yna--2020-11-30--(LEAD) Seoul stocks sink over 1.5 pct on profit-taking

`` Foreigners had bought a net 7 trillion won of local stocks this month , and with the KOSPI up @ @ @ @ @ period , investors are locking in gains , '' said Seo Jung-hoon , an analyst @ @ @ @

(ATTN: ADDS more details in paras 3, 5-8, bond yields in bottom; CHANGES photo)
SEOUL, Nov. 30 (Yonhap) -- South Korean shares dropped more than 1.5 percent Monday after hitting an all-time high the previous session as investors attempted to cash in gains. The Korean won fell against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) fell 42.11 points, or 1.6 percent, to close at 2,591.34.
Trading volume was high at about 1.28 billion shares worth some 20.4 trillion won (US$18.4 billion), with losers outnumbering gainers 511 to 331.
Foreigners sold a net 2.4 trillion won worth of local stocks, the largest amount on record, while retail investors picked up a record high amount of 2.2 trillion won. Institutions purchased a net 202 billion won.
Electronic signboards at a Hana Bank dealing room in Seoul show the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed at 2,581.34 on Nov. 30, 2020, down 42.11, or 1.6 percent, from the previous session's close. (Yonhap)
After briefly touching a new all-time high of 2,648.55 points at one point, the benchmark index turned lower on foreign investors' profit-taking mode ahead of the MSCI weighting changes.
"Foreigners had bought a net 7 trillion won of local stocks this month, and with the KOSPI up 16 percent over the same period, investors are locking in gains," said Seo Jung-hoon, an analyst at Samsung Securities.
Most large caps in Seoul ended lower.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics lost 2.2 percent to 66,700 won, and No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix shed 1.32 percent to 97,500 won.
Internet portal giant Naver declined 2.46 percent to 277,500 won, with its rival Kakao dipping 1.34 percent to 368,000 won.
Leading chemical maker LG Chem fell 1.23 percent to 800,000 won, and rechargeable battery maker Samsung SDI dropped 3.27 percent to 533,000 won.
Pharmaceutical giant Samsung Biologics fell 1.63 percent to 786,000 won, while Celltrion climbed 1.8 percent to 340,000 won.
Hyundai Motor, the country's largest automaker, inched up 0.28 percent to 181,500 won.
The local currency closed at 1,106.5 won per dollar, down 3.3 won from the previous session's close, when it reached a 29-month high.
Bond prices, which move inversely to yields, closed lower. The yield on three-year Treasurys added 0.4 basis point to 0.983 percent, and the return on the benchmark five-year government bond rose 1.8 basis points to 1.659 percent.
yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-30--S. Korean Bond Yields on Nov. 30, 2020

S. Korean Bond Yields on Nov. 30, 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--2020-11-30--Kia workers to continue strike for higher pay amid pandemic

Kia has eight plants in Korea -- two in Gwangmyeong , three in Hwaseong and three in Gwangju -- and @ @ @ @ @ in China and one each in the United States , Slovakia , Mexico and India @ @ @ @ @ 3.84 million units .

SEOUL, Nov. 30 (Yonhap) -- Unionized workers at Kia Motors Corp. will extend their partial strike for several days to demand higher wages and bonuses amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the union said Monday.
Daytime and night-duty workers will hold a four-hour strike at Kia's three domestic plants in Gwangmyeong and Hwaseong, both near Seoul, and Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul, on Dec. 1-2 and 4, union spokesman Hwang Hyo-dong said over the phone.
"The company didn't contact the union to narrow differences over wages and performance-based bonuses in the past 14 rounds of wage negotiations (for the year) during the recent strike period," he said.
Last week, Kia workers staged a four-hour strike daily at the local plants for three days through Friday.
This file photo, taken April 27, 2020, shows Kia Motors' Sohari plant in Gwangmyeong, south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
The union demanded the company increase the monthly basic pay by 120,000 won (US$104) per person, offer 30 percent of its annual operating profit in performance-based pay, and extend the retirement age from 60 to 65.
But the company proposed 1 1/2 months of merit-based remuneration, 1.2 million won in special COVID-19 allowance, 200,000 won in gift certificates and certain company stocks in lieu of freezing wages for the year, which was rejected by the union.
The union also asked the company to build a module components plant for electric and hydrogen vehicles inside Kia's existing plants, not in plants of parts affiliate Hyundai Mobis Co. It has expressed concerns about a possible reduction in the carmaker's assembly line workers due to Hyundai Mobis' plan to build an auto parts plant for the next-generation models.
Last month, the union criticized Kia's decision to put aside 1.26 trillion won in provisions for the recall of the faulty Theta II gasoline direct injection (GDi) engine and quality-related expenses, which sharply drove down the company's third-quarter profits.
The company was expected to report an operating profit of 1.3 trillion won in the third quarter, but the reflection of the heavy provisions sharply drove down profits, the union said.
From January to September, Kia's operating profit plunged 45 percent to 784.85 billion won from 1.42 trillion won in the year-ago period due to the impact of the pandemic on production and sales.
Its vehicle sales fell 7.2 percent to 2,129,851 units in the January-October period from 2,294,295 a year ago.
Meanwhile, its bigger affiliate Hyundai Motor Co. in September sealed the wage deal with its union for the year, reaching a wage agreement without a strike for the second consecutive year.
Hyundai's 49,600-member union accepted the company's proposal that included a freeze on basic pay, a one-off bonus amounting to 150 percent of monthly salary, 1.2 million won in special COVID-19 allowance, 10 company shares and 200,000 won in gift certificates.
It is the third time the company and the union agreed on a wage freeze, after the 1998 Asian financial crisis and the 2009 global financial crisis.
Kia has eight plants in Korea -- two in Gwangmyeong, three in Hwaseong and three in Gwangju -- and seven overseas ones -- three in China and one each in the United States, Slovakia, Mexico and India. Their overall capacity is 3.84 million units.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-30--NC Dinos ask KBO to post slugger Na Sung-bum for MLB teams

If Na had stayed healthy in 2019 , he would have completed his seventh full season and become eligible for @ @ @ @ @ only played in 23 games -- a player must be on the active roster for @ @ @ @ @ a full season -- and had to wait another season to be posted .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 30 (Yonhap) -- One of South Korea's premier sluggers will be knocking on the big league doors this winter.
The NC Dinos announced Monday they've asked the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) to post outfielder Na Sung-bum for major league clubs. The next step is for the KBO to formally inform Major League Baseball (MLB) of his availability.
In this file photo from Nov. 17, 2020, Na Sung-bum of the NC Dinos celebrates his RBI single against the Doosan Bears in the bottom of the first inning of Game 1 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. (Yonhap)
Under the posting system, any interested big league team will be able to negotiate with Na during a 30-day period. It will begin at 8 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the morning after MLB officially notifies its 30 clubs of Na's status and end at 5 p.m. ET on the 30th day.
Na, 31, joins Kiwoom Heroes' shortstop Kim Ha-seong as the second KBO player to ask to be posted this offseason. Na is represented by uber-agent Scott Boras.
Na appeared in 130 of 144 games this year, and batted .324/.390/.596 with a career-high 34 home runs and 112 RBIs. It was a nice bounceback season after Na missed most of 2019 with a knee injury. He split his time at right field and designated hitter in 2020.
If Na had stayed healthy in 2019, he would have completed his seventh full season and become eligible for posting. Instead, he only played in 23 games -- a player must be on the active roster for 145 days to qualify for a full season -- and had to wait another season to be posted.
A 10th overall pick out of college in the 2012 draft, Na has a lifetime .317 batting average in 937 games, along with 179 home runs and 729 RBIs.
In this file photo from Nov. 20, 2020, Na Sung-bum of the NC Dinos hits a solo home run against the Doosan Bears in the top of the first inning of Game 3 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. (Yonhap)
He helped the Dinos win their first Korean Series earlier this month. In a six-game victory over the Doosan Bears, Na batted .458/.440/.625 with a home run, six RBIs and three runs scored.
"We're happy to help Na Sung-bum chase his major league dreams," Dinos' general manager Kim Jong-moon said. "We hope Na will be recognized for his talent and help raise the profile of Korean baseball."
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-01--Life expectancy of S. Koreans rises to 83.3 years in 2019

Meanwhile , the statistics agency said cancer was picked as the No .
1 cause of death in the future @ @ @ @ @ , followed by heart diseases with 11.7 percent and pneumonia with 10.2 percent .

SEOUL, Dec. 1 (Yonhap) -- South Korean babies born in 2019 are expected to live more than 83 years, data showed Tuesday, amid improved public awareness about health and better medical systems.
Life expectancy at birth averaged 83.3 years last year, six months longer than a year earlier, according to the data compiled by Statistics Korea.
Compared with 10 years ago, the average life expectancy became 3.2 years longer. The tally also marked a sharp hike from 62.3 years in 1970, when the country began compiling related data.
Baby boys and girls born in 2019 are expected to live 80.3 years and 86.3 years, respectively, with the gender gap in life expectancy remaining unchanged at six years for the second straight year.
South Korea's life expectancies for male and female babies are 2.2 years and 2.9 years longer, respectively, than the average of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), a group of 36 advanced nations.
The data showed a 40-year-old Korean man in 2019 is expected to live for the next 41.3 years, while a 40-year-old Korean woman is forecast to live 47.1 years longer.
For those aged 60 last year, men are expected to have 23.3 remaining years for their life expectancy, while women have 28.1 years more.
A baby boy born in 2019 has a 61.7 percent possibility of reaching 80, while the chance of a baby girl living up to 80 years reached 81 percent.
Meanwhile, the statistics agency said cancer was picked as the No. 1 cause of death in the future for babies born in 2019, followed by heart diseases with 11.7 percent and pneumonia with 10.2 percent.
The chance that a person could die of cancer in the future stood at 27 percent for male babies and 16.2 percent for female babies, according to the data.
If the death risk from cancer is excluded, the life expectancies for male and female babies go up 4.7 years and 2.7 years, respectively.
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


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yna--2020-12-01--(2nd LD) Infection tally in 400s for 3rd day, virus-prone facilities under further curbs

SEOUL , Dec. 1 ( Yonhap ) -- The daily number of new coronavirus cases in South Korea stayed in @ @ @ @ @ third day in a row Tuesday , despite tightened antivirus curbs , such as shutdowns @ @ @ @ @ in place in the greater Seoul area amid the deepening worries over the third infection @ @

(ATTN: CHANGES photo; UPDATES with more info, latest tally in paras 4-5, 12)
SEOUL, Dec. 1 (Yonhap) -- The daily number of new coronavirus cases in South Korea stayed in the 400 range for the third day in a row Tuesday, despite tightened antivirus curbs, such as shutdowns of virus-prone facilities, being in place in the greater Seoul area amid the deepening worries over the third infection wave.
The country added 451 more COVID-19 cases, including 420 local infections, raising the total caseload to 34,652, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). It reported no additional coronavirus fatalities, bringing the total to 526.
A worker disinfects a makeshift clinic for coronavirus tests at the National Medical Center in Seoul on Dec. 1, 2020. The daily number of new coronavirus cases in South Korea stayed in the 400 range for the third day in a row the same day despite tightened antivirus curbs. (Yonhap)
The daily virus tally is on a slowing path after peaking at an eight-month high of 581 last Thursday. An average of 480 daily new cases was reported over the past week.
The authorities, however, said they have to assess the trend for several more days before judging whether the daily new cases in the 400 range are on a clear downward path.
They have repeatedly warned of a possible surge in the upcoming winter season, urging people to follow elevated antivirus measures.
The greater Seoul area that includes Seoul, the surrounding Gyeonggi Province and the western port city of Incheon is under Level 2 social distancing measures in its five-tier system, but even tighter restrictions are applied to virus-prone facilities.
All other areas are at Level 1.5 distancing measures, up one notch, for two weeks.
Under the tougher distancing measures, saunas and steam rooms in bathhouses are not allowed for one week in the greater Seoul area. Nine kinds of indoor exercises practiced in groups, including Zumba dancing, aerobics and kickboxing, are also banned
Hotels, party rooms and other guesthouses that host year-end or New Year's parties that are known be prone to virus transmission are also banned.
A sauna in central Seoul is empty on Nov. 30, 2020, as health authorities imposed stricter antivirus measures for one week in the greater Seoul area. (Yonhap)
By region, 153 new virus cases were reported in Seoul, 86 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital and 16 cases in Incheon, west of Seoul, accounting for more than 60 percent of the daily new locally transmitted cases. The greater Seoul area is home to around half of the nation's 51.6 million population.
Other municipalities reported new infections, with the southern port city of Busan and North Chungcheong Province each adding 31 new cases.
Busan newly reported 46 COVID-19 patients, which were not yet reflected in the KDCA official tally released earlier in the day.
The number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients came to 97 as of midnight, sharply up from 72 a day earlier.
The country added 31 imported cases coming mainly from the United States and Asian countries, excluding China, the KDCA said.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 27,885, up 260 from the previous day.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-01--Ex-CIA official suggests Biden administration propose working-level talks with N. Korea

`` I think the North Koreans are waiting to see what the Biden camp will say , and they are @ @ @ @ @ see -- I 'm sure they have a couple of other plans that they want @ @ @ @ @ want to see what kind of comments the leadership of the new administration will say @ @ @ @ @ official said .

By Choi Soo-hyang
SEOUL, Dec. 1 (Yonhap) -- A proposal by the incoming U.S. administration of President-elect Joe Biden to hold working-level talks with North Korea can be a "good starting point" to resume the long-stalled nuclear negotiations, a former U.S. intelligence official said Tuesday.
Andrew Kim, who retired as the chief of the Central Intelligence Agency's Korea Mission Center in 2018, made the remark during a webinar on the South Korea-U.S. alliance, saying the North appears to be waiting to see what the Biden camp will say while staying silent on the U.S. election result.
"I personally believe, knowing a little bit about them, dealing with them for the last couple of years, if somebody from Biden's camp comes out and says, we are willing to sit down with North Korea in a working level, expert level conversation as a starting point, I think that will definitely give good vibes to North Korea," he said. "I think that can be a good starting point."
The assessment came as North Korea has stayed mum on Biden's election as the next U.S. president. Pyongyang has usually mentioned or issued a statement within a few days of previous U.S. presidential elections.
"I think the North Koreans are waiting to see what the Biden camp will say, and they are just gonna wait to see -- I'm sure they have a couple of other plans that they want to launch -- but they want to see what kind of comments the leadership of the new administration will say," the former intelligence official said.
The ROK-U.S. Alliance Peace Conference is held online and offline simultaneously in Seoul on Dec. 1, 2020. (Yonhap)
The denuclearization talks between the United States and North Korea remain stalled since their second summit in Hanoi collapsed without a deal last year.
Biden has said he would meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un only on the condition that Kim agrees to reduce his country's nuclear capabilities.
In October, North Korea held a massive military parade, showing off a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and other weapons, with Kim vowing to continue strengthening the country's self-defense "war deterrent."
South Korea's former Defense Minister Han Min-koo said Seoul and Washington should focus on the North's new strategic weapons, keeping in mind the possibility of the North succeeding in developing nuclear weapons capable of carrying multiple warheads.
"As we have experienced in the past, the North could carry out provocations, such as an ICBM launch, around Joe Biden's inauguration to raise its stakes ahead of the resumption of the denuclearization negotiations with the new U.S. administration," the former minister said, adding that strong sanctions should remain in place to pressure Pyongyang.
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-01--Seoul stocks trade higher on economic recovery hopes

U.S.-based Moderna said Monday ( U.S. time ) it will seek emergency approval for its COVID-19 vaccine from U.S. and @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Dec. 1 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks traded higher late Tuesday morning as upbeat economic data raised hopes for a faster-than-expected economic recovery amid the pandemic.
The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 28.54 points, or 1.1 percent, to 2,619.88 as of 11:20 a.m.
Investor sentiment ran high as South Korea's economy grew 2.1 percent in the July-September period from the previous quarter, faster than its earlier estimate of 1.9 percent.
The country's exports also rose 4 percent in November from a year earlier on continued global chip demand.
Hopes of a COVID-19 vaccine becoming available soon further buoyed the market.
U.S.-based Moderna said Monday (U.S. time) it will seek emergency approval for its COVID-19 vaccine from U.S. and European health regulators.
In Seoul, most large caps traded higher.
Market behemoth Samsung Electronics added 1.65 percent, and No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix climbed 1.44 percent.
Internet portal giant Naver jumped 2.52 percent, with its rival Kakao hiking 0.54 percent.
Pharmaceutical giant Samsung Biologics rose 1.27 percent, while Celltrion remained unchanged.
Top automaker Hyundai Motor inched down 0.28 percent, and leading chemical company LG Chem slipped 0.38 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,107.8 won against the U.S. dollar, down 1.3 won from the previous session's close.
yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-01--S. Korea reaffirms efforts to promote democracy after Biden pledges 'democracy summit'

`` We understand that no detailed plans for such a summit have yet been made , '' a ministry official @ @ @ @ @ government has actively been taking part in the international community 's efforts to promote democracy @ @ @ @ @ the matter under this basic position . ''

SEOUL, Dec. 1 (Yonhap) -- South Korea has worked actively with the international community to promote democracy, the foreign ministry said Tuesday, after a news report said U.S. President-elect Joe Biden may host a global democracy summit next year.
Politico reported last week that Biden's envisioned "Summit for Democracy" could take place during his first year in office, in what would be seen as his administration's move to counter China's assertiveness amid their growing rivalry.
"We understand that no detailed plans for such a summit have yet been made," a ministry official said. "As our government has actively been taking part in the international community's efforts to promote democracy, we will deal with the matter under this basic position."
Unveiling the idea for such a summit earlier this year, Biden had described the envisioned gathering as an occasion that "will bring together the world's democracies to strengthen our democratic institutions, honestly confront nations that are backsliding and forge a common agenda," according to Politico.
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-01--(3rd LD) Exports rebound in Nov. on solid chip sales amid virus resurgence

The increase came on the back of the release of new mobile devices , along with stronger demand from laptop @ @ @ @ @ worked from home amid the COVID-19 pandemic .

(ATTN: ADDS details throughout)
By Kang Yoon-seung
SEOUL, Dec. 1 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's exports rebounded by rising 4 percent in November on-year on the back of strong sales of chips, data showed Tuesday, though a resurgence in new virus cases still poses risks of delaying a full-fledged recovery.
Outbound shipments came to US$45.8 billion last month, compared with $44 billion a year earlier, according to the data compiled by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
Imports fell 2.1 percent to $39.8 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $5.93 billion.
It marked the seventh consecutive month for Asia's No. 4 economy to post a trade surplus.
The latest figure slightly falls short of market expectations. According to a poll by Yonhap Infomax, the financial arm of Yonhap News Agency, the country's November exports were expected to have risen 6.6 percent on-year.
South Korea attributed the rebound in outbound shipments to robust overseas sales of chips and other information and technology products.
"Amid strong performance of mainstay products such as chips and automobiles, it is significant that exports of IT-related products also gathered ground amid the boom of the contact-free economy," Industry Minister Sung Yun-mo said in a statement.
By segment, outbound shipments of chips rose 16.4 percent on-year in November to reach $8.5 billion, gaining for a fifth consecutive month. Chips accounted for around 19 percent of total monthly exports.
The increase came on the back of the release of new mobile devices, along with stronger demand from laptop producers, as more people worked from home amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Overseas sales of other IT products gathered ground, with those of displays jumping 21.4 percent to reach $1.9 billion. Those of mobile devices climbed 20.2 percent.
Exports of automobiles advanced 2.1 percent to reach $3.9 billion due to the strong demand for sport utility vehicles and eco-friendly models.
Outbound shipments of ships jumped 32.6 percent over the period on the improved demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessels.
Those of petroleum goods, however, halved on-year in November due to the falling price of crude. Exports of petrochemical products slipped 8.3 percent.
Exports of biohealth products spiked 78.5 percent on-year to $1.4 billion due to robust sales of COVID-19 test kits.
With more people eating at home, exports of agricultural goods also advanced 10.5 percent over the period.
By destinations, outbound shipments to China edged up 1 percent as the world's No. 2 economy continued to recover from the pandemic.
Exports to the United States rose 6.8 percent as businesses became more confident over Washington's efforts to revitalize its virus-hit economy.
The two countries accounted for around 40 percent of South Korea's total exports.
Those to the European Union increased 24.6 percent on robust demand for machines, auto parts and mobile devices, the data showed.
Exports to Japan, however, fell 12 percent due to the weaker facility investment by Japanese firms.
South Korean exports posted their first on-year rebound in 14 months in February, but the recovery was short-lived as the COVID-19 pandemic has dealt a harsh blow to key export products.
Asia's fourth-largest economy extended its slump in exports to a sixth month in August, before rebounding 7.3 percent in September on increased shipments of chips and automobiles. In October, exports moved down 3.8 percent due to fewer working days and a resurgence in the virus.
The country's central bank, meanwhile, revised up this year's economic outlook last week on signs of a modest recovery in exports.
The bank expected the economy to shrink 1.1 percent this year, compared with the previous forecast of a 1.3 percent retreat.
"Currently, South Korea's exports are on the path of recovery, and the trend is anticipated to continue down the road," Na Seung-sik, deputy minister for trade and investment, said during a press briefing.
"However, the resurgence of virus cases and the trade dispute between Washington and Beijing still pose risks," he added.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-01--(LEAD) LG Energy Solution sets sail to target growing EV market, but challenges lie ahead

`` The EV market is rapidly growing in China and Europe but has remained sluggish in the United States this @ @ @ @ @ Dong-jin , an analyst at Hyundai Motor Securities .
`` The U.S. EV market is @ @ @ @ @ Biden administration rolls out green policies , which could further boost the battery market .
@

(ATTN: UPDATES with remark in 4th para; ADDS photo)
By Kim Eun-jung
SEOUL, Dec. 1 (Yonhap) -- LG Chem Ltd.'s battery business officially launched its standalone company Tuesday to take a bigger chunk of the growing battery market, but a bumpy road lies ahead to stay on top of the highly competitive industry.
Kim Jong-hyun, who served as president of LG Chem's battery unit, takes the helm of LG Energy Solution Ltd., setting a goal of raising over 30 trillion won (US$27 billion) of annual revenue by 2024 from an estimated 13 trillion won this year.
The spinoff came as LG Chem is seeking to bolster the competitiveness of its lucrative battery business in line with strong demand for electric vehicles (EVs) around the world.
LG Energy Solution said it will expand investment to develop next-generation battery technology and provide comprehensive services throughout the battery life cycle to boost the EV market.
The logo of LG Energy Solution Ltd. is shown in this photo provided by the company on Dec. 1, 2020. (Yonhap)
Market watchers raised hopes for the new battery entity's growth as major economies are accelerating their push in the EV industry, which is a boon for rechargeable batteries.
"The EV market is rapidly growing in China and Europe but has remained sluggish in the United States this year," said Kang Dong-jin, an analyst at Hyundai Motor Securities. "The U.S. EV market is expected to expand once the Biden administration rolls out green policies, which could further boost the battery market."
Although South Korea's top battery maker is well positioned in the EV market due to its big clients, including leading EV maker Tesla and General Motors, Kim has a lot on his plate amid drawn-out battery patent lawsuits and safety issues involving its batteries.
LG Energy Solution will be in charge of legal battles with its smaller rival SK Innovation Co., which has been at loggerheads over EV battery-related trade secrets since last year. Multiple lawsuits are pending in the United States and South Korea.
In February, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) made a preliminary ruling in favor of LG Chem's argument in the trade secret litigation, but it has delayed final decisions twice. A final ruling on the case is slated for Dec. 10.
LG Energy Solution also has the challenge of ensuring the safety of its lithium-ion batteries, following a series of fires involving EVs equipped with its products.
Hyundai Motor Co. has been recalling about 77,000 Kona all-electric models equipped with LG Chem's batteries at home and abroad after 13 cases of fires in the model have been reported since 2019.
Adding to the woes, GM also decided to recall its 69,000 Bolt EV installed with LG Chem's batteries made in a Korean factory, amid concerns that the batteries could cause fires when fully charged.
Although investigations are under way in South Korea and the U.S. to figure out the cause of the recent fires, improving safety of rechargeable batteries will be a top priority for the company to better compete with fast-rising Chinese rivals.
In the file photo taken Oct. 21, 2020, a visitor attends a battery industry fair at COEX in southern Seoul. (Yonhap)
LG Chem became the world's largest EV supplier in the March to August period, but it lost its crown to China's CATL in terms of accumulative usage in the first nine months of the year.
LG Chem's market share was 22.9 percent with 83 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of usage in EVs in the January-September period, slightly behind CATL's 23.1 percent, according to SNE Research.
As a stand-alone subsidiary, LG Energy Solution is expected to expand its partnership with major EV makers and start the process of an initial public offering to draw investment needed to more than double its current capacity to 260 GWh in 2023, analysts said.
"LG Energy Solution is expected to draw strategic investments from major original equipment manufacturers and attract additional funds from the initial public offering to expand its battery production capacity," said No Wu-ho, an analyst from Meritz Securities.
ejkim@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-01--4 more military members test positive for new coronavirus

An Army officer stationed in the city of Chuncheon , northeast of Seoul , tested positive for COVID-19 after coming @ @ @ @ @ patient , prompting the authorities to carry out tests for around 180 members of his @ @ @ @ @ ministry .

SEOUL, Dec. 1 (Yonhap) -- The military reported four new cases of the coronavirus on Tuesday, the latest in a series of infections at barracks across the country.
An Army officer stationed in the city of Chuncheon, northeast of Seoul, tested positive for COVID-19 after coming into contact with a civilian patient, prompting the authorities to carry out tests for around 180 members of his unit, according to the ministry.
A civilian worker for the Navy in the southern city of Jinhae was confirmed to have been infected upon returning from a recent business trip to Colombia, the ministry said.
One soldier in the border county of Cheorwon and another enlistee in Inje tested positive while quarantining at their bases after coming into contact with colleagues who earlier were confirmed to have been infected, the ministry added.
Up until Tuesday morning, the military has reported a total of 375 coronavirus cases since the pandemic broke out in the country early this year, with the figure growing faster since mid-November.
Currently, 2,081 service members are in isolation in accordance with the health authorities' guidelines, and the military has quarantined an additional 4,018 people under stricter antivirus schemes of its own as a preventive step, according to the ministry.
Nationwide, the country added 451 more COVID-19 cases, including 420 local infections, raising the total caseload to 34,652, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
Students and teachers at a high school in Sejong, central South Korea, undergo COVID-19 tests on Nov. 27, 2020, after one of the students was confirmed to have been infected with the coronavirus. (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-01--The Korea Interbank Offered Rates (KORIBOR)

SEOUL , Dec. 1 ( Yonhap ) -- The Korea Interbank Offered Rates ( KORIBOR ) as posted by Yonhap @ @ @ @ @ and information arm of Yonhap News Agency , at 11:00 a.m .


yna--2020-12-01--'MIC Drop' becomes 4th BTS music video to hit 800 mln views

BTS now has four music videos with more than 800 million views .
Its most watched music video is `` @ @ @ @ @ views .
Its music videos `` Boy with Luv '' featuring Halsey and `` Fake @ @ @ @ @ up 1 billion and 821 million views on YouTube , respectively , as of Tuesday @

SEOUL, Dec. 1 (Yonhap) -- K-pop megastar BTS set another record on YouTube, with its music video for the song "MIC Drop (Steve Aoki Remix)" racking up 800 million views on YouTube, its agency said.
YouTube views for the music video, released in November 2017, reached the milestone at around 6:56 a.m. Tuesday, according to Big Hit Entertainment.
"MIC Drop" is a track that was originally included in the BTS album "LOVE YOURSELF: Her" that dropped in September 2017. It was later remixed by American DJ and producer Steve Aoki.
The remix version debuted at No. 28 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed on the main singles chart for 10 consecutive weeks.
BTS now has four music videos with more than 800 million views. Its most watched music video is "DNA" with 1.1 billion views. Its music videos "Boy with Luv" featuring Halsey and "Fake Love" have also racked up 1 billion and 821 million views on YouTube, respectively, as of Tuesday.
This image, provided by Big Hit Entertainment on Dec. 1, 2020, celebrates the 800 million-view milestone on YouTube for the BTS music video "MIC Drop (Steve Aoki Remix)." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-01--S. Korea, U.S. are not just allies but family: Ambassador Harris

`` The strength of our alliance is the strongest ever , and we continue to support and assist each other @ @ @ @ @ types , especially in the face of new threats that recognize no national borders , @ @ @ @ @

By Oh Seok-min
SEOUL, Dec. 1 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and the United States are not just mere friends or allies but "family," and their alliance will remain ironclad based on their deeply shared values, U.S. Ambassador Harry Harris said Tuesday.
Harris made the remarks during a peace conference held in Seoul and via video link to mark the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the 1950-53 Korean War, saying the alliance between the two countries has only grown stronger since the war.
"The U.S. and other sending states came to the aid of South Korea, helping to defend it from an invasion from the North, and helping South Korea forge its own path to become an exemplary democracy and economic powerhouse," Harris said in his video message.
"The United States and the Republic of Korea are far more than mere friends, or even allies. We are family," the envoy said. "Our alliance is ironclad and always will be."
The alliance has been under a fresh spotlight as U.S. President-elect Joe Biden has pledged to safeguard the value. Seoul and Washington are facing tricky issues, such as negotiations for a defense cost-sharing deal, which has been deadlocked amid the U.S.' demand for a hefty increase in Seoul's payment.
A conference on the Korean War and peace, hosted by the Korea-US Alliance Foundation and the Korea Defense Veterans Association, takes place in Seoul on Dec. 1, 2020, in this photo provided by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
U.S. Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie also used his speech as a chance to highlight the sacrifice of service members during the war and the strong bilateral relationship.
"The strength of our alliance is the strongest ever, and we continue to support and assist each other through the hardships of all types, especially in the face of new threats that recognize no national borders," the secretary said.
He then expressed gratitude for South Korea's donation of 500,000 face masks in May for U.S. veterans to help them fight the new coronavirus.
The two-day forum that began Tuesday is hosted by the Korea-US Alliance Foundation and the Korea Defense Veterans Association, and will bring together former senior government and military officials from the two nations as well as renowned experts.
The Korean War broke out on June 25, 1950, after North Korean troops invaded the South, with backing from China and the then Soviet Union. It ended in a truce rather than a peace treaty, leaving the two Koreas technically at war.
This image, provided by the veterans affairs ministry, shows part of a thank-you video the ministry launched at Times Square in New York on Nov. 9, 2020, for foreign veterans who fought during the 1950-53 Korean War. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-01--LG Energy Solution sets sail to target growing EV market, but challenges lie ahead

By Kim Eun-jung
SEOUL, Dec. 1 (Yonhap) -- LG Chem Ltd.'s battery business officially launched its standalone company Tuesday to take a bigger chunk of the growing battery market, but a bumpy road lies ahead to stay on top of the highly competitive industry.
Kim Jong-hyun, who served as president of LG Chem's battery unit, takes the helm of LG Energy Solution Ltd., setting a goal of raising over 30 trillion won (US$27 billion) of annual revenue by 2024 from an estimated 13 trillion won this year.
The spinoff came as LG Chem is seeking to bolster the competitiveness of its lucrative battery business in line with strong demand for electric vehicles (EV) around the world.
In the file photo taken Oct. 21, 2020, a visitor attends a battery industry fair at COEX in southern Seoul. (Yonhap)
Market watchers raised hopes for the new battery entity's growth as major economies are accelerating their push in the EV industry, which is a boon for rechargeable batteries.
"The EV market is rapidly growing in China and Europe but has remained sluggish in the United States this year," said Kang Dong-jin, an analyst at Hyundai Motor Securities. "The U.S. EV market is expected to expand once the Biden administration rolls out green policies, which could further boost the battery market."
Although South Korea's top battery maker is well positioned in the EV market due to its big clients, including leading EV maker Tesla and General Motors, Kim has a lot on his plate amid drawn-out battery patent lawsuits and safety issues involving its batteries.
LG Energy Solution will be in charge of legal battles with its smaller rival SK Innovation Co., which has been at loggerheads over EV battery-related trade secrets since last year. Multiple lawsuits are pending in the United States and South Korea.
In February, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) made a preliminary ruling in favor of LG Chem's argument in the trade secret litigation, but it has delayed final decisions twice. A final ruling on the case is slated for Dec. 10.
LG Energy Solution also has the challenge of ensuring the safety of its lithium-ion batteries, following a series of fires involving EVs equipped with its products.
Hyundai Motor Co. has been recalling about 77,000 Kona all-electric models equipped with LG Chem's batteries at home and abroad after 13 cases of fires in the model have been reported since 2019.
Adding to the woes, GM also decided to recall its 69,000 Bolt EV installed with LG Chem's batteries made in a Korean factory, amid concerns that the batteries could cause fires when fully charged.
Although investigations are under way in South Korea and the U.S. to figure out the cause of the recent fires, improving safety of rechargeable batteries will be a top priority for the company to better compete with fast-rising Chinese rivals.
LG Chem became the world's largest EV supplier in the March to August period, but it lost its crown to China's CATL in terms of accumulative usage in the first nine months of the year.
LG Chem's market share was 22.9 percent with 83 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of usage in EVs in the January-September period, slightly behind CATL's 23.1 percent, according to SNE Research.
As a stand-alone subsidiary, LG Energy Solution is expected to expand its partnership with major EV makers and start the process of an initial public offering to draw investment needed to more than double its current capacity to 260 GWh in 2023, analysts said.
"LG Energy Solution is expected to draw strategic investments from major original equipment manufacturers and attract additional funds from the initial public offering to expand its battery production capacity," said No Wu-ho, an analyst from Meritz Securities.
ejkim@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-01--(2nd LD) S. Korea's economy grows faster than estimated at 2.1 pct in Q3: BOK

Weaker consumer spending , which stayed flat in the third quarter , was the biggest drag on the momentum of @ @ @ @ @ to the data .

(ATTN: ADDS BOK official's remarks in last 3 paras)
SEOUL, Dec. 1 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's economy expanded at a faster-than-estimated pace in the third quarter on the back of a modest recovery in exports amid the coronavirus pandemic, central bank data showed Tuesday.
The country's real gross domestic product (GDP) grew 2.1 percent in the July-September period from the previous quarter, according to the data from the Bank of Korea (BOK).
The reading marks a slight increase from an earlier estimate of a 1.9 percent on-quarter expansion estimated in October and compares with a 3.2 percent contraction in the second quarter, the data showed.
It also marks the fastest expansion in 11 years and the first positive growth in three quarters.
Exports jumped 16 percent on-quarter in the third quarter, helped by rising global demand for semiconductors and automobiles, the BOK said.
Facility investment rose 8.1 percent on-quarter in the third quarter, led by the growth of investment in transportation equipment and machinery.
Government consumption edged up 0.2 percent, while construction investment fell 7.3 percent, the BOK said.
Weaker consumer spending, which stayed flat in the third quarter, was the biggest drag on the momentum of an economic recovery, according to the data.
From a year earlier, the nation's economy shrank 1.1 percent in the third quarter, compared with a 2.7 percent on-year contraction in the previous quarter.
Last week, the BOK held its policy rate unchanged at a record low of 0.5 percent, while slightly revising up this year's economic outlook.
Driven by signs of a gradual recovery in exports, the BOK revised up this year's economic growth outlook to a 1.1 percent contraction, compared with a previous forecast of a 1.3 percent retreat.
Park Sung-bin, a BOK official, told reporters that the central bank raised the third-quarter growth rate because industrial output in September was better than expected.
South Korea could meet this year's growth target if the economy expands at a pace of 0.4 percent to 0.8 percent in the fourth quarter, Park said.
However, a recent wave of coronavirus infections is expected to have a negative impact on private consumption, Park said.
This file photo, taken June 4, 2020, shows stacks of import-export cargo containers at South Korea's largest seaport in Busan, 450 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-01--(2nd LD) Exports rebound in Nov. on solid chip sales amid virus resurgence

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead; ADDS details throughout)
By Kang Yoon-seung
SEOUL, Dec. 1 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's exports rebounded by rising 4 percent in November on-year on the back of strong sales of chips, data showed Tuesday, though a resurgence in new virus cases still poses risks of delaying a full-fledged recovery.
Outbound shipments came to US$45.8 billion last month, compared with $44 billion a year earlier, according to the data compiled by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
Imports fell 2.1 percent to $39.8 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $5.93 billion.
It marked the seventh consecutive month for Asia's No. 4 economy to post a trade surplus.
The latest figure slightly falls short of market expectations. According to a poll by Yonhap Infomax, the financial arm of Yonhap News Agency, the country's November exports were expected to have risen 6.6 percent on-year.
South Korea attributed the rebound in outbound shipments to robust overseas sales of chips and other information and technology products.
"Amid strong performance of mainstay products such as chips and automobiles, it is significant that exports of IT-related products also gathered ground amid the boom of the contact-free economy," Industry Minister Sung Yun-mo said in a statement.
By segment, outbound shipments of chips rose 16.4 percent on-year in November to reach $8.5 billion, gaining for a fifth consecutive month. Chips accounted for around 19 percent of total monthly exports.
The increase came on the back of the release of new mobile devices, along with stronger demand from laptop producers, as more people worked from home amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Overseas sales of other IT products gathered ground, with those of displays jumping 21.4 percent to reach $1.9 billion. Those of mobile devices climbed 20.2 percent.
Exports of automobiles advanced 2.1 percent to reach $3.9 billion due to the strong demand for sport utility vehicles and eco-friendly models.
Outbound shipments of ships jumped 32.6 percent over the period on the improved demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessels.
Those of petroleum goods, however, halved on-year in November due to the falling price of crude. Exports of petrochemical products slipped 8.3 percent.
Exports of biohealth products spiked 78.5 percent on-year to $1.4 billion due to robust sales of COVID-19 test kits.
With more people eating at home, exports of agricultural goods also advanced 10.5 percent over the period.
By destinations, outbound shipments to China edged up 1 percent as the world's No. 2 economy continued to recover from the pandemic.
Exports to the United States rose 6.8 percent as businesses became more confident over Washington's efforts to revitalize its virus-hit economy.
Those to the European Union increased 24.6 percent on robust demand for machines, auto parts and mobile devices, the data showed.
Exports to Japan, however, fell 12 percent due to the weaker facility investment by Japanese firms.
South Korean exports posted their first on-year rebound in 14 months in February, but the recovery was short-lived as the COVID-19 pandemic has dealt a harsh blow to key export products.
Asia's fourth-largest economy extended its slump in exports to a sixth month in August, before rebounding 7.3 percent in September on increased shipments of chips and automobiles. In October, exports moved down 3.8 percent due to fewer working days and a resurgence in the virus.
The country's central bank, meanwhile, revised up this year's economic outlook last week on signs of a modest recovery in exports.
The bank expected the economy to shrink 1.1 percent this year, compared with the previous forecast of a 1.3 percent retreat.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-01--IHO finalizes agreement on marking global sea areas in numbers amid East Sea naming row

IHO member states had reached a consensus during last month 's General Assembly on the proposal to adopt a new @ @ @ @ @ S-130 , as a standard for a world map of oceans .
Under the proposal @ @ @ @ @ named S-23 , will be outmoded and kept available only as an IHO publication .

SEOUL, Dec. 1 (Yonhap) -- The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) has officially adopted new guidelines to identify seas by numbers instead of names, officials said Tuesday, a decision expected to help ease a long-running row over what to call the body of water between South Korea and Japan.
IHO member states had reached a consensus during last month's General Assembly on the proposal to adopt a new digital dataset, known as S-130, as a standard for a world map of oceans. Under the proposal, the current standard, named S-23, will be outmoded and kept available only as an IHO publication.
Sea naming has been a source of diplomatic friction between Seoul and Tokyo, as the existing standard identifies the East Sea between them as the Sea of Japan, as registered by Japan in the early 1920s, when Korea was a Japanese colony.
Seoul has long campaigned for its own name, the East Sea, or using both names at the same time, arguing that the Sea of Japan is a legacy of Tokyo's imperialistic past.
The IHO officially finalized the agreement on the new guidelines early Tuesday (Seoul time), the foreign ministry said in a release, vowing to continue efforts to campaign for the naming of the East Sea.
The government, through close cooperation with the private sector, will actively participate in the formulation process for S-130 and bolster diplomacy to facilitate the new standard's wide use globally, the ministry added.
IHO Secretary General Mathias Jonas came up with the proposal late last year after informal consultations with the two Koreas, Japan and other concerned countries.
This file photo taken Nov. 17, 2020, shows documents and other materials showing the body of water between South Korea and Japan dually named the East Sea and the Sea of Japan, provided by the Voluntary Agency Network of Korea (VANK), a Seoul-based group that promotes South Korean history and culture. (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-01--(LEAD) Infection tally in 400s for 3rd day, virus-prone facilities under further curbs

(ATTN: ADDS more info throughout, photo)
SEOUL, Dec. 1 (Yonhap) -- The daily number of new coronavirus cases in South Korea stayed in the 400 range for the third day in a row Tuesday, despite tightened antivirus curbs, such as shutdowns of virus-prone facilities, being in place in the greater Seoul area amid the deepening worries over the third infection wave.
The country added 451 more COVID-19 cases, including 420 local infections, raising the total caseload to 34,652, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). It reported no additional coronavirus fatalities, bringing the total to 526.
An official puts up a notice banning the use of sauna facilities at a public bath in Incheon, west of Seoul, on Nov. 30, 2020, as the central government toughened social distancing rules until Dec. 7 amid the resurgence of the coronavirus. (Yonhap)
The daily virus tally is on a slowing path after peaking at an eight-month high of 581 last Thursday. An average of 480 daily new cases were reported over the past week.
However, authorities have repeatedly warned of a possible surge in the upcoming winter season, urging people to follow elevated antivirus measures adopted earlier in the day.
The greater Seoul area that includes Seoul, the surrounding Gyeonggi Province and the western port city of Incheon is under Level 2 social distancing measures in its five-tier system, but even tighter restrictions are applied to virus-prone facilities.
All other areas are at Level 1.5 distancing measures, up one notch, for two weeks.
Under the tougher distancing measures, saunas and steam rooms in bathhouses are not allowed for one week in the greater Seoul area. Nine kinds of indoor exercises practiced in groups, including Zumba dancing, aerobics and kickboxing, are also banned
Hotels, party rooms and other guesthouses that host year-end or New Year's parties that are known be prone to virus transmission are also banned.
A sauna in central Seoul is empty on Nov. 30, 2020, as health authorities imposed stricter antivirus measures for one week in the greater Seoul area. (Yonhap)
By region, 153 new virus cases were reported in Seoul, 86 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital and 16 cases in Incheon, west of Seoul, accounting for more than 60 percent of the daily new locally transmitted cases. The greater Seoul area is home to around half of the nation's 51.6 million population.
Other municipalities reported new infections, with the southern port city of Busan and North Chungcheong Province each adding 31 new cases.
The number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients came to 97 as of midnight, sharply up from 72 a day earlier.
The country added 31 imported cases coming mainly from the United States and Asian countries, excluding China, the KDCA said.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 27,885, up 260 from the previous day.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-01--Ulsan become 1st K League club to seal knockout berth at AFC Champions League

`` It was a welcoming sight , '' coach Kim said of two players ' return .
`` It was @ @ @ @ @ the team that these guys wanted to help .
We do n't know how far @ @ @ @ @ tournament , but we 'll try to keep this going . ''

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Dec. 1 (Yonhap) -- Ulsan Hyundai FC are apparently tired of losing.
Ulsan are the first of four South Korean clubs to clinch a knockout spot at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League, following their 2-1 victory over FC Tokyo in the Group F showdown at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, on Monday night. It was Ulsan's fourth consecutive victory at Asia's top club competition.
Ulsan improved to 13 points on four wins and a draw, with one match remaining. They're six points clear of FC Tokyo, who also have one match left. This means Ulsan will finish atop Group F regardless of how they fare against Shanghai Shenhua in their final group match Thursday.
In this EPA photo, Yoon Bitgaram of Ulsan Hyundai FC (2nd from R) is mobbed by teammates Bjorn Johnsen (L) and Kim Tae-hwan after scoring a goal against FC Tokyo during their Group F match at the Asian Football Confederation Champions League at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, on Nov. 30, 2020. (Yonhap)
The AFC Champions League kicked off in February but came to an abrupt stop in early March due to the coronavirus outbreak across the continent. The competition for clubs in the East Zone -- South Korea, China, Japan, Australia and Thailand -- resumed in mid-November in a bubble set up by Qatar.
Ulsan, chasing their first major trophy of the year, have won all four matches since the resumption and outscored opponents 9-3.
Midfielder Yoon Bitgaram has four of those nine goals. He enjoyed his second two-goal performance in Doha on Monday against FC Tokyo, scoring in the 44th and then 85th minutes after the Japanese side scored just one minute into the match.
Ulsan finished runners-up in both the K League 1 and the Korean FA Cup. Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors grabbed both titles, but while Ulsan are humming along in Qatar, Jeonbuk are in danger of missing out on the knockout stage at the AFC Champions League.
Ulsan coach Kim Do-hoon said after Monday's victory that his players never panicked after giving up the early goal because they were thoroughly prepared.
In this EPA photo, Kim In-sung of Ulsan Hyundai FC (R) tries to run past Hirotaka Mita of FC Tokyo during their Group F match at the Asian Football Confederation Champions League at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, on Nov. 30, 2020. (Yonhap)
"Our players are trying their best to stay sharp even in challenging circumstances," Kim said, according to a transcript of the press conference provided by the K League. "The level of their concentration on each match has been extremely high. I think we've developed a winning mentality, and we must try to maintain it."
Ulsan also received much-needed reinforcements on Monday. Midfielder Won Du-jae and defender Kim Tae-hwan returned to action after completing their quarantine on the heels of their recent international duty. They played for the national team in Austria, where seven of their teammates tested positive for COVID-19. Won and Kim, who didn't test positive and got their clearance after serving quarantine, came on as second-half substitutes in Monday's match.
One other national team member from Ulsan, defender Jung Seung-hyun, is also back in Qatar but wasn't in the lineup Monday.
In this EPA photo, Lee Chung-yong of Ulsan Hyundai FC (R) tries to fend off Shuto Abe of FC Tokyo during their Group F match at the Asian Football Confederation Champions League at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, on Nov. 30, 2020. (Yonhap)
"It was a welcoming sight," coach Kim said of two players' return. "It was clear to the rest of the team that these guys wanted to help. We don't know how far we'll go in the tournament, but we'll try to keep this going."
Yoon, the in-form goal scorer, said he has heeded Kim's advice to keep shooting and ask questions later.
"I am trying to stay aggressive whenever I get opportunities," Yoon said. "I think we're all trying to have fun on the pitch and it's led to some positive synergy."
Also on Monday, FC Seoul lost to Beijing Guoan 3-1 at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha. It was Seoul's second straight loss in Group E, but they stayed in second place with six points from two wins and three losses. Beijing have locked down the top spot with 15 points on five consecutive wins.
FC Seoul will close out the group stage Thursday against Melbourne Victory.
Jeonbuk and Suwon Samsung Bluewings, the other two K League clubs, will resume their group action Tuesday evening.
In this AFP photo, Ko Kwang-min of FC Seoul (L) and Chi Zhongguo of Beijing Guoan chase the ball during their Group E match at the Asian Football Confederation Champions League at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha on Nov. 30, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-01--Infection tally in 400s for 3rd day, virus-prone facilities under further curbs

SEOUL, Dec. 1 (Yonhap) -- The daily number of new coronavirus cases in South Korea stayed in the 400 range for the third day in a row Tuesday, despite tightened antivirus curbs, such as shutdowns of virus-prone facilities, being in place in the greater Seoul area amid the deepening worries over the third infection wave.
The country added 451 more COVID-19 cases, including 420 local infections, raising the total caseload to 34,652, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). It reported no additional coronavirus fatalities, bringing the total to 526.
An official puts up a notice banning the use of sauna facilities at a public bath in Incheon, west of Seoul, on Nov. 30, 2020, as the central government toughened social distancing rules until Dec. 7 amid the resurgence of the coronavirus. (Yonhap)
The daily virus tally is on a slowing path after peaking at an eight-month high of 581 last Thursday. An average of 480 daily new cases were reported over the past week.
However, authorities have repeatedly warned of a possible surge in the upcoming winter season, urging people to follow elevated antivirus measures adopted earlier in the day.
The greater Seoul area that includes Seoul, the surrounding Gyeonggi Province and the western port city of Incheon is under Level 2 social distancing measures in its five-tier system, but even tighter restrictions are applied to virus-prone facilities.
All other areas are at Level 1.5 distancing measures, up one notch, for two weeks.
Under the tougher distancing measures, saunas and steam rooms in bathhouses are not allowed for one week in the greater Seoul area. Nine kinds of indoor exercises practiced in groups, including Zumba dancing, aerobics and kickboxing, are also banned
Hotels, party rooms and other guesthouses that host year-end or New Year's parties that are known be prone to virus transmission are also banned.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-01--(URGENT) 260 more patients released from coronavirus treatment, total at 27,885: KDCA

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


yna--2020-12-01--(2nd LD) Four killed, seven injured in apartment building fire in Gunpo

Among the victims , two fell to their deaths , while two were found dead in the stairwell leading to @ @ @ @ @ , adding one of them is in a critical condition .

(ATTN: ADDS more info in paras 7-9)
SEOUL, Dec. 1 (Yonhap) -- Four people were killed and seven others injured in a fire at a 25-story apartment building in Gunpo, Gyeonggi Province, on Tuesday, fire authorities said.
Among the victims, two fell to their deaths, while two were found dead in the stairwell leading to the rooftop, authorities said, adding one of them is in a critical condition.
The blaze started on the 12th floor of the building located in the city about 32 kilometers south of Seoul, at around 4:37 p.m.
Firefighters brought the blaze under control at 5:11 p.m. by mobilizing choppers, pumpers and other equipment and put out the fire at 5:40 p.m.
Interior Minister Chin Young instructed relevant authorities to do their best in response to the disaster, including search and rescue work and efforts to determine the exact cause of the blaze.
Police are looking into what led to the fire, having secured a testimony that remodeling work was under way.
"Workers seem to have worked with an electric heater turned on due to cold weather," a fire official said, adding that combustible materials, like polyurethane and thinner, were found around the heater.
Some witnesses also said the fire started with a pop.
But police said it is too early to conclude the cause of the fire before inspecting the site.
This photo, provided by a citizen, shows a fire at an apartment building located in Gunpo, 32 kilometers south of Seoul, on Dec. 1, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-12-01--Moon says S. Korea to work with int'l community in anti-corruption campaign

`` Even in the face of the coronavirus , we have not ceased our journey toward a society of integrity @ @ @ @ @ `` It is now Korea 's goal to join the top 20 in CPI ranking @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Dec. 1 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in reaffirmed South Korea's commitment Tuesday to cooperating with the international community in the fight against corruption, speaking during a virtual session of a major global conference on the issue.
"South Korea supports all the global cooperation to combat corruption, including the work of the Transparency International, and will work with the rest of the world towards sustainable development of humanity," he said.
The president was delivering an address at the opening ceremony of the 19th International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC) hosted online by South Korea. It is to last through Saturday.
He said the COVID-19 crisis has demonstrated the significance of truth and trust in a society, as shown in South Korea's response.
"With Korea's response having successfully flattened the curve, based on three principles of transparency, openness and democracy, we are once again reminded that truth and trust are indeed what is generating solidarity and cooperation," he added.
President Moon Jae-in in a file photo (Yonhap)
The Moon administration has campaigned for anti-corruption reform in a bid to build a fairer society under the "Five-Year Comprehensive Anti-Corruption Plan."
As a result, Moon said, the nation's Corruption Perception Index (CPI), issued by Transparency International, has continued to improve over the past few years. It ranked 39th in the latest survey.
"Even in the face of the coronavirus, we have not ceased our journey toward a society of integrity," he said. "It is now Korea's goal to join the top 20 in CPI ranking by 2022."
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-01--(LEAD) Four killed, seven injured in apartment building fire in Gunpo

(ATTN: RECASTS headline; UPDATES number of deaths and other details)
SEOUL, Dec. 1 (Yonhap) -- Four people were killed and seven others injured in a fire at a 25-story apartment building in Gunpo, Gyeonggi Province, on Tuesday afternoon, fire authorities said.
Among the victims, two fell to their deaths, while two were found dead in the stairwell leading to the rooftop, authorities said, adding one of them is in a critical condition.
The blaze started on the 12th floor of the building located in the city about 32 kilometers south of Seoul, at around 4:37 p.m.
Firefighters brought the blaze under control at 5:11 p.m. by mobilizing choppers, pumpers and other equipment and put out the fire at 5:40 p.m.
Interior Minister Chin Young instructed relevant authorities to do their best in response to the disaster, including search and rescue work and efforts to determine the exact cause of the blaze.
Police are looking into what led to the fire, having secured a testimony that remodeling work was under way.
This photo, provided by a citizen, shows a fire at an apartment building located in Gunpo, 32 kilometers south of Seoul, on Dec. 1, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-12-01--(LEAD) OECD sees sharper-than-expected retreat for S. Korean economy this year

But it also added the recovery of the Korean economy remains `` vulnerable '' to further spread of the virus @ @ @ @ @ an effective vaccine is developed in the second half of next year .

(ATTN: ADDS more details in paras 5, 9-12)
SEOUL, Dec. 1 (Yonhap) -- The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) on Tuesday forecast a sharper-than-expected contraction for the South Korean economy this year, citing the fallout of the new coronavirus outbreak.
The OECD expected Asia's fourth-largest economy to retreat 1.1 percent this year, steeper than its September forecast of a 1 percent contraction. The Paris-based club of major economies predicted the Korean economy to grow 2.8 percent next year and 3.4 percent in 2022.
Despite the downward revision, the OECD said the South Korean economy is expected to contract by the smallest margin this year among its 37 member countries, citing the country's efforts to curb the spread of the new coronavirus.
"(South Korea's) effective measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 have limited the estimated fall in gross domestic product to just over 1 percent in 2020, the smallest decline in the OECD," the organization said.
The OECD said "activity is picking up on the back of a rebound in consumption, bolstered by large government transfers to households, and a recovery in exports, led by semiconductors."
The OECD's growth forecast is on a par with the Bank of Korea (BOK)'s projection.
Last week, the BOK, South Korea's central bank, revised up its 2020 growth look for the Korean economy to a 1.1 percent contraction from its earlier estimate of a 1.3 percent retreat.
The South Korean economy grew at a faster-than-expected pace of 2.1 percent in the July-September period from three months earlier on improving exports. Asia's fourth-largest economy contracted for the second straight quarter in the second quarter amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The OECD said South Korea is one of five OECD countries that will likely see their economic growth to return to the pre-pandemic level next year.
But it also added the recovery of the Korean economy remains "vulnerable" to further spread of the virus at home and abroad until an effective vaccine is developed in the second half of next year.
"Policies need to continue supporting households and businesses until the economy is on a firmer recovery path," the organization noted.
The OECD revised up its 2020 outlook for the global economy to a 4.2 percent contraction from its September estimate of a 4.5 percent retreat. Next year, the global economy is forecast to grow 4.2 percent.
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-01--(4th LD) New coronavirus cases expected to exceed 500 on Wednesday

By region , 153 new virus cases were reported in Seoul , 86 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the @ @ @ @ @ Incheon , west of Seoul , accounting for more than 60 percent of the daily @ @ @ @ @ The greater Seoul area is home to around half of the nation 's 51.6 million @ @

(ATTN: CHANGES headline; UPDATES lead paras with new tally)
SEOUL, Dec. 1 (Yonhap) -- A total of 416 additional COVID-19 infections were confirmed across South Korea as of 6 p.m. Tuesday, according to health authorities and local governments.
The figure raises the possibility that the daily number of new cases will exceed 500 in an updated tally to be announced the following day.
Of the infections, 287 were reported in the greater Seoul area, with 129 in other areas.
The country last reported more than 500 new virus cases on Nov. 28.
Earlier in the day, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced the confirmation of 451 new coronavirus cases throughout Monday, including 420 local infections. It marked the third straight day that the figure stayed above 400.
A worker disinfects a makeshift clinic for coronavirus tests at the National Medical Center in Seoul on Dec. 1, 2020. The daily number of new coronavirus cases in South Korea stayed in the 400 range for the third day in a row the same day despite tightened antivirus curbs. (Yonhap)
The daily virus tally is on a slowing path after peaking at an eight-month high of 581 last Thursday. An average of 480 daily new cases was reported over the past week.
The authorities, however, said they have to assess the trend for several more days before judging whether the daily new cases in the 400 range are on a clear downward path.
They have repeatedly warned of a possible surge in the upcoming winter season, urging people to follow elevated antivirus measures.
The greater Seoul area that includes Seoul, the surrounding Gyeonggi Province and the western port city of Incheon is under Level 2 social distancing measures in its five-tier system, but even tighter restrictions are applied to virus-prone facilities.
All other areas are at Level 1.5 distancing measures, up one notch, for two weeks.
Under the tougher distancing measures, saunas and steam rooms in bathhouses are not allowed for one week in the greater Seoul area. Nine kinds of indoor exercises practiced in groups, including Zumba dancing, aerobics and kickboxing, are also banned
Hotels, party rooms and other guesthouses that host year-end or New Year's parties that are known be prone to virus transmission are also banned.
Medical experts, however, urged the health authorities to consider elevating the social distancing system by one notch to Level 3, as toughened measures are more effective than implementing other steps in reining in the current spreading pace.
"The public is very confused as authorities break down the social distancing level, such as 1.5 and 2.5," the Korean Medical Association (KMA) said in a press release. "Social distancing is the most effective way to stop the spread of COVID-19 infections."
A sauna in central Seoul is empty on Nov. 30, 2020, as health authorities imposed stricter antivirus measures for one week in the greater Seoul area. (Yonhap)
By region, 153 new virus cases were reported in Seoul, 86 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital and 16 cases in Incheon, west of Seoul, accounting for more than 60 percent of the daily new locally transmitted cases. The greater Seoul area is home to around half of the nation's 51.6 million population.
Other municipalities reported new infections, with the southern port city of Busan and North Chungcheong Province each adding 31 new cases.
Busan newly reported 46 COVID-19 patients, which were not yet reflected in the KDCA official tally released earlier in the day.
Among virus clusters, a dance academy in western Seoul added 26 more cases, bringing the total to 215, while a sports facility in Seoul's Nowon Ward, reported five additional cases, raising the total to 15.
An additional 12 people tested positive in cases traced to a singing class in Gyeongsan, raising the total to 37, the authorities said. An additional 29 people tested positive in cases traced to a religious facility in Busan, raising the total caseload to 30.
The number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients came to 97 as of midnight, sharply up from 72 a day earlier.
The country added 31 imported cases coming mainly from the United States and Asian countries, excluding China, the KDCA said.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 27,885, up 260 from the previous day.
Medical workers conduct coronavirus tests on students and teachers at a middle school in the southwestern city of Gwangju on Dec. 1, 2020, following the discovery that one of the school's students was infected with COVID-19. (Yonhap)
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-01--OECD sees sharper-than-expected retreat for S. Korean economy this year

Despite the downward revision , the OECD said the South Korean economy is expected to contract by the smallest margin @ @ @ @ @ member countries , citing the country 's efforts to curb the spread of the new @ @

SEOUL, Dec. 1 (Yonhap) -- The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) on Tuesday forecast a sharper-than-expected contraction for the South Korean economy this year, citing the fallout of the new coronavirus outbreak.
The OECD expected Asia's fourth-largest economy to retreat 1.1 percent this year, steeper than its September forecast of a 1 percent contraction. The Paris-based club of major economies predicted the Korean economy to grow 2.8 percent next year and 3.4 percent in 2022.
Despite the downward revision, the OECD said the South Korean economy is expected to contract by the smallest margin this year among its 36 member countries, citing the country's efforts to curb the spread of the new coronavirus.
"(South Korea's) effective measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 have limited the estimated fall in gross domestic product to just over 1 percent in 2020, the smallest decline in the OECD," the organization said.
The OECD's growth forecast is on a par with the Bank of Korea (BOK)'s projection.
Last week, the BOK, South Korea's central bank, revised up its 2020 growth look for the Korean economy to a 1.1 percent contraction from its earlier estimate of a 1.3 percent retreat.
The South Korean economy grew at a faster-than-expected pace of 2.1 percent in the July-September period from three months earlier on improving exports. Asia's fourth-largest economy contracted for the second straight quarter in the second quarter amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-01--(LEAD) Carmakers' Nov. sales dip 5 pct amid pandemic

The five carmakers in South Korea -- Hyundai Motor Co. , Kia Motors Corp. , GM Korea Co. , Renault @ @ @ @ @ Motor Co. -- sold a combined 674,040 vehicles in November , down from 710,466 units @ @ @ @ @ to data from the companies .

(ATTN: ADDS details in 15th para)
By Choi Kyong-ae
SEOUL, Dec. 1 (Yonhap) -- South Korean carmakers' sales fell 5 percent last month from a year earlier as the coronavirus outbreak continued to sap demand around the globe, industry data showed Tuesday.
The five carmakers in South Korea -- Hyundai Motor Co., Kia Motors Corp., GM Korea Co., Renault Samsung Motors Corp. and SsangYong Motor Co. -- sold a combined 674,040 vehicles in November, down from 710,466 units a year ago, according to data from the companies.
Weak overseas demand and a series of strikes weighed on the carmakers' overall sales results.
These photos show logos of the country's five carmakers: (clockwise from top L) Hyundai Motor, Kia Motors, SsangYong Motor, GM Korea and Renault Samsung Motors. (Yonhap)
Their domestic sales rose 5 percent to 143,591 units in November from 136,414 a year ago. But their overseas sales declined 7.6 percent to 530,449 units from 574,052 during the same period.
Hyundai and Kia, which together form the world's fifth-biggest carmaker by sales, reduced production at their overseas plants to manage inventories as the COVID-19 pandemic continued.
A three-day walkout at Kia's domestic plants last month also affected the carmakers' combined sales.
In November, Hyundai's sales fell 4.3 percent to 376,704 autos from 393,694, while Kia's rose 2 percent to 256,019 from 250,952 over the cited period.
Strong demand for Hyundai's Palisade, Tucson and Santa Fe SUVs and Kia's Sportage SUV and the Carnival minivan buoyed the results.
Hyundai and Kia said they will continue to make efforts to minimize the negative impact of the pandemic on vehicle sales in global markets while focusing on boosting sales of SUV models.
GM Korea and Renault Samsung, the South Korean units of General Motors Co. and Renault S.A., reported poor sales results last month due to suspended production at their plants.
GM Korea's sales plunged 46 percent to 21,384 units last month from 39,317 a year ago. Renault Samsung's auto sales plummeted 49 percent to 8,074 from 15,749 during the same period.
GM Korea workers staged several rounds of partial strikes from Oct. 30, demanding an end to a wage freeze and a new vehicle production plan at the plant.
GM Korea may suffer further output losses as its union members on Tuesday voted against a tentative wage deal.
The strikes cost GM Korea about 25,000 vehicles in lost production. The company suffered output losses of 60,000 vehicles in the first half due to impact of the pandemic.
Renault Samsung halted its only plant in Busan for several days last month due to lower demand for its models.
From January to November, the five carmakers sold a total of 6,283,652 units, down 13 percent from 67,232,728 in the same period of last year.
Their domestic sales rose 6.2 percent to 1,483,974 in the first 11 months from 1,388,327 but overseas sales fell 18 percent to 4,809,678 from 5,844,401.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-01--(3rd LD) Top prosecutor returns to work as court grants injunction to halt his suspension

`` Since we are not able to properly prepare ( for the disciplinary meeting ) , we have requested the @ @ @ @ @ later date when the necessary steps are taken , '' he said , pointing out @ @ @ @ @ should be guaranteed .

(ATTN: ADDS postponement of disciplinary panel meeting in last 5 paras )
SEOUL, Dec. 1 (Yonhap) -- A Seoul court on Tuesday granted a preliminary injunction requested by Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl over his suspension, in the first legal decision in a monthslong feud between Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae and the top prosecutor.
The Seoul Administrative Court ruled that suspending Yoon from duty was tantamount to dismissing him, which damaged the prosecution's core principles of neutrality and independence.
The injunction will remain in effect until 30 days after another court decision is made. Yoon has filed a separate lawsuit against his suspension, along with having sought a preliminary injunction.
Soon after the court's decision came out, Yoon arrived for work at the Supreme Prosecutors Office.
"I will do my best to safeguard the spirits of the Constitution and rule of law," he said before heading to his office for the first time in a week.
While he cleared one hurdle, he still faces an uncertain future, as the ministry will convene a seven-member disciplinary meeting Wednesday.
Lee Oak-hyung, the lawyer for the justice minister, told Yonhap News Agency that he could not understand the court's decision.
Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl arrives at the Supreme Prosecutors Office in Seoul on Dec. 1, 2020. (Yonhap)
Earlier in the day, the ministry's inspection committee also took Yoon's side by advising against the suspension during a three-hour meeting, citing "procedural flaws."
The committee unanimously concluded that there were serious flaws in the decision-making process, as Yoon had not been properly informed of allegations against him in advance and had not been given enough time to explain his positions on them.
"Seeking disciplinary measures, suspending him from duty and launching investigations against him were not appropriate," the committee said.
In a short statement, the ministry squarely refuted the committee's findings but said it would "fully take note of the recommendation."
The committee's conclusion, while not legally binding, could work in favor of Yoon during the disciplinary meeting.
The undated file photo shows Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae (L) and Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl (R). (Yonhap)
Early last week, the justice minister barred Yoon from duty as she sought a disciplinary measure against him over six counts of alleged misdeeds, including collecting personal information of justices in charge of cases related to a former justice minister and suspected election interference by presidential officials.
Yoon sought a court injunction Wednesday to stop the unprecedented order from going into effect, and filed a lawsuit the next day.
In the latest twist to the contentious case, Yoon requested in the late afternoon the disciplinary meeting be postponed, citing lack of time to prepare for his case.
Lee Wan-kyu, who represents Yoon, said in a statement that the ministry has not responded to the request for access to documents related to the chief prosecutor's suspension.
"Since we are not able to properly prepare (for the disciplinary meeting), we have requested the date be changed until a later date when the necessary steps are taken," he said, pointing out that the right to defend should be guaranteed.
Yoon also asked to call in three witnesses to explain parts of the allegations against him.
If the ministry turns down the request, they will boycott the meeting on-site, Lee said.
Koh Kee-young, the vice justice minister, offered to resign, in apparent protest against the scheduled disciplinary meeting, which he is required to attend.
The justice ministry soon after announced a decision to put off the disciplinary panel session, originally slated for Wednesday, to Friday. The delay is meant to give Yoon enough time for procedural preparations and protect his "right to defense," the ministry said.
The ministry added it respects the administrative court's verdict, while pointing out that it's an adjudication limited to the provisional measure of an injunction sought by Yoon.
It said it would decide whether a disciplinary step is needed against the top prosecutor through a "faithful review" of the matter in accordance with relevant law and procedures.
The ministry plans to accept Koh's resignation offer and pick his replacement before long.
Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl rides in a car on his way to work at the Supreme Prosecutors Office on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-01--At least 5 killed in apartment building fire in Gunpo

The blaze started on the 12th floor of the building located in the city about 32 kilometers south of Seoul @ @ @ @ @ , they said .

SEOUL, Dec. 1 (Yonhap) -- A fire broke out at a 25-story apartment building in Gunpo, Gyeonggi Province, on Tuesday afternoon, killing at least five people, fire authorities said.
The blaze started on the 12th floor of the building located in the city about 32 kilometers south of Seoul, at around 4:37 p.m., they said.
Among the victims, two fell to their deaths, while three were found dead in the stairwell leading to the rooftop.
Firefighters brought the blaze under control at 5:11 p.m. by mobilizing choppers, pumpers and other equipment.
This photo, provided by a citizen, shows a fire at an apartment building located in Gunpo, 32 kilometers south of Seoul, on Dec. 1, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-12-01--MLB posting process for KBO star Kim Ha-seong delayed due to paperwork

If the guaranteed value of the deal is US $ 25 million or less , then the fee will be @ @ @ @ @ .
And if the contract is worth between $ 25,000,001 and $ 50 million , @ @ @ @ @ percent of the first $ 25 million , plus 17.5 percent of any amount exceeding @ @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Dec. 1 (Yonhap) -- South Korean All-Star Kim Ha-seong's pursuit of his big league dreams has hit a snag before it began in earnest because of paperwork.
Kim's club, Kiwoom Heroes, asked the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) last Wednesday to post the 25-year-old slugger for major league clubs. Later that same day, the KBO asked Major League Baseball (MLB) to inform its 30 clubs of Kim's availability.
Any interested big league club can negotiate with a posted player for 30 days. The window opens at 8 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the morning after MLB officially notifies its clubs of the player's status, and it closes at 5 p.m. ET on the 30th day.
In this file photo from Oct. 7, 2020, Kim Ha-seong of the Kiwoom Heroes celebrates his solo home run against the NC Dinos during the bottom of the fifth inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. (Yonhap)
But MLB has not yet processed the KBO's request. Kiwoom general manager Kim Chi-hyun told Yonhap News Agency Tuesday that the procedure has been delayed because MLB has asked for additional medical documents.
"MLB asked for papers that we didn't think would be necessary," Kim said. "Kim Ha-seong went for tests at three different hospitals on Monday and we sent those results to the KBO today."
Kim Chi-hyun already had hands-on experience with the posting process, which is why he felt he had prepared everything he could until MLB caught him off guard.
Kim had been the Heroes' head of international affairs and in charge of posting when two of their star players, shortstop Kang Jung-ho and first baseman Park Byung-ho, reached the majors through that route before the 2015 and 2016 seasons, respectively.
The now-general manager wanted to help Kim Ha-seong get a deal done before Christmas and submitted their posting request exactly a month prior to the big holiday, even as the Korean Series was still underway. In prior offseasons, teams typically asked the KBO to post players after the championship series was finished.
MLB likely won't post Kim for its clubs until Wednesday or Thursday, Korean time, at the earliest. The deadline to sign a deal will fall early in the new year.
In this file photo from Sept. 23, 2020, Kim Ha-seong of the Kiwoom Heroes celebrates his two-run home run against the Kia Tigers during the top of the eighth inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field in Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
Kim, one of the KBO's top power-hitting infielders, is coming off the best season of his career.
He batted .306/.397/.523 in 2020, setting career highs in on-base and slugging percentages, and falling .001 point shy of matching his personal best in batting average.
Kim also established career bests with 30 home runs, and his 109 RBIs and 111 runs scored were the second-highest totals of his career. Kim swiped 23 bags for his second career 20-20 season, and set a KBO record by stealing his first 20 bags without getting caught. For the first time in his career, Kim had more walks (75) than strikeouts (68).
A third-round draft pick out of high school in 2014, Kim has 131 home runs and 130 steals since becoming a regular in 2015. The athletic infielder has a strong arm and also played a bit of third base this year after the Heroes signed former Chicago Cubs All-Star Addison Russell in the summer.
If Kim signs a major league deal, the Heroes will receive a transfer fee depending on the value of that contract.
If the guaranteed value of the deal is US$25 million or less, then the fee will be 20 percent of the contract. And if the contract is worth between $25,000,001 and $50 million, the fee will be 20 percent of the first $25 million, plus 17.5 percent of any amount exceeding that $25 million.
If Kim signs for more than $50 million, the Heroes will receive $9,375,000 and then 15 percent of the amount exceeding $50 million.
The KBO also asked MLB to post NC Dinos' outfielder Na Sung-bum on Monday.
In this file photo from Sept. 11, 2020, Kim Ha-seong of the Kiwoom Heroes hits a double against the LG Twins in the top of the fourth inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-01--(2nd LD) Top prosecutor returns to work as court grants injunction to halt his suspension

(ATTN: CHANGES headline; UPDATES with details in paras 2-7, last para; ADDS photo)
SEOUL, Dec. 1 (Yonhap) -- A Seoul court on Tuesday granted a preliminary injunction requested by Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl over his suspension, in the first legal decision in a monthslong feud between Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae and the top prosecutor.
The Seoul Administrative Court ruled that suspending Yoon from duty was tantamount to dismissing him, which damaged the prosecution's core principles of neutrality and independence.
The injunction will remain in effect until 30 days after another court decision is made. Yoon has filed a separate lawsuit against his suspension, along with having sought a preliminary injunction.
Soon after the court's decision came out, Yoon arrived for work at the Supreme Prosecutors Office.
"I will do my best to safeguard the spirits of the Constitution and rule of law," he said before heading to his office for the first time in a week.
While he cleared one hurdle, he still faces an uncertain future, as the ministry will convene a seven-member disciplinary meeting Wednesday.
Lee Oak-hyung, the lawyer for the justice minister, told Yonhap News Agency that he could not understand the court's decision.
Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl arrives at the Supreme Prosecutors Office in Seoul on Dec. 1, 2020. (Yonhap)
Earlier in the day, the ministry's inspection committee also took Yoon's side by advising against the suspension during a three-hour meeting, citing "procedural flaws."
The committee unanimously concluded that there were serious flaws in the decision-making process, as Yoon had not been properly informed of allegations against him in advance and had not been given enough time to explain his positions on them.
"Seeking disciplinary measures, suspending him from duty and launching investigations against him were not appropriate," the committee said.
In a short statement, the ministry squarely refuted the committee's findings but said it would "fully take note of the recommendation."
The committee's conclusion, while not legally binding, could work in favor of Yoon during the disciplinary meeting.
The undated file photo shows Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae (L) and Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl (R). (Yonhap)
Early last week, the justice minister barred Yoon from duty as she sought a disciplinary measure against him over six counts of alleged misdeeds, including collecting personal information of justices in charge of cases related to a former justice minister and suspected election interference by presidential officials.
Yoon sought a court injunction Wednesday to stop the unprecedented order from going into effect, and filed a lawsuit the next day.
In the latest twist to the contentious case, Yoon requested in the late afternoon the disciplinary meeting be postponed, citing lack of time to prepare for his case.
Lee Wan-kyu, who represents Yoon, said in a statement that the ministry has not responded to the request for access to documents related to the chief prosecutor's suspension.
"Since we are not able to properly prepare (for the disciplinary meeting), we have requested the date be changed until a later date when the necessary steps are taken," he said, pointing out that the right to defend should be guaranteed.
Yoon also asked to call in three witnesses to explain parts of the allegations against him.
If the ministry turns down the request, they will boycott the meeting on-site, Lee said.
Koh Kee-young, the vice justice minister, offered to resign, in apparent protest against the scheduled disciplinary meeting, which he is required to attend.
Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl rides in a car on his way to work at the Supreme Prosecutors Office on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-01--Doosan Heavy to raise 1.2 tln won via stock sale

The country 's largest power equipment maker will issue about 121 million new shares at 9,980 won apiece on Dec. @ @ @ @ @ a regulatory filing .

By Nam Kwang-sik
SEOUL, Dec. 1 (Yonhap) -- Cash-strapped Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction Co. said Tuesday that it will sell shares worth 1.2 trillion won (US$1.1 billion) late this month to repay its debts.
The country's largest power equipment maker will issue about 121 million new shares at 9,980 won apiece on Dec. 24, it said in a regulatory filing.
In March, Doosan Heavy received a cash injection of 3 trillion won from its creditors, including the Korea Development Bank (KDB), amid a liquidity crunch, in exchange for asset sales and other cost-cutting measures.
Its short-term debts, due this year, reach 4.2 trillion won.
This photo shows the logo of Doosan Group, to which Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction Co. belongs, in central Seoul. (Yonhap)
ksnam@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-01--40 pct of delivery drivers work over 14 hours per day during peak season: survey

The labor ministry released its study on the work conditions and health of couriers following a recent series of deaths @ @ @ @ @ .
The survey was conducted online on 1,862 workers of four major logistics companies from @ @ @

SEOUL, Dec. 1 (Yonhap) -- About 40 percent of parcel delivery drivers in South Korea work more than 14 hours a day during peak seasons, government data showed Tuesday.
The labor ministry released its study on the work conditions and health of couriers following a recent series of deaths of workers apparently from overwork. The survey was conducted online on 1,862 workers of four major logistics companies from Nov. 1-13.
The survey found 41.6 percent work 14 hours per day during high seasons, including national holidays, while 34.7 percent put in between 12 and 14 hours and 16.6 percent work between 10 and 12 hours.
A courier of CJ Logistics sorts parcels at a logistics center in Seoul on Oct. 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
It also showed 84.9 percent work six days per week and 12.4 percent work seven days per week during such periods.
During normal periods, daily work hours were found to be between 12 and 14 hours for 42.3 percent, 10-12 hours for 28.6 percent and more than 14 hours for 17.6 percent, while 95.2 percent work six days a week.
Most of them, 88.8 percent, take less than 30 minutes of rest, including lunch time, per day.
Only 19.4 percent of the couriers receive help from additional workforce for the increased workload during peak seasons, while 77.7 percent handle the burden themselves through overtime.
In this photo provided by Korea Post, workers sort parcels at one of its warehouses in the central city of Daejeon on Sept. 22, 2020, ahead of the Chuseok holiday, which falls on Oct. 1. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
It also found 62.6 percent spend more than five hours sorting parcels during peak seasons.
A total of 69.6 percent said they feel fatigued or very fatigued from work, while a mere 1.2 percent answered they do not feel so.
Their poor working conditions came to light as 15 delivery workers have died apparently in relation to overwork this year as of October, according to a couriers' advocacy group.
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)