yna--2020-11-24--With back against wall in Korean Series, Bears' manager hoping bats will wake up

`` I never feel any added pressure , '' he said .
`` My goal is always to give us @ @ @ @ @ a game .
I was able to do that early on in the playoffs .
@ @ @ @ @ of confidence that ( the team was ) able to give me the ball as @ @ @

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 24 (Yonhap) -- Time is running out for the Doosan Bears' slumping hitters to wake up in the Korean Series, or their season will be over Tuesday.
The Bears are trailing the NC Dinos 3-2 in the best-of-seven championship round. They've been shut out in back-to-back games, losing 3-0 and then 5-0. They have been held scoreless in their past 19 innings. They're batting .222 as a team.
Doosan manager Kim Tae-hyoung feels helpless, too. There's only so much he can say.
"I just told them to relax," Kim said, when asked if he had any special message for his batters.
Choi Joo-hwan of the Doosan Bears hits a double against the NC Dinos in the top of the second inning of Game 5 of the Korean Series against the NC Dinos at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
"I think the guys have to be aggressive and get on base," the manager continued. "We need to put a few runs on the board to lift pressure off our pitchers. If not, we're putting pitchers in a tough spot."
The Dinos are the better-rested team of the two in this series, having earned a bye after winning the regular season title and going 16 days between games. The Bears, as the No. 3 seed, have played two playoff rounds to get here.
But Kim rejected the notion that his batters have hit a wall physically. The Bears swept the LG Twins in two straight games in the first round and then beat the KT Wiz in four games in the best-of-five second round.
"Our position players have had some time off along the way," Kim said. "I don't think players like Kim Jae-hwan and Oh Jae-il are running on fumes now."
Kim Jae-hwan is batting just 1-for-20 in the series out of the cleanup spot, while Oh, the 2019 Korean Series MVP, is only hitting 3-for-17.
Manager Kim wouldn't commit to a starter for Game 7 -- "We'll use someone who doesn't pitch today," he said -- but he may have his starter Chris Flexen available out of the bullpen in the seventh game if they get there.
Doosan Bears' manager Kim Tae-hyoung speaks to reporters before Game 5 of the Korean Series against the NC Dinos at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
Flexen started Monday, and took the loss after allowing three runs in six innings on 108 pitches. He was the winning pitcher in Game 2 last Wednesday by holding the Dinos to a run over six innings. He pitched in relief to close out the Wiz in the previous series.
"I cannot say 100 percent yet. I've got to see how my body feels," Flexen said of his possible availability for Game 7 Wednesday. "But I wouldn't say it's completely out of the question yet."
Flexen had his regular season disrupted by multiple injuries, but he has been the Bears' most trusted workhorse in the postseason. He threw 16 1/3 innings of two-run ball over the first two rounds, and then has made two quality starts in the Korean Series. Through it all, Flexen's mindset hasn't changed.
"I never feel any added pressure," he said. "My goal is always to give us the best chance to win a game. I was able to do that early on in the playoffs. It gives me a lot of confidence that (the team was) able to give me the ball as frequently."
Chris Flexen of the Doosan Bears pitches against the NC Dinos in Game 5 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-24--(LEAD) Award-winning pianist Sunwoo Yekwon returns with 'miraculous' album 'Mozart'

`` It was an immense challenge to record two CDs .
But I went a bit far so that ( @ @ @ @ @ them when they are going through different feelings .
I feel that a satisfactory album @ @ @ @ @ he said , adding that the pieces were put into an order that he felt @ @ @ @ @ feelings . ''

(ATTN: ADDS details in paras 9-11; RECASTS para 4)
By Lee Minji
SEOUL, Nov. 24 (Yonhap) -- For pianist Sunwoo Yekwon, recording his new album "Mozart" in pandemic-hit Europe was a miracle itself.
The 31-year-old pianist who has conquered a series of international competitions, including the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 2017, returned with his first new album with Decca, "Mozart," in three years.
"As COVID-19 worsened, there were a lot of changes in schedules. There was another venue in Europe (we had in mind), but it went into a lockdown, making it difficult for the schedule to proceed," the pianist said in a press conference in southern Seoul on Tuesday.
"It's a miraculous album thinking how it was (initially) difficult to record on the dates, but things happened in a timely way, and I could work on the album. (The recording) took place for five days in Germany," he said of recording the album in early August.
Pianist Sunwoo Yekwon performs Mozart during a media showcase held in ODE Port in southern Seoul on Nov. 24, 2020. (Yonhap)
Sunwoo voiced satisfaction over the album that was recorded into two CDs. The first CD includes pieces like Piano Sonata No. 10 in C Major, K. 330 and Piano Sonata No. 13 in B-Flat Major, K. 333, while the second includes Adagio for Glass Harmonica in C Major, K. 356/617a and Piano Sonata No. 16 in C Major, K. 545 "Sonata facile."
"It was an immense challenge to record two CDs. But I went a bit far so that (people) can listen to them when they are going through different feelings. I feel that a satisfactory album has been completed," he said, adding that the pieces were put into an order that he felt "was most appropriate for feelings."
Sunwoo recommended listeners play the first disk during daytime to start off a good day in a serene mood and shift to the second disk at night when they feel empty or wonder into a trail of thoughts.
"Even if they won't be able to completely organize their thoughts, I hope it could offer at least a bit of comfort, that's what the second disk is for," he added.
There's another special feature in the album: a copy of the score for Rondo in A Minor, K. 511 -- the last track of the album named after composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791).
The score shows scribbles by Sunwoo penned in Korean and English, like "imagine as if the sound is lifted up in the air hovering," "no obvious crescendo, just keep in mind that it is going somewhere" or simply "don't run away."
"I wanted to show how I see the notes and what a staccato would mean ... hoping that (it would help) people who listen to music to feel more close to it," Sunwoo explained.
Pianist Sunwoo Yekwon performs Mozart during a media showcase held in ODE Port in southern Seoul on Nov. 24, 2020. (Yonhap)
When asked why he chose Mozart as his new repertoire, Sunwoo said the Classical period composer is one that encompasses "all the feelings of life."
"When people think of Mozart, they associate him with a childlike, cheerful and vivacious ambience. But I think of him as an operatic composer who has serious, tragic sides and who encompasses all the feelings of life," the pianist said.
"Even if he is a classical composer, it's not just being classical. I cannot show you the inside of my head, but when I played his piece, so many feelings frantically crossed my mind. That's why I think people call him a genius composer," he added.
On a personal note, Sunwoo, who left his homeland Korea at the age of 15 to study in the United States, said that Mozart's Piano Sonata was the first piece that his classmates at music school complimented him on and that remains as a fond memory.
Like many other musicians who are bearing the brunt of the pandemic that has jeopardized concert tours and recording schedules, Sunwoo confessed he had a difficult time coping with the unprecedented pandemic.
But it was those experiences that led him to again realize why he should keep playing.
"I felt dead for roughly the two months I was taking a break. After I started playing again, I felt I had come alive, and because of this feeling that I can't stop doing music ... the reason why I live the life of a performer became clearer," he said.
"Because music is something that makes your life richer but something that has the immense power to straighten up the lonely or neglected pieces of the mind ... Music should go on."
Pianist Sunwoo Yekwon speaks during a media showcase marking the release of his album "Mozart," held in ODE Port in southern Seoul on Nov. 24, 2020. (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-26--Prosecutors' backlash intensifies against justice minister's suspension of prosecution chief

He is said to claim that the allegations against him raised by the minister are largely untrue and exaggerated , @ @ @ @ @ of the accusations are partly true , they were not serious enough to merit suspension @ @ @

SEOUL, Nov. 26 (Yonhap) -- Prosecutors around the country are expected to hold emergency meetings to discuss the justice minister's unprecedented move to suspend and discipline the chief prosecutor over allegations of his interference in sensitive investigations, legal sources said Thursday.
Earlier in the day, six top district prosecutors pleaded with Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae to rethink the decision in a statement posted on the online bulletin board of the prosecution.
They expressed concerns over perceived risk of political neutrality of the prosecution and said that the prosecutor general's term should be legally guaranteed as it is designed to protect the prosecution from undue "political interference."
They also questioned whether the minister's recent series of orders to ban Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl from being involved in controversial investigations was "carried out in a prudent and restrained manner."
This photo shows the building of the Supreme Prosecutors Office in Seoul on Nov. 25, 2020. (Yonhap)
Their worries echoed the sentiment expressed by a group of rank and file prosecutors the previous day.
On Wednesday, two groups of prosecutors, in Seoul and Busan, issued statements in protest of what they call Choo's "illegal and unjust" measure.
"Justice Minister Choo's action seriously undermines the rule of law and violates the independence of the prosecution," a group of prosecutors in charge of research and planning at the Supreme Prosecutors Office in Seoul said in a statement.
They requested the minister withdraw the decision so that prosecutors can fulfill their duties "in accordance with the Constitution and conscience."
Prosecutors of the eastern branch of the Busan District Prosecutors Office also held a meeting Wednesday and said the decision was "unjust" because "the facts have not been fully confirmed."
Meanwhile, the justice ministry said it will convene a seven-member committee next Wednesday to decide the level of disciplinary action against Yoon.
The top prosecutor has filed an injunction with the Seoul Administrative Court to stop the suspension decision from taking effect.
He is said to claim that the allegations against him raised by the minister are largely untrue and exaggerated, and that even if some of the accusations are partly true, they were not serious enough to merit suspension of duty.
Yoon is expected to file a lawsuit against the decision during the day.
The file photos shows Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae (L) and Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl (R). (Yonhap)
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-26--(LEAD) Ruling party, gov't to seek up to 10 years of additional post-prison segregation of brutal cr

(LEAD) Ruling party, gov't to seek up to 10 years of additional post-prison segregation of brutal criminals

`` We have pending bills in the justice committee that call for improvements in the management system of those who @ @ @ @ @ society , such as Cho Doo-soon , '' Han said .
`` We will actively @ @ @ @ @ well . ''

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead; UPDATES with more details throughout; ADDS photo)
SEOUL, Nov. 26 (Yonhap) -- The ruling party and the government on Thursday agreed to push to introduce a 10-year maximum post-prison segregation program for criminals convicted of brutal crimes, amid mounting public concerns ahead of the release of a notorious child sex offender.
The agreement reached during a policy discussion meeting held at the National Assembly comes amid the nearing release of Cho Doo-soon, 69, one of the country's most notorious child rapists, from prison on Dec. 13. He has been serving a 12-year term for kidnapping and raping an 8-year-old girl in a church bathroom in Ansan, 42 kilometers southwest of Seoul, in December 2008.
A huge public outcry has erupted over what has been seen as too lenient a punishment for a horrendous sexual crime against a minor.
Rep. Han Jeoung-ae (R), police chief of the ruling Democratic Party, speaks during a ruling party-government policy meeting held at the National Assembly in Seoul on Nov. 26, 2020. (Yonhap)
"The justice ministry reported on a plan to segregate ex-convicts of certain crimes such as child sex abuse, without elements of constitutional infringement and human rights violations," Rep. Han Jeoung-ae, policy chief of the ruling Democratic Party, told reporters after the closed-door meeting.
Han said the DP and the government will closely consult with each other on enacting the plan. The ruling party aims for a swift passage by the introduction of the bill by the DP members of parliament's justice committee.
According to the ministry's plan, convicts with high risk of relapse, such as those with records of murder and child rape and who will have finished serving more than five years in prison, will be subject to the program.
Under the plan, courts can sentence convicts who committed violent crimes to up to 10 years in special facilities before they are released from prison if they are deemed by experts of having high risk of criminal relapse.
The subjects may be exempt from the program when deemed free of such risk through pre-release prison assessments.
While the lawmaker noted the need to separate Cho and other horrendous criminals from society, Han said the envisioned law cannot be applied retroactively.
"We have pending bills in the justice committee that call for improvements in the management system of those who have already been released to society, such as Cho Doo-soon," Han said. "We will actively discuss such bills together as well."
Rep. Kim Tae-nyeon, floor leader of the ruling Democratic Party (DP), said in his opening remarks before the meeting that "over 110,000 people have responded to the proposition of enacting a 'Cho Doo-soon segregation law.'"
"In order to prevent criminal relapses of certain convicts, we must positively review new security measures that would socialize them in special facilities," Kim said.
Kim stated that the DP and the government should strictly limit the scope of subjects of such a program in order to dispel concerns of human rights violations. The floor leader also called for the adoption of humane treatment regulations in such facilities.
Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae said the government was preparing a human rights-oriented measure as part of its "restorative justice" program for horrendous criminals in need of treatment.
The minister said those who have either finished or are soon to end their sentences, including Cho, will be excluded, as it may lead to a controversy over whether it violates the Constitution.
Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae speaks during a ruling party-government policy meeting held at the National Assembly on Nov. 26, 2020. (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-26--Seoul city seeks to toughen antivirus measures amid surge in cases

SEOUL , Nov. 26 ( Yonhap ) -- The Seoul city government plans to toughen antivirus measures following consultations with @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus cases in the capital , an official said Thursday .

SEOUL, Nov. 26 (Yonhap) -- The Seoul city government plans to toughen antivirus measures following consultations with experts amid a surge in coronavirus cases in the capital, an official said Thursday.
Park Yoo-mi, a disease control official at the city government, made the remark during a virtual press briefing shortly after the city reported a new high of 213 cases on Wednesday.
Park said the city will conduct a special survey on Thursday and Friday to identify places that require strengthened antivirus measures.
This file photo shows Park Yoo-mi, a disease control official at the Seoul city government, giving a press briefing at City Hall on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-26--Car crash on Incheon airport expressway kills 2, injures 3

At the time of the accident , the K7 vehicle was reportedly running on the second lane after passing through @ @ @ @ @ the Cruze sedan was on the first lane .

SEOUL, Nov. 26 (Yonhap) -- Two passenger cars crashed on an expressway leading to Incheon International Airport, the gateway to Seoul, early Thursday morning, killing two people and injuring three others, police said.
The accident occurred near the North Incheon Toll Gate on the Incheon International Airport Expressway shortly before 6 a.m. when a K7 sedan collided with a Cruze sedan from behind before running into a retaining wall.
This photo provided by the Incheon Seobu Fire Station shows firefighters taking care of injured people after an accident on the Incheon International Airport Expressway in Incheon, west of Seoul, on Nov. 26, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The driver of the K7 car, identified only as a 26-year-old, was killed on the scene, and a 35-year-old front-seat passenger was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead there, police said.
The K7 sedan's two back-seat passengers in their teens and the Cruze driver, identified only as a 71-year-old, were injured and hospitalized, police said, adding their injuries are not life-threatening.
At the time of the accident, the K7 vehicle was reportedly running on the second lane after passing through the toll gate, while the Cruze sedan was on the first lane.
Police said they are investigating the exact cause of the crash, without ruling out the possibility of drunk driving or speeding.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


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yna--2020-11-26--(2nd LD) Wang says his visit amid pandemic shows importance China places on relations with S. Korea

`` My visit to South Korea when the COVID-19 situation has yet to end is intended to show the importance @ @ @ @ @ relations through actual action and to show confidence that South Korea can prevail in its @ @ @ @ @ Wang said .

(ATTN: RECASTS paras 6-7)
By Song Sang-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 26 (Yonhap) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Thursday that his visit to Seoul in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic shows how much importance Beijing attaches to relations with South Korea.
Wang made the remark at the start of talks with Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha, stressing that relations between the two countries are "showing robustness and the appearance of greater vitality" as they have endured the pandemic.
Wang arrived in Seoul on Wednesday for a three-day trip amid expectations that he would use the trip to try to bring Seoul to its side as U.S. President-elect Joe Biden envisions tightening America's alliance networks to reassert its leadership amid heightened Sino-U.S. rivalry.
"My visit to South Korea when the COVID-19 situation has yet to end is intended to show the importance we attach to China-South Korea relations through actual action and to show confidence that South Korea can prevail in its fight over COVID-19," Wang said.
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha (R) and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi bump elbows before their talks at the foreign ministry in Seoul on Nov. 26, 2020. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
Wang also appreciated South Korea's support for Chinese people when China was in the thick of the pandemic, stressing that the pandemic did not "win over the peoples of the two countries."
"Having endured the ordeal of COVID-19, the bilateral relations are now showing robustness and the appearance of greater vitality," he added.
Wang also pointed out that South Korea and China are working together to "contribute to safeguarding regional peace and stability, promoting regional economic integration and complementing the global governance system." He did not elaborate further.
Kang said that Wang's visit shows close cooperation between the foreign ministries of the two countries.
"Ahead of the 30th anniversary in 2022 of the establishment of bilateral ties, I hope for an exchange of opinions on further fleshing out the strategic partnership between the two countries," Kang said.
Their agenda was expected to include the countries' efforts to arrange a visit to South Korea by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Seoul's push to host a trilateral summit among the leaders of South Korea, China and Japan before the end of this year.
Chinese officials have said that Xi's trip to Seoul will come when the COVID-19 pandemic levels off, but a third wave of the virus outbreak has darkened the prospects of Xi making an early trip here.
Kang and Wang could also exchange views on North Korea-related issues, economic cooperation and joint efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
After a luncheon with Kang, Wang is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on President Moon Jae-in at the presidential office, Cheong Wa Dae.
Wang is also expected to meet other government and ruling party officials, including former Democratic Party chief Lee Hae-chan, presidential security adviser Moon Chung-in and Rep. Song Young-gil, chairman of the National Assembly's foreign affairs committee.
Wang last visited Seoul in December last year.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-26--SK Telecom shareholders approve mobility biz spinoff

The move came a month after the carrier announced the spinoff plan as it will partner with U.S. ride-hailing company @ @ @ @ @ a new taxi-hailing business in South Korea .

SEOUL, Nov. 26 (Yonhap) -- SK Telecom Co., South Korea's largest mobile carrier, said Thursday its shareholders approved its move to spin off its mobility business as it seeks to strengthen its focus in the connected mobility sector.
SK Telecom said nearly all participants at a shareholders meeting approved the spinoff plan and that the new entity -- T Map Mobility Co. -- will be established on Dec. 29.
The move came a month after the carrier announced the spinoff plan as it will partner with U.S. ride-hailing company Uber Technologies Inc. to pursue a new taxi-hailing business in South Korea.
SK Telecom Co. CEO Park Jung-ho speaks during a shareholders meeting to vote on its mobility business spinoff at the company's headquarters on Nov. 26, 2020, in this photo provided by the company. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
SK Telecom's mobility business is currently focused around its popular map application T map, which has around 12.5 million monthly active users. Based on the app, SK Telecom also provides navigation, taxi-hailing and parking services.
SK Telecom CEO Park Jung-ho said the new company will pursue new mobility businesses.
"Including a flying car that can connect the wider Seoul region within 30 minutes, we will provide a mobility life platform that encompasses parking services to public transportation," Park said in a statement.
According to SK Telecom, Uber and T Map Mobility will create a joint venture by the first half of next year.
Uber plans to invest over US$100 million into the joint venture, which will focus on ride-hailing services, and another $50 million into SK Telecom's new spinoff.
SK Telecom said it expects T Map Mobility, valued currently at around 1 trillion won ($905.1 million), to be valued at 4.5 trillion won by 2025.
yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-26--(2nd LD) 3rd wave of pandemic gets bigger as new virus cases soar to over 8-month high of 583

To better cope with rising virus cases , the authorities raised the social distancing level by one notch to Level @ @ @ @ @ in the country 's five-tier system , in the Seoul metropolitan area , where the @ @ @ @ @ been identified , and began to apply enhanced measures from Tuesday .

(ATTN: ADDS more info in paras 10, 20-22, 24; CHANGES photos)
SEOUL, Nov. 26 (Yonhap) -- The daily number of novel coronavirus cases in South Korea surpassed 500 for the first time in over eight months on Thursday due to sporadic cluster infections across the country as health authorities strive to curb a third wave of infections.
The country added 583 more COVID-19 cases, including 553 local infections, raising the total caseload to 32,318, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
It marks the first time that the country's daily virus cases exceeded 500 since March 6, when the figure reached 518 due to a massive outbreak in the southeastern city of Daegu.
It is also above the peak in the country's second wave of virus infections on Aug. 27, when 441 cases were confirmed in a single day.
The daily caseload has stayed in the triple digits since Nov. 8, with the figure over 300 from Nov. 18-22. It dropped to 271 on Monday but bounced back to 349 cases Tuesday and 382 cases Wednesday.
Health workers clad in protective gear carry out a COVID-19 test on a citizen at a makeshift virus testing clinic in Seoul on Nov. 26, 2020. (Yonhap)
Health authorities have been trying to curb a third wave of the pandemic before a nationwide college exam on Thursday next week, but cluster infections from private gatherings, public facilities, hospitals and the military are dragging down their containment efforts.
"We are now in a situation where virus outbreaks can happen at any place we live in," Health Minister Park Neunghoo said. "With the third wave of infections bulking up its size and pace, we must strictly follow social distancing rules."
All of the 17 major cities and provinces reported additional virus cases.
Of the new locally transmitted cases, 402 were identified in the greater Seoul area, home to half of the country's population.
Seoul added 208 more cases, its highest-ever daily tally, while the surrounding Gyeonggi Province and western port city of Incheon reported 177 and 17 cases, respectively.
The country's southeastern South Gyeongsang Province added 45 new cases, while Busan, the country's second-largest city, added 19.
North Jeolla Province and South Chungcheong Province each added 16 cases.
The number of new imported cases came to 30, up from 19 the previous day. The country's total number of imported cases is now at 4,504.
Of the new infections from overseas, six of them were from the United States, followed by Indonesia with four.
Health workers clad in protective gear speak with citizens at a makeshift virus testing clinic in Seoul on Nov. 26, 2020. (Yonhap)
To better cope with rising virus cases, the authorities raised the social distancing level by one notch to Level 2, the third highest in the country's five-tier system, in the Seoul metropolitan area, where the majority of virus cases have been identified, and began to apply enhanced measures from Tuesday.
Other municipalities have been also enforcing tougher distancing rules depending on their virus situation. Level 1.5 distancing is currently in place in Gangwon Province and the country's southwestern Jeolla region.
But since the country's virus infections show no signs of letup, health authorities are likely to review options of enforcing stricter social distancing rules nationwide.
Under Level 2, nightclubs and other high-risk entertainment facilities must suspend their business, while wedding and funeral halls should restrict visitor numbers to a maximum of 100.
Cafes can offer only takeout and delivery services, and restaurants are banned from serving food on their premises after 9 p.m.
Health authorities said the upward trend of COVID-19 cases is likely to continue for a while, as they expect the effects of tightened social distancing measures in major regions to appear starting next week.
But authorities said it is too early to discuss raising social distancing measures in the greater Seoul area to the second-highest level.
Level 2.5 curbs can be enforced if the country's daily average number of local infections exceeds 400 in one-week period.
Students keep a distance from one another while waiting in line to receive COVID-19 tests at a makeshift virus testing clinic at a middle school in Gwangju on Nov. 26, 2020. (Yonhap)
The country reported two additional deaths from COVID-19, raising the total to 515. The fatality rate was 1.59 percent.
The number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients came to 78, down three from a day ago. Health experts said the portion of young virus patients has been rising recently and that the number of critically ill patients may not surge dramatically.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 26,950, up 125 from the previous day, with 4,853 people isolated for COVID-19 treatment, up 456 from a day ago.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-26--(URGENT) BOK chief says to take FX stabilization measures against herd behaviors

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


yna--2020-11-26--Daewoo Shipbuilding succeeds in ship-to-ship LNG loading test

Before the ship-to-ship LNG loading test , newly built LNG carriers were usually sent to local LNG terminals far away @ @ @ @ @ the safety of their tanks .

By Nam Kwang-sik
SEOUL, Nov. 26 (Yonhap) -- Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. said Thursday that it has succeeded in a ship-to-ship liquefied natural gas (LNG) loading test for the first time in the global shipbuilding industry.
The ship-to-ship LNG loading test was aimed at streamlining procedures to verify the safety of newly built LNG carriers' tanks and to save on test costs, Daewoo Shipbuilding said.
This photo provided by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. shows a ship-to-ship LNG loading test to confirm the safety of newly built LNG carriers' tanks for the first time in the world in Okpo, Geoje Island, about 400 kilometers of south of Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Before the ship-to-ship LNG loading test, newly built LNG carriers were usually sent to local LNG terminals far away from its shipyards to test the safety of their tanks.
The procedure costs are high due to fuel charges, labor costs and ship operating expenses and took a minimum of six hours or a maximum of 24 hours in travel time.
Daewoo Shipbuilding said it has also registered its patent on technology to remove boil-off gas generated during ship-to-ship LNG loading for the first time in the world.
ksnam@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-26--(URGENT) BOK chief says worst situation appears to be over for Korean economy


yna--2020-11-26--Seoul stocks turn higher late Thursday morning on improved growth forecast

Stocks came to a weak start on Wall Street losses that stemmed from disappointing U.S. economic indices , but gained @ @ @ @ @ Korea ( BOK ) slightly revised up this year 's economic outlook .

SEOUL, Nov. 26 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks traded higher late Thursday morning, as the central bank's revised growth forecast boosted investor sentiment.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index rose 11.95 points, or 0.46 percent, to 2,613.49 as of 11:20 a.m.
Stocks came to a weak start on Wall Street losses that stemmed from disappointing U.S. economic indices, but gained ground as the Bank of Korea (BOK) slightly revised up this year's economic outlook.
In a widely expected move, the BOK froze the key interest rate at a record low of 0.5 percent.
Overnight, the Dow Jones Industrial Average retreated 0.58 percent to 29,872.47 points on an increase in weekly U.S. jobless data, weakening hopes for a quick recovery from the pandemic. The Nasdaq composite gained 0.48 percent, but the S&P 500 lost 0.16 percent.
In Seoul, most large caps traded mixed.
Market behemoth Samsung Electronics gained 1.65 percent, and No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix added 1.03 percent.
Top automaker Hyundai Motor traded flat, but leading chemical company LG Chem advanced 0.89 percent.
Pharmaceutical giant Samsung Biologics retreated 0.37 percent, and Celltrion declined 1.06 percent.
Internet giant Naver gained 1.44 percent on concerns of surging COVID-19 cases, with its rival Kakao hiking 1.09 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,105.0 won against the U.S. dollar, up 3.9 won from the previous session's close.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-26--(URGENT) Rate-freeze decision for November was unanimous: BOK chief


yna--2020-11-26--(LEAD) Wang says his visit amid pandemic shows importance China places on relations with S. Korea

(ATTN: RECASTS throughout; CHANGES photo)
By Song Sang-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 26 (Yonhap) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Thursday that his visit to Seoul in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic shows how much importance Beijing attaches to relations with South Korea.
Wang made the remark at the start of talks with Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha, stressing that relations between the two countries are "showing robustness and the appearance of greater vitality" as they have endured the pandemic.
Wang arrived in Seoul on Wednesday for a three-day trip amid expectations that he would use the trip to try to bring Seoul to its side as U.S. President-elect Joe Biden envisions tightening America's alliance networks to reassert its leadership amid heightened Sino-U.S. rivalry.
"My visit to South Korea when the COVID-19 situation has yet to end is intended to show the importance we attach to China-South Korea relations through actual action and to show confidence that South Korea can prevail in its fight over COVID-19," Wang said.
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha (R) and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi bump elbows before their talks at the foreign ministry in Seoul on Nov. 26, 2020. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
Wang also appreciated South Korea's support for Chinese people when China was in the thick of the pandemic, stressing that the pandemic did not "win over the peoples of the two countries."
"Enduring the ordeal of COVID-19, the bilateral relations are now showing robustness and the appearance of greater vitality," he added.
Wang also pointed out that South Korea and China are working together to "contribute to safeguarding regional peace and stability, promoting regional economic integration and restoring the global governance system." He did not elaborate further.
Kang said that Wang's visit shows close cooperation between the foreign ministries of the two countries.
"Ahead of the 30th anniversary in 2022 of the establishment of bilateral ties, I hope for an exchange of opinions on further fleshing out the strategic partnership between the two countries," Kang said.
Their agenda was expected to include the countries' efforts to arrange a visit to South Korea by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Seoul's push to host a trilateral summit among the leaders of South Korea, China and Japan before the end of this year.
Chinese officials have said that Xi's trip to Seoul will come when the COVID-19 pandemic levels off, but a third wave of the virus outbreak has darkened the prospects of Xi making an early trip here.
Kang and Wang could also exchange views on North Korea-related issues, economic cooperation and joint efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
After a luncheon with Kang, Wang is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on President Moon Jae-in at the presidential office, Cheong Wa Dae.
Wang is also expected to meet other government and ruling party officials, including former Democratic Party chief Lee Hae-chan, presidential security adviser Moon Chung-in and Rep. Song Young-gil, chairman of the National Assembly's foreign affairs committee.
Wang last visited Seoul in December last year.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-26--Korea Air wins 290 bln won F-16 maintenance deal

In the 10-year deal signed with the U.S. Department of Defense , Korean Air will be in charge of maintenance @ @ @ @ @ MRO ) work for the life extension of the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft deployed to @ @ @ @ @ South Korea and Japan , the company said in a statement .

SEOUL, Nov. 26 (Yonhap) -- Korean Air Lines Co., South Korea's biggest carrier, said Thursday it has received a 290 billion won (US$260 million) F-16 maintenance order in the United States.
In the 10-year deal signed with the U.S. Department of Defense, Korean Air will be in charge of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) work for the life extension of the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft deployed to the U.S. air forces in South Korea and Japan, the company said in a statement.
The national flag carrier has been providing the MRO services for U.S. fighter jets, such as the F-15 and F-16, and transport aircraft like the A-10 Thunderbolt and Lockheed C-130 Hercules since 1978, it said.
On top of flight services, the national flag carrier also manufactures aircraft parts and supplies them to Airbus and Boeing. It began to supply parts to Boeing and Airbus in 1986 and 1987, respectively.
This undated file photo provided by Korean Air shows an F-16 fighter jet at the hangar of the carrier's tech center in Busan, 453 kilometers south of Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-26--S. Korea to roll out more digital services amid pandemic

The ministry said it will support development of an AI physician to boost medical services for up to 20 diseases @ @ @ @ @ heart-related diseases , by 2024 .
It will also support development of an AI-based psychological @ @ @ @ @ next year .

SEOUL, Nov. 26 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will start to unveil more digital services, from mobile identification to artificial intelligence (AI) doctors, as the pandemic limits face-to-face contact, the ICT ministry said Thursday.
The Ministry of Science and ICT said it has named key services to support for digital transition amid the pandemic, including rolling out mobile identification for public servants from this year and mobile driver's licenses from next year.
The ministry said it will also pursue a test service for robot delivery for small merchants and develop digital kiosks that won't require contact to reduce the risk of infection next year.
The ministry said it will support development of an AI physician to boost medical services for up to 20 diseases, such as diabetes and heart-related diseases, by 2024. It will also support development of an AI-based psychological treatment service for depression patients next year.
The ministry added that it will spend 180 billion won (US$150 million) next year to foster companies that specialize in data, cloud and blockchain technology.
The latest announcement comes as a follow-up to the government's digital New Deal program announced in July that aims to spend 58.2 trillion won on digital projects and increase state investment in new technologies to create some 900,000 jobs by 2025.
A sign of the Ministry of Science and ICT at its office in Sejong, 120 kilometers south of Seoul, is shown in this undated file photo provided by the ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-26--The Korea Interbank Offered Rates (KORIBOR)

SEOUL , Nov. 26 ( Yonhap ) -- The Korea Interbank Offered Rates ( KORIBOR ) as posted by Yonhap @ @ @ @ @ and information arm of Yonhap News Agency , at 11:00 a.m .


yna--2020-11-26--S. Korea to reduce operation of coal plants to cut fine dust emissions over winter

The ministry said it will maintain a combined energy reserve of more than 13.46 million kilowatts over the period , @ @ @ @ @ is not likely to face power shortages due to the scheme .

SEOUL, Nov. 26 (Yonhap) -- South Korea said Thursday it plans to reduce the operation of some coal-powered plants over the winter in line with efforts to cut the emission of fine dust.
Under the plan, the country will halt the operation of from nine to 16 coal-powered plants over the season, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy.
Other plants will be required to maintain their power output at 80 percent of capacity depending on demand.
South Korea first adopted the reduction scheme last year.
Through the program that will run from December to February next year, the country is expected to slash its coal-related fine dust emissions by 43 percent, or 2,289 tons, compared with two years earlier.
Over the previous winter, South Korea suspended 15 coal plants.
Fine dust, which can penetrate deep into the lungs, is a potential cause of respiratory diseases and cancer.
The ministry said it will maintain a combined energy reserve of more than 13.46 million kilowatts over the period, pointing out that the country is not likely to face power shortages due to the scheme.
Coal plants accounted for around a quarter of South Korea's energy portfolio in 2019, while nuclear plants took up 40 percent.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-26--S. Korea to closely assess impact of RCEP on different industries

The country , nevertheless , said it will make efforts to closely assess the impact of RCEP on different industries @ @ @ @ @ agriculture and fisheries , and draw up measures to support them in case they face @ @

By Kang Yoon-seung
SEOUL, Nov. 26 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Thursday vowed to carry out a thorough study on the impact of its largest-ever trade deal signed earlier this month and come up with supplementary measures in case the pact hurts sectors.
Earlier this month, members of ASEAN, along with its dialogue partners, South Korea, China, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, inked the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). The bloc accounts for one-third of the world's gross domestic product.
"The RCEP is expected to vitalize the nation's exports and speed up the country's New Southern Policy. This will help us to overcome jitters stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic," Industry Minister Sung Yun-mo said in a statement.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam.
Seoul has been rolling out the so-called New Southern Policy, which is aimed at bolstering Seoul's strategic and economic relations with Southeast Asian countries.
The country, nevertheless, said it will make efforts to closely assess the impact of RCEP on different industries, including sectors such as agriculture and fisheries, and draw up measures to support them in case they face fallout.
"While some express concerns that the deal with Japan will lead to more imports of agricultural goods, we have reflected our views on the pact to protect the sensitive items," Sung said.
The RCEP marks the first free trade deal to be signed between South Korea and Japan.
Seoul and Tokyo have been at loggerheads since last year, after Japan abruptly imposed export restrictions of key industrial items against South Korea, citing security issues.
"Amid the growing external uncertainties after the U.S. presidential race, the global trade environment is anticipated to face more changes in terms of supply chains and digital transitions," Sung said. "We plan to cope with such issues through open-door policy and cooperation."
(END)


yna--2020-11-26--Mastermind of sex abuse ring sentenced to 40 years in prison

Earlier this year , the online predator was indicted on 14 counts of criminal allegations .
Cho was accused of @ @ @ @ @ last May to February this year , during which he and his accomplices blackmailed 74 @ @ @ @ @ , into filming sexually abusive content and selling them to the members of Baksabang , @ @ @ @ @ Telegram .

SEOUL, Nov. 26 (Yonhap) -- A Seoul court on Thursday sentenced the mastermind of one of the country's largest online sex trafficking rings to 40 years in prison.
The Seoul Central District Court found Cho Ju-bin guilty of violating laws to protect minors from sexual abuse and of operating a criminal ring to make profits by producing and selling abusive videos.
"The accused has widely distributed sexually abusive content that he created by luring and threatening many victims," the court said.
Earlier this year, the online predator was indicted on 14 counts of criminal allegations. Cho was accused of organizing a criminal ring from last May to February this year, during which he and his accomplices blackmailed 74 women, including 16 minors, into filming sexually abusive content and selling them to the members of Baksabang, an online chat room on Telegram.
The 25-year-old college graduate was also alleged to have ordered one of his conspirators to rape an underage girl after blackmailing her over her nude video.
The punishment fell short of a life sentence sought by prosecutors last month who cited irreparable damage done to his victims. One of the victims said in a petition that Cho and his co-conspirators are evil and deserve imprisonment for 2,000 years.
The file photo taken March 25, 2020, shows Cho Ju-bin being taken into a car at a police station in Seoul. (Yonhap)
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-26--(6th LD) Wang touts 'robustness' and 'vitality' of S. Korea-China ties

`` My visit to South Korea , when the COVID-19 situation has yet to end , is intended to show @ @ @ @ @ China-South Korea relations through actual action and to show confidence that South Korea can prevail @ @ @ @ @ , '' Wang said through an interpreter at the talks that lasted for 90 minutes @

(ATTN: ADDS Wang's meeting with Moon, lawmakers in paras 21-23, 2nd photo)
By Song Sang-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 26 (Yonhap) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday touted the "robustness" and "vitality" of his country's relations with South Korea, stressing his trip here, despite COVID-19, illustrates how much Beijing values the bilateral partnership.
Wang made the remarks at the start of his talks with Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha, amid speculation that Beijing will use his trip to try to bring Seoul to its side as U.S. President-elect Joe Biden envisions tightening America's alliance networks to reassert its leadership.
"My visit to South Korea, when the COVID-19 situation has yet to end, is intended to show the importance we attach to China-South Korea relations through actual action and to show confidence that South Korea can prevail in its fight over COVID-19," Wang said through an interpreter at the talks that lasted for 90 minutes.
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha (R) and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi bump elbows before their talks at the foreign ministry in Seoul on Nov. 26, 2020. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
"Having endured the ordeal of COVID-19, the bilateral relations are now showing robustness and the appearance of greater vitality," he added.
Wang also pointed out that South Korea and China are working together to "contribute to safeguarding regional peace and stability, promoting regional economic integration and complementing the global governance system." He did not elaborate further.
Kang said that Wang's visit shows close cooperation between the foreign ministries of the two countries.
"Ahead of the 30th anniversary in 2022 of the establishment of bilateral ties, I hope for an exchange of opinions on further fleshing out the strategic partnership between the two countries," Kang said.
Asked by reporters about analysts putting his trip in the context of a Sino-U.S. rivalry, Wang said, "The U.S. is not the only country in this world."
"There are some 190 countries in the world, and they are all independent countries. Among them are China and South Korea," he added, noting the two countries' citizens should come and go between them often "like relatives."
During their talks and luncheon, Kang and Wang discussed efforts to arrange a visit to Seoul by Chinese President Xi Jinping, anti-virus cooperation and practical ways to enhance bilateral ties, as well as denuclearization of the peninsula and other regional and global issues, a ministry official said.
Wang reaffirmed China's desire to realize Xi's visit here, sharing the view that a summit-level exchange is crucial for the development of bilateral ties. Wang later told reporters that Xi's visit will take place "as soon as conditions are ripe."
The two ministers agreed to continue cooperation for Seoul's efforts to host a trilateral summit among South Korea, China and Japan, reaffirming the importance of the countries' cooperation amid the pandemic, the official said.
On North Korean issues, the ministers shared the view that Pyongyang is watching the leadership transition in the U.S. with a wait-and-see stance amid COVID-19. They agreed on the need to stably manage the "fluid" situation on the peninsula, apparently to forestall a North Korean provocation.
The ministers agreed in principle to launch a committee tasked with crafting a road map for the future development of Seoul-Beijing relations ahead of the 30th anniversary of bilateral ties.
Ahead of the 30th anniversary and the Beijing Winter Olympics, both in 2022, the two sides agreed to work together to prepare for greater cultural exchanges next year and in 2022, and accelerate efforts to adopt a joint blueprint for economic cooperation for the 2021-25 period.
To reinvigorate cultural exchanges, Kang called for China's active cooperation, the official said, amid claims of China's continued restrictions against Korean cultural content that were enacted amid a row over the installation of a U.S. anti-missile system in South Korea.
Wang expressed active support for Seoul's proposal for the Northeast Asia Cooperation Initiative for Infectious Disease Control and Public Health, the ministry said.
Wang also invited Kang to visit China.
Due to what he calls a "traffic" reason, Wang arrived at the ministry for the talks about 25 minutes late. Despite his prior request for the ministry's understanding, critics rebuked what they called a "diplomatic faux pas."
South Korean President Moon Jae-in (R) shakes hands with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during the latter's courtesy call at the presidential office in Seoul on Nov. 26, 2020. (Yonhap)
After a luncheon with Kang, Wang paid a courtesy call on President Moon Jae-in at the presidential office, Cheong Wa Dae.
Moon expressed gratitude for China's constructive role for peace on the Korean peninsula, and asked for continued cooperation. Wang vowed to further extend support, according to the presidential office.
Wang later attended a banquet with Lee Hae-chan, former chief of the ruling Democratic Party, and several DP lawmakers. He was quoted as saying by the attendees that the agreement made during the first U.S.-North Korea summit in Singapore in 2018 should be kept.
On Friday, Wang is expected to meet other government and party officials, including presidential security adviser Moon Chung-in.
Wang last visited Seoul in December 2019.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-26--(4th LD) Justice ministry requests probe into chief prosecutor over inspection of judges

In the complaint , he argued that the allegations against him raised by the minister are largely untrue and exaggerated @ @ @ @ @ rebuttal of the suspicions , he also said that , even if true , they @ @ @ @ @ merit suspension of duty .

(ATTN: UPDATES with prosecutors' statements in paras 11-12,17-18; TRIMS)
SEOUL, Nov. 26 (Yonhap) -- The justice ministry requested the prosecution Thursday to investigate Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl over allegations of illegal inspection of judges involved in politically sensitive cases.
Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae suspended Yoon from duty Tuesday as she sought a disciplinary measure against him over six counts of alleged misdeeds, including collecting personal information of justices in charge of cases related to a former justice minister and suspected election interference by presidential officials.
"Under his directive, an illegal inspection document was written and distributed, and it contained sensitive personal information that could be misused to affect rulings," the ministry said in a statement, requesting the Supreme Prosecutors Office's investigation into Yoon.
The file photos shows Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae (L) and Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl (R). (Yonhap)
The announcement was made two hours after Yoon's lawyer unveiled the nine-page document, dated Feb. 26, 2020, to back his argument that the report was part of normal information gathering activities.
Prosecutor Sung Sang-wook, who drafted the report, said that there was nothing unusual about it. The report was created based on materials gathered through legal sources, including media reports, he said.
The ministry countered the argument, saying that the report included information that had not been in the public domain.
Earlier in the day, Yoon filed a lawsuit against Choo's decision with the Seoul Administrative Court. He also sought an injunction late Wednesday to stop the minister's suspension order from taking effect.
In the complaint, he argued that the allegations against him raised by the minister are largely untrue and exaggerated. While issuing an item-by-item rebuttal of the suspicions, he also said that, even if true, they are not serious enough to merit suspension of duty.
"Unilaterally seeking disciplinary measures and suspending duty practically means a dismissal, which disregards the term system (of the prosecutor general), democracy and rule of law," he said.
The justice ministry said it will convene a seven-member committee next Wednesday to decide the level of disciplinary action against Yoon, and that it asked Yoon or his lawyer to attend the meeting.
This photo shows the building of the Supreme Prosecutors Office in Seoul on Nov. 25, 2020. (Yonhap)
Meanwhile, prosecutors across the country held meetings and issued statements pushing back against the justice minister's unprecedented move.
The collection action launched by two groups of rank and file prosecutors, in Seoul and Busan, the previous day, spread to various levels and regions.
Early Thursday, six top district prosecutors pleaded with Minister Choo to rethink the decision in a statement posted on the online bulletin board of the prosecution.
They expressed concerns over perceived risk of political neutrality of the prosecution and said that the prosecutor general's term should be legally guaranteed as it is designed to protect the prosecution from undue "political interference."
They also questioned whether the minister's recent series of orders to ban Yoon from being involved in controversial investigations was "carried out in a prudent and restrained manner."
Twenty-seven senior prosecutors at the Supreme Prosecutors Office in Seoul also issued a statement, calling for the decision to be rolled back.
Prosecutors in more than a dozen district offices in Seoul, Busan. Daegu and other major cities, followed suit.
Prosecutors of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office said Choo's order is "illegal and unjust" and "undermines the political neutrality of the prosecution." They called on Choo to immediately withdraw the decision.
Officials walk by the Oath of Prosecutor posted on the wall at the Seoul Central District Court on Nov. 26, 2020. (Yonhap)
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-26--NSC reviews COVID-19 situation, regional cooperation on infectious diseases

Over the seven-month period from April , the military found 330 bone pieces believed to have belonged to 143 troops @ @ @ @ @ War .
North Korea agreed to launch a joint excavation work in 2018 , but @ @ @ @ @ Seoul 's call to work together .

SEOUL, Nov. 26 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's top national security officials on Thursday reviewed the new coronavirus situation and President Moon Jae-in's earlier proposal to establish regional cooperation on infectious diseases involving North Korea, Cheong Wa Dae said.
The members of the National Security Council's standing committee checked the country's responses to the resurgent COVID-19 and vowed to take necessary measures to stem its spread, according to the presidential office.
They also discussed how to push for Moon's proposal to launch a "Northeast Asia Cooperation Initiative" for infectious disease control and public health, involving the two Koreas, China, Japan, and Mongolia. Moon made the suggestion in September in his address to the United Nations General Assembly.
The officials also reviewed the military's war remains excavation work inside the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and decided to continue the project next year.
Over the seven-month period from April, the military found 330 bone pieces believed to have belonged to 143 troops killed during the 1950-53 Korean War. North Korea agreed to launch a joint excavation work in 2018, but it has not responded to Seoul's call to work together.
The weekly session was presided over by Suh Hoon, director of national security at Cheong Wa Dae, the office said.
A street in Hongdae, one of the busiest entertainment districts in Seoul, is nearly empty on Nov. 26, 2020, as COVID-19 spread continues across the country and the government enforced tougher social distancing rules. (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-26--(4th LD) 3rd wave of pandemic gets bigger as new virus cases soar to over 8-month high of 583

(ATTN: ADDS latest figures in paras 6-7, photo)
SEOUL, Nov. 26 (Yonhap) -- The daily number of novel coronavirus cases in South Korea surpassed 500 for the first time in over eight months on Thursday due to sporadic cluster infections across the country as health authorities strive to curb a third wave of infections.
The country added 583 more COVID-19 cases, including 553 local infections, raising the total caseload to 32,318, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
It marks the first time that the country's daily virus cases exceeded 500 since March 6, when the figure reached 518 due to a massive outbreak in the southeastern city of Daegu.
It is also above the peak in the country's second wave of virus infections on Aug. 27, when 441 cases were confirmed in a single day.
The daily caseload has stayed in the triple digits since Nov. 8, with the figure over 300 from Nov. 18-22. It dropped to 271 on Monday but bounced back to 349 cases Tuesday and 382 cases Wednesday.
The new virus cases are expected to stay well above 400 on Friday, as 349 confirmed cases had been tallied across the country on Thursday as of 6 p.m., according to health authorities and local governments.
The figure was up 13 from the same time of the previous day. Of them, 225 were reported in the greater Seoul area, with 124 reported in other regions.
A worker disinfects a classroom in the southeastern city of Daegu on Nov. 26, 2020, ahead of the national college entrance exam slated for Dec. 3. (Yonhap)
Health authorities have been trying to curb a third wave of the pandemic before a nationwide college exam on Thursday next week, but cluster infections from private gatherings, public facilities, hospitals and the military are dragging down their containment efforts.
"We are now in a situation where virus outbreaks can happen at any place we live in," Health Minister Park Neunghoo said. "With the third wave of infections bulking up its size and pace, we must strictly follow social distancing rules."
All of the 17 major cities and provinces reported additional virus cases.
Of the new locally transmitted cases, 402 were identified in the greater Seoul area, home to half of the country's population.
Seoul added 208 more cases, its highest-ever daily tally, while the surrounding Gyeonggi Province and western port city of Incheon reported 177 and 17 cases, respectively.
The country's southeastern South Gyeongsang Province added 45 new cases, while Busan, the country's second-largest city, added 19.
North Jeolla Province and South Chungcheong Province each added 16 cases.
Among virus clusters, a total of 68 cases were tied to an Army boot camp in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province.
A church in western Seoul added 13 more cases, bringing the total to 119, while a sauna facility in southern Seoul reported nine additional cases, raising its total to 48.
The number of cases tied to a dance academy in western Seoul jumped to 66 after identifying the index patient on Monday
A total of 53 cases have been traced to a traditional Korean drum class in Busan and Ulsan, up six from the previous day.
An additional 15 people tested positive in cases traced to a group training event in Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province, raising the total to 34.
The number of new imported cases came to 30, up from 19 the previous day. The country's total number of imported cases is now at 4,504.
Of the new infections from overseas, six of them were from the United States, followed by Indonesia with four.
Health workers clad in protective gear carry out a COVID-19 test on a citizen at a makeshift virus testing clinic in Seoul on Nov. 26, 2020. (Yonhap)
To better cope with rising virus cases, the authorities raised the social distancing level by one notch to Level 2, the third highest in the country's five-tier system, in the Seoul metropolitan area, where the majority of virus cases have been identified, and began to apply enhanced measures from Tuesday.
Other municipalities have been also enforcing tougher distancing rules depending on their virus situation. Level 1.5 distancing is currently in place in Gangwon Province and the country's southwestern Jeolla region.
But since the country's virus infections show no signs of letup, health authorities are likely to review options of enforcing stricter social distancing rules nationwide.
Under Level 2, nightclubs and other high-risk entertainment facilities must suspend their business, while wedding and funeral halls should restrict visitor numbers to a maximum of 100.
Cafes can offer only takeout and delivery services, and restaurants are banned from serving food on their premises after 9 p.m.
Health authorities said the upward trend of COVID-19 cases is likely to continue for a while, as they expect the effects of tightened social distancing measures in major regions to appear starting next week.
"Based on a mathematical prediction model, we may see daily virus cases between 400 and 600 until early December," said Lee Sang-won, a senior official at KDCA. "We are currently focusing on breaking the chain of virus transmission by reducing contacts."
But authorities said it is too early to discuss raising social distancing measures in the greater Seoul area to the second-highest level.
Level 2.5 curbs can be enforced if the country's daily average number of local infections exceeds 400 in a one-week period.
Students keep a distance from one another while waiting in line to receive COVID-19 tests at a makeshift virus testing clinic at a middle school in Gwangju on Nov. 26, 2020. (Yonhap)
The country reported two additional deaths from COVID-19, raising the total to 515. The fatality rate was 1.59 percent.
The number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients came to 78, down three from a day ago, with 67 of them aged 60 or older.
Health experts said the portion of young virus patients has been rising recently and that the number of critically ill patients may not surge dramatically.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 26,950, up 125 from the previous day, with 4,853 people isolated for COVID-19 treatment, up 456 from a day ago.
Health workers clad in protective gear speak with citizens at a makeshift virus testing clinic in Seoul on Nov. 26, 2020. (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-26--(3rd LD) Justice ministry requests probe into chief prosecutor over inspection of judges

(ATTN: CHANGES headline, lead; UPDATES with justice ministry's probe request in paras 1-6)
SEOUL, Nov. 26 (Yonhap) -- The justice ministry requested the prosecution Thursday to investigate Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl over allegations of illegal inspection of judges involved in politically sensitive cases.
Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae suspended Yoon from duty Tuesday as she sought a disciplinary measure against him over six counts of alleged misdeeds, including collecting personal information of justices in charge of cases related to a former justice minister and suspected election interference by presidential officials.
"Under his directive, an illegal inspection document was written and distributed, and it contained sensitive personal information that could be misused to affect rulings," the ministry said in a statement, requesting the Supreme Prosecutors Office's investigation into Yoon.
The announcement was made two hours after Yoon's lawyer unveiled the nine-page document, dated Feb. 26, 2020, to back his argument that the report was part of normal information gathering activities.
Prosecutor Sung Sang-wook, who drafted the report, said that there was nothing unusual about it. The report was created based on materials gathered through legal sources, including media reports, he said.
The ministry countered the argument, saying that the report included information that had not been in the public domain.
Officials walk by the Oath of Prosecutor posted on the wall at the Seoul Central District Court on Nov. 26, 2020. (Yonhap)
Earlier in the day, Yoon filed a lawsuit against Choo's decision with the Seoul Administrative Court. He also sought an injunction late Wednesday to stop the minister's suspension order from taking effect.
In the complaint, he argued that the allegations against him raised by the minister are largely untrue and exaggerated. While issuing an item-by-item rebuttal of the suspicions, he also said that, even if true, they are not serious enough to merit suspension of duty.
"Unilaterally seeking disciplinary measures and suspending duty practically means a dismissal, which disregards the term system (of the prosecutor general), democracy and rule of law," he said.
The justice ministry said it will convene a seven-member committee next Wednesday to decide the level of disciplinary action against Yoon, and that it asked Yoon or his lawyer to attend the meeting.
Meanwhile, prosecutors around the country held emergency meetings to discuss the justice minister's unprecedented move.
Six top district prosecutors pleaded with Minister Choo to rethink the decision in a statement posted on the online bulletin board of the prosecution.
They expressed concerns over perceived risk of political neutrality of the prosecution and said that the prosecutor general's term should be legally guaranteed as it is designed to protect the prosecution from undue "political interference."
They also questioned whether the minister's recent series of orders to ban Yoon from being involved in controversial investigations was "carried out in a prudent and restrained manner."
Twenty-seven senior prosecutors at the Supreme Prosecutors Office in Seoul also issued a statement, calling for the decision to be rolled back, followed by a series of other groups expressing similar concerns.
This photo shows the building of the Supreme Prosecutors Office in Seoul on Nov. 25, 2020. (Yonhap)
Their worries echoed the sentiment expressed by a group of rank and file prosecutors the previous day.
On Wednesday, two groups of prosecutors, in Seoul and Busan, issued statements in protest of what they call Choo's "illegal and unjust" measure.
"Justice Minister Choo's action seriously undermines the rule of law and violates the independence of the prosecution," a group of prosecutors in charge of research and planning at the Supreme Prosecutors Office said in a statement.
They requested the minister withdraw the decision so that prosecutors can fulfill their duties "in accordance with the Constitution and conscience."
Prosecutors of the eastern branch of the Busan District Prosecutors Office also held a meeting Wednesday and said the decision was "unjust" because "the facts have not been fully confirmed."
The file photos shows Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae (L) and Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl (R). (Yonhap)
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-26--(2nd LD) Moon meets top Chinese diplomat, requests role for inter-Korean ties

`` Our government will not stop efforts to put a ( formal ) end to war on the Korean Peninsula @ @ @ @ @ permanent peace together with the international community , including China , '' Moon told Wang @ @ @ @ @ meeting , which pool reporters were allowed to cover .
He was apparently referring to @ @ @ @ @ finished in an armistice , not a peace treaty .

(ATTN: ADDS more details with Cheong Wa Dae's briefing in paras 5, 11-13)
By Lee Chi-dong
SEOUL, Nov. 26 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in greeted Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at Cheong Wa Dae on Thursday and stressed that his administration won't cease the drive for lasting peace on the peninsula.
"Our government will not stop efforts to put a (formal) end to war on the Korean Peninsula and achieve complete denuclearization and permanent peace together with the international community, including China," Moon told Wang at the start of their meeting, which pool reporters were allowed to cover. He was apparently referring to the 1950-53 Korean War that finished in an armistice, not a peace treaty.
The president expressed his gratitude to China for its "constructive role and cooperation" so far in the Korea peace process.
He then asked Wang, who also serves as state councilor, to play "many roles" in developing Seoul-Beijing relations and inter-Korean ties.
In response, Wang reaffirmed China's support for the development of inter-Korean ties and the peace process, and vowed his country's continued cooperation, Cheong Wa Dae said in a statement.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in (R) shakes hands with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Nov. 26, 2020. (Yonhap)
Moon pointed out that South Korea and China have continued various bilateral exchanges despite the COVID-19 pandemic, setting an "exemplary case" of international cooperation.
He pointed out that the neighboring countries were quick in introducing a "fast-track" entry system to enable swift visits to each other by business travelers.
Noting that Seoul and Beijing will commemorate the 30th anniversary of forging diplomatic ties in 2022, Moon voiced hope for mapping out a "long-term development plan" to gear up for a "new 30 years" in their relationship.
Wang agreed that the two sides have promoted friendly ties and partnerships since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus.
He delivered President Xi Jinping's "special verbal message" for Moon. Xi was quoted as saying that he considers "personal friendship and mutual trust" with Moon very important.
Xi then expressed gratitude for Seoul's invitation, and expressed his will to visit when conditions allow, according to Cheong Wa Dae.
During the meeting with Wang, Moon also stressed the importance of the trilateral cooperation between their nations and Japan, and voiced hope for joint efforts to hold a three-way summit soon.
"South Korea will proactively work together for successful hosting of the upcoming Tokyo and Beijing Olympics, which are expected to contribute greatly to peace and stability of Northeast Asia," Moon was quoted by his office as saying.
Earlier in the day, Wang had one-on-one talks with his South Korean counterpart Kang Kyung-wha apparently on Xi's plan to visit here and other major issues, especially as the U.S. is preparing to embrace a new administration under Democratic President-elect Joe Biden.
Wang told reporters that he thinks Xi will be able to visit South Korea "as soon as (relevant) conditions mature."
Xi agreed to make a trip here within this year, but it has been postponed due to the coronavirus situation.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in (R) talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Nov. 26, 2020. (Yonhap)
In meeting with Kang, Wang said they reached "10-point" consensus. He gave no specifics.
The agreements include promoting anti-coronavirus cooperation, establishing a committee for the development of bilateral relations and holding an annual trilateral summit involving Japan, according to a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Zhao Lijian, who spoke during a press briefing in Beijing.
South Korea is seeking to host the group summit in December.
Wang arrived in Seoul late on Wednesday for a two-night stay right after traveling to Tokyo.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-26--(URGENT) China's Xi says he will visit S. Korea when conditions are met: Cheong Wa Dae


yna--2020-11-26--LG Electronics to establish new biz center in U.S. to seek future growth engines

LG 's North American Innovation Center will be based in Silicon Valley , California , with the task of exploring @ @ @ @ @ with leading tech firms there , the company said .

SEOUL, Nov. 26 (Yonhap) -- LG Electronics Inc., a major home appliance maker in South Korea, on Thursday said it will set up a new business unit in the United States to seek future growth opportunities.
LG's North American Innovation Center will be based in Silicon Valley, California, with the task of exploring new business opportunities and cooperating with leading tech firms there, the company said.
Rhee Sokwoo, who served as an associate director at the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), will head the center, it added.
In its latest reconfiguration of business units, LG also announced that it will establish a business incubation center to support various new business opportunities.
This file photo taken on July 30, 2020, shows the headquarters building of LG Group in Seoul. (Yonhap)
LG will also set up "CX Lab" that will be managed directly under the CEO to bolster design capability related with user experience.
LG added its robot business center will be now managed under its business solutions unit.
Meanwhile, the electronics giant promoted a total of 56 executives in its annual personnel reshuffle, up from 49 last year.
The company named Lyu Jae-cheol, who has been leading its living appliance business, as a new chief for its home appliance & air solution (H&A) business division.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-26--(3rd LD) Military to ban all troops from vacationing, off-installation trips over virus concerns

The announcement came one day after dozens of newly enlisted soldiers tested positive for the new coronavirus at an Army @ @ @ @ @ border town of Yeoncheon .
As of Thursday , 66 newly enlisted soldiers and four @ @ @ @ @ have been infected with the virus at the unit .

(ATTN: UPDATES 7th para with latest info)
By Choi Soo-hyang
SEOUL, Nov. 26 (Yonhap) -- The military decided to temporarily ban all troops from vacationing and taking off-installation trips after cluster infections were reported at an Army boot camp amid a nationwide spike in virus cases, the defense ministry said Thursday.
Until Dec. 7, all troops will be subject to tightened social distancing rules in barracks, with vacationing and off-installation visits to be suspended starting Friday, according to the ministry.
Officers are restricted from having private meetings, while in-person religious gatherings and business trips are also banned.
"Troops who violate the rules, resulting in a COVID-19 infection or its spread to others will be strongly reprimanded," the ministry said in a release.
Health authorities enter an Army boot camp in the northern county of Yeoncheon on Nov. 25, 2020, after dozens of newly enlisted soldiers tested positive for the new coronavirus. (Yonhap)
The announcement came one day after dozens of newly enlisted soldiers tested positive for the new coronavirus at an Army boot camp in the central border town of Yeoncheon. As of Thursday, 66 newly enlisted soldiers and four officers have been confirmed to have been infected with the virus at the unit.
The soldiers underwent the virus test after one of their colleagues, who joined the military on Nov. 10, tested positive for the virus Wednesday after showing symptoms the previous day. Officials said he tested negative in an initial test conducted upon his entrance to the camp.
Separately, four more Army officers, one soldier, and a civilian officer for the Army have tested positive for the virus in Goyang, north of Seoul, the southwestern city of Iksan and the border counties of Cheorwon and Inje, raising the total infections reported among the military population to 342.
Defense Minister Suh Wook presided over an emergency meeting with top commanders Wednesday and ordered stronger responses to the outbreak while maintaining a firm readiness posture, according to the ministry.
Nationwide, South Korea reported 583 new virus cases, marking the first time in over eight months for the figure to surpass 500. The total caseload rose to 32,318.
Soldiers open the front gate of an Army boot camp in the northern county of Yeoncheon on Nov. 25, 2020, to allow the entry of health authorities after dozens of newly enlisted soldiers tested positive for the new coronavirus. (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-26--S. Korea's green growth scheme on track: IEA report

Major goals include having sustainable resources take up 30 to 35 percent of the country 's energy portfolio by 2040 @ @ @ @ @ of traditional methods such as coal and nuclear power .
This will mark a drastic @ @ @ @ @ the figure was below 7 percent .

By Kang Yoon-seung
SEOUL, Nov. 26 (Yonhap) -- South Korea is on the path toward fostering low-carbon and eco-friendly energy industries on the back of its green-growth scheme, according to a country report by an international organization Thursday.
"A key aspect of Korea's Green New Deal is the decarbonization of the industry sector and the decoupling of the sector's energy consumption from its economic activity, all the while maintaining the country's strong industrial export base," the International Energy Agency (IEA) said in its report.
"The Korean government is committed to leverage the benefits of the Fourth Industrial Revolution not only for economic development, but also to support the energy transition by harnessing the opportunities offered by digitalization to foster the energy transition," it added.
The Moon Jae-in administration has been making efforts to utilize more eco-friendly resources and foster the hydrogen industry.
Major goals include having sustainable resources take up 30 to 35 percent of the country's energy portfolio by 2040, while reducing the use of traditional methods such as coal and nuclear power. This will mark a drastic rise from 2019, when the figure was below 7 percent.
The country will increase the number of accumulated sales of electric cars and hydrogen fuel cell automobiles to 1.13 million and 200,000, respectively, by 2025.
The report praised South Korea for becoming the first nation in North East Asia to adopt the emissions trading system (ETS), in which companies can buy extra emissions rights when they surpass their own quota.
In terms of energy security, the IEA said South Korea was successful in diversifying oil and gas suppliers, even though the country has no domestic production.
The agency, meanwhile, advised South Korea to find a balance between "mandatory and voluntary policy" to promote the green energy drive in local industries.
"The Korean government should develop performance-driven regulatory frameworks for energy efficiency and renewable energy development, but also for competitive electricity and gas markets, in order to attract and facilitate investment in clean energy with new business opportunities," it added.
The IEA also advised South Korea to "ensure efficient infrastructure roll-out" to back up the green energy policy.
It marked the third time for the 30-member organization to issue a report on South Korea. The previous reports were issued in 2006 and 2012.
In 2012, the IEA said South Korea's ongoing efforts to develop nuclear plants was a "practical and efficient" way to meet its energy needs, considering it does not have too many other options. South Korea then had a nuclear friendly energy policy.
Instead of immediately shutting down existing plants, the Moon administration opted to take a more gradual phase-out approach by not approving the construction of new reactors, while avoiding extending the lifespan of existing ones.
While South Korea is expected to have 28 nuclear reactors by 2022, considering those already under construction, the number will gradually drop to 14 by 2038.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-26--(LEAD) Moon meets top Chinese diplomat, requests role for inter-Korean ties

(ATTN: UPDATES with more remarks in paras 6-7, Chinese ministry's briefing, other details in last 4 paras; ADDS photo, byline)
By Lee Chi-dong
SEOUL, Nov. 26 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in greeted Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at Cheong Wa Dae on Thursday and stressed that his administration won't cease the drive for lasting peace on the peninsula.
"Our government will not stop efforts to put a (formal) end to war on the Korean Peninsula and achieve complete denuclearization and permanent peace together with the international community, including China," Moon told Wang at the start of their meeting, which pool reporters were allowed to cover. He was apparently referring to the 1950-53 Korean War that finished in an armistice, not a peace treaty.
The president expressed his gratitude to China for its "constructive role and cooperation" so far in the Korea peace process.
He then asked Wang, who also serves as state councilor, to play "many roles" in developing Seoul-Beijing relations and inter-Korean ties.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in (R) shakes hands with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Nov. 26, 2020. (Yonhap)
Moon pointed out that South Korea and China have continued various bilateral exchanges despite the COVID-19 pandemic, setting an "exemplary case" of international cooperation.
He pointed out that the neighboring countries were quick in introducing a "fast-track" entry system to enable swift visits to each other by business travelers.
Noting that Seoul and Beijing will commemorate the 30th anniversary of forging diplomatic ties in 2022, Moon voiced hope for mapping out a "long-term development plan" to gear up for a "new 30 years" in their relationship.
Wang agreed that the two sides have promoted friendly ties and partnerships since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus.
He delivered President Xi Jinping's "special verbal message" for Moon. Xi was quoted as saying that he considers "personal friendship and mutual trust" with Moon very important.
Earlier in the day, Wang had one-on-one talks with his South Korean counterpart Kang Kyung-wha apparently on Xi's plan to visit here and other major issues, especially as the U.S. is preparing to embrace a new administration under Democratic President-elect Joe Biden.
Wang told reporters that he thinks Xi will be able to visit South Korea "as soon as (relevant) conditions mature."
Xi agreed to make a trip here within this year, but it has been postponed due to the coronavirus situation.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in (R) talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Nov. 26, 2020. (Yonhap)
In meeting with Kang, Wang said they reached "10-point" consensus. He gave no specifics.
The agreements include promoting anti-coronavirus cooperation, establishing a committee for the development of bilateral relations and holding an annual trilateral summit involving Japan, according to a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Zhao Lijian, who spoke during a press briefing in Beijing.
South Korea is seeking to host the group summit in December.
Wang arrived in Seoul late on Wednesday for a two-night stay right after traveling to Tokyo.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-26--Moon's special adviser urges S. Korea-Japan cooperation to help prevent 'new Cold War'

The adviser also called on the leaders of South Korea , China and Japan to hold a trilateral summit meeting @ @ @ @ @ U.S. and China will `` not be able to confront one another '' amid strengthening @ @ @ @ @ .

SEOUL, Nov. 26 (Yonhap) -- A special security adviser to President Moon Jae-in on Thursday called on Japan to cooperate with South Korea in preventing a "new Cold War" amid heightened Sino-U.S. rivalry.
Moon Chung-in, special adviser for diplomatic affairs, made the remark during a virtual seminar with Japanese and South Korean experts, urging Seoul and Tokyo to persuade Beijing and Washington to refrain from escalating tensions.
"If South Korea and Japan cooperate, there will be room for mediation between the U.S. and China," he said.
The adviser also called on the leaders of South Korea, China and Japan to hold a trilateral summit meeting in December, saying that U.S. and China will "not be able to confront one another" amid strengthening cooperation of the three countries.
He added that the incoming Joe Biden administration is likely to engage in talks with China.
"Unlike President Donald Trump's administration, the Biden administration will not reject China in all areas but will selectively accept and reject them, so the door to dialogue is open," he said.
Former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama also called on Tokyo and Seoul to appeal to Washington and Beijing, saying that "peace and prosperity of East Asia should not be left in the hands of the U.S. and China."
Moon Chung-in, special security adviser of President Moon Jae-in, speaks during a virtual seminar with Japanese and South Korean experts on Nov. 26, 2020, in this photo captured from the YouTube channel of Media Today, a news outlet specializing press-related news. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-26--Former S. Korea defender recalls World Cup battle with late Maradona

`` He was such a difficult player to guard , '' said Huh , now 65 , in an understatement @ @ @ @ @ great at disrupting defenders ' balance , and his passes were always on target .
@ @ @ @ @ had so much bounce to his steps . ''

SEOUL, Nov. 26 (Yonhap) -- Few in South Korean football had the kind of history with Diego Maradona, the late Argentine legend, that former defender Huh Jung-moo did.
Huh, once a dogged defender, had the unenviable task of trying to guard Maradona during the 1986 FIFA World Cup. And 24 years later, the two met as opposing head coaches at another World Cup.
The news of Maradona's passing on Thursday at age 60, following a heart attack in his home on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, hit Huh quite hard.
In this file photo from June 17, 2010, Argentina head coach Diego Maradona (R) stands in front of his bench, with South Korea head coach Huh Jung-moo to his right, during a Group B match at the 2010 FIFA World Cup at Soccer City in Johannesburg. (Yonhap)
"When I heard the news, so many memories came flooding back to me," said Huh, who is currently executive director of K League 1 club Daejeon Hana Citizen. "These great players that I faced back in the days are leaving us too soon."
One of the most indelible images in South Korean football is one of an airborne Huh tackling Maradona with his legs, trying as he might to stop the Argentine dynamo. South Korea lost 3-1, while Argentina went on to win the World Cup.
"He was such a difficult player to guard," said Huh, now 65, in an understatement. "He was especially great at disrupting defenders' balance, and his passes were always on target. He was short but he had so much bounce to his steps."
It was during that 1986 World Cup that Maradona had his "Hand of God" goal against England in the quarterfinals.
"I felt he was so far ahead of the rest of us," Huh recalled. "It was a valuable learning experience for me, too. I thought a player of that quality doesn't just fall from the trees."
In this file photo from June 2, 1986, South Korea defender Huh Jung-moo (L) tackles Argentina midfielder Diego Maradona during their Group A match at the 1986 FIFA World Cup at Estadio Olímpico Universitario in Mexico City. (Yonhap)
Then at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Huh and Maradona opposed each other as coaches for their respective national teams.
Argentina won again, 4-1, but South Korea still reached the knockout stage at the time.
"Even though the score was lopsided, I think it was the best match we've played against Argentina," Huh said.
Maradona didn't have quite the success as coach that he did as a player, but Huh said Maradona was still "a gamer" who could play mind games and catch teams off guard with his tactics.
Their last meeting came in March 2017, when Maradona visited South Korea for the draw ahead of the FIFA U-20 World Cup that South Korea hosted later that year.
In his later years, Maradona struggled with drug addiction and dealt with assorted health problems blamed on excessive eating and drinking.
Huh said Maradona didn't look healthy then, and he will go down as a cautionary tale for other athletes.
"He looked bloated, and just didn't look great then," Huh said. "He left an indelible mark as a player, but I think he also taught a lot of us a lesson in how to take care of our body."
In this file photo from June 17, 2010, South Korea head coach Huh Jung-moo (L) has an exchange with Argentina head coach Diego Maradona during a Group B match at the 2010 FIFA World Cup at Soccer City in Johannesburg. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-26--(5th LD) Wang touts 'robustness' and 'vitality' of S. Korea-China ties

(ATTN: ADDS more details in paras 13, 18)
By Song Sang-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 26 (Yonhap) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday touted the "robustness" and "vitality" of his country's relations with South Korea, stressing his trip here, despite COVID-19, illustrates how much Beijing values the bilateral partnership.
Wang made the remarks at the start of his talks with Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha, amid speculation that Beijing will use his trip to try to bring Seoul to its side as U.S. President-elect Joe Biden envisions tightening America's alliance networks to reassert its leadership.
"My visit to South Korea, when the COVID-19 situation has yet to end, is intended to show the importance we attach to China-South Korea relations through actual action and to show confidence that South Korea can prevail in its fight over COVID-19," Wang said through an interpreter at the talks that lasted for 90 minutes.
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha (R) and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi bump elbows before their talks at the foreign ministry in Seoul on Nov. 26, 2020. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
"Having endured the ordeal of COVID-19, the bilateral relations are now showing robustness and the appearance of greater vitality," he added.
Wang also pointed out that South Korea and China are working together to "contribute to safeguarding regional peace and stability, promoting regional economic integration and complementing the global governance system." He did not elaborate further.
Kang said that Wang's visit shows close cooperation between the foreign ministries of the two countries.
"Ahead of the 30th anniversary in 2022 of the establishment of bilateral ties, I hope for an exchange of opinions on further fleshing out the strategic partnership between the two countries," Kang said.
Asked by reporters about analysts putting his trip in the context of a Sino-U.S. rivalry, Wang said, "The U.S. is not the only country in this world.
"There are some 190 countries in the world, and they are all independent countries. Among them are China and South Korea," he added, noting the two countries' citizens should come and go between them often "like relatives."
During their talks and luncheon, Kang and Wang discussed efforts to arrange a visit to Seoul by Chinese President Xi Jinping, anti-virus cooperation and practical ways to enhance bilateral ties, as well as denuclearization of the peninsula and other regional and global issues, a ministry official said.
Wang reaffirmed China's desire to realize Xi's visit here, sharing the view that a summit-level exchange is crucial for the development of bilateral ties. Wang later told reporters that Xi's visit will take place "as soon as conditions are ripe."
The two ministers agreed to continue cooperation for Seoul's efforts to host a trilateral summit among South Korea, China and Japan, reaffirming the importance of the countries' cooperation amid the pandemic, the official said.
On North Korean issues, the ministers shared the view that Pyongyang is watching the leadership transition in the U.S. with a wait-and-see stance amid COVID-19. They agreed on the need to stably manage the "fluid" situation on the peninsula, apparently to forestall a North Korean provocation.
The ministers agreed in principle to launch a committee tasked with crafting a road map for the future development of Seoul-Beijing relations ahead of the 30th anniversary of bilateral ties.
Ahead of the 30th anniversary and the Beijing Winter Olympics, both in 2022, the two sides agreed to work together to prepare for greater cultural exchanges next year and in 2022, and accelerate efforts to adopt a joint blueprint for economic cooperation for the 2021-25 period.
To reinvigorate cultural exchanges, Kang called for China's active cooperation, the official said, amid claims of China's continued restrictions against Korean cultural content that were enacted amid a row over the installation of a U.S. anti-missile system in South Korea.
Wang expressed active support for Seoul's proposal for the Northeast Asia Cooperation Initiative for Infectious Disease Control and Public Health, the ministry said.
Wang also invited Kang to visit China.
Due to what he calls a "traffic" reason, Wang arrived at the ministry for the talks about 25 minutes late. Despite his prior request for the ministry's understanding, critics rebuked what they called a "diplomatic faux pas."
After a luncheon with Kang, Wang paid a courtesy call on President Moon Jae-in at the presidential office, Cheong Wa Dae.
Wang is also expected to meet other government and ruling party officials, including former Democratic Party chief Lee Hae-chan, presidential security adviser Moon Chung-in and Rep. Song Young-gil, chairman of the National Assembly's foreign affairs committee.
Wang last visited Seoul in December 2019.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-26--Moon meets top Chinese diplomat, requests role for inter-Korean ties

`` Our government will not stop efforts to put a ( formal ) end to war on the Korean Peninsula @ @ @ @ @ with the international community , including China , '' Moon told Wang at the start @ @ @ @ @ pool reporters were allowed to cover .
He was apparently referring to the 1950-53 Korean @ @ @ @ @ armistice , not a peace treaty .

SEOUL, Nov. 26 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in greeted Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at Cheong Wa Dae on Thursday and stressed that his administration won't cease the drive for lasting peace on the peninsula.
"Our government will not stop efforts to put a (formal) end to war on the Korean Peninsula and achieve complete denuclearization together with the international community, including China," Moon told Wang at the start of their meeting, which pool reporters were allowed to cover. He was apparently referring to the 1950-53 Korean War that finished in an armistice, not a peace treaty.
The president expressed his gratitude to China for its "constructive role and cooperation" so far in the Korea peace process.
He then asked Wang, who also serves as state councilor, to play "many roles" in developing Seoul-Beijing relations and inter-Korean ties.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in (R) shakes hands with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Nov. 26, 2020. (Yonhap)
Moon pointed out that South Korea and China have continued various bilateral exchanges despite the COVID-19 pandemic, setting an "exemplary case" of international cooperation.
Wang agreed that the two sides have promoted friendly ties and partnerships since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus.
He delivered President Xi Jinping's "special verbal message" for Moon. Xi was quoted as saying that he considers "personal friendship and mutual trust" with Moon very important.
Earlier in the day, Wang had one-on-one talks with his South Korean counterpart Kang Kyung-wha apparently on Xi's plan to visit here and other major issues, especially as the U.S. is preparing to embrace a new administration under Democratic President-elect Joe Biden.
Wang told reporters that he thinks Xi will be able to visit South Korea "as soon as (relevant) conditions mature."
Xi agreed to make a trip here within this year, but it has been postponed due to the coronavirus situation.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)