yna--2020-06-09--Convenience stores' competition for delivery services rises amid non-contact trend

BGF Retail Co. , which operates the convenience store chain CU , introduced its delivery service for the first time @ @ @ @ @ 2019 after partnering with food delivery app Yogiyo .
Currently , about 5,000 CU outlets @ @ @ @ @

By Kim Soo-yeon
SEOUL, June 9 (Yonhap) -- Convenience store operators in South Korea are racing to beef up delivery services as a rise in the number of one-person households and the new coronavirus outbreak have raised demand for door-to-door services.
Having an upper hand over major discount stores in terms of consumer accessibility, convenient stores are tapping delivery services as an additional sales channel amid the non-contact trend.
BGF Retail Co., which operates the convenience store chain CU, introduced its delivery service for the first time in the industry in April 2019 after partnering with food delivery app Yogiyo. Currently, about 5,000 CU outlets nationwide provide the service.
This undated photo, provided by BGF Retail, shows a deliveryman and a staffer demonstrating the delivery service provided by the group's convenience store chain CU. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
In March, BGF Retail also partnered with Naver, the operator of the country's No. 1 internet portal, to accelerate delivery services.
In May, the number of consumers using its delivery services rose more than tenfold compared with the previous year, according to data provided by the company.
In the March-May period, when the country's new virus cases spiked, the number of such deliveries jumped nearly 60 percent from a year earlier.
"As more companies adopted remote working systems amid the COVID-19 pandemic, people appeared to use our delivery service as they stayed at home longer," said an official at BGF Retail.
Non-face-to-face consumption has become a trend in South Korea, as the virus outbreak has prompted more people to use online shopping to avoid infection risks.
A rise in the number of one-person households has also boosted demand for food purchases at convenience stores, as people can eat relatively good full meals at affordable prices.
Households consisting of a single member totaled 5.85 million in 2018, accounting for nearly 30 percent of all households in the country, according to the statistics agency.
This undated photo, provided by GS Retail, shows a deliveryman carrying packages for delivery services provided by convenience store GS25. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Other major convenience store chains have been strengthening delivery services in the highly competitive market.
In May, GS Retail Co., which runs convenience store chain GS25, partnered with Kakao Corp., the operator of the country's top mobile messenger KakaoTalk, to expand the delivery platform.
Last year, the retail business arm of GS Group launched delivery service at around 10 outlets on the Yogiyo platform before starting to provide full services at around 1,200 stores across the nation in March.
Smaller rivals 7-Eleven and E-Mart 24 have jumped on the bandwagon to deliver food and daily necessities.
"When I worked at home at the height of the pandemic, I ordered snacks several times. A delivery fee appears reasonable, considering I don't have to put on clothes and a facial mask and walk to a convenience store," said a 31-year-old man, surnamed Kang.
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-09--Ex-US envoy Lippert to head YouTube's Asia-Pacific regional policy

Lippert -- who had served as the last U.S. ambassador to Seoul under former President Barack Obama -- was appointed @ @ @ @ @ and public policy of YouTube Asia Pacific as of last month , according to Google @ @ @ @ @

By Kim Han-joo
SEOUL, June 9 (Yonhap) -- Mark Lippert, former U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, has been named to head regional policy of video streaming service YouTube in the Asia-Pacific region, tech giant Google Inc. said Tuesday.
Lippert -- who had served as the last U.S. ambassador to Seoul under former President Barack Obama -- was appointed as director, government affairs and public policy of YouTube Asia Pacific as of last month, according to Google -- which owns YouTube.
This Yonhap file photo shows Mark Lippert, former U.S. Ambassador to South Korea. (Yonhap)
Lippert, stationed in Google's Asia-Pacific headquarters in Singapore, is responsible for overseeing various government policies of Asian countries, including South Korea, Google said.
Google said Lippert has experience in policies and high understanding of the Asian region, making him fit to represent YouTube's various public policy strategies.
He will be working closely with legislators of the Asia-Pacific region, considered the fastest-growing market for the tech giant, it said.
Lippert became the youngest U.S. ambassador to South Korea in October 2014.
After serving a three-year term, he served as both vice president for Boeing International and senior advisor for the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


KOSDAQ 756.02 UP 2.98 points (open)

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


yna--2020-06-09--U.N. expert voices concern over N.K. food shortages amid pandemic

`` Lack of food had a devastating impact in the DPRK in the 1990s , and prospects of a further @ @ @ @ @ widespread food insecurity are alarming , '' he said in a statement .
DPRK stands @ @ @ @ @ name , the Democratic People 's Republic of Korea .

SEOUL, June 9 (Yonhap) -- A U.N. special rapporteur on North Korea's human rights situation expressed concerns over the communist nation's food shortages Tuesday, saying the country's border closure due to the new coronavirus has exacerbated its already dire conditions.
Tomas Ojea Quintana urged the United Nations to reconsider sanctions imposed on the country, citing reports of an increase in the number of homeless people and a surge in medicine prices in the North. He also called on Pyongyang to allow humanitarian groups' activities.
"Lack of food had a devastating impact in the DPRK in the 1990s, and prospects of a further deepening of food shortages and widespread food insecurity are alarming," he said in a statement. DPRK stands for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
North Korea's decision to shut down its border with China in January to prevent the COVID-19 from getting into the country has devastated cross-border trade and sapped income from merchants, Quintana said.
A Seoul official earlier said the North is presumed to be facing a shortage of around 860,000 tons of grain this year.
"The crisis highlights the economic hardships facing North Koreans, and the detrimental impact of sanctions on the fulfillment of basic economic and social rights," Quintana said.
The U.N. expert also urged the North to release inmates in vulnerable health conditions to prevent the spread of the virus.
Quintana took up the post as the special rapporteur on North Korea in 2016, but the North has not approved his multiple requests to visit the country.
In this file photo, taken on June 21, 2019, Tomas Ojea Quintana, the U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in North Korea, speaks during a news conference in Seoul. (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-09--FM says privacy concerns in fight against virus 'overblown'

`` I think the concern over the privacy of the patient is rather overblown .
Because , what is shared @ @ @ @ @ the location and time of the places along the trajectory of a patient , without @ @ @ @ @ , occupation or address , '' she said .

SEOUL, June 9 (Yonhap) -- Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha said Tuesday concerns about possible breach of patients' privacy in South Korea in the process of containing the new coronavirus are exaggerated.
Kang made the remark during a web seminar hosted by the Embassy of Sweden in Seoul and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, noting that promptly sharing what the government knows about the virus situation was key to earning public trust in combating COVID-19.
"I think the concern over the privacy of the patient is rather overblown. Because, what is shared through the alerts is only the location and time of the places along the trajectory of a patient, without indicating his or her name, occupation or address," she said.
South Korea sends alerts to smartphones about positive cases under a law that stipulates the public's right to know about health risks that could affect them.
Critics said that such a policy could lead to infringement of patients' privacy rights.
"Public trust in the government translated into civic participation and cooperation in the stringent social distancing measures and other guidances advised by the government," she said. That trust led to the highest voter turnout in nearly three decades during the general elections held in April in the midst of the pandemic, she added.
South Korea reported 38 new cases of the virus on Tuesday, raising the total caseload to 11,852. The curve has recently turned upwards again due to cluster infections reported in the Seoul metropolitan area.
This image shows a webinar on the new coronavirus under way on June 9, 2020. Second from the right is Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-09--Comprehensive research on DMZ's cultural, natural heritage begins

The research by a 55-member panel , consisting of researchers from the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage , and @ @ @ @ @ provinces , was first conducted at the village of Daeseong-dong , the only civilian habitation @ @ @ @ @ the DMZ on May 26 .

SEOUL, June 9 (Yonhap) -- A group of cultural and natural heritage experts has launched comprehensive research on the various resources inside the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), officials said Tuesday, as part of efforts to promote the area as a global peace zone.
The research by a 55-member panel, consisting of researchers from the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, and experts from Gyeonggi and Gangwon provinces, was first conducted at the village of Daeseong-dong, the only civilian habitation within the southern portion of the DMZ on May 26.
The DMZ, which cuts across the middle of the peninsula, is a buffer zone between the North and South, roughly 250 kilometers long and 4 kilometers wide.
This photo, provided by the Cultural Heritage Administration on June 9, 2020, shows a piece of chipped stone implements discovered at Daeseong-dong, the only civilian habitation within the southern portion of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas. A panel of experts will conduct comprehensive research on the DMZ's cultural and natural heritage until May 2021. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
During the four-day survey, the panel unearthed two pieces of chipped stone implements from the southern part of town. They have also discovered several earthenware and pieces of roof tiles presumed to be either from the Goryeo or Joseon era.
Researchers also confirmed that ancient earthen fortifications in the western part of Daeseong-dong were fairly intact.
"We believe further discoveries could be made from a joint inter-Korean survey, since there have been discoveries of paleolithic ruins in the valley of Imjin River," the institute said.
The project is part of the 2018 inter-Korean summit deal on the peaceful use of the DMZ and Seoul's plan to turn the no man's land into a global peace zone.
It is also the first step in South Korea's efforts to jointly inscribe the DMZ on the list of U.N.-designated world heritage sites.
The research marked the first occasion in which the Seoul government carried out cultural research on the DMZ in nearly 70 years, since the DMZ was formed under an armistice agreement after the 1950-53 Korean War.
The research on DMZ's cultural and natural resources will continue until May 2021.
This photo, provided by the Cultural Heritage Administration on June 9, 2020, shows artifacts discovered at Daeseong-dong, the only civilian habitation within the southern portion of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas. A panel of experts will conduct comprehensive research on the DMZ's cultural and natural heritages until May 2021. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-09--(LEAD) Gov't to get tough with individuals who don't cooperate with coronavirus tracing

`` If transmissions are confirmed in places where quarantine rules were violated or ( someone ) is found to have @ @ @ @ @ , ( the government ) should proactively review exercising the right to indemnity ( to @ @ @ @ @ quarantine costs ( reimbursed ) , '' Chung said at the opening of the meeting @ @ @ @ @ , justice and labor ministers , as well as the head of the national center @ @ @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES throughout with results of meeting; TRIMS prime minister's remarks)
SEOUL, June 9 (Yonhap) -- As part of efforts to prevent the further spread of cluster infections of the new coronavirus in the greater Seoul area, the government said Tuesday it will deal sternly with individuals who don't cooperate with epidemiological surveys or quarantine efforts.
The plan was unveiled during an emergency meeting of government offices related with the COVID-19 response, presided over by Prime Minister Chung Se-kyun.
The justice ministry reported during the meeting that individuals who deliberately reject epidemiological surveys or obstruct the government's quarantine efforts will be criminally investigated while in custody, according to the prime minister's office.
Those who make more than three "habitual" false reports on virus outbreaks will also be detained for investigation, as will those whose false reports lead to unnecessary dispatch of a large group of virus response workers.
The meeting came as the country is grappling with a series of cluster infections in Seoul and its adjacent cities.
On Tuesday, South Korea reported 38 new infections, including 35 locally transmitted cases. Of the local infections, all but two were from the greater capital area, traced to an e-commerce warehouse, a door-to-door business retailer and religious gatherings.
Under the strengthened measures, the National Police Agency will also step in to order its main regional investigation divisions to enforce anti-infection rules on disobedient nightlife businesses or illegal business operators, the office also said.
According to the police agency, a total of 707 people have been probed for violating contagious disease control and quarantine rules in connection with COVID-19. 282 of them have been formally indicted while six were put in custody for "maliciously and habitually" neglecting self-quarantine orders.
During the meeting, the prime minister also ordered the ministers to "proactively" consider filing indemnity suits against those who violate COVID-19 quarantine measures and cause spread of COVID-19.
"If transmissions are confirmed in places where quarantine rules were violated or (someone) is found to have caused spread of the virus, (the government) should proactively review exercising the right to indemnity (to have) the treatment or quarantine costs (reimbursed)," Chung said at the opening of the meeting attended by finance, health, justice and labor ministers, as well as the head of the national center for disease control.
The prime minister warned that quarantine violations are "serious issues that could jeopardize the government's prevention efforts and pose threats to the safety of the social community."
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun presides over an emergency meeting of government ministers on efforts to contain new coronavirus outbreaks in the greater capital area on June 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-09--(LEAD) KBO's career saves leader eligible to return from gambling suspension Tuesday

Oh said he himself wants to find out how well his stuff will work against KBO hitters .
In his @ @ @ @ @ Oh could get by mostly with his heavy fastball .
He 's closer to 40 @ @ @ @ @ his fastball may not have quite the same zip , though Oh said he touched @ @ @ @ @ 91.3 miles per hour ) during April 's preseason .
He averaged 91.1 mph with @ @ @ @ @ in 2019 and 91.6 mph a year before that .

(ATTN: ADDS comments in paras 7-13, photo)
By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, June 9 (Yonhap) -- The greatest closer in South Korean baseball will be eligible to return from a gambling suspension Tuesday.
Oh Seung-hwan of the Samsung Lions, the all-time saves leader in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) with 277, has served his 72-game suspension, stemming from an overseas gambling conviction. The KBO handed down the ban in 2016 after Oh received a court fine for gambling. The half-season suspension kicked in when Oh rejoined the Lions last August after getting released by the Colorado Rockies.
Oh Seung-hwan of the Samsung Lions stretches before practice at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on June 2, 2020. (Yonhap)
Oh, 37, pitched for the Lions from 2005 to 2013, before spending the next two years with the Hanshin Tigers in Japan and then parts of four seasons in the majors with the Rockies, the Toronto Blue Jays and the St. Louis Cardinals.
In his first tour of duty in the KBO, Oh had a 1.69 ERA over 510 1/3 innings. He also owns the single season saves record with 47, which he set in 2006 and matched in 2011.
The Lions will host the Kiwoom Heroes for a three-game series starting Tuesday evening at Daegu Samsung Lions Park in Daegu, 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul. They'll have another three-game series at home starting Friday, against the KT Wiz.
The stadium opened in 2016, and Oh has never pitched there. His most recent KBO appearance came on Oct. 2, 2013.
Oh Seung-hwan of the Samsung Lions speaks at a press conference at Daegu Samsung Lions Park in Daegu, 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on June 9, 2020, ahead of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game against the Kiwoom Heroes. (Yonhap)
In a pregame press conference at his home stadium Tuesday, Oh said he has his work cut out against much-improved KBO hitters.
"I think Korean batters are hitting with more power than in the past, when I was pitching here the first time around," Oh said. "Contact hitters have become even better at putting balls in play. I have to work hard every day to be a competitive pitcher."
Oh said he wanted to face "young and talented hitters," and singled out Lee Jung-hoo of the Kiwoom Heroes and Kang Baek-ho of the KT Wiz, the Rookie of the Year winners from 2017 and 2018. Lee is a premium contact hitter who batted .338 over his first three seasons and is batting .356 this season. Kang belted out 29 home runs as a rookie and had five home runs in 14 games this year before going down with a wrist injury. He's set to return to the lineup Tuesday.
Oh said he himself wants to find out how well his stuff will work against KBO hitters. In his first tour of duty, Oh could get by mostly with his heavy fastball. He's closer to 40 than 30 now, and his fastball may not have quite the same zip, though Oh said he touched 147 kilometers per hour (91.3 miles per hour) during April's preseason. He averaged 91.1 mph with his four-seamers in the majors in 2019 and 91.6 mph a year before that.
"In Japan and the majors, I mixed in sliders and changeups," Oh said. "I'll be throwing more breaking balls in Korea, too."
Oh once again apologized for his past mishap and said he'd accept whatever criticism that comes his way.
"I'll try to be an exemplary player and try not to get into trouble again," Oh said.
Oh started traveling with the Lions last week and threw a bullpen session while they were in Seoul. Samsung manager Huh Sam-young has said he won't throw Oh into the fire right away, and he will instead ease the right-hander back into action.
"The best-case scenario for us is to have him on the mound with a comfortable lead," Huh said last week.
Eventually, though, Oh will take over as the closer. Woo Kyu-min has done an admirable job in Oh's absence, recording four saves and posting a 3.86 ERA over 9 1/3 innings. The Lions have the second-lowest bullpen ERA in the league with 4.50, and opponents have slugged .379 against their bullpen, the best mark in the KBO.
He pitched in some spring training games with the Lions this year, but his last competitive game came with the Rockies on May 30 last year. He went on the 10-day injured list on June 10 with a left abdominal strain and then was ruled out for the season on July 16 with a right elbow injury.
Oh returned to South Korea in August to undergo an operation. He spent a big chunk of his 72-game ban rehabbing the elbow.
Oh Seung-hwan of the Samsung Lions puts on his cap during practice at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on June 2, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-09--Most schools closed due to COVID-19 located in capital area

Since the reopening of schools began last month , the ministry has braced itself for a potential outbreak at schools @ @ @ @ @ the virus from spreading among school children by putting in place a rigorous tracing and @ @ @ @ @ giving autonomy to schools to quickly decide on closures in case of an emergency .

SEOUL, June 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korea saw 520 schools nationwide closed Tuesday as a precautionary measure to prevent the new coronavirus from spreading.
While the number remained lower than a daily peak of more than 830 last month, health and educational authorities are concerned that most of the affected schools were located in the densely populated Seoul and its adjacent cities.
The Ministry of Education said 520 schools had shut down as of 10 a.m. Tuesday, a day after the country wrapped up its four-phased reopening of schools that began less than three weeks ago.
The tally accounted for 2.5 percent of the nation's total 20,902 schools, including kindergartens.
Among them, 509 schools, or 98 percent, were in the capital area that refers to Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province.
Students arrive at a middle school in Seoul on June 8, 2020, when South Korea implemented the fourth phase of school reopening for middle school first graders and elementary school fifth and sixth graders. (Yonhap)
Meanwhile, the ministry breathed a sigh of relief Tuesday, as no infections were reported in connection with a high school COVID-19 patient who visited Lotte World Adventure, a popular leisure destination among young children in Seoul.
The ministry said all 769 students and staff at Wonmook High School in the northwest ward of Jungnang in Seoul tested negative for the virus.
The student went to the country's biggest indoor amusement park Friday with three friends and tested positive Sunday.
Upon hearing the news, the authorities tested 138 people for the virus, who were considered at higher risk of infection, on the same day.
The next day, a temporary testing site was set up at the school where the remaining 631 people were tested for the coronavirus.
The high school remains closed until Wednesday.
Since the reopening of schools began last month, the ministry has braced itself for a potential outbreak at schools. It has prioritized preventing the virus from spreading among school children by putting in place a rigorous tracing and testing program at schools and giving autonomy to schools to quickly decide on closures in case of an emergency.
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-09--(2nd LD) S. Korean kidnapped by pirates off Gabon released unharmed

A total of 18 crewmen had been aboard two ships when the pirates attacked them and forced the vessels to @ @ @ @ @ , an island that belongs to Equatorial Guinea .
The pirates then took off on @ @ @ @ @ six of them while releasing the rest .

(ATTN: ADDS more details in paras 2-4)
SEOUL, June 9 (Yonhap) -- A South Korean national kidnapped off the coast of Gabon last month has been released unharmed, Seoul's foreign ministry said Tuesday.
The man in his 50s was among six crew members abducted after unidentified pirates attacked two Senegal-flagged fishing boats near the Gabonese capital of Libreville in West Africa in early May.
He was freed on Monday evening (Gabon time), along with the five others of Indonesian and Senegalese nationalities, and they are all in good health, the ministry said. The shipping firm has reportedly paid a ransom.
The South Korean remains in a secure place offered by the South Korean mission in Nigeria and should be able to return home as early as this week when a flight is arranged, the ministry added.
His family has also been informed of his release.
"We are fortunate that the kidnapping incident was resolved safely, especially thanks to the family who has trusted and supported the government and the shipping company with strong patience," a ministry official said.
A total of 18 crewmen had been aboard two ships when the pirates attacked them and forced the vessels to travel further north to Corisco, an island that belongs to Equatorial Guinea. The pirates then took off on a speedboat with only the six of them while releasing the rest.
The ministry had been working with the governments of other countries, such as France and the United States, to track down the kidnappers and locate their whereabouts.
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-09--(2nd LD) S. Korea's military hotline calls to N. Korea unanswered after severance warning

The communist country warned that the cut-off is `` the first step of the determination to completely shut down all @ @ @ @ @ and get rid of unnecessary things , '' vowing to turn its work toward the @ @ @ @ @ against an enemy , '' according to the North 's official Korean Central News Agency @ @ @ @ @ .

(ATTN: ADDS latest info, details on UNC's hotline in paras 4, 11-12)
SEOUL, June 9 (Yonhap) -- North Korea did not answer South Korea's phone calls via their military hotlines Tuesday, the defense ministry said, after the North vowed to sever all communication lines with the South in its first step against what it called an "enemy."
Earlier in the day, North Korea said it will "completely" close the inter-Korean liaison line, as well as hotlines between their militaries and presidential offices, at noon Tuesday in protest against Seoul's failure to stop defectors from sending anti-Pyongyang leaflets into the North.
"North Korea did not answer our calls via the military communication lines this morning," defense ministry spokesperson Choi Hyun-soo said, adding that it is the first time that the North did not respond since the hotlines were restored in 2018.
The defense ministry later said the North also did not answer its second regular phone call Tuesday.
The military authorities of the two Koreas had regular telephone calls twice a day -- at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. -- via their eastern and western communication lines until Monday, though the North did not pick up the South's morning liaison office call that day.
"We will continue to monitor the situation," Choi said, refusing to reveal details.
The military hotlines are meant to prevent accidental military clashes between the two Koreas. The west coast communication line, in particular, was used to send notices to the North Korean side.
The communist country also did not respond to the South's contact via their ship-to-ship radio links in the day, according to the official. The inter-Korean maritime communication was also restored in 2018 after a decade of being severed.
This undated file photo shows a South Korean officer using a military hotline with North Korea. (Yonhap)
The severance came after Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of leader Kim Jong-un, on Friday threatened to scrap an inter-Korean tension-reduction military agreement signed in 2018 and to halt other inter-Korean projects, such as the liaison office and a joint factory park in the border town of Kaesong, if the South fails to prevent activists from flying anti-Pyongyang leaflets across the border.
The communist country warned that the cut-off is "the first step of the determination to completely shut down all contact means with South Korea and get rid of unnecessary things," vowing to turn its work toward the South "into the one against an enemy," according to the North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Tuesday.
The U.S.-led United Nations Command (UNC) has not responded to Yonhap News Agency's request for confirmation as to whether the command maintains its hotline with the North Korean military.
UNC earlier said that it uses the line twice per day for communication checks, and the two sides exchanged over 130 messages last year via the hotline. The command enforces the armistice agreement that halted the 1950-53 Korean War.
Members of Fighters for Free North Korea, an organization of defectors from North Korea, send balloons carrying anti-North leaflets across the border from the South Korean border city of Paju, in this file photo from April 2, 2016. (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

`` Yes , we are closely communicating with the U.S. side at all times .
I believe such communication is @ @ @ @ @ 's major roles , '' ministry spokesperson Kim In-chul said when asked if Seoul discussed @ @ @ @ @ and Beijing .

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Tuesday.
----------------
(4th LD) N.K. refuses to answer calls from S. Korea at noon after vowing to sever all phone lines
SEOUL -- North Korea did not answer daily phone calls from South Korea via liaison and military hotlines on Tuesday after vowing to cut off all inter-Korean communication lines in anger over anti-Pyongyang leaflets sent from the South.
The decision to sever all phone lines at noon Tuesday was the latest in a series of angry protests the communist nation has made since last week while blasting Seoul for failing to stop North Korean defectors from sending propaganda leaflets criticizing Pyongyang's leadership.
----------------
(LEAD) S. Korea 'closely communicating' with U.S. about N.K. decision to sever all inter-Korean phone lines
SEOUL -- South Korea is closely consulting with the United States about North Korea's decision to sever all communication channels with the South, the foreign ministry said Tuesday.
"Yes, we are closely communicating with the U.S. side at all times. I believe such communication is one of the foreign ministry's major roles," ministry spokesperson Kim In-chul said when asked if Seoul discussed the current situation with Washington and Beijing.
----------------
Cheong Wa Dae plays it low-key over N. Korea's threat of cutting all lines of communication
SEOUL -- The office of President Moon Jae-in refused Tuesday to issue its own statement on North Korea's officially stated threat to sever all inter-Korean communication channels and regard South Korea as an enemy.
"The government has already expressed its position (on the matter) via the Ministry of Unification," a Cheong Wa Dae official told reporters.
----------------
(3rd LD) S. Korea faces growing risk of virus spike in greater Seoul, cluster infections in focus
SEOUL -- South Korea is teetering on the brink of losing momentum in its virus fight, as cluster infections in the Seoul metropolitan area could fuel further community spread amid eased social distancing, health authorities warned Tuesday.
The country added 38 new cases, including 35 local infections, raising the total caseload to 11,852, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC). It marked daily new cases of below 40 for the second straight day, and a decrease from 57 cases a day earlier and 51 on Saturday.
----------------
(3rd LD) Court rejects arrest warrant for Samsung heir Lee in succession probe
SEOUL -- A court in Seoul early Tuesday refused to issue an arrest warrant for Samsung Group's de facto leader, Lee Jae-yong, who is under investigation over succession-related allegations.
The Seoul Central District Court turned down the prosecution's request to put Lee, vice chairman of Samsung Electronics, behind bars, citing that there is not sufficient probable cause for his arrest.
----------------
(LEAD) S. Korean kidnapped by pirates off Gabon released: foreign ministry
SEOUL -- A South Korean national kidnapped off the coast of Gabon last month has been released unharmed, Seoul's foreign ministry said Tuesday.
The man in his 50s was among six crew members abducted after unidentified pirates attacked their fishing boats near the Gabonese capital of Libreville in West Africa in early May.
----------------
Heat wave advisory issued for Seoul
SEOUL -- The season's first heat wave advisory was issued in Seoul on Tuesday, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), as the nation continues to grapple with scorching temperatures.
The KMA said the heat wave advisory was put into effect at 11 a.m. in eastern Seoul, marking the first heat wave advisory for the capital this year.
----------------
(LEAD) HDC wants to renegotiate Asiana acquisition due to increased debt
SEOUL -- HDC Hyundai Development Co., a major construction company here, on Tuesday called for a renegotiation with the creditors of Asiana Airlines Inc. over its planned acquisition of the country's No. 2 airline due to a sharp rise in debts and the growing impact of the new coronavirus on the airline industry.
In December, HDC Hyundai Development formed a consortium with major financial group Mirae Asset Daewoo to sign a deal to acquire a 30.77 percent stake in Asiana from Kumho Asiana Group, as well as new shares to be issued and Asiana's six affiliates, for 2.5 trillion won (US$2.2 billion).
----------------
(LEAD) Seoul stocks extend rally to 8th session, won sharply up
SEOUL -- South Korean stocks closed higher Tuesday, extending a winning streak to an eighth consecutive session on hopes for economic recovery and ahead of the Fed meeting this week. The Korean won sharply rose against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 4.63 points, or 0.21 percent, to close at 2,188.92. Trading volume was high at about 805.3 million shares worth some 14.5 trillion won (US$12.1 billion), with losers outnumbering gainers 473 to 366.
(END)


yna--2020-06-09--(LEAD) Cheong Wa Dae plays it low-key over N. Korea's threat of cutting all lines of communication

When the hotline was set up , Cheong Wa Dae said working-level officials of the two sides had a brief @ @ @ @ @ .
But there has been no announcement of Moon and Kim having ever talked to @ @ @ @ @ phone line .
Thus , it has been considered by many as largely symbolic .

(ATTN: UPDATES with more remarks, details on Moon-Kim hotline in 2nd para, paras 5-7; ADDS byline)
By Lee Chi-dong
SEOUL, June 9 (Yonhap) -- The office of President Moon Jae-in refused Tuesday to issue its own statement on North Korea's officially stated threat to sever all inter-Korean communication channels and regard South Korea as an enemy.
"The government has already expressed its position (on the matter) via the Ministry of Unification," a Cheong Wa Dae official told reporters. "(I) would like you to refer to that."
It represents the government's "unified" stance, and Cheong Wa Dae has no plan to issue its own statement, he added on the customary condition of anonymity.
A separate National Security Council (NSC) session has not been convened either in connection with the North's latest move, according to the official.
Repeatedly asked about whether, or how often, the hotline between Moon and the North's leader Kim Jong-un, established in 2018, has been used, he said it's "difficult" to confirm such an issue concerning "communication between the leaders of the South and the North."
When the hotline was set up, Cheong Wa Dae said working-level officials of the two sides had a brief phone conversation to test it. But there has been no announcement of Moon and Kim having ever talked to each other through the direct phone line. Thus, it has been considered by many as largely symbolic.
In an early morning statement carried by the Korean Central News Agency on Tuesday, North Korea said it is pulling the plug on all communication lines with South Korea, including the summit-level hotline.
It also announced a decision to turn the work toward the South into "the one against an enemy." It cited the Moon administration's failure to stop activists from sending anti-Pyongyang propaganda leaflets via balloons across the border.
Hours later, an official at the Ministry of Unification read out a statement for media that inter-Korean phone or fax lines should be kept alive as a "basic means of communication."
Cheong Wa Dae's low-profile approach to Pyongyang's renewed threat marks a contrast to its practice of taking the initiative in handling issues related to the communist neighbor.
Moon played a pivotal role in initiating the now-stalled Korea peace process. He has vowed publicly to push for an improvement in Seoul-Pyongyang relations and the resumption of joint projects despite no progress in denuclearization talks involving Washington.
President Moon Jae-in speaks during a weekly Cabinet meeting at Cheong Wa Dae on June 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-09--(LEAD) S. Korean kidnapped by pirates off Gabon released: foreign ministry

(ATTN: ADDS more details in paras 3, 5-7)
SEOUL, June 9 (Yonhap) -- A South Korean national kidnapped off the coast of Gabon last month has been released unharmed, Seoul's foreign ministry said Tuesday.
The man in his 50s was among six crew members abducted after unidentified pirates attacked their fishing boats near the Gabonese capital of Libreville in West Africa in early May.
He was freed on Monday evening (Gabon time), along with the five others of Indonesian and Senegalese nationalities, and they are all in good health, the ministry said.
The South Korean remains in a secure place offered by the South Korean mission in Nigeria and will return home as soon as a flight is arranged, the ministry added.
His family has also been informed of his release.
"We are fortunate that the kidnapping incident was resolved safely, especially thanks to the family who has trusted and supported the government and the shipping company with strong patience," a ministry official said.
A total of 18 crewmen had been aboard two ships when the pirates attacked them and forced the vessels to travel further north to Corisco, an island that belongs to Equatorial Guinea. The pirates then took off on a speedboat with only the six of them while releasing the rest.
The ministry had been working with the governments of other countries, such as France and the United States, to track down the kidnappers and locate their whereabouts.
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-09--(LEAD) Seoul stocks extend rally to 8th session, won sharply up

SEOUL , June 9 ( Yonhap ) -- South Korean stocks closed higher Tuesday , extending a winning streak to @ @ @ @ @ hopes for economic recovery and ahead of the Fed meeting this week .
The Korean @ @ @ @ @ U.S. dollar .

(ATTN: ADDS bond yields at bottom, photo)
SEOUL, June 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks closed higher Tuesday, extending a winning streak to an eighth consecutive session on hopes for economic recovery and ahead of the Fed meeting this week. The Korean won sharply rose against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 4.63 points, or 0.21 percent, to close at 2,188.92. Trading volume was high at about 805.3 million shares worth some 14.5 trillion won (US$12.1 billion), with losers outnumbering gainers 473 to 366.
Electronic signboards at a Hana Bank trading room in Seoul show the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) up 4.63 points, or 0.21 percent, to close at 1,197.70 on June 9, 2020, while the Korean won rose against the U.S. dollar. (Yonhap)
The KOSPI extended gains every session since May 29, tracking Wall Street backed by hopes of a quick economic rebound from the coronavirus pandemic.
Market expectations ran high over the upcoming U.S. Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, set for June 9-10 (New York time).
The FOMC has indicated that it will announce a set of additional stimulus measures to buoy the coronavirus-hit economy.
Institutions sold a net 396 billion won, and foreigners offloaded a net 21.2 billion won. Individuals purchased a net 411 billion won.
In Seoul, large caps finished mixed.
Samsung affiliates ended in positive terrain after a Seoul court rejected an arrest warrant for the heir of Samsung Group, which accounts for more than 20 percent of the main index's total market cap.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics gained 1.09 percent to 55,500 won, while No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix shed 1.32 percent to 89,800 won.
Leading pharmaceutical firm Samsung Biologics added 1.81 percent to 676,000 won, but top chemical firm LG Chem slid 0.35 percent to 432,500 won.
Top automaker Hyundai Motor lost 0.88 percent to 112,000 won.
The local currency closed at 1,197.70 won per dollar, up 7.10 won from the previous session's close.
Bond prices, which move inversely to yields, closed higher. The yield on three-year Treasurys lost 4.1 basis points to 0.861 percent, and the return on the benchmark five-year government bond slipped 5.7 basis points to 1.134 percent.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-09--Moon hails S. Korea's LNG barge contract with Russia

The president was quoted as saying that the deal is `` good news '' to remind the world that South @ @ @ @ @ top competitiveness in the LNG barge sector .

SEOUL, June 9 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in has welcomed the news of a South Korean shipbuilder's contract with a Russian company to construct two huge liquefied natural gas (LNG) barges, saying the deal reflects South Korea's competitiveness in the field, Moon's office said Tuesday.
Moon received a report on the 900-billion-won (US$748 million) deal, under which Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. will build two 360,000-cbm LNG barges for a Russian shipper, Cheong Wa Dae deputy spokesman Yoon Jae-kwan said at a press briefing.
The president was quoted as saying that the deal is "good news" to remind the world that South Korea has the world's top competitiveness in the LNG barge sector.
It marks the first time that South Korea has won LNG barge orders from Russia, Yoon pointed out.
It's "even more meaningful" that the contract was based on increased trust in South Korea's ship-producing technology following the delivery of 15 ice-breaking LNG carriers to Russia, the official added.
Last week, Daewoo and two other South Korean shipbuilders -- Hyundai Heavy Industries and Samsung Heavy Industries -- clinched a deal with Qatar to build 100 LNG vessels.
Yoon described it as signaling the revival of the country's shipbuilding industry.
Cheong Wa Dae deputy spokesman Yoon Jae-kwan holds a press briefing in this undated file photo. (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-09--(LEAD) Ministers visit Air Force unit at forefront of military's tech-based reform

With new technologies , the military will be able to create a 3-D video of a 10-square-kilometer area with 100 @ @ @ @ @ a drastic cut from the current system that requires some 300 hours , officials said @ @ @ @ @ to establish the new system by October this year .

(ATTN: CHANGES photo)
SEOUL, June 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's defense and science ministers on Tuesday visited an Air Force unit that has been developed as a "test bed" for the military's reform with cutting-edge technologies, the defense ministry said.
The visit to the 20th Fighter Wing in Seosan, some 150 kilometers south of Seoul, by Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo and Science Minister Choi Ki-young came as a series of projects are under way at the base to transform the forces into a smaller yet smarter military.
Systems under development range from digital control towers using AI and AR technologies to unmanned vehicles for the transportation of troops and equipment, as well as surveillance robots for guard duties, according to the ministry.
During the visit, the ministers also observed a new training program for pilots using a 3-D video to simulate a combat situation based on drone and satellite images.
With new technologies, the military will be able to create a 3-D video of a 10-square-kilometer area with 100 buildings in 90 minutes, a drastic cut from the current system that requires some 300 hours, officials said. The Air Force plans to establish the new system by October this year.
"By establishing a smart unit based on new technologies of the fourth industrial revolution, such as AI and big data, all ongoing circumstances within a base and operational situations will become visible to commanders in real time," Jeong said.
Choi said the science ministry will continue its support for the military to build more "smart" units.
Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo (R) and Science Minister Choi Ki-young (C) experience an augmented reality (AR) command and control platform during their visit to the 20th Fighter Wing in Seosan, South Chungcheong Province, on June 9, 2020, in this photo provided by the defense ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-09--Korea Shipbuilding wins order for 2 petrochemical carriers

The two 50,000-ton vessels will be built by Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co. , a subsidiary of Korea Shipbuilding , starting @ @ @ @ @ they will be delivered to a European company by the second half of 2021 , @ @ @ @ @ emailed statement .

By Nam Kwang-sik
SEOUL, June 9 (Yonhap) -- Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co., the shipbuilding holding company of South Korea's Hyundai Heavy Industries Group, said Tuesday it has won a 90 billion-won (US$75 million) order to build two petrochemical carriers.
The two 50,000-ton vessels will be built by Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co., a subsidiary of Korea Shipbuilding, starting October this year, and they will be delivered to a European company by the second half of 2021, Korea Shipbuilding said in an emailed statement.
This file photo, provided by Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co., shows a petrochemical carrier built by the shipbuilding holding company of Hyundai Heavy Industries Group. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The deal includes an option to build an additional petrochemical carrier, the company said.
Korea Shipbuilding has bagged orders to build 19 petrochemical ships so far this year.
The shipbuilder clinched deals to build 40 petrochemical carriers last year.
ksnam@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-09--S. Korean kidnapped by pirates off Gabon released: foreign ministry

The man in his 50s was among six crew members abducted after unidentified pirates attacked their fishing boats near the @ @ @ @ @ West Africa in early May .

SEOUL, June 9 (Yonhap) -- A South Korean national kidnapped off the coast of Gabon last month has been released unharmed, Seoul's foreign ministry said Tuesday.
The man in his 50s was among six crew members abducted after unidentified pirates attacked their fishing boats near the Gabonese capital of Libreville in West Africa in early May.
The five others have also been released safely, the ministry said.
The South Korean remains in a secure place offered by the South Korean mission in Nigeria and will return home as soon as a flight is arranged, the ministry added.
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-09--Seoul stocks extend rally to 8th session, won sharply up

SEOUL, June 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks closed higher Tuesday, extending a winning streak to an eighth consecutive session on hopes for economic recovery and ahead of the Fed meeting this week. The Korean won sharply rose against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 4.63 points, or 0.21 percent, to close at 2,188.92. Trading volume was high at about 805.3 million shares worth some 14.5 trillion won (US$12.1 billion), with losers outnumbering gainers 473 to 366.
The KOSPI extended gains every session since May 29, tracking Wall Street backed by hopes of a quick economic rebound from the coronavirus pandemic.
Market expectations ran high over the upcoming U.S. Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, set for June 9-10 (New York time).
The FOMC has indicated that it will announce a set of additional stimulus measures to buoy the coronavirus-hit economy.
Institutions sold a net 396 billion won, and foreigners offloaded a net 21.2 billion won. Individuals purchased a net 411 billion won.
In Seoul, large caps finished mixed.
Samsung affiliates ended in positive terrain after a Seoul court rejected an arrest warrant for the heir of Samsung Group, which accounts for more than 20 percent of the main index's total market cap.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics gained 1.09 percent to 55,500 won, while No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix shed 1.32 percent to 89,800 won.
Leading pharmaceutical firm Samsung Biologics added 1.81 percent to 676,000 won, but top chemical firm LG Chem slid 0.35 percent to 432,500 won.
Top automaker Hyundai Motor lost 0.88 percent to 112,000 won.
The local currency closed at 1,197.70 won per dollar, up 7.10 won from the previous session's close.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-09--S. Korean Bond Yields on Jun. 9, 2020

S. Korean Bond Yields on Jun. 9, 2020

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


yna--2020-06-09--BTS's agency inks partnership with U.S streaming firm Kiswe

Kiswe was co-founded by Kim , former president of Bell Labs , Wim Sweldens and Jimmy Lynn , in 2013 @ @ @ @ @ solutions for large sports and entertainment events in the U.S. Its technology features multi-camera viewing @ @ @ @ @ .

SEOUL, June 9 (Yonhap) -- Big Hit Entertainment, the management company of K-pop super stars BTS, said Tuesday it has inked a deal with U.S. streaming service provider Kiswe Mobile to cooperate in areas of real-time online concerts.
Big Hit said it signed a memorandum of understanding with the American video technology startup on Monday. The deal was signed between Big Hit Global CEO Lenzo Yoon, and Kiwse Chairman Jeong Kim and Mike Schabel, Kiswe's CEO and president.
Kiswe was co-founded by Kim, former president of Bell Labs, Wim Sweldens and Jimmy Lynn, in 2013 and has provided live stream solutions for large sports and entertainment events in the U.S. Its technology features multi-camera viewing and interactive options for viewers.
"The strategic partnership was forged with the goal of maximizing the synergy of the two companies to provide a more enjoyable and comprehensive concert experience for fans," Big Hit said in a statement.
Kiswe's technology will be used for BTS's online streaming concert, Bang Bang Con: The Live, scheduled for Sunday. Viewers will have the option to watch the concert from six different viewing angles.
Big Hit also worked with Kiswe during the band's fan meet-and-greet event held in Osaka, Japan, in December of last year.
This file photo, released on Oct. 29, 2019, by Big Hit Entertainment, shows K-pop stars BTS performing during the final concert of its world tour, Love Yourself: Speak Yourself, in Seoul. The Seoul shows were held on Oct. 26-27 and Oct. 29. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-09--(URGENT) S. Korean kidnapped by pirates off Gabon released: foreign ministry


yna--2020-06-10--(LEAD) LG Chem to sell LCD polarizer unit to Chinese firm for $1.1 bln

`` We are selling the unit of LCD polarizers needed to produce TVs and handsets , but we will keep @ @ @ @ @ used in automobiles , '' a company spokesman said over the phone .

(ATTN: CHANGES lead; ADDS details in last 5 paras)
SEOUL, June 10 (Yonhap) -- LG Chem Ltd., South Korea's leading chemical company, said Wednesday it will sell its liquid crystal display (LCD) polarizer business unit to a Chinese firm to focus on core businesses.
LG Chem has signed a deal to sell the LCD polarizer-related business unit to Shanghai Shanshan Chemical Co., Ltd. for 1.3 trillion won (US$1.1 billion), the company said in a statement.
"We are selling the unit of LCD polarizers needed to produce TVs and handsets, but we will keep the unit of LCD polarizers used in automobiles," a company spokesman said over the phone.
The planned sale is subject to approval from LG Chem's board of directors and Shanshan's shareholders meeting, the statement said.
The decision is in line with the company's plan to foster the high-end organic light emitting diode (OLED) business as a future growth driver. It is also a leading player in the country's car battery market.
LG Chem said it aims to foster OLED polarizers in the IT materials business sector as its next growth driver.
From January to March, LG Chem's net profit plunged 83 percent to 36.35 billion won from 211.94 billion won in the same period of last year.
Operating profit fell 16 percent to 236.46 billion won in the first quarter from 281.04 billion won a year earlier. Sales rose 7.5 percent to 7.12 trillion won from 6.62 trillion won during the same period.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-10--Korean Air adopts 'back-to-front' boarding amid virus outbreak

In May , Korean Air joined its global peers , such as United Airlines Inc. and American Airlines Inc. , @ @ @ @ @ the spread of the new coronavirus .

SEOUL, June 10 (Yonhap) -- Korean Air Lines Co., South Korea's biggest carrier, said Wednesday it has started boarding passengers from back to front to help stem the potential spread of the new coronavirus.
On Wednesday, Korean Air began to apply the back-to-front boarding system on all of its domestic and international routes to minimize contact among passengers, the company said in a statement.
Airlines usually have priority boarding for first class and business class passengers instead of having passengers in the last row enter the aircraft first.
The move is in line with the government's social distancing policy, and multinational carriers, such as Delta Air Lines Inc., have already introduced the scheme amid the virus crisis.
This photo of a ticket, provided by Korean Air, shows a ticket holder's zone on a plane bound for New York. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
In May, Korean Air joined its global peers, such as United Airlines Inc. and American Airlines Inc., in requiring masks to stem the spread of the new coronavirus.
Early last month, the International Air Transport Association, which represents global airlines, recommended the mandatory wearing of masks or face coverings on flights to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The country's national flag carrier has suspended more than 90 percent of flights on international routes since late March following country lockdowns and entry restrictions.
This month, Korean Air resumed flights on 19 international routes, as it strives to offset a sharp decline in passenger travel demand with increased demand for cargo deliveries.
The resumption is aimed at preparing for increased travel demand after countries ease their entry restrictions on incoming passengers to stem the spread of COVID-19, the company said.
The routes that resumed services include Washington, D.C., Seattle, Vancouver, Toronto, Frankfurt, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
This photo, taken May 13, 2020, shows Korean Air planes at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul. (Yonhap)
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-10--New virus cases spike again, most traced to cluster infections in greater Seoul

Health authorities implemented tougher quarantine measures in the capital area , which will be in place by June 14 , @ @ @ @ @ have to roll back to strict social distancing if virus cases do not subside .

SEOUL, June 10 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new virus cases spiked again Wednesday as sporadic cluster infections continued in the greater Seoul area, prodding health authorities to consider more stringent social distancing in the densely populated area.
The country added 50 new cases, including 43 local infections, raising the total caseload to 11,902, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
It marked a rebound after the country's new COVID-19 cases hovered below 40 for the second straight day.
All but three of the locally transmitted cases were reported from the Seoul metropolitan area.
Teachers instruct students at an outdoor testing site for the coronavirus set up at an elementary school in Incheon, west of Seoul, on June 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
South Korea has been dogged by multiple, sporadic cluster infections tied to religious gatherings, nightclubs and a logistics center in Seoul and the surrounding metropolitan area after the country relaxed its social distancing scheme May 6.
Health authorities warned Tuesday that potential mass infections in the Seoul metropolitan area may come as virus cases at risk-prone facilities can spring up at any time.
Infections traced to a warehouse run by e-commerce leader Coupang in Bucheon, just west of Seoul, reached 138 as of noon Tuesday. Those linked to small churches and religious sessions in the densely populated metropolitan area reached 86.
Cases traced to a warehouse run by e-commerce leader Coupang in Bucheon, just west of Seoul, reached 139 as of noon Tuesday. Those linked to Seoul's nightlife area of Itaewon hit 277.
COVID-19 cases tied to a door-to-door business establishment reached at least 68. Those linked to a table tennis gym in southwestern Seoul came in at 51.
Health officials remain on high alert over yet more cluster infections tied to a shelter for Korean-Chinese people in western Seoul. At least nine related cases have been reported so far.
Local government officials from Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul, check to see whether QR code-based logs are working at a karaoke establishment on June 9, 2020, in this photo provided by the office of Buk Ward. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The string of cluster infections in Seoul and nearby areas came as South Korea completed its phased reopening of schools Monday, the main feature of the country's eased social distancing.
After nearly six weeks of strict social distancing, the country switched to its "everyday life quarantine" scheme on May 6 to enable citizens to carry out economic and social activities under quarantine rules.
Health authorities implemented tougher quarantine measures in the capital area, which will be in place by June 14, warning that the country may have to roll back to strict social distancing if virus cases do not subside.
The country, meanwhile, added seven imported cases and reported two more deaths, bringing the total death tally to 276. The fatality rate was 2.32 percent.
The total number of people released from quarantine after full recoveries stood at 10,611, up 22 from the previous day.
The country has carried out 1,051,972 tests since Jan. 3.
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-10--(URGENT) 22 more people released after full recovery from coronavirus, total cured patients at 10,61

(URGENT) 22 more people released after full recovery from coronavirus, total cured patients at 10,611: KCDC


yna--2020-06-10--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 2 more virus deaths, death toll now at 276: KCDC


yna--2020-06-10--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 50 more cases of new coronavirus, total now at 11,902: KCDC


yna--2020-06-10--N.K. paper stresses development of chemical industry for self-reliance

This is in line with leader Kim 's call for the construction of more houses in Pyongyang during the politburo @ @ @ @ @ intended to assuage possible grievances among elite people first amid a protracted fight to fend @ @ @ @ @ apparently made it harder to import food and key materials .

SEOUL, June 10 (Yonhap) -- North Korea's official newspaper on Wednesday called for the development of the chemical industry as part of efforts to accelerate economic growth and improvement in living conditions for people.
The Rodong Sinmun made the request in its front page editorial after leader Kim Jong-un presided over a politburo meeting of the ruling Workers' Party on Sunday, stressing the role of the chemical industry in achieving "self-reliance."
"The chemical industry is the foundation of industry and a major thrust front of the national economy," the paper said. "Only by decidedly hoisting the chemical industry will we be able to achieve economic development and improvement in people's livelihood against any external factors."
"Efforts should to be channeled to carry out tasks of nurturing people's capacity in the chemical sector, while education should be aimed at producing more development and creation-intensive human resources and fulfillment-driven human resources," the paper added.
North Korea has made a pitch for the importance of the chemical industry that produces fertilizer and energy in short supply amid crippling global sanctions.
During Sunday's politburo meeting, Kim, in particular, urged the development of "the C1 chemical industry," a coal-gasification project that North Korea has sought for years to diversify its energy sources.
The paper also stressed that it is important to improve living conditions of people residing in Pyongyang, saying it is "the capital of revolution and face of our country."
This is in line with leader Kim's call for the construction of more houses in Pyongyang during the politburo meeting, a move apparently intended to assuage possible grievances among elite people first amid a protracted fight to fend off the coronavirus that has apparently made it harder to import food and key materials.
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-10--(URGENT) 4 additional military officers test positive for coronavirus


yna--2020-06-10--Vice FM calls for continued int'l efforts in pursuit of disarmament, nonproliferation

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of the NPT .
A Review Conference on member states ' @ @ @ @ @ held in New York earlier this year , but it has been put off till @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus .

SEOUL, June 10 (Yonhap) -- Second Vice Foreign Minister Lee Tae-ho has called for continued international efforts toward achieving the shared goals of preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and promoting peaceful use of nuclear energy, the foreign ministry said Wednesday.
Lee made the remark during the Stockholm Ministerial Meeting on Nuclear Disarmament and the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) held via videoconferencing late Tuesday to discuss cooperation to advance the commitments within the NPT framework.
The Stockholm Initiative is a consultative body consisting of 16 nuclear weapons-free states that aims to achieve more pragmatic and results-oriented outcomes within the NPT framework.
"The NPT should continue its role as a cornerstone of the international nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation regime," he said. "The international community should work together to ensure that nuclear disarmament progresses with the goal of a nuclear weapons-free world."
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of the NPT. A Review Conference on member states' implementations was going to be held in New York earlier this year, but it has been put off till next year due to the coronavirus.
In Tuesday's conference, Lee also highlighted South Korea's strong will for implementing the NPT commitments.
"As a beneficiary of the NPT regime that guarantees the prevention of the spread of nuclear weapons and peaceful use of nuclear energy, South Korea has been actively contributing to strengthening the regime and the success of the NPT review conference," he said.
In November last year, the U.N. committee on disarmament and international security adopted by consensus a South Korea-drafted resolution encouraging youth participation in disarmament and nonproliferation issues.
Second Vice Foreign Minister Lee Tae-ho speaks during a videoconference call of the Stockholm Ministerial Meeting on Nuclear Disarmament and the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in Seoul on June 9, 2020, in this photo provided the next day by the foreign ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-10--20 pct of newly elected male lawmakers won exemption from mandatory military service

All able-bodied South Korean men are required to serve about two years in the military , but women do not @ @ @ @ @ 300-member parliament , which kicked off its new four-year term on May 30 , has @ @ @ @

SEOUL, June 10 (Yonhap) -- One out of 5 male members of the new National Assembly were exempted from mandatory military service, government data showed Wednesday.
Of the 242 newly elected male lawmakers, 47 people, or 19.4 percent, gained exemption for such reasons as imprisonment and illness, according to the data compiled and released by the Military Manpower Administration (MMA).
Rep. Thae Yong-ho of the main opposition United Future Party was excluded as he defected from North Korea, it added.
All able-bodied South Korean men are required to serve about two years in the military, but women do not have such duty. The 300-member parliament, which kicked off its new four-year term on May 30, has 57 female lawmakers.
The exemption rate among the lawmakers is lower than the country's average of 21.4 percent, according to the MMA.
Of 266 sons of the lawmakers, 92.5 percent either completed or currently serve their compulsory duty, according to the agency.
Draft dodging is a sensitive issue in South Korea, which can affect the fate of government officials, celebrities and other public figures. The government has disclosed lawmakers' military service information since 1999.
Aspiring soldiers wearing masks have their blood taken during a medical checkup at the Seoul office of the Military Manpower Administration on Feb. 3, 2020, part of the year's first batch of applicants evaluated by the office. (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-10--N. Korea 'ablaze with fury' over anti-Pyongyang leaflets: Rodong Sinmun

`` The voices of the new generation wearing revolutionary suits have resonated in our hearts at a time when the @ @ @ @ @ fury since they heard the statement issued on June 4 , '' the paper said @ @ @ @

By Yi Wonju
SEOUL, June 10 (Yonhap) -- North Korea's main newspaper on Wednesday lashed out at South Korea over anti-Pyongyang leaflets sent by defectors and other activists into the communist state, saying "the whole country is ablaze with fury."
On Tuesday, the North called the South an "enemy" and vowed to cut off all inter-Korean communication lines in anger over such leafleting, and it has since not answered routine daily phone calls from the South via liaison and military hotlines.
The Rodong Sinmun, the organ of the North's ruling party, said the country's major women's organization, Socialist Women's Union of Korea, held a mass rally blasting South Korea for turning a blind eye to such leafleting.
"Our mothers are disgusted by the South Korean authorities who overlook the rash behaviors of these scums, and are urging inter-Korean ties must be severed as they try to repress their rage," the paper said.
"The voices of the new generation wearing revolutionary suits have resonated in our hearts at a time when the whole country is ablaze with fury since they heard the statement issued on June 4," the paper said in another report.
It was referring to the statement that Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, issued last Thursday denouncing the flying-in of such propaganda leaflets as a hostile act that runs counter to peace agreements the two sides signed during summit talks of their leaders in 2018.
Unless South Korea takes action against such leaflets, Kim warned the North will abolish an inter-Korean liaison office, scrap a military tension-reduction deal signed in 2018 and dismantle a now-shuttered industrial park in the North's border city of Kaesong.
Since the statement, North Korean state media outlets have reported on large-scale demonstrations denouncing the leafleting.
Members of a major women's organization in North Korea stage a mass rally in front of Sinchon Museum in South Hwanghae Province, North Korea, to denounce South Korean authorities and North Korean defectors for what they say are anti-North Korean acts, in this photo released by the North's official Rodong Sinmun on June 10, 2020. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
Members of a major women's organization in North Korea stage a mass rally in front of Sinchon Museum in South Hwanghae Province, North Korea, to denounce South Korean authorities and North Korean defectors for what they say are anti-North Korean acts, in this photo released by the North's official Rodong Sinmun on June 10, 2020. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-10--KBO's premier contact hitter embracing data to improve power

`` I talk to our analysts often , and they told my bat speed has gone up , '' Lee @ @ @ @ @ Lions Park in Daegu , 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul , before facing the Samsung @ @ @ @ @ velocity on my line drives has increased from 145 kph last year to 155 kph @ @ @ @ @ always wanted to hit the ball hard , and I 've been able to do @ @ @ @ @ I listened to our data department and coaches , and adjusted my training accordingly .
@

DAEGU, June 10 (Yonhap) -- Go down the list of slugging percentage leaders in South Korean baseball this season, and a surprising name will stick out in the No. 6 spot.
Positioned among some burly power hitters is Lee Jung-hoo of the Kiwoom Heroes, who has never hit more than six home runs or slugged better than .477 in any of his three previous seasons.
After 31 games in the 2020 Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) season, Lee already has five home runs and is slugging at a .618 clip. He has a higher slugging percentage than some traditional power hitters, such as Jamie Romak of the SK Wyverns and Yang Eui-ji of the NC Dinos, who led the KBO in slugging in 2019.
In this file photo from May 14, 2020, Lee Jung-hoo of the Kiwoom Heroes hits an RBI double against the Samsung Lions in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. (Yonhap)
One of the oldest coaching adages in baseball is that you can't teach power. Lee is proving that power can indeed be taught, with a blend of data and proper training.
Asked Tuesday about his increased power this year, Lee credited the Heroes' data analysis department.
"I talk to our analysts often, and they told my bat speed has gone up," Lee told reporters at Daegu Samsung Lions Park in Daegu, 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul, before facing the Samsung Lions. "The exit velocity on my line drives has increased from 145 kph last year to 155 kph this year. I've always wanted to hit the ball hard, and I've been able to do just that this year because I listened to our data department and coaches, and adjusted my training accordingly."
There's no doubting Lee's contact ability. In his first three seasons, Lee batted .324, .355 and .336. Through Tuesday, he's batting .374.
Lee also has great baseball DNA as the son of the KBO legend Lee Jong-beom, who flirted with the elusive .400 batting average in 1994 (.393) and is one of the most talented players in league history.
But genes can only take you so far. There are progenies of other former KBO stars who never amounted to much. You still have to put in the work.
Lee Jung-hoo of the Kiwoom Heroes (R) hits a single off Won Tae-in of the Samsung Lions during a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Daegu Samsung Lions Park in Daegu, 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on June 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
And work, Lee has. He said his main focus during spring training this year was on trying to hit the ball out in front and on adding more muscle. Lee has been listed as 185 centimeters and 78 kilograms the past two years in the official league guide, though his upper body looks considerably bigger this year and Lee himself has said he weighs about 85 kilograms now.
Additional bulk has allowed Lee to drive the ball with more authority. Lee, who bats left-handed, has evolved from a spray hitter -- someone who could send the ball in any direction -- to a pull hitter.
To wit: In 2018, his hits were distributed almost evenly to left, center and right, with 54, 56 and 53 hits in the directions, respectively. Then in 2019, 42 percent of his 193 hits were up the middle, and he went the opposite field 24 percent of the time. About 33 percent of his hits came on the pull side.
So far this year, 25 of his 46 hits went to the right side of the field, with 13 up the middle and only eight to left field.
Last year, Lee batted .320 on balls hit to right, .547 to center and .275 to left. Those numbers for this season are .417, .565 and .276.
This is all by design, with Lee acting on suggestions from the data analysis department that he'd have a better chance of getting hits by pulling the ball hard rather than by trying to get cute and poke the ball to the opposite field.
"When I sit down with them, I check my exit velocity, my batting average on balls hit to different parts of the field, and my batting average on balls in play," Lee said. "I can also watch videos of other pitchers, and see how my batting stance and swing look. If I am in a slump, that means more visits with our data guys."
Lee Jung-hoo of the Kiwoom Heroes attends a press conference prior to a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game against the Samsung Lions at Daegu Samsung Lions Park in Daegu, 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on June 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-10--Mandatory QR code-based registration at entertainment facilities starts amid pandemic

The measure comes as cluster infections traced to nightclubs and bars in the trendy Itaewon region of Seoul swelled in @ @ @ @ @ .
As of Tuesday , a total of 277 COVID-19 cases have been linked to @ @

SEOUL, June 10 (Yonhap) -- South Korea started QR code-based registration of visitors at bars, clubs and other entertainment facilities across the country Wednesday, as part of the country's efforts to stem the spread of the new coronavirus, health authorities said.
Around 80,000 facilities in the nation are required to use smartphone QR code-based entry logs for all visitors to keep records of their personal details.
Since early this month, the country has enforced QR code-based entry logs at such facilities in the greater Seoul area and selected cities in its latest efforts to track and contain the new coronavirus.
In addition to entertainment facilities, in-door sports facilities and some auditoriums are required to adopt the QR code-based entry logs.
According to health authorities, around 80,000 facilities across the country are subject to the mandatory measure.
Visitors to the facilities have to get an one-time QR code via smartphone apps and submit it to the venue. The venue manager then scans the code and includes it in a digital customer register.
The measure comes as cluster infections traced to nightclubs and bars in the trendy Itaewon region of Seoul swelled in and around the capital city. As of Tuesday, a total of 277 COVID-19 cases have been linked to Itaewon.
Health authorities will conduct on-site inspections to make certain businesses comply with the toughened guidelines, with those that fail to meet requirements to be slapped with a fine of up to 3 million won (US$2,500) or ordered to suspend operations.
Besides bars and clubs, the government is moving to encourage religious facilities, movie theaters, hospitals and libraries to adopt the QR code logs going forward.
A local government official from Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul, checks if QR code logs are working at a karaoke establishment on June 9, 2020, in this photo provided by the Buk Ward office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-10--(2nd LD) S. Korea's jobless rate surges to 10-year high amid pandemic

Observers said the impact of the coronavirus may appear in the country 's jobs data in the second half of @ @ @ @ @ time lag of one to two quarters for an economic crisis .

(ATTN: ADDS finance minister's remarks, details in paras 6-9)
By Kim Deok-hyun
SEJONG, June 10 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's jobless rate surged to a 10-year high in May as the coronavirus pandemic hammered job markets, data showed Wednesday.
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 4.5 percent in May, marking the highest level since January 2010, according to the data compiled by Statistics Korea.
The number of employed people fell by 392,000 to 26.93 million in May, marking the third consecutive monthly decline.
It was the first time that the nation lost jobs for the third straight month since October 2009 amid the global financial crisis.
The employment rate for young adults -- those aged between 15 and 29 -- also fell 1.4 percentage points on-year to 42.2 percent last month.
Graphic Trends of Job Additions and Unemployment (END)
In a ray of hope for job markets, the pace of job losses eased in May. South Korea lost about 467,000 jobs in April, marking the sharpest monthly decline in more than 21 years.
Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki said falling exports have begun dealing a blow to jobs in the manufacturing sector, but jobs in the wholesale and retail sectors showed signs of a recovery.
Last week, South Korea proposed its third extra budget of 35.3 trillion won (US$29 billion) that's meant to help key industries cushion the economic blow from the coronavirus pandemic and protect jobs.
Hong renewed calls for the National Assembly to swiftly approve the third extra budget to help the economy recover and create jobs.
The coronavirus outbreak has hit temporary and daily employees hard, with the number of temporary workers plunging by 501,000 in May, the data showed.
May's tumble was attributed to the COVID-19 outbreak, which has dealt a harsh blow to consumer spending and corporate activities, as people have been urged to avoid going out to help curb the spread of the disease.
By industry, the wholesale and retail sector lost 189,000 jobs in May, and the accommodation and food service segment saw a decrease of 183,000 jobs last month.
In contrast, the social welfare sector gained 131,000 jobs in May, and the farm and fisheries sector added 54,000 jobs.
"The number of employed people sharply fell in the wholesale and retail sectors that require face-to-face meetings," a Statistics Korea official said.
Observers said the impact of the coronavirus may appear in the country's jobs data in the second half of the year, given the time lag of one to two quarters for an economic crisis.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-10--Seoul stocks open lower on profit-taking

Investors were mixed as they awaited the results of the U.S. Federal Open Market Committee meeting that will be delivered @ @ @ @ @ .

SEOUL, June 10 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks opened lower Wednesday as investors raked in profits while taking a wait-and-see approach on the results of the U.S. Federal Reserve meeting due this week.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) fell 2.97 points, or 0.14 percent, to 2,185.95 in the first 15 minutes of trading.
Seoul shares closed higher for an eighth consecutive session a day earlier, tracking the reopening of businesses across the globe, including the United States.
Overnight, the Dow Jones Industrial Average moved down 1.09 percent, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite moved up 0.29 percent.
Investors were mixed as they awaited the results of the U.S. Federal Open Market Committee meeting that will be delivered Wednesday (U.S. time).
In Seoul, blue chip shares traded mixed across the board.
Market kingpin Samsung Electronics slid 0.54 percent, and No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix added 0.56 percent. Home appliances giant LG Electronics moved up 0.45 percent.
Top online portal operator Naver rose 1.47 percent, and its smaller rival Kakao gained 1.57 percent.
HDC Hyundai Development, a major construction company, advanced 2.89 percent after it called for a renegotiation with creditors a day earlier for the planned acquisition of Asiana Airlines.
The country's No. 2 air carrier, on the other hand, fell 3.94 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,199.55 won against the U.S. dollar, down 1.85 won from the previous session's close.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-10--LG Chem to sell LCD biz unit to Chinese company for US$1 bln

SEOUL, June 10 (Yonhap) -- LG Chem Ltd., South Korea's leading chemical company, said Wednesday it has signed a deal to sell its liquid crystal display (LCD) polarizer-related business unit to a Chinese firm for 1.3 trillion won (US$1.1 billion).
LG Chem has decided to sell the LCD polarizer unit to Shanghai Shanshan Chemical Co., Ltd., with the decision subject to an approval from its board of directors, the company said in a statement.
"We are selling the unit of LCD polarizers needed to produce TVs and handsets, but we will keep the unit of LCD polarizers used in automobiles," a company spokesman said over the phone.
The decision is line with the company's plan to foster the high-end organic light emitting diode (OLED) polarizers as its next growth driver, the statement said.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-10--American pitcher dedicates 1st KBO win to late father

This has been a trying first season in the KBO for Sampson .
With his father battling cancer , the @ @ @ @ @ April 28 , a week before Opening Day , to spend time with his family @ @ @ @ @ May 3 , and Sampson was back in South Korea four days later .
As @ @ @ @ @ 's requirement for international arrivals during the coronavirus pandemic , Sampson had to be quarantined @ @ @ @ @ could return to the mound .

BUSAN, June 10 (Yonhap) -- It took him three starts, and Lotte Giants' right-hander Adrian Sampson was finally able to dedicate his first South Korean win to his late father Tuesday night.
Sampson scattered nine hits and allowed three earned runs in 6 2/3 innings against the Hanwha Eagles, helping the Giants to a 9-3 victory at Sajik Stadium in Busan, 450 kilometers southeast of Seoul.
It was Sampson's third start in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), coming about a month after his father, David, succumbed to cancer.
Behind Sampson's solid start, the Giants won their fourth straight and handed the Eagles their 15th straight loss. But those numbers weren't really on Sampson's mind, as he kept thoughts of his late father close to his heart.
Adrian Sampson of the Lotte Giants pitches against the Hanwha Eagles in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Sajik Stadium in Busan, 450 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on June 9, 2020, in this photo provided by the Giants. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
"The first thing he'd do, he'd text me after the game, even though it's so late at home (in Seattle)," Sampson told reporters afterward. The first pitch of the game was 6:30 p.m. in Busan, or 2:30 a.m. in Seattle. "He'd just say 'Really nice job. Proud of you.'"
This has been a trying first season in the KBO for Sampson. With his father battling cancer, the Giants sent Sampson home on April 28, a week before Opening Day, to spend time with his family. David passed away on May 3, and Sampson was back in South Korea four days later. As per the South Korean government's requirement for international arrivals during the coronavirus pandemic, Sampson had to be quarantined for 14 days before he could return to the mound.
The Giants carefully monitored his workload in early outings. He took the loss in his KBO debut on May 28 after giving up two runs in 3 1/3 innings against the Samsung Lions. He made 59 pitches.
After five days' rest, Sampson threw 84 pitches over 4 1/3 innings against the Kia Tigers, and was charged with another loss after allowing six runs.
Then came the third start Tuesday. Sampson was putting together his scouting reports a few days before facing the Eagles. But then the Eagles, after suffering their 14th consecutive loss Sunday, demoted six position players to the minors. Their starting lineup Tuesday included two rookies and three little-used players who've spent a bulk of their careers in the minor league.
Adrian Sampson of the Lotte Giants pitches against the Hanwha Eagles in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Sajik Stadium in Busan, 450 kilometers southeast of Seoull, on June 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
"I had to scrap the whole thing," Sampson said of his prep work. "At the end of the day, I went to my strength and relied on that. I was able to locate all my pitches and get them off balance right away."
Sampson cruised along through six scoreless innings. The string of zeroes ended in the seventh, as Jared Hoying led off with a solo home run. Sampson got two outs, but the Eagles battled back with a single and a walk. Jung Eun-won then came off the bench for a two-run single and knocked Sampson out of the game.
He threw 96 pitches.
"I am built up to seven innings now, and I got to almost 100 (pitches)," he said. "We had a very comfortable lead. Three runs at the end of the day doesn't really hurt, but every inning, I am trying to get a zero."
When he got through five innings on just 51 pitches, Sampson admitted the thought of throwing a complete game entered his mind. It would have been a neat celebration of the one year anniversary of his first and only major league complete game.
Sampson was pitching for the Texas Rangers on June 8, 2019, when he held the Oakland Athletics to a run on four hits in nine innings for a 3-1 victory at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas.
Those two outings came in vastly different circumstances. Sampson's start came in the second game of a double header, and with the Rangers retiring All-Star Adrian Beltre's No. 29 that day, there were nearly 40,000 people in the stands.
On Tuesday, there were no fans at Sajik to celebrate Sampson's first win, with KBO games being played behind closed doors during the coronavirus pandemic.
Sampson said throwing a complete game in the big league "is hard to beat," but also added, "Right now, I am very happy to be in this situation."
The Giants won the first five games of the season but have gone 10-15 since. They're hovering around the .500 mark in winning percentage, but with the current four-game winning streak, things are looking up again.
"Every day, people show up, and they're ready to win," he said. "The mentality of winning is hard to get back when you've lost a couple in a row. We come in and expect to win every game now. As long as people have that mentality, you just have to roll with it, and right now, we're playing very good baseball."
Adrian Sampson of the Lotte Giants pitches against the Hanwha Eagles in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Sajik Stadium in Busan, 450 kilometers southeast of Seoull, on June 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


KOSPI 2,187.91 DN 1.01 points (open)


KOSDAQ 754.30 UP 0.48 points (open)


Wednesday's weather forecast

SEOUL , June 10 ( Yonhap ) -- The following is the weather forecast for South Korea 's 12 major @ @ @ @ @ .


yna--2020-06-10--(3rd LD) S. Korea launches mandatory QR code-based registration at entertainment facilities amid pan

(3rd LD) S. Korea launches mandatory QR code-based registration at entertainment facilities amid pandemic

Visitors to the facilities have to get a one-time QR code via smartphone apps and submit it to the venue @ @ @ @ @ scans the code and includes it in a digital customer registry that can be accessed @ @ @ @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES with details in 11th para; CHANGES headline)
SEOUL, June 10 (Yonhap) -- South Korea started QR code-based registration of visitors at bars, clubs and other entertainment facilities across the country Wednesday, as part of its efforts to stem the spread of the new coronavirus, health authorities said.
Around 80,000 facilities in the nation are required to use smartphone QR code-based entry logs for all visitors to keep records of their personal details.
The move comes as cluster infections traced to nightclubs and bars in Seoul's district of Itaewon swelled in and around the capital city. As of Tuesday, a total of 277 COVID-19 cases have been linked to Itaewon.
Since early this month, the country has enforced QR code-based entry logs at such facilities in the greater Seoul area and selected cities in its latest efforts to track and contain the new coronavirus.
In addition to entertainment facilities and in-door sports facilities, some auditoriums are required to adopt the QR code-based entry logs.
According to health authorities, some places designated by local governments as high risk areas are also subject to the mandatory measure.
A local government official from Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul, checks if QR code logs are working at a karaoke establishment on June 9, 2020, in this photo provided by the government office of Buk Ward. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Visitors to the facilities have to get a one-time QR code via smartphone apps and submit it to the venue. The venue manager then scans the code and includes it in a digital customer registry that can be accessed if the need arises.
Some owners of entertainment facilities are not aware of the system, and some old people use 2G phones that cannot scan QR codes.
"I don't know what QR code means," said a woman in her 60s who runs a karaoke room in the Seomyeon district of Busan, South Korea's second-largest city.
Yonhap found that several karaoke rooms, a fitness center and some entertainment facilities in Busan have not started QR code-based registration of visitors.
Another fitness center in Suwon, south of Seoul, set up a signboard in front of its entrance stating that entry will be granted only to visitors who get a QR code via smartphone apps and submit it to the fitness center.
Health authorities said they will allow venue operators to keep written records of visitors, with their contact information, for those who are unfamiliar with QR code use or refuse to use the method.
Health authorities will conduct on-site inspections to make certain businesses comply with the toughened guidelines, with those that fail to meet requirements to be slapped with a fine of up to 3 million won (US$2,500) or ordered to suspend operations.
Besides bars and clubs, the government is moving to encourage religious facilities, movie theaters, hospitals and libraries to adopt the QR code logs going forward.
Private educational institutes are to be given special incentives to use the electronic log that will be helpful in protecting students from viral infection going forward.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-10--(2nd LD) Mandatory QR code-based registration at entertainment facilities starts amid pandemic

(ATTN: UPDATES with details in paras 8-11)
SEOUL, June 10 (Yonhap) -- South Korea started QR code-based registration of visitors at bars, clubs and other entertainment facilities across the country Wednesday, as part of the country's efforts to stem the spread of the new coronavirus, health authorities said.
Around 80,000 facilities in the nation are required to use smartphone QR code-based entry logs for all visitors to keep records of their personal details.
The move comes as cluster infections traced to nightclubs and bars in Seoul's district of Itaewon swelled in and around the capital city. As of Tuesday, a total of 277 COVID-19 cases have been linked to Itaewon.
Since early this month, the country has enforced QR code-based entry logs at such facilities in the greater Seoul area and selected cities in its latest efforts to track and contain the new coronavirus.
In addition to entertainment facilities and in-door sports facilities, some auditoriums are required to adopt the QR code-based entry logs.
According to health authorities, some places designated by local governments as high risk areas are also subject to the mandatory measure.
A local government official from Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul, checks if QR code logs are working at a karaoke establishment on June 9, 2020, in this photo provided by the government office of Buk Ward. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Visitors to the facilities have to get a one-time QR code via smartphone apps and submit it to the venue. The venue manager then scans the code and includes it in a digital customer registry that can be accessed if the need arises.
Some owners of entertainment facilities are not aware of the system, and some old people use 2G phones that cannot scan QR codes.
"I don't know what QR code means," said a woman in her 60s who runs a karaoke room in the Seomyeon district of Busan, South Korea's second-largest city.
Yonhap found that several karaoke rooms, a fitness center and some entertainment facilities in Busan have not started QR code-based registration of visitors.
Health authorities said they will allow venue operators to keep written records of visitors, with their contact information, for those who are unfamiliar with QR code use or refuse to use the method.
Health authorities will conduct on-site inspections to make certain businesses comply with the toughened guidelines, with those that fail to meet requirements to be slapped with a fine of up to 3 million won (US$2,500) or ordered to suspend operations.
Besides bars and clubs, the government is moving to encourage religious facilities, movie theaters, hospitals and libraries to adopt the QR code logs going forward.
Private educational institutes are to be given special incentives to use the electronic log that will be helpful in protecting students from viral infection going forward.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-10--(LEAD) Child abuse goes unnoticed amid COVID-19 confinement

While the neighbor took her to a nearby convenience store to buy food and applied ointment on her burnt fingers @ @ @ @ @ girl had been physically abused by her stepfather and mother at home .
She took @ @ @ @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES with more details in last 5 paras)
By Woo Jae-yeon
SEOUL, June 10 (Yonhap) -- The new coronavirus has upended daily life for people around the world. And many children have been hurt due to being locked at home with abusive and neglectful parents.
In the southern city of Changnyeong, a 9-year-old girl was found wandering on a roadside by a neighbor late last month. Wearing shoes that were far too big, the girl had severe bruises around her eyes and body, cuts on her head and blisters on her fingers.
While the neighbor took her to a nearby convenience store to buy food and applied ointment on her burnt fingers, she learned that the girl had been physically abused by her stepfather and mother at home. She took the girl to police.
A closed-circuit video footage, provided by a reader, shows a 9-year-old girl talking with a neighbor who later reported to police a case of suspected child abuse in Changnyeong, South Gyeongsang Province, on June 9, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Child abuse cases are nothing new.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of suspected child abuse cases had been on the steady rise. In 2018, 24,604 cases were reported, more than double the 2014 figure of 10,027, according to a research titled "Child Abuse & Neglect Korea 2018," released by the Ministry of Health and Welfare.
This year's data, however, bucked the annual trend.
Data from the National Center for the Rights of the Child (NCRC) showed the reported cases dropped to 6,887 in the first quarter, down by 449 from a year ago.
The drop in the reported cases is alarming children advocates, as it could mean that the country's child care and protection system failed to function and that child abuse has been going undetected behind closed doors.
Schools and care centers mostly closed for the first half of the year due to the novel coronavirus, although the country recently reopened schools amid a slowdown in the spread of the virus.
The nationwide closure left school officials -- the leading reporters of suspected child abuse -- with little chance to detect signs and marks of abuse on children.
A sign is placed at the entrance of a high school in Busan on May 30, 2020, to ban entry to the school due to COVID-19. (Yonhap)
The United Nations echoed the growing concern over child safety during the pandemic.
In a policy brief, "The Impact of COVID-19 on Children," published on April 15, the agency warned, "Lockdowns and shelter in place measures come with heightened risk of children witnessing or suffering violence and abuse.
"At time of increased need, children no longer have the same access to teachers to report incidents at home, while social work and related legal and protective services for children are being suspended or scaled back," it said.
Earlier this week, President Moon Jae-in asked government officials to look into whether the country's child welfare system was failing to protect children in troubled homes.
He made the comment after the death of a 9-year-old boy locked in a suitcase by his father's girlfriend became public in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province.
"The authorities should be more active in finding children in need, as they spend more time at home due to COVID-19, exposed to an increasing possibility of abuse," spokesman Kang Min-seok quoted Moon as saying.
To some children, staying at home with abusive caregivers could be as dangerous as the pandemic, if not more.
Nearly 70 percent of the abusers are parents, followed by non-relative caregivers at 15.9 percent and relatives at 4.5 percent, according to the report.
In the case of the girl in Changnyeong, her teacher reportedly visited her home a few times to give her class materials. But her mother didn't let the teacher enter the house, citing worries over coronavirus infection.
The U.N. recommended, among other things, "prioritization of the restoration of child services as lockdown measures wind down."
The health ministry has recently resumed visits by child protection officials to households with "children at high risk," which had been put on hold amid the pandemic.
"As children couldn't go to school and mostly spent time at home, reports on suspected abuse dropped," said Bae Tae-hyun, an official at the ministry's child abuse response team.
"With the resumption, we expect to find more (child abuse) cases and help protect them."
The deaths of the two children have prompted the Ministry of Justice to reconsider an outdated provision of the Civil Law on child care.
On Wednesday, the ministry said that it will seek to revise the 1960 law that states, "In order to protect or educate his or her child, the person of parental authority may take necessary disciplinary action against the child."
The decision was made in light of "a series of recent incidents in which parents' corporal punishment led to deaths of children," the ministry said.
While the article could be misinterpreted as allowing corporal punishment of children at home, the Child Welfare Act, effective since 2015, bans caregivers, including parents, from inflicting mental and physical pain on children.
The ministry will hold a meeting over the issue with children and experts in children's rights on Friday.
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)