yna--2020-01-13--(EDITORIAL from Korea JoongAng Daily on Jan. 13)

More troublesome than Kim Kye-kwan 's rude talk is his rude message — he raised a fundamental question about the @ @ @ @ @ as a mediator between North Korea and the United States .
If what North Korea @ @ @ @ @ there is an exclusive communication channel between Pyongyang and Washington — Seoul has long been @ @ @ @ @ during their talks .
National Security Office head Chung must tell the truth behind what @ @ @ @

Change North Korea policy
North Korea has publicly disgraced the Blue House once again. Last weekend, Kim Kye-kwan, a high-ranking North Korean diplomat, issued a terse statement ridiculing Chung Eui-yong, director of the National Security Office in the Blue House, for his "presumptuous and stupid act to deliver a birthday greeting from U.S. President Donald Trump" on his behalf.
Kim hurled unbearable insults to Chung — and by extension to President Moon Jae-in and the South Korean people. Nevertheless, the Blue House has kept mum. How long will the government show generosity toward the recalcitrant state across the border?
Pyongyang's derogatory statements against the Blue House are nothing new. Last year, it denounced President Moon's speech on the creation of an inter-Korean "peace economy" on Aug. 15, Liberation Day, for "barking like a scared dog."
Two months earlier, North Korea humiliated Moon by exposing the fact that he had sent North Korean leader Kim Jong-un an invitation to the South Korea-Asean Summit in Busan, but Kim failed to show up. North Korea's repetition of these mean acts mostly resulted from the Blue House's silence about them.
More troublesome than Kim Kye-kwan's rude talk is his rude message — he raised a fundamental question about the role of the Moon administration as a mediator between North Korea and the United States. If what North Korea said is true — that there is an exclusive communication channel between Pyongyang and Washington — Seoul has long been ignored by Pyongyang and Washington during their talks. National Security Office head Chung must tell the truth behind what's going on.
Kim's statement constitutes a straightforward rejection of the South Korean government's role as mediator. He warned Seoul "not to have a futile dream to step in the amicable relationship" between the leaders of North Korea and the United States. Kim also said that North Korea will not "waste time being cheated by Washington," vowing to take "our own way" in the future.
His remarks translate into a threat to return to the "completion of nuclear armaments," as determined in the plenary session of the Workers' Party at the end of last year. The Moon administration must not confuse Kim Jong-un now with him in early 2018 when he suddenly launched peace offensives.
The Blue House must change its diplomatic and security strategies now focused on accelerating dialogue with North Korea. It must review its cherished role as a "facilitator" and "mediator" as soon as possible. It must not stick with its past strategy when its counterpart changes its course of action.
The government must restore its relations with the United States and Japan, which were strained as a result of being engrossed in improving inter-Korean ties.
Moon holds his New Year's press conference on Tuesday. He must present new visions on his diplomatic and security strategies to help achieve denuclearization of the North. If he only adheres to his hopes for a peace economy and Kim's return trip to Seoul, he cannot weather this crisis.
(END)


yna--2020-01-13--(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on Jan. 13)

(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on Jan. 13)

Adviser Kim said relations between the two leaders of the North and the U.S. were `` not bad . ''
@ @ @ @ @ leaders ' friendly ties were not sufficient to revive the deadlocked talks .
`` There @ @ @ @ @ to be present at such talks , in which there is only unilateral pressure , @ @ @ @ @ to barter something for other things at the talks like traders , '' he said @

Gloom over dialogue
North Korea scoffs at Trump's conciliatory gesture
The United States and North Korea are expected to enter a prolonged stalemate in their nuclear talks as Pyongyang has hardened its stance over how it will denuclearize. On Saturday, former North Korean chief nuclear envoy Kim Kye-gwan made it clear that his country would not resume dialogue unless the U.S. fully accepted its demands.
Kim, now a foreign ministry adviser, said the North would never engage in negotiations to shutter key nuclear facilities only for partial sanctions relief. He implied that his country would not repeat the mistake of the Hanoi summit between its leader Kim Jong-un and U.S. President Donald Trump in February 2019 which ended in failure.
His remarks are seen as the North moving to put greater pressure on the U.S. to meet its demands: sanctions relief and security guarantees. Pyongyang has repeatedly called on Washington to come up with a new method, while also threatening to take a "new path."
The North received Trump's message of congratulations for Kim Jong-un's Jan. 8 birthday. The regime, however, scoffed at Trump's conciliatory gesture, which was apparently aimed at restarting the nuclear talks.
Adviser Kim said relations between the two leaders of the North and the U.S. were "not bad." But he noted that the leaders' friendly ties were not sufficient to revive the deadlocked talks. "There is no need for us to be present at such talks, in which there is only unilateral pressure, and we have no desire to barter something for other things at the talks like traders," he said.
The North's demands for more concessions from the U.S. are not new. However, they cast a darker cloud over prospects for nuclear disarmament. In his speech to the 5th Plenary Meeting of the ruling Workers' Party 7th Central Committee, Kim mentioned "new strategic weapons," hinting at rescinding his moratorium on nuclear and ICBM tests.
As things stand now, it is difficult for Trump to keep the dialogue momentum as part of efforts to boost his re-election bid. He does not seem to have much room to maneuver, given that he faces more pressing issues, such as his impeachment and rising tensions with Iran. It remains to be seen how he will respond to the North's demands.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in is also feared to have suffered a setback in his efforts to be a mediator in the U.S.-North Korea denuclearization talks. In his New Year speech, Moon invited Kim to visit the South and called for dialogue to discuss joint economic projects and exchanges between the two Koreas. But for now, the Kim regime has no intention of accommodating Moon's peace overtures.
Despite the impasse, Pyongyang needs to keep the door open to dialogue not only with Washington but also Seoul. It should not try to turn the clock back to complete its nuclear program. Kim must realize that nuclear weapons cannot guarantee the North's survival. They will only deepen the North's isolation and may lead to its self-destruction. It is up to Kim whether his country moves toward peace and prosperity or not.
(END)


yna--2020-01-13--(EDITORIAL from Korea Herald on Jan. 13)

In 2013 when Yoon was excluded from a prosecution team investigating suspicions of the intelligence agency rigging online comments , @ @ @ @ @ party lawmaker , rebuked Prime Minister Chung Hong-won in the National Assembly .
`` Can @ @ @ @ @ results now that the government has reassigned the prosecutor who did his job properly ?
@ @ @ @ @ the stops to win favor with the president ( Park Geun-hye ) . ''
Choo @ @ @ @ @ said to the prime minister .

Frame of disobedience
Ruling camp cites a strained excuse to put pressure on prosecutor general
The ruling camp is putting pressure on Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol, criticizing his "disobedience" to the justice minister, who replaced his key aides leading investigations targeting the presidential office.
Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae told the National Assembly that Yoon did not express his opinion on her plan to reshuffle senior prosecutors even after she asked him to. "He disobeyed my order," she said.
Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon told her to take necessary action. This is an effective instruction to take procedures for disciplinary action against the prosecutor general.
Lee Hae-chan, leader of the ruling party, said Friday that the prosecution's disobedience cannot be tolerated.
A ruling party spokesperson said it was arrogant and rude of Yoon to defy the president's authority over personnel affairs. "It is serious indiscipline in public service. He must be governed strictly," the spokesperson said.
The words, "disobey" and "order," sound inappropriate and authoritarian for the justice minister of a democratic state to use. They arouse an impression of a king telling his subjects, "how dare you?" People would have hardly expected to hear those words from a political camp who takes pride in fighting authoritarian regimes for democracy.
They argue the prosecution must be placed under "democratic control" because it has lost public confidence. However, the reason why it lost popular trust was that it wielded investigation rights, influenced by an incumbent regime. This is why prosecution reforms must start with the guarantee of its political independence. But Choo's reshuffle of Yoon's key aides is far from such reforms.
Actually, not only Choo but also Cheong Wa Dae secretaries who sketched the reshuffle plan are involved in allegations against figures close to President Moon Jae-in. They are in a position to be probed but they reassigned those who will investigate them. It is absurd. By any reckoning, the reshuffle aimed at grounding the investigations.
The ruling camp argues the justice minister exercised her personnel authority legitimately and that Yoon disobeyed her order. This argument looks like an attempt to deflect criticisms over the reshuffle and press Yoon to resign. Choo reportedly instructed her aides to examine ways to discipline the prosecutor general.
The Prosecution Service Act requires the justice minister to consult the prosecutor general about a reshuffle of prosecutors beforehand in a bid to guarantee the prosecution's independence. The Justice Ministry customarily sends a reshuffle draft to the prosecution to collect the prosecutor general's opinion. But Choo did not follow the custom and the regulation actively.
Choo said she had summoned Yoon to her office for consultations over her reshuffle draft, but she gave him just a 30-minute notice before the prosecution personnel committee started the process to finalize the plan.
She effectively gave him no time to discuss the plan beforehand and asked his opinion as a formality. Yoon refused such cosmetic consultations. Yet, Choo criticizes him for disobeying her order.
In 2013 when Yoon was excluded from a prosecution team investigating suspicions of the intelligence agency rigging online comments, Choo, then an opposition party lawmaker, rebuked Prime Minister Chung Hong-won in the National Assembly. "Can the prosecution produce convincing investigation results now that the government has reassigned the prosecutor who did his job properly? You are pulling out all the stops to win favor with the president (Park Geun-hye)." Choo is now doing what she said to the prime minister.
She also instructed the prosecution to get her prior approval if it wants to create a task force to investigate certain allegations. This means she will block the prosecution's attempt to create a task force to keep up ongoing investigations into allegations against the president's cronies. This is a controversial instruction to restrict the prosecutor general's right to conduct discretionary investigations.
When it comes to investigations into figures close to President Moon, the ruling camp is almost paranoid. One cannot but wonder why it is so scared of investigations.
Those with power can suppress investigations for a while. But they cannot cover up suspicions for good.
(END)


yna--2020-01-13--Top headlines in major S. Korean newspapers

Korean-language dailies -- Ex-N. Korea chief nuclear envoy says dialogue with U.S. can resume only when it fully accepts Pyongyang 's demands ( Kyunghyang Shinmun ) -- Ex-NK chief nuclear envoy asks S. Korea not to engage in NK-US relations ( Kookmin Daily ) -- Ex-NK chief nuclear envoy demands S. Korea not to engage in NK-US relations ( Donga llbo ) -- Cheong Wa Dae , prosecutors at conflict over reforming state prosecution ( Seoul Shinmun ) -- Unmanned , armed drones emerge as next-generation weapon ( Segye Times ) -- Ex-NK chief nuclear envoy demands S. Korea not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ilbo ) -- Cheong Wa Dae , prosecutors at conflict over reforming state prosecution ( JoongAng Ilbo ) -- Ex-N. Korea chief nuclear envoy says dialogue with U.S. can resume only when it fully accepts Pyongyang 's demands ( Hankyoreh ) -- Cheong Wa Dae , prosecutors at conflict over reforming state prosecution ( Hankook Ilbo ) -- Global IT giants emerge as target of diplomacy in era of AI ( Maeil Business Newspaper ) -- 10 pct of high-income earners pay 80 pct of country 's income taxes ( Korea Economic Daily @

SEOUL, Jan. 13 (Yonhap) -- The following are the top headlines in major South Korean newspapers on Jan. 13.
Korean-language dailies
-- Ex-N. Korea chief nuclear envoy says dialogue with U.S. can resume only when it fully accepts Pyongyang's demands (Kyunghyang Shinmun)
-- Ex-NK chief nuclear envoy asks S. Korea not to engage in NK-US relations (Kookmin Daily)
-- Ex-NK chief nuclear envoy demands S. Korea not to engage in NK-US relations (Donga llbo)
-- Cheong Wa Dae, prosecutors at conflict over reforming state prosecution (Seoul Shinmun)
-- Unmanned, armed drones emerge as next-generation weapon (Segye Times)
-- Ex-NK chief nuclear envoy demands S. Korea not to engage in NK-US relations (Chosun Ilbo)
-- Cheong Wa Dae, prosecutors at conflict over reforming state prosecution (JoongAng Ilbo)
-- Ex-N. Korea chief nuclear envoy says dialogue with U.S. can resume only when it fully accepts Pyongyang's demands (Hankyoreh)
-- Cheong Wa Dae, prosecutors at conflict over reforming state prosecution (Hankook Ilbo)
-- Global IT giants emerge as target of diplomacy in era of AI (Maeil Business Newspaper)
-- 10 pct of high-income earners pay 80 pct of country's income taxes (Korea Economic Daily)
English-language dailies
-- North takes Hanoi offer off table (Korea JoongAng Daily)
-- Reforming the prosecution, or taming it? (Korea Herald)
-- Samsung, SK hynix shares to climb further (Korea Times)
(END)


yna--2020-01-13--Foreigners snap 4-month selling streak of Seoul stocks in Dec.

By country , investors from the U.S. held 251.7 trillion won worth of local stocks , accounting for 42.4 percent @ @ @ @ @ foreigners , followed by those from Britain with 8.1 percent and Luxemburg with 6.5 percent @

SEOUL, Jan. 13 (Yonhap) -- Foreign investors became net buyers of South Korean stocks for the first time in five months in December, while continuing to reduce their exposure to local bonds, data showed Monday.
Foreigners net purchased 810 billion won (US$697 million) worth of local stocks in the month, ending their four-month selling streak that began in August, according to the data from the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS).
Their buying streak has continued into the new year so far with foreign investors scooping up a net 1.18 trillion won worth of local shares in the six consecutive sessions since Jan. 3.
As of end-December, local stocks held by foreign investors came to 593.2 trillion won, accounting for 33.3 percent of the country's market capitalization.
By country, investors from the U.S. held 251.7 trillion won worth of local stocks, accounting for 42.4 percent of the total held by foreigners, followed by those from Britain with 8.1 percent and Luxemburg with 6.5 percent.
In December, however, American investors net sold 2.9 trillion won, while British investors net purchased 1.2 trillion won, according to the FSS.
Foreigners also purchased more bonds than they sold in December, but their overall investment in local bonds dropped by 2.5 trillion won, with 6.5 trillion won worth of their bond holdings coming to maturity in December.
Their overall bond holdings dipped for the third consecutive month in December. They were valued at 123.7 trillion won, or 6.8 percent of the total as of end-December.
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)


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(END)


yna--2020-01-12--(LEAD) S. Korea beat Iran to clinch knockout berth at Olympic men's football qualifying tournament

Coached by Kim Hak-bum , South Korea opened the tournament with a 1-0 win over China last Thursday .
And @ @ @ @ @ , South Korea assured themselves of at least the second seed in Group C. Their @ @ @ @ @ Uzbekistan at Thammasat Stadium in Rangsit on Wednesday at 5:15 p.m. local time , or @ @ @ @ @

(ATTN: ADDS coach's comments at bottom)
SONGKHLA, Thailand, Jan. 12 (Yonhap) -- South Korea defeated Iran 2-1 on Sunday to secure a knockout berth at the Olympic men's football qualifying tournament in Thailand.
Midfielder Lee Dong-jun scored for the second straight match and forward Cho Gue-sung netted a stunner, as South Korea picked up their second victory at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-23 Championship at Tinsulanon Stadium in Songkhla, Thailand.
Lee Dong-jun of South Korea celebrates his goal against Iran during the teams' Group C match at the Asian Football Confederation U-23 Championship at Tinsulanon Stadium in Songkhla, Thailand, on Jan. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
Reza Shekari had Iran's lone goal in the second half.
This event doubles as the continental qualification tournament for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, with the top three teams to compete in Japan later this year.
There are four groups of four teams, and the top two nations from each group will reach the quarterfinals.
Coached by Kim Hak-bum, South Korea opened the tournament with a 1-0 win over China last Thursday. And with their second straight win, South Korea assured themselves of at least the second seed in Group C. Their final group match is against Uzbekistan at Thammasat Stadium in Rangsit on Wednesday at 5:15 p.m. local time, or 7:15 p.m. in Seoul.
Kim replaced seven members of the starting lineup from Thursday's win, and Lee, who came off the bench in the first match, and Cho, who didn't play against China, both made their first starts.
Both moves paid dividends for South Korea.
Lee scored his winner against China only moments before the final whistle. On Sunday, he put the team on the board after 22 minutes by pouncing on a rebound after a hard shot from Maeng Seong-ung.
Cho Gue-sung of South Korea (L) takes a shot past Aref Aghasi of Iran during the teams' Group C match at the Asian Football Confederation U-23 Championship at Tinsulanon Stadium in Songkhla, Thailand, on Jan. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
Maeng, who nearly scored in the 15th minute with a mid-range strike, once again tested goalkeeper Habib Far Abbasi. The shot led to a juicy rebound, and Lee was right on the doorstep to slot it home for a 1-0 lead.
Cho, making his first start of the tournament, doubled the advantage in the 35th minute with a thunderous strike from just outside the box. His left-foot shot, set up by Maeng, traveled through the legs of defender Aref Aghasi, and Far Abbasi couldn't get to the ball in time despite his desperate dive.
Iran cut the deficit in half in the 54th, when Shekari snuck behind the defense to head home a Reza Dehghani cross. And Iran continued to put pressure on South Korea the rest of the second half, forcing Kim to bring a couple of defensive-minded players off the bench.
During added time, goalkeeper Song Bum-keun made a key save to preserve the win for South Korea, denying Ali Shojaei from point-blank range on the left side.
South Korea are going for their ninth consecutive Olympic appearance.
Asked about his drastic lineup change afterward, Coach Kim said he was proud of his team's depth.
"No matter who's on the pitch, these players will get the job done," Kim said. "I was able to make these changes because I had faith in my players."
Kim admitted his team still has room to improve, saying South Korea let Iran dictate the match in the beginning.
"After we took a 2-0 lead in the first half, I told them we have to keep the pressure on," the coach added. "But we gave up a goal that we shouldn't have, and it made the rest of the match difficult for us. It's an area we have to work on going forward."
South Korea head coach Kim Hak-bum directs his players during a Group C match against Iran at the Asian Football Confederation U-23 Championship at Tinsulanon Stadium in Songkhla, Thailand, on Jan. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-12--S. Korea qualifies for women's volleyball at Tokyo 2020

South Korea rallied from an early 4-1 deficit to take a 7-4 lead in the first set , with Kim @ @ @ @ @ .
Thailand eventually made it an 8-8 tie , and neither side led by more @ @ @ @ @ Korea went up 17-15 , Lee Jae-yeong 's spike and an attacking error by Thailand @

SEOUL, Jan. 12 (Yonhap) -- Next stop: Tokyo.
South Korea qualified for the women's volleyball tournament at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics on Sunday, with a 3-0 (25-22, 25-20, 25-20) victory over Thailand to take the Asian Olympic qualifying tournament.
Captain Kim Yeon-koung returned from one-game absence to put on a dominant show with 22 points at Korat Chatchai Hall in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, helping South Korea to reach its third straight Olympics in women's volleyball.
Only the winner of this qualifying tournament earned the ticket to Japan.
In this photo provided by FIVB on Jan. 12, 2020, South Korean players celebrate a point against Thailand during the final of the Asian Olympic women's volleyball qualification tournament at Korat Chatchai Hall in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Kim, South Korea's best attacker, sat out Saturday's semifinals match against Chinese Taipei with an abdominal injury. Despite playing at less than 100 percent, the wing spiker brought her "A" game to the court.
South Korea rallied from an early 4-1 deficit to take a 7-4 lead in the first set, with Kim leading the charge on offense. Thailand eventually made it an 8-8 tie, and neither side led by more than one point until South Korea went up 17-15, Lee Jae-yeong's spike and an attacking error by Thailand.
Then with a 22-20 South Korean lead, Kim Yeon-koung had back-to-back blocks to get her team to the set point, and Park Jeong-ah finished off the opening frame with a spike.
South Korea jumped out to a 16-10 lead in the second set, before allowing Thailand to cut it to 19-17. Kim came to the rescue once again with some timely kills, as South Korea close out the set 25-20.
Thailand, who'd beaten South Korea in four of their past five meetings, took 14-11 lead in the third set. Then Lee Jae-yeong went to work, scoring four straight points with a combination of kills and block outs to put South Korea up 15-14.
After a bit of a seesaw match, spikes by Park and Lee gave South Korea some breathing room at 22-18.
Fittingly enough, Kim Yeon-koung got the match point when her spike was blocked out after an extended rally. It gave Kim her match-high 22nd point.
In this photo provided by FIVB on Jan. 12, 2020, Kim Yeon-koung of South Korea (R) hits a spike against Thailand during the final of the Asian Olympic women's volleyball qualification tournament at Korat Chatchai Hall in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-13--(2nd LD) Ex-Supreme Court judge found not guilty in judiciary power abuse case

The court added that the document was simply among the possessions he took when leaving the Supreme Court and that @ @ @ @ @ the separate case during his career as a judge .

(ATTN: ADDS prosecution's stance in last two paras)
SEOUL, Jan. 13 (Yonhap) -- A former top court judge indicted for his suspected role in a judiciary power abuse scandal during the conservative Park Geun-hye administration was found not guilty on Monday.
The Seoul Central District Court found former Supreme Court senior judge Yoo Hae-yong not guilty of colluding in the power abuse scandal to help report the proceedings of a certain case to the presidential office.
The ruling is the first to be handed down in relation to the judiciary power abuse scandal that saw a Supreme Court chief justice indicted and detained for the first time in South Korea's judicial history.
Supreme Court Chief Justice Yang Sung-tae was indicted and detained on 47 counts relating to his alleged abuse of leadership, including interfering in trials and compiling a so-called blacklist of judges. He was later released on bail.
Yoo, who now works as an attorney, is accused of ordering a court researcher to compile a document detailing the progress of a case involving a doctor couple who was associated with the former president's wider power abuse scandal.
Prosecutors suspect the report was leaked to Cheong Wa Dae through another senior court official.
He is also accused of taking the reports with him as he left the Supreme Court and accepting a separate case he handled during his term at the top court.
The court, however, said the evidence submitted by the prosecution is insufficient to conclude that Yoo colluded in the alleged document leak.
The court added that the document was simply among the possessions he took when leaving the Supreme Court and that he had not directly handled the separate case during his career as a judge.
Yoo thanked the court for its "fair and just ruling," adding he will "live more honestly going forward."
The Monday ruling is unlikely to impact the remaining trials in the judiciary power abuse case as the court did not acknowledge Yoo's link to the alleged document leak.
Prosecutors said they plan to appeal, citing previous questionings in which Yoo and the other senior official mostly acknowledged their involvement in the alleged document leak.
They also argued that Yoo breached attorney law by agreeing to work as a lawyer on the case that he had thoroughly reviewed during his term at the Supreme Court.
Former Supreme Court senior judge Yoo Hae-yong attends a trial at the Seoul Central District Court on Jan. 13, 2020. (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-13--(LEAD) Assembly approves prime minister nominee

He said last week that the two Koreas need to make efforts to normalize their joint factory park in the @ @ @ @ @ of Kaesong and a tour program to Mount Kumgang , as soon as conditions are @ @ @ @ @ answer to parliament ahead of his confirmation hearing .

(ATTN: ADDS photo, more info from 6th para)
SEOUL, Jan. 13 (Yonhap) -- The National Assembly on Monday endorsed President Moon Jae-in's pick for new prime minister despite strong resistance from the main opposition party.
The legislature passed the confirmation motion for Chung Sye-kyun at a plenary session. The six-term ruling party lawmaker and former speaker was nominated last month.
Among the 278 lawmakers present, 164 voted to approve Chung's appointment, while 109 disapproved. One lawmaker abstained, with four votes declared invalid.
Most disapproval votes were believed to have been cast by lawmakers from the main opposition Liberty Korea Party (LKP) that has been contending that sending the former parliamentary speaker to the No. 2 Cabinet post could undermine the principle of separation of powers.
South Korean Prime Minister nominee Chung Sye-kyun (L) shakes hands with lawmakers at the National Assembly in Seoul on Jan. 13, 2020, before the legislature voted on his nomination. The confirmation motion was approved in a 164 to 109 vote. (Yonhap)
Chung, 69, led the National Assembly for two years through the end of May 2018. He was also the industrial and energy minister in 2006.
Chung's office said he will be formally appointed by the president on Tuesday.
Chung will be the second prime minister under the Moon administration after Lee Nak-yon, who plans to run in the upcoming general election after serving a record two years and eight months at the post.
Chung, who will be the nation's first speaker-turned-prime minister, is expected to focus on reviving the economy and support the government's peace initiative with North Korea.
He said last week that the two Koreas need to make efforts to normalize their joint factory park in the North's western border town of Kaesong and a tour program to Mount Kumgang, as soon as conditions are met, in a written answer to parliament ahead of his confirmation hearing.
Chung is also tasked with easing partisan tensions as the main opposition LKP is already hinting that it will not cooperate with the new prime minister.
During his confirmation hearing, Chung had said he plans to propose the formation of a Cabinet that involves opposition politicians after the April parliamentary elections.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-13--Gov't announces reorganization to reduce prosecution's direct investigation

Under the plan , the ministry will push to halve the number of units under the anti-corruption department at the @ @ @ @ @ from four to two , while also reducing the number of units of the public @ @ @ @ @ three .

SEOUL, Jan. 13 (Yonhap) -- The Justice Ministry on Monday unveiled a plan to reorganize the prosecution in line with a reform policy to reduce its investigative authority.
Under the plan, the ministry will push to halve the number of units under the anti-corruption department at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office from four to two, while also reducing the number of units of the public security department to two from three.
The plan also includes scrapping five of public security units at district offices across the nation, leaving only eight such units. Those divisions will be transferred to criminal and trial affairs departments, according to the ministry.
The move will likely speed up probes on criminal cases, which had been delayed as prosecutors were more often dispatched to investigate "cases that received the spotlight," it added.
South Korea's national flag and the flag for the prosecution service fly in front of the Supreme Prosecutors Office in southern Seoul in this file photo. (Yonhap)
The envisioned change will affect teams that have been probing major cases, including the investigation of former Justice Minister Cho Kuk's family's alleged academic fraud and financial wrongdoing, as well as presidential officials' suspected election meddling.
The ministry, meanwhile, said the organizational change is expected to help prepare for changes in the investigative environment, citing recent reform bills approved by parliament.
President Moon Jae-in's prosecution reform drive has made dramatic progress of late. The National Assembly has recently passed a set of bills on establishing an independent anti-corruption investigative agency and giving more investigative power to police.
Currently, police are able to initiate probes but do not have the authority to close them without prosecution approval. Only prosecutors can file indictments in direct control of police investigation.
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-13--Parliament passes bills on giving police more investigative power

Even if police want to file charges , however , they will have to continue to go through the prosecutors @ @ @ @ @ , they could clear suspects of charges by closing the case .

SEOUL, Jan. 13 (Yonhap) -- Police will be able to close probes without prosecution approval as the National Assembly passed two bills on granting police more investigative power on Monday.
The legislative move is expected to usher in a change in the relationship between the prosecution and police in a country where the prosecution has a monopoly on filing charges.
Currently, police are able to initiate probes but not allowed to close them without prosecution approval. Only prosecutors can file indictments in direct control of police investigation.
The revisions to the criminal procedure act and the prosecution office act, designed to give police more investigative authority, were approved in parliamentary votes boycotted by the main opposition Liberty Korea Party.
The adjustment of investigative authority is one of President Moon Jae-in's key campaign pledges to reform the prosecution service, along with the establishment of an independent body to probe corruption by high-ranking public officials.
The prosecution and police have long been in a standoff over their roles in criminal investigations.
The new laws stipulate the relationship between prosecutors and police should be "cooperative" in terms of conducting probes and filing charges.
They will enable the police to close probes of cases without approval from the prosecution and put an end to prosecutors' practice of commanding police probes.
It means the police could effectively decide whether to seek indictments after their initial investigation.
Even if police want to file charges, however, they will have to continue to go through the prosecutors' office administratively. Otherwise, they could clear suspects of charges by closing the case.
Ruling party lawmakers say the legislation also has a tool to prevent the police from abusing their expanded authority.
The prosecution can request reinvestigation if the police's refusal to refer the case to prosecutors is deemed unlawful. If a further probe affirms the case, police must refer it to the prosecution.
Monday's move wrapped up a political confrontation that started in late April with the designation of key political and judiciary reform bills as fast-track legislation.
The ruling Democratic Party (DP) and its three smaller rivals put those bills on a fast track in April, along with an electoral reform bill and a measure to set up a non-prosecution agency to look into corruption by high-ranking public officials.
The main opposition Liberty Korea Party (LKP) strongly objected their coordinated move and protested the recent passage of bills on electoral reform and the special probe unit.
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-13--Assembly approves prime minister nominee

Most disapproval votes were believed to have been cast by lawmakers from the main opposition Liberty Korea Party ( LKP @ @ @ @ @ that sending the former parliamentary speaker to the No .
2 Cabinet post could undermine @ @ @ @ @ powers .

SEOUL, Jan. 13 (Yonhap) -- The National Assembly on Monday endorsed President Moon Jae-in's pick for new prime minister despite strong resistance from the main opposition party.
The legislature passed the confirmation motion for Chung Sye-kyun at a plenary session. The six-term ruling party lawmaker and former speaker was nominated last month.
Among the 278 lawmakers present, 164 voted to approve Chung's appointment, while 109 disapproved. One lawmaker abstained, with four votes declared invalid.
Most disapproval votes were believed to have been cast by lawmakers from the main opposition Liberty Korea Party (LKP) that has been contending that sending the former parliamentary speaker to the No. 2 Cabinet post could undermine the principle of separation of powers.
Chung led the National Assembly for two years through the end of May 2018.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-13--SKT forms task force with 5 Asian telcos on 5G mobile edge computing

`` Some 350 telecommunication firms are preparing to commercialize 5G services this year , and many companies are asking us @ @ @ @ @ and MEC services , '' said Lee Kang-won , who leads Cloud Labs at SKT @ @ @ @ @ Korea 's 5G and MEC technologies will spread globally . ''

SEOUL, Jan. 13 (Yonhap) -- SK Telecom Co. (SKT), South Korea's largest mobile carrier, said Monday it has formed an international task force with five Asian telecommunication firms to develop 5G mobile edge computing (MEC) technologies and services.
Led by SKT, Global MEC TF will be comprised of Hong Kong's PCCW Global Ltd. and HKT Ltd., Taiwan's Taiwan Mobile Co., Singapore's Singapore Telecommunications Ltd., and the Philippines' Globe Telecom Inc.
All the companies are members of Bridge Alliance that represents more than 30 major mobile telecommunication firms in Asia, Australia and Africa.
SKT said the task force will bring the Asian telecommunication firms together to develop MEC technologies and services. It also aims to play a major role in setting up MEC platform standards.
In this photo provided by SK Telecom Co. on Jan. 13, 2020, officials from Global MEC TF, a business alliance of six major telecommunication firms, including SKT, pose for a photo at a meeting in Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
MEC is a key technology in delivering ultra-low latency data communication in 5G networks that allows companies to offer better solutions in cloud gaming, smart factory and autonomous driving. It targets to minimize latency by providing a "shortcut" -- which can be completed by installing a small-scale data centers at 5G base stations -- for data transmission.
SKT said that the latest partnership will help the company to export its 5G-related technologies and services.
"Some 350 telecommunication firms are preparing to commercialize 5G services this year, and many companies are asking us to work together on 5G and MEC services," said Lee Kang-won, who leads Cloud Labs at SKT. "We believe South Korea's 5G and MEC technologies will spread globally."
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-13--S. Korea to send condolence delegation to funeral of Oman's Sultan Qaboos

Sultan Qaboos , who led Oman for nearly half a century and is credited with the country 's modernization , @ @ @ @ @ age of 79 .
His cousin , Haitham bin Tariq Al Said , was sworn @ @ @ @ @ Saturday .

SEOUL, Jan. 13 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will have its defense minister lead a government delegation to the funeral of Oman's Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the longest-serving monarch in the Middle East, who died last week, Seoul's foreign ministry said Monday.
The nine-member delegation, led by Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo, will visit the country through Wednesday. It also includes Ambassador to Oman Kim Chang-kyu and Lee Won-ik, director general of international policy at the defense ministry.
Sultan Qaboos, who led Oman for nearly half a century and is credited with the country's modernization, died on Friday at the age of 79. His cousin, Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, was sworn in as new sultan on Saturday.
On Sunday, South Korean President Moon Jae-in sent a condolence message to Oman, while First Vice Foreign Minister Cho Sei-young visited the Omani Embassy in Seoul on Monday to express his condolences.
Seoul's foreign ministry expressed appreciation for Qaboos' contribution to strengthening relations between South Korea and Oman through such efforts as signing a long-term energy supply contract.
This photo, taken Nov. 28, 2019, shows Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo speaking during a meeting on the relocation of a military airport at his ministry in Seoul. (Yonhap)
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-13--(LEAD) FM Kang departs for San Francisco to hold talks with Pompeo

`` We 've been reviewing the matter .
I will listen to the thoughts of the U.S. side and what @ @ @ @ @ 've been reviewing , '' Kang told reporters at Incheon International Airport .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ discussions this time will be considered when the government makes its decision . ''

(ATTN: ADDS Kang's remarks in paras 4 and 10, more info in paras 11 and 14; CHANGES photo)
By Kim Seung-yeon
SEOUL, Jan. 13 (Yonhap) -- Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha left for San Francisco on Monday for talks with her U.S. counterpart on key pending issues, including South Korea's possible contribution to protecting the Strait of Hormuz and peace efforts with North Korea.
Her planned meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, set for Tuesday (U.S. time), comes as Washington has stepped up calls for its allies to join a U.S.-led maritime security coalition to safeguard the strategically vital waters off Iran.
The issue is expected to top the agenda, with tensions in the Middle East having spiked after Tehran launched a retaliatory missile attack on U.S. bases in Iraq last week after the U.S. killing of a top Iranian general.
"We've been reviewing the matter. I will listen to the thoughts of the U.S. side and what they say about what we've been reviewing," Kang told reporters at Incheon International Airport. "I believe the content of our discussions this time will be considered when the government makes its decision."
Kang and Pompeo last held one-on-one talks in Washington in March last year.
Seoul has been looking into ways to participate but has largely been reserved about it, considering its trade relations with Iran, one of the countries bordering the key waterway used for more than 70 percent of South Korea's oil imports.
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha speaks to reporters at Incheon International Airport on Jan. 13, 2020, before leaving for San Francisco for talks with her U.S. counterpart, Mike Pompeo. (Yonhap)
Observers say Seoul could send its anti-piracy Cheonghae unit operating off the Somali coast to the strait, instead of sending new troops.
On Friday, the foreign ministry in Seoul called in Iran's top envoy to lodge a protest over his remarks in a media interview warning of a negative impact on Seoul-Tehran ties if South Korea dispatches troops there.
In the upcoming talks, the two top diplomats are also expected to discuss the denuclearization talks with North Korea that have remained stalled since a 2018 summit in Hanoi of U.S. President Donald Trump and the North's leader Kim Jong-un ended without a deal.
"It's important to deter additional provocations by North Korea at this time. We'll discuss efforts to resume the dialogue process and I believe soon there will be envoy-level talks," Kang said.
Lee Do-hoon, South Korea's top nuclear negotiator, is said to be planning a visit to Washington as early as later this week to meet with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun, who also serves as the top nuclear envoy.
Pyongyang made it clear in a commentary Saturday by its former nuclear envoy that the dialogue with Washington can only resume when the U.S. fully accepts its demands for concessions -- sanctions relief and security assurances.
The North then ridiculed South Korea's presidential office for trying to be a mediator between Washington and Pyongyang with the delivery of Trump's birthday message to Kim, warning it not to "meddle in" the relationship of the two leaders.
In San Francisco, Kang is expected to hold trilateral talks with Pompeo and her Japanese counterpart, Toshimitsu Motegi, and discuss the peace process on the Korean Peninsula. She is also expected to hold separate bilateral talks with Motegi and discuss the current row over wartime forced labor and Tokyo's export curbs.
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-13--3,500 Chinese students to visit Korea for winter field trips

The Chinese students , mostly elementary and middle school students from across China , will travel to Seoul , Incheon @ @ @ @ @ destinations in seven groups until early February , the KTO said , adding that the @ @ @ @ @ to pass through cooperation between its Shanghai branch and China 's Jiangsu International Cultural Exchange @ @

SEOUL, Jan. 13 (Yonhap) -- About 3,500 young Chinese students will visit South Korea until early next month to enjoy winter field trips, the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) said Monday.
The Chinese students, mostly elementary and middle school students from across China, will travel to Seoul, Incheon, Daegu and other tourist destinations in seven groups until early February, the KTO said, adding that the massive group tours have come to pass through cooperation between its Shanghai branch and China's Jiangsu International Cultural Exchange Center.
Each group of Chinese students will stay in South Korea for five days to take part in various activities, including visits to elementary and middle schools, experiences of Korean food and ski lessons, the KTO said.
They will also visit the National Museum of Korea in central Seoul, it said, noting the upcoming Korea visit is their first overseas trip.
This file photo taken on Jan. 8, 2020, shows employees of China's Yiyongtang posing in front of a shopping mall in Incheon during their incentive trip to South Korea. (Yonhap)
Earlier this month, about 5,000 executives and employees of Yiyongtang, a health food distributor based in the northern Chinese city of Shenyang, visited Incheon, west of Seoul, for a six-day incentive trip. After attending a business strategy meeting and a new product event at the Songdo Convensia in Incheon, the Chinese tourists visited popular tourist destinations in the port city and Seoul, including Gyeongbok Palace, Lotte World, Wolmi Island and Chinatown.
The massive incentive tour of Yiyongtang marked the biggest single Chinese tourist group to visit South Korea since Beijing implemented economic retaliation, including a ban on group travel, against South Korea in 2017, when Seoul decided to deploy a U.S. missile defense system called THAAD.
The successive Korea visits by Chinese group tourists have also raised expectations that the number of Chinese tourists here may return to the pre-2017 level.
The number of Chinese visitors in South Korea nearly halved from 8.06 million in 2016 to 4.16 million in 2017 before rebounding to about 6 million last year.
"Last year, the KTO attracted more than 20,000 young visitors from China, recording a twofold increase over the previous year. It is notable that young Chinese students' visits will help brighten the future of bilateral exchanges," a KTO official said.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-13--Samsung, SK hynix hit historic highs on earnings recovery hopes

SEOUL , Jan. 13 ( Yonhap ) -- South Korea 's two largest chipmakers -- Samsung Electronics Co. and SK @ @ @ @ @ all-time highs on Monday on expectations that the chipmaking sector is recovering after bottoming out @ @ @ @ @ last year .

By Chung Joo-won
SEOUL, Jan. 13 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's two largest chipmakers -- Samsung Electronics Co. and SK hynix Inc. -- finished at all-time highs on Monday on expectations that the chipmaking sector is recovering after bottoming out in the fourth quarter of last year.
Stocks in Samsung Electronics, the world's largest memory chipmaker, closed at a record-high of 60,000 won (US$51.88), up 0.84 percent from the previous session's close.
SK hynix Inc., the world's second-largest DRAM maker, finished at 100,500 won, up 1.62 percent from the previous session's close. Earlier in the day, the stocks hit 101,000 won, the highest-ever quotation.
Investors flocked to the two tech behemoths on expectations of earnings improvements down the road, led by a modest recovery in chip prices and better-than-expected market response for Samsung smartphones.
Contract prices for 8-gigabyte DRAM server modules, mostly used for PCs, held steady for the last three months of 2019, according to market tracker DRAMeXchange. NAND flash contract market prices posted a 10 percent on-year increase in December, according to the tracker.
"Demand for server DRAMs has already shown clear signs of an increase," Shinhan Investment analyst Choi Do-yeon said. "We are expecting a steep hike in demand for the mobile DRAMS for 5G smartphones starting in the first quarter this year."
The stock rally marks a major turnaround for Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, as the companies endured a tough year in 2019 amid a supply glut of chip products and low chip prices.
Last week, Samsung Electronics estimated its fourth-quarter operating income at 7.1 trillion won, down 34.26 percent from a year earlier.
SK hynix, which has not yet released its quarterly earnings guidance report, is estimated to log an operating profit of 473 billion won, unchanged from the previous quarter.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

For years , the all-world outside hitter Kim Yeon-koung has been both a blessing and a curse for South Korea @ @ @ @ @ out her team time and time again with her sheer skills .
But at the @ @ @ @ @ team has relied on Kim so much , it has prevented the growth of other @ @ @ @ @ lack of depth has been a real concern for the long-term health of the program @

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Monday.
-----------------
S. Korea urges N. Korea to refrain from harsh words for better inter-Korean relations
SEOUL -- South Korea urged North Korea on Monday to respect each other and refrain from offensive language after a senior North Korean official derided Seoul's efforts to help stalled denuclearization talks move forward.
On Saturday, former North Korean chief nuclear envoy Kim Kye-gwan hurled harsh invective against the South, ridiculing Seoul's efforts to mediate between Washington and Pyongyang as "presumptuous," and urging it to "behave prudently not to be reduced to a fool heading nowhere."
-----------------
(LEAD) Cheong Wa Dae conveys petition on prosecution's Cho Kuk probe to rights panel
SEOUL -- Cheong Wa Dae said Monday it has submitted a formal document to a state human rights panel that includes a public petition calling for a probe into whether prosecutors violated relevant rules in their sweeping investigation into suspicions involving former Justice Minister Cho Kuk and his family.
Cheong Wa Dae earlier received the online petition amid debates over the prosecution's way of investigating the allegations of crimes related to his children's schooling and a family investment in a private equity fund.
-----------------
(News Focus) Tensions over prosecution reform deepen after reshuffle of senior prosecutors
SEOUL -- Tensions over prosecution reform have intensified, highlighted by the government's replacement of senior prosecutors in charge of a probe into scandals involving ex-Justice Minister Cho Kuk and some presidential officials.
The Ministry of Justice replaced 32 senior prosecutors on Wednesday in a reshuffle that relegated two top prosecutors close to Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl to provincial and less important posts.
-----------------
(LEAD) Seoul stocks hit 9-month high ahead of Sino-U.S. trade deal, Korean won sharply up
SEOUL -- South Korean stocks jumped more than 1 percent Monday to extend their winning streak to a third day, as foreign investors scooped up major chip shares as the signing of a Sino-American trade deal nears. The South Korean won sharply rose against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 22.87 points, or 1.04 percent, to close at 2,229.26, marking its highest point since April 17, when it reached 2,245.89 points.
-----------------
(LEAD) EXO's Chen breaks surprise marriage news, hints at fiance's pregnancy
SEOUL -- Chen, a member of K-pop boy band EXO, made a surprise announcement Monday that he will get married soon, hinting that his fiance is pregnant.
"Chen decided to get married after getting into a precious relationship," EXO's management agency, SM Entertainment, said.
-----------------
Air Force abolishes 'shaved head' rule for new recruits
SEOUL -- The Air Force said Monday it has abolished a regulation that forces new conscripts to have their heads fully shaved as part of efforts to better guarantee their human rights.
The decision was made upon the recommendation of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea, which said that such an "excessive" regulation could violate conscripts' rights.
-----------------
Korea's minting agency sees sales rise 9.1 pct in 2019
SEJONG -- South Korea's state-run minting agency said Monday its sales rose 9.1 percent on-year in 2019, as it expanded overseas sales of gold and silver bar products.
The Korea Minting, Security Printing & ID Card Operating Corp. (KOMSCO) reported sales of 524.6 billion won (US$454.1 million) last year, the company said in a statement.
-----------------
S. Korea earns Olympic volleyball berth with total team effort
SEOUL -- Volleyball is obviously a team sport, though it didn't seem that way for the South Korean women's national team in the recent past.
For years, the all-world outside hitter Kim Yeon-koung has been both a blessing and a curse for South Korea. She has been bailing out her team time and time again with her sheer skills. But at the same time, because the team has relied on Kim so much, it has prevented the growth of other attacking players, and the lack of depth has been a real concern for the long-term health of the program.
-----------------
K-pop stars temporarily leaving music scene over anxiety disorders
SEOUL -- At the height of their high-profile K-pop careers last year, Kang Daniel and Mina, a member of sensational girl group TWICE, temporarily left show business, complaining of anxiety and other mental disorders.
The Japanese K-pop star, Mina was suffering from an anxiety disorder and suspended her stage career amid her group's globe-trotting concert tour in July. Kang abruptly withdrew from the public eye in early December due to depression and a panic disorder, one week after his second music release as a soloist.
(END)


yna--2020-01-13--(LEAD) Cheong Wa Dae conveys petition on prosecution's Cho Kuk probe to rights panel

It urged the National Human Rights Commission ( NHRC ) , an independent body , to see if the prosecution @ @ @ @ @ of Cho and his family in the process of the probe that triggered massive street @ @ @ @ @ against Cho , a close aide to President Moon Jae-in .

(ATTN: CHANGES headline; UPDATES with Cheong Wa Dae's new statement)
SEOUL, Jan. 13 (Yonhap) -- Cheong Wa Dae said Monday it has submitted a formal document to a state human rights panel that includes a public petition calling for a probe into whether prosecutors violated relevant rules in their sweeping investigation into suspicions involving former Justice Minister Cho Kuk and his family.
Cheong Wa Dae earlier received the online petition amid debates over the prosecution's way of investigating the allegations of crimes related to his children's schooling and a family investment in a private equity fund.
The petition, posted on Oct. 15, 2019, has been sponsored by more than 226,000 people in a month, requiring the presidential office to issue a public response.
It urged the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), an independent body, to see if the prosecution has infringed the human rights of Cho and his family in the process of the probe that triggered massive street rallies in Seoul for and against Cho, a close aide to President Moon Jae-in.
"Cheong Wa Dae sent an official document, with the content of the people's petition included, in the name of chief of staff (Noh Young-min)," Kang Jeong-soo, presidential secretary for digital communication, said in a statement.
He added the commission has notified Cheong Wa Dae that it could begin a formal probe, if necessary, after checking whether it's a matter related to protecting human rights.
Cheong Wa Dae's deputy spokesperson Han Jung-woo later stressed that the presidential office has conveyed the public petition to the NHRC.
"It's not Cheong Wa Dae that has filed its own petition" with the commission, he said.
This combined image provided by Yonhap News TV shows former Justice Minister Cho Kuk. (Yonhap)
Cho, a law professor, drew up the master plan for the government's far-reaching prosecution reform measures while serving as senior presidential secretary for civil affairs.
Moon nominated Cho on Aug. 9 last year to lead the Ministry of Justice and spearhead the prosecution reform drive.
A day after the ruling and opposition parties agreed on the schedule for his confirmation hearing, the prosecution launched simultaneous raids on about two dozen offices and other facilities as part of their probe into the Cho scandal.
It indicted Cho's wife, Chung Kyung-sim, on the day when he was attending the hearing. Chung, a college professor, was later arrested.
A team of investigators also carried out an 11-hour raid on Cho's home in Seoul weeks before indicting him on charges of crimes largely associated with personal affairs rather than high-profile corruption.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-13--Air Force abolishes 'shaved head' rule for new recruits

`` In accordance with the rights committee 's advice , we 've decided to allow new recruits to have a @ @ @ @ @ those in other services , '' an Air Force officer said , adding that the @ @ @ @ @ applied to those joining the military on Monday as the first batch of conscripts for @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Jan. 13 (Yonhap) -- The Air Force said Monday it has abolished a regulation that forces new conscripts to have their heads fully shaved as part of efforts to better guarantee their human rights.
The decision was made upon the recommendation of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea, which said that such an "excessive" regulation could violate conscripts' rights.
Conscripts who join a military boot camp for the Air Force were required to have their heads completely shaved during their five-week training period, while those for the Army and the Navy are allowed to have a haircut that leaves their hair about 3 to 5 centimeters long.
"In accordance with the rights committee's advice, we've decided to allow new recruits to have a plain butch cut just like those in other services," an Air Force officer said, adding that the new rule began to be applied to those joining the military on Monday as the first batch of conscripts for the new year.
While noting that hairstyle regulations are part of the military's efforts to boost operational efficiency and maintain cleanliness, the Air Force said that the eased rule is expected to help guarantee their right to pursue happiness.
The rights committee began reviewing the matter last year when a parent of an Air Force recruit filed a petition complaining of the regulation after his son was forced to have his head completely shaved upon joining the military, though he had had his hair cut neatly before being enlisted.
All able-bodied South Korean men must carry out compulsory military service for about two years in a country that faces North Korea across a heavily fortified border.
This combined image, provided by the National Human Rights Commission of Korea on Jan. 13, 2019, shows new recruits of the Air Force who were forced to have their heads completely shaved at a boot camp. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-13--(LEAD) EXO's Chen breaks surprise marriage news, hints at fiance's pregnancy

SM did not provide further details about the finance , only saying that she is not in show business .
@ @ @ @ @ the exact date or location of the wedding , adding that the ceremony will be @ @ @ @ @ couple 's families .

(ATTN: UPDATES with background in last 3 paras)
SEOUL, Jan. 13 (Yonhap) -- Chen, a member of K-pop boy band EXO, made a surprise announcement Monday that he will get married soon, hinting that his fiance is pregnant.
"Chen decided to get married after getting into a precious relationship," EXO's management agency, SM Entertainment, said.
SM did not provide further details about the finance, only saying that she is not in show business. It also did not provide the exact date or location of the wedding, adding that the ceremony will be a closed affair among the couple's families.
EXO's Chen (Yonhap)
"Even after (the marriage) Chen will repay (fans' support) with hard work ... we wish for (fans') blessing and congratulations for Chen," according to SM.
The 28-year-old, whose legal name is Kim Jong-dae, broke the news in a hand-written letter posted on the official online fan community.
"I have a girlfriend with whom I want to spend the rest of my life," he said in the letter.
He said "a blessing has come to me" while discussing his marriage plan with band mates and the management agency, hinting that the couple has welcomed a pregnancy.
"I was disconcerted ... but encouraged by this blessing," Chen said. "I decided to be brave (to break the news) because I could no longer waste time."
"I thank the fellow members who sincerely congratulated me on this news and fans who always support me," he said.
This image of Chen's hand-written letter posted on EXO's official online fan community is provided by SM Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Chen debuted in 2012 as the main vocalist of EXO, which went on to garner a sensational number of fans in and outside of Korea.
He also was part of an EXO sub-unit, EXO-CBX, with two other members of the band -- Baekhyun and Xiumin -- before issuing his first solo album last year.
Chen is the first of the nine EXO members to get married.
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-13--(LEAD) Seoul stocks hit 9-month high ahead of Sino-U.S. trade deal, Korean won sharply up

With signs of a recovery in chip prices , investors have been rushing to chipmakers and have remained hopeful as @ @ @ @ @ are scheduled to sign their Phase 1 trade deal in Washington later this week , @ @ @ @ @ between the world 's two largest economies .

(ATTN: ADDS photo and bond yields at bottom)
SEOUL, Jan. 13 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks jumped more than 1 percent Monday to extend their winning streak to a third day, as foreign investors scooped up major chip shares as the signing of a Sino-American trade deal nears. The South Korean won sharply rose against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 22.87 points, or 1.04 percent, to close at 2,229.26, marking its highest point since April 17, when it reached 2,245.89 points.
Trade volume was moderate at 480 million shares worth 6.1 trillion won (US$5.3 billion), with gainers far outnumbering losers 594 to 248.
An electronic signboard at KEB Hana Bank in Seoul shows the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) up 1.04 percent to close at 2,229.26 points on Jan. 13, 2020. (Yonhap)
Foreign investors maintained their net buying position for the seventh straight session to scoop up a net 258.1 billion won, while individuals and institutions offloaded a net 49.4 billion won and 214.5 billion won, respectively.
With signs of a recovery in chip prices, investors have been rushing to chipmakers and have remained hopeful as the United States and China are scheduled to sign their Phase 1 trade deal in Washington later this week, possibly ending a tariff war between the world's two largest economies.
Market behemoth Samsung Electronics extended its winning streak to a fifth day, rising 0.84 percent to end at a fresh record high of 60,000 won. No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix was 1.62 percent higher, ending at an all-time high of 100,500 won.
"DRAM prices will continue to rise in the second quarter, which will eventually lead to improved earnings for Samsung Electronics throughout the year," Choi Yoo-june, an analyst at Shinhan Financial Investment, said.
Chemicals shares were also bullish, with industry leader LG Chem gaining 2.31 percent to reach 332,500 won.
Cosmetics makers also advanced on hopes that China's economic sanctions against South Korea over the deployment of a U.S.-led missile defense scheme may be lifted.
Top producer AmorePacific was up 5.22 percent at 232,000 won, and LG Household & Health Care surged 4.54 percent to 1,404,000 won.
Bio shares were in positive terrain, with pharmaceutical firm Samsung BioLogics increasing 0.92 percent to end at 440,500 won. Another bio firm, Celltrion, added 1.13 percent to hit 179,500 won.
Auto shares were mixed. Leading automaker Hyundai Motor moved up 1.32 percent to 115,000 won, while its smaller sister company, Kia Motor, was 0.12 percent higher at 40,450 won. In contrast, auto parts maker Hyundai Mobis fell 1.02 percent to 242,000 won.
The local currency closed at 1,156 won against the U.S. dollar, sharply up 5.3 won from the previous session's close, on risk-off sentiment.
Bond prices, which move inversely to yields, closed mixed. The yield on three-year Treasurys lost 0.7 basis point to stand at 1.418 percent, and the return on the benchmark five-year government bond added 0.4 basis point to reach 1.550 percent.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-13--S. Korean Bond Yields on Jan. 13, 2020

S. Korean Bond Yields on Jan. 13, 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--2020-01-13--EXO's Chen breaks surprise marriage news, hints at fiance's pregnancy

SEOUL, Jan. 13 (Yonhap) -- Chen, a member of K-pop boy band EXO, made a surprise announcement Monday that he will get married soon, hinting that his fiance is pregnant.
"Chen decided to get married after getting into a precious relationship," EXO's management agency, SM Entertainment, said.
SM did not provide further details about the finance, only saying that she is not in show business. It also did not provide the exact date or location of the wedding, adding that the ceremony will be a closed affair among the couple's families.
EXO's Chen (Yonhap)
"Even after (the marriage) Chen will repay (fans' support) with hard work ... we wish for (fans') blessing and congratulations for Chen," according to SM.
The 28-year-old, whose legal name is Kim Jong-dae, broke the news in a hand-written letter posted on the official online fan community.
"I have a girlfriend with whom I want to spend the rest of my life," he said in the letter.
He said "a blessing has come to me" while discussing his marriage plan with band mates and the management agency, hinting that the couple has welcomed a pregnancy.
"I was disconcerted ... but encouraged by this blessing," Chen said. "I decided to be brave (to break the news) because I could no longer waste time."
"I thank the fellow members who sincerely congratulated me on this news and fans who always support me," he said.
This image of Chen's hand-written letter posted on EXO's official online fan community is provided by SM Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-13--Seoul stocks hit 9-month high ahead of Sino-U.S. trade deal, Korean won sharply up

SEOUL, Jan. 13 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks jumped more than 1 percent Monday to extend their winning streak to a third day, as foreign investors scooped up major chip shares as the signing of a Sino-American trade deal nears. The South Korean won sharply rose against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 22.87 points, or 1.04 percent, to close at 2,229.26, marking its highest point since April 17, when it reached 2,245.89 points.
Trade volume was moderate at 480 million shares worth 6.1 trillion won (US$5.3 billion), with gainers far outnumbering losers 594 to 248.
Foreign investors maintained their net buying position for the seventh straight session to scoop up a net 258.1 billion won, while individuals and institutions offloaded a net 49.4 billion won and 214.5 billion won, respectively.
With signs of a recovery in chip prices, investors have been rushing to chipmakers and have remained hopeful as the United States and China are scheduled to sign their Phase 1 trade deal in Washington later this week, possibly ending a tariff war between the world's two largest economies.
Market behemoth Samsung Electronics extended its winning streak to a fifth day, rising 0.84 percent to end at a fresh record high of 60,000 won. No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix was 1.62 percent higher, ending at an all-time high of 100,500 won.
"DRAM prices will continue to rise in the second quarter, which will eventually lead to improved earnings for Samsung Electronics throughout the year," Choi Yoo-june, an analyst at Shinhan Financial Investment, said.
Chemicals shares were also bullish, with industry leader LG Chem gaining 2.31 percent to reach 332,500 won.
Cosmetics makers also advanced on hopes that China's economic sanctions against South Korea over the deployment of a U.S.-led missile defense scheme may be lifted.
Top producer AmorePacific was up 5.22 percent at 232,000 won, and LG Household & Health Care surged 4.54 percent to 1,404,000 won.
Bio shares were in positive terrain, with pharmaceutical firm Samsung BioLogics increasing 0.92 percent to end at 440,500 won. Another bio firm, Celltrion, added 1.13 percent to hit 179,500 won.
Auto shares were mixed. Leading automaker Hyundai Motor moved up 1.32 percent to 115,000 won, while its smaller sister company, Kia Motor, was 0.12 percent higher at 40,450 won. In contrast, auto parts maker Hyundai Mobis fell 1.02 percent to 242,000 won.
The local currency closed at 1,156 won against the U.S. dollar, sharply up 5.3 won from the previous session's close, on risk-off sentiment.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-13--Manila-bound flights canceled due to volcanic eruption

`` We decided to cancel the flights on concerns that volcanic ashes may damage airplanes ' engines , '' an @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` More flights are expected to be delayed down the road . ''

SEOUL, Jan. 13 (Yonhap) -- South Korean air carriers canceled flights connecting Incheon and Manila following a volcanic eruption that covered areas of the Philippines with ashes, industry sources said Monday.
Earlier in the day, Korean Air Lines Co., South Korea's top flag carrier, canceled three flights departing from Incheon International Airport to Manila, along with three returning flights.
Global flights bound for Manila have been disrupted since Sunday following the eruption of Taal Volcano, located 65 kilometers south of the capital, which led to an evacuation of around 6,000 residents and tourists.
Korean Air also canceled two round trips connecting Incheon and Manila on Sunday after the Philippines decided to shut down Ninoy Aquino International Airport, its main gateway.
"We decided to cancel the flights on concerns that volcanic ashes may damage airplanes' engines," an official from the Korean Air said. "More flights are expected to be delayed down the road."
The company said it is considering operating flights from Clark International Airport, located north of Manila, as an estimated 1,300 passengers are stranded in the capital city due to the cancellations.
Asiana Airlines Inc., South Korea's second-largest carrier, also canceled three round trips connecting Incheon and Manila after the eruption.
Jeju Air Co., South Korea's largest low-cost carrier, suspended its flights to Guam on concerns over volcanic ashes. Asiana Airlines decided to redirect its flight to Saipan.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-13--Investment funds' net asset value jumps 21 pct in 2019: data

The net asset value of funds that invest in bonds increased 15.9 trillion won , or 15.4 percent , on-year @ @ @ @ @ and that of stock funds increased 8.9 trillion won , or 11.2 percent , to @ @ @ @ @ , as a rally late last year boosted overall value , despite a net cash @ @ @ @ @ .

By Chung Joo-won
SEOUL, Jan. 13 (Yonhap) -- The value of investment funds in South Korea increased 21 percent last year as investors parked more money in safer financial vehicles amid increased economic uncertainties and a mini rally in the local stock market that boosted overall value, data showed Monday.
The net asset value (NAV) of stocks, bonds and real estate-related funds reached a combined 658.8 trillion won (US$570.3 billion) at the end of 2019, compared with the previous year's 544.3 trillion won, according to data from the Korea Financial Investment Association (KOFIA).
The net asset value is the amount of funds received from contractors and the revenue recorded during the cited period.
The rise in NAV was driven by cash inflows into bond funds and money market funds (MMFs) and a rally in the local stock market.
The net asset value of funds that invest in bonds increased 15.9 trillion won, or 15.4 percent, on-year to 119 trillion won, and that of stock funds increased 8.9 trillion won, or 11.2 percent, to 88.8 trillion won in 2019, as a rally late last year boosted overall value, despite a net cash outflow of 6.6 trillion won.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) advanced 7.67 percent last year to close at 2,197.67 in the final trading session, buoyed by rising optimism for the Sino-American trade negotiations and a much-coveted economic recovery.
The net asset value of MMFs rose 15.3 trillion won, or 17 percent, to 105.6 trillion won in 2019, according to the KOFIA.
Real estate funds saw their NAV rise 45.9 trillion won, or 31.2 percent, to 193.3 trillion won over the cited period on the back of a cash inflow of 45.6 trillion won, the data showed.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-15--(LEAD) U.S. sanctions 2 N. Korean entities over labor exports

The workers are believed to be a major source of income for Pyongyang as it continues to develop its nuclear @ @ @ @ @ in violation of U.N. resolutions .

(ATTN: UPDATES with Treasury statement; RECASTS headline; ADDS photo)
By Lee Haye-ah
WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 (Yonhap) -- The United States on Tuesday sanctioned two North Korean entities, including one based in China, for involvement in North Korean labor exports in violation of international sanctions.
The U.S. Treasury Department said it is targeting a North Korean trading corporation, Namgang Trading Corp., and a China-based North Korean lodging facility, Beijing Sukbakso, for facilitating North Korea's practice of sending laborers abroad.
"The exportation of North Korean workers raises illicit revenue for the government of North Korea in violation of U.N. sanctions," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement.
Under a 2017 United Nations Security Council resolution, all U.N. member states were required to expel North Korean workers by Dec. 22, 2019.
The workers are believed to be a major source of income for Pyongyang as it continues to develop its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs in violation of U.N. resolutions.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury in Washington. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-15--U.S. imposes sanctions on two N. Korean entities: report

The U.S. Treasury Department announced the sanctions , Reuters reported , as Washington continues to press Pyongyang to give up @ @ @ @ @

WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 (Yonhap) -- The United States on Tuesday imposed sanctions on two North Korean entities, including one based in China, a report said.
The U.S. Treasury Department announced the sanctions, Reuters reported, as Washington continues to press Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons program.
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-15--(URGENT) U.S. imposes sanctions on two N. Korean entities: report


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yna--2020-01-14--BTS launches 'Connect' art project in London

The project called Connect .
BTS will show artworks that `` resonate with the BTS philosophy '' of love , @ @ @ @ @ , Berlin , Buenos Aires , Seoul and New York for three months , according @ @ @ @ @ .

SEOUL, Jan. 14 (Yonhap) -- K-pop stars BTS on Tuesday launched a series of art exhibitions in collaboration with 22 contemporary artists from around the world ahead of the release of its new album next month.
The project called Connect. BTS will show artworks that "resonate with the BTS philosophy" of love, connection and diversity in London, Berlin, Buenos Aires, Seoul and New York for three months, according to the project's website.
The London event began at the Serpentine Gallery on Tuesday with Danish artist Jakob Kudsk Steensen's digital recreation of an ancient forest, titled "Catharsis."
BTS members pose in this photo provided by its agency Big Hit Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The show is set to open in Berlin on Wednesday, in Buenos Aires next Tuesday, in Seoul on Jan. 28 and in New York on Feb. 4.
BTS will collaborate with 22 renowned artists, including British sculptor Antony Gormley and Argentinian installation artist Tomas Saraceno.
"This project aims to redefine the relationships between art and music, the material and immaterial, artists and their audiences, artists and artists, and theory and practice," the website said.
The seven-member group is scheduled to release its new album, "Map of the Soul: 7," on Feb. 21.
(END)


yna--2020-01-14--S. Korean delegation meets with new Oman sultan, mourns Qaboos

Sultan Qaboos , who is credited with having set the county on a path to development after taking the helm @ @ @ @ @ , died on Friday at the age of 79 .
His cousin , Haitham bin @ @ @ @ @ sworn in as new monarch on Saturday .

SEOUL, Jan. 14 (Yonhap) -- A South Korean delegation, led by Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo, met with Oman's new leader on Tuesday to offer condolences for the death of Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Seoul's foreign ministry said.
Sultan Qaboos, who is credited with having set the county on a path to development after taking the helm of the nation in 1970, died on Friday at the age of 79. His cousin, Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, was sworn in as new monarch on Saturday.
The nine-member South Korean delegation visited Oman's royal palace in Muscat, and delivered President Moon Jae-in's condolence message to the new leader, according to the ministry.
Sultan Haitham expressed his gratitude for the visit and Moon's message, it added.
Earlier, Seoul's foreign ministry expressed appreciation for the late leader's contribution to strengthening bilateral ties between South Korea and Oman through such efforts as signing a long-term energy supply contract.
Jeong then met with his Omani counterpart, Bader bin Saood Al Busaidi, and the two ministers vowed to further strengthen their cooperation in defense industries, according to the ministry.
In this photo released by South Korea's foreign ministry, Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo (L) pays a courtesy call on Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, the new monarch of Oman, in the Al Alam Palace in Muscat on Jan. 14, 2020. Jeong is leading a nine-member government delegation to the funeral of Sultan Haitham's predecessor, Qaboos bin Said. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-14--(4th LD) Moon urges prosecution's self-reform, saying it's still powerful

`` With the passage of the bills on the readjustment of investigative power , there will be a big change @ @ @ @ @ in the future , '' he said in a lecture to prosecutors in the central @ @ @ @ @ We have to change a lot where we have to , '' he added .

(ATTN: ADDS prosecutor general's remarks in paras 14-16)
SEOUL, Jan. 14 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in said Tuesday the state prosecution is still powerful despite a set of administrative and legislative measures to reform the organization.
He called for Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl to push for "self-reform" while speaking at his New Year's press conference at Cheong Wa Dae.
Moon avoided a direct answer when asked if he has "confidence" in Yoon. He instead said, "I think he has already gained trust from the people in such aspects of strict probes and investigation not submissive to power." When used in the context of prosecution-related issues, the word "power" usually means the presidential office.
If Yoon takes the initiative in reforming "the culture" of his organization, he would receive more public trust, Moon said.
He stressed that his administration's prosecution reform drive is not related to ongoing investigations into high-profile scandals involving former and sitting Cheong Wa Dae officials.
The recent replacement of several senior prosecutors close to Yoon has nothing to do with the reform drive either, he added.
President Moon Jae-in speaks during a news conference for the new year at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Jan. 14, 2020. (Yonhap)
The president was responding to questions about a controversy over the justice ministry's reassignment of Yoon's lieutenants.
Moon said the right to appoint new senior prosecutors by the president and the justice minister "should be respected."
He added that former Justice Minister Cho Kuk has made a lot of contributions to the prosecution reform drive.
Citing Cho's suffering from prosecutors' intensive probe into a scandal involving him and his family, Moon said that whether they are guilty or not will be revealed through court trials.
But Moon said he owes a "debt in heart" to Cho and asked the people to stop conflicts over him. Social rifts are going on in South Korea over whether it was right for Moon to have picked Cho as justice minister.
President Moon Jae-in attends a news conference for the new year at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Jan. 14, 2020. (Yonhap)
On Monday night, parliament passed a package of bills on granting police more investigative rights in a bid to rebalance its role and power vis-a-vis the prosecution.
Lawmakers earlier passed another bill on creating a special non-prosecution unit specializing in looking into corruption among high-ranking civil servants, including prosecutors.
Later on Tuesday, Yoon pledged that the prosecution will keep pace with the reform policies.
"With the passage of the bills on the readjustment of investigative power, there will be a big change in the criminal justice system in the future," he said in a lecture to prosecutors in the central city of Jincheon. "We have to change a lot where we have to," he added.
Despite the legal revisions, Yoon said the prosecution will still play the most important role in investigation, prosecution and the whole process of criminal justice.
On politics, Moon stressed the "desperate" need for consultations between the ruling and opposition parties.
He rapped the current National Assembly, saying it should not operate as it does currently.
The president expressed hope for changes in the culture of politics here through the April 15 general elections.
He also said he will continue to give the country's prime minister more power and authority.
Moon added that he has no plan to push for a constitutional amendment himself.
Regarding soaring housing prices especially in Seoul, Moon said the government will mobilize strong countermeasures "endlessly" if necessary to stabilize the market and even return prices to the level before the boom over the past few years.
He agreed that it's "the right direction" to jack up the property holding tax and reduce the transfer tax, saying the government will review the matter "prudently."
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-14--K-pop artists' talent, messages overcome language barriers: K-pop columnist

`` Definitely language is becoming less important in music that you listen to .
It 's certainly becoming more about @ @ @ @ @ message is , what they show and what their talent is , '' Jeff Benjamin @ @ @ @ @ reporters on the sidelines of the annual Culture Communication Forum hosted by the Corea Image @ @ @

SEOUL, Jan. 14 (Yonhap) -- Nationality or language matters less than artists' talent or messages in today's global music industry, an American columnist specializing in K-pop said Tuesday, referring to the phenomenal global ascent of K-pop.
"Definitely language is becoming less important in music that you listen to. It's certainly becoming more about the artists, what their message is, what they show and what their talent is," Jeff Benjamin said in a meeting with reporters on the sidelines of the annual Culture Communication Forum hosted by the Corea Image Communication Institute.
Benjamin is leading efforts to promote K-pop in the United States with his contributing articles to such popular music magazines as Billboard and Rolling Stone. Recognizing such efforts, the Corea Image Communication Institute selected this year Benjamin as one of the three winners of the institute's annual awards given to those who helped promote the overseas image of Korea. The other two are Jazz singer Nah Youn-Sun and French-American professor Guy Sorman.
"The K part will become less emphasized but it's going to be about the actual artist," he said, stressing that the driver of K-pop's global sensation is not the identity of the music, but the unique quality and message K-pop music carries with it.
"Remaining true to who you are and doing something different ... I think that will be the thing that make (true musicians)," he said. "Having messages that are different and unique is going to have larger impact on the music industry at large."
The K-pop columnist also put the glittering stage performance of K-pop bands and their management agencies' engaging marketing strategies as key attractions of K-pop music and the genre's global success.
He also linked the studious work ethic and teamwork embedded in Korean culture to the global success of K-pop, saying "putting the team first, putting the company first ... that's really special. It's not just one person's ambition."
Benjamin also referred to the carefully orchestrated music marketing strategies by Korean music labels that often involve weeks of teaser images and video feeds before and after the actual music release, as well as social media communications with fans.
"It keeps people's attention, and they get more excited ... Having K-pop is good for young people, given how distracted they are these days," Benjamin said.
"Among all things, the way music is released and produced is very important in terms of how it's consumed in the larger music industry."
Asked to pick some of the most promising K-pop idol bands for the New Year, he named Ateez, an eight-member boy band, as well as Stray Kids, (G)I-dle and ITZY.
"I am watching Ateez. They have strong message and really strong Western reaction," he said. The band is lesser known in South Korea, but eventually the domestic reaction will catch up with the wild Western reaction, he predicted.
This year, Benjamin also plans to publish a book recounting K-pop's journey to global prominence through a lens of a foreigner. He is also planning to launch a website dedicated to discussion on K-pop.
"One of my biggest goals is to think how can we expand K-pop in different ways. I don't see a lot of people giving the same attention and respect they give to other music. I am interested in having effective and meaningful discussion (about that)."
Jeff Benjamin speaks during a meeting with reporters on Jan. 14, 2020. (Yonhap)
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-14--(LEAD) S. Korea to strengthen regulations for better animal welfare

The set of strengthened policies , which runs through 2024 , will focus on enhancing the public 's awareness of @ @ @ @ @ living conditions for not only pets but also laboratory animals and livestock , according to @ @ @ @ @ Food and Rural Affairs .

(ATTN: ADDS more details in paras 8-9)
By Kang Yoon-seung
SEOUL, Jan. 14 (Yonhap) -- South Korea said Tuesday it plans to adopt tougher regulations to prevent animal cruelty and to provide animals with a better living environment as part of efforts to improve animal welfare in the country.
The set of strengthened policies, which runs through 2024, will focus on enhancing the public's awareness of animal welfare and on improving living conditions for not only pets but also laboratory animals and livestock, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
Compared to the previous five-year plan, which ran through 2019, the new blueprint will provide more details on protecting the rights of pets, in line with the rising number of South Koreans adopting them, the ministry said.
More than a quarter of South Korean households had a pet as of 2019, compared with 17.4 percent of homes in 2010, according to the ministry.
The country's market for pets and related business is estimated to reach 3.4 trillion won (US$2.95 billion) this year and to expand to 5.7 trillion won in 2026.
Starting in 2022, prospective pet owners will only be allowed to adopt pets after completing a mandatory course in order to improve their awareness of animal rights. Information on the subject will be provided to schoolchildren.
Owners of certain breeds of dog -- Tosa, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Rottweiler and related mixed breeds -- will be obligated to purchase insurance starting next year as well.
The ministry said it will also consider a scheme that requires owners of such dogs to get permission to raise them at apartments and other multi-unit dwellings.
There have been calls that raising the dogs, usually grouped as fierce ones, should be tightly regulated as there have been a few cases of dogs biting people in the country.
The definition of cruelty will cover a wider range of abuse, with any mistreatment leading to the death of an animal receiving a maximum three-year jail term, up from the previous two years.
Pet owners will be banned from keeping dogs on a short leash at home and from confining them in rooms with limited light.
The ministry said it will also set guidelines on adequate living space at animal farms this year and review the provision of incentives for facility renovation. Provincial governments will be ordered to establish guidance on rights for animals used in festivals including bull fighting.
Using animals for experiments will also face tougher regulations, and violators may face a jail term of up to two years for violations, compared to the previous maximum 3 million-won fine, the ministry added.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-14--S. Korea lowers travel alert for Bolivia amid signs of political stability

The ministry said that the adjustment was made in consideration of the recent improvement in political situations , the transportation @ @ @ @ @ , and public security in the country .

SEOUL, Jan. 14 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's foreign ministry on Tuesday lowered a travel alert for Bolivia, except for the country's Island of the Sun, amid signs of stability in the South American country once gripped by civil unrest from last year's disputed election results.
The ministry downgraded the alert to "caution," the lowest of the four-tier warning system, from the previous "restraint," while maintaining the second-highest level of "withdrawal recommendation" for the island.
The ministry said that the adjustment was made in consideration of the recent improvement in political situations, the transportation of food and other commodities, and public security in the country.
Bolivia went through a period of serious instability due to civil protests in the wake of disputed election results in October last year that led then President Evo Morales to resign after nearly 14 years in power.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-14--S. Korea, Japan hold working-level talks on trade, history row

In response , the South decided to terminate a military information sharing pact with Japan , known as the General @ @ @ @ @ .
But the planned termination was suspended at the last minute in November as the @ @ @ @ @ talks on the issues of export controls and forced labor .

By Kim Seung-yeon
SEOUL, Jan. 14 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and Japan held working-level talks in San Francisco on Monday (U.S. time) on the ongoing row over wartime history and trade, as their top diplomats gathered there for trilateral talks with the United States, the foreign ministry said.
Kim Jung-han, director-general for Asia and Pacific affairs, met with his Japanese counterpart, Shigeki Takizaki, and discussed the issues of mutual concern, the ministry said. The two were accompanying their foreign ministers, Kang Kyung-wha and Toshimitsu Motegi, on their trips.
Kang, Motegi and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo are scheduled to hold a trilateral session on Tuesday. On the sidelines, Kang plans to meet one-on-one with Pompeo, and officials are working to set up a separate meeting between Kang and Motegi.
Relations between Seoul and Tokyo have deteriorated since Tokyo imposed export restrictions against Seoul in August in protest of the South Korean Supreme Court's rulings that ordered Japanese firms to compensate victims of wartime forced labor.
In response, the South decided to terminate a military information sharing pact with Japan, known as the General Security of Military Information Agreement. But the planned termination was suspended at the last minute in November as the two countries agreed to hold talks on the issues of export controls and forced labor.
In Monday's working-level talks, Kim reiterated Seoul's call for Japan to retract the export controls while emphasizing the government's stance that it respects the court's decision, the ministry said.
The two sides also discussed preparations for a meeting of their foreign ministers, the ministry said.
Kim and Takizaki last met in Tokyo in November, days before Seoul put off the decision to terminate GSOMIA.
In a New Year's press conference on Tuesday, President Moon Jae-in urged Japan to present ideas for a solution, while emphasizing that any solution must have the victims' support.
This composite file photo shows Kim Jung-han (L), director-general for Asia and Pacific Affairs at South Korea's foreign ministry and his Japanese counterpart, Shigeki Takizaki, on Jan. 14, 2019. (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)