yna--2020-09-09--(LEAD) Most trainee doctors return to work; medical licensing exam still in dispute

The Korean Intern and Resident Association , which speaks for trainee doctors , has warned they can take tougher collective @ @ @ @ @ not come up with further measures within two weeks to support medical students who did @ @ @ @ @ .

(ATTN: CHANGES headline, lead; UPDATES with more info in 2nd para)
SEOUL, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- Most trainee doctors ended their strike and returned to work on Wednesday as the government expressed reservations about giving medical students another opportunity to take the state medical licensing exam.
A total of 616 out of 9,332, or 6.6 percent, interns and residents at general hospitals were off duty, according to the health ministry. The finding was based on an onsite inspection of 156 out of 200 training hospitals across the country.
The medical licensing exam began Tuesday, though about 90 percent of test-takers boycotted the state exam in protest of a controversial medical reform plan. The government had extended the deadline for the application for the exam twice.
The Korean Medical Association (KMA), South Korea's largest doctors' association, pressed the government to ensure medical students who had withdrawn their applications take the exam.
Officials enter a building in eastern Seoul on the second day of a state medical licensing exam on Sept. 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
But the health ministry said there is little need to discuss an additional chance for the exam, citing there is no official stance from medical students that they are willing to take the exam.
"It is not an issue that the government can easily decide unless there is public consensus," health ministry spokesman Sohn Young-rae said in a briefing.
Still, he said he welcomed media reports that Seoul National University Medical School students are against the boycott of the state medical licensing exam.
The comments came a day after thousands of trainee doctors resumed work, ending their 18-day strike over a controversial medical reform plan.
Most of around 16,000 interns and residents at major general hospitals in the greater Seoul area, such as Seoul Asan Medical Center and Seoul Samsung Medical Center, returned to the hospitals Tuesday.
On Wednesday, about 300 trainee doctors returned to work to Chonnam National University Hospital in the southeastern city of Gwangju, according to the hospital.
The Korean Intern and Resident Association, which speaks for trainee doctors, has warned they can take tougher collective action if the government does not come up with further measures within two weeks to support medical students who did not apply for the test.
On Friday, the KMA agreed with the ruling party to end their nationwide strike after the government backed down and promised to put the medical reform plans on hold in a joint effort for the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Thousands of trainee doctors working at general hospitals began the strike on Aug. 21 to protest the government's medical reform scheme that calls for increasing the quota for medical students, establishing a new public medical school and giving medical insurance coverage to oriental medicine treatment.
entropy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-09--KCC Glass to merge with Korea Autoglass by end of 2020

Korea Autoglass CEO Woo Jong-chul said that by solidifying the process of producing architectural and automotive glass under a single @ @ @ @ @ bolster efficiency and strengthen overall competitiveness .
He added that by working together , more @ @ @ @ @ research and development that can further lead to growth .

SEOUL, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- KCC Glass Corp., South Korea's largest manufacturer of architectural glass, will merge with a leading automotive glassmaker to bolster overall competitiveness going forward, corporate sources said Wednesday.
KCC Glass and Korea Autoglass Corp. said they will hold a general meeting of shareholders on Oct. 29 to get approval for the plan, with the actual tie-up to be completed by Dec. 1. The merger will make the combined entity a top player in the domestic glass industry.
The swap ratio for the merger has been set at one KCC Glass share for every 0.4757 Korea Autoglass share. KCC Glass will carry on the combined businesses with Korea Autoglass to be absorbed into the larger company.
KCC Glass, part of the larger construction-business focused KCC Group, controls half of the country's plate glass, which are used in various buildings and homes.
Korea Autoglass, already a subsidiary of KCC Glass, generates 90 percent of its sales from car safety glass. It works closely with carmakers such as Hyundai Motor Co., Kia Motors Corp., and GM Korea, as well as exporting its products abroad.
KCC Glass reported sales of 325.6 billion won (US$274.1) in the second quarter with its size to balloon to 529.5 after the takeover. Its operating profit is expected to reach 35.3 billion won from the current 10.4 billion won.
The company's total assets will rise to over 1.67 trillion won from 1.19 trillion won.
Korea Autoglass CEO Woo Jong-chul said that by solidifying the process of producing architectural and automotive glass under a single roof, the merger will bolster efficiency and strengthen overall competitiveness. He added that by working together, more effort can be made in research and development that can further lead to growth.
This photo provided by KCC Glass shows the CEOs of KCC and Korea Autoglass shaking hands after signing a merger deal in Seoul on Sept. 9, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-09--Netflix documentary on BLACKPINK to premier Oct. 14

`` Director Caroline Suh 's trusted relationship with Jisoo , Jennie , Rose , and Lisa offers organic and honest @ @ @ @ @ authentic inside look into the lives of BLACKPINK , as well as the dedication and @ @ @ @ @ into every hit song , history-making performance and sold-out arena tour , '' Netflix 's @ @ @ @ @ president of documentary features , said in a statement .

SEOUL, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- Netflix plans to next month release a documentary chronicling BLACKPINK's four-year journey from talented trainees to K-pop superstars.
The streaming giant and YG Entertainment, the band's agency, said Wednesday "BLACKPINK: Light Up the Sky," the first Netflix film about a South Korean music band, will premiere Oct. 14.
It is the fourth Netflix original documentary featuring female artists, after "Gaga: Five Foot Two" on Lady Gaga, "Homecoming" on Beyonce and "Miss Americana" on Taylor Swift.
The "all-access" movie follows the quartet, who debuted in 2016, from their time as trainees to one of the top K-pop groups with performances, unrevealed video footage, exclusive interviews and off-stage lives of the members -- Jisoo, Jennie, Rose, and Lisa.
The film is directed by Caroline Suh, who produced the Netflix documentary "Salt Fat Acid Heat."
"Director Caroline Suh's trusted relationship with Jisoo, Jennie, Rose, and Lisa offers organic and honest moments that give viewers an authentic inside look into the lives of BLACKPINK, as well as the dedication and grueling preparation each member puts into every hit song, history-making performance and sold-out arena tour," Netflix's Adam Del Deo, vice president of documentary features, said in a statement.
YG Entertainment said the film will show how the quartet creates synergy and converges four lives into one, through their album-making process and interviews.
"Some K-pop groups have been dealt with in 'Explained' series, but this is the first Netflix documentary shedding light on a single K-pop artist," YG Entertainment said.
The news came as BLACKPINK's new single "Ice Cream," a prelease song for its album in October, with Selena Gomez as a guest singer, made its Billboard Hot 100 debut at No. 13 for this week, the highest position ever by a K-pop girl group.
This is a photo of an official poster for K-pop girl group BLACKPINK's Netflix original documentary set to drop on Oct. 14, 2020, provided by YG Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-09--(LEAD) S. Korea to allow online joint degree programs among universities

`` We will draw up detailed measures , such as requirements for participating schools , in the second half of @ @ @ @ @ ministry official said .
`` The programs will be initiated as early as the first @ @ @ @ @ ''

(ATTN: ADDS more info in last 3 paras, photo; CLARIFIES 8th para)
SEOUL, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will allow online joint degree programs among universities at home and abroad beginning next year, education officials said Wednesday.
During an inter-ministerial meeting on social issues, the Ministry of Education presented a series of measures to promote remote learning based on digital technologies in the COVID-19 era.
The agenda included its plan to permit online joint master's programs among domestic universities and online joint bachelor's and master's programs among domestic and foreign institutions.
"We will draw up detailed measures, such as requirements for participating schools, in the second half of this year," a ministry official said. "The programs will be initiated as early as the first half of next year."
Medical and law schools will be excluded from the policy, the ministry added.
Education Minister Yoo Eun-hae speaks during an inter-ministerial teleconference on social issues in the central city of Sejong on Sept. 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
The ministry also reported that it will remove a regulation that limits remote classes to 20 percent of total credits and leave universities to decide on the proportion of online learning. The restriction will be scrapped in the second half of the year.
Most universities have switched to online since the new coronavirus hit the country early this year.
To improve the quality of online classes, the ministry plans to instruct schools to operate a center that provides technical support to teachers and run monitoring panels of students, teachers and experts.
Authorities will allow universities to run non-in-person field training courses using augmented reality and virtual reality technologies. Related regulations will be revised in the second half of the year, the ministry said.
Also discussed at the meeting was a plan to assist universities in education of new technologies, including artificial intelligence and big data, with an aim to nurture 100,000 experts in such fields by 2026.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced separate plans to help local artists and producers develop new online content and switch their offline activities to online ones.
It said it has set aside 14.9 billion won (US$12.5 million) for the project in the latest supplementary budget, expected to be submitted to the parliament later this week. It also plans to spend an additional 4.9 billion won for the project next year.
In cooperation with the education ministry in expanding the online-based education system through cultural content, the culture ministry said it will develop educational materials using music, fine art and dance, and contactless curriculum focusing on experiencing online content.
"The Story of an Old Couple: STAGE MOVIE," a cinematic version of the theatrical play "The Story of an Old Couple," is showing at a movie theater in Seoul, in this photo provided by the Seoul Arts Center. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-09-09--U.S. Amb. Harris unveils books on his desk, many about N. Korea, for Month of Reading

`` For ROK 's Month of Reading , here 's what 's on my desk : Corpse in the Koryo @ @ @ @ @ of Madness , Bridging the Divide , A Bigger Picture , Becoming Kim Jong Un @ @ @ @ @ War : How China Took Over , '' he wrote in the tweet .
`` @ @ @ @ @ month ? ''

SEOUL, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- U.S. Ambassador to Seoul Harry Harris on Wednesday shared a list of books on his desk, some related to North Korea, for South Korea's Month of Reading in a tweet that hinted at his interest in the reclusive country.
The ambassador's list of seven books included four North Korea-related ones, including "Bridging the Divide," a book about South Korean President Moon Jae-in's efforts to engage with North Korea and foster lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula.
"For ROK's Month of Reading, here's what's on my desk: Corpse in the Koryo, Virus in the Age of Madness, Bridging the Divide, A Bigger Picture, Becoming Kim Jong Un, Great Successor & Stealth War: How China Took Over," he wrote in the tweet. "What are you reading this month?"
ROK stands for South Korea's official name, Republic of Korea.
This photo, captured from U.S. Ambassador Harry Harris' Twitter account on Sept. 9, 2020, shows the list of books on his desk. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Moon Chung-in, a special presidential adviser for security and foreign affairs, and John Delury, a Yonsei University professor, brought together 15 authors to publish "Bridging the Divide."
"The Great Successor" carries a caricature of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Written by Anna Fifield of the Washington Post, the book delves into the rise and reign of the third-generation hereditary ruler in Pyongyang.
Authored by Jung H. Pak, a former officer of the Central Intelligence Agency, "Becoming Kim Jong Un" also looks into the North's enigmatic leader. "A Corpse in the Koryo," written by James Church, is a mystery novel set in North Korea.
Harris showed the book list as nuclear talks between Washington and Pyongyang have been caught in a deadlock that has thrown into doubt Seoul's dogged pursuit of inter-Korean reconciliation and peace.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-09--S. Korea to sell 10-year dollar, 5-year euro bonds

The value of the bond sale and the yields will be decided later , depending on market situation , the @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement .

SEJONG, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korea plans to sell 10-year dollar and 5-year euro bonds this year as part of its currency stabilization bond scheme, the finance ministry said Wednesday.
The value of the bond sale and the yields will be decided later, depending on market situation, the Ministry of Economy and Finance said in a statement.
Six financial firms, including BNP Paribas, Citigroup and JP Morgan, will arrange the planned sale of bonds, according to the statement.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-09--Ex-YG chief admits to overseas gambling charges during court hearing

During the hearing , the judge also brought into question why Yang has been indicted on just gambling charges , @ @ @ @ @ '' that the police had initially pressed .
Habitual gambling carries far heavier punishment of @ @ @ @ @ bars and a fine of less than 20 million won , compared with a fine @ @ @ @ @ won for non-habitual gambling .

SEOUL, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- Yang Hyun-suk, the founder and former CEO of K-pop powerhouse YG Entertainment, on Wednesday admitted to charges that he gambled in casinos in Las Vegas in the United States over the past several years.
Yang's lawyer said his client owned up to the gambling charges during the first court hearing on the case held at the Seoul Western District Court earlier in the day.
Yang and three others, including two co-CEOs of YG's affiliated music label YGX, are facing criminal charges that they had gambled at Las Vegas casinos on some 20 occasions between 2015 and 2019. They allegedly played baccarat and Blackjack games there with combined gambling money of some 400 million won (US$336,785) at stake.
The prosecution had initially pressed a summary indictment on the four without court proceedings but later changed course and had them officially stand trial.
During the hearing, the judge also brought into question why Yang has been indicted on just gambling charges, not on "habitual gambling" that the police had initially pressed. Habitual gambling carries far heavier punishment of up to three years behind bars and a fine of less than 20 million won, compared with a fine of less than 10 million won for non-habitual gambling.
"There's a need to further look into the reason why (he was indicted on non-habitual gambling charges)," the judge said, arranging another court hearing to be held on Oct. 28 to review the point.
Former YG Entertainment CEO Yang Hyun-suk enters the Seoul Western District Court for a court hearing on an overseas gambling case on Sept. 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
Clad in a black suit without a tie, Yang did not respond to reporters' questions about the gambling charges before and after the court hearing.
Separately, he is also facing a prosecution investigation over suspicions that he threatened and coerced a whistleblower to reverse testimony to cover up a drugging allegation against B.I, the former songwriting leader of YG's boy band iKON.
Yang stepped down as the CEO and the chief producer of the K-pop powerhouse in June 2019 in light of the drug allegation against B.I.
Former YG Entertainment CEO Yang Hyun-suk exits the Seoul Western District Court after a court hearing on an overseas gambling case on Sept. 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-09--(LEAD) Gov't, ruling party agree on communication fee subsidy for people in stimulus package

The DP requested that the government offer one-off support of 20,000 won to all people aged 13 or older nationwide @ @ @ @ @ decided to actively push for the measure , according to the party 's spokesman Choi @ @ @ @ @ meant to help them pay their monthly communication expenses , including smartphone service fees .

(ATTN: COMBINES story slugged communication fee-govt subsidy; UPDATES with tax measure; CHANGES headline; ADDS photo, byline)
By Lee Chi-dong
SEOUL, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- The government and the ruling Democratic Party (DP) agreed Wednesday to include a 20,000-won (US$16.80) subsidy for ordinary people in the planned emergency stimulus package.
The party announced the scheme after its leaders had a meeting with President Moon Jae-in at Cheong Wa Dae.
The DP requested that the government offer one-off support of 20,000 won to all people aged 13 or older nationwide, and the government has decided to actively push for the measure, according to the party's spokesman Choi In-ho. The support is meant to help them pay their monthly communication expenses, including smartphone service fees.
The party cited sharp hikes in the communication fee burden of the public due to increased contact-free activities in the midst of the prolonged COVID-19 outbreak.
President Moon Jae-in (R) speaks at the start of a meeting with ruling Democratic Party leaders at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Sept. 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
DP leader Lee Nak-yon was quoted as saying during the Cheong Wa Dae session, "Although the amount is not large, the communication expense support could be a comfort, even a little, to the people."
The subsidy would be funded by the envisioned fourth supplementary budget of the year to finance another round of cash handouts for people in need amid the economic fallout of the pandemic.
Lee Nak-yon (2nd from R), head of the ruling Democratic Party, speaks during a meeting with President Moon Jae-in at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Sept. 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
Moon plans to chair an emergency economic council meeting on Thursday, in which the exact scale of the extra budget and the relief money payment plan will be fixed.
The party's floor leader Kim Tae-nyeon also suggested the extension of temporary tax benefits, which expired in June, for those who voluntarily lower commercial building rents for tenants.
The president responded positively and instructed his Cheong Wa Dae aides to consider the issue, according to the DP spokesman.
Starting the meeting, meanwhile, Moon stressed the importance of cooperative politics to overcome the ongoing crisis.
He noted the country and the people's livelihoods are in a "serious, grave" situation due to the recent resurgence of coronavirus infections.
"I think that cooperative politics has become more important than at any other time in the past," he said in his opening remarks, which pool reporters and cameras were allowed to cover.
There has been no time like now when the people "desperately desire" the politics of cooperation between ruling and opposition parties, and also between the government and the National Assembly, Moon added.
He requested the DP with 176 seats of the 300-member parliament play a "catalyst" role for cooperation-based politics.
President Moon Jae-in's meeting with a group of ruling Democratic Party officials is under way at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Sept. 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
On the relationship between his administration and the party, Moon said it is so good that it can be considered "almost fantastic," and the DP chief replied that the two share the same "fate."
Lee asked the president to push for meetings with opposition party leaders in addition to the effort to resume the operation of the standing consultation council among the government and major political parties.
"One-on-one talks are good as well," Lee said, apparently suggesting Moon have a bilateral meeting with Kim Chong-in, caretaker leader of the main opposition People Power Party.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

Jeong delivered straightforward -- neither sanguine nor pessimistic -- wordings to explain what the pandemic was and what was going @ @ @ @ @ plain approach toward the outbreak was impressive enough to earn trust from many people , @ @ @ @ @ public servant here .

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Wednesday.
---------------------------
(3rd LD) New virus cases under 200 for week, virus fight still harried by cluster infections
(ATTN: ADDS details throughout; CHANGES photos)
SEOUL -- South Korea's new virus cases stayed below 200 for the seventh consecutive day Wednesday, but health authorities are still on guard against sporadic cluster infections across the nation.
The country added 156 more COVID-19 cases, including 144 local infections, raising the total caseload to 21,588, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
---------------------------
(LEAD) With more ammunition, S. Korea's virus hero tasked with regaining grip on COVID-19
(ATTN: ADDS more details, KCDC chief's remarks in paras 9-11)
SEOUL -- When South Korea was reeling from hundreds of new coronavirus cases in late February due to a mass outbreak tied to a religious sect in the southeastern city of Daegu, many citizens were glued to daily televised briefings by Jeong Eun-kyeong, the chief of the country's anti-disease agency, to feel secure against the pandemic.
Jeong delivered straightforward -- neither sanguine nor pessimistic -- wordings to explain what the pandemic was and what was going on. Her logical but plain approach toward the outbreak was impressive enough to earn trust from many people, a rare feat for a public servant here.
---------------------------
(2nd LD) S. Korea, U.S. agree 'coming several months' crucial in denuclearization efforts
(ATTN: UPDATES with reason for belated phone talks, background info in last 4 paras; ADDS photo, byline)
SEOUL -- Top South Korean and U.S. national security officials agreed Wednesday that the "coming several months" are crucial in efforts for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the regional peace process, Cheong Wa Dae said.
Suh Hoon, who serves as President Moon Jae-in's top national security adviser, and his American counterpart Robert O'Brien agreed to continue discussing "various ways" for the peace drive, as they had their first phone talks since Suh assumed the post in early July.
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(LEAD) Seoul stocks dip over 1 pct on Wall Street-triggered sell-offs
(ATTN: ADDS bond yields at bottom, photo)
SEOUL -- South Korean shares dipped more than 1 percent Wednesday, as investors dumped market heavyweights following a plunge in the U.S. stock market. The Korean won fell against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) fell 26.1 points, or 1.09 percent, to close at 2,375.81.
---------------------------
Moon says cooperative politics important at meeting with ruling party leaders
SEOUL -- President Moon Jae-in stressed the importance of cooperative politics to tackle the ongoing COVID-19 crisis Wednesday, speaking at a Cheong Wa Dae meeting with a group of ruling Democratic Party (DP) leaders.
He noted the country and the people's livelihoods are in a "serious, grave" situation due to the recent resurgence of coronavirus infections.
---------------------------
UNESCO reiterates support for Moon's plan to list DMZ as World Heritage site
SEOUL -- The U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Wednesday reiterated its support for South Korean President Moon Jae-in's plan to list the inter-Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) as a World Heritage site.
Firmin Edouard Matoko, assistant director-general for Priority Africa and External Relations of UNESCO, made the remarks in an online special message for the Korea Global Forum for Peace, an annual forum organized by Seoul's unification ministry.
(END)


yna--2020-09-09--Typhoons leave behind mountains of trash on east coast beaches

Busan 's Dadaepo Beach , a 2-kilometer-long scenic picnic spot located at the estuary of the Nakdong River , is @ @ @ @ @ and debris after the city was battered by Typhoon Mayshak on Sept. 3 and Typhoon @ @ @ @ @ can hardly be seen on the beach .

SEOUL, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- Beaches in the southern port city of Busan and along the east coast are covered with a huge amount of garbage and debris after the regions were hit hard by two powerful typhoons over the past week.
Local governments in the typhoon-hit regions said Wednesday they are mobilizing excavators and all other available means to clean up mountains of trash from the beaches but are hampered by a shortage of manpower and resources.
Environmental experts say the massive pileup of waste washed ashore by the storms should be seen as a warning from nature about the seriousness of marine garbage.
Residents and officials remove trash from Yeongjin Port in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, on Sept. 8, 2020, after the east coast city was hit by two powerful typhoons over the past week. (Yonhap)
They say marine debris from rivers, land or ships usually floats in a large space before being transferred upon sandy beaches by typhoon-caused big waves.
Busan's Dadaepo Beach, a 2-kilometer-long scenic picnic spot located at the estuary of the Nakdong River, is so entirely filled with waste and debris after the city was battered by Typhoon Mayshak on Sept. 3 and Typhoon Haishen on Monday that sand can hardly be seen on the beach.
Civil servants say they are now working to collect the garbage with excavators, sort out recyclables and send reed debris to landfills, while forecasting that their cleanup efforts may last longer than two weeks.
"A massive amount of garbage and debris has drifted to the sea after upstream reservoirs and dams opened gates due to the onset of typhoons," a Busan government official said, estimating that about 2,500 tons of garbage, including reed debris, plastic bags, bottles and agricultural products, have washed up on Dadaepo Beach.
The government of Busan has also collected about 30 tons of trash, including cigarette butts, plastic bottles, styrofoam and wood chips, from Gwangalli Beach after the port city was hit by Typhoon Mayshak.
Naksan Beach in Yangyang, Gangwon Province, is full of garbage and debris on Sept. 8, 2020, after the east coast area was hit by two typhoons over the past week. (Yonhap)
In Pohang, a North Gyeongsang Province city about 375 km southeast of Seoul, Yeongildae Beach was also covered with mountains of trash washed ashore by the typhoons.
The municipal government has mobilized senior public service workers, excavators and trucks to remove tons of garbage from the beach.
"We're trying to remove seaside garbage as immediately as possible because seaweed and other garbage will smell bad unless they are cleaned up in two to three days," said a Pohang City Hall official.
Residents living along the east coast in Gangwon Province are also struggling to remove tons of trash from their scenic beaches.
Naksan Beach in the Gangwon Province county of Yangyang has virtually turned into a huge garbage dump full of various wood garbage, damaged fishing gear, home appliances, broken styrofoam and plastic bottles.
A beach in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, is full of garbage and debris on Sept. 4, 2020, after the east coast city was hit by two powerful typhoons over the past week. (Yonhap)
Yeongildae Beach in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, is covered with trash and seaweed debris on Sept. 9, 2020, after the east coast city was hit by two powerful typhoons over the past week. (Yonhap)
The situation was similar at nearby beaches, including Jeongam Beach, Seorak Beach and Mulchi Beach.
Such a large amount of trash has been floating in coastal waters in Gangwon Province that it is impossible for fishing vessels to dock at ports.
"The situation was not serious like this even in 2002 when the east coast was battered by the region's strongest-ever typhoon Rusa. I have never seen such a huge amount of trash in ports in my whole life," said a Naksan Port fisherman.
The county government of Yangyang estimated it may cost around 1.2 billion won (US$1 million) to remove about 5,000 tons of garbage from its beaches.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-09--S. Korea to allow online joint degree programs among universities

SEOUL, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will allow online joint degree programs among universities at home and abroad beginning next year, education officials said Wednesday.
During an inter-ministerial meeting on social issues, the Ministry of Education presented a series of measures to promote remote learning based on digital technologies in the COVID-19 era.
The agenda included its plan to permit online joint master's programs among domestic universities and online joint bachelor's and master's programs among domestic and foreign institutions.
"We will draw up detailed measures, such as requirements for participating schools, in the second half of this year," a ministry official said. "The programs will be initiated as early as the first half of next year."
Medical and law schools will be excluded from the policy, the ministry added.
Education Minister Yoo Eun-hae speaks during an inter-ministerial teleconference on social issues in the central city of Sejong on Sept. 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
The ministry also reported that it will remove a regulation that limits remote classes to 20 percent of total credits and leave universities to decide on the proportion of online learning. The restriction will be scrapped in the second half of the year.
Most universities have switched to online since the new coronavirus hit the country early this year.
To improve the quality of online classes, the ministry plans to establish a center for supporting teachers and instruct schools to operate monitoring panels of students, teachers and experts.
Authorities will allow universities to run non-in-person field training courses using augmented reality and virtual reality technologies. Related regulations will be revised in the second half of the year, the ministry said.
Also discussed at the meeting was a plan to assist universities in education of new technologies, including artificial intelligence and big data, with an aim to nurture 100,000 experts in such fields by 2026.
(END)


yna--2020-09-09--Gov't, ruling party agree on 20,000-won support for communication expenses

The DP requested that the government offer support of 20,000 won to all people aged 13 or older nationwide , @ @ @ @ @ to actively push for the measure , according to the party 's spokesman Choi In-ho @ @ @ @ @ to help them pay their monthly communication expenses , including smartphone service fees .

SEOUL, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- The government and the ruling Democratic Party (DP) agreed Wednesday to include a 20,000-won (US$16.8) subsidy for ordinary people in the planned emergency stimulus package.
The party made the announcement after its leaders had talks with President Moon Jae-in at Cheong Wa Dae.
The DP requested that the government offer support of 20,000 won to all people aged 13 or older nationwide, and the government has decided to actively push for the measure, according to the party's spokesman Choi In-ho. The support is meant to help them pay their monthly communication expenses, including smartphone service fees.
DP leader Lee Nak-yon was quoted as saying during the Cheong Wa Dae session, "Although the amount is not large, the communication expense support could be a comfort, even a little, to the people."
The subsidy would be funded by the envisioned fourth supplementary budget of the year to finance another round of cash handouts for people in need amid the economic fallout of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Lee Nak-yon (2nd from R), head of the ruling Democratic Party, speaks during a meeting with President Moon Jae-in at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Sept. 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-09--Hancom acquires local firm to tap into drone, aerospace biz

Hancom said it plans to combine its internet of Things ( IoT ) and autonomous driving solutions with InSpace 's @ @ @ @ @ drone service platform and aims to take part in the government 's smart city projects @

SEOUL, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- Hancom Group, South Korea's leading office software developer, said Wednesday it has acquired a local firm as part of efforts to tap deeper into the aerospace and drone businesses.
Hancom took over InSpace Co., which develops satellite ground station solutions and drone technologies. The group did not reveal the value of the deal.
Hancom said it plans to combine its internet of Things (IoT) and autonomous driving solutions with InSpace's drone technology to launch a drone service platform and aims to take part in the government's smart city projects.
InSpace's drone technology will also be useful to Hancom affiliates that pursue businesses like drone charging and training programs, according to the group.
Also with InSpace, Hancom said it will expand cooperation in satellite-related services.
In February, Hancom announced it will join hands with world's leading drone maker, DJI, to provide unmanned aircraft system education programs to foster drone pilots in South Korea.
This photo provided by Hancom Group on Sept. 9, 2020, shows InSpace's droneSAT system. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-09--(LEAD) Seoul stocks dip over 1 pct on Wall Street-triggered sell-offs

SEOUL , Sept. 9 ( Yonhap ) -- South Korean shares dipped more than 1 percent Wednesday , as investors @ @ @ @ @ plunge in the U.S. stock market .
The Korean won fell against the U.S. dollar @

(ATTN: ADDS bond yields at bottom, photo)
SEOUL, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korean shares dipped more than 1 percent Wednesday, as investors dumped market heavyweights following a plunge in the U.S. stock market. The Korean won fell against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) fell 26.1 points, or 1.09 percent, to close at 2,375.81.
Trading volume was moderate at about 929 million shares worth some 15.2 trillion won (US$12.8 billion), with losers outnumbering gainers 618 to 240.
Foreigners sold a net 117 billion won, extending the selling streak to a fourth session. Retail investors purchased a net 514 billion won, while institutions offloaded a net 429 billion won.
Electronic signboards at the trading room of Hana Bank in Seoul show the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed at 2,375.81 on Sept. 9, 2020, down 26.1 points or 1.09 percent from the previous session's close. (Yonhap)
Investor sentiment turned risk-averse, tracking steep falls in key U.S. stock indices. Tech shares led the drop, largely on account of rising valuation pressure.
"The recent plunges on Wall Street directed investor eyes to the (corporate) fundamentals, triggering a profit-taking rush," Kiwoom Securities analyst Seo Sang-young said.
The tech-laden Nasdaq Composite plummeted 465.44 points, or 4.11 percent, to 10,847.69, after dipping nearly 5 percent only two sessions ago. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 2.25 percent, with the S&P 500 down 2.78 percent.
Rising political tensions between the United States and China, South Korea's two largest trade partners, fueled investor wariness.
Simultaneous expiration for futures and options, set for Thursday, also increased uncertainties, analysts said.
In Seoul, most large caps closed lower with tech and bio stocks stung most.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics lost 0.51 percent to 58,400 won, and No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix retreated 2.64 percent to 77,300 won.
Top pharmaceutical firm Samsung Biologics dipped 1.94 percent to 759,000 won, and Celltrion sank 6.13 percent to 298,500 won.
LG Electronics spiked 5.13 percent to 90,200 won, after the firm announced a sales jump in electronic home appliances as more people stay and work at home.
Internet portal giant Naver fell 2.09 percent to 304,500 won, with its rival Kakao losing 1.54 percent to 384,000 won.
Leading chemical maker LG Chem dropped 1.41 percent to 699,000 won, with rechargeable battery maker Samsung SDI down 1.38 percent to 429,500 won.
Hyundai Motor, the country's largest automaker, slid 0.3 percent to 167,500 won, and top steelmaker POSCO shed 1.07 percent to 185,000 won.
The local currency closed at 1,189.1 won per dollar, down 2.7 won from the previous session's close.
Bond prices, which move inversely to yields, closed higher. The yield on three-year Treasurys fell 3.4 basis points to 0.915 percent, and the return on the benchmark five-year government bond lost 4.4 basis points to 1.19 percent.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-09--S. Korean Bond Yields on Sep. 9, 2020

S. Korean Bond Yields on Sep. 9, 2020

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


yna--2020-09-09--Seoul city asks food businesses to avoid delivery to riverside parks amid COVID-19 woes

The country is currently under a Level 2.5 measure following a resurgence of COVID-19 in mid-August .
Under the measure @ @ @ @ @ are only allowed to offer takeout and delivery from 9 p.m .
Franchise coffee chains @ @ @ @ @ parlors can run only takeout and delivery all day long .

SEOUL, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- Seoul city government said Wednesday it has asked local foodservice businesses to refrain from accepting delivery orders to Han River parks to help contain the spread of the new coronavirus.
The request to the Korea Foodservice Industry Association and food delivery companies was made to minimize food deliveries to the riverside parks until Sunday, when stricter social distancing measures in the greater Seoul area are scheduled to end.
The country is currently under a Level 2.5 measure following a resurgence of COVID-19 in mid-August. Under the measure, restaurants and small eateries are only allowed to offer takeout and delivery from 9 p.m. Franchise coffee chains, bakeries and ice cream parlors can run only takeout and delivery all day long.
People gather along the banks of the Han River that flows through Seoul, on Sept. 8, 2020. The Seoul metropolitan government has not prevented people from using the numerous parks and picnic areas, but has closed off some popular sections, as part of strict social distancing measures to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus. (Yonhap)
The anti-virus measure, however, has prompted more people to visit Han River parks. The number of visitors jumped 40 percent on-year as people who lost access to indoor venues gathered at the parks.
On Tuesday, the city government restricted entry to some crowded areas of the park, including two squares at Yeouido Han River Park, parts of Ttukseom Park, and two picnic zones at Banpo Han River Park, starting from Tuesday night. Shops and cafes inside the parks must close at 9 p.m.
Despite the measure, some people were seen at the park at night and using food deliveries, raising concerns over COVID-19 infections.
"Even outdoor spaces are not free from the risk of infection if people talk or eat together without wearing face masks," said Park Yoo-mi, the city's director of public health, urging people to follow the social distancing rules and refrain from meeting, drinking, eating in the riverside parks.
A sign banning entry into parks along the Han River in Seoul is set up at a park on Sept. 8, 2020, in accordance with the government's toughened social distancing rules to prevent the spread of COVID-19. (Yonhap)
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-09--U.S. flies surveillance plane over peninsula on N.K.'s founding anniversary

The flight came as North Korea marked the 72nd anniversary of its state founding , apparently without major celebratory events @ @ @ @ @ struggling to recover from damage wrought by recent back-to-back typhoons .

SEOUL, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- A U.S. surveillance aircraft flew over South Korea on Wednesday, an aviation tracker said, on an apparent mission to monitor North Korea on the state's founding anniversary.
The U.S. Army's Artemis CL-600 was spotted in the skies over the capital area at 12:54 p.m., No Callsign tweeted.
The Artemis is the U.S. Army's first manned aerial reconnaissance jet, standing for the Airborne Reconnaissance and Targeting Multi-Mission Intelligence System.
It "provides high-altitude sensing capabilities against near peer adversaries," the U.S. Army Program Executive Office said in a Facebook post last month.
The flight came as North Korea marked the 72nd anniversary of its state founding, apparently without major celebratory events as the country has been struggling to recover from damage wrought by recent back-to-back typhoons.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un presided over an enlarged meeting of the Central Military Commission of the ruling Workers' Party on Tuesday and discussed damage in an eastern mining area hit by last week's typhoon, state media reported.
Seoul officials said no unusual military activities related to the anniversary have been detected in the North.
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-09--(2nd LD) S. Korea, U.S. agree 'coming several months' crucial in denuclearization efforts

Both sides noted that the coming several months are important for the progress of the denuclearization and peace-building process and @ @ @ @ @ `` various related ways '' to push for it , according to Cheong Wa Dae @

(ATTN: UPDATES with reason for belated phone talks, background info in last 4 paras; ADDS photo, byline)
By Lee Chi-dong
SEOUL, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- Top South Korean and U.S. national security officials agreed Wednesday that the "coming several months" are crucial in efforts for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the regional peace process, Cheong Wa Dae said.
Suh Hoon, who serves as President Moon Jae-in's top national security adviser, and his American counterpart Robert O'Brien agreed to continue discussing "various ways" for the peace drive, as they had their first phone talks since Suh assumed the post in early July.
They had "discussions on major pending bilateral issues between South Korea and the U.S. and the regional security conditions," Cheong Wa Dae said in a statement.
Both sides noted that the coming several months are important for the progress of the denuclearization and peace-building process and agreed to continue consultations on "various related ways" to push for it, according to Cheong Wa Dae.
Suh Hoon, director of Cheong Wa Dae's national security office, writes a memo, in this file photo. (Yonhap)
They also reaffirmed a "firm commitment" to the alliance that shares common values and agreed to cooperate closely for a "complete end" to the COVID-19 outbreak, it added.
Suh and O'Brien agreed to seek to hold face-to-face consultations at an early date.
Cheong Wa Dae did not give further details in the brief press statement, including why the allies view the coming months as crucial for regional security. The U.S. presidential election is slated for early November.
The first formal phone call between O'Brien and his new consultation partner of South Korea was relatively belated, given precedents, as Suh took office more than two months earlier.
That is because the White House official had tested positive for the coronavirus and worked from home, a Cheong Wa Dae official told reporters.
Just days after starting the job, Suh had an introductory phone conversation with Shigeru Kitamura, secretary general of Japan's National Security Secretariat (NSS).
On Aug. 22, Suh met with Yang Jiechi, a top Chinese official handling diplomatic affairs, in the southern port city of Busan.
This file photo shows U.S. National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien (L) conveying President Donald Trump's letter to South Korean President Moon Jae-in during a meeting at IMPACT Forum in Bangkok on Nov. 4, 2019. In the letter, Trump expressed his condolences to Moon over the passing of his mother. (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-10--Seoul city to unveil promotional tourism video featuring BTS

The video was produced to allow viewers to feel as if they are traveling the capital , with each member @ @ @ @ @ features of the city .
RM will focus on the `` old but new '' @ @ @ @ @ showcase themes on `` city break '' and `` scenic nature , '' respectively .

SEOUL, Sept. 10 (Yonhap) -- A promotional video of K-pop superstars BTS introducing travel spots in the South Korean capital will go live this week, the Seoul city government said Thursday.
While the new coronavirus has put a brake on the global tourism industry, the city government said the video was aimed at "continuously inducing affection for Seoul and 'hallyu," while "positioning the city as a bucket list destination for fans" when the pandemic fades.
Bucket list destination for ARMYs! BTS introduces travel spots in Seoul Youtube https://youtu.be/puGIqKD8NSE
A promotional image featuring BTS provided by the Seoul city government and the Seoul Tourism Organization (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The video was produced to allow viewers to feel as if they are traveling the capital, with each member of the septet introducing different features of the city. RM will focus on the "old but new" while Jin and Jungkook will showcase themes on "city break" and "scenic nature," respectively.
The video will be available from 5 p.m. on Friday at the city's tourism platform (www.visitseoul.net) and social media channels. The city said it will also run events along with the video launch.
BTS has been the city's honorary tourism ambassador since 2017.
A promotional image featuring BTS provided by the Seoul city government and the Seoul Tourism Organization (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-10--The Korea Interbank Offered Rates (KORIBOR)

SEOUL , Sep. 10 ( Yonhap ) -- The Korea Interbank Offered Rates ( KORIBOR ) as posted by Yonhap @ @ @ @ @ and information arm of Yonhap News Agency , at 11:00 a.m .


yna--2020-09-10--LG Electronics launches new Micro LED signage

LG said it also applied an advanced coating technology to maximize dark black levels and increase durability and impact resistance @ @ @ @ @ and humidity .

SEOUL, Sept. 10 (Yonhap) -- Major South Korean tech firm LG Electronics Inc. on Thursday launched a new Micro LED digital signage product that boasts high picture quality.
LG MAGNIT was released globally in major markets in Asia, North America and Europe, according to the company.
The name MAGNIT comes from combining the words "magnificent" and "nit," a measurement unit for luminance.
Micro LED signage refers to products with self-emitting display technology, in which each sub-pixel produces its own light with a very tiny LED.
LG said it also applied an advanced coating technology to maximize dark black levels and increase durability and impact resistance of the product against dust and humidity.
The latest digital signage is also equipped with LG's artificial intelligence (AI) solutions that find optimal settings for high picture quality.
Users can connect multiple displays to make their desired size, with its non-contact connect technology enabling easy installation and smooth signal transmission, according to LG.
LG hopes the signage can be installed at various places, including shopping malls, museums and office buildings, with its easy installation and expandability.
This photo provided by LG Electronics Inc. on Sept. 10, 2020, shows the company's new Micro LED digital signage product MAGNIT. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-10--Samsung tops Egypt smartphone market in Q2: report

`` The price band and screen size trends indicate that consumers were opting for more affordable phones due to tighter @ @ @ @ @ affordable models with higher specs to cope with challenging sales conditions during the pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ a senior research analyst at IDC , said .

SEOUL, Sept. 10 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Co. was the leading smartphone market vendor in Egypt in the second quarter of the year, a report showed Thursday.
Samsung accounted for a 23.8 percent share of Egypt's smartphone market in the April-June period, beating Chinese brands Oppo and Xiaomi to take the top position, according to market researcher International Data Corp. (IDC).
Egypt's smartphone market grew in the second quarter despite the novel coronavirus pandemic, according to IDC. The market expanded 2.2 percent on-quarter to 2.88 million units.
In the second quarter, the portion of ultra-low end smartphones priced below US$100 in Egypt jumped to 30.5 percent from 17.5 percent a year earlier, while devices with screen sizes between 6.5 and 7 inches accounted for a 45.4 percent market share following a 12.4 percentage point on-quarter increase.
"The price band and screen size trends indicate that consumers were opting for more affordable phones due to tighter budgets, while vendors supplied affordable models with higher specs to cope with challenging sales conditions during the pandemic," Taher Abdel Hameed, a senior research analyst at IDC, said.
This file photo, taken on Aug. 7, 2020, shows Samsung Electronics Co.'s smartphone displayed at a store in Seoul. (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-10--(LEAD) Kakao Games makes splash in KOSDAQ debut

The gaming company plans to use the proceeds from the IPO in developing a lineup of new games , including @ @ @ @ @ firm is pushing to launch the two large-scale massively multiplayer online role-playing games ( MMORPG @ @ @ @ @ this year .

(ATTN: ADDS details in paras 2, 7, comments at bottom)
By Chung Joo-won
SEOUL, Sept. 10 (Yonhap) -- Kakao Games, the game developing unit of South Korean mobile giant Kakao, made a strong market debut Thursday, trading at more than double the initial public offering (IPO) price.
As of 10:10 a.m., Kakao Games traded at 48,000 won (US$40.49), twice the IPO price, and instantly surged by the daily permissible limit of 30 percent to 62,400 won per share. Its market capitalization stood at 4.6 trillion won, the fifth largest on the secondary, tech-laden KOSDAQ market.
The game publisher raised some 384 billion won via the IPO.
Prior to its IPO, investors rushed to Kakao Games for its growth potential amid the coronavirus pandemic. They chipped in 58.5 trillion won in deposits to buy its stocks, the largest in the country's IPO history.
Last year, Kakao Games posted an operating profit of 35 billion won on sales of 391 billion won.
In the first half of this year, its operating profit came to 28.7 billion won, up 63.7 percent from a year earlier.
The gaming company plans to use the proceeds from the IPO in developing a lineup of new games, including Elyon and Odin. The firm is pushing to launch the two large-scale massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPG) by the end of this year.
Kakao Corp. owns the largest 58.96 percent stake in Kakao Games, which has been broadening its presence not only in South Korea but across Asia with the help of KakaoTalk after its inception in April 2016.
Kakao Games currently has over 45 million monthly active users.
"Kakao Games is expected to log gains in the short run thanks to the estimate-beating performance of its latest project Guardian Tales and the upcoming launch of Elyon and Odin," said SK Securities analyst Lee Jin-man.
"Kakao's platform, content environment and active M&A strategy create great advantages for Kakao games," he added.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-10--N.K. paper highlights all-out recovery efforts from 3 consecutive typhoons

During the meeting , Kim also said that the direction of his five-year economic development plan will be changed due @ @ @ @ @ recent typhoons .
In a party meeting held last month , Kim acknowledged a failure @ @ @ @ @ the plan due to tough internal and external challenges , saying a new scheme will @ @ @ @ @ a rare party congress .

By Yi Wonju
SEOUL, Sept. 10 (Yonhap) -- North Korea is making all-out efforts to recover from typhoon damage in the country's eastern regions, state media said Thursday, in a move seen in part as aimed at solidifying internal unity ahead of the founding anniversary of its ruling party next month.
The North has been hit by three consecutive typhoons in recent weeks, with the latest one, Haishen, lashing the country's eastern regions Monday. Earlier, state media said that about 12,000 elite party members in Pyongyang headed to the typhoon-hit Hamgyong Province to help with recovery efforts.
The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the North's ruling party, carried commentary Thursday praising their recovery efforts as "a devoted struggle."
"We can only realize a country and a nation's depth of unity in the midst of severe adversity," the paper said.
It added that the division of elite party members arrived at the typhoon-hit areas Wednesday and went straight to restore damaged roads.
State media earlier said around 60,000 meters of roads were damaged, 59 bridges had collapsed, and over 3,500 meters of railway roadbeds were swept away in the Komdok area of South Hamgyong Province due to last week's Typhoon Maysak.
The division of party members was organized after leader Kim Jong-un on Saturday urged members in Pyongyang to take the lead in minimizing damage from the recent back-to-back storms in a rare public letter.
The paper said that in addition to the elite party members, many North Koreans across the country volunteered to help with recovery efforts in the area and praised it as an "incident that caused the whole nation to rise up in unity."
It also stressed that the country's internal unity is strengthening further under Kim's leadership amid natural disasters and efforts to contain the new coronavirus.
Kim ordered damaged homes and railways to be rebuilt by Oct. 10, the 75th party founding anniversary, during an enlarged meeting of the Central Military Commission of the ruling Workers' Party on Tuesday.
During the meeting, Kim also said that the direction of his five-year economic development plan will be changed due to unexpected damage by the recent typhoons. In a party meeting held last month, Kim acknowledged a failure in achieving intended goals of the plan due to tough internal and external challenges, saying a new scheme will be unveiled in January during a rare party congress.
The North is set to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Worker's Party next month amid a double whammy of coronavirus concerns and deepening economic woes, and fresh concerns over damage from recent back-to-back typhoons.
People in Pyongyang form columns as they march to help Hamgyong Province, which was hit hard by Typhoon Maysak, in this image captured from footage of the state-run Korean Central Television on Sept. 8, 2020. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
Vans with speakers urge people in Pyongyang to help Hamgyong Province, which was hit hard by Typhoon Maysak, in this image captured from the state-run Korean Central Television on Sept. 8, 2020. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-10--(LEAD) New virus cases under 200 for 8th day; extension of stricter virus measures again under revie

(LEAD) New virus cases under 200 for 8th day; extension of stricter virus measures again under review

The number of patients in serious or critical condition came to 169 , up 15 from the previous day .
@ @ @ @ @ the recent spike will lead to shortages in hospital beds , as well as more @ @ @ @ @ them are seniors .

(ATTN: ADDS details throughout; CHANGES photo)
SEOUL, Sept. 10 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new virus cases stayed below 200 for the eighth consecutive day Thursday, but a spate of cluster infections continued to strain the country's efforts to bring the daily numbers under two digits.
The government will decide this week whether to extend tougher anti-virus measures in place in the greater Seoul area.
The country added 155 more COVID-19 cases, including 141 local infections, raising the total caseload to 21,743, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
Thursday's tally was nearly unchanged from the 156 cases reported Wednesday.
South Korea has been posting triple-digit infections for nearly a month since Aug. 14. The recent spike was mainly attributable to cases tied to a conservative church in northern Seoul and an anti-government rally held last month.
A medical staffer drenched in sweat works at a makeshift clinic on Sept. 9, 2020, in this photo released by the Buk Ward of Gwangju, 320 kilometers south of Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Helped by the country's toughened social distancing measures, the number of daily new cases has been gradually falling after hitting 441 additional cases on Aug. 27, despite some ups and downs.
Health authorities said the latest outcomes are "positive," but the country cannot lower its guard, as sporadic cluster infections have continued.
South Korea will soon decide whether to extend the enhanced social distancing scheme in the greater Seoul area, which is due to expire Sunday, by another week.
Health authorities have said a daily increase of around 100 COVID-19 patients is considered a manageable level under the current medical capability.
Restaurants in the Seoul metropolitan area can operate normally from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., but then can only offer takeout after that time. Franchise coffee chains, bakeries and ice cream parlors can only offer takeaway around the clock.
The measures were adopted amid concerns that a new wave of the pandemic in the densely populated capital area that houses around half of the country's 51-million population would be much more catastrophic than the massive outbreak in Daegu in late February and early March.
More than 5,000 virus cases were traced to the minor religious sect of Shincheonji in Daegu, a city with around 2.5 million residents.
South Korea adopted what it calls the Level 2 social distancing scheme for other parts of the country in mid-August, under which indoor meetings of more than 50 people and open-air gatherings of over 100 people are banned. This will run through Sept. 20, though it could be extended.
Visitors wait to receive new coronavirus tests at a makeshift clinic in eastern Seoul on Sept. 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
Of the newly identified local infections, 46 cases were reported in Seoul and 47 from Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital.
Other municipalities reported new infections, with the central city of Daejeon adding 11 cases and Incheon, just west of Seoul, reporting five new cases. South Chungcheong Province added 12 new patients.
Cases traced to Sarang Jeil Church in northern Seoul, a hotbed of the recent spike in new infections, reached 1,167 as of Wednesday. Cases tied to the anti-government rally in Seoul on Aug. 15 reached 551.
Other sporadic cluster infections continued throughout the nation.
A Buddhist facility located in western Seoul reported 14 patients so far. A logistics center of e-commerce giant Coupang located in eastern Seoul reported 12 cases.
Another Catholic church in northern Seoul posted five patients as well.
Five workers at Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., the country's leading shipbuilder, and two others tested positive for the virus.
The proportion of patients with untraceable infection routes over the past two weeks came to 22.2 percent, according to the latest data provided Wednesday, also straining the country's virus fight. A whopping 41.5 percent were linked to cluster infections.
The number of patients in serious or critical condition came to 169, up 15 from the previous day. Health authorities are worried that the recent spike will lead to shortages in hospital beds, as well as more deaths, as most of them are seniors.
South Korea is bracing itself for the Chuseok holiday, which runs from Sept. 30 to Oct. 4 this year. The Korean autumn harvest celebration is one of the country's biggest traditional holidays and serves as a chance for family members to visit their hometowns.
Health authorities have advised that the reunions should be held virtually, otherwise new infections could surge.
The country, meanwhile, reported 14 imported cases.
The United States, Russia and Uzbekistan accounted for two cases each. There were also cases from Kenya, Australia, Japan and India. The accumulated number of imported cases reached 2,947.
South Korea reported two more deaths, raising the total to 346. The fatality rate came to 1.59 percent.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 17,360, up 337 from the previous day. Nearly 80 percent of the patients reported here were cured so far.
The country has carried out 2,099,591 COVID-19 tests since Jan. 3.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-10--Justice minister asked defense ministry to extend son's leave: document

The son , surnamed Seo and now 27 years old , took his first medical leave from June 5-14 , @ @ @ @ @ surgery , and extended it once through June 23 .
For four days after that @ @ @ @ @ vacation days before returning to his unit .
The allegations are that those last days @ @ @ @ @ but he was able to extend his leave without first returning to base thanks to @ @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Sept. 10 (Yonhap) -- Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae and her husband asked the defense ministry in 2017 to extend medical leave for their son who was serving his mandatory military duty at the time, according to documents apparently written by the ministry.
Choo has come under fire over allegations that she used her influence to seek special favors for her son, who served in the Korean Augmentation to the United States Army (KATUSA) for the 2nd Infantry Division of the U.S. 8th Army. Choo was chairwoman of the ruling Democratic Party at the time.
According to the documents seen Wednesday and apparently written recently by the personnel office of the Ministry of National Defense, a then master sergeant in charge of the support team had two meetings with Choo's son regarding his medical leave.
This photo shows Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae leaving her home in eastern Seoul on Sept. 10, 2020. (Yonhap)
The son, surnamed Seo and now 27 years old, took his first medical leave from June 5-14, 2017, to receive knee surgery, and extended it once through June 23. For four days after that, he used his personal vacation days before returning to his unit. The allegations are that those last days were not approved in advance but he was able to extend his leave without first returning to base thanks to his mother's influence.
"(Seo) inquired about ways to extend his medical leave because he has yet to fully recover," the master sergeant wrote in records of their second meeting, which are summarized in the documents. The records are dated June 15, 2017. The first meeting took place in April.
"(I) had told him before he went on leave that medical leave is permitted up to one month, but (Seo) said he felt bad about asking (me), and while consulting his parents, found out that they had already filed a request," he wrote.
The master sergeant continued, "I told him that he has nothing to feel bad about and firmly requested that he ask (me) directly next time and resolve his questions that way."
The records, if true, indicate that Choo and her husband personally made a request regarding their son's leave with the defense ministry before the first leave ended.
They also show that Seo told the master sergeant that he would send a doctor's note the following week because the doctor was away for business. The master sergeant told Seo to use his personal vacation days until an assessment of medical leave is complete, and when the medical leave is approved for extension, the vacation days would be restored.
Seo's lawyer has made similar claims.
In a statement Tuesday, the lawyer said the second medical leave was first approved verbally, and following instructions, the supporting documents were sent by email on June 21, 2017.
The allegations of preferential treatment have become the latest political football, with the main opposition People Power Party calling on President Moon Jae-in to take a stand, and the Democratic Party dismissing the case as groundless.
Other key allegations surrounding Seo are his family's reported attempt to get him assigned to a base in Seoul, rather than in Uijeongbu, north of the capital, and their reported push to have him selected as an interpreter for the February 2018 PyeongChang Winter Games.
Prosecutors launched an investigation into the alleged preferential treatment in January, but no progress has been announced.
Choo has denied abusing her power to get special favors for her son.
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-10--SK Telecom joins hands with Samsung, Intel, HPE for virtualization of 5G network

The network virtualization refers to a process of consolidating various network equipment functions into a software form .
It allows @ @ @ @ @ their 5G services because they do not have to install new hardware equipment or upgrade @ @

SEOUL, Sept. 10 (Yonhap) -- SK Telecom Co., South Korea's top mobile carrier, said Thursday it has joined hands with global partners for commercialization of the 5G virtual network.
Under the partnership with Samsung Electronics Co., Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. (HPE) and Intel Corp., SK Telecom will take part in the 5G network virtualization technology development and establishment of virtualization process standards.
The network virtualization refers to a process of consolidating various network equipment functions into a software form. It allows mobile carriers to quickly introduce their 5G services because they do not have to install new hardware equipment or upgrade them.
For the project, Intel will share technologies on its Xeon processor, Ethernet network adaptor and solid state drives, while HPE will provide its virtual server ProLiant to Samsung.
SK Telecom will verify Samsung's 5G virtualization software on its 5G core and check its compatibility on the commercial network.
"The collaboration of the four companies will establish the foundation of the 5G network virtualization, which will provide better services to consumers," said Kang Jong-ryeol, who heads the ICT Infra Center at SK Telecom.
This photo provided by SK Telecom on Jan. 20, 2020, shows the company's researchers testing its 5G network communication. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-10--New virus cases under 200 for 8th day; extension of stricter virus measures again under review

South Korea adopted what it calls the Level 2 social distancing scheme for other parts of the country in mid-August @ @ @ @ @ of more than 50 people and open-air gatherings of over 100 people are banned .
@ @ @ @ @ 20 , though it could be extended .

SEOUL, Sept. 10 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new virus cases stayed below 200 for the eighth consecutive day Thursday, but a spate of cluster infections continued to strain the country's efforts to bring the daily numbers under two digits.
The government will decide this week whether to extend tougher anti-virus measures in place in the greater Seoul area.
The country added 155 more COVID-19 cases, including 141 local infections, raising the total caseload to 21,743, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
Thursday's tally was nearly unchanged from the 156 cases reported Wednesday.
South Korea has been posting triple-digit infections for nearly a month since Aug. 14. The recent spike was mainly attributable to cases tied to a conservative church in northern Seoul and an anti-government rally held last month.
A medical staffer drenched in sweat works at a makeshift clinic on Sept. 9, 2020, in this photo released by the Buk Ward of Gwangju, 320 kilometers south of Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Helped by the country's toughened social distancing measures, the number of daily new cases has been gradually falling after hitting 441 additional cases on Aug. 27, despite some ups and downs.
Health authorities said the latest outcomes are "positive," but the country cannot lower its guard, as sporadic cluster infections have continued.
South Korea will soon decide whether to extend the enhanced social distancing scheme in the greater Seoul area, which is due to expire Sunday, by another week.
Health authorities have said a daily increase of around 100 COVID-19 patients is considered a manageable level under the current medical capability.
Restaurants in the Seoul metropolitan area can operate normally from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., but then can only offer takeout after that time. Franchise coffee chains, bakeries and ice cream parlors can only offer takeaway around the clock.
The measures were adopted amid concerns that a new wave of the pandemic in the densely populated capital area that houses around half of the country's 51-million population would be much more catastrophic than the massive outbreak in Daegu in late February and early March.
More than 5,000 virus cases were traced to the minor religious sect of Shincheonji in Daegu, a city with around 2.5 million residents.
South Korea adopted what it calls the Level 2 social distancing scheme for other parts of the country in mid-August, under which indoor meetings of more than 50 people and open-air gatherings of over 100 people are banned. This will run through Sept. 20, though it could be extended.
A medical staffer carries out new coronavirus tests at a makeshift clinic on Sept. 9, 2020, in this photo released by the Buk Ward of Gwangju, 320 kilometers south of Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Of the newly identified local infections, 46 cases were reported in Seoul and 47 from Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital.
Other municipalities reported new infections, with the central city of Daejeon adding 11 cases and Incheon, just west of Seoul, reporting five new cases.
Cases traced to Sarang Jeil Church in northern Seoul, a hotbed of the recent spike in new infections, reached 1,167 as of Wednesday. Cases tied to the anti-government rally in Seoul on Aug. 15 reached 551.
Other sporadic cluster infections continued throughout the nation.
A Buddhist facility located in western Seoul reported 14 patients so far. A logistics center of e-commerce giant Coupang located in eastern Seoul reported 12 cases.
Another Catholic church in northern Seoul posted five patients as well.
The proportion of patients with untraceable infection routes over the past two weeks came to 22.2 percent, according to the latest data provided Wednesday, also straining the country's virus fight. A whopping 41.5 percent were linked to cluster infections.
The number of patients in serious or critical condition came to 169, up 15 from the previous day. Health authorities are worried that the recent spike will lead to shortages in hospital beds, as well as more deaths, as most of them are seniors.
South Korea is bracing itself for the Chuseok holiday, which runs from Sept. 30 to Oct. 4 this year. The Korean autumn harvest celebration is one of the country's biggest traditional holidays and serves as a chance for family members to visit their hometowns.
Health authorities have advised that the reunions should be held virtually, otherwise new infections could surge.
The country, meanwhile, reported 14 imported cases.
South Korea reported two more deaths, raising the total to 346.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 17,360, up 337 from the previous day.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-10--President Moon's approval rating falls amid another justice minister scandal

He underwent knee surgeries before and after joining the military .
He is alleged to have been granted unjust , @ @ @ @ @ for the use of sick leave thanks to the influence of Choo , who was @ @ @ @ @ that time .
Choo and his son have flatly denied the allegations .

By Lee Chi-dong
SEOUL, Sept. 10 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in's approval rating has dropped 2.4 percentage points, with a controversy snowballing over alleged influence peddling by Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae for her son in connection with his military service a few years ago, a poll showed Thursday.
In the Realmeter survey of 1,504 voters nationwide from Monday through Wednesday, 45.7 percent supported Moon, down 2.4 percentage points from a week earlier.
The portion of those who gave a negative assessment of his presidency rose for the second consecutive week to 49.5 percent. The margin of error is plus or minus 2.5 percentage points.
In particular, support for Moon among those in their 20s tumbled 5.7 percent to 33.3 percent, and the negative view of his leadership among male respondents jumped 6.0 percentage points to 54.8 percent.
President Moon Jae-in speaks during a meeting with ruling Democratic Party officials at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Sept. 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
The ruling Democratic Party's (DP) approval rating declined 4.1 percentage points to 33.7 percent, while that of the main opposition People Power Party gained 1.8 percentage points to 32.8 percent.
Realmeter cited a flood of media reports on suspicions that Choo's son had received special favors during his service in 2017 as a KATUSA soldier. KATUSA stands for Korean Augmentation to the United States. All able-bodied South Korean men are obliged to serve in the military for about two years. A small group of draftees are picked under a relevant conscription process to become KATUSA members.
He underwent knee surgeries before and after joining the military. He is alleged to have been granted unjust, or illicit, special perks for the use of sick leave thanks to the influence of Choo, who was head of the DP at that time. Choo and his son have flatly denied the allegations.
Many say the Choo scandal is a reminder of the Cho Kuk scandal that rocked the country about a year ago.
Choo's predecessor at the Ministry of Justice, Cho came under public criticism mainly over alleged preferential treatment his daughter had received in her schooling. Moon's approval rating plummeted to 41.4 percent in the second week of last October in the midst of a fierce backlash against his appointment of Cho as justice minister.
Justice Minister Choo Mie-ae attends a National Assembly session on Sept. 8, 2020. (Yonhap)
A DP lawmaker, Yoon Young-chan, has also drawn public ire since the revelation of his Telegram message widely seen as attempting to put pressure on a local internet portal, Daum, over its high-profile delivery of news on the main opposition party floor leader's parliamentary speech strongly condemning the president. Yoon worked as senior presidential secretary for public communication. Daum said its front-page news selection is based on a machine editing algorithm.
Enhancing fairness and justice is at the top of the Moon administration's stated policy goals.
Moon has not publicly mentioned the Choo scandal. Cheong Wa Dae aides have also refrained from commenting on the sensitive issue, pointing out that a relevant probe by state prosecutors is under way.
The ruling party won a landslide victory in the April 15 general elections on increased public support for the government's fight against the new coronavirus. Moon's approval rating then plunged again on the people's outrage over the real estate policy before bouncing back after the resurgence of cluster infections recently.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-10--(URGENT) 337 more patients released from coronavirus treatment, total now at 17,360: KCDC


yna--2020-09-10--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 2 additional coronavirus death, total now at 346: KCDC


yna--2020-09-10--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 155 more cases of new coronavirus, total now at 21,743: KCDC


yna--2020-09-10--Seoul stocks open sharply higher on Wall Street rebound

The tech-laden Nasdaq composite rose 293.87 points , or 2.71 percent , to 11,141.56 on Wednesday ( New York time @ @ @ @ @ Industrial Average gained 2.6 percent , with the S & P 500 up 2.01 percent @

SEOUL, Sept. 10 (Yonhap) -- South Korean shares opened sharply higher Thursday, tracking an overnight rebound on Wall Street.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 26.48 points, or 1.11 percent, to 2,402.29 in the first 15 minutes of trading.
The index got off to a strong start after a 1.09 percent fall the previous session.
Tech shares soared, taking a cue from a rebound in U.S. tech heavyweights.
The tech-laden Nasdaq composite rose 293.87 points, or 2.71 percent, to 11,141.56 on Wednesday (New York time). The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 2.6 percent, with the S&P 500 up 2.01 percent.
Most large caps traded higher in Seoul.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics added 1.88 percent, with No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix gaining 0.65 percent.
Leading chemical maker LG Chem rose 1 percent, and top automaker Hyundai Motor climbed 0.9 percent.
Top pharmaceutical firm Samsung Biologics gained 0.4 percent, and Celltrion advanced 0.84 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,184.7 won against the U.S. dollar, up 4.4 won from the previous session's close.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-10--Kakao Games makes splash in KOSDAQ debut

Kakao Corp. owns the largest 58.96 percent stake in Kakao Games , which has been broadening its presence not only @ @ @ @ @ Asia with the help of KakaoTalk after its inception in April 2016 .

By Chung Joo-won
SEOUL, Sept. 10 (Yonhap) -- Kakao Games, the game developing unit of South Korean mobile giant Kakao, made a strong market debut Thursday, trading at more than double the initial public offering (IPO) price.
Kakao Games started off at 48,000 won, twice the IPO price, and instantly surged by the daily permissible limit of 30 percent to 62,400 won per share.
The game publisher raised some 384 billion won via the IPO.
Prior to its IPO, investors rushed to Kakao Games for its growth potential amid the coronavirus pandemic. They chipped in 58.5 trillion won in deposits to buy its stocks, the largest in the country's IPO history.
Last year, Kakao Games posted an operating profit of 35 billion won on sales of 391 billion won.
In the first half of this year, its operating profit came to 28.7 billion won, up 63.7 percent from a year earlier.
The gaming company plans to use the proceeds from the IPO in developing a lineup of new games.
Kakao Corp. owns the largest 58.96 percent stake in Kakao Games, which has been broadening its presence not only in South Korea but across Asia with the help of KakaoTalk after its inception in April 2016.
Kakao Games currently has over 45 million monthly active users.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-10--(LEAD) S. Korea sells bonds worth US$625 mln, 700 mln euros for forex stabilization

The 10-year dollar-denominated bonds carry a yield of 1.198 percent , or 50 basis points more than U.S. Treasuries , @ @ @ @ @ Finance said in a statement .

(ATTN: ADDS finance minister's remarks in paras 6-7)
SEJONG, Sept. 10 (Yonhap) -- South Korea issued bonds worth US$625 million and 700 million euros for its foreign exchange stabilization scheme, the finance ministry said Thursday.
The 10-year dollar-denominated bonds carry a yield of 1.198 percent, or 50 basis points more than U.S. Treasuries, the Ministry of Economy and Finance said in a statement.
The five-year euro-denominated bonds carry a yield of minus 0.059 percent, the ministry said.
It was the first time that a non-European nation sold euro-denominated bonds with a negative yield, the ministry said.
A negative bond yield means that an investor earns less money than the original purchase price when the bond matures.
Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki said the lowest-yielding bond sale reaffirmed foreign investors' confidence in the South Korean economy.
The government will redouble efforts to help the nation's economy recover from the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, Hong said in a Facebook post.
The bond sale drew several times more orders than the proposed amount, according to the ministry.
Among the major buyers of the bonds are central banks and sovereign funds around the world, the ministry said.
Despite heightened economic uncertainties over the coronavirus pandemic, the bond sale showed that foreign investors trust the South Korean economy, the ministry said.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


KOSPI 2,404.83 UP 29.02 points (open)

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


KOSDAQ 881.12 UP 11.65 points (open)


Thursday's weather forecast

SEOUL , Sept. 10 ( Yonhap ) -- The following is the weather forecast for South Korea 's 12 major @ @ @ @ @ .


yna--2020-09-10--Trump says N. Korean leader is in 'good health'

The short statement came one day after a series of reports suggested that Kim may have played the U.S. president @ @ @ @ @ from an upcoming book by famed journalist Bob Woodward , who claims to have obtained @ @ @ @ @ between Trump and Kim .

WASHINGTON, Sept. 10 (Yonhap) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is in "good health," dismissing speculation that the reclusive leader may have suffered serious health issues.
"Kim Jong Un is in good health. Never underestimate him," Trump wrote on Twitter.
The short statement came one day after a series of reports suggested that Kim may have played the U.S. president with flattery, citing excerpts from an upcoming book by famed journalist Bob Woodward, who claims to have obtained 25 previously unpublicized letters exchanged between Trump and Kim.
Trump's tweet follows long-term speculation that Kim may have suffered a health problem that put him in a coma, which was sparked by his long disappearance from the public eye.
Kim, however, has returned to carrying out his duties.
Kim and Trump have met three times since June 2018 when they held the first-ever U.S.-North Korea summit. Their denuclearization talks have stalled since their second summit, held in February 2019, ended without a deal.
The photo, taken June 30, 2019, shows U.S. President Donald Trump (L) and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un posing for a photo shortly before holding talks on the South Korean side of the Demilitarized Zone that separates the two Koreas. The meeting marked the third and last meeting between the two leaders that followed their two bilateral summits held in June 2018 and February 2019. (Yonhap)
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-10--(URGENT) Trump says N. Korean leader is in good health


yna--2020-09-10--S. Korea bans German pork imports after report of African swine fever

The ban on imports is in line with standing guidelines for food and animal safety and will affect products that @ @ @ @ @ .
Pork from Germany that has already arrived in South Korea or will reach here @ @ @ @ @ will be checked thoroughly at customs .
Shipments that pass the inspections will be allowed @ @ @ @ @ ministry said .

SEOUL, Sept. 10 (Yonhap) -- South Korea banned imports of pork from Germany on Thursday after an African swine fever (ASF) case was confirmed in the European country.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Rural Affairs said German authorities verified that samples taken from a wild boar from the state of Brandenburg tested positive for the highly infectious animal disease.
The ban on imports is in line with standing guidelines for food and animal safety and will affect products that have been shipped on Thursday. Pork from Germany that has already arrived in South Korea or will reach here before the ban is implemented will be checked thoroughly at customs. Shipments that pass the inspections will be allowed into the country, the ministry said.
South Korea has been struggling with sporadic outbreaks of ASF, particularly near the border with North Korea, and has been banned from exporting its pork.
There is no effective vaccine against the disease that can devastate livestock but poses no direct threat to humans.
This file photo provided by South Gyeongsang Province shows disinfection underway at a livestock farm. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-10--(3rd LD) 4th extra budget aims to help small merchants gripped by virus resurgence

Elaborating on support to be given to small merchants , the minister said Seoul plans to double the amount of @ @ @ @ @ through a special lending program from 10 million won to 20 million won .
He @ @ @ @ @ to make it easy for merchants to take out this kind of loan .

(ATTN: ADDS finance minister's remarks in paras 21-23, 25)
SEJONG, Sept. 10 (Yonhap) -- A fourth supplementary budget worth 7.8 trillion won (US$6.6 billion) is mainly aimed at helping small merchants and self-employed people cushion the economic impact of a recent resurgence of the new coronavirus.
The additional fiscal boost came less than a month after health authorities tightened social distancing rules to contain a new wave of contagion, amid growing concerns that the nation's economic slump may be deeper than expected.
Presiding over an emergency economic council meeting, President Moon Jae-in said the fourth extra budget is a "tailored" relief package for the business sector that suffered the most damage from the virus resurgence.
The resurgence of the new coronavirus has "rapidly put a damper on all economic activities and delayed the pace of an economic rebound," Moon said.
In particular, small merchants and self-employed people have felt the pinch of the elevated social distancing rules because they are suffering from lost income and high rental costs, Moon said.
Since late last month, restaurants and smaller eateries in the greater Seoul area have been required to operate until 9 p.m., and only takeaway and delivery are permitted from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
For franchise coffee chains, bakeries and ice cream parlors, only takeout and delivery have been permitted regardless of operating hours.
It marked the first time in 59 years for the South Korean government to allocate four extra budgets in a single fiscal year.
President Moon Jae-in speaks during an emergency economic council meeting at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Sept. 10, 2020. (Yonhap)
About half of the fourth extra budget, or 3.8 trillion won, will be spent for small merchants and self-employed people. Of that, the government plans to provide 3.2 trillion won in cash handouts to 2.91 million small merchants and self-employed people.
Under the plan, a small merchant with annual revenue of 400 million won or less will receive 1 million won in cash if the merchant suffers from lost income, the Ministry of Economy and Finance said.
Internet cafes, indoor sports facilities and cram schools will receive 2 million won each. For restaurants, smaller eateries and other merchants that shortened business hours, they will receive 1.5 million won each.
Another 1.4 trillion won will be used to help virus-hit companies maintain 1.19 million jobs.
In May, the government offered some 1.5 million won each in subsidies to 500,000 temporary or freelance workers who lost their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic.
For the 500,000 workers, they will receive another 500,000 won each without screening procedures. The government will give 1.5 million won each in subsidies to another 200,000 temporary or freelance workers after conducting screening procedures, the ministry said.
To help 550,000 low-income households that lost jobs, the government will give emergency relief funds. The amount of the handouts will vary from 400,000 won for single-person households to 1 million won for households with four or more members.
Myeongdong shopping district in downtown Seoul is almost empty of people as stores start displaying autumn clothing on Sept. 7, 2020. (Yonhap)
As people go contactless in the wake of the pandemic, the government will give a phone bill subsidy of 20,000 won per person to all people aged 13 or older. About 46.4 million people will be eligible for the phone bill subsidy, the ministry said.
Another 1.1 trillion won will be spent for households that care for preschool and elementary school children. The ministry said 200,000 won per child will be offered.
The fourth extra budget will be funded mostly by 7.5 trillion won of new state bonds, the ministry said.
In addition to the fourth extra budget, the government will draw up a stimulus measure worth 4.6 trillion won to prop up the economy and support containment efforts, Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki told reporters.
Domestic consumption has shown signs of deterioration because of the tightened distancing rules, Hong said.
Elaborating on support to be given to small merchants, the minister said Seoul plans to double the amount of money these entrepreneurs can borrow through a special lending program from 10 million won to 20 million won. He said that the government plans to make it easy for merchants to take out this kind of loan.
The policymaker said the government will submit the fourth extra budget bill to the National Assembly on Friday.
The government will spare no efforts to begin offering subsidies and cash handouts ahead of the Chuseok holiday season that starts on Sept. 30, Hong said. He said that while recent extra budgets are straining the fiscal health of the country, the injection of funds should be viewed as a beneficial investment in the long term.
Four extra budgets are expected to take the nation's debt-to-GDP ratio to 43.9 percent this year, compared with just below 40 percent before the pandemic.
Pounded by the coronavirus outbreak, the nation's economy has plunged into a recession as its gross domestic product shrank 3.3 percent in the second quarter after a 1.3 percent on-quarter retreat three months earlier.
Earlier this week, Korea Development Institute, a state-run think tank, downgraded the nation's economic growth outlook to a contraction of 1.1 percent this year, a sharp downward revision from a 0.2 percent expansion in its May forecast.
So far, South Korea has pledged 277 trillion won in stimulus packages to help the nation's economy recover from the pandemic.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-10--KDB chief wins 2nd term amid looming collapse of Asiana deal

Once the two sides announce the deal 's collapse , Asiana is expected to be placed under the control of @ @ @ @ @ the Export-Import Bank of Korea ( Eximbank ) -- and undergo restructuring to find a @ @ @

SEOUL, Sept. 10 (Yonhap) -- The state-run Korea Development Bank (KDB) said Thursday its chairman Lee Dong-gull has been named to lead the South Korean policy lender for another three years.
Lee's second term, which is set to begin on Friday, comes amid a series of stalled corporate sell-off deals, including how to normalize Asiana Airlines Inc.
Major property developer HDC Hyundai Development Co. had sought to acquire the country's second-biggest airline, but the 2.5 trillion-won (US$2.1 billion) deal appears likely to collapse due to differences over acquisition terms.
This file photo, provided by Korea Development Bank, shows its chairman Lee Dong-gull. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Lee met with HDC Chairman Chung Mong-gyu late last month and reportedly suggested massive financial support to save the deal from falling through.
But HDC once again demanded another round of due diligence on Asiana, which was already rejected by the creditors and Kumho Industrial.
Once the two sides announce the deal's collapse, Asiana is expected to be placed under the control of its creditors -- KDB and the Export-Import Bank of Korea (Eximbank) -- and undergo restructuring to find a new owner.
On Friday, ministers handling the Asiana deal and officials in charge of the state fund set up for the airline and other backbone industries are scheduled to have separate meetings.
KDB and Eximbank have extended a combined 3.3 trillion won to Asiana Airlines in the past two years to help the cash-strapped carrier stay afloat.
entropy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-10--S. Korea to permit export of protective face masks

Under the changes that will go into effect on Tuesday , the government will allow masks to be made and @ @ @ @ @ and end mandatory supply for public use .
In the past , 80 percent of @ @ @ @ @ be diverted for public distribution .

SEOUL, Sept. 10 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will allow the export of face masks that can be used to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, the Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) said Thursday.
The move comes as supplies of surgical and anti-droplet masks in the country have stabilized and earlier shortages have been resolved, the state administration said. Seoul had banned mask exports as it experienced acute shortages amid a spike in COVID-19 cases earlier in the year.
Under the changes that will go into effect on Tuesday, the government will allow masks to be made and sold freely under market rules and end mandatory supply for public use. In the past, 80 percent of all protective masks had to be diverted for public distribution.
Medical institutions that experience any kind of shortages will continue to receive support, the KFDA said.
Shoppers at a large discount store in Seoul pass by face masks on Sept. 10, 2020. The government said it will allow local manufacturers to export surgical and anti-droplet face masks starting next week. (Yonhap)
It said while exports will be allowed, outbound shipment quotas will be set for each manufacturer. Exports cannot exceed 50 percent of masks produced by companies in a two month period. In addition, restrictions will be implemented to prevent local businesses from buying up masks sold in the domestic market for export.
"The changes are expected to allow market mechanisms to take effect that can allow the setting of appropriate prices and regulation of supply based on demand," a KFDA source said.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-10--Ministry resumes probe into defector groups after virus-caused suspension

The ministry has claimed that the probe is aimed solely at determining whether the groups are operating as declared .
@ @ @ @ @ said that it is targeting defector groups in order to rein them in .

SEOUL, Sept. 10 (Yonhap) -- The unification ministry has resumed its controversial audit of North Korean defector groups after the audit was put on hold for weeks due to worries over a resurgence of the new coronavirus, sources said Thursday.
The probe was launched into dozens of activist groups, including those run by North Korean defectors, in July after some of them defied the government's appeal not to send anti-Pyongyang leaflets amid concerns such activity could heighten tensions and endanger people in border regions.
The ministry has claimed that the probe is aimed solely at determining whether the groups are operating as declared. Critics, however, have said that it is targeting defector groups in order to rein them in.
The probe was carried out until mid-August before being put on hold in recent weeks as the government tightened social distancing in the face of a spike in coronavirus infections.
Late on Thursday, the ministry sent officials to a North Korean defector group to inspect its operation. It tried to conduct a probe into another organization but it didn't come through due to its late-minute rejection, according to sources.
A civic group official said that the probe was resumed without prior notice and criticized the ministry for going against the government's move to tighten social distancing intended to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
A ministry official rebutted the claims, saying that such inspection is executed with prior consultation and that the officials sent for Thursday's probe wore masks and strictly followed other antivirus measures.
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-10--NSC officials discuss ways to advance Korea peace process before inter-Korean summit deal anniversar

NSC officials discuss ways to advance Korea peace process before inter-Korean summit deal anniversary

During the weekly standing committee meeting of the National Security Council ( NSC ) , they talked about the issue @ @ @ @ @ the second anniversary of the Sept. 19 accord signed between President Moon Jae-in and North @ @ @ @ @ it said without elaborating .

SEOUL, Sept. 10 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's top national security officials had discussions Thursday on how to move forward the Korea peace process ahead of an anniversary of the two Koreas' signing of a Pyongyang summit agreement, Cheong Wa Dae said.
During the weekly standing committee meeting of the National Security Council (NSC), they talked about the issue, on the occasion of the second anniversary of the Sept. 19 accord signed between President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, it said without elaborating.
The NSC members also decided to continue diplomatic efforts to resolve inconveniences facing South Korean nationals due to entry restrictions by other countries, which are aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19, and help protect economic activities abroad by its firms, according to the presidential office.
Suh Hoon, director of national security at Cheong Wa Dae, in a file photo. (Yonhap)
The NSC session was presided over by Suh Hoon, director of national security at Cheong Wa Dae, it added.
Earlier this week, Suh had phone talks with U.S. President Donald Trump's National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien, in which they agreed that the next several months are crucial in ongoing efforts for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the regional peace process.
They agreed to continue relevant consultations, going forward.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)