yna--2020-10-22--(3rd LD) Justice minister's exercise of investigative command in fund scandal 'absurd': top prosecut

(3rd LD) Justice minister's exercise of investigative command in fund scandal 'absurd': top prosecutor

`` If the prosecutor general is indeed a subordinate of the minister , it means that the political neutrality of @ @ @ @ @ also there would be no need to have the position of the prosecutor general at @ @ @

(ATTN: ADDS more info in 6th para)
SEOUL, Oct. 22 (Yonhap) -- The justice minister's decision to take over the investigative command authority of the prosecutor general in a high-profile financial scam scandal was illegal and absurd, the country's top prosecutor said Thursday, in the latest dispute in the ongoing power struggle between the ministry and the prosecution.
"I believe with certainty that (the decision) is illegal in terms of its legal grounds and intentions," Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl said during an annual parliamentary audit of the Supreme Prosecutors Office (SPO) at the National Assembly in Seoul.
The statement was made in response to Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae's order Monday calling for Yoon to recuse himself from the investigation into the financial scam scandal involving Lime Asset Management Co. amid allegations that he failed to conduct a thorough investigation into opposition politicians and prosecutors allegedly implicated in the case.
Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl speaks during an annual parliamentary audit of the Supreme Prosecutors Office at the National Assembly in Seoul on Oct. 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
"The minister's right to investigative command stipulates the minister's right to forward comments via the prosecutor general. On the exclusion (of the prosecutor general) from supervision rights, most legal experts find this a violation of the Prosecutors' Office Act," Yoon argued.
Tensions between the ministry and the prosecution have flared up to new heights this week following Choo's taking over the investigative authority in the case.
On Thursday, Choo ordered a joint inspection by her ministry and the Supreme Prosecutors Office into the process of the probe of the financial scandal surrounding Lime Asset Management to see if there was any cover-up or if the probe was skewed in favor of opposition politicians suspected of involvement.
The clash between the administration and the prosecution has transpired largely from last year following controversial investigations into former Justice Minister Cho Kuk, a key architect of President Moon Jae-in's drive for prosecution reform, and his family.
Reform of the prosecution has been a key agenda of the Moon administration amid long-held public views that the state prosecution has wielded excessive power without adequate checks and balances.
Choo also claimed that the SPO has "deceived" the public regarding an ongoing high profile investigation into Kim Bong-hyun, a key suspect in the financial fraud case.
Park Soon-chul, chief of the southern district prosecution office who has been leading the probe, tendered his resignation Thursday in apparent protest of the justice minister's actions. On the prosecution's internal electronic bulletin board, Park wrote, "Politics have consumed the prosecution."
Yoon also insisted that the position of prosecutor general is juridically not subordinate to the justice minister.
"If the prosecutor general is indeed a subordinate of the minister, it means that the political neutrality of the position is compromised and also there would be no need to have the position of the prosecutor general at all."
During the audit, Yoon also refuted accusations from the justice ministry that he was being negligent in overseeing the entirety of the investigation. "Slander would be the gentlest word I could use to describe the situation," he said.
Despite growing calls from the ruling liberal bloc for his resignation, the prosecutor general said he will "fulfill his duty under any amount of pressure."
Yoon also said that after the parliamentary elections in April, the president told him through an "appropriate messenger" that he should serve out his term.
"I will carry out my duty without wavering, as doing what I am supposed to do during my term is my obligation to the one who appointed me, and the people," he said.
The top prosecutor also stated that he recognizes that public demand for institutional reform of the prosecution still remains high.
Yoon added that the prosecution has reflected back on its investigative practices and culture from the perspective of the Constitution and the public during the past year and has "pursued various reform measures."
The prosecutor general also described allegations and suspicions surrounding his family as groundless.
"Public office should be held accountable to strict standards. But who would want to serve when groundless accusations are thrown at those working under fair work ethics? I believe this is unfair."
The prosecution is currently looking into allegations that Yoon's wife was involved in manipulating stocks in Deutsch Motors and that her art exhibition company took bribes disguised as donations.
In this file photo taken on Sept. 21, 2020, Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae (C) speaks during a briefing on the outcome of the second strategic meeting on the reform of the National Intelligence Service, the prosecution and the police at the government complex in Seoul. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-22--(LEAD) Antitrust watchdog to review Google's competition violation this year: head

`` The KFTC is currently conducting a probe related to Google 's operating system and another on its app store @ @ @ @ @ KFTC chairperson , told lawmakers during a parliamentary audit .
`` We will try to @ @ @ @ @ cases by the end of this year . ''

(ATTN: ADDS remarks in paras 9-10)
SEOUL, Oct. 22 (Yonhap) -- The head of South Korea's fair trade watchdog said Thursday her agency will review one of two ongoing probes into Google Inc.'s market competition violations.
Since 2016, the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) has been investigating Google over allegations that it obstructed local smartphone makers from using operating systems from other rivals.
It is also investigating whether Google forced mobile game applications to be only released on its Play store.
"The KFTC is currently conducting a probe related to Google's operating system and another on its app store," Joh Sung-wook, KFTC chairperson, told lawmakers during a parliamentary audit. "We will try to wrap up one of the cases by the end of this year."
Korea Fair Trade Commission Chairperson Joh Sung-wook speaks during a parliamentary audit at the National Assembly in western Seoul on Oct. 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
The corporate watchdog's stance comes as the U.S. tech giant has recently come under intense scrutiny from South Korean regulators after it adopted a new policy late last month to make all apps on its Play store use its proprietary billing system.
Under the new policy set to take effect in October next year, Google will take a 30 percent commission on all digital content purchases by users.
Joh said she believes Google harmed market competition, using its dominant position.
"The main reason behind Google's decision to take 30 percent in commission is the lack of competition in this market," she said. "In the KFTC's perspective, Google has taken actions to harm competition."
Asked by a lawmaker whether Google is a dominant market player in South Korea, Joh replied, "Yes."
South Korea will strictly apply the nation's fair trade laws to a company regardless of its nationality, Joh said.
The tech giant holds a tight grip over local app store sales, garnering a whopping 63.4 percent stake in last year's sales of 6 trillion won (US$5 billion), followed by Apple Inc.'s App Store with a 24.4 percent stake with 2.3 trillion won, according to the Korea Mobile Internet Business Association.
Joh added that it is unclear whether Apple holds a dominant position, considering its market share.
yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-22--KBO legend bids teary farewell after 18-year career

Kim is going down as one of the greatest hitters in KBO history , and perhaps the finest right-handed batter @ @ @ @ @ has a career.320/.421/.516 line , plus , 2,209 hits , 311 home runs and 1,358 @ @ @ @ @ Kim ranks third in league history in hits , third in RBIs and fifth in @ @ @ @ @ at least 3,000 plate appearances .
Among right-handed batters , he is first in career @ @ @ @ @ , hits , RBIs and walks .
Kim also holds the record with an 86-game @ @ @ @ @ the 2017 season .

DAEJEON, Oct. 22 (Yonhap) -- No sooner had he opened his retirement press conference on Thursday than Kim Tae-kyun started fighting back tears.
The 38-year-old had announced his retirement from the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) on Wednesday, after spending all 18 years here with the Hanwha Eagles, in addition to two seasons in Japan. He turned down an offer from the Eagles to appear in one final game before home fans, instead opting to hold a press conference at the home stadium, Hanwha Life Eagles Park in Daejeon, 160 kilometers south of Seoul.
Kim Tae-kyun of the Hanwha Eagles wipes away tears during his retirement press conference at Hanwha Life Eagles Park in Daejeon, 160 kilometers south of Seoul, on Oct. 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
He appeared in only 67 games out of the team's 138 before Thursdays' game, due to injuries and general ineffectiveness. Kim's last game came on Aug. 15.
"It's always been a huge source of pride for me to wear the Eagles uniform," Kim said. "It's pretty sad knowing I am taking it off for good."
Kim is going down as one of the greatest hitters in KBO history, and perhaps the finest right-handed batter of all time. He has a career.320/.421/.516 line, plus, 2,209 hits, 311 home runs and 1,358 RBIs in 2,014 games. Kim ranks third in league history in hits, third in RBIs and fifth in batting average among hitters with at least 3,000 plate appearances. Among right-handed batters, he is first in career batting average, on-base percentage, hits, RBIs and walks. Kim also holds the record with an 86-game on-base streak, set during the 2017 season.
"I didn't play baseball to set records, but I am glad that I topped 300 home runs, 2,000 hits and 1,000 RBIs," Kim said. "I am also proud of my on-base streak record."
Kim Tae-kyun of the Hanwha Eagles speaks during his retirement press conference at Hanwha Life Eagles Park in Daejeon, 160 kilometers south of Seoul, on Oct. 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
Kim won the Rookie of the Year in 2001 by hitting 20 home runs in just 88 games. He had five more 20-homer seasons between 2003 and 2008, including a league-high 31 in 2008. But in the latter part of his career, Kim became more of an on-base type hitter, taking what pitchers gave him instead of chasing pitches out of the zone in search of home runs. His on-base percentage consistently remained over .400 but his power numbers dipped.
"I've always hated making outs," Kim said of his approach. "I tried to become a hitter that pitchers didn't want to face. And I never had any regrets about my personal stats. I am proud of the work I put in."
The one big regret Kim does have is never having won a Korean Series championship. The Eagles' only Korean Series appearance during Kim's career came in 2006. They've only been to the postseason twice since, 2007 and 2018.
"We went to the Korean Series in 2006, and I didn't appreciate how precious that opportunity was back then," Kim said. "Our team was so stacked that I thought an opportunity like that would come so easily. I've told younger guys that they should pounce on a chance to win a championship when they have it."
Kim Tae-kyun of the Hanwha Eagles (R) shakes hands with the club's interim manager, Choi Won-ho, prior to his retirement press conference at Hanwha Life Eagles Park in Daejeon, 160 kilometers south of Seoul, on Oct. 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
Before the 2020 season, Kim turned down a two-year offer from the Eagles and instead signed for one year. He explained that, if he wasn't happy with his play after the 2020 season, then he would call it a career. He didn't want to hang around and play out the string for another year, when someone more productive could take his spot on the roster.
"After I signed the deal, I trained as hard as I ever had," Kim said. "I wanted to make sure I wouldn't have second thoughts about retiring. When I got sent down to the minors early in the season, I started thinking seriously about quitting. And then when I went back to the minors in August, I decided it was time to go."
The Eagles said Wednesday that Kim will serve as a special assistant to the general manager. Kim said he'll try the best he can to help the club in his new capacity, while also taking it as a new learning opportunity.
"I've been playing baseball since I was in second grade at elementary school, and there are so many things I want to do now," Kim said. "I want to do something that can help improve baseball further."
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-22--(2nd LD) Flu shot program remains unfazed by rising suspected deaths: authorities

`` There were more reported cases of death ; yet , it is the experts ' opinion that there is @ @ @ @ @ deaths and the vaccination , '' Jeong Eun-kyeong , director of the Korea Disease Control @ @ @ @ @ ) , said during a parliamentary hearing .

(ATTN: UPDATES throughout; RESTRUCTURES)
SEOUL, Oct. 22 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's health authorities reaffirmed Thursday that the state-initiated seasonal flu shot program will continue despite more suspected deaths, citing no direct link between flu shots and deaths.
"There were more reported cases of death; yet, it is the experts' opinion that there is no direct link between the deaths and the vaccination," Jeong Eun-kyeong, director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), said during a parliamentary hearing.
A citizen receives a free flu shot at a medical center in Seoul on Oct. 19, 2020. (Yonhap)
As of 4 p.m. Thursday, the number of people who died after being vaccinated in recent days was 25, compared with 12 recorded at the start of the day, according to the KDCA.
Of the 25 deaths, 22, or 88 percent, are people aged 60 or older. If data from provincial governments is added, the total number of deaths would reach 28.
The country has been pushing for a state free flu shot scheme to inoculate some 19 million people, including teenagers and senior citizens, to curb the possible "twindemic."
The KDCA chief said a thorough investigation is under way to find the exact cause of their deaths, as well as epidemiological investigations, including autopsies, into nine cases.
Of them, two deaths may be related to anaphylaxis shock, a serious allergic reaction that follows immunization, according to the KDCA.
The free vaccination program -- which was expanded this year in an effort to prevent the potential twindemic during the winter -- is joined by five major drugmakers that include GC Pharma and Ilyang Pharmaceutical Co.
Jeong said the vaccines given to the deceased were manufactured by the five firms and all have different serial numbers, refuting allegations of possible side effects, such as toxicity.
Earlier in the day, Health Minister Park Neung-hoo also sought to soothe growing public anxiety over flu shots stressing that the free program will go ahead as planned.
Fears over flu vaccines first emerged last Friday after a 17-year-old boy in the western port city of Incheon died two days after receiving a flu shot.
Similar fatalities were reported, mostly among senior citizens, health authorities said. Most of them also had underlying diseases.
Health authorities said they are closely monitoring people who were administered those vaccines at the same medical institutions as the deceased on the same day.
Public confusion deepened as medical doctors advised the government to suspend the program, with a public health center in Seoul's Yeongdeungpo district recommending the suspension "as a preemptive step."
"We advise vaccine inoculation programs be suspended for one week as the causal links between recent death cases and vaccination have not been clearly verified," the Korean Medical Association (KMA) said.
Choi Dae-zip, the KMA chief, anticipated that vaccine inoculation will considerably decrease from Friday onward.
"The KDCA conclusively says there is no problem with the vaccine itself, but the government's position appears to insinuate that there are problems with the distribution process, storage methods and the process of inoculation," Choi said.
"How can (people) feel assured and get vaccinated at medical institutions under such circumstances?"
But the KMA agreed with the government's stance that there is a need for vaccine inoculation.
KMA is the country's largest doctors' association and represents some 130,000 doctors.
According to the KDCA, there has been only one death with a connection to a flu shot. In 2009, a 65-year-old woman was diagnosed with Miller Fisher syndrome, a rare nerve disease, after receiving a flu shot and died a year later.
Fewer people than ever wait in line at a hospital in Seoul on Oct. 22, 2020, to get flu shots amid concerns about their safety. The number of people who have died after receiving flu vaccines under the state-led free flu shot scheme this year, came to 19 the same day, with no evidence found to show those deaths are linked to flu shots. (Yonhap)
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-22--(2nd LD) Justice minister's exercise of investigative command in fund scandal 'absurd': top prosecut

(2nd LD) Justice minister's exercise of investigative command in fund scandal 'absurd': top prosecutor

(ATTN: ADDS more info in paras 14-15)
SEOUL, Oct. 22 (Yonhap) -- The justice minister's decision to take over the investigative command authority of the prosecutor general in a high-profile financial scam scandal was illegal and absurd, the country's top prosecutor said Thursday, in the latest dispute in the ongoing power struggle between the ministry and the prosecution.
"I believe with certainty that (the decision) is illegal in terms of its legal grounds and intentions," Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl said during an annual parliamentary audit of the Supreme Prosecutors Office (SPO) at the National Assembly in Seoul.
The statement was made in response to Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae's order Monday calling for Yoon to recuse himself from the investigation into the financial scam scandal involving Lime Asset Management Co. amid allegations that he failed to conduct a thorough investigation into opposition politicians and prosecutors allegedly implicated in the case.
Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl speaks during an annual parliamentary audit of the Supreme Prosecutors Office at the National Assembly in Seoul on Oct. 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
"The minister's right to investigative command stipulates the minister's right to forward comments via the prosecutor general. On the exclusion (of the prosecutor general) from supervision rights, most legal experts find this a violation of the Prosecutors' Office Act," Yoon argued.
Tensions between the ministry and the prosecution have flared up to new heights this week following Choo's taking over the investigative authority in the case.
The clash between the administration and the prosecution has transpired largely from last year following controversial investigations into former Justice Minister Cho Kuk, a key architect of President Moon Jae-in's drive for prosecution reform, and his family.
Reform of the prosecution has been a key agenda of the Moon administration amid long-held public views that the state prosecution has wielded excessive power without adequate checks and balances.
Choo also claimed that the SPO has "deceived" the public regarding an ongoing high profile investigation into Kim Bong-hyun, a key suspect in the financial fraud case.
Park Soon-chul, chief of the southern district prosecution office who has been leading the probe, tendered his resignation Thursday in apparent protest of the justice minister's actions. On the prosecution's internal electronic bulletin board, Park wrote, "Politics have consumed the prosecution."
Yoon also insisted that the position of prosecutor general is juridically not subordinate to the justice minister.
"If the prosecutor general is indeed a subordinate of the minister, it means that the political neutrality of the position is compromised and also there would be no need to have the position of the prosecutor general at all."
During the audit, Yoon also refuted accusations from the justice ministry that he was being negligent in overseeing the entirety of the investigation. "Slander would be the gentlest word I could use to describe the situation," he said.
Despite growing calls from the ruling liberal bloc for his resignation, the prosecutor general said he will "fulfill his duty under any amount of pressure."
Yoon also said that after the parliamentary elections in April, the president told him through an "appropriate messenger" that he should serve out his term.
"I will carry out my duty without wavering, as doing what I am supposed to do during my term is my obligation to the one who appointed me, and the people," he said.
The top prosecutor also stated that he recognizes that public demand for institutional reform of the prosecution still remains high.
Yoon added that the prosecution has reflected back on its investigative practices and culture from the perspective of the Constitution and the public during the past year and has "pursued various reform measures."
The prosecutor general also described allegations and suspicions surrounding his family as groundless.
"Public office should be held accountable to strict standards. But who would want to serve when groundless accusations are thrown at those working under fair work ethics? I believe this is unfair."
The prosecution is currently looking into allegations that Yoon's wife was involved in manipulating stocks in Deutsch Motors and that her art exhibition company took bribes disguised as donations.
In this file photo taken on Sept. 21, 2020, Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae (C) speaks during a briefing on the outcome of the second strategic meeting on the reform of the National Intelligence Service, the prosecution and the police at the government complex in Seoul. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-22--N. Korea's new ICBM estimated to deliver payload of 2.5-3 tons: expert

The expert pointed out that while the new missile may have the thrust to carry a heavy payload , its @ @ @ @ @ `` severely '' limited by its tremendous size and weight .
He also said that @ @ @ @ @ heavy and brittle '' to be transported safely when fully fueled .

SEOUL, Oct. 22 (Yonhap) -- A new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that North Korea unveiled at a military parade earlier this month is estimated to be able to deliver a payload of about 2.5-3 tons, a missile defense expert has said.
In an analysis posted on 38 North, a U.S. website monitoring North Korea, Michael Elleman, senior fellow for missile defense at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, also raised the need to question the authenticity of the ICBM given Pyongyang's history of introducing "fake" missiles at celebratory parades.
During the Oct. 10 parade celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers' Party, the North presented the presumptive Hwasong-16 ICBM on a transporter erector launcher (TEL) with 22 wheels -- an indication that it is longer than the Hwasong-15 ICBM carried by a 18-wheel TEL.
The larger ICBM has triggered speculation that it could deliver a heavier warhead or multiple ones that could target the U.S. mainland.
"The plot suggests the Hwasong-16 can deliver a payload of about 2,500 to 3,000 kg to any target on the US mainland, which is almost double the Hwasong-15's throw-weight of about 1,500 kg," Elleman said, referring to the figure in the analysis that shows the estimate.
The expert pointed out that while the new missile may have the thrust to carry a heavy payload, its mobility is going to be "severely" limited by its tremendous size and weight. He also said that the missile is "too heavy and brittle" to be transported safely when fully fueled.
"So (the missile) must be fueled at the launch site after it has been erected—a process that requires several hours to complete. Consequently, the missile would be vulnerable to pre-launch attack," he said.
Touching on the possibility of the North working on the technology for multiple interdependently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRV), Elleman said that it is "no easy task" and will require further development of missile and guidance systems and significant flight testing.
The expert pointed out that in a 2012 military parade, the North unveiled poorly built mock-ups of a long-range missile.
"North Korea has a history of introducing 'fake' missiles during celebratory parades, so it is appropriate to question the authenticity of the Hwasong-16 presented earlier this month," he said.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-22--In 'True Mothers,' director Kawase sheds light on different forms of motherhood

The director , who won the Grand Prix at Cannes for `` The Mourning Forest '' ( 2007 ) , @ @ @ @ @ that there is still a long way to go before people become accustomed to such @ @ @ @ @ conservative Japan , where people still adamantly adhere to the blood ties and are reluctant @ @ @

By Kim Boram
SEOUL, Oct. 22 (Yonhap) -- Japanese film director Naomi Kawase said Thursday that her latest family drama, "True Mothers," explored through adoption unconventional family relationships based not on parentage.
"I tried to feature a relationship that does not rely on blood ties. This is what I've dealt with in many of my previous works," the director said in an online press conference during the 25th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) that kicked off Wednesday for a 10-day run in the southern port city of Busan.
"This time, I focused on people who can become a family without biological relationship," she said.
This image provided by the Busan International Film Festival shows a scene from "True Mothers." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Based on the Japanese novel "Morning Comes," "True Mothers" starts with Satoko (Hiromi Nagasaku), the adoptive mother of a six-year old son, receiving a call from a woman who claims that she is the boy's biological mother and wants him back.
It follows the emotional reactions of the two mothers, one who gave birth to and the other who raised the child for several years, as their daily lives are disrupted.
"True Mothers," an official selection of the 2020 Cannes Film Festival, was shown at the Gala Presentation section of BIFF on Thursday.
This image provided by the Busan International Film Festival shows a scene from "True Mothers." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The director, who won the Grand Prix at Cannes for "The Mourning Forest" (2007), said she knows very well that there is still a long way to go before people become accustomed to such type of a family in conservative Japan, where people still adamantly adhere to the blood ties and are reluctant to adopt.
"There is the national adoption system in Japan but few people are aware of it," she said. "People strongly want a son to extend the family tree and it is hard for a sterile person to get married."
The 51-year old director, who is also well known as a documentary filmmaker, used both fictional and non-fictional methods to depict the story in an effort to ease viewers' possibly negative feelings about adoption and teenage pregnancy.
"As it has its original story, I made efforts not to lose the fictional storyline," Kawase said. "But at the same time, I thought I can cross the line between fiction and documentary. It's like I can bring the audience to the fictional world from reality."
This image provided by the Busan International Film Festival shows a scene from "True Mothers." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The Japanese director celebrated the opening of BIFF despite the COVID-19 pandemic that led the festival to employ a reduced hybrid format in which all outdoor events, like the opening and closing ceremonies, were canceled.
But she said she has found a glimmer of hope for a more interconnected world, as people are seeking ways to communicate through technology.
"For months of suffering the novel coronavirus pandemic, I think we are confident that the world can be connected more closely," she said. "We can communicate online and this experience will help us anticipate physical meetings in the coming future."
Japanese film director Naomi Kawase in this picture provided by the Busan International Film Festival (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-22--(LEAD) Another parcel delivery worker dies apparently from overwork

An advocacy group said Thursday that Kang Doo-han , 39 , who was contracted with CJ Logistics , collapsed at @ @ @ @ @ at 11:50 p.m. on Tuesday .
He was sent to a hospital but died at @ @ @ @ @ it said .

(ATTN: ADDS CJ's news conference in last 7 paras, photo)
SEOUL, Oct. 22 (Yonhap) -- A parcel delivery worker died while on duty this week, the latest in a series of couriers' deaths largely blamed on overwork amid an industry boom due to the coronavirus.
An advocacy group said Thursday that Kang Doo-han, 39, who was contracted with CJ Logistics, collapsed at a hub terminal near Seoul at 11:50 p.m. on Tuesday. He was sent to a hospital but died at 1 a.m. on Wednesday, it said.
Kang is the 13th worker in the industry who has died this year, at a time when the pandemic has led to a surge in online orders and shipment volumes.
Activists hold a press conference on Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square on Oct. 21, 2020, to demand the creation of a new deliberative body to address couriers' deaths. (Yonhap)
According to his family members and activists, the deceased suffered from extremely long hours of work just before his death.
He worked from 2 p.m. on Sunday to noon on Monday. He went back to work at 5 p.m. on Monday and continued to work before collapsing the following night, they said.
"The deceased usually worked at night. He was pressed hard for time and continued to work for several days without taking proper rest," said the group working for the rights of delivery workers.
The man had heart problems but the overwork is presumed to be the direct cause of his death, it added.
Also on Thursday, the chief executive of CJ Logistics apologized for its workers' deaths. Including Kang, six workers contracted with the company have died this year.
"We apologize for the successive deaths of couriers. All members of management of CJ Logistics are taking this situation seriously and working hard to prevent a recurrence," CEO Park Keun-hee said during a news conference at the company's building.
Park Keun-hee, chief executive of CJ Logistics, bows to apologize for the deaths of its delivery workers in Seoul on Oct. 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
The company announced measures to prevent their overwork, including a plan to increase the number of workers assigned to sorting of packages to 4,000 from the current 1,000 in stages starting next month.
Delivery workers complained they spend half of their hours on sorting and that they do not receive proper compensation for the work.
CJ also promised to have all parcel workers benefit from industrial accident insurance within the first half of next year.
About 80 percent of the nation's delivery workers are exempted from the insurance. A government probe found that a recently deceased CJ worker's application to be exempted from insurance coverage was written by someone else.
The government is inspecting major delivery companies to look into whether there are similar manipulations, possibly by branch operators, to avoid paying insurance premiums.
(END)


yna--2020-10-22--Moon unveils plan to pour 10 tln won into 'smart city' scheme by 2025

The government plans to supply a relevant data integration platform to each of a total of 108 local authorities by @ @ @ @ @ that would enable 60 percent of South Koreans to feel the impact of the smart @ @ @ @ @ Moon .

SEOUL, Oct. 22 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in said Thursday that the government will invest 10 trillion won (US$8.8 billion) into South Korea's "smart city" project nationwide by 2025, as the country aims to become a global leader in the field under the so-called Korean version New Deal initiative.
The government plans to supply a relevant data integration platform to each of a total of 108 local authorities by the end of this year that would enable 60 percent of South Koreans to feel the impact of the smart city drive, according to Moon.
He presented the vision during a visit to Songdo, a district on reclaimed land from the Yellow Sea located about an hour drive west from Seoul.
Songdo is an iconic smart city built from scratch, designed to address the ills of conventional cities by taking advantage of such new technologies as ICT and big data. For instance, data sensors are embedded in energy grids, buildings and traffic hubs.
"The key to smart cities is to establish an intelligence-type city operation system by utilizing urban data collected from CCTVs and sensors," Moon said in his speech at the Smart City Integrated Operation Center of Songdo.
President Moon Jae-in delivers a speech during a visit to the Smart City Integrated Operation Center of Songdo, a district in Incheon, just west of Seoul on Oct. 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
Smart city has emerged as an "unavoidable future" for the sake of saving energy and creating eco-friendly cities to cope with climate change, he said.
"The world will once again compete fiercely for the speed of developing and spreading smart cities," with global smart city market projected to grow to $820 billion by 2025, he said.
The government will pour 10 trillion won into related businesses by that year and create more than 150,000 jobs, he added.
To that end, it plans to "speed up the construction of smart cities as a core project of the Korean version of New Deal that combines digital and green," he said.
"First, (the government) will realize 'smart cities' nationwide more speedily" and it will also "digitalize the public infrastructure, like roads and railways," with the use of Internet of things (IoT) sensors, Moon stated.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-22--(2nd LD) LG Display shifts to black for 1st time since 2018

SEOUL , Oct. 22 ( Yonhap ) -- LG Display Co. , a major display panel maker in South Korea @ @ @ @ @ swung to the black in the third quarter of the year on the back of @ @ @ @ @ in IT gadgets and increased shipments of large-size panels for TVs amid the pandemic-driven stay-at-home @ @

(ATTN: ADDS more info in paras 7, 11, 13, 2nd photo)
SEOUL, Oct. 22 (Yonhap) -- LG Display Co., a major display panel maker in South Korea, on Thursday said it swung to the black in the third quarter of the year on the back of robust demand for displays used in IT gadgets and increased shipments of large-size panels for TVs amid the pandemic-driven stay-at-home trend.
The company chalked up a net profit of 11.1 billion won (US$9.8 million) in the July-September period, shifting from a loss of 442.2 billion won a year earlier.
It also logged an operating profit of 164.4 billion won in the third quarter, swinging from an operating loss of 436.7 billion won a year ago. Sales rose 15.7 percent to 6.73 trillion won over the cited period.
This is the first time since the fourth quarter of 2018 that the company posted an operating profit.
This image provided by LG Display Co. shows its corporate logo. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
LG Display attributed the turnaround to increased supply of displays for IT products and plastic OLED panels for mobile devices.
Full operation of its OLED plant in Guangzhou, China, and robust demand for large-size LCD panels also improved its profitability, according to the company.
LG Display said its display panel shipment area reached 8.3 million square meters in the third quarter, up 23.8 percent from the previous quarter, while the blended averages selling price of its displays reached $706 per square meter, up 7.9 percent from the previous three months.
Panels for IT products accounted for 43 percent of its revenue in the third quarter. TV panels accounted for 28 percent of its revenue, while mobile display products made up 29 percent of its sales.
LG Display said it plans to double the shipment of large-size OLED panels in the second half of the year compared to the first half as operation of its Guangzhou plant is in full swing.
The company aims to supply more than 7 million units of large-size OLED display panels next year.
This photo provided by LG Display Co. shows the company's OLED plant in Guangzhou, China. (Yonhap)
In regards to rising demand for 48-inch OLED sheets, LG Display said it is preparing to manufacture such display panels from its factory in Paju, north of Seoul. Currently, 48-inch OLED panels are produced at the company's Guangzhou plant.
To cope with rising demand for panels for IT products, driven by the work-from-home trend and remote learning, the company said it will convert more of its LCD TV panel production lines to IT display manufacturing lines.
LG Display said it expects the strong demand for IT panels to continue through the first half of 2021.
Shares in LG Display fell 0.32 percent to 15,750 won on the Seoul bourse, outperforming the broader KOSPI's 0.67 percent drop. Its earnings results were released after the stock market closed.
(END)


yna--2020-10-22--(LEAD) Main opposition submits bill calling for special counsel probe into fund scam scandal

As for the scope of its mandate , the bill proposes that the team look into the massive financial losses @ @ @ @ @ asset management companies , Lime and Optimus , and related allegations that the private equity @ @ @ @ @ officials and politicians , reportedly from both the ruling and main opposition parties , to @ @ @ @ @ evade investigations .

(ATTN: UPDATES with more info in last 4 paras; ADDS photo)
SEOUL, Oct. 22 (Yonhap) -- The main opposition party, allied with outside lawmakers, on Thursday submitted a bill calling for the launch of an independent special counsel investigation into a snowballing fund scam scandal currently under investigation by prosecutors.
Rep. Joo Ho-young, the floor leader of the People Power Party (PPP), submitted the legislation proposal to the National Assembly on behalf of his party earlier in the day.
All 103 PPP lawmakers signed on to support the bill, while seven lawmakers from outside the party joined the law proposal, including three from the minor conservative People's Party.
The bill calls for the dispatch of up to 30 prosecutors to the proposed independent special counsel team to investigate the scandal, along with up to 60 government workers.
It also proposed that the president pick the top special counsel out of the two candidates to be shortlisted by the Korean Bar Association.
The president assumes the authority to appoint four deputy special counsels under the law proposal, while the appointed top special counsel is entitled to name up to 60 investigators to back up the probe.
The investigation team will be given 70 days to carry out the probe, which can be extended by 30 more days upon approval from the president.
As for the scope of its mandate, the bill proposes that the team look into the massive financial losses inflicted on investors by two asset management companies, Lime and Optimus, and related allegations that the private equity investment firms illegally lobbied government officials and politicians, reportedly from both the ruling and main opposition parties, to cover up the cases and evade investigations.
People Power Party floor leader Rep. Joo Ho-young (R) and Rep. Kwon Eun-hee, the floor leader of the People's Party, submit a bill calling for the launch of a special counsel investigation into a snowballing fund scam scandal on Oct. 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
The cases are currently under investigation by the prosecution service. But PPP has been making a case for a separate independent probe by a special counsel, citing a lack of objectivity in the ongoing investigation.
"If (DP) rejects the (proposed) special counsel investigation, the public would assume that it has a lot to cover up, possibly that it might be a power abuse lobby gate," PPP floor leader Joo said in a party meeting before the bill's submission.
DP, however, reaffirmed its rejection of the proposed independent probe during a meeting of the floor leaders of the ruling and main opposition parties.
"Speed is the key (in the scandal's investigation), and having said that, a special counsel probe is inappropriate," DP floor leader Rep. Kim Tae-nyeon was quoted as telling Joo in the meeting.
Joo told reporters after the meeting that he will do all he can to make the special counsel probe happen.
The bipartisan disagreement is expected to become another flashpoint between the two rival parties, with DP, holding the absolute majority of 174 seats in the 300-member assembly, likely to work to block the bill at the chamber.
People Power Party floor leader Rep. Joo Ho-young (L) and Democratic Party floor leader Kim Tae-nyeon hold a meeting on Oct. 22, 2020 at the National Assembly in Seoul. (Yonhap)
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-22--Antitrust watchdog to review Google's competition violation this year: head

SEOUL, Oct. 22 (Yonhap) -- The head of South Korea's fair trade watchdog said Thursday her agency will review one of two ongoing probes into Google Inc.'s market competition violations.
Since 2016, the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) has been investigating Google over allegations that it obstructed local smartphone makers from using operating systems from other rivals.
It is also investigating whether Google forced mobile game applications to be only released on its Play store.
"The KFTC is currently conducting a probe related to Google's operating system and another on its app store," Joh Sung-wook, KFTC chairperson, told lawmakers during a parliamentary audit. "We will try to wrap up one of the cases by the end of this year."
Korea Fair Trade Commission Chairperson Joh Sung-wook speaks during a parliamentary audit at the National Assembly in western Seoul on Oct. 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
The corporate watchdog's stance comes as the U.S. tech giant has recently come under intense scrutiny from South Korean regulators after it adopted a new policy late last month to make all apps on its Play store use its proprietary billing system.
Under the new policy set to take effect in October next year, Google will take a 30 percent commission on all digital content purchases by users.
Joh said she believes Google harmed market competition, using its dominant position.
"The main reason behind Google's decision to take 30 percent in commission is the lack of competition in this market," she said. "In the KFTC's perspective, Google has taken actions to harm competition."
The tech giant holds a tight grip over local app store sales, garnering a whopping 63.4 percent stake in last year's sales of 6 trillion won (US$5 billion), followed by Apple Inc.'s App Store with a 24.4 percent stake with 2.3 trillion won, according to the Korea Mobile Internet Business Association.
Joh added that it is unclear whether Apple holds a dominant position, considering its market share.
yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-22--(LEAD) Justice minister's exercise of investigative command in fund scandal 'absurd': top prosecutor

(ATTN: RESTRUCTURES, UPDATES with more background, details in paras 6-7, 10-11, 13, 16-19)
SEOUL, Oct. 22 (Yonhap) -- The justice minister's decision to take over the investigative command authority of the prosecutor general in a high-profile financial scam scandal was illegal and absurd, the country's top prosecutor said Thursday, in the latest dispute in the ongoing power struggle between the ministry and the prosecution.
"I believe with certainty that (the decision) is illegal in terms of its legal grounds and intentions," Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl said during an annual parliamentary audit of the Supreme Prosecutors Office (SPO) at the National Assembly in Seoul.
The statement was made in response to Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae's order Monday calling for Yoon to recuse himself from the investigation into the financial scam scandal involving Lime Asset Management Co. amid allegations that he failed to conduct a thorough investigation into opposition politicians and prosecutors allegedly implicated in the case.
Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl speaks during an annual parliamentary audit of the Supreme Prosecutors Office at the National Assembly in Seoul on Oct. 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
"The minister's right to investigative command stipulates the minister's right to forward comments via the prosecutor general. On the exclusion (of the prosecutor general) from supervision rights, most legal experts find this a violation of the Prosecutors' Office Act," Yoon argued.
Tensions between the ministry and the prosecution have flared up to new heights this week following Choo's taking over the investigative authority in the case.
The clash between the administration and the prosecution has transpired largely from last year following controversial investigations into former Justice Minister Cho Kuk, a key architect of President Moon Jae-in's drive for prosecution reform, and his family.
Reform of the prosecution has been a key agenda of the Moon administration amid long-held public views that the state prosecution has wielded excessive power without adequate checks and balances.
Choo also claimed that the SPO has "deceived" the public regarding an ongoing high profile investigation into Kim Bong-hyun, a key suspect in the financial fraud case.
Park Soon-chul, chief of the southern district prosecution office who has been leading the probe, tendered his resignation Thursday in apparent protest of the justice minister's actions. On the prosecution's internal electronic bulletin board, Park wrote, "Politics have consumed the prosecution."
Yoon also insisted that the position of prosecutor general is juridically not subordinate to the justice minister.
"If the prosecutor general is indeed a subordinate of the minister, it means that the political neutrality of the position is compromised and also there would be no need to have the position of the prosecutor general at all."
During the audit, Yoon also refuted accusations from the justice ministry that he was being negligent in overseeing the entirety of the investigation. "Slander would be the gentlest word I could use to describe the situation," he said.
Despite growing calls from the ruling liberal bloc for his resignation, the prosecutor general said he will "fulfill his duty under any amount of pressure."
The top prosecutor also stated that he recognizes that public demand for institutional reform of the prosecution still remains high.
Yoon added that the prosecution has reflected back on its investigative practices and culture from the perspective of the Constitution and the public during the past year and has "pursued various reform measures."
The prosecutor general also described allegations and suspicions surrounding his family as groundless.
"Public office should be held accountable to strict standards. But who would want to serve when groundless accusations are thrown at those working under fair work ethics? I believe this is unfair."
The prosecution is currently looking into allegations that Yoon's wife was involved in manipulating stocks in Deutsch Motors and that her art exhibition company took bribes disguised as donations.
In this file photo taken on Sept. 21, 2020, Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae (C) speaks during a briefing on the outcome of the second strategic meeting on the reform of the National Intelligence Service, the prosecution and the police at the government complex in Seoul. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

During a meeting last week in Washington , U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said that it will take time to @ @ @ @ @ transition , while South Korean Defense Minister Suh Wook said the two sides will work @ @ @ @ @ meeting the conditions at an early date .

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Thursday.
-----------------
(LEAD) Flu shot program remains unfazed by rising suspected deaths: authorities
SEOUL -- South Korea's health authorities reaffirmed Thursday that the state-initiated seasonal flu shot program will continue despite more suspected deaths.
As of noon Thursday, at least 17 people have died after being vaccinated in recent days, up from eight a day ago. The country has been pushing for a state free flu shot scheme to inoculate some 19 million people, including teenagers and senior citizens, to curb the possible "twindemic."
-----------------
(LEAD) Kang, Pompeo hold consecutive phone talks
SEOUL -- Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha spoke by phone with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo twice this week for talks that included discussions on bilateral issues and Seoul's bid for the top post at the World Trade Organization (WTO), her office said Thursday.
The phone talks, which took place Wednesday and Thursday, came after Pompeo called off his visit to Seoul and cut short his East Asia trip earlier this month following U.S. President Donald Trump's COVID-19 contraction.
-----------------
S. Korea, U.S. working for OPCON transfer in stable manner: Seoul ministry
SEOUL -- South Korea and the United States have been pushing for the envisioned transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) in a stable manner, Seoul's defense ministry said Thursday, amid speculation that the two sides widely differ over the issue.
During a meeting last week in Washington, U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said that it will take time to meet required conditions for the transition, while South Korean Defense Minister Suh Wook said the two sides will work together to get prepared by meeting the conditions at an early date.
-----------------
Wolsong-1 reactor to be decommissioned as planned: industry minister
SEOUL -- South Korea's industry minister said Thursday the decommissioning of the Wolsong-1 reactor will be carried out as originally planned despite the latest state audit report, which said its economic value was unreasonably deflated.
Early this week, the Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI) said that the economic assessment of South Korea's second-oldest nuclear reactor was unreasonably undervalued.
-----------------
Japanese envoy accepts DP's request for info sharing on irradiated water release: party chief
SEOUL -- The head of South Korea's ruling party met with the top Japanese envoy to Seoul on Thursday and requested that Tokyo share all information on its planned release of contaminated water from a disabled nuclear power plant in Fukushima, the party leader said.
"I urged that all information regarding the disposal of the Fukushima (Daiichi) nuclear power plant's contaminated water should be disclosed transparently and the country should proceed with the plan with consent from the international community," Rep. Lee Nak-yon of the Democratic Party (DP) told reporters.
-----------------
(LEAD) Non-weapon materials brought into THAAD base after dispersal of protesters
SEOUL/SEONGJU -- The defense ministry on Thursday brought non-weapon materials and construction equipment onto a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) base in central South Korea after riot police dispersed protesters opposed to the deployment of the American anti-missile defense system.
The shipments transported into the base for the THAAD system in the central town of Seongju, about 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul, included daily necessities for base troops and construction equipment and materials to be used to improve their living facilities, according to the ministry.
-----------------
Justice minister's exercise of investigative command in fund scandal 'absurd': top prosecutor
SEOUL -- The justice minister's decision to take over the investigative command authority of the prosecutor general in a high-profile financial scam scandal was illegal and absurd, the country's top prosecutor said Thursday, in the latest dispute in the ongoing power struggle between the ministry and the prosecution.
"I believe with certainty that (the decision) is illegal in terms of its legal grounds and intentions," Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl said during an annual parliamentary audit of the Supreme Prosecutors Office (SPO) at the National Assembly in Seoul.
(END)


yna--2020-10-22--(LEAD) Prosecutors demand life sentence for mastermind of high-profile sex abuse ring

Cho 's victims have submitted written petitions to the court through their lawyers , saying their damage will never be @ @ @ @ @ accomplices must be strongly punished .
One of the victims said in a petition that @ @ @ @ @ evil and deserve imprisonment for 2,000 years .

(ATTN: UPDATES with prosecutors' sentence demand in first seven paras; CHANGES headline)
SEOUL, Oct. 22 (Yonhap) -- Prosecutors on Thursday demanded a life sentence for the mastermind of one of the nation's largest online sex trafficking rings, saying his victims have made tearful pleas for that he be sternly punished.
Prosecutors also asked the court to order Cho Ju-bin, a 24-year-old indicted for blackmailing women and girls into providing sexual videos and photos to a pay-to-view Telegram chat room, to wear an electronic monitoring device for 45 years during a hearing at the Seoul Central District Court.
Prosecutors sought prison sentences of 10 to 15 years for four of Cho's accomplices and a 10-year imprisonment for a 16-year-old accomplice and asked the court to ban them from working with children and youths and at welfare facilities for the disabled and wear electronic bracelets.
Cho's victims have submitted written petitions to the court through their lawyers, saying their damage will never be forgotten and Cho and his accomplices must be strongly punished. One of the victims said in a petition that Cho and his co-conspirators are evil and deserve imprisonment for 2,000 years.
Delivering a final statement during the hearing, Cho said he has regrets about failing to respect human dignity and wants to sincerely repent for his offenses. Cho's accomplices also expressed remorse for their crimes but one of them, surnamed Kang, refused to offer an apology.
The sentencing hearing is slated for Nov. 26.
The prosecutors' demand came one day after they additionally indicted Cho and one of his accomplices for concealing criminal proceeds.
Cho was additionally charged with hiding about 108 million won (US$95,200) in criminal proceeds on 53 occasions, according to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office.
One of Cho's accomplices, identified only as Kang, was also additionally accused of changing 3.5 million won of cryptocurrency earned from the Telegram chat room called Baksabang, Korean for doctor's room, into cash and delivering the money to Cho, the office said.
Cho was earlier indicted for organizing a criminal ring together with 38 accomplices, blackmailing 74 minor and adult victims into filming pornographic content and distributing the sex abuse materials to Baksabang members.
Prosecutors asked the court to merge the additional charges against Cho and Kang into their ongoing trials. They have been expanding their probe into Baksabang and other illegal Telegram chat rooms to punish their members.
This file photo taken on Sept. 1, 2020, shows Cho Ju-bin, the alleged founder of Baksabang, an illicit Telegram chat room. (Yonhap)
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-22--(LEAD) LG Display shifts to black for 1st time since 2018

(ATTN: CHANGES headline, lead; UPDATES throughout; ADDS photo)
SEOUL, Oct. 22 (Yonhap) -- LG Display Co., a major display panel maker in South Korea, on Thursday said it swung to the black in the third quarter of the year on the back of robust demand for displays used in IT gadgets and increased shipments of large-size panels for TVs amid the pandemic-driven stay-at-home trend.
The company chalked up a net profit of 11.1 billion won (US$9.8 million) in the July-September period, shifting from a loss of 442.2 billion won a year earlier.
It also logged an operating profit of 164.4 billion won in the third quarter, swinging from an operating loss of 436.7 billion won a year ago. Sales rose 15.7 percent to 6.73 trillion won over the cited period.
This is the first time since the fourth quarter of 2018 that the company posted an operating profit.
This image provided by LG Display Co. shows its corporate logo. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
LG Display attributed the turnaround to increased supply of displays for IT products and plastic OLED panels for mobile devices.
Full operation of its OLED plant in Guangzhou, China, and robust demand for large-size LCD panels also improved its profitability, according to the company.
Panels for IT products accounted for 43 percent of its revenue in the third quarter. TV panels accounted for 28 percent of its revenue, while mobile display products made up 29 percent of its sales.
LG Display said it plans to double the shipment of large-size OLED panels in the second half of the year compared to the first half as operation of its Guangzhou plant is in full swing.
The company aims to supply more than 7 million units of large-size OLED display panels next year.
To cope with rising demand for panels for IT products, driven by the work-from-home trend and remote learning, the company said it will convert more of its LCD TV panel production lines to IT display manufacturing lines.
Shares in LG Display fell 0.32 percent to 15,750 won on the Seoul bourse, performing better than the broader KOSPI's 0.67 percent drop. Its earnings results were released after the stock market closed.
(END)


yna--2020-10-22--Appeals court reduces prison term of ex-defense minister in political meddling case

The Seoul High Court sentenced Kim Kwan-jin , who served as defense minister from 2010 to 2014 , to 28 @ @ @ @ @ of ordering the military cyber command to post online comments in favor of the then-conservative @ @ @ @ @ presidential elections in 2012 .

SEOUL, Oct. 22 (Yonhap) -- An appeals court on Thursday reduced the prison sentence of a former defense minister convicted of political meddling by two months.
The Seoul High Court sentenced Kim Kwan-jin, who served as defense minister from 2010 to 2014, to 28 months in prison on charges of ordering the military cyber command to post online comments in favor of the then-conservative government around the general and presidential elections in 2012.
Former Defense Minister Kim Kwan-jin leaves the Seoul High Court in southern Seoul on Oct. 22, 2020, after receiving a reduced prison sentence of 28 months. (Yonhap)
The commutation came after a lower court sentenced Kim to 30 months in prison on those and other charges, including abusing his power to hamper the defense ministry's investigation into the cyber command's alleged political meddling.
The appellate court acquitted Kim of the latter charge and cited that as a reason for not putting him under arrest.
"(Kim's) illegal involvement in forming the public's political opinion under the pretext of responding to North Korea's online psychological warfare was an unconstitutional act that violated his obligation to be neutral," the Seoul High Court said.
Kim, who served in two successive conservative administrations under Presidents Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye, was indicted in 2018 following the election of the current liberal government of President Moon Jae-in.
He was accused of collaborating with other senior officials to instruct the cyber command to post some 9,000 online comments favorable to the government and critical of the opposition party.
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-22--(2nd LD) KB Financial Q3 net jumps 27 pct on interest income, commissions

KB Financial Group , which has 13 affiliates , such as KB Kookmin Bank , KB Securities Co. , and @ @ @ @ @ its wing , had 605.5 trillion won in overall assets and a BIS capital adequacy @ @ @ @ @ the end of the third quarter , the statement said .

(ATTN: CHANGES photo; ADDS details in paras 5, 7-8, 10)
SEOUL, Oct. 22 (Yonhap) -- KB Financial Group, South Korea's biggest retail bank, said Thursday its third-quarter net profit jumped 27 percent from a year earlier on increased interest and commissions income.
Net profit for the three months ending in September rose to 1.194 trillion won (US$1.05 billion) from 940.69 billion won in the same period of last year, the company said in a statement.
"Increased loans for home purchases and rents resulted in higher interest income, and commissions involving the company's sale of funds also helped the quarterly results," a company spokesman said over the phone.
This file photo provided by KB Financial Group shows its headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Operating profit climbed 14 percent to 1.42 trillion won in the third quarter from 1.25 trillion won over the cited period. But revenue fell 19 percent to 10.53 trillion won from 13.01 trillion won during the same period.
"Revenue declined as the group's insurance business performed poorly due to high loss ratios stemming from a series of typhoons and heavy rains this summer," the spokesman said.
From January to September, net profit rose 5.3 percent to 2.93 trillion won from 2.78 trillion won a year earlier.
Interest income rose 4 percent on-year to 7.14 trillion won in the first three quarters, while fund-related commissions jumped 26 percent to 2.17 trillion won, the statement said.
Operating profit climbed 3.5 percent to 3.85 trillion won in the first nine months from 3.72 trillion won a year ago. Revenue was up 6.8 percent to 40.53 trillion won from 37.94 trillion won during the cited period.
KB Financial Group, which has 13 affiliates, such as KB Kookmin Bank, KB Securities Co., and KB Insurance Co., under its wing, had 605.5 trillion won in overall assets and a BIS capital adequacy ratio of 14.69 percent at the end of the third quarter, the statement said.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-22--FM Kang asks Maldives to support S. Korean minister's bid for top WTO post

She made the appeal during phone talks with her Maldivian counterpart , Abdulla Shahid , as Seoul 's Trade Minister @ @ @ @ @ the WTO director generalship in the final round of the selection process , with the @ @ @ @ @ early next month .

SEOUL, Oct. 22 (Yonhap) -- Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha asked the Maldives on Thursday to support a South Korean minister's bid for the top post at the World Trade Organization (WTO), Kang's office said.
She made the appeal during phone talks with her Maldivian counterpart, Abdulla Shahid, as Seoul's Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee is running for the WTO director generalship in the final round of the selection process, with the result expected to be announced early next month.
In Thursday's talks, they also discussed cooperation in tackling COVID-19 and ways to enhance their bilateral relations, including the resumption of people-to-people exchanges amid the pandemic, the ministry said in a release.
South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha speaks at the ASEAN Plus Three teleconference from an office in Seoul on Sept. 9, 2020, in this photo provided by her office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-23--Hyundai Prophecy concept wins Red Dot Design Award

The Prophecy with an extended wheelbase and short overhang has been named as the Best of the Best of the @ @ @ @ @ design concept division , the company said in a statement .

SEOUL, Oct. 23 (Yonhap) -- Hyundai Motor Co.'s Prophecy all-electric concept car won the Red Dot Design Award in its latest achievement of its decadelong efforts to improve its brand image in terms of quality and design.
The Prophecy with an extended wheelbase and short overhang has been named as the Best of the Best of the renowned design awards in the design concept division, the company said in a statement.
The Red Dot Award is one of the world's most prestigious design awards, along with the iF Design Award and International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA). Red Dot announces winners for product design, brand and communication and design concept every year.
The concept car adopts Hyundai's next-generation design direction, Sensuous Sportiness, which is defined by the harmony among four fundamental elements in vehicle design -- proportion, architecture, styling and technology.
This photo provided by Hyundai Motor shows the Prophecy electric concept. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The Prophecy stands out as it ditches the steering wheel in favor of joysticks, which are designed for a driver to take over when autonomous technology is not available.
Hyundai said swapping the wheel for joysticks is convenient for the driver and passengers.
The Prophecy is the first concept car designed by the Korean automotive brand to win the top design concept award.
Red Dot named both Hyundai's 45 concept EV and its Neptune fuel-cell electric commercial truck concept Winners in the design concept group, the statement said.
Among 4,170 concept designs submitted to the Red Dot Award: Design Concept this year, only 41 entries won Best of the Best and 188 were Winners at the awards. Twenty international professionals judged the submissions based on innovation, feasibility and functionality.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-23--(LEAD) New virus cases spike to over 150 as cluster infections pile up

Under Level 1 measures , citizens are permitted to normalize most of their daily routines , with some infection prevention @ @ @ @ @ risk-prone facilities , including clubs and bars , are allowed to operate after monthslong suspension @ @ @ @ @ entry logs and follow sanitary measures .

(ATTN: UPDATES with more details throughout; CHANGES photo)
SEOUL, Oct. 23 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new coronavirus cases bounced back to an over one-month high Friday as sporadic cluster infections at senior care hospitals and other risk-prone facilities continued to increase.
The country added 155 more COVID-19 cases, including 138 domestic infections, raising the total caseload to 25,698, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
New virus cases stayed above 100 for the second straight day and marked the highest since Sept. 11 when the number of daily virus infections hit 176.
The number of daily local infections also was the largest since Sept. 17 when the figure reached 145.
The uptick in daily new virus cases was largely attributable to continued cluster infections at hospitals and facilities for the elderly, deemed vulnerable to COVID-19.
Citizens take new coronavirus tests at a testing center in Seoul's southern district of Gwanak on Oct. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
The country's new virus infections have been on a downward trend after a flare-up in the number of daily COVID-19 cases for over a month that began in mid-August.
Compared with mid-August and early September when the tally rose by triple digits, the country has largely managed to slow the spread of the virus on the back of tougher social distancing measures.
Last week, the country relaxed its social distancing scheme to the lowest level in its three-tier system, after applying Level 2 measures across the nation since late August.
Under Level 1 measures, citizens are permitted to normalize most
of their daily routines, with some infection prevention steps in place. Even risk-prone facilities, including clubs and bars, are allowed to operate after monthslong suspension as long as they keep entry logs and follow sanitary measures.
But continued rises in sporadic cluster infections at facilities for senior citizens have become the biggest huddle in the country's virus fight.
Cases traced to a rehabilitation hospital in Gwangju, south of Seoul, reached 106 as of noon Thursday, up 20 from the previous day. A senior care hospital in the southeastern port city of Busan reported three more patients, raising the total to 84.
Health authorities urged people to thoroughly keep sanitary measures under the Level 1 virus curbs as cluster infections continue to rise at vulnerable facilities.
"We should not let down our guard as the latest uptick in virus cases came amid the downward trend of new infections," Yoon Tae-ho, a senior health ministry official, said in a press briefing.
A patient infected with COVID-19 is moved to an ambulance at a hospital in Gunpo, south of Seoul, for treatment on Oct. 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
Of the newly identified local infections, 19 cases were reported in Seoul, 98 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital and four cases in Incheon, west of Seoul. The greater Seoul area is home to around half of the nation's 51.6 million population.
Other municipalities reported new infections, with the country's southeastern city of Daegu adding five cases and the southwestern city of Gwangju reporting four new cases.
The KDCA has warned that a resurgence in virus cases can happen anytime with sporadic outbreaks.
Health authorities also remain on alert over the possibility that the coronavirus outbreak and a seasonal flu could be in full swing together in the winter.
The country, meanwhile, added 17 imported cases, bringing the total to 3,616. Six cases came from the United States, followed by two each from Bangladesh, Nepal, Kuwait and France.
South Korea reported two additional deaths, raising the death toll to 455. The fatality rate was 1.77 percent.
The number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients came to 62 as of midnight, unchanged from the previous day.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 23,717, up 70 from the previous day.
The country has carried out 2,528,621 coronavirus tests since Jan. 3, including 13,296 tests from the previous day.
International arrivals show their passports to officials who wore protective gear at Incheon International Airport, South Korea's main gateway west of Seoul, on Oct. 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-23--Seoul stocks up tad higher late Fri. morning on earnings hopes

The local currency was trading at 1,135.15 won against the U.S. dollar , down 2.25 won from the previous session @ @ @

SEOUL, Oct. 23 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks traded a tad higher late Friday morning, buoyed by optimism for improved corporate earnings in the third quarter amid the pandemic.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) gained 2.64 points, or 0.11 percent, to 2,357.69 as of 11:20 a.m.
In Seoul, most large caps traded mixed.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics slid 0.17, but No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix gained 1.08 percent.
Top pharmaceutical firm Samsung Biologics dipped 3.8 percent, but Hyundai Motor, the country's largest automaker, gained 2.77 percent.
Internet portal giant Naver shed 1.71 percent, and its rival Kakao lost 1.72 percent.
Leading chemical maker LG Chem added 0.94 percent, but rechargeable battery maker Samsung SDI retreated 1.16 percent.
Leading steelmaker POSCO rose 2.38 percent, thanks to an earnings hike in the third quarter from improved demand.
The local currency was trading at 1,135.15 won against the U.S. dollar, down 2.25 won from the previous session's close.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-23--Man gets prison sentence for assaulting bus driver

In a bid to contain the spread of COVID-19 , the government , since last Tuesday , is mandating the @ @ @ @ @ on public transport , a defiance of which could lead to a fine of 100,000 @ @ @ @ @ ) .

SEOUL, Oct. 23 (Yonhap) -- A man has been sentenced to a 10-month prison term for assaulting a bus driver who had demanded the passenger wear a mask, as well as a police officer dispatched to the scene, a Seoul court said Friday.
The Seoul Northern District Court handed down the imprisonment ruling on the 61-year-old man, whose identity was withheld, on the account of assaulting a person behind the wheel.
Aboard a bus in central Seoul on Aug. 14, the man shouted at the bus driver and cursed at other passengers after the driver reminded him of the mandatory wearing of masks inside public transportation, according to court records.
After the driver reported his defiance to the police, the man attacked the driver, pulling the driver's hair and making threatening gestures, according to the court.
He also scratched a police officer dispatched to the scene and grabbed him by the neck, refusing to calm down.
Even after he was taken to a police station for questioning, he defied the police and bit a police officer's hand there, according to court records.
"The accused needs stern punishment as he committed another criminal act despite having a record of getting punishments for criminal assaults on numerous occasions in the past," the court said.
In a bid to contain the spread of COVID-19, the government, since last Tuesday, is mandating the wearing of protective face masks on public transport, a defiance of which could lead to a fine of 100,000 won (US$88).
The file photo, taken Oct. 13, 2020, shows a passenger wearing a protective mask getting on a bus in Seoul, the first day that the government's order for mandatory mask wearing on public transportation, at medical facilities and during rallies took force. After a one-month grace period, the government will start levying fines on violators in November. (Yonhap)
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-23--S. Korea to keep seeking dialogue with N. Korea over slain official: minister

Lee made the remark during a parliamentary audit session in response to a lawmaker 's question as to how the @ @ @ @ @ the North on the deadly incident at a time when Pyongyang remains unresponsive to Seoul @ @ @ @ @ probe .

SEOUL, Oct. 23 (Yonhap) -- Unification Minister Lee In-young said Friday that South Korea will keep seeking "dialogue" with North Korea to figure out exactly what happened to a South Korean official shot and killed by the North last month.
Lee made the remark during a parliamentary audit session in response to a lawmaker's question as to how the government will draw cooperation from the North on the deadly incident at a time when Pyongyang remains unresponsive to Seoul's calls for a joint probe.
"We will have to find a method to smoothly resolve the issue through dialogue," Lee said.
The 47-year-old official was fatally shot by the North Korean military on Sept. 22 while adrift in North Korean waters. South Korea earlier claimed that North Korean soldiers shot him dead and burned his body.
North Korea swiftly apologized for the incident but denied setting his body ablaze, claiming that what their soldiers burned was his belongings and that his body went missing.
South Korea has called for a joint investigation with the North into the incident, but Pyongyang has not responded. Seoul is trying to search for the missing body.
"It is something that we will never give up -- to retrieve his body and bring it back to his family," Lee said.
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-23--LG opens showroom of luxury built-in kitchen appliance brand in Europe

The first European showroom of LG 's Signature Kitchen Suite was opened in Milan , Italy , according to the @ @ @ @ @ is near the Brera District of Milan , a famous area for fashion lovers with @ @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Oct. 23 (Yonhap) -- LG Electronics Inc. said Friday it has opened a showroom for its luxury built-in kitchen appliance brand in Europe to better expand its presence there.
The first European showroom of LG's Signature Kitchen Suite was opened in Milan, Italy, according to the company. The 1,100-square-meter facility is near the Brera District of Milan, a famous area for fashion lovers with its Design Week event.
It is the third Signature Kitchen Suite showroom from LG. The other two are in South Korea and the United States.
This photo provided by LG Electronics Inc. shows the interior of LG's Signature Kitchen Suite showroom in Milan, Italy. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
LG said the showroom is dedicated to "technicureans," a term that combines technology and epicure, and refers to people who are also passionate about cooking and new technologies.
LG has been trying to tap deeper into the built-in appliance market in Europe since 2018, with its Signature Kitchen Suite brand. The company has been also collaborating with renowned European kitchen furniture makers, including Bulthaup, Valcucine and Arclinea.
According to market researcher Euromonitor, the European built-in appliance market was valued around US$20.9 billion last year, accounting for 38 percent of the global market.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-23--Flu shot fears growing further as suspected deaths pile up

The Korean Medical Association ( KMA ) said the government should consider postponing the nationwide flu shot program for about @ @ @ @ @ Korean Vaccine Society insisted that inoculations need to be continued since no causal links between @ @ @ @ @ have been confirmed .

SEOUL, Oct. 23 (Yonhap) -- Concerns over seasonal flu shots grew further on Friday as deaths after vaccinations swelled to over 30, with health experts split over whether to go ahead with a state-led free shot program amid a potential "twindemic" of the new coronavirus and the flu.
Although no connection has been confirmed between the recent fatalities and vaccines, public fears have been mounting in South Korea over flu shots.
Since the first suspected death from a flu shot was reported last Friday, 32 have died as of midnight on Thursday, up 20 from a day earlier, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
The country's forensic agency said it has found no direct links between a 17-year-old boy's death, the first suspected death case after flu vaccination, and a flu shot.
Despite growing flu shot concerns, South Korea's health authorities have reaffirmed that the state-initiated seasonal flu shot program will continue despite more suspected deaths, citing no direct link between flu shots and deaths.
This photo taken on Oct. 22, 2020, shows flu vaccines at a public health clinic in Jangseong, South Jeolla Province. (Yonhap)
The country has been pushing for a free state flu shot scheme to inoculate some 19 million people, including teenagers and senior citizens.
The KDCA said a thorough investigation is under way to find the exact cause of their deaths, as well as epidemiological investigations, including autopsies, into nine cases.
The free vaccination program -- which was expanded this year in an effort to prevent the potential "twindemic" during the winter -- was joined by five major drugmakers, including GC Pharma and Ilyang Pharmaceutical Co.
Health experts agree that people should take flu shots before influenza season arrives here since more deaths can occur from serious complications triggered by the flu, such as pneumonia.
About 3,000 deaths related to flu complications are reported annually in South Korea.
Generally, flu season arrives between end-November and December. Considering that flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination, experts here recommend people get flu shots by mid-November.
However, experts are divided on whether people should take flu shots "immediately" at this moment when more suspected deaths are being reported nationwide in a relatively short period of time.
The Korean Medical Association (KMA) said the government should consider postponing the nationwide flu shot program for about a week, but the Korean Vaccine Society insisted that inoculations need to be continued since no causal links between vaccines and the recent deaths have been confirmed.
"We agree that flu vaccinations should continue," said Min Yang-ki, a KMA official. "We are not calling the government to completely halt the vaccination, but to temporarily suspend it for about one week to find out the exact cause."
"It's not a logical approach to stop vaccinations just because there were deaths," said Kim Woo-joo, a professor of infectious medicine at Korea University Guro Hospital in Seoul.
"Those in high-risk groups, such as the elderly, have increasing possibility of death when flu symptoms aggravate, so they should get vaccinated. However, we should make a comfortable and safe environment for them to receive flu shots," he said.
The government earlier said it appears that the vaccine itself has no problem because many others who received the same vaccine that the deceased had been inoculated with showed no major abnormal responses.
But with concerns rising over the safety of flu vaccines, the KDCA said it will hold a meeting later Friday to discuss the issue.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-23--Biden says will meet N.K. leader if he agrees to draw down nuclear capacity

`` Guess what .
It would be a nuclear war , and ( Kim ) does have plenty of nuclear @ @ @ @ @ , I have a very good relationship with him -- different kind of a guy @ @ @ @ @ the same thing about me .
We have a different kind of relationship .
We @ @ @ @ @ , and there 's no war , '' Trump said at the nationally televised debate @

WASHINGTON, Oct. 22 (Yonhap) -- U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden said Thursday he would meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un only on the condition that the latter agrees to reduce his country's nuclear capabilities.
The former vice president insisted President Donald Trump and his three meetings with Kim have only legitimatized the North Korean dictator.
"What has (Trump) done? He has legitimized North Korea. He has talked about his good buddy, who's a thug, a thug, and he talks about how we're better off," Biden said in the second and last presidential TV debate with his Republican rival before the Nov. 3 presidential election.
His remarks came shortly after Trump again claimed credit for preventing what he claims to have been an imminent nuclear war with North Korea.
"Guess what. It would be a nuclear war, and (Kim) does have plenty of nuclear capability. In the meantime, I have a very good relationship with him -- different kind of a guy, but he probably thinks the same thing about me. We have a different kind of relationship. We have a very good relationship, and there's no war," Trump said at the nationally televised debate.
Biden insisted Trump has done nothing but allow North Korea to build up its nuclear and long-range capabilities.
"He talks about how we're better off, and they have much more capable missiles, able to reach U.S. territory, much more easily than they ever did before," Biden said.
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-23--(LEAD) POSCO Q3 net up 3.5 percent as demand improves amid pandemic

Net profit for the three months ending in September rose to 514 billion won ( US $ 450 million ) @ @ @ @ @ the same period of last year , the company said in a statement .

(ATTN: REWRITES throughout; ADDS photo)
SEOUL, Oct. 23 (Yonhap) -- POSCO, South Korea's leading steelmaker, said Friday its third-quarter net profit rose 3.5 percent from a year earlier on improving sales despite the coronavirus pandemic.
Net profit for the three months ending in September rose to 514 billion won (US$450 million) from 496.8 billion won in the same period of last year, the company said in a statement.
"Increased sales of automotive steel and other high-end cold-rolled steel products helped the quarterly results," the statement said.
This file photo provided by POSCO shows the steelmaker's integrated steel mill in Pohang, 370 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Higher iron ore prices were offset by lower coal prices, it added. The companywide drastic cost-cutting efforts also helped improve profitability in the third quarter, it said.
But operating profit fell 36 percent to 666.7 billion won in the third quarter from 1.03 trillion won a year earlier. Sales also declined 11 percent to 14.26 trillion won from 15.99 trillion won during the same period.
From January to September, net profit almost halved to 1.05 trillion won from 1.96 trillion won in the year-ago period.
Operating profit declined 54 percent to 1.54 trillion won in the first nine months from 3.31 trillion won a year ago. Sales fell 12 percent to 42.52 trillion won from 48.32 trillion won during the same period.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-23--(LEAD) S. Korean, Laotian leaders celebrate anniversary of diplomatic ties in letters

In the letter , Kang noted the two countries have been working closely together in areas like quarantine and allowing @ @ @ @ @ despite the pandemic , and suggested the two sides continue to seek ways to cooperate @ @ @ @ @

(ATTN: ADDS last 3 paras with details about letter exchange between foreign ministers)
SEOUL, Oct. 23 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in has exchanged congratulatory letters with his Laotian counterpart on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of reestablishing bilateral diplomatic ties, Cheong Wa Dae said Friday.
In his letter to Laotian President Bounnhang Vorachith, Moon noted that the two sides have developed friendly cooperation in various fields since 1995.
They forged formal diplomatic relations in 1974. South Korea severed diplomatic ties with Laos, which adopted communism, the following year and reestablished them in 1995.
Two-way trade volume increased to around US$115 million last year from $10 million in 1996, with the number of visitors to each other totaling 220,000.
Moon pointed out, in particular, that South Korea and Laos have maintained "smooth cooperation" in the rural community development, energy, infrastructure and water resource sectors, according to Cheong Wa Dae.
He expressed hope that the two will further develop their ties in a "forward-looking" way, it added.
The Lao leader thanked South Korea for its cooperation in such fields as health care, agriculture and dud removal over the past 25 years.
He suggested that the two countries continue exchanges and partnerships for co-prosperity and peace in the world despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Cheong Wa Dae said.
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha also exchanged congratulatory letters with her Laotian counterpart, Saleumxay Kommasith, Kang's office said.
In the letter, Kang noted the two countries have been working closely together in areas like quarantine and allowing entry exceptions for essential travelers despite the pandemic, and suggested the two sides continue to seek ways to cooperate in tackling the virus.
The Laotian minister, in response, expressed hope for continued close cooperation so as to further promote the bilateral relationship not only for mutual benefit but also for global co-prosperity and peace, according to the Seoul ministry.
In the file photo taken Sept. 5, 2019, South Korean President Moon Jae-in (L) and his Laotian counterpart, Bounnhang Vorachith, water a tree they planted together on a bank of the Mekong River in Vientiane. (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-23--The Korea Interbank Offered Rates (KORIBOR)

SEOUL , Oct. 23 ( Yonhap ) -- The Korea Interbank Offered Rates ( KORIBOR ) as posted by Yonhap @ @ @ @ @ and information arm of Yonhap News Agency , at 11:00 a.m .

(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--2020-10-23--Opposition lawmakers boycott defense committee's on-site inspection of Panmunjom

The People Power Party members of the National Assembly committee on national defense accused the Moon Jae-in administration of rushing @ @ @ @ @ , although North Korea has yet to come clean on its recent gunshot killing of @ @ @ @ @ .
They argued that the government , only preoccupied with reaching out to the North @ @ @ @ @ an official protest with it over the tragic incident .

SEOUL, Oct. 23 (Yonhap) -- A group of main opposition party lawmakers boycotted an on-site inspection of Panmunjom on Friday in protest against the government's plan to reopen the inter-Korean border village for tourists next month.
The People Power Party members of the National Assembly committee on national defense accused the Moon Jae-in administration of rushing to resume the tour program, although North Korea has yet to come clean on its recent gunshot killing of a South Korean maritime official. They argued that the government, only preoccupied with reaching out to the North, has not even lodged an official protest with it over the tragic incident.
"I feel miserable over the humiliating attitude of the Moon Jae-in government, which is to resume a tour program to Panmunjom next month impatiently, without making a single word of protest to the North (over the shooting case)," Rep. Han Ki-ho, the conservative party's ranking member on the committee, said during a party meeting.
Han said he and party colleagues will instead travel to the Navy's Second Fleet Command in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, to commemorate soldiers killed in the North's deadly sinking of the South Korean warship Cheonan in 2010.
The Ministry of Unification earlier announced a plan to restart the Panmunjom tour program in early November after more than a year of suspension caused by African swine fever.
It includes trips to the Joint Security Area (JSA) and some other sites inside the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) bisecting the two Koreas.
The parliamentary defense committee has organized the on-site inspection of Panmunjom on the day as part of the ongoing annual parliamentary audit on government affairs.
People Power Party Rep. Han Ki-ho speaks during the national defense committee's parliamentary audit session on Oct. 15, 2020, at the Gyeryongdae military headquarters in the central city of Gyeryong. (Yonhap)
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-23--POSCO Q3 net income up 3.5 pct. to 514 bln won

The operating profit was 35.1 percent higher than the average estimate , according to the survey by Yonhap Infomax , @ @ @ @ @ Yonhap News Agency .
The estimate of net profit was not available .
( END @

SEOUL, Oct. 23 (Yonhap) -- POSCO on Friday reported its third-quarter net profit of 514 billion won (US$452.7 million), up 3.5 percent from a year earlier.
Operating income for the July-September period was 666.7 billion won, down 35.9 percent from a year ago, the company said in a regulatory filing. Sales fell 10.8 percent to 14.26 trillion won.
The operating profit was 35.1 percent higher than the average estimate, according to the survey by Yonhap Infomax, the financial data firm of Yonhap News Agency. The estimate of net profit was not available.
(END)


yna--2020-10-23--Prime minister calls for thorough probe into deaths after vaccination

`` I call on the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency ( KDCA ) to closely consult experts and do @ @ @ @ @ measures and explain swiftly so that people can receive vaccinations without anxiety , '' he @ @

SEOUL, Oct. 23 (Yonhap) -- Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun on Friday called for a thorough probe into the deaths of people after being vaccinated against seasonal influenza.
As of midnight Thursday, 32 people have died after inoculation, but health authorities found no direct links between the vaccine and fatalities.
"I offer my deep condolences to the bereaved families," Chung said at a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters.
"The authorities should thoroughly investigate the causal relationship between vaccinations and the deaths, and make public the development transparently."
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun presides over a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters in Seoul on Oct. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
He noted the public remains nervous despite experts' denial of the connection between the deaths and flu shots.
"I call on the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) to closely consult experts and do its best to take sufficient measures and explain swiftly so that people can receive vaccinations without anxiety," he added.
On Thursday, the government affirmed the immunization program will continue despite suspected deaths.
The country has been pushing for the free flu shot scheme for some 19 million people, including teenagers and senior citizens, to curb the possible "twindemic."
Fears over flu vaccines first emerged last Friday after a 17-year-old boy in the western port city of Incheon died two days after receiving a flu shot.
Similar fatalities have been reported, mostly among senior citizens with underlying diseases.
(END)


yna--2020-10-23--S. Korean, Laotian leaders celebrate anniversary of diplomatic ties in letters

He suggested that the two countries continue exchanges and partnerships for co-prosperity and peace in the world despite the COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ said .

SEOUL, Oct. 23 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in has exchanged congratulatory letters with his Laotian counterpart on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of reestablishing bilateral diplomatic ties, Cheong Wa Dae said Friday.
In his letter to Laotian President Bounnhang Vorachith, Moon noted that the two sides have developed friendly cooperation in various fields since 1995.
They forged formal diplomatic relations in 1974. South Korea severed diplomatic ties with Laos, which adopted communism, the following year and reestablished them in 1995.
Two-way trade volume increased to around US$115 million last year from $10 million in 1996, with the number of visitors to each other totaling 220,000.
Moon pointed out, in particular, that South Korea and Laos have maintained "smooth cooperation" in the rural community development, energy, infrastructure and water resource sectors, according to Cheong Wa Dae.
He expressed hope that the two will further develop their ties in a "forward-looking" way, it added.
The Lao leader thanked South Korea for its cooperation in such fields as health care, agriculture and dud removal over the past 25 years.
He suggested that the two countries continue exchanges and partnerships for co-prosperity and peace in the world despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Cheong Wa Dae said.
In the file photo taken Sept. 5, 2019, South Korean President Moon Jae-in (L) and his Laotian counterpart, Bounnhang Vorachith, water a tree they planted together on a bank of the Mekong River in Vientiane. (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-23--Slain official's son says he was encouraged by President Moon's letter

`` I believe in your words that you will demand accountability where it is warranted , that honor must be @ @ @ @ @ were victimized , and your promise that you will personally take care of it , @ @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Oct. 23 (Yonhap) -- A son of the South Korean fisheries official shot dead by North Korea last month has written another letter to President Moon Jae-in, saying he was encouraged by the president's promise to get to the bottom of the incident.
The 17-year-old sent the letter Monday, a week after Moon replied to his previous note, according to the late official's elder brother, Lee Rae-jin.
"I believe in your words that you will demand accountability where it is warranted, that honor must be restored if (we) were victimized, and your promise that you will personally take care of it," the son wrote.
"It also gave me great strength. I may have lost my father, but because I know so well what kind of person he was, I cannot also lose (our) honor," he added.
This photo shows Lee Rae-jin (L), the elder brother of the slain fisheries official, delivering his nephew's letter addressed to President Moon Jae-in, to a Cheong Wa Dae official outside the presidential office on Oct. 8, 2020. (Yonhap)
In his first letter to Moon, the son demanded that the government find the truth behind his father's killing at sea and questioned its announcement that he had tried to defect to North Korea.
According to the South Korean government, North Korean military officials found him drifting in waters near the western inter-Korean sea border, shot him dead.
Lee said he decided to disclose his nephew's new letter in response to the Coast Guard's interim report on its investigation.
On Thursday, the Coast Guard told reporters that the oceans ministry official had frequently gambled online before and after he went out to sea, as well as while on his vessel.
The Coast Guard again determined that the official had sought to defect to North Korea in a state of panic to "escape reality."
Lee slammed the Coast Guard's announcement, saying he felt he had no choice but to disclose his nephew's second letter out of frustration that the investigation results had not changed.
The nephew thanked Moon in his letter for promising to help him and his younger sibling "live in this world without pain."
"I will trust your words and prepare hard for the public servant exam to realize my dream, as I have been doing until now," he said.
"I hope the pain my family is experiencing will end quickly and will keep your words in my heart as I trust in your promise and wait."
This image, provided by the slain fisheries official's elder brother, shows his nephew's second letter to President Moon Jae-in. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-23--Nation gripped by season's coldest weather

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration ( KMA ) , the morning low dropped to minus 4.7 C at Mount @ @ @ @ @ of Gangwon and minus 3.4 C at nearby Hyangro Peak in Inje , while temperatures @ @ @ @ @ lowest in almost all other regions nationwide .

SEOUL, Oct. 23 (Yonhap) -- A cold wave swept across the nation on Friday, with the mercury dipping to near or below zero in Seoul and central areas, weather authorities said.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), the morning low dropped to minus 4.7 C at Mount Seorak in the northeastern province of Gangwon and minus 3.4 C at nearby Hyangro Peak in Inje, while temperatures dived to the season's lowest in almost all other regions nationwide.
The morning low fell to 1.1 C in Seoul's northwestern district, minus 2.3 C in Hongcheon of Gangwon Province, minus 1.1 C in Eumseong of North Chungcheong Province, minus 0.7 C in Bonghwa of North Gyeongsang Province and minus 0.2 C in Jeju Island's mountainous region.
Frost and ice formation were witnessed in many mountainous and inland areas.
Due to strong winds, the sensible temperatures are far lower than the official ones, the KMA said, noting a cold wave advisory has been issued for most mountainous regions in Gangwon Province.
The whole country is generally clear but the morning lows dived below zero in many regions due to the cooling of the surface at night, the agency explained.
The cold wave is expected to peak on Saturday morning before gradually abating, it said, adding near-zero temperatures will continue through Sunday morning in some inland regions.
This photo taken on Oct. 15, 2020, shows frost on a cabbage field in Gangwon Province, northeastern South Korea. (Yonhap)
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)