yna--2020-05-07--(2nd LD) LG Chem launches probe into gas leak at Indian plant

SEOUL , May 7 ( Yonhap ) -- LG Chem Ltd. , South Korea 's leading chemical firm , said @ @ @ @ @ internal probe to try to find the exact cause of a deadly gas leak at @ @ @ @ @ as an Indian official warned of taking criminal action .

(ATTN: UPDATES with details and background in paras 1, 7-8, 11; ADDS photo and graphics; CHANGES headline)
SEOUL, May 7 (Yonhap) -- LG Chem Ltd., South Korea's leading chemical firm, said Thursday it has launched an internal probe to try to find the exact cause of a deadly gas leak at its plant in India, as an Indian official warned of taking criminal action.
This AFP photo shows people gathering in front of the LG Polymers chemical plant in Visakhapatnam in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh on May 7, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
LG Chem said the gas leak has been brought under control and that the company is taking all steps to ensure affected people can swiftly receive medical treatment.
Indian media reported that the gas leak at the LG Polymers chemical plant in Visakhapatnam in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh killed at least 10 people and sickened thousands of villagers.
The Indian Express said many fell unconscious on roads and hundreds of people who were unconscious or experiencing breathing difficulties were brought to King George Hospital.
The accident took place early Thursday when workers were preparing to reopen the plant after the lockdown imposed over the coronavirus pandemic, the Indian Express reported, citing Andhra Pradesh Commerce Minister M Goutham Reddy.
"Our initial information is that workers were checking a gas storage tank when it started leaking," Reddy was quoted as saying.
Reddy said LG Chem has to be responsible for the gas leak mishap and explain which protocols were followed and which were not followed.
"Accordingly, criminal action will be taken against them," he said in comments posted on the website of the Times of India.
The Hindu, an Indian English-language newspaper, said there was a leak of styrene gas from the plant.
Styrene is primarily used in the production of polystyrene plastics and resins. Short-term exposure to styrene results in mucous membrane and eye irritation, and gastrointestinal effects, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The LG Polymers plant, which LG Chem acquired from Hindustan Polymers in 1996, produces a wide-range of polystyrene, including engineering plastic, an industrial raw material for automobiles and electronic parts.
entropy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-07--S. Korean museums, art communities waking up from coronavirus hiatus

The reopening of the landmark institution is the latest sign of resuscitation in the main gallery district , which is @ @ @ @ @ returning after the two-month self-quarantine .
The Seoul Museum of Art in central Seoul , @ @ @ @ @ museums in South Korea , also reopened this week as the local art community is @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus hiatus .

By Park Boram
SEOUL, May 7 (Yonhap) -- Lee Hyo-jin, a 30-year-old job seeker, quietly kept her gaze on a masterpiece by South Korean monochrome painter Lee Ufan inside an exhibition hall at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art's (MMCA) Seoul branch on Thursday. It was her first artistic expedition after an over two-month coronavirus self-quarantine at home.
She said she is ready to resume her once-a-week museum tour routine from before COVID-19 as the national museum and other art galleries started to go back to business as usual.
The MMCA's four branches across the country along with many other state- or city-run art institutions and libraries resumed operations Wednesday, the day South Korea's strict social distancing guidelines were lifted on the back of sharp drops in local coronavirus infections.
It was the first opening of the MMCA's Seoul branch in the middle of South Korea's famous art gallery district in Samcheongdong, central Seoul, in nearly 70 days.
The reopening of the landmark institution is the latest sign of resuscitation in the main gallery district, which is witnessing art lovers and visitors returning after the two-month self-quarantine. The Seoul Museum of Art in central Seoul, one of the most-visited art museums in South Korea, also reopened this week as the local art community is starting to wake up from the coronavirus hiatus.
"I feel it's finally coming back to normal in terms of savoring art and culture. It's such a major change of mood to be able to come to an art museum after the long hold-up at home," according to Lee.
A visitor wearing a protective mask tours the Seoul branch of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) on May 7, 2020. (Yonhap)
The museum reopening, however, comes with highly precautionary quarantine measures as South Korea still remains vigilant against the risk of a relapse in local coronavirus infections.
The Seoul branch of the MMCA kept its three main gates closed despite the official business resumption, guiding visitors to a back door. It was the only gateway to the three-story art space available on the museum's second day of reopening. The museum tightly scrutinized and controlled the flow of visitors for fears of infection possibilities.
A visitor was required to make a prior booking for admission, and upon arrival at the museum, a fever test was enforced before visitors are let in.
Without a reservation, a visitor was required to provide personal information, contact numbers and an ID to verify his or her identity.
An official at the Seoul branch of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art conducts a fever test on a visitor on May 7, 2020. (Yonhap)
Wearing a protective mask and keeping a distance of two meters from others were required for all visitors.
In total, the MMCA Seoul museum is limiting the number of visitors to a daily ceiling of 400, divided into four different time slots, as it tries to keep the museum from becoming crowded.
The MMCA's three other branches in Gwacheon, Deoksu Palace and Cheongju, as well as the three branches of the Seoul Museum of Art, are running similar daily ceilings on admissions. The MMCA Seoul's main cafeteria also remains out of service as of Thursday.
The museums plan to gradually lift the restrictions and bring their operations into full swing going forward in accordance with the local pandemic situation.
On the second day of the resumption, the MMCA museum remained sparsely visited as caution and jitters about virus infections continued.
The four branches of the MMCA admitted 499 out of their combined maximum 1,720 visitors as of 16:00 p.m. Thursday after letting in 622 visitors a day earlier.
Despite the business resumption, the highly internationally intertwined art community here is likely to continue to feel the pinch of the global pandemic as North American and European countries are still reeling from COVID-19.
"The global coronavirus outbreaks reversed, canceled or rescheduled many exhibitions of the national museum," MMCA Director Yun Bum-mo said. "Despite the recent drops in local infections, the museum's exhibition projects continue to (face difficulties) because they heavily involve artworks from Europe and other countries where the pandemic remains unabated," he said.
As the first exhibitions after the hiatus, the MMCA is currently running "MMCA Collection Highlights 2020+," a show of 54 representative modern Korean art works, selected from the museum's own collection. It features such symbolic modern Korean artists as Koh Hee-dong and Lee Bul.
Another show underway is "Axis of Horizon," a compilation of experimental local and overseas art works featuring nature. Both shows are available for free.
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-07--(LEAD) Students to self-monitor virus symptoms ahead of school reopening

The reopening is scheduled to be carried out in phases for added safety , starting with high school seniors on @ @ @ @ @ grade one of middle school and grades five and six in elementary school on June @ @

(ATTN: ADDS details in paras 7-9)
SEOUL, May 7 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's education ministry on Thursday unveiled updated quarantine guidelines for schools ahead of their scheduled reopening this month, such as asking students to self-monitor possible symptoms.
The guidelines, fixed after consultations with health authorities, mandate that students and staff check their health conditions on a daily basis and report to schools, starting a week prior to school reopening.
For high school seniors set to return to school next week, this process goes into effect Thursday.
Questions include whether they have a fever of above 37.5 C or have suspected symptoms, such as nausea, loss of taste and smell and difficulty in breathing, according to the education ministry.
Students and teachers would also have to report whether they have traveled abroad in the past two weeks or have family members who have traveled abroad or are under self-quarantine.
The education ministry said those who report having any of the symptoms or family-related factors would be banned from coming to school. Their absent days will be excluded from attendance records, it added.
Health authorities disinfect a high school cafeteria in the southeastern Seoul ward of Songpa on May 6, 2020. (Yonhap)
The new guidelines also give students and parents the option to study from home for a certain period until the country's disease alert level is lowered to the third-highest level or below in the four-tier system.
South Korea has maintained the highest "red" alert since raising it on Feb. 23.
Students with underlying diseases will be allowed to stay at home, while healthy students can also request to study at home for up to about 20 days, according to the ministry.
The guidelines, meanwhile, also mandate that students and teachers wear face masks at all times -- except for meal times -- and keep windows opened when using air conditioners.
Schools across the country are set to reopen starting next week after being closed for the past few months as part of precautionary measures against COVID-19.
The reopening is scheduled to be carried out in phases for added safety, starting with high school seniors on May 13 and ending with grade one of middle school and grades five and six in elementary school on June 1.
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

SEOUL -- LG Chem Ltd. , South Korea 's leading chemical firm , said Thursday it is looking into a @ @ @ @ @ in India that reportedly killed several people , adding that it has launched an internal @ @ @ @ @ the exact cause of the accident .

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Thursday.
----------------
(2nd LD) Wary parents launch petition against school reopening amid lingering virus woes
SEOUL -- While preparations to reopen schools this month are underway, worried parents are demanding the plan to be further postponed due to lingering concerns over the coronavirus that has infected more than 10,000 here.
In an unprecedented move, elementary, middle and high schools, as well as kindergartens and childcare centers, have remained closed for the past few months as part of precautionary measures against the contagious virus.
----------------
Pro-Moon lawmaker elected ruling party floor leader
SEOUL -- A lawmaker with close ties to President Moon Jae-in was elected floor leader of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) on Thursday, vowing close cooperation with the government and the presidential office to cope with the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic.
Rep. Kim Tae-nyeon, a three-term lawmaker, will replace Rep. Lee In-young for a one-year term.
----------------
Seoul unveils plans to boost gaming as key post-pandemic industry
SEOUL -- South Korea aims to expand its gaming industry by a third by 2024, as the sector is emerging as a powerful growth engine in the post-pandemic economy.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on Thursday announced a five-year development plan, including relaxed regulations, increased support for businesses and the promotion of e-sports.
----------------
(LEAD) Korean Air to reopen dozens of int'l routes in June
SEOUL -- Korean Air Lines Co., South Korea's biggest carrier by sales, said Thursday it will reopen dozens of its international routes next month amid signs the coronavirus epidemic may have passed its peak.
Korean Air plans to resume flights on 19 international routes on June 1 as the country's top flag carrier strives to offset a sharp decline in passenger travel demand with an increased demand for cargo deliveries, the company said in a statement.
----------------
(3rd LD) Kakao Q1 net jumps nearly 4 times on robust platform, e-commerce businesses
SEOUL -- Kakao Corp., the operator of South Korea's top mobile messenger KakaoTalk, said Thursday its first-quarter net profit jumped nearly four times from a year earlier on the back of robust growth of its e-commerce services based on its messenger platform.
Net profit reached 79.9 billion won (US$65.4 million) in the January-March period on a consolidated basis, compared with 17.6 billion won a year earlier, the company said in a regulatory filing.
----------------
(3rd LD) SK Telecom Q1 net down on reduced equity gains, 5G costs
SEOUL -- SK Telecom Co., South Korea's top mobile carrier, said Thursday its net income dropped 17.9 percent from a year earlier due to reduced equity gains and investments related to its 5G service.
In a regulatory filing, SK Telecom reported a net income of 306.8 billion won (US$250 million) in the January-March period on a consolidated basis, down from 373.6 billion won a year ago.
----------------
(LEAD) LG Chem looks into gas leak at Indian plant
SEOUL -- LG Chem Ltd., South Korea's leading chemical firm, said Thursday it is looking into a gas leak at its plant in India that reportedly killed several people, adding that it has launched an internal probe to try to find the exact cause of the accident.
LG Chem said the gas leak has been brought under control and the company is taking all steps to ensure affected people can swiftly receive medical treatment.
----------------
(LEAD) Seoul stocks close nearly flat on mixed economic data
SEOUL -- South Korean stocks closed nearly flat Thursday as investors lost direction on mixed global economic data. The Korean won fell against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) shed 0.15 point, or 0.01 percent, to finish at 1,928.61.
(END)


yna--2020-05-07--S. Korean football matches to air in 17 countries this year

On the eve of the start of the new season , the Korea Professional Football League ( K League ) @ @ @ @ @ available to viewers in the following countries : China , Macao , Hong Kong , @ @ @ @ @ , Slovenia , Montenegro , Macedonia , Kosovo , Germany , Switzerland , Austria , @ @ @ @ @ and Israel .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, May 7 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's top-flight professional football matches will be broadcast live in 17 countries in 2020, the league office said Thursday.
On the eve of the start of the new season, the Korea Professional Football League (K League) said its matches will be available to viewers in the following countries: China, Macao, Hong Kong, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Kosovo, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Australia, India, Malaysia and Israel.
The 2020 season will kick off at 7 p.m. Friday with a match between the champion Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and FA Cup holders Suwon Samsung Bluewings at Jeonju World Cup Stadium in Jeonju, 240 kilometers south of Seoul.
This photo provided by the Korea Professional Football League (K League) on May 7, 2020, shows the K League Media Center in Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The K League signed a five-year deal with the Swiss-based Sportsradar AG in December 2019, giving the company exclusive international distribution rights to the K League 1 and K League 2 matches, plus promotion-relegation playoffs.
The German football channel Sportdigital Fussball will be available in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. It will carry two live matches per week.
Optus Sport will be the exclusive Australian home to K League matches.
Arena TV in Serbia will reach viewers in other Balkan states, such as Croatia, Bosnia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Macedonia and Kosovo.
Other platforms are: over-the-top (OTT) platform CSM for China and Macao; Fancode for India; Astro for Malaysia; TVB for Hong Kong and Carlton for Israel.
In addition to TV broadcast, K League matches will be streamed live on the English football media platform Copa90 and Austrian site Laola.tv.
This photo provided by the Korea Professional Football League on April 29, 2020, shows the championship trophy for the K League 1. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-07--Hyundai Department Store Q1 net profit down 64.4 pct. to 23.9 bln won

The operating profit was 59.3 percent lower than the average estimate , according to the survey by Yonhap Infomax , @ @ @ @ @ Yonhap News Agency .
The estimate of net profit was not available .

SEOUL, May 7 (Yonhap) -- Hyundai Department Store Co. on Thursday reported its first-quarter net profit of 23.9 billion won (US$ 19.5 million), down 64.4 percent from a year earlier.
Operating profit for the January-March period was 14.9 billion won, down 80.2 percent from a year ago, the company said in a regulatory filing. Sales fell 13.7 percent to 449.6 billion won.
The operating profit was 59.3 percent lower than the average estimate, according to the survey by Yonhap Infomax, the financial data firm of Yonhap News Agency. The estimate of net profit was not available.
※ This article was generated by Yonhap's proprietary algorithm using data from Yonhap Infomax and Korea Exchange(KRX).
(END)


yna--2020-05-07--(2nd LD) Wary parents launch petition against school reopening amid lingering virus woes

`` But since this agenda is related to children 's lives , I believe an option should be given to @ @ @ @ @ ( the government ) to provide a flexible policy so that parents who do not @ @ @ @ @ 's lives and health at ransom would not be forced to make their children go @ @ @ @

(ATTN: ADDS details on classroom quarantine guidelines in paras 16-21)
By Lee Minji
SEOUL, May 7 (Yonhap) -- While preparations to reopen schools this month are underway, worried parents are demanding the plan to be further postponed due to lingering concerns over the coronavirus that has infected more than 10,000 here.
In an unprecedented move, elementary, middle and high schools, as well as kindergartens and childcare centers, have remained closed for the past few months as part of precautionary measures against the contagious virus.
All students -- except for those enrolled in kindergartens and childcare centers -- have instead been taking online classes since last month, with emergency childcare sessions provided to younger students whose parents are not able to look after them.
The government on Monday announced plans to reopen schools as daily new infections have fallen to single-digit figures over the past few days. Under the phased plan, high school seniors will return to school on May 13, while students in all other grades will go back by June 1.
South Korea's daily new infections, which hit a high of 909 on Feb. 29, have fallen to below 10 over the past few days, with most of the infections coming from imported cases.
This photo, taken on April 16, 2020, shows a teacher running an online class in an empty classroom in the southern city of Daegu as soldiers clean it with disinfectants. (Yonhap)
Some parents have welcomed the announcement, hoping it will make up for a disruption to the academic schedule and a childcare vacuum for younger students, but some have raised concerns over how effectively quarantine measures will be carried out in classrooms.
As of Thursday, a search using the keywords 'school opening' and 'going to school' at an online petition site run by the presidential office shows nearly 30 separate petitions asking the government to reconsider the reopening dates.
Those who wrote the petitions are demanding the government postpone the school reopening or exclude days that children are absent from attendance records so that parents can choose between keeping their children at home or sending them to school.
"I oppose returning to school while COVID-19 risks are lingering but also believe that the government factored in economic and childcare issues to make the decision," wrote the author of a May 4 petition that has collected more than 20,000 signatures.
"But since this agenda is related to children's lives, I believe an option should be given to parents ... I earnestly ask (the government) to provide a flexible policy so that parents who do not want to have their children's lives and health at ransom would not be forced to make their children go to school."
This April 20, 2020 photo shows an elementary school student taking online class with the help of his mother at their home in the central Seoul ward of Yongsan. (Yonhap)
Among those most worried about the reopening are parents of first and second graders at elementary school, who will return to school on May 20, earlier than grades 3 to 6.
The education ministry attributed its decision on the schedule to childcare burden, a learning gap among students who have guardians to help them and those who don't, as well as difficulties in remote learning for lower grade students.
"Do you think routine quarantine is feasible for the lower grades? ... They are children who can wear masks but will ask to not wear them once their friends start taking them off due to the warm weather," wrote the author of a May 4 petition asking the government to reconsider May school reopening for lower graders.
"Is it really a decision you made after knowing what kids this age are like? ... Our kids are precious beings. Please reconsider (the plan)," reads the petition that has received more than 14,000 signatures.
Some have also questioned the feasibility of not using air conditioners in classrooms after the government advised against using them due to possible infection risks.
Education Minister Yoo Eun-hae (C) visits a high school classroom in Gimcheon, North Gyeongsang Province on May 6, 2020 to monitor preparations to reopen the school. (Yonhap)
The government initially appeared to rule out the idea of making school optional.
"We would have to discuss more about requests to make school optional even when there are no symptoms, but (I) don't think it's something that would have to be expanded," Education Minister Yoo Eun-hae said in Monday's press briefing.
The government, however, on Thursday released an updated guideline that exempts students with underlying diseases from attendance.
Students would also be allowed to study at home for up to about 20 days a year until the country's disease alert level is lowered from the highest or second-highest level in the four-tier system.
South Korea has maintained the highest "red" alert since raising it on Feb. 23.
The guideline also includes mandating students to report their health conditions on a daily basis and keeping windows open when using air conditioners.
The government provides an official response on the online petitions when over 200,000 people have signed it within one month.
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-07--Professor gets one-month suspension for allegedly defaming sexual slavery victims

The 65-year-old Lew drew fire after calling the Korean sexual slavery victims `` prostitutes '' during a school lecture last @ @ @ @ @ recording of his Sept. 19 lecture , the renowned right-wing scholar said the so-called comfort @ @ @ @ @ prostitutes '' while denying they were forced by the Japanese government to work in military @ @ @ @ @ .

SEOUL, May 7 (Yonhap) -- A Yonsei University professor has been suspended from work for one month for allegedly making disparaging remarks against Korean victims of Japan's wartime sexual slavery last year, the school said Thursday.
According to school officials, Yonsei University's disciplinary committee has decided to give a one-month suspension to Lew Seok-choon, a sociology professor of the prestigious university in Seoul, over his controversial remarks on Korean sexual slavery victims, and the decision was immediately delivered to him.
Lew has refused to accept the disciplinary decision, the officials said.
This file photo shows Yonsei University professor Lew Seok-choon. (Yonhap)
The 65-year-old Lew drew fire after calling the Korean sexual slavery victims "prostitutes" during a school lecture last September. According to a recording of his Sept. 19 lecture, the renowned right-wing scholar said the so-called comfort women are "kind of prostitutes" while denying they were forced by the Japanese government to work in military brothels during World War II.
Explaining that women enter the sex trade largely of their own volition, he said to a female student who challenged him, "If you are curious, why don't you try?"
Under the university's regulations on suspension, Lew can maintain his professor status but will be barred from teaching and won't be paid salary during the period of disciplinary punishment. He was already excluded from giving lectures for the spring semester.
Lew issued a statement later in the day vowing to fight the school's disciplinary action by appealing to the Appeals Commission for Educators or the administrative court.
Separately, the professor is now under an investigation by prosecutors after a civic group filed a complaint against him on charges of libel last fall. Police transferred Lew's case to the Seoul Western District Prosecutors Office in March with an opinion of indictment.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-07--Students to self-monitor virus symptoms ahead of school reopening

SEOUL, May 7 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's education ministry on Thursday unveiled updated quarantine guidelines for schools ahead of their scheduled reopening this month, such as asking students to self-monitor possible symptoms.
The guidelines, fixed after consultations with health authorities, mandate that students and staff check their health conditions on a daily basis and report to schools, starting a week prior to school reopening.
For high school seniors set to return to school next week, this process goes into effect Thursday.
Questions include whether they have a fever of above 37.5 C or have suspected symptoms, such as nausea, loss of taste and smell and difficulty in breathing, according to the education ministry.
Students and teachers would also have to report whether they have traveled abroad in the past two weeks or have family members who have traveled abroad or are under self-quarantine.
The education ministry said those who report having any of the symptoms or family-related factors would be banned from coming to school. Their absent days will be excluded from attendance records, it added.
Health authorities disinfect a high school cafeteria in the southeastern Seoul ward of Songpa on May 6, 2020. (Yonhap)
The guidelines, meanwhile, also mandate that students and teachers wear face masks at all times -- except for meal times -- and keep windows opened when using air conditioners.
Schools across the country are set to reopen starting next week after being closed for the past few months as part of precautionary measures against COVID-19.
The reopening is scheduled to be carried out in phases for added safety, starting with high school seniors on May 13 and ending with grade one of middle school and grades five and six in elementary school on June 1.
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-07--Pro-Moon lawmaker elected ruling party floor leader

SEOUL , May 7 ( Yonhap ) -- A lawmaker with close ties to President Moon Jae-in was elected floor @ @ @ @ @ Party ( DP ) on Thursday , vowing close cooperation with the government and the @ @ @ @ @ the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic .

SEOUL, May 7 (Yonhap) -- A lawmaker with close ties to President Moon Jae-in was elected floor leader of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) on Thursday, vowing close cooperation with the government and the presidential office to cope with the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic.
Rep. Kim Tae-nyeon, a three-term lawmaker, will replace Rep. Lee In-young for a one-year term.
The 56-year-old Kim beat his two rivals, Rep. Jeon Hae-cheol and Rep. Jung Sung-ho. Kim won a majority of the vote without heading to a runoff election.
Kim said he feels heavy responsibility at being elected the DP whip at a crucial time, pledging efforts to overcome the economic crisis.
"I will seek internal unity of the party and focus on (enhancing coordination) among the ruling party, the government and Cheong Wa Dae to overcome the COVID-19 crisis," Kim said in an acceptance speech.
Rep. Kim Tae-nyeon of the ruling Democratic Party speaks at a party meeting to elect the governing party's new floor leader at the National Assembly in Seoul on May 7, 2020. (Yonhap)
Kim will face the task of navigating a ruling party that commands a majority of seats in the 21st National Assembly following its landslide victory in the April 15 general elections.
The DP and its sister party secured a combined 177 parliamentary seats in the 300-member unicameral parliament.
Experts said the ruling bloc can "do everything" except for a constitutional revision, which requires the approval of at least three-fifths of lawmakers.
The DP is expected to actively support the Moon government's efforts to prop up the slowing economy hit by the coronavirus outbreak during the remainder of his term. Moon has served three-fifths of his single, five-year term.
The party will also likely push to complete legislative work on reforming powerful organizations.
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-07--S. Korea calls for policy coordination in East Asian nations

Han Kyeong-ho , a senior ministry official who is a co-chairman of the Public Expenditure Management Network in Asia ( @ @ @ @ @ remarks during a videoconference with senior economic officials from 14 nations in the region , @ @ @ @ @ statement .

SEOUL, May 7 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's finance ministry said Thursday it urged East Asian nations to step up policy coordination to minimize the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.
Han Kyeong-ho, a senior ministry official who is a co-chairman of the Public Expenditure Management Network in Asia (PEMNA), made the remarks during a videoconference with senior economic officials from 14 nations in the region, the ministry said in a statement.
Han said fiscal policy has played a key role for South Korea to navigate the virus-triggered economic slowdown.
Han said nations in the region must boost policy coordination to revive economic growth after the virus pandemic wanes.
PEMNA has 14 members, including 10 from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, along with Korea, China, East Timor and Mongolia, according to the ministry.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-07--(LEAD) Korean Air to reopen dozens of int'l routes in June

Korean Air currently offers 55 flights a week on 13 international routes , sharply down from more than 900 flights @ @ @ @ @ the airline industry was hit by the coronavirus .
Starting in June , 146 flights @ @ @ @ @ be available .

(ATTN: ADDS stock prices, consulting service in last 4 paras)
SEOUL, May 7 (Yonhap) -- Korean Air Lines Co., South Korea's biggest carrier by sales, said Thursday it will reopen dozens of its international routes next month amid signs the coronavirus epidemic may have passed its peak.
Korean Air plans to resume flights on 19 international routes on June 1 as the country's top flag carrier strives to offset a sharp decline in passenger travel demand with an increased demand for cargo deliveries, the company said in a statement.
The reopening routes include Washington, D.C., Seattle, Vancouver, Toronto, Frankfurt, Singapore, Beijing and Kuala Lumpur, the statement said.
The move is aimed at preparing for increased travel demand after countries ease their entry restrictions on incoming passengers to stem the spread of the COVID-19 virus, it said.
This undated file photo shows planes of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul. (Yonhap)
Korean Air currently offers 55 flights a week on 13 international routes, sharply down from more than 900 flights on 110 long-haul routes before the airline industry was hit by the coronavirus. Starting in June, 146 flights on 32 international routes will be available.
It has suspended more than 90 percent of flights on international routes since late March, as an increasing number of countries have closed their borders or have taken other measures related to incoming passengers.
As part of self-rescue efforts, Korean Air had 70 percent of its 20,000-strong workforce take paid leave for six months beginning Thursday and is in the process of selling non-core assets to secure operating costs.
Korean Air's net losses widened to 624.87 billion won in 2019 from 185.65 billion won a year earlier due to a weak won and lower demand. Its first-quarter results are set to be released next week.
Also on Thursday, Korean Air asked Credit Suisse (CS) to deliver consulting services on the reorganization of its business units in return for a planned capital injection of 1.2 trillion won (US$972 million) from two state lenders -- the Korea Development Bank and the Export-Import Bank of Korea.
But the company denied that it has selected CS as the lead manager for the sale of certain business units to raise capital.
Korean Air has reportedly been considering selling core business units involving in-flight meals and maintenance, repair and operation (MRO), as well as property assets, as the creditor banks want the airline to submit its self-rescue measures within this month.
On Thursday, the news sent Korean Air 2.1 percent higher at 19,150 won, and its parent Hanjin KAL Corp. 4.3 percent higher at 86,500 won. The broader KOSPI remained unchanged at 1,928.61.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-07--(LEAD) Seoul stocks close nearly flat on mixed economic data

The U.S. employment data showed that U.S. private sector companies cut a record 20.2 million jobs last month , while @ @ @ @ @ the region 's economy is expected to contract by 7.4 percent this year , its @ @ @ @ @ Depression in the 1930s .

(ATTN: ADDS bond yields at bottom, photo)
SEOUL, May 7 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks closed nearly flat Thursday as investors lost direction on mixed global economic data. The Korean won fell against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) shed 0.15 point, or 0.01 percent, to finish at 1,928.61.
Trading volume was moderate at 762 million shares worth 7.2 trillion won (US$5.8 billion), with gainers outpacing losers 527 to 297.
The index opened lower following dismal economic data from the United States and Europe.
The U.S. employment data showed that U.S. private sector companies cut a record 20.2 million jobs last month, while the Europe Commission announced that the region's economy is expected to contract by 7.4 percent this year, its worst fall since the Great Depression in the 1930s.
The index turned higher, advancing as much as 0.5 percent, after China reported that its exports in U.S. dollar terms rose 3.5 percent in April, bucking market expectations for a drop.
However, it lost steam later to settle just below the flat line.
This photo shows a screen showing the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) at a dealing room at Hana Bank in Seoul on May 7, 2020. (Yonhap)
"With foreigners continue to sell-off local shares, there was no momentum to further push up the index," said Seo Sang-young, an analyst at Kiwoom Securities.
Individual investors bought a net 253 billion won worth of stocks, while institutions scooped up a net 58 billion won. Foreigners offloaded a net 321 billion won on the Seoul bourse.
Large-cap stocks closed mixed.
Market kingpin Samsung Electronics lost 0.81 percent to 48,800 won, while No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix stayed unchanged at 82,400 won.
South Korea's largest automaker, Hyundai Motor, slid 0.64 percent to 92,600 won, and auto parts maker Hyundai Mobis plunged 1.73 percent to 170,000 won.
Major chemical firm LG Chem dipped 1.94 percent to 354,000 won, and top steelmaker POSCO declined 0.28 percent to 179,500 won.
However, the country's top web portal operator Naver advanced 1.65 percent to 215,500 won, while Kakao, which runs the nation's leading mobile messenger app, KakaoTalk, jumped 3.26 percent to 206,000 won.
The South Korean won closed at 1,225.00 won against the U.S. dollar, down 2.9 won from the previous session.
Bond prices, which move inversely to yields, closed higher. The yield on three-year Treasurys fell 1.4 basis points to 0.946 percent, and the return on the benchmark five-year government bond slid 1.5 basis points to 1.209 percent.
(END)


yna--2020-05-08--(URGENT) 65 more people released after full recovery from coronavirus, bringing total to 9,484: KCDC

(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--2020-05-08--(URGENT) S. Korea reports no additional death, virus death toll now at 256: KCDC


yna--2020-05-08--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 12 more cases of new coronavirus, total now at 10,822: KCDC


yna--2020-05-08--Tottenham's Son Heung-min wraps up three-week military training with flying colors

Son is one of the top five trainees to receive a prize at the camp 's graduation ceremony at a @ @ @ @ @ southern island of Jeju on Friday .
The exact scores of the trainees were not @ @ @ @ @ Son was the top among a total of 157 trainees .

By Oh Seok-min
SEOUL, May 8 (Yonhap) -- Tottenham Hotspur's South Korean star Son Heung-min completed a three-week military training program with the best performance among all trainees Friday, as he excelled in shooting skills and other areas, officials said.
Son is one of the top five trainees to receive a prize at the camp's graduation ceremony at a Marine Corps unit on the southern island of Jeju on Friday. The exact scores of the trainees were not disclosed, but officials said Son was the top among a total of 157 trainees.
Son entered the camp on April 20 for basic military training required of those entitled to exemption from two years of mandatory military service. Son earned the exemption after winning the men's football gold medal for South Korea at the 2018 Asian Games.
The program included shooting and bayonet skills, chemical, biological and radiological training, individual battle skills and first aid training. In shooting, Son hit 10 out of 10 shots on the target, officials said.
"He will receive the 'Pilsung' prize which is one of five types of awards for best performers," a Marine Corps officer said. Pilsung, which means "certain victory," is a rallying cry for the Marine Corps as well as the Navy and the Air Force.
"All the courses were judged in a fair and strict manner, and his military training officers have said he went through the training faithfully."
Due to the COVID-19 virus, the completion ceremony was not opened to the public and the media, which was also what Son's side had asked for. The Marine Corps will provide photos of Son later, another officer noted.
The Premier League season has been on hold since mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic, and Son returned home later that month to continue his rehab from a forearm injury and to complete his military training.
Able-bodied South Korean men must serve about two years in the armed forces. But Son only needs to complete the basic training and 544 hours of community service over the next 34 months while remaining an active professional athlete.
All South Korean male athletes who win a gold medal at the Asian Games or a medal of any color at the Olympics receive exemptions from conscription.
Tottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung-min, wearing a bulletproof helmet (136), returns to a boot camp after finishing a rifle drill at a Marine Corps firing range in Seogwipo on the country's southern Jeju Island on May 6, 2020. (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-08--(News Focus) Debate brews over expansion of employment insurance amid coronavirus outbreak

SEOUL , May 8 ( Yonhap ) -- A debate has been brewing here over whether to expand the national @ @ @ @ @ all working people as the coronavirus pandemic is expected to take a toll on the @ @ @ @ @

By Kim Soo-yeon
SEOUL, May 8 (Yonhap) -- A debate has been brewing here over whether to expand the national employment insurance program to cover all working people as the coronavirus pandemic is expected to take a toll on the already strained job market.
South Korea's ruling party and the presidential office raised the need to enhance the job insurance scheme to enable all people doing economic activities to file for unemployment claims in case they lose their jobs.
The call came as many non-regular workers, the self-employed, freelancers and other vulnerable workers are in a "blind spot" in the employment insurance system even though they have been hard hit by the COVID-19 crisis.
"The main task in the post-coronavirus (era) will be an expansion of the employment insurance program to cover all people, like the national health insurance service," Kang Gi-jung, senior Cheong Wa Dae secretary for political affairs, told a forum last Friday.
A citizen receives consulting about unemployment claims at the branch of Seoul's employment agency in Mapo, western Seoul, on April 28, 2020. (Yonhap)
South Korea runs four state-managed social insurance programs -- the national pension, the health insurance, the employment insurance and the industrial accident compensation insurance.
The employment insurance program was introduced in 1995 as the main employment safety net for regular workers in certain sizes of workplaces.
All employers who hire at least one worker were required to enroll in the employment insurance starting in 1998.
But non-standard contract employees, freelancers, artists, the self-employed and other vulnerable workers are not obliged to subscribe to the employment insurance as they are not regarded as workers under the labor standard act.
Non-standard contract employees include delivery workers, designated drivers and tutors.
Those who have not enrolled in the insurance program accounted for nearly half the total working people in the country, according to the government.
Recent data showed the country's job market has begun to feel the sting of the coronavirus outbreak.
In March, South Korea reported its first on-year job loss since 2009 with about 195,000 jobs being lost. The number of temporary and daily workers sharply fell by 420,000 in March.
To prop up the job market, the government plans to spend 1.5 trillion won (US$1.2 billion) in emergency job stabilization funds to grant some 930,000 people who do not have employment insurance with 500,000 won per month for three months.
The ruling Democratic Party (DP) and the government agreed on the need to strengthen the employment insurance system. But any drastic overhaul appears impossible due mainly to funding issues.
"We need to work to improve the scheme gradually and through full social discussions," Labor Minister Lee Jae-kap said at a town hall meeting on job creation Wednesday.
A group of designated drivers holds a rally in front of the government complex building in Seoul on May 7, 2020 to demand their basic labor rights be guaranteed as they suffer the economic fallout of the coronavirus outbreak. (Yonhap)
The main challenge will be how to resolve a funding squeeze at a time when concerns about the government's financial soundness have mounted amid the economic downturn.
A prolonged economic slowdown and a rise in unemployment benefits applications prompted the employment insurance fund to post a loss of 2.2 trillion won last year.
A bid to build the job insurance system for all working people will inevitably involve a rise in insurance premiums for existing subscribers or the injection of taxpayer money.
Currently, employers and workers pay the premiums for the employment insurance together. The issue of who should pay more will also emerge if relevant discussions develop, experts said.
With the priority on job creation, the government is pushing to implement its plan to provide 500,000 won in monthly allowance to jobseekers in low-income households for up to six months in the second half.
The scheme is aimed at supporting those in the blind spot of the employment insurance, such as the self-employed and underage jobseekers. A related bill is still pending at the National Assembly.
The governing party will also seek to handle a revision to the employment insurance act to enable non-standard contract workers and artists to enroll in the insurance plan.
"The DP will do its best to build the legal and institutional framework to protect vulnerable workers," former DP floor leader Lee In-young said at a meeting with an umbrella labor union on May 1.
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-08--S. Korea to push for policy efforts to revive consumption

The nation 's service industry has taken a big hit from the pandemic , but demand for new industrial sectors @ @ @ @ @ artificial intelligence , is increasing , Kim said .

SEJONG, May 8 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's finance ministry said Friday it will push for policy efforts to revive private consumption as it seeks to minimize the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.
Vice Finance Minister Kim Yong-beom said such efforts will include a large-scale shopping festival.
"There is the need to prepare for special measures to recover economic sentiment," Kim told a meeting with senior ministry officials.
The nation's service industry has taken a big hit from the pandemic, but demand for new industrial sectors, such as data and artificial intelligence, is increasing, Kim said.
Vice Finance Minister Kim Yong-beom speaks at a meeting with senior ministry officials on May 8, 2020, in this photo provided by the ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Kim warned that global trade could sharply shrink this year, as the pandemic has crippled global supply chains and demand.
South Korea's exports sank 24.3 percent in April from a year earlier, and the nation suffered a trade balance deficit of $950 million last month.
The nation's economy shrank 1.4 percent on-quarter in the first quarter of the year, marking the sharpest quarterly contraction since the last three months of 2008.
South Korea has promised relief packages worth some 240 trillion won (US$197.2 billion) to ease the economic fallout from the virus.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-08--S. Korea unveils draft plan to foster renewable energy

In order to make up for an electricity shortage that will result from the planned closures , the government will @ @ @ @ @ stations that run on LNG .

SEOUL, May 8 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Friday announced a long-term energy plan to spur a shift toward renewable power sources away from fossil fuels and nuclear energy.
The draft plan for the nation's ninth basic energy policy for the years 2020-2034 calls for raising the share of renewable energy out of its power generation to 40 percent by 2034 from the current 15.1 percent.
Power plants fired by liquefied natural gas (LNG) will take up 31 percent of the total from the present 32.3 percent.
Drawn up by a working group under the energy ministry, the plan also stipulates the closing of all coal-fired power plants whose 30-year operational life cycles expire by 2034.
In order to make up for an electricity shortage that will result from the planned closures, the government will convert 24 of them to stations that run on LNG.
Currently, South Korea has 60 coal-powered plants, half of which will see their life cycles come due by 2034.
Coal-fired thermal power accounts for nearly 27 percent of the country's electricity output portfolio. The proportion will be lowered to about 15 percent by 2034.
The working group expected the planned closure of coal-fired power plants to help reduce South Korea's greenhouse gas emissions.
Under the plan, the number of nuclear power stations will peak at 26 in 2024 before falling to 17 in 2034.
Asia's fourth-largest economy presently operates 24 nuclear reactors that generate about nearly 19 percent of its electricity. The ratio will be reduced to some 10 percent by 2034.
The draft plan estimates that South Korea's maximum power demand would reach 104.2 gigawatt (GW) in 2034, with its annualized growth rate coming to 1 percent.
(END)


yna--2020-05-08--Military lifts restrictions on service members' vacationing as virus spread slows

Under the new campaign , South Koreans are allowed to go back to their daily routines while adhering to basic @ @ @ @ @ Schools will also open in phases starting next week .

SEOUL, May 8 (Yonhap) -- The military on Friday resumed allowing enlisted service members to go on vacation, the defense ministry said, amid a slowdown in the spread of the new coronavirus.
All enlisted service personnel had been banned from off-base trips since mid-February, after the Navy reported the first COVID-19 infection in barracks.
Other restrictions, including banning soldiers from staying out and meeting outside visitors, will be eased in phases in consideration of the virus situation down the road, the ministry said.
The military began partially allowing service members' off-installation travel last month and has since reported no additional cases of the virus.
The latest lifting of restrictions is in line with South Korea's official shift to "everyday life quarantine" on Wednesday after more than two months of intensive social distancing.
Under the new campaign, South Koreans are allowed to go back to their daily routines while adhering to basic guidelines to prevent infections. Schools will also open in phases starting next week.
As of Thursday, the military reported 39 cases of the virus. The last infection was reported in mid-March.
Soldiers at the 27th Infantry Division in the northeastern border town of Hwacheon leave their barracks on April 24, 2020, as the government eased social distancing rules amid a sharp drop in new coronavirus infections. (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-08--Seoul stocks open higher tracking Wall Street gains

Overnight , the Dow Jones Industrial Average moved up 0.89 percent on data that 3.16 million Americans had applied for @ @ @ @ @ down 677,000 from a week earlier .

SEOUL, May 8 (Yonhap) -- Seoul stocks opened higher Friday, tracking overnight gains on Wall Street boosted by a decrease in the number of jobless claims in the world's top economy.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 21.9 points, or 1.14 percent, to 1,950.51 in the first 15 minutes of trading.
Overnight, the Dow Jones Industrial Average moved up 0.89 percent on data that 3.16 million Americans had applied for unemployment benefits last week, down 677,000 from a week earlier.
The figure, however, still exceeded the market's expectation of 3.05 million.
Better-than-expected exports data from China also improved investor sentiment.
In Seoul, market kingpin Samsung Electronics rose 0.72 percent, and No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix gained 1.46 percent. LG Electronics climbed 0.73 percent.
Leading pharmaceutical firm Samsung BioLogics moved up 4.59 percent, and Celltrion added 1.72 percent. Hanmi Pharmaceutical rose 5.79 percent.
Top online portal operator Naver increased 0.7 percent, and its smaller rival Kakao climbed 0.73 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,218.30 won against the U.S. dollar, up 6.7 won from the previous session's close.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


KOSPI 1,944.94 UP 16.33 points (open)


KOSDAQ 674.01 UP 5.84 points (open)


yna--2020-05-08--Dollar opens at 1,220.0 won DN from 1,225.0 won


Friday's weather forecast

SEOUL , May 8 ( Yonhap ) -- The following is the weather forecast for South Korea 's 12 major @ @ @ @ @ .


yna--2020-05-08--S. Korea discovers more apparent Korean War remains in DMZ

Last year , the military found around 2,030 bone fragments believed to have belonged to about 261 troops killed in @ @ @ @ @ , 117 sets of remains are believed to be of Koreans , with 143 others @ @ @ @ @ troops and another set to U.N. forces , according to the ministry .

SEOUL, May 8 (Yonhap) -- South Korea discovered 11 more bone fragments, believed to be from soldiers killed in the 1950-53 Korean War, inside the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on the border with North Korea, the defense ministry said Friday.
The pieces were found during a demining and excavation operation under way on Arrowhead Ridge from last Friday through Thursday, according to the ministry. The ridge located in Cheorwon, some 90 kilometers northeast of Seoul, was one of the fiercest battlefields during the war.
Since April 20 when the military resumed the excavation project for this year, it discovered a total of 23 pieces of bones and 3,426 articles believed to have been left by the deceased service members, according to the ministry.
It remains unclear how many people the pieces belonged to, and the authorities will carry out a detailed examination and DNA analysis to identify their origins, it added.
"We've also employed small-sized surveillance robots to search multiple trenches found on the site," the ministry said. "We will do our best to find and bring back the last remaining victims to their loved ones."
Under a bilateral military accord signed on Sept. 19, 2018, the two Koreas agreed to launch a joint excavation project on Arrowhead Ridge. But the South has carried out the project alone since last year, as the North did not respond to calls for joint work.
Last year, the military found around 2,030 bone fragments believed to have belonged to about 261 troops killed in the war. Of them, 117 sets of remains are believed to be of Koreans, with 143 others presumed to belong to Chinese troops and another set to U.N. forces, according to the ministry.
Seen in this photo provided by the defense ministry on May 8, 2020, shows a surveillance robot searching in a cave-like dugout on Arrowhead Ridge in Cheorwon, Gangwon Province, during the 1950-53 Korean War remains excavation work. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-08--LG Chem says no 2nd gas leak at Indian plant

SEOUL , May 8 ( Yonhap ) -- LG Chem Ltd. , South Korea 's leading chemical firm , said @ @ @ @ @ gas leak at its plant in India , a day after a leak of toxic @ @ @ @ @ people .

SEOUL, May 8 (Yonhap) -- LG Chem Ltd., South Korea's leading chemical firm, said Friday there was no second gas leak at its plant in India, a day after a leak of toxic gas killed at least 11 people.
LG Chem said it has asked Indian police to evacuate residents near the LG Polymers chemical plant in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh due to concerns of the rising temperature of a tank of gas.
LG Chem's response came hours after Reuters reported there is a wider evacuation as gas began leaking again from the LG Chem plant.
This AFP photo shows people gathering in front of the LG Polymers chemical plant in Visakhapatnam in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh on May 7, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
People in a 5-kilometer radius of the plant were being moved out, Reuters said, citing N. Surendra Anand, a fire officer in the Visakhapatnam district, where the plant is located.
The accident took place early Thursday when workers were preparing to reopen the plant after the lockdown imposed over the coronavirus pandemic, the Indian Express reported, citing Andhra Pradesh Commerce Minister M Goutham Reddy.
On Thursday, LG Chem said the gas leak has been brought under control and the company is taking all steps to ensure affected people can swiftly receive medical treatment.
The Hindu, an Indian English-language newspaper, said there was a leak of styrene gas from the plant.
Styrene is primarily used in the production of polystyrene plastics and resins. Short-term exposure to styrene results in mucous membrane and eye irritation, and gastrointestinal effects, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The LG Polymers plant, which LG Chem acquired from Hindustan Polymers in 1996, produces a wide range of polystyrene, including engineering plastic, an industrial raw material for automobiles and electronic parts.
entropy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-08--N. Korea slams S. Korea for recent military drill

`` The recent joint drill was staged in the air and sea in the biggest hotspot area in the West @ @ @ @ @ military conflicts occurred between the North and the South in the past , and it @ @ @ @ @ there were a 'strange sign ' and 'provocation ' from us , '' the spokesperson @ @

SEOUL, May 8 (Yonhap) -- North Korea lashed out at South Korea on Friday for conducting military exercises in and above the Yellow Sea, calling it a "total denial" of an inter-Korean military tension reduction agreement.
In a statement carried by the North's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the spokesperson for the Ministry of the People's Armed Forces denounced the joint Navy-Air Force drills as "the height of the military confrontation."
"The recent joint drill was staged in the air and sea in the biggest hotspot area in the West Sea of Korea in which military conflicts occurred between the North and the South in the past, and it was openly launched, assuming there were a 'strange sign' and 'provocation' from us," the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said the recent exercises have brought the inter-Korean relationship back to where it was before the reconciliatory summit in 2018.
"What merits more attention is that the South Korean military staged the said military drill while calling us their 'enemy,'" the spokesperson said, warning that the "grave provocation" cannot be overlooked and will be met with "a necessary reaction from us."
South Korea staged a joint military drill in the Yellow Sea on Wednesday with the Navy's 2nd Fleet. Some 20 fighter jets, including the F-15K, KF-16, F-4E and FA-50, took part in the exercise.
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-08--NHN Q1 net income up 58.9 pct. to 17.6 bln won

The operating profit was 27.0 percent higher than the average estimate , according to the survey by Yonhap Infomax , @ @ @ @ @ Yonhap News Agency .
The estimate of net profit was not available .

SEOUL, May 8 (Yonhap) -- NHN Corp. on Friday reported its first-quarter net income of 17.6 billion won (US$ 14.4 million), up 58.9 percent from a year earlier.
The company said in a regulatory filing that operating income for the January-March period rose 30.2 percent on-year to 28.3 billion won. Revenue increased 6.5 percent to 394.6 billion won.
The operating profit was 27.0 percent higher than the average estimate, according to the survey by Yonhap Infomax, the financial data firm of Yonhap News Agency. The estimate of net profit was not available.
※ This article was generated by Yonhap's proprietary algorithm using data from Yonhap Infomax and Korea Exchange(KRX).
(END)


yna--2020-05-08--(EDITORIAL from Korea JoongAng Daily on May 8)

The two can do many things together .
They first should share intelligence over North Korea to solve the nuclear @ @ @ @ @ lessened if companies from the two countries jointly launch development ventures in Southeast Asia and @ @ @ @ @ has threatened economic sanctions on China to punish the country for the creation and outbreak @ @ @ @ @ caused the most damage in the United States .
Its move could put Korea in @ @ @ @ @ high reliance on the Chinese economy .
The damage on the two economies can be @ @ @ @ @ in joint response .
To join forces on the external front , it is important @ @ @ @ @ ( END )

Building mutual trust
South Korea and Japan put aside their differences to fly a 5-year-old Korean girl who had fallen ill with acute leukemia in India back to Korea for treatment. Japan boarded the girl and her family on a chartered plane the Tokyo government flew to New Delhi to fly Japanese nationals home from India, which is in lockdown because of the virus. The family finally arrived in Incheon after first stopping in Haneda Airport in Tokyo.
The episode underscores the wonders the two countries can achieve if they work together. The Korean government also allowed Japanese nationals onboard the plane it sent to evacuate nationals from Madagascar, the Philippines and Kenya. From India and Sudan, Koreans were invited onboard Japanese planes. Such humanitarian aid can provide the momentum to thaw the chill between the two governments.
The coronavirus outbreak ironically could bring the two together. Their cooperation can go beyond aiding one another in evacuations. Korea has been able to return to normal life by containing the virus to a manageable level. Its quarantine capabilities backed by IT and bio technology have gained global recognition. Despite flaws in the early stages, Japan boasts supremacy in basic science. If the two countries join forces, they can make a breakthrough in beating COVID-19.
Yet the two have been waging a war of nerves. Amid an easing in the spread of COVID-19 in Korea, the government mulled sending masks and diagnostic test kit reserves to Japan. The offer reportedly had been suspected by Japanese officials of having some kind of conditions stemming from thorny issues of wartime forced labor compensation. Seoul immediately refuted and decided against aid that is not invited. The two neighbors cannot share extra masks and test kits due to long-standing distrust.
Even at war, it is in human nature to treat a wounded soldier although he is on the enemy side. The two countries that have cooperated in so many areas since the normalization of ties in 1965 must not turn their backs on one another. Regardless of the differences over history and territorial issues, the two states must cooperate in non-political fields. Seoul fundamentally has a two-track approach in bilateral relations as to separate past issues with current ones.
The two can do many things together. They first should share intelligence over North Korea to solve the nuclear problem. Risks can be lessened if companies from the two countries jointly launch development ventures in Southeast Asia and Africa. The Trump administration has threatened economic sanctions on China to punish the country for the creation and outbreak of the virus that has caused the most damage in the United States. Its move could put Korea in a bind, given its high reliance on the Chinese economy. The damage on the two economies can be reduced if the two act in joint response. To join forces on the external front, it is important to build mutual trust.
(END)


yna--2020-05-08--(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on May 8)

(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on May 8)

Lee admitted his group could not live up to the people 's expectations and disappointed them because it failed to @ @ @ @ @ no ethics .
He also made it clear that he would not hand over management @ @ @ @ @ apologized for causing controversy over the group 's hostile policy toward labor .
Lee tried @ @ @ @ @ the group by increasing his equity stakes through irregular and unlawful means while avoiding inheritance @ @ @ @ @ these words and promises have no meaning until they are turned into actions .

Samsung heir's apology
: Lee should turn words into action to prove his sincerity
Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, the de facto head of Samsung Group, made a public apology Wednesday for various mistakes made by him and the nation's largest conglomerate. Lee's apology came by accepting the demands of the group's independent compliance committee, which also called for him to do away with Samsung's "union-free management" and improve its communication with civil society.
Lee is reaping the harvest of his own sowing. It is not only his misfortune but also a disgrace for Samsung Group, a global tech giant. We hope this will be the last time we see Lee bow his head to the nation for shameful reasons. Other family-run business groups with similar problems, including the transfer of management control by irregular means, ought to use the incident as an occasion for self-awakening.
Lee admitted his group could not live up to the people's expectations and disappointed them because it failed to abide by laws and displayed no ethics. He also made it clear that he would not hand over management control to his children and apologized for causing controversy over the group's hostile policy toward labor. Lee tried to strengthen his control over the group by increasing his equity stakes through irregular and unlawful means while avoiding inheritance and gift taxes. All these words and promises have no meaning until they are turned into actions.
The challenges facing Samsung at home and abroad are never easy. Moreover, the group is suffering from additional uncertainties because of the CEO's "judicial risk." Lee is now on trial, several trials in fact, including one concerning allegations that his company offered bribes to impeached President Park Geun-hye and her confidant Choi Soon-sil. Critics of the conglomerate suspect Lee's apology is aimed at gaining favorable rulings at these trials.
Samsung's managerial environment has been sharply aggravated due to the disruption of global supply chains amid the COVID-19 pandemic. To get over difficulties and make a massive investment in the future, the group requires strong leadership. Samsung Group, a global corporation based on collective intelligence, has many professional managers with excellent abilities and business acumen. Instead of lamenting over the owner's judicial risk, the group needs to prepare for the possible absence of Lee, depending on the results of the investigations and trials.
(END)


yna--2020-05-08--Top headlines in major S. Korean newspapers

Korean-language dailies -- Pro-Moon lawmaker elected ruling party floor leader ( Kyunghyang Shinmun ) -- Moon 's blueprint for 'Korean @ @ @ @ @ ( Kookmin Daily ) -- S. Korea reports 1st coronavirus case from community infection in @ @ @ @ @ ) -- Gov't rolls back decision to bring in remote medical treatment system ( Seoul @ @ @ @ @ in LG factory in India kills at least 11 ( Segye Times ) -- With @ @ @ @ @ demands S. Korea pay US $ 1.3 bln per year for its share of defense @ @ @ @ @ -- Sexual slavery victim raises suspicions over financial transparency of civic group advocating victims ( @ @ @ @ @ parties agree to pass bill allowing reinvestigations into high-profile violence cases ( Hankyoreh ) -- @ @ @ @ @ Moon gov't put more weight on practicalities rather than reform ( Hankook Ilbo ) -- @ @ @ @ @ in ELS sales to reduce market risks ( Maeil Business Newspaper ) -- S. Korea @ @ @ @ @ than doubles to 55.3 tln won on-year ( Korea Economic Daily )

SEOUL, May 8 (Yonhap) -- The following are the top headlines in major South Korean newspapers on May 8.
Korean-language dailies
-- Pro-Moon lawmaker elected ruling party floor leader (Kyunghyang Shinmun)
-- Moon's blueprint for 'Korean New Deal' in question (Kookmin Daily)
-- S. Korea reports 1st coronavirus case from community infection in 4 days (Donga llbo)
-- Gov't rolls back decision to bring in remote medical treatment system (Seoul Shinmun)
-- Gas leak in LG factory in India kills at least 11 (Segye Times)
-- With Trump's go-ahead, U.S. demands S. Korea pay US$1.3 bln per year for its share of defense costs (Chosun Ilbo)
-- Sexual slavery victim raises suspicions over financial transparency of civic group advocating victims (JoongAng Ilbo)
-- Rival parties agree to pass bill allowing reinvestigations into high-profile violence cases (Hankyoreh)
-- For past three years, Moon gov't put more weight on practicalities rather than reform (Hankook Ilbo)
-- Regulator pushing for a limit in ELS sales to reduce market risks (Maeil Business Newspaper)
-- S. Korea's Q1 fiscal loss more than doubles to 55.3 tln won on-year (Korea Economic Daily)
English-language dailies
-- International flights begin slowly (Korea JoongAng Daily)
-- Itaewon clubber's COVID-19 infection sounds alarm (Korea Herald)
-- 2 Koreas need joint system against infectious diseases (Korea Times)
(END)


yna--2020-05-08--Champions Jeonbuk beat Suwon to open 2020 K League 1 season

Lee and his Jeonbuk teammates celebrated the goal with the `` Thank You Challenge . ''
They gave a thumbs-up @ @ @ @ @ and placed it on the palm of their left hand in a show of appreciation @ @ @ @ @ whose efforts made it possible for the K League to begin its season on this @ @

JEONJU, South Korea, May 8 (Yonhap) -- Veteran striker Lee Dong-gook headed in a second-half corner as the three-time defending champions Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors edged out the 10-man Suwon Samsung Bluewings 1-0 to open the 2020 K League 1 season on Friday.
Lee, the league's all-time leading scorer, came off the bench to increase his career total to 225 goals by redirecting home a Son Jun-ho corner in the 84th minute at Jeonju World Cup Stadium in Jeonju, 240 kilometers south of Seoul.
Jeonbuk extended their undefeated opening match streak to eight, with seven wins and one draw. Suwon have not beaten Jeonbuk since the season finale in 2017.
The 2020 K League 1 season opener between Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Suwon Samsung Bluewings is under way at Jeonju World Cup Stadium in Jeonju, 240 kilometers south of Seoul, on May 8, 2020. (Yonhap)
This was the first match of the new season, whose start was pushed back by more than two months because of the coronavirus pandemic. Without the outbreak, the season would have kicked off on Feb. 29.
With the delayed start, this season will feature 27 matches for each of the 12 teams, instead of the usual 38 matches.
As one of the first football leagues to either begin a new season or resume a suspended competition, the K League 1 has been drawing plenty of international interest. Matches will be available in 36 countries this season, and Friday's contest was also streamed live on YouTube and Twitter.
The much-anticipated showdown didn't quite live up to the hype, though, and the steady rain that soaked the field didn't help.
Jeonbuk's first dangerous chance came in the 36th minute, when Han Kyo-won, taking a feed from reigning league MVP Kim Bo-kyung, had a shot go off the leg of Suwon midfielder Terry Antonis.
Suwon goalkeeper No Dong-geon had to stay alert in the dying moments of the first half, as Son Jun-ho nearly headed home a corner and forced No to make a stop right on the line.
Jeonbuk were in control in the second half, but with Suwon locking things down on their end, the home side had trouble generating much offense out of their substantial advantage in ball possession.
Lee Dong-gook of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors celebrates his goal against Suwon Samsung Bluewings with a "Thank You" sign for front-line medical workers during the 2020 K League 1 season opener at Jeonju World Cup Stadium in Jeonju, 240 kilometers south of Seoul, on May 8, 2020. (Yonhap)
The tide turned a bit in the 75th, when Antonis received a direct red card for a hard, late tackle on Son.
And about 10 minutes later, Son caught the defense napping with a quick-timed corner, and Lee headed it home for a 1-0 lead.
Lee and his Jeonbuk teammates celebrated the goal with the "Thank You Challenge." They gave a thumbs-up sign with their right hand and placed it on the palm of their left hand in a show of appreciation for front-line medical workers, whose efforts made it possible for the K League to begin its season on this day.
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-08--(LEAD) LG Chem says no 2nd gas leak at Indian plant

Local authorities said that some 10,000 people have been evacuated , with about half suffering from breathing problems and stinging @ @ @ @ @ were treated at hospitals , with most having been released , and the 20 people @ @ @ @ @ known to be in stable condition .

(ATTN: EXPANDS dateline; UPDATES with more details in lead, 7th para)
SEOUL/NEW DELHI, May 8 (Yonhap) -- LG Chem Ltd., South Korea's leading chemical firm, said Friday there was no second gas leak at its plant in India, a day after a leak of toxic gas killed 12 people.
LG Chem said it has asked Indian police to evacuate residents near the LG Polymers chemical plant in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh due to concerns over the rising temperature of a tank of gas.
LG Chem's response came hours after Reuters reported there is a wider evacuation as gas began leaking again from the LG Chem plant.
This AFP photo shows people gathering in front of the LG Polymers chemical plant in Visakhapatnam in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh on May 7, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
People in a 5-kilometer radius of the plant were being moved out, Reuters said, citing N. Surendra Anand, a fire officer in the Visakhapatnam district, where the plant is located.
The accident took place early Thursday when workers were preparing to reopen the plant after the lockdown imposed over the coronavirus pandemic, the Indian Express reported, citing Andhra Pradesh Commerce Minister M Goutham Reddy.
On Thursday, LG Chem said the gas leak has been brought under control and that the company is taking all steps to ensure affected people can swiftly receive medical treatment.
Local authorities said that some 10,000 people have been evacuated, with about half suffering from breathing problems and stinging eyes. About 800-1,000 people were treated at hospitals, with most having been released, and the 20 people placed in intensive care were known to be in stable condition.
The Hindu, an Indian English-language newspaper, said there was a leak of styrene gas from the plant.
Styrene is primarily used in the production of polystyrene plastics and resins. Short-term exposure to styrene results in mucous membrane and eye irritation, and gastrointestinal effects, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The LG Polymers plant, which LG Chem acquired from Hindustan Polymers in 1996, produces a wide range of polystyrene, including engineering plastic, an industrial raw material for automobiles and electronic parts.
entropy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-08--USFK service member from Japan tests positive for coronavirus; total infections at 27

SEOUL , May 8 ( Yonhap ) -- An American soldier who was recently assigned to the U.S .
Forces @ @ @ @ @ Japan tested positive for the novel coronavirus , the military said Friday , bringing the @ @ @ @ @ its population to 27 .

SEOUL, May 8 (Yonhap) -- An American soldier who was recently assigned to the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) from Japan tested positive for the novel coronavirus, the military said Friday, bringing the total number of infections among its population to 27.
He arrived at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, some 70 kilometers south of Seoul, on Wednesday on a U.S. government-arranged charter flight and was under mandatory quarantine at Camp Humphreys while awaiting the results of his COVID-19 test.
He is the third active-duty USFK service member who has been confirmed to have contracted the virus so far, according to the U.S. military.
All USFK-affiliated individuals arriving here from overseas are placed in isolation for 14 days and must be tested for the virus upon entering quarantine.
"USFK ... continues to maintain a robust combined defense posture to protect the Republic of Korea against any threat or adversary while maintaining prudent preventive measures to protect the force," according to its release.
A military guard at U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, 70 kilometers south of Seoul, checks the temperature of a driver to screen entrants to the compound for the novel coronavirus on Feb. 28, 2020, in this photo provided by United States Forces Korea. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-08--(6th LD) 15 confirmed virus cases related to Itaewon clubber, including 3 foreigners

`` It is highly likely that there are going to be more cases down the road , '' Vice Health @ @ @ @ @ a briefing .
Health authorities said that besides those they have verified to have been @ @ @ @ @ more may have to be screened for infections .

(ATTN: ADDS more details in paras 5, 12)
SEOUL/YONGIN, South Korea, May 8 (Yonhap) -- Thirteen more cases of the novel coronavirus were confirmed Friday, associated with a patient who visited clubs and bars in Seoul's popular multicultural neighborhood of Itaewon over the weekend.
The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said that 14 of the patient's contacts, including three foreign nationals and one Army officer, have so far tested positive for COVID-19. All patients are aged between 19 and 37.
The 29-year-old patient, whom health authorities consider the first patient in the cluster infection, visited five clubs and bars in Itaewon from Friday night to the early hours of Saturday last week.
Twelve of the 13 new cases were those who had visited the Itaewon clubs, with the number feared to rise, considering that at least 1,510 people were estimated to have visited the five nightlife establishments including King Club, Trunk Club and Club Queen.
"It is highly likely that there are going to be more cases down the road," Vice Health Minister Kim Ganglip said during a briefing. Health authorities said that besides those they have verified to have been at the bars, hundreds more may have to be screened for infections.
People walk past a dance club in the popular international district of Itaewon in Seoul on May 7, 2020. The club was shut down, as a man in his 20s who tested positive for COVID-19 visited the place on May 1. Some 500 people were reportedly there at that time. (Yonhap)
In a separate press briefing, Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon said 11 of the 13 patients were Seoul residents. The other two were based in nearby Gyeonggi Province, he said.
Park said the latest virus screening results showed that 97 people have tested negative, while tests for six others are under way.
City officials said they plan to track down visitors at the clubs through CCTV footage and credit card transactions, citing possible errors in the entry logs.
The development has put the authorities, as well as the public, back on high alert for a possibly bigger outbreak amid lax social distancing measures introduced earlier this week.
Following a meeting involving health authorities, municipal governments and relevant ministries, the government issued a monthlong advisory on clubs and bars.
Under the advisory that goes into effect at 8 p.m., clubs and bars across the country will be encouraged to suspend business for the next month.
Clubs and bars that opt to open for business will be required to get patrons to wear masks within their establishments and check the identify of all users. Facilities that violate the guidelines will be fined and liable for damage suits if a person is confirmed to have contracted the coronavirus.
"In addition to the advisory, we will also move to find more effective measures in filling out (correct) contact information in entry logs, as well as effective monitoring of policies with municipal governments," Yoon Tae-ho, a senior health ministry official, told reporters.
The recent infections are believed to have occurred while the government's social distancing scheme was in place. But the patients were found not to have worn face masks inside the clubs and bars, according to the KCDC.
A sign warning the public about COVID-19 risks at clubs is displayed in the central Seoul neighborhood of Itaewon on May 8, 2020. (Yonhap)
The KCDC urged visitors to those clubs to self-isolate to limit the possible spread of the virus and to report to the authorities if they show COVID-19 symptoms.
It also asked people to stay at home if they were at King Club from midnight to 3:30 a.m., Trunk Club from 1-1:40 a.m. and Club Queen from 3:30-3:50 a.m.
The patient went to Itaewon at about 11 p.m. Friday with a friend, who later tested positive, and spent time at five clubs and bars till about 3:50 a.m. the following day.
He tested positive and was admitted to a hospital in Suwon, south of Seoul, on Wednesday morning.
The 13 new cases also include a 31-year-old co-worker of the patient who was confirmed earlier on Friday to have the virus. The two work in the same IT company based in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province. The man, a Yongin resident, has been admitted to a hospital in Anseong in the same province.
The city of Yongin said it identified 58 contacts of the man in its jurisdiction, including 44 co-workers. The man's company has been shut down to stem the spread of the virus.
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-08--Pro football kicks off in S. Korea after 2-month delay due to coronavirus pandemic

With no other football league of this caliber in play anywhere in the world , the K League has been @ @ @ @ @ starving for live sports .
About two hours before Friday 's kickoff , the K @ @ @ @ @ rights to televise games in 36 countries .
The British national broadcaster BBC was among @ @ @ @ @ K League rights .

JEONJU, South Korea, May 8 (Yonhap) -- It's been a long time coming, but professional football is finally here in South Korea.
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors hosted Suwon Samsung Bluewings before some 42,000 empty seats at Jeonju World Cup Stadium in Jeonju, 240 kilometers south of Seoul, to kick off the 2020 K League 1 season.
The season was slated to begin on Feb. 29 but was pushed back indefinitely five days prior to its start due to the coronavirus outbreak. Then with the number of new cases steadily falling last month, the league settled on the second Friday of May to begin its new season.
The 2020 K League 1 season opener between Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Suwon Samsung Bluewings is under way at Jeonju World Cup Stadium in Jeonju, 240 kilometers south of Seoul, on May 8, 2020. (Yonhap)
Because of the delayed start, the season has been reduced from 38 matches to 27.
The early part of the season will be played without fans due to lingering COVID-19 infection concerns.
With no other football league of this caliber in play anywhere in the world, the K League has been a hot commodity among broadcasters starving for live sports. About two hours before Friday's kickoff, the K League said it had sold rights to televise games in 36 countries. The British national broadcaster BBC was among the latest stations to purchase K League rights.
The opening contest was also streamed live on the K League's official YouTube and Twitter pages.
Strict quarantine guidelines were in place. Players, all of whom had already tested negative in recent leaguewide testing, had to have their temperatures checked before entering the stadium. Coaches and substitutes on both benches had to keep their masks on.
In the absence of fans, Jeonbuk tried to recapture at least some match-like atmosphere by piping in recorded sounds of fans cheering.
Banners with fans' messages for Jeonbuk players were hung on top of empty seats throughout the stadium.
Banners with messages for Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors players are draped over empty seats at Jeonju World Cup Stadium in Jeonju, 240 kilometers south of Seoul, during the 2020 K League 1 season opener between Jeonbuk and Suwon Samsung Bluewings on May 8, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-08--'I-Land,' joint K-pop show between Mnet, Big Hit, to set sail next month

The reality show covering a journey to debut new K-pop artists is the first joint project between Mnet and Big @ @ @ @ @ established a joint venture , Belif Lab , in March last year .

SEOUL, May 8 (Yonhap) -- "I-Land," a high-profile K-pop band recruitment TV show jointly produced by a K-pop cable channel and the music label of boy band BTS, will go on air next month, the cable channel said Friday.
The reality show covering a journey to debut new K-pop artists is the first joint project between Mnet and Big Hit Entertainment after the two established a joint venture, Belif Lab, in March last year.
Its first episode will hit the small screen in June, Mnet said, without providing the exact date.
The TV program combines the K-pop-focused production expertise of Mnet with the music producing experience of Big Hit to feature competition and partnership among K-pop star wannabes, according to Mnet.
To best film the high-profile show, Mnet has built a massive arena exclusively dedicated to the program, it also said.
This teaser image of 'I-Land' was provided by Mnet. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-08--(LEAD) S. Korean baseball umpires to be demoted to minor league over inconsistent performance

`` Even though it 's only been three games this season , a lot of players are really unhappy with @ @ @ @ @ ball-strike calls , '' Lee said .
`` I 'd like to ask all the @ @ @ @ @ considerate of the players .
We 're all very confused ( with the inconsistent zone @ @ @ @ @ umpires are doing their best out there , but I just hope they should start @ @ @ @ @ ' perspective , too . ''

(ATTN: ADDS more comments in last 4 paras)
By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, May 8 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean baseball league on Friday decided to demote an entire crew of five umpires to the minors, in a swift response to a player's open criticism of their performances.
The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) said five umpires who worked a game between the SK Wyverns and the Hanwha Eagles on Thursday will be sent down to the Futures League for "retraining."
The Eagles won the game 8-4. And toward the end of his post-game TV interview, Hanwha outfielder Lee Yong-kyu asked for an extra moment to speak on behalf of other players.
In this file photo from April, 21, 2020, umpires connect with the video replay center at the Korea Baseball Organization head office in Seoul during a preseason game between the Lotte Giants and the NC Dinos at Changwon NC Park in Changwon, 400 kilometers southeast of the capital. (Yonhap)
"Even though it's only been three games this season, a lot of players are really unhappy with the lack of consistency on ball-strike calls," Lee said. "I'd like to ask all the umpires to please be more considerate of the players. We're all very confused (with the inconsistent zone). I know the umpires are doing their best out there, but I just hope they should start seeing things from the players' perspective, too."
The crew that called the game had Lee Ki-joong as home plate umpire and crew chief, Jang Jun-young at first, Won Hyun-sik at second, Choi Su-won at third and Kim Jun-hee as an alternate.
They have already been assigned to different games for Friday. They will move down to the Futures League on Saturday.
The KBO also asked players to refrain from publicly criticizing umpires and to show more respect toward officials.
Prior to Friday's game in Seoul, Lee said he'd only wanted to discuss players' frustration, and nothing more.
"I'd read about the umpires' demotion on my way here, and I don't have anything to say about that decision," Lee told reporters at Gocheok Sky Dome before facing the Kiwoom Heroes. "I didn't mean any harm. I said what I said because I want all the players to be able to perform at a high level."
Lee said he will try to keep his focus on the field from now on. Asked if he would criticize umpires again if he isn't happy with their calls, Lee responded, "I haven't thought about that. But umpires are humans, and I think they're bound to make mistakes."
Lee said he didn't think he could be disciplined for his public criticism of umpires and added, "I was only trying to speak from my heart."
Lee Yong-kyu of the Hanwha Eagles speaks to reporters before a Korea Baseball Organization game against the Kiwoom Heroes at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on May 8, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-08--Boy band Ateez to follow BTS, EXO in representing S. Korean culture overseas

As the first part of its role as envoy , Ateez appeared in two public video clips , including a @ @ @ @ @ the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic .
The videos were released on the government body @ @ @ @ @ the day .

SEOUL, May 8 (Yonhap) -- Taking over from its predecessors BTS and EXO, rising boy band Ateez will officially represent South Korean culture overseas this year as the face of K-pop, the culture ministry said Friday.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said it has picked the eight-member band as the country's honorary ambassador to promote Korean culture abroad.
The ministry's Korean Culture and Information Service has employed a popular K-pop band every year since 2014 to publicize the country's cultural content to foreign audiences.
Global super band BTS took on the job in 2016 before other K-pop sensations EXO and WINNER took over the role in 2017 and 2018, respectively.
As the first part of its role as envoy, Ateez appeared in two public video clips, including a piece that rallies support for the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The videos were released on the government body's YouTube account earlier in the day.
Since its debut in 2018, Ateez has emerged as another K-pop sensation, having sold out its first world tour, "The Expedition Tour," four months after its debut.
This image of Ateez was provided by KQ Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-08--BBC to broadcast S. Korean pro football matches

The start of the K League season was delayed by more than two months because of the coronavirus pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ one of the first football leagues around the world to either start or resume a @ @

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, May 8 (Yonhap) -- The British national broadcaster BBC will be airing South Korean pro football matches this season.
The Korea Professional Football League (K League) announced Friday that BBC is among the latest stations to purchase rights to K League matches for 2020.
The announcement came about two hours before the 7 p.m. kickoff of the season opener between the Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Suwon Samsung Bluewings.
This photo, provided by the Korea Professional Football League on May 6, 2020, shows Jeonju World Cup Stadium in Jeonju, 240 kilometers south of Seoul. The stadium will host the 2020 K League 1 opening match between the home team Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Suwon Samsung Bluewings on May 8, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The match will be streamed live on the BBC Sport website and app.
The start of the K League season was delayed by more than two months because of the coronavirus pandemic. The K League will be one of the first football leagues around the world to either start or resume a season.
Through Friday, the K League has sold rights to 36 countries, up from 17 from the previous day.
In addition to Britain, K League matches will also be available in countries including Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-08--(LEAD) SKC Q1 net profit nearly triples on one-off gains

SEOUL , May 8 ( Yonhap ) -- SKC Co. , a South Korean maker of chemicals and film products @ @ @ @ @ net profit nearly tripled in the first quarter from a year earlier due to a @ @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES with company's comments, stock price; ADDS photo)
SEOUL, May 8 (Yonhap) -- SKC Co., a South Korean maker of chemicals and film products, said Friday that its net profit nearly tripled in the first quarter from a year earlier due to a stake sale.
For the January-March period, SKC posted a net profit of 86.1 billion won (US$70.5 million), a sharp increase from a profit of 23 billion a year earlier.
SKC said the sale of its stake in SKC Kolon PI Inc., a maker of polyimide film used in displays, semiconductors and electric vehicles, boosted the company's bottom line.
In February, a special purpose company set up by Glenwood PE, a local private equity fund, bought SKC Kolon PI -- a joint venture between SKC and Kolon Industries.
Operating profit fell 24.3 percent on-year to 27.4 billion won, but sales rose 9.5 percent to 661 billion won in the first quarter.
Shares in SKC rose 1 percent to 50,600 won, roughly in line with the broader KOSPI's 0.89 percent gain.
This photo shows the corporate logo of SKC Co. at its main office in Seoul. (Yonhap)
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( KCDC ) said that 14 of the patient 's contacts , @ @ @ @ @ one Army officer , have so far tested positive for COVID-19 .
All patients are @ @ @ @ @ .

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Friday.
-----------------
(5th LD) 15 confirmed virus cases related to Itaewon clubber, including 3 foreigners
SEOUL/YONGIN -- Thirteen more cases of the novel coronavirus were confirmed Friday, associated with a patient who visited clubs and bars in Seoul's popular multicultural neighborhood of Itaewon over the weekend.
The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said that 14 of the patient's contacts, including three foreign nationals and one Army officer, have so far tested positive for COVID-19. All patients are aged between 19 and 37.
-----------------
S. Korea issues monthlong suspension advisory on clubs, bars
SEOUL -- The government on Friday issued a monthlong advisory on clubs and bars, asking such establishments to voluntarily suspend business after group infections were reported at Seoul's popular multicultural neighborhood of Itaewon.
Under the advisory, clubs and bars across the country will be advised to voluntarily suspend business for a month starting 8 p.m. Friday.
-----------------
(LEAD) Seoul stocks close higher on hopes for eased economic concerns
SEOUL -- South Korean stocks closed higher Friday as investor sentiment got a boost from less-than-pessimistic economic indicators from the United States and China, analysts said. The Korean won rose against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) gained 17.21 points, or 0.89 percent, to finish at 1,945.82. Trading volume was moderate at 775 million shares worth 7.82 trillion won (US$6.4 billion), with gainers outpacing losers 588 to 227.
-----------------
(LEAD) Moon taps finance official as gov't policy coordination chief
SEOUL -- President Moon Jae-in named a top finance ministry official to be in charge of government policy coordination, a minister-level position, on Friday.
Koo Yun-cheol, second vice minister of economy and finance, is replacing Roh Hyung-wook to serve as chief of the Office for Government Policy Coordination under the wing of the prime minister's office, according to Cheong Wa Dae.
-----------------
FM Kang thanks Motegi for Japan's help in transporting leukemia-stricken girl from India
SEOUL -- Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha has sent a letter to her Japanese counterpart to express appreciation for Tokyo's cooperation in helping a South Korean girl with leukemia return home from new coronavirus-hit India earlier this week, a ministry official said Friday.
The 5-year-old girl flew out of India aboard a Japan Airlines special flight Monday and arrived in Korea via Tokyo the following day. The trip was arranged in cooperation between the South Korean Embassy and Japanese Embassy in India.
-----------------
S. Korea has no room for more flexibility in defense cost-sharing talks with U.S.: source
SEOUL -- South Korea has no room for additional flexibility in its deadlocked defense cost-sharing talks, a diplomatic source said Friday, renewing Seoul's calls for Washington to agree to a "reasonable" deal.
The remarks came after a senior Trump administration official confirmed Thursday the United States has asked South Korea to pay US$1.3 billion a year -- an increase of about 50 percent from the previous year -- for the stationing of the 28,500-strong U.S. Forces Korea (USFK).
-----------------
Main opposition party picks new floor leader after election defeat
SEOUL-- Rep. Joo Ho-young was elected new floor leader of the main opposition United Future Party (UFP) on Friday, with the task of rebuilding the conservative party that suffered a crushing defeat in the latest elections.
Joo, a soon-to-be five-term lawmaker, beat his rival Kwon Young-se, according to party officials. He will replace Rep. Shim Jae-chul, an acting chief of the party.
-----------------
(2nd LD) Staff sergeant at cyber command in Yongsan tests positive for coronavirus
SEOUL -- A noncommissioned officer working at the Cyber Operations Command in Seoul has tested positive for the new coronavirus, bringing the total number of cases reported in the military to 40, the defense ministry said Friday.
The staff sergeant working at the command's service support unit contracted the virus after visiting a club in Seoul's popular multicultural neighborhood of Itaewon where a COVID-19 patient visited last week, according to the ministry.
-----------------
(LEAD) Former justice minister denies power abuse charges at first court hearing
SEOUL -- Former Justice Minister and presidential aide Cho Kuk denied charges against him Friday over the alleged suspension of the presidential office's inspection into a high-profile corruption case.
Cho attended a court hearing for the first time since he was charged with abuse of power in January for allegedly halting the probe in 2017 into bribery allegations involving Yoo Jae-soo, then a senior Financial Services Commission official. At that time, Cho was senior presidential secretary for civil affairs.
-----------------
(LEAD) Tottenham's Son Heung-min wraps up three-week military training with flying colors
SEOUL -- Tottenham Hotspur's South Korean star Son Heung-min completed a three-week military training program with the best performance among all trainees Friday, as he excelled in shooting skills and other areas, officials said.
Son is one of the top five trainees to receive a prize at the camp's graduation ceremony at a Marine Corps unit on the southern island of Jeju on Friday. The exact scores of the trainees were not disclosed, but officials said Son was the top among a total of 157 trainees.
(END)