yna--2020-08-23--(2nd LD) Seoul to mandate masks starting Monday; gov't says this week is crucial in anti-virus fight

The most stringent anti-virus curbs can be issued when the number of daily virus cases reaches a two-week average of @ @ @ @ @ new COVID-19 cases occurs more than twice a week .
But health officials have said @ @ @ @ @ used as reference points and they are n't absolute preconditions for raising the intensity level @

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead; UPDATES paras 11-14 with another press briefing)
SEOUL, Aug. 23 (Yonhap) -- Starting Monday, people in Seoul will be required to wear masks while in public, as the government is considering further tightening the social distancing guidelines in response to the continued spread of the novel coronavirus throughout South Korea.
Seo Jeong-hyup, acting mayor of Seoul, made the announcement at a press briefing on Sunday, hours after the country reported 397 new coronavirus cases.
South Korea is scrambling to contain the nationwide spread of COVID-19. There have been over 2,600 cases in the past 10 days, following a stretch in which the daily cases stayed in the double digits.
Under Seoul's mandate, residents must wear masks and face coverings at all times in public, except when they're eating or drinking.
Pedestrians in Seoul walk on a street near Gwanghwamun Square while wearing masks on Aug. 19, 2020. (Yonhap)
Seoulites have been required to keep masks on when using public transit since May 13.
"Wearing masks is at the very foundation of quarantine in daily life," Seo said. "Our citizens have been very cooperative with our mandate on mask-wearing on public transit. I expect them to once again establish the new social norm."
In addition to mandating masks, Seo also said the city will apply a "one strike and you're out" policy on facilities that must be closed while Seoul remains under strict social distancing guidelines.
The list includes restaurants at least 150 square meters in size, water parks, cinemas and concert halls. Starting Monday, a single violation will result in a two-week suspension of operations. Depending on the severity of the violation, the city may also levy a fine of a maximum 3 million won (US$2,520) and press charges.
"So far, considering the difficult livelihoods of people (running those businesses), we've only issued warnings on violations of quarantine rules," Seo said. "But given the gravity of the current situation, we'll try our best to stem further spread of COVID-19."
All of South Korea has been placed under Level 2 in the three-tier social distancing system. Health authorities said Sunday they will be forced to consider raising it to Level 3 unless the spread of the virus is contained this week.
Health authorities stressed the importance of concerted efforts by the people to curb the virus spread, saying the coming week is crucial.
"It's a very grave situation that we, as related authorities, have no other choice but to consider elevating (the regulation) to Level 3 unless the current trend of spread is calmed throughout this week," Yoon Tae-ho, a senior health official, said at a press briefing.
The Level 3 social distancing guidelines mean the "suspension of all daily activities except for inevitable social and economic ones," he added.
It would have a "calamitous and painful" effect on the people and their whole economic activities," Yoon said, pointing out that secondary infections and cases, of which origins can't be traced, keep being confirmed nationwide, not just in Seoul and nearby areas.
The most stringent anti-virus curbs can be issued when the number of daily virus cases reaches a two-week average of 100-200 and the doubling of new COVID-19 cases occurs more than twice a week. But health officials have said they are only to be used as reference points and they aren't absolute preconditions for raising the intensity level.
Local governments may push up the level on their own. Asked whether Seoul will go down that path, Seo said he'll first have to consider the impact Level 3 can have on quarantining and the local economy before making any move.
Morning commuters wearing masks crowd the platform at the Sindorim subway station in Seoul on Aug. 18, 2020. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-08-23--(LEAD) Seoul to mandate masks starting Monday

(ATTN: UPDATES info in paras 9-10)
SEOUL, Aug. 23 (Yonhap) -- Starting Monday, people in Seoul will be required to wear masks while in public.
Seo Jeong-hyup, acting mayor of Seoul, made the announcement at a press briefing on Sunday, hours after the country reported 397 new coronavirus cases.
South Korea is scrambling to contain the nationwide spread of COVID-19. There have been over 2,600 cases in the past 10 days, following a stretch in which the daily cases stayed in the double digits.
Under Seoul's mandate, residents must wear masks and face coverings at all times in public, except when they're eating or drinking.
Pedestrians in Seoul walk on a street near Gwanghwamun Square while wearing masks on Aug. 19, 2020. (Yonhap)
Seoulites have been required to keep masks on when using public transit since May 13.
"Wearing masks is at the very foundation of quarantine in daily life," Seo said. "Our citizens have been very cooperative with our mandate on mask-wearing on public transit. I expect them to once again establish the new social norm."
In addition to mandating masks, Seo also said the city will apply a "one strike and you're out" policy on facilities that must be closed while Seoul remains under strict social distancing guidelines.
The list includes restaurants at least 150 square meters in size, water parks, cinemas and concert halls. Starting Monday, a single violation will result in a two-week suspension of operations. Depending on the severity of the violation, the city may also levy a fine of a maximum 3 million won (US$2,520) and press charges.
"So far, considering the difficult livelihoods of people (running those businesses), we've only issued warnings on violations of quarantine rules," Seo said. "But given the gravity of the current situation, we'll try our best to stem further spread of COVID-19."
All of South Korea has been placed under Level 2 in the three-tier social distancing system. Health authorities said Sunday they will be forced to consider raising it to Level 3 unless the spread of the virus is contained this week.
The most stringent anti-virus curbs can be issued when the number of daily virus cases reaches a two-week average of 100-200 and the doubling of new COVID-19 cases occurs more than twice a week. But health officials have said they are only to be used as reference points and they aren't absolute preconditions for raising the intensity level.
Local governments may push up the level on their own. Asked whether Seoul will go down that path, Seo said he'll first have to consider the impact Level 3 can have on quarantining and the local economy before making any move.
Morning commuters wearing masks crowd the platform at the Sindorim subway station in Seoul on Aug. 18, 2020. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-08-23--Church blamed for coronavirus spike to seek charges against gov't officials

The church is facing criticism for a surge in COVID-19 cases over the past 10 or so days .
The @ @ @ @ @ Kwang-hoon , led his church members and political allies from around the country to a @ @ @ @ @ on Aug. 15 .
Jun and several of his aides tested positive for COVID-19 after @ @ @ @ @ health authorities said 841 cases were linked to the church as of Sunday .

SEOUL, Aug. 23 (Yonhap) -- A Seoul church at the center of a recent spike in coronavirus cases said Sunday it will file criminal complaints against senior government officials, claiming the government is trying to make the church a scapegoat for the upsurge.
At a press conference, lawyers of Sarang Jeil Church in the northern district of Seongbuk accused Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun and acting Seoul Mayor Seo Jeong-hyup of abuse of authority and illegally gathering private information, and said they will demand prosecutors file criminal charges against them.
Legal representatives for Sarang Jeil Church hold a press conference near the church compound in Seoul on Aug. 23, 2020, threatening legal action against government officials for a recent raid into the church. (Yonhap)
The church's lawyers also claimed Health Minister Park Neung-hoo obstructed the right to religious practice by banning in-person services at churches. They accused Seoul police chief Jang Ha-hyeon of an illegal raid of the church last week, the lawyers said.
The church is facing criticism for a surge in COVID-19 cases over the past 10 or so days. The church's pastor, Jun Kwang-hoon, led his church members and political allies from around the country to a massive anti-government rally in Seoul on Aug. 15. Jun and several of his aides tested positive for COVID-19 after the rally, and national health authorities said 841 cases were linked to the church as of Sunday.
The entire country has since been placed under tighter social distancing guidelines, with indoor gatherings of 50 or more and outdoor assemblies of 100 or more all banned. Churches have also been asked not to hold in-person services.
To determine how many of Sarang Jeil congregants attended the Aug. 15 rally, the government has been trying to obtain a full list of its members. After a court issued a search and seizure warrant, police raided the church Friday.
Kang Yeon-jae, one of the attorneys at the press conference, said the government has been using "scientifically unproven" methods to keep highlighting the number of COVID-19 cases from Sarang Jeil's membership.
"The government has deceived the people, and its witch hunt is laying the responsibility for its failure in quarantine entirely on the church," Kang added.
Legal representatives for Sarang Jeil Church hold a press conference near the church compound in Seoul on Aug. 23, 2020, threatening legal action against government officials for a recent raid into the church. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-08-23--(tht LD) New virus cases spike to near 400 as KCDC warns of nationwide pandemic crisis

The KCDC remained on high alert over a potential explosive outbreak tied to the rally as it is hard to @ @ @ @ @ of protesters who came to Seoul from other cities .
A total of 136 cases @ @ @ @ @ to the march .

(ATTN: ADDS PM's comments in 10-11 paras, photo)
By Kim Han-joo
SEOUL, Aug. 23 (Yonhap) -South Korea's daily coronavirus cases spiked to 397 on Sunday, all but 10 of them local infections, as new cases rose sharply not only in the capital area but with provincial infections also jumping to a triple-digit gain.
Of the total COVID-19 cases, 294 were reported in Seoul and the surrounding areas and the other 100 cases in provincial regions, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
The country's total caseload has risen to 17,399.
Sunday's new cases are the most since March 7, when the country reported 483 new cases, the KCDC said.
A warning sign is placed outside a shuttered school in Chuncheon, 85 kilometers east of Seoul, on Aug. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
"We sincerely ask all the people to follow the guidelines of social distancing Level 2 as this weekend is a critical juncture," KCDC chief Jeong Eun-kyeong said in a press briefing. "We are currently facing a serious situation on the verge of a large-scale nationwide pandemic."
The number of daily infections has been in the triple digits since Aug. 14, when 103 additional cases were reported. Over the past 10 days, a total of 2,629 cases has been identified.
A resurgence in new coronavirus cases, mostly traced to churches, has been reported in Seoul and its surrounding Gyeonggi Province, home to half of the country's 51 million people.
Of the newly identified local infections, 138 cases were reported in the capital city of Seoul, 124 from Gyeonggi Province surrounding the capital city and 32 from the western port city of Incheon, the KCDC said.
Health authorities warned that the wider capital region should brace for another wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and that the country stands on the cusp of a nationwide outbreak.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said efforts should be focused on containing the current outbreak to prevent the situation from becoming more serious than in Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province, the epicenter of the previous main outbreak in late February and March.
"It is again time to focus on quarantine," Chung said during a government meeting on coronavirus responses. "Economy and daily life can only be restored when quarantine measures are stably carried out."
This photo, taken on Aug. 23, 2020, shows empty streets in downtown Seoul after the government strengthened the social distancing level amid spiking COVID-19 cases. (Yonhap)
In a sign that the virus is spreading across the nation, more virus cases have been newly added outside the greater Seoul, with 100 new cases. It marks the first time in recent weeks that the number reached triple digits.
Of the local infections, the southern city of Gwangju and the central city of Daejeon each reported 15 new cases, the KCDC said. South Jeolla Province reported 14 new cases, followed by South Chungcheong Province with 10.
Amid grim prospects of a nationwide epidemic, the government decided to impose the Level 2 social distancing scheme outside the greater Seoul area starting Sunday. The measure bans in-person church meetings and closes down nightclubs and buffets.
Health authorities said a surge in cases traced to a church in northern Seoul and infections tied to a massive weekend rally in central Seoul appear to have served as a catalyst in spurring virus spread nationwide.
Health authorities also urged participants in the anti-government rally held last weekend to immediately take virus tests regardless of whether they are showing symptoms. A large number of Sarang Jeil Church members took part in the rally.
As of Sunday at noon, a total of 841 COVID-19 patients has been traced to the church, the KCDC said. An additional 21 locations have been so far tied to church members.
Church-linked cluster infections continued to grow, with 180 at Woori Jeil Church in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, and 35 at Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul as of Saturday.
The KCDC remained on high alert over a potential explosive outbreak tied to the rally as it is hard to trace the whereabouts of thousands of protesters who came to Seoul from other cities. A total of 136 cases has so far been tied to the march.
Cases linked to a Starbucks cafe in the northern city of Paju rose by four to 64.
A flare-up of coronavirus cases in the country has spurred talks of enforcing the toughest social distancing restrictions the government can apply.
One chair is set up per guest table at a wedding hall in the southwestern city of Gwangju on Aug. 23, 2020, in accordance with the government's toughened social distancing measures. (Yonhap)
Health authorities said they will review whether to adopt Level 3 social distancing after analyzing the speed and other aspects of the spread amid concerns over hurting the economy.
The highest anti-virus curbs can be issued when the number of daily virus cases reaches a two-week average of 100-200 and the doubling of new COVID-19 cases occurs more than twice a week.
If the level is raised, its impact on the economy and people's daily lives could be severe. Gatherings of 10 or more people would be banned, and offline school classes would be suspended.
Experts, however, voiced the need to swiftly elevate the social distancing level as the infection routes of around 20 percent of the cases have not been identified.
"We should preemptively deal with the situation to dramatically decrease (the number of confirmed cases)," said Kim Woo-ju, an infectious disease specialist at Seoul's Korea University Hospital.
South Korea reported 10 new imported cases on Sunday. Cases coming in from overseas rebounded back to double-digit numbers from mid-June for about a month, but such infections recently slowed.
Of them, four are South Korean nationals and the six others are foreigners, the KCDC said.
South Korea reported no new deaths, with the tally remaining at 309, the KCDC said. The fatality rate was 1.78 percent.
The number of COVID-19 patients in critical condition came to 30, up five from a day earlier.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 14,200, up 31 from the previous day.
The country has carried out 1,791,186 coronavirus tests since Jan. 3.
Lawmakers of the minor opposition Justice Party hold the party's ninth regular convention online in Seoul on Aug. 23, 2020, amid spiking COVID-19 infections in the country. (Yonhap)
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-23--Seoul to mandate masks starting Monday

Seoul to mandate masks starting Monday

All of South Korea has been placed under Level 2 in the three-tier social distancing system .
The government said @ @ @ @ @ to consider raising it to Level 3 , though local governments may push it up @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Aug. 23 (Yonhap) -- Starting Monday, people in Seoul will be required to wear masks while in public.
Seo Jeong-hyup, acting mayor of Seoul, made the announcement at a press briefing on Sunday, hours after the country reported 397 new coronavirus cases.
South Korea is scrambling to contain the nationwide spread of COVID-19. There have been over 2,600 cases in the past 10 days, following a stretch in which the daily cases stayed in the double digits.
Under Seoul's mandate, residents must wear masks and face coverings at all times in public, except when they're eating or drinking.
Pedestrians in Seoul walk on a street near Gwanghwamun Square while wearing masks on Aug. 19, 2020. (Yonhap)
Seoulites have been required to keep masks on when using public transit since May 13.
"Wearing masks is at the very foundation of quarantine in daily life," Seo said. "Our citizens have been very cooperative with our mandate on mask-wearing on public transit. I expect them to once again establish the new social norm."
In addition to mandating masks, Seo also said the city will apply a "one strike and you're out" policy on facilities that must be closed while Seoul remains under strict social distancing guidelines.
The list includes restaurants at least 150 square meters in size, water parks, cinemas and concert halls. Starting Monday, a single violation will result in a two-week suspension of operations. Depending on the severity of the violation, the city may also levy a fine of a maximum 3 million won (US$2,520) and press charges.
"So far, considering the difficult livelihoods of people (running those businesses), we've only issued warnings on violations of quarantine rules," Seo said. "But given the gravity of the current situation, we'll try our best to stem further spread of COVID-19."
All of South Korea has been placed under Level 2 in the three-tier social distancing system. The government said it isn't yet time to consider raising it to Level 3, though local governments may push it up on their own.
Seo stayed on the side of caution, saying he'll have to consider the impact Level 3 can have on quarantining and the local economy before making any move.
Morning commuters wearing masks crowd the platform at the Sindorim subway station in Seoul on Aug. 18, 2020. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-08-23--(4th LD) New virus cases spike to near 400 as KCDC warns of nationwide pandemic crisis

(ATTN: ADDS more info throughout)
By Kim Han-joo
SEOUL, Aug. 23 (Yonhap) -South Korea's daily coronavirus cases spiked to 397 on Sunday, all but 10 of them local infections, as new cases rose sharply not only in the capital area but with provincial infections also jumping to a triple-digit gain.
Of the total COVID-19 cases, 294 were reported in Seoul and the surrounding areas and the other 100 cases in provincial regions, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
The country's total caseload has risen to 17,399.
Sunday's new cases are the most since March 7, when the country reported 483 new cases, the KCDC said.
A warning sign is placed outside a shuttered school in Chuncheon, 85 kilometers east of Seoul, on Aug. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
"We sincerely ask all the people to follow the guidelines of social distancing Level 2 as this weekend is a critical juncture," KCDC chief Jeong Eun-kyeong said in a press briefing. "We are currently facing a serious situation on the verge of a large-scale nationwide pandemic."
The number of daily infections has been in the triple digits since Aug. 14, when 103 additional cases were reported. Over the past 10 days, a total of 2,629 cases has been identified.
A resurgence in new coronavirus cases, mostly traced to churches, has been reported in Seoul and its surrounding Gyeonggi Province, home to half of the country's 51 million people.
Of the newly identified local infections, 138 cases were reported in the capital city of Seoul, 124 from Gyeonggi Province surrounding the capital city and 32 from the western port city of Incheon, the KCDC said.
Health authorities warned that the wider capital region should brace for another wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and that the country stands on the cusp of a nationwide outbreak.
This photo, taken on Aug. 23, 2020, shows empty streets in downtown Seoul after the government strengthened the social distancing level amid spiking COVID-19 cases. (Yonhap)
In a sign that the virus is spreading across the nation, more virus cases have been newly added outside the greater Seoul, with 100 new cases. It marks the first time in recent weeks that the number reached triple digits.
Of the local infections, the southern city of Gwangju and the central city of Daejeon each reported 15 new cases, the KCDC said. South Jeolla Province reported 14 new cases, followed by South Chungcheong Province with 10.
Amid grim prospects of a nationwide epidemic, the government decided to impose the Level 2 social distancing scheme outside the greater Seoul area starting Sunday. The measure bans in-person church meetings and closes down nightclubs and buffets.
Health authorities said a surge in cases traced to a church in northern Seoul and infections tied to a massive weekend rally in central Seoul appear to have served as a catalyst in spurring virus spread nationwide.
Health authorities also urged participants in the anti-government rally held last weekend to immediately take virus tests regardless of whether they are showing symptoms. A large number of Sarang Jeil Church members took part in the rally.
As of Sunday at noon, a total of 841 COVID-19 patients has been traced to the church, the KCDC said. An additional 21 locations have been so far tied to church members.
Church-linked cluster infections continued to grow, with 180 at Woori Jeil Church in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, and 35 at Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul as of Saturday.
The KCDC remained on high alert over a potential explosive outbreak tied to the rally as it is hard to trace the whereabouts of thousands of protesters who came to Seoul from other cities. A total of 136 cases has so far been tied to the march.
Cases linked to a Starbucks cafe in the northern city of Paju rose by four to 64.
A flare-up of coronavirus cases in the country has spurred talks of enforcing the toughest social distancing restrictions the government can apply.
Health authorities said they will review whether to adopt Level 3 social distancing after analyzing the speed and other aspects of the spread amid concerns over hurting the economy.
The highest anti-virus curbs can be issued when the number of daily virus cases reaches a two-week average of 100-200 and the doubling of new COVID-19 cases occurs more than twice a week.
If the level is raised, its impact on the economy and people's daily lives could be severe. Gatherings of 10 or more people would be banned, and offline school classes would be suspended.
Experts, however, voiced the need to swiftly elevate the social distancing level as the infection routes of around 20 percent of the cases have not been identified.
"We should preemptively deal with the situation to dramatically decrease (the number of confirmed cases)," said Kim Woo-ju, an infectious disease specialist at Seoul's Korea University Hospital.
South Korea reported 10 new imported cases on Sunday. Cases coming in from overseas rebounded back to double-digit numbers from mid-June for about a month, but such infections recently slowed.
Of them, four are South Korean nationals and the six others are foreigners, the KCDC said.
South Korea reported no new deaths, with the tally remaining at 309, the KCDC said. The fatality rate was 1.78 percent.
The number of COVID-19 patients in critical condition came to 30, up five from a day earlier.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 14,200, up 31 from the previous day.
The country has carried out 1,791,186 coronavirus tests since Jan. 3.
Lawmakers of the minor opposition Justice Party hold the party's ninth regular convention online in Seoul on Aug. 23, 2020, amid spiking COVID-19 infections in the country. (Yonhap)
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-23--(LEAD) Efficient Kim Kwang-hyun puts on pitching clinic for Cardinals in 1st MLB victory

Kim also received help from his defense on some hard-hit balls .
In the fifth , with a runner at @ @ @ @ @ Matt Carpenter snared a hard line drive off the bat of Curt Casali .
Then @ @ @ @ @ fielder Dylan Carlson got the final out with a diving grab on a sinking liner @ @ @ @ @ Matt Davidson .
The play stranded Kyle Farmer at first base , and if Carlson @ @ @ @ @ a run would have scored with the meat of the order coming up .

(ATTN: ADDS details, comments throughout, photo)
By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Aug. 23 (Yonhap) -- It was the kind of pitching performance that South Korean baseball fans are already familiar with, and one that fans of his new Major League Baseball (MLB) team are hoping to see more often down the road.
Kim Kwang-hyun of the St. Louis Cardinals fired six shutout innings against the Cincinnati Reds to earn his first big league victory in St. Louis on Saturday (local time). He gave up just three hits and struck out three, while not giving out any free passes.
In this Associated Press photo, Kim Kwang-hyun of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches against the Cincinnati Reds in the top of the first inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on Aug. 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
The Cardinals led 3-0 when the bullpen took over from Kim to start the seventh, and they held on to win by the same score.
"I've dreamed of standing on a big league mound since I was a boy," Kim said in his post-game Zoom session with reporters. "It feels great to get this victory as a starting pitcher."
Kim was an MVP-winning starter for 13 years in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) before signing a two-year, US$8 million contract with the Cardinals last December. The 32-year-old left-hander left home on a high note, going 17-6 with a 2.51 ERA in 2019, ranking in the top three in both wins and ERA.
In this Associated Press photo, Kim Kwang-hyun of the St. Louis Cardinals prepares to pitch against the Cincinnati Reds in the top of the first inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on Aug. 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
Kim has come a long way to notch his first big league win.
After the 2014 season, Kim was posted by his KBO club, SK Wyverns, as he took his first crack at making the jump to the majors. In a silent auction that ensued, the San Diego Padres won the exclusive negotiating rights to Kim with a $2 million bid. But the two sides couldn't come to an agreement, forcing Kim to return to the KBO. He would pitch there for five more years, though he missed the entire 2017 season following an elbow surgery.
He finally signed his first big league contract with the Cardinals last December and entered his first spring training with an eye on winning a starting job. Kim was one of the Cardinals' best pitchers in spring, with eight shutout innings and 11 strikeouts across four outings, including two starts.
But then the COVID-19 pandemic forced MLB to press pause on spring training. He stayed at the team's spring training home, Jupiter, Florida, for a while before settling in St. Louis, where he tried to remain sharp by playing catch with veteran right-hander Adam Wainwright.
Once teams returned to summer camp, Kim was unexpectedly named the Cardinals' closer, despite having virtually zero relief experience in South Korea.
Kim was thrown right into fire, as he was summoned for a save opportunity on Opening Day against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He gave up two runs -- one unearned -- to collect a nervy save in a 5-4 victory.
But the Cardinals only played four more games before a COVID-19 outbreak within the team halted their season. They were idle from July 31 to Aug. 14.
With injuries to multiple starters, Kim was thrust into the rotation before the Cardinals resumed playing.
And in just his second MLB start on Saturday, Kim found the kind of groove that had made him such a high-end starter in his native country.
Kim faced 21 batters and threw a first-pitch strike on 12 of them. Consistently staying ahead on batters also helped Kim work more efficiently than the last outing against the Chicago Cubs on Monday.
Kim was pulled after throwing 57 pitches in 3 2/3 innings then. He also issued three walks. Before facing the Reds, Kim said he would try to be more efficient and pitch as deep into the game as possible.
He lived up to his words. He went to a three-ball count just three times all game, and there was hardly any moment when Kim appeared to be laboring. All told, Kim got through his six innings on 83 pitches, 55 of them for strikes.
In this Associated Press photo, Kim Kwang-hyun of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches against the Cincinnati Reds in the top of the first inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on Aug. 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
Kim also received help from his defense on some hard-hit balls. In the fifth, with a runner at second base, third baseman Matt Carpenter snared a hard line drive off the bat of Curt Casali. Then in the sixth, right fielder Dylan Carlson got the final out with a diving grab on a sinking liner from No. 3 hitter Matt Davidson. The play stranded Kyle Farmer at first base, and if Carlson had missed the ball, a run would have scored with the meat of the order coming up.
Kim, who had mostly been a fastball-slider pitcher in the KBO, expanded his repertoire for the second straight start. He threw 38 fastballs, 26 sliders, 11 curveballs and eight changeups. All three of his strikeouts came on sliders.
His pitch count was up to 74 through five innings. Reliever John Gant was warming up in the bullpen, making his appearance to start the sixth inning a likely scenario. Instead, Kim gave the Cardinals another inning and pitched around an infield single by Kyle Farmer to get through the sixth on just nine pitches.
The top four hitters in the Reds' starting lineup, including former MVP Joey Votto at the leadoff spot, didn't manage a hit against Kim.
Kim said he was most pleased with not giving up any walks in this game, though he wants to avoid getting into a full count. He went 3-2 three times, including twice against Votto, the Canadian god of walks who has led the National League in that category five times and in on-base percentage seven times. Kim retired Votto on both occasions, including a strikeout in the third.
"I need to start throwing harder if I want to become more aggressive," said Kim, whose four-seam fastball topped out at 92.6 miles per hour and sat around 90. "I've had to halt training this season (due to the COVID-19 situation), and so I haven't been able to throw as hard as I want. But I think it will get better."
To make up for a lack of fastball velocity, Kim said he tried to change speeds with his sliders and curveballs.
"Against left-handed hitters, I tried to throw sliders at different speeds, and against right-handed batters, I tried to attack both sides of the plate with my slider," he said. "I tried my best to keep them off balance."
Kim also reserved a special message for fans back home in South Korea, as the country is struggling to contain the recent spike in COVID-19 cases.
"Even though I am far away, I'd like to think I can cheer up people back home with good performances," Kim said. "I grew up watching Park Chan-ho (South Korea's first major leaguer) and remember how he inspired Korean people during the financial crisis (in the late 1990s). I hope I can do the same."
In this Associated Press photo, Kim Kwang-hyun of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches against the Cincinnati Reds in the top of the first inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on Aug. 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-23--(2nd LD) Blue Jays' Ryu Hyun-jin settles for no-decision in sharp outing vs. Rays

Ryu cruised through four innings , before giving up his lone run in the protracted fifth inning .
He needed @ @ @ @ @ of that inning , though he only faced five batters , as the pesky Rays @ @ @ @ @ and worked Ryu deep into counts .

(ATTN: ADDS comments, details in paras 3, 14-20)
By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Aug. 23 (Yonhap) -- Toronto Blue Jays' South Korean starter Ryu Hyun-jin walked away with a no-decision despite looking sharp for five innings against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Ryu allowed just a run on three hits in five innings against the Rays at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, on Saturday (local time). The bullpen took over to start the sixth inning, with the score tied at 1-1.
Ryu struck out six and didn't walk anybody for the second straight outing. The high pitch total -- Ryu needed 94 pitches to record 15 outs -- prevented Ryu from going any deeper into the game.
The Rays walked off the Blue Jays 2-1 in the bottom of the 10th, thanks to Kevin Kiermaier's pinch-hit single. It snapped the Blue Jays' winning streak at six games.
In this Getty Images photo, Ryu Hyun-jin of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays in the bottom of the first inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, on Aug. 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
Ryu remained at 2-1 for the season, though his ERA came down from 3.46 to 3.19. In August, Ryu has been 2-0 with a 1.23 ERA, with only three earned runs allowed in 22 innings.
Ryu cruised through four innings, before giving up his lone run in the protracted fifth inning. He needed 30 pitches to get out of that inning, though he only faced five batters, as the pesky Rays hitters fouled off multiple pitches and worked Ryu deep into counts.
Ryu had a three-up, three-down first inning and pitched around a leadoff single by Jose Martinez in the second.
The left-hander had another clean inning in the third, and then struck out two batters in the perfect fourth inning, using only 14 pitches.
The Blue Jays, held without a hit through four innings, spotted Ryu a 1-0 lead in the top fifth, as Cavan Biggio drew a bases-loaded walk.
But Ryu gave it away immediately in the bottom half of that inning. Willy Adames led off with a single, and reached third on a follow-up single by Joey Wendle, who poked one through the hole on the right after a nine-pitch battle.
Adames then scored the tying run on a soft grounder to second by Manuel Margot.
Ryu struck out the next two batters, but his night was done.
The Blue Jays needed Ryu to go deeper into this game, with their bullpen already taxed from recent games. He threw 94 pitches, the second-highest total of the season, but that could only get him through five frames.
Ryu acknowledged after the game that he needs to be more efficient going forward.
"It would have been better if I had thrown more innings on fewer pitches, but overall, this was a solid game," Ryu said in a Zoom session with reporters. "The hitters kept battling and fouling off pitches."
Ryu had a couple of nine-pitch at-bats -- against Yoshi Tsutsugo in the third and then Wendle in the fifth -- and one eight-pitch battle, against Mike Brosseau in the third.
With six starts under his belt, Ryu said he is pleased with how well he's been able to command his pitches, compared to earlier in the season.
Aside from the high pitch total, this was a prototypical Ryu outing. Seven of the 15 outs Ryu recorded came via ground balls, with six strikeouts and two flyouts. Ryu had a strike on the first pitch against 11 of 18 batters faced.
Of his 94 pitches, the one Ryu relied on the most was his bread-and-butter changeup (29), followed by 22 fastballs, 21 sinkers, 15 curveballs and seven cutters.
"I am confident that I can throw my changeup anywhere I want to, whether it's against left-handed or right-handed batters," Ryu said. "The pitch has been working great lately."
In this Getty Images photo, Ryu Hyun-jin of the Toronto Blue Jays (L) bumps fists with his catcher Reese McGuire before a Major League Baseball regular season game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, on Aug. 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-23--(3rd LD) New virus cases spike to near 400 as KCDC warns of nationwide pandemic crisis

(ATTN: RECASTS headline; ADDS more info throughout; CHANGES photos)
By Kim Han-joo
SEOUL, Aug. 23 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's daily coronavirus cases spiked to 397 on Sunday, all but 10 of them local infections, as new cases rose sharply not only in the capital area but with provincial infections also jumping to a triple-digit gain.
Of the total COVID-19 cases, 297 were reported in Seoul and the surrounding areas and the other 100 cases in provincial regions, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
The country's total caseload has risen to 17,399.
Sunday's new cases are the most since March 7, when the country reported 483 new cases, the KCDC said.
A warning sign is placed outside a shuttered school in Chuncheon, 85 kilometers east of Seoul, on Aug. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
"We sincerely ask all the people to follow the guidelines of social distancing Level 2 as this weekend is a critical juncture," KCDC chief Jeong Eun-kyeong said in a press briefing. "We are currently facing a serious situation on the verge of a large-scale nationwide pandemic."
The number of daily infections has been in the triple digits since Aug. 14, when 103 additional cases were reported. Over the past 10 days, a total of 2,629 cases has been identified.
A resurgence in new coronavirus cases, mostly traced to churches, has been reported in Seoul and its surrounding Gyeonggi Province, home to half of the country's 51 million people.
Of the newly identified local infections, 138 cases were reported in the capital city of Seoul, 124 from Gyeonggi Province surrounding the capital city and 32 from the western port city of Incheon, the KCDC said.
Health authorities warned that the wider capital region should brace for another wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and that the country stands on the cusp of a nationwide outbreak.
This photo, taken on Aug. 23, 2020, shows empty streets in downtown Seoul after the government strengthened the social distancing level amid spiking COVID-19 cases. (Yonhap)
In a sign that the virus is spreading across the nation, more virus cases have been newly added outside the greater Seoul, with 100 new cases. It marks the first time in recent weeks that the number reached triple digits.
Of the local infections, the southern city of Gwangju and the central city of Daejeon each reported 15 new cases, the KCDC said. South Jeolla Province reported 14 new cases, followed by South Chungcheong Province with 10.
Amid grim prospects of a nationwide epidemic, the government decided on Saturday to impose a stricter social distancing scheme outside the greater Seoul area, starting earlier in the day.
Health authorities said a surge in cases traced to a church in northern Seoul and infections tied to a massive weekend rally in central Seoul appear to have served as a catalyst in spurring virus spread nationwide.
Health authorities also urged participants in the anti-government rally held last weekend to immediately take virus tests regardless of whether they are showing symptoms. A large number of Sarang Jeil Church members took part in the rally.
As of Sunday at noon, a total of 841 COVID-19 patients has been traced to the church, the KCDC said. An additional 21 locations have been so far tied to church members.
Church-linked cluster infections continued to grow, with 180 at Woori Jeil Church in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, and 35 at Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul as of Saturday.
The KCDC remained on high alert over a potential explosive outbreak tied to the rally as it is hard to trace the whereabouts of thousands of protesters who came to Seoul from other cities. A total of 136 cases has so far been tied to the march.
Cases linked to a Starbucks cafe in the northern city of Paju rose by four to 64.
The government earlier said it is not yet time to consider raising the level of social distancing to Level 3.
The highest anti-virus curbs can be issued when the number of daily virus cases reaches a two-week average of 100-200 and the doubling of new COVID-19 cases occurs more than twice a week.
If the level is raised, its impact on the economy and people's daily lives could be severe. Gatherings of 10 or more people would be banned, and offline school classes would be suspended.
South Korea reported 10 new imported cases on Sunday. Cases coming in from overseas rebounded back to double-digit numbers from mid-June for about a month, but such infections recently slowed.
Of them, four are South Korean nationals and the six others are foreigners, the KCDC said.
South Korea reported no new deaths, with the tally remaining at 309, the KCDC said. The fatality rate was 1.78 percent.
The number of COVID-19 patients in critical condition came to 30, up five from a day earlier.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 14,200, up 31 from the previous day.
The country has carried out 1,791,186 coronavirus tests since Jan. 3.
Lawmakers of the minor opposition Justice Party hold the party's ninth regular convention online in Seoul on Aug. 23, 2020, amid spiking COVID-19 infections in the country. (Yonhap)
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-23--Churches in Seoul hold online services on 1st Sunday under strict distancing guidelines

`` We had already informed our members that we would n't have in-person services , but about 70 people still @ @ @ @ @ Sarang Church official explained .
`` We could n't just turn away everybody .
We @ @ @ @ @ that extra room , which usually holds 500 , and made sure they maintained safe @ @ @

SEOUL, Aug. 23 (Yonhap) -- Under the government directive to hold socially distanced services, churches in Seoul remained empty on Sunday with some exceptions.
This was the first Sunday since the government increased the intensity of its social distancing guidelines in Seoul and its surrounding regions a week ago. Placed under Level 2 in the three-tier system, churches in those areas are only allowed to organize online services, with only essential personnel permitted inside.
On Saturday, the government expanded Level 2 social distancing to the rest of the country.
This sign posted on the outer wall of Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul on Aug. 23, 2020, displays a notice that all services through Aug. 30 will be held online, in accordance with stricter social distancing guidelines. (Yonhap)
Churches have recently emerged as a hotbed of coronavirus outbreaks, with cluster infections tied to regular services and small gatherings by church members. South Korea has reported over 2,600 new COVID-19 cases over the past 10 days, hundreds of them linked to churches in the greater Seoul area.
Some of the capital city's major churches vowed to keep their gates closed on Sunday and comply with quarantine guidelines.
Onnuri Church in Yangjae, southern Seoul, lived up to its word, as attested by the empty parking lot at 9 a.m. Sunday and the sign on the digital display board saying all services would now be available on YouTube.
Yonsei Central Baptist Church in Guro Ward, western Seoul, had about a dozen officials standing near the entrance to keep vehicles or members from entering. Local officials had suspected Yonsei might organize an in-person service.
Officials from Guro's ward office and local police officers checked around 100 churches in the morning to see if there had been any violations of distancing rules.
Eunpyeong Jeil Church in the northwestern ward of Eunpyeong has been a vocal critic of the government's decision to ban services on sight, but it still adhered to the online-only rules on Sunday.
At some other churches, a few members managed to sneak into services.
This photo provided by Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul on Aug. 23, 2020, shows a service being broadcast online for its members, in accordance with stricter social distancing guidelines. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Sarang Church in Seocho Ward, southern Seoul, permitted about 10 members to enter the building. They received sprays of sanitizer at a quarantine station and digitally logged their entry using quick response (QR) codes.
Once inside, those members weren't allowed to enter the main hall and were instead led into an auxiliary room in the basement.
"We had already informed our members that we wouldn't have in-person services, but about 70 people still showed up," a Sarang Church official explained. "We couldn't just turn away everybody. We had about 15 people in that extra room, which usually holds 500, and made sure they maintained safe distances."
Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk Ward, northern Seoul, which has been linked to over 800 COVID-19 cases through Sunday, remained deserted, save for a handful of members camped outside and a Seongbuk Ward official decked out in medical overalls.
(END)


yna--2020-08-23--Today in Korean history

Today in Korean history

1945 -- A Japanese ship on its way to Korea 's southern port of Busan from Japan , carrying 3,725 @ @ @ @ @ Ukishima-Maru was returning Koreans who had been forced to leave home and work in Japan @ @ @ @ @ .
The incident happened a little more than a week after Japan announced it would @ @ @ @ @ Korea following its defeat in World War II .

Aug. 24
1945 -- A Japanese ship on its way to Korea's southern port of Busan from Japan, carrying 3,725 Koreans, explodes. The Ukishima-Maru was returning Koreans who had been forced to leave home and work in Japan during the 1910-45 colonial era. The incident happened a little more than a week after Japan announced it would give up any rights to Korea following its defeat in World War II.
More than 500 people died in the explosion, which survivors said was caused by a bomb. A statement from the Japanese government claimed the ship sank when it accidentally hit a mine. South and North Korean civic groups demand that the Japanese government take responsibility for the incident, saying it was premeditated.
1973 -- South Korea establishes diplomatic ties with Finland.
1976 -- The Ministry of Education begins to authorize government-designated textbooks in junior high schools.
1985 -- A Chinese light bomber makes an emergency landing in Iri, or present-day Iksan, North Jeolla Province.
1992 -- South Korea severs diplomatic ties with Taiwan and establishes relations with China.
2001 -- Shim Je-ryoon, former head of the Daegu High Public Prosecutors Office, is reinstated after a Supreme Court ruling. He was deprived of his post in 1999 after openly demanding the resignation of the prosecutor general at that time.
2003 -- At the Daegu Summer Universiade, North Korean reporters clash with a group of protesters demanding Pyongyang improve its human rights record. Norbert Vollertsen, a German doctor noted for his efforts to bring humanitarian aid to the North, is pushed to the ground and taken to a nearby hospital. A North Korean reporter suffered a finger injury and had his shirt ripped during the confrontation.
2005 -- The sixth inter-Korean Red Cross talks open for a three-day run at Mount Kumkang, a tourist resort on the North's east coast. The two sides agreed to hold more reunions of separated families via a high-tech video connection but failed to narrow differences on the issue of confirming the fate of South Korean prisoners of war and civilians abducted by Pyongyang after the end of the 1950-53 Korean War.
2011 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-il holds rare talks with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in an eastern Siberia city to discuss how to revive long-stalled talks on ending Pyongyang's nuclear programs.
2016 -- North Korea test-fires a submarine-launched ballistic missile in waters off its east coast.
2018 -- A Seoul appellate court increases the sentence for former President Park Geun-hye by one year in a massive corruption case that led to her removal from office. The Seoul High Court sentenced Park, 66, to 25 years in prison and ordered her to pay a 20 billion-won fine.
2019 -- North Korea fires two short-range projectiles into the East Sea.
(END)


yna--2020-08-23--(LEAD) Typhoon Bavi expected to pass through Seoul next week

The KMA predicted that between Wednesday night and Thursday morning , Jeju Island and the southwestern province of South Jeolla @ @ @ @ @ wind .
Rains could start falling on Jeju Island as early as Monday , with @ @ @ @ @ receive showers on Wednesday .

(ATTN: ADDS details at bottom, photo)
SEOUL, Aug. 23 (Yonhap) -- A typhoon formed off the east coast of Taiwan is expected to pass through Seoul this week following a course change, the state weather agency said Sunday.
Typhoon Bavi is on course to reach waters about 270 kilometers south of Seogwipo in Jeju Island by 4 a.m. Wednesday, and then to continue its northward movement along the west coast, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said.
This graphic provided by the Korea Meteorological Administration on Aug. 23, 2020, shows Typhoon Bavi's expected direction. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
On Thursday, it will likely move over Seoul and the surrounding areas, accompanied by strong winds and heavy rains.
Earlier, the weather agency had said the typhoon would move off South Korea on the east coast, near Gangwon Province.
As of 3 a.m. Sunday, Typhoon Bavi remained modest in size, though it could become much stronger by the time it reaches South Korea.
The KMA predicted that between Wednesday night and Thursday morning, Jeju Island and the southwestern province of South Jeolla could face strong gusts of wind. Rains could start falling on Jeju Island as early as Monday, with the entire country likely to receive showers on Wednesday.
Parts of South Korea are still picking up the pieces after suffering through the recent monsoon season.
KMA chief Kim Jong-seok said Typhoon Bavi is expected to do most of its damage with wind rather than rain and called for safety measures to be put in place, especially in coastal areas.
This graphic provided by the Korea Meteorological Administration on Aug. 23, 2020, shows Typhoon Bavi's expected direction. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-08-23--(2nd LD) Trainee doctors at all levels on strike during pandemic; medical association proposes talks

The Korean Intern and Resident Association said Sunday that the first- and second-year residents became the last group of trainee @ @ @ @ @ earlier in the day .
Since Friday , interns and third- and fourth-year residents walked @ @ @ @

(ATTN: CHANGES headline, lead; ADDS details in paras 8-10)
SEOUL, Aug. 23 (Yonhap) -- Trainee doctors across all levels have begun an indefinite strike amid the COVID-19 pandemic, protesting the government's medical workforce reform plan, while their interest group proposed a meeting with political leaders.
The Korean Intern and Resident Association said Sunday that the first- and second-year residents became the last group of trainee doctors to join the protest earlier in the day. Since Friday, interns and third- and fourth-year residents walked out of hospitals.
They are opposed to the government's plan to increase admission quotas at medical schools.
Trainee doctors at Seoul National University Hospital in Seoul take off their white gowns on Aug. 23, 2020, in a protest of the government's plan to increase medical school admission quotas. (Yonhap)
As part of the country's medical workforce reform plan, the health ministry is planning to expand admission quotas at medical schools by 4,000 over the next 10 years, starting in 2022, and to open a new public medical school as it seeks to broaden the reach of health care services.
This will increase the number of students admitted annually to medical schools to 3,458 in the 2022-2031 period from the current 3,058, according to the plan.
Doctors have opposed what they called the government's "hasty and unilateral" decision.
The government has pleaded with the young doctors to return to work, out of concerns that their collective actions could compromise the health care system amid a spike in coronavirus cases nationwide.
Later Sunday, though, the Korean Medical Association (KMA), which represents 130,000 doctors, said it reached out to the Prime Minister's Office, the ruling Democratic Party and the main opposition United Future Party with a proposal for emergency talks.
The KMA said, with the virus wreaking havoc throughout the country, it is imperative for doctors and the political community to cooperate with one another.
"In light of a grave situation with COVID-19 spreading nationwide, we've proposed a meeting while leaving all possibilities open," KMA spokesman Kim Dae-ha said. "We hope we can come to a resolution through dialogue."
With trainee doctors staging a walkout, Severance Hospital, a major general hospital in central Seoul, has told its remaining doctors that its emergency room will not be able to handle critical patients for the time being.
An official with Severance said its trainee doctors in the internal medicine department have all gone on strike, including those who would normally be on duty in the emergency room and intensive care unit.
Other general hospitals have also scaled back their outpatient services and adjusted operation schedules in response to their workforce crunch.
On Sunday, South Korea reported 397 cases, the highest total in more than five months. Over the past 10 days, 2,269 cases have been identified.
The health ministry has offered to shelve the reform plan until the COVID-19 situation stabilizes. But the trainee doctors' association earlier shot back that the ministry couldn't be trusted, accusing it of a history of deception and about-faces.
Trainee doctors at Seoul National University Hospital in Seoul stack up their white gowns on Aug. 23, 2020, in a protest of the government's plan to increase medical school admission quotas. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-08-23--Efficient Kim Kwang-hyun puts on pitching clinic for Cardinals in 1st MLB victory

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Aug. 23 (Yonhap) -- It was the kind of pitching performance that South Korean baseball fans are already familiar with, and one that fans of his new Major League Baseball (MLB) team are hoping to see more often down the road.
Kim Kwang-hyun of the St. Louis Cardinals fired six shutout innings against the Cincinnati Reds to earn his first big league victory in St. Louis on Saturday (local time). He gave up just three hits and struck out three, while not giving out any free passes.
In this Associated Press photo, Kim Kwang-hyun of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches against the Cincinnati Reds in the top of the first inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on Aug. 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
The Cardinals led 3-0 when the bullpen took over from Kim to start the seventh, and they held on to win by the same score.
Kim was an MVP-winning starter for 13 years in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) before signing a two-year, US$8 million contract with the Cardinals last December. The 32-year-old left-hander left home on a high note, going 17-6 with a 2.51 ERA in 2019, ranking in the top three in both wins and ERA.
And in just his second MLB start on Saturday, Kim found the kind of groove that had made him such a high-end starter in his native country.
Kim faced 21 batters and threw a first-pitch strike on 12 of them. Consistently staying ahead on batters also helped Kim work more efficiently than the last outing against the Chicago Cubs on Monday.
Kim was pulled after throwing 57 pitches in 3 2/3 innings then. He also issued three walks. Before facing the Reds, Kim said he would try to be more efficient and pitch as deep into the game as possible.
He lived up to his words. He went to a three-ball count just three times all game, and there was hardly any moment when Kim appeared to be laboring. All told, Kim got through his six innings on 83 pitches, 55 of them for strikes.
In this Associated Press photo, Kim Kwang-hyun of the St. Louis Cardinals prepares to pitch against the Cincinnati Reds in the top of the first inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on Aug. 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
Kim also received help from his defense on some hard-hit balls. In the fifth, with a runner at second base, third baseman Matt Carpenter snared a hard line drive off the bat of Curt Casali. Then in the sixth, right fielder Dylan Carlson got the final out with a diving grab on a sinking liner from No. 3 hitter Matt Davidson. The play stranded Kyle Farmer at first base, and if Carlson had missed the ball, a run would have scored with the meat of the order coming up.
Kim, who had mostly been a fastball-slider pitcher in the KBO, expanded his repertoire for the second straight start. He threw 38 fastballs, 26 sliders, 11 curveballs and eight changeups. All three of his strikeouts came on sliders.
His pitch count was up to 74 through five innings. Reliever John Gant was warming up in the bullpen, making his appearance to start the sixth inning a likely scenario. Instead, Kim gave the Cardinals another inning and pitched around an infield single by Kyle Farmer to get through the sixth on just nine pitches.
The top four hitters in the Reds' starting lineup, including former MVP Joey Votto at the leadoff spot, didn't manage a hit against Kim.
In this Associated Press photo, Kim Kwang-hyun of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches against the Cincinnati Reds in the top of the first inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on Aug. 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-23--(LEAD) Cardinals' Kim Kwang-hyun earns 1st MLB victory vs. Reds

The Cardinals opened the scoring in the third , with Tommy Edman 's two-run single , which followed consecutive bloop @ @ @ @ @ second and third .
Harrison Bader made it 3-0 for St. Louis with a solo @ @ @ @ @ , and Kim made the lead stand through six innings .

(ATTN: CHANGES headline, lead; UPDATES with final score)
By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Aug. 23 (Yonhap) -- With a ruthlessly efficient performance, St. Louis Cardinals' South Korean starter Kim Kwang-hyun has picked up his first career big league victory.
Kim tossed six shutout innings against the Cincinnati Reds at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on Saturday (local time), helping the Cardinals to a 3-0 win.
Kim gave up just three hits and struck out three without walking any batters. He lowered his ERA from 3.86 to 1.69 in the process. He threw 55 of his 83 pitches for strikes.
In this Getty Images photo, Kim Kwang-hyun of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches against the Cincinnati Reds in the top of the first inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on Aug. 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
This was Kim's second career start, following a relief appearance in July and a start on Monday. In that previous outing against the Chicago Cubs, Kim was pulled after throwing 57 pitches in 3 2/3 innings of one-run ball.
The Cardinals missed a big chunk of time earlier in August with a COVID-19 outbreak on the team, and all starters were kept on a pitch counts in the early going.
Kim was kept on a longer leash this time and managed his pitch count well enough to go six innings and qualify for a win.
The left-hander had a breezy, three-up, three-down first inning and another clean frame in the second inning, which included his first strikeout.
He retired the first two batters of the third before giving up his first hit of the game to No. 9 hitter Kyle Farmer. Kim quickly settled down and struck out former MVP Joey Votto on a 3-2 slider.
Kim retired the side in order in the fourth, and pitched around a one-out double by Jesse Winker in the fifth.
In this Getty Images photo, Kim Kwang-hyun of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches against the Cincinnati Reds in the top of the first inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on Aug. 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
His pitch count was up to 74 after five, and despite some action in the Cardinals' bullpen, Kim went back out for the sixth inning.
Farmer reached with an infield single, but Kim retired the next three batters and needed just nine pitches for that inning.
The Cardinals opened the scoring in the third, with Tommy Edman's two-run single, which followed consecutive bloop hits that had runners at second and third. Harrison Bader made it 3-0 for St. Louis with a solo home run in the fifth, and Kim made the lead stand through six innings.
The bullpen took care of the rest, with three relievers limiting the Reds to just one hit over the final three innings.
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-23--(2nd LD) New coronavirus cases near 400, alarm all across S. Korea

The KCDC remained on high alert over a potential explosive outbreak tied to the rally as it is hard to @ @ @ @ @ of protesters who came to Seoul from other cities .
A total of 104 cases @ @ @ @ @ to the march .

(ATTN: CHANGES photo; ADDS more info throughout; CLARIFIES 2nd para)
By Kim Han-joo
SEOUL, Aug. 23 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's daily coronavirus cases spiked to 397 on Sunday, all but 10 of them local infections, as new cases rose sharply not only in the capital area but with provincial infections also jumping to a triple-digit gain.
Of the total COVID-19 cases, 297 were reported in Seoul and the surrounding areas and the other 100 cases in provincial regions, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
The country's total caseload has risen to 17,399.
A warning sign is placed outside a shuttered school in Chuncheon, 85 kilometers east of Seoul, on Aug. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
Sunday's new cases are the most since March 7, when the country reported 483 new cases, the KCDC said.
The number of daily infections has been in the triple digits since Aug. 14, when 103 additional cases were reported. Over the past 10 days, a total of 2,629 cases has been identified.
A resurgence in new coronavirus cases, mostly traced to churches, has been reported in Seoul and its surrounding Gyeonggi Province, home to half of the country's 51 million people.
Of the newly identified local infections, 138 cases were reported in the capital city of Seoul, 124 from Gyeonggi Province surrounding the capital city and 32 from the western port city of Incheon, the KCDC said.
Health authorities warned that the wider capital region should brace for another wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and that the country stands on the cusp of a nationwide outbreak.
A notice on the door of McDonald's Seoul Station branch in Seoul shows that the shop is closed after a worker there tested positive for the novel coronavirus on Aug. 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
In a sign that the virus is spreading across the nation, more virus cases have been newly added outside the greater Seoul, with 100 new cases. It marks the first time in recent weeks that the number reached triple digits.
Of the local infections, the southern city of Gwangju and the central city of Daejeon each reported 15 new cases, the KCDC said. South Jeolla Province reported 14 new cases, followed by South Chungcheong Province with 10.
Amid grim prospects of a nationwide epidemic, the government decided on Saturday to impose a stricter social distancing scheme outside the greater Seoul area, starting earlier in the day.
Health authorities said a surge in cases traced to a church in northern Seoul and infections tied to a massive weekend rally in central Seoul appear to have served as a catalyst in spurring virus spread nationwide.
Health authorities also urged participants in the anti-government rally held last weekend to immediately take virus tests regardless of whether they are showing symptoms. A large number of Sarang Jeil Church members took part in the rally.
As of Saturday at noon, a total of 796 COVID-19 patients has been traced to the church, the KCDC said.
Church-linked cluster infections continued to grow, with 176 at Woori Jeil Church in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, and 28 at Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul as of Saturday.
The KCDC remained on high alert over a potential explosive outbreak tied to the rally as it is hard to trace the whereabouts of thousands of protesters who came to Seoul from other cities. A total of 104 cases have so far been tied to the march.
The government earlier said it is not yet time to consider raising the level of social distancing to Level 3.
The highest anti-virus curbs can be issued when the number of daily virus cases reaches a two-week average of 100-200 and the doubling of new COVID-19 cases occurs more than twice a week.
If the level is raised, its impact on the economy and people's daily lives could be severe. Gatherings of 10 or more people would be banned, and offline school classes would be suspended.
South Korea reported 10 new imported cases on Sunday. Cases coming in from overseas rebounded back to double-digit numbers from mid-June for about a month, but such infections recently slowed.
Of them, four are South Korean nationals and the six others are foreigners, the KCDC said.
South Korea reported no new deaths, with the tally remaining at 309, the KCDC said. The fatality rate was 1.78 percent.
The number of COVID-19 patients in critical condition came to 30, up five from a day earlier.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 14,200, up 31 from the previous day.
The country has carried out 1,791,186 coronavirus tests since Jan. 3.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-24--COVID-19 fear again upends everyday life in S. Korea

`` There were people waiting even last weekend , but now I 'm even bored since there are no customers @ @ @ @ @ worker surnamed Lee said .
`` It feels as if there are more workers than @ @ @ @ @ . ''

SEOUL, Aug. 24 (Yonhap) -- Concerns over the new coronavirus have again gripped South Korea, prompting people to stay indoors, cancel trips and postpone milestone events like weddings and first birthdays.
Cafes, restaurants and shopping malls at busy areas like Seoul's Gangnam were relatively empty over the weekend. The few visitors who were at the venues generally wore masks and stood apart from one another.
A popular restaurant at a Gangnam shopping mall was half empty on Sunday afternoon, drawing a contrast to the long queue that usually forms in front of the eatery.
"I didn't even attempt to visit (the restaurant) since I heard the average waiting time is at least one hour. I was taken aback by how empty it is," said a 27-year-old office worker surnamed Park.
A shopping mall in Seoul is relatively empty on Aug. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
Waiters at restaurants were tending to other tasks as customers did not show up.
"There were people waiting even last weekend, but now I'm even bored since there are no customers," a 24-year-old part-time worker surnamed Lee said. "It feels as if there are more workers than customers at this shopping mall."
Many stores at the underground shopping mall at Express Terminal Station in southern Seoul were closed as the number of shoppers dwindled.
"Since a lot of our sales had come from overseas tourists, it had already taken a toll since the new coronavirus outbreak. It was slightly recovering until the Liberation Day rally struck," a shop owner said.
Everland, an amusement park in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, is nearly empty on Aug. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
Seoul Station, one of the capital's biggest stations that connects several train routes and subway lines, is relatively empty on Aug. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
On Monday, South Korea reported 266 new COVID-19 cases, raising its total caseload to 17,665, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
While the number marked a sharp slowdown from 397 identified on Sunday, it was also attributed to a smaller number of tests that were carried out on Sunday.
On Sunday, a total of 13,236 virus tests were conducted, compared to 15,386 tests on Saturday and 21,677 tests on Friday. On Thursday, 20,040 tests were carried out.
Infections coming from churches in the greater Seoul area and a mass anti-government rally that took place on Liberation Day on Aug. 15 have been at the center of the recent surge in cases.
While most of the recent cases came from Seoul and the surrounding areas, concerns over the infectious virus affected people across the country as chain transmissions were reported.
Haeundae Beach, a popular beach in the southeastern port city of Busan, is relatively empty on Aug. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
Beaches in the country's eastern coastal cities of Sokcho and Gangneung were relatively empty on Sunday as the government officially closed down beaches starting at midnight. At Hyupjae Beach, a popular spot in the southern resort island of Jeju, there were only around 100 visitors on Sunday afternoon.
Everland, a popular amusement park in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, was also quieter compared with normal weekends, cutting lines short for people getting on popular rides that usually require long waits.
Churches across the country were also emptier than usual as most churches switched to online worship under the government's latest guidelines that ban face-to-face Sunday services.
An internet cafe in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, is empty on Aug. 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
An official at a wedding hall in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province disinfects rows of chairs that have been arranged to prevent infections on June 7, 2020. (Yonhap)
For some, the recent spike in cases meant canceling or postponing milestone events like weddings.
"Around half of the weddings that were scheduled for Sunday were canceled. Some 70 percent of weddings for next week have also been cancelled," said an official at a wedding hall in Suwon, south of Seoul.
Health authorities have urged people to stay indoors and refrain from nonessential activities as South Korea is at a "critical moment" in its fight against the new coronavirus.
"If we fail to block the current spread, what waits ahead of us is only a bigger crisis," Health Minister Park Neunghoo said on Saturday.
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-24--Finance minister hints at offering 2nd round of virus emergency handouts

SEOUL , Aug. 24 ( Yonhap ) -- Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki said Monday the government will review the need @ @ @ @ @ of emergency handouts if the recent resurgence of new coronavirus infections does not slow down @

SEOUL, Aug. 24 (Yonhap) -- Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki said Monday the government will review the need to provide a second round of emergency handouts if the recent resurgence of new coronavirus infections does not slow down.
Hong told lawmakers that the government has not been having "in-depth discussions" over the possibility of offering a second round of emergency handouts.
The government will make a decision on the matter as it is monitoring the resurgence's impact on the economy, Hong said.
If the government decides to offer a second round of emergency handouts, it will have no choice but to sell state debts to cover the cost, Hong said.
In May, the government offered relief funds totaling 14.3 trillion won (US$12 billion) to all households as part of efforts to cushion the economic fallout from the new coronavirus.
The amount of the handouts varied from 400,000 won for single-person households to 1 million won for households with four or more members.
South Korea reported 266 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Monday, bringing the nation's total caseload to 17,665, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
Although the number of daily new infections fell below 300 for the first time in four days, it marked the 11th consecutive day of a triple-digit increase.
Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki attends a parliamentary meeting on Aug. 24, 2020. (Yonhap)
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-24--BOK tipped to freeze key rate at record low this week: poll

Earlier this month , the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development ( OECD ) predicted that South Korea 's economy @ @ @ @ @ percent in 2020 from a year earlier thanks to its successful response to the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ of the virus outbreak occurs , the economy is expected to contract 2 percent this @ @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Aug. 24 (Yonhap) -- The Bank of Korea (BOK) is widely expected to freeze its key rate at a record low of 0.5 percent this week amid limited room for further cuts and the unstable housing market, a poll showed Monday.
In a survey by Yonhap Infomax, the financial news arm of Yonhap News Agency, all 14 analysts polled predicted the BOK would keep the policy rate steady at its rate-setting meeting, slated for Thursday.
They also forecast the BOK to stand pat at the rate throughout this year.
To bolster the slumping economy, the BOK slashed its key policy rate in May to a record low of 0.5 percent after delivering an emergency rate cut of half a percentage point in March.
Experts said the rate freeze is anticipated this week, as the policy rate appears to have reached a low level where further cuts may not be effective in propping up economic recovery.
"Despite the pandemic-caused uncertainties, the policy rate is expected to be frozen for a considerable period of time due mainly to limited room for further cuts," said Kim Sun-tae, an economist at KB Kookmin Bank.
This file photo, taken on May 20, 2020, shows stacks of import-export cargo containers at South Korea's largest seaport in Busan, 450 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
The momentum for economic recovery is expected to remain week amid a recent spike in coronavirus cases, BOK Gov. Lee Ju-yeol said in a report to the National Assembly on Monday.
South Korea reported 266 more cases of COVID-19 on Monday after its daily new virus cases topped 300 for the third straight day. The country has reported nearly 2,900 virus cases over the past 11 days.
Experts said the BOK may focus on non-conventional policy tools, such as state bond purchases, rather than rate cuts, in a bid to respond to the economic slump caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"In light of the already-low rate level and the housing market, it will not be easy for the BOK to further trim the rate for the time being," Baek Yoon-min, an analyst at Kyobo Securities Co., said.
Analysts said their focus will be on how much the BOK will trim economic outlook for 2020 this week.
In May, the central bank forecast Asia's fourth-largest economy would contract 0.2 percent this year and grow 3.1 percent next year.
Earlier this month, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) predicted that South Korea's economy is likely to shrink 0.8 percent in 2020 from a year earlier thanks to its successful response to the pandemic. But if another wave of the virus outbreak occurs, the economy is expected to contract 2 percent this year, it added.
"Taking into account jitters over another wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic uncertainty in the second half, the BOK may slash its economic outlook by a large margin," said Gong Dong-rak, a fixed-income analyst at Daishin Securities Co.
This file photo, taken on Aug. 4, 2020, shows citizens shopping for groceries at a discount store chain in Seoul. (Yonhap)
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-24--(LEAD) Nat'l Museum of Korea purchases 2 rare Buddhist statues from Kansong museum

The Gilt-bronze Standing Buddha , dating back to the middle of the seventh century during the period of the United @ @ @ @ @ South Korea 's Treasure No .
284 in 1963 .
Standing in an imposing posture @ @ @ @ @ centimeters , larger than any other gilt-bronze Buddhist statue manufactured during the Silla period .

(ATTN: RECASTS lead; UPDATES with more details in paras 6-8)
SEOUL, Aug. 24 (Yonhap) -- The National Museum of Korea (NMK) has purchased two rare ancient Buddhist statues that were recently put up for sale in the auction market but failed to attract bidders, according to the museum on Monday.
The state-run museum has recently purchased two statues -- the Gilt-bronze Standing Buddha and the Gilt-bronze Standing Bodhisattva -- from the Kansong Art Museum that were put up for sale at an auction in late May but failed to attract bidders, NMK said in a statement.
The Gilt-bronze Standing Buddha, dating back to the middle of the seventh century during the period of the United Silla, was designated as South Korea's Treasure No. 284 in 1963. Standing in an imposing posture, its height reaches 38 centimeters, larger than any other gilt-bronze Buddhist statue manufactured during the Silla period.
The Gilt-bronze Standing Bodhisattva made between the sixth and seventh century during the Silla Dynasty was also designated as the nation's Treasure No. 285 in 1963. The 19-cm-high statue was discovered in Geochang, southeast South Korea.
The combined price tag for the two statues was reportedly below 3 billion won (US$2.52 million). The bidding price for the two statues in late May began at 1.5 billion won each.
Amid concerns of possible overseas purchases, some cultural heritage experts have called for NMK to use state coffers to buy and preserve the two treasures at home.
NMK explained that the decision to purchase the privately owned treasures was made to carry on the heritage protection legacy of the Kansong institution with a sense of public duty.
"We plan to put on display the two treasures in the permanent exhibition hall when the museum reopens (after the COVID-19 situation comes under control)," the museum said.
This composite file photo shows the Gilt-bronze Standing Bodhisattva (L) and the Gilt-bronze Standing Buddha, two high-value ancient statues previously owned by Kansong Art Museum. The state-run National Museum of Korea recently purchased the two-rare Buddhist treasures. (Yonhap)
The purchase marked the first time that the Seoul-based Kansong Art Museum, the country's first private museum, sold off part of its collection.
Kansong Art Museum was founded by Korean businessman Jeon Hyeong-pil (1906-1962) in 1938, initially with the name Bohwagak, during the Japanese occupation of the Korean Peninsula.
The founder of the first Korean private art museum devoted his fortune to collecting Korean cultural properties, saving them from colonial Japan's plundering. The museum reportedly owns about 5,000 items, including 12 national treasures and eight treasures.
Kansong's vast collection has been preserved by the founder's descendants, including his eldest son, Jeon Seong-woo, who died in 2018 and his grandson, Jeon In-geon, who is now the director of the museum. But the sell-off plan came reportedly due to the museum's financial hardship.
This file photo shows an auctioneer presenting the Gilt-bronze Standing Bodhisattva, which was made between the sixth and seventh centuries during the Silla period, at an auction event at K Auction in southern Seoul on May 27, 2020. (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-24--S. Korea says it can end GSOMIA at any time, as mutually understood by Japan

The comments came after Japanese media reports quoted its government officials as suggesting that the General Security of Military Information @ @ @ @ @ seen as being renewed since Seoul did not notify Tokyo of any plan to terminate @ @ @ @ @ Sunday , the notification deadline .

By Kim Seung-yeon
SEOUL, Aug. 24 (Yonhap) -- South Korea can end a military intelligence-sharing agreement with Japan at any time, as the country suspended the pact's planned termination last year under that condition, the foreign ministry said Monday.
Japan has also confirmed its understanding of the condition, the ministry said.
The comments came after Japanese media reports quoted its government officials as suggesting that the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) is seen as being renewed since Seoul did not notify Tokyo of any plan to terminate it by the end of Sunday, the notification deadline.
Seoul has stressed that the Aug. 24 deadline no longer applies, as it suspended the termination decision in November last year on the premise that it can end the pact at anytime.
"Our government suspended GSOMIA's termination notice on the premise that we can terminate GSOMIA at any time, and upon the understanding between Korea and Japan, we can revive the termination process and end GSOMIA at any time," the ministry said.
"Both sides have understood that the Korean side has the right to reactivate the termination notice at any time. Both sides have confirmed this understanding."
Seoul decided to scrap GSOMIA with Tokyo in August last year in response to Japan's export curbs on key industrial materials vital to Korean tech companies amid strained ties over wartime historical issues. But it suspended the termination decision at the last minute in November, as the two sides agreed to resolve the matter through diplomacy.
South Korea has warned it can resume the termination process at any time if Japan does not retract the export control measures.
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-24--TV productions halt filming of dramas, shows as precautionary step against coronavirus

But the second season of the crime opera `` Stranger , '' which has been airing since Aug. 15 , @ @ @ @ @ Record of Youth , '' set to premiere Sept. 7 will be broadcast as scheduled @ @ @ @ @ already , Studio Dragon added .

SEOUL, Aug. 24 (Yonhap) -- South Korean TV studios and broadcasters halted productions of dramas and shows for about a week Monday amid the nationwide struggle to deal with a resurgence in novel coronavirus infections.
Studio Dragon, a drama production company owned by entertainment giant CJ ENM, suspended drama filming on the day.
"For the safety of cast and staff members of our productions, we will stop shooting of all shows from Aug. 24-31," it said in a statement Saturday. "Several dramas will be affected by the suspension."
It said the thrillers "The Flower of Evil" of tvN and "Missing: The Other Side" of OCN are subject to the temporary stoppage.
Starring Lee Joon-gi, the 16-episode "The Flower of Evil" is set to air its ninth episode Wednesday, while the 10-episode "Missing" will premiere this Saturday.
This combined image provided by tvN shows posters of "The Flower of Evil." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
But the second season of the crime opera "Stranger," which has been airing since Aug. 15, and the upcoming romance "Record of Youth," set to premiere Sept. 7 will be broadcast as scheduled as they have completed filming already, Studio Dragon added.
CJ ENM, meanwhile, said some of its productions like the reality show "Hometown Flex" and the live music show "M Countdown" will also have a one-week break starting this week.
Earlier, KBS decided to suspend drama productions for a week as part of its efforts to prevent further COVID-19 infections.
Five TV dramas, including the upcoming romantic comedy "Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol" to be first aired this Wednesday, will be put on hold.
KBS said the production halt can be extended if the COVID-19 pandemic continues further.
Global media giant Netflix has also joined the move, suspending productions of its Korean original content like "Round Six" and "All of Us Are Dead."
It said it made the decision to comply with the South Korean government's social distancing guidelines and secure the safety of its film crew.
The industrywide move came as the recent spike in coronavirus cases in South Korea has swept the entertainment circle. The country has reported around 300 confirmed cases per day for about a week, most of which were from cluster infections linked to churches.
The filming of the fantasy romantic comedy "To All The Guys Who Loved Me" on KBS has been halted since an extra was confirmed to have contracted the virus last week.
And two actors, Kim Won-hae and Heo Dong-won, starring in the same theatrical play with the infected background actor, have tested positive for COVID-19.
As a result, several actors and actresses who have directly or indirectly come in contact with the patients have been tested or are under self-quarantine, affecting productions of TV series and shows.
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-24--The Korea Interbank Offered Rates (KORIBOR)

SEOUL , Aug. 24 ( Yonhap ) -- The Korea Interbank Offered Rates ( KORIBOR ) as posted by Yonhap @ @ @ @ @ and information arm of Yonhap News Agency , at 11:00 a.m .

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


yna--2020-08-24--(News Focus) Simmering recovery signs at risk of fading on virus resurgence

However , the nation 's export-reliant economy is expected to weather the impact of the recent resurgence unless the global @ @ @ @ @ during March and April , when the first wave of the virus raged across the @ @ @ @ @

By Kim Deok-hyun
SEJONG, Aug. 24 (Yonhap) -- The recent resurgence of coronavirus infections in Seoul and the neighboring area is likely to delay a swift recovery in South Korea's consumption and job market, policymakers and analysts said Monday.
However, the nation's export-reliant economy is expected to weather the impact of the recent resurgence unless the global economy imposes lockdown measures seen during March and April, when the first wave of the virus raged across the world, they said.
South Korea reported 266 new cases of the novel coronavirus Monday, bringing the nation's total caseload to 17,665, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
Although the number of daily new infections fell below 300 for the first time in four days, it marked the 11th consecutive day of a triple-digit increase.
In early March, South Korea managed to bring massive outbreaks in the southeastern city of Daegu under control via aggressive testing, tracking and social distancing guidelines.
To battle the resurgence, the government expanded stricter social distancing rules nationwide on Sunday and is reviewing the need to raise the rules to the highest level.
This photo, taken June 1, 2020, shows piers for exports in Busan. (Yonhap)
In a report to the National Assembly, Bank of Korea Gov. Lee Ju-yeol said the pace of an economic recovery is expected to weaken, as infections have risen across the nation.
"After suffering sharp deterioration, the Korean economy showed some signs of an improvement on eased slumps in exports and consumption," Lee said. "But as virus cases have recently resurged, the economic recovery is expected to remain weak, and economic uncertainty has further heightened."
A senior government official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said a "V-shaped recovery" is unlikely to happen in the third quarter because of the recent resurgence of the coronavirus.
But the official said the resurgence is not expected to pose the major economic impact seen during late February and early March.
The pandemic has brought the global economy to a temporary standstill, dealing a severe blow to the nation's export-dependent economy.
South Korea's exports dropped for the fifth consecutive month in July, as overseas shipments collapsed, highlighting a drop in global trade volume and cross-border restrictions.
But the pace of decline slowed sharply as advanced nations lifted their coronavirus lockdowns.
In the latest sign that the decline of exports is easing, the nation's daily exports fell 3.7 percent in the first 20 days of August. Daily exports plunged by double digits between April and June.
Yonsei University's Institute of Engineering in Seoul is closed on Aug. 24, 2020, after a postgrad there tested positive for COVID-19. (Yonhap)
South Korea's exports plummeted 16.6 percent in the April-June period, marking the worst performance since 1963. The nation's economy also contracted 3.3 percent in the second quarter from three months earlier, the sharpest contraction in over two decades.
Some analysts said the nation's economy could weather the impact of the recent resurgence because advanced nations have showed no signs of imposing lockdowns again.
Kang Hyun-ju, a researcher at the Korea Capital Market Institute, said the worst-case scenario is that advanced nations impose lockdowns amid the spread of local infections.
"At this stage, it is not a situation where we should accept the scenario," Kang said.
Earlier this month, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) predicted that South Korea's economy is likely to shrink less than expected this year thanks to its successful response to the coronavirus pandemic.
In its latest report on South Korea, the OECD expected South Korea's economy to contract 0.8 percent in 2020 from a year earlier. The updated prediction marked an upgrade from its June forecast of 1.2 percent contraction and the highest growth estimate among 37 OECD member countries.
South Korea's private consumption is expected to drop 3.6 percent on-year in 2020, compared with an earlier estimate of a 4.1 percent fall. Total investment is predicted to expand 2.9 percent, a turnaround from an earlier forecast of 0.7 percent decline.
Exports, however, are projected to sink 5.7 percent this year, a downgrade from its June estimate of 2.6 percent contraction.
In late May, the BOK slashed its policy rate by a quarter percentage point to a record low of 0.50 percent in a bid to help cushion the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-24--Hyundai Heavy builds world's first LNG-powered container ship

So far , Hyundai Heavy Industries Group has won contracts to construct 44 LNG-powered bulk carries , tankers and container @ @ @ @ @ , the group delivered a very large LNG-powered oil tanker with a displacement of 114,000 @ @ @ @ @ shipyard in the world to do so .
( END )

SEOUL, Aug. 24 (Yonhap) -- Global shipbuilding giant Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) Group said Monday it has built a very large container ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) for the first time in the world.
The group said Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries Co., one of its shipbuilding units, will deliver the vessel with a capacity of 14,800 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) to Singapore's Eastern Pacific Shipping on Sept. 15.
Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries has recently completed a trial run of the ship that is 366 meters long and 51 meters wide, the group added.
This photo, provided by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) Group on Aug. 24, 2020, shows an LNG-powered container vessel with a capacity of 14,800 twenty-foot equivalent units, which was built by its shipbuilding unit Samho Heavy Industries Co. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
In April 2018, Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries clinched a deal to build six LNG-powered container ships from the Singaporean shipping company.
LNG-powered ships are considered an eco-friendly option to meet strengthened environmental regulations, but high costs have posed challenges to private shippers.
So far, Hyundai Heavy Industries Group has won contracts to construct 44 LNG-powered bulk carries, tankers and container vessels. In July 2018, the group delivered a very large LNG-powered oil tanker with a displacement of 114,000 tons, becoming the first shipyard in the world to do so.
(END)


yna--2020-08-24--(LEAD) Powerful Typhoon Bavi on path toward S. Korea, affecting Jeju Tuesday

The typhoon is forecast to pass off the west coast of the resort island of Jeju on Wednesday afternoon .
@ @ @ @ @ nearest to Seoul early Thursday and make landfall in North Korea 's Hwanghae Province later @ @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES with latest info in paras 3-5)
SEOUL, Aug. 24 (Yonhap) -- The powerful Typhoon Bavi was churning toward the Korean Peninsula on Monday from the sea south of Korea and expected to pass by the southern island of Jeju the following day.
The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said the season's eighth tropical storm, formed off the east coast of Taiwan, is currently some 270 kilometers off the west coast of Japan's Okinawa Island and traveling at about 13 kph.
As of 10 a.m. Monday, its central pressure was 980 hectopascals, with its radius of maximum wind at 280 km.
The typhoon is forecast to pass off the west coast of the resort island of Jeju on Wednesday afternoon. It is likely to move nearest to Seoul early Thursday and make landfall in North Korea's Hwanghae Province later that day.
The KMA expected the storm, currently relatively weak in power, to gain strength and peak in force at around 3 a.m. Wednesday.
As the peninsula is forecast to come under its influence from Tuesday night till Thursday, the KMA advised safety measures be put in place before it arrives.
The weather agency warned of a peak gust reaching 144-216 kph in Jeju and the west coastal regions of the Jeolla provinces Wednesday night till Thursday. The highest instantaneous wind speed can reach 126 kph in the country's south and west areas.
While its path and size can change as the typhoon approaches the peninsula, the KMA issued safety warnings of storm surges and strong winds for low-lying coastal areas that lie in the storm's path.
The country is still reeling from the aftermath of the longest rainy season on record this summer, with torrential rains and flash floods killing dozens of people and wrecking havoc on buildings, farmlands and infrastructure nationwide.
The image provided by the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) shows Typhoon Bavi's expected path. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-24--Clinging to KBO's top spot, NC Dinos set for 6-game homestand against bottom feeders

The Lotte Giants , owners of the best winning percentage in August at 11-5-1 ( wins-losses-ties ) , will also @ @ @ @ @ starting Tuesday .
And the Giants , based in Busan , just south of Changwon @ @ @ @ @ and the Eagles as well .
The Giants have been 5-3 against the Wyverns and @ @ @ @ @ 2020 .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Aug. 24 (Yonhap) -- With their lead at the top of the South Korean baseball standings cut to one game, the NC Dinos will try to bounce back during a six-game homestand this week.
Prior to their makeup game against the KT Wiz later Monday, the Dinos were nursing a one-game lead over the Kiwoom Heroes for first place in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO). The Dinos are just 6-10 this month, allowing the Heroes (13-7 in August) to all but erase the six-game gap at the end of July.
Members of the NC Dinos greet Park Sok-min (C) after Park's pinch-hit single against the Kia Tigers in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field in Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul, on Aug. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
Even the fourth-place Doosan Bears are only 3.5 games behind the Dinos.
The Dinos and the Bears will square off Thursday and Friday at Changwon NC Park in Changwon, 400 kilometers southeast of Seoul. But sandwiching that two-game series for the Dinos are meetings against the KBO's two bottom feeders, the Hanwha Eagles (Tuesday-Wednesday) and the SK Wyverns (Saturday-Sunday).
This year, the Dinos are 8-3 against the Eagles and 7-2 against the Wyverns.
The Lotte Giants, owners of the best winning percentage in August at 11-5-1 (wins-losses-ties), will also play six straight home games starting Tuesday. And the Giants, based in Busan, just south of Changwon, will host the Wyverns and the Eagles as well. The Giants have been 5-3 against the Wyverns and 6-3 against the Eagles in 2020.
The Giants currently occupy sixth place, 1.5 games back of the KT Wiz for the fifth and final playoff spot.
The Wiz, the Giants and the seventh-place Kia Tigers, who ended their five-game slide Sunday, are within two games of one another.
Lee Dae-ho of the Lotte Giants (2nd from R) is greeted at home plate after hitting a grand slam against the Samsung Lions in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Daegu Samsung Lions Park in Daegu, 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on Aug. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
The Heroes, meanwhile, have issues of their own, as they have closed to within half a game of the Dinos earlier this month without quite getting over the top.
They'll be without their No. 1 starter Eric Jokisch and setup man An Woo-jin for about two weeks.
Jokisch, who complained of shoulder pains after playing catch before Sunday's game, joins another starter Choi Won-tae on the sidelines.
An tweaked his back during Saturday's game.
The Heroes have had to deal with injuries all season. Another key starter, Jake Brigham, missed the early portion of the season with an elbow strain. Jokisch had already missed a few days earlier in August with a bone bruise on his left shoulder. Among position players, the Heroes are without first baseman Park Byung-ho (hand) and outfielder Lim Byeong-wuk (hamstring).
Members of the Kiwoom Heroes celebrate their 6-5 victory over the LG Twins in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Aug. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)