Yonhap News Summary

SEOUL -- With some principal figures in a snowballing abuse scandal in South Korean triathlon having been disciplined , the @ @ @ @ @ will now turn its eyes to a largely mysterious man that athletes referred to as @ @ @ @ @ his lack of a medical license .

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Tuesday.
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(3rd LD) New virus infections below 50 for 2nd day, imported cases on higher plateau
SEOUL -- South Korea's daily new virus cases hovered below 50 on Tuesday for the second consecutive day, but the country witnessed a rise in both locally transmitted infections in metropolitan areas and imported cases.
The country added 44 cases, including 20 local infections, raising the total caseload to 13,181, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
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S. Korea to end mask rationing scheme on Sunday
SEOUL -- South Korea will terminate a mask rationing system on Sunday as the supply of face masks designed to help fight the new coronavirus has stabilized, the country's drug safety agency said Tuesday.
As prices of protective masks skyrocketed amid the COVID-19 outbreak here, the country introduced the mask rationing system in early March in a bid to smooth out high demand.
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(2nd LD) U.S. nuke envoy arrives in Seoul after N.K. spurns possibility of talks
SEOUL -- U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun arrived in Seoul on Tuesday for talks about denuclearizing North Korea, as the communist nation again rejected the possibility of resuming negotiations with the United States.
Biegun, who doubles as Washington's chief nuclear envoy, landed at the U.S. Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, sources said. Alex Wong, deputy special representative for the North, is believed to have traveled with him.
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(LEAD) With key figures banned, triathlon body shifts focus to mysterious 'team doctor'
SEOUL -- With some principal figures in a snowballing abuse scandal in South Korean triathlon having been disciplined, the sport's national governing body will now turn its eyes to a largely mysterious man that athletes referred to as "doctor," despite his lack of a medical license.
Choi Suk-hyeon, a former triathlete on Gyeongju City Hall's semi-pro club, took her own life in late June but not before making allegations of physical and verbal abuse against her former coach Kim Gyu-bong, two older teammates and the so-called team doctor named Ahn Joo-hyeon.
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Exports of cultural goods tops US$10 bln on games, character IPs
SEOUL -- South Korea's annual exports of cultural goods exceeded US$10 billion won for the first time in 2019, led by gains in the games and character intellectual property (IP) sectors, a government report showed Tuesday.
The estimate of combined overseas exports of some 2,500 firms in 11 culture and entertainment sectors last year reached $10.4 billion, up 8.1 percent from 2018, according to the annual content industry statistics produced jointly by the culture ministry and its affiliated Korea Creative Content Agency.
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(3rd LD) Samsung Q2 earnings beat estimate on chip biz, one-time gains
SEOUL -- Samsung Electronics Co. on Tuesday projected a stronger than expected second-quarter performance as solid demand for server chips appeared to offset a slump in smartphone sales amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, while one-time gains in the display business also helped push up its bottom line.
In its earnings guidance, the South Korean tech giant expected its operating profit at 8.1 trillion won (US$6.7 billion) for the April-June period, up 22.7 percent from 6.6 trillion won a year ago.
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(2nd LD) LG Electronics delivers estimate-beating Q2 earnings amid pandemic
SEOUL -- LG Electronics Inc. on Tuesday delivered market estimate-beating second-quarter earnings as its home appliance business apparently performed better than expected amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.
In its earnings guidance, South Korea's No. 2 electronics firm estimated its operating profit to be 493.1 billion won (US$412 million) for the April-June period, down 24.4 percent from a year ago.
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(2nd LD) ITC favors Medytox over Daewoong in botulinum toxin strain dispute
SEOUL -- The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has sided with South Korean drugmaker Medytox Inc. in a trade dispute, saying its local rival Daewoong Pharmaceutical Co. stole secrets on a botulinum toxin strain, industry officials here said Tuesday.
In its preliminary verdict, a U.S. trade judge on Monday (U.S. time) ruled that Daewoong Pharmaceutical's wrinkle treatment products were developed by using stolen trade secrets, recommending a 10-year ban on imports.
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(LEAD) Seoul stocks snap 3-day winning streak on growing virus concerns
SEOUL -- South Korean stocks fell by more than 1 percent Tuesday amid growing fears over the resurgence of the new coronavirus at home and overseas. The Korean won rose against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) fell 23.76 points, or 1.09 percent, to close at 2,164.17, ending its three-session winning streak. Trading volume was high at about 837 million shares worth some 14.7 trillion won (US$12.3 billion), with losers outnumbering gainers 581 to 263.
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BLACKPINK's new song debuts at No. 33 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart
SEOUL -- BLACKPINK landed at No. 33 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart with its latest single "How You Like That," according to the American music trade publication Tuesday, setting a new record for K-pop girl groups.
Billboard's official Twitter account announced that "How You Like That" will debut at No. 33 on this week's Hot 100 chart, and at No. 1 on Billboard's World Digital Song Sales chart.
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yna--2020-07-08--(2nd LD) New infections rebound to over 60, imported cases surge to 3-month high

Imported cases have emerged as yet another stumbling block in the country 's virus fight .
The country has posted @ @ @ @ @ cases for 13 consecutive days .
The newly identified cases coming in from overseas mark @ @ @ @ @ , when the reading was 40 .

(ATTN: ADDS details throughout; CHANGES photos)
SEOUL, July 8 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's daily new virus cases bounced back to above 60 on Wednesday as cluster infections in major cities and imported cases do not show signs of letting up.
The country added 63 cases, including 30 local infections, raising the total caseload to 13,244, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
The latest tally marked a sharp rise from the 44 cases reported Tuesday. South Korea had reported more than 60 cases for three consecutive days through Sunday, before falling to 48 on Monday.
Medical workers carry out new coronavirus tests at a drive-thru examination center located in Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul, on July 8, 2020. (Yonhap)
Imported cases have emerged as yet another stumbling block in the country's virus fight. The country has posted a double-digit number of imported cases for 13 consecutive days. The newly identified cases coming in from overseas mark the highest since April 5, when the reading was 40.
Of the new local infections, seven were reported in the southwestern city of Gwangju, with most traced to a Buddhist temple in the city.
A total of 92 cases linked to the temple in the city, located 330 kilometers south of Seoul, had been reported as of Tuesday.
The capital city of Seoul added five cases, with the surrounding Gyeonggi Province seeing additional 11 cases, the KCDC data showed.
One more case was tied to a Seoul church Tuesday, bringing the total number of related cases to 37.
Cases linked to an apartment building in Uijeongbu, north of Seoul, reached 29 on Tuesday, up one from a day earlier.
South Korea eased stringent social distancing in early May on the back of the flattened virus curve.
But a continued rise in cluster infections forced health authorities to indefinitely extend toughened infection preventive measures in the greater Seoul area last month.
The government of South Jeolla Province, which surrounds Gwangju, also raised the region's anti-virus alert level to "social distancing level 2" from the current "distancing in daily life" this week.
Due to a rise in infections traced to religious facilities, South Korea said it will ban churches nationwide from organizing gatherings other than regular worship services, effective from Friday. Also, a QR code-based registration scheme will be implemented for religious facilities.
"We need to be aware that our everyday activities can lead to a fatal result for our families and neighbors," Vice Health Minister Kim Ganglip said during a regular briefing.
South Korea said it also plans to grant "safe" labels for some 20,000 restaurants nationwide that strictly follow sanitary guidelines.
Medical workers wear chilled vests to fight the summer heat at a makeshift clinic in Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul, on July 8, 2020. (Yonhap)
Of the imported cases reported on Wednesday, 11 of them were detected at quarantine checkpoints, indicating that a third of such patients were entrants either at airports or ports.
Health authorities are also vigilant over asymptomatic patients among arrivals, who can potentially spread the virus unwittingly.
The accumulated number of imported cases reached 1,747.
The country added no more deaths, keeping the death toll at 285. The fatality rate was 2.15 percent.
The total number of people released from quarantine after full recoveries stood at 11,970, up 56 from the previous day.
South Korea has carried out 1,359,735 COVID-19 tests since Jan. 3.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-08--City sports body asks prosecution to charge key figure in triathlon abuse scandal

Ahn escaped the federation 's punishment because he was never formally registered with the team and only worked on a @ @ @ @ @ camps .
Gyeongju officials also could n't track him down when the scandal blew up @ @ @ @ @ Choi 's death .

GYEONGJU, South Korea, July 8 (Yonhap) -- A regional sports association asked its district prosecution on Wednesday to charge a central figure in a triathlon abuse scandal with assault and sexual harassment.
Gyeongju Sports Association said it filed a complaint with Daegu District Public Prosecutors Office's regional office in Gyeongju, 370 kilometers southeast of Seoul, in pursuit of those charges against Ahn Joo-hyeon.
Yeo Jun-gi, head of the Gyeongju Sports Association, prepares to enter the Gyeongju regional office of the Daegu Public Prosecutors Office in Gyeongju, 370 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on July 8, 2020, in order to demand the prosecution charge Ahn Joo-hyeon with assault and sexual harassment in an ongoing triathlon abuse scandal. (Yonhap)
Ahn has been accused of physical assault and sexual harassment by multiple members of Gyeongju City Hall's triathlon team. One, Choi Suk-hyeon, took her own life on June 26 after enduring years of alleged abuse from Ahn and others on the team.
Kim Gyu-bong, the team's head coach, and one older teammate of Choi's have been banned for life by the Korea Triathlon Federation for their alleged abuse. One other teammate received a 10-year suspension.
Ahn escaped the federation's punishment because he was never formally registered with the team and only worked on a temporary basis for overseas training camps. Gyeongju officials also couldn't track him down when the scandal blew up last week, days after Choi's death.
Athletes referred to Ahn as their "team doctor," though he doesn't have a medical license and only functioned as an exercise therapist.
After submitting the complaint in person Wednesday, Yeo Jun-gi, head of the association, said he acted on testimonies from several current and former Gyeongju triathletes.
Kim Gyu-bong, head coach of the triathlon team at Gyeongju City Hall and a central figure in an abuse scandal involving a late athlete, leaves the disciplinary committee meeting held by the Korea Triathlon Federation in Seoul on July 6, 2020. (Yonhap)
Separately, Daegu prosecutors are also investigating assault and extortion charges filed by Choi earlier this year against Kim and the two older teammates. Choi made those charges with Gyeongju police, who in turn forwarded the case to the prosecution with the recommendation of indictment.
Kim and the two athletes have denied the allegations against them. The Korean Sport & Olympic Committee said Tuesday that Ahn has admitted to physical assault and has claimed Kim didn't do anything wrong.
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-08--(URGENT) Biegun says U.S. continues to be 'fully engaged' in efforts to promote peace on Korean Peni

(URGENT) Biegun says U.S. continues to be 'fully engaged' in efforts to promote peace on Korean Peninsula

(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--2020-07-08--(URGENT) Biegun says U.S. commitment to S. Korea's defense 'iron-clad'


yna--2020-07-08--Moon set to ask lawmakers to hold hearing on unification minister nominee

It was seen by many as a message to North Korea .
Park was chief presidential secretary to late President @ @ @ @ @ a historic summit in 2000 with the North 's then-leader Kim Jong-il .
Park , @ @ @ @ @ pivotal role in preparations for the summit , has long advocated rapprochement between the two @ @ @ @ @ peninsula .

SEOUL, July 8 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in will soon request formally that lawmakers hold confirmation hearings on his picks to serve as unification minister and head of the state intelligence agency, an official said Wednesday.
Moon plans to submit related documents to the National Assembly within the day, which ushers in the start of a parliamentary process on the nominations of Lee In-young, a four-term lawmaker of the ruling Democratic Party, as unification minister and Park Jie-won, a former minor opposition party lawmaker, as chief of the National Intelligence Service.
Under law, the parliament is required to complete the confirmation procedures within 20 days of the president's move.
Even if lawmakers fail, or refuse, to adopt confirmation hearing reports, Moon is empowered to press ahead with the appointment of Lee and Park.
Last week, Moon announced his choice of them as new members of his security team, which faces the daunting task of breaking a stalemate in inter-Korean relations and the broader Korea peace process.
The nomination of Lee was widely expected, given his political clout and experience as well as longtime interest in regional peace issues. If appointed, he would serve as Seoul's point man on Pyongyang in charge of inter-Korean affairs.
To many, however, the pick of Park came as a surprise, in that he was often critical of Moon's policies as a political rival.
It was seen by many as a message to North Korea. Park was chief presidential secretary to late President Kim Dae-jung, who had a historic summit in 2000 with the North's then-leader Kim Jong-il. Park, known to have played a pivotal role in preparations for the summit, has long advocated rapprochement between the two Koreas and peace on the peninsula.
He is replacing Suh Hoon, who began his new work as director of national security at Cheong Wa Dae earlier this week.
These file photos show (from L to R) Park Jie-won, nominated as National Intelligence Service chief; Suh Hoon, new director of national security at Cheong Wa Dae; and Lee In-young, tapped as unification minister. (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-08--KT Wiz slugger Mel Rojas Jr. voted KBO's top player for June

The switch-hitting slugger batted .347/.394/.743 in June with 11 home runs and 25 RBIs in 25 games last month .
@ @ @ @ @ home runs , slugging percentage , and on-base plus slugging percentage , and also placed @ @ @ @ @ RBIs , runs scored and hits .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, July 8 (Yonhap) -- KT Wiz slugger Mel Rojas Jr. has been voted the best player in South Korean baseball for June.
The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) announced Wednesday that Rojas Jr. was named the Player of the Month for June, following voting from fans and the media.
Rojas Jr. is playing in his fourth KBO season and this is his first monthly MVP award.
In this file photo from June 23, 2020, Mel Rojas Jr. of the KT Wiz watches his solo home run against the NC Dinos in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at KT Wiz Park in Suwon, 45 kilometers south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
The switch-hitting slugger batted .347/.394/.743 in June with 11 home runs and 25 RBIs in 25 games last month. He led all players in home runs, slugging percentage, and on-base plus slugging percentage, and also placed among the top five in RBIs, runs scored and hits.
For the season, Rojas Jr. is a Triple Crown threat. He leads the league in home runs (19), ranks second in batting average (.370) and is tied for second in RBIs (49).
Rojas Jr. received 20 out of 30 votes cast by the media, and collected 27,718 out of 203,283 online votes from fans, for a converted total of 40.15 points. Doosan Bears outfielder Park Kun-woo finished second with 37.27 points, though he led the fan voting with 137,955 votes.
Rojas Jr. will receive 2 million won (US$1,670) in prize money and a gold bar worth 600,000 won, courtesy of the league's title sponsor, Shinhan Bank.
Mel Rojas Jr. of the KT Wiz (R) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a run against the Kia Tigers in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field in Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-08--NC Dinos' ace gobbles up innings, trusts bullpen

Case in point : last year , he pitched more than seven innings just twice out of 19 starts because @ @ @ @ @ .
He would approach or go over 100 pitches -- that magical number that triggers @ @ @ @ @ the league into action -- after just five innings .
This year , he has @ @ @ @ @ in seven out of his 11 starts .
And Koo managed to keep his pitch @ @ @ @ @ in four of those seven games .

INCHEON, July 8 (Yonhap) -- Of several pitching categories in which Koo Chang-mo is leading South Korean baseball this season, innings pitched is one stat of which the left-hander is particularly proud.
The NC Dinos' ace has been gobbling up innings all year, while also helping ease the burden on what has been one of the worst bullpens in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) in 2020.
Koo tossed seven solid innings of one-run ball against the SK Wyverns on Tuesday and improved to 8-0 for the season.
Koo Chang-mo of the NC Dinos pitches against the SK Wyverns in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at SK Happy Dream Park in Incheon, 40 kilometers west of Seoul, on July 7, 2020. (Yonhap)
He's now thrown 73 innings after 11 starts. Odrisamer Despaigne of the KT Wiz has also pitched 73 innings, but he's made one more start than Koo. Koo is on pace to shatter his previous career high of 133 innings from 2018, when he split his time in the rotation and the bullpen.
Koo said Tuesday that the key to his ability to pitch deep into games is his aggressive approach.
He has been a strike thrower, especially with his first pitch. He leads all 29 qualified starters with a 67.2 percent strike rate with the first pitch.
Hitters step up to the plate expecting to see a strike from Koo more than two-thirds of the time. But that doesn't necessarily mean they can get a hit off him.
"If I can retire a batter on just one pitch, it can be really helpful," Koo said at SK Happy Dream Park in Incheon, 40 kilometers west of Seoul. "I'll continue to throw strikes with my first pitch."
His manager, Lee Dong-wook, said Koo's approach also keeps the defenders behind him on their toes and helps with Koo's pitch count.
Case in point: last year, he pitched more than seven innings just twice out of 19 starts because his pitch count ran high. He would approach or go over 100 pitches -- that magical number that triggers managers and pitching coaches across the league into action -- after just five innings. This year, he has gone at least seven innings in seven out of his 11 starts. And Koo managed to keep his pitch count at or below 100 in four of those seven games.
Koo Chang-mo of the NC Dinos pitches against the SK Wyverns in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at SK Happy Dream Park in Incheon, 40 kilometers west of Seoul, on July 7, 2020. (Yonhap)
Koo said he has taken it upon himself to pitch as long as he can to save the bullpen.
The Dinos boast the KBO's best rotation ERA with 3.46, led by Koo (1.48) and Drew Rucinski (2.30). But they have the league's worst bullpen ERA with 6.79, and other stats paint their relief corps as an atrocious unit.
"I personally don't think our relievers are bad at all," Koo said. "I always trust them to close out games. And as a starter, my job is to pitch as many innings as I can and lift some pressure off their shoulders."
Koo leads the league in wins, and he insisted he couldn't have done it all by himself.
"I try not to think about the number of wins because it's mostly based on luck," Koo said with a smile. "Maybe it'll become more difficult to pick up wins later in the season. So I have to keep piling them up while I can."
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-08--8 new coronavirus cases reported at Catholic church in Goyang

`` All small church gatherings and catering , except for Sunday services , will be prohibited , and churches should @ @ @ @ @ system , '' he said .
`` If they break the guidelines , churches can @ @ @ @ @ congregations . ''

SEOUL, July 8 (Yonhap) -- Eight novel coronavirus cases have been reported at a Catholic church northwest of Seoul, raising concerns over another cluster infection at a religious institution in South Korea.
According to health authorities on Wednesday, a total of eight congregants and their family members at Wondang Catholic Church, located in Goyang, just northwest of the capital, have tested positive for the virus.
The city government of Goyang has closed the church and conducted virus tests on some 460 people including congregations of the church.
The infections are the first COVID-19 cases from the Catholic community in South Korea since February, when about 20 Catholics in the southeast of the country, who made a group pilgrimage to Israel, contracted the virus.
Quarantine officials conduct coronavirus tests at Wondang Catholic Church in Goyang, north of Seoul, on July 7, 2020. (Yonhap)
The central government said it will ban small church gatherings and catering as almost half of the country's new infections in recent days have come from those kinds of events.
"All churches across the country should comply with key virus prevention guidelines in all events," Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said during a regular government meeting on the response to COVID-19.
"All small church gatherings and catering, except for Sunday services, will be prohibited, and churches should run a mandatory entry log system," he said. "If they break the guidelines, churches can be fined as well as congregations."
South Korea reported 63 more cases of new coronavirus on Wednesday, with the total reaching at 13,244.
Since end-February, when the country was experiencing the peak of the coronavirus pandemic, Catholic churches suspended on-site Masses and offered online services. Protestant churches and the Buddhist temples joined the move.
However, in May, religious institutions emerged as new infection clusters as they resumed face-to-face gatherings and events.
Cases traced to a major Protestant church in Seoul's southwestern ward of Gwanak reached nearly 40, while 25 people related to a large Protestant church in Suwon, which has more than 9,000 congregants, tested positive for COVID-19.
Nearly 100 cases have been related to Gwangleug Temple in Gwangju, some 330 kilometers southwest of Seoul.
Consequently, the Catholic archdiocese in Gwangju has indefinitely put off public masses, as the Gwangju metropolitan government strengthened social distancing guidelines to the second level of the three-grade system.
Two major Protestant church groups in South Korea also urged churches to suspend and scale down summer events in the coming weeks.
brk@yna.co.kr
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yna--2020-07-08--U.S. slaps no antidumping duty on S. Korean steel products

Hyundai Steel said it exported about 30,000 tons of cold-rolled steel to the U.S. during the period .
POSCO is @ @ @ @ @ 40,000 tons of cold-rolled steel to the U.S. during the cited period .

SEOUL, July 8 (Yonhap) -- The U.S. Department of Commerce has decided not to impose antidumping duty on cold-rolled steel from POSCO and Hyundai Steel Co., South Korea's two-biggest steelmakers.
The department said it determined that Hyundai Steel and POSCO did not sell cold-rolled steel in the United States at prices below normal value during the period of review, from September 1, 2017 through August 31, 2018.
The flag of South Korean steelmaker POSCO (Yonhap)
Hyundai Steel said it exported about 30,000 tons of cold-rolled steel to the U.S. during the period. POSCO is believed to have shipped about 40,000 tons of cold-rolled steel to the U.S. during the cited period.
"For these final results, we have calculated 0.00 percent weighted-average dumping margins for both Hyundai and POSCO," the department said in the final results of antidumping duty review.
The move came eight months after the department published its preliminary results of the administrative review in the case.
Cold-rolled steel is used in the manufacture of cars and electronic products.
Hyundai Steel Co.'s steelmaking factory in Dangjin, about 120 kilometers south of Seoul (Yonhap)
entropy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-08--Doosan inks preliminary deal to sell Doosan Solus

As part of its efforts to overcome its cash shortages , the group has decided to focus on its clean @ @ @ @ @ other affiliates and assets in return for financial support by its creditors .

By Nam Kwang-sik
SEOUL, July 8 (Yonhap) -- Doosan Corp., the parent of South Korea's 15th-largest conglomerate Doosan Group, said Wednesday that it has signed a preliminary deal with private equity fund SkyLake Investment Co. to sell its stake in its affiliate Doosan Solus Co.
Doosan, however, did not reveal its sales conditions and prices for the stake in the battery copper foil maker.
Doosan Corp. holds a 17 percent stake in Doosan Solus, with key stockholders, including Doosan Group chairman Park Jung-won, having a combined 44 percent stake in the battery copper foil maker.
As of Wednesday, the market capitalization of Doosan Solus is estimated at some 1.02 trillion won (US$900 million) on the Seoul bourse.
This photo provided by Doosan Corp. shows Doosan Group's logo. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Doosan Group had been in negotiations with the private equity fund to sell Doosan Solus.
Cash-squeezed Doosan Group has been pushing ahead with its plan to sell its assets to improve its financial health.
Included in the asset sales list were also power plant builder Doosan Infracore Co., venture capital firm Neoplux Co., the group's headquarter building Doosan Tower, a golf course, Doosan Engineering & Construction Co. and oil pressure machine maker Doosan Mottrol, a business division of Doosan.
A group led by Hana Financial Investment Co. has been singled out as the preferred bidder for the golf course.
The group's credit crunch was caused by a lack of orders at its power plant affiliate Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction Co. and extended losses at its construction unit Doosan Engineering & Construction.
State-run banks -- Korea Development Bank and the Export-Import Bank of Korea -- injected a total of 3.6 trillion won into the group to keep it afloat between March and June, as the group drew up a 3 trillion-won self-rescue plan.
As part of its efforts to overcome its cash shortages, the group has decided to focus on its clean energy-related business by selling off other affiliates and assets in return for financial support by its creditors.
As of the end of 2019, Doosan Group has 25 affiliates, including Doosan and power plant builder Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction Co., under its wing.
ksnam@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-08--Seoul stocks dip late Wednesday morning

Seoul stocks dip late Wednesday morning

The index opened nearly flat following overnight losses on Wall Street .
The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.51 percent @ @ @ @ @ Nasdaq Composite dropped 0.86 percent , to 10,343.89 .

SEOUL, July 8 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks dipped late Wednesday morning as investors grew wary of a delayed economic recovery and recent surge in novel coronavirus cases.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index shed 8.90 points, or 0.41 percent, to 2,155.27 as of 11:20 a.m.
The index opened nearly flat following overnight losses on Wall Street. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.51 percent to 25,890.18, and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 0.86 percent, to 10,343.89.
In Seoul, large-cap stocks traded mixed.
Market behemoth Samsung Electronics slid 0.37 percent, while SK hynix, a major chipmaker, fell 1.30 percent.
Top automaker Hyundai Motor rose 0.81 percent, but leading chemical firm LG Chem dropped 0.97 percent.
Pharmaceutical giant Samsung Biologics plunged 2.93 percent, but its local rival Celltrion gained 0.49 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,196.60 won against the U.S. dollar, down 0.90 won from the previous session's close.
(END)


yna--2020-07-08--Employment insurance to additionally cover 'special-type' workers

The non-standard contract employees should share the burden of employment insurance premiums with their employers and have to pay premiums @ @ @ @ @ the last 24 months of employment contracts in order to be eligible for insurance benefits @ @ @ @ @ unemployment allowances even after moving to another employer due to income reduction .
Parental allowances @ @ @ @ @ qualified subscribers , it explained .

SEOUL, July 8 (Yonhap) -- Non-standard contract employees, such as home-visit tutors and insurance salespersons, will likely be included among employment insurance beneficiaries, beginning next year, as part of the government's universal employment insurance scheme to cover all working people, the Ministry of Employment and Labor said Wednesday.
The ministry said it has begun a legislative process to make about 2.3 million non-standard contract workers nationwide eligible for employment insurance and aims to pass a related revision of the Employment Insurance Act through the National Assembly by year's end.
Non-standard contract employees refer to workers of special employment types who provide labor to employers as solo proprietors but are not recognized as regular workers protected by the employment insurance system. Besides home-visit tutors and insurance salespersons, those special-type workers include credit card recruiters, construction equipment operators, golf caddies, courier drivers, delivery workers and replacement drivers.
The ministry said its legal revision calls for allowing all special-type workers with exclusive contracts with employers to join the employment insurance program.
The non-standard contract employees should share the burden of employment insurance premiums with their employers and have to pay premiums for over 12 months during the last 24 months of employment contracts in order to be eligible for insurance benefits. They can also claim unemployment allowances even after moving to another employer due to income reduction. Parental allowances will also be available for qualified subscribers, it explained.
The Moon Jae-in government has vowed to prepare a road map for a universal employment insurance system by the end of the year, and the Assembly passed a legal revision in May that will make it possible for artists to receive benefits from the employment insurance system starting next year.
The labor ministry said the Employment Insurance Act's revision related to the non-standard contract workers will be presented to the parliament in September.
The employment insurance program was introduced in 1995 as the main employment safety net for regular workers in workplaces of certain sizes.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-08--Defense minister, USFK chief hold unannounced meeting amid consultations over key exercise

Seoul has stressed that it should focus on the assessment of its capabilities to retake wartime operational control ( OPCON @ @ @ @ @ Washington , as they agreed earlier .
But the U.S. military maintains it should be @ @ @ @ @ posture as a replacement of the springtime training , rather than preparations for the OPCON @ @

By Oh Seok-min
SEOUL, July 8 (Yonhap) -- Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo held an unannounced meeting with U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) Commander Gen. Robert Abrams this week, sources said Wednesday, as Seoul and Washington have been working to arrange their summertime combined exercise amid the new coronavirus.
Jeong and Abrams held the meeting at the ministry's main building in Seoul on Tuesday "to discuss diverse pending issues," a source said.
Detailed agenda items were not known, but the meeting took place at a time when South Korea and the U.S. have been discussing when and how to stage their annual summertime exercise, which is usually held in around August.
This year's key springtime drills were called off over COVID-19 concerns.
The ongoing pandemic could prevent U.S. troops from coming to South Korea, which will affect the upcoming exercise, according to the sources. Recently, USFK has reported COVID-19 patients among its newly assigned service members.
"The two sides have yet to reach a decision on the summertime exercise. We are closely monitoring related factors, such as COVID-19," a ministry official said.
Last week, Abrams stressed that their semi-annual theatre-level combined exercises, as well as live fire trainings based on rigorous scenarios, should take place to maintain a staunch readiness posture in the face of evolving threats by North Korea.
Sources have said the two sides differ over how to program the envisioned exercise.
Seoul has stressed that it should focus on the assessment of its capabilities to retake wartime operational control (OPCON) of its troops from Washington, as they agreed earlier. But the U.S. military maintains it should be meant to boost their joint posture as a replacement of the springtime training, rather than preparations for the OPCON transfer.
This year's summertime exercise drew particular attention given the security situation on the Korean Peninsula.
Last month, North Korea sharply ratcheted up tensions by blowing up an inter-Korean liaison office and threatening to take military action in anger over anti-Pyongyang propaganda leaflets flown from the South. Later, leader Kim Jong-un put military action plans on hold.
South Korean Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo (R) and U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) Commander Gen. Robert Abrams bump elbows as they greet each other during a forum held in Seoul on July 1, 2020. (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-08--Investment firm Optimus' CEO arrested on fraud charges

The Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office has been investigating the private equity firm on allegations that the company solicited funds @ @ @ @ @ won from investors by promising a high return of 2.8-3.2 percent and claiming the money @ @ @ @ @ receivables of state-run companies .

SEOUL, July 8 (Yonhap) -- The CEO of Optimus Asset Management has been taken into custody by prosecutors for a probe into allegations that the private equity firm fraudulently solicited funds worth tens of millions of dollars from investors.
The arrest came on Tuesday night shortly after the Seoul Central District Court issued the warrant for Kim Jae-hyun, citing sufficient evidence to support the criminal allegations against him and the severity of the case.
The company's second-largest shareholder surnamed Lee and one executive surnamed Yoon were also arrested along with Kim.
The Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office has been investigating the private equity firm on allegations that the company solicited funds worth hundreds of billions of won from investors by promising a high return of 2.8-3.2 percent and claiming the money would be invested in safe receivables of state-run companies.
The company, however, is suspected of fabricating its reports to invest the funds in financially unhealthy companies, including private real estate firms and lenders, instead of the state-run companies it promised.
Since June 17, the total amount of customers' money that couldn't be withdrawn from the company's funds has surpassed 100 billion won (US$83.4 million), as the company suspended withdrawals amid liquidity problems.
The prosecutors will continue investigating how and where the investors' money was spent and whether NH Investment & Securities, a brokerage firm, was aware of any illegal activities by the company.
Officials of Optimus Asset Management head to hearing on their arrest on fraud allegations at the Seoul Central District Court in Seoul on July 7, 2020. (Yonhap)
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-08--The Korea Interbank Offered Rates (KORIBOR)

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


yna--2020-07-08--S. Korea to push for conclusion of Asia-Pacific trade deal this year

SEOUL , July 8 ( Yonhap ) -- South Korea said Wednesday it will push for the conclusion of a @ @ @ @ @ year to help boost ailing exports and cope with the growing protectionism around the globe @ @ @ @ @ new coronavirus pandemic .

SEOUL, July 8 (Yonhap) -- South Korea said Wednesday it will push for the conclusion of a mega Asia-Pacific trade deal this year to help boost ailing exports and cope with the growing protectionism around the globe in the face of the new coronavirus pandemic.
The country plans to participate in another round of online talks with members of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) on Thursday to address remaining agenda items, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
ASEAN and its dialogue partners -- South Korea, China, Japan, Australia and New Zealand -- effectively reached an agreement on RCEP in November.
Last month, trade ministers from the member nations reaffirmed that the trade deal will be signed no later than this year.
The participating nations launched their official talks in 2013.
When concluded, RCEP will create a mega economic bloc that accounts for a third of the world's gross domestic product.
South Korea, whose economy depends heavily on exports, has been emphasizing the importance of free trade deals to cope with economic uncertainties stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The country's outbound shipments fell 10.9 percent in June, marking the fourth consecutive month of decline amid the fallout from the new coronavirus pandemic.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-08--Moon to address ILO's global summit on coronavirus impact on work

Those are No .
87 on freedom of association , No .
98 on the right to organize and collective @ @ @ @ @ 29 on the prohibition of forced labor .
The convention No .
105 on the @ @ @ @ @ excluded as it clashes with local law and requires legal revision , as well as @ @ @ @ @ adopting it , according to officials .

SEOUL, July 8 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in plans to present his labor policy vision in a video message to the virtual global summit of the International Labor Organization (ILO) later Wednesday, a Cheong Wa Dae official said.
Moon's pretaped speech is scheduled to be played during the Global Leaders' Day event in the summit on the impact of COVID-19 on the world of work, according to the official. The session is scheduled to open at around 5 p.m. (Seoul time).
Moon will speak about the importance of a win-win approach for "new and better jobs" amid changes in the employment circumstances attributable to the coronavirus crisis, he added on the customary condition of anonymity.
The ILO meeting is to involve more than 60 heads of state and around 20 chiefs of international organizations, including the United Nations and the World Health Organization.
Moon's liberal administration has been accelerating a campaign to further enhance the level of the country's labor-related rules.
South Korea joined the U.N. agency based in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1991. It has yet to ratify four of the eight core conventions aimed at protecting workers' basic rights.
The government plans to submit next month a motion for parliamentary ratification of three of the four remaining major ILO conventions after winning approval from the Cabinet on Tuesday.
Those are No. 87 on freedom of association, No. 98 on the right to organize and collective bargaining, and No. 29 on the prohibition of forced labor. The convention No. 105 on the abolition of forced labor was excluded as it clashes with local law and requires legal revision, as well as a social dialogue, on adopting it, according to officials.
A large screen in a Cheong Wa Dae conference room in Seoul shows President Moon Jae-in making opening remarks during a Cabinet meeting on July 7, 2020. (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-08--LG Electronics launches service robot

LG Electronics launches service robot

LG said its bot is powered by an autonomous driving technology and can be programmed to transport items to multiple @ @ @ @ @ bot can also detect and avoid obstacles on its way .

SEOUL, July 8 (Yonhap) -- LG Electronics Inc. said Wednesday it has started sales of its autonomous service robots in South Korea.
The South Korean tech giant said the CLOi ServeBot comes in two models -- drawer type and shelf type, depending on its design. The company did not disclose the price of the bot.
LG said its drawer-type CLOi ServeBot has been deployed to Seoul National Hospital in Seoul, adding that it marks the first use of a domestically produced commercial service robot at a local hospital.
The bot's main job will be delivering various medical items and drugs, it added. The 130-centimeter tall robot can carry up to 15 kilograms.
This photo provided by LG Electronics Inc. on July 8, 2020, shows the company's CLOi ServeBot at Seoul National Hospital in Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
LG said its bot is powered by an autonomous driving technology and can be programmed to transport items to multiple destinations in order. The bot can also detect and avoid obstacles on its way.
LG said it has been testing its bot at Incheon International Airport since 2017 to verify its autonomous driving and obstacle avoidance solutions.
Starting this month, LG said its serving bots will be also available at restaurants operated by local food service firm CJ Foodville Co.
The company said the use of robots will increase as the coronavirus pandemic led to non face-to-face services.
LG has so far introduced five robot models, ranging from cooking bots to serving bots.
In recent years, LG has been focusing on bolstering its robotics business, acquiring bot manufacturing and developing firms. In January, the company opened a robotics lab in Boston.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-08--(LEAD) New infections rebound to over 60, imported cases surge to 3-month high

(ATTN: ADDS details throughout; CHANGES photos)
SEOUL, July 8 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's daily new virus cases bounced back to above 60 on Wednesday as cluster infections in major cities and imported cases do not show signs of letting up.
The country added 63 cases, including 30 local infections, raising the total caseload to 13,244, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
The latest tally marked a sharp rise from the 44 cases reported Tuesday. South Korea had reported more than 60 cases for three consecutive days through Sunday, before falling to 48 on Monday.
Citizens wait to receive new coronavirus tests at a makeshift clinic in Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul, on July 8, 2020. (Yonhap)
Imported cases have emerged as yet another stumbling block in the country's virus fight. The country has posted a double-digit number of imported cases for 13 consecutive days. The newly identified cases coming in from overseas mark the highest since April 5, when the reading was 40.
Of the new local infections, seven were reported in the southwestern city of Gwangju, with most traced to a Buddhist temple in the city.
A total of 92 cases linked to the temple in the city, located 330 kilometers south of Seoul, had been reported as of Tuesday.
The capital city of Seoul added five cases, with the surrounding Gyeonggi Province seeing additional 11 cases, the KCDC data showed.
One more case was tied to a Seoul church Tuesday, bringing the total number of related cases to 37.
Cases linked to an apartment building in Uijeongbu, north of Seoul, reached 29 on Tuesday, up one from a day earlier.
South Korea eased stringent social distancing in early May on the back of the flattened virus curve.
But a continued rise in cluster infections forced health authorities to indefinitely extend toughened infection preventive measures in the greater Seoul area last month.
The government of South Jeolla Province, which surrounds Gwangju, also raised the region's anti-virus alert level to "social distancing level 2" from the current "distancing in daily life" this week.
Citizens wait in line while holding number tickets to receive new coronavirus tests in Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul, on July 7, 2020. (Yonhap)
Of the imported cases reported on Wednesday, 11 of them were detected at quarantine checkpoints, indicating that a third of such patients were entrants either at airports or ports.
Health authorities are also vigilant over asymptomatic patients among arrivals, who can potentially spread the virus unwittingly.
The accumulated number of imported cases reached 1,747.
The country added no more deaths, keeping the death toll at 285. The fatality rate was 2.15 percent.
The total number of people released from quarantine after full recoveries stood at 11,970, up 56 from the previous day.
South Korea has carried out 1,359,735 COVID-19 tests since Jan. 3.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-08--(LEAD) Biegun meets senior Seoul officials over stalled N.K. nuke diplomacy

`` Thank you for hosting me and everything is complicated but your government is very collaborative in working out the @ @ @ @ @ and we certainly want to be safe too , '' Biegun told the foreign minister @

(ATTN: CHANGES photo; RECASTS headline, lead; RESTRUCTURES; TRIMS)
By Song Sang-ho
SEOUL, July 8 (Yonhap) -- U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun held back-to-back talks with senior Seoul officials Wednesday to explore ways to revive stalled nuclear talks with North Korea, despite Pyongyang's repeated rejections of dialogue with Washington.
Biegun began his three-day trip here Tuesday, apparently to renew the U.S.' commitment to diplomacy with the communist state and forestall escalation of tensions caused by its recent demolition of an inter-Korean liaison office, warnings of now-suspended military plans and hostile rhetoric.
The U.S. diplomat, who doubles as Washington's top nuclear envoy, paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and held the "Strategic Dialogue" with First Vice Foreign Minister Cho Sei-young.
"Thank you for hosting me and everything is complicated but your government is very collaborative in working out the details in getting here safely and we certainly want to be safe too," Biegun told the foreign minister.
At their separate talks, Biegun and Cho were expected to discuss an array of bilateral and broader issues, including the impasse in the allies' defense cost-sharing talks, the U.S.' move to expand the Group of Seven advanced countries and its push to shift global supply chains away from China.
First Vice Foreign Minister Cho Sei-young (L) and his U.S. counterpart, Stephen Biegun, greet each other before their talks at the foreign ministry in Seoul on July 8, 2020. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
Biegun is also scheduled to meet with Seoul's top nuclear envoy, Lee Do-hoon, with their agenda likely to focus on how to create momentum for dialogue with Pyongyang.
The nuclear talks between the U.S. and the North have not been held since their last working-level session in Sweden in October, as the two sides remained at odds over the extent of Pyongyang's denuclearization and Washington's sanctions relief.
After the talks with Lee, Biegun is expected to reiterate the U.S.' readiness to reengage with the North in a public message. But skepticism lingers over whether Pyongyang will warm to dialogue, as it suspects Washington eyes talks with a political intent ahead of the U.S. election in November.
Pyongyang's First Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui said Saturday that the North does not feel any need to sit face to face with the U.S., accusing Washington of using nuclear talks as "nothing more than a tool for grappling its political crisis."
Just hours before Biegun's arrival, Kwon Jong-gun, the North's foreign ministry's director general in charge of U.S. affairs, also rebuffed the possibility of talks.
Biegun's trip came amid growing concerns that a recent rise in cross-border tensions could threaten to derail the yearslong endeavor to denuclearize the North and lay the groundwork for lasting peace on the peninsula.
Last month, tensions rose sharply as the North cut off cross-border communication, blew up the joint liaison office in its border city of Kaesong and threatened to take military steps against the South, such as redeploying troops to border areas.
The North took the provocative steps ostensibly in anger over anti-Pyongyang leaflets sent from the South, but observers say they appeared aimed at diverting public attention from its deepening hardships caused by biting sanctions and the new coronavirus.
Biegun plans to fly to Japan on Thursday before returning home.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-08--Indian police arrest two S. Korean executives of LG Polymers over deadly gas leak

A committee set up by the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh has concluded that negligence and serious lapses in @ @ @ @ @ the accident .
Indian police launched a probe after the report was published .

NEW DELHI, July 8 (Yonhap) -- Indian police have arrested two South Korean executives of LG Chem Ltd.'s local unit in connection with the toxic gas leak in May that killed 12 people, according to diplomatic sources and the company on Wednesday.
The chief executive officer and technical adviser of LG Polymers India and 10 other employees were arrested Tuesday (India time) on charges of culpable homicide and lax management of toxic materials, they said.
The police will decide whether to indict them within 60 days after carrying out an investigation.
Styrene gas leaked at LG Polymers India's plant in Andra Pradesh on May 7, killing 12 people and sickening hundreds of others.
A committee set up by the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh has concluded that negligence and serious lapses in safety were to blame for the accident. Indian police launched a probe after the report was published.
The company has created a special task force to resolve any related issues and provide assistance to the bereaved families.
The LG Polymers plant, which LG Chem acquired from Hindustan Polymers in 1996, produces a wide range of polystyrene, including engineering plastic, an industrial raw material for automobiles and electronic parts.
This AP photo shows people gathered in front of the LG Polymers chemical plant in Visakhapatnam in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh on May 7, 2020. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-07-08--Celltrion says new antibody treatment effective in tests with mutated type of new coronavirus

The company said the new drug successfully neutralized the `` G614 '' type of the virus .
It was 10 @ @ @ @ @ the G614 type than the original virus , the company said .

SEOUL, July 8 (Yonhap) -- Celltrion, a leading pharmaceutical firm in South Korea, said on Wednesday that its new antibody treatment showed some promise in treating a mutated version of the new coronavirus in recent tests.
The company said the new drug successfully neutralized the "G614" type of the virus. It was 10 times more effective in treating the G614 type than the original virus, the company said.
The test was conducted last month by the state-run Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), using G-type coronavirus samples.
The G-type has recently gone viral in South Korea since the cluster infection in Itaewon, Seoul, in May.
About 70 percent of the infections in the United States and Europe came from the G-type virus, according to the KCDC.
With positive results from the KCDC's tests, Celltrion is set to begin its clinical tests on humans on July 16.
If the clinical tests succeed, the company plans to produce 5 million doses of the new treatment within the first half of next year.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-08--(LEAD) Justice minister rejects top prosecutor's offer to form new team to probe case involving key

(LEAD) Justice minister rejects top prosecutor's offer to form new team to probe case involving key aide

The new team will also include prosecutors currently in charge of the case and will report to the chief of @ @ @ @ @ Office .
Yoon will guarantee its independence and will receive reports of the investigation results @ @ @ @ @

(ATTN: CHANGES headline; UPDATES with Choo's rejection throughout)
SEOUL, July 8 (Yonhap) -- Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae on Wednesday rejected the chief prosecutor's offer to create an "independent" investigative team to handle an alleged blackmail case at the center of friction between the two.
The Supreme Prosecutors' Office made the recommendation to the justice ministry earlier in the day, six days after the minister issued a rare directive ordering Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl to take his hands off the sensitive case involving one of Yoon's key aides and a now fired TV reporter.
The prosecution office announced that the new team will be formed at the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office to take over the case currently under probe at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office.
Yoon made the decision "respecting the justice minister's directive and considering opinions in and outside the prosecution," the Supreme Prosecutors' Office said in a statement.
The new team will also include prosecutors currently in charge of the case and will report to the chief of the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office. Yoon will guarantee its independence and will receive reports of the investigation results later, it said.
In less than two hours of the announcement, Choo rejected the recommendation.
"The prosecutor-general's recommendation cannot be seen as carrying out the minister's instruction since it effectively calls for replacement and change of the team on the case," the justice ministry said.
The case centers on a former cable TV reporter suspected of using his alleged close ties with ranking prosecutor Han Dong-hoon, a close associate of Yoon, to pressure a jailed financier to divulge allegedly corrupt acts by a pro-government commentator.
Last Thursday, Choo ordered Yoon not to get involved in the investigation and to ensure the investigation proceeds independently of the chief prosecutor.
Earlier Wednesday, Choo sent an ultimatum for Yoon to answer by early Thursday.
This composite photo shows Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae (L) and Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-07-08--S. Korean, Qatari foreign ministers discuss coronavirus response, business cooperation

Noting that the deal was one of the agreements initially reached at the summit of the two countries ' leaders @ @ @ @ @ it could be a signal of economic rebound from the coronavirus-driven slowdown .

SEOUL, July 8 (Yonhap) -- Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha spoke by phone with her Qatari counterpart Wednesday and discussed joint efforts for economic cooperation and coronavirus responses, her office said.
In the phone conversation with Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, deputy prime minister cum foreign minister, Kang hailed the 23.6 trillion won (US$19.2 billion) deal inked last month between Qatar's state oil company and South Korean shipbuilders on the reservation of construction capacity for liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessels, the foreign ministry said in a release.
Noting that the deal was one of the agreements initially reached at the summit of the two countries' leaders, Kang expressed hopes that it could be a signal of economic rebound from the coronavirus-driven slowdown.
She also thanked the Qatari government for providing assistance in the return of South Korean nationals who had been stranded there due to the lockdown over virus fears.
In response, Mohammed said that his government is willing to offer more help for other essential travelers, such as businesspeople, and expressed expectations for a resumption of people-to-people exchanges.
He also expressed appreciation for South Korea's provision of US$7 million worth of coronavirus test kits and other equipment to Qatar and wished that such cooperation in the health sector would continue in the future, according to Seoul's foreign ministry.
elly@yna.co.kr
This file photo shows Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-07-08--Top prosecutor orders creation of independent team to handle case involving key aide

SEOUL, July 8 (Yonhap) -- Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl on Wednesday ordered the creation of an independent investigative team to handle an alleged blackmail case at the center of his friction with the justice minister.
The Supreme Prosecutors' Office announced Yoon's decision six days after Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae issued a rare directive ordering the chief prosecutor to take his hands off the sensitive case involving his key aide and a now fired TV reporter. Earlier in the day, Choo sent an ultimatum for Yoon to answer by early Thursday.
The prosecution office recommended to the justice minister the formation of an independent investigative team at the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office to take over the case currently under probe at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office.
Yoon made the decision "respecting the justice minister's directive and considering opinions in and outside the prosecution," the Supreme Prosecutors' Office said in a statement.
The new team will also include prosecutors currently in charge of the case and will report to the chief of the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office. Yoon will guarantee its independence and will receive reports of the investigation results later, it said.
The case centers on a former cable TV reporter suspected of using his alleged close ties with ranking prosecutor Han Dong-hoon, a close associate of Yoon, to pressure a jailed financier to divulge allegedly corrupt acts by a pro-government commentator.
Citing the close relations between Han and Yoon, Choo ordered Yoon not to get involved in the investigation and to ensure the investigation proceeds independently of the chief prosecutor.
This composite photo shows Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae (L) and Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-07-08--Top S. Korean, Japanese officials hold phone discussions on regional security

In their 25-minute talks , the two sides `` exchanged opinions on pending issues between the two nations and regional @ @ @ @ @ Peninsula situations , '' Cheong Wa Dae said .
It gave no further details in @ @ @ @ @

SEOUL, July 8 (Yonhap) -- Suh Hoon, the newly appointed top security adviser to South Korean President Moon Jae-in, had a phone conversation Wednesday with his Japanese counterpart on relations between the two sides and regional security, Cheong Wa Dae said.
Shigeru Kitamura, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's national security adviser, made a call to Suh, director of national security at the presidential office, for a congratulatory message on his inauguration.
Suh began work earlier this week, having served as chief of the National Intelligence Service.
In their 25-minute talks, the two sides "exchanged opinions on pending issues between the two nations and regional security, including the Korean Peninsula situations," Cheong Wa Dae said. It gave no further details in a two-paragraph press release.
This file photo shows Suh Hoon, new director of national security at Cheong Wa Dae. (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-08--KBO club Kiwoom Heroes to set up pitching machine for new import Addison Russell

`` Our top priority is for Russell to play in the KBO as soon as possible , '' Kim said @ @ @ @ @ expected to get into a couple of games in the minors first .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ place before settling on that location in Yangpyeong .
Even though he 'll only be @ @ @ @ @ we 've already paid the rent for a full month . ''

SEOUL, July 8 (Yonhap) -- Former National League All-Star infielder Addison Russell arrived in South Korea earlier Wednesday to join the Kiwoom Heroes for his first South Korean season.
Russell will need to complete a 14-day quarantine, and when he moves into his temporary residence prepared by the Heroes in Yangpyeong, 55 kilometers east of Seoul, he will find a batting cage equipped with a pitching machine.
With the mandatory quarantine a new normal this season, Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) teams have set up training tools for their new foreign players while putting them up in a place with a front yard.
In this EPA file photo from July 17, 2019, Addison Russell of the Chicago Cubs hits a home run in the bottom of the second inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game against the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field in Chicago. (Yonhap)
But the Heroes have gone above and beyond to help Russell get ready. In announcing Russell's flight schedule earlier this week, the Heroes distributed photos of the batting cage.
And Heroes' general manager Kim Chi-hyun said Wednesday the club has since added a pitching machine.
"Our top priority is for Russell to play in the KBO as soon as possible," Kim said of the player who is expected to get into a couple of games in the minors first. "We've looked all over the place before settling on that location in Yangpyeong. Even though he'll only be there for two weeks, we've already paid the rent for a full month."
Manager Son Hyuk, prior to a home game against the Samsung Lions on Wednesday at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, thanked the front office for setting up "a great training environment."
"This league has seen some great young players from overseas, but I don't think we've seen one quite as good as Russell," Son said of the 2016 All-Star for the Chicago Cubs. "He has a great range on defense and he's a clutch hitter at the plate. He's going to give us a jolt and lift some pressure off our infielders."
The Heroes didn't necessarily need another infielder. Russell has only played second base and shortstop in the majors, and the Heroes already have former MVP Seo Geon-chang at second and perennial All-Star Kim Ha-seong at shortstop.
Son has hinted that he will put Russell in his natural position at shortstop and move other pieces around the infield.
Kim, the general manager, said he was in hot pursuit of former All-Star outfielder Yasiel Puig and once revealed that he felt the Heroes had a good chance of signing him. Instead, Puig, currently a free agent, wanted to give the big leagues another shot, and the Heroes shifted their focus to Russell.
This photo provided by the Kiwoom Heroes on July 6, 2020, shows the batting cage set up outside the temporary residence for Addison Russell, the Korea Baseball Organization club's new foreign player, in Yangpyeong, 55 kilometers east of Seoul. Russell will serve his mandatory 14-day quarantine there after arriving in South Korea on July 8, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Kim said signing Puig would also have made a big splash but admitted he was worried about the impact on team chemistry Puig's presence might have had. Since his early days with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Puig has had a reputation of being a selfish and petulant teammate.
On Russell, Kim said, "He's absolutely motivated, and I am convinced he's going to be great for us."
A first-round draft pick by the Oakland Athletics in 2012, Russell made his big league debut with the Cubs in 2015.
He made his first and only All-Star team the following year, when he posted career highs of 21 home runs and 95 RBIs for the World Series champions.
Last year, Russell played 82 games and had a .237/.308/.391 line with nine homers and 23 RBIs.
From the end of 2018 to the beginning of the 2019 season, Russell served a 40-game suspension for violating Major League Baseball's policy on domestic violence.
For his big league career, Russell batted .242/.312/.392 with 60 home runs and 253 RBIs.
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-08--Full text of President Moon Jae-in's video message at ILO summit

Even before the outbreak of the pandemic , Korea had been seeking to create more quality jobs in local communities @ @ @ @ @ , management and government .
This job creation model is spreading across many cities all @ @ @ @ @ has been imparting the time-honored spirit of helping each other out into a culture whereby @ @ @ @ @ each other 's position and engage in burden sharing .
This has been a source @ @ @ @ @ we strive to overcome the COVID-19 crisis .
It is also bringing about changes not @ @ @ @ @ but also to labor relations .

SEOUL, July 8 (Yonhap) -- The following is the full text of South Korean President Moon Jae-in's video message at the ILO Global Summit on COVID-19 and the World of Work. This unofficial translation of his speech, titled "New and Better Jobs -- Pathway to Mutual Prosperity" and delivered in Korean, was provided by Cheong Wa Dae.
The Honorable Guy Ryder, director-general of the International Labour Organization, distinguished heads of states, representatives of labor and management,
I find it very meaningful to take part in the ILO Global Summit on COVID-19 and the World of Work that aims to build a better future of work.
First of all, I would like to offer my deepest condolences to brothers and sisters around the world whose lives have been claimed by COVID-19, as well as their bereaved families. I would also like to deliver words of comfort to those who are battling against the disease and reeling from the loss of their jobs.
Moreover, I would like to convey my respect to medical professionals and quarantine staff who have been putting their own lives at risk to safeguard the health of humanity. My gratitude also goes to governments, workers and employers, the ILO staff and others in international organizations for their efforts to protect jobs.
The COVID-19 pandemic struck the world like a massive earthquake, and just like a tsunami that comes in its aftermath, "employment shock" has already hit us. Every single country on the planet is striving to control the disease and protect jobs at the same time, but it is difficult to predict when and how the job market will be stabilized, as COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc across the globe.
Even when an individual country is able to keep its economy afloat, the job crisis will drag out if the global economic downturn continues while global trade remains stagnant.
The economic crisis precipitated by COVID-19 cannot be addressed by an individual country or economic entity alone. The ILO predicted 25 million additional job losses around the world, and it is clear that the vulnerable groups will be disproportionately affected.
This is why, more than ever before, social dialogue and international cooperation is essential and the role of international organizations, including the ILO, is vital.
The ILO has been playing a leading role in protecting fundamental labor rights and creating quality jobs. From the Declaration of Philadelphia 1944, which proclaimed that labor is not a commodity, all the way to the report published last year under the title "Work for a Brighter Future", the ILO has always served the role of a pioneer.
Today's Global Summit is also very timely. I hope that we can find solutions to the job crisis together by engaging in global discussions and cooperation.
Director-general, distinguished heads of states, representatives of labor and management,
Even though Korea was one of the first countries hit by COVID-19 and the subsequent employment shock, we decided to embark on the path of mutual prosperity to overcome the crisis.
Korean workers, employers and the government came together and reached an agreement on "The Tripartite Declaration on Overcoming COVID-19." The parties agreed to make joint efforts to retain employees instead of laying them off by making full use of working hour reduction and leave of absence schemes.
Even before the outbreak of the pandemic, Korea had been seeking to create more quality jobs in local communities through tripartite cooperation between labor, management and government. This job creation model is spreading across many cities all over the country. Korea has been imparting the time-honored spirit of helping each other out into a culture whereby workers and employers readily accommodate each other's position and engage in burden sharing. This has been a source of strength for us as we strive to overcome the COVID-19 crisis. It is also bringing about changes not only to the job market but also to labor relations.
Korea is also focusing on "measures to overcome the crisis in a way that bridges disparities." During each economic crisis that Korea suffered in the past, we witnessed the exacerbation of inequality. We are determined to further strengthen the employment safety net in order to prevent history from repeating itself.
To this end, Korea took its first step by expanding the coverage of employment insurance and introducing the Korean-style unemployment allowance. We are also planning to establish a universal employment safety net. I strongly believe that overcoming the crisis while reducing inequality is a common goal shared by all of us gathered here today.
As the transition to a digital economy gathers pace in the post-COVID-19 era, significant changes are expected to take place in the job market. In order to ably respond to such changes, Korea is pursuing a "Korean New Deal" based on the employment safety net. Keeping pace with the changing times, we will create jobs that better meet future needs and embrace new values, such as "digital" and "green."
Over long periods, Korea has been steadily advancing toward a "society that respects labor," based on the recognition that "labor is the very foundation of society." We continue to make efforts to reduce working hours and raise the minimum wage.
Korea is determined to protect existing jobs and create new ones by embarking on the path to mutual prosperity. We will join international efforts to improve the quality of life for workers, including through the ratification of the key ILO conventions.
Director-general, distinguished heads of states, and representatives of workers and employers,
When Dodo birds went extinct in Mauritius, the trees that once provided feed for the birds who germinated their seeds in return were no longer able to grow.
History teaches us that mutual growth comes first above all. We depend on our neighbors to sustain our own lives. Humanity has evolved in the direction of more cooperation and fulfilled each other's needs through division of labor.
The importance of solidarity and cooperation resonates more powerfully than ever before as we continue our fight against COVID-19.
The crisis can be surmounted only when the international community chooses the path to mutual prosperity over the pursuit of individual interests.
The international community must work together to overcome the crisis in a way that reduces inequality and bridges disparities. The ILO stands at the very heart of such endeavors. Korea will work and act together to this end.
Thank you.
(END)


yna--2020-07-08--STX Offshore urges workers to stop strike

STX Offshore has not secured any new orders in the first half of the year , with an order backlog @ @ @ @ @ be built by the first quarter of 2021 .

By Nam Kwang-sik
SEOUL, July 8 (Yonhap) -- Mid-sized shipbuilder STX Offshore & Shipbuilding Co. called Wednesday on its unionized workers to stop their general strike.
The shipbuilder's unionized workers went on general strike starting on June 1, calling for a stop to six-month unpaid furloughs, which half of about 500 unionized workers have taken in rotation since June 2018.
Due to the strike, operations at the company's shipyard in Jinhae, 410 kilometers southeast of Seoul, are being suspended from June 17 till July 16.
"Some buyers are contacting other shipbuilders to discuss reaching a new deal to build ships, expressing their woes over the recent walkout," STX Offshore said in its in-house newsletter.
Even after its ongoing voluntary retirement program is completed by July 13, remaining workers have to reduce fixed costs and minimize the company's losses, the shipbuilder said.
STX Offshore workers hold a rally on June 17, calling for stopping additional unpaid furloughs.(Yonhap)
STX Offshore has not secured any new orders in the first half of the year, with an order backlog of just seven ships to be built by the first quarter of 2021.
Union leaders of STX Offshore went on a hunger strike as well, calling for the reinstatement of workers under unpaid furlough.
"Workers have been under unpaid furlough over the past two years, but the expansion of the unpaid suspension by the company has blighted workers' family life," Lee Jang-sop, the head of the union, said.
STX Offshore has been under a restructuring program pushed by its main creditor, the Korea Development Bank, since 2013.
ksnam@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-08--(LEAD) In ILO summit, Moon vows S. Korea's continued efforts to better workers' lives

South Korea joined the ILO , a Geneva-based U.N. agency , in 1991 , but it has yet to ratify @ @ @ @ @ conventions .
Officials here say it is still premature to ratify convention No .
105 @ @ @ @ @ labor since it clashes with local law and requires legal revision via social dialogue .

(ATTN: UPDATES throughout with Moon's message; CHANGES headline)
SEOUL, July 8 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in said Wednesday his country will continue efforts to improve the rights of workers, pointing to his liberal administration's push for the parliamentary ratification of more International Labor Organization (ILO) conventions.
He was speaking in a video message to the virtual global summit of the ILO, titled "COVID-19 and the World of Work -- Building a better future of work."
It was joined by more than 60 heads of state and around 20 chiefs of international organizations, including the United Nations and the World Health Organization.
Moon emphasized the significance of mutual prosperity in response to the transition to a digital economy and "employment shock" from the coronavirus crisis.
"Korea is determined to protect existing jobs and create new ones by embarking on the path to mutual prosperity," he said. "We will join international efforts to improve the quality of life for workers, including through the ratification of the key ILO conventions."
On Tuesday, Moon's Cabinet approved a motion on adopting the three conventions: No. 87 on freedom of association, No. 98 on the right to organize and collective bargaining, and No. 29 on the prohibition of forced labor.
South Korea joined the ILO, a Geneva-based U.N. agency, in 1991, but it has yet to ratify four of the eight core conventions. Officials here say it is still premature to ratify convention No. 105 on the abolition of forced labor since it clashes with local law and requires legal revision via social dialogue.
Moon took note of South Korea's labor policy initiatives rooted in the time-honored tradition of its people to help each other in difficult times and share burdens.
"Over long periods, Korea has been steadily advancing toward a society that respects labor, based on the recognition that labor is the very foundation of society," he said. "We continue to make efforts to reduce working hours and raise the minimum wage."
Even prior to the outbreak of the pandemic, South Korea had been seeking to create "more quality jobs" in local communities through a three-party partnership among local labor circles, the business community and the government.
"This job creation model is spreading across many cities all over the country," Moon said.
He added, "The importance of solidarity and cooperation resonates more powerfully than ever before as we continue our fight against COVID-19."
The international community should work together to overcome the crisis in a way that "reduces inequality and bridges disparities," and the ILO stands at the very heart of such endeavors, the president said.
"Korea will work and act together to this end," he stressed, ending his speech that lasted close to seven minutes.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-08--(LEAD) 8 new coronavirus cases reported at Catholic church in Goyang

`` All small church gatherings and catering , except for Sunday services , will be prohibited , and churches should @ @ @ @ @ system , '' he said .
`` If they break the guidelines , churches can @ @ @ @ @ congregations . ''

(ATTN: ADDS more details in paras 8-10)
SEOUL, July 8 (Yonhap) -- Eight novel coronavirus cases have been reported at a Catholic church northwest of Seoul, raising concerns over another cluster infection at a religious institution in South Korea.
According to health authorities on Wednesday, a total of eight congregants and their family members at Wondang Catholic Church, located in Goyang, just northwest of the capital, have tested positive for the virus.
The city government of Goyang has closed the church and conducted virus tests on 463 people, including congregants of the church. As of 5 p.m., 10 people are awaiting their results, with the rest of them testing negative.
The infections are the first COVID-19 cases from the Catholic community in South Korea since February, when about 20 Catholics in the southeast of the country, who made a group pilgrimage to Israel, contracted the virus.
Quarantine officials conduct coronavirus tests at Wondang Catholic Church in Goyang, north of Seoul, on July 7, 2020. (Yonhap)
The central government said it will ban small church gatherings and catering as almost half of the country's new infections in recent days have come from those kinds of events.
"All churches across the country should comply with key virus prevention guidelines in all events," Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said during a regular government meeting on the response to COVID-19.
"All small church gatherings and catering, except for Sunday services, will be prohibited, and churches should run a mandatory entry log system," he said. "If they break the guidelines, churches can be fined as well as congregations."
Starting from Friday, churches should use QR-code based entry logs to keep records of worshipers who participate in services, while congregations will be barred from singing or praying loudly.
The mandatory registration system, using the matrix-typed barcode, has been implemented for entertainment facilities, such as bars and clubs, to make it easier to track people who may have been exposed to the virus.
Health authorities said the strict safety measures in place for Protestant churches can be expanded to Catholic churches and Buddhist temples in the future if necessary.
South Korea reported 63 more cases of new coronavirus on Wednesday, with the total reaching at 13,244.
Since end-February, when the country was experiencing the peak of the coronavirus pandemic, Catholic churches suspended on-site Masses and offered online services. Protestant churches and the Buddhist temples joined the move.
However, in May, religious institutions emerged as new infection clusters as they resumed face-to-face gatherings and events.
Cases traced to a major Protestant church in Seoul's southwestern ward of Gwanak reached nearly 40, while 25 people related to a large Protestant church in Suwon, which has more than 9,000 congregants, tested positive for COVID-19.
Nearly 100 cases have been related to Gwangleug Temple in Gwangju, some 330 kilometers southwest of Seoul.
Consequently, the Catholic archdiocese in Gwangju has indefinitely put off public masses, as the Gwangju metropolitan government strengthened social distancing guidelines to the second level of the three-grade system.
Two major Protestant church groups in South Korea also urged churches to suspend and scale down summer events in the coming weeks.
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-08--7 more American service members test positive for coronavirus

Four of the newly confirmed patients arrived at Incheon International Airport , west of Seoul , on commercial flights , @ @ @ @ @ at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek , south of the capital , on U.S. government @ @ @

SEOUL, July 8 (Yonhap) -- Seven American service members tested positive for the new coronavirus upon their arrival in South Korea, U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) said Wednesday.
The latest COVID-19 cases brought the total number of infections among the USFK population to 54.
Four of the newly confirmed patients arrived at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, on commercial flights, while the three others arrived at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, south of the capital, on U.S. government chartered flights.
Of the seven, two tested negative in their initial COVID-19 tests, but tested positive on their second test required to exit a two-week quarantine, according to the U.S. military.
All USFK-affiliated individuals arriving in South Korea are required to undergo the virus test and are quarantined for 14 days. Medical personnel administer a second test prior to their release.
Since testing positive, all seven have been moved to isolation facilities on Camp Humphreys or Osan base.
The number of active duty USFK service members who are currently confirmed positive for the virus stands at 14.
"USFK continues to maintain a robust combined defense posture to protect the Republic of Korea against any threat or adversary while maintaining prudent preventive measures to protect the force," it said in a release.
In this February file photo, provided by U.S. Forces Korea, a military guard at U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, 70 kilometers south of Seoul, checks the temperature of a driver to screen entrants to the compound for the novel coronavirus. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-08--(4th LD) Biegun says U.S. 'strongly' supports inter-Korean cooperation

The South has pursued such projects as the reconnection of cross-border roads and railways , and individual tours to the @ @ @ @ @ stressed that development in inter-Korean ties should go in lockstep with progress on the denuclearization @ @

(ATTN: ADDS more info in paras 4, 7, 21)
By Song Sang-ho
SEOUL, July 8 (Yonhap) -- The United States "strongly" supports cooperation between South and North Korea, Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun said Wednesday, calling it an "important component" in fostering stability on the Korean Peninsula.
Biegun also underscored America's pledge to be "fully engaged" in efforts to promote peace and its "ironclad" security commitment to the South while reiterating an appeal for dialogue with the recalcitrant North.
The U.S. envoy made these remarks after back-to-back talks with Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha, First Vice Foreign Minister Cho Sei-young and Seoul's top nuclear envoy, Lee Do-hoon, during his trip here seen as an effort to revive stalled nuclear diplomacy with Pyongyang.
"The United States strongly supports inter-Korean cooperation, and we believe this plays an important component in creating a more stable environment on the Korean Peninsula," Biegun told reporters after talks with Lee. Biegun doubles as the top U.S. nuclear envoy.
"We look forward to fully supporting the government of the Republic of Korea as it advances its goals with North Korea in inter-Korean cooperation," he added.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun speaks during a meeting with his South Korean counterpart, Lee Do-hoon, at the foreign ministry in Seoul on July 8, 2020. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
Biegun's remarks came amid speculation that Washington may be uneasy about Seoul's eagerness for inter-Korean cooperation projects amid the absence of substantive progress in the efforts to denuclearize the North.
The South has pursued such projects as the reconnection of cross-border roads and railways, and individual tours to the North. The U.S. had stressed that development in inter-Korean ties should go in lockstep with progress on the denuclearization front.
At the same press meeting, Seoul's nuclear envoy, Lee, stressed that Biegun had reaffirmed the U.S.' "flexible" position.
"Representative Biegun reaffirmed that the U.S. has a flexible position with an eye to reaching a balanced agreement when dialogue with the North resumes, and pledged to continue related efforts," Lee said.
The U.S. envoy used the press availability to highlight Washington's "ironclad" security commitment to the South.
His trip here followed a rise in tensions caused by North Korea's recent demolition of an inter-Korean liaison office, bellicose threats and rhetoric, as well as speculation that the U.S. may try to cut troop levels in South Korea over defense cost negotiations.
"I want to assure all who have any questions about this: U.S. commitment is ironclad for the defense of the Korean Peninsula," Biegun told reporters after talks with Vice Foreign Minister Cho.
"We continue that strong commitment. Our United States military, (and) our United States government are fully in partnership of the alliance of Korea, and it's a great pleasure to reaffirm today in my meetings with Vice Minster Cho," he added.
Biegun also took a swipe at North Korea's Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui and former hawkish U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton while apparently alluding to their remarks against engagement between Washington and Pyongyang.
"Both are locked in an old way of thinking, focused on only the negatives and what is impossible, rather than thinking creatively about what is possible," Biegun said.
In addition, Biegun reiterated that the U.S. is ready to resume negotiations with the North at any time.
"When Chairman Kim appoints a counterpart to me who is prepared and empowered to negotiate on these issues, they will find us ready at that very moment. Dialogue can lead to action, but action is impossible without dialogue," Biegun said.
"We look forward to continuing our work for a peaceful outcome on the Korean Peninsula. I believe this is very much possible. President Trump has given us his full support to continue this effort," he added.
The U.S. diplomat also said that he did not request a visit with North Korea during his trip here this time, stressing the purpose of his visit was to "meet with our close friends and allies."
Biegun arrived here Tuesday for a three-day visit on an apparent mission to highlight the U.S. commitment to diplomacy with Pyongyang and forestall the escalation of tensions caused by Pyongyang's recent blowing up of an inter-Korean liaison office in its border city of Kaesong and warnings of now suspended military plans last month.
He plans to fly to Japan on Thursday before returning home.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

Housing prices have continued to surge in many parts of South Korea since President Moon Jae-in took office in 2017 @ @ @ @ @ those in their 30s and 40s , the main support group for the government .
@ @ @ @ @ to take stern actions to curb property speculations and stabilize the house market , particularly @ @ @ @ @ and its adjacent areas .

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Wednesday.
-----------------
(3rd LD) Biegun says U.S. 'strongly' supports inter-Korean cooperation
SEOUL -- The United States "strongly" supports cooperation between South and North Korea, Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun said Wednesday, calling it an "important component" in fostering stability on the Korean Peninsula.
Biegun also underscored America's pledge to be "fully engaged" in efforts to promote peace and its "ironclad" security commitment to the South while reiterating an appeal for dialogue with the recalcitrant North.
-----------------
(LEAD) Moon asks lawmakers to hold hearing on unification minister nominee
SEOUL -- President Moon Jae-in formally requested Wednesday that lawmakers hold confirmation hearings on his picks to serve as unification minister and head of the state intelligence agency.
Moon signed related documents and submitted them to the National Assembly earlier in the day, Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kang Min-seok told reporters. It ushers in the start of a parliamentary process on the nominations of Lee In-young, a four-term lawmaker of the ruling Democratic Party, as unification minister, and Park Jie-won, a former minor opposition party lawmaker, as chief of the National Intelligence Service.
-----------------
(LEAD) S. Korea seeks ways to boost defense exports
SEOUL -- South Korea is seeking ways to boost the competitiveness of local arms exporters as part of efforts to lead the world's defense industry, the government said Wednesday,
During a meeting presided over by Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo and Industry Minister Sung Yun-mo, officials discussed possible policies to expand arms exports and to increase the use of domestically produced parts in weapons systems, according to the defense ministry.
-----------------
Trump says he is open to another summit with N.K. leader: reports
SEOUL -- U.S. President Donald Trump has said that he is open to holding another summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, despite Pyongyang's repeated claims that it has no intention to hold talks with the U.S., according to news reports.
"I understand they want to meet and we would certainly do that," Trump said in an interview with Gray Television's Greta Van Susteren on Tuesday (Washington time), according to Voice of America and other news reports.
-----------------
Toughened anti-infection measures in store for churches
SEOUL -- Churches will be required to use QR-code based entry logs and other toughened infection preventive measures as the country tries to stem new coronavirus outbreaks tied to religious facilities, public health authorities said Wednesday.
The entry logs for churchgoers will be implemented from Friday, with churches barred from hosting small meetings, like bible classes and choir practices, according to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters.
-----------------
(LEAD) Mobile carriers imposed record fine for illegal 5G subsidies
SEOUL -- South Korea's telecommunications regulator said Wednesday it imposed a record fine of 51.2 billion won (US$46.7 million) on the country's three major carriers -- SK Telecom Co., KT Corp. and LG Uplus Corp. -- for providing illegal subsidies to subscribers to their 5G network services.
SK Telecom will face the heaviest fine of 22.3 billion won, followed by KT with 15.4 billion won and LG Uplus at 13.5 billion won, respectively, according to the Korea Communications Commission (KCC).
-----------------
9 in 10 COVID-19 patients have mild symptoms, average hospitalization period at 20.7 days: KCDC
SEOUL -- Nine out of 10 novel coronavirus patients in South Korea have shown mild symptoms, with their average hospitalization period at 20.7 days, health authorities said Wednesday.
The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said it has analyzed a total of 8,976 COVID-19 patients who were either fully cured and had been released from quarantine or dead as of end-April.
-----------------
Single-person households most common household type in S. Korea: data
SEOUL -- A single-person household is the most common type of living arrangement in South Korea, data showed Wednesday.
Data released by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety showed 8.77 million single-person residence registrations, accounting for 39 percent of the total number of 22.7 million.
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(LEAD) Multiple home-owning politicians, officials under growing pressure to sell
SEOUL -- Politicians and high-rank government officials owning more than one house are coming under growing pressure to dispose of properties as the government is preparing steps to hike tax burdens for owners of multiple homes in efforts to curb soaring housing prices.
Housing prices have continued to surge in many parts of South Korea since President Moon Jae-in took office in 2017, sparking strong discontent among those in their 30s and 40s, the main support group for the government. This has pressed the government to take stern actions to curb property speculations and stabilize the house market, particularly in the densely populated Seoul and its adjacent areas.
-----------------
Homegrown OTT players to take on Netflix with new original content
SEOUL -- South Korea's homegrown video streaming providers are ramping up original content production to better compete with industry leader Netflix Inc., industry sources said Wednesday.
Netflix has taken the country by storm this year with its original series like "Kingdom 2." The U.S.-based streaming giant held the most active users here in May at an estimated 6.37 million, according to market researcher Nielsen KoreanClick.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-08--Hanssem Q2 operating profit up 172.3 pct. to 23 bln won

The operating profit was 40.5 percent higher than the average estimate , according to the survey by Yonhap Infomax , @ @ @ @ @ Yonhap News Agency .

SEOUL, July 8 (Yonhap) -- Hanssem Co. on Wednesday estimated its second-quarter operating profit at 23 billion won (US$ 19.2 million), up 172.3 percent from a year earlier.
Sales increased 25.9 percent to 517.2 billion won. The data for net income was not available.
The operating profit was 40.5 percent higher than the average estimate, according to the survey by Yonhap Infomax, the financial data firm of Yonhap News Agency.
The company will release its final earnings report later.
※ This article was generated by Yonhap's proprietary algorithm using data from Yonhap Infomax and Korea Exchange(KRX).
(END)