yna--2020-05-06--(3rd LD) S. Korea begins post-social distancing life with mix of hope, anxiety

The city of Suwon , located 45 kilometers south of Seoul , opened three of its public museums for the @ @ @ @ @ .
The facilities allowed in only up to 50 visitors per hour for distancing .
@ @ @ @ @ as well as group tours , were n't permitted .

(ATTN: ADDS more details in paras 10-20)
By Lee Minji
SEOUL, May 6 (Yonhap) -- South Koreans began an unprecedented post-social distancing life Wednesday, hopefully welcoming the transition yet remaining cautious over possible COVID-19 breakouts.
Starting Wednesday, South Korea has officially shifted to "everyday life quarantine" following more than two months of "intensive social distancing" in line with a consistent and continuous flattening of the country's coronavirus curve.
Daily new infections peaked at 909 on Feb. 29, and the number has dramatically dropped to a single-digit level over the past few days. No local infections were reported for three straight days.
This means that as long as they follow the government's new hygiene guideline, people can now take part in outdoor activities and mass-gathering events, such as working out at gyms, clubbing and attending Sunday religious services.
People wearing masks are seen commuting at Sindorim Station in southwestern Seoul on May 6, 2020. (Yonhap)
On the first day of new quarantine scheme, changes were not so apparent at first sight.
Most people on subways and buses wore face masks, with the exception of a handful of people who were wearing their masks lower or not wearing them at all as temperatures have gotten warmer here.
"My commute has become a bit more crowded," said a 34-year-old office worker who uses subway lines No. 5 and 7 to go to work. "I feel that more people are starting not to wear masks."
Streets in central Seoul were relatively busy as usual and commuting hour-crowds on public transportation remained similar to the past few weeks, as most large companies already began to shift to office working starting in April.
Visitors, who applied for tickets in advance, walk around the National Museum of Korea in Seoul on May 6, 2020. (Yonhap)
At the same time, the social changes are expected to start permeating into everyday life more in the coming weeks as public facilities, such as libraries, museums and galleries, reopen.
On the first day of the change, people still remained wary of visiting widely used institutions and facilities, although key public museums and galleries started accepting visitors on a limited basis.
At the National Museum of Korea, which reopened on Wednesday after more than two months of closure, visitors in face masks were seen touring around while keeping some distance from others.
The number of visitors fell far short of the maximum of 300 per hour, with 230 visitors at the 10 a.m. slot, which dropped to 113 for the 2 p.m. slot. Online booking numbers for this weekend remain sluggish, with 67 for the noon slot on Saturday.
For national art museums, it was a quiet first day after the coronavirus shutdown.
The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA), with four local branches around the country, saw 386 visitors in total as of 3 p.m., while setting the maximum number of visitors at 1,720.
The MMCA will review whether to open for more people based on the spread of the virus.
Local governments also started accepting visitors to their key libraries, museums, galleries and sports facilities on a limited basis.
A visitor wearing a mask walks past an exhibition at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in central Seoul on May 6, 2020. (Yonhap)
The Seoul metropolitan government said visitors to such facilities should make online reservations in advance and that the opening will be expanded in steps in the following weeks.
"We allow only 50 percent of the maximum capacity (of such institutions) at the early stage, and will continue to closely monitor where we can improve," Seo Jeong-hyup, first vice mayor for administrative affairs, said during a press briefing.
"We will gradually expand the opening in the future after considering the virus spread, the number of users and opinions of officials and citizens," he added.
The city government also said it plans to gradually reopen a public ice rink and swimming pool starting this month, as well as to reopen community child care support centers and welfare facilities for the elderly.
The city of Suwon, located 45 kilometers south of Seoul, opened three of its public museums for the first time in three months. The facilities allowed in only up to 50 visitors per hour for distancing. Individuals not wearing masks, as well as group tours, weren't permitted.
The city of Cheongju, 370 kilometers southwest of Seoul, also opened its public zoo and national museum. Up to 100 visitors per hour were allowed into the museum.
Some local governments have decided to not yet lower their vigilance against potential outbreaks.
The provincial government of Jeju, South Korea's most popular vacation destination, has extended its social distancing campaign for another two weeks. The island received over 196,000 visitors during the extended holidays that began last Thursday.
"A lot of tourists from all over the country visited Jeju and we expect more. Hence we are extending the high-level of quarantine until May 19," said Lim Tae-bong, head of the provincial government's welfare and sanitation division.
Daegu, once the nation's epicenter for mass coronavirus outbreaks, is also maintaining a cautious stance.
"Daegu, unlike the rest of the country, cannot shift into everyday life quarantine just yet," Kwon Young-jin, mayor of Daegu, announced Tuesday.
In early March, the southeastern city reported around 300 to 500 new patients per day due to massive testing of followers of the local branch of Shincheonji, a minor religious sect, but the number started to decrease in line with strict quarantine measures and social distancing drive.
"We cannot but remain focused on strict quarantine instead of hastily returning back to our past daily lifestyle," Kwon said.
In general, most people welcomed the transition from the strict quarantine measure that had kept them at home for more than three months. South Korea has reported 10,806 cases as of Tuesday since reporting its first case on Jan. 20.
A poll of 3,725 adults by recruiting platform Saramin conducted in April had showed that while 77.6 percent understood the importance of social distancing, 79.7 percent said they felt exhausted from the campaign.
Some 74.8 percent of respondents said 2.6 months would be their psychological limit to endure the social distancing campaign, citing wearing masks and not being able to go outside as the biggest difficulties.
"I'm happy that I can finally start going to the gym," said Jung Yu-ri, an office worker who had suspended her regular workouts after the social distancing measure took place.
"It seems situations are stabilizing relatively quickly. Of course we have to continue to be careful, but the fear of confronting the unknown has definitely eased."
Some, however, voiced caution over shifting to normal life too soon.
"I was shopping at the department store over the weekend and felt that around one-third of people, especially younger people, were not wearing face masks," said an office worker in her mid-thirties.
"Seeing Singapore's case, I think we should continue to be vigilant. Wearing masks should be the least we should stick to."
The commuting office worker agreed.
"I think we are at a 'make or break' moment. Hopefully, if we remain careful for the time being, things will be alright."
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-06--(3rd LD) Samsung heir apologizes over succession controversy, vows to scrap 'no labor union' policy

Meanwhile , the Federation of Korean Trade Unions , one of the major umbrella unions in the country , released @ @ @ @ @ apology , saying that the conglomerate should focus on matching its words with action regarding @ @ @ @ @ union policy .

(ATTN: CHANGES headline, lead; ADDS more info in 27th para)
By Joo Kyung-don
SEOUL, May 6 (Yonhap) -- Lee Jae-yong, the heir of South Korea's top conglomerate Samsung Group, made a rare public apology Wednesday over controversies related to his succession and vowed to scrap the group's "no labor union" policy.
Lee, the eldest son of bedridden Samsung Group chief Lee Kun-hee, also said he will not hand over managerial power to his scions.
"Samsung has not strictly complied with laws and ethics, and also has been inadequate in communicating with society," Lee said during a press conference at the company's headquarters in Seoul.
"All of these came from our inadequacy, and it's my fault. I apologize," he said.
This is the first time that Lee has made a public apology since June 2015, when he did so over a Samsung hospital's mishandling of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).
Lee's latest action comes after the group's independent compliance committee in March urged him to make a public apology and come up with measures that can improve Samsung's compliance culture in three areas: managerial succession, labor union and communication with civil society.
Lee, 51, was originally asked to respond to the committee's advice by April 10, but due to the novel coronavirus outbreak, Samsung had requested to push back the deadline by a month.
Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, the heir of Samsung Group, bows during his press conference at the company's office building in Seoul on May 6, 2020. (Yonhap)
The succession process in Samsung has involved a bribery case and a controversial merger of two of its affiliates -- Samsung C&T Corp. and Cheil Industries Inc. -- in 2015. Legal battles on both issues are still under way.
Lee was indicted in 2017 for giving bribes to a longtime friend of then President Park Geun-hye as he sought backing for his plan to secure the throne of South Korea's biggest conglomerate.
He was initially sentenced to five years in prison in 2017 but was freed a year later after the Seoul High Court reduced the sentence to 2 1/2 years, suspended for four years, dismissing most of the bribery charges against him.
The Supreme Court, however, last year overturned the previous court ruling and sent it back to the Seoul High Court for a review.
Prosecutors believe Samsung's top management may have intentionally lowered the value of Samsung C&T prior to its merger with Cheil Industries in 2015 to help benefit Lee.
"All of the problems basically started from this succession issue," Lee said. "From now on, I will make sure that no controversy happens again regarding the succession issue."
Lee, vice chairman of Samsung Electronics Co., added he does not plan to pass on managerial rights to his children.
"I had it in my mind for a long time, but I was afraid to talk to others," he said. "I thought it was irresponsible to mention about succession after me since I have yet to be evaluated well."
Regarding labor union issues, Lee apologized to those who were hurt by the group's "no-labor union" policy.
"From now on, I will make sure that Samsung no longer pursues no labor union management," he said. "We will strictly comply with labor related laws and will guarantee three fundamental labor rights."
This photo taken on Jan. 30, 2020, shows the corporate logo of Samsung Group at its office building in Seoul. (Yonhap)
Samsung had disallowed labor unions for decades, claiming that its policy actually leads the conglomerate to better ensure its workers' rights and welfare.
In December, the group saw former Samsung Electronics board chairman Lee Sang-hoon sentenced to 18 months in prison for sabotaging a labor union.
In regard to communication with civil society, Lee vowed to listen to various voices from people, emphasizing that compliance will be Samsung's key culture.
Lee also shared his vision with Samsung, saying that the group aims to make society better by using its technology prowess and pursuing new business opportunities.
His apology over controversial succession plan came as the tech giant is suffering a slump in its key business areas such as smartphones.
The group's crown jewel, Samsung Electronics, saw its sales rise 5.61 percent on-year to 55.3 trillion won (US$45.2 billion), while its operating income increased 3.43 percent on-year to 6.4 trillion won in the first quarter of the year.
However, compared to the company's heyday in 2018, when it made at least 10 trillion won in operating profit, its quarterly performance was mediocre.
"Risk is always next to us, and you cannot predict the future," he said.
Lee said he will now focus on bringing in talented individuals who can make Samsung better.
"Those talented people should work with responsibility and must lead our businesses from more important positions than me," he said. "If I can fully carry out my role, then Samsung can remain as Samsung."
Lee also guaranteed that Samsung's compliance committee, led by former Supreme Court Justice Kim Ji-hyung, will act independently even if court trials related to his cases end. The committee was officially launched in February.
Meanwhile, the Federation of Korean Trade Unions, one of the major umbrella unions in the country, released a statement following Lee's apology, saying that the conglomerate should focus on matching its words with action regarding its promise on its labor union policy.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-06--(LEAD) S. Korea to build an 8,000-unit residential complex in Seoul

`` The 8,000 units will be composed of public homes ( allocated for the underprivileged at lower-than-market prices ) and @ @ @ @ @ prices .
Some commercial facilities and business buildings will be built in the site as @ @ @ @ @ city official said over the phone .

(ATTN: ADDS details in 5th para)
SEOUL, May 6 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean government said Wednesday it will build an 8,000-unit residential complex in Seoul to help stabilize the housing market.
Korea Railroad Corp. (Korail) will develop its unused maintenance depot in Yongsan, central Seoul, to build the large apartment complex and supply some of the homes to underprivileged people.
Korail aims to win approval for the project from the Seoul Metropolitan Government by the end of 2023, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
This undated photo shows Korea Railroad Corp.'s unused rail maintenance depot in Yongsan, central Seoul. (Yonhap)
"The 8,000 units will be composed of public homes (allocated for the underprivileged at lower-than-market prices) and homes for purchase at market prices. Some commercial facilities and business buildings will be built in the site as well," a Seoul city official said over the phone.
Vice Land Minister Park Seon-ho said in a briefing that half of the 8,000 homes will be offered as public rental homes and the remainder will be put up for sale in the market.
The former maintenance site spreads across 510,000 square meters and it will take time for Korail and the transport ministry, which owns a bit of the property, to finalize the details of the development plan, the official said.
The government plans to supply 15,446 homes, including the 8,000-unit complex in Yongsan, by developing 18 unused sites in the capital city.
The development plans are part of the government's broader home supply programs announced in September, 2018.
Back then, the ministry said it will provide 300,000 "low-priced but quality" homes to the underprivileged from 2021 as home prices continued to rise, particularly in Seoul and the surrounding areas, for years amid low rates and short supply.
Land Minister Kim Hyun-mee (2nd from R) announces a plan to supply 110,000 homes, at the government complex building in Seoul on May 7, 2019. (Yonhap)
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-06--Dongwon F & B Q1 net income down 4.5 pct. to 23.9 bln won

SEOUL , May 6 ( Yonhap ) -- Dongwon F & B Co. on Wednesday reported its first-quarter net profit @ @ @ @ @ US $ 19.5 million ) , down 4.5 percent from a year earlier .

SEOUL, May 6 (Yonhap) -- Dongwon F & B Co. on Wednesday reported its first-quarter net profit of 23.9 billion won (US$ 19.5 million), down 4.5 percent from a year earlier.
The company said in a regulatory filing that operating profit for the January-March period rose 4.5 percent on-year to 36.5 billion won. Sales increased 4.7 percent to 783.6 billion won.
※ This article was generated by Yonhap's proprietary algorithm using data from Yonhap Infomax and Korea Exchange(KRX).
(END)


yna--2020-05-06--S. Korea nicknames F-35A stealth fighters "freedom knight"

The military 's decision not to make public the nickname immediately is in line with its long-held stance of maintaining @ @ @ @ @ the issue , which what critics have said comes as South Korea is overly mindful @ @ @ @ @ communist country has lashed out at the South for introducing advanced weapons .

SEOUL, May 6 (Yonhap) -- South Korea nicknamed its newly-introduced F-35A next-generation fighter jets "freedom knight," Air Force officials said Wednesday.
South Korea began bringing in the advanced stealth fighters in March last year to beef up reconnaissance capabilities under a plan to deploy 40 units through 2021, and deployed them in December. Last year, 13 F-35As arrived here.
"We held a contest among our service members and chose the name after holding a deliberation committee session in December," an Air Force official said.
The nickname reflects the military's hope for the advanced fighters to serve as a loyal knight that protects the freedom of South Korea's noble value of free democracy, he added.
It also carries the meaning of succeeding missions by the country's F-5 fighter jets which were codenamed "freedom fighter," according to the official.
The military's decision not to make public the nickname immediately is in line with its long-held stance of maintaining a low-key stance in handling the issue, which what critics have said comes as South Korea is overly mindful of North Korea. The communist country has lashed out at the South for introducing advanced weapons.
Last year, the Air Force held a ceremony to mark the deployment of the F-35As, but did not open it to the press.
As a centerpiece of the country's strategic targeting scheme against potential enemy forces, the warplane is expected to boost operational capabilities and strengthen the readiness posture against threats from all directions, according to the Air Force.
An F-35A stealth bomber conducts a flying display during the opening ceremony of the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (ADEX) at Seoul Air Base, east of Seoul, on Oct. 15, 2019. (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-06--Billions of won seized from key figure in hedge fund scandal

Kim Bong-hyun , a financier believed to be the largest financial source of Lime Asset Management Co. , was arrested @ @ @ @ @ has been under probe over its alleged cover-up of massive losses and subsequent suspension of @ @ @ @ @ 1.6 trillion won ( US $ 1.3 billion ) .

SUWON, South Korea, May 6 (Yonhap) -- Police in Suwon, south of Seoul, said Wednesday they have confiscated billions of won that a key figure in a major hedge fund scandal may have embezzled from a related company and stashed in a private safe.
Kim Bong-hyun, a financier believed to be the largest financial source of Lime Asset Management Co., was arrested late last month. Lime has been under probe over its alleged cover-up of massive losses and subsequent suspension of fund redemption worth an estimated 1.6 trillion won (US$1.3 billion).
Kim has been probed on suspicion that he may have misappropriated 24.1 billion won from a local bus company in Suwon from late 2018 to early 2019. It was previously acquired by a firm with funds borrowed from Lime.
Kim, who had been on the run since December over the embezzlement case, was apprehended on April 24 with 530 million won in cash.
He later told Suwon police that he put 5.5 billion won in a private vault in Seoul. The bundles of cash were in three travel bags.
The source of the money is being traced by the prosecution, which took over the embezzlement case from the police on May 1.
Kim told police the money is linked to a veterans' mutual aid society, from which he is also suspected of siphoning off about 30 billion won of customers' deposits.
Prosecutors are trying to capture a runaway executive of the bus company, who allegedly conspired with Kim in the crime.
A handcuffed Kim Bong-hyun is taken out of a detention room of the Nambu Police Station in Suwon, south of Seoul, on April 26, 2020. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-05-06--E-cigarette maker Juul Labs to exit S. Korea 1 yr after entry

`` We have reached the decision to suspend operations in South Korea after the company 's performance in the country @ @ @ @ @ expectations , '' the San Francisco-based startup said in a press release .

By Kim Han-joo
SEOUL, May 6 (Yonhap) -- U.S.-based electronic cigarette maker Juul Labs Inc. said Wednesday that it will pull out of South Korea one year after its launch here following controversies over health concerns.
Juul -- which packages nicotine salts from leaf tobacco into one-time use cartridges -- was launched in the country last May.
"We have reached the decision to suspend operations in South Korea after the company's performance in the country was not up to its expectations," the San Francisco-based startup said in a press release.
This undated photo shows Juul Labs' corporate logo. (Yonhap)
Since being founded in 2017, Juul has become the most popular e-cigarette brand in the United States.
The planned exit comes after the company aggressively pushed to enter new emerging markets last year, including South Korea.
Sales of flavored Juul Labs' e-cigarettes were suspended last October following local health authorities' warning against the use of such vaping products for health concerns.
The authorities said they have found vitamin E acetate, which may be linked to lung illnesses, in some liquid e-cigarette products made by Juul Labs and KT&G.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-06--Hyundai Motor gets nod for headquarters construction in Seoul

SEOUL , May 6 ( Yonhap ) -- Hyundai Motor Co. said Wednesday it has received approval from the Seoul @ @ @ @ @ the construction of its new headquarters building in southern Seoul .

SEOUL, May 6 (Yonhap) -- Hyundai Motor Co. said Wednesday it has received approval from the Seoul city government to proceed with the construction of its new headquarters building in southern Seoul.
Hyundai Motor has been seeking to build the 105-story Global Business Center (GBC), which will accommodate 15 affiliates and house roughly 10,000 employees.
The facility will also house hotels, offices, performing arts centers, restaurants, exhibition halls and entertainment facilities, the Seoul Metropolitan Government said in a statement.
Hyundai Motor said it will complete the project by 2026.
Once completed, the GBC will become the new tallest skyscraper in South Korea, standing 569 meters high. The 123-story Lotte World Tower is currently the country's tallest at a height of 555 meters.
Hyundai Motor Group bought the site formerly used as the headquarters of the state-run Korea Electric Power Corp. for 10.55 trillion won (US$8.6 billion) in 2014.
The GBC is part of the government's broader plan to develop the areas from the COEX exhibition hall to Jamsil Olympic Stadium in southern Seoul as a comprehensive complex for international exchanges.
This photo taken on May 6, 2020, shows the site at which Hyundai Motor Group's new headquarters building will be built in Samseong, southern Seoul, by 2026. (Yonhap)
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

The Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office said it referred Kang Hun for trial after indicting him on charges of acting @ @ @ @ @ operation of the `` Baksabang '' chatroom on the messaging service Telegram , which allowed @ @ @ @ @ taken photos and videos of violent sex acts .

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Wednesday.
----------------
(2nd LD) Samsung heir apologizes over wrongdoings in succession, vows to scrap 'no labor union' policy
SEOUL -- Lee Jae-yong, the heir of South Korea's top conglomerate Samsung Group, made a rare public apology Wednesday over wrongdoings related to his succession and vowed to scrap the group's "no labor union" policy.
Lee, the eldest son of bedridden Samsung Group chief Lee Kun-hee, also said he will not hand over managerial power to his scions.
----------------
S. Korea beefs up entry quarantine amid surge in virus cases from Kuwait: KCDC
SEOUL -- A total of six people who arrived from Kuwait have tested positive for the novel coronavirus over the past four days, prompting local health authorities to beef up quarantine operations, they said Wednesday.
The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said it has strengthened measures against arrivals from Kuwait at Incheon International Airport, the country's main gateway west of Seoul.
----------------
(LEAD) No plans for Cabinet shake-up: Cheong Wa Dae
SEOUL -- President Moon Jae-in has no plans to carry out a Cabinet reshuffle in the near future, Cheong Wa Dae emphasized Wednesday, in response to a news report that foreign and defense ministers will likely be replaced next month.
"Currently, a Cabinet shake-up is not being considered at all," Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kang Min-seok told reporters in an unusually quick and clear reaction to media speculation on the sensitive issue.
----------------
Top diplomats of S. Korea, U.S. discuss coronavirus, defense cost-sharing deal by phone
SEOUL -- Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discussed over the phone joint efforts to overcome the coronavirus pandemic and other issues of mutual concern on Wednesday, including the stalled defense cost-sharing negotiations.
During the talks, Pompeo congratulated South Korea for successfully pulling off the April 15 general elections amid the COVID-19 outbreak and thanked the Asian ally for close cooperation in the exchange of information related to tackling the virus, Seoul's foreign ministry said in a release.
----------------
Minor indicted on charges of trading sexual abuse materials
SEOUL -- An 18-year-old co-conspirator of a high-profile digital sexual exploitation ring was indicted on Wednesday for allegedly producing and distributing sexual abuse materials featuring women and girls.
The Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office said it referred Kang Hun for trial after indicting him on charges of acting as an accessory to the operation of the "Baksabang" chatroom on the messaging service Telegram, which allowed paid members to view illegally taken photos and videos of violent sex acts.
----------------
(2nd LD) S. Korea begins post-social distancing life with mix of hope, anxiety
SEOUL -- South Koreans began an unprecedented post-social distancing life Wednesday, hopefully welcoming the transition yet remaining cautious over possible COVID-19 breakouts.
Starting Wednesday, South Korea has officially shifted to "everyday life quarantine" following more than two months of "intensive social distancing" in line with a consistent and continuous flattening of the country's coronavirus curve.
----------------
Seoul reopens public institutions, prepares to allow spectators at baseball games
SEOUL -- Seoul's public cultural institutions, including museums, art galleries and libraries, resumed normal operations Wednesday in line with the government's relaxed social distancing measures amid a slowing rate of coronavirus contagion.
In a briefing, the city announced that the opening of such institutions will take place gradually from Wednesday by asking visitors to make online reservations in advance.
(END)


yna--2020-05-06--(2nd LD) Samsung heir apologizes over wrongdoings in succession, vows to scrap 'no labor union' poli

(2nd LD) Samsung heir apologizes over wrongdoings in succession, vows to scrap 'no labor union' policy

`` I had it in my mind for a long time , but I was afraid to talk to others @ @ @ @ @ `` I thought it was irresponsible to mention about succession after me since I have @ @ @ @ @ . ''

(ATTN: ADDS more info from 20th para, in paras 14-15)
By Joo Kyung-don
SEOUL, May 6 (Yonhap) -- Lee Jae-yong, the heir of South Korea's top conglomerate Samsung Group, made a rare public apology Wednesday over wrongdoings related to his succession and vowed to scrap the group's "no labor union" policy.
Lee, the eldest son of bedridden Samsung Group chief Lee Kun-hee, also said he will not hand over managerial power to his scions.
"Samsung has not strictly complied with laws and ethics, and also has been inadequate in communicating with society," Lee said during a press conference at the company's headquarters in Seoul.
"All of these came from our inadequacy, and it's my fault. I apologize," he said.
This is the first time that Lee has made a public apology since June 2015, when he did so over a Samsung hospital's mishandling of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).
Lee's latest action comes after the group's independent compliance committee in March urged him to make a public apology and come up with measures that can improve Samsung's compliance culture in three areas: managerial succession, labor union and communication with civil society.
Lee, 51, was originally asked to respond to the committee's advice by April 10, but due to the novel coronavirus outbreak, Samsung had requested to push back the deadline by a month.
Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, the heir of Samsung Group, bows during his press conference at the company's office building in Seoul on May 6, 2020. (Yonhap)
The succession process in Samsung has involved a bribery case and a controversial merger of two of its affiliates -- Samsung C&T Corp. and Cheil Industries Inc. -- in 2015. Legal battles on both issues are still under way.
Lee was indicted in 2017 for giving bribes to a longtime friend of then President Park Geun-hye as he sought backing for his plan to secure the throne of South Korea's biggest conglomerate.
He was initially sentenced to five years in prison in 2017 but was freed a year later after the Seoul High Court reduced the sentence to 2 1/2 years, suspended for four years, dismissing most of the bribery charges against him.
The Supreme Court, however, last year overturned the previous court ruling and sent it back to the Seoul High Court for a review.
Prosecutors believe Samsung's top management may have intentionally lowered the value of Samsung C&T prior to its merger with Cheil Industries in 2015 to help benefit Lee.
"All of the problems basically started from this succession issue," Lee said. "From now on, I will make sure that no controversy happens again regarding the succession issue."
Lee, vice chairman of Samsung Electronics Co., added he does not plan to give managerial rights to his children.
"I had it in my mind for a long time, but I was afraid to talk to others," he said. "I thought it was irresponsible to mention about succession after me since I have yet to be evaluated well."
Regarding labor union issues, Lee apologized to those who were hurt by the group's "no-labor union" policy.
"From now on, I will make sure that Samsung no longer pursues no labor union management," he said. "We will strictly comply with labor related laws and will guarantee three fundamental labor rights."
This photo taken on Jan. 30, 2020, shows the corporate logo of Samsung Group at its office building in Seoul. (Yonhap)
Samsung had disallowed labor unions for decades, claiming that its policy actually leads the conglomerate to better ensure its workers' rights and welfare.
In December, the group saw former Samsung Electronics board chairman Lee Sang-hoon sentenced to 18 months in prison for sabotaging a labor union.
In regard to communication with civil society, Lee vowed to listen to various voices from people, emphasizing that compliance will be Samsung's key culture.
Lee also shared his vision with Samsung, saying that the group aims to make society better by using its technology prowess and pursuing new business opportunities.
His apology over controversial succession plan came as the tech giant is suffering a slump in its key business areas such as smartphones.
The group's crown jewel, Samsung Electronics, saw its sales rise 5.61 percent on-year to 55.3 trillion won (US$45.2 billion), while its operating income increased 3.43 percent on-year to 6.4 trillion won in the first quarter of the year.
However, compared to the company's heyday in 2018, when it made at least 10 trillion won in operating profit, its quarterly performance was mediocre.
"Risk is always next to us, and you cannot predict the future," he said.
Lee said he will now focus on bringing in talented individuals who can make Samsung better.
"Those talented people should work with responsibility and must lead our businesses from more important positions than me," he said. "If I can fully carry out my role, then Samsung can remain as Samsung."
Meanwhile, the Federation of Korean Trade Unions, one of the major umbrella unions in the country, released a statement following Lee's apology, saying that the conglomerate should focus on matching its words with action regarding its promise on its labor union policy.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-06--All coronavirus patients among military population fully recovered: ministry

The military authorities have implemented diverse measures to stem the spread of the virus in barracks , such as restricting @ @ @ @ @ off-installation travels and meetings with outside visitors .
Some of the restrictions have been eased @ @ @ @ @ marked drop in new virus cases in the country .

SEOUL, May 6 (Yonhap) -- The last-remaining coronavirus patient in the military has been released from hospital after a fully recovery, bringing the number of cases in the barracks to zero, officials said Wednesday.
The Navy sailor stationed on the southern island of Jeju was released from hospital Tuesday, making the military virus-free for the first time in 74 days since it reported its first coronavirus case on Feb. 21, officials said.
Even after the release, the sailor will remain in isolation for two weeks as a precaution.
So far, the military has reported 39 COVID-19 infections among its population, including 32 active-duty service members, the ministry said.
Currently, around 1,063 individuals are quarantined as a precaution in accordance with military coronavirus prevention guidelines that are tougher than the civilian health guidelines. In terms of the civilian guidelines, the Navy sailor is the only military person currently in isolation, officials said.
"The military will do its best to completely overcome the COVID-19 virus while continuing to implement 'everyday life quarantine' guidelines," the ministry said in a release.
The military authorities have implemented diverse measures to stem the spread of the virus in barracks, such as restricting service members' vacations, off-installation travels and meetings with outside visitors. Some of the restrictions have been eased recently in line with the marked drop in new virus cases in the country.
Starting Wednesday, South Korea ended its monthslong intensive social distancing campaign and began everyday guidance. On Wednesday, South Korea reported two more COVID-19 patients, all of which are imported cases. It marked no new local infections for the third consecutive day. The total cases stood at 10,806, including 255 deaths.
Soldiers smile while enjoying a meal at a restaurant outside their barracks in Yanggu, Gangwon Province, on April 24, 2020, after they were allowed to make off-base trips following the stabilization of the coronavirus situation in the country, in this photo provided by the Army. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-06--(LEAD) Unification minister visits Panmunjom just days after DMZ gunfire

Kim 's trip also included a visit to the former site of a guard post in the border town of @ @ @ @ @ in accordance with an inter-Korean military accord signed in September 2018 .
It is part @ @ @ @ @ by the government , which has also remained closed since the animal disease outbreak .

(ATTN: CHANGES photo; ADDS quotes, more info throughout; CORRECTS 2nd para to say tour program was suspended since African swine fever outbreak, not coronavirus outbreak)
SEOUL, May 6 (Yonhap) -- Unification Minister Kim Yeon-chul visited the inter-Korean truce village of Panmunjom on Wednesday, just days after South and North Korea exchanged gunfire at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating the two sides.
The unification ministry said Kim's visit was not related to the recent gunfire and was aimed at assessing preparations for the planned resumption of tours to the truce village, which have been suspended since the outbreak of African swine fever last year.
On early Sunday, four bullets from the North hit the South's guard post in the central part of the DMZ in Cherwon, prompting South Korean troops to respond by firing back and issuing broadcast warnings, according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
South Korea has lodged a protest over the incident and demanded an explanation from the North, but Pyongyang has yet to respond to the call. The South Korean military earlier said the firings do not appear to have been intentional.
Kim's trip also included a visit to the former site of a guard post in the border town of Paju, which was demolished in accordance with an inter-Korean military accord signed in September 2018. It is part of a hiking trail run by the government, which has also remained closed since the animal disease outbreak.
"The guard post the minister is visiting is located far away from (where the incident took place) and the visit was planned in advance," ministry spokesperson Yoh Sang-key told a regular press briefing earlier on the day.
The government will soon decide when to resume the tour program following the minister's trip, Yoh said.
"The historic mission to make the demilitarized zone -- which has turned into a heavily militarized zone -- literally demilitarized won't be realized overnight," the minister said in a Facebook post. "(I) will do my best so that peace in everyday life will bloom at any place despite any cold weather or rainstorm."
The U.S.-led United Nations Command said on its Facebook account it is working closely with the South Korean government and that it will "update the public on any areas in the #DMZ where the ROK government lifts its #ASF containment restrictions."
ROK stands for the South's official name, the Republic of Korea.
South Korea reported two more cases of the new coronavirus Wednesday, marking no local new infections for the third consecutive day amid relaxed social distancing. The nation's total number of infections stood at 10,806, including 255 deaths.
Unification Minister Kim Yeon-chul (L) visits the inter-Korean truce village of Panmunjom on May 6, 2020, in this photo provided by his office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-06--(2nd LD) S. Korea begins post-social distancing life with mix of hope, anxiety

(ATTN ADDS more details in paras 14-23)
By Lee Minji
SEOUL, May 6 (Yonhap) -- South Koreans began an unprecedented post-social distancing life Wednesday, hopefully welcoming the transition yet remaining cautious over possible COVID-19 breakouts.
Starting Wednesday, South Korea has officially shifted to "everyday life quarantine" following more than two months of "intensive social distancing" in line with a consistent and continuous flattening of the country's coronavirus curve.
Daily new infections peaked at 909 on Feb. 29, and the number has dramatically dropped to a single-digit level over the past few days. No local infections were reported for three straight days.
This means that as long as they follow the government's new hygiene guideline, people can now take part in outdoor activities and mass-gathering events, such as working out at gyms, clubbing and attending Sunday religious services.
People wearing masks are seen commuting at Sindorim Station in southwestern Seoul on May 6, 2020. (Yonhap)
On the first day of new quarantine scheme, changes were not so apparent at first sight.
Most people on subways and buses wore face masks, with the exception of a handful of people who were wearing their masks lower or not wearing them at all as temperatures have gotten warmer here.
"My commute has become a bit more crowded," said a 34-year-old office worker who uses subway lines No. 5 and 7 to go to work. "I feel that more people are starting not to wear masks."
Streets in central Seoul were relatively busy as usual and commuting hour-crowds on public transportation remained similar to the past few weeks, as most large companies already began to shift to office working starting in April.
Visitors, who applied for tickets in advance, walk around the National Museum of Korea in Seoul on May 6, 2020. (Yonhap)
At the same time, the social changes are expected to start permeating into everyday life more in the coming weeks as public facilities, such as libraries, museums and galleries, reopen.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government said that its key museums and galleries will start accepting visitors on a limited basis starting Wednesday. People can apply online in advance to visit the venues and visiting hours at the venue will be limited to a maximum two hours.
The Seoul Metropolitan Library also resumed book lending services, limiting it to 300 people per day, while expanding electronic book services.
"We began to accept requests this morning and applications quickly piled up. More than 250 requested to borrow books in just an hour and an half," Kim Jee-an, head of the library's information services department, told Yonhap News Agency.
The city government also said it plans to gradually reopen a public ice rink and swimming pool starting this month, as well as reopen community childcare support centers and welfare facilities for the elderly.
A visitor wearing a mask walks past an exhibition at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in central Seoul on May 6, 2020. (Yonhap)
Other major cities also reopened public cultural institutions in limited fashion.
The city of Suwon, located 45 kilometers south of Seoul, opened three of its public museums for the first time in three months. The facilities allowed in only up to 50 visitors per hour for distancing. Individuals not wearing masks, as well as group tours, weren't permitted.
The city of Cheongju, 370 kilometers southwest of Seoul, also opened its public zoo and national museum. Up to 100 visitors per hour were allowed into the museum.
Some local governments have decided to not yet lower their vigilance against potential outbreaks.
The provincial government of Jeju, South Korea's most popular vacation destination, has extended its social distancing campaign for another two weeks. The island received over 196,000 visitors during the extended holidays that began last Thursday.
"A lot of tourists from all over the country visited Jeju and we expect more. Hence we are extending the high-level of quarantine until May 19," said Lim Tae-bong, head of the provincial government's welfare and sanitation division.
Daegu, once the nation's epicenter for mass coronavirus outbreaks, is also maintaining a cautious stance.
"Daegu, unlike the rest of the country, cannot shift into everyday life quarantine just yet," Kwon Young-jin, mayor of Daegu, announced Tuesday.
In early March, the southeastern city reported around 300 to 500 new patients per day due to massive testing of followers of the local branch of Shincheonji, a minor religious sect, but the number started to decrease in line with strict quarantine measures and social distancing drive.
"We cannot but remain focused on strict quarantine instead of hastily returning back to our past daily lifestyle," Kwon said.
In general, most people welcomed the transition from the strict quarantine measure that had kept them at home for more than three months. South Korea has reported 10,806 cases as of Tuesday since reporting its first case on Jan. 20.
A poll of 3,725 adults by recruiting platform Saramin conducted in April had showed that while 77.6 percent understood the importance of social distancing, 79.7 percent said they felt exhausted from the campaign.
Some 74.8 percent of respondents said 2.6 months would be their psychological limit to endure the social distancing campaign, citing wearing masks and not being able to go outside as the biggest difficulties.
"I'm happy that I can finally start going to the gym," said Jung Yu-ri, an office worker who had suspended her regular workouts after the social distancing measure took place.
"It seems situations are stabilizing relatively quickly. Of course we have to continue to be careful, but the fear of confronting the unknown has definitely eased."
Some, however, voiced caution over shifting to normal life too soon.
"I was shopping at the department store over the weekend and felt that around one-third of people, especially younger people, were not wearing face masks," said an office worker in her mid-thirties.
"Seeing Singapore's case, I think we should continue to be vigilant. Wearing masks should be the least we should stick to."
The commuting office worker agreed.
"I think we are at a 'make or break' moment. Hopefully, if we remain careful for the time being, things will be alright."
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-07--Korean Air to reopen dozens of int'l routes in June

Korean Air currently offers 55 flights a week on 13 international routes , sharply down from more than 900 flights @ @ @ @ @ the airline industry was hit by the coronavirus .
Starting in June , 146 flights @ @ @ @ @ be available .

SEOUL, May 7 (Yonhap) -- Korean Air Lines Co., South Korea's biggest carrier by sales, said Thursday it will reopen dozens of its international routes next month amid signs the coronavirus epidemic may have passed its peak.
Korean Air plans to resume flights on 19 international routes on June 1 as the country's top flag carrier strives to offset a sharp decline in passenger travel demand with an increased demand for cargo deliveries, the company said in a statement.
The reopening routes include Washington, D.C., Seattle, Vancouver, Toronto, Frankfurt, Singapore, Beijing and Kuala Lumpur, the statement said.
The move is aimed at preparing for increased travel demand after countries ease their entry restrictions on incoming passengers to stem the spread of the COVID-19 virus, it said.
This undated file photo shows planes of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul. (Yonhap)
Korean Air currently offers 55 flights a week on 13 international routes, sharply down from more than 900 flights on 110 long-haul routes before the airline industry was hit by the coronavirus. Starting in June, 146 flights on 32 international routes will be available.
It has suspended more than 90 percent of flights on international routes since late March, as an increasing number of countries have closed their borders or have taken other measures related to incoming passengers.
As part of self-rescue efforts, Korean Air had 70 percent of its 20,000-strong workforce take paid leave for six months beginning Thursday and is in the process of selling non-core assets to secure operating costs.
Korean Air's net losses widened to 624.87 billion won in 2019 from 185.65 billion won a year earlier due to a weak won and lower demand. Its first-quarter results are set to be released next week.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-07--S. Korea reports 4 new virus cases amid lax social distancing

The country decided to lift its strict social distancing scheme that had been put in force since early March starting @ @ @ @ @ in the number of new infections that had peaked at 909 in late February .

SEOUL, May 7 (Yonhap) -- South Korea reported four more cases of the new coronavirus on Thursday, including a local one for the first time in four days, amid relaxed social distancing.
The new infections brought the nation's total cases of COVID-19 to 10,810, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC). Three of the new cases are imported.
The country decided to lift its strict social distancing scheme that had been put in force since early March starting Wednesday, amid a slowdown in the number of new infections that had peaked at 909 in late February.
Commuters wearing masks change trains at a subway station in Seoul on May 6, 2020. South Korea started to relax its social distancing measures the same day, as the number of new coronavirus infections has stayed low for weeks, moving to what it calls an "everyday life quarantine" scheme and giving the go-ahead to the normalization of schools and public facilities. (Yonhap)
South Koreans are allowed to go back to their daily routines while adhering to basic precautionary guidelines. Schools will open in phases starting next week as well.
The nation's death toll increased by one to 256, the KCDC said.
In total, 9,419 people in South Korea have recovered from the virus, up 86 from a day earlier.
Daegu, the nation's worst virus-hit region located 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul, added no new cases for the fourth consecutive day. The city accounts for 64 percent of the nation's total COVID-19 cases.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-07--S. Korea reports more than 8-fold jump in exports of coronavirus test kits

The value of test kit exports stood at US $ 201.2 million last month , compared with $ 24 million @ @ @ @ @ the data from the Korea Customs Service .

SEJONG, May 7 (Yonhap) -- South Korea reported a more than eight-fold jump in its exports of coronavirus test kits in April, data showed Thursday.
The value of test kit exports stood at US$201.2 million last month, compared with $24 million in March, according to the data from the Korea Customs Service.
So far this year, South Korea has exported test kits to a total of 103 nations.
In the first four months of this year, South Korea exported $225 million worth of coronavirus test kits.
This photo, provided by the South Korean Embassy in Gabon, shows Gabonese government officials (1st and 2nd from R) posing for a photo upon the arrival of 50,000 coronavirus test kits from South Korea at Libreville International Airport in the Gabonese capital of Libreville on April 18, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Brazil imported $30 million worth of test kits from South Korea, followed by Italy with $22 million and India with $21 million, the data showed.
The United States imported $17 million worth of test kits from South Korea and Poland imported $14 million worth of test kits, the data showed.
South Korea has appeared to bring the virus outbreak under control, with daily new infections falling below five in recent days. South Korea has tested about 640,000 people.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-07--(LEAD) Kakao Q1 net jumps nearly 4 times on robust platform, e-commerce businesses

Sales jumped by 23 percent on-year to reach a record high of 868.4 billion won over the cited period , @ @ @ @ @ more than tripled to a record high of 88.2 billion won over the cited period @ @ @ @

(ATTN: ADDS more info throughout)
By Kim Han-joo
SEOUL, May 7 (Yonhap) -- Kakao Corp., the operator of South Korea's top mobile messenger KakaoTalk, said Thursday its first-quarter net profit jumped nearly four times from a year earlier on the back of robust revenue from its platform and e-commerce businesses.
Net profit reached 79.9 billion won (US$65.4 million) in the January-March period on a consolidated basis, compared with 17.6 billion won a year earlier, the company said in a regulatory filing.
The corporate logo of Kakao Corp. (Yonhap)
Sales jumped by 23 percent on-year to reach a record high of 868.4 billion won over the cited period, and its operating income also more than tripled to a record high of 88.2 billion won over the cited period, it said.
Kakao said messaging through KakaoTalk surged following the COVID-19 pandemic, as more people stayed home and avoided face-to-face contact, leading to increased content usage and online shopping.
"More people used group calls and video calls mainly on the back of the social distancing campaign," Yeo Min-soo, co-CEO of Kakao, said in a conference call. "This trend continues through the second quarter."
Kakao said it enjoyed brisk performance in both its platform and e-commerce businesses.
Kakao said the revenue from its platform business surged by 41 percent on-year to 442 billion won over the cited period on the back of steady growth of Biz Message.
Total transactions from the e-commerce business that includes online stores and gift services also surged by 55 on-year during the cited period.
Revenue from the content business also expanded by 8 percent on-year to 426.6 billion won in the first quarter.
Revenue from its new businesses, such as Kakao Mobility and Kakao Pay, also skyrocketed 67 percent on-year to 100.5 billion won during the cited period, officials said.
Kakao attributed it to an increased number of offline stores adopting its one-click payment system and more members joining its chauffeur service, Kakao Driver, under Kakao Mobility.
Kakao also said it will continue to beef up its platform businesses based on KakaoTalk, including Talk Board.
Shares of Kakao were trading at a 52-week high of 201,000 won as of 10 a.m. on the Seoul bourse, up 0.75 percent from a day earlier. The earnings were announced before the local market opened.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-07--(URGENT) 86 more people released after full recovery from coronavirus, bringing total to 9,419:KCDC

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


yna--2020-05-07--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 1 more virus death, death toll now at 256: KCDC


yna--2020-05-07--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 4 more cases of new coronavirus, total now at 10,810: KCDC


yna--2020-05-07--Tax revenue continues to fall in March

Tax revenue continues to fall in March

Dues collected from companies , on the other hand , reached 13.4 trillion won in the month , down 6 @ @ @ @ @ earlier due to lackluster earnings over the coronavirus pandemic .

SEOUL, May 7 (Yonhap) -- South Korea collected 41.8 trillion won (US$34.1 billion) in taxes in March, down 1.7 trillion won from a year earlier, the finance ministry said Thursday.
Income tax revenue amounted to 3.2 trillion won in March, up 200 billion won from a year earlier, according to the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
Dues collected from companies, on the other hand, reached 13.4 trillion won in the month, down 6 trillion won from a year earlier due to lackluster earnings over the coronavirus pandemic.
Value-added tax revenue reached 1.3 trillion won in March, unchanged from a year ago, the data showed.
In the first three months of this year, South Korea collected 69.5 trillion won in taxes, down 8.5 trillion won.
South Korea's total expenditures in March reached 60.8 trillion won, up 11.8 trillion won from a year earlier.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-07--Rookie KBO pitchers get early calls during opening week

They went back to the United States in early March after spring training , with the coronavirus raging in South @ @ @ @ @ a few weeks later , they had to be quarantined for 14 days , which @ @ @ @ @ start of the regular season .
Neither of the two made the Opening Day roster @ @ @ @ @ available this weekend .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, May 7 (Yonhap) -- Perhaps a bit unfairly, LG Twins manager Ryu Joong-il has earned a reputation as someone who'd rather work with veterans than develop unproven, raw young talent -- this, despite the fact that he has produced three Rookie of the Year award winners in eight years as manager.
As if to prove a point, Ryu put three rookies on his Opening Day roster Tuesday. No other team had more than two. And two of those three LG rookies have already made their Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) debut this week.
Lee Min-ho, an 18-year-old right-hander, threw one scoreless inning in relief Wednesday, with his team down 5-0 against the Doosan Bears. He gave up a leadoff hit to Kim Jae-ho but then retired the next three batters in order.
Kim Yun-sik, a 20-year-old lefty, made his first professional appearance on Opening Day on Tuesday. With the Twins ahead comfortably 8-1 in the ninth inning, Kim gave up a run on two hits.
Kim Yun-sik of the LG Twins pitches against the Doosan Bears during a Korea Baseball Organization season opener at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul on May 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
Both came on in low-leverage situations, and their performances didn't really have an impact on the outcome of the games. Still, that Ryu went to these young hurlers so early in the season offers a glimpse into how the manager will be running his pitching staff while playing a compressed schedule.
The start of the season was delayed from March 28 to May 5, this past Tuesday, but the KBO still plans on squeezing in all 144 games through early November, followed by the postseason that's expected to run until late November. With no All-Star break and possibility of doubleheaders looming, Ryu and other managers will need all the arms they can get.
"We have a relatively old team, and we have to keep developing our young players," Ryu said Tuesday before the Opening Day tilt against the Bears.
Discussing his usage of Lee and Kim, Ryu added, "For now, they'll be pitching in middle relief. But they may get an opportunity to start at some point. This year, I am going to play a lot of our young players."
Ryu's pitching staff was particularly compromised by the early absence of two American aces: Tyler Wilson and Casey Kelly.
They went back to the United States in early March after spring training, with the coronavirus raging in South Korea. When they returned a few weeks later, they had to be quarantined for 14 days, which affected their buildup for the start of the regular season. Neither of the two made the Opening Day roster, but they will be available this weekend.
In this file photo from April 29, 2020, Lee Min-ho of the LG Twins (top) pitches against the Hanwha Eagles during a Korea Baseball Organization preseason game at Hanwha Life Eagles Park in Daejeon, 160 kilometers south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
The third rookie that made the Twins roster but that hasn't played yet is Son Ho-young, a former Chicago Cubs infield prospect who reached as far as Single-A.
While Ryu managed the Samsung Lions from 2011 to 2016, the team had two Rookie of the Year winners: Bae Young-seob in 2011 and Koo Ja-wook in 2015. Then last year, his second season as a Twins boss, Ryu saw his reliever Jung Woo-young capture the top rookie prize.
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-07--(LEAD) SK Telecom Q1 net down on reduced equity gains, 5G costs

The company said that operating profit for the first three months of the year fell 6.4 percent on-year to 302 @ @ @ @ @ annual revenue increased 2.7 percent on-year to 4.45 trillion won .

(ATTN: CHANGES headline, lead; UPDATES throughout)
SEOUL, May 7 (Yonhap) -- SK Telecom Co., South Korea's top mobile carrier, said Thursday its net income dropped 17.9 percent from a year earlier due to reduced equity gains and investments related to its 5G service.
In a regulatory filing, SK Telecom reported a net income of 306.8 billion won (US$250 million) in the January-March period on a consolidated basis, down from 373.6 billion won a year ago.
The company said that operating profit for the first three months of the year fell 6.4 percent on-year to 302 billion won, although its annual revenue increased 2.7 percent on-year to 4.45 trillion won.
SK Telecom attributed its profit decline to equity ties with chipmaking affiliate SK hynix Inc.
SK Telecom holds a 20 percent stake in SK hynix, which reported a 41 percent drop in net profit in the first quarter of the year.
Its increased marketing expenses for 5G service and depreciation cost also dragged down the bottom line, according to the mobile carrier.
This photo, taken Feb. 26, 2020, shows SK Telecom Co.'s headquarters in Seoul. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-05-07--Coronavirus sends tour agencies into red in Q1

SEOUL , May 7 ( Yonhap ) -- South Korean travel agencies plunged into the red in the first quarter @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic , with no end to their malaise in sight , industry sources @ @ @

SEOUL, May 7 (Yonhap) -- South Korean travel agencies plunged into the red in the first quarter of the year due to the coronavirus pandemic, with no end to their malaise in sight, industry sources said Thursday.
Those tour operators have borne the brunt of the global spread of COVID-19, which has resulted in a tumble in travel demand following lockdowns in the United States and major European countries.
Two South Korean outbound travel operators -- no. 1 HanaTour and runner-up Mode Tour -- were widely estimated to have lost money in the January-March period, but their results were shocking, according to the sources.
Both companies saw their first-quarter revenue halve from a year ago and swung to a net loss, spawning concerns over their performances down the road.
In a regulatory filing Wednesday, HanaTour said it swung to a net loss of 34.9 billion won (US$28.4 million) during the three-month period.
Sales tumbled 51 percent on-year to 110.8 billion won, and the company recorded an operating loss of 27.5 billion won on a consolidated basis.
It marks the first time since HanaTour's establishment that the leading travel agency has posted an operating loss of 20 billion won or more.
The arrival lounge at Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, is nearly empty on March 25, 2020, amid the coronavirus outbreak. (Yonhap)
Mode Tour registered a net loss of 1.4 billion won in the first quarter on sales of 44.2 billion won, which was down a whopping 52 percent from the same period a year earlier.
The tour company posted a consolidated operating loss of 1.4 billion won, compared with an operating profit of 9.1 billion won a year earlier.
The coronavirus outbreak has dealt a harsh blow to local tour agencies as more than 140 countries have imposed entry bans on South Koreans.
The number of outbound travelers tumbled nearly 94 percent on-year in March, when the world was in the throes of the novel coronavirus outbreak.
Sales of overseas tour products by HanaTour and Mode Tour came to almost zilch in March and April. Overseas travel programs account for more than 90 percent of their products.
With the top two agencies reeling from the coronavirus fallout, watchers said, smaller industry players are just struggling to stay afloat.
Despite the improved coronavirus situation in South Korea, local tour agencies are feared to face difficulties as long as the outbreak persists abroad.
According to the World Tourism Organization, overseas travel restrictions or bans are in place in nearly 96 percent of destinations across the globe.
"There are no expectations for improvements in travel agencies' performances in the second quarter amid the absence of sales," an industry source said on condition of anonymity.
To date, the new coronavirus has infected some 3.74 million people and claimed more than 260,000 lives globally. South Korea reported no new local cases for the third straight day Wednesday. The nation's caseload totaled 10,806 with its death toll reaching 255.
(END)


yna--2020-05-07--Bank loans to smaller firms grow at fastest in over 4 years in April

Outstanding loans taken out by smaller firms from the lenders -- KB Kookmin Bank , Shinhan Bank , Woori Bank @ @ @ @ @ NH Bank -- increased by 8.43 trillion won ( US $ 6.8 billion ) to @ @ @ @ @ according to the data from the five banks .

SEOUL, May 7 (Yonhap) -- Loans extended to small and medium-sized firms by South Korea's five major banks rose at the fastest pace in over four years in April from a month earlier amid the coronavirus pandemic, data showed Thursday.
Outstanding loans taken out by smaller firms from the lenders -- KB Kookmin Bank, Shinhan Bank, Woori Bank, KEB Hana Bank and NH Bank -- increased by 8.43 trillion won (US$6.8 billion) to 436.9 trillion in April, according to the data from the five banks.
The hike represented the highest since September 2015, when relevant data began to be available.
The sharp loan increase came as South Korean banks began extending up to 30 million won in loans with a low interest rate to small business owners in April, as they were hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic amid sluggish domestic demand.
On Wednesday, Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki said the government will encourage major local banks to provide 10 trillion won in new relief loans for small business owners.
entropy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-07--(2nd LD) S. Korea's current account surplus widens in March on investment gains

`` The COVID-19 outbreak began to take its effect in South Korea and China in February , and globally after @ @ @ @ @ effect on the country 's exports and its goods account surplus had still been limited @ @ @ @ @

(ATTN: MODIFIES attribution in 2nd para; UPDATES with more details, remarks from a BOK official in paras 8-11, 18-22; ADDS photos)
By Byun Duk-kun
SEOUL, May 7 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's current account surplus widened from a year earlier in March as a sharp increase in primary income helped offset a slight drop in its goods account surplus, central bank data showed Thursday.
The country's current account surplus came to US$6.23 billion in the month, compared with a $5.04 billion surplus the same month last year, according to preliminary data from the Bank of Korea (BOK).
South Korea has posted a current account surplus for 11 consecutive months.
The file photo shows stacks of import-export cargo containers at South Korea's largest seaport in Busan, located some 450 kilometers south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
Its goods account surplus sharply narrowed to $7 billion from $8.34 billion a year earlier as exports dropped at a faster rate than imports.
The country's outbound shipments slipped 0.2 percent on-year to $46.9 billion in March, with imports falling 0.3 percent to $41.8 billion over the cited period.
On a customs clearance basis, the country's exports dipped 3.3 percent on-year to $46.4 billion in March, the BOK said.
Imports slipped 0.6 percent to $39.4 billion, it added.
"The drop in exports was largely due to a drop in exports to China due to the COVID-19 outbreak, while the unit price of key export items dropped," Park Yang-su, head of the BOK's economic statistics department, told a press briefing.
The BOK official noted the outbreak may have yet to take its full effect on the country's exports.
"The COVID-19 outbreak began to take its effect in South Korea and China in February, and globally after March. Therefore, its effect on the country's exports and its goods account surplus had still been limited," he said.
The country's exports to the U.S. and Europe showed little changes from a year earlier in March, he added.
Park Yang-su, Bank of Korea director-general for economic statistics (Yonhap)
The country's service account continued to be in the red in March, but its deficit narrowed to $1.46 billion from $2.1 billion a year earlier.
Its travel account deficit widened to $370 million from a $170 million deficit in March 2019 on a plunge in the number of foreign visitors to South Korea caused by the spread of the new coronavirus.
In March, the number of visitors to the country tumbled 94.6 percent on-year to around 80,000, while the number of South Koreans going overseas fell 93.9 percent to some 143,000, according to the BOK.
The country's surplus in the intellectual property rights payment account narrowed to $550 million from $950 million a year earlier.
Its primary income account posted a $930 million surplus, marking a turnaround from a $610 million deficit a year earlier, according to the BOK.
The country posted a $970 million surplus in investment income, largely due to its dividend payment income turning to a $400 million surplus from a $1.24 billion deficit a year before.
This photo, taken on March 18, 2020, shows Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, nearly empty amid the global spread of the new coronavirus. (Yonhap)
In the first three months of the year, the country's current account surplus came to $13.61 billion, slightly up from $12.19 billion over the same period last year, according to the BOK.
Its goods account surplus narrowed to $15.34 billion from $19.52 billion over the cited period, while its service account deficit narrowed to $5.28 billion from $7.18 billion.
The drop in service account deficit was partly attributed to a sharp decline in the travel account deficit, helped by a drop in the number of South Koreans going abroad amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the first quarter, the number of South Koreans going overseas plunged 52.9 percent on-year to some 3.7 million while the number of visitors to the country dropped 46.9 percent to about 2.04 million, according to the BOK.
The country's primary income account surplus came to $3.86 billion in the January-March period, more than double $1.52 billion over the same period a year earlier.
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-07--S. Korea to provide 1 mln face masks to Korean War veterans in 22 countries

Of the total , 500,000 masks will be sent to the U.S. and the remainder will be distributed to the @ @ @ @ @ the exact figures for each nation to be decided upon the respective number of the @ @ @ @ @ , according to the ministry .

By Oh Seok-min
SEOUL, May 7 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will provide a total of one million face masks to Korean War veterans in 22 countries in an expression of gratitude for their sacrifice, as this year marks the 70th anniversary of the 1950-53 conflict, the veterans affairs ministry said Thursday.
Around 1.95 million people from 22 countries, including the United States, Britain, Canada and Turkey, took part in the three-year war, including six countries that extended medical support. Of them, 37,902 were killed and 103,460 wounded.
"All the 22 countries have been struggling with the COVID-19 virus, and providing face masks is an urgent matter as the war veterans are susceptible to the virus," the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs (MPVA) said in a release. The veterans' average age is 88.
Of the total, 500,000 masks will be sent to the U.S. and the remainder will be distributed to the other 21 nations, with the exact figures for each nation to be decided upon the respective number of the veterans and their coronavirus situation, according to the ministry.
An Air Force aircraft will take off Friday to transport the masks to the U.S. while the other countries will be able to receive the supplies from South Korea's overseas missions within this month, officials said.
Currently, South Korea imposes export restrictions on protective masks, but outbound shipments for humanitarian purposes are allowed as an exemption, the ministry said.
It was one of many projects that South Korean has been pushing for as part of efforts to return the favor it received 70 years ago. Related ministries cooperated for the mask supply project, including the prime minister's office, the foreign ministry, the food and drug administration and the trade ministry, according to the MPVA.
"When the coronavirus situation in South Korea stabilizes more and South Koreans can buy masks without any difficulties, we will review additional support for the veterans," the ministry said.
The war ended in a truce, not a peace treaty.
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-07--Asiana to raise share sale ceiling to brace for virus fallout

The HDC-led consortium was planning to complete the acquisition by the end of April but said last week its acquisition @ @ @ @ @ after May , as a foreign regulator has yet to approve their integration .

SEOUL, May 7 (Yonhap) -- Asiana Airlines Inc. said Thursday it will raise its share and convertible bond sale ceiling limit to preemptively prepare for the impact of the prolonged coronavirus outbreak on the airline industry.
Asiana plans to get approval from its shareholder meeting next month to raise capital in case of a liquidity crisis caused by the COVID-19 virus, a company spokesman said over the phone.
In a shareholders meeting held in March, Asiana raised the share sale limit from the then existing 600 million shares to 800 million stocks in order to help HDC Hyundai Development Co.'s bid to acquire the country's second-biggest airline.
Asiana has 223 million outstanding shares valued at 866 billion won as of Thursday.
In December, the consortium set up by HDC and Mirae Asset Daewoo signed a deal to acquire a 30.77 percent stake in the airline 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).
The HDC-led consortium was planning to complete the acquisition by the end of April but said last week its acquisition of Asiana will be finalized after May, as a foreign regulator has yet to approve their integration.
To complete the overall process to acquire Asiana, it is essential to obtain approval from all countries to which the airline offers services over the integration of the two Korean companies.
Regulators in the United States, China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkey and South Korea have recently approved HDC's planned takeover of Asiana. Russia is the only remaining country that is still reviewing the integration.
Once Russia approves the deal, HDC said it will be able to enter into the process to take over Asiana.
Asiana and other South Korean carriers have suspended most of their flights on international routes, as an increasing number of countries have strengthened entry restrictions on incoming passengers amid virus fears.
To help Asiana stay afloat, the country's two state lenders -- the Korea Development Bank (KDB) and the Export-Import Bank of Korea (Eximbank) plan to inject a combined 1.7 trillion won into Asiana amid the growing impact of COVID-19 on the airline sector.
The two policy lenders, which are also creditor banks of Asiana, have decided to extend new loans to Asiana to dispel growing concerns that creditor banks' plan to sell the airline may fall through due to the virus impact, a KDB official said.
Last year, the KDB and Eximbank extended a total of 1.6 trillion won to the country's second-biggest airline.
The HDC consortium plans to invest a combined 2.18 trillion won in new shares to be issued by Asiana to help improve the airline's financial status. It said it plans to cut costs by streamlining routes and enhancing cost effectiveness.
HDC expects the capital injection to help lower the airline's debt-to-equity ratio to 300 percent from the current 660 percent.
After the acquisition, HDC is expected to own a 61.5 percent stake in Asiana following the planned rights issue, with Mirae Asset Daewoo set to have a 15 percent stake in the carrier.
Shares in Asiana plunged 28 percent this year through Wednesday, underperforming the broader KOSPI's 12 percent loss. Asiana fell 2.8 percent to 3,880 won, and the KOSPI rose 1.8 percent to 1,928.76 on Wednesday.
In its latest self-help plans, Asiana said it had all of its 10,500 employees take unpaid leave for 15 days a month from April until business circumstances normalize. Asiana's executives have also agreed to forgo 60 percent of their wages, though no specific time frame was given for how long the pay cuts will remain in effect.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-07--(LEAD) S. Korea to offer 1.5 tln won in subsidies to temporary workers affected by coronavirus

Temporary or freelance workers who lost their jobs will be eligible for the subsidies , and they will receive a @ @ @ @ @ each , Hong said .

(ATTN: ADDS remarks, details in paras 4-7)
SEJONG, May 7 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will provide 1.5 trillion won (US$1.2 billion) in subsidies to temporary workers who lost their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic, Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki said Thursday.
The move is the government's latest measure to protect the nation's job market as the pandemic is expected to force an economic contraction this year.
Temporary or freelance workers who lost their jobs will be eligible for the subsidies, and they will receive a total of 1.5 million won each, Hong said.
Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki speaks at a meeting with economy-related ministers in Seoul on May 7, 2020. (Yonhap)
About 930,000 people who recently lost jobs will be eligible for the subsidies, Hong said.
The government has pledged to launch a "Korean-version New Deal" project to create jobs and prepare for a post-COVID 19 economic recovery.
Hong said the project will include industrial sectors on data, 5G telecommunication and artificial intelligence.
The government has hinted at easing regulations to promote remote health care, remote education, online businesses and others that can be run without contact.
The National Assembly has approved a 12.2 trillion-won extra budget to fund emergency handouts for households to cope with the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak.
South Korea's economy shrank 1.4 percent on-quarter in the first quarter of the year, marking the sharpest quarterly contraction since the last three months of 2008.
South Korea has promised relief packages worth some 240 trillion won to ease the economic fallout from the virus.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-07--SK Telecom Q1 net income down 18 pct. to 307 bln won

The operating profit was in line with the average estimate , according to the survey by Yonhap Infomax , the @ @ @ @ @ News Agency .
The estimate of net profit was not available .

SEOUL, May 7 (Yonhap) -- SK Telecom Co. on Thursday reported its first-quarter net profit of 306.8 billion won (US$ 250 million), down 17.9 percent from a year earlier.
The company said in a regulatory filing that it posted 302 billion won in operating profit for the quarter, compared with 322.6 billion won a year ago. Sales rose 2.7 percent to 4.45 trillion won.
The operating profit was in line with the average estimate, according to the survey by Yonhap Infomax, the financial data firm of Yonhap News Agency. The estimate of net profit was not available.
※ This article was generated by Yonhap's proprietary algorithm using data from Yonhap Infomax and Korea Exchange(KRX).
(END)


yna--2020-05-07--Seoul stocks open lower on dismal data from major economies

Adding more woes , the European Commission said the region 's economy is expected to contract by 7.4 percent this @ @ @ @ @ since the Great Depression in the 1930s .

SEOUL, May 7 (Yonhap) -- Seoul stocks opened lower Thursday following dismal economic data from major economies amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) shed 6.74 points, or 0.35 percent, to 1,922.02 in the first 15 minutes of trading.
U.S. stocks closed mixed Wednesday (local time). The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.91 percent to close at 23,664.64, but the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.51 percent to finish at 8,854.39.
Investors apparently focused on employment data from the United States. U.S. private sector companies had cut a record 20.2 million jobs last month.
Adding more woes, the European Commission said the region's economy is expected to contract by 7.4 percent this year, its worst fall since the Great Depression in the 1930s.
In Seoul, most large-cap stocks got off to a weak start.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics fell 0.71 percent, and No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix lost 0.36 percent.
South Korea's No. 1 automaker, Hyundai Motor, slid 0.86 percent, while auto parts maker Hyundai Mobis plunged 1.45 percent.
Top chemical firm LG Chem dipped 1.11 percent, and leading steelmaker POSCO dived 0.83 percent.
However, the country's top web portal operator Naver advanced 2.59 percent, while Kakao, which runs the nation's leading mobile messenger app KakaoTalk, jumped 2.76 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,227.80 won against the U.S. dollar, down 5.70 won from the previous session's close.
(END)


Thursday's weather forecast

SEOUL , May 7 ( Yonhap ) -- The following is the weather forecast for South Korea 's 12 major @ @ @ @ @ .


yna--2020-05-07--S. Korea to offer 1.5 tln won in subsidies to temporary workers affected by coronavirus

Temporary or freelance workers who lost their jobs will be eligible for the subsidies and they will receive a total @ @ @ @ @ , Hong said .

SEJONG, May 7 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will provide 1.5 trillion won (US$1.2 billion) in subsidies to temporary workers who lost their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic, Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki said Thursday.
The move is the government's latest measure to protect the nation's job market as the pandemic is expected to force an economic contraction this year.
Temporary or freelance workers who lost their jobs will be eligible for the subsidies and they will receive a total of 1.5 million won each, Hong said.
Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki speaks at a meeting with economy-related ministers in Seoul on May 7, 2020. (Yonhap)
The National Assembly has approved a 12.2 trillion-won extra budget to fund emergency handouts for households to cope with the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak.
South Korea's economy shrank 1.4 percent on-quarter in the first quarter of the year, marking the sharpest quarterly contraction since the last three months of 2008.
South Korea has promised relief packages worth some 240 trillion won to ease the economic fallout from the virus.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-07--S. Korea sees second wave of virus as 'inevitable,' braces for 'new normal'

`` It wo n't be easy to end the wave of COVID-19 until a vaccine or medicine is developed .
@ @ @ @ @ that a second wave is almost inevitable , '' Son said during the briefing broadcast @ @ @ @ @ are important are the efforts to keep the number of new infections under control at @ @ @ @ @ considering them as a natural condition . ''

SEOUL, May 7 (Yonhap) -- A second wave of new coronavirus infections appears "inevitable," a health official said Thursday, as South Korea braces for a "new normal" with the launch of post-social distancing life amid a slowdown in the number of new cases.
Son Young-rae, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Welfare, made the remark during a briefing for foreign media, stressing the importance of keeping the number of infections under control through active tracing and daily anti-virus efforts.
"It won't be easy to end the wave of COVID-19 until a vaccine or medicine is developed. We'll have to think that a second wave is almost inevitable," Son said during the briefing broadcast live online. "What are important are the efforts to keep the number of new infections under control at an appropriate level, while considering them as a natural condition."
The remark came one day after South Korea officially shifted to "everyday life quarantine" in line with the flattening of the country's virus curve, following more than two months of "intensive social distancing."
South Korea reported four more cases of the new coronavirus Thursday, bringing the nation's total infections to 10,810, including 256 deaths.
Under the new campaign, South Koreans are allowed to go back to their daily routines while adhering to basic guidelines to prevent infections. Schools will also open in phases starting next week.
Kwon Jun-wook, deputy director general of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), said a second wave, if it comes, is most likely in the winter, though noting that it could come at any time in the coming months.
"As this everyday life quarantine campaign is a new path for us ... we might have some sporadic new infections as we go through trial and error, but we will go ahead revising and supplementing it as we go," Kwon said.
The briefing took place remotely with some 30 reporters from 15 countries asking questions in real time via an online messaging platform.
People take a walk at a lake park in Seoul on May 6, 2020, as people's everyday lives cautiously returned to normal based on self-disciplined quarantining amid the slowing of the COVID-19 outbreak. (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-07--S. Korea appoints new ambassadors to 9 countries in regular reshuffle

Chung Hae-kwan , director-general for trade legal affairs at the Ministry of Trade , Industry and Energy , was picked @ @ @ @ @ for Bahrain , while Jeong Woon-jin , formerly director-general for planning and management at the @ @ @ @ @ ambassador to Sri Lanka .

SEOUL, May 7 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Thursday appointed new ambassadors to nine countries, including Mexico, Australia and New Zealand, in a regular reshuffle, the foreign ministry said.
Suh Jeong-in, who led the preparatory office for last year's commemorative summit between South Korea and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), was appointed ambassador to Mexico.
Kang Jeong-sik, former deputy foreign minister for multilateral and global affairs, took the ambassadorial post for Australia, while Lee Sang-jin, deputy minister for overseas Koreans and consular affairs, was appointed ambassador to New Zealand.
Chung Hae-kwan, director-general for trade legal affairs at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, was picked as Seoul's top envoy for Bahrain, while Jeong Woon-jin, formerly director-general for planning and management at the foreign ministry, was appointed ambassador to Sri Lanka.
Kim Jong-han, minister counselor at the South Korean Embassy in China, took the ambassadorial post for Cameroon, while Koo Hong-seok, formerly director-general for ASEAN and Southeast Asian affairs, was appointed ambassador to Kazakhstan.
Choo Jong-youn, former ambassador to Argentina, was appointed ambassador to Colombia, while Jo Yung-joon, formerly director-general for Latin American and Caribbean affairs, took the post for Peru.
The ministry also appointed Park Kyung-jae, former president of Dongbang Culture University, as consul general for Los Angeles.
It remains uncertain when they will be posted to their designated countries due to travel restrictions caused by the new coronavirus.
In a related personnel change, the ministry appointed Lee Heon, ambassador to Sri Lanka, as deputy minister for overseas Koreans and consular affairs.
Lee Seong-ho, currently deputy chief of South Korea's team for defense cost-sharing talks with the United States, was picked as deputy minister for economic affairs.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-07--S. Korea-U.S. defense cost-sharing deal must be reasonable to all sides: foreign ministry

In a regular briefing session , foreign ministry spokesperson Kim In-chul said that while both Seoul and Washington want a @ @ @ @ @ there are differences in perspective , hinting that the United States may have forwarded a @ @ @ @ @ been accepted by its ally .

SEOUL, May 7 (Yonhap) -- Defense cost-sharing talks currently under way between South Korea and the United States need to be viewed as being reasonable by all sides, Seoul's foreign ministry said Thursday.
In a regular briefing session, foreign ministry spokesperson Kim In-chul said that while both Seoul and Washington want a fair and equitable arrangement, there are differences in perspective, hinting that the United States may have forwarded a new proposal that has not been accepted by its ally.
The official declined to comment on media reports that claimed the U.S. offered a new proposal calling for raising Seoul's contribution to US$1.3 billion.
Sources said that after U.S. President Donald Trump in March rejected a 13 percent increase in cost-sharing contributions by South Korea compared to 2019, Washington may have lowered the initial $5 billion payment request and opted for something less.
Trump has argued South Korea needs to pay more for its own defense under the Special Measures Agreement (SMA).
Others familiar with the talks said that despite numerous negotiations, the allies have yet to reach a deal on renewing the terms for Seoul's share of the cost to maintain some 28,500 American troops stationed on its soil.
The previous SMA expired at the end of last year, in which Seoul agreed to pay about $870 million. The absence of a new cost-sharing deal has led the U.S. Forces Korea to place some 4,000 Korean employees on unpaid leave since April 1.
(END)


yna--2020-05-07--Compliance committee asks Samsung heir to come up with detailed measures backing law-abiding managem

Compliance committee asks Samsung heir to come up with detailed measures backing law-abiding management

SEOUL , May 7 ( Yonhap ) -- The independent compliance committee of Samsung Group on Thursday asked the group @ @ @ @ @ more detailed measures that can improve law-abiding culture at South Korea 's top conglomerate after @ @ @ @ @ over his controversial succession and labor union policy the previous day .

SEOUL, May 7 (Yonhap) -- The independent compliance committee of Samsung Group on Thursday asked the group heir to come up with more detailed measures that can improve law-abiding culture at South Korea's top conglomerate after he made a public apology over his controversial succession and labor union policy the previous day.
The committee said the apology from Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, the de facto leader of the tech-centered empire, was "meaningful," but it asked him to draw up action plans that can back up his promises.
"It is meaningful that Lee made the announcement by himself following the committee's advice and showed his commitment to pursue the value of compliance," the committee said after its meeting in Seoul.
"However, there need to be measures in regards to making a sustainable management system that does not allow breach of compliance duty, the effective guarantee of three fundamental labor rights and regaining trust from civil society."
Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, the heir of Samsung Group, bows during his press conference at the company's office building in Seoul on May 6, 2020. (Yonhap)
Lee, the eldest son of bedridden Samsung Group chief Lee Kun-hee, on Wednesday said that recent problems surrounding the group started from his succession issue and promised that such controversies will never happen again.
Lee's succession process at Samsung involved a bribery case and a controversial merger of two of its affiliates -- Samsung C&T Corp. and Cheil Industries Inc. -- in 2015. Legal battles on both issues are still under way.
He also made a surprising announcement that he will not pass on management power to his children, hinting that Samsung will move away from the family-run chaebol system.
Lee then vowed to scrap the group's "no labor union" policy that has been kept for decades and reiterated that compliance will be a key value at Samsung.
Lee's latest action was an answer to the compliance committee's advice in March, which urged him to make a public apology and come up with measures that can improve Samsung's compliance culture in three areas: managerial succession, labor union and communication with civil society.
The compliance committee, led by former Supreme Court Justice Kim Ji-hyung, was launched in February to monitor whether Samsung's corporate actions comply with laws and ethics.
It was created after the presiding judge of Lee's bribery case ordered the conglomerate's heir to come up with measures to prevent Samsung from committing wrongdoing in a court hearing in October.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-07--Coronavirus patient found to have visited 5 clubs in Seoul's Itaewon

The man took a taxi around 4:40 a.m. on Saturday to arrive at his Yongin home .
At 4 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ eat dinner and came back home in his friend 's car .
On Sunday , @ @ @ @ @ a hospital and a pharmacy , and he stayed at home all day on Monday @ @ @ @ @ he tested positive for COVID-19 and was admitted to a hospital in Suwon , south @ @ @

SEOUL, May 7 (Yonhap) -- A coronavirus patient was confirmed to have visited five clubs in Seoul's popular foreign neighborhood of Itaewon, health authorities said Thursday, raising concerns over possible community transmission.
The 29-year-old man from Yongin, south of Seoul, wasn't aware of his infection status while visiting the clubs last Friday, the authorities said, but started to suffer from a high fever and diarrhea the next day.
The Seoul city government and the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) have been tracing the patient's possible contacts, up to an estimated 2,000, over the span of the six-day holiday here.
Last Thursday, the first day of the holiday, the man, who reportedly works for a software company in Seongnam, just south of Seoul, traveled with three friends around the city's Songpa area, Gapyeong in Gyeonggi Province and Chuncheon and Hongcheon in Gangwon Province.
People pass by a dance club in the popular international district of Itaewon in Seoul on May 7, 2020. The club was shut down as a man in his 20s, who tested positive for COVID-19 virus the previous day, is known to have visited the place on May 1. Some 500 people were reportedly there at that time. (Yonhap)
On Friday night, he went to clubs in Itaewon, Seoul, with a friend, who later tested positive and was one of the three he had traveled with the previous day. The two spent time at five clubs in Itaewon until the wee hours of Saturday.
King Club, the only one identified among the five, confirmed the two individuals' visit on its social media account. The club, known as a gay bar, said it complied with the government's quarantine orders by checking guests' temperatures, keeping an entry log, allowing in guests with face masks and offering hand sanitizers.
The city and the KCDC have launched an on-site investigation to find out their contacts to stem the spread of COVID-19. The man's five close contacts have so far tested negative, and his friend was asymptomatic at the time of his positive test result, according to the authorities.
A health expert who asked not to be named voiced concern that visitors to the gay club might be reluctant to reveal their identities and come forward to get a test, possibly allowing the virus to quietly spread.
The man took a taxi around 4:40 a.m. on Saturday to arrive at his Yongin home. At 4 p.m., he went out to eat dinner and came back home in his friend's car. On Sunday, he made a visit to a hospital and a pharmacy, and he stayed at home all day on Monday. On Wednesday morning, he tested positive for COVID-19 and was admitted to a hospital in Suwon, south of Seoul.
The authorities believe his case is one of community transmission, as he has no recent history of travel overseas and has had no known contact with any confirmed patient. The authorities have also identified the man's 43 close contacts at his company and tested them for the virus.
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-07--SPC Samlip Q1 net income down 73.2 pct. to 1.6 bln won

SEOUL , May 7 ( Yonhap ) -- SPC Samlip Co. on Thursday reported its first-quarter net income of 1.6 @ @ @ @ @ 1.3 million ) , down 73.2 percent from a year earlier .

SEOUL, May 7 (Yonhap) -- SPC Samlip Co. on Thursday reported its first-quarter net income of 1.6 billion won (US$ 1.3 million), down 73.2 percent from a year earlier.
The company said in a regulatory filing that operating income for the January-March period fell 28.7 percent on-year to 6.8 billion won. Revenue increased 1.3 percent to 590.8 billion won.
※ This article was generated by Yonhap's proprietary algorithm using data from Yonhap Infomax and Korea Exchange(KRX).
(END)


yna--2020-05-07--Ex-husband of Schroeder's wife blames former German leader for his divorce

The ex-husband 's representative responded by citing media interview in which Kim said there was a change in relations with @ @ @ @ @ 2017 and that she became confident in their romance in the summer of the year @

SEOUL, May 7 (Yonhap) -- A Seoul family court on Thursday began hearing a civil case filed by the ex-husband of Gerhard Schroeder's South Korean wife against the former German leader.
The South Korean man, whose identity was withheld, filed the lawsuit in 2018 seeking 100 million won (US$81,708) in compensation, claiming Schroeder is responsible for the destruction of his marriage with the woman, Kim So-yeon.
On the first day of the trial, the attorney for the ex-husband said the extramarital relations between Schroeder and Kim were the cause of their divorce in 2017.
The man alleged they divorced by mutual consent on condition that she end her relationship with Schroeder. But Schroeder and Kim tied the knot the following year.
This file photo shows former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and his wife, Kim So-yeon, at the Demilitarized Zone on the inter-Korean border. (Yonhap)
The representative of the former German chancellor countered that the relationship had nothing to do with the breakup.
The representative said Schroeder and Kim had been in business relations for a considerable period of time and the plaintiff has yet to prove when their relationship began to affect the marriage.
The ex-husband's representative responded by citing media interview in which Kim said there was a change in relations with Schroeder in the spring of 2017 and that she became confident in their romance in the summer of the year.
Kim earlier said she had lived separately from her ex-husband for several years before divorce.
(END)