yna--2020-11-03--(LEAD) Prosecutors demand hefty sentence for former securities company exec in Lime fraud case

Prosecutors also asked for a fine of 500 million won ( US $ 440,000 ) for the former head of @ @ @ @ @ management center in the southern Seoul district of Banpo , identified only as Jang , @ @ @ @ @ Seoul Southern District Court , saying the defendant had failed to protect investors and undermined @ @ @ @ @ .

(ATTN: UPDATES with prosecution's raid of financial regulator in last 2 paras)
SEOUL, Nov. 3 (Yonhap) -- Prosecutors on Tuesday demanded imprisonment of 10 years for a former executive of a leading securities company indicted for misselling fund products of the scandal-ridden hedge fund Lime Asset Management.
Prosecutors also asked for a fine of 500 million won (US$440,000) for the former head of a Daishin Securities Co. wealth management center in the southern Seoul district of Banpo, identified only as Jang, in a hearing at the Seoul Southern District Court, saying the defendant had failed to protect investors and undermined public trust in financial companies.
Lime Asset has been under probe over its alleged cover-up of massive losses and subsequent suspension of fund redemption worth an estimated 1.6 trillion won. The case is developing into a high-profile lobbying scandal, in which former and incumbent high-ranking government officials and politicians are embroiled.
Daishin Securities and many other financial companies have also been under probe on suspicion of selling Lime's faulty fund products to their customers.
Jang was indicted for fraudulently selling Lime fund products worth 248 billion won to his customers. He is accused of emphasizing unconfirmed annual rates of return to investors by using such terms as "annual return of 8 percent confirmed" and hiding the possibility of losses from them.
In addition, prosecutors accused Jang of inducing his customers not to request redemptions of their investments in Lime funds even after July 2019, when he came to recognize problems in the operations of Lime Asset.
Prosecutors said the former Daishin executive sent text messages to all of his customers saying there were no problems with Lime's fund products even after he became aware of the investment company's problems.
Jang offered an apology for "inadvertently" causing losses to his customers during the court hearing.
On Tuesday, prosecutors raided the Financial Supervisory Service as part of their probe into the case.
"The raid was conducted as part of our cooperation for the investigation into securities companies related to the Lime case," the regulator said in a statement.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-03--(2nd LD) Kim Jong-un orders probe into recent shooting death of S. Korean official: spy agency

Instead , his powerful sister Yo-jong and other key aides have been put in charge of on-site inspections , the @ @ @ @ @ the official party rank of the sister , currently an alternate member at the Politburo @ @ @ @ @ Central Committee , is likely to be elevated in the upcoming party congress .

(ATTN: UPDATES with details on senior N.K. official in last 2 paras)
SEOUL, Nov. 3 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's state intelligence agency said Tuesday that there is circumstantial evidence indicating that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has ordered a probe into the military's fatal shooting in September of a South Korean fisheries official, according to lawmakers.
Officials from the National Intelligence Service (NIS) made the remarks during a parliamentary intelligence committee's regular audit session into the agency, lawmakers who attended the meeting said.
"According to intelligence, there are circumstantial signs of (North Korea) carrying out a search for the body (of the slain official)," one of the official was quoted as saying during the closed-door session.
"(NIS) detected circumstantial signs indicating that Chairman Kim ordered a probe into details of the incident," the official said.
The remarks were relayed to the media by Rep. Ha Tae-keung of the main opposition People Power Party and Rep. Kim Byung-kee of the ruling Democratic Party, both senior members at the intelligence committee.
Asked if the order called for a fresh probe on top of the initial investigation allegedly conducted by the North, Kim said, "As far as we understand, yes."
Three days after the North Korean military shot the 47-year-old official to death on the northern side of the maritime border in the Yellow Sea, Pyongyang said in a notification sent to South Korea on Sept. 25 that it was launching an internal probe into the case.
The NIS official also said the North Korean military reduced the use of its communication networks and changed its communication slang after details about the military communication lines were exposed to South Korean media following the shooting incident.
Park Jie-won, the director of the National Intelligence Service, is seen ahead of the parliamentary audit into the agency on Nov. 3, 2020, at the agency's headquarters in Seoul. (Yonhap)
North Korea may also announce a reorganization of the leadership with an eye to elevating the status of Chairman Kim as well as a new line of internal and external strategies during the 8th Workers' Party Congress stated for January next year, according to the NIS officials.
"The North is preparing to make the congress the highest-profile political event in order to break out of the internal and external impasse ... the 8th congress could become an important tipping point for the North Korean (political) system," the officials noted.
As part of the process, Kim may also be elevated to Generalissimo -- the highest rank of generals granted to his predecessors Kim Jong-il, posthumously in 2012, and Kim Il-sung, in 1992 -- the officials said.
Kim also turned his leadership to be "policy-oriented" from one centered on on-site inspections, presiding over a far higher number of party policy meetings this year compared with previous years, they said.
Instead, his powerful sister Yo-jong and other key aides have been put in charge of on-site inspections, the officials said, adding that the official party rank of the sister, currently an alternate member at the Politburo of the Workers' Party Central Committee, is likely to be elevated in the upcoming party congress.
On the military front, the communist country is in the process of building two new submarines that are capable of carrying submarine-launched ballistic missiles, the officials also said.
Referring to the North's military parade last month, the intelligence officials said the event involved a total of 76 ballistic missiles of nine different types, the biggest number of such weapons presented by the country.
The officials said the North is injecting young blood into its military, recently replacing about 40 percent of army corps commanders with younger officers in their 50s. The Ministry of People's Armed Forces has also been renamed as the defense ministry, probably in a step to fit into the image of a "normal state," the officials said.
Also Tuesday, the spy agency dismissed a recent media report that First Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui went through forced labor amid her monthslong absence from state media.
"Though First Vice Minister Choe has not taken part in public activities, she is known to be focusing on setting up (the North's) U.S. policy after the presidential election," Kim, the ruling party lawmaker, said, citing the agency officials.
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-03--(LEAD) Gov't decides not to provide intel on slain official to bereaved family

On Sept. 22 , North Korea fatally shot the 47-year-old official , who was adrift on its side of the @ @ @ @ @ his body , according to the South Korean military .
He went missing the previous @ @ @ @ @ the western border island of Yeonpyeong .

(ATTN: UPDATES with Lee's press conference in paras 6-7; CHANGES photo)
SEOUL, Nov. 3 (Yonhap) -- The defense ministry has decided not to provide military intelligence collected in the course of North Korea's killing of a South Korean official in September to his bereaved family due to the confidentiality of the information, officials said Tuesday.
On Sept. 22, North Korea fatally shot the 47-year-old official, who was adrift on its side of the Yellow Sea, and burned his body, according to the South Korean military. He went missing the previous day while on duty near the western border island of Yeonpyeong.
His elder brother, Lee Rae-jin, has asked the defense ministry to disclose the audio file of a wiretapped conversation among North Korean troops, strongly protesting a government announcement that the slain official is believed to have attempted to defect to the North.
On Tuesday, ministry officials met with Lee and informed him of the decision not to disclose information.
"After a review, we explained to the bereaved family that ... disclosure of the information is restricted as it is designated as a secret under the Military Secret Protection Act," the ministry said in a statement.
Lee and his attorney strongly denounced the decision and said they will consider filing an administrative suit against the government.
"The ministry is declining to disclose the information to hide the maritime security failure," Lee said during a press conference after the meeting.
Defense Minister Suh Wook is scheduled to hold a meeting with the bereaved family on Friday.
Lee Rae-jin, the elder brother of a South Korean official killed by North Korean soldiers while drifting in its waters in September, holds a document showing the government decision not to disclose military intelligence collected in the course of the incident after a meeting with defense ministry officials in Seoul on Nov. 3, 2020. (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-03--(LEAD) Kim Jong-un orders probe into recent shooting death of S. Korean official: spy agency

(ATTN: UPDATES with more info from 9th para)
SEOUL, Nov. 3 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's state intelligence agency said Tuesday that there is circumstantial evidence indicating that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has ordered a probe into the military's fatal shooting in September of a South Korean fisheries official, according to lawmakers.
Officials from the National Intelligence Service (NIS) made the remarks during a parliamentary intelligence committee's regular audit session into the agency, lawmakers who attended the meeting said.
"According to intelligence, there are circumstantial signs of (North Korea) carrying out a search for the body (of the slain official)," one of the official was quoted as saying during the closed-door session.
"(NIS) detected circumstantial signs indicating that Chairman Kim ordered a probe into details of the incident," the official said.
The remarks were relayed to the media by Rep. Ha Tae-keung of the main opposition People Power Party and Rep. Kim Byung-kee of the ruling Democratic Party, both senior members at the intelligence committee.
Asked if the order called for a fresh probe on top of the initial investigation allegedly conducted by the North, Kim said, "As far as we understand, yes."
Three days after the North Korean military shot the 47-year-old official to death on the northern side of the maritime border in the Yellow Sea, Pyongyang said in a notification sent to South Korea on Sept. 25 that it was launching an internal probe into the case.
The NIS official also said the North Korean military reduced the use of its communication networks and changed its communication slang after details about the military communication lines were exposed to South Korean media following the shooting incident.
Park Jie-won, the director of the National Intelligence Service, is seen ahead of the parliamentary audit into the agency on Nov. 3, 2020, at the agency's headquarters in Seoul. (Yonhap)
North Korea may also announce a reorganization of the leadership with an eye to elevating the status of Chairman Kim as well as a new line of internal and external strategies during the 8th Workers' Party Congress stated for January next year, according to the NIS officials.
"The North is preparing to make the congress the highest-profile political event in order to break out of the internal and external impasse ... the 8th congress could become an important tipping point for the North Korean (political) system," the officials noted.
As part of the process, Kim may also be elevated to Generalissimo -- the highest rank of generals granted to his predecessors Kim Jong-il, posthumously in 2012, and Kim Il-sung, in 1992 -- the officials said.
Kim also turned his leadership to be "policy-oriented" from one centered on on-site inspections, presiding over a far higher number of party policy meetings this year compared with previous years, they said.
Instead, his powerful sister Yo-jong and other key aides have been put in charge of on-site inspections, the officials said, adding that the official party rank of the sister, currently an alternate member at the Politburo of the Workers' Party Central Committee, is likely to be elevated in the upcoming party congress.
On the military front, the communist country is in the process of building two new submarines that are capable of carrying submarine-launched ballistic missiles, the officials also said.
Referring to the North's military parade last month, the intelligence officials said the event involved a total of 76 ballistic missiles of nine different types, the biggest number of such weapons presented by the country.
The officials said the North is injecting young blood into its military, recently replacing about 40 percent of army corps commanders with younger officers in their 50s. The Ministry of People's Armed Forces has also been renamed as the defense ministry, probably in a step to fit into the image of a "normal state," the officials said.
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-03--N. Korea lays landmines in border areas to fend off coronavirus: NIS

During a closed-door session at the Intelligence Committee of the National Assembly , the spy agency said North Korea fears @ @ @ @ @ bring catastrophic results to the country due to its poor medical infrastructure , according to @ @ @ @ @ main opposition People Power Party .

SEOUL, Nov. 3 (Yonhap) -- North Korea has taken extreme measures to fend off the coronavirus, including laying landmines in border areas with China, Seoul's National Intelligence Service (NIS) told lawmakers Tuesday.
During a closed-door session at the Intelligence Committee of the National Assembly, the spy agency said North Korea fears the spread of COVID-19 could bring catastrophic results to the country due to its poor medical infrastructure, according to Rep. Ha Tae-keung of the main opposition People Power Party.
"Since there is no physical or technical means to deal with the coronavirus, there is something like coronavirus trauma in North Korea," Ha quoted the NIS as saying.
A document from a meeting of the North's ruling Workers' Party on Feb. 27 warned that up to 500,000 people could die if the virus spreads in the country, according to the NIS.
National Intelligence Service chief Park Jie-won (2nd from L) attends an audit session at the Intelligence Committee of the National Assembly in Seoul on Nov. 3, 2020. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
"The North has blocked its borders and buried landmines in parts of the border areas with China," Ha said.
Its emergency law stipulates officials who fail to control the disease could be sentenced to death, according to the NIS.
"There are cases where critical patients were transported by rail wagons because there is a risk of transmission if they are transported by train," he added.
The NIS also reported the North is not receiving any supplies from the outside, including from South Korea, due to coronavirus fears.
"Officials who brought in goods via a customs office in August were punished on a large scale," Ha said.
(END)


yna--2020-11-03--Gov't decides not to provide intel on slain official to bereaved family

SEOUL, Nov. 3 (Yonhap) -- The defense ministry has decided not to provide military intelligence collected in the course of North Korea's killing of a South Korean official in September to his bereaved family due to the confidentiality of the information, officials said Tuesday.
On Sept. 22, North Korea fatally shot the 47-year-old official, who was adrift on its side of the Yellow Sea, and burned his body, according to the South Korean military. He went missing the previous day while on duty near the western border island of Yeonpyeong.
His elder brother, Lee Rae-jin, has asked the defense ministry to disclose the audio file of a wiretapped conversation among North Korean troops, strongly protesting a government announcement that the slain official is believed to have attempted to defect to the North.
On Tuesday, ministry officials met with Lee and informed him of the decision not to disclose information.
"After a review, we explained to the bereaved family that ... disclosure of the information is restricted as it is designated as a secret under the Military Secret Protection Act," the ministry said in a statement.
Defense Minister Suh Wook will hold a meeting with the bereaved family on Friday, it said.
Lee Rae-jin, the elder brother of a South Korean official killed by North Korean soldiers while drifting in its waters in September, speaks during a press conference in Seoul after a meeting with defense ministry officials on Nov. 3, 2020. (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-03--S. Korean, Malaysian military chiefs agree to boost defense cooperation

During the 30-minute dialogue , the two military leaders discussed responses to the new coronavirus and ways to further deepen @ @ @ @ @ to the JCS .

SEOUL, Nov. 3 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) Chairman Gen. Won In-choul held a video call with his Malaysian counterpart, Gen. Affendi Bin Buang, on Tuesday and vowed to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in the defense field, Won's office said.
During the 30-minute dialogue, the two military leaders discussed responses to the new coronavirus and ways to further deepen their bilateral relationship, according to the JCS.
Congratulating Won on his inauguration, the Malaysian general voiced hope for stronger defense ties and brisk exchanges between their militaries. Won took office as the 42nd JCS chairman last month.
Won also praised the 60-year-old diplomatic relationship between the two countries and proposed continued efforts for cooperation in military and defense industry fields, the JCS added.
South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) Chairman Gen. Won In-choul holds a video call with his Malaysian counterpart, Gen. Affendi Bin Buang, on Nov. 3, 2020, in this photo provided by Won's office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-03--Church leader apologizes for erroneous coronavirus responses

`` In the face of the spread of COVID-19 , the church should have respected the lives of our neighbors @ @ @ @ @ worship , '' So said .

SEOUL, Nov. 3 (Yonhap) -- The leader of the Presbyterian Church of Korea apologized Tuesday for what he called churches' erroneous responses during the coronavirus pandemic.
Pastor So Gang-suk said in a news conference that Korean churches failed to exert leadership and fulfill their responsibility amid the spread of the infectious disease.
"In the face of the spread of COVID-19, the church should have respected the lives of our neighbors as much as it respects worship," So said.
"But people turned their back on the church as it prioritized freedom of faith and stuck to in-person worship."
So, senior pastor of the Sae Eden Church in Yongin, south of Seoul, took the helm of the nation's largest Protestant denomination in September.
"Some churches even raised the eyebrows of the public as they became the epicenters of coronavirus infection," he lamented.
He called on the church to enhance efforts to communicate with the people, present correct directions for society and better protect vulnerable neighbors.
Pastor So Gang-suk, leader of the Presbyterian Church of Korea, speaks during a a news conference in Seoul on Nov. 3, 2020. (Yonhap)
The pastor also promised the group will play an active role in resuming exchanges with North Korea.
He said the Unification Ministry and Christian leaders will hold a meeting Friday on medical cooperation between South and North Korea.
The Presbyterian Church is participating in discussion on measures to aid North Korea, including delivering medical supplies that are not subject to U.N. sanctions, he added.
Lee Seung-hui, his predecessor, also said the Presbyterian Church is already working with Pyongyang's forest authorities in a forestation project in the North.
(END)


yna--2020-11-03--Gov't to keep fixed book price system nearly unchanged

Under the government-led fixed price system , which was first launched in 2003 and refreshed in 2014 , the price @ @ @ @ @ by publishers , and online retailers are allowed to give a maximum 15 percent discount @ @ @ @ @ months ago or more .

SEOUL, Nov. 3 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean government said Tuesday that it will keep the current fixed book price system, which is aimed at helping local publishers stay afloat, nearly unchanged but will ease some discount regulations for customers.
Under the government-led fixed price system, which was first launched in 2003 and refreshed in 2014, the price of a book is determined by publishers, and online retailers are allowed to give a maximum 15 percent discount on all books published 18 months ago or more.
It was introduced to help local publishers survive the intense competition against large online bookstores who had churned out discount coupons in the early 2000s.
The government has reviewed the system every three years to check its feasibility in a timely manner.
"Considering the fixed price system's positive effects on the ecosystem of the publishing industry, we will maintain the system nearly intact but will fine-tune some details," the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said in a release.
It said bookstores and retailers will be able to reset the resale price of books 12 months after publication, down from the current 18 months.
The government will also update the nationwide publication distribution networking system to help local publishers register the price changes in an easier and more timely way.
For electronic publications such as webtoons, moreover, retailers can set the price tag with their own electronic cash unit.
But the government will strengthen punishments for those who violate the pricing system multiple times. A fine of 5 million won (US$4,400), up from current 3 million won, awaits anyone caught as a third-time offender.
The culture ministry said it will have its ear to the ground to keep up with the fast-changing publication industry and meet the demands of customers.
The revision will be finalized after being discussed and passed at the parliament.
This photo provided by Yonhap News TV shows a bookstore. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-03--Ministry calls for IAEA efforts to ensure Japan's transparent handling of Fukushima treated water

`` It asked the IAEA to play an active role in terms of securing transparency and verifying the safety in @ @ @ @ @ government crafting measures to dispose of the water and disposing of it , '' it @ @

SEOUL, Nov. 3 (Yonhap) -- South Korea called Tuesday for the U.N. nuclear watchdog to play an "active" role in ensuring Japan's transparent and safe handling of contaminated water from its crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant, the foreign ministry said.
Ham Sang-wook, deputy foreign minister for multilateral and global affairs, made the call during an annual policy consultation with Massimo Aparo, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)'s department of safeguards.
"On the occasion of this consultation, our side stressed the contaminated water issue is a crucial matter that can affect the safety and environment of Japan's neighboring countries and of the entire international community," the ministry said in a press release.
"It asked the IAEA to play an active role in terms of securing transparency and verifying the safety in all processes of the Japanese government crafting measures to dispose of the water and disposing of it," it added.
Amid public concerns over Japan's possible discharge of the radioactive water into the sea, Seoul has repeatedly called for Tokyo to transparently share related information and stressed its "foremost priority" on the safety of citizens.
Last month, Tokyo was expected to finalize its plan to dispose of the tritium-laced water. But it apparently postponed an announcement on its decision amid strong protests.
At Tuesday's talks, the ministry and the U.N. agency also discussed cooperation in strengthening readiness to monitor and verify North Korea's nuclear activity.
South Korean and IAEA officials hold an annual policy consultation at the foreign ministry in Seoul on Nov. 3, 2020 in this photo released by the ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-03--Blue Jays' Ryu Hyun-jin rues early postseason exit in otherwise fine season

`` I think it comes down to how soon those decisions are reached , '' Ryu said .
`` If @ @ @ @ @ season that we 're going to be in Buffalo again , then I may start @ @ @ @ @ .
But if things get decided at the last minute like this year , we @ @ @ @ @ season living in the hotel .
That was a difficult part , but I think @ @ @ @ @ out ahead of time , the players will make adjustments . ''

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 3 (Yonhap) -- By most measures, Ryu Hyun-jin enjoyed an excellent first season pitching for the Toronto Blue Jays, after signing a lucrative multiyear deal as a free agent over the winter.
But the 33-year-old South Korean left-hander, who joined the Blue Jays in December on a four-year, US$80 million deal, has one lingering regret: taking a quick exit from the postseason.
Ryu, who'd spent the previous seven years with the Los Angeles Dodgers, pitched the Jays into their first postseason since 2016. He led the staff with a 5-2 record and a 2.69 ERA, the fourth-best mark in the American League (AL). Ryu was the winning pitcher in a game that clinched a postseason berth for the Blue Jays, tossing seven shutout innings in a 4-1 victory over the New York Yankees on Sept. 24.
Ryu Hyun-jin of the Toronto Blue Jays speaks at a press conference at the headquarters of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Seoul on Nov. 3, 2020. Ryu is an honorary ambassador for athletes' human rights for the NHRC. (Yonhap)
But the Jays were swept in two straight games by the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Wild Card Series. Ryu took the loss in the deciding Game 2, when he was roughed up for seven runs -- only three earned -- on eight hits in 1 2/3 innings.
"I think the biggest disappointment from this season was the way we bowed out of the postseason," Ryu said at a press conference in Seoul on Tuesday. Ryu was speaking at the headquarters of the National Human Rights Commission. He has been appointed as an honorary ambassador for human rights in sports.
"I've had some ups and downs. I am satisfied that I was able to pitch the full season without suffering any injury," Ryu added.
This was Ryu's first public appearance since arriving back home at the start of October and then serving his 14-day quarantine, mandated by the government for all international travelers during the coronavirus pandemic.
It's the pandemic that forced Major League Baseball (MLB) to drastically shorten its season from 162 games to 60. Ryu made 12 starts without missing a turn, and after some so-so outings in the early going, Ryu found his footing.
Earlier in the day in South Korean time, Ryu was named one of three finalists for the AL Cy Young Award. He was the runner-up for the National League Cy Young last year, when he led MLB with a 2.32 ERA.
Ryu Hyun-jin of the Toronto Blue Jays speaks at a press conference at the headquarters of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Seoul on Nov. 3, 2020. Ryu is an honorary ambassador for athletes' human rights for the NHRC. (Yonhap)
Ryu is up against Cleveland Indians' Shane Bieber, the odds-on favorite who claimed the AL Triple Crown with eight wins, a 1.63 ERA and 122 strikeouts.
Ryu's former Dodgers teammate, Kenta Maeda of the Minnesota Twins, is the other candidate. He was 6-1 with a 2.70 ERA and had 80 strikeouts in 66 2/3 innings.
Asked about his candidacy, Ryu said sheepishly, "I think I am too far behind the other candidates. It'll be tough for me to win. I am grateful that I am one of the finalists."
One of the "downs" that Ryu experienced this past season was not being able to play home games in Toronto. The Canada-U.S. border remained closed for non-essential travels during the baseball season, and the Canadian federal government rejected the Blue Jays' plans to make constant cross-border trips during the season. The Blue Jays sought alternative plans -- sharing PNC Park in Pittsburgh with the Pirates, for instance -- before settling down in their minor league home in Buffalo, New York.
There is still a cloud of uncertainty hanging over the Blue Jays' home for next year. Unless the pandemic situation improves dramatically, they may once again have to play like a barnstorming team.
Ryu admitted it would be "difficult" to spend another season away from home.
"I think it comes down to how soon those decisions are reached," Ryu said. "If we learn well before the season that we're going to be in Buffalo again, then I may start looking for a home there. But if things get decided at the last minute like this year, we'd have to spend another season living in the hotel. That was a difficult part, but I think as long as we find out ahead of time, the players will make adjustments."
Ryu Hyun-jin of the Toronto Blue Jays speaks at a press conference at the headquarters of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Seoul on Nov. 3, 2020. Ryu is an honorary ambassador for athletes' human rights for the NHRC. (Yonhap)
The Blue Jays, with some financial flexibility, could be an active player in the open market this winter, as they try to bolster a young and upstart roster.
Asked if there's any free agent he'd like to play with, Ryu said, "I think the team will handle that business. Regardless who comes over, we'll continue to go out there and play hard every game."
As a long-tenured big league veteran, Ryu said he was proud of seeing fellow Korean pitcher, Kim Kwang-hyun, make a successful transition to MLB this year. Kim, who'd built a rivalry with Ryu during their days in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), pitched for 13 years here before joining the St. Louis Cardinals last winter. Kim went 3-0 with a 1.62 ERA in eight appearances.
"As soon as he said he'd try to make it to the majors, I figured he'd have success," Ryu said. "As a fellow Korean baseball player, I am so happy for him that he had such a great year, despite the circumstances."
A couple more KBO stars may join Ryu and Kim in the majors next season, with Kiwoom Heroes shortstop Kim Ha-seong and Kia Tigers pitcher Yang Hyeon-jong likely to test the market.
In this Associated Press file photo from Sept. 30, 2020, Ryu Hyun-jin of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 2 of the American League Wild Card series at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Yonhap)
"They both have built impressive careers in Korea and they are great ballplayers," Ryu said. "I think they'll put up strong numbers in the majors, and I hope they make the leap with confidence."
Ryu became a new father in May, though he didn't get to spend much time with his daughter during the season, as she and her mother returned to South Korea early. With his quarantine now behind him, Ryu said he's trying to spend more time with his family.
"I am trying to help out (my wife) as much as I can," Ryu said. "I don't spend much time outside anymore. I am trying to become a family man."
Asked to compare the degree of difficulty between parenting and pitching, Ryu said, "I have so much respect for parents. I think parenting is harder."
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-03--(2nd LD) Stadium co-tenants square off in KBO postseason

The Twins went 13-9-1 for the second-highest winning percentage in October , but dropping the last two games , one @ @ @ @ @ clubs in the league , cost them the No .
2 seed .
They dropped @ @ @ @ @ versus the fifth-seed Kiwoom Heroes .
The Twins prevailed 4-3 on Monday , thanks to @ @ @ @ @ utility man Shin Min-jae in the bottom of the 13th .
They used six relievers @ @ @ @ @ with closer Go Woo-suk needing 40 pitches to get five outs .

(ATTN: ADDS comments in paras 9-10)
By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 3 (Yonhap) -- They may share the same stadium in the South Korean baseball league, but the term "rivalry" doesn't accurately describe the state of affairs between the Doosan Bears and the LG Twins, with one enjoying far more recent success than the other.
For the first time in seven years, the co-tenants of Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul will clash in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) postseason. This time, it will be in the first round, a best-of-three set that will be played at Jamsil in its entirety even if it goes the distance.
Members of the Doosan Bears stand behind the banner celebrating their sixth consecutive trip to the Korea Baseball Organization postseason after defeating the Kiwoom Heroes 2-0 at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on Oct. 30, 2020. (Yonhap)
The Bears will be the home team for Game 1 at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and Game 2 at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. Game 3, if necessary, will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, with the Twins batting last as the home team.
Back in 2013, the Bears knocked off the Twins in four games in the best-of-five second round.
The Bears advanced directly to the first round this year by virtue of finishing the regular season in third place. The Twins dropped to fourth place on their final day of the season last Friday, and had to beat the fifth-seed Kiwoom Heroes 4-3 in 13 innings to take the Wild Card and set up a duel against the Bears.
The Bears won the season series 9-6-1 (wins-losses-ties). Just two years ago, the Bears famously took the season series 15-1 -- or, put another way, the Twins infamously lost the season series 1-15. It was the most lopsided head-to-head record in the KBO that year.
Doosan manager Kim Tae-hyoung said his team's strong recent history against the Twins should come in handy this week.
"I think our players will always have that confidence," Kim said during his pre-series media availability at Jamsil on Tuesday. "We've had some great moments against LG in recent years, and I think they can only help us in the postseason."
In this file photo from Oct. 20, 2020, Chris Flexen of the Doosan Bears pitches against the Lotte Giants in the bottom of the first inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Sajik Stadium in Busan, 450 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
LG manager Ryu Joong-il said regular season history won't mean much in the postseason, and his players will be prepared for a hard-fought series.
"Doosan is a good defensive team and has some speedy runners," Ryu said in a statement released by the Twins, who took Tuesday off after Monday's marathon. "We have to stay on our toes on defense, and try to take the extra base on offense."
In recent seasons, the Bears have been a vastly more successful club, having played in every Korean Series since 2015 and winning it all in 2015, 2016 and 2019. The Twins, though, won their last title in 1994 and haven't even reached the Korean Series since 2002.
The Bears were the best team in the KBO in October, compiling a 16-7 record and winning their final four games.
Their pitching staff led all teams with a 2.95 ERA and 197 strikeouts in October. During that month, no team allowed fewer baserunners -- 1.25 in walks and hits per innings pitched -- and the Bears allowed an on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) of .642, the lowest in the KBO by 75 points.
Their rotation features a two-headed monster, with right-handers Chris Flexen and Raul Alcantara combining to go 10-0 with 83 strikeouts in 72 innings last month. The duo didn't give up any home runs.
Flexen, in his first KBO season, missed nearly two months of action in the summer with injury, and came back with a vengeance in October. He went 4-0 with a league-low 0.85 ERA in five October starts. He struck out 42 in just 31 2/3 innings to also lead the league in October. Flexen last pitched last Tuesday and will start Wednesday's Game 1.
Flexen faced the Twins once, on May 7 for his first KBO start, and he won that game by allowing three runs in six innings.
LG Twins players celebrate their 4-3 victory over the Kiwoom Heroes to take the Korea Baseball Organization Wild Card at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on Nov. 2, 2020. (Yonhap)
Alcantara was the only 20-game winner in the regular season. He was 6-0 in six October starts and had a 1.34 ERA across 40 1/3 innings. Alcantara lost his Opening Day start on May 5 and then went 20-1 over his next 30 starts. Alcantara's last loss came on Aug. 26. He won his final regular season start last Friday to get to win No. 20 and is expected to start Thursday's Game 2 on full rest.
The Twins went 13-9-1 for the second-highest winning percentage in October, but dropping the last two games, one each against the two worst clubs in the league, cost them the No. 2 seed. They dropped into the Wild Card round versus the fifth-seed Kiwoom Heroes. The Twins prevailed 4-3 on Monday, thanks to a game-winning hit by unheralded utility man Shin Min-jae in the bottom of the 13th. They used six relievers after starter Casey Kelly, with closer Go Woo-suk needing 40 pitches to get five outs.
The 19-year-old rookie Lee Min-ho will get the Game 1 nod Wednesday. He was 4-4 with a 3.69 ERA in 20 games. He made four appearances -- two in relief -- against the Bears and went 0-1 with a 2.57 ERA across 14 innings. In two bullpen outings, Lee shut down the Bears for four innings. He gave up two runs in five innings in each of his two starts against them.
The Twins carefully monitored Lee's workload all season, often giving him more than a week of rest between starts. He made a couple of relief appearances in the final stretch and recorded a 1.66 ERA in five October games.
Only two other rookies have won a KBO postseason start straight out of high school.
Doosan manager Kim said even though the pitching matchup may favor his team on paper, his hitters shouldn't take the rookie Twins starter lightly.
"He's getting this starting assignment for a reason. He's earned this opportunity to pitch in a big game," Kim said. "People may say we have the edge in pitching with Alcantara and Flexen, but they don't have any big game experience (in the KBO). We're going to need to score some runs, too."
In this file photo from Sept. 24, 2020, Lee Min-ho of the LG Twins pitches against the NC Dinos in the bottom of the fifth inning of 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--2020-11-03--Prosecutors demand hefty sentence for former securities company exec in Lime fraud case

SEOUL, Nov. 3 (Yonhap) -- Prosecutors on Tuesday demanded imprisonment of 10 years for a former executive of a leading securities company indicted for misselling fund products of the scandal-ridden hedge fund Lime Asset Management.
Prosecutors also asked for a fine of 500 million won (US$440,000) for the former head of a Daishin Securities Co. wealth management center in the southern Seoul district of Banpo, identified only as Jang, in a hearing at the Seoul Southern District Court, saying the defendant had failed to protect investors and undermined public trust in financial companies.
Lime Asset has been under probe over its alleged cover-up of massive losses and subsequent suspension of fund redemption worth an estimated 1.6 trillion won. The case is developing into a high-profile lobbying scandal, in which former and incumbent high-ranking government officials and politicians are embroiled.
Daishin Securities and many other financial companies have also been under probe on suspicion of selling Lime's faulty fund products to their customers.
Jang was indicted for fraudulently selling Lime fund products worth 248 billion won to his customers. He is accused of emphasizing unconfirmed annual rates of return to investors by using such terms as "annual return of 8 percent confirmed" and hiding the possibility of losses from them.
In addition, prosecutors accused Jang of inducing his customers not to request redemptions of their investments in Lime funds even after July 2019, when he came to recognize problems in the operations of Lime Asset.
Prosecutors said the former Daishin executive sent text messages to all of his customers saying there were no problems with Lime's fund products even after he became aware of the investment company's problems.
Jang offered an apology for "inadvertently" causing losses to his customers during the court hearing.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-03--Justice minister publicly denounces top prosecutor for compromising political neutrality

`` As a powerful institution , the prosecution is required to keep political neutrality more than any other government agency @ @ @ @ @ `` Given that , I am taking very seriously this current situation in which the @ @ @ @ @ actions tarnish the prosecution 's political neutrality and undermine public trust in the institution .
@

SEOUL, Nov. 3 (Yonhap) -- Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae on Tuesday accused Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl of damaging public trust in and the political neutrality of the prosecution, in the latest escalation of tension between the two.
In a statement released by the ministry, Choo said she is "listening to various opinions of sitting prosecutors, while taking critical voices from the public seriously, expressed through a petition" posted on the Cheong Wa Dae website calling for dismissing "political" prosecutors who openly take issue with the ministry.
The announcement came as tensions between the two sides have intensified in recent weeks, as hundreds of prosecutors expressed their opposition to Choo on the prosecution's internal online forum over various controversial issues, including the removal of the top prosecutor in a series of investigations, with Choo's supporters rallying behind the minister.
The petition in question has received nearly 400,000 signatures as of Tuesday afternoon since it was posted on Friday.
Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae arrives at the government complex in Seoul on Nov. 3, 2020. (Yonhap)
"As a powerful institution, the prosecution is required to keep political neutrality more than any other government agency," she said. "Given that, I am taking very seriously this current situation in which the prosecutor general's words and actions tarnish the prosecution's political neutrality and undermine public trust in the institution."
Asking prosecutors to work together with her, the minister vowed to continue to pursue prosecution reform to keep the institution in check, while promising to communicate with them and help them work for the public and have faith in their job.
Last month, Choo and Yoon engaged in verbal attacks against each other in public during parliamentary audit sessions.
Choo slammed the top prosecutor for overstepping the line when he called the minister's decision to recuse him from the investigation into a high-profile financial fraud case "illegal" and "absurd."
The ongoing clash between the ministry and the prosecution largely began last year following controversial investigations into former Justice Minister Cho Kuk, a key architect of Moon's drive for prosecution reform, and his family.
Reform of the prosecution has been a key agenda of the Moon administration amid long-held public views that the state prosecution has wielded excessive power without adequate checks and balances.
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-03--N.K. leader has no health symptoms despite being overweight: spy agency

The North Korean leader 's prolonged absence from public view in May sparked rumors globally about his heath and even @ @ @ @ @ .
But they came to an end when he attended an event to mark the @ @ @ @ @ in the North in early May .

SEOUL, Nov. 3 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has gained a substantial amount of weight each year since taking power in the country in late 2011 but remains free from any serious health symptoms, according to the South's spy agency Tuesday.
In a regular parliamentary audit, the South's National Intelligence Service (NIS) reported that Kim's state of health "had no irregular symptoms despite being a little overweight," main opposition People Power Party's Rep. Ha Tae-keung, who attended the closed-door audit at the National Assembly, told reporters.
"Kim currently weighs in the 140 kilogram range after having gained an average of 6 to 7 kilograms per year over the past eight years since weighing 90 kilograms in August of 2012," Ha quoted the spy agency as reporting.
This photo, provided by the Korean Central News Agency on Oct. 15, 2020, shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (C) inspecting rehabilitation sites in Sinpho and Hongwon, South Hamgyong Province, hit hard by Typhoon Maysak early last month. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
NIS assessed that Kim's obesity was not a big health issue, considering that he is relatively young, according to Ha.
According to the spy agency, Kim has been treated for tarsal tunnel syndrome, a condition that causes pain and weakness in the toes, feet and ankles, and is now able to walk normally and climb stairs without hindrances.
Kim reportedly suffered from tarsal tunnel syndrome in 2014 and was unable to walk properly without a stick due to a cyst in his ankle.
The North Korean leader's prolonged absence from public view in May sparked rumors globally about his heath and even the possibility of his death. But they came to an end when he attended an event to mark the completion of a fertilizer factory in the North in early May.
Kim, the third son of the late leader Kim Jong-il, took over the North in a hereditary succession of power after his father died in December 2011.
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-03--Kim Jong-un orders probe into recent shooting death of S. Korean official: spy agency

Three days after the North Korean military shot the 47-year-old official to death on the northern side of the maritime @ @ @ @ @ , Pyongyang said in a notification sent to South Korea on Sept. 25 that it @ @ @ @ @ into the case .

SEOUL, Nov. 3 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's state intelligence agency said Tuesday that there is circumstantial evidence indicating that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has ordered a probe into the military's fatal shooting in September of a South Korean fisheries official, according to lawmakers.
Officials from the National Intelligence Service (NIS) made the remarks during a parliamentary intelligence committee's regular audit session into the agency, lawmakers who attended the meeting said.
"According to intelligence, there are circumstantial signs of (North Korea) carrying out a search for the body (of the slain official)," one of the official was quoted as saying during the closed-door session.
"(NIS) detected circumstantial signs indicating that Chairman Kim ordered a probe into details of the incident," the official said.
The remarks were relayed to the media by Rep. Ha Tae-keung of the main opposition People Power Party and Rep. Kim Byung-kee of the ruling Democratic Party, both senior members at the intelligence committee.
Asked if the order called for a fresh probe on top of the initial investigation allegedly conducted by the North, Kim said, "As far as we understand, yes."
Three days after the North Korean military shot the 47-year-old official to death on the northern side of the maritime border in the Yellow Sea, Pyongyang said in a notification sent to South Korea on Sept. 25 that it was launching an internal probe into the case.
The NIS official also said the North Korean military reduced the use of its communication networks and changed its communication slang after details about the military communication lines were exposed to South Korean media following the shooting incident.
Park Jie-won, the director of the National Intelligence Service, is seen ahead of the parliamentary audit into the agency on Nov. 3, 2020, at the agency's headquarters in Seoul. (Yonhap)
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

As the country 's first reconnaissance wing , the 39th Reconnaissance Wing stationed at an air base in the central @ @ @ @ @ five types of key Air Force reconnaissance assets , including the advanced unmanned Global Hawk @ @ @ @ @ Geumgang reconnaissance aircraft , and a medium-altitude unmanned aircraft system , according to the military @

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Tuesday.
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(LEAD) Moon rejects finance minister's resignation offer: Cheong Wa Dae
SEOUL -- Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki tendered his resignation Tuesday to take responsibility for causing "confusion" related to a stock trade taxation policy, but President Moon Jae-in rejected it, Cheong Wa Dae officials said.
Hong, who doubles as deputy prime minister for economy, expressed his intention to resign during a separate meeting with the president right after a weekly Cabinet meeting at the presidential compound, according to Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kang Min-seok.
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(LEAD) S. Korea to maintain stock taxation base for major shareholders: finance minister
SEOUL -- Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki said Tuesday the country will maintain the current stock transaction taxation base for major shareholders, citing heightened economic uncertainty.
The government has been seeking to lower the taxation threshold for a large shareholder to 300 million won (US$264,430) worth of stocks in a single company, from the current 1 billion won.
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FM Kang likely to visit U.S. next week for talks with Pompeo: sources
SEOUL -- Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha is expected to visit the United States early next week for talks with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, diplomatic sources said Tuesday.
Details have yet to be finalized, but Kang is expected to make a three-day visit to Washington starting Sunday, the sources said. The envisioned trip, if realized, will take place after this week's U.S. presidential election.
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Unification minister mulling trip to U.S. after presidential election
SEOUL -- Unification Minister Lee In-young is considering visiting the United States after this week's U.S. presidential election for discussions about North Korea, government sources said Tuesday.
Lee's plan to visit Washington has yet to be finalized, and the detailed schedule could be adjusted depending on situations following the U.S. presidential election that began Tuesday, according to the sources.
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(LEAD) S. Korea establishes first Air Force reconnaissance wing for Global Hawk, other key assets
SEOUL -- South Korea launched a new Air Force unit Tuesday in charge of operating the country's key reconnaissance assets, such as the RQ-4 Global Hawk aircraft, in a move to enhance the country's capabilities to monitor threats from North Korea and beyond, officials said.
As the country's first reconnaissance wing, the 39th Reconnaissance Wing stationed at an air base in the central city of Chungju will operate five types of key Air Force reconnaissance assets, including the advanced unmanned Global Hawk aircraft, RF-16 and RC-800 Geumgang reconnaissance aircraft, and a medium-altitude unmanned aircraft system, according to the military.
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(2nd LD) New virus cases below 100 for 2nd day amid concerns over post-Halloween surge
SEOUL -- South Korea's new coronavirus infections stayed in double digits for the second consecutive day Tuesday, but concerns remain over cluster infections following Halloween celebrations over the weekend.
The country added 75 more COVID-19 cases, including 46 local infections, raising the total caseload to 26,807, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
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(LEAD) Seoul shares up for 2nd day ahead of U.S. election
SEOUL -- South Korean shares rallied Tuesday for a second consecutive day ahead of the U.S. presidential election. The Korean won fell against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 43.15 points, or 1.88 percent, to close at 2,343.31.
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S. Koreans' time on YouTube up 20 pct in Sept.: data
SEOUL -- South Koreans are estimated to have spent over 50 billion minutes on YouTube in September amid the pandemic, a 20 percent jump from a year earlier, data showed Tuesday.
Mobile app tracker Wiseapp said the video streaming application was the application most used by the country's 33.7 million Android smartphone users in September at 53.1 billion minutes, compared with 44.3 billion minutes spent on the app the previous year.
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(US election) Americans vote to elect next U.S. president in one of most contentious elections
WASHINGTON -- American voters began going to the polls Tuesday to decide who will lead their country for the next four years in one of the most contentious presidential elections in recent history and one that could turn out to be the most scandalous one as well.
Voting began in the small town of Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, where its small population traditionally gather at the turn of midnight to cast their ballots, with the results often declared in minutes afterward.
(END)


yna--2020-11-03--Dongwon F & B Q3 net profit up 30.7 pct. to 30.8 bln won

The operating profit was 14.5 percent higher than the average estimate , according to the survey by Yonhap Infomax , @ @ @ @ @ Yonhap News Agency .
The estimate of net profit was not available .
( END @

SEOUL, Nov. 3 (Yonhap) -- Dongwon F & B Co. on Tuesday reported its third-quarter net profit of 30.8 billion won (US$27.1 million), up 30.7 percent from a year earlier.
The company said in a regulatory filing that it posted 43.9 billion won in operating profit for the quarter, compared with 35.5 billion won a year ago. Sales rose 8.8 percent to 897.4 billion won.
The operating profit was 14.5 percent higher than the average estimate, according to the survey by Yonhap Infomax, the financial data firm of Yonhap News Agency. The estimate of net profit was not available.
(END)


yna--2020-11-05--(LEAD) Bears ride big inning to eliminate Twins in KBO postseason

`` We struggled in the middle innings because our bullpen guys are n't all that experienced , '' Kim said @ @ @ @ @ , guys at the bottom came through .
When Lee Yu-chan scored that run in @ @ @ @ @ past the stop sign , I figured things were going to go our way in @ @ @ @

(ATTN: ADDS comments, details throughout, photo)
By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 5 (Yonhap) -- The Doosan Bears exploded for seven runs in the fourth inning and held on for dear life, as they beat the LG Twins 9-7 to move on to the next round in the South Korean baseball postseason.
The Bears swept the Twins in two straight games in the best-of-three first-round series at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul. They will now go on to meet the KT Wiz in the best-of-five series beginning Monday.
The Bears are trying to win their second straight Korean Series championship, while the Wiz are in their first Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) postseason.
Oh Jae-il of the Doosan Bears celebrates his two-run home run against the LG Twins in the top of the fourth inning of Game 2 of the Korea Baseball Organization first-round postseason series at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on Nov. 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
After going down 8-0, the Twins launched four home runs to close the gap to one run, though they ultimately came up short against their Jamsil co-tenants.
Doosan's No. 8 hitter Oh Jae-won, named the series MVP for going 4-for-8 with three RBIs in two games, knocked in the game's first run with an RBI double in the top of the second for a 1-0 lead.
The Bears then blew the game wide open in the top fourth, scoring seven runs on six hits and a sacrifice fly, chasing both starter Tyler Wilson and reliever Jin Hae-soo from the game along the way.
Doosan Bears players celebrate their 9-7 victory over the LG Twins to win the best-of-three first-round postseason series in the Korea Baseball Organization at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on Nov. 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
Park Sei-hyok's one-out RBI single got the ball rolling. On the scoring play, LG center fielder Hong Chang-ki made a fine throw home that would have beaten Heo Kyoung-min, trying to score from second, at the plate. But catcher Yoo Kang-nam lost his balance as he made the grab, allowing Heo to slide home safely and keep the line moving.
The Bears took advantage of that slight opening. After another single put runners at the corners, Oh Jae-won picked up his second RBI of the night with a single to give the Bears a 3-0 lead. Park Kun-woo followed up with a run-scoring single of his own, and then Jung Soo-bin hit a sacrifice fly to center for a 5-0 lead.
Park Kun-woo of the Doosan Bears celebrates his RBI single against the LG Twins in the top of the fourth inning of Game 2 of the Korea Baseball Organization first-round postseason series at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on Nov. 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
They went up 6-0 after Jose Miguel Fernandez's single to center. Oh Jae-il then landed the big blow with a two-run home run to left-center field.
The Twins showed some life in the bottom fourth, as Roberto Ramos and Chae Eun-seong blasted back-to-back home runs off starter Raul Alcantara and cut the deficit to 8-2.
And the Twins used long balls again to chip away at the Bears' lead in the fifth. After a one-out single, Kim Hyun-soo smacked a two-run homer to make it an 8-4 game and knock Alcantara out of the game.
Facing reliever Lee Hyun-seung, Ramos clobbered a 1-0 fastball for his second dinger of the game that put the Twins within three at 8-5.
The Twins weren't done. In the bottom sixth, they drew two straight walks with two outs, and Oh Ji-hwan cashed in both runners with a double. The Bears' lead now was only 8-7.
Choi Won-jun of the Doosan Bears pitches against the LG Twins in the bottom of the sixth inning of Game 2 of the Korea Baseball Organization first-round postseason series at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on Nov. 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
The Bears failed to bring home an insurance run after putting two men aboard with one out in the top seventh. But they finally gave themselves some breathing room in the top ninth.
Kim Jae-hwan drew a leadoff walk and was lifted for pinch runner Lee Yu-chan. Heo laid down a sacrifice bunt, but pitcher Go Woo-suk picked it up and made a wild throw to first base.
As the ball trickled into foul territory, Lee rounded third and ran through the stop sign. But LG catcher Lee Sung-woo never saw the runner coming home, and even though the ball arrived first, Lee Yu-chan slid home to put the Bears up 9-7.
Closer Lee Young-ha, who came in to start the eighth inning, got the final six outs for the save.
Fans take in Game 2 of the Korea Baseball Organization first-round postseason series between the Doosan Bears and the LG Twins at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on Nov. 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
Doosan manager Kim Tae-hyoung breathed a sigh of relief after the win that ended up being narrower than it should have been.
"We struggled in the middle innings because our bullpen guys aren't all that experienced," Kim said. "From the lineup, guys at the bottom came through. When Lee Yu-chan scored that run in the ninth even after running past the stop sign, I figured things were going to go our way in the end."
Neither starter factored into a decision. Unable to maintain an 8-0 early advantage, Alcantara served up three home runs in allowing four runs in 4 1/3 innings.
Manager Kim revealed after the game that Alcantara dealt with a stiff neck prior to the game and that he should be fine for the next series.
Wilson, making his first start since Oct. 4 after elbow inflammation sidelined him, was charged with four earned runs on four hits and three walks in 3 1/3 innings.
LG skipper Ryu Joong-il said summoning Jin Hae-soo out of the bullpen during the big fourth inning backfired.
"He'd done well against Doosan and we were hoping he would minimize the damage," Ryu said. "On the other hand, our batters never gave up even when we went down 8-0. Overall, the guys played as well as they could have. We just had some injuries along the way."
Heo Kyoung-min of the Doosan Bears (R) slides home safely against the LG Twins in the top of the fourth inning of Game 2 of the Korea Baseball Organization first-round postseason series at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on Nov. 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
Wilson was helpless against the Bears' running game.
After drawing a walk to lead off the second inning, Heo Kyoung-min got a head start on a Park Sei-hyok grounder to third and avoided the double play. Two batters later, Heo came around to score on Oh Jae-won's double.
During their fourth inning explosion, the Bears stole two bases, capitalizing on Wilson's slow delivery to the plate.
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-05--(3rd LD) (US election) Biden inches closer to possible victory amid slow vote counting

`` Last night I was leading , often solidly , in many key states , in almost all instances Democrat @ @ @ @ @ , one by one , they started to magically disappear as surprise ballot dumps were @ @ @ @ @ and the 'pollsters ' got it completely and historically wrong , '' he added .

(ATTN: RECASTS throughout with additional details)
By Byun Duk-kun
WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 (Yonhap) -- The United States -- and the rest of the world -- continued to wait Thursday for the outcome of the presidential election as vote counting progressed at a snail's pace two days after the polls closed, with Democratic candidate Joe Biden holding razor-thin leads in key states.
Both Biden and President Donald Trump still had a chance to win, but the former vice president was nearing a surprise victory in at least three of the six key battleground states that were all won by Trump in the 2016 election.
As of early Thursday, Biden was projected to have secured 253 of the 270 electoral votes needed to win the White House against Trump's 213. Both numbers remained unchanged from late Wednesday.
The image provided by Yonhap News TV shows U.S. President Donald Trump (L) and Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden. American voters began hitting the polls on Nov. 3, 2020, to elect the next U.S. president. (Yonhap)
Vote counting has been slow in several states, including the key battleground states, partly because of a high voter turnout rate that was widely expected to have been the highest in over a century.
Also, a record number of more than 101 million Americans voted early either in mail-in ballots or in-person voting.
With some states, such as Nevada, accepting mail-in ballots for up to a week after Election Day, election watchers believe it could take several more days before all votes can be counted.
A winner may still emerge as soon as either candidate surpasses the 270-threshold in electoral votes needed to win.
Trump continues to lead in three of the six battleground states -- Florida, North Carolina and Pennsylvania -- but his victory there alone will not win him four more years at the White House, while his narrow leads in Georgia and Pennsylvania remain fragile.
Biden, on the other hand, is projected to have won at least two of the six battleground states -- Michigan and Wisconsin -- while continuing to lead in Arizona.
His win in the three states, along with Nevada, is expected to carry him over the finish line with at least 270 electoral votes.
Declaring victory may still take more time despite Trump prematurely declaring his victory early Wednesday, only hours after polling closed in the presidential election.
Trump has filed lawsuits in Georgia, Michigan and Pennsylvania to have their vote counting halted, partly on grounds of alleged vote counting irregularities.
He earlier accused the Democrats of "dumping" ballots in key battleground states where he said his earlier lead "magically disappear."
"How come every time they count mail-in ballot dumps they are so devastating in their percentage and power of destruction?" he has tweeted.
"Last night I was leading, often solidly, in many key states, in almost all instances Democrat run and controlled. Then, one by one, they started to magically disappear as surprise ballot dumps were counted. Very strange, and the 'pollsters' got it completely and historically wrong," he added.
The Trump campaign has also said it will demand a recount of votes in Wisconsin, where the president is projected to have lost to Biden with a margin of less than 1 percentage point.
Biden said he will not be hasty in declaring victory, noting vote counting must continue until each and every vote is counted.
Still, he has expressed confidence over his win.
"It's clear that we're winning enough states to reach 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidency," he said in a press conference on Wednesday.
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-05--Backup second baseman swings way to postseason series MVP award

Then with the Bears up 2-0 in the top fourth , Oh stepped in with the runners at the corners @ @ @ @ @ left-hander Jin Hae-soo .
Oh kept the rally going with a base hit to left @ @ @ @ @ to 3-0 .
The Bears ended up scoring seven runs in that inning .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 5 (Yonhap) -- They call him the "man of the autumn," because it's the time of the year when postseason baseball games are played and Oh Jae-won turns into a different hitter.
The 35-year-old backup second baseman for the Doosan Bears was named the MVP of the first-round playoff series in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) on Thursday. The Bears completed their two-game sweep of the LG Twins with a 9-7 victory at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul, and Oh drove in two runs for the second straight game.
In Wednesday's 4-0 victory, Oh batted 2-for-3 with two RBIs out of the No. 9 spot. Batting eighth in Game 2, Oh was 2-for-5 with two RBIs and a run scored.
Oh Jae-won of the Doosan Bears points to his dugout after hitting an RBI single against the LG Twins in the top of the fourth inning of Game 2 of the Korea Baseball Organization first-round postseason series at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on Nov. 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
He received 53 out of 67 votes cast by media and took home 2 million won (US$1,780) in prize money and a trophy.
Oh only got the start in these two games because the Bears' everyday second baseman, Choi Joo-hwan, was still dealing with effects of plantar fasciitis. During the regular season, Oh bounced between the Bears and their minor league club, while batting just .232 in 85 games -- his lowest total since 2012.
He is a lifetime .269 hitter in the regular season, but he is a .309 hitter in 87 postseason games.
Oh's postseason excellence is hardly news for Bears fans. Last year, Oh batted .164 in 98 regular season games, and then went 5-for-10 with two doubles and three RBIs as the Bears swept the Kiwoom Heroes in four straight games.
In Thursday's victory, Oh drove in the game's first run, with a double to left field in the top of the second inning.
Oh Jae-won of the Doosan Bears celebrates after winning the MVP award for the Korea Baseball Organization first-round postseason series at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on Nov. 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
Then with the Bears up 2-0 in the top fourth, Oh stepped in with the runners at the corners against the new pitcher, left-hander Jin Hae-soo. Oh kept the rally going with a base hit to left field that extended the lead to 3-0. The Bears ended up scoring seven runs in that inning.
Doosan manager Kim Tae-hyoung said he put Oh into the lineup mostly for his steady defense and that any offense Oh can provide is a bonus. In these two games, though, Oh led the club with four RBIs.
From the bottom of the order, that's some kind of bonus.
Oh Jae-won of the Doosan Bears hits an RBI double against the LG Twins in the top of the second inning of Game 2 of the Korea Baseball Organization first-round postseason series at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on Nov. 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
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(END)


yna--2020-11-05--Shoddy defense proves costly for Twins in KBO postseason elimination

Do pitching and defense still win ball games ?
Maybe not as often as traditionalists may lead you to believe @ @ @ @ @ game , the Twins -- whose starter Tyler Wilson did n't make it out of @ @ @ @ @ neither the pitching or the defense necessary to win .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 5 (Yonhap) -- Their bats tried to make a game out of it, but shaky defense spelled the end of the LG Twins' postseason run in South Korean baseball.
The Doosan Bears knocked off the Twins from the best-of-three first-round series in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) with a 9-7 victory on Thursday.
The Twins went down 8-0 early but got to within 8-7, before a head-scratching play in the ninth provided the final margin.
Lee Yu-chan of the Doosan Bears (L) scores behind LG Twins catcher Lee Sung-woo (C) during the top of the ninth inning of Game 2 of the Korea Baseball Organization first-round postseason series at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on Nov. 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
The Bears broke out for seven runs in the top of the fourth, and the first run of the frame could have been prevented.
With Heo Kyoung-min standing at second and one out, Park Sei-hyok lined a single up the middle. Heo, with decent speed, tried to come home, but center fielder Hong Chang-ki made a good throw home that could have nabbed Heo or at least created a bang-bang play.
Instead, as he received the ball, catcher Yoo Kang-nam lost his balance and fell toward the first-base side. With a head-first slide, Heo scored to make it 2-0.
The door was slightly open now and the Bears barged through it, scoring six more runs after that to seemingly put the game out of reach early.
The Twins battled back with four home runs. Roberto Ramos and Chae Eun-seong went back-to-back in the bottom fourth, and Kim Hyun-soo and Ramos did the same in the fifth. Oh Ji-hwan's two-out, two-run double cut the deficit to 8-7.
LG Twins second baseman Gu Bon-hyeok (C) misses a throw from pitcher Go Woo-suk after a bunt attempt by Heo Kyoung-min of the Doosan Bears (R) during the top of the ninth inning of Game 2 of the Korea Baseball Organization first-round postseason series at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on Nov. 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
But in the top ninth, another miscue by an LG backstop, this time Lee Sung-woo, proved costly.
To start the fateful inning, LG closer Go Woo-suk walked Kim Jae-hwan, who was lifted for pinch runner Lee Yu-chan. Heo put down a bunt, but Go made a bad throw to second baseman Gu Bon-hyeok covering first base.
That wasn't even the end of it. With the ball now in foul territory, the speedy Lee Yu-chan came all the way to third base and ran through the stop sign.
But Lee Sung-woo never even realized the runner was coming home. The catcher stood well in front of the plate to receive the ball. When Lee Sung-woo had the ball, Lee Yu-chan was only about two-thirds of the way home.
By the time Go tried to alert his batterymate of the incoming runner, it was too late. Lee Yu-chan slid behind the befuddled catcher for the much-needed insurance run for the Bears.
Do pitching and defense still win ball games? Maybe not as often as traditionalists may lead you to believe. But in their elimination game, the Twins -- whose starter Tyler Wilson didn't make it out of the fourth inning -- got neither the pitching or the defense necessary to win.
Heo Kyoung-min of the Doosan Bears (L) celebrates after scoring past LG Twins catcher Yoo Kang-nam in the top of the fourth inning of Game 2 of the Korea Baseball Organization first-round postseason series at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on Nov. 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
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(END)


yna--2020-11-05--KBO's all-time hit king ends career with postseason elimination

Park , the all-time hit leader in the Korea Baseball Organization ( KBO ) with 2,504 regular season hits , @ @ @ @ @ be his last season .
The Twins made the postseason but lasted just three games @ @ @ @ @ Kiwoom Heroes for the Wild Card but then lost two straight games to the Doosan @ @ @ @ @ of the best-of-three first round .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 5 (Yonhap) -- A career that spanned nearly two decades in South Korean baseball ended for LG Twins' veteran Park Yong-taik with his club's postseason elimination on Thursday.
Park Yong-taik of the LG Twins returns to the dugout after hitting a pop fly against the Doosan Bears during the bottom of the eighth inning of Game 2 of the Korea Baseball Organization first-round playoff series at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on Nov. 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
Park, the all-time hit leader in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) with 2,504 regular season hits, had already announced 2020 would be his last season. The Twins made the postseason but lasted just three games, after they beat the Kiwoom Heroes for the Wild Card but then lost two straight games to the Doosan Bears to be knocked out of the best-of-three first round.
The final blow came in the form of a 9-7 loss on Thursday at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul.
Park Yong-taik of the LG Twins returns to the dugout after hitting a pop fly against the Doosan Bears during the bottom of the eighth inning of Game 2 of the Korea Baseball Organization first-round playoff series at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on Nov. 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
Park spent his entire 19-year career with the Twins, and he's going out without a championship ring. The Twins played in the Korean Series in his rookie season in 2002 and lost to the Samsung Lions. They haven't returned to the Korean Series since then.
The 41-year-old appeared in three games as pinch hitter this postseason but didn't pick up a hit.
Park has a lifetime .308 batting average in 2,236 regular season games, along with 213 home runs, 1,192 RBIs and 313 steals. In 41 postseason games, Park batted .285 with three homers and 20 RBIs.
On Thursday, Park came in as a pinch hitter with a runner at first with nobody out in the bottom eighth but popped out to third after swinging on the first pitch from closer Lee Young-ha.
Park Yong-taik of the LG Twins watches his pop fly against the Doosan Bears during the bottom of the eighth inning of Game 2 of the Korea Baseball Organization first-round playoff series at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on Nov. 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
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(END)


yna--2020-11-05--Bears ride big inning to eliminate Twins in KBO postseason

The Bears took advantage of that slight opening .
After another single put runners at the corners , Oh Jae-won @ @ @ @ @ of the night with a single to give the Bears a 3-0 lead .
Park @ @ @ @ @ run-scoring single of his own , and then Jung Soo-bin hit a sacrifice fly to @ @ @ @ @ .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 5 (Yonhap) -- The Doosan Bears exploded for seven runs in the fourth inning and held on for dear life, as they beat the LG Twins 9-7 to move on to the next round in the South Korean baseball postseason.
The Bears swept the Twins in two straight games in the best-of-three first-round series at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul. They will now go on to meet the KT Wiz in the best-of-five series beginning Monday.
The Bears are trying to win their second straight Korean Series championship, while the Wiz are in their first Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) postseason.
Oh Jae-il of the Doosan Bears celebrates his two-run home run against the LG Twins in the top of the fourth inning of Game 2 of the Korea Baseball Organization first-round postseason series at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on Nov. 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
After going down 8-0, the Twins launched four home runs to close the gap to one run, though they ultimately came up short against their Jamsil co-tenants.
Doosan's No. 8 hitter Oh Jae-won knocked in the game's first run with an RBI double in the top of the second for a 1-0 Bears lead.
The Bears then blew the game wide open in the top fourth, scoring seven runs on six hits and a sacrifice fly, chasing both starter Tyler Wilson and reliever Jin Hae-soo from the game along the way.
Park Sei-hyok's one-out RBI single got the ball rolling. On the scoring play, LG center fielder Hong Chang-ki made a fine throw home that would have beaten Heo Kyoung-min, trying to score from second, at the plate. But catcher Yoo Kang-nam lost his balance as he made the grab, allowing Heo to slide home safely and keep the line moving.
The Bears took advantage of that slight opening. After another single put runners at the corners, Oh Jae-won picked up his second RBI of the night with a single to give the Bears a 3-0 lead. Park Kun-woo followed up with a run-scoring single of his own, and then Jung Soo-bin hit a sacrifice fly to center for a 5-0 lead.
Park Kun-woo of the Doosan Bears celebrates his RBI single against the LG Twins in the top of the fourth inning of Game 2 of the Korea Baseball Organization first-round postseason series at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on Nov. 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
They went up 6-0 after Jose Miguel Fernandez's single to center. Oh Jae-il then landed the big blow with a two-run home run to left-center field.
The Twins showed some life in the bottom fourth, as Roberto Ramos and Chae Eun-seong blasted back-to-back home runs off starter Raul Alcantara and cut the deficit to 8-2.
And the Twins used long balls again to chip away at the Bears' lead in the fifth. After a one-out single, Kim Hyun-soo smacked a two-run homer to make it an 8-4 game and knock Alcantara out of the game.
Facing reliever Lee Hyun-seung, Ramos clobbered a 1-0 fastball for his second dinger of the game that put the Twins within three at 8-5.
The Twins weren't done. In the bottom sixth, they drew two straight walks with two outs, and Oh Ji-hwan cashed in both runners with a double. The Bears' lead now was only 8-7.
Choi Won-jun of the Doosan Bears pitches against the LG Twins in the bottom of the sixth inning of Game 2 of the Korea Baseball Organization first-round postseason series at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on Nov. 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
The Bears failed to bring home an insurance run after putting two men aboard with one out in the top seventh. But they finally gave themselves some breathing room in the top ninth.
Kim Jae-hwan drew a leadoff walk and was lifted for pinch runner Lee Yu-chan. Heo laid down a sacrifice bunt, but pitcher Go Woo-suk picked it up and made a wild throw to first base.
As the ball trickled into foul territory, Lee rounded third and ran through the stop sign. But LG catcher Lee Sung-woo never saw the runner coming home, and even though the ball arrived first, Lee Yu-chan slid home to put the Bears up 9-7.
Closer Lee Young-ha, who came in to start the eighth inning, got the final six outs for the save.
Fans take in Game 2 of the Korea Baseball Organization first-round postseason series between the Doosan Bears and the LG Twins at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on Nov. 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
Neither starter factored into a decision. Unable to maintain an 8-0 early advantage, Alcantara served up three home runs in allowing four runs in 4 1/3 innings.
Wilson, making his first start since Oct. 4 after elbow inflammation sidelined him, was charged with four earned runs on four hits and three walks in 3 1/3 innings.
Wilson was helpless against the Bears' running game.
Heo Kyoung-min of the Doosan Bears (R) slides home safely against the LG Twins in the top of the fourth inning of Game 2 of the Korea Baseball Organization first-round postseason series at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on Nov. 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
After drawing a walk to lead off the second inning, Heo Kyoung-min got a head start on a Park Sei-hyok grounder to third and avoided the double play. Two batters later, Heo came around to score on Oh Jae-won's double.
During their fourth inning explosion, the Bears stole two bases, capitalizing on Wilson's slow delivery to the plate.
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-05--S. Korea appoints new ambassadors to 11 nations in regular reshuffle

The ministry said Roh `` has the experience that will enable him to seek a higher level of cooperation with @ @ @ @ @ is ahead in the cultural and tourism sectors . ''

SEOUL, Nov. 5 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Thursday appointed new ambassadors to 11 nations, including Germany and Switzerland, in a regular reshuffle, the foreign ministry said.
Roh Tae-kang, former vice culture minister under President Moon Jae-in from 2017-2019, was appointed ambassador to Switzerland, the ministry said.
This file photo shows newly appointed South Korean Ambassador to Switzerland Roh Tae-kang. (Yonhap)
The ministry said Roh "has the experience that will enable him to seek a higher level of cooperation with the host nation, which is ahead in the cultural and tourism sectors."
Cho Hyun-ock, former senior presidential secretary for personnel affairs under Moon, was named ambassador to Germany, according to the ministry.
She speaks German, has studied at Heidelberg University and is familiar with local affairs there, it said.
The ministry also appointed new ambassadors to East Timor, Vatican City, France, Turkey, Libya, Madagascar, Ethiopia, Uruguay and Turkmenistan.
In addition, new consuls general were named for Niigata, Boston, Sapporo, San Francisco, Hamburg and Fukuoka.
This file photo shows newly appointed South Korean Ambassador to Germany Cho Hyun-ock (L). (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-05--Budget carrier Jeju Air expected to receive 190 bln won in state support

Jeju Air would be the second local air carrier to receive support from the fund .
In early September , @ @ @ @ @ injection of 2.4 trillion won into Asiana Airlines to help the carrier stay afloat .

SEOUL, Nov. 5 (Yonhap) -- Jeju Air Co., South Korea's top low-cost carrier, is expected to receive some 190 billion won (US$169 million) in state financial support, as the company seeks to overcome a pandemic-caused cash crunch, sources said Thursday.
The main creditor, the Export-Import Bank of Korea, has conducted due diligence on Jeju Air and estimated it needs a capital injection of about 198 billion won, according to the sources.
In May, South Korea launched a 40 trillion-won fund to provide financial aid to the country's backbone industries, including the airline service sector, amid the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic.
The financial support for Jeju Air will come from the so-called Key Industry Stabilization Fund.
Jeju Air would be the second local air carrier to receive support from the fund. In early September, the fund approved a capital injection of 2.4 trillion won into Asiana Airlines to help the carrier stay afloat.
Stung by the pandemic impact, Jeju Air, which operates 44 B737-800 passenger jets, shifted to a net loss of 202 billion won in the January-June period from a net profit of 12.6 billion won a year earlier.
(END)


yna--2020-11-05--Comedian Jung Hyung-don to take break due to anxiety disorder

`` Jung Hyung-don plans to focus on restoring his health during the break , and we , as his agency @ @ @ @ @ the support we can to help him concentrate on receiving treatment , '' FNC Entertainment @ @

SEOUL, Nov. 5 (Yonhap) -- Popular comedian and TV host Jung Hyung-don will take a break from broadcasting to focus on dealing with his anxiety disorder, his agency said Thursday.
"Jung Hyung-don has recently felt his long-time anxiety disorder get worse," FNC Entertainment said. "He has decided to halt broadcasting activities for now."
The agency said Jung was determined to continue working but decided to prioritize his health and take a break after talks with the agency.
"Jung Hyung-don plans to focus on restoring his health during the break, and we, as his agency, will give him all the support we can to help him concentrate on receiving treatment," FNC Entertainment said.
"We ask for your support and encouragement so that Jung Hyung-don can return healthily after receiving treatment and once again make you laugh," it added.
Jung, 42, previously halted all TV appearances in January 2016 for the same reason and returned nine months later.
He will temporarily withdraw from his current programs, including Idol on Quiz, which airs on KBS 2.
This file photo shows popular comedian Jung Hyung-don. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-05--(2nd LD) S. Korea to work closely with U.S. for bilateral ties, peace: Cheong Wa Dae

`` Our government has decided to work ( with the U.S. ) on the basis of the robust South Korea-U.S. @ @ @ @ @ in our efforts to develop bilateral relations and advance the Korean Peninsula peace process , @ @ @ @ @ Kang Min-seok said in a written statement .

(ATTN: UPDATES throughout with results of Moon's meeting with aides; CHANGES headline, photo)
SEOUL, Nov. 5 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in and his aides agreed Thursday to work closely with the United States in the wake of its presidential election to develop bilateral ties and advance the Korean Peninsula peace process, Cheong Wa Dae said.
Moon met with his ministers in charge of foreign policy and national security as the votes in Tuesday's election are still being counted for Republican President Donald Trump and former Democratic Vice President Joe Biden.
"Our government has decided to work (with the U.S.) on the basis of the robust South Korea-U.S. alliance to ensure no gap in our efforts to develop bilateral relations and advance the Korean Peninsula peace process," Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kang Min-seok said in a written statement.
Moon presided over the meeting, which followed a separate meeting between members of the National Security Council.
"Our government will continue communication and consultations between South Korean and U.S. foreign policy officials in a stable manner," Kang said, adding that the two sides will pursue their diplomatic schedules as planned.
The officials also agreed to closely monitor developments on the Korean Peninsula and in the international community as it focuses on improving inter-Korean relations and establishing a peace regime on the peninsula, according to the spokesman.
In order to stably manage the economy, the officials also studied the impact the U.S. election will have on the macroeconomy, trade and industries, he added.
This photo, provided by Cheong Wa Dae, shows a meeting of the National Security Council presided over by National Security Office Director Suh Hoon (C) at the presidential office on Nov. 5, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-05--No decision made on S. Korean minister's WTO chief bid: foreign ministry

`` The government , as a member state that respects the regulations and procedure of the WTO , will take @ @ @ @ @ in the process for the final consensus for the director-general and will continue to consult @ @ @ @ @ United States as well as other member states , '' it said .

SEOUL, Nov. 5 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's foreign ministry said Thursday that no decision has been made about whether Seoul's Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee should drop out of the race for the new director-general at the World Trade Organization (WTO).
The ministry delivered the message to press after the Chosun Ilbo newspaper reported earlier in the day that the government had made the decision to have Yoo withdraw her candidacy and that she will be making an official announcement in due course.
Yoo fell behind her Nigerian rival, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, in the final round of consultations among the 164 member states of the global trade body. The WTO has proposed Okonjo-Iweala as the next WTO chief, but the selection process fell into limbo as the United States has publicly endorsed Yoo.
The ministry on Thursday said that no decision has been made about Yoo or the government's position.
"We are comprehensively reviewing the future course of the candidate or the government's position on the matter and no decision has been made in any direction," the ministry said in a message to reporters.
"The government, as a member state that respects the regulations and procedure of the WTO, will take part with a constructive attitude in the process for the final consensus for the director-general and will continue to consult on the matter with the United States as well as other member states," it said.
The WTO General Council is expected to formally endorse Okonjo-Iweala at a special council meeting slated for Nov. 9.
South Korean Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee, who is running for the top post at the World Trade Organization (WTO), speaks during a reception with member nations' ambassadors in Geneva on Oct. 16, 2020. (Yonhap)
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(END)


yna--2020-11-05--(2nd LD) Gritty midfielder named MVP of S. Korean football

`` It was n't just my own effort .
Coach Kim taught me everything , from proper positioning to handling @ @ @ @ @ during matches , '' Son said after accepting his MVP trophy .
`` I figured @ @ @ @ @ to keep growing as a football player , I had to be able to play @ @ @ @ @ to give everything I had in every match . ''

(ATTN: ADDS comments in paras 6-10, 16-19, 23-26)
By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 5 (Yonhap) -- Son Jun-ho, who served as a rock in the midfield for the South Korean football champions Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, was voted the MVP of the K League 1 on Thursday.
Son, 28, earned the highest individual honor in the league after leading Jeonbuk to a record-setting fourth consecutive championship and eighth overall this year.
Son Jun-ho of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors gives an acceptance speech after winning the K League 1 MVP award at a ceremony in Seoul on Nov. 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
Son scored 46 points out of 100 in voting by head coaches, club captains and media. Son edged out Ulsan Hyundai FC striker Junior Negrao, who received 44.83 points after leading the K League 1 with 26 goals in 27 matches.
Son made a successful transition from an attacking midfielder to a defensive midfielder this season. His counting stats, two goals and five assists, don't jump off the page, but Son led the league in some underlying statistics, such as free kicks and blocked passes, and finished second in total pass attempts.
In this file photo from Oct. 18, 2020, Son Jun-ho of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors celebrates his goal against Gwangju FC during a K League 1 match at Jeonju World Cup Stadium in Jeonju, 240 kilometers south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
"This is an unforgettable day. I never dreamed I would ever win an MVP award playing football," Son said after accepting his trophy. "I think I've been honored with this award because I gave my best every match. I will try to be a consistent performer and not end up as a one-hit wonder."
Son said his assistant coach Kim Sang-sik deserved all the credit for helping him with the positional switch.
"It wasn't just my own effort. Coach Kim taught me everything, from proper positioning to handling different situations that come up during matches," Son said after accepting his MVP trophy. "I figured that, if I were to keep growing as a football player, I had to be able to play any position. I tried to give everything I had in every match."
Kim, a former Jeonbuk player, was one of the top defensive midfielders in his heyday. With head coach Jose Morais having expressed his desire to return to Europe after two seasons on Jeonbuk's bench, Kim is seen as a leading candidate to succeed Morais.
Son is the third Jeonbuk player to be named MVP, after forward Lee Dong-gook and midfielder Lee Jae-sung.
"I want to follow in their footsteps and become the face of this club," Son said. "Next year, I want to have a season that befits this MVP trophy. I'll try to make it back to the award ceremony."
In this file photo from Oct. 25, 2020, Son Jun-ho of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (R) tackles Junior Negrao of Ulsan Hyundai FC during a K League 1 match at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium in Ulsan, 415 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
With 60 points, Jeonbuk finished three points ahead of Ulsan for the title. It was the second straight season in which Jeonbuk took the title with Ulsan settling for a runner-up finish, even though, on paper, Ulsan had a more talented roster after Jeonbuk lost some key pieces over the winter.
Jeonbuk are chasing a "treble," or winning three major trophies in one season. With the K League 1 title taken care of, Jeonbuk will battle Ulsan in the second leg of the FA Cup final on Sunday. They played to a 1-1 draw in the opening leg on Wednesday. Then later this month, Jeonbuk will resume group stage action at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League, the continent's top international club tournament.
This Sept. 13, 2020, file photo provided by the Korea Professional Football League shows Pohang Steelers forward Song Min-kyu celebrating a goal against Gangwon FC during a K League 1 match at Gangneung Stadium in Gangneung, 230 kilometers east of Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Among other winners, Pohang Steelers' Kim Gi-dong was named the Coach of the Year. Pohang finished third with 50 points and led all clubs with 56 goals. Kim scored 38.09 points to beat out Jeonbuk's bench boss Jose Morais (31.07 points).
Kim is the first winner not to come from a champion or a runner-up.
"This trophy will have my name engraved on it, but I think it is really for the whole team," Kim said. "I will try to keep improving as a coach."
Kim said it was "a miracle" that he won the coaching award for a third-place club but added, "This year, I think we developed a unique identity. We scored a lot of goals and played an exciting brand of football."
Kim said he didn't think Pohang had enough talent to contend for a title next year, but he wants his players to double down on their offense-driven approach.
Kim, 49, said he tried to let his guard down around the players and keep his line of communication open.
"I told the guys that I am not just their head coach, but that I am just an older guy who played before them. I told them to come to me whenever they wanted to talk," he said. "I think talking strategies with younger players helped them grow."
Pohang Steelers head coach Kim Gi-dong speaks after being named the 2020 K League 1 Coach of the Year at a ceremony in Seoul on Nov. 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
Pohang's emerging forward Song Min-kyu was named the Young Player of the Year, given to the best player under the age of 23 with less than three years of experience. Candidates must also have appeared in at least 50 percent of the team's matches.
Song played in all 27 matches this season and scored 10 goals to rank second among all South Korean players. Song also chipped in six assists as part of the league's most lethal attack.
"I would like to thank coach Kim and the rest of the team for helping me win this award," Song said. "This is the beginning for me. I will try to stay humble and keep putting in the work."
Song said he only started thinking about winning the Young Player prize in the second half of the season.
"I put the team goal above everything else," Song said. "And once we got close to accomplishing that, I began thinking about my own award. I must admit I watched other candidates pretty closely in the late part of the season."
He said coach Kim was a positive influence the whole season.
"He has helped us maximize our strengths and work on addressing our weaknesses," Song said. "He's built a system where young players can continue to get better."
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-05--KBO postseason series win in sight, manager hoping for long outing from starter

`` If he 's pitching well , he could take us all the way to the end , '' Kim @ @ @ @ @ only 20-game winner from the regular season .
`` I am hoping he could give @ @ @ @ @ If he starts rushing things on the mound and the hitters start fouling off more @ @ @ @ @ give him the hook . ''

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 5 (Yonhap) -- A win on Thursday will send the Doosan Bears into the next round in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) postseason, and their manager Kim Tae-hyoung would like to accomplish that with minimal use of his bullpen.
The Bears shut down the LG Twins 4-0 in Wednesday's opener of their best-of-three first-round series. Starter Chris Flexen pitched six scoreless innings and then three relievers took care of the rest.
Raul Alcantara will start Game 2 for the Bears.
Doosan Bears manager Kim Tae-hyoung speaks to reporters before Game 2 of the Korea Baseball Organization first-round playoff series against the LG Twins at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on Nov. 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
"If he's pitching well, he could take us all the way to the end," Kim said of the league's only 20-game winner from the regular season. "I am hoping he could give us about seven innings. If he starts rushing things on the mound and the hitters start fouling off more pitches, then we'll give him the hook."
Alcantara finished second in the KBO with 198 2/3 innings pitched across 31 starts. In his final regular season start last Friday, Alcantara threw his season-high eight innings.
Veteran second baseman Oh Jae-won will make his second straight start. He came through with two RBIs in Wednesday's victory, when he got the start ahead of injured regular Choi Joo-hwan.
"I put him out there for defense, but he did a great job at the plate, too," Kim said. "He had a tough regular season, not getting a lot of playing time. But I could see he was trying hard to make up for that lost time. I'll keep putting him in the starting lineup for the time being."
In this file photo from Oct. 30, 2020, Raul Alcantara of the Doosan Bears pitches against the Kiwoom Heroes during a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)