yna--2020-02-10--(5th LD) Confirmed virus cases unchanged at 27, 1 more patient set to be released

A further cruise ship that had been planning to dock at Busan on Feb. 23 and at a port on @ @ @ @ @ Jeju on Feb. 24 , as well as another one that had intended to visit @ @ @ @ @ will also be banned , it said .

(ATTN: CHANGES headline; UPDATES with latest tally in 2nd para; ADDS more details in 6, 12 paras and photo; CORRECTS details in 16th para)
SEOUL, Feb. 10 (Yonhap) -- South Korea said Monday it is working to contain the new coronavirus by blocking arrivals from overseas and enhancing quarantine efforts as the country's confirmed cases remains unchanged at 27.
The number of those tested for the coronavirus had reached 3,110 as of late Monday, with 2,552 testing negative, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC). The KCDC said 531 people are in quarantine and will be checked for the coronavirus.
A thermal scanner is set up at the National Assembly in Seoul on Feb. 10, 2020, to check the body temperature of people arriving there as part of measures to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, which originated in China. Anyone with a fever of 37.5 C or higher is prohibited from entering parliament. (Yonhap)
The KCDC said the two latest confirmed patients of the novel coronavirus have not visited the central Chinese city of Wuhan, the epicenter of the global outbreak, or the surrounding Hubei Province.
The KCDC said the country's 26th and 27th cases -- a 51-year-old South Korean man and a 37-year-old Chinese woman, respectively -- stayed in China's Guangdong Province for three months before returning here on Jan. 31 via Macao.
The KCDC said it will not expand the entry ban to Guangdong Province as the area is not considered as dangerous as Hubei.
"The additional banning of entry from other dangerous regions in China will be decided after taking into consideration various data such as the number of new confirmed cases, increased speed (of the virus' spread) and the mortality rate of those regions," said Jung Eun-kyeong, the head of the KCDC.
The couple had not visited a hospital or market during their stay in China, nor do they have any memory of being in contact with any confirmed patients.
The KCDC also confirmed that neither of them were screened upon their arrival here, as their flight stopped over at Macao.
Jung Eun-kyeong, head of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, gives a briefing on the domestic coronavirus outbreak at the government complex in the central city of Sejong on Feb. 10, 2020, with 27 people having contracted the virus in the country so far. (Yonhap)
"Neither Macao nor Hong Kong has yet been designated as a contaminated area," said Jung. "The two people also did not show any fever nor report that they have any related symptoms."
Of the confirmed cases, 23 patients were receiving treatment at local hospitals as one more patient is set to be discharged later in the day, the KCDC said.
The patient will be the fourth coronavirus-infected patient in the country to fully recover and be released from a hospital, the KCDC said.
He had been quarantined and treated at a Seoul hospital since being diagnosed with the virus on Jan. 21, and the decision to discharge him was made after he tested negative for the virus two consecutive times.
The patient -- also the country's 11th confirmed case -- did not travel outside of the country, the KCDC said. He is a family member of the sixth confirmed case who dined with the third coronavirus patient who was asymptomatic upon arrival from China.
Amid the rapid spread of the virus here, the health authorities said they will temporarily ban the entry of cruise ships seeking to dock at seaports here as part of efforts to put adequate safeguards in communities.
The Seoul government canceled the entry of two cruise ships that were planning to enter the southern port city of Busan on Tuesday and Wednesday.
A further cruise ship that had been planning to dock at Busan on Feb. 23 and at a port on the southern resort island of Jeju on Feb. 24, as well as another one that had intended to visit Busan on Feb. 24, will also be banned, it said.
"So far, the containment of the virus has gone relatively well, but the risks at home and abroad are increasing," said Kim Gang-lip, deputy head of the central disaster headquarters. "It is not easy to curb the rapid spread, as the virus's infectivity is so high."
A visitor gives a paper bag containing food to a police officer at the Gwangju 21st Century Hospital in the southwestern city of Gwangju on Feb. 10, 2020. The hospital had been in quarantine since Feb. 5, when a patient infected with the new coronavirus is known to have been there. (Yonhap)
Since Friday, the country's health authorities have expanded the scope of people subject to the test for the contagious virus and have allowed more medical centers to conduct the tests for potential cases.
South Korea is maintaining a high level of vigilance to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, but the authorities said the current alert level, the third highest, will be maintained.
Meanwhile, the country said that three of its nationals in mainland China have been confirmed to be infected with the new coronavirus.
The three members of a family staying in China's northeastern province of Shandong have tested positive for the new strain of virus, according to the Seoul government.
It marks the first time for South Korean nationals staying in mainland China to be confirmed to be diagnosed with the virus infection that has taken more than 900 lives there.
The Seoul government said it plans to provide a mobile application to entrants from China starting Wednesday, which will be available in English and Chinese. The application, which can be downloaded on smartphones, will help monitor the entrants' health conditions, it said.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-02-10--Hyundai Home Shopping Network 2019 net income down 47.7 pct. to 87 bln won

Operating profit for the year was 129.5 billion won , up 15.3 percent from the previous year , the company @ @ @ @ @ .
Annual sales rose 116.8 percent to 2.2 trillion won .

SEOUL, Feb. 10 (Yonhap) -- Hyundai Home Shopping Network Corp. on Monday reported its 2019 net profit of 87 billion won (US$ 73.3 million), down 47.7 percent from a year earlier.
Operating profit for the year was 129.5 billion won, up 15.3 percent from the previous year, the company said in a regulatory filing. Annual sales rose 116.8 percent to 2.2 trillion won.
※ This article was generated by Yonhap's proprietary algorithm using data from Yonhap Infomax and Korea Exchange(KRX).
(END)


yna--2020-02-11--(2nd LD) Korea's exports jump 69.4 pct in first 10 days of Feb.

South Korea 's exports fell 10.3 percent in 2019 , hit by a slump in the global chip market , @ @ @ @ @ between the U.S. and China .
It marked the first time in 10 years for @ @ @ @ @ by a two-digit rate .

(ATTN: ADDS details from para 5)
SEJONG, Feb. 11 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's exports jumped 69.4 percent in the first 10 days of February, mainly due to rising shipments of cars and semiconductors, customs data showed Tuesday.
The country's exports stood at US$10.7 billion in the Feb. 1-10 period, compared with $4.38 billion in the same period last year, according to the Korea Customs Service.
By product, exports of cars and semiconductors soared 114.5 percent and 37.8 percent, respectively.
However, the average daily exports -- which reflect working days -- fell 3.2 percent on-year in the first 10 days of February, the data showed.
By destination, South Korea's exports to China and the United States rose 36 percent and 68.1 percent, respectively.
South Korea imported goods worth $12 billion in the 10-day period, up 23 percent from a year earlier.
Exports fell at a slower-than-expected pace in January, but extended the slump to a 14th consecutive month due to weaker demand for chips.
Outbound shipments came to $43.35 billion last month, down 6.1 percent from $46.17 billion a year earlier, according to the government data.
South Korea's exports fell 10.3 percent in 2019, hit by a slump in the global chip market, coupled with the trade feud between the U.S. and China. It marked the first time in 10 years for the annual exports to drop by a two-digit rate.
For the year, the country's outbound shipments are forecast to rebound 3 percent on eased trade tension between the United States and China, the country's top two largest trading partners, and a recovery in chip prices.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-02-11--N. Korea exported $370 mln in coal in violation of sanctions last year: report

`` According to the Member State , most DPRK coal exports , an estimated 2.8 million metric tons , were @ @ @ @ @ DPRK-flagged vessels to Chinese local barges , '' it said , adding that the barges @ @ @ @ @ three ports in China 's Hangzhou Bay and also to facilities along the Yangtze river @

WASHINGTON, Feb. 10 (Yonhap) -- North Korea exported some US$370 million worth of coal last year in violation of United Nations sanctions, a U.N. panel of experts was quoted as saying in a draft report Monday.
The transactions were largely carried out via illicit ship-to-ship transfers between North Korean vessels and Chinese barges, according to a report that is to be submitted to the U.N. Security Council committee overseeing North Korea sanctions implementation, Reuters said.
U.N. Security Council resolutions ban North Korea from exporting coal and other minerals that could be used to generate revenue for the regime's development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles.
"According to a Member State, the DPRK exported 3.7 million metric tons of coal between January and August 2019, with an estimated value of $370 million," Reuters cited the report as saying. DPRK stands for North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
"According to the Member State, most DPRK coal exports, an estimated 2.8 million metric tons, were conducted via ship-to-ship transfers from DPRK-flagged vessels to Chinese local barges," it said, adding that the barges then delivered coal directly to three ports in China's Hangzhou Bay and also to facilities along the Yangtze river.
A member state also reported to U.N. monitors that North Korea had exported at least one million tons of sand from river dredging, worth at least $22 million, to Chinese ports.
And the United States reported that between Jan. 1 and Oct. 31, Pyongyang exceeded its U.N.-imposed cap on annual imports of refined petroleum "many times over." The cap is currently set at 500,000 barrels.
Meanwhile, the regime continued to improve its nuclear and ballistic missile programs last year in violation of the Security Council resolutions, according to the report.
"Despite its extensive indigenous capability it uses illicit external procurement for some components and technology," it said.
This photo, taken from the website of the U.S. Justice Department on May 8, 2019, shows the Wise Honest, a North Korean cargo ship allegedly used to export coal in violation of U.N. and U.S. sanctions. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-02-11--S. Korea to send 3rd evacuation flight to virus-hit Wuhan Tuesday night

This time , the Chinese authorities have given approval for Chinese citizens ' trips to South Korea aboard the third @ @ @ @ @ did not allow them to board the previous two flights , along with their immediate @ @ @ @

By Song Sang-ho
SEOUL, Feb. 11 (Yonhap) -- South Korea is set to send a third evacuation flight to the new coronavirus-hit Chinese city of Wuhan on Tuesday night to bring back about 150 of its citizens and their Chinese spouses and immediate family members, officials said.
The chartered plane is expected to depart from Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, at around 8:45 p.m., arrive in Wuhan late at night and return to Gimpo International Airport in western Seoul on Wednesday morning.
The evacuation mission comes less than a fortnight after two flights brought back a total of 701 nationals from the city amid growing fears over the spread of the deadly virus that has sickened more than two dozens of people in South Korea.
Lee Sang-jin, deputy foreign minister for overseas Koreans and consular affairs, will lead a government rapid response team that will board the flight. The team consists of about 10 staffers, including those from the National Medical Center and state quarantine officials.
This time, the Chinese authorities have given approval for Chinese citizens' trips to South Korea aboard the third evacuation flight, though they did not allow them to board the previous two flights, along with their immediate Korean family members.
South Korea's consulate general in Wuhan has informed the Chinese evacuees of the need to prepare documents, such as marriage certificates, that would prove their relationships with Korean family members.
Upon their arrival, the evacuees are to be screened for possible infection and then be transported to temporary accommodation at a language institute of the Joint Forces Military University in Icheon, 80 kilometers south of Seoul, for 14 days, the virus' incubation period.
Amid the mounting dread of the virus that emerged in the central Chinese city in December, Seoul has been beefing up quarantine efforts, as well as its diplomacy to ensure the safety of its citizens in Wuhan and its vicinity.
About 230 of South Korean citizens and their immediate family members, including those of Chinese descent, are currently in Wuhan.
Those who have not applied to use the evacuation flight appear to have decided to stay in China due to their jobs.
South Korea also plans to use the third flight to deliver protective face masks, medical supplies and other items to the consulate general in Wuhan and citizens in the epicenter of the deadly virus.
China's state media reports said that the death toll of the virus has exceeded 1,000 in China, with the total number of confirmed cases topping 42,000.
Authorities at Gimpo International Airport in western Seoul carry out quarantine work on the first evacuation flight that brought 368 South Korean citizens home from the coronavirus-hit Wuhan, China, on Jan. 31, 2020. (Yonhap)
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-02-11--Korean bourses on rollercoaster ride on coronavirus

The daily volatility of the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index ( KOSPI ) averaged 1.27 percent this year as @ @ @ @ @ than last year 's 0.94 percent , according to the data from the Korea Exchange @

SEOUL, Feb. 11 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean stock markets have been on a rollercoaster ride this year amid the new coronavirus scare, with the key price index's volatility hitting an eight-month high in January, data showed Tuesday.
The daily volatility of the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) averaged 1.27 percent this year as of Friday, far higher than last year's 0.94 percent, according to the data from the Korea Exchange.
In particular, the KOSPI's average daily volatility stood at 1.17 percent in January, its highest level since the 1.27 percent recorded in May last year.
The average daily volatility of a price index is calculated by dividing the difference between its daily highs and lows by the mean of its highs and lows.
After a strong start driven by semiconductor makers, the KOSPI suddenly began to seesaw due to high tensions in the Middle East and the Chinese coronavirus.
The KOSPI turned more volatile in February, with its daily volatility averaging 1.61 percent in the first six trading sessions.
The tech-heavy, secondary stock market was no exception. The KOSDAQ's average daily volatility this year stood at 1.52 percent on Friday, compared with 1.31 percent for all of 2019.
In January, the KOSDAQ's daily volatility reached a five-month high of 1.48 percent, with the figure rising to 1.64 percent this month.
Analysts predicted the South Korean bourses to remain highly volatile for the time being due to jitters over the new corona virus.
"The South Korean stock markets may suffer rollercoaster sessions in the short term as worries over the novel coronavirus linger," said Lee Young-gon, an analyst at Hana Financial Investment.
China's death toll from the new coronavirus epidemic passed the 1,000 mark Tuesday. South Korea has 27 confirmed cases.
(END)


yna--2020-02-11--U.S. flies patrol plane on apparent mission to monitor N. Korea

North Korea held a massive parade in 2018 showing off weapons and other military hardware to mark the 70th anniversary @ @ @ @ @ last year , which came weeks before leader Kim Jong-un held the second summit with @ @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Feb. 11 (Yonhap) -- A U.S. maritime surveillance plane has flown over South Korea this week, an aviation tracker said Tuesday, in the latest in a series of U.S. surveillance operations apparently aimed at monitoring North Korea.
According to Aircraft Spots, a P-3C plane of the U.S. Navy was spotted over South Korea on Monday.
The operation came just days after North Korea quietly marked the 72nd anniversary of its army's founding without a military parade.
"Army-Building Day," which commemorates the 1948 establishment of the Korean People's Army, is one of North Korea's biggest national holidays.
North Korea held a massive parade in 2018 showing off weapons and other military hardware to mark the 70th anniversary but quietly celebrated the day last year, which came weeks before leader Kim Jong-un held the second summit with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Amid stalled denuclearization talks between the two countries, Kim earlier warned of a "new strategic weapon" and a "shocking actual action," saying he no longer sees a reason to stick to his earlier commitment to suspend nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile tests.
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-02-11--(LEAD) Korea's exports jump 69.4 pct in first 10 days of Feb.

The country 's exports stood at US $ 10.7 billion in the Feb. 1-10 period , compared with $ 4.38 @ @ @ @ @ last year , according to the Korea Customs Service .

(ATTN: UPDATES with details)
SEJONG, Feb. 11 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's exports jumped 69.4 percent in the first 10 days of February, mainly due to rising shipments of cars and semiconductors, customs data showed Tuesday.
The country's exports stood at US$10.7 billion in the Feb. 1-10 period, compared with $4.38 billion in the same period last year, according to the Korea Customs Service.
By product, exports of cars and semiconductors soared 114.5 percent and 37.8 percent, respectively.
However, the average daily exports -- which reflect working days -- fell 3.2 percent on-year in the first 10 days of February, the data showed.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-02-11--Samsung to unveil new flagship, foldable smartphones this week

Its folding display is rumored to be made of glass instead of the plastic that is used in other foldable @ @ @ @ @ market .
The Galaxy Z Flip is expected to have a 6.7-inch screen .

SEOUL, Feb. 11 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Co. is set to unveil its new flagship and foldable smartphones this week as the South Korean tech giant aims to better target the premium mobile phone market.
Samsung will introduce its new flagship smartphone, supposedly named the Galaxy S20, and a clamshell-like folding phone, expected to be called the Galaxy Z Flip, at the "Galaxy Unpacked 2020" event in San Francisco on Tuesday (U.S. time).
The world's largest smartphone vendor has yet to confirm any information regarding specs of the new phones, but according to industry insiders, the Galaxy S20 series will offer three models -- the Galaxy S20, S20 Plus and S20 Ultra.
This image provided by Samsung Electronics Co. shows an online invitation for the company's Unpacked 2020 event, which will unveil Samsung's new smartphones. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The high-end Galaxy S20 Ultra, which is likely to have a 6.9-inch screen, is expected to sport a quad-camera module, including the industry's best 108-megapixel (MP) primary sensor.
The mid-tier Galaxy S20 Plus and the entry-level Galaxy S20 are forecast to have weaker specs than the S20 Ultra but better features than their predecessors in the Galaxy S10 series.
Market researcher Counterpoint Research recently predicted that Samsung may sell more than 40 million units of the Galaxy S20 series this year with improved device specs and the expansion of 5G networks around the globe.
Samsung will also unveil its new foldable smartphone that bends in half vertically. The company already teased the phone in a TV commercial during the broadcast of the Academy Awards 2020.
The Galaxy Z Flip will be Samsung's second foldable phone after the Galaxy Fold, which opens horizontally like a book.
Its folding display is rumored to be made of glass instead of the plastic that is used in other foldable phones currently sold in the market. The Galaxy Z Flip is expected to have a 6.7-inch screen.
Samsung hopes new phones can solidify their top status in the global smartphone market. The company took more than a 20 percent market share in 2019, according to data from market researcher Strategy Analytics, beating rivals like Huawei and Apple.
The company also hopes that new handsets can boost its profitability in its mobile business.
Samsung's mobile phone business posted sales of 107.27 trillion won (US$90 billion) last year, up 6.5 percent from a year earlier, but its operating profit fell 8.8 percent on-year to 9.27 trillion won.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


Tuesday's weather forecast

SEOUL , Feb. 11 ( Yonhap ) -- The following is the weather forecast for South Korea 's 12 major @ @ @ @ @ .

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


KOSPI 2,213.50 UP 12.43 points (open)


KOSDAQ 678.97 UP 2.90 points (open)


yna--2020-02-11--Dollar opens at 1,187.0 won DN from 1,187.1 won


yna--2020-02-11--Korea's exports jump 69.4 pct in first 10 days of February

SEJONG , Feb. 11 ( Yonhap ) -- South Korea 's exports jumped 69.4 percent in the first 10 days @ @ @ @ @ showed Tuesday .


yna--2020-02-11--State pension's return hits 10-year high in 2019

The cumulative return rate of the state pension fund , which was launched in 1988 , stood at 5.7 percent @ @ @ @ @ , with its total profit reaching 357 trillion won

SEOUL, Feb. 11 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's state pension fund posted the highest return rate in 10 years in 2019 due mainly to bullish stock markets at home and abroad, its operator said Tuesday.
The state pension fund registered a preliminary return rate of 11 percent last year, earning approximately 70 trillion won (US$59 billion), according to the National Pension Service (NPS).
It was a sharp turnaround from a negative return of 0.92 percent for 2018 and the largest yield since 2010.
In 2018, the state pension fund logged the second negative return rate on tumbling equity markets at home and abroad since the global financial crisis in 2008.
Major pension funds in the United States, Japan and the Netherlands also chalked up negative yields in 2018.
The South Korean state pension fund's turnaround last year was attributed to strong domestic and overseas stock markets combined with a weak Korean currency against the U.S. dollar.
The cumulative return rate of the state pension fund, which was launched in 1988, stood at 5.7 percent as of November last year, with its total profit reaching 357 trillion won
The NPS is the world's third-largest pension fund, with assets under its management totaling nearly 724 trillion won as of end-November.
(END)


yna--2020-02-11--(EDITORIAL from Korea JoongAng Daily on Feb. 11)

In that respect , Yoo 's remarks -- `` Our conservatism should be rebuilt from the roots and it must @ @ @ @ @ now on '' -- are very appropriate .
The problem is how to put them @ @ @ @ @ , the Moon administration 's lopsided running of the country mostly resulted from the conservative @ @ @ @ @ the government 's apparent policy failures — such as serious crises on the domestic and @ @ @ @ @ , suspicions about the Blue House 's alleged intervention in the Ulsan mayoral election , @ @ @ @ @ , to name a few — the conservative camp could not do anything — not @ @ @ @ @ to the crisis on its own — and went around zigzagging instead .

Turning over a new leaf
Efforts to unite conservative forces are gaining momentum in Korea. After the New Conservative Party led by Rep. Yoo Seong-min heartily accepted an offer from the main opposition Liberty Korea Party, the outlines of a new merged party are expected to appear as early as next week.
The coupling of the two conservative parties carries great significance as it reflects a growing demand to put the breaks on the liberal Moon Jae-in administration's arrogant administrating of state affairs based on its overly progressive ideology. Yoo -- a four-term lawmaker and a former head of the Bareunmirae Party, a spinoff of the Saenuri Party -- demonstrated the spirit of self-sacrifice by declaring he wouldn't run in the April 15 parliamentary elections and saying he would not demand the right to nominate candidates for the election — a virtue we didn't see in past conservative parties.
However, an amalgamation of the two conservative parties alone cannot ensure that the public would come around after its deep disappointment with conservative parties in Korea. Unless a merged party proves its competence as a substantial alternative to the ruling Democratic Party and comes up with a brighter vision for the future, it will simply turn into a politically-engineered event to prepare for the general election.
In that respect, Yoo's remarks -- "Our conservatism should be rebuilt from the roots and it must take a reform path from now on" -- are very appropriate. The problem is how to put them into action. In fact, the Moon administration's lopsided running of the country mostly resulted from the conservative opposition's incompetence. Despite the government's apparent policy failures — such as serious crises on the domestic and foreign fronts, unfettered populism, suspicions about the Blue House's alleged intervention in the Ulsan mayoral election, and the Cho Kuk scandal, to name a few — the conservative camp could not do anything — not to mention present alternative solutions to the crisis on its own — and went around zigzagging instead.
Even after suffering the removal of former President Park Geun-hye, a division of the ruling Saenuri Party, and crushing defeat in the local elections in 2018, conservative forces just blamed one another. They did not get support from the public even when President Moon and his ruling party's approval ratings plunged. The opposition deserves the pundits' charge that Moon is really blessed by God as he enjoys a high approval rating — thanks to its weakness.
If the conservative camp wants to succeed, it must shatter its image as the champion of vested interests. If conservative politicians blindly insist on their growth-focused economic policy, it will backfire.
To be born again, the conservatives must have the courage to give up their privileges. They should have the wisdom to read the prevailing winds in our society and the boldness to recruit reform-minded people. We hope the two conservative parties take the opportunity to turn over a new leaf.
(END)


yna--2020-02-11--(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on Feb. 11)

(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on Feb. 11)

In a commentary , the New York Times wrote the Korean film 's historic victories were possible because voters `` @ @ @ @ @ , '' citing `` Hollywood 's overreliance on white stories told by white filmmakers .
@ @ @ @ @ this in mind when he said in a speech after winning the Best International Film @ @ @ @ @ and support the new direction that this change symbolizes . ''
He also said , @ @ @ @ @ represent our country , but this is very personal to South Korea . ''

Historic day
'Parasite' overcame language, cultural barriers
South Korean movie "Parasite" directed by Bong Joon-ho became the first non-English language film to win the Best Picture Award in the 92-year history of the Academy Awards, Sunday (local time). Bong himself also won the Best Director Award and the Best Original Screenplay Award as a co-writer along with Han Jin-won. "Parasite" also won the Best International Feature Film Award.
Congratulations to Director Bong, all actors and actresses who starred in the film as well as all people who contributed to making it. This was a historic day for Korean movie fans as well.
What makes Koreans more proud is that "Parasite" was the first to win the Best Picture Award in Oscar history with an entirely Korean cast, which was brilliant, but wasn't recognized specifically in this year's ceremony. The Korean cast, including Song Kang-ho and Lee Sun-kyun, was awarded the Screen Actors Guild award for Best Performance by an Ensemble Cast in a motion picture.
In a commentary, the New York Times wrote the Korean film's historic victories were possible because voters "managed to embrace the future," citing "Hollywood's overreliance on white stories told by white filmmakers." Bong may have had this in mind when he said in a speech after winning the Best International Film Award, "I applaud and support the new direction that this change symbolizes." He also said, "We never write to represent our country, but this is very personal to South Korea."
But we believe there are more reasons "Parasite" has become a monument in film history. The film represents a winning mixture of director, cast and storytelling as well as increasing global recognition of Korean pop culture. There is already huge overseas demand for Korean commercial music and dramas.
"Parasite" is about a lower-income family who infiltrates a wealthy household. The class struggle is a universal subject that has been covered by numerous artists in numerous places, but it was illustrated humorously and satirically in the black comedy as the way director Bong sees this in Korean society. Bong said after winning the Golden Globes for best foreign-language film last month, "Once you overcome the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films."
The Korean movie industry has a strong infrastructure. Multiplex theaters are everywhere and there are skilled directors, actors, actresses and translators, who are crucial for global distribution. Korea also fortunately has many talented directors like Bong who have a very good sense for what works in international markets. The success of Bong's film shows that Korean movies have huge potential as long as they are strongly connected with foreign audiences despite the language and cultural barriers.
(END)


yna--2020-02-11--(EDITORIAL from Korea Herald on Feb. 11)

Japanese industries overall seem less worried than their Korean counterparts about supply chain disruptions in China as a result of @ @ @ @ @ bases outside China .
The `` China plus one '' approach has been expedited especially @ @ @ @ @ trade retaliation against Tokyo in a territorial dispute over islets claimed by both sides .

Vulnerability laid bare
Coronavirus crisis heightens need for Korea to reduce economic reliance on China
The spread of the new coronavirus has laid bare the potential danger of South Korea's economic overreliance on China.
Korea relies on the neighboring country with the world's largest population and second-biggest economy for a quarter of its trade and a third of its inbound tourists.
Notably, materials and parts account for more than 60 percent of its imports from China, leaving many Korean manufacturers vulnerable to supply chain disruptions there.
The country's largest carmaker Hyundai Motor and affiliate Kia Motors halted the operation of all local assembly lines Monday due to the lack of parts produced by their China-based suppliers. It marks the first time Hyundai's domestic assembly lines have come to a complete halt since 1997, when one local manufacturer affected by the Asian financial crisis stopped supplying parts.
Chinese authorities called on manufacturers to stop operations until Sunday, a week after the end of the Lunar New Year holiday, in an effort to keep the virus epidemic, which originated in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, from spreading further.
Beijing's decision not to extend the stoppage beyond Sunday raises expectations that Hyundai and Kia may normalize their domestic production, which accounts for about half of their total output, in the coming weeks.
There is still no guarantee that the resumed production in China will not be disrupted again if the coronavirus crisis is not contained soon.
Aside from their production loss, Hyundai and Kia have decided to extend 1 trillion won ($842 million) in financial support to help their domestic parts suppliers, which number more than 350, weather the fallout from the coronavirus outbreak.
The emergency of Korea's automaker group stands in sharp contrast to Japanese rival Toyota Motor, whose production has remained largely unaffected by the spread of the coronavirus. The Japanese carmaker has had little trouble replacing disrupted supplies from China with parts produced locally and in Southeast Asian nations.
Japanese industries overall seem less worried than their Korean counterparts about supply chain disruptions in China as a result of efforts to build additional manufacturing bases outside China. The "China plus one" approach has been expedited especially since 2010 when Beijing took trade retaliation against Tokyo in a territorial dispute over islets claimed by both sides.
But Korea has not learned its lesson from China's economic reprisals in 2017 over its decision to allow the US to deploy an advanced missile defense system here, which Beijing regards as a threat to its security.
The country's economic reliance on China has continued to deepen across all sectors over the past years. Economists now estimate that a 1 percentage point reduction in China's annual growth will result in trimming 0.5 percentage point from Korea's yearly growth.
Major international investment banks recently forecast that China's growth rate would remain at 4.8 percent this year, down 1.1 percentage point from their average estimates a month earlier. In that case, Korea's economy might grow far below 2 percent -- following a 2 percent expansion last year -- the slowest pace in a decade.
Korea is in urgent need of reducing China's excessive influence on its economy, given the possibility that a similar type of contagious disease could hit China again and Beijing will resort to yet another economic retaliation in the course of diplomatic disputes.
Local companies should accelerate efforts to diversify overseas supply chains and export markets. It is also necessary to expand local production of core materials and components.
What is needed most is a fundamental shift in the ill-conceived economic policies pursued by President Moon Jae-in's government since it took office in 2017.
The government should ditch its dysfunctional income-led growth policy backed by a string of labor-friendly measures, which has dampened corporate activity. Instead it should carry out regulatory, labor and structural reforms more seriously to encourage corporate investment.
Last year, facility investment in the country dropped 8 percent on-year, while outward direct investment by local firms jumped 15 percent. Foreign direct investment in Korea's manufacturing sector also recorded an on-year decrease of 18 percent.
Changes in the economic approach that have proven misguided are all the more necessary to prepare for a possible global rebalancing of supply chains in the aftermath of the coronavirus crisis. The Moon administration should be quick to improve business conditions to attract both foreign and local companies that would be seeking to reduce their production in China down the road.
Serious efforts to lift regulatory restrictions and make the labor market more flexible could turn the short-term predicament caused by the spread of the coronavirus into a long-term opportunity for Korea's economy.
(END)


yna--2020-02-11--Top headlines in major S. Korean newspapers

Korean-language dailies -- Whenever 'Parasite ' was called , cinema history was rewritten ( Kyunghyang Shinmun ) -- Oscars break @ @ @ @ @ Kookmin Daily ) -- Like a movie ... ( Donga llbo ) -- Bong Joon-ho @ @ @ @ @ Shinmun ) -- Bong Joon-ho flips Oscars history ( Segye Times ) -- Reversal of @ @ @ @ @ Chosun Ilbo ) -- Imagination becomes history , Chungmuro conquers Oscars ( JoongAng Ilbo ) @ @ @ @ @ of world cinema history ( Hankyoreh ) -- Main star ?
'Parasite ' !
!
@ @ @ @ @ -- 'Parasite ' dominates Oscars , becomes Korean movie legend ( Maeil Business Newspaper ) @ @ @ @ @ of U.S. cinema industry ( Korea Economic Daily )

SEOUL, Feb. 11 (Yonhap) -- The following are the top headlines in major South Korean newspapers on Feb. 11.
Korean-language dailies
-- Whenever 'Parasite' was called, cinema history was rewritten (Kyunghyang Shinmun)
-- Oscars break barrier for 'Parasite' (Kookmin Daily)
-- Like a movie... (Donga llbo)
-- Bong Joon-ho's Oscars revolution (Seoul Shinmun)
-- Bong Joon-ho flips Oscars history (Segye Times)
-- Reversal of '92-year white Oscars' (Chosun Ilbo)
-- Imagination becomes history, Chungmuro conquers Oscars (JoongAng Ilbo)
-- 'Parasite' crosses line of world cinema history (Hankyoreh)
-- Main star? 'Parasite'!!! (Hankook Ilbo)
-- 'Parasite' dominates Oscars, becomes Korean movie legend (Maeil Business Newspaper)
-- 'Parasite' penetrates heart of U.S. cinema industry (Korea Economic Daily)
English-language dailies
-- 'Parasite' and Korean triumphant (Korea JoongAng Daily)
-- 'Parasite' makes Oscars history with four wins (Korea Herald)
-- 'Parasite' makes Oscars history with four awards (Korea Times)
(END)


yna--2020-02-11--Submarine pitcher pursues big league dream with confidence

`` I am not worried about how my stuff will translate over there , '' Park said Monday after his @ @ @ @ @ Complex in Vero Beach , site of the Wyverns ' spring training in the eastern @ @ @ @ @ I am probably not going to be a starter there , anyway .
I just @ @ @ @ @ better . ''

By Yoo Jee-ho
VERO BEACH, United States, Feb. 10 (Yonhap) -- South Korean pitcher Park Jong-hun would never be accused of lacking confidence.
The SK Wyverns right-hander with a submarine delivery said it's been his "lifelong dream" to pitch in Major League Baseball (MLB). And the 28-year-old believes baseball itself won't be much different in the big leagues compared to the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO).
SK Wyverns pitcher Park Jong-hun poses for a photo after his practice at Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach, Florida, on Feb. 10, 2020. (Yonhap)
"I am not worried about how my stuff will translate over there," Park said Monday after his practice at Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach, site of the Wyverns' spring training in the eastern part of Florida. "I am probably not going to be a starter there, anyway. I just have to control my pitches better."
Park's raw numbers may not jump off the page. He was 8-11 with a 3.88 ERA last season, with 100 strikeouts and 59 walks in 144 innings. But it's his extreme underhand delivery -- his right hand nearly touches the ground before Park releases the ball -- that has attracted eyes of major league scouts.
Park will be eligible for posting after the 2020 season, as long as the Wyverns give their approval. Park said it's "a no-brainer" for him to chase the big league opportunity if one presented itself, but also insisted he won't just jump into the market for the sake of doing so.
"I think it's every ball player's dream to play in the majors," Park said. "I am not saying I want to make the jump right away (after this season). I first want to put up some good numbers and go into the big league with my head held high."
Following the departure of former No. 1 starter Kim Kwang-hyun, who signed with the St. Louis Cardinals in December, Park, along with a 30-year-old right-hander Moon Seung-won, will be thrust into roles of inning munchers.
Park said he doesn't feel any added pressure this spring just because there will be more riding on his shoulders in 2020 than in the past.
"It's not about trying to fill someone's shoes," he said. "It's about doing the best I can and having fun doing it."
In this file photo from June 23, 2019, Park Jong-hun of the SK Wyverns pitches against the Doosan Bears in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at SK Happy Dream Park in Incheon, 40 kilometers west of Seoul. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-02-11--New American pitcher for S. Korean club embraces new type of pressure

`` If ( a major league opportunity ) presents itself , absolutely , '' Kingham said , when asked if @ @ @ @ @ was his ultimate goal .
`` It 's a goal in a way but it @ @ @ @ @ at all .
I am here to play baseball for SK .
I know it @ @ @ @ @ is where I am at , whether it 's one year or 10 years .
@ @ @ @ @ as long as they want me . ''

By Yoo Jee-ho
VERO BEACH, United States, Feb. 10 (Yonhap) -- This February has been unlike any other that Nick Kingham has spent as a professional pitcher.
The American right-hander has gone from being a major league prospect trying to win a big club job to getting anointed as the No. 1 starter on the SK Wyverns, a perennial contender in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), even before throwing a pitch for them.
Nick Kingham, new American pitcher for the SK Wyverns in the Korea Baseball Organization, speaks with reporters at Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach, Florida, on Feb. 10, 2020. (Yonhap)
It's a different kind of pressure for Kingham, one that the 28-year-old embraces wholeheartedly.
"I am proud to be No. 1 and I am humbled that they chose me," Kingham said Monday after practice at Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach on the eastern part of Florida. The former Pittsburgh Pirates draft pick, who also spent time with the Toronto Blue Jays, signed a one-year deal worth US$900,000 with the Wyverns last November.
"(The No. 1 job) comes with responsibility. I am ready to take the demands that this position holds," he added. "It's an awesome feeling to come here and have people rely upon you. I will uphold those standard and demands to the best of my ability."
And in Kingham's own words, his ability to throw multiple pitches "at any count" is his biggest weapon. He throws both four-seam and two-seam fastballs, plus changeup, curveball, slider and cutter.
He must remain effective with those pitches if he were to fill in the void left by the departure of Kim Kwang-hyun, the former No. 1 starter and franchise icon who signed with the St. Louis Cardinals in December.
In this Getty Images file photo from May 13, 2019, Nick Kingham of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the bottom of the third inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game at Chase Field in Phoenix. (Yonhap)
Kingham said he has a few friends who've played and enjoyed success in the KBO, most notably former Doosan Bears right-hander Josh Lindblom. Kingham and Lindblom were minor league teammates in the Pirates' system in 2017. Lindblom had spent the two previous years in the KBO and pitched the first half of 2017 in the United State before returning to South Korea. Kingham heard nothing but positive things about the Korean league from Lindblom and called him "the main drive" behind his decision to take his talent to the KBO.
Lindblom won the KBO regular season MVP title in 2019 and parlayed his recent success into a major league deal with the Milwaukee Brewers this off-season.
Kingham, who is four years younger than Lindblom, would obviously like to follow in his friend's footsteps to the majors, but it's not an immediate concern for him.
"If (a major league opportunity) presents itself, absolutely," Kingham said, when asked if a return to the bigs was his ultimate goal. "It's a goal in a way but it's not at the forefront at all. I am here to play baseball for SK. I know it sounds cheesy, but this is where I am at, whether it's one year or 10 years. I want to be here as long as they want me."
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-02-11--U.S. State Dept. spokeswoman tweets congratulations on 'Parasite' wins

`` Happy to see a foreign language film win Best Picture for the first time at the Academy Awards !
@ @ @ @ @ Morgan Ortagus .
`` Congratulations to the South Korean cast and creative team of ParasiteMovie @ @ @ @ @ well deserved !
The Korean wave has definitely arrived . ''

By Lee Haye-ah
WASHINGTON, Feb. 10 (Yonhap) -- The U.S. State Department spokeswoman on Monday tweeted her congratulations to the production team of "Parasite" after the South Korean movie won four Oscar titles.
The sensational black comedy by Bong Joon-ho took best picture, best director, best original screenplay and best international feature film at the 92nd Academy Awards on Sunday.
It became the first non-English language film to win best picture. It was South Korea's first Oscar-nominated film.
"Happy to see a foreign language film win Best Picture for the first time at the Academy Awards!" tweeted the spokeswoman, Morgan Ortagus. "Congratulations to the South Korean cast and creative team of ParasiteMovie -- your four Oscars were well deserved! The Korean wave has definitely arrived."
In her tweet, Ortagus linked to another tweet by U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Harry Harris. The ambassador wrote, "More Oscars did come for ParasiteMovie and Director Bong Joon-Ho! 4 total: Best Original Screenplay, Best Int'l Feature, Best Director & 1st time in Academy Awards history a non-English language film wins Best Picture! Wow! Congrats Director Bong, Team Parasite & ROK cinema!"
Harris posted a photo of Bong accepting the best picture award, as well as pictures of him and his staff watching the awards ceremony on television, and a bowl of noodles called "jjapaguri," which was made famous through the film.
In an earlier tweet apparently sent after Bong won his first Oscar, Harris wrote: "Enjoying the Embassy's Oscars Watch Party with a bowl of 'jjapaguri.' Congratulations to Korean Director Bong Joon-Ho for 'Parasite' winning Best Screenplay ... ROK's first-ever Oscar! More awards to come!"
ROK stands for South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea.
This screenshot shows U.S. State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus' tweet congratulating the production team of "Parasite." (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-02-11--(4th LD) S. Korea's 3rd evacuation flight departs for virus-hit Wuhan

(ATTN: UPDATES story with flight departure; ADDS more info, byline; RESTRUCTURES; TRIMS)
By Song Sang-ho and Kim Seung-yeon
SEOUL, Feb. 11 (Yonhap) -- A third government-chartered plane departed for the new coronavirus-hit Chinese city of Wuhan late Tuesday to evacuate about 170 South Korean citizens and their Chinese spouses and immediate family members.
The flight took off from Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, with a government rapid response team of 12 staffers, including medical and quarantine officials on board.
It is expected to arrive in Wuhan around midnight and return to Gimpo International Airport in western Seoul on Wednesday morning.
Also aboard the Wuhan-bound flight are 16 Chinese nationals in Korea who said they want to return to their homes in Hubei province, where the virus-hit city is located.
The evacuation mission comes less than a fortnight after two flights brought back a total of 701 nationals from the city amid growing fears over the spread of the deadly virus that has sickened more than two dozen people in South Korea.
Kim Gang-lip, deputy head of the central disaster headquarters, said earlier in a press briefing that the government had gained official approval from China for the operation of the flight on Monday.
The flight's arrival back in Seoul on Wednesday remains uncertain as a document verification process for some 70 Chinese family members could take time in addition to quarantine checks at the airport in Wuhan.
Lee Sang-jin, deputy foreign minister leading the quick response team, said before leaving for Wuhan that his team has prepared supporting documents for the families to help them with the verification process.
He added that the consulate general in Wuhan plans to issue emergency passports for about 10 of those who do not have documents at all.
Among the Chinese aboard the plane is a 35-year-old woman from Wuhan who was discharged upon full recovery last week after having tested positive in Korea for the novel coronavirus last month.
This time, the Chinese authorities have given approval for Chinese citizens' trips to South Korea aboard the third evacuation flight, though they did not allow them to board the previous two flights, along with their immediate Korean family members.
South Korea's consulate general in Wuhan has informed the Chinese evacuees of the need to prepare documents, such as marriage certificates, that would prove their relationships with Korean family members.
Upon their arrival in Seoul, the evacuees are to be screened for possible infection and then be transported to temporary accommodation at a language institute of the Joint Forces Military University in Icheon, 80 kilometers south of Seoul, for 14 days, the virus' incubation period.
Amid the mounting dread of the virus that emerged in the central Chinese city in December, South Korea has been beefing up quarantine efforts, as well as its diplomacy to ensure the safety of its citizens in Wuhan and its vicinity.
About 230 of South Korean citizens and their immediate family members, including those of Chinese descent, are currently in Wuhan.
Those who have not applied to use the evacuation flight appear to have decided to stay in China due to their jobs.
The third flight is also delivering protective face masks, medical supplies and other items to the consulate general in Wuhan and citizens in the epicenter of the deadly virus.
China's state media reports said that the death toll of the virus has exceeded 1,000 in China, with the total number of confirmed cases topping 42,000.
Authorities at Gimpo International Airport in western Seoul carry out quarantine work on the first evacuation flight that brought 368 South Korean citizens home from the coronavirus-hit Wuhan, China, on Jan. 31, 2020. (Yonhap)
sshluck@yna.co.kr
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-02-11--(URGENT) 3rd S. Korean plane departs for China's Wuhan to evacuate citizens, Chinese family members


yna--2020-02-11--(3rd LD) S. Korea to send 3rd evacuation flight to virus-hit Wuhan Tuesday night

`` We 've got the family relation certificates in printouts in English and Korean , and we are taking the @ @ @ @ @ he told reporters at the airport , adding that the consulate general in Wuhan plans @ @ @ @ @ about 10 of those who do not have documents at all .

(ATTN: ADDS comment from head of gov't quick response team in paras 6-8)
By Song Sang-ho
SEOUL, Feb. 11 (Yonhap) -- South Korea is set to send a third evacuation flight to the new coronavirus-hit Chinese city of Wuhan on Tuesday night to bring back about 170 of its citizens and their Chinese spouses and immediate family members, officials said.
The chartered plane is expected to depart from Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, at around 8:45 p.m., arrive in Wuhan late at night and return to Gimpo International Airport in western Seoul on Wednesday morning.
The evacuation mission comes less than a fortnight after two flights brought back a total of 701 nationals from the city amid growing fears over the spread of the deadly virus that has sickened more than two dozens of people in South Korea.
"We got the official approval for the operation of the flight last night," Kim Gang-lip, deputy head of the central disaster headquarters, said during a regular press briefing.
He added that the flight's arrival in Seoul on Wednesday remains uncertain as a document verification process for some 70 Chinese family members could take time in addition to quarantine checks at the airport in Wuhan.
Lee Sang-jin, the deputy foreign minister leading a government rapid response team for Tuesday's planned flight, said his team has prepared supporting documents for the families to help them with the verification process.
"We've got the family relation certificates in printouts in English and Korean, and we are taking the papers with us," he told reporters at the airport, adding that the consulate general in Wuhan plans to issue emergency passports for about 10 of those who do not have documents at all.
The team consists of about 12 staffers, including those from the National Medical Center and state quarantine officials.
Also aboard the flight to Wuhan will be nearly 20 Chinese nationals in Korea who want to return to their homes in Hubei Province, where the virus-hit city is located.
Among the Chinese is a 35-year-old woman from Wuhan who was discharged from hospital last week after having tested positive in Korea for the novel coronavirus last month.
This time, the Chinese authorities have given approval for Chinese citizens' trips to South Korea aboard the third evacuation flight, though they did not allow them to board the previous two flights, along with their immediate Korean family members.
South Korea's consulate general in Wuhan has informed the Chinese evacuees of the need to prepare documents, such as marriage certificates, that would prove their relationships with Korean family members.
Upon their arrival, the evacuees are to be screened for possible infection and then be transported to temporary accommodation at a language institute of the Joint Forces Military University in Icheon, 80 kilometers south of Seoul, for 14 days, the virus' incubation period.
Amid the mounting dread of the virus that emerged in the central Chinese city in December, Seoul has been beefing up quarantine efforts, as well as its diplomacy to ensure the safety of its citizens in Wuhan and its vicinity.
About 230 of South Korean citizens and their immediate family members, including those of Chinese descent, are currently in Wuhan.
Those who have not applied to use the evacuation flight appear to have decided to stay in China due to their jobs.
South Korea also plans to use the third flight to deliver protective face masks, medical supplies and other items to the consulate general in Wuhan and citizens in the epicenter of the deadly virus.
China's state media reports said that the death toll of the virus has exceeded 1,000 in China, with the total number of confirmed cases topping 42,000.
Authorities at Gimpo International Airport in western Seoul carry out quarantine work on the first evacuation flight that brought 368 South Korean citizens home from coronavirus-hit Wuhan, China, on Jan. 31, 2020. (Yonhap)
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-02-11--(2nd LD) Military medics, soldiers to be mobilized for Wuhan evacuees over coronavirus

The authorities also decided to hold the entrance ceremonies of the military academies of the Army , the Navy and @ @ @ @ @ scaled-back manner without inviting family members and acquaintances of their freshmen , according to the @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES figures of quarantined soldiers in paras 6-7; ADDS photo)
By Oh Seok-min
SEOUL, Feb. 11 (Yonhap) -- Around 20 military doctors, nurses and ordinary service personnel will be assigned to temporary accommodation for evacuees from the Chinese city of Wuhan, the defense ministry said Tuesday.
The government plans to send a third flight to Wuhan later Tuesday to evacuate about 170 South Koreans and their Chinese spouses and immediate family members. The plane is scheduled to arrive back in Seoul on Wednesday morning.
They will then stay at the Korea Defense Language Institute in Icheon, 80 kilometers southeast of Seoul, for 14 days, the incubation period of the virus.
"As part of the government-wide support team, the military will send about 20 people to the institute for medical support and facility management," ministry spokesperson Choi Hyun-soo told a regular briefing.
About 90 service personnel from foreign countries, who are currently taking language courses there, will be moved to another government facility located in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, for continued education and training, she added.
Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo (C) looks over the Korea Defense Language Institute in Icheon, 80 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on Feb. 20, 2020, which will house the third group of South Korean residents and their Chinese family members who will be airlifted to South Korea, in this photo provided by his office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
As part of efforts to prevent the new coronavirus from spreading into barracks, the military authorities quarantined about 760 service personnel, including about 540 enlistees, as of 4 p.m. on Tuesday, according to the ministry.
Of them, 50 soldiers have either visited China, Hong Kong or Macao in the past 14 days, and the remainder had contact with people who traveled to those places, it added.
"No confirmed or suspected cases have been reported among our service personnel. We've been thoroughly implementing related preemptive measures," a ministry official said.
The authorities also decided to hold the entrance ceremonies of the military academies of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force in a scaled-back manner without inviting family members and acquaintances of their freshmen, according to the officials.
Instead, the ceremonies will be broadcast live via social network service platforms of the schools, they added.
On Tuesday, South Korea reported one additional case of the new virus, bringing the total to 28, health authorities said.
Soldiers and police officers conduct joint anti-terrorism drills while wearing masks in Jinhae, South Korea, on Feb. 11, 2020, in this photo provided by the Defense Media Agency. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-02-11--Kepco Plant Service & Engineering 2019 net profit down 5 pct. to 153.3 bln won

Operating profit for the year was 193.9 billion won , up 1.3 percent on-year , the company said in a @ @ @ @ @ rose 0.4 percent to 1.24 trillion won .

SEOUL, Feb. 11 (Yonhap) -- Kepco Plant Service & Engineering Co. on Tuesday reported its 2019 net income of 153.3 billion won (US$ 129.8 million), down 5 percent from a year earlier.
Operating profit for the year was 193.9 billion won, up 1.3 percent on-year, the company said in a regulatory filing. Annual revenue rose 0.4 percent to 1.24 trillion won.
※ This article was generated by Yonhap's proprietary algorithm using data from Yonhap Infomax and Korea Exchange(KRX).
(END)


yna--2020-02-11--Kepco Plant Service & Engineering Q4 net income down 29.6 pct. to 52.5 bln won

Operating profit for the October-December period was 67.6 billion won , down 23.5 percent from a year ago , the @ @ @ @ @ filing .
Sales fell 2.2 percent to 378.1 billion won .

SEOUL, Feb. 11 (Yonhap) -- Kepco Plant Service & Engineering Co. on Tuesday reported its fourth-quarter net profit of 52.5 billion won (US$ 44.4 million), down 29.6 percent from a year earlier.
Operating profit for the October-December period was 67.6 billion won, down 23.5 percent from a year ago, the company said in a regulatory filing. Sales fell 2.2 percent to 378.1 billion won.
※ This article was generated by Yonhap's proprietary algorithm using data from Yonhap Infomax and Korea Exchange(KRX).
(END)


yna--2020-02-11--(4th LD) 28th virus case confirmed in S. Korea, strict quarantine in store for Hong Kong, Macao arri

(4th LD) 28th virus case confirmed in S. Korea, strict quarantine in store for Hong Kong, Macao arrivals

The number of people tested for the coronavirus reached 4,325 as of late Tuesday , with 3,535 of them testing @ @ @ @ @ 2,736 earlier in the day , according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and @ @ @ @ @ Another 762 are currently in quarantine to be checked for the novel virus .

(ATTN: CHANGES headline, lead with updated info; RESTRUCTURES throughout with the latest tally; CHANGES photo)
SEOUL, Feb. 11 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Tuesday confirmed one more case of the novel coronavirus, bringing the total here to 28, while more virus-infected patients are expected to fully recover following four discharge cases.
The number of people tested for the coronavirus reached 4,325 as of late Tuesday, with 3,535 of them testing negative, sharply up from 2,736 earlier in the day, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC). Another 762 are currently in quarantine to be checked for the novel virus.
Four virus-infected patients have been released from hospitals after fully recovering as of late Tuesday, according to the health agency, with more discharge cases expected Wednesday.
Jung Eun-kyeong, head of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), gives a briefing on domestic coronavirus infections at the KCDC headquarters in Cheongju, 137 kilometers south of Seoul, on Feb. 11, 2020, as 28 people have contracted the virus in the country so far. (Yonhap)
In an enhanced effort to stem additional virus outbreak, South Korea's public health authorities said they will apply strict quarantine screening to entrants from Hong Kong and Macao starting on Wednesday.
The strict screening measure comes after reports that the country's 26th and 27th confirmed cases stayed in China's Guangdong province for three months before returning here on Jan. 31 via Macao.
"The possibility of an inflow of coronavirus patients from such regions heightened as Hong Kong reported 36 confirmed cases and one death, and Macao reported 10 cases as of Monday," Jung Eun-kyeong, the head of the KCDC, said.
Passengers from mainland China are currently required to use "China-only" arrival counters at airports, according to the KCDC.
They must also write a special quarantine report, filling out health questionnaires to check whether they have a fever or respiratory problems, officials said. They must also disclose any visits to Hubei province -- the epicenter of the global outbreak -- in the past two weeks.
Those who fail to provide their mobile phone numbers and the address of their local accommodations are banned from entering the country, officials said.
Health authorities also said they are reviewing whether to apply strict quarantine screening to arrivals from Singapore.
The KCDC said the latest patient is a 30-year-old Chinese woman who is highly likely to have been infected from the country's third confirmed case.
She had been in self-quarantine before testing positive for the new virus, the public health agency said.
She has not shown any symptoms of the coronavirus, and her doctor said she could even be considered for an immediate discharge.
In an effort to contain the virus that has rapidly spread across Asia, the health authorities strongly advised nationals to refrain from traveling to the six countries, other than China, with the most confirmed cases -- Singapore, Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand.
"The measure is part of efforts to prevent the inflow of the novel coronavirus into the country through a third nation," Kim Gang-lip, deputy head of the central disaster headquarters, said during a regular press briefing earlier.
A thermal scanner is set up at the National Assembly in Seoul on Feb. 10, 2020, to check arriving people's body temperatures as part of measures to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus originating in China. Anyone with a fever 37.5 C or higher is prohibited from entering parliament. (Yonhap)
On Sunday, the World Health Organization (WHO) picked the six countries as possible places where the virus is spreading within communities.
The advisory was made by the disaster headquarters that is operated by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and it is separate from a regular travel warning announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The foreign ministry currently maintains the second-highest level of "withdrawal recommendation" for China's Hubei province. It also applies the alert level of "restraint," the third highest in its four-tier travel warning system, for the entire country, including Hong Kong and Macao.
The public health authorities will also start providing travel information on countries with confirmed cases to local medical institutions and pharmacies later in the day in an effort to create stronger safeguards.
The countries include Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Macao, officials said, adding that Japan, Taiwan and Malaysia will soon be added to the list.
Officials disinfect a kindergarten van in Seoul on Feb. 11, 2020. (Yonhap)
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-02-11--(LEAD) Moon urges bold push for creating more jobs in civilian sector

`` Above all , it is important to increase employment creation in the civilian sector .
It is companies , @ @ @ @ @ decent jobs , '' he stressed .
`` ( The government ) will have to @ @ @ @ @ the civilian sector with the public sector serving as priming water . ''

(ATTN: UPDATES with details on retirement age issue in last 5 paras, minor edits throughout)
SEOUL, Feb. 11 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in voiced concern Tuesday about the negative effects of the coronavirus epidemic on South Korea's job creation drive and called for bold regulatory reform and investment incentives for private firms.
He also said it is time to begin a policy review in earnest on extending the retirement age in response to a sharp reduction in the working-age population, in remarks ahead of a Cheong Wa Dae session to receive a report from the labor, agriculture and environment ministries on their major policies this year.
Chances are high, Moon said, that the viral outbreak will weigh on the conditions for creating jobs, with manufacturing, tourism and service industries tied with China already affected.
"Above all, it is important to increase employment creation in the civilian sector. It is companies, after all, that make decent jobs," he stressed. "(The government) will have to focus more efforts on invigorating the civilian sector with the public sector serving as priming water."
President Moon Jae-in (C) speaks about the government job creation policy during a Cheong Wa Dae session on Feb. 11, 2020. (Yonhap)
He stressed the need for injecting vigor into the manufacturing field through the expansion of regulatory reform and investment incentives and raise its productivity and competitiveness.
Critics have accused the liberal Moon administration of pouring taxpayers' money into projects to create public jobs in order to improve numerical data.
Having entered the latter half of his five-year presidency, Moon has set "tangible results" as his policy motto.
He called for tangible fruits from the job creation campaign as well, especially for the youth and those in their 40s.
He reaffirmed the governments' resolve to nurture the bio, future car and non-memory chip businesses as South Korea's new growth engines.
He also held out expectations that many new jobs will be created in the environmental and agricultural sectors.
"The green industry, which realizes economic and environmental values, will become a more important element in national competitiveness, going forward," he said, instructing the related authorities to make aggressive public investments and lay the groundwork for private ones.
A Cheong Wa Dae official later told reporters that South Korea's retirement age was not discussed in the closed-door session that followed the president's remarks.
"There was no report in connection with that (from the labor ministry)," the official said on condition of anonymity.
Asked about the background of Moon's comments on the subject, the official added he would not comment on the basis of "speculation."
The idea of lifting the official age of retirement from 60 to 65 is not new in South Korea.
Still, many say it is premature to do so, noting that youth jobless rates remain relatively high and employment flexibility has yet to be enhanced. The ministry also said earlier it should be a "long-term task."
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-02-11--Hyundai Livart Furniture 2019 net profit down 50.5 pct. to 19.3 bln won

Operating income for the year was 23.6 billion won , down 50.9 percent on-year , the company said in a @ @ @ @ @ fell 8.4 percent to 1.23 trillion won .

SEOUL, Feb. 11 (Yonhap) -- Hyundai Livart Furniture Co. on Tuesday reported its 2019 net profit of 19.3 billion won (US$ 16.3 million), down 50.5 percent from a year earlier.
Operating income for the year was 23.6 billion won, down 50.9 percent on-year, the company said in a regulatory filing. Annual revenue fell 8.4 percent to 1.23 trillion won.
※ This article was generated by Yonhap's proprietary algorithm using data from Yonhap Infomax and Korea Exchange(KRX).
(END)


yna--2020-02-11--Hyundai Livart Furniture Q4 net income down 99.6 pct. to 24 mln won

The company said in a regulatory filing that it posted 891 million won in operating profit for the quarter , @ @ @ @ @ a year ago .
Sales fell 1.5 percent to 325.2 billion won .

SEOUL, Feb. 11 (Yonhap) -- Hyundai Livart Furniture Co. on Tuesday reported its fourth-quarter net profit of 24 million won (US$ 0 million), down 99.6 percent from a year earlier.
The company said in a regulatory filing that it posted 891 million won in operating profit for the quarter, compared with 7.8 billion won a year ago. Sales fell 1.5 percent to 325.2 billion won.
※ This article was generated by Yonhap's proprietary algorithm using data from Yonhap Infomax and Korea Exchange(KRX).
(END)


yna--2020-02-11--CJ CGV remains in red in 2019

CJ CGV remains in red in 2019

SEOUL , Feb. 11 ( Yonhap ) -- CJ CGV Co. on Tuesday reported its 2019 net loss of 239.1 @ @ @ @ @ 202.3 million ) , remaining in the red compared with the previous year .

SEOUL, Feb. 11 (Yonhap) -- CJ CGV Co. on Tuesday reported its 2019 net loss of 239.1 billion won (US$ 202.3 million), remaining in the red compared with the previous year.
Operating income for the year was 123.2 billion won, up 58.5 percent on-year, the company said in a regulatory filing. Annual revenue rose 9.8 percent to 1.94 trillion won.
※ This article was generated by Yonhap's proprietary algorithm using data from Yonhap Infomax and Korea Exchange(KRX).
(END)


yna--2020-02-11--CJ CGV remains in red in Q4

CJ CGV remains in red in Q4

Operating profit for the October-December period was 45.2 billion won , up 76.6 percent from a year ago , the @ @ @ @ @ filing .
Sales rose 10.6 percent to 498.3 billion won .

SEOUL, Feb. 11 (Yonhap) -- CJ CGV Co. on Tuesday reported its fourth-quarter net loss of 213.5 billion won (US$ 180.7 million), remaining in the red compared with a year ago.
Operating profit for the October-December period was 45.2 billion won, up 76.6 percent from a year ago, the company said in a regulatory filing. Sales rose 10.6 percent to 498.3 billion won.
※ This article was generated by Yonhap's proprietary algorithm using data from Yonhap Infomax and Korea Exchange(KRX).
(END)


yna--2020-02-11--One in three S. Korean students says Korean Peninsula not peaceful

Nuclear talks have stalled since the no-deal summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and U.S. President Donald Trump in @ @ @ @ @ have also been in the doldrums as Pyongyang has criticized Seoul for dragging its feet @ @ @ @ @ of violating global sanctions .

SEOUL, Feb. 11 (Yonhap) -- About one in three South Korean students sees the Korean Peninsula as not peaceful, a government poll showed Tuesday, apparently reflecting chilled inter-Korean relations and stalemated denuclearization talks.
According to the survey of 66,042 students at 598 elementary, middle and high schools across the country during the October-November period last year, 33.7 percent of respondents said that the peninsula is not peaceful.
The figure represented a sharp rise in the negative views of the security situation, compared with 2018 when only 15.5 percent responded as such thanks to the conciliatory mood sparked by three inter-Korean summits.
The spike appears to reflect the changed atmosphere affected by chilled inter-Korean relations last year amid stalemated nuclear talks between the United States and North Korea.
Nuclear talks have stalled since the no-deal summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and U.S. President Donald Trump in February 2019. Inter-Korean relations have also been in the doldrums as Pyongyang has criticized Seoul for dragging its feet in cross-border projects for fear of violating global sanctions.
In apparent protest of stalled denuclearization talks, the North conducted a total of 12 rounds of missile and new weapons tests last year. In his New Year's message, leader Kim threatened to showcase a new strategic weapon in the near future.
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-02-11--Hyundai Green Food 2019 net profit down 50 pct. to 63.7 bln won

Operating income for the year was 90.1 billion won , down 34.4 percent from the previous year , the company @ @ @ @ @ .
Annual sales fell 3.9 percent to 3.12 trillion won .

SEOUL, Feb. 11 (Yonhap) -- Hyundai Green Food Co. on Tuesday reported its 2019 net profit of 63.7 billion won (US$ 53.9 million), down 50 percent from a year earlier.
Operating income for the year was 90.1 billion won, down 34.4 percent from the previous year, the company said in a regulatory filing. Annual sales fell 3.9 percent to 3.12 trillion won.
※ This article was generated by Yonhap's proprietary algorithm using data from Yonhap Infomax and Korea Exchange(KRX).
(END)


yna--2020-02-11--Hyundai Green Food shifts to loss in Q4

Hyundai Green Food shifts to loss in Q4

The company said in a regulatory filing that operating income for the October-December period fell 77.8 percent on-year to 5 @ @ @ @ @ 3.2 percent to 793.8 billion won .

SEOUL, Feb. 11 (Yonhap) -- Hyundai Green Food Co. on Tuesday reported its fourth-quarter net loss of 34.1 billion won (US$ 28.9 million), turning from a profit of 14.3 billion won a year earlier.
The company said in a regulatory filing that operating income for the October-December period fell 77.8 percent on-year to 5 billion won. Sales decreased 3.2 percent to 793.8 billion won.
※ This article was generated by Yonhap's proprietary algorithm using data from Yonhap Infomax and Korea Exchange(KRX).
(END)


yna--2020-02-11--700 Korean evacuees from Wuhan to be released from temporary shelters

According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety , 367 Korean evacuees who were airlifted from the central Chinese @ @ @ @ @ the first chartered flight and have since stayed at two state-run facilities in Asan and @ @ @ @ @ kilometers south of Seoul , will be released from isolation on Saturday .

SEOUL, Feb. 11 (Yonhap) -- Seven hundred South Korean nationals who were admitted into two quarantine facilities, south of Seoul, after being evacuated from the Chinese city of Wuhan, the epicenter of the new coronavirus, about two weeks ago, will be released from isolation this weekend, officials said Tuesday.
According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, 367 Korean evacuees who were airlifted from the central Chinese city on Jan. 31 on the first chartered flight and have since stayed at two state-run facilities in Asan and Jincheon, both about 90 kilometers south of Seoul, will be released from isolation on Saturday.
The ministry said 194 evacuees will be discharged from the Police Human Resources Development Institute in Asan, while 173 will depart from the National Human Resources Development Institute in Jincheon on Saturday.
On Sunday, 333 Korean nationals, who were flown in from Wuhan on the second chartered plane on Feb. 1, will be discharged from the Asan facility, the ministry, adding they include one South Korean resident who voluntarily entered the facility last week to take care of his two children.
A vehicle is disinfected at the Police Human Resources Development Institute, a temporary shelter for South Korean evacuees from the Chinese city of Wuhan, in Asan on Feb. 11, 2020. (Yonhap)
The 700 people will be allowed to head for accommodations of their choice if they test negative for the new coronavirus in the upcoming final checkup, it explained.
The government plans to provide 37 45-seater buses to transport them to five broad areas nationwide -- Seoul, Daegu-Gyeongsang provinces, North Chungcheong-Jeolla provinces, Gyeonggi Province and South Chungcheong Province. They will individually move to their places of residence after being transported to bus terminals or train stations in the five areas.
"Currently, a survey is under way to find out where they want to stay or whether they have any place to reside in South Korea. Gyeonggi Province appears to be the most common place of residence," said a ministry official.
"For those who don't have any proper place to live in the nation, the government will extend help in finding suitable accommodation," the official said.
A total of 111 civil servants, who have also stayed at the Asan and Jincheon facilities to support the Korean evacuees, will also be released from isolation soon, the ministry said, noting wholesale disinfection operations are planned for the two facilities and all waste from them will be incinerated like medical waste.
A total of 31 people were tested for the novel coronavirus after showing suspected symptoms during their stay in Asan and Jincheon and only one of them was diagnosed with the virus.
South Korea is set to send a third evacuation flight to Wuhan on Tuesday night to bring back about 170 of its citizens and their Chinese spouses and immediate family members.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-02-11--Bong Joon-ho maps out two-family satire of 'Parasite' in 2013

`` When I was a college student , I taught mathematics to the child of a rich family , after @ @ @ @ @ teaching Korean , told me about the job , '' he said .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ as an art therapist as well , but failed to infiltrate them like Ki-woo because @ @ @ @ @ two months . ''

By Kim Boram
SEOUL, Feb. 11 (Yonhap) -- At this year's Academy Awards, South Korean director Bong Joon-ho and his co-writer Han Jin-won captured the best original screenplay Oscar for their black comedy "Parasite."
They were the first Asia-born writers to win the category in the 92-year history of the Oscars. Their film is a satire depicting an entrenched social class system through the lives of two families, one rich and one poor.
The image shows South Korean director Bong Joon-ho, a poster for his film "Parasite" and an Academy Award statuette. (Yonhap)
The history of "Parasite" started in 2013, when Bong first developed a draft story about two families. At the time, he was in post production on "Snowpiercer."
"I wanted to tell a story about the rich and the poor through the family, the basic unit of society and the most common group of people around us," he said earlier in a media interview.
He said his past experience of being a private tutor was reflected in "Parasite."
In the movie, Ki-woo (Choi Woo-shik), a quick-thinking college-age guy, gets a job tutoring the teenage daughter of a rich businessman, Mr. Park. He brings his sister, Ki-jung (Park So-dam), who pretends to be an art therapy teacher to take on the troublemaking son of the rich family.
"When I was a college student, I taught mathematics to the child of a rich family, after my girlfriend, who was teaching Korean, told me about the job," he said. "I wanted to bring my friend as an art therapist as well, but failed to infiltrate them like Ki-woo because I was fired just after two months."
The story was first titled "Decalcomania" and portrayed two four-member families in a symmetrical way, according to Bong. But later he changed it to a tale of three families in one big house.
He wrote the storyline in 2015 and Han drafted the screenplay while the director was working on "Okja" (2017). Then he spent four months completing the script, inventing the key secretive couple of Moon-gwang, the Parks' former housekeeper, and Geun-se.
Bong's masterful movie comes to an end when Ki-woo discovers that a light in the Park house is flickering in Morse code. He deciphers the code and realizes that his father is alive and now living in the basement of the mansion.
He said this last scene was inspired by a blinking traffic light when he was waiting for a crossing sign in Vancouver.
A scene from "Parasite" provided by CJ Entertainment (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
On top of the creative imagination and storytelling of the two writers, Darcy Paquet, an U.S. film critic who translated the film's dialog for the English subtitles, also played a role in transmitting the Korea-specific nuances in the film to foreigners.
The Massachusetts native has been working with Bong in providing English subtitles for his movies since 2000, when the 50-year old auteur made his directorial debut with "Barking Dogs Never Bite."
The director wanted the subtitles to sound natural for English-speaking audiences. So they talked a lot to find the best English expressions for certain situations, according to Paquet.
He translated the noodle dish of "Chapaguri" to "ramdon," combining the words "ramyeon" and "udon," which are familiar to foreign audiences.
He also rendered some of the original Korean dialogue into its Western equivalent in the subtitles, including changing "Seoul National University" to "University of Oxford" and references to the texting application KakaoTalk to WhatsApp.
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-02-11--LG Hausys swings to black in 2019

LG Hausys swings to black in 2019

The company said in a regulatory filing that operating income for the year fell 2.3 percent on-year to 68.8 billion @ @ @ @ @ 2.4 percent to 3.18 trillion won .

SEOUL, Feb. 11 (Yonhap) -- LG Hausys Ltd. on Tuesday reported its 2019 net income of 11.6 billion won (US$ 9.8 million), turning from a loss of 53.1 billion won a year earlier.
The company said in a regulatory filing that operating income for the year fell 2.3 percent on-year to 68.8 billion won. Annual revenue decreased 2.4 percent to 3.18 trillion won.
※ This article was generated by Yonhap's proprietary algorithm using data from Yonhap Infomax and Korea Exchange(KRX).
(END)


yna--2020-02-11--LG Hausys remains in red in Q4

LG Hausys remains in red in Q4

SEOUL , Feb. 11 ( Yonhap ) -- LG Hausys Ltd. on Tuesday reported its fourth-quarter net loss of 26.3 @ @ @ @ @ 22.3 million ) , remaining in the red compared with a year ago .

SEOUL, Feb. 11 (Yonhap) -- LG Hausys Ltd. on Tuesday reported its fourth-quarter net loss of 26.3 billion won (US$ 22.3 million), remaining in the red compared with a year ago.
The company said in a regulatory filing that operating profit for the October-December period fell 80.9 percent on-year to 3.2 billion won. Revenue decreased 3.9 percent to 805 billion won.
※ This article was generated by Yonhap's proprietary algorithm using data from Yonhap Infomax and Korea Exchange(KRX).
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

SEOUL -- South Korea on Tuesday said it will apply strict quarantine screening to entrants from Hong Kong and Macao @ @ @ @ @ who arrive from mainland China , as the country confirmed one more case of the @ @ @ @ @ total here to 28 .

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Tuesday.
----------------
(3rd LD) S. Korea adds 1 more virus case, total at 28; Hong Kong, Macao arrivals to face enhanced quarantine
SEOUL -- South Korea on Tuesday said it will apply strict quarantine screening to entrants from Hong Kong and Macao, in addition to those who arrive from mainland China, as the country confirmed one more case of the novel coronavirus, bringing the total here to 28.
The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said the 28th patient is a 30-year-old Chinese woman who is highly likely to be infected from the country's third confirmed case.
----------------
(2nd LD) Deputy nuke envoys of S. Korea, U.S. hold talks on N.K. dialogue, peninsula security
SEOUL -- The deputy nuclear envoys of South Korea and the United States held consultations in Seoul on Tuesday, officials said, amid joint efforts to resume stalled nuclear talks with North Korea.
Lee Moon-hee, director general at the foreign ministry's North Korean nuclear affairs bureau, met U.S. Deputy Special Representative for North Korea Alex Wong, foreign ministry officials said.
----------------
FM Kang to attend security forum in Munich this week
SEOUL -- Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha will attend a security conference in Munich, Germany, later this week, the foreign ministry said Tuesday, amid expectations she could also hold a one-on-one meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on its margins.
During the annual three-day Munich Security Conference, set to begin on Friday, Kang will attend a key session to explain Seoul's diplomatic policy to strengthen multilateralism, a value challenged by rising nationalism and trade protectionism, the ministry said.
----------------
'Parasite' filming locations trending after Oscars win
SEOUL -- Filming locations that appeared in director Bong Joon-ho's masterpiece "Parasite" are trending as fans visit the venues in celebration of the film's historic Oscars win.
On Tuesday, fans were busy taking selfies in front of Sky Pizza, a family-run pizzeria that appears as Pizza Age in the black comedy. A placard with Bong's autograph was on display at the pizzeria in the Dongjak Ward in southern Seoul.
----------------
(LEAD) Chapaguri from 'Parasite' becomes talk of town
SEOUL -- With the Oscar-winning film "Parasite" creating a lot of buzz throughout the world, a signature noodle dish from the sensational movie is also sweeping the internet.
The movie, the first non-English language film to win best picture at this year's Oscars, tells a story about the class division through a poor family, the Kims, infiltrating into a wealthy family, the Parks.
----------------
Moon says victim-centered approach is int'l norm over wartime forced labor: Cheong Wa Dae
SEOUL -- President Moon Jae-in said Tuesday he is putting the victims of Japan's World War II forced labor first in accordance with an internationally agreed-upon "principle," as his administration is trying to resolve the compensation problem, according Cheong Wa Dae.
Moon was countering a Japanese news report that took issue with his involvement in a related lawsuit as a human rights lawyer against a Japanese firm two decades ago.
----------------
(LEAD) S. Korean ship seized by Indonesian Navy for violating territorial waters
JAKARTA/SEJONG -- A liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carrier with two South Koreans and a dozen other crewmembers aboard has been seized by the Indonesian Navy on suspicion of violating territorial waters, Seoul officials said Tuesday.
The seizure, the third of its kind involving South Koreans since October, occurred Saturday after the South Korean-flagged tanker, the NO. 7 SJ GAS, cast its anchor in waters near Bintan Island of the Southeast Asian country.
----------------
(LEAD) Seoul stocks surge 1 pct on upbeat data, China stimulus
SEOUL -- South Korean stocks closed sharply higher Tuesday, snapping a two-day losing streak on U.S. indicators that signaled steady economic improvements, with China expected to take stimulus measures to minimize the fallout from the coronavirus outbreak. The local currency rose against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) jumped 22.05 points, or 1 percent, to close at 2,223.12. Trading volume was moderate at 510 million shares worth 6.47 trillion won (US$5.47 billion), with gainers outnumbering losers 568 to 281.
(END)


yna--2020-02-12--Seoul stocks open higher on autos, pharmaceuticals

The two carmakers on Tuesday partially lifted the production line suspension they were forced to impose late last week due @ @ @ @ @ from their suppliers in China , the epicenter of the new coronavirus .

SEOUL, Feb. 12 (Yonhap) -- South Korean shares opened slightly higher Wednesday, led by automobiles and pharmaceuticals.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) added 6.38 points, or 0.29 percent, to reach 2,229.50 in the first 15 minutes of trading.
Most large caps were in positive terrain -- advances by automobiles and pharmaceuticals especially stood out.
Market kingpin Samsung Electronics gained 0.33 percent, with No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix adding 0.20 percent.
Top automaker Hyundai Motor spiked 2.26 percent, while its smaller affiliate Kia Motors jumped 0.97 percent.
The two carmakers on Tuesday partially lifted the production line suspension they were forced to impose late last week due to a shortage of parts from their suppliers in China, the epicenter of the new coronavirus.
With more than two dozen confirmed cases in South Korea, pharmaceuticals continued to advance on hopes of higher demand for medical supplies and equipment.
Top pharmaceutical firm Samsung BioLogics had advanced 0.95 percent as of 9:15 a.m.
The local currency was trading at 1,182.15 won against the U.S. dollar, down 0.55 won from the previous session's close.
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-02-12--'Parasite' actors return home to hero's welcome

Bong 's satirical black comedy , won four titles -- best picture , best director , best screenplay and best @ @ @ @ @ this year 's Academy Awards on Sunday ( U.S. time ) .
It became the @ @ @ @ @ win best picture in the Academy 's 92-year-old history .

INCHEON, Feb. 12 (Yonhap) -- Actors and actresses of "Parasite" returned home on Wednesday to a hero's welcome after the film's historic wins at the 92nd Academy Awards.
The cast of the Oscar's best picture winner -- Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Choi Woo-shik, Cho Yeo-jeong, Jang Hye-jin, Park So-dam and Park Myung-hoon -- were greeted by dozens of reporters, photographers and fans at Incheon International Airport early in the morning.
Producer Kwak Sin-ae, screenwriter Han Jin-won, production designer Lee Ha-jun and film editor Yang Jin-mo also received a warm welcome. Director Bong Joon-ho is expected to return home next week.
"We've made the achievement on the back of Korean people's constant support and backing," Song Kang-ho told reporters. "We'll do our best to promote Korean culture and art to movie fans around the world through quality Korean films."
Producer Kwak also thanked Korean movie fans and media for supporting the "Parasite" team from the beginning.
Bong's satirical black comedy, won four titles -- best picture, best director, best screenplay and best international feature film -- at this year's Academy Awards on Sunday (U.S. time). It became the first non-English language film to win best picture in the Academy's 92-year-old history.
"Parasite" actor Song Kang-ho (3rd from L) speaks to reporters upon arrival at the Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, on Feb. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-02-12--Annual meeting of overseas mission chiefs postponed amid coronavirus concerns

The meeting had been scheduled for the first week of March .
But the ministry informed the missions recently that @ @ @ @ @ , according to officials familiar with the matter .

SEOUL, Feb. 12 (Yonhap) -- The foreign ministry has postponed an annual meeting of overseas diplomatic mission chiefs to focus on efforts to ensure the safety of its nationals against the new coronavirus, officials said Wednesday.
The meeting had been scheduled for the first week of March. But the ministry informed the missions recently that the meeting has been delayed, according to officials familiar with the matter.
The decision appears to have been made in consideration of the need to concentrate diplomatic efforts on protecting South Koreans living or staying abroad amid the global spread of the highly contagious disease.
The ministry is looking to hold the meeting within the first half of this year, with the exact date yet to be determined.
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


Wednesday's weather forecast

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

(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--2020-02-12--GM Korea to partially halt assembly line over parts shortages

GM Korea has three plants -- two in Incheon and one in Changwon , about 400 kilometers south of Seoul @ @ @ @ @ is around 600,000 units .
The company shut down a plant in Gunsan , about @ @ @ @ @ , in 2018 due to a low utilization rate .

By Kim Kwang-tae
SEOUL, Feb. 12 (Yonhap) -- GM Korea Co., the South Korean unit of General Motors Co., said Wednesday that it will temporarily suspend one of three domestic car assembly plants due to shortages of Chinese parts amid the spreading coronavirus outbreak.
GM Korea is set to close its main Bupyeong plant in Incheon, just west of Seoul, on Feb. 17 and 18 due to shortages of Chinese parts, including wiring harnesses, a key component for a variety of models, a company official said.
The move would disrupt the production of the Trailblazer SUV, the Chevrolet brand's core model.
This file photo provided by GM Korea shows the Trailblazer SUV. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
GM Korea has three plants -- two in Incheon and one in Changwon, about 400 kilometers south of Seoul. Their combined output capacity is around 600,000 units. The company shut down a plant in Gunsan, about 270 km south of Seoul, in 2018 due to a low utilization rate.
GM Korea relies heavily on China for wiring harnesses and other parts.
The shortages of parts came as the Chinese authorities called on manufacturers to stop operations until Feb. 9, a week after the end of the Lunar New Year holiday, to keep coronavirus from spreading further.
The virus has killed more than 1,100 people in mainland China.
entropy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-02-12--Finance minister warns against excessive fear of new coronavirus

Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki told a meeting with economy-related ministers that the economy is expected to feel the brunt of @ @ @ @ @ , but most economic impact may came from `` excessive fear and anxiety . ''

SEOUL, Feb. 12 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's finance minister on Wednesday warned against excessive fear of the spread of a new coronavirus, urging people not to curb their normal economic activities.
Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki told a meeting with economy-related ministers that the economy is expected to feel the brunt of efforts to contain the virus, but most economic impact may came from "excessive fear and anxiety."
As planned, the government will push ahead with investments worth 100 trillion won (US$84.6 billion) this year to keep the economy's recovery momentum, Hong said.
Hong said the government will come up with additional measures in coming weeks to help local firms cushion the economic impact of the virus.
Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki speaks at a meeting with economy-related ministers in Seoul on Feb. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
Such measures include policy tools to boost local tourism, exports and private consumption.
South Korea had 28 confirmed cases of the virus, which originated from China and killed more than 1,100 people, as of Monday.
Last week, the finance ministry said it will provide 2 trillion won in financial support to small merchants who are expected to be hurt by the spread of the virus.
It is difficult to gauge how broadly the virus will spread, but the little-known disease is expected to negatively affect the Korean economy, analysts said.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-02-12--Samsung's new mobile biz chief makes debut, emphasizes convergence of 5G, AI, IoT

`` Samsung is in a unique position to bring benefits of this convergence into consumers ' lives , '' he @ @ @ @ @ than 1 billion smart devices , including the Galaxy phones , wearables and PCs , @ @ @ @ @ millions of people around the world enjoying a more connected and convenient lifestyle . ''

By Joo Kyung-don
SEOUL, Feb. 12 (Yonhap) -- The new head of Samsung Electronics Co.'s mobile business said Wednesday the South Korean tech giant will focus on the convergence of 5G, artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) to provide better consumer experience as he introduced the company's latest smartphones.
Roh Tae-moon made his public debut as the chief of Samsung's mobile communications business at the Galaxy Unpacked 2020 event in San Francisco on Tuesday (U.S. time), where the world's largest smartphone vendor unveiled its new flagship Galaxy S20 series and the Galaxy Z Flip vertically folding phone.
Roh was named the new leader of Samsung's mobile business last month after serving as head of research and development (R&D) at the company's mobile unit.
"We are excited to make our next big step forward as we launch a new generation of intelligent connections," Roh said at the event.
"It begins with our vision to be the innovator of new mobile experiences. ... To realize this vision, we are driving the convergence of the three most important technologies of our time: 5G, AI and IoT."
In this photo provided by Samsung Electronics Co. on Feb. 12, 2020, Roh Tae-moon, president and head of Samsung's mobile communications business, poses for a photo with the company's new Galaxy S20 smartphone at the Galaxy Unpacked 2020 event in San Francisco on Feb. 11, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Roh emphasized that the Galaxy S20 series, comprised of the S20, S20 Plus and S20 Ultra, is Samsung's first full 5G flagship lineup, featuring 5G and AI camera technologies.
With the expansion of low-latency, fast-speed 5G communication solutions, Roh, who has been a key man leading the development of the Galaxy S and Note smartphone series in the past years, said Samsung is ready to deliver "intelligent connections," across devices, people, businesses and communities.
"Samsung is in a unique position to bring benefits of this convergence into consumers' lives," he said. "With more than 1 billion smart devices, including the Galaxy phones, wearables and PCs, we already have hundreds of millions of people around the world enjoying a more connected and convenient lifestyle."
At the event, Roh also thanked his predecessor Koh Dong-jin for his achievements. Koh still serves as CEO of Samsung's IT & Mobile Communications (IM) business division, but the company last month announced that he will focus more on a broader role.
"I would not be where I am today without my mentor DJ Koh," Roh said. "Thank you DJ for your ongoing leadership."
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)