yna--2020-05-25--(EDITORIAL from Korea JoongAng Daily on May 25)

In this respect , Deputy National Security Advisor Kim Hyun-chong made imprudent remarks last week .
`` The deepening U.S.-China conflict makes us embarrassed , '' he said during a meeting with lawmakers-elect of the ruling Democratic Party .
In fact , America and China have not yet forced Korea to take sides .
Keith Krach , U.S .
Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth , Energy , and the Environment , did mention a discussion with his Korean counterpart on the U.S. initiative , but it is not a concrete demand yet .
So why did Kim volunteer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exposing the government 's distress ?
President Moon 's former Chief of Staff Im Jong-seok also made an inappropriate statement the other day .
Exposing that Stephen Biegun , former U.S. special representative for North Korea , had `` pressured Seoul to stop all inter-Korean cooperation , '' Im insisted on the resumption of the South-North relations and expansion of Seoul 's aid to Pyongyang .
The deadlocked inter-Korean ties resulted from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un 's refusal to talk with President Moon .
Pyongyang 's persistent nuclear armaments make it even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the face of international sanctions .
The Moon administration 's desire to expand inter-Korean exchanges under such circumstances only helps diminish Seoul 's diplomatic leverage .

A cool-headed approach is needed
Amid the tense U.S.-China relations since the coronavirus outbreak, President Donald Trump's administration has come up with the Economic Prosperity Network initiative to counter China's ever-growing supply networks. Beijing has enacted a national security law for Hong Kong to stop the United States from interfering in China's domestic affairs. The exchange of violent words — such as what Beijing called an "insane reaction" from U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and what Washington called a "brutal, totalitarian regime" in China — heralds the advent of a new Cold War era.
Under such volatile circumstances, the Moon Jae-in administration must take a calm and strategic approach to ensure security and the national interest. The U.S. is South Korea's pivotal ally and China a crucial trade partner. If Seoul blindly follows the U.S.'s China containment policy, it must pay a huge price on trade. Korea must strike a delicate balance between the two nations by maintaining strategic ambiguity and approaching a number of issues case by case.
In this respect, Deputy National Security Advisor Kim Hyun-chong made imprudent remarks last week. "The deepening U.S.-China conflict makes us embarrassed," he said during a meeting with lawmakers-elect of the ruling Democratic Party. In fact, America and China have not yet forced Korea to take sides. Keith Krach, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, did mention a discussion with his Korean counterpart on the U.S. initiative, but it is not a concrete demand yet. So why did Kim volunteer to narrow Korea's strategic positioning by exposing the government's distress? President Moon's former Chief of Staff Im Jong-seok also made an inappropriate statement the other day. Exposing that Stephen Biegun, former U.S. special representative for North Korea, had "pressured Seoul to stop all inter-Korean cooperation," Im insisted on the resumption of the South-North relations and expansion of Seoul's aid to Pyongyang. The deadlocked inter-Korean ties resulted from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's refusal to talk with President Moon. Pyongyang's persistent nuclear armaments make it even harder for Seoul to help it economically in the face of international sanctions. The Moon administration's desire to expand inter-Korean exchanges under such circumstances only helps diminish Seoul's diplomatic leverage.
The Moon administration must take a prudent approach to Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Seoul. Because of its worsening ties with Washington, Beijing needs to maintain friendly relations with its neighbors, including South Korea. Our government must take advantage of this opportunity so that Xi himself expresses a willingness to trip to South Korea.
Some pundits expect a compromise between Washington and Beijing after the November U.S. presidential election. But their rivalry primarily comes from the need to win a global war on hegemony. For South Korea, a need to take sides will come. That calls for long-term strategies for South Korea to weather an ongoing conflict.
(END)


yna--2020-05-25--(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on May 25)

(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on May 25)

The ruling party 's hesitation to act against Yoon may be in deference to the movement 's legacy .
The @ @ @ @ @ council together have achieved much for the surviving victims of wartime sex slavery in the @ @ @ @ @ The Wednesday rallies staged in front of the Japanese embassy in Seoul have transformed into @ @ @ @ @ 's rights movement .
But the party 's reluctance however may well be an admission @ @ @ @ @ representation seat candidates ― even if they were done by the former satellite party Civil @ @ @ @ @ 15 general election .

DPK's conundrum
Ruling party must show where it stands on former activist
With the controversy over lawmaker-elect Yoon Mi-hyang, former chief of a wartime sex slavery victims' advocacy group, showing no signs of abating, the conundrum deepens for the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK).
Since survivor Lee Yong-soo on May 7 publicly raised question about inappropriate management of funds donated for the victims, answers from Yoon and the Korean Council for Justice and Remembrance for the Issue of Military Sexual Slavery by Japan have not been satisfactory. As one allegation after another emerges, it is hard to suppress the question of "is there anything more we need to know?" about the high-profile civic activist who has now entered institutional politics.
In a near dereliction of duty, the DPK has been flip-flopping on its stance before finally saying determining facts precedes action. Related government agencies and the prosecution are investigating the latter aggressively as the 21st National Assembly inaugurates on May 30. An incumbent lawmaker is given immunity from arrest, making it more difficult for prosecutors to summon Yoon if needed.
The ruling party in the pending timeframe should clarify where it stands with regards to Yoon. Yoon should proffer clear-cut explanations regarding the many controversies at the heart of which lies questions about her financial transparency as a civic group leader. It would be improper for her to expect to begin her legislative tenure without that due process.
Cautiously, a few in the liberal political bloc have floated the idea that Yoon resign. Veteran liberal leaders including minor Justice Party leader Sim Sang-jung have publicly expressed the sentiment that Yoon's explanations are no longer persuasive.
The ruling party's hesitation to act against Yoon may be in deference to the movement's legacy. The survivors, Yoon and the council together have achieved much for the surviving victims of wartime sex slavery in the past near three decades. The Wednesday rallies staged in front of the Japanese embassy in Seoul have transformed into a larger peaceful civic women's rights movement. But the party's reluctance however may well be an admission of insufficient screening of proportional representation seat candidates ― even if they were done by the former satellite party Civil Together ― for the April 15 general election.
The DPK and Yoon should own up to any mistakes, and take the responsible step forward.
Lee is expected to hold a press conference Monday. She has asked Yoon to attend, and so have several ruling party lawmakers, reportedly. Yoon and the DPK should act to ensure that the legacy and legitimacy of the longtime advocacy group's work is not impacted over the controversy of funds mismanagement.
(END)


yna--2020-05-25--(EDITORIAL from Korea Herald on May 25)

(EDITORIAL from Korea Herald on May 25)

In an address marking the third anniversary of his inauguration earlier this month , Moon suggested his government would seek @ @ @ @ @ done between the two Koreas instead of just looking forward to progress in US-North Korea @ @

Don't be hasty
Moon government needs patience to enhance inter-Korean cooperation on a firm footing
President Moon Jae-in's government appears to be trying to decouple inter-Korean cooperation from denuclearization talks between the US and North Korea.
In an address marking the third anniversary of his inauguration earlier this month, Moon suggested his government would seek to find what could be done between the two Koreas instead of just looking forward to progress in US-North Korea dialogue.
In what seems to be a follow-up move, the Unification Ministry said last week a set of sanctions slapped on the North over its deadly sinking of a South Korean warship in 2010 has since been softened and no longer poses any obstacle to inter-Korean exchange and cooperation.
A ministry spokesperson told a press briefing that previous governments have made various exceptions in implementing the sanctions and much of them have lost their intended effect.
Unification Minister Kim Yeon-chul said later that just because the sanctions imposed by the South on the North a decade ago have mostly lost their effect, it does not necessarily mean that Seoul is considering the possibility of lifting them.
His remarks seem designed to avoid an immediate backlash against lifting the sanctions before eventually moving in that direction without Pyongyang conceding its responsibility and apologizing for the attack that killed 46 South Korean sailors.
Washington has made it clear that inter-Korean economic cooperation should be pushed ahead in step with progress in efforts to denuclearize the North. The US State Department reiterated the stance in response to comments by the Unification Ministry spokesperson.
The sanctions ban all inter-Korean trade and economic cooperation and bar North Korean ships from sailing through South Korean waters or dropping anchor at ports in the South.
Most of the restrictions have since been included in US-led global sanctions imposed on the North for its nuclear and ballistic missile tests that violated UN resolutions prohibiting them.
As the first step toward nullifying the 2010 sanctions, the Moon government seems to be mulling allowing North Korean ships to sail through the sea between Jeju Island and the southern coast of the South.
UN sanctions call for banning ships engaged in cargo transfer to North Korean vessels from making calls at ports, but put in place no specific restriction on North Korean ships passing through South Korean waters.
The Moon government is expected to go further in expanding space in inter-Korean cooperation regardless of progress in dismantling the North's nuclear arsenal.
Denuclearization talks between the US and North Korea has remained stalled since the second summit between their leaders ended with no deal in Hanoi in February 2019.
Experts expect no breakthrough before the US presidential election in November. US President Donald Trump is unlikely to show interest in reaching a deal by making significant concessions to Pyongyang without substantial progress toward the complete denuclearization of the recalcitrant regime.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un presided over a Central Military Commission meeting of the ruling Workers' Party to discuss "new policies for further strengthening the nuclear war deterrence of the country," the North's state media reported Sunday.
Under the current circumstances, the Moon government might risk weakening the alliance with the US while continuing to be shunned by Pyongyang, if it pushes ahead with lifting sanctions imposed in 2010 and takes other initiatives that go against the international sanctions regime.
Pyongyang has so far made no response to Moon's proposals to allow South Korean citizens to make individual trips to the North and push for joint quarantine efforts.
The North seems unwilling to talk with the South before reaching a deal with the US, judging that the Moon government cannot ignore Washington's objection to reopening a joint industrial park and a lucrative package tour program.
If Seoul pushes for such cross-border projects, the South Korea-US alliance might be rattled to the point of undermining security on the peninsula.
Allowing North Korean vessels to sail through South Korean waters could also cause severe problems, as most of them will likely be implicated in illicit acts banned by international sanctions.
Above all, lifting the 2010 sanctions may be considered only after Pyongyang acknowledges its responsibility for the sinking of the South Korean warship, apologizes for it and promises not to repeat such a provocative act. Over the past decade, the North has shown no signs of taking such steps.
For the time being, patience may be the best policy for the Moon administration in enhancing inter-Korean cooperation on a firm footing and securing true peace on the peninsula.
(END)


yna--2020-05-25--Top headlines in major S. Korean newspapers

Korean-language dailies -- Allegations over justice council must be solved , movement for comfort women should be continued ( Kyunghyang @ @ @ @ @ filing becomes chronic disease for nonprofit organizations ( Kookmin Daily ) -- Kim Jong-un hints @ @ @ @ @ ( Donga llbo ) -- Mayors fail to carry out campaign pledges ( Seoul Shinmun @ @ @ @ @ themselves with ' I can do it ' spirit ( Segye Times ) -- Thousands @ @ @ @ @ streets , claim 'Chinese Communists Party should end ' ( Chosun Ilbo ) -- Hong @ @ @ @ @ U.S.-China Cold War ( JoongAng Ilbo ) -- 21st National Assembly shall answer to protesters @ @ @ @ @ ( Hankyoreh ) -- With only 275 doctors available for infectious diseases , things get @ @ @ @ @ Hankook Ilbo ) -- Real-name financial system to hinder development of facial recognition , blockchain @ @ @ @ @ ) -- Huawei gets desperate , calls for help from Samsung , SK hynix ( @ @ @ @

SEOUL, May 25 (Yonhap) -- The following are the top headlines in major South Korean newspapers on May 25.
Korean-language dailies
-- Allegations over justice council must be solved, movement for comfort women should be continued (Kyunghyang Shinmun)
-- Fraudulent regulatory filing becomes chronic disease for nonprofit organizations (Kookmin Daily)
-- Kim Jong-un hints at nuclear provocation to Trump (Donga llbo)
-- Mayors fail to carry out campaign pledges (Seoul Shinmun)
-- Modern people burden themselves with 'I can do it' spirit (Segye Times)
-- Thousands of Hong Kongers take to streets, claim 'Chinese Communists Party should end' (Chosun Ilbo)
-- Hong Kong becomes 'detonator' amid U.S.-China Cold War (JoongAng Ilbo)
-- 21st National Assembly shall answer to protesters' call for gender equality (Hankyoreh)
-- With only 275 doctors available for infectious diseases, things get tough for COVID-19 troops (Hankook Ilbo)
-- Real-name financial system to hinder development of facial recognition, blockchain technologies (Maeil Business Newspaper)
-- Huawei gets desperate, calls for help from Samsung, SK hynix (Korea Economic Daily)
English-language dailies
-- Kim discusses bolstering 'nuclear war deterrence' (Korea JoongAng Daily)
-- NK eyes stronger nuclear deterrent (Korea Herald)
-- N. Korean leader discusses nuclear war deterrence (Korea Times)
(END)


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(END)


yna--2020-05-25--(4th LD) S. Korea striving to break club-linked transmission chain

As of noon , 237 cases have been linked to the Itaewon cluster , up 12 from a day earlier @ @ @ @ @ it is under control and has not evolved into uncontrollable , explosive infections .
The @ @ @ @ @ more than 82,000 people over the Itaewon-related cases .

(ATTN: UPDATES with more info in 7th para)
SEOUL, May 25 (Yonhap) -- South Korean health officials are trying to break the chain of transmission tied to cluster infections in Seoul's nightlife district of Itaewon as the country grapples with related sporadic outbreaks across the country.
The country reported 16 new COVID-19 cases, including 13 local infections, raising the total coronavirus caseload to 11,206, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
The daily increase in virus cases dropped below 20 after hovering around the threshold for the past three days.
Health workers explain virus tests to a citizen at a public medical center in Gangseo District, western Seoul, on May 25, 2020. (Yonhap)
Itaewon has emerged as a new hotbed for COVID-19 after a 29-year-old man tested positive for the virus on May 6 following his visits to clubs and bars in Itaewon.
As of noon, 237 cases have been linked to the Itaewon cluster, up 12 from a day earlier, though health authorities believe it is under control and has not evolved into uncontrollable, explosive infections. The country has so far tested more than 82,000 people over the Itaewon-related cases.
However, health authorities are on alert over undetected transmission routes that could lead to the further spread of the virus as they continued to see secondary and tertiary infections linked to the Itaewon outbreak in recent weeks.
As of 6 p.m., Seoul reported at least 117 cases linked to Itaewon, up five from noon.
The KCDC said it is also keeping a close eye on cases coming from bible study meetings in some cities.
"What is important is to break the chain of transmission before the outbreak develops into community spread," Yoon Tae-ho, a senior health official, said in a briefing. "We need to speed up our contact tracing and virus testing."
The country also remains vigilant ahead of the further reopening of schools this week following the return of high school seniors last week after a nearly three-month suspension.
A military medical official disinfects a classroom at an elementary school in Paju, north of Seoul, on May 25, 2020. (Yonhap)
Infections from unidentified routes accounted for 6.8 percent of the new cases reported in the last two weeks, according to the KCDC.
The country reported one more virus fatality, raising the death toll to 267.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 10,226, up 13 from the previous day, according to the KCDC, with 713 patients currently under treatment.
Despite the sporadic transmissions detected nationwide in connection with the Itaewon cluster, the government said it has yet to consider reverting to stricter social distancing, adding that the country's quarantine capabilities remain sufficient enough to handle the control and treatment of the virus.
However, to prevent the further spread of the virus, some municipal governments have issued administrative orders banning gatherings at entertainment establishments, which has de facto forced club and bar owners to suspend business.
Seoul and the surrounding Gyeonggi Province also have issued orders on coin-operated karaoke rooms, or "noraebang" in Korean, after health authorities identified virus infections there.
The government will require entertainment establishments, like clubs and bars, with high infection risks to keep quick response (QR) code-based customer logs starting next month, as part of efforts to reduce errors and delays in contact-tracing caused by people giving false personal information.
A health worker works at a drive-through virus testing center in Seoul on May 25, 2020. (Yonhap)
Health authorities said they will also reinforce virus prevention guidelines regarding the use of public transport.
Wearing face masks will be mandatory for all bus and taxi drivers starting Tuesday.
The transport ministry added that people who do not wear masks may not be permitted to get on buses and taxis. It will enforce a rule that does not penalize bus and taxi drivers who refuse to serve customers not wearing masks.
Starting Wednesday, the ministry said all air passengers will be required to wear face masks on board regardless of their flights.
The KCDC said it has decided to establish a system to detect and analyze a mysterious pediatric inflammatory illness possibly linked to COVID-19, as such a disease has been reported overseas.
Doctors are advised to report to health authorities if they identify patients showing symptoms of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C).
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-25--Korean Air to offer 300 bln won in new shares as collateral for fresh liquidity injection

SEOUL , May 25 ( Yonhap ) -- South Korea 's top air carrier Korean Air Lines Co. decided Monday @ @ @ @ @ ( US $ 242 million ) worth of new shares as collateral to receive fresh @ @ @ @ @ as it seeks to tide over a liquidity crunch .

SEOUL, May 25 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's top air carrier Korean Air Lines Co. decided Monday to offer 300 billion won (US$242 million) worth of new shares as collateral to receive fresh financial support from creditor banks as it seeks to tide over a liquidity crunch.
In April, the Korea Development Bank (KDB) and the Export-Import Bank of Korea (Exim Bank) decided to extend 1.2 trillion won in liquidity to the country's flag carrier hit by the new coronavirus pandemic.
Korean Air and its holding company Hanjin KAL Corp. held emergency board meetings and approved the self-rescue measure as the company seeks to sign an agreement with the creditor banks for capital injections.
Hanjin KAL, which holds a 29.96 percent stake in Korean Air, will purchase the new Korean Air common stocks worth 300 billion won, and they will be provided as collateral, Korean Air said in a regulatory filing.
The collateral will be provided in January 2022 unless Korean Air meets "specific" conditions by the end of next year, Hanjin KAL said in a filing.
Korean Air needs to raise at least 2 trillion won of capital by end-2021. The creditor banks reportedly want the air carrier to boost capital by at least 1 trillion won.
The creditor banks earlier requested that Korean Air submit self-rescue measures totaling more than 1.5 trillion won, including asset sales and capital increase.
The lenders will sign a deal with Korean Air to offer capital on Tuesday after their internal panels approve it.
Korean Air employees arrive for work at the national flag carrier's office building in Seosomun, central Seoul, on May 13, 2020, amid growing concerns over the coronavirus. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-05-25--(2nd LD) Moon urges use of full fiscal capability against 'wartime-like' economic crisis

Cheong Wa Dae , the government and the party also agreed to strengthen efforts to improve fiscal soundness over the @ @ @ @ @ Korea rides out the coronavirus crisis , Kang said in a press briefing on the @ @ @ @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES with briefing on meeting results in paras 12-18)
By Lee Chi-dong
SEOUL, May 25 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in called Monday for "wartime-like" aggressive fiscal policy to cope with the economic crisis from the COVID-19 pandemic, dismissing a burgeoning public concern about South Korea's fiscal soundness.
"The bottom of the global economy is invisible. This is indeed an economic wartime situation," he said during an annual national fiscal strategy meeting at Cheong Wa Dae.
He stressed the need to mobilize all of the government's fiscal capabilities on par with a wartime fiscal operation.
President Moon Jae-in (C) speaks during the National Fiscal Strategy Meeting at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on May 25, 2020. (Yonhap)
The president urged the speedy allocation of another batch of supplementary budgets, saying South Korea still has room for expansionary fiscal policy in comparison with other OECD member states.
"Our national debt ratio stays at the level of 41 percent," taking into account the two previous extra budgets against the economic impact from the virus, he pointed out.
The average debt-to-GDP ratio of OECD members reaches 110 percent, he noted.
It's important to overcome the serious crisis swiftly and seek the recovery of fiscal health from a long-term perspective, which is a way to prevent the worsening of the debt proportion, Moon said.
He was emphasizing the importance of speedy and timely fiscal measures.
The government is preparing to submit a third extra budget bill and Moon asked the National Assembly to approve it next month.
South Korea has already allocated 23.9 trillion won (US$19.2 billion) of supplementary budgets since the coronavirus outbreak early this year.
"(State) finances should play a role as a treatment for the ongoing economic crisis and a vaccine to strengthen the fundamental and immunity of the post-coronavirus economy," he said.
Other participants in the annual session included senior presidential aides, top government officials, including Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, and ruling Democratic Party leaders.
They agreed that it's necessary to expand fiscal spending in a preemptive and aggressive manner to stop economic troubles from deepening and stimulate growth, according to Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kang Min-seok.
Cheong Wa Dae, the government and the party also agreed to strengthen efforts to improve fiscal soundness over the mid- to long-term after South Korea rides out the coronavirus crisis, Kang said in a press briefing on the results of the meeting.
Among measures to be taken are concentrating investment resources on fostering "innovative and inclusive" growth and increasing tax revenues through tougher monitoring of tax evasion and more efficient management of state-owned assets, he added.
The ruling party chief, Rep. Lee Hae-chan, meanwhile, talked about "social agreements" as a method to resolve pending issues.
"It may be an opportunity now to resolve structural problems via social agreements," he was quoted as saying. Lee cited SK hynix, a leading memory chipmaker, as an exemplary case.
"It was not the government and the management that spearheaded restructuring. Labor took the lead to enhance productivity and make it a good company," he said.
The 2020 National Fiscal Strategy Meeting is under way at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on May 25, 2020. (Yonhap)
Some media here have raised worries about the fiscal soundness of Asia's fourth-biggest economy.
The ruling party is reportedly pushing for a third extra budget bill worth over 40 trillion won.
The Moon administration has also announced plans to pour 250 trillion won into helping companies maintain jobs, insulate key industries, support small and medium-sized enterprises, the self-employed and other vulnerable people.
Separately, the government is handing out direct cash payments of up to 1 million won to all of the country's households.
On the monetary policy side, South Korea's central bank slashed the benchmark interest rate by 0.5 percentage point to a record low of 0.75 percent in March.
Many analysts predict the Bank of Korea will cut it once again this week.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-25--(LEAD) KBO bans ex-major leaguer Kang Jung-ho for 1 year before potential return

`` Over time , I came to realize just how important baseball is to me , '' Kang said .
@ @ @ @ @ a uniform and getting on the field for granted , and I was a fool @ @ @ @ @ that was .
I know I do n't deserve to be saying this , but @ @ @ @ @ opportunity to play baseball . ''

(ATTN: ADDS Kang's apology, details in paras 7, 16-19)
By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, May 25 (Yonhap) -- Former major league infielder Kang Jung-ho, seeking a return to the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) under the cloud of multiple drunk driving cases, received a one-year suspension from the South Korean league on Monday.
During its disciplinary committee meeting, the KBO also ordered Kang to do 300 hours of community service.
The lighter-than-expected penalties will keep the door open for Kang, 33, to return to the league where he began his professional career in 2006.
In this Getty Images file photo from May 11, 2019, Kang Jung-ho of the Pittsburgh Pirates (L) reacts after striking out against the St. Louis Cardinals in the top of the eighth inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. (Yonhap)
Kang filed for reinstatement from the "voluntarily retired" list last Thursday. He was placed there when his former KBO club, Nexen (currently Kiwoom) Heroes, posted him for interested big league clubs after the 2014 season. Kang signed with the Pirates in January 2015.
The suspension will come into effect once Kang comes off that list and joins a KBO team.
Because Kang wasn't a free agent when he left the KBO, the Heroes still hold their reserve right to Kang. The Heroes must agree to activate Kang from the voluntarily retired list, but Kang has yet to contact the Heroes about a potential return. If Kang wants to sign with another team, he will need the Heroes' permission.
A Heroes official said it was "premature" to discuss Kang's future with the club because he hasn't spoken with the team about a return.
The KBO is expected to face much heat in the court of public opinion. That Kang even attempted a comeback to the KBO didn't sit well with disgruntled baseball fans, some of whom called for a permanent ban for his three DUI cases. The first two didn't become known until after Kang was caught for the third time.
Kang, who's staying in the United States with his wife, didn't attend the hearing. He was instead represented by his lawyer, Kim Sun-woong.
Kang has been caught driving under the influence of alcohol three times, and the KBO could have banned him for three years, in accordance with its rule on punishment for DUI cases.
Most recently, Kang received a suspended jail term in 2017 for driving into a guardrail in Seoul while under the influence and then fleeing the scene in December 2016. His two previous DUI cases came in August 2009 and May 2011.
The KBO rule on DUI cases was instituted in 2018, and the disciplinary committee decided not to apply the rule retroactively to Kang's 2016 arrest, which happened when he wasn't a KBO player.
Based on the first two DUI incidents, Kang could have been banned for at least around 90 games, with about 180 hours in community service. A full KBO season is 144 games long.
Choi Won-hyun (C), head of the Korea Baseball Organization's disciplinary committee, chairs a meeting on May 25, 2020, to discuss the status of former Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Kang Jung-ho, who, despite a history of drunk driving accidents, has applied for a return to the KBO. (Yonhap)
Kim, Kang's legal representative, said he asked the KBO to make "a rational decision" based on rules and precedents.
Kang also submitted a two-page letter through Kim, who said he didn't want to divulge its content but added, "Kang said he was extremely sorry to have caused trouble and that he would keep giving back to the community."
Soon after the KBO announced its ruling, Kang released an apology through his Seoul-based agency, Leeco Sports Agency.
Kang apologized for his past wrongdoings once again, saying he has been trying to become a new, better person since that latest case in 2016.
"Over time, I came to realize just how important baseball is to me," Kang said. "I took putting on a uniform and getting on the field for granted, and I was a fool not to see how precious that was. I know I don't deserve to be saying this, but I would love one final opportunity to play baseball."
Kang reiterated his pledge to give back to the community to atone for his mistakes, adding, "I'm forever indebted to those I let down with my action."
The third DUI accident effectively put an end to Kang's once-promising big league career. The former KBO All-Star missed the entire 2017 season because he was unable to obtain his work permit and appeared in only three games in 2018.
Kang's four-year deal with the Pirates expired in 2018, but the team gave him a second chance by handing him a new one-year deal for the 2019 season.
Kang led the majors with seven home runs in spring training, but in the regular season, Kang stumbled to a .169/.222./.395 line in 65 games with 10 home runs and 24 RBIs. He struck out 60 times in 172 at-bats, and the Pirates released him on Aug. 4.
Kang briefly worked out with the Milwaukee Brewers' Triple-A team, but no new deal came out of it.
Drafted out of high school as a catcher, Kang carved out an All-Star career at shortstop for the Heroes. In his last season before moving to the majors, Kang established a new KBO record for most home runs in a season by a shortstop with 40.
In 2015, Kang finished third in the National League Rookie of the Year voting, thanks to a .287/.355/.461 line, 15 home runs and 58 RBIs in 126 games.
Then in 2016, Kang posted a .513 slugging percentage while setting career highs with 21 home runs and 62 RBIs in 103 games. But following the DUI accident in December that year, Kang never duplicated that level of production.
In this file photo from Oct. 31, 2014, Kang Jung-ho of the Nexen Heroes hits a two-run home run against the LG Twins in a Korea Baseball Organization postseason game at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-25--KBO bans ex-major leaguer Kang Jung-ho for 1 year before potential return

The KBO is expected to face much heat in the court of public opinion .
That Kang even attempted a @ @ @ @ @ n't sit well with disgruntled baseball fans , some of whom called for a permanent @ @ @ @ @ cases .
The first two did n't become known until after Kang was caught for @ @ @ @

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, May 25 (Yonhap) -- Former major league infielder Kang Jung-ho, seeking a return to the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) under the cloud of multiple drunk driving cases, received a one-year suspension from the South Korean league on Monday.
During its disciplinary committee meeting, the KBO also ordered Kang to do 300 hours of community service.
The lighter-than-expected penalties will keep the door open for Kang, 33, to return to the league where he began his professional career in 2006.
In this Getty Images file photo from May 11, 2019, Kang Jung-ho of the Pittsburgh Pirates (L) reacts after striking out against the St. Louis Cardinals in the top of the eighth inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. (Yonhap)
Kang filed for reinstatement from the "voluntarily retired" list last Thursday. He was placed there when his former KBO club, Nexen (currently Kiwoom) Heroes, posted him for interested big league clubs after the 2014 season. Kang signed with the Pirates in January 2015.
The suspension will come into effect once Kang comes off that list and joins a KBO team.
Because Kang wasn't a free agent when he left the KBO, the Heroes still hold their reserve right to Kang. The Heroes must agree to activate Kang from the voluntarily retired list, but Kang has yet to contact the Heroes about a potential return. If Kang wants to sign with another team, he will need the Heroes' permission.
The KBO is expected to face much heat in the court of public opinion. That Kang even attempted a comeback to the KBO didn't sit well with disgruntled baseball fans, some of whom called for a permanent ban for his three DUI cases. The first two didn't become known until after Kang was caught for the third time.
Kang, who's staying in the United States with his wife, didn't attend the hearing. He was instead represented by his lawyer, Kim Sun-woong.
Kang has been caught driving under the influence of alcohol three times, and the KBO could have banned him for three years, in accordance with its rule on punishment for DUI cases.
Most recently, Kang received a suspended jail term in 2017 for driving into a guardrail in Seoul while under the influence and then fleeing the scene in December 2016. His two previous DUI cases came in August 2009 and May 2011.
The KBO rule on DUI cases was instituted in 2018, and the disciplinary committee decided not to apply the rule retroactively to Kang's 2016 arrest, which happened when he wasn't a KBO player.
Based on the first two DUI incidents, Kang could have been banned for at least around 90 games, with about 180 hours in community service. A full KBO season is 144 games long.
Choi Won-hyun (C), head of the Korea Baseball Organization's disciplinary committee, chairs a meeting on May 25, 2020, to discuss the status of former Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Kang Jung-ho, who, despite a history of drunk driving accidents, has applied for a return to the KBO. (Yonhap)
Kim, Kang's legal representative, said he asked the KBO to make "a rational decision" based on rules and precedents.
Kang also submitted a two-page letter through Kim, who said he didn't want to divulge its content but added, "Kang said he was extremely sorry to have caused trouble and that he would keep giving back to the community."
The third DUI accident effectively put an end to Kang's once-promising big league career. The former KBO All-Star missed the entire 2017 season because he was unable to obtain his work permit and appeared in only three games in 2018.
Kang's four-year deal with the Pirates expired in 2018, but the team gave him a second chance by handing him a new one-year deal for the 2019 season.
Kang led the majors with seven home runs in spring training, but in the regular season, Kang stumbled to a .169/.222./.395 line in 65 games with 10 home runs and 24 RBIs. He struck out 60 times in 172 at-bats, and the Pirates released him on Aug. 4.
Kang briefly worked out with the Milwaukee Brewers' Triple-A team, but no new deal came out of it.
Drafted out of high school as a catcher, Kang carved out an All-Star career at shortstop for the Heroes. In his last season before moving to the majors, Kang established a new KBO record for most home runs in a season by a shortstop with 40.
In 2015, Kang finished third in the National League Rookie of the Year voting, thanks to a .287/.355/.461 line, 15 home runs and 58 RBIs in 126 games.
Then in 2016, Kang posted a .513 slugging percentage while setting career highs with 21 home runs and 62 RBIs in 103 games. But following the DUI accident in December that year, Kang never duplicated that level of production.
In this file photo from Oct. 31, 2014, Kang Jung-ho of the Nexen Heroes hits a two-run home run against the LG Twins in a Korea Baseball Organization postseason game at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-25--South Korea opens online English bulletin board on coronavirus response

The bulletin board , available at the Policy Information section on the foreign ministry 's English-language website , offers various @ @ @ @ @ treatment and management of patients and immigration control measures .

SEOUL, May 25 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean government launched an online English-language bulletin board Monday to share the nation's know-how and experience in fighting the new coronavirus pandemic.
The bulletin board, available at the Policy Information section on the foreign ministry's English-language website, offers various information including epidemiological studies, treatment and management of patients and immigration control measures.
Users can also access videoconferences hosted by the foreign ministry and health officials on ways to tackle the virus.
South Korea's swift response to COVID-19 has been lauded internationally, and many countries have requested that the country share its experience.
This screenshot provided by the foreign ministry on May 25, 2020, shows the foreign ministry's English-language website, with the section that leads to its new bulletin board on the country's coronavirus response marked in red. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-25--(LEAD) Former 'comfort woman' calls for justice for former civic group head, 'accurate' history educ

(LEAD) Former 'comfort woman' calls for justice for former civic group head, 'accurate' history education for students of S. Korea, Japan

Appearing in front of live cameras , Lee Yong-soo , a 92-year-old victim of the Japanese military 's sexual slavery @ @ @ @ @ said the activist-turned-lawmaker-elect Yoon Mee-hyang `` used '' aged victims to raise funds and help @ @ @ @ @ group , the Korean Council for Justice and Remembrance for the Issues of Military Sexual @ @ @ @

(ATTN: ADDS details in paras 16-18, photo)
By Woo Jae-yeon
SEOUL, May 25 (Yonhap) -- A former wartime sexual slavery victim reiterated her call on Monday for holding the former head of an advocate group tasked with helping victims accountable for alleged accounting malpractices.
Appearing in front of live cameras, Lee Yong-soo, a 92-year-old victim of the Japanese military's sexual slavery during World War II, said the activist-turned-lawmaker-elect Yoon Mee-hyang "used" aged victims to raise funds and help promote the cause of the group, the Korean Council for Justice and Remembrance for the Issues of Military Sexual Slavery by Japan.
Yoon had led the group for three decades until she won a parliamentary seat in last month's general elections.
Lee Yong-soo, a former wartime sexual slavery victim, sips water during a press conference in Daegu, 302 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on May 25, 2020. (Yonhap)
The press conference, held in the southeastern city of Daegu where Lee lives, drew a lot of media attention here, as it was her first public appearance since May 7, when she created a stir by publicly accusing Yoon of what she claimed are shady bookkeeping practices.
The 92-year-old claimed that the group has never spent funds and public donations for the victims.
"Students make donations from their pocket money when they join the Wednesday weekly rally, but the money has never been used for the (victim) grandmothers," she said during the press conference.
The group and Yoon denied the allegations.
Lee's accusations have led to a flurry of complaints filed by civic groups and a prosecution investigation.
Lee Yong-soo, a former wartime sexual slavery victim, leaves a hotel in Daegu, 302 kilometers southeast of Seoul, after an emotional press conference on May 25, 2020. (Yonhap)
On top of the allegations over bookkeeping practices, Lee complained Monday that the group mixed the so-called comfort women issue with that of female forced laborers.
A comfort woman is a euphemistic term for the victims who were forced to work in Japanese front-line brothels during World War II when Korea was a Japanese colony.
She argued that the comfort women issue should be handled independently from those of other women who were forced to work in Japanese factories during the war.
"Comfort women risked their lives. And in fact, many women died (while working,)" she said.
She also strongly objected to being called a "sex slave."
"Why using (the term) sex slaves? They said it was to make Americans (better) understand," she said.
"What have they achieved by selling us? They built a luxurious shelter (for victims) where, I heard, Yoon Mee-hyang's father lived," she said during the emotional conference.
The front door of a shelter for comfort women victims in Anseong, south of Seoul, which is run by the Korean Council for Justice and Remembrance for the Issues of Military Sexual Slavery by Japan, is closed on May 17, 2020. (Yonhap)
The civic group built the shelter for the aging victims, "House of Peace and Cure," in Anseong, south of Seoul, in 2013 with corporate donations.
The group is suspected of purchasing the shelter building at a price far above market value and reselling it below the market price this year, raising the possibility of fund misappropriation.
Yoon denied the allegation but apologized over having her father take care of the house for a monthly pay of 1.2 million won (US$967).
"Prosecutors will reveal the truth. They should hold those who don't have a clue about what they did wrong accountable," she said. "Those who committed a sin should be punished."
She also laid out a rather vague idea as an alternative to the weekly rally that has been taking place since 1992 to show support for and solidarity with the comfort women.
"I am not saying we should end the protest. What I am saying is that we should change its form," she said, adding that students from South Korea and neighboring Japan should meet up regularly to learn accurate history.
"However long it takes, young people should stay close and learn about history and solve the comfort women issue," she said.
Historians say up to 200,000 women, mostly Koreans, were coerced into sexual servitude during the war. There are now 18 surviving victims in South Korea.
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-25--Current level of daily infections containable under quarantine system: Moon

With that in mind , the government plans to review an extension of the current distribution system , which is @ @ @ @ @ 30 , as well as ways to allow mask manufacturers to increase their overseas sales @ @ @ @ @

SEOUL, May 25 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's current level of new daily COVID-19 infection cases, hovering around 20, is containable under the country's quarantine regime, President Moon Jae-in said Monday.
"The current size of infections is something that our quarantine system could manage sufficiently," Moon was quoted by the prime minister's office as saying during his regular meeting with Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun.
"As there is an everlasting possibility of group infections under the (eased) social distancing regime, (the government) should focus on speedily detecting and isolating patients to prevent further spread of infections," Moon told Chung.
South Korea reported 16 new COVID-19 cases Monday, including 13 local infections, the first daily number under 20 after hovering around the threshold for the past three days.
Most of the new cases reported Monday were traced to the cluster infection from the nightlife district of Itaewon in Seoul.
The Moon-Chung meeting zeroed in on government efforts to contain the club-related cluster infection as well as precautionary measures under way at schools and the distribution of protective facial masks, the prime minister's office said.
After in-person classes began for high school seniors last week, more students will return to school in phases by June 8.
The president and the prime minister agreed that a policy shift is necessary to the country's current mask rationing system, under which a person is entitled to purchase three government-distributed masks every week.
With that in mind, the government plans to review an extension of the current distribution system, which is set to expire on June 30, as well as ways to allow mask manufacturers to increase their overseas sales, the office said.
The government will also find ways to increase the manufacturing and distribution of lighter masks ahead of the coming of the summer season, according to the office.
President Moon Jae-in (C), Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun (R) and other politicians place their hands on their hearts while facing the national flag during an annual national fiscal strategy meeting at the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on May 25, 2020. (Yonhap)
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-25--Doosan Group struggling to sell assets to tide over credit squeeze

At the request of its creditors , including the Korea Development Bank ( KDB ) and the Export-Import Bank of @ @ @ @ @ Samil PricewaterhouseCoopers , a South Korean accounting firm , has been vetting the books of @ @ @ @ @ decide the direction of the final self-rescue plan .

By Nam Kwang-sik
SEOUL, May 25 (Yonhap) -- Heavy machinery and power equipment-focused Doosan Group is seeking to ease its severe credit squeeze stemming from its flagship Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction Co. by coming up with a self-rescue plan that centers on sales of assets.
The country's 15th-largest conglomerate said late last month that it will push ahead with a plan to sell its shares and non-core assets in a bid to secure more than 3 trillion won (US$2.4 billion) in cash.
At the request of its creditors, including the Korea Development Bank (KDB) and the Export-Import Bank of Korea (Eximbank), Samil PricewaterhouseCoopers, a South Korean accounting firm, has been vetting the books of the group's affiliates to decide the direction of the final self-rescue plan.
This file photo shows Doosan Group's logo in front of Doosan Tower, the group's building in Seoul. (Yonhap)
Among the group's affiliates, Doosan Solus Co., a South Korean copper foil maker for electric vehicles, and Doosan Fuel Cell Co., a power generator maker, have been reported to be on the list for sale.
After the announcement of the self-rescue plan, main creditors KDB and Eximbank accepted the plan and decided to extend credit worth 80 billion won to the group.
Earlier, the creditors provided the cash-strapped group with 1.6 trillion won, but the group failed to overcome its liquidity shortage.
The group intends to reveal concrete plans to get back on track and to start the plans no later than May.
An extended slump at Doonsan Heavy has been cited as the main reason for the group's credit squeeze.
Doosan Heavy posted accumulated net losses worth 2.68 trillion won from 2014 through 2019. In the January-March period, the company's net loss came to 371.4 billion won due to one-off costs.
This file photo shows workers of Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction Co. taking to the street on May 21, 2020, to protest the company's paid suspension. (Yonhap)
It has been widely said that Doosan Heavy suffered setbacks in business as the country shifted its energy policy away from nuclear and fossil fuel-based power generation to renewable energy sources, such as solar power.
The outbreak of the new coronavirus and the poor performance of its construction affiliate, Doosan Engineering & Construction Co., also dealt a harsh blow to Doosan Heavy.
As part of cost-cutting measures, Doosan Heavy, South Korea's top power equipment maker put about 400 employees under paid suspension early this month.
About 750 employees have left the top power maker under the voluntary resignation program since March.
Doosan Heavy's labor union held a rally on May 21 in Changwon, about 370 kilometers southeast of Seoul, where the company is headquartered, to protest the company's steps to cut jobs, saying the management pushed ahead with the paid suspension without talks with workers.
The creditors are slated to map out a plan to normalize the cash-strapped group as soon as the vetting of the books of the group affiliates is completed.
ksnam@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-25--Former 'comfort woman' calls for justice for former civic group head, 'accurate' history education f

Former 'comfort woman' calls for justice for former civic group head, 'accurate' history education for students of S. Korea, Japan

By Woo Jae-yeon
SEOUL, May 25 (Yonhap) -- A former wartime sexual slavery victim reiterated her call on Monday for holding the former head of an advocate group tasked with helping victims accountable for alleged accounting malpractices.
Appearing in front of live cameras, Lee Yong-soo, a 92-year-old victim of the Japanese military's sexual slavery during World War II, said the activist-turned-lawmaker-elect Yoon Mee-hyang "used" aged victims to raise funds and help promote the cause of the group, the Korean Council for Justice and Remembrance for the Issues of Military Sexual Slavery by Japan.
Yoon had led the group for three decades until she won a parliamentary seat in last month's general elections.
Lee Yong-soo, a former wartime sexual slavery victim, leaves a hotel in Daegu, 302 kilometers southeast of Seoul, after an emotional press conference on May 25, 2020. (Yonhap)
The press conference, held in the southeastern city of Daegu where Lee lives, drew a lot of media attention here, as it was her first public appearance since May 7, when she created a stir by publicly accusing Yoon of what she claimed are shady bookkeeping practices.
The 92-year-old claimed that the group has never spent funds and public donations for the victims.
"Students make donations from their pocket money when they join the Wednesday weekly rally, but the money has never been used for the (victim) grandmothers," she said during the press conference.
The group and Yoon denied the allegations.
Lee's accusations have led to a flurry of complaints filed by civic groups and a prosecution investigation.
Lee Yong-soo, a former wartime sexual slavery victim, sips water during a press conference in Daegu, 302 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on May 25, 2020. (Yonhap)
On top of the allegations over bookkeeping practices, Lee complained Monday that the group mixed the so-called comfort women issue with that of female forced laborers.
A comfort woman is a euphemistic term for the victims who were forced to work in Japanese front-line brothels during World War II when Korea was a Japanese colony.
She argued that the comfort women issue should be handled independently from those of other women who were forced to work in Japanese factories during the war.
"Comfort women risked their lives. And in fact, many women died (while working,)" she said.
She also strongly objected to being called a "sex slave."
"Why using (the term) sex slaves? They said it was to make Americans (better) understand," she said.
"What have they achieved by selling us? They built a luxurious shelter (for victims) where, I heard, Yoon Mee-hyang's father lived," she said during the emotional conference.
"Prosecutors will reveal the truth. They should hold those who don't have a clue about what they did wrong accountable," she said. "Those who committed a sin should be punished."
She also laid out a rather vague idea as an alternative to the weekly rally that has been taking place since 1992 to show support for and solidarity with the comfort women.
"I am not saying we should end the protest. What I am saying is that we should change its form," she said, adding that students from South Korea and neighboring Japan should meet up regularly to learn accurate history.
"However long it takes, young people should stay close and learn about history and solve the comfort women issue," she said.
Historians say up to 200,000 women, mostly Koreans, were coerced into sexual servitude during the war. There are now 18 surviving victims in South Korea.
Ep1. [Interview] “I want an apology, not dirty money”: 일본군 위안부 피해자 이용수 할머니의 90년 인생 Youtube https://youtu.be/q9GBaAtCewk
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-25--Duty-free shops suffer sharp drop in April sales amid virus outbreak

The number of visitors to duty-free outlets came to around 354,000 last month , sharply down from 587,000 in March @ @ @ @ @ 33 percent of the total .

SEOUL, May 25 (Yonhap) -- South Korean duty-free stores saw their sales drop sharply below the 1 trillion-won (US$804 million) mark in April, feeling the pinch of the fallout from the new coronavirus, industry data showed Tuesday.
Combined sales of local duty-free shops shrank 9.2 percent on-month to 986.7 billion won last month, according to the data from the Korea Duty Free Shops Association. The number halved from January, the data showed.
The number of visitors to duty-free outlets came to around 354,000 last month, sharply down from 587,000 in March, with foreigners accounting for 33 percent of the total.
This photo, taken on April 23, 2020, shows an empty outlet of SM Duty-Free Shop in downtwon Seoul. (Yonhap)
Duty-free shops may see their sales shrink in May as well, given continued flight suspensions and travel bans across the globe.
Sales of duty-free shops have been hurt by the spread of COVID-19 since late January, which has made it impossible for small-scale Chinese vendors, their major customers, to visit South Korea.
Those Chinese vendors sell their duty-free purchases in large quantities, mostly cosmetic products, to consumers back home.
The country's two leading duty-free operators -- Lotte Shopping and Hotel Shilla -- earlier decided to give up their bids to operate stores at South Korea's main airport, Incheon International Airport.
(END)


yna--2020-05-25--(LEAD) All transit and flight passengers required to wear masks starting this week

`` Bus and taxi drivers , as well as subway and train staff , can refuse to carry passengers who @ @ @ @ @ mask or cover .
The passengers will be rejected but wo n't be penalized for @ @ @ @ @ '' a ministry official said over the phone .

(ATTN: CHANGES headline and lead; RECASTS throughout)
SEOUL, May 25 (Yonhap) -- South Koreans will be required to wear masks on all flights and public transportation from this week as the country seeks to stem further spread of the new coronavirus, the transport ministry said Monday.
All passengers using public transportation such as buses, taxis and subways are required to wear masks from Tuesday, with air travelers on domestic and international routes required to follow the face-covering mandate from Wednesday, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
The move comes as more people are inclined to disregard the government's mask wearing recommendations amid rising temperatures.
This photo taken on Feb. 7, 2020, shows outbound passengers wearing masks waiting in a queue to undergo departure procedures at Incheon International Airport in Incheon, just west of Seoul. (Yonhap)
"Bus and taxi drivers, as well as subway and train staff, can refuse to carry passengers who do not wear a face mask or cover. The passengers will be rejected but won't be penalized for not following the rule," a ministry official said over the phone.
The drivers and staff will be temporarily exempt from any penalties due to their refusal to carry passengers without masks, the official said.
Among airlines, Korean Air Lines Co., the country's biggest and national flag carrier, became the first local carrier to adopt the rules requiring masks to be worn on domestic routes to stem the spread of COVID-19 since last Monday.
Korean Air said it will also have passengers on international flights begin wearing masks Wednesday in line with the government guidance and its global peers' earlier introduction of the mask rules.
Other local carriers, such as Asiana Airlines Inc., the second biggest full-service carrier, and seven low-cost carriers, said they will follow the guidance.
The seven budget carriers are Jeju Air Co., Jin Air Co., Air Busan Co., Air Seoul Inc., Eastar Jet, T'way and Fly Gangwon.
Early this month, the International Air Transport Association, which represents global airlines, recommended the mandatory wearing of masks or face coverings on flights to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
This undated file photo shows planes of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul. (Yonhap)
Korean Air plans to resume flights on 19 international routes next month as it strives to offset a sharp decline in passenger travel demand with an increased demand for cargo deliveries.
The resumption 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 pandemic, the company said.
The reopening routes include those to Washington, D.C., Seattle, Vancouver, Toronto, Frankfurt, Singapore, Beijing and Kuala Lumpur.
Asiana plans to restart flight services on 13 international routes -- one to Seattle and 12 to Chinese cities, including Beijing and Shanghai -- on June 1, while increasing the number of flights on six other routes to cities that include Frankfurt, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
The decision is aimed at meeting business travel demand, though leisure travel demand has yet to recover amid virus fears, the company said.
Local airlines have suspended most of their flights on international routes since late March following country lockdowns and entry restrictions.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-25--Samsung's NAND flash market share down slightly in Q1: report

`` During the onset of COVID-19 , Samsung registered lower than expected client solid state drive ( SSD ) shipments @ @ @ @ @ from immediately resuming normal operations after the Lunar New Year holiday , '' DRAMeXchange said @ @ @ @ @ shipments of mobile memory/storage solutions also slowed down in the traditional off-season .
However , @ @ @ @ @ by the strong demand for enterprise SSDs from the cloud services sector . ''

SEOUL, May 25 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Co.'s share of the global NAND flash market in the first quarter of the year dropped slightly compared to three months earlier, a report showed Monday, although it maintained dominance in the sector.
The South Korean tech giant, also the leader in the DRAM sector, had a 33.3 percent share of the global NAND flash market in terms of revenue in the January-March period, down 2.2 percentage points from a quarter earlier, according to market tracker DRAMeXchange, a research division of TrendForce.
Japan's Kioxia Corp. was the runner-up with 19 percent, followed by U.S. chipmakers Western Digital Corp. (WDC) and Micron Technology Inc. with 15.3 percent and 11.2 percent, respectively.
This photo provided by Samsung Electronics Co. shows the company's solid state drive (SSD) product using its NAND flash memory chips. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Samsung's revenue from NAND flash products came to a total of US$4.5 billion in the first three months of 2020, up 1.1 percent from a quarter earlier, according to the DRAMeXchange data, but other chipmakers posted larger sales increase over the cited period.
Kioxia's NAND flash revenue increased 9.7 percent quarter-on-quarter to $2.56 billion, while WDC posted a 12.1 percent quarterly jump in revenue to $2.06 billion. Micron's revenue climbed 6.5 percent quarter-on-quarter to $1.51 billion in the first quarter, according to the data.
"During the onset of COVID-19, Samsung registered lower than expected client solid state drive (SSD) shipments because the outbreak kept ODMs from immediately resuming normal operations after the Lunar New Year holiday," DRAMeXchange said. "In addition, shipments of mobile memory/storage solutions also slowed down in the traditional off-season. However, these two factors were offset by the strong demand for enterprise SSDs from the cloud services sector."
South Korea's second-largest chipmaker, SK hynix Inc., came in fifth place with a 10.7 percent market share, up from 9.6 percent three months earlier, after its first-quarter revenue soared 19.8 percent quarter-on-quarter to $1.44 billion.
This photo provided by SK hynix shows the company's NAND flash memory chips. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
"Although the mobile segment historically accounts for the majority share of SK hynix's NAND flash revenue, the rising demand from the cloud services sector led to a doubling of SK Hynix's enterprise SSD shipments in 1Q20," DRAMeXchange said. "SK hynix's NAND flash average selling price (ASP) went up by 7 percent quarter-on-quarter due to the optimization of its product mix."
The global NAND flash revenue for the first quarter was up 8.3 percent quarter-on-quarter to $13.6 billion, as demand for enterprise SSDs exceeded supply, according to DRAMeXchange.
For the current quarter, it expected NAND flash makers to further increase their revenues.
"The majority of NAND flash demand in 2Q20 will come from tablets, notebooks, and enterprise SSDs," DRAMeXchange said. "Driven by the strong demand for these applications, the corresponding shortage in the NAND flash market will in turn lead to rising NAND flash contract prices in 2Q20."
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

In a poll conducted by Yonhap Infomax , the financial news arm of Yonhap News Agency , 12 out of @ @ @ @ @ see a rate cut this month .
But all but one expected the BOK to @ @ @ @ @ quarter percentage point before the end of September , according to the survey .

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Monday.
----------------
(LEAD) Moon urges use of full fiscal capability against 'wartime-like' economic crisis
SEOUL -- President Moon Jae-in called Monday for "wartime-like" aggressive fiscal policy to cope with the economic crisis from the COVID-19 pandemic, dismissing a burgeoning public concern about South Korea's fiscal soundness.
"The bottom of the global economy is invisible. This is indeed an economic wartime situation," he said during an annual national fiscal strategy meeting at Cheong Wa Dae
----------------
(LEAD) 1 kindergarten student tests positive for virus ahead of expanded school reopening
SEOUL -- A kindergarten student in Seoul has been infected with the novel coronavirus, the city's education office said Monday, leading to the shutdown of several education institutes in Gangseo Ward, where the young patient lives.
The news quickly raised fear among parents with young children, just two days ahead of the planned second-phase resumption of schools, including kindergartens.
----------------
(3rd LD) S. Korea striving to break club-linked transmission chain
SEOUL -- South Korean health officials are trying to break the chain of transmission tied to cluster infections in Seoul's nightlife district of Itaewon as the country grapples with related sporadic outbreaks across the country.
The country reported 16 new COVID-19 cases, including 13 local infections, raising the total coronavirus caseload to 11,206, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
----------------
(News Focus) BOK's rate cut in the offing, but 'when' still being debated
SEOUL -- The Bank of Korea (BOK) will be prodded to further slash its key rate to support the virus-stricken economy, experts said Monday, but when it will push down the base rate to an unknown territory remains to be seen.
In a poll conducted by Yonhap Infomax, the financial news arm of Yonhap News Agency, 12 out of 18 experts surveyed anticipated to see a rate cut this month. But all but one expected the BOK to cut the rate by a quarter percentage point before the end of September, according to the survey.
----------------
Rival parties bracing for launch of new National Assembly term
SEOUL -- With mergers and shakeups, rival political parties are quickening steps to consolidate their party fronts in the run-up to the start of a new parliamentary term this week.
The unicameral National Assembly is set to kick off its 21st four-year term Saturday, slightly over midway through President Moon Jae-in's five-year term.
----------------
Masks mandatory on all flights starting Wednesday
SEOUL -- South Korean airlines will require all passengers on domestic and international routes to wear masks on board as the new coronavirus outbreak continues to spread, the transport ministry said Monday.
The move that goes into effect Wednesday comes as global companies, like United Airlines Inc. and American Airlines Inc., recently introduced the rules.
----------------
(END)


yna--2020-05-25--Seoul stocks close higher on hopes of economic stimulus

`` Although the U.S.-China dispute dragged down Wall Street last week , China 's emphasis on U.S. commitment for the @ @ @ @ @ investors the impression that the tussle will not lead to a tariff bomb , '' @ @ @

(ATTN: ADDS bond yields at bottom, photo)
SEOUL, May 25 (Yonhap) -- South Korean shares closed sharply higher Monday on hopes of massive economic stimulus steps sought by the local government. The Korean won fell against the U.S. dollar amid the growing tension between the United States and China.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) gained 24.47 points, or 1.24 percent, to close at 1,994.60. Trading volume was moderate at about 630 million shares worth some 7.84 trillion won (US$6.3 billion), with winners outnumbering losers 517 to 303.
An electronic signboard at a KEB Hana Bank trading room in Seoul shows the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) gained 24.47 points, or 1.24 percent, to close at 1,994.60 on May 25, 2020. (Yonhap)
The index got off to a firm start on renewed hopes of a vaccine for the new coronavirus.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said the U.S. was on track to develop new coronavirus vaccines by late December at the earliest.
"Fauci's evaluation (of COVID-19 vaccine development) was the largest driving force in today's gains," NH Investment & Securities analyst Noh Dong-kil said.
"Although the U.S.-China dispute dragged down Wall Street last week, China's emphasis on U.S. commitment for the phase-one trade agreement has given investors the impression that the tussle will not lead to a tariff bomb," Noh added.
Investor sentiment was further lifted after South Korean President Moon Jae-in told his government to push for a third and possibly largest-ever supplementary budget.
"The bottom of the global economy is invisible. This is indeed an economic wartime situation," the president said in an annual national fiscal strategy meeting.
Foreign investors sold a net 142.1 billion won, becoming net sellers for a second consecutive session. Institutions and individuals purchased a net 36 billion won and 97 billion won, respectively.
Most large caps closed in positive terrain.
Market kingpin Samsung Electronics rose 0.21 percent to 48,850 won, and No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix added 0.12 percent to 81,400 won.
Top automaker Hyundai Motor soared 1.59 percent to 96,000 won, while its smaller affiliate Kia Motors advanced 1 percent to 30,400 won.
Internet portal giant Naver spiked 4.56 percent to 241,000 won, with its local rival Kakao jumping 8.50 percent to 268,000 won.
The local currency closed at 1,244.20 won per dollar, down 7.20 won from the previous session's close.
Bond prices, which move inversely to yields, closed higher. The yield on three-year Treasurys shed 2.2 basis points to 0.815 percent, while the return on the benchmark five-year government bond slipped 3.2 basis points to 1.050 percent.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-25--S. Korean Bond Yields on May. 25, 2020

S. Korean Bond Yields on May. 25, 2020

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


yna--2020-05-25--Members of Telegram sexual abuse ring attend arrest warrant hearing

Baksabang founder Cho Ju-bin and a dozen of his co-conspirators have so far been arrested and indicted for allegedly producing @ @ @ @ @ online for profit .
But police have yet to determine whether to apply the charge @ @ @ @ @ to all of them .

SEOUL, May 25 (Yonhap) -- Two paid members of a high-profile digital sexual exploitation ring face arrests on charges of producing and distributing child and youth sexual abuse materials and taking part in a criminal group, police said Monday.
The two unidentified members of the "Baksabang" chatroom on the messaging service Telegram attended their pretrial detention warrant hearing at the Seoul Central District Court, which began at 10:30 a.m.
Police applied the charge of joining a criminal group, which could be punishable with a maximum of life imprisonment, to the two when applying for their arrest warrants Wednesday.
The nation has been shocked by a string of sexual exploitation cases centered on Telegram group chatrooms, including Baksabang. Victims, including underage girls, were blackmailed into providing sexual materials, such as photos and videos, for distribution and sale to paid members of the chatrooms.
Two paid members (wearing both masks and caps) of the "Baksabang" chatroom on the messaging service Telegram leave the Seoul Central District Court on May 25, 2020, after attending their arrest warrant hearing. (Yonhap)
Baksabang founder Cho Ju-bin and a dozen of his co-conspirators have so far been arrested and indicted for allegedly producing and distributing sexual exploitation materials online for profit. But police have yet to determine whether to apply the charge of organizing a criminal group to all of them.
Police said they applied the criminal group charge to the two members because they had allegedly joined Baksabang, though they were aware that the chatroom was operated under a system of shared roles and responsibilities, instead of being run by Cho alone.
If the court recognizes the criminal group charge for the two, it is likely to be applied to Cho and all of his accomplices, police said.
About 60 paid members of Baksabang have been booked on criminal charges, and police plan to additionally request pretrial detention warrants for some of them after conducting further investigations.
Police are also analyzing about 40 digital wallets, through which they suspect Baksabang's members had paid cryptocurrencies to Cho in return for viewing illegally taken photos and videos of violent sex acts.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-25--(LEAD) Moon urges use of full fiscal capability against 'wartime-like' economic crisis

It 's important to overcome the serious crisis swiftly and seek the recovery of fiscal health from a long-term perspective @ @ @ @ @ to prevent the worsening of the debt proportion , Moon said .

(ATTN: UPDATES with more remarks, details from 7th para; ADDS photos, byline)
By Lee Chi-dong
SEOUL, May 25 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in called Monday for "wartime-like" aggressive fiscal policy to cope with the economic crisis from the COVID-19 pandemic, dismissing a burgeoning public concern about South Korea's fiscal soundness.
"The bottom of the global economy is invisible. This is indeed an economic wartime situation," he said during an annual national fiscal strategy meeting at Cheong Wa Dae.
He stressed the need to mobilize all of the government's fiscal capabilities on par with a wartime fiscal operation.
President Moon Jae-in (C) speaks during the National Fiscal Strategy Meeting at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on May 25, 2020. (Yonhap)
The president urged the speedy allocation of another batch of supplementary budgets, saying South Korea still has room for expansionary fiscal policy in comparison with other OECD member states.
"Our national debt ratio stays at the level of 41 percent," taking into account the two previous extra budgets against the economic impact from the virus, he pointed out.
The average debt-to-GDP ratio of OECD members reaches 110 percent, he noted.
It's important to overcome the serious crisis swiftly and seek the recovery of fiscal health from a long-term perspective, which is a way to prevent the worsening of the debt proportion, Moon said.
He was emphasizing the importance of speedy and timely fiscal measures.
The government is preparing to submit a third extra budget bill and Moon asked the National Assembly to approve it next month.
South Korea has already allocated 23.9 trillion won (US$19.2 billion) of supplementary budgets since the coronavirus outbreak early this year.
"(State) finances should play a role as a treatment for the ongoing economic crisis and a vaccine to strengthen the fundamental and immunity of the post-coronavirus economy," he said.
Some media here have raised worries about the fiscal soundness of Asia's fourth-biggest economy.
The ruling Democratic Party is reportedly pushing for a third extra budget bill worth over 40 trillion won.
The Moon administration has also announced plans to pour 250 trillion won into helping companies maintain jobs, insulate key industries, support small and medium-sized enterprises, the self-employed and other vulnerable people.
Separately, the government is handing out direct cash payments of up to 1 million won to all of the country's households.
On the monetary policy side, South Korea's central bank slashed the benchmark interest rate by 0.5 percentage point to a record low of 0.75 percent in March.
Many analysts predict the Bank of Korea will cut it once again this week.
The 2020 National Fiscal Strategy Meeting is under way at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on May 25, 2020. (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-25--Defense ministry to strengthen counseling for service personnel

`` By the end of this year , we will dispatch at least one counselor to all battalions or bases @ @ @ @ @ will bring the total number of those officials to 660 , '' the ministry said @ @ @ @

SEOUL, May 25 (Yonhap) -- The defense ministry said Monday it will expand counseling services for troops to help them better adjust to military life and protect their basic human rights.
Counseling for service members was first introduced in 2005 with eight professional counselors. After 15 years, the number has grown to 549, according to the ministry.
"By the end of this year, we will dispatch at least one counselor to all battalions or bases of that size, which will bring the total number of those officials to 660," the ministry said in a release.
In addition, 48 counselors now provide services for those who have suffered from sexual violence and face other gender-related issues, the ministry added.
Such efforts are believed to be helpful in promoting the mental health of service personnel and have contributed to the reduction in the suicide rate among the military's population, according to the ministry.
In 2018, 8.7 out of every 100,000 service members took their own lives, down from 12.2 five years ago. The comparable figure among the country's ordinary citizens came to 26.6 in 2018, according to government data.
Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo speaks during a meeting with counselors for the military in Seoul on May 25, 2020, in this photo provided by his office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-26--S. Korea reports 19 new virus cases, club-linked infections still on rise

Itaewon has emerged as a new hotbed for the spread of COVID-19 after a 29-year-old man tested positive for the @ @ @ @ @ his visits to multiple clubs and bars in Itaewon .

SEOUL, May 26 (Yonhap) -- South Korea reported 19 more cases of the new coronavirus Tuesday as health officials are trying to stem sporadic outbreaks tied to cluster infections in Seoul's nightlife district of Itaewon.
The new cases, with 16 being local infections, raised South Korea's total coronavirus caseload to 11,225, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
The daily increase in new virus cases stayed below 20 for the second day after hovering around the threshold for three days.
Health workers speak to citizens waiting in line for virus tests at a public medical center in Gangseo Ward, western Seoul, on May 26, 2020, one day after a kindergarten student in the district tested postive for the novel coronavirus. (Yonhap)
Itaewon has emerged as a new hotbed for the spread of COVID-19 after a 29-year-old man tested positive for the virus on May 6 following his visits to multiple clubs and bars in Itaewon.
More than 230 cases have been linked to Itaewon clubs as health authorities strive to break the chain of transmission.
One recent case involved six stages of transmission traced to a patient in Incheon, who lied about visiting Itaewon and infected students he taught at a cram school.
The country reported two more additional virus fatalities, raising the death toll to 269.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 10,275, up 49 from the previous day, according to the KCDC, with 681 patients currently under treatment.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-26--S. Korea-made world's largest container ship transits Suez Canal: Cheong Wa Dae

South Korea had lost its edge to foreign shippers for the maritime transport of cargo to and from the continent @ @ @ @ @ Hanjin Shipping and the worsening of troubles in Hyundai Merchant Marine ( HMM ) , @ @ @

By Lee Chi-dong
SEOUL, May 26 (Yonhap) -- The world's biggest container ship, built by South Korea, has passed through the Suez Canal en route to Europe, Cheong Wa Dae announced Tuesday, saying it signals the revival of the country's once-powerful shipping industry.
The 24,000-TEU vessel, the Algeciras, transited the waterway without a hitch the previous day and is due to arrive at the Dutch port of Rotterdam, the first destination in Europe, on June 3, according to deputy presidential spokesman Yoon Jae-kwan.
South Korea had lost its edge to foreign shippers for the maritime transport of cargo to and from the continent since the 2016 collapse of Hanjin Shipping and the worsening of troubles in Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM), he noted.
"However, we are regaining the global core route by mobilizing the South Korea-flagged container ship, the world's largest," he said in a statement.
The world's largest container ship, the Algeciras, tranists the Suez Canal, in this photo provided by Cheong Wa Dae. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The Algeciras is highly symbolic in South Korea's bid to reemerge as one of the top five shipping powers in the world.
In late April, President Moon Jae-in and first lady Kim Jung-sook attended a ceremony to christen it at the shipyard of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) on the southern island of Geoje.
The ship left for Europe on May 8 with 19,621-TEU freight loaded.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-26--Hungary to erect monument in memory of S. Korean victims of boat sinking

The memorial stone will be set up near the accident site in the Danube River , where the Korean tourists @ @ @ @ @ missing after the vessel collided with a bigger cruise line on May 29 .
Bodies @ @ @ @ @ retrieved , but one person still remains missing .

GENEVA, May 26 (Yonhap) -- Hungary plans to erect a monument in the memory of the 25 South Koreans killed in last year's deadly boat sinking in Budapest as this week marks the first anniversary of the accident, according to the South Korean Embassy in Hungary on Tuesday.
The memorial stone will be set up near the accident site in the Danube River, where the Korean tourists aboard a sightseeing boat went missing after the vessel collided with a bigger cruise line on May 29. Bodies of 24 people have been retrieved, but one person still remains missing.
The Hungarian government first made the suggestion to South Korea about erecting a monument and the two countries have been discussing details with the families of the deceased, embassy officials said.
The erection was originally planned for the anniversary, but there has been a delay in the process due to the coronavirus outbreak, the officials added. They expect the construction to be completed by the year-end.
On the first anniversary slated for Friday, government officials of the two sides will host a memorial ceremony in Budapest. Among the attendees will be South Korean Ambassador to Hungary Choe Kyoo-sik and Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, according to the embassy.
Wreaths are laid on a road under the Margaret Bridge across the Danube River in Budapest, Hungary, to pay respects to South Korean victims killed in the May 29, 2019, boat sinking, in this photo filed on Oct. 16 of that year. (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-26--One-person households remain poor despite more state support: report

The relative poverty rate of such households , referring to the percentage of people with income below 50 percent of @ @ @ @ @ down to 51.3 percent in 2018 from 51.4 percent a year earlier , according to @ @ @ @ @ Institute for Health and Social Affairs .

SEJONG, May 26 (Yonhap) -- Single-member households in South Korea remain vulnerable to poverty despite increased state employment projects and fiscal spending, a report said Tuesday.
The relative poverty rate of such households, referring to the percentage of people with income below 50 percent of the median income, edged down to 51.3 percent in 2018 from 51.4 percent a year earlier, according to the report by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs.
In contrast, the figure for all households in the country decreased 0.8 percentage point to 16.3 percent over the cited period.
Households with two or more members saw greater declines. The poverty rate for two-member households fell to 28.7 percent from 29.3 percent, and the percentage for three-person households dipped to 11.1 percent from 12.8 percent.
The comparable figure for households with four or more members sank to 8.2 percent from 9.8 percent.
"The almost-flatlining number for one-member households points to the need for the government to come up with diverse policies to support them, including more job opportunities," the report said.
Their poverty rate could worsen down the road, as social distancing measures sparked by the coronavirus outbreak are feared to hit their income harder, it added.
South Korea has just started to ease coronavirus restrictions that have been in place since the country's first case was confirmed in late January.
(END)


yna--2020-05-26--(URGENT) 49 more people released after full recovery from coronavirus, total cured patients at 10,27

(URGENT) 49 more people released after full recovery from coronavirus, total cured patients at 10,275: KCDC


yna--2020-05-26--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 2 additional virus deaths, death toll now at 269: KCDC


yna--2020-05-26--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 19 more cases of new coronavirus, total at 11,225: KCDC


yna--2020-05-26--LG CNS joins hands with Canadian firm for blockchain-based ID system

Evernym is one of the leading self-sovereign identity solution providers and has established the Sovrin Foundation to manage an alliance @ @ @ @ @ It is currently leading the World Wide Web Consortium to set up global standards for @ @ @

SEOUL, May 26 (Yonhap) -- LG CNS Co., an IT service unit of South Korea's LG Group, said Tuesday it has joined hands with a Canadian firm to develop blockchain-based ID system.
LG CNS said it signed a memorandum of understanding with Evernym Inc. on establishing global standards for decentralized identifier (DID) service. The two sides will also collaborate on developing blockchain-based DID solutions and related business models.
DID allows users to control their digital identity and information without any centralized registry or the help of certificate authorities.
Evernym is one of the leading self-sovereign identity solution providers and has established the Sovrin Foundation to manage an alliance of DID technology firms. It is currently leading the World Wide Web Consortium to set up global standards for DID service.
This image provided by LG CNS Co. shows the company's corporate logo. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-26--31 diabetes drugs banned for suspected carcinogen substance

`` Of the drugs checked , the 31 had above the permitted level of N-Nitrosodimethylamine ( NDMA ) , '' @ @ @ @ @ amount of material is so small that it should pose no real health problems to @ @ @ @ @ in the past , according to the ministry .

SEOUL, May 26 (Yonhap) -- South Korea has banned the production and sale of 31 diabetes drugs with a substance that may pose cancer risks, although the drugs do not pose serious health risks, the country's public health agency said Tuesday.
The drugs are metformin-based medication, with 257 other diabetes drugs also being checked for the substance, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said.
"Of the drugs checked, the 31 had above the permitted level of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA)," the ministry said. The amount of material is so small that it should pose no real health problems to people who took the medication in the past, according to the ministry.
At present, some 260,000 people in the country are taking the banned diabetes drugs. it added.
It said such drugs as Gadmet, Gluless-M and Glimefol tablets made by companies like JW Pharmaceutical, Hutecs Korea and Hanmi Pharm have been affected.
NDMA is on the Group 2A list of the International Agency for Research and is cited as a "probably carcinogenic" material to humans.
The ministry said impact assessment showed people who took the drugs had an additional cancer risk of just 0.21 person for 100,000, which is an extremely low and irrelevant figure.
The ministry said that while it has told doctors to restrict prescribing the drug to patients, people who are taking the medication at present should not suddenly stop using it, without consulting their doctors.
The ministry said it has been looking into diabetes drugs since 2019 after NDMA traces were found in medication in places like Singapore.
It said initial tests showed that the possible carcinogen was not detected in the pharmaceutical ingredient used to make the drugs, indicating that it may have gotten into the medication in the production process.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-26--N.K. paper warns against imitating foreign films, music

The paper in particular warned the North Korean youth , saying , `` The youth were the first to be @ @ @ @ @ spread by the imperialists in some countries that were building socialist states , as a @ @ @ @ @ ideologies of the new generation . ''

SEOUL, May 26 (Yonhap) -- North Korea's main newspaper on Tuesday warned its people against emulating foreign films and music, saying the inflow of bourgeois culture hinders the country from progress.
The Rodong Sinmun, an organ of the North's ruling Worker's Party, made the appeal in an editorial saying that the obstacles stopping the country from developing are not limited to economic challenges but also to the "vicious ideological and cultural infiltration of the imperialists."
"If we accept even a single movie or song without awareness just for the entertainment and imitate them, our national culture will be tarnished and the rotten lifestyles of the bourgeois will pervade our country," it said.
The paper in particular warned the North Korean youth, saying, "The youth were the first to be addicted to the depraved culture spread by the imperialists in some countries that were building socialist states, as a result of their inattentiveness to ideologies of the new generation."
It also urged the country to carry out a more intensive ideological education for the youth and to build a "bulletproof wall" against the inflow of foreign culture.
The editorial reflects the country's apparent concern that North Koreans may be overly exposed to foreign cultures and the principles of a market economy.
The North has stressed discipline and ideological education to its people, as efforts to prevent an outbreak of the COVID-19 virus in the North have been ongoing for nearly four months in an economy already faltering under international sanctions.
Young people hold a rally at Kim Il Sung Stadium in Pyongyang on Jan. 21, 2020, to pledge to carry out tasks set forth at the 5th Plenary Meeting of the 7th Central Committee of North Korea's Workers' Party in late December, in this photo released by the Korean Central News Agency. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-26--Samsung heir questioned over 2015 merger of key affiliates

Lee , vice chairman of Samsung Electronics , appeared before prosecutors at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office in the @ @ @ @ @ the Samsung management 's decision-making process in the merger of Samsung C & T Corp. @ @ @ @ @ years ago .

SEOUL, May 26 (Yonhap) -- Samsung heir Lee Jae-yong was summoned to the prosecution Tuesday to be questioned about suspicions surrounding the top conglomerate's controversial merger of two leading affiliates in 2015.
Lee, vice chairman of Samsung Electronics, appeared before prosecutors at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office in the morning to face questioning about the Samsung management's decision-making process in the merger of Samsung C&T Corp. and Cheil Industries Inc. five years ago.
Lee Jae-yong, vice chairman of Samsung Electronics (Yonhap)
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-26--S. Korean mobile games expanding clout overseas amid pandemic

`` There were various events and updates made in April , but an unprecedented revenue increase the month shows that @ @ @ @ @ an impact , '' said a company official who asked not to be named .

By Kim Han-joo
SEOUL, May 26 (Yonhap) -- South Korean mobile games have gained huge popularity in overseas markets partly on the back of the coronavirus pandemic that has confined more people to their homes, industry data showed Tuesday.
Global mobile game usage shot up 20 percent in the first quarter of this year compared with a year earlier, data from app analytics firm App Annie showed. Global app downloads also rose 15 percent on-year during the cited period.
Separate data from Nielsen showed that the average time spent gaming in the United States, France and the United Kingdom increased 45 percent, 38 percent, and 29 percent, respectively, following the COVID-19 outbreak.
This undated photo, provided by mobile game publisher Com2uS Corp., shows its mobile game Summoners War: Sky Arena. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Local midsized online and mobile game publisher Com2uS Corp. said revenue from its mobile game Summoners War: Sky Arena reached a record high in April.
The mobile game, rolled out in 2014, has recorded cumulative sales of more than 2 trillion won (US$1.6 billion) in 230 countries, company officials said, with more than 90 percent of sales coming from overseas.
In the U.S., the game once ranked 14th in Apple's App Store and remained among the top three in major European countries, such as France and Germany, upon release.
"There were various events and updates made in April, but an unprecedented revenue increase the month shows that the COVID-19 outbreak clearly had an impact," said a company official who asked not to be named.
KartRider Rush, a mobile racing title by major local gaming firm Nexon Co., has also gained unprecedented popularity in the North American and European markets.
The mobile title, based on Nexon's popular free-to-play KartRider on PC, reached the No. 14 spot on the Google Play Store, the company said.
The mobile game has surpassed 4.5 million downloads since its debut in early March, and the game saw its first 1 million downloads just a week after hitting the App Store.
"KartRider Rush was relatively unknown in the North American market, but we have received unexpected response mainly after the coronavirus pandemic," said a company official who asked not to be named.
This undated photo, provided by South Korean game developer Nexon Co., shows its new mobile game KartRider Rush. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-26--S. Korea, U.S. pushing for defense ministers' videoconference next month

The move came as an annual meeting in Singapore of defense ministers in the region , known as the Shangri-La @ @ @ @ @ off due to the coronavirus pandemic .
The South and the U.S. have usually held @ @ @ @ @ of the conference .

By Oh Seok-min
SEOUL, May 26 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and the United States are working to set up a videoconference call between their defense ministers next month to discuss defense-cost sharing, North Korea and other pending issues, officials said Tuesday.
The move came as an annual meeting in Singapore of defense ministers in the region, known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, has been called off due to the coronavirus pandemic. The South and the U.S. have usually held one-on-one talks on the sidelines of the conference.
"Discussions are under way to fix the date," a defense ministry official said. "Given the current COVID-19 situation, the meeting is expected to take place online."
The defense ministry said earlier that South Korean and the U.S. defense ministers are planning to have a trilateral dialogue via videoconferencing involving their Japanese counterpart next month.
Key agenda items during the bilateral meeting would be their talks for a new Special Measures Agreement (SMA) that stipulates how much Seoul will pay for the upkeep of the 28,500-strong U.S. Forces Korea.
The defense cost-sharing negotiations have been deadlocked after U.S. President Donald Trump rejected Seoul's offer as insufficient. Officials said Washington has asked Seoul to pay $1.3 billion per year, a nearly 50 percent increase from last year, while Seoul says its best offer stands at a 13 percent increase.
Amid the protracted stalemate, USFK has put around 4,000 South Korean employees on unpaid leave since April 1.
The two ministers are also expected to discuss regional security issues, including North Korea, how to further enhance their joint readiness posture and preparations for the envisioned transfer of the wartime operational control of South Korean troops from Washington to Seoul, according to officials.
South Korea's Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo (R) and U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper attend a press conference at the Pentagon in Washington on Feb. 24, 2020, in this photo provided by Jeong's office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-26--Int'l marriages to Korean men grow in recent years: report

`` South Korean men 's dependence on international marriages is expected to last , as the gender ratio imbalance among @ @ @ @ @ feared to worsen for a considerable period of time , '' it said .

SEJONG, May 26 (Yonhap) -- The number of international marriages with South Korean men has risen steadily over the past four years despite a drop in the country's overall marriages, a report said Tuesday.
A total of 17,687 South Korean men tied the knot with foreign women last year, up from 14,677 in 2015, according to the report from the Korea Insurance Research Institute.
Last year represented the fourth consecutive year that the tally increased from a year earlier. The proportion of international marriages to men's overall marriages climbed to 7.6 percent from 4.9 percent.
Driven by the uptrend, the number of South Korean marriages with foreign partners rose to 23,643 from 21,242 over the cited period.
The increase contrasted with a 24 percent tumble in the total number of marriages in Asia's fourth-largest economy over the cited period.
The number of international marriages in South Korea had waned for 10 years after peaking in 2005, but it began to rise in 2015.
The report attributed the recent upturn in international marriages with South Korean men to an imbalance in the country gender ratio amid a tendency to avoid marriage.
"South Korean men's dependence on international marriages is expected to last, as the gender ratio imbalance among youths of marriageable age is feared to worsen for a considerable period of time," it said.
Foreign women married to South Korean men attend a cooking class for the Lunar New Year holiday at a multicultural family support center in Daegu, southeastern South Korea, on Jan. 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
(END)