yna--2020-11-14--S. Korea, U.S. issue 2nd fact sheet on cooperation between regional policy initiatives

`` As allies whose relationship is grounded in our shared values , the Republic of Korea and the United States @ @ @ @ @ create a safe , prosperous and dynamic Indo-Pacific region through cooperation between the Republic of @ @ @ @ @ and the United States ' Indo-Pacific Strategy based on the principles of openness , inclusiveness @ @ @ @ @ international norms and ASEAN centrality , '' the fact sheet reads .

SEOUL, Nov. 14 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and the United States issued a second "fact sheet" on the outcome of bilateral cooperation between their regional policy initiatives on Saturday, reiterating their collaboration to create a "safe, prosperous and dynamic" Indo-Pacific region.
The fact sheet, the second of its kind following one released in November last year, entails progress in efforts to promote cooperation between Seoul's New Southern Policy and Washington's Indo-Pacific Strategy.
Korea's policy seeks to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and India, while the U.S. strategy is aimed at enhancing America's ties with partner countries and protecting what it calls the rules-based order in the region.
"As allies whose relationship is grounded in our shared values, the Republic of Korea and the United States continue to work together to create a safe, prosperous and dynamic Indo-Pacific region through cooperation between the Republic of Korea's New Southern Policy and the United States' Indo-Pacific Strategy based on the principles of openness, inclusiveness, transparency, respect for international norms and ASEAN centrality," the fact sheet reads.
The diplomatic document touched on the allies' cooperation in various areas, including infrastructure, energy, the digital economy, smart cities and natural resources management, as well as cybersecurity, maritime security and marine environmental protection.
It was released after Ko Yun-ju, the foreign ministry's director-general for North American affairs, held talks with Marc Knapper, deputy U.S. assistant secretary of state for Korea and Japan, in Seoul on Friday.
"The two sides agreed to continue to develop cooperation between the two countries' regional initiatives to promote regional peace and prosperity based on the principles of openness, inclusiveness and transparency," the ministry said in a press release.
Koh Yun-ju (L), the foreign ministry's director-general for North American affairs, and Marc Knapper, deputy U.S. assistant secretary of state for Korea and Japan, pose for a photo as they meet for talks at the foreign ministry in Seoul on Nov. 6, 2020, in this photo released by the ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-14--Moon joins ASEAN summit with Japanese, Chinese leaders, urges closer ties for post-coronavirus econo

Moon joins ASEAN summit with Japanese, Chinese leaders, urges closer ties for post-coronavirus economy

`` As the COVID-19 situation is being prolonged , there 's an increasing number of problems that we have to @ @ @ @ @ said , delivering his opening remarks at the annual ASEAN Plus Three Summit .
ASEAN @ @ @ @ @ South East Asian Nations .

By Lee Chi-dong
SEOUL, Nov. 14 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in attended a virtual summit with the leaders of Japan and China as well as 10 Southeast Asian countries Saturday and stressed the need for closer partnerships for health care and economic growth.
"As the COVID-19 situation is being prolonged, there's an increasing number of problems that we have to resolve together," Moon said, delivering his opening remarks at the annual ASEAN Plus Three Summit. ASEAN stands of the Association of South East Asian Nations.
Other attendees included Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.
It set the stage for Moon's first meeting with Suga, albeit via video links, since he became Japan's prime minister in September. Moon began his statement with a special greeting to Suga.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in speaks during an ASEAN Plus Three Summit session, held via video links, at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Nov. 14, 2020. (Yonhap)
Moon then suggested that the 13 members of the group, launched in response to the 1997 Asia-wide financial crisis, upgrade health care cooperation by a notch and make joint efforts for the development and fair supply of coronavirus vaccines and treatments.
"We need to establish a quick and transparent coordination system in preparation for new infectious diseases that can occur anytime," Moon said.
Regarding the economy, he also called for "preemptive" preparations for the post-coronavirus era.
He cited concerns about a wave of protectionism, uncertainty in financial markets and possible expansion of inequality amid an accelerating transition to the digital economy.
"Those are problems hard to solve with the power of a single nation," he added. "We should strengthen the resilience of the economy and pool wisdom to find a way for inclusive and sustainable growth."
Moon expressed hope that the ASEAN Plus Three group will play a role for the post-coronavirus development of the global economy.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in (2nd from R, top of screen,) attends a virtual session of the ASEAN Plus Three Summit, at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Nov. 14, 2020, joined by Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga (2nd from L, top of screen) and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (L, top of screen).
Later in the day, he's scheduled to participate in a broader ASEAN-hosted session, called the East Asia Summit (EAS), which includes the United States, Russia, Australia, India and New Zealand.
President Donald Trump is skipping the event as his national security adviser, Robert O'Brien, plans to represent the nation. It will be held via videoconference as well.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-14--Moon congratulates Suu Kyi on 'safe, peaceful' election

`` I extend my warm congratulations on the safe , peaceful general election successfully held in Myanmar even in the @ @ @ @ @ , '' Moon wrote on his official Twitter account .

SEOUL, Nov. 14 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in congratulated Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar's state counsellor, Saturday on the nation's "safe, peaceful" general election earlier this week.
"I extend my warm congratulations on the safe, peaceful general election successfully held in Myanmar even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic," Moon wrote on his official Twitter account.
He added, "I hope our countries will closely work together hand in hand, going forward."
Her ruling party won in a landslide in the poll.
Moon had talks with Suu Kyi in September last year during his visit to Naypyitaw, the capital of Myanmar.
This file photo shows South Korean President Moon Jae-in talking with Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar's state counsellor, in Naypyitaw on Sept. 3, 2019. (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-14--(2nd LD) New virus cases in S. Korea exceed 200 as gov't mulls enhancing social distancing

In line with efforts to curb the spread of the virus , South Korea started slapping fines of up to @ @ @ @ @ 90 ) on people who fail to wear masks in public places .
Operators of @ @ @ @ @ will be fined up to 3 million won if they fail to ensure that users @ @ @ @ @ requirement .

(ATTN: ADDS details throughout; CHANGES photos)
SEOUL, Nov. 14 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new coronavirus cases exceeded 200 for the first time in 73 days Saturday amid lingering cluster infections across the nation, with health authorities considering raising the social distancing scheme by a notch in the five-tier system.
The country added 205 more COVID-19 cases, including 166 local infections, raising the total caseload to 28,338, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
The number of new infections stayed in triple digits for the seventh consecutive day. The daily new cases reached 191 on Friday and 143 on Thursday.
It marked the first time for the daily figure to surpass 200 since 267 cases added on Sept. 2.
The KDCA reported four additional deaths, raising the total at 492. The fatality rate came to 1.74 percent.
Health authorities attributed the sharp growth to chains of cluster infections from private gatherings and public facilities, which made it more complicated for them to identify the transmission routes.
A doctor receives a new coronavirus test at a makeshift clinic in Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul, on Nov. 14, 2020. Chonnam National University Hospital in the city reported a COVID-19 case from one of its doctors on the previous day. (Yonhap)
South Korea saw its number of daily new infections peaked at 909 in late February, after a minor church sect in Daegu reported major cluster infections.
The country faced another wave of pandemic in August, with the figure reaching 441 on Aug. 27 due to cases traced to another church in northern Seoul, coupled with an anti-government demonstration.
With signs of a possible slowdown, however, South Korea has kept the Level 1 social distancing scheme under a new five-tier system nationwide since earlier this month, although some cities and provincial governments upped their virus infection preventive measures.
Asan and Cheonan, both located in central South Chungcheong Province, adopted tougher measures last week. Wonju in Gangwon Province and Gwangyang and Suncheon in South Jeolla Province also raised their social distancing schemes to Level 1.5 this week.
Yeosu, located 455 kilometers south of Seoul, is also among the regions that enhanced their guidelines.
Under Level 1, people are required to follow basic guidelines, such as wearing masks, and gatherings of over 500 people are not recommended.
People are still allowed to carry on with most of their daily routines under Level 1.5, but gatherings of 100 or more people will be regulated, though not completely banned.
In line with efforts to curb the spread of the virus, South Korea started slapping fines of up to 100,000 won (US$90) on people who fail to wear masks in public places. Operators of those facilities and rally organizers will be fined up to 3 million won if they fail to ensure that users or participants stick to the requirement.
South Koreans wait to receive COVID-19 tests at a clinic in central Seoul on Nov. 14, 2020, as new coronavirus cases in the country exceeded 200 for the first time in 73 days. (Yonhap)
Among the locally transmitted cases, the capital city of Seoul accounted for 63 cases, and Gyeonggi Province that surrounds Seoul reported 46. The greater Seoul area houses around half of the nation's population.
Gangwon Province added 18 more infections, followed by South Jeolla Province with 13. South Chungcheon Province added 11 new cases.
As of Saturday noon, a sauna in western Seoul reported eight more patients, raising the total to nine. A hospital in the area also reported nine patients.
A nursing home in northern Seoul added nine more patients, raising the tally to 10.
In eastern Seoul, another nursing home added six more cases, with a total of 59 cases being traced to the facility.
A bank in Suncheon, 415 kilometers south of Seoul, added two new patients. A total of 10 patients have been reported there.
"As small-sized, sporadic group infections are rising outside the Seoul metropolitan area, there's a possibility that the country will raise the level of social distancing in some areas, should the current trend continue," a health official said during a regular briefing.
Health authorities said the average daily new cases of COVID-19 came to 122.4 over the past week.
President Moon Jae-in expressed concerns about spikes in new cases.
"Although the current situation is within a manageable level for our medical system, it is worrisome that it may spread further," Moon said in a Facebook post.
Moon called for citizens to strictly follow mask guidelines, especially as the annual college entrance exam is only 20 days ahead.
The country added 39 imported cases.
Among the imported cases, the United States accounted for 10 cases, followed by Russia with six and Poland with five.
There were also cases from the Philippines, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Japan.
South Korean nationals accounted for 55 percent of imported cases.
The number of seriously or critically ill patients came to 54, up four from Friday.
The number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries came to 25,636, up 99 from the previous day. This indicates 90.4 percent of the patients reported here being cured.
South Korea has carried out 2,777,289 COVID-19 tests, including 15,878 from Friday.
Over the past two weeks, around 13.4 percent of the additional cases had unknown infection routes. Nearly 35 percent of the newly added cases were traced to cluster infections.
Health authorities, meanwhile, said its studies on 1,301 COVID-19 cases showed that the S and V strains of the new coronavirus were dominant through April, but mostly the GH strain has since been detected from a series of cluster infections.
Two cases were also infected with the GV strain, which has recently been categorized by the World Health Organization, they added.
The emergency room of Chonnam National University Hospital in Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul, is closed on Nov. 14, 2020, after one of its doctors tested postive of COVID-19 overnight. (Yonhap)
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-14--Today in Korean history

Today in Korean history

2014 -- South Korea and New Zealand strike a free trade agreement to boost trade and economic cooperation .
The @ @ @ @ @ sidelines of a summit of the Group of 20 advanced and emerging economies in Brisbane @ @ @ @ @ five years of tough negotiations between the two countries .
South Korea is a G-20 @ @ @ @ @ was invited to the Brisbane summit as a guest .

Nov. 15
1895 -- A government installed by Japan, which was seeking to colonize Korea toward the end of the Joseon Dynasty, issues an order for all Korean men to cut their hair. The government's top official Kim Hong-jip said the traditional style of long hair in a topknot was an outdated custom of Confucian society that should be ended for the country's development.
Kim's Cabinet promoted diplomatic and trade relations with Japan and Western countries, while the royal dynasty was caught between neighboring countries that tried to control the peninsula in the tumultuous 19th century.
Kim was assassinated, however, and his Cabinet collapsed when another faction of politicians with ties to the Russian government took over a year later.
1974 -- The first North Korean tunnel dug under the Demilitarized Zone is uncovered. Three more tunnels, thought to have been made for an invasion of South Korea, were found later in the western and central border areas. The South accused the North of digging the tunnels for an invasion, but the North denied any involvement.
1984 -- South and North Korea hold their first economic meeting at the truce village of Panmunjom. The meeting broke down as the sides were too far apart over how to promote economic cooperation.
2000 -- President Kim Dae-jung holds summits with then U.S. President Bill Clinton and other heads of state on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Brunei. Kim and Clinton reaffirmed their commitment to continuing cooperation on relations with North Korea, following then U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright's visit to North Korea earlier that year.
Kim also expressed his government's intention to revise the Status of Forces Agreement, which governs the legal status of American soldiers in South Korea, and urged the U.S. to investigate civilian massacres by U.S. forces during the Korean War.
2009 -- South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and leaders of 20 other economies in the Asia-Pacific region agree to cut costs and procedural hurdles to facilitate freer cross-border trade within the year. The leaders at the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit agreed to reduce by 25 percent the cost, time and number of procedures their businesses face when trading across borders.
2010 -- South Korea and Peru sign a bilateral free trade agreement, hoping to enhance cooperation in energy and infrastructure construction.
2014 -- South Korea and New Zealand strike a free trade agreement to boost trade and economic cooperation. The announcement, made on the sidelines of a summit of the Group of 20 advanced and emerging economies in Brisbane, wrapped up more than five years of tough negotiations between the two countries. South Korea is a G-20 member, but New Zealand was invited to the Brisbane summit as a guest.
2017 -- A rare 5.4 magnitude earthquake strikes the southeastern city of Pohang, damaging buildings, breaking windows and sending people running from their homes. Tremors were felt as far as Seoul, hundreds of kilometers away.
(END)


yna--2020-11-14--(2nd LD) Seoul braces for rallies amid virus resurgence

While the number of participants in each gathering will be kept below 100 under social distancing rules , local authorities @ @ @ @ @ of COVID-19 cases here has been rising sharply in recent days .

(ATTN: ADDS President Moon's remarks in paras 6-8)
SEOUL, Nov. 14 (Yonhap) -- South Korean authorities remained on guard over street rallies scheduled for Saturday amid rising concerns over possible spread of the new coronavirus.
The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), a major umbrella labor organization, and other progressive groups plan to stage 31 rallies in 61 locations across Seoul in the afternoon, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said.
Conservative groups will also hold 47 protests in 85 locations, according to the police.
While the number of participants in each gathering will be kept below 100 under social distancing rules, local authorities are vigilant as the number of COVID-19 cases here has been rising sharply in recent days.
The capital city currently prohibits any protests with more than 100 participants.
COVID-19 resurgence South Koreans wait to receive COVID-19 tests at a clinic in central Seoul on Nov. 14, 2020, as new coronavirus cases in the country exceeded 200 for the first time in 73 days. (Yonhap)
President Moon Jae-in made a last-minute appeal for organizers to cancel the rallies.
"The rallies should be reconsidered," Moon said in a Facebook post. "Freedom of assembly matters but the safety of the people is more important," he added.
He warned of stern legal actions against any illegal acts and breaches of social distancing rules during the rallies.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said the government will take measures to ensure participants comply with COVID-19 guidelines, including wearing masks and keeping safe distance. The government will firmly respond to violators and thoroughly hold them accountable, he said in a Facebook post.
"We will do our best to prevent today's rallies from becoming a trigger for the spread of COVID-19," Chung said.
Seoul police plan to establish barricades and promptly crack down on the rallies should the number of participants in each gathering increase sharply.
"We will advise participants to follow health guidelines while limiting the number of participants," a police official said. "If the number exceeds the limit, we will take stern actions, including dispersing them."
South Korea, despite being considered to be one of most successful countries in terms of managing the virus pandemic, has suffered a slew of cluster infections since identifying its first patient in late January.
At the early stage of the pandemic, the country reported a whopping 5,200 cases of COVID-19 traced to a minor church sect from the southeastern city of Daegu. Later in the year, some 280 cases were reported from a nightlife district in the capital city.
More recently, 650 cases were traced to an anti-government rally held in the central Seoul on Aug. 15. A conservative church in northern Seoul, whose members also participated in the demonstration, added another 1,173 cases.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-14--S. Korea confirms another case of highly pathogenic avian influenza

South Korea has raised its guard against the disease since late October , when it found a highly pathogenic H5N8 @ @ @ @ @ a creek in Cheonan , 92 kilometers south of Seoul .
It was the first @ @ @ @ @ country in 32 months .

SEOUL, Nov. 13 (Yonhap) -- South Korea said Saturday it has confirmed another case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) in wild birds amid growing concerns over the disease's possible spread to poultry farms.
The fourth outbreak of the highly pathogenic strain of bird flu this year occurred in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. The disease was found from a sample of mandarin ducks captured Tuesday.
The government banned the entry of people and vehicles within a 500-meter radius of the location where the sample was collected. A transportation ban was issued on farms within a 10-kilometer range as well.
South Korea has raised its guard against the disease since late October, when it found a highly pathogenic H5N8 strain of bird flu near a creek in Cheonan, 92 kilometers south of Seoul. It was the first avian influenza case in the country in 32 months.
A few days later, authorities confirmed another case in Yongin, near the capital city. The third case was again reported from Cheonan on Tuesday.
Highly pathogenic AI is very contagious and can cause severe illness and even death in poultry.
South Korea is currently studying six suspected cases from across the nation as well.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-14--Fourth Korean-American wins U.S. House election

Kim , 57 , was born in South Korea and grew up in Guam .
She won 50.6 percent of @ @ @ @ @ incumbent Gil Cisneros by a margin of 1.2 percentage point in the 39th Congressional District @ @ @ @ @ reports said .
It was a rematch from 2018 .

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 14, (Yonhap) -- Young Kim, a Korean-American Republican, won the U.S. House election in a Southern California district on Friday, U.S. media reported.
The former state lawmaker joined three other politicians of Korean descent elected to the House of Representatives in the Nov. 3 elections.
Kim, 57, was born in South Korea and grew up in Guam. She won 50.6 percent of the vote to beat Democratic incumbent Gil Cisneros by a margin of 1.2 percentage point in the 39th Congressional District anchored in Orange County, reports said. It was a rematch from 2018.
She joined Marilyn Strickland and Michelle Park Steel to become the first Korean-American women to serve Congress in its 230-year history.
Democrat Strickland, former mayor of Tacoma, won the race in Washington's 10th Congressional District, while Republican Steel claimed the 48th District in Orange County.
Democrat Andy Kim, a Korean-American man, won the race in New Jersey's 3rd District.
This image captured from Facebook shows Young Kim, a Korean-American Republican, who won the U.S. House election in a Southern California district. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-11-14--(LEAD) Seoul braces for rallies amid virus resurgence

(ATTN: ADDS prime minister's remarks in paras 6-8; REPLACES photo)
SEOUL, Nov. 14 (Yonhap) -- Health authorities remained on guard over street rallies scheduled for Saturday amid rising concerns over possible spread of the new coronavirus.
The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), a major umbrella labor organization, and other progressive groups plan to stage 31 rallies in 61 locations across Seoul in the afternoon, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said.
Conservative groups will also hold 47 protests in 85 locations, according to the police.
While the number of participants in each gathering will be kept below 100 under social distancing rules, local authorities are vigilant as the number of COVID-19 cases here has been rising sharply in recent days.
The capital city currently prohibits any protests with more than 100 participants.
COVID-19 resurgence South Koreans wait to receive COVID-19 tests at a clinic in central Seoul on Nov. 14, 2020, as new coronavirus cases in the country exceeded 200 for the first time in 73 days. (Yonhap)
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun warned of stern legal actions against any illegal acts during the rallies.
In a Facebook post, Chung said the government will take measures to ensure participants comply with coronavirus guidelines, including wearing masks and keeping safe distance, and will firmly respond to violators and thoroughly hold them accountable
"We will do our best to prevent today's rallies from becoming a trigger for the spread of COVID-19," he said.
Seoul police plan to establish barricades and promptly crack down on the rallies should the number of participants in each gathering increase sharply.
"We will advise participants to follow health guidelines while limiting the number of participants," a police official said. "If the number exceeds the limit, we will take stern actions, including dispersing them."
South Korea, despite being considered to be one of most successful countries in terms of managing the virus pandemic, has suffered a slew of cluster infections since identifying its first patient in late January.
At the early stage of the pandemic, the country reported a whopping 5,200 cases of COVID-19 traced to a minor church sect from the southeastern city of Daegu. Later in the year, some 280 cases were reported from a nightlife district in the capital city.
More recently, 650 cases were traced to an anti-government rally held in the central Seoul on Aug. 15. A conservative church in northern Seoul, whose members also participated in the demonstration, added another 1,173 cases.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-15--Ruling party lawmakers head to U.S. for discussions on N.K., alliance following Biden's election

The three lawmakers also plan to meet with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun , who doubles as the @ @ @ @ @ Korea , as well as people related to the incoming Biden administration , though it @ @ @ @ @ with members of Biden 's transition team .

SEOUL, Nov. 15 (Yonhap) -- Three ruling party lawmakers, including the chairman of the parliamentary foreign affairs committee, left for Washington on Sunday for meetings with U.S. congressional leaders and experts in the wake of Joe Biden's election as U.S. president.
The three members of the Democratic Party's task force on Korean Peninsula issues -- Reps. Song Young-gil, Kim Han-jung and Yun Kun-young -- plan to meet with Brad Sherman (D-CA), a member of the House Foreign Affairs subcommittee on Asia, and Rep. Thomas Suozzi (D-NY) during the five-day visit.
"Rep. Sherman is one of the leading candidates for chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee," Song, the National Assembly's foreign affairs committee chairman, told reporters at Incheon International Airport. "We're going to discuss the North Korean nuclear issue and the alliance between South Korea and the U.S."
The three lawmakers also plan to meet with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun, who doubles as the U.S. point man for North Korea, as well as people related to the incoming Biden administration, though it will be difficult to meet with members of Biden's transition team.
"After the U.S. presidential election, Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-hwa visited the U.S., and we're the first to go there as lawmakers," Song said. "We're at a point in time when parliamentary exchanges are important because President-elect Biden hails from Congress and considers parliament important."
South Korea has been trying to maintain close coordination and cooperation with the U.S. after Biden's election as it wants to continue its Korean Peninsula peace process by engaging with North Korea and keep a mood for peace and reconciliation alive.
Rep. Song Young-gil (C) waves at reporters on Nov. 15, 2020, at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, before leaving for Washington to discuss Korean Peninsula issues with politicians and experts following Joe Biden's victory in the U.S. presidential election. (Yonhap)
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)


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yna--2020-11-15--Obama says improved attitude toward U.S. allowed 'robust sanctions' against N. Korea

`` After North Korea started testing ballistic missiles , Susan Rice was able to get the Security Council to pass @ @ @ @ @ part because of her skill and tenacity but also , she told me , because @ @ @ @ @ want to be seen as being aligned with you . '
''

By Byun Duk-kun
WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 (Yonhap) -- The United States was able to push through "robust" sanctions against North Korea by the U.N. Security Council in 2009 thanks to its improved relations with other countries, former U.S. President Barack Obama said.
In a new memoir, "A Promised Land," the former U.S. president also said that his 2009 speech in Prague calling for a world free of nuclear weapons was partly aimed at urging efforts to prevent Iran and North Korea from further advancing their nuclear programs.
"I had a second, more practical reason for focusing on the nuclear issue in a way that would make headlines across Europe: We needed to find a means to prevent Iran and North Korea from advancing their nuclear programs," Obama said, according to a copy of his book obtained by Yonhap News Agency.
The book is set to be released Tuesday.
This AP photo shows the cover of the new memoir by former U.S. President Barack Obama, "A Promised Land," that is set to be released on Nov. 17, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Obama delivered the Prague speech on April 5, one day after North Korea launched a long-range rocket into the Pacific "just to get our attention," he noted.
About six weeks later on May 25, the communist state staged its second nuclear test.
The U.N. Security Council (UNSC) had unanimously adopted a sanctions resolution against North Korea on June 12.
Obama said such a swift action by the UNSC was possible partly because of increased U.S. popularity on the world stage.
"Around the world, public attitude toward the United States had steadily improved since I'd taken office, demonstrating that our early diplomatic work was paying off," Obama wrote.
"This heightened popularity made it easier for our allies to sustain or even boost their troop contributions in Afghanistan, knowing that their citizens trusted our leadership," he said.
"After North Korea started testing ballistic missiles, Susan Rice was able to get the Security Council to pass robust international sanctions, in part because of her skill and tenacity but also, she told me, because 'a lot of countries want to be seen as being aligned with you.'"
The U.S. was able to push through four additional UNSC sanctions resolutions against North Korea before Obama left office in early 2017.
Pyongyang has so far staged six nuclear tests, with its last nuclear test conducted on Sept. 3, 2017, which prompted yet another UNSC sanctions resolution, unanimously adopted only eight days later on Sept. 11.
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-15--Samsung smartphones' domestic market share exceeds 70 percent for first time: market researcher

Samsung Electronics ' smaller rival LG Electronics Co. and U.S. tech giant Apple Inc. saw their respective market shares in @ @ @ @ @ below 10 percent in the third quarter , it said .

SEOUL, Nov. 15 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Co., the world's biggest smartphone maker, saw its domestic market share exceed 70 percent for the first time in the third quarter on new products, a market research firm said Sunday.
For the three months that ended in September, Samsung Electronics produced 3.4 million smartphones to account for 72.3 percent of the local smartphone markets, according to data from Strategy Analytics, Inc.
New products such as the Galaxy Note 20 smartphone and the Galaxy Z Fold 2 and Galaxy Z Flip foldable phones helped buoy domestic sales in the September quarter, it said.
Samsung Electronics' smaller rival LG Electronics Co. and U.S. tech giant Apple Inc. saw their respective market shares in the Korean smartphone market fall below 10 percent in the third quarter, it said.
In the fourth quarter, however, Samsung's share is expected to decline slightly given strong demand for Apple's new iPhone 12 launched in the local market on Oct. 30.
This photo taken on Sept. 11, 2020, shows the Galaxy Z Fold 2 foldable smartphone displayed at KT Square in Gwanghwamun, Seoul. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-11-15--N. Korea stays mum on Biden's victory in uncommonly long silence on U.S. election

When Obama was reelected in 2012 , however , the North reported on his victory in a commentary article four @ @ @ @ @ view of the Obama administration 's `` strategic patience '' policy of waiting for the @ @ @ @ @ negotiating table while putting pressure on Pyongyang .

By Koh Byung-joon
SEOUL, Nov. 15 (Yonhap) -- North Korea has stayed mum for more than a week on Joe Biden's election as U.S. president, an uncommonly long silence on the results of such a major political event that could have ramifications on its relations with Washington.
Observers say the North appears to be careful in making any response to the election results as President Donald Trump, who has boasted of friendly relations with leader Kim Jong-un, has yet to concede defeat.
As of early Sunday morning, North Korea's media outlets have not mentioned the U.S. presidential election, nor have they reported on its results or carried any message toward Washington.
The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the North's ruling party, carried several stories, including one calling for stepped-up efforts to carry out an 80-day campaign until the end of this year in the face of the global coronavirus pandemic.
However, it did not run any stories about the U.S. election.
The Korean Central News Agency, Pyongyang's state news agency, also did not run any stories on the U.S. election. It carried stories on nationwide efforts to stave off an outbreak of the coronavirus and recover from typhoon-inflicted damage.
It is rare for the North to continue its silence this long given that it has mentioned or issued a statement just a few days after previous U.S. presidential elections.
North Korea's media reported on Barack Obama's election two days after his victory, reacting positively to his win over the Republican candidate John McCain.
When Obama was reelected in 2012, however, the North reported on his victory in a commentary article four days later, reflecting its view of the Obama administration's "strategic patience" policy of waiting for the North to return to the negotiating table while putting pressure on Pyongyang.
When Trump won the 2016 presidential election, the North reported it in the Rodong Sinmun two days later but referred to him as the new administration without mentioning his name.
Experts say the North's silence could be because of Trump's refusal to accept defeat. Pyongyang has apparently preferred Trump's election given his friendly relationship with leader Kim. The two held two historic summit talks in 2018 and 2019.
North Korea, however, has been tough on Biden, with its media deriding him as a "fool of low IQ" and an "imbecile bereft of elementary quality as a human being." Biden has also vowed "principled" diplomacy on North Korea, calling leader Kim a "thug" and "dictator."
As North Korea's silence continues, questions are growing over when and how Pyongyang will react to the latest U.S. presidential election.
"North Korea could send a congratulatory message in a way to show the aspect of a normal state," Kim Dong-yeop, a research professor at Kyungnam University's Institute for Far Eastern Studies, said.
Experts, however, said that the message, if any, would be terse and dry given the North's unfavorable stance toward Biden and worries that any friendly message could prematurely set the tone for its future talks with Washington.
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-15--(LEAD) New infections exceed 200 for 2nd day on cluster infections

The number of seriously or critically ill patients came to 56 , up two from Friday , while the number @ @ @ @ @ after making full recoveries came to 25,691 , up 55 from the previous day .

(ATTN: ADDS 2nd photo and details in paras 6-18)
By Choi Kyong-ae
SEOUL, Nov. 15 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new coronavirus cases exceeded 200 for a second straight day on Sunday due to cluster infections, with health authorities considering raising the social distancing scheme by a notch in the five-tier system.
The country added 208 more COVID-19 cases, including 176 local infections, raising the total caseload to 28,546, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
The daily new cases stayed in the triple digits for the eighth consecutive day. The cases exceeded 200 for the first time in 73 days with a mark of 205 on Saturday.
KDCA reported one additional death, raising the total to 493. The fatality rate came to 1.73 percent.
Health authorities attributed the sharp growth to chains of cluster infections from private gatherings and public facilities, which made it more complicated for them to identify transmission routes.
This photo taken on Nov. 14, 2020, shows the main gate of Chonnam National University Hospital in Gwangju, 330 kilometers southwest of Seoul, after one of its medical staff members tested positive for the coronavirus a day earlier. (Yonhap)
Among the locally transmitted cases, Seoul reported 81 cases, and Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital city reported 41. The greater Seoul area houses around half of the nation's population.
The country added 32 imported cases. Asian countries accounted for 16 cases, followed by the United States with 10 and Europe with six.
The number of seriously or critically ill patients came to 56, up two from Friday, while the number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries came to 25,691, up 55 from the previous day.
South Korea has carried out 2,786,878 COVID-19 tests, including 36,378 from Saturday.
The country saw its number of daily new infections peak at 909 in late February, after a minor church sect in Daegu reported major cluster infections.
The country faced another wave of pandemic in August, with the figure reaching 441 on Aug. 27 due to cases traced to a church in northern Seoul, coupled with an anti-government demonstration.
With signs of a possible slowdown, however, South Korea has kept the Level 1 social distancing scheme under a new five-tier system nationwide since earlier this month, although some cities and provincial governments upped their virus infection prevention measures.
Asan and Cheonan, both located in South Chungcheong Province, adopted tougher measures two weeks ago. Wonju in Gangwon Province and Gwangyang and Suncheon in South Jeolla Province also raised their social distancing schemes to Level 1.5 last week.
Yeosu, located 455 kilometers south of Seoul, is also among the regions that enhanced their guidelines.
Under Level 1, people are required to follow basic guidelines, such as wearing masks, and gatherings of over 500 people are not recommended.
People are still allowed to carry on with most of their daily routines under Level 1.5, but gatherings of 100 or more people are regulated, though not completely banned.
In line with efforts to stem the spread of the virus, the country started slapping fines of up to 100,000 won (US$90) on people who fail to wear masks in public places. Operators of public facilities and rally organizers will be fined up to 3 million won if they fail to ensure that users or participants stick to the requirement.
This photo taken on Nov. 14, 2020, shows people waiting to receive COVID-19 tests at a clinic in Seoul as daily infections exceeded 200 for the first time in 73 days. (Yonhap)
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-15--U.S. House to vote on resolution calling for strengthening alliance with S. Korea

Titled `` Expressing the importance of the United States alliance with the Republic of Korea and the contributions of Korean @ @ @ @ @ , '' the resolution `` recognizes the vital role the alliance of the United States @ @ @ @ @ plays in promoting peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region . ''

NEW YORK, Nov. 14 (Yonhap) -- The U.S. House of Representatives plans to vote this week on a resolution calling for further strengthening the alliance with South Korea, congressional sources said Saturday, as the incoming administration of President-elect Joe Biden prepares to take over.
The resolution, which was first introduced by Rep. Thomas Suozzi (D-NY) in January and passed unanimously through the House Foreign Affairs Committee in March, has been introduced to a House session set for Wednesday morning, the sources said.
Titled "Expressing the importance of the United States alliance with the Republic of Korea and the contributions of Korean Americans in the United States," the resolution "recognizes the vital role the alliance of the United States and the Republic of Korea plays in promoting peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region."
It also calls for "the strengthening and broadening of diplomatic, economic and security ties" between the two countries while reaffirming that the alliance is "central to advancing United States interests and engagement in the region, based on shared commitments to democracy, free-market economics, human rights and the rule of law."
A separate resolution on the alliance is also scheduled to be put to a vote during the session.
The resolution, introduced jointly by Rep. Ami Bera (D, CA-7) and Rep. Ted Yoho (R-FL), recognizes that the alliance with South Korea "serves as the linchpin of regional stability and mutual security in Northeast Asia."
These resolutions, if passed, are expected to have positive effects on the incoming Biden administration reviewing and formulating policy. Biden pledged during campaigning that he will "stand with South Korea, strengthening our alliance to safeguard peace in East Asia and beyond."
Rep. Thomas Suozzi (D-NY) (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-11-15--(LEAD) S. Korea lose to Mexico in football friendly marred by COVID-19 outbreak

`` We played a solid match .
We were able to create a lot of scoring chances , but we @ @ @ @ @ of chances on defense , '' Bento said .
`` We often lost the possession @ @ @ @ @ own end .
We made life difficult for ourselves when we lost the ball in @ @ @ @ @ we were playing well , we lost our focus and gave up those three goals @ @

(ATTN: ADDS comments in paras 18-19)
By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 15 (Yonhap) -- South Korea dropped to Mexico 3-2 in a men's football friendly match played under the cloud of a coronavirus outbreak within the Korean team.
The 38th-ranked South Korea conceded three goals in a three-minute span against world No. 11 in the second half at Stadion Wiener Neustadt in Wiener Neustadt, south of Vienna, on Saturday (local time), frittering away a 1-0 lead built by forward Hwang Ui-jo in the 21st minute. Defender Kwon Kyung-won had the other South Korean goal in the 87th.
It was South Korea's first international match of the pandemic-plagued 2020, but the result seemed rather inconsequential, as South Korea played without six players and one team staffer who tested positive for COVID-19 just before the match.
Hwang Ui-jo of South Korea (L) celebrates his goal against Mexico with teammate Son Heung-min during the teams' friendly match at Stadion Wiener Neustadt in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, on Nov. 14, 2020, in this photo provided by the Korea Football Association. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The Korea Football Association (KFA) announced Saturday morning in Seoul, about 20 hours before the kickoff against Mexico, that four players and one staff member had tested positive for COVID-19.
Then following a retest of other players who had initially tested negative, two more players got positive results back.
The first four players were SC Freiburg midfielder Kwon Chang-hoon, FC Rubin Kazan midfielder Hwang In-beom, Busan IPark forward Lee Dong-jun and Ulsan Hyundai FC goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo.
The two additional players to test positive were Busan defender Kim Moon-hwan and Seongnam FC forward Na Sang-ho.
These six plus the unidentified staffer must be quarantined for 10 days in Austria and will only be released with a negative result in a retest, according to the KFA.
The KFA had discussions with the Mexican Football Federation and also the Austrian Football Association about the status of Saturday's match and decided to play it as scheduled based on FIFA regulations on match conditions during the pandemic.
The KFA explained in a press statement that as long as a team has 13 healthy players, including at least one goalkeeper, a match can still be played. South Korea had 19 healthy players, including two goalkeepers.
South Korean players (in red) react after giving up a goal against Mexico during the teams' friendly match at Stadion Wiener Neustadt in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, on Nov. 14, 2020, in this photo provided by the Korea Football Association. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Mexico completely dominated South Korea in the opening moments. Raul Jimenez and Hirving Lozano each had good looks at the net early. In the 16th, South Korean goalkeeper Gu Sung-yun, starting in Jo Hyeon-woo's absence, came up big to keep the score tied, denying Jesus Manuel Corona from the penalty spot and kicking away the ensuing rebound.
South Korea then opened the scoring in the 20th minute in their very first scoring chance of the match. Captain Son Heung-min sprinted down the left flank and sent a perfect cross for Hwang, whose volley squeezed through Hugo Gonzalez in net.
Mexico nearly evened the score about four minutes later, as Lozano's volley bounced off the left goal post.
And in the 33rd, Gu made another spectacular save to foil Lozano's shot from point-blank range and helped South Korea take a 1-0 lead into the second half.
Mexico kept the pressure on South Korea and finally tied things up in the 67th on Jimenez's header. Two minutes later, substitute Uriel Antuna scored the go-ahead goal after capitalizing on a South Korean turnover.
Carlos Salcedo then volleyed home Mexico's third straight goal in the 69th minute.
Kwon had a Lee Kang-in corner kick go in off his body, but South Korea couldn't get any closer.
South Korea coach Paulo Bento said a momentary lapse of concentration in the second half led to a Mexico goal barrage that cost his team the game.
"We played a solid match. We were able to create a lot of scoring chances, but we also gave up a lot of chances on defense," Bento said. "We often lost the possession of the ball in our own end. We made life difficult for ourselves when we lost the ball in counterattack opportunities. Just when we were playing well, we lost our focus and gave up those three goals."
Meanwhile, South Korea's next match against Qatar, set for Tuesday, could also be in doubt. Earlier Saturday, the Austrian government announced plans for a three-week lockdown starting Tuesday to slow a recent spike in infections.
The two teams are scheduled to meet at BSFZ Arena Admiral Stadium in Maria Enzersdorf, near Vienna, at 2 p.m. Tuesday (10 p.m. Tuesday in Seoul).
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-15--New infections exceed 200 for 2nd day on cluster infections

The daily new cases stayed in the triple digits for the eighth consecutive day .
The cases exceeded 200 for @ @ @ @ @ days with a mark of 205 on Saturday .

SEOUL, Nov. 15 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new coronavirus cases exceeded 200 for a second straight day on Sunday due to cluster infections, with health authorities considering raising the social distancing scheme by a notch in the five-tier system.
The country added 208 more COVID-19 cases, including 176 local infections, raising the total caseload to 28,546, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
The daily new cases stayed in the triple digits for the eighth consecutive day. The cases exceeded 200 for the first time in 73 days with a mark of 205 on Saturday.
KDCA reported one additional death, raising the total to 493. The fatality rate came to 1.73 percent.
Health authorities attributed the sharp growth to chains of cluster infections from private gatherings and public facilities, which made it more complicated for them to identify transmission routes.
This photo taken on Nov. 14, 2020, shows the main gate of Chonnam National University Hospital in Gwangju, 330 kilometers southwest of Seoul, after one of its medical staff members tested positive for the coronavirus a day earlier. (Yonhap)
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-15--(URGENT) 55 more patients released from coronavirus treatment, total at 25,691: KDCA

(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--2020-11-15--(URGENT) S. Korea reports one additional coronavirus deaths, total at 493: KDCA


yna--2020-11-15--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 208 new coronavirus cases: KDCA


yna--2020-11-15--S. Korea lose to Mexico in football friendly marred by COVID-19 outbreak

The 38th-ranked South Korea conceded three goals in a three-minute span against world No .
11 in the second half @ @ @ @ @ Wiener Neustadt , south of Vienna , on Saturday ( local time ) , frittering @ @ @ @ @ by forward Hwang Ui-jo in the 21st minute .
Defender Kwon Kyung-won had the other @ @ @ @ @ 87th .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 15 (Yonhap) -- South Korea dropped to Mexico 3-2 in a men's football friendly match played under the cloud of a coronavirus outbreak within the Korean team.
The 38th-ranked South Korea conceded three goals in a three-minute span against world No. 11 in the second half at Stadion Wiener Neustadt in Wiener Neustadt, south of Vienna, on Saturday (local time), frittering away a 1-0 lead built by forward Hwang Ui-jo in the 21st minute. Defender Kwon Kyung-won had the other South Korean goal in the 87th.
It was South Korea's first international match of the pandemic-plagued 2020, but the result seemed rather inconsequential, as South Korea played without six players and one team staffer who tested positive for COVID-19 just before the match.
Hwang Ui-jo of South Korea (L) celebrates his goal against Mexico with teammate Son Heung-min during the teams' friendly match at Stadion Wiener Neustadt in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, on Nov. 14, 2020, in this photo provided by the Korea Football Association. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The Korea Football Association (KFA) announced Saturday morning in Seoul, about 20 hours before the kickoff against Mexico, that four players and one staff member had tested positive for COVID-19.
Then following a retest of other players who had initially tested negative, two more players got positive results back.
The first four players were SC Freiburg midfielder Kwon Chang-hoon, FC Rubin Kazan midfielder Hwang In-beom, Busan IPark forward Lee Dong-jun and Ulsan Hyundai FC goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo.
The two additional players to test positive were Busan defender Kim Moon-hwan and Seongnam FC forward Na Sang-ho.
These six plus the unidentified staffer must be quarantined for 10 days in Austria and will only be released with a negative result in a retest, according to the KFA.
The KFA had discussions with the Mexican Football Federation and also the Austrian Football Association about the status of Saturday's match and decided to play it as scheduled based on FIFA regulations on match conditions during the pandemic.
The KFA explained in a press statement that as long as a team has 13 healthy players, including at least one goalkeeper, a match can still be played. South Korea had 19 healthy players, including two goalkeepers.
South Korean players (in red) react after giving up a goal against Mexico during the teams' friendly match at Stadion Wiener Neustadt in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, on Nov. 14, 2020, in this photo provided by the Korea Football Association. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Mexico completely dominated South Korea in the opening moments. Raul Jimenez and Hirving Lozano each had good looks at the net early. In the 16th, South Korean goalkeeper Gu Sung-yun, starting in Jo Hyeon-woo's absence, came up big to keep the score tied, denying Jesus Manuel Corona from the penalty spot and kicking away the ensuing rebound.
South Korea then opened the scoring in the 20th minute in their very first scoring chance of the match. Captain Son Heung-min sprinted down the left flank and sent a perfect cross for Hwang, whose volley squeezed through Hugo Gonzalez in net.
Mexico nearly evened the score about four minutes later, as Lozano's volley bounced off the left goal post.
And in the 33rd, Gu made another spectacular save to foil Lozano's shot from point-blank range and helped South Korea take a 1-0 lead into the second half.
Mexico kept the pressure on South Korea and finally tied things up in the 67th on Jimenez's header. Two minutes later, substitute Uriel Antuna scored the go-ahead goal after capitalizing on a South Korean turnover.
Carlos Salcedo then volleyed home Mexico's third straight goal in the 69th minute.
Kwon had a Lee Kang-in corner kick go in off his body, but South Korea couldn't get any closer.
Meanwhile, South Korea's next match against Qatar, set for Tuesday, could also be in doubt. Earlier Saturday, the Austrian government announced plans for a three-week lockdown starting Tuesday to slow a recent spike in infections.
The two teams are scheduled to meet at BSFZ Arena Admiral Stadium in Maria Enzersdorf, near Vienna, at 2 p.m. Tuesday (10 p.m. Tuesday in Seoul).
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-15--S. Korea fall to Brazil in U-23 men's football friendly

These were the first international matches for Kim 's squad since that Asian qualifying event in January .
Kim had @ @ @ @ @ to Egypt to be his final opportunity to check on Europe-based youngsters in person and @ @ @ @ @ good enough to play in the Olympics .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 15 (Yonhap) -- South Korea blew an early lead and missed a first-half penalty in a 3-1 loss to Brazil in a friendly between their men's under-23 national teams in Egypt.
Midfielder Lee Dong-gyeong gave South Korea a 1-0 lead in the seventh minute at Al Salam Stadium in Cairo on Saturday (local time), before giving up three straight goals to wrap up their three-nation tournament.
Coached by Kim Hak-bum, South Korea played the hosts Egypt to a scoreless draw on Thursday.
Lee Dong-gyeong of South Korea celebrates his goal against Brazil during their under-23 men's football friendly match at Al Salam Stadium in Cairo on Nov. 14, 2020, in this photo provided by the Korea Football Association. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
All three countries have qualified for next year's Tokyo Olympics. South Korea won the Asian qualifying event in January, and Egypt topped the African qualifying. Brazil are the defending Olympic champions.
These were the first international matches for Kim's squad since that Asian qualifying event in January. Kim had said he considered the trip to Egypt to be his final opportunity to check on Europe-based youngsters in person and see if they'd be good enough to play in the Olympics.
Kim put five of his seven Europe-based players into the starting lineup against Egypt. But with a quick turnaround for the Brazil match, Kim sent out a vastly different lineup this time, featuring none of the players from Europe.
Wearing the captain's armband, Lee stunned Brazil just seven minutes into the contest, as he fired home a right-footed shot. It was the first goal by South Korea against Brazil at the U-23 level in four matches.
South Korea were awarded a penalty in the 24th minute when forward Kim Dae-won was tripped up by Lyanco in the Brazilian box.
Oh Se-hun stepped up to take the spot kick but rang his left-footed shot off the crossbar.
Brazil saw an opening from that missed opportunity and leveled the score in the 42nd minute on Matheus Cunha's goal.
Rodrygo put Brazil ahead just past the hour mark, when he slotted home the rebound after goalkeeper Song Bum-keun stopped an initial shot by David Neres.
Oh Se-hun of South Korea reacts after missing a penalty against Brazil during their under-23 men's football friendly match at Al Salam Stadium in Cairo on Nov. 14, 2020, in this photo provided by the Korea Football Association. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Reinier rounded out the scoring for Brazil in the 73rd, as the South Korean defense looked increasingly helpless against the skilled South Americans.
Much as he did after the Egypt match, Kim refused to make much of the final outcome, saying the two matches are only part of the process leading up to the Olympics.
"These matches were significant in the sense that I had a chance to see many different players, and the results weren't really that important," Kim said. "I don't think I can single out any player that stood out, but I was able to get a general picture."
Kim said problems on defense were mostly due to the absence of natural centerbacks, though he stressed the backline still had to be better.
"We have to be sharper on offense, too," the coach added. "We could've created better opportunities."
Kim said he would need more time to make the call on where his Europe-based players stand.
Lee Dong-gyeong, the lone Korean scorer, said he and his teammates went into the match feeling confident they could hang with the gifted Brazilian players.
"They're a world class team, and I think facing a team like that can be meaningful experience," Lee said. "We'll be going up against countries like that at the Olympics, and this was a good opportunity for us to prepare for that."
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


Sunday's weather forecast

SEOUL , Nov. 15 ( Yonhap ) -- The following is the weather forecast for South Korea 's 12 major @ @ @ @ @ .


yna--2020-11-15--Hyundai Mobis hires ex-Valeo sales expert

Maschka , a German native , spent 30 years at global carmakers such as Volvo and Mercedes-Benz and suppliers like @ @ @ @ @ , he served as a senior vice president at Paris-based auto parts supplier Valeo in @ @ @ @ @ , the statement said .

SEOUL, Nov. 15 (Yonhap) -- Hyundai Mobis Co., South Korea's biggest auto parts maker, said Sunday it has hired an ex-Valeo sales expert as it strives to ride out an extended coronavirus pandemic.
Hyundai Mobis appointed Axel J. Maschka as executive vice president in charge of the company's global sales division. He will directly report to Chief Executive Officer Park Chung-kook from Monday, the company said in a statement.
It is the first time for the company to name a non-Korean executive in the significant sales division, it said.
This photo provided by Hyundai Mobis shows Executive Vice President Axel J. Maschka, who will be in charge of the company's global sales division from Nov. 16, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Maschka, a German native, spent 30 years at global carmakers such as Volvo and Mercedes-Benz and suppliers like Bosch and Continental. Previously, he served as a senior vice president at Paris-based auto parts supplier Valeo in charge of its sales division, the statement said.
Hyundai Mobis said he will help the world's seventh-biggest auto parts supplier by sales expand sales in major markets such as the United States, Europe and China amid the virus crisis.
Hyundai Mobis is a key affiliate of Hyundai Motor Group, which has Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Motors Corp. under its wing. It earns 90 percent of its overall sales from the two carmakers.
From January to September, its net profit declined 43 percent to 974.9 billion won from 1.71 trillion won in the year-ago period.
Hyundai Motor owns a 34 percent stake in Kia Motors, while Kia holds a 17 percent stake in Hyundai Mobis.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-15--(Yonhap Interview) Dinos' ace handling possible Korean Series opening nod with aplomb

`` I 'll try to treat it like any other start .
Every start is important when I go out @ @ @ @ @ on the phone .
`` So I am going to go and just do what @ @ @ @ @ to do what I always do : get deep into the game and give our @ @ @ @ @ on the board and let the defense make some plays behind me .
Nothing crazy @ @ @ @ @ like another game . ''

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 15 (Yonhap) -- One of the keys to success for NC Dinos' ace Drew Rucinski is to take a consistent mindset into every game.
And that mental approach won't change for the American right-hander on Tuesday, when he is expected to start Game 1 of the Korean Series, the championship round in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), against the Doosan Bears.
Though Rucinski hasn't been officially named the starter for the opening game, it'd be a huge shock if he doesn't get the nod. He went 19-5 with a 3.05 ERA in 30 starts, ranking second in wins and fifth in ERA. He was also fourth in innings pitched (183) and tied for third in quality starts (20). Opposing batters had an on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) of .654, the fifth-lowest in the league.
In this file photo from Oct. 16, 2020, Drew Rucinski of the NC Dinos pitches in the top of the first inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game against the Lotte Giants at Changwon NC Park in Changwon, 400 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
Rucinski told Yonhap News Agency on Friday that he assumed that he would pitch in Game 1. And he knew exactly how he would approach that assignment.
"I'll try to treat it like any other start. Every start is important when I go out there," he said on the phone. "So I am going to go and just do what I can do and try to do what I always do: get deep into the game and give our offense a chance to get on the board and let the defense make some plays behind me. Nothing crazy, just trying to pitch like another game."
The "treating it as just another game" is a familiar refrain for athletes who try to deflect pressure away from themselves and trick themselves into thinking the game they're about to play isn't anything special.
In the early part of the season, Rucinski might not even have been the best pitcher on his own team. South Korean left-hander Koo Chang-mo set the KBO on fire by going 9-0 with a 1.55 ERA through July 26, before he was sidelined with injury and missed three months. Because Koo was so sensational, it's easy to forget that Rucinski was 10-1 with a 1.99 ERA through July 24.
In this file photo from Sept. 23, 2020, Drew Rucinski of the NC Dinos (R) collides with Kim Hun-gon of the Samsung Lions at home plate in the top of the fifth inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Changwon NC Park in Changwon, 400 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
And because Koo only returned to action late in the regular season, he won't likely be thrust into Game 1. It should then fall on Rucinski to deliver a win or at least put the Dinos in position to win the first game.
That alone would put the Dinos in a prime position to win their first championship. In 36 previous Korean Series, not counting the 1982 series that started with a tie, the team that claimed Game 1 has ended up winning the title 27 times.
Tuesday's Game 1 for the Dinos will also be their first game since Oct. 31. By posting the best record in the regular season, the Dinos earned a bye to the Korean Series.
Their opponents, the Bears, finished the regular season in third place. They had to play two extra rounds in the postseason -- though the first round was shortened from best-of-five to best-of-three during this pandemic-interrupted season -- just to get to the Korean Series.
The Bears may be sharper and more game-ready than the Dinos, but they may also be more fatigued. They went 5-1 in their six games, but few of those wins would qualify as easy.
In this file photo from Oct. 23, 2020, Drew Rucinski of the NC Dinos pitches in the bottom of the first inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game against the Hanwha Eagles at Hanwha Life Eagles Park in Daejeon, 160 kilometers south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
Rucinski said it has been "strange" having such a long break before the Korean Series but he and his teammates are using their layoff wisely.
"I definitely think it's great for recovery. You get everybody on the whole team to get their body in shape again and feel good," Rucinski said. "We'll see how it plays out. I am a little worried about not really playing in a real game for a while. I think our guys are prepared, though. Hopefully, we come out strong."
Rucinski said, with long days of practice and intrasquad games, "It almost feels like we're back in spring training." The most he had thrown to that point in one day was three innings: two in an intrasquad game and facing three batters in the bullpen immediately afterward. Rucinski had also been throwing bullpen sessions every few days.
The challenge for Rucinski has been to slow things down for recovery after a long regular season and then to try to ramp up in about a two-week span. That period wouldn't be long enough in a typical spring training setting. The current situation is different because Rucinski had 30 regular season starts as his foundation, rather than the offseason that precedes spring training.
"(Trying to ramp up so quickly) is kind of crazy but we're doing the best we can," he said. "I feel like I am prepared."
In this file photo from Oct. 16, 2020, Drew Rucinski of the NC Dinos smiles after completing the top of the sixth inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game against the Lotte Giants at Changwon NC Park in Changwon, 400 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
Another "crazy" part about this year's Korean Series, in Rucinski's mind, is that the entire series will be played at a neutral venue, Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul.
The postseason, which typically begins in early to mid October, started in November this year. The coronavirus pandemic pushed Opening day by about a month and a half to May 5. Teams still played their usual, 144-game schedule.
And to protect players and fans against cold conditions of mid November, the KBO decided to stage the final two rounds of the postseason at the only domed stadium in the country.
The Dinos opened their new, Changwon NC Park, last year, and have yet to play a postseason game at home. Their championship celebrations, if they do win the title, will take place some 400 kilometers away,
"It's sad for our fans not to be able to come to our home stadium, but the dome is going to be warm. We're not worried about freezing at night or rain delays," Rucinski said. "It's just another crazy part of 2020. Just keep rolling with the punches and keep trying to come out on top."
In this file photo from Sept. 23, 2020, Drew Rucinski of the NC Dinos pitches in the top of the first inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game against the Samsung Lions at Changwon NC Park in Changwon, 400 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-15--Dinos chase 1st S. Korean baseball title against defending champs Bears

Having the motivation is one thing , but producing at the plate has been quite another for the Bears .
@ @ @ @ @ four games against the Wiz in the previous series .
Oh Jae-il , the 2019 @ @ @ @ @ 1-for-15 with six strikeouts , and was moved down from No .
3 to No @ @ @ @ @ .
Jose Miguel Fernandez , the two-time reigning hit king , managed only two hits @ @ @ @ @ Kun-woo was 2-for-11 but batted leadoff in Game 4 because someone had to .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 15 (Yonhap) -- In a rematch from 2016, the NC Dinos and the Doosan Bears will clash in the South Korean baseball championship round, a series ripe with intriguing storylines.
Starting Tuesday, the best-of-seven Korean Series will pit the top-seed Dinos against the No. 3 seed Bears.
The Dinos earned a bye to the Korean Series by virtue of posing the best regular season record. The Bears went through two postseason rounds to make it to their record-tying sixth consecutive Korean Series.
In this file photo from Oct. 24, 2020, members of the NC Dinos celebrate their first Korea Baseball Organization regular season title following a 3-3 tie with the LG Twins at Changwon NC Park in Changwon, 400 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
The Dinos, who joined the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) in 2013, are trying to win their first Korean Series. The Bears are the defending champions and have won three of the past five titles.
For the second of those three championships, the Bears swept the Dinos in 2016.
The entire series will be played at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul as the neutral venue. The coronavirus pandemic forced the KBO to push back the start of the regular season from March 28 to May 5. Teams still played their usual, 144-game regular season, and the postseason started in November for the first time in league history. The dome was set up as the venue for the final two rounds of the postseason to protect fans and players from cold mid-November conditions.
The Dinos won the season series 9-7. They were the top home run-hitting club this season with 187 and had 20 homers against the Bears.
For the regular season, the Dinos were the highest-scoring team while the Bears had the best team ERA. Something will have to give.
Members of the Doosan Bears celebrate after clinching a spot in their sixth straight Korean Series after beating the KT Wiz 2-0 in Game 4 of the second round in the Korea Baseball Organization postseason at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 13, 2020. (Yonhap)
The Dinos became the first team in league history to produce a trio of players with at least 30 home runs and 100 RBIs: designated hitter Na Sung-bum (34 homers and 112 RBIs), catcher Yang Eui-ji (33 Homers and 124 RBIs) and outfielder Aaron Altherr (31 homers and 108 RBIs).
Because the Dinos haven't played since their regular season finale on Oct. 31, their hitters may have trouble getting their timing down early on against in-form Doosan pitchers, who have been in pressure-packed postseason action for nearly two weeks.
Their No. 1 starter Chris Flexen has been particularly dominant. He fired six shutout innings and struck out 11 to win the opening game of the first round against the LG Twins. Flexen then tossed 7 2/3 innings of one-run ball with 10 strikeouts against the KT Wiz in the next round, becoming the first pitcher in KBO history with at least 10 strikeouts in consecutive postseason starts.
Flexen then recorded a nine-out save to eliminate the Wiz in Game 4 of the second round on Friday. With 10 2/3 scoreless innings combined, Flexen was voted the MVP of that series.
In this file photo from Oct. 24, 2020, Yang Eui-ji of the NC Dinos hits a two-run home run against the LG Twins in the bottom of the fifth inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Changwon NC Park in Changwon, 400 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
Flexen threw 30 pitches in that outing. He typically throws about 25 pitches in the bullpen in between starts, and Flexen essentially had his live batting practice against the hapless Wiz, who only got one hit against him. The right-hander should be ready for Game 1 on Tuesday.
The Dinos will likely counter with their own American ace, Drew Rucinski. He was 19-5 with a 3.05 ERA in the regular season.
The Dinos will also be hoping left-hander Koo Chang-mo will be available for Game 2. The 23-year-old was sensational in going 9-0 in his first 13 starts with a 1.55 ERA. The club deactivated him in late July to give him a breather but later discovered forearm inflammation and then fracture, which sidelined him for three months.
Those pitchers will be facing a determined Bears' team that will likely be broken up in the offseason. They have 11 players who are eligible for free agency, including their entire starting infield, and few, if any, of them are expected to be back with the team. Virtually the same core group of players has been together for the current six-year run, and knowing this will likely be their last hurrah should give them extra fuel.
Chris Flexen of the Doosan Bears pitches against the KT Wiz in the top of the seventh inning of Game 4 of the second round in the Korea Baseball Organization postseason at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 13, 2020. (Yonhap)
Having the motivation is one thing, but producing at the plate has been quite another for the Bears. They only batted .213/.259/.299 in four games against the Wiz in the previous series. Oh Jae-il, the 2019 Korean Series MVP, went 1-for-15 with six strikeouts, and was moved down from No. 3 to No. 8 in the lineup. Jose Miguel Fernandez, the two-time reigning hit king, managed only two hits in 17 at-bats. Park Kun-woo was 2-for-11 but batted leadoff in Game 4 because someone had to.
An interesting matchup will also take place behind the plate, with Yang calling the game for the Dinos against his former Doosan teammate and understudy Park Sei-hyok.
Yang backstopped the Bears to 2015 and 2016 titles, winning the Korean Series MVP in 2016, before joining the Dinos as a free agent. Park then took the vacant starting job and carried the Bears to the 2019 title.
These two clubs have met three times in postseasons and the Bears prevailed all three times -- in the second round in 2015 and 2017, and the Korean Series in 2016.
In this file photo from Oct. 23, 2020, Drew Rucinski of the NC Dinos pitches in the bottom of the first inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game against the Hanwha Eagles at Hanwha Life Eagles Park in Daejeon, 160 kilometers south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
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yna--2020-11-15--(Yonhap Interview) German amb. says freedom of expression very important amid row over girl statue

`` This is something that has to be decided by the city and the mayor of the district .
From @ @ @ @ @ very much encourage both countries to try to find ways and means that can overcome @ @ @ @ @ because of their history . ''

By Kim Seung-yeon
SEOUL, Nov. 15 (Yonhap) -- Germany regards freedom of expression as "very important," the country's ambassador to Seoul said, amid a contentious attempt to remove a statue in Berlin of a girl symbolizing Japan's wartime sexual slavery.
Last month, Berlin's Mitte district, which has jurisdiction over the statue erected in September, ordered its removal after Japan's protest. But the order was suspended as the civic group that set up the statue filed for an injunction against the order.
"Freedom of expression, of opinion, freedom of art and of culture is something very important to us. And this is relevant to everyone who's in Germany," Ambassador Michael Reiffenstuel said in an interview with Yonhap News Agency on Wednesday.
"This freedom of expression also means sometimes one has to live even with expressions or ways of expression that one may not be happy about. This is some principle that is simply for us in Germany very fundamental and important," he said.
Whether to keep the statue, however, will be up to the local government to decide, and the federal government has no authority to step in, the ambassador said.
"This is something that has to be decided by the city and the mayor of the district. From the German side, we very much encourage both countries to try to find ways and means that can overcome the burden that still exists because of their history."
German Ambassador to South Korea Michael Reiffenstuel speaks during an interview with Yonhap News Agency in Seoul on Nov. 11, 2020. (Yonhap)
Besides the statue issue, Germany also drew attention in South Korea in July as U.S. President Donald Trump decided to reduce the number of American troops stationed in the European country by one-third, saying the country is not paying enough for the protection.
The decision raised concerns in Seoul that the U.S. might come up with a similar plan for its 28,500-strong forces stationed in Korea amid the stalled negotiations on determining Seoul's share of the cost for keeping the American troop presence.
Trump has also been highly critical of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries for failing to pay enough for defense amid speculation that he could seek to withdraw from the alliance if he was elected to a second term.
With Joe Biden's election as U.S. president, however, the relations between the U.S. and Europe, commonly referred to as the transatlantic partnership, will find "a new impetus," Reiffenstuel said.
"We're very hopeful that the approach of the new administration of the United States (toward) transatlantic relations will find a new impetus," he said. "This adds to the interests of Germany but also adds to the interests of the United States and all NATO partners ... It's in the interests of all."
The ambassador, who took office in August, lauded South Korea's handling of COVID-19 as an impressive one that all countries in Europe can learn a lot from.
With regard to the possibility of creating an expedited entry system for businesspeople between the two countries, Reiffenstuel said South Korea should first consider lifting the suspension of the visa waiver program in order for any reciprocal measure to be taken.
German Ambassador to South Korea Michael Reiffenstuel speaks during an interview with Yonhap News Agency in Seoul on Nov. 11, 2020. (Yonhap)
"It's important for reasons of reciprocity that we also see on the side of the Korean government easing the conditions on how to enter Korea," he said.
Touching on South Korea's bid for the chief post at the World Trade Organization (WTO), the ambassador underlined the importance of the whole process being carried out "according to the rules."
"We consider important that we try to stick to the aspect of the actual selection process, originally as agreed within the WTO framework," he said.
The process to pick the WTO's next leader has been thrown into doubt after the U.S. endorsed Seoul's Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee as the next chief, even though Yoo fell behind her Nigerian rival, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, in the final round of consultations among the 164 member states.
"It's important that we do find a solution" in the near future, he added.
On climate change, the ambassador hailed Seoul's Green New Deal initiative, pushed for by President Moon Jae-in to achieve sustainable growth through eco-friendly policies, saying that climate change can be one area that the two countries can work together to boost two-way cooperation.
"We have similar conditions as trading nations ... So the challenge for us and Korea is ... that we use this as a possibility to strengthen the field of industry to support the goal we want to achieve by 2050 carbon neutral environment. There are many fields we can work together on the economic side," the ambassador said.
elly@yna.co.kr
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yna--2020-11-15--S. Korea to heighten alert ahead of college entrance exam

More than 750 classrooms at 113 test sites will also be set aside for applicants who are under home isolation @ @ @ @ @ .
The government also plans to provide transportation for those who can not go to @ @ @ @ @ .

SEOUL, Nov. 15 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean government on Sunday unveiled a plan to tighten monitoring of cram schools and study facilities ahead of the first national college entrance scheduled to take place during the new coronavirus pandemic.
The exam, held annually in November, was postponed as school schedules were affected by the unprecedented virus outbreak. It was eventually scheduled for Dec. 3.
Under the plan, the education ministry and provincial governments will inspect whether cram schools and study cafes are operating under proper anti-virus measures. The ministry will temporarily make public the names and infection routes if outbreaks occur.
In efforts to prevent infections, the ministry also plans to advise cram schools against running in-person classes from Nov. 26 and students to refrain from visiting such facilities.
Meanwhile, the government said it plans ensure that applicants can sit for the exam regardless of their health conditions or possible symptoms.
Those who have tested positive are expected to take the exam at hospitals or treatment centers as long as they have a doctor's letter saying they are fit enough to take the daylong exam.
More than 750 classrooms at 113 test sites will also be set aside for applicants who are under home isolation, according to the government. The government also plans to provide transportation for those who cannot go to the test sites by themselves.
"It is not appropriate at this stage to mention the number of applicants who have tested positive or are under home isolation," Education Minister Yoo Eun-hae said in a press briefing.
"But we believe that (they can) sit for the national college entrance exam stably at the hospital beds and separate test sites we've secured so far," she added.
After the test, the government plans to help test supervisors at sites where COVID-19 patients take the exam, and those under home isolation, get tested for possible infections.
It also plans to allow schools that were used as test sites to shift to virtual classes or temporarily cease school on the day after the exam.
High school seniors who are set to sit for this year's national college entrance exam study at a classroom in the southern city of Daegu on Nov. 2, 2020. (Yonhap)
This photo, provided by the education office of North Jeolla Province, shows one of the translucent desk shields that will be installed on desks during the national college entrance exam. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)
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yna--2020-11-15--(4th LD) Seoul mulls stricter social distancing as new infections exceed 200 for 2nd day

`` The scope and speed of the current wave is bigger and faster than the first wave .
If we @ @ @ @ @ winter can come at any time , '' he said in a briefing , stressing @ @ @ @ @ to opt for additional measures if situations worsen .

(ATTN: ADDS health minister's comments in paras 6-7, photo)
By Choi Kyong-ae
SEOUL, Nov. 15 (Yonhap) -- South Korea is mulling strengthening its social distancing rules as the country's daily new coronavirus cases exceeded 200 for a second straight day on Sunday due to cluster infections.
The country added 208 more COVID-19 cases, including 176 local infections, raising the total caseload to 28,546, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said in a statement.
Daily infections stayed in the triple digits for the eighth consecutive day. The cases exceeded 200 for the first time in 73 days with a mark of 205 on Saturday.
Health authorities said they are giving serious consideration to raising the social distancing scheme from Level 1 to Level 1.5 to curb the upward trend in the pandemic.
Employees, patients and families of patients wait in a line to be screened for the new coronavirus at the Chonnam National Univ. Hospital in the southwestern city of Gwangju after some medical staff, patients and guardians tested positive there. (Yonhap)
This photo taken on Nov. 15, 2020, shows Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun delivering a speech at a meeting with quarantine officials at the government complex building in central Seoul. (Yonhap)
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said Sunday that the government has issued a "preliminary warning" for the greater Seoul area and the eastern province of Gangwon ahead of enforcing tougher social distancing measures.
Health Minister Park Neung-hoo, meanwhile, announced a special address, urging the public to stay vigilant against the virus as the country "is in a precarious situation in which COVID-19 is again spreading."
"The scope and speed of the current wave is bigger and faster than the first wave. If we loosen up, a severe winter can come at any time," he said in a briefing, stressing that the government may have to opt for additional measures if situations worsen.
KDCA reported one additional death, raising the total to 493. The fatality rate came to 1.73 percent.
The health agency attributed the sharp growth to chains of cluster infections from private gatherings and public facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes, which made it more complicated for them to identify transmission routes.
Among the locally transmitted cases, Seoul reported 81 cases, and Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital city reported 41. The greater Seoul area houses around half of the nation's population.
The country added 32 imported cases. Asian countries accounted for 16 cases, followed by the United States with 10 and Europe with six.
The Asian countries included India, Kuwait, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh and the Philippines, while the European countries included Germany, Poland, France and Hungary.
The number of seriously or critically ill patients came to 56, up two from Friday, while the number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries came to 25,691, up 55 from the previous day.
South Korea has carried out 2,786,878 COVID-19 tests, including 36,378 from Saturday.
This photo taken on Nov. 15, 2020, and provided by the Cheorwon provincial government shows some 100 residents in Cheorwon, Gangwon Province, taking coronavirus tests at a local drive-thru clinic after three confirmed cases were reported in the region. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The country saw its number of daily new infections peak at 909 in late February, after a minor church sect in Daegu reported major cluster infections.
The country faced another wave of pandemic in August, with the figure reaching 441 on Aug. 27 due to cases traced to a church in northern Seoul, coupled with an anti-government demonstration.
With signs of a possible slowdown, however, South Korea has kept the Level 1 social distancing scheme under a new five-tier system nationwide since earlier this month, although some cities and provincial governments upped their virus infection prevention measures.
Asan and Cheonan, both located in South Chungcheong Province, adopted tougher measures two weeks ago. Wonju in Gangwon Province and Gwangyang and Suncheon in South Jeolla Province also raised their social distancing schemes to Level 1.5 last week.
Yeosu, located 455 kilometers south of Seoul, is also among the regions that enhanced their guidelines.
Under Level 1, people are required to follow basic guidelines, such as wearing masks, and gatherings of over 500 people are not recommended.
People are still allowed to carry on with most of their daily routines under Level 1.5, but gatherings of 100 or more people are regulated, though not completely banned.
The latest uptick comes as new rules mandating face masks in public places took effect on Friday after a 30-day grace period to better combat the deadly respiratory illness.
To stem the spread of the virus, the country started slapping fines of up to 100,000 won (US$90) on people who fail to wear masks in public places. Rally organizers and operators of public facilities will be fined up to 3 million won if they fail to ensure that users or participants stick to the requirement.
The pandemic, which started in China late last year, has killed more than 1.3 million people worldwide and infected nearly 54 million as of Sunday, according to a tally from Johns Hopkins University.
This photo taken on Nov. 15, 2020, shows people lined up at the National Medical Center in central Seoul to receive coronavirus tests as the country reported more than 200 daily new cases for a second straight day. (Yonhap)
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
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yna--2020-11-15--(4th LD) S. Korea signs RCEP trade pact after summit with 14 partner nations

The president was quoted as saying that he 's sure that it will `` contribute to the recovery of multilateralism @ @ @ @ @ trade around the world , beyond the region . ''

(ATTN: UPDATES with Cheong Wa Dae's briefing in paras 10-12, last 2 paras)
By Lee Chi-dong
SEOUL, Nov. 15 (Yonhap) -- South Korea signed what will be the world's largest free trade agreement on Sunday after concluding related talks during a virtual summit of President Moon Jae-in and leaders of 14 partner countries.
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) involves 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as well as South Korea, China, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, and their combined gross domestic product accounts for a third of the world's total.
"We note that the RCEP Agreement is an unprecedented mega regional trading arrangement that comprises a diverse mix of developed, developing and least developed economies of the region," Moon and his counterparts said in their joint statement.
They added, "We believe that RCEP, being the world's largest free trade arrangement, represents an important step forward toward an ideal framework of global trade and investment rules."
South Korean President Moon Jae-in (L) waves to leaders of other nations, with Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee standing next to him, during the signing ceremony of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Nov. 15, 2020. (Yonhap)
The pact calls for eliminating a considerable amount of tariffs on exports of goods.
For instance, a South Korean firm selling automobile parts to Indonesia currently faces as much as 40 percent tariffs, but the rates will be reduced to as low as zero once the RCEP takes effect, according to Cheong Wa Dae.
In particular, the signing of the RCEP deal came as the world is stricken by the COVID-19 pandemic and its adverse economic impact.
The leaders said it "demonstrates our strong commitment to supporting economic recovery, inclusive development, job creation and strengthening regional supply chains as well as our support for an open, inclusive, rules-based trade and investment arrangement."
Cheong Wa Dae described the RCEP signing as a "core result" of the Moon administration's New Southern Policy aimed at improving strategic ties with Southeast Asian nations and also an opportunity for South Korea to become a "pacesetting" economic power.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in, shown on a screen (L), attends the signing ceremony of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), held via video links, at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Nov. 15, 2020. (Yonhap)
Moon separately called the RCEP signing a "historic moment," his spokesman Kang Min-seok told reporters.
The president was quoted as saying that he's sure that it will "contribute to the recovery of multilateralism and the development of free trade around the world, beyond the region."
Moon added he expects the opening of the world's biggest e-commerce market and the facilitated movement of people, materials and companies within the bloc.
RCEP talks began in 2012. India has dropped out of the negotiations, arguing that China would benefit more from the pact.
The leaders of the RCEP member states stressed that they still value India's role in the bloc and reiterated that "the RCEP remains open to India," given its strategic importance as a regional partner in creating deeper and expanded regional value chains.
The South Korean government plans to speed up domestic procedures for getting the RCEP ratified so that it can go into effect at an early date.
It's the first time that the country has signed a free trade agreement through an online event.
On concerns about a possible conflict between the RCEP and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), meanwhile, a Cheong Wa Dae official said the two are not "contradictory" but "complementary," as several RCEP members take part in the CPTPP.
It's "not the right time yet" for Seoul to decide whether to join the CPTPP, the official said on condition of anonymity.
lcd@yna.co.kr
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yna--2020-11-15--(LEAD) PM 'seriously' mulls toughening social distancing amid spike in virus cases

With the daily virus cases on the rise in recent days , the government has been considering raising its current @ @ @ @ @ by one notch to Level 1.5 that will restrict the number of public gatherings and @ @ @ @ @ .

(ATTN: ADDS more info, photo)
SEOUL, Nov. 15 (Yonhap) -- Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said Sunday that the government is "seriously" considering toughening the social distancing scheme for the greater Seoul area and the eastern province of Gangwon as new coronavirus cases have risen sharply.
During a government anti-pandemic meeting, Chung also said that the government has issued a "preliminary warning" for the two regions ahead of enforcing tougher social distancing measures.
"Despite the global pandemic shaping up to be the worst, our country has been faring relatively better but the upward trend of the virus appears to be showing unusual signs recently," Chung said.
South Korea reported 208 new coronavirus cases on Sunday, the second straight day that the number has exceeded the 200 mark. It also represented the eighth consecutive day that the number has stayed in the triple digits.
Of the total, Seoul reported 81 cases, and Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital city reported 41. The two areas are home to around half of South Korea's population of 51 million. Gangwon Province also confirmed 19 additional cases on Sunday.
With the daily virus cases on the rise in recent days, the government has been considering raising its current Level 1 social distancing rule by one notch to Level 1.5 that will restrict the number of public gatherings and toughen the overall anti-pandemic measures.
The government has maintained the current social distancing level since early this month after it introduced a new five-tier scheme, though some local areas have already upped their own preventive measures to stem the rise in virus cases.
Chung urged citizens to wear masks and strictly follow other government-recommended anti-pandemic measures, saying that tougher social distancing would restrict ordinary daily activities again and hurt the local economy.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun speaks during an anti-coronavirus meeting held in Seoul on Nov. 15, 2020. (Yonhap)
kokobj@yna.co.kr
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