alleviate ground traffic congestion and secure a future growth engine.
UAM is a key future innovation business that can help overcome urban challenges like traffic congestion by connecting the sky and the ground.
The global UAM market is expected to reach US$1.5 trillion by 2040, Hanwha said.
Air taxis equipped with electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) functions are expected to be available in some cities of the United States and Europe for commercial services by 2025, the statement said.
In September, the ministry tested an autonomous drone food delivery service amid the rising non-contact trend in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sejong City, an administrative hub 130 km southeast of Seoul.
In Sejong, five drones delivered meals and other products to people at homes two to three kilometers away across a lake and at high-rise buildings within 10 minutes.
South Korea aims to establish a presence in the drone delivery services market, where competition is fierce among global logistics powerhouses, such as U.S. e-commerce giant Amazon.com, Inc. and German delivery services company DHL.
This photo taken on Sept. 19, 2020, shows a person receiving a food box delivery from a drone during a government-led test event in the administrative city of Sejong, some 130 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-11--N. Korea calls for efforts to prevent wildfire amid dry weather

Pyongyang appears to be putting all effort into the campaign , as deforestation can cause greater damage when natural disasters @ @ @ @ @ hit the country .
It recently suffered from heavy rainfall and back-to-back typhoons in September @ @ @

SEOUL, Nov. 11 (Yonhap) -- North Korea is making all-out efforts to prevent forest fires, state media said Wednesday, as the dry weather puts the country's deforestation problem at greater risk.
"Efforts to protect forests, including forest fire prevention, are under way as part of nationwide patriotic efforts," the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.
The North has strengthened patrol in the forest areas and tightened rules for visitors during the fall season, the KCNA added.
It then called on all cities and provinces to join the nationwide campaign, saying that preventing wildfires is a way to "protect the forest, land, ecology and the economy."
The North is known for severe deforestation, which accelerated in the 1990s when a severe famine battered the impoverished nation and forced people to cut down trees for fuel and farmland.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has urged efforts to restore the forests since he came to power, ordering the construction of greenhouse farms and tree nurseries across the country and making field inspections to check on the progress.
Pyongyang appears to be putting all effort into the campaign, as deforestation can cause greater damage when natural disasters such as flooding and landslides hit the country. It recently suffered from heavy rainfall and back-to-back typhoons in September and October.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un talks to officials during a visit to the Jungphyong Vegetable Greenhouse Farm and Tree Nursery under construction in Kyongsong County, northeastern North Korea, in this photo provided by the Korean Central News Agency on Oct. 18, 2019. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-11--(2nd LD) New virus cases at nearly 3-week high; more regions upping virus curbs amid resurgence

`` If the current level of infections continues , we may have to raise the social-distancing schemes in two or @ @ @ @ @ Young-rae , a senior health official , said in a daily briefing .
The official @ @ @ @ @ to another resurgence of COVID-19 cases .

(ATTN: ADDS details throughout, photo)
SEOUL, Nov. 11 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new coronavirus cases rose by triple digits for a fourth day Wednesday to a nearly three-week high on sporadic cluster infections across the nation, with more cities adopting enhanced social distancing schemes.
The country added 146 more COVID-19 cases, including 113 local infections, raising the total caseload to 27,799, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
The daily caseload marks the highest since the 155 cases added on Oct. 23, and a sharp rise from 100 added Tuesday and 126 cases from Monday.
The country, which had been operating a three-tier social distancing scheme since the early stage of the pandemic, adopted the Level 1 social distancing on Saturday, the lowest in a revised five-tier system.
But sporadic cluster infections piled up across the nation, prompting more regional governments to raise their own virus curbs in advance.
A visitor waits to receive COVID-19 test at a clinic in central Seoul on Nov. 11, 2020. (Yonhap)
Asan and Cheonan, both located in central South Chungcheong Province, adopted the tougher measures last week. Wonju City in Gangwon Province has joined the move this week, and Suncheon, located 415 kilometers south of Seoul, also raised its social distancing scheme starting Wednesday.
Health authorities warned that the measures may be expanded nationwide if the current level of daily infections continues for two or three weeks.
People will still be allowed to carry on with most of their daily routine under Level 1.5, but some large-sized gatherings of 100 or more people will be regulated, though it is not a complete ban.
South Korea has been grappling with cluster infections not only from high-risk facilities, such as hospitals, but also from private gatherings and offices, which have hindered health authorities' efforts to track virus transmission routes.
Over the past two weeks, around 35.7 percent of the newly added cases have been group infections, with around 13.6 percent not having clear transmission routes, the data showed.
Among the locally transmitted cases, the capital city of Seoul accounted for 39 cases, and Gyeonggi Province that surrounds Seoul reported 42. The greater Seoul area houses around half of the nation's population.
South Gyeongsang Province added 10 cases, and Gangwon Province reported eight cases. South Chungcheong Province reported six additional cases.
The southern port city of Busan added three patients and Gwangju, located 330 kilometers south of Seoul, had two new cases.
Visitors waits to receive COVID-19 test at a clinic in central Seoul on Nov. 11, 2020. (Yonhap)
An insurance firm in western Seoul reported 36 patients as of Tuesday noon. In southern Seoul, a total of 46 infections were traced to a sauna.
Cases from a group of medical facilities and senior homes in Gunpo, south of Seoul, came to 131.
Currently, the reproduction rate, which reflects the number of people that a single patient can infect, is slightly above one.
"If the current level of infections continues, we may have to raise the social-distancing schemes in two or three weeks," Sohn Young-rae, a senior health official, said in a daily briefing. The official said silent spreaders can lead to another resurgence of COVID-19 cases.
Over the past week, South Korea's average daily new infections came to 99.7, while the capital area's reached 67.
Health authorities said they had found 38 virus cases at virus-vulnerable facilities, including nursing homes and psychiatric hospitals, after carrying out tests on those who work and stay at such facilities.
Starting Friday, South Korea plans to slap fines of 100,000 won (US$89) or less on people who don't wear protective masks at public places.
The designated places include restaurants, cafes, saunas, public transportation, along with other sports or religious events.
The country added 33 imported cases.
The United States accounted for 12 cases, trailed by Uzbekistan with five patients. India, Russia, Hungary, Germany, and Romania were responsible for two cases each.
There were imported cases from Indonesia, Myanmar, Mexico, Zambia, and Algeria as well.
The number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients came to 49, down five from Tuesday.
South Korea reported two additional deaths, raising the total to 487.
The fatality rate came to 1.75 percent.
The number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 25,266, up 106 from the previous day. Around 90.8 percent of the patients reported here have been cured.
South Korea carried out 2,736,534 COVID-19 tests so far, including 12,574 form the previous day.
Visitors waits to receive COVID-19 test at a clinic in central Seoul on Nov. 11, 2020. (Yonhap)
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-11--(LEAD) Top prosecutor ranks top in poll of prospective presidential candidates

Yoon has never declared political ambitions , though he said recently he will think about how to serve Korean society @ @ @ @ @ ends .
The 59-year-old Yoon 's two-year term as the top prosecutor ends in July @ @ @ @ @ interpreted his remarks as leaving room for a possible entry into politics .
The nation @ @ @ @ @ slated for March 2022 .

(ATTN: UPDATES with more details in last 8 paras; ADDS info in 6th para)
SEOUL, Nov. 11 (Yonhap) -- Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl has surpassed political heavyweights from the ruling Democratic Party to rank top in the latest popularity poll of prospective presidential candidates released Wednesday.
According to a survey of 1,022 people 18 years and older by pollster Hangil Research & Consulting, 24.7 percent said they support Yoon as South Korea's next president.
Lee Nak-yon, chairman of the Democratic Party, ranked second with 22.2 percent, while Gyeonggi Province Gov. Lee Jae-myung came next with an approval rate of 18.4 percent, the poll said.
It is the first time that Yoon has topped the list of prospective presidential candidates in polls.
The poll, conducted nationwide from Saturday to Monday at the request of local media Kukinews, has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points with a confidence level of 95 percent.
This file photo taken on Oct. 22, 2020, shows Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl speaking in a parliamentary audit in Seoul. (Yonhap)
Yoon has never declared political ambitions, though he said recently he will think about how to serve Korean society and people after his term ends. The 59-year-old Yoon's two-year term as the top prosecutor ends in July next year. Some commentators interpreted his remarks as leaving room for a possible entry into politics. The nation's next presidential election is slated for March 2022.
Yoon has been cheered by his supporters for his straightforward remarks on key contentious issues.
During last month's parliamentary audit broadcast live nationwide, Yoon said Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae's decision to take over his investigative command authority in a high-profile financial scandal was illegal and absurd. Yoon also declared that he is not a subordinate of the justice minister.
The popularity rates of leading presidential hopefuls from the opposition camp were all in the single digits, with the fourth-ranked independent lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo earning a mere 5.6 percent, according to the Hangil poll.
Ahn Cheol-soo, chairman of the minor People's Party, garnered 4.2 percent, trailed by Rep. Sim Sang-jung, former leader of the minor Justice Party, with 3.4 percent, it said.
The pollster noted Yoon was more favored by conservatives than liberals.
The preference for Yoon was strongest among supporters of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), with 62 percent of them rooting for him. About 32 percent of People's Party supporters chose Yoon as their favorite future leader, while the corresponding rate among non-partisan respondents was 23.7 percent.
By contrast, only 13.9 percent of Justice Party supporters and 4.8 percent of Democratic Party supporters favored Yoon. Nearly half of Democratic Party supporters, 47.4 percent, endorsed Chairman Lee as their favorite next president.
By region, Yoon's approval rate was strongest at 33.8 percent in the central provinces of Chungcheong, where his home town is located, compared with 30.4 percent in Busan and neighboring southeastern regions and 27.3 percent in Daegu and surrounding areas. In the southwestern provinces of Jeolla, he was supported by only 7.3 percent.
In Seoul, the support rate for the top prosecutor was 22 percent.
By age, 31.8 percent of respondents in their 60s supported Yoon, compared with 25.5 percent for people in their 20s, 19.6 percent for people in their 30s and 18.4 percent for people in their 40s.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-11--The Korea Interbank Offered Rates (KORIBOR)

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

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


yna--2020-11-11--Lineup tweak works no magic as Wiz get pushed to KBO postseason brink

In Game 2 , with Cho on second base after that double , Rojas Jr. flied out to left field @ @ @ @ @ with two outs and nobody on .
Then Rojas Jr. led off the fifth inning @ @ @ @ @ with two outs and the bases empty , Rojas Jr. struck out again in the @ @ @ @ @ appearance .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 11 (Yonhap) -- The main objective of baseball is to reach bases and then come home safely.
Two games into their first Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) postseason, the KT Wiz have done some of the former, but not enough of the latter.
That's mainly why they've dropped the first two games of the best-of-five second round against the Doosan Bears, who, thanks to a more opportunistic offense, now sit one win away from reaching their sixth consecutive Korean Series.
Mel Rojas Jr. of the KT Wiz rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Doosan Bears in the bottom of the third inning of Game 2 of the Korea Baseball Organization second-round postseason series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 10, 2020. (Yonhap)
Even a lineup tweak from Game 1 to Game 2 didn't do any tricks for the Wiz. Manager Lee Kang-chul moved his usual No. 2 hitter Hwang Jae-gyun into the leadoff spot, and his cleanup Kang Baek-ho batted in the No. 2 spot for Monday's series opener. Together, Hwang and Kang went 1-for-8 with four strikeouts in a 3-2 KT loss.
Lee went back to his oft-used lineup in Tuesday's Game 2, as Hwang and Kang returned to their usual places, and Cho Yong-ho was back at the top of the order.
The strategy appeared to pay off immediately, as Cho led off the game with a double against starter Choi Won-joon. But Cho never came home, as Choi retired the next three batters in order. Hwang finished 0-for-4, and Kang was 1-for-4.
KT Wiz players acknowledge their fans after losing to the Doosan Bears 4-1 in Game 2 of the Korea Baseball Organization second-round postseason series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 10, 2020. (Yonhap)
The Wiz fell 4-1, and their lone run came from a solo home run by Mel Rojas Jr. He has batted in the No. 3 spot in both games, as he did for most of his MVP-worthy regular season. Aside from that home run, he was hitless in Game 2 and had one single in Game 1.
The bigger problem, though, is that both of those hits came without a runner on base.
Rojas Jr. led the league with 135 RBIs in the regular season. A high RBI total usually indicates the team's ability to get on base ahead of the run producer, and the Wiz had the third-highest team on-base percentage in the regular season with .358.
But in Game 1, Rojas Jr. had just one plate appearance with anyone on base. With men at second and third in a two-out rally and the Wiz down 2-0 in the bottom eighth, the Bears intentionally walked Rojas Jr.
That loaded the bases but set up a force play at every base. The next batter, Yoo Han-joon, came through with a two-run single, but it's a risk the Bears will gladly take. At least Rojas Jr. didn't hurt them with a go-ahead, three-run home run.
KT Wiz players huddle outside their dugout before the start of the bottom of the seventh inning of Game 2 of the Korea Baseball Organization second-round postseason series against the Doosan Bears at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 10, 2020. (Yonhap)
In Game 2, with Cho on second base after that double, Rojas Jr. flied out to left field. His solo shot came with two outs and nobody on. Then Rojas Jr. led off the fifth inning with a strikeout. Then with two outs and the bases empty, Rojas Jr. struck out again in the seventh in his final plate appearance.
Veteran Park Kyung-su tried to do his part from the No. 7 spot. He reached base four times in Game 2, with two singles and two walks, but Park was stranded every time, and reached the second base just once out of those four occasions. Twice, Park was erased in a double play.
In all, the Wiz had eight hits but came up with just one run in Game 2. Contrast that to what the Bears did, scoring four times on 11 hits in the same game.
They scored the game's first run on three straight singles in the top of the second. Cleanup Kim Jae-hwan stepped up twice with a runner in scoring position, and cashed in both times -- first with an RBI single with men at the corners in the third, and then a two-run single with the bases loaded in the fifth.
KT manager Lee said after the Game 2 loss that he will consider juggling his lineup again for Thursday's must-win Game 3.
He'd better find the right combination this time. If not, the Wiz, instead of trying to bring runners home, will just be going home, period.
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-11--(LEAD) Seven more military personnel test positive for COVID-19

The Welfare Agency officials , including both active-duty soldiers and civilian employees , were confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ tested positive for the virus earlier this week , according to the ministry .

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead; UPDATES throughout with additional confirmed case)
SEOUL, Nov. 11 (Yonhap) -- Six more personnel working at a defense ministry agency handling welfare for service members and an airman have tested positive for the new coronavirus, the ministry said Wednesday.
The Welfare Agency officials, including both active-duty soldiers and civilian employees, were confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 after one of its workers tested positive for the virus earlier this week, according to the ministry.
The ministry has temporarily shut down the agency in Yongsan to conduct disinfection work.
In Goyang, just northwest of Seoul, an airman tested positive while hospitalized. Officials said the possibility of the virus spreading at his unit in Gangneung, 240 kilometers east of Seoul, is low.
Authorities are carrying out contact tracing to find out the exact route of the infections, officials said.
The latest cases raised the number of COVID-19 cases related to the military population to 174.
Nationwide, South Korea reported 146 new virus cases Wednesday, raising the total caseload to 27,799.
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-11--EXO's Kai to debut solo this month: agency

KAI , who debuted in 2012 as the main dancer of EXO , has gained popularity for his dance skills @ @ @ @ @ is also the main dancer of SuperM , a project group managed by SM Entertainment @

SEOUL, Nov. 11 (Yonhap) -- Kai, a member of K-pop boy band EXO, is set to release his first solo album in November, his agency said Wednesday.
The six-track album titled "KAI (开)" is scheduled to be released on Nov. 30, SM Entertainment said, without elaborating on the main track and track list.
KAI, who debuted in 2012 as the main dancer of EXO, has gained popularity for his dance skills and solid performance. He is also the main dancer of SuperM, a project group managed by SM Entertainment.
Apart from his musical career, KAI has appeared on several Korean TV and web dramas, as well as TV shows.
This image, provided by SM Entertainment on Nov. 11, 2020, shows a teaser image for Kai's upcoming album "KAI (开)" that is set to be released on Nov. 30. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-11--Prime minister regards Biden's victory as Americans' choice of national repair, unity

`` I believe we need to pay attention to the zeitgeist under which the American people chose Joe Biden .
@ @ @ @ @ ) is of solidarity and inclusion , '' Chung said during a dinner meeting with @ @ @ @ @ in Sejong , 120 kilometers south of Seoul , on Tuesday .

By Chang Dong-woo
SEJONG, Nov. 11 (Yonhap) -- Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun construed Joe Biden's victory in last week's U.S. presidential election as reflecting American people's desire for national reconciliation and solidarity.
He described the sprit as the "zeitgeist" of the current era.
"I believe we need to pay attention to the zeitgeist under which the American people chose Joe Biden. I believe that (zeitgeist) is of solidarity and inclusion," Chung said during a dinner meeting with reporters at his official residence in Sejong, 120 kilometers south of Seoul, on Tuesday.
Chung added that the U.S. public seems to have "defeated the spirit of division and animosity" by choosing Biden as the next leader.
"(The American people) chose Joe Biden, who has offered the road towards national repair, unity and inclusion. I believe that represents (the American) zeitgeist," said Chung, who's said to be among potential presidential candidates himself.
The former National Assembly speaker avoided a direct answer to a question about whether he intends to run in the 2022 presidential election, only saying that he's concentrating on faithfully carrying out his current duties.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun speaks during a dinner meeting with reporters at his official residence in Sejong, 120 kilometers south of Seoul, on Nov. 10, 2020. (Yonhap)
He also praised Biden as a statesman of dignity and experience.
"I believe he is stable and rich in experience. He will govern with the spirit of engagement," he said.
On the ongoing power struggle and rhetorical battle between Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae and Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl, the prime minister said both sides need to work to deescalate the situation which, according to Chung, "has caused discomfort" to the public.
"After observing his recent actions, I believe that (Yoon) has to have some self-restraint. His family and acquaintances are under investigations for certain suspicions," Chung said.
The prosecution is currently looking into allegations that Yoon's wife was involved in manipulation of stocks in Deutsch Motors and that her art exhibition company took bribes disguised as donations.
The prime minister said that the justice minister, on the other hand, needed to be more level-headed in carrying out task of prosecutorial reform.
"I would prefer if her rhetoric was more retrained. I believe the public agrees with me," he said.
The political clash between Choo and Yoon, part of a broader conflict between the ruling bloc and the prosecution, has transpired largely from last year following controversial investigations into former Justice Minister Cho Kuk, a key architect of President Moon Jae-in's drive for prosecution reform, and his family.
Reform of the prosecution has been a key agenda of the Moon administration amid long-held public views that the state prosecution has wielded excessive and manipulative power without adequate checks and balances.
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-11--Vice FM Lee reiterates S. Korea's commitment to strengthening multilateralism

In his speech , the vice minister explained Seoul 's series of initiatives to promote multilateral cooperation , such as @ @ @ @ @ `` Groups of Friends '' at the U.N. and other world bodies with an aim @ @ @ @ @ the aftermath of the pandemic .

SEOUL, Nov. 11 (Yonhap) -- Second Vice Foreign Minister Lee Tae-ho has renewed South Korea's commitment to strengthening multilateralism to help cope with the COVID-19 pandemic and other global challenges, the foreign ministry said Wednesday.
Lee made the remarks in a video message sent to Tuesday's high-level forum that the Spanish government hosted in support of multilateralism on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations.
"The Republic of Korea is ready to cooperate with various countries to strengthen multilateralism," Lee was quoted by the ministry as saying in the video message.
Second Vice Foreign Minister Lee Tae-ho speaks in a video message to a high-level forum that the Spanish government hosted in support of multilateralism on Nov. 10, 2011, in this photo provided by the foreign ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Global calls for multilateralism have been increasing, amid worries that anti-globalist sentiment, nationalism, protectionism and unilateralism in some quarters of the world could stymie efforts for global solidarity in tackling transnational challenges, such as the pandemic.
U.S. President-elect Joe Biden has also signaled his desire to advance multilateralism to address climate change and other challenges, and enhance America's global leadership.
In his speech, the vice minister explained Seoul's series of initiatives to promote multilateral cooperation, such as its lead in creating the "Groups of Friends" at the U.N. and other world bodies with an aim to strengthen collaboration in handling the aftermath of the pandemic.
The high-level event held in Madrid was attended by senior government officials from 11 countries, including Canada, New Zealand and Sweden, as well as U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-11--(2nd LD) S. Korea's Oct. job loss largest in 6 months amid pandemic

Last month , the country eased social distancing measures by one notch to the lowest level on its three-tier scheme @ @ @ @ @ cases after having been in effect for two months .

(ATTN: REWRITES lead; UPDATES with more info in paras 3,10,16; ADDS photo)
SEOUL, Nov. 11 (Yonhap) -- South Korea reported the sharpest on-year fall in jobs in six months in October, extending its job losses to an eighth month amid the protracted pandemic, data showed Wednesday.
The number of employed people reached 27.09 million last month, 421,000 fewer than a year earlier, according to the data compiled by Statistics Korea.
Job losses increased from an on-year fall of 392,000 in September.
The tally marked the sharpest on-year decline since April, when the country shed 476,000 jobs due to the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It also marked the steepest decline in jobs since the country reported job losses for an eight consecutive month in August 2009 during the global financial crisis.
South Korea has reported job losses every month since March, when the nation lost about 195,000 jobs, the first on-year job loss since 2009, due to the fallout of the pandemic.
The country's jobless rate rose 0.7 percentage point on-year to a three-month high of 3.7 percent, the data showed.
Last month, the employment rate for those aged between 15 and 64 reached 65.9 percent, down 1.4 percentage points from a year earlier.
The unemployment rate for young adults -- those aged between 15 and 29 -- came to 8.3 percent in October, up 1.1 percentage points from the previous year.
"The labor market showed slow recovery in October, affected by the impact of a resurgence in COVID-19 cases. Job market conditions remain tough," the finance ministry said in a statement.
Wearing a mask and plastic gloves, a job seeker reads a pamphlet at a job fair in Yongin, just south of Seoul, on Oct. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
Last month, the country eased social distancing measures by one notch to the lowest level on its three-tier scheme over a slowdown in COVID-19 cases after having been in effect for two months.
The finance ministry earlier anticipated a mild recovery in the job market in October compared with September, citing the country's relaxed virus curbs.
Job losses were pronounced in the service sector with the manufacturing segment also suffering a decline.
By industry, the manufacturing sector lost 98,000 jobs on-year in October. The accommodation and food service segment reported an on-year fall of 227,000 jobs last month, and the wholesale and retail sector lost 188,000 jobs. Such segments suffered job losses as people refrained from visiting off-line shops over concerns about virus infections.
But the public administration sector gained 123,000 jobs and the social welfare sector added 105,000 positions.
"Exports are improving, but the manufacturing industry has been still suffering job losses since September," Chung Myung-dong, a senior official at the statistics agency, said at a press briefing.
The number of temporary workers declined by 261,000 on-year in October and jobs for day laborers lost 59,000 positions.
The total number of unemployed people here reached 1.03 million in October, up 164,000 from the previous year, as almost all age groups reported a rise in unemployment.
The number of economically active people decreased 257,000 on-year to 28.12 million, while those inactive increased by 508,000 to 16.74 million, the data showed.
In August, the Bank of Korea (BOK) presented the bleak outlook for the job market, saying that the number of the employed is expected to decline by 130,000 this year, a turnaround from its May estimate of an increase of 30,000.
Jobseekers look around booths of a job far in the Convention and Exhibition Center in southern Seoul on Nov. 10, 2020. (Yonhap)
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-11--Chief auditor cites 'possibility of crime' over reactor closure

The prosecution recently launched a probe into the industry ministry and two state-run energy firms after the Board of Audit @ @ @ @ @ announced late last month that they manipulated the profitability projections of the Wolsong-1 nuclear reactor @ @ @ @ @ in 2019 .
The BAI sent related documents to the prosecution shortly after the announcement @

SEOUL, Nov. 11 (Yonhap) -- The chief of the state auditor said Wednesday that the agency determined there was a "possibility of a crime" in the government's evaluation of the economic viability of a now-decommissioned nuclear reactor.
The prosecution recently launched a probe into the industry ministry and two state-run energy firms after the Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI) announced late last month that they manipulated the profitability projections of the Wolsong-1 nuclear reactor to determine its early closure in 2019. The BAI sent related documents to the prosecution shortly after the announcement.
"We decided to send the investigation reference materials to the prosecution, judging that though there is not enough to file a complaint, there is a possibility the case can constitute a crime depending on further investigation," BAI Chairman Choe Jae-hyeong said during a parliamentary session.
Choe said he received consent from the members of its top decision-making body before sending the data.
Choe Jae-hyeong, chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection, speaks during a parliamentary session at the National Assembly in Seoul on Nov. 11, 2020. (Yonhap)
President Moon Jae-in decided in 2017 to decommission the country's second-oldest nuclear reactor earlier than scheduled in line with his nuclear-free policy.
For more than a year, BAI reviewed whether the shutdown decision in 2019 by the Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. (KHNP) was based on independent research or unfairly influenced by the administration.
Last week, prosecutors from the Daejeon District Prosecutors Office raided the industry ministry in Sejong, Korea Gas Corp. (KOGAS) in Daegu and the KHNP in Gyeongju to secure related documents and computer files.
Prosecutors opened the case after the main opposition People Power Party filed complaints against former Industry Minister Paik Un-gyu, KHNP President Chung Jae-hoon and KOGAS President Chae Hee-bong late last month.
(END)


yna--2020-11-11--(LEAD) S. Korea, China agree to seek joint measures in reducing fine dust

The ministers also agreed to work closely on the international stage , including at the 15th meeting of the Conference @ @ @ @ @ of Biological Diversity to be held in Kunming , China , in May , and @ @ @ @ @ Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 to be hosted by South Korea @ @ @ @ @ next year .

(ATTN: REPLACES photo)
SEOUL, Nov. 11 (Yonhap) -- The environment ministers of South Korea and China held online talks Wednesday to discuss measures to reduce fine dust air pollution and help achieve the two nations' goals in achieving carbon neutrality, Seoul's environment ministry said.
During the virtual meeting, South Korean Environment Minister Cho Myung-rae and his Chinese counterpart, Huang Runqiu, agreed to enhance cooperation on their respective anti-fine dust projects in the coming winter season when concentration levels are expected to rise, according to the ministry.
Environment Minister Cho Myung-rae (top) holds a virtual meeting with his Chinese counterpart Huang Runqiu (on screen) to discuss measures to reduce fine dust and achieve carbon neutrality on Nov. 11, 2020, in this photo provided by the Ministry of Environment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The two also agreed to push for the creation of a consultative body to share policies and technologies aimed at achieving carbon neutrality, which refers to the effective reduction of carbon emissions to zero.
"We must protect the blue sky for our people who are exhausted from COVID-19," Cho was quoted by his ministry as saying. "We will continue practical cooperation with China in order to eliminate fine dust and overcome the climate crisis."
The talks, the second of their kind, came after President Moon Jae-in announced last month his administration's policy goal to make South Korea carbon neutral by 2050.
President Xi Jinping also declared plans to attain the goal by 2060 for China during a speech before the United Nations General Assembly in September.
The ministers also agreed to work closely on the international stage, including at the 15th meeting of the Conference of Parties to the Convention of Biological Diversity to be held in Kunming, China, in May, and at the 2nd summit of Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 to be hosted by South Korea in the first half of next year.
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-11--(2nd LD) Top prosecutor ranks top in poll of prospective presidential candidates

(ATTN: UPDATES with reactions in paras 9-14)
SEOUL, Nov. 11 (Yonhap) -- Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl has surpassed political heavyweights from the ruling Democratic Party (DP) to rank top in the latest popularity poll of prospective presidential candidates released Wednesday.
According to a survey of 1,022 people 18 years and older by pollster Hangil Research & Consulting, 24.7 percent said they support Yoon as South Korea's next president.
Lee Nak-yon, chairman of the Democratic Party, ranked second with 22.2 percent, while Gyeonggi Province Gov. Lee Jae-myung, also affiliated with the party, came next with an approval rate of 18.4 percent, the poll said.
It is the first time that Yoon has topped the list of prospective presidential candidates in polls.
The poll, conducted nationwide from Saturday to Monday at the request of local media Kukinews, has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points with a confidence level of 95 percent.
This file photo taken on Oct. 22, 2020, shows Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl speaking in a parliamentary audit in Seoul. (Yonhap)
Yoon has never declared political ambitions, though he said recently he will think about how to serve Korean society and people after his term ends. The 59-year-old Yoon's two-year term as the top prosecutor ends in July next year. Some commentators interpreted his remarks as leaving room for a possible entry into politics. The nation's next presidential election is slated for March 2022.
Yoon has been cheered by his supporters for his straightforward remarks on key contentious issues.
During last month's parliamentary audit broadcast live nationwide, Yoon said Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae's decision to take over his investigative command authority in a high-profile financial scandal was illegal and absurd. Yoon also declared that he is not a subordinate of the justice minister.
Later on Wednesday, Choo doubled down on her attack on Yoon during a parliamentary session. She called for Yoon's resignation, accusing him of breaking the duty of political neutrality as top prosecutor.
"Now that he ascended to the top today, he should rather resign and do politics," Choo told a parliamentary committee.
Some ruling party members were critical of the minister's growing feud with Yoon.
"(Choo) mounted an unnecessary fight only resulting in raising the profile of Yoon Seok-youl. The agenda of prosecution reforms has now vanished, and it changed into a bout between the whole prosecution and the governing bloc," a DP official said.
The leader of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) welcomed Yoon's rise, saying it reflects the people's disenchantment with the Moon Jae-in administration.
"Think how Prosecutor General Yoon, who is not a politician, became No. 1. It shows how frustrated the people are," Kim Chong-in, the interim chief of the conservative party, said.
The popularity rates of leading presidential hopefuls from the opposition camp were all in the single digits, with the fourth-ranked independent lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo earning a mere 5.6 percent, according to the Hangil poll.
Ahn Cheol-soo, chairman of the minor People's Party, garnered 4.2 percent, trailed by Rep. Sim Sang-jung, former leader of the minor Justice Party, with 3.4 percent, it said.
The pollster noted Yoon was more favored by conservatives than liberals.
The preference for Yoon was strongest among supporters of the main opposition PPP, with 62 percent of them rooting for him. About 32 percent of People's Party supporters chose Yoon as their favorite future leader, while the corresponding rate among non-partisan respondents was 23.7 percent.
By contrast, only 13.9 percent of Justice Party supporters and 4.8 percent of Democratic Party supporters favored Yoon. Nearly half of Democratic Party supporters, 47.4 percent, endorsed Chairman Lee as their favorite next president.
By region, Yoon's approval rate was strongest at 33.8 percent in the central provinces of Chungcheong, where his home town is located, compared with 30.4 percent in Busan and neighboring southeastern regions and 27.3 percent in Daegu and surrounding areas. In the southwestern provinces of Jeolla, he was supported by only 7.3 percent.
In Seoul, the support rate for the top prosecutor was 22 percent.
By age, 31.8 percent of respondents in their 60s supported Yoon, compared with 25.5 percent for people in their 20s, 19.6 percent for people in their 30s and 18.4 percent for people in their 40s.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-11--(LEAD) Moon meets veteran diplomats for discussions on U.S. presidential election outcome

The focal point of the meeting was the need to enhance cooperation for the establishment of lasting peace on the @ @ @ @ @ .
Also discussed were the necessity of multilateral cooperation on issues like the fight against @ @ @ @ @ and close cooperation with the U.S. on shared values , like democracy , the office @ @

(ATTN: ADDS remarks in paras 7-9)
SEOUL, Nov. 11 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in held a luncheon meeting with a group of veteran diplomats and scholars Wednesday to hear their opinions on the shifting security environment in the wake of the recent U.S. presidential election, Cheong Wa Dae said.
The meeting, held at a banquet hall of the presidential office for nearly two hours, brought together Moon's former and current security advisors, revered professors as well as former ambassadors to the United States.
Among the attendees were Chung Eui-yong, former director of national security; Im Jong-seok, the incumbent special presidential adviser on diplomacy and security; Chang Dal-joong, honorary professor in diplomacy at Seoul National University; Ahn Ho-young, former top envoy to the U.S. who served under the preceding conservative government of Park Geun-hye.
This photo, distributed by Cheong Wa Dae, shows President Moon Jae-in (3rd from L) talking to diplomatic veterans during a luncheon meeting at the presidential office in Seoul on Nov. 11, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The presidential office noted that the meeting was arranged for Moon "to listen directly from elders" about a security environment that is expected to drastically shift following the American presidential election earlier this month. Former Vice President Joe Biden won the presidency.
It was also designed to delve into a future course of South Korea's diplomatic and security policies against the backdrop of the recent change, Cheong Wa Dae added.
The focal point of the meeting was the need to enhance cooperation for the establishment of lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula and its denuclearization. Also discussed were the necessity of multilateral cooperation on issues like the fight against COVID-19 and climate change, and close cooperation with the U.S. on shared values, like democracy, the office said.
A participant said the former diplomats and scholars projected that the incoming Biden administration is likely to demand South Korea improve ties with Japan to enhance security cooperation among the three nations.
Moon expressed concerns that Seoul and Tokyo are still apart over the issue of wartime forced labor.
"The victims' consent is prerequisite to the resolution of the problem, but there are gaps between South Korea and Japan," Moon was quoted as saying.
In order to pursue and implement government policies, Moon stressed that his government needs bipartisan and public support, according to the presidential office.
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-11--Woman arrested for allegedly abusing adopted baby to death

The Seoul Southern District Court issued the warrant to detain the woman , whose identity has been withheld , on @ @ @ @ @ in death , citing the risk that she may try to flee or tamper with @ @

SEOUL, Nov. 11 (Yonhap) -- A Seoul court on Wednesday approved pre-trial detention of a mother suspected of abusing her adopted 16-month-old baby to death.
The Seoul Southern District Court issued the warrant to detain the woman, whose identity has been withheld, on charges of child abuse resulting in death, citing the risk that she may try to flee or tamper with evidence.
A woman leaves the Seoul Southern District Court on Nov. 11, 2020, after attending a hearing on the prosecution's request for a warrant for her arrest on charges of abusing her adopted baby to death. (Yonhap)
The baby died at a Seoul hospital on Oct. 13, police said. She reportedly had serious injuries on her abdomen and brain, prompting doctors to report the case to the police.
A report by the National Forensic Service cited the cause of the baby's death as damage to the abdomen due to external force.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-11--S. Korea, China agree to seek joint measures in reducing fine dust

SEOUL, Nov. 11 (Yonhap) -- The environment ministers of South Korea and China held online talks Wednesday to discuss measures to reduce fine dust air pollution and help achieve the two nations' goals in achieving carbon neutrality, Seoul's environment ministry said.
During the virtual meeting, South Korean Environment Minister Cho Myung-rae and his Chinese counterpart, Huang Runqiu, agreed to enhance cooperation on their respective anti-fine dust projects in the coming winter season when concentration levels are expected to rise, according to the ministry.
This file photo provided by the Ministry of Environment shows Environment Minister Cho Myung-rae. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The two also agreed to push for the creation of a consultative body to share policies and technologies aimed at achieving carbon neutrality, which refers to the effective reduction of carbon emissions to zero.
"We must protect the blue sky for our people who are exhausted from COVID-19," Cho was quoted by his ministry as saying. "We will continue practical cooperation with China in order to eliminate fine dust and overcome the climate crisis."
The talks, the second of their kind, came after President Moon Jae-in announced last month his administration's policy goal to make South Korea carbon neutral by 2050.
President Xi Jinping also declared plans to attain the goal by 2060 for China during a speech before the United Nations General Assembly in September.
The ministers also agreed to work closely on the international stage, including at the 15th meeting of the Conference of Parties to the Convention of Biological Diversity to be held in Kunming, China, in May, and at the 2nd summit of Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 to be hosted by South Korea in the first half of next year.
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-11--Vice FM Choi voices hope for 'comprehensive partnership' with Caribbean states

`` He expressed hope that based on solidarity and cooperation that they have built through joint responses to COVID-19 this @ @ @ @ @ will develop their cooperative relationship into a comprehensive partnership , '' it added .

SEOUL, Nov. 11 (Yonhap) -- First Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong-kun voiced hope Wednesday for South Korea and Caribbean countries to develop a "comprehensive partnership" on the back of their cooperation this year in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Choi made the remarks during the 10th High-Level Forum on the Korea-Caribbean Partnership, an annual gathering between the two sides aimed at fostering practical cooperation in economic, social and other areas.
"Vice Foreign Minister Choi noted the steady expansion of practical cooperation in various areas, such as climate change, disaster response and electronic governance, through the high-level forum over the decade," the foreign ministry said in a press release.
"He expressed hope that based on solidarity and cooperation that they have built through joint responses to COVID-19 this year, the two sides will develop their cooperative relationship into a comprehensive partnership," it added.
First Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong-kun speaks during the 10th High-Level Forum on the Korea-Caribbean Partnership in Seoul on Nov. 11, 2020, in this photo provided by the foreign ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The forum proceeded with a particular focus on health and medical care, as well as food security in the post-coronavirus era, the ministry said. Many participants from overseas joined the session via video links.
The ministry hosted the forum jointly with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) -- a group of 15 Caribbean nations and five associate members with an aim to promote economic integration -- and the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), a greater regional cooperation apparatus involving CARICOM members and others.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-11--N. Korea highlights hazards of smoking after adopting anti-smoking law

The KCNA pointed out the hazards of secondhand smoking as well , saying that it is killing around 1 million @ @ @ @ @ year .
Cigarette butts were also cited as a major environmental concern since they take @ @ @ @ @ decompose and can cause forest fires .

SEOUL, Nov. 11 (Yonhhap) -- North Korea's state news agency on Wednesday highlighted the hazards of smoking, saying the habit could increase the chances of getting infected with the new coronavirus.
North Korea's media outlets have intensified calls for people to stop smoking since Pyongyang held a parliamentary meeting and adopted an anti-smoking law earlier this month.
"Smoking has taken more lives than natural disasters and traffic accidents," the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said. "Since the new coronavirus comes mostly through the airway and lung, smokers have more likelihoods of getting infected with the viciously infectious disease."
The KCNA pointed out the hazards of secondhand smoking as well, saying that it is killing around 1 million kids across the world every year. Cigarette butts were also cited as a major environmental concern since they take up to 10 years to decompose and can cause forest fires.
The KCNA said North Korea has taken a series of anti-smoking measures recently, which it said is in line with a global trend.
On Nov. 4, North Korea held a meeting of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly and adopted an anti-smoking law that specifies places and buildings where smoking is prohibited.
The newly adopted law raised questions about whether it will also be applied to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who is known to be a chain smoker. State media frequently runs photos of him carrying cigarettes in public.
Overall smoking rates in North Korea remain high. According to a report, smoking rates especially among men in the North stood at 43.9 percent in 2014.
North Korea's top leader Kim Jong-un is seen holding a cigarette in this photo captured from the North's Korean Central TV on Dec. 13, 2017, as he attended the 8th Conference of Munitions Industry in Pyongyang a day earlier. North Korea launched a nationwide anti-smoking campaign last year, but outside watchers say the smoking rate is actually increasing, partly due to Kim's smoking habit being frequently shown in public. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-11--Spy chief Park says he sees good prospects for S. Korea-China-Japan summit next month

Asked to elaborate on the content of his discussions with Suga about the summit , Park said , `` I @ @ @ @ @ president and that is a matter for the leaders to decide on . ''

TOKYO/SEOUL, Nov. 11 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's intelligence chief said Wednesday that he sees good prospects for a trilateral summit that South Korea is trying to host with China and Japan before the end of this year.
National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director Park Jie-won made the remarks, a day after he met with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga in Tokyo, in the first high-level talks since Suga took office in September after his predecessor, Shinzo Abe, resigned over health problems.
"It will go in a good direction," Park told Yonhap News Agency over the phone.
Asked to elaborate on the content of his discussions with Suga about the summit, Park said, "I will report that to the president and that is a matter for the leaders to decide on."
National Intelligence Service Director Park Jie-won arrives at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul on Nov. 11, 2020. (Yonhap)
South Korea is the host of this year's trilateral summit. But uncertainty has lingered over the summit, as Suga reportedly expressed his intent not to join it unless Seoul promises not to liquidate the assets of Japanese firms to compensate victims of wartime forced labor.
The NIS chief also confirmed news reports that he had proposed to Suga that the two countries issue another declaration akin to the 1998 statement between then Korean President Kim Dae-jung and then Japanese Premier Keizo Obuchi on building a future-oriented partnership.
The 1998 statement set the mood for closer cooperation between the two countries, as Obuchi expressed "keen remorse" and apologized for "great damage and pain" that Japan imposed on South Koreans through its 1910-45 colonization of the peninsula.
"(They) wrote correctly," Park said of the Japanese news reports.
Touching on the protracted row between Seoul and Tokyo over wartime forced labor, Park pointed out that the leaders of the two countries have strong will to resolve historical and other pending issues.
"I foresee things will turn out well," he said.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-11--Busan to develop 'port-through' virus test to prevent infectious disease from overseas

The `` port-through '' platform seeks to minimize contact during virus tests by flying drones to ships and developing a @ @ @ @ @ droplets left on protective face masks instead of using nasal swabs , a city government @ @ @

BUSAN, Nov. 11 (Yonhap) -- The Busan metropolitan government said Wednesday it is developing a comprehensive system to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases from ships arriving from overseas.
The "port-through" platform seeks to minimize contact during virus tests by flying drones to ships and developing a new testing method of analyzing droplets left on protective face masks instead of using nasal swabs, a city government official said.
The Busan city government has teamed up with Pusan National University Hospital, Busan Port Authority and others for the project.
The city government has a plan to complete the platform development with a budget of 514 million won (US$463,063) by 2022, according to officials.
Crew members of a 7,733-ton Russian pelagic fishing boat take a fire service bus to be transported to Busan Medical Center in Busan on July 24, 2020. Of the 92 crewmen, 32 tested positive for COVID-19. (Yonhap)
Crew members of a 7,733-ton Russian pelagic fishing boat get off the ship to be transported to Busan Medical Center in Busan on July 24, 2020. Of the 92 crewmen, 32 tested positive for COVID-19. (Yonhap)
In July, new coronavirus cases spiked in Busan, some 450 kilometers southeast of Seoul, following mass infections of sailors of a foreign vessel that entered a port in the city.
"(The city government) hopes to develop a perfect system for preemptive response to infectious diseases and ease the anxiety of the residents," Byun Seong-wan, acting mayor of Busan, said.
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-11--(LEAD) Seoul stocks at over 2-year high on vaccine hopes; Korean won at nearly 2-yr high

Amid a bullish run , the combined market cap of the KOSPI and the tech-heavy , secondary KOSDAQ markets stood @ @ @ @ @ 2,032 trillion won upon the session 's close .
The previous record was 2,019 trillion @ @ @ @ @ 2018 , according to the Korea Exchange ( KRX ) data .

(ATTN: ADDS more details and data in paras 2, 7-9, bond yields at bottom, photo)
SEOUL, Nov. 11 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean stock market hit a more than 2-year high Wednesday, as investor sentiment improved on stronger exports and Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine test results. The Korean won surged to a 23-month high against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 33.04 points, or 1.35 percent, to close at 2,485.87 points, the highest closing since 2487.25 points on May 3, 2018, and extend its winning streak to an eighth day.
Trading volume was high at about 1.3 billion shares worth some 18 trillion won (US$16.2 billion), with gainers outnumbering losers 575 to 290.
Foreigners bought a net 834 billion won, while retail investors sold a net 1.2 trillion won. Institutions purchased a net 402 billion won.
Foreigners raked in local stocks for a fifth consecutive session, as the Korean won continued to soar against the U.S. greenback.
The local currency closed at 1,110.0 won against the U.S. dollar, up 5.1 won from the previous session's close and the highest since 1105.3 on Dec. 4, 2018.
Amid a bullish run, the combined market cap of the KOSPI and the tech-heavy, secondary KOSDAQ markets stood at a record high of 2,032 trillion won upon the session's close. The previous record was 2,019 trillion won on Jan. 29, 2018, according to the Korea Exchange (KRX) data.
The KOSPI's market cap alone stood at 1,703.95 trillion won.
"The easing U.S. election uncertainties and the progresses in (COVID-19) vaccine development have increased the inflow of cash for risky assets and expanded the size of global stock markets," the KRX said in a statement.
Electronic signboards at a Hana Bank dealing room in Seoul show the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed at 2,485.87 on Nov. 11, 2020, up 33.04 points, or 1.35 percent, from the previous session's close. (Yonhap)
Investors remained optimistic about Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine test results. Positive comments by top U.S. infectious disease specialist Anthony Fauci backed such optimism.
"Anticipation for the COVID-19 vaccine development seems to have pulled up the stock index," said Samsung Securities analyst Seo Jeong-hoon.
"Economy- and export-sensitive stocks performed well in today's session," he added.
South Korea's exports jumped 20.1 percent on-year in the first 10 days of November, raising hopes for a quick economic recovery from the new coronavirus pandemic. Chip and auto exports increased 31.9 percent and 8.3 percent, respectively.
In Seoul, most large caps closed higher.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics advanced 1.83 percent to 61,300 won, with No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix gaining 0.58 percent to 87,000 won.
Leading chemical firm LG Chem shed 1.42 percent to 692,000 won, and rechargeable battery maker Samsung SDI shed 3.94 percent to 512,000 won.
Pharmaceutical giant Samsung Biologics added 1.2 percent to 761,000 won, and Celltrion spiked 7.23 percent to 296,500 won.
Hyundai Motor, the country's largest carmaker, moved up 1.15 percent to 175,500 won.
Internet portal giant Naver fell 1.06 percent to 280,000 won, and its rival Kakao slipped 0.14 percent to 355,500 won.
Bond prices, which move inversely to yields, closed lower. The yield on three-year Treasurys rose 1.3 basis points to 0.989 percent, and the return on the benchmark five-year government bond added 3.4 basis points to 1.340 percent.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-11--New KBO manager wants club to put bad season behind

In 2020 , only two years after winning the Korean Series , the Wyverns finished in ninth place among 10 @ @ @ @ @ ) .
They played most of the season with bench coach Park Kyung-oan as their @ @ @ @ @ Kyoung-youb fell ill during a game on June 25 and was sidelined for all but @ @ @ @ @ of the season .
Both Youm and Park left the club at the end of @ @ @ @

INCHEON, Nov. 11 (Yonhap) -- Former SK Wyverns pitcher Kim Won-hyong has rejoined the team as new manager, and he has the unenviable task of bringing the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) club back to respectability.
In 2020, only two years after winning the Korean Series, the Wyverns finished in ninth place among 10 teams at 51-92-1 (wins-losses-ties). They played most of the season with bench coach Park Kyung-oan as their interim skipper. Manager Youm Kyoung-youb fell ill during a game on June 25 and was sidelined for all but five games over the rest of the season. Both Youm and Park left the club at the end of the regular season.
SK Wyverns' manager Kim Won-hyong speaks at his introductory press conference at SK Happy Dream Park in Incheon, 40 kilometers west of Seoul, on Nov. 11, 2020. (Yonhap)
The message from Kim to his squad was simple: just forget about it.
"Up until last year, this wasn't that bad of a team. It's just that a lot of things went wrong this year," Kim said at his introductory press conference Wednesday at SK Happy Dream Park in Incheon, 40 kilometers west of Seoul. "I think there's still hope. The players should just forget about all the bad things that happened this year and focus on getting ready for next season."
Kim, 48, was an original member of the Wyverns in 2000, when the franchise replaced the Ssangbangwool Raiders. He was drafted out of high school by the Raiders before the 1991 season and became the youngest KBO pitcher to throw a no-hitter at age 20 in 1993 -- a record that still stands.
Kim spent 11 seasons with the Wyverns and captained their very first championship team in 2007. In his post-playing career, Kim has been a coach with the Wyverns, the Lotte Giants and then the Doosan Bears. He left the Bears during their postseason run last week to take the Wyverns' helm.
Kim said struggles from both of the Wyverns' foreign pitchers, Ricardo Pinto and Nick Kingham, were the main cause of their downfall. Kingham was released in July after making only two appearances in an injury-plagued season. Pinto went 6-15 with a 6.17 ERA in 30 starts and wasn't retained.
SK Wyverns' manager Kim Won-hyong speaks at his introductory press conference at SK Happy Dream Park in Incheon, 40 kilometers west of Seoul, on Nov. 11, 2020. (Yonhap)
The Wyverns signed right-handers Wilmer Font and Artie Lewicki on Oct. 31 as their two new import pitchers.
Kim said the Wyverns should continue to shore up their mound, though he was concerned that there won't be any big fish on the open market this year. As for additional bats from free agency, Kim said, "I'll ask the front office to sign some new players."
Kim said the Wyverns have relied mostly on strong pitching and slugging to win championships, but that's not an ideal approach in his mind.
"I think we would all like to see great pitching and power hitting," Kim said. "But we always have to guard against players' declining skills. I'll speak to my coaches about preparing for the future."
Kim said his ultimate goal as a manager is to win a championship and added, "I want our team to be relentless and to battle hard without giving up so easily."
SK Wyverns' manager Kim Won-hyong speaks at his introductory press conference at SK Happy Dream Park in Incheon, 40 kilometers west of Seoul, on Nov. 11, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-11--16 foreigners deported since August for breaching self-isolation rules

In one instance , an American , who arrived here on Aug. 20 and was admitted to a hotel for @ @ @ @ @ caught by police while escaping from the hotel after tearing a window screen and jumping @ @ @ @ @ The American reportedly sustained injury during landing .

SEOUL, Nov. 11 (Yonhap) -- Sixteen foreign nationals have been deported from South Korea since August after getting caught violating self-isolation rules aimed at containing the new coronavirus, the Ministry of Justice said Wednesday.
The ministry said five foreigners were deported and 11 others ordered to leave for their home countries from Aug. 12 to Tuesday after leaving their designated self-isolation places without permission in violation of Seoul's mandatory self-isolation rules.
Twelve of them were also slapped with fines, it noted.
This file photo shows an arrival hall of Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul. (Yonhap)
Under the compulsory quarantine measures, all entrants from overseas -- both Koreans and foreigners -- are obliged to self-isolate at their residences or government-designated facilities for 14 days. Foreigners refusing to accept the two-week self-isolation are denied entry to the country, while rule violators are fined and deported.
The cumulative number of foreigners deported since the compulsory self-isolation went into effect on April 1 has risen to 61, the ministry noted. In addition, 71 other foreign nationals were forced to leave the country after refusing to comply with the two-week self-isolation, it added.
In one instance, an American, who arrived here on Aug. 20 and was admitted to a hotel for a two-week quarantine, was caught by police while escaping from the hotel after tearing a window screen and jumping from the second floor. The American reportedly sustained injury during landing.
An Uzbek national who entered Korea on July 11 was caught illegally leaving a government-designated accommodation several times to visit a convenience store, bars and other places. The Uzbek citizen later tested positive for COVID-19.
A Chinese national who arrived here on Sept. 4 was accused of getting a job at a construction site after escaping from a state-designated self-isolation place.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

`` The more we reflect on their spirit of dignity , the more we are humbled by their solemn sacrifice @ @ @ @ @ his social media accounts .
`` I pay tribute to those who dedicated themselves to @ @ @ @ @ pray for the souls of those who sacrificed their own lives . ''

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Wednesday.
-----------------
(3rd LD) New virus cases at nearly 3-week high; more regions upping virus curbs amid resurgence
(ATTN: ADDS details throughout; CHANGES photos)
SEOUL -- South Korea's new coronavirus cases rose by triple digits for a fourth day Wednesday to a nearly three-week high on sporadic cluster infections across the nation, with more cities adopting enhanced social distancing schemes.
The country added 146 more COVID-19 cases, including 113 local infections, raising the total caseload to 27,799, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
-----------------
(2nd LD) Moon to hold phone talks with Biden soon: Cheong Wa Dae official
(ATTN: UPDATES with more details, background at bottom)
SEOUL -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in plans to hold phone talks with U.S. President-elect Joe Biden this week, a Cheong Wa Dae official said Wednesday.
Cheong Wa Dae is "coordinating a time (for Moon and Biden) to have a phone call tomorrow," the official told reporters.
-----------------
(2nd LD) Moon honors U.N. Korean War veterans, vows to make Korea 'peaceful, prosperous'
(ATTN: ADDS more details in paras 4-9, photos; CHANGES dateline)
SEOUL/BUSAN -- President Moon Jae-in pledged efforts Wednesday to make South Korea "peaceful and prosperous," paying respects to war veterans on the occasion of the International Memorial Day for U.N. Korean War Veterans.
"The more we reflect on their spirit of dignity, the more we are humbled by their solemn sacrifice," Moon wrote on his social media accounts. "I pay tribute to those who dedicated themselves to freedom and peace, and pray for the souls of those who sacrificed their own lives."
-----------------
Celltrion's COVID-19 treatment kills virus within 4-5 days: chief
SEOUL -- South Korean pharmaceutical giant Celltrion Inc.'s COVID-19 treatment kills the coronavirus within 4-5 days, effectively protecting patients with mild symptoms from developing a severe case, the company's chief said Wednesday.
Celltrion Group Chairman Seo Jung-jin said the first stage trial of CT-P59, anti-COVID-19 monoclonal antibody treatment, shortened the recovery time of patients with no side effect reported so far.
-----------------
(LEAD) (Yonhap Interview) Ambiguous Dance Company: the dance group behind weirdly wonderful tourism promotional videos that have gone viral
(ATTN: UPDATES figure in para 3)
SEOUL -- If you've ever seen their dance, chances are you probably saw it on repeat.
Ambiguous Dance Company, a group of sunglass-donning dancers showing off addictive dance moves in funky outfits inspired by Korean tradition, is the latest viral marvel to hail from South Korea.
-----------------
Seoul stocks at over 2-year high on vaccine hopes; Korean won at nearly 2-yr high
SEOUL -- The South Korean stock market hit a more than 2-year high Wednesday, as investor sentiment improved on stronger exports and Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine test results. The Korean won surged to a 23-month high against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 33.04 points, or 1.35 percent, to close at 2,485.87 points, the highest closing since 2487.25 points on May 3, 2018.
(END)