yna--2020-07-08--(LEAD) Multiple home-owning politicians, officials under growing pressure to sell

(ATTN: UPDATES with more info in paras 11-14; ADDS photo)
By Park Boram
SEOUL, July 8 (Yonhap) -- Politicians and high-rank government officials owning more than one house are coming under growing pressure to dispose of properties as the government is preparing steps to hike tax burdens for owners of multiple homes in efforts to curb soaring housing prices.
Housing prices have continued to surge in many parts of South Korea since President Moon Jae-in took office in 2017, sparking strong discontent among those in their 30s and 40s, the main support group for the government. This has pressed the government to take stern actions to curb property speculations and stabilize the house market, particularly in the densely populated Seoul and its adjacent areas.
After the government's rounds of market stabilization measures yielded no tangible results, Moon on Monday pledged "utmost efforts" to curb market speculation, labeling the task of bringing the property market under control as "the top priority for people's livelihood."
Preparing another round of measures against the property market fever, the government and the ruling party are considering additional options to increase property taxes on owners of multiple houses while hiking tax burdens on short-term house transactions.
In this undated file photo, a real estate agent's office in Seoul displays signs for home leases and home sales. (Yonhap)
As possession of multiple houses has become a point of criticism, civic groups came forward to demand that lawmakers and high-rank government officials take the lead and become the first to sell houses they don't live in.
The Citizens' Coalition for Economic Justice, an influential Seoul-based civic group, announced during a press conference Tuesday that 42 ruling party lawmakers elected in the April 15 parliamentary elections owned two or more houses in breach of their election promises.
The revelation is based on its analysis of reports that 180 candidates of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) and its satellite party submitted to the National Election Commission about their assets ahead of the elections.
The lawmakers then had pledged to sell off their real estate properties except their current residences in two years but did not carry out their promises, the group noted.
"While threatening people to sell houses, (DP lawmakers) have been rather encouraging market speculation behind their backs," the civic group argued, urging the lawmakers to live up to the election promises.
The group also claimed that over the past three years under the Moon Jae-in administration, apartment prices in Seoul shot up 52 percent, laying the blame of the market craze on the government and the ruling party's real estate policy deemed largely unsuccessful.
Another civic group, People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy, on Wednesday pressed multiple home-owning members of the two parliamentary committees in charge of real estate policy -- the land and finance committees -- to unload properties or give up their committee seats.
According to the civic group, 16 of the 56 lawmakers belonging to the two committees -- 10 from the main opposition United Future Party and six from the DP -- currently own more than one home.
"Multiple home-owning members of the two committees ... should dispose of their assets in order to avoid conflict of interest and improve public trust in their legislation, or they should move to other committees that do not address legislation on real estate and housing," the group said in a press conference.
The group stressed high-ranking officials at the land and finance ministries should follow suit to sell off unneeded houses or be dismissed from policy-making posts that involve real estate.
Activists from People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy hold a press conference in front of the National Assembly in Seoul on July 8, 2020. (Yonhap)
As politicians and government officials became the focus of scrutiny, the president's Chief of Staff Noh Young-min came under fire for owning two apartments -- one in Seoul's Seocho Ward, which reported one of the highest rates of price growth in past years, and the other in a regional city of Cheongju.
After Moon "strongly advised" his presidential aides last week to sell any additional homes they own, Noh pledged to sell the apartment in Cheongju last week. This, however, led to more finger-pointing to Noh's reluctance to part with property in one of the poshest neighborhoods in Seoul.
Criticism also came from inside the ruling party, including calls for Noh's resignation raised by some party officials. On Tuesday, former prime minister, Rep. Lee Nak-yon of the DP, expressed hope that Noh would sell the house in Seoul, during a press conference to declare his candidacy for the party's leadership race.
Noh finally gave in to the growing heat and announced Wednesday his decision to unload the Seoul apartment as well.
"Unlike my intention, my decision to sell the apartment in Cheongju instead of the one in Seoul happened to look as if I was sticking to the latter, and this fell short of people's expectations," the presidential chief of staff said in his Facebook account, offering his apology.
He said the previous decision was made in consideration of his family living in the Seoul apartment now, but he will dispose of it as soon as a new home is arranged for his family.
This image created by Yonhap News TV shows presidential Chief of Staff Noh Young-min. (Yonhap)
Other Cheong Wa Dae officials are likely to follow suit after 12 high-level presidential aides have been advised to dispose of their second or third houses within this month.
The civic group also accused National Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-seug of suspected property speculation.
It argued the price of Rep. Park's apartment in Seoul's Seocho Ward jumped more than 2.3 billion won (US$1.9 million) over the past four years. Park, however, dismissed the allegation, stressing that he has lived in the apartment for 40 years.
As public ire continues over deep-pocketed property investment by some politicians and high-level officials, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun prodded public officials Wednesday to sell off houses if they have more than one.
"If high-ranking public officials (continue to) own several houses, any property measures (to stabilize the market) cannot easily win public trust. There can be no valid measures at all," Chung told a regular virus response meeting, attended by high-level officials from various government agencies.
"Each ministry should promptly study property holdings of its high-ranking officials and have them sell if they have more than one house," Chung instructed the officials.
"(We) are in a serious period when high-rank public officials need to take the initiative and set an example."
Prime Minster Chung Sye-kyun presides over a regular government virus response meeting on July 8, 2020. (Yonhap)
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-08--(LEAD) Seoul stocks down for 2nd day on economic recovery concerns

`` As the daily rise in virus cases continued to stay above 50,000 in the U.S. , investor concerns mounted @ @ @ @ @ economic recovery , '' said Seo Sang-young , an analyst at Kiwoom Securities .
`` @ @ @ @ @ risky assets weakened , foreigners offloaded their shares . ''

(ATTN: ADDS photo, more info in paras 3, 11; bond yields at bottom)
SEOUL, July 8 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks closed lower for a second straight day on Wednesday as investor sentiment was dented by concerns over a delay in economic recovery amid spikes in virus cases, analysts said. The Korean won rose slightly against the U.S. dollar.
After choppy trading, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) fell 5.29 points, or 0.24 percent, to close at 2,158.88. Trading volume was high at 670 million shares worth some 11.4 trillion won (US$9.5 billion), with gainers outnumbering losers 464 to 376.
The index opened nearly flat following overnight losses on Wall Street and traded in negative terrain in the afternoon.
Analysts said market sentiment remained weak amid surging virus cases in the United States, coupled with gloomy economic forecasts from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the European Commission.
A digital signage at KB Kookmin Bank in Seoul shows the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index falling 5.29 points to close at 2,158.88 on July 8, 2020. (Yonhap)
"As the daily rise in virus cases continued to stay above 50,000 in the U.S., investor concerns mounted over a potential delay in economic recovery," said Seo Sang-young, an analyst at Kiwoom Securities. "With investors' appetite for risky assets weakened, foreigners offloaded their shares."
Foreigners sold a net 344 billion won, while institutions dumped a net 273 billion on the Seoul bourse. Individuals purchased a net 622 billion won.
Large caps traded mixed.
Market behemoth Samsung Electronics shed 0.75 percent to 53,000 won, while No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix dipped 1.30 percent to 83,700 won.
Top pharmaceutical firm Samsung Biologics plunged 2 percent to 736,000 won, but its rival Celltrion advanced 0.97 percent to 311,500 won.
The country's largest automaker Hyundai Motor rose 0.40 percent to 99,600 won, while leading chemical firm LG Chem fell 0.58 percent to 513,000 won.
SK Biopharmaceuticals, the largest initial public offering (IPO) of the year so far, rose for the fifth consecutive session after making its market debut Thursday. The drugmaker gained 0.23 percent to close at 217,000 won.
The local currency closed at 1,195.50 won against the greenback, up 0.20 won from the previous session's close.
Bond prices, which move inversely to yields, closed higher. The yield on three-year Treasurys lost 0.4 basis point to 0.839 percent, and the return on the benchmark five-year government bond fell 1.1 basis points to 1.105 percent.
(END)


yna--2020-07-08--S. Korean Bond Yields on Jul. 8, 2020

S. Korean Bond Yields on Jul. 8, 2020

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


yna--2020-07-08--(3rd LD) Biegun says U.S. 'strongly' supports inter-Korean cooperation

`` Both are locked in an old way of thinking , focused on only the negatives and what is impossible @ @ @ @ @ about what is possible , '' Biegun said .

(ATTN: INCORPORATES stories slugged Biegun-alliance, US envoy-N Korea; UPDATES throughout)
By Song Sang-ho
SEOUL, July 8 (Yonhap) -- The United States "strongly" supports cooperation between South and North Korea, Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun said Wednesday, calling it an "important component" in fostering stability on the Korean Peninsula.
Biegun also underscored America's pledge to be "fully engaged" in efforts to promote peace and its "ironclad" security commitment to the South while reiterating an appeal for dialogue with the recalcitrant North.
The U.S. envoy made these remarks after back-to-back talks with Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha, First Vice Foreign Minister Cho Sei-young and Seoul's top nuclear envoy, Lee Do-hoon, during his trip here seen as an effort to revive stalled nuclear diplomacy with Pyongyang.
"The United States strongly supports inter-Korean cooperation, and we believe this plays an important component in creating a more stable environment on the Korean Peninsula," he told reporters soon after talks with Seoul's chief nuclear envoy, Lee.
"We look forward to fully supporting the government of the Republic of Korea as it advances its goals with North Korea in inter-Korean cooperation," he added.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun speaks during a meeting with his South Korean counterpart, Lee Do-hoon, at the foreign ministry in Seoul on July 8, 2020. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
Biegun's remarks came amid speculation that Washington may be uneasy about Seoul's eagerness for inter-Korean cooperation projects amid the absence of substantive progress in the efforts to denuclearize the North.
Previously, Washington stressed that development in inter-Korean ties should go in lockstep with progress on the denuclearization front.
At the same press meeting, Seoul's nuclear envoy, Lee, stressed that Biegun had reaffirmed the U.S.' "flexible" position.
"Representative Biegun reaffirmed that the U.S. has a flexible position with an eye to reaching a balanced agreement when dialogue with the North resumes, and pledged to continue related efforts," Lee said.
The U.S. envoy used the press availability to highlight Washington's "ironclad" security commitment to the South.
His trip here followed a rise in tensions caused by North Korea's recent demolition of an inter-Korean liaison office, bellicose threats and rhetoric, as well as speculation that the U.S. may try to cut troop levels in South Korea over defense cost negotiations.
"I want to assure all who have any questions about this: U.S. commitment is ironclad for the defense of the Korean Peninsula," Biegun told reporters after talks with Vice Foreign Minister Cho.
"We continue that strong commitment. Our United States military, (and) our United States government are fully in partnership of the alliance of Korea, and it's a great pleasure to reaffirm today in my meetings with Vice Minster Cho," he added.
Biegun also took a swipe at North Korea's Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui and former hawkish U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton while apparently alluding to their remarks against engagement between Washington and Pyongyang.
"Both are locked in an old way of thinking, focused on only the negatives and what is impossible, rather than thinking creatively about what is possible," Biegun said.
In addition, Biegun reiterated that the U.S. is ready to resume negotiations with the North at any time.
"When Chairman Kim appoints a counterpart to me who is prepared and empowered to negotiate on these issues, they will find us ready at that very moment. Dialogue can lead to action, but action is impossible without dialogue," Biegun said.
"We look forward to continuing our work for a peaceful outcome on the Korean Peninsula. I believe this is very much possible. President Trump has given us his full support to continue this effort," he added.
The U.S. diplomat also said that he did not request a visit with North Korea during his trip here this time, stressing the purpose of his visit was to "meet with our close friends and allies."
Biegun arrived here Tuesday for a three-day visit on an apparent mission to highlight the U.S. commitment to diplomacy with Pyongyang and forestall the escalation of tensions caused by Pyongyang's recent blowing up of an inter-Korean liaison office in its border city of Kaesong and warnings of now suspended military plans last month.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-08--Japanese man reported to police for violating self-isolation rule

So far , 43 people have been caught leaving self-isolation places without permission in Busan .
Four of them are @ @ @ @ @ man .
Thirty-two of them have been referred to the prosecution for punishment , while @ @ @ @ @ probes .
One person has been fined , and four others given a warning .

BUSAN, July 8 (Yonhap) -- A Japanese national visiting South Korea's southern port city of Busan is facing a police investigation for failing to comply with the government's mandatory self-isolation rules aimed at containing the new coronavirus, authorities here said Wednesday.
Busan's health authorities said they have reported the Japanese, identified only as a man in his 50s, to the local police for leaving his designated self-isolation accommodation three times without permission after entering South Korea on Friday.
The man arrived in Busan by train on the afternoon of Friday from Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, before being tested for the coronavirus at Busan Station. The test produced a negative result on Sunday, but he was ordered to self-isolate at his place of accommodation for two weeks under Seoul's anti-COVID-19 quarantine rules.
The Japanese national is accused of making his first unauthorized departure from his accommodation in Dongnae Ward in Busan to withdraw cash from an ATM on the very first day of his self-isolation.
He again visited a post office and a large supermarket around noon on Tuesday, authorities said, adding his illegal trips were detected in a random inspection by municipal officials.
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.
So far, 43 people have been caught leaving self-isolation places without permission in Busan. Four of them are foreigners, including the Japanese man. Thirty-two of them have been referred to the prosecution for punishment, while five others are under police probes. One person has been fined, and four others given a warning.
In Busan, cumulative COVID-19 cases totaled 156 as of Wednesday, with 2,882 people remaining under self-quarantine, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-09--Biegun, Moon's top security adviser discuss N. Korea issues

Thursday 's meeting is believed to have been focused on ways to alleviate tension on the Korean Peninsula and to @ @ @ @ @ in diplomacy with North Korea , the sources said .

SEOUL, July 9 (Yonhap) -- U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun and Suh Hoon, South Korea's new director of national security at the presidential office, discussed North Korea issues here on Thursday in their first meeting since the latter's appointment, according to sources.
The two met at the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae in the morning on the last day of Biegun's three-day visit to South Korea, aimed at reviving stalled diplomacy with Pyongyang.
It was the two officials' first face-to-face meeting since Suh, who played a key role in arranging the first summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in 2018, assumed office as the national security office director in early July.
Thursday's meeting is believed to have been focused on ways to alleviate tension on the Korean Peninsula and to break out of the stalemate in diplomacy with North Korea, the sources said.
Demolishing the inter-Korean liaison office in its border town of Kaesong last month and issuing a barrage of verbal threats, North Korea dialed up tension on the peninsula as its negotiation with the U.S. is at a standstill.
The U.S. and South Korean officials are also believed to have conferred on ways to move forward inter-Korean relations after Biegun said a day earlier that he "strongly" supports cooperation between the two Koreas.
"The United States strongly supports inter-Korean cooperation, and we believe this plays an important component in creating a more stable environment on the Korean Peninsula," Biegun said after his meeting with Lee Do-hoon, the top South Korean envoy on North Korea's nuclear issue, Wednesday.
The U.S. official, who doubles as the chief nuclear envoy, also expressed the U.S.'s willingness to resume dialogue with North Korea.
Biegun did not make a courtesy visit to President Moon Jae-in.
"A meeting between (them) has not been considered from the beginning," a key presidential official told Yonhap News Agency by phone.
Biegun is scheduled to depart for Japan in the afternoon.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun speaks during a meeting with his South Korean counterpart, Lee Do-hoon, at the foreign ministry in Seoul on July 8, 2020. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-09--(LEAD) Satellite images show N.K. facility possibly linked to nuclear program: CNN

According to military sources , there are presumed to be `` many more '' unknown facilities in North Korea suspected @ @ @ @ @ and missile activities , and those in the Wollo-ri area do not appear to have @ @ @ @ @ its development or production of nuclear weapons at least until now .

(ATTN: RECASTS dateline; ADDS defense ministry's comments in last 2 paras)
WASHINGTON/SEOUL, July 8 (Yonhap) -- New satellite imagery reveals a previously undeclared North Korean facility that experts suspect could be used to build nuclear warheads, CNN reported Wednesday.
The images, captured by Planet Labs and analyzed by experts at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, show an active facility in the village of Wollo-ri near Pyongyang, the report said.
"It has all the signatures of a North Korean nuclear facility -- security perimeter, on-site housing, monuments to unpublicized leadership visits, and an underground facility. And it sits right next to a bottled water factory that has none of those characteristics," Jeffrey Lewis, a professor at the institute, was quoted as saying.
"The big thing that sticks out is all the vehicle traffic -- cars, trucks, shipping containers. This factory is very active. That activity has not slowed down -- not during negotiations and not now. It's still making nuclear weapons," he told CNN.
This EPA photo shows the dismantling of North Korea's Punggye-ri nuclear test site on May 24, 2018. (Yonhap)
Nuclear negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang have stalled, with the two sides wide apart on the scope of North Korea's denuclearization and sanctions relief from the U.S.
CNN said the facility was identified in 2015 by researchers at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, but Lewis and his fellow researchers chose not to publicize it because they could not determine its role in North Korea's nuclear program.
With the site's name and function being published in an upcoming book by North Korea expert Ankit Panda, Lewis and his colleagues decided to disclose the location and other details in their own forthcoming report, CNN said.
"We'd been looking at this site for a long time and knew it was associated with the nuclear program. When Ankit Panda asked me if we knew about a site near someplace called Wollo-ri that was involved in making nuclear weapons, it all clicked," Lewis was quoted as saying.
Panda writes in his book, "Kim Jong Un and the Bomb," that the facility is believed to be primarily associated with building warheads and could also serve as a storage location for those weapons should North Korean leader Kim Jong-un need to disperse his stockpile "for better responsiveness in a crisis," according to CNN.
South Korea's defense ministry refused to confirm the report but said it is "closely monitoring related activities in close coordination with the U.S. intelligence authorities."
According to military sources, there are presumed to be "many more" unknown facilities in North Korea suspected to be linked to nuclear and missile activities, and those in the Wollo-ri area do not appear to have been a key base for its development or production of nuclear weapons at least until now.
hague@yna.co.kr
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-09--S. Korea welcomes Biegun's remarks on U.S. support for inter-Korean cooperation: ministry official

Biegun , who doubles as the U.S. special representative for North Korea , said Wednesday after talks with his counterpart @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. `` strongly supports '' inter-Korean cooperation , calling it an `` important component @ @ @ @ @ the Korean Peninsula .

SEOUL, July 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korea welcomed a remark by United States Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun expressing strong support for inter-Korean cooperation, a unification ministry official said Thursday.
Biegun, who doubles as the U.S. special representative for North Korea, said Wednesday after talks with his counterpart, Lee Do-hoon, that the U.S. "strongly supports" inter-Korean cooperation, calling it an "important component" in fostering stability on the Korean Peninsula.
"We welcome Biegun's remarks saying that inter-Korean cooperation is an important component in fostering stability on the Korean Peninsula and expressing full support for the South Korean government's efforts in advancing inter-Korean cooperation," Yoh Sang-key, the ministry's spokesperson, said.
Biegun has no plans to meet the Unification Minister nominee Lee In-young, currently in the process of parliamentary confirmation, a ministry official said.
The No. 2 American diplomat arrived in South Korea on Tuesday for a three-day visit. On Thursday, he was scheduled to meet with South Korea's newly appointed national security advisor Suh Hoon at the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae before flying to Japan later in the day.
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-09--Chief prosecutor to stay away from probe involving key aide

On Wednesday , Choo sent an ultimatum for Yoon to answer by early Thursday .
Later in the day , @ @ @ @ @ a new team be formed at the Seoul High Prosecutors Office and lead the investigation @ @ @ @ @ ' office .
But it was rejected by the minister in less than two hours @

SEOUL, July 9 (Yonhap) -- The chief prosecutor backed down Thursday to accept the justice minister's directive not to intervene in an alleged blackmail case at the center of friction between the two.
Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl will take his hands off the sensitive case involving one of Yoon's key aides and a now fired TV reporter, and let the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office continue its independent investigation, the Supreme Prosecutors Office said.
Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae welcomed the decision in a statement.
"Although it is regrettable that the response came out too late," read the statement, "the decision lives up to the people's wish for a fair investigation."
The chief prosecutor's announcement Thursday was the latest in a weeklong tit-for-tat between him and the minister.
This composite photo shows Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae (L) and Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl. (Yonhap)
Last Thursday, Choo issued a rare directive ordering Yoon to stay away from the alleged collusion case, in which a cable TV reporter is suspected of using his close ties with ranking prosecutor Han Dong-hoon, a close associate of Yoon, to blackmail a jailed financier into leaking allegedly corrupt acts by a pro-government commentator.
She ordered Yoon not to be involved in the case, especially given his ties with Han, and guarantee independence to a probe team in charge of the case. Her order came following the Supreme Prosecutors Office's move to convene an advisory panel to review the case, which critics argued was as a deliberate scheme to deter the ongoing probe.
Upon the directive, Yoon held a series of meetings with senior prosecutors Friday to discuss how to respond to Choo's order. In the lengthy discussion sessions, a majority of senior prosecutors were said to voice opposition to the directive.
On Wednesday, Choo sent an ultimatum for Yoon to answer by early Thursday. Later in the day, he finally responded by suggesting a new team be formed at the Seoul High Prosecutors Office and lead the investigation currently at the district prosecutors' office. But it was rejected by the minister in less than two hours.
"The prosecutor-general's recommendation cannot be seen as carrying out the minister's instruction since it effectively calls for the replacement and change of the team on the case," the justice ministry said at that time.
The picture shows the Supreme Prosecutors Office in Seoul on July 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-09--Seoul stocks up late Thursday morning on recovery hopes

The local currency was trading at 1,194.05 won against the U.S. dollar , up 1.45 won from the previous session @ @ @

SEOUL, July 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korean shares traded higher late Thursday morning, boosted by investors' appetite for risky assets on hopes of a quick economic recovery.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 10.22 points, or 0.47 percent, to 2,169.10 as of 11:20 a.m.
Despite record daily number of virus cases, the NASDAQ Composite jumped 1.44 percent Wednesday (New York time), setting another record high at 10,492.50 points. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.68 percent.
Most large-cap shares in Seoul traded higher.
Tech giant Samsung Electronics advanced 0.57, while No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix dipped 0.72 percent.
Internet portal operator Naver surged 3.05 percent, and No.1 mobile messenger app operator Kakao spiked 5.49 percent. Leading game publisher NCSOFT climbed 0.63 percent.
Top pharmaceutical firm Samsung BioLogics rose 0.68 percent, with leading chemical maker LG Chem jumping 2.14 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,194.05 won against the U.S. dollar, up 1.45 won from the previous session's close.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-09--S. Korea to spend 5 tln won on R&D in new growth-engine sectors

The government will also set up a fund of 400 billion won to support 100 firms in sectors of materials @ @ @ @ @ the next five years , the ministry said .

SEOUL, July 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korea plans to invest 5 trillion won (US$4.2 billion) in research and development for new growth-engine sectors, including semiconductor and biotechnology, the trade ministry said Thursday.
The industry ministry also expanded a list of materials, parts and equipment to 338 to reduce the country's reliance on Japanese imports and cope with a change in global supply chains after the coronavirus pandemic.
Previously, South Korea had listed 100 local materials, parts and equipment that it aimed to cut the reliance on Japanese imports since Tokyo abruptly rolled out restrictions on exports of key industrial materials to Seoul in July last year.
By 2022, the government will spend 5 trillion won in research and development to secure technologies for new growth-engine sectors, the ministry said.
In particular, the government will invest 2 trillion won in research and development for semiconductor, biotechnology and electric vehicles, it said.
The government will also set up a fund of 400 billion won to support 100 firms in sectors of materials, parts and equipment over the next five years, the ministry said.
Industry Minister Sung Yoon-mo said the plan will help South Korea become a global hub for new industries.
With Japan showing little sign of withdrawing its export curbs, South Korea reopened a lawsuit at the World Trade Organization (WTO) last month, which was suspended last year in a goodwill gesture.
This month, the WTO plans to decide whether to set up a panel to look into South Korea's complaint against Japan.
Although the trade row dragged on, South Korea's efforts to cut its reliance on Japanese materials and parts have made significant progress, Seoul officials said.
For South Korea, Tokyo's move was seen as retaliation for a verdict made by a Seoul court in 2018 that ordered Japanese firms to compensate Korean victims for their forced labor during its 1910-45 colonial rule.
(END)


yna--2020-07-09--Select schools to adopt modified 'hanbok' uniforms as early as autumn

Hanbok is known for vibrant colors and simple lines and is worn by Koreans on formal and ceremonial occasions .
@ @ @ @ @ has caught on as a trendy fashion item among young people and overseas tourists when @ @ @ @ @ by renting .

SEOUL, July 9 (Yonhap) -- Select middle and high schools in South Korea will adopt school uniforms made in modified "hanbok," traditional Korean attire, types as early as this fall semester, the government said Thursday.
The culture ministry, together with the Korea Craft & Design Foundation (KCDF), has selected 22 middle and high schools across the country to adopt modified hanbok uniforms for students on a trial basis.
KCDF has also selected four hanbok manufacturing companies to provide the uniforms. Schools will be provided with assigned hanbok designers to oversee the design and manufacturing process.
Hanbok is known for vibrant colors and simple lines and is worn by Koreans on formal and ceremonial occasions. In recent years, hanbok has caught on as a trendy fashion item among young people and overseas tourists when visiting traditional palaces, usually by renting.
"We expect to see schools adopt modified hanbok uniforms as early as the coming fall semester," a ministry official said.
The ministry also plans to announce more schools for the program next year and come up with various hanbok uniform designs, the official added.
In this file photo, employees of the Hanbok Advancement Center check displays of school uniforms that use modern designs based on "hanbok," traditional Korean clothes, at a gallery in Seoul on May 7, 2020. The exhibition is a joint project of the culture and education ministries to promote the use of hanbok in schools. (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-09--Mobile stations to expand earthquake-monitoring network in S. Korea

The carrier demonstrated how its sensor system works on a mock 6.0-magnitude earthquake in Dongtan , just south of Seoul @ @ @ @ @ to record 100 vibrations per second that is sent to the KMA for faster and @ @ @ @ @ public , according to SK Telecom .

DONGTAN, South Korea, July 9 (Yonhap) -- Leading mobile carrier SK Telecom Co. said Thursday it will install earthquake sensors at its mobile network base stations across the country, a move that can help expand readiness against natural disasters.
Earthquakes have become a matter of public concern in South Korea in recent years with 88 earthquakes detected in the country last year, compared with an average of 70 over the decade since 1999.
SK Telecom said it will install plug-in type earthquake sensors in 8,000 locations across the country, including its base stations and public buildings, in partnership with the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) and Kyungpook National University, by the end of this year.
Currently, the country has a network of 338 seismic monitors.
An SK Telecom Co. engineer inspects the carrier's earthquake sensor in a controlled environment in Dongtan, 40 kilometers south of Seoul, in this photo provided by SK Telecom on July 9, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The carrier demonstrated how its sensor system works on a mock 6.0-magnitude earthquake in Dongtan, just south of Seoul. The sensor is able to record 100 vibrations per second that is sent to the KMA for faster and more accurate alerts to the public, according to SK Telecom.
South Korea has ramped up on earthquake safety measures since 2016 when a 5.8-magnitude earthquake hit the southeastern city of Gyeongju, 276 kilometers south Seoul, and left 23 injured.
The KMA is currently able to send earthquake alerts to the public in 7 to 25 seconds.
yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-09--The Korea Interbank Offered Rates (KORIBOR)

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


yna--2020-07-09--Protestant community protests government's ban on church gatherings

On Wednesday , the health authorities said Protestant churches will be barred from hosting small bible classes , choir practices @ @ @ @ @ .
Churches also must use QR-code based entry logs to keep records of worshipers who @ @ @ @ @ congregations will be prohibited from singing or praying loudly .

SEOUL, July 9 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean government's recent ban on small gatherings and meetings in churches has brought about a strong backlash from the Protestant community amid rising concerns over a second wave of the novel coronavirus infection stemming from religious facilities.
On Wednesday, the health authorities said Protestant churches will be barred from hosting small bible classes, choir practices and lunch services from Friday. Churches also must use QR-code based entry logs to keep records of worshipers who participate in services, while congregations will be prohibited from singing or praying loudly.
The United Christian Churches of Korea (UCCK), one of the biggest associations of Protestant churches in South Korea, released a statement on the day and demanded the government lift the ban.
"The authorities overlook the point that what matters is not the gatherings themselves, but whether their participants comply with quarantine guidelines or not," the UCCK statement read. "The ban is contrary to churches' concerted efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19."
The UCCK said it has already asked its member churches to cancel, downsize or postpone all summer events, including bible camps, in a bid to join the government-led preventive campaign.
Another Protestant group, the Communion of Churches in Korea (CCIK), also opposed the government's decision, claiming that churches have done their best to follow safety measures.
"We cannot accept the measures as they labeled the whole Protestant community a hotbed for the virus spread," the CCIK said.
On the other hand, some Christian leaders are asking congregants to respect the instructions as a way to help the country overcome the pandemic.
In this photo taken on July 5, 2020, a Protestant church in Gwangju is closed after some of its followers have tested positive for COVID-19. (Yonhap)
The government's toughened measures came as the number of daily new virus cases has hovered around 50-60 for weeks, most of which are community infections from small religious meetings and business marketing events.
After monthslong suspension of on-site services, the religious community resumed official services and worships on Sundays starting in early May, as well as small gatherings and events on weekdays.
But those meetings have emerged as new infection clusters in South Korea, while a Catholic church and a Buddhist temple also reported confirmed cases in recent days.
Cases traced to a major Protestant church in Seoul's southwestern ward of Gwanak reached nearly 40, while some 25 people related to a large Protestant church in Suwon, which has more than 9,000 congregants, tested positive for COVID-19.
About 10 people linked to Wondang Catholic Church, located in Goyang, just northwest of the capital, have tested positive for the coronavirus, while almost 100 cases have been related to Gwangleug Temple in Gwangju, some 330 kilometers southwest of Seoul.
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-09--(LEAD) Virus fight in trouble over double whammy of local and imported cases

South Korea had reported more than 60 new virus cases for three consecutive days through Sunday , before falling below @ @ @ @ @ .
The new daily cases rebounded to 63 a day earlier on a sharp rise @ @ @ @ @ overseas .

(ATTN: ADDS details throughout; CHANGES photos)
SEOUL, July 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new daily virus cases declined slightly on Thursday, but a continued rise in imported cases and infections linked to religious facilities continued to strain the country's virus fight.
The country added 50 cases, including 28 local infections, raising the total caseload to 13,293, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
South Korea had reported more than 60 new virus cases for three consecutive days through Sunday, before falling below 50 on Monday and Tuesday. The new daily cases rebounded to 63 a day earlier on a sharp rise in infections coming in from overseas.
The country newly identified 22 more imported cases, posting double-digit numbers for 14 consecutive days. On Wednesday, the figure reached a three-month high at 33 cases.
A medical staff talks with a citizen at a makeshift clinic located in Gwangju, 330 kilometers southwest of Seoul, on July 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
Sporadic cluster infections across the nation also continued to rise.
Of the new local infections, 15 cases were reported in the southwestern city of Gwangju, which has emerged as a new hotbed of the virus outbreak.
A total of 95 cases linked to a door-to-door business in the city were reported as of Wednesday, up three from a day earlier. Six new virus cases traced to a cram school in the city were reported.
The capital city of Seoul added four cases, with the surrounding Gyeonggi Province seeing just one additional case, the KCDC data showed. A door-to-door sales business in Suwon, just south of Seoul, added five more cases, raising the total caseload to 30 on Wednesday.
Incheon, just west of Seoul, added two more cases, and the central city of Daejeon added six more infections.
With religious gatherings-tied cases on a steady rise, South Korea plans to ban churches nationwide from organizing gatherings other than regular worship services, effective from Friday.
A QR code-based registration scheme will be implemented for churches as well.
Medical staff carry out new coronavirus tests on visitors at a makeshift clinic in Gwangju, 330 kilometers southwest of Seoul, on July 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
South Korea relaxed strict social distancing on May 6 on the flattened virus curve, when the country reported single-digit daily figures, but was soon spooked by cluster infections in the greater Seoul area.
The country later decided to re-adopt enhanced social-distancing indefinitely in the metropolitan region, where around half of the nation's population lives. With cases soaring elsewhere as well, South Jeolla Province also raised its anti-virus alert level.
The country reported two more deaths, raising the death toll to 287. The fatality rate was 2.16 percent.
The total number of people released from quarantine after full recoveries stood at 12,019, up 49 from the previous day.
The figure translates into 90.4 percent of patients here being cured of the disease.
The accumulated number of imported cases reached 1,768. Of the 22 cases reported on Thursday, five were detected at quarantine checkpoints.
South Korea has carried out 1,371,771 COVID-19 tests since Jan. 3.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-09--SFO director-designate Kim Eun-sun to helm France's Bastille Day concert

Co-organized by the Radio France , France Televisions , the city of Paris and Electron Libre Productions , the concert @ @ @ @ @ radio and television .
The show will also be aired live in eight other nations @ @ @

PARIS, July 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korean conductor Kim Eun-sun, director-designate of the San Francisco Opera (SFO), will conduct this year's symphonic concert in Paris celebrating the national day of France.
Kim will conduct this year's Concert de Paris scheduled to be held on July 14 at the Champ de Mars, located in front of the Eiffel Tower, by the National Orchestra of France, and Radio France's choir and choir school, according to Radio France.
The free concert, held annually to celebrate the national day of France, also known as Bastille Day, will star Egyptian soprano Fatma Said and French baritone Ludovic Tezier.
Co-organized by the Radio France, France Televisions, the city of Paris and Electron Libre Productions, the concert will be broadcast live via radio and television. The show will also be aired live in eight other nations in Europe.
Last year's concert, conducted by Alain Altinoglu, broke an audience record for a classical music concert on French television, drawing over 3 million viewers.
Kim was named the first-ever female music director of SFO in December of last year. Currently serving as SFO director-designate, her five-year term as director will begin in August 2021.
The position of SFO music director has been vacant since Kim's predecessor, Nicola Luisotti, resigned after the 2017-18 season.
She also is the second South Korean conductor to take the helm of a major opera house outside South Korea, following Chung Myung-whun, who has served as music director at a number of institutions, including the Paris Opera.
Kim, 40, rose to take the artistic leadership role in SFO, one of the biggest opera troupes in the United States, months after making an impressive San Francisco debut conducting Dvorak's "Rusalka" in June of last year.
Born in 1980 in Seoul, Kim began her musical life as a composition student and pianist. She majored in composing at Yonsei University in Seoul and earned a master's degree in orchestral conducting at the same institution.
A file publicity image provided by the San Francisco Opera of its director-designate Kim Eun-sun (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-09--First arrest made under toughened school zone safety laws

The Gimpo Police Station said it detained the man , in his 30s , for hitting and injuring a 7-year-old @ @ @ @ @ street in a school zone in Gimpo , just northwest of Seoul , on April @ @ @ @ @ revised laws on road safety and aggravated punishment of specific crimes .

GIMPO, South Korea, July 9 (Yonhap) -- A man has been arrested under laws mandating heavier punishment for car accidents within school zones, police said Thursday, the first arrest under the laws that were introduced four months ago.
The Gimpo Police Station said it detained the man, in his 30s, for hitting and injuring a 7-year-old child who was crossing the street in a school zone in Gimpo, just northwest of Seoul, on April 6, for violating the revised laws on road safety and aggravated punishment of specific crimes.
This was the first arrest made since the so-called Min-sik's laws came into force in March. The laws were named after a 9-year-old boy who died in a car accident in a school zone in Asan, South Chungcheong Province in September.
According to the police, at the time of the accident in April, the child was entering the crosswalk again after the light turned red to pick up something that a younger sibling had dropped.
The man, whose identity was not made public, was driving faster than 40km/h in the school zone, where the speed limit is 30km/h, and his driving license had been suspended for drunk driving.
The kid sustained a minor injury, the police said.
The Min-sik's laws are designed to protect children in school zones. Under the law, the speed limit is set at a 30km/h or slower and various safety tools, such as speed cameras and speed bumps, should be installed in school zones.
The laws require tougher punishment of up to life imprisonment when an accident leads to a death. In case of injuries, a driver can be imprisoned for up to 15 years and fined a maximum of 30 million won (US$25,000).
Lee Yong-ju, an official from the police station, said it took longer than expected to arrest the man because the police received the report 20 days after the accident occurred and it took time to retrieve and analyze black box footage.
"We will take violations of Min-sik's laws seriously and thoroughly investigate them," he said.
The illustration shows a road sign of a speed limit of 30km/h in school zones. (Yonhap)
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-09--Virus fight in trouble over double whammy of local and imported cases

SEOUL, July 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new daily virus cases declined slightly on Thursday, but a continued rise in imported cases and infections linked to religious facilities continued to strain the country's virus fight.
The country added 50 cases, including 28 local infections, raising the total caseload to 13,293, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
South Korea had reported more than 60 new virus cases for three consecutive days through Sunday, before falling below 50 on Monday and Tuesday. The new daily cases rebounded to 63 a day earlier on a sharp rise in infections coming in from overseas.
The country newly identified 22 more imported cases, posting double-digit numbers for 14 consecutive days. On Wednesday, the figure reached a three-month high at 33 cases.
Medical workers carry out new coronavirus tests on a senior citizen at a nursing home in Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul, on July 8, 2020, in this photo provided by the city government. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Sporadic cluster infections across the nation also continued to rise.
Of the new local infections, 15 cases were reported in the southwestern city of Gwangju, which has emerged as a new hotbed of the virus outbreak.
A total of 95 cases linked to a door-to-door business in the city were reported as of Wednesday, up three from a day earlier. Six new virus cases traced to a cram school in the city were reported.
The capital city of Seoul added four cases, with the surrounding Gyeonggi Province seeing just one additional case, the KCDC data showed. A door-to-door sales business in Suwon, just south of Seoul, added five more cases, raising the total caseload to 30 on Wednesday.
With religious gatherings-tied cases on a steady rise, South Korea plans to ban churches nationwide from organizing gatherings other than regular worship services, effective from Friday.
A QR code-based registration scheme will be implemented for churches as well.
South Korea relaxed strict social distancing on May 6 on the flattened virus curve, when the country reported single-digit daily figures, but was soon spooked by cluster infections in the greater Seoul area.
The country later decided to re-adopt enhanced social-distancing indefinitely in the metropolitan region, where around half of the nation's population lives. With cases soaring elsewhere as well, South Jeolla Province also raised its anti-virus alert level.
The country reported two more deaths, raising the death toll to 287. The fatality rate was 2.16 percent.
The total number of people released from quarantine after full recoveries stood at 12,019, up 49 from the previous day.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-09--(URGENT) 49 more people released after full recoveries from coronavirus, total cured patients at 12,

(URGENT) 49 more people released after full recoveries from coronavirus, total cured patients at 12,019: KCDC


yna--2020-07-09--After narrow wins, K League's Sangju hoping for goal barrage

The coach would also like to see his 21-year-old forward Oh Se-hun elevate his game .
He missed the early @ @ @ @ @ a team van carrying him and other teammates got into a minor accident .
Oh @ @ @ @ @ season debut on June 13 but has been held off the scoresheet since .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, July 9 (Yonhap) -- Sangju Sangmu will take victories in any shape or form, but after winning four straight K League 1 matches by the identical scores of 1-0, they would like to score a few more goals just about now.
The opportunity to do just that will come Saturday against the league's worst team, Incheon United. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at Incheon Football Stadium in Incheon, 40 kilometers west of Seoul.
Sangju, a club made up of conscripted players serving their military duty, have been the biggest overachievers so far this season. With those four consecutive victories, they sit in third place with 20 points, behind only the two giants of the league, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (24) and Ulsan Hyundai FC (23).
This file photo provided by the Korea Professional Football League on May 12, 2020, shows Kim Tae-wan, head coach of the K League 1 club Sangju Sangmu, during a match against Ulsan Hyundai FC at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium in Ulsan, 415 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
They have a goal difference of plus-1, with 11 goals scored and 10 conceded. That seems to suggest Sangju have been rather lucky to be so high up in the table, though their players would point to their recent string of victories and say they have been a resilient bunch.
In their last four 1-0 victories, Sangju scored all of the winning goals in the second half, three of them coming in the last 15 minutes of the match.
Those narrow wins have kept head coach Kim Tae-wan on the edge of his seat, and he said Thursday he'd like to breathe a bit easier this time around.
"It'd be nice if we can win by multiple goals," Kim said. "Since we played last Sunday and we'll be back playing Saturday, the focus of our preparation has been on recovery."
This file photo provided by the Korea Professional Football League on May 28, 2020, shows Kang Sang-woo of Sangju Sangmu. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
As for Sangju's streak of scoring late goals, Kim said, "I think our players have competed with a better focus than opponents. This is a very tight team, and I think our sum is greater than our parts."
Incheon are still looking for their first win of the season. They've dropped eight matches in a row after drawing their first two to open the season. Kim said his players will have to guard against overconfidence.
"It doesn't matter if our opponents have lost eight straight or won eight straight. Our own mindset and approach are more important," the coach said. "Incheon looked to be more aggressive in their last match than earlier ones, and we have to be prepared for that."
Kang Sang-woo, who has scored in each of his past two matches, will be the key player on Saturday, Kim added.
In this file photo provided by the Korea Professional Football League on May 16, 2020, Sangju Sangmu players celebrate their 2-0 victory over Gangwon FC in their K League 1 match at Sangju Civic Stadium in Sangju, 270 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
"He's such a hard-working player, and he's always having fun," Kim said. "He always gives his best no matter what the role is, and he's playing with a lot of confidence."
The coach would also like to see his 21-year-old forward Oh Se-hun elevate his game. He missed the early portion of the season after a team van carrying him and other teammates got into a minor accident. Oh netted two goals in his season debut on June 13 but has been held off the scoresheet since.
"He needs to regain his confidence," Kim said. "I hope he can grow into a player who will strike fear into opposing defense and score some goals."
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-09--S. Korea's finance minister warns of deglobalization risks over pandemic

SEJONG , July 9 ( Yonhap ) -- South Korea 's finance minister has said that the process of deglobalzation @ @ @ @ @ wake of the coronavirus pandemic , but the world must embrace this crisis as an @ @ @ @ @ .

SEJONG, July 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's finance minister has said that the process of deglobalzation is being accelerated in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, but the world must embrace this crisis as an opportunity to promote shared prosperity.
Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki made the remarks at an online meeting with finance ministers from Group of 20 countries and Paris Club creditor nations Wednesday, the ministry said in a statement.
"It's a fact that worries about deglobalization are growing over COVID-19," Hong said.
"However, coalition and cooperation are more important in time of crisis, and the G-20 should play a role of compass to promote shared prosperity of the human race," Hong said.
Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki speaks at an online meeting with finance ministers from Group of 20 countries and Paris Club creditor nations on July 8, 2020, in this photo provided by the ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The pandemic has been exposing inequalities between haves and have-nots, Hong said.
Hong urged the G-20 to make efforts to bridge the wealth gap, and cope with economic and social changes after the pandemic.
Hong also called for the G-20 to build a new global financial safety net, saying another financial crisis may emerge once the pandemic wanes.
The new coronavirus has infected about 12 million people worldwide and killed more than 500,000 since it originated in China late last year.
The virus is expected to take a huge economic toll on the global economy this year.
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development expects the world economy to contract 6 percent this year, marking the worst contraction since the Great Depression in the 1930s.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-09--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 2 additional coronavirus deaths, total death toll at 287: KCDC

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


yna--2020-07-09--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 50 more cases of new coronavirus, total now at 13,293: KCDC


yna--2020-07-09--Samsung to support 12 research projects for future science tech

Samsung said it will provide 12.35 billion won ( US $ 10.3 million ) to 12 research projects in six @ @ @ @ @ the company has been naming research themes that require more research for South Korea 's @ @ @ @

SEOUL, July 9 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Co., South Korea's leading tech firm, said Thursday it has selected 12 research projects to help the country's efforts to secure future science technologies.
Samsung said it will provide 12.35 billion won (US$10.3 million) to 12 research projects in six areas. Since 2014, the company has been naming research themes that require more research for South Korea's technological competitive edge.
This image provided by Samsung Electronics Co. shows its corporate logo. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
This year, the selected research fields include disruptive semiconductor technologies, next-generation self-emitting displays, cell treatments for incurable diseases and quantum computing.
All of the projects will be carried out by South Korean scientists, mostly from universities.
Through its foundation, Samsung announced in 2013 that it will support research projects in the areas of basic science, materials engineering and ICT solutions by endowing a total of 1.5 trillion won for 10 years.
Samsung Science & Technology Foundation has so far provided 771.3 billion won in funding for 601 research projects.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-09--Always team first, Kiwoom Heroes' ace also keeps one eye on personal stats

`` It 's fun to see what they do and then try to do a little better , '' Jokisch @ @ @ @ @ , the goal is to win the game and to put as many good starts @ @ @ @ @ Nobody is going to remember what it was in July .
It 's about what @ @ @ @ @ the year . ''

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, July 9 (Yonhap) -- Kiwoom Heroes' left-handed ace Eric Jokisch is a team-first guy. After victories, he often speaks about "we" and "us," hardly "I" or "me."
But the selfless one still keeps tabs on his numbers and on how other starters are doing in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO).
Eric Jokisch of the Kiwoom Heroes pitches against the Samsung Lions in the teams' Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on July 9, 2020, in this photo provided by the Heroes. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Jokisch held the Samsung Lions to two earned runs in seven innings, helping the Heroes to a 4-2 win at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. His league-best ERA went up from 1.30 to 1.41, with Koo Chang-mo of the NC Dinos right behind him at 1.48. Jokisch also pulled into a tie with Koo for the KBO lead in wins with eight.
"I know where the numbers are, and I know how Koo's been throwing," Jokisch said with a smile after the game while also mentioning Aaron Brooks of the Kia Tigers and Dan Straily of the Lotte Giants as other top starters.
"It's fun to see what they do and then try to do a little better," Jokisch continued. "But overall, the goal is to win the game and to put as many good starts together as you can. Nobody is going to remember what it was in July. It's about what happens at the end of the year."
Jokisch has the sole possession of the lead in quality starts (at least six innings pitched with no more than three earned runs allowed) with 11, and those 11 have all come in a row.
And yes, he knew he was working on that streak.
"To go 11 straight quality starts, it just shows consistency and that's really important to me," Jokisch said. "It's cool to have that and hopefully we can keep it going."
In the first inning Thursday, it didn't look as though Jokisch would have the quality start. The Lions touched him for three singles, the last of which was an RBI hit by Lee Hak-ju.
Eric Jokisch of the Kiwoom Heroes is greeted by his teammates in the dugout during a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game against the Samsung Lions at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on July 9, 2020, in this photo provided by the Heroes. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
That was the first earned run against Jokisch since June 21, three starts ago.
"I felt like Samsung had a really good approach," he said. "But it's my job to minimize the damage. You can get into trouble when you give up two, three, four runs in an inning. If you can hold it to one in innings where things go wrong, it keeps your team right there in it. That's always the goal."
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-09--Biegun reaffirms U.S. support for inter-Korean cooperation, readiness to engage N.K.: State Dept.

`` In his meetings , Deputy Secretary Biegun reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.-ROK Alliance , U.S. support for inter-Korean @ @ @ @ @ readiness to engage in dialogue with the DPRK , '' the department said in a @ @ @ @ @ for South Korea 's official name , the Republic of Korea , and North Korea @ @ @ @ @ Democratic People 's Republic of Korea .

By Lee Haye-ah
WASHINGTON, July 9 (Yonhap) -- U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun reaffirmed U.S. support for inter-Korean cooperation and Washington's continued readiness to engage in talks with North Korea, the State Department said Thursday.
Biegun, who doubles as the top U.S. envoy for North Korea, was in Seoul from Tuesday to Thursday to meet with top South Korean officials as nuclear talks between Washington and Pyongyang have stalled and inter-Korean tensions have heightened with the North's blowing up of a joint liaison office.
"In his meetings, Deputy Secretary Biegun reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, U.S. support for inter-Korean cooperation, and continued U.S. readiness to engage in dialogue with the DPRK," the department said in a statement, using the acronyms for South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea, and North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
Biegun met with officials including Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha, presidential national security adviser Suh Hoon and his counterpart in North Korea affairs, Lee Do-hoon.
"Deputy Secretary Biegun commended the ROK for serving as a model in COVID-19 response while upholding democratic values," the State Department said.
"Deputy Secretary Biegun also discussed security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, including collaboration among like-minded countries and countering efforts by those who seek to undermine good governance and the rules-based international order," it added.
This photo shows U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun during a meeting with his South Korean counterpart, Lee Do-hoon, in Seoul on July 8, 2020. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-09--(LEAD) Kiwoom Heroes take rubber match vs. Samsung Lions in KBO midweek series

Another baserunning blunder cost the Heroes a potential rally in the third .
Kim Ha-seong led off that inning with @ @ @ @ @ , with three Samsung defenders converging and none making the catch .
Kim tried to @ @ @ @ @ but was thrown out at second , with the heart of the order coming up @

(ATTN: CHANGES photo; ADDS photos, comments, details)
By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, July 9 (Yonhap) -- The Kiwoom Heroes staged their second come-from-behind victory over the Samsung Lions on Thursday, prevailing 4-2 in the rubber match of their three-game midweek series at home.
The Heroes took care of business with a three-run fifth at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, as they improved to 35-22 for the season to stay in second place. The Lions fell to 30-27 and dropped to sixth place.
Kiwoom starter Eric Jokisch is now 8-2 after scattering eight hits -- tied for his season high -- across seven innings and allowing two earned runs. He has now thrown 11 consecutive quality starts (at least six innings pitched with fewer than three earned runs allowed), though his leading-best ERA rose slightly from 1.30 to 1.41. Jokisch struck out five and didn't walk any.
"It was a good win for the team," Jokisch said afterward. "It was important to go deep into the game, and for us to come out and win two of those (three games against Samsung) was big."
Jokisch had a shaky first inning. With one out, the Lions got two straight singles off the left-hander, and two batters later, Lee Hak-ju knocked in the game's first run with a single to center.
Eric Jokisch of the Kiwoom Heroes pitches against the Samsung Lions in the teams' Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on July 9, 2020, in this photo provided by the Heroes. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The Heroes had a chance to respond in the bottom first, as Seo Geon-chang led off with a standup triple. But Kim Ha-seong lined out softly to second, and Seo was tagged out at home plate on Lee Jung-hoo's grounder to first.
The Heroes tied it up in the bottom second by taking advantage of some wildness from Samsung starter Baek Jung-hyun.
Baek issued three walks in the inning to load the bases and then threw a wild pitch with Seo at the plate to let in a tying run.
Later in the at-bat, Seo appeared to beat the throw from shortstop Lee Hak-ju for an RBI infield single, but the initial safe call was overturned after a video review, keeping the score tied at 1-1.
Another baserunning blunder cost the Heroes a potential rally in the third. Kim Ha-seong led off that inning with a blooper to shallow right, with three Samsung defenders converging and none making the catch. Kim tried to stretch it into a double but was thrown out at second, with the heart of the order coming up.
Members of the Kiwoom Heroes celebrate their 4-2 victory over the Samsung Lions in the teams' Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on July 9, 2020, in this photo provided by the Heroes. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The Lions broke the tie with Kim Sang-su's RBI double in the fifth, but the Heroes' big bats soon took over.
After a double and a single put men at the corners, Seo drove in the tying run with a sacrifice fly. After the second out of the inning, Lee Jung-hoo's triple off the right field fence put the Heroes ahead 3-2. Cleanup Park Byung-ho followed that up with a single to left that scored Lee for a 4-2 lead.
Fireballers An Woo-jin and Cho Sang-woo slammed the door shut on the Lions with a scoreless inning apiece in relief, with Cho collecting his 14th save to pull into a tie for the league lead with Won Jong-hyan of the NC Dinos.
Lee Jung-hoo of the Kiwoom Heroes watches his triple in the bottom of the fifth inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on July 9, 2020, in this photo provided by the Heroes. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-09--Kiwoom Heroes take rubber match vs. Samsung Lions in KBO midweek series

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, July 9 (Yonhap) -- The Kiwoom Heroes staged their second come-from-behind victory over the Samsung Lions on Thursday, prevailing 4-2 in the rubber match of their three-game midweek series at home.
The Heroes took care of business with a three-run fifth at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, as they improved to 35-22 for the season. The Lions fell to 30-27.
Kiwoom starter Eric Jokisch is now 8-2 after scattering eight hits -- tied for his season high -- across seven innings and allowing two earned runs. He has now thrown 11 consecutive quality starts (at least six innings pitched with fewer than three earned runs allowed), though his leading-best ERA rose slightly from 1.30 to 1.41. Jokisch struck out five and didn't walk any.
Jokisch had a shaky first inning. With one out, the Lions got two straight singles off the left-hander, and two batters later, Lee Hak-ju knocked in the game's first run with a single to center.
This file photo, from July 8, 2020, shows members of the Kiwoom Heroes celebrating their victory over the Samsung Lions in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. (Yonhap)
The Heroes had a chance to respond in the bottom first, as Seo Geon-chang led off with a standup triple. But Kim Ha-seong lined out softly to second, and Seo was tagged out at home plate on Lee Jung-hoo's grounder to first.
The Heroes tied it up in the bottom second by taking advantage of some wildness from Samsung starter Baek Jung-hyun.
Baek issued three walks in the inning to load the bases and then threw a wild pitch with Seo at the plate to let in a tying run.
Later in the at-bat, Seo appeared to beat the throw from shortstop Lee Hak-ju for an RBI infield single, but the initial safe call was overturned after a video review, keeping the score tied at 1-1.
Another baserunning blunder cost the Heroes a potential rally in the third. Kim Ha-seong led off that inning with a blooper to shallow right, with three Samsung defenders converging and none making the catch. Kim tried to stretch it into a double but was thrown out at second, with the heart of the order coming up.
The Lions broke the tie with Kim Sang-su's RBI double in the fifth, but the Heroes' big bats soon took over.
After a double and a single put men at the corners, Seo drove in the tying run with a sacrifice fly. After the second out of the inning, Lee Jung-hoo's triple off the right field fence put the Heroes ahead 3-2. Cleanup Park Byung-ho followed that up with a single to left that scored Lee for a 4-2 lead.
Fireballers An Woo-jin and Cho Sang-woo slammed the door shut on the Lions with a scoreless inning apiece in relief, with Cho collecting his 14th save to pull into a tie for the league lead with Won Jong-hyan of the NC Dinos.
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-09--(3rd LD) Police searching for Seoul mayor after missing report

Park 's daughter filed a police report at around 5:17 p.m. that he `` had left home four to five @ @ @ @ @ like a will , with his phone currently off . ''

(ATTN: UPDATES with police search details; RECASTS lead; CHANGES first photo; ADDS photo)
SEOUL, July 9 (Yonhap) -- Police said Thursday they are trying to locate Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon, as he has remained missing for roughly three hours after a report was filed by his family.
Park's daughter filed a police report at around 5:17 p.m. that he "had left home four to five hours ago after leaving words like a will, with his phone currently off."
The mayor was found to have left his residence in the central Seoul ward of Jongno at around 10:44 a.m., wearing a black hat and carrying a black backpack.
His mobile phone signal was last accessed near Gilsang Temple in the northeastern Seoul ward of Seongbuk.
Police were in an all-out search for Park, mobilizing drones and police dogs. Rescue officials have also been dispatched to the search site.
Police are concentrating their search in the Seongbuk area, but Park remained unaccounted for as of 8:20 p.m.
This file photo shows Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon. (Yonhap)
The city government said the mayor did not show up for work during the day because of health issues.
Earlier, the government said he canceled his entire schedule for the day, including a meeting that was to be held at his office at 4:40 p.m., due to "inevitable circumstances."
A city official said the municipal government is looking into the details.
A police barricade is set up around the Seoul mayor's official residence in the central Seoul ward of Jongno on July 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
Some have raised the possibility that his disappearance could be related to an alleged sexual assault case.
A former secretary who worked at his office is believed to have recently filed a criminal complaint against Park.
Police declined to confirm any information regarding the case.
Rescue officials prepare to search for Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon at Seongbuk ward after he was reported missing on July 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-09--Ministry holds videoconference with all overseas mission chiefs on COVID-19 response

Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha presided over the session that brought together more than 180 diplomats , including ambassadors , consulate @ @ @ @ @ chiefs across the world , as well as senior officials in Seoul .

SEOUL, July 9 (Yonhap) -- The foreign ministry on Thursday held a videoconference with the heads of all of South Korea's overseas diplomatic missions to discuss ways to reinforce the country's response to the new coronavirus.
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha presided over the session that brought together more than 180 diplomats, including ambassadors, consulate generals and other diplomatic mission chiefs across the world, as well as senior officials in Seoul.
It marked the first such online gathering involving all chiefs of overseas missions. The ministry initially planned to hold a face-to-face meeting in Seoul in March, but postponed it due to the pandemic.
At the session, participants discussed a range of issues, such as the protection of overseas citizens in virus-hit countries, diplomatic support for essential business travelers and humanitarian aid to foreign countries in need of quarantine support.
From January to June, the ministry held a total of 21 videoconferences with overseas mission chiefs to discuss the response to the global health care crisis.
The online discussions came as Seoul stepped up efforts to ensure the safety of citizens abroad in the midst of the pandemic and contribute to the global anti-virus fight.
This photo, taken on June 3, 2020, shows Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha speaking during a videoconference with the chiefs of South Korean diplomatic missions in Southeast Asia at the foreign ministry in Seoul.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-09--Triathlete admits to assaulting late teammate, apologizes to family

The circumstances that led to her death sparked a national outrage and exposed a culture of rampant abuse still rife @ @ @ @ @ The principal figures other than Ahn -- who was never on Gyeongju 's payroll and @ @ @ @ @ the scandal blew up -- were grilled at a parliamentary meeting Monday about the allegations @ @ @ @ @ flatly denied those charges .

DAEGU, July 9 (Yonhap) -- In an about-face, a triathlete banned for 10 years for allegedly assaulting a late teammate has admitted to his charges and apologized to the teammate's surviving family.
Kim Do-hwan, who's accused of abusing Choi Suk-hyeon while they were competing for the Gyeongju City Hall semi-pro club, visited a memorial park in Seongju, about 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on Thursday to pay respects before an urn containing the remains of Choi Suk-hyeon.
In this photo, provided to Yonhap News Agency by a reader, triathlete Kim Do-hwan stands before an urn containing remains of his late teammate Choi Suk-hyeon to pay his respects at a memorial park in Seongju, 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on July 9, 2020. Kim admitted allegations made earlier by Choi that he had physically assaulted her while they were teammates for Gyeonggju City Hall club. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Choi was found dead on June 26 after enduring years of alleged abuse from Kim and other members of the team. She had pressed assault charges against Kim, coach Kim Gyu-bong, another triathlete identified only as Jang, and team therapist Ahn Joo-hyeon. With the investigation moving slowly and her pleas to national sports authorities for help having fallen on deaf ears, Choi took her own life.
The circumstances that led to her death sparked a national outrage and exposed a culture of rampant abuse still rife in South Korean sports. The principal figures other than Ahn -- who was never on Gyeongju's payroll and hasn't been located since the scandal blew up -- were grilled at a parliamentary meeting Monday about the allegations, and all of them flatly denied those charges.
Kim Do-hwan, in particular, refused to apologize for Choi's death because he claimed he hadn't done anything wrong.
Later Monday, the Korea Triathlon Federation banned Kim Gyu-bong and Jang for life while slapping Kim Do-hwan with a 10-year ban.
In the ensuing days, though, he had a change of heart and said in media interviews that he had indeed assaulted Choi, and the coach and Jang had done the same. Kim also offered to fully cooperate with upcoming investigations.
Kim said he denied charges at the National Assembly because he didn't want to throw his coach and a senior teammate under the bus. But then he saw Choi's ex-teammates make additional allegations at a press conference and felt embarrassed about his behavior, which in turn prompted him to admit to assaulting Choi.
The city of Gyeongju and its regional sports association have both asked their regional prosecutors to charge the alleged abusers.
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-09--(2nd LD) Police searching for Seoul mayor after missing report

(ATTN: UPDATES with police search details, photo)
SEOUL, July 9 (Yonhap) -- Police said Thursday they are trying to locate Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon after he was reported missing.
Park's daughter filed a police report at around 5:17 p.m. that he "had left home four to five hours ago after leaving words like a will, with his phone currently off."
Police were in an all-out search for Park, mobilizing drones and police dogs.
His mobile phone signal was last accessed near Gilsangsa Temple in the northeastern Seoul ward of Seongbuk.
Police are concentrating their search in the area, but Park remained unaccounted for as of 7 p.m.
This file photo shows Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon. (Yonhap)
The city government earlier said an event on Park's schedule that was to be held at 4:40 p.m. was canceled due to "inevitable circumstances."
A city official said the municipal government is looking into the details.
A police barricade is set up around the Seoul mayor's official residence in the central Seoul ward of Jongno on July 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-09--(LEAD) Police searching for Seoul mayor after missing report

(ATTN: ADDS details in last two paras)
SEOUL, July 9 (Yonhap) -- Police said Thursday they are trying to locate Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon after he was reported missing.
Park's daughter filed a police report at around 5:17 p.m. that he "had left home four to five hours ago after leaving words like a will, with his phone currently off."
Police were in an all-out search for Park, mobilizing drones and police dogs.
The city government earlier said one of Park's schedules that was to be held at 4:40 p.m. was canceled due to "inevitable circumstances."
A city official said the municipal government is looking into the details.
This file photo shows Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon. (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-09--Police searching for Seoul mayor after missing report

SEOUL, July 9 (Yonhap) -- Police said Thursday they are trying to locate Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon after he was reported missing.
Park's daughter filed a police report at around 5:17 p.m. that he "had left home four to five hours ago after leaving words like a will, with his phone currently off."
Police were in an all-out search for Park by mobilizing drones and police dogs.
Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon in a file photo. (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-09--NSC reaffirms importance of closer ties with U.S. after Biegun's visit

Suh , director of national security at Cheong Wa Dae , had talks with Biegun , Washington 's point man @ @ @ @ @ the day .
Suh requested that the U.S. not give up on efforts for the @ @ @ @ @ nuclear-armed communist nation .

SEOUL, July 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's top national security officials on Thursday reviewed the results of high-level consultations with the United States that took place during U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun's trip here this week and reaffirmed a commitment to close bilateral cooperation, Cheong Wa Dae said.
In the weekly standing committee meeting of the National Security Council (NSC), members agreed that the allies should "cooperate closely to push continuously for the Korea peace process and respond to regional and global issues," it said in a brief press release.
The session was chaired by Suh Hoon, the new top aide to President Moon Jae-in for national security.
Suh Hoon (R), director of national security at Cheong Wa Dae, hold talks with Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun at the presidential compound in Seoul on July 9, 2020, in this photo provided by Suh's office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Suh, director of national security at Cheong Wa Dae, had talks with Biegun, Washington's point man on Pyongyang, earlier in the day. Suh requested that the U.S. not give up on efforts for the resumption of dialogue with the nuclear-armed communist nation.
Biegun also stressed the importance of reopening dialogue with North Korea, according to Cheong Wa Dae.
He then headed to Japan after a three-day stay in Seoul. There was no report of his contact with North Korean officials during his first visit to Korea in seven months.
The NSC officials, meanwhile, also checked major pending issues related to Seoul-Tokyo relations and had discussions on the next steps, Cheong Wa Dae said without elaborating.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-09--KBO club manager shows reliever tough love after rough outing

`` Even before his start last night , our plan was to give him a breather for the next 10 @ @ @ @ @ Huh said .
`` Before his last start , we had already identified signs that @ @ @ @ @ needs to take it easy now so that he could pitch well later .
This @ @ @ @ @ , and he 's got a long career ahead of him . ''

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, July 9 (Yonhap) -- Less than 24 hours after coughing up a three-run lead in relief, Samsung Lions' right-hander Jang Pill-joon was sent down to the minor league Thursday.
Was it too harsh? Maybe so, especially when considering that Jang had thrown three consecutive scoreless outings prior to the disastrous, 7-6 loss to the Kiwoom Heroes in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO).
But manager Huh Sam-young was adamant Thursday that it was the right move.
In this file photo, from April 21, 2020, Jang Pill-joon of the Samsung Lions pitches against the Kia Tigers in a Korea Baseball Organization preseason game at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field in Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
"We want to give him some time to recover and get his head together," Huh told reporters before the rubber match of the three-game set against the Heroes at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. "We'd like to see him get his confidence back."
In Thursday's game, Jang served up four runs in the fateful seventh inning at the dome, with Lee Jung-hoo's go-ahead three-run home run being the devastating blow. The Lions led 6-0 earlier in the game.
"I would have liked to see more fight in him," Huh said of the former closer. "This is a guy who's given us 42 saves over the past five years. I wanted him to pitch his way out of trouble."
Huh insisted, though, he has not lost faith in Jang yet. He has an 8.31 ERA in nine relief appearances, but that number is a bit inflated because he's had two particularly ugly outings -- he was charged with four earned runs in 1/3 of an inning on May 15 -- and seven clean ones.
"I am his manager. If I don't trust him, no one else will," Huh said with a smile. "We still need him."
In another transaction Thursday, the Lions also demoted Wednesday's starter, Won Tae-in, to the minors, albeit for different reasons than Jang. Huh is trying to manage the load for the 20-year-old pitching in his second KBO season.
Won threw 101 pitches in 5 2/3 innings Wednesday, the third time he's gone over the century mark in pitch count after doing so five times in 2019.
"Even before his start last night, our plan was to give him a breather for the next 10 or so days," Huh said. "Before his last start, we had already identified signs that he was tiring. He needs to take it easy now so that he could pitch well later. This is only his second season, and he's got a long career ahead of him."
By the league rules, a player shipped to the minors must spend at least 10 days there before rejoining the parent club.
Won Tae-in of the Samsung Lions pitches against the Kiwoom Heroes in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on July 8, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-09--SK E&C reaches compensation deal with Laos over deadly dam collapse

The Xe-Pian Xe-Namnoy Power Co. , a joint venture involving the South Korean builder , inked the deal with the @ @ @ @ @ on April 10 , paving the way for compensation for local people affected by the @ @ @ @ @ dam being built by SK E & C in the province .

SEOUL, July 9 (Yonhap) -- SK Engineering & Construction Co. said Thursday that it has reached a deal with authorities in Laos to compensate victims of a deadly hydroelectric dam collapse in the Southeast Asian country.
The Xe-Pian Xe-Namnoy Power Co., a joint venture involving the South Korean builder, inked the deal with the southern Laotian province of Attapeu on April 10, paving the way for compensation for local people affected by the 2018 collapse of a hydroelectric dam being built by SK E&C in the province.
Laotian Deputy Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone said in a recent parliamentary session that the total compensation and rehabilitation costs would amount to more than 828 billion kip (US$92 million), according to Vientiane Times.
An auxiliary dam in the Xe-Pian Xe-Namnoy project gave way amid heavy rains in July 2018, inundating villages in the province's Sanamxay district and killing dozens of villagers and leaving thousands of people homeless, according to local media.
Sonexay said more than 475 billion kip would be spent, including the compensation for deceased people, orphans and affected assets of the villagers and businesses.
More than 353 billion kip will be allocated for rehabilitation work, including restoration of public infrastructure, such as transport facilities, according to Vientiane Times.
It said construction work has begun on 700 houses with compensation money from the Xe-Pian Xe-Namnoy Power Co.
SK E&C has a 26 percent stake in the $1 billion Xe-Pian Xe-Namnoy hydropower project. Korea Western Power Co., another South Korean company, as well as Thai and Laotian firms are also partners.
entropy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-09--S. Korea taps two medical professors as honorary ambassadors for health security

The government came up with the new honorary ambassadorship as part of its bid to use professional expertise from the @ @ @ @ @ other countries South Korea 's experience and know-how in containing COVID-19 and treating infected patients @

SEOUL, July 9 (Yonhap) -- The government has tapped two renowned medical professors as ambassadors for global health security, a newly minted honorary post to promote South Korea's efforts to battle the coronavirus pandemic, the foreign ministry said Thursday.
Oh Myoung-don and Lee Jong-koo, both professors at the Seoul National University's school of medicine, were appointed as the new global health security envoys for a 12-month term, the ministry said in a release.
Lee served as head of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) from 2007-2011.
The government came up with the new honorary ambassadorship as part of its bid to use professional expertise from the private sector in sharing with other countries South Korea's experience and know-how in containing COVID-19 and treating infected patients.
"As individuals with expertise, experience and extensive human network in the field, the ambassadors are expected to contribute to enhancing South Korea's diplomatic status by sharing our experience with COVID-19 with the international community and actively taking part in related international cooperation," the ministry said in a release.
South Korea's virus response has earned global recognition after the country managed to bring the virus under control in the early stage of the pandemic. Many countries, including the United States, have lauded Seoul's response systems as a global exemplar.
The government has launched an initiative to further promote the country's systematic virus control measures at the international level, holding virtual seminars for more than 2,200 people from over 110 countries so far.
This file photo shows Seoul National University medical professor Oh Myoung-don on April 29, 2020. (Yonhap)
This file photo shows Lee Jong-koo, former KCDC director general, on Oct. 14, 2008. (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-09--S. Korea starts developing marine radar

S. Korea starts developing marine radar

Under the plan , the Research Institute of Medium & small Shipbuilding ( RIMS ) will spend 6 billion won @ @ @ @ @ ) to develop marine radar in cooperation with four other bodies , including state-funded Korean @ @ @ @ @ the institute said in an emailed statement .

By Nam Kwang-sik
SEOUL, July 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korea plans to localize production of marine radar that has been exclusively imported so far, a state-funded shipbuilding institute said Thursday.
Under the plan, the Research Institute of Medium&small Shipbuilding (RIMS) will spend 6 billion won (US$5 million) to develop marine radar in cooperation with four other bodies, including state-funded Korean Marine Equipment Research Institute, the institute said in an emailed statement.
This photo shows a marine radar mounted on a ship. (Yonhap)
RIMS will push to export the marine radar if it succeeds in development, it said.
Marine radar has been imported from Japan and other countries, presenting a hurdle for the localization of Integrated Navigation System (INS), a composite navigation system designed to avoid ship collision and monitor the progress of ships.
ksnam@yna.co.kr
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

Biegun and his delegation took off from the Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek , south of Seoul , at about @ @ @ @ @ diplomatic sources .
In Tokyo , he is expected to hold talks with Japanese officials @ @ @ @ @ United States on Friday .

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Thursday.
-----------------
(LEAD) Seoul stocks close higher on advance of 'untact' businesses
SEOUL -- South Korean stocks closed higher Thursday on strong gains by 'untact' businesses prompted by fears over a prolonged pandemic, analysts said. The Korean won stayed flat.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 9.02 points, or 0.42 percent, to close at 2,167.90. Trading volume was moderate at about 609 million shares worth some 12.8 trillion won (US$10.7 billion), with losers outnumbering gainers 421 to 417.
-----------------
S. Korea to spend big on development of COVID-19 vaccine, drug
SEOUL -- South Korea will spend 197 billion won (US$162 million) on supporting vaccine and treatment drug development for COVID-19, the health ministry said Thursday.
Of the total, 57.6 percent, or 111.5 billion won, will be used to find vaccines and treatment drugs.
-----------------
Biegun wraps up his visit to S. Korea amid stalled N.K. diplomacy
SEOUL-- U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun wrapped up his three-day visit to South Korea and departed for Japan on Thursday after expressing full U.S. support for inter-Korean cooperation and reaffirming willingness to reengage with North Korea.
Biegun and his delegation took off from the Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, at about 4 p.m., according to diplomatic sources. In Tokyo, he is expected to hold talks with Japanese officials before flying back to the United States on Friday.
-----------------
(LEAD) Top diplomats of S. Korea, UAE to hold talks in Seoul
SEOUL -- The top diplomats of South Korea and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will hold talks over bilateral cooperation in Seoul this week, the foreign ministry said Thursday, as the two countries mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties.
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and her UAE counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, are set to meet Friday. The UAE's minister arrived here Thursday for a three-day visit.
-----------------
(LEAD) Moon vows to nurture materials, parts sectors amid trade row with Japan
SEOUL -- President Moon Jae-in on Thursday vowed to use Japan's export restrictions against the country as an "opportunity" to further nurture the parts and materials industries here.
"We will walk a different road from Japan," Moon said during a visit to SK hynix in Icheon, southeast of Seoul, "By turning the crisis into an opportunity, we will leap forward to become a powerful nation for the material, parts and equipments sectors."
-----------------
(2nd LD) S. Korea's virus infections slightly decline, but spread continues beyond capital
SEOUL -- South Korea's new daily virus cases declined slightly on Thursday, but the new coronavirus continued to spread beyond Seoul and its neighboring areas.
The country added 50 cases, including 28 local infections, raising the total caseload to 13,293, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
South Korea had reported more than 60 new virus cases for three consecutive days through Sunday, before falling below 50 on Monday and Tuesday. The new daily cases rebounded to 63 a day earlier on a sharp rise in infections coming in from overseas.
-----------------
(News Focus) Subscription models, another way out for slump-hit retailers amid contactless trend
SEOUL -- Jung Se-hee, a 40-year-old office worker, recently bought a one-month mobile voucher offered by Burger King. It allows her to buy 30 cups of Americano for 4,900 won (US$4.11), a real steal as the price tag translates to just 170 won for a cup of coffee.
"I started it out of curiosity, but I was surprised to see that the price is super cheap," she said.
(END)


yna--2020-07-09--KBO's Kiwoom Heroes set to welcome back two starters from injuries

`` When we go through relievers like that , it can be tough for fielders to maintain their focus , @ @ @ @ @ job in those games , '' Son said .
`` We were down by six @ @ @ @ @ players never gave up and pulled out the victory .
I was really down on @ @ @ @ @ , but my players helped me keep my head up . ''

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, July 9 (Yonhap) -- After two straight bullpen days, the Kiwoom Heroes are expected to move closer to a full starting rotation soon.
Manager Son Hyuk said Thursday right-hander Han Hyun-hee will rejoin the rotation on Sunday, while fellow righty Jake Brigham should be ready to pitch next Tuesday for the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) club.
Han has been on the injured list since last Thursday with knee issues. Brigham hasn't pitched since May 22 with a sprained elbow.
In this file photo from May 22, 2020, Jake Brigham of the Kiwoom Heroes pitches against the Lotte Giants during a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Sajik Stadium in Busan, 450 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
Without enough starters, Son was forced to send usual relievers to open each of the past two games against the Samsung Lions. The Heroes were routed 13-2 on Tuesday but rallied for a 7-6 win on Wednesday.
Brigham threw in a minor league game on Wednesday. Though he allowed two runs in three innings, Son said he was otherwise pleased with Brigham's progress, noting that the right-hander's fastball reached over 145 kilometers per hour (90 miles per hour).
"Barring any major issues, he'll be back in the rotation by Tuesday," Son told reporters at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. "Overall, he seems to be doing fine."
Son said Han threw a bullpen session on Tuesday and looked ready to start again. In his last outing on July 1 against the Doosan Bears, Han was roughed up for 10 earned runs on 11 hits in a season-low 1 2/3 innings.
Son breathed a sigh of relief after getting the split from the two bullpen days.
"When we go through relievers like that, it can be tough for fielders to maintain their focus, but they did a great job in those games," Son said. "We were down by six runs last night but the players never gave up and pulled out the victory. I was really down on myself the past two days, but my players helped me keep my head up."
In this file photo from July 1, 2020, Kiwoom Heroes' starter Han Hyun-hee returns to the dugout after allowing six runs against the Doosan Bears in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-09--Hotel Shilla to extend duty-free operations at Incheon Int'l Airport

Since May , Incheon International Airport Corp. ( IIAC ) , the operator of the airport , has held talks @ @ @ @ @ including Lotte Hotel and Hotel Shilla , over whether to allow the extension of licenses @ @ @ @ @ next month .

SEOUL, July 9 (Yonhap) -- Hotel Shilla, a major duty-free operator in South Korea, agreed to extend the operation of its outlets at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, despite a slump caused by the new coronavirus, the operator of the country's main gateway said Thursday.
Its archrival Lotte Hotel also has decided to extend its operations at Terminal 1 of the airport.
Since May, Incheon International Airport Corp. (IIAC), the operator of the airport, has held talks with four duty-free operators, including Lotte Hotel and Hotel Shilla, over whether to allow the extension of licenses that are scheduled to expire next month.
South Korea's duty-free operators face a slump, as the pandemic has disrupted air travel.
SM Duty Free, a midsized duty-free operator, said Monday it will withdraw its stores from the airport, citing business setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Another midsized player, City Duty Free, is believed to have expressed its intention to keep operating at the airport.
Duty-free operators have called for the IIAC to sharply cut lease fees, as their earnings were hit hard by the virus outbreak.
Duty-free stores saw their combined sales fall below the 1 trillion-won (US$836 million) mark for the first time in four years in April, according to industry data.
Few customers are spotted at duty-free stores at Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, in this file photo taken on May 15, 2020. (Yonhap)
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)