yna--2020-01-28--(2nd LD) Tourism sector to be hit hard by Wuhan coronavirus outbreak

`` When the MERS outbreak was reported in May 2015 in South Korea , the number of Chinese tourists visiting @ @ @ @ @ on-year in June , '' said Na Eun-chae , an analyst at Korea Investment & @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus is a factor that will affect the total number of tourists visiting the country @ @

(ATTN: ADDS cancellations of KTO-arranged incentive tours in paras 20-27)
By Joo Kyung-don
SEOUL, Jan. 28 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's tourism industry is expected to take the hardest hit among local businesses here from the outbreak of the Wuhan coronavirus as citizens cancel their overseas trips, while incoming tourists from China are set to decline sharply, industry sources said Tuesday.
More than 100 people have been killed in China due to the virus that causes pneumonia-like symptoms. South Korea has so far reported four confirmed cases of the new strain of the virus.
Following fears of a global pandemic, consumers here are canceling their trips overseas, especially to China, according to tourism agencies.
South Korea's foreign ministry already raised the travel advisory level for the central Chinese city of Wuhan, the epicenter of the virus outbreak, and its surrounding Hubei Province, recommending its nationals withdraw from the region following the spread of the deadly virus.
Tourists wearing masks walk at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, on Jan. 28, 2020. (Yonhap)
According to HanaTour, South Korea's largest travel agency, the rate of China trip cancellations increased by 20 percent compared with a year earlier. In particular, the cancellation rate on Chinese travel in March increased by 40 percent compared with a year ago.
"We are concerned that this situation will last longer than expected," a HanaTour official said.
Adding to woes is that people are not only canceling trips to China but also trips to Southeast Asian countries as they fear they may encounter possible virus-infected Chinese people at the airports.
"We thought those who planned a trip to China would switch to Southeast Asian countries when the Wuhan coronavirus first occurred but actually many people are canceling their trips to Southeast Asia too," said an official with a local travel agency specializing in Southeast Asia travel. "Currently, 10 percent of our customers have canceled their Southeast Asia trips."
As a growing number of people call off their trips, local airlines recently decided to waive cancellation fees on flights to China.
Korean Air Lines Co., the nation's top flag carrier, said it will not charge cancellation fees for tickets to China issued before last Friday and for flights departing up till Feb. 29. The air carrier has already suspended its flights to Wuhan until the end of this month.
Asiana Airlines Inc., the nation's No. 2 carrier, also announced it will not charge cancellation or change fees for flights from South Korea to China issued before last Friday or for flights departing before March 31.
Some local air carriers have also suspended their flights to China to join efforts to contain the respiratory virus.
Air Seoul Co. said Tuesday the company has closed its China services, while Jeju Air Co. said it suspended two service routes connecting Korean cities to Zhangjiajie, located some 500 kilometers southwest of Wuhan.
Air Seoul and Jeju Air are the first two South Korean airlines that stopped flight services to Chinese cities other than Wuhan.
Last week, Korean Air and T'Way Air Co. announced a temporary shutdown of their fight operations to Wuhan, the city where the outbreak started.
Asiana, which operates 32 routes to China, said the company has yet to decide whether it should stop all flights to China but emphasized that it is closely monitoring the situation.
Foreign tourists wearing masks visit Changdeok Palace in Seoul on Jan. 28, 2020. (Yonhap)
Those who work in hotel and duty-free businesses in South Korea said they are concerned about a possible decrease in the number of Chinese tourists who have been big spenders here.
China recently announced it banned outbound group tours to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.
"We thought the number of Chinese tourists would recover after it decreased sharply following the THAAD incident," an official at a local hotel said in condition of anonymity. "At the moment, it is a very difficult situation because South Korean customers are also canceling their reservations."
According to the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), Chinese companies have also been canceling their employee incentive tours bound for South Korea in line with Beijing's group tour ban.
Incentive tours arranged by the KTO for about 2,500 Chinese nationals in 22 groups next month have all been canceled.
The state-run agency's ambitious project to invite 3,500 young Chinese students to South Korea to enjoy various field trips this winter has also been suspended.
Under the Chinese students' Korea field trip plans, more than 3,200 elementary and middle school students from across China have already completed their visits to Korea. But Korea visits by the remaining 283 students, who had planned on arriving here late this month or early next month, have been canceled, the KTO said.
The latest figures on planned cancellations only covered Chinese tourists induced through the KTO. If additional cancellations carried out via individual local governments and tour agencies are included, the actual figure may be far bigger.
Indeed, the government of South Chungcheong Province said planned visits by over 3,000 Chinese group tourists have been canceled.
Since Beijing implemented economic retaliation, including a ban on group travel, against South Korea in 2017, when Seoul decided to deploy a U.S. missile defense system called THAAD, the KTO has struggled to increase the number of Chinese visitors to the pre-2017 level through the invitation of corporate incentive tours.
The number of Chinese visitors in South Korea nearly halved from 8.06 million in 2016 to 4.16 million in 2017 before rebounding to about 6 million last year.
Industry observers said the novel coronavirus could impact the local tourism industry for at least two months considering the past cases of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003 and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in 2015.
"When the MERS outbreak was reported in May 2015 in South Korea, the number of Chinese tourists visiting the country declined 45 percent on-year in June," said Na Eun-chae, an analyst at Korea Investment & Securities Co. "The novel coronavirus is a factor that will affect the total number of tourists visiting the country."
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-29--Hyundai Wia wins parts supply deals worth 700 bln won from Europe, U.S.

It aims to raise its market share of the global C.V. joint market to over 10 percent by 2022 from @ @ @ @ @ diversifying its customer base .

SEOUL, Jan. 29 (Yonhap) -- Hyundai Wia Corp., a parts unit of Hyundai Motor Group, said Wednesday it has clinched 700 billion won (US$595 million) worth of parts supply deals from carmakers in Europe and the United States.
Hyundai Wia will supply constant velocity joint (C.V. joint) components to premium carmakers in Europe and the U.S., the company said in a statement.
Hyundai Wia didn't provide the names of the companies or other details, citing a confidentiality agreement.
The company said it is "in talks" with other European and North American carmakers to supply C.V. joints.
It aims to raise its market share of the global C.V. joint market to over 10 percent by 2022 from the current 8 percent by diversifying its customer base.
It earns over 80 percent of its sales from deals with affiliates Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Motors Corp.
This file photo provided by Hyundai Wia shows a C.V. joint component. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-29--Seoul stocks rebound from virus-triggered sell-offs

The Seoul stock market dipped Tuesday on concerns the virus may have an adverse impact on the global economy and @ @ @ @ @ the global financial market .

SEOUL, Jan. 29 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks opened higher Wednesday as investors sought bargains after the market plunged by more than 3 percent in the previous session on concerns over the fast-spreading Wuhan coronavirus.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index rose 6.05 points, or 0.28 percent, to 2,182.77 in the first 15 minutes of trading.
The Seoul stock market dipped Tuesday on concerns the virus may have an adverse impact on the global economy and lead to further jitters in the global financial market.
South Korea on Monday reported its fourth confirmed Wuhan coronavirus case amid mounting concerns the pneumonia-like illness is fast spreading to other parts of the world from China despite stepped-up quarantine efforts.
Market behemoth Samsung Electronics moved up 0.85 percent, and No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix climbed 1.04 percent. LG Display also moved up 2.74 percent.
Leading portal operator Naver moved up 2.52 percent, and its smaller rival Kakao gained 0.92 percent.
Retail firms traded mixed, with duty-free Lotte Shopping rising 0.41 percent, while E-Mart decreased 1.32 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,175.50 won against the U.S. dollar, up 1.20 won from the previous session's close.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-29--Korea's January exports tipped to fall 7.5 pct: poll

The country reported its fourth confirmed case of the Wuhan virus early this week , with the third and fourth @ @ @ @ @ in contact with many citizens here , raising concerns that the virus may spread across @ @ @

SEOUL, Jan. 29 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's exports are expected to drop 7.5 percent on-year in January to extend their slump to 14 consecutive months despite a mild recovery in chip shipments, a poll showed Wednesday, due mainly to there being fewer working days compared to a year earlier.
Outbound shipments are estimated to reach US$42.7 billion this month, according to the poll by Yonhap Infomax, the financial news arm of Yonhap News Agency. The survey was carried out on 10 local brokerage houses.
The country's trade surplus was estimated at $850 million in January, marking 96 straight months in which the country's exports have exceeded imports, the poll showed.
South Korea's exports surrendered only 0.2 percent in the first 20 days of January, according to customs data.
The Lunar New Year's holiday, which follows the lunar calendar, fell in January this year, though it was in February in 2019.
South Korea's overall exports moved down 10.3 percent in 2019 amid the protracted trade row between Washington and Beijing. Exports are expected to rise 3 percent this year on eased tension between the world's top two economies and the recovery of the global chip industry.
Analysts said despite the tumble in January, South Korea will eventually see an upturn in its exports.
Over the first 20 days of the January, exports of semiconductors and petrochemical goods gained 8.7 percent and 19.3 percent, respectively. Chips are a key export for Asia's No. 4 economy, taking up 17.3 percent of overall exports in 2019.
Whether the recovery will be maintained or not will largely depend on the Wuhan coronavirus, they added.
The country reported its fourth confirmed case of the Wuhan virus early this week, with the third and fourth patients known to have been in contact with many citizens here, raising concerns that the virus may spread across the country.
China is South Korea's top trading partner, taking up a quarter of its exports in 2019. Concerns have been running high as the further spread of the virus may hurt South Korea's exports of consumer goods to Asia's top economy.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-29--Kumho Tire supplies tires for Audi Q5 SUV

The cars are being manufactured at Audi 's Mexico plant and the tires will be produced in Kumho Tire 's @ @ @ @ @ United States , in the form of original equipment ( OE ) tires , it @ @

SEOUL, Jan. 29 (Yonhap) -- Kumho Tire Co., the South Korean unit of Chinese tiremaker Qingdao Doublestar Co., said Wednesday it began to supply tires to the Audi Q5 SUV.
Kumho Tire began to deliver the high-performance Crugen Premium KL33 tires for the Q5 in early January, the company said in a statement.
The cars are being manufactured at Audi's Mexico plant and the tires will be produced in Kumho Tire's plant in Georgia, the United States, in the form of original equipment (OE) tires, it said.
Supplying OE tires to car manufacturers does not generate much revenue for tiremakers but securing big companies as clients helps improve their brand images and can lead to the raising of product prices down the line.
For tiremakers, it is more profitable to sell replacement equipment (RE) tires in after-sales markets.
Kumho Tire currently supplies tires to global carmakers, such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Skoda and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.
It operates eight plants globally -- one in Georgia, one in Vietnam, three in China and three others in South Korea. Their combined capacity reaches 55 million tires.
In 2018, Qingdao Doublestar acquired Kumho Tire by investing 646.3 billion won (US$578 million) for a 45 percent stake in the country's second-biggest tiremaker after Hankook Tire & Technology Co.
In the January-September period, Kumho Tire's net losses deepened to 159.21 billion won (US$143 million) from 59.91 billion won a year earlier. Its 2019 earnings results will be released in March.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


KOSPI 2,188.18 UP 11.46 points (open)

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


KOSDAQ 671.08 UP 6.38 points (open)


yna--2020-01-29--Dollar opens at 1,177.7 won UP from 1,176.7 won


yna--2020-01-29--N. Korea's official newspaper calls fight against coronavirus matter of national existence

In a separate article , the paper underscored fears of the new virus , saying that Beijing had explained that @ @ @ @ @ by someone showing no symptoms and that around 5 million people had left the central @ @ @ @ @ the epicenter of the illness , before it was placed on an effective lockdown .

SEOUL, Jan. 29 (Yonhap) -- North Korea's official newspaper called Wednesday for a nationwide drive to stem the spread of the new coronavirus, calling such preventive efforts an "important political matter" that could affect national existence.
North Korean media outlets have reported almost daily on the fast-spreading outbreaks of the pneumonia-like illness in China and other nations, and Pyongyang's measures to keep the virus from spreading into the country, though it has not confirmed any case of its own.
"All party organizations should regard efforts of blocking the spread of the new coronavirus as an important political matter that has to do with national existence and strengthen (relevant) political activity," the Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the North's ruling party, said in an article.
The paper also urged party organizations to make "active efforts" on medical supervision, diagnosis, and research and development on treatment drugs with regard to the new virus.
In a separate article, the paper underscored fears of the new virus, saying that Beijing had explained that the coronavirus could be transmitted by someone showing no symptoms and that around 5 million people had left the central Chinese city of Wuhan, the epicenter of the illness, before it was placed on an effective lockdown.
North Korea has beefed up its efforts to prevent the deadly contagious virus from spreading into the country.
Pyongyang reportedly has decided to keep all foreigners arriving in the country via China isolated for up to one month as part of efforts to prevent the spread of the new strain of coronavirus in the reclusive country.
The North has also asked South Korean officials working at a joint liaison office in the North's border town of Kaesong to put on masks as part of its beefed-up preventive efforts, according to Seoul's unification ministry. South Korea has reported four confirmed cases of the new coronavirus since early last week.
This image, from North Korea's state-run Korean Central Television, shows a senior official from the Ministry of Public Health giving an interview on actions taken by Pyongyang to prevent the new strain of coronavirus, spreading in China and parts of Asia, from entering the country. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-29--Yonhap news advisory for Wednesday, Jan. 29

The following stories are scheduled to be covered by Yonhap News Agency .
Your queries are welcome .
Yonhap 's @ @ @ @ @ reached by telephone at 82-2-398-3451 ( general ) and 82-2-398-3460 ( economics ) , and @ @ @ @ @ yna.co.kr or sam @ yna.co.kr .

The following stories are scheduled to be covered by Yonhap News Agency. Your queries are welcome. Yonhap's English-language news desk can be reached by telephone at 82-2-398-3451 (general) and 82-2-398-3460 (economics), and by email at sshim@yna.co.kr or sam@yna.co.kr.
General
-- Preparations to send chartered flights to bring S. Koreans back from China's Wuhan
-- Seoul chapter of 'CONNECT, BTS' art project opens
Economy & Finance
-- Follow-up stories on Wuhan coronavirus
-- S. Korea's terms of trade in December
(END)


yna--2020-01-29--State to cover all treatment costs of Wuhan virus-infected patients

The ministry did not say how much the move will cost taxpayers but said the DNA testing needed to determine @ @ @ @ @ China coronavirus costs over 100,000 won ( US $ 85 ) , with drug treatment @ @ @ @ @ special equipment needed to monitor an infected person likely to run into the tens of @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Jan. 29 (Yonhap) -- South Korea said Wednesday it will foot the bill for fighting the Wuhan coronavirus in the country and treating infected patients.
Under the rules on countermeasures for new infectious diseases, the state will pay for all expenses related to the screening of suspected cases and treatment of those infected, which includes costs associated with isolating a person in a negative pressure room, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare.
"The state will pay for everything from the moment a person is admitted to a medical facility until he or she is discharged, with the only exception being if the person gets a checkup for other, non-virus related illnesses," it said
The ministry did not say how much the move will cost taxpayers but said the DNA testing needed to determine if a person has the China coronavirus costs over 100,000 won (US$85), with drug treatment, hospital beds and the special equipment needed to monitor an infected person likely to run into the tens of millions of won.
The state funding to cover costs associated with fighting infectious diseases is common practice around the world and can help prevent the spread of illness because sick people won't be afraid of reporting their condition to related authorities.
So far, South Korea has reported four confirmed cases of the new coronavirus. Three other patients infected with the virus are Korean nationals.
Besides the confirmed cases, the country has screened 97 people that had some sign of the illness, with their tests coming back negative. It is currently inspecting 15 others.
This photo provided by Myongji Hospital in Goyang, northwest of Seoul, on Jan. 27, 2020, shows medical staff treating a person who tested positive for the Wuhan coronavirus. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-29--Senators urge U.S. to reconsider demands in defense talks with S. Korea

`` Our alliance with Korea is critical to deter adversaries , provide stability to the region , shape the environment @ @ @ @ @ in the region with leverage that enhances our nation 's security , extends our values @ @ @ @ @ , '' the letter continued .
`` Yet the current U.S. negotiating position appears to @ @ @ @ @ undermines our enduring commitment to the Republic of Korea . ''

By Lee Haye-ah
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 (Yonhap) -- Two influential U.S. senators have written a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper, urging the administration to reconsider its demands for a hefty increase in South Korea's contributions to shared defense costs.
The letter, penned by Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Jack Reed (D-RI), ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, underscored concerns that the failure to reach a cost-sharing deal with South Korea increases diplomatic and military risks on the Korean Peninsula.
"A fair and mutually-beneficial burden sharing agreement that reflects the realities of the twenty-first century is an essential element to strengthen a strong and durable U.S.-ROK alliance," the senators wrote in the letter dated Monday, using the acronym for South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea.
"The Administration's fixation on its notion of burden-sharing belies a fundamental misunderstanding of the value of our alliance with the Republic of Korea and the importance of the U.S. strategic position in the Indo-Pacific, and is almost-guaranteed to fail," they said.
This Reuters file photo shows Sen. Bob Menendez. (Yonhap)
The allies have struggled to narrow their differences on how much South Korea should pay and for what as they negotiate a new deal for the upkeep of 28,500 American troops on the peninsula.
The previous Special Measures Agreement expired at the end of last year.
"Our alliance with Korea is critical to deter adversaries, provide stability to the region, shape the environment, and endows U.S. forces in the region with leverage that enhances our nation's security, extends our values, and enables our prosperity," the letter continued. "Yet the current U.S. negotiating position appears to contradict these key principles and undermines our enduring commitment to the Republic of Korea."
The senators went on say that there are "significant areas" where South Korea can and should contribute more to its own defense and to the alliance.
"We note, however, that following the conclusion of the 2019 agreement wherein the Republic of Korea agreed to increase its contribution to approximately $925 million for one year, the Department of Defense testified before Congress that the current burden-sharing agreement was fair and mutually beneficial," they added.
The missive comes after Pompeo and Esper published a joint op-ed in The Wall Street Journal that said South Korea is an ally, not a dependent, and should pay more for its own defense.
"We reiterate our support for a burden-sharing agreement that is fair and mutually beneficial," the senators wrote. "But given the clear and overwhelming benefits for our own national security, we urge you to reconsider the administration's current negotiating posture, which threatens to jeopardize our alliance relationships, our posture, and our presence in the Indo-Pacific."
This AP file photo shows Sen. Jack Reed. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-29--(EDITORIAL from Korea JoongAng Daily on Jan. 29)

After the outbreak — and fast spread — of the coronavirus from Wuhan , China , gold prices continued to @ @ @ @ @ of the dollar and Japanese yen in global financial markets .
Major stock indexes also @ @ @ @ @ crisis .
As in the case of bankruptcies of companies , the problem is not @ @ @ @ @ the long haul .
As if to reflect the severity of the shocks , many @ @ @ @ @ , which has been running a chemical factory in Wuhan , and Samsung — are @ @ @ @ @ from the city and no longer sending their employees to the epicenter .

Broaden export markets
After the outbreak — and fast spread — of the coronavirus from Wuhan, China, gold prices continued to rise along with the value of the dollar and Japanese yen in global financial markets. Major stock indexes also fell, signalling a global crisis. As in the case of bankruptcies of companies, the problem is not immediate risks but uncertainties over the long haul. As if to reflect the severity of the shocks, many Korean companies — including SK, which has been running a chemical factory in Wuhan, and Samsung — are hurriedly pulling out their workers from the city and no longer sending their employees to the epicenter.
The impact from the deadly virus nearly borders on panic. Thanks to a rebound in semiconductor prices and Beijing's somewhat eased economic retaliation for the deployment of the U.S.-led Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (Thaad) antimissile system in Korea, expectations were high that a slowed Korean economy will get better after barely achieving a 2 percent growth last year. The government raised our growth rate for this year to 2.4 percent. But such hopes have suddenly been dashed by the lethal respiratory infection from China whose economy is rapidly shrinking. China is Korea's largest export market.
The crisis is deepened by uncertain contagion routes for the virus and a critical lack of vaccines. Withdrawal from Wuhan heralds a bigger crisis. If the situation prolongs, the world economy can enter a serious phase beyond the level of decreased production and frozen consumption. Underdeveloped economies like Mongolia and North Korea can shut down their borders, but we cannot do that.
In 2003, when the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) rampaged through China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, it lowered our GDP by a quarter point that year. In 2016, when the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) hit South Korea and killed 38 citizens, it pulled down our GDP by 0.2 percentage points. Our tourism and aviation industries are directly affected as seen in the cancellation of a 3,000-strong group tour to South Chungcheong Province by Chinese people.
On Tuesday, the government hastily held a comprehensive meeting to tackle the challenge from China, but only came up with quick fixes. A fundamental solution is to accelerate our investments in other countries, including the rapidly growing Asean, around the globe. Furthermore, the government must beef up efforts to foster high-tech companies as in the United States, whose market capitalization exceeds $1 trillion each. To widen the gap with China, the government must concentrate on high value-added industries and speed up labor reforms and deregulation. The more precarious the market, the more aggressive policies it must devise to help the corporate sector to innovate.
(END)


yna--2020-01-29--(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on Jan. 29)

(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on Jan. 29)

It is good to see the government working with a sense of crisis in fighting the virus .
South Korea @ @ @ @ @ of infection , Monday , a week after confirming its first patient with the disease @ @ @ @ @ returned from Wuhan , and fortunately , any secondary infection has not yet been reported @ @ @ @ @ the health authorities should do is to check all people who entered the country from @ @ @ @ @ following Jan. 13 because , according to experts , the incubation period for the new @ @ @ @ @ 14 days .
The fourth patient , a 55-year-old man , had not shown any @ @ @ @ @ returned from a trip to Wuhan , Jan. 20 .
( END )

Minimize damage
Quick, resolute measures are also needed for firms
While the government is making all-out efforts to prevent the spread of a new strain of coronavirus here, concerns are also growing that the global reach of the virus will hit Korea Inc. hard. The new virus has so far had a limited impact on the domestic economy, but it may do much damage to exports, consumption and overseas production, especially in China, in the coming days ― possibly for months.
This is surely not good for the export-oriented Korean economy. Fears of a global pandemic may reduce outbound shipments considerably. Quick and resolute responses are necessary in all economic sectors to minimize the damage and to ensure a speedy recovery. Reflecting those concerns, the country's main KOSPI index plunged 69.41 points, or 3.09 percent ― the biggest one-day loss since Oct. 11, 2018 ― to close at 2,176.72, Tuesday. In particular, firms which are more dependent on demand from China, such as retailers and tour, healthcare and cosmetics companies, suffered bigger falls.
Major Korean companies operating in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei Province in central China, where the virus emerged, have pulled their staff out of the provincial capital, and banned business trips to China. The government also decided to send four chartered planes to evacuate hundreds of South Koreans staying in Wuhan, which is on lockdown.
President Moon Jae-in has sent a letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping, in which he pledged to provide all possible support to Beijing to contain the virus, according to Cheong Wa Dae. While visiting the National Medical Center in Seoul, Tuesday, President Moon urged the health authorities to mobilize all possible measures to prevent the spread of the virus. Especially, he called for thorough monitoring of all people who have recently flown into South Korea from Wuhan, saying the importance of "quick and broad" precautionary measures in dealing with such a highly contagious virus cannot be emphasized enough.
It is good to see the government working with a sense of crisis in fighting the virus. South Korea reported its fourth confirmed case of infection, Monday, a week after confirming its first patient with the disease. All the patients recently returned from Wuhan, and fortunately, any secondary infection has not yet been reported here. The first thing the health authorities should do is to check all people who entered the country from Wuhan in the two weeks following Jan. 13 because, according to experts, the incubation period for the new virus could be up to 14 days. The fourth patient, a 55-year-old man, had not shown any symptoms of illness when he returned from a trip to Wuhan, Jan. 20.
(END)


yna--2020-01-29--(EDITORIAL from Korea Herald on Jan. 29)

Considering the political and economic ties with Beijing , it may be hard to take such action immediately .
Nevertheless @ @ @ @ @ people 's lives , the government must brace for all scenarios , including a temporary @ @ @ @ @ Chinese tourists .
If the virus gets out of control , drastic measures will be @ @ @ @ @ dawdles , it will likely miss the chance .
When a virus is spreading fast @ @ @ @ @ response is the way to go .
( END )

Take proactive steps
Latent cases pass airport quarantine; bold measures must be readied
The spread of a new coronavirus called the Wuhan pneumonia is ferocious.
As of Monday, China confirmed 2,744 people have been infected so far, including 80 dead. On Sunday alone, 796 new cases were confirmed and 24 died in China. It was the first time that the daily death toll from the virus had exceeded 20.
The effect of the Lunar New Year, known as the Spring Festival in China when hundreds of millions of people visit their hometowns or travel abroad, has not been reflected fully in the numbers yet.
The virus has not only spread through China but also to Asia, the US and Europe. It is feared that it may cause greater damage than severe acute respiratory syndrome, which affected 8,098 people and killed 774 in 17 countries in 2003.
As the number of Wuhan pneumonia patients has increased exponentially, Beijing has extended the holidays and postponed the new school semester. But it has been criticized for failing to respond quickly at the initial stage of the outbreak.
Though it took an extraordinary step by shutting down travel out of Wuhan on Jan. 23, about 5 million residents reportedly had already left the city either for the Spring Festival or fearing an outbreak of the virus. Many of them may have been infected with the virus.
China says the virus, unlike SARS, is infectious during its incubation period and has warned that people infected with the virus could be contagious for as many as 14 days before showing symptoms. It is also believed to be able to mutate.
South Korea confirmed its fourth case of the virus Monday. The patient, a Korean male, arrived here from Wuhan on Jan. 20 without symptoms and passed airport quarantine checks. He visited hospitals with fever, but was not diagnosed as infected with the virus. A week after entering the country, he was found to have contracted the virus.
The third, a Korean in his 50s, was not detected in the airport quarantine process either, because he had no symptoms. He voluntarily reported his symptoms to the public health center as he coughed up phlegm. He is said to have come into contact with 74 people over five days.
The two cases show blind spots in the nation's airport quarantine system. No matter how well the system is set up at airports or harbors, it is almost impossible to detect patients who are still in the incubation period.
Out of the 5 million residents who escaped Wuhan before the travel lockdown, 6,430 traveled here by air from Dec. 30 to Jan. 22, according to data analysis.
Considering the latency period, the number of cases is likely to rise sharply in about two weeks. Furthermore, many Chinese students are expected to return to Korea after Feb. 2 at the end of the delayed Spring Festival. The health authorities should focus on the prevention of secondary infections.
President Moon Jae-in on Monday ordered checks on every individual traveler from Wuhan and the surrounding area. He even urged the mobilization of troops if needed. Just a day earlier, he had called on the people not to be "excessively anxious." He should have taken preventive steps earlier. The checks must be conducted without a hitch.
Out of growing anxiety, citizens have filed online petitions on the website of the presidential office, demanding a ban on the entry of all Chinese travelers at least during the Spring Festival period. One of the petitions won support from more than 480,000 people as of Monday afternoon.
Taiwan did not permit visitors from Wuhan to enter the country. The Philippines repatriated more than 400 Chinese travelers from Wuhan and banned direct flights from the Chinese city. Hong Kong and Macao have restricted the entry of people from China's Hubei province. Malaysia on Monday imposed a temporary ban on Chinese nationals from Wuhan and Hubei province.
Considering the political and economic ties with Beijing, it may be hard to take such action immediately. Nevertheless, when it comes to people's lives, the government must brace for all scenarios, including a temporary ban on the entry of Chinese tourists. If the virus gets out of control, drastic measures will be inevitable. If the government dawdles, it will likely miss the chance. When a virus is spreading fast, a bold and proactive response is the way to go.
(END)


yna--2020-01-29--Top headlines in major S. Korean newspapers

Korean-language dailies -- S. Korean gov't making all-out efforts to contain spread of new coronavirus ( Kyunghyang Shinmun ) -- @ @ @ @ @ in contact with 172 people ( Kookmin Daily ) -- S. Korea to send chartered @ @ @ @ @ 31 to evacuate its people from Wuhan ( Donga llbo ) -- 4th new coronavirus-infected @ @ @ @ @ 172 people ( Seoul Shinmun ) -- Gov't says 4th Wuhan virus-infected patient in contact @ @ @ @ @ Times ) -- Gov't agencies lack systemic response to new coronavirus ( Chosun Ilbo ) @ @ @ @ @ under stress over online comments condemning his behavior ( JoongAng Ilbo ) -- Concerns deepen @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus ( Hankyoreh ) -- Loopholes spotted in gov't response to Wuhan virus ( Hankook @ @ @ @ @ spread of new coronavirus growing ( Maeil Business Newspaper ) -- Global companies suspend operations @ @ @ @ @ virus concerns ( Korea Economic Daily )

SEOUL, Jan. 29 (Yonhap) -- The following are the top headlines in major South Korean newspapers on Jan. 29.
Korean-language dailies
-- S. Korean gov't making all-out efforts to contain spread of new coronavirus (Kyunghyang Shinmun)
-- 4th Wuhan virus-infected Korean patient in contact with 172 people (Kookmin Daily)
-- S. Korea to send chartered flights on Jan. 30, 31 to evacuate its people from Wuhan (Donga llbo)
-- 4th new coronavirus-infected Korean patient in contact with 172 people (Seoul Shinmun)
-- Gov't says 4th Wuhan virus-infected patient in contact with 172 people (Segye Times)
-- Gov't agencies lack systemic response to new coronavirus (Chosun Ilbo)
-- 3rd Wuhan virus-infected patient under stress over online comments condemning his behavior (JoongAng Ilbo)
-- Concerns deepen over fast spread of new coronavirus (Hankyoreh)
-- Loopholes spotted in gov't response to Wuhan virus (Hankook Ilbo)
-- Fears about spread of new coronavirus growing (Maeil Business Newspaper)
-- Global companies suspend operations in factories in Wuhan over virus concerns (Korea Economic Daily)
English-language dailies
-- Travelers from Wuhan face testing (Korea JoongAng Daily)
-- Wuhan virus scare spreads in S. Korea (Korea Herald)
-- Korean stocks plunge on fears of coronavirus (Korea Times)
(END)


yna--2020-01-29--U.S. lawmakers introduce bill to support Korean American Vietnam War veterans

`` I 've heard from many of my Korean American Vietnam Veteran constituents about the need for change , and @ @ @ @ @ the first step in making that happen , '' he said in the same statement @ @ @ @ @ to introduce the Korean American VALOR Act to provide VA healthcare to these courageous heroes @ @ @ @ @ have always had our backs , now it 's time for us to have theirs @ @

By Lee Haye-ah
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 (Yonhap) -- Two U.S. lawmakers on Tuesday introduced a bill that seeks to grant federal health care to Korean Americans who served in the Vietnam War.
The bill, dubbed the Korean American Vietnam Allies Long Overdue for Relief (VALOR) Act, was introduced by Reps. Grace Meng (D-NY) and Gilbert Cisneros, Jr. (D-CA) to entitle some 3,000 Korean American veterans to hospital and domiciliary care and medical services in the U.S. through the Department of Veterans Affairs, according to Meng's office.
The veterans fought in the war under the South Korean flag but later became naturalized U.S. citizens.
"Korean American soldiers fought alongside U.S. troops during the Vietnam War and put their lives on the line to defend democracy and freedom," Meng said in a statement. "They are American citizens and deserve access to the same VA healthcare benefits that servicemembers of other U.S allies have received for their service during World War I and World War II."
This Reuters file photo shows the dome of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington. (Yonhap)
The congresswoman said she introduced the bill after meeting with Korean American Vietnam War veterans in her district of Queens, New York.
"The measure is fair and long overdue," she said. "Passing it would be the right thing to do for these veterans. They are aging, and time is of the essence for them to get the medical assistance they need."
Cisneros added that it is "unacceptable" that these veterans are unable to access health care from the Veterans Affairs Department despite having suffered significant injuries during their service.
"I've heard from many of my Korean American Vietnam Veteran constituents about the need for change, and today, we're taking the first step in making that happen," he said in the same statement. "I'm proud to introduce the Korean American VALOR Act to provide VA healthcare to these courageous heroes. Korean American Vietnam Veterans have always had our backs, now it's time for us to have theirs."
Meng's office noted that South Korea provided the most troops at the request of the U.S. during the Vietnam War. More than 4,400 Korean troops were killed and 17,606 were injured.
Many of the veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, total disability, and the effects of the toxic defoliant Agent Orange, it said.
Korean Americans have not been recognized as U.S. veterans nor granted access to VA services.
In South Korea, they also receive limited services because they are U.S. citizens.
The bill's co-sponsors include Reps. Judy Chu (D-CA), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Jimmy Gomez (D-CA), Andy Kim (D-NJ) and Bill Pascrell (D-NJ).
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-29--S. Korea's consumer sentiment sharply improves for Jan.

The index for their sentiment toward current economic conditions came to 78 , up 4 points from a month earlier @ @ @ @ @ outlook on economic conditions six months from now came to 87 , compared with 82 @ @ @ @ @ to the BOK .

SEOUL, Jan. 29 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's consumer sentiment improved sharply from a month earlier in January, central bank data showed Wednesday, amid outlooks that the country's economic conditions will improve down the road.
The composite consumer sentiment index (CCSI) came to 104.2 for the month, up from 100.5 for the previous month, according to the data from the Bank of Korea (BOK).
The reading marks the highest since June 2018, as well as the largest on-month gain since September 2019, when the index jumped 4.6 points from a month earlier but still fell short of the benchmark 100 at 97.0.
A reading above 100 means optimists outnumber pessimists, while a reading below the benchmark means the opposite.
Local consumers apparently saw future improvements in conditions for their own livelihoods and the country's economy.
The index measuring their sentiment toward their current economic conditions came to 93 in January, up 1 point from a month earlier.
The index on their livelihood in the future, on the other hand, jumped 3 points to 97, with the index on their outlook for their future income also adding 3 points from a month earlier to 101.
The index for their sentiment toward current economic conditions came to 78, up 4 points from a month earlier. The index for their outlook on economic conditions six months from now came to 87, compared with 82 registered in December, according to the BOK.
The central bank has forecast the local economy to grow 2.3 percent this year, accelerating from last year's 2 percent expansion in 2019 that marked the slowest on-year growth in a decade.
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-29--(LEAD) U.S. defense official expresses support for peace declaration with N. Korea

`` We have sought to negotiate those type of activities with the North Koreans and this would be another subject @ @ @ @ @ be worked out with the North , '' Rood said .
`` Obviously , you @ @ @ @ @ to participate .
You mentioned the South Koreans , but certainly the North Koreans would @ @ @ @ @ my view , a willing participant and come to the table to work that out @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES with more remarks by Rood in last 8 paras)
By Lee Haye-ah
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 (Yonhap) -- A senior U.S. defense official on Tuesday voiced support for a peace declaration between the United States and North Korea, saying such an agreement would be beneficial to Washington if it can be negotiated.
John Rood, under secretary of defense for policy, was commenting on the possibility the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump could offer a peace declaration as part of a denuclearization deal with the North.
In particular, he was asked by Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) of the House Armed Services Committee if the U.S. could first agree to a peace declaration before negotiating the details of North Korea's denuclearization.
This AFP file photo shows U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy John Rood (L). (Yonhap)
"From the Defense Department perspective ... if something like that could be negotiated with the North Koreans we would see that as being a beneficial thing," Rood told a committee hearing, noting that it is up to the State Department to decide on the sequencing of the steps.
"The armistice was not intended to survive decade after decade after decade, and so if something like that could be negotiated with the North Koreans, I think that'd be in our interest," he said.
The two countries have technically remained in a state of conflict after the 1950-53 Korean War ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty.
As denuclearization talks resumed in earnest in 2018, the Trump administration was reportedly ready to offer a peace agreement among several concessions in exchange for North Korea's nuclear weapons program, even if it was initially only political and not legally binding.
Talk of such a declaration has fizzled out since the two sides hit an impasse in negotiations following the no-deal summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in February 2019.
"We have sought to negotiate those type of activities with the North Koreans and this would be another subject of the negotiations that could be worked out with the North," Rood said. "Obviously, you need the other parties involved to participate. You mentioned the South Koreans, but certainly the North Koreans would have to be, in my view, a willing participant and come to the table to work that out."
Rood agreed with the assessment of U.S. Northern Command that North Korea's intercontinental ballistic missile capabilities will pose a greater risk to the U.S. beginning around 2025, if they continue to develop at the current pace.
"We do have to watch the North Korean missile program and their associated other special weapons programs because the rate of progress is very substantial, and it continues," he said.
The under secretary also stressed the importance of quickly reaching a cost-sharing agreement with South Korea for the upkeep of 28,500 American troops on the peninsula.
Negotiations to renew the Special Measures Agreement have continued beyond the expiry of the previous deal at the end of last year amid Washington's demands for a hefty increase in Seoul's financial contributions.
Addressing concerns that in making such demands the administration fails to recognize the value of the alliance, Rood argued to the contrary.
"Burden-sharing doesn't come just down to dollars and cents, obviously," he said. "Koreans have a very large commitment that they make to the funding of their armed forces, to the size of their armed forces, to the capabilities they procure ... and this is part of our message to our State Department colleagues, that as you're approaching these negotiations -- and everyone wants equitable burden sharing -- some consideration just needs to be given about maintaining the health of that alliance as we go forward."
Rood also noted that South Korea purchases U.S. equipment to modernize its forces, which he said is an added benefit to the U.S.
"And we do have to be conscious ... about not sending an inadvertent signal to the North Koreans that there's some division within the alliance that we can't resolve," he cautioned.
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-29--U.S. defense official expresses support for peace declaration with N. Korea

By Lee Haye-ah
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 (Yonhap) -- A senior U.S. defense official on Tuesday voiced support for a peace declaration between the United States and North Korea, saying such an agreement would be beneficial to Washington if it can be negotiated.
John Rood, under secretary of defense for policy, was commenting on the possibility the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump could offer a peace declaration as part of a denuclearization deal with the North.
In particular, he was asked by Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) of the House Armed Services Committee if the U.S. could first agree to a peace declaration before negotiating the details of North Korea's denuclearization.
This AFP file photo shows U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy John Rood (L). (Yonhap)
"From the Defense Department perspective ... if something like that could be negotiated with the North Koreans we would see that as being a beneficial thing," Rood told a committee hearing, noting that it is up to the State Department to decide on the sequencing of the steps.
"The armistice was not intended to survive decade after decade after decade, and so if something like that could be negotiated with the North Koreans, I think that'd be in our interest," he said.
The two countries have technically remained in a state of conflict after the 1950-53 Korean War ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty.
As denuclearization talks resumed in earnest in 2018, the Trump administration was reportedly ready to offer a peace agreement among several concessions in exchange for North Korea's nuclear weapons program, even if it was initially only political and not legally binding.
Talk of such a declaration has fizzled out since the two sides hit an impasse in negotiations following the no-deal summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in February 2019.
"We have sought to negotiate those type of activities with the North Koreans and this would be another subject of the negotiations that could be worked out with the North," Rood said. "Obviously, you need the other parties involved to participate. You mentioned the South Koreans, but certainly the North Koreans would have to be, in my view, a willing participant and come to the table to work that out."
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


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(END)


yna--2020-01-29--Police to arrest potential patients who refuse to be quarantined

`` It 's part of measures to ease concerns over the disease .
( If a potential patient ) refuses @ @ @ @ @ from health officials , police can arrest and send that person to a medical facility @ @ @ @ @ .

SEOUL, Jan. 29 (Yonhap) -- People suspected of having contracted the potentially fatal new coronavirus may face arrest if they refuse to be quarantined, police said Wednesday.
Police said they have distributed a set of guidelines on handling the contagious disease, including a clause that allows the arrest of people showing symptoms.
"It's part of measures to ease concerns over the disease. (If a potential patient) refuses to be quarantined despite suggestions from health officials, police can arrest and send that person to a medical facility," an official said.
The police distributed similar guidelines when the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome hit South Korea in 2015.
So far, the country has confirmed four cases of the novel virus, with the latest one reported Monday.
Passengers from the Chinese city of Guangzhou queue as they wait for quarantine checks at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, on Jan. 29, 2020. (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-29--(LEAD) Hong Sang-soo's new film included in Berlin fest competition lineup

The director was first invited to the film fest in 1997 with his debut film `` The Day a Pig @ @ @ @ @ '' which showcased in the Forum , a section for cutting-edge indie and experimental films @

(ATTN: ADDS details in paras 3-8)
SEOUL, Jan. 29 (Yonhap) -- South Korean auteur Hong Sang-soo's latest film has been nominated to compete at the Berlin International Film Festival next month.
In a press conference held Tuesday, festival organizers unveiled a list of 18 movies that will vie for the Gold and Silver Bears at the festival scheduled from Feb. 20 to March 1.
Hong's film, "The Woman Who Ran," is his 24th feature as well his fourth work nominated to compete at the annual film festival.
A file photo of director Hong Sang-soo (L) and actress Kim Min-hee (Yonhap)
The director was first invited to the film fest in 1997 with his debut film "The Day a Pig Fell into the Well," which showcased in the Forum, a section for cutting-edge indie and experimental films.
In 2008, "Night and Day" was included in the competition lineup, followed by "Nobody's Daughter Haewon" in 2013 and "On the Beach at Night" in 2017.
With the 2017 film, Kim Min-hee, also known as Hong's muse, won best actress, becoming the first Korean to clinch the award at the Berlinale.
"The Woman Who Ran" is Hong's seventh film starring Kim.
It will premiere at the Berlin film festival and hit local theaters this spring.
This image, provided by the Berlin International Film Festival, shows footage from the film "The Woman Who Ran." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-29--Hong Sang-soo's new film included in Berlin fest competition lineup

In 2017 , Kim won best actress with Hong 's film `` On the Beach at Night , '' becoming @ @ @ @ @ the award at the Berlinale .

SEOUL, Jan. 29 (Yonhap) -- South Korean auteur Hong Sang-soo's latest film has been nominated to compete at the Berlin International Film Festival next month.
In a press conference held Tuesday, festival organizers unveiled a list of 18 movies that will vie for the Gold and Silver Bears at the festival scheduled from Feb. 20 to March 1.
Hong's film, "The Woman Who Ran," is his 24th feature as well the seventh film starring his muse Kim Min-hee.
A file photo of director Hong Sang-soo (L) and actress Kim Min-hee (Yonhap)
The director was first invited to the film fest in 1997 with his debut film "The Day a Pig Fell into the Well."
In 2017, Kim won best actress with Hong's film "On the Beach at Night," becoming the first Korean to win the award at the Berlinale.
The following year, Hong's 22nd feature "Grass," also featuring Kim, premiered in the Forum, a section for cutting-edge indie and experimental films.
This image, provided by the Berlin International Film Festival, shows footage from the film "The Woman Who Ran." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-29--(3rd LD) No additional new coronavirus cases reported in S. Korea, 28 potential cases monitored

In regards to the potential for spreading the new virus , she could not make any prediction at present , @ @ @ @ @ proximity to China means the situation will only be resolved if the outbreaks in the @ @ @ @ @

(ATTN: ADDS more info in paras 8-11, 15; ADDS bottom photo)
SEOUL, Jan. 29 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's health authorities said Wednesday they have not diagnosed new additional cases of the new coronavirus in the country but are monitoring 28 other potential cases amid heightened quarantine rules.
So far, the country has confirmed four cases of the novel virus, with the latest one reported Monday.
According to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), 187 people have experienced signs of the new virus strain since Jan. 3, and 155 have tested negative and been released from observation and isolation.
Of the four confirmed cases, the first was reported Jan. 20, with the others coming Friday, Sunday and Monday. Authorities said they are keeping close tabs on the 387 citizens who may have come in contact with those infected.
The third and fourth patients were asymptomatic upon arrival here from the Chinese city of Wuhan, the epicenter of the fast-spreading virus, raising concerns they may have spread it to others unknowingly.
Hospital employees wearing protective gear wait at the entrance to check people for symptoms of the new coronavirus at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, south of Seoul, on Jan. 29, 2020. (Yonhap)
The third person patient is known to have been in contact with 95 people, with the fourth confirmed case having come in contact with 172 people.
Common symptoms of the coronavirus, thought to have originated in Wuhan, central China, include fever, sore throat and breathing difficulties, with more acute cases involving chills and muscle pain.
South Korea has already raised the country's infectious disease alert level one notch from "yellow" to "orange," the third highest. The country, moreover, is currently engaged in screening about 3,000 people who have arrived in the country from Wuhan after Jan. 13.
Park Hye-kyung, the director of the KCDC's public health emergency and bioterrorism department, said officials are contacting everyone on the list individually and checking up on their health.
In regards to the potential for spreading the new virus, she could not make any prediction at present, especially since South Korea's proximity to China means the situation will only be resolved if the outbreaks in the originating country are contained.
"Domestically, the country could technically declare an end of the health crisis only after 28 days have gone by without a patient being discovered," the health expert said. The period reflects the 14-day-long known incubation period of the coronavirus, plus another two weeks for extra margin of safety.
The whole of China has been categorized as a "coronavirus risk area," and Seoul has strongly advised its citizens not to visit the central Chinese city.
Airports across South Korea have set up checkpoints to screen passengers from China and other countries for signs of illness, with local authorities accelerating quarantine efforts to contain the virus as people return from visiting relatives and from foreign travels.
China had confirmed 132 deaths and 5,974 people infected with the virus as of early Wednesday.
The total number of infected cases worldwide has reached 6,052. Outside China, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Nepal, Macao, Hong Kong, United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Australia, Canada and the United States have confirmed cases of the new virus.
People wearing masks wait in line to pass the quarantine checkpoint at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, on Jan. 29, 2020. (Yonhap)
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-29--(2nd LD) Ulsan mayor, several former Cheong Wa Dae officials indicted over election-meddling scandal

Several former Cheong Wa Dae officials were also indicted for their alleged involvement in the case , along with Song @ @ @ @ @ of the southeastern city , and Hwang Un-ha , who led the Ulsan Metropolitan Police @ @ @ @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES with indictment in separate case in last four paras)
SEOUL, Jan. 29 (Yonhap) -- Ulsan Mayor Song Cheol-ho was indicted Wednesday on charges of violating election law, as the prosecution's probe into a 2018 election-meddling scandal involving Cheong Wa Dae is apparently drawing to a close.
Several former Cheong Wa Dae officials were also indicted for their alleged involvement in the case, along with Song Byeong-gi, former vice mayor of the southeastern city, and Hwang Un-ha, who led the Ulsan Metropolitan Police Agency at that time.
They include Baek Won-woo, former secretary to President Moon Jae-in for civil affairs and Park Hyoung-chul, former secretary to Moon for anti-corruption.
They are accused of having played a secret role in the 2018 police probe into alleged corruption by aides to Kim Ki-hyun, then mayor of Ulsan. Kim, a member of the main opposition Liberty Korea Party, was seeking reelection.
A file photo of Ulsan Mayor Song Cheol-ho (Yonhap)
Song, a longtime friend of Moon, was the flag bearer of the ruling Democratic Party (DP), and he finally won the local election.
Kim has claimed that the police investigation into his side affected the outcome of the election.
An investigation team at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office said it will wrap up its probe into allegations involving other suspects "in stages."
Earlier in the day, it summoned Lee Gwang-cheol, currently Cheong Wa Dae secretary for civil affairs, for questioning.
Lee, who was a deputy secretary for civil affairs at the time of the latest local elections, has flatly rejected suspicions involving him and stressed that many related news reports are untrue.
Lee Gwang-cheol, Cheong Wa Dae secretary for civil affairs, appears at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office on Jan. 29, 2020. (Yonhap)
The prosecution also plans to interrogate Im Jong-seok, who served as the Cheong Wa Dae chief of staff in 2018.
Im wrote on his Facebook account that he would appear at the prosecutors' office for questioning on Thursday.
He's accused of having forced a DP official to give up his bid for the Ulsan mayoralty so that Song could run in the election.
Im strongly criticized the prosecution for what he claimed was a politically motivated investigation into the case.
He described it as an "abuse of the prosecution's power" by Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl for political gain amid the Moon administration's prosecution reform drive.
Im Jong-seok, former presidential chief of staff, delivers a keynote speech on the ruling Democratic Party's policy vision on Jan. 21, 2020, in this image captured from Yonhap News TV. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
In a separate case, Baek and Park were additionally indicted for allegedly colluding with former Justice Minister Cho Kuk in closing an inspection into former Busan Vice Mayor Yoo Jae-soo.
Yoo, former deputy mayor of economic affairs in the southeastern port city, was indicted and detained for accepting bribes worth 49.5 million won (US$41,985) during his term at the state financial regulator.
Although Yoo was under surveillance by Cheong Wa Dae's special inspection team in 2017, supervised by then-civil affairs office chief Cho, he avoided punishment and became vice mayor in 2018.
Cho was indicted, without detention, on charges of power abuse in relation to the suspected cover-up on Jan. 17.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-29--(LEAD) Moon bestows symbolic swords to new military generals

`` Peace can be made and guarded when ( we ) have a powerful military power '' so that no @ @ @ @ @ the president was quoted as saying .
`` The most pivotal element in making peace @ @ @ @ @ ''

(ATTN: UPDATES with press briefing from 2nd para; ADDS photo)
SEOUL, Jan. 29 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in conferred "samjeonggeom" swords on a total of 77 newly appointed brigadier generals Wednesday, ordering them to do their best to ensure South Korea's firm defense posture.
"Security is very important in our society. Therefore, assuming the post of generals, who command troops, means becoming a member of leading our society," Moon told them, according to Cheong Wa Dae's deputy spokesperson Han Jung-woo.
Speaking after the sword ceremony at his office, Moon asked them to serve with a broader perspective and vision for the future of South Korea.
He emphasized his administration's five visions: innovation, inclusiveness, fairness, peace and self-reliant national defense.
Newly promoted one-star generals salute President Moon Jae-in during a Cheong Wa Dae ceremony on Jan. 29, 2020. (Yonhap)
Reforming the weapons system, military strategy, tactics and management is the key basis for the initiative, Moon said.
"Peace can be made and guarded when (we) have a powerful military power" so that no enemy can provoke us, the president was quoted as saying. "The most pivotal element in making peace is the very military."
He pointed out that South Korea should regain wartime operational control of its own troops "someday" from the United States and expressed his expectations for the generals' role in related preparations.
They included 53 Army officers, 11 Navy ones, two Marines and 11 Air Force generals, all of whom were promoted to the one-star grade in the latest regular shake-up of commanders.
Samjeonggeom, which means "sword of triple sincerity" in Korean, traditionally symbolizes the power and authority of generals.
The president gave them the swords symbolic of the three goals of national defense, unification and prosperity based on the unity among the Army, the Navy and the Air Force, according to Cheong Wa Dae.
This photo shows "samjeonggeom" swords given to newly promoted one-star generals. (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-29--Residents of Jincheon, Asan refusing to welcome Korean evacuees from Wuhan

The Korean evacuees will land at Gimpo International Airport , western Seoul , from Wuhan -- the epicenter of the @ @ @ @ @ Chinese province of Hubei , Thursday and Friday , before being bused to the two @ @ @ @ @ in quarantine for two weeks , it said .

SEOUL, Jan. 29 (Yonhap) -- Residents of two central South Korean towns, formally picked Wednesday to house South Korean nationals evacuated from Wuhan, China, this week, are strongly protesting the government's decision as a threat to their health.
The government said it will send about 700 South Korean nationals arriving from Wuhan to the National Human Resources Development Institute in Jincheon, North Chungcheong Province, and the Police Human Resources Development Institute in Asan, South Chungcheong Province. Jincheon is 90 kilometers southeast of Seoul, while Asan is a similar distance south of the capital.
The Korean evacuees will land at Gimpo International Airport, western Seoul, from Wuhan -- the epicenter of the new coronavirus -- in the Chinese province of Hubei, Thursday and Friday, before being bused to the two state-run facilities to be kept in quarantine for two weeks, it said.
Residents of Asan, South Chungcheong Province, stage a sit-in on Jan. 29, 2020, after blocking the entrance of the Police Human Resources Development Institute with farming machines to protest the government's decision to send South Korean evacuees from Wuhan, China, to the state-run facility. (Yonhap)
Previously, the Seoul government had pushed to send the South Korean residents of Wuhan to two public facilities in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, but gave up after opposition from the city's residents.
The two new candidate facilities in Jincheon and Asan, both close to Cheonan, are normally used for training civil servants and police officers. The dormitory at Asan's police facility can accommodate 1,200 people.
But the government's plan faces hurdles, as residents in both Jincheon and Asan have also put up strong resistance.
About 60 residents of Asan began a sit-in protest after blocking the entrance to the police development institute with five farm machines, including tractors and cultivators.
"We cannot accept the government's decision, as it has changed the initial location of temporary camps for Wuhan evacuees from Cheonan to Asan due to protests from Cheonan residents," said one of the protesters, calling for safety measures for Asan residents.
Residents of Jincheon, North Chungcheong Province, hold a news conference at Jincheon County Office on Jan. 29, 2020, to oppose the government's decision to send Korean evacuees from Wuhan, China, to the central South Korean town. (Yonhap)
Asan's municipal council held an emergency session and decided to stage a campaign against the government's decision.
"The police facility in Asan is not suitable for a camp for Wuhan evacuees, as it is surrounded by apartment complexes," said Rep. Lee Myung-soo of the main opposition Liberty Korea Party.
A similar atmosphere of resistance exists in Jincheon, where a group of 30 residents blocked the entrance of the National HRD institute with tractors.
Jincheon's county government, council and residents have all denounced the government's decision as "inappropriate," noting 17,237 residents in 6,285 households live within a 1 kilometer radius of the HRD institute.
"From a broader perspective, it is OK to accept Korean evacuees from Wuhan. But we cannot accept it if the location has been changed from Cheonan due to protests from the city," Jincheon Mayor Song Ki-sup said.
Jincheon's county council also called for a review of the government's decision.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-29--Deadly virus outbreak in China jeopardizes Jeju's visa-free program

A special law on an international free city on the island came into force on April 1 , 2002 , @ @ @ @ @ foreign visitors , except for those from countries designated by the justice minister , to @ @ @ @ @ up to 30 days without a visa .

JEJU, South Korea, Jan. 29 (Yonhap) -- Increasing cases of infection from a new pneumonia-causing coronavirus in China has compelled the provincial government on South Korea's largest island of Jeju to reconsider its implementation of a visa-free program for foreign visitors, including those from China, provincial officials said Wednesday.
The southern resort island is a major destination for Chinese visitors partly due to the implementation of a visa-free system. About 797,300 Chinese people accounted for 98 percent of all foreign visitors who made visa-free visits to the island last year.
During the Lunar New Year holiday period from Friday through Monday, the number of Chinese visitors arriving on the island came to 8,900.
With the virus rapidly spreading in the neighboring country, the island's residents have called via social networking services for the regional government to take measures to prevent Chinese people from visiting the island under the visa-free program.
The implementation of the visa-free program dates back to 1998, when South Korean allowed Chinese visitors coming on a group tour to make visa-free visits to Jeju for a period of 30 days as part of efforts to facilitate tourism there.
The program, however, was rarely utilized as it was a unilateral one without a deal with the Chinese government.
A special law on an international free city on the island came into force on April 1, 2002, making it possible for all foreign visitors, except for those from countries designated by the justice minister, to stay on the island for up to 30 days without a visa.
In 2008, the government took a further step to permit individual Chinese visitors to enter the island without a visa. The number of foreign people making visa-free trips to the island rocketed to 813,500 last year from 23,400 in 2008.
There have been calls for the termination of the visa-free program whenever hideous crimes involving foreign visitors have occurred.
In 2016, the murder of a South Korean woman by a 51-year-old Chinese man at a Catholic church on the island unleashed a storm of objections to the program across the country.
Hundreds of asylum seekers from Yemen arrived on Jeju in 2018, causing some lawmakers to attempt to revise the law in a bid to terminate the visa-free system.
Any suspension of the program appears to be not easy as the country needs to make a revision on visa-free clauses of the special law and consider its relation with the international community.
As a solution to the issue, the provincial government is reviewing an option to expand the list of countries whose people are subject to obtaining visas to visit the island. As of now, people from 24 countries are obliged to show visas when they enter the island.
One alternative could include a temporary measure to add China to the list.
"We have drawn up a measure to recommend the termination of the visa-free program to the justice ministry in line with the central government's response to the virus outbreak," an official at the regional government said.
"But we have yet to make a final decision, and we are not sure how the justice ministry will respond to our recommendation in case we do so."
Passengers wearing facial masks arrive at the Incheon airport, west of Seoul, on Jan. 29, 2020, from the Chinese city of Tianjin. (Yonhap)
namsh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-29--(2nd LD) In black suits, barefoot, BTS premieres new single 'Black Swan' on U.S. TV show

Corden said his show has had `` incredible support '' from BTS fans whenever the band has appeared on the @ @ @ @ @ people in the audience Wednesday camped out outside the studio overnight before the live show @

(ATTN: CHANGES headline; UPDATES throughout)
SEOUL, Jan. 29 (Yonhap) -- K-pop super band BTS took the stage on a famous U.S. TV show early Wednesday morning, wearing sleek black suits and going barefoot for the debut performance of "Black Swan," a track from its upcoming album.
Against the backdrop of a forest in the blue light of dawn, the performance on the CBS show "The Late Late Show with James Corden" turned the seven BTS members into seven black swans fluttering and gliding on a quiet pond.
It was the first time the single -- released Jan. 17, ahead of the associated album, "Map of the Soul: 7," set to drop Feb. 21 -- had been performed in public.
Previously, only a video featuring the Slovenia-based MN Dance Company's choreography for the song had been released, leaving fans guessing how the band would render the track onstage.
This photo of BTS' performance of "Black Swan" during "The Late Late Show with James Corden" on Jan. 29, 2020, was provided by Terence Patrick via Big Hit Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Ahead of the performance, BTS also talked about their new album, "Map of the Soul: 7," with the show's host, James Corden.
"Seven is a special number for us. It's been seven years since our debut, and we got seven members," BTS leader RM said, referring to the album's subtitle.
He said the band practiced the new album's tracks and their dance routines "so hard." Addressing fans, he said, "So please stay tuned for the album. The album's gonna be a whole (new level)."
RM couldn't finish his sentence due to deafening cheers from the audience.
Corden said his show has had "incredible support" from BTS fans whenever the band has appeared on the program, adding that many people in the audience Wednesday camped out outside the studio overnight before the live show.
Delivering a message to the band's dedicated fans, known as ARMY, member V said, "We want ARMY to be happy through our music. We will be there for you."
Having become the first Korean act to perform at the Grammys this week, BTS also said that K-pop has finally been recognized in the global music scene.
"We felt like K-pop was finally recognized worldwide," RM said.
The K-pop septet appeared alongside rapper Lil Nas X to perform "Old Town Road" during the 62nd annual Grammy Awards ceremony on Sunday at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, making them the first South Korea act to do so.
"Everything about that night was so special. We couldn't believe it," member J-Hope said, recalling the moment.
Rapper Suga said the band will return to the Grammy stage for a second time: "We are going to do BTS Stage Two."
This photo of BTS' appearance on "The Late Late Show with James Corden" on Jan. 29, 2020, was provided by Terence Patrick via Big Hit Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-29--(LEAD) S. Korea makes last-minute preparations to airlift citizens from coronavirus-hit Wuhan

Of about 700 people who have applied for the transfer , those with no symptons will be transported first , @ @ @ @ @ to a quarantine check right before and after the flights , and will stay at @ @ @ @ @ 14 days , officials said .

(ATTN: ADDS more info on isolation facilities in para 8-10)
By Kim Seung-yeon
SEOUL, Jan. 29 (Yonhap) -- South Korea made last-minute preparations Wednesday to airlift its nationals out of the coronavirus-hit Chinese city of Wuhan, including finalizing logistical details with Chinese authorities.
Two Korean Air planes will be used to evacuate about 700 South Koreans from the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in four groups Thursday and Friday, with the first plane set to take off from Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, at 10 a.m. on Thursday.
Traveling together on the plane will be a quick response team comprising about 20 doctors, nurses, and foreign ministry and quarantine officials. Leading the team will be Second Foreign Vice Minister Lee Tae-ho, officials said.
The second plane will depart at noon also with another quick response team on board.
The two planes will conduct the same mission Friday, officials said.
South Korean officials continued last-minute consultations with China on logistical details. Seoul has asked Beijing to allow the emergency transfer of its citizens and notified specifications of the airplanes to be used, officials said.
"We're closely communicating with the Chinese side for their cooperation so that we can operate the chartered flights on those days," a foreign ministry official said.
The government announced later in the day that the evacuated people will be put into isolation at two different public facilities in Asan, South Chungcheong Province, and Jincheon, North Chungcheong Province, in the country's central region.
Of about 700 people who have applied for the transfer, those with no symptons will be transported first, and they will be subject to a quarantine check right before and after the flights, and will stay at the facilities for at least 14 days, officials said.
Second Vice Foreign Minister Lee Tae-ho (3rd from L) speaks during a press briefing in Seoul on the government's evacuation plan for Korean nationals in Wuhan on Jan. 28, 2020. (Yonhap)
While the residents in Wuhan have been advised to get to the airport on their own, the South Korean consulate general in Wuhan has rented 12 buses to take them there in case difficulties arise, the ministry said.
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha spoke by phone with her Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, late Tuesday and asked for China's support in its efforts to secure the safety of South Koreans, including the evacuation plan.
South Korea pledged to provide 2 million masks and 200,000 medical relief items, such as protective clothing and goggles, when it sends the planes to China to help the efforts to fight the virus.
Seoul has been going all-out to stem the spread of the pneumonia-like illness that has killed more than 130 and infected over 6,000 in China alone.
South Korea has reported four confirmed cases of the virus infection since early last week, with no fatalities so far. The government has raised the alert level for the infectious disease to its third highest.
Health authorities are tracking some 3,023 individuals who flew from Wuhan between Jan. 14 and 23, considering the disease's 14-day incubation period.
On Tuesday, South Korea issued a travel alert level of "restraint" for all of China except for Taiwan, the third highest in its four-tier travel warning system, while maintaining a "withdrawal recommendation" for China's Hubei province, where Wuhan is located.
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-29--KT&G partners with PMI for e-cigarette presence in global markets

`` We are excited to enter into this agreement with KT & G .
We are able to bring PMI @ @ @ @ @ infrastructure as we leverage KT & G 's smoke-free products .
Our agreement will benefit @ @ @ @ @ wide array of better choices , '' PMI Chief Executive Andre Calantzopoulos said in the @ @

SEOUL, Jan. 29 (Yonhap) -- KT&G Corp., South Korea's dominant tobacco company, said Wednesday it has partnered with Philip Morris International Inc. to begin the sale of its e-cigarettes in global markets.
KT&G and PMI have signed a three-year supply contract in which the former will distribute its e-cigarette product line Iil through the latter's sales networks, the company said in a statement.
"We are excited to enter into this agreement with KT&G. We are able to bring PMI's resources, knowledge and infrastructure as we leverage KT&G's smoke-free products. Our agreement will benefit adult smokers by providing a wide array of better choices," PMI Chief Executive Andre Calantzopoulos said in the statement.
The products include three existing heat-not-burn products -- lil Hybrid, lil Plus and lil Mini -- and an e-vapor product, lil Vapor, it said.
The two companies are considering using PMI's IQOS and KT&G's lil brand names altogether in products to be sold overseas, a company spokesman said.
For the January-September period, KT&G's net profit jumped 19 percent to 920 billion won (US$781 million) from 772 billion won a year earlier on the back of strong overseas sales.
Its earnings results for 2019 will be released next month.
In this photo taken on Jan. 29, 2020, KT&G CEO Baek Bok-in (L) and PMI CEO Andre Calantzopoulos pose for a photo after signing a three-year supply deal on expansion into global e-cigarette markets in an event held at the South Korean tobacco firm's headquarters in southern Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-29--S. Koreans to be quarantined at 2 locations after airlift from Wuhan

SEOUL , Jan. 29 ( Yonhap ) -- Hundreds of South Koreans to be airlifted this week from the central @ @ @ @ @ the epicenter of the new coronavirus , will be quarantined at two locations in the @ @ @ @ @ and monitored for two weeks , the health authorities said Wednesday .

SEOUL, Jan. 29 (Yonhap) -- Hundreds of South Koreans to be airlifted this week from the central Chinese city of Wuhan, the epicenter of the new coronavirus, will be quarantined at two locations in the central part of the country and monitored for two weeks, the health authorities said Wednesday.
South Korea plans to send four chartered flights from Thursday to Friday to bring home its nationals from the virus-stricken city.
The evacuees will be stationed at a training center in Jincheon, 91 kilometers south of Seoul, and another facility in Asan, 100 kilometers southeast of Seoul, for monitoring of any symptoms of the pneumonia-like sickness that has killed 132 people so far in China.
The country has not diagnosed additional cases of the new coronavirus in the country but is monitoring 28 other potential cases amid heightened quarantine rules.
So far, the country has confirmed four cases of the novel virus, with the latest one reported Monday.
The third and fourth patients were asymptomatic, or symptom free, upon arrival here from Wuhan, raising concerns they may have spread it to others unknowingly.
This file photo shows the National Human Resources Development Center in Jincheon, 91 kilometers south of Seoul, which will house some South Koreans to be evacuated from the Chinese city of Wuhan. (Yonhap)
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

The Asian Football Confederation ( AFC ) announced on Wednesday that all home matches for four Chinese clubs in the @ @ @ @ @ stage in February and March will be rescheduled , so that they 'll be played @ @ @ @ @ The Asian governing body said it had `` close consultation '' with the Chinese Football @ @ @ @ @ making these changes .

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Wednesday.
----------------
(LEAD) Ulsan mayor, several former Cheong Wa Dae officials indicted over election-meddling scandal
SEOUL -- Ulsan Mayor Song Cheol-ho was indicted Wednesday on charges of violating election law, as the prosecution's probe into a 2018 election-meddling scandal involving Cheong Wa Dae is apparently drawing to a close.
Several former Cheong Wa Dae officials were also indicted for their alleged involvement in the case, along with Song Byeong-gi, former vice mayor of the southeastern city, and Hwang Un-ha, who led the Ulsan Metropolitan Police Agency at that time.
----------------
S. Korea makes last-minute preparations to airlift citizens from coronavirus-hit Wuhan
SEOUL -- South Korea made last-minute preparations Wednesday to airlift its nationals out of the coronavirus-hit Chinese city of Wuhan, including finalizing logistical details with Chinese authorities.
Two Korean Air planes will be used to evacuate about 700 South Koreans from the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in four groups Thursday and Friday, with the first plane set to take off from Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, at 10 a.m. on Thursday.
----------------
(LEAD) Coronavirus forces fixture changes at Asian club football tournament
SEOUL -- The recent outbreak of a deadly coronavirus in China has forced changes to fixtures at an upcoming Asian club football tournament, a decision that affects all four South Korean teams in action.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced on Wednesday that all home matches for four Chinese clubs in the AFC Champions League's group stage in February and March will be rescheduled, so that they'll be played as away matches instead. The Asian governing body said it had "close consultation" with the Chinese Football Association (CFA) before making these changes.
----------------
Airlines bearing brunt of fast-growing virus, China flights curtailed
SEOUL -- South Korean airlines are beefing up preventive measures to minimize any fallout from the fast-spreading coronavirus on their businesses this year, industry sources said Wednesday.
The new coronavirus virus first appeared in the central Chinese city of Wuhan last month, and has sickened thousands and killed more than 100 in China. Cases have been detected as far as in the United States.
----------------
Samsung's new home appliance chief stresses customer-oriented, eco-friendly products
SEOUL -- The new chief of Samsung Electronics Co.'s home appliance business said Wednesday he aims to deliver more customer-oriented and environmentally friendly products to the market.
Lee Jae-seung, a Samsung executive vice president who was named the new leader in the tech giant's digital appliance business last week, said his goal is to help Samsung make products that consumers really want to use.
----------------
(LEAD) Seoul stocks rebound on bargain hunting after virus-triggered sell-offs
SEOUL -- South Korean stocks bounced back Wednesday after slipping at the steepest rate in more than a year in the previous session as investors searched for bargains. The South Korean won lost ground against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 8.56 points, or 0.39 percent, to close at 2,185.28. Trade volume was moderate at 681 million shares worth 6.4 trillion won (US$5.5 billion), with gainers outnumbering losers 516 to 305
----------------
N.K. paper stresses recovering economic 'driving force'
SEOUL -- North Korea's official newspaper called Wednesday for restoring the "driving force" of the country's economy, calling it an "urgent matter" in its fight against hostile forces' scheme to isolate the country.
The Rodong Sinmun also emphasized the importance of reforms of the socialist economic system based on accurate assessments of reality and plans that could be actually implemented.
----------------
CONNECT, BTS art project lands in Seoul ahead of album release
SEOUL -- A thick mass of fog, tinted fluorescent green, yellow and pink, instantly blinds the visitor, who, unable to recognize the environment visually, has to use their other senses to proceed.
A brief tour of the closed, round, fog-filled space, an art installation by Brussels-based artist Ann Veronica Janssens, inspires its visitors to redefine how they sense space and material.
(END)


yna--2020-01-29--Samsung's new home appliance chief stresses customer-oriented, eco-friendly products

`` People have been thinking that home appliances are just products that occupy a certain space , '' Lee said @ @ @ @ @ Seoul .
`` But I believe there are still areas in which home appliances can @ @ @ @ @ We want to deliver a product that makes consumers feel , 'This one is really @ @ @ @ @ ''

By Joo Kyung-don
SEOUL, Jan. 29 (Yonhap) -- The new chief of Samsung Electronics Co.'s home appliance business said Wednesday he aims to deliver more customer-oriented and environmentally friendly products to the market.
Lee Jae-seung, a Samsung executive vice president who was named the new leader in the tech giant's digital appliance business last week, said his goal is to help Samsung make products that consumers really want to use.
"People have been thinking that home appliances are just products that occupy a certain space," Lee said at a press event in Seoul. "But I believe there are still areas in which home appliances can move people's hearts. We want to deliver a product that makes consumers feel, 'This one is really made for me.'"
Lee Jae-seung, who heads Samsung Electronics Co.'s home appliance business, speaks at a launching event for the company's new dryers and washers at an electronics retail store in Seoul on Jan. 29, 2020. (Yonhap)
Lee hinted that Samsung's new products will be equipped with better environment-friendly features.
"It's difficult to ignore environmental friendliness if you consider what you can do with your products in terms of sustainability," he said.
Samsung will continue to boost its artificial intelligence (AI) and internet of things (IoT) solutions for home appliances, the executive said.
"We want to expand AI solutions and push the evolution of home appliances," he said. "We have also been working for years to deliver multi-device experience to customers through Bixby and we will beef up connectivity using our SmartThings service."
Bixby is Samsung's AI-powered digital assistant, while SmartThings is the company's IoT brand.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-29--N.K. crop output drops 12 percent in 2018-2019: USDA

The `` DPRK Food Grains Situation Update in MY 2018-19 '' report by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service , showed @ @ @ @ @ in crop yields during the period of November 2018 to October 2019 , a 12 @ @ @ @ @ year .

SEOUL, Jan. 29 (Yonhap) -- North Korea's crop and grain production fell 12 percent from 2018 to 2019 amid unfavorable weather conditions, a recent U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) report said, as the impoverished country continues to struggle with food shortages.
The "DPRK Food Grains Situation Update in MY 2018-19" report by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, showed an estimated 4.9 million tons in crop yields during the period of November 2018 to October 2019, a 12 percent decrease from the previous year.
The production of rice, a key staple food for Koreans, fell from 1,573 tons to 1,378 tons during the period. Production levels for corn, soybeans, wheat and barley all dropped.
The decline in North Korea's crop output is attributable to low rainfall, abnormally high temperatures and flooding, the report said.
Lack of water in irrigation reservoirs caused by dry weather across the country also accounted for the production decrease.
As a result, commercial imports of grain products from China and Russia rose to 353,000 tons, a significant increase from the previous year's 252,000 tons, mainly due to a hike in imports of grain and wheat flour from China.
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-29--(LEAD) BTS says K-pop finally recognized worldwide with Grammy appearance

`` Seven is a special number for us .
It 's been seven years since our debut , and we @ @ @ @ @ rapper RM said , adding that the band practiced `` so hard '' for the @ @ @ @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES with more comments in paras 5-10)
SEOUL, Jan. 29 (Yonhap) -- Having become the first Korean act to perform at the Grammys this week, BTS said Wednesday that K-pop has finally been recognized in the global music scene.
"We felt like K-pop was finally recognized worldwide," BTS leader RM said during the band's appearance on American broadcaster CBS' "The Late Late Show with James Corden" early Wednesday morning (U.S. time).
The K-pop septet appeared alongside rapper Lil Nas X to perform "Old Town Road" during the 62nd annual Grammy Awards ceremony on Sunday at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, making them the first South Korea act to do so.
"Everything about that night was so special. We couldn't believe it," member J-Hope said, recalling the moment.
Rapper Suga said the band will return to the Grammy stage for a second time, noting that, "We are going to do BTS stage two."
This image of BTS was provided by Big Hit Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The band also elaborated on the subtitle of the upcoming album, "7."
"Seven is a special number for us. It's been seven years since our debut, and we got seven members," rapper RM said, adding that the band practiced "so hard" for the tracks and dance routines.
"So please stay tuned for the album. The album's gonna be a whole (new level)," he said, without being able to finish his sentence due to deafening cheers from the audience.
Show host Corden said his show has had "incredible support" from BTS fans whenever the band has appeared on the program, adding that many people in the audience Wednesday camped out overnight outside of the studio before the live show.
Delivering a message to the band's dedicated fans, known as ARMY, member V said, "We want ARMY to be happy through our music. We will be there for you."
At the end of "The Late Late Show," the band premiered "Black Swan," a single from the band's upcoming album, "Map of the Soul: 7," which comes out on Feb. 21.
Clad in black suits and barefoot, the band's choreography was reminiscent of a swan's moves, staged against the backdrop of a forest in the blue dawn light.
In this photo from the Associated Press, BTS performs "Old Town Road" with American rapper Lil Nas X during the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles, California, on Jan. 26, 2020. (Yonhap)
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-29--(LEAD) Seoul stocks rebound on bargain hunting after virus-triggered sell-offs

After the South Korean market was closed for two sessions over the Lunar New Year 's holiday , investors fretted @ @ @ @ @ , with the key stock index plunging by more than 3 percent .

(ATTN: ADDS bond yields at bottom, photo)
SEOUL, Jan. 29 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks bounced back Wednesday after slipping at the steepest rate in more than a year in the previous session as investors searched for bargains. The South Korean won lost ground against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 8.56 points, or 0.39 percent, to close at 2,185.28. Trade volume was moderate at 681 million shares worth 6.4 trillion won (US$5.5 billion), with gainers outnumbering losers 516 to 305.
After the South Korean market was closed for two sessions over the Lunar New Year's holiday, investors fretted over the fast-spreading virus Tuesday, with the key stock index plunging by more than 3 percent.
An electronic signboard at the dealing room of KEB Hana Bank in downtown Seoul on Jan. 29, 2020, shows benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rising 8.56 points, or 0.39 percent, to close at 2,185.28. (Yonhap)
South Korea on Monday reported its fourth confirmed Wuhan coronavirus case amid mounting concerns the pneumonia-like illness is spreading fast despite concerted quarantine efforts.
No new additional cases have been reported here since.
Foreign investors purchased a net 100 billion won worth of stocks, and retail investors also bought a net 373 billion won. Institutions, on the other hand, offloaded a net 498 billion won.
Top market cap Samsung Electronics moved up 0.51 percent to 59,100 won, and No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix climbed 1.66 percent to 97,900 won. Home appliances maker LG Electronics rose 0.15 percent to 67,200 won.
Cosmetics makers mostly closed higher, with LG Household & Health Care increasing 3.43 percent to 1,296,000 won and top cosmetics maker AmorePacific rising 4.11 percent to 202,500 won.
Top online portal operator Naver advanced 0.84 percent to 180,000 won, and its smaller rival Kakao climbed 0.62 percent to 163,500 won.
Steelmakers also closed bullish, with No. 1 POSCO increasing 0.22 percent to 226,500 won and Korea Zinc rising 0.38 percent to 396,500 won. Hyundai Steel moved up 1.79 percent to 28,450 won.
The local currency closed at 1,177.20 to the U.S. greenback, down 0.50 won from the previous session's close.
Bond prices, which move inversely to yields, closed higher. The yield on three-year Treasurys fell 2.2 basis points to 1.330 percent, and the return on the benchmark five-year government bond also lost 2.2 basis points to reach 1.428 percent.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-29--S. Korean Bond Yields on Jan. 29, 2020

S. Korean Bond Yields on Jan. 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--2020-01-29--(LEAD) Ulsan mayor, several former Cheong Wa Dae officials indicted over election-meddling scandal

(ATTN: UPDATES lead paras with indictment; CHANGES headline; ADDS photo)
SEOUL, Jan. 29 (Yonhap) -- Ulsan Mayor Song Cheol-ho was indicted Wednesday on charges of violating election law, as the prosecution's probe into a 2018 election-meddling scandal involving Cheong Wa Dae is apparently drawing to a close.
Several former Cheong Wa Dae officials were also indicted for their alleged involvement in the case, along with Song Byeong-gi, former vice mayor of the southeastern city, and Hwang Un-ha, who led the Ulsan Metropolitan Police Agency at that time.
They include Baek Won-woo, former secretary to President Moon Jae-in for civil affairs and Park Hyoung-chul, former secretary to Moon for anti-corruption.
They are accused of having played a secret role in the 2018 police probe into alleged corruption by aides to Kim Ki-hyun, then mayor of Ulsan. Kim, a member of the main opposition Liberty Korea Party, was seeking reelection.
A file photo of Ulsan Mayor Song Cheol-ho (Yonhap)
Song, a longtime friend of Moon, was the flag bearer of the ruling Democratic Party (DP), and he finally won the local election.
Kim has claimed that the police investigation into his side affected the outcome of the election.
An investigation team at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office said it will wrap up its probe into allegations involving other suspects "in stages."
Earlier in the day, it summoned Lee Gwang-cheol, currently Cheong Wa Dae secretary for civil affairs, for questioning.
Lee, who was a deputy secretary for civil affairs at the time of the latest local elections, has flatly rejected suspicions involving him and stressed that many related news reports are untrue.
Lee Gwang-cheol, Cheong Wa Dae secretary for civil affairs, appears at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office on Jan. 29, 2020. (Yonhap)
The prosecution also plans to interrogate Im Jong-seok, who served as the Cheong Wa Dae chief of staff in 2018.
Im wrote on his Facebook account that he would appear at the prosecutors' office for questioning on Thursday.
He's accused of having forced a DP official to give up his bid for the Ulsan mayoralty so that Song could run in the election.
Im strongly criticized the prosecution for what he claimed was a politically motivated investigation into the case.
He described it as an "abuse of the prosecution's power" by Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl for political gain amid the Moon administration's prosecution reform drive.
Im Jong-seok, former presidential chief of staff, delivers a keynote speech on the ruling Democratic Party's policy vision on Jan. 21, 2020, in this image captured from Yonhap News TV. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)