yna--2020-11-19--KBO to allow clubs to cut salary in case of extraordinary events

Players must complete nine full seasons to be eligible for free agency .
For hitters , a full season means @ @ @ @ @ of a 144-game season , or 96 games .
For pitchers , it means throwing @ @ @ @ @ or two-thirds of the 144 innings required for the ERA title .
If they do @ @ @ @ @ or innings pitched requirements , they must have been on their team 's active roster @ @ @ @ @ days .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 19 (Yonhap) -- Starting next year, South Korean baseball clubs will be allowed to reduce player salaries if the season is interrupted by extraordinary events.
The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) announced Thursday that, following their board meeting, general managers from its 10 clubs agreed to add the "force majeure" clause into player contracts.
Under that clause, teams will be able to cut wages without liability, if events beyond their control disrupt the season.
This image provided by the Korea Baseball Organization on Oct. 8, 2020, shows its emblem. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Those events include an outbreak of an infectious disease, such as COVID-19, natural disasters, war, court rulings or government directives.
In such cases, the KBO commissioner will reserve the right to shorten the season as necessary, and teams will then be paying their players prorated salaries based on the number of games.
The KBO said the floor will be set at 30 million won (US$26,830), which is the league minimum for a full, 144-game season.
If a season is cut short, players' requirements for free agency will be adjusted accordingly.
Players must complete nine full seasons to be eligible for free agency. For hitters, a full season means appearing in at least two-thirds of a 144-game season, or 96 games. For pitchers, it means throwing at least 96 innings, or two-thirds of the 144 innings required for the ERA title. If they don't fulfill the games played or innings pitched requirements, they must have been on their team's active roster for at least 145 non-consecutive days.
But if the season is shortened, the KBO will adjust those free agency eligibility requirements on a proportional basis.
The Korea Professional Baseball Players Association (KPBPA) said its members are on the same page with the KBO and that they'd accept prorated wages.
This image provided by the Korea Professional Baseball Players Association (KPBPA) shows the association's logo. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-19--(2nd LD) Tougher distancing regulations take effect, limiting crowds at public facilities

Later in the day , the city of Suncheon in South Jeolla Province , about 415 km southeast of Seoul @ @ @ @ @ the distancing scheme to Level 2 starting Friday , the first of such case since @ @ @ @ @ scheme into five levels from three .

(ATTN: ADDS details about provincial city's elevation of distancing scheme in paras 17-19)
By Kim Boram
SEOUL, Nov. 19 (Yonhap) -- As a tougher social distancing scheme took effect on Thursday in the greater Seoul area and some other areas where COVID-19 infections have soared recently, high-risk multiuse facilities, such as restaurants and movie theaters, face restrictions in operation.
The South Korean government earlier decided to raise the five-tier social distancing scheme by one notch to Level 1.5 in the capital city; the surrounding Gyeonggi Province; Incheon; Gwangju, some 330 kilometers south of Seoul; and a region in the eastern province of Gangwon.
The Level 1.5 alert is largely aimed at limiting the number of people in closed areas and mass gatherings to curb the spread of the virus.
A nightclub in Seoul is relatively empty on Nov. 19, 2020, when Level 1.5 social distancing took effect. (Yonhap)
In facilities with higher risk of virus infection, including bars, clubs, indoor concert halls, restaurants and cafes, the maximum capacity is reduced to one person per 4 square meters.
People are not allowed to dance or move to other tables in nightclubs, while eating and drinking are prohibited during concerts.
Owners of restaurants and coffee shops bigger than 50 square meters should keep a 1-meter distance between tables or install partitions.
Tables and chairs are piled up at a coffee shop in Seoul on Nov. 18, 2020, a day before tightened social distancing goes into effect. (Yonhap)
Such limited capacity and spacing between seats are also required at regular facilities, including fitness centers, internet cafes, private academies, wedding halls, funeral homes and public bathhouses.
At cinemas and theaters for musicals and classical concerts, a vacant seat should be placed between groups of friends or families.
The number of people allowed to assemble for religious and sports events is limited to 30 percent of full capacity.
Rallies and demonstrations as well as large-scale concerts and festivals, which involve "high-risk" activities such as chanting and singing, are subject to a cap of under 100 people.
Business operators and rally organizers who violate the upgraded rules will face up to 3 million won (US$2,700) in fines.
A street in the popular nightlife district of Hongdae in western Seoul is relatively empty on Nov. 19, 2020. (Yonhap)
On the first day of the implementation, restaurants and cafes that have been busy removing tables and setting up dividers, saw a sharp drop in customers.
There were only four people occupying tables at a coffee shop in Suwon, just south of Seoul, late Thursday morning.
"As Level 1.5 was implemented today and it's raining, fewer guests have come to my place than other days," the owner of the coffee shop said.
Restaurants in a popular food alley in Suwon, usually filled with workers from nearby offices at lunch time, are also suffering the bleak atmosphere.
"We've already spaced tables and will not accept reservations for groups of 10 people or more," an eatery employee said. "It seems that a growing number of people are reluctant to have gatherings and meetings these days."
Tightened social distancing at a coffee shop in Seoul on Nov. 19, 2020 (Yonhap)
Later in the day, the city of Suncheon in South Jeolla Province, about 415 km southeast of Seoul, announced it will raise the distancing scheme to Level 2 starting Friday, the first of such case since the country expanded the distancing scheme into five levels from three.
The decision was made after concluding that many of the latest cases stemmed from small, private gatherings of friends and families, and that it is crucial to take preemptive steps to prevent bigger economic damage, the city said.
The level 2 bans gatherings at five types of entertainment establishments, including karaoke bars, and limits the operating hours for restaurants and cafes to 9 p.m. Schools can only have one third of students in attendance, although some discretion is allowed.
The social distancing measures came as health authorities are grappling with another potential wave of the pandemic in the Seoul metropolitan area, home to nearly half of the nation's population of 50 million.
On Thursday, the country reported nearly 350 new coronavirus cases, reaching the highest level since late August due to sporadic infections in community settings across the nation. About 180 infections were from the greater Seoul area.
The government is closely monitoring the coronavirus situation for a decision on whether to raise the social distancing guidelines by another notch.
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

SEOUL -- An executive of General Motors Co. , the parent company of GM Korea Co. , said the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ Korea if workers at the Korean unit continue to go on strike for wage hikes @ @ @ @ @ according to GM Korea Thursday .

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Thursday.
-----------------
(LEAD) Tougher distancing regulations take effect, limiting crowds at public facilities
SEOUL -- As a tougher social distancing scheme took effect on Thursday in the greater Seoul area and some other areas where COVID-19 infections have soared recently, high-risk multiuse facilities, such as restaurants and movie theaters, face restrictions in operation.
The South Korean government earlier decided to raise the five-tier social distancing scheme by one notch to Level 1.5 in the capital city; the surrounding Gyeonggi Province; Incheon; Gwangju, some 330 kilometers south of Seoul; and a region in the eastern province of Gangwon.
-----------------
(2nd LD) GM executive warns of possible exit from S. Korea amid strikes
SEOUL -- An executive of General Motors Co., the parent company of GM Korea Co., said the U.S. automaker could withdraw from South Korea if workers at the Korean unit continue to go on strike for wage hikes amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to GM Korea Thursday.
GM Korea workers have been staging several rounds of partial strikes since Oct. 30, demanding an end to a wage freeze and a new vehicle production plan at its No. 2 Bupyeong plant in Incheon, just west of Seoul.
-----------------
(LEAD) Won sinks after verbal warning against rapid gains
SEOUL -- The South Korean currency dropped against the U.S. dollar Thursday after currency authorities warned that they are ready to take actions at any time to curb the won's sharp gains.
The local currency ended at 1,115.6 won to the greenback, down 11.8 won from the previous session, when the won rose to a 29-month high of 1,103.8 to the dollar.
-----------------
Ruling party pushes for early launch of anti-corruption body after bipartisan efforts break down
SEOUL -- The ruling party said Thursday it will push for a law revision to hasten the launch of a special investigative body dealing with corruption among high-ranking government officials, after a round of bipartisan efforts for the launch failed to make progress.
A seven-member committee entrusted with designating two final candidates to lead the envisioned body, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), again failed to agree on the nominations in its third meeting Wednesday.
-----------------
More verification needed over N.K. ICBM's reentry capability: defense ministry
SEOUL -- More verification is necessary to determine whether North Korea has atmospheric reentry technology for its intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM), the defense ministry said Thursday, following a U.S. think tank report suggesting Pyongyang has already mastered the technology.
In the 2021 Index of U.S. Military Strength report, the Heritage Foundation said Pyongyang's ICBM reentry vehicles "would likely perform adequately if flown to a normal trajectory to continental U.S. targets," citing U.S. intelligence authorities.
-----------------
Chinese FM likely to visit Seoul next week: sources
SEOUL -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is likely to visit Seoul next week for talks with Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha, diplomatic sources said Thursday, a trip likely to stress bilateral cooperation ahead of a leadership change in the United States.
Seoul and Beijing have been fine-tuning details on Wang's visit that could begin on Wednesday after his two-day visit to Japan, the sources said. Wang and Kang are likely to meet on Thursday.
-----------------
President Moon's approval rating dips to lowest since last October: Realmeter
SEOUL -- President Moon Jae-in's approval rating has fallen to the lowest level since last October, a poll showed Thursday, amid a resurgence of COVID-19 infections in South Korea and political controversies over major policies.
In a three-day Realmeter survey of 1,506 voters nationwide through Wednesday, 42.5 percent of respondents supported Moon, down 1.8 percentage points from a week earlier.
(END)


yna--2020-11-19--Samsung maintains top slot in DRAM market in Q3 despite revenue drop

Samsung managed to keep its operating margin at 41 percent in the third quarter due to its cost optimization efforts @ @ @ @ @ However , SK hynix saw its operating margin falling to 29 percent , down 6 @ @ @ @ @ earlier as server DRAM makes up a substantial share of its product mix , the @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Nov. 19 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Co. suffered a slight drop in its presence in the global DRAM market in the third quarter of the year, but maintained its top position, a report showed Thursday.
The South Korean tech giant, also the leader in the NAND flash sector, had a 41.3 percent share of the global DRAM market in terms of revenue in the July-September period, down 2.2 percentage points from a quarter ago, according to market tracker TrendForce.
Samsung's revenue from DRAM chips came to a total of US$7.21 billion in the third quarter of 2020, down 3.1 percent from a quarter earlier, the market tracker said.
SK hynix Inc., Samsung's smaller domestic rival, stayed in the second spot with a 28.2 percent share, down 1.9 percentage points from a quarter earlier, after its revenue dropped 4.4 percent quarter-on-quarter to $4.92 billion.
"Samsung's and SK hynix's quarterly revenues registered a decline because the increases in their respective shipments were marginal and insufficient to compensate for the declines in their respective average selling prices (ASPs)," TrendForce said.
This photo provided by Samsung Electronics Co. on Aug. 30, 2020, shows the company's 16GB LPDDR mobile DRAM chips. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
U.S. chipmaker Micron Technology Inc. was the No. 3 player. Its market share jumped to 25 percent in the third quarter, up 4 percentage points from a quarter earlier, after its revenue soared 21.9 percent quarter-on-quarter to $4.3 billion.
"Micron experienced a smaller drop in the ASP for its latest fiscal quarter," TrendForce said. "Furthermore, Micron also benefitted from the substantial increase in bit shipments and the corresponding reduction in the fixed cost per bit."
When it comes to profitability in the third quarter, TrendForce said DRAM suppliers in general were hit by the price decline in the sector with server manufacturers' weak procurement of chips due to excess inventory.
Samsung managed to keep its operating margin at 41 percent in the third quarter due to its cost optimization efforts, according to TrendForce. However, SK hynix saw its operating margin falling to 29 percent, down 6 percentage points from a year earlier as server DRAM makes up a substantial share of its product mix, the market researcher said.
Global DRAM revenue increased by only 2 percent quarter-on-quarter to $17.46 billion in the third quarter. TrendForce expected the DRAM market in the fourth quarter to be similar to the third quarter.
"The persistent weakness of the server DRAM segment will continue to exert downward pressure on the overall ASP of DRAM products," it said. "As such, the fourth quarter of 2020 will again see rising bit shipments and falling prices."
This photo provided by SK hynix Inc. on July 23, 2020, shows the company's HBM2E DRAM products. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-19--(LEAD) New KBO club manager sets lofty goals

`` Objectively speaking , I think our team lacked that attention to detail this year , and it held us @ @ @ @ @ '' Ryu said .
`` I think I know these players ( having coached them @ @ @ @ @ and I am sure they know me inside out .
I think it 'll save @ @ @ @ @ to know each other before spring training . ''

(ATTN: ADDS 2nd photo, comments throughout)
By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 19 (Yonhap) -- The LG Twins haven't won a South Korean baseball title since 1994. The club's new manager Ryu Ji-hyun would like nothing more than to end the drought next year, his first as the bench boss.
"I'll try my best to take this team to the postseason and beyond," Ryu said in his inaugural press conference Thursday at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul. Ryu was promoted from bench coach to manager last Friday, and agreed to a two-year deal worth 900 million won (US$807,250), which includes a signing bonus of 300 million won.
LG Twins' manager Ryu Ji-hyun speaks during his inaugural press conference at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on Nov. 19, 2020. (Yonhap)
"I'd like to thank the club for giving me this great opportunity," Ryu added. "I've been a part of the Twins for 27 years. This team is like my destiny and my family."
Ryu, 49, established himself as a Twins franchise icon during his All-Star playing days. He spent his entire 11-year Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) career with the Seoul-based team, and won the Rookie of the Year and the Korean Series championship in 1994.
After hanging up his cleats, Ryu has been serving on the Twins' coaching staff in multiple capacities, including as a baserunning coach and an infield coach. He'd been the bench coach from 2018 to 2020, before earning his promotion.
The Twins were eliminated in the first round of this year's postseason. Former manager Ryu Joong-il resigned in the immediate aftermath. His contract had expired at the season's end and the Twins were contemplating whether to extend him.
"We had a disappointing season this year, and we have to prepare hard for next year," Ryu Ji-hyun said. "Rather than trying to force my own ways on the players, I think my job is to bring out the best in those players."
LG Twins' manager Ryu Ji-hyun (L) shakes hands with bench coach Kim Dong-soo during his inauguration ceremony at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on Nov. 19, 2020. (Yonhap)
Ryu said he would like his players to be aggressive on the field and also to pay closer attention to detail.
"Objectively speaking, I think our team lacked that attention to detail this year, and it held us back at key moments," Ryu said. "I think I know these players (having coached them for many years), and I am sure they know me inside out. I think it'll save us time trying to get to know each other before spring training."
Ryu is an analytically savvy type who has embraced the use of advanced data. Ryu said his main focus as the bench coach over the past three seasons has been on fielding, and he's now ready to dive into numbers in other areas.
"My first task as the manager is to look into pitching," he said. "My first meeting was with our pitching instructors. I will continue to study tendencies of our pitchers."
Ryu also said the head of the Twins' data analysis department will have a seat in coaches' meetings, which he hopes will keep an open line of communication between coaches on the field and number crunchers in the front office.
"I think it will lead to better ideas," Ryu added.
Asked about the Twins' famously passionate fanbase, Ryu said, "I know some players may feel stressed out because our fans are too demanding. But if these fans don't give us the support that they do, then we wouldn't even be playing this game.
The Twins also named their former star catcher Kim Dong-soo as new bench coach. Kim, 52, was the 1990 Rookie of the Year and was part of the 1994 championship team.
LG Twins' manager Ryu Ji-hyun (2nd from L) poses with his players during his inaugural press conference at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on Nov. 19, 2020. From left are outfielder Kim Hyun-soo, Ryu, pitcher Jin Hae-soo and shortstop Oh Ji-hwan. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-19--(2nd LD) GM executive warns of possible exit from S. Korea amid strikes

SEOUL , Nov. 19 ( Yonhap ) -- An executive of General Motors Co. , the parent company of GM @ @ @ @ @ U.S. automaker could withdraw from South Korea if workers at the Korean unit continue to @ @ @ @ @ hikes amid the COVID-19 pandemic , according to GM Korea Thursday .

(ADDS: ADDS KDB's statement in 10th para)
SEOUL, Nov. 19 (Yonhap) -- An executive of General Motors Co., the parent company of GM Korea Co., said the U.S. automaker could withdraw from South Korea if workers at the Korean unit continue to go on strike for wage hikes amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to GM Korea Thursday.
GM Korea workers have been staging several rounds of partial strikes since Oct. 30, demanding an end to a wage freeze and a new vehicle production plan at its No. 2 Bupyeong plant in Incheon, just west of Seoul.
The persistent industrial action has cost the company 17,000 vehicles in lost production, and the number is expected to reach 20,000 by the end of the week, Steve Kiefer, president of GM's international operations, told Reuters.
"We're basically being held hostage in the short term by lack of vehicle production. That's having a very significant short-term financial impact," he was quoted as saying,
He said the strikes would basically make it impossible for the Detroit carmaker to allocate any further investments or new products to Korea.
"It's making the country non-competitive. It's going to have long-term effects if we can't get this resolved in the coming weeks," he said.
This file photo, taken on Feb. 17, 2020, shows GM Korea's Bupyeong plant in Incheon, just west of Seoul. (Yonhap)
The union's extended strikes come after the company said early this month that it will reconsider investing in the main Bupyeong plant for the production of a next-generation vehicle for export if the union continues to strike and affect production.
GM Korea already suffered over 60,000 vehicles in production losses in the first half amid the pandemic, with output losses caused by the partial walkouts through Friday estimated at 20,000 units.
The state-run Korea Development Bank (KDB), the second-biggest shareholder in GM Korea, has said an extended strike will thwart the company's efforts to put its business back on track.
"We urge the company and the union to make concessions to move forward as their ongoing dispute is having a major impact on its subcontractors and the local economy," the KDB said in a statement.
GM owns a 67 percent stake in GM Korea, and the KDB holds a 17 percent stake in the Korean unit.
At stake is the company's proposal to have wage talks every two years, not once a year, to reduce uncertainties ahead. The proposal was rejected by the union, which wants to stick to a one-year deal.
The company suggested providing a revised 8 million won (US$7,200) in cash bonuses per person in 2020 and 2021 if the union accepts the biennial wage talks proposal.
The union asked the company to raise the basic pay by 120,000 won per worker and offer four months of salary as a bonus and 6 million won in cash, while demanding a new vehicle production plan at the No. 2 Bupyeong plant after 2022.
The union argues there should be a new vehicle to replace the Trax compact SUV and Malibu midsize sedan currently being produced at the plant.
But the company has balked at the demands, citing the unfavorable business environment caused by the pandemic and steady demand for the models in global markets.
The Detroit carmaker has three Korean plants -- two in Bupyeong and one in Changwon -- whose combined output capacity reaches 630,000 units a year.
GM Korea's operating losses narrowed to 332 billion won in 2019 from 615 billion won a year earlier. It sold 417,226 vehicles last year, and sales stood at 300,352 units in the January-October period this year.
This year's sales are expected to fall far short of the 2019 sales figure due to production losses driven by strikes.
In May 2018, GM and the KDB signed a binding agreement that will permit a combined 7.7 trillion-won lifeline -- 6.9 trillion won from GM and 810 billion won from the state lender -- to keep the Korean unit afloat amid low production rates and poor sales.
Under the deal, GM is banned from selling any of its stake in GM Korea until 2023 and is required to keep its holding in the unit above 35 percent until 2028.
It would be hard for GM to quit South Korea in the short term, but the long-term future is in doubt, Kiefer said.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-19--Kia workers to stage partial strike amid pandemic

Kia has eight plants in Korea -- two in Gwangmyeong , three in Hwaseong and three in Gwangju -- and @ @ @ @ @ in China and one each in the United States , Slovakia , Mexico and India @ @ @ @ @ 3.84 million units .

SEOUL, Nov. 19 (Yonhap) -- Unionized workers of Kia Motors Corp., South Korea's second-biggest carmaker, will stage a partial strike later this month to demand higher wages and bonuses amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the union said Thursday.
Kia Motors and its union have held 13 rounds of meetings in this year's wage talks. The two sides failed to narrow their differences over wages and performance-based bonuses.
Workers will hold two four-hour strikes daily from Nov. 24-27 at its three domestic plants in Gwangmyeong and Hwaseong, both near Seoul, and Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul, a union spokesman said over the phone.
This file photo provided by Kia's union shows union leaders holding a protest calling for higher wages at a press conference in front of Hyundai Motor Group's headquarters in Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The 30,000-strong union demanded the company increase the monthly basic pay by 120,000 won (US$104) per person and offer 30 percent of its annual operating profit in performance-based pay.
But the company proposed one and a half month of merit-based remuneration, 1.2 million won in special COVID-19 allowance, 200,000 won in gift certificates and certain company stocks in lieu of freezing wages for the year, which the union rejected.
The union also asked the company to build a module components plant for electric and hydrogen vehicles inside Kia's existing plants, not in plants of parts affiliate Hyundai Mobis Co. It has expressed concerns about a possible reduction in the carmaker's assembly line workers due to Hyundai Mobis's plan to build an auto parts plant for the next-generation models.
Last month, the union criticized Kia's decision to put aside 1.26 trillion won in provisions for the recall of the faulty Theta II gasoline direct injection (GDi) engine and quality-related expenses, which sharply drove down the company's third-quarter profits.
"The company was expected to report an operating profit of 1.3 trillion won in the third quarter, but the reflection of the heavy provisions sharply drove down profits," the union said.
In the July-September period, Kia's operating profit plunged 33 percent to 195.23 billion won from 291.47 billion won a year ago.
Its bigger affiliate Hyundai Motor Co. in September sealed the wage deal with its union for the year, reaching a wage agreement without a strike for the second consecutive year.
Hyundai's 49,600-member union accepted the company's proposal that included a freeze on basic pay, a one-off bonus amounting to 150 percent of monthly salary, 1.2 million won in special COVID-19 allowance, 10 company shares and 200,000 won in gift certificates.
It is the third time the company and the union agreed on a wage freeze, after the 1998 Asian financial crisis and the 2009 global financial crisis.
Kia has eight plants in Korea -- two in Gwangmyeong, three in Hwaseong and three in Gwangju -- and seven overseas ones -- three in China and one each in the United States, Slovakia, Mexico and India. Their overall capacity is 3.84 million units.
From January to September, Kia's operating profit plunged 45 percent to 784.85 billion won from 1.42 trillion won in the year-ago period due to the impact of the pandemic on production and sales.
Its vehicle sales fell 7.2 percent to 2,129,851 autos in the January-October period from 2,294,295 a year ago.
This file photo, taken April 27, 2020, shows Kia Motors' Sohari plant in Gwangmyeong, south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-19--KBO's Tigers bring back ace Aaron Brooks for 2nd season

In 2020 , Brooks went 11-4 with a 2.50 ERA over 151 1/3 innings through 23 starts .
He was @ @ @ @ @ ( KBO ) leaders in major pitching categories when he had to return home in @ @ @ @ @ a family emergency .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 19 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean baseball club Kia Tigers announced Thursday they'll bring back American ace Aaron Brooks for his second season.
Brooks has agreed to a new deal worth US$1 million and will also receive a signing bonus of $200,000.
In 2020, Brooks went 11-4 with a 2.50 ERA over 151 1/3 innings through 23 starts. He was among the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) leaders in major pitching categories when he had to return home in late September to tend to a family emergency.
Brooks missed the rest of the season, while get-well wishes for his young family poured in from Tigers teammates and other KBO players and fans.
Brooks has thanked them for their continued support and said he was planning on playing in 2021.
In this file photo from Sept. 13, 2020, Aaron Brooks of the Kia Tigers pitches against the NC Dinos in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Changwon NC Park in Changwon, 400 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-19--(LEAD) Seoul stocks continue climb on battery gains despite virus concerns

SEOUL , Nov. 19 ( Yonhap ) -- South Korean stocks continued to build up gains Thursday after hitting a @ @ @ @ @ session , as battery makers remained in positive terrain amid concerns of surging COVID-19 cases @ @ @ @ @ fell against the U.S. dollar .

(ATTN: ADDS bond yields at bottom, photo)
SEOUL, Nov. 19 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks continued to build up gains Thursday after hitting a nearly three-year high the previous session, as battery makers remained in positive terrain amid concerns of surging COVID-19 cases. The Korean won sharply fell against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 1.78 points, or 0.07 percent, to close at 2,547.42, the highest since Feb. 1, 2018.
Trading volume was moderate at about 961 million shares worth some 12.3 trillion won (US$11 billion), with losers outnumbering gainers 533 to 298.
Foreigners purchased a net 104 billion won, extending their buying streak to an 11th session, while institutions offloaded a net 302 billion won. Retail investors bought a net 204 billion won.
Electronic signboards at a Hana Bank dealing room in Seoul show the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed at 2,547.42 on Nov. 19, 2020, up 1.78 points, or 0.07 percent, from the previous session's close. (Yonhap)
The mild gains came after hitting a 33-month high in the previous session. Investor wariness increased over valuation pressure and rising coronavirus cases.
The number of daily new coronavirus cases in South Korea exceeded 300 for the second consecutive day Thursday, with authorities warning of another potential wave of the pandemic.
"Foreign investors who have led the recent KOSPI rally are increasingly putting on the wait-and-see mode," Kiwoom Securities analyst Seo Sang-young said.
"They bought bulks of secondary battery makers today, while institutions dumped large caps," he added.
In Seoul, most large caps closed mixed.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics lost 0.31 percent to 64,600 won, but No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix gained 0.2 percent to 98,200 won.
Leading chemical maker LG Chem rose 1.69 percent to 721,000 won, and rechargeable battery maker Samsung SDI jumped 3.39 percent to 518,000 won.
Top pharmaceutical firm Samsung Biologics shed 0.49 percent to 808,000 won, while Celltrion advanced 1.03 percent to 305,000 won.
Internet portal giant Naver slipped 0.18 percent to 280,500 won, and its rival Kakao closed flat at 365,500 won.
Hyundai Motor, the country's largest automaker, moved up 0.28 percent to 180,000 won, while top steelmaker POSCO shed 1.05 percent to 236,000 won.
The local currency closed at 1,115.6 won per dollar, down 11.8 won from the previous session's close.
Bond prices, which move inversely to yields, closed lower. The yield on three-year Treasurys rose 0.6 basis point to 0.955 percent, and the return on the benchmark five-year government bond added 1.2 basis points to 1.292 percent.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-19--Chinese FM likely to visit Seoul next week: sources

Seoul and Beijing have been fine-tuning details on Wang 's visit that could begin on Wednesday after his two-day visit @ @ @ @ @ said .
Wang and Kang are likely to meet on Thursday .

SEOUL, Nov. 19 (Yonhap) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is likely to visit Seoul next week for talks with Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha, diplomatic sources said Thursday, a trip likely to stress bilateral cooperation ahead of a leadership change in the United States.
Seoul and Beijing have been fine-tuning details on Wang's visit that could begin on Wednesday after his two-day visit to Japan, the sources said. Wang and Kang are likely to meet on Thursday.
Wang's visit would come after Democrat Joe Biden was declared the winner of the Nov. 3 U.S. presidential election on a pledge to strengthen America's alliance networks to enhance its global leadership and keep an assertive China in check.
The agenda for the ministerial talks is expected to include the countries' efforts to arrange a visit to South Korea by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Seoul's push to host a trilateral summit among the leaders of South Korea, China and Japan.
Kang and Wang could also exchange views on North Korea-related issues, economic cooperation and joint efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wang was initially expected to visit Seoul last month, but he apparently delayed his trip, presumably due to a key Communist Party meeting late last month and the U.S. presidential election.
This photo, taken on Dec. 4, 2019, shows Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha (R) shaking hands with her Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, before their talks at the foreign ministry in Seoul. (Yonhap)
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-19--(LEAD) Tougher distancing regulations take effect, limiting crowds at public facilities

`` We 've already spaced tables and will not accept reservations for groups of 10 people or more , '' @ @ @ @ @ `` It seems that a growing number of people are reluctant to have gatherings and @ @ @ @ @

(ATTN: ADDS more info in paras 12-16, photo)
By Kim Boram
SEOUL, Nov. 19 (Yonhap) -- As a tougher social distancing scheme took effect on Thursday in the greater Seoul area and some other areas where COVID-19 infections have soared recently, high-risk multiuse facilities, such as restaurants and movie theaters, face restrictions in operation.
The South Korean government earlier decided to raise the five-tier social distancing scheme by one notch to Level 1.5 in the capital city; the surrounding Gyeonggi Province; Incheon; Gwangju, some 330 kilometers south of Seoul; and a region in the eastern province of Gangwon.
The Level 1.5 alert is largely aimed at limiting the number of people in closed areas and mass gatherings to curb the spread of the virus.
A nightclub in Seoul is relatively empty on Nov. 19, 2020, when Level 1.5 social distancing took effect. (Yonhap)
In facilities with higher risk of virus infection, including bars, clubs, indoor concert halls, restaurants and cafes, the maximum capacity is reduced to one person per 4 square meters.
People are not allowed to dance or move to other tables in nightclubs, while eating and drinking are prohibited during concerts.
Owners of restaurants and coffee shops bigger than 50 square meters should keep a 1-meter distance between tables or install partitions.
Tables and chairs are piled up at a coffee shop in Seoul on Nov. 18, 2020, a day before tightened social distancing goes into effect. (Yonhap)
Such limited capacity and spacing between seats are also required at regular facilities, including fitness centers, internet cafes, private academies, wedding halls, funeral homes and public bathhouses.
At cinemas and theaters for musicals and classical concerts, a vacant seat should be placed between groups of friends or families.
The number of people allowed to assemble for religious and sports events is limited to 30 percent of full capacity.
Rallies and demonstrations as well as large-scale concerts and festivals, which involve "high-risk" activities such as chanting and singing, are subject to a cap of under 100 people.
Business operators and rally organizers who violate the upgraded rules will face up to 3 million won (US$2,700) in fines.
A street in the popular nightlife district of Hongdae in western Seoul is relatively empty on Nov. 19, 2020. (Yonhap)
On the first day of the implementation, restaurants and cafes that have been busy removing tables and setting up dividers, saw a sharp drop in customers.
There were only four people occupying tables at a coffee shop in Suwon, just south of Seoul, late Thursday morning.
"As Level 1.5 was implemented today and it's raining, fewer guests have come to my place than other days," the owner of the coffee shop said.
Restaurants in a popular food alley in Suwon, usually filled with workers from nearby offices at lunch time, are also suffering the bleak atmosphere.
"We've already spaced tables and will not accept reservations for groups of 10 people or more," an eatery employee said. "It seems that a growing number of people are reluctant to have gatherings and meetings these days."
Tightened social distancing at a coffee shop in Seoul on Nov. 19, 2020 (Yonhap)
The social distancing measures came as health authorities are grappling with another potential wave of the pandemic in the Seoul metropolitan area, home to nearly half of the nation's population of 50 million.
On Thursday, the country reported nearly 350 new coronavirus cases, reaching the highest level since late August due to sporadic infections in community settings across the nation. About 180 infections were from the greater Seoul area.
The government is closely monitoring the coronavirus situation for a decision on whether to raise the social distancing guidelines by another notch.
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-19--S. Korean Bond Yields on Nov. 19, 2020

S. Korean Bond Yields on Nov. 19, 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--2020-11-19--USFK veterans' association holds alliance conference for junior American soldiers

KDVA was founded in 2017 to advocate for the alliance and support the American and Korean military personnel who served @ @ @ @ @ .
The nonprofit organization is currently led by former USFK commander Vincent Brooks , and @ @ @ @ @ by retired general Lee Seo-young .

SEOUL, Nov. 19 (Yonhap) -- An association of American veterans who served in South Korea held a conference Thursday to help junior U.S. service members better understand the bilateral and security situations surrounding the Korean Peninsula, officials said.
The conference, which took place at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, some 70 kilometers south of Seoul, brought together around 60 junior members of the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) and officers from the Seventh Air Force, according to the Korea Defense Veterans Association (KDVA).
Last week, the organization hosted the same event at Camp Humphreys for the USFK's Army members.
Maj. Gen. Stephen C. Williams, USFK's chief of staff was quoted by the organization as saying that the Korea-U.S. alliance is the strongest in the world, and USFK has maintained a staunch readiness posture by rigorously conducting training exercises in preparation for threats by North Korea.
KDVA was founded in 2017 to advocate for the alliance and support the American and Korean military personnel who served or continue to serve it. The nonprofit organization is currently led by former USFK commander Vincent Brooks, and the Korean chapter is headed by retired general Lee Seo-young.
American service members and officials pose for a photo after a conference on the Korea-U.S. alliance held at Osan Air Base in the city of Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, and hosted by the Korea Defense Veterans Association (KDVA) on Nov. 19, 2020, in this photo provided by the association. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-19--Seoul stocks continue climb on battery gains despite virus concerns

SEOUL, Nov. 19 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks continued to build up gains Thursday after hitting a nearly three-year high the previous session, as battery makers remained in positive terrain amid concerns of surging COVID-19 cases. The Korean won sharply fell against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 1.78 points, or 0.07 percent, to close at 2,547.42, the highest since Feb. 1, 2018.
Trading volume was moderate at about 961 million shares worth some 12.3 trillion won (US$11 billion), with losers outnumbering gainers 533 to 298.
Foreigners purchased a net 104 billion won, extending their buying streak to an 11th session, while institutions offloaded a net 302 billion won. Retail investors bought a net 204 billion won.
The mild gains came after hitting a 33-month high in the previous session. Investor wariness increased over valuation pressure and rising coronavirus cases.
The number of daily new coronavirus cases in South Korea exceeded 300 for the second consecutive day Thursday, with authorities warning of another potential wave of the pandemic.
"Foreign investors who have led the recent KOSPI rally are increasingly putting on the wait-and-see mode," Kiwoom Securities analyst Seo Sang-young said.
"They bought bulks of secondary battery makers today, while institutions dumped large caps," he added.
In Seoul, most large caps closed mixed.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics lost 0.31 percent to 64,600 won, but No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix gained 0.2 percent to 98,200 won.
Leading chemical maker LG Chem rose 1.69 percent to 721,000 won, and rechargeable battery maker Samsung SDI jumped 3.39 percent to 518,000 won.
Top pharmaceutical firm Samsung Biologics shed 0.49 percent to 808,000 won, while Celltrion advanced 1.03 percent to 305,000 won.
Internet portal giant Naver slipped 0.18 percent to 280,500 won, and its rival Kakao closed flat at 365,500 won.
Hyundai Motor, the country's largest automaker, moved up 0.28 percent to 180,000 won, while top steelmaker POSCO shed 1.05 percent to 236,000 won.
The local currency closed at 1,115.6 won per dollar, down 11.8 won from the previous session's close.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-19--9 USFK service members test positive for COVID-19

Eight of them arrived at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek , south of Seoul , on U.S. government-chartered flights , @ @ @ @ @ arrived here on a commercial flight via Incheon International Airport , west of the capital @ @ @ @ @ military .

SEOUL, Nov. 19 (Yonhap) -- Nine American service members have tested positive for the new coronavirus upon their arrival in South Korea, U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) said Thursday.
Eight of them arrived at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, on U.S. government-chartered flights, while the other service member arrived here on a commercial flight via Incheon International Airport, west of the capital, according to the U.S. military.
All USFK-affiliated individuals arriving in South Korea are required to undergo a virus test and are quarantined for 14 days. Medical personnel administer a second test prior to their release.
"None of the new arrivals have interacted with anyone residing within USFK installations or the local community," it said in a statement.
The latest cases brought the total number of USFK-related coronavirus infections to 346.
In this file photo, taken on March 31, 2020, an employee of the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) is on duty at the entrance of the U.S. Army's Yongsan Garrison in Seoul. (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-19--Man apprehended for vandalizing statue of ex-President Chun

Activists have demanded the removal of Chun 's statue and that of former President Roh Tae-woo , saying it goes @ @ @ @ @ statues of outlaws at the former presidential retreat .

CHEONGJU, South Korea, Nov. 19 (Yonhap) -- A 50-year-old man was apprehended on Thursday for vandalizing a statue of former President Chun Doo-hwan at a local park, police said.
The statue, located inside the Cheongnamdae park in Cheongju, 140 kilometers south of Seoul, was found with two-thirds of its neck damaged, according to police.
The man is suspected of entering the park with a tourist pass and then switching off nearby closed-circuit TVs before using a wire saw to vandalize the statue.
Police said the man identified himself as a member of an organization with connections to the May 1980 pro-democracy uprising, which Chun was convicted of suppressing in a bloody massacre.
Police plan to book the man on suspicion of damaging property.
Activists have demanded the removal of Chun's statue and that of former President Roh Tae-woo, saying it goes against public sentiment to have statues of outlaws at the former presidential retreat.
Cheongnamdae was built in 1983 during Chun's presidency and opened to the public in 2003.
To attract tourists, the provincial government of North Chungcheong erected statues of nine former presidents, including Chun and Roh, in 2015.
This photo taken on Nov. 19, 2020, shows damage to the neck of a statue of former President Chun Doo-hwan in Cheongnamdae in Cheongju, 140 kilometers south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-19--Ruling party pushes for early launch of anti-corruption body after bipartisan efforts break down

Consisting of representatives from the ruling Democratic Party ( DP ) , the main opposition People Power Party ( PPP @ @ @ @ @ , the committee was to come up with the two candidates for the president to @ @ @ @ @ was unable to make progress due largely to fierce discord between the members of the @ @ @ @ @ .

SEOUL, Nov. 19 (Yonhap) -- The ruling party said Thursday it will push for a law revision to hasten the launch of a special investigative body dealing with corruption among high-ranking government officials, after a round of bipartisan efforts for the launch failed to make progress.
A seven-member committee entrusted with designating two final candidates to lead the envisioned body, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), again failed to agree on the nominations in its third meeting Wednesday.
Consisting of representatives from the ruling Democratic Party (DP), the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) and the legal sector, the committee was to come up with the two candidates for the president to appoint one, but it was unable to make progress due largely to fierce discord between the members of the PPP side and the rest.
The introduction of the CIO with the authority to prosecute cases, a right currently exclusive to the state prosecution service, is at the core of President Moon Jae-in's push for the reform of the country's key law enforcement bodies, especially the prosecution.
The DP accused the PPP side of stonewalling the committee. Holding 174 seats on the 300-member National Assembly, the ruling party plans to go at it alone and revise the related law, with the aim of having the investigative unit officially set sail by this year.
"No matter what happens, (DP) will set the CIO into operation within this year," DP floor leader Rep. Kim Tae-nyeon said in a party policy coordination meeting. "The party is being forced to make a grave decision; it will embark on the revision of the law on the CIO in earnest," he added.
According to DP officials, the party plans to push the envisioned law revision during a plenary parliamentary session set for Dec. 2 and onward, so that the bar on nominating the candidates for the inaugural CIO leadership will be eased.
Lawmakers from the ruling Democratic Party hold a press conference on Nov. 19, 2020, denouncing the breakdown of the committee entrusted with designating candidates to lead an envisioned probe body, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO). (Yonhap)
Under the current law on the CIO, consent from at least six of the seven recommendation committee members is required to officially nominate a candidate. This setting gives veto power to the DP or PPP, both holding two representatives on the committee.
The main opposition party condemned the ruling party, calling its move "destruction of the rule of law."
PPP floor leader Rep. Joo Ho-young accused the DP of trying to appoint a CIO chief of its choice through the law revision. "The public will never overlook the path to the destruction of the rule of law, the destruction of the investigative branch and the dictatorship based on the CIO," the main opposition floor leader added.
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-19--New KBO club manager sets lofty goals

New KBO club manager sets lofty goals

`` We had a disappointing season this year , and we have to prepare hard for next year , '' @ @ @ @ @ Rather than trying to force my own ways on the players , I think my @ @ @ @ @ the best in those players . ''

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 19 (Yonhap) -- The LG Twins haven't won a South Korean baseball title since 1994. The club's new manager Ryu Ji-hyun would like nothing more than to end the drought next year, his first as the bench boss.
"I'll try my best to take this team to the postseason and beyond," Ryu said in his inaugural press conference Thursday at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul. Ryu was promoted from bench coach to manager last Friday, and agreed to a two-year deal worth 900 million won (US$807,250), which includes a signing bonus of 300 million won.
LG Twins' manager Ryu Ji-hyun speaks during his inaugural press conference at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on Nov. 19, 2020. (Yonhap)
"I'd like to thank the club for giving me this great opportunity," Ryu added. "I've been a part of the Twins for 27 years. This team is like my destiny and my family."
Ryu, 49, established himself as a Twins franchise icon during his All-Star playing days. He spent his entire 11-year Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) career with the Seoul-based team, and won the Rookie of the Year and the Korean Series championship in 1994.
After hanging up his cleats, Ryu has been serving on the Twins' coaching staff in multiple capacities, including as a baserunning coach and an infield coach. He'd been the bench coach from 2018 to 2020, before earning his promotion.
The Twins were eliminated in the first round of this year's postseason. Former manager Ryu Joong-il resigned in the immediate aftermath. His contract had expired at the season's end and the Twins were contemplating whether to extend him.
"We had a disappointing season this year, and we have to prepare hard for next year," Ryu Ji-hyun said. "Rather than trying to force my own ways on the players, I think my job is to bring out the best in those players."
The Twins also named their former star catcher Kim Dong-soo as new bench coach. Kim, 52, was the 1990 Rookie of the Year and was part of the 1994 championship team.
LG Twins' manager Ryu Ji-hyun (2nd from L) poses with his players during his inaugural press conference at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on Nov. 19, 2020. From left: outfielder Kim Hyun-soo, Ryu, pitcher Jin Hae-soo and shortstop Oh Ji-hwan. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-20--Shortstop comes through for family, backs strong bullpen in Korean Series win

On the mound , reliever Kim Kang-ryul was the adult in the room when most other pitchers had trouble throwing @ @ @ @ @ in the fourth to put out the fire after the Dinos took a 6-5 lead @ @ @ @ @ first seven batters he faced and tossed 2 2/3 innings of one-hit ball .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 20 (Yonhap) -- He was playing in a tie game in the South Korean baseball championship series on Friday. The other team was bringing in a new pitcher as he was waiting on deck.
Through all this, Doosan Bears' shortstop Kim Jae-ho was so relaxed he spent a few minutes chatting with his children in the stands during that pitching change.
Kim Jae-ho of the Doosan Bears celebrates his RBI single against the NC Dinos in the bottom of the seventh inning of Game 3 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
In the seventh inning of Game 3 of the Korean Series against the Doosan Bears, the 35-year-old veteran posed for photos as his son held up his smartphone, and bumped fists with his daughter through the backstop netting.
A few minutes later, their daddy went out and delivered a tiebreaking single. It gave the Bears a 7-6 lead, and hung on to win by the same score.
One small step for the baseball team. One giant leap for all fathers.
As Kim headed toward first base, he pointed toward his family with a knowing smile, as if to tell his children, "I told you." Then once he reached the bag, he made a heart sign with his hands.
Kim Jae-ho of the Doosan Bears (L) speaks with his daughter before Game 3 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
Kim Jae-ho of the Doosan Bears (L) speaks with his daughter before Game 3 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
It was the third RBI of the game for Kim, who has emerged as an unlikely offensive star of the series. In the Bears' 5-4 victory in Game 2 Wednesday, Kim hit his first career postseason home run and drove in two runs.
Friday's contest was an entertaining back-and-forth affair that saw four lead changes through the first four innings.
Kim broke a 3-3 tie with a two-run single in the bottom third. The Dinos reclaimed the lead in a three-run fourth inning, and the Bears knotted the score at 6-6 in the top fifth.
In the decisive seventh, Kim came on with runners at the corners. The bat broke on contact but Kim got enough of the ball to dump it into center field for a run-scoring single.
On the mound, reliever Kim Kang-ryul was the adult in the room when most other pitchers had trouble throwing strikes. He came on in the fourth to put out the fire after the Dinos took a 6-5 lead. Kim sat down the first seven batters he faced and tossed 2 2/3 innings of one-hit ball.
Park Chi-guk, who followed Kim, earned the victory 1 1/3 shutout innings. Lee Seung-jin nailed down a four-out save.
Kim Kang-ryul of the Doosan Bears pitches against the NC Dinos in the top of the fifth inning of Game 3 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-20--Bears squeeze past Dinos 7-6 to take Korean Series lead

In a game in which neither starter got out of the third inning , Doosan reliever Kim Kang-ryul shined with @ @ @ @ @ After the Dinos took a 6-5 lead in the fourth , Kim entered the game @ @ @ @ @ batters he faced .
He struck out three and allowed only one single .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 20 (Yonhap) -- Kim Jae-ho drove in three runs and broke a tie with a single in the seventh, helping the Doosan Bears past the NC Dinos 7-6 on Friday and putting his team ahead in the South Korean baseball championship round.
The Bears now lead the best-of-seven Korean Series 2-1. Game 4 is 2 p.m. Saturday, back at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul.
Kim Jae-ho of the Doosan Bears celebrates his two-run single against the NC Dinos in the bottom of the third inning of Game 3 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
The Dinos and the Bears had split the first two games of the series before Friday. There have been 15 other occasions in Korean Series history when contestants were knotted at 1-1 after two games, and Game 3 winners have gone on to win the title 14 times.
Kim, a light-hitting shortstop, played the offensive hero for the second straight game. He had a home run and two RBIs in Wednesday's 5-4 victory. He batted 2-for-2 with three RBIs, two walks and a run scored Friday.
In a game in which neither starter got out of the third inning, Doosan reliever Kim Kang-ryul shined with 2 2/3 shutout innings. After the Dinos took a 6-5 lead in the fourth, Kim entered the game and retired the first seven batters he faced. He struck out three and allowed only one single.
Park Chi-guk was credited with the win with 1 1/3 scoreless innings.
There were four lead changes through the first four innings of this seesaw game.
Kim Kang-ryul of the Doosan Bears pitches against the NC Dinos in the top of the fifth inning of Game 3 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
Na Sung-bum gave the Dinos a 1-0 lead with a solo home run off starter Choi Won-joon in the top of the first. It was Na's sixth career postseason home run and first in the Korean Series.
The Bears responded with a solo shot of their own, delivered by Jose Miguel Fernandez off starter Mike Wright in the bottom second.
The Bears added another run in the same inning. Wright gave up a walk and a double immediately after Fernandez's blast, and Park Kun-woo cashed in a run with a groundout.
But the Dinos fought back to reclaim the lead in the top of the third. They had two straight bloop singles to start the rally. After a sacrifice bunt put runners at second and third, Na made it 2-2 with a sacrifice fly to right field.
With Yang Eui-ji at the plate, Park Min-woo sprinted home from third on a passed ball. Catcher Park Sei-hyok picked up the ball that squirted to his right. But as he dove toward the plate to tag the runner, Park Min-woo deftly slid around the outstretched arms of the catcher and touched the plate for a 3-2 Dinos lead.
The Bears had an answer with a three-spot in the bottom third.
Jung Soo-bin led off with a triple and Choi Joo-hwan's infield single brought him home for a tying run.
Wright gave up another hit and was gone from the game. With runners at second and third, reliever Kim Young-kyu then gave up a two-run single to Kim Jae-ho that put the Bears ahead 5-3.
Jose Miguel Fernandez of the Doosan Bears (R) hits a solo home run against the NC Dinos in the bottom of the second inning of Game 3 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
The game was just getting started.
The Dinos came back and put up three runs on the board with two outs in the top fourth. They began with two straight singles. Doosan reliever Hong Geon-hui struck out the next two batters but issued a walk to load the bases.
No. 2 hitter Lee Myung-ki then snapped a 0-for-8 funk with an RBI single up the middle, bringing the Dinos to within 5-4.
Na then stepped up and picked up two more RBIs with a single to center. The Dinos were now back up by 6-5.
The Bears weren't going anywhere. With a man at third with two outs in the bottom fifth, Fernandez hit a grounder to the hole on the left and shortstop No Jin-hyuk, though he got to the ball in time, let it roll through the wicket. The game was tied 6-6.
Choi Joo-hwan of the Doosan Bears celebrates his RBI single against the NC Dinos in the bottom of the third inning of Game 3 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
The Bears took the lead for good in the bottom seventh, when they took advantage of the shaky Dinos bullpen.
Left-hander Lim Jung-ho came on to start the seventh and couldn't find the zone. He hit the first batter he faced. A steal and a wild pitch moved the runner to third. With one out and facing new pitcher Kim Jin-sung, Kim Jae-ho dumped a broken-bat single to shallow center for a 7-6 lead.
The Dinos tried to start another rally in the top eighth, but Lee Jae-yul, who pinch ran for Kang Jin-sung following his single, got caught stealing second base. A walk and a single later in the inning amounted to nothing.
Kim Jae-ho of the Doosan Bears hits an RBI single against the NC Dinos in the bottom of the seventh inning of Game 3 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-20--(3rd LD) Over 30 virus cases traced to cram school in southwestern Seoul

The education ministry said that applicants who have tested positive would be banned from taking the exam , while those @ @ @ @ @ self quarantine , but tested negative , will be allowed to take it at designated @ @

(ATTN: ADDS more info in paras 2, 7, 10)
SEOUL, Nov. 20 (Yonhap) -- More than 30 people have been infected with the new coronavirus in cases tied to a Seoul cram school preparing students for a state-run teacher employment exam slated for this weekend, a district office said Friday.
Despite growing fears of contagion, the education ministry said that the exam will take place on Saturday as planned, though applicants infected with COVID-19 will be barred from taking it.
As of 2 p.m., at least 32 people tied to the private education institute in Noryangjin in southwestern Seoul tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Dongjak Ward office.
Two students at the institute were first confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 earlier this week and the others, including the institute's employees, tested positive later, the office said.
Noryangjin is home to a slew of cram schools designed to help people prepare for state tests to become public servants and teachers.
The district office asked 214 people who came in close contact with the patients to be placed under self-quarantine for monitoring. More cases could be reported as tests are still under way.
Later in the day, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said that as of 8 p.m., 39 exam applicants who studied at the Noryangjin institute tested positive.
On Saturday, more than 60,230 people are set to take the exam at 110 sites across the country.
The education ministry said that applicants who have tested positive would be banned from taking the exam, while those, who have been in self quarantine, but tested negative, will be allowed to take it at designated sites.
Provincial education authorities secured 122 examination rooms and 173 supervisors to accommodate applicants who had been in self quarantine. In the rooms, desks are arranged two meters apart, the ministry said.
"With quarantine rules to be thoroughly observed, the exam will proceed as planned," a ministry official said.
The ministry said it would swiftly share any information related to the new infection cluster in Noryangjin with exam takers and the Seoul education office.
Health authorities warned the greater Seoul area, home to half of the country's 51.6 million, is in the third wave of the coronavirus outbreak.
The country added 363 more COVID-19 cases Friday, including 320 local infections, raising the total to 30,017. It marked the third straight day that daily virus cases hovered above 300.
This file photo, taken Oct. 12, 2020, shows the district of cram schools in Noryangjin, southwestern Seoul. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-11-20--Moon proposes support for essential exchanges, inclusive growth to counter coronavirus crisis

The president called for the strengthening of the multilateral trade system to advance the economic recovery of the region , @ @ @ @ @ by the leaders of 20 other Asia-Pacific nations .
U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese @ @ @ @ @ the participants .

SEOUL, Nov. 20 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in took part in an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit held online Friday and suggested that its member states continue to allow essential cross-border travel, especially by businesspeople, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
He also emphasized the importance of free trade and inclusive growth to prevent the ongoing global crisis from leading to the worsening of inequality.
"South Korea is minimizing economic shocks, while continuing exchanges (with other nations) instead of blocking the border even in the midst of the coronavirus (outbreak)," Moon said.
The president called for the strengthening of the multilateral trade system to advance the economic recovery of the region, speaking in the session joined by the leaders of 20 other Asia-Pacific nations. U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping were among the participants.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in (L) attends a virtual summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member states at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
Moon proposed that the APEC members make more efforts to map out ways for "inclusive cooperation" to pull off "inclusive" economic recovery of the region without deepening inequality.
Moon then said it's necessary to explore a "balanced combination" of the digital economy and green economy. His administration has been pushing for the so-called Korean version of New Deal aimed at promoting economic development by expanding digital infrastructure and fostering environment-friendly businesses.
This year's virtual APEC summit was hosted by Malaysia.
Leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member states take a commemorative photo during their virtual summit, as President Moon Jae-in takes part from Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-20--(5th LD) New virus cases over 300 for 3rd day, greater Seoul area in 3rd wave of outbreak

`` The guidelines will cover the weekly number of virus patients and cluster infections in the region , '' Yoon @ @ @ @ @ level will be effective to contain the virus , but since it can also affect @ @ @ @ @ reasonably assess risks and the virus situation . ''

(ATTN: ADDS more details in paras 15-16)
SEOUL, Nov. 20 (Yonhap) -- Health authorities on Friday urged people to refrain from gatherings and outdoor activities, as the country's daily new coronavirus cases hovered above 300 for the third straight day and the greater Seoul area, home to half of the country's population, is in the third wave of the outbreak.
The country added 363 more COVID-19 cases, including 320 local infections, raising the total caseload to 30,017, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
The total caseload topped the 30,000 mark, 80 days after the tally surpassed 20,000 on Sept. 1. The country reported its first case on Jan. 20.
The daily caseload has stayed in the triple digits since Nov. 8, with the figure exceeding 300 for the first time since late August on Wednesday with 313 cases. The country confirmed 343 cases on Thursday.
Cluster infections from private gatherings, public facilities and hospitals continued to occur sporadically across the nation, dragging down health authorities' containment efforts.
Health workers clad in protective gear prepare to work at a makeshift virus test clinic at Sunmoon University in Asan, South Chungcheong Province, on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
To prevent another wave of virus infections, the country decided to enforce tightened virus prevention measures for two weeks from Thursday in the greater Seoul area and southern city of Gwangju by raising the social distancing level by one notch to Level 1.5 under a new five-tier scheme.
But due to the fast spread of the virus, health authorities said they could further elevate the social distancing level in the Seoul metropolitan area if the daily average number of virus cases in the region exceeds 200 in a one-week period.
The number of daily average virus cases in the capital region was 153 in the past seven days.
"We believe the third wave of the virus infections (in the wider Seoul area) is in progress after seeing such a situation in February-March and August," Yoon Tae-ho, a senior health official, said at a briefing.
The city of Suncheon in South Jeolla Province, about 415 km southeast of Seoul, already started to enforce Level 2 social distancing rules from Friday as a precautionary move, becoming the first municipality in the country to enforce such an enhanced distancing scheme under the current five-level system.
Under the Level 2 scheme, gatherings involving 100 or more people are banned, while some virus-prone facilities need to suspend their businesses.
A health worker clad in protective gear prepares to work at a makeshift virus test clinic in Seoul on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
Health authorities said they will soon distribute guidelines on social distancing level adjustments to municipal governments, so that they can handle virus situations in their regions more effectively.
"The guidelines will cover the weekly number of virus patients and cluster infections in the region," Yoon said. "Raising the level will be effective to contain the virus, but since it can also affect the economy, they should reasonably assess risks and the virus situation."
With rising concerns about the new wave of COVID-19 infections, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun on Friday delivered a public message, asking people to refrain from holding year-end social gatherings and nonessential outdoor activities.
Health officials rampped up calls for citizens to strictly practice social-distancing and keep personal hygiene, amid a forecast that Saturday's COVID-19 tally could be closer to the 400 mark.
According to the health authorities and provincial governments, South Korea recorded 299 new cases from the start of Friday to 6 p.m. During the time period, Seoul alone reported 140 additional cases.
Led by the Korean Society of Infectious Diseases, 11 local expert groups issued a joint statement warning that the daily tally of virus cases could spike to 1,000 in a few weeks without stringent preventive steps.
"Chances are high that the current COVID-19 situation would worsen further," the statement read.
"It is forecast that should one to two weeks pass by without effective measures in place, the daily infection count could reach 1,000," it added.
Of the 320 locally transmitted cases, 218 were identified in the capital area, home to half of the country's 51 million population. Seoul added 127 more cases, while the surrounding Gyeonggi Province and western port city of Incheon reported 62 and 29 cases, respectively.
Most major cities and municipalities have reported new infections.
The daily number of COVID-19 cases reported outside the greater Seoul area has been over 100 for the second straight day, with Gangwon Province adding 24 and South Gyeongsang Province confirming 18.
Health workers clad in protective gear prepare to work at a makeshift virus test clinic in Seogwipo, Jeju Island, on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
Among virus clusters, a university hospital in Gwangju added two more cases, bringing the total to 46, while a facility for disabled people in Cheorwon, Gangwon Province, reported 10 additional cases, raising its total to 40.
A middle school in South Gyeongsang Province confirmed 11 more cases, raising the total to 26.
The number of cases connected to a family gathering in Incheon increased by 21 to 40. Infections tied to Yonsei University in Seoul reached 19 after the confirmation of seven more cases.
Fears of imported virus cases gripped the southeastern city of Busan, as over the last three days, a total of 77 virus cases have been reported from six foreign vessels that docked at a port in the city.
The number of new imported cases came to 43, slightly down from 50 on the previous day.
Of the newly confirmed imported cases, 17 were from Russia, followed by 10 from the United States. The total number of imported cases is now at 4,355.
The country reported three additional deaths from COVID-19, raising the total to 501. The fatality rate was 1.67 percent.
However, more deaths could be reported down the road as the number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients came to 84, up five from Thursday.
Health authorities said the country has enough capacity to handle the virus patients in serious condition for the time being.
As of Thursday, a total of 112 hospital beds are available to accommodate critically ill virus patients, but health authorities plan to increase that number to 200 by the end of this year.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 26,263, up 165 from the previous day, with 3,253 people isolated for COVID-19 treatment, up 195 from a day ago.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-20--(2nd LD) Over 30 virus cases traced to cram school in southwestern Seoul

(ATTN: ADDS more info in paras 2, 7-10)
SEOUL, Nov. 20 (Yonhap) -- More than 30 people have been infected with the new coronavirus in cases tied to a Seoul cram school preparing students for a state-run teacher employment exam slated for this weekend, a district office said Friday.
Despite growing fears of contagion, the education ministry said that the exam will take place on Saturday as planned, though applicants infected with COVID-19 will be barred from taking it.
As of 2 p.m., at least 32 people tied to the private education institute in Noryangjin in southwestern Seoul tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Dongjak Ward office.
Two students at the institute were first confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 earlier this week and the others, including the institute's employees, tested positive later, the office said.
Noryangjin is home to a slew of cram schools designed to help people prepare for state tests to become public servants and teachers.
The district office asked 214 people who came in close contact with the patients to be placed under self-quarantine for monitoring. More cases could be reported as tests are still under way.
On Saturday, more than 60,230 people are set to take the exam at 110 sites across the country.
The education ministry said that applicants who have tested positive would be banned from taking the exam, while those, who have been in self quarantine, but tested negative, will be allowed to take it at designated sites.
"With quarantine rules to be thoroughly observed, the exam will proceed as planned," a ministry official said.
The ministry said it would swiftly share any information related to the new infection cluster in Noryangjin with exam takers and the Seoul education office.
Health authorities warned the greater Seoul area, home to half of the country's 51.6 million, is in the third wave of the coronavirus outbreak.
The country added 363 more COVID-19 cases Friday, including 320 local infections, raising the total to 30,017. It marked the third straight day that daily virus cases hovered above 300.
This file photo, taken Oct. 12, 2020, shows the district of cram schools in Noryangjin, southwestern Seoul. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-11-20--(4th LD) New virus cases over 300 for 3rd day, greater Seoul area in 3rd wave of outbreak

(ATTN: ADDS more details in paras 15-17, 24)
SEOUL, Nov. 20 (Yonhap) -- Health authorities on Friday urged people to refrain from gatherings and outdoor activities, as the country's daily new coronavirus cases hovered above 300 for the third straight day and the greater Seoul area, home to half of the country's population, is in the third wave of the outbreak.
The country added 363 more COVID-19 cases, including 320 local infections, raising the total caseload to 30,017, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
The total caseload topped the 30,000 mark, 80 days after the tally surpassed 20,000 on Sept. 1. The country reported its first case on Jan. 20.
The daily caseload has stayed in the triple digits since Nov. 8, with the figure exceeding 300 for the first time since late August on Wednesday with 313 cases. The country confirmed 343 cases on Thursday.
Cluster infections from private gatherings, public facilities and hospitals continued to occur sporadically across the nation, dragging down health authorities' containment efforts.
Health workers clad in protective gear prepare to work at a makeshift virus test clinic at Sunmoon University in Asan, South Chungcheong Province, on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
To prevent another wave of virus infections, the country decided to enforce tightened virus prevention measures for two weeks from Thursday in the greater Seoul area and southern city of Gwangju by raising the social distancing level by one notch to Level 1.5 under a new five-tier scheme.
But due to the fast spread of the virus, health authorities said they could further elevate the social distancing level in the Seoul metropolitan area if the daily average number of virus cases in the region exceeds 200 in a one-week period.
The number of daily average virus cases in the capital region was 153 in the past seven days.
"We believe the third wave of the virus infections (in the wider Seoul area) is in progress after seeing such a situation in February-March and August," Yoon Tae-ho, a senior health official, said at a briefing.
The city of Suncheon in South Jeolla Province, about 415 km southeast of Seoul, already started to enforce Level 2 social distancing rules from Friday as a precautionary move, becoming the first municipality in the country to enforce such an enhanced distancing scheme under the current five-level system.
Under the Level 2 scheme, gatherings involving 100 or more people are banned, while some virus-prone facilities need to suspend their businesses.
A health worker clad in protective gear prepares to work at a makeshift virus test clinic in Seoul on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
Health authorities said they will soon distribute guidelines on social distancing level adjustments to municipal governments, so that they can handle virus situations in their regions more effectively.
"The guidelines will cover the weekly number of virus patients and cluster infections in the region," Yoon said. "Raising the level will be effective to contain the virus, but since it can also affect the economy, they should reasonably assess risks and the virus situation."
With rising concerns about the new wave of COVID-19 infections, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun on Friday delivered a public message, asking people to refrain from holding year-end social gatherings and nonessential outdoor activities.
Led by the Korea Society of Infectious Diseases, 11 local expert groups issued a joint statement warning that the daily tally of virus cases could spike to 1,000 in a few weeks without stringent preventive steps.
"Chances are high that the current COVID-19 situation would worsen further," the statement read.
"It is forecast that should one to two weeks pass by without effective measures in place, the daily infection count could reach 1,000," it added.
Of the 320 locally transmitted cases, 218 were identified in the capital area, home to half of the country's 51 million population. Seoul added 127 more cases, while the surrounding Gyeonggi Province and western port city of Incheon reported 62 and 29 cases, respectively.
Most major cities and municipalities have reported new infections.
The daily number of COVID-19 cases reported outside the greater Seoul area has been over 100 for the second straight day, with Gangwon Province adding 24 and South Gyeongsang Province confirming 18.
Health workers clad in protective gear prepare to work at a makeshift virus test clinic in Seogwipo, Jeju Island, on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
Among virus clusters, a university hospital in Gwangju added two more cases, bringing the total to 46, while a facility for disabled people in Cheorwon, Gangwon Province, reported 10 additional cases, raising its total to 40.
A middle school in South Gyeongsang Province confirmed 11 more cases, raising the total to 26.
The number of cases connected to a family gathering in Incheon increased by 21 to 40. Infections tied to Yonsei University in Seoul reached 19 after the confirmation of seven more cases.
Fears of imported virus cases gripped the southeastern city of Busan, as over the last three days, a total of 77 virus cases have been reported from six foreign vessels that docked at a port in the city.
The number of new imported cases came to 43, slightly down from 50 on the previous day.
Of the newly confirmed imported cases, 17 were from Russia, followed by 10 from the United States. The total number of imported cases is now at 4,355.
The country reported three additional deaths from COVID-19, raising the total to 501. The fatality rate was 1.67 percent.
However, more deaths could be reported down the road as the number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients came to 84, up five from Thursday.
Health authorities said the country has enough capacity to handle the virus patients in serious condition for the time being.
As of Thursday, a total of 112 hospital beds are available to accommodate critically ill virus patients, but health authorities plan to increase that number to 200 by the end of this year.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 26,263, up 165 from the previous day, with 3,253 people isolated for COVID-19 treatment, up 195 from a day ago.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-20--(LEAD) Over 30 virus cases traced to cram school in southwestern Seoul

The district office asked 214 people who came in close contact with the patients to be placed under self-quarantine for @ @ @ @ @ be reported as tests are still under way .

(ATTN: CHANGES headline, lead; UPDATES throughout)
SEOUL, Nov. 20 (Yonhap) -- More than 30 people have been infected with the new coronavirus in cases tied to a Seoul cram school preparing students for a state-run teacher employment exam slated for this weekend, a district office said Friday.
As of 2 p.m., at least 32 people tied to the private education institute in Noryangjin in southwestern Seoul tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Dongjak Ward office.
Two students at the institute were first confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 earlier this week and the others, including the institute's employees, tested positive later, the office said.
Noryangjin is home to a slew of cram schools designed to help people prepare for state tests to become public servants and teachers.
The district office asked 214 people who came in close contact with the patients to be placed under self-quarantine for monitoring. More cases could be reported as tests are still under way.
The outbreak of cluster infections came just one day before the country will conduct an examination to pick middle and high school teachers.
The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education (SMOE) plans to administer the exam as planned despite worries over further spread of the virus, saying that it will enforce tight quarantine measures.
"We plan to go ahead with the exam as planned after strengthening quarantine procedures at the examination sites," a SMOE official said.
Health authorities warned the greater Seoul area, home to half of the country's 51.6 million, is in the third wave of the coronavirus outbreak.
The country added 363 more COVID-19 cases Friday, including 320 local infections, raising the total to 30,017. It marked the third straight day that daily virus cases hovered above 300.
This file photo, taken Oct. 12, 2020, shows the district of cram schools in Noryangjin, southwestern Seoul. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-11-20--USFK commander says capability of N. Korea's new weapons yet to be verified

`` There is a little doubt as to what 's fully fielded and capable , and what their capability is @ @ @ @ @ , according to pool reports .
`` In other words , we saw some new @ @ @ @ @ we could n't go up closely and inspect them , you actually do n't know @ @ @ @ @ or maybe they 've been visually modified to look differently . ''

By Choi Soo-hyang
SEOUL, Nov. 20 (Joint Press Corps-Yonhap) -- North Korea showed off solid-fuel missiles with increased range and precision during last month's military parade, but some other paraded hardware might be old ones modified to look different, U.S. Forces Korea Commander Gen. Robert Abrams said Friday.
Abrams made the remark during a media interview held in Seoul to mark his second year in office, saying that he is not concerned about any of the conventional weapons unveiled on the Oct. 10 founding anniversary of the North's ruling Workers' Party.
"There is a little doubt as to what's fully fielded and capable, and what their capability is," the commander said, according to pool reports. "In other words, we saw some new looking vehicles, but because we couldn't go up closely and inspect them, you actually don't know if those are real, or maybe they've been visually modified to look differently."
During the parade, North Korea showed off a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), along with other weapons, with leader Kim Jong-un vowing to continue strengthening the country's self-defense "war deterrent."
"People say they displayed a new tank. I don't know if that was a new tank, or an old tank that's been visually modified to look like a new tank. There's ways to do that, by the way, without having additional capabilities," Abrams said.
Abrams said, however, that in recent years the North has paraded missiles after testing them.
"They tested them, and then you know, they rolled them out in the parade, or at least that's our assessment ... We've seen these with increased range, and increased precision and solid fuel. And those, and that matches what we saw visually, during a parade," he said.
On the North's possible launch of a long-range missile at a time of leadership change in the United States, the general said there hasn't been "any sign that a test is imminent."
"What I can tell you is we don't see one that is imminent. But you're asking me what might happen next month or in January? We are going to have to wait for some more information before we can give an informed assessment," he said.
Regarding the envisioned transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) of South Korean troops from Washington to Seoul, Abrams again stressed that it is conditions-based, saying it is "premature" to speculate on any timeline.
The Moon Jae-in administration hopes to retake OPCON from Washington within his term that ends in May 2022, but the two countries have agreed on a conditions-based transition, not time-based.
"Even to speculate two years from now, I think, would be premature, because we are doing assessments almost continuously and, like I said, we've got a ways to go," he said.
The right conditions are South Korea's capabilities to lead the allies' combined defense mechanism, its capacity for initial responses to the North's nuclear and missile threats and a stable security environment on the peninsula and in the region.
"Allies don't always agree on everything," Abrams said. "But in our case, we agree on much, much more than where we might have different views."
Abrams also flatly rejected speculation that the U.S. might be secretly planning to use the U.S.-led United Nations Command to maintain the American military's influence after Washington's transfer of the wartime OPCON to Seoul.
"United Nations Command is not a warfighting command," he said. "There is no plan, secret plan for the UNC to somehow be a warfighting or operational headquarters in the future."
U.S. Forces Korea Commander Gen. Robert Abrams speaks during a press interview in Seoul on Nov. 20, 2020, in this photo provided by his office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-20--Dinos' manager has confidence in table setters despite slow start

`` If you just look at the results , you could say they 've been disappointing , '' Lee said @ @ @ @ @ availability at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul .
`` But they 've swung the bat @ @ @ @ @ trust them .
They understand the importance of their roles .
They have to get @ @ @ @ @ behind them . ''

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 20 (Yonhap) -- The top two hitters in the NC Dinos' lineup have gone 2-for-15 combined in two games of the Korean Series so far, but their manager Lee Dong-wook attributes the slow start to mostly rotten luck.
No. 2 hitter Lee Myung-ki lined into two double plays in a 5-4 loss to the Doosan Bears in Wednesday's Game 2, with leadoff man Park Min-woo getting doubled up each time. Give Lee's hard-hit balls a few inches in either direction, and he would have had base hits in both at-bats.
Kang Jin-sung of the NC Dinos celebrates his two-run single against the Doosan Bears in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 2 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 18, 2020. (Yonhap)
Instead, Lee finished the game 0-for-4. He's 0-for-7 for the series. Park has been held to 1-for-4 in two straight games, after batting .345 in the regular season, his best average in four seasons.
Manager Lee tinkered with his lineup a bit for Friday's Game 3 but left the two hitters at the top.
"If you just look at the results, you could say they've been disappointing," Lee said Friday in a pregame media availability at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. "But they've swung the bat well, and I still trust them. They understand the importance of their roles. They have to get on base for our sluggers behind them."
The one change Lee made came in the bottom third of the lineup. First baseman Kang Jin-sung will move up from No. 9 spot to bat seventh and trade places with left fielder Kwon Hui-dong. Kang will bat in front of Aaron Altherr, a non-traditional No. 8 hitter who brings power and run-driving capabilities to the bottom part of the order.
Though Kang is just 2-for-7 in the series, he has seen 45 pitches in two games. Kang batted .474 in May, the first month of the regular season, and was still hitting .371 through June before fading away. The manager said Kang is showing his early season form.
"I think the way he's swinging the bat now reminds me of the early part of the season," Lee said. "If he can keep this up and get on base before Altherr, we should have some good things happen."
NC Dinos' manager Lee Dong-wook speaks to reporters before Game 2 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 18, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-20--First lady attends 1st Nat'l Kimchi Day event, hails cultural heritage

Kim added , `` Along with K-pop , kimchi is loved by people around the world as a K-food , @ @ @ @ @ help preserve the heritage of taste with pride , as ( Korea is ) the @ @ @ @ @ . ''

SEOUL, Nov. 20 (Yonhap) -- First lady Kim Jung-sook attended the inaugural National Kimchi Day celebration held Friday, while promising to help preserve Korea's beloved cultural heritage.
Kim attended a ceremony hosted by the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation and a kimchi-themed cooking contest at THE PLAZA Seoul hotel in central Seoul.
Kimchi Day, which falls on Nov. 22, is the sole food-themed national day in South Korea. It was established in February.
"I hope that increased exports of kimchi will help stabilize the incomes of vegetable farmers," Kim said in an address at the ceremony, according to Cheong Wa Dae deputy spokesperson Lim Se-eun.
Kim added, "Along with K-pop, kimchi is loved by people around the world as a K-food, and (I) will help preserve the heritage of taste with pride, as (Korea is) the country of origin for kimchi."
The first lady noted that kimchi is widely considered a health food and that its fermentation quality has garnered attention, especially amid the new coronavirus pandemic.
At the kimchi contest, the first lady met with participants and observed processes of making various kimchi-themed delicacies, including unique kimchi desserts and sauces.
"President Moon Jae-in can't have a single meal without kimchi, and to Koreans, kimchi is an essential food," she said.
First lady Kim Jung-sook speaks at a ceremony marking the first-ever National Kimchi Day at the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation office in Seoul on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
First lady Kim Jung-sook (3rd from R) looks at a display of kimchi at the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation office in Seoul on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
First lady Kim Jung-sook speaks with chefs at a kimchi contest held at THE PLAZA Seoul hotel on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-20--(LEAD) Defying pandemic, BTS drops much-anticipated album 'BE'

The alternative hip-hop track poetically captures the sentiment of a world that has come to a sudden stop through the @ @ @ @ @ world stopped/without any warning/spring did n't know to wait/showed up not even a minute late @ @ @ @ @ on to suggest how things will eventually be okay , `` Like an echo in @ @ @ @ @ back around/as if nothing happened/yeah life goes on . ''

(ATTN: RECASTS throughout with updated comments, photos)
By Lee Minji
SEOUL, Nov. 20 (Yonhap) -- K-pop megastar BTS, which has emerged as one of the biggest pop groups in the world, on Friday released its new album, "BE," an intimate record of messages the septet wants to share with the world during the pandemic.
The eight-track album, the band's fifth Korean-language studio album, kicks off with the lead track "Life Goes On" and ends with the chart-breaking single "Dynamite," which propelled BTS to become the first K-pop act to top the Billboard Hot 100.
This composite image provided by Big Hit Entertainment shows members of K-pop group BTS in the music video for the song "Life Goes On." (Yonhap)
If "Dynamite" was upbeat disco-pop that centered on sharing joy and staying happy even during the bleakest of times, "Life Goes On" is a more relaxed track that tells us that life does go on regardless of what comes along the way.
"'Life Goes On' is a song that is weighty and firm but also soft and comforting in a sincere way," RM said in a press conference held in Seoul. "It's a track in which we tried to show the obvious yet stern truth that life goes on, in a warm way through the colour of BTS."
The alternative hip-hop track poetically captures the sentiment of a world that has come to a sudden stop through the lyrics "One day the world stopped/without any warning/spring didn't know to wait/showed up not even a minute late." It then goes on to suggest how things will eventually be okay, "Like an echo in the forest/the day will come back around/as if nothing happened/yeah life goes on."
This composite image provided by Big Hit Entertainment shows members of K-pop group BTS in promotional materials for the band's new album "BE." (Yonhap)
Through vlogs and messages to ARMY, the band's dedicated global fan base, BTS had hinted that it took part in the album's production from scratch. The band's seven members took on behind-the-scenes roles, like Jimin working as music project manager and J-Hope as choreographer.
The teasers that were released in the past two weeks were proof of that. A track list of the eight songs was handwritten by the members, and the two snippets of teasers for "Life Goes On" were directed by youngest member Jungkook.
This photo, provided by Big Entertainment, shows K-pop megastar BTS. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
According to the band, the album is packed with songs that intimately embody the feelings that the seven members are going through.
Member V, who took part in the songwriting and lyrics for "Blue & Grey," said he tried to delve into inner anxiety and fear via the colors blue and gray as metaphoric vehicles.
"It's a pop ballad with a guitar sound. The overall lyrics could be a bit dark but the guitar sounds outweigh that with a calm and warm feeling," V said.
The BTS member noted in the press conference how songwriting has become a remedy for burnouts.
"Going through burnouts was just tough in the past. But now, even if I go through a burnout, I write a song and that helps me overcome it ... if I put the feelings in a track, the feelings become better as time passes," he said.
Members Suga, RM and Jungkook took part in the track "Telepathy," a funky retro pop-disco that is a tribute to their fans around the world who have supported them throughout their seven-year career.
RM, Jin and Jungkook, meanwhile, teamed up for the seventh track "Stay," which also talks about being together despite being physically apart.
This composite image provided by Big Hit Entertainment shows members of K-pop group BTS in the music video for the song "Life Goes On." (Yonhap)
In "Fly to My Room," a unit song featuring Suga, J-Hope, Jimin and V, the four imagine a world where the definition of traveling may take a different turn amid the pandemic. It poses a playful question on the definition of traveling, asking listeners to look around mundane spaces like home.
"Dis-ease" is another song that directly speaks about the pandemic. The old-school hip-hop track, in which J-Hope took part, captures the uneasiness that comes from an unexpected vacuum triggered by the pandemic.
"Skit" is a notable track that is an example of the candidness BTS is known for. The fourth track captures the conversations the seven members had after hearing they became the first South Korean musical to achieve the Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 milestone.
"Instead of having a concept, we turned on a mike and recorded unfiltered moments. You can vividly feel how we felt when we heard about the Hot 100 milestone," RM said.
The BTS member said that the band pondered over whether to include the pre-released "Dynamite" but decided to include it as the ending track to give off a positive vibe.
"The two songs have the same roots," RM said, referring to the lead track "Life Goes On." "In a situation where we cannot hold concerts, we wanted to wrap up the finale with the hopeful track, like a firework at the end of a concert."
This photo, provided by Big Hit Entertainment on Nov. 11, 2020, shows the track list for the upcoming BTS album "BE." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The septet voiced hope that the album would offer a message of hope to listeners around the world.
"We encountered a situation where everything came to a stop. I feel as if the past year was spent in confusion and in emptiness ... we tried to honestly put in that sentiment in the album," Jin said. "We felt it would be great for listeners to empathize and comfort each other and people around them."
The band will showcase "Life Goes On" at the 2020 American Music Awards on Sunday in Los Angeles.
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)