Yonhap News Summary

On May 21 , eight Chinese arrived in the western coastal city of Taean undetected on a 1.5-ton leisure rubber @ @ @ @ @ The boat was found two days later after a report by civilians , according to @ @ @ @ @ Joint Chiefs of Staff ( JCS ) .

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Friday.
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Moon orders review of plan for disease control system reform
SEOUL -- President Moon Jae-in instructed the authorities Friday to reconsider an announced scheme to transfer the control of a state-run research institute to the health ministry from the current top disease control body in the nation.
His call came amid controversy over the government's plan to revise the Government Organization Act unveiled by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS) the previous day.
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N. Korea's main paper urges acceptance of advanced foreign technology
SEOUL -- North Korea's main newspaper on Friday urged its people to accept new technology from abroad, saying that the country's drive aimed at building a powerful economy without outside help is not defined by "exclusivism."
Pyongyang's state media outlets have emphasized the importance of "self-reliance" frequently since its leader Kim Jong-un said in December that he expects no easing in sanctions from the United States and called for a "frontal breakthrough" to tackle challenges.
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S. Korea to provide US$30 million for vaccine development: FM
SEOUL -- South Korea will provide US$30 million to an international health organization over the next five years to help facilitate the development and distribution of vaccines, its top diplomat has said.
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha made the remark late Thursday during a videoconference of the Global Vaccine Summit, a multilateral gathering to discuss global funding for the development and supply of vaccines, her office said.
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S. Korea conducted Dokdo defense exercise this week
SEOUL -- South Korea conducted an annual military exercise on and around its easternmost islets of Dokdo earlier this week, sources said Friday, amid renewed tensions with Japan that has laid claims to the East Sea outcroppings.
The Navy, along with the Air Force and the Coast Guard, carried out the drill Tuesday, involving around eight vessels and five aircraft, including F-15K fighter jets, according to the sources.
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Senior U.S. official explains to S. Korea economic initiative against China
SEOUL -- A senior U.S. diplomat on Friday explained to South Korea America's initiative aimed at shifting global supply chains away from China, the foreign ministry said, amid Seoul's efforts to steer clear of rising tensions between the two major powers.
Keith Krach, undersecretary of state for economic growth, energy and the environment, touched on the Economic Prosperity Network (EPN) initiative during a phone call with South Korean Second Vice Foreign Minister Lee Tae-ho.
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Military admits security failure over illegal Chinese entrants on small boats
SEOUL -- Military radars, coastal CCTVs and other surveillance equipment captured a small rubber boat smuggling a group of Chinese into South Korea last month, but guards on duty failed to notice it until after the Chinese reached the shore and fled, officials said Friday.
On May 21, eight Chinese arrived in the western coastal city of Taean undetected on a 1.5-ton leisure rubber boat and then fled. The boat was found two days later after a report by civilians, according to the Coast Guard and the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).
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S. Korea's World Cup qualifier vs. N. Korea pushed to Nov.: source
SEOUL -- A World Cup qualifying match between South Korea and North Korea that would have taken place this week has been moved to November, an industry source said Friday.
According to the source, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) on Tuesday settled on new dates for the regional World Cup qualifiers that have been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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Table tennis worlds in S. Korea postponed again due to coronavirus
SEOUL -- The world's top table tennis tournament set to take place in South Korea this year has been postponed to early next year due to lingering concerns over the novel coronavirus.
The organizing committee for the World Team Table Tennis Championships in Busan said Friday that following a request from the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), it will look for new dates for the competition, which was scheduled to run from Sept. 27-Oct. 4.
(END)


yna--2020-06-05--S. Korea's World Cup qualifier vs. N. Korea pushed to Nov.: source

South Korea , coached by Paulo Bento , are in second place in Group H with eight points from two @ @ @ @ @ Turkmenistan are leading the way with nine points .
Lebanon and North Korea both have @ @ @ @ @ South Korea in goal difference .

SEOUL, June 5 (Yonhap) -- A World Cup qualifying match between South Korea and North Korea that would have taken place this week has been moved to November, an industry source said Friday.
According to the source, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) on Tuesday settled on new dates for the regional World Cup qualifiers that have been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"Matches that were scheduled for March will be played in October, and those set for June will take place in November," the source said.
In this file photo from Nov. 14, 2019, South Korean players (in white) try to block a free kick taken by Bassel Jradi of Lebanon during the teams' Group H match in the second round of the Asian qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium in Beirut. (Yonhap)
The Koreas have paired in Group H of the second round of the qualifying campaign for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. It began in September 2019, and South Korea have played four matches, while the rest -- North Korea, Turkmenistan, Lebanon and Sri Lanka -- have each played five matches.
South Korea had been scheduled to host Turkmenistan on March 26 and then face Sri Lanka in Colombo five days later. The highly-anticipated all-Korea showdown would have been played on Thursday, with a South Korea-Lebanon match to follow next Tuesday.
But the COVID-19 pandemic caused postponement of all matches. The latest match fixtures, as relayed by the source, will also hinge upon how well the novel virus is contained in Asia in the coming months and whether travel restrictions are eased.
For countries that won't be able to host matches due to COVID-19, playing in a neutral site could be an option, the source said.
There are eight groups of five nations in the second round. The eight group winners and the four-best runners-up will advance to the third round.
South Korea, coached by Paulo Bento, are in second place in Group H with eight points from two wins and two draws. Turkmenistan are leading the way with nine points. Lebanon and North Korea both have eight points each but trail South Korea in goal difference.
In this file photo from Oct. 10, 2019, South Korean players pose for photos before fans following their 8-0 victory over Sri Lanka in the teams' Group H match in the second round of the Asian qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Hwaseong Sports Complex Main Stadium in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-05--(LEAD) Seoul stocks up for 6th straight session; won jumps against dollar

The FOMC is widely expected to freeze the interest rate at near zero , yet investors are hoping for the @ @ @ @ @ , such as the yield-curve control .
The emergency option involves purchasing Treasury securities to @ @ @ @ @ specific maturity .

(ATTN: ADDS bond yields at bottom, photo)
SEOUL, June 5 (Yonhap) -- South Korean shares closed sharply higher Friday, extending their winning streak to a sixth session on global stimulus hopes. The local currency rose against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) surged 30.69 points, or 1.43 percent, to close at 2,181.87, reaching the highest point since Feb. 20. Trading volume was moderate at about 840.1 million shares worth some 12.6 trillion won (US$10.4 billion), with gainers outnumbering losers 586 to 249.
Institutions bought a net 419.8 billion won, leading the stock index gain. Foreigners sold a net 73.1 billion won and individuals offloaded a net 329.5 billion won.
Electronic signboards at a KEB Hana Bank trading room in Seoul show the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) up 30.69 points, or 1.43 percent, to close at 2,181.87 on June 5, 2020, while the Korean won rose against the U.S. dollar. (Yonhap)
The recent gains have largely been attributed to growing hopes for an economic recovery, helped by stimulus measures in major economies, including Europe.
The Europe Central Bank (ECB) boosted its emergency asset-purchasing program to 1.35 trillion euros (US$1.5 trillion), more than double the previously suggested 600 billion euros.
Investor sentiment further improved with hopes for a rate cut at the U.S. Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, set for June 9-10.
The FOMC is widely expected to freeze the interest rate at near zero, yet investors are hoping for the FOMC's additional stimulus measures, such as the yield-curve control. The emergency option involves purchasing Treasury securities to target the yield on a specific maturity.
"The yield-curve control may turn out to be more helpful than quantitative easing in maintaining low rates without having to stretch the Fed's balance sheets," DB Financial Investment analyst Seol Tae-hyun said.
At home, South Korea's two largest electronics firms -- Samsung Electronics Co. and LG Electronics Inc. -- finished with steep gains from the previous session, following reports that the two companies dropped legal complaints against each other over QLED TV advertisement.
Samsung Electronics added 1.65 percent to close at 55,500 won, and LG Electronics climbed 1.29 percent to 63,000 won.
Most other large caps finished in positive terrain.
The country's No. 2 chipmaker, SK hynix, jumped 3.08 percent to 90,400 won.
Leading pharmaceutical firm Samsung BioLogics added 2.31 percent to 665,000 won, with Celltrion advancing 3.85 percent to 256,500 won.
Top automaker Hyundai Motor rose 2.30 percent to 111,000 won, with its smaller affiliate Kia Motors up 1.53 percent to 36,550 won.
The local currency closed at 1,207.10 won per dollar, up 11.60 won from the previous session's close.
Bond prices, which move inversely to yields, closed lower. The yield on three-year Treasurys rose 0.8 basis point to 0.894 percent, and the return on the benchmark five-year government bond added 1.0 basis point to 1.189 percent.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-05--S. Korean Bond Yields on Jun. 5, 2020

S. Korean Bond Yields on Jun. 5, 2020

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


yna--2020-06-05--Seoul stocks up for 6th straight session; won jumps against dollar

SEOUL, June 5 (Yonhap) -- South Korean shares closed sharply higher Friday, extending their winning streak to a sixth session on global stimulus hopes. The local currency rose against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) surged 30.69 points, or 1.43 percent, to close at 2,181.87, reaching the highest point since Feb. 20. Trading volume was moderate at about 840.1 million shares worth some 12.6 trillion won (US$10.4 billion), with gainers outnumbering losers 586 to 249.
Institutions bought a net 419.8 billion won, leading the stock index gain. Foreigners sold a net 73.1 billion won and individuals offloaded a net 329.5 billion won.
The recent gains have largely been attributed to growing hopes for an economic recovery, helped by stimulus measures in major economies, including Europe.
The Europe Central Bank (ECB) boosted its emergency asset-purchasing program to 1.35 trillion euros (US$1.5 trillion), more than double the previously suggested 600 billion euros.
Investor sentiment further improved with hopes for a rate cut at the U.S. Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, set for June 9-10.
The FOMC is widely expected to freeze the interest rate at near zero, yet investors are hoping for the FOMC's additional stimulus measures, such as the yield-curve control. The emergency option involves purchasing Treasury securities to target the yield on a specific maturity.
"The yield-curve control may turn out to be more helpful than quantitative easing in maintaining low rates without having to stretch the Fed's balance sheets," DB Financial Investment analyst Seol Tae-hyun said.
At home, South Korea's two largest electronics firms -- Samsung Electronics Co. and LG Electronics Inc. -- finished with steep gains from the previous session, following reports that the two companies dropped legal complaints against each other over QLED TV advertisement.
Samsung Electronics added 1.65 percent to close at 55,500 won, and LG Electronics climbed 1.29 percent to 63,000 won.
Most other large caps finished in positive terrain.
The country's No. 2 chipmaker, SK hynix, jumped 3.08 percent to 90,400 won.
Leading pharmaceutical firm Samsung BioLogics added 2.31 percent to 665,000 won, with Celltrion advancing 3.85 percent to 256,500 won.
Top automaker Hyundai Motor rose 2.30 percent to 111,000 won, with its smaller affiliate Kia Motors up 1.53 percent to 36,550 won.
The local currency closed at 1,207.10 won per dollar, up 11.60 won from the previous session's close.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-05--Summary of domestic news in North Korea this week

`` Clearly speaking , the South Korean authorities will be forced to pay a dear price if they let this @ @ @ @ @ sort of excuses , '' she said in the statement carried by the Korean Central @ @ @ @ @ )

SEOUL, June 5 (Yonhap) -- The following is a summary of domestic news in North Korea this week.
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N. Korea backs China's Hong Kong security legislation as 'legitimate step'
SEOUL, May 30 (Yonhap) -- A spokesperson of North Korea's foreign ministry backed China's controversial security legislation for Hong Kong Saturday, calling it a "legitimate step" and voicing opposition to "outside interference."
In an answer to a question from the North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the spokesperson also said that any country has no right to "say this or that" about the issue concerning the semiautonomous Chinese territory.
On Thursday, China's legislature approved a proposal for the security law legislation, which critics fear could pave the way for Beijing to tighten its grip on Hong Kong and weaken the territory's autonomy by bolstering security operations there.
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N.K. newspaper belatedly reports on death of Army general
SEOUL, May 30 (Yonhap) -- A North Korean newspaper carried a report Saturday on the 2018 death of a senior military officer who led an Army corps linked to the deadly artillery shelling of a South Korean border island a decade ago.
The Rodong Sinmun, the daily of the North's ruling Workers' Party, reported that Ri Song-guk, who led the 4th Corps in charge of defending the areas near the Northern Limit Line in the West Sea, the inter-Korean maritime boundary, died in October 2018. He was 52.
Ri, who took command of the corps in early 2013, had received treatment at a hospital in Pyongyang and another overseas after having caught an incurable disease in 2018, according to the newspaper.
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N. Korea's state broadcaster reports on George Floyd's death
SEOUL, May 30 (Yonhap) -- North Korea's state broadcaster on Saturday reported on the death of George Floyd, an unarmed African American man who died while being restrained by police.
In its regular news program aired at 8 p.m., the North's Korean Central Television said that "a murder of a black person by a white police officer occurred on May 25 in Minneapolis, Minnesota."
The state broadcaster showed a video explaining the case and said that "actions of complaint condemning the police's racist action against black people" have broken out there.
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N.K. propaganda outlet says protest growing against new interceptor missiles on THAAD base
SEOUL, May 31 (Yonhap) -- A North Korean propaganda outlet on Sunday reported on new interceptor missiles brought into a U.S. THAAD missile defense base in South Korea, saying local residents are condemning the South's defense ministry for helping the transport.
Replacement interceptors were brought onto the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense base in the central town of Seongju in a surprise overnight operation, sparking angry protests from local residents.
Tongil Voice, a North Korean propaganda radio broadcast, criticized the replacement missiles, saying "voices have grown among all sectors in South Korea condemning the defense ministry for supporting the entry of equipments in the U.S. army base Seongju."
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N. Korea seeks to have Mount Paekdu listed as UNESCO global geopark
SEOUL, May 31 (Yonhap) -- North Korea is actively seeking to enlist the country's sacred Mount Paekdu as a UNESCO global geopark, state media reported Sunday.
"Scientists in relevant fields of the DPRK made scientific proof of its geological features and world value through scores of years-long survey and research," the North's official Korean Central News Agency said, stressing the mountain's rich biodiversity and geological significance.
DPRK stands for the North's official name, Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
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N. Korea to open schools from early June after monthslong delay amid virus fears
SEOUL, June 1 (Yonhap) -- North Korea plans to begin reopening schools nationwide in phases early this month after months of delay due to the coronavirus pandemic, state media reported Monday.
Schools in North Korea were supposed to start new semesters in early April, but the vacation period has been extended repeatedly due to the coronavirus pandemic, though some colleges and high schools were allowed to open in mid-April.
"Preventive measures have been enforced in a way that elementary, middle and high schools start their semesters, and nurseries and kindergartens can begin resuming their operations in early June," according to the North's state radio.
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N. Korea encourages non-face-to-face services amid coronavirus fears
SEOUL, June 1 (Yonhap) -- North Korea is encouraging non-face-to-face services at restaurants and grocery stores, such as picking up to-go orders, as part of precautions against the new coronavirus, according to Pyongyang's state media on Monday.
Korean Central Broadcasting Station, the North's radio broadcaster, said the country is trying to improve customer services "to provide more convenience in accordance with the virus prevention measures in many districts including Pyongyang."
"We are also guaranteeing convenient lifestyles to our people such as encouraging 'order services' in restaurants and grocery stores," it said.
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N. Korea seems to have renamed ministry in charge of policing
SEOUL, June 3 (Yonhap) -- North Korea appears to have renamed a ministry in charge of policing, a state media report showed Wednesday, apparently in a follow-up to decisions made during a recent major party meeting handling organizational issues.
Reporting on the ongoing construction of a general hospital in Pyongyang, a state radio station said that large-scale support activities for the project have been executed by the Ministry of Social Security.
It was the first time North Korean media mentioned the ministry, and it is presumed to be the new name for the Ministry of People's Security, which is roughly equivalent to South Korea's National Police Agency.
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N.K. leader stresses close relations with Cuba in birthday message to Raul Castro
SEOUL, June 3 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has sent a birthday message to Raul Castro, the first secretary of Cuba's communist party, stressing "strategic" and "comradely" relations between the two countries, state media reported Wednesday.
"The message extended warm comradely greetings to Raul Castro Ruz with best wishes on his 89th birthday," the Korean Central News Agency said.
"It expressed the belief that the strategic and comradely relations of friendship and cooperation between the two parties and two countries based on a long history and tradition will be invariably carried forward and developed," it added.
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N. Korean schools reopen during pandemic
SEOUL, June 3 (Yonhap) -- Schools across Norea Korea reopened on Wednesday after months of delay caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Uriminzokkiri Television, Pyongyang's propaganda station, showed a 90-second clip of students at an elementary school in the North Korean capital returning to classrooms.
Schools in North Korea were supposed to start new semesters in early April, but the vacation period was extended repeatedly due to the coronavirus pandemic, though some colleges and high schools were allowed to open in mid-April.
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N.K. threatens to scrap military agreement unless Seoul takes action against anti-Pyongyang leaflets
SEOUL, June 4 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's powerful sister threatened Thursday to scrap a military tension reduction agreement with South Korea and shut down major exchange projects unless Seoul stops defectors from sending anti-Pyongyang leaflets into the communist nation.
Kim Yo-jong, first vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, issued the warning in a statement, adding that good faith and reconciliation can never go together with such hostile activities.
"Clearly speaking, the South Korean authorities will be forced to pay a dear price if they let this situation go on while making sort of excuses," she said in the statement carried by the Korean Central News Agency.
(END)


yna--2020-06-06--(URGENT) 25 more people released after full recovery from coronavirus, total cured patients at 10,53

(URGENT) 25 more people released after full recovery from coronavirus, total cured patients at 10,531: KCDC


yna--2020-06-06--(URGENT) S. Korea reports no additional virus death, death toll remains flat at 273: KCDC


yna--2020-06-06--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 51 more cases of new coronavirus, total now at 11,719: KCDC


yna--2020-06-06--City to use Han River flowers, crops to feed zoo animals

Under the plan , the city government will use some 22 tons of crops and flowers at some of the @ @ @ @ @ as food for animals at Seoul Grand Park in Gwacheon , just south of the @ @ @

SEOUL, June 6 (Yonhap) -- What happens to the flowers and crops that decorate Seoul's riverside parks in spring and autumn?
Each year, city officials grow some 30 tons of flowers and crops at the area that spans 28,640 square meters. Those flowers and crops are usually disposed of after being used as visitor attractions.
That is set to change this year, as Seoul city government said Saturday it plans to run a pilot program to donate the flowers and crops as food for herbivores at a city-run zoo.
Under the plan, the city government will use some 22 tons of crops and flowers at some of the parks along the Han River as food for animals at Seoul Grand Park in Gwacheon, just south of the capital city.
This year, officials will use some 15 tons of canola flowers and seven tons of rye as "dessert" for the zoo's animals.
They said that zoo and park officials reached an agreement and checked that the canola flowers and rye harvested before ripening are appropriate for the animals.
Separately, they plan to donate around 800 kilograms of barley to social welfare organizations.
City officials plan to consider extending the pilot program after reviewing this year's results.
This photo, provided by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, shows canola flower fields at one of the parks alongside the Han River in Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-06--Seoul stocks likely to move in tight range next week: analysts

Next week , the stock index may come under selling pressure after a week-long climb as investors are tempted to @ @ @ @ @ Investors will have to digest a series of key events , analysts said .

SEOUL, June 6 (Yonhap) -- South Korean shares are expected to trade in a tight range next week amid uncertainties from the upcoming FOMC meeting and escalating unrest in the United States.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed at 2,181.87 points Friday, up 7.5 percent from a week ago.
The stock index extended gains to a six straight session on Friday amid hopes of economic recovery. The Korean government proposed a 35.3 trillion-won (US$29.2 billion) extra budget to revive the economy amid the fallout of the new coronavirus pandemic.
The gains were also attributed to eased tensions between the U.S. and China over developments in Hong Kong.
Electronic signboards at a KEB Hana Bank trading room in Seoul show the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) up 30.69 points, or 1.43 percent, to close at 2,181.87 on June 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
Next week, the stock index may come under selling pressure after a week-long climb as investors are tempted to lock in recent gains. Investors will have to digest a series of key events, analysts said.
But the overall upward trend may be maintained despite uncertainties as economic reopenings around the globe fuel recovery hopes.
The memorial and funeral of George Floyd is set to be held in June 8-9 (New York time). The death of the African-American man triggered a massive anti-racism protests in the U.S.
The U.S. Federal Open Market Committee is widely expected to keep the interest rate at near zero at its scheduled meeting for June 9-10 (New York time).
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-06--(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on June 6)

(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on June 6)

The victims have no other choice but to resort to the court 's imminent order to dispose of the shares @ @ @ @ @ firm continues to ignore the compensation ruling .
If such a thing happens , the @ @ @ @ @ could plunge to the lowest point since the 1965 diplomatic normalization .

Avoid diplomatic debacle
Korea, Japan should find compromise over wartime forced labor
South Korea and Japan are showing signs of reigniting their diplomatic row over the latter's wartime forced labor. If they fail to find a compromise, the two countries may risk aggravating their already-sourced relations further.
The dispute is turning for the worse as a South Korean court has decided to start a legal procedure to liquidate seized assets of a Japanese firm that has refused to honor a ruling to compensate surviving South Korean victims of wartime forced labor.
On Monday, the court took action for "delivery of public notice" as the defendant, Nippon Steel, has refused to accept the court's legal document on asset liquidation. If the company does not respond to the document by Aug. 8, the court can issue an order to sell off the seized assets.
The legal step came after the Supreme Court of South Korea ordered Nippon Steel in 2018 to pay compensation to four South Koreans for their unpaid wartime forced labor. As the company refused to comply with the order, the plaintiffs applied for the seizure of the steelmaker's 194,794 shares worth 973 million won (US$799,400) in PNR, a joint venture created by Nippon Steel and Korean steelmaker POSCO.
The victims have no other choice but to resort to the court's imminent order to dispose of the shares as long as the Japanese firm continues to ignore the compensation ruling. If such a thing happens, the relations between Seoul and Tokyo could plunge to the lowest point since the 1965 diplomatic normalization.
More worrisome is that the nationalist Shinzo Abe government is threatening to retaliate against the looming sell-off order from the Korean court. Both sides have failed to narrow their wide differences over the forced labor issue since the Supreme Court ruled against the company.
In July 2019, Tokyo took a retaliatory action against Seoul by restricting exports of key materials essential for South Korean firms to make semiconductors and display panels. Soon in August that year, Japan also removed Korea from its list of favored trading partners, citing security reasons. The bilateral ties suddenly soured as Seoul made a tit-for-tat response to Tokyo's trade retaliations.
On Tuesday, Seoul decided to resume its process of taking the trade dispute to the World Trade Organization (WTO) as Tokyo has done nothing to lift its export restrictions against Korean firms. It is regrettable that the Moon Jae-in administration has made the decision only because of Japan's uncompromising stance.
Now we call on Tokyo to make sincere efforts to ease, if not lift, its trade restrictions in order to defuse tensions with Seoul. It is wrong to weaponize trade in retaliation against the Korean court's decision on the wartime forced labor issue.
"An eye for an eye" cannot resolve the history-related dispute between the two countries. Fundamentally, Japan needs to reflect on its 1910-45 colonial rule of Korea and the atrocities and brutalities it committed against Koreans.
Finally we urge both Seoul and Tokyo to compromise over the thorny issues related to the fraught history. They should work together -- not fight each other -- to overcome the shameful history and move forward toward reconciliation, friendship and co-prosperity.
(END)


yna--2020-06-06--Top headlines in major S. Korean newspapers

Korean-language dailies -- Ruling party pushes ahead , opposition party exits ; Nat ' l Assembly half-opens ( Kyunghyang Shinmun @ @ @ @ @ l Assembly kicks off with half-filled seats ( Kookmin Daily ) -- Majority ruling party @ @ @ @ @ party ( Donga llbo ) -- Ruling party pushes ahead with Nat ' l Assembly @ @ @ @ @ -- Audit agency chief apologizes over delayed inspection of nuclear plant ( Chosun Ilbo ) @ @ @ @ @ Assembly faces hurdles from 1st day ( JoongAng Ilbo ) -- N. Korea threatens to @ @ @ @ @ ) -- Career soldiers face difficulties in finding jobs ( Hankook Ilbo ) -- Urban @ @ @ @ @ farms as COVID-19 blocks foreigners from coming ( Maeil Business Newspaper ) -- Nat ' @ @ @ @ @ for first time in 53 years ( Korea Economic Daily )

SEOUL, June 6 (Yonhap) -- The following are the top headlines in major South Korean newspapers on June 6.
Korean-language dailies
-- Ruling party pushes ahead, opposition party exits; Nat'l Assembly half-opens (Kyunghyang Shinmun)
-- 21st Nat'l Assembly kicks off with half-filled seats (Kookmin Daily)
-- Majority ruling party pushes to open without opposition party (Donga llbo)
-- Ruling party pushes ahead with Nat'l Assembly opening (Segye Times)
-- Audit agency chief apologizes over delayed inspection of nuclear plant (Chosun Ilbo)
-- New Nat'l Assembly faces hurdles from 1st day (JoongAng Ilbo)
-- N. Korea threatens to shut inter-Korean office (Hankyoreh)
-- Career soldiers face difficulties in finding jobs (Hankook Ilbo)
-- Urban workers fill empty jobs at farms as COVID-19 blocks foreigners from coming (Maeil Business Newspaper)
-- Nat'l Assembly opens without opposition for first time in 53 years (Korea Economic Daily)
English-language dailies
-- New Nat'l Assembly off to rocky start amid walkout (Korea Times)
(END)


Saturday's weather forecast

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


yna--2020-06-06--Seoul distributes foreign-language guidelines on food waste disposal

In Seoul and elsewhere in South Korea , residents are required to separate food trash for recycling as animal feed @ @ @ @ @ types of waste , such as animal bones , shellfish and fruit seeds , can @ @ @ @ @ waste , because they can not be made into resources and could cause recycling machines @ @ @ @

SEOUL, June 6 (Yonhap) -- Seoul's municipal government said Saturday it has translated its guidelines on separate disposal of food waste into 10 foreign languages for distribution to foreigners living in the capital.
The 10 languages are English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese, Russian, Mongolian, French, Malay, Hindi and Thai.
The government said the move comes as illegal waste disposal is frequently spotted or related disputes occur among residents in some districts populated by many foreigners.
This file photo, provided by the office of Seoul's Gangdong Ward, shows collection boxes for food and recyclable waste at an apartment building. (Yonhap)
In Seoul and elsewhere in South Korea, residents are required to separate food trash for recycling as animal feed or compost. But certain types of waste, such as animal bones, shellfish and fruit seeds, cannot be dumped as food waste, because they cannot be made into resources and could cause recycling machines to break down.
The Seoul government said the foreign language guidance will be distributed to foreign residents through public offices and institutions.
"The guidelines for the separation of food waste differ slightly among the city's autonomous districts, causing confusion to citizens. Foreigners, in particular, have had difficulties in disposing food waste due to language problems," said a government official.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-06--Donors sue shelter for Japan sex slavery victims in donation scandal

The lawsuit came amid a separate controversy over the Korean Council for Justice and Remembrance , another NGO working for @ @ @ @ @ a prominent victim 's allegation last month that a former chief of the group used @ @ @ @ @ victims for her political ambition .
The former leader , Yoon Mi-hyang , was named @ @ @ @ @ April .

SEOUL, June 6 (Yonhap) -- A group of donors to a residential facility for surviving victims of Japan's wartime sexual slavery has filed a lawsuit against the center's operator amid allegations of fund misappropriation.
Employees of the House of Sharing foundation have recently accused the organization of misusing billions of won collected for the so-called former comfort women. Five women currently live in the shelter in Gwangju, southeast of Seoul, affiliated with the nation's largest Buddhist sect, Jogye Order.
"There is suspicion that the House of Sharing intended to use billions of won in donations to build a hotel-style nursing home, not to support the elderly victims," said Kim Young-ho, who heads an internet-based association of about 130 sponsors.
Twenty-three members of the donors' group filed a lawsuit with the Seoul Central District Court on Thursday. They demand the foundation return their donation worth 50.74 million won (US$41,995).
"The fund is meant for the welfare of the grandmothers and should not be used for the purpose of increasing personal or corporate properties. Their donation should be returned," Kim Ki-yun, the attorney representing the plaintiffs, told reporters at the court.
The lawyer said additional suits would follow as more members are willing to join the legal action.
The House of Sharing collected 1.8 billion won in donations in 2018 and 2.5 billion won in 2019. A recent inspection by the local government showed a total of 7.35 billion won has been deposited in its 19 bank accounts.
The lawsuit came amid a separate controversy over the Korean Council for Justice and Remembrance, another NGO working for the women, sparked by a prominent victim's allegation last month that a former chief of the group used misused donations and exploited the victims for her political ambition. The former leader, Yoon Mi-hyang, was named to the National Assembly in April.
This file photo shows the House of Sharing in Gwangju, southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
jjhwang@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-06--U.S., S. Korea agree to continue talks on economic initiative against China

`` Both sides agreed to continue consultations on the Economic Prosperity Network and other issues as they prepare for the @ @ @ @ @ , to be held in the second half of the year , '' the department @ @ @ @ @ Korea by its official name , the Republic of Korea .

By Lee Haye-ah
WASHINGTON, May 5 (Yonhap) -- Senior U.S. and South Korean officials agreed to continue discussions on the Economic Prosperity Network, the State Department said Friday, referring to a U.S. initiative to shift global supply chains away from China.
In a phone call Thursday evening, Keith Krach, undersecretary of state for economic growth, energy and the environment, spoke with South Korean Second Vice Foreign Minister Lee Tae-ho about a range of economic issues, including COVID-19, an upcoming Group of Seven summit that South Korea has been invited to, and the Economic Prosperity Network, the department said in comments sent to Yonhap News Agency.
It described the EPN as "an initiative to unite countries, companies, and civil society groups around the world on a foundation of trust."
Krach has spearheaded the project amid an intensifying U.S.-China rivalry over issues ranging from trade and accountability for the coronavirus to civil liberties in Hong Kong.
The EPN is seen as a campaign to isolate China from global supply chains, posing a possible challenge to South Korea's efforts to maintain good relations with both its ally, Washington, and its largest trading partner, Beijing.
"Both sides agreed to continue consultations on the Economic Prosperity Network and other issues as they prepare for the 5th U.S.-ROK Senior Economic Dialogue, to be held in the second half of the year," the department said, referring to South Korea by its official name, the Republic of Korea.
This photo shows South Korean Second Vice Foreign Minister Lee Tae-ho (R) posing for a photo with Keith Krach, U.S. undersecretary of state for economic growth, energy and the environment, during the 4th Senior Economic Dialogue at the foreign ministry in Seoul on Nov. 6, 2019. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-06--(2nd LD) N. Korea vows to abolish inter-Korean liaison office in anger over leaflets

In Friday 's UFD statement , the North also confirmed she is the top official handling inter-Korean issues as it @ @ @ @ @ read each word and phrase '' of her statement because the warning was issued by @ @ @ @ @ affairs with South Korea . ''

(ATTN: RECASTS throughout, ADDS details)
By Koh Byung-joon
SEOUL, June 6 (Yonhap) -- North Korea vowed Friday to abolish an inter-Korean liaison office in the first in a series of measures in anger over anti-Pyongyang leaflets sent from South Korea, even after Seoul promised to ban such leaflet campaigns.
The United Front Department (UFD), which handles inter-Korean affairs, said in a statement that leader Kim Jong-un's sister, Kim Yo-jong, ordered officials to look into implementing a series of measures she threatened to take a day earlier unless Seoul stops North Korean defectors from sending such leaflets.
The hardline statement came despite South Korea's promise to take legislative measures to ban flying-in of propaganda leaflets, and appears to be aimed at increasing pressure on Seoul to make sure to follow through with its pledge.
"Our determination is to follow as far as the evil cycle of the confrontation leads while facing the situation squarely, because our path is always straight," an unnamed spokesperson of the UFD said in a statement carried by the Korean Central News Agency.
"As the first thing, we will definitely withdraw the idling North-South Joint Liaison Office housed in the Kaesong Industrial Zone to be followed by effectuation of various measures which we had already implied," the spokesperson added.
Closing the liaison office was one of the measures that the leader's sister threatened to take, along with scrapping an inter-Korean military tension reduction agreement and completely dismantling a now-shuttered joint industrial park.
In Friday's UFD statement, the North also confirmed she is the top official handling inter-Korean issues as it said the South should "read each word and phrase" of her statement because the warning was issued by the one "looking after affairs with South Korea."
Her official title is first vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party.
Shortly after her warning Thursday, South Korea called for an immediate halt to such leaflet-sending and pledged to legislate a ban on such activity. The office of President Moon Jae-in also said that leaflet-sending does "no good but harm" and should be dealt sternly with.
But the North called the envisioned legislation "a little more advanced excuses."
"Then does it mean that they signed the agreement in the military field on halting all the hostile acts in the areas along the Military Demarcation Line with no definite guarantees like such a bill," the spokesperson said.
"Then even though we start things that can be annoyance to the South in the area bordering it, it will be left with no words until the bill is adopted and put into effect," the spokesperson added.
North Korean defectors and anti-Pyongyang activists have occasionally sent a large number of leaflets via giant balloons sharply criticizing the communist regime and its leader. These are often flown with one-dollar bills and USB memory sticks to get more North Koreans to pick up the leaflets.
South Korea's government has advised against sending such leaflets, citing concerns about the safety of residents in the regions where the leaflet-carrying balloons are launched because the North could take retaliatory military action on the areas.
Defector groups and anti-North Korea civic organizations have often ignored such an appeal, citing their right to freedom of expression. Under the current law, it is also impossible to ban the leaflet campaign.
North Korea has strongly bristled at anti-Pyongyang leaflets sent across the border, seeing them as a serious hostile act aimed at undermining the authority of its leaders.
The latest warning came as cross-border relations have been chilled amid a stalemate in denuclearization talks between Pyongyang and Washington since the no-deal summit in February last year between the North's leader and U.S. President Donald Trump.
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)


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yna--2020-06-05--(LEAD) N. Korea blasts leaflet campaigns in South, threatens to shut inter-Korean office

`` Clearly speaking , the South Korean authorities will be forced to pay a dear price if they let this @ @ @ @ @ sort of excuses , '' she said in the statement carried by the Korean Central @ @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES with more details throughout)
SEOUL, June 5 (Yonhap) -- North Korea on Friday threatened to shut down an inter-Korean liaison office as it continued to criticize South Korea over civilian-led anti-Pyongyang leaflet campaigns.
"We will abolish the inter-Korean liaison office sitting idly in the Kaesong industrial complex immediately," a spokesperson for the North's United Front Department (UFD) said in a statement condemning the South's anti-Pyongyang leaflet campaigns.
UFD is a key organ in the North's ruling Workers' Party of Korea in charge of inter-Korean affairs and espionage operations.
"Upon review of the current situation, it is our decision to go as far as possible in the vicious circle of confrontation," the spokesperson said.
The statement also said that the North was "preparing what the South may consider as very exhausting and we plan to make them suffer."
The UFD spokesperson said that Kim Yo-jong, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's sister, has ordered the UFD to review implementations of actions mentioned in an earlier statement.
"We plan to come up with measures that we have mentioned earlier," the spokesperson said.
On Thursday, Kim Yo-jong, issued a strongly worded statement condemning the leaflet campaign, saying good faith and reconciliation can never go together with such hostile activities.
"Clearly speaking, the South Korean authorities will be forced to pay a dear price if they let this situation go on while making sort of excuses," she said in the statement carried by the Korean Central News Agency.
This file photo shows members of the Fighters For Free North Korea, an activist group, sending balloons containing anti-North Korea leaflets into the communist country from Paju, northwest of Seoul in April 2016. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-06-05--N. Korea blasts leaflet campaigns in South, threatens to shut inter-Korean office

`` Clearly speaking , the South Korean authorities will be forced to pay a dear price if they let this @ @ @ @ @ sort of excuses , '' she said in the statement carried by the Korean Central @ @ @ @ @ ( END )

SEOUL, June 5 (Yonhap) -- North Korea on Friday threatened to shut down an inter-Korean liaison office as it continued to criticize South Korea over civilian-led anti-Pyongyang leaflet campaigns.
"We will abolish the inter-Korean liaison office located in the Kaesong industrial complex immediately," the North's United Front Department (UFD) said in a statement condemning the anti-Pyongyang leaflet campaigns in the South.
On Thursday, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's sister, Kim Yo-jong, issued a strongly worded statement condemning the leaflet campaign, saying good faith and reconciliation can never go together with such hostile activities.
"Clearly speaking, the South Korean authorities will be forced to pay a dear price if they let this situation go on while making sort of excuses," she said in the statement carried by the Korean Central News Agency on Thursday.
(END)


yna--2020-06-05--(LEAD) S. Korea's World Cup qualifier vs. N. Korea pushed to Nov.

(ATTN: CHANGES headline, lead; UPDATES throughout with AFC's announcement)
SEOUL, June 5 (Yonhap) -- A World Cup qualifying match between South Korea and North Korea that would have taken place this week has been moved to November, the continental football governing body announced Friday.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC), in consultation with FIFA, unveiled new proposed dates for the regional World Cup qualifiers that have been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
According to the new calendar, matches that were scheduled for March will be played in October, and those set for June will take place in November.
In this file photo from Nov. 14, 2019, South Korean players (in white) try to block a free kick taken by Bassel Jradi of Lebanon during the teams' Group H match in the second round of the Asian qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium in Beirut. (Yonhap)
The Koreas have paired in Group H of the second round of the qualifying campaign for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. It began in September 2019, and South Korea have played four matches, while the rest -- North Korea, Turkmenistan, Lebanon and Sri Lanka -- have each played five matches.
South Korea had been scheduled to host Turkmenistan on March 26 and then face Sri Lanka in Colombo five days later. Those matches have been moved to Oct. 8 and 13.
The highly-anticipated all-Korea showdown would have been played on Thursday, with a South Korea-Lebanon match to follow next Tuesday. They will instead be played on Nov. 12 and 17.
The latest match fixtures will hinge upon how well the novel virus is contained in Asia in the coming months and whether travel restrictions are eased.
For countries that won't be able to host matches due to COVID-19, playing in a neutral site could be an option, an industry source told Yonhap News Agency on Friday.
There are eight groups of five nations in the second round. The eight group winners and the four-best runners-up will advance to the third round.
South Korea, coached by Paulo Bento, are in second place in Group H with eight points from two wins and two draws. Turkmenistan are leading the way with nine points. Lebanon and North Korea both have eight points each but trail South Korea in goal difference.
In this file photo from Oct. 10, 2019, South Korean players pose for photos before fans following their 8-0 victory over Sri Lanka in the teams' Group H match in the second round of the Asian qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Hwaseong Sports Complex Main Stadium in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-05--(URGENT) N.K. party organ vows to abolish inter-Korean liaison office


yna--2020-06-05--(2nd LD) Consumers rush to buy thinner face masks ahead of summer

`` I recently tried to buy surgical masks but found that their price had nearly doubled and mostly were sold @ @ @ @ @ that the thinner masks will be supplied at a price of 500 won .
... @ @ @ @ @ lower the price for other masks as well , '' said a 40-year-old office worker @ @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES with more details para 3)
SEOUL, June 5 (Yonhap) -- An online shopping channel selling thinner face masks crashed Friday as South Koreans rushed to buy the antivirus masks amid warmer weather.
Mask manufacturer Welkeeps began sales of the "saliva droplet prevention" masks at 9 a.m., but its online server shortly was shut down as shoppers rushed to get the masks priced at 500 won (US$0.40).
Simultaneous access on the website peaked at 7.8 million at around 11 a.m., a company official said. The company's daily stock of 200,000 masks were sold out at around 2 p.m.
While the thinner masks are known to prevent less pollutants than thicker and more durable government-supplied masks, demand for them has been growing as warmer weather makes it uncomfortable for people to wear them.
Demand had especially spiked recently as students across the country began returning to school in May. Parents went on to buy surgical masks for easier breathing, which drove up their prices and exhausted supply.
Data by supermarket operator E-mart showed that sales of surgical masks that are similar to the saliva droplet prevention masks, nearly tripled in the May 22-28 period compared with the previous month.
This June 1, 2020, photo shows surgical masks on sale at a supermarket in central Seoul. (Yonhap)
In a bid to cap prices, the food and drug agency designated the "saliva droplet prevention" masks to prevent saliva droplets and approved nine products manufactured by four companies.
Welkeeps said it plans to continue to provide 100,000 to 200,000 masks on weekdays and consider expanding sales outside of its online shopping mall.
Consumers welcomed the move, hoping it will help loosen up the supply of thinner masks ahead of summer.
"I recently tried to buy surgical masks but found that their price had nearly doubled and mostly were sold out. It's good that the thinner masks will be supplied at a price of 500 won. ... I hope it will help lower the price for other masks as well," said a 40-year-old office worker surnamed Kim.
The thinner masks will be provided by the approved manufacturers, compared with the government-rationed masks that are sold for 1,500 won and limited to three per person on a weekly basis.
This May 26, 2020, photo shows people waiting for the subway at Seoul Station in central Seoul. (Yonhap)
Face masks have been a key tool in South Korea's fight against the infectious virus that has infected 11,668 here.
The government regulates the mask supply and advises passengers to always wear masks on buses, taxis and subways.
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-05--(5th LD) Virus fight still dogged by cluster infections ahead of further school reopenings

In addition , a confirmed infection at the research and development production center of car components manufacturer Hyundai Mobis in @ @ @ @ @ , has led to 20 workers being placed on self-quarantine and 5,300 other employees told @ @ @ @ @ The 40-year-old employee had been set to go abroad on business when he tested positive @ @ @ @ @ said , adding that the entire center will be closed through Sunday so disinfection work @ @ @ @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES with more details in para 7, ADDS new info in para 11)
SEOUL, June 5 (Yonhap) -- South Korea continued to report more virus cases linked to religious gatherings, nightclubs and a logistics center in greater Seoul area on Friday ahead of further school reopenings next week. Health authorities again urged citizens to stay away from gatherings over the weekend.
The country added 39 more cases of the new coronavirus, including 34 local infections, raising the total caseload to 11,668, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC). The daily COVID-19 infections remained flat compared to the previous day.
All but three of the newly identified domestic transmissions Friday were reported from Seoul and adjacent areas.
South Korea has been grappling with a series of group infections after shifting to a relaxed social-distancing scheme since May 6.
A medical worker gets her face cooled with a facial mist at a makeshift clinic in Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul, on June 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
Over the past two weeks, cluster infections accounted for 73 percent of new virus cases, and most mass infections were reported in and around the capital city, the KCDC said.
The number of cases tied to 30 small churches in Incheon, west of Seoul, and Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital city reached 76, up 10 from a day earlier, according to the KCDC. The first related case was reported Sunday.
Of the cases reported from the churches, more than half were secondary transmissions, connected to pastors who conducted services, churchgoers and family members.
The number of infections from clubgoers in the nightlife district of Itaewon reached more than 270. Another 124 cases were linked to a distribution center run by e-commerce leader Coupang as of Friday, according to the KCDC.
The KCDC said a total of 29 virus cases linked to a door-to-door business establishment in southern Seoul have been reported since Tuesday, emerging as yet another infection cluster in the country. Most of the patients were aged 60 and above, with the oldest person aged 86.
Health authorities say there may be more related cases, adding that around 200 people, including company workers, were undergoing virus tests.
In addition, a confirmed infection at the research and development production center of car components manufacturer Hyundai Mobis in Uiwang, south of Seoul, has led to 20 workers being placed on self-quarantine and 5,300 other employees told to work from home. The 40-year-old employee had been set to go abroad on business when he tested positive for COVID-19, the company said, adding that the entire center will be closed through Sunday so disinfection work can be carried out.
"The new coronavirus is spreading in greater Seoul through religious meetings, PC cafes, and cram schools. Such infections can lead to another wave of pandemic," KCDC Deputy Director Kwon Joon-wook said in a briefing, urging people to avoid gatherings over the weekend.
Asymptomatic virus spreaders are also another stumbling block in the country's virus fight. The KCDC estimates around 25-35 percent of patients here tested positive for the coronavirus despite showing no related symptoms.
The country recently rolled out the third phase of its plan to reopen schools, with students in more selected grades returning to their classrooms this week. More students are set to attend in-person classes next week.
South Korea is still set to carry out its plan to have all students return to schools next week while taking precautionary measures, including reduced class time and a mix of online and offline classes.
On Friday, 514 kindergartens, elementary, middle and high schools remained shut down, or 2.5 percent of the country's total number of schools. Nearly all were based in Seoul and its surrounding areas.
The upcoming week will be a crucial juncture in containing further spread.
Earlier, health authorities decided to reinforce social distancing guidelines for the metropolitan area, shuttering public facilities again and ordering entertainment establishments to refrain from opening until June 14.
If the figures from the metropolitan area rise, South Korea will have to consider a return to strict social distancing.
Health authorities said they are currently discussing whether to further beef up quarantine measures in greater Seoul, with related decisions set to be made soon.
Students stage a protest against offline exams at Seoul National University in southern Seoul on June 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
The country reported no new deaths, keeping the death toll at 273.
The fatality rate stood at 2.34 percent. The rate was lower than 1 percent for those aged 59 and below, although it shot up as high as 26.4 percent for patients older than 79.
The accumulated number of imported cases reached 1,280, up five from a day earlier.
The total number of people released from quarantine after full recoveries stood at 10,506, moving up seven from the previous day. Around 90 percent of local COVID-19 patients have been cured.
South Korea has been carrying out tests on 990,960 people since Jan. 3, including 17,102 from a day earlier.
The country began the supply of "saliva droplet prevention" masks. While the thinner masks are known to prevent less pollutants than thicker and more durable ones, demand has been growing as warmer weather makes it uncomfortable for people to wear them.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-05--'Parasite' director Bong Joon-ho wins grand prize at Baeksang Awards

Other winners in the film category included Lee Byung-hun , taking home the award for best actor in a film @ @ @ @ @ `` The Man Standing Next , '' screenwriter Lee Sang-geun for `` Exit '' and @ @ @ @ @ best new director for `` Kim Ji-young : Born 1982 . ''

SEOUL, June 5 (Yonhap) -- Bong Joon-ho, writer-director of Oscar-winning South Korean film "Parasite," won the grand prize in the film category at this year's Baeksang Arts Awards on Friday.
Bong claimed the top prize for films at the prestigious entertainment awards show held at KINTEX exhibition hall in Goyang, north of Seoul. "When the Camellia Blooms," a thriller-comedy series that ran on KBS 2TV last year, took the grand prize in the TV category.
Kwak Sin-ae, "Parasite" producer and head of the film's production company, Barunson E&M, accepted the award on behalf of Bong, who was not present at the event.
"It's an honor to wrap up the long voyage of 'Parasite' at the Baeksang Arts Awards. I'm quietly writing a new script," Kwak read on behalf of Bong in a prepared acceptance speech.
"Today we're here at an award show with no audience. But I hope we can soon meet again in a packed cinema," the director said.
"Parasite," a satirical thriller on the theme of wealth inequality, won four Oscars, including best picture, at this year's Academy Awards. It has collected over 50 awards from global film festivals.
Other winners in the film category included Lee Byung-hun, taking home the award for best actor in a film, for his role in "The Man Standing Next," screenwriter Lee Sang-geun for "Exit" and Kim Do-young, who won best new director for "Kim Ji-young: Born 1982."
For TV, Kang Ha-neul and Kim Hee-ae won best actor and actress awards for their works in "When the Camellia Blooms" and "The World of the Married," respectively.
Launched in 1965, the Baeksang Arts Awards is one of the most prestigious entertainment award shows in South Korea and encompasses the fields TV, film and theater.
In this file photo, Bong Joon-ho, director of the Oscar-winning Korean film "Parasite," poses for a photo during a press conference at a Seoul hotel on Feb. 19, 2020. (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-06--Rally held in central Seoul to support Black Lives Matter movement

The rally was organized to support the BLM movement that has been spreading across the U.S. and around the world @ @ @ @ @ , a black American , at the hands of a white police officer .

SEOUL, June 6 (Yonhap) -- A group of activists held a rally in central Seoul on Saturday to voice their support for the anti-racism movement in the United States that flared up after the death of George Floyd.
Some 100 people participated in the rally, which was held in Myeongdong, central Seoul. Clad in black, they later marched toward Cheonggye Stream, with some holding pickets reading "Black Lives Matter."
The rally was organized to support the BLM movement that has been spreading across the U.S. and around the world following the death of Floyd, a black American, at the hands of a white police officer.
"Racial discrimination in the U.S. is not something that can be found just outside our country," said Shim Ji-hoon, 34, who organized the event.
"It is a matter that we should form an alliance against in that we are living in a country where multiple ethnics live together," he added.
The rally was the latest in a series of gestures by South Koreans to support and commemorate the movement. K-pop musicians have also voiced support, condemning racism and paying homage to African-American culture as an important source of inspiration for modern-day K-pop.
Clad in black, a person marches in central Seoul on June 6, 2020, holding pickets reading "Black Lives Matter" and "Please, I Can't Breathe."(Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-06-06--N. Korea's official paper ratchets up criticism over anti-Pyongyang leaflets

`` What have the South Korean authorities done so far , '' the paper said .
`` They should have @ @ @ @ @ reckless acts by human scum , knowing what consequences slandering at the most inappropriate time @ @ @ @ @ . ''

SEOUL, June 6 (Yonhap) -- North Korea's official newspaper on Saturday lashed out at South Korea over anti-Pyongyang leaflets sent by activists into the communist state, blaming Seoul for freezing inter-Korean relations with its irresponsible attitude and belated action.
The Rodong Sinmun, the organ of the North's ruling party, made the criticism, hours after Pyongyang vowed to close an inter-Korean liaison office in its border town of Kaesong over the leaflet-sending campaigns.
"The current situation clearly shows who is the culprit for freezing a good atmosphere again in relations between the North and the South and pushing things into a state of tension," the paper said.
"If (South Korea) has a willingness to cherish and thoroughly carry out inter-Korean agreements, it will have to completely make sure that ugly things should not take place again. It has to take drastic measures immediately," the paper added.
Late on Friday, the United Front Department (UFD) handling inter-Korean affairs issued a statement, saying that it will abolish the liaison office in the first in a series of measures over anti-Pyongyang leaflets sent from South Korea.
It also said that leader Kim Jong-un's sister, Kim Yo-jong, ordered officials to look into implementing a series of measures she threatened to take a day earlier unless Seoul stops North Korean defectors from sending such leaflets.
Along with the closing of the liaison office, she warned of scrapping a tension-reduction military deal signed in 2018 and dismantling a now-shuttered industrial park in Kaesong.
North Korea vowed to go ahead with those plans, despite South Korea's promise to take legislative measures to ban the sending of propaganda leaflets.
The paper criticized Seoul for trying to avoid taking responsibility after doing nothing about the leaflet-sending campaigns for years.
"What have the South Korean authorities done so far," the paper said. "They should have taken action to prevent such reckless acts by human scum, knowing what consequences slandering at the most inappropriate time like this would bring about."
"Nothing can be expected in the relations between the North and the South if they just speak hollow words without any action," it added.
North Korean defectors and anti-Pyongyang activists have for years sent a large number of leaflets via giant balloons. North Korea has bristled at such activity, saying it is aimed at tarnishing its leader.
South Korea's government has advised against sending such leaflets, citing concerns about the safety of residents in the border regions, but they have often ignored such an appeal, citing their right to freedom of expression.
The liaison office in Kaesong that the North vowed to shut down was launched in September 2018 as part of efforts to facilitate cross-border contact and cooperation as agreed by the leaders of the two Koreas in their summits held in the same year.
Earlier this year, the two Koreas temporarily closed the office over coronavirus concerns, but their liaison officers have communicated through telephone and fax lines established between Seoul and Pyongyang.
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-06--(3rd LD) S. Korea reports most infections in 8 days, heightening tension in metropolitan area

The KCDC said cases traced to online retailer Coupang 's warehouse in Bucheon , west of Seoul , increased by @ @ @ @ @ noon , while those linked to the small churches and religious sessions rose by four @ @ @ @ @ nightclub cluster also added one case , bringing its caseload to 273 .

(ATTN: ADDS details in paras 7, 10, 22)
SEOUL, June 6 (Yonhap) -- South Korea reported the biggest number of new coronavirus cases in eight days Saturday, raising concerns over new cluster infections popping up across the densely populated greater Seoul area despite tightened quarantine efforts.
The country added 51 cases, the most since the 58 reported on May 29, bringing the country's total caseload to 11,719, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
The latest data comes as South Korea is grappling with a string of group infections linked to religious gatherings, nightclubs and a distribution center in the metropolitan area since relaxing its social distancing scheme on May 6.
The number of new cases appeared to be flattening after hitting 79 on May 28. But the figure started to rise again due to infections reported at small churches in Incheon, west of Seoul, and Gyeonggi Province, which surrounds the capital.
Of the 43 non-imported cases reported Saturday, all but three were identified in Seoul and adjacent areas.
Seoul added 23 cases, while Incheon, west of Seoul, and Gyeonggi Province, surrounding the capital, each reported 10 and seven cases.
This June 5, 2020, photo shows health workers waiting to carry out virus checks of business owners and employees on a street in Euljiro, which is known for outdoors bars, in central Seoul. The test was conducted as part of precautionary measures to resume outdoor seating. (Yonhap)
The KCDC said cases traced to online retailer Coupang's warehouse in Bucheon, west of Seoul, increased by six to 130 as of noon, while those linked to the small churches and religious sessions rose by four to 80. The Itaewon nightclub cluster also added one case, bringing its caseload to 273.
New clusters also ballooned in the capital area.
Cases associated with Richway, a Seoul-based health product retailer that specializes in door-to-door sales for mostly elderly consumers, jumped by 13 to 42 cases, while 17 cases have been identified in relation to a table tennis club in the western Seoul ward of Yangcheon.
Thirteen infections have been traced to a church in Yongin, south of Seoul.
The Richway cluster is considered especially risky as a majority of the cases are elderly patients who are more vulnerable to the virus than the younger age groups.
The country's mortality rate for COVID-19 patients aged 80 or older stands at 26.2 percent, much higher than 2.3 percent for all ages.
A health worker assists people waiting to be checked for the virus at a community health center in the southwestern Seoul ward of Gwanak on June 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
Health authorities urged the public to strictly follow quarantine guidelines -- such as washing hands and wearing masks -- and refrain from group meetings, especially during the weekend.
"Today marks Memorial Day and is also a weekend, and I understand many religious events will be held across the country tomorrow. ... (I) request that religious events are held while strictly abiding by quarantine guidelines," KCDC Director Jeong Eun-kyeong said in a regular briefing, asking small religious events to be canceled or postponed, if possible.
Jeong said a probe into venues where infections occurred showed that quarantine guidelines were not followed and that singing or eating had taken place. A lot of the venues were also located in basements or confined spaces, making it difficult for air to flow.
Health authorities said they plan to tighten inspections of venues that were overlooked in the quarantine process to prevent additional outbreaks as seen in Richway and the religious events.
The sharp increase reported Saturday heightens concerns ahead of the fourth and final round of school reopening scheduled for Monday.
South Korea started resuming in-person classes in May, but schools in some areas have again returned to remote learning as new infections were reported.
It is also expected to put health authorities on alert over possibly tightening quarantine guidelines to contain the infectious virus.
Earlier, health authorities decided to reinforce social distancing guidelines for the metropolitan area, shuttering public facilities again and ordering entertainment establishments to refrain from opening until June 14.
But if the figures from the metropolitan area continue to rise, South Korea may have to consider a return to strict social distancing.
The rise in cases with unknown transmission routes is another factor that may prompt authorities to reconsider their stance on strict social distancing. Authorities have yet to identify the infection routes of 8.9 percent of 607 cases reported between May 21 and June 4.
South Korea's COVID-19 death toll remained flat at 273, while the number of people released from quarantine after fully recovering totaled 10,531, up 25 from the previous day, according to the KCDC.
The entrance of health product seller Richway in Seoul's Gwanak Ward is closed on June 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-06--(LEAD) Memorial Day ceremony toned down amid coronavirus pandemic

`` A country should repay all sacrifices and devotion , '' Moon said during his speech broadcast live .
`` @ @ @ @ @ those who made the Republic of Korea what it is today and inscribe ( their @ @ @ @ @ ''

(ATTN: ADDS details in paras 4-5)
DAEJEON, June 6 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's annual Memorial Day service was a low-key event Saturday as a precautionary measure against the new coronavirus that has infected more than 11,000 people here.
Veterans, patriots and family members of those who took part in the Korean War and the country's independence and democracy movements, as well as public servants who died while serving antivirus duties, attended the 65th Memorial Day ceremony.
Seven family members and survivors of the 2010 sinking of the Cheonan warship and the artillery shelling of Yeonpyeong Island, a front-line island in the Yellow Sea, also attended the event.
Guests attending the 65th Memorial Day ceremony on June 6, 2020, at Daejeon National Cemetery in the city 160 kilometers south of Seoul are seen seated apart from one another as a precautionary measure against the new coronavirus. (Yonhap)
President Moon Jae-in and the leaders of the ruling and opposition political parties also attended the event.
"A country should repay all sacrifices and devotion," Moon said during his speech broadcast live. "The government will forever remember those who made the Republic of Korea what it is today and inscribe (their feats) in history."
The ceremony, which was initially planned to be held at the National Cemetery in Seoul, was relocated to Daejeon, 160 kilometers south of the capital, amid a continued rise in virus cases in the metropolitan area.
Officials said they tightened quarantine guidelines and reduced the number of invited guests from last year's 10,000 to around 300 to reduce the risk of infection.
Some 50,000 people were expected to visit the national ceremony to pay tribute to patriots and veterans Saturday.
A visitor pays tribute to patriots and veterans at Daejeon National Cemetery in Daejeon, 160 kilometers south of Seoul, on June 6, 2020. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-06-06--(LEAD) Volleyball star Kim Yeon-koung rejoins ex-S. Korean club

Kim , widely regarded as South Korea 's greatest volleyball player ever , made her professional debut with the Pink @ @ @ @ @ four seasons with them .
She then embarked on an international career that took her @ @ @ @ @ China and then back to Turkey over the next 11 years .

(ATTN: ADDS details in para 10)
SEOUL, June 6 (Yonhap) -- South Korean volleyball great Kim Yeon-koung is coming home.
Kim has rejoined her former South Korean club Heungkuk Life Pink Spiders, the V-League team announced Saturday. She has signed the one-year deal for a salary of 350 million won (US$289,495).
Kim, widely regarded as South Korea's greatest volleyball player ever, made her professional debut with the Pink Spiders in 2005 and played four seasons with them. She then embarked on an international career that took her to Japan, Turkey, China and then back to Turkey over the next 11 years.
In this file photo from Feb. 20, 2020, South Korean volleyball player Kim Yeon-koung poses for photos at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, before departing for Turkey. (Yonhap)
After her two-year deal with the Turkish club Eczacibasi VitrA expired in May, the 32-year-old outside hitter had been eyeing a reunion with the Pink Spiders, especially given the uncertainty in overseas leagues during the coronavirus pandemic.
Kim hadn't yet earned her free agent eligibility when she left the V-League in 2009 for JT Marvelous in Japan, and the Pink Spiders had placed her on the "voluntarily retired" list and sent her to Japan on a loan deal.
The last administrative step remaining for the Pink Spiders is to ask the Korean Volleyball Federation (KOVO) to activate Kim from the list.
Kim is joining an already stacked team that features two-time league MVP Lee Jae-yeong and her twin sister and the 2020 MVP runner-up Lee Da-yeong.
Those three, plus the returning Argentine attacker Lucia Fresco, should make the Pink Spiders the prohibitive title favorite for the 2020-2021 season.
Kim has reportedly been one of the world's highest-paid volleyball players in recent seasons, and she may have been making more than the V-League salary cap of 2.3 billion won.
A Pink Spiders official said the club proposed paying her up to 650 million won -- 450 million won in salary and 200 million won in incentives -- but that Kim refused, asking for better salary conditions for her younger teammates.
Kim made an earth-shattering V-League debut in 2005, capturing the regular season MVP, finals MVP, Rookie of the Year and the Best Scorer trophies. During her four seasons here, the Pink Spiders won three championships.
JT Marvelous finished runner-up in their league in Kim's first year there and then earned the franchise's first championship the following season in 2010-2011, with Kim winning the regular season MVP honor.
In this photo provided by FIVB on Jan. 12, 2020, Kim Yeon-koung of South Korea hits a spike against Thailand in the final of the Asian Olympic women's volleyball qualification tournament at Korat Chatchai Hall in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Kim then took her talent to Turkey, joining Fenerbahce for a memorable run that featured two league championships, one Turkish Super Cup, one European Champions League crown and one Champion League MVP award.
She spent the 2017-2018 season with Shanghai Guohua Life in the Chinese Super League, and made that one season count by being named the Best Foreign Player and leading the team to second place in the league.
Kim rounded out her overseas career with two seasons at Eczacibasi. They won the back-to-back Turkish Super Cups in 2018 and 2019.
Internationally, Kim's shining moment came at the 2012 London Olympics, where she carried the underwhelming South Korean team on her back to the semifinals. Though South Korea settled for fourth place, Kim was named the MVP of the Olympics. She became just the third player to be named an Olympic MVP without winning a medal.
Kim also helped South Korea win the Asian qualifying tournament for the Tokyo Olympics in January this year, while playing through an abdominal injury that sidelined her for weeks afterward.
In this photo provided by FIVB on Jan. 8, 2020, Kim Yeon-koung of South Korea (L) hits a spike against Iran in their countries' Pool B match of the Asian Olympic women's volleyball qualification tournament at Korat Chatchai Hall in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-06--Volleyball star Kim Yeon-koung rejoins ex-S. Korean club

Internationally , Kim 's shining moment came at the 2012 London Olympics , where she carried the underwhelming South Korean @ @ @ @ @ the semifinals .
Though South Korea settled for fourth place , Kim was named the @ @ @ @ @ She became just the third player to be named an Olympic MVP without winning a @ @

SEOUL, June 6 (Yonhap) -- South Korean volleyball great Kim Yeon-koung is coming home.
Kim has rejoined her former South Korean club Heungkuk Life Pink Spiders, the V-League team announced Saturday. She has signed the one-year deal for a salary of 350 million won (US$289,495).
Kim, widely regarded as South Korea's greatest volleyball player ever, made her professional debut with the Pink Spiders in 2005 and played four seasons with them. She then embarked on an international career that took her to Japan, Turkey, China and then back to Turkey over the next 11 years.
In this file photo from Feb. 20, 2020, South Korean volleyball player Kim Yeon-koung poses for photos at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, before departing for Turkey. (Yonhap)
After her two-year deal with the Turkish club Eczacibasi VitrA expired in May, the 32-year-old outside hitter had been eyeing a reunion with the Pink Spiders, especially given the uncertainty in overseas leagues during the coronavirus pandemic.
Kim hadn't yet earned her free agent eligibility when she left the V-League in 2009 for JT Marvelous in Japan, and the Pink Spiders had placed her on the "voluntarily retired" list and sent her to Japan on a loan deal.
The last administrative step remaining for the Pink Spiders is to ask the Korean Volleyball Federation (KOVO) to activate Kim from the list.
Kim is joining an already stacked team that features two-time league MVP Lee Jae-yeong and her twin sister and the 2020 MVP runner-up Lee Da-yeong.
Those three, plus the returning Argentine attacker Lucia Fresco, should make the Pink Spiders the prohibitive title favorite for the 2020-2021 season.
Kim has reportedly been one of the world's highest-paid volleyball players in recent seasons, and she may have been making more than the V-League salary cap of 2.3 billion won.
Kim made an earth-shattering V-League debut in 2005, capturing the regular season MVP, finals MVP, Rookie of the Year and the Best Scorer trophies. During her four seasons here, the Pink Spiders won three championships.
JT Marvelous finished runner-up in their league in Kim's first year there and then earned the franchise's first championship the following season in 2010-2011, with Kim winning the regular season MVP honor.
In this photo provided by FIVB on Jan. 12, 2020, Kim Yeon-koung of South Korea hits a spike against Thailand in the final of the Asian Olympic women's volleyball qualification tournament at Korat Chatchai Hall in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Kim then took her talent to Turkey, joining Fenerbahce for a memorable run that featured two league championships, one Turkish Super Cup, one European Champions League crown and one Champion League MVP award.
She spent the 2017-2018 season with Shanghai Guohua Life in the Chinese Super League, and made that one season count by being named the Best Foreign Player and leading the team to second place in the league.
Kim rounded out her overseas career with two seasons at Eczacibasi. They won the back-to-back Turkish Super Cups in 2018 and 2019.
Internationally, Kim's shining moment came at the 2012 London Olympics, where she carried the underwhelming South Korean team on her back to the semifinals. Though South Korea settled for fourth place, Kim was named the MVP of the Olympics. She became just the third player to be named an Olympic MVP without winning a medal.
Kim also helped South Korea win the Asian qualifying tournament for the Tokyo Olympics in January this year, while playing through an abdominal injury that sidelined her for weeks afterward.
In this photo provided by FIVB on Jan. 8, 2020, Kim Yeon-koung of South Korea (L) hits a spike against Iran in their countries' Pool B match of the Asian Olympic women's volleyball qualification tournament at Korat Chatchai Hall in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-06--(2nd LD) S. Korea reports most infections in 8 days, heightening tension in metropolitan area

`` Today marks Memorial Day and is also a weekend , and I understand many religious events will be held @ @ @ @ @ ... ( I ) request that religious events are held while strictly abiding by quarantine @ @ @ @ @ Jeong Eun-kyeong said in a regular briefing , asking small religious events to be canceled @ @ @ @ @ .

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead; ADDS details throughout, photo)
SEOUL, June 6 (Yonhap) -- South Korea reported the biggest number of new coronavirus cases in eight days Saturday, raising concerns over new cluster infections popping up across the densely populated greater Seoul area despite tightened quarantine efforts.
The country added 51 cases, the most since the 58 reported on May 29, bringing the country's total caseload to 11,719, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
The latest data comes as South Korea is grappling with a string of group infections linked to religious gatherings, nightclubs and a distribution center in the metropolitan area since relaxing its social distancing scheme on May 6.
The number of new cases appeared to be flattening after hitting 79 on May 28. But the figure started to rise again due to infections reported at small churches in Incheon, west of Seoul, and Gyeonggi Province, which surrounds the capital.
Of the 43 non-imported cases reported Saturday, all but three were identified in Seoul and adjacent areas.
Seoul added 23 cases, while Incheon, west of Seoul, and Gyeonggi Province, surrounding the capital, each reported 10 and seven cases.
This June 5, 2020, photo shows health workers waiting to carry out virus checks of business owners and employees on a street in Euljiro, which is known for outdoors bars, in central Seoul. The test was conducted as part of precautionary measures to resume outdoor seating. (Yonhap)
The KCDC said cases traced to online retailer Coupang's warehouse in Bucheon, west of Seoul, increased by six to 130 as of noon, while those linked to the small churches and religious sessions rose by four to 80.
New clusters also ballooned in the capital area.
Cases associated with Richway, a Seoul-based health product retailer that specializes in door-to-door sales for mostly elderly consumers, jumped by 13 to 42 cases, while 17 cases have been identified in relation to a ping pong club in the western Seoul ward of Yangcheon.
The Richway cluster is considered especially risky as a majority of the cases are elderly patients who are more vulnerable to the virus than the younger age groups.
The country's mortality rate for COVID-19 patients aged 80 or older stands at 26.2 percent, much higher than 2.3 percent for all ages.
A health worker assists people waiting to be checked for the virus at a community health center in the southwestern Seoul ward of Gwanak on June 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
Health authorities urged the public to strictly follow quarantine guidelines -- such as washing hands and wearing masks -- and refrain from group meetings, especially during the weekend.
"Today marks Memorial Day and is also a weekend, and I understand many religious events will be held across the country tomorrow. ... (I) request that religious events are held while strictly abiding by quarantine guidelines," KCDC Director Jeong Eun-kyeong said in a regular briefing, asking small religious events to be canceled or postponed, if possible.
Jeong said a probe into venues where infections occurred showed that quarantine guidelines were not followed and that singing or eating had taken place. A lot of the venues were also located in basements or confined spaces, making it difficult for air to flow.
Health authorities said they plan to tighten inspections of venues that were overlooked in the quarantine process to prevent additional outbreaks as seen in Richway and the religious events.
The sharp increase reported Saturday heightens concerns ahead of the fourth and final round of school reopening scheduled for Monday.
South Korea started resuming in-person classes in May, but schools in some areas have again returned to remote learning as new infections were reported.
It is also expected to put health authorities on alert over possibly tightening quarantine guidelines to contain the infectious virus.
Earlier, health authorities decided to reinforce social distancing guidelines for the metropolitan area, shuttering public facilities again and ordering entertainment establishments to refrain from opening until June 14.
But if the figures from the metropolitan area continue to rise, South Korea may have to consider a return to strict social distancing.
South Korea's COVID-19 death toll remained flat at 273, while the number of people released from quarantine after fully recovering totaled 10,531, up 25 from the previous day, according to the KCDC.
The entrance of health product seller Richway in Seoul's Gwanak Ward is closed on June 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-06--Today in Korean history

Today in Korean history

2008 -- South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and U.S. President George W. Bush agree to cooperate to ensure that U.S. @ @ @ @ @ 30 months is not exported to South Korea .
( END )

June 7
1920 -- A Korean militia force led by General Hong Beom-do defeats a Japanese regiment in a battle in China's Jilin Province.
1953 -- President Rhee Syng-man declares a quasi state of emergency.
1975 -- Boxer Yoo Je-du wins the World Boxing Association junior middleweight championship.
1982 -- Five commercial banks join hands in a joint issuance of credit cards.
2003 -- President Roh Moo-hyun holds a summit in Tokyo with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.
2005 -- The number of tourists to Mount Kumgang surpasses 1 million. The scenic resort on North Korea's east coast opened to South Koreans in 1998.
2008 -- South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and U.S. President George W. Bush agree to cooperate to ensure that U.S. beef from cattle older than 30 months is not exported to South Korea.
(END)


yna--2020-06-06--Memorial Day ceremony toned down amid coronavirus pandemic

Veterans , patriots and family members of those who took part in the Korean War and the country 's independence @ @ @ @ @ well as public servants who died while serving antivirus duties , attended the 65th Memorial @ @ @

DAEJEON, June 6 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's annual Memorial Day service was a low-key event Saturday as a precautionary measure against the new coronavirus that has infected more than 11,000 people here.
Veterans, patriots and family members of those who took part in the Korean War and the country's independence and democracy movements, as well as public servants who died while serving antivirus duties, attended the 65th Memorial Day ceremony.
Seven family members and survivors of the 2010 sinking of the Cheonan warship and the artillery shelling of Yeonpyeong Island, a front-line island in the Yellow Sea, also attended the event.
Guests attending the 65th Memorial Day ceremony on June 6, 2020, at Daejeon National Cemetery in the city 160 kilometers south of Seoul are seen seated apart from one another as a precautionary measure against the new coronavirus. (Yonhap)
The ceremony, which was initially planned to be held at the National Cemetery in Seoul, was relocated to Daejeon, 160 kilometers south of the capital, amid a continued rise in virus cases in the metropolitan area.
Officials said they tightened quarantine guidelines and reduced the number of invited guests from last year's 10,000 to around 300 to reduce the risk of infection.
Some 50,000 people were expected to visit the national ceremony to pay tribute to patriots and veterans Saturday.
A visitor pays tribute to patriots and veterans at Daejeon National Cemetery in Daejeon, 160 kilometers south of Seoul, on June 6, 2020. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-06-06--(LEAD) Moon vows stronger national defense, security in Memorial Day address

`` Peace is the right of the people to enjoy naturally and establishing the Korean Peninsula of peace , where @ @ @ @ @ , is the responsibility of the state given by the people , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ broadcast live .

(ATTN: ADDS more remarks in 6th para, photo)
By Lee Chi-dong
SEOUL, June 6 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in stressed his government's unswerving push for a peaceful Korea on Saturday, speaking in public hours after Pyongyang's threat of closing an inter-Korean liaison office.
"Peace is the right of the people to enjoy naturally and establishing the Korean Peninsula of peace, where there's no war again, is the responsibility of the state given by the people," he said during his Memorial Day speech broadcast live.
He added, "In order to protect and establish peace, the government will make all-out efforts for a stronger national defense and more robust security."
The president noted the upcoming 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the 1950-53 Korean War. It began June 25 as the communist North invaded the South.
South Korea's freedom and prosperity today would have been unthinkable without the dedicated services and sacrifice by patriots and veterans, he said.
"A country should repay all sacrifices and devotion," he emphasized. "The government will forever remember those who made the Republic of Korea what it is today and inscribe (their feats) in history."
President Moon Jae-in arrives at Daejeon National Cemetery in the city located 160 kilometers south of Seoul for the 65th Memorial Day ceremony on June 6, 2020. (Yonhap)
He pledged continued war remain excavation projects, including those in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).
In the speech, Moon made neither direct mention of chilly inter-Korean relations nor a new overture toward Pyongyang.
The North has been ratcheting up its criticism of the South especially over the spread of anti-Pyongyang leaflets by some defectors and other activists here across the border.
In a statement issued Friday night by the United Front Department, which handles inter-Korea affairs, the North warned that it would "definitely withdraw" from the liaison office in its border city of Kaesong as the first punitive step.
Meanwhile, the 65th Memorial Day ceremony was held at Daejeon National Cemetery in the city located 160 kilometers south of Seoul, with around 300 people in attendance.
The usual venue is Seoul National Cemetery, but the government decided to hold it in Daejeon this year due to reports of a growing number of confirmed COVID-19 cases around the capital.
President Moon Jae-in and first lady Kim Jung-sook keep their heads low in a silent tribute during the 65th Memorial Day ceremony at Daejeon National Cemetery in the city located 160 kilometers south of Seoul on June 6, 2020.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-06--(LEAD) S. Korea reports 51 new virus cases, most in 8 days

The number of new cases appeared to be flattening after hitting 79 on May 28 .
But the figure started @ @ @ @ @ infections reported at small churches in Incheon , west of Seoul , and Gyeonggi Province @ @ @ @ @ .

(ATTN: ADDS details throughout, photo; RESTRUCTURES)
SEOUL, June 6 (Yonhap) -- South Korea reported 51 more cases of the new coronavirus Saturday, the most in eight days, raising the alert over new cluster infections popping up across the densely populated greater Seoul area.
The new infections raised the country's total caseload to 11,719, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said. This is the highest number of daily infections since the 58 reported May 29.
The number of new cases appeared to be flattening after hitting 79 on May 28. But the figure started to rise again due to infections reported at small churches in Incheon, west of Seoul, and Gyeonggi Province, which surrounds the capital.
Of the 43 non-imported cases, all but three were reported in Seoul and adjacent areas.
Seoul added 23 cases, while Incheon, west of Seoul, and Gyeonggi Province, surrounding the capital, each reported 10 and seven cases.
The latest data comes as South Korea is grappling with a string of group infections linked to religious gatherings, nightclubs and a distribution center in the metropolitan area since relaxing its social distancing scheme on May 6.
This June 5, 2020, photo shows health workers waiting to carry out virus checks of business owners and employees on a street in Euljiro, which is known for outdoors bars, in central Seoul. The test was conducted as part of precautionary measures to resume outdoor seating. (Yonhap)
Among the most recently identified clusters that raised the caseload was Richway, a Seoul-based health product retailer that specializes in door-to-door sales for mostly elderly consumers.
Cases traced to the unregistered business in the southwestern Seoul ward of Gwanak have reached 34 in just three days.
Some 73 percent of them were elderly patients who are more vulnerable to the virus. The country's mortality rate for COVID-19 patients aged 80 or older stands at 26.2 percent, much higher than 2.3 percent for all ages.
Health authorities said they plan to tighten the inspection of venues that were overlooked in the quarantine process to prevent additional outbreaks as seen in Richway.
A health worker assists people waiting to be checked for the virus at a community health center in the southwestern Seoul ward of Gwanak on June 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
The sharp increase reported Saturday is widely expected to heighten concerns ahead of the fourth and final round of school reopening scheduled for Monday.
It is also expected to put health authorities on heightened alert over containing the further spread of the infectious virus.
Earlier, health authorities decided to reinforce social distancing guidelines for the metropolitan area, shuttering public facilities again and ordering entertainment establishments to refrain from opening until June 14.
If the figures from the metropolitan area rise, South Korea will have to consider a return to strict social distancing.
South Korea's COVID-19 death toll remained flat at 273, while the number of people released from quarantine after fully recovering totaled 10,531, up 25 from the previous day, according to the KCDC.
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-06--Moon vows stronger national defense, security in Memorial Day address

SEOUL, June 6 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in stressed his government's unswerving push for a peaceful Korea on Saturday, speaking in public hours after Pyongyang's threat of closing an inter-Korean liaison office.
"Peace is the right of the people to enjoy naturally and establishing the Korean Peninsula of peace, where there's no war again, is the responsibility of the state given by the people," he said during his Memorial Day speech broadcast live.
He added, "In order to protect and establish peace, the government will make all-out efforts for a stronger national defense and more robust security."
The president noted the upcoming 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the 1950-53 Korean War. It began June 25 as the communist North invaded the South.
South Korea's freedom and prosperity today would have been unthinkable without the dedicated services and sacrifice by patriots and veterans, he said.
"A country should repay all sacrifices and devotion," he emphasized.
President Moon Jae-in arrives at Daejeon National Cemetery in the city located 160 kilometers south of Seoul for the 65th Memorial Day ceremony on June 6, 2020. (Yonhap)
He pledged continued war remain excavation projects, including those in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).
In the speech, Moon made neither direct mention of chilly inter-Korean relations nor a new overture toward Pyongyang.
The North has been ratcheting up its criticism of the South especially over the spread of anti-Pyongyang leaflets by some defectors and other activists here across the border.
In a statement issued Friday night by the United Front Department, which handles inter-Korea affairs, the North warned that it would "definitely withdraw" from the liaison office in its border city of Kaesong as the first punitive step.
Meanwhile, the 65th Memorial Day ceremony was held at Daejeon National Cemetery in the city located 160 kilometers south of Seoul, with around 300 people in attendance.
The usual venue is Seoul National Cemetery, but the government decided to hold it in Daejeon this year due to reports of a growing number of confirmed COVID-19 cases around the capital.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)