yna--2020-10-09--Rays' Choi Ji-man has one hit in ALDS loss

Choi went 1-for-4 as the Rays fell to the New York Yankees 5-1 in Game 4 of their American League @ @ @ @ @ at Petco Park in San Diego on Thursday ( local time ) .
The best-of-five @ @ @ @ @ two games apiece , and the two clubs will go right back at it Friday @ @ @ @ @

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Oct. 9 (Yonhap) -- The Tampa Bay Rays' South Korean first baseman Choi Ji-man picked up a hit in a postseason losing cause.
Choi went 1-for-4 as the Rays fell to the New York Yankees 5-1 in Game 4 of their American League Division Series (ALDS) at Petco Park in San Diego on Thursday (local time). The best-of-five series is now tied at two games apiece, and the two clubs will go right back at it Friday at the same ballpark.
Choi batted cleanup in each of the first three games of the series, with a right-handed starter on the mound. With the Yankees sending left-hander Jordan Montgomery to the hill in Game 4, Choi, who bats left-handed and has struggled against same-handed pitchers, remained in the cleanup spot in the starting lineup.
Choi grounded out weakly to first base in his first time up against Montgomery in the top of the second, when he got jammed on an inside sinker.
In this EPA photo, Choi Ji-man of the Tampa Bay Rays hits a single against the New York Yankees in the top of the fourth inning of Game 4 of the American League Division Series at Petco Park in San Diego on Oct. 8, 2020. (Yonhap)
Choi led off the top fourth, with Montgomery still pitching, and lined a sharp single to right field. It would be Choi's only hit of the game and one of just three hits all game by Tampa Bay.
During the regular season, Choi experimented with switch-hitting. Against left-handers, he was just 1-for-13, but 0-for-6 from the left side of the plate.
Choi flied out to center field in the top sixth against right-handed reliever Chad Green. Then against left-handed closer Aroldis Chapman, Choi led off the ninth inning with a pop fly to the catcher.
Choi is the only South Korean still left in the postseason. Ryu Hyun-jin of the Toronto Blue Jays and Kim Kwang-hyun of the St. Louis Cardinals were sent home after the Wild Card Series, while Choo Shin-soo of the Texas Rangers didn't qualify for the postseason.
In this Getty Images photo, the Tampa Bay Rays' first baseman Choi Ji-man (L) fails to scoop the ball as DJ LeMahieu of the New York Yankees is called safe at the bag during the bottom of the first inning of Game 4 of the American League Division Series at Petco Park in San Diego on Oct. 8, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-10--Rays' Choi Ji-man goes hitless makes key defensive plays in ALDS clincher

Choi started and batted cleanup in all five games of the ALDS .
In Game 5 , Choi faced the @ @ @ @ @ for the second time in the series .
Choi , a longtime nemesis of the @ @ @ @ @ home run off Cole in Game 1 and entered this game having batted 10-for-19 with @ @ @ @ @ doubles and 10 RBIs against him , including the postseason .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Oct. 10 (Yonhap) -- Choi Ji-man of the Tampa Bay Rays went hitless in his club's postseason-series clinching victory, though he contributed on the defensive end in the early going.
Choi went 0-for-2 as the Rays edged out the New York Yankees 2-1 to take the American League Division Series (ALDS) in five games at Petco Park in San Diego on Friday (local time). Choi was lifted for a pinch hitter in the sixth inning.
For the series, Choi was 4-for-15 (.267) with a home run, three RBIs, two runs scored and three walks. He posted a .421 on-base percentage and a .533 slugging percentage.
In this Associated Press photo, the Tampa Bay Rays' first baseman Choi Ji-man (L) takes a throw from pitcher Tyler Glasnow to retire DJ LeMahieu of the New York Yankees in the top of the first inning of Game 5 of the American League Division Series at Petco Park in San Diego on Oct. 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
The Rays will face the Houston Astros in the American League Champions Series (ALCS) starting Sunday. There will be no off days for the best-of-seven series. The Rays will stay in San Diego, as Petco Park will once again serve as the centralized venue designed to eliminate traveling for teams during the coronavirus pandemic.
Choi will be the first South Korean position player to appear in an LCS in either the American League or the National League, and the first Korean player to do so since Ryu Hyun-jin pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2017 NLCS.
Choi started and batted cleanup in all five games of the ALDS. In Game 5, Choi faced the Yankees' ace Gerrit Cole for the second time in the series. Choi, a longtime nemesis of the right-hander, blasted a two-run home run off Cole in Game 1 and entered this game having batted 10-for-19 with four home runs, three doubles and 10 RBIs against him, including the postseason.
But Cole, pitching on three days' rest, was dialed in against Choi, who grounded out in each of his first two plate appearances.
In the bottom first, Choi stepped in with one out and runners at first and second. He pulled a grounder to second baseman DJ LeMahieu and managed to advance the runners.
Choi led off the fourth inning with another groundout to LeMahieu, who was positioned well to his left in an infield shift against the pull hitter.
In this USA Today Sports photo via Reuters, Choi Ji-man of the Tampa Bay Rays (C) greets teammate Mike Brosseau after Brosseau's solo home run against the New York Yankees in the bottom of the eighth inning of Game 5 of the American League Division Series at Petco Park in San Diego on Oct. 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
With one out in the sixth inning, the Yankees' pulled Cole and brought in left-handed reliever Zack Britton. The Rays then pinch hit right-handed batter Mike Brosseau for Choi, ending the South Korean's day.
Brosseau smoked a tie-breaking solo home run in the bottom of the eighth to give the Rays a 2-1 lead, and they hung on to win by that same score.
Choi made key defensive plays to record the first two outs in the top of the first inning, digging out a low throw by pitcher Tyler Glasnow to retire LeMahieu and then stretching to his right with a split to grab another poor throw, this time by shortstop Willy Adames, and get Aaron Judge out at first.
Choi is the only South Korean remaining in this year's postseason. Two starting pitchers, Ryu Hyun-jin of the Toronto Blue Jays and Kim Kwang-hyun of the St. Louis Cardinals, were eliminated in the Wild Card Series. Choo Shin-soo of the Texas Rangers didn't qualify.
In this USA Today Sports photo via Reuters, Choi Ji-man of the Tampa Bay Rays gets under a fly ball during the top of the fourth inning of Game 5 of the American League Division Series against the New York Yankees at Petco Park in San Diego on Oct. 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-10--N. Korea's military parade has not begun yet: sources

SEOUL , Oct. 10 ( Yonhap ) -- North Korea did not appear to have held a widely expected military @ @ @ @ @ morning , sources said , raising chances the event could be held in the afternoon @ @ @

SEOUL, Oct. 10 (Yonhap) -- North Korea did not appear to have held a widely expected military parade yet as of Saturday morning, sources said, raising chances the event could be held in the afternoon or evening.
The communist country has been expected to stage a large military parade to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea that falls on Oct. 10.
But no imminent signs have been detected that the country's state media would broadcast the event live.
"We've got no signs that North Korea has begun a military parade," a source in Seoul said. "We are closely monitoring related movements and see the possibility the event could begin late Saturday afternoon or early evening."
The North last aired a military parade live in April 2017, when it showcased a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and diverse types of weapons amid heightened tensions with the United States.
This photo, released April 16, 2017, by the Rodong Sinmun, a daily of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party, shows presumed-to-be new intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) disclosed for the first time at a military parade in Kim Il-sung Square in Pyongyang to mark the 105th birth anniversary of the late founder of North Korea Kim Il-sung the previous day. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-10--(2nd LD) Coronavirus cases stay below 100 for 3rd day

Under the Level 2 scheme , South Koreans can maintain most of their daily routines , but outdoor gatherings of @ @ @ @ @ banned .
Sports events are allowed without spectators , and indoor meetings of 50 or @ @ @ @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES with case in Incheon in 4th para, social distancing guidelines in last 3 paras)
SEOUL, Oct. 10 (Yonhap) -- South Korea reported 72 new COVID-19 cases Saturday, its third straight day of the number being below 100, but authorities remained on high alert amid back-to-back holidays.
The total caseload rose to 24,548, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
Among the newly confirmed cases, there were 61 local infections and 11 from international arrivals, it said.
In particular, the KDCA said 23 new patients were confirmed in Seoul, 24 in Gyeonggi Province and eight in Incheon.
The undated file photo shows a makeshift coronavirus test center in South Korea. (Yonhap)
The public health agency reported two more coronavirus-related deaths, bringing the total to 430, while 55 additional patients have been released from treatment.
Despite the double-digit increase in daily virus cases, concerns linger due to the report of a group infection incident in Daejeon, 160 kilometers south of Seoul, which is linked with a family gathering during the five-day Chuseok holiday that ran through last Sunday.
South Koreans also began a three-day holiday period Friday, Hangeul Day, to celebrate the Korean alphabet.
On Friday, the number of coronavirus tests nationwide declined to 4,451 and the ratio of those having tested positive jumped to 1.62 percent from 0.47 percent the previous day.
The government plans to announce a decision Sunday on whether to adjust its social distancing guidelines, currently at Level 2.
Under the Level 2 scheme, South Koreans can 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.
On Saturday, the number of new diagnosed cases in the greater Seoul area came to 55, above 50, which is the criterion for Level 1.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-10--Rep. Kim Hong-gul faces questioning over real estate scandal

Kim was found to have omitted his purchase of the right to buy an apartment worth over 1 billion won @ @ @ @ @ in a preelection report to the National Election Commission .
He owns three other apartments @

SEOUL, Oct. 10 (Yonhap) -- An independent lawmaker and son of late President Kim Dae-jung appeared at the prosecutors' office in Seoul on Saturday for questioning over an allegation he intentionally underreported property ownership just ahead of the general elections in April.
Kim Hong-gul said he would be "faithful" during the investigation as he walked into the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office with his lawyer.
Last month, Kim was expelled from the ruling Democratic Party due to the scandal.
Rep. Kim Hong-gul, expelled from the ruling Democratic Party, responds to a reporter's question in front of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office in southern Seoul on Oct. 10, 2020. (Yonhap)
Kim was found to have omitted his purchase of the right to buy an apartment worth over 1 billion won (US$860,000) in a preelection report to the National Election Commission. He owns three other apartments.
In South Korea, before apartments are built, construction companies usually sell the right to buy units to ordinary people through lotteries and points-based systems, both of which are overseen by state authorities.
The government has unveiled a series of policies to curb a surge in home prices in Seoul and nearby areas.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-10--(LEAD) Coronavirus cases stay below 100 for 3rd day

Despite the double-digit increase in daily virus cases , concerns linger due to the report of a group infection incident @ @ @ @ @ south of Seoul , which is linked with a family gathering during the five-day Chuseok @ @ @ @ @ Sunday .

(ATTN: UPDATES throughout with details)
SEOUL, Oct. 10 (Yonhap) -- South Korea reported 72 new COVID-19 cases Saturday, its third straight day of the number being below 100, but authorities remained on high alert amid back-to-back holidays.
The total caseload rose to 24,548, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
Among the newly confirmed cases, there were 61 local infections and 11 from international arrivals, it said.
In particular, the KDCA said 25 new patients were confirmed in Seoul and 24 in Gyeonggi Province.
The undated file photo shows a makeshift coronavirus test center in South Korea. (Yonhap)
The public health agency reported two more coronavirus-related deaths, bringing the total to 430, while 55 additional patients have been released from treatment.
Despite the double-digit increase in daily virus cases, concerns linger due to the report of a group infection incident in Daejeon, 160 kilometers south of Seoul, which is linked with a family gathering during the five-day Chuseok holiday that ran through last Sunday.
South Koreans also began a three-day holiday period Friday, Hangeul Day, to celebrate the Korean alphabet.
On Friday, the number of coronavirus tests nationwide declined to 4,451 and the ratio of those having tested positive jumped to 1.62 percent from 0.47 percent the previous day.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-10--Juvenile fraud rises 16 pct in 2019, marking biggest jump in 10 years: report

According to the 2020 juridical yearbook published recently by the National Court Administration , the number of fraud cases under @ @ @ @ @ 3,695 , up by 513 , or 16.1 percent , from a year ago , @ @ @ @ @ 2009 global financial crisis when the tally jumped a whopping 84.3 percent from the previous @ @ @ @ @ cases that resulted in probation or admissions to juvenile reformatories .

SEOUL, Oct. 10 (Yonhap) -- Fraud offenses committed by teenagers last year recorded the biggest jump in 10 years by rising 16 percent on-year, a judicial report showed Saturday.
According to the 2020 juridical yearbook published recently by the National Court Administration, the number of fraud cases under the juvenile protection system was 3,695, up by 513, or 16.1 percent, from a year ago, the biggest rise since the 2009 global financial crisis when the tally jumped a whopping 84.3 percent from the previous year. Juvenile protection includes cases that resulted in probation or admissions to juvenile reformatories.
The climb in fraud cases among teenagers appears to be attributable to an increase of online scams, targeting in-game currency and online gift cards.
Juvenile theft also showed an uptick last year at 12,941 from 11,625 in 2018, reversing a downward trend since 2013.
Meanwhile, juvenile sex offenses were found to be on a steady increase for the fourth year in a row. The number of violations of the Sexual Violence Prevention and Victims Protection Act rose 11 percent to 1,425 last year from 1,276 in 2018. There were 881 cases in 2015.
The number of assault cases also increased from 1,779 to 2,020 over the same period.
The report, however, showed that the number of cases of bodily harm decreased from 1,341 in 2018 to 1,318 last year.
This computer-generated photo, provided by Yonhap News TV, is from a TV segment on the issue of juvenile delinquency. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-10--Coronavirus cases stay below 100 for 3rd day

Among the newly confirmed cases , there were 61 local infections and 11 from international arrivals , it said .

SEOUL, Oct. 10 (Yonhap) -- South Korea reported 72 new COVID-19 cases Saturday, its third straight day of the number being below 100.
The total caseload rose to 24,548, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
Among the newly confirmed cases, there were 61 local infections and 11 from international arrivals, it said.
The undated file photo shows a makeshift coronavirus test center in South Korea. (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-10--(URGENT) 55 more patients released from coronavirus treatment, total now at 22,624: KDCA

(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--2020-10-10--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 2 additional coronavirus deaths, total now at 430: KDCA


yna--2020-10-10--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 72 more cases of new coronavirus, total now at 24,548: KDCA


yna--2020-10-10--(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on Oct. 10)

(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on Oct. 10)

The core of contention in the issue of abortion lies in whether or not it is just for the state @ @ @ @ @ to abort .
It is not a matter of choice between women 's right to @ @ @ @ @ protect the unborn .
It has been a global trend to put top priority on @ @ @ @ @ .
The government has 40 days until implementation of the revisions .
It should listen @ @ @ @ @ and reflect the diverse voices in policies .
( END )

Abortive revisions
Gov't should pay heed to criticism on abortion law revisions
The government has made its plan public to revise the Criminal Act and the Mother and Child Health Act to allow abortion until the 14th week of pregnancy. According to the revisions, abortion will also be allowed conditionally until the 24th week of pregnancy based on social, economic and health reasons, in addition to cases involving rape or incest. To carry out an abortion, a woman should have a consultation at a facility designated by the government and undergo a 24-hour "consideration period."
The revisions come as a follow-up to the ruling by the Constitutional Court in April last year, asking the National Assembly to change the Criminal Act by the end of this year. The court ruled that two provisions of the act banning all abortion, at any stage of pregnancy, are unconstitutional as they infringe upon women's right to choose.
The revisions stipulate a total ban on abortion after the 24th week of pregnancy, which means a virtual revival of abortion punishment law in a stronger form. This can be described as "unconstitutional revisions" in a sense. It is also inappropriate the planned revisions have only the pregnancy period as a barometer for abortion permit regardless of the physical condition of the pregnant woman. There is likelihood that the revisions will fail to reflect the situations faced with juveniles or disabled people who are less sensitive to whether they are pregnant or not.
The Committee of Gender Equality under the Ministry of Justice came up with recommendations in August, calling for a repeal of the decades-old law, but to no particular avail. Women's activist groups had been calling for abolishment of the abortion law and they have been upset by the ministry's move toward revisions.
We need to make efforts to minimize abortion in order to protect the "small" life in the womb. But women's right to choose should be fully guaranteed. The need for "consultations and consideration period" is also inappropriate in that the World Health Organization dubbed it as neglecting women's rights to choose.
The core of contention in the issue of abortion lies in whether or not it is just for the state to punish women who choose to abort. It is not a matter of choice between women's right to choose and the need to protect the unborn. It has been a global trend to put top priority on women's health and rights. The government has 40 days until implementation of the revisions. It should listen attentively to the growing criticism and reflect the diverse voices in policies.
(END)


yna--2020-10-10--(LEAD) N. Korea's military parade expected to showcase new strategic weapons

On Friday , government sources said that signs had been detected that Kim will deliver a speech during the widely @ @ @ @ @ they said it is not clear whether his speech will be broadcast live .

(ATTN: ADDS N. Korea's broadcast schedule in last 2 paras)
By Koh Byung-joon
SEOUL, Oct. 10 (Yonhap) -- North Korea is expected to stage a military parade Saturday to mark the 75th founding anniversary of its ruling Workers' Party as speculation mounts Pyongyang could roll out "new strategic weapons," including a newly developed intercontinental ballistic missile.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is also likely to give an address during the event, which will be closely monitored from outside watchers for the United States at a time when their denuclearization talks remain deadlocked.
The North tends to mark every fifth and 10th anniversary with larger-scale events, such as military provocations, including missile launches and parades of troops, newly developed strategic weapons and other military hardware.
Saturday's event draws special attention as leader Kim said in his New Year's Day message that he will soon showcase a "new strategic weapon," expressing frustration with little progress in denuclearization negotiations with the U.S.
In its report to the National Assembly, Seoul's unification ministry said Thursday that the North could unveil newly developed strategic weapons, such as an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) during this week's widely expected military parade in a bid to strengthen internal unity amid economic difficulties.
"North Korea is expected to stage a large-scale military parade and other events to mark the 75th party founding anniversary this week in a bid to consolidate unity and close ranks behind the party," the ministry said.
"There is a possibility that North Korea will unveil new strategic weapons, such as new intercontinental ballistic missiles or submarine-launched ballistic missiles, to draw attention at a time when its economic achievements have been sluggish," it added.
On Friday, government sources said that signs had been detected that Kim will deliver a speech during the widely expected military parade, though they said it is not clear whether his speech will be broadcast live.
All eyes are fixed on what message Kim will send out during his speech amid stalled denuclearization talks since his no-deal summit with U.S. President Donald Trump early last year.
Experts said that Kim would not likely signal a reconciliatory message given that he has called for "self-reliance" and a "frontal breakthrough" against multiple challenges confronting his country, urging his people not to expect outside help.
North Korea has been faced with a triple whammy of damage caused by back-to-back typhoons and flooding in recent months, the fallout from its prolonged antivirus efforts and crippling global sanctions.
State media stayed mum on the event as of 9 a.m. The Korean Central Broadcasting Station did not mention any public events, including a military parade, to be broadcast in its daily schedule.
The North last held a military parade in September 2018, when it celebrated the 70th state founding anniversary. At the time, state TV did not broadcast the event live and aired its recorded footage later.
In this file photo released by the North's official Korean Central News Agency, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un waves during a military parade at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang on Sept. 9, 2018, to mark the 70th anniversary of North Korea's founding day. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)


Saturday's weather forecast

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


yna--2020-10-10--Top headlines in major S. Korean newspapers

Korean-language dailies -- World Food Program wins Nobel Peace Prize ( Kyunghyang Shinmun ) -- No deaths from 33-story apartment @ @ @ @ @ response under related manual ( Kookmin Daily ) -- Korea Vaccine recalls 610,000 doses of @ @ @ @ @ ) -- Banks closing a number of branches in local communities ( Segye Times ) @ @ @ @ @ access to Gwanghwamun district to prevent anti-government protests ( Chosun Ilbo ) -- Gov't blocks @ @ @ @ @ leaving open tourist spots ( JoongAng Ilbo ) -- Justice Party elects Kim Jong-cheol as @ @ @ @ @ -- Attention paid to Pyongyang over possibility that it will unveil new ICBM ( Hankook @ @ @ @ @ growing popular as retail marketing tool ( Maeil Business Newspaper ) -- Apartment transactions halve @ @ @ @ @ Economic Daily ) ( END )

SEOUL, Oct. 10 (Yonhap) -- The following are the top headlines in major South Korean newspapers on Oct. 10.
Korean-language dailies
-- World Food Program wins Nobel Peace Prize (Kyunghyang Shinmun)
-- No deaths from 33-story apartment fire thanks to swift disaster response under related manual (Kookmin Daily)
-- Korea Vaccine recalls 610,000 doses of flu vaccines (Donga llbo)
-- Banks closing a number of branches in local communities (Segye Times)
-- Police fully block civilian access to Gwanghwamun district to prevent anti-government protests (Chosun Ilbo)
-- Gov't blocks access to Gwanghwamun, while leaving open tourist spots (JoongAng Ilbo)
-- Justice Party elects Kim Jong-cheol as new leader (Hankyoreh)
-- Attention paid to Pyongyang over possibility that it will unveil new ICBM (Hankook Ilbo)
-- Live streaming growing popular as retail marketing tool (Maeil Business Newspaper)
-- Apartment transactions halve in one month (Korea Economic Daily)
(END)


yna--2020-10-10--Robbery, theft rise for first time in 4 years: court data

The Constitutional Court is currently reviewing the constitutionality of Article 7 of the National Security Law , which punishes individuals @ @ @ @ @ regime or producing , carrying or distributing pro-North materials .
The court has deemed the @ @ @ @ @ .

SEOUL, Oct. 10 (Yonhap) -- The number of robberies and thefts tried in court rose by 2.4 percent last year after declining for three straight years, according to newly published court annals.
The number of cases was 13,094, an increase of 312 from 2018. Fraud and blackmail rose 8.9 percent from 40,335 cases to 43,931, the annals showed.
The rise in such crimes comes amid an ongoing economic downturn and growing income inequality.
Last year also saw a 2.3 percent decline in rape and sexual abuse to 6,342 cases after three straight years of increases.
Assaults and battery dropped 3.4 percent to 23,281 cases, continuing a downward trend that began in 2017.
By total number of cases, fraud and blackmail were the most common crimes, followed by traffic violations (30,651 cases), and assaults and battery.
There were 39 violations of the National Security Law, a number that has remained in the double digits since 2014.
The Constitutional Court is currently reviewing the constitutionality of Article 7 of the National Security Law, which punishes individuals for praising North Korea's regime or producing, carrying or distributing pro-North materials. The court has deemed the article constitutional in seven cases.
Justices of the Constitutional Court await the start of a hearing at the court in Seoul on Sept. 10, 2020. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-10--N. Korea's military parade expected to showcase new strategic weapons

By Koh Byung-joon
SEOUL, Oct. 10 (Yonhap) -- North Korea is expected to stage a military parade Saturday to mark the 75th founding anniversary of its ruling Workers' Party as speculation mounts Pyongyang could roll out "new strategic weapons," including a newly developed intercontinental ballistic missile.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is also likely to give an address during the event, which will be closely monitored from outside watchers for the United States at a time when their denuclearization talks remain deadlocked.
The North tends to mark every fifth and 10th anniversary with larger-scale events, such as military provocations, including missile launches and parades of troops, newly developed strategic weapons and other military hardware.
Saturday's event draws special attention as leader Kim said in his New Year's Day message that he will soon showcase a "new strategic weapon," expressing frustration with little progress in denuclearization negotiations with the U.S.
In its report to the National Assembly, Seoul's unification ministry said Thursday that the North could unveil newly developed strategic weapons, such as an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) during this week's widely expected military parade in a bid to strengthen internal unity amid economic difficulties.
"North Korea is expected to stage a large-scale military parade and other events to mark the 75th party founding anniversary this week in a bid to consolidate unity and close ranks behind the party," the ministry said.
"There is a possibility that North Korea will unveil new strategic weapons, such as new intercontinental ballistic missiles or submarine-launched ballistic missiles, to draw attention at a time when its economic achievements have been sluggish," it added.
On Friday, government sources said that signs had been detected that Kim will deliver a speech during the widely expected military parade, though they said it is not clear whether his speech will be broadcast live.
All eyes are fixed on what message Kim will send out during his speech amid stalled denuclearization talks since his no-deal summit with U.S. President Donald Trump early last year.
Experts said that Kim would not likely signal a reconciliatory message given that he has called for "self-reliance" and a "frontal breakthrough" against multiple challenges confronting his country, urging his people not to expect outside help.
North Korea has been faced with a triple whammy of damage caused by back-to-back typhoons and flooding in recent months, the fallout from its prolonged antivirus efforts and crippling global sanctions.
The North last held a military parade in September 2018, when it celebrated the 70th state founding anniversary.
In this file photo released by the North's official Korean Central News Agency, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un waves during a military parade at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang on Sept. 9, 2018, to mark the 70th anniversary of North Korea's founding day. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-10--China's Xi promises support for China-N.Korea relations in letter to Kim: KCNA

`` I extend warm congratulations and the best wishes to Comrade Chairman ( Kim ) and through you to the @ @ @ @ @ and all members of the WPK and the Korean people on behalf of the Central @ @ @ @ @ of China and on my own behalf on the occasion of the 75th founding anniversary @ @ @ @ @ the Chinese leader wrote , according to the North 's Korean Central News Agency ( @ @ @

SEOUL, Oct. 10 (Yonhap) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping vowed efforts to further develop his country's relationship with North Korea and support the North's struggle to advance its socialist agenda, the North's state media reported Saturday.
Xi's remarks came in a letter to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, marking the 75th founding anniversary of the North's ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK).
"I extend warm congratulations and the best wishes to Comrade Chairman (Kim) and through you to the Central Committee of the WPK and all members of the WPK and the Korean people on behalf of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and on my own behalf on the occasion of the 75th founding anniversary of the WPK," the Chinese leader wrote, according to the North's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
"In recent years under the reliable leadership of the Central Committee of the WPK headed by Comrade Chairman, the Party and people of Korea have put efforts on strengthening the Party building and the economic work, have coped with all sorts of hardships and challenges in single-minded unity and conducted active exchange and cooperation with foreign countries to make a series of important achievements, while making steady advance along the path of socialism," Xi added.
China is North Korea's largest communist neighbor and trade partner, accounting for more than 80 percent of the impoverished North overall imports and exports.
Beijing is also often criticized for failing to faithfully implement U.N. Security Council sanctions on North Korea.
Xi's letter to Kim comes amid wide speculation that the communist North may unveil a new advanced weapons system at its military parade, expected to take place later in the day.
Xi noted China-North Korea relations have reached a "new historic page" following his meetings with Kim in recent years.
"We have an intent to successfully defend, consolidate and develop China-Korea relations together with Korean comrades and propel the long-lasting and stable development of the socialist cause of the two countries and thus provide the two countries and the two peoples with greater happiness and make new and active contributions to realizing regional peace, stability, development and prosperity," he wrote, according to the KCNA.
"I wish Comrade Chairman good health and success in your work. I hope that the WPK would make ceaseless development and the socialist cause of Korea would prosper."
(END)


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yna--2020-10-09--(LEAD) Nat'l football teams take draw in 1st exhibition match

`` We did n't execute most of what we 'd planned to do , and I do n't know if @ @ @ @ @ 50 out of 100 points .
I am going to give them an earful , @ @ @ @ @ We needed to be faster on the attack . ''

(ATTN: ADDS comments at bottom)
GOYANG, South Korea, Oct. 9 (Yonhap) -- A rare exhibition match between South Korea's senior men's national football team and under-23 team ended in a 2-2 draw on Friday.
The young guns nearly got the better of their older counterparts, but senior team striker Lee Jeong-hyeop spoiled that with his 89th-minute equalizer at Goyang Stadium in Goyang, just northwest of Seoul in Gyeonggi Province.
The two teams will go at it again at 8 p.m. Monday at the same stadium. The U-23 squad will be the home team in the second contest.
The U-23 team scored twice in the second half to erase an early 1-0 deficit. Song Min-kyu, in his first national team appearance, made it a 1-1 tie in the 50th minute for the younger squad, and an own goal by the senior team captain, Kwon Kyung-won, put the U-23 side ahead.
Song Min-kyu of the South Korean men's under-23 national football team celebrates his goal against the senior national team during an exhibition match at Goyang Stadium in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, on Oct. 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
The aggregate score will determine the winner, with the away goal rule in effect. In case of a tie after two matches, the teams will go to a penalty shootout, without playing extra periods.
The winning team will donate 100 million won (US$87,370) in its name to aid the country's fight against the coronavirus.
The Korea Football Association (KFA) organized these matches to give fans a long-awaited glimpse of their national teams and also allow coaches -- Paulo Bento for the senior team and Kim Hak-bum for the U-23 side -- to test potential candidates for future competitions.
Lee Jeong-hyeop (C) of the South Korean men's senior national football team watches his shot go into the net against the under-23 national team during an exhibition match at Goyang Stadium in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, on Oct. 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
Bento's team hasn't played any international match this year, due to effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. They would have completed the second round of the Asian qualifying for the 2022 FIFA World Cup this year. Their last official competition was in December last year.
Kim's U-23 team qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics by winning the Asian qualifying tournament in January, but the Olympic Games have been postponed by a year because of the pandemic. The U-23 team hasn't had any official matches since January.
Players for the South Korean men's under-23 national football team (in white) and senior national team stand for the national anthem before their exhibition match at an empty Goyang Stadium in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, on Oct. 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
Because of 14-day quarantine required for all inbound travelers to South Korea, overseas-based stars were not selected for these exhibition matches. The 23-man rosters for the two sides are entirely made up of players from the domestic K League.
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors defender Lee Ju-yong opened the scoring for Bento's team in the 14th minute. He was left wide open when he took a pass on the left wing, and he cut to the center of the box and fired a shot past defender Yoon Jong-gyu and into the net.
The U-23 squad had some promising moments in the first half, with Song's header off a Yoon Jong-gyu cross going right at goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo.
Song, the 21-year-old Pohang Steelers forward, broke through five minutes into the second half with some great individual effort. After taking control of the ball just outside the box, Song charged in and danced past three defenders before firing a left-footed shot past Jo for a 1-1 tie.
Song is tied for most goals by a South Korean player in the K League 1 this season with 10.
Eight minutes later, the U-23 team took the lead with some fortuitous bounces.
Cho Young-wook (L) of the South Korean men's under-23 national football team tries to make a pass past Lee Ju-yong of the senior national team during an exhibition match at Goyang Stadium in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, on Oct. 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
Jo made a spectacular save on Cho Young-wook's shot, and Cho Gue-sung got the rebound on the left side and headed the ball toward the middle. The attempted pass pinballed off the leg of defender Kwon, the right goal post and Kwon's knee again on its way into the net.
The senior team generated few scoring chances the rest of the way. The U-23 nearly took a 3-1 lead in the 81st minute, when Um Won-sang, after a pretty give-and-go play with Oh Se-hun, fired a shot from the right side and forced Jo to make a difficult save.
They would rue that missed opportunity, as a pair of second-half subs for the senior side connected for a late game-tying goal.
On a rare counterattack chance in the 89th minute, midfielder Kim In-sung charged toward the net up the middle and found Lee Jeong-hyeop to his right. The striker for Busan IPark made no mistake with his low shot past diving goalkeeper Song Bum-keun.
The goal saved face for Bento's team, who got outplayed for most of the second half.
Though the U-23 players more than held their own against veterans, coach Kim said his squad barely deserved a passing grade for their performance.
"We didn't execute most of what we'd planned to do, and I don't know if I can even give them 50 out of 100 points. I am going to give them an earful," Kim said. "We needed to be faster on the attack."
Kim was also stingy with his praise for Song, the lone goal scorer for his team.
"He did score that goal, but he didn't look in sync with the rest of the team at times," the coach said. "I think he put a lot of pressure on himself because this was his first national team match. I think he should be better in the next match."
Bento declined to assess his team's performance on the spot, only saying he'd need to talk to individual players over what they did well and where they need to improve.
Bento picked three players from the U-23 talent pool, and two of them, Won Du-jae and Lee Dong-gyeong, were in the starting lineup. Won, normally a defensive midfielder for Ulsan Hyundai FC, started as a centerback and performed admirably, showing exactly the kind of versatility that intrigued Bento in the first place.
"Won had an impressive first half but he was a bit inconsitent in the second half," Bento said. "I think he was shaken up after allowing the equalizer. But I understand that because it comes from his lack of experience."
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-10--(2nd LD) N. Korea showcases new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) during military parade

The new version is forecast to be fit for a new submarine which has been under construction at North Korea @ @ @ @ @ on its east coast .
The new submarine , believed to be a 3,000-ton one @ @ @ @ @ be capable of carrying three to four SLBMs .

(ATTN: ADDS more details, background info in paras 6, 8-13, photo)
By Oh Seok-min
SEOUL, Oct. 10 (Yonhap) -- North Korea showcased a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Saturday during a military parade held in Pyongyang to mark the 75th founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party.
During the parade, the communist country also showed off a new type of submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), which it labeled as the Pukguksong-4, according to footage from the North's state Korean Central Television.
Shown in this image captured from Korean Central Television footage on Oct. 10, 2020, is North Korea's new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) which was displayed during a military parade held in Pyongyang to mark the 75th founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
The new ICBM was carried on a transporter erector launcher (TEL) with 22 wheels, indicating that it is longer than the Hwasong-15, which is carried by a 18-wheel TEL. A longer missile is believed to be capable of flying further, according to officials and experts.
The Hwasong-15 has an estimated range of 8,000 miles, or 12,874 kilometers, which is capable of striking any part of the continental U.S.
The regime has two more types of ICBM: the Hwasong-13 that can fly as far as 5,500 km, and the Hwasong-14 missile with an estimated range of 10,058 km, which is capable of reaching most of the continental U.S.
Drawing attention is whether the new ICBM can carry multiple warheads, as the North has been working to develop to make the missile harder to intercept.
"More analysis is needed to learn the exact features of the newly disclosed ICBM. It could be called either the upgraded version of the Hwasong-15, or the Hwasong-16," a Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) officer said.
The Pukguksong-4 SLBM appears larger than its previous version of the Pukguksong-3 that the North test-fired in October 2019.
The Pukguksong-3 is classified as a medium-range missile, and is believed to be an upgraded version of its Pukguksong-1 missile. During the October test, the missile flew around 450 kilometers at a maximum altitude of about 910 km, according to the JCS.
The new version is forecast to be fit for a new submarine which has been under construction at North Korea's naval base in Sinpo on its east coast. The new submarine, believed to be a 3,000-ton one, is widely known to be capable of carrying three to four SLBMs.
During the parade, North Korea also presented its version of Russia's Iskander short-range ballistic missile and super-large multiple rocket launchers, which it has test-launched several times since 2019.
North Korea stopped short of carrying out major weapons tests to mark this year's party anniversary, apparently in consideration of relations with the U.S. in the run-up to the presidential elections next month.
The communist country last conducted an ICBM test in November 2017, which is deemed a red line for U.S. President Donald Trump.
North Korea had been widely expected to roll out the "new strategic weapons," such as an ICBM or an SLBM, that leader Kim Jong-un pledged to show off in his New Year's Day message, amid stalled denuclearization talks with the United States.
North Korean troops gather at Kim Il-sung Square in Pyongyang on Oct. 10, 2020, during a military parade to mark the 75th founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, in this photo captured from Korean Central Television footage. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-10--(9th LD) N.K. leader vows to strengthen 'war deterrent,' showcases new ICBM

But the new ICBM does not appear to carry multiple warheads , which the North has been working to develop @ @ @ @ @ part is relatively sharp , according to the experts .
In order to contain multiple @ @ @ @ @ be more round .

(ATTN: ADDS more info in para 3, 10-12, photo; CHANGES quotes according to KCNA English story)
By Koh Byung-joon and Oh Seok-min
SEOUL, Oct. 10 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un vowed to continue to strengthen self-defense "war deterrent" and showed off a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and other weapons during a massive military parade, state media showed Saturday.
Kim also wished South Korea a fast recovery from the coronavirus pandemic in a reconciliatory message to Seoul, expressing hope that "the day would come when the North and South take each other's hand again."
He made the speech at midnight on Friday before the military parade started at Kim Il-sung Square in the center of Pyongyang to celebrate the 75th founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party, according to state TV footage.
"We will continue to strengthen the war deterrent, the righteous self-defence means, so as to contain and control all the dangerous attempts and intimidatory acts by the hostile forces, including their sustained and aggravating nuclear threat," Kim said while wearing a light-gray suit.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un waves as he attends a military parade to mark the 75th founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party, held in Pyongyang on Oct. 10, 2020, in this photo captured from the Korean Central Television. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
War deterrent is usually considered to refer to nuclear weapons.
Kim stressed that war deterrent is purely for self-defense, and "will never be abused or used as a means for preemptive strike."
"But, if, and if, any forces infringe upon the security of our state and attempt to have recourse to military force against us, I will enlist all our most powerful offensive strength in advance to punish them," he added.
Kim, however, made no mention of the United States during the address.
After the address, a series of strategic weapons, including a new ICBM, were paraded. Other weapons unveiled included a submarine-launched ballistic missile and North Korea's version of Russia's Iskander short-range ballistic missile.
The newly-disclosed ICBM was carried on a transporter erector launcher (TEL) with 22 wheels, indicating that it is longer than the Hwasong-15. A longer missile is believed to be capable of flying further, according to officials and experts.
But the new ICBM does not appear to carry multiple warheads, which the North has been working to develop, given that its front part is relatively sharp, according to the experts. In order to contain multiple warheads, it needs to be more round.
"More analysis is needed to learn the exact features of the newly disclosed ICBM. It could be called either the upgraded version of the Hwasong-15, or the Hwasong-16," a Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) officer said.
During the address, Kim choked up at times as he repeatedly apologized to his people for their suffering from multiple challenges, including recent typhoons and flooding and the impact from its anti-pandemic campaign.
Following his speech, the North's best-trained goose-stepping soldiers marched through the square followed by tanks, military vehicles and other weapons. Fighter jets were seen flying in formation, drawing "75" in the sky.
In a stand overlooking the square, Kim was also seen saluting marching soldiers and waving with a broad smile.
The parade is believed to have taken place earlier in the day and the broadcast appeared to be recorded footage. Earlier in the day, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said that the North appeared to have staged a massive parade at dawn involving large amounts of equipment and personnel.
It is the first military parade that the North has held since 2018.
Shown in this image captured from Korean Central Television footage on Oct. 10, 2020, is North Korea's new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which was displayed during a military parade held in Pyongyang to mark the 75th founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
North Korea has been expected to roll out "new strategic weapons," including a new ICBM or a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), that Kim pledged to show off in his New Year's Day message amid stalled denuclearization talks with the United States.
North Korea is believed to have three types of ICBMs -- the Hwasong-13, Hwasong-14 and Hwasong-15, and it has sought to develop a multiple-warhead ICBM that can fly further and is harder to intercept.
The Hwasong-15, which is the most advanced version so far, has an estimated range of 12,874 kilometers and is capable of striking any part of the continental U.S. The type was last test-launched on Nov. 29, 2017.
"We are analyzing details of the weaponry that Pyongyang displayed today," a JCS officer said. "No unusual movements by the North Korean military have been detected."
The North tends to mark every fifth and 10th anniversary with larger-scale events, such as military provocations, including missile launches and parades of troops, newly developed strategic weapons and other military hardware.
It is quite unusual for the North to stage a military parade before dawn. Past parades have all been held during daytime hours.
"Instead of the blaze of publicity, North Korea also seems to be trying to manage the situation ahead of the U.S. elections," professor Kim Young-jun of the Korea National Defense University said.
"The unexpected predawn event also seems to aim to make it harder for the outside world to learn details of its military assets," he added.
Despite little progress in negotiations with Washington, leader Kim appeared to have maintained good relations with U.S. President Donald Trump. One day after the U.S. first couple were diagnosed with the new coronavirus, Kim sent a letter to Trump and offered his "sympathy."
The COVID-19 situation could also have affected the decision as a nighttime event might have helped it mobilize a fewer number of people so as to minimize antivirus steps.
The communist country has called for all-out efforts against the new coronavirus, though it has claimed the country does not have a single virus case.
In August, leader Kim presided over a key party meeting and instructed officials to prepare "at the best level all the celebrations with peculiar style as a great political festival to be provided as an excellent gift to the 75th birth anniversary of the WPK," according to state media.
"North Korea might have tried to make the event look like a kind of festival, rather than a show of force, in consideration of relations with the U.S.," the professor added.
North Korean troops gather at Kim Il-sung Square in Pyongyang on Oct. 10, 2020, during a military parade to mark the 75th founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party, in this photo captured from the Korean Central Television. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
North Korean military vehicles stand in line on a Pyongyang street on Oct. 10, 2020, during a military parade to mark the 75th founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party, in this photo captured from Korean Central Television. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution)(Yonhap)
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-10--(LEAD) N. Korea showcases new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) during military parade

(ATTN: ADDS more details in last 3-8, photo)
By Oh Seok-min
SEOUL, Oct. 10 (Yonhap) -- North Korea showcased a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Saturday during a military parade held in Pyongyang to mark the 75th founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party.
During the parade, the communist country also showed off a new type of submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), which it labeled as the Pukguksong-4, according to footage from the North's state Korean Central Television.
The new ICBM was carried on a transporter erector launcher (TEL) with 22 wheels, indicating that it is longer than the Hwasong-15, which is carried by a 18-wheel TEL. A longer missile is believed to be capable of flying further, according to officials and experts.
The Hwasong-15 has an estimated range of 8,000 miles, or 12,874 kilometers, which is capable of striking any part of the continental U.S.
The regime has two more types of ICBM: the Hwasong-13 that can fly as far as 5,500 km, and the Hwasong-14 missile with an estimated range of 10,058 km, which is capable of reaching most of the continental U.S.
But the new ICBM does not appear to carry multiple warheads, which the North has been working to develop, given that its front part is relatively sharp, according to the experts. In order to contain multiple warheads, it needs to be more round.
"More analysis is needed to learn the exact features of the newly disclosed ICBM. It could be called either the upgraded version of the Hwasong-15, or the Hwasong-16," a Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) officer said.
North Korea had been widely expected to roll out the "new strategic weapons," such as an ICBM or an SLBM, that leader Kim Jong-un pledged to show off in his New Year's Day message, amid stalled denuclearization talks with the United States.
Shown in this image captured from Korean Central Television footage on Oct. 10, 2020, is North Korea's new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) which was displayed during a military parade held in Pyongyang to mark the 75th founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-10--(8th LD) N.K. leader vows to strengthen 'war deterrence,' showcases new ICBM

The parade is believed to have taken place earlier in the day and the broadcast appeared to be recorded footage @ @ @ @ @ , South Korea 's Joint Chiefs of Staff said that the North appeared to have @ @ @ @ @ dawn involving large amounts of equipment and personnel .

(ATTN: ADDS info in paras 5-10)
By Koh Byung-joon and Oh Seok-min
SEOUL, Oct. 10 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un vowed to continue to strengthen self-defense "war deterrence" and showed off a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and other weapons during a military parade, state media showed Saturday.
Kim also wished South Korea a fast recovery from the coronavirus pandemic in a reconciliatory message to Seoul, expressing hope that the day will soon come for the two Koreas to "join hands" after the current health crisis is over.
The address came at the start of the military parade staged at Kim Il-sung Square in the center of Pyongyang to celebrate the 75th founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party, according to state TV footage.
"We will continue to strengthen war deterrence for self-defense to deter, control and manage all dangerous attempts and threatening acts, including ever-growing nuclear threats, from hostile forces," Kim said while wearing a light-gray suit.
War deterrence is usually considered to refer to nuclear weapons.
Kim stressed that war deterrence is purely for self-defense, and "will never be abused or used first under any circumstances."
"But should anyone undermine our national security and mobilize military power against us, I will retaliate by using the most powerful offensive force at our disposal and in a preemptive manner," he added.
Kim, however, made no mention of the United States during the address.
After the address, a series of strategic weapons, including a new ICBM, were paraded. Other weapons unveiled included a submarine-launched ballistic missile and North Korea's version of Russia's Iskander short-range ballistic missile.
Further details of the new weapons were not available.
During the address, Kim choked up at times as he repeatedly apologized to his people for their suffering from multiple challenges, including recent typhoons and flooding and the impact from its anti-pandemic campaign.
Following his speech, the North's best-trained goose-stepping soldiers marched through the square followed by tanks, military vehicles and other weapons. Fighter jets were seen flying in formation, drawing "75" in the sky.
In a stand overlooking the square, Kim was also seen saluting marching soldiers and waving with a broad smile.
The parade is believed to have taken place earlier in the day and the broadcast appeared to be recorded footage. Earlier in the day, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said that the North appeared to have staged a massive parade at dawn involving large amounts of equipment and personnel.
It is the first military parade that the North has held since 2018.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un waves as he attends a military parade to mark the 75th founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party, held in Pyongyang on Oct. 10, 2020, in this photo captured from the Korean Central Television. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
North Korea has been expected to roll out "new strategic weapons," including a new ICBM or a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), that Kim pledged to show off in his New Year's Day message amid stalled denuclearization talks with the United States.
North Korea is believed to have three types of ICBMs -- the Hwasong-13, Hwasong-14 and Hwasong-15, and it has sought to develop a multiple-warhead ICBM that can fly further and is harder to intercept.
The Hwasong-15, which is the most advanced version so far, has an estimated range of 12,874 kilometers and is capable of striking any part of the continental U.S. The type was last test-launched on Nov. 29, 2017.
"We are analyzing details of the weaponry that Pyongyang displayed today," a JCS officer said. "No unusual movements by the North Korean military have been detected."
The North tends to mark every fifth and 10th anniversary with larger-scale events, such as military provocations, including missile launches and parades of troops, newly developed strategic weapons and other military hardware.
It is quite unusual for the North to stage a military parade before dawn. Past parades have all been held during daytime hours.
"Instead of the blaze of publicity, North Korea also seems to be trying to manage the situation ahead of the U.S. elections," professor Kim Young-jun of the Korea National Defense University said.
"The unexpected predawn event also seems to aim to make it harder for the outside world to learn details of its military assets," he added.
Despite little progress in negotiations with Washington, leader Kim appeared to have maintained good relations with U.S. President Donald Trump. One day after the U.S. first couple were diagnosed with the new coronavirus, Kim sent a letter to Trump and offered his "sympathy."
The COVID-19 situation could also have affected the decision as a nighttime event might have helped it mobilize a fewer number of people so as to minimize antivirus steps.
The communist country has called for all-out efforts against the new coronavirus, though it has claimed the country does not have a single virus case.
In August, leader Kim Jong-un presided over a key party meeting and instructed officials to prepare "at the best level all the celebrations with peculiar style as a great political festival to be provided as an excellent gift to the 75th birth anniversary of the WPK," according to state media.
"North Korea might have tried to make the event look like a kind of festival, rather than a show of force, in consideration of relations with the U.S.," the professor added.
North Korean troops gather at Kim Il-sung Square in Pyongyang on Oct. 10, 2020, during a military parade to mark the 75th founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party, in this photo captured from the Korean Central Television. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
North Korean military vehicles stand in line on a Pyongyang street on Oct. 10, 2020, during a military parade to mark the 75th founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party, in this photo captured from Korean Central Television. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution)(Yonhap)
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-10--N. Korea showcases new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) during military parade

North Korea had been widely expected to roll out `` new strategic weapons , '' including a new ICBM or @ @ @ @ @ pledged in his New Year 's Day message , to show off , amid stalled @ @ @ @ @ States .

SEOUL, Oct. 10 (Yonhap) -- North Korea showcased a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Saturday during a military parade held in Pyongyang to mark the 75th founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party.
During the parade, the communist country also showed off a new type of submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), which it labeled as the Pukguksong-4, according to footage from the North's state Korean Central Television.
North Korea had been widely expected to roll out "new strategic weapons," including a new ICBM or an SLBM, that Kim pledged in his New Year's Day message, to show off, amid stalled denuclearization talks with the United States.
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-10--(URGENT) N.K. showcases new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) during parade


yna--2020-10-10--(URGENT) N. Korea displays its version of Iskander short-range ballistic missile for first time


yna--2020-10-10--(URGENT) N.K. showcases new submarine launched ballistic missile (SLBM) during parade


yna--2020-10-10--(7th LD) During military parade, N.K. leader vows to strengthen 'war deterrence'

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, first 4 paras; ADDS photos)
By Koh Byung-joon and Oh Seok-min
SEOUL, Oct. 10 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un vowed to continue to strengthen self-defense "war deterrence" to counter ever-growing nuclear and other threats as he delivered a nationally televised address during a military parade, state media showed Saturday.
Kim also wished South Korea a fast recovery from the coronavirus pandemic in a reconciliatory message to Seoul, expressing hope that the day will soon come for the two Koreas to "join hands" after the current health crisis is over.
The address came at the start of the military parade staged at Kim Il-sung Square in the center of Pyongyang to celebrate the 75th founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party, according to state TV footage.
"We will continue to strengthen war deterrence for self-defense to deter, control and manage all dangerous attempts and threatening acts, including ever-growing nuclear threats, from hostile forces," Kim said while wearing a light-gray suit.
He made no mention of the United States during the address.
The parade is believed to have taken place earlier in the day and the broadcast appeared to be recorded footage. Earlier in the day, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said that the North appeared to have staged a massive parade at dawn involving large amounts of equipment and personnel.
It is the first military parade that the North has held since 2018.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un waves as he attends a military parade to mark the 75th founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party, held in Pyongyang on Oct. 10, 2020, in this photo captured from the Korean Central Television. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
North Korea has been expected to roll out "new strategic weapons," including a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) or a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), that Kim pledged to show off in his New Year's Day message amid stalled denuclearization talks with the United States.
North Korea is believed to have three types of ICBMs -- the Hwasong-13, Hwasong-14 and Hwasong-15, and it has sought to develop a multiple-warhead ICBM that can fly further and is harder to intercept.
The Hwasong-15, which is the most advanced version so far, has an estimated range of 12,874 kilometers and is capable of striking any part of the continental U.S. The type was last test-launched on Nov. 29, 2017.
"We are analyzing details of the weaponry that Pyongyang displayed today," a JCS officer said. "No unusual movements by the North Korean military have been detected."
The North tends to mark every fifth and 10th anniversary with larger-scale events, such as military provocations, including missile launches and parades of troops, newly developed strategic weapons and other military hardware.
It is quite unusual for the North to stage a military parade before dawn. Past parades have all been held during daytime hours.
"Instead of the blaze of publicity, North Korea also seems to be trying to manage the situation ahead of the U.S. elections," professor Kim Young-jun of the Korea National Defense University said.
"The unexpected predawn event also seems to aim to make it harder for the outside world to learn details of its military assets," he added.
Despite little progress in negotiations with Washington, leader Kim appeared to have maintained good relations with U.S. President Donald Trump. One day after the U.S. first couple were diagnosed with the new coronavirus, Kim sent a letter to Trump and offered his "sympathy."
The COVID-19 situation could also have affected the decision as a nighttime event might have helped it mobilize a fewer number of people so as to minimize antivirus steps.
The communist country has called for all-out efforts against the new coronavirus, though it has claimed the country does not have a single virus case.
In August, leader Kim Jong-un presided over a key party meeting and instructed officials to prepare "at the best level all the celebrations with peculiar style as a great political festival to be provided as an excellent gift to the 75th birth anniversary of the WPK," according to state media.
"North Korea might have tried to make the event look like a kind of festival, rather than a show of force, in consideration of relations with the U.S.," the professor added.
North Korean troops gather at Kim Il-sung Square in Pyongyang on Oct. 10, 2020, during a military parade to mark the 75th founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party, in this photo captured from the Korean Central Television. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
North Korean military vehicles stand in line on a Pyongyang street on Oct. 10, 2020, during a military parade to mark the 75th founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party, in this photo captured from Korean Central Television. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution)(Yonhap)
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-10--(URGENT) Kim makes no direct mention of U.S. in speech at military parade


yna--2020-10-10--(URGENT) Kim vows to strengthen self-defense war deterrence


yna--2020-10-10--(URGENT) Kim says not a single person in N.K. has contracted coronavirus


yna--2020-10-10--(URGENT) N.K. leader wishes South Korea fast recovery from pandemic


yna--2020-10-10--(URGENT) N. Korean leader delivers speech at military parade


yna--2020-10-10--(6th LD) N. Korea holds military parade to mark ruling party's founding anniv.

The Hwasong-15 , which is the most advanced version so far , has an estimated range of 12,874 kilometers and @ @ @ @ @ part of the continental U.S .
The type was last test-launched on Nov. 29 , @ @

By Koh Byung-joon and Oh Seok-min
SEOUL, Oct. 10 (Yonhap) -- North Korea held a nighttime military parade to mark the 75th founding anniversary of its ruling Workers' Party on Saturday, state TV showed Saturday.
Leader Kim Jong-un attended the parade, where rifle-toting troops marched in neat columns through Kim Il Sung Square in the center of Pyongyang, as smiling spectators applauded, according to footage of the parade that the North's Korean Central Television began airing at 7 p.m.
It is not clear exactly when the parade was held, but the broadcast appeared to be recorded footage.
Earlier in the day, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said that the North appeared to have staged a massive parade at dawn involving a large amounts of equipment and personnel.
It is the first military parade that the North has held since 2018.
This photo, released April 16, 2017, by the Rodong Sinmun, a daily of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party, shows presumed-to-be new intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) disclosed for the first time at a military parade in Kim Il-sung Square in Pyongyang to mark the 105th birth anniversary of the late founder of North Korea Kim Il-sung the previous day. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
North Korea has been expected to roll out "new strategic weapons," including a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) or a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), that Kim pledged to show off in his New Year's Day message amid stalled denuclearization talks with the United States.
North Korea is believed to have three types of ICBMs -- the Hwasong-13, Hwasong-14 and Hwasong-15, and it has sought to develop a multiple-warhead ICBM that can fly further and is harder to intercept.
The Hwasong-15, which is the most advanced version so far, has an estimated range of 12,874 kilometers and is capable of striking any part of the continental U.S. The type was last test-launched on Nov. 29, 2017.
"We are analyzing details of the weaponry that Pyongyang displayed today," a JCS officer said. "No unusual movements by the North Korean military have been detected."
The North tends to mark every fifth and 10th anniversary with larger-scale events, such as military provocations, including missile launches and parades of troops, newly developed strategic weapons and other military hardware.
It is quite unusual for the North to stage a military parade before dawn. Past parades have all been held during daytime hours.
"Instead of the blaze of publicity, North Korea also seems to be trying to manage the situation ahead of the U.S. elections," professor Kim Young-jun of the Korea National Defense University said.
"The unexpected predawn event also seems to aim to make it harder for the outside world to learn details of its military assets," he added.
Despite little progress in negotiations with Washington, leader Kim appeared to have maintained good relations with U.S. President Donald Trump. One day after the U.S. first couple were diagnosed with the new coronavirus, Kim sent a letter to Trump and offered his "sympathy."
The COVID-19 situation could also have affected the decision as a nighttime event might have helped it mobilize a fewer number of people so as to minimize antivirus steps.
The communist country has called for all-out efforts against the new coronavirus, though it has claimed the country does not have a single virus case.
In August, leader Kim Jong-un presided over a key party meeting and instructed officials to prepare "at the best level all the celebrations with peculiar style as a great political festival to be provided as an excellent gift to the 75th birth anniversary of the WPK," according to state media.
"North Korea might have tried to make the event look like a kind of festival, rather than a show of force, in consideration of relations with the U.S.," the professor added.
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-10--(URGENT) N.K. leader attends military parade


yna--2020-10-10--(URGENT) N. Korea begins airing footage of military parade


yna--2020-10-10--(URGENT) N. Korea to air footage of military parade at 7 p.m.


yna--2020-10-10--(4th LD) Coronavirus cases stay below 100 for 3rd day

In an Army unit based in Yangju , north of Seoul , four soldiers tested positive for the virus , @ @ @ @ @ government officials .
The number could increase as tests are being conducted on all of @ @ @ @ @ there .

(ATTN: ADDS infection in military unit in paras 8-9)
SEOUL, Oct. 10 (Yonhap) -- South Korea reported 72 new COVID-19 cases Saturday, its third straight day of the number being below 100, but authorities remained on high alert amid back-to-back holidays.
The total caseload rose to 24,548, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
Among the newly confirmed cases, there were 61 local infections and 11 from international arrivals, it said.
In particular, the KDCA said 23 new patients were confirmed in Seoul, 24 in Gyeonggi Province and eight in Incheon.
The undated file photo shows a makeshift coronavirus test center in South Korea. (Yonhap)
The public health agency reported two more coronavirus-related deaths, bringing the total to 430, while 55 additional patients have been released from treatment.
Despite the double-digit increase in daily virus cases, concerns linger due to the report of a group infection incident in Daejeon, 160 kilometers south of Seoul, which is linked with a family gathering during the five-day Chuseok holiday that ran through last Sunday.
South Koreans also began a three-day holiday period Friday, Hangeul Day, to celebrate the Korean alphabet.
Sporadic infections continued to be reported in miliary units.
In an Army unit based in Yangju, north of Seoul, four soldiers tested positive for the virus, according to military and local government officials. The number could increase as tests are being conducted on all of the some 300 other soldiers there.
On Friday, the number of coronavirus tests nationwide declined to 4,451 and the ratio of those having tested positive jumped to 1.62 percent from 0.47 percent the previous day.
The government plans to announce a decision Sunday on whether to adjust its social distancing guidelines, currently at Level 2.
Under the Level 2 scheme, South Koreans can 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.
On Saturday, the number of new diagnosed cases in the greater Seoul area came to 55, above 50, which is the criterion for Level 1.
Health authorities said among lingering risk factors are the continued spread of the coronavirus in the greater Seoul area, home to about half of the nation's 52-million population, door-to-door sales activities and cluster infections in high-risk facilities.
The Central Disease Control Headquarters also said the proportion of cases, of which origin has yet to be traced, is staying below 20 percent.
Out of 1,032 people diagnosed with the virus from Sept. 27 to Saturday, the infection routes of 196, or 19 percent, remain unconfirmed, it said in a separate press briefing.
It added Remdesivir, known as a coronavirus treatment, has been administered to 585 patients at 62 hospitals as of 4 p.m. Friday.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-10--Attempts via China to hack S. Korean military post 10-fold increase: report

The report also said that the total number of hacking attempts targeting South Korea 's military networks totaled 30,401 until @ @ @ @ @ .
This represents an annual average of about 6,500 hacking attempts .
( END )

SEOUL, Oct. 10 (Yonhap) -- The number of attempts to hack South Korea via China posted a ten-fold increase over the past three years, data showed Saturday.
According to the data provided by the military to the National Assembly, hacking attempts via China targeting South Korean military networks totaled 10,655 cases in 2019, compared with 1,051 cases detected in 2017.
There have been 7,113 attempts so far this year, the data showed.
Such hacking attempts do not necessarily mean that Chinese hackers are involved. North Korean hackers have been frequently blamed for trying to attack South Korea through China.
The report also said that the total number of hacking attempts targeting South Korea's military networks totaled 30,401 until August this year from 2016. This represents an annual average of about 6,500 hacking attempts.
(END)


yna--2020-10-11--N.K. holds fireworks display, marches to celebrate party anniversary following large military parade

`` The square was filled with great fervor and joy of the youth who are defending the 75th anniversary of @ @ @ @ @ party and celebrating the glorious October holidays as they make a frontal breakthrough to tackle @ @ @ @ @ and global catastrophes with the spirit of the youth of Mount Paektu , '' the @ @ @

SEOUL, Oct. 11 (Yonhap) -- North Korea commemorated the founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party with a fireworks display, a car parade and other celebratory events, state media said Sunday, after it held a rare nighttime military parade Saturday.
North Korea showed off a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and other weapons during a massive military parade to mark the 75th founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un vowed to continue to strengthen the country's self-defensive "war deterrent" at a speech he made at midnight Friday before the military parade started.
"The torchlight procession of the young vanguard for celebrating the 75th founding anniversary of the Workers' Party of Korea took place at Kim Il-sung Square on Saturday evening," the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said Sunday.
The youth shouted the slogan "Long Live Peerless Patriot General Kim Jong-un!" as they arranged themselves to spell the phrases "Great Party" and "Strongest Military Power," the KCNA said.
They also formed other words stressing self-reliance and made "loud shouts" at the square "to express the immense trust and reverence" for the party, it added.
The North appears to have highlighted the words "self-reliance" and "devoted service" in an apparent effort to rally internal unity and public support amid multiple challenges from its ongoing campaign against the coronavirus, devastation caused by recent typhoons and economic woes from global sanctions.
"The square was filled with great fervor and joy of the youth who are defending the 75th anniversary of the founding anniversary of the party and celebrating the glorious October holidays as they make a frontal breakthrough to tackle increasing pressure from our enemies and global catastrophes with the spirit of the youth of Mount Paektu," the KCNA said.
In Pyongyang, the anniversary was also celebrated with a fireworks display, a march of people from other parts of the country and a car parade, according to the report.
This photo captured from the website of the Rodong Sinmun in North Korea on Oct. 11, 2020, shows fireworks near the Taedong River in Pyongyang to mark the 75th founding anniversary of the Workers' Party on Oct. 10. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
This photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency shows rocket launcher vehicles during a military parade held at Kim Il-sung Square in Pyongyang on Oct. 10, 2020, to mark the 75th founding anniversary of the Workers' Party. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
North Korean military vehicles take part in a military parade on a Pyongyang street on Oct. 10, 2020, to mark the 75th founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party, in this photo captured from Korean Central Television. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution)(Yonhap)
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-11--S. Korea reports additional ASF-positive pigs

No additional measure was taken because it was one of the two neighboring farms subject to the precautionary culling of @ @ @ @ @ 10-kilometer radius of the infected farm .
All 450 pigs at another farm tested negative @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Oct. 11 (Yonhap) -- South Korea has reported additional cases of African swine fever (ASF) in a northeastern county where the country's first outbreak for the year was reported, the provincial government said Sunday.
Following the report of the first case last week, samples from a neighboring pig farm in Hwacheon tested positive for the disease, according to the Gangwon provincial government.
Quarantine workers cull pigs at a farm confirmed to be infected with African swine fever in Hwacheon, 120 kilometers east of Seoul, on Oct. 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
The country reported its first ASF case since October 2019 on Friday at a farm in Hwacheon, 120 kilometers east of Seoul. However, nearly 800 cases have been found in wild boars near the inter-Korean border area since last year.
The additional cases were reported at a farm located 2.1 kilometers from the farm hit by the first outbreak, according to the government.
No additional measure was taken because it was one of the two neighboring farms subject to the precautionary culling of pigs for being within a 10-kilometer radius of the infected farm. All 450 pigs at another farm tested negative for the disease.
The local quarantine authorities have also taken samples from 114 farms in eight adjacent cities and counties, and they all tested negative.
The animal disease does not affect humans but is deadly to pigs. There is currently no vaccine nor cure for the disease. The virus spreads through direct contact with infected animals or their remains, unlike other animal diseases, such as foot-and-mouth disease, which is airborne.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-11--Virus cases stay below 100 for 4th day amid concern over back-to-back holidays

Health authorities have warned that the country could see an uptick in COVID-19 cases after the five-day Chuseok holiday that @ @ @ @ @ another three-day break from Friday to Sunday when Hangeul Day , which celebrates the Korean @ @ @ @ @ the weekend .

SEOUL, Oct. 11 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's daily new coronavirus cases rose by double digits for the fourth straight day Sunday, yet health authorities are still on alert over a possible spike in infections amid back-to-back holidays.
The country added 58 more COVID-19 cases, including 46 local infections, raising the total caseload to 24,606, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
Daily infections bounced back to 114 on Wednesday after rising by double digits the previous six days. But the number has been below 100 since Thursday.
Medical workers carry out a new coronavirus test on a visitor at a makeshift clinic on Oct. 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
Health authorities have warned that the country could see an uptick in COVID-19 cases after the five-day Chuseok holiday that ran through last Sunday and another three-day break from Friday to Sunday when Hangeul Day, which celebrates the Korean alphabet, is combined with the weekend.
The authorities plan to announce a decision later in the day on whether to adjust their social distancing guidelines, currently at the second-highest level of a three-tier system.
Of the newly identified local infections, 19 cases were reported in Seoul and 18 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital. Incheon, west of Seoul, reported one additional case.
The number of newly identified imported cases came to 12, bringing the country's total to 3,373.
There were two additional deaths from COVID-19, raising the death toll to 432. The fatality rate was 1.76 percent.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 22,693, up 69 from the previous day.
The country has carried out 2,410,483 coronavirus tests since Jan. 3.
Daily infections peaked at 441 on Aug. 27, days after cluster infections were found to be linked to a Seoul church and an anti-government rally in the capital on Liberation Day on Aug. 15.
With tightened social distancing imposed on the greater Seoul area for weeks, the daily number of new COVID-19 cases has been hovering around 100 since early September.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-11--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 2 additional coronavirus death, total now at 432: KDCA

(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--2020-10-11--(URGENT) 69 more patients released from coronavirus treatment, total now at 22,693: KDCA


yna--2020-10-11--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 58 more cases of new coronavirus, total now at 24,606: KDCA


Sunday's weather forecast

SEOUL , Oct. 11 ( Yonhap ) -- The following is the weather forecast for South Korea 's 12 major @ @ @ @ @ .


yna--2020-10-11--Child sex offenses on steady rise every year

In September , Rep. Jung Choun-sook of the DP proposed a revision of the Act on the Protection of Children @ @ @ @ @ , increasing the minimum criminal penalty for those who threaten and sexually abuse children or @ @ @ @ @ five-year prison term to seven years .

SEOUL, Oct. 11 (Yonhap) -- Sexual offenses against children under the age of 12 have been on a steady climb in recent years, a ruling party lawmaker said Sunday, calling for tougher punishments for their perpetrators.
Rep. Yang Ki-dae of the Democratic Party (DP), citing data from the National Police Agency, said that 3,912 child sex offenses were reported nationwide from 2017 to 2019.
The number of offenses showed a steady increase every year, rising from 1,261 cases in 2017 to 1,277 in 2018 and 1,374 last year, Yang said.
By region, Gyeonggi Province, which surrounds Seoul, reported 988 child sexual offenses -- 287 in 2017, 314 in 2018 and 387 in 2019 -- accounting for the biggest proportion of the national total at 25.2 percent.
Seoul and the southeastern province of South Gyeongsang also reported 585 and 275 cases, respectively, in the three-year period.
"There has been much criticism that the unrelenting outbreaks of child sexual offenses have something to do with light punishments against those crimes," Yang said.
"All local police agencies should work out extraordinary measures to help terminate all sexual crimes against children," the lawmaker stressed.
This illustrated image shows a child sex abuser wearing an electronic anklet. (Yonhap)
Amid growing public requests for tougher punishments against child sex offenders, several lawmakers have proposed related bills.
In September, Rep. Jung Choun-sook of the DP proposed a revision of the Act on the Protection of Children and Juveniles against Sexual Abuse, increasing the minimum criminal penalty for those who threaten and sexually abuse children or teenagers from at least a five-year prison term to seven years.
Rep. Yang Kum-hee of the main opposition People Power Party also proposed a bill that calls for keeping child sex offenders who repeatedly commit such crimes in post-release facilities to separate them from society.
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-11--(News Focus) Biden's election to mean stronger alliance with S. Korea: experts

`` We would undertake a principled approach to the North Korea challenge , and work in a close coordinated campaign @ @ @ @ @ Japan and Korea , as well as working with the People 's Republic of China @ @ @ @ @ a common goal that everyone shares -- denuclearized North Korea and ensuring peace and prosperity @ @ @ @ @ he said .

By Byun Duk-kun
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 (Yonhap) -- The election of U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden would mean a stronger alliance with South Korea and other allies, but tensions with North Korea could escalate because Pyongyang could try to test his administration, experts said Saturday.
"I think if Biden is elected, most American allies, including South Korea, will breathe a sigh of relief. He is likely to work much harder to strengthen our alliances," said Gregg Brazinsky, professor of history and international affairs at George Washington University.
This Reuters photo shows Joe Biden, the U.S. presidential nominee of the Democratic Party, waving after arriving in Phoenix, Arizona, on Oct. 9, 2020, as part of his campaign trail in the lead up to the Nov. 3 presidential election. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
One of Biden's key foreign policy advisers, Brian McKeon, said the Democratic candidate would immediately seek to repair the country's alliances and reaffirm the United States' commitment to improving its relations with its allies.
"(Biden) frequently says when he takes office, he will immediately get on the phone with some of our key allies in Europe and Asia, and centrally say, 'America is back, and we have your back'," McKeon said in a recent interview with Yonhap News Agency.
McKeon has worked closely with Biden for over 30 years, serving as his foreign policy adviser for over seven years between 1988 and 1995. He also served as principal deputy undersecretary of defense for policy under the previous Barack Obama administration.
Biden believes alliances make both the U.S. and its allies stronger, McKeon said.
Brazinsky noted a Biden administration would likely treat U.S. allies with more respect.
"The U.S. will have severe economic difficulties due to the (COVID-19) pandemic, and it is possible that even under Biden, the U.S. will need South Korea to share more of the costs of maintaining American troops," he told Yonhap.
"But I think if this is the case, Biden will attempt to negotiate this change in a manner that treats South Korea with the appropriate respect," he added.
Seoul and Washington currently remain locked in their negotiations to set the amount of South Korea's share of the cost for the upkeep of some 28,500 American troops stationed in the country under the Special Measures Agreement (SMA).
South Korea has offered to boost its burden-sharing payment by 13 percent from the US$870 million it paid under last year's agreement, but the U.S. is reportedly asking for a 50 percent hike to $1.3 billion, while U.S. President Donald Trump is said to have initially demanded $5 billion per year from Seoul.
Harry Kazianis, senior director of Korean studies at the Washington-based Institute for the National Interest, said that Biden would likely seek to quickly conclude the negotiations and at a much lower rate of increase.
"I would argue that a Biden Administration would quickly sign a new SMA with Seoul within the first 100 days of taking office, as Biden will not want to drag on talks any longer and likely ask for a 3-5 percent increase per year for a multiyear period," he said.
McKeon says a Biden administration would not use the U.S.' military presence as a "cudgel" against its allies nor treat alliances in a way that Trump has treated them, "as a protection racket."
This AFP photo, taken Nov. 14, 2017, shows Brian McKeon, former principal deputy undersecretary of defense for policy, testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Experts also noted Biden's election would bring changes in how the U.S. deals with North Korea.
"I think Biden would also want to see North Korea denuclearize. I would not expect him to resume summitry with North Korea right away, however," Brazinsky said.
"I think if Biden were to negotiate with North Korea, he would want to make sure that the outlines of a good deal were in place instead of having summits that don't produce tangible results," he added.
Trump has held three meetings with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, including two historic bilateral summits that also marked the first and second U.S.-North Korea summits in history.
He, however, is often blamed for giving Kim international recognition as one of his global peers while getting little in return.
Trump-Kim talks have stalled since their second summit, held in Hanoi in February 2019, ended without a deal. Their first summit was held in Singapore in June 2018.
McKeon said Biden's approach toward North Korea will be principled and more coordinated.
"We would undertake a principled approach to the North Korea challenge, and work in a close coordinated campaign with our treaty allies in Japan and Korea, as well as working with the People's Republic of China toward what we think is a common goal that everyone shares -- denuclearized North Korea and ensuring peace and prosperity in the region," he said.
He also said Biden would support humanitarian assistance for the people of North Korea.
"We would certainly want to look at working within the existing sanctions framework to make sure that humanitarian assistance can get through into North Korea and make it easier for international humanitarian organizations to deliver these items," he has said.
The photos, released by North Korea's state media on Oct. 2, 2019, show a missile being launched from an underwater platform the previous day, which many experts said may suggest the communist state's pursuit of a submarine-launched ballistic missile. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
Still, many experts forecast that relations between Washington and Pyongyang may deteriorate if Biden is elected, at least for the time being, because the North could undertake provocations to test the new administration.
"I think that we can expect probably a provocation from the North after the election to bring the issue back into the focus of attention for the new administration," Susan Thornton, a former acting assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, said earlier.
Daniel Russel, former assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, agreed, noting North Korea staging provocations in the early stage of a new administration in the U.S. or South Korea is certainly in its "playbook."
North Korea has kept a self-imposed moratorium on nuclear and long-range missile tests since November 2017, but Kim has said he no longer feels bound by the self-imposed restrictions.
Kazianis said the North may not wait for long once the U.S. presidential election is over, highlighting the need for a new administration to quickly come up with a concrete North Korea policy.
"My gut tells me that if (Biden) does win the election, he will need to make up his mind rather quickly, as North Korea will not want to wait two to three months for a policy review as is standard practice for a new administration, and could quickly start testing ICBMs and nuclear weapons to make the point that they aren't going away," he said.
"And that would be a tragedy and raise tensions through the roof quickly."
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)