yna--2020-06-10--Bucheon film fest, Whatcha sign deal to screen movies online

`` Online screening is an unprecedented attempt in the BiFan 's history .
In this transformative era , I hope @ @ @ @ @ in establishing a synergetic model between a film festival and an OTT platform , '' @ @ @ @ @ the BiFan organizing committee , said .

SEOUL, June 10 (Yonhap) -- The Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BiFan) and Whatcha, a streaming service provider, signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday to screen films for the festival's 24th edition scheduled for next month.
The annual film festival devoted to horror, thriller, mystery, fantasy and sci-fi flicks will screen 69 movies in Bucheon, 50 kilometers west of Seoul, from July 9-16.
The movies will also be streamed online via Whatcha Play, run by the South Korean over-the-top media service company, as part of social distancing efforts amid the coronavirus pandemic.
"Online screening is an unprecedented attempt in the BiFan's history. In this transformative era, I hope this will set a milestone in establishing a synergetic model between a film festival and an OTT platform," Shin Chul, director of the BiFan organizing committee, said.
The films will be available only on the PC version of the streaming platform, which will have an exclusive section for BiFan.
BiFan, launched in 1997, had planned to show films in eight theaters but reduced the offline screen numbers due to concerns about coronavirus contagion.
In this photo provided by the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BiFan), its director Shin Chul (L) and Park Tae-hoon, CEO of Whatcha, pose for a photo after signing a memorandum of understanding on June 10, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-10--(LEAD) Hyundai Heavy to expand presence in warship market

`` Hyundai Heavy will beef up its presence in the overseas warship market on the basis of advanced technologies and @ @ @ @ @ , '' Korea Shipbuilding said in an emailed statement .

(ATTN: CORRECTS Hyundai Heavy's annual sales in 8th para)
By Nam Kwang-sik
SEOUL, June 10 (Yonhap) -- Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., the world's largest shipbuilder, will enhance its presence in the warship market as part of efforts to boost sales, its parent, Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co., said Wednesday.
The company said a 26,000-ton warship, named Aotearoa, built by the shipbuilder left Ulsan, southeast 414 kilometers of Seoul, late Tuesday for New Zealand. Hyundai Heavy clinched an order for the warship in July 2016 from the Royal New Zealand Navy.
"Hyundai Heavy will beef up its presence in the overseas warship market on the basis of advanced technologies and its experience in the sector," Korea Shipbuilding said in an emailed statement.
This file photo provided by Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. shows a warship for the Royal New Zealand Navy built by the shipbuilder. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
In addition, Hyundai Heavy is in the early phase of the design process to build the South Korean Navy's next-generation amphibious assault ship, called Landing Platform eXperimental (LPX)-Ⅱ.
In October last year, Hyundai Heavy signed an agreement with the Navy on the LPX-II project, which aims to build a new versatile large-deck landing ship for short take-off and vertical landing fighter jets.
The shipbuilder is also pushing ahead with its plan to win an order to design the 6,000-ton class destroyers, called the Korea Destroyer Next Generation (KDDX), of the South Korean Navy.
The country's arms procurement agency Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) will close bidding for the design of the destroyers on July 20.
In 2019, Hyundai Heavy's warship sales accounted for only 8 percent of its parent group's shipbuilding revenue of 13.3 trillion won (US$11.2 billion).
Hyundai Heavy has built about 80 warships, including the South Korean Navy's destroyer King Sejong the Great.
The shipbuilder has been anticipating more orders from New Zealand, citing a deal signed in June last year by South Korea and New Zealand to boost cooperation in the military supplies field.
ksnam@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-10--Star actor Kim Soo-hyun 'waited so long' for his return to TV

`` Some will like our stories , but others will feel uncomfortable with our characters , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ the message that we have to look at others and accept them as they are @ @

SEOUL, June 10 (Yonhap) -- Star actor Kim Soo-hyun will return to the South Korean small screen next week with the romantic comedy series "It's Okay to Not Be Okay" after fulfilling two years of military service last summer.
"I'm so nervous to be speaking in public," Kim said in an online press conference to promote the show Wednesday. "I'm so excited to be back. I've waited so long."
In the new weekend series on cable channel tvN, Kim plays the role of Gang-tae, a caretaker at a psychiatric ward who lost his parents and must take for his disabled brother, Sang-tae (Oh Jung-se). Due to his exhausting life, he does not believe in love.
But Gang-tae comes across Moon-young (Seo Ye-ji), a popular children's book author who suffers from antisocial personality disorder.
Actor Kim Soo-hyun speaks at a press conference on "It's Okay to Not Be Okay" streamed online on June 10, 2020 in this photo provided by tvN. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Kim temporarily left show business to serve in the military after his last silver screen project, "Real," was a box office flop in 2017.
After the three-year hiatus, the undoubtedly romantic-comedy king chose "It's Okay" on tvN as his return project. It is his first TV series in five years since the comedy drama "The Producers" (2015).
"Thanks to the off-screen period, I became more relaxed and calm, even though I have more room to improve," the 32-year-old actor said. "Still, I'm so nervous and feel awkward holding a microphone here."
He said his new drama is different from his previous romantic comedies, such as "My Love from the Star" (2013), that helped him gain huge popularity across Asia.
It is not only a love story of the two main characters, but also a human story about those who have wounded hearts and souls, he noted.
"The title of the drama caught my eyes first and I was attracted by my character, who is deeply hurt," he said. "I wanted to evoke sympathy by portraying the character's wounded heart and how he gets healed."
Director Park Shin-woo, who has produced a number of hit TV romance series, like "Encounter" (2019) and "Don't Dare to Dream" (2016), said "It's Okay" is a self-reflection over our biased preferences for certain people.
"Some will like our stories, but others will feel uncomfortable with our characters," he said. "But our drama gives the message that we have to look at others and accept them as they are."
"It's Okay" will premier on June 20 on tvN and will be also available on Netflix from the same day.
A teaser image of the upcoming romantic comedy series "It's Okay to Not Be Okay" on tvN (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-10--State COVID-19 relief funds used mostly for dining out, grocery shopping: ministry

As of May 31 , a total of 5.67 trillion won in relief money was spent , and restaurants were @ @ @ @ @ 1.44 trillion won , or 24.8 percent , followed by marts and grocery stores with @ @ @ @ @ 24.2 percent .
Hospitals and pharmacies came in third with 590 billion won , or @ @ @

SEOUL, June 10 (Yonhap) -- The state coronavirus relief funds have been spent mostly on dining out and grocery shopping, the interior ministry said Wednesday, based on an analysis of credit card data.
The Ministry of Interior and Safety analyzed credit and debit card transactions from May 11-31 from eight financial firms to find out about spending behavior with the relief money.
As of May 31, a total of 5.67 trillion won in relief money was spent, and restaurants were the biggest spending destination with 1.44 trillion won, or 24.8 percent, followed by marts and grocery stores with 1.37 trillion won, or 24.2 percent. Hospitals and pharmacies came in third with 590 billion won, or 10.4 percent.
Gas stations were the fourth biggest spending venue with 349 billion won, followed by clothing stores with 330 billion won, convenience stores with 259 billion won and private educational institutes with 248 billion won.
By business size, around 64 percent of the money was spent at midsized businesses with annual sales of 3 billion won or less. Twenty-six percent was spent at small businesses with annual sales of 300 million won or less.
A promotional sign about the state relief funds is posted on the wall of a mart in Seoul on May 19, 2020. (Yonhap)
On May 4, South Korea began paying out the relief money to help people cope with the economic impact of the unprecedented pandemic: 1 million won (US$813) each to households with four or more members, 800,000 won to three-person households, 600,000 won to two-person households and 400,000 won to single-person households.
According to the ministry, 99.5 percent of the total 21.7 million households received the one-off payment as of Sunday, for which 95.4 percent of the total budget of 14.2 trillion won was spent.
Households failing to apply for the emergency relief funds by Aug. 18 will be regarded as donors to the state. Recipients must spend the money by Aug. 31 or it will also be deemed a donation.
Since early May, the country's credit card spending has surged thanks in part to the relief handouts.
For the fourth week of May, the total spending by credit cards amounted to 19.1 trillion won, up 26.7 percent from the same period last year.
Spending in traditional outdoor markets jumped to 324 billion won, up 20 percent from the first week of May. Optical stores saw the biggest jump in sales, with 66.2 percent, followed by hospitals and pharmacies with 63.8 percent, cram schools with 37.9 percent, gyms and hair salons with 29.4 percent and furniture shops with 27.8 percent.
The ministry will "campaign for active spending and closely monitor the economic situation to make sure that the emergency relief funds are all used up to help the people's livelihoods and the local economy," Yoon Jong-in, vice minister at the ministry, said.
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-10--(2nd LD) Unification ministry to file legal complaint against leaflet-sending defector groups

`` I will fly more leaflets over Kim Jong-un 's head .
In particular , I will fly a drone @ @ @ @ @ send leaflets , '' he said .
`` Has the ministry ever told us to @ @ @ @ @ 15 years ?
How can they take issue with this just because of a word @ @ @ @ @

(ATTN: ADDS comment from head of defector group in para 5-6)
By Koh Byung-joon and Yi Wonju
SEOUL, June 10 (Yonhap) -- The unification ministry said Wednesday that it will file a complaint with police against two North Korean defector groups for sending anti-Pyongyang leaflets across the border, a day after the North cut off all inter-Korean communication lines over such leafleting.
The ministry said that it will also take action to revoke business permits granted to the groups, Fighters for Free North Korea and Keunsaem, accusing them of putting the safety of people living in border regions at risk by sending leaflets into the North.
"They have violated public interests by heightening tensions between the South and the North and by running squarely against the agreements reached by the leaders of the two Koreas, and also caused danger to the lives and safety of residents in the border regions," the ministry said in a press release.
Members of Fighters for Free North Korea, an organization of defectors from North Korea, send balloons carrying anti-North leaflets across the border from the South Korean border city of Paju, in this file photo dated April 2, 2016. On June 4, 2020, South Korea called for a halt to a civic campaign to send anti-Pyongyang propaganda leaflets into North Korea, hours after the North threatened to scrap a military tension reduction agreement and exchange projects unless Seoul stops the campaign.
The ministry said that leafleting by the two groups constitutes a violation of the inter-Korean exchange and cooperation act that bans sending goods to North Korea without government permission.
Defector groups and other activists have occasionally sent a large number of leaflets via giant balloons sharply criticizing the communist regime and its leader. These were often flown with one-dollar bills, USB memory sticks and other items to get more North Koreans to pick up the leaflets.
The government has advised against sending such leaflets, citing concerns about the safety of residents in the regions where the leaflet-carrying balloons are launched because the North could take retaliatory military action on the areas.
Defector groups have ignored such an appeal, citing their right to freedom of expression.
On Wednesday, unification ministry officials said, citing a Supreme Court ruling in 2016, that the right to freedom of expression is not unlimited and can be restricted if its exercise clearly endangers the lives of residents.
Shortly after the ministry's decision, Park Sang-hak, the head of Fighters for Free North Korea, told Yonhap News Agency that he will keep on sending leaflets by using whatever means possible, including flying a drone.
"I will fly more leaflets over Kim Jong-un's head. In particular, I will fly a drone in any way possible to send leaflets," he said. "Has the ministry ever told us to get approval for the past 15 years? How can they take issue with this just because of a word from Kim Yo-jong?"
He was referring to a warning that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's sister, Kim Yo-jong, issued last week.
The ministry's decision came a day after North Korea defined the South as an "enemy" and vowed to cut all inter-Korean communication lines in anger over anti-Pyongyang leaflets sent across the border by North Korean defectors.
The decision followed Pyongyang's repeated threats last week to abolish an inter-Korean liaison office and completely shut down other major cross-border programs, denouncing leaflet-sending as a hostile act breaching a series of peace agreements between the two sides.
South Korea promised to take legislative measures to prevent activists from sending leaflets, but the North derided Seoul's envisioned move as belated and "little more advanced excuses."
The two defector groups are among the most active groups sending anti-Pyongyang leaflets criticizing North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his regime.
In late May, Fighters for Free North Korea sent around 500,000 ant-Pyongyang leaflets into the North via balloons. It is planning to fly around 1 million propaganda leaflets across the border on June 25 in time for the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the 1950-53 Korean War.
Earlier this week, Keunsaem, along with Fighters for Free North Korea, also tried to send plastic bottles carrying rice into the North but failed to do so in the face of opposition by residents.
Last week, an association of mayors from border areas called on the unification ministry to come up with stricter regulations to stop leafleting, saying that it "crushes the dreams of the people in the border areas hoping to live safely and peacefully without any tensions."
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-10--(LEAD) Student tests negative for virus following initial positive result

As for the Seoul educational office 's announcement on absence of coronavirus antibody in the student 's body , Jeong @ @ @ @ @ antibody test may have a problem in accuracy .
So there is a limit in @ @ @ @ @ or not from the test results . ''

(ATTN: UPDATES with the central government's decision to withhold judgment in paras 8-11)
SEOUL, June 10 (Yonhap) -- A Seoul high school student who tested positive after visiting the nation's largest indoor theme park has been tentatively given a clean bill of health after a retest, authorities said Wednesday.
The student, identified only as a female senior at Wonmook High School in the eastern ward of Jungnang, had her first two COVID-19 tests on May 20 and 25 after exhibiting symptoms, such as a cough and sore throat, and the results were negative.
After visiting Lotte World Adventure in southern Seoul, along with three friends last Friday, however, the student tested positive for the virus Sunday.
This photo taken June 8, 2020, shows Wonmook High School in eastern Seoul. (Yonhap)
Her positive test result immediately triggered an alarm bell for quarantine authorities, who forced both her school and Lotte World Adventure to close temporarily for disinfection and ordered coronavirus tests for all 769 students and staff at the high school.
After all of the students and staff tested negative, the municipal authorities conducted additional tests on the female student and finally concluded that she is not infected with the virus.
According to the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, the student showed negative results in the two most recent tests conducted Tuesday by the Seoul Metropolitan Government Institute of Health and Environment and the Seoul Medical Center.
Her coronavirus-related antibody test also produced a negative result, the office noted.
But the central government's coronavirus command center said in the afternoon that it will withhold final judgment on whether the student is infected or not, noting any error from her previous positive test result has yet to be confirmed.
"Experts are now examining whether the student's previous positive result was false or not, with many possibilities in mind. The final conclusion has not been reached yet," Jeong Eun-kyeong, director of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), said in a media briefing.
As for the Seoul educational office's announcement on absence of coronavirus antibody in the student's body, Jeong said, "The rapid antibody test may have a problem in accuracy. So there is a limit in determining whether she is infected or not from the test results."
The director said the KCDC plans to conduct another test on the student's samples before reaching the final conclusion through consultations with experts and Seoul officials. Until then, the student will remain in hospital.
Meanwhile, a southern Seoul cram school said all of its 471 students and staff have tested negative in virus tests conducted after one of its cafeteria employees was found to be infected earlier this week.
The outbreak has also raised concerns over the potential spread of the virus in the large cram school where many high school graduates stay for long hours every day to prepare for a college entrance exam.
The Daesung Academy Kangnam said it will reopen Thursday and faithfully implement hygiene and social distancing guidelines in the future.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-10--Moon thanks Gabon, Nigeria, France for help in S. Korean hostage release

The previous day , the foreign ministry announced that the man in his 50s had been set free in southern @ @ @ @ @ six crew members taken hostage by unidentified pirates during attacks on two Senegal-flagged fishing vessels @ @ @ @ @ and five nationals of Senegal and Indonesia were released in good health after 37 days @ @ @ @ @ the ministry .

SEOUL, June 10 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in expressed his gratitude Wednesday to the governments of Gabon, Nigeria and France for cooperation in successful efforts to secure the release of a South Korean man kidnapped by pirates off the coast of Gabon in early May.
On his social media account, Moon also commended hard work by South Korean civil servants and authorities charged with handling the matter.
The previous day, the foreign ministry announced that the man in his 50s had been set free in southern Nigeria. He was among six crew members taken hostage by unidentified pirates during attacks on two Senegal-flagged fishing vessels. The South Korean man and five nationals of Senegal and Indonesia were released in good health after 37 days of captivity, according to the ministry.
"Immediately after the abduction, the government put a 24-hour response system into operation and made efforts for the early return (of the hostage)," the president said.
He added South Korea had close consultations, albeit unannounced, with Gabon, Nigeria and France.
"Protecting the people's lives and safety is the first duty of the government," he stressed.
Especially, he praised officials at the foreign ministry's consular service center and local embassies.
"In addition, I deliver a message of particular gratitude to the Gabonese, Nigerian and French governments that did not spare help and cooperation for the return of our national," Moon wrote.
A South Korean man (C) arrives at Incheon International Airport on June 10, 2020. The man was released after being held captive for 37 days by pirates off the coast of West Africa. (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-10--(LEAD) Unification ministry to file legal complaint against leaflet-sending defector groups

`` They have violated public interests by heightening tensions between the South and the North and by running squarely against @ @ @ @ @ leaders of the two Koreas , and also caused danger to the lives and safety @ @ @ @ @ regions , '' the ministry said in a press release .

(ATTN: CORRECTS that complaint will be filed with police, not prosecution; ADDS details throughout, photo)
By Koh Byung-joon
SEOUL, June 10 (Yonhap) -- The unification ministry said Wednesday that it will file a complaint with police against two North Korean defector groups for sending anti-Pyongyang leaflets across the border, a day after the North cut off all inter-Korean communication lines over such leafleting.
The ministry said that it will also take action to revoke business permits granted to the groups, Fighters for Free North Korea and Keunsaem, accusing them of putting the safety of people living in border regions at risk by sending leaflets into the North.
"They have violated public interests by heightening tensions between the South and the North and by running squarely against the agreements reached by the leaders of the two Koreas, and also caused danger to the lives and safety of residents in the border regions," the ministry said in a press release.
Members of Fighters for Free North Korea, an organization of defectors from North Korea, send balloons carrying anti-North leaflets across the border from the South Korean border city of Paju, in this file photo dated April 2, 2016. On June 4, 2020, South Korea called for a halt to a civic campaign to send anti-Pyongyang propaganda leaflets into North Korea, hours after the North threatened to scrap a military tension reduction agreement and exchange projects unless Seoul stops the campaign.
The ministry said that leafleting by the two groups constitutes a violation of the inter-Korean exchange and cooperation act that bans sending goods to North Korea without government permission.
Defector groups and other activists have occasionally sent a large number of leaflets via giant balloons sharply criticizing the communist regime and its leader. These were often flown with one-dollar bills, USB memory sticks and other items to get more North Koreans to pick up the leaflets.
The government has advised against sending such leaflets, citing concerns about the safety of residents in the regions where the leaflet-carrying balloons are launched because the North could take retaliatory military action on the areas.
Defector groups have ignored such an appeal, citing their right to freedom of expression.
On Wednesda, unification ministry officials said, citing a Supreme Court ruling in 2016, that the right to freedom of expression is not unlimited and can be restricted if its exercise clearly endangers the lives of residents.
The ministry's decision to take legal action against the defector groups came a day after North Korea defined the South as an "enemy" and vowed to cut all inter-Korean communication lines in anger over anti-Pyongyang leaflets sent across the border by North Korean defectors.
The decision followed Pyongyang's repeated threats last week to abolish an inter-Korean liaison office and completely shut down other major cross-border programs, denouncing leaflet-sending as a hostile act breaching a series of peace agreements between the two sides.
South Korea promised to take legislative measures to prevent activists from sending leaflets, but the North derided Seoul's envisioned move as belated and "little more advanced excuses."
The two defector groups are among the most active groups sending anti-Pyongyang leaflets criticizing North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his regime.
In late May, Fighters for Free North Korea sent around 500,000 ant-Pyongyang leaflets into the North via balloons. It is planning to fly around 1 million propaganda leaflets across the border on June 25 in time for the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the 1950-53 Korean War.
Earlier this week, Keunsaem, along with Fighters for Free North Korea, also tried to send plastic bottles carrying rice into the North but failed to do so in the face of opposition by residents.
Last week, an association of mayors from border areas called on the unification ministry to come up with stricter regulations to stop leafleting, saying that it "crushes the dreams of the people in the border areas hoping to live safely and peacefully without any tensions."
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-10--BLACKPINK announces June release date for new single

The team has maintained a winning streak at home and overseas , with the EP `` Kill This Love '' @ @ @ @ @ 24th on the Billboard 200 albums chart , and its song of the same name @ @ @ @ @ on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart .

SEOUL, June 10 (Yonhap) -- K-pop girl group BLACKPINK on Wednesday announced the release date of their first new song in 14 months.
The band's label-management agency, YG Entertainment, said the quartet will put out a new track on June 26. Other details, such as the title of the track, have not been shared.
The song will be a track from their upcoming first studio album, which will be fully unveiled in September.
YG has announced that the band's new album will be released under a three-tier scheme, with the first single release coming this month followed by another track sometime between July and August.
One of the biggest K-pop girl groups today, BLACKPINK landed a successful debut in 2016, storming multiple music charts back to back with their edgy hip-hop tracks, "Whistle" and "Boombayah."
The team has maintained a winning streak at home and overseas, with the EP "Kill This Love" from last year peaking at 24th on the Billboard 200 albums chart, and its song of the same name ranking as high as 41st on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.
A teaser image for K-pop girl group BLACKPINK's upcoming new single to be released later this month. The image was provided by YG Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-10--S. Korea's economy tipped to shrink 1.2 pct in 2020 over pandemic: OECD

`` Due to an effective strategy to contain the spread of the virus , the government limited the damage to @ @ @ @ @ is shrinking less than in any other OECD country , '' it said .

By Kim Deok-hyun
SEJONG, June 10 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's economy is expected to contract 1.2 percent this year as the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown measures ravaged global trade and consumption, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) said Wednesday.
The updated prediction, which would be the sharpest contraction since the 1998 Asian financial crisis, marked a sharp downgrade from the OECD's March forecast of 2 percent expansion.
The latest OECD forecast is bleaker than a prediction by the Bank of Korea (BOK), which forecast the Korean economy to contract 0.2 percent this year.
The OECD forecast is in line with a prediction by the International Monetary Fund, which expected the Korean economy to shrink 1.2 percent this year.
South Korea saw hundreds of daily new infections in late February and early March, but appeared to bring the outbreak under control. Still, concerns persisted as cluster infections have continued to emerge in Seoul and its neighboring areas.
"Due to an effective strategy to contain the spread of the virus, the government limited the damage to the domestic economy and output is shrinking less than in any other OECD country," it said.
However, if South Korea is hit by a second wave of infections, the nation's economy would contract 2.5 percent this year, the OECD said.
In a dire outlook, the OECD expected the world economy to contract 6 percent this year, marking the worst contraction since the Great Depression in the 1930s.
Last week, South Korea proposed its third extra budget plan worth 35.3 trillion won (US$29 billion) that will help key industries cushion the economic blow from the coronavirus pandemic and protect jobs.
The biggest-ever budget will raise the total of the nation's stimulus packages to 270 trillion won as the government has stepped up fiscal and monetary responses to the pandemic.
South Korea has pledged to keep an aggressive fiscal policy to fight the pandemic, which will push up the debt-to-GDP ratio to 43.5 percent this year, compared with some 40 percent before the virus.
The OECD said South Korea's fiscal policy still has room to support the economy.
"Low government debt provides fiscal space, despite the already sizeable increase in public spending," the OECD said.
South Korea's export-reliant economy is expected to suffer a bigger hit from the pandemic as the novel coronavirus disrupted global businesses and ravaged consumer demand.
Exports dropped for the third consecutive month in May due to the growing economic fallout from the pandemic. Outbound shipments dipped 23.7 percent to hit $34.8 billion last month, compared with $45.7 billion posted a year earlier.
To shore up the economy, the BOK slashed its policy rate by a quarter percentage point to a record low of 0.50 percent.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

The capital 's average daily number of confirmed COVID-19 cases last week already surpassed the previous high point reached in @ @ @ @ @ when the number of new infections linked to a call center in the southern ward @ @ @ @ @ according to Yonhap News Agency 's analysis of the Seoul government 's data .

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Wednesday
----------------
(LEAD) Creditors say ready to negotiate terms of Asiana sale
SEOUL -- Creditors of Asiana Airlines Inc. said Wednesday they are ready to meet with HDC Hyundai Development Co. to renegotiate terms of the airline's takeover by the property developer.
On Tuesday, HDC called for a renegotiation with Asiana's creditor banks -- the state-run Korea Development Bank (KDB) and the Export-Import Bank of Korea (Eximbank) -- over its planned takeover of the country's second-biggest carrier, citing the current coronavirus crisis as "never expected and a very negative factor," which will largely affect the acquisition plan.
----------------
Coronavirus situation in Seoul seen reaching worst point
SEOUL -- The coronavirus outbreak in Seoul appears to have reached its worst point over the past week, an analysis of official data showed Wednesday, largely due to a recent string of cluster infections traced to crowds and sports facilities.
The capital's average daily number of confirmed COVID-19 cases last week already surpassed the previous high point reached in the middle of March, when the number of new infections linked to a call center in the southern ward of Guro was spiraling, according to Yonhap News Agency's analysis of the Seoul government's data.
----------------
S. Korea shares quarantine control knowhow via webinar
SEOUL -- South Korea shared its experience in conducting epidemiological investigations to tackle the coronavirus pandemic with other countries on Wednesday.
The Special Webinar on COVID-19 for Policy and Technology event, hosted by the International Quarantine Cooperation task force, came as the so-called K-quarantine method, based on aggressive testing, contact tracing and quarantining of people, has received international recognition. South Korea has successfully flattened its coronavirus curve after the first case was reported in January.
----------------
Hyundai Heavy to expand presence in warship market
SEOUL -- Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., a major shipyard, will enhance its presence in the warship market as part of efforts to boost sales, its parent, Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co., said Wednesday.
The company said a 26,000-ton warship, named Aotearoa, built by the shipbuilder left Ulsan, southeast 414 kilometers of Seoul, late Tuesday for New Zealand. Hyundai Heavy clinched an order for the warship in July 2016 from the Royal New Zealand Navy.
----------------
Seoul designates 34 more overseas Sejong Korean-language institutes
SEOUL -- South Korea has added more than 30 new state-funded Korean language institutes abroad, the government announced Wednesday, in an effort to promote the Korean language as a catalyst in the global spread of Korean culture at large.
The culture ministry announced the opening of 34 more King Sejong Institutes in 30 countries across the world, including in Asia, Europe, the Americas and Africa. The countries included Laos, Vietnam, Denmark, Russia, France, Costa Rica, Ethiopia and Uganda.
----------------
Main opposition party presses for realignment of Seoul's N. Korea policy
SEOUL -- The main opposition United Future Party (UFP) pressed the government to realign its conciliatory policy toward North Korea Wednesday following the North's threat to cut off inter-Korean communication lines a day earlier and regard South Korea as an enemy.
Holding an emergency meeting on national security issues, a group of six UFP lawmakers specializing in North Korea adopted a joint statement in criticism of the Moon Jae-in government's appeasement policy with Pyongyang.
----------------
Celltrion to study efficacy of Remsima on COVID-19 in Britain
SEOUL -- An affiliate of South Korean biopharmaceutical firm Celltrion Inc. said Wednesday that it will begin a study on the treatment efficacy of its biosimilar Remsima on the novel coronavirus.
Celltrion Healthcare, which handles Celltrion's overseas business, said the trial study of Remsima, a biosimilar drug to treat autoimmune diseases, will be conducted in Britain this month.
----------------
(3rd LD) New virus cases spike again, most traced to cluster infections in greater Seoul
SEOUL -- South Korea's new virus cases spiked again Wednesday as sporadic cluster infections continued in the greater Seoul area, prodding health authorities to consider more stringent social distancing in the densely populated area.
The country added 50 new cases, including 43 local infections, raising the total caseload to 11,902, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
----------------
Unification ministry to file legal complaint against leaflet-sending defector groups
SEOUL -- The unification ministry said Wednesday that it will file a complaint with police against two North Korean defector groups for sending anti-Pyongyang leaflets across the border, a day after the North cut off all inter-Korean communication lines over such leafleting.
The ministry said that it will also take action to revoke business permits granted to the groups, Fighters for Free North Korea and Keunsaem, accusing them of putting the safety of people living in border regions at risk by sending leaflets into the North.
(END)


yna--2020-06-10--(LEAD) Creditors say ready to negotiate terms of Asiana sale

`` HDC needs to propose what acquisition terms it wants to be changed first before related parties begin talks over @ @ @ @ @ needs to come to the negotiating table instead of sending a letter ( to creditors @ @ @ @ @ statement , '' the KDB said in a statement .

(ATTN: ADDS details and stock prices in paras 6-9)
By Choi Kyong-ae
SEOUL, June 10 (Yonhap) -- Creditors of Asiana Airlines Inc. said Wednesday they are ready to meet with HDC Hyundai Development Co. to renegotiate terms of the airline's takeover by the property developer.
On Tuesday, HDC called for a renegotiation with Asiana's creditor banks -- the state-run Korea Development Bank (KDB) and the Export-Import Bank of Korea (Eximbank) -- over its planned takeover of the country's second-biggest carrier, citing the current coronavirus crisis as "never expected and a very negative factor," which will largely affect the acquisition plan.
This photo, taken June 10, 2020, shows Asiana Airlines' planes at Incheon International Airport in Incheon, west of Seoul. (Yonhap)
"HDC needs to propose what acquisition terms it wants to be changed first before related parties begin talks over the acquisition deal. HDC needs to come to the negotiating table instead of sending a letter (to creditors) or releasing a press statement," the KDB said in a statement.
The related parties include creditors, Asiana Airlines, HDC and Kumho Asiana Group.
In December, HDC formed a consortium with major financial group Mirae Asset Daewoo to sign a deal to acquire a 30.77 percent stake in Asiana from Kumho Industrial Co., as well as new shares to be issued and Asiana's six affiliates, for 2.5 trillion won (US$2.2 billion).
Back then, the HDC-led consortium and Kumho Industrial agreed to close the deal by June 27, and the acquisition may be delayed until Dec. 27, depending on foreign regulators' reviews of the takeover.
As creditors and related parties are expected to renegotiate the terms, the closing of the deal looks set to be delayed until the end of this year.
On Wednesday, Asiana Airlines fell 2.8 percent to 12,000 won, and HDC shed 2 percent to 22,050 won, underperforming the broader KOSPI's 0.3 percent loss.
The deal initially appeared to go on as planned, but it has been in peril since the pandemic.
Airlines, hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, have suspended most of their flights on international routes since March and posted hefty losses in the first quarter.
HDC also picked Asiana's snowballing debts as another reason for the renegotiation that is "damaging the acquisition value of the carrier."
Asiana's debts have increased by 4.5 trillion won since July last year and its debt-to-equity ratio skyrocketed by 16,126 percent on a parent basis at the end of March from end-July, it said.
This photo taken on Dec. 27, 2019, shows a signboard for the headquarters of HDC Hyundai Development Co. (Yonhap)
HDC's calls for the renegotiation come after Asiana's creditors sent an ultimatum Friday to the HDC to notify it of its intent to complete the acquisition by June 27.
Asiana's net losses for the January-March quarter deepened to 683.26 billion won from 89.18 billion won a year earlier.
HDC had reiterated its plan to acquire Asiana, dismissing speculation that it may have difficulties in taking over the company due to the economic fallout from the coronavirus outbreak.
Regulators in the United States, China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkey and South Korea approved HDC's planned takeover of Asiana. Russia is the only remaining country that is still reviewing the integration.
To help Asiana stay afloat, the KDB and Eximbank plan to inject a combined 1.7 trillion won into Asiana. Last year, the two policy lenders extended a total of 1.6 trillion won to the cash-strapped carrier.
In its latest self-help plans, Asiana has had all of its 10,500 employees take unpaid leave for 15 days a month since April until business circumstances normalize. Asiana's executives have also agreed to forgo 60 percent of their wages, though no specific time frame was given for how long the pay cuts will remain in effect.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-10--S. Korean Bond Yields on Jun. 10, 2020

S. Korean Bond Yields on Jun. 10, 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--2020-06-10--Coronavirus situation in Seoul seen reaching worst point

Considering the recent spike in new cases , the number of patients requiring hospital treatment is expected to continue to @ @ @ @ @ .
The number of hospitalized patients was in excess of 200 between mid-March and late @ @ @ @ @ in late May , however , the figure has risen above the 200 mark .

SEOUL, June 10 (Yonhap) -- The coronavirus outbreak in Seoul appears to have reached its worst point over the past week, an analysis of official data showed Wednesday, largely due to a recent string of cluster infections traced to crowds and sports facilities.
The capital's average daily number of confirmed COVID-19 cases last week already surpassed the previous high point reached in the middle of March, when the number of new infections linked to a call center in the southern ward of Guro was spiraling, according to Yonhap News Agency's analysis of the Seoul government's data.
The number of coronavirus patients isolated in Seoul's hospitals for medical treatment is also approaching the previous high point, the analysis showed.
This composite file photo shows a coronavirus screening center in Seoul. (Yonhap)
It found that the daily average of locally transmitted cases per week, or the seven-day moving average of daily cases, stood at 18.9 persons in Seoul on Sunday and 19.3 persons on Monday, compared with 17 persons recorded on March 14.
The daily average for Tuesday is estimated to hit 18.9 persons. Yonhap used the moving average method in its analysis to reduce statistical loopholes caused by decreases in the number of tests conducted on weekends.
The number of hospitalized coronavirus patients, including those who arrived from abroad, rose to 359 people as of 10 a.m. Wednesday, compared with the previous high point of 408 people recorded on April 5.
Considering the recent spike in new cases, the number of patients requiring hospital treatment is expected to continue to grow for the time being. The number of hospitalized patients was in excess of 200 between mid-March and late April before declining. Beginning in late May, however, the figure has risen above the 200 mark.
This bar graph shows the number of new daily infections in Seoul, while the colored line shows the seven-day moving average of daily cases. (Yonhap)
In contrast to a steady decline in imported cases, locally transmitted infections traced to clubs, churches, warehouses, call centers, indoor sports facilities and a health product retailer have broken out throughout the Seoul metropolitan area.
Since May 2, the capital's reproduction rate of the coronavirus, which reflects the average number of people getting infected by a patient, has remained above 1, meaning the virus is steadily spreading in the city.
The number of cumulative COVID-19 infections in Seoul reached 1,027, as of Wednesday morning, while South Korea reported 50 new cases on the day, raising the total caseload to 11,902.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-10--S. Korea shares quarantine control knowhow via webinar

A mobile app has been used since early March to keep tabs on all arrivals from abroad , as well @ @ @ @ @ and the app is available in English , French and Russian .
The country also @ @ @ @ @ authorities , in real time , if a person breaks self-quarantine rules .

SEOUL, June 10 (Yonhap) -- South Korea shared its experience in conducting epidemiological investigations to tackle the coronavirus pandemic with other countries on Wednesday.
The Special Webinar on COVID-19 for Policy and Technology event, hosted by the International Quarantine Cooperation task force, came as the so-called K-quarantine method, based on aggressive testing, contact tracing and quarantining of people, has received international recognition. South Korea has successfully flattened its coronavirus curve after the first case was reported in January.
Epidemic investigations are critical in determining how a person got infected, while quarantine measures can greatly slow down the spread of the disease.
A mobile app has been used since early March to keep tabs on all arrivals from abroad, as well as people in quarantine, and the app is available in English, French and Russian. The country also introduced wrist bands that alert authorities, in real time, if a person breaks self-quarantine rules.
The nation has screened 1,051,972 people since early January, with 11,902 testing positive for the virus and 276 deaths reported as of Wednesday, with the fatality rate standing at 2.35 percent, which is low compared to other countries.
.
This file photo, provided by Ministry of Health and Welfare, shows the 3rd Special Webinar on COVID-19 for Policy and Technology under way on May 27, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-10--(LEAD) Seoul stocks extend winning streak to 9th session ahead of FOMC meeting

The growth , however , was limited as investors also awaited the outcome of the U.S. Federal Open Market Committee @ @ @ @ @ which will provide direction on how the world 's top economy will cope with the @ @ @ @ @ put more strain on business sentiment .

(ATTN: ADDS bond yields at bottom; CHANGES photo)
SEOUL, June 10 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks closed higher for the ninth consecutive session Wednesday, while investors sat on the sidelines before the outcome of the U.S. Federal Reserve meeting currently in progress, analysts said. The Korean won gained against the greenback.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) gained 6.77 points, or 0.31 percent, to finish at 2,195.69. Trading volume was moderate at 695 million shares worth 12.6 trillion won (US$10.6 billion), with losers outpacing gainers 500 to 347.
It marked the longest winning streak since September 2019, when the index closed higher for 13 consecutive sessions.
Analysts said Seoul shares gathered ground, as investors were mostly buoyed by the reopening of businesses across the globe amid the new coronavirus pandemic.
A staff member walks past an electronic signboard in the dealing room of KB Kookmin Bank in Seoul on June 10, 2020. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) gained 6.77 points, or 0.31 percent, to finish at 2,195.69. (Yonhap)
The growth, however, was limited as investors also awaited the outcome of the U.S. Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, which will provide direction on how the world's top economy will cope with the new coronavirus pandemic that has put more strain on business sentiment.
The U.S. currently has the highest number of COVID-19 patients around the globe, reporting over 2 million cases so far.
Overnight, Wall Street closed mixed, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average moving down 1.09 percent, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite gained 0.29 percent.
The result of the U.S. Fed meeting will be delivered later Wednesday (U.S. time).
"In the South Korean stock market, investors cashed in recent profits," Seo Sang-young, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities Co., said.
Foreigners offloaded a net 48.4 billion won, while institutions bought more shares than they sold at 218 billion won. Retail investors sold a net 168 billion won.
Shares closed mixed throughout the bourse.
Top market cap Samsung Electronics moved down 0.18 percent to 55,400 won. Earlier this week, a Seoul court refused to issue an arrest warrant for Samsung Group's de facto leader, Lee Jae-yong, who is under investigation over succession-related allegations.
No. 2 air carrier Asiana Airlines fell 2.03 percent to 4,350 won, with the firm's top shareholder Kumho Industrial losing 5.1 percent to 7,250 won on HDC Hyundai Development's call for a renegotiation of its planned acquisition of the flight operator.
Top online portal operator Naver increased 2.74 percent to 244,000 won, and its smaller rival Kakao gained 2.95 percent to 262,000 won on the rising demand for non-contact services amid the virus pandemic.
Foodstuffs makers also closed bullish, with Orion adding 2.68 percent to 134,000 won and CJ Cheiljedang advancing 7.86 percent to 329,500 won.
The local currency closed at 1,191.20 won against the U.S. dollar, up 6.50 won from the previous session.
Bond prices, which move inversely to yields, closed higher. The yield on three-year Treasurys fell 2.1 basis points to 0.840 percent, and the return on the benchmark five-year government bond shed 1.2 basis points to 1.122 percent.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-10--Hyundai Heavy to expand presence in warship market

By Nam Kwang-sik
SEOUL, June 10 (Yonhap) -- Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., a major shipyard, will enhance its presence in the warship market as part of efforts to boost sales, its parent, Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co., said Wednesday.
The company said a 26,000-ton warship, named Aotearoa, built by the shipbuilder left Ulsan, southeast 414 kilometers of Seoul, late Tuesday for New Zealand. Hyundai Heavy clinched an order for the warship in July 2016 from the Royal New Zealand Navy.
"Hyundai Heavy will beef up its presence in the overseas warship market on the basis of advanced technologies and its experience in the sector," Korea Shipbuilding said in an emailed statement.
This file photo provided by Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. shows a warship for the Royal New Zealand Navy built by the shipbuilder. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
In addition, Hyundai Heavy is in the early phase of the design process to build the South Korean Navy's next-generation amphibious assault ship, called Landing Platform eXperimental (LPX)-Ⅱ.
In October last year, Hyundai Heavy signed an agreement with the Navy on the LPX-II project, which aims to build a new versatile large-deck landing ship for short take-off and vertical landing fighter jets.
The shipbuilder is also pushing ahead with its plan to win an order to design the 6,000-ton class destroyers, called the Korea Destroyer Next Generation (KDDX), of the South Korean Navy.
The country's arms procurement agency Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) will close bidding for the design of the destroyers on July 20.
The shipbuilder's warship sector accounted for only 8 percent of its overall sales of 5.45 trillion won (US$4.6 billion) in 2019.
Hyundai Heavy has built about 80 warships, including the South Korean Navy's destroyer King Sejong the Great.
The shipbuilder has been anticipating more orders from New Zealand, citing a deal signed in June last year by South Korea and New Zealand to boost cooperation in the military supplies field.
ksnam@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-11--(LEAD) New virus cases slow slightly, cluster infections still grip greater Seoul

As of Wednesday , cases traced to a warehouse run by e-commerce leader Coupang in Bucheon , just west of @ @ @ @ @ up five from the previous day .
Those linked to small churches in the metropolitan @ @ @ @ @ more cases than a day earlier .

(ATTN: ADDS details throughout, photo)
SEOUL, June 11 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new virus cases slowed slightly Thursday, but the greater Seoul area is still haunted by a steady rise in cluster infections despite toughened measures to stem further community spread in the metropolitan area.
The country added 45 new cases, including 40 local infections, raising the total caseload to 11,947, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
It marked a slight decrease from a day earlier when the figure reached 50.
All of the locally transmitted cases were reported from the Seoul metropolitan area.
South Korea lifted a nationwide social distancing scheme on May 6, but it enhanced measures in Seoul and the surrounding regions, as a number of infection clusters sprang up.
A medical worker at a makeshift clinic in Daegu, 300 kilometers south of Seoul, takes a break on June 10, 2020. (Yonhap)
As of Wednesday, cases traced to a warehouse run by e-commerce leader Coupang in Bucheon, just west of Seoul, reached 144, up five from the previous day. Those linked to small churches in the metropolitan area reached 92, four more cases than a day earlier.
COVID-19 cases linked to a table tennis gym in southwestern Seoul came in at 54 on Wednesday, according to the KCDC.
Cases tied to a door-to-door business establishment rose to 106 as of Thursday morning, with patients aged 60 and above accounting for nearly 70 percent. The first virus patient from the company was reported on June 2.
The string of cluster infections in the densely populated area came as South Korea completed its phased reopening of schools Monday. Some 500 schools from the metropolitan area, however, delayed their reopening due to cluster infections.
This week will be a critical juncture in deciding whether to maintain the tightened distancing measures in the capital area.
Health authorities remain concerned over the rising possibility that the second wave of the pandemic may strike the country earlier than expected.
Students take in-person classes at a high school located in Ansan, just south of Seoul, on June 10, 2020. (Yonhap)
The total death tally remained unchanged at 276, with the fatality rate reaching 2.31 percent.
The total number of people released from quarantine after full recoveries stood at 10,654, up 43 from the previous day.
The country has carried out 1,066,888 COVID-19 tests since Jan. 3. The figure translates to roughly one out of every 50 South Koreans receiving COVID-19 tests.
The number of imported cases rose by five to reach 1,312. Nearly 90 percent of such patients were South Korean nationals.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-11--LG Display seeks to develop stretchable display by 2024

So far , bendable , foldable and rollable displays have been commercialized .
LG Display said the stretchable display would @ @ @ @ @ flexible display technology since it can truly present a free-form product by transforming its size @ @ @ @

SEOUL, June 11 (Yonhap) -- LG Display Co., a South Korean display panel maker, said Thursday it aims to develop stretchable displays by 2024 as it was named to lead a national R&D project on the high-end technology.
In cooperation with more than 20 companies, institutions and universities, LG Display will develop a display product that can be stretched by up to 20 percent.
So far, bendable, foldable and rollable displays have been commercialized. LG Display said the stretchable display would be the ultimate level of flexible display technology since it can truly present a free-form product by transforming its size without image distortion.
LG Display said the stretchable display can be applied in various areas, from smart gadgets to automobiles and aircraft cabin displays.
This image, provided by LG Display Co., shows the company's OLED display products. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-11--New virus cases slow slightly, cluster infections still grip greater Seoul

SEOUL, June 11 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new virus cases slowed slightly Thursday, but the greater Seoul area is still haunted by a steady rise in cluster infections despite toughened measures to stem further community spread in the metropolitan area.
The country added 45 new cases, including 40 local infections, raising the total caseload to 11,947, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
It marked a slight decrease from a day earlier when the figure reached 50.
All of the locally transmitted cases were reported from the Seoul metropolitan area.
South Korea lifted a nationwide social distancing scheme on May 6, but it enhanced measures in Seoul and the surrounding regions, as a number of infection clusters sprang up.
A medical worker at a makeshift clinic in Daegu, 300 kilometers south of Seoul, takes a break on June 10, 2020. (Yonhap)
As of Wednesday, cases traced to a warehouse run by e-commerce leader Coupang in Bucheon, just west of Seoul, reached 144, up five from the previous day. Those linked to small churches in the metropolitan area reached 92, four more cases than a day earlier.
COVID-19 cases linked to a table tennis gym in southwestern Seoul came in at 54 a day earlier, according to the KCDC.
Cases tied to a door-to-door business establishment rose to 106 as of Thursday morning, with patients aged 60 and above accounting for nearly 70 percent.
The string of cluster infections in the densely populated area came as South Korea completed its phased reopening of schools Monday. Some 500 schools from the metropolitan area, however, delayed their reopening due to cluster infections.
This week will be a critical juncture in deciding whether to maintain the tightened distancing measures in the capital area.
Health authorities remain concerned over the rising possibility that the second wave of the pandemic may strike the country earlier than expected.
Total death tally remained unchanged at 276.
The total number of people released from quarantine after full recoveries stood at 10,654, up 43 from the previous day.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-11--(URGENT) 43 more people released after full recovery from coronavirus, total cured patients at 10,65

(URGENT) 43 more people released after full recovery from coronavirus, total cured patients at 10,654: KCDC


yna--2020-06-11--(URGENT) S. Korea reports no additional virus death, death toll now at 276: KCDC


yna--2020-06-11--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 45 more cases of new coronavirus, total now at 11,947: KCDC


yna--2020-06-11--Civilian panel to decide on allowing outside review of Samsung heir case

`` In light of the importance of the case , whether the defendants are responsible , and if so , @ @ @ @ @ should be determined through sufficient legal battles and court hearings , '' she said .

SEOUL, June 11 (Yonhap) -- A civilian panel will decide Thursday whether it is necessary for the nation's top prosecution to convene a panel of outside experts to review the validity of an ongoing probe into Samsung heir Lee Jae-yong.
The Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office said its civilian panel, made up of 15 ordinary citizens, including a taxi driver and a teacher, will look into the written opinions submitted by both the prosecutors and Lee, vice chairman of Samsung Electronics, to make a decision within the day.
If a committee is formed, it will, in turn, conclude within two weeks the validity of the investigation into Lee and a possible indictment.
Earlier this week, a Seoul court rejected the prosecution's request to arrest Samsung Group's de facto leader Lee over the ongoing probe into a controversial merger between two Samsung affiliates and alleged accounting fraud at Samsung Biologics in 2015.
The court cited "insufficient explanation on the need and validity to arrest the defendants against the principle of trial without detention" as a reason.
The court also denied arrest warrants for two other Samsung executives, Choi Gee-sung and Kim Jong-joong, from the group's now-disbanded control tower, the Future Strategy Office.
The Samsung scion is accused of playing a role in the merger between Cheil Industries Inc. and Samsung C&T, which the prosecutors suspect was designed to help him take over control of the group from his ailing father, Lee Kun-hee.
Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong leaves the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, south of Seoul, on June 9, 2020, after a court denied the issuance of an arrest warrant. (Yonhap)
Last week, Lee and Kim requested for a public assessment on the investigation.
The prosecution service introduced the outside review system in 2018 to enhance neutrality and fairness of its probes into cases that are of great public interest.
With the court's decision not to arrest Lee, a decision by the panel was expected to influence the prosecution's move to indict him, though it is not legally-binding.
The prosecution reportedly argued that there was no need to form a committee to determine on an indictment, as the investigation was being conducted in a fair manner and had garnered sufficient evidence to indict him.
It is also counting on the judge's statement on the need for legal procedures to argue that an indictment is inevitable.
While rejecting the arrest warrant for Lee, Judge Won Jung-sook said, "The basic facts (of the case) have all been explained. And prosecutors seem to have already secured a considerable amount of evidence through their investigation."
"In light of the importance of the case, whether the defendants are responsible, and if so, how much they are, should be determined through sufficient legal battles and court hearings," she said.
Lee and the two executives have denied any wrongdoing. Samsung has claimed that Lee was not briefed on and did not order the allegedly illegal transactions.
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-11--LG debuts LED cinema display at Taiwanese movie theater

With its latest cinema display product , LG said it will further explore the LED cinema market by joining hands @ @ @ @ @ Dolby Laboratories Inc .
Using Dolby 's integrated media server , LG said it aims @ @ @ @ @ for LED movie theaters .

SEOUL, June 11 (Yonhap) -- LG Electronics Inc. said Thursday its LED theater display made a debut at a Taiwanese movie theater as the South Korean tech firm tries to expand its presence in the LED cinema sector.
LG supplied its first LED cinema display at Showtime Cinemas' movie theater in Taichung, the first LED cinema screen in Taiwan.
LG's LED cinema display, certified by the Digital Cinema Initiatives, is 14 meters wide, 7 meters long and supports 4K resolution. Since each pixel can self-illuminate, it boasts an excellent contrast ratio and color accuracy, the company said.
With its latest cinema display product, LG said it will further explore the LED cinema market by joining hands with U.S.-based audio tech firm Dolby Laboratories Inc. Using Dolby's integrated media server, LG said it aims to provide advanced cinema solutions for LED movie theaters.
This image provided by LG Electronics Inc. on June 11, 2020, shows the company's LED Cinema Display at a movie theater in Taiwan. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-11--(Yonhap Interview) KBO utility man Saladino credits turnaround to clearer mind

For one , there is only one foreign position player on each of the 10 KBO teams , and most @ @ @ @ @ heart of the order , with teams looking to them as the main RBI guys @ @ @ @ @ Saladino more for his glove and defensive versatility than hitting , he was still being @ @ @ @ @ offense .
Expectations were such that Saladino batted either third or cleanup in seven of @ @ @ @ @

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, June 11 (Yonhap) -- As a free agent for the first time this past offseason, Tyler Saladino chose a guaranteed playing opportunity with the South Korean club Samsung Lions over a minor league deal in his native United States with a chance to make the majors.
The 30-year-old utility man, though, stumbled out of the gate so badly that he almost cost himself that precious opportunity in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO). Through his first 14 games, Saladino was batting .128/.209/.231, with one home run and two RBIs.
But he's been a different player since, hitting safely in 12 of the next 15 games to raise his triple slash line to .273/.387/.466. Saladino now has four home runs and 17 RBIs.
Tyler Saladino of the Samsung Lions hits an RBI fielder's choice against the Kiwoom Heroes in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Daegu Samsung Lions Park in Daegu, 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on June 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
In an email interview with Yonhap News Agency on Thursday, Saladino admitted he was pressing too much earlier in the season.
"My struggles in the beginning were a classic example of overthinking and entirely losing focus on the baseball," Saladino said. "For years now, I have tried to keep my priority on seeing the baseball as early as possible and making good decisions at the plate. I had lost focus of that in the beginning, but have been doing a better job of that as of late."
Saladino said once he stopped thinking too much, he began swinging the bat much better.
"I believe the majority of this turnaround is due to just clearing out a lot of unnecessary thoughts while at the plate and allowing myself to focus on the ball," he said. "That has helped see the pitches better, which translates to more understanding of the pitchers. And it helps with confidence as well as other things needed at the plate."
Batting below the Mendoza Line after the first 14 games of a 144-game season may not seem to be such a big deal, when considering how much baseball is left at that point. But import hitters like Saladino face a different type of pressure to produce immediately than homegrown ones.
For one, there is only one foreign position player on each of the 10 KBO teams, and most of them bat in the heart of the order, with teams looking to them as the main RBI guys. While the Lions signed Saladino more for his glove and defensive versatility than hitting, he was still being counted on to produce on offense. Expectations were such that Saladino batted either third or cleanup in seven of his first eight games.
In this file photo from June 3, 2020, Tyler Saladino of the Samsung Lions (C) is congratulated by teammates David Buchanan (L) and Kim Dong-yub after hitting a two-run home run against the LG Twins in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul. (Yonhap)
The hot seat in which Saladino found himself became practically scalding on May 30, when the Kiwoom Heroes released Taylor Motter, a utility type player in Saladino's mold who had also been struggling at the plate. If Motter was gone, could Saladino be far behind?
Incidentally, Saladino went 3-for-4 with three RBIs that same day to raise his batting average from .193 to .230. He hasn't fallen below .200 since.
"I am fully aware of the pressures to perform. I added that on to my struggles in the beginning and that made it that much harder," Saladino said. "I am very thankful for the constant encouragement and patience of our coaching staff during my struggles. They trusted that things would come together and constantly supported me, which I believe helped turn things around so quickly."
Saladino acknowledged he also put some pressure on himself whenever the Lions games were broadcast live back home via ESPN. The U.S. sports cable station singed a deal to carry six live KBO games per week, and the Lions have received a ton of early exposure.
In this file photo from June 2, 2020, Tyler Saladino of the Samsung Lions celebrates his double against the LG Twins in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul. (Yonhap)
"I just wanted to represent my family, friends, fans and everyone back home well and make them proud," Saladino said about playing before the ESPN audience. "But winning the ball game and staying focused on the right things is more important. So I don't think myself or the guys change whether the game is on ESPN or not."
Even during his slump at the plate, Saladino's defense never deserted him. He has appeared at first base, third base, shortstop and left field so far. He filled in for injured shortstop Lee Hak-ju at shortstop at the start of the year. Since Lee returned, Saladino has mostly played the two corner infield positions.
Saladino, who played every position except catcher and pitcher over his 326-game major league career, said it's difficult to pick his favorite position because, "I just really love playing baseball so if I'm on the field, the position doesn't matter."
"The biggest challenge I would say is making sure you have room in your equipment bag for all of your gloves," Saladino quipped.
In this file photo from June 2, 2020, Tyler Saladino of the Samsung Lions hits a double against the LG Twins in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-11--(2nd LD) S. Korea's June 1-10 exports jump 20 pct on more working days

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development ( OECD ) has predicted that South Korea 's economy will shrink 1.2 @ @ @ @ @ global economy is expected to have its worst year since the Great Depression of the @ @ @ @ @ .

(ATTN: ADDS details in last 5 paras)
By Kim Deok-hyun
SEJONG, June 11 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's exports soared in the first 10 days of June from a year earlier, mainly due to a calendar effect but raised hopes for a recovery in global trade as more nations eased coronavirus lockdown measures.
The country's outbound shipments jumped 20.2 percent to US$12.3 billion in the June 1-10 period from the same period last year, according to the data from the Korea Customs Service.
The daily average exports during the 10-day period, however, fell 9.8 percent on-year. Compared with the same period last year, there were two more working days this year.
In comparison, the daily average exports during the May 1-10 period slipped 30.2 percent on year.
The data came amid growing concerns that the coronavirus pandemic is increasingly denting South Korea's exports.
The new coronavirus has disrupted trade and halted production around the globe, with a rising number of countries fully shutting their borders.
By segment, exports of memory chips, a key item, soared 22.6 percent, and those of wireless equipment jumped 35.8 percent over the 10-day period from a year earlier.
By country, shipments to China jumped 35.7 percent on-year, while shipments to the United States rose 15.1 percent.
South Korea's imports in the 10-day period rose 8.5 percent on year to $13.6 billion, according to the data.
Exports dropped for the third consecutive month in May due to the growing economic fallout from the pandemic.
Outbound shipments dove 23.7 percent to $34.8 billion last month, compared with $45.7 billion posted a year earlier.
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has predicted that South Korea's economy will shrink 1.2 percent this year as the global economy is expected to have its worst year since the Great Depression of the 1930s due to the pandemic.
The world economy is expected to contract 6 percent this year, the OECD said.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-11--Seoul stocks open lower on Fed's gloomy forecast

The drop came after Fed Chairman Jerome Powell predicted that the economic damages of COVID-19 may have lasting effects despite @ @ @ @ @ keep the current near-zero interest rate for an extended period of time .

SEOUL, June 11 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks opened lower Thursday, following the Federal Reserve's dismal U.S. economic forecast and the absence of stronger stimulus tools earlier anticipated amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) fell 13.42 points, or 0.61 percent, to 2,182.27 in the first 15 minutes of trading.
The drop came after Fed Chairman Jerome Powell predicted that the economic damages of COVID-19 may have lasting effects despite the Fed's plan to keep the current near-zero interest rate for an extended period of time.
Powell said the Fed will keep the rate of bond purchases, disappointing investors who had pinned hopes for stronger emergency asset-purchasing programs, such as yield-curve control.
In Seoul, most large caps traded in negative terrain, while pharmaceutical heavyweights advanced.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics lost 1.44 percent, with No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix falling 1.43 percent.
Leading pharmaceutical firm Samsung BioLogics added 2.41 percent, with Celltrion jumping 3.72 percent.
Top automaker Hyundai Motor plunged 2.69 percent, while its smaller affiliate Kia Motors tumbled 1.80 percent. Giant steelmaker POSCO dropped 1.77 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,192.00 won against the U.S. dollar, down 0.80 won from the previous session's close.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-11--(LEAD) S. Korea's June 1-10 exports jump 20 pct on more working days

The country 's outbound shipments jumped 20.2 percent to US $ 12.3 billion in the June 1-10 period from the @ @ @ @ @ according to the data from the Korea Customs Service .

(ATTN: UPDATES throughout with details; AMENDS headline)
By Kim Deok-hyun
SEJONG, June 11 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's exports soared in the first 10 days of June from a year earlier, mainly due to a calendar effect but raised hopes for a recovery in global trade as more nations eased coronavirus lockdown measures.
The country's outbound shipments jumped 20.2 percent to US$12.3 billion in the June 1-10 period from the same period last year, according to the data from the Korea Customs Service.
The daily average exports during the 10-day period, however, fell 9.8 percent on-year. Compared with the same period last year, there were two more working days this year.
In comparison, the daily average exports during the May 1-10 period slipped 30.2 percent on year.
The data came amid growing concerns that the coronavirus pandemic is increasingly denting South Korea's exports.
The new coronavirus has disrupted trade and halted production around the globe, with a rising number of countries fully shutting their borders.
By segment, exports of memory chips, a key item, soared 22.6 percent, and those of wireless equipment jumped 35.8 percent over the 10-day period from a year earlier.
By country, shipments to China jumped 35.7 percent on-year, while shipments to the United States rose 15.1 percent.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-11--LG Uplus to supply 5G VR content to Taiwan's top telco

This is the fourth time that LG Uplus has exported its 5G content to a foreign company .
LG Uplus @ @ @ @ @ Telecom Corp. last year and inked deals with Hong Kong Telecommunications Ltd. and Japan 's @ @ @ @ @ to supply its 5G content and solutions .

SEOUL, June 11 (Yonhap) -- LG Uplus Corp., South Korea's No. 3 mobile carrier, said Thursday it will supply 5G virtual reality (VR) content to Taiwan's largest telecommunication firm.
LG Uplus' 5G VR content will be also available on Chunghwa Telecom Co. when Taiwan commercializes a 5G network next month, according to the company. LG Uplus will first provide 180 K-pop VR content products and introduce its multi-view technology.
This is the fourth time that LG Uplus has exported its 5G content to a foreign company. LG Uplus signed a contract with China Telecom Corp. last year and inked deals with Hong Kong Telecommunications Ltd. and Japan's KDDI Corp. earlier this year to supply its 5G content and solutions.
In this photo provided by LG Uplus Corp. on June 11, 2020, LG Uplus officials pose for a photo at the company's office building in Seoul after securing a deal to supply its 5G content to Taiwan's Chunghwa Telecom Co. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
LG Uplus said it has so far exported 5G content products worth US$10 million. The company added it expects 5G content supply deals with Southeast Asian and European telecom operators in the near future.
LG Uplus has been trying to expand its presence in the VR content market in recent years. Last year, it signed a partnership with Google to collaborate on VR content creation and global distribution.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-11--Korea's exports jump 20 pct in first 10 days of June

The country 's outbound shipments jumped 20.2 percent in the June 1-10 period from the same period last year , @ @ @ @ @ the Korea Customs Service .

SEJONG, June 11 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's exports rose sharply from a year earlier in the first 10 days of June, despite the economic fallout from the new coronavirus, customs data showed Thursday.
The country's outbound shipments jumped 20.2 percent in the June 1-10 period from the same period last year, according to the data from the Korea Customs Service.
The daily average exports during the 10-day period, however, fell 9.9 percent on-year.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


Thursday's weather forecast

SEOUL , June 11 ( Yonhap ) -- The following is the weather forecast for South Korea 's 12 major @ @ @ @ @ .


KOSPI 2,184.36 DN 11.33 points (open)


KOSDAQ 760.07 UP 1.45 points (open)


yna--2020-06-11--Dollar opens at 1,192.2 won UP from 1,191.2 won


yna--2020-06-11--S. Korea to help create more jobs in private sector: finance minister

The nation 's jobless rate surged to a 10-year high in May as the coronavirus pandemic hammered job markets .
@ @ @ @ @ fell by 392,000 to 26.93 million in May , marking the third consecutive monthly decline @

SEOUL, June 11 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will help private firms create more jobs, Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki said Thursday, in the latest effort to protect jobs that have vanished due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The move came after the government has pushed to create 550,000 jobs in the public sector as the nation's job market remained grim due to falling exports and consumption.
The government will encourage private firms to open 50,000 jobs for young people in July, and smaller firms will be given benefits for job creation, Hong said.
To reinvigorate corporate investment, the government will swiftly implement a 100 trillion-won (US$83.9 billion) spending plan for infrastructure, Hong said.
The nation's jobless rate surged to a 10-year high in May as the coronavirus pandemic hammered job markets. The number of employed people fell by 392,000 to 26.93 million in May, marking the third consecutive monthly decline.
In a sign of hope for job markets, the pace of job losses eased in May. South Korea lost about 467,000 jobs in April, marking the sharpest monthly decline in more than 21 years.
Citing the May data, Hong said the employment situation showed signs of a slight recovery.
Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki (C) presides over a meeting of related ministers on the May employment trend at the government complex in Seoul on June 10, 2020, in this photo provided by the finance ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-11--N. Korea accuses U.S. of interfering in inter-Korean affairs, warns of 'terrible' things

`` ( The U.S. ) could face unbearable bad things if it uselessly interferes in North-South issues , not thinking @ @ @ @ @ in times of messier situations like never before , '' he added .
`` If @ @ @ @ @ to face terrible things , it should shut its mouth up and work on bringing @ @ @ @ @ . ''

By Koh Byung-joon
SEOUL, June 11 (Yonhap) -- North Korea slammed the United States on Thursday for interfering in inter-Korean affairs after Washington voiced disappointment over Pyongyang's decision to cut off all communication lines with South Korea.
Kwon Jong-gun, director general of the North Korean foreign ministry's American affairs department, made the remark, warning that the U.S. better mind its own business without meddling in inter-Korean issues if it wants to avoid "terrible" consequences.
"The North-South relations are a matter of absolutely our own people, and nobody has any right to meddle with whatsoever," Kwon said in an interview with the Korean Central News Agency.
"(The U.S.) could face unbearable bad things if it uselessly interferes in North-South issues, not thinking about its own domestic matters in times of messier situations like never before," he added. "If the U.S. does not want to face terrible things, it should shut its mouth up and work on bringing its house in order first."
Kwon said the U.S. is showing a hypocritical attitude by expressing dissatisfaction over the latest inter-Korean situations given that Washington has been the one bent on hampering any progress.
He was apparently referring to Washington's staunch stance on keeping global sanctions on North Korea until its complete denuclearization, which stands in the way of active cross-border cooperation and exchanges.
On Tuesday, North Korea called the South an "enemy" and cut off all inter-Korean communication lines. The move came after Pyongyang threatened to abolish an inter-Korean liaison office and completely shut down other major cross-border programs, denouncing leaflet-sending as a hostile act breaching a series of peace agreements between the two sides.
A State Department official later told Yonhap News Agency that the U.S. has always supported progress in inter-Korean relations and expressed disappointment over the North's latest actions.
This photo, captured from the homepage of the Korean Central News Agency on June 9, 2020, shows one of the marches by North Korean youths and students across the nation in protest against anti-Pyongyang leaflets recently sent to the communist nation via balloons by North Korean defectors in South Korea. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-11--Newly assigned American soldiers test positive for coronavirus; total at 34

The first service member arrived at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek , some 70 kilometers south of Seoul , on @ @ @ @ @ May 27 , and was transported to nearby Camp Humphreys , where he tested negative @ @ @ @ @ and entered quarantine .

SEOUL, June 11 (Yonhap) -- Two American soldiers newly assigned to South Korea have tested positive for the new coronavirus, the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) said Thursday.
The latest COVID-19 patients brought the total number of infections among the USFK population to 34.
The first service member arrived at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, some 70 kilometers south of Seoul, on a U.S. government-chartered flight on May 27, and was transported to nearby Camp Humphreys, where he tested negative in his first mandatory test and entered quarantine.
But he received a positive result on his second test, which is required to exit quarantine, earlier this week, according to USFK.
The second soldier arrived at the base on Monday, and then tested positive on Wednesday, it added.
"USFK health professionals determined there was limited contact tracing due to the service members and all others on the chartered flight being tested and immediately quarantined; thorough cleaning of quarantine rooms have been completed," USKF said in a release.
USFK has reported several virus cases among its service personnel who arrived here recently from their home country.
All USFK-affiliated individuals arriving in South Korea from overseas shall be tested for COVID-19 and then quarantined for 14 days. Medical personnel will administer another test prior to being released from isolation, according to the U.S. military.
A military guard at U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, 70 kilometers south of Seoul, checks the temperature of a driver to screen entrants to the compound for the novel coronavirus on Feb. 28, 2020, in this photo provided by United States Forces Korea. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-11--S. Korea appoints new ambassadors to 8 countries in regular reshuffle

Hong Jin-wook , former director-general for African and Middle Eastern affairs at the ministry , was appointed ambassador to Egypt @ @ @ @ @ former chief of the International Cooperation Standing Committee of the National Unification Advisory Council , @ @ @ @ @

SEOUL, June 11 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Thursday appointed new ambassadors to eight countries, including Egypt, Canada and Bangladesh, in a regular reshuffle, the foreign ministry said.
Hong Jin-wook, former director-general for African and Middle Eastern affairs at the ministry, was appointed ambassador to Egypt, while Chang Keung-ryong, former chief of the International Cooperation Standing Committee of the National Unification Advisory Council, became ambassador to Canada.
Lee Jang-keun, former deputy representative of Korea's diplomatic mission in Geneva, was appointed ambassador to Bangladesh, while Park Chong-suk, former dean of Planning and Assessment at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy, took the post for Nepal.
Lee In-ho, ambassador for international relations to Ulsan Metropolitan City, was appointed ambassador to the Dominican Republic, while Kweon Ki-hwan, former director-general for international organizations, took the post for Ireland.
Chae Jin-weon, minister at the Korean Embassy in Australia, was appointed ambassador to Rwanda, while Kwak Tae-yeol, the consul general at the Las Palmas Office of the Korean Embassy in Spain, was picked as ambassador to Yemen.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-11--(2nd LD) Panel decides to allow outside review of Samsung heir case

The Samsung scion is accused of playing a role in the merger between Cheil Industries Inc. and Samsung C & @ @ @ @ @ suspect was designed to help him take over control of the group from his ailing @ @ @ @ @

(ATTN: ADDS details in paras 4-5, 7-8, 13)
SEOUL, June 11 (Yonhap) -- A citizens' panel with the prosecution on Thursday requested the chief prosecutor to convene a committee of outside experts to review the validity of an ongoing probe into Samsung heir Lee Jae-yong.
A majority of the 15-member group, including a taxi driver and a teacher, voted in favor of Lee's request for an independent examination of the prosecution's investigation into the case involving a controversial merger and alleged accounting fraud.
The prosecutor-general must convene the experts' committee once the citizens' group makes such a decision.
In a meeting that lasted nearly four hours, the citizens' panel with the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office examined written opinions submitted by both the prosecutors and Lee, vice chairman of Samsung Electronics.
The panel concluded that Lee should be given sufficient time to explain his stance on the case, given its significance and the level of publid interest.
The experts' committee is expected to reach a conclusion on the validity of the probe into Lee and his possible indictment within two weeks.
A composite image showing Samsung heir Lee Jae-yong against a building of the prosecution. (Yonhap)
The prosecution said it respects the decision and that it will fairly conduct the remaining probe.
Samsung's attorney thanked the citizen's panel for making a decision "that factored in the need to reflect the public's opinion in the investigative procedure."
Earlier this week, a Seoul court rejected the prosecution's request to arrest Samsung Group's de facto leader Lee over the ongoing probe into a controversial merger between two Samsung affiliates and alleged accounting fraud at Samsung Biologics in 2015.
The court cited "insufficient explanation on the need and validity to arrest the defendants against the principle of trial without detention" as a reason.
The court also denied arrest warrants for two other Samsung executives, Choi Gee-sung and Kim Jong-joong, from the group's now-disbanded control tower, the Future Strategy Office.
The Samsung scion is accused of playing a role in the merger between Cheil Industries Inc. and Samsung C&T, which the prosecutors suspect was designed to help him take over control of the group from his ailing father, Lee Kun-hee.
Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong leaves the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, south of Seoul, on June 9, 2020, after a court denied the issuance of an arrest warrant. (Yonhap)
Last week, Lee and Kim requested for a public assessment on the investigation.
The prosecution service introduced the outside review system in 2018 to enhance neutrality and fairness of its probes into cases that are of great public interest.
The public assessment has been held eight times since it was introduced. The prosecution have accepted experts' conclusions in most cases.
With the court's decision not to arrest Lee, a decision by the panel was expected to influence the prosecution's move to indict him, though it is not legally-binding.
The prosecution reportedly argued that there was no need to form a committee to determine on an indictment, as the investigation was being conducted in a fair manner and had garnered sufficient evidence to indict him.
It is also counting on the judge's statement on the need for legal procedures to argue that an indictment is inevitable.
While rejecting the arrest warrant for Lee, Judge Won Jung-sook said, "The basic facts (of the case) have all been explained. And prosecutors seem to have already secured a considerable amount of evidence through their investigation."
"In light of the importance of the case, whether the defendants are responsible, and if so, how much they are, should be determined through sufficient legal battles and court hearings," she said.
Lee and the two executives have denied any wrongdoing. Samsung has claimed that Lee was not briefed on and did not order the allegedly illegal transactions.
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-11--Celltrion buys Asia-Pacific business of 18 Takeda Pharma brands

`` The acquisition of Takeda 's Asia-Pacific product categories will not only contribute to public health and health insurance fiscal @ @ @ @ @ diabetes and hypertension products that have heavily relied on foreign pharmaceutical firms , but also @ @ @ @ @ Celltrion 's growth to become a global biopharmaceutical firm , '' Kee Woo-sung , the @ @ @ @ @ said in a press release .

SEOUL, June 11 (Yonhap) -- Celltrion Inc., a South Korean biopharmaceutical firm, announced Thursday that it has signed an agreement to acquire the business rights for 18 brands of Takeda Pharmaceutical of Japan in the Asia-Pacific region.
Under the 332.4 billion won (US$278.2 million) deal, Celltrion is set to secure the patent, trademark and sales rights of the products in nine markets, including South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia and Australia.
It is Celltrion's first major deal aimed at boosting its global presence.
The 18 brands reaped combined sales of $140 million in the Asia-Pacific markets in 2018. Celltrion said it plans to sell them through its affiliates Celltrion Pharma and Celltrion Healthcare.
The company said it plans to proceed with the deal through its Singapore-based affiliate, expecting to wrap up the acquisition by the end of the year.
Celltrion said it plans to stabilize local supply of medication for diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia, as well as accelerate its push into the global market.
"The acquisition of Takeda's Asia-Pacific product categories will not only contribute to public health and health insurance fiscal stability by localizing treatments for diabetes and hypertension products that have heavily relied on foreign pharmaceutical firms, but also serve as a bridgehead for Celltrion's growth to become a global biopharmaceutical firm," Kee Woo-sung, the company's vice chairman, said in a press release.
Celltrion reported a net income of 298 billion won in 2019, up 17.5 percent from a year earlier.
A file photo of Celltrion Inc.'s company logo (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-06-11--Rookie starter in KBO thanks veterans for late rally in victory

Fresh out of high school , Lee , still two months from his 19th birthday , has been pitching with @ @ @ @ @ his age .
After making two relief appearances to start the season , this was @ @ @ @ @ .
In his three starts , spanning 19 1/3 innings , his ERA is a @ @ @

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, June 11 (Yonhap) -- LG Twins' rookie starter Lee Min-ho had done his job, with seven solid innings in which he held the SK Wyverns to just one run on six hits and struck out seven.
But when he left this Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) game on Thursday, the score was tied at 1-1 at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul. Whether he could come away a winning pitcher was entirely out of his hands.
After SK reliever Seo Jin-yong retired the first two batters in the bottom seventh, Lee appeared to be on his way to getting a no decision. But then Seo walked the next batter to give the Twins and Lee some hope.
Cleanup hitter Roberto Ramos stepped up and delivered a two-run homer, setting off a wild celebration in the Twins dugout. No one was more excited than Lee.
Lee Min-ho of the LG Twins pitches against the SK Wyverns in the first game of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season double header at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on June 11, 2020. (Yonhap)
"When I saw Ramos hit that home run, I thought to myself, 'This could do it,'" Lee said after the Twins held on to win 3-1. Lee improved to 2-1 for the season.
"I want to thank my teammates for making me a winning pitcher," he said. "The guys never gave up and tried so hard to win this one for me."
Fresh out of high school, Lee, still two months from his 19th birthday, has been pitching with confidence and poise that belies his age. After making two relief appearances to start the season, this was Lee's third career start. In his three starts, spanning 19 1/3 innings, his ERA is a tidy 1.40.
On Thursday, Lee gave up a run in the first inning on two hits but settled down quickly. He pitched around one-out singles in the second and the third, and then recorded three-up, three-down innings in the fourth and the fifth.
Lee got into trouble in the sixth. He allowed two singles to start the inning, and a double steal put runners at second and third with two outs for Jeong Jin-gi.
Jeong did Lee a favor by swinging on the first pitch and flying out to right field.
Lee recorded two quick outs in the seventh and then hit Jung Hyun with his 110th pitch of the game. Lee had a visit from his pitching coach Choi Yil-yeon but stayed in the game, and two pitches later, retired Ro Soo-kwang on a grounder.
In this file photo from June 2, 2020, Lee Min-ho of the LG Twins pitches against the Samsung Lions in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul. (Yonhap)
The bullpen took care of the rest, with left-hander Jin Hae-soo retiring one batter he faced and Jung Woo-young recording a five-out save.
Lee touched 148 kilometers per hour (91.9 miles per hour) with his four-seam fastball, and also threw curve, slider and splitter.
He set a career-high with 112 pitches and seven strikeouts on Thursday. He hit a batter but didn't walk anyone.
"Other than the hit-by-pitch, I am mostly pleased with this start," Lee said. "I am especially satisfied that I didn't issue any walks. I just followed the lead of my catcher, Yoo Kang-nam, and I want to thank him for calling a great game."
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-11--(LEAD) Panel decides to allow outside review of Samsung heir case

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead; UPDATES first five paras; ADDS photo)
SEOUL, June 11 (Yonhap) -- A citizens' panel with the prosecution on Thursday requested the chief prosecutor to convene a committee of outside experts to review the validity of an ongoing probe into Samsung heir Lee Jae-yong.
A majority of the 15-member group, including a taxi driver and a teacher, voted in favor of Lee's request for an independent examination of the prosecution's investigation into the case involving a controversial merger and alleged accounting fraud.
The prosecutor-general must convene the experts' committee once the citizens' group makes such a decision.
The citizens' panel with the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office examined written opinions submitted by both the prosecutors and Lee, vice chairman of Samsung Electronics, before making the decision.
The experts' committee is expected to reach a conclusion on the validity of the probe into Lee and his possible indictment within two weeks.
A composite image showing Samsung heir Lee Jae-yong against a building of the prosecution. (Yonhap)
Earlier this week, a Seoul court rejected the prosecution's request to arrest Samsung Group's de facto leader Lee over the ongoing probe into a controversial merger between two Samsung affiliates and alleged accounting fraud at Samsung Biologics in 2015.
The court cited "insufficient explanation on the need and validity to arrest the defendants against the principle of trial without detention" as a reason.
The court also denied arrest warrants for two other Samsung executives, Choi Gee-sung and Kim Jong-joong, from the group's now-disbanded control tower, the Future Strategy Office.
The Samsung scion is accused of playing a role in the merger between Cheil Industries Inc. and Samsung C&T, which the prosecutors suspect was designed to help him take over control of the group from his ailing father, Lee Kun-hee.
Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong leaves the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, south of Seoul, on June 9, 2020, after a court denied the issuance of an arrest warrant. (Yonhap)
Last week, Lee and Kim requested for a public assessment on the investigation.
The prosecution service introduced the outside review system in 2018 to enhance neutrality and fairness of its probes into cases that are of great public interest.
With the court's decision not to arrest Lee, a decision by the panel was expected to influence the prosecution's move to indict him, though it is not legally-binding.
The prosecution reportedly argued that there was no need to form a committee to determine on an indictment, as the investigation was being conducted in a fair manner and had garnered sufficient evidence to indict him.
It is also counting on the judge's statement on the need for legal procedures to argue that an indictment is inevitable.
While rejecting the arrest warrant for Lee, Judge Won Jung-sook said, "The basic facts (of the case) have all been explained. And prosecutors seem to have already secured a considerable amount of evidence through their investigation."
"In light of the importance of the case, whether the defendants are responsible, and if so, how much they are, should be determined through sufficient legal battles and court hearings," she said.
Lee and the two executives have denied any wrongdoing. Samsung has claimed that Lee was not briefed on and did not order the allegedly illegal transactions.
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)