yna--2020-11-27--Summary of external news of North Korea this week

`` If the North holds on to its nukes to the end without giving them up , I believe there @ @ @ @ @ to reconsider nuclear armament , '' Kim Chong-in , PPP 's interim chief , said @ @ @ @ @ by the Foreign Correspondents ' Club in Seoul .

SEOUL, Nov. 27 (Yonhap) -- The following is a summary of external news of North Korea this week.
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Resumption of humanitarian aid may send 'good' message to N. Korea: Kurt Campbell
WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 (Yonhap) -- Resuming humanitarian assistance for North Korea may send a good message to the communist state to be patient while it may also enhance joint efforts by South Korea and the United States to denuclearize the North, a former U.S. diplomat said Friday.
The remarks from Kurt Campbell, former assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, were made in a meeting with three visiting South Korean lawmakers.
"Sending a message to North Korea to be patient through humanitarian assistance is a good idea," Campbell was quoted as telling the South Korean lawmakers, led by Rep. Song Young-gil of the ruling Democratic Party.
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U.S. security advisor says Korea-U.S. ties will remain strong 'whoever the president is'
SEOUL, Nov. 23 (Yonhap) -- U.S. National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien said Monday that the decadeslong relationship between Seoul and Washington will remain strong "whoever" is inaugurated as president in January.
In a telephone conference with reporters during his visit to Manila, O'Brien also voiced hope that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will eventually live up to his denuclearization commitment, amid worries Pyongyang could undertake provocations to test the incoming Joe Biden administration.
"Whatever happens on January 20, whoever the president is ... I'm convinced that the relationship, which has endured for 70 years, will continue to endure and will be a strong partnership," O'Brien said.
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Biden names Antony Blinken as new secretary of state
WASHINGTON, Nov. 23 (Yonhap) -- U.S. President-elect Joe Biden on Monday tapped former Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken to be his first secretary of state in a pre-inauguration nomination of five other top security officials that included national security adviser.
Jake Sullivan, a senior policy adviser to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, was tapped the new national security adviser, while Alejandro Mayorkas, former deputy secretary of homeland security, was named the new head of the Department of Homeland Security, according to Biden's transition team.
"Under the Biden-Harris administration, American national security and foreign policy will be led by experienced professional
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S. Korea may need to consider nuclear armament if North sticks to nukes: opposition head
SEOUL, Nov. 24 (Yonhap) -- The head of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) said Tuesday that South Korea may need to consider arming itself with nuclear weapons if North Korea ends up holding on to its nuclear weapons for good.
"If the North holds on to its nukes to the end without giving them up, I believe there is the need for us to reconsider nuclear armament," Kim Chong-in, PPP's interim chief, said during a press conference hosted by the Foreign Correspondents' Club in Seoul.
The comments were made as Kim laid out potential means of dealing with nuclear threats from the North -- either receiving protection under the U.S. nuclear umbrella or allowing the stationing of American nuclear arms on the Korean Peninsula.
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U.S. to provide up to US$3 mln in grants for human rights, democratic reforms in N. Korea
SEOUL, Nov. 25 (Yonhap) -- The U.S. State Department has offered to provide up to $3 million in grants for organizations working for human rights protection and democratic reforms in North Korea, its website showed Wednesday.
According to a notice posted on the website of the department's Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor, the grants will be provided to two to 15 organizations with the amount ranging from $50,000 to $3 million each.
"Projects should aim to have impact that leads to democratic reforms and should have the potential for sustainability beyond DRL resources," the notice said.
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N. Korea faces serious humanitarian crisis: report
SEOUL, Nov. 26 (Yonhap) -- North Korea faces a serious humanitarian crisis due to shortages of food, clean water and medical services aggravated by poor governance and repressive internal political measures, a Swiss international nongovernmental organization has said.
According to the annual "Inform Severity Index" report compiled by the Geneva-based Assessment Capacities Project (ACAPS), North Korea faces a "very high" level of humanitarian crisis severity.
This represented the highest level of a six-tier crisis evaluation scale. The North was among 13 countries with that same level of around 60 countries analyzed. The report also ranked North Korea among the countries with "very high constraints" in humanitarian access.
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Wang touts 'robustness' and 'vitality' of S. Korea-China ties
SEOUL, Nov. 26 (Yonhap) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday touted the "robustness" and "vitality" of his country's relations with South Korea, stressing his trip here, despite COVID-19, illustrates how much Beijing values the bilateral partnership.
Wang made the remarks at the start of his talks with Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha, amid speculation that Beijing will use his trip to try to bring Seoul to its side as U.S. President-elect Joe Biden envisions tightening America's alliance networks to reassert its leadership.
"My visit to South Korea, when the COVID-19 situation has yet to end, is intended to show the importance we attach to China-South Korea relations through actual action and to show confidence that South Korea can prevail in its fight over COVID-19," Wang said through an interpreter at the talks that lasted for 90 minutes.
(END)


yna--2020-11-27--Summary of inter-Korean news this week

Summary of inter-Korean news this week

`` We can not rule out the possibility of economic cooperation between the two Koreas that may come sooner than @ @ @ @ @ something in the far future if we have the opportunity to see flexibility in North @ @ @ @ @ nuclear talks and the development of coronavirus vaccines , '' Lee said .

SEOUL, Nov. 27 (Yonhap) -- The following is a summary of inter-Korean news this week.
------------
Unification minister renews calls for inter-Korean virus cooperation amid criticism
SEOUL, Nov. 20 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will push actively ahead with cooperation with North Korea once coronavirus vaccines and cures are developed, Unification Minister Lee In-young said Friday, after coming under fire for calling for sharing coronavirus vaccines with the North.
"When vaccines and treatment for COVID-19 are developed and distributed in the near future, a new environment will be created in the Korean Peninsula in which people and goods can come and go," Lee said during a meeting with medical experts Friday.
The remark came two days after Lee said the South should share coronavirus vaccines with the North even if the country runs short of its own supplies. The remark prompted criticism from conservatives as it came at a time when the country has yet to secure vaccines.
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Defense chief vows to safeguard peace with strength on N.K. attack anniversary
SEOUL, Nov. 23 (Yonhap) -- Defense Minister Suh Wook vowed Monday to safeguard peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula with strength as he marked the 10th anniversary of North Korea's deadly artillery attack on a South Korean border island.
The shelling on Nov. 23, 2010, of Yeonpyeong Island, a front-line island near the Yellow Sea border, marked the North's first attack on South Korean territory since the 1950-53 Korean War. Two Marines and two civilians were killed.
"True peace needs to be supported by strong power," Suh said in a commemorative speech during a ceremony held at a national cemetery in the central city of Daejeon. "We will establish a strong defense posture and protect the Korean Peninsula's peace and prosperity in order not to repeat the past pain."
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Unification minister says breakthrough in inter-Korean ties could come 'sooner than expected'
SEOUL, Nov. 23 (Yonhap) -- Unification Minister Lee In-young on Monday called on South Korean conglomerates to prepare for possible inter-Korean cooperation despite the current stalled relations, stressing that a breakthrough in cross-border ties could "come sooner than expected."
Lee made the remark at a meeting with officials from South Korean conglomerates, including Samsung Electronics, SK Group, LG Group and Hyundai Motor Group, whose leaders accompanied President Moon Jae-in during his visit to Pyongyang for his third inter-Korean summit in September 2018.
"We cannot rule out the possibility of economic cooperation between the two Koreas that may come sooner than expected and is not necessarily something in the far future if we have the opportunity to see flexibility in North Korean sanctions, progress in nuclear talks and the development of coronavirus vaccines," Lee said.
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Unification minister calls for food, fertilizer aid to N. Korea
SEOUL, Nov. 26 (Yonhap) -- Unification Minister Lee In-young said Thursday that South Korea should provide food and fertilizer aid to North Korea next spring at the latest to help the impoverished nation address chronic food shortages.
"There are warnings that the coronavirus is crippling production and supply chains for crops, and climate change is making things worse, which will likely cause extreme famine and difficulty in securing food," Lee said at an international forum in Seoul to discuss ways to realize a world without hunger.
"Against this backdrop, we cannot help but think about North Korean residents suffering from a triple whammy of the fallout from flood, the coronavirus and sanctions," he added. "If necessary, South Korea should seek to cooperate with the North at a right time through such ways as (provision of) food, fertilizer and others around spring next year."
(END)


yna--2020-11-27--Summary of domestic news in North Korea this week

`` By focusing solely on the speed without ensuring quality , we can not avoid re-production and re-construction and our @ @ @ @ @ only go to waste , '' the Rodong Sinmun , the organ of the North @ @ @ @ @ in an editorial .

SEOUL, Nov. 27 (Yonhap) -- The following is a summary of domestic news in North Korea this week.
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N. Korea calls for tighter border controls amid global COVID-19 resurgence
SEOUL, Nov. 22 (Yonhap) -- North Korea on Sunday called for tighter border controls against the coronavirus, urging its officials to stay on "high alert at all times" amid a global resurgence in the virus cases.
North Korea has recently intensified calls for tightened preventive measures against COVID-19 after leader Kim Jong-un held a politburo meeting of the Workers' Party and stressed the need to "keep a high alert, build a tight blocking wall and further intensify the anti-epidemic work."
"Building a flawless blockade of barrier in preparation for the worsening global health pandemic is a critical issue in intensifying the antivirus campaign," the Rodong Sinmun, the organ of the ruling party, said Sunday.
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N. Korea publishes picture album featuring weapons under leader Kim Jong-un
SEOUL, Nov. 24 (Yonhap)-- North Korea on Tuesday published a picture album showing off an intercontinental ballistic missile and other weapons, amid its unusually long silence on the U.S. election results.
The 120-page album, titled "For Strengthening the National Defence Capability" published by Foreign Languages Publishing House, features the history of missile and weapons development since leader Kim Jong-un took power in 2011.
The album includes photos from his tactical training of marines in 2012 to the North's latest military parade marking the 75th founding anniversary of its ruling Workers' Party last month.
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N.K. paper calls for quality over quantity to achieve self-reliance
SEOUL, Nov. 25 (Yonhap) -- North Korea's official newspaper called Wednesday for putting quality ahead of quantity in construction and manufacturing, saying an obsession with speed will end up with defects and a waste of money and efforts.
"By focusing solely on the speed without ensuring quality, we cannot avoid re-production and re-construction and our precious materials and funds will only go to waste," the Rodong Sinmun, the organ of the North's ruling party, said in an editorial.
The paper stressed the importance of "competition for quality of the products" in socialism and capitalism, saying that its nation-first policy will only stay "true and solid" if North Korean products are better in quality than foreign goods.
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N. Korea-China trade dips 73 pct this year on pandemic impact
SEOUL, Nov. 27 (Yonhap) -- North Korea's trade with China plunged more than 70 percent in the first nine months of the year due to Pyongyang's border closure with its ally to stem the spread of the new coronavirus, a report showed Friday.
Exports and imports between the two countries came to US$530 million in the January-September period, down 73 percent from a year earlier, according to the report by the Korea International Trade Association (KITA).
North Korea's exports to its biggest economic partner nose-dived 70 percent on-year to $46 million, with its imports sinking 73 percent to $490 million.
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N. Korea builds some 2,300 houses in typhoon-hit mining town
SEOUL, Nov. 27 (Yonhap) -- North Korea has completed the construction of around 2,300 new houses in an eastern mining town hard hit by a strong typhoon this summer, state media reported Friday.
The construction came after the Komdok area of South Hamgyong Province was buffeted by Typhoon Maysak in September, which left the mining town "under muddy water and stones," according to the Korean Central News Agency.
"Single-, low- and multi-storied dwelling houses for 2,300 households, public buildings and parks have been successfully built to turn misfortune into blessings in the area," the KCNA said.
(END)


yna--2020-11-27--Key developments on North Korea this week

25 -- U.S. to provide up to US $ 3 mln in grants for human rights , democratic reforms in @ @

SEOUL, Nov. 27 (Yonhap) -- The following are key developments regarding North Korea this week.
------
Nov. 23 -- Biden names Antony Blinken as new secretary of state
-- Unification minister says breakthrough in inter-Korean ties could come 'sooner than expected'
25 -- U.S. to provide up to US$3 mln in grants for human rights, democratic reforms in N. Korea
26 -- S. Korea, China hold FM talks
-- Unification minister calls for food, fertilizer aid to N. Korea
(END)


yna--2020-11-27--S. Korea's state pension fund logs over 4 pct return in Jan.-Sept.

`` ( The NPS ) logged profits despite the uncertain global economy amid the COVID-19 outbreak , '' the operator @ @ @ @ @ and global stock markets recovered in the third quarter as major economies rolled out stimulus @ @ @ @ @ cope with the pandemic fallout . ''

SEOUL, Nov. 27 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's state pension fund posted a return rate of over 4 percent through September on robust performances in domestic and overseas stock markets, its operator said Friday.
The state pension fund registered a 4.17 percent investment return at the end of September, according to the National Pension Service (NPS).
It chalked up a 8.47 percent investment return from the local stock market and a 3.28 percent yield from investments in overseas stocks.
The fund's return rates from investment in domestic and foreign bonds reached 2.69 percent and 6.01 percent, respectively, while the yield for alternative asset investments came to 3.94 percent.
The logo of the National Pension Service (Yonhap)
"(The NPS) logged profits despite the uncertain global economy amid the COVID-19 outbreak," the operator said. "The domestic and global stock markets recovered in the third quarter as major economies rolled out stimulus and monetary easing measures to cope with the pandemic fallout."
Last year, the NPS posted a record yield of 11.3 percent.
The NPS, one of the world's leading pension funds, had 785.4 trillion won (US$711.7 billion) in assets under its management as of end-September, up 48.8 trillion won from the end of 2019.
ejkim@yna.co.kr
(END)


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(END)


yna--2020-11-28--(LEAD) Suspected avian flu reported from duck farm

The ministry said it has also issued a lockdown order for all poultry farms and livestock facilities and vehicles across @ @ @ @ @ effect at midnight and will last for 48 hours .

(ATTN: UPDATES with culling of poultry in last 3 paras)
SEOUL, Nov. 28 (Yonhap) -- A suspected case of highly pathogenic bird flu was reported among ducks at a livestock farm in southwestern South Korea, the agriculture ministry said Saturday.
The agriculture ministry said avian influenza (AI) of the H5 strain was detected from ducks at a farm in Jeongeup, a North Jeolla Province city about 290 kilometers south of Seoul, in a pre-shipment test conducted on Thursday.
This file photo shows disinfection under way in Icheon, southeast of Seoul, on Nov. 20, 2020, after an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza was reported among wild birds there. (Yonhap)
It marked the first suspected case of highly pathogenic AI detected among domestic poultry in the country this year. All other cases reported so far involved wild birds.
The Jeongeup farm is breeding about 19,000 broiler ducks, and there are six other poultry farms within a radius of 3 km and 60 farms within a radius of 3 to 10 km, the ministry said.
The final test results for the suspected case will come out in a few days, it noted.
The ministry said it has already taken preemptive measures, including access control and preventive culling, after sending an emergency response team to the concerned farm.
The ministry said it has also issued a lockdown order for all poultry farms and livestock facilities and vehicles across the nation, which took effect at midnight and will last for 48 hours.
Highly pathogenic AI is highly contagious and can cause severe illness and even death in poultry.
The North Jeolla provincial government announced Saturday that it will cull about 392,000 chickens and ducks at livestock farms located within 3 km of the Jeongeup duck farm as part of its preventive measures.
The poultry to be culled are 292,000 chickens and 100,000 ducks, it said, adding all 19,000 ducks at the Jeongeup farm were already slaughtered.
"Areas within a 10-km radius of the Jeongeup farm have been designated as an intensive quarantine zone. All quarantine equipment and helicopters have been mobilized to strengthen disinfection in the areas," a provincial official said.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-28--(LEAD) Army artillery school reports 17 COVID-19 infections

Sixteen soldiers undergoing training or stationed at the Sangmudae Artillery School in Jangseong , 310 kilometers south of Seoul , @ @ @ @ @ Saturday after an Army officer from the same compound tested positive for the virus the @ @ @ @ @ said .

(ATTN: UPDATES with military tally in last 3 paras)
SEOUL, Nov. 28 (Yonhap) -- An Army artillery school in southwestern South Korea has reported large-scale coronavirus infections among its soldiers, local health authorities said Saturday.
Sixteen soldiers undergoing training or stationed at the Sangmudae Artillery School in Jangseong, 310 kilometers south of Seoul, were diagnosed with COVID-19 on Saturday after an Army officer from the same compound tested positive for the virus the previous day, the authorities said.
All of the 16 new patients had come into contact with the officer, they said.
This undated file photo shows an Army soldier taking a coronavirus test. (Yonhap)
The officer reportedly visited Seoul from Nov. 12-15 before returning to the artillery school to receive training, they said, adding he displayed coronavirus symptoms, such as paralysis of the sense of smell, beginning Monday.
Soon after the officer's infection was confirmed, the artillery school conducted COVID-19 tests for all 296 soldiers on the compound and 29 civilians allegedly exposed to the first patient. All the civilians had negative results.
Earlier this week, the military enforced a tighter social distancing scheme banning troops from vacationing and taking off-installation trips after cluster outbreaks took place at several barracks nationwide.
The defense ministry said the cumulative number of coronavirus infections in the military rose to 367 as of Saturday. Of them, 181 are still undergoing medical treatment, with the remaining 186 released from treatment.
At an Army base in Iksan, North Jeolla Province, all 900 troops and others are currently being tested for the coronavirus after three officers there were recently found to be infected.
Since Wednesday, 66 newly enlisted soldiers and four officers have tested positive for COVID-19 at an Army boot camp in Yeoncheon, northeast of Seoul.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-28--N. Korea steps up coronavirus quarantine in coastal areas: paper

`` One of the important issues related to robustly strengthening emergency quarantine strongholds is about health care workers fulfilling their @ @ @ @ @ their jobs while remaining vigilant again and again about their work , '' the article @ @

SEOUL, Nov. 28 (Yonhap) -- North Korea's main newspaper on Saturday reported on military efforts to strengthen the monitoring of coastal areas and the responsibility of front-line health care workers in a stepped-up campaign against the new coronavirus.
The Rodong Sinmun published articles highlighting the importance of maintaining a strong push to prevent COVID-19 transmissions, as the virus continues to resurge around the world, including in South Korea.
"Surveillance posts deployed along the coastal areas are strengthening the anti-virus monitoring of maritime areas and further increasing requirements to report immediately to relevant organizations so as not to miss even a trivial abnormality," one article read.
The article introduced military quarantine efforts in the two towns of Haeju and Sonchon.
In a separate article, the paper emphasized the role of health care and medical professionals.
"One of the important issues related to robustly strengthening emergency quarantine strongholds is about health care workers fulfilling their high responsibilities for carrying out their jobs while remaining vigilant again and again about their work," the article read.
Earlier this month, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un presided over a key meeting of the ruling Workers' Party, during which he called for a stronger anti-pandemic campaign.
Staffers at Samjiyon Inn in Samjiyon, North Korea, disinfect a room in this photo released by the Korean Central News Agency on Nov. 21, 2020. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-28--Army artillery school reports 17 COVID-19 infections

SEOUL, Nov. 28 (Yonhap) -- An Army artillery school in southwestern South Korea has reported large-scale coronavirus infections among its soldiers, local health authorities said Saturday.
Sixteen soldiers undergoing training or stationed at the Sangmudae Artillery School in Jangseong, 310 kilometers south of Seoul, were diagnosed with COVID-19 on Saturday after an Army officer from the same compound tested positive for the virus the previous day, the authorities said.
All of the 16 new patients had come into contact with the officer, they said.
This undated file photo shows an Army soldier taking a coronavirus test. (Yonhap)
The officer reportedly visited Seoul from Nov. 12-15 before returning to the artillery school to receive training, they said, adding he displayed coronavirus symptoms, such as paralysis of the sense of smell, beginning Monday.
Soon after the officer's infection was confirmed, the artillery school conducted COVID-19 tests for all 296 soldiers on the compound and 29 civilians allegedly exposed to the first patient. All the civilians had negative results.
Earlier this week, the military enforced a tighter social distancing scheme banning troops from vacationing and taking off-installation trips after cluster outbreaks took place at several barracks nationwide.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-28--(LEAD) Virus tally exceeds 500 for 3rd day; authorities under pressure to toughen social distancing

The daily infection tally has stayed in the triple digits since Nov. 8 , with the figure hovering above 300 @ @ @ @ @ Monday .
Amid deepening worries over the third infection wave , the government is expected @ @ @ @ @ social distancing curbs on Sunday .

(ATTN: ADDS more info in paras 6-7, 10-12)
SEOUL, Nov. 28 (Yonhap) -- The daily number of new coronavirus cases in South Korea exceeded 500 for the third straight day Saturday, as health authorities face growing pressure to toughen social distancing restrictions amid continued sporadic infections across the country.
The country added 504 more COVID-19 cases, including 486 local infections, raising the total caseload to 33,375, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). It reported six additional coronavirus fatalities, bringing the total to 522.
The daily infection tally has stayed in the triple digits since Nov. 8, with the figure hovering above 300 since Nov. 18 except for Monday. Amid deepening worries over the third infection wave, the government is expected to decide how to readjust social distancing curbs on Sunday.
The latest figure is down from 569 on Friday and 583 cases on Thursday when the daily tally spiked to an eight-month high.
Fears of transmission have further risen as over 493,400 students across the country are set to take the state-run college entrance exam on Thursday next week, with cluster infections at private gatherings, public facilities and the military complicating quarantine efforts.
This photo, taken on Nov. 27, 2020, shows military personnel conducting disinfection work at a state college entrance examination site in Sokcho, 213 kilometers east of Seoul. (Yonhap)
The KDCA said that 176 new virus cases were reported from Seoul, while the daily tallies for Gyeonggi Province, Gangwon Province, Busan and Incheon stood at 122, 33, 27 and 25, respectively.
Of the total 18 imported cases, eight were from the Americas and another eight from Asia excluding China.
The authorities have raised the social distancing level by one notch to Level 2, the third-highest in the country's five-tier system, in the Seoul metropolitan area, where the majority of virus cases have been identified, and began to apply enhanced measures from Tuesday.
Other municipalities have also been enforcing tougher distancing rules depending on their virus situation.
On Sunday, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters plans to convene a session to discuss whether to raise the social distancing level for the Seoul metropolitan area and other provinces.
The move came as some medical experts warned that if the government does not employ more stringent measures to contain the pandemic, the daily virus count could soar to 1,000.
Quarantine officials, however, appear circumspect about rushing to toughen social distancing curbs, as the recently strengthened restrictions will take some time to show their effect.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 27,349, up 246 from the previous day.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-28--Seoul shares likely to move in tight range next week on valuation burden

The Bank of Korea revised up this year 's economic growth outlook to 1.1 percent contraction , up from the @ @ @ @ @ percent retreat .
Next year 's forecast was also raised to 3 percent expansion , @ @ @ @ @ percent growth forecast .

By Chung Joo-won
SEOUL, Nov. 28 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks are likely to move in a tight range next week, as the benchmark index's recent rally may prod investors to cash in part of gains.
Despite a surge in new daily COVID-19 cases, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed at 2,633.45 points Friday, up 3.13 percent from a week ago.
Foreigners' extended buying spree helped boost the market rally for the past several days. They bought a net 2 trillion won worth of local stocks on the main bourse this week, while institutions sold a net 1.95 trillion won, according to data from the Korea Exchange (KRX).
Analysts said foreign buying was fueled by the progress in COVID-19 vaccine development and South Korea's faster-than-expected recovery from the pandemic.
Electronic signboards at a Hana Bank dealing room in Seoul show the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed at 2,633.45 on Nov. 27, 2020, up 7.54 points, or 0.29 percent, from the previous session's close. (Yonhap)
The Bank of Korea revised up this year's economic growth outlook to 1.1 percent contraction, up from the previous forecast of a 1.3 percent retreat. Next year's forecast was also raised to 3 percent expansion, up from the previous 2.8 percent growth forecast.
In the coming week, the KOSPI's uptick momentum is likely to be pegged by valuation pressure, analysts said.
The KOSPI set new all-time highs every session this week except Wednesday, leaving investors questioning the longevity of the November rally.
"KOSPI's further hike would require more ammunition, such as promising earnings estimates for 2022," NH Investment & Securities analyst Kim Young-hwan said.
Investors will have to digest key data, including South Korea's gross domestic production and November exports data.
China's Caixin manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) and the U.S. Institute for Supply and Management (ISM) manufacturing index will be published on Tuesday (Korea time).
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-28--Suspected avian flu reported from duck farm

SEOUL, Nov. 28 (Yonhap) -- A suspected case of highly pathogenic bird flu was reported among ducks at a livestock farm in southwestern South Korea, the agriculture ministry said Saturday.
The agriculture ministry said avian influenza (AI) of the H5 strain was detected from ducks at a farm in Jeongeup, a North Jeolla Province city about 290 kilometers south of Seoul, in a pre-shipment test conducted on Thursday.
This file photo shows disinfection under way in Icheon, southeast of Seoul, on Nov. 20, 2020, after an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza was reported among wild birds there. (Yonhap)
It marked the first suspected case of highly pathogenic AI detected among domestic poultry in the country this year. All other cases reported so far involved wild birds.
The Jeongeup farm is breeding about 19,000 broiler ducks, and there are six other poultry farms within a radius of 3 km and 60 farms within a radius of 3 to 10 km, the ministry said.
The final test results for the suspected case will come out in a few days, it noted.
The ministry said it has already taken preemptive measures, including access control and preventive culling, after sending an emergency response team to the concerned farm.
The ministry said it has also issued a lockdown order for all poultry farms and livestock facilities and vehicles across the nation, which took effect at midnight and will last for 48 hours.
Highly pathogenic AI is highly contagious and can cause severe illness and even death in poultry.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-28--Virus tally exceeds 500 for 3rd day; authorities under pressure to toughen social distancing

SEOUL, Nov. 28 (Yonhap) -- The daily number of new coronavirus cases in South Korea exceeded 500 for the third straight day Saturday, as health authorities face growing pressure to toughen social distancing restrictions amid continued sporadic infections across the country.
The country added 504 more COVID-19 cases, including 486 local infections, raising the total caseload to 33,375, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). It reported six additional coronavirus fatalities, bringing the total to 522.
The daily infection tally has stayed in the triple digits since Nov. 8, with the figure hovering above 300 since Nov. 18 except for Monday. Amid deepening worries over the third infection wave, the government is expected to decide how to readjust social distancing curbs on Sunday.
The latest figure is down from 569 on Friday and 583 cases on Thursday when the daily tally spiked to an over eight-month high.
Fears of transmission have further risen as over 493,400 students across the country are set to take the state-run college entrance exam on Thursday next week, with cluster infections at private gatherings, public facilities and the military complicating quarantine efforts.
This photo, taken on Nov. 27, 2020, shows military personnel conducting disinfection work at a state college entrance examination site in Sokcho, 213 kilometers east of Seoul. (Yonhap)
The authorities have raised the social distancing level by one notch to Level 2, the third-highest in the country's five-tier system, in the Seoul metropolitan area, where the majority of virus cases have been identified, and began to apply enhanced measures from Tuesday.
Other municipalities have also been enforcing tougher distancing rules depending on their virus situation.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 27,349, up 246 from the previous day.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-28--(URGENT) 246 more patients released from coronavirus treatment, total at 27,349: KDCA

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


yna--2020-11-28--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 6 additional coronavirus deaths, total at 522: KDCA


yna--2020-11-28--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 504 new coronavirus cases, total at 33,375: KDCA


yna--2020-11-28--Top headlines in major S. Korean newspapers

Korean-language dailies -- Controversy over illegality of prosecution 's alleged 'surveillance document ' rises ; judges say 'suspicion should be addressed ' ( Kyunghyang Shinmun ) -- Yoon argues document is 'one-off ' material ; controversy on 'judge document ' escalates ( Kookmin Daily ) -- COVID-19 tally exceeds 500 for 2nd consecutive day ; authorities mull toughening social distancing ( Donga llbo ) -- Despite pushback from prosecutors , Choo determined to plow ahead with disciplinary action against Yoon ( Segye Times ) -- Prosecutors from 18 district prosecution offices issue statement against Yoon 's suspension ; Choo Mi-ae @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Yoon Seok-youl ( Chosun Ilbo ) -- Yoon faces three turning points ( JoongAng Ilbo ) -- Court judgment precedes disciplinary panel deliberation ; Nov. 30 to mark watershed for his fate as top prosecutor ( Hankyoreh ) -- In favor of whom will the scale of law be tipped ?
Nov. 30 day of reckoning on clash between Choo and Yoon ( Hankook Ilbo ) -- Koo Gwang-mo sets in motion aggressive management drive for LG ( Maeil Business Newspaper ) -- Application of health insurance to spinal magnetic resonance imaging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ END )

SEOUL, Nov. 28 (Yonhap) -- The following are the top headlines in major South Korean newspapers on Nov. 28.
Korean-language dailies
-- Controversy over illegality of prosecution's alleged 'surveillance document' rises; judges say 'suspicion should be addressed' (Kyunghyang Shinmun)
-- Yoon argues document is 'one-off' material; controversy on 'judge document' escalates (Kookmin Daily)
-- COVID-19 tally exceeds 500 for 2nd consecutive day; authorities mull toughening social distancing (Donga llbo)
-- Despite pushback from prosecutors, Choo determined to plow ahead with disciplinary action against Yoon (Segye Times)
-- Prosecutors from 18 district prosecution offices issue statement against Yoon's suspension; Choo Mi-ae set to plow ahead with disciplinary procedure for Yoon Seok-youl (Chosun Ilbo)
-- Yoon faces three turning points (JoongAng Ilbo)
-- Court judgment precedes disciplinary panel deliberation; Nov. 30 to mark watershed for his fate as top prosecutor (Hankyoreh)
-- In favor of whom will the scale of law be tipped? Nov. 30 day of reckoning on clash between Choo and Yoon (Hankook Ilbo)
-- Koo Gwang-mo sets in motion aggressive management drive for LG (Maeil Business Newspaper)
-- Application of health insurance to spinal magnetic resonance imaging delayed (Korea Economic Daily)
(END)


Saturday's weather forecast

SEOUL , Nov. 28 ( Yonhap ) -- The following is the weather forecast for South Korea 's 12 major @ @ @ @ @ .


yna--2020-11-28--East coast towns cancel annual sunrise festivals due to coronavirus fears

Meanwhile , the municipalities of Samcheok and Yangyang , located south and north , respectively , of Gangneung , said @ @ @ @ @ whether to cancel their annual sunrise festivals and events , as some of them hold @ @ @ @ @ of local customs .

SEOUL, Nov. 28 (Yonhap) -- East coast cities and towns are nervously waiting for the onset of the year-end and new year holiday season, fearing a massive influx of tourists at their sunrise hotspots will further heighten chances of the spread of the coronavirus.
Many local governments along Gangwon Province's eastern coast have already canceled their annual sunrise festivals in accordance with health authorities' toughened social distancing guidelines, while some others will scale down events or remain undecided due to their reluctance to give up huge tourism revenues.
According to Gangwon officials on Saturday, two east coast cities -- Sokcho and Donghae -- and Goseong County, which are home to many popular sunrise locations, have already canceled their annual sunrise events to help stem the spread of COVID-19.
This undated file photo shows people watching the sunrise on Jeongdongjin Beach in Gangneung, Gangwon Province. (Yonhap)
In the previous years, they used to welcome visitors wanting to greet the new year at romantic hotspots with concerts, traditional performances, folk games, fireworks shows and other colorful events.
"We once mulled over a 2021 sunrise festival to wish for the prosperity of both citizens and tourists. But in consideration of the ongoing fight against the coronavirus, we've finally canceled all official sunrise events," a municipal official in Sokcho said.
Instead of forgoing sunrise festivals and events, the east coast cities and town said they will refurbish their tourist facilities and strengthen disinfection to help minimize the inconvenience of tourists visiting sunrise hotspots.
In addition, the municipalities will closely communicate with police and firefighters to relieve traffic congestion and prevent safety accidents near major sunrise spots. They will also increase the deployment of safety personnel on popular beaches.
Traditionally, Koreans have attached enormous significance to viewing the year's first sunrise and last sunset to look back on the past year and wish for prosperity and happiness in the coming 12 months. Ideal sunrise spots are mostly located on the eastern coast.
This file photo provided by Donghae City Hall shows the first sunrise of 2020 on Mangsang Beach in the Gangwon Province city. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The municipality of Gangneung, 237 km east of Seoul and home to Jeongdongjin Beach and Gyeongpodae Beach, two of the nation's most popular sunrise locations, has decided to drastically scale down its sunrise events.
All official sunrise performances and events, except for the sand clock rotation ceremony at Jeongdongjin, will be canceled, Gangneung officials said, adding they will concentrate on improving the convenience of tourists, including the installation of heat tents on beaches.
The municipality will also offer a live broadcast of the sunrise at its major beaches through YouTube.
"All east coast local governments are in a dilemma because they cannot actively welcome or shun sunrise tourists, particularly due to the impact on the local economy," a Gangneung city government official said.
Meanwhile, the municipalities of Samcheok and Yangyang, located south and north, respectively, of Gangneung, said they have yet to decide whether to cancel their annual sunrise festivals and events, as some of them hold huge symbolic significance in terms of local customs.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


(Copyright)


yna--2020-11-29--Output of domestic alcohol down 10 pct, yet imports double in 5 yrs: data

The total production of alcoholic beverages made in the country came to 337 million kiloliters in 2019 , down 11.3 @ @ @ @ @ in 2014 , according to the data by the National Tax Service ( NTS ) @

SEOUL, Nov. 29 (Yonhap) -- Output of domestic alcoholic beverages decreased by over 10 percent over the past five years, but imports of alcohol nearly doubled during the same period, government data showed Sunday.
The total production of alcoholic beverages made in the country came to 337 million kiloliters in 2019, down 11.3 percent from 390 million kiloliters in 2014, according to the data by the National Tax Service (NTS).
This Yonhap file photo shows a customer picking a wine. (Yonhap)
In contrast, a total of 460,000 kiloliters of alcoholic beverages was imported last year, up 125 percent from 2014, the NTS data showed.
The production of local alcoholic beverages had increased starting in 2013, before the latest contraction, partly on the back of consistent demand for soju and other rice wines.
A total of 356,000 kiloliters of beer was imported last year, a nearly twofold increase from 2014, the data showed, despite a movement to boycott Japanese products after Tokyo implemented regulations on exports to Seoul of three key industrial materials in 2019.
Local vendors imported 53,000 kiloliters of wine last year, up 48.1 percent from 36,000 kiloliters in 2014, the data showed.
Industry watchers forecast wine imports to continue to increase down the road as more people enjoy drinking at home and alone amid the pandemic.
In contrast, imports of whisky and brandy sank 31.5 percent to 12,000 kiloliters in 2019, the data showed, with such imports expected to continue to decrease as people shun drinking at bars due to virus-caused social distancing measures.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-29--S. Korea ups response against highly pathogenic bird flu

The last confirmed case at a farm was reported in March 2018 , according to the ministry .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ of highly pathogenic bird flu are reported in wild birds as well as at poultry @ @ @ @ @ Kim Hyun-soo said in a online briefing .

SEOUL, Nov. 29 (Yonhap) -- South Korea stepped up efforts to curb spread of the highly pathogenic bird flu as the country reported a case at a duck farm for the first time in 32 months, the agriculture ministry said Sunday.
On Saturday, the country confirmed its first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) of the H5N8 strain among domestic poultry at a duck farm in Jeongeup, a North Jeolla Province city about 290 kilometers south of Seoul.
The last confirmed case at a farm was reported in March 2018, according to the ministry.
"It is very concerning that cases of highly pathogenic bird flu are reported in wild birds as well as at poultry farms," Agriculture Minister Kim Hyun-soo said in a online briefing.
South Korea reported its first confirmed case of the highly pathogenic bird flu in a wild bird on Oct. 21.
The agriculture ministry placed a travel ban on people and cars within a certain radius of the area where the AI strain was discovered and ratcheted up disinfection in affected areas.
The government has also banned vehicles carrying livestock from entering restricted areas for migratory birds.
Highly pathogenic AI is very contagious and can cause severe illness in poultry and even death.
Officials of South Korea's agriculture ministry steer an unmanned chopper on Nov. 26, 2020, to disinfect wintering sites for migratory birds in Cheongju, 137 kilometers south of Seoul, as part of efforts to curb the spread of bird flu. (Yonhap)
sam@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-29--Ruling party raises coronavirus vaccine supply target to 44 mln people

Next year 's state budget proposal was drawn up without funding for a coronavirus vaccine because the government has yet @ @ @ @ @ recent vaccine developments at home and abroad have apparently led the ruling party to push @ @ @ @ @ parliamentary session .

SEOUL, Nov. 29 (Yonhap) -- The ruling Democratic Party has raised its coronavirus vaccine supply target to 44 million people, or 85 percent of the country's population, a key party source said Sunday.
The figure is sharply higher than the 30 million target previously cited by health authorities.
To secure the vaccines, the party plans to seek an additional 1.3 trillion won (US$1.18 billion) in next year's state budget, currently under deliberation at the National Assembly, according to the source.
"Wouldn't all citizens want a shot if a safe vaccine is developed?" the source said in a phone call with Yonhap News Agency.
Next year's state budget proposal was drawn up without funding for a coronavirus vaccine because the government has yet to choose one. But recent vaccine developments at home and abroad have apparently led the ruling party to push for funding during the current parliamentary session.
Together with a third round of disaster relief funds demanded by opposition parties, the total budget proposal for coronavirus relief is expected to reach around 5 trillion won.
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-29--Scientists discover bones of seal lions from Ulleung

The announcement came after a group of local scientists found 20 pieces of animal bones from Ulleung in the East @ @ @ @ @ The bones were later confirmed through DNA analysis to be of sea lions , according @ @ @ @ @ and Fisheries .

SEOUL, Nov. 29 (Yonhap) -- A group of South Korean scientists has found that a batch of animal bones discovered from Ulleung Island belonged to sea lions, which went extinct decades ago on the island, the maritime ministry said Sunday.
The announcement came after a group of local scientists found 20 pieces of animal bones from Ulleung in the East Sea earlier this year. The bones were later confirmed through DNA analysis to be of sea lions, according to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.
"Previously, there were only historical documents backing up the presence of sea lions on Ulleung," an official from the oceans ministry said. "The latest discovery is significant as it has scientifically verified the claim."
While there used to be 20,000 "Zalophus japonicus" living on Dokdo and nearby Ulleung, the number sharply decreased throughout Japan's occupation of Korea from 1910-1945, with sea lions eventually going extinct.
The last surviving sea lions there were found in 1976, with no further reports having been made since. They were confirmed to have gone extinct by the International Union for Conservation of Nature in 1996.
In 2019, local scientists discovered animal bones from neighboring Dokdo, which were also confirmed through DNA tests to be of sea lions.
This photo taken on Aug. 7, 2015, shows a mural depicting sea lions on South Korea's easternmost islets of Dokdo. (Yonhap)
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-29--S. Korean firms tipped to report earnings improvement in Q4

As of Friday , the combined operating income for 167 major listed firms on the main bourse was estimated at @ @ @ @ @ $ 30.4 billion ) for the October-December period , up 60.1 percent from a year @ @ @ @ @ info tracker FnGuide .

SEOUL, Nov. 29 (Yonhap) -- South Korean listed firms are expected to log better earnings in the fourth quarter compared with a year ago amid simmering recovery from the pandemic's fallout, data showed on Sunday.
As of Friday, the combined operating income for 167 major listed firms on the main bourse was estimated at 33.6 trillion won (US$30.4 billion) for the October-December period, up 60.1 percent from a year earlier, according to financial info tracker FnGuide.
It also represents a 6.9 percent increase from the previous estimate of 31.4 trillion won made three months ago.
Large cap exporters and big tech shares came with rosy earnings projections.
Samsung Electronics, the country's most valuable company, was forecast to log 10.2 trillion won in operating profit, up 41.9 percent on-year.
The No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix was projected to post 867 billion won in operating profit, up 267.2 percent over the cited period on improving global demand.
Leading chemical firm LG Chem was forecast to register 818 billion won in operating income, up a whopping 4,225.7 percent from a year ago, when the firm booked a large one-time expense from a fire accident at its energy storage system facilities.
There were consensus estimates of a 1,476.5 percent operating profit hike for rechargeable battery maker Samsung SDI, 244.1 percent advance for internet portal giant Naver, 79.8 percent growth for mobile platform operator Kakao and 52.7 percent increase for top automaker Hyundai Motor.
Myeongdong, a shopping district in central Seoul that is popular among tourists, is almost completely empty on Oct. 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
In stark contrast, the pandemic's gloom was expected to remain heavy on certain industries -- tourism, leisure and cosmetics in particular -- that were hit hardest by the COVID-19 flare-up.
JeJu Air and HanaTour are expected to widen their operating loss in the fourth quarter from a year ago, with cinema chain CJ CGV and casino giant Kangwonland forecast to swing to the red.
There were consensus projections for a 93.6 percent fall in operating profit for No. 2 duty-free giant Hotel Shilla; 60.2 percent decline in Amore G, Amore Pacific's holding company; and 45.2 percent drop for No. 3 duty-free giant Shinsegae.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-29--N. Korea steps up virus control along inter-Korean border: state media

The communist country is `` firmly establishing a blockade wall in the areas near the border and the Military Demarcation @ @ @ @ @ residents to keep established system of action and immediately gain control of and respond to @ @ @ @ @ , '' the Korean Central News Agency reported .

SEOUL, Nov. 29 (Yonhap) -- North Korea has stepped up virus control measures along the inter-Korean border and at sea, state media said Sunday.
The communist country is "firmly establishing a blockade wall in the areas near the border and the Military Demarcation Line and asking workers and residents to keep established system of action and immediately gain control of and respond to even the slightest abnormal situations," the Korean Central News Agency reported.
The Korean Central Broadcasting Station also reported that the country is building a "blockade wall" deep inside the border area and near the Military Demarcation Line.
"We are strengthening our self-defensive security system and military reporting system," it said.
Both outlets also reported that the country is taking strong measures in coastal areas to prevent the inflow of the coronavirus.
"We are responding strongly to allow no room for the transmission of the virus through sea garbage," the broadcasting station said.
"In the areas adjacent to the Tumen River, Yalu River, Yesong River and the Imjin River, we are getting fish farms that use the river waters to thoroughly follow the national anti-epidemic measures," it added.
South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) told the parliamentary intelligence committee on Friday that North Korea is taking measures that "go against common sense" to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
For example, the North has neglected food aid arriving from China despite its economic difficulties, the NIS said.
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-29--(LEAD) Infection tally below 500 for first time in 4 days, tougher virus curbs eyed in greater Seoul

SEOUL , Nov. 29 ( Yonhap ) -- The daily number of new coronavirus cases in South Korea fell back @ @ @ @ @ first time in four days on Sunday due apparently to less testing over the weekend @ @ @ @ @ further raising virus curbs in the greater Seoul area to rein in further spread .

(ATTN: ADDS more info throughout, photo)
SEOUL, Nov. 29 (Yonhap) -- The daily number of new coronavirus cases in South Korea fell back to below 500 for the first time in four days on Sunday due apparently to less testing over the weekend, with health authorities mulling further raising virus curbs in the greater Seoul area to rein in further spread.
The country added 450 more COVID-19 cases, including 413 local infections, raising the total caseload to 33,824, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). It reported one additional coronavirus fatality, bringing the total to 523.
A medical worker conducts a coronavirus test on a child at an elementary school in the central city of Daejeon on Nov. 28, 2020. (Yonhap)
The latest figure is down from 581 on Thursday, 555 on Friday and 504 on Saturday, the KDCA said. However, fewer tests are usually carried out on weekends compared with weekdays.
The daily infection tally has stayed in the triple digits since Nov. 8, with the figure hovering above 300 since Nov. 18 except for Monday. Amid deepening worries over the third infection wave, the government is expected to decide how to readjust social distancing curbs later in the day.
The authorities have raised the social distancing level by one notch to Level 2, the third-highest in the country's five-tier system, in the Seoul metropolitan area, where the majority of virus cases have been identified, and began to apply enhanced measures from Tuesday.
Other municipalities have also been enforcing tougher distancing rules depending on their virus situations.
Health authorities plan to convene a session later in the day to discuss whether to raise the social distancing level to 2.5 for the Seoul metropolitan area and other provinces.
The move came as some medical experts warned that more stringent measures are necessary to contain the pandemic as the daily virus count could soar to 1,000.
By region, 154 new virus cases were reported in Seoul, 88 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital and 21 cases in Incheon, west of Seoul. The greater Seoul area is home to around half of the nation's 51.6 million population.
Other municipalities reported new infections, with the southern port city of Busan adding 21 new cases.
A military officer guards a military camp located in the southern part of the country on Nov. 28, 2020, after additional soldiers were confirmed to be infected with the novel coronavirus. (Yonhap)
The number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients came to 76 as of midnight, down from 78 the previous day.
The country added 37 imported cases coming mainly from the United States and Asian countries, excluding China, the KDCA said.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 27,542, up 193 from the previous day.
The country has carried out 3,046,971 coronavirus tests since Jan. 3, including 14,968 tests the previous day.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-29--Auto recalls top 2 mln this year: data

Auto recalls top 2 mln this year: data

Last week , Hyundai Motor Co. , Mercedes-Benz Korea and four other companies were ordered to recall over 160,000 vehicles @ @ @ @ @ which led the total number of recalls to exceed last year 's total .

SEOUL, Nov. 29 (Yonhap) -- The number of automobiles subject to recalls topped 2 million in the first 10 months of the year, marking the fourth straight year of auto recalls exceeding the threshold, industry data showed on Sunday.
According to the data, a total of 2.04 million units was subject to recalls in the January-October period, up 56.2 percent from a year earlier.
Last year, a total of 2.16 million units was subject to recalls.
Last week, Hyundai Motor Co., Mercedes-Benz Korea and four other companies were ordered to recall over 160,000 vehicles to fix faulty components, which led the total number of recalls to exceed last year's total.
(END)


yna--2020-11-29--Infection tally below 500 for first time in 4 days, tougher virus curbs eyed in greater Seoul

SEOUL, Nov. 29 (Yonhap) -- The daily number of new coronavirus cases in South Korea fell back to below 500 for the first time in four days on Sunday due apparently to less testing over the weekend, with health authorities mulling further raising virus curbs in the greater Seoul area to rein in further spread.
The country added 450 more COVID-19 cases, including 413 local infections, raising the total caseload to 33,824, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). It reported one additional coronavirus fatality, bringing the total to 523.
A medical worker conducts a coronavirus test on a child at an elementary school in the central city of Daejeon on Nov. 28, 2020. (Yonhap)
The latest figure is down from 581 on Thursday, 555 on Friday and 504 on Saturday, the KDCA said. However, fewer tests are usually carried out on weekends compared with weekdays.
The daily infection tally has stayed in the triple digits since Nov. 8, with the figure hovering above 300 since Nov. 18 except for Monday. Amid deepening worries over the third infection wave, the government is expected to decide how to readjust social distancing curbs later in the day.
The authorities have raised the social distancing level by one notch to Level 2, the third-highest in the country's five-tier system, in the Seoul metropolitan area, where the majority of virus cases have been identified, and began to apply enhanced measures from Tuesday.
Other municipalities have also been enforcing tougher distancing rules depending on their virus situations.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 27,542, up 193 from the previous day.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-29--(URGENT) 193 more patients released from coronavirus treatment, total at 27,542: KDCA


yna--2020-11-29--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 1 additional coronavirus deaths, total at 523: KDCA


yna--2020-11-29--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 450 new coronavirus cases, total at 33,824: KDCA


Sunday's weather forecast

SEOUL , Nov. 29 ( Yonhap ) -- The following is the weather forecast for South Korea 's 12 major @ @ @ @ @ .


yna--2020-11-29--S. Korea to develop big data collection and analysis system for military logistics by 2025

Currently , the military has vast amounts of data on more than 1.4 million items related to the management of @ @ @ @ @ other defense supplies field , and there has been a growing need for a platform @ @ @ @ @ advanced technologies , according to officials .

SEOUL, Nov. 29 (Yonhap) -- The defense ministry plans to develop a "big data" collection and analysis system to more efficiently take advantage of diverse and scattered data so as to make better policy for military operations and troops.
Currently, the military has vast amounts of data on more than 1.4 million items related to the management of troops, arms procurement and other defense supplies field, and there has been a growing need for a platform to better manage them using advanced technologies, according to officials.
The ministry will kick off a yearlong preliminary research this year to explore analysis tools and seek ways to address potential security issues, and plans to establish the system by 2025, the officials added.
"The envisioned big data collection and analysis system is expected to allow us to optimize our resources and better predict future needs," said ministry official Lee Bok-gyun, who is in charge of the project.
Various types of dronebots and advanced weaponry are displayed during a defense exhibition in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, on Oct. 31, 2019. (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-28--Korea Railroad to suspend services on 16 lines due to workers' industrial action

SEOUL , Nov. 28 ( Yonhap ) -- Korea Railroad Corp. ( KORAIL ) said Saturday that it will suspend @ @ @ @ @ lines linking Seoul and major southern cities of the country from Sunday to next Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ unionized workers .

SEOUL, Nov. 28 (Yonhap) -- Korea Railroad Corp. (KORAIL) said Saturday that it will suspend its train services at 16 lines linking Seoul and major southern cities of the country from Sunday to next Tuesday due to industrial action by unionized workers.
The lines to be suspended include a line between Seoul and Busan, 453 kilometers southeast of Seoul, and another line between Seoul and Yeosu, 455 kilometers south of Seoul, officials of the train service operator said.
The officials advised passengers to check KORAIL's mobile app, Korail Talk, or its website (www.letskorail.com) before using the train services.
Korean Railway Workers' Union, an umbrella union to which KORAIL's union belongs, has failed to reach an agreement on shorter working hours and wage increases with the management of KORAIL in recent negotiations.
Passengers wait for trains delayed by industrial action by unionized Korea Railroad Corp. (KORAIL) workers at Seoul station on Nov. 27, 2020. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-11-28--S. Korea confirms additional case of highly pathogenic bird flu among wild birds

Earlier in the day , the country confirmed its first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza of the H5N8 strain @ @ @ @ @ duck farm in Jeongeup , a North Jeolla Province city about 290 kilometers south of @ @

SEOUL, Nov. 28 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Saturday confirmed an additional case of highly pathogenic bird flu among wild birds in the northeastern part of the country.
The agriculture ministry said a fecal sample collected on Monday from wild birds in Namdaecheon, a river leading to the East Sea, tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza of the H5N8 strain.
The previous confirmed case among wild birds was reported on Wednesday.
The country's first avian influenza infection in 32 months was reported in Cheonan, 92 kilometers south of Seoul, in late October.
Earlier in the day, the country confirmed its first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza of the H5N8 strain among domestic poultry at a duck farm in Jeongeup, a North Jeolla Province city about 290 kilometers south of Seoul.
Officials of South Korea's agriculture ministry steer an unmanned chopper on Nov. 26, 2020, to disinfect wintering sites for migratory birds in Cheongju, 137 kilometers south of Seoul, as part of efforts to curb the spread of bird flu. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-11-28--(5th LD) Virus tally exceeds 500 for 3rd day; authorities under pressure to toughen social distancin

(5th LD) Virus tally exceeds 500 for 3rd day; authorities under pressure to toughen social distancing

The daily infection tally has stayed in the triple digits since Nov. 8 , with the figure hovering above 300 @ @ @ @ @ Monday .
Amid deepening worries over the third infection wave , the government is expected @ @ @ @ @ social distancing curbs on Sunday .

(ATTN: ADDS info related to confirmed cases in paras 5-8, photo)
SEOUL, Nov. 28 (Yonhap) -- The daily number of new coronavirus cases in South Korea exceeded 500 for the third straight day Saturday, as health authorities face growing pressure to toughen social distancing restrictions amid continued sporadic infections across the country.
The country added 504 more COVID-19 cases, including 486 local infections, raising the total caseload to 33,375, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). It reported six additional coronavirus fatalities, bringing the total to 522.
The daily infection tally has stayed in the triple digits since Nov. 8, with the figure hovering above 300 since Nov. 18 except for Monday. Amid deepening worries over the third infection wave, the government is expected to decide how to readjust social distancing curbs on Sunday.
The latest figure is down from 569 on Friday and 583 cases on Thursday when the daily tally spiked to an eight-month high.
The number of new virus cases is forecast to be slightly down on Sunday compared with the three preceding days as it tends to drop on weekends as fewer people get tested.
As of 6 p.m. on Saturday, 336 confirmed cases had been reported across the country, according to health authorities and local governments.
Of them, 210 cases were reported in greater Seoul, with 126 reported in other areas. No confirmed cases were reported in Ulsan, 414 kilometers southeast of Seoul and in the largest southern island of Jeju.
The total number of the confirmed cases was down 47 from the same time on the previous day.
This photo, taken on Nov. 27, 2020, shows military personnel conducting disinfection work at a state college entrance examination site in Sokcho, 213 kilometers east of Seoul. (Yonhap)
Fears of transmission have further risen as over 493,400 students across the country are set to take the state-run college entrance exam on Thursday next week, with cluster infections at private gatherings, public facilities and the military complicating quarantine efforts.
Encouraging those preparing for next week's exam, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun vowed to beef up quarantine efforts.
"You are almost there. To ensure your earnest efforts will not go in vain, we will focus all government capabilities on quarantine efforts," he wrote in a Facebook post.
Cluster infections, including one in an Army unit, continued to hamper the anti-virus campaign.
Sixteen soldiers undergoing training or stationed at the Sangmudae Artillery School in Jangseong, 310 kilometers south of Seoul, tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday after an Army officer from the same compound was confirmed to have contracted the virus the previous day.
A South Korean soldier opens the main gate of the Sangmudae Artillery School in Jangseong, 310 kilometers south of Seoul, on Nov. 28, 2020, where 16 confirmed coronavirus cases were reported. (Yonhap)
The number of virus cases traced to a dance class in western Seoul increased by 26 to 155, while the figure for infections linked to a small gathering based on an online app rose by 21 to 22.
The numbers of infections tied to two public sauna facilities in Seoul's Seocho and Songpa districts climbed to 63 and 14, respectively, while cases linked to a religious service in Seoul's Mapo district swelled to 135.
The figure for cases traced to a military unit in the border county of Yeoncheon rose to 71.
The number of cases related to a Korean traditional drum class in Busan and Ulsan increased by two to total 91.
The KDCA said in its latest tally that 176 new virus cases were reported from Seoul, while the daily tallies for Gyeonggi Province, Gangwon Province, Busan and Incheon stood at 122, 33, 27 and 25, respectively.
Of the total 18 imported cases, eight were from the Americas and another eight from Asia excluding China.
The authorities have raised the social distancing level by one notch to Level 2, the third-highest in the country's five-tier system, in the Seoul metropolitan area, where the majority of virus cases have been identified, and began to apply enhanced measures from Tuesday.
Other municipalities have also been enforcing tougher distancing rules depending on their virus situation.
On Sunday, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters plans to convene a session to discuss whether to raise the social distancing level for the Seoul metropolitan area and other provinces.
The move came as some medical experts warned that if the government does not employ more stringent measures to contain the pandemic, the daily virus count could soar to 1,000.
Experts said that the latest wave of infections is different from previous ones that started in limited, largely traceable spots as the current one entails sporadic transmissions in various zones across the country.
Some quarantine officials, however, appeared circumspect about rushing to toughen social distancing curbs, as the recently strengthened restrictions will take some time to show their effect.
The weekly average of the daily virus counts from Sunday to Saturday stood at 424.6. Excluding imported cases, the local average is at 400.1, slightly higher than the minimum 400 mark required to raise social distancing to Level 2.5.
Under Level 2.5, the authorities are to roll out tougher measures such as limiting the number of people attending wedding or funeral events to less than 50 and banning PC cafes, theaters and other facilities from operating after 9 p.m.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 27,349, up 246 from the previous day.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-28--U.S. soldier stationed in S. Korea tests positive for COVID-19

The soldier , based in Camp Casey , is being transported to a hospital at another U.S. Army base in @ @ @ @ @ capital , to stay in isolation , according to U.S .
Forces Korea ( USFK @ @

SEOUL, Nov. 28 (Yonhap) -- An American soldier stationed in South Korea in the city of Dongducheon, north of Seoul, tested positive for the new coronavirus on Saturday, the U.S. military said.
The soldier, based in Camp Casey, is being transported to a hospital at another U.S. Army base in Pyeongtaek, south of the capital, to stay in isolation, according to U.S. Forces Korea (USFK).
Other details, including how the patient was infected, were not immediately available.
The case brought the total number of COVID-19 cases reported among the USFK population to 369, most of whom tested positive upon their arrival here from the United States.
"Contact tracing is ongoing, and USFK medical teams are actively ensuring that all known Camp Casey facilities visited by the Soldier are thoroughly cleaned," USFK said in a release.
Seen in this file photo is a gate of the U.S. base Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-29--(LEAD) Korean Air's Asiana takeover requires regulatory approval from 4 countries

Korean Air 's revenue in the passenger business for this year 's first , second and third quarters reached 1.7 @ @ @ @ @ than 20 percent coming from the U.S. market , they said .

(ATTN: ADDS Korean Air's asset sale in last 2 paras)
SEOUL, Nov. 29 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's biggest carrier Korean Air Lines Co.'s planned acquisition of the debt-laden Asiana Airlines Inc. requires approval from antitrust authorities in at least four other countries, industry sources said Sunday.
According to the aviation industry sources and the Fair Trade Commission (FTC), the planned merger requires review from authorities in the United States, European Union (EU), China and Japan.
A failure would jeopardize the deal valued at 1.8 trillion won (US$1.6 billion) that would create the world's 10th-biggest airline by fleet.
In the U.S., combined revenue of two companies exceeding $198 million for the latest financial year requires a conditional review for merger clearance from the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission.
Korean Air's revenue in the passenger business for this year's first, second and third quarters reached 1.7 trillion won, with more than 20 percent coming from the U.S. market, they said.
Asiana Airlines does not release revenue data by region, yet its total revenue came to 2.8 trillion won during the cited period, they added.
In the European market, combined revenue of two parties exceeding 50 billion euros for the latest financial year also requires a merger review from antitrust authorities.
The combined revenue of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines for this year in the global market surpassed the 8 trillion-won mark, according to the sources.
Mergers and alliances in civil aviation in the European market are considered to be more tricky, the sources said.
The EU previously disapproved a merger of Greece's biggest carriers -- Olympic Air and Aegean Airlines -- citing concerns over a quasi-monopoly of the Greek air transport market.
In China, combined revenue of two companies in the global market exceeding 10 billion yuan also requires merger clearance from the authorities, according to the sources.
In Japan, Korean Air's revenue for the latest financial year in the country exceeds 20 billion yen, meaning the deal requires a merger review, they said.
Also, the sources said further review may be needed in other Southeast Asian countries.
South Korea's antitrust regulator will first review the deal over the issue of monopoly, and it is highly unlikely for overseas authorities to overturn the decision, they added.
Earlier this month, the state-run Korea Development Bank (KDB), the main creditor of Asiana Airlines, signed an investment agreement with Korean Air's parent Hanjin KAL Corp. to inject 800 billion won into Hanjin KAL through a rights offering and convertible bonds.
Hanjin KAL will then participate in a 2.5 trillion-won stock sale by Korean Air that will be used to acquire Asiana.
Korean Air, currently the world's 18th-largest airline by fleet, will become Asiana's biggest shareholder with a 63.9 percent stake if the acquisition is completed.
Hit hard by the pandemic, Korean Air and Asiana have suspended most of their flights on international routes since March, and travel demand has dried up.
Meanwhile, Korean Air has signed a contract to sell one of its non-core assets -- a leisure unit that operates the Wangsan Marina resort in Incheon, 40 kilometers west of Seoul -- for 130 billion won.
Korean Air will complete the sale of its 100-percent stake in Wangsan Leisure Development Co. by the first quarter of next year, according to an industry source.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-29--(LEAD) S. Korea keeps capital area under Level 2 social distancing, raises other areas to Level 1.5

By region , Seoul reported the highest number of local infections at 154 , followed by 88 in the surrounding @ @ @ @ @ both Incheon , west of Seoul , and the southeastern port city of Busan .
@ @ @ @ @ home to about half the nation 's population of 51.6 million .

(ATTN: ADDS prime minister's remarks, details in paras 4-8)
SEOUL, Nov. 29 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Sunday kept the greater Seoul area under Level 2 social distancing measures but raised antivirus curbs in all other areas to Level 1.5, as another wave of the pandemic looms with the upcoming winter season.
More stringent anti-virus curbs will be implemented in the wide Seoul area starting Tuesday for a week, and Level 1.5 social distancing outside of Seoul for two weeks from Tuesday, according to health authorities.
Busan, South Chungcheong and three other provinces and areas where high numbers of virus cases have been reported will be put under tougher Level 2 social distancing, they said.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun speaks at a press conference on Nov. 29, 2020. (Yonhap)
Under the tougher distancing measures, saunas and steam-bath rooms in bathhouses will be banned from Tuesday for a week in the greater Seoul area. Nine sorts of indoor exercises practiced by groups, including Zumba dance, aerobics and kickboxing, will also be banned from Tuesday for a week.
To slow the spread of the virus among young people, the government will prohibit hotels, party rooms and other guesthouses from hosting year-end or New Year's parties, officials said.
Announcing the measures, health authorities asked the public to cancel private gatherings of more than 10 people in the greater Seoul area.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun told reporters that the government aims to secure a COVID-19-vaccine supply for more than 30 million people and will unveil details of the procurement plan this week.
Since Thursday, the country reported more than 500 daily new cases for three straight days. On Sunday, the figured dropped back to 450, apparently due to less testing on weekends.
A street in Seoul's shopping district of Myeongdong appears quiet on Nov. 29, 2020. (Yonhap)
By region, Seoul reported the highest number of local infections at 154, followed by 88 in the surrounding Gyeonggi Province and 21 in both Incheon, west of Seoul, and the southeastern port city of Busan. The greater Seoul area is home to about half the nation's population of 51.6 million.
The announcement came less than a week after the capital area began enforcing Level 2 measures on Tuesday, with some medical experts warning that the country could see the daily virus count soar to 1,000 if more stringent measures are not taken.
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-29--Suwon FC earn promotion to K League 1 with last-gasp penalty

Gyeongnam , who had lost to Suwon in three previous meetings this year , held on for dear life , @ @ @ @ @ be theirs as the clock ticked down .
But the video assistant referee ( VAR @ @ @ @ @ on-field referee to review a penalty box scramble , and Gyeongbuk midfielder Kim Hyung-won was @ @ @ @ @ Suwon midfielder Jung Seon-ho .

SEOUL, Nov. 29 (Yonhap) -- Suwon FC earned a promotion back to the top competition in South Korean football on Sunday, thanks to a last-second penalty that punctuated a dramatic finish.
Suwon FC played Gyeongnam FC to a 1-1 draw in the final K League 2 promotion playoff at Suwon Sports Complex in Suwon, 45 kilometers south of Seoul. But since Suwon were the higher seed in this match after finishing the season in second place, they only needed a draw against the third-seeded Gyeongnam to return to the K League 1.
An Byong-jun of Suwon FC (L) celebrates his goal against Gyeongnam FC with teammate Ishida Masatoshi during their K League 2 promotion playoff match at Suwon Sports Complex in Suwon, 45 kilometers south of Seoul, on Nov. 29, 2020. (Yonhap)
And An Byong-jun converted a penalty on the very last play of the match to salvage the draw. Choi Jun had put Gyeongnam on the board in the 26th minute but a late violation in the box did them in.
Suwon FC last played in the K League 1 in 2016. They finished last that season to be demoted right back in 2017 and haven't gone back up since.
Gyeongnam FC were demoted from the K League 1 last year when they lost a promotion-relegation playoff to Busan IPark and now have a chance to return after just one season in the K League 2.
Members of Suwon FC celebrate their promotion to the K League 1 after a 1-1 draw with Gyeongnam FC in their K League 2 promotion playoff match at Suwon Sports Complex in Suwon, 45 kilometers south of Seoul, on Nov. 29, 2020. (Yonhap)
Suwon will join the K League 2 champions Jeju United on their way up to the K League 1 for 2021.
From the top competition, Busan IPark suffered an automatic relegation by finishing last among 12 clubs. Sangju Sangmu FC will also play in the K League 2 as part of the relocation deal that will put them in Gimcheon, a neighboring town in the same North Gyeongsang Province, starting in 2021.
Choi gave Gyeongnam a lead in the 26th, when his right-footed shot deflected off a Suwon defender and into the net.
Players for Suwon FC (in red) and Gyeongnam FC vie for the ball during their K League 2 promotion playoff match at Suwon Sports Complex in Suwon, 45 kilometers south of Seoul, on Nov. 29, 2020. (Yonhap)
Gyeongnam, who had lost to Suwon in three previous meetings this year, held on for dear life, and the victory appeared to be theirs as the clock ticked down. But the video assistant referee (VAR) called down to the on-field referee to review a penalty box scramble, and Gyeongbuk midfielder Kim Hyung-won was called for a foul on Suwon midfielder Jung Seon-ho.
Forward An Byong-jun took the spot kick and scored past Son Jeong-hyeon in the very last play of the match.
Suwon FC players toss their head coach Kim Do-kyun in the air to celebrate their promotion to the K League 1 after a 1-1 draw with Gyeongnam FC in their K League 2 promotion playoff match at Suwon Sports Complex in Suwon, 45 kilometers south of Seoul, on Nov. 29, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-29--S. Korea keeps capital area under Level 2 social distancing, raises other areas to Level 1.5

SEOUL, Nov. 29 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Sunday kept the greater Seoul area under Level 2 social distancing measures but raised antivirus curbs in all other areas to Level 1.5, as another wave of the pandemic looms with the upcoming winter season.
More stringent anti-virus curbs will be implemented in the wide Seoul area starting Tuesday for a week, and Level 1.5 social distancing outside of Seoul for two weeks from Tuesday, according to health authorities.
Busan, South Chungcheong and three other provinces and areas where high numbers of virus cases have been reported will be put under tougher Level 2 social distancing, they said.
Since Thursday, the country reported more than 500 daily new cases for three straight days. On Sunday, the figured dropped back to 450, apparently due to less testing on weekends.
A street in Seoul's shopping district of Myeongdong appears quiet on Nov. 29, 2020. (Yonhap)
By region, Seoul reported the highest number of local infections at 154, followed by 88 in the surrounding Gyeonggi Province and 21 in both Incheon, west of Seoul, and the southeastern port city of Busan. The greater Seoul area is home to about half the nation's population of 51.6 million.
The announcement came less than a week after the capital area began enforcing Level 2 measures on Tuesday, with some medical experts warning that the country could see the daily virus count soar to 1,000 if more stringent measures are not taken.
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-29--(3rd LD) New virus cases below 500; current virus curbs maintained in greater Seoul

The daily infection tally has stayed in the triple digits since Nov. 8 , with the figure hovering above 300 @ @ @ @ @ Monday .
Amid deepening worries over the third infection wave , the government is expected @ @ @ @ @ social distancing curbs later in the day .

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead; UPDATES with more info on social distancing measures throughout)
SEOUL, Nov. 29 (Yonhap) -- The daily number of new coronavirus cases in South Korea fell back to below 500 for the first time in four days on Sunday, due apparently to less testing over the weekend, and health authorities decided to maintain the current antivirus curbs in the greater Seoul area.
The country added 450 more COVID-19 cases, including 413 local infections, raising the total caseload to 33,824, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). It reported one additional coronavirus fatality, bringing the total to 523.
A medical worker conducts a coronavirus test on a child at an elementary school in the central city of Daejeon on Nov. 28, 2020. (Yonhap)
The latest figure is down from 581 on Thursday, 555 on Friday and 504 on Saturday, the KDCA said. However, fewer tests are usually carried out on weekends compared with weekdays.
The daily infection tally has stayed in the triple digits since Nov. 8, with the figure hovering above 300 since Nov. 18 except for Monday. Amid deepening worries over the third infection wave, the government is expected to decide how to readjust social distancing curbs later in the day.
The authorities have raised the social distancing level by one notch to Level 2, the third-highest in the country's five-tier system, in the Seoul metropolitan area, where the majority of virus cases have been identified, and began to apply enhanced measures from Tuesday.
The current level bans gatherings in high-risk facilities such as nightclubs and karaoke rooms and prohibits restaurants from doing business after 9 p.m. Only takeout is allowed at coffee shops at all business hours.
Other municipalities have also been enforcing tougher distancing rules depending on their virus situations.
Health authorities decided to keep the capital area under the current Level 2 social distancing, instead of raising to Level 2.5. The anti-virus curbs outside the greater Seoul area will be raised to Level 1.5.
More stringent anti-virus curbs will be implemented in the Seoul area starting Tuesday for a week, and Level 1.5 social distancing outside of Seoul for two weeks from Tuesday, according to health authorities.
Upping the distancing level by one notch would have further limited business hours at facilities such as wedding venues and movie theaters.
Some medical experts have warned that more stringent measures, including escalating the level, are necessary to contain the pandemic as the daily virus count could soar to 1,000.
By region, 154 new virus cases were reported in Seoul, 88 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital and 21 cases in Incheon, west of Seoul. The greater Seoul area is home to around half of the nation's 51.6 million population.
Other municipalities reported new infections, with the southern port city of Busan adding 21 new cases.
A military officer guards a military camp located in the southern part of the country on Nov. 28, 2020, after additional soldiers were confirmed to be infected with the novel coronavirus. (Yonhap)
Among virus clusters, an additional 11 people tested positive in cases traced to a church in western Seoul, raising the total to 146, the authorities said.
A dance academy in western Seoul added 21 more cases, bringing the total to 176, while a kids cafe in Yongin, south of Seoul, reported six additional cases, raising its total to 86.
An additional seven people tested positive in cases traced to a sauna facility in southern Seoul, raising the total to 78. Three more people were confirmed to be infected in cases related to a separate sauna nearby, raising the caseload to 66.
The number of cases connected to a traditional Korean drum class in Busan and Ulsan increased by 15, bringing the total to 106, it said.
The number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients came to 76 as of midnight, down from 78 the previous day.
The country added 37 imported cases coming mainly from the United States and Asian countries, excluding China, the KDCA said.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 27,542, up 193 from the previous day.
The country has carried out 3,046,971 coronavirus tests since Jan. 3, including 14,968 tests the previous day.
A signboard is set up at a beach in the southern port city of Busan on Nov. 29, 2020. (Yonhap)
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-29--(URGENT) S. Korea raises social distancing level in outside greater Seoul area to Level 1.5

(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--2020-11-29--Moon visits high school ahead of state college exam

Moon received a briefing on the route students will take from the school entrance to the classrooms where the exam @ @ @ @ @ on the installation of partitions and the availability of disinfectants and examined the protective gear @ @ @ @ @ , according to Cheong Wa Dae .

SEOUL, Nov. 29 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in visited a high school Sunday to check antivirus preparations ahead of this week's national college entrance exam, Cheong Wa Dae said.
Moon went to Osan High School in the central Yongsan Ward, which has been designated as a special test center for students in self-quarantine.
The College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) will take place Dec. 3.
Cheong Wa Dae said Moon's visit was aimed at easing the concern of students, parents and faculty members amid a surge in coronavirus cases in the country.
Moon received a briefing on the route students will take from the school entrance to the classrooms where the exam will be administered, checked on the installation of partitions and the availability of disinfectants and examined the protective gear to be worn by supervisors, according to Cheong Wa Dae.
He also spoke by video with health workers in the southwestern city of Mokpo to request their cooperation in ensuring the safety of COVID-19 patients who will be taking the exam from a designated hospital there.
The president offered words of encouragement to students and faculty who have suffered in particular due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and urged them to prepare thoroughly to ensure the exam is held in safe conditions.
Moreover, Moon asked the nation to root for the students by refraining from unnecessary gatherings and following social distancing guidelines.
President Moon Jae-in checks a partition in a classroom at Osan High School in Yongsan Ward, Seoul, on Nov. 29, 2020. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-29--(URGENT) S. Korea keeps capital area under Level 2 social distancing, enhances antivirus measures


yna--2020-11-29--(2nd LD) Infection tally below 500 for first time in 4 days; authorities mull tougher measures

SEOUL , Nov. 29 ( Yonhap ) -- The daily number of new coronavirus cases in South Korea fell back @ @ @ @ @ first time in four days on Sunday due apparently to less testing over the weekend @ @ @ @ @ set to possibly raise distancing measures in the greater Seoul area later in the day @

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead; UPDATES with the latest tally and more info throughout; ADDS photo)
SEOUL, Nov. 29 (Yonhap) -- The daily number of new coronavirus cases in South Korea fell back to below 500 for the first time in four days on Sunday due apparently to less testing over the weekend, as health authorities were set to possibly raise distancing measures in the greater Seoul area later in the day.
The country added 450 more COVID-19 cases, including 413 local infections, raising the total caseload to 33,824, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). It reported one additional coronavirus fatality, bringing the total to 523.
A medical worker conducts a coronavirus test on a child at an elementary school in the central city of Daejeon on Nov. 28, 2020. (Yonhap)
The latest figure is down from 581 on Thursday, 555 on Friday and 504 on Saturday, the KDCA said. However, fewer tests are usually carried out on weekends compared with weekdays.
The daily infection tally has stayed in the triple digits since Nov. 8, with the figure hovering above 300 since Nov. 18 except for Monday. Amid deepening worries over the third infection wave, the government is expected to decide how to readjust social distancing curbs later in the day.
The authorities have raised the social distancing level by one notch to Level 2, the third-highest in the country's five-tier system, in the Seoul metropolitan area, where the majority of virus cases have been identified, and began to apply enhanced measures from Tuesday.
The current level bans gatherings in high-risk facilities such as nightclubs and karaoke rooms and prohibits restaurants from doing business after 9 p.m. Only takeout is allowed at coffee shops at all business hours.
Other municipalities have also been enforcing tougher distancing rules depending on their virus situations.
Health authorities plan to convene a session later in the day to discuss whether to raise the social distancing level to 2.5 for the Seoul metropolitan area and other provinces.
Upping the distancing level by one notch would further limit business hours at facilities such as wedding venues and movie theaters.
The move came as some medical experts warned that more stringent measures are necessary to contain the pandemic as the daily virus count could soar to 1,000.
By region, 154 new virus cases were reported in Seoul, 88 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital and 21 cases in Incheon, west of Seoul. The greater Seoul area is home to around half of the nation's 51.6 million population.
Other municipalities reported new infections, with the southern port city of Busan adding 21 new cases.
A military officer guards a military camp located in the southern part of the country on Nov. 28, 2020, after additional soldiers were confirmed to be infected with the novel coronavirus. (Yonhap)
Among virus clusters, an additional 11 people tested positive in cases traced to a church in western Seoul, raising the total to 146, the authorities said.
A dance academy in western Seoul added 21 more cases, bringing the total to 176, while a kids cafe in Yongin, south of Seoul, reported six additional cases, raising its total to 86.
An additional seven people tested positive in cases traced to a sauna facility in southern Seoul, raising the total to 78. Three more people were confirmed to be infected in cases related to a separate sauna nearby, raising the caseload to 66.
The number of cases connected to a traditional Korean drum class in Busan and Ulsan increased by 15, bringing the total to 106, it said.
The number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients came to 76 as of midnight, down from 78 the previous day.
The country added 37 imported cases coming mainly from the United States and Asian countries, excluding China, the KDCA said.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 27,542, up 193 from the previous day.
The country has carried out 3,046,971 coronavirus tests since Jan. 3, including 14,968 tests the previous day.
A signboard reading "Wear a Mask" is set up at a beach in the southern port city of Busan on Nov. 29, 2020. (Yonhap)
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-29--Korean Air's Asiana takeover requires regulatory approval from 4 countries

SEOUL, Nov. 29 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's biggest carrier Korean Air Lines Co.'s planned acquisition of the debt-laden Asiana Airlines Inc. requires approval from antitrust authorities in at least four other countries, industry sources said Sunday.
According to the aviation industry sources and the Fair Trade Commission (FTC), the planned merger requires review from authorities in the United States, European Union (EU), China and Japan.
A failure would jeopardize the deal valued at 1.8 trillion won (US$1.6 billion) that would create the world's 10th-biggest airline by fleet.
In the U.S., combined revenue of two companies exceeding $198 million for the latest financial year requires a conditional review for merger clearance from the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission.
Korean Air's revenue in the passenger business for this year's first, second and third quarters reached 1.7 trillion won, with more than 20 percent coming from the U.S. market, they said.
Asiana Airlines does not release revenue data by region, yet its total revenue came to 2.8 trillion won during the cited period, they added.
In the European market, combined revenue of two parties exceeding 50 billion euros for the latest financial year also requires a merger review from antitrust authorities.
The combined revenue of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines for this year in the global market surpassed the 8 trillion-won mark, according to the sources.
Mergers and alliances in civil aviation in the European market are considered to be more tricky, the sources said.
The EU previously disapproved a merger of Greece's biggest carriers -- Olympic Air and Aegean Airlines -- citing concerns over a quasi-monopoly of the Greek air transport market.
In China, combined revenue of two companies in the global market exceeding 10 billion yuan also requires merger clearance from the authorities, according to the sources.
In Japan, Korean Air's revenue for the latest financial year in the country exceeds 20 billion yen, meaning the deal requires a merger review, they said.
Also, the sources said further review may be needed in other Southeast Asian countries.
South Korea's antitrust regulator will first review the deal over the issue of monopoly, and it is highly unlikely for overseas authorities to overturn the decision, they added.
Earlier this month, the state-run Korea Development Bank (KDB), the main creditor of Asiana Airlines, signed an investment agreement with Korean Air's parent Hanjin KAL Corp. to inject 800 billion won into Hanjin KAL through a rights offering and convertible bonds.
Hanjin KAL will then participate in a 2.5 trillion-won stock sale by Korean Air that will be used to acquire Asiana.
Korean Air, currently the world's 18th-largest airline by fleet, will become Asiana's biggest shareholder with a 63.9 percent stake if the acquisition is completed.
Hit hard by the pandemic, Korean Air and Asiana have suspended most of their flights on international routes since March, and travel demand has dried up.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)