yna--2020-08-20--S. Korean DRAM suppliers to cut capital expenditure in 2020: report

`` The DRAM market is poised for a modest recovery in 2020 , but suppliers are being very cautious , @ @ @ @ @ analysis of market conditions before they consider any further upgrades or decide to move ahead @ @ @ @ @ fab plans , '' IC Insights said .

SEOUL, Aug. 20 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's major chipmakers are expected to cut their DRAM capital spending this year, a report showed Thursday, as they become cautious over market conditions amid the pandemic.
Samsung Electronics Co.'s DRAM capital expenditure budget is projected to decline 21 percent to US$4.9 billion this year, according to market researcher IC Insights, while its domestic rival SK hynix Inc. is expected to cut its DRAM capital spending 38 percent to $4 billion.
Samsung and SK hynix are the two biggest DRAM suppliers in the world. According to industry tracker TrendForce, Samsung's DRAM market share stood at 43.5 percent in the second quarter of the year, while that of SK hynix reached 30.1 percent.
This photo provided by SK hynix Inc. on July 2, 2020, shows the company's high-speed DRAM, HBM2E. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The industry's No. 3 player Micron Technology Inc. of the United States was expected to trim its DRAM capital expenditure by 16 percent this year to $3.6 billion.
"The DRAM market is poised for a modest recovery in 2020, but suppliers are being very cautious, strategic and thorough in their analysis of market conditions before they consider any further upgrades or decide to move ahead with any new DRAM wafer fab plans," IC Insights said.
Overall, the global DRAM makers are forecast to allocate $15.2 billion to DRAM capital expenditure this year, down 20 percent from a year earlier, according to IC Insights.
"DRAM makers will continue to closely monitor capacity and expansion plans in the coming months in order to limit potential damage from another supply-demand imbalance," it said.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-20--S. Korea, U.S. resume defense cost talks, no meaningful progress yet: source

The U.S. is known to be requesting $ 1.3 billion a year , nearly a 50 percent increase from the @ @ @ @ @ Korea sticks to its `` best '' offer of a 13 percent rise .
Under @ @ @ @ @ lapsed at the end of December , South Korea agreed to pay US $ 870 @ @

By Song Sang-ho
SEOUL, Aug. 20 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's top negotiator in defense cost-sharing talks with the United States has begun consultations with his new U.S. counterpart, but no meaningful progress has been made, a diplomatic source said Thursday.
Jeong Eun-bo and his new counterpart, Donna Welton, have had talks by phone on how much Seoul should pay for stationing the 28,500-strong U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) this year and beyond.
Early this month, the U.S. State Department appointed Welton, a seasoned diplomat with expertise on Japan, to lead defense cost talks for South Korea and other countries. She replaced James DeHart, who was appointed coordinator for Arctic affairs.
"Communication between the two sides over the sharing of the cost is continuing via phone," the source told Yonhap News Agency on condition of anonymity, noting that there is no plan yet for face-to-face talks due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"But there has not been any meaningful progress yet," the source added.
The appointment of the new U.S. envoy has raised hopes for fresh momentum to move forward the deadlocked negotiations on the cost-sharing deal, called the Special Measures Agreement (SMA).
But it remains uncertain whether Seoul and Washington can strike a compromise as both seem unwilling to budge from their latest offers, with U.S. President Donald Trump focusing on the November presidential election, observers said.
The U.S. is known to be requesting $1.3 billion a year, nearly a 50 percent increase from the previous year, while South Korea sticks to its "best" offer of a 13 percent rise. Under the previous deal, which lapsed at the end of December, South Korea agreed to pay US$870 million.
"Seoul's position is that it continues to steadfastly engage in the negotiations irrespective of the U.S. election," the source said.
Since 1991, Seoul has partially shouldered costs under the SMA for Korean USFK workers; the construction of military installations, such as barracks and training, educational, operational and communications facilities; and other logistical support.
This photo, taken on March 21, 2020, shows Jeong Eun-bo, South Korea's chief negotiator in defense cost-sharing talks with the United States, speaking to the press at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul. (Yonhap)
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-20--U.S. may submit binding bid for SsangYong Motor: reports

Mahindra said early this year it would inject 230 billion won into SsangYong for the following three years after obtaining @ @ @ @ @ But its board voted against the investment plan last month as the spreading COVID-19 outbreak @ @ @ @ @ in global markets .

SEOUL, Aug. 20 (Yonhap) -- A U.S. automotive distribution company may submit a binding offer to acquire a stake in SsangYong Motor Co. next month as the carmaker's Indian parent looks for an investor, media reports said Thursday.
HAAH Automotive Holdings, Inc., a California company that imports vehicles for the U.S. market, is preparing the binding bid to make an investment in SsangYong Motor, according to local news reports.
A binding offer refers to an offer made by a bidder to acquire a company after the due diligence phase of a sale process is complete.
This photo taken April 5, 2020, shows SsangYong Motor's plant in Pyeongtaek, just west of Seoul. (Yonhap)
SsangYong Motor didn't comment on the reports.
Its parent Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. is looking for a new investor in SsangYong, a SsangYong spokesman said over the phone.
"HAAH Automotive Holdings does not comment on rumor and speculation," the U.S. company's spokesman Chris Hosford said in an emailed statement.
Mahindra, which owns a 74.65 percent stake in SsangYong Motor, recently said it will give up its status as the biggest shareholder of SsangYong if it finds a new investor.
Mahindra has said it does not have a plan to inject fresh capital into SsangYong.
Mahindra said early this year it would inject 230 billion won into SsangYong for the following three years after obtaining approval from its board. But its board voted against the investment plan last month as the spreading COVID-19 outbreak continues to affect vehicle sales in global markets.
Instead of the proposed 230 billion won (US$194 million), Mahindra said it would consider a "special one-time infusion" of up to 40 billion won over the next three months to help SsangYong continue operations.
The one-time cash injection falls far short of the 500 billion won Mahindra Managing Director Pawan Goenka had said is needed to turn SsangYong around by 2022.
Last week, KPMG Samjong Accounting Corp., the auditor of SsangYong, declined to give its opinion on the carmaker's earnings results for the January-June period.
If Samjong gives no opinion on SsangYong's annual financial statements for the year, the company can appeal the decision within a week and will be given one year to improve its financial health.
SsangYong could be delisted if its accountant again refuses to offer an opinion on the company's annual performance for the following year after the one-year period.
The SUV company has continued to report net losses for the past 14 quarters through the second quarter of this year.
From January to July, it sold 56,846 vehicles, down 28 percent from 78,687 units in the year-ago period.
SsangYong's lineup consists of the flagship G4 Rexton, as well as the Tivoli, Korando and Rexton Sports SUVs.
In 2011, Mahindra acquired a 70 percent stake in SsangYong Motor for 523 billion won.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-20--(LEAD) 3 more USFK-affiliated Americans test positive for new coronavirus

In the wake of the recent spread , the U.S military on Monday heightened the health protection level against the @ @ @ @ @ to the Health Protection Condition Level ( HPCON ) Charlie , or HPCON C , @ @ @ @ @ Korea , which reduces the number of personnel working on bases and implements tougher anti-virus @ @

(ATTN: ADDS new info on emergency measure in paras 6-7)
SEOUL, Aug. 20 (Yonhap) -- Two more American service members and a Department of Defense civilian contractor tested positive for the new coronavirus upon their arrivals in South Korea, the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) said Thursday.
They arrived at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, on commercial flights from the U.S. on Aug. 8, 11 and 13, according to the USFK.
All the patients have since been transferred to an isolation facility designated for confirmed COVID-19 cases at Camp Humphreys or Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, some 70 kilometers south of Seoul, it added.
"None of the new arrivals have interacted with anyone residing within USFK installations or the local community," USFK said in a statement.
The latest cases brought the total number of USFK-related infections to 160, most of which were confirmed upon their arrival here. USFK said it has not had an internal positive case since mid-April.
USFK also extended its Public Health Emergency over the new coronavirus for another 90 days until Nov. 18.
Commander Gen. Robert Abrams first declared the emergency on March 25 and renewed it in April and May. The measure enables the commander to maintain authorities to tackle COVID-19, including administering testing and quarantine for all USFK-affiliated personnel.
South Korea has seen a surge in fresh cases since late last week, mostly in Seoul and the surrounding area. On Thursday, it added 288 more COVID-19 cases, including 276 local infections, raising the total caseload to 16,346, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
In the wake of the recent spread, the U.S military on Monday heightened the health protection level against the new coronavirus by one notch to the Health Protection Condition Level (HPCON) Charlie, or HPCON C, for all areas in South Korea, which reduces the number of personnel working on bases and implements tougher anti-virus regulations.
U.S. officers wait for American service personnel to arrive at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, on April 7, 2020. (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-20--(2nd LD) Kim Jong-un delegated partial authority to sister: spy agency

`` Chairman Kim Jong-un is still maintaining his absolute authority , but some of it has been handed over little @ @ @ @ @ agency said .
`` Yo-jong is the de-facto No .
2 leader , but ( @ @ @ @ @ has not selected a successor . ''

(ATTN: UPDATES with Kim's public activities in last 4 paras)
SEOUL, Aug. 20 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has delegated part of his authority to his close aides, including younger sister Yo-jong, to have them oversee state affairs, South Korea's spy agency said Thursday.
"Currently, Kim Yo-jong, the first vice department director of the Workers' Party Central Committee, is steering overall state affairs based on the delegation," the National Intelligence Service was quoted as saying in a closed-door briefing to the National Assembly by lawmakers.
This graphic image provided by Yonhap News TV shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his younger sister Kim Yo-jong. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
"Chairman Kim Jong-un is still maintaining his absolute authority, but some of it has been handed over little by little," the agency said. "Yo-jong is the de-facto No. 2 leader, but (the North Korean leader) has not selected a successor."
According to the NIS, she has assumed the majority of the authority from her brother, but she is not the only one who has shared power with him.
Pak Pong-ju, vice chairman of the State Affairs Commission, and the new premier Kim Tok-hun have taken over power in controlling the economic sector, it added.
Park Jie-won, the director of the National Intelligence Service, and other agency officials attend a parliamentary session on Aug. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
The leader's sister was put in charge of policy towards South Korea and the United States and other general issues.
In terms of the military, Choe Pu-il, the party's department director for military affairs, and Ri Pyong-chol, vice chairman of the party's Central Military Commission, have assumed partial authority, according to the NIS.
The power shift partly aims to "relieve (Kim's) stress from his reign and avert culpability in the event of policy failure," the agency said.
The NIS also said the 5-megawatt nuclear reactor at North Korea's Yongbyon nuclear complex is not currently in operation.
It also noted that the North Korean army's summertime military exercises have been slashed by 25 to 65 percent from the past.
On the diplomacy front, the NIS said Pyongyang is juggling the dual policy direction of declaring the country's nuclear deterrence build-up while paving a way for negotiations with the U.S.
Due to recent heavy rains, the country has also sustained massive flooding of farming fields that is worse than the serious damage reported in 2016, the agency added.
Meanwhile, the NIS noted that the North Korean leader has increased the number of his public activities since July.
Kim made 132 public appearances this year as of Aug. 20, down 65 percent from the same period of last year, it told the lawmakers. Of the total, 13, or 39 percent, came since July, it added.
"Ahead of the 75th Anniversary of the Foundation of the Workers Party (on Oct. 10), with no tangible (policy) accomplishments, he has been increasing public activities since July," it was quoted as saying.
Kim is focusing more on presiding over party sessions than making on-site visits, it added.
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-20--S. Korea, India agree on closer cooperation on int'l security issues

In the session , Park Il , director of the disarmament and nonproliferation division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs @ @ @ @ @ Mani Pandey , India 's additional secretary in charge of the matter .

SEOUL, Aug. 20 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and India agreed Thursday to strengthen cooperation on international affairs, including disarmament and nonproliferation, during a virtual meeting between senior diplomats, Seoul's foreign ministry said.
In the session, Park Il, director of the disarmament and nonproliferation division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, held talks with Indra Mani Pandey, India's additional secretary in charge of the matter.
They had discussions on creating conditions for nuclear disarmament and the issues of arms control, space security and multilateral export control regime, according to the ministry.
Park explained the South Korean government's efforts for progress in the Korea peace process and reaffirmed Seoul's commitment to continued cooperation with India and other countries.
The two sides agreed to hold related consultations on a regular basis and strengthen "communication" on multilateral diplomacy, including the Conference on Disarmament the First Committee of the U.N. General Assembly.
Park Il (C), director of the disarmament and Nonproliferation division at South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, holds a virtual meeting with Indra Mani Pandey, India's additional secretary in charge of the issue, on Aug. 20, 2020, in this photo provided by the ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-20--(LEAD) Kim Jong-un delegated partial authority to sister: spy agency

(ATTN: UPDATES throughout with more info)
SEOUL, Aug. 20 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has delegated part of his authority to his close aides, including younger sister Yo-jong, to have them oversee state affairs, South Korea's spy agency said Thursday.
"Currently, Kim Yo-jong, the first vice department director of the Workers' Party Central Committee, is steering overall state affairs based on the delegation," the National Intelligence Service was quoted as saying in a closed-door briefing to the National Assembly by lawmakers.
Park Jie-won, the director of the National Intelligence Service, and other agency officials attend a parliamentary session on Aug. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
"Chairman Kim Jong-un is still maintaining his absolute authority, but some of it has been handed over little by little," the agency said. "Yo-jong is the de-facto No. 2 leader, but (the North Korean leader) has not selected a successor."
According to the NIS, she has assumed the majority of the authority from her brother, but she is not the only one who has shared power with him.
Pak Pong-ju, vice chairman of the State Affairs Commission, and the new premier Kim Tok-hun have taken over power in controlling the economic sector, it added.
This graphic image provided by Yonhap News TV shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his younger sister Kim Yo-jong. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The leader's sister was put in charge of policy towards South Korea and the United States and other general issues.
In terms of the military, Choe Pu-il, the party's department director for military affairs, and Ri Pyong-chol, vice chairman of the party's Central Military Commission, have assumed partial authority, according to the NIS.
The power shift partly aims to "relieve (Kim's) stress from his reign and avert culpability in the event of policy failure," the agency said.
The NIS also said the 5-megawatt nuclear reactor at North Korea's Yongbyon nuclear complex is not currently in operation.
It also noted that the North Korean army's summertime military exercises have been slashed by 25 to 65 percent from the past.
On the diplomacy front, the NIS said Pyongyang is juggling the dual policy direction of declaring the country's nuclear deterrence build-up while paving a way for negotiations with the U.S.
Due to recent heavy rains, the country has also sustained massive flooding of farming fields that is worse than the serious damage reported in 2016, the agency added.
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-20--NSC officials review coronavirus spread, N. Korea issue

They discussed ways to `` stably manage the diplomatic and security situations '' of South Korea and to take follow-up @ @ @ @ @ Jae-in 's Liberation Day speech last weekend , in which he said his government `` @ @ @ @ @ with the Japanese government at any time '' to discuss compensating Korean victims of Japanese @ @ @ @ @ II .

SEOUL, Aug. 20 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's top national security officials had discussions Thursday on the recent resurgence of new coronavirus infections in the nation, during their weekly meeting, Cheong Wa Dae said.
They agreed to concentrate "every necessary effort, including the injection of the security sector's resources" to support the anti-virus fight, according to the presidential office. It did not provide related details.
It was briefing media on the results of the National Security Council (NSC)'s standing committee session presided over by Suh Hoon, director of national security at Cheong Wa Dae.
The NSC members also reviewed the security situations on the Korean Peninsula and in the nearby region, including North Korea.
Suh Hoon, director of Cheong Wa Dae's national security office, in a photo provided by Yonhap News TV (Yonhap)
They discussed ways to "stably manage the diplomatic and security situations" of South Korea and to take follow-up measures related to President Moon Jae-in's Liberation Day speech last weekend, in which he said his government "is ready to sit down with the Japanese government at any time" to discuss compensating Korean victims of Japanese forced labor during World War II.
On North Korea, Moon stressed "inter-Korean cooperation is indeed the best security policy that allows both Koreas to break away from reliance on nuclear or military strength."
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-20--(2nd LD) Coronavirus pandemic shuts down broadcaster, halts filming

While the reporter appeared on a radio show Monday , all crew members and guests of the program , including @ @ @ @ @ , have been quarantined and gotten tested .
Lee tested negative for the virus but @ @ @ @ @ two-week self-quarantine .

(ATTN: UPDATES with new cases in paras 14-17)
SEOUL, Aug. 20 (Yonhap) -- The resurgence of the new coronavirus in the greater Seoul area has dealt a critical blow to the country's media industry, temporarily shutting down a regular radio show and halting filming of a TV series.
CBS, a Seoul-based Christian TV and radio station, canceled its regular radio programming as one of its reporters tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, making it the first case of a shutdown of a major broadcaster due to COVID-19.
While the reporter appeared on a radio show Monday, all crew members and guests of the program, including former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon, have been quarantined and gotten tested. Lee tested negative for the virus but has to go through a two-week self-quarantine.
The broadcaster evacuated the building for disinfection, while its live programs were replaced with music streaming for about two days.
CBS said it resumed its regular programming at noon Thursday as all staff members of the radio program have tested negative.
The radio show will be emceed by a temporary figure until the main host completes her two-week self-quarantine, it added.
This photo taken Aug. 19, 2020, shows the Seoul headquarters of the broadcasting station CBS. (Yonhap)
SBS, one of the three terrestrial broadcasters in South Korea, also shut down one of its buildings in Seoul on Thursday due to a COVID-19 outbreak.
It said a teacher of a child care center in SBS Prism Tower in northwestern Seoul has tested positive and the building will be closed until the next day.
All people who have been in the same places with the patient are isolated and will be virus-tested, it added.
But SBS noted its regular broadcasting will not be affected by the outbreak as its main studios are located at its headquarters in Mokdong, western Seoul.
Moreover, the fantasy romantic comedy "To All The Guys Who Loved Me" on KBS halted the filming Wednesday after an extra was confirmed to have contracted the virus.
KBS said all staff members who were at the filming site have been isolated and tested, while lead actress Hwang Jung-eum has reportedly not come into contact with the patient.
It is considering rescheduling the 16-episode series, which has just two episodes left to air
Two actors, Kim Won-hae and Heo Dong-won, starring in the same theatrical play with the infected walk-on, have tested positive for COVID-19, according to their agencies. But their managers have received negative results, they added.
In addition, actor Oh Man-seok, who appears on JTBC's variety show "Just Comedy," is under self-quarantine after having contacted the patient and is awaiting the test result, according to the broadcaster.
JTBC said it suspended the filming of "Just Comedy" and disinfected the building.
EBS, a South Korean educational television and radio network, has also reported three coronavirus cases in one of its shows, including one producer.
Insiders pointed out that the media community is highly prone to virus infection as a massive number of people gather to produce a show and they participate in multiple programs.
In March, when South Korea was suffering from the first wave of the COVID-19 outbreak, several TV programs were canceled after a producer of the food variety show "Bob Bless You" tested positive.
"We can't delay our schedules easily because we have to meet the deadline," a crew member of a TV show said. "Each staff member is cautious about a possible virus infection, but we can't restrain their private activities."
South Korea has reported more than 1,500 COVID-19 cases over the past week, most of which are community infections linked to church gatherings.
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-20--Kim Jong-un partly delegated authority to sister: spy agency

`` Chairman Kim Jong-un is still maintaining his absolute authority , but some of it has been handed over little @ @ @ @ @ agency said .
It said , however , that this does not mean the leader @ @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Aug. 20 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has delegated part of his authority to his close aides, including younger sister Yo-jong, to have them oversee state affairs, South Korea's spy agency said Thursday.
"Currently, Kim Yo-jong, the first vice department director of the Workers' Party Central Committee, is steering overall state affairs based on the delegation," the National Intelligence Service was quoted as saying in a closed-door briefing to the National Assembly by lawmakers.
The power shift partly aims to "relieve (Kim's) stress from his reign and avert culpability in the event of policy failure," the agency said.
"Chairman Kim Jong-un is still maintaining his absolute authority, but some of it has been handed over little by little," the agency said. It said, however, that this does not mean the leader has selected a successor.
According to the NIS, Yo-jong has assumed the majority of the authority delegated by the national leader, but she is not the only one who has shared power with him.
Pak Pong-ju, vice chairman of the State Affairs Commission, and the new premier Kim Tok-hun have taken over power in controlling the economic sector, it added.
The NIS also said the 5-megawatt nuclear reactor at North Korea's Yongbyon nuclear complex is not currently in operation.
It also noted that the North Korean army's summertime military exercises have been slashed by 25 to 65 percent from the past.
Park Jie-won, the director of the National Intelligence Service, and other agency officials attend a parliamentary session on Aug. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-20--About 50 employees of S. Korean overseas missions test positive for COVID-19

`` As there are some citizens who are reluctant to report their infection cases , we expect that the actual @ @ @ @ @ the current figure , '' the official told reporters on condition of anonymity .

SEOUL Aug. 20 (Yonhap) -- About 50 employees of South Korea's overseas diplomatic missions, including six diplomats, have tested positive for the new coronavirus, a source said Thursday.
Many of the employees are locally hired administrative staff, the source said. Of the six diplomats, two were infected in the process of supporting the return home of South Korean citizens.
Since the virus started to spread across the world early this year, South Korean embassies have been consumed with the often risky task of ensuring the safety of Korean residents and travelers, and helping them return home safely.
They have so far helped some 47,000 citizens in 119 countries return home through various means, such as chartering flights or using flights arranged by governments of partner countries, according to a foreign ministry official.
The government has also helped a total of 18,166 South Korean businesspeople secure exceptions to COVID-19-driven entry restrictions by 18 countries, as it has stressed essential business trips should be allowed to minimize the economic fallout of the pandemic.
As of Wednesday, the number of overseas citizens infected with the virus stood at 577, a sharp increase from 107 recorded in early May, the official said, citing the ministry's estimate.
The citizens include 100 in the Asia-Pacific; 230 in North, Central and South America; 80 in Europe; 120 in the Middle East; and 23 in Africa.
"As there are some citizens who are reluctant to report their infection cases, we expect that the actual number would be higher than the current figure," the official told reporters on condition of anonymity.
The government has also helped a total of 18,166 South Korean businesspeople secure exceptions to COVID-19-driven entry restrictions by 18 countries, as it has stressed essential business trips should be allowed to minimize the economic fallout of the pandemic.
Currently, 92 countries and territories enforce entry bans against Koreans, the ministry said.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-20--S. Korea eyes Czech nuclear project, broader cooperation in energy sector

SEOUL , Aug. 20 ( Yonhap ) -- South Korea said Thursday its participation in the 8 trillion-won ( US @ @ @ @ @ project of a new nuclear power plant in the Czech Republic will pave the way @ @ @ @ @ join deeper forces in the energy segment .

By Kang Yoon-seung
SEOUL, Aug. 20 (Yonhap) -- South Korea said Thursday its participation in the 8 trillion-won (US$6.74 billion) construction project of a new nuclear power plant in the Czech Republic will pave the way for the two countries to join deeper forces in the energy segment.
Industry Minister Sung Yun-mo held two-day virtual meetings with his Czech counterpart, Karel Havlicek, and Jaroslav Mil, the European country's special envoy for nuclear energy, on Wednesday and Thursday, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
During the meetings, Sung highlighted that South Korea wishes to participate in the planned nuclear energy plant, which will be launched by the Czech Republic.
The Czech Republic plans to build a new nuclear plant in the southern region of Dukovany. The construction is expected to begin in 2029.
Industry Minister Sung Yun-mo speaks during a virtual meeting held with his Czech counterpart in Sejong, some 150 kilometers south of Seoul, on Aug. 19, 2020, in this photo released by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on Aug. 20. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
"The upcoming project will become an opportunity for the two countries to open a new phase of cooperation," Sung said.
The minister also told his counterparts that South Korea already has successfully carried out a nuclear project in the Middle East.
Earlier this month, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has started the operations at the first unit of the South Korean-built Barakah nuclear power plant, the first operation of a peaceful nuclear reactor in the Arab world.
In 2009, a South Korea-led consortium won a US$20 billion contract to build four nuclear reactors in Barakah, 270 kilometers west of Abu Dhabi, the country's first export of its homegrown commercial atomic power technology.
The first reactor was completed in 2018, and the three others are under construction.
Sung suggested that the two countries should establish a new communication channel, in which Seoul and Prague can discuss ways to form deeper ties in the field of artificial intelligence and robots as well.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

On Saturday , the government strengthened social distancing guidelines as more than 1,500 COVID-19 cases have been reported over the @ @ @ @ @ which are community infections linked to church gatherings .
Under the guidelines , churches in @ @ @ @ @ are not allowed to have in-person worship services , as well as small activities and @ @ @ @ @ Bible studies .

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Thursday.
----------------
SEOUL -- The Seoul city government on Thursday announced a plan to ban street rallies of 10 or more people across the capital amid mounting concerns over a resurgence in new coronavirus cases here.
Under the move that will go into effect Friday, all demonstrations with 10 or more participants will be banned until midnight on Aug. 30, according to the Seoul metropolitan government.
----------------
(News Focus) Spiking virus cases raise the need to impose tougher virus measures nationally
SEOUL -- South Korea's health authorities are coming under growing pressure to impose enhanced coronavirus measures nationally as more new infections beyond the greater Seoul area are being reported amid concerns over the nationwide spread of the virus.
More than 1,500 cases have been newly identified over the past week, with daily infections staying in the triple digits since Friday, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
----------------
New Deal fund expected to help economy regain recovery momentum: finance minister
SEJONG -- Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki said Thursday a fund for Korean New Deal projects is expected to help the nation's economy regain recovery momentum.
The government will soon announce details of the fund, which is expected to help channel excess liquidity into the real economy, Hong said.
----------------
Conservative Protestant sector opposes government's ban on face-to-face worship
SEOUL -- Some conservative factions in the South Korean Protestant community on Thursday strongly opposed the government's ban on face-to-face worship in churches in the greater Seoul area amid a recent resurgence in coronavirus cases.
On Saturday, the government strengthened social distancing guidelines as more than 1,500 COVID-19 cases have been reported over the past week, most of which are community infections linked to church gatherings. Under the guidelines, churches in Seoul and its surrounding areas are not allowed to have in-person worship services, as well as small activities and events like choir sessions or Bible studies.
----------------
S. Korea speeds up virus tests amid spike in church-linked infections
SEOUL-- South Korea's public health agency said Thursday it has been making efforts to expand the number of new coronavirus tests since last week amid soaring cases of church-linked infections in the greater capital area.
The average number of COVID-19 tests conducted on a daily basis in the country reached 11,312 over the past week, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC). The figure hovered above the average of 9,948 posted since May.
(END)


yna--2020-08-20--(LEAD) More hospital beds secured amid spiking virus cases

The country added 288 more COVID-19 cases , including 276 local infections , raising the total caseload to 16,346 , @ @ @ @ @ for Disease Control and Prevention ( KCDC ) .
A flare-up in coronavirus cases , @ @ @ @ @ has been reported in Seoul and its surrounding Gyeonggi Province , home to half of @ @ @ @ @ people .

(ATTN: UPDATES with data on bed status in 5-8 paras)
SEOUL, Aug. 20 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's health authorities said Thursday that they revised a system to reserve more hospital beds in the wider Seoul area, where hundreds of church-traced infections have been reported over the past week.
The country added 288 more COVID-19 cases, including 276 local infections, raising the total caseload to 16,346, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC). A flare-up in coronavirus cases, mostly traced to churches, has been reported in Seoul and its surrounding Gyeonggi Province, home to half of the country's 51 million people.
Citizens wait in line to receive coronavirus tests at a screening center in Seoul's northern ward of Seongbuk on Aug. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
Under the new guidelines, medical facilities in Seoul and the surrounding Gyeonggi Province will reserve hospital beds for those most in need to prevent any COVID-19 patients from getting sicker or even dying while waiting.
"It is a principle that COVID-19 patients showing no or mild symptoms are admitted to community treatment centers to stem the overuse of hospital beds," Vice Health Minister Kim Ganglip said in a briefing.
As of midnight Thursday, 757 out of 1,150 beds in general hospitals in Seoul were occupied, the city government said.
All 382 rooms at a community treatment center in northern Seoul, which opened a day earlier, are now operating, which pushed the bed utilization rate down to 65.8 percent from 80.8 percent over the cited period.
The bed utilization rate for COVID-19 patients in Gyeonggi Province came to 85.6, sharply up from 28 percent roughly two weeks ago, according to the provincial government. Health authorities said a rate over 70 percent is a burden for dealing with virus patients.
The utilization rate for community treatment centers came to 61.8 percent, up from 44.1 percent on Wednesday and 7.4 percent on Sunday, it said.
This file photo shows the Seoul Medical Center in Seoul. (Yonhap)
The authorities also said COVID-19 patients who do not need ventilator treatment any more will be advised to be transferred to other regular rooms to secure more isolation rooms.
"The government will secure an additional 50 treatment rooms for COVID-19 patients with severe symptoms and another 260 rooms at general hospitals solely for infectious diseases," Kim said.
The government also earlier announced that it will newly open six community treatment centers that can house around 2,000 virus patients in the Seoul metropolitan area. The centers are dedicated to the care of COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-20--Korean Air to sign deal to sell in-flight meals, duty-free biz

In other self-help efforts , Korean Air had 70 percent of its 20,000-strong workforce take paid leave for six months @ @ @ @ @ it is in the process of selling non-core assets to secure cash .

SEOUL, Aug. 20 (Yonhap) -- Korean Air Lines Co., South Korea's biggest carrier, said Thursday it will sign a deal soon to sell its in-flight catering and duty-free business to a homegrown private equity fund amid the growing impact of the coronavirus on the airline industry.
"The company will sign a share purchase agreement with Hahn & Company (to sell the business unit) sooner or later," a Korean Air spokeswoman said without elaborating further.
The national flag carrier will sign the deal as early as next week as the equity fund has recently completed due diligence on the business unit, according to local reports.
The two sides are in talks over the acquisition price, which is estimated to reach 1 trillion won (US$843 million), the reports said.
This undated file photo, provided by Korean Air, shows chefs preparing in-flight meals at the Korean Air Catering Center in Incheon, just west of Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The move is part of the agreement reached in April with the state-run Korea Development Bank (KDB) and the Export-Import Bank of Korea (Eximbank) to receive 1.2 trillion won in fresh liquidity from the creditors.
Under the agreement, Korean Air is required to secure 2 trillion won in self-help measures. The airline has raised 1.1 trillion won through a rights offering.
In February, Korean Air's parent firm Hanjin KAL Corp. announced its plan to sell low-profit, non-core assets to focus on the mainstay airline and logistics business and enhance shareholder value.
Korean Air has suspended most of its flights on international routes since March, as more than 180 countries and territories closed their borders or imposed entry restrictions on incoming passengers amid virus fears.
In other self-help efforts, Korean Air had 70 percent of its 20,000-strong workforce take paid leave for six months starting April 16, and it is in the process of selling non-core assets to secure cash.
From January to June, Korean Air's net losses deepened to 619.49 billion won from 482.01 billion won in the same period of last year.
This photo, taken on July 7, 2020, shows Korean Air's planes at Incheon International Airport in Incheon, just west of Seoul. (Yonhap)
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-20--Reinstated golfer apologizes for past incident

`` I came out here to apologize to fans from the bottom of my heart , '' Kim told reporters @ @ @ @ @ `` Over the past year or so , I 've been able to learn so @ @ @ @ @ any personal goal for this tournament , I think it 's more important for me @ @ @ @ @ ethic to people . ''

CHUNCHEON, South Korea, Aug. 20 (Yonhap) -- South Korean golfer Kim Bi-o, reinstated after serving a lengthy ban for making an obscene gesture toward the crowd during a tournament, apologized to fans on Thursday, vowing to show more maturity on and off the field.
The Korea Professional Golfers' Association (KPGA) granted Kim a special pardon on July 27, lifting a one-year suspension that began last October. Starting Friday, Kim will play the Korean Tour's GS Caltex Maekyung Open at Elysian Gangchon Country Club in Chuncheon, 85 kilometers east of Seoul.
South Korean golfer Kim Bi-o takes a bow in front of cameras before the start of his press conference at Elysian Gangchon Country Club in Chuncheon, 85 kilometers east of Seoul, ahead of the Korean Tour event GS Caltex Maekyung Open on Aug. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
"I came out here to apologize to fans from the bottom of my heart," Kim told reporters following his practice round. "Over the past year or so, I've been able to learn so much. Rather than set any personal goal for this tournament, I think it's more important for me to demonstrate maturity and work ethic to people."
Kim was initially slapped with a three-year suspension on Oct. 1 last year, two days after raising his middle finger in the direction of fans over cell phone noise during the final round of the Korean Tour's DGB Financial Group Volvik Daegu Gyeongbuk Open in Gumi, 260 kilometers southeast of Seoul. The moment was captured live on television.
The incident happened at the 16th tee, where Kim reacted angrily to the sound of a cell phone camera going off on his downswing.
Kim, who was nursing a one-stroke lead, sent his tee shot only about 100 yards. He then turned to his right and flipped the bird, as he slammed down his driver in anger.
Kim went on to win the tournament, which made him the first two-time champion on the Korean Tour in 2019, but the incident at the 16th tee overshadowed his accomplishment.
South Korean golfer Kim Bi-o speaks at a press conference at Elysian Gangchon Country Club in Chuncheon, 85 kilometers east of Seoul, ahead of the Korean Tour event GS Caltex Maekyung Open on Aug. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
The KPGA acted swiftly, only to reduce the ban to one year on Oct. 23. But the KPGA upheld the previous fine of 10 million won (US$8,430) and ordered him to perform 120 hours of community service.
"I've tried hard to give back to the community and help others," said the former PGA Tour player. "From now on, I'll try to be thankful for the opportunity just to be out on golf courses."
Kim passed the qualifying tournament for the Asian Tour in February this year, with the KPGA's ban not preventing him from playing overseas, but the Asian Tour has been on hiatus because of the coronavirus outbreak.
Kim earned his PGA Tour card for 2011 through the qualifying tournament but lost it after one season. He spent a couple of seasons on the developmental Web.com Tour (currently Korn Ferry Tour) before returning to the Korean Tour full time in 2014.
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-20--New Zealand victim in sexual abuse case requests resumption of settlement process: foreign ministry

The former employee at the South Korean Embassy in Wellington has accused the diplomat of groping his body on three @ @ @ @ @ diplomat was later disciplined with a reduction in salary for a month and moved to @ @ @ @ @ Philippines , though he recently came back home at the ministry 's order .

By Kim Seung-yeon
SEOUL, Aug. 20 (Yonhap) -- The foreign ministry is considering resuming arbitration to settle the sexual abuse case filed by a New Zealander against a South Korean diplomat, after recently receiving a request from the complainant, a ministry official said Thursday.
The former employee at the South Korean Embassy in Wellington has accused the diplomat of groping his body on three occasions in 2017. The diplomat was later disciplined with a reduction in salary for a month and moved to a new post in the Philippines, though he recently came back home at the ministry's order.
Early this year, the two sides tried to settle the matter after the victim filed a criminal complaint with police in his country, but it was unsuccessful due largely to the differences over compensation, officials said.
"There was a request early this month from the victim to resume the settlement process. We have explained (to him) on two occasions that we are reviewing that request," a ministry official told reporters. "It's up to the department in charge to decide whether to resume the process."
The case came to attention when New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern raised the issue with President Moon Jae-in in phone talks last month. New Zealand has accused Seoul of not cooperating with the police investigation in New Zealand.
South Korea has rebutted such claims and stressed that it had proposed ways to cooperate with the ongoing police investigation in New Zealand in terms of mutual legal assistance and extradition treaties, but Wellington never requested.
On Thursday, the ministry denied a local media report that the victim sent Moon's office a letter calling for "a fair and just" investigation. In the letter, the report said, the victim also claimed he was never given a proper chance to speak for himself during the internal probe by the embassy in late 2018.
"We asked him to tell us in detail about what had happened. We asked him to submit his statement in writing for the internal probe when our people from the audit office traveled to New Zealand to conduct the investigation," the ministry official said.
New Zealand Ambassador Philip Turner arrives at the foreign ministry building in Seoul on Aug. 3, 2020, to discuss the case of a South Korean diplomat accused of sexually assaulting a New Zealander embassy employee while stationed in Wellington in 2017. (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-20--SeAH Steel to build monopile facility in Britain

SeAH Steel Holdings said it plans to break ground for the facility in the first quarter next year , with @ @ @ @ @ first quarter of 2023 .

SEOUL, Aug. 20 (Yonhap) -- SeAH Steel Holdings said Thursday that it will build a monopile facility in Britain next year as it pushes to foster offshore wind power as its new growth engine.
SeAH Steel Holdings said it plans to break ground for the facility in the first quarter next year, with commercial production set for the first quarter of 2023.
The facility can produce 100 monopiles a year, an amount that is about half of demand for monopiles in Britain. Monopiles are a type of foundation for building offshore wind turbines.
The plan is a part of a memorandum of understanding signed between the British government and SeAH Steel Holdings at the British Embassy in Seoul on Wednesday.
British Ambassador to South Korea Simon Smith (L) poses for a photo with Nam Hyung-kun, CEO of SeAH Steel Holdings, during a signing ceremony at the British Embassy in Seoul on Aug. 19, 2020, in this photo provided by SeAH Steel Holdings. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
entropy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-20--(LEAD) Seoul stocks dip over 3 pct on rising COVID-19 fears, recovery concerns

SEOUL , Aug. 20 ( Yonhap ) -- South Korean stocks tumbled more than 3 percent Thursday amid growing concerns @ @ @ @ @ infections in the country and uncertainties over the recovery of the U.S. economy .
The @ @ @ @ @ U.S. dollar .

(ATTN: ADDS bond yields at bottom, photo)
SEOUL, Aug. 20 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks tumbled more than 3 percent Thursday amid growing concerns over the fast-spreading new coronavirus infections in the country and uncertainties over the recovery of the U.S. economy. The Korean won fell against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) lost 86.32 points, or 3.66 percent, to close at 2,274.22. Trading volume was high at about 891 million shares worth some 16.9 trillion won (US$14.2 billion), with losers outnumbering gainers 823 to 73.
Foreigners sold a net 276 billion won, while retail investors purchased a net 1.1 trillion won. Institutions offloaded a net 821 billion won.
Electronic signboards at the trading room of KB Kookmin Bank in Seoul show the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed at 2,274.22 on Aug. 20, 2020, down 86.32 points or 3.66 percent from the previous session's close. (Yonhap)
The stock market got off to a weak start and extended losses in the afternoon session amid spiking COVID-19 infections in the greater capital area.
South Korea added 288 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday. More than 1,500 cases have been newly identified since Friday.
"The unexpected flare-up of the COVID-19 infections will inevitably undermine investors' hopes of a quick economic recovery," Shinhan Investment analyst Lee Ye-shin said.
Investor sentiment also weakened following the U.S. Federal Reserve's statement that the COVID-19 crisis will "weigh heavily" on the world's largest economy.
Lingering trade tensions between the United States and China also added to the risk-averse sentiment among investors.
Most large caps traded lower in Seoul.
Market behemoth Samsung Electronics plunged 4.15 percent to 55,400 won, with No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix sinking 4.27 percent to 71,800 won.
Pharmaceutical giant Samsung Biologics lost 1.85 percent to 794,000 won, while Celltrion advanced 1.64 percent.
Top automaker Hyundai Motor plummeted 5.78 percent to 155,000 won, and leading chemical company LG Chem retreated 2.34 percent to 667,000 won.
Internet giant Naver lost 3.02 percent to 305,500 won, with its rival Kakao dipping 3.19 percent to 364,500 won.
The local currency was trading at 1,186.9 won against the U.S. dollar, down 5.7 won from the previous session's close.
Bond prices, which move inversely to yields, closed lower. The yield on three-year Treasurys rose 0.8 basis point to 0.813 percent, and the return on the benchmark five-year government bond added 1.9 basis points to 1.080 percent.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-20--(LEAD) Seoul city to ban rallies of 10 or more people in anti-virus move

At least 637 members of Jun 's church who live in the greater Seoul area have tested positive for the @ @ @ @ @ 39 outside the densely populated region .
Eighteen people who attended the rally have also @ @ @ @ @ health authorities .

(ATTN: ADDS details in paras 4, 8-9)
SEOUL, Aug. 20 (Yonhap) -- The Seoul city government on Thursday announced a plan to ban street rallies of 10 or more people across the capital amid mounting concerns over a resurgence in new coronavirus cases here.
Under the move that will go into effect Friday, all demonstrations with 10 or more participants will be banned until midnight on Aug. 30, according to the Seoul metropolitan government.
The government currently bans rallies of 100 or more participants under the Level Two social distancing scheme that went into effect over the weekend. The tightened threshold is equivalent to a Level Three scheme.
Thousands of people attend an anti-government rally in central Seoul on Aug. 15, 2020. (Yonhap)
Police officers wearing face masks are on duty in central Seoul ahead of mass rallies on Aug. 15, 2020. (Yonhap)
"We are at one of the most critical junctures and if chain transmissions spread in local communities ... we may face an uncontrollable situation," said the city's acting mayor Seo Jeong-hyup, urging residents to follow the new guideline.
Those that violate the measure may face up to 3 million won (US$2,526) in fines. The city government also plans to file criminal complaints against organizations and individuals for breaking the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act.
The latest move comes amid concerns over a recent rally that took place in central Seoul on Saturday. Thousands of people, mostly elderly participants, attended the anti-government rally led by conservative pastor Jun Kwang-hoon.
At least 637 members of Jun's church who live in the greater Seoul area have tested positive for the new coronavirus in addition to 39 outside the densely populated region. Eighteen people who attended the rally have also tested positive, according to health authorities.
Health authorities and the city government have filed a criminal complaint against Jun for allegedly breaking a home isolation order and disturbing quarantine activities. The city has also ordered all residents who attended the rally to get tested.
On Thursday, South Korea reported 288 more COVID-19 cases, raising its total caseload to 16,346. It marked the seventh straight day of new virus cases spiking by triple digits.
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-20--4 police officers test positive after mass rally in central Seoul

Police said the four officers have remained under home isolation and did not go outdoors after the weekend duty .
@ @ @ @ @ to hospitals near their homes .

SEOUL, Aug. 20 (Yonhap) -- Four police officers who were dispatched to a mass weekend rally site have tested positive for the new coronavirus as of Thursday, heightening alert over additional infections in the police force.
The infected police officers were among some 7,600 who were mobilized to maintain safety at areas near Gwanghwamun and the Gyeongbok Palace station in central Seoul on Saturday.
Thousands of people, mostly elderly participants, gathered in the area to attend anti-government rallies that were held in line with Liberation Day.
Police said the four officers have remained under home isolation and did not go outdoors after the weekend duty. They will soon be sent to hospitals near their homes.
As of Thursday, more than 600 members of a church whose pastor led the anti-government rally have tested positive. Eighteen others who attended the rally have also been infected.
In addition to those who were mobilized for the rally, at least six officers at Hyehwa, Gwangjin and Gwanak police stations in Seoul have also tested positive.
A health worker tests a police officer at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency who was dispatched to a mass rally site in central Seoul on Aug. 15, 2020. (Yonhap)
Police officers stand in line at a police facility in central Seoul to be tested for the new coronavirus following their dispatch to a mass rally site in central Seoul on Aug. 15, 2020. (Yonhap)
Thousands of people attend an anti-government rally in central Seoul on Aug. 15, 2020. (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-20--K-pop act TWICE's agency files more than 30 legal complaints against online trolls

The nine-member band , which has two Japanese singers and a Taiwanese member , was the top-selling female K-pop act @ @ @ @ @ 2020 , shipping 563,000 copies of its ninth EP , `` More & More , @ @ @ @ @ its release on June 1 .

SEOUL, Aug. 20 (Yonhap) -- The management agency for popular K-pop girl group TWICE said Thursday it has filed more than 30 complaints this year against netizens who have posted malicious comments about the band on the internet.
JYP Entertainment said it has filed a total of 37 legal complaints against netizens who have posted derogatory and slanderous comments towards the group's members on online communities and one blog site.
The company said it will seek all possible legal actions, including both civil and criminal measures, against the netizens in question.
This file photo shows K-pop girl group TWICE at the 34th Golden Disk Awards held at Gocheok Sky Dome in southwestern Seoul on Jan. 4, 2020. Photo provided by the secretariat of the Golden Disk Awards. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
JYP also vowed to strengthen monitoring of slanderous online activities directed at its artists and regularly pursue legal actions.
Since debuting in South Korea in 2015 with "OOH-AHH," TWICE has become one of the biggest girl groups in the K-pop scene, churning out back-to-back hits, including "Cheer Up," "TT," "Knock Knock," "Signal," "Likey" and "Heartshaker."
The nine-member band, which has three Japanese singers and a Taiwanese member, was the top-selling female K-pop act in the first half of 2020, shipping 563,000 copies of its ninth EP, "More & More," within a month since its release on June 1.
A publicity image for K-pop band TWICE's ninth EP, "More & More," provided by JYP Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-20--Top court confirms gift tax imposed on CJ chairman unlawful

It applied a rule on the inheritance and gift tax laws which allows the tax authority to impose a gift @ @ @ @ @ of property when it is registered under the name of a third party , taking @ @ @ @ @ the owner .

SEOUL, Aug. 20 (Yonhap) -- The chairman of CJ Group, South Korea's leading food and entertainment conglomerate, on Thursday won a suit against the tax authority over the imposition of a gift tax worth tens of billions of won.
The Supreme Court upheld a lower court's ruling that a Seoul tax office must revoke its order for Lee Jay-hyun, the chairman of CJ Group, to pay some 156.2 billion won (US$141.1 million) of gift tax. It, however, ruled the levy of 12.2 billion won of transfer income tax and the general income tax put on him was lawful.
Lee was accused of evading tax by establishing a special purpose company (SPC) in the Virgin Islands, a British territory famous for being a tax haven, and trading his shares in the name of the company between September and November in 2013.
Jungbu District Office of National Tax Service ordered Lee to pay 261.4 billion won in taxes, including a gift tax, a transfer income tax and a general income tax, deeming him the practical owner of the shares acquired by the SPC.
It applied a rule on the inheritance and gift tax laws which allows the tax authority to impose a gift tax to the real owner of property when it is registered under the name of a third party, taking it as a gift from the owner.
In 2016, the Tax Tribunal ruled that the tax service should cancel 94 billion won out of the total sum after Lee filed a petition against the tax imposition.
But he also sought administrative litigation the following year arguing that he should not pay the remaining amount of tax that was imposed on him.
The first court, in 2018, dismissed his claim, saying there was nothing wrong with the tax authority's application of the rule.
The appellate court overturned the decision on the gift tax, citing the lack of evidence to support the authority's claim that Lee evaded his tax through the process of acquiring shares through the SPC.
A graphic image of CJ Group scion Lee Jay-hyun and a court. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-21--(URGENT) Military to cancel this year's reserve forces' training due to COVID-19

(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--2020-08-21--Korea Shipbuilding bags order for 10 petrochemical carriers

Korea Shipbuilding said it has won the deal thanks to mutual trust and its experience of having built more than @ @ @ @ @ , the largest in the world .

SEOUL, Aug. 21 (Yonhap) -- South Korean shipyard Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co. said Friday it has clinched a 485 billion-won (US$409 million) order from a Saudi shipper to build 10 petrochemical carriers.
The 50,000-ton vessels will be built by Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co., a subsidiary of Korea Shipbuilding, and will be delivered to Saudi state shipping company Bahri by February 2023, Korea Shipbuilding said in a regulatory filing.
Korea Shipbuilding said it has won the deal thanks to mutual trust and its experience of having built more than 800 petrochemical carriers so far, the largest in the world.
Korea Shipbuilding, the shipbuilding holding firm of South Korea's Hyundai Heavy Industries Group, has so far captured orders to build 51 very large crude oil carriers, petrochemical carriers and container vessels from Bahri.
The shipbuilder is also working to build a shipyard in Saudi Arabia together with Bahri, Saudi Aramco and United Arab Emirates-based oil rig builder Lamprell.
So far this year, Korea Shipbuilding has bagged orders to build 34 petrochemical ships, with its petrochemical ship backlog reaching 63 vessels, or 46 percent of the global total. The shipyard clinched deals to build 40 petrochemical carriers last year.
This file photo, provided by Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co. on Aug. 21, 2020, shows a petrochemical carrier built by the shipbuilding holding company of Hyundai Heavy Industries Group. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-08-21--(2nd LD) Trainee doctors launch strike amid resurgence of COVID-19

The trainee doctors ' walkout comes as doctors have warned of a nationwide strike from next Wednesday through Friday to @ @ @ @ @ reform plan .
This follows a one-day general strike carried out last Friday .
The @ @ @ @ @ plans to raise admission quotas at medical schools , claiming that increasing the number of @ @ @ @ @ to more competition and hurt the quality of treatment .

(ATTN: UPDATES with latest COVID-19 numbers in paras 11-12; CHANGES top photo)
SEOUL, Aug. 21 (Yonhap) -- Trainee doctors working at the country's general hospitals began a strike Friday to protest the government's medical reform plan amid a surge in coronavirus infections.
Their walkout is the third of its kind after many doctors boycotted attending patients on Aug. 7, followed by a one-day strike last Friday.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun expressed regret over the strike.
"It's very regrettable that the doctors, who should protect the life of the people in the serious situation that COVID-19 is spreading again, have begun the collective action," he said during a daily government meeting on the coronavirus response.
What the people want is national unity in the anti-virus fight, he added, requesting that they halt the strike and continue their medical service.
The Korean Intern and Resident Association (KIRA) said the latest protest will take place with fourth-year residents working at large hospitals going on strike first, followed by third-year trainee doctors Saturday and first- and second-year residents Sunday.
A medical student holds a sign supporting the strike by trainee doctors at Seoul National University Hospital on Aug. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
All trainee doctors working at emergency rooms will also all go on strike starting Friday for an indefinite period of time, it said.
The trainee doctors' walkout comes as doctors have warned of a nationwide strike from next Wednesday through Friday to protest the government's medical reform plan. This follows a one-day general strike carried out last Friday. The medical community have strongly opposed plans to raise admission quotas at medical schools, claiming that increasing the number of new doctors will only lead to more competition and hurt the quality of treatment.
Major hospitals, such as Seoul Asan Medical Center and Samsung Medical Center, put off non-critical surgery.
In addition to regular medical treatment, coronavirus screening centers around the country may have to cut back on people they can check, as trainee doctors have been assigned to such facilities.
The country added 324 more COVID-19 cases, including 315 local infections, raising the total caseload to 16,670, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The tally was the highest since March 8 when the daily virus cases reached 367.
The number of daily infections has been in the triple digits since Aug. 14, when 103 cases were reported, About 1,900 cases have been newly identified in the past eight days.
A growing number of infections have been linked with a church in northern Seoul, with its pastor Jun Kwang-hoon having tested positive for the virus. Jun and many other church members participated in a massive Liberation Day anti-government street rally in Gwanghwamun, central Seoul, last weekend.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun speaks during an interagency meeting on the new coronavirus response at the government office complex in Seoul on Aug. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
The prime minister urged those who attended the demonstration to get coronavirus tests as early as possible.
He said the government would thoroughly protect personal information.
Chung also warned that the government will take legal measures against the spread of fake news related to the government's efforts to contain the virus.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-21--Telcos expand cooperation with financial firms to develop data-based services

Top mobile carrier SK Telecom Co. has partnered with local credit card firm Shinhan Card Co. to utilize their data @ @ @ @ @ two companies agreed to merge their pseudonymized user data to develop more accurate tourism information @ @ @ @ @ destinations , establishments users spend the most at and most-used mobile applications .

SEOUL, Aug. 21 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's major telecom operators are expanding cooperation with financial firms for data-based services, industry officials said Friday, as they seek new businesses based on their troves of user data after changes to the country's data privacy laws.
Earlier this month, amendments to the Personal Information Protection Act came into force, allowing companies to flexibly utilize user data that have pseudonymized personally identifiable information.
Mobile carriers have joined hands with financial firms to develop new services based on such user data to boost their non-mobile business.
Top mobile carrier SK Telecom Co. has partnered with local credit card firm Shinhan Card Co. to utilize their data for tourism services. The two companies agreed to merge their pseudonymized user data to develop more accurate tourism information, such as most visited destinations, establishments users spend the most at and most-used mobile applications.
The telecom operator will merge its base station access data with Shinhan Card's credit card transaction data to analyze tourist spending habits in the southern port city of Busan, according to the Financial Security Institute.
The two companies said they plan to provide the analyzed data to regional governments to boost tourism amid the pandemic, and expand cooperation in other sectors such as retail.
KT Corp. CEO Koo Hyun-mo (2nd from L) and Woori Financial Group CEO Sohn Tae-seung (3rd from L) pose for a camera after signing an agreement to cooperate in data-based services at Woori Bank's headquarters in central Seoul on Aug. 19, 2020, in this photo provided by KT. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Earlier this week, telecom giant KT Corp. joined hands with Woori Financial Group to develop new financial and telecommunication products that better cater to user needs based on their data.
The two firms, which hold major stakes in internet-only bank K-Bank through subsidiaries, have also agreed to collaborate in artificial-intelligence and cloud-based services.
No. 3 telecom operator LG Uplus Corp. has also partnered with Shinhan Bank and local IT services firm CJ OliveNetworks Co. earlier this year to share their data, develop new data-based services and conduct joint marketing based on the companies' shared data.
The mobile carrier has also partnered with LG Group's IT services affiliate LG CNS and the Financial Security Institute for similar data-based collaborations.
LG Uplus Corp., Shinhan Bank, and CJ OliveNetworks Co. officials pose for a photo after signing an agreement on big data collaboration on June 18, 2020, in this photo provided by Shinhan Bank. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)
Amid the data drive from telecom operators, civic groups, including the progressive People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy, have expressed concerns over potential misuse of personal data for commercial purposes.
South Korea has launched the Personal Information Protection Commission to monitor such violations.
yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-21--S. Korea to secure COVID-19 vaccines via int'l cooperation, local development

At present , local health authorities have approved clinical tests for plasma therapy materials developed jointly by the National Institute @ @ @ @ @ and GC Pharma , and an antibody drug candidate materials made by NIH and Celltrion @ @ @ @ @ foreign drugs .
In regards to vaccines , Seoul has permitted testing on materials under @ @ @ @ @ Bioscience and GeneOne Life Science .

SEOUL, Aug. 21 (Yonhap) -- South Korea is moving to secure a sufficient supply of coronavirus vaccines through close international cooperation and local development, the government said Friday.
The move comes as countries around the world have been racing to find drugs that can combat the pandemic that has killed more than 796,000 around the world.
Officials said the government will participate in international joint vaccine development projects and forge ties with leading global pharmaceutical companies in a move to get adequate quantities of vaccines.
Initially, South Korea wants to secure vaccines that can be given to 20 million people -- nearly 40 percent of its 51 million population -- by participating in a global program known as the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access Facility.
The project aims to develop a vaccine and equitably give it to 20 percent of the world's population.
South Korea also said it will support joint projects between South Korean biotech companies and multinational pharmaceuticals for the development of COVID-19 vaccines and treatment drugs.
SK Bioscience has recently inked deals to work together with AstraZeneca and Novavax to produce vaccines once they are ready.
South Korean officials said the goal is to vaccinate everyone in the country, but if it is hard to inoculate some 70 percent of the population, it can provide South Korea with "herd immunity" from COVID-19.
Doctors and other medical workers and people suffering from poor health can get a vaccine first.
In addition to international cooperation, Seoul vowed to support local vaccine and treatment drug development efforts to the end, even if a foreign drugmaker announces breakthroughs first.
The government said that of the 193.6 billion-won (US$163.4 million) extra budget passed by lawmakers in July, 83 percent of the funds have already been used to assist local development of drugs and vaccines.
It said the aim is to come up with locally produced treatment drugs by the end of this year and finish the development of a vaccine in 2021.
At present, local health authorities have approved clinical tests for plasma therapy materials developed jointly by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and GC Pharma, and an antibody drug candidate materials made by NIH and Celltrion Inc., as well as foreign drugs. In regards to vaccines, Seoul has permitted testing on materials under development by Genexine, SK Bioscience and GeneOne Life Science.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-21--The Korea Interbank Offered Rates (KORIBOR)

SEOUL , Aug. 21 ( Yonhap ) -- The Korea Interbank Offered Rates ( KORIBOR ) as posted by Yonhap @ @ @ @ @ and information arm of Yonhap News Agency , at 11:00 a.m .


yna--2020-08-21--Samsung drops to 4th spot in global smartwatch market in H1: report

In terms of revenue , Samsung took 7.2 percent market share in the first six months of the year , @ @ @ @ @ a year earlier when it was the world 's second largest smartphone vendor , according @ @ @ @ @ .

SEOUL, Aug. 21 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Co. dropped to the fourth spot in the global smartwatch market in the first half of the year, a report showed Friday, while its competitors expanded their presences in the fast-growing market.
In terms of revenue, Samsung took 7.2 percent market share in the first six months of the year, down 2.1 percentage points from a year earlier when it was the world's second largest smartphone vendor, according to industry tracker Counterpoint Research.
"Samsung faced some headwinds during the first half, but the launch of Galaxy Watch 3 in the second half could drum up some demand for the Korean vendor," Counterpoint Research said.
This image provided by Samsung Electronics Co. on Aug. 5, 2020, shows the company's Galaxy Watch 3 smartwatch models. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Apple Inc. expanded its dominance with 51.4 percent market share in the first half of the year, up 8.2 percentage points from a year ago.
U.S.-based Garmin Ltd. moved up one spot to rank second with 9.4 percent market share, up 0.5 percentage point from a year ago. Chinese tech titan Huawei Technologies Co. also advanced one spot, to come in third place with 8.3 percent market share, up 2.8 percentage points from a year earlier.
The global smartwatch market saw 20 percent revenue growth in the first half of the year despite the pandemic, with shipments reaching nearly 42 million units, Counterpoint Research said.
The Apple Watch Series 5 was the best-selling smartwatch model in the first six months, followed by the Apple Watch Series 3 and the Huawei Watch GT2. Samsung's Galaxy Watch Active 2 was fourth on the best-selling rankings, according to Counterpoint Research.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-21--S. Korea's new virus cases top 300, more stringent measures in store to regain control

But health authorities have been facing hurdles in tracing potential cases as some of protesters had traveled to Seoul from @ @ @ @ @ members of Sarang Jeil Church refused to get tested , and the church provided an @ @ @ @ @ to health authorities .

SEOUL, Aug. 21 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's virus fight is reaching a critical phase as its daily new virus cases surpassed 300 for the first time since early March on Friday largely due to church-linked cluster infections in the wider capital area and other regions.
Health authorities may consider further upping anti-virus measures to the highest level in order to regain its grip on the COVID-19 pandemic amid mounting concerns about nationwide outbreaks.
The country added 324 more COVID-19 cases, including 315 local infections, raising the total caseload to 16,670, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
Friday's tally marked the most since March 8 when the daily virus cases reached 367.
The number of daily infections has been in the triple digits since last Friday when 103 additional cases were reported, with about 1,900 cases being newly identified in the past eight days.
A resurgence in new coronavirus cases, mostly traced to churches, have been reported in Seoul and its surrounding Gyeonggi Province, home to half of the country's 51 million people.
The NC Dinos and Kia Tigers, professional baseball teams, hold a game without fans in the southwestern city of Gwangju on Aug. 20, 2020, amid a flare-up in new coronavirus cases. (Yonhap)
Health authorities warned that the wider capital region should brace for another wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and that the country stands on the cusp of a nationwide outbreak.
In a sign that the virus is spreading across the nation, more virus cases have been newly added outside the greater Seoul area over the past week. Excluding the southern resort island of Jeju, 16 major cities and provisions reported new virus infections.
Of the newly identified local infections, 125 cases were reported in the capital city of Seoul, 102 from Gyeonggi Province and 17 from Incheon, just west of Seoul.
The southeastern port city of Busan reported eight additional infections. The central city of Daejeon reported six more cases, and four were reported from the southeastern city of Daegu and five from the southwestern city of Gwangju.
Health authorities said a surge in cases traced to a church in northern Seoul and infections tied to a massive weekend rally in central Seoul appear to have served as a catalyst in spurring the virus to spread nationwide.
Cases tied to the Sarang Jeil Church in northern Seoul, a new hotbed of the latest flare-up in virus cases, came to 676 as of noon Thursday, up 53 from a day earlier.
The Sarang Jeil Church-linked infections marked the largest after more than 5,000 virus cases traced to the minor religious sect of Shincheonji were reported in Daegu in late February and early March.
Wearing protective gear, police officers come out of the Sarang Jeil Church in northern Seoul on Aug. 20, 2020, while health authorities conducted an epidemiological study on more than 600 virus cases tied to the church. (Yonhap)
Health authorities also have been urging participants in the anti-government rally held on Saturday to immediately take virus tests regardless of showing symptoms. Some Sarang Jeil Church members took part in the rally.
But health authorities have been facing hurdles in tracing potential cases as some of protesters had traveled to Seoul from other cities, hundreds of members of Sarang Jeil Church refused to get tested, and the church provided an inaccurate list of its members to health authorities.
Cases linked to the weekend march came to 60, of which 33 patients are affiliated with the conservative church. At least 18 patients who joined the rally do not have links to the church.
The spiking virus cases are likely to present tough challenges to the country over whether to impose more tougher anti-virus measures.
Alarmed by soaring virus cases, South Korea raised the level of social distancing in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province on Sunday by one notch to Level 2 in the three-tier system for two weeks.
Starting Wednesday, the measure was expanded to Incheon.
Indoor meetings of 50 or more people and open-air gatherings of 100 or more people are banned in principle. So-called risk-prone facilities, including karaoke rooms, clubs, PC cafes and buffets, have been ordered to shut down.
The government has been cautious about raising the level of social distancing to Level 3 as doing so has far-reaching social and economic impacts.
The highest anti-virus curbs can be issued when the number of daily virus cases reaches a two-week average of 100-200 and the doubling of new COVID-19 cases occurs more than twice a week.
If the level is raised, gatherings of 10 or more people will be banned, and offline school classes will be suspended.
This photo, taken Aug. 20, 2020, shows Haeundae Beach in South Korea's southeastern port city of Busan. The city government announced it will close the beach earlier than scheduled over a flare-up in virus cases. (Yonhap)
The country reported nine imported cases, with three cases coming from the United States and another three from the Philippines.
Cases coming in from overseas rebounded back to double-digit numbers since mid-June for about a month, but such infections recently slowed.
South Korea reported two more deaths, raising the tally to 309. The fatality rate was 1.85 percent.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 14,120, up 57 from the previous day.
The country has carried out 1,754,123 coronavirus tests since Jan. 3.
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-21--(URGENT) 57 more patients released from coronavirus treatment, total now at 14,120: KCDC


yna--2020-08-21--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 2 additional coronavirus death, death toll now at 309: KCDC


yna--2020-08-21--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 324 more cases of new coronavirus, total now at 16,670: KCDC


yna--2020-08-21--N.K. paper carries 'self-criticism' by officials after Kim acknowledges policy failure

`` The reason that the chemical industry , one of the pillars in economic development , has not played its @ @ @ @ @ of implementation of the five-year economic development plan is because of the lack of strategic @ @ @ @ @ ministry and workers , '' he said .

By Koh Byung-joon
SEOUL, Aug. 21 (Yonhap) -- North Korea's official newspaper on Friday carried contribution pieces by senior officials holding themselves responsible for the lack of progress in economic development, after leader Kim Jong-un acknowledged "shortcomings" in his economic policy.
With unusual candor, Kim told a plenary meeting of the Workers' Party on Wednesday that his five-year economic development plan failed to achieve its intended goals due to "severe" and "unexpected" challenges. Kim said that he will unveil a new development plan in a rare party congress to be held in January.
The Rodong Sinmun, the organ of the ruling party, carried a contribution piece on its front page written by Minister of Chemical Industry Jang Gil-ryong, who said that it is none other than his ministry that fell short of expectations.
"The reason that the chemical industry, one of the pillars in economic development, has not played its intended role in the process of implementation of the five-year economic development plan is because of the lack of strategic perspective and planning of our ministry and workers," he said.
Kim Kwang-nam, a senior official of the Kim Chaek Iron and Steel Complex, a major steelmaker in the North, also said in a contribution that his company should be held accountable.
"As a matter of fact, Kim Chaek Iron and Steel, as the eldest brother of the steelmaking industry, should take a large portion of responsibility as the reason why our national economy has not progressed for the past few years," he said.
North Korea had pushed to achieve major policy objectives of the five-year economic development before the 75th founding anniversary of the Workers' Party in October.
Observers, however, had suspected that the North would not be able to do so due to crippling global sanctions on its regime.
Things have been made worse as North Korea has kept tight border closure and quarantine measures in place since early this year to fight the coronavirus pandemic and has to focus on repairing damage caused by recent heavy downpours.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (C) presides over the 6th plenary meeting of the 7th Central Committee of the Workers' Party in Pyongyang on Aug. 19, 2020, in this photo released by the Korean Central News Agency. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-21--Unification minister renews calls for inter-Korean cooperation against disasters

South Korea has offered joint efforts with North Korea against the virus , but the North has not responded amid @ @ @ @ @ deteriorated recently over the sending of anti-Pyongyang leaflets into the country by activists in the @ @

By Yi Wonju
SEOUL, Aug. 21 (Yonhap) -- Unification Minister Lee In-young vowed Friday to come up with concrete measures for inter-Korean anti-disaster cooperation as North Korea is making all efforts to prevent an outbreak of the coronavirus and recover from flood damage.
Lee made the remark during a speech at a forum celebrating the 75th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japan, stressing the need to cooperate in humanitarian areas, including preventive measures against the coronavirus.
"The two Koreas must communicate and cooperate across the demarcation line in order to overcome disasters and catastrophes that have no boundaries," Lee said.
"The current pandemic teaches us a lesson that no agenda that has dominated the world, including politics, defense, diplomacy and security, can take precedence over or is stronger than 'life,'" he said.
"I will come up with concrete plans for inter-Korean cooperation in three areas, mainly in health, prevention of infections and climate," he added.
Lee has called for cross-border cooperation in the humanitarian area, saying issues, such as food and separated families, should be handled independently of political issues.
He also vowed to work with the international community to discuss sanctions exemptions in humanitarian areas to improve inter-Korean relations and to bring peace in the Korean peninsula.
Since his appointment earlier this month, Lee has prioritized the resumption of talks with North Korea, saying it is the first step toward normalizing the chilled cross-border relations.
South Korea has offered joint efforts with North Korea against the virus, but the North has not responded amid strained inter-Korean relations that have deteriorated recently over the sending of anti-Pyongyang leaflets into the country by activists in the South.
New Unification Minister Lee In-young speaks during a meeting of the ministry at the government complex in Seoul on July 28, 2020. Lee has taken office without a ceremony marking his inauguration. (Yonhap)
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-21--K League's 2 bottom feeders to clash on weekend

They may run out of luck this time unless they turn things around quickly .
They only picked up their @ @ @ @ @ last week over Daegu FC , after posting five draws and 10 losses in the @ @ @ @ @ came in the second match under new head coach Jo Sung-hwan .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Aug. 21 (Yonhap) -- The two worst clubs in the top-division South Korean football will collide this weekend, with both trying to avoid falling to the lower division next season.
Incheon United, dead last in the K League 1 with eight points, will host Suwon Samsung Bluewings, sitting six points above them in 11th place, at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at Incheon Football Stadium in Incheon, 40 kilometers west of Seoul.
In this file photo from Aug. 16, 2020, members of Incheon United celebrate their 1-0 victory over Daegu FC in a K League 1 match at DGB Daegu Bank Park in Daegu, 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
With 11 matches remaining in this truncated season, Incheon seem destined for automatic relegation to the K League 2 as the worst team in the top division. However, a win over Suwon will put Incheon within striking distance of 11th, just three points back.
Incheon United have been dodging relegation bullets every year since 2017, barely avoiding falling into a promotion-relegation playoff against a K League 2 club each time.
They may run out of luck this time unless they turn things around quickly. They only picked up their first win of the season last week over Daegu FC, after posting five draws and 10 losses in the first 15 contests. It came in the second match under new head coach Jo Sung-hwan.
Suwon have gone winless in their past three matches. They did beat Incheon 1-0 in their first meeting of the season on May 23, but they have won just two more matches since then.
Suwon will welcome back key defender Doneil Henry, who missed the previous match, a 3-1 loss to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, with an injury.
In this file photo from May 17, 2020, Doneil Henry of Suwon Samsung Bluewings (C) heads the ball in a K League 1 match against Ulsan Hyundai FC at Suwon World Cup Stadium in Suwon, 45 kilometers south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
There are three more matches set for Saturday: Gwangju FC vs. FC Seoul, Busan IPark vs. Pohang Steelers and Gangwon FC vs. Daegu FC.
FC Seoul are riding a three-match winning streak under interim head coach Kim Ho-young.
On Sunday, the league's top two clubs will both be in action, with Jeonbuk hosting Sangju Sangmu at 6 p.m. and Ulsan Hyundai FC visiting Seongnam FC at 8 p.m.
Ulsan hold a 39-38 lead over Jeonbuk in first place. Sangju are distant third with 28 points, making it a two-horse race for the championship.
Ulsan eked out a 1-0 win over Seongnam in their earlier clash on June 13, when they had trouble generating much against Seongnam's tight defense.
Ulsan are unbeaten in their last seven, with six victories and a draw powered by 17 goals.
Jeonbuk will look to avenge a 1-0 loss to Sangju from July 5. Jeonbuk have gone undefeated in six matches since that defeat, with four victories and two draws behind 13 goals scored and five goals conceded.
In this file photo from Aug. 1, 2020, Gustavo of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (C) takes a shot against Pohang Steelers in a K League 1 match at Jeonju World Cup Stadium in Jeonju, 240 kilometers south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
Due to a nationwide spike in coronavirus cases, seven of the 12 K League 1 clubs have either been required to close their stadiums or have volunteered to do so to prevent further spread. They are: FC Seoul, Incheon United, Busan IPark, Suwon Samsung Bluewings, Seongnam FC, Daegu FC and Gwangju FC.
Of those seven, Incheon, Gwangju, Busan and Seongnam will all play at home without fans this weekend.
Jeonbuk announced Thursday that they will limit the crowd size to 10 percent of the capacity at Jeonju World Cup Stadium in Jeonju, 240 kilometers south of Seoul, or about 4,200 fans.
Gangwon FC, based in Gangneung, about 230 kilometers east of Seoul, haven't made any announcement on the crowd. K League clubs in areas not placed under strict social distancing guidelines can play before a crowd of up to 25 percent of the stadium capacity.
In this file photo from Aug. 2, 2020, Junior Negrao of Ulsan Hyundai FC celebrates a goal against Busan IPark in a K League 1 match at Busan Gudeok Stadium in Busan, 450 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-21--(LEAD) Trainee doctors launch strike amid resurgence of COVID-19

(ATTN: UPDATES with prime minister's message in paras 3-5, last 4 paras; ADDS photo)
SEOUL, Aug. 21 (Yonhap) -- Trainee doctors working at the country's general hospitals began a strike Friday to protest the government's medical reform plan amid a surge in coronavirus infections.
Their walkout is the third of its kind after many doctors boycotted attending patients on Aug. 7, followed by a one-day strike last Friday.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun expressed regret over the strike.
"It's very regrettable that the doctors, who should protect the life of the people in the serious situation that COVID-19 is spreading again, have begun the collective action," he said during a daily government meeting on the coronavirus response.
What the people want is national unity in the anti-virus fight, he added, requesting that they halt the strike and continue their medical service.
The Korean Intern and Resident Association (KIRA) said the latest protest will take place with fourth-year residents working at large hospitals going on strike first, followed by third-year trainee doctors Saturday and first- and second-year residents Sunday.
A picket sign is put into envelops by Korean Intern and Resident Association workers on Aug. 20, 2020. Association members began carrying out walkouts on Aug. 21. (Yonhap)
All trainee doctors working at emergency rooms will also all go on strike starting Friday for an indefinite period of time, it said.
The trainee doctors' walkout comes as doctors have warned of a nationwide strike from next Wednesday through Friday to protest the government's medical reform plan. This follows a one-day general strike carried out last Friday. The medical community have strongly opposed plans to raise admission quotas at medical schools, claiming that increasing the number of new doctors will only lead to more competition and hurt the quality of treatment.
Major hospitals, such as Seoul Asan Medical Center and Samsung Medical Center, put off non-critical surgery.
In addition to regular medical treatment, coronavirus screening centers around the country may have to cut back on people they can check, as trainee doctors have been assigned to such facilities.
The country added 288 more COVID-19 cases, including 276 local infections, raising the total caseload to 16,346, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC). South Korea has been reporting triple-digit increases in daily cases since last Friday, with more than 1,500 new infections being identified over the past week.
A growing number of infections have been linked with a church in northern Seoul, with its pastor Jun Kwang-hoon having tested positive for the virus. Jun and many other church members participated in a massive Liberation Day anti-government street rally in Gwanghwamun, central Seoul, last weekend.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun speaks during an interagency meeting on the new coronavirus response at the government office complex in Seoul on Aug. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
The prime minister urged those who attended the demonstration to get coronavirus tests as early as possible.
He said the government would thoroughly protect personal information.
Chung also warned that the government will take legal measures against the spread of fake news related to the government's efforts to contain the virus.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-21--(LEAD) U.S. shows 'significant flexibility' in defense cost talks with S. Korea: State Department

`` I have emphasized that several times because we have to do this for each other .
This is not @ @ @ @ @ is definitely a shared interest for both , both nations , '' he said .

(ATTN: RESTRUCTURES throughout to highlight Cooper's remarks that U.S. has shown 'significant flexibility' in recent defense cost-sharing negotiations with South Korea)
By Byun Duk-kun
WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 (Yonhap) -- The United States has shown "significant flexibility" recently in defense cost-sharing talks with South Korea, a senior U.S. diplomat said Thursday, stressing the negotiations are about sharing the security burden of the Korean Peninsula.
Assistant Secretary of State Clarke Cooper made the remark during a teleconference in Washington after South Korean officials said Seoul's chief negotiator, Jeong Eun-bo, held a telephone conversation with his new U.S. counterpart, Donna Welton, appointed earlier this month.
"We certainly have, I would say, we have shown significant flexibility in recent weeks on our bill. We need to reach a mutually acceptable agreement," Cooper said. He is in charge of the Political-Military Affairs Bureau at the State Department.
This screenshot shows Assistant Secretary of State R. Clarke Cooper speaking during a videoconference with reporters on Aug. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
Cooper refused to get into details when asked if the U.S.' recent "flexibility" meant a concession, only stressing the importance of a deal and saying he did not want to disrupt the "warm lines of communication" between the sides.
"I have emphasized that several times because we have to do this for each other. This is not an either-or proposition. This is definitely a shared interest for both, both nations," he said.
He added the negotiations have never stopped.
"While there was a pause, we are certainly reapproaching them on not just -- it's not just cost sharing. It's the burden sharing of the security of the Korean Peninsula, again from a regional context, but the communication hasn't stopped," Cooper said.
"The mutual acceptable agreement for the Republic of South Korea and for the United States, it's been a continuous conversation," he added.
The talks between Jeong and Welton marked a resumption of the negotiations that have been stalled due to a wide gap in the positions of the two countries.
Washington was earlier said to have requested Seoul to pay US$1.3 billion per year as part of the cost to maintain the 28,500-strong U.S. troops in South Korea, which would mark a 50 percent spike from around the $870 million Seoul paid under last year's burden-sharing agreement.
Seoul has said the best it can do is a 13 percent increase.
Cooper said the new U.S. negotiator is not only fluent in Japanese but also "quite familiar with the Korean language as well."
This photo taken Aug. 3, 2020, from the website of the U.S. State Department shows Donna Welton, who recently served as assistant chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan. The department has named Welton a new envoy for defense cost-sharing negotiations with South Korea and other nations. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-21--Samsung launches Galaxy Note 20 phablet globally

In South Korea , the company has been running the Galaxy Studio at five locations with enhanced quarantine measures since @ @ @ @ @ opened an online platform , My Galaxy Studio , where consumers can experience the product @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Aug. 21 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Co. said Friday its new flagship phablet has been officially launched globally as the South Korean tech giant pins hopes on its latest device to drive the company's mobile business amid the novel coronavirus outbreak.
The Galaxy Note 20 series has hit shelves in some 70 countries, including South Korea, the United States, Britain and Thailand, according to Samsung.
It added that the new mobile devices will be available in 130 countries by mid-September.
The Galaxy Note 20 series, which was unveiled online Galaxy Unpacked event on Aug. 5, comes in two models -- the standard Note 20 and the high-end Note 20 Ultra.
This photo provided by Samsung Electronics Co. on Aug. 21, 2020, shows a reporter checking the company's latest smartphone, the Galaxy Note 20, at an event in Jakarta, Indonesia. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Due to the pandemic, Samsung said launching events and promotional activities will vary in each country depending on virus situations.
In South Korea, the company has been running the Galaxy Studio at five locations with enhanced quarantine measures since Aug. 8. It also opened an online platform, My Galaxy Studio, where consumers can experience the product with tech experts.
Preorders of the Note 20 turned out to be successful in South Korea as they were estimated to be similar to its predecessor, the Note 10.
South Korean analysts expected sales of the Note 20 series to be around 8 million units this year, roughly 1 million units fewer than that of the Note 10 series.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-08-21--Seoul stocks open sharply higher on Wall Street gains

The local currency was trading at 1,183.85 won against the U.S. dollar , up 3.05 won from the previous session @ @ @

SEOUL, Aug. 21 (Yonhap) -- South Korean shares opened sharply higher Friday on overnight tech gains on Wall Street, bucking concerns over the recent hike in new coronavirus outbreaks.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 32.36 points, or 1.42 percent, to 2,306.58 in the first 15 minutes of trading.
The index got off to a strong start after a 3.66 percent plunge in the previous session.
The Nasdaq Composite soared 1.06 percent to 11,264.95 points on Thursday (New York time), led by gains in top heavyweights, including Apple, Microsoft and Tesla.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 added 0.17 percent and 0.32 percent, respectively.
In Seoul, most large caps traded higher.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics gained 1.99 percent, with No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix adding 2.09 percent.
Top pharmaceutical firm Samsung Biologics climbed 0.76 percent, while Celltrion shed 0.49 percent.
Leading chemical maker LG Chem jumped 3.3 percent, and rechargeable battery maker Samsung SDI advanced 1.45 percent.
Internet portal giant Naver rose 1.96 percent, with its rival Kakao up 1.51 percent.
Hyundai Motor, the country's largest automaker, advanced 2.26 percent, and top steelmaker POSCO added 1.79 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,183.85 won against the U.S. dollar, up 3.05 won from the previous session's close.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)