yna--2020-12-31--COVID-19 cases top 60,000 in S. Korea amid worst wave of pandemic

`` Elderly people suffering chronic illness are vulnerable to group infections and are more likely to suffer severe symptoms that @ @ @ @ @ '' Kim Woo-joo , an infectious disease specialist at Seoul 's Korea University , said @ @ @ @ @ do not have enough medical equipment and staff needed for COVID-19 patients with serious symptoms @ @

By Kim Eun-jung
SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's total COVID-19 caseload broke the 60,000 mark on Thursday as new cases have been rising at an alarming pace despite tougher virus curbs put in place ahead of the year-end holiday season.
New cases stood at 967 earlier in the day to raise the total to 60,740, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), surpassing the threshold 11 months after the nation's first confirmed case on Jan. 20. A total of 900 people have died from the highly infectious virus.
The sun rises over a beach in Gangneung, 220 kilometers east of Seoul, that is closed on Dec. 31, 2020, under tough virus curbs on famous sunrise destinations to slow down the spread of COVID-19. (Yonhap)
It took only 10 days for the number to rise from 50,000 to top 60,000, marking the fastest ever pace of the pandemic in the nation.
The virus caseload rose from 20,000 on Sept. 1 to 30,000 on Nov. 20 and to 40,000 on Dec. 10.
Daily cases have hovered around 1,000 for the past week due mainly to mass cluster infections involving several senior care centers and a Seoul prison.
The daily number of cases first crossed 1,000 on Dec. 13 and hit a record high of 1,241 on Christmas Day, which was faster than authorities had expected.
The third wave of the pandemic has posed greater challenges to antivirus efforts as sporadic infections in various community settings make it harder to trace their transmission routes compared with previous outbreaks.
The country faced its first wave of the outbreak tied to a church in the southeastern city of Daegu in late February and early March. The second wave gripped the country in late August in connection with a church in northern Seoul and an anti-government rally.
A medical worker collects a specimen from a person at a temporary COVID-19 station in front of Seoul Station on Dec. 30, 2020. (Yonhap)
The transmission of the virus has accelerated this month despite tougher restrictions as the winter season provides a more favorable environment to viruses and weakens people's immune systems.
Experts expressed worries over mass infections among senior care centers, which could sharply raise the number of critically ill patients and deaths.
"Elderly people suffering chronic illness are vulnerable to group infections and are more likely to suffer severe symptoms that can lead to deaths," Kim Woo-joo, an infectious disease specialist at Seoul's Korea University, said. "Senior care facilities do not have enough medical equipment and staff needed for COVID-19 patients with serious symptoms."
Adding woes to antivirus efforts, the country has reported five cases of a new coronavirus variant first reported in Britain.
The government said it will suspend all flights from London to Incheon until Jan. 7, while making all incoming passengers from Britain and South Africa submit documents that prove they tested negative for COVID-19.
The transmission of the virus has showed no signs of letup despite stringent virus curbs aimed at minimizing people's activities.
The Seoul metropolitan area has been applying Level 2.5 social distancing rules, the second highest under a five-tier scheme, and Level 2 rules in the rest of the country since Dec. 8.
An official at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, guides passengers on Dec. 30, 2020. (Yonhap)
As some people flouted or found loopholes in the distancing scheme, a new set of special virus rules targeting popular venues took effect last week ahead of the year-end holiday season.
The special measures ban gatherings of more than five people and shut down ski resorts and other famous winter destinations for sunrise.
On Sunday, health authorities said they will keep the current distancing scheme until Jan. 3 and decide whether to raise it to Level 3, near-lockdown measures, afterwards.
"We will collect opinions from government agencies and provincial governments on how to adjust the social distancing measures after the special virus measures end on Jan. 3," Sohn Young-rae, a senior health official, said in a briefing on COVID-19 response measures.
Level 3 can be adopted when locally transmitted cases hover between 800 and 1,000 for a week or the daily tally doubles from the previous day.
If the toughest curbs are imposed, more than 2 million shops and facilities will be ordered to shut down, according to officials.
ejkim@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-31--Military reports 3 new COVID-19 cases

Military reports 3 new COVID-19 cases

Currently , 721 service members are in isolation in accordance with the health authorities ' guidelines , and the military @ @ @ @ @ people under stricter antivirus schemes of its own as a preventive step , according to @ @ @

SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- An Army officer and two civilian workers for the military tested positive for the new coronavirus, the defense ministry said Thursday.
The Army officer stationed in the city of Incheon, west of Seoul, contracted the virus after coming into contact with a citizen confirmed later to have the virus, according to the ministry.
One civilian officer working at an Army base in the southeastern city of Daegu and the other worker for the Navy tested positive after taking tests as a preventive step, the ministry added.
The latest cases brought the total number of COVID-19 patients among military members to 505.
Currently, 721 service members are in isolation in accordance with the health authorities' guidelines, and the military has quarantined an additional 4,388 people under stricter antivirus schemes of its own as a preventive step, according to the ministry.
The military has seen a marked growth in the number of confirmed cases among its members since mid-November when South Korea began experiencing another wave of the pandemic.
Nationwide, the country added 967 more COVID-19 cases, including 940 locally transmitted infections, on Thursday, bringing the total caseload to 60,740, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
An Army officer checks the protective gear of a cadet of the Korea Armed Forces Nursing Academy in the central city of Daejeon, as she is mobilized for the academy's operation to help fight against COVID-19, in this undated photo provided by the defense ministry on Dec. 18, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-31--Insurers' financial health improves in Q3

The risk-based capital ( RBC ) ratio of local insurance firms stood at 283.9 percent at end-September , up 7.5 @ @ @ @ @ earlier , according to the data from the Financial Supervisory Service ( FSS ) .

SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- South Korean insurance companies saw their financial health improve in the third quarter as more profits and share price gains bolstered capital, data showed Thursday.
The risk-based capital (RBC) ratio of local insurance firms stood at 283.9 percent at end-September, up 7.5 percentage points from three months earlier, according to the data from the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS).
Their RBC ratio rose for the second consecutive quarter in the July-September period on the back of greater earnings and increased share prices, the financial watchdog said.
A key yardstick of financial stability, the RBC ratio -- the actual solvency capital divided by the minimum solvency capital required -- measures an insurer's ability to absorb losses and pay insurance money to policyholders.
Local insurers are required to maintain the ratio at 100 percent or above, while the watchdog advises insurance firms to have ratios of 150 percent or higher.
The RBC ratio for life insurance companies rose 10.8 percentage points on-quarter to 303.5 percent, with the figure for non-life insurers climbing 1.2 percentage points to 247.7 percent.
Insurance firms in South Korea are required to gradually increase their capital reserves to better cope with tougher global accounting standards for insurers, set to go into effect in 2022.
(END)


yna--2020-12-31--(LEAD) S. Korea set to adjust virus curbs as new virus cases under 1,000 for first time in 3 days

Gatherings of more than five people have been banned in the greater Seoul area since Dec. 23 .
Restaurants face @ @ @ @ @ gatherings of more than four people .
The strongest-ever measures have been applied nationwide since @ @ @ @ @

(ATTN: CHANGES 1st 2 photos; ADDS details throughout)
SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new coronavirus cases fell below 1,000 Thursday for the first time in three days as health authorities were set to decide whether to extend tougher virus curbs or raise the social distancing scheme to the highest amid no signs of a letup in the virus resurgence.
The country added 967 more COVID-19 cases, including 940 locally transmitted infections, bringing the total caseload to 60,740, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
This photo taken on Dec. 31, 2020, shows the Homigot (Cape Homi) square, a famous sunrise spot, in Pohang, 370 kilometers south of Seoul, with a notice that says people are banned from entering the square until Jan. 3, 2021, to stem the spread of COVID-19.
Thursday's daily caseload is slightly down from 1,050 cases Wednesday and 1,045 Tuesday amid the stricter Level 2.5 virus curbs, the second-highest in the five-tier restrictions, in the greater Seoul area and other targeted curbs.
Daily cases have hovered around 1,000 for the past week due mainly to mass cluster infections from churches, private gatherings and a correctional facility.
Twenty-one people have died from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, raising the death toll to 900, with the fatality rate at 1.48 percent.
Adding woes to the country's battle against the pandemic, the country has reported five cases of a new coronavirus variant reported first in Britain.
Seoul said earlier it would suspend all flights from London until Jan. 7 to prevent the virus variant from spreading here, while making all incoming passengers from Britain and South Africa submit documents that prove they tested negative for COVID-19.
With no signs of virus infections slowing down, health authorities have vowed to accelerate the launch of the vaccination program after detecting the virus variant from Britain.
The KDCA plans to start vaccinations in February, with health workers and vulnerable people first in line.
U.S. biotech firm Moderna has agreed to supply COVID-19 vaccine doses for 20 million people to South Korea during a phone conversation between President Moon Jae-in and Moderna Chief Executive Stephane Bancel, the presidential office said Tuesday.
With the deal, South Korea expects to be able to secure enough doses for its 52 million people by the end of next year.
A plane takes off from Incheon International Airport, just west of Seoul, on Dec. 31, 2020, amid the continued spread of COVID-19. (Yonhap)
On Sunday, the KDCA extended the current Level 2.5 distancing measures in the greater Seoul area and the Level 2 restrictions in the rest of the country until Jan. 3 on concerns over the impact on the economy.
Health authorities will decide whether to raise the social distancing measures to Level 3, or maintain the current anti-virus curbs, before the extended deadline.
Instead of applying measures that would deal a heavy blow to millions of small merchants, health authorities have deployed "targeted" virus curbs.
Gatherings of more than five people have been banned in the greater Seoul area since Dec. 23. Restaurants face a fine if they allow gatherings of more than four people. The strongest-ever measures have been applied nationwide since Dec. 24 as well.
Ski resorts and other tourist spots were shut down to slow the spread of the virus during the Christmas and New Year's holidays.
The third wave of the pandemic is raging across the nation. Of the newly identified local infections, 365 cases were reported in Seoul and 219 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital. Incheon, west of Seoul, reported 59 more cases.
Other municipalities reported new infections, with the country's major port city of Ulsan adding 35 cases. Gangwon Province and Daegu reported 36 and 32 new cases, respectively.
The number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients reached 344, up from 332 a day earlier.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 42,271, up 836 from the previous day.
The country, meanwhile, added 27 imported cases, increasing the total to 5,385. Thirteen cases came from Asian countries except for China, followed by seven from the United States and seven from Europe.
The country has carried out 4,213,880 coronavirus tests since Jan. 3, including 54,358 tests in the past 24 hours.
In this photo taken on Dec. 30, 2020, quarantine officials guide incoming passengers at Incheon International Airport in Incheon, just west of Seoul. (Yonhap)
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-31--(2nd LD) S. Korea's consumer prices grow less than 1 pct for 3rd month in Dec.

For the whole year , the annual inflation rose by less than 1 percent for the second consecutive year for @ @ @ @ @ to the fallout of the pandemic .

(ATTN: ADDS more details in paras 2, 8-13, 17-18)
By Kim Soo-yeon
SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's consumer prices grew less than 1 percent for the third straight month in December, data showed Thursday, indicating low inflationary pressure in Asia's fourth-largest economy amid the new coronavirus outbreak.
For the whole year, the annual inflation rose by less than 1 percent for the second consecutive year for the first time due largely to the fallout of the pandemic.
The consumer price index rose 0.5 percent on-year in December, slowing from a 0.6 percent on-year gain the previous month, according to the data by Statistics Korea.
It marked the third consecutive month that the on-year growth rate of the consumer inflation stayed in the zero range.
Compared with a month earlier, the country's consumer inflation rose 0.2 percent last month, following a 0.1 percent on-month fall in November.
In 2020, the consumer prices grew 0.5 percent on-year, marking the second straight year of the inflation growing less than 1 percent. In 2019, the consumer price index rose 0.4 percent.
Core inflation, which excluded volatile food and oil prices, grew 0.4 percent in 2020, the lowest since a 0.2 percent fall in 1999.
This file photo, taken Dec. 12, 2020, shows people shopping for groceries at a traditional market in western Seoul. (Yonhap)
The country's inflationary pressure has remained low this year due mainly to a decline in low oil prices and the fallout from the new coronavirus outbreak.
"The annual inflation remained low due to the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the government's policy support," Ahn Hyung-jun, a senior Statistics Korea official, said at a press briefing.
This year, prices of agricultural products shot up due to lingering impacts of typhoons and the rainy season in the summer, with prices of agricultural, livestock and fisheries products jumping 6.7 percent.
But inflationary pressure stabilized as low oil prices drove down prices of petroleum products and stricter social distancing limited a rise in service prices, according to the statistics agency.
Prices of public services also declined due to free high school education and one-off subsidies for mobile phone bills.
Prices of petroleum products declined 7.3 percent this year, while prices for paying personal services, including dining out and recreation, rose 1.2 percent, the lowest growth in eight years. Prices for using public services fell 1.9 percent.
Subdued inflation is expected to give South Korea's central bank more room to keep an accommodative monetary stance.
The Bank of Korea (BOK) froze its policy rate at a record low of 0.5 percent in November amid heightened economic uncertainties over the COVID-19 pandemic. The bank aims to keep inflation at 2 percent over the medium term.
The BOK revised up its 2020 forecast for inflation to 0.5 percent from its previous estimate of 0.4 percent, citing an economic recovery and a pickup in oil prices. The bank expects next year's inflation to grow 1 percent.
"Next year, the growth rate of consumer prices is expected to pick up, due to a mild recovery of domestic demand and eased downward prices from the government's policy supports," the finance ministry said in a statement.
"But the development of virus cases and oil price movements will serve as major factors that will affect next year's inflation," it noted.
A sign displays gas prices at a filling station in Seoul on Dec. 27, 2020. (Yonhap)
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-31--New KBO commissioner vows profitability, better on-field product in 2021

`` In order for us to achieve sustained , continuous growth , we must improve our profitability and transform the @ @ @ @ @ its own , '' Chung said in a message released by the KBO .
`` @ @ @ @ @ in industrializing the league and meeting expectations of our fans . ''

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- The incoming South Korean pro baseball chief Chung Ji-taik said Thursday he will try to accomplish something that his predecessor couldn't: developing the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) and its clubs into profitable entities.
Chung, a 70-year-old business executive with Doosan Group, will begin his three-year term as the new KBO commissioner in January, succeeding Chung Un-chan.
This file photo from March 28, 2018, shows new Korea Baseball Organization Commissioner Chung Ji-taik. (Yonhap)
When he took the reins in January 2018, Chung Un-chan -- no relation to the incoming commissioner -- had laid out visions for turning 10 KBO clubs into a profitable business organization. The former prime minister said he hoped to emulate Major League Baseball's business model and build KBO.com as an integrated marketing avenue modeled after MLB.com.
His ambitious goals didn't materialize, and now Chung Ji-taik wants to make it happen.
"In order for us to achieve sustained, continuous growth, we must improve our profitability and transform the league into an industry on its own," Chung said in a message released by the KBO. "We'll spare no efforts in industrializing the league and meeting expectations of our fans."
Chung also said the KBO should continue to develop "innovative content that can provide high-quality services," citing the automated ball-strike system adopted in the minor league this year as an example.
Chung added he'll try to improve the quality of play on the field.
"We'll set up a development system that allows teams to uncover prospects early and nurture their talent efficiently," the new commissioner said. "We'll look to ensure more parity across the league."
Chung said the KBO will "actively seek ways to minimize damage" incurred by playing without fans during the coronavirus pandemic in 2021.
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-31--New S. Korean, Japanese envoys expected to take office next month: sources

The two countries have also been expected to seek ways to patch things up ahead of next month 's launch @ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden , who has stressed stronger cooperation with America 's democratic allies to shore @ @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and Japan are expected to inaugurate their new ambassadors to Tokyo and Seoul, respectively, next month after they recently endorsed each other's designations, multiple sources said Thursday.
Last week, Tokyo gave diplomatic consent to Seoul's designation of Kang Chang-il, a former four-term ruling party lawmaker, while its nomination of Koichi Aiboshi, the current ambassador to Israel, has also been endorsed by Seoul, the sources said.
The diplomatic green light came as Seoul seeks to improve ties with Tokyo strained over trade and wartime history, in part to enlist international cooperation to resume stalled nuclear diplomacy with North Korea.
The two countries have also been expected to seek ways to patch things up ahead of next month's launch of the U.S. administration of Joe Biden, who has stressed stronger cooperation with America's democratic allies to shore up its global leadership.
The prospects of Kang's appointment initially appeared murky, amid reports that conservative Japanese politicians oppose him due to his 2011 visit to a set of disputed islands at the center of a long-running spat between Japan and Russia, and other issues.
Regarding Japan's consent to Kang's appointment, a Seoul official refused to confirm it but said, "Things have been going smoothly regarding that."
The designation of the new envoys raised hope for greater bilateral cooperation in addressing a series of pending issues, including legal proceedings to compensate South Korean victims of Japan's forced labor during Tokyo's 1910-45 colonization of the Korean Peninsula.
This file photo shows Kang Chang-il, South Korea's nominee for new ambassador to Japan. (Yonhap)
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-31--S. Korea imposes highest-tier social distancing rules on prison facilities

`` The justice ministry tried to prevent the spread of COVID-19 inside correctional facilities , which are vulnerable to infection @ @ @ @ @ from the limitations that are inherent to detention facilities and our failure to take antivirus @ @ @ @ @ Vice Justice Minister Lee Yong-gu said during a press briefing at the main government complex @ @ @

SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Thursday imposed the highest-tier social distancing measures on prison facilities nationwide, banning visits and canceling all work and classes to break the trend of mass coronavirus infections among inmates.
The Level 3 restrictions will be in force for two weeks until Jan. 13 and aim to minimize contact between and among inmates, outside visitors and the prison staff. Meetings with lawyers will be restricted and all staff will work on a reduced schedule.
An inmate infected with COVID-19 holds up a message through a window at Dongbu Detention Center in Seoul on Dec. 29, 2020. In the message, the inmate complains that eight infected patients are confined in a cell. (Yonhap)
The announcement follows an alarming increase in coronavirus cases tied to the Dongbu Detention Center in southeastern Seoul. As of 5 p.m. Wednesday, a total of 792 cases were tied to the facility, including 771 current and former inmates. One prisoner has died of COVID-19 complications.
"The justice ministry tried to prevent the spread of COVID-19 inside correctional facilities, which are vulnerable to infection, but this situation arose from the limitations that are inherent to detention facilities and our failure to take antivirus steps in advance," Vice Justice Minister Lee Yong-gu said during a press briefing at the main government complex in Seoul.
"We are sorry to the nation ... The justice ministry will strengthen antivirus measures and inspections at correctional facilities to ensure no further infections, and do everything we can to stabilize the situation," Lee said.
Buses carrying some inmates infected with COVID-19 leave Dongbu Detention Center in Seoul on Dec. 30, 2020, for a medical clinic. (Yonhap)
The ministry has been looking at ways to transfer more inmates from the Dongbu Detention Center to ease the population density there. The center is currently above capacity at 116.6 percent.
Hundreds of prisoners, including those who have tested positive for the coronavirus, have already been transferred to prison facilities nationwide.
The ministry is also considering releasing more inmates on parole, especially if they have an underlying disease or have demonstrated exemplary behavior.
To prevent further infections from asymptomatic patients, the ministry will conduct mass testing on all prison staff and inmates and set up more residential treatment centers within the prison compounds and in the surrounding neighborhoods to treat mild cases.
The ministry blamed the mass infections at Dongbu Detention Center on its layout and poor ventilation system, high population density and failure to anticipate the spread of the virus through asymptomatic patients.
The detention centers have added to South Korea's woes in combating the virus.
The country has reported around 1,000 new coronavirus cases a day since the middle of the month.
The capital area comprising Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province is currently under Level 2.5 restrictions, while the rest of the nation is mostly under Level 2.
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-31--(LEAD) S. Korea signs deal with Moderna to buy COVID-19 vaccines for 20 mln

`` We are planning to receive the vaccines by COVAX in the first half of the year , between February @ @ @ @ @ Negotiations on the amount and provision date are still under way , '' KDCA chief @ @ @ @

(ATTN: RECASTS lead; ADDS more info throughout, photos)
SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Thursday signed a deal with U.S. biotech company Moderna to buy new coronavirus vaccine doses for 20 million people, with the supply to begin in the second quarter of next year, health authorities said.
Following the deal, the total amount of COVID-19 vaccines South Korea has secured is enough to inoculate 56 million people, more than enough to cover the country's population of 52 million, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
The official contract was closed three days after President Moon Jae-in and Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel reached an agreement via videoconference on Monday.
The amount is double the quantity the government had initially sought to secure from the American biotech firm through negotiations, and the provision date has also been moved up from the earlier expected third quarter.
Jeong Eun-kyeong, head of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, speaks during a briefing on the country's vaccine purchase deal with Moderna on Dec. 31, 2020, at the agency in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province. (Yonhap)
South Korea has signed deals to buy vaccines for 10 million people from AstraZeneca, 6 million from Johnson & Johnson's Janssen and 10 million from Pfizer.
The country has also signed an agreement to secure vaccines for 10 million people from the World Health Organization's global vaccine project, known as COVAX.
"We are planning to receive the vaccines by COVAX in the first half of the year, between February and April if possible. Negotiations on the amount and provision date are still under way," KDCA chief Jeong Eun-kyeong said.
Under the current plan, the vaccine arrivals will begin in the first quarter, starting with AstraZeneca's, followed by Janssen and Moderna's in the second quarter and Pfizer's in the third.
"The government is making utmost efforts to prepare for safe inoculations and will announce our plans for the vaccination next month," Jeong said.
The latest contract took place amid growing calls to speed up the vaccine program to cope with a sharp hike in new virus cases.
South Korea added 967 more COVID-19 cases Thursday, including 940 locally transmitted infections, bringing the total caseload to 60,740.
The latest daily caseload is slightly down from 1,050 cases Wednesday and 1,045 Tuesday, but concerns linger as cluster infections continue from various places, including churches and correctional facilities.
The government said it will hold a meeting on Saturday to discuss whether to raise the social distancing scheme to the highest level or maintain the current second-highest measures amid no signs of a letup in the coronavirus resurgence.
A truck carrying the first shipment of Moderna's coronavirus vaccine for U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) leaves a freight terminal of Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, after the vaccine was unloaded from a FedEx cargo plane amid the COVID-19 pandemic on Dec. 25, 2020. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-12-31--S. Korea signs deal with Moderna to buy COVID-19 vaccines for 20 mln

SEOUL , Dec. 31 ( Yonhap ) -- South Korea on Thursday signed a deal with U.S. biotech company Moderna @ @ @ @ @ doses for 20 million people here starting in the second quarter of next year , @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Thursday signed a deal with U.S. biotech company Moderna to buy new coronavirus vaccine doses for 20 million people here starting in the second quarter of next year, health authorities said.
The official contract was closed three days after President Moon Jae-in and Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel reached an agreement via videoconference on Monday.
The volume of vaccine under the deal is double the amount that the government had initially sought to secure from the American biotech firm through negotiations.
Following the deal, the total volume of vaccines South Korea has secured is enough to inoculate 56 million people.
(END)


yna--2020-12-31--(3rd LD) COVID-19 cases tied to Seoul prison reach 923; another inmate dies at separate facility

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead; UPDATES with new developments in paras 2-4)
SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- The number of coronavirus cases tied to a Seoul detention center rose by 131 on Thursday, sending the total to over 900, while another inmate died of COVID-19 complications at a separate facility.
The justice ministry said 126 inmates at Dongbu Detention Center in southeastern Seoul tested positive during the prison's fourth mass testing Wednesday.
Later in the day, five inmates who were transferred from the Dongbu facility to another detention center in the eastern coastal city of Sokcho also tested positive.
The latest number of cases connected to the Dongbu prison stood at 923, including 21 employees.
An inmate infected with COVID-19 holds up a message through a window at Dongbu Detention Center in Seoul on Dec. 29, 2020. In the message, the inmate complains that eight infected patients are confined to a single cell. (Yonhap)
At Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, 25 kilometers south of the capital, one inmate in his 30s died Thursday morning of COVID-19 complications. The first such death was reported at Dongbu Detention Center earlier this week.
The government announced the start of a two-week period during which the highest-tier social distancing measures will be in place at prison facilities nationwide.
"The justice ministry tried to prevent the spread of COVID-19 inside correctional facilities, which are vulnerable to infection, but this situation arose from the limitations that are inherent to detention facilities and our failure to take antivirus steps in advance," Vice Justice Minister Lee Yong-gu said during a press briefing at the main government complex in Seoul.
"We are sorry to the nation. ... The justice ministry will strengthen antivirus measures and inspections at correctional facilities to ensure no further infections, and do everything we can to stabilize the situation," Lee said.
The Level 3 restrictions, in force until Jan. 13, ban in-person visits and cancel all work and classes for inmates. Meetings with lawyers will be limited and all staff members will work on a reduced schedule.
Wednesday's fourth round of testing involved 465 workers and 1,298 inmates at Dongbu Detention Center. Fourteen of the inmates have yet to receive their results.
Separately, 20 family members and one acquaintance have tested positive in connection with the prison, according to the health authorities.
Buses carrying inmates infected with COVID-19 leave Dongbu Detention Center in Seoul on Dec. 30, 2020, for a medical clinic. (Yonhap)
The ministry has been looking at ways to transfer more inmates from Dongbu Detention Center to ease the population density there. The center is currently above capacity at 116.6 percent.
Hundreds of prisoners, including those who have tested positive for the coronavirus, have already been transferred to prison facilities nationwide.
The ministry is also considering releasing more inmates on parole, especially if they have an underlying disease or have demonstrated exemplary behavior.
To prevent further infections from asymptomatic patients, the ministry will conduct additional mass testing on the prison staff and all inmates, and set up more residential treatment centers within the prison compounds and in the surrounding neighborhoods to treat mild cases.
The ministry blamed the mass infections at Dongbu Detention Center on its layout and poor ventilation system, high population density and failure to anticipate the spread of the virus through asymptomatic patients.
The detention centers have added to South Korea's woes in combating the virus.
The country has reported around 1,000 new coronavirus cases a day since the middle of the month.
The capital area comprising Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province is currently under Level 2.5 restrictions, while the rest of the nation is mostly under Level 2.
Vice Justice Minister Lee Yong-gu gives a press briefing at the government complex in Seoul on COVID-19 cases at prison facilities on Dec. 31, 2020. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-31--S. Korea's 5G users near 11 mln in November: data

South Korea was to first country to commercialize 5G in April last year and has since been aggressively pushing for @ @ @ @ @ , which in theory can reach 20 times faster speeds than 4G LTE .

SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- South Korea racked up nearly 11 million users on fifth-generation (5G) wireless networks as of end-November, data showed Thursday.
The country had 10.9 million 5G users last month, accounting for 15.5 percent of the total 70.5 million mobile subscriptions, according to data compiled by the Ministry of Science and ICT.
Subscriptions to the high-speed networks jumped by nearly 1 million from the previous month amid launches of new 5G phones, such as Apple Inc.'s iPhone 12 series, the tech giant's first smartphones to support the high-speed networks.
This file photo, taken on Nov. 20, 2020, shows Apple Inc.'s iPhone 12 series phones on display at a store in central Seoul. (Yonhap)
South Korea was to first country to commercialize 5G in April last year and has since been aggressively pushing for wider adoption of the networks, which in theory can reach 20 times faster speeds than 4G LTE.
A recent ministry report, however, found that the country's 5G networks still lag compared to promises, with the average 5G download speed reaching 690.47 megabits per second (Mbps), just over four times faster than current 4G LTE speeds.
Local mobile carriers are currently preparing to commercialize new technology, such as standalone versions of the networks and millimeter wave 5G, to boost quality and speed.
The number of 4G LTE subscribers last month continued to dwindle, reaching 53.3 million, down around 680,000 from the previous month, according to the data.
yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-31--Pandemic dampens New Year celebrations

Pandemic dampens New Year celebrations

Assemblies of five or more people are banned in the greater Seoul area and ski resorts and other tourist spots @ @ @ @ @ shut down as part of measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 .

SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- South Koreans are settling in for a subdued New Year holiday, as gatherings are restricted and festivities have been cancelled in the face of a third wave of coronavirus flare-up.
Assemblies of five or more people are banned in the greater Seoul area and ski resorts and other tourist spots across the country have been shut down as part of measures to slow the spread of COVID-19.
On Thursday, the country reported 967 confirmed cases, bringing the total caseload to 60,740, as infections spread through long-term care hospitals for seniors, churches, private gatherings and detention facilities.
Local governments across the country have cancelled official bell-ringing ceremonies at midnight on New Year's Eve.
Seoul City will skip the New Year countdown event for the first time in 67 years and will instead air footage from past events via TV channels, YouTube and social media.
The video will feature both celebrities and ordinary citizens, including jobseekers, merchants and teachers.
The sun rises over Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, on New Year's Eve on Dec. 31, 2020. (Yonhap)
Busan, the country's second largest city, will broadcast pre-recorded video featuring 33 citizen representatives via TV channels.
Other municipalities, including Daegu, Daejeon, Sejong and Gwangju, called off in-person celebrations in favor of online-only events.
The fear of coronavirus also forced New Year travelers to shun the tradition of watching the year's first sunrise on beaches and mountains.
Major sunrise spots, from Jeongdongjin in the northeast to Seongsan on the southern island of Jeju, will remain closed during the New Year holidays.
Still, people will be able to continue with the custom at home as some local governments, national parks and individuals plan to livestream from sunrise scenes.
Among those who want to avoid crowds while being present at the scenes, some moved up their tours to such spots while others opted to watch the sunrise from their cars.
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

The upcoming session , which will be the first party congress in four years , has drawn keen attention as @ @ @ @ @ unveil a new economic development plan and could announce its new policy line on the @ @ @ @ @ .

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Thursday.
-----------------
(3rd LD) S. Korea to decide level of virus curbs this week amid no letup in virus resurgence
SEOUL -- South Korea said Thursday it will decide this week whether to raise the social distancing scheme to the highest level or maintain the current second-highest measures amid no signs of a letup in the coronavirus resurgence.
The country's new virus infections fell below 1,000 Thursday for the first time in three days but the level of new cases remains still high due mainly to cluster infections from churches, private gatherings and other facilities.
-----------------
(2nd LD) COVID-19 cases at Seoul prison reach 918, another inmate dies at separate facility
SEOUL -- Coronavirus cases tied to a Seoul detention center rose by 126 on Thursday, sending the total to over 900, while another inmate died of COVID-19 complications at a separate facility.
The justice ministry said 126 inmates at Dongbu Detention Center in southeastern Seoul tested positive during the prison's fourth mass testing Wednesday, bringing the total to 918, including 21 staff members. No additional workers tested positive this round.
-----------------
(2nd LD) Moon picks former Science Minister You Young-min as chief of staff
SEOUL -- President Moon Jae-in has tapped You Young-min, a former science and technology minister, as his new chief of staff, Cheong Wa Dae announced Thursday.
You, known for his IT expertise from decades of experience in a related corporate sector, is succeeding Noh Young-min, who tendered his resignation the previous day following a two-year stint.
-----------------
USFK-affiliated S. Korean civilians, troops begin getting COVID-19 vaccinations
SEOUL -- South Korean civilian workers and troops affiliated with the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) began getting COVID-19 vaccinations Thursday, the U.S. military said, becoming the country's first citizens to get inoculated against the virus.
The first shipment of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for USFK members arrived in South Korea last week, and the command began administering its initial doses to front-line health care workers, first responders and its command team.
-----------------
(LEAD) N. Korea's rare party congress appears imminent as delegates arrive in Pyongyang
SEOUL -- North Korean delegates participating in an upcoming congress of the ruling Workers' Party have gathered in Pyongyang and were awarded certificates, state media said Thursday, raising the possibility that the meeting could take place as early as this week.
The upcoming session, which will be the first party congress in four years, has drawn keen attention as the North is expected to unveil a new economic development plan and could announce its new policy line on the United States and South Korea.
-----------------
(LEAD) BTS wins special award at Japan Record Awards
SEOUL-- BTS has become the inaugural winner of a special category at the Japan Record Awards hosted by Japanese broadcaster TBS, the band's agency said Thursday.
The septet won the Special International Music Award at the 62nd Japan Record Awards that was broadcasted live late Wednesday, according to Big Hit Entertainment.
(END)


yna--2020-12-31--(LEAD) BTS wins special award at Japan Record Awards

BTS , which was the sole overseas artist that won a trophy at this year 's ceremony , performed its @ @ @ @ @ and `` Life Goes On . ''
It was the group 's first performance of @ @ @ @ @ in Japan .

(ATTN: ADDS details in last two paras, photos)
SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- BTS has become the inaugural winner of a special category at the Japan Record Awards hosted by Japanese broadcaster TBS, the band's agency said Thursday.
The septet won the Special International Music Award at the 62nd Japan Record Awards that was broadcasted live late Wednesday, according to Big Hit Entertainment.
BTS, which was the sole overseas artist that won a trophy at this year's ceremony, performed its hit songs "Dynamite" and "Life Goes On." It was the group's first performance of "Life Goes On" in Japan.
"This year was a tough year for people around the world, and music was the best source of strength. We hope that our song can give you strength," the band said in a video message.
BTS performed well in the Japanese market this year. A year-end ranking released by Japan's Oricon music chart showed that the band's Japanese album "Map of the Soul: 7 ~ The Journey ~" released in July, ranked as the third best-selling album of the year.
Their other albums "Map of the Soul: 7," "BE" and "SKOOL LUV AFFAIR SPECIAL ADDITION" also ranked among the top 100 selling albums of the year.
This photo, provided by Big Hit Entertainment, shows BTS. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
BTS on Thursday also unveiled a new version of the music video for "Life Goes On," featuring the band's dedicated fan base, known as ARMY. Fans took part in a TikTok challenge where they uploaded creative works inspired by the hit track.
The septet is set to appear in a year-end concert organized by Big Hit Entertainment later in the day, featuring artists managed by Big Hit, like GFriend and ENHYPEN.
This image, provided by Big Hit Entertainment, shows a new version of the music video for "Life Goes On," made in collaboration with fans. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
This image, provided by Big Hit Entertainment, shows a new version of the music video for "Life Goes On," made in collaboration with fans. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-31--BOK's dollar selling, buying on par in Q3 market smoothing operations

SEOUL , Dec. 31 ( Yonhap ) -- The Bank of Korea ( BOK ) on Thursday said that its @ @ @ @ @ U.S. dollar remained on par in the third quarter , as part of its efforts @ @ @ @ @ the local currency market prompted by the coronavirus pandemic .

SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- The Bank of Korea (BOK) on Thursday said that its selling and buying of the U.S. dollar remained on par in the third quarter, as part of its efforts to help ease fluctuations in the local currency market prompted by the coronavirus pandemic.
In the second quarter, the BOK sold a net US$345 million, smaller than a net sale of $5.85 billion three months earlier.
The central bank began releasing such data in March 2019 to help boost the transparency of its market stabilization steps.
The BOK said the FX market stabilized in the third quarter, compared with the first quarter when market jitters heightened due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Korean currency closed at 1,169.50 won against the U.S. dollar on Sept. 29, compared with 1,203.00 won at the end of June.
At the end of March this year, the won closed at 1,217.4 to the dollar, sharply down from 1,156.4 won at the end of last year.
In March, the BOK began injecting U.S. dollars by tapping its $60 billion currency swap facility with the U.S. Federal Reserve.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-31--Rapper quits K-pop boy band BTOB amid probe into alleged marijuana use

Last week , police said they referred the 26-year-old rapper of the septet to the prosecution in July on charges @ @ @ @ @ Act .
He was found to have smoked marijuana he bought through an acquaintance on @ @ @ @ @ the police .

SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- K-pop band BTOB's rapper Jung Il-hoon has left the group, the band's management agency said Thursday, one week after allegations of marijuana use came to light.
"(The agency) decided to respect Jung's wish to leave BTOB in order not to inflict more damage on the group," CUBE Entertainment said.
"Jung feels a sense of grave responsibility and deeply regrets breaking the trust of fans and letting them down," it added.
Last week, police said they referred the 26-year-old rapper of the septet to the prosecution in July on charges of violating the Narcotics Control Act. He was found to have smoked marijuana he bought through an acquaintance on multiple occasions, according to the police.
"(The company) feels heavy responsibility for this situation and will fulfill our duty in order for (Jung to) sincerely cooperate with further investigations," the agency said.
BTOB will return as a six-member group with more mature music and performance, it added, promising to provide unwavering support for the band.
Jung took part in writing several of the group's hit songs since its debut in 2012, including "Movie" and "The Winter's Tale."
He is currently serving his mandatory military service as a public service worker after enlisting in May.
This file photo shows K-pop boy group BTOB's member Jung Il-hoon. He was referred to the prosecution in July on charges of smoking marijuana. (Yonhap)
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-31--(2nd LD) COVID-19 cases at Seoul prison reach 918, another inmate dies at separate facility

(ATTN: UPDATES with new cases, details in paras 1-4, 7-9; CHANGES headline; ADDS photo)
SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- Coronavirus cases tied to a Seoul detention center rose by 126 on Thursday, sending the total to over 900, while another inmate died of COVID-19 complications at a separate facility.
The justice ministry said 126 inmates at Dongbu Detention Center in southeastern Seoul tested positive during the prison's fourth mass testing Wednesday, bringing the total to 918, including 21 staff members. No additional workers tested positive this round.
An inmate infected with COVID-19 holds up a message through a window at Dongbu Detention Center in Seoul on Dec. 29, 2020. In the message, the inmate complains that eight infected patients are confined to a single cell. (Yonhap)
At Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, 25 kilometers south of the capital, one inmate in his 30s died Thursday morning of COVID-19 complications. The first such death was reported at Dongbu Detention Center earlier this week.
The government announced the start of a two-week period during which the highest-tier social distancing measures will be in place at prison facilities nationwide.
"The justice ministry tried to prevent the spread of COVID-19 inside correctional facilities, which are vulnerable to infection, but this situation arose from the limitations that are inherent to detention facilities and our failure to take antivirus steps in advance," Vice Justice Minister Lee Yong-gu said during a press briefing at the main government complex in Seoul.
"We are sorry to the nation. ... The justice ministry will strengthen antivirus measures and inspections at correctional facilities to ensure no further infections, and do everything we can to stabilize the situation," Lee said.
The Level 3 restrictions, in force until Jan. 13, ban in-person visits and cancel all work and classes for inmates. Meetings with lawyers will be limited and all staff members will work on a reduced schedule.
Wednesday's fourth round of testing involved 465 workers and 1,298 inmates at Dongbu Detention Center. Fourteen of the inmates have yet to receive their results.
Separately, 20 family members and one acquaintance have tested positive in connection with the prison, according to the health authorities.
Buses carrying some inmates infected with COVID-19 leave Dongbu Detention Center in Seoul on Dec. 30, 2020, for a medical clinic. (Yonhap)
The ministry has been looking at ways to transfer more inmates from Dongbu Detention Center to ease the population density there. The center is currently above capacity at 116.6 percent.
Hundreds of prisoners, including those who have tested positive for the coronavirus, have already been transferred to prison facilities nationwide.
The ministry is also considering releasing more inmates on parole, especially if they have an underlying disease or have demonstrated exemplary behavior.
To prevent further infections from asymptomatic patients, the ministry will conduct additional mass testing on the prison staff and all inmates, and set up more residential treatment centers within the prison compounds and in the surrounding neighborhoods to treat mild cases.
The ministry blamed the mass infections at Dongbu Detention Center on its layout and poor ventilation system, high population density and failure to anticipate the spread of the virus through asymptomatic patients.
The detention centers have added to South Korea's woes in combating the virus.
The country has reported around 1,000 new coronavirus cases a day since the middle of the month.
The capital area comprising Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province is currently under Level 2.5 restrictions, while the rest of the nation is mostly under Level 2.
Vice Justice Minister Lee Yong-gu gives a press briefing at the government complex in Seoul on COVID-19 cases at prison facilities on Dec. 31, 2020. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-31--(3rd LD) S. Korea to decide level of virus curbs this week amid no letup in virus resurgence

The Level 3 restrictions , the highest , will be in force for two weeks until Jan. 13 and aim @ @ @ @ @ among inmates , outside visitors and the prison staff .
Meetings with lawyers will be @ @ @ @ @ work on a reduced schedule .

(ATTN: CHANGES 3rd photo; ADDS details in paras 7-9)
SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- South Korea said Thursday it will decide this week whether to raise the social distancing scheme to the highest level or maintain the current second-highest measures amid no signs of a letup in the coronavirus resurgence.
The country's new virus infections fell below 1,000 Thursday for the first time in three days but the level of new cases remains still high due mainly to cluster infections from churches, private gatherings and other facilities.
The country added 967 more COVID-19 cases, including 940 locally transmitted infections, bringing the total caseload to 60,740, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
The government will hold a meeting on Saturday to adjust the level of virus curbs, according to health authorities.
This photo taken on Dec. 31, 2020, shows the Homigot (Cape Homi) square, a famous sunrise spot, in Pohang, 370 kilometers south of Seoul, with a notice that says people are banned from entering the square until Jan. 3, 2021, to stem the spread of COVID-19.
Thursday's daily caseload is slightly down from 1,050 cases Wednesday and 1,045 Tuesday amid the stricter Level 2.5 virus curbs, the second-highest in the five-tier restrictions, in the greater Seoul area.
Daily cases have hovered around 1,000 for the past week due mainly to mass cluster infections from churches, private gatherings and a correctional facility.
In its latest efforts to curb the pandemic, the government on Thursday imposed the toughest virus restrictions at prison facilities nationwide, banning visits and canceling all work and classes to break the trend of mass coronavirus infections among inmates.
The Level 3 restrictions, the highest, will be in force for two weeks until Jan. 13 and aim to minimize contact between and among inmates, outside visitors and the prison staff. Meetings with lawyers will be restricted and all staff will work on a reduced schedule.
KDCA chief Jeong Eun-kyeong said the country is not considering purchasing additional COVID-19 vaccines for now, as it has secured enough doses for coverage of 56 million people, which exceeds the country's population of 52 million residents.
Twenty-one people have died from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, raising the death toll to 900, with the fatality rate at 1.48 percent.
Adding woes to the country's battle against the pandemic, the country has reported five cases of a new coronavirus variant reported first in Britain.
Seoul said earlier it would suspend all flights from London until Jan. 7 to prevent the virus variant from spreading here, while making all incoming passengers from Britain and South Africa submit documents that prove they tested negative for COVID-19.
With no signs of virus infections slowing down, health authorities have vowed to accelerate the launch of the vaccination program after detecting the virus variant from Britain.
The KDCA plans to start vaccinations in February, with health workers and vulnerable people first in line.
U.S. biotech firm Moderna has agreed to supply COVID-19 vaccine doses for 20 million people to South Korea during a phone conversation between President Moon Jae-in and Moderna Chief Executive Stephane Bancel, the presidential office said Tuesday.
With the deal, South Korea expects to be able to secure enough doses for its 52 million people by the end of next year.
A plane takes off from Incheon International Airport, just west of Seoul, on Dec. 31, 2020, amid the continued spread of COVID-19. (Yonhap)
On Sunday, the KDCA extended the current Level 2.5 distancing measures in the greater Seoul area and the Level 2 restrictions in the rest of the country until Jan. 3 on concerns over the impact on the economy.
Health authorities will decide whether to raise the social distancing measures to Level 3, or maintain the current anti-virus curbs, before the extended deadline.
Instead of applying measures that would deal a heavy blow to millions of small merchants, health authorities have deployed "targeted" virus curbs.
Gatherings of more than five people have been banned in the greater Seoul area since Dec. 23. Restaurants face a fine if they allow gatherings of more than four people. The strongest-ever measures have been applied nationwide since Dec. 24 as well.
Ski resorts and other tourist spots were shut down to slow the spread of the virus during the Christmas and New Year's holidays.
The third wave of the pandemic is raging across the nation. Of the newly identified local infections, 365 cases were reported in Seoul and 219 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital. Incheon, west of Seoul, reported 59 more cases.
Other municipalities reported new infections, with the country's major port city of Ulsan adding 35 cases. Gangwon Province and Daegu reported 36 and 32 new cases, respectively.
The number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients reached 344, up from 332 a day earlier.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 42,271, up 836 from the previous day.
The country, meanwhile, added 27 imported cases, increasing the total to 5,385. Thirteen cases came from Asian countries except for China, followed by seven from the United States and seven from Europe.
The country has carried out 4,213,880 coronavirus tests since Jan. 3, including 54,358 tests in the past 24 hours.
The pandemic, which started in China late last year, has killed more than 1.8 million people worldwide and infected more than 82 million as of Thursday, according to a tally from Johns Hopkins University.
A foreigner talks to a medical worker at Incheon International Airport, just west of Seoul, about a coronavirus test on Dec. 31, 2020. (Yonhap)
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-31--S. Korea submits greenhouse gas reduction target to U.N. climate convention secretariat

On Wednesday , the ministry , as the `` national focal point , '' sent to the U.N .
Framework @ @ @ @ @ the target to reduce the country 's greenhouse gas emissions 24.4 percent from the 2017 @ @ @ @ @ well as the 2050 carbon neutral strategy .

SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- South Korea has submitted an updated greenhouse gas reduction target for 2030 and its long-term low emission strategy to the U.N. climate change convention secretariat, the foreign ministry said Thursday.
On Wednesday, the ministry, as the "national focal point," sent to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change Secretariat the target to reduce the country's greenhouse gas emissions 24.4 percent from the 2017 level by 2030, as well as the 2050 carbon neutral strategy.
The submission is in line with the Paris Agreement, an international climate change pact that calls for a signatory to communicate its target, called the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), as well as its long-term low greenhouse gas emission development strategy (LEDS).
Seoul's long-term strategy includes its "New Deal" program centering on harnessing green and digital technologies to create sustainable jobs, help revitalize the overall economy and move toward carbon neutrality.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-31--(2nd LD) Moon picks former Science Minister You Young-min as chief of staff

After majoring in mathematics at Pusan National University in the southern port city of Busan , You started his career @ @ @ @ @ division in 1979 .
He moved to LG CNS , a system integration-providing affiliate of @ @ @ @ @ president in 2004 and then led South Korea 's software promotion agency for two years @

(ATTN: CHANGES photos; ADDS background info in paras 12-13)
By Lee Chi-dong
SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in has tapped You Young-min, a former science and technology minister, as his new chief of staff, Cheong Wa Dae announced Thursday.
You, known for his IT expertise from decades of experience in a related corporate sector, is succeeding Noh Young-min, who tendered his resignation the previous day following a two-year stint.
Noh was quoted as saying that he wants to leave room for fresh momentum in Moon's presidency, which is facing a host of challenges from housing market instability to the troubled COVID-19 response.
You said in a press statement that he is assuming the post at a "very grave time," citing the pandemic and the people's livelihoods.
You Young-min (R), newly appointed presidential chief of staff, and his predecessor Noh Young-min, meet reporters at the Chunchugwan pressroom of Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Dec. 31, 2020. (Yonhap)
He pledged efforts for "productive and effective" operation of his Cheong Wa Dae team via "integration and adjustment."
You served as minister of science and ICT from 2017-2019, having helped Moon's presidential campaign as head of his digital communication team.
Moon recruited You to the ruling Democratic Party ahead of the 2016 parliamentary elections, in which he was defeated.
After majoring in mathematics at Pusan National University in the southern port city of Busan, You started his career in LG Electronics' computing division in 1979. He moved to LG CNS, a system integration-providing affiliate of LG Group, as vice president in 2004 and then led South Korea's software promotion agency for two years.
The president also named Shin Hyun-soo, a former career prosecutor and ranking official at the National Intelligence Service, as senior secretary for civil affairs and justice.
Shin is replacing Kim Jong-ho, who also offered to resign apparently to take responsibility for confusion linked with the justice ministry's controversial disciplinary measure, approved by the president, against Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl.
Shin Hyun-soo, new senior secretary to President Moon Jae-in for civil affairs and justice, speaks to reporters at the Chunchugwan pressroom of Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Dec. 31, 2020. (Yonhap)
Shin is the first official with a prosecution career to take up the Cheong Wa Dae job under the Moon administration.
He worked with Moon for 1 1/2 years from February 2004 at Cheong Wa Dae, with both as aides to then President Roh Moo-hyun.
Moon, however, rejected a resignation offer by Kim Sang-jo, a top Cheong Wa Dae official in charge of policy issues. Kim's formal job title is chief of staff to the president for policy.
Moon said it is not the time to replace Kim, given a number of pending issues, including another round of disaster relief fund handouts and coronavirus control, according to a Cheong Wa Dae official who spoke to reporters on the condition of anonymity.
Observers view Moon's choice of You and Shin and his decision to keep Kim in his post as reflecting the pursuit of stability during the remainder of his tenure.
This photo provided by Yonhap News TV shows Kim Sang-jo, a top Cheong Wa Dae official on policy. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Moon, who's entering his fifth year in office, is seeking to start afresh, as his approval ratings have been on the decline in recent months.
Many agree that waning public support for him is mainly attributable to the government's failure to curb home price and rent hikes in Seoul and other major cities. The Moon administration is also under criticism that it has failed to secure supplies of coronavirus vaccines swiftly.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-31--2 USFK-affiliated people test positive for new coronavirus

They last visited Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek , some 70 kilometers south of Seoul , on Dec. 18 and are @ @ @ @ @ facility at the camp designated for COVID-19 patients , the command said .

SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- A retired American service member and his spouse tested positive for the new coronavirus, the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) said Thursday.
The individuals, who reside in the southeastern city of Sangju, developed symptoms consistent with the virus and were confirmed Wednesday to have been infected, according to USFK.
They last visited Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, some 70 kilometers south of Seoul, on Dec. 18 and are currently in isolation at a facility at the camp designated for COVID-19 patients, the command said.
South Korean and the U.S. authorities "are actively conducting contact tracing to determine whether anyone else may have been exposed to these individuals," USFK said in a statement.
Their route of infection is not immediately known.
The latest cases among the USFK-affiliated population rose to 482, most of whom have tested positive upon arrival in South Korea from the United States.
A military guard at U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, 70 kilometers south of Seoul, checks the temperature of a driver to screen entrants to the compound for the novel coronavirus, on Feb. 28, 2020, in the photo provided by U.S. Forces Korea. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-31--USFK-affiliated S. Korean civilians, troops begin getting COVID-19 vaccinations

Korean nationals affiliated with USFK , including members of the Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army , known as KATUSA @ @ @ @ @ the campaign , and Seoul 's defense ministry on Wednesday allowed them to get vaccinations @ @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- South Korean civilian workers and troops affiliated with the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) began getting COVID-19 vaccinations Thursday, the U.S. military said, becoming the country's first citizens to get inoculated against the virus.
The first shipment of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for USFK members arrived in South Korea last week, and the command began administering its initial doses to front-line health care workers, first responders and its command team.
Korean nationals affiliated with USFK, including members of the Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army, known as KATUSA, are also eligible for the campaign, and Seoul's defense ministry on Wednesday allowed them to get vaccinations on a voluntary basis.
"USFK confirms that we started inoculating Korean National health care workers and KATUSAs today," the command said in a statement.
It refused to make public their names or images, citing personal privacy.
Exactly how many South Koreans will be subject to the inoculation program was not immediately known.
Currently, there are around 3,000 Army troops working as part of KATUSA at U.S. military installations, and around 40 KATUSA soldiers are working inside the U.S.' Allgood Army Community Hospital inside Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, where the USFK headquarters are located.
South Korea plans to start its vaccination program in February.
This photo, provided by the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), shows a USFK service member getting a COVID-19 vaccine at Brian D. Allgood Army Community Hospital at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, on Dec. 29, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-31--Bio sector output up 16.2 pct at over 12 tln won in 2019: data

The value of output in the local bio industry was estimated at 12.32 trillion won ( US $ 11.36 billion @ @ @ @ @ with 10.48 trillion won a year earlier , according to the data from the Korea @ @ @ @

By Kim Han-joo
SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- Output in South Korea's bio industry increased 16.2 percent in 2019 from the previous year on the back of robust growth of outsourced business, industry data showed Thursday.
The value of output in the local bio industry was estimated at 12.32 trillion won (US$11.36 billion) last year, compared with 10.48 trillion won a year earlier, according to the data from the Korea Biotechnology Industry Organization.
Noticeably, the value of outsourced services that include contract manufacturing organization (CMO) business and contract research organization (CRO) business jumped 21.1 percent on-year, it said.
The data showed that exports of bio products also jumped 28.1 percent on-year to 6.71 trillion won in 2019.
Of the exports, bio medicine products accounted for 39 percent, followed by bio-related food with 35.8 percent and bio services with 12.2 percent, the data showed.
The exports of cytokine products, including biosimilars, skyrocketed by 50.7 percent on-year in 2019, the data showed.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-31--(URGENT) USFK-affiliated S. Korean civilians, troops begin to get COVID-19 vaccinations

(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--2020-12-31--S. Korea eyes V-shaped economic recovery, more job creation next year: finance minister

`` We will focus on creating quality jobs in the private sector for young adults who have seen opportunities for @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic ) , '' he said .

SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki on Thursday vowed utmost efforts to pull off a V-shaped economic recovery next year, saying the government will put the priority on boosting the job market severely battered by the new coronavirus outbreak.
In a New Year's message, Hong also said the country will closely monitor risk factors, including the property market and growing household debts.
"The government will make further efforts to help the country's economy grow 3.2 percent next year and create 150,000 jobs," the minister said.
"We will focus on creating quality jobs in the private sector for young adults who have seen opportunities for employment sharply fall (amid the pandemic)," he said.
In its economic policy plan for next year, the finance ministry said Asia's fourth-largest economy is expected to rebound in 2021 on improving exports and domestic demand, following this year's estimated contraction of 1.1 percent.
The government said it will center on boosting consumption and propping up the sluggish job market as the country sets its sights on overcoming economic slumps caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We will spare no efforts to provide policy support to help people return to their pre-pandemic lives," he said.
Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki holds a press briefing at the government complex in central Seoul on Dec. 29, 2020. (Yonhap)
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-31--(LEAD) Moon picks former Science Minister You Young-min as chief of staff

(ATTN: UPDATES with You's remarks in 4th para, decision on policy chief's resignation offer, details in paras 10-13; ADDS photo, byline)
By Lee Chi-dong
SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in has tapped You Young-min, a former science and technology minister, as his new chief of staff, Cheong Wa Dae announced Thursday.
You, known for his IT expertise from decades of experience in a related corporate sector, is succeeding Noh Young-min, who tendered his resignation the previous day following a two-year stint.
Noh was quoted as saying that he wants to leave room for fresh momentum in Moon's presidency, which is facing a host of challenges from housing market instability to the troubled COVID-19 response.
You said in a press statement that he is assuming the post at a "very grave time," citing the pandemic and the people's livelihoods.
He pledged efforts for "productive and effective" operation of his Cheong Wa Dae team via "integration and adjustment."
You served as minister of science and ICT from 2017-2019, having helped Moon's presidential campaign as head of his digital communication team.
This file photo shows You Young-min, new presidential chief of staff. (Yonhap)
Moon recruited You to the ruling Democratic Party ahead of the 2016 parliamentary elections, in which he was defeated.
After majoring in mathematics at Pusan National University in the southern port city of Busan, You started his career in LG Electronics' computing division in 1979. He moved to LG CNS, a system integration-providing affiliate of LG Group, as vice president in 2004 and then led South Korea's software promotion agency for two years.
The president also named Shin Hyun-soo, a former career prosecutor and ranking official at the National Intelligence Service, as senior secretary for civil affairs and justice.
Shin is replacing Kim Jong-ho, who also offered to resign apparently to take responsibility for confusion linked with the justice ministry's controversial disciplinary measure, approved by the president, against Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl.
Shin Hyun-soo, new senior secretary to President Moon Jae-in for civil affairs, in a photo provided by Cheong Wa Dae (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Shin is the first official with a prosecution career to take up the Cheong Wa Dae job under the Moon administration.
Moon, however, rejected a resignation offer by Kim Sang-jo, a top Cheong Wa Dae official in charge of policy issues.
Moon said it is not the time to replace Kim, given a number of pending issues, including another round of disaster relief fund handouts and coronavirus control, according to a Cheong Wa Dae official who spoke to reporters on the condition of anonymity.
Observers view Moon's choice of You and Shin and his decision to keep Kim in his post as reflecting the pursuit of stability during the remainder of his tenure.
This photo provided by Yonhap News TV shows Kim Sang-jo, a top Cheong Wa Dae official on policy. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Moon, who's entering his fifth year in office, is seeking to start afresh, as his approval ratings have been on the decline in recent months.
Many agree that waning public support for him is mainly attributable to the government's failure to curb home price and rent hikes in Seoul and other major cities. The Moon administration is also under criticism that it has failed to secure supplies of coronavirus vaccines swiftly.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-31--Over 26 pct of N. Korean defectors sent money back home this year: poll

Among those polled , 38.6 percent of the defectors said they continue to contact their families in North Korea to @ @ @ @ @ remittances , to check on their families or for business purposes .

SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- Over 26 percent of North Korean defectors living in South Korea sent remittances back to the communist country this year, a survey showed Thursday.
According to the poll conducted by the Database Center for North Korean Human Rights (NKDB) and NK Social Research (NKSR), a survey agency specializing in North Korean defectors, 26.6 percent of the defectors in the South sent remittances to the North this year.
The respondents sent an average of 1.51 million won (US$1,390) per transaction and made an average of 1.8 transactions, the survey showed.
The total amount of remittances sent by the defectors this year stood at 299.78 million won, down from 314 million won the previous year.
Among those polled, 38.6 percent of the defectors said they continue to contact their families in North Korea to confirm the receipt of the remittances, to check on their families or for business purposes.
Phone calls were the primary means of communication, accounting for 91.6 percent of the total cases.
The survey also found that 14.8 percent of the defectors have thought about returning to the North for several reasons, including homesickness and challenges in adapting to the South Korean society.
The survey was conducted on 414 North Korean defectors from Nov. 30 to Dec. 15.
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-01--(2nd LD) Pompeo says he hopes N. Korea chooses peace over war

`` We hope that the North Koreans will reconsider , '' Pompeo said in an interview with CBS .
`` @ @ @ @ @ on the commitments he made to President Trump , that is deeply disappointing .
I @ @ @ @ @ made the commitment that said he would not engage in intercontinental ballistic missiles or test-firing @ @ @ @ @ testing their nuclear weapons systems .
He made those commitments to President Trump in exchange @ @ @ @ @ to conduct large-scale military exercises .
We 've lived up to our commitments .
We @ @ @ @ @ that he 'll live up to his as well . ''

(ATTN: UPDATES with Pompeo's remarks in separate interview in last 3 paras)
By Lee Haye-ah
WASHINGTON, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday he hopes North Korea will choose peace over war after the regime threatened to reveal a "new strategic weapon."
Pompeo made the comment to Fox News shortly after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un delivered the threat amid stalled denuclearization talks with Washington.
"It remains the case that we hope that Chairman Kim will take a different course," the top U.S. diplomat said when asked for his assessment of the warning. "We're hopeful that Chairman Kim will make the right decision, (that) he'll choose peace and prosperity over conflict and war. I saw that reporting. I hope he doesn't go in that direction."
This AFP file photo shows U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. (Yonhap)
Trump and Kim have met three times to try to reach a deal on denuclearizing North Korea in exchange for U.S. concessions, but negotiations have stalled due to wide gaps over how to match their steps.
Kim also said in his remarks before a key ruling party meeting that he sees no reason to continue his self-declared moratorium on nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile tests.
Trump has repeatedly held up the absence of such tests as an outcome of his diplomatic engagement with Kim.
"We hope that the North Koreans will reconsider," Pompeo said in an interview with CBS. "If Chairman Kim has reneged on the commitments he made to President Trump, that is deeply disappointing. I was there when Chairman Kim made the commitment that said he would not engage in intercontinental ballistic missiles or test-firing of their nuclear weapons, testing their nuclear weapons systems. He made those commitments to President Trump in exchange for President Trump agreeing not to conduct large-scale military exercises. We've lived up to our commitments. We continue to hold out hope that he'll live up to his as well."
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-01--(EDITORIAL from Korea JoongAng Daily on Jan. 1)

Will the ruling party do any better this year ?
Our economy is in a serious state .
It could @ @ @ @ @ , bringing it as low as in the aftermath of the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis @ @ @ @ @ meltdown .
There was an abysmal slump in investment and consumption — and skyrocketing real @ @ @ @ @ of government measures to tame them .
In addition , the country still faces the @ @ @ @ @ Despite the liberal Moon Jae-in administration 's unrivaled generosity toward the recalcitrant state , Pyongyang @ @ @ @ @ new path '' after the collapse of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un 's Hanoi , @ @ @ @ @ President Donald Trump last February .

Toward integration
Last year, Korea suffered unprecedented conflict and division. The progressives and the conservatives were engaged in heated battles on almost all issues. The public was sharply split between those who supported former Justice Minister Cho Kuk and those who backed Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl, who was trying to get to the bottom of corruption involving Cho's family and his alleged abuse of power as senior presidential secretary for civil affairs in the Blue House.
On Monday, the ruling Democratic Party (DP) passed a bill aimed at creating a monstrous extra law enforcement body after outmaneuvering the main opposition Liberty Korea Party (LKP). With a critical lack of cooperation with opposition parties, the National Assembly has repeatedly turned into a theater for dirty political dramas.
Will the ruling party do any better this year? Our economy is in a serious state. It could hardly achieve 2 percent growth, bringing it as low as in the aftermath of the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis and the 2007-08 global financial meltdown. There was an abysmal slump in investment and consumption — and skyrocketing real estate prices despite a plethora of government measures to tame them. In addition, the country still faces the North Korean nuclear threat. Despite the liberal Moon Jae-in administration's unrivaled generosity toward the recalcitrant state, Pyongyang threatened to take a "new path" after the collapse of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's Hanoi, Vietnam, summit with U.S. President Donald Trump last February.
The general election scheduled for April 15 will certainly split the public even further. When the economy plunges and external risks grow, national integration is needed most. If the nation is stuck in a swamp of division, it cannot move an inch forward. Moon must take a path toward unity, as he pledged in his inauguration speech on May 10, 2017, in which he said, "Today will be remembered as the beginning of genuine national integration." But his vow proved empty as he only cared for his supporters and not his opponents.
Presiding over a Blue House meeting on Monday, Moon denounced the LKP for "showing its shameful face to the people." But we wonder how he can say that after conniving with the DP to railroad the bill on establishing a special law enforcement agency. Does he really have cooperation with opposition parties in mind?
Former President Kim Dae-jung stressed the importance of integration. Former President Roh Moo-hyun was no exception. His lifetime dream was to "overcome regionalism and achieve national integration." Moon must follow in their footsteps by listening to voices of opponents. Instead of sticking with his ill-conceived "income-led growth" policies, he must change course. On North Korea, he must squarely face reality through a cool-headed approach after ending his one-sided love affair with the North.
In his book, Moon urged the people to move toward an era of harmony after ending the era of hatred. We hope he returns to those sentiments as integration is not a dirty word.
(END)


yna--2020-01-01--(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on Jan. 1)

(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on Jan. 1)

This year the North may soon end talks with the U.S. and resume tests of ICBMs or nuclear weapons .
@ @ @ @ @ a policy shift ― from dialogue to confrontation ― in his New Year address .
@ @ @ @ @ , Moon 's peace initiative could go up in smoke .
So it is important @ @ @ @ @ for dialogue with the North no matter what .
Moon should step up cooperation with @ @ @ @ @ to keep the North on course for denuclearization and peace .

Start over again
Time to end conflicts, seek national unity
Last year was a tough year not just for politicians and policymakers, but also for the people. As the New Year dawned, it is time to start all over again to leave conflicts and divisions behind in order to bring about reconciliation and national unity.
It is disappointing to see 2019 pass with no progress in settling peace on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea refused to denuclearize, only calling for sanctions relief. It continued to test-fire short-range ballistic missiles. Nuclear talks with the U.S. have been stalled since President Donald Trump and Chairman Kim Jong-un failed to strike a deal in Hanoi in February.
The deadlock dealt a serious setback to President Moon Jae-in's policy of active engagement with the North. The Kim regime threatened to take a "new path" unless the U.S. came up with concessions by its arbitrary year-end deadline. It is somewhat relieving to see Pyongyang pass the deadline without sending an ominous "Christmas gift" to Trump.
This year the North may soon end talks with the U.S. and resume tests of ICBMs or nuclear weapons. Kim is likely to announce a policy shift ― from dialogue to confrontation ― in his New Year address. If that is the case, Moon's peace initiative could go up in smoke. So it is important to keep up the momentum for dialogue with the North no matter what. Moon should step up cooperation with the U.S. and other powers to keep the North on course for denuclearization and peace.
It is also urgent for Seoul to find a diplomatic solution to the ongoing trade dispute with Tokyo. For this, South Korea must go all-out to settle old scores with Japan over thorny historical issues such as wartime forced labor and sex slavery. Both sides should restore trust by narrowing the differences over their fraught history. Seoul also must wrap up defense cost-sharing talks with Washington successfully to protect its national interest and preserve the bilateral alliance.
On the domestic front, the country faces a difficult task of ending divisive and confrontational politics. The government and the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) need to minimize the fallout of the railroading of two fast-tracked bills for electoral and prosecutorial reform. This has raised conflicts with the main opposition Liberty Korea Party (LKP). The rival parties should stop their dog-eat-dog partisan struggles to better serve the people. President Moon had better keep his campaign promise to embrace the opposition for "cooperative politics."
It is equally important to overcome ideological conflicts between left and right, which culminated in a corruption scandal involving former Justice Minister Cho Kuk and his family. Moon should not compromise his anti-corruption drive. He must put actions before words to create a fair and just society.
Most of all this administration should put a top priority on economic recovery. It needs to change its rigid economic policies to help the slumping economy regain its vitality. For this, it is essential to push deregulation and innovation. Creating more jobs and improving the livelihoods of the people are also imperative.
All these are easier said than done. Yet we hope the country can make a fresh start to ensure 2020 will be a better year.
(END)


yna--2020-01-01--(EDITORIAL from Korea Herald on Jan. 1)

(EDITORIAL from Korea Herald on Jan. 1)

The court 's rejection of an arrest warrant does not mean investigations were excessive or unreasonable .
It said that @ @ @ @ @ supported , there is little concern the suspect will destroy evidence or flee .
The @ @ @ @ @ into consideration the situation of Cho 's wife , who is in detention .
She @ @ @ @ @ , including financial crimes and forgery .
Cho is accused of illegally ending a Cheong @ @ @ @ @ allegations against Yoo Jae-soo , a former Busan vice mayor , when he was the @ @ @ @ @ affairs .

Keep up probe
Charges against Cho seen as justified; Source of 'external pressure' must be identified
Shortly after the court rejected the prosecution's request for an arrest warrant for former Justice Minister Cho Kuk on Friday, Cheong Wa Dae said the court decision showed that the prosecution's request was unreasonable.
This comment appears intended to call attention to the need to reform the prosecution. The ruling party hailed the court decision as rational, and revealed its true colors by saying, "We will push through a bill to create a separate investigation agency targeting high-ranking officials."
If the bill is passed, the agency can take over all cases involving high-ranking officials, including the Cho scandal, from the prosecution. There are great concerns that investigations unfavorable to the ruling camp will fizzle out under the agency.
The court's rejection of an arrest warrant does not mean investigations were excessive or unreasonable. It said that although the suspicions had been supported, there is little concern the suspect will destroy evidence or flee. The court also said it took into consideration the situation of Cho's wife, who is in detention. She stands trial on several charges, including financial crimes and forgery. Cho is accused of illegally ending a Cheong Wa Dae inspection into bribery allegations against Yoo Jae-soo, a former Busan vice mayor, when he was the senior presidential secretary for civil affairs.
The most salient point of the court's decision is that the case against him is reasonable.
"The suspect set back the constitutionalism and undermined state functions by abusing his official authority (as the senior presidential secretary for civil affairs)," the court said, "The nature of the offense is not good."
It is inappropriate and misleading to talk down the prosecution's investigations citing the court's rejection of an arrest warrant. Interpretations with intent to criticize the prosecution will only intensify suspicions.
That an arrest warrant was issued or rejected does not mean the suspect is guilty or not. If a writ is not issued, it does not mean the case is negligible. The opposite is true with a high-profile case such as this.
Generally, the phrase "the nature of the offense is not good," is among justifications cited by the court to issue an arrest warrant. But on this occasion, the court said the gravity of the offense does not warrant arrest.
From the standpoint of common sense, this sounds contradictory. It gives the impression that the court tried to find a balance point mechanically. Cho avoided arrest, while charges were assumed to have been justified.
Woo Byung-woo was sentenced to two years and six months in the first trial for neglecting his duty of inspecting into allegations against Choi Sun-sil, a confidante of President Park Geun-hye, when he was Park's senior secretary for civil affairs. Woo was tried in detention. Considering Cho faces similar or maybe more serious charges than Woo, it is questionable if the court treated the two cases equally.
Allegations against Cho and his family split public opinion severely for about four months. Many people expected the court to draw a clear line, but regrettably, the line looks hazy.
The prosecution has sought an arrest warrant for Ulsan Vice Mayor Song Byung-gi in connection with election meddling allegations. Song is suspected of colluding with Cheong Wa Dae to elect an old friend of the president as Ulsan mayor. Cho is not free from this scandal. The court should take a definite decision this time.
Though an arrest warrant against Cho was rejected, the prosecution does not need to be discouraged. The accusations were viewed as convincing. It must keep up its investigations to get to the bottom of the case.
Cho is said to have admitted during the warrant hearing that there were requests from "figures close to President Moon" for the termination of an inspection into bribery allegations against the former Busan vice mayor.
Who exercised this pressure must be disclosed. If needed, the prosecution should seek an arrest warrant again.
(END)


yna--2020-01-01--Top headlines in major S. Korean newspapers

Korean-language dailies -- Boundary between work and life fades ( Kyunghyang Shinmun ) -- 20-somethings rise ( Kookmin Daily ) @ @ @ @ @ contest for administrative reform ( Donga llbo ) -- Hope again , and let 's @ @ @ @ @ Shinmun ) -- Rapidly aging S. Korea ( Segye Times ) -- Guardians of truth @ @ @ @ @ Vietnam 's football coach Park Hang-seo calls for new challenges ( JoongAng Ilbo ) -- @ @ @ @ @ ( Hankyoreh ) -- Dystopia has come ( Hankook Ilbo ) -- It 's the @ @ @ @ @ Newspaper ) -- Business-friendly environment is key for new decade ( Korea Economic Daily )

SEOUL, Jan. 1 (Yonhap) -- The following are the top headlines in major South Korean newspapers on Jan. 1.
Korean-language dailies
-- Boundary between work and life fades (Kyunghyang Shinmun)
-- 20-somethings rise (Kookmin Daily)
-- Failure in gov't idea contest for administrative reform (Donga llbo)
-- Hope again, and let's change our future (Seoul Shinmun)
-- Rapidly aging S. Korea (Segye Times)
-- Guardians of truth (Chosun Ilbo)
-- Vietnam's football coach Park Hang-seo calls for new challenges (JoongAng Ilbo)
-- A meal for a worker (Hankyoreh)
-- Dystopia has come (Hankook Ilbo)
-- It's the economy! (Maeil Business Newspaper)
-- Business-friendly environment is key for new decade (Korea Economic Daily)
English-language dailies
-- Inflation was only 0.4 pct for 2019 (Korea JoongAng Daily)
-- Striving for clarity in 2020 (Korea Herald)
-- Tensions between N.K., U.S. continue through new year (Korea Times)
(END)


yna--2020-01-01--(LEAD) Pompeo says he hopes N. Korea chooses peace over war

`` It remains the case that we hope that Chairman Kim will take a different course , '' the top @ @ @ @ @ for his assessment of the warning .
`` We 're hopeful that Chairman Kim will @ @ @ @ @ ( that ) he 'll choose peace and prosperity over conflict and war .
I @ @ @ @ @ hope he does n't go in that direction . ''

(ATTN: UPDATES with details; CHANGES headline; ADDS photo)
By Lee Haye-ah
WASHINGTON, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday he hopes North Korea will choose peace over war after the regime threatened to reveal a "new strategic weapon."
Pompeo made the comment to Fox News shortly after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un delivered the threat amid stalled denuclearization talks with Washington.
"It remains the case that we hope that Chairman Kim will take a different course," the top U.S. diplomat said when asked for his assessment of the warning. "We're hopeful that Chairman Kim will make the right decision, (that) he'll choose peace and prosperity over conflict and war. I saw that reporting. I hope he doesn't go in that direction."
Kim's remarks were reported by North Korean state media ahead of his New Year's Day speech, expected later in the day.
All eyes are on whether the North Korean leader will outline the "new way" the regime has threatened to take if the U.S. fails to make concessions in their talks by the end of 2019.
"President Trump came into office with the threat of war with North Korea real and a true concern for the American people. He took a tack (where) we said we can deliver a better outcome for the people of North Korea," Pompeo said.
Trump and Kim have met three times to try to reach a deal on denuclearizing North Korea in exchange for U.S. concessions, but negotiations have stalled due to wide gaps over how to match their steps.
This AFP file photo shows U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-01--(LEAD) Korea's exports dip 10.3 pct in 2019 on weak chip sales, trade rows

The trade row between the United States and China , which are also major trading partners of South Korea , @ @ @ @ @ of $ 10.7 billion in its outbound shipments , according to its estimate .

(ATTN: ADDS details throughout)
By Kang Yoon-seung
SEOUL, Jan. 1 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's exports fell 10.3 percent in 2019 after setting a record high performance the year before, due mainly to a slump in the global chip market coupled with the trade feud between the world's top two economies, data showed Wednesday.
Outbound shipments came to US$542.4 billion last year, compared with $604.8 billion posted a year earlier, according to the data compiled by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
Imports moved down 6 percent on-year to $503.2 billion.
Despite weak performance, South Korea still managed to post a combined trade volume above 1 trillion won for the third year.
The trade surplus came to $39.1 billion in 2019, marking the 11th consecutive year the country has posted a surplus.
Last year's slump in exports was mainly attributable to uncertainties in the global economy, the ministry said.
The trade row between the United States and China, which are also major trading partners of South Korea, was responsible for a loss of $10.7 billion in its outbound shipments, according to its estimate.
The industrywide slump in the chip segment, the backbone of Asia's No. 4 economy, caused a loss of $32.8 billion. Other negative factors included the decrease in the oil price that led to a decline of $13.4 billion in overall outbound shipments.
For December, the monthly exports slipped 5.2 percent on-year to $45.7 billion to extend their slump to a whopping 13th consecutive month.
Imports fell 0.7 percent on-year last month to $43.7 billion. The country's trade surplus came to $2 billion in December, marking 95 straight months in which the country's exports have exceeded imports.
Exports of chips plunged 17.7 percent last month from a year earlier. Outbound shipments of ships also decreased 57.9 percent over the cited period.
When excluding the two segments, South Korea's exports for December edged up 2.6 percent on-year.
Reflecting the progress in the Sino-American trade negotiations, exports to China advanced 3.3 percent in December, marking the first on-year rise in 14 months.
Outbound shipments to the United States moved down 0.4 percent.
South Korea's exports are anticipated to rebound in 2020 by rising 3 percent to $560 billion, according to the ministry.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)