yna--2020-12-29--USFK to begin initial COVID-19 vaccinations

The first shipment of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine arrived in South Korea last week and was distributed to USFK 's @ @ @ @ @ Monday , according to the U.S. military .

SEOUL, Dec. 29 (Yonhap) -- U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) was to begin administering its initial doses of a COVID-19 vaccine Tuesday to health care workers and first responders, officials said.
The first shipment of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine arrived in South Korea last week and was distributed to USFK's three military treatment facilities on Monday, according to the U.S. military.
The three sites are Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, some 70 kilometers south of Seoul; Osan Air Base in the same city; and Kunsan base located in the western city of Gunsan.
"The inoculation will begin Tuesday on the locations, and front-line health care workers and first responders such as firefighters will take the shot first," a USFK official said.
The U.S. Department of Defense earlier chose the USFK headquarters as one of four sites outside the continental United States to receive the initial vaccinations.
This photo provided by the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) on Dec. 28, 2020, shows officials moving Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine delivered to Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-29--(LEAD) Seoul prison adds 233 COVID-19 cases, bringing total to 748

The Dongbu Detention Center found 233 more inmates were infected with the new coronavirus on Monday following its third mass @ @ @ @ @ Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency ( KDCA ) and the justice ministry .
The @ @ @ @ @ 1,689 prisoners who had initially tested negative .

(ATTN: UPDATES with prime minister's comments in paras 9-12; ADDS photo)
SEOUL, Dec. 29 (Yonhap) -- A detention center in eastern Seoul has reported 233 new cases of COVID-19, raising the total caseload at the facility to 748, the government said Tuesday.
The Dongbu Detention Center found 233 more inmates were infected with the new coronavirus on Monday following its third mass testing, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) and the justice ministry. The testing was conducted Sunday on 1,689 prisoners who had initially tested negative.
They were put into cohort isolation in 15 buildings inside the detention center. The prison's medical staff will take care of patients who show no or light symptoms, while those with severe symptoms will be moved to hospitals, the justice ministry said.
Buses carrying inmates infected with the new coronavirus leave Dongbu Detention Center in eastern Seoul on Dec. 28, 2020, to transfer them to a correctional facility in Cheongsong, about 320 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
As of Monday, a total of 748 inmates and prison officers have been diagnosed with the coronavirus.
A group of 345 inmates who were earlier confirmed to have contracted the virus was transferred to a correctional facility in Cheongsong, about 320 kilometers southeast of Seoul, that day.
Elderly people and those with underlying medical conditions were excluded from the transfer.
The Cheongsong prison was chosen as a residential treatment center for coronavirus-infected prisoners with mild or no symptoms.
"In order to swiftly contain the situation in which cluster infections are breaking out consistently, (the ministry) plans to come up with additional steps to strengthen antivirus measures in consultation with health authorities," a justice ministry official said.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun (2nd from R) presides over a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters held at the government complex in Seoul on Dec. 29, 2020. (Yonhap)
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, meanwhile, said he was "sorry for the mass outbreak at the detention center managed directly by the government."
"The possibility of additional community transmission is low, as most patients are inmates, but the number of patients could increase from additional mass testing," Chung said during a government meeting of top officials in charge of dealing with the pandemic.
According to Chung, the tally of prison-related patients stands at 757 when including the number of workers and their family members who contracted the virus.
Chung also said the government will extend operations of temporary coronavirus screening centers in the greater Seoul area for an additional two weeks starting from Jan. 3.
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-29--(URGENT) Moderna to provide vaccine doses for 20 million people to S. Korea from Q2 2021: Cheong Wa

(URGENT) Moderna to provide vaccine doses for 20 million people to S. Korea from Q2 2021: Cheong Wa Dae

(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--2020-12-29--U.S. House overrides Trump's veto of annual defense bill including keeping USFK troop level

The bill states , `` None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act may be used to @ @ @ @ @ members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty who are deployed to South Korea @ @ @ @

WASHINGTON, Dec. 28 (Yonhap) -- The U.S. House Of Representatives on Monday overrode President Donald Trump's recent veto of a defense budget bill for the 2021 fiscal year, which included a provision against reducing the number of American troops in South Korea.
In an overwhelming 322-87 vote, the House overturned Trump's exercise last Wednesday of his authority to veto the US$740 billion National Defense Authorization Act that passed both houses of the Congress earlier this month, according to media reports.
The bill states, "None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act may be used to reduce the total number of members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty who are deployed to South Korea below 28,500."
Should the Senate also re-approve the bill during a session scheduled for Tuesday, Trump's veto would be invalidated in a rare legislative step that highlighted Trump's lame-duck status in the twilight of his presidency.
It would mark the first time that the Congress has overridden Trump's veto during his term.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-29--Hitting big league fastballs, defensive flexibility keys for San Diego-bound Kim Ha-seong

The 25-year-old shortstop for the Kiwoom Heroes in the Korea Baseball Organization ( KBO ) also played some third base @ @ @ @ @ the perfect time to have his best offensive season , as he batted .306/.397/.523 with @ @ @ @ @ , 109 RBIs and 111 runs scored .
The toolsy player also swiped 23 bags @ @ @ @ @ ( 75 ) than strikeouts ( 68 ) for the first time in his career @

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Dec. 29 (Yonhap) -- Once the South Korean star infielder Kim Ha-seong completes his reported move to the San Diego Padres, he will have to prove his considerable offensive talent and athleticism on defense will translate against hard-throwing big league arms.
MLB.com and other U.S. media reported Monday (local time) that Kim has agreed to a deal with the Padres. Financial terms of the contract, which is pending a physical, weren't immediately available.
In this file photo from Oct. 7, 2020, Kim Ha-seong of the Kiwoom Heroes celebrates his solo home run against the NC Dinos during the bottom of the fifth inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. (Yonhap)
Kim was posted for Major League Baseball (MLB) clubs on Dec. 2 and had 30 days in which to land a deal.
The 25-year-old shortstop for the Kiwoom Heroes in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) also played some third base in 2020. Kim picked the perfect time to have his best offensive season, as he batted .306/.397/.523 with a career-best 30 home runs, 109 RBIs and 111 runs scored. The toolsy player also swiped 23 bags and had had more walks (75) than strikeouts (68) for the first time in his career.
Once the deal is finalized, Kim will be the sixth South Korean hitter to jump from the KBO to MLB, following in the footsteps of KBO All-Stars Kang Jung-ho, Park Byung-ho, Kim Hyun-soo, Lee Dae-ho and Hwang Jae-gyun.
Only Kang made a decent impact, finishing third in the National League Rookie of the Year in 2015 for the Pittsburgh Pirates and hitting 21 homers in just 103 games the following year. Off-field legal issues spelled the end of his once-promising career. Park, Lee and Hwang each played just one big league season, and Kim was a part-time play across two seasons for two clubs.
As was the case for these players, the ability to handle major league fastballs will be a key for Kim Ha-seong, who will be seeing heat that he hasn't seen in the KBO.
In this file photo from Sept. 23, 2020, Kim Ha-seong of the Kiwoom Heroes celebrates his two-run home run against the Kia Tigers during the top of the eighth inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field in Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
Park, a two-time 50-homer slugger and former MVP in the KBO, batted only .159 with an on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) of .607 against four-seam fastballs in 2016, his lone major league season for the Minnesota Twins. Fastballs Park saw had an average velocity of 92.9 mph.
Kim Hyun-soo, a former KBO batting champion, had a robust .387 batting average and 1.014 OPS against four-seamers in 2016, his first year with the Baltimore Orioles. But those numbers dipped to .237 and .641 in 2017, even though the average fastball velocity that Kim faced stayed virtually the same (93.4 mph in 2016 and 93.6 mph in 2017). Kim was back in the KBO by 2018.
In 2019, the most recent full major league season when teams each played 162 games, the average fastball velocity reached a record 93.1 mph, according to Statcast. Starting pitchers averaged 92.6 mph.
The average fastball velocity in the KBO this year was 142.3 kph, or 88.4 mph. The fastballs that Kim faced in 2020 came at an average speed of 142.7 kph.
Opponents averaged more than 150 kph (93.2 mph) with their fastballs in only three games against Kim and the Heroes this year. All three such games came against the Doosan Bears, with right-hander Raul Alcantara as the starter.
Alcantara led all KBO starters in average fastball velocity with 151.6 kph in 2020. Kim batted 2-for-15 with two strikeouts against Alcantara.
In this file photo from Aug. 28, 2020, Kim Ha-seong of the Kiwoom Heroes hits a two-run home run against the Lotte Giants during the top of the ninth inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Sajik Stadium in Busan, 450 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
Overall, when Kim saw fastballs at 150 kph or faster, he only had an OPS of .478., compared to his season total of .921.
If it's any consolation to Kim, big league hitters haven't exactly feasted on high-velo fastballs, either.
In 2019, batters hit .307 and slugged .561 against starters' fastballs coming in below 92 mph. But when starters threw 95 mph or faster, batters hit just .241 with a .396 slugging percentage.
On defense, Kim flashed his athleticism and a strong arm at shortstop throughout his KBO career. He even made some appearances at third base, after the Heroes signed former Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell in the summer.
And Kim will need much of that same athleticism and versatility with the Padres. They're firmly established at shortstop and third base, with Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado. Machado and Tatis finised third and fourth in the National League (NL) MVP voting this year and they aren't going anywhere.
U.S. reports said second baseman Jake Cronenworth, the runner-up in the NL Rookie of the Year rce in 2020, could move to outfield to make room for Kim at second. The Korean could also be asked to occasionally spell Tatis and Machado at shortstop and third base.
In this file photo from Aug. 5, 2020, Kim Ha-seong of the Kiwoom Heroes hits a two-run single against the KT Wiz during the bottom of the fourth inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-29--S. Korea investigating 2 more suspected cases of highly pathogenic bird flu

Authorities have found two suspected cases from chicken and ornamental bird farms in Gyeonggi Province , which surrounds the capital @ @ @ @ @ Ministry of Agriculture , Food and Rural Affairs .

By Kang Yoon-seung
SEOUL, Dec. 29 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's agricultural ministry said Tuesday it is investigating two additional suspected cases of highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza from local farms, with the rising number of infections from wild birds straining the country's anti-virus fight.
Authorities have found two suspected cases from chicken and ornamental bird farms in Gyeonggi Province, which surrounds the capital city, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
South Korea has discovered 30 highly pathogenic avian influenza cases this year, including the latest case that was discovered from a duck farm in Jeongeup, 250 kilometers south of Seoul, the previous day.
Quarantine officials work to cull chickens at a broiler farm in the county of Yesan, 134 kilometers south of Seoul, on Dec. 27, 2020, after an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza was confirmed there, in this photo provided by the county office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
South Jeolla Province has accounted for eight cases so far, and Gyeonggi Province, which surrounds the capital city, took up seven.
As of Tuesday, local authorities have culled around 9.8 million birds.
All poultry within a 3-kilometer radius of infected farms are culled.
The ministry said the domestic market for poultry products nevertheless remains stable, pointing out that the culling of birds had only a limited impact on supply.
Meanwhile, 42 bird flu cases in wild birds have been confirmed since late October.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-29--Seoul prison adds 233 COVID-19 cases, bringing total to 748

SEOUL, Dec. 29 (Yonhap) -- A detention center in eastern Seoul has reported 233 new cases of COVID-19, raising the total caseload at the facility to 748, the government said Tuesday.
The Dongbu Detention Center found 233 more inmates were infected with the new coronavirus on Monday following its third mass testing, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) and the justice ministry. The testing was conducted Sunday on 1,689 prisoners who had initially tested negative.
They were put into cohort isolation in 15 buildings inside the detention center. The prison's medical staff will take care of patients who show no or light symptoms, while those with severe symptoms will be moved to hospitals, the justice ministry said.
Buses carrying inmates infected with the new coronavirus leave Dongbu Detention Center in eastern Seoul on Dec. 28, 2020, to transfer them to a correctional facility in Cheongsong, about 320 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
As of Monday, a total of 748 inmates and prison officers has been diagnosed with the coronavirus.
A group of 345 inmates who were earlier confirmed to have contracted the virus were transferred to a correctional facility in Cheongsong, about 320 kilometers southeast of Seoul, that day.
Elderly people and those with underlying medical conditions were excluded from the transfer.
The Cheongsong prison was chosen as a residential treatment center for coronavirus-infected prisoners with mild or no symptoms.
"In order to swiftly contain the situation in which cluster infections are breaking out consistently, (the ministry) plans to come up with additional steps to strengthen antivirus measures in consultation with health authorities," a justice ministry official said.
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-29--S. Korea deploys indigenous unmanned underwater mine disposal vehicle

The vehicle , developed by local firm Daeyang Electric Co. , was first delivered to the military in 2018 , @ @ @ @ @ put into operation , according to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration ( DAPA ) .

SEOUL, Dec. 29 (Yonhap) -- A new underwater mine disposal vehicle has been deployed to the Navy in a move expected to boost safety and operational capabilities, the arms procurement agency said Tuesday.
The vehicle, developed by local firm Daeyang Electric Co., was first delivered to the military in 2018, and around 10 units were put into operation, according to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).
The vehicle, which adopts key features of a marine robot, is designed to perform mine-clearance missions by searching and identifying mines underwater and neutralizing them by placing explosives, according to the DAPA.
It is remotely controlled to ensure that operators remain out of harm's way when buried mines are detonated.
The new system can withstand strong currents, and stay longer underwater than the imported vehicle that the Navy had used so far, the agency added.
"The gadget will be used around major ports, sea lanes and beaches to remove mines in a swift and safe manner," a DAPA official said. "It is expected to improve the Navy's capabilities."
This photo, provided by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) on Dec. 29, 2020, shows an indigenous mine disposal vehicle that was deployed to the Navy. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-29--(4th LD) Daily infections back to over 1,000; death toll hits record high of 40

Since last Wednesday , the greater Seoul area has banned gatherings of five or more people .
Restaurants in the @ @ @ @ @ fine if they allow gatherings of more than four people .
The strongest-ever measures have @ @ @ @ @ Thursday as well .

(ATTN: UPDATES with latest case tally in paras 5-6)
SEOUL, Dec. 29 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's daily coronavirus cases bounced back to over 1,000 on Tuesday after three days despite tougher virus curbs that have been extended for another week, and daily virus deaths hit a fresh record high of 40 amid a looming medical system crisis.
The country added 1,046 more COVID-19 cases, including 1,030 local infections, raising the total caseload to 58,725, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
The daily infections rebounded again from 808 cases on Monday and 970 on Sunday. The nation's daily virus cases have hovered around 1,000 since mid-November.
Forty people died from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, raising the death toll to 859 and marking the largest-ever daily total since the country reported its first confirmed virus case in late January.
This photo, taken on Dec. 29, 2020, shows a banner that says anybody who has symptoms of the coronavirus can get a test for free at their neighborhood treatment centers in Seoul. (Yonhap)
By 9 p.m. Tuesday, the country confirmed 904 additional cases, according to the health authorities. By 9:30 p.m. Monday, the daily count point was 931.
A total of 629 cases were reported in the capital area comprising Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province. The KDCA compiles tallies newly confirmed infections nationwide by midnight and announces an update the following morning.
On Sunday, the KDCA extended the current Level 2.5 distancing measures in the capital area and the Level 2 restrictions in the rest of the country until Jan. 3 on concerns over the impact on the economy.
Health authorities will decide whether to move on to Level 3, the highest in its five-tier scheme, before the extended deadline.
Instead of applying measures that would deal a heavy blow to millions of small merchants, health authorities have deployed "targeted" virus curbs
Since last Wednesday, the greater Seoul area has banned gatherings of five or more people. Restaurants in the greater Seoul area face a fine if they allow gatherings of more than four people. The strongest-ever measures have been applied nationwide since last Thursday as well.
Ski resorts and famous tourism venues were shut down to slow the spread of the virus during the year-end holiday season and New Year's holiday season.
Adding woes to the country's battle against the pandemic, however, the KDCA on Monday confirmed a new, potentially more transmissible coronavirus variant from three people who arrived from Britain last Tuesday.
Health authorities said the three infected people had contact with 12 flight attendants and five passengers who tested negative for the virus. But they are still under a two-week quarantine and intensive monitoring.
The government said it will suspend all flights from London to Incheon until Jan. 7 to prevent the virus variant from spreading in Korea, while making all incoming passengers from Britain and South Africa submit documents that prove they tested negative for COVID-19.
In extended efforts to battle the pandemic, the Seoul government said U.S. biotech firm Moderna has agreed to supply COVID-19 vaccine doses for 20 million people to South Korea starting in the second quarter of next year.
Cheong Wa Dae said the country will have secured vaccines doses for 56 million people if the Moderna deal is officially sealed this week.
The government said it has delivered Gilead's antiviral drug remdesivir to a total of 2,450 coronavirus patients in the country as of Tuesday. Remdesivir was originally developed to treat hepatitis C.
Gallery Gallery 画报 写真ギャラリー ألبوم الصور Galería This photo shows a terminal of Incheon International Airport, just west of Seoul, on Dec. 29, 2020. (Yonhap)
The country has been applying Level 2.5 social distancing rules in the greater Seoul area, home to half of its 51.6 million population, and Level 2 rules in the rest of the country.
A relentless spike in virus cases has spawned concerns about a shortage of hospital beds and a rise in fatalities. Health authorities have issued a rare order to private hospitals to secure more intensive-care beds for COVID-19 patients.
The third wave of the pandemic is raging across the nation. Of the newly identified local infections, nearly 80 percent of Tuesday's cases were reported in the capital and the surrounding areas.
Of the local infections, 520 cases were reported in Seoul and 250 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital. Incheon, west of Seoul, reported 32 more cases.
Other municipalities reported new infections, with the country's largest port city of Busan adding 17 cases and North Gyeongsang Province reporting 28 new cases.
The number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients reached 330, up from 295 a day earlier.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 40,703, up 1,435 from the previous day.
The country, meanwhile, added 16 imported cases, increasing the total to 5,334. Ten cases came from Asian countries except for China, followed by three from the United States and three from Europe.
The country has carried out 4,098,181 coronavirus tests since Jan. 3, including 59,874 tests in the past 24 hours.
The pandemic, which started in China late last year, has killed more than 1.77 million people worldwide and infected more than 81 million as of Tuesday, according to a tally from Johns Hopkins University.
Medical workers collect a specimen from a man for a coronavirus test at a virus treatment center in Gwangju, 330 kilometers southwest of Seoul, on Dec. 29, 2020. (Yonhap)
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-29--(LEAD) Search under way for crew members from capsized fishing boat near Jeju

The coast guard said it received a report that the 39-ton vessel overturned at around 7:44 p.m. in waters some @ @ @ @ @ Port of Jeju , which is located near the middle of the island 's north @ @ @ @ @ were presumed to be aboard the vessel .

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, throughout with details; CHANGES photo)
JEJU ISLAND, Dec. 29 (Yonhap) -- Search operations were under way off the coast of Jeju Island on Tuesday night for the crew members of a capsized fishing boat, authorities said.
The coast guard said it received a report that the 39-ton vessel overturned at around 7:44 p.m. in waters some 2.6 kilometers northwest of the Port of Jeju, which is located near the middle of the island's north coast. Seven crew members were presumed to be aboard the vessel.
Rescue workers found the vessel at the site and are attempting to conduct a search, but strong winds and high waves are hampering their efforts. The coast guard sent a chopper and patrol ship.
The Navy and the Jeju municipal government have also sent vessels to help in the search.
Minister of Interior and Safety Jeon Hae-cheol ordered the mobilization of all available resources, including the coast guard, Navy and local governments, for the search and rescue effort.
He also called for the safety of rescue workers to be ensured and the crew members' families to be speedily informed, his ministry said.
This photo, provided by the Ministry of Interior and Safety, shows ministry officials meeting over a fishing boat's capsizing off Jeju Island, at the government complex in Sejong, south of Seoul, on Dec. 29, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-12-29--Fishing boat capsizes near Jeju, 7 crew members presumed aboard

The 39-ton vessel overturned at 7:44 p.m. in waters some 2.6 kilometers northwest of the Port of Jeju , which @ @ @ @ @ of the island 's north coast .

JEJU ISLAND, Dec. 29 (Yonhap) -- A fishing boat presumed to be carrying seven crew members overturned in waters near Jeju Island on Tuesday, the coast guard said.
The 39-ton vessel overturned at 7:44 p.m. in waters some 2.6 kilometers northwest of the Port of Jeju, which is located near the middle of the island's north coast.
A search is under way for the crew, according to the coast guard.
(END)


yna--2020-12-29--(3rd LD) Daily infections back to over 1,000, death toll hits record high of 40

(ATTN: UPDATES with latest case tally in paras 5-6)
SEOUL, Dec. 29 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's daily coronavirus cases bounced back to over 1,000 on Tuesday after three days despite tougher virus curbs that have been extended for another week, and daily virus deaths hit a fresh record high of 40 amid a looming medical system crisis.
The country added 1,046 more COVID-19 cases, including 1,030 local infections, raising the total caseload to 58,725, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
The daily infections rebounded again from 808 cases on Monday and 970 on Sunday. The nation's daily virus cases have hovered around 1,000 since mid-November.
Forty people died from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, raising the death toll to 859 and marking the largest-ever daily total since the country reported its first confirmed virus case in late January.
This photo, taken on Dec. 29, 2020, shows a banner that says anybody who has symptoms of the coronavirus can get a test for free at their neighborhood treatment centers in Seoul. (Yonhap)
By 6 p.m. Tuesday, the country confirmed 689 additional cases, 151 more than at the same time on Monday, according to the health authorities.
The capital area comprising Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province accounted for about two-thirds of the total, with 454 new cases. The KDCA compiles tallies of newly confirmed infections nationwide by midnight and announces an update the following morning.
On Sunday, the KDCA extended the current Level 2.5 distancing measures in the capital area and the Level 2 restrictions in the rest of the country until Jan. 3 on concerns over the impact on the economy.
Health authorities will decide whether to move on to Level 3, the highest in its five-tier scheme, before the extended deadline.
Instead of applying measures that would deal a heavy blow to millions of small merchants, health authorities have deployed "targeted" virus curbs
Since last Wednesday, the greater Seoul area has banned gatherings of five or more people. Restaurants in the greater Seoul area face a fine if they allow gatherings of more than four people. The strongest-ever measures have been applied nationwide since last Thursday as well.
Ski resorts and famous tourism venues were shut down to slow the spread of the virus during the year-end holiday season and New Year's holiday season.
Adding woes to the country's battle against the pandemic, however, the KDCA on Monday confirmed a new, potentially more transmissible coronavirus variant from three people who arrived from Britain last Tuesday.
Health authorities said the three infected people had contact with 12 flight attendants and five passengers who tested negative for the virus. But they are still under a two-week quarantine and intensive monitoring.
The government said it will suspend all flights from London to Incheon until Jan. 7 to prevent the virus variant from spreading in Korea, while making all incoming passengers from Britain and South Africa submit documents that prove they tested negative for COVID-19.
In extended efforts to battle the pandemic, the Seoul government said U.S. biotech firm Moderna has agreed to supply COVID-19 vaccine doses for 20 million people to South Korea starting in the second quarter of next year.
Cheong Wa Dae said the country will have secured vaccines doses for 56 million people if the Moderna deal is officially sealed this week.
The government said it has delivered Gilead's antiviral drug remdesivir to a total of 2,450 coronavirus patients in the country as of Tuesday. Remdesivir was originally developed to treat hepatitis C.
Gallery Gallery 画报 写真ギャラリー ألبوم الصور Galería This photo shows a terminal of Incheon International Airport, just west of Seoul, on Dec. 29, 2020. (Yonhap)
The country has been applying Level 2.5 social distancing rules in the greater Seoul area, home to half of its 51.6 million population, and Level 2 rules in the rest of the country.
A relentless spike in virus cases has spawned concerns about a shortage of hospital beds and a rise in fatalities. Health authorities have issued a rare order to private hospitals to secure more intensive-care beds for COVID-19 patients.
The third wave of the pandemic is raging across the nation. Of the newly identified local infections, nearly 80 percent of Tuesday's cases were reported in the capital and the surrounding areas.
Of the local infections, 520 cases were reported in Seoul and 250 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital. Incheon, west of Seoul, reported 32 more cases.
Other municipalities reported new infections, with the country's largest port city of Busan adding 17 cases and North Gyeongsang Province reporting 28 new cases.
The number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients reached 330, up from 295 a day earlier.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 40,703, up 1,435 from the previous day.
The country, meanwhile, added 16 imported cases, increasing the total to 5,334. Ten cases came from Asian countries except for China, followed by three from the United States and three from Europe.
The country has carried out 4,098,181 coronavirus tests since Jan. 3, including 59,874 tests in the past 24 hours.
The pandemic, which started in China late last year, has killed more than 1.77 million people worldwide and infected more than 81 million as of Tuesday, according to a tally from Johns Hopkins University.
Medical workers collect a specimen from a man for a coronavirus test at a local virus treatment center in Gwangju, 330 kilometers southwest of Seoul, on Dec. 29, 2020. (Yonhap)
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-29--(2nd LD) S. Korea confirms 31st case of highly pathogenic bird flu

The ministry said the domestic market for poultry products nevertheless remains stable , pointing out that the culling of birds @ @ @ @ @ on supply .

(ATTN: UPDATES lead paras with latest confirmed case; CHANGES headline)
By Kang Yoon-seung
SEOUL, Dec. 29 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Tuesday confirmed its 31st case of highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza from local farms.
The latest case was reported at a chicken farm in Yeoju, 105 kilometers southeast of Seoul, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
Authorities earlier culled all poultry at the infected farm and at two other farms within a 500-meter radius.
The ministry is separately investigating three suspected cases at chicken and ornamental bird farms in Gyeonggi Province, which surrounds the capital city, and at a duck farm in Iksan, North Jeolla Province.
As of Tuesday, local authorities have culled around 9.8 million birds.
All poultry within a 3-kilometer radius of infected farms are culled.
The ministry said the domestic market for poultry products nevertheless remains stable, pointing out that the culling of birds had only a limited impact on supply.
Meanwhile, 42 bird flu cases in wild birds have been confirmed since late October.
Quarantine officials work to cull chickens at a broiler farm in the county of Yesan, 134 kilometers south of Seoul, on Dec. 27, 2020, after an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza was confirmed there, in this photo provided by the county office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-29--(3rd LD) COVID-19 cases tied to Seoul prison reach 762; 1 inmate dies during treatment

(ATTN: UPDATES with cases at separate prison in paras 8-9)
SEOUL, Dec. 29 (Yonhap) -- The number of new coronavirus cases linked to an outbreak at a detention center in southeastern Seoul has soared to over 700, with one inmate patient having died this week during treatment, according to the government Tuesday.
The Dongbu Detention Center found 233 more inmates were infected with the new coronavirus on Monday following its third mass testing, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) and the justice ministry. The testing was conducted Sunday on 1,689 prisoners who had initially tested negative.
As of Monday afternoon, the number of patients tied to the prison outbreak reached 762. The figure included the number of confirmed inmates, employees, family members and acquaintances.
Virus transmissions tied to the detention center marked the single-largest outbreak incident at an institution level.
The inmates were put into cohort isolation in 15 buildings inside the detention center. The prison's medical staff will take care of patients who show no or light symptoms, while those with severe symptoms will be moved to hospitals, the justice ministry said.
Buses carrying inmates infected with the new coronavirus leave Dongbu Detention Center in eastern Seoul on Dec. 28, 2020, to transfer them to a correctional facility in Cheongsong, about 320 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
One inmate who contracted the virus died Sunday while receiving treatment. After testing positive, the inmate had received care at a hospital outside of the detention center since last Thursday.
The inmate reportedly had underlying symptoms, having received hemodialysis treatment prior to contracting the virus. Health authorities are trying to find the exact cause of the death.
Sixteen of the 85 inmates who were recently transferred to the Nambu Detention Center in southwestern Seoul after testing negative later tested positive, according to the justice ministry.
"These inmates were separated from those who were already at the Nambu Detention Center," a prison official said. "The positive results came after additional tests."
A group of 345 inmates who were earlier confirmed to have contracted the virus was transferred to a correctional facility in Cheongsong, about 320 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on Monday.
Elderly people and those with underlying medical conditions were excluded from the transfer.
The Cheongsong prison was chosen as a residential treatment center for coronavirus-infected prisoners with mild or no symptoms.
"In order to swiftly contain the situation in which cluster infections are breaking out consistently, (the ministry) plans to come up with additional steps to strengthen antivirus measures in consultation with health authorities," a justice ministry official said.
Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae inspected the outbreak response operation at the Dongbu Detention Center on Monday afternoon and asked employees to do their best to curb the spread of the virus.
The inmates, however, were apparently disgruntled at the justice ministry's response.
One inmate was seen holding a message on a piece of paper outside his prison cell at the detention center, complaining that eight patients were assigned to a single cell and that outbound letters were banned.
An inmate infected with COVID-19 holds up a message through a window at the Dongbu Detention Center in Seoul on Dec. 29, 2020. In the message, the inmate complains that eight infected patients are confined in a cell. A total of 762 inmates there have come down with the virus so far. (Yonhap)
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said he was "sorry for the mass outbreak at the detention center managed directly by the government."
"The possibility of additional community transmission is low, as most patients are inmates, but the number of patients could increase from additional mass testing," Chung said during a government meeting of top officials in charge of dealing with the pandemic.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun (2nd from R) presides over a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters held at the government complex in Seoul on Dec. 29, 2020. (Yonhap)
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-29--Kia union votes to accept wage freeze amid pandemic

Kia has eight plants in Korea -- two in Gwangmyeong , three in Hwaseong and three in Gwangju -- and @ @ @ @ @ in China and one each in the United States , Slovakia , Mexico and India @ @ @ @ @ 3.84 million units .

SEOUL, Dec. 29 (Yonhap) -- Unionized workers at Kia Motors Corp. have voted to accept a new annual wage deal with management, the company said Tuesday.
In a vote by 27,050 members of the labor union, 58.6 percent, or 15,856, agreed to the company's proposals, including 1 1/2 months of merit-based remuneration, 1.2 million won (US$1,080) in special COVID-19 allowance and 1.5 million won in gift certificates per person, instead of freezing basic pay, according to a company official.
The company also agreed to restore the 25-minute extra work system following an eight-hour shift per worker.
It is the first time since 2009, when the global economic crisis was weighing on vehicle sales, that Kia workers have tentatively agreed to a freeze in their basic pay.
This file photo, taken April 27, 2020, shows Kia Motors' Sohari plant in Gwangmyeong, south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
The deal comes after Kia workers held partial strikes at the carmaker's domestic plants for 14 working days in the past four weeks, resulting in production losses of 47,000 vehicles.
From January to November, the maker of the K5 sedan and the Sorento SUV sold 2.39 million vehicles, down 6.1 percent from 2.55 million units a year earlier, due to weak demand amid the pandemic.
Kia has eight plants in Korea -- two in Gwangmyeong, three in Hwaseong and three in Gwangju -- and seven overseas ones -- three in China and one each in the United States, Slovakia, Mexico and India. Their overall capacity is 3.84 million units.
Meanwhile, its bigger affiliate Hyundai Motor Co. in September reached a wage agreement without a strike for the second consecutive year.
Hyundai's 49,600-member union accepted the company's proposal that included a freeze on basic pay, a one-off bonus amounting to 150 percent of monthly salary, 1.2 million won in special COVID-19 allowance, 10 company shares and 200,000 won in gift certificates.
It was the third time the company and the union agreed on a wage freeze, after the 1998 Asian financial crisis and the 2009 global financial crisis.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-29--U.S. flies reconnaissance plane over Korea amid report of military parade preparations in Pyongyang

North Korea is set to hold its first party congress in January in more than four years , drawing attention @ @ @ @ @ new policies on the United States and South Korea amid stalled denuclearization talks .

SEOUL, Dec. 29 (Yonhap) -- A U.S. reconnaissance plane flew over central S. Korea on Tuesday, an aviation tracker showed, as North Korea appeared to be gearing up for a ruling party congress.
The U.S. Air Force's RC-135W Rivet Joint was spotted flying over the southern coast and then the central regions Tuesday morning, according to the tracker, No callsign.
The aircraft, which specializes in detecting telemetry signals before missile launches, took off from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan.
The RC-135W Rivet Joint also analyzes trajectories of warheads. The last time it flew over the Korean Peninsula was on Dec. 18. This time it appeared to have flown at a lower altitude.
"The U.S. is paying close attention to North Korea's movements, including preparations for a (possible) military parade for the 8th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea in January," a South Korean military official said on condition of anonymity.
"The U.S. military will likely conduct more frequent surveillance flights around the date of the congress," he added.
38 North, a U.S. website monitoring North Korea, has said satellite imagery from Saturday showed thousands of people "apparently practicing for an upcoming event" at Pyongyang's Kim Il-sung Square.
North Korea is set to hold its first party congress in January in more than four years, drawing attention to whether it will unveil new policies on the United States and South Korea amid stalled denuclearization talks.
This image, captured from the website of the U.S. Air Force, shows a RC-135W Rivet Joint reconnaissance plane. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-29--S. Korea, Japan on smooth course to replace ambassadors, source says

SEOUL , Dec. 29 ( Yonhap ) -- South Korea is expected to get Japan 's formal diplomatic consent in @ @ @ @ @ pick of Kang Chang-il , a former four-term lawmaker , as new ambassador to the @ @ @ @ @ source said Tuesday .

SEOUL, Dec. 29 (Yonhap) -- South Korea is expected to get Japan's formal diplomatic consent in the near future for its pick of Kang Chang-il, a former four-term lawmaker, as new ambassador to the neighboring country, an informed source said Tuesday.
In late November, President Moon Jae-in picked Kang as Seoul's new top envoy in Tokyo, saying his wide web of Japanese contacts will help improve bilateral relations badly frayed over wartime forced labor and Tokyo's export curbs.
But Japanese media reported that some ruling party lawmakers in Tokyo oppose Kang's appointment, citing his past acts that included his 2011 visit to the Kuril Islands at the center of a long-running territorial dispute between Japan and Russia.
The lawmakers also criticized Kang's claim in the past that the Japanese Emperor should be called a king, rather than an emperor.
The negative sentiment in Japan has spawned speculation that Tokyo is delaying the granting of diplomatic consent, known as "agreement", over the appointment of Kang.
A South Korean foreign ministry official said that the process is running "under a good atmosphere."
Seoul has decided to give consent for Tokyo's appointment of its new ambassador to Seoul, Koichi Aiboshi, who will replace Koji Tomita, according to a diplomatic source.
The issue over the ambassador-designates came amid concern that bilateral ties could further strain as the legal process in Seoul to sell off a Japanese firm's local assets to compensate victims of Japan's wartime forced labor took effect Tuesday.
Seoul's foreign ministry said it would continue to communicate with Tokyo in pursuit of a solution.
Kang Chang-il, President Moon Jae-in's pick for new ambassador to Japan, is shown in this photo taken on Dec. 8, 2020. (Yonhap)
.
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-29--(LEAD) S. Korea's new top nuclear envoy holds phones talks with Chinese, Russian counterparts

`` The two sides shared their assessments of the recent situation on the Korean Peninsula and exchanged opinions on ways @ @ @ @ @ the situation and making progress on the Korean Peninsula peace process , '' the ministry @ @ @ @ @ Noh and Wu .

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead; UPDATES throughout)
SEOUL, Dec. 29 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new chief nuclear envoy, Noh Kyu-duk, held separate phone talks with his Chinese and Russian counterparts on Tuesday, in their first conversations since his appointment last week, the foreign ministry said.
His talks with China's Wu Jianghao and Russia's Igor V. Morgulov came as Seoul seeks global support for its efforts to resume dialogue with North Korea, which has been stalled amid a deadlock in nuclear negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang.
"The two sides shared their assessments of the recent situation on the Korean Peninsula and exchanged opinions on ways to cooperate in stably managing the situation and making progress on the Korean Peninsula peace process," the ministry said of the talks between Noh and Wu.
Noh asked for China to play a role in the resumption of talks with the North, while Wu reaffirmed Beijing's willingness to cooperate.
The two sides agreed to continue consultations on North Korea-related issues through various methods, including a face-to-face meeting at an early date, the ministry said.
During the talks between Noh and Morgulov, they also shared the need for their countries' continued cooperation over North Korean issues through face-to-face talks and other methods.
Noh invited Morgulov to visit Seoul at an early date, the ministry said.
Last week, Noh also held phone talks with his U.S. and Japanese counterparts, Stephen Biegun and Takehiro Funakoshi.
This photo, taken on Dec. 21, 2020, shows Noh Kyu-duk, South Korea's new chief nuclear envoy, entering the foreign ministry in Seoul. (Yonhap)
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-29--S. Korea to launch regional cooperation forum against health crises

Officials said that China , Mongolia , Russia and the United States have since committed to participating in the initiative @ @ @ @ @ not responded to the proposal and Japan has expressed reservations about taking part in the @ @

SEOUL, Dec. 29 (Yonhap) -- Health officials of South Korea, China, the United States and other regional partners were set to hold the inaugural meeting Tuesday of a regional cooperation forum aimed at jointly tackling public health crises like the coronavirus pandemic, the foreign ministry said.
President Moon Jae-in first proposed the establishment of the "Northeast Asia Cooperation Initiative" during the U.N. General Assembly in September, mentioning North Korea, China, Japan and Mongolia as possible members of the forum.
Officials said that China, Mongolia, Russia and the United States have since committed to participating in the initiative, while North Korea has not responded to the proposal and Japan has expressed reservations about taking part in the forum.
On Tuesday evening, the forum's inaugural meeting will be held via video links, bringing together working-level government officials and health experts from five countries, including China, Russia, Mongolia and the United States, the ministry said.
Also attending the session will be officials from Japan's Embassy in Seoul.
"With today's first meeting, our government hopes to gradually develop ways for practical cooperation among related countries, and seeks to increase the participating countries, including North Korea," ministry spokesperson Choi Young-sam said in a press briefing.
The government plans to continue to expand the forum to include North Korea and other countries.
President Moon Jae-in delivers a pre-recorded keynote speech during the virtual session of the United Nations General Assembly on Sept. 23, 2020, in this photo later provided by his office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

The first shipment of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine arrived in South Korea on Friday and had been in cold storage @ @ @ @ @ southeastern county of Chilgok before being distributed to USFK 's three military treatment facilities Monday @ @ @ @ @ military .

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Tuesday.
-----------------
(2nd LD) Moderna agrees to supply vaccines for 20 mln to S. Korea from Q2 2021: Cheong Wa Dae
SEOUL -- U.S. biotech company Moderna has agreed to supply new coronavirus vaccine doses for 20 million people to South Korea starting in the second quarter of next year, Cheong Wa Dae announced Tuesday.
The agreement was reached in a videoconference between President Moon Jae-in and Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel held Monday, according to the South Korean presidential office.
-----------------
(LEAD) S. Korea reports most deaths amid spiking critically ill patients
SEOUL -- South Korea on Tuesday reported the most coronavirus deaths in a single day, as critically ill patients continue to pile up amid spiking cases, health authorities said.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said the country reported 40 additional deaths from COVID-19, sharply up from 11 reported a day earlier. The total caseload was increased to 859.
-----------------
(LEAD) S. Korea to provide 9.3 tln-won relief package to virus-hit small businesses
SEOUL -- South Korea on Tuesday unveiled a 9.3 trillion-won (US$8.49 billion) relief package aimed at helping small businesses hit hard by virus restrictions and self-employed workers reeling from the economic fallout of the new coronavirus pandemic.
The third emergency relief handout is anticipated to lend a hand to 5.8 million people whose livelihoods have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
-----------------
(2nd LD) COVID-19 cases tied to Seoul prison reach 762, 1 inmate dies during treatment
SEOUL -- The number of new coronavirus cases linked to an outbreak at a detention center in southeastern Seoul has soared to over 700, with one inmate patient having died this week during treatment, according to the government Tuesday.
The Dongbu Detention Center found 233 more inmates were infected with the new coronavirus on Monday following its third mass testing, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) and the justice ministry. The testing was conducted Sunday on 1,689 prisoners who had initially tested negative.
-----------------
(LEAD) Court notices take effect on sell-off of Japanese firm assets to compensate wartime forced laborers
SEOUL -- Public notices of a local court took effect Tuesday to move forward a legal process to sell off local assets of a Japanese firm to compensate victims of Japan's wartime forced labor, in a procedure likely to raise diplomatic tensions between Seoul and Tokyo.
The public notification to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries went into force at the start of Tuesday, as the company failed to carry out a 2018 order by the Supreme Court to compensate five plaintiffs, including a 91-year-old victim, with no diplomatic solution in sight.
-----------------
(2nd LD) Police close probe without conclusion on ex-Seoul mayor's alleged sexual misconduct
SEOUL -- Police said Tuesday they have closed a five-month investigation into allegations that late Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon sexually abused a former secretary, failing to reach a conclusion on the high-profile case.
In July, a municipal official who had formerly worked as a mayoral secretary filed a complaint with the police, accusing Park of having sexually harassed her over several years.
-----------------
(LEAD) USFK begins initial COVID-19 vaccinations
SEOUL -- U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) began administering its initial doses of a COVID-19 vaccine Tuesday to health care workers, first responders, and its command team, including Gen. Robert Abrams, officials said.
The first shipment of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine arrived in South Korea on Friday and had been in cold storage at Camp Carroll in the southeastern county of Chilgok before being distributed to USFK's three military treatment facilities Monday, according to the U.S. military.
-----------------
N. Korea could conduct ICBM test early next year: think tank
SEOUL -- North Korea could test-fire an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in the early months of the incoming U.S. administration of Joe Biden if nuclear talks between the two countries remain stalled, a local think tank said Tuesday.
The North has undertaken military provocations in the past to test Washington's approach or grab its attention when a new U.S. administration took office. President-elect Joe Biden is set to be inaugurated on Jan. 20.
-----------------
Gov't to grant over 3,000 pardons before New Year's Day
SEOUL -- The government will pardon 3,024 people, mostly convicted of minor crimes related to jobs, ahead of New Year's Day, the justice ministry announced Tuesday.
The presidential clemency, effective as of Thursday, will also be granted to some protesters of military facilities and small-scale business owners involved in economic crimes. Politicians, election law violators, business tycoons and convicted felons are excluded from the list.
(END)


yna--2020-12-29--(LEAD) S. Korea investigating 3 more suspected cases of highly pathogenic bird flu

(ATTN: UPDATES headline, lead; ADDS details in para 3)
By Kang Yoon-seung
SEOUL, Dec. 29 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's agricultural ministry said Tuesday it is investigating three additional suspected cases of highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza from local farms, with the rising number of infections from wild birds straining the country's antivirus fight.
Authorities have found two suspected cases from chicken and ornamental bird farms in Gyeonggi Province, which surrounds the capital city, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
Another suspected case was reported at a duck farm in Iksan, North Jeolla Province, the ministry said.
South Korea has discovered 30 highly pathogenic avian influenza cases this year, including the latest case that was discovered from a duck farm in Jeongeup, 250 kilometers south of Seoul, the previous day.
Quarantine officials work to cull chickens at a broiler farm in the county of Yesan, 134 kilometers south of Seoul, on Dec. 27, 2020, after an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza was confirmed there, in this photo provided by the county office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
South Jeolla Province has accounted for eight cases so far, and Gyeonggi Province, which surrounds the capital city, took up seven.
As of Tuesday, local authorities have culled around 9.8 million birds.
All poultry within a 3-kilometer radius of infected farms are culled.
The ministry said the domestic market for poultry products nevertheless remains stable, pointing out that the culling of birds had only a limited impact on supply.
Meanwhile, 42 bird flu cases in wild birds have been confirmed since late October.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-29--BTS agency chief, 'Parasite' executive producer among 500 most influential entertainment figures cho

BTS agency chief, 'Parasite' executive producer among 500 most influential entertainment figures chosen by Variety

Bong and Oh Seok-geun , the chairman of the Korean Film Council ( KOFIC ) , were also included on @ @ @ @ @ and third consecutive year , respectively .
SM Entertainment founder Lee Soo-man , the chief @ @ @ @ @ such as Super M , EXO and NCT , made it on the list for @ @ @ @ @ row .

SEOUL, Dec. 29 (Yonhap) -- Two South Korean entertainment gurus -- Bang Si-hyuk and Lee Mie-kyung, widely known as Miky Lee -- have been named by U.S. magazine Variety as among the 500 most influential business leaders shaping the global media industry in 2020.
Big Hit Entertainment said Tuesday that Bang, the 48-year-old CEO of the agency, made it on the list thanks to BTS' record-breaking success on global music charts and bold business strategy. The list was announced on Wednesday (U.S. time).
"Bang is no one-act showman," the magazine wrote. "He's been pushing hard toward diversification, moving into tech with apps like Weverse as well as acquisitions Pledis, Source Music and game firm Superb."
"In the first half of 2020, 40 percent of sales from South Korea's top 100 albums belong to Big Hit artists, and its October IPO notched a valuation of US$840 million," it added.
This photo, provided by Big Hit Entertainment on Dec. 29, 2020, shows the agency's CEO Bang Si-hyuk, who created BTS. Bang was put on the Variety500, a list of the top 500 entertainment business leaders, for this year by U.S. media company Variety. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The magazine also named 62-year-old Lee, the vice chairwoman of South Korean conglomerate CJ Group, as another influential figure in the scene.
The magazine cited her key role in helping director Bong Joon-ho as an executive producer for "Parasite," the first international film to win the best picture at the Academy Awards. It also noted her contributions to promoting Korean music, movies and culture around the world.
This file photo shows South Korean entertainment giant CJ Group's vice chairwoman Lee Mie-kyung, also known as Miky Lee. (Yonhap)
Bong and Oh Seok-geun, the chairman of the Korean Film Council (KOFIC), were also included on the list for the second and third consecutive year, respectively. SM Entertainment founder Lee Soo-man, the chief producer of popular K-pop acts such as Super M, EXO and NCT, made it on the list for the fourth year in a row.
Variety called Bong "an icon of Korean cinema known for weaving social issues into personal drama" and highlighted the feats the 2019 megahit film "Parasite" achieved at the Oscars with four trophy wins. It also mentioned the "commercial success followed (by) critical laurels" of his earlier films, including "Memories of Murder" and "The Host."
Oh was honored for his role in the recovery of KOFIC, which took a blow from "adhering to a ministerial policy of blacklisting artistic talent" under ousted President Park Geun-hye's administration from 2013-17.
SM Entertainment founder Lee, meanwhile, was described as a "pathfinder for contemporary K-pop management" who "remains powerful and keeps expanding the SM universe."
Other honorees included Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Apple Inc.'s CEO Tim Cook, Marvel Studios' President Kevin Feige, American pop star Taylor Swift and actress Meryl Streep.
Bong Joon-ho, director of the Oscar-winning Korean film "Parasite," poses for a photo during a press conference at a Seoul hotel on Feb. 19, 2020. (Yonhap)
This photo, provided by SM Entertainment, shows its chief producer and founder Lee Soo-man. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
This file photo, taken on Oct. 22, 2020, shows Oh Seok-geun, the chairman of the Korean Film Council. (Yonhap)
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-29--(LEAD) Seoul stocks hit record high on ex-dividend day

SEOUL , Dec. 29 ( Yonhap ) -- South Korean stocks finished at an all-time high on Tuesday , the @ @ @ @ @ usually marked by choppy trading .
The Korean won rose against the U.S. dollar .

(ATTN: ADDS bond yields at bottom, photo)
SEOUL, Dec. 29 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks finished at an all-time high on Tuesday, the annual ex-dividend day that is usually marked by choppy trading. The Korean won rose against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 11.91 points, or 0.42 percent, to close at 2,820.51.
Trading volume was particularly high at about 1 billion shares worth some 19.1 trillion won (US$17.5 billion), with gainers outnumbering losers 537 to 334.
Electronic signboards at a Hana Bank dealing room in Seoul show the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed at 2,820.51 on Dec. 29, 2020, up 11.91 points or 0.42 percent from the previous session's close. (Yonhap)
The stock index got a boost from massive 2.2 trillion won net buying by individuals, the largest daily purchase since Nov. 30. Foreigners sold a net 314 billion won, and institutions offloaded a net 2 trillion won.
"High-dividend shares, such as financials and telecommunications, seem to have traded weak in today's ex-dividend session," Hana Financial Investment analyst Lee Young-gon said.
In contrast, pharmaceutical shares soared, largely due to growing pandemic concerns.
In ex-dividend sessions, investors become eligible to win year-end dividends even after offloading shares.
Investors were obliged to hold on to their shares until the previous session for year-end dividends. The final trading session of 2020 is Wednesday.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics lost 0.51 percent to 78,300 won, while No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix gained 0.43 percent to 116,000 won.
Top pharmaceutical firm Samsung Biologics jumped 4.18 percent to 822,000 won. Celltrion spiked 10.08 percent to 360,500 won, after the drug safety agency said it launched a review of the drugmaker's coronavirus treatment.
Internet portal giant Naver rose 0.71 percent to 283,000 won, with its rival Kakao climbing 3.08 percent to 384,500 won.
Leading chemical maker LG Chem slipped 0.12 percent to 813,000 won, and rechargeable battery maker Samsung SDI surged 7.51 percent to 601,000 won.
Hyundai Motor, the country's largest automaker, moved up 0.53 percent to 190,500 won.
The local currency closed at 1,092.1 won per dollar, up 4.6 won from the previous session's close.
Bond prices, which move inversely to yields, closed lower. The yield on three-year Treasurys rose 1.5 basis points to 0.973 percent, and the return on the benchmark five-year government bond added 1.1 basis points to 1.327 percent.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-29--S. Korean Bond Yields on Dec. 29, 2020

S. Korean Bond Yields on Dec. 29, 2020

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


yna--2020-12-29--(2nd LD) COVID-19 cases tied to Seoul prison reach 762, 1 inmate dies during treatment

The Dongbu Detention Center found 233 more inmates were infected with the new coronavirus on Monday following its third mass @ @ @ @ @ Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency ( KDCA ) and the justice ministry .
The @ @ @ @ @ 1,689 prisoners who had initially tested negative .

(ATTN: REWRITES headline, lead; UPDATES with latest numbers, more details throughout; TRIMS last para)
SEOUL, Dec. 29 (Yonhap) -- The number of new coronavirus cases linked to an outbreak at a detention center in southeastern Seoul has soared to over 700, with one inmate patient having died this week during treatment, according to the government Tuesday.
The Dongbu Detention Center found 233 more inmates were infected with the new coronavirus on Monday following its third mass testing, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) and the justice ministry. The testing was conducted Sunday on 1,689 prisoners who had initially tested negative.
As of Monday afternoon, the number of patients tied to the prison outbreak reached 762. The figure included the number of confirmed inmates, employees, family members and acquaintances.
Virus transmissions tied to the detention center marked the single-largest outbreak incident at an institution level.
The inmates were put into cohort isolation in 15 buildings inside the detention center. The prison's medical staff will take care of patients who show no or light symptoms, while those with severe symptoms will be moved to hospitals, the justice ministry said.
Buses carrying inmates infected with the new coronavirus leave Dongbu Detention Center in eastern Seoul on Dec. 28, 2020, to transfer them to a correctional facility in Cheongsong, about 320 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
One inmate who contracted the virus died Sunday while receiving treatment. After testing positive, the inmate had received care at a hospital outside of the detention center since last Thursday.
The inmate reportedly had underlying symptoms, having received hemodialysis treatment prior to contracting the virus. Health authorities are trying to find the exact cause of the death.
A group of 345 inmates who were earlier confirmed to have contracted the virus was transferred to a correctional facility in Cheongsong, about 320 kilometers southeast of Seoul, that day.
Elderly people and those with underlying medical conditions were excluded from the transfer.
The Cheongsong prison was chosen as a residential treatment center for coronavirus-infected prisoners with mild or no symptoms.
"In order to swiftly contain the situation in which cluster infections are breaking out consistently, (the ministry) plans to come up with additional steps to strengthen antivirus measures in consultation with health authorities," a justice ministry official said.
Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae inspected the outbreak response operation at the Dongbu Detention Center on Monday afternoon and asked employees to do their best to curb the spread of the virus.
The inmates, however, were apparently disgruntled at the justice ministry's response.
One inmate was seen holding a message on a piece of paper outside his prison cell at the detention center, complaining that eight patients were assigned to a single cell and that outbound letters were banned.
An inmate infected with COVID-19 holds up a message through a window at the Dongbu Detention Center in Seoul on Dec. 29, 2020. In the message, the inmate complains that eight infected patients are confined in a cell. A total of 762 inmates there have come down with the virus so far. (Yonhap)
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said he was "sorry for the mass outbreak at the detention center managed directly by the government."
"The possibility of additional community transmission is low, as most patients are inmates, but the number of patients could increase from additional mass testing," Chung said during a government meeting of top officials in charge of dealing with the pandemic.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun (2nd from R) presides over a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters held at the government complex in Seoul on Dec. 29, 2020. (Yonhap)
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-29--Financial markets to hold year's final trading session on Dec. 30

The financial markets will close at the usual 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 30 , and New Year 's first trading @ @ @ @ @ , an hour later than the usual 9 a.m. opening , and close at the @ @ @ @ @ to the Korea Exchange ( KRX ) .

SEOUL, Dec. 29 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's stock, foreign exchange and other financial markets will end this year's trading on Wednesday and reopen on Monday, the bourse operator said Tuesday.
The financial markets will close at the usual 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 30, and New Year's first trading will begin at 10 a.m., an hour later than the usual 9 a.m. opening, and close at the usual 3:30 p.m., according to the Korea Exchange (KRX).
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-29--Seoul stocks hit record high on ex-dividend day

SEOUL, Dec. 29 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks finished at an all-time high on Tuesday, the annual ex-dividend day that is usually marked by choppy trading. The Korean won rose against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 11.91 points, or 0.42 percent, to close at 2,820.51.
Trading volume was particularly high at about 1 billion shares worth some 19.1 trillion won (US$17.5 billion), with gainers outnumbering losers 537 to 334.
The stock index got a boost from massive 2.2 trillion won net buying by individuals, the largest daily purchase since Nov. 30. Foreigners sold a net 314 billion won, and institutions offloaded a net 2 trillion won.
"High-dividend shares, such as financials and telecommunications, seem to have traded weak in today's ex-dividend session," Hana Financial Investment analyst Lee Young-gon said.
In contrast, pharmaceutical shares soared, largely due to growing pandemic concerns.
In ex-dividend sessions, investors become eligible to win year-end dividends even after offloading shares.
Investors were obliged to hold on to their shares until the previous session for year-end dividends. The final trading session of 2020 is Wednesday.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics lost 0.51 percent to 78,300 won, while No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix gained 0.43 percent to 116,000 won.
Top pharmaceutical firm Samsung Biologics jumped 4.18 percent to 822,000 won. Celltrion spiked 10.08 percent to 360,500 won, after the drug safety agency said it launched a review of the drugmaker's coronavirus treatment.
Internet portal giant Naver rose 0.71 percent to 283,000 won, with its rival Kakao climbing 3.08 percent to 384,500 won.
Leading chemical maker LG Chem slipped 0.12 percent to 813,000 won, and rechargeable battery maker Samsung SDI surged 7.51 percent to 601,000 won.
Hyundai Motor, the country's largest automaker, moved up 0.53 percent to 190,500 won.
The local currency closed at 1,092.1 won per dollar, up 4.6 won from the previous session's close.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-29--S. Korea starts review of Celltrion's COVID-19 treatment

Celltrion has said that CT-P59 shortened the recovery time of patients with no reported side effects .
The company also @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus within 4-5 days , effectively protecting patients with mild symptoms from developing into @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Dec. 29 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's drug safety agency said Tuesday that it has launched a review on Celltrion Inc.'s coronavirus treatment in a move that could potentially lead to manufacturing and sales of the drug.
The move came just hours after the South Korean pharmaceutical giant filed for conditional approval of CT-P59, an anti-COVID-19 monoclonal antibody treatment, with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.
Celltrion has completed a phase two clinical trial of the antibody treatment.
This photo provided by South Korean pharmaceutical company Celltrion Inc. shows its coronavirus antibody treatment substance. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Celltrion has said that CT-P59 shortened the recovery time of patients with no reported side effects. The company also said that the drug kills the coronavirus within 4-5 days, effectively protecting patients with mild symptoms from developing into a severe case.
The ministry said it plans to approve CT-P59 on the condition that Celltrion submit results of an ongoing phase three clinical trial after approval once the safety and efficacy of the treatment are fully demonstrated.
The ministry said it plans to wrap up the process within 40 days.
entropy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-30--Justice minister decides not to appeal injunction reinstating top prosecutor

`` In consideration of the concerns about confusion and public division that could result from seeking an immediate correction through @ @ @ @ @ have decided it would be more responsible to do my best to right ( the @ @ @ @ @ suit , '' Choo said in a ministry notice .

SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Yonhap) -- Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae said Wednesday she will not appeal a court injunction that returned Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl to his post last week.
Earlier this month, the justice ministry suspended Yoon from duty for two months over four counts of alleged misconduct, including the surveillance of judges hearing cases involving former Justice Minister Cho Kuk and some presidential officials.
This compilation image shows Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae (L) and Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl arriving at their respective offices in Gwacheon and southern Seoul on Dec. 30, 2020. (Yonhap)
Yoon filed for an injunction and the Seoul Administrative Court granted it last Thursday. The prosecutor general has returned to work pending the results of a separate administrative lawsuit he has filed over the suspension.
"In consideration of the concerns about confusion and public division that could result from seeking an immediate correction through an appellate trial, I have decided it would be more responsible to do my best to right (the wrong) through the original suit," Choo said in a ministry notice.
"As the minister who requested disciplinary action against the prosecutor general, I feel deeply sorry for causing great confusion to the people," she added.
The injunction amounted to a setback for Choo, who has been at odds with Yoon for months over prosecution reforms and politically sensitive investigations.
President Moon Jae-in, who had endorsed Yoon's suspension, also apologized to the nation on Friday for causing "inconvenience and confusion."
He added that he "respects" the court's decision.
Choo, however, argued that the court cited reasons that were "difficult to accept" for the ministry, such as "procedural flaws" in the disciplinary process, which she said are subject to dispute.
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-30--(LEAD) Moon picks Constitutional Court scholar as inaugural CIO head

A graduate of Seoul National University , Kim began his career as a judge in 1995 after passing the state @ @ @ @ @ worked as an attorney at the Kim and Chang law firm for 12 years from @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES with more details from 4th para)
SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in on Wednesday nominated Kim Jin-wook, a former judge serving as a senior researcher at the Constitutional Court, as the inaugural chief of a powerful investigation agency handling corruption by high-ranking officials, Cheong Wa Dae said.
Kim, 54, was among the two final candidates for the head of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) selected by a parliamentary recommendation committee on Monday.
He will face a National Assembly confirmation hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.
A graduate of Seoul National University, Kim began his career as a judge in 1995 after passing the state bar exam. He later worked as an attorney at the Kim and Chang law firm for 12 years from 1998.
Kim joined the Constitutional Court as a scholar in 2010 and served in key positions, including chief of staff, senior researcher and director general for international affairs. He also worked as a member of a one-time special prosecution team in 1999.
A senior Cheong Wa Dae official said Kim was chosen for his "expertise, sense of balance and competency," having experience in a wide range of areas in the legal field at large.
The CIO is expected to officially launch in January following Kim's official appointment.
Moon asked the National Assembly to cooperate with Kim's confirmation hearing to allow a swift launch of the CIO, according to Cheong Wa Dae.
Kim Jin-wook, senior researcher at the Constitutional Court, arrives at his office in central Seoul on Dec. 30, 2020. President Moon Jae-in nominated Kim, a former judge, as the first chief of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials. (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-30--S. Korea to invest over 150 bln won into climate research in 2021

The Ministry of Science and ICT said it will invest in 30 new climate and environment-related research projects next year @ @ @ @ @ billion won into four projects that develop technology to improve energy efficiency in buildings .

SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Yonhap) -- South Korea said Wednesday it will spend 150.1 billion won (US$137.8 million) on climate and environment-related research next year, up 12.9 percent from this year, to bolster the country's efforts to become carbon neutral by 2050.
The Ministry of Science and ICT said it will invest in 30 new climate and environment-related research projects next year, such as committing 3.6 billion won into four projects that develop technology to improve energy efficiency in buildings.
South Korea has recently pledged to go carbon neutral by 2050, vowing to reduce reliance on high carbon-emitting power sources.
The ministry said it will focus on researching new sources of energy, committing 14.1 billion won next year into an existing project that researches ways to produce and safely store hydrogen.
It will also invest 34.6 billion won to research renewable energy-related projects, such as solar cells and rechargeable batteries.
The ministry added it will provide 18 billion won to research sources of fine dust and technology for its reduction.
As of end-2019, coal accounted for 40.4 percent of the country's power generation, followed by nuclear power at 25.9 percent and liquefied natural gas at 25.6 percent.
yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
(END)


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(END)


yna--2020-12-30--Seoul stocks turn higher in late morning in final session of 2020

The first trading session of the new year will open one hour later at 10 a.m. on Monday .
It @ @ @ @ @ time of 3:30 p.m. , according to the Korea Exchange ( KRX ) .

SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks switched to gains to trade higher in the late morning on Wednesday, the last trading session this year, after the benchmark index closed at an all-time high the previous session.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 14.38 points, or 0.51 percent, to 2,834.89 as of 11:20 a.m.
Stocks rebounded after a weak start on profit-taking, helped by strong advances on auto and contact-free tech heavyweights.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics edged up 0.13 percent, while No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix traded flat.
Internet portal giant Naver jumped 3.36 percent, with its rival Kakao rising 1.95 percent. Top automaker Hyundai Motor advanced 0.79 percent.
Leading chemical firm LG Chem traded flat, but rechargeable battery maker Samsung SDI gained 0.33 percent.
Pharmaceutical giant Samsung Biologics moved up 1.22 percent, while Celltrion fell 2.08 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,088.55 won against the U.S. dollar, up 3.55 won from the previous session's close.
The first trading session of the new year will open one hour later at 10 a.m. on Monday. It will close at the usual time of 3:30 p.m., according to the Korea Exchange (KRX).
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-30--Moon picks Constitutional Court scholar as inaugural CIO head

SEOUL , Dec. 30 ( Yonhap ) -- President Moon Jae-in on Wednesday nominated Kim Jin-wook , a former judge @ @ @ @ @ at the Constitutional Court , as the inaugural chief of a powerful investigation agency handling @ @ @ @ @ Cheong Wa Dae said .

SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in on Wednesday nominated Kim Jin-wook, a former judge serving as a senior researcher at the Constitutional Court, as the inaugural chief of a powerful investigation agency handling corruption by high-ranking officials, Cheong Wa Dae said.
Kim, 54, was among the two final candidates for the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) selected by a parliamentary recommendation committee on Monday.
He will face a National Assembly confirmation hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.
Kim Jin-wook, senior researcher at the Constitutional Court, arrives at his office in central Seoul on Dec. 30, 2020. President Moon Jae-in nominated Kim, a former judge, as the first chief of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials. (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-30--S. Korea decides to allow troops, citizens working for USFK to get COVID-19 vaccinations

The South Korean troops affiliated with the Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army , known as KATUSA , as well @ @ @ @ @ , are eligible for the inoculation according to the U.S. government 's vaccination plan , @ @ @ @ @ defense ministry have discussed the matter .

SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Yonhap) -- The defense ministry decided Wednesday to allow South Korean soldiers and civilian workers affiliated with the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) to get COVID-19 vaccinations with doses shipped from the U.S. for its service members stationed here, officials said.
The South Korean troops affiliated with the Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army, known as KATUSA, as well as civilians working for USFK, are eligible for the inoculation according to the U.S. government's vaccination plan, and USFK and Seoul's defense ministry have discussed the matter.
"We've notified USFK of our decision that the inoculation will be possible if the Korean nationals can make a voluntary decision and the U.S. military provides a list of those taking shots to our side," the defense ministry said in a statement.
USFK began administering its initial doses of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine Tuesday to health care workers, first responders and its command team, after the first shipment of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine arrived in South Korea last week.
The Moderna vaccine was authorized for emergency use and vaccination is voluntary, though USFK strongly recommends its members take the shots.
Additional vaccine shipments will arrive in South Korea to become available for all eligible members, according to the U.S. military.
"The vaccinations for the South Koreans will take place according to USFK's own plan," the ministry said.
This photo, provided by the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), shows USFK Commander Gen. Robert Abrams getting a COVID-19 vaccine at Brian D. Allgood Army Community Hospital at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, on Dec. 29, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-30--S. Korea investigating 2 suspected cases of highly pathogenic bird flu

The ministry said the domestic market for poultry products nevertheless remains stable , pointing out that the culling of birds @ @ @ @ @ on supply .

By Kang Yoon-seung
SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's agricultural ministry said Wednesday it is investigating two suspected cases of highly pathogenic bird flu from local farms, amid growing concerns that the disease may penetrate deeper into the local poultry industry.
Authorities are investigating the two suspected cases from ducks farms in North Jeolla Province and South Chungcheong Province, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
Since identifying the first infection in late November, South Korea has reported 33 cases of the highly pathogenic H5N8 strain of bird flu from local farms.
Officials prepare to cull chickens at a farm in Yeoju, 105 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on Dec. 29, 2020. (Yonhap)
Gyeonggi Province accounted for nine cases, followed by South Jeolla Province with eight.
As of Wednesday, local authorities have culled more than 10 million birds.
All poultry within a 3-kilometer radius of infected farms are culled.
The ministry said the domestic market for poultry products nevertheless remains stable, pointing out that the culling of birds had only a limited impact on supply.
Meanwhile, 44 bird flu cases in wild birds have been confirmed since late October.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-30--(URGENT) Moon nominates Constitutional Court scholar Kim Jin-wook as inaugural CIO head


yna--2020-12-30--Gov't to complete sale of Woori Financial by 2022 as planned

The government had planned to resume the sale process in the first half of this year , but the plan @ @ @ @ @ markets were roiled by the new coronavirus pandemic .
The committee said in June it @ @ @ @ @ the second half , depending on market situations .

SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean government said Wednesday it plans to complete the sale of its 17.25 percent stake in Woori Financial Holdings Co. by 2022, despite a delay in its sale amid the new coronavirus outbreak.
The public funds oversight committee, which handles state asset sales, will make efforts to wrap up the privatization of the financial group as scheduled under a sales blueprint that was drawn up last year, according to the Financial Services Commission (FSC).
The government had planned to resume the sale process in the first half of this year, but the plan hit a snag as stock markets were roiled by the new coronavirus pandemic. The committee said in June it would start the process in the second half, depending on market situations.
The committee said it did not kick off the privatization process this year as financial market uncertainty amplified due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the U.S. presidential election.
"We've taken into account market situations and the goal of maximizing the recouping of public funds," it said.
This photo, taken on Feb. 11, 2020, shows the headquarters of Woori Financial Holdings Co. in central Seoul. (Yonhap)
Shares of Woori Financial were trading at 9,540 won (US$8.70) as of 10:54 a.m., down 1.55 percent from the previous session. To recoup the public funds, the stake should be sold at some 12,300 won per share, according to market watchers.
The government poured a total of 12.8 trillion won into Woori Finance, which was turned into Woori Financial early last year, to keep it afloat in the aftermath of the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis.
The government sold a 28 percent stake to institutional investors in 2016, but the state-run Korea Deposit Insurance Corp. is still the largest shareholder of Woori Financial.
As of end-February, the government had recouped 11.1 trillion won in public funds.
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-30--(2nd LD) New infections above 1,000 for 2nd day, variant cases rise to 5

Since last Wednesday , the greater Seoul area has banned gatherings of five or more people .
Restaurants in the @ @ @ @ @ fine if they allow gatherings of more than four people .
The strongest-ever measures have @ @ @ @ @ Thursday as well .

(ATTN: CHANGES headline and lead; ADDS details in paras 6-7)
SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new coronavirus cases stayed above 1,000 for a second straight day Wednesday and variant cases rose to five as the government is mulling the toughest distancing rules to curb the pandemic.
The country added 1,050 more COVID-19 cases, including 1,025 locally transmitted infections, bringing the total caseload to 59,773, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
The daily infections fell slightly from 1,046 cases a day earlier amid the stricter Level 2.5 virus curbs in the greater Seoul area, which were extended earlier by one week until Sunday.
South Korea's daily cases have hovered around 1,000 for the past week due mainly to mass cluster infections.
Twenty people have died from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, raising the death toll to 879, with the fatality rate of 1.47 percent.
This undated Yonhap News TV image shows medical workers at a temporary testing center in southern Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Adding woes to the country's battle against the pandemic, the KDCA confirmed two coronavirus variant cases, bringing the Britain-originated virus cases to five.
The health agency on Monday confirmed a new, potentially more transmissible coronavirus variant from three people who arrived from Britain last Tuesday.
The government said it will suspend all flights from London to Incheon until Jan. 7 to prevent the virus variant from spreading in Korea, while making all incoming passengers from Britain and South Africa submit documents that prove they tested negative for COVID-19.
The government has vowed to accelerate the launch of the vaccination program after detecting the virus variant from Britain.
It plans to start its vaccination in February, with health workers and vulnerable people first in line.
U.S. biotech firm Moderna has agreed to supply COVID-19 vaccine doses for 20 million people to South Korea during a phone conversation between President Moon Jae-in and Moderna Chief Executive Stephane Bancel, the presidential office said Tuesday.
With the deal, South Korea expects to be able to secure enough doses for its 52 million people by the end of next year.
On Sunday, the KDCA extended the current Level 2.5 distancing measures in the greater Seoul area and the Level 2 restrictions in the rest of the country until Jan. 3 on concerns over the impact on the economy.
Health authorities will decide whether to raise the social distancing measures to Level 3, the highest in the five-tier scheme, before the extended deadline.
Instead of applying measures that would deal a heavy blow to millions of small merchants, health authorities have deployed "targeted" virus curbs.
Since last Wednesday, the greater Seoul area has banned gatherings of five or more people. Restaurants in the greater Seoul area face a fine if they allow gatherings of more than four people. The strongest-ever measures have been applied nationwide since last Thursday as well.
Ski resorts and famous tourism venues were shut down to slow the spread of the virus during the Christmas and New Year's holiday season.
The third wave of the pandemic is raging across the nation. Of the newly identified local infections, about 70 percent of Wednesday's cases were reported in the capital and the surrounding areas.
Of the local infections, 383 cases were reported in Seoul and 274 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital. Incheon, west of Seoul, reported 48 more cases.
Other municipalities reported new infections, with the country's third-biggest city of Daegu adding 49 cases and North Chungcheong Province reporting 45 new cases.
The number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients reached 332, up from 330 a day earlier.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 41,435, up 732 from the previous day.
This undated Yonhap News TV image shows a coronavirus vaccine against the background of a port and new notes. (Yonhap)
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-30--The Korea Interbank Offered Rates (KORIBOR)

SEOUL , Dec. 30 ( Yonhap ) -- The Korea Interbank Offered Rates ( KORIBOR ) as posted by Yonhap @ @ @ @ @ and information arm of Yonhap News Agency , at 11:00 a.m .


yna--2020-12-30--(URGENT) Defense ministry decides to allow S. Korean troops working for USFK to get COVID-19 vaccina

(URGENT) Defense ministry decides to allow S. Korean troops working for USFK to get COVID-19 vaccinations


yna--2020-12-30--Seoul extends reduction of airport usage fees for virus-hit airlines

The extended support programs are aimed at relieving the financial burden of the airline industry next year as it is @ @ @ @ @ for airlines and related businesses to recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic , @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will extend the reduction of airport usage fees for virus-hit airlines by six months to help them stay afloat amid the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, the transport ministry said Wednesday.
The government will allow airlines, duty-free shops and other related companies at airports to pay quite lower airport usage fees until June next year, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said in a statement.
Incheon International Airport Corp., the operator of the country's main Incheon International Airport, has extended the cut of airlines' landing fees by up to 20 percent and the exemption on paying parking fees through June 2021, it said.
In August, the government took the same step until December as air travel demand dried up due to countries' entry restrictions to stem the spread of the pandemic.
The extended support programs are aimed at relieving the financial burden of the airline industry next year as it is expected to take some time for airlines and related businesses to recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the statement said.
Korean Air aircraft at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul (Yonhap)
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-30--S. Korea's 5G network speeds up in H2: report

The average download speed on the high-speed network from the country 's three major mobile carriers -- SK Telecom Co. @ @ @ @ @ Uplus Corp. -- stood at 690.47 megabits per second ( Mbps ) in the second @ @ @ @ @ up 33.91 Mbps from the first half , according to data from the Ministry of @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's 5G download speed and overall quality improved in the second half of the year from the first half as the country races to deploy nationwide coverage of the latest generation network, a report showed Wednesday.
The average download speed on the high-speed network from the country's three major mobile carriers -- SK Telecom Co., KT Corp. and LG Uplus Corp. -- stood at 690.47 megabits per second (Mbps) in the second half of the year, up 33.91 Mbps from the first half, according to data from the Ministry of Science and ICT.
SK Telecom had the fastest average download speed at 795.57 Mbps, followed by KT at 667.48 Mbps and LG Uplus at 608.49 Mbps.
The country's average 4G LTE download speed reached 153.1 Mbps, more than four times slower than the average 5G speed.
The ministry publishes data on mobile network quality biannually to encourage network investment by mobile carriers.
South Korea was the first country to commercialize 5G in April last year and has quickly built up a significant 5G user base of nearly 10 million as of end-October, around 14 percent of the country's total 70 million mobile subscriptions.
The network, however, has faced quality issues, such as limited coverage and slower-than-expected speeds, prompting more than half a million 5G users to switch to 4G LTE through August this year, according to Rep. Hong Jung-min of the ruling Democratic Party.
The latest report found that the network's quality and accessibility improved compared to the first half of the year.
Users could stably connect to the latest generation network on average 90.99 percent of the time in public locations equipped with 5G, compared to 67.93 percent of the time in the first half of the year.
Devices also switched to 4G LTE from 5G during downloads 5.49 percent of the time on average compared to 6.19 percent in the first half of the year.
South Korea currently offers the non-standalone version of 5G, requiring support from 4G LTE.
The number of subway stations across the country equipped with 5G network by the three carriers rose to 424 on average as of November, compared to 313 in July.
The report also found that public facilities, such as malls, theaters and hospitals, which had 5G coverage by the three carriers reached 3,486 on average across 85 cities.
South Korea is aiming for nationwide 5G coverage by 2022, and the three major carriers have promised to spend up to 25.7 trillion won (US$24 billion) in total to update network infrastructure by that year.
yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-30--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 2 more coronavirus variant cases; variant cases total at 5

(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--2020-12-30--Cold wave grips many parts of S. Korea

Cold wave grips many parts of S. Korea

Morning lows ranged from minus 10 C to minus 15 C in the greater capital area and other northern and @ @ @ @ @ west of Seoul , experienced the coldest day of the season with the mercury falling @ @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Yonhap) -- A cold wave swept across the country Wednesday, with temperatures dipping into the double digits below zero in the northern and central parts of the country.
The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) has issued cold wave alerts for Seoul and the provinces of Gyeonggi, Gangwon, North Gyeongsang and North and South Chungcheong.
Citizens in thick winter jackets walk in downtown Seoul on Dec. 30, 2020, as the temperature fell to minus 10 C. (Yonhap)
Morning lows ranged from minus 10 C to minus 15 C in the greater capital area and other northern and central regions. Incheon, west of Seoul, experienced the coldest day of the season with the mercury falling below minus 10 C.
Temperatures dropped to around minus 20 C in some mountainous areas in the northeast.
Freezing weather will continue before easing on New Year's Day and will remain 2-5 degrees lower than normal temperatures for the time being, the KMA said.
Up to 7 centimeters of snow fell in some parts of the provinces of South Chungcheong, Jeolla and Jeju, where heavy snow alerts have been issued, according to the KMA.
(END)


yna--2020-12-30--Seoul city gov't expands foreign language service on its website

The website ( http : //world.seoul.go.kr ) can now be seen in languages such as Nepali , Vietnamese and Cambodian @ @ @ @ @ existing six -- English , simplified Chinese , traditional Chinese , Japanese , French and @ @ @ @ @ city government .

SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Yonhap) -- The Seoul city government on Wednesday began to offer its website in 100 foreign languages using Google Inc.'s translation service.
The website (http://world.seoul.go.kr) can now be seen in languages such as Nepali, Vietnamese and Cambodian, in addition to the existing six -- English, simplified Chinese, traditional Chinese, Japanese, French and Spanish -- according to the city government.
Translation into four languages -- English, simplified Chinese, traditional Chinese and Japanese -- will continue to be done by experts. For the other 96 languages, the website will run the professionally translated English content through Google's automatic translation system.
"Foreign nationals who speak languages other than English can now learn about Seoul's administrative policies, tourism and lifestyle in their own languages," Park Jin-young, a public communications official at the city government, said in a press release.
The new initiative started at the request of Russian speakers during a town hall meeting with foreign residents last year, according to the city government.
This captured image, provided by the Seoul city government, shows the expanded foreign language service provided on its official website. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)