yna--2020-09-04--Gov't likely to extend stricter social distancing rules by another week

The government plans to extend the stricter rules in the capital area by another week , while maintaining the Level @ @ @ @ @ regions of the country for two more weeks , according to a source .

SEOUL, Sept. 4 (Yonhap) -- The government is expected to extend toughened social distancing restrictions in the greater Seoul area by another week.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun on Friday cautioned the country against rushing to ease relevant measures, which may bring about another crisis, speaking at a daily inter-agency meeting in Seoul on the response to COVID-19.
"Today, (the government) is discussing (the issue of) extending social distancing (steps) across the nation, including the capital zone, and ways to adjust antivirus guidelines," Chung said.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun speaks during a meeting on the new coronavirus response at the government office complex in Seoul on Sept. 4, 2020. (Yonhap)
The number of confirmed cases has slightly declined recently, he added, but it has yet to enter the phase of "solid stability."
He stressed the need to keep concentrating all efforts on the fight against the virus "until the tide is turned for sure."
He said the government is requesting "once again" that the public support the government's campaign and have patience over restrictions on their daily lives and activities.
A week earlier, the government introduced additional social distancing rules in Seoul, Gyeonggi Province and Incheon, effectively elevating the alert to a level higher than Level 2 and lower than Level 3 in the three-tier system.
Under the so-called Level 2.5 measures, initially scheduled to expire Sunday, operations of restaurants, bakeries and franchise coffee chains have been limited, with indoor sports facilities and cram schools closed.
The government plans to extend the stricter rules in the capital area by another week, while maintaining the Level 2 guidelines for the other regions of the country for two more weeks, according to a source.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-04--(LEAD) S. Korea's current account surplus at 9-month high in July

`` Given the current account data , the surplus in the goods balance is expected to be within the forecast @ @ @ @ @ , director of the BOK 's monetary and financial statistics division , said in a @ @

(ATTN: CORRECTS info in paras 10, 15; UPDATES with details of briefing in paras 8-9)
By Kim Soo-yeon
SEOUL, Sept. 4 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's current account surplus widened to a nine-month high in July as exports fell at a slower pace than imports amid major economies' reopenings following the pandemic-caused lockdowns, central bank data showed Friday.
The current account surplus reached US$7.45 billion in July, up from $6.88 billion the previous month, according to the Bank of Korea (BOK). The current account is the broadest measure of cross-border trade.
The reading marked the largest surplus since October 2019, when the country posted a surplus of $7.83 billion.
The July tally also marked the third straight month of a surplus after the country logged a current account deficit of $3.33 billion in April, the largest in almost a decade on faltering exports amid the new coronavirus outbreak.
In the first half, the current account surplus reached the smallest in eight years as overseas shipments were hit by the virus outbreak.
This file photo, taken June 4, 2020, shows stacks of import-export cargo containers at South Korea's largest seaport in Busan, 450 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
The goods balance posted a surplus of $6.97 billion in July, larger than a surplus of $5.87 billion the previous month.
The surplus in the goods balance widened to an eight-month high in July as exports fell at a slower pace than imports, the BOK said.
The BOK recently revised down its second-half forecast for the surplus in the goods balance to $40 billion and the full-year projection to $64 billion.
"Given the current account data, the surplus in the goods balance is expected to be within the forecast range," Lee Seong-ho, director of the BOK's monetary and financial statistics division, said in a briefing.
Exports, which account for half of the South Korean economy, fell 10.8 percent on-year to $43.2 billion in July, while imports declined 14.2 percent to $36.2 billion on low oil costs.
The country's overseas shipments were battered by the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic as it hit supply chains with global lockdowns and stricter social distancing guidelines.
But the pace of the slump in exports has declined since June as major economies slowly began to resume business activities.
he service account, which includes outlays by South Koreans on overseas trips, logged a deficit of $1.11 billion in July after logging a shortfall of $1.26 billion in June.
The primary income account, which tracks wages of foreign workers and dividend payments overseas, logged a surplus of $1.95 billion in July, larger than a surplus of $1.74 billion in June.
The capital and financial account, which covers cross-border investments, posted a net inflow of $9.59 billion in July, compared with a net inflow of $7.15 billion in June.
Last week, the BOK lowered its 2020 outlook for the current account surplus, citing sluggish global trade.
The surplus is forecast to reach $54 billion this year, smaller than its previous estimate of $57 billion. The 2021 surplus is likely to reach $55 billion, it added.
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-04--S. Korea's R&D budget spending to rise 12.3 pct next year

To help boost the materials , components and equipment sectors , the government will provide 2.2 trillion won to better @ @ @ @ @ global value chain caused by the pandemic and trade disputes .
Seoul said it wants @ @ @ @ @ on bio-health , future mobility and system chips , which can all enhance the country @ @ @ @ @ , while 7.3 trillion won is to be provided for basic R & D and @ @ @ @ @ scientists , to help the country stay abreast of the latest advances in science and @ @

SEOUL, Sept. 4 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's government said Friday that it is seeking a 27.2 trillion won (US$22.8 billion) research and development (R&D) budget for 2021 to secure growth for future generations.
The sum represents a 12.3 percent increase from 24.2 trillion won for 2020 and marks the second year of a double-digit annual rise following the 18 percent hike for 2020, the Ministry of Science and ICT said.
Of the total, roughly half, or 13.2 trillion won, will be injected into the so-called New Deal projects, helping combat infectious diseases, promoting development of industrial materials, components and equipment, as well as supporting bio-health, future mobility and system chips. The government said it will also allocate funding for basic R&D and fostering innovative researchers.
The ministry said it has earmarked 1.1 trillion won for the digital new deal effort covering artificial intelligence 5G mobile connectivity that can contribute to the digitization of the country's social overhead capital. A further 800 billion won will be used in the green new deal efforts centered on renewables.
The new year's budget will funnel 200 billion won into responding to infectious illnesses and dealing with outbreaks, with 170 billion won to be spent on finding local treatment drugs and vaccines for COVID-19.
To help boost the materials, components and equipment sectors, the government will provide 2.2 trillion won to better respond to shifts in the global value chain caused by the pandemic and trade disputes. Seoul said it wants to spend 2.3 trillion won on bio-health, future mobility and system chips, which can all enhance the country's competitiveness in critical sectors, while 7.3 trillion won is to be provided for basic R&D and 300 billion won for promising scientists, to help the country stay abreast of the latest advances in science and technology.
The R&D budget that was submitted to the National Assembly on Thursday is set to be approved by lawmakers on Dec. 2. The total size of the country's budget sent to parliament stands at 555.8 trillion won, an increase of 8.5 percent compared to this year.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-04--S. Korea to spend 171 bln won next year to develop homegrown COVID-19 vaccine

Globally , pharmaceutical firms and scientists are scrambling to develop a safe and effective vaccine against the new coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ mass production of such a vaccine could be possible in the middle of next year @

SEJONG, Sept. 4 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's finance ministry said Friday it has set aside 170.7 billion won (US$143 million) to help local companies develop homegrown vaccines and treatment drugs next year to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
Of the budget, 31.9 billion won will be spent to discover candidate materials for a potential vaccine and 7.4 billion won will be spent for non-human clinical trials, the Ministry of Economy and Finance said in a statement.
A total of 131.4 billion won will be spent for human trials of potential vaccines next year, the ministry said.
Separately, the government will spend 200 billion won next year to boost research facilities to help combat infectious diseases, the ministry said.
Globally, pharmaceutical firms and scientists are scrambling to develop a safe and effective vaccine against the new coronavirus, and many experts agree that mass production of such a vaccine could be possible in the middle of next year.
Last month, South Korea allowed Genexine Inc., a local biotechnology firm, to conduct a Phase I human trial of its potential coronavirus treatment drug.
Next year, the government will spend 27.2 trillion won for research and development, up 12.3 percent from this year.
It marks the second straight year that the research budget has seen a double-digit rise, following an 18 percent jump this year.
Shops near Ewha Womans University in Seoul appear to have gone out of business on Sept. 2, 2020, as most colleges in the capital city continue to go online amid the spread of the coronavirus. (Yonhap)
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-04--(LEAD) S. Korea to announce plan for 2nd round of virus emergency handouts next week

During a meeting later in the day , the government and the ruling Democratic Party tentatively agreed to draw up @ @ @ @ @ between 7 trillion won ( US $ 5.8 billion ) and 9 trillion won to @ @ @ @ @ a party official said .

(ATTN: UPDATES with details on fourth extra budget and background in paras 3, 6-9)
SEOUL, Sept. 4 (Yonhap) -- South Korea aims to announce a plan next week to provide a second round of emergency handouts to people hit by a recent resurgence of new coronavirus infections, Vice Finance Minister Kim Yong-beom said Friday.
South Korea tightened social distancing rules in mid-August, as daily new infections jumped to triple-digit rises, dashing hope of a swift recovery in private consumption.
On Friday, South Korea reported 198 new COVID-19 cases, raising the total caseload to 20,842.
The government has been reviewing a plan to offer the emergency handouts to small merchants and self-employed people who have suffered from the tightened social distancing rules, Kim said.
Part-time and freelance workers could be eligible for the second round of handouts, Kim said.
During a meeting later in the day, the government and the ruling Democratic Party tentatively agreed to draw up a new extra budget worth between 7 trillion won (US$5.8 billion) and 9 trillion won to fund the emergency handouts, a party official said.
The meeting was led by Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki and Rep. Han Jeoung-ae, the DP policy chief.
In July, the National Assembly passed the third extra budget worth 35.1 trillion won to mitigate the economic fallout of the new coronavirus pandemic.
The government and the ruling party plan to hold a meeting on Sunday to finalize the amount of the handouts.
In May, the government offered relief funds totaling 14.3 trillion won (US$12 billion) to all households as part of efforts to cushion the economic fallout from the new coronavirus.
The amount of the handouts varied from 400,000 won for single-person households to 1 million won for households with four or more members.
Vice Finance Minister Kim Yong-beom speaks at a meeting with senior officials on Sept. 1, 2020, in this photo provided by the ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-04--Regulator to inspect telcos' management of user location data

The move comes amid growing privacy concerns after the telecom operators handed over location data of individuals who participated in @ @ @ @ @ Seoul last month to health authorities as part of anti-infection measures against the pandemic .

SEOUL, Sept. 4 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's telecommunications regulator said Friday that it will inspect the country's three major telecom operators on their handling of user location data over concerns of mismanagement.
The Korea Communications Commission (KCC) said the planned inspections of SK Telecom Co., KT Corp. and LG Uplus Corp. are meant to check whether they properly manage location data to ensure user rights.
Under local laws, telecom operators can collect and manage user location data for a certain period of time, only after receiving user consent, according to the KCC.
The move comes amid growing privacy concerns after the telecom operators handed over location data of individuals who participated in a mass demonstration in central Seoul last month to health authorities as part of anti-infection measures against the pandemic.
Under the country's infectious disease control and prevention law, health authorities can request information of potentially infected individuals to track them and prevent the spread of disease.
yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-04--(LEAD) Typhoon Haishen poised to hit S. Korea next week

`` The typhoon is forecast to move along the rim of the anticyclone in the east and land on South @ @ @ @ @ Monday .
This is the route with the highest possibility at the moment , '' @ @ @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES with details in 2nd para; REPLACES photo)
SEOUL, Sept. 4 (Yonhap) -- Typhoon Haishen, the season's 10th typhoon, was forecast to arrive here early next week, keeping the country on alert following a series of typhoons that suspended flights and damaged facilities in recent weeks.
Haishen was traveling northwest at a speed of 17 kph over waters some 810 kilometers southeast of Okinawa, Japan, as of 3 p.m., according to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA). Its maximum wind speed was 53 meters per second.
"The typhoon is forecast to move along the rim of the anticyclone in the east and land on South Korea's southern coast on Monday. This is the route with the highest possibility at the moment," the KMA said.
This satellite image, provided by the Korea Meteorological Administration, shows Typhoon Haishen at 3 p.m. on Sept. 4, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The powerful storm was expected to arrive at waters east of Seogwipo on the country's southern resort island of Jeju on early Monday before moving upper to the southern coast in the afternoon.
The weather agency said Jeju may come under the influence of the typhoon starting Sunday night.
It was forecast to move closest to Seoul, or roughly 80 kilometers away from the capital, at 9 p.m.
The weather agency, however, said the exact route and strength of Haishen may change depending on how it passes through Japan before moving up toward the country.
A series of typhoons have pounded the country recently with heavy rains and strong winds.
Typhoon Maysak, which hit the country earlier this month, tore through the southern and eastern coastal regions, killing two and causing power outages and flight cancellations.
This image, provided by the Korea Meteorological Administration, shows Typhoon Haishen's expected path as of 9 a.m. on Sept. 4, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-04--(3rd LD) Doctors agree to return to work, trainees balking at joining

Later in the day , the health ministry dropped complaints against six trainee doctors .
Last week , the ministry @ @ @ @ @ 10 doctors for allegedly rejecting its back-to-work order .
It withdrew the action for four @ @ @ @ @ they were found to have followed the order .

(ATTN: UPDATES with extension of deadline for application of state licensing exam and dropping of complaint against trainee doctors in paras 10-11)
SEOUL, Sept. 4 (Yonhap) -- Thousands of senior and junior doctors decided Friday to end a weekslong collective action after reaching a deal with health authorities and the ruling party to review a medical reform plan, but trainee doctors are still threatening to continue their walkout.
Doctors at general hospitals and other medical institutes have been protesting a slew of issues, including raising admission quotas at medical schools and establishing a new public medical school.
Under the agreement, the government will not push forward with the medical reform plan unilaterally, and will reflect doctors' voices in the scheme.
The pact was reached between ruling Democratic Party (DP), the health ministry and a group of representative doctors led by the Korean Medical Association (KMA), although some members of a group representing trainee doctors spoke out against it.
Korean Medical Association head Choi Dae-zip (L) and ruling Democratic Party policy committee chief Rep. Han Jeoung-ae hold up signed agreements outlining future talks to resolve the government's medical reform plan and end the strike by doctors, in Seoul on Sept. 4, 2020. (Yonhap)
The objections by some doctors belong to the Korean Intern and Resident Association (KIRA) could lead to people not showing up for work, even though many may accept the agreement and resume their duties.
The five-point agreement includes reviewing all key issues from scratch once again when the novel coronavirus outbreak eases and putting the government plan to increase medical school admission quotas on hold.
The health authorities and doctors agreed to continue talks over a variety of issues ranging from the setup of a new public medical school, reviewing medical fees, national health insurance coverage for oriental medicine treatment and telemedicine services.
The pact outlines the creation of two special commissions made up of representatives of the KMA, health ministry and the DP to address matters that can improve the quality of the country's medical field.
Ruling party officials said that the special commission will take the lead in listening to doctors.
Later in the day, the health ministry dropped complaints against six trainee doctors. Last week, the ministry filed complaints with police against 10 doctors for allegedly rejecting its back-to-work order. It withdrew the action for four of them on Tuesday after they were found to have followed the order.
On Friday, the ministry also extended the deadline for the application for the state medical licensing exam by two days to Sunday. About 90 percent of test takers had withdrawn their applications in protest of the medical policies.
A trainee doctor at Seoul National University Hospital, who earlier held up signs to protest the government's medical reform plan, reenters the hospital after the KMA and parliament reached an agreement. (Yonhap)
Despite the agreement that calls for an end to collective action, some trainee doctors made clear they do not accept the pact.
Thousands of trainee doctors working at general hospitals began the strike on Aug. 21 to protest the government's medical reform scheme which calls for an expansion of admission quotas at medical schools by 4,000 over the next 10 years, starting in 2022.
The KMA, which represents some 130,000 doctors across the country, also has sided with trainee doctors and medical students, despite the government's back-to-work orders.
The two-week strike has disrupted medical services at general hospitals and other medical centers as the country has struggled to contain the rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic here.
The country reported 198 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, including 189 local infections, raising the total caseload to 20,842, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The daily number fell to below 200 for the second consecutive day, but the number of critically ill patients grew to yet another fresh high.
Health and Welfare Minister Park Neunghoo walks past trainee doctors who oppose the agreement reached between the government, parliament and the Korean Medical Association to end the two-week-long strike, in Seoul, on Sept. 4, 2020. (Yonhap)
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-04--Moon's adviser calls for 'six-party security summit' to discuss N.K. nuclear issue

Moon said that the U.S. is well aware that it can provide Pyongyang with regime security or sanctions relief but @ @ @ @ @ economic or energy-related support .
He said that cooperation from other countries , like China @ @ @ @ @ in such areas .

By Yi Wonju
SEOUL, Sept. 4 (Yonhap) -- A special security adviser to President Moon Jae-in on Friday suggested reviving the six-party talks on North Korea's nuclear program in the form of a six-way summit, saying the issue is not a matter only between Washington and Pyongyang.
Moon Chung-in, special adviser for diplomatic and security affairs, made the remark during a security forum hosted by the Korea Institute for National Unification, stressing the importance of a "top-down approach" in efforts to resolve the issue.
"We need to revise the six-party talks that we failed in the past and we need to hold a 'six-party security summit' so that the leaders can discuss the issue of security and come up with an agreement on common security," he said.
"This way, we can solve the North Korean nuclear issue and materialize cooperative security," he added.
Moon pointed said "the North Korean nuclear issue cannot be simply solved by improving U.S.-North Korea relations as asserted by Pyongyang" and called for a meeting of leaders from six countries -- the two Koreas, U.S., China, Japan and Russia.
Moon said that the U.S. is well aware that it can provide Pyongyang with regime security or sanctions relief but that it cannot provide economic or energy-related support. He said that cooperation from other countries, like China and Japan, is necessary in such areas.
Nuclear negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang remain stalled after the early 2019 summit in Hanoi between the two leaders ended without a deal. The two sides were far apart over how far Pyongyang should denuclearize in order for Washington to offer concessions.
The six-party dialogue -- involving the two Koreas, the U.S., China, Russia and Japan -- began in 2003, but has not been held since 2008.
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-04--Budding KBO ace diagnosed with forearm fracture

Koo , in his first season as a full-time starter , had been a revelation in the first half of @ @ @ @ @ 9-0 in 13 starts with a 1.55 ERA , with 99 strikeouts against 17 walks @ @ @ @ @ had not won more than 10 games in any of his four previous seasons , @ @ @ @ @ and the bullpen .

SEOUL, Sept. 4 (Yonhap) -- NC Dinos' ace Koo Chang-mo has been diagnosed with a slight fracture in his left forearm while rehabbing from inflammation in the same area, a major blow to the club's aspirations of winning its first Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) pennant.
NC manager Lee Dong-wook said Friday Koo will be re-evaluated after two weeks.
In this file photo from July 26, 2020, Koo Chang-mo of the NC Dinos pitches against the KT Wiz in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at KT Wiz Park in Suwon, 45 kilometers south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
Koo, 23, has not pitched since July 26. The Dinos deactivated him the following day to give him a breather, and then they discovered inflammation in Koo's left forearm.
He recently began his throwing program and made 50 pitches in the bullpen last Sunday. The first medical test on Monday didn't reveal anything, but Lee said the second test on Thursday showed the fracture.
"He's about 70 to 80 percent recovered from the fracture," Lee told reporters before the Dinos faced the LG Twins at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul. "Doctors said it's possible the fracture could have been missed because of the inflammation surrounding the area. Koo has stopped throwing for the moment."
In this file photo from July 18, 2020, Koo Chang-mo of the NC Dinos returns to the dugout after completing the top of the sixth inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game against the KT Wiz at Changwon NC Park in Changwon, 400 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
Koo, in his first season as a full-time starter, had been a revelation in the first half of the season. He went 9-0 in 13 starts with a 1.55 ERA, with 99 strikeouts against 17 walks in 87 innings. He had not won more than 10 games in any of his four previous seasons, while bouncing between the rotation and the bullpen.
Koo's career high in innings pitched is 133 from 2018, a mark that he was certain to exceed this year if not for the injury.
The Dinos have been in first place every day since May 13, but they entered Friday nursing a half-game lead over the Kiwoom Heroes for the top spot.
They were 44-21-2 (wins-losses-ties) after Koo's last start on July 26. They have been 13-15-0 since.
In this file photo from July 1, 2020, Koo Chang-mo of the NC Dinos (R) bumps fists with teammate Aaron Altherr during 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--2020-09-04--Doosan Group to repay debt by selling new shares of Doosan Heavy, other assets

Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction is to float new shares worth 1.3 trillion won and sell them first to its @ @ @ @ @ public , the group said in an emailed statement .

By Nam Kwang-sik
SEOUL, Sept. 4 (Yonhap) -- Cash-squeezed Doosan Group said Friday that it will repay 3 trillion won (US$2.5 billion) in debt to its main creditors by selling new shares of Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction Co. and other affiliates' assets.
Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction is to float new shares worth 1.3 trillion won and sell them first to its shareholders and then to the public, the group said in an emailed statement.
Earlier, the power plant builder sold its 27-hole golf course Club Mow to a consortium led by Hana Financial Investment Co. for 185 billion won and venture capital firm Neoplux Co. to Shinhan Financial Group Co. for 73 billion won.
Doosan Heavy will reorganize its business line to gas turbines, renewable energy, midsized nuclear reactors, hydrogen and fuel cells after improving its financial health by selling new shares, the group said.
This photo shows Doosan Group's headquarters building in downtown Seoul. (Yonhap).
Doosan Group's holding company, Doosan, sold its 18.05 percent stake in battery foil maker Doosan Solus Co. to private equity fund SkyLake Investment Co. for 238 billion won, with 34.88 percent held by key stockholders, including Doosan Group chairman Park Jung-won, sold to the private equity fund for 460 billion won.
In addition, Doosan disposed of its business division and oil pressure machine maker Doosan Mottrol to a consortium of two local private equity investment firms -- Socius Advisors and Well to Sea Investment Co. for 453 billion won, Doosan Group said.
Ahead of the sale, Doosan Mottrol will be spun off into two entities.
Doosan also has been going ahead with the sale of Doosan Group's headquarters building Doosan Tower in Seoul.
With the cash from the sale of its assets, Doosan plans to buy new shares to be issued by Doosan Heavy, the group said.
Key shareholders, including chairman Park, have decided to provide their 23 percent stake in Doosan Fuel Cell Co., the group's fuel cell maker, to Doosan Heavy for free, the group said.
The stake is worth 574 billion won at the closing price of 45,650 won Friday on the Seoul bourse.
The free provision of stake in Doosan Fuel Cell will make Doosan Heavy the largest shareholder in the fuel cell maker.
Ahead of the decision, Doosan Fuel Cell decided to sell new shares to raise 342 billion won to expand its production lines.
Since March, Doosan Group has been pushing ahead with a plan to sell assets to create liquidity to pay off debts worth 3 trillion won to its creditors and state-run banks -- the Korea Development Bank and the Export-Import Bank of Korea.
ksnam@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-04--Progressive teachers' union regains legal status as gov't retracts decision to outlaw it

But the KTU argued that having the nine non-teachers in the union did not compromise its autonomy in collective action @ @ @ @ @ the government 's outlawing it was an excessive interpretation of the law .

By Woo Jae-yeon
SEOUL, Sept. 4 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's labor ministry on Friday withdrew its 2013 decision to outlaw a progressive teachers' union, reinstating its legal status, a day after the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the group.
The Ministry of Employment and Labor said it has formally restored the legal status of the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union (KTU) in accordance with the ruling.
On Thursday, the highest court overturned an appellate court's ruling and repealed a decision by the former Park Geun-hye government to outlaw the KTU for accepting a handful of dismissed teachers as its members.
In its ruling, Chief Justice Kim Myeong-su said the previous rulings on the case were "not valid," and "infringed on labor's three primary rights." He also said outlawing the union was tantamount to "denying its existence."
Members of the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union (KTU) wave their hands in joy after hearing a verdict at the Supreme Court in Seoul on Sept. 3, 2020. (Yonhap)
In October 2013, the conservative Park Geun-hye government banned the union, founded in 1989, saying that having nine dismissed teachers as its members violated the law on the teachers' union that stated only incumbent teachers were recognized as union members.
But the KTU argued that having the nine non-teachers in the union did not compromise its autonomy in collective action and bargaining power and that the government's outlawing it was an excessive interpretation of the law.
Since then, the KTU, one of the country's biggest teachers' unions with some 60,000 members, has been engaged in a series of legal disputes with the government.
While a district court and an appellate court sided with the government, the KTU has repeatedly asked for a court injunction to suspend the decision. Depending on different court rulings, it alternated between being legal and illegal for three years.
The union appealed to the Supreme Court in February 2016, and the case had been pending since then.
With the decision Friday, the union can exercise its rights to collective bargaining, to calling for the government's mediation in labor disputes and to reporting unfair labor practices.
Supreme Court Justices are seated at the court before giving a verdict on Sept. 3, 2020. (Yonhap)
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

The measure will apply to all kindergartens , elementary , middle and high schools in the metropolitan area -- Seoul @ @ @ @ @ .
But high school seniors are not subject to the policy in order to prepare @ @ @ @ @ Test ( CSAT ) , the yearly national university entrance exam slated for Dec. 3 @

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Friday.
----------------
(3rd LD) S. Korea to extend tougher anti-virus curbs in greater Seoul for another week
SEOUL -- South Korea on Friday decided to extend tougher anti-virus curbs on restaurants, bakeries and coffee shops in the greater Seoul area for another week, as sporadic cluster infections and untraceable cases are still popping up in the densely populated area.
Since Sunday, the country began limiting operations of restaurants, bakeries and franchise coffee chains in the Seoul metropolitan area under the so-called Level 2.5 social distancing guidelines, while implementing the Level 2 measures across the country since mid-August.
----------------
(3rd LD) Tougher anti-virus curbs in greater Seoul extended; new virus cases under 200 for 2nd day
SEOUL -- The number of additional new coronavirus cases stayed below 200 for the second day in a row Friday, but South Korea decided to extend enhanced anti-virus curbs in the greater Seoul area for another week, as untraceable cases and cluster infections continued to rise.
The country reported 198 new COVID-19 cases, including 189 local infections, raising the total caseload to 20,842, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
----------------
(LEAD) All schools in greater Seoul area to continue offering remote classes until Sept. 20
SEOUL -- The Ministry of Education said on Friday that schools in Seoul and its surrounding cities will remain online-only until Sept. 20, in accordance with the government's decision to extend stricter social distancing rules in the area.
The measure will apply to all kindergartens, elementary, middle and high schools in the metropolitan area -- Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province. But high school seniors are not subject to the policy in order to prepare for the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), the yearly national university entrance exam slated for Dec. 3.
----------------
Moon hails gov't-doctors deal to end strike, hopes for chance to improve medical system
SEOUL -- President Moon Jae-in expressed hope Friday that the government and the medical community will join forces to overcome the current grave COVID-19 situation, responding to the bilateral deal on the return of striking doctors to work.
Thanks to doctors' dedication and hard work, South Korea has been able to be successful so far in anti-virus efforts, protecting the lives and health of the people, Moon said, according to Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kang Min-seok.
----------------
Top nuclear envoys of S. Korea, Japan hold phone talks on N.K. nuclear issue
SEOUL -- The top nuclear envoys of South Korea and Japan held telephone talks Friday to discuss bilateral cooperation on North Korea's nuclear issue and other issues, the foreign ministry said.
The talks between Lee Do-hoon and his Japanese counterpart, Shigeki Takizaki, came as Seoul pushes to bring Pyongyang back to dialogue and find momentum for its lackluster drive to foster lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula.
----------------
(LEAD) Ruling party leader resumes public activities after testing negative for COVID-19
SEOUL -- The ruling Democratic Party leader, Rep. Lee Nak-yon, resumed his public appearances Friday after testing negative for the new coronavirus.
"From today, I resume public activities ... But I will refrain more from contact with other people," he said in a Facebook posting, following the negative test result.
----------------
Gangwon Province governor calls for support for co-hosting Youth Olympics with N. Korea
SEOUL -- The governor of Gangwon Province bordering North Korea asked on Friday for active state support for his efforts to share the right to host the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics with the communist nation.
Gangwon Province is where the venue of the 2018 Winter Olympics, PyeongChang, is located. Earlier this year, the province won the right to host the quadrennial 2024 Winter Youth Olympics, and Gov. Choi Moon-soon hopes to co-host the event with North Korea.
----------------
World No. 1 Ko Jin-young decides not to defend LPGA major title in California
SEOUL -- Citing concerns over the coronavirus pandemic, Ko Jin-young, the world No. 1 in women's golf from South Korea, has decided not to defend an LPGA major championship in California this month.
SEMA Sports Marketing, Ko's Seoul-based agency, announced Friday that Ko will not compete at the ANA Inspiration, which opens Sept. 10 at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California.
(END)


yna--2020-09-04--(2nd LD) Doctors agree to return to work, trainees balking at joining

The objections by some doctors belong to the Korean Intern and Resident Association ( KIRA ) could lead to people @ @ @ @ @ , even though many may accept the agreement and resume their duties .

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead and throughout with more info; CHANGES all photos)
SEOUL, Sept. 4 (Yonhap) -- Thousands of senior and junior doctors decided Friday to end a weekslong collective action after reaching a deal with health authorities and the ruling party to review a medical reform plan, but trainee doctors are still threatening to continue their walkout.
Doctors at general hospitals and other medical institutes have been protesting a slew of issues, including raising admission quotas at medical schools and establishing a new public medical school.
Under the agreement, the government will not push forward with the medical reform plan unilaterally, and will reflect doctors' voices in the scheme.
The pact was reached between ruling Democratic Party (DP), the health ministry and a group of representative doctors led by the Korean Medical Association (KMA), although some members of a group representing trainee doctors spoke out against it.
Korean Medical Association head Choi Dae-zip (L) and ruling Democratic Party policy committee chief Rep. Han Jeoung-ae hold up signed agreements outlining future talks to resolve the government's medical reform plan and end the strike by doctors, in Seoul on Sept. 4, 2020. (Yonhap)
The objections by some doctors belong to the Korean Intern and Resident Association (KIRA) could lead to people not showing up for work, even though many may accept the agreement and resume their duties.
The five-point agreement includes reviewing all key issues from scratch once again when the novel coronavirus outbreak eases and putting the government plan to increase medical school admission quotas on hold.
The health authorities and doctors agreed to continue talks over a variety of issues ranging from the setup of a new public medical school, reviewing medical fees, national health insurance coverage for oriental medicine treatment and telemedicine services.
The pact outlines the creation of two special commissions made up of representatives of the KMA, health ministry and the DP to address matters that can improve the quality of the country's medical field.
Ruling party officials said that the special commission will take the lead in listening to doctors.
A trainee doctor at Seoul National University Hospital, who earlier held up signs to protest the government's medical reform plan, reenters the hospital after the KMA and parliament reached an agreement. (Yonhap)
Despite the agreement that calls for an end to collective action, some trainee doctors made clear they do not accept the pact.
Thousands of trainee doctors working at general hospitals began the strike on Aug. 21 to protest the government's medical reform scheme which calls for an expansion of admission quotas at medical schools by 4,000 over the next 10 years, starting in 2022.
The KMA, which represents some 130,000 doctors across the country, also has sided with trainee doctors and medical students, despite the government's back-to-work orders.
The two-week strike has disrupted medical services at general hospitals and other medical centers as the country has struggled to contain the rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic here.
The country reported 198 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, including 189 local infections, raising the total caseload to 20,842, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The daily number fell to below 200 for the second consecutive day, but the number of critically ill patients grew to yet another fresh high.
Health and Welfare Minister Park Neunghoo walks past trainee doctors who oppose the agreement reached between the government, parliament and the Korean Medical Association to end the two-week-long strike, in Seoul, on Sept. 4, 2020. (Yonhap)
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-04--(3rd LD) S. Korea to extend tougher anti-virus curbs in greater Seoul for another week

In other parts of the country under the Level 2 scheme , South Koreans are allowed to maintain most of @ @ @ @ @ outdoor gatherings of more than 100 people are banned .
Sports events are allowed without @ @ @ @ @ of 50 or more people are prohibited .

(ATTN: ADDS KCDC director's comment in 10th para)
SEOUL, Sept. 4 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Friday decided to extend tougher anti-virus curbs on restaurants, bakeries and coffee shops in the greater Seoul area for another week, as sporadic cluster infections and untraceable cases are still popping up in the densely populated area.
Since Sunday, the country began limiting operations of restaurants, bakeries and franchise coffee chains in the Seoul metropolitan area under the so-called Level 2.5 social distancing guidelines, while implementing the Level 2 measures across the country since mid-August.
People walk while holding takeout coffee on a street in Seoul on Sept. 4, 2020, as the government decided to extend the toughened social distancing guidelines for the greater Seoul area until Sept. 13. (Yonhap)
The toughened distancing in daily lives for the capital area, originally set to end Sunday, will be maintained until Sept. 13. The Level 2 measures in place across the country will also be extended by two weeks until Sept. 20, according to health authorities.
"In order to regain our control over the spread of the virus and to secure a stable medical system, we need to extend the social distancing measures until the number of new patients clearly drops," Health Minister Park Neunghoo said during a briefing.
Officials said a daily increase of around 100 COVID-19 patients is considered a manageable figure under the local medical system.
"As we began social distancing bearing inconveniences in our daily lives and economic losses, we need to achieve tangible anti-virus outcomes using this opportunity," he said.
Health Minister Park Neunghoo speaks during a briefing at the government complex in Seoul on Sept. 4, 2020. The government said it will extend tougher anti-virus curbs on restaurants, bakeries and coffee shops in the greater Seoul area for another week until Sept. 13. (Yonhap)
The tightened anti-virus measures for the greater Seoul area came just days after the country's daily new infections soared to a near six-month high of 441 on Aug. 27.
Since Aug. 14, the number of new daily cases has been in triple digits, mostly traced to a conservative church in northern Seoul and an anti-government rally in the capital on Aug. 15 Liberation Day, though new infections have been under 300 for a week.
The country reported 198 new COVID-19 infections Friday, raising the total caseload to 20,842. Friday marked the second straight day the daily figure stayed below 200 amid signs of a slowdown in new infections, but authorities said the declining trend was not clear enough to let their guard down.
"Given the current scale of infections, the risk is still too high to return to our normal lives," Jeong Eun-kyeong, chief of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said in a daily briefing, referring to virus outbreaks reported at offices, restaurants and medical facilities.
This photo, taken on Sept. 4, 2020, shows the shopping district of Myeongdong in downtown Seoul. (Yonhap)
Under the Level 2.5 rules, restaurants and bakeries can operate until 9 p.m., and only takeaway and delivery are permitted from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
For franchise coffee chains, only takeout or delivery is permitted regardless of operating hours, as cluster infections traced to coffee shops have been reported. The same rule will also be applied to franchise bakeries and ice cream shops.
Indoor sports facilities, such as fitness centers and billiard halls, as well as cram schools are also shut.
In other parts of the country under the Level 2 scheme, South Koreans are allowed to maintain most of their daily routines, but outdoor gatherings of more than 100 people are banned. Sports events are allowed without spectators, and indoor meetings of 50 or more people are prohibited.
lcd@yna.co.kr
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-04--(3rd LD) Tougher anti-virus curbs in greater Seoul extended; new virus cases under 200 for 2nd day

As of Friday , 1,152 cases had been traced to the Sarang Jeil Church in northern Seoul , a hotbed @ @ @ @ @ new infections , up 13 from the previous day .
The church members have been @ @ @ @ @ implementing social distancing rules .
Infections related to the church have also caused multiple stages @ @ @ @ @ outbreaks in 27 other locations , including offices and hospitals .

(ATTN: ADDS details throughout; CHANGES photos)
SEOUL, Sept. 4 (Yonhap) -- The number of additional new coronavirus cases stayed below 200 for the second day in a row Friday, but South Korea decided to extend enhanced anti-virus curbs in the greater Seoul area for another week, as untraceable cases and cluster infections continued to rise.
The country reported 198 new COVID-19 cases, including 189 local infections, raising the total caseload to 20,842, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
On Thursday, the country reported 195 new virus cases. South Korea has been posting triple-digit rises for around three weeks due to cluster infections tied to a slew of churches and an anti-government rally in central Seoul in mid-August.
A medical staffer works at a makeshift clinic in Gwangju, 320 kilometers south of Seoul, on Sept. 4, 2020. (Yonhap)
After keeping the new cases of COVID-19 in two-digit figures for more than five months, South Korea added more than 100 cases on Aug. 14 before the number shot up to 441 on Aug. 27. It then fell below 300 on Sunday.
Health authorities implemented an enhanced social distancing scheme Sunday in the greater Seoul, which houses half of the 51-million population.
Under the scheme that originally planned to run for a week, restaurants in the Seoul metropolitan area can operate normally from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. but then can only offer takeout after that time. Franchise coffee chains can only offer takeaway around the clock.
On Friday, health authorities said the measures will be extended for another week through Sept. 13, as untraceable cases and cluster infections from churches, apartments, and offices continued to pop up.
In addition to the franchise coffee chains, bakeries and dessert shops will also be ordered to offer only takeout as well.
"The number of COVID-19 cases is gradually decreasing, as people cooperated with the social distancing schemes," Health Minister Park Neunghoo said in a briefing.
"But we still need to extend the scheme until the country's new virus cases show a clear slowdown, and regain control over the pandemic."
South Korea also decided to extend the Level 2 social distancing scheme imposed nationwide since late August by two weeks through Sept. 20.
Under the policy, indoor meetings of more than 50 people and open-air gatherings of over 100 people are banned.
Any gatherings of 10 or more people will be banned if the country implements the highest restrictions of level 3.
Medical staffers work at a makeshift clinic in Gwangju, 320 kilometers south of Seoul, on Sept. 4, 2020. (Yonhap)
Health authorities say the daily increase of around 100 COVID-19 patients is considered a manageable figure under the local medical system. They assess that the current stringent antivirus curbs have helped curb the spread of the virus to some extent.
Of the locally transmitted cases, Seoul added 68 cases, while the surrounding Gyeonggi Province reported 55 cases.
Other municipalities reported additional infections, with the southwestern city of Gwangju adding 10 cases and the southeastern city of Daegu reporting seven new infections.
As of Friday, 1,152 cases had been traced to the Sarang Jeil Church in northern Seoul, a hotbed of the recent spike in new infections, up 13 from the previous day. The church members have been blamed for being lax in implementing social distancing rules.
Infections related to the church have also caused multiple stages of transmission, leading to outbreaks in 27 other locations, including offices and hospitals.
Another 473 virus cases were tied to the Aug. 15 demonstration in central Seoul, up 11 from Thursday.
Other sporadic cluster infections were also observed across the nation.
A kimchi factory in Cheongyang, 124 kilometers south of the capital city, has reported 22 infections, up three from a day earlier.
A hospital in eastern Seoul added six more patients, raising the related caseload to 16.
"There are still cluster infections from offices, gyms, cram schools, restaurants and even medical institutions," KCDC Director Jeong Eun-kyeong said. "We cannot normalize our everyday lives under the current level of new infections."
Travelers wait to board a chartered flight heading to China at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, on Sept. 4, 2020. The flight was arranged by Hyundai Motor Group to transport its workers. (Yonhap)
The number of patients in serious or critical condition came to 157, up three from the previous day and setting a new record since the country reported its first COVID-19 case in late January.
The proportion of new patients with unidentified transmission routes reached 23.3 percent over the past two weeks, indicating there could be more unknown infections in local communities. Cluster infections accounted for 41.8 percent of new cases over the period.
Health authorities said the number of such patients is expected to continue to grow further. The current figure already beats the government's previous estimated peak of 134.
Jeong added that while older patients and those with underlying diseases are more likely to suffer severe side effects or complications, younger people are no exception as well.
South Korea added two more deaths, raising the death toll to 331. The fatality rate reached 1.59 percent.
The number of newly identified imported cases came to nine.
Among the imported cases, arrivals from China and Russia accounted for two each. There were cases from Turkey, France and the United States as well.
The accumulated number of imported cases reached 2,867. Foreign nationals accounted for roughly 36 percent.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries reached 15,783, up 254 from the previous day. Around three-quarters of the patients reported here have been cured.
South Korea has carried out 2,018,906 COVID-19 tests since Jan. 3.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-04--(LEAD) Seoul stocks dip more than 1 pct on Wall Street plunge

SEOUL , Sept. 4 ( Yonhap ) -- The South Korean stock market dipped by more than 1 percent to @ @ @ @ @ on Friday as market heavyweights came under heavy selling pressure in line with a plunge @ @ @ @ @ Korean won fell against the U.S. dollar .

(ATTN: ADDS bond yields at bottom, photo)
SEOUL, Sept. 4 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean stock market dipped by more than 1 percent to snap a three-day winning streak on Friday as market heavyweights came under heavy selling pressure in line with a plunge on Wall Street. The Korean won fell against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) lost 27.65 points, or 1.15 percent, to close at 2,368.25, after falling by 2.6 percent at one point.
Trading volume was high at about 1.33 billion shares worth some 19.4 trillion won (US$16.3 billion), with losers outnumbering gainers 659 to 204.
Foreigners sold a net 467 billion won, while retail investors purchased a net 1.3 trillion won. Institutions offloaded a net 782 billion won.
Electronic signboards at the trading room of Hana Bank dealing room in Seoul show the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed at 2,368.25 on Sept. 4, 2020, down 27.65 points or 1.15 percent from the previous session's close. (Yonhap)
"Retail investors' strong buying helped cushion heavy selling by foreign and institutional investors," Kiwoom Securities analyst Seo Sang-young said.
The tech-laden Nasdaq 500 plummeted 598.34 points, or 4.96 percent, to 11,458.1 on Thursday (New York time), marking the steepest fall since June. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 2.78 percent, with the S&P 500 tumbling 3.51 percent.
Investor sentiment weakened after the government decided to extend the tougher social distancing scheme in greater Seoul for one week till Sept. 13.
In Seoul, most large caps closed lower.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics lost 1.42 percent to 55,600 won, but No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix closed flat at 78,700 won.
Internet portal giant Naver retreated 3.1 percent to 328,500 won, with its rival Kakao dipping 1.95 percent to 402,000 won.
Leading chemical maker LG Chem sank 3.26 percent to 743,000 won, and rechargeable battery maker Samsung SDI dropped 2.98 percent to 439,000 won.
Top pharmaceutical firm Samsung Biologics fell 0.77 percent to 773,000 won, and Celltrion shed 1.84 percent to 294,000 won.
Hyundai Motor, the country's largest automaker, lost 2.27 percent to 172,500 won, and top steelmaker POSCO retreated 1.59 percent to 186,000 won.
The local currency closed at 1,189.6 won per dollar, down 1.3 won from the previous session's close.
Bond prices, which move inversely to yields, closed lower. The yield on three-year Treasurys rose 1 basis point to 0.929 percent, and the return on the benchmark five-year government bond added 0.7 basis point to 1.225 percent.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-04--(LEAD) All schools in greater Seoul area to continue offering remote classes until Sept. 20

By Woo Jae-yeon
(ATTN: ADDS more details in paras 3-4, 6, last 5 paras, photos)
SEOUL, Sept. 4 (Yonhap) -- The Ministry of Education said on Friday that schools in Seoul and its surrounding cities will remain online-only until Sept. 20, in accordance with the government's decision to extend stricter social distancing rules in the area.
The measure will apply to all kindergartens, elementary, middle and high schools in the metropolitan area -- Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province. But high school seniors are not subject to the policy in order to prepare for the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), the yearly national university entrance exam slated for Dec. 3.
High school seniors go to school in Seoul on Aug. 26, 2020. (Yonhap)
An elementary school student attends an online class at her house in Seoul on Aug. 26, 2020, as schools in Seoul and its surrounding areas returned to remote classes to protect students and slow down the spread of the new coronavirus. High school seniors were not subject to the switch to online classes. (Yonhap)
The measure came as the government decided to extend the 2.5-tier social distancing restrictions in the area by another week, limiting operations of restaurants, bakeries, franchise coffee chains, indoor sports facilities and cram schools as a precautionary measure to fight off the coronavirus outbreak.
Some 65,000 cram schools with more than 10 students and 671 vocational training schools in the area should offer virtual classes until Sept. 13.
South Korea's health authorities run a three-tier social distancing system, with Level Three being the toughest, under which most business and social activities shut down, except for essential businesses like hospitals and grocery stores.
Schools in other parts of the country are required to continue to offer a mix of in-person and remote classes until Sept. 20, with attendance capped at one-third in elementary and middle schools and two-thirds in high schools.
A classroom at a cram school in Gangnam, southern Seoul, is empty on Aug. 31, 2020. (Yonhap)
The ministry's extended ban on in-person classes reflected a sense of crisis and urgency amid public anxiety that schools remain vulnerable amid rising community infections and unknown transmissions, especially in the capital area.
"Since mid-August when the ministry preemptively ordered schools to go online and limited classroom crowding, virus cases among students, teachers and faculty members have slowly decreased," Vice Education Minister Park Baek-beom said during a briefing Friday.
"But we still need to enforce precautionary measures and remain vigilant amid persistent transmissions," he added.
A record number of 8,252 schools halted in-person classes nationwide on Friday to protect students and slow down the spread of the virus.
The country carefully instituted a phased reopening of schools, starting May 20, as new cases slowed down. Since then, 450 students and 103 faculty members and teachers have tested positive for the virus, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
A mother and her son wait for tests for the new coronavirus at an elementary school in Hwasun, South Jeolla Province, southwestern South Korea, on Aug. 24, 2020. Students and teachers of an elementary school were to receive such tests for the new coronavirus after a teacher tested positive for the virus. (Yonhap)
The gate to Duam Middle School in the southwestern city of Gwangju remains closed on Aug. 27, 2020, as the school's faculty were kept under quarantine following the discovery of a teacher infected with the new coronavirus. (Yonhap)
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-04--S. Korean Bond Yields on Sep. 4, 2020

S. Korean Bond Yields on Sep. 4, 2020

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


yna--2020-09-04--Moon hails gov't-doctors deal to end strike, hopes for chance to improve medical system

Thanks to doctors ' dedication and hard work , South Korea has been able to be successful so far in @ @ @ @ @ lives and health of the people , Moon said , according to Cheong Wa Dae @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Sept. 4 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in expressed hope Friday that the government and the medical community will join forces to overcome the current grave COVID-19 situation, responding to the bilateral deal on the return of striking doctors to work.
Thanks to doctors' dedication and hard work, South Korea has been able to be successful so far in anti-virus efforts, protecting the lives and health of the people, Moon said, according to Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kang Min-seok.
The president added that he believes that doctors will play a big role at the current critical juncture in the national campaign to bring the virus spread under control.
President Moon Jae-in, in a file photo (Yonhap)
Earlier in the day, the government struck an agreement with the Korean Medical Association (KMA) to suspend its medical-sector reform drive until the coronavirus situation is "stabilized."
The KMA, along with trainee doctors nationwide who had continued a two-week walkout, is fiercely against the push, taking issue in particular with expanding medical school admissions and establishing public medical schools.
The government and the ruling Democratic Party have agreed to put such reform measures on the back burner in consideration of the more urgent task of curbing the virus spread.
They agreed to discuss the issues with doctors "from square one" through a related council, once the coronavirus outbreak has stabilized. In return, the KMA agreed to end the strike.
Moon said he expects the council to produce accomplishments, citing the saying, "The ground hardens after the rain."
"I expect that (the government and the medical community) will have dialogue in a candid manner, cooperating with the National Assembly, and pool wisdom," Moon was quoted as saying.
The president voiced hope that it will serve as an opportunity to develop South Korea's medical and health care system.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-04--Top nuclear envoys of S. Korea, Japan hold phone talks on N.K. nuclear issue

Nuclear talks between Washington and Pyongyang have been stalled since the two countries ' summit in Hanoi in February last @ @ @ @ @ .
The deadlock has also thrust into doubt Seoul 's drive for inter-Korean reconciliation and @ @ @

SEOUL, Sept. 4 (Yonhap) -- The top nuclear envoys of South Korea and Japan held telephone talks Friday to discuss bilateral cooperation on North Korea's nuclear issue and other issues, the foreign ministry said.
The talks between Lee Do-hoon and his Japanese counterpart, Shigeki Takizaki, came as Seoul pushes to bring Pyongyang back to dialogue and find momentum for its lackluster drive to foster lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula.
"The two sides shared their assessments of the recent situation on the Korean Peninsula and agreed to continue cooperation on the North's nuclear issue and other issues," the ministry said in a press release.
Nuclear talks between Washington and Pyongyang have been stalled since the two countries' summit in Hanoi in February last year ended without a deal. The deadlock has also thrust into doubt Seoul's drive for inter-Korean reconciliation and economic cooperation.
On Tuesday, Lee also held phone talks with Kent Harstedt, the Swedish special envoy for Korean Peninsula affairs, to discuss the situation on the peninsula.
This photo, taken on July 3, 2020, shows South Korea's chief nuclear envoy, Lee Do-hoon, arriving to work at the foreign ministry in Seoul. (Yonhap)
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-04--Seoul stocks dip more than 1 pct on Wall Street plunge

SEOUL, Sept. 4 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean stock market dipped by more than 1 percent to snap a three-day winning streak on Friday as market heavyweights came under heavy selling pressure in line with a plunge on Wall Street. The Korean won fell against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) lost 27.65 points, or 1.15 percent, to close at 2,368.25, after falling by 2.6 percent at one point.
Trading volume was high at about 1.33 billion shares worth some 19.4 trillion won (US$16.3 billion), with losers outnumbering gainers 659 to 204.
Foreigners sold a net 467 billion won, while retail investors purchased a net 1.3 trillion won. Institutions offloaded a net 782 billion won.
"Retail investors' strong buying helped cushion heavy selling by foreign and institutional investors," Kiwoom Securities analyst Seo Sang-young said.
The tech-laden Nasdaq 500 plummeted 598.34 points, or 4.96 percent, to 11,458.1 on Thursday (New York time), marking the steepest fall since June. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 2.78 percent, with the S&P 500 tumbling 3.51 percent.
Investor sentiment weakened after the government decided to extend the tougher social distancing scheme in greater Seoul for one week till Sept. 13.
In Seoul, most large caps closed lower.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics lost 1.42 percent to 55,600 won, but No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix closed flat at 78,700 won.
Internet portal giant Naver retreated 3.1 percent to 328,500 won, with its rival Kakao dipping 1.95 percent to 402,000 won.
Leading chemical maker LG Chem sank 3.26 percent to 743,000 won, and rechargeable battery maker Samsung SDI dropped 2.98 percent to 439,000 won.
Top pharmaceutical firm Samsung Biologics fell 0.77 percent to 773,000 won, and Celltrion shed 1.84 percent to 294,000 won.
Hyundai Motor, the country's largest automaker, lost 2.27 percent to 172,500 won, and top steelmaker POSCO retreated 1.59 percent to 186,000 won.
The local currency closed at 1,189.6 won per dollar, down 1.3 won from the previous session's close.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-04--(2nd LD) S. Korea to extend tougher anti-virus curbs in greater Seoul for another week

(ATTN: UPDATES with press briefing in paras 3-7, 11; CHANGES photos)
SEOUL, Sept. 4 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Friday decided to extend tougher anti-virus curbs on restaurants, bakeries and coffee shops in the greater Seoul area for another week, as sporadic cluster infections and untraceable cases are still popping up in the densely populated area.
Since Sunday, the country began limiting operations of restaurants, bakeries and franchise coffee chains in the Seoul metropolitan area under the so-called Level 2.5 social distancing guidelines, while implementing the Level 2 measures across the country since mid-August.
People walk while holding takeout coffee on a street in Seoul on Sept. 4, 2020, as the government decided to extend the toughened social distancing guidelines for the greater Seoul area until Sept. 13. (Yonhap)
The toughened distancing in daily lives for the capital area, originally set to end Sunday, will be maintained until Sept. 13. The Level 2 measures in place across the country will also be extended by two weeks until Sept. 20, according to health authorities.
"In order to regain our control over the spread of the virus and to secure a stable medical system, we need to extend the social distancing measures until the number of new patients clearly drops," Health Minister Park Neung-hoo said during a briefing.
Officials said a daily increase of around 100 COVID-19 patients is considered a manageable figure under the local medical system.
"As we began social distancing bearing inconveniences in our daily lives and economic losses, we need to achieve tangible anti-virus outcomes using this opportunity," he said.
Health Minister Park Neung-hoo speaks during a briefing at the government complex in Seoul on Sept. 4, 2020. The government said it will extend tougher anti-virus curbs on restaurants, bakeries and coffee shops in the greater Seoul area for another week until Sept. 13. (Yonhap)
The tightened anti-virus measures for the greater Seoul area came just days after the country's daily new infections soared to a near six-month high of 441 on Aug. 27.
Since Aug. 14, the number of new daily cases has been in triple digits, mostly traced to a conservative church in northern Seoul and an anti-government rally in the capital on Aug. 15 Liberation Day, though new infections have been under 300 for a week.
The country reported 198 new COVID-19 infections Friday, raising the total caseload to 20,842. Friday marked the second straight day the daily figure stayed below 200 amid signs of a slowdown in new infections, but authorities said the declining trend was not clear enough to let their guard down.
This photo, taken on Sept. 4, 2020, shows the shopping district of Myeongdong in downtown Seoul. (Yonhap)
Under the Level 2.5 rules, restaurants and bakeries can operate until 9 p.m., and only takeaway and delivery are permitted from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
For franchise coffee chains, only takeout or delivery is permitted regardless of operating hours, as cluster infections traced to coffee shops have been reported. Starting next week, the same rule will be applied to franchise bakeries and ice cream shops.
Indoor sports facilities, such as fitness centers and billiard halls, as well as cram schools are also shut.
In other parts of the country under the Level 2 scheme, South Koreans are allowed to maintain most of their daily routines, but outdoor gatherings of more than 100 people are banned. Sports events are allowed without spectators, and indoor meetings of 50 or more people are prohibited.
lcd@yna.co.kr
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-04--Summary of inter-Korean news this week

Summary of inter-Korean news this week

`` Video reunions of separated families might be our only option in the age of 'untact ' and when the @ @ @ @ @ hope we can kick off video reunions over the Chuseok holiday , which can serves @ @ @ @ @ Lee said , referring to the non-contact trend amid the coronavirus pandemic .

SEOUL, Sept. 4 (Yonhap) -- The following is a summary of inter-Korean news this week.
------------
Unification ministry requests 3.1 pct increase in 2021 budget for inter-Korean projects
SEOUL, Sept. 1 (Yonhap) -- The unification ministry said Tuesday that it requested a 3.1 percent increase in its budget for cooperation projects with North Korea next year despite stalled cross-border exchanges amid chilled relations.
The ministry asked for 1.24 trillion won (US$1.05 billion) in next year's budget for the Inter-Korean Cooperation Fund, up 37.7 billion won from the 1.21 trillion won set aside for this year.
The proposed increase mostly stemmed from the ministry's plans to expand cross-border cooperation in combating infectious diseases, such as the coronavirus, and natural disasters that could affect people on both sides, the ministry said.
------------
Unification minister calls for Japan's support in improving inter-Korean relations
SEOUL, Sept. 1 (Yonhap) -- Unification Minister Lee In-young called Tuesday for Japan's support in improving inter-Korean relations, saying it will be "very beneficial for Japan as well."
Lee made the remark during his first meeting with Japanese Ambassador Koji Tomita after his inauguration in July, stressing the need for the two countries to maintain cooperation in the wake of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's recent decision to step down.
"Prime Minister Abe has announced his decision to step down due to health concerns. Our government is sorry to hear about this and wishes him a speedy recovery," Lee said at the start of the meeting.
------------
S. Korea-U.S. working group useful, function can be adjusted: Cheong Wa Dae official
SEOUL, Sept. 2 (Yonhap) -- A top Cheong Wa Dae official said Wednesday the South Korea-U.S. working group on North Korea is "useful," and discussions are under way on how to better operate it.
The remarks by President Moon Jae-in's top security adviser, Suh Hoon, during a National Assembly session came in response to talk of negative effects of the forum launched in 2018.
The working group's main aim is for the allies to coordinate efforts more effectively to achieve the denuclearization of Korea and bring lasting peace to the peninsula, as strategies on Pyongyang have at times been a source of thinly-veiled rifts between the two sides.
------------
Unification minister hopes for inter-Korean video reunions of separated families
SEOUL, Sept. 2 (Yonhap) -- Unification Minister Lee In-young on Wednesday voiced hopes the two Koreas could hold video reunions for families separated by the 1950-53 Korean War later this month, despite strained inter-Korean relations.
Lee made the remark during his meeting with Shin Hee-yong, the new chief of the Korean Red Cross, saying the South is ready to send North Korea video reunion equipment as soon as Pyongyang decides to hold reunions on the occasion of the Chuseok holiday set for late this month.
"Video reunions of separated families might be our only option in the age of 'untact' and when the coronavirus is spreading. I hope we can kick off video reunions over the Chuseok holiday, which can serves as a catalyst," Lee said, referring to the non-contact trend amid the coronavirus pandemic.
------------
S. Korea mulls redeeming money given to WFP for stalled N.K. rice provision project
SEOUL, Sept. 3 (Yonhap) -- The unification ministry said Thursday that it is considering redeeming the money it sent to the World Food Programme (WFP) for a plan to provide rice assistance to North Korea if there is no progress in the stalled project by the end of this year.
In June last year, the ministry announced the plan to provide 50,000 tons of rice to North Korea through the WFP and sent the organization 13.8 billion won (US$11.6 million) to cover transportation, equipment and monitoring costs.
The plan, however, has since been stalled as the North rejected the assistance offer in protest over joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States.
------------
N.K. unlikely to seek engagement with Seoul until next year's campaign season: ex-USFK commander
SEOUL, Sept. 3 (Yonhap) -- North Korea is unlikely to seek engagement with South Korea until next year as the regime believes it would have better leverage to deal with Seoul after the country's presidential election season kicks off, former U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) Commander Gen. Vincent Brooks said Thursday.
During the third and the final session of the annual Seoul Defense Dialogue (SDD), Brooks also called for both maximum pressure on and engagement with North Korea while moving away from classic views about what steps Pyongyang will take in the future.
"In 2021, the South Korean government is in its final year, and campaigning is ongoing. North Korea will be going to wait until 2021 before they begin to engage South Korea. South Korea will continue to try, of course, but I think there would be limited responses, and likely negative responses until such times, as North Korea thinks they have better leverage," Brooks said.
(END)


yna--2020-09-05--(LEAD) New virus cases stay below 200 for 3rd day in S. Korea

SEOUL , Sept. 5 ( Yonhap ) -- The number of additional new coronavirus cases in South Korea stayed below @ @ @ @ @ day on Saturday , but health authorities said it is still too early for the @ @ @ @ @ guard .

(ATTN: ADDS details throughout)
SEOUL, Sept. 5 (Yonhap) -- The number of additional new coronavirus cases in South Korea stayed below 200 for the third straight day on Saturday, but health authorities said it is still too early for the country to let down its guard.
The country reported 168 new COVID-19 cases, including 158 local infections, raising the total caseload to 21,010, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
A majority of the locally transmitted cases came from the greater Seoul area, including 51 in Seoul and 47 in nearby Gyeonggi Province. Incheon, west of Seoul, also reported 14 cases.
South Korea has been posting triple-digit rises for around three weeks due to cluster infections tied to a slew of churches and an anti-government rally in central Seoul in mid-August.
After keeping the new cases of COVID-19 in two-digit figures for more than five months, South Korea added more than 100 cases on Aug. 14 before the number shot up to 441 on Aug. 27. It then fell below 300 on Sunday.
A health professional works at a screening center in the southwestern city of Gwangju on Sept. 4, 2020. (Yonhap)
While the church and rally-related clusters accounted for a large portion of the recent infections, reaching 1,152 and 473, respectively, as of noon Friday, other cluster infections have popped up across the country.
Two hospitals in Seoul together reported more than 20 cases, while infections also broke out at an indoor bar and a children's book company in Gyeonggi Province. More than 20 have also tested positive at a kimchi factory in South Chungcheong Province.
A rise in cases with unknown infection routes is keeping authorities worried over the virus spreading further.
The proportion of new patients with unidentified transmission routes hit a new record high of 24.4 percent over the past two weeks, indicating there could be more unknown infections in local communities. Cluster infections accounted for 41 percent of new outbreaks over the period.
While the latest figure marks a fall from 198 cases on Friday, health authorities said the country should remain on alert, calling for citizens to abide by the government's tightened social distancing guidelines.
"While (new cases) are coming in at around 200 and are on a decline, it is not yet a stage to relax," Health Minister Park Neunghoo said in a government response meeting held at the government complex in Seoul.
"Until the (number) of patients substantially falls to a level that does not put a burden on quarantining and the health system, we need citizens to understand and endure a bit more," said Park, referring to the government's decision to extend a toughened social distancing guideline for another week.
South Korea on Friday decided to extend tougher anti-virus curbs on restaurants, bakeries and coffee shops in the greater Seoul area for another week, as sporadic cluster infections and untraceable cases are still popping up in the densely populated area.
Since Sunday, the country has been limiting operations of restaurants, bakeries and franchise coffee chains in the Seoul metropolitan area under the so-called Level 2.5 social distancing guidelines, while implementing Level 2 measures across the country since mid-August.
A bakery franchise in the western Seoul ward of Songpa is relatively empty on Sept. 4, 2020. (Yonhap)
The health minister mentioned growing concerns over a rise in critically ill patients, asking workers at health institutions and care centers for the elderly to stay on alert.
The number of patients in serious or critical condition came to 159, up two from the previous day and setting a new record since the country reported its first COVID-19 case in late January.
South Korea added two more deaths, raising the death toll to 333.
The number of newly identified imported cases came to 10.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries reached 16,009, up 226 from the previous day.
South Korea has carried out 2,037,045 COVID-19 tests since Jan. 3.
Workers carry takeout lunch boxes in central Seoul on Sept. 4, 2020. (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-05--Hospitals in scaled down mode as trainee doctors slow to return to work

Despite the agreement being reached , some doctors belonging to the Korean Intern and Resident Association ( KIRA ) , @ @ @ @ @ forefront of the strike , have criticized the way the KMA handled negotiations .
KIRA @ @ @ @ @ have not been properly consulted on the talks , with the agreement not reflecting earlier @ @ @ @ @ first scrap its medical reform plan .

SEOUL, Sept. 5 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's major hospitals are maintaining scaled down operations, as trainee doctors have yet to return to work despite an agreement reached to end their weekslong strike, medical sources said Saturday.
Large university hospitals have reduced treatments and surgeries and have restricted the number of patients they admit, as thousands of interns and resident doctors have taken part in the walkout since Aug. 21, insiders said,
The latest development comes as the Korean Medical Association reached an agreement on Friday with the ruling Democratic Party and the health ministry to end the strike in exchange for Seoul putting on hold its plans to increase the quota for medical students, set up new public medical schools and give medical insurance coverage to traditional Korean medical treatment.
A group of people moves chairs and pickets used in the doctors' strike at a general hospital in Seoul after the Korean Medical Association, the ruling Democratic Party and the health ministry agreed to end the strike on Sept. 4, 2020. (Yonhap)
The ruling party and the ministry also pledged to approach all matters related to the medical reform plan from scratch and listen to input provided by doctors, who have strongly opposed the changes. Doctors, lawmakers and government policymakers said they will set up two special commissions to address matters that can improve the quality of the country's medical field.
Despite the agreement being reached, some doctors belonging to the Korean Intern and Resident Association (KIRA), who have been at the forefront of the strike, have criticized the way the KMA handled negotiations. KIRA members have complained that they have not been properly consulted on the talks, with the agreement not reflecting earlier demands that the government must first scrap its medical reform plan.
KIRA said that its members will independently decide on when they will return to work, which is making it hard to determine when hospitals will be fully staffed again.
In a statement, the association warned that collective action cannot be called off if its members are hurt in any way for taking part in the walkout.
"Unless the interns and residents return, hospitals have to operate at reduce capacity like we are doing now," an administrator at a university hospital in Seoul said. He said the hospitals are closely monitoring developments.
Related to objections raised by some doctors on the ending of the strike, other observers said that with the health ministry withdrawing its formal complaints leveled at some who did not follow return-to-work orders and making promises to engage in dialogue on matters related to the medical reform plan, it is likely that doctors will gradually return to work.
"There is a chance that the interns and resident doctors may take another approach in making their views known, instead of engaging in a strike," a source said.
Health and Welfare Minister Park Neunghoo (R) and Korean Medical Association chief Choi Dae-zip sign an agreement calling for an end to the doctors' strike in Seoul on Sept. 4, 2020. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-09-05--Ryu Hyun-jin's ERA lowered further following 2nd scoring change

The South Korean left-hander was initially charged with two earned runs in six innings against the Baltimore Orioles at Sahlen @ @ @ @ @ York , on Aug. 28 .
Both runs were scored in the top of the @ @ @ @ @ Travis Shaw fielded a grounder by Ryan Mountcastle but made a poor throw past first @ @ @ @ @ .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Sept. 5 (Yonhap) -- Following a second scoring change for the same game, the ERA for the Toronto Blue Jays' starter Ryu Hyun-jin has been lowered even further.
Thanks to an official Major League Baseball (MLB) scoring change on Friday (U.S. local time), Ryu's ERA for the season has been adjusted from 2.72 to 2.51.
In this Associated Press file photo from Aug. 28, 2020, Ryu Hyun-jin of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches against the Baltimore Orioles in the top of the first inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game at Sahlen Field in Buffalo, New York. (Yonhap)
The South Korean left-hander was initially charged with two earned runs in six innings against the Baltimore Orioles at Sahlen Field in Buffalo, New York, on Aug. 28. Both runs were scored in the top of the sixth inning when third baseman Travis Shaw fielded a grounder by Ryan Mountcastle but made a poor throw past first base with the bases loaded.
The miscue allowed two runners to cross the plate. It was at first recorded as an error by Shaw, and Ryu wasn't charged with any earned runs. But within moments, it was changed to an infield single by Mountcastle with no error on the play.
This image captured from Major League Baseball's official website on Sept. 5, 2020, shows the changed scoring for Ryu Hyun-jin of the Toronto Blue Jays, who is now charged with zero earned runs instead of two against the Baltimore Orioles under the previous ruling. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Then the following day, MLB gave Ryu just one earned run. Mountcastle's batted ball remained an infield single, but Shaw was charged with a throwing error.
Then about a week later, the other earned run was dropped from Ryu's line, as it's now been determined that Shaw's error was responsible for both runs.
Ryu's ERA had been 2.72 after he pitched six innings of one-run ball against the Miami Marlins on Wednesday, and now it's 2.51, good for fourth best in the American League.
In this Getty Images photo, Ryu Hyun-jin of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches against the Miami Marlins in the bottom of the first inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game at Marlins Park in Miami on Sept. 2, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-05--New virus cases stay below 200 for 3rd day in S. Korea

SEOUL, Sept. 5 (Yonhap) -- The number of additional new coronavirus cases in South Korea stayed below 200 for the third straight day on Saturday, but health authorities said it is still too early for the country to let down its guard.
The country reported 168 new COVID-19 cases, including 158 local infections, raising the total caseload to 21,010, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
South Korea has been posting triple-digit rises for around three weeks due to cluster infections tied to a slew of churches and an anti-government rally in central Seoul in mid-August.
After keeping the new cases of COVID-19 in two-digit figures for more than five months, South Korea added more than 100 cases on Aug. 14 before the number shot up to 441 on Aug. 27. It then fell below 300 on Sunday.
A health professional works at a screening center in the southwestern city of Gwangju on Sept. 4, 2020. (Yonhap)
While the latest figure marks a fall from 198 cases on Friday, health authorities said the country should remain on alert, calling for citizens to abide by the government's tightened social distancing guidelines.
"While (new cases) are coming in at around 200 and are on a decline, it is not yet a stage to relax," Health Minister Park Neunghoo said in a government response meeting held at the government complex in Seoul.
"Until the (number) of patients substantially falls to a level that does not put a burden on quarantining and the health system, we need citizens to understand and endure a bit more," said Park, referring to the government's decision to extend a toughened social distancing guideline for another week.
South Korea on Friday decided to extend tougher anti-virus curbs on restaurants, bakeries and coffee shops in the greater Seoul area for another week, as sporadic cluster infections and untraceable cases are still popping up in the densely populated area.
Since Sunday, the country has been limiting operations of restaurants, bakeries and franchise coffee chains in the Seoul metropolitan area under the so-called Level 2.5 social distancing guidelines, while implementing Level 2 measures across the country since mid-August.
A bakery franchise in the western Seoul ward of Songpa is relatively empty on Sept. 4, 2020. (Yonhap)
The health minister mentioned growing concerns over a rise in critically ill patients, asking workers at health institutions and care centers for the elderly to stay on alert.
South Korea added two more deaths, raising the death toll to 333.
The number of newly identified imported cases came to 10.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries reached 16,009, up 226 from the previous day.
South Korea has carried out 2,037,045 COVID-19 tests since Jan. 3.
Workers carry takeout lunch boxes in central Seoul on Sept. 4, 2020. (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-05--Seoul stocks to log modest gains next week

SEOUL , Sept. 5 -- South Korean stocks are likely to continue to build up gains , albeit modestly , @ @ @ @ @ hopes for a slowdown in new virus cases and a quick economic recovery , analysts @ @ @

By Chung Joo-won
SEOUL, Sept. 5 -- South Korean stocks are likely to continue to build up gains, albeit modestly, in the coming week on hopes for a slowdown in new virus cases and a quick economic recovery, analysts said Saturday.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed at 2,353.8 points on Friday, up 0.61 percent from 2,304.59 points a week ago.
Electronic signboards at a Hana Bank dealing room in Seoul show the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed at 2,368.25 on Sept. 4, 2020, down 27.65 points, or 1.15 percent, from the previous session's close. (Yonhap)
Analysts forecast another week of modest gains, unless the COVID-19 toll flares up again.
But the weekly gains may be limited by the prolonged social distancing measures.
"Extending the social distancing scheme before the Chuseok holiday season may dent economic rebound hopes and reduce the stock price gain," Moon Nam-joong, a global strategist at Daishin Securities Co., said.
Under the Level 2.5 social distancing guidelines, the country has limited operations of restaurants, bakeries and franchise coffee chains in the Seoul metropolitan area.
China's import-export data for August will be released on Monday.
The eurozone's revised quarterly gross domestic product (GDP) data for the April-June period is due Tuesday.
South Korea's August jobless data will come out on Wednesday, and the European Central Bank's monetary policy meeting is scheduled for Thursday.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-05--(URGENT) 226 more patients released from coronavirus treatment, total now at 16,009: KCDC


yna--2020-09-05--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 2 additional coronavirus deaths, total now at 333: KCDC


yna--2020-09-05--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 168 more cases of new coronavirus, total now at 21,010: KCDC


yna--2020-09-05--(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on Sept. 5)

(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on Sept. 5)

But it began to be involved in a `` political '' struggle against the government , causing public disappointment .
@ @ @ @ @ from this , the Park administration might not have attempted to outlaw it .
The @ @ @ @ @ lesson from the past to be reborn as a union that fights for teachers ' @ @ @ @ @ court ruling , KTU members should endeavor to focus on the realization of appropriate education @ @ @ @ @ ideological inclination .

Legalization of teachers' union
Time to revise labor laws to global standard
The Supreme Court ruled Thursday it was illegal to outlaw the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union (KTU) because it allowed nine dismissed teachers to gain membership. The court said it was unconstitutional to deny the fired workers the right to join a union, because it infringed on labor's three primary rights.
With the recent decision, the court overturned the lower court's ruling, sending it back for review. This has also paved the way for the KTU to regain its legal status. In 2013, the former Park Geun-hye government outlawed the progressive teachers' union in an apparent bid to prevent it from carrying out anti-government activities
The Park administration relentlessly tried to disable the union as the progressive body had been waging "ideological warfare" against the conservative government. In the course of getting legal rights, numerous KTU members were dismissed or jailed.
We welcome the court's ruling in that it honors the workers' right to engage in union activities regardless of employment status. It has been stupid to deny some 60,000 KTU members the right to participate in legal activities over the admission of a handful of fired workers.
Opposition has flared over the court decision. Lawmakers of the main opposition People Power Party issued a statement Thursday, saying: "The judiciary itself has destroyed the principle of independence." They also asserted that the ruling runs counter to the past Constitutional Court's ruling against the KTU.
The KTU was founded in 1989 with the motto of promoting "appropriate education," amid growing public expectations and support. In 1999, it acquired legal status after a relevant bill was passed by the National Assembly.
But it began to be involved in a "political" struggle against the government, causing public disappointment. If the KTU had refrained from this, the Park administration might not have attempted to outlaw it. The KTU needs to take a lesson from the past to be reborn as a union that fights for teachers' rights. Riding on the court ruling, KTU members should endeavor to focus on the realization of appropriate education by casting off their outdated ideological inclination.
The government submitted a motion to the National Assembly in July that sought to guarantee the right of dismissed workers to join unions, in accordance with the principle of the International Labor Organization (ILO). The ILO has repeatedly called on the nation to revise its Labor Law, citing the lack of protection for union members.
It is time for the nation to closely cooperate with the international community and revise labor-related laws that have been the target of criticism for failing to meet global standards.
(END)


yna--2020-09-05--Top headlines in major S. Korean newspapers

Korean-language dailies -- Public hospital agenda grinds to halt on strike ( Kyunghyang Shinmun ) -- Gov't , doctors reach @ @ @ @ @ number of medical students ( Kookmin Daily ) -- Gov't , doctors reach deal , @ @ @ @ @ llbo ) -- Level 2.5 social distancing extended for another week in greater Seoul ( @ @ @ @ @ , doctors reach deal , but trainees undecided ( Chosun Ilbo ) -- Public health @ @ @ @ @ ( JoongAng Ilbo ) -- Doctors win over public health issue , trainees even resist @ @ @ @ @ Let 's hang in there for another week even if things are tough ( Hankook @ @ @ @ @ distancing extended for another week , hurting self-employed ( Maeil Business Newspaper ) -- Gov't @ @ @ @ @ tln-won budget hike ... self-employed to be selectively supported ( Korea Economic Daily ) ( @ @

SEOUL, Sept. 5 (Yonhap) -- The following are the top headlines in major South Korean newspapers on Sept. 5.
Korean-language dailies
-- Public hospital agenda grinds to halt on strike (Kyunghyang Shinmun)
-- Gov't, doctors reach dramatic deal on not expanding number of medical students (Kookmin Daily)
-- Gov't, doctors reach deal, but issues remain (Donga llbo)
-- Level 2.5 social distancing extended for another week in greater Seoul (Segye Times)
-- Gov't, doctors reach deal, but trainees undecided (Chosun Ilbo)
-- Public health issue stitched up without surgery (JoongAng Ilbo)
-- Doctors win over public health issue, trainees even resist that (Hankyoreh)
-- Let's hang in there for another week even if things are tough (Hankook Ilbo)
-- Toughened social distancing extended for another week, hurting self-employed (Maeil Business Newspaper)
-- Gov't, ruling party eye 9 tln-won budget hike ... self-employed to be selectively supported (Korea Economic Daily)
(END)


yna--2020-09-05--S. Korea to gradually become overcast as Typhoon Haishen approaches country

The forecast by the Korea Meteorological Administration ( KMA ) said that while the central Seoul , Gyeonggi and Chungcheong @ @ @ @ @ , parts of South Gyeongsang Province in the country 's southeast and Jeju Island off @ @ @ @ @ rainfall early in the morning .
It said most of the southern Gyeongsang and Jeolla @ @ @ @ @ the afternoon .

SEOUL, Sept. 5 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will gradually become overcast as Typhoon Haishen, the season's 10th typhoon, approaches the country, with the southern coastal regions to get rain, the weather service said Saturday.
The forecast by the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said that while the central Seoul, Gyeonggi and Chungcheong regions will have clear skies, parts of South Gyeongsang Province in the country's southeast and Jeju Island off the southern coast will receive rainfall early in the morning. It said most of the southern Gyeongsang and Jeolla regions will experience rain in the afternoon.
Gyeongsang is expected to receive 20-60 millimeters of precipitation from Saturday through Sunday, with Jeju and southern regions of Jeolla to get 5-40 mm, the KMA said.
As of 3 a.m. Saturday, Haishen is some 590 kilometers southeast of Okinawa and moving north toward the Korean Peninsula at around 20 kilometers per hour.
This satellite image, provided by the Korea Meteorological Administration, shows Typhoon Haishen at 3 p.m. on Sept. 4, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The national weather agency said that temperatures throughout the country will remain under 30 C throughout the day, with daily highs reaching 24-29 C.
Related to the approaching storm, Incheon port authority, west of Seoul, said that it has suspended passenger ferry operations to two outlying islands, including the service to Baengnyeong Island in the Yellow Sea, as Haishen starts to cause waves to rise.
The KMA said that the typhoon is likely to start impacting the country over the weekend and could make landfall on South Korea's southern coast sometime around Monday.
The weather agency, however, said the exact route and strength of Haishen may change depending on how it passes through Japan.
A series of typhoons have pounded the country recently with heavy rains and strong winds.
Typhoon Maysak, which hit the country earlier this month, tore through the southern and eastern coastal regions, killing two and causing power outages and flight cancellations.
(END)


Saturday's weather forecast

SEOUL , Sep. 05 ( Yonhap ) -- The following is the weather forecast for South Korea 's 12 major @ @ @ @ @ .


yna--2020-09-05--Trump puts N. Korea in spotlight while evading Russia question

The U.S. president said his country will have to look at it very seriously `` if that 's the case @ @ @ @ @ thought of the outcome of an investigation by Germany that the Russian opposition figure , @ @ @ @ @ fact been poisoned by the Soviet-developed nerve agent Novichok .

By Byun Duk-kun
WASHINGTON, Sept. 4 (Yonhap) -- U.S. President Donald Trump used North Korea on Friday apparently to elude a thorny question regarding Russia's possible involvement in the recent assassination attempt on a Russian opposition leader.
The U.S. president said his country will have to look at it very seriously "if that's the case" when asked what he thought of the outcome of an investigation by Germany that the Russian opposition figure, Alexei Navalny, has in fact been poisoned by the Soviet-developed nerve agent Novichok.
Trump argued he has been tougher on Russia than anyone else but then said he got along with almost all countries, including North Korea.
"Remember, we were supposed to be going to war with North Korea," he told a White House press conference, adding the war would have been "very messy" and "very bad" and that millions of people would have been killed.
In this photo, taken June 30, 2019, U.S. President Donald Trump (R) and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un are seen holding a meeting at the Freedom House on the southern side of the truce village of Panmunjom in the Demilitarized Zone, which separates the two Koreas. The meeting marked the third of its kind between the two leaders following their two bilateral summits held in June 2018 and February 2019. (Yonhap)
Trump has frequently and increasingly highlighted his "good relationship" with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as one of his diplomatic achievements in the lead up to the Nov. 3 presidential election.
Trump and Kim have held three meetings, including two bilateral summits aimed at denuclearizing the communist North.
The countries' denuclearization talks, however, have stalled since February 2019 when the leaders' second bilateral summit ended without a deal.
"In the meantime, we've got along with him (Kim). We didn't get to war," said Trump before moving on to Middle Eastern countries and highlighting the recent peace agreement between the United Arab Emirates and Israel brokered by the United States.
He returned to Russia, but only after pointing out that Germany pays "billions and billions of dollars to Russia to get their energy from Russia."
"And we are supposed to protect Germany from Russia? What's that all about?" Trump said.
When he finally returned to the Russia issue, he first said, "We are doing very well with Russia on nuclear nonproliferation."
"We haven't had any proof yet, but I will take a look," he eventually said of the failed assassination attempt on Navalny.
His remark came hours after Washington's No. 2 diplomat, Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun, expressed Washington's "grave concern about German government findings" in a meeting with the Russian ambassador in the United States.
"He (Biegun) noted further that the use of this chemical weapon by Russia would be a clear violation of its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention," the state department said of Biegun's meeting with Ambassador Anatoliy Antonov in Washington.
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)