yna--2020-09-20--With little run support, Ryu Hyun-jin unable to stop Blue Jays' bleeding

Advanced data shows that starting pitchers often struggle against a lineup when hitters come up for a third time in @ @ @ @ @ Saturday , opponents were hitting .333 with an on-base plus slugging percentage ( OPS ) @ @ @ @ @ their third plate appearances , compared to a .198 batting average and a .559 OPS @ @ @ @ @ order and a .232 average and a .641 OPS the second time .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Sept. 20 (Yonhap) -- As the undisputed staff ace for the Toronto Blue Jays, Ryu Hyun-jin was asked to stop the bleeding for a team that had dropped five straight games.
The South Korean left-hander did his part against the Philadelphia Phillies in Philadelphia on Saturday (local time), holding them to just two runs over six innings. His teammates didn't hold up their end of the bargain, though, as they managed just two hits in a 3-1 loss.
In this USA Today Sports photo via Reuters, Ryu Hyun-jin of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies in the bottom of the first inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on Sept. 19, 2020. (Yonhap)
The Blue Jays' season-worst losing skid has now reached six games, while Ryu fell to 4-2.
Ryu was in his vintage form through four innings, as he allowed just one hit and struck out six. The Blue Jays spotted him a 1-0 lead in the top fifth thanks to Travis Shaw's solo home run.
But the Blue Jays could have done more damage against ineffective starter Vince Velasquez, who walked a leadoff batter in each of the first three innings. The Blue Jays did him a favor, though, as they failed to cash in on any of these free passes.
Those missed opportunities came back to bite the Blue Jays in the fifth, as the Phillies suddenly discovered their stroke and touched Ryu for five hits.
Jay Bruce started the rally with a double. A sacrifice bunt later, the Phillies got four consecutive singles off Ryu for two runs. Two of those hits came off Ryu's bread-and-butter changeup.
Ryu retired the final two batters of the fifth with the bases loaded, keeping it a 2-1 game and giving his team a a chance to rally.
It never came, and after Ryu held the Phillies off the board in the sixth, the Blue Jays' bullpen gave up another run in the bottom eighth to lose 3-1.
In this USA Today Sports photo via Reuters, Ryu Hyun-jin of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies in the bottom of the first inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on Sept. 19, 2020. (Yonhap)
There wasn't much to nitpick from Ryu's pitching. His curveball looked particularly sharp, leading to four of Ryu's eight strikeouts. Ryu threw 14 curveballs out of his 99 pitches and induced five whiffs.
Of note, Andrew McCutchen and Bryce Harper, batting first and second in the lineup for the Phillies, both hit singles off Ryu in their third plate appearance against the left-hander, with McCutchen's hit breaking a 1-1 tie. They had both struck out in the third inning.
Advanced data shows that starting pitchers often struggle against a lineup when hitters come up for a third time in the same game. Before Saturday, opponents were hitting .333 with an on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) of .919 against Ryu in their third plate appearances, compared to a .198 batting average and a .559 OPS the first time through the order and a .232 average and a .641 OPS the second time.
The Blue Jays have tried particularly hard to avoid exposing their starters to lineups more than three times in a game. No Toronto starter has thrown a pitch in the seventh inning or made over 100 pitches this season. Ryu has thrown 99 pitches in a start twice this season.
The loss notwithstanding, Ryu's was by far the best start by a Blue Jay during this losing streak, which began right after Ryu held the New York Mets to a run over six innings in a 7-3 win last Sunday.
In five games leading up to Saturday, the Blue Jays had surrendered 58 runs and 31 walks, while serving up 20 home runs.
Ryu relied most heavily on his cutter (36 pitches), followed by changeup (26), four-seam fastball (15), curve and sinker (eight).
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-22--BTS to deliver 'message of hope' at 75th U.N. General Assembly

According to the Korean Committee for UNICEF , BTS ' `` message of hope '' will be broadcast at 9 @ @ @ @ @ ) during the high-level meeting of the U.N. Group of Friends of Solidarity for Global @ @ @

SEOUL, Sept. 22 (Yonhap) -- K-pop superstar BTS will deliver a special message at the 75th United Nations General Assembly this week, returning to the annual U.N. gathering as a speaker in two years, according to UNICEF's South Korean committee Tuesday.
According to the Korean Committee for UNICEF, BTS' "message of hope" will be broadcast at 9 a.m. Wednesday (U.S. time) during the high-level meeting of the U.N. Group of Friends of Solidarity for Global Health Security.
This photo, provided by Big Hit Entertainment on Sept. 21, 2020, shows K-pop group BTS performing on the "Tiny Desk Concert" show on National Public Radio in the United States. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The South Korean boy band will talk about the difficulties that future generations will face due to COVID-19, the committee said.
The U.N. Group of Friends of Solidarity for Global Health Security was launched by South Korea in 2020 to discuss health security issues, such as COVID-19. It involves 40 U.N. member states, with South Korea, Denmark, Sierra Leone, Qatar and Canada as co-chairs.
The speech will mark BTS' second time speaking at the U.N. General Assembly. The group spoke at the launch ceremony of UNICEF's Generation Unlimited program at the 73rd general assembly in 2018.
A member of K-pop boy band BTS delivers a speech encouraging younger generations during the inaugural Youth Day event at Nokjiwon, a verdant garden inside the presidential compound Cheong Wa Dae, in Seoul on Sept. 19, 2020. (Yonhap)
BTS has worked with UNICEF since 2017 on the campaign "Love Myself" to end violence against youths.
The septet made history when it became the first South Korean artist to top Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart on Aug. 31 with its latest single "Dynamite."
BTS poses for photos during a press conference in Seoul on Nov. 1, 2017, announcing "Love Myself," a joint global campaign with the Korean Committee For UNICEF to fight violence and abuse against children. (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-22--Moon warns of zero tolerance for those who hamper antivirus fight

South Korea should not defend such `` anti-social crimes , '' which endanger the safety of the community and collapse @ @ @ @ @ in the name of freedom of speech or assembly , he added .

SEOUL, Sept. 22 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in issued a strongly worded warning Tuesday against such acts of holding unauthorized street rallies and spreading fake news that obstruct the government's efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19, about a week ahead of the beginning of the extended Chuseok holiday.
He took note of local health authorities' report earlier in the day that South Korea's daily new coronavirus cases stayed below 100 for the third consecutive day.
But it's premature to be complacent, he stressed, speaking in front of pool reporters at the start of the weekly Cabinet meeting at Cheong Wa Dae.
"There's a long way left to go, and in any case, we should not let our guard down," he said.
President Moon Jae-in speaks during a Cabinet meeting at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Sept. 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
In particular, the government will take strong measures against every act hampering the antivirus fight, the president emphasized.
He cited reports of "illegal" protest rallies planned, similar to the Aug. 15 Liberation Day demonstration in the central Seoul area of Gwanghwamun blamed for a resurgence of new cases in the country, and fake news that is still prevalent.
South Korea should not defend such "anti-social crimes," which endanger the safety of the community and collapse the lives of neighbors, in the name of freedom of speech or assembly, he added.
He warned those who put society at risk not to expect "any tolerance," saying the government will fulfill its duty to protect the people.
The nation's health and disease control authorities are on high alert over the possibility of a surge in coronavirus cases during and after the Chuseok holiday, the Korean equivalent of Thanksgiving Day.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-22--(LEAD) Prosecutors search home of justice minister's son in special-favors probe

Investigators earlier determined that the two spoke at least three times by phone between June 5 and 27 , 2017 @ @ @ @ @ at whether there were additional calls between them and the possible involvement of a third @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES with details of investigation, background from 2nd para)
By Lee Haye-ah
SEOUL, Sept. 22 (Yonhap) -- Prosecutors have searched the home and office of Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae's son to investigate allegations of preferential treatment during his military service in 2017, the prosecution said Tuesday.
The 27-year-old, surnamed Seo, lives in Jeonju, 243 kilometers south of Seoul. The raid took place Monday, according to the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors Office.
Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae heads to a Cabinet meeting at the main government complex in Seoul on Sept. 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
Seo is suspected of getting a special extended leave during his mandatory military service in 2017 thanks to the influence of his mother, who was then the chairwoman of the ruling Democratic Party.
Choo has denied allegations that she or her husband made a phone call to the military to request extended leave for their son following his knee surgery in June 2017.
Seo was on leave from June 5-27, including two successive medical leaves and four personal vacation days. Opposition lawmakers and whistleblowers have alleged that the extensions were granted without following due procedures.
On Saturday, prosecutors also searched the home and office of a captain who served with Seo's unit at the time, as well as the home of a former aide to Choo.
Prosecutors secured their cellphones and are comparing records of past calls and text messages.
Investigators earlier determined that the two spoke at least three times by phone between June 5 and 27, 2017. They are now looking at whether there were additional calls between them and the possible involvement of a third party.
Seo served his military duty in the Korean Augmentation to the United States Army (KATUSA) for the 2nd Infantry Division of the U.S. 8th Army.
The case has become a hot potato in South Korean politics, as issues of fairness are known to rile up the public.
Choo's predecessor, Cho Kuk, stepped down a month after taking office amid a massive public uproar over alleged admissions irregularities and dubious investments involving his family.
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-22--Extra budget will help virus-hit small merchants: finance minister

The additional fiscal boost would come less than a month after health authorities had tightened social distancing rules to contain @ @ @ @ @ , amid growing concerns that the nation 's economic slump may be deeper than expected @

SEJONG, Sept. 22 (Yonhap) -- Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki said Tuesday a fourth supplementary budget would help small merchants navigate through the difficult time as they were hit by a recent resurgence of the new coronavirus.
"The government has actively taken bold measures to overcome the economic crisis," Hong told Yonhap News TV.
Hong said the fourth extra budget will become "welcome rain" for small merchants to overcome this crisis.
Hong made the remarks as the ruling Democratic Party and the main opposition People Power Party were expected to vote on the fourth extra budget bill later in the day.
Tuesday is a potential deadline for the government to provide relief handouts to small merchants before the Chuseok holiday that begins Sept. 30, Hong has said.
Earlier this month, the government drew up the fourth supplementary budget worth 7.8 trillion won (US$6.6 billion), mainly aimed at helping small merchants and self-employed people cushion the economic impact of a recent resurgence of the new coronavirus.
The additional fiscal boost would come less than a month after health authorities had tightened social distancing rules to contain a new wave of contagion, amid growing concerns that the nation's economic slump may be deeper than expected.
Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki, who doubles as deputy prime minister for economic affairs, speaks at a meeting with economy-related ministers at the government complex in Seoul on Sept. 21, 2020, to discuss innovative growth strategies. (Yonhap)
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-22--The Korea Interbank Offered Rates (KORIBOR)

SEOUL , Sep. 22 ( Yonhap ) -- The Korea Interbank Offered Rates ( KORIBOR ) as posted by Yonhap @ @ @ @ @ and information arm of Yonhap News Agency , at 11:00 a.m .

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


yna--2020-09-22--LG partially shutters headquarters building in Seoul over virus

The West Building of LG Twin Towers in Yeouido , western Seoul , has been shuttered partially after an employee @ @ @ @ @ positive for the novel coronavirus , the group said .

SEOUL, Sept. 22 (Yonhap) -- LG Group, South Korea's fourth-largest conglomerate, on Tuesday said it has partially closed its headquarters building in Seoul over a virus case.
The West Building of LG Twin Towers in Yeouido, western Seoul, has been shuttered partially after an employee of LG Electronics Inc. tested positive for the novel coronavirus, the group said.
The employee came to work until Friday before testing positive for COVID-19 on Monday, according to the company.
LG said the ninth floor of the building will be closed throughout Tuesday, and all office rooms of the building will be disinfected.
Last month, LG partially shuttered the East Building of LG Twin Towers after a child at the group's in-house day care center tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
LG Twin Towers is home to the group's main affiliates, including LG Electronics, LG Chem Ltd. and LG Display Co.
This photo, taken on Sept. 17, 2020, shows the LG Twin Towers, the headquarters of South Korean conglomerate LG Group, in Seoul. (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-22--Samsung releases limited edition of Odyssey gaming monitor

The Odyssey G7 Faker Edition is inspired by T1 's star League of Legends player Lee Sang-hyeok , who is @ @ @ @ @ name Faker , according to Samsung .

SEOUL, Sept. 22 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Co. on Tuesday launched a limited edition of its Odyssey gaming monitor in South Korea in collaboration with esports organization SK Telecom CS T1 Co. (T1).
The Odyssey G7 T1 Faker Edition is inspired by T1's star League of Legends player Lee Sang-hyeok, who is best known by his in-game name Faker, according to Samsung.
The special edition comes with an exterior design using T1's signature colors, red and dark silver, and features the partnership logo of Samsung and T1.
The curved monitor is also engraved with the signature of Faker on the stand and the lower bezel.
The Odyssey G7 T1 Faker Edition comes in two models, with the 32-inch variant priced at 1 million won (US$850) and the 27-inch version selling at 870,000 won.
This image, provided by Samsung Electronics Co. on Sept. 22, 2020, shows T1's League of Legends esports player Lee Sang-hyeok, better known as Faker, posing for a photo with Samsung's Odyssey G7 Faker Edition curved monitor. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The Odyssey G7 monitor was unveiled earlier this year with its QLED display boasting curvature of 1000R, delivering an immersive viewing experience for gamers. It also features a 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time.
Samsung signed a partnership with T1 in May to boost its presence in the fast-growing gaming monitor market.
According to market researcher International Data Corp. (IDC), the global gaming monitor market is estimated to grow from roughly 7.8 million units in 2019 to 12.2 million by 2023.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-22--Nonghyup Bank files for approval of Beijing branch

In light of the process for winning final approval , there is a high possibility of Nonghyup Bank opening its @ @ @ @ @ end of next year , according to the sources .

SEOUL, Sept. 22 (Yonhap) -- Major South Korean lender Nonghyup Bank has applied for China's approval to open a branch in Beijing as part of its Asian push, industry sources said Tuesday.
Nonghyup Bank, which lodged the application with the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission late last month, is expected to receive preliminary approval by February at the latest.
It usually takes six months to receive preliminary approval from the Chinese financial authorities to open a branch in the world's second-largest economy.
In light of the process for winning final approval, there is a high possibility of Nonghyup Bank opening its first Beijing branch around the end of next year, according to the sources.
It would mark Nonghup Bank's first establishment of an overseas business operation after setting up a wholly owned subsidiary in Cambodia in 2018.
Among South Korea's five major banks, Nonghyup Bank is the only one that has no business operations in China. In 2013, Nonghyup Bank opened a representative office in Beijing.
The latest move is part of Nonghyup Bank's push to expand its presence in Asia. The lender is seeking to upgrade its representative offices in New Delhi and Ho Chi Minh City into branches by next year.
Nonghyup Bank is also pushing for a plan to open investment bank desks in New York, Hong Kong and Sydney. The lender currently operates a branch in New York.
The headquarters of Nonghyup Bank in Seoul (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-09-22--New project K-pop act NCT 2020 to drop album next month

Envisioned by SM founder Lee Soo-man , NCT was launched in 2016 with the aim of producing an endless number @ @ @ @ @ the NCT umbrella based in major cities around the world .

SEOUL, Sept. 22 (Yonhap) -- NCT 2020, a new project K-pop band from SM Entertainment, will drop the first of the group's two-part debut studio album next month, according to the company Tuesday.
The boy band with a massive lineup of 23 members will release "NCT 2020: Resonance Pt. 1" on Oct. 12, according to SM.
NCT 2020 is an umbrella team that brings together members from pre-existing teams under SM's "NCT" brand -- NCT 127, NCT Dream, WayV and an upcoming NCT-branded act that has yet to officially debut.
"Pt. 1" will comprise 12 songs, including the double lead tracks "Make A Wish" and "From Home"
NCT, or Neo Culture Technology, is SM's international idol group project that emphasizes expandability, flexibility and modularity in lineup and music.
Envisioned by SM founder Lee Soo-man, NCT was launched in 2016 with the aim of producing an endless number of international boy bands under the NCT umbrella based in major cities around the world.
This image provided by SM Entertainment shows the cover art for NCT 2020's upcoming new album "NCT 2020: Resonance Pt. 1." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-22--(LEAD) U.S. halves anti-dumping tariffs on S. Korean oil pipelines

At the time of the 2018 ruling , the U.S. department said the tariff rates were based on the `` @ @ @ @ @ that allow for high tariff rates on goods from countries where export prices are believed @ @ @ @ @ of the domestic market .

(ATTN: CHANGES proposal to ruling in 2nd para)
SEOUL, Sept. 22 (Yonhap) -- The United States has nearly halved its anti-dumping tariffs on oil pipeline products from South Korean steelmakers, industry sources said Tuesday.
The U.S. Department of Commerce has decided to levy a tariff of 4.23 percent to 9.24 percent on South Korean oil pipelines, far lower than the 2018 ruling of up to 18.77 percent.
The tariff reduction came after the Court of International Trade (CIT) ordered Washington to readjust its earlier duties in January following complaints from South Korean steelmakers
Oil pipelines are used to move crude and natural gas from oil fields. South Korean pipeline exports to the U.S. were valued at US$350 million in 2018.
By company, the tariff on pipelines from South Korea's No. 2 steelmaker, Hyundai Steel Co., comes to 9.24 percent, with that on products made by SeAH Steel Corp. reaching 4.23 percent.
The anti-dumping duty on products from other South Korean steelmakers stands at 6.74 percent.
At the time of the 2018 ruling, the U.S. department said the tariff rates were based on the "particular market situation" regulations that allow for high tariff rates on goods from countries where export prices are believed to have deviated from those of the domestic market.
But South Korean steelmakers challenged the U.S. decision and filed a complaint with the CIT in January this year.
In 2019, Washington also decided to cut the countervailing duties on hot-rolled steel products from South Korean steelmaker POSCO to 0.55 percent from the previous 41.57 percent.
(END)


yna--2020-09-22--Prosecutors search home of justice minister's son in special-favors probe

The raid took place Monday , according to the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors Office .
Over the weekend , prosecutors @ @ @ @ @ a captain and a former aide to Choo , both suspected of being involved in @ @ @

SEOUL, Sept. 22 (Yonhap) -- Prosecutors have searched the home and office of Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae's son to investigate allegations of preferential treatment during his military service in 2017, the prosecution said Tuesday.
The raid took place Monday, according to the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors Office. Over the weekend, prosecutors also searched the homes of a captain and a former aide to Choo, both suspected of being involved in the case.
Choo's son, surnamed Seo, is suspected of getting a special extended leave during his mandatory military service in 2017 thanks to the influence of his mother, who was then the chairwoman of the ruling Democratic Party.
Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae heads to a Cabinet meeting at the main government complex in Seoul on Sept. 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-22--Samsung to introduce new Galaxy F smartphone line in India

The new Galaxy F lineup is expected to have mid-to-low-end smartphones focusing on cameras .
Samsung has not confirmed any @ @ @ @ @ F smartphone , but foreign tech reviewers predicted that the Galaxy F41 will be the @ @ @ @ @ debut .

SEOUL, Sept. 22 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Co. will introduce a new smartphone line in India, industry insiders said Tuesday, as the South Korean tech giant eyes to expand its presence in the world's second-largest smartphone market.
Samsung's Indian unit recently said on Twitter that it will soon launch the Galaxy F smartphone series. The world's leading smartphone producer currently has the premium Galaxy S and Galaxy Note series, foldable Galaxy Z family and budget Galaxy A and M lines.
The new Galaxy F lineup is expected to have mid-to-low-end smartphones focusing on cameras.
Samsung has not confirmed any information on the first Galaxy F smartphone, but foreign tech reviewers predicted that the Galaxy F41 will be the first one to make a debut.
The Galaxy F41 is rumored to have a waterdrop notch display and feature a triple-rear camera setup.
This photo, provided by Samsung Electronics Co. on Sept. 18, 2020, shows Indian consumers looking at the company's Galaxy Z Fold 2 smartphone at a store in Gurugram, India. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Samsung was the second-largest smartphone vendor in India in the second quarter of the year with a 26 percent market share, only behind China's Xiaomi with a 29 percent market share.
But with growing anti-China sentiment in India, following a deadly border clash between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, Samsung has been trying to increase its market share in the South Asian nation.
The company recently released the Galaxy M31s and the Galaxy M51 in India and held various promotions to boost sales.
As Chinese brands are expected to struggle in India, other smartphone manufacturers are also looking to increase their sales there.
Apple Inc. said its online Apple Store will open Wednesday to sell products directly to Indian consumers. LG Electronics Inc. said it also plans to build an India-specific product portfolio to expand its smartphone sales.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-22--Foreign ministry resumes mediation process for New Zealand sexual abuse case

The male local employee at the South Korean Embassy in Wellington has accused the Korean diplomat of groping him more @ @ @ @ @ stationed there in 2017 .
The case made headlines in both countries after New Zealand @ @ @ @ @ the issue during phone talks with President Moon Jae-in in July .

SEOUL, Sept. 22 (Yonhap) -- The foreign ministry has resumed a mediation process to resolve a sexual abuse case involving a South Korean diplomat once stationed in New Zealand, officials said Tuesday.
The decision came as the ministry accepted the New Zealander victim's request for mediation by a third party, a dispute settlement process that exists under New Zealand's labor law.
"We have informed the victim's side of our stance and are awaiting a response," a ministry official said.
The male local employee at the South Korean Embassy in Wellington has accused the Korean diplomat of groping him more than once when he was stationed there in 2017. The case made headlines in both countries after New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern raised the issue during phone talks with President Moon Jae-in in July.
The foreign ministry said earlier that it was considering resuming the mediation process after receiving a second request from the victim in early August. Their first mediation early this year was unsuccessful due to differences over compensation.
The ministry's decision also came after South Korea's human rights watchdog found in its own report on the case that the ministry had shortcomings in the handling of the case and recommended the diplomat compensate the victim.
The diplomat in question was assigned to a new post in the Philippines in 2018 and was later disciplined with a salary reduction. He recently returned home at the ministry's order after the case resurfaced.
New Zealand has not requested the extradition of the diplomat.
New Zealand Ambassador to South Korea Philip Turner leaves the foreign ministry in Seoul on Aug. 3, 2020, after holding talks with a ministry official on sexual abuse allegations involving a South Korean diplomat who was stationed in New Zealand. (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-22--Trump says Samsung, LG building plants in U.S. thanks to his tariffs on imports

`` I put the tariff , and now what they 're doing is LG and Samsung and these companies that @ @ @ @ @ they 're now coming into the United States , and in order to avoid the @ @ @ @ @ plants in the United States , and that 's OK , '' Trump told the @ @ @ @ @ .

WASHINGTON, Sept. 21 (Yonhap) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that South Korean home appliance makers Samsung and LG are building plants in the United States to avoid tariffs he imposed on imports, claiming credit for creating jobs and protecting American workers.
"South Korea and China, they're dumping washing machines. They make washing machines, they dump them into our market, they put everybody out of business, then they charge a lot of money when everyone's gone," Trump said in a campaign rally, titled "Fighting for the American Worker."
The U.S. began imposing 50 percent import tariffs on most imported washing machines as an industry safeguard in early 2018.
"I put the tariff, and now what they're doing is LG and Samsung and these companies that made the washing machines, they're now coming into the United States, and in order to avoid the tariff, they're building plants in the United States, and that's OK," Trump told the rally in Dayton, Ohio.
This captured image from the website of U.S. cable network C-Span shows U.S. President Donald Trump speaking at an election rally in Dayton, Ohio, on Sept. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
Both Samsung and LG strongly deny dumping allegations raised by the U.S. but have still built washing machine plants there.
Samsung opened its washing machine plant in South Carolina in early 2018, followed by LG's plant in Tennessee later that year.
"I want to ensure American workers that we're putting America first and our jobs are put first our country is put first, our manufacturing is put first. Everything is now put first for the U.S.A.," Trump said.
The U.S. president also revisited the Korea-U.S. free trade agreement, which he has frequently used to attack his Democratic rival Joe Biden.
"He (Biden) supported the horrendous Korean deal. OK, how about the South Korea deal? It's a disaster," Trump said in his latest campaign rally, titled "Fighting for the American Worker."
Trump repeated his claim that all 250,000 new jobs the Korea-U.S. free trade agreement (FTA) was supposed to create had gone to South Korea.
"That was a rip-off, I tell you," he said.
South Korea and the U.S. renegotiated their bilateral FTA in 2018 at the Trump administration's request.
Under the revised deal, which went into effect at the start of last year, South Korea doubled to 50,000 the number of U.S. vehicles allowed to enter its market each year without having to meet its local industry regulations.
The U.S., on the other hand, was given a 20-year extension until 2041 on its 25 percent import tariffs imposed on South Korean pickup trucks.
"Anyway, we renegotiated the deal, and it's entirely now it's a good deal," said Trump.
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-22--(LEAD) New virus cases smallest in over 1-month, virus fight at critical juncture ahead of Chuseok

SEOUL , Sept. 22 ( Yonhap ) -- South Korea 's daily new coronavirus cases stayed below 100 for the @ @ @ @ @ the country 's virus fight is at a critical juncture ahead of the Chuseok holiday @ @ @ @ @ Thanksgiving .
Millions are set to travel across the nation next week to celebrate the @ @ @

(ATTN: ADDS details throughout; CHANGES photo)
SEOUL, Sept. 22 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's daily new coronavirus cases stayed below 100 for the third consecutive day Tuesday as the country's virus fight is at a critical juncture ahead of the Chuseok holiday, the Korean version of Thanksgiving. Millions are set to travel across the nation next week to celebrate the five-day holiday.
The country added 61 more COVID-19 cases, including 51 local infections, raising the total caseload to 23,106, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
Tuesday's daily tally marks the lowest number since Aug. 13 when the comparable figure was 56.
The new virus cases also mark a further drop from the 82 and 70 cases reported Sunday and Monday, respectively.
The country's new daily infections had been in the triple digits since Aug. 14 due to cases tied to a church in Seoul and an anti-government rally, until falling below 100 over the weekend.
A worker disinfects seats of a train car at Suseo Station in southern Seoul on Sept. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
On Sunday, the government decided to extend nationwide virus curbs for another week on concerns that the spread of the virus may worsen again during the upcoming Chuseok holiday, which runs from Sept. 30 to Oct. 4.
South Korea also celebrates a three-day break from Oct. 9 to 11 to celebrate the Korean alphabet.
Under the decision, the country will maintain the Level 2 social distancing scheme, which has been under way since late August, until Sunday. After that, the government will implement a two-week special virus infection preventive scheme.
South Korea operates a three-tier social distancing system. Under the second level, all indoor gatherings of 50 or more people are banned, while the ceiling is 100 for outdoor meetings.
The country also restricts operations of high-risk facilities, such as bars, clubs and karaoke establishments, under the Level 2 social distancing scheme as well. Public facilities, such as museums and libraries, are also closed.
A merchant takes a break at a marketplace in central Seoul as few customers visited the shop amid the new coronavirus pandemic on Sept. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
Health authorities warned that a massive migration of people during the upcoming holiday will "surely" cause another wave of the nationwide pandemic, urging people to stay home over the autumn harvest holiday.
Normally, millions of South Koreans travel across the nation to meet their families and relatives.
South Korea already has been announcing preventive measures for Chuseok, including banning people from eating at highway gas stations. Train operators will sell tickets for window seats only.
Of the additional locally transmitted cases, 20 came from Seoul, and 14 were reported from the surrounding Gyeonggi Province. Incheon, located west of Seoul, added two more patients.
The southern port city of Busan reported five new patients.
North Gyeongsang Province accounted for four cases, and Gangwon Province added two more infections.
Infections tied to last month's anti-government rallies came to 619 as of Monday.
An online retailer based in southern Seoul reported 13 COVID-19 patients. Ten more patients were also traced to a residential building in the area, raising the total to 24 as of Monday.
In Busan, three more patients were reported from Dong-A University, raising the total number of related cases to 12.
The number of patients in serious or critical condition came to 164, up three from the previous day.
The number of imported cases came to 10.
Four cases were from the United States. India and Uzbekistan were responsible for two cases each, and there were also infections traced to Russia and Turkey.
The death toll rose by three to 388. The fatality rate came to 1.68 percent.
A total of 20,441 people have been released from quarantine after making full recoveries, up 193 from the previous day. More than 88 percent of the patients reported here have been cured.
South Korea has carried out 2,245,112 COVID-19 tests since Jan. 3. On the previous day, 13,523 tests were carried out.
The country's daily COVID-19 cases peaked in February by reaching 909. Since last month, the highest figure was 441 cases added Aug. 27.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-22--LG unveils price of new rotating-screen smartphone

LG said there will be no preorder reservations for the new device .
Instead , the company will hold a @ @ @ @ @ of October , which gives Wing buyers a 70 percent discount coupon when they have @ @ @ @ @ the phone within two years after purchase .

SEOUL, Sept. 22 (Yonhap) -- LG Electronics Inc. on Tuesday unveiled the price of its new dual-screen smartphone with a rotating form factor that will be released early next month in South Korea.
LG Wing will come with a price tag of 1,098,900 won (US$940), making it the cheapest non-bar type smartphone in the domestic market, according to the tech firm.
The Wing, introduced last week, is highlighted by its two separate displays, with the main screen swiveling 90 degrees horizontally to reveal a secondary screen under it and creating a T-shape design.
The main screen will have a 6.8-inch OLED FullVision Display with a 20.5:9 aspect ratio. The 3.9-inch secondary display has a 1.15:1 aspect ratio.
The Wing is equipped with "gimbal motion camera" technology with six motion sensors, which gives a great level of stabilization especially when users shoot videos with the device.
This photo, provided by LG Electronics Inc. on Sept. 22, 2020, shows a model promoting the Wing, LG's new dual-screen smartphone with rotating form factor. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
LG said there will be no preorder reservations for the new device. Instead, the company will hold a promotion for the full month of October, which gives Wing buyers a 70 percent discount coupon when they have to replace the display of the phone within two years after purchase.
The Wing is the first product developed under LG's new smartphone initiative Explorer Project, which aims to deliver an "unexplored usability experience" with devices and services from its platform partners.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-22--N.K. propaganda outlet slams S. Korea for joining U.S.-led exercises

`` The latest exercises , in particular , were a dangerous military provocation aimed at us and nearby country that @ @ @ @ @ on the Korean Peninsula and the region and raised the risk of military clash and @ @ @ @ @ .

SEOUL, Sept. 22 (Yonhap) -- A North Korean propaganda outlet slammed South Korea on Tuesday over its participation in U.S.-led multinational maritime exercises, calling the maneuvers a "dangerous military provocation."
The Navy took part in the biannual Rim of the Pacific exercise (RIMPAC) in Hawaii in August, followed by another three-day joint maritime exercise, Pacific Vanguard, in waters near Guam earlier this month.
"The joint maritime exercises the South Korea Navy took part in this time are invasion practices under the United States' Indo-Pacific strategy," DPRK Today, one of the North's propaganda websites, said.
The website said the U.S. strategy is aimed at militarily "checking, blocking and chocking" the North and other nearby countries to hold control over the Korean Peninsula and the region.
"The latest exercises, in particular, were a dangerous military provocation aimed at us and nearby country that heightened the already tight tension on the Korean Peninsula and the region and raised the risk of military clash and war," it said.
This photo from the website of the United States Seventh Fleet shows the naval forces of South Korea, the United States, Japan and Australia engaged in a joint maritime exercise in the Pacific waters near Guam, which ran from Sept. 11-13, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-22--Trump calls for IAEA efforts to fully denuclearize N. Korea

`` The United States remains ready to make progress toward the final , fully verified denuclearization of North Korea , @ @ @ @ @ to join us in negotiations toward this objective -- thereby ensuring a brighter future for @ @ @ @ @ '' he said , according to a transcript of his remarks posted on the IAEA @ @

By Byun Duk-kun
WASHINGTON, Sept. 21 (Yonhap) -- U.S. President Donald Trump called for international efforts to fully and verifiably denuclearize North Korea on Monday amid stalled nuclear talks with the communist nation.
"We must ensure that Iran adheres to the commitments ... to prevent it from ever obtaining a nuclear weapon, and continue to work toward the final, fully verified denuclearization of North Korea," Trump said in a message to an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conference in Vienna, Austria.
The message was delivered by U.S. representative Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette.
Brouillette said the U.S. is ready to resume negotiations with the North.
"The United States remains ready to make progress toward the final, fully verified denuclearization of North Korea, and we urge North Korea to join us in negotiations toward this objective -- thereby ensuring a brighter future for the North Korean people," he said, according to a transcript of his remarks posted on the IAEA website.
Trump has held three meetings with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, including the first-ever U.S.-North Korea summit in June 2018 and second-ever in February 2019. Their talks, however, have stalled since June 2019, when they last met inside the Demilitarized Zone that divides the two Koreas.
This satellite image, taken July 14, 2016, and provided by the Airbus Defense and Space and the Institute for Science and International Studies (ISIS), shows North Korea's nuclear reprocessing plant at its Yongbyon nuclear complex in the northeastern part of the country. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-22--New virus cases smallest in over 1-month, virus fight at critical juncture ahead of Chuseok

SEOUL, Sept. 22 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's daily new coronavirus cases stayed below 100 for the third consecutive day Tuesday as the country's virus fight is at a critical juncture ahead of the Chuseok holiday, the Korean version of Thanksgiving. Millions are set to travel across the nation next week to celebrate the five-day holiday.
The country added 61 more COVID-19 cases, including 51 local infections, raising the total caseload to 23,106, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
Tuesday's daily tally marks the lowest number since Aug. 13 when the comparable figure was 56.
The new virus cases also mark a further drop from the 82 and 70 cases reported Sunday and Monday, respectively.
The country's new daily infections had been in the triple digits since Aug. 14 due to cases tied to a church in Seoul and an anti-government rally, until falling below 100 over the weekend.
Workers disinfect escalators at Suseo Station in southern Seoul on Sept. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
On Sunday, the government decided to extend nationwide virus curbs for another week on concerns that the spread of the virus may worsen again during the upcoming Chuseok holiday, which runs from Sept. 30 to Oct. 4.
South Korea also celebrates a three-day break from Oct. 9 to 11 to celebrate the Korean alphabet.
Under the decision, the country will maintain the Level 2 social distancing scheme, which has been under way since late August, until Sunday. After that, the government will implement a two-week special virus infection preventive scheme.
South Korea operates a three-tier social distancing system. Under the second level, all indoor gatherings of 50 or more people are banned, while the ceiling is 100 for outdoor meetings.
The country also restricts operations of high-risk facilities, such as bars, clubs and karaoke establishments, under the Level 2 social distancing scheme as well. Public facilities, such as museums and libraries, are also closed.
A merchant takes a break at a marketplace in central Seoul as few customers visited the shop amid the new coronavirus pandemic on Sept. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
Health authorities warned that a massive migration of people during the upcoming holiday will "surely" cause another wave of the nationwide pandemic, urging people to stay home over the autumn harvest holiday.
Normally, millions of South Koreans travel across the nation to meet their families and relatives.
South Korea already has been announcing preventive measures for Chuseok, including banning people from eating at highway gas stations. Train operators will sell tickets for window seats only.
Of the additional locally transmitted cases, 20 came from Seoul, and 14 were reported from the surrounding Gyeonggi Province. Incheon, located west of Seoul, added two more patients.
Infections tied to last month's anti-government rallies came to 619 as of Monday.
An online retailer based in southern Seoul reported 13 COVID-19 patients. Ten more patients were also traced to a residential building in the area, raising the total to 24 as of Monday.
In Busan, three more patients were reported from Dong-A University, raising the total number of related cases to 12.
The number of patients in serious or critical condition came to 164, up three from the previous day.
The number of imported cases came to 10.
The death toll rose by three to 388.
A total of 20,441 people have been released from quarantine after making full recoveries, up 193 from the previous day.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-22--(Yonhap Interview) 'Just throwing strikes': how Aaron Brooks is dominating KBO in 1st season

But nothing could have prepared Brooks -- or anyone , for that matter -- for the coronavirus pandemic that has @ @ @ @ @ this year .
Having two young children with energy but nowhere to burn it other @ @ @ @ @ `` a big challenge '' away from the field , Brooks said .
And with @ @ @ @ @ out of the ballparks for most of this season , pitching in front of empty @ @ @ @ @ new experience for Brooks .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Sept. 22 (Yonhap) -- Pitching in South Korea for the first time this year, Aaron Brooks has done all the good things a starting pitcher is supposed to do: consistently going deep into games, inducing plenty of groundballs for easy outs, striking out his share of batters, walking very few and keeping the ball in the yard.
And whenever he takes the mound for the Kia Tigers in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), Brooks tries to keep things simple, by throwing strikes and staying ahead in the count.
In this file photo from Sept. 13, 2020, Aaron Brooks of the Kia Tigers pitches against the NC Dinos in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Changwon NC Park in Changwon, 400 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
That has translated into a dominant first season in the KBO for Brooks, who is at or near the top of the leaderboard in many pitching categories. Hey, it can be so easy, this baseball thing.
If only it were that simple. The former major league right-hander is making this difficult game look easy, which is what great ones do. And that, in turn, makes it difficult to look away from Brooks when he's pitching.
"For me, it's just throwing strikes, which I've always tried to pride myself on doing my whole career," Brooks told Yonhap News Agency in a phone interview Monday, when asked about keys to his success. "I've been able to trust that every pitch that I throw, no matter what type of pitch it is, I am going to throw a quality strike. No matter how good or bad your pitches are, as long as you get ahead, I think you have the upper hand."
No starter has thrown strikes as often as Brooks, who leads the KBO in strike percentage with 69.3 percent, 5 full percentage points better than the league average.
In this file photo from Sept. 1, 2020, Aaron Brooks of the Kia Tigers pitches against the Samsung Lions in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field in Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
Among some traditional statistics, Brooks is second in ERA with 2.50 and walks and hits per innings pitched (WHIP) with 1.02. He is tied for second in innings pitched with 151 1/3. At 11-4, Brooks is tied for fifth in wins and is third with 130 strikeouts. Brooks has made 23 starts this year, and he has given up more than three earned runs only three times.
Now, for some geeky stuff: Brooks leads all KBO starters in the groundout-to-flyout ratio with 2.86. He's also first in opponents' on-base plus slugging percentage with .564. The strikeout-to-walk ratio of 5.42 places Brooks in second place. While inducing so many grounders, Brooks has surrendered just four home runs all season, for just 0.24 homer per nine innings, the second-lowest number in the KBO. With 24 walks issued, Brooks is third in both walks per nine innings with 1.43 and walk rate -- walks divided by total batters faced -- with 4.1.
With a devastating mix of sinkers and sliders, not to mention four-seam fastballs that sit around 150 kph (93.2 mph), Brooks has missed a ton of bats. He ranks third with a 24.7 percent whiff rate, or swinging strikes per swing.
In this file photo from Aug. 6, 2020, Aaron Brooks of the Kia Tigers (R) bumps fists with his manager Matt Williams after their 13-1 victory over the LG Twins in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field in Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
The list can go on and on. In wins above replacement (WAR), which has become the go-to metric in modern baseball to evaluate players, Brooks leads everyone -- pitchers and position players -- with 7.13. This means the Tigers have won about seven more games than they would have if a pitcher of replacement-level ability had pitched in Brooks' innings.
Brooks said he didn't pay much attention to his own statistics in the past because he didn't want numbers to distract him from his game plans. This season, though, Brooks admitted his WAR "has been cool to see" and that he has also been keeping tabs on his walk totals "to make sure I keep them low."
Brooks also said he and Lotte Giants' ace Dan Straily, who is near the top in many of the same categories as Brooks, have developed a budding rivalry.
"Straily and I have had a good, friendly competition this year with ERA," said Brooks, slightly ahead of Straily (2.78) in that category. "I've been checking in a bit here and there with that. But I just try to go game to game and not really get too wrapped up in the stats."
One category that Brooks wants to top the KBO is innings pitched, for he takes great pride in his ability to go deep into his starts and give the Tigers a chance to win. He has yet to throw fewer than five innings this season. Ironically enough, Brooks' shortest start of 2020, a five-inning performance against the KT Wiz on June 10, was his first complete game shutout. That game was called after five innings due to heavy rain.
In this file photo from Sept. 13, 2020, Aaron Brooks of the Kia Tigers (C) chats with a teammate in the dugout after being pulled during the bottom of the seventh inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game against the NC Dinos at Changwon NC Park in Changwon, 400 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
"If I get a lot of innings, it obviously means all the innings that I am throwing are going well, and my pitch count stays low for the most part," said Brooks, tied for the league lead with 6 1/3 innings pitched per start. "That's a starter's job: to keep the team in the game as long as possible."
Back in April, Brooks had told Yonhap that coming to the KBO wasn't an easy decision to make because he was living out his childhood dream of playing in the majors. He didn't really know what to expect from life in a new country and career in a new league. He credited people around him with putting him and his family at ease, which has helped him stay focused on the mound.
"That was my main concern, being able to adapt," Brooks said. "Ever since my family came over, everyone has been super nice. And I think that plays a big part in (my) being able to perform on the field. I just kind of go out there every five or six days and try to give our team the best chance to win, and be as good as I can be."
One particular person that has eased Brooks' transition is his own manager, Matt Williams. Brooks pitched for the Oakland Athletics in 2018 and 2019, while Williams was the team's third base coach. The two also share the same agency.
In this file photo from Aug. 6, 2020, Aaron Brooks of the Kia Tigers pitches against the LG Twins in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field in Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
Brooks said Williams has been "pretty easy going" and lets players do what they need to do to get ready for games.
"On the field, if we're not crossing paths too much, then I guess I am doing my job," Brooks said. "He lets me go out there and do my job. I think it's been great."
But nothing could have prepared Brooks -- or anyone, for that matter -- for the coronavirus pandemic that has turned the world upside down this year. Having two young children with energy but nowhere to burn it other than their home has been "a big challenge" away from the field, Brooks said. And with concerns of infections keeping fans out of the ballparks for most of this season, pitching in front of empty seats has been a whole new experience for Brooks.
"There definitely is another gear (inside players) when there are fans that are cheering you on," he said. "It's unfortunate because I've heard so many great things about the fans and atmosphere in the stands. It does feel like more of practice games. It's tough, but you have to find your inner fire and know that games matter, and you have to give it your all."
In this file photo from Sept. 13, 2020, Aaron Brooks of the Kia Tigers pitches against the NC Dinos in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Changwon NC Park in Changwon, 400 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
Thanks in large part to Brooks' consistent excellence, the Tigers are in the thick of a tight playoff race. They entered Tuesday's action in sixth place at 59-50, only half a game out of the fifth and final playoff spot with 35 games left.
With himself, fellow American right-hander Drew Gagnon and former MVP-winning lefty Yang Hyeon-jong in the rotation, Brooks likes the Tigers' chances.
"I think if we can get into the playoffs, we have a really good chance of advancing," he said. "As long as there are no injuries, anything can happen."
But if the Tigers don't get it done this year, maybe Brooks will be back next year for another go.
"I've been all over the place with different teams. I know baseball can definitely take you places you never thought you would go," Brooks said. "I'd mostly definitely love to come back to Kia. I've enjoyed my experience here. There wouldn't be a reason why I wouldn't want to come back."
In this file photo from Aug. 18, 2020, Aaron Brooks of the Kia Tigers pitches against the LG Twins in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-22--(LEAD) Virus-hit small merchants to get financial lifelines from supplementary budget

Parents with pre-school and elementary-age children will be entitled to 200,000 won per child while those with middle school children @ @ @ @ @ child .
Daycare centers and schools had been ordered to shut down in the aftermath @ @ @ @ @ avert infection risks among children and students .

(ATTN: RECASTS headline; UPDATES throughout)
SEOUL, Sept. 22 (Yonhap) -- Owners of small businesses and self-employed people hit hard by a recent resurgence of the new coronavirus in the country will get financial aid from the government under a new extra budget that passed the National Assembly on Tuesday.
The 7.8 trillion-won (US$6.7 billion) extra spending aims to cushion the economic impact from the virus resurgence in mid-August. It centers on some 3.8 trillion won allotted for 3.77 million people affected by the virus, including 3.2 trillion won to be distributed as New Hope financial assistance for 2.91 million small business owners and self-employed people.
Under the New Hope aid plan, business owners with annual sales of 400 million won or less will receive 1 million won each if they experienced any dent in sales since the resurgence.
Those whose businesses were suspended due to tight social distancing will be granted 2 million won per person, while 1.5 million won will go to each of those whose businesses were restricted during the distancing, such as restaurants, bars and bakeries.
Tables and chairs are moved to a corner of a large cafe in downtown Seoul in preparation for the government's heightened social distancing rules that go into effect on Aug. 30, 2020. (Yonhap)
A street in Jongno, one of the busiest districts in Seoul, is mostly empty on Aug. 19, 2020, as high-risk facilities, including karaoke rooms, clubs and PC cafes, were ordered to shut down for two weeks amid a spike in coronavirus cases in the country. (Yonhap)
Young people aged between 16 and 34 and senior citizens aged 65 or above will each receive 20,000 won in mobile service subsidy.
The extra budget will also cover financial assistance for a greater number of taxi drivers and parents with young children than initially proposed by the government.
Parents with pre-school and elementary-age children will be entitled to 200,000 won per child while those with middle school children will get 150,000 won per child. Daycare centers and schools had been ordered to shut down in the aftermath of the virus resurgence to avert infection risks among children and students.
The extra budget bill also includes 1.4 trillion won in spending to sustain around 1.19 million jobs.
The spending package also includes a budget on vaccinating more than 1 million disabled and low-income people against influenza as well as spending assigned for stockpiling COVID-19 vaccines to cover 20 percent of the South Korean population, according to party officials.
A traditional market in central Seoul is empty on Sept. 10, 2020, amid a resurgence of COVID-19. (Yonhap)
The budget bill passed the National Assembly's plenary session in an overwhelming 272-1 vote following a last-minute agreement on the bill's configuration between rival parties. Nine lawmakers abstained.
The floor leaders of the ruling Democratic Party and the main opposition People Power Party reached the deal only hours before it was put to a vote in the full-floor session as the government is under pressure to dole out the emergency assistance before the Chuseok holiday next week.
The bill is the fourth extra budget drawn up this year to fend off the impact of the pandemic on the economy, especially on small merchants and self-employed people hit harder by the second wave of infections.
About 59 trillion won was approved in the previous three rounds of COVID-19 response extra budget setting between March and July.
The government is planning to dole out the majority of the new emergency assistance package before the Chuseok autumn harvest holiday, which falls on Oct. 1 this year.
Democratic Party floor leader Rep. Kim Tae-nyeon (L) and People Power Party floor leader Rep. Joo Ho-young stand side by side during a parliamentary event on Sept. 15, 2020. (Yonhap)
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-22--(LEAD) S. Korea suspends free flu shot scheme over storage mishap

The KDCA later said that if the exposed vaccines pass quality tests , they will be administered to those in @ @ @ @ @ followed by the older demographic .
Those tests , to be run by the Ministry @ @ @ @ @ , will take about two weeks , according to the KDCA .

(ATTN: MODIFIES headline, paras 1-2; UPDATES with details in paras 5-6)
SEOUL, Sept. 22 (Yonhap) -- South Korea suspended its plan to offer free seasonal flu vaccines due to storage issues involving inactivated bottles, health authorities here said Tuesday.
The government was to provide free flu shots to around 19 million people, or 37 percent of the country's population. Children between six months and 18 years old, pregnant women and those aged 62 years old or above were included.
A notice is put up on the entrance of a pediatrics and adolescents clinic in Seoul, informing people that children between 6 months and 18 years old nationwide can receive a flu shot for free starting Sept. 8, 2020. (Yonhap)
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said some of around 5 million doses of flu vaccines were partially exposed to temperatures outside the storage range.
Inactivated vaccines should be stored in refrigerators, and exposure to room temperature could result in decreased vaccine potency and increased risk of vaccine-preventable diseases.
The KDCA later said that if the exposed vaccines pass quality tests, they will be administered to those in the 13-18 age bracket, followed by the older demographic. Those tests, to be run by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, will take about two weeks, according to the KDCA.
The KDCA wouldn't commit to destroying all 5 million vaccine doses, saying it will wait for the results of quality tests before deciding.
As autumn is approaching, the government was to provide free flu shots, as it is not easy to distinguish the novel coronavirus and flu patients due to similar symptoms, such as coughing, a sore throat and fever.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-22--(2nd LD) PM Chung Sye-kyun tests negative for COVID-19 after aide gets infected

Chung ended his self-quarantine following the negative test result .
The office noted that Chung was not technically classified as @ @ @ @ @ patient , as the two had not met face-to-face since Sept. 16 .
Chung took @ @ @ @ @ .

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead; UPDATES with Chung's negative test)
SEOUL, Sept. 22 (Yonhap) -- South Korean Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun tested negative for the new coronavirus Tuesday after one of his close aides was infected.
Chung received the testing at a community health center in central Seoul in the morning after a director general in the Prime Minister's Secretariat tested positive for COVID-19 earlier in the day, the office said.
Chung ended his self-quarantine following the negative test result. The office noted that Chung was not technically classified as a close contact of the patient, as the two had not met face-to-face since Sept. 16. Chung took the test as a precaution.
Following the test, the prime minister canceled the rest of his schedule for the day, including an inspection of virus prevention measures at a big grocery store in southern Seoul.
His Tuesday dinner gathering planned with leaders of the main opposition People Power Party was also canceled.
Chung's younger brother died earlier Tuesday and the prime minister may visit the altar in Jeonju, 240 kilometers south of Seoul, later in the evening.
The confirmed patient received the test Monday after learning that a person he met on Sept. 7 tested positive for the virus.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun (C) heads to a Cabinet meeting at the government complex in Seoul on Sept. 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-09-22--Incheon Airport draws blank in duty-free auction amid pandemic

At that time , Hotel Shilla and Lotte Hotel won the business rights to operate the DF3 and DF4 sections @ @ @ @ @ tobacco , respectively .
But they surrendered the licenses and did not clinch deals with @ @ @ @ @ to the virus outbreak .

SEOUL, Sept. 22 (Yonhap) -- Incheon International Airport, the country's main gateway, failed to draw enough bidders in duty-free auctions Tuesday, its operator said, underscoring an extended slump in the duty-free business sector amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The Incheon International Airport Corp. (IIAC) auctioned six duty-free sections for cosmetics, perfume, liquor, tobacco, fashion and miscellaneous goods in the airport's Terminal 1.
As widely expected, industry leader Lotte Hotel and No. 3 player Shinsegae took part in the auction. But their bids fell through, as pre-set rules were not met.
No. 2 player Hotel Shilla and smaller rival Hyundai Department Store Duty Free did not join the bidding.
The IIAC plans to hold another auction next month for botched duty-free operations at the airport.
The IIAC has proposed a sharp cut in lease fees and other favorable business conditions to attract viable bidders.
Only a few customers are spotted at duty-free stores at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, in this photo taken Sept. 17, 2020. (Yonhap)
But local duty-free operators are still suffering from the industry-wide slump, as the number of customers have sharply fallen amid air travel disruptions.
In February, the IIAC auctioned eight new licenses for duty free operations at the airport, but the auction to run two sections at the airport fell through due to a lack of tenders.
At that time, Hotel Shilla and Lotte Hotel won the business rights to operate the DF3 and DF4 sections, mostly handling liquor and tobacco, respectively. But they surrendered the licenses and did not clinch deals with the IIAC in April due to the virus outbreak.
As the airport operator failed to pick new entities, Lotte and Shilla have continued to run their business after extending their existing licenses.
Local duty-free operators saw their sales improve in recent months, but their revenues remain far below the pre-pandemic level.
Combined sales at duty-free shops in South Korea reached 1.25 trillion won (US$1.08 billion) in July, up 12.4 percent from the previous month, as small Chinese vendors returned to scoop up duty-free goods, according to industry data.
It marked the third straight month of gains since the figure fell below 1 trillion won for the first time in four years in April.
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-22--Rape suspect gets 8-year prison term after 11 years on the run, as DNA matches

The man was convicted of raping the victim after breaking into her home in Gwangju on May 20 , 2009 @ @ @ @ @ alone at 5:20 a.m and the perpetrator raped her after threatening to kill her if @ @ @

GWANGJU, Sept. 22 (Yonhap) -- A man, who was arrested 11 years after committing rape in the southwestern city of Gwangju, was sentenced to eight years in prison by a district court on Tuesday.
The case had remained unsolved due to lack of evidence until February this year, when DNA found at the scene matched a sample from the suspect.
The Gwangju District Court handed down the prison term to the perpetrator, identified only as a 39-year-old man.
The man was convicted of raping the victim after breaking into her home in Gwangju on May 20, 2009. The victim was sleeping alone at 5:20 a.m and the perpetrator raped her after threatening to kill her if she shouted.
Besides the prison term, the court banned the perpetrator from working with children, youth and disabled people for five years and ordered a five-year disclosure of his personal information and three years of probation.
"The accused's crime is grave because he committed a crime after trespassing into a private residence and caused anxiety and fear that innocent citizens can be crime victims anytime," the court said.
"The victim has suffered from severe pain and fear for the past 11 years. But the absence of the accused's additional sex crime during the 11 years as a fugitive was taken into consideration in determining his sentence," it said.
This illustration depicts a police investigation using DNA. (Yonhap)
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-22--SK IE Technology to sell stake worth 300 bln won to PEF

SK Innovation Co. is set to approve the stake sale ahead of an initial public offering ( IPO ) of @ @ @ @ @ IE Technology on its board meeting on Wednesday , they said .

SEOUL, Sept. 22 (Yonhap) -- SK IE Technology Co., a South Korean manufacturer of lithium-ion battery separator, plans to sell its stake worth 300 billion won (US$258 million) to local private equity fund Premier Partners, people familiar with the matter said Tuesday.
SK Innovation Co. is set to approve the stake sale ahead of an initial public offering (IPO) of its wholly owned subsidiary SK IE Technology on its board meeting on Wednesday, they said.
No specific date for the IPO has been set.
SK Innovation, a South Korean manufacturer of electric vehicle batteries, plans to use proceeds from the stake sale to expand its battery business.
entropy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-22--N. Korea's preparations for military parade for Oct. anniversary in full swing: 38 North

`` Among them is a group of nine longer vehicles , three abreast , that are likely multiple-rocket launcher vehicles @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Based on the size and scope of past parades , the vehicles observed @ @ @ @ @ of what will be on display during the celebration . ''

SEOUL, Sept. 22 (Yonhap) -- North Korea appears to be actively preparing for a military parade expected to be held next month in Pyongyang to mark the founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party, a U.S. monitoring website has said.
The Oct. 10 anniversary of the party's founding 75 years ago has drawn attention as the North could showcase new strategic weapons on the occasion in what could be seen as messages to the United States, or South Korea, amid stalled denuclearization talks.
According to a Monday report by 38 North, recent satellite imagery revealed that more than 40 vehicles on the roads of the Mirim airfield in the capital city leading to the replica of Kim Il-Sung Square, which "strongly suggests a large military parade is planned" for the anniversary that falls on Oct. 10.
"Among them is a group of nine longer vehicles, three abreast, that are likely multiple-rocket launcher vehicles," the website said. "Based on the size and scope of past parades, the vehicles observed likely represent only a fraction of what will be on display during the celebration."
Earlier this month, 38 North released satellite imagery showing signs of the North's rehearsals for the parade.
North Korea tends to mark every fifth or 10th anniversary with larger-scale events, such as military provocations, including missile launches, or parades of troops, newly developed strategic weapons and other military hardware.
In his New Year's message, leader Kim Jong-un said he will showcase a "new strategic weapon," which could be an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) or a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), according to experts and observers.
This photo taken on Sept. 20, 2020 and downloaded from the website 38 North website shows various vehicles grouped around the replica of Kim Il-sung Square in Pyongyang. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
This photo taken on Sept. 17, 2020 and downloaded from the website 38 North shows thousands practicing in formations in Pyongyang. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-22--Deputy FM to visit Singapore, Indonesia this week

Kim is expected to use the trip to keep the momentum for further development of relations with the two ASEAN @ @ @ @ @ drive for its signature New Southern Policy aimed at deepening economic and other ties with @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Sept. 22 (Yonhap) -- Deputy Foreign Minister Kim Gunn will visit Singapore and Indonesia later this week for talks about enhancing bilateral ties and regional cooperation, officials said.
Kim will make a three-day visit to Singapore starting Thursday for talks with his counterpart and other officials before heading to Jakarta on Saturday for a four-day trip that could include a courtesy call on Lim Jock Hoi, the secretary general of the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Kim will return home next Tuesday.
Kim is expected to use the trip to keep the momentum for further development of relations with the two ASEAN members, under Seoul's drive for its signature New Southern Policy aimed at deepening economic and other ties with Southeast Asian partners.
Kim also plans to meet with Korean businesspeople working in the two countries to listen to their difficulties amid the pandemic and check the situations after the implementation of simplified entry procedures.
Singapore and Indonesia are among the countries that have established expedited entry programs for South Korean businesspeople in exception to entry curbs imposed over coronavirus fears.
South Korea has been trying to persuade foreign countries to ease entry systems for essential travelers, as it has been bolstering efforts to expand in-person diplomacy. Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha visited Vietnam last week for talks with her counterpart on the easing of entry restrictions.
Deputy Foreign Minister Kim Gunn holds video talks with David Stilwell, U.S. assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, in this photo provided by the foreign ministry on Aug. 12, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-22--Top-ranked LPGA star to end hiatus next month

Ko had planned to play her first LPGA event of the season in March , but the coronavirus outbreak wiped @ @ @ @ @ mid February to late July .
While a few other Korean stars have rejoined the @ @ @ @ @ of play during the pandemic , Ko has chosen to stay home .

SEOUL, Sept. 22 (Yonhap) -- Ko Jin-young, world No. 1 in women's golf from South Korea, will end her two-month hiatus in October at a domestic tour event, sources said Tuesday.
Ko has committed to play at the Autech Carrier Championship on the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour at Sejong Field Golf Club in Sejong, starting on Oct. 8. It will be Ko's first tournament since another KLPGA event, Jeju Samdasoo Masters, in August.
In this file photo from July 30, 2020, Ko Jin-young watches her tee shot on the first hole during the first round of the Jeju Samdasoo Masters tournament at Saint Four Golf & Resort in Jeju, Jeju Island. (Yonhap)
Ko will then compete in two more KLPGA tournaments in October and November before making her long-awaited LPGA season debut at the Pelican Women's Championship on Nov. 19 in Florida.
Ko had planned to play her first LPGA event of the season in March, but the coronavirus outbreak wiped out the tour schedule from mid February to late July. While a few other Korean stars have rejoined the U.S. circuit since the resumption of play during the pandemic, Ko has chosen to stay home.
After the Pelican Women's Championship, the LPGA Tour will have three tournaments remaining this season, including the postponed major tournament, U.S. Women's Open, from Dec. 10 to 13 in Texas. Ko plans to play in all three.
In this file photo from July 30, 2020, Ko Jin-young (R) smiles after hitting her tee shot on the first hole during the first round of the Jeju Samdasoo Masters tournament at Saint Four Golf & Resort in Jeju, Jeju Island. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-22--(LEAD) LG partially shutters headquarters building in Seoul over virus

LG said floors six through nine of the building will be closed through Wednesday , and all office rooms of @ @ @ @ @ .

(ATTN: UPDATES lead, paras 2-4)
SEOUL, Sept. 22 (Yonhap) -- LG Group, South Korea's fourth-largest conglomerate, on Tuesday said it has partially closed its headquarters building in Seoul over virus infections.
The West Building of LG Twin Towers in Yeouido, western Seoul, has been shuttered partially after two employees of LG Electronics Inc. tested positive for the novel coronavirus, the group said.
One employee came to work until Friday before testing positive for COVID-19 on Monday, while another received a positive virus test result Tuesday, according to the company.
LG said floors six through nine of the building will be closed through Wednesday, and all office rooms of the building will be disinfected.
Last month, LG partially shuttered the East Building of LG Twin Towers after a child at the group's in-house day care center tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
LG Twin Towers is home to the group's main affiliates, including LG Electronics, LG Chem Ltd. and LG Display Co.
This photo, taken on Sept. 17, 2020, shows the LG Twin Towers, the headquarters of South Korean conglomerate LG Group, in Seoul. (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-22--S. Korea renews concerns over possible release of tainted Fukushima water

The vice minister also called for an active role of the IAEA to facilitate transparency in the water 's disposal @ @ @ @ @ 's disposal plans should follow international law , such as the U.N. Convention on the @ @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Sept. 22 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Tuesday reiterated its concerns over Japan's potential move to release radioactive water from its disabled Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea.
Japan has been mulling over options to discharge the water from the nuclear plant, which was devastated by a tsunami triggered by an earthquake in March 2011.
An estimated 1.1 million tons of tainted water is in temporary storage at the Fukushima plant.
South Korea's Vice Minister of Science and ICT Jeong Byung-seon renewed concerns over Japan's potential move in a recorded message at an annual conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA), according to the science ministry.
The logo of the Ministry of Science and ICT at its main offices in the central city of Sejong, 130 kilometers south of Seoul, is shown in this undated photo provided by the ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The general conference of the U.N. nuclear watchdog was held partially online this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Jeong said releasing the tainted water would impact the global marine environment and that its method and long-term environmental risks need careful consideration through cooperation with global agencies, such as the IAEA.
The vice minister also called for an active role of the IAEA to facilitate transparency in the water's disposal process, adding that Japan's disposal plans should follow international law, such as the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The science ministry said the vice minister will convey South Korea's concerns to IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi in a separate meeting Wednesday.
The fallout of the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant has been a source of contention between the two neighboring countries, with South Korea imposing a ban on all seafood imports from eight Japanese prefectures near Fukushima in 2013.
yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

SEOUL -- South Korea 's daily new coronavirus cases stayed below 100 for the third consecutive day Tuesday as the @ @ @ @ @ at a critical juncture ahead of the Chuseok holiday , the Korean version of Thanksgiving @ @ @ @ @ travel across the nation next week to celebrate the five-day holiday .

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Tuesday.
---------------------------
Virus fallout to cause private consumption recovery to be slower than expected: BOK
SEOUL -- South Korea's private consumption is expected to recover at a slower-than-expected clip as the new coronavirus outbreak has dealt a blow to demand for offline services and foreign travel, the central bank said Tuesday.
The Bank of Korea (BOK) said the recovery of face-to-face services and overseas consumption is expected to take a considerable period of time amid lingering concerns about a flare-up in virus cases.
---------------------------
Rival parties agree to pass 4th COVID-19 response extra budget through National Assembly
SEOUL -- The National Assembly is expected to approve South Korea's fourth extra budget during a full-floor session Tuesday to cushion the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The floor leaders of the ruling Democratic Party and the main opposition People Power Party reached a last-minute agreement on the configuration of the 7.8 trillion-won (US$6.7 billion) extra spending bill earlier in the day.
---------------------------
(2nd LD) New virus cases smallest in over 1-month, virus fight at critical juncture ahead of Chuseok
SEOUL -- South Korea's daily new coronavirus cases stayed below 100 for the third consecutive day Tuesday as the country's virus fight is at a critical juncture ahead of the Chuseok holiday, the Korean version of Thanksgiving. Millions are set to travel across the nation next week to celebrate the five-day holiday.
The country added 61 more COVID-19 cases, including 51 local infections, raising the total caseload to 23,106, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
---------------------------
(LEAD) PM Chung Sye-kyun receives COVID-19 test after close aide tests positive
SEOUL -- South Korean Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun was tested for the new coronavirus Tuesday and entered into self-quarantine after one of his close aides tested positive.
Chung received the testing at a community health center in central Seoul in the morning after one of his close aides, a director general in his office, tested posted for COVID-19 earlier in the day, the office said.
---------------------------
(LEAD) Seoul stocks plunge more than 2 pct on virus fears
SEOUL -- South Korean stocks dipped more than 2 percent on Tuesday, as investor sentiment worsened over dimming hopes for recovery from the coronavirus pandemic in major economies. The Korean won fell against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) tumbled 56.8 points, or 2.38 percent, to close at 2,332.59.
---------------------------
K-pop buzz on Twitter grows substantially despite COVID-19: company
SEOUL -- Despite COVID-19 having bogged down the global entertainment industry at large, the conversation and buzz surrounding K-pop on the social media platform Twitter has increased substantially in volume in the past year, according to data from the company Tuesday.
The number of K-pop-related tweets from July 2019 to June 2020 on the global social media platform reached 6.1 billion, up 15 percent from the 5.3 billion tally from a year ago, according to data compiled by Twitter Korea together with music startup Space Oddity's fandom analytics dashboard "K-pop Radar."
---------------------------
Doosan Heavy to spur its rescue plan with 2.2 tln won from asset sale
SEOUL -- Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction Co. said Tuesday it will expedite its plan to combat its credit crunch with proceeds worth 2.2 trillion won (US$1.9 billion) from the brisk asset sale by Doosan Group.
"Doosan Heavy will speed up its self-rescue plan by pushing for the sale of Doosan Engineering & Construction Co. and its stake in Doosan Infracore Co., along with the plan to sell its new shares worth 1.3 trillion won," a company official said on condition of anonymity.
(END)


yna--2020-09-22--American pitcher in KBO returns home following auto accident involving family

Of secondary concern , it is not clear when or if Brooks will be available to pitch for the Tigers @ @ @ @ @ they battle for a playoff spot .
When Brooks returns to South Korea , he @ @ @ @ @ days , as mandated by the South Korean government for all international travelers .
The @ @ @ @ @ the end of October , with the postseason to start in the first week of @ @

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Sept. 22 (Yonhap) -- Kia Tigers' pitcher Aaron Brooks has returned to his home in the United States after his family members were injured in an auto accident.
The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) club said Tuesday that Brooks' wife and their two children were injured in a crash caused by a driver who ran a red light.
"Obviously, he has to be with his family right now," the Tigers said. "We send them our best wishes."
In this file photo from Sept. 13, 2020, Aaron Brooks of the Kia Tigers pitches against the NC Dinos in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Changwon NC Park in Changwon, 400 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
Of secondary concern, it is not clear when or if Brooks will be available to pitch for the Tigers again this year, as they battle for a playoff spot. When Brooks returns to South Korea, he must be quarantined for 14 days, as mandated by the South Korean government for all international travelers. The regular season will end near the end of October, with the postseason to start in the first week of November.
Brooks has been one of the best starters in the KBO in his first season. He's 11-4 with a 2.50 ERA, the second-lowest mark in the league, and he has won all four starts in September with a 0.95 ERA.
The Tigers entered Tuesday's game against the Kiwoom Heroes in sixth place at 59-50, only half a game out of the fifth and final playoff spot.
In this file photo from Sept. 13, 2020, Aaron Brooks of the Kia Tigers (C) chats with a teammate in the dugout after being pulled during the bottom of the seventh inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game against the NC Dinos at Changwon NC Park in Changwon, 400 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-22--(LEAD) Seoul stocks plunge more than 2 pct on virus fears

In a related move , former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said the United States may experience `` @ @ @ @ @ '' of the virus by the end of the year .

(ATTN: ADDS bond yields at bottom, photo)
SEOUL, Sept. 22 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks dipped more than 2 percent on Tuesday, as investor sentiment worsened over dimming hopes for recovery from the coronavirus pandemic in major economies. The Korean won fell against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) tumbled 56.8 points, or 2.38 percent, to close at 2,332.59.
Trading volume was high at about 1 billion shares worth some 17.5 trillion won (US$15 billion), with losers outnumbering gainers 816 to 80.
The KOSPI plunged after losing nearly 1 percent in the previous session.
The decline is largely blamed on strong foreign and institutional sell-off, driven by slow progress in U.S. stimulus talks and fears of economic lockdown in Europe, analysts said.
"Fears of possible lockdown in Europe and the stalled (U.S.) stimulus talks seem to have worsened the tech valuation problem at home," Choi Yoo-joon, a researcher at Shinhan Financial Investment, said.
Foreigners sold a net 230 billion won and institutions dumped a net 769 billion won. Individuals bought a net 992 billion won.
Electronic signboards at a Hana Bank dealing room in Seoul show the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed at 2,332.59 on Sept. 22, 2020, down 56.8 points or 2.38 percent from the previous session's close. (Yonhap)
Stocks losses widened after U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said a full recovery from the pandemic will take a considerably long time.
In a related move, former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said the United States may experience "at least one more cycle" of the virus by the end of the year.
The KOSPI's fall was further accelerated by investors' profit-taking before the Chuseok holiday, from Sept. 30 to Oct. 4, when U.S. political uncertainties are expected to rise, local analysts said.
In Seoul, most large caps closed lower.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics lost 1.69 percent to 58,200 won, and No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix dipped 3.79 percent to 81,300 won.
Top pharmaceutical firm Samsung Biologics retreated 1.22 percent to 731,000 won, and Celltrion shed 3.77 percent to 268,000 won.
Internet portal giant Naver dipped 2.57 percent to 284,500 won, with its rival Kakao down 3.16 percent to 353,000 won.
Leading chemical maker LG Chem gained 1.91 percent to 639,000 won, and rechargeable battery maker Samsung SDI edged up 0.11 percent to 446,500 won.
Hyundai Motor, the country's largest automaker, shed 2.97 percent to 179,900 won, while top steelmaker POSCO advanced 1.83 percent to 194,500 won.
The local currency closed at 1,165 won per dollar, down 7 won from the previous session's close.
Bond prices, which move inversely to yields, closed higher. The yield on three-year Treasurys fell 0.7 basis point to 0.897 percent, and the return on the benchmark five-year government bond lost 2 basis points to 1.177 percent.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-22--Doosan Heavy to spur its rescue plan with 2.2 tln won from asset sale

`` Doosan Heavy will speed up its self-rescue plan by pushing for the sale of Doosan Engineering & Construction Co. @ @ @ @ @ Infracore Co. , along with the plan to sell its new shares worth 1.3 trillion @ @ @ @ @ official said on condition of anonymity .

By Nam Kwang-sik
SEOUL, Sept. 22 (Yonhap) -- Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction Co. said Tuesday it will expedite its plan to combat its credit crunch with proceeds worth 2.2 trillion won (US$1.9 billion) from the brisk asset sale by Doosan Group.
"Doosan Heavy will speed up its self-rescue plan by pushing for the sale of Doosan Engineering & Construction Co. and its stake in Doosan Infracore Co., along with the plan to sell its new shares worth 1.3 trillion won," a company official said on condition of anonymity.
Doosan Heavy wholly owns Doosan Engineering and has a 36 percent stake in the group's construction equipment maker Doosan Infracore.
Sales manager Credit Suisse is reported to have invited preliminary bids for the 36 percent stake in Doosan Infracore on Sept. 28.
Earlier this month, Doosan Group said Doosan Heavy will issue new shares worth 1.3 trillion won and sell them first to its shareholders and then to the public.
This photo shows Doosan Group's headquarters building Doosan Tower in downtown Seoul. (Yonhap)
Last March, Doosan Heavy received a cash injection of 3 trillion won from its creditors, including the Korea Development Bank (KDB), to brace itself for its short-term debts worth 4.2 trillion won, which should be paid within this year.
In return, Park Jeong-won, chairman of Doosan Group, said in early June that the group will repay its debts of 1 trillion won by the end of the year by selling its assets.
Under the asset sale plan, the power plant builder sold its 27-hole golf course Club Mow to a consortium led by Hana Financial Investment Co. for 185 billion won and venture capital firm Neoplux Co. to Shinhan Financial Group Co. for 73 billion won.
Doosan Group's holding company, Doosan Corp., sold its 18.05 percent stake in battery foil maker Doosan Solus Co. to private equity fund SkyLake Investment Co. for 238 billion won, with 34.88 percent held by key stockholders, including Doosan Group Chairman Park, sold to the private equity fund for 460 billion won.
Doosan disposed of its business division and oil pressure machine maker Doosan Mottrol to a consortium of two local private equity investment firms -- Socius Advisors and Well to Sea Investment Co. -- for 453 billion won, Doosan Group said.
Ahead of the sale, Doosan Mottrol will be spun off into two entities.
The group has also signed a deal with the local property private equity fund Mastern Invest Management to sell its headquarters building Doosan Tower in downtown Seoul for 800 billion won next Monday.
ksnam@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-22--S. Korean Bond Yields on Sep. 22, 2020

S. Korean Bond Yields on Sep. 22, 2020

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


yna--2020-09-22--K-pop buzz on Twitter grows substantially despite COVID-19: company

The conversation surrounding K-pop on Twitter has apparently grown exponentially especially between late 2016 and the first half of 2018 @ @ @ @ @ Top Social Artist award at the Billboard Music Awards in May 2017 , and EXO @ @ @ @ @ handle in July of that year with the release of `` Ko Ko Bop .
@

By Chang Dong-woo
SEOUL, Sept. 22 (Yonhap) -- Despite COVID-19 having bogged down the global entertainment industry at large, the conversation and buzz surrounding K-pop on the social media platform Twitter has increased substantially in volume in the past year, according to data from the company Tuesday.
The number of K-pop-related tweets from July 2019 to June 2020 on the global social media platform reached 6.1 billion, up 15 percent from the 5.3 billion tally from a year ago, according to data compiled by Twitter Korea together with music startup Space Oddity's fandom analytics dashboard "K-pop Radar."
In celebration of roughly a decade in terms of K-pop's presence on Twitter, the company partnered with Space Oddity to conduct a comprehensive analysis of tweets surrounding 122 leading artists across 20 different markets to monitor how the social media platform was facilitating the conversation on K-pop.
How “K-pop” became global trend on Twitter, and the most-mentioned K-pop artist? Youtube https://youtu.be/H56xsS20S4s
This image, provided by Twitter Korea on Sept 22, 2020, shows the growth trajectory in the volume of K-pop-related tweets on social media platform Twitter in the past decade. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The analytics found that the United States has the most users who tweeted on the topic of K-pop, followed by Japan and South Korea. Indonesia, the Philippines, Brazil, Mexico and Argentina followed behind.
In terms of the volume of K-pop related tweets, Thailand came first, followed by South Korea, Indonesia, the Philippines, the U.S., Brazil and Malaysia.
The top mentioned K-pop artist globally was BTS, followed by EXO, GOT7, BLACKPINK, NCT 127 and Monsta X. Seventeen, NCT Dream, TWICE, Stray Kids came next.
In terms of songs, the top mentioned K-pop number was "Obsession" by EXO, followed by four BTS tracks -- "ON," "Boy With Luv (Feat. Halsey)," Black Swan" and "Interlude: Shadow."
The conversation surrounding K-pop on Twitter has apparently grown exponentially especially between late 2016 and the first half of 2018. BTS won its first Top Social Artist award at the Billboard Music Awards in May 2017, and EXO also opened its official Twitter handle in July of that year with the release of "Ko Ko Bop."
This image, provided by Twitter Korea on Sept. 22, 2020, shows the nations with the most unique users who tweeted on the topic of K-pop on Twitter. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
YeonJeong Kim, head of global K-pop partnerships at Twitter, stressed that the conversation of K-pop has not decreased at all on Twitter despite COVID-19 having prompted cancellations of concerts, world tours and fan meet-and-greet events.
"These fans, many who are young and based all over the world, are flocking to Twitter to join these fun #K-pop Twitter conversations to feel connected to a global fan community," Kim said.
Twitter Korea also invited several leading K-pop artists for an online event celebrating K-pop's roughly 10-year presence on the platform.
Female solo artist Sunmi, who first debuted in 2007 as a member of Wonder Girls, explained that she often tried to send tweets mixing Korean and English for both her local and global fans. "I'm very happy that K-pop is finally receiving the recognition from around the world."
Hyungwon, singer of boy band Monsta X, said he tries to share photos of places on Twitter when the band is touring overseas.
Monsta X bandmate Kihyun added that fans seem to respond excitedly to more casual and daily content as opposed to more official content. Stray Kids leader Bang Chan said the group's online chemistry with fans remained great thanks to their continued communication on Twitter.
This photo, provided by Twitter Korea on Sept 22, 2020, shows YeonJeong Kim, head of global K-pop partnerships at Twitter, Stray Kids leader Bang Chan, singer Sunmi, and Hyungwon and Kihyun of group Monsta X (from L to R) at an online event in Seoul celebrating K-pop's 10-year presence on Twitter. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-22--Korean Air resumes route to Osaka on cargo demand

But the carrier shifted to a net profit of 162.4 billion won in the second quarter from a net loss @ @ @ @ @ year ago helped by robust cargo demand .
It utilized some of its idle passenger @ @ @ @ @ offset a sharp decline in travel demand .

SEOUL, Sept. 22 (Yonhap) -- Korean Air Lines Co., South Korea's biggest carrier, said Tuesday it resumed flights to the Japanese city of Osaka this month to meet rising cargo and transfer passenger demands.
Korean Air flew the A330 jet on the Incheon-Osaka route on Sept. 9 and Sept. 16, with a plan to offer a flight on Wednesdays from Sept. 30, a company spokeswoman said over the phone.
The national flag carrier operated 17 routes to 13 Japanese cities until March. The Incheon-Narita route has been the only available route to Japan in the past six months due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Local airlines have suspended most of their flights on international routes since March as more than 180 countries and territories strengthened entry restrictions to stem the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.
From January to June, Korean Air's net losses deepened to 619.49 billion won (US$523 million) from 482.01 billion won in the same period of last year due to the virus impact on the airline industry.
But the carrier shifted to a net profit of 162.4 billion won in the second quarter from a net loss of 380.78 billion won a year ago helped by robust cargo demand. It utilized some of its idle passenger jets as cargo planes to offset a sharp decline in travel demand.
This photo taken on Aug. 6, 2020 shows cargo being loaded on a Korean Air A330 jet at a local airport. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-22--Seoul stocks plunge more than 2 pct on virus fears

SEOUL, Sept. 22 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks dipped more than 2 percent on Tuesday, as investor sentiment worsened over dimming hopes for recovery from the coronavirus pandemic in major economies. The Korean won fell against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) tumbled 56.8 points, or 2.38 percent, to close at 2,332.59.
Trading volume was high at about 1 billion shares worth some 17.5 trillion won (US$15 billion), with losers outnumbering gainers 816 to 80.
The KOSPI plunged after losing nearly 1 percent in the previous session.
The decline is largely blamed on strong foreign and institutional sell-off, driven by slow progress in U.S. stimulus talks and fears of economic lockdown in Europe, analysts said.
"Fears of possible lockdown in Europe and the stalled (U.S.) stimulus talks seem to have worsened the tech valuation problem at home," Choi Yoo-joon, a researcher at Shinhan Financial Investment, said.
Foreigners sold a net 230 billion won and institutions dumped a net 769 billion won. Individuals bought a net 992 billion won.
Stocks losses widened after U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said a full recovery from the pandemic will take a considerably long time.
In a related move, former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said the United States may experience "at least one more cycle" of the virus by the end of the year.
The KOSPI's fall was further accelerated by investors' profit-taking before the Chuseok holiday, from Sept. 30 to Oct. 4, when U.S. political uncertainties are expected to rise, local analysts said.
In Seoul, most large caps closed lower.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics lost 1.69 percent to 58,200 won, and No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix dipped 3.79 percent to 81,300 won.
Top pharmaceutical firm Samsung Biologics retreated 1.22 percent to 731,000 won, and Celltrion shed 3.77 percent to 268,000 won.
Internet portal giant Naver dipped 2.57 percent to 284,500 won, with its rival Kakao down 3.16 percent to 353,000 won.
Leading chemical maker LG Chem gained 1.91 percent to 639,000 won, and rechargeable battery maker Samsung SDI edged up 0.11 percent to 446,500 won.
Hyundai Motor, the country's largest automaker, shed 2.97 percent to 179,900 won, while top steelmaker POSCO advanced 1.83 percent to 194,500 won.
The local currency closed at 1,165 won per dollar, down 7 won from the previous session's close.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)