yna--2020-11-21--(LEAD) About 60,000 take teacher exam despite virus spike

The country reported 386 more confirmed COVID-19 cases Saturday , raising the total caseload to 30,403 .
The daily caseload @ @ @ @ @ consecutive day and has stayed in the triple digits since Nov. 8 , according to @ @ @ @ @ Prevention Agency ( KDCA ) .

(ATTN: ADDS new info in paras 3-4, 6-7, 9-10)
SEOUL, Nov. 21 (Yonhap) -- About 60,000 people took a state-run teacher employment examination across the country Saturday despite a new spike in coronavirus cases.
The education ministry went ahead with the test to pick new teachers for public middle schools despite a cluster infection at a private institute for aspiring teachers in southeastern Seoul.
As of Saturday morning, a total of 67 students at the cram school have been confirmed to be infected with COVID-19. The first case occurred there Wednesday.
The exam began at 9 a.m. at 110 sites across the country. A total of 60,233 people applied for the test.
The exam was conducted under strict guidelines to prevent infections. All test-takers had their temperatures taken before entering test sites and sat 2 meters apart from each other.
An official holds up a sign on coronavirus prevention guidelines as applicants wait in line to enter a test site for a state-run teacher employment examination in the central city of Daejeon on Nov. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
Applicants who have tested positive, including the 67 patients in the Seoul institute, were barred from the exam.
Those who are in self-quarantine or subject to COVID-19 testing, including some 540 students of the institute, took the exam at separate sites.
The country reported 386 more confirmed COVID-19 cases Saturday, raising the total caseload to 30,403. The daily caseload exceeded 300 for the fourth consecutive day and has stayed in the triple digits since Nov. 8, according to the Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
The test came less than two weeks before the annual College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) slated for Dec. 3. More than 490,000 students plan to take the state college entrance exam simultaneously across the country.
The government launched a special campaign Thursday to protect students from the coronavirus ahead of the CSAT, including enhanced monitoring of cram schools and youth settings to see whether they comply with the antivirus guidelines.
Applicants for a state-run teacher employment examination enter a test site in Seoul on Nov. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-11-21--County raises social distancing to third-highest level

Under the Level 2 distancing rules , operations of night clubs and bars are prohibited , while food and drinks @ @ @ @ @ and coffee shops until 9 p.m. , with only takeout and delivery services available afterward @

SEOUL, Nov. 21 (Yonhap) -- The small southern county of Hadong in South Gyeongsang Province started to enforce the third-highest level of social distancing Saturday to prevent the further spread of the novel coronavirus.
The provincial government said it raised social distancing by one notch to Level 2 under the new five-tier social distancing scheme in the Hadong county, about 360 kilometers south of Seoul, starting at 2 p.m. Saturday.
The move came as 29 new cases had been confirmed in the past five days in the county with a population of 45,000.
Under the Level 2 distancing rules, operations of night clubs and bars are prohibited, while food and drinks can be served in restaurants and coffee shops until 9 p.m., with only takeout and delivery services available afterward.
Hadong is the second municipality in South Korea to enforce the third-highest level, following the city of Suncheon in South Jeolla Province.
South Korea has been struggling with a third wave of the coronavirus pandemic as daily cases have been above 300 for four straight days, centered on the greater Seoul area.
Health authorities, which implemented the second-lowest Level 1.5 distancing in Seoul and its surrounding regions this week, are mulling heightening the level by another notch to slow down the spread of the virus.
An outdoor market is relatively empty in Suncheon, South Jeolla Province, on Nov. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-21--Key bats out of Korean Series lineups with injury, slump

`` Jo is our steadiest defender , and he can really put the ball in play , '' the manager @ @ @ @ @ ( who bats right-handed ) could pinch hit against a left-handed reliever .
I think @ @ @ @ @ waiting on the bench now , rather than going out there and play every day @ @

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 21 (Yonhap) -- Two key players will be held out of their respective lineups in a crucial Game 4 of the Korean Series on Saturday.
The Doosan Bears, which are leading the NC Dinos 2-1, will be without outfielder Park Kun-woo. He is batting just 1-for-12 in three games this series.
Park Kun-woo of the Doosan Bears hits an RBI groundout against the NC Dinos in the bottom of the second inning of Game 3 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
"I think he's hurting inside," Doosan manager Kim Tae-hyoung said in his pregame media session at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. "It breaks my heart too."
Reserve outfielder Jo Soo-haeng will take Park's spot and start in right field. Jo entered Friday's Game 3 as a defensive replacement for left fielder Kim Jae-hwan in the ninth inning and made an outstanding catch at the wall in foul territory to record the first out and help the Bears close out a 7-6 win.
"Jo is our steadiest defender, and he can really put the ball in play," the manager said. "Park Kun-woo (who bats right-handed) could pinch hit against a left-handed reliever. I think he'd be better off waiting on the bench now, rather than going out there and play every day."
The Dinos made a few lineup changes. Third baseman Park Sok-min is out after jamming his left middle finger on a slide during the fourth inning of Game 3. Chi Seok-hoon, who replaced Park during that game, will start at third base Saturday.
Left fielder Kwon Hui-dong is out of the lineup for the first time this series, and Lee Myung-ki, who had been the designated hitter in the first two games, will take over in left. Mo Chang-min will be the DH.
"Mo is a veteran, and he is swinging the bat well," NC manager Lee Dong-wook said. Mo had a base hit in his only plate appearance Friday. "We need him to put his experience to good use today."
Park Sok-min of the NC Dinos slides into second base against the Doosan Bears in the top of the third inning of Game 3 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-21--U.S. military in S. Korea to tighten coronavirus restrictions

`` USFK has declared that all travel to or within Area II -- except for those who reside within Area @ @ @ @ @ official and necessary duties -- is off-limits for the next 14 days , '' the @ @ @

SEOUL, Nov. 21 (Yonhap) -- The U.S. Forces Korea was set to enforce new coronavirus restrictions for its members amid a resurgence of COVID-19 in South Korea.
The U.S. military said on its homepage Friday it will implement a two-week travel ban for the greater Seoul area, effective Saturday at 6 p.m.
"USFK has declared that all travel to or within Area II -- except for those who reside within Area II or for individuals conducting official and necessary duties -- is off-limits for the next 14 days," the military said.
Area II includes Seoul, Incheon and parts of Gyeonggi Province.
This Feb. 28, 2020, photo provided by United States Forces Korea shows a military guard taking the temperature of a driver entering the U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, 70 kilometers south of Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
USFK will also bar its affiliated individuals from off-installation saunas, bathhouses, gyms, fitness facilities and internet cafes across the country for the next 30 days.
"All USFK-affiliated individuals are reminded to adhere to all USFK core tenets, HPCON (Health Protection Condition) measures and ROK (Republic of Korea) government and local directives,"it added.
A total of 346 USFK-related coronavirus cases had been reported as of Thursday.
(END)


yna--2020-11-21--Samsung, LG to battle in commercial air conditioner market with new products

Samsung said the latest air conditioner comes in three colors -- prime pink , quiet gray and sage blue -- @ @ @ @ @ color selections and sell a wide range of front panels separately next year so that @ @ @ @ @ options .

By Joo Kyung-don
SEOUL, Nov. 21 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's two largest appliance makers -- Samsung Electronics Co. and LG Electronics Inc. -- have begun their duel in the commercial air conditioner market, industry observers said Saturday, as they released new products with upgraded design and features.
Samsung was the first one to make a move, launching its BESPOKE floor-standing air conditioner here on Nov. 1.
It was the first time that Samsung applied its concept of BESPOKE, which allows consumers to personalize designs of the products, on a commercial-use appliance.
The company previously released home-use refrigerators, laundry appliances and dish washers under the BESPOKE brand.
This photo provided by Samsung Electronics Co. on Nov. 1, 2020, shows the company's BESPOKE commercial-use air conditioners. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Samsung said the latest air conditioner comes in three colors -- prime pink, quiet gray and sage blue -- but it plans to expand color selections and sell a wide range of front panels separately next year so that users can have more design options.
The latest product supports both cooling and heating systems and allows users to feel breezes from up to 24 meters, it said.
LG launched its first commercial-use air conditioner with an air purification feature on Friday.
The product, which has upgraded laser dust sensors, offers 181 square meters of coverage area for air cleansing. Users can easily clean air filters, including a photocatalyst deodorizing filter, and reuse them, the company added.
LG's latest floor-standing air conditioner also provides both cooling and heating options. It can cool down a 131.8 square-meter area, while the coverage area for heating stands at 100 square meters.
The air conditioner, which will be sold for 3.9 million won (US$3,500) here, can be also remotely controlled with the LG ThinQ application on mobile devices with a Wi-Fi connection, LG said.
This photo provided by LG Electronics Inc. on Nov. 20, 2020, shows a model promoting the company's floor-standing commercial air conditioning unit with an air purification feature. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


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(END)


yna--2020-11-22--Son Heung-min takes over Premier League scoring lead with goal vs. Man City

This was Son 's first match back with the Spurs since playing in two friendly matches for South Korea in @ @ @ @ @ During South Korea 's stay in Vienna , six players and two staff members tested @ @ @ @ @ tested negative and Tottenham sent a chartered flight to Austria to bring their prized forward @ @ @ @

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 22 (Yonhap) -- Back from international duty marred by coronavirus infections for his teammates, Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min has claimed the sole possession of the Premier League scoring lead.
Son netted a fifth-minute opener for a 2-0 victory over Manchester City at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on Saturday (local time).
In this Reuters photo, Son Heung-min of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates his goal against Manchester City during their Premier League match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on Nov. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
It was his ninth goal in nine matches in the league this year, putting Son ahead of three players -- Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton, Mohamed Salah of Liverpool and Jamie Vardy of Leiester City.
Son, the Premier League's Player of the Month for October, also has two goals in the UEFA Europa League this season, giving him 11 in 14 contests. He had 18 goals in 41 matches last season, and his career high is 21 in 47 appearances in the 2016-2017 season.
In this AFP photo, Son Heung-min of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates his goal against Manchester City during their Premier League match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on Nov. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
The goal snapped a four-match drought for Son, whose last Premier League goal had come against Burnley on Oct. 26.
This was Son's first match back with the Spurs since playing in two friendly matches for South Korea in Austria earlier this month. During South Korea's stay in Vienna, six players and two staff members tested positive for COVID-19. Son tested negative and Tottenham sent a chartered flight to Austria to bring their prized forward back to London.
And Son wasted little time making his presence felt, as he scored just five minutes in. Son snuck behind the defense to take a lob pass from Tanguy Ndombele and then scored with his left foot for a 1-0 Tottenham lead. Giovani Lo Celso made it 2-0 in the 65th.
Tottenham, winners of four straight, sit atop the table with 20 points, two ahead of Chelsea. Leicester City also have 18 points, but they have one match in hand on Tottenham.
In this Associated Press photo, Son Heung-min of Tottenham Hotspur (L) tries to defend Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City during their Premier League match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on Nov. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-22--(3rd LD) New virus cases over 300 for 5th day, tougher antivirus curbs in offing

The latest figure is down from 386 cases on Saturday , apparently due to less virus testing on the weekend @ @ @ @ @ keeping their guard up .
The daily caseload has been staying in the triple digits @ @ @ @ @ the figure surpassing 300 for the first time since late August on Wednesday with 313 @ @

(ATTN: CHANGES photos; ADDS more info in paras 3, 7-8, 11, 14)
SEOUL, Nov. 22 (Yonhap) -- The number of daily new coronavirus cases in South Korea exceeded 300 for the fifth straight day Sunday due to sporadic cluster infections across the country as health authorities consider enforcing tougher antivirus curbs to prevent another wave of the pandemic.
The country added 330 more COVID-19 cases, including 302 local infections, raising the total caseload to 30,733, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
The latest figure is down from 386 cases on Saturday, apparently due to less virus testing on the weekend, but health authorities are keeping their guard up. The daily caseload has been staying in the triple digits since Nov. 8, with the figure surpassing 300 for the first time since late August on Wednesday with 313 cases.
Cluster infections from private gatherings, public facilities and hospitals continued to pile up across the nation, putting health authorities' containment efforts in peril.
Citizens wait in line at a makeshift virus testing clinic in Seoul on Nov. 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
The state-run social distancing level was raised by one notch to Level 1.5 under a new five-tier scheme in the greater Seoul for two weeks Thursday to prevent another wave of virus infections.
However, health authorities said they are seriously considering elevating the social distancing scheme in the capital region to the next level as the virus infections there show no signs of letup.
They previously hinted that the social distancing level in the Seoul metropolitan area can be elevated to Level 2 if the daily average number of virus cases in the region exceeds 200 in a one-week period.
The number of daily average virus cases in the capital region was 188.7 in the past seven days.
The authorities warned that the third wave of the virus outbreaks appears to be in progress in the greater Seoul area, home to half of the country's population.
The city of Suncheon in South Jeolla Province and the county of Hadong in South Gyeongsang Province have already started to implement Level 2 social distancing as a precautionary move.
Under the Level 2 scheme, gatherings involving 100 or more people are banned, while some virus-prone facilities, including night clubs, need to suspend their businesses. Restaurants are allowed to serve food until 9 p.m., with only takeout and delivery services available afterward.
Health authorities earlier said the nation's reproduction rate for COVID-19 has already topped 1.5, meaning that one patient infects more than 1.5 people. They warned that the country could see more than 600 virus cases daily in early December if the situation does not improve.
Health workers clad in protective gear prepare to work at a makeshift virus testing clinic in Seoul on Nov. 22, 2020.
Of the 302 locally transmitted cases, 219 were identified in the capital area. Seoul added 119 more cases, while the surrounding Gyeonggi Province and western port city of Incheon reported 74 and 26 cases, respectively.
It is also the first time since late August that the number of COVID-19 cases was above 200 for the third straight day in the capital region.
Most major cities and municipalities have reported new infections.
South Gyeongsang Province added 19 cases, while South Jeolla Province reported 13 more cases.
The number of new imported cases came to 28, slightly up from 25 on the previous day.
Of the newly confirmed imported cases, 10 were from Russia, followed by eight from the United States and four from Indonesia. The total number of imported cases is now at 4,408.
The country reported two additional deaths from COVID-19, raising the total to 505. However, more deaths could be reported down the road as the number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients came to 87.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 26,466, up 101 from the previous day, with 3,762 people isolated for COVID-19 treatment, up 227 from a day ago.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-22--Coronavirus-infected members of nat'l football team to be flown home on chartered flight this week

The group includes four players -- Kim Moon-hwan and Lee Dong-jun of Busan IPark , Na Sang-ho of Seongnam FC @ @ @ @ @ Hyundai FC -- and three staffers who tested positive for COVID-19 while in Austria for @ @ @ @ @ Qatar earlier this month .
Eight other staff members who stayed back in Austria to @ @ @ @ @ came in close contact with the infected will also board the flight .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 22 (Yonhap) -- Members of the South Korean men's national football team recently infected with the novel coronavirus in Austria will be flown back home this week on a chartered flight, the sport's national federation announced Sunday.
The Korea Football Association (KFA) said the Asiana Airlines flight will head to Vienna at noon Tuesday and arrive back with 15 members of the team at 6:05 a.m. Thursday.
South Korean men's national football team players train at BSFZ-Arena at Maria Enzersdorf-Sudstadt in Maria Enzersdorf, Austria, on Nov. 16, 2020, in this photo provided by the Korea Football Association. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The group includes four players -- Kim Moon-hwan and Lee Dong-jun of Busan IPark, Na Sang-ho of Seongnam FC and Jo Hyeon-woo of Ulsan Hyundai FC -- and three staffers who tested positive for COVID-19 while in Austria for friendly matches against Mexico and Qatar earlier this month. Eight other staff members who stayed back in Austria to look after them and who came in close contact with the infected will also board the flight.
Those eight have tested negative, and they will wear protective suits, masks and gloves on the plane.
A fifth player who has been infected, Hwang In-beom of the Russian club FC Rubin Kazan, may fly back to Russia, the KFA added. He will undergo another test Monday before his destination is determined.
The KFA also said a team of medical workers with experience in treating COVID-19 patients will join the trip to tend to patients.
Of the eight infected individuals, five have mild symptoms that can be controlled with medication, according to the KFA.
Other, non-infected players and staffers have all returned to South Korea or have rejoined their clubs in Europe.
The starting members of the South Korean men's national football team pose for photos before a friendly match against Qatar at BSFZ Arena Admiral Stadium in Maria Enzersdorf, Austria, on Nov. 17, 2020, in this photo provided by the Korea Football Association. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-22--N. Korea calls for tighter border controls amid global COVID-19 resurgence

The North 's state-run Korean Central Broadcasting Station also called on its officials to push ahead `` more thoroughly '' @ @ @ @ @ in all areas , saying that the `` entire barrier against the virus can collapse @ @ @ @ @ the safety of the country and the people if all officials are careless even for @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Nov. 22 (Yonhap) -- North Korea on Sunday called for tighter border controls against the coronavirus, urging its officials to stay on "high alert at all times" amid a global resurgence in the virus cases.
North Korea has recently intensified calls for tightened preventive measures against COVID-19 after leader Kim Jong-un held a politburo meeting of the Workers' Party and stressed the need to "keep a high alert, build a tight blocking wall and further intensify the anti-epidemic work."
"Building a flawless blockade of barrier in preparation for the worsening global health pandemic is a critical issue in intensifying the antivirus campaign," the Rodong Sinmun, the organ of the ruling party, said Sunday.
"We must continue to maintain an ironclad barrier to protect the safety of our country and our people," it added.
The paper also called on officials to "find and block even the slightest room for any possible transmission of the virus," warning them against carelessness and irresponsibility.
"We must always be mindful that a crevice in our mentality will lead to a crevice in our barriers, and maintain a state of high alert at all times," the paper said.
The North's state-run Korean Central Broadcasting Station also called on its officials to push ahead "more thoroughly" with the emergency antivirus efforts in all areas, saying that the "entire barrier against the virus can collapse and pose a danger to the safety of the country and the people if all officials are careless even for a moment."
North Korea has claimed to be coronavirus-free, but it has maintained its tight border closure since earlier this year.
Despite its prolonged fight against the coronavirus, the North said it will not accept any outside help, saying foreign aid could increase the risk of a coronavirus outbreak.
An official disinfects a bus in Pyongyang amid the coronavirus pandemic, in this undated photo released by the North's official Korean Central News Agency on Sept. 4, 2020. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-22--Eco-friendly cars make up over 3 pct of total vehicles registered in S. Korea

There were 766,464 green vehicles registered in South Korea as of end-October , accounting for 3.16 percent of the total @ @ @ @ @ the data from the Ministry of Land , Infrastructure and Transportation .

SEOUL, Nov. 22 (Yonhap) -- Environmentally friendly cars, such as electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen-powered cars, make up more than 3 percent of the total vehicles registered in South Korea, a report from the country's transport ministry showed Sunday.
There were 766,464 green vehicles registered in South Korea as of end-October, accounting for 3.16 percent of the total vehicles here, according to the data from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transportation.
This is the first time that the share of eco-friendly cars exceeded the 3 percent mark.
The portion of such clean cars has been increasing steadily. It reached 1.99 percent in 2018 and 2.54 percent last year.
This file photo provided by Hyundai Motor shows the Nexo hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The number of registered eco-friendly cars rose 34 percent on-year as of end-October. Of them, hybrids jumped 29.5 percent on-year to 628,164 units, while EVs soared 54.4 percent on-year to 128,258 units, the data showed.
The number of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles reached 10,041 units, up 154.1 percent from a year earlier.
Sales of new eco-friendly cars have been flying high in South Korea this year.
According to the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association, 129,844 units of environmentally friendly vehicles have been sold throughout October, up 46.1 percent from a year ago.
Industry observers said eco-friendly vehicle sales are likely to further rise in the country as automakers are set to release new EV models in the near future.
In July, the government also unveiled a plan to inject 20.3 trillion won (US$18.1 billion) by 2025 to beef up the future mobility sector, including EVs and hydrogen-powered cars, under its "Digital and Green New Deals" projects.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-22--S. Korea, U.S. agree to boost space defense cooperation

`` Lee asked the U.S. to expand the number of South Korean airmen taking part in the U.S. space operations @ @ @ @ @ their combined space operational capabilities and to better jointly respond to space threats , '' @ @ @ @ @ .

SEOUL, Nov. 22 (Yonhap) -- Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Lee Seong-yong and U.S. chief of space operations Gen. John Raymond have held their first bilateral talks and agreed to boost cooperation to better respond to emerging space threats, the military said Sunday.
During the meeting held in Hawaii on Thursday, Lee proposed setting up a regular consultation channel between the Air Force and the U.S. Space Force for personnel exchanges, technology cooperation and information sharing, according to the Air Force.
"Lee asked the U.S. to expand the number of South Korean airmen taking part in the U.S. space operations education and training to improve their combined space operational capabilities and to better jointly respond to space threats," it said in a release.
Raymond expressed understanding on the need for a regular communications channel and pledged to strengthen the two countries' partnership in the space field, the military said.
The two leaders agreed on the importance of sharing information and discussed ways to improve the linkage of the two allies' space surveillance systems.
Thursdays' meeting marked Lee's first bilateral talks with Raymond, the first chief of the U.S. Space Force, since its establishment in December last year.
The South Korean general visited the U.S. Pacific Air Forces Command in Hawaii for a five-day trip that ended Sunday at the request of Raymond to take part in the Chief of Space Operations and Air Chiefs Visit event hosted by the U.S. military.
During his stay, Lee also met with U.S. Pacific Air Forces Command chief Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach and discussed pending alliance issues.
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Lee Seong-yong (L) and U.S. chief of space operations Gen. John Raymond (R) hold talks at the U.S. Pacific Air Forces Command in Hawaii on Nov. 19, 2020, in this photo provided by Lee's office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-22--(LEAD) New virus cases over 300 for 5th day, tougher antivirus curbs in offing

The latest figure is down from 386 cases on Saturday , but health authorities are keeping their guard up .
@ @ @ @ @ staying in the triple digits since Nov. 8 , with the figure surpassing 300 for @ @ @ @ @ August on Wednesday with 313 cases .

(ATTN: CHANGES lead, 1st photo; ADDS more info in paras 3, 9-15)
SEOUL, Nov. 22 (Yonhap) -- The number of daily new coronavirus cases in South Korea exceeded 300 for the fifth straight day Sunday due to sporadic cluster infections across the country as health authorities consider enforcing tougher antivirus curbs to prevent another wave of the pandemic.
The country added 330 more COVID-19 cases, including 302 local infections, raising the total caseload to 30,733, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
The latest figure is down from 386 cases on Saturday, but health authorities are keeping their guard up. The daily caseload has been staying in the triple digits since Nov. 8, with the figure surpassing 300 for the first time since late August on Wednesday with 313 cases.
Cluster infections from private gatherings, public facilities and hospitals continued to pile up across the nation, putting health authorities' containment efforts in peril.
Citizens wait in line at a makeshift virus testing clinic in Seoul on Nov. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
The state-run social distancing level was raised by one notch to Level 1.5 under a new five-tier scheme in the greater Seoul for two weeks Thursday to prevent another wave of virus infections.
However, health authorities said they are seriously considering elevating the social distancing scheme in the capital region to the next level as the virus infections there show no signs of letup.
The authorities warned that the third wave of the virus outbreaks appears to be in progress in the greater Seoul area, home to half of the country's population.
The city of Suncheon in South Jeolla Province and the county of Hadong in South Gyeongsang Province have already started to implement Level 2 social distancing as a precautionary move.
Under the Level 2 scheme, gatherings involving 100 or more people are banned, while some virus-prone facilities need to suspend their businesses.
Health authorities earlier said the nation's reproduction rate for COVID-19 has already topped 1.5, meaning that one patient infects more than 1.5 people. They warned that the country could see more than 600 virus cases daily in early December if the situation does not improve.
Of the 302 locally transmitted cases, 219 were identified in the capital area. Seoul added 119 more cases, while the surrounding Gyeonggi Province and western port city of Incheon reported 74 and 26 cases, respectively.
Most major cities and municipalities have reported new infections.
South Gyeongsang Province added 19 cases, while South Jeolla Province reported 13 more cases.
The number of new imported cases came to 28, slightly up from 25 on the previous day.
Of the newly confirmed imported cases, 10 were from Russia, followed by eight from the United States and four from Indonesia. The total number of imported cases is now at 4,408.
Health workers clad in protective gear speak with citizens at a makeshift virus testing clinic in Seoul on Nov. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
The country reported two additional deaths from COVID-19, raising the total to 505. However, more deaths could be reported down the road as the number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients came to 87.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 26,466, up 101 from the previous day, with 3,762 people isolated for COVID-19 treatment, up 227 from a day ago.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-22--New virus cases over 300 for 5th day, tougher antivirus curbs in offing

The country reported two additional deaths from COVID-19 , raising the total to 505 .
However , more deaths could @ @ @ @ @ as the number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients came to 87 .

SEOUL, Nov. 22 (Yonhap) -- The number of daily new coronavirus cases in South Korea continued to grow as they exceeded 300 for the fifth straight day Sunday as health authorities consider enforcing tougher antivirus curbs to prevent another wave of the pandemic.
The country added 330 more COVID-19 cases, including 302 local infections, raising the total caseload to 30,733, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
The daily caseload has been staying in the triple digits since Nov. 8, with the figure surpassing 300 for the first time since late August on Wednesday with 313 cases. The country confirmed 386 cases on Saturday.
Health workers clad in protective gear speak with citizens at a makeshift virus testing clinic in Seoul on Nov. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
Cluster infections from private gatherings, public facilities and hospitals continued to pile up across the nation, putting health authorities' containment efforts in peril.
The state-run social distancing level was raised by one notch to Level 1.5 under a new five-tier scheme in the greater Seoul for two weeks Thursday to prevent another wave of virus infections.
However, health authorities said they are seriously considering elevating the social distancing scheme in the capital region to the next level as the virus infections there show no signs of letup.
The authorities warned that the third wave of the virus outbreaks appears to be in progress in the greater Seoul area, home to half of the country's population.
The city of Suncheon in South Jeolla Province and the county of Hadong in South Gyeongsang Province have already started to implement Level 2 social distancing as a precautionary move.
The country reported two additional deaths from COVID-19, raising the total to 505. However, more deaths could be reported down the road as the number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients came to 87.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 26,466, up 101 from the previous day, with 3,762 people isolated for COVID-19 treatment, up 227 from a day ago.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-22--(URGENT) 101 more patients released from coronavirus treatment, total at 26,466: KDCA

(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--2020-11-22--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 2 additional coronavirus deaths, total at 505: KDCA


yna--2020-11-22--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 330 new coronavirus cases, total at 30,733: KDCA


Sunday's weather forecast

SEOUL , Nov. 22 ( Yonhap ) -- The following is the weather forecast for South Korea 's 12 major @ @ @ @ @ .


yna--2020-11-22--USFK skips publication of annual security report this year

The last version , which was published in July 2019 and was available for media , carries the U.S. military @ @ @ @ @ the North 's Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile ( ICBM ) .
The missile that Pyongyang @ @ @ @ @ 2017 , has an estimated range of 8,000 miles , or 12,874 kilometers , which @ @ @ @ @ any part of the continental U.S. , '' according to the 2019 Strategic Digest .

SEOUL, Nov. 22 (Yonhap) -- The U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) decided not to issue its annual Korean Peninsula security report this year as it has to cope with the coronavirus pandemic and other challenging matters, officials said Sunday.
The USFK, along with the United Nations Command and the Combined Forces Command, has issued the annual publication, titled "Strategic Digest," which provides major developments on the Korean Peninsula with regards to military and the bilateral alliance issues, such as North Korea's missile and nuclear capabilities.
"Due to other competing priorities, such as COVID-19, SMA furloughs and the ROK-U.S. alliance, we have made the deliberate decision to not publish the Strategic Digest this year," a USFK official said in a statement.
SMA refers to the Special Measures Agreement (SMA) that stipulates how much South Korea pays for the upkeep of the 28,500 American troops in its country. Amid prolonged negotiations, the USFK put more than 4,000 Korean workers on unpaid leave for months earlier this year.
USFK has also been working hard to stop the spread of the new coronavirus among its service members and related population, as it has continued to report patients mostly among those who arrived here from their home country.
The last version, which was published in July 2019 and was available for media, carries the U.S. military's first official assessment of the North's Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The missile that Pyongyang test-fired on Nov. 29, 2017, has an estimated range of 8,000 miles, or 12,874 kilometers, which is "capable of striking any part of the continental U.S.," according to the 2019 Strategic Digest.
This image captured from the United States Forces Korea's 2019 Strategic Digest shows part of the chronology of North Korea's major weapons tests in 2017. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-22--Aces looking to take team to brink of Korean Series title

The 23-year-old left-hander was one of the most dominant starters in the Korea Baseball Organization ( KBO ) in the @ @ @ @ @ season , with a 9-0 record and a 1.55 ERA in his first 13 starts @ @ @ @ @ down in late July to give him a breather but then discovered inflammation , followed @ @ @ @ @ his left arm .
Koo was sidelined for three months and came back for a @ @ @ @ @ in the final week of October .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 22 (Yonhap) -- In their second duel in less than a week set for Monday, two staff aces will try to put their club on the verge of the South Korean baseball championship.
The NC Dinos and the Doosan Bears are deadlocked at two games apiece in the ongoing Korean Series. The best-of-seven contest will resume with Game 5 at 6:30 p.m. Monday at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul.
The Dinos will send left-hander Koo Chang-mo to the hill, and the Bears will match up with right-hander Chris Flexen.
Koo Chang-mo of the NC Dinos pitches against the Doosan Bears in the top of the first inning of Game 2 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 18, 2020. (Yonhap)
They both started in Game 2 last Tuesday, with the Bears hanging on for a 5-4 victory. Flexen earned the win after holding the Dinos to a run on five hits in six innings. Koo was charged with three runs -- one unearned -- on seven hits in six innings in the loss.
In that game, Koo gave up a solo home run to Kim Jae-ho, the hottest hitter for either team in the series who's batting 7-for-12 with six RBIs. Oh Jae-il and Jung Soo-bin had two hits apiece off Koo.
The 23-year-old left-hander was one of the most dominant starters in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) in the first half of the regular season, with a 9-0 record and a 1.55 ERA in his first 13 starts. The Dinos shut him down in late July to give him a breather but then discovered inflammation, followed by a fracture, in his left arm. Koo was sidelined for three months and came back for a relief appearance and a start in the final week of October.
Koo had some shaky control in the first two innings of Game 2 before settling down in later innings.
Chris Flexen of the Doosan Bears pitches against the NC Dinos in the bottom of the first inning of Game 2 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 18, 2020. (Yonhap)
Flexen, after an injury-plagued regular season, has been excellent in the postseason. The American was voted the MVP of the previous series against the KT Wiz, after tossing 10 1/3 innings of two-run ball with 13 strikeouts in two games. In the opening round against the LG Twins, Flexen fired six shutout innings and struck out 11 in his lone start.
Flexen had a comebacker go off his right knee and left arm during Wednesday's start but didn't suffer any injury.
In Game 2, NC's cleanup Yang Eui-ji went 2-for-3 against Flexen, but no other hitter had more than one hit.
In 37 previous Korean Series, teams have been tied at two games nine times. And Game 5 winners went on to win the title on seven occasions.
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-22--(LEAD) In virtual G20 summit, Moon urges int'l cooperation for pandemic response, economic recovery

The G20 , launched in 1999 , is a major forum for discussions on pending global issues -- from climate @ @ @ @ @ The economies of the 20 members together account for 85 percent of the world 's @ @ @ @ @ two-thirds of its population .

(ATTN: UPDATES throughout with Moon's remarks)
SEOUL, Nov. 21 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in participated in an annual conference with the leaders of 19 other major economies, held via video links Saturday, and emphasized the importance of concerted efforts to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking at the Day 1 session of the Group of 20 (G20) summit, chaired by Saudi Arabia, the president pointed out that uncertainties facing the global economy are still running high.
He stressed the need for the development and equitable distribution of vaccines and treatment in order to bring a complete end to the coronavirus outbreak.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in takes part in the virtual summit of the Group of 20 leaders, chaired by Saudi Arabia, at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Nov. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
He pledged Seoul's support for a related drive by international organizations, including the World Health Organization and the International Vaccine Institute, as well as cooperation on the supply of vaccines for developing nations.
Moon also called for the restoration of multilateralism on the basis of fair and stable trade and investment conditions.
The two-day G20 session opened with the theme of "Realizing the Opportunities of the 21st Century for All."
The G20, launched in 1999, is a major forum for discussions on pending global issues -- from climate change to growing inequality. The economies of the 20 members together account for 85 percent of the world's total gross domestic product and two-thirds of its population.
Protecting lives and restoring growth amid the drawn-out pandemic are especially high on the agenda in this year's session.
The summit will serve as an important chance for the G20 member states, including the United States and China, to strengthen coordination to overcome the pandemic and restore the global economy, Cheong Wa Dae said.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in (2nd from L) participates in the G20 Leaders' Summit, held online, at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Nov. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-22--LG Display to supply transparent OLED panels to Panasonic

LG Display said transparent OLEDs are gaining interest not only from mobility customers in the areas of self-driving cars , @ @ @ @ @ from sectors such as the smart home and smart building industries .

SEOUL, Nov. 22 (Yonhap) -- South Korean flat panel maker LG Display Co. has signed a deal with Japan's Panasonic Corp. on supply of its transparent organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panels, an industry official said Sunday.
The panels will be used in Panasonic's 55-inch OLED display modules, which in turn can be used for digital signage products, the official said.
In August, LG Display said that it has provided the world's first transparent OLED displays for subway train windows in Beijing and the southern Chinese tech hub of Shenzhen.
This photo from the website of LG Display shows its transparent OLEDs for subway train windows in China. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
LG Display said transparent OLEDs are gaining interest not only from mobility customers in the areas of self-driving cars, airplanes and subways but also from sectors such as the smart home and smart building industries.
The transparent display market is expected to grow at an average rate of 46 percent annually and reach US$4.93 billion by 2024, LG Display said, citing global consulting firm Prescient & Strategic Intelligence.
entropy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-22--(4th LD) New virus cases over 300 for 5th day, tougher antivirus curbs to be enforced

(ATTN: UPDATES with details in paras 6, 25; CHANGES headline)
SEOUL, Nov. 22 (Yonhap) -- The number of daily new coronavirus cases in South Korea exceeded 300 for the fifth straight day Sunday due to sporadic cluster infections across the country as health authorities decided to enforce tougher antivirus curbs to prevent another wave of the pandemic.
The country added 330 more COVID-19 cases, including 302 local infections, raising the total caseload to 30,733, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
The latest figure is down from 386 cases on Saturday, apparently due to less virus testing on the weekend, but health authorities are keeping their guard up. The daily caseload has been staying in the triple digits since Nov. 8, with the figure surpassing 300 for the first time since late August on Wednesday with 313 cases.
Cluster infections from private gatherings, public facilities and hospitals continued to pile up across the nation, putting health authorities' containment efforts in peril.
Citizens wait in line at a makeshift virus testing clinic in Seoul on Nov. 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
The state-run social distancing level was raised by one notch to Level 1.5 under a new five-tier scheme in the greater Seoul for two weeks Thursday to prevent another wave of virus infections.
On Sunday, health authorities decided to impose the Level 2 distancing, the third-highest in the country's five-tier COVID-19 alert system, in the greater Seoul area from Tuesday through Dec. 7.
They previously hinted that the social distancing level in the Seoul metropolitan area can be elevated to Level 2 if the daily average number of virus cases in the region exceeds 200 in a one-week period.
The number of daily average virus cases in the capital region was 188.7 in the past seven days.
The authorities warned that the third wave of the virus outbreaks appears to be in progress in the greater Seoul area, home to half of the country's population.
The city of Suncheon in South Jeolla Province and the county of Hadong in South Gyeongsang Province have already started to implement Level 2 social distancing as a precautionary move.
Under the Level 2 scheme, gatherings involving 100 or more people are banned, while some virus-prone facilities, including night clubs, need to suspend their businesses. Restaurants are allowed to serve food until 9 p.m., with only takeout and delivery services available afterward.
Health authorities earlier said the nation's reproduction rate for COVID-19 has already topped 1.5, meaning that one patient infects more than 1.5 people. They warned that the country could see more than 600 virus cases daily in early December if the situation does not improve.
Health workers clad in protective gear prepare to work at a makeshift virus testing clinic in Seoul on Nov. 22, 2020.
Of the 302 locally transmitted cases, 219 were identified in the capital area. Seoul added 119 more cases, while the surrounding Gyeonggi Province and western port city of Incheon reported 74 and 26 cases, respectively.
It is also the first time since late August that the number of COVID-19 cases was above 200 for the third straight day in the capital region.
Most major cities and municipalities have reported new infections.
South Gyeongsang Province added 19 cases, while South Jeolla Province reported 13 more cases.
Among virus clusters, a cram school in Noryangjin, southern Seoul, added seven more cases, bringing the total to 76, while a high school in eastern Seoul reported 25 additional cases, raising its total to 34.
The number of cases connected to a student gathering at Yonsei University in western Seoul increased by five to 24.
A facility for disabled people in Cheorwon, Gangwon Province, reported eight more cases, raising its total to 48, while a hospital in Iksan, North Jeolla Province, identified 12 more cases, raising its total to 26.
Health workers clad in protective gear guide students as they prepare to receive virus testing at a high school in Gwangju on Nov. 22, 2020, after one student tested positive for the novel coronavirus. (Yonhap)
The number of new imported cases came to 28, slightly up from 25 on the previous day.
Of the newly confirmed imported cases, 10 were from Russia, followed by eight from the United States and four from Indonesia. The total number of imported cases is now at 4,408.
The country reported two additional deaths from COVID-19, raising the total to 505. The fatality rate was 1.64 percent.
However, more deaths could be reported down the road as the number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients came to 87, with 78 of them aged 60 or older.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 26,466, up 101 from the previous day, with 3,762 people isolated for COVID-19 treatment, up 227 from a day ago.
Health authorities said South Korea reported 222 more COVID-19 cases from midnight Saturday to 6 p.m.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-22--KBO champions to be crowned before reduced crowd under tighter distancing rules

Most of the regular season were played without any fans .
Teams enjoyed a brief window , from late July @ @ @ @ @ a limited number of fans could attend games , but a spike in COVID-19 cases @ @ @ @ @ gates back .
They opened back up in October , in time for the postseason @ @ @ @ @ line in sight , the KBO has been dealt two straight blows .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 22 (Yonhap) -- When the 2020 South Korean baseball championship is awarded this week, it will be done before a reduced crowd due to tighter social distancing rules in the capital region.
The government decided on Sunday to enforce Level 2 distancing regulations for the greater Seoul area, the third-highest in South Korea's five-tier coronavirus alert system, effective Tuesday. The move was in response to the continued surge in COVID-19 cases in Seoul and surrounding regions, even after the distancing level was raised a notch to 1.5 last Thursday.
Top: Game 2 of the Korean Series between the Doosan Bears and the NC Dinos is being played at Gocheok Sky Dome on Nov. 18, 2020, with a sellout crowd of 8,200 under Level 1 in social distancing regulations.Bottom: Game 3 of the same series at the dome has a reduced capacity crowd of 5,100 on Nov. 20, 2020, after the social distancing level was raised to 1.5. (Yonhap)
Under Level 2, professional sports games can only admit crowds at 10 percent of the stadium or arena capacity.
The big event in town is the Korean Series, the championship round in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO). The duel between the NC Dinos and the Doosan Bears opened with 50 percent of the capacity crowd in the seats at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, and the first two games, played under Level 1 last Tuesday and Wednesday, had 8,200 fans.
Then under Level 1.5, Games 3 and 4 were played on Friday and Saturday before 5,100 fans.
The best-of-seven series is currently tied at 2-2. Game 5 on Monday will still have the capacity crowd of 5,100. But for Game 6 on Tuesday, when the champions could be crowned, the crowd size will be capped at 1,670.
If the series goes the distance to Wednesday's Game 7, it will also be played before 1,670 fans at maximum.
The KBO said Sunday that all tickets to Games 6 and 7 that have been sold will be automatically canceled, and they will go on sale again at 2 p.m. Monday.
Fans of the Doosan Bears cheer on their club in Game 4 of the Korean Series against the NC Dinos at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
Tickets may only be purchased online at Interpark, the KBO's exclusive ticketing partner, and one person may only buy up to two tickets. To adhere to social distancing guidelines, the box office at the dome will remain closed. Ticketing will close one hour after the start of each game.
As the only domed ballpark in South Korea, Gocheok has been serving as the neutral venue for the final two rounds of the KBO postseason to protect fans and players alike against cold November conditions. Postseason games are typically played in October at clubs' own stadiums.
But in 2020, the start of the regular season was postponed from March 28 to May 5 because of the coronavirus pandemic, and after teams played a full 144-game schedule, the beginning of the postseason was naturally pushed back, too.
Most of the regular season were played without any fans. Teams enjoyed a brief window, from late July to early August, when a limited number of fans could attend games, but a spike in COVID-19 cases forced them to shut the gates back. They opened back up in October, in time for the postseason, but with the finish line in sight, the KBO has been dealt two straight blows.
Professional volleyball and basketball will also be affected by the tighter distancing rules.
Fans of the NC Dinos cheer on their club in Game 4 of the Korean Series against the Doosan Bears at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-22--(2nd LD) S. Korea to raise social distancing level in greater Seoul area to 3rd highest

He also said nonessential gatherings in the public sector will be either canceled or delayed while asking people in the @ @ @ @ @ all appointments and gatherings and refrain from going out , if possible .

(ATTN: UPDATES with more comments by health minister in para 5-6, 20)
SEOUL, Nov. 22 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Sunday decided to enforce tougher distancing regulations for the greater Seoul area and the southwestern region as health authorities try to stem a resurgence of the novel coronavirus.
The government announced that the Level 2 distancing, the third-highest in the country's five-tier COVID-19 alert system, will be applied to the nation's capital area, while North and South Jeolla Provinces will be under the Level 1.5 distancing for two weeks starting Tuesday.
Health authorities started to enforce the Level 1.5 distancing from Thursday for the greater Seoul area, home to half of the country's population, but as virus infections in the region showed no signs of a letup, they decided to adopt tougher antivirus curbs.
"It's a very serious and grave situation," Health Minister Park Neunghoo said, noting the third wave of the virus outbreaks is in progress in earnest.
He said one-third of all public servants and employees of public organizations and public companies will begin to work from home on Tuesday.
He also said nonessential gatherings in the public sector will be either canceled or delayed while asking people in the greater Seoul area to cancel all appointments and gatherings and refrain from going out, if possible.
South Korea's daily caseload has stayed in the triple digits since Nov. 8, with the figure exceeding 300 for the fifth consecutive day on Sunday with 330 cases.
Chairs are stacked up at a cafe in Hadong County, South Gyeongsang Province, on Nov. 22, 2020, as part of the county's Level 2 social distancing scheme. (Yonhap)
Between Nov. 15 and 21, the daily average of COVID-19 cases in the greater Seoul area reached 175.1, nearing its Level 2 criteria of 200 cases. The figure is also more than double from the daily average of 83 cases recorded Nov. 8-14.
"Fast spread of the virus is in progress, and because the virus reproduction rate is already over 1, it is likely that the number of virus patients will increase in the greater Seoul area," the authorities said.
Under the Level 2 scheme, gatherings involving 100 or more people are banned, while some virus-prone facilities, including nightclubs, have to suspend their business.
Restaurants are allowed to serve food until 9 p.m., with only takeout and delivery services available afterward. For cafes and coffee shops, indoor dining is not allowed, and they can only offer takeout and delivery services.
Indoor sports facilities, such as gyms and billiard clubs, are required to halt their operations after 9 p.m. Public facilities will need to meet an admissions cap of 30 percent.
Sports events are allowed to have only 10 percent of their maximum capacity.
Under the strengthened measures, the attendance cap in the greater Seoul area is placed at one-third of students in kindergartens, primary schools and middle schools while the cap is placed at two-thirds of students in high schools.
The city of Suncheon in South Jeolla Province and the county of Hadong in South Gyeongsang Province have already been enforcing Level 2 social distancing as a precautionary move.
The authorities also decided to adopt Level 1.5 distancing measures for the country's southwestern Jeolla provinces.
Gwangju, the biggest city in the region, has already been under Level 1.5, the fourth-highest in the country's social distancing system, since Thursday, but health authorities pointed out that COVID-19 appears to be spreading fast across North and South Jeolla provinces.
"For the Jeolla region, the daily average of virus cases in the recent one-week period stood at 27.4, which is close to its Level 1.5 criteria of 30 cases," the authorities said.
People are still allowed to carry on with most of their daily routines under Level 1.5, but business operators and people are required to follow toughened public health regulations.
Meanwhile, Park said South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety will participate in the World Health Organization's prequalification as a reviewer of COVID-19 vaccines whose companies filed for emergency use authorization with the global health body.
kdon@yna.co.kr
entropy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-22--(LEAD) S. Korea to raise social distancing level in greater Seoul area to 3rd highest

`` Fast spread of the virus is in progress , and because the virus reproduction rate is already over 1 @ @ @ @ @ the number of virus patients will increase in the greater Seoul area , '' the @ @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES with comments by health minister and details in para 4, 12)
SEOUL, Nov. 22 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Sunday decided to enforce tougher distancing regulations for the greater Seoul area and the southwestern region as health authorities try to stem a resurgence of the novel coronavirus.
The government announced that the Level 2 distancing, the third-highest in the country's five-tier COVID-19 alert system, will be applied to the nation's capital area, while North and South Jeolla Provinces will be under the Level 1.5 distancing for two weeks starting Tuesday.
Health authorities started to enforce the Level 1.5 distancing from Thursday for the greater Seoul area, home to half of the country's population, but as virus infections in the region showed no signs of a letup, they decided to adopt tougher antivirus curbs.
"It's a very serious and grave situation," Health Minister Park Neunghoo said, noting the third wave of the virus outbreaks is in progress in earnest.
South Korea's daily caseload has stayed in the triple digits since Nov. 8, with the figure exceeding 300 for the fifth consecutive day on Sunday with 330 cases.
Chairs are stacked up at a cafe in Hadong County, South Gyeongsang Province, on Nov. 22, 2020, as part of the county's Level 2 social distancing scheme. (Yonhap)
Between Nov. 15 and 21, the daily average of COVID-19 cases in the greater Seoul area reached 175.1, nearing its Level 2 criteria of 200 cases. The figure is also more than double from the daily average of 83 cases recorded Nov. 8-14.
"Fast spread of the virus is in progress, and because the virus reproduction rate is already over 1, it is likely that the number of virus patients will increase in the greater Seoul area," the authorities said.
Under the Level 2 scheme, gatherings involving 100 or more people are banned, while some virus-prone facilities, including nightclubs, have to suspend their business.
Restaurants are allowed to serve food until 9 p.m., with only takeout and delivery services available afterward. For cafes and coffee shops, indoor dining is not allowed, and they can only offer takeout and delivery services.
Indoor sports facilities, such as gyms and billiard clubs, are required to halt their operations after 9 p.m. Public facilities will need to meet an admissions cap of 30 percent.
Sports events are allowed to have only 10 percent of their maximum capacity.
Under the strengthened measures, the attendance cap in the greater Seoul area is placed at one-third of students in kindergartens, primary schools and middle schools while the cap is placed at two-thirds of students in high schools.
The city of Suncheon in South Jeolla Province and the county of Hadong in South Gyeongsang Province have already been enforcing Level 2 social distancing as a precautionary move.
The authorities also decided to adopt Level 1.5 distancing measures for the country's southwestern Jeolla provinces.
Gwangju, the biggest city in the region, has already been under Level 1.5, the fourth-highest in the country's social distancing system, since Thursday, but health authorities pointed out that COVID-19 appears to be spreading fast across North and South Jeolla provinces.
"For the Jeolla region, the daily average of virus cases in the recent one-week period stood at 27.4, which is close to its Level 1.5 criteria of 30 cases," the authorities said.
People are still allowed to carry on with most of their daily routines under Level 1.5, but business operators and people are required to follow toughened public health regulations.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-22--S. Korea to raise social distancing level in greater Seoul area to 3rd highest

SEOUL, Nov. 22 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Sunday decided to enforce tougher distancing regulations for the greater Seoul area and the southwestern region as health authorities try to stem a resurgence of the novel coronavirus.
The government announced that the Level 2 distancing, the third-highest in the country's five-tier COVID-19 alert system, will be applied to the nation's capital area, while North and South Jeolla Provinces will be under the Level 1.5 distancing for two weeks starting Tuesday.
Health authorities started to enforce the Level 1.5 distancing from Thursday for the greater Seoul area, home to half of the country's population, but as virus infections in the region showed no signs of a letup, they decided to adopt tougher antivirus curbs.
"The move is to curb the rising trend of virus cases before the national college entrance exam on Dec. 3 and to prevent massive infections in the winter season in advance," the authorities said.
South Korea's daily caseload has stayed in the triple digits since Nov. 8, with the figure exceeding 300 for the fifth consecutive day on Sunday with 330 cases.
Chairs are stacked up at a cafe in Hadong County, South Gyeongsang Province, on Nov. 22, 2020, as part of the county's Level 2 social distancing scheme. (Yonhap)
Between Nov. 15 and 21, the daily average of COVID-19 cases in the greater Seoul area reached 175.1, nearing its Level 2 criteria of 200 cases. The figure is also more than double from the daily average of 83 cases recorded Nov. 8-14.
"Fast spread of the virus is in progress, and because the virus reproduction rate is already over 1, it is likely that the number of virus patients will increase in the greater Seoul area," the authorities said.
Under the Level 2 scheme, gatherings involving 100 or more people are banned, while some virus-prone facilities, including nightclubs, have to suspend their business.
Restaurants are allowed to serve food until 9 p.m., with only takeout and delivery services available afterward. For cafes and coffee shops, indoor dining is not allowed, and they can only offer takeout and delivery services.
Indoor sports facilities, such as gyms and billiard clubs, are required to halt their operations after 9 p.m. Public facilities will need to meet an admissions cap of 30 percent.
Sports events are allowed to have only 10 percent of their maximum capacity.
The city of Suncheon in South Jeolla Province and the county of Hadong in South Gyeongsang Province have already been enforcing Level 2 social distancing as a precautionary move.
The authorities also decided to adopt Level 1.5 distancing measures for the country's southwestern Jeolla provinces.
Gwangju, the biggest city in the region, has already been under Level 1.5, the fourth-highest in the country's social distancing system, since Thursday, but health authorities pointed out that COVID-19 appears to be spreading fast across North and South Jeolla provinces.
"For the Jeolla region, the daily average of virus cases in the recent one-week period stood at 27.4, which is close to its Level 1.5 criteria of 30 cases," the authorities said.
People are still allowed to carry on with most of their daily routines under Level 1.5, but business operators and people are required to follow toughened public health regulations.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-22--(URGENT) S. Korea to enforce Level 2 social distancing in capital area starting Tuesday


yna--2020-11-22--S. Korea mulls raising social distancing level in greater Seoul area: PM

Under Level 2 of social distancing , operations of night clubs and bars are prohibited , while food and drinks @ @ @ @ @ until 9 p.m. , with only takeout and delivery services available afterward .
For coffee @ @ @ @ @ delivery services are allowed regardless of the operating hours .

SEOUL, Nov. 22 (Yonhap) -- Authorities are discussing whether to enforce tougher distancing regulations for the greater Seoul area and the southwestern region, the prime minister said Sunday, as the country fights a resurgence of the new coronavirus.
Chung Sye-kyun made the remark during a COVID-19 response government meeting, saying South Korea could face another wave of mass infections if it fails to stem the virus at this point.
"We're at a critical juncture of facing a large number of infections nationwide, as multiple new coronavirus cases have been reported simultaneously across the country," Chung said.
"The government will discuss today preemptively raising the distancing rules to Level 2 in the greater Seoul area and to Level 1.5 in the southwestern Jeolla provinces, not waiting until the number of new cases increases enough to fulfill the requirements to adjust the level."
Level 2 is the third highest of the country's five-tier COVID-19 alert system.
South Korea's daily caseload has stayed in the triple digits since Nov. 8, with the figure exceeding 300 for the fifth consecutive day on Sunday with 330 cases.
Chung said the country needs to review every possible measure, including the adjustment of the social distancing level, to curb the virus spread before the national college entrance exam and to prevent massive infections in the winter season.
The annual College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) is the largest academic event of the year, with more than 490,000 students set to take the exam simultaneously across the country. This year's CSAT is slated for Dec. 3.
A street in the college district of Sinchon in Seoul is nearly empty on Nov. 22, 2020, after a series of coronavirus infections were reported at the nearby Yonsei and Sogang universities. (Yonhap)
South Korea already raised the distancing level by one notch to Level 1.5 in the metropolitan region on Thursday, but authorities have said they are seriously considering toughening the antivirus curbs as infections show no signs of a letup.
Under Level 2 of social distancing, operations of night clubs and bars are prohibited, while food and drinks can be served in restaurants until 9 p.m., with only takeout and delivery services available afterward. For coffee shops, only takeout and delivery services are allowed regardless of the operating hours.
Amid growing hopes over COVID-19 vaccines, the prime minister said the government will soon report to the public the progress in its vaccine purchase plan.
"Until vaccines are distributed, wearing masks is the best preventive measure," Chung said. "I again ask for watertight practice of (antivirus measures)."
Students of a high school in Gwangju get virus tests on Nov. 22, 2020, after a student there tested positive for the novel coronavirus. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-11-22--10 more service members, civilian employee test positive for COVID-19

In the southern city of Jinhae , three Navy officers and an enlistee have tested positive after they came into @ @ @ @ @ was earlier confirmed to have been infected with COVID-19 , according to the ministry .

SEOUL, Nov. 22 (Yonhap) -- Ten more service members and a civilian employee working for the military have tested positive for the new coronavirus, the defense ministry said Sunday, as sporadic infections continue at barracks across the country.
In the southern city of Jinhae, three Navy officers and an enlistee have tested positive after they came into contact with another officer who was earlier confirmed to have been infected with COVID-19, according to the ministry.
In Pocheon, north of Seoul, three Army soldiers and a civilian employee have tested positive for the virus after another service member at their unit contracted the virus.
A full-time reservist soldier in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, and an officer in Gwacheon, just south of the capital, have also tested positive for the virus after coming into contact with a family member and a colleague who were infected with the virus.
Among airmen, an officer has tested positive for the virus while in quarantine after a cluster infection was reported at an Air Force base in the central city of Seosan.
The total number of virus cases among the military population rose to 230.
Nationwide, South Korea added 330 new virus cases Sunday, raising the total caseload to 30,733. It marked the fifth straight day the daily figure exceeded 300.
This file photo, taken Oct. 12, 2020, shows a service member at Seoul Station. (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-22--G-20 leaders to focus on inclusive, resilient future in second day of summit

In the Day 2 session of the Group of 20 ( G-20 ) summit , they are scheduled to focus @ @ @ @ @ inclusive , sustainable and resilient '' future of the world hit hard by the virus @

SEOUL, Nov. 22 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in and leaders of 19 other major global economies plan to adopt a joint communique to sum up the results of their two-day virtual conference dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic, Cheong Wa Dae said Sunday.
In the Day 2 session of the Group of 20 (G-20) summit, they are scheduled to focus on ways for an "inclusive, sustainable and resilient" future of the world hit hard by the virus.
The participating leaders will adopt a joint communique following the second-day session, Moon's spokesman Kang Min-seok said at a press briefing.
It would include the G-20 members' commitment to continuously seeking "specific measures" to facilitate the essential movement of people despite anti-coronavirus border control, he added.
Moon is scheduled to deliver a minuteslong speech during the session likely to finish on early Monday morning (Seoul time).
A screen (C) shows South Korean President Moon Jae-in delivering a speech during a virtual summit of the Group of 20 (G-20) leaders at Cheong Wa Dae on Nov. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
Before the formal talks, Saudi Arabia, chair of this year's summit, is poised to hold a side event on safeguarding the planet.
In the first-day meeting, Moon stressed the need to strengthen international solidarity against the pandemic and equitable distribution of related vaccines and treatment.
"We must work together more closely in solidarity to defeat the coronavirus. I hope that the efforts of the G-20 will inspire hope to the world," he said.
The G-20, launched in 1999, is a premier forum for discussions on pending global issues -- from climate change to growing inequality. The economies of the 20 members together account for 85 percent of the world's total gross domestic product.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-22--Retail giant E-Land suspends operations at nearly half of stores due to ransomware attack

The group said its corporate network system was attacked by ransomware early in the morning .
Such a malware attack @ @ @ @ @ 50 branches of NC Department Store and NewCore Outlet to halt their operations , E-Land @ @

SEOUL, Nov. 22 (Yonhap) -- South Korean fashion and retail conglomerate E-Land Group said Sunday it has suspended operations at nearly half of its stores in the country due to a ransomware attack.
The group said its corporate network system was attacked by ransomware early in the morning. Such a malware attack has forced 23 of its 50 branches of NC Department Store and NewCore Outlet to halt their operations, E-Land added.
Ransomware is software that intentionally blocks users from accessing their digital files unless a payment is made for a decryption key.
The group said it has currently shut part of its corporate network system to minimize the damage and has asked the police to investigate the cyberattack.
This image shows the corporate logo of E-Land Group. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-22--65 pct of manufacturers expect status quo in biz environment in Biden era: poll

According to a survey conducted by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry ( KCCI ) , 65.3 percent of @ @ @ @ @ expect no significant changes in the business environment with the new U.S. government .

SEOUL, Nov. 22 (Yonhap) -- Nearly two-thirds of South Korean manufacturing firms believe that the business environment will not change much under the forthcoming Joe Biden administration in the United States, a poll showed Sunday.
According to a survey conducted by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), 65.3 percent of local manufacturers answered that they expect no significant changes in the business environment with the new U.S. government.
The survey, which asked 300 firms earlier this month, showed that 32 percent of the companies are expecting an improvement, while the remaining 2.7 percent are predicting a worsened business environment under the Biden administration.
This file photo taken Nov. 5, 2020, shows container boxes at a port in Busan. (Yonhap)
By industry, companies in electronics, rechargeable battery and petrochemicals expressed high expectations on the upcoming U.S. administration, while those in machinery, display and telecommunications showed relatively low expectations.
Of the firms expecting improved business conditions under the Biden era, 42.7 percent picked initiation of global trading rules as their biggest reason for such a prediction, while 27.1 percent selected a rise of new growth opportunities.
The survey showed 61 percent of local manufacturers projecting eased U.S.-China trade tensions under the Biden administration compared with the Donald Trump administration.
Asked about what would be key policy tasks for the government to expand exports to the U.S., 41.3 percent of the manufacturers answered stabilization in currency exchange rates, while 37.3 percent said precise response to global trade issues.
"There are mixed expectations for the upcoming Biden administration, but we must create good momentum for our economy in the post-COVID-19 era," the KCCI said.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-22--Today in Korean history

Today in Korean history

2016 -- South Korea and Japan sign a military intelligence-sharing pact to better counter North Korean threats .
The General @ @ @ @ @ ( GSOMIA ) , the first military pact between the two neighbors , allows the @ @ @ @ @ regarding nuclear tests and ballistic missile launches by North Korea , and the communist regime @ @ @ @ @ signing of the pact came less than a month after discussions resumed on Oct. 27 @ @ @ @ @ four years .
( END )

Nov. 23
1968 -- A massive fire at Namdaemun Market in Seoul destroys 775 stores and kills one firefighter.
1988 -- Former President Chun Doo-hwan, after turning over power to his military colleague Roh Tae-woo in February of that year, issues a public apology for having stashed away a large amount of funds during his eight-year presidency. Calling the money "gifts and donations" from conglomerates, Chun promised to return it to state coffers. After the announcement, he retired to Baekdam Temple on Mount Seorak, Gangwon Province.
A court later ruled that Chun had improperly accumulated over 220 billion won (US$191 million) during his term in office. The former president denied having that amount and has yet to keep his promise to return the funds.
2010 -- North Korea shells the South Korean border island of Yeonpyeong, killing two Marines and two civilians. Tensions peaked on the peninsula following the shelling, which was recorded as one of the worst attacks on the South since the 1950-53 Korean War.
2012 -- Independent presidential candidate Ahn Cheol-soo announces his abrupt withdrawal from the presidential campaign, endorsing Rep. Moon Jae-in of the main opposition Democratic United Party and clearing the way for a two-way race with ruling party hopeful Park Geun-hye in the Dec. 19 polls.
The abrupt announcement came shortly after the two candidates failed to narrow differences on how to set the rules for merging candidacies to go up against Park.
2015 -- A U.S. Apache helicopter crashes onto a mountain road in Wonju, Gangwon Province, killing the pilot and another crew member.
2016 -- South Korea and Japan sign a military intelligence-sharing pact to better counter North Korean threats. The General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), the first military pact between the two neighbors, allows the two countries to share information regarding nuclear tests and ballistic missile launches by North Korea, and the communist regime's military activities. The signing of the pact came less than a month after discussions resumed on Oct. 27, following a hiatus of four years.
(END)


yna--2020-11-22--Umbrella union to stage large-scale strike this week

It is yet unclear how many union members will take part in the walkout , but the group is expected @ @ @ @ @ for the movement , which is planned at a time when sporadic cluster infections continue @ @ @ @ @ fight against COVID-19 .

SEOUL, Nov. 22 (Yonhap) -- A major South Korean labor union has decided to stage a large-scale strike this week against what it describes as anti-labor law revision, sources said Sunday, amid the country's struggle to curb the new coronavirus.
The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) plans to conduct the nationwide one-day walkout Wednesday to oppose the government plan to revise the law to ratify key International Labor Organization (ILO) conventions.
The conventions are aimed at improving workers' rights here, but the group has bristled at the proposed bill's clause that prohibits laborers from occupying key facilities at the workplace when staging a strike.
The planned group action will be the first general strike organized by the KCTU this year. The group, the more militant one of the nation's two largest labor umbrella organizations, held two such strikes last year, in March and July.
It is yet unclear how many union members will take part in the walkout, but the group is expected to face some public criticism for the movement, which is planned at a time when sporadic cluster infections continue to dampen the country's fight against COVID-19.
On Sunday, South Korea reported 330 more virus cases, raising the total caseload to 30,733. It marked the fifth straight day the daily figure exceeded 300.
Under the Level 1.5 social distancing rules currently in place in the greater Seoul area, rallies, music concerts and festivals are limited from having over 100 attendants.
Authorities are considering enforcing tougher antivirus curbs as the virus cases show no signs of a letup.
The file photo taken Nov. 14, 2020, shows participants chanting slogans during a rally organized by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions in Yeouido, southern Seoul. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-11-22--SK Telecom, Samsung develop advanced cloud native core network system

The network system , which SK Telecom co-developed with Samsung after two years of collaboration , is based on a @ @ @ @ @ functions are modularized for highly flexible scaling and uses service communication proxy ( SCP ) @ @ @ @ @ to provide low latency , ultra-high speed and enhanced connectivity in 5G services at superb @ @

SEOUL, Nov. 22 (Yonhap) -- SK Telecom Co., South Korea's leading mobile carrier, said Sunday it has developed a next-generation cloud native core network system with Samsung Electronics Co. that can provide better 5G services.
A core network is the central part of a telecommunications infrastructure that handles key tasks, including device certification and quality of service management, for mobile subscribers to access various services.
SK Telecom said its latest core network is the first in the industry to meet the Release 16 standards from the global wireless standards body 3GPP that cover the second phase of 5G solutions.
The network system, which SK Telecom co-developed with Samsung after two years of collaboration, is based on a cloud native format whose network functions are modularized for highly flexible scaling and uses service communication proxy (SCP) technology, allowing the carrier to provide low latency, ultra-high speed and enhanced connectivity in 5G services at superb quality.
SK Telecom said its SCP solution, named T-Mesh, can improve communications speed by 30 percent and provides stable data traffic management.
SK Telecom and Samsung signed a partnership earlier this year for the research of advanced 5G solutions and 6G technology development.
Researchers from SK Telecom Co. test its next-generation cloud native core network, which it co-developed with Samsung Electronics Co., at a laboratory in Seongnam, south of Seoul, on Nov. 22, 2020, in the photo provided by SK Telecom. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-22--(2nd LD) New virus cases over 300 for 5th day, tougher antivirus curbs in offing

The latest figure is down from 386 cases on Saturday , apparently due to less virus testing on the weekend @ @ @ @ @ keeping their guard up .
The daily caseload has been staying in the triple digits @ @ @ @ @ the figure surpassing 300 for the first time since late August on Wednesday with 313 @ @

(ATTN: CHANGES photos; ADDS more info in paras 3, 7-8, 11, 14)
SEOUL, Nov. 22 (Yonhap) -- The number of daily new coronavirus cases in South Korea exceeded 300 for the fifth straight day Sunday due to sporadic cluster infections across the country as health authorities consider enforcing tougher antivirus curbs to prevent another wave of the pandemic.
The country added 330 more COVID-19 cases, including 302 local infections, raising the total caseload to 30,733, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
The latest figure is down from 386 cases on Saturday, apparently due to less virus testing on the weekend, but health authorities are keeping their guard up. The daily caseload has been staying in the triple digits since Nov. 8, with the figure surpassing 300 for the first time since late August on Wednesday with 313 cases.
Cluster infections from private gatherings, public facilities and hospitals continued to pile up across the nation, putting health authorities' containment efforts in peril.
Citizens wait in line at a makeshift virus testing clinic in Seoul on Nov. 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
The state-run social distancing level was raised by one notch to Level 1.5 under a new five-tier scheme in the greater Seoul for two weeks Thursday to prevent another wave of virus infections.
However, health authorities said they are seriously considering elevating the social distancing scheme in the capital region to the next level as the virus infections there show no signs of letup.
They previously hinted that the social distancing level in the Seoul metropolitan area can be elevated to Level 2 if the daily average number of virus cases in the region exceeds 200 in a one-week period.
The number of daily average virus cases in the capital region was 188.7 in the past seven days.
The authorities warned that the third wave of the virus outbreaks appears to be in progress in the greater Seoul area, home to half of the country's population.
The city of Suncheon in South Jeolla Province and the county of Hadong in South Gyeongsang Province have already started to implement Level 2 social distancing as a precautionary move.
Under the Level 2 scheme, gatherings involving 100 or more people are banned, while some virus-prone facilities, including night clubs, need to suspend their businesses. Restaurants are allowed to serve food until 9 p.m., with only takeout and delivery services available afterward.
Health authorities earlier said the nation's reproduction rate for COVID-19 has already topped 1.5, meaning that one patient infects more than 1.5 people. They warned that the country could see more than 600 virus cases daily in early December if the situation does not improve.
Health workers clad in protective gear prepare to work at a makeshift virus testing clinic in Seoul on Nov. 22, 2020.
Of the 302 locally transmitted cases, 219 were identified in the capital area. Seoul added 119 more cases, while the surrounding Gyeonggi Province and western port city of Incheon reported 74 and 26 cases, respectively.
It is also the first time since late August that the number of COVID-19 cases was above 200 for the third straight day in the capital region.
Most major cities and municipalities have reported new infections.
South Gyeongsang Province added 19 cases, while South Jeolla Province reported 13 more cases.
The number of new imported cases came to 28, slightly up from 25 on the previous day.
Of the newly confirmed imported cases, 10 were from Russia, followed by eight from the United States and four from Indonesia. The total number of imported cases is now at 4,408.
The country reported two additional deaths from COVID-19, raising the total to 505. However, more deaths could be reported down the road as the number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients came to 87.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 26,466, up 101 from the previous day, with 3,762 people isolated for COVID-19 treatment, up 227 from a day ago.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


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yna--2020-11-23--Seoul city toughens antivirus measures until year-end

The measures will take effect Tuesday under a new campaign named `` Emergency pause period for 10 million citizens '' @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 cases in Seoul and the greater capital area .
At midnight Monday , the @ @ @ @ @ social distancing rules to Level 2 , the third highest of five levels .

SEOUL, Nov. 23 (Yonhap) -- The Seoul city government on Monday announced toughened antivirus measures until the end of the year, including reduced public transport by night and a ban on rallies involving 10 or more people.
The measures will take effect Tuesday under a new campaign named "Emergency pause period for 10 million citizens" amid a spike in new COVID-19 cases in Seoul and the greater capital area. At midnight Monday, the same region will raise its social distancing rules to Level 2, the third highest of five levels.
Acting Seoul Mayor Seo Jeong-hyup also said in a virtual press briefing that the city government will enforce stricter social distancing rules at 10 key facilities, including nursing homes and restaurants.
Acting Seoul Mayor Seo Jeong-hyup (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-23--Moon states S. Korea's carbon-neutral plan in front of global leaders

`` It 's a task that can be resolved only through international cooperation , '' Moon was quoted as saying @ @ @ @ @ the Day 2 session of the annual group summit held via video links the previous @ @ @ @ @ .

SEOUL, Nov. 23 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in reaffirmed South Korea's stated aim of going carbon neutral by 2050 during a speech at the Group of 20 (G20) summit, Cheong Wa Dae said Monday.
Moon described Seoul's commitment as a "bold challenge" to transform relevant businesses and address the energy shortage problem, according to presidential spokesman Kang Min-seok.
"It's a task that can be resolved only through international cooperation," Moon was quoted as saying, while taking part in the Day 2 session of the annual group summit held via video links the previous night (Seoul time).
The forum on the second and final day of the summit, chaired by Saudi Arabia, focused on the "inclusive, sustainable and resilient" future of the world hit hard by the virus.
Moon stressed that South Korea will keep pace with the international community in moving toward carbon neutrality.
He added Seoul plans to draw up a long-term scheme for the goal within this year.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in speaks at a Group of 20 summit session, held online, at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Nov. 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
Wrapping up the summit, Moon and leaders of 19 other major economies, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, endorsed the Circular Carbon Economy (CCE) Platform aimed at reducing emissions with its 4Rs framework: reduce, reuse, recycle and remove.
"The CCE is a voluntary, holistic, integrated, inclusive, pragmatic, and complementary approach to promote economic growth while enhancing environmental stewardship through managing emissions in all sectors including, but not limited to, energy, industry, mobility, and food," read the 2020 G-20 Riyadh Leaders' Declaration.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-23--(LEAD) Military reports highest daily COVID-19 cases over cluster infection at border unit

Of the total , 26 enlisted soldiers and five Army officers were from the same base in Cheorwon , Gangwon @ @ @ @ @ officer at another unit in the town was confirmed to have been infected and the @ @ @ @ @ officer based in the northeastern county of Hwacheon , according to the ministry .

(ATTN: ADDS more details, comments in paras 6-9, photo)
By Oh Seok-min
SEOUL, Nov. 23 (Yonhap) -- The military reported 33 new cases of the coronavirus on Monday, the highest daily total among service members, as cluster infections broke out at an Army unit in the border town of Cheorwon amid the nationwide spread of the virus.
Of the total, 26 enlisted soldiers and five Army officers were from the same base in Cheorwon, Gangwon Province, while an Army officer at another unit in the town was confirmed to have been infected and the other case is an Army officer based in the northeastern county of Hwacheon, according to the ministry.
The total cases at the Cheorwon unit rose to 37, and the figure is feared to grow as other members of the 200-strong unit are still awaiting their test results.
Monday's figure marks the highest daily record ever among the military population, according to the ministry data. The total number of confirmed cases among the military population grew to 263. The number has been on the rise since mid-November.
"Military and health authorities are working to learn the exact route of the infections. We are completely banning their movements, and taking necessary steps to prevent the further spread of the virus," a ministry official said.
A soldier locks the front gate of a military unit in Pocheon, north of Seoul, on Oct. 5, 2020, as COVID-19 infections broke out there. (Yonhap)
Starting Tuesday, service members stationed in the greater Seoul area could be banned from vacationing upon the decision by their commanders, as the government decided to raise the social distancing level in the region by one notch to Level 2, the third-highest in the five-tier system, for two weeks.
"All military officers, regardless of where they are stationed, will be subject to Level 2, tougher rules," the ministry's deputy spokesperson Col. Moon Hong-sik told a regular briefing.
Under the guidance, they are ordered to postpone or cancel private and business meetings, and off-installation trips will be allowed only for inevitable purposes, such as buying daily necessities and going to see a doctor, Moon added.
Currently, 1,673 service members are in isolation in accordance with the health authorities' guidelines, and the military has quarantined an additional 1,832 people under stricter antivirus schemes of its own as a preventive step.
Nationwide, the country added 271 more COVID-19 cases, including 255 local infections, raising the total caseload to 31,004, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
Medical workers prepare for COVID-19 tests at a makeshift center in the county of Hwacheon, Gangwon Province, on Nov. 22, 2020, in this photo provided by the local government. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-23--Seoul stocks jump late Monday morning on chip gains

South Korean authorities raised the social distancing scheme to Level 2 over the weekend , which will go into effect @ @ @ @ @ new daily infections have stayed over 300 for six consecutive days .

SEOUL, Nov. 23 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks traded higher late Monday morning on strong gains in chipmakers and hopes for a quick economic recovery despite the resurgent coronavirus outbreaks.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 43.29 points, or 1.7 percent, to 2,596.79 as of 11:20 a.m.
Stocks got off to a strong start on foreign buying amid signs of economic recovery.
South Korea's exports jumped 11.1 percent on-year in the first 20 days of November, with outbound shipments of memory chips soaring 21.9 percent over the cited period.
Bio shares also continued to perform well with vaccine hopes running high.
South Korean authorities raised the social distancing scheme to Level 2 over the weekend, which will go into effect Tuesday as the country's new daily infections have stayed over 300 for six consecutive days.
Most large caps traded higher.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics jumped 3.4 percent, and No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix added 3.1 percent.
Pharmaceutical giant Samsung Biologics moved up 1.13 percent, and Celltrion climbed 2.19 percent.
Leading chemical firm LG Chem gained 2.9 percent, and rechargeable battery maker Samsung SDI rose 2.14 percent.
Hyundai Motor, the country's largest carmaker, advanced 1.41 percent.
Internet portal giant Naver edged up 0.18 percent, and its rival Kakao added 0.27 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,113.25 won against the U.S. dollar, up 1.05 won from the previous session's close.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-23--Unification minister calls for resuming liaison office communications with N. Korea

As part of efforts to restore round-the-clock communication channels between the two Koreas , Lee proposed opening of representative offices @ @ @ @ @ capitals of the South and the North , respectively , or running a liaison office @ @ @ @ @ also in other North Korean areas , including Sinuiju , Rajin and Sonbong .

SEOUL, Nov. 23 (Yonhap) -- Resuming round-the-clock liaison communications between the two Koreas would be the starting point for a new change in the currently stalled inter-Korean relations, Unification Minister Lee In-young said Monday.
Lee made the remarks during a forum arranged to discuss ways to normalize communication lines between the two Koreas that have remained severed since the North blew up the liaison office in its border town of Kaesong in June in protest of anti-Pyongyang leaflets sent from the South.
"A new change in inter-Korean relations will come first from the resumption of communications through the South-North liaison office," Lee told the forum. "Putting the round-the-clock communication lines back on track would serve as a signal for the start of a 'time for peace.'"
The two Koreas opened the liaison office in September 2018 as a follow-up on a summit agreement between South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to facilitate cross-border exchanges.
The operation of the office, however, had been left suspended since early this year amid concerns over the coronavirus pandemic. The North cut all cross-border communication lines when it blew up the liaison office in June.
The minister called the North's demolition of the office a "very mistaken act that squarely betrayed our people's hope and passion for peace" and called for efforts to keep the destruction out of the "history of hostility" and rebuild it with "greater peace."
"That is the fate and responsibility for us who are living the reality of division," he said.
As part of efforts to restore round-the-clock communication channels between the two Koreas, Lee proposed opening of representative offices in Seoul and Pyongyang, capitals of the South and the North, respectively, or running a liaison office not just in Kaesong but also in other North Korean areas, including Sinuiju, Rajin and Sonbong.
Unification Minister Lee In-young speaks during a forum held to discuss ways to normalize cross-border communications with North Korea on Nov. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)