yna--2020-07-14--(LEAD) Coach, triathletes disciplined for alleged abuse appeal bans

Choi Suk-hyeon , a former member of the team in Gyeongju , 370 kilometers southeast of Seoul , was found @ @ @ @ @ not before accusing coach Kim , Kim Do-hwan and Jang , plus team therapist Ahn @ @ @ @ @ physically abusing her on multiple occasions .
Choi had earlier made allegations with local police @ @ @ @ @ and the Korea Triathlon Federation .
Choi 's pleas for help had gone unanswered , @ @ @ @ @ her passing that legal and sports authorities began looking into those allegations more seriously .

(ATTN: UPDATES throughout with coach's appeal; ADDS photo)
SEOUL, July 14 (Yonhap) -- A triathlon coach and his two athletes penalized for allegedly abusing a late member of their team have appealed their bans.
The Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC) said Kim Gyu-bong, head coach of Gyeongju City Hall's semi-pro club, plus two triathletes, Kim Do-hwan and his teammate, surnamed Jang, submitted their appeals via email on Tuesday.
Kim Do-hwan and Jang filed their appeals earlier in the day. Coach Kim appeared to have missed his 6 p.m. deadline to submit his appeal, but the KSOC explained that Kim's appeal arrived late in the afternoon and that he only had to do so before the end of Tuesday.
In this file photo from July 6, 2020, Kim Gyu-bong, head coach of the triathlon team at Gyeongju City Hall and a central figure in an abuse scandal involving a late athlete, leaves the disciplinary committee meeting held by the Korea Triathlon Federation in Seoul. (Yonhap)
Choi Suk-hyeon, a former member of the team in Gyeongju, 370 kilometers southeast of Seoul, was found dead on June 26 but not before accusing coach Kim, Kim Do-hwan and Jang, plus team therapist Ahn Joo-hyeon, of verbally and physically abusing her on multiple occasions. Choi had earlier made allegations with local police and with both the KSCO and the Korea Triathlon Federation. Choi's pleas for help had gone unanswered, and it was only after her passing that legal and sports authorities began looking into those allegations more seriously.
In this photo, provided by a reader on July 9, 2020, triathlete Kim Do-hwan stands before an urn containing remains of his late teammate Choi Suk-hyeon to pay his respects at a memorial park in Seongju, 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul. Kim admitted to allegations made earlier by Choi that he had physically assaulted her while they were teammates for Gyeonggju City Hall club. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
On July 6, the triathlon body banned coach Kim and Jang for life and Kim Do-hwan for 10 years.
Ahn, who wasn't on the Gyeongju club pay roll and thus wasn't punished by the triathlon body, is under police investigation for his abuse charges.
Kim Gyu-bong, Kim Do-hwan and Jang all initially denied their charges during the triathlon federation's disciplinary hearing. But Kim Do-hwan has since admitted to his wrongdoing and apologized to Choi and her family.
In this file photo from July 6, 2020, a South Korean triathlete surnamed Jang, a former teammate of the late Choi Suk-hyeon on the Gyeongju City Hall semi-pro club, enters a conference room at a Seoul hotel for the disciplinary hearing by the Korea Triathlon Federation. Before her death, Choi accused Jang of physically and verbally abusing her, claims that Jang denied. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-14--(5th LD) Next year's minimum wage set at 8,720 won in smallest-ever increase

`` Even if the increase rate is one of the lowest , the business circle feels regretful , and it @ @ @ @ @ since there seems to be no end to the financial difficulties coming from the virus @ @ @ @ @ Jae-keun , an official at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry .

(ATTN: ADDS reaction from another labor union in paras 20-21)
SEJONG/SEOUL, July 14 (Yonhap) -- A national commission on Tuesday set next year's minimum hourly wage at 8,720 won (US$7.25), raising the legal threshold by the smallest-ever annual increase, as the country faces economic headwinds from the new coronavirus.
Up to 4 million workers, whose current hourly wage is lower than the amount, will be affected by the decision to raise the minimum wage by 1.5 percent, the Minimum Wage Commission said in a statement.
The decision came in the early hours of the day during the commission's ninth plenary meeting, which is comprised of nine members each from all three sides -- employers, employees and those representing social interests.
The increase is lower than last year's 2.9 percent and is the smallest since the minimum wage was first introduced in 1988. The next smallest was 2.7 percent during the financial crisis in 1998.
It is much lower than the 16.4 percent and 10.9 percent hikes in 2018 and 2019, which were in line with President Moon Jae-in's campaign pledge to raise the minimum wage to 10,000 won by mid-2020.
This year's negotiations were particularly tough due to the economic difficulties stemming from the coronavirus pandemic.
Economic think tanks and the central bank have slashed growth outlooks for Asia's fourth-largest economy. At the same time, workers whose income is directly linked to the minimum wage have been directly hit by the pandemic.
While labor unions stressed the importance of ensuring that low-income workers meet their basic needs, employers called for easing the financial burden on businesses.
Tuesday's decision appeared to be in favor of small- and medium-sized businesses as well as mom-and-pop stores.
This photo shows Park Joon-shik, chairman of the Minimum Wage Commission, banging the gavel during a plenary session at the government complex in Sejong on July 13, 2020. (Yonhap)
The new minimum wage was proposed by those commissioners representing social interests after employers and employees failed to bridge their gap.
The figure was drawn based on a 0.1 percent growth outlook for 2020, a 0.4 percent consumer price increase outlook for 2020 and a 1 percent hike factoring in the need to improve the livelihood of workers, according to the panel.
Employees had initially sought a 16.4 percent increase to 10,000 won, while employers had sought a 2.1 percent cut to 8,410 won.
The proposal passed by a vote of 9-7. The vote was attended by seven employer commissioners and nine public interest commissioners.
Seven other panel members at the meeting, including all five recommended by the Federation of Korean Trade Unions, left the session in protest of the proposal.
"The public interest commissioners have declared death of the minimum wage in South Korea," they said, accusing the commissioners of siding with the employer commissioners.
The four remaining members, affiliated with the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, did not attend the meeting.
Panel members recommended by the Federation of Korean Trade Unions, who attended the Minimum Wage Commission's ninth plenary meeting at the government complex in Sejong, announce their exit on July 14, 2020. (Yonhap)
Labor and business organizations showed mixed reactions to the decision.
"Compared with views that the (country) is successfully coping with the new coronavirus, 1.5 percent is a shamefully miserable figure that is not 'the lowest' (increase rate) but the 'worst'," the Federation of Korean Trade Unions said in a statement.
It also called the 1 percent hike, factoring in the need to improve the livelihood of workers, as an "utterly low" figure, based on "arbitrary interpretation."
The Korean Women's Trade Union said the adjustment of the minimum wage was much too low and that the agreement was beyond disappointing.
"The slight increase in the minimum wage goes against the current situation of trying to raise the wages of low-income workers so as to narrow the income gap widened by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic," the union said.
The business circle, meanwhile, appeared more accepting.
"Even if the increase rate is one of the lowest, the business circle feels regretful, and it is not easy to accept since there seems to be no end to the financial difficulties coming from the virus pandemic," said Park Jae-keun, an official at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
"Nonetheless, we accept the commission's decision and respect it," he said.
By law, the commission is required to present the new minimum wage to the labor minister, who is then required to announce it publicly by Aug. 5.
The new wage would then take effect on Jan. 1.
Both labor and management can object to the agreed minimum wage, and subject to the minister's approval, request a reevaluation by the commission. A reevaluation has never occurred since the minimum wage was introduced.
This photo shows members of the Minimum Wage Commission after their ninth plenary meeting at the government complex in Sejong on July 14, 2020. (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-14--KBO club disciplines minor league players for hitting teammates

An official with the Wyverns said the team did n't feel the case was serious enough and added , `` @ @ @ @ @ cover it up , we would n't even have punished these players . ''

SEOUL, July 14 (Yonhap) -- South Korean baseball club SK Wyverns said Tuesday they've fined two of their minor league players for striking a younger teammate, while acknowledging that they belatedly reported the case to the league office.
The Wyverns confirmed an earlier media report that two minor league players hit their teammate in the chest and thigh in their team residence in May.
That young player and another player had been out drinking until the wee hours of the morning, and the two older players tried to take the matter into their own hands.
In this file photo from June 30, 2020, members of the SK Wyverns watch their teammates in action against the Samsung Lions during a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Daegu Samsung Lions Park in Daegu, 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
One of the younger players was found to have driven back to the residence without a license and under the influence of alcohol.
The Wyverns said the two veterans and the two younger players have all been fined.
But the Wyverns didn't report the incident to the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) office until Sunday.
An official with the Wyverns said the team didn't feel the case was serious enough and added, "If we had wanted to cover it up, we wouldn't even have punished these players."
But a league official said the Wyverns should have informed the KBO of the situation.
"If there's any misconduct within the organization, the team is obliged to report it to us," the KBO official said. "There's clearly a problem with how they didn't act right away."
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-14--NC Dinos' manager hopes American slugger will find footing in heart of lineup

`` He 's someone that should be batting in the heart of our lineup , '' Lee said in his @ @ @ @ @ has said he does n't care where he bats .
We moved him down when @ @ @ @ @ he started coming around while he was batting lower in the lineup .
He has @ @ @ @ @ batting seventh , but he 's been swinging the bat well ( in other places @ @ @ @ @ ''

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, July 14 (Yonhap) -- NC Dinos' outfielder Aaron Altherr entered Tuesday's game against the Kiwoom Heroes as the RBI leader in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) with 55. And 37 of those RBIs have come when Altherr batted seventh or eighth in the lineup.
The former major leaguer opened the season batting mostly second and cleanup, but an early slump prompted manager Lee Dong-wook to move Altherr down to the lower third of his lineup. With less pressure but plenty of RBI opportunities with on-base machines in front of him, Altherr thrived in that role and has since developed into one of the KBO's most dangerous sluggers.
In this file photo from July 2, 2020, Aaron Altherr of the NC Dinos high-fives teammates after hitting a two-run home run against the Lotte Giants during a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Changwon NC Park in Changwon, 400 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
In July, Altherr has batted cleanup or fifth in nine of 10 games and will bat cleanup again versus the Heroes later Tuesday at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul.
"He's someone that should be batting in the heart of our lineup," Lee said in his pregame interview. "He has said he doesn't care where he bats. We moved him down when he was struggling and then he started coming around while he was batting lower in the lineup. He has put up his best numbers batting seventh, but he's been swinging the bat well (in other places in the lineup)."
Veteran catcher Yang Eui-ji, the reigning KBO batting champion, has been the primary cleanup hitter for the Dinos this year, but he's taking a breather Tuesday. Another slugger, Na Sung-bum, is out with a hand injury, further accentuating the need for Altherr to do his damage from the middle.
"It'd be nice to have the same players batting one through five every game, but things don't always happen that way," Lee said. "And when we end up with holes in the lineup, there are players who have to step up and hit cleanup."
As the cleanup in July, Altherr has batted 5-for-22 with a home run and five RBIs.
For the season, Altherr is batting .257/.333/.343 as a cleanup hitter with a home run and five RBIs. From the No. 7 spot, Altherr has batted .383/.463/.809 with six homers and 20 RBIs.
In this file photo from May 24, 2020, NC Dinos' manager Lee Dong-wook (R) chats with his outfielder Aaron Altherr after batting practice ahead of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Changwon NC Park in Changwon, 400 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-14--(3rd LD) Complaint against late Seoul mayor possibly leaked, with no one claiming responsibility

The complaint was filed at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday by Park 's former secretary at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency .
@ @ @ @ @ probe until 2:30 a.m. Thursday , according to her lawyer .
On Thursday morning , @ @ @ @ @ for the day and went missing until he was found dead early Friday morning .

(ATTN: INSERTS word 'central' to clarify meaning in 4th para)
SEOUL, July 14 (Yonhap) -- Questions have been mounting if late Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon was tipped off about a sexual harassment complaint against him before apparently taking his own life.
While circumstantial evidence indicates that he might have known about the complaint, it remains unknown who leaked the information as all the involved agencies have strongly denied the suspicion.
Police claimed it briefed the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae on the case but didn't tell Park about it, while the presidential office denied having passed the information to the mayor. The Seoul metropolitan government said it hadn't been aware of the complaint at all.
But a central government official told Yonhap New Agency via telephone on Tuesday afternoon that the government understands that the city had been aware of an upcoming complaint against the mayor and updated Park on the development.
"(Park's death) happened after Mayor Park was briefed by city officials (on the upcoming complaint)," the official said requesting anonymity.
The complaint was filed at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday by Park's former secretary at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. She was under a police probe until 2:30 a.m. Thursday, according to her lawyer. On Thursday morning, Park abruptly canceled his schedule for the day and went missing until he was found dead early Friday morning.
A funeral procession for late Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon makes a stopover at his birthplace in Changnyeong, 347 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on July 13, 2020, before heading to the burial ground. (Yonhap)
During a press conference Monday, civic group officials who are helping the former secretary openly raised questions on how the case was reported to Park immediately after the complaint was filed.
"Under such circumstances, who can trust the country's system and report cases of workplace sexual abuse involving a gap in power?" asked Lee Mi-kyung, head of the Korea Sexual Violence Relief Center.
Joo Ho-young, the floor leader of the main opposition United Future Party (UFP), also suspected that Park was informed of the case either by the presidential office or the police.
"If that is true, it amounts to a violation of criminal laws," he said.
But government agencies involved in the case all denied the information leakage allegation.
"The police have no direct contact with the Seoul city government, so the suspicion is groundless," an official from the police station said. "There are sometimes cases in which we inform a heavyweight of an upcoming summons following a sufficient investigation."
Presidential spokesman Kang Min-seok also strongly denied the allegation in a text message to reporters.
"We were told on Wednesday night that a complaint was filed against the mayor, but we did not notify him of the case," a Cheong Wa Dae official, who asked not to be named, told Yonhap in a phone interview.
A vehicle carrying the coffin of late Mayor Park Won-soon leaves Seoul National University Hospital on July 13, 2020, as it heads to City Hall for the city government's funeral for him. (Yonhap)
Kim Jae-ryun, the lawyer for the former secretary, said she first consulted her client on May 12 and begun reviewing a potential legal complaint against Park on May 27. Given a nearly two-month period, there is a possibility that the information could have reached Park through other outlets.
Kim said her client had requested a transfer to another post following the alleged abuse, and shared photos and texts from Park with her friends and colleagues.
"The victim asked for help inside the city government but only heard 'the mayor was not that kind of a man,'" Lee from the relief center claimed, adding that the city government effectively turned down the victim's plea for help to stop the sexual abuse.
The Seoul metropolitan government has maintained that it learned about the complaint from news reports only after Park went missing Thursday.
Park's close aides could not be reached for comments.
Although a criminal investigation into the sexual abuse case cannot be opened since the defendant died, a separate probe into the potential leakage case can be launched.
Lee Mi-kyung, head of the Korea Sexual Violence Relief Center, speaks during a news conference at the office of a civic group in Seoul on July 13, 2020, to reveal details of allegations that late Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon sexually abused his former secretary. (Yonhap)
Demanding a formal prosecution investigation into the alleged leakage, a right-leaning civic group, Hwalbindan, lodged a complaint with the Supreme Prosecutors Office on Tuesday.
The civic group said the complaint calls for an investigation into unidentified police and Cheong Wa Dae officials accused of having tipped off the late mayor.
The group also lodged a complaint against high-ranking Seoul city officials, including Seo Jeong-hyup, first vice mayor for administrative affairs who is acting as the mayor, for allegedly cooperating with or covering up Park's alleged sexual misconduct.
The police are also planning to launch digital forensics into the late mayor's mobile phone.
"The police plan to have a discussion with the family (of Park) to fix the schedule (for the forensics)," a police officer said, adding that the discussion may take place a few days later.
Currently, the police are keeping a mobile phone of Park, Apple's latest iPhone model, which was found alongside his body last Friday.
The results of the forensics could provide necessary information to solve lingering questions over Park's death, as well as the sexual abuse and information leakage allegations raised after his apparent suicide.
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-14--Ministry to turn temporary strategy team into permanent division amid deepening Sino-U.S rivalry

Tensions between the U.S. and China continue to rise , as the two sides have been wrangling over the origins @ @ @ @ @ China 's assertive stance in the South China Sea and the U.S. ' campaign against @ @ @ @ @ among other issues .

SEOUL, July 14 (Yonhap) -- The foreign ministry plans to turn its temporary diplomatic strategy task force into a permanent division and add several more personnel to it, officials said Monday, amid a deepening Sino-U.S. rivalry.
The ministry put up a public notice on its plan for the organizational change, as it is exploring ways to address a series of diplomatic challenges stemming from growing tensions between the two major powers over trade, technology and maritime security.
Under the plan, the Task Force for Strategic Coordination, launched in June last year for a one-year term, will be incorporated into a new division, which will also absorb the current division for policy analysis.
The change is part of Seoul's efforts to map out a coherent strategy to navigate the increasingly tricky regional geopolitical landscape, as it seeks to maintain good relations with both Washington, its security ally, and Beijing, its major trading partner.
Tensions between the U.S. and China continue to rise, as the two sides have been wrangling over the origins of the new coronavirus, China's assertive stance in the South China Sea and the U.S.' campaign against Chinese telecom titan Huawei, among other issues.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-14--(2nd LD) Complaint against late Seoul mayor possibly leaked, with no one claiming responsibility

(ATTN: UPDATES with latest info in paras 4-5; ADDS photo)
SEOUL, July 14 (Yonhap) -- Questions have been mounting if late Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon was tipped off about a sexual harassment complaint against him before apparently taking his own life.
While circumstantial evidence indicates that he might have known about the complaint, it remains unknown who leaked the information as all the involved agencies have strongly denied the suspicion.
Police claimed it briefed the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae on the case but didn't tell Park about it, while the presidential office denied having passed the information to the mayor. The Seoul metropolitan government said it hadn't been aware of the complaint at all.
But a government official told Yonhap New Agency via telephone on Tuesday afternoon that the government understands that the city had been aware of an upcoming complaint against the mayor and updated Park on the development.
"(Park's death) happened after Mayor Park was briefed by city officials (on the upcoming complaint)," the official said requesting anonymity.
The complaint was filed at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday by Park's former secretary at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. She was under a police probe until 2:30 a.m. Thursday, according to her lawyer. On Thursday morning, Park abruptly canceled his schedule for the day and went missing until he was found dead early Friday morning.
A funeral procession for late Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon makes a stopover at his birthplace in Changnyeong, 347 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on July 13, 2020, before heading to the burial ground. (Yonhap)
During a press conference Monday, civic group officials who are helping the former secretary openly raised questions on how the case was reported to Park immediately after the complaint was filed.
"Under such circumstances, who can trust the country's system and report cases of workplace sexual abuse involving a gap in power?" asked Lee Mi-kyung, head of the Korea Sexual Violence Relief Center.
Joo Ho-young, the floor leader of the main opposition United Future Party (UFP), also suspected that Park was informed of the case either by the presidential office or the police.
"If that is true, it amounts to a violation of criminal laws," he said.
But government agencies involved in the case all denied the information leakage allegation.
"The police have no direct contact with the Seoul city government, so the suspicion is groundless," an official from the police station said. "There are sometimes cases in which we inform a heavyweight of an upcoming summons following a sufficient investigation."
Presidential spokesman Kang Min-seok also strongly denied the allegation in a text message to reporters.
"We were told on Wednesday night that a complaint was filed against the mayor, but we did not notify him of the case," a Cheong Wa Dae official, who asked not to be named, told Yonhap in a phone interview.
A vehicle carrying the coffin of late Mayor Park Won-soon leaves Seoul National University Hospital on July 13, 2020, as it heads to City Hall for the city government's funeral for him. (Yonhap)
Kim Jae-ryun, the lawyer for the former secretary, said she first consulted her client on May 12 and begun reviewing a potential legal complaint against Park on May 27. Given a nearly two-month period, there is a possibility that the information could have reached Park through other outlets.
Kim said her client had requested a transfer to another post following the alleged abuse, and shared photos and texts from Park with her friends and colleagues.
"The victim asked for help inside the city government but only heard 'the mayor was not that kind of a man,'" Lee from the relief center claimed, adding that the city government effectively turned down the victim's plea for help to stop the sexual abuse.
The Seoul metropolitan government has maintained that it learned about the complaint from news reports only after Park went missing Thursday.
Park's close aides could not be reached for comments.
Although a criminal investigation into the sexual abuse case cannot be opened since the defendant died, a separate probe into the potential leakage case can be launched.
Lee Mi-kyung, head of the Korea Sexual Violence Relief Center, speaks during a news conference at the office of a civic group in Seoul on July 13, 2020, to reveal details of allegations that late Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon sexually abused his former secretary. (Yonhap)
Demanding a formal prosecution investigation into the alleged leakage, a right-leaning civic group, Hwalbindan, lodged a complaint with the Supreme Prosecutors Office on Tuesday.
The civic group said the complaint calls for an investigation into unidentified police and Cheong Wa Dae officials accused of having tipped off the late mayor.
The group also lodged a complaint against high-ranking Seoul city officials, including Seo Jeong-hyup, first vice mayor for administrative affairs who is acting as the mayor, for allegedly cooperating with or covering up Park's alleged sexual misconduct.
The police are also planning to launch digital forensics into the late mayor's mobile phone.
"The police plan to have a discussion with the family (of Park) to fix the schedule (for the forensics)," a police officer said, adding that the discussion may take place a few days later.
Currently, the police are keeping a mobile phone of Park, Apple's latest iPhone model, which was found alongside his body last Friday.
The results of the forensics could provide necessary information to solve lingering questions over Park's death, as well as the sexual abuse and information leakage allegations raised after his apparent suicide.
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

In its white paper , entitled `` the Next Hyper-Connected Experience for All , '' Samsung estimated that the completion @ @ @ @ @ happen as early as 2028 and mass commercialization of the system two years later .

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Tuesday.
----------------
Complaint against late Seoul mayor possibly leaked, with no one claiming
responsibility
SEOUL -- Questions are mounting if late Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon was tipped off about a sexual harassment complaint against him before apparently taking his own life Thursday.
While circumstantial evidence indicates that he might have known about the complaint, it remains unknown who leaked the information as all the involved agencies have strongly denied the suspicion.
------------------
S. Korea to invest 160 tln won in 'New Deal' projects, create 1.9 mln jobs
SEJONG -- South Korea will invest 160 trillion won (US$133 billion) by 2025 under its bold stimulus step, the "Korean New Deal," projects that will help create 1.9 million jobs and kick-start the coronavirus-hit economy, Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki said Tuesday.
Hong unveiled what the government calls "Digital and Green New Deals" following a meeting of Cabinet ministers to stimulate Asia's fourth-largest economy, which was presided over by President Moon Jae-in.
-------------------
Another virus outbreak reported on foreign vessel in Busan
BUSAN -- Health authorities said Tuesday that a crewman on a foreign ship docked in the southeastern port city of Busan has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, raising concerns over another potential group infection.
The virus-infected sailor was on a Tuvaluan fishing vessel that has been docked at Gamcheon Port in Busan since Wednesday, according the city's health authorities.
-------------------
Samsung expects commercialization of 6G mobile services around 2030
SEOUL -- Samsung Electronics Co., South Korea's leading tech firm, said Tuesday it expects the commercialization of sixth-generation (6G) services to occur around 2030 as it works to develop technologies for the next-generation communications system.
In its white paper, entitled "the Next Hyper-Connected Experience for All," Samsung estimated that the completion of the 6G standard could happen as early as 2028 and mass commercialization of the system two years later.
-------------------
Jin Air to resume flight to Chinese city of Xian
SEOUL -- Low-cost carrier Jin Air Co. said Tuesday it will resume its flights to the Chinese city of Xian, about six months after suspending them due to the new coronavirus outbreak.
A 189-seat B737-800 is set to depart Thursday from South Korea's southern resort island of Jeju at 8:30 a.m. in the resumption of a weekly flight to Xian.
-------------------
49 coronavirus patients administered remdesivir in S. Korea
SEOUL -- South Korea so far has administered remdesivir, an experimental drug conventionally used for Ebola, to 49 coronavirus patients in critical condition here, health authorities said Tuesday.
The medication developed by U.S. pharmaceutical giant Gilead Sciences Inc. started being supplied to treat COVID-19 patients here earlier this month, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
-------------------
Korean Air matriarch gets suspended sentence for assaulting employees
SEOUL -- A Seoul court Tuesday handed down a suspended sentence to the mother of Korean Air Lines Co.'s chairman for assaulting employees.
Lee Myung-hee, 70, has been indicted without physical detention on charges of beating and insulting nine workers, including a chauffeur and a security guard, 22 times from November 2011 to April 2018.
--------------------
(LEAD) Seoul stocks down on virus fears despite stimulus plan
SEOUL -- South Korean stocks closed marginally lower Tuesday amid concerns over a global resurgence in new coronavirus outbreaks, despite a massive stimulus package and rising demand in China. The Korean won fell against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) lost 2.45 points, or 0.11 percent, to close at 2,183.61. Trading volume was high at about 800 million shares worth some 11.4 trillion won (US$9.5 billion), with losers outnumbering gainers 477 to 356.
(END)


yna--2020-07-14--Hyundai targets over 10 pct of global EV market in 2025

To compete with global EV leaders , such as Audi and Mercedes-Benz , Hyundai has been looking for ways to @ @ @ @ @ with local conglomerates Samsung Group , LG Group and SK Group in EVs and joint @ @ @ @ @ advanced technologies in future vehicles .

By Choi Kyong-ae
SEOUL, July 14 (Yonhap) -- Hyundai Motor Group said Tuesday it aims to achieve a market share of over 10 percent in the global electric vehicle (EV) market in 2025 by investing more in future mobility and introducing more EV models.
In his televised briefing on the carmaker's EV road map to President Moon Jae-in, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Vice Chairman Chung Euisun said the group is targeting to sell 1 million EVs in 2025 to expand its presence in the global EV realm.
"The year 2021 will be the first year of Hyundai Motor Group's leapfrog to become a leader in the EV markets. Next year, a next-generation EV model equipped with an EV-only platform will be launched," Chung said.
In this photo, taken on July 14, 2020, President Moon Jae-in (3rd from right) claps his hands at Cheong Wa Dae after Hyundai Motor Group Executive Vice Chairman Chung Euisun finishes his online briefing on the group's 2025 EV road map from Hyundai Motor Studio in Goyang, just north of Seoul. (Yonhap)
The briefing was part of the Moon government's New Deal plan aimed at transforming the country into a global "pacesetter" with a low-carbon economy.
Hyundai Motor Group is pushing to mass produce an EV model based on its own EV platform called the electric-global modular platform (E-GMP) next year.
The new EV model can be fully charged in only 20 minutes and can travel up to 450 kilometers on a single charge, Chung said.
Hyundai Motor and its smaller affiliate Kia Motors Corp. have sold a combined 270,000 electric vehicles in South Korea and overseas markets since 2011.
The two carmakers plan to unveil 44 eco-friendly vehicles, including 23 all-electric ones under the three separate brands of Hyundai, Hyundai's independent brand Genesis and Kia, by 2025.
Currently, the group's pure electric models are Hyundai's Kona EV and Ioniq Electric and Kia's Soul EV and Niro EV. An all-electric model under the Genesis brand is not available for now.
In recent years, global carmakers have stepped up efforts to go electric amid tightened regulations on emissions of greenhouse gases, which scientists say are to blame for global warming.
To compete with global EV leaders, such as Audi and Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai has been looking for ways to strengthen or form business ties with local conglomerates Samsung Group, LG Group and SK Group in EVs and joint investments in overseas startups with advanced technologies in future vehicles.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-14--Two members of K-pop band iKON injured in DUI car accident

The driver was placed under investigation after it was revealed that he had consumed alcohol before driving .
Police are @ @ @ @ @ two singers abetted the person to drive under the influence of alcohol .

SEOUL, July 14 (Yonhap) -- Two members of K-pop group iKON sustained minor injuries after a vehicle they were riding was involved in an accident, according to police Tuesday.
Police said a van carrying iKON singers Ju-ne and Jinhwan skidded and crashed on the side of a rainy highway in Namhae, South Gyeongsang Province, at 3:40 a.m. on Monday.
The car was driven by a non-celebrity acquaintance of the two singers. A breath test revealed that the person was intoxicated while driving.
Seen in this photo is a van which carried Ju-ne and Jinhwan, singers of K-pop group iKON, after crashing on the side of a rainy highway in Namhae-gun, South Gyeongsang Province, at 3:40 a.m. on July 13, 2020. Photo was provided by an eye witness. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The three received treatment at a local hospital after sustaining light injuries, officials said.
The driver was placed under investigation after it was revealed that he had consumed alcohol before driving. Police are also looking into whether the two singers abetted the person to drive under the influence of alcohol.
YG Entertainment, the management company of iKON, issued a statement of apology and pledged to conduct an internal investigation into the accident.
"We are deeply troubled and feel a grave sense of responsibility from the occurrence of such an accident. We sincerely apologize," the company said.
iKON debuted in 2015 with the digital single "My Type" and become hugely popular with "Love Scenario," the main track off its second studio album "Return," in early 2018.
The group later fell out of the spotlight after member B.I departed last year over allegations that he bought illegal drugs in 2016. iKON dropped its third EP album "i DECIDE" in February, its first release after the departure of B.I.
A file photo of iKON singer Ju-ne speaking to reporters at a press conference held at CGV Cheongdam theater in southern Seoul on Oct. 1, 2018. (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-14--Triathletes disciplined for alleged abuse appeal bans

Their former teammate with Gyeongju City Hall 's semi-pro club , Choi Suk-hyeon , was found dead on June 26 @ @ @ @ @ two , plus head coach Kim Gyu-bong and team therapist Ahn Joo-hyeon , of verbally @ @ @ @ @ multiple occasions .
Choi had earlier made allegations with local police and with both the @ @ @ @ @ Federation .
Choi 's pleas for help had gone unanswered , and it was only @ @ @ @ @ and sports authorities began looking into those allegations more seriously .

SEOUL, July 14 (Yonhap) -- Two triathletes penalized for allegedly abusing their former late teammate have appealed their bans.
The Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC) said Kim Do-hwan and his teammate, surnamed Jang, have submitted their appeals via email on Tuesday.
In this photo, provided by a reader on July 9, 2020, triathlete Kim Do-hwan stands before an urn containing remains of his late teammate Choi Suk-hyeon to pay his respects at a memorial park in Seongju, 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul. Kim admitted to allegations made earlier by Choi that he had physically assaulted her while they were teammates for Gyeonggju City Hall club. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Their former teammate with Gyeongju City Hall's semi-pro club, Choi Suk-hyeon, was found dead on June 26 but not before accusing the two, plus head coach Kim Gyu-bong and team therapist Ahn Joo-hyeon, of verbally and physically abusing her on multiple occasions. Choi had earlier made allegations with local police and with both the KSCO and the Korea Triathlon Federation. Choi's pleas for help had gone unanswered, and it was only after her passing that legal and sports authorities began looking into those allegations more seriously.
On July 6, the triathlon body banned Jang for life and Kim Do-hwan for 10 years. Kim Gyu-bong was also slapped with a lifetime ban and he didn't appeal.
Ahn, who wasn't on the Gyeongju club pay roll and thus wasn't punished by the triathlon body, is under police investigation for his abuse charges.
Kim Gyu-bong, Kim Do-hwan and Jang all initially denied their charges during the triathlon federation's disciplinary hearing. But Kim Do-hwan has since admitted to his wrongdoing and apologized to Choi and her family.
In this file photo from July 6, 2020, a South Korean triathlete surnamed Jang, former teammate of the late Choi Suk-hyeon on the Gyeongju City Hall semi-pro club, enters a conference room at a Seoul hotel for the disciplinary hearing by the Korea Triathlon Federation. Before her death, Choi accused Jang of physically and verbally abusing her, claims that Jang denied. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-14--Half of young people quit first jobs in less than one year: report

The portion of young people who stay at their first jobs for more than one year and less than two @ @ @ @ @ , while another 18.7 percent keep their first jobs for less than four years , @ @ @ @

SEOUL, July 14 (Yonhap) -- One in two young South Koreans quits their first job after less than one year in search of better-paying and more stable employment, a report showed Tuesday.
The report published by the Korean Labor Economic Association also found only one in 10 young people work for more than four years at their first jobs. It said 50.2 percent of young employed people leave their first jobs before a year is up.
The portion of young people who stay at their first jobs for more than one year and less than two years amounts to 18.9 percent, while another 18.7 percent keep their first jobs for less than four years, the report said.
This cartoon depicts a man browsing a recruitment ad. (Yonhap)
Only 12.2 percent retain their first jobs for more than four years, it added.
College graduates showed the highest ratio of voluntary resignation from their first jobs within one year, at 55.4 percent, compared with high school graduates (49.2 percent) and junior college graduates (41.2 percent), the report noted.
"A large number of young workers are dissatisfied with their jobs and move to another employer in search of higher wages and jobs with guaranteed employment until retirement age. It may be an exploratory process, but frequent job changes can make labor proficiency difficult and negatively affect working conditions," Hwang Kwang-hun, a researcher of the association, said.
Hwang said he compiled the report after analyzing surveys of young employed people conducted from 2007 to 2018.
He noted the incidence of separation from the first employment was higher among young men who take their first jobs later than others. The separation ratio was also higher than average in case of a mismatch between college majors and jobs and among license holders, he added.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-14--KBO club manager warns slumping starter could lose rotation spot

`` When he allows a base runner , I think he tries too hard not to get hit , and @ @ @ @ @ in the count , '' Son said in his pregame media availability at Gocheok Sky @ @ @ @ @ That drives up his pitch counts .
He also puts himself in a position where @ @ @ @ @ to throw strikes . ''

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, July 14 (Yonhap) -- Kiwoom Heroes' manager Son Hyuk doesn't question the work ethic of his starting pitcher Han Hyun-hee. But Son would also like to see Han start producing some positive results from all that work, or he may lose his job in the rotation.
The Heroes are limping into their new three-game series at home against the first-place NC Dinos that begins Tuesday, having dropped three straight games and fallen from second to third in the 10-team standings in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO).
In this file photo, from July 10, 2020, Kiwoom Heroes' manager Son Hyuk (R) reacts to an RBI hit by Lee Jung-hoo against the Kia Tigers during a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field in Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
Han was the losing pitcher Monday against the Kia Tigers after allowing seven earned runs in two innings. And that was an improvement from his previous start on July 1, when he was roughed up for 10 earned runs in 1 2/3 innings against the Doosan Bears.
Son, former pitcher and pitching coach, said Han has been too passive at times.
"When he allows a base runner, I think he tries too hard not to get hit, and he ends up falling behind in the count," Son said in his pregame media availability at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. "That drives up his pitch counts. He also puts himself in a position where he has no choice but to throw strikes."
Son acknowledged that Han, who is 3-4 with a 6.87 ERA in 11 starts this season, has been putting in the work in between starts, but it's time his work started bearing some fruit.
"This is something he has to overcome. He could lose his place in the rotation," Son said of the former reliever. "There are other pitchers who are ready to step in."
Han is far from the only Kiwoom starter who has had trouble of late. Their starters have posted an 11.64 ERA this month, more than twice as bad as the next worst team (LG Twins' 5.49).
Han Hyun-hee of the Kiwoom Heroes pitches against the Kia Tigers in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field in Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul, on July 13, 2020. (Yonhap)
"When starters get knocked out early, it makes it tough for everyone," Son said. "Fielders may lose their focus when our defensive innings drag on. As the manager, I constantly have to think about when to pull the starter and go to the bullpen."
Son will get a much-needed boost to his rotation Tuesday, with right-hander Jake Brigham returning to the hill for the first time since May 22. He'd been sidelined with an elbow injury.
Son said he is hoping Brigham could go about five innings, a feat only one Kiwoom starter, Eric Jokisch, has accomplished in July.
"Because our starting pitchers have been doing so poorly of late, I think it'd be a nice shot in the arm if Brigham pitches well today," Son said. "But it's not so much the number of pitches or innings that he throws. It's how well he pitches that's important."
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-15--S. Korea calls for global cooperation in coronavirus battle

Although the pandemic is far from over , Hong urged the world to overcome the crisis with `` innovative measures @ @ @ @ @ '' according to the ministry .

SEJONG, July 15 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's finance minister said Wednesday that the world must step up cooperation to overcome the coronavirus pandemic and kick-start an economic recovery.
Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki made the remarks at a virtual forum with top Colombian officials, including President Ivan Duque, the ministry said in a statement.
Although the pandemic is far from over, Hong urged the world to overcome the crisis with "innovative measures based on international cooperation," according to the ministry.
During the forum, South Korea and Colombia shared some of the lessons learned through their responses to the pandemic, the ministry said.
The pandemic has infected some 13 million people globally, and more than 570,000 people have died since the virus first emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan late last year.
South Korean Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki attends a virtual forum with top Colombian officials on July 15, 2020, in this photo provided by the ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-15--City to open probe into allegations of sexual misconduct by late Seoul mayor

Park Won-soon , the city 's three-term mayor , was found dead in the hills of a Seoul mountain in @ @ @ @ @ after hundreds of police and rescue officials searched for him following a missing person report @ @ @ @ @ saying `` sorry , '' was later found in Park 's study .

SEOUL, July 15 (Yonhap) -- The Seoul metropolitan government on Wednesday announced a plan to launch a probe into allegations of sexual abuse by the city's late mayor raised by his former secretary.
Park Won-soon, the city's three-term mayor, was found dead in the hills of a Seoul mountain in the early hours of Friday after hundreds of police and rescue officials searched for him following a missing person report. A handwritten note, saying "sorry," was later found in Park's study.
His abrupt death came a day after a former secretary filled a complaint with the police. On Monday, civic groups and her attorney held a press conference where they claimed the public servant suffered unwanted physical contact and received inappropriate messages from Park for over four years.
This July 13, 2020, photo shows a portrait of late Seoul mayor Park Won-soon that was carried during his funeral in Seoul. (Yonhap)
The city said it will establish a joint investigative team involving women rights and human rights groups, along with legal experts, for the case "to guarantee fairness and objectivity."
A detailed schedule for the investigation was not immediately provided.
The city said its priority will be to prevent any "secondary damages" inflicted on the former secretary and provide all possible support measures to help her recover.
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-15--Seoul city to reopen welfare facilities suspended amid pandemic

The city government said that priority will be placed on more essential programs such as free meals for low-income visitors @ @ @ @ @ , the city government plans to limit the number of program users or run programs @ @ @ @

SEOUL, July 15 (Yonhap) -- Welfare facilities in Seoul that were closed due to the new coronavirus that hit the country in late January will start running again this month, the Seoul city government said Wednesday.
Under the plan, 553 facilities for the disabled and the elderly, including job training classes, free kitchens and various caregiving programs, will open in phased steps starting July 20, according to the Seoul metropolitan government.
The municipal government said that the decision, aimed at minimizing fallout from a disruption in caregiving services, was made in consultation with health authorities and welfare facilities.
The city government said that priority will be placed on more essential programs such as free meals for low-income visitors. To minimize infection risks, the city government plans to limit the number of program users or run programs on alternate days.
Welfare facilities across the country temporarily closed amid the COVID-19 pandemic as the infectious virus is more likely to infect the elderly.
South Korea has reported more than 13,500 cases of the new coronavirus. It reported its first case on Jan. 20.
This photo, provided by the Seongdong Ward Office on June 12, 2020, shows health workers checking an elderly man's fever at a caregiving facility in the eastern Seoul ward. (Yonhap) (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-15--(LEAD) Funeral held for Korean War hero Paik

`` The general , with his spirit and body , showed what true patriotism is .
He was the symbol @ @ @ @ @ the symbol of the South Korea-U.S. alliance , '' Suh said .
`` We will @ @ @ @ @ defend the Republic of Korea that the general , together with comrades , defended with @ @ @ @ @ . ''

(ATTN: RECASTS dateline; ADDS comments, more info throughout; CHANGES photo)
By Choi Soo-hyang
SEOUL/DAEJEON, July 15 (Yonhap) -- South Korea held a funeral service Wednesday for Paik Sun-yup, a legendary Korean War hero credited with saving the country from falling under the control of North Korea, with the Army chief vowing to firmly defend the country that Paik saved with "blood, sweat and tears."
U.S. Forces Korea commander Gen. Robert Abrams also attended the funeral service held at Asan Medical Center in eastern Seoul, lauding Paik as "a patriot, a soldier's soldier and one of the founding fathers of our ironclad alliance" between the two countries.
"Farewell friend and rest in peace," Abrams said.
Also in attendance were Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Park Han-ki and politicians from the ruling and opposition parties. The funeral, presided over by Army Chief of Staff Gen. Suh Wook, was held on a small scale due to coronavirus concerns.
"The general, with his spirit and body, showed what true patriotism is. He was the symbol of South Korean Army and the symbol of the South Korea-U.S. alliance," Suh said. "We will do our best to firmly defend the Republic of Korea that the general, together with comrades, defended with blood, sweat and tears."
Paik, South Korea's first four-star general, died Friday at age 99.
He is credited for leading key battles during the 1950-53 war and contributing to the modernization of South Korea's armed forces, though he is also a subject of controversy over his pro-Japanese activities during Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule of Korea.
Paik's body was to be buried at the National Cemetery in the central city of Daejeon.
Near the cemetery, civic groups for and against his burial at the site held rallies. Police dispatched hundreds of officers to prevent clashes.
The late general's supporters blasted the government's decision to bury him in Daejeon, arguing that he should be buried at Seoul National Cemetery where former presidents, war heroes and other top patriots are laid to rest.
Opponents say Paik doesn't deserve burial at any national cemetery, let alone the Seoul cemetery, citing records he served in a pro-Japanese military force and cracked down on Korean guerilla forces fighting for independence from Japan.
The funeral for Paik Sun-yup, South Korea's best-known Korean War hero, is under way at Asan Medical Center in eastern Seoul on July 15, 2020. Paik died on July 10 at age 99. (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-15--Navy, Coast Guard conduct chopper landing drill for better disaster responses

The training was carried out in waters near the southern port city of Busan earlier in the day , involving @ @ @ @ @ two helicopters and eight Coast Guard pilots , according to the Navy .

SEOUL, July 15 (Yonhap) -- The Navy and the Coast Guard staged a helicopter landing drill on an amphibious assault ship Wednesday in a move to enhance their disaster relief capabilities, officials said.
The training was carried out in waters near the southern port city of Busan earlier in the day, involving the 14,500-ton Dokdo ship, two helicopters and eight Coast Guard pilots, according to the Navy.
Twelve pilots from the fire agency and the police also took part in the exercise, it added.
Wednesday's event was in part to help the chopper pilots earn qualifications for deck landing necessary for operations on landing ships in case of an emergency, the Navy said.
As the country's first large-scale amphibious assault ship, Dokdo is equipped with a deck that can manage five choppers at one time. The multipurpose ship is capable of undertaking a variety of missions, including disaster relief.
This undated photo provided by the Navy shows South Korea's Dokdo amphibious assault ship. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-15--N.K. official involved in missile development removed from British blacklist

He was seen last week in photos walking in the first row , along with key aides to Kim Jong-un @ @ @ @ @ visit of the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun to mark the anniversary of his late @ @ @ @ @ Il-sung , an indication of his recently heightened party status .

SEOUL, July 15 (Yonhap) -- Britain has removed a senior North Korean official deeply involved in the communist state's missile development from its blacklist subject to financial asset freezes and other sanctions.
Ri Pyong-chol, a vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of the North's ruling Workers' Party, was taken off the blacklist which was recently updated on the website of the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI), a body under the British finance ministry.
The OFSI said the removal is in line with the European Union's decision to lift Ri from its sanctions list in July 2019. It did not provide further explanation.
Ri had been on the British blacklist since October 2017 when the OFSI placed him on it, saying that he had played a pivotal role in the development of the North's ballistic missiles.
Ri, known for his long and deep involvement in the North's arms development, was recently promoted to key party posts.
He was appointed as the vice chairman of the Central Military Commission in May. Late last year, he was also promoted to a member of the party's politburo, one of the country's most powerful organizations.
He was seen last week in photos walking in the first row, along with key aides to Kim Jong-un, during the leader's visit of the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun to mark the anniversary of his late grandfather and national founder Kim Il-sung, an indication of his recently heightened party status.
Currently, a total of 137 North Korean individuals and 110 entities remain on the British blacklist, according to the website.
Ri Pyong-chol, seen in a red circle, walks along with other close aides to Kim Jong-un during the leader's visit to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun to mark the anniversary of his late grandfather and national founder Kim Il-sung, in a photo released on July 8, 2020, by the Korean Central News Agency. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-15--Japanese gets suspended prison term for breaching self-isolation rules

In the previous hearing , prosecutors demanded a six-month prison sentence for the Japanese national , saying his lack of @ @ @ @ @ taken into consideration .
The man also asked for leniency , saying he was deeply @ @ @ @ @ trouble he had caused other people , while his lawyer argued that he misunderstood South @ @ @ @ @

SEOUL, July 15 (Yonhap) -- A Japanese man who became the first foreigner arrested by South Korean police in May for violating mandatory self-isolation rules aimed at containing the coronavirus was freed on Wednesday after being given a suspended jail sentence by a local court.
The Seoul Western District Court sentenced the 23-year-old Japanese national to an imprisonment of six months, suspended for two years, after finding him guilty of breaching the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act.
He was formally put under arrest on May 21 for leaving his designated self-isolation accommodation in western Seoul eight times without permission after entering South Korea on a work visa on April 2. At that time, he received a negative result from a COVID-19 test conducted at Incheon International Airport but was ordered to self-isolate until April 15 under the current law.
But he was caught leaving his self-isolation place without permission on eight occasions to visit restaurants, an animal hospital and other places. The Japanese became the first foreigner to be put under pre-trial detention for violating the self-isolation rules.
In the previous hearing, prosecutors demanded a six-month prison sentence for the Japanese national, saying his lack of understanding of Korean law was taken into consideration. The man also asked for leniency, saying he was deeply reflecting on the inconvenience and trouble he had caused other people, while his lawyer argued that he misunderstood South Korea's quarantine rules.
"The accused visited public-use facilities despite having been ordered to self-isolate. His act deserves much criticism, but his repentance, admission of wrongdoing, absence of infections traced to him and lack of a criminal record in South Korea were taken into consideration in determining his sentence," the court said.
Under the compulsory quarantine measures, all entrants from overseas -- both Koreans and foreigners -- are obliged to self-isolate at their residences or government-designated facilities for 14 days.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-15--The Korea Interbank Offered Rates (KORIBOR)

SEOUL , Jul .
15 ( Yonhap ) -- The Korea Interbank Offered Rates ( KORIBOR ) as posted by @ @ @ @ @ news 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--2020-07-15--S. Korea plans to subject more countries to stronger virus quarantine measures: PM

`` Over the past 10 days , the proportion of imported virus cases has been bigger than that of local @ @ @ @ @ to put the focus on blocking cases coming from outside of the country , '' @ @ @ @ @

SEOUL, July 15 (Yonhap) -- In a bid to curb the continuing rise in imported new coronavirus cases, South Korea plans to put more countries on its list of nations under tougher anti-virus quarantine measures, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said Wednesday.
"(The government) will make a decision today that will additionally designate countries with higher (virus) import risks as nations that are subject to tougher quarantine measures," Chung said in a regular government COVID-19 response meeting in the administrative city of Sejong.
"For the newly designated countries, stronger quarantine measures will be applied, including visa restrictions, a limit on (inbound) flights and the submission of negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test results (for people arriving from the countries)."
The decision will add more countries, reportedly including the Philippines and Uzbekistan, to South Korea's special list of nations under tougher precautionary quarantine steps. Currently, four nations -- Bangladesh, Pakistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan -- are on the list.
The decision comes as the daily number of imported virus cases has surpassed the number of locally transmitted cases in recent days.
South Korea reported 39 new daily cases Wednesday, 28 of which were imported from outside of South Korea, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
Of the 33 new cases reported a day earlier, 19 were from outside of the country, spawning concerns about a sustained rise in such cases.
The prime minister also said South Korea will temporarily halt a visa waiver system for foreign crewmen traveling through South Korea after many cases were reported among foreign sailors arriving in South Korea through the system.
"Over the past 10 days, the proportion of imported virus cases has been bigger than that of local transmissions, making it necessary to put the focus on blocking cases coming from outside of the country," the prime minister noted.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun speaks during a regular government virus response meeting in the administrative city of Sejong on July 15, 2020. (Yonhap)
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-15--Jeju Air again presses Eastar to resolve debt payment for acquisition

Jeju Air was expected to complete the deal by June 29 as it was planning to issue 10 billion won @ @ @ @ @ June 30 , one of the prerequisites for the takeover .
Eastar Holdings was planning @ @ @ @ @ which can be converted into Jeju Air equities .

By Choi Kyong-ae
SEOUL, July 15 (Yonhap) -- Jeju Air Co., South Korea's biggest low-cost carrier, said Wednesday its planned takeover of Eastar Jet Co. will be terminated unless the smaller budget carrier resolves debt payments.
Jeju Air has demanded Eastar Jet pay off all of its debts estimated at up to 100 billion won (US$83 million), including unpaid wages to its employees, delayed payments to subcontractors and office operating expenses, by July 15.
But the cash-strapped Eastar has called the demand a tall order that cannot be met.
"We will wait for an answer from Eastar until midnight before we decide on whether to notify Eastar of the deal's termination," a Jeju Air spokesman said over the phone.
Eastar could not be reached for comment on its debt settlement plan.
This file photo, taken July 1, 2020, shows Jeju Air and Eastar Jet's planes at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul. (Yonhap)
In March, Jeju Air signed a deal to acquire a controlling 51.17 percent stake in Eastar Jet from Eastar Holdings for 54.5 billion won as part of its expansion strategy despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jeju Air was expected to complete the deal by June 29 as it was planning to issue 10 billion won worth of convertible bonds on June 30, one of the prerequisites for the takeover. Eastar Holdings was planning to purchase the bonds, which can be converted into Jeju Air equities.
But the bond issuance has been delayed, with the date to be set later according to an agreement from both sides.
Behind the delay in the acquisition process were deep-running differences between the two sides over acquisition terms.
On July 1, Jeju Air sent a letter to Eastar to demand overall debt payments if it wants to proceed with the deal.
In a press conference held June 29, Eastar Jet CEO Choi Jong-gu said the airline's founder Rep. Lee Sang-jik of the ruling Democratic Party and his family will put their entire 38.6 percent stake in the hands of the budget carrier in a move to bring Jeju's stalled takeover plan back on track.
Rep. Lee's son and daughter collectively own the 39.6 percent stake in Eastar Jet through Eastar Holdings. The value of their Eastar stake reaches 41 billion won (US$34 million).
But Jeju Air said the stake donation plan was Eastar's unilateral announcement and it falls far short of its expectations.
Jeju Air has recently obtained approval from Vietnam over the proposed takeover, a major prerequisite required to wrap up the deal.
As for the purpose of the acquisition, Jeju Air said the acquisition will help it gain a bigger market share and strengthen the company's competitiveness in global markets.
But it has recently expressed concerns that acquiring Eastar may cause bigger problems in terms of financial status with the coronavirus showing no signs of a slowdown.
The transport ministry has said it will provide financial support if the two sides narrow the gap running deep between them and seal the deal.
AK Holdings, the holding firm of South Korean retail conglomerate Aekyung Group, holds a 56.94 percent stake in Jeju Air.
This photo taken July 14, 2020, shows Eastar Jet's office at its headquarters in western Seoul. (Yonhap)
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-15--S. Korea raises guard against ASF to prevent 2nd wave: ministry

`` The level of anti-disease measures should be significantly different nowadays compared with the pre-outbreak period , '' the ministry @ @ @ @ @ plan to speed up the installation of fences at local pig farms to prevent their @ @ @ @ @ ''

By Kang Yoon-seung
SEJONG, July 15 (Yonhap) -- South Korea said Wednesday the country is making efforts to prevent a possible second wave of outbreaks of African swine fever on local farms amid a steady rise in the number of contaminated wild boars.
"We are making site visits to local farms to check if they have beefed up their facilities to fight the virus," an official from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said.
"Authorities are also monitoring all vehicles entering the farms through global positioning systems," the official added.
South Korea is controlling entry of cars involved in the livestock industry in 14 cities and towns across Gyeonggi and Gangwon provinces to prevent the spread of the virus.
ASF swept through pig farms in the inter-Korean border region last year, prompting South Korea to cull about 400,000 pigs as part of preventive measures. The country confirmed its first-ever outbreak of the animal disease in September 2019.
No ASF cases on farms have been reported since early October.
But South Korea nevertheless has been grappling with a steady rise of ASF cases among wild boars, which could spark another wave of infections among domestic pigs.
As of the end of Monday, South Korea had detected 670 cases of ASF from wild boars. All of the infections found here came from areas bordering North Korea.
The animal disease does not affect humans but is deadly to pigs. There is currently no vaccine, nor cure for the disease. The virus spreads through direct contact with infected animals or their remains.
"The level of anti-disease measures should be significantly different nowadays compared with the pre-outbreak period," the ministry official said. "We plan to speed up the installation of fences at local pig farms to prevent their contact with wild boars."
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-15--FDI pledges to S. Korea drop 22 pct in H1 amid pandemic

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development ( UNCTAD ) , meanwhile , expected that the global FDI will @ @ @ @ @ all of 2020 to reach $ 1 trillion amid the virus pandemic , which has @ @ @ @ @ so far .

By Kang Yoon-seung
SEJONG, July 15 (Yonhap) -- Foreign direct investment (FDI) pledged to South Korea dipped 22.4 percent on-year in the first half of the year as the global virus pandemic limited trades across borders amid a global economic slump, data showed Wednesday.
South Korea received US$7.66 billion worth of FDI commitments from January to June, falling from $9.87 billion a year earlier, according to the data from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. The country posted a record high FDI in the same period of 2018 at $15.7 billion.
The FDI pledged during the first half of the year was below the average of $8.98 billion posted from 2010 to 2019, the ministry added.
By sector, manufacturing drew in $2.29 billion worth of FDI pledges, down 25.7 percent from a year earlier, and the service industry attracted $5.32 billion of new investment from abroad, also down 20.9 percent on-year.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has dealt a harsh blow to global business activities, South Korea received more investment pledges in a handful of areas, including servers and e-commerce, as a rising number of people worked from home and avoided going outside, according to the ministry.
The amount of FDI pledges for the electronics industry reached $670 million over the six months, up from $190 million posted a year earlier. The pharmaceutical industry received $420 million worth of pledges, jumping from the $130 million recorded last year.
By country, investment pledges from the United States fell 43.5 percent over the first six months of this year to reach $1.76 billion, due mainly to a decline in both the manufacturing and service segments.
Those from the European Union halved to $1.31 billion, mostly due to a dip in the service sector.
FDI pledges from Japan slipped 15 percent on-year to $460 million, amid the yearlong trade row between Seoul and Tokyo.
Seoul and Tokyo have been at loggerheads since July last year after Japan abruptly rolled out restrictions on exports of key industrial materials to South Korea, which are crucial in the production of chips and displays.
FDI from China, on the other hand, shot up a whopping 184.4 percent over the cited period to $860 million, the ministry said.
South Korea has been reaching out to other nations to secure the critical items since last year, while also making efforts to produce them locally.
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), meanwhile, expected that the global FDI will shrink 40 percent on-year for all of 2020 to reach $1 trillion amid the virus pandemic, which has infected more than 13 million so far.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-15--S. Korea adopts alert system on crowded beaches to curb virus spread

Under the measure , authorities will issue the `` red '' alert when the number of visitors at beaches exceeds @ @ @ @ @ can keep safe distances , according to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries .

By Kang Yoon-seung
SEJONG, July 15 (Yonhap) -- South Korea said Wednesday it has adopted an alert system on the country's 50 major beaches that will ban the entry of additional visitors in crowded areas to stem the spread of the new coronavirus.
Under the measure, authorities will issue the "red" alert when the number of visitors at beaches exceeds the level in which they can keep safe distances, according to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.
Rental services for beach equipments will be suspended under the alert as well.
South Korea will also have the option of issuing a lower "yellow" alert, in which authorities will induce people to visit other nearby beaches, and will request vacationers to follow the country's social distancing measures.
Vacationers enjoy surfing at a beach in Yangyang, 215 kilometers east of Seoul, on July 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
Starting July 25, vacationers will also be banned from eating or drinking at beaches during night hours. Violators can be slapped with fines of up to 3 million won (US$2,497) under the country's disease control law, according to the ministry.
With a rising number of South Koreans spending their summer vacations at home as international flights are mostly grounded, around 200 beaches across the country were opened to visitors as of this week.
South Korea, which has never adopted a nationwide lockdown to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic and instead opted for social distancing guidelines, normalized most public facilities in early May as the virus curve flattened.
It nevertheless recently suffered an uptick in the number of new cases in the Seoul metropolitan area and the southwestern part of the country, where health authorities decided to raise their guards again.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-15--COVID-19 fallout in culture industry near 150 bln won in H1: report

`` Considering the tendency of more openings of concerts and exhibitions in the second half of a year , the @ @ @ @ @ industry could snowball if the virus situation persists , '' Yang Hye-won , researcher and @ @ @ @ @ , said .

SEOUL, July 15 (Yonhap) -- Estimated financial losses caused by the new coronavirus in South Korea's arts and culture industry reached nearly 150 billion won (US$124.9 million) during the first half of 2020, a report showed Wednesday.
In a report assessing the financial damage in the culture industry during the January-June period, the Korea Culture & Tourism Institute (KCTI) estimated that 6,457 performing arts events, such as concerts and theater productions, and 1,525 visual arts events, such as art exhibitions, were cancelled due to the pandemic.
Sales worth 148.9 billion won were estimated to have been wiped out from the industry over the widespread disruptions of culture events. Of those, 82.3 billion won in sales were lost in the performing arts sector while 66.6 billion won were nixed from the visual arts sector.
KCTI said the analysis was based on data from Arts Council Korea and credit card transaction cancellation figures from canceled arts and culture events during the first half.
The institute also estimated that the performing arts sector saw a drop of 30.5 billion won in labor costs due to layoffs. The visual arts sector saw a reduction of 340 million won in labor expenditures.
"Considering the tendency of more openings of concerts and exhibitions in the second half of a year, the financial damage in the culture industry could snowball if the virus situation persists," Yang Hye-won, researcher and author of the KCTI report, said.
Yang also stressed the need for the government to provide opportunities for artists to pursue projects while offering subsidies for artists for them to be able to financially endure while the virus situation continues.
Last week, the culture ministry announced a plan to inject 156.9 billion won in the arts industry during the second half of 2020, including offering grants to cash-strapped artists and discount coupons for shows and events.
This file photo from June 5, 2020, shows a rehearsal of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, with members seated far apart and wearing masks, at the Lotte Concert Hall in southeastern Seoul. (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-15--New virus cases below 40 for 2nd day; imported cases still on high plateau

The number of new local infections stayed between 20 and 40 in July but shrank to 19 on Monday and @ @ @ @ @ total on Wednesday was the lowest since June 22 , the KCDC said .

SEOUL, July 15 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new virus cases stayed below 40 for the second day in a row on Wednesday, but imported cases continued to rise, hampering the country's efforts to contain the virus.
The country added 39 cases, including 11 local infections, raising the total caseload to 13,551, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
Infections coming in from overseas have been on high plateau for weeks, with double-digit numbers of new cases for 20 consecutive days.
Of 28 additional imported cases reported, 23 were detected at quarantine checkpoints of airports and sea ports. The country reported 43 imported cases Monday, a four-month high.
This photo, taken on July 14, 2020, shows a Tuvalu-flagged deep-sea fishing vessel docked at a port in the southeastern city of Busan, where one of its 44 crewmembers tested positive for the new coronavirus. (Yonhap)
Since Monday, the country has required arrivals from four high-risk nations -- Bangladesh, Pakistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan -- to submit a certificate showing they tested negative for the virus.
Imported cases, once the main source of virus cases here, fell to a single-digit figure early last month on the back of the country's strengthened quarantine checks at airports.
But such cases have bounced back to double-digit numbers since mid-June as global virus cases have bounced back amid eased lockdowns.
Also, the number of foreign workers entering the country for the summer season increased recently.
The number of new local infections stayed between 20 and 40 in July but shrank to 19 on Monday and 14 on Tuesday. The total on Wednesday was the lowest since June 22, the KCDC said.
The densely populated Seoul and adjacent areas accounted for most of the local infections last month, but virus outbreaks have been consistently reported in other parts of the country.
Of local transmissions, six cases were reported in Seoul, three in Gyeonggi Province surrounding the capital city, the KCDC said.
The country's health authorities remain jittery over another wave of virus outbreaks in the summer.
South Korea reported no additional death, bringing the death toll to 289, the KCDC said. The fatality rate was 2.13 percent.
The total number of people released from quarantine after full recoveries stood at 12,348, up 66 from the previous day.
The country has carried out 1,431,316 tests since Jan. 3.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-15--USFK stresses S. Korea's anti-virus beach use guidelines after troop disturbances

Dozens of complaints from citizens were made about their wild acts , such as shooting firecrackers toward citizens , traffic @ @ @ @ @ which prompted USFK to express regret and vow to take appropriate action for those involved @

SEOUL, July 15 (Yonhap) -- The U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) has told its troops to follow the anti-coronavirus beach use guidelines that the southeastern city of Busan issued earlier this week after unruly July Fourth celebrations by some American service members raised the ire of local residents.
Earlier this month, unidentified American service members were accused of causing trouble on Haeundae Beach in Busan without wearing face masks despite a continued surge in COVID-19 cases, according to local authorities.
Dozens of complaints from citizens were made about their wild acts, such as shooting firecrackers toward citizens, traffic accidents and drunk driving, which prompted USFK to express regret and vow to take appropriate action for those involved.
On Monday, the Busan city government issued beach use guidelines, including the mandatory wearing of masks on Haeundae, Songjeong, Gwangalli and other beaches in the city, and the banning of eating and drinking on the beaches.
"These guidelines apply to all USFK affiliated personnel," USFK said in a Facebook post Tuesday.
The guidelines, set to take effect Monday, call for issuing a warning to first-time violators and then up to a 3 million-won (US$2,498) fine for repetitive violators.
USFK also called for refraining from handshaking, or any other action that could lead to droplet transmissions, such as singing or screaming.
This file photo taken July 5, 2020, shows an official at the southeastern port city of Busan holding a sign that asks visitors to wear masks at the city's Haeundae Beach. (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-15--(URGENT) 66 more people released after full recoveries from coronavirus, total cured patients at 12,

(URGENT) 66 more people released after full recoveries from coronavirus, total cured patients at 12,348: KCDC


yna--2020-07-15--(URGENT) S. Korea reports no additional death, total death toll at 289: KCDC


yna--2020-07-15--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 39 more cases of new coronavirus, total now at 13,551: KCDC


yna--2020-07-15--S. Korean soprano Sumi Jo releases tribute song for COVID-19 victims

The single was produced to support a fundraising project led by the Umberto Veronesi Foundation in the fight against COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ who have lost their lives to the new coronavirus .

ROME, July 15 (Yonhap) -- Grammy Award-winning South Korean soprano Sumi Jo has put out a new single album in Italy paying tribute to the victims of COVID-19, according to the singer on Wednesday.
The single album, titled "Life is a Miracle," was released last Friday in Italy. The album was produced in collaboration with Italian pianist Giovanni Allevi and tenor-guitarist Federico Paciotti.
The single was produced to support a fundraising project led by the Umberto Veronesi Foundation in the fight against COVID-19 and pay respect to those who have lost their lives to the new coronavirus.
All proceeds will be donated to the foundation, according to Jo.
In a recent interview with Italian daily Il Messaggero, Jo said she herself lost a friend during the course of the pandemic.
"I myself have suffered a serious mourning," the South Korean singer was quoted as saying.
She also recalled being moved by people's solidarity towards one another shown during the peak of the outbreak.
"I saw people every evening go out on the balconies to play and sing in solidarity," Jo said. Paciotti said the song is intended "to convey a message of hope."
A file photo of South Korean soprano Sumi Jo provided by SMI Entertainment (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-15--(LEAD) Unification ministry dismisses reports on overseas education of nominee's son

Media reports claimed that Lee spent around US $ 25,000 on tuition and living expenses for his son 's stay @ @ @ @ @ design school for about a year from 2017 .
Some have raised questions over how @ @ @ @ @ afford the costs .

(ATTN: UPDATES with more info in paras 7-8)
SEOUL, July 15 (Yonhap) -- The unification ministry on Wednesday dismissed media reports questioning how minister nominee Lee In-young was able to finance his son's overseas education, saying that the reports are inaccurate and maliciously distorted.
Media reports claimed that Lee spent around US$25,000 on tuition and living expenses for his son's stay in Switzerland to attend a design school for about a year from 2017. Some have raised questions over how the nominee was able to afford the costs.
Lee, a four-term lawmaker of the ruling Democratic Party, was nominated earlier this month for unification minister, and has been under close scrutiny ahead of a parliamentary confirmation hearing likely to take place within this month.
"The reports that the nominee's son spent $25,000 annually in attending the school in Switzerland are clearly not accurate," Yoh Sang-key, the ministry's spokesperson, told reporters during a regular press briefing.
"Simply by checking the homepage of the school in question, one can find that the annual tuition is not $25,000, but 5,000 Swiss francs ($5,316) per semester and 10,000 Swiss francs per year," he added. "We express regret over such maliciously distorted reports."
The spokesperson noted that relevant documents on the school's tuition guidance and remittance of money to Switzerland have been submitted to the National Assembly.
According to the remittance documents, Lee's son sent a total of 10,220 Swiss francs ($10,900) to the design school he attended.
Lee explained that he sent his son the full cost of tuition fees and that his son did not receive any scholarship, in a written reply sent to a member of the foreign affairs and unification committee for his confirmation hearing.
Rep. Kim Gi-hyeon of the main opposition United Future Party, who first raised the allegations, is currently demanding disclosure of documents that prove all expenses during the son's stay in Switzerland.
Lee's nomination must go through a parliamentary confirmation hearing, but the procedures are considered largely a formality as the National Assembly can only express its views on the nomination without the power to reject it.
Unification Minister nominee Lee In-young, a lawmaker of the ruling Democratic Party, arrives at the Office of Inter-Korean Dialogue in Seoul on July 6, 2020, to prepare for his parliamentary confirmation. (Yonhap)
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-15--(LEAD) S. Korea mulls opening up greenbelt zones in Seoul area to supply homes

`` Greenbelt zones are the last bastions of Seoul that have been protected even under the wave of development , @ @ @ @ @ restored once damaged .
It is the firm and consistent stance of the Seoul city @ @ @ @ @ preserve its greenbelt zones without releasing them , '' it said .

(ATTN: UPDATES with remarks from Seoul city government in paras 6-10; RESTRUCTURES)
SEOUL, July 15 (Yonhap) -- South Korea is considering opening up greenbelt zones in the Seoul metropolitan area to make more land available for housing as part of efforts to help resolve the country's housing supply shortage in the densely populated area, the transport ministry said Wednesday.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said it has formed a task force with the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Seoul city, Gyeonggi and Incheon regional governments to discuss ways to supply more homes in the capital city and adjacent areas.
In less than a week, the government has changed its stance toward easing the construction ban in the development restriction areas designated by the country to resolve housing shortage problems.
In this photo, taken on July 15, 2020, Land Minister Kim Hyun-mee speaks at a meeting with lawmakers from the ruling Democratic Party in charge of transportation policies at a National Assembly building in western Seoul.
On Friday, Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki ruled out the possibility of lifting the restrictions on the greenbelt zones to supply more homes in the greater Seoul area.
But the minister said in an interview with local broadcaster MBC on Tuesday that the government is "reviewing several options to supply more homes and is open to the possibility of lifting the bans on the greenbelt zones following the review, if necessary."
Development restriction areas in Seoul reach about 150 square kilometers, or 25 percent of its total area.
The Seoul metropolitan government has long opposed the idea of developing greenbelt areas, citing the need to protect the environment and avoid excessive expansion of the city.
It reaffirmed such a stance, threatening to boycott the transport ministry-led task force if the issue is on the table.
"Greenbelt zones are the last bastions of Seoul that have been protected even under the wave of development, and they cannot be restored once damaged. It is the firm and consistent stance of the Seoul city government that it will entirely preserve its greenbelt zones without releasing them," it said.
"Regarding the operation of the task force on expanding the supply of homes as part of efforts to stabilize the housing market, Seoul city is only taking part within the capacity of discussing follow-up steps for the July 10 housing market measures," it added, referring to the government's latest anti-speculation steps that mostly sought to limit price increases by raising tax rates.
The median price of Seoul apartments jumped 52 percent from 606 million won (US$505,000) to 920 million won in three years since the Moon Jae-in administration came into office in May 2017, according to property data from KB Kookmin Bank.
Record-low interest rates and excess liquidity, which has been pumped into the market to help revive the virus-hit economy, have contributed to soaring home prices, analysts said.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-15--S. Korea approves first group of people to serve alternative military duty

`` Today is the day we take the first step in the alternative military service system .
We will do @ @ @ @ @ system can quickly take root based on this first step , '' the committee said @ @ @ @

SEOUL, July 15 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Wednesday approved the first group of people to substitute mandatory military service for other public services due to their religious or personal beliefs, the military manpower agency said.
Last month, the country began accepting applications from conscientious objectors to do 36 months of alternative service at local correctional facilities, instead of joining the military, following the launch of a 29-member committee to review the applications.
After holding its first session, the committee approved the applications of 35 people to serve the alternative service. They will be drafted in October, according to the Military Manpower Administration.
The 35 applied for the alternative service after receiving acquittal from the Supreme Court over allegations of rejecting the mandatory military service due to their personal beliefs.
By law, all able-bodied South Korean men must carry out military service for about two years in a country that faces North Korea across one of the world's most heavily fortified borders. Violators are punished with prison terms.
During the meeting, the committee also decided on matters of consideration when reviewing the applications.
"Today is the day we take the first step in the alternative military service system. We will do our best so this new system can quickly take root based on this first step," the committee said in a release.
A meeting of a 29-member committee is under way to review applications for alternative military duty on July 15, 2020, in this photo provided by the military manpower agency. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-15--S. Korea mulls opening up greenbelt zones in Seoul area to supply homes

But the minister said in an interview with local broadcaster MBC on Tuesday that the government is `` reviewing several @ @ @ @ @ and is open to the possibility of lifting the bans on the greenbelt zones following @ @ @ @ @ . ''

SEOUL, July 15 (Yonhap) -- South Korea is considering opening up greenbelt zones in the Seoul metropolitan area to make more land available for housing as part of efforts to help resolve the country's housing supply shortage in the densely populated area, the transport ministry said Wednesday.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said it has formed a task force with the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and the Seoul city, Gyeonggi and Incheon regional governments to discuss ways to supply more homes in the capital city and adjacent areas.
In less than a week, the government has changed its stance toward easing the construction ban in the development restriction areas designated by the country to resolve housing shortage problems.
In this photo, taken on July 15, 2020, Land Minister Kim Hyun-mee speaks at a meeting with lawmakers from the ruling Democratic Party in charge of transportation policies at a National Assembly building in western Seoul.
On Friday, Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki ruled out the possibility of lifting the restriction on the greenbelt zones to supply more homes in the greater Seoul area.
But the minister said in an interview with local broadcaster MBC on Tuesday that the government is "reviewing several options to supply more homes and is open to the possibility of lifting the bans on the greenbelt zones following the review, if necessary."
Development restriction areas in the Seoul metropolitan area reach about 150 square kilometers, or 25 percent of the capital city's area.
The Seoul metropolitan government has opposed the idea of developing the greenbelt areas, to protect the environment and avoid excessive expansion of the city area.
The government has announced a series of measures to cool housing prices in Seoul and its neighboring areas, but it has failed to stabilize the property market.
Record-low interest rates and excess liquidity, which has been pumped into the markets to help revive the virus-hit economy, have contributed to soaring home prices, analysts said.
Last week, the country came up with a plan that focuses on imposing heavier tax on multiple-property owners.
The median price of Seoul apartments jumped 52 percent from 606 million won (US$505,000) to 920 million won during the three years of the Moon Jae-in government, despite the past housing measures, according to property data from KB Kookmin Bank.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-15--Suncheon Bay Nat'l Garden most popular regional travel destination in 2019

In and around Seoul , the amusement park Everland in Yongin , Gyeonggi Province , was the most popular hot @ @ @ @ @ visitors , followed by Kintex exhibition hall in Goyang , just north of Seoul , @ @ @ @ @ capital , with 5.7 million and 5.3 million visitors , respectively .

SEOUL, July 15 (Yonhap) -- The Suncheon Bay National Garden, a massive ecological park in the country's southwestern region, was the most popular regional tourist destination last year outside of hot spots in and around Seoul, according to government data Wednesday.
The number of visitors to the park, located 415 kilometers south of Seoul in the province of South Jeolla, reached 6.18 million, the largest among regional tourist destinations, last year, according to data provided by the culture ministry and its affiliated Korea Culture and Tourism Institute.
The Suncheon Bay National Garden, dubbed South Korea's "national garden," forms a UNESCO biosphere reserve together with the Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve. The area became the first Korean coastal wetland to be included on the Ramsar list of protected wetlands in 2006.
The Dodamsambong Peaks in Danyang, North Chungcheong Province, came second with 4.66 million visitors, followed by Ganggu Port in Yeongdeok, North Gyeongsang Province, and the Expo Marine Park in Yeosu, South Jeolla Province, with 3.66 million and 3.62 million visitors, respectively.
Busan's Gamcheon Culture Village and the island of Seonyudo in Gunsan, North Jeolla Province, ranked the fifth and sixth-most popular places, with the number of visitors reaching 3.08 million and 2.97 million, respectively.
In and around Seoul, the amusement park Everland in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, was the most popular hot spot, drawing 6.6 million visitors, followed by Kintex exhibition hall in Goyang, just north of Seoul, and Gyeongbok Palace in the capital, with 5.7 million and 5.3 million visitors, respectively.
A file photo of the Suncheon Bay National Garden, provided by the city of Suncheon (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-15--(Yonhap Interview) Yeon Sang-ho shows off his versatility in 'Peninsula'

`` There have been requests for a follow-up to 'Train to Busan , ' and I liked the idea but @ @ @ @ @ it at first , '' Yeon said in an interview with Yonhap News Agency on @ @ @ @ @ of brainstorming , I decided to make it a post-apocalyptic action film like 'Mad Max @ @ @ @ @ and 'Waterworld ' ( 1995 ) . ''

By Kim Boram
SEOUL, July 15 (Yonhap) -- This summer, versatile director Yeon Sang-ho has returned to the big screen with "Peninsula," a sequel to the smash-hit zombie thriller "Train to Busan" (2016).
"There have been requests for a follow-up to 'Train to Busan,' and I liked the idea but didn't expect to direct it at first," Yeon said in an interview with Yonhap News Agency on Tuesday. "After rounds of brainstorming, I decided to make it a post-apocalyptic action film like 'Mad Max 2' (1981) and 'Waterworld' (1995)."
Taking place in the same universe as its predecessor, "Peninsula," starring Gang Dong-won, features the abandoned land of South Korea, where the government collapsed after a zombie outbreak four years before.
A scene from "Peninsula" by NEW (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Jung-seok (played by Gang), a former soldier who escaped the country four years before, returns to the peninsula and fights against the walking dead, which get stronger and faster, and a group of human hunters in the zombie-hit land.
The director said his latest movie portrays people who struggle to survive in the hopeless country where humans lose their humanity and hope.
Soldiers of a military unit, who were first assigned to protect the lives of people from zombie attacks but become human hunters, represent the reality of the post-apocalyptic dystopia, he added.
"In a zombie movie, the first outbreak causes great tension and it's interesting," he said. "But after that, survivors or zombies are under the spotlight."
Director Yeon Sang-ho in this photo provided by NEW (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
To materialize the post-apocalyptic world in "Peninsula," he displayed his ability as a jack-of-all-trades who has had many titles other than film director -- producer, animation director, web cartoon writer and TV series screenwriter.
As a surefire animation director whose first feature-length animation, "The King of Pigs" (2011), was picked up by Cannes, Yeon created the eye-catching car chase scenes of "Peninsula" in 3D animation first as a playbook before going into filming.
He just filmed some scenes of actors and actresses driving or shooting in the car and wove the cuts with the computer-based version later.
"It must be very expensive to build all the settings of my movie in the real world to present the imaginary post-apocalypse," he said. "Nearly all settings and backgrounds are computer graphic works."
A scene from "Peninsula" by NEW (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Even though his third full-length film project, which was invited to this year's Cannes Film Festival, has been completed, the multifaceted director is still busy with his crossover works on other platforms.
He is now working on dramatizing his webtoon "Hell" as a Netflix original series. Earlier this year, he also wrote the 12-episode mystery horror "The Cursed" (2020) on tvN.
"I've been thinking of the characteristics of each platform as a commercial content creator," the all-around director said. "Some TV dramas have cinematic styles, and streaming services make their own movies as well."
Thanks to those off-screen projects, however, Yeon knew what he needed when creating a film to attract more people to theaters.
"When I was a child, I was so excited to go to theaters to see American sci-fi series like 'RoboCop,' 'Terminator' or 'Jurassic Park,'" the 41-year-old director said. "I made the film while constantly trying to recall those memories. I hope people feel excited and entertained after watching 'Peninsula.'"
"Peninsula" is showing in theaters from Wednesday.
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)