yna--2020-04-18--PM appeals for strict adherence to social distancing campaign to stem coronavirus

From March 22 , the government has intensified the drive , forcing all major public facilities , including schools and @ @ @ @ @ down to stop the spread of the virus , and it is expected to announce @ @ @ @ @ to further extend the guidance , which is supposed to be in effect until Sunday @

SEOUL, April 18 (Yonhap) -- Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun called on the people Saturday to minimize outdoor activities during upcoming holidays and adhere to social distancing guidance to stem the coronavirus.
"I am worried that the social distancing campaign that we've carried out very well could be jeopardized later this month," Chung said, pointing to planned holidays set to begin at the end of this month.
South Korea is to mark Buddha's birthday on April 30, which will be followed by Labor Day, and Children's Day falls on May 5 after the weekend.
"I earnestly ask you to refrain from outdoor activities during holidays for the safety of the community. If you are planning a trip, please reconsider that," Chung stressed.
These combined photos show key landmarks in Seoul casting a blue light on April 16 and 17, 2020, as part of the Blue Light Campaign to express gratitude to South Korean medical personnel for fighting the novel coronavirus. Seoul's metropolitan government said they will be lit up till May 15. Counterclockwise from top left are the Seoullo 7017 pedestrian overpass, Seoul World Cup Stadium, Namsan Seoul Tower and Seoul City Hall. (Yonhap)
South Korea has reported fewer than 30 daily COVID-19 cases over the past five days in a row, but health authorities have warned against complacency.
From March 22, the government has intensified the drive, forcing all major public facilities, including schools and private gyms, to shut down to stop the spread of the virus, and it is expected to announce soon its decision on whether to further extend the guidance, which is supposed to be in effect until Sunday.
"If movement by and contact among the people surge amid risks of infections without symptoms, we may have to pay a huge price," Chung said. "Our children might not be able to go to school during the first semester."
Pointing to ongoing online campaigns to express gratitude to medical staff, the prime minister once again thanked them for their commitment and sacrifice that allow South Korea to manage the situation amid the global pandemic.
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-04-18--(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on April 18)

A looming job crisis is another grave challenge .
Statistics Korea said the country lost 195,000 jobs in March ― @ @ @ @ @ May 2009 when it lost 240,000 jobs in the middle of the global financial crisis @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus outbreak has hit hard temporary and daily employees , with the number of temporary @ @ @ @ @ the biggest monthly drop since the government began compiling such data in January 1989 .
@ @ @ @ @ urgently needed for these people .
The government said it will unveil a package of @ @ @ @ @ job market next week .
The measures should be centered on protecting more vulnerable people @ @ @ @ @ the elderly and women .

Riding out crisis
Economic rescue should be top post-election goal
One of the biggest topics in the past general election was how well the Moon Jae-in administration had responded to the COVID-19 outbreak. But the election is now over, and this is an old story. It is time to patch things up and unite together to ride out this unprecedented crisis.
Huge challenges lie ahead for South Korea even though it has been dealing with the outbreak fairly well. Most of all, the economy is in dire straits. In a monthly economic assessment report, dubbed Green Book, which was released Friday, the Ministry of Economy and Finance said economic uncertainties caused by the pandemic are still expanding, painting a bleaker picture of the Korean economy compared to its March report. The ministry said economic sentiment has contracted and there are growing risks for the real economy and financial markets as the pandemic is wreaking havoc on consumption, exports and the job market.
Falling overseas demand is particularly painful for export-oriented Korea Inc. China, Korea's largest trade partner, said Friday its gross domestic product (GDP) shrank 6.8 percent from a year earlier in the first quarter, the worst performance since 1992 when official releases of quarterly GDP were started. All major economies are in the same situation, and things may worsen further as the continued global spread of the new coronavirus may add downward pressure for the time being.
A looming job crisis is another grave challenge. Statistics Korea said the country lost 195,000 jobs in March ― the sharpest monthly decline since May 2009 when it lost 240,000 jobs in the middle of the global financial crisis. In particular, the coronavirus outbreak has hit hard temporary and daily employees, with the number of temporary workers plunging by 593,000, the biggest monthly drop since the government began compiling such data in January 1989. A social safety net is urgently needed for these people. The government said it will unveil a package of measures aimed at stabilizing the job market next week. The measures should be centered on protecting more vulnerable people, including young adults, the elderly and women.
President Moon, speaking about his ruling Democratic Party of Korea's landslide victory in the parliamentary elections, said Thursday he felt a sense of heavy responsibility before he could feel happiness about the results. He said the results represented the people's eagerness to overcome the COVID-19 crisis, so all members of the ruling camp should feel more responsible and work more humbly. This is not just about containing the spread of the coronavirus. If Moon was right, the government and the ruling party have the responsibility to resolve pending economic problems and make Korea Inc. stronger.
(END)


yna--2020-04-18--Top headlines in major S. Korean newspapers

Korean-language dailies -- No .
of workers on temporary layoffs hits all-time high of over 1.6 million due to coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ Employment crisis caused by coronavirus takes a toll on vulnerable classes ( Kookmin Daily ) @ @ @ @ @ on temporary layoffs spikes 1.26 million on-year due to coronavirus ( Donga llbo ) -- @ @ @ @ @ surpasses 1.6 million , concerns rise over 'mass unemployment ' ( Segye Times ) -- @ @ @ @ @ ( Chosun Ilbo ) -- Three imminent tasks : jobs , fairness and safety ( @ @ @ @ @ to regionalism ?
Democratic party wins more support from Gyeongsang areas ( Hankyoreh ) -- @ @ @ @ @ : not a single worker of Incheon Int ' l Airport tests positive for coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ Foreigners halt 'sell Korea ' after a month ( Maeil Business Newspaper ) -- Hyundai @ @ @ @ @ security in exchange for wage freeze ( Korea Economic Daily )

SEOUL, April 18 (Yonhap) -- The following are the top headlines in major South Korean newspapers on April 18.
Korean-language dailies
-- No. of workers on temporary layoffs hits all-time high of over 1.6 million due to coronavirus (Kyunghyang Shinmun)
-- Employment crisis caused by coronavirus takes a toll on vulnerable classes (Kookmin Daily)
-- No. of people on temporary layoffs spikes 1.26 million on-year due to coronavirus (Donga llbo)
-- No. of temporary layoffs surpasses 1.6 million, concerns rise over 'mass unemployment' (Segye Times)
-- Unemployment pandemic hits youth hard (Chosun Ilbo)
-- Three imminent tasks: jobs, fairness and safety (JoongAng Ilbo)
-- Return to regionalism? Democratic party wins more support from Gyeongsang areas (Hankyoreh)
-- Miracle of 'quarantine gateway': not a single worker of Incheon Int'l Airport tests positive for coronavirus (Hankook Ilbo)
-- Foreigners halt 'sell Korea' after a month (Maeil Business Newspaper)
-- Hyundai Motor labor union suggests job security in exchange for wage freeze (Korea Economic Daily)
English-language dailies
-- Pandemic starts to suffocate job market (Korea Times)
(END)


Saturday's weather forecast

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

(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--2020-04-18--New parliament faces pressure to revise defective election law

The mixed-member proportional representation system was introduced under an electoral reform bill that passed the National Assembly in December to @ @ @ @ @ parties .
It was expected to work favorably for minor parties by distributing more PR @ @ @ @ @ in constituencies but that won more support in votes for parties .

SEOUL, April 18 (Yonhap) -- As a new proportional representation system, introduced for Wednesday's parliamentary elections, failed to fulfill its purpose, newly-elected lawmakers are now expected to address the problem during their four-year term that begins in early June.
The mixed-member proportional representation system was introduced under an electoral reform bill that passed the National Assembly in December to better reflect votes cast for parties. It was expected to work favorably for minor parties by distributing more PR seats to parties less represented in constituencies but that won more support in votes for parties.
But the new system was exploited by two gigantic rival parties, contrary to the stated aim of promoting minor parties to better reflect various voices and needs of voters.
Not long before the elections, the ruling Democratic Party (DP) and the main opposition United Future Party (UFP) created satellite parties for the purpose of gaining PR seats.
The satellite parties of the two major parties eventually secured 36 of the 47 PR seats while such minor parties as the Justice Party, the People's Party and the Open Democratic Party got only eight PR seats in total. The ruling bloc won a landslide victory in the elections, winning 180 seats in the 300-seat National Assembly.
Political observers say few would deny that the outcome runs counter to the purpose of the electoral reform, which the ruling party railroaded in coordination with some minor opposition parties despite the UFP's fierce opposition.
Newly-elected lawmakers are expected to discuss ways to modify the current system, or abolish it, during their term.
A silver lining is that parliament has begun a trial itself for electoral reform, observers say.
A dilemma is that it is a complicated issue causing conflicting interests in the zero-sum game.
Election officials count votes in the April 15 South Korean general elections. (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-04-18--N. Korea continued nuclear activities in 2019: U.S. State Department

`` North Korea 's continuing nuclear activities make clear that it ... has not adhered to its commitments in the @ @ @ @ @ Six-Party Talks to abandon all nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programs , and to return @ @ @ @ @ the NPT and IAEA safeguards , '' the department said , referring to the Non-Proliferation @ @ @ @ @ Energy Agency .

By Lee Haye-ah
WASHINGTON, April 17 (Yonhap) -- North Korea continued nuclear activities last year in violation of its commitments to abandon all nuclear programs, the U.S. State Department has said.
In a summarized report to Congress Wednesday, the department also said North Korea has likely had a biological warfare program since at least the 1960s.
The report discusses U.S. and other nations' compliance last year with various arms control and nonproliferation agreements.
"North Korea's continuing nuclear activities make clear that it ... has not adhered to its commitments in the 2005 Joint Statement of the Six-Party Talks to abandon all nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programs, and to return at an early date to the NPT and IAEA safeguards," the department said, referring to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and the International Atomic Energy Agency.
The U.S. also assesses that North Korea has an offensive biological warfare program in violation of its obligations under the Biological Weapons Convention.
"Although the United States has fragmented insight into North Korea's offensive BW program, continued reporting illustrates that North Korea has BW capabilities intended for use to counter U.S. and South Korean military superiority," the department said.
This AFP file photo shows the U.S. Department of State in Washington. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-04-18--N. Korea's refined petroleum imports exceeded U.N. limit up to 8 times: U.N. panel

`` The Yun Hong 8 additionally received refined petroleum on at least three other occasions through ship-to-ship transfers with ( @ @ @ @ @ from July to mid-August 2019 , '' it said .
`` The Panel notes that @ @ @ @ @ transfers between ( the South Korean-flagged vessel ) and the Yun Hong 8 were conducted @ @ @ @ @ vessel 's recorded port calls at Nampo . ''

By Lee Haye-ah
WASHINGTON, April 17 (Yonhap) -- North Korea's imports of refined petroleum products exceeded the annual limit imposed by the United Nations by up to eight times in the first 10 months of last year, a U.N. panel of experts said in a new report cited by foreign media Friday.
The 267-page report for the U.N. Security Council's North Korea sanctions committee also said the communist country continued to enhance its illicit nuclear and ballistic missile programs in violation of Security Council resolutions.
The annual report by the eight-member panel covered the period from Aug. 3, 2019, to Feb. 7, 2020, and summarized the findings of U.N. member states as well as the experts themselves.
It comes as nuclear negotiations between the United States and North Korea have stalled for more than a year due to their failure to match the North's denuclearization steps with U.S. sanctions relief.
This EPA file photo shows a meeting of the U.N. Security Council at the U.N. headquarters in New York. (Yonhap)
The panel said a U.S. report it received on Nov. 8 showed deliveries of refined petroleum products to North Korea that far exceeded the annual quota of 500,000 barrels imposed by the U.N. Security Council.
If fully laden, the shipments between Jan. 1 and Oct. 31 would have amounted to almost eight times the cap, it said, adding that the North employed both illicit ship-to-ship transfers and deliveries by foreign-flagged vessels.
If the vessels were one-third laden, the deliveries would have amounted to almost three times the cap. If they were half-laden, the shipments would have amounted to more than four times the cap, the report said.
"The procurement of refined petroleum products by foreign-flagged vessels sailing directly into Nampo, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, to deliver cargo has increased considerably in terms of the frequency of deliveries and the number of vessels involved," the report said.
"The Marine Import Terminal at Nampo is the primary port to which foreign-flagged vessels deliver refined petroleum ... In some months between June and October 2019, the estimated deliveries by foreign-flagged tankers exceeded the deliveries made by tankers of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea," it said, suggesting the assistance of other countries in North Korea's sanctions evasions.
In one instance, the panel said, the Chinese-flagged Yun Hong 8 was photographed by a U.N. member state receiving a ship-to-ship transfer of refined petroleum from a South Korean-flagged vessel in the East China Sea on Aug. 31.
"The Yun Hong 8 additionally received refined petroleum on at least three other occasions through ship-to-ship transfers with (the South Korean-flagged vessel) from July to mid-August 2019," it said. "The Panel notes that three of these four ship-to-ship transfers between (the South Korean-flagged vessel) and the Yun Hong 8 were conducted within days of the latter vessel's recorded port calls at Nampo."
The registered owner of the South Korean-flagged vessel provided the panel with all requested documentation, and investigations continue, the panel said.
This screenshot of the U.N. Panel of Experts' report shows foreign-flagged vessels making deliveries to Nampo port, North Korea. (Yonhap)
On North Korea's exportation of labor, the experts said they continued to monitor U.N. member states' implementation of a U.N. requirement to expel all North Korean workers by Dec. 22, 2019.
In addition to manual workers, the panel said, North Korea sent abroad professional athletes and medical workers to earn income that was used to support the country's nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
Among the athletes were football players in Europe, including Han Kwang-song, who joined the youth sector of Italy's Juventus Football Club in 2019, and Choe Son-hyok, who has been playing for Italy's Societa Sportiva Arezzo since 2018.
In Austria, Pak Kwang-ryong has been playing for Sportklub Niederosterreich St. Polten since 2017.
"All these players reportedly had contract terms extending beyond the due date for repatriation," the panel said, adding that a Qatari team announced in January 2020 that Han had joined it from Juventus.
"In respect of Mr. Pak, Austria replied that its competent authorities had initiated the procedures necessary to revoke his residence and work permit and to issue a return decision based on the relevant laws. The Panel has yet to receive a reply from Italy or Qatar," it said.
On North Korea's nuclear programs, the experts said they have not seen any indication of operation of the 5 megawatt reactor at the country's Yongbyon nuclear complex since the end of 2018.
Still, construction of a light water reactor was ongoing, while construction of a building near the reactor was also observed in satellite imagery.
North Korea's ballistic missile program in 2019 "was characterized by its intensity, diversity and
coherence," according to the panel.
"Progress was built on the program's multi-year planning process, with 2015 and 2017 as major milestones," it said. "As a result, the country now demonstrates the autonomous capacity to produce and launch different types of new solid-propellant short-range missiles, combining ballistic missile and guidance technologies, as well as a new-generation submarine-launched ballistic missile -- medium-range ballistic missile."
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


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(END)


yna--2020-04-17--(4th LD) New virus infections fall below 30 for 5th straight day

In particular , the daily number of new virus cases has been below 50 for the last nine days , @ @ @ @ @ the country 's extensive social distancing campaign began to pay off .

(ATTN: UPDATES details on death toll in para 8)
SEOUL, April 17 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new coronavirus cases fell below 30 for the fifth straight day Friday, but health authorities warned against complacency and urged people to keep up social distancing.
The 22 new cases, detected Thursday and unchanged from a day ago, brought the nation's total infections to 10,635, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
South Korea's daily new cases reached a peak on Feb. 29 with 909 confirmed cases, but the country has since managed to flatten the curve of new infections.
In particular, the daily number of new virus cases has been below 50 for the last nine days, with health authorities saying that the country's extensive social distancing campaign began to pay off.
However, health authorities remain on high alert over imported cases as well as cluster infections at churches and hospitals. Of the 22 new cases, 14 of them were from abroad.
They are also keeping an eye on those who have retested positive for COVID-19. The number of relapse cases in the country has reached 163, up 22 from a day ago.
The nation's death toll from the new coronavirus, which emerged in China late last year, rose by one to 230, according to the KCDC.
Later on Friday, two more deaths were reported. They are a 57-year-old man and a 95-year-old man who were hospitalized at separate hospitals in North Gyeongsang Province.
The number of patients released from quarantine after making full recoveries reached 7,829, up 72 from a day earlier.
An LG Chem worker (R) undergoes a body temperature check before boarding a special flight to Poland at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, on April 17, 2020. (Yonhap)
The southeastern city of Daegu, the nation's worst virus-hit region, reported no new cases for the first time in a week. Its surrounding North Gyeongsang Province added four more cases.
Other major provinces and cities also reported infections, with Seoul confirming two new cases and the surrounding Gyeonggi Province adding one more case.
The country detected 11 new cases coming from overseas at border checkpoints. The total number of imported cases is now at 983.
To better contain imported cases, South Korea has enforced mandatory 14-day self-quarantines for all travelers coming from overseas since April 1.
Starting Friday, all late-night international flights are asked to arrive in South Korea between 5 a.m. and 8 p.m., so that travelers from overseas can undergo quarantine inspections quickly and reduce their time spent at airports waiting for transportation.
South Korea has been enforcing strict guidelines on social distancing since March 22, and it recently extended the nationwide campaign by two weeks to Sunday.
Citizens are strongly urged to stay home, except for essential needs or jobs. The government has also strongly recommended people suspend religious gatherings, indoor sports activities and visits to nightclubs and other entertainment venues.
This photo, taken on April 16, 2020, shows military medical officials clad in protective suits preparing to work at a middle school in Daegu. (Yonhap)
The government said it is discussing with experts the introduction of new daily quarantine guidelines that would allow people to return to their daily lives, but social distancing measures are to be maintained.
Yoon Tae-ho, a senior health ministry official, said some experts suggested that it is too early to ease the country's strict social distancing campaign at this point, considering that many people went outside recently due to Easter and the general elections.
Of the 573 virus cases reported in the last two weeks, 310, or 54.1 percent of them, came from overseas, KCDC Director-General Jeong Eun-kyeong said. However, health authorities have yet to identify transmission routes for 18 cases.
"Because we are seeing lots of imported cases recently, the portion of cases with unknown transmission routes seems to be declining, but I do not think 18 is a small number," Jeong said. "This means the source of infection could be still out there, so we need to reinforce our epidemiological system."
Medical workers check the body temperature of visitors at Bundang Jesaeng Hospital in Seongnam, south of Seoul, on April 17, 2020. (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-04-17--(LEAD) Prosecution questions teenager over suspected role in online sex abuse ring

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on Thursday announced its decision to make public Kang 's full name , age and @ @ @ @ @ corresponds to public interest in terms of people 's right to know and the prevention @ @ @ @ @ current law permits the disclosure of the identity of sex offenders but grants exceptions for @ @

(ATTN: RECASTS headline; UPDATES with details on probe; RESTRUCTURES; ADDS photo)
SEOUL, April 17 (Yonhap) -- Prosecutors on Friday questioned an 18-year-old key suspect in a massive online sex abuse ring that exploited scores of victims, including underage girls.
A special taskforce at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office interrogated Kang Hun for around six hours over his alleged role in producing and distributing exploitative photos and videos of violent sex acts in mobile chat rooms.
He was put under pretrial detention about a week ago for allegedly acting as an accessory to the operation of the "Baksabang" chatroom on the messaging service Telegram, which allowed paid members to view illegally taken photos and videos of violent sex acts involving underage girls.
Kang is accused of having recruited and managed paid members of Baksabang (Korean for doctor's room), producing and distributing sexual abuse material, and delivering criminal proceeds from the chatroom to its founder Cho Ju-bin.
Cho, a 24-year-old, has been indicted for allegedly blackmailing women into providing sexual videos to the illegal Telegram chatroom.
Kang, born in 2001, was a high school student last year when he allegedly worked for Cho.
Kang Hun, an 18-year-old accomplice in the operation of an illegal Telegram messenger chatroom dubbed Baksabang, is approached by reporters at Jongno Police Station in central Seoul on April 17, 2020. (Yonhap)
Prosecutors, meanwhile, held a committee meeting where they agreed to release certain details of the ongoing investigation.
The 18-year-old appeared before reporters before being handed over by police to the prosecution. He was sent to a detention center south of Seoul following his first round of questioning by prosecutors.
Kang stood handcuffed and grim in front of photographers without covering his face as he was moved from the detention room of the Jongno Police Station in downtown Seoul to the custody of prosecutors around 8 a.m.
"I'm sorry. I sincerely apologize and feel sorry," Kang told reporters, with his head down.
He did not respond to questions about whether he admits his charges and disagrees with the disclosure of his identity.
Kang Hun, an 18-year-old alleged accomplice in the operation of an illegal Telegram messenger chatroom dubbed Baksabang, is approached by reporters at Jongno Police Station in central Seoul on April 17, 2020. (Yonhap)
It marked the first time in South Korea in which a minor criminal suspect's identity was made public.
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on Thursday announced its decision to make public Kang's full name, age and face, saying the disclosure corresponds to public interest in terms of people's right to know and the prevention of similar crimes. The current law permits the disclosure of the identity of sex offenders but grants exceptions for minors.
Later in the day, Kang's lawyer filed for suspension of the execution of the identity disclosure, but the Seoul Administrative Court rejected the request.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-04-17--Petition pokes fun at Gangnam voters after election of North Korean defector

`` There will certainly not be many opponents ( to the proposal ) , given the high political consciousness of @ @ @ @ @ person wrote , `` If ( defectors ) experience the affluent lifestyle of Gangnam , @ @ @ @ @ of Korea will be likely to grow . ''

SEOUL, April 17 (Yonhap) -- Tens of thousands of South Koreans have signed a petition calling for the mandatory construction of residential flats for North Korean defectors in the ritzy district of Gangnam, southern Seoul, following a high-profile defector's election in the constituency.
In apparent derision of the Gangnam residents who elected Tae Ku-min in Wednesday's legislative election, an anonymous petition was filed on the website of the presidential office on Thursday, demanding the government oblige builders to reserve a certain number of units to defectors when they rebuild or redevelop apartments in the ward.
More than 100,000 citizens had signed the petition as of Friday.
"I express deep respect for the residents of Gangnam who overcame the wall of Cold War ideology to pick Tae Ku-min," the petitioner wrote, referring to the former No. 2 diplomat at North Korea's Embassy in London, whose previous name was Thae Yong-ho.
In this photo taken on April 16, 2020, Thae Yong-ho, the former No. 2 diplomat at North Korea's Embassy in London, cries after winning a seat at the Gangnam A constituency in Seoul in the general elections. He changed his name to Tae Ku-min, expressing his will to "rescue North Korean people." Ku-min means "save people." (Yonhap)
Thae, who defected to the South in 2016, ran in the general elections as a candidate for the conservative United Future Party. Before the elections, he changed his name to Tae Ku-min, expressing his will to "rescue North Korean people." Ku-min means "save people."
Thae won 58.5 percent of the vote to become the country's first North Korean defector to win a constituency seat in parliament.
Gangnam is traditionally considered a stronghold for conservatives.
"There will certainly not be many opponents (to the proposal), given the high political consciousness of Gangnam residents," the person wrote, "If (defectors) experience the affluent lifestyle of Gangnam, their affection for the Republic of Korea will be likely to grow."
The petition appears intended to ridicule voters in Gangnam, who some criticize as being sensitive to property prices, which led them to elect Thae mostly due to his association with the conservative bloc.
Several memes, such as composite images of North Korea bearing names of Gangnam neighborhoods or names of well-known residential complex and subway stations adapted to North Korean style, have gone viral after Thae's election.
Meanwhile, it was not only the petition signers who noticed the recent election results.
North Korean propaganda outlet Meari reported that Gangnam has "sank to a den of corruption."
While the outlet did not specifically mention Thae, it was seen as a rare report highlighting a certain neighborhood in the South.
Meari went on to describe the Thae's constituency as a hotbed of gambling and drug use, where police are powerless.
(END)


yna--2020-04-17--Prosecution probes reporter's alleged blackmail of inmate to dig up info on liberal pundit

MBC unveiled the Channel A reporter 's letters to Lee and a recorded conversation between the journalist and an associate @ @ @ @ @ he was warning Lee to cooperate or face a longer prison sentence , further financial @ @ @ @ @ his family .

SEOUL, April 17 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's chief prosecutor on Friday ordered an investigation into allegations that a TV reporter pressured a jailed financier to divulge details of corruption by a pro-government commentator, leveraging his ties with a senior prosecutor deemed powerful enough to influence the inmate's case.
Prosecutor-General Yoon Seok-youl ordered the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office to handle two complaints related to the incident, which was first reported by the broadcaster MBC late last month, prosecution officials said.
MBC reported that a journalist with Channel A, a cable channel, coaxed and blackmailed the businessman, named Lee Cheol, to tip him off about corruption involving Rhyu Si-min, a popular writer and liberal pundit close to President Moon Jae-in.
Lee, formerly the largest shareholder of ShillaJen, a struggling biotech company, was sentenced to 12 years for fraud last year and got an additional 2 1/2 years in February.
The reporter was digging up rumors that Lee paid inappropriately large lecture fees to Rhyu a few years ago. Rhyu, chief of a public foundation in memory of former President Roh Moo-hyun, denied that claim.
MBC unveiled the Channel A reporter's letters to Lee and a recorded conversation between the journalist and an associate of Lee, in which he was warning Lee to cooperate or face a longer prison sentence, further financial losses and new charges against his family.
Prosecutor-General Yoon Seok-youl, provided by Yonhap News Television
The Lee associate told MBC that the reporter offered to use his close ties with the prosecution to help Lee and his family avoid more punishment.
The reporter played to him a recorded talk with a senior prosecutor, identified only as "the closest aide" to chief prosecutor Yun, to show his connection with the prosecution. The senior prosecutor denied he had such a conversation.
MBC claimed the journalist and the prosecution plotted to deal a blow to the ruling Democratic Party (DP) ahead of the April 15 parliamentary elections.
The Moon administration and the DP have pushed to transfer some investigative powers from the prosecution to police and establish a separate body to probe corruption and power abuses by high-level officials, including prosecutors.
After the MBC report, a media NGO filed a complaint with the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office, accusing the reporter and the prosecutor of blackmailing.
Separately, Choi Kyoung-hwan, a former finance minister, filed a complaint with the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors Office, claiming MBC defamed him by reporting that he invested huge sums in Lee's once high-flying biotech firm.
After briefed on internal inspections into the cases, Yun ordered the Central Prosecutors Office to probe both cases thoroughly, officials said.
(END)


yna--2020-04-18--Ex-presidential official arrested over alleged involvement in hedge fund scandal

The 46-year-old , only identified by the surname Kim , is alleged to have taken bribes from the chief of @ @ @ @ @ be the main financial source of Lime .
He is also alleged to have leaked @ @ @ @ @ Supervisory Service 's ( FSS ) inspection into Lime .

SEOUL, April 18 (Yonhap) -- A Seoul court approved an arrest warrant for a former presidential official Saturday on bribery and info leak allegations linked to financial fraud involving top hedge fund Lime Asset Management Co.
Lime Asset is under a prosecution probe over its alleged cover-up of massive investment losses and other irregularities. Its botched investment caused investors to incur heavy losses as it halted withdrawals of funds worth some 1.6 trillion won (US$1.3 billion).
The 46-year-old, only identified by the surname Kim, is alleged to have taken bribes from the chief of Star Mobility, believed to be the main financial source of Lime. He is also alleged to have leaked information related to the Financial Supervisory Service's (FSS) inspection into Lime.
The Seoul Southern District Court issued the arrest warrant, saying that he could try to destroy evidence and could pose a flight risk.
Kim is suspected of having played a role in covering up the Lime fiasco when he worked at the presidential office for a year starting in February 2019. He was dispatched to Cheong Wa Dae from the FSS, then dismissed in March as the watchdog deemed him unfit to serve.
Prosecutors have arrested several key suspects linked to the Lime case. They may look into whether senior presidential officials are involved.
The Lime scandal began to unfold in July last year when the FSS began probing suspected irregularities, forcing spooked investors to scramble to withdraw their money.
The watchdog accused Lime of having concealed investment losses and inflating investment returns in a bid to keep its customer base.
In addition, the hedge fund was allegedly involved in a Ponzi scheme to cover losses, and engaged in misselling, or selling products to customers without providing adequate information or explaining the high risks involved.
A former presidential official, surnamed Kim, is surrounded by reporters on April 18, 2020 at the Seoul Southern District Court where he attended a court hearing to decide whether to issue an arrest warrant over his role in a financial scandal involving Lime Asset Management Co. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-04-18--Court approves arrest warrant for man over violation of self-isolation rules

He left home Tuesday , two days before the end of the 14-day quarantine .
Police arrested him Thursday and @ @ @ @ @ facility for isolation .
But he violated quarantine rules again and was arrested later at @ @ @ @

UIJEONGBU, South Korea, April 18 (Yonhap) -- A local court issued an arrest warrant for a 27-year-old man who allegedly violated self-isolation rules related to the new coronavirus, citing possible flight risk.
It was the second formal detention of people who breached self-isolation rules, following a case involving a 68-year-old man in eastern Seoul earlier this week.
The Uijeongbu District Court approved police's request to arrest the man who went outside without permission while under self-quarantine.
Health authorities ordered him to stay at home for two weeks in early April after he was discharged from Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital, where cluster COVID-19 infections were reported. He was hospitalized for treatment of pancreatitis.
He left home Tuesday, two days before the end of the 14-day quarantine. Police arrested him Thursday and sent him to a temporary facility for isolation. But he violated quarantine rules again and was arrested later at a nearby mountain.
The man was quoted as telling police that he was under stress due to the self-isolation. He tested negative for the virus.
South Korea has been sternly dealing with people who breach self-isolation rules due to concerns that the violation could cause community infections.
A man in his 60s was arrested on Tuesday for violating quarantine guidelines, the first formal detention of an alleged quarantine offender. The man, who arrived from the United States, visited a spa and a restaurant though he was under self-isolation.
(END)


yna--2020-04-18--(3rd LD) New coronavirus infections fall below 20 for first time in two months

After testing positive , the two were sent to a hospital in Daegu where they reside , the KCDC said @ @ @ @ @ the minor religious sect of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus .
Nearly 70 percent of @ @ @ @ @ so far have been related to the group .

(ATTN: RECASTS lead to highlight gov't's strict social distancing call; ADDS more details on Shincheonji cases, foreign arrivals in paras 9-12, 16)
SEOUL, April 18 (Yonhap) -- South Korea reported fewer than 20 new coronavirus cases on Saturday for the first time in about two months, but the government remained on high alert, stressing continued adherence to strict social distancing guidance.
The number of newly confirmed cases stood at 18, marking the lowest daily increase since Feb. 20, and the country's total infections came to 10,653 as of Saturday, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
The number of South Korea's daily new cases reached a peak of 909 on Feb. 29, but it has since managed to flatten the curve amid stringent quarantine and social distancing measures. Over the past five days, the country saw fewer than 30 new patients per day.
"From Monday, we've seen a total of 141 new patients, which is down 40 percent from the past week. It is about a quarter compared to two weeks earlier," Vice Health Minister Kim Ganglip told a regular briefing.
The country's death toll came to 232, as two more coronavirus deaths were added Friday, the KCDC said, adding that the number of relapse cases has reached 173, up 10 from a day earlier.
The number of patients released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 7,937, up 108 from a day earlier, KCDC data showed.
Nurses get prepared to take care of coronavirus patients at a hospital in Daegu on April 17, 2020. (Yonhap)
Of the 18 new cases, three cases were reported from the southeastern city of Daegu, once the epicenter of the virus, and the surrounding North Gyeongsang Province added two more cases, according to the KCDC.
The number of people in Daegu who were receiving treatment for the virus fell below 1,000 to stand at 985, as 5,685 people have been released after full recoveries, it noted.
Two of the new patients were enlistees in their 20s who joined an Army boot camp located in the central city of Nonsan earlier this week.
After testing positive, the two were sent to a hospital in Daegu where they reside, the KCDC said, adding that they follow the minor religious sect of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus. Nearly 70 percent of the total infections in Daegu so far have been related to the group.
"About 90 others who had contact with the two at the boot camp all tested negative," an Army officer said, adding that they will return home and their enlistment schedule will be discussed again later.
It was the second consecutive day that the boot camp saw a coronavirus patient, as a 22-year-old draftee living in South Gyeongsang Province tested positive on Friday. He is also known to be a Shincheonji follower.
Seoul and Gyeonggi Province reported one and four more cases, respectively.
Nine of the fresh infections were from abroad, with four detected at border checkpoints, according to the authorities. The total number of imported cases is now at 992.
In the wake of a surge in the number of imported cases amid the global pandemic, South Korea has enforced mandatory 14-day self-isolation for all travelers coming from overseas since April 1.
Starting on Monday, the government also suspended visa-free entry and visa waiver programs for 90 countries, leading to a drastic fall in the number of foreign arrivals, which is expected to help the country better prevent the possibility of virus inflow from overseas, according to the vice minister.
New conscripts enter a boot camp in Nonsan, 213 kilometers south of Seoul, on Feb. 3, 2020, without a conventional ceremony attended by their family members and friends to mark their entry into the service due to the coronavirus. (Yonhap)
Despite the downward trend, the government has been on high vigilance and called for strict adherence to anti-virus measures and the social distancing campaign, adding that it will announce its decision Sunday on whether to change its quarantine regime to put more focus on supporting the everyday lives of people.
"Our society has been successfully delaying the spread of the COVID-19 virus through social distancing. But that does not mean that the virus disappears completely or we are able to return to the life we had led before the outbreak," he said.
Close monitoring for an additional one or two weeks is needed to analyze possible impacts of electioneering for Wednesday's general elections, among other factors, according to the vice minister.
"Factoring in diverse impacts (of the virus) on the economy and society in a comprehensive manner, the government has been working to draw new guidelines that could apply to everyday life. We will do our best to come up with a reasonable direction by tomorrow," Kim added.
From March 22, the government has intensified its social distancing drive, forcing all major public facilities, including schools and private gyms, to shut down to stop the spread of the virus. The guidance is in effect until Sunday.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun asked the public to keep up social distancing as concerns rise over its possible loosening during upcoming holidays, which could span for about a week starting at the end of this month.
A local market in South Korea's southeastern city of Daegu is crowded with consumers on April 17, 2020, amid a reduced number of newly confirmed COVID-19 patients in the country. (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-04-18--Foreign arrivals for short-term stay drop 70 pct after visa suspension

`` Tougher entry restrictions for foreigners have led to the decrease in the number of arrivals from overseas .
We @ @ @ @ @ us better prevent the possibility of the inflow of the virus from overseas , '' @ @ @ @ @ said .

SEOUL, April 18 (Yonhap) -- The number of foreigners coming to South Korea for a short-term stay tumbled more than 70 percent after Seoul's suspension of visa-free entry and visa waiver programs to curb the inflow of the coronavirus from abroad, authorities said Saturday.
Starting on Monday, the country suspended visa-free entry and visa waiver programs for 90 countries, as it has seen an increasing number of COVID-19 infection cases coming in from abroad amid the global pandemic.
The total number of foreigners who arrived here stood at 836 on Thursday, down from an average of 1,332 during the first 12 days of this month, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
Of them, those who came here for a short-term stay fell more than 70 percent from 266 people on average earlier this month to 77 on Wednesday and further to 70 the following day, it added.
"Tougher entry restrictions for foreigners have led to the decrease in the number of arrivals from overseas. We expect such measures to help us better prevent the possibility of the inflow of the virus from overseas," Vice Health Minister Kim Ganglip said.
On Saturday, South Korea reported 18 more virus patients, and the total number of infections stood at 10,653, including 232 deaths. Of the newly confirmed cases, four were detected at border checkpoints, according to the KCDC.
The arrival lobby of the first terminal of Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, is quiet on April 13, 2020, as steps to restrict visa-free entry from 90 countries were implemented on the day in a bid to prevent virus inflow from abroad. (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-04-18--(2nd LD) New coronavirus infections fall below 20 for first time in two months

`` Our society has been successfully delaying the spread of the COVID-19 virus through social distancing .
But that does @ @ @ @ @ disappears completely or we are able to return to the life we had led before @ @ @ @ @ said .

(ATTN: ADDS more details, comments in paras 5, 9, 13-17, photo)
SEOUL, April 18 (Yonhap) -- South Korea reported 18 additional cases of the novel coronavirus Saturday, marking the lowest daily increase in about two months.
The new cases brought the country's total infections to 10,653, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
It is the first time since Feb. 20 that the country's new COVID-19 infections came below 20. Over the past five days, the country reported fewer than 30 new patients per day.
The number of South Korea's daily new cases reached a peak of 909 on Feb. 29, but the country has since managed to flatten the curve amid stringent quarantine and social distancing measures.
"From Monday, we've seen a total of 141 new patients, which is down 40 percent from the past week. It is about a quarter compared to two weeks earlier," Vice Health Minister Kim Ganglip told a regular briefing.
The country's death toll came to 232, as two more coronavirus deaths were added Friday.
The number of patients released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 7,937, up 108 from a day earlier, KCDC data showed.
Nurses get prepared to take care of coronavirus patients at a hospital in Daegu on April 17, 2020. (Yonhap)
Of the 18 new cases, three cases were reported from the southeastern city of Daegu, once the epicenter of the virus, and the surrounding North Gyeongsang Province added two more cases, according to the KCDC.
The number of people in Daegu who were receiving treatment for the virus fell below 1,000 to stand at 985, as 5,685 people have been released after full recoveries, it noted.
Seoul and Gyeonggi Province reported one and four more cases, respectively.
Nine of the fresh infections were from abroad, with four being detected at border checkpoints, according to the authorities. The total number of imported cases is now at 992.
In the wake of a surge in the number of imported cases amid the global pandemic, South Korea has enforced mandatory 14-day self-isolation for all travelers coming from overseas since April 1.
Despite the downward trend, the government has been on high vigilance and called for strict adherence to anti-virus measures and the social distancing campaign, adding that it will announce its decision Sunday on whether to change its quarantine regime to put more focus on supporting the everyday lives of people.
"Our society has been successfully delaying the spread of the COVID-19 virus through social distancing. But that does not mean that the virus disappears completely or we are able to return to the life we had led before the outbreak," he said.
Close monitoring for an additional one or two weeks is needed to analyze possible impacts of electioneering for Wednesday's general elections, among other factors, according to the vice minister.
"Factoring in diverse impacts (of the virus) on the economy and society in a comprehensive manner, the government has been working to draw new guidelines that could apply to everyday life. We will do our best to come up with a reasonable direction by tomorrow," Kim added.
From March 22, the government has intensified its social distancing drive, forcing all major public facilities, including schools and private gyms, to shut down to stop the spread of the virus. The guidance is in effect until Sunday.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun asked the public to keep up with social distancing as concerns rise over its possible loosening during upcoming holidays, which could span for about a week starting at the end of this month.
A local market in South Korea's southeastern city of Daegu is crowded with consumers on April 17, 2020, amid a reduced number of newly confirmed COVID-19 patients in the country. (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-04-18--Today in Korean history

Today in Korean history

2008 -- South Korea 's first astronaut , Yi So-yeon , lands safely near Orsk after spending 12 days in @ @ @ @ @ Space Agency says .
The agency said the Soyuz TMA-11 carrying Yi , U.S. astronaut @ @ @ @ @ Yuri Malenchenko landed on dry land 420 kilometers west of the designated landing site along @ @ @ @

April 19
1960 -- A pro-democracy civil uprising breaks out. The movement, spearheaded by students protesting widespread vote rigging in presidential elections by then President Syngman Rhee, later led to the downfall of the Rhee government, which had ruled the country for 12 years.
1983 -- Notorious burglar Jo Se-hyeong is arrested again while hiding in a house in Seoul five days after he fled during his trial.
1991 -- Then President Roh Tae-woo holds a summit on the southern island of Jeju with then Soviet President Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev.
1998 -- Lee Bong-joo sets a new South Korean record of 2:07:44 in men's marathon in the Netherlands.
1999 -- Then Daewoo Group Chairman Kim Woo-choong announces a group-wide restructuring plan.
1999 -- Queen Elizabeth II makes a state visit to South Korea.
2000 -- Slugger Lee Seung-youp becomes the youngest South Korean baseball player ever to hit 150 homers.
2008 -- South Korea's first astronaut, Yi So-yeon, lands safely near Orsk after spending 12 days in space, the Russian Federal Space Agency says. The agency said the Soyuz TMA-11 carrying Yi, U.S. astronaut Peggy Whitson and Russian cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko landed on dry land 420 kilometers west of the designated landing site along the Russia-Kazakhstan border.
2016 -- Vice foreign ministers of South Korea, the United States and Japan hold trilateral talks and warn North Korea of stronger punishments and deeper isolation should the communist country conduct another "provocation," citing the possibility of additional nuclear or ballistic missile tests.
(END)


yna--2020-04-18--FMs of 12 countries vow joint virus response for global economy, health

During the meeting , Kang introduced South Korea 's efforts to stem the coronavirus and noted that the country has @ @ @ @ @ shift of its quarantine regime to focus more on supporting the everyday lives of people @ @ @ @ @ .

SEOUL, April 18 (Yonhap) -- The top diplomats of 12 countries, including South Korea, France, Italy and Brazil, have held a videoconference and called for a coordinated anti-virus response to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus on the global economy and multilateral systems, Seoul's foreign ministry said Saturday.
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha joined her counterparts from 11 countries, which also included Canada, Germany, Indonesia, Morocco, Peru, Singapore, Turkey and Britain, on Friday as "the Ministerial Coordination Group on COVID-19," according to the ministry.
"Global cooperation is necessary to mitigate the unprecedented disruption to the global economy, trade and travel. We must endeavour to deliver a strong and coordinated global health response including developing a vaccine and relevant treatments and to identify best practices," the group's declaration adopted following the conference read.
They also vowed to ensure that emergency anti-virus measures are temporary so as not to create "unnecessary" trade barriers or disruption to global supply chains, and to permit essential travel, including for business.
The declaration also called for the identification of "best practices and lessons learned to assist all countries in recovering from this crisis."
During the meeting, Kang introduced South Korea's efforts to stem the coronavirus and noted that the country has been closely reviewing a possible shift of its quarantine regime to focus more on supporting the everyday lives of people, according to the ministry.
On Saturday, South Korea reported 18 new cases of the virus, bringing the total number of patients to 10,653.
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha attends a videoconference with her counterparts from eight countries to discuss responses to the new coronavirus at the foreign ministry in Seoul on April 16, 2020, in this photo provided by her office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-04-18--(LEAD) New coronavirus infections fall below 20 for first time in two months

From March 22 , the government has intensified its drive , forcing all major public facilities , including schools and @ @ @ @ @ down to stop the spread of the virus , and it is expected to announce @ @ @ @ @ to further extend the guidance , which is supposed to be in effect until Sunday @

(ATTN: CHANGES headline, lead; ADDS more details in paras 2-3, 7-13)
SEOUL, April 18 (Yonhap) -- South Korea reported 18 additional cases of the novel coronavirus Saturday, marking the lowest daily increase in about two months.
The new cases brought the country's total infections to 10,653, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
It is the first time since Feb. 20 that the country's new COVID-19 infections came below 20. Over the past five days, the country reported fewer than 30 new patients per day.
The number of South Korea's daily new cases reached a peak of 909 on Feb. 29, but the country has since managed to flatten the curve amid stringent quarantine and social distancing measures.
The country's death toll came to 232, as two more coronavirus deaths were added Friday.
The number of patients released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 7,937, up 108 from a day earlier, KCDC data showed.
Nurses get prepared to take care of coronavirus patients at a hospital in Daegu on April 17, 2020. (Yonhap)
Of the 18 new cases, three cases were reported from the southeastern city of Daegu, once the epicenter of the virus, and the surrounding North Gyeongsang Province added two more cases, according to the KCDC.
Seoul and Gyeonggi Province reported one and four more cases, respectively, it added.
Nine of the fresh infections were from abroad, with four being detected at border checkpoints. The total number of imported cases is now at 992.
In the wake of a surge in the number of imported cases amid the global pandemic, South Korea has enforced mandatory 14-day self-isolation for all travelers coming from overseas since April 1.
Despite the downward trend, the government has been on high vigilance and called for strict adherence to anti-virus measures and the social distancing campaign.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun asked the public to keep up with social distancing as concerns rise over its possible loosening during upcoming holidays, which could span for about a week starting at the end of this month.
From March 22, the government has intensified its drive, forcing all major public facilities, including schools and private gyms, to shut down to stop the spread of the virus, and it is expected to announce soon its decision on whether to further extend the guidance, which is supposed to be in effect until Sunday.
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-04-19--S. Korea seeks UNESCO listing of April 19 pro-democracy movement

Having effectively slowed the spread of infections , South Korea faces the crucial tasks of overcoming `` the worst economic @ @ @ @ @ financial one and preparing for the post-coronavirus era with the united power of the people @ @ @ @ @ forecasts that South Korea 's economy will shrink 1.2 percent this year , he pointed @ @

By Lee Chi-dong
SEOUL, April 19 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in declared a bid Sunday for the inscription of documentary heritage related to South Korea's historic pro-democracy movement in 1960 on UNESCO's global Memory of the World Register.
Speaking at a national ceremony to mark the movement's 60th anniversary, he said the bid is meant to "specially commemorate" the spirit of the April 19 Revolution and leave its spirit to mankind, .
"The April 19 Revolution was the first democracy movement in a newly independent country following World War II, and it was also the start of students' uprisings throughout the entire world," he said in a televised speech during the event held at the April 19 National Cemetery in Seoul.
"It's a solid root of democracy of the Republic of Korea," Moon said, using South Korea's official name.
President Moon Jae-in burns incense for those who suffered and died during the 1960 pro-democracy revolution in a ceremony at the April 19 National Cemetery in Seoul on April 19, 2020. (Yonhap)
The two-week mass civilian protests, spearheaded by students protesting widespread vote-rigging in presidential elections by then-President Rhee Syngman, later led to the downfall of the Rhee government that had ruled the country for 12 years.
The revolution represented a "judgment against the forces" that ruined the democratic principle that "sovereignty rests with the people," toppling political and social oppression, according to Moon, a former human rights lawyer.
South Korea's fight against the coronavirus, he said, has been driven by the power of a mature sense of citizenship based on the April 19 spirit, in particular cooperation and solidarity.
Having effectively slowed the spread of infections, South Korea faces the crucial tasks of overcoming "the worst economic crisis" since the 1997 financial one and preparing for the post-coronavirus era with the united power of the people. The International Monetary Fund forecasts that South Korea's economy will shrink 1.2 percent this year, he pointed out.
"The key is to protect jobs," the president emphasized. "In order to maintain employment, we have to help companies and workers and protect the lives of small business owners and the self-employed."
To that end, he added, cooperation and solidary are necessary, especially between labor and management.
He said the government will first support companies that keep job cuts at bay through a labor-management deal and strive to strengthen employment and social safety nets for the unemployed.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-04-19--S. Korea reports 8 more cases of new coronavirus, total now at 10,661

SEOUL , April 19 ( Yonhap ) -- South Korea on Sunday reported eight more cases of the new coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ total infections to 10,661 , with the daily increase falling to a single digit for @ @ @ @ @ two months .

SEOUL, April 19 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Sunday reported eight more cases of the new coronavirus, bringing the nation's total infections to 10,661, with the daily increase falling to a single digit for the first time in about two months.
The figure, detected on Saturday, marked another decrease from a day earlier when the number of new infections reached 18, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
Of the eight new cases, five were detected from arrivals from foreign countries.
The number of South Korea's daily new cases reached a peak of 909 on Feb. 29.
Despite the signs of a slowdown, health authorities still remain vigilant over new cases coming from overseas, as well as over those who are retesting positive for COVID-19.
The nation's death toll from the novel virus, which emerged in China late last year, rose by two to 234, according to the KCDC.
The number of patients released from quarantine after making full recoveries reached 8,042, up 105 from a day earlier.
Medical workers get ready to enter a special ward for coronavirus patients at Keimyung University Daegu Dongsan Hospital in the southeastern city of Daegu on April 17, 2020. (Yonhap)
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-04-19--(URGENT) S. Korea releases 105 recovered coronavirus patients, total cured people at 8,042: KCDC

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


yna--2020-04-19--(URGENT) S. Korea confirms 2 more coronavirus deaths, raising death toll to 234: KCDC


yna--2020-04-19--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 8 more cases of new coronavirus, total now at 10,661


yna--2020-04-19--Sales of Galaxy S20 fall behind predecessor amid pandemic

The local sales of the Galaxy S20 series , which comes in three models -- the S20 , S20 Plus @ @ @ @ @ estimated to have accounted for only 60 percent of the sales of the Galaxy S10 @ @ @ @ @ according to sources from local mobile carriers .

SEOUL, April 19 (Yonhap) -- Sales of Samsung Electronics Co.'s latest flagship series Galaxy S20 are hovering below those of its predecessor as the global new coronavirus pandemic has led to a slump in demand for consumer products, industry sources said Sunday.
The local sales of the Galaxy S20 series, which comes in three models -- the S20, S20 Plus and S20 Ultra -- are estimated to have accounted for only 60 percent of the sales of the Galaxy S10 5G series so far, according to sources from local mobile carriers.
The South Korean tech giant, which has not been providing official numbers, estimated the sales were roughly 80 percent of the Galaxy S10 5G series.
Samsung Electronics Co.'s Galaxy S20 smartphones are displayed at a Seoul-based shop in this file photo taken on Feb. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
The decrease apparently came as consumer sentiment was seriously hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to economic jitters around the globe.
Reflecting the weaker-than-expected performance, Samsung is estimated to have posted an operating profit of around 2.5 trillion won (US$2 billion) or below for the first quarter from the IT & mobile communications division, which oversees the smartphone business.
The company will deliver its finalized earnings report later this month.
Samsung's operating profit from the sector reached 2.9 trillion won in the third quarter of 2019, which slipped to 2.5 trillion won a quarter later.
Industry tracker Strategy Analytics earlier said global shipments of smartphones are estimated to reach 1 billion units, revising down its previous estimate of 1.3 billion units.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


Sunday's weather forecast

SEOUL , April 19 ( Yonhap ) -- The following is the weather forecast for South Korea 's 12 major @ @ @ @ @ .


yna--2020-04-19--Trump says he recently received 'nice note' from N.K. leader

Trump blasted his critics for alleging that he gave away too much without getting anything in return by having three @ @ @ @ @ in 2018 and twice in 2019 .

By Lee Haye-ah
WASHINGTON, April 18 (Yonhap) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Saturday he recently received a "nice note" from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and insisted their relationship remains good.
The two countries have failed to make progress in denuclearization negotiations since a February 2019 summit between Trump and Kim ended without a deal.
But the leaders have maintained their personal correspondence, with Trump sending a letter to Kim last month to offer U.S. assistance with the coronavirus pandemic.
This UPI photo shows U.S. President Donald Trump at a White House press briefing on the coronavirus pandemic on April 18, 2020. (Yonhap)
"North Korea, I see they're testing short-range missiles. Been doing it a long time," Trump said at a daily White House press briefing on COVID-19.
"I received a nice note from him recently. It was a nice note. I think we're doing fine," he said without elaborating on the contents of the message.
Trump again downplayed the North's short-range missile tests, which the communist nation resumed in March. Earlier this week, North Korea fired what appeared to be cruise missiles and air-to-ground missiles into the East Sea.
"I have a good relationship with him," Trump said, adding that had he not been elected president the U.S. would now be at war with North Korea.
"We're doing just fine with North Korea. Just fine. We'll see how it all ends up," he said.
Trump blasted his critics for alleging that he gave away too much without getting anything in return by having three meetings with Kim -- once in 2018 and twice in 2019.
He said they were "stupid people" and took credit for increasing sanctions on North Korea.
China has been "very good on the border," he claimed, apparently referring to Beijing's enforcement of international sanctions on Pyongyang.
"Right now the border is stone cold closed between China and North Korea," he said, as the North has closed its borders to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Whether Kim's new note will help restart nuclear talks is far from certain.
In disclosing Trump's letter last month, Kim's sister, Yo-jong, said there should be no misjudging about a possible resumption of dialogue between the countries based solely on the leaders' personal communication.
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-04-19--(2nd LD) Moon, Trump agree to cooperate on coronavirus response, related N. Korea aid

`` The President also expressed his appreciation for South Korea 's assistance to the United States in procuring COVID-19 tests @ @ @ @ @ the American people , '' the White House said .
`` Both leaders agreed to @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic and restore global economic growth . ''

(ATTN: UPDATES throughout with White House readout; CHANGES dateline)
SEOUL/WASHINGTON, April 19 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed Saturday to continue cooperation in response to the coronavirus and reaffirmed a push for humanitarian assistance for North Korea with regard to the pandemic, Cheong Wa Dae said.
In phone talks that lasted half an hour, Trump called South Korea's handling of COVID-19 the "best model," noting that it successfully held national elections earlier this week. He then congratulated Moon on his party's landslide victory in the parliamentary polls, according to Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kang Min-seok.
The White House said in a readout that Trump congratulated Moon for his party's "strong victory" during the elections.
Moon replied that a remarkable reduction in the country's new infections was of big help to the election win, according to Kang.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in holds phone talks with U.S. President Donald Trump at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, with his aides listening in, on April 18, 2020, in this photo provided by Moon's office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Despite an improvement in the pandemic situation, Moon added, the government is still considering whether to relax social-distancing measures.
Trump thanked South Korea for the supply of test kits, in the spirit of the Seoul-Washington alliance.
"The President also expressed his appreciation for South Korea's assistance to the United States in procuring COVID-19 tests and for its support to the American people," the White House said. "Both leaders agreed to continue working together to defeat the pandemic and restore global economic growth."
Kang said in a press statement: "The two nations agreed to continue cooperation in the quarantine field to respond to COVID-19."
On North Korea, Moon spoke highly of Trump's efforts to engage North Korea for peace on the Korean Peninsula, according to Kang. Trump said that it's natural to do so and that he would maintain the policy.
In connection with the coronavirus, they reaffirmed the principle of providing Pyongyang with humanitarian aid, Kang said.
The White House made no mention of any discussion of North Korea.
Kang did not reveal whether Moon and Trump touched on the thorny negotiations on sharing defense costs. The White House said the leaders "discussed ways to further strengthen the United States-Republic of Korea security relationship."
The phone conversation was the two leaders' second in less than a month.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in (L) and U.S. President Donald Trump in a combined file photo (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-04-19--(LEAD) Moon, Trump agree to cooperate on coronavirus response, related N. Korea aid

In phone talks that lasted half an hour , Trump called South Korea 's handling of COVID-19 the `` best @ @ @ @ @ it successfully held national elections earlier this week .
He then congratulated Moon on his @ @ @ @ @ the parliamentary polls , according to Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kang Min-seok .

(ATTN: UPDATES with details; CHANGES headline; ADDS photo)
SEOUL, April 19 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed Saturday to continue cooperation in response to the coronavirus and reaffirmed a push for humanitarian assistance for North Korea with regard to the pandemic, Cheong Wa Dae said.
In phone talks that lasted half an hour, Trump called South Korea's handling of COVID-19 the "best model," noting that it successfully held national elections earlier this week. He then congratulated Moon on his party's landslide victory in the parliamentary polls, according to Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kang Min-seok.
Moon replied that a remarkable reduction in the country's new infections was of big help to the election win.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in holds phone talks with U.S. President Donald Trump at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, with his aides listening in, on April 18, 2020, in this photo provided by Moon's office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Despite an improvement in the pandemic situation, Moon added, the government is still considering whether to relax social-distancing measures.
Trump thanked South Korea for the supply of test kits, in the spirit of the Seoul-Washington alliance.
"The two nations agreed to continue cooperation in the quarantine field to respond to COVID-19," Kang said in a press statement.
On North Korea, Moon spoke highly of Trump's efforts to engage North Korea for peace on the Korean Peninsula. Trump said that it's natural to do so and that he would maintain the policy.
In connection with the coronavirus, they reaffirmed the principle of providing Pyongyang with humanitarian aid, Kang said.
Kang did not reveal whether Moon and Trump touched on the thorny negotiations on sharing defense costs.
The phone conversation was the two leaders' second in less than a month.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in (L) and U.S. President Donald Trump in a combined file photo (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-04-19--Moon, Trump discuss coronavirus, N. Korea

SEOUL , April 19 ( Yonhap ) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in and U.S. President Donald Trump had discussions @ @ @ @ @ Korea , in phone talks that lasted half an hour , on Saturday , Cheong @ @ @ @

SEOUL, April 19 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in and U.S. President Donald Trump had discussions on the coronavirus and North Korea, in phone talks that lasted half an hour, on Saturday, Cheong Wa Dae announced.
Trump called South Korea the best model for handling the coronavirus and expressed his gratitude to South Korea for the supply of test kits.
The two sides agreed to continue cooperation in the quarantine sector, according to Cheong Wa Dae.
On North Korea, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to a policy of engaging the nuclear-armed nation.
Moon and Trump also reaffirmed the principle of providing the communist country with humanitarian aid regarding COVID-19.
The phone conversation was the two leaders' second in less than a month.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in (L) and U.S. President Donald Trump in a combined file photo (Yonhap)
(END)


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yna--2020-04-18--(URGENT) Moon, Trump hold phone talks on coronavirus: Cheong Wa Dae


yna--2020-04-18--(LEAD) S. Korea mulls extending social distancing campaign until May 5

The government is moving to extend the campaign by another two weeks in order to prevent infections of COVID-19 during @ @ @ @ @ is considering easing the strictness of implementation , according to officials .

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead; UPDATES with more info throughout)
SEOUL, April 18 (Yonhap) -- South Korea is considering extending social distancing guidances until May 5 in a bid to contain the spread of the new coronavirus, government officials said Saturday.
The government is moving to extend the campaign by another two weeks in order to prevent infections of COVID-19 during upcoming holidays, but it is considering easing the strictness of implementation, according to officials.
The government plans to announce its decision on whether to extend the drive Sunday, when the campaign is scheduled to end.
The extension would take into account the possibility that outdoor activity could increase as the country will mark Buddha's birthday on April 30, Labor Day on May 1 and Children's Day on May 5.
Since March 22, the government has intensified the social distancing drive, recommending churches, sports facilities and clubs to suspend operations to curb cluster infections of the virus.
While extending the social distancing advisory, the government is considering lifting the recommendations.
Instead, the government is expected to instruct thorough compliance with anti-infection rules. Otherwise, offenders may face stringent measures.
South Korea reported fewer 20 new coronavirus cases on Saturday for the first time in about two months, bringing the total infections at 10,653.
These combined photos show key landmarks in Seoul cast in blue light on April 16 and 17, 2020, as part of the Blue Light Campaign to express gratitude to South Korean medical personnel for fighting the novel coronavirus. Seoul's metropolitan government said they will be lit up till May 15. Counterclockwise from top left are the Seoullo 7017 pedestrian overpass, Seoul World Cup Stadium, Namsan Seoul Tower and Seoul City Hall. (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-04-19--63.3 pct opposed to immediate easing of social distancing: poll

A total of 66.5 percent of those who opposed to immediate easing said there is no need to specify a @ @ @ @ @ , saying the decision should be made after factoring in infections , international situations and @ @ @

SEOUL, April 19 (Yonhap) -- More than half, or 63.3 percent, of South Koreans oppose an immediate easing of social distancing, a government poll showed Sunday.
The results were released in line with the government's announcement to extend a national social distancing campaign until early May, with eased regulations in some areas.
Of those opposed, 66.2 percent cited risks of the virus resurfacing while vaccine and treatment development is still under way, according to the poll of 1,000 South Koreans conducted on Friday and Saturday.
Some 14.4 percent cited a continued rise in new infections, while 13.3 percent voiced concerns over overseas cases. Around 6.2 percent said a grace period is necessary for people to adjust to "everyday quarantine" guidelines.
People stand apart from each other at an elementary school in Songpa Ward, southeastern Seoul, as they wait to vote in the general elections on April 15, 2020. (Yonhap)
A total of 66.5 percent of those who opposed to immediate easing said there is no need to specify a deadline to end social distancing, saying the decision should be made after factoring in infections, international situations and vaccine development.
Of the 36.7 percent who called for an immediate easing of social distancing, 43.6 percent said the citizens are closely following quarantine guidelines. Some 19.6 percent said infections have declined sufficiently, while 19.1 percent cited the sluggish economy. Around 17.1 percent cited fatigue over a prolonged social distancing campaign.
South Korea launched a two-week intensive social distancing campaign on March 22. The schedule was extended by two weeks as cases continued to soar.
Earlier in the day, the government extended the campaign to May 5, but with eased regulations for churches, cram schools and bars which had been advised to temporarily shut down.
(END)


yna--2020-04-19--Asiana Airlines to extend unpaid leave as virus woes linger

Under the measure , all employees will be advised to take at least 15 days of unpaid leave each month @ @ @ @ @ the company said in a press release .

SEOUL, April 19 (Yonhap) -- Asiana Airlines Inc., the country's second-biggest carrier, on Sunday announced self-rescue plans, such as extending unpaid leave for employees, to minimize the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.
Under the measure, all employees will be advised to take at least 15 days of unpaid leave each month until business circumstances normalize, the company said in a press release.
The company also plans to ask flight attendants and domestic airport employees to apply for two-month paid leaves.
This photo, taken on April 9, 2020, shows Asiana Airlines Inc. planes grounded at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul. (Yonhap)
To make up for a fall in passenger flights, the company said it has been expanding operation of chartered flights and cargo services.
In the past two months, the company has operated chartered flights for engineers at South Korean conglomerates Samsung and LG, as well as overseas Korean citizens hoping to return here.
The airlines industry has taken a drastic hit from the virus pandemic that has infected more than 10,000 here.
The government announced a massive package to help support budget airlines. Korean Air Lines Co., and Asiana Airlines, the country's two biggest carriers, have also demanded an emergency financial package.
(END)


yna--2020-04-19--(3rd LD) S. Korea to maintain social distancing campaign, with less intensity, until May 5

On reopening of schools , he said the government will consider allowing schools to gradually reopen , depending on the @ @ @ @ @ the education ministry to carefully review the matter .
Schools have begun holding classes via @ @ @ @ @ and teachers have experienced inconveniences due to technical glitches .

(ATTN: ADDS more details in paras 6-9, photo; RECASTS headline )
SEOUL, April 19 (Yonhap) -- The government said Sunday it will maintain the social distancing drive against the coronavirus until early May, but it will ease the guidelines for some groups and cases like religious gatherings and recruitment tests.
Maintaining distance from others in public places, daily sanitizing and wearing masks will be kept in place under the social distancing practices till May 5, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said in a government response meeting.
But the administrative orders on churches, bars, gyms and cram schools that strongly recommended their temporary closure will be lifted on condition that they comply with strict quarantine rules. The government will also begin to allow essential qualification tests or recruitment exams, the prime minister said.
"In terms of quarantine, it is safest to continue high-intensity social distancing, but it is not easy in reality. We need to find a middle ground," Chung said.
People stroll along the Han River in Seoul's western Yeouido amid the strong, government-led social distancing campaign in place on April 19, 2020. (Yonhap)
He added that outdoor public facilities, such as recreation forests, could reopen and that outdoor sports activities could be resumed on a limited basis so long as they follow the strict quarantine requirements.
Health Minister Park Neung-hoo said that a majority of the people felt that it is "yet too early" to transition to a stage of "everyday quarantine."
A recently conducted government poll found that 63.3 percent of respondents opposed immediate easing of social distancing.
Rather than drawing up a fixed plan, Park said the government will factor in developments to update its social distancing plan.
"The degree of social distancing will be flexibly changed depending on the scope of transmissions," Park said, "The government will evaluate the risks every two weeks, and adjust the level of social distancing if necessary."
Members of Seoul City Church in the eastern Seoul ward of Jungnang take part in a drivethru Sunday service in a parking lot on April 19, 2020. (Yonhap)
The government launched the aggressive social distancing campaign late last month as part of stepped-up efforts to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak. It had extended the campaign for two more weeks until April 19.
Sunday's decision came in part after taking into account the upcoming long holiday, starting with Buddha's Birthday on April 30, then May Day on May 1 and Children's Day on May 5. The authorities have warned against people loosening up social distancing during the holiday period.
Chung remained cautious about easing the social distancing campaign in principle, citing some countries that saw recurrences of mass infections after easing the measures.
"We are not at the stage where we can feel relieved," he said.
On reopening of schools, he said the government will consider allowing schools to gradually reopen, depending on the overall circumstances, calling on the education ministry to carefully review the matter. Schools have begun holding classes via online tools, but students and teachers have experienced inconveniences due to technical glitches.
Chung indicated that should the virus situation be managed at this level, the government will shift the policy to further ease the distancing practices after May 5.
Jeong Eun-kyeong, director-general of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), said earlier in a separate briefing that the authorities have been drafting basic rules for "everyday quarantine", which will provide specific guidelines for different types of sectors or establishments.
The government has urged for people not to lower their guards against the virus, stressing that resuming nonessential large gatherings and activities would run the risk of causing mass infections again.
On Sunday, South Korea reported eight new infection cases, down from Saturday's tally of 18 and marking the first single-digit increase in about two months. Its total infection tally stood at 10,661, with 234 deaths.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun speaks during a government meeting over coronavirus responses in Seoul on April 19, 2020. (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-04-19--Eased social distancing guidelines open door for pro sports to begin in May

The KBO said last week that the preseason , with each team playing four games , will be played April @ @ @ @ @ season could start as early as May 1 .
And in order to salvage the @ @ @ @ @ will also bring double headers and games on Monday -- a designated offday in a @ @ @ @ @ mix .
The league has also decided that all postseason games held beyond Nov. 15 @ @ @ @ @ Sky Dome in Seoul , the country 's only domed baseball stadium , as the @ @ @

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, April 19 (Yonhap) -- A recent decline in coronavirus cases, plus the government's subsequent easing of social distancing guidelines, have opened doors for the country's two biggest professional sports leagues to begin long-awaited seasons next month.
South Korea reported eight new COVID-19 cases on Sunday, the first time in two months that the daily figure stayed in a single digit. Later in the day, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said "outdoor sports games" could be held if proper safety measures are taken, including playing the games without fans in the stands.
An intrasquad game for the Doosan Bears is underway in rain at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul on April 19, 2020. (Yonhap)
The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) and the Korea Professional Football League (K League) both had to postpone the start of their seasons, and barring any drastic turn for the worse in the coming days with COVID-19 cases, both leagues appear poised to start the 2020 season sometime in May.
The KBO, whose regular season was to start on March 28, has been the more active of the two leagues in discussing scheduling options with team representatives. The KBO has been meeting with team officials and public health experts every week since March 10, when the regular season was postponed. They've explored everything from shortening the season to playing the full, 144-game season and crowning a champion by the end of November.
The KBO said last week that the preseason, with each team playing four games, will be played April 21-27, and the regular season could start as early as May 1. And in order to salvage the full schedule, the KBO will also bring double headers and games on Monday -- a designated offday in a normal season -- into the mix. The league has also decided that all postseason games held beyond Nov. 15 will be played at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, the country's only domed baseball stadium, as the neutral venue.
In this file photo from March 11, 2020, Daegu FC players train at Daegu Stadium in Daegu, 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
The KBO is expected to announce the schedule after meeting with its board of governors -- made up of team presidents -- Tuesday morning.
All preseason games and the early portion of the regular season will be played behind closed doors.
The 2020 season for the first-division K League 1 was set to kick off on Feb. 29 but it was postponed five days prior to it. The league has met with club officials just once since that time. They have in principle agreed to cut the season from the usual 38 matches to as few as 27 matches.
The K League once balked at opening the season without fans, on the grounds that, if the coronavirus was still raging across the nation, it'd still be difficult to assure the safety of players and team officials even behind closed doors.
But a league official acknowledged on Sunday that playing without fans "is definitely an option we'll consider" because of the recent decrease in new cases.
The official added that the league will soon schedule a meeting with club officials.
There has been no pro sports action in South Korea since early March, when basketball and volleyball seasons were put on hold after a few days of playing in empty arenas. Both sports canceled the remainder of their seasons later in the month.
While the KBO and the K League were mulling options, the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour last Thursday became the country's the first pro sports organization to set a date for the start or resumption of a disrupted season.
The KLPGA Championship, the season's first major, will tee off on May 14 at a venue to be determined later. It will be the tour's first tournament since its season opener held in Vietnam in December.
This file photo provided by the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) on April 28, 2019, shows Choi Hye-jin with the champion's trophy after her victory at the 2019 KLPGA Championship at Lakewood Country Club in Yangju, Gyeonggi Province. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-04-19--Seoul orders deportation of 7 foreigners for breaching self-isolation rules

The ministry said it ordered three Vietnamese students in the southwestern city of Gunsan to leave the country on Friday @ @ @ @ @ have left their home without their mobile phones .

SEOUL, April 19 (Yonhap) -- Last week, South Korea ordered the deportation of seven foreigners who went outside despite being under self-isolation, the justice ministry said Sunday.
The ministry said it ordered three Vietnamese students in the southwestern city of Gunsan to leave the country on Friday. They were found to have left their home without their mobile phones.
The government's self-isolation app uses GPS tracking in mobile phones to monitor people in self-isolation.
Another student, a Malaysian national, was also told to leave the country on the same day. Despite being under self-isolation, the student went outside three times without carrying a mobile phone.
An immigration officer who guides international arrivals showing virus symptoms disinfects her booth at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, on April 8, 2020. (Yonhap)
The ministry said it issued them an order to leave the country, rather than forcing them to leave, considering unstable flight schedules.
This means the students will have to leave the country immediately once flight schedule issues are resolved. Until then, they will remain under the custody of the immigration office.
Last week, the government also deported three Vietnamese nationals for breaking quarantine guidelines.
They include a married couple who were found in the southeastern city of Gimhae after leaving their registered address in Seoul, and a crew member who went out fishing.
The government has ordered the deportation of eight people since it imposed a mandatory self-isolation on all international arrivals. Separately, 29 were denied entry for refusing to go into self-isolation upon their arrival here.
(END)


yna--2020-04-19--U.S. amb. tweets on delivery of Global Hawk unmanned aircraft to S. Korea

Harris unveiled a picture of a Global Hawk unit parked in a hangar in an unidentified location , with the @ @ @ @ @ hanging on a wall behind .
On the body of the aircraft was text reading @ @ @ @ @ the Republic of Korea , '' in Korean .

SEOUL, April 19 (Yonhap) -- U.S. Ambassador Harry Harris said in a tweet Sunday that the Global Hawk high-altitude unmanned aircraft was delivered to South Korea this week, adding that it's a "great day" for the two countries' alliance.
Harris unveiled a picture of a Global Hawk unit parked in a hangar in an unidentified location, with the national flags of the allies hanging on a wall behind. On the body of the aircraft was text reading "the Air Force of the Republic of Korea," in Korean.
"Congratulations to the U.S.-ROK Security Cooperation teams on delivering Global Hawk to the ROK this week. A great day for ROKAF and the ironclad #USROKAlliance. @USForcesKorea," he tweeted.
The ambassador did not give details in the tweet about how many units were delivered.
Military sources have said two more Global Hawk units were expected to arrive in South Korea in April, after the first RQ-4 Block 30 Global Hawk Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) was brought in December last year.
Under a 2011 deal, Seoul purchased four units from the United States. One remaining unit is expected to arrive here within the first half.
As one of the most advanced intelligence-gathering platforms in the world, the long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle is capable of performing reconnaissance missions for around 40 hours at a time at an altitude of roughly 20 kilometers.
It is expected to enhance Seoul's reconnaissance capabilities in the face of persistent threats by North Korea, as well as growing security challenges from neighboring countries.
This image, captured from U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Harry Harris' Twitter account on April 19, 2020, shows a Global Hawk unit the ambassador said was delivered to South Korea this week. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-04-19--(2nd LD) Gov't to maintain social distancing campaign, with less intensity: PM

(ATTN: ADDS more details in 12th para)
SEOUL, April 19 (Yonhap) -- The government said Sunday it will maintain the social distancing drive against the coronavirus until early May, but it will ease the guidelines for some groups and cases like religious gatherings and recruitment tests.
Maintaining distance from others in public places, daily sanitizing and wearing masks will be kept in place under the social distancing practices till May 5, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said in a government response meeting.
But the administrative orders on churches, bars, gyms and cram schools that strongly recommended their temporary closure will be lifted on condition that they comply with strict quarantine rules. The government will also begin to allow essential qualification tests or recruitment exams, the prime minister said.
"In terms of quarantine, it is safest to continue high-intensity social distancing, but it is not easy in reality. We need to find a middle ground," Chung said.
People take a stroll along the Han River in Seoul's western Yeouido amid the strong, government-led social distancing campaign in place on April 19, 2020. (Yonhap)
He added that outdoor public facilities, such as recreation forests, could reopen and that outdoor sports activities could be resumed on a limited basis so long as they follow the strict quarantine requirements.
The government launched the aggressive social distancing campaign late last month as part of stepped-up efforts to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak. It had extended the campaign for two more weeks until April 19.
Sunday's decision came in part after taking into account the upcoming long holiday, starting with Buddha's Birthday on April 30, then May Day on May 1 and Children's Day on May 5. The authorities have warned against people loosening up social distancing during the holiday period.
Chung remained cautious about easing the social distancing campaign in principle, citing some countries that saw recurrences of mass infections after easing the measures.
"We are not at the stage where we can feel relieved," he said.
On reopening of schools, he said the government will consider allowing schools to gradually reopen, depending on the overall circumstances, calling on the education ministry to carefully review the matter. Schools have begun holding classes via online tools, but students and teachers have experienced inconveniences due to technical glitches.
Chung indicated that should the virus situation be managed at this level, the government will shift the policy to further ease the distancing practices after May 5.
Jeong Eun-kyeong, director-general of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), said earlier in a separate briefing that the authorities have been drafting basic rules for "everyday quarantine", which will provide specific guidelines for different types of sectors or establishments.
The government has urged for people not to lower their guards against the virus, stressing that resuming nonessential large gatherings and activities would run the risk of causing mass infections again.
On Sunday, South Korea reported eight new infection cases, down from Saturday's tally of 18 and marking the first single-digit increase in about two months. Its total infection tally stood at 10,661, with 234 deaths.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun speaks during a government meeting over coronavirus responses in Seoul on April 19, 2020. (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)