yna--2020-11-11--Britain's invitation for S. Korea to join G7 summit shows its enhanced global stature: Cheong Wa Dae

P4G , which stands for Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 , is a public-private initiative aimed @ @ @ @ @ other sustainable development goals .
The summit was put off to next year from an @ @ @ @ @ due to the new coronavirus outbreak .

By Chang Dong-woo
SEOUL, Nov. 11 (Yonhap) -- Britain's invitation for South Korea to attend next year's Group of Seven (G7) summit apparently reflects Seoul's enhanced global stature, and it is expected to help the East Asian nation play a bigger role on the global stage, especially amid talk of expanding the club of the world's richest nations, Cheong Wa Dae said Wednesday.
"If (South Korea) takes part in the G7 summit to be held in Britain next year, it would be very positive for South Korea's participation in discussions, expected in the future, on expanding the G7," Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kang Min-seok said during a press briefing.
He was commenting on British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's invitation to Moon to join next year's G7 session. Johnson delivered the message during phone talks with Moon on Tuesday, according to Cheong Wa Dae. Britain is next year's host of the group summit.
U.S. President Donald Trump earlier invited Moon to participate in this year's G7 summit, which he has planned to host. Trump called for the expansion of the group to include South Korea, Australia and India.
Kang said it remains unclear whether the U.S. will hold an in-person summit meeting within this year.
Regardless, such repeated calls for South Korea to join the summit are meaningful as a confirmation of its international stature, he said.
This file photo shows Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kang Min-seok speaking to reporters at the presidential office in Seoul on Nov. 10, 2020. (Yonhap)
It also reflects the international community's assessment of Moon's recently announced policy goal to make South Korea carbon neutral by 2050 and the country's plan to host the P4G summit next year, Kang added.
P4G, which stands for Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030, is a public-private initiative aimed at tackling climate change and other sustainable development goals. The summit was put off to next year from an initial schedule of June 2020 due to the new coronavirus outbreak.
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-11--Moon meets veteran diplomats for discussions on U.S. presidential election outcome

The focal point of the meeting was the need to enhance cooperation for the establishment of lasting peace on the @ @ @ @ @ .
Also discussed were the necessity of multilateral cooperation on issues like the fight against @ @ @ @ @ and close cooperation with the U.S. on shared values , like democracy , the office @ @

SEOUL, Nov. 11 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in held a luncheon meeting with a group of veteran diplomats and scholars Wednesday to hear their opinions on the shifting security environment in the wake of the recent U.S. presidential election, Cheong Wa Dae said.
The meeting, held at a banquet hall of the presidential office for nearly two hours, brought together Moon's former and current security advisors, revered professors as well as former ambassadors to the United States.
Among the attendees were Chung Eui-yong, former director of national security; Im Jong-seok, the incumbent special presidential adviser on diplomacy and security; Chang Dal-joong, honorary professor in diplomacy at Seoul National University; Ahn Ho-young, former top envoy to the U.S. who served under the preceding conservative government of Park Geun-hye.
This photo, distributed by Cheong Wa Dae, shows President Moon Jae-in (3rd from L) talking to diplomatic veterans during a luncheon meeting at the presidential office in Seoul on Nov. 11, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The presidential office noted that the meeting was arranged for Moon "to listen directly from elders" about a security environment that is expected to drastically shift following the American presidential election earlier this month. Former Vice President Joe Biden won the presidency.
It was also designed to delve into a future course of South Korea's diplomatic and security policies against the backdrop of the recent change, Cheong Wa Dae added.
The focal point of the meeting was the need to enhance cooperation for the establishment of lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula and its denuclearization. Also discussed were the necessity of multilateral cooperation on issues like the fight against COVID-19 and climate change, and close cooperation with the U.S. on shared values, like democracy, the office said.
In order to pursue and implement government policies, Moon stressed that his government needs bipartisan and public support, according to the office.
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-11--Proud second baseman has no regrets about retiring after 16 years in KBO

`` When I was a rookie , some of the veterans said it 'd be difficult for anyone to stay @ @ @ @ @ more than 10 years , '' Jeong said .
`` I always tried my best @ @ @ @ @ take that position away from me . ''

SEOUL, Nov. 11 (Yonhap) -- To hear Jeong Keun-woo tell it, his 16-year career in South Korean baseball has exceeded even his own expectations -- the way he performed, how much love his fans showed him and all the honors that he won.
Now at 38, Jeong, considered one of the greatest second basemen in Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) history, has no second thoughts over hanging up his cleats.
"It feels like yesterday I was crying tears of joy after getting drafted by a pro team," Jeong said Wednesday during his retirement press conference at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul, home of his last KBO club, the LG Twins. "I've accomplished so much in my 16 seasons that I have no regrets retiring now."
Former LG Twins second baseman Jeong Keun-woo smiles during his retirement press conference at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on Nov. 11, 2020. (Yonhap)
Jeong made his KBO debut with the SK Wvyerns in 2005 and quickly developed into the league's top defensive second baseman and a base-stealing threat.
He won the first of his three Golden Gloves in 2006. With Jeong manning second base, the Wyverns won the Korean Series in 2007, 2008 and 2010.
"I think my career really took off after that 2006 season," Jeong recalled. "I got to win championships as a second baseman and enjoyed a lot of success with the national team, too."
Jeong signed with the Hanwha Eagles as a free agent before the 2014 season and spent six years there, before getting his swan song in one season with the Twins.
For his career, Jeong batted .302 with 121 home runs, 722 RBIs, 371 steals, 1,072 runs scored and 1,877 hits in 1,747 games. Jeong is tied for sixth all time in steals and ninth in runs scored. Jeong holds the KBO record with 16 career walk-off hits.
During the latter part of his Eagles tenure, Jeong was forced to take up first base and center field and open up a spot for younger players. He spent his final season at his familiar position.
"I am really grateful that I got a chance to play second base again with the Twins," Jeong said. "I am proud to retire as a second baseman."
Former LG Twins second baseman Jeong Keun-woo speaks during his retirement press conference at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on Nov. 11, 2020. (Yonhap)
Internationally, Jeong was a member of the gold medal-winning national team at the 2008 Olympics and 2010 Asian Games, plus the runner-up squad at the 2009 World Baseball Classic. He captained South Korea to the 2015 Premier12 championship.
Jeong said he started contemplating retirement this year as he began missing time with injuries.
"I knew fans had their expectations on what kind of plays they wanted to see me make, and I had my own expectations, too," Jeong said. "Once I realized I wasn't the same player, I decided to call it quits."
Jeong said he took particular pride in being able to hold down his second baseman position because he wanted to prove doubters wrong.
"When I was a rookie, some of the veterans said it'd be difficult for anyone to stay in one infield position for more than 10 years," Jeong said. "I always tried my best so that no one would take that position away from me."
Jeong revealed that he had overcome some yips, or the sudden inability to make accurate throws, during high school and again in the KBO. Undergoing three elbow surgeries before going pro was another obstacle.
"In high school, my doctor told me my right arm was in no shape to play baseball," Jeong said. "I put in so much work to get back on the field. If I had given up there, I wouldn't have made it this far."
Former LG Twins second baseman Jeong Keun-woo speaks during his retirement press conference at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on Nov. 11, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-11--S. Korean Bond Yields on Nov. 11, 2020

S. Korean Bond Yields on Nov. 11, 2020

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


yna--2020-11-11--KCC remains in red in Q3

KCC remains in red in Q3

The company said in a regulatory filing that it posted 16.5 billion won in operating profit for the quarter , @ @ @ @ @ a year ago .
Sales rose 84.8 percent to 1.24 trillion won .
( END @

SEOUL, Nov. 11 (Yonhap) -- KCC Corp. on Wednesday reported its third-quarter net loss of 125.9 billion won (US$113.4 million), remaining in the red compared with a year ago.
The company said in a regulatory filing that it posted 16.5 billion won in operating profit for the quarter, compared with 45.5 billion won a year ago. Sales rose 84.8 percent to 1.24 trillion won.
(END)


yna--2020-11-11--Seoul stocks at over 2-year high on vaccine hopes; Korean won at nearly 2-yr high

The local currency closed at 1,110.0 won against the U.S. dollar , up 5.1 won from the previous session 's @ @ @ @ @ 1105.3 on Dec. 4 , 2018 .

SEOUL, Nov. 11 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean stock market hit a more than 2-year high Wednesday, as investor sentiment improved on stronger exports and Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine test results. The Korean won surged to a 23-month high against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 33.04 points, or 1.35 percent, to close at 2,485.87 points, the highest closing since 2487.25 points on May 3, 2018.
Trading volume was high at about 1.3 billion shares worth some 18 trillion won (US$16.2 billion), with gainers outnumbering losers 575 to 290.
Foreigners bought a net 834 billion won, while retail investors sold a net 1.2 trillion won. Institutions purchased a net 402 billion won.
Foreigners raked in local stocks for a fifth consecutive session, as the Korean won continued to soar against the U.S. greenback.
The local currency closed at 1,110.0 won against the U.S. dollar, up 5.1 won from the previous session's close and the highest since 1105.3 on Dec. 4, 2018.
Investors remained optimistic about Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine test results. Positive comments by top U.S. infectious disease specialist Anthony Fauci backed such optimism.
"Anticipation for the COVID-19 vaccine development seems to have pulled up the stock index," said Samsung Securities analyst Seo Jeong-hoon.
"Economy- and export-sensitive stocks performed well in today's session," he added.
South Korea's exports jumped 20.1 percent on-year in the first 10 days of November, raising hopes for a quick economic recovery from the new coronavirus pandemic. Chip and auto exports increased 31.9 percent and 8.3 percent, respectively.
In Seoul, most large caps closed higher.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics advanced 1.83 percent to 61,300 won, with No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix gaining 0.58 percent to 87,000 won.
Leading chemical firm LG Chem shed 1.42 percent to 692,000 won, and rechargeable battery maker Samsung SDI shed 3.94 percent to 512,000 won.
Pharmaceutical giant Samsung Biologics added 1.2 percent to 761,000 won, and Celltrion spiked 7.23 percent to 296,500 won.
Hyundai Motor, the country's largest carmaker, moved up 1.15 percent to 175,500 won.
Internet portal giant Naver fell 1.06 percent to 280,000 won, and its rival Kakao slipped 0.14 percent to 355,500 won.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-12--Rice output at half-century low in 2020 on bad weather

South Korea underwent a record-long rainy season this year that began June 24 and lasted for 54 days in the @ @ @ @ @ .
The country was also hit by powerful typhoons , including Typhoon Maysak and Haishen @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Nov. 12 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's rice output fell to the lowest level in 52 years in 2020 as a record-long rainy season and typhoons in the summer hampered production, data showed Thursday.
The country's rice production came to 3.51 million tons this year, down 6.4 percent from 3.74 million tons last year, according to the data compiled by Statistics Korea.
It marked the lowest level since 1968, when South Korea produced 3.2 million tons of rice.
It also marked the fourth straight year of the country's yearly rice production staying below 4 million tons.
The reduced output came as a long rainy season and typhoons reduced the number of sunny days and hurt the growth of grains, according to the statistics agency.
South Korea underwent a record-long rainy season this year that began June 24 and lasted for 54 days in the central part of the country. The country was also hit by powerful typhoons, including Typhoon Maysak and Haishen, until September.
The fall in rice output was also attributed to a steady decline in cultivation areas, the data showed.
The combined size of rice paddy areas reached 726,432 hectares this year, down 0.5 percent from a year earlier.
Rice is a key staple food for Koreans, but its consumption has been steadily declining in recent decades due mainly to changes in diet.
This undated file photo shows a rice paddy. (Yonhap)
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-12--Banks' Q3 net profit falls 7.1 pct on loan-loss provisions

The combined net profit stood at 3.5 trillion won ( US $ 3.1 billion ) for the July-September period , @ @ @ @ @ 3.7 trillion won a year earlier , the Financial Supervisory Service ( FSS ) said @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Nov. 12 (Yonhap) -- South Korean banks saw their third-quarter earnings decline 7.1 percent from a year earlier due to increased loan-loss provisions, data showed Thursday.
The combined net profit stood at 3.5 trillion won (US$3.1 billion) for the July-September period, compared with a profit of 3.7 trillion won a year earlier, the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) said in a statement.
Preliminary interest income for the third quarter stood at 10.4 trillion won, up 1.3 percent from a year earlier.
Corporate logos of South Korea's leading banks (Yonhap)
Loan-loss provisions rose 1.2 percent on-year to 1.5 trillion won, the FSS said.
The average net interest margin of the banks, a key barometer of profitability, stood at 1.4 percent for the third quarter, down 0.15 percentage point from a year ago.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-12--Foreigners turn net buyers of S. Korean stocks in October

Situations for the country 's foreign currency borrowing remained sound as the spread charged on local banks ' short-term , @ @ @ @ @ long-term , overseas borrowing declined , the BOK said .

SEOUL, Nov. 12 (Yonhap) -- Foreign investors turned net buyers of South Korean equities in October, driven by hopes of a global economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, the central bank said Thursday.
Foreigners bought a net US$1.38 billion worth of local stocks last month, compared with a net sale of $2.09 billion in September, according to the Bank of Korea (BOK).
Offshore investors became net sellers of Korean bonds worth $230 million last month, it said.
Meanwhile, volatility in South Korea's currency edged down in October from the previous month, the central bank said.
The daily fluctuation of the dollar-won exchange rate came to an average of 3.4 won last month, down from 3.5 won a month earlier.
The Korean won appreciated 4.9 percent against the U.S. dollar in October compared with September.
Situations for the country's foreign currency borrowing remained sound as the spread charged on local banks' short-term, as well as mid- and long-term, overseas borrowing declined, the BOK said.
The spread on credit default swaps for South Korea's five-year dollar-denominated currency stabilization bonds came in at 25 basis points in October, slightly up from 24 basis points a month earlier.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-12--Biz groups' inter-affiliate trading dips in 2019

The FTC said unlisted firms and conglomerates run by owners reported relatively high portions of inter-affiliate trading , with such @ @ @ @ @ conglomerates , in particular , being on a rising trend over the past five years @

SEOUL, Nov. 12 (Yonhap) -- Transactions among affiliates of South Korea's large business groups slightly fell in 2019 from a year earlier on tough regulations, the corporate watchdog said Thursday.
The value of inter-affiliate transactions by 1,955 units of 64 large business groups amounted to 196.7 trillion won (US$176.9 billion) last year, down 1.1 trillion won from 197.8 trillion won a year earlier, according to the Fair Trade Commission (FTC).
But such deals accounted for 12.2 percent of all business contracts clinched by them last year, unchanged from the previous year, it said.
The FTC oversees the business groups' equity investments and inter-affiliate loan guarantees. The number of business groups subject to the watchdog's tough surveillance rose to 64 in 2019 from 59 the previous year.
The current law forbids inter-affiliate trading within a business group whose owner and family hold more than 30 percent of the shares in an affiliate.
Internal trading has been blamed for allowing owner families to easily net large profits by having subsidiaries award lucrative contracts to each other, undermining the principle of fair competition.
Inter-affiliate transactions by the country's top 10 conglomerates, including Samsung Group and Hyundai Motor, fell to 150.4 trillion won from 150.8 trillion won a year earlier. But the portion of such deals among total business contracts gained 0.3 percentage point on-year to 14.1 percent.
SK Group, the country's energy and telecom giant, clinched the largest deals with its subsidiaries, valued at 41.7 trillion won, followed by Hyundai Motor with 37.3 trillion won and Samsung with 25.9 trillion won.
In terms of the portion of in-house transactions, the country's pharmaceutical giant Celltrion ranked first with 37.3 percent, followed by SK Group with 26 percent and construction business-focused Taeyoung with 21.4 percent.
The FTC said unlisted firms and conglomerates run by owners reported relatively high portions of inter-affiliate trading, with such trading by the top 10 conglomerates, in particular, being on a rising trend over the past five years.
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


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yna--2020-11-12--Recovery in job market weakened by protracted pandemic: vice finance minister

`` But we can not let down our guard as ( there are ) concerns that global economic recovery may @ @ @ @ @ resurgence in COVID-19 cases and border lockdowns by some countries , '' Kim said .

SEOUL, Nov. 12 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's vice finance minister said Thursday that recovery momentum in the job market appears to be losing steam amid the protracted new coronavirus outbreak, after the country reported the largest job loss in six months in October.
The number of employed people reached 27.09 million last month, 421,000 fewer than a year earlier and marking the sharpest on-year decline since April, according to data from the statistics agency.
"The country has seen the labor market recover somewhat slowly amid the outbreak of sporadic cluster infections here," First Vice Finance Minister Kim Yong-beom said at a press briefing.
Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki earlier anticipated a mild recovery in the job market in October from the previous month as the country relaxed tougher social distancing measures following two months of implementation over a slowdown in COVID-19 cases.
But the October data showed the service sector, hit hard by the pandemic, reported still-large job losses and the manufacturing segment also suffered a decline in employment for the second straight month.
"It is worrisome that recovery momentum in the labor market may have been weakened by the fallout of the protracted COVID-19 pandemic," Kim said.
The finance ministry said the South Korean economy is on track for a recovery, as exports improved and slumps in domestic demand eased amid eased tougher virus curbs.
Asia's fourth-largest economy grew 1.9 percent in the third quarter from three months earlier, after two straight quarters of contractions, according to central bank data.
"But we cannot let down our guard as (there are) concerns that global economic recovery may be delayed amid a global resurgence in COVID-19 cases and border lockdowns by some countries," Kim said.
A job seeker looks at information on job positions at a job center in Seoul. (Yonhap)
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-12--Seoul hosts global labor forum in memory of iconic labor activist

SEOUL , Nov. 12 ( Yonhap ) -- In memory of an iconic labor rights activist who burned himself to @ @ @ @ @ the heart of Seoul to fight for better working conditions , an international academic forum @ @ @ @ @ week for discussions on the future of the labor movement , the metropolitan government said @ @

SEOUL, Nov. 12 (Yonhap) -- In memory of an iconic labor rights activist who burned himself to death 50 years ago in the heart of Seoul to fight for better working conditions, an international academic forum is under way here this week for discussions on the future of the labor movement, the metropolitan government said Thursday.
The forum, which kicked off at Seoul City Hall and other locations on Tuesday for a three-day run, has been organized as part of efforts to reflect on the legacy of the late Chun Tae-il, a garment worker who sacrificed himself in 1970 at age of 22 to protest horrific working conditions, it said.
Marking Chun's 50th death anniversary this year, the forum is being held under the theme of "50 years after Chun Tae-il, the future of labor to think together."
Minister of Employment and Labor Lee Jae-gap speaks at an international forum held in Seoul on Nov. 11, 2020, on the occasion of the 50th death anniversary of an iconic Korean labor rights activist. (Yonhap)
On Nov. 13, 1970, Chun, with his body doused with petrol, chanted slogans calling for workers' rights and a decent working environment, running across a marketplace in central Seoul. His death served as a catalyst for public debate on the substandard labor conditions and the brisk labor movement in the country.
According to the Seoul city government, Prof. Saskia Sassen at Columbia University, one of the top sociologists worldwide, will give a speech on the topic of "when the globalized world disintegrates into small regions," on Thursday, the third and last day of the forum.
Kim Keum-soo, honorary chairman of the Korea Labor and Society Institute, also plans to lecture on the future of labor activism in South Korea, while Edward Webster, a sociology professor at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, is to talk about the possibility of creating a humanized and civilized global supply chain.
All sessions will be live-streamed at the forum's official YouTube channel, "Chun Taeil TV."
On Tuesday, the forum focused on the plights of female workers hit by the new coronavirus, while discussions were held on the future of labor movement on Wednesday.
The office of Seoul's northern Dobong Ward said it will name a street near Chun's old house in its district "ChunTaeil-gil" on Friday to commemorate his 50th death anniversary. The street will have his name for five years, it added.
This photo, provided by the office of Seoul's Dobong Ward, shows a road sign for "ChunTaeil-gil," an honorary road named after an iconic South Korean labor activist, in northern Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-12--Seoul stocks down late Thursday morning on lockdown concerns

The KOSPI got off to a weak start after the benchmark index hit an over 2-year high the previous session @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Nov. 12 (Yonhap) -- South Korean shares traded bearish late Thursday morning on growing lockdown concerns.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) fell 8.48 points, or 0.34 percent, to 2,477.39 as of 11:20 a.m.
The KOSPI got off to a weak start after the benchmark index hit an over 2-year high the previous session over vaccine hopes.
Stocks continued to trade lower amid toughened COVID-19 quarantine measures in major economies.
South Korean authorities are also mulling stronger distancing guidelines, as local cases continued to rise by triple digits for a fifth day Thursday.
In Seoul, large caps traded mixed.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics shed 0.49 percent, while No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix added 0.69 percent.
Leading chemical firm LG Chem edged up 0.14 percent, but rechargeable battery maker Samsung SDI lost 0.39 percent.
Pharmaceutical giant Samsung Biologics traded flat, and Celltrion retreated 1.35 percent.
Hyundai Motor, the country's largest carmaker, declined 0.28 percent.
Internet portal giant Naver rose 0.36 percent, and its rival Kakao climbed 0.7 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,113.15 won against the U.S. dollar, down 3 won from the previous session's close.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-12--(LEAD) Biden says he is looking forward to working with Moon on challenges, including N. Korea

In his first phone call with Moon , Biden also expressed `` his desire to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance as @ @ @ @ @ prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region , '' according to a statement from his transition team @ @ @ @ @ Korea 's official name , the Republic of Korea .

(ATTN: UPDATES with more details, additional background, information from 5th para; ADDS photo)
By Byun Duk-kun
WASHINGTON, Nov. 11 (Yonhap) -- U.S. President-elect Joe Biden said Wednesday he looks forward to working closely with South Korean President Moon Jae-in on various challenges facing their countries, such as the North Korean nuclear issue and climate change.
In his first phone call with Moon, Biden also expressed "his desire to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance as the linchpin of security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region," according to a statement from his transition team. ROK stands for South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea.
"He observed that he looks forward to working closely with President Moon on other shared challenges, from North Korea to climate change," it said. "The President-elect and President Moon Jae-in also discussed the shared values that underpin the U.S.-ROK alliance as well as their mutual interest in strengthening democracy."
Biden also "praised President Moon's strong leadership on COVID-19, noting his commitment to cooperate on addressing the pandemic, building global health security, and stimulating global economic recovery," the statement said.
The captured image from the Twitter account of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden shows Biden and his wife, Jill Biden, saluting the flag while visiting a Korean War veterans' memorial in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to observe National Veterans Day, which fell on Nov. 11, 2020. (Yonhap)
The call came after Biden visited a Korean War veterans' memorial in Pennsylvania earlier in the day to pay his respects to American war heroes on the occasion of the U.S. Veterans Day. The visit was seen in part as highlighting the importance of the alliance with South Korea.
Moon's office said earlier the two agreed to meet at an early date following Biden's inauguration.
Biden has been critical of the way President Donald Trump has treated allies.
In an op-ed piece contributed to Yonhap News Agency just days before the election, Biden said that he will "stand with South Korea, strengthening our alliance to safeguard peace in East Asia and beyond."
Biden has so far held telephone conversations with nine world leaders, including those from Australia, Britain, France and Japan.
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-12--Court rules for N. Korean defector in damages lawsuit over false accusation

Yoo , an ethnic Chinese who defected to the South in 2004 , was indicted in February 2013 on the @ @ @ @ @ based on his sister 's testimonies .
He was later exonerated , as it was @ @ @ @ @ assaulted and coerced by South Korean officials into making false accusations against her brother .
@ @ @ @ @ evidence used by prosecutors against him turned out to be fabricated .

SEOUL, Nov. 12 (Yonhap) -- A Seoul court on Thursday ruled that a North Korean defector and his family should be compensated for suffering sustained by having been falsely accused of being a spy.
The Seoul Central District Court ordered the government to pay 120 million won (US$107,900), 80 million won and 30 million won, respectively, to Yoo Woo-seong, his sister, Ga-ryeo, and his father, in compensation.
Yoo, an ethnic Chinese who defected to the South in 2004, was indicted in February 2013 on the charge of espionage, largely based on his sister's testimonies. He was later exonerated, as it was revealed that his sister was assaulted and coerced by South Korean officials into making false accusations against her brother. Also, some of the evidence used by prosecutors against him turned out to be fabricated.
In October 2015, the Supreme Court upheld the lower courts' rulings that found him not guilty of working as a spy for North Korea.
Soon after, Yoo's sister sued the government, seeking compensation for the pain inflicted by investigators, followed by a similar lawsuit in 2018 by Yoo and his father.
After the ruling, Yoo said, "It's been a while since the incident happened, but perpetrators in the false spy case have not been properly punished." "Preventing a similar case from happening is more important than getting compensation," he added.
Yoo Woo-seong (C) talks to media after the Seoul Central District Court ordered the government to compensate him and his family for suffering brought about by false accusations, on Nov. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-12--Seoul in talks with Washington for communications with acting defense secretary

`` We consider it a natural matter to communicate with the new acting secretary side for close coordination between the @ @ @ @ @ and the U.S. , '' deputy ministry spokesperson Col .
Moon Hong-sik said during a @ @ @ @ @ The two countries have a shared understanding on that , and as far as I @ @ @ @ @ discussions are under way . ''

SEOUL, Nov. 12 (Yonhap) -- South Korea is in talks with the United States to continue close coordination on pending alliance issues following the appointment of Christopher Miller as the U.S. acting defense secretary, Seoul's defense ministry said Thursday.
On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump fired his defense chief, Mark Esper, just days after his election defeat to former Vice President Joe Biden. Esper was sworn in as secretary of defense in June last year.
"We consider it a natural matter to communicate with the new acting secretary side for close coordination between the defense authorities of South Korea and the U.S.," deputy ministry spokesperson Col. Moon Hong-sik said during a regular press briefing. "The two countries have a shared understanding on that, and as far as I know, (related) discussions are under way."
The ministry earlier said it will continue to work closely with the U.S. under the incoming Biden administration to maintain a firm combined readiness posture.
Setting up a task force led by Vice Defense Minister Park Jae-min, the ministry has been reviewing policy measures to prepare for possible changes in defense issues between the two sides.
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-12--(3rd LD) Moon, Biden agree to cooperate closely on N. Korean nuke issue in phone call

While praising Seoul 's efforts to contain new coronavirus transmissions , Biden said he will do his best to contain @ @ @ @ @ before the official launch of his administration .

(ATTN: UPDATES throughout Cheong Wa Dae's briefing; CHANGES photo)
By Lee Chi-dong and Chang Dong-woo
SEOUL, Nov. 12 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in and his incoming U.S. counterpart, Joe Biden, agreed to work closely together to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue, as they had a 14-minute phone conversation Thursday, Cheong Wa Dae said.
Biden described South Korea as a "linchpin" of security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, according to Moon's spokesman Kang Min-seok.
Moon asked Biden to "communicate closely" for the forward-looking development of the Seoul-Washington alliance, denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and establishment of lasting peace here.
The president cited the allies' 70 years of partnership for the protection of such shared values as democracy and human rights, Kang said.
Biden reaffirmed Washington's firm security commitment to South Korea and said that he would "closely cooperate" for a resolution to the North Korean nuclear issue, he added.
They also agreed to expand cooperation on global challenges, including COVID-19 and climate change, and agreed to meet at an early date after Biden's inauguration, Kang said.
It marked their first conversation since Biden was declared the winner of last week's election.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in (L) makes a phone call with U.S. President-elect Joe Biden at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Nov. 12, 2020 in this photo released by his office. An Associate Press file photo (R) shows Biden. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Moon took note of Biden's visit to the Korean War Memorial in Philadelphia on Veterans Day.
While praising Seoul's efforts to contain new coronavirus transmissions, Biden said he will do his best to contain the coronavirus in the U.S. before the official launch of his administration.
Moon earlier wrote on Twitter that he and Biden "reaffirmed our firm commitment to a robust ROK-US alliance and peaceful and prosperous Korean Peninsula." ROK is the acronym for South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea.
He added, "Going forward, I will work closely with him to meet global challenges, including COVID-19 and climate change."
Biden reportedly spoke by phone with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on the day as well, following calls with Canadian and European leaders.
A screenshot of South Korean President Moon Jae-in's social media post on Nov. 12, 2020, describing his telephone conversation with U.S. President-elect Joe Biden. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Meanwhile, members of Cheong Wa Dae's National Security Council's standing committee discussed the developments of the American presidential election and the means to sustain and further develop the South Korea-U.S. relationship based on the bilateral alliance.
The session was presided over by Suh Hoon, director of national security at Cheong Wa Dae.
The members also discussed measures to "achieve lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula and its denuclearization," according to Cheong Wa Dae.
lcd@yna.co.kr
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-12--N. Korea's propaganda outlet claims country developed satellite-based maritime data system

The North has long pushed for its space development efforts , saying it has the right to the peaceful use @ @ @ @ @ however , has been suspected of using such efforts as a cover for testing intercontinental @ @ @

SEOUL, Nov. 12 (Yonhap) -- A North Korean propaganda outlet on Thursday claimed that the country has developed a satellite-based maritime data system intended to supply accurate information needed for better fishing and safer navigation.
Maeri, one of the North's propaganda websites, said the "maritime information service system" based on satellite data has recently been developed and will be applied in the fishing sector.
It will allow for accurate measurements of sea temperatures, waves and positions of vessels, so as to better predict where fish are moving and increase the overall catch, the website said.
The newly introduced system appears to be in line with the North's emphasis on space development for peaceful purposes since leader Kim Jong-un took office in late 2011.
North Korea launched a five-year space development plan in 2012. In February 2016, it claimed to have put the Kwangmyongsong-4 satellite into orbit, though it is not clear whether it is in operation.
The North has long pushed for its space development efforts, saying it has the right to the peaceful use of space. Pyongyang, however, has been suspected of using such efforts as a cover for testing intercontinental ballistic missiles.
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-12--R&B singer-songwriter Crush joins army

R&B singer-songwriter Crush joins army

The 28-year-old , whose real name is Shin Hyo-seob , has entered an army boot camp for basic military training @ @ @ @ @ , the management agency led by K-pop star Psy .
Crush is set to serve @ @ @ @ @ for roughly two years .

SEOUL, Nov. 12 (Yonhap) -- South Korean R&B singer-songwriter Crush has joined the army to fulfill his mandatory military service, his agency said Thursday.
The 28-year-old, whose real name is Shin Hyo-seob, has entered an army boot camp for basic military training, according to P Nation, the management agency led by K-pop star Psy. Crush is set to serve as a public service worker for roughly two years.
In October, Crush released the star-studded EP "with HER," featuring K-pop artists, like Lee So-ra, Yoon Mi-rae and Taeyeon of Girls' Generation.
He said he had "poured in his everything" into the album before temporarily bidding farewell to fans.
This photo, provided by P Nations, shows R&B singer-songwriter Crush. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-12--Biden says he is looking forward to working with Moon on challenges, including N. Korea

`` The president-elect thanked President Moon for his congratulations , expressing his desire to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance as the @ @ @ @ @ in the Indo-Pacific region , '' a statement posted on the website of Biden 's @ @ @ @

WASHINGTON, Nov. 11 (Yonhap) -- U.S. President-elect Joe Biden said Wednesday he looks forward to working closely with South Korean President Moon Jae-in on various challenges facing their countries, such as the North Korean nuclear issue and climate change.
Biden made the remark during his first phone call with Moon, according to his transition team.
"The president-elect thanked President Moon for his congratulations, expressing his desire to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance as the linchpin of security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region," a statement posted on the website of Biden's transition team said.
"He observed that he looks forward to working closely with President Moon on other shared challenges, from North Korea to climate change," it added.
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-12--(URGENT) Biden tells Moon he is looking forward to working together on shared challenges, such as N.

(URGENT) Biden tells Moon he is looking forward to working together on shared challenges, such as N. Korea

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


yna--2020-11-12--The Korea Interbank Offered Rates (KORIBOR)

SEOUL , Nov. 12 ( Yonhap ) -- The Korea Interbank Offered Rates ( KORIBOR ) as posted by Yonhap @ @ @ @ @ and information arm of Yonhap News Agency , at 11:00 a.m .


yna--2020-11-12--Pandemic brings end to Netflix vs. theater struggle on theatrical release practice

`` We are focusing on securing film content to attract people to theaters .
Now , only some Korean films @ @ @ @ @ nearly no Hollywood blockbusters , '' the CGV official said .
`` We will keep @ @ @ @ @ films . ''

By Kim Boram
SEOUL, Nov. 12 (Yonhap) -- As the latest Netflix original film, "Hillbilly Elegy," has hit screens of South Korea's two biggest multiplex chains of CJ CGV and Lotte Cinema, the yearslong conflict between major theaters and the global streaming giant has apparently come to an end amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
CGV and Lotte Cinema decided to screen the Netflix-made film from Wednesday for two weeks before Oscar-winning director Ron Howard's drama is released on Netflix on Nov. 24.
This image provided by Netflix shows a scene from "Hillbilly Elegy." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
It is the first time that a Netflix-produced film has secured theatrical windows at the country's No. 1 and 2 multiplex cinemas since Bong Joon-ho's 2017 adventure film "Okja" sparked the controversy over Netflix's theatrical release policy.
South Korea's multiplexes have boycotted screenings of Netflix movies as the content titan has refused to comply with the traditional practice of the so-called holdback period of at least two weeks before putting its films on its own platform.
Netflix has typically opened its films on cinemas for about 10 days and released them for its paid subscribers.
Theaters argued that a shorter holdback period discourages audiences from buying a ticket at multiplexes and that they instead wait for films to appear on their streaming services.
But last year, Megabox, the third-biggest theater chain in South Korea, opened its door to Netflix for the first time, screening a number of Netflix-funded films, including "The King," directed by David Michod, "The Two Popes" by Fernando Meirelles and "Marriage Story" by Noah Baumbach.
CGV and Lotte Cinema said they changed their policy as Netflix has agreed to comply with the two-week holdback period.
"We were ready to accept Netflix content if it holds talks with us over the holdback period in advance," a CGV official said. "We've decided to screen 'Hillbilly Elegy' after consultations on the issue."
A poster of "Hillbilly Elegy" provided by Netflix (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Experts noted that the policy change of the local multiplex chains came as they have been seeking various ways to survive the pandemic and keep up with a rapidly changing media environment and intensifying competition for bankable content.
The number of filmgoers slumped 70 percent on-year to 54.5 million over the January-October period from the previous year's 185.6 million. Dozens of homegrown and foreign movies have postponed their release schedules, while some of them went to Netflix without a theatrical run.
Consequently, CGV posted a combined 227.3 billion won (US$204.4 million) in operating loss for the second and third quarters.
"We are focusing on securing film content to attract people to theaters. Now, only some Korean films are being screened, with nearly no Hollywood blockbusters," the CGV official said. "We will keep holding talks to show Netflix-made films."
He said CGV is in consultations with the U.S. streaming service company to screen other Netflix originals, like David Fincher's "Mank."
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-12--Hyundai launches Sonata N Line in S. Korea

It can reach 100 kilometers per hour in 6.5 seconds and is equipped with safety features , such as the @ @ @ @ @ collision avoidance systems , it said .

SEOUL, Nov. 12 (Yonhap) -- Hyundai Motor Co. on Thursday launched the Sonata N Line model in the domestic market to diversify its lineup.
The Sonata N Line sedan comes with a 2.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and an eight-speed dual clutch transmission, the company said in a statement.
It can reach 100 kilometers per hour in 6.5 seconds and is equipped with safety features, such as the lane keeping assist and front collision avoidance systems, it said.
The model is priced at 30 million won-36 million won (US$27,000-$32,000).
The Sonata N Line is the latest model in Hyundai's N Line vehicle lineup.
The N Line models sit between Hyundai's high-performance N brand and the general Hyundai brand. The N models bring full performance capability to daily driving, while the N Line brings performance-inspired elements to base model vehicles.
Hyundai currently sells the Veloster N, i30 N and i30 Fastback N, as well as the Avante N Line and the Kona N Line, in select markets.
This photo provided by Hyundai Motor shows the Sonata N Line model. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-12--S. Korea becomes latest battleground for console wars

While Nintendo does not disclose its console sales data in South Korea , Daewon Media Co. , a local distributor @ @ @ @ @ that its sales of the device more than doubled on-year in the second quarter to @ @ @ @ @ the popularity of titles such as virtual simulation game `` Animal Crossing . ''

By Chae Yun-hwan
SEOUL, Nov. 12 (Yonhap) -- Video game giants Microsoft Corp. and Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. are eyeing an unclaimed territory in their latest battle for global console supremacy: South Korea.
South Korea is among the major markets for the launches this week of their new devices -- Microsoft's Xbox Series S and Series X and Sony's PlayStation 5 -- a departure from previous global rollouts when South Korean gamers had to wait months for new consoles.
While the e-sports powerhouse is one of the largest video game markets in the world -- 4th in 2018 at US$11.3 billion -- the two companies had previously indicated disinterest in taking on the market dominated by PC and mobile gaming.
In 2018, mobile games took up 54 percent of South Korea's video game market sales, followed by PC games at 41 percent, while console games held a mere 4 percent, according to the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA).
Recent changes in local gaming trends that have been driven by the pandemic, however, have placed the country on the map for the global console competition.
Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.'s PlayStation 5 is shown in this undated image provided by the company. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Sony and Microsoft's moves come as a stay-at-home trend from the pandemic spurs growing popularity for consoles in South Korea.
As many local PC cafes -- usually crowded with avid gamers day and night pre-pandemic -- shut down this year due to fears of virus transmission, sales of Japanese video game giant Nintendo Co.'s three-year-old Switch console have boomed.
While Nintendo does not disclose its console sales data in South Korea, Daewon Media Co., a local distributor for the Switch, reported that its sales of the device more than doubled on-year in the second quarter to 90,964 on the back of the popularity of titles such as virtual simulation game "Animal Crossing."
Experts say renewed popularity in the Switch points to shifting tastes for local gamers that prefer games with high production value often found in consoles, compared with simple mobile offerings.
"Younger gamers prefer more polished games, leading to growing console users," said Wi Jong-hyun, a business professor at Chung-Ang University and president of the Korea Game Society. "The 'Animal Crossing' phenomenon showed that there is a significant number of local gamers out there who want console games."
The trend falls in line with growth projections for the local console market.
KOCCA estimated South Korea's console market to grow 32 percent on-year in 2021 to reach 704.2 billion won (US$633.1 million), while PC games are forecast to drop 1.5 percent over the same period.
"As non-face-to-face activities continue to be encouraged during the pandemic, console gamers will likely grow in line with the launches of next-generation consoles," KOCCA said in a report.
Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox Series S (L) and the higher-spec'd Series X (R) are shown in this undated photo provided by the company. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Microsoft's move to include South Korea as a core market also comes as the company has built ties with the country's largest mobile carrier, SK Telecom Co., to test its new cloud gaming service.
In a bid to appeal to mobile users who prefer gaming on the go, Microsoft has bet on cloud gaming, with South Korea as a major testbed.
The company partnered with SK Telecom last year to test the service on local gamers, allowing them to stream Xbox games on their phones through wireless networks, including the country's superfast 5G.
The U.S. software giant has since officially launched the cloud gaming service in September across 22 countries, including South Korea, and has also bundled the service as a subscription with its latest consoles.
Local game companies that have traditionally focused on online and mobile games have also jumped on the console hype.
Pearl Abyss Corp., a major game developer behind popular online game "Black Desert," has released a console version of the game, which will be supported by the latest generation devices from Sony and Microsoft.
"If new console games continue to be released by South Korean developers, local users familiar with the games will naturally migrate to consoles," Wi said. "While the local console market was small enough to ignore in the past, we can now expect meaningful growth."
yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-12--(2nd LD) Wiz beat Bears to stay alive in KBO postseason

A walk and a single after two outs put men at the corners for Yoo Han-joon , who moved up @ @ @ @ @ the lineup for this game .
Yoo hit a hard bouncer up the middle , @ @ @ @ @ trying to make a diving grab , had the ball go off his glove and @ @ @ @ @ That allowed Hwang Jae-gyun to score easily from third for a 1-0 KT lead .

(ATTN: ADDS comments in paras 22-23)
By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 12 (Yonhap) -- The KT Wiz will live to see at least another day in the South Korean baseball postseason.
The Wiz defeated the Doosan Bears 5-2 to stave off elimination in the best-of-five penultimate round in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) postseason on Thursday.
Starter William Cuevas fired eight strong innings, and the Wiz broke out for five runs with two outs in the top of the eighth inning for the victory at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. This was the Wiz's first postseason win in franchise history, which dates back to 2015.
The Bears still lead the series 2-1 and can finish off the Wiz in Game 4 on Friday, back at the dome.
In their two previous losses, the Wiz had scored only three runs combined.
Yoo Han-joon of the KT Wiz hits an RBI single against the Doosan Bears in the top of the eighth inning of Game 3 of the Korea Baseball Organization second-round postseason series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
With Cuevas and his counterpart, Raul Alcantara, both on their "A" game early, the teams traded zeroes through the first seven innings.
It wasn't for lack of trying. Cho Yong-ho led off the game for the Wiz with a single, but got thrown out trying to steal second. Hwang Jae-gyun followed with a double but was stranded at second base.
The Bears got their first rally in the top third, with Kim Jae-ho reaching on an infield single and then moving to second on a sacrifice bunt. Cuevas stranded the runner by retiring the next two batters on groundouts.
The Wiz had a man in scoring position in the top fifth, sixth and seventh but failed to cash in. In the bottom sixth, the Bears put a runner at third for the first time in the game, following an error and a sacrifice bunt. Jose Miguel Fernandez, the regular season hit king, and Oh Jae-il couldn't bring him home.
Mel Rojas Jr. of the KT Wiz celebrates after scoring a run against the Doosan Bears in the top of the eighth inning of Game 3 of the Korea Baseball Organization second-round postseason series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
That set up the decisive eighth inning for the Wiz.
A walk and a single after two outs put men at the corners for Yoo Han-joon, who moved up from fifth to cleanup in the lineup for this game. Yoo hit a hard bouncer up the middle, and shortstop Kim Jae-ho, trying to make a diving grab, had the ball go off his glove and trickle into center field. That allowed Hwang Jae-gyun to score easily from third for a 1-0 KT lead.
That hit knocked Alcantara out of the game. Reliever Hong Geon-hui threw a first-pitch fastball on the outside corner against Kang Baek-ho that catcher Park Sei-hyok somehow missed, and Mel Rojas Jr. charged home to score on that passed ball to make it a 2-0 game.
William Cuevas of the KT Wiz pitches against the Doosan Bears in the bottom of the first inning of Game 3 of the Korea Baseball Organization second-round postseason series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
Hong intentionally walked Kang and then walked the next batter to load the bases for Bae Jung-dae. On a 3-1 count, Bae lifted a high fly ball to shallow center that dropped in no man's land, and two more runners came home for a 4-0 lead.
Jang Sung-woo delivered an RBI single that put the Wiz up 5-0. All told, the Wiz batted around in the eighth, and all four of their hits in that inning came with two outs.
The Bears cut the deficit to 5-1 on Oh Jae-won's solo home run in the bottom eighth and got only one more run back, courtesy of Kim Jae-hwan's solo shot in the ninth.
KT Wiz players celebrate their 5-2 victory over the Doosan Bears in Game 3 of the Korea Baseball Organization second-round postseason series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
KT manager Lee Kang-chul said he was happy to be a part of franchise history with the inaugural postseason victory.
"This feels like winning my first game as a rookie on the mound," the former All-Star pitcher said with a smile. "I never knew winning a postseason game would be so tough. We'll try to keep it going."
Lee said Cuevas deserved all the credit for the victory.
"He pitched the game of his life," Lee said. "Though we didn't capitalize on some early opportunities, Cuevas kept us in the game. Then with two outs in the eighth, our batters did some damage."
Doosan skipper Kim Tae-hyoung said he was more disappointed with the way his team lost than with the defeat itself.
"We barely put up any fight. It would have been nice if we'd had those two home runs earlier in the game," Kim said. "Our left-handed batters had no answer against Cuevas' cutter."
Yoo, who delivered the first RBI hit in the eighth, said the team was hardened by the experience of losing the first two games of the series.
"After Game 2, I told the guys how grateful I was for their effort," Yoo said. "Even though we lost the first two games, I felt everyone was playing so well. I said the series wasn't over and we should keep doing our best in Game 3. I think we'll be able to keep this up tomorrow."
Lee said he was buoyed by the breakout performances from slumping hitters. Kang Baek-ho, moved down from the cleanup spot to No. 5, went 3-for-4, after going 1-for-8 in the two previous games.
"I could tell he had a better focus at the plate than earlier games," Lee said. "If our offense stays hot tomorrow, we can even this series, and then the momentum will be fully on our side. At 2-2, no one knows how the series will play out."
William Cuevas of the KT Wiz celebrates after retiring Park Kun-woo of the Doosan Bears on a groundout in the bottom of the eighth inning of Game 3 of the Korea Baseball Organization second-round postseason series against the Doosan Bears at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-12--(LEAD) KT Wiz right-hander redeems self, saves KBO club's season with gem

Another error , this time an errant throw from shortstop Shim Woo-jun , and a sacrifice bunt put a man @ @ @ @ @ for the Bears in the sixth inning .
Cuevas dug deep and retired the next @ @ @ @ @ on a 3-2 curveball that froze the slugger .
It was only Cuevas ' second @ @ @ @ @

(ATTN: ADDS comments, details at bottom)
By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 12 (Yonhap) -- By pitching a postseason gem on Thursday, KT Wiz right-hander William Cuevas kept his Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) club alive, while also redeeming himself after a disastrous outing.
Cuevas threw eight innings of one-run ball, giving up just three hits without walking anybody, helping the Wiz past the Doosan Bears 5-2 in Game 3 of their best-of-five series. It was the first postseason victory in KT's franchise history.
The Bears still lead the penultimate round 2-1, but the Wiz finally showed some fight behind Cuevas' outstanding start.
William Cuevas of the KT Wiz celebrates after completing the bottom of the eighth inning of Game 3 of the Korea Baseball Organization second-round postseason series against the Doosan Bears at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
Cuevas had a dismal relief appearance in Game 1 of the series on Monday, getting charged with two earned runs in 2/3 of an inning in a 3-2 loss. He got his chance for redemption on Thursday and made the most of it.
He was at his efficient best early, throwing only 15 pitches to retire the first six batters. Kim Jae-ho got an infield single for Doosan's first hit in the third inning but Cuevas got three quick outs.
With two outs in the fourth, Cuevas got himself into trouble by making a wild throw to first base after fielding a soft comebacker. He breathed a sigh of relief when pinch hitter Choi Joo-hwan grounded out to second.
William Cuevas of the KT Wiz pitches against the Doosan Bears in the bottom of the first inning of Game 3 of the Korea Baseball Organization second-round postseason series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
Another error, this time an errant throw from shortstop Shim Woo-jun, and a sacrifice bunt put a man at third with one out for the Bears in the sixth inning. Cuevas dug deep and retired the next two, including Oh Jae-il on a 3-2 curveball that froze the slugger. It was only Cuevas' second strikeout of the game.
Cuevas pitched a clean seventh inning and then watched his teammates break out for five runs in the top eighth.
Cuevas came back out for the bottom eighth after that extended rally by the Wiz and served up a one-out solo home run to Oh Jae-won.
That turned out to be the only blemish for Cuevas. He mostly pitched to contact and got 13 groundouts against only two strikeouts.
William Cuevas of the KT Wiz pitches against the Doosan Bears in the bottom of the first inning of Game 3 of the Korea Baseball Organization second-round postseason series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
"I felt great even before the game, and I figured I'd have a great game today," Cuevas said afterward. "And it turned out that way. I stuck to my usual game plan and didn't change my pitch sequence."
Cuevas threw 103 pitches, and 70 went for strikes. His bread-and-butter on this day was his cutter. It was so effective that Doosan manager Kim Tae-hyoung said the main reason his team lost was the batters' inability to handle Cuevas' cutter.
He only offered five four-seam fastballs, while throwing 24 changeups, 16 curveballs and 15 two-seam fastballs.
In other words, he barely threw anything straight. And Cuevas thanked catcher Jang Sung-woo for calling a great game and said he enjoyed pitching to "such a talented catcher."
As for going up against his former KT teammate Raul Alcantara in an early pitching duel, Cuevas said, "I was hoping we would both pitch well in this game, and I am glad it turned out that way."
Cuevas said coming out of the bullpen in Game 1 had him prepared for this start.
"I was able to experience firsthand what it feels like to pitch in a postseason game," Cuevas said. "I was trying to help the team but things didn't quite go my way then. But it helped me prepare for this game, both mentally and physically."
William Cuevas of the KT Wiz celebrates after completing the bottom of the sixth inning of Game 3 of the Korea Baseball Organization second-round postseason series against the Doosan Bears at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-12--(LEAD) Lawmakers from S. Korea, Japan hold talks to mend frayed ties

`` Political circles should help people from the two nations to better understand each other and create the environment and @ @ @ @ @ two countries to solve problems , '' said Rep. Kim Jin-pyo of the ruling Democratic @ @ @ @ @ union .

(ATTN: UPDATES info in paras 4-5, 10; ADDS photo)
TOKYO, Nov. 12 (Yonhap) -- Lawmakers from South Korea and Japan on Thursday vowed to step up efforts to help mend the frayed ties between the two countries.
Seven members of the Korea-Japan Parliamentarians' Union arrived in Tokyo for a three-day visit as the two countries are quickening moves to improve relations since the inauguration of Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.
They held a face-to-face meeting with their counterparts to discuss ways to boost cooperation and exchanges between the two sides.
During the meeting, the two groups agreed to form a special committee dedicated to bilateral cooperation efforts for the Tokyo Olympic Games, which have been delayed to next year due to the pandemic. It was proposed by the South Korean side.
The Japanese lawmakers also accepted a suggestion to hold a joint seminar to promote mutual exchanges next year.
Lawmakers from South Korea and Japan attend a meeting to discuss bilateral issues in Tokyo on Nov. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
"Political circles should help people from the two nations to better understand each other and create the environment and conditions for leaders from the two countries to solve problems," said Rep. Kim Jin-pyo of the ruling Democratic Party, who heads the union.
South Korea and Japan have clashed over Tokyo's export curbs that are seen as political retaliation for Korean Supreme Court rulings in 2018 that ordered Japanese firms to compensate victims of forced labor during Japan's 1910-45 colonization of the Korean Peninsula.
Fukushiro Nukaga of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, who leads the Japanese delegation, said that Tokyo lawmakers will be grateful if the two sides can work together to build a new bilateral relationship.
He stressed that both countries may lose their leadership in the region if their relationship fails to advance, citing the anticipated signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a proposed free trade agreement in the Asia-Pacific region.
Rep. Kim Jin-pyo of the ruling Democratic Party, head of the Korea-Japan Parliamentarians' Union, speaks during a meeting between lawmakers from the two countries to discuss bilateral issues in Tokyo on Nov. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
Seoul's lawmakers plan to meet with Japan's new leader Suga, who took office in September, on Friday.
They are also scheduled to meet other political leaders on the same day, including Natsuo Yamaguchi, chief of the Komeito Party, the junior coalition partner of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, and Yukio Edano, head of the largest opposition Constitutional Democratic Party.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-12--(LEAD) Wiz beat Bears to stay alive in KBO postseason

(ATTN: ADDS details, photo, comments throughout)
By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 12 (Yonhap) -- The KT Wiz will live to see at least another day in the South Korean baseball postseason.
The Wiz defeated the Doosan Bears 5-2 to stave off elimination in the best-of-five penultimate round in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) postseason on Thursday.
Starter William Cuevas fired eight strong innings, and the Wiz broke out for five runs with two outs in the top of the eighth inning for the victory at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. This was the Wiz's first postseason win in franchise history, which dates back to 2015.
The Bears still lead the series 2-1 and can finish off the Wiz in Game 4 on Friday, back at the dome.
In their two previous losses, the Wiz had scored only three runs combined.
Yoo Han-joon of the KT Wiz hits an RBI single against the Doosan Bears in the top of the eighth inning of Game 3 of the Korea Baseball Organization second-round postseason series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
With Cuevas and his counterpart, Raul Alcantara, both on their "A" game early, the teams traded zeroes through the first seven innings.
It wasn't for lack of trying. Cho Yong-ho led off the game for the Wiz with a single, but got thrown out trying to steal second. Hwang Jae-gyun followed with a double but was stranded at second base.
The Bears got their first rally in the top third, with Kim Jae-ho reaching on an infield single and then moving to second on a sacrifice bunt. Cuevas stranded the runner by retiring the next two batters on groundouts.
The Wiz had a man in scoring position in the top fifth, sixth and seventh but failed to cash in. In the bottom sixth, the Bears put a runner at third for the first time in the game, following an error and a sacrifice bunt. Jose Miguel Fernandez, the regular season hit king, and Oh Jae-il couldn't bring him home.
Mel Rojas Jr. of the KT Wiz celebrates after scoring a run against the Doosan Bears in the top of the eighth inning of Game 3 of the Korea Baseball Organization second-round postseason series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
That set up the decisive eighth inning for the Wiz.
A walk and a single after two outs put men at the corners for Yoo Han-joon, who moved up from fifth to cleanup in the lineup for this game. Yoo hit a hard bouncer up the middle, and shortstop Kim Jae-ho, trying to make a diving grab, had the ball go off his glove and trickle into center field. That allowed Hwang Jae-gyun to score easily from third for a 1-0 KT lead.
That hit knocked Alcantara out of the game. Reliever Hong Geon-hui threw a first-pitch fastball on the outside corner against Kang Baek-ho that catcher Park Sei-hyok somehow missed, and Mel Rojas Jr. charged home to score on that passed ball to make it a 2-0 game.
William Cuevas of the KT Wiz pitches against the Doosan Bears in the bottom of the first inning of Game 3 of the Korea Baseball Organization second-round postseason series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
Hong intentionally walked Kang and then walked the next batter to load the bases for Bae Jung-dae. On a 3-1 count, Bae lifted a high fly ball to shallow center that dropped in no man's land, and two more runners came home for a 4-0 lead.
Jang Sung-woo delivered an RBI single that put the Wiz up 5-0. All told, the Wiz batted around in the eighth, and all four of their hits in that inning came with two outs.
The Bears cut the deficit to 5-1 on Oh Jae-won's solo home run in the bottom eighth and got only one more run back, courtesy of Kim Jae-hwan's solo shot in the ninth.
KT Wiz players celebrate their 5-2 victory over the Doosan Bears in Game 3 of the Korea Baseball Organization second-round postseason series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
KT manager Lee Kang-chul said he was happy to be a part of franchise history with the inaugural postseason victory.
"This feels like winning my first game as a rookie on the mound," the former All-Star pitcher said with a smile. "I never knew winning a postseason game would be so tough. We'll try to keep it going."
Lee said Cuevas deserved all the credit for the victory.
"He pitched the game of his life," Lee said. "Though we didn't capitalize on some early opportunities, Cuevas kept us in the game. Then with two outs in the eighth, our batters did some damage."
Doosan skipper Kim Tae-hyoung said he was more disappointed with the way his team lost than with the defeat itself.
"We barely put up any fight. It would have been nice if we'd had those two home runs earlier in the game," Kim said. "Our left-handed batters had no answer against Cuevas' cutter."
Lee said he was buoyed by the breakout performances from slumping hitters. Kang Baek-ho, moved down from the cleanup spot to No. 5, went 3-for-4, after going 1-for-8 in the two previous games.
"I could tell he had a better focus at the plate than earlier games," Lee said. "If our offense stays hot tomorrow, we can even this series, and then the momentum will be fully on our side. At 2-2, no one knows how the series will play out."
William Cuevas of the KT Wiz celebrates after retiring Park Kun-woo of the Doosan Bears on a groundout in the bottom of the eighth inning of Game 3 of the Korea Baseball Organization second-round postseason series against the Doosan Bears at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-12--Young right-hander tasked with keeping KBO club alive in postseason

Bae will get the ball against the Doosan Bears for Game 4 of the best-of-five second round in the Korea @ @ @ @ @ postseason at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul .
After losing the first two games , @ @ @ @ @ with a 5-2 victory in Thursday 's Game 3 .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 12 (Yonhap) -- Right-hander Bae Je-seong will try to keep the KT Wiz alive in the South Korean baseball postseason when he starts his club's second straight elimination game on Friday.
Bae will get the ball against the Doosan Bears for Game 4 of the best-of-five second round in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) postseason at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. After losing the first two games, the Wiz staved off elimination with a 5-2 victory in Thursday's Game 3.
In this file photo from Oct. 20, 2020, Bae Je-seong of the KT Wiz pitches against the LG Twins in the top of the first inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at KT Wiz Park in Suwon, 45 kilometers south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
Bae went 10-7 with a 3.95 ERA in a career-high 141 1/3 innings during the regular season.
He made one regular season start against the Bears and gave up four earned runs on six hits in six innings to take the loss on Sept. 4.
Second baseman Choi Joo-hwan homered off Bae in that game, but Choi has been limited to sporadic pinch-hitting duties so far in the postseason due to a foot injury.
The Bears will try to finish off the Wiz, with left-hander Yoo Hee-kwan getting the start.
He went 10-11 with a 5.02 ERA in the regular season. The soft-tossing left-hander faced the Wiz five times, and had a 1-3 record with a 6.45 ERA.
Switch-hitting slugger Mel Rojas Jr. mashed against Yoo, going 6-for-8 with two home runs and two doubles. Two other KT hitters, Kang Bae-ho and Cho Yong-ho, each had six hits off Yoo apiece.
In this file photo from Oct. 29, 2020, Yoo Hee-kwan of the Doosan Bears pitches against the Kia Tigers during a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field in Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-12--KT Wiz right-hander redeems self, saves KBO club's season with gem

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 12 (Yonhap) -- By pitching a postseason gem on Thursday, KT Wiz right-hander William Cuevas kept his Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) club alive, while also redeeming himself after a disastrous outing.
Cuevas threw eight innings of one-run ball, giving up just three hits without walking anybody, helping the Wiz past the Doosan Bears 5-2 in Game 3 of their best-of-five series. It was the first postseason victory in KT's franchise history.
The Bears still lead the penultimate round 2-1, but the Wiz finally showed some fight behind Cuevas' outstanding start.
William Cuevas of the KT Wiz celebrates after completing the bottom of the eighth inning of Game 3 of the Korea Baseball Organization second-round postseason series against the Doosan Bears at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
Cuevas had a dismal relief appearance in Game 1 of the series on Monday, getting charged with two earned runs in 2/3 of an inning in a 3-2 loss. He got his chance for redemption on Thursday and made the most of it.
He was at his efficient best early, throwing only 15 pitches to retire the first six batters. Kim Jae-ho got an infield single for Doosan's first hit in the third inning but Cuevas got three quick outs.
With two outs in the fourth, Cuevas got himself into trouble by making a wild throw to first base after fielding a soft comebacker. He breathed a sigh of relief when pinch hitter Choi Joo-hwan grounded out to second.
William Cuevas of the KT Wiz pitches against the Doosan Bears in the bottom of the first inning of Game 3 of the Korea Baseball Organization second-round postseason series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
Another error, this time an errant throw from shortstop Shim Woo-jun, and a sacrifice bunt put a man at third with one out for the Bears in the sixth inning. Cuevas dug deep and retired the next two, including Oh Jae-il on a 3-2 curveball that froze the slugger. It was only Cuevas' second strikeout of the game.
Cuevas pitched a clean seventh inning and then watched his teammates break out for five runs in the top eighth.
Cuevas came back out for the bottom eighth after that extended rally by the Wiz and served up a one-out solo home run to Oh Jae-won.
That turned out to be the only blemish for Cuevas. He mostly pitched to contact and got 13 groundouts against only two strikeouts.
William Cuevas of the KT Wiz pitches against the Doosan Bears in the bottom of the first inning of Game 3 of the Korea Baseball Organization second-round postseason series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
William Cuevas of the KT Wiz celebrates after completing the bottom of the sixth inning of Game 3 of the Korea Baseball Organization second-round postseason series against the Doosan Bears at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-12--Wiz beat Bears to stay alive in KBO postseason

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 12 (Yonhap) -- The KT Wiz will live to see at least another day in the South Korean baseball postseason.
The Wiz defeated the Doosan Bears 5-2 to stave off elimination in the best-of-five penultimate round in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) postseason on Thursday.
Starter William Cuevas fired eight strong innings, and the Wiz broke out for five runs with two outs in the top of the eighth inning for the victory at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul.
The Bears still lead the series 2-1 and can finish off the Wiz in Game 4 on Friday, back at the dome.
In their two previous losses, the Wiz had scored only three runs combined.
Yoo Han-joon of the KT Wiz hits an RBI single against the Doosan Bears in the top of the eighth inning of Game 3 of the Korea Baseball Organization second-round postseason series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
With Cuevas and his counterpart, Raul Alcantara, both on their "A" game early, the teams traded zeroes through the first seven innings.
It wasn't for lack of trying. Cho Yong-ho led off the game for the Wiz with a single, but got thrown out trying to steal second. Hwang Jae-gyun followed with a double but was stranded at second base.
The Bears got their first rally in the top third, with Kim Jae-ho reaching on an infield single and then moving to second on a sacrifice bunt. Cuevas stranded the runner by retiring the next two batters on groundouts.
The Wiz had a man in scoring position in the top fifth, sixth and seventh but failed to cash in. In the bottom sixth, the Bears put a runner at third for the first time in the game, following an error and a sacrifice bunt. Jose Miguel Fernandez, the regular season hit king, and Oh Jae-il couldn't bring him home.
Mel Rojas Jr. of the KT Wiz celebrates after scoring a run against the Doosan Bears in the top of the eighth inning of Game 3 of the Korea Baseball Organization second-round postseason series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
That set up the decisive eighth inning for the Wiz.
A walk and a single after two outs put men at the corners for Yoo Han-joon, who moved up from fifth to cleanup in the lineup for this game. Yoo hit a hard bouncer up the middle, and shortstop Kim Jae-ho, trying to make a diving grab, had the ball go off his glove and trickle into center field. That allowed Hwang Jae-gyun to score easily from third for a 1-0 KT lead.
That hit knocked Alcantara out of the game. Reliever Hong Geon-hui threw a first-pitch fastball on the outside corner against Kang Baek-ho that catcher Park Sei-hyok somehow missed, and Mel Rojas Jr. charged home to score on that passed ball to make it a 2-0 game.
William Cuevas of the KT Wiz pitches against the Doosan Bears in the bottom of the first inning of Game 3 of the Korea Baseball Organization second-round postseason series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
Hong intentionally walked Kang and then walked the next batter to load the bases for Bae Jung-dae. On a 3-1 count, Bae lifted a high fly ball to shallow center that dropped in no man's land, and two more runners came home for a 4-0 lead.
Jang Sung-woo delivered an RBI single that put the Wiz up 5-0. All told, the Wiz batted around in the eighth, and all four of their hits in that inning came with two outs.
The Bears cut the deficit to 5-1 on Oh Jae-won's solo home run in the bottom eighth and got only one more run back, courtesy of Kim Jae-hwan's solo shot in the ninth.
William Cuevas of the KT Wiz celebrates after retiring Park Kun-woo of the Doosan Bears on a groundout in the bottom of the eighth inning of Game 3 of the Korea Baseball Organization second-round postseason series against the Doosan Bears at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-12--(2nd LD) Court grants bail to Shincheonji leader indicted on charges of obstructing COVID-19 respons

(2nd LD) Court grants bail to Shincheonji leader indicted on charges of obstructing COVID-19 response

The 89-year-old leader was indicted in August for allegedly submitting false documents to health authorities on the whereabouts and number @ @ @ @ @ gatherings in February when the sect was blamed for spikes in the spread of COVID-19 @

(ATTN: RECASTS lead; REPLACES photo)
SUWON, South Korea, Nov. 12 (Yonhap) -- The leader of a minor religious sect that was at the center of the early coronavirus outbreak in South Korea was released on bail on Thursday.
The Suwon District Court, south of Seoul, allowed the bail request of Lee Man-hee, the founder of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, citing a low risk of destroying evidence and his deteriorating health.
The court set the bail bond at 100 million won (US$89,700) and ordered him to stay at his residence and wear an electric device to trace his movement.
The 89-year-old leader was indicted in August for allegedly submitting false documents to health authorities on the whereabouts and number of participants at Shincheonji's gatherings in February when the sect was blamed for spikes in the spread of COVID-19.
He is also accused of embezzling 5.6 billion won from church funds and holding unauthorized religious events from 2015 to 2019.
Since his arrest, he has requested bail, citing poor health.
Appearing in court earlier this month, he pleaded with the court to allow him to be released on bail, saying, "Death would be better than living (in prison)."
Lee Man-hee, the leader of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, is released on bail from a detention center in Suwon, south of Seoul, on Nov. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-11-12--Owner of Korean Air in talks to acquire Asiana Airlines: sources

A KDB official said a deal with Hanjin is among various options under consideration but that nothing has been determined @ @ @ @ @ Hanjin Group official also said the news can not be confirmed .

SEJONG, Nov. 12 (Yonhap) -- Hanjin Group, which owns South Korea's top flag carrier Korean Air Lines Co., is mulling acquiring the country's No. 2 carrier Asiana Airlines Inc., sources here said Thursday.
Hanjin Group is in talks with the state-run Korea Development Bank (KDB), the main creditor of Asiana, to buy the debt-ridden carrier, the sources said.
"The KDB first came up with the idea, and they have been negotiating for about two months," a source familiar with the matter said.
A KDB official said a deal with Hanjin is among various options under consideration but that nothing has been determined at this moment. A Hanjin Group official also said the news cannot be confirmed.
The two sides are reportedly discussing a plan under which the KDB will inject funds to Hanjin KAL Corp., the holding company of Hanjin Group, and then the group will use that money to buy a 30.77 percent stake in Asiana.
The reported plan can make the KDB the third-largest shareholder in Hanjin KAL and help Hanjin Group finance the acquisition deal, the sources said.
In September, Asiana's creditors -- the KDB and the Export-Import Bank of Korea -- decided to end a drawn-out deal to sell the cash-strapped air carrier as they failed to iron out differences over acquisition terms with HDC Hyundai Development Co. amid the coronavirus outbreak.
The HDC-led consortium initially signed the deal to acquire Asiana from Kumho Industrial Co. as well as new Asiana shares to be issued and the carrier's six affiliates for 2.5 trillion won (US$2.1 billion).
But HDC later demanded a renegotiation with Kumho and the creditors over the terms and another round of due diligence on Asiana to reflect the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the industry. The demand was rejected by the creditors.
This photo taken on Oct. 13, 2020, shows an Asiana Airlines aircraft parked at Incheon International Airport in Incheon. (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-12--Lawmakers from S. Korea, Japan hold talks to mend frayed ties

Seoul 's lawmakers are trying to arrange a meeting on Friday with Japan 's new leader Suga , who took @ @ @ @ @ plan to meet other political leaders on the same day , including Natsuo Yamaguchi , @ @ @ @ @ , the junior coalition partner of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party , and Yukio Edano @ @ @ @ @ opposition Constitutional Democratic Party .

TOKYO, Nov. 12 (Yonhap) -- Lawmakers from South Korea and Japan on Thursday vowed to step up efforts to help mend the frayed ties between the two countries.
Seven members of the Korea-Japan Parliamentarians' Union arrived in Tokyo for a three-day visit as the two countries are quickening moves to improve relations since the inauguration of Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.
They held a face-to-face meeting with their counterparts to discuss ways to boost cooperation and exchanges between the two sides.
"Political circles should help people from the two nations to better understand each other and create the environment and conditions for leaders from the two countries to solve problems," said Rep. Kim Jin-pyo of the ruling Democratic Party, who heads the union.
Lawmakers from South Korea and Japan attend a meeting to discuss bilateral issues in Tokyo on Nov. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
During the meeting, representatives from Seoul proposed the two groups form a special committee dedicated to bilateral cooperation efforts for the Tokyo Olympic Games, which has been delayed to next year due to the pandemic. South Korean lawmakers also suggested a plan to hold a joint seminar to promote mutual exchanges next year.
South Korea and Japan have clashed over Tokyo's export curbs that are seen as political retaliation for Korean Supreme Court rulings in 2018 that ordered Japanese firms to compensate victims of forced labor during Japan's 1910-45 colonization of the Korean Peninsula.
Fukushiro Nukaga of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, who leads the Japanese delegation, said that Tokyo lawmakers will be grateful if the two sides can work together to build a new bilateral relationship.
He stressed that both countries may lose their leadership in the region if their relationship fails to advance, citing the anticipated signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a proposed free trade agreement in the Asia-Pacific region.
Seoul's lawmakers are trying to arrange a meeting on Friday with Japan's new leader Suga, who took office in September. They plan to meet other political leaders on the same day, including Natsuo Yamaguchi, chief of the Komeito Party, the junior coalition partner of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, and Yukio Edano, head of the largest opposition Constitutional Democratic Party.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-12--(LEAD) Moon joins summit with ASEAN members, declares 'New Southern Policy Plus'

He also declared Seoul 's support for the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework , approved by the bloc 's members earlier @ @ @ @ @ of efforts for post-coronavirus recovery , and expressed hope for synergy between the campaign and @ @ @ @ @ .

(ATTN: UPDATES with details in last 4 paras; ADDS photo)
By Lee Chi-dong
SEOUL, Nov. 12 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in attended South Korea's annual group summit with Southeast Asian countries, held via video links, Thursday and announced a new strategy on improving ties with them against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The New Southern Policy Plus is an upgraded version of the Moon administration's initiative, launched three years ago, aimed at strengthening Seoul's strategic ties with the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). India is another key partner in the drive.
The fresh strategy contains "new and practical measures" with a focus on seven major fields, including "comprehensive health care cooperation," Moon said during a speech at the 21st South Korea-ASEAN summit.
It would enable South Korea and ASEAN to lead the opening of a post-coronavirus era and make the "people-centered community of peace and prosperity" a reality faster, he added.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in speaks during a virtual summit with the leaders of ASEAN member states at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Nov. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
Moon said South Korea plans to participate actively in ASEAN's COVID-19 Response Fund and its related system to reserve medical supplies in addition to efforts to share virus-testing kits and masks, as well as experience, in the anti-virus fight.
He also declared Seoul's support for the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework, approved by the bloc's members earlier in the day as part of efforts for post-coronavirus recovery, and expressed hope for synergy between the campaign and the New Southern Policy Plus.
South Korea and ASEAN will be able to overcome the coronavirus with the spirit of "solidarity and cooperation," Moon added.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the two sides establishing "strategic partner relations."
Vietnam, which holds the rotating presidency of ASEAN meetings, hosted the virtual session.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in (L) attends the 21st South Korea-ASEAN summit via videoconferencing at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Nov. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
It marked the start of Moon's four-day virtual summit diplomacy with ASEAN and major countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
Moon plans to hold a summit with leaders of the five Mekong River nations -- Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos and Thailand -- on Friday.
The next day, he will take part in the ASEAN Plus Three Summit, also involving China and Japan, and the broader East Asia Summit (EAS) joined by the United States, Russia, Australia, India and New Zealand.
On Sunday, Moon is expected to announce a final deal on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) along with his counterparts from 14 other Asia-Pacific countries. It would be the world's largest free trade agreement, though India has withdrawn from negotiations.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-12--Moon joins summit with ASEAN members, declares 'New Southern Policy Plus'

SEOUL, Nov. 12 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in attended South Korea's annual group summit with Southeast Asian countries, held via video links, Thursday and announced a new strategy on improving ties with them against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The New Southern Policy Plus is an upgraded version of the Moon administration's initiative, launched three years ago, aimed at strengthening Seoul's strategic ties with the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). India is another key partner in the drive.
The fresh strategy contains "new and practical measures" with a focus on seven major fields, including "comprehensive health care cooperation," Moon said during a speech at the 21st South Korea-ASEAN summit.
It would enable South Korea and ASEAN to lead the opening of a post-coronavirus era and make the "people-centered community of peace and prosperity" a reality faster, he added.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in speaks during a virtual summit with the leaders of ASEAN member states at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Nov. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
Moon said South Korea plans to participate actively in ASEAN's COVID-19 Response Fund and its related system to reserve medical supplies in addition to efforts to share virus-testing kits and masks, as well as experience, in the anti-virus fight.
He also declared Seoul's support for the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework, approved by the bloc's members earlier in the day as part of efforts for post-coronavirus recovery, and expressed hope for synergy between the campaign and the New Southern Policy Plus.
South Korea and ASEAN will be able to overcome the coronavirus with the spirit of "solidarity and cooperation," Moon added.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the two sides establishing "strategic partner relations."
Vietnam, which holds the rotating presidency of ASEAN meetings, hosted the virtual session.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-12--Seoul to provide aid to hurricane-hit Central American nations

The ministry said it hopes the aid will help people who suffered damage to be able to swiftly return to @ @ @ @ @ recovery efforts amid the COVID-19 pandemic .

SEOUL, Nov. 12 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will provide US$700,000 in humanitarian assistance to five Central American nations to help them recover from recent hurricane damage, Seoul's foreign ministry said Thursday.
South Korea will support Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama and El Salvador after they were severely hit by Hurricane Eta, which left more than 120 dead and more than 2.5 million people displaced.
The ministry said it hopes the aid will help people who suffered damage to be able to swiftly return to their daily lives and support recovery efforts amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
This photo provided by Reuters shows a submerged car in La Lima, Honduras, on Nov. 5, 2020, after Hurricane Eta hit the region. (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-12--Samsung heir returns to business after father's death, convenes design strategy meeting

Samsung said Lee convened the meeting to emphasize that design capability that covers both hardware and software is crucial for @ @ @ @ @ that the convergence between products and services is getting faster with technologies including artificial intelligence @ @ @ @ @ .

SEOUL, Nov. 12 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong convened a design strategy meeting Thursday in his first business activity since his father's death last month.
Lee and high-ranking executives discussed the tech giant's future design plans during the meeting at its research center in Seoul, the company said.
It was the first time that the 52-year-old tycoon led a company event since the passing of his father and longtime Samsung Group chief Lee Kun-hee, who died at age 78 on Oct. 25.
Lee, the eldest child and only son of Kun-hee, has been de facto leader of the nation's top conglomerate since 2014 after his father collapsed from a heart attack.
This photo provided by Samsung Electronics Co. on Nov. 12, 2020, shows Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong (L) listening to explanations on a health care robot during his visit to the company's research and development center in Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Samsung's business divisions have been holding respective design strategy meetings since 2016, and it was the first time that Samsung held a companywide design meeting.
Samsung said Lee convened the meeting to emphasize that design capability that covers both hardware and software is crucial for its future business, citing that the convergence between products and services is getting faster with technologies including artificial intelligence (AI) and 5G.
At the Seoul R&D center, Lee also inspected service robots and wearable prototypes applied with future design looks.
Samsung has been trying to improve its design capability since the mid-1990s under Kun-hee's leadership, building design centers and the Samsung Art and Design Institute (SADI).
Currently, Samsung runs design offices in seven countries including the United States, Britain, India and Brazil, with some 1,500 designers.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-12--Pushed to KBO postseason brink, KT Wiz skipper believes team has more to give

`` I do n't want to get caught up in any personal disappointment .
I just want to focus on @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It does n't matter where I hit in the lineup .
I think @ @ @ @ @ hitter is a home run , but I have n't been able to do that @ @ @ @ @ one of the best offensive teams in the league , and we 'll try to @ @ @ @ @ ''

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 12 (Yonhap) -- Even with his club's back against the wall in the South Korean baseball postseason, KT Wiz manager Lee Kang-chul doesn't feel stressed out.
"We've been playing good baseball," Lee said Thursday before Game 3 against the Doosan Bears in the penultimate round of the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) postseason. The Bears have won the first two and can complete the sweep Thursday at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul.
KT Wiz manager Lee Kang-chul watches his team in action against the Doosan Bears during the top of the ninth inning of Game 2 of the Korea Baseball Organization second-round postseason series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 10, 2020. (Yonhap)
"The series is not over yet," Lee added. "If we win tonight, we'll be in a pretty good spot."
Asked about any message he delivered to the team, Lee said, "I just hope the guys will stay calm. We haven't shown our best just yet."
Lee admitted that he was a tad slow with pitching changes in the first two games, and he will keep Game 3 starter William Cuevas on a short leash. Bae Je-seong, a potential Game 4 starter if the series goes that far, will be available.
"There's no tomorrow for us," Lee said. "This is my first time managing in the postseason, and I think I've already tasted some failure. Today, I am going to be quick with the hooks."
Cuevas made a surprising relief appearance in the eighth inning of Game 1 but ended up getting charged with two earned runs without getting out of that inning.
"I think he was feeling the pressure in the first game, but he should be better as a starter today," Lee said. "His stuff wasn't too bad in that game, either. But if I feel like he's off his game even slightly, I will take him out."
Lee will also use his third different lineup in three games. They scored twice in Game 1 and once in Game 2.
First baseman Kang Baek-ho will move down from cleanup to No. 5 spot, trading places with designated hitter Yoo Han-joon. Yoo had the two-run single in Game 1 loss.
Kang, who batted .330 in the regular season, has been held to just one hit in eight at-bats this series. Kang admitted a postseason game is "two, three times more stressful" than a regular season contest, and he doesn't want to hold anything back in what could be his final game of the year.
"I don't want to get caught up in any personal disappointment. I just want to focus on winning," Kang said. "It doesn't matter where I hit in the lineup. I think the ultimate outcome for a hitter is a home run, but I haven't been able to do that so far. We have one of the best offensive teams in the league, and we'll try to live up to that."
Asked if he has been nervous this series, Kang said, "I think I got ahead of myself too much. I was trying to stay patient during batting practice."
KT Wiz players leave the field after losing to the Doosan Bears 4-1 in Game 2 of the Korea Baseball Organization second-round postseason series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 10, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-12--BTS to headline Big Hit's year-end concert: agency

In addition to BTS , the label 's other musicians , like NU'EST , GFriend and Tomorrow X Together , @ @ @ @ @ will be the first time for the label 's artists to perform at one concert @

SEOUL, Nov. 12 (Yonhap) -- K-pop megastar BTS is set to appear in a year-end concert organized by its agency, Big Hit Entertainment, the agency-label announced Thursday.
Big Hit Entertainment, which also runs a namesake label, said the seven-member act will be included in the lineup for the "2021 New Year's Eve Live presented by Weverse" gig.
The concert is expected to be a rare treat for K-pop fans to see their favorite singers in person after a spate of in-person concerts were cancelled amid the new coronavirus outbreak.
The Big Hit concert is scheduled to take place at the Korea International Exhibition Center (KINTEX) in Ilsan, just outside of Seoul, starting at 9:30 p.m. on Dec. 31. It will also be streamed online.
Big Hit said this year's concert will center on the theme "We've connected," which symbolizes the connection between the artists, the artists and the fans and the years 2020 and 2021.
In addition to BTS, the label's other musicians, like NU'EST, GFriend and Tomorrow X Together, will also perform. It will be the first time for the label's artists to perform at one concert.
This photo, provided by Big Hit Entertainment, shows K-pop megastars BTS. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
This image, provided by Big Hit Entertainment, shows a poster for an upcoming concert featuring Big Hit Labels' artists. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
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