yna--2020-10-27--Sitting prosecutor indicted for assaulting suspect during raid

The rare commotion between the two incumbent prosecutors drew attention especially because it was portrayed in the media as a @ @ @ @ @ Choo Mi-ae and Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl who did not see eye to eye on @ @ @ @ @ handled .
Han is believed to be a close aide of Yoon , and some @ @ @ @ @ interfering with the investigation to protect Han .

SEOUL, Oct. 27 (Yonhap) -- A sitting prosecutor was indicted Tuesday on charges of assaulting a suspect accused of being involved in an alleged blackmail case during a raid on his office.
The Seoul High Prosecutors Office charged prosecutor Jeong Jin-woong with assaulting another prosecutor, Han Dong-hoon, while exercising a search warrant against Han in July.
Han was accused of colluding with a former reporter at local cable television network Channel A to blackmail a jailed businessman to dig up dirt on a pro-government public intellectual. The reporter has been arrested and indicted on charges of attempted blackmail.
The indictment of Jeong came three months after Han filed a complaint with the prosecution regarding the scuffle between him and Jeong, saying that he suffered injuries that need three weeks of medical treatment.
The incident occurred in the morning of July 29 when investigators were carrying out a search-and-seizure operation at Han's office in Yongin, south of Seoul, to secure the USIM card of Han's cell phone.
In a statement released right after the incident, Han argued that he was unlocking his phone to call his lawyer, with permission from Jeong, a senior investigator, when Jeong suddenly hurled himself over the table between them to push Han off the sofa where he was sitting. During the ensuing scuffle, Jeong grabbed his arm and shoulder and pressed his face down, Han claimed.
The rare commotion between the two incumbent prosecutors drew attention especially because it was portrayed in the media as a proxy war between Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae and Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl who did not see eye to eye on how the probe should be handled. Han is believed to be a close aide of Yoon, and some critics suspect Yoon might be interfering with the investigation to protect Han.
While Jeong acknowledged his sudden behavior, he said he did so to stop Han from potentially deleting evidence on his phone.
If convicted, Jeong could face up to five years in prison and the suspension of his duty for up to 10 years. In the case of inflicting an injury, the offense could have aggravated punishment of a prison sentence of more than one year.
The prosecutors office said it will closely consult with the Supreme Prosecutors Office, as the top prosecutor has the final authority over disciplinary actions against sitting prosecutors.
The file photos shows Han Dong-hoon (L) and Jeong Jin-woong (R). (Yonhap)
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-27--Foreign ministry declines comment after Korean American singer cries foul against entry ban

`` As we have mentioned before , visa issuance is a discretionary matter that comes after the consul takes various @ @ @ @ @ will decide whether to issue a visa after a comprehensive review of those circumstances , @ @ @ @ @ application , '' the spokesman said in a press briefing .

SEOUL, Oct. 27 (Yonhap) -- The foreign ministry declined direct comments after a Korean American singer banned from entering South Korea for draft dodging claimed that the measure constitutes a human rights violation.
Deputy ministry spokesperson Lee Jae-woong only said the ministry takes the comment as a "personal opinion" after Steve Yoo, better known as Yoo Seung-jun, claimed on his social media page that banning his entry into Korea for dodging the draft is "an infringement of human rights."
"As we have mentioned before, visa issuance is a discretionary matter that comes after the consul takes various circumstances into account. We will decide whether to issue a visa after a comprehensive review of those circumstances, if there is a visa application," the spokesman said in a press briefing.
Yoo made the remark after Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha told lawmakers during Monday's parliamentary audit that the government decided not to grant him entry after a comprehensive review.
Yoo, a once successful singer, has been banned from entering South Korea for 18 years after he renounced his Korean citizenship in 2002 to allegedly dodge mandatory military service. The move sparked a public uproar here as evading conscription is a very sensitive issue in a country where all able-bodied men must serve about two years in the military.
Regarding Yoo's claim about his rights being violated, the foreign ministry said it sees it as "an expression of personal opinion."
Earlier this month, the country's military manpower agency also repeated its stance about the entry ban, saying that if Yoo was allowed to come, it could be dispiriting to others carrying out the duty.
This undated file photo shows Korean American singer Steve Yoo. (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

In the annual budget speech Wednesday , Moon plans to request bipartisan support for his administration 's fight against COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ economy .
The government has proposed a state budget worth 555.8 trillion won ( $ @ @ @ @ @ , up 8.5 percent from this year .
Lawmakers will begin a full-fledged review of @ @ @ @ @ coming weeks .

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Tuesday.
-----------------
Moon set for parliamentary speech on state budget
SEOUL -- President Moon Jae-in will deliver a speech at the National Assembly this week on next year's budget plan, Cheong Wa Dae said Tuesday.
In the annual budget speech Wednesday, Moon plans to request bipartisan support for his administration's fight against COVID-19 and campaign to revitalize the economy. The government has proposed a state budget worth 555.8 trillion won ($469.8 billion) for 2021, up 8.5 percent from this year. Lawmakers will begin a full-fledged review of the budget scheme within the coming weeks.
-----------------
Main opposition selects its members of recommendation committee for CIO chief
SEOUL -- The main opposition party on Tuesday designated two conservative lawyers as its share of members of a panel that will recommend the inaugural head of an independent body for probing corruption among ranking government officials.
The People Power Party (PPP) submitted letters of recommendation to the National Assembly for Lee Hun, a former chief of Korea Legal Aid Corp., and Im Jeong-hyuk, a former deputy of the Supreme Prosecutors Office.
-----------------
Moon requests Canada's backing for S. Korea in WTO chief race
SEOUL -- President Moon Jae-in had phone talks with Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday mainly as part of efforts to broaden international support for South Korean Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee's candidacy to lead the World Trade Organization (WTO).
In the conversation that lasted around 25 minutes, Moon and Trudeau exchanged opinions on issues of mutual concern, which include the WTO chief race, cooperation in the response to the new coronavirus and partnerships on the global stage, according to Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kang Min-seok.
-----------------
Send-off ceremony for late Samsung chief to be held Wednesday, mourners in queue
SEOUL -- Samsung Group on Tuesday was preparing for the send-off ceremony for its late chief Lee Kun-hee as more leaders from business and political communities mourned the death of one of South Korea's most influential tycoons.
Lee died Sunday at age 78, more than six years after being hospitalized for a heart attack.
-----------------
(LEAD) Samsung C&T Q3 net up on equity gains
SEOUL -- Samsung C&T Corp., a construction and trading business unit of Samsung Group, on Tuesday reported solid growth in its third-quarter net income on gains from equity ties with its affiliate.
The company reported a net profit of 323.4 billion won (US$287.3 million) in the July-September period, up 22.1 percent from a year earlier.
-----------------
(LEAD) Lotte delivery workers launch strike demanding better treatment
SEOUL -- Delivery workers at Lotte Global Logistics on Tuesday launched a nationwide strike to demand better treatment following the deaths of their colleagues apparently from overwork.
The workers announced the strike at a distribution center in southeastern Seoul, saying they will be joined by around 250 colleagues across the nation in Seoul, Gyeonggi Province, Gwangju, Ulsan and South Gyeongsang Province.
-----------------
(2nd LD) New virus cases fall back below 100, sporadic cluster infections still worrisome
SEOUL -- South Korea's daily new coronavirus cases fell back below 100 again Tuesday, but concerns over a potential spike in infections still linger over sporadic cluster infections at risk-prone facilities, such as hospitals and nursing homes.
The country added 88 more COVID-19 cases, including 72 domestic infections, raising the total caseload to 26,043, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
----------------
(END)


yna--2020-10-27--(LEAD) Samsung C&T Q3 net up on equity gains

Its trading business unit saw sales falling 3.5 percent on-year to 3.4 trillion won in the third quarter , but @ @ @ @ @ on-year to 46 billion won on the back of increased trading of industrial commodities following @ @ @ @ @

(ATTN: CHANGES headline, lead; ADDS more info throughout)
SEOUL, Oct. 27 (Yonhap) -- Samsung C&T Corp., a construction and trading business unit of Samsung Group, on Tuesday reported solid growth in its third-quarter net income on gains from equity ties with its affiliate.
The company reported a net profit of 323.4 billion won (US$287.3 million) in the July-September period, up 22.1 percent from a year earlier.
Its operating profit declined 0.4 percent on-year to 215.5 billion won in the third quarter, but sales rose 1.5 percent on-year to 7.85 trillion won over the cited period.
Samsung C&T said gains from equity ties with Samsung Biologics Co., a major biopharmaceutical firm in South Korea, and improved performance from its trading business boosted the third-quarter bottom line.
Samsung C&T holds a 43.4 percent stake in Samsung Biologics, which earlier reported a third-quarter net profit of 56.1 billion won, up 27 percent from a year ago.
This photo, taken on Oct. 12, 2020, shows the corporate logo of Samsung Group at its office building in Seoul. (Yonhap)
Samsung C&T said revenue from its construction business reached 3.1 trillion won in the third quarter, up 9.2 percent from a year earlier, but operating profit plunged 12.7 percent on-year to 124 billion won due to increased costs amid the pandemic.
Its trading business unit saw sales falling 3.5 percent on-year to 3.4 trillion won in the third quarter, but operating profit soared 70.4 percent on-year to 46 billion won on the back of increased trading of industrial commodities following China's economic recovery.
Samsung C&T also runs fashion and leisure businesses, but both of them posted operating losses in the third quarter due to the stay-at-home trend amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, Samsung C&T announced it will withdraw from any coal-related business in the future following a recommendation from its governance committee seeking environment friendly corporate actions.
The company's construction unit will not take part in investment or building projects of coal power plants, while its trading unit will also halt coal trading.
Shares in Samsung C&T fell 2.12 percent to 115,500 won, underperforming the broader KOSPI's 0.56 percent decline.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-27--Moon's special adviser urges N.K. to resume inter-Korean talks before new U.S. president takes offic

Moon's special adviser urges N.K. to resume inter-Korean talks before new U.S. president takes office

`` The two Koreas need to improve inter-Korean relations and hold a summit meeting as soon as possible , and @ @ @ @ @ before a new administration takes office after the U.S. election , '' he said .

SEOUL, Oct. 27 (Yonhap) -- A special security adviser to President Moon Jae-in on Tuesday called on North Korea to resume dialogue with South Korea before a new U.S. administration kicks in after next week's election.
Moon Chung-in, special adviser for diplomatic affairs, made the remark during the "Korea-China-Japan Peace Forum" hosted by the National Unification Advisory Council, urging Pyongyang to respond positively to Seoul's calls for dialogue.
"The two Koreas need to improve inter-Korean relations and hold a summit meeting as soon as possible, and they must especially resume dialogue before a new administration takes office after the U.S. election," he said.
Moon urged North Korea to be "more forward-looking" to calls for inter-Korean cooperation and dialogue, saying that "nuclear weapons cannot guarantee their survival and prosperity."
He then stressed the need to formally end the Korean War as part of the denuclearization process.
"As the president mentioned, it is important to simultaneously pursue denuclearization and a permanent peace regime on the Korean Peninsula. The end-of-war declaration acts as a door to this," he said.
Moon also called on the leaders of South Korea, China and Japan to cooperate to prevent a "new Cold War" that could bring "catastrophic results" to Northeast Asia.
"We have to prevent a new Cold War from breaking out on the Korean Peninsula at all costs ... North Korean denuclearization is important in that sense," he added.
Inter-Korean relations have stalled since the no-deal summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and U.S. President Donald Trump last year.
Tensions further escalated after the North blew up a joint liaison office in June and fatally shot a South Korean fisheries official in its waters last month.
Moon Chung-in, special security adviser of President Moon Jae-in, speaks during the "Korea-China-Japan Peace Forum" in Seoul on Oct. 27, 2020. (Yonhap)
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-27--Vice FM calls alliance with U.S. 'foundation' of S. Korea's diplomacy, security during election team

Vice FM calls alliance with U.S. 'foundation' of S. Korea's diplomacy, security during election team meeting

`` Vice Minister Choi said that the South Korea-U.S. alliance is the foundation of our diplomacy and security , and @ @ @ @ @ the foreign ministry in continuing to develop the bilateral relationship after the U.S. presidential election @ @ @ @ @ in a press release .

SEOUL, Oct. 27 (Yonhap) -- Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong-kun on Tuesday called the alliance with the United States the "foundation" of South Korea's diplomacy and security, stressing the foreign ministry's active role to enhance the bilateral ties beyond next week's U.S. presidential election.
Choi made the remarks as he presided over a meeting of the ministry's task force monitoring the Nov. 3 election and analyzing each candidate's policy orientations that could affect the bilateral relations.
"Vice Minister Choi said that the South Korea-U.S. alliance is the foundation of our diplomacy and security, and underscored the active role of the foreign ministry in continuing to develop the bilateral relationship after the U.S. presidential election," the ministry said in a press release.
Since August, the vice minister has led the task force to check various election-related issues, particularly policy projections that could affect the alliance and overall international affairs.
The task force involved officials from ministry divisions covering North American affairs, North Korean nuclear issues and other related areas.
Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong-kun speaks during a parliamentary audit session at the National Assembly in Seoul on Oct. 26, 2020. (Yonhap)
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-27--(LEAD) Shinhan Financial Q3 net rises 11 pct on commissions, interest income

Net profit for the three months that ended in September climbed to 1.17 trillion won from 1.05 trillion won in @ @ @ @ @ year , the company said in a statement .

(ATTN: REWRITES throughout; ADDS photo)
SEOUL, Oct. 27 (Yonhap) -- Shinhan Financial Group said Tuesday its third-quarter net profit jumped 11 percent from a year earlier on increased commissions fees and interest income.
Net profit for the three months that ended in September climbed to 1.17 trillion won from 1.05 trillion won in the same period of last year, the company said in a statement.
"Commissions income increased in the third quarter as retail investors made an aggressive investment in funds sold through the (Shinhan) bank. Increased loans to individuals and companies helped buoy interest income," a Shinhan spokesman said.
Operating profit rose 3.6 percent to 1.47 trillion won in the third quarter from 1.42 trillion won a year ago. Sales fell 34 percent to 8.24 trillion won from 12.5 trillion won during the same period.
From January to September, net income fell 2.5 percent to 3 trillion won from 3.08 trillion won in the year-ago period.
Operating profit declined 3.8 percent to 3.98 trillion won in the first nine months from 4.12 trillion won a year ago, while sales were down 2.5 percent to 35.43 trillion won from 36.35 trillion won during the same period.
Shinhan Financial Group is the country's largest lender in terms of net income in the January-September period.
This photo, taken on July 1, 2020, shows a Shinhan Bank outlet in central Seoul. (Yonhap)
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-27--(LEAD) Seoul shares down on virus concerns, U.S. election uncertainties

While local stocks got off to a weak start , it shifted toward positive terrain in the late morning on @ @ @ @ @ bank data , which showed the country 's economy grew in the July-September period on-quarter @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic began .

(ATTN: ADDS bond yields at bottom; CHANGES photo)
SEOUL, Oct. 27 (Yonhap) -- South Korean shares closed lower Tuesday, falling for the second straight session, amid concerns of a global resurgence in COVID-19 cases and growing uncertainties over the U.S. presidential election. The Korean won continued to rise against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) fell 13.07 points, or 0.56 percent, to close at 2,330.84.
Trading volume was moderate at 643.2 million shares worth 9.9 trillion won (US$8.8 billion), with losers outnumbering gainers 555 to 278.
Foreigners picked up a net 104.4 billion won worth of local stocks, and retail investors purchased a net 106.1 billion won. Institutions turned net sellers, offloading a net 248.6 billion won, after six straight sessions of buying.
Electronic signboards at the trading room of Hana Bank in Seoul show the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed at 2,330.84 on Oct. 27, 2020, down 13.07 points or 0.56 percent from the previous session's close. (Yonhap)
While local stocks got off to a weak start, it shifted toward positive terrain in the late morning on the back of upbeat central bank data, which showed the country's economy grew in the July-September period on-quarter for the first time since the pandemic began.
Investor sentiment worsened, however, on concerns of a global resurgence in the virus, especially in Europe.
"Europe is showing a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases, with France reporting over 50,000 cases in a day," Kiwoom Securities analyst Seo Sang-young said. "Concerns over an economic slump there raise the likelihood of a slow recovery for the global economy."
Other analysts pointed out uncertainties surrounding the U.S. presidential election slated for next week.
"Until there is a clear picture of the U.S. election result, the market will likely exhibit an aimless trend," said Kim Dae-jun, an analyst at Korea Investment & Securities.
In Seoul, large caps ended mixed.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics fell 0.99 percent to 59,800 won, and No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix shed 0.72 percent to 82,600 won.
Pharmaceutical giant Samsung Biologics rose 0.79 percent to 635,000 won, and Celltrion gained 0.42 percent to 239,000 won.
Leading automaker Hyundai Motor added 0.58 percent to 172,500 won, and smaller affiliate Kia Motors soared 10.32 percent to 52,900 won.
Top chemical maker LG Chem slumped 2.17 percent to 632,000 won.
The local currency closed at 1,125.5 won to the U.S. dollar, up 2.2 won from the previous session's close.
Bond prices, which move inversely to yields, closed lower. The yield on three-year Treasurys rose 0.9 basis point to 0.917 percent, and the return on the benchmark five-year government bond added 1.4 basis points to 1.206 percent.
yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-27--Korean shipbuilders tipped to bask in more orders next year on tough regulations

Last month , the European Parliament passed a bill to launch its Emission Trading System ( ETS ) of ships @ @ @ @ @ .
Shippers receive or buy emission allowances , which they can trade with one another @ @ @ @ @ on emissions set by the European Union .

By Nam Kwang-sik
SEOUL, Oct. 27 (Yonhap) -- South Korean shipyards are likely to win more orders next year as toughened environment regulations may prod clients to resort to local shipbuilders, which have a competitive edge in eco-friendly vessels, a report said Tuesday.
Their combined new orders are estimated at 10 million compensated gross tons (CGTs) worth US$22.5 billion in 2021, more than two times an estimated 4.4 million CGTs worth $11 billion in 2020, according to the report by the Korea Eximbank Overseas Economic Research Institute.
In line with intensified environment regulations led by the European Union, South Korean shipbuilders' new orders for ships propelled by liquefied natural gas (LNG) are predicted to rise, it said.
The LNG-fired ships are usually said to have lower emissions compared with oil-fired ships.
The world's first LNG-powered container ship built by Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries Co. floats off the southwestern city of Mokpo, South Korea, on Sept. 15, 2020, ahead of its delivery to Singapore's Eastern Pacific Shipping. (Yonhap)
Last month, the European Parliament passed a bill to launch its Emission Trading System (ETS) of ships to cut emissions in 2022. Shippers receive or buy emission allowances, which they can trade with one another as needed within the cap on emissions set by the European Union.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is also considering reducing the emission level of ships by 30 percent by 2025 and by 70 percent by 2050 compared with 2008.
From Jan. 1, 2020, the IMO already lowered the sulfur cap on fuel content from 3.5 percent to 0.5 percent.
But South Korean shipbuilders are expected to continue to suffer low order backlogs from the second half of next year, the report said.
South Korean shipbuilders' new orders are predicted to fall over 50 percent this year from a year ago, it said.
As of early October, South Korean shipbuilders have one and a half years worth of order backlogs amounting to 18.42 million CGTs, down 21 percent from the beginning of the year.
ksnam@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-27--S. Korean Bond Yields on Oct. 27, 2020

S. Korean Bond Yields on Oct. 27, 2020

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


yna--2020-10-27--Moon set for parliamentary speech on state budget

SEOUL, Oct. 27 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in will deliver a speech at the National Assembly this week on next year's budget plan, Cheong Wa Dae said Tuesday.
In the annual budget speech Wednesday, Moon plans to request bipartisan support for his administration's fight against COVID-19 and campaign to revitalize the economy. The government has proposed a state budget worth 555.8 trillion won ($469.8 billion) for 2021, up 8.5 percent from this year. Lawmakers will begin a full-fledged review of the budget scheme within the coming weeks.
During the address, Moon will emphasize that South Korea is a country which is "strong in crises," Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kang Min-seok told reporters.
This file photo shows President Moon Jae-in delivering a budget speech at the National Assembly in Seoul on Oct. 22, 2019. (Yonhap)
He added the president will express his gratitude to South Koreans over their support for antivirus measures and unveil a fiscal operation scheme to succeed in efforts for virus control and economic growth.
Moon is expected to explain the Korean-version New Deal project aimed at creating jobs and developing the nation's future growth engines in preparation for the post-coronavirus era.
He is also likely to present his vision for inter-Korean peace.
Moon made his previous parliamentary speech on July 16 on the occasion of the opening of a new four-year National Assembly session.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-27--Foreign stock buying jumps nearly sevenfold in first 8 months

The combined value of the top five held by South Koreans accounted for 34 percent of their net buying of @ @ @ @ @ period , the FSS said .

SEOUL, Oct. 27 (Yonhap) -- South Koreans' net buying of foreign stocks jumped nearly sevenfold in the first eight months of this year from a year earlier as investors hunted for bargains amid the coronavirus pandemic, data showed Tuesday.
Individual South Koreans and South Korean companies bought a net US$11.5 billion worth of foreign stocks in the January-August period, according to the data from the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS).
Their top five picks were electric vehicle maker Tesla Inc., Apple Inc., Microsoft Corp., Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google, and toymaker Hasbro Inc.
This photo shows the logo of the Financial Supervisory Service in front of its headquarters in Yeouido, western Seoul (Yonhap)
The combined value of the top five held by South Koreans accounted for 34 percent of their net buying of foreign stocks during the cited period, the FSS said.
Among them, Tesla Inc. accounted for 13 percent of their net buying in the cited period, the FSS said.
Separately, the FSS said the outstanding value of foreign stocks held by individual South Koreans reached 28.9 trillion won ($25.6 billion) as of end of August, up 142.6 percent from the end of last year.
Among them, U.S. stocks accounted for 22 trillion won, or 76 percent, followed by Chinese stocks with 8 percent, Hong Kong with 7 percent and Japan with 3 percent.
entropy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-27--Appeals court upholds suspended prison sentence for ex-prosecutor in DUI case

The former prosecutor of the Seoul High Prosecutors Office , identified only as Kim , was indicted in March 2019 @ @ @ @ @ parking his car under the influence of alcohol at his apartment complex in southern Seoul @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Oct. 27 (Yonhap) -- A former prosecutor, who was sentenced by a Seoul district court to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years, after being convicted of repeated drunk driving, drew the same sentence from an appeals court Tuesday.
The former prosecutor of the Seoul High Prosecutors Office, identified only as Kim, was indicted in March 2019 for scratching another car while parking his car under the influence of alcohol at his apartment complex in southern Seoul two months earlier.
Kim ignored protests from the victim and was arrested by police at his home later after refusing to blow into a breathalyzer. His blood alcohol level was 0.264 percent, high enough to have his license revoked.
Kim, who was already punished twice for drunk driving offenses, was dismissed from his post by a prosecution disciplinary committee in April that year.
The Seoul Central District Court's appellate division, upholding a lower court's suspended prison sentence for Kim, said the defendant is very likely to be strongly reproached for committing a third drunk driving offense despite his status as a public prosecutor.
This composite photo, provided by Yonhap News TV, depicts drunk driving. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-28--(LEAD) Kia workers to vote on potential strike for higher wages

`` The company was expected to report an operating profit of 1.3 trillion won in the third quarter , but @ @ @ @ @ provisions pushed it down to 195 billion won , '' the union said in the @ @ @

(ATTN: ADDS background in last 3 paras)
SEOUL, Oct. 28 (Yonhap) -- Kia Motors Corp.'s union said Wednesday its unionized workers plan to vote on a potential strike next week to demand higher wages and performance-based bonuses.
Kia Motors and its union have held nine rounds of meetings in this year's wage talks but haven't narrowed the gap running deep between them over wages and bonuses.
The carmaker's 30,000-strong union will have the right to go on strike if more than 50 percent of the union members support a walkout in the vote due Nov. 3.
The union demanded the company increase the monthly basic pay by 120,000 won (US$104) per person and offer 30 percent of its annual operating profit in performance-based pay.
The union held a press conference to criticize Kia's decision to put aside 1.26 trillion won in provisions for the recall of the faulty Theta II gasoline direct injection (GDi) engine and quality-related expenses, which sharply drove down the company's third-quarter profits.
"The company was expected to report an operating profit of 1.3 trillion won in the third quarter, but the reflection of the heavy provisions pushed it down to 195 billion won," the union said in the press conference.
In the July-September period, Kia's net profit fell to 133.68 billion won from 325.80 billion won a year earlier.
Operating profit plunged 33 percent to 195.23 billion won in the third quarter from 291.47 billion won a year ago. Sales rose 8.2 percent to 16.32 trillion won from 15.09 trillion won during the same period.
The union also expressed concerns about a possible reduction in its workforce due to Hyundai Mobis Co.'s plan to build an auto parts plant for hydrogen fuel cell electric and all-electric cars.
It demanded the company build the parts plant inside Kia's existing production facilities.
Last month, Hyundai Motor Co., which owns a 34 percent stake in Kia, sealed the wage deal with its union for the year, marking a wage agreement without a strike for the second consecutive year.
Hyundai's 49,598-member union accepted the company's proposal that included a freeze on basic pay, a one-off bonus amounting to 150 percent of monthly salary, 1.2 million won in special COVID-19 allowance, 10 company shares and 200,000 won in gift certificates.
It is the third time the company and the union agreed on a wage freeze, after the 1998 Asian financial crisis and the 2009 global financial crisis.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-28--(LEAD) Bereaved family bid final farewell to longtime Samsung chief Lee Kun-hee

`` I have been to many countries in the world , but I have never seen a man like him @ @ @ @ @ father , '' said Kim Phil-kyu , K.P.K International chairman who knew Lee for more @ @ @ @

(ATTN: CHANGES lead; ADDS more info in paras 4-9; photo)
SEOUL, Oct. 28 (Yonhap) -- The funeral for late Samsung Group chief, Lee Kun-hee, was held in Seoul on Wednesday as his grieving family, friends and colleagues commemorated his legacy and accomplishments as one of South Korea's most influential business tycoons.
Lee died Sunday at age 78, more than six years after being hospitalized for a heart attack.
A hearse carrying the coffin of late Samsung Group chief Lee Kun-hee exits a funeral hall at Samsung Medical Center in Seoul on Oct. 28, 2020. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
The send-off ceremony for Lee was held in a private manner at a funeral hall at Samsung Medical Center in southern Seoul around 7:30 a.m., with his wife, Hong Ra-hee, and his scions, including Samsung Electronic Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, in attendance.
Shinsegae Group Chairman Lee Myung-hee, a sister of the late Samsung chief, and CJ Group Chairman Lee Jae-hyun, a nephew of Lee Kun-hee, attended the ceremony as well.
Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun was also reportedly at the ceremony to pay tribute to the late business mogul.
The ceremony, which lasted about a hour, started with eulogies from Lee's longtime colleague and a high school friend introducing his achievements and sharing their memories with the late tycoon.
"I have been to many countries in the world, but I have never seen a man like him who did better than his father," said Kim Phil-kyu, K.P.K International chairman who knew Lee for more than 50 years.
The funeral procession for Lee, which was joined by former and current executives of Samsung Group, traveled to places where he left a footprint at Samsung, including his house, Leeum Samsung Museum, and Seungjiwon in central Seoul, which he often used as an office.
The procession, also visited Samsung Electronics' chip plants in Yongin and Hwaseong, both south of Seoul, where workers there lined up to catch a last glimpse of Lee, before arriving at his resting ground in Suwon where his ancestors are buried.
Family members of late Samsung Group chief Lee Kun-hee, including Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong (in black), enter Samsung Medical Center in Seoul on Oct. 28, 2020, for the send-off ceremony of Lee Kun-hee. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
Samsung earlier announced that Lee's funeral will be held in a modest manner with family members, and it courteously declined visits from others amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lee has been recognized as a figure who led the tech giant to become the world's leading player in the semiconductor and mobile phone sectors with his unrivaled insights.
Born in Daegu in 1942, he officially inherited the Samsung crown in 1987 at the age of 45 when his father Lee Byung-chull, founder of the present day Samsung Group, died.
In 1993, Lee Kun-hee announced his first trademark business philosophy, the "New Management Initiative," which has been embraced by Samsung like a doctrine to date.
In his 33-year reign, Samsung Group saw its assets jump to more than 800 trillion won (US$708 billion) from 10 trillion won.
His only son, Jae-yong, is widely expected to serve as the new leader of Samsung Group, whose business portfolio ranges from tech and construction to finance and an amusement park. The 52-year-old Jae-yong has been the de facto leader of Samsung since his father collapsed in 2014 due to a heart attack.
The corporate flag of Samsung Group at its office building in Seoul is displayed at half-mast to mourn the death of its longtime chief Lee Kun-hee on Oct. 28, 2020. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-28--Main opposition raises call for special counsel investigation of Lime, Optimus cases

The two cases are at the center of what could develop into a large political lobbying scandal , with allegations @ @ @ @ @ firms illegally lobbied former and sitting ranking officials and politicians to cover up cases and @ @ @

SEOUL, Oct. 28 (Yonhap) -- The main opposition People Power Party (PPP) on Wednesday doubled down on its demand that the president and the ruling party agree to launch a special counsel investigation into the high-profile Optimus and Lime financial scam cases.
"The Democratic Party claims that (the cases) are not abuses of power in nature. Then there is no reason for them to refuse a special counsel investigation," PPP floor leader Rep. Joo Ho-young said during a PPP general meeting at the National Assembly.
"If they are so confident, they should let Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl investigate or simply appoint an independent counsel."
Last week, the PPP submitted a bill calling for the launch of an independent counsel investigation into the snowballing fund scam scandals currently under investigation by prosecutors.
The PPP's Rep. Lee Young said she was skeptical of whether the administration had the willingness to uncover the truth. "The proper means of resolving public doubt is to disclose the cases' full picture through a neutral investigation by a special counsel."
Lawmakers of the main opposition People Power Party call for special probes into financial scandals involving private funds in front of the National Assembly on Oct. 28, 2020, as President Moon Jae-in arrived there to deliver a speech on his administration's budget plan for next year. (Yonhap)
Private equity firm Lime Asset Management has been under a probe over its alleged cover-up of massive losses and subsequent suspension of fund redemption worth an estimated 1.6 trillion won (US$1.39 billion).
The scandal surrounding the Optimus Asset Management scandal centers on allegations that the company solicited funds worth about 1.2 trillion won from about 2,900 investors for investments in public institutions but actually funneled most of the money into risky assets, incurring huge losses for the investors.
The two cases are at the center of what could develop into a large political lobbying scandal, with allegations flying around that the equity firms illegally lobbied former and sitting ranking officials and politicians to cover up cases and evade investigations.
Tensions at the National Assembly escalated after the main opposition party staged an indoor rally at the building's main Rotunda Hall as President Moon Jae-in arrived to deliver a speech on next year's state budget.
Lawmakers of the main opposition People Power Party call for special probes into financial scandals involving private funds in front of the National Assembly on Oct. 28, 2020, as President Moon Jae-in arrived there to deliver a speech on his administration's budget plan for next year. (Yonhap)
PPP Chairman Kim Chong-in and Joo both boycotted a customary meeting among Moon, the parliamentary speaker and political leaders that was held ahead of the presidential speech.
"Chairman Kim decided not to attend the meeting with the president to protest his unwillingness to investigate the Lime and Optimus cases through a special prosecution," said PPP spokesperson Rep. Kim Eun-hye.
According to PPP officials, Joo headed to the meeting but later turned back, apparently offended after the presidential security detail asked for identification and searched his body for possible threats.
PPP lawmakers booed and jeered inside the plenary chamber in protest of the body search by the presidential security detail.
"We've received a complaint that the Cheong Wa Dae security team searched the floor leader," Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-seug said. "We will check on this and take appropriate measures."
President Moon Jae-in delivers a speech on his administration's budget plan for next year at the National Assembly in Seoul on Oct. 28, 2020. (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-28--Seoul stocks extend losses late Wed. morning on virus spike

Investor sentiment grew risk-averse , as U.S. COVID-19 hospitalizations soared in the past week , with parts of Europe pushing @ @ @ @ @ measures .
New cases in South Korea have also been on a steady rise , @ @ @ @ @ figures .

SEOUL, Oct. 28 (Yonhap) -- South Korean shares extended losses late Wednesday morning as new coronavirus outbreaks in major economies increased at alarming rates, raising concerns that the worsening pandemic could deal a heavy blow to the global economy.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) fell 5.23 points, or 0.22 percent, to 2,325.61 as of 11:20 a.m.
Investor sentiment grew risk-averse, as U.S. COVID-19 hospitalizations soared in the past week, with parts of Europe pushing or having adopted stricter quarantine measures. New cases in South Korea have also been on a steady rise, swerving between two- and three-digit figures.
Dimming hopes for the fresh U.S. stimulus plan and uncertainties from the U.S. presidential election also added to investors' concerns.
Most large caps traded lower.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics dropped 1.34 percent, but No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix gained 0.36 percent.
Internet portal giant Naver advanced 1.59 percent, with its rival Kakao adding 0.9 percent.
Top pharmaceutical firm Samsung Biologics slid 0.16 percent, and Hyundai Motor, the country's largest automaker, lost 0.29 percent.
Leading chemical maker LG Chem retreated 0.63 percent, and top steelmaker POSCO dipped 2.73 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,127.65 won against the U.S. dollar, down 2.15 won from the previous session's close.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-28--(2nd LD) New virus cases bounce back to triple digits again, cluster infections put virus fight to t

(2nd LD) New virus cases bounce back to triple digits again, cluster infections put virus fight to test

Shortly after bringing under control the spread of the virus stemming from a minor church sect in Daegu , whose @ @ @ @ @ the country faced another major infection cluster in greater Seoul in May , traced to @ @ @ @ @ of Itaewon .

(ATTN: ADDS details in paras 6, 13-15; CHANGES photo)
SEOUL, Oct. 28 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's daily new coronavirus cases again spiked to over 100 on Wednesday after a brief drop the previous day, as cluster infections in the greater Seoul area continued to further strain the country's antivirus fight.
The country added 103 more COVID-19 cases, including 96 domestic infections, raising the total caseload to 26,146, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
It marked a rise from 88 posted Tuesday but a slight decrease from 119 added Monday.
The latest upticks were mostly traced to senior nursing homes, hospitals and other medical facilities, but there have also been group infections from family meetings, a golf gathering and a day care center.
Since the country eased the social distancing scheme to the lowest level on Oct. 12, which allowed people to resume most of their daily activities, the daily figures have showed ups and downs, hovering around 100.
Visitors line up to receive new coronavirus tests at a makeshift clinic in central Seoul on Oct. 28, 2020. (Yonhhap)
"The country's daily new infections are going through ups and downs, and the situation in the greater Seoul area is not good," Yoon Tae-ho, a senior official from the health ministry, said during a briefing.
Health authorities warned that the country is currently at a critical juncture, as daily numbers may further pile up on a potential resurgence in virus cases as people travel to enjoy autumn vacation.
Halloween-related potential upticks are among concerns as well, as entertainment facilities have been considered hotbeds for cluster infections.
Shortly after bringing under control the spread of the virus stemming from a minor church sect in Daegu, whose caseload hovered above 5,000, the country faced another major infection cluster in greater Seoul in May, traced to clubs in the nightlife district of Itaewon.
Under the Level 1 social distancing scheme, clubs are allowed to operate as long as they follow basic guidelines, such as keeping entry logs.
When South Korea adopted the Level 2 policy, all entertainment businesses, including karaoke rooms, were ordered to fully shut down, regardless of the ceiling of 50 people for other shops and facilities.
Health authorities said a major infection cluster in the greater Seoul area could lead to another wave of the pandemic, as the metropolitan area houses around half of the nation's population.
Visitors receive new coronavirus tests at a makeshift clinic in central Seoul on Oct. 28, 2020. (Yonhhap)
South Korea said it will resume its program to issue coupons for accommodations, tour packages and restaurants, to lend a hand to the virus-hit economy.
Health authorities said the decision was based on the belief that the country is relatively dealing with the virus pandemic without major problems
A new social distancing scheme will be announced Sunday. Currently, the country runs a three-tier social distancing scheme.
Of the newly identified local infections, 23 cases were reported in Seoul and 28 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital.
Incheon, located west of Seoul, added 10 more patients, and Gangwon Province reported 14 new cases. Seven cases were traced to the central city of Daejeon.
A golf gathering in Yongin, south of Seoul, which reported its first case last week, reported 31 more patients as of Tuesday noon.
A rehabilitation hospital in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, had 137 patients, and a total of 42 COVID-19 cases were traced to a family gathering in Guro Ward of Seoul.
The country added seven imported cases.
Two patients were from Ethiopia and the Philippines each. There were also cases from Jordan, Turkey and the Netherlands.
The number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients remained unchanged at 52.
South Korea reported one additional death, raising the total to 461.
The fatality rate reached 1.76 percent.
The number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 24,073, up 92 from the previous day. More than 92 percent of the patients reported here have been cured.
South Korea has carried out 2,582,960 COVID-19 tests so far, including 15,373 the previous day.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-28--(LEAD) In budget speech, Moon says time for full-scale push to revitalize economy

In his parliamentary speech on the state budget , Moon assured lawmakers that the government would create a record high @ @ @ @ @ , with a focus on creating jobs , reinvigorating the economy and winning the fight @ @ @ @ @ administration has drawn up a 555.8 trillion-won ( U $ 469.8 billion ) budget bill @ @ @ @ @ from this year .

(ATTN: UPDATES with remarks on New Deal, housing market, pending bills, peace process from 7th para)
By Lee Chi-dong
SEOUL, Oct. 28 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in declared a full-fledged policy drive Wednesday for the clear recovery of South Korea's economy, coupled with the firm stabilization of the COVID-19 situation here.
In his parliamentary speech on the state budget, Moon assured lawmakers that the government would create a record high budget, proposed for 2021, with a focus on creating jobs, reinvigorating the economy and winning the fight against the coronavirus. His administration has drawn up a 555.8 trillion-won (U$469.8 billion) budget bill, a 8.5 percent hike from this year.
"It's time to operate full-scale measures to invigorate our economy to put it on a normal track starting next year," he said during the annual address at the National Assembly.
President Moon Jae-in delivers a speech on the state budget for 2021 at the National Assembly in Seoul on Oct. 28, 2020. (Yonhap)
He described a clear economic recovery and a win in the antivirus fight as "two rabbits" that South Korea should catch at the same time without fail.
"First, (the government) will put its priority on a quick and strong economic recovery," Moon said regarding the direction of the government's fiscal operation plans.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining and creating jobs, saying it is a starting point for an economic recovery, as well as the most important issue associated with people's livelihoods.
He cited the Korean version of the New Deal aimed at transforming the nation into a "pacesetting" economy via job creation and the development of future growth engines, especially in digital and environment friendly sectors, a project to cost a total of around 160 trillion won.
Moon said South Korea is proving to be a country "strong in crises," as it has done better so far in both virus control and economic stimulus than many other countries.
South Korea's economy, the fourth largest in Asia, grew in the July-September period mainly on a rebound in exports after having contracted for two consecutive quarters, according to the Bank of Korea.
The president stressed the need to continue expansionary fiscal policies, but he pledged no negligence in efforts to maintain fiscal soundness apparently through a "bone-cutting" restructuring of budget expenditures.
Moon, meanwhile, made clear that his liberal administration remains determined to curb real estate speculation amid soaring prices of houses, as well as rents and down payments, called "jeonse" here.
The government will "certainly stabilize the jeonse market" by enforcing newly enacted relevant laws with stability and expanding the supply of "good quality middle-sized public-lease apartments," the president said.
He also requested bipartisan support for the passage of major pending bills, including those on promoting a fair economy.
The government is seeking to revise the commercial law and fair trade law and enact the financial group supervision law. Conglomerates here, however, are concerned that the legislation, if introduced, would restrict their managerial rights and some business activities.
Moon also asked the parliament to "put an end to a delay" in the plan to launch a non-prosecution agency tasked with investigating corruption among high-ranking government officials.
President Moon Jae-in delivers a speech on the state budget for 2021 at the National Assembly in Seoul on Oct. 28, 2020. (Yonhap)
On North Korea, he vowed an "incessant" push for dialogue to achieve the denuclearization of the peninsula and lasting peace on the basis of a strong national defense posture.
The past 3 1/2 years were a challenging time to remove the threat of war from Korea and change it into a peninsula of peace and prosperity, he said.
Despite a lot of progress in peace efforts, he pointed out, dialogue has been suspended once again, and there was a recent incident of a South Korean national being fatally shot by the North Korean military in the Yellow Sea.
Moon said the government will strive to reveal the truth behind the case in a transparent and responsible manner.
"On the one hand, it has become a chance to confirm the urgency of a peace regime," he added, expressing hope for the two Koreas to explore ways for co-existence with a "community for life and safety."
"Overcoming barriers lying in front of us, one by one, we should move toward peace even if it takes time," he stressed. "I expect that the South, the North and the international community will leap over obstacles through dialogue and trust and broaden peace from the Korean Peninsula to Northeast Asia."
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-28--FTA partners help S. Korea continue trade surplus amid virus

Asia 's fourth-largest economy registered a trade surplus of US $ 40.4 billion with its FTA partners in the January-September @ @ @ @ @ data from the Korea Customs Service .

SEOUL, Oct. 28 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's free trade agreement (FTA) partners have played a key role in helping the country maintain its trade surplus and volume this year amid the coronavirus pandemic, government data showed Wednesday.
Asia's fourth-largest economy registered a trade surplus of US$40.4 billion with its FTA partners in the January-September period, according to the data from the Korea Customs Service.
In contrast, South Korea posted a $12.8 billion trade deficit with non-FTA partners, resulting in an overall surplus of $27.6 billion.
Over the nine-month period, South Korea's trade volume with FTA partners declined 5.3 percent on-year, much lower than a 16.8 percent tumble in trade with non-FTA partners.
Hit by the coronavirus outbreak, South Korea's overall exports and imports fell 8.6 percent and 9.1 percent from a year earlier, respectively.
South Korea chalked up a trade surplus of $23.5 billion with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during the period, despite a 10.3 percent plunge in exports.
South Korea's trade deficit with the European Union amounted to $5.7 billion as imports from the area increased 2.8 percent despite a 7.7 percent decline in exports.
The customs agency said South Korea's overall imports from the EU climbed as more medicine, vaccines, luxury goods and cars were brought in.
(END)


yna--2020-10-28--Exports of cleaning appliances soar amid virus outbreak

Market watchers said the sharp rise in exports of those home appliances came as people stayed home more in the @ @ @ @ @ .

SEOUL, Oct. 28 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's exports of air purifiers and other home cleaning appliances spiked in the first nine months of the year amid the coronavirus pandemic, data showed Wednesday.
Outbound shipments of air purifiers shot up nearly 60 percent on-year to US$157 million in the January-September period, according to the data from the Korea Customs Service.
Exports of dishwashers surged 22.5 percent to $169 million over the cited period, and those of clothes dryers rocketed 72 percent to $556 million. Exports of vacuum cleaners jumped 26.9 percent to $70.6 million.
Market watchers said the sharp rise in exports of those home appliances came as people stayed home more in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.
The United States was the largest destination for those electronics products, taking up the largest portion of about 77 percent for clothes dryers alone.
The stellar exports came as South Korea's overall overseas shipments shrank 8.6 percent on-year during the same period due to the pandemic.
(END)


yna--2020-10-28--KT unveils new brand to cater to corporate clients

The company said its new efforts target the global market for the digital transformation of business services , which is @ @ @ @ @ 2.3 trillion in 2023 , according to the industry tracker International Data Corp .
It @ @ @ @ @ be the top company in the sector in the local market .

SEOUL, Oct. 28 (Yonhap) -- KT Corp., a South Korean telecom giant, unveiled Wednesday its new brand KT Enterprise as part of its efforts to expand its artificial intelligence (AI), big data and cloud services for corporate clients.
The wireless carrier said it will pursue developing new digital services under the new brand in line with its recent shift to focus on corporate clients from its traditional network subscribers.
KT said its share of sales from its fixed-line and wireless network business stood at 50 percent of the total this year, down from 66 percent of the total in 2016 as it develops new growth drivers, such as AI technology.
The carrier has recently introduced a wide range of new tech services for businesses, including an AI call center solution, currently being used by insurance firm LINA Korea. It is also developing new robot technology, such as a companion robot and a server robot.
The telecom giant said it also plans to release a new digital transformation platform for corporate clients next month, which links its AI, big data and blockchain technology, to help businesses speed up efforts to adopt new digital services.
The company said its new efforts target the global market for the digital transformation of business services, which is expected to reach US$2.3 trillion in 2023, according to the industry tracker International Data Corp. It added that it aims to be the top company in the sector in the local market.
The announcement comes after KT said last year that it would transform itself as an AI company. The telecom giant formed an alliance with other companies, such as LG Electronics Inc., and local universities to develop AI technology earlier this year.
KT Corp.'s new brand KT Enterprise is shown in this image provided by the company on Oct. 28, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-28--The Korea Interbank Offered Rates (KORIBOR)

SEOUL , Oct. 28 ( Yonhap ) -- The Korea Interbank Offered Rates ( KORIBOR ) as posted by Yonhap @ @ @ @ @ and information arm of Yonhap News Agency , at 11:00 a.m .


yna--2020-10-28--(LEAD) Popular Seoul clubs to close on Halloween weekend

The announcement comes as the capital city and the surrounding areas have reported more than 50 new cases almost daily @ @ @ @ @ the government lowered its social distancing restrictions to Level 1 .

(ATTN: UPDATES with details in lead para, last 7 paras; ADDS photos)
SEOUL, Oct. 28 (Yonhap) -- Popular clubs in Seoul's hip districts of Itaewon, Hongdae and Gangnam will close this Halloween weekend to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
According to customer notices seen Wednesday, these large-capacity clubs will close the same day until next Tuesday.
This photo shows a quiet street in Itaewon, Seoul, on Oct. 26, 2020. (Yonhap)
"Following consultations with health authorities and local governments, we came to our own decision to close temporarily during the Halloween period as a precaution against COVID-19," one such notice read.
Health authorities have sounded the alarm over possible infections among partygoers this weekend, citing an outbreak traced to a large Itaewon club in May.
An official at that club said his establishment will close this weekend at the government's wishes.
It was not immediately clear whether the government has issued any official guidelines leading to the temporary closures.
The announcement comes as the capital city and the surrounding areas have reported more than 50 new cases almost daily in the two weeks since the government lowered its social distancing restrictions to Level 1.
Officials still noted the potential for infections at smaller establishments, such as bars, and among costume-wearing revelers.
"Usually on Halloween, bars behind Hamilton Hotel in Itaewon will offer discounts on food to customers in costumes," an official of Yongsan Ward, where Itaewon is located, said.
"This year business owners are trying to cooperate with antivirus efforts by installing full-body disinfectant stalls," he said.
A government inspection team made up of local, police and food and drug officials will visit entertainment facilities between 10 p.m. Saturday and 3 a.m. Sunday to enforce social distancing guidelines, such as keeping entry logs and maintaining a distance between tables.
Any business caught in violation of the rules will be reported to the authorities.
A 26-year-old office worker, who gave only his surname Jeong, said he has opted to celebrate Halloween at a hotel instead of going clubbing.
"I booked a hotel room that was on offer at a special Halloween rate," he said. "Since college, I've gone clubbing with my friends for Halloween, but this year I plan to spend it quietly at a hotel."
This photo shows an empty street in Itaewon, Seoul, on Oct. 26, 2020. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-28--S. Korea, Russia to build stronger ties in hydrogen sector

Hydrogen is an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels as automobiles running on the resource only create water in the @ @ @ @ @ It can be produced as a by-product of industrial facilities , including petrochemical plants as @ @

SEOUL, Oct. 28 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and Russia vowed Wednesday to bolster their ties in the hydrogen industry as both countries seek to utilize more environment-friendly resources and break away from traditional fossil fuels.
The consensus was reached in a videoconference between Deputy South Korean Trade Minister Park Ki-young and his Russian counterpart, Aleksandr Morozov, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
"There is great potential for cooperation between South Korea and Russia, which can produce economic hydrogen based on Russia's rich natural resources," Park said in a statement.
During the meeting, the two countries also vowed to continue to make efforts to find joint projects in the segment.
During the meeting, Russia expressed hope that South Korean companies, such as Hyundai Motor Co., can participate in Moscow's project to operate rental services of hydrogen automobiles.
South Korea has been seeking to foster the hydrogen economy, utilizing the resource in various areas from automobiles to generating power.
Under the plan, South Korea plans to produce 6.2 million units of hydrogen fuel cell cars by 2040 and build 1,200 charging stations across the country.
Hydrogen is an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels as automobiles running on the resource only create water in the process of generating power. It can be produced as a by-product of industrial facilities, including petrochemical plants as well.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-28--In budget speech, Moon says time for full-scale push to revitalize economy

SEOUL, Oct. 28 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in declared a full-fledged policy drive Wednesday for the clear recovery of South Korea's economy, coupled with the firm stabilization of the COVID-19 situation here.
In his parliamentary speech on the state budget, Moon assured lawmakers that the government would create a record high budget, proposed for 2021, with a focus on creating jobs, reinvigorating the economy and winning the fight against the coronavirus. His administration has drawn up a 555.8 trillion-won (U$469.8 billion) budget bill, a 8.5 percent hike from this year.
"It's time to operate full-scale measures to invigorate our economy to put it on a normal track starting next year," he said during the annual address at the National Assembly.
President Moon Jae-in delivers a speech on the state budget for 2021 at the National Assembly in Seoul on Oct. 28, 2020. (Yonhap)
He described a clear economic recovery and a win in the antivirus fight as "two rabbits" that South Korea should catch at the same time without fail.
"First, (the government) will put its priority on a quick and strong economic recovery," Moon said regarding the direction of the government's fiscal operation plans.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining and creating jobs, saying it's a starting point for an economic recovery, as well as the most important issue associated with people's livelihoods.
The president stressed the need to continue expansionary fiscal policies, but he pledged no negligence in efforts to maintain fiscal soundness apparently through a "bone-cutting" restructuring of budget expenditures.
On North Korea, he vowed an "incessant" push for dialogue to achieve the denuclearization of the peninsula and lasting peace on the basis of a strong national defense posture.
President Moon Jae-in delivers a speech on the state budget for 2021 at the National Assembly in Seoul on Oct. 28, 2020. (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-28--(URGENT) Moon vows 'incessant' push for dialogue with N. Korea even if it takes time


yna--2020-10-28--(LEAD) S-Oil Q3 net down 41.3 pct on decreased cracking margins

The margin is the difference between the total value of petroleum products coming out of an oil refinery and the @ @ @ @ @ services , including transportation .

(ATTN: UPDATES with details; ADDS photo)
SEOUL, Oct. 28 (Yonhap) -- S-Oil Corp., a major oil refiner in South Korea, said Wednesday its third-quarter net profit plunged 41.3 percent from a year earlier due to decreased cracking margins.
S-Oil posted a net profit of 30.2 billion won (US$26.7 million) in the July-September period, compared with a net profit of 51.5 billion won a year earlier, the company said in a regulatory filing.
The company said decreased cracking margins caused by weak demand amid the coronavirus pandemic are to blame for the sharp decline in net profit.
The S-Oil headquarters building in Seoul (Yonhap)
The benchmark Singapore complex margin -- a key measure of oil refining companies' profitability -- fell to minus US$2 per barrel in the third quarter, compared with $3.9 from a year earlier.
Singapore is the regional trading hub of the benchmark Dubai crude.
The margin is the difference between the total value of petroleum products coming out of an oil refinery and the cost of crude and related services, including transportation.
South Korean refiners usually say their break-even point is between $3.5 and $4.5 per barrel.
S-Oil shifted to an operating loss of 9.2 billion won from an operating profit of 230.7 billion won a year earlier.
Sales fell 37.5 percent on-year to 3.89 trillion won from 6.23 trillion won.
Saudi Aramco, the world's largest oil company, is currently the largest shareholder of S-Oil, with a 63.41 percent stake.
(END)


yna--2020-10-28--Two more military officers test positive for new coronavirus

Currently , 20 service members are in isolation according to the health authorities ' guidelines , and 987 others are @ @ @ @ @ in accordance with the military 's tougher guidance , according to the ministry .

SEOUL, Oct. 28 (Yonhap) -- An Army officer in the northeastern county of Inje and another service member in the central city of Nonsan tested positive for the new coronavirus Wednesday, the defense ministry said.
The Army officer was confirmed to have contracted COVID-19 after visiting a local bank that reported a virus patient earlier, according to the ministry.
Another officer affiliated with a unit under the wing of the defense ministry was presumed to have been infected after coming in direct contact with a civilian patient, the ministry added.
The latest cases raised the total number of infections reported among the military population to 162.
Currently, 20 service members are in isolation according to the health authorities' guidelines, and 987 others are quarantined as a preventive step in accordance with the military's tougher guidance, according to the ministry.
Nationwide, the country added 103 more COVID-19 cases, including 96 domestic infections, raising the total caseload to 26,146, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
A service member locks the front gate of his military unit in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, on Oct. 5, 2020, after COVID-19 infections broke out there. (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-28--(URGENT) In budget speech, Moon says it is time to attain clear economic recovery, stabilization of

(URGENT) In budget speech, Moon says it is time to attain clear economic recovery, stabilization of coronavirus situation

(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--2020-10-28--S. Korea's fast COVID-19 testing system exported to Paraguayan airport

Another South Korean company recently exported around 600,000 test kits that also employ the military 's technology to airports in @ @ @ @ @ Portugal , the command said , adding that procedures are under way to receive approval @ @ @ @ @ Drug Administration ( FDA ) for the test kit .

SEOUL, Oct. 28 (Yonhap) -- A rapid coronavirus testing method developed by South Korea's military has been adopted by an international airport in Paraguay, the military medical command said Wednesday.
Earlier this year, a research institute under the Armed Forces Medical Command developed the rapid molecular diagnosis method and transferred the technology to local bio firms.
One of the firms, Ionebio, used the method to develop the so-called fast infection control system and recently signed a contract with the Silvio Pettirossi International Airport in the South American country to export the system, according to the Armed Forces Medical Command.
Compared to previous methods such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, the rapid system nearly halves the time required for diagnosis and has price competitiveness, the command said.
Another South Korean company recently exported around 600,000 test kits that also employ the military's technology to airports in major European countries, including Portugal, the command said, adding that procedures are under way to receive approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the test kit.
This photo, provided by the Armed Forces Medical Command on Oct. 28, 2020, shows a researcher at South Korea's Armed Force medical science research institute conducting a test of a COVID-19 testing system. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-28--SK Networks Q3 net income down 80.9 pct. to 8.3 bln won

Operating profit for the July-September period was 43.5 billion won , down 45.9 percent from a year ago , the @ @ @ @ @ filing .
Revenue fell 28.6 percent to 2.55 trillion won .
( END )

SEOUL, Oct. 28 (Yonhap) -- SK Networks Co. on Wednesday reported its third-quarter net profit of 8.3 billion won (US$7.3 million), down 80.9 percent from a year earlier.
Operating profit for the July-September period was 43.5 billion won, down 45.9 percent from a year ago, the company said in a regulatory filing. Revenue fell 28.6 percent to 2.55 trillion won.
(END)


yna--2020-10-28--Kia workers to vote on potential strike for higher wages

SEOUL, Oct. 28 (Yonhap) -- Kia Motors Corp.'s union said Wednesday its unionized workers plan to vote on a potential strike next week to demand higher wages and performance-based bonuses.
Kia Motors and its union have held nine rounds of meetings in this year's wage talks but haven't narrowed the gap running deep between them over wages and bonuses.
The carmaker's 30,000-strong union will have the right to go on strike if more than 50 percent of the union members support a walkout in the vote due Nov. 3.
The union demanded the company increase the monthly basic pay by 120,000 won (US$104) per person and offer 30 percent of its annual operating profit in performance-based pay.
The union held a press conference to criticize Kia's decision to put aside 1.26 trillion won in provisions for the recall of the faulty Theta II gasoline direct injection (GDi) engine and quality-related expenses, which sharply drove down the company's third-quarter profits.
"The company was expected to report an operating profit of 1.3 trillion won in the third quarter, but the reflection of the heavy provisions pushed it down to 195 billion won," the union said in the press conference.
In the July-September period, Kia's net profit fell to 133.68 billion won from 325.80 billion won a year earlier.
Operating profit plunged 33 percent to 195.23 billion won in the third quarter from 291.47 billion won a year ago. Sales rose 8.2 percent to 16.32 trillion won from 15.09 trillion won during the same period.
The union also expressed concerns about a possible reduction in its workforce due to Hyundai Mobis Co.'s plan to build an auto parts plant for hydrogen fuel cell electric and all-electric cars.
It demanded the company build the parts plant inside Kia's existing production facilities.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-28--S. Korea reports another case of highly pathogenic avian influenza

The finding came after the same strain was confirmed Sunday in wild bird dropping in Cheonan , 92 kilometers south @ @ @ @ @ the first highly pathogenic AI outbreak in the country in 32 months .

SEOUL, Oct. 28 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Wednesday confirmed the second case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) in three days.
The environmental ministry said the bird flu virus of H5N8 strain was discovered from a fecal sample collected from wild birds on Saturday in Yongin, some 50 kilometers south of Seoul.
The finding came after the same strain was confirmed Sunday in wild bird dropping in Cheonan, 92 kilometers south of Seoul, which marked the first highly pathogenic AI outbreak in the country in 32 months.
The ministry plans to observe major migratory birds across the country and strengthen quarantine measures on bird facilities and habitats of wild birds, including endangered species.
It also plans to further restrict the movement of poultry and other livestock at farms within a 10-kilometer radius of the area of the outbreak after disinfection work.
Wildlife authorities plan to restrict rescue work on wild birds within a 500-meter radius of the location where the H5N8 strain was discovered.
Highly pathogenic AI is very contagious and can cause severe illness in poultry and even death.
This photo provided by the Cheonan municipal government on Oct. 25, 2020, shows a quarantine vehicle spraying disinfectant near poultry farms, following the detection of a highly pathogenic avian influenza strain in the region. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-28--S. Korea reasserts Korean War was caused by N. Korean invasion

`` It 's an internationally undeniable historical fact that ( North Korea 's ) invasion of the South was the @ @ @ @ @ ) , '' the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement in response to @ @ @

SEOUL, Oct. 28 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean foreign ministry reasserted Wednesday that the Korean War was caused by North Korea's invasion, rebutting a claim by a youth organization of the Chinese Communist Party.
In a Weibo posting on Sunday, the Communist Youth League of China denied the orthodox view that the 1950-53 conflict was triggered by North Korea backed by China and the Soviet Union. The group defined it as "a civil war."
"It's an internationally undeniable historical fact that (North Korea's) invasion of the South was the cause (of the war)," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement in response to the claim.
"Debates about the cause of the Korean War and other related issues have been internationally settled, and the clear historical fact cannot be reversed," the ministry noted.
The ministry cited United Nations Security Council Resolutions 82, 83 and 84, which denounced North Korea's armed invasion of South Korea in 1950 as evidence of the historical fact.
"The (South Korean) government is keenly watching the related situation while communicating and taking steps with the Chinese side on issues of our interest," the ministry said.
The ministry made a similar point last week after Chinese President Xi Jinping cast the 1950-53 conflict as a fight against U.S. "imperialist invaders."
This file photo shows the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in central Seoul. (Yonhap)
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-28--Seoul-based sports organization to host conference on int'l sports careers

In the next segment , Battushig Batold , an IOC member ; Steve Dainton , head of the International Table @ @ @ @ @ , head of the AIPS ; and Park Joo-hee , ISF 's secretary general and @ @ @ @ @ medical committee at the Olympic Council of Asia , will discuss changes facing international sports @ @ @ @ @

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Oct. 28 (Yonhap) -- A Seoul-based sports organization will host a conference Thursday on careers in international sports and changes that lie ahead in the field in the post-coronavirus pandemic era.
The International Sport Strategy Foundation (ISF) will hold the "ISF International Sport Career Conference" on Thursday in Seoul. The proceedings at Lotte World Tower will also be streamed live on YouTube.
Ryu Seung-min, a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and president of the ISF, will welcome speakers from international sports federations, the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee and the International Sports Press Association (AIPS).
In the first session, South Korean officials working for such organizations as the World Baseball Softball Confederation and the International Swimming Federation will talk about how to find career paths in international sports federations.
In the next segment, Battushig Batold, an IOC member; Steve Dainton, head of the International Table Tennis Federation; Gianni Merlo, head of the AIPS; and Park Joo-hee, ISF's secretary general and an anti-doping official on the medical committee at the Olympic Council of Asia, will discuss changes facing international sports organizations in post-COVID-19 times.
This poster provided by the International Sport Strategy Foundation (ISF) on Oct. 28, 2020, details the schedule and speakers for the ISF International Sport Career Conference. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-28--(2nd LD) Pro football player tests positive for COVID-19

Daejeon are still battling for a spot in the playoffs to earn a promotion to the top-flight K League 1 @ @ @ @ @ first round of the playoffs will now be moved from Nov. 18 to Nov. 25 @ @ @ @ @ will be pushed back from Nov. 21 to Nov. 29 .

(ATTN: UPDATES with latest test results in 6th para)
DAEJEON, Oct. 28 (Yonhap) -- A professional football player in the central city of Daejeon has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, becoming the first athlete from his sport to be infected during the pandemic.
According to the municipal authorities in Daejeon, 160 kilometers south of Seoul, late Tuesday, a member of Daejeon Hana Citizen in the second-tier K League 2 has tested positive for COVID-19.
The player, whose identity is being withheld, had come in direct contact with another patient based in Hanam, Gyeonggi Province.
This file photo from Jan. 4, 2020, shows members of the K League 2 football club Daejeon Hana Citizen during their team launch ceremony in Daejeon, 160 kilometers south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
A club official said the infected player's teammates who had come in direct or indirect contact with him have been quarantined. Some players were tested Tuesday, and the rest of the squad will be tested Wednesday.
This is the first positive case in the K League, whose season kicked off some two months behind schedule in early May because of the coronavirus outbreak in spring.
Daejeon health authorities said Wednesday evening that the rest of the football club -- players, coaches and front office staffers, totaling 68 -- all tested negative for the virus.
In response to this case, the K League announced Wednesday that Daejeon's remaining two matches will each be pushed back by about two weeks.
Daejeon had been set to face FC Anyang on Saturday, but it will instead be played on Nov. 17. Daejeon's season finale against Gyeongnam FC has been postponed from Nov. 7 to Nov. 21.
According to the K League, only Daejeon, FC Anyang and Gyeongnam FC will have their fixtures affected by the positive test.
Daejeon are still battling for a spot in the playoffs to earn a promotion to the top-flight K League 1 next season. And the first round of the playoffs will now be moved from Nov. 18 to Nov. 25. The final playoff round will be pushed back from Nov. 21 to Nov. 29.
Daejeon players must be quarantined for the next two weeks and must be tested again after their quarantine period ends.
There was one positive case that emerged in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) on Aug. 31, followed by a second case the next day. Both of them were members of the Hanwha Eagles' minor league team in Seosan, South Chungcheong Province, about 120 kilometers west of Daejeon.
The KBO canceled some minor league games as a result of those positive tests.
This image provided by Daejeon Hana Citizen on April 2, 2020, shows the K League 2 football club's emblem. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-28--(2nd LD) Opposition raises call for special probe of financial scams

Holding up sign cards that read , `` Why is the country the way it is '' and chanting slogans @ @ @ @ @ of the bill , the opposition lawmakers lined up to form a human wall flanking @ @ @ @ @ president .

(ATTN: UPDATES with details of the Presidential Security Service's statement at bottom)
SEOUL, Oct. 28 (Yonhap) -- The main opposition party doubled down on its demand for a special counsel investigation into high-profile financial scam scandals Wednesday, chanting slogans as President Moon Jae-in arrived at the National Assembly to deliver a speech on next year's state budget.
The leadership of the People Power Party (PPP) boycotted a meeting among leaders of three parties and Moon that was held ahead of the budget speech, in protest of Moon and the ruling Democratic Party's refusal to launch a special counsel into the snowballing scandals involving two asset management firms, Optimus and Lime.
Lawmakers of the main opposition People Power Party call for special probes into financial scandals involving private funds in front of the National Assembly on Oct. 28, 2020, as President Moon Jae-in arrived there to deliver a speech on his administration's budget plan for next year. (Yonhap)
The PPP submitted a bill on the introduction of the independent counsel probe last week. But the ruling party has opposed the plan, saying that speed matters in the ongoing prosecution probe into the case but appointing a special counsel cannot be a solution.
Holding up sign cards that read, "Why is the country the way it is" and chanting slogans calling for an immediate acceptance of the bill, the opposition lawmakers lined up to form a human wall flanking the entry path of the president.
The lawmakers made the same demand during their plenary session held at the parliament ahead of the presidential speech.
"The DP claims that (the cases) are not abuses of power in nature. Then there is no reason for them to refuse a special counsel investigation," PPP floor leader Rep. Joo Ho-young said.
"If they are so confident, they should let Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl investigate or simply appoint an independent counsel."
The PPP's Rep. Lee Young said she was skeptical of whether the administration had the willingness to uncover the truth. "The proper means of resolving public doubt is to disclose the cases' full picture through a neutral investigation by a special counsel."
Lawmakers of the main opposition People Power Party call for special probes into financial scandals involving private funds in front of the National Assembly on Oct. 28, 2020, as President Moon Jae-in arrived there to deliver a speech on his administration's budget plan for next year. (Yonhap)
Private equity firm Lime Asset Management has been under a probe over its alleged cover-up of massive losses and subsequent suspension of fund redemption worth an estimated 1.6 trillion won (US$1.39 billion).
The scandal surrounding the Optimus Asset Management scandal centers on allegations that the company solicited funds worth about 1.2 trillion won from about 2,900 investors for investments in public institutions but actually funneled most of the money into risky assets, incurring huge losses for the investors.
The two cases are at the center of what could develop into a large political lobbying scandal, with allegations flying around that the companies illegally lobbied former and sitting ranking officials and politicians to cover up cases and evade investigations.
PPP Chairman Kim Chong-in and Joo also boycotted the courtesy meeting among Moon, the parliamentary speaker and political leaders that was held ahead of the presidential speech.
"Chairman Kim decided not to attend the meeting with the president to protest his unwillingness to investigate the Lime and Optimus cases through a special prosecution," said PPP spokesperson Rep. Kim Eun-hye.
According to PPP officials, Joo headed to the meeting but later turned back, apparently offended after the presidential security detail asked for identification and searched his body for possible threats.
PPP lawmakers booed and jeered inside the plenary chamber in protest of the body search by the presidential security detail. They continued doing so even as Moon entered the chamber.
Joo said he was "dumbfounded" from his encounter with the presidential security team.
"This administration has done things unilaterally in every area and has distanced itself from the people. But I truly did not expect them to frisk the opposition floor leader," he said.
Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-seug confirmed that the legislature has received a complaint on the body search. "We will check on this and take appropriate measures," Park said.
The Presidential Security Service (PSS), responsible for handling security of the president, said in a statement that parliamentary floor leaders are actually subject to body searches in events involving the president at the National Assembly.
"As per custom, floor leaders were exempt from searches when accompanied by party leaders. But floor leader Joo solely arrived after the president and other attendees already entered the venue," the service said, citing its internal guideline.
The service, however, quoted PSS chief Ryoo Yeon-sang as stating that it would have been preferable if the on-site security agent "exercised flexibility" when Joo arrived at the meeting.
President Moon Jae-in delivers a speech on his administration's budget plan for next year at the National Assembly in Seoul on Oct. 28, 2020. (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-28--(LEAD) Amorepacific Q3 net down 93 pct on tepid sales amid pandemic

The operating profit was 47.8 percent higher than the average estimate , according to the survey by Yonhap Infomax , @ @ @ @ @ Yonhap News Agency .
The estimate of net profit was not available .

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead; UPDATES with more details throughout)
SEOUL, Oct. 28 (Yonhap) -- Amorepacific Corp. said Wednesday its third-quarter net profit declined 93.1 percent from a year earlier as sales of its cosmetics at offline channels were hit by the new coronavirus outbreak.
Net income came to 7 billion won (US$6.2 million) in the July-September period, compared with 102.3 billion won a year earlier, South Korea's largest cosmetics maker said in a regulatory filing.
From three months earlier, net profit rose 4.6 percent.
Operating profit declined 48 percent on-year to 56 billion won and revenue fell 22.4 percent to 1.08 trillion won.
The operating profit was 47.8 percent higher than the average estimate, according to the survey by Yonhap Infomax, the financial data firm of Yonhap News Agency. The estimate of net profit was not available.
"Operating profit fell as sales remained tepid at offline channels, including duty-free shops, department stores and budget cosmetics outlets, amid the protracted COVID-19 pandemic," the company said in a statement.
This photo, provided by Amorepacific Corp., shows the headquarters of the cosmetics company in Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The virus outbreak has hit local cosmetics makers' sales at duty-free outlets, a key sales channel of local cosmetics makers, and other offline outlets.
Amorepacific said domestic sales declined 28 percent on-year to 672.7 billion won while its overseas sales posted a 13 percent on-year fall to 423.2 billion won.
To prop up sales, Amorepacific has been beefing up its online sales channel and focused on enhancing marketing of its luxury brands, including Sulwhasoo.
The company also reduced the number of its offline stores of eco-friendly brand Innisfree in China as part of its restructuring efforts.
Online sales of its luxury brands, including Sulwhasoo, in China jumped more than 80 percent, it said.
Amorepacific Group, parent group of the cosmetics maker, logged a net profit of 7 billion won in the third quarter, down 93.7 percent from the previous year.
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-28--Japanese diplomat arrives in Seoul for talks on wartime history, trade

`` Everything which we have to discuss , '' he said upon his arrival at Incheon International Airport , in @ @ @ @ @ about the agenda for his talks with Kim .

SEOUL, Oct. 28 (Yonhap) -- A Japanese diplomat arrived in Seoul on Wednesday for talks with his South Korean counterparts amid a prolonged row between the two countries over Tokyo's wartime forced labor and export curbs.
Shigeki Takizaki, director general at the Japanese foreign ministry's Asian and Oceanian affairs bureau, began his three-day visit on his first trip to South Korea since Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga took office last month.
On Thursday, Takizaki is set to hold separate talks with Kim Jung-han, the foreign ministry's director-general for Asia and Pacific affairs, Seoul officials said.
"Everything which we have to discuss," he said upon his arrival at Incheon International Airport, in response to reporters' question about the agenda for his talks with Kim.
Shigeki Takizaki, director general at the Japanese foreign ministry's Asian and Oceanian affairs bureau, arrives at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, on Oct. 28, 2020. (Yonhap)
The Japanese official, who doubles as Japan's chief nuclear envoy, is also expected to meet with Seoul's chief nuclear negotiator, Lee Do-hoon.
Takizaki's visit came as tensions between the two countries continued over Seoul's move to compensate the victims of wartime forced labor by selling off Korea-based assets of a Japanese firm.
Suga has warned against the move and called for Seoul to craft a solution to the issue, based on Tokyo's claim that all reparation issues stemming from Japan's 1910-45 colonization of the Korean Peninsula were settled by a 1965 treat that normalized bilateral relations.
Kim and Takizaki last held what had been their regular working-level talks in Seoul in February. Due to coronavirus restrictions, they held video-linked talks in June.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-28--Ex-vice justice minister sentenced to 2 1/2 years over bribery in appeals trial

Kim was accused of taking some 43 million won in bribes from a construction contractor , only identified by his @ @ @ @ @ and 2011 .
He also allegedly received some 131 million won , including escort services @ @ @ @ @ another businessman surnamed Yoon between 2006 and 2008 , and some 150 million won from @ @ @ @ @ savings bank .

SEOUL, Oct. 28 (Yonhap) -- An appeals court on Wednesday overturned a lower court's not guilty verdict on a former vice justice minister who was indicted on charges of receiving bribes and sexual favors from construction contractors.
The Seoul High Court sentenced Kim Hak-ui, who briefly held the second-highest post at the Ministry of Justice in 2013, to 2 1/2 years in prison, a fine of 5 million won (US$4,420) and a forfeit of 43 million won, ruling he is partly guilty of bribery charges.
Kim was accused of taking some 43 million won in bribes from a construction contractor, only identified by his surname Choi, between 2000 and 2011. He also allegedly received some 131 million won, including escort services on 13 occasions, from another businessman surnamed Yoon between 2006 and 2008, and some 150 million won from the head of a local savings bank.
The lower court acquitted him of all charges, but the high court convicted Kim of the first bribery charge, arresting him at court.
Kim Hak-ui, a former vice justice minister, heads to the Seoul High Court to hear the ruling on bribery charges against him on Oct. 28, 2020. (Yonhap)
The appeals court said the accused received the money from Choi, even though he knew of the possibility of being involved in a criminal case, because the contractor was previously convicted of offering a bribe to a public official.
"This trial is not just about punishing bribery committed 10 years ago. As prosecutors mentioned before, it casts a question on whether the socially problematic relationship between prosecutors and sponsors still exists today in 2020," the court said.
Prosecutors said in the previous hearing that Kim's case is not about giving a guilty or not guilty verdict on bribery, but about how to assess the problematic connection between prosecutors and sponsors in a criminal context.
As for the two other bribery charges, both courts acquitted Kim, saying there was not enough evidence or their statutes of limitations passed.
Kim plans to appeal the case to the highest court, according to sources.
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-28--Parliament to vote on whether to OK sitting lawmaker's arrest

The last time an arrest approval motion was submitted to parliament was in May 2018 , when lawmakers decided whether @ @ @ @ @ then main opposition Liberty Korea Party 's Hong Moon-jong and Yeom Dong-yeol .
Both votes @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Oct. 28 (Yonhap) -- The National Assembly on Wednesday set in motion a bill that could strip the arrest immunity of a ruling party lawmaker, who is under investigation for alleged campaign accounting fraud ahead of the parliamentary election in April.
In a plenary session at parliament, Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-seug formally announced that the bill on approving the arrest of Rep. Jeong Jeong-soon, a former administrator-turned-lawmaker of the Democratic Party, was submitted by the government on Oct. 5.
The ruling and opposition party leaders agreed to hold a parliamentary plenary session on Thursday to vote on the bill. According to the National Assembly Act, an arrest approval bill of a sitting legislator must be put to a vote within 72 hours.
Rep. Jeong Jeong-soon of the ruling Democratic Party attends a plenary session at the National Assembly on Oct. 28, 2020. (Yonhap)
South Korean lawmakers cannot be arrested or detained while the parliament is in session without parliamentary consent unless they are caught red-handed.
Jeong's arrest is largely expected to be approved, but the possibility of a veto cannot be totally ruled out, as the vote will be carried out as a secret ballot.
Prosecutors sought Jeong's arrest after the lawmaker repeatedly ignored requests to appear for questioning since August. A court can approve an arrest only if parliament agrees to it.
The last time an arrest approval motion was submitted to parliament was in May 2018, when lawmakers decided whether to OK the arrest of then main opposition Liberty Korea Party's Hong Moon-jong and Yeom Dong-yeol. Both votes were struck down.
The most recent arrest of a sitting lawmaker was in August 2015, when Park Ki-choon of the New Politics Alliance for Democracy was detained after the parliament approved his arrest.
Earlier this month, prosecutors indicted a total of 27 sitting lawmakers on charges of violating the public election law while campaigning for the latest parliamentary elections.
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-28--(3rd LD) Popular Seoul clubs to close on Halloween weekend

Park Yoo-mi , a disease control official at the city government , told reporters at City Hall that the assigned @ @ @ @ @ premises from midnight to 2 or 3 a.m. , when crowds are the biggest , @ @ @ @ @ ban on the establishment if social distancing rules are not kept .

(ATTN: UPDATES with Seoul city's warning in paras 6-7)
SEOUL, Oct. 28 (Yonhap) -- Popular clubs in Seoul's hip districts of Itaewon, Hongdae and Gangnam will close this Halloween weekend to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
According to customer notices seen Wednesday, these large-capacity clubs will close the same day until next Tuesday.
This photo shows a quiet street in Itaewon, Seoul, on Oct. 26, 2020. (Yonhap)
"Following consultations with health authorities and local governments, we came to our own decision to close temporarily during the Halloween period as a precaution against COVID-19," one such notice read.
Health authorities have sounded the alarm over possible infections among partygoers this weekend, citing an outbreak traced to a large Itaewon club in May.
An official at that club said his establishment will close this weekend at the government's wishes.
According to a city official, the Seoul metropolitan government warned clubs and other entertainment establishments Tuesday of a two-week business suspension should they be caught violating social distancing rules during the coming week.
"It appears that business owners felt burdened by this and decided on their own to close temporarily," the official said.
The announcement comes as the capital city and the surrounding areas have reported more than 50 new cases almost daily in the two weeks since the government lowered its social distancing restrictions to Level 1.
Officials still noted the potential for infections at smaller establishments, such as bars, and among costume-wearing revelers.
"Usually on Halloween, bars behind Hamilton Hotel in Itaewon will offer discounts on food to customers in costumes," an official of Yongsan Ward, where Itaewon is located, said.
"This year business owners are trying to cooperate with antivirus efforts by installing full-body disinfectant stalls," he said.
A government inspection team made up of local, police and food and drug officials will visit entertainment facilities nationwide between 10 p.m. Saturday and 3 a.m. Sunday to enforce social distancing guidelines, such as keeping entry logs and maintaining a distance between tables.
Any business caught in violation of the rules will be reported to the authorities.
This photo shows two posters warning of the coronavirus-related risks of partying this Halloween during a press briefing by a Seoul city official at City Hall on Oct. 28, 2020. (Yonhap)
The Seoul metropolitan government said it will assign two officials each to 108 clubs and "sensibility bars" to enforce social distancing from Thursday through Saturday.
Sensibility bars are different from clubs in that they do not have dance floors or admission fees, but patrons often dance between tables and chairs and are mostly in their 20s.
Park Yoo-mi, a disease control official at the city government, told reporters at City Hall that the assigned officials will stay on the premises from midnight to 2 or 3 a.m., when crowds are the biggest, and issue the two-week assembly ban on the establishment if social distancing rules are not kept.
The city government is also in talks with club owners to persuade them to temporarily close over Halloween.
"We haven't heard anyone say definitively that they will close, but there are quite a few places that have expressed an interest," Park said. "Businesses are aware of the risk of long-term closure if an infection is reported."
To drive home the message, the city government mounted four ominous posters on stands next to Park.
"Try to enjoy Halloween, and you could turn into a real ghost," read one poster showing an image of a ghost.
A 26-year-old office worker, who gave only his surname Jeong, said he has opted to celebrate Halloween at a hotel instead of going clubbing.
"I booked a hotel room that was on offer at a special Halloween rate," he said. "Since college, I've gone clubbing with my friends for Halloween, but this year I plan to spend it quietly at a hotel."
This photo shows an empty street in Itaewon, Seoul, on Oct. 26, 2020. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)