yna--2020-10-14--N. Korea appears to have 'no appetite' for provocation until after U.S. election: Seoul official

`` Some of the more interesting things to note was that aside from somewhat positive connotation extended to the Seoul @ @ @ @ @ note that in both Chairman Kim 's speech and as part of the program , @ @ @ @ @ toward ... targeting at Washington , which can be said to be unusual , '' @ @ @

By Song Sang-ho
SEOUL, Oct. 14 (Yonhap) -- North Korea seems to have no appetite for provocation until after the U.S. presidential election in November, a foreign ministry official said Wednesday, citing "no explicit agitation" toward Washington during Pyongyang's recent military parade.
Park Jang-ho, deputy director-general at the foreign ministry's North Korean nuclear affairs bureau, made the remarks during a webinar hosted jointly by the Sejong Institute and Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
"It seems to us that Pyongyang sort of intends to certainly wait and see the result of the U.S. election, and they have no appetite to make any provocation until then. But what happens after is something of interest to all of us," Park said.
Park Jang-ho, deputy director-general at the foreign ministry's North Korean nuclear affairs bureau, attends a webinar hosted jointly by the Sejong Institute and Carnegie Endowment for International Peace on Oct. 14, 2020. (Yonhap)
The diplomat called attention to Saturday's military parade in Pyongyang to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers' Party, where he said there wasn't clear agitation against Washington -- despite there being a showcase of a new intercontinental ballistic missile capable of hitting the U.S. mainland.
"Some of the more interesting things to note was that aside from somewhat positive connotation extended to the Seoul government, we should also note that in both Chairman Kim's speech and as part of the program, there was no explicit agitation toward ... targeting at Washington, which can be said to be unusual," he said.
Park also pointed out that "under no circumstances" would South Korea accept any provocation from the North.
"Simply looking at the long very long United Nations Security Council resolutions, which clearly reflect that kind of the unified resolve of the international community to not tolerate any further North Korean provocations, we certainly hope that our colleagues in Pyongyang should by now understand that point," he said.
Commenting on policy coordination between Seoul and Washington over North Korean nuclear diplomacy, Park underscored "top-notch lockstep coordination through many ups and downs."
"I can tell you that we have, myself and our team here in Seoul, have been extremely fortunate to have met and have worked with some of the finest and most capable team and colleagues in Washington," he said.
"Over the last weekend alone, we have maintained 24-hour, seven-day-a-week contact even in the midst of the COVID-19 situation. So I can tell you that at least between our two teams, there are no complaints on from here in Gwanghwamun or Foggy Bottom," he added.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-14--(LEAD) Samsung heir returns home after meeting with ASML officials in Netherlands

Samsung is trying to beef up its chip fabricating capability with EUV technology .
The advanced lithography solution enables the @ @ @ @ @ meaning more data can be stored within the same surface area and more logical gates @ @ @ @ @ a single chip , thus providing better performance and energy efficiency .

(ATTN: ADDS more info in last 3 paras)
SEOUL, Oct. 14 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, the de facto leader of South Korea's top conglomerate, returned home Wednesday after meeting with top executives from ASML Holding N.V., the world's leading photolithography equipment maker, in the Netherlands.
Lee met with ASML CEO Peter Wennink and ASML Chief Technology Officer Martin van den Brink at ASML headquarters in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, on Tuesday before returning to South Korea, Samsung said.
Lee departed for Europe last Thursday, making his overseas business trip for the first time in five months. He was accompanied by Kim Ki-nam, who heads Samsung's chip business.
Samsung, the world's largest memory chip producer, said Lee discussed with ASML executives on supply plans of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) equipment essential for producing chips with the 7-nanometer process or below, cooperation in advanced semiconductor manufacturing technology and the industry outlook amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
He also visited ASML's plant to inspect its EUV equipment production.
Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong arrives at Gimpo International Airport in Seoul following his business trip to Europe on Oct. 14, 2020. (Yonhap)
Lee previously met Wennink and other ASLM officials in South Korea in November 2016 to discuss chip manufacturing solutions. They also had a meeting in Paris in February 2019.
Samsung has been cooperating with ASML since 2000 to boost its competitiveness in semiconductor manufacturing. In 2012, the South Korean tech giant even made a strategic investment in ASML.
Samsung is trying to beef up its chip fabricating capability with EUV technology. The advanced lithography solution enables the drawing of finer circuitry, meaning more data can be stored within the same surface area and more logical gates are able to fit inside a single chip, thus providing better performance and energy efficiency.
"EUV lithography is an essential technology to make advanced chips used for artificial intelligence, 5G and autonomous driving applications," the company said. "Samsung and ASML have been working together to solve technical issues related with EUV technology."
Lee's visit comes at a time that Samsung is seeking to boost its presence in the non-memory sector. Samsung last year unveiled a plan to become the world's No. 1 logic chip maker by 2030 by investing 133 trillion won (US$115 billion) to bolster its competitiveness in the system LSI and foundry businesses.
This photo provided by Samsung Electronics Co. on Oct. 14, 2020, shows Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong (2nd from R) inspecting ASML's EUV equipment for semiconductor manufacturing at ASML's plant in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, on Oct. 13, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
According to market researcher TrendForce, Samsung had a 17.4 percent share in the global foundry market in the third quarter, far behind industry leader Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), which posted a dominant 53.9 percent market share.
Samsung recently bagged foundry deals from Nvidia and Qualcomm, allowing it to catch up to TSMC. The company also commenced the construction of a new foundry line in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, that is focused on EUV-based 5-nanometer and below process technology.
Meanwhile, Lee also visited the International Olympic Committee in Lausanne, Switzerland, during his trip to Europe.
Samsung did not reveal why Lee visited the IOC, but industry officials speculated that it could be related with the company's sponsorship of the Olympic Games.
Samsung Electronics is the sole South Korean company to have The Olympic Partner (TOP) status, the highest grade in the Olympics sponsorship program. It has been a sponsor of the Olympics since 1988, and it recently extended the partnership deal with the IOC until 2028.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-14--N.K. appoints new Strategic Force commander overseeing missiles

Four-star Gen. Pang Doo-seob appears to have been promoted to the first vice chief of the General Staff of the @ @ @ @ @ which is considered No .
4 within the North 's military .

SEOUL, Oct. 14 (Yonhap) -- North Korean state media has confirmed the replacement of the commander of the country's Strategic Force in charge of missile units and the development of intercontinental ballistic missiles.
The Korean Central TV Broadcasting Station introduced Kim Jong-gil, a three-star general, as the Strategic Force commander while airing video clips of a military parade that the North held Saturday to mark the founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party.
Kim Jong-gil was promoted to a three-star colonel general at an extended Central Military Commission meeting in May, after being promoted to a major general in 2015. He appears to have replaced Gen. Kim Rak-gyom.
The Strategic Force was established in 2014 by expanding the Strategic Rocket Forces.
It was also in charge of the development of a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) unveiled at Saturday's military parade.
Four-star Gen. Pang Doo-seob appears to have been promoted to the first vice chief of the General Staff of the Korean People's Army, which is considered No. 4 within the North's military.
North Korean three-star Gen. Kim Jong-gil, in this image captured from the North's Korean Central TV Broadcasting Station on Oct. 14, 2020, leads a march by the strategic forces at the military parade in Pyongyang to mark the 75th founding anniversary of its ruling Workers' Party on Oct. 10. He appears to have been promoted as the new commander of the strategic force, which is in charge of the country's missile development. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-14--(2nd LD) New virus cases again up by double digits, new cluster infection reported in Busan

On Monday , South Korea eased most of its strict restrictions on daily activities as there have been no massive @ @ @ @ @ , the Korean equivalent of Thanksgiving , and a separate three-day break to celebrate the @ @ @ @ @ .

(ATTN: UPDATES with more info in paras 9, 13-14; CHANGES photo)
SEOUL, Oct. 14 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new virus cases rose by double digits Wednesday amid concerns that a new cluster infection in the southeastern port city of Busan could potentially lead to a mass outbreak.
The country added 84 more COVID-19 cases, including 53 local infections, raising the total caseload to 24,889, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). It marked a fall from 102 cases reported on Tuesday.
The number of daily new local infections also went down from 69 a day earlier.
Fans attend a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game between the Hanwha Eagles and the Doosan Bears at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul on Oct. 13, 2020. The government eased social distancing rules over the coronavirus, allowing sports leagues to admit crowds of up to 30 percent of stadium capacities. (Yonhap)
However, more than 50 patients and workers at a nursing hospital in Busan were later diagnosed with COVID-19, which were not yet reflected in the official tally released earlier in the day.
The authorities said 43 patients of the Busan nursing hospital and its nine staff members tested positive for the new coronavirus. One of the infected patients has already died, they added.
Health authorities hinted the daily tally for Thursday could possibly spike due to the Busan cluster case.
On Monday, South Korea eased most of its strict restrictions on daily activities as there have been no massive outbreaks following the Chuseok holiday, the Korean equivalent of Thanksgiving, and a separate three-day break to celebrate the proclamation of the Korean alphabet.
South Korea suffered a major uptick in virus cases in mid-August, mostly traced to a conservative church in northern Seoul.
Health authorities said they believe the aftermath of the two major holidays is not that big.
The number of daily new local infections shot up to 441 on Aug. 27, a sharp hike from 103 on Aug. 13. The figures stayed in the triple digits until reaching 82 on Sept. 20.
Despite some ups and downs, the daily new infections mostly stayed around 100 afterwards.
Under eased social distancing, high-risk facilities, such as clubs, karaoke rooms, bars and buffet restaurants, including those in the greater Seoul area, are now allowed to operate normally. They are, however, obligated to follow infection prevention measures, including having visitors wear masks and keeping entry logs.
Sports events are also obligated to keep the ceiling on fans to 30 percent at stadiums, the KDCA said.
The authorities said they are mulling expanding attendance to 50 percent of stadium capacity at professional sports matches starting in November.
Starting earlier in the day, people are required to wear protective masks on public transportation and at medical facilities and rallies. Violators can be fined starting in November after a month of grace period.
Of the newly identified local infections, 23 cases were reported in Seoul and 15 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital, the KDCA said. Incheon, just west of Seoul, also reported eight new cases.
The southern port city of Busan added two new cases as well. The central city of Daejeon added four cases.
Daily new imported cases reached 31, down from 33 a day earlier, the KDCA said. Yet the number stayed above the 30-mark for the second day in a row.
Of them, 14 were confirmed at quarantine checkpoints, such as airports and ports, the KDCA said. Twenty-nine of them are foreigners, and two are South Korean nationals.
The United States accounted for 13 cases, and there were also patients from the Philippines with five and Japan with three, it said.
South Korea added four more deaths, raising the death toll to 438, the KDCA said. The fatality rate reached 1.76 percent.
The number of patients in serious or critical condition came to 85, down six from the previous day.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 23,030, up 167 from the previous day.
South Korean Ambassador to the United Nations Cho Hyun gives a business report during a parliamentary inspection of his mission at the National Assembly in Seoul on Oct. 14, 2020. It's the first time parliamentary inspections of overseas missions have gone online due to the coronavirus pandemic. (Yonhap)
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-14--Prosecution searches residence of former financial watchdog official in fund scandal

He was indicted and detained last year for receiving 20 million won ( US $ 17,400 ) in bribery from @ @ @ @ @ to offer him a favor in the agency 's audit process and 10 million won @ @ @ @ @ businessman to help him secure a bank loan .
He was given a suspended prison @ @ @ @ @ July .
He appealed to a higher court and awaits trial .

SEOUL, Oct. 14 (Yonhap) -- The prosecution said Wednesday it has searched the house of a former financial official in connection with its investigation into a financial fraud scandal involving two embattled private equity investment companies.
The Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office raided the house of the former employee, surnamed Yoon, who worked at the Financial Supervisory Service, the state financial regulator, Tuesday and called him in for questioning in connection with the scandal.
The scandal centers on two asset management companies, Lime and Optimus, whose sham private equity funds generated more than 1.5 trillion won (US$1.3 billion) in losses for some 4,000 investors. After heavy investment losses, the companies declared they were unable to return invested money to investors in October last year and June this year, respectively.
The investment fraud cases have recently spilled over to political and financial sectors following reports that the companies allegedly lobbied or engaged with several influential people, including presidential officials and ruling party lawmakers.
Yoon is accused of receiving kickbacks worth tens of thousands of dollars in return for introducing Optimus CEO Kim Jae-hyun to financial officials, including those in Hana Bank, which later sold Optimus fund products.
Previously, Yoon had claimed in a phone interview with Yonhap News Agency that the money came with no strings attached, denying any wrongdoing.
He was indicted and detained last year for receiving 20 million won (US$17,400) in bribery from a local banker in 2014 to offer him a favor in the agency's audit process and 10 million won also in bribery from a businessman to help him secure a bank loan. He was given a suspended prison sentence for the allegations in July. He appealed to a higher court and awaits trial.
The entrance of Optimus Asset Management in southern Seoul remains closed on Oct. 13, 2020. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-10-14--Seoul stocks down late Wed. morning over U.S. stimulus deadlock, vaccine woes

Earlier in the morning , the Bank of Korea ( BOK ) froze its key interest rate at a record @ @ @ @ @ widely expected .
An export slump and COVID-19 flare-ups have somewhat eased , but consumption @ @ @ @ @ protracted pandemic , the BOK noted .

SEOUL, Oct. 14 (Yonhap) -- South Korean shares extended losses late Wednesday morning, as investor sentiment weakened over a deadlock in U.S. fiscal stimulus plans and slow progress in new coronavirus vaccine development.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) fell 17.86 points, or 0.743 percent, to 2,385.29 as of 11:20 a.m.
The KOSPI fell below the 2,400 level, taking a cue from Wall Street losses that stemmed from worries that the new U.S. stimulus plan is losing steam ahead of the November presidential election.
Investor disappointment also grew, after COVID-19 vaccine developers, including Eli Lilly & Co. and J&J, halted their clinical tests due to safety concerns.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.55 percent to close at 28,679.81 on Tuesday (New York time). The tech-laden Nasdaq Composite slipped 0.1 percent, and the S&P 500 lost 0.63 percent.
Earlier in the morning, the Bank of Korea (BOK) froze its key interest rate at a record low of 0.5 percent as widely expected. An export slump and COVID-19 flare-ups have somewhat eased, but consumption has slowed due to the protracted pandemic, the BOK noted.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics slid 0.16 percent, with No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix shedding 1.02 percent.
Top pharmaceutical firm Samsung Biologics fell 1.52 percent, and Celltrion dipped 2.77 percent.
Internet portal giant Naver gained 1.69 percent, while its rival Kakao traded flat.
Leading chemical maker LG Chem declined 2.33 percent, and rechargeable battery maker Samsung SDI dropped 1.91 percent.
Hyundai Motor, the country's largest automaker, climbed 0.28 percent, but top steelmaker POSCO lost 1.46 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,146.95 won against the U.S. dollar, up 0.15 won from the previous session's close.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-14--(URGENT) Rate freeze decision made unanimously: BOK chief

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


yna--2020-10-14--LG to launch rollable TV this month, join hands with Bentley for marketing

`` We believe main consumers for the Signature OLED R and Bentley vehicles share a common interest in investing in @ @ @ @ @ that the event will create a great synergy , '' LG said .

SEOUL, Oct. 14 (Yonhap) -- LG Electronics Inc. on Wednesday said it will launch its rollable TV later this month and conduct a joint marketing campaign with British luxury carmaker Bentley Motors to sell the premium TV here.
The South Korean home appliance maker opened an event for its VVIP (very very important person) customers earlier in the day to introduce the Signature OLED R TV at a Seoul hotel before the product's official launch.
The invitation-only event will be held for six days, allowing only two or three people to attend each session due to social distancing measures against COVID-19.
At the event, LG said the Bentley Continental GT vehicle will be also displayed alongside the rollable TV to promote its luxury image and scarcity.
"We believe main consumers for the Signature OLED R and Bentley vehicles share a common interest in investing in the best brand value and that the event will create a great synergy," LG said.
This photo provided by LG Electronics Inc. on Oct. 14, 2020, shows models promoting the company's rollable TV, the Signature R, with a Bentley Continental GT at an event for VVIP (very very important person) consumers at a Seoul hotel. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The price of the Signature OLED R has been not been revealed, but industry insiders expect it to be more than 100 million won (US$87,000).
LG's rollable TV, with a 65-inch screen that rises from a box and can be rolled up inside, was first unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in the United States last year.
The world's top OLED TV maker originally planned to launch the rollable TV in 2019, but its mass production has been delayed due to OLED display supply and yield rate issues.
At this year's CES, LG unveiled a different model of its rollable TV with a screen that rolls down from the ceiling.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-14--(LEAD) Over 50 infections reported from Busan's nursing hospital

The authorities said the Haeddeurak Nursing Hospital is the largest cluster infection ever witnessed by Busan .
It is the @ @ @ @ @ that more than 50 infections have been traced to a single location .

(ATTN: UPDATES with more details in paras 6, 8 and 11; REVISES figure in 2nd para and typo in 10th para; CHANGES photo)
BUSAN, Oct. 14 (Yonhap) -- More than 50 patients and workers at a nursing hospital in Busan have been diagnosed with COVID-19, municipal authorities said Wednesday, in the southern port city's latest coronavirus cluster.
The authorities said 43 patients of the Busan nursing hospital, located in the city's Mandeok neighborhood, and its 10 staff members tested positive for the new coronavirus. One of the infected patients has already died, they added.
The mass virus infections have come to light after an assistant nurse in her 50s was confirmed to be infected Tuesday, prompting the authorities to conduct the coronavirus tests for all 261 patients and staff.
An ambulance is parked outside the Haeddeurak Nursing Hospital in Busan, southern South Korea, on Oct. 14, 2020, following an outbreak of mass coronavirus infections there. (Yonhap)
The hospital, named Haeddeurak, was immediately put under cohort isolation, they said.
The outbreak of mass coronavirus infections came days after the South Korean government relaxed its social distancing measures from Level 2 to Level 1. Busan, South Korea's second-largest city with a population of 3.4 million, has so far reported 486 coronavirus cases and four deaths from the disease.
The authorities said the Haeddeurak Nursing Hospital is the largest cluster infection ever witnessed by Busan. It is the first time in the city that more than 50 infections have been traced to a single location.
They are now carrying out an epidemiological survey to determine how and where the assistant nurse contracted the virus.
The nurse reportedly told health officials that she developed a fever last Thursday after coming in contact with the deceased patient. Her temperature rose to 38 C at that time. She then visited a COVID-19 screening clinic Monday after experiencing muscle pain.
They also fear that more infections could be identified from among other hospital patients, mostly aged people.
In recent weeks, a dozen coronavirus cases have been reported from many locations of the Mandeok neighborhood, including restaurants, bath houses and swimming pools, prompting the municipal government to close 18 public parks in the district on Oct. 1 and advise all commercial establishments to thoroughly follow quarantine guidelines.
The government is also planning to administer coronavirus tests to about 1,400 patients and staff members at all 11 nursing hospitals and homes in Mandeok.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-14--Samsung heir returns home after meeting with ASML officials in Netherlands

SEOUL, Oct 14 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, the de facto leader of South Korea's top conglomerate, returned home Wednesday after meeting with top executives from ASML Holding N.V., the world's leading photolithography equipment maker, in the Netherlands.
Lee met with ASML CEO Peter Wennink and ASML Chief Technology Officer Martin van den Brink at ASML headquarters in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, on Tuesday before returning to South Korea, Samsung said.
Lee departed for Europe last Thursday, making his overseas business trip for the first time in five months. He was accompanied by Kim Ki-nam, who heads Samsung's chip business.
Samsung, the world's largest memory chip producer, said Lee discussed with ASML executives on supply plans of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) equipment essential for producing chips with the 7-nanometer process or below, cooperation in advanced semiconductor manufacturing technology and the industry outlook amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
He also visited ASML's plant to inspect its EUV equipment production.
Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong arrives at Gimpo International Airport in Seoul following his business trip to Europe on Oct. 14, 2020. (Yonhap)
Lee previously met Wennink and other ASLM officials in South Korea in November 2016 to discuss chip manufacturing solutions. They also had a meeting in Paris in February 2019.
Samsung has been cooperating with ASML since 2000 to boost its competitiveness in semiconductor manufacturing. In 2012, the South Korean tech giant even made a strategic investment in ASML.
Samsung is trying to beef up its chip fabricating capability with EUV technology. The advanced lithography solution enables the drawing of finer circuitry, meaning more data can be stored within the same surface area and more logical gates are able to fit inside a single chip, thus providing better performance and energy efficiency.
"EUV lithography is an essential technology to make advanced chips used for artificial intelligence, 5G and autonomous driving applications," the company said. "Samsung and ASML have been working together to solve technical issues related with EUV technology."
Lee's visit comes at a time that Samsung is seeking to boost its presence in the non-memory sector. Samsung last year unveiled a plan to become the world's No. 1 logic chip maker by 2030 by investing 133 trillion won (US$115 billion) to bolster its competitiveness in the system LSI and foundry businesses.
This photo provided by Samsung Electronics Co. on Oct. 14, 2020, shows Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong (2nd from R) inspecting ASML's EUV equipment for semiconductor manufacturing at ASML's plant in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, on Oct. 13, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
According to market researcher TrendForce, Samsung had a 17.4 percent share in the global foundry market in the third quarter, far behind industry leader Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), which posted a dominant 53.9 percent market share.
Samsung recently bagged foundry deals from Nvidia and Qualcomm, allowing it to catch up to TSMC. The company also commenced the construction of a new foundry line in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, that is focused on EUV-based 5-nanometer and below process technology.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-14--Navy kicks off scaled-down monthlong cruise training over pandemic

In Guam , they will deliver face masks , hand sanitizers and other medical supplies to U.S. veterans who participated @ @ @ @ @ , as well as to Koreans residing there , to help them better cope with @ @

SEOUL, Oct. 14 (Yonhap) -- The Navy launched annual cruise training on a smaller scale Wednesday amid the virus pandemic, which includes visits to Guam and Malaysia for the delivery of medical items to Korean War veterans and overseas Koreans, officials said.
The Navy Cruise Training Task Group, consisting of the 4,400-ton destroyer Kang Gam-chan and the 10,000-ton logistics support ship Soyang, set sail from the southern resort island of Jeju with 540 sailors aboard, including 147 naval cadets, on the day.
During the 72-day journey, sailing training will be held on high seas and in the country's territorial waters to help the sailors better adapt to maritime circumstances, according to the Navy.
In Guam, they will deliver face masks, hand sanitizers and other medical supplies to U.S. veterans who participated in the 1950-53 Korean War, as well as to Koreans residing there, to help them better cope with COVID-19.
The sailors will also visit Malaysia for joint events with the navy there=and provide masks and other items to Korean citizens in the Southeast Asian country, the Navy said.
This year's training was scaled back due to the new coronavirus. Last year, the task group visited 14 ports in 12 countries over 143 days.
Prior to their departure, all the members had been in isolation for two weeks and had negative COVID-19 test results, according to the Navy.
Separate rooms for potential patients were set up inside the vessels, and more medical staff joined the trip, according to the military.
It will minimize contact with individuals during their port visits and introduce online lectures to replace some of canceled outdoor activities, it added.
"Despite difficult situations due to COVID-19, we will successfully complete the training based on thorough quarantine measures," Kim Gyeong-cheol, who led the group, said.
First launched in 1954, the cruise training has been held on an annual basis.
This photo provided by the Navy on Oct. 14, 2020, shows the 4,400-ton destroyer Kang Gam-chan (L) and the 10,000-ton logistics support ship Soyang. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-14--College admission brokers nabbed in S. Korea for doctoring student papers to top U.S. schools

They were found to have requested hundreds of millions of won from the parents , lying that the money was @ @ @ @ @ to be accepted under schools ' donation-based admission programs .

SEOUL, Oct. 14 (Yonhap) -- A private college consultancy group in South Korea allegedly fabricated student admission papers to top universities in the United States for years, according to police on Wednesday.
A group of four, including an admission broker identified by his surname Jeong and Jeffrey Son, a famed private institution lecturer, was booked by the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on Tuesday.
The team is accused of falsifying documents of the applicants, including report cards, and receiving large sums of money from parents for providing consulting for students' admission to top U.S. schools.
They were found to have requested hundreds of millions of won from the parents, lying that the money was needed in order for kids to be accepted under schools' donation-based admission programs.
According to police, the parents have claimed that they were unaware of the document forging.
In a separate case, the police last month also booked some 20 parents and instructors of the U.S. Scholastic Aptitude Test suspected of meddling in exams held in South Korea.
The police also raided a high school in Yongin, some 50 kilometers south of Seoul, last week, as one of the faculty members was accused of leaking SAT questions from 2017 to 2020.
This illustrated image depicts a college admission test meddling case. (Yonhap)
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-14--The Korea Interbank Offered Rates (KORIBOR)

SEOUL , Oct. 14 ( Yonhap ) -- The Korea Interbank Offered Rates ( KORIBOR ) as posted by Yonhap @ @ @ @ @ and information arm of Yonhap News Agency , at 11:00 a.m .


yna--2020-10-14--N.K. establishes university named after leader Kim

It was believed to be the first time that the North has established a university named after the current leader @ @ @ @ @ schools named after state founder Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il , the late father of @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Oct. 14 (Yonhap) -- North Korea has been confirmed to have established a university named after Kim Jong-un for the first time.
While reporting on a military parade Saturday, the North's official Korean Central News Agency said that students of "Kim Jong Un University of National Defense" marched in columns. It also said the school has "produced a number of talented persons in national defense and technology."
It was believed to be the first time that the North has established a university named after the current leader, though there are multiple schools named after state founder Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, the late father of the current leader.
The KCNA did not provide more details about the new school. Based on its name, however, the school appears to be aimed at educating students on science and technology associated with weapons development.
Leader Kim has shown keen interest in science and technology instrumental to the development of missile and other weapons systems.
It is not clear when and where the school was launched.
Experts presume the school could have been launched by merging a national defense college in Kanggye, a city of North Korea's northern Jagang Province, and a college on the outskirts of Pyongyang known for cyberwarfare education.
This photo released by the Korean Central News Agency shows North Korean soldiers during a military parade held at Kim Il-sung Square in Pyongyang on Oct. 10, 2020, to mark the 75th founding anniversary of the Workers' Party. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-14--(LEAD) New virus cases again up by double digits, new cluster infection reported in Busan

(ATTN: UPDATES throughout with details; CHANGES headline; ADDS photo)
SEOUL, Oct. 14 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new virus cases rose by double digits Wednesday amid concerns that a new cluster infection in the southeastern port city of Busan could potentially lead to a mass outbreak.
The country added 84 more COVID-19 cases, including 53 local infections, raising the total caseload to 24,889, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). It marked a fall from 102 cases reported on Tuesday.
The number of daily new local infections also went down from 69 a day earlier.
Fans attend a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game between the Hanwha Eagles and the Doosan Bears at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul on Oct. 13, 2020. The government eased social distancing rules over the coronavirus, allowing sports leagues to admit crowds of up to 30 percent of stadium capacities. (Yonhap)
However, more than 50 patients and workers at a nursing hospital in Busan were later diagnosed with COVID-19, which were not yet reflected in the official tally released earlier in the day.
The authorities said 43 patients of the Busan nursing hospital and its nine staff members tested positive for the new coronavirus. One of the infected patients has already died, they added.
Health authorities hinted the daily tally for Thursday could possibly spike due to the Busan cluster case.
On Monday, South Korea eased most of its strict restrictions on daily activities as there have been no massive outbreaks following the Chuseok holiday, the Korean equivalent of Thanksgiving, and a separate three-day break to celebrate the proclamation of the Korean alphabet.
South Korea suffered a major uptick in virus cases in mid-August, mostly traced to a conservative church in northern Seoul.
The number of daily new local infections shot up to 441 on Aug. 27, a sharp hike from 103 on Aug. 13. The figures stayed in the triple digits until reaching 82 on Sept. 20.
Despite some ups and downs, the daily new infections mostly stayed around 100 afterwards.
Under eased social distancing, high-risk facilities, such as clubs, karaoke rooms, bars and buffet restaurants, including those in the greater Seoul area, are now allowed to operate normally. They are, however, obligated to follow infection prevention measures, including having visitors wear masks and keeping entry logs.
Starting earlier in the day, people are required to wear protective masks on public transportation and at medical facilities and rallies. Violators can be fined starting in November after a month of grace period.
Of the newly identified local infections, 23 cases were reported in Seoul and 15 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital, the KDCA said. Incheon, just west of Seoul, also reported eight new cases.
The southern port city of Busan added two new cases as well. The central city of Daejeon added four cases.
Daily new imported cases reached 31, down from 33 a day earlier, the KDCA said. Yet the number stayed above the 30-mark for the second day in a row.
Of them, 14 were confirmed at quarantine checkpoints, such as airports and ports, the KDCA said. Twenty-nine of them are foreigners, and two are South Korean nationals.
The United States accounted for 13 cases, and there were also patients from the Philippines with five and Japan with three, it said.
South Korea added four more deaths, raising the death toll to 438, the KDCA said. The fatality rate reached 1.76 percent.
The number of patients in serious or critical condition came to 85, down six from the previous day.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 23,030, up 167 from the previous day.
This file photo taken Oct. 5, 2020, shows a public park in Busan's Mandeok neighborhood closed as part of anti-coronavirus quarantine measures. (Yonhap)
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-14--Navy sailor on vacation tests positive for coronavirus

The sailor stationed on the southern island of Jeju was confirmed to have contracted COVID-19 the previous day while spending @ @ @ @ @ north of Seoul , according to the ministry .

SEOUL, Oct. 14 (Yonhap) -- A Navy sailor has tested positive for the new coronavirus after coming into contact with another virus patient while on vacation, the defense ministry said Wednesday.
The sailor stationed on the southern island of Jeju was confirmed to have contracted COVID-19 the previous day while spending his vacation in Uijeongbu, north of Seoul, according to the ministry.
The latest case raised the total number of infections reported among the military population to 155.
On Monday, the military lifted a vacation ban for enlisted services members after the government eased social distancing guidelines on the new coronavirus.
South Korea reported 84 additional virus cases on Wednesday, raising the total caseload to 24,889.
People wearing face masks walk at Seoul National University Hospital on Oct. 13, 2020, as the government began the same day to require people to wear masks on public transportation and at medical facilities and rallies as an infection prevention measure against the novel coronavirus. Violators can be fined starting in November after a monthlong grace period. (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-14--S. Korea to hold population census this week amid pandemic

The agency said about 27,000 census workers will carry out door-to-door visits from Nov. 1 to Nov. 18 for those @ @ @ @ @ the non-contact survey from Oct. 15 to 31 .

SEJONG, Oct. 14 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will hold a national census this week, the statistics agency said Wednesday, amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Statistics Korea asked people to use mobile phones, fixed-line telephones and computers to register their personal, family and other information in a move to stop the spread of COVID-19.
The agency said about 27,000 census workers will carry out door-to-door visits from Nov. 1 to Nov. 18 for those who fail to respond to the non-contact survey from Oct. 15 to 31.
South Korea's total population inched up last year, but elderly people continued to outnumber children due to a rapid aging trend and a record low birthrate, according to an annual survey of Statistics Korea.
A total of 51.78 million people lived in South Korea as of Nov. 1, 2019, up 0.3 percent, or 150,000, from a year earlier.
Statistics Korea started to hold an annual population survey based on national resident registration records in 2016, with the conventional person-to-person survey to be conducted every five years.
People wearing face masks walk at Seoul National University Hospital on Oct. 13, 2020, as the government began the same day to require people to wear masks on public transportation and at medical facilities and rallies as an infection prevention measure against the novel coronavirus. Violators can be fined starting in November after a monthlong grace period. (Yonhap)
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-14--Battle for most pitching wins going down to wire

The Bears are in fourth place .
They could still climb up to as high as second place , but @ @ @ @ @ fourth or fifth , they 'll have to play the wild-card game one or two @ @ @ @ @ the regular season .
Alcantara is expected to get the nod in that opening playoff @ @ @ @ @ could be held out of his final regular season start .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Oct. 14 (Yonhap) -- Say what you will about wins for pitchers -- how it's an overrated stat and how pitchers have less control of their own destiny than once thought. The term "20-game winner" still has a nice ring to it and carries cachet.
In the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) this season, two hurlers are going for that milestone, and their battle to lead the league in the category is going down to the wire.
Raul Alcantara of the Doosan Bears threw seven shutout innings against the Hanwha Eagles on Tuesday to pick up his 17th win of 2020. The right-hander has now won seven consecutive decisions, dating back to Sept. 1.
Raul Alcantara of the Doosan Bears pitches in the top of the first inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game against the Hanwha Eagles at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on Oct. 13, 2020. (Yonhap)
Alcantara is now one behind the wins leader, Drew Rucinski of the NC Dinos. Rucinski had won six straight decisions from Aug. 29 to Oct. 4, before the streak was snapped in his most recent start Saturday.
Should they remain in the rotation, both pitchers will likely make three more starts until the conclusion of the regular season on Oct. 30.
That will also depend on their respective clubs' position in the standings. If the league-leading Dinos lock down that spot early -- their magic number is nine -- they will earn a bye to the Korean Series. With no games between the end of the regular season and the start of that championship round, the Dinos will likely send Rucinski to the hill at every regular turn in order to keep him sharp.
In this file photo from Sept. 23, 2020, Drew Rucinski of the NC Dinos pitches in the top of the first inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game against the Samsung Lions at Changwon NC Park in Changwon, 400 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
The Bears are in fourth place. They could still climb up to as high as second place, but if they end up in fourth or fifth, they'll have to play the wild-card game one or two days after the end of the regular season. Alcantara is expected to get the nod in that opening playoff round, which means he could be held out of his final regular season start.
Alcantara hasn't just been winning games; he has been dominant. Over his past four starts, Alcantara has only allowed three earned runs in 27 1/3 innings with 31 strikeouts, a stretch that also includes 15 consecutive scoreless innings.
Rucinski has been on a roller coaster of late. He threw seven shutout innings on Sept. 17 but then allowed four runs in six innings in the very next start. He came back with 12 2/3 scoreless innings over his next two starts and then surrendered four runs in 6 1/3 last weekend.
In this file photo from Sept. 11, 2020, Drew Rucinski of the NC Dinos pitches against the KT Wiz in the top of the first inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Changwon NC Park in Changwon, 400 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
The Bears have had the pitching wins leaders the past two seasons: Seth Frankoff (18 wins) in 2018 and Josh Lindblom (20 wins) in 2019.
Only one other club in league history has had wins leaders in three consecutive seasons. The Haitai (now Kia) Tigers' legend Sun Dong-yol topped the KBO in wins from 1989 to 1991, with 21, 22 and 19 victories.
If Alcantara gets past Rucinski, the Bears would become the first to have three different starters lead the KBO in wins in three straight seasons.
The last Dinos pitcher to lead the KBO in wins was Eric Hacker, who won 19 games in 2015. No NC pitcher has won 20 games in a season.
In this file photo from Sept. 20, 2020, Raul Alcantara of the Doosan Bears pitches in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game against the LG Twins at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-14--Bentley expects sales in S. Korea to hit record next year

`` We have received 180 preorders ( for the FlyingSpur V8 in South Korea ) even before its global launch @ @ @ @ @ Korea is one of the very early countries for FlyingSpur delivery and delivery to Korea @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .

SEOUL, Oct. 14 (Yonhap) -- Bentley Motors Korea said Wednesday its vehicle sales could reach a record high next year, helped by robust sales of its luxury models, despite the new coronavirus pandemic.
Bentley Motors Korea said it plans to launch the FlyingSpur V8 luxury sedan and the facelifted Bentayga V8 sport-utility vehicle in the Korean market next year to boost its sales in Asia's fourth-biggest economy.
With the launch of the two models, Bentley Motors Korea expects sales next year to exceed its previous record of 385 cars sold in 2015, Warren Clarke, head of Bentley Motors Korea said in a press event.
This photo taken on Oct. 8, 2020 shows Warren Clarke, head of Bentley Motors Korea, answering questions from reporters during a press event on the upcoming FlyingSpur sedan at Andaz Seoul Gangnam hotel in southern Seoul. (Yonhap)
"We have received 180 preorders (for the FlyingSpur V8 in South Korea) even before its global launch (from December). Korea is one of the very early countries for FlyingSpur delivery and delivery to Korea will start early next year," he said.
The FlyingSpur V8 luxury sedan is expected to carry a price tag of 320 million won (about US$280,000) in South Korea. Further details about the model will be released later.
The Continental GT V8 sports coupe is the only Bentley model available in the South Korean market as of October. The Bentayga V8 model for the year has been sold out, the company said.
South Korea is Bentley's sixth-biggest market in terms of sales, following the United States, China, the United Kingdom, Germany and Japan.
Receiving hundreds of preorders for the FlyingSpur V8 model is a strong indication that Bentley is set to report robust sales for the next few years, the executive said.
From January to September, Bentley sold a total of 213 vehicles in South Korea, nearly tripling from 73 in the year-ago period, according to the Korea Automobile Importers and Distributors Association.
Bentley belongs to Audi-Volkswagen Korea, which also sells vehicles under the Audi, Volkswagen and Lamborghini brands.
This photo taken on Oct. 8, 2020 shows the FlyingSpur luxury sedan to be released in South Korea early next year. (Yonhap)
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-14--(2nd LD) Berlin district office withholds order to remove sex slave statue

The Mitte district office said in a statement Tuesday that the order to remove `` The Statue of Peace '' @ @ @ @ @ applicable due to an injunction filed by local civic group Korea Verband , which brands @ @ @ @ @ all who are interested in Korea .

(ATTN: ADDS more info in last 3 paras)
BERLIN/SEOUL, Oct. 14 (Yonhap) -- A Berlin district office has withheld its order to remove a statue symbolizing victims of Japan's wartime sexual slavery following protests from activists and citizens.
The Mitte district office said in a statement Tuesday that the order to remove "The Statue of Peace" by Wednesday was no longer applicable due to an injunction filed by local civic group Korea Verband, which brands itself as a platform for all who are interested in Korea.
"We will take time to thoroughly study the positions of all parties involved in this complex dispute, as well as our own position," Stephan von Dassel, district mayor of Mitte, said in the statement.
"We would like to reach a compromise that reflects fairly the interests of Korea Verband and the interests of the Japanese side," he said.
Activists and citizens protest an order to remove a statue symbolizing victims of Japan's wartime sexual slavery in front of the Mitte district office in Berlin on Oct. 13, 2020. (Yonhap)
The statue symbolizes 200,000 Asian women, mostly Koreans, who were forcibly sent to front-line brothels to work as sex slaves for Japanese troops during World War II.
Similar statues have been erected in several countries around the world, including in front of the former Japanese Embassy building in Seoul and at five locations across the United States.
The statue in Mitte was unveiled last month, but after facing apparent opposition from Japan, the district office ordered Korea Verband, the project leader, last Wednesday to have it removed within a week.
Von Dassel said in the statement that his district condemns all forms of sexual violence against women during armed conflicts and will not take further steps until a court ruling is given on the injunction.
He also appeared at a protest opposing the statue's removal, telling some 300 activists and citizens gathered in front of the district office that he was impressed by the level of civic participation and that he learned the history of the statues.
Von Dassel denied that the removal order was given under pressure from the Japanese government.
He said he received many complaints from Japanese citizens living in Berlin, as well as from the German federal government and the Berlin state government.
A possible solution to the dispute would be to expand the inscription on the statue to focus more on women victims of war, rather than on Japan's atrocities against Korea, according to local activists.
This photo provided Rep. Yang Ki-dae of the ruling Democratic Party shows the letter written by Lee Yong-soo, one of the surviving victims of the Japanese military sexual slavery during World War II. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Meanwhile, Lee Yong-soo, one of 16 surviving South Korean victims, pleaded that the statue not be removed, especially from the capital of Germany, which she said, has been working hard to reflect on its past misdeeds and make history right.
In a press conference held in front of the National Assembly in Seoul, she said the removal of the statue, which she described as "historical evidence," would be "a bad thing to do and a crime" against humanity.
After the brief conference, she headed toward the Embassy of Germany to deliver her hand-written letter.
Lee Yong-soo, one of the surviving victims of the Japanese military sexual slavery during World War II, enters the Embassy of Germany in Seoul to deliver her hand-written letter on Oct. 14, 2020. (Yonhap)
Activists and citizens march in protest of the Mitte district office's order to remove a statue symbolizing victims of Japan's wartime sexual slavery in Berlin on Oct. 13, 2020. (Yonhap)
Meanwhile, Lee Jae-myung, governor of South Korea's Gyeonggi Province, said in a Facebook post that he has sent letters to the mayors of Berlin and Mitte, asking them not to remove the statue.
"On behalf of people in Gyeonggi Province of South Korea, I express my concern about Berlin city government's decision to remove the peace statue established through efforts of citizens from South Korea and Germany," wrote Lee, a leading potential presidential candidate affilated with the ruling Democratic Party.
"A removal would disappoint Koreans and conscientious people in the world who hope to build permanent peace based on historical lessons about war crimes and sexual violence," he said.
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-14--(2nd LD) Prosecution searches residence of former financial watchdog official in fund scandal

He was indicted and detained last year for receiving 20 million won ( US $ 17,400 ) in bribery from @ @ @ @ @ to offer him a favor in the agency 's audit process and 10 million won @ @ @ @ @ businessman to help him secure a bank loan .
He was given a suspended prison @ @ @ @ @ July .
He appealed to a higher court and is awaiting trial .

(ATTN: UPDATES with details of investigation team in para 7)
SEOUL, Oct. 14 (Yonhap) -- The prosecution said Wednesday it has searched the house of a former financial official in connection with its investigation into a financial fraud scandal involving two embattled private equity investment companies.
The Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office raided the house of the former employee, surnamed Yoon, who worked at the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS), the state financial regulator, Tuesday and called him in for questioning in connection with the scandal.
The scandal centers on two asset management companies, Lime and Optimus, whose sham private equity funds generated more than 1.5 trillion won (US$1.3 billion) in losses for some 4,000 investors. After heavy investment losses, the companies declared they were unable to return invested money to investors in October last year and June this year, respectively.
The investment fraud cases have recently spilled over to political and financial sectors following reports that the companies allegedly lobbied or engaged with several influential people, including presidential officials and ruling party lawmakers.
The justice ministry said Wednesday it has sent five prosecutors to join the investigation team at the request of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office.
The five include a former member of the FSS who specializes in financial cases and four prosecutors versed in handling financial frauds and special investigations, including the corruption scandal that led to the removal of former President Park Geun-hye.
Later in the day, the Seoul prosecution office said it has expanded a special team investigating the Optimus case. The team consists of 18 prosectors, including the five dispatched from the ministry.
Yoon is accused of receiving kickbacks worth tens of thousands of dollars in return for introducing Optimus CEO Kim Jae-hyun to financial officials, including those in Hana Bank, which later sold Optimus fund products.
Previously, Yoon had claimed in a phone interview with Yonhap News Agency that the money came with no strings attached, denying any wrongdoing.
He was indicted and detained last year for receiving 20 million won (US$17,400) in bribery from a local banker in 2014 to offer him a favor in the agency's audit process and 10 million won also in bribery from a businessman to help him secure a bank loan. He was given a suspended prison sentence for the allegations in July. He appealed to a higher court and is awaiting trial.
The entrance of Optimus Asset Management in southern Seoul remains closed on Oct. 13, 2020. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-10-14--(2nd LD) Over 50 infections reported from nursing hospital in Busan

(ATTN: UPDATES with new info in paras 3-4; ADDS photo)
BUSAN, Oct. 14 (Yonhap) -- More than 50 patients and workers at a nursing hospital in Busan have been diagnosed with COVID-19, municipal authorities said Wednesday, in the southern port city's latest coronavirus cluster.
The authorities said 43 patients of the Busan nursing hospital, located in the city's Mandeok neighborhood, and its 10 staff members tested positive for the new coronavirus. One of the infected patients has already died, they added.
The authorities also said that four other people from the same room as the deceased have died with similar symptoms.
Including the four, eight deaths have been reported in the nursing hospital over the last month.
The mass virus infections have come to light after an assistant nurse in her 50s was confirmed to be infected Tuesday, prompting the authorities to conduct the coronavirus tests for all 261 patients and staff.
An ambulance is parked outside the Haeddeurak Nursing Hospital in Busan, southern South Korea, on Oct. 14, 2020, following an outbreak of mass coronavirus infections there. (Yonhap)
The hospital, named Haeddeurak, was immediately put under cohort isolation, they said.
The outbreak of mass coronavirus infections came days after the South Korean government relaxed its social distancing measures from Level 2 to Level 1. Busan, South Korea's second-largest city with a population of 3.4 million, has so far reported 486 coronavirus cases and four deaths from the disease.
The authorities said the Haeddeurak Nursing Hospital is the largest cluster infection ever witnessed by Busan. It is the first time in the city that more than 50 infections have been traced to a single location.
They are now carrying out an epidemiological survey to determine how and where the assistant nurse contracted the virus.
The nurse reportedly told health officials that she developed a fever last Thursday after coming in contact with the deceased patient. Her temperature rose to 38 C at that time. She then visited a COVID-19 screening clinic Monday after experiencing muscle pain.
They also fear that more infections could be identified from among other hospital patients, mostly aged people.
In recent weeks, a dozen coronavirus cases have been reported from many locations of the Mandeok neighborhood, including restaurants, bath houses and swimming pools, prompting the municipal government to close 18 public parks in the district on Oct. 1 and advise all commercial establishments to thoroughly follow quarantine guidelines.
The government is also planning to administer coronavirus tests to about 1,400 patients and staff members at all 11 nursing hospitals and homes in Mandeok.
Health officials disinfect Haeddeurak Nursing Hospital in Busan, southern South Korea, on Oct. 14, 2020, following a mass outbreak of coronavirus infections there. (Yonhap)
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-14--Vice FM holds talks with ambassadors of UAE, Saudi Arabia

In the talks with Ambassadors Abdullah Saif Nuaimi of the UAE and Riyad Ahmed Al Mubaraky of Saudi Arabia , @ @ @ @ @ countries ' keen attention to enhancing bilateral cooperation in coronavirus responses so as to expand @ @ @ @ @ to a wider range of health-related fields , the ministry said in a release .

SEOUL, Oct. 14 (Yonhap) -- First Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong-kun met separately Wednesday with the ambassadors of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia for talks on bilateral ties and other issues, the foreign ministry said.
In the talks with Ambassadors Abdullah Saif Nuaimi of the UAE and Riyad Ahmed Al Mubaraky of Saudi Arabia, Choi asked for the two countries' keen attention to enhancing bilateral cooperation in coronavirus responses so as to expand the scope of such cooperation to a wider range of health-related fields, the ministry said in a release.
Speaking with the UAE ambassador, Choi also highly evaluated the UAE government's decision to normalize diplomatic relations with Israel as a step toward stability and peace in the Middle East.
In the meeting with the top Saudi envoy, Choi asked for Riyadh's cooperation in helping the entry procedure for South Korean businesspeople proceed smoothly and fast amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
The vice minister also asked both countries to support South Korean Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee's bid for the top post at the World Trade Organization (WTO), with the final round of the selection process now under way. The new leader is expected to be picked by early next month.
First Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong-kun (R) poses for a photo with United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador to Seoul Abdullah Saif Al Nuaimi as they greet with a fist bump ahead of their meeting at the foreign ministry on Oct. 14, 2020, in this photo provided by Choi's office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
First Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong-kun (R) speaks with Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Seoul Riyad Ahmed Al Mubaraky during a meeting at the foreign ministry in Seoul on Oct. 14, 2020, in this photo provided by the ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-14--(4th LD) New virus cases again up by double digits; new cluster infection reported in Busan

(ATTN: UPDATES with more info in 6th para)
SEOUL, Oct. 14 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new virus cases rose by double digits Wednesday amid concerns that a new cluster infection in the southeastern port city of Busan could potentially lead to a mass outbreak.
The country added 84 more COVID-19 cases, including 53 local infections, raising the total caseload to 24,889, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). It marked a fall from 102 cases reported on Tuesday.
The number of daily new local infections also went down from 69 a day earlier.
Fans attend a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game between the Hanwha Eagles and the Doosan Bears at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul on Oct. 13, 2020. The government eased social distancing rules over the coronavirus, allowing sports leagues to admit crowds of up to 30 percent of stadium capacities. (Yonhap)
However, more than 50 patients and workers at a nursing hospital in Busan were later diagnosed with COVID-19, which were not yet reflected in the official tally released earlier in the day.
The authorities said 43 patients of the Busan nursing hospital and its nine staff members tested positive for the new coronavirus. One of the infected patients has already died, they added.
The authorities said four other people from the same room as the deceased have died with similar symptoms.
The mass virus infections came to light after an assistant nurse in her 50s was confirmed to be infected Tuesday, prompting the authorities to conduct coronavirus tests on all 262 patients and workers.
The health authorities also said they plan to conduct COVID-19 tests on all patients and people working at nursing facilities and mental institutions in the greater Seoul area.
The number of those undergoing tests is expected to reach around 160,000, the KDCA said, adding that tests could possibly expand into other parts of the country later.
Health authorities hinted the daily tally for Thursday could possibly spike due to the Busan cluster case.
On Monday, South Korea eased most of its strict restrictions on daily activities as there have been no massive outbreaks following the Chuseok holiday, the Korean equivalent of Thanksgiving, and a separate three-day break to celebrate the proclamation of the Korean alphabet.
South Korea suffered a major uptick in virus cases in mid-August, mostly traced to a conservative church in northern Seoul.
Health authorities said they believe the aftermath of the two major holidays is not that big.
Yet, a total of 20 schools across the country were closed Wednesday after two more students were newly confirmed with the COVID-19 virus, the KDCA said.
The number of daily new local infections shot up to 441 on Aug. 27, a sharp hike from 103 on Aug. 13. The figures stayed in the triple digits until reaching 82 on Sept. 20.
Despite some ups and downs, the daily new infections mostly stayed around 100 afterwards.
Under eased social distancing, high-risk facilities, such as clubs, karaoke rooms, bars and buffet restaurants, including those in the greater Seoul area, are now allowed to operate normally. They are, however, obligated to follow infection prevention measures, including having visitors wear masks and keeping entry logs.
A disinfection worker enters a nursing hospital located in the southern port city Busan's Mandeok neighborhood on Oct. 14, 2020. (Yonhap)
Sports events are also obligated to keep the ceiling on fans to 30 percent at stadiums, the KDCA said.
The authorities said they are mulling expanding attendance to 50 percent of stadium capacity at professional sports matches starting in November.
Starting earlier in the day, people are required to wear protective masks on public transportation and at medical facilities and rallies. Violators can be fined starting in November after a month of grace period.
Of the newly identified local infections, 23 cases were reported in Seoul and 15 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital, the KDCA said. Incheon, just west of Seoul, also reported eight new cases.
The southern port city of Busan added two new cases as well. The central city of Daejeon added four cases.
The number of cases linked to a door-to-door sales event in Songpa Ward, southeastern Seoul, reached seven with six more patients being reported, the authorities said.
A nursing hospital in Uijeongbu, north of Seoul, reported one additional case, increasing the total related caseload to 61, the KDCA said.
The number of cases traced to a friend gathering in Yeongdeungpo Ward rose by 10, bringing the total to 11, it said. Another family gathering in the central Gyeonggi Province reported five more cases, bringing the total caseload to 23.
Untraceable cases accounted for 17.5 percent of the total cases reported over the past two weeks.
Daily new imported cases reached 31, down from 33 a day earlier, the KDCA said. Yet the number stayed above the 30-mark for the second day in a row.
Of them, 14 were confirmed at quarantine checkpoints, such as airports and ports, the KDCA said. Twenty-nine of them are foreigners, and two are South Korean nationals.
The United States accounted for 13 cases, and there were also patients from the Philippines with five and Japan with three, it said.
South Korea added four more deaths, raising the death toll to 438, the KDCA said. The fatality rate reached 1.76 percent.
The number of patients in serious or critical condition came to 85, down six from the previous day.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 23,030, up 167 from the previous day.
South Korean Ambassador to the United Nations Cho Hyun gives a business report during a parliamentary inspection of his mission at the National Assembly in Seoul on Oct. 14, 2020. It's the first time parliamentary inspections of overseas missions have gone online due to the coronavirus pandemic. (Yonhap)
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-14--Lawmakers rap universities for lukewarm response to students' tuition refund calls

The global crisis caused by the novel coronavirus has triggered a major disruption in the way higher education institutions offer @ @ @ @ @ shut down and instruction is being offered remotely , there have been continuing complaints from @ @ @ @ @ not a good value for the money .
But a majority of universities argue that @ @ @ @ @ to cough up tuition , citing a rise in pandemic-related costs for setting up online @ @ @ @ @ quarantine programs on campus .

SEOUL, Oct. 14 (Yonhap) -- Local universities are coming increasingly under pressure to heed students' calls for partial tuition refunds over the poor quality of online lectures currently under way due to the protracted coronavirus outbreak.
Many universities' reluctance to offer tuition refunds also emerged as one of the hottest issues during the National Assembly's inspections of 12 education-related public institutions earlier this week, with lawmakers siding with students' calls for tuition reimbursement for the fall semester.
Lawmakers of both ruling and opposition parties generally leveled criticism at many domestic universities' lukewarm attitudes toward students' growing calls for tuition refunds and other financial assistance.
The global crisis caused by the novel coronavirus has triggered a major disruption in the way higher education institutions offer classes. As campuses have shut down and instruction is being offered remotely, there have been continuing complaints from students that online instruction is not a good value for the money. But a majority of universities argue that it is hard for them to cough up tuition, citing a rise in pandemic-related costs for setting up online classes and running disinfection and quarantine programs on campus.
Kim In-chul, head of the Korean Council for University Education, answers lawmakers' questions during an annual parliamentary audit held at the National Assembly in Seoul on Oct. 13, 2020. (Yonhap)
"Online classes are inevitable due to COVID-19, but the tuition fees have remained almost the same," Rep. Bae June-young of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) said during an audit session on 12 education organization on Tuesday. "Students are in financial difficulties due to tuition fees for the fall semester, and their complaints are growing."
PPP Rep. Cho Kyoung-tae also pointed out that private universities, in particular, have been lukewarm about the rising calls for tuition reimbursement despite having huge reserve funds.
In response, Kim In-chul, the head of the Korean Council for University Education, said that his organization will try to find ways to help students facing economic hardships.
Kim, however, stressed that some 158 colleges and universities across the county have already taken measures to alleviate the burdens of students, such as partial tuition refunds and special scholarships.
Many universities are working to expand in-person classes beginning later this month, he added.
During the Tuesday audit, the state-run Korea Student Aid Foundation (KOSAF) was also grilled about its performance in arranging loans for financially strapped students.
Rep. Lee Tahney of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) criticized KOSAF for using most of its revenue, estimated at 50.6 billion won (US$44.2 million) in the 2015-19 period, to pay off its own debt, rather than lowering the interest burden for student borrowers.
"KOSAF should actively consider giving tuition fee loans to students at zero interest rate," argued Rep. Kang Min-jung of the Open Democratic Party.
Lee Joung-woo, the chief director of KOSAF, agreed to the lawmakers' request but noted that a comprehensive review is needed as there could be possible side effects.
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-14--(LEAD) Berlin district office withholds order to remove sex slave statue

(ATTN: ADDS details in last 3 paras, photos)
BERLIN/SEOUL, Oct. 14 (Yonhap) -- A Berlin district office has withheld its order to remove a statue symbolizing victims of Japan's wartime sexual slavery following protests from activists and citizens.
The Mitte district office said in a statement Tuesday that the order to remove "The Statue of Peace" by Wednesday was no longer applicable due to an injunction filed by local civic group Korea Verband, which brands itself as a platform for all who are interested in Korea.
"We will take time to thoroughly study the positions of all parties involved in this complex dispute, as well as our own position," Stephan von Dassel, district mayor of Mitte, said in the statement.
"We would like to reach a compromise that reflects fairly the interests of Korea Verband and the interests of the Japanese side," he said.
Activists and citizens protest an order to remove a statue symbolizing victims of Japan's wartime sexual slavery in front of the Mitte district office in Berlin on Oct. 13, 2020. (Yonhap)
The statue symbolizes 200,000 Asian women, mostly Koreans, who were forcibly sent to front-line brothels to work as sex slaves for Japanese troops during World War II.
Similar statues have been erected in several countries around the world, including in front of the former Japanese Embassy building in Seoul and at five locations across the United States.
The statue in Mitte was unveiled last month, but after facing apparent opposition from Japan, the district office ordered Korea Verband, the project leader, last Wednesday to have it removed within a week.
Von Dassel said in the statement that his district condemns all forms of sexual violence against women during armed conflicts and will not take further steps until a court ruling is given on the injunction.
He also appeared at a protest opposing the statue's removal, telling some 300 activists and citizens gathered in front of the district office that he was impressed by the level of civic participation and that he learned the history of the statues.
Von Dassel denied that the removal order was given under pressure from the Japanese government.
He said he received many complaints from Japanese citizens living in Berlin, as well as from the German federal government and the Berlin state government.
A possible solution to the dispute would be to expand the inscription on the statue to focus more on women victims of war, rather than on Japan's atrocities against Korea, according to local activists.
This photo provided Rep. Yang Ki-dae of the ruling Democratic Party shows the letter written by Lee Yong-soo, one of the surviving victims of the Japanese military sexual slavery during World War II. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Meanwhile, Lee Yong-soo, one of 16 surviving South Korean victims, pleaded that the statue not be removed, especially from the capital of Germany, which she said, has been working hard to reflect on its past misdeeds and make history right.
In a press conference held in front of the National Assembly in Seoul, she said the removal of the statue, which she described as "historical evidence," would be "a bad thing to do and a crime" against humanity.
After the brief conference, she headed toward the Embassy of Germany to deliver her hand-written letter.
Lee Yong-soo, one of the surviving victims of the Japanese military sexual slavery during World War II, enters the Embassy of Germany in Seoul to deliver her hand-written letter on Oct. 14, 2020. (Yonhap)
Activists and citizens march in protest of the Mitte district office's order to remove a statue symbolizing victims of Japan's wartime sexual slavery in Berlin on Oct. 13, 2020. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
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yna--2020-10-14--Ambassador admits handling of sexual harassment case in New Zealand was insufficient

`` Still , the two sides need to reach agreement on how to proceed with that process , and we @ @ @ @ @ containing our positions , '' the envoy said , declining to delve further into the @ @ @

SEOUL, Oct. 14 (Yonhap) -- South Korean Ambassador to New Zealand Lee Sang-jin admitted Wednesday that his embassy's handling of a sexual harassment case involving a senior diplomat was insufficient.
Lee made the remarks during a video-linked parliamentary audit session in response to a lawmaker's question about the 2017 case, although the ambassador was not serving at the embassy at the time.
A local employee at the embassy has accused the diplomat of groping him multiple times. The case resurfaced in July when New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern raised it during phone talks with President Moon Jae-in.
"That is what the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has also pointed out, and I sufficiently share that understanding," Lee said.
South Korean Ambassador to New Zealand Lee Sang-jin attends a video-linked parliamentary audit session on Oct. 14, 2020. (Yonhap)
Last month, Seoul's human rights watchdog recommended the foreign ministry improve "shortcomings" revealed in its handling of the sexual misconduct case, such as the absence of guidelines to handle sexual harassment cases and a lack of efforts to separate the victim from the alleged perpetrator.
Lee said that his embassy and the victim have agreed on a settlement process.
"Still, the two sides need to reach agreement on how to proceed with that process, and we also need to exchange letters containing our positions," the envoy said, declining to delve further into the settlement process.
New Zealand police have investigated the case, while the country's relevant court issued an arrest warrant for the diplomat in February. But the country has not officially requested the extradition of the diplomat.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
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yna--2020-10-14--N.K. says it is recovering from typhoon damage on its own

`` We are putting all-out efforts to recover from the typhoons and flooding on our own and to bring stability @ @ @ @ @ as possible , '' the delegate was quoted as saying .

SEOUL, Oct. 14 (Yonhap) -- North Korea is recovering from recent back-to-back typhoons on its own, without any external help, the country's chief delegate said during a meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), according to state media Wednesday.
The North also said during the ministerial meeting held on the margins of the U.N. General Assembly Friday that the country is maintaining a stable posture against the coronavirus, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
"We are putting all-out efforts to recover from the typhoons and flooding on our own and to bring stability to our people as soon as possible," the delegate was quoted as saying.
"Our country is maintaining a stable posture against the virus as of now," he said. He added that the North will further tighten antivirus measures for the safety of its people.
During a politburo meeting in August, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said that the country should reject any outside help, despite damage from recent heavy downpours, saying that accepting foreign aid could heighten the risk of coronavirus infections.
The KCNA did not reveal the identity of the North Korean delegate who spoke at the NAM meeting, though it is likely to be Foreign Minister Ri Son-gwon or Kim Song, North Korea's ambassador to the U.N.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (C, front) inspects Kangbuk-ri, Kumchon County, North Hwanghae Province, that was rebuilt after sustaining damage by heavy rain and strong wind caused by Typhoon Bavi last month, in this undated photo released by the North's official Korean Central News Agency on Sept. 15, 2020. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
julesyi@yna.co.kr
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Yonhap News Summary

Lee Rae-jin , the elder brother of the deceased official , held a press conference at the headquarters of the @ @ @ @ @ , west of Seoul .
Along with a letter of protest , Lee filed a @ @ @ @ @ demanding the release of statements from the nine colleagues who were aboard the Mugunghwa 10 @ @ @ @ @ waters around Yeonpyeong Island on Sept. 22 .

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Wednesday.
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(LEAD) Seoul stocks tumble almost 1 pct over virus scare
SEOUL -- South Korean shares dipped nearly 1 percent Wednesday as a new coronavirus cluster infection threatened hopes for quick economic recovery. The Korean won rose against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) fell 22.67 points, or 0.94 percent, to close at 2,380.48.
Trading volume was moderate at about 880 million shares worth some 10.5 trillion won (US$9.2 billion), with losers outnumbering gainers 638 to 227.
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(LEAD) Cheong Wa Dae says S. Korea-Japan summit talks needed to resolve bilateral problem
SEOUL -- Cheong Wa Dae said Wednesday it is important for the leaders of South Korea and Japan to meet each other in order to resolve pending issues that have strained bilateral ties.
The presidential office was responding to a news report that Japan's new prime minister, Yoshihide Suga, will consider boycotting an annual trilateral forum, expected to be held in Seoul later this year, unless Seoul takes measures especially to address the dispute over compensating Korean victims of Japan's wartime forced labor.
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S. Korea continues efforts to stabilize FX markets
SEJONG -- South Korea's vice finance minister said Wednesday that the government has continued efforts to stabilize foreign exchange markets, citing the "relatively speedy" strength of the Korean currency against the U.S. dollar.
Vice Finance Minister Kim Yong-beom made the remarks at a policy meeting, as the won has been recently trading at a level of 1,140 won against the U.S. dollar, compared with a level of 1,180 won in mid-September.
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(LEAD) Moon instructs Cheong Wa Dae to cooperate with probe into investment fund scandal: Cheong Wa Dae
SEOUL -- President Moon Jae-in has ordered his Cheong Wa Dae aides to cooperate "actively" with state prosecutors' ongoing investigation into a high-profile financial fraud and corruption scandal allegedly involving some former and current senior government and ruling party officials, according to his office Wednesday.
Moon stressed that no one can be immune to a strict probe by the prosecution service, according to Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kang Min-seok.
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Gov't considering raising crowd cap in pro sports next month
SEOUL -- Sports stadiums across South Korea may open their gates even wider for their fans next month.
The sports ministry announced Wednesday it will consider increasing the cap placed on the size of crowds at sports games from the current 30 percent to up to 50 percent, starting in November.
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Family of slain S. Korean demands release of colleagues' statements
INCHEON -- The family of the South Korean fisheries official shot dead by North Korean troops at sea last month on Wednesday demanded the Coast Guard release statements from colleagues, casting doubt over authorities' assessment that the official sought defection to the North before meeting his doom.
Lee Rae-jin, the elder brother of the deceased official, held a press conference at the headquarters of the Korea Coast Guard in Incheon, west of Seoul. Along with a letter of protest, Lee filed a request with the Coast Guard demanding the release of statements from the nine colleagues who were aboard the Mugunghwa 10 with the official in the waters around Yeonpyeong Island on Sept. 22.
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BTS becomes 1st artist to top Billboard Social 50 chart for 200th consecutive week
SEOUL -- K-pop superstar BTS became the first-ever musical act in history to top Billboard's Social 50 chart for 200 weeks in a row this week.
Billboard said Tuesday (U.S. time) that BTS ranked No. 1 on this week's Social 50 chart, reigning the chart for the longest ever streak by any musician.
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yna--2020-10-14--U.S. renews calls on S. Korea to join economic security campaign against China

`` We made it clear that whether a private telecom company uses the equipment of a specific enterprise is up @ @ @ @ @ , '' the official said .
`` But regarding the general security risks posed by @ @ @ @ @ telecommunication market , we agreed to work closely with the U.S. side and cooperate in @ @ @ @ @ '' the official said .

By Kim Seung-yeon
SEOUL, Oct. 14 (Yonhap) -- The United States raised its "Clean Network" campaign against China during senior economic talks with South Korea on Wednesday, officials said, as Washington pushes to ban Chinese technology from global digital and wireless networks, citing security risks.
The initiative was among the agenda items discussed in the fifth Senior Economic Dialogue (SED) led by Second Vice Foreign Minister Lee Tae-ho and U.S. Under Secretary of State Keith Krach, a foreign ministry official said.
"The U.S. side explained its position on the matter, and we explained our basic position to them," the official told reporters after the meeting.
"It was not a discussion in the sense that one side asked the other specifically what or whom to exclude, but we talked about the importance of the Clean Network and the issues requested by the U.S.," he said.
Washington has been stepping up its push to form a united front with like-minded countries against using Chinese equipment, like fifth-generation (5G) networks by Huawei Technologies Co. and mobile applications like WeChat, on the grounds of what it cites as national security risks.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo unveiled the Clean Network program in August and called for "all freedom-loving" countries to join the initiative.
The U.S. State Department has labeled South Korean mobile carriers SK Telecom Co. and KT Corp. as "clean" telecommunication firms that do not use Huawei, while calling for LG Uplus Co., a smaller South Korean rival that still uses Huawei equipment, to stop using it.
Seoul has maintained that it is up to companies what technology they will use and that the government cannot interfere in the decision-making process of private firms.
"We made it clear that whether a private telecom company uses the equipment of a specific enterprise is up to that company to decide," the official said. "But regarding the general security risks posed by the 5G technology in the telecommunication market, we agreed to work closely with the U.S. side and cooperate in terms of technological issues," the official said.
The Economic Prosperity Network (EPN), an envisioned U.S. initiative aimed at shifting global supply chains away from China, was not part of the Wednesday discussion, he added.
Other issues discussed were strengthening the global distribution system for health-related items since the coronavirus pandemic has exposed the vulnerability of the supply system.
The two sides exchanged views on ways to enhance cooperation in the pandemic situation, science and technology and energy, as well as linking the New Southern Policy and the Indo-Pacific strategy and women's empowerment in economic and new technology fields, the ministry said in a release.
The New Southern Policy aims to deepen Korea's relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and India, while the Indo-Pacific Strategy seeks to enhance America's engagement with partner countries and protect what it calls the rules-based order in the region.
The two sides agreed to hold their fourth annual public-private economic talks later this month in the follow-up to the SED, the ministry said.
Second Vice Foreign Minister Lee Tae-ho speaks during the annual Senior Economic Dialogue (SED), vice ministerial talks between South Korea and the United States, held virtually on Oct. 14, 2020, in this photo provided by the foreign ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-14--(News Focus) S. Korea reckons with 'slap on the wrist' punishment for online predators

In line with the movement , the Sentencing Commission , affiliated with the Supreme Court of Korea , recommended last @ @ @ @ @ tougher punishment of up to 29 years and three months in jail term for those @ @ @ @ @ It also laid out eight conditions for aggravated punishments , such as when victims take @ @ @ @ @ irreparable damage .
The aggravated punishments require jail terms of six to 27 years for @ @ @ @ @ to 18 years for distribution ; and one year and six months to six years @ @ @ @ @ .

By Woo Jae-yeon
SEOUL, Oct. 14 (Yonhap) -- Earlier this week, the prosecution demanded life imprisonment for an alleged online predator, a penalty that came as such a surprise that local news outlets sent urgent breaking news alerts.
The request for the suspect to spend the rest of his life behind bars -- the first of its kind for an online sex criminal -- indicates the seriousness of the crime: Moon Hyung-wook, 24, allegedly started the secretive Telegram chatrooms at the center of a major online sex exploitation case, known as "Nth Room Case," that unsettled South Korea earlier this year.
The college student is accused of blackmailing about 50 victims, mostly high school students, into filming sexual and sometimes self-harming videos, and selling the videos online via 12 chatrooms, where more than 3,700 pieces of abusive content were shared. He discouraged the young victims from seeking help by leaking their personal details, making them fearful of being exposed if they came forward.
He was arrested in May on 12 criminal charges, including violating the Act on the Protection of Children and Youth against Sex Offenses. Although he opened the chat rooms in February last year, his predatory behavior began as early as June 2016, according to prosecutors.
Moon Hyung-wook, a 24-year-old alleged mastermind of a high-profile digital sexual exploitation ring, appears before the press at the Andong Police Station in Andong, 270 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on May 18, 2020. (Yonhap)
Merely two years ago, the prosecution sought a 3-year prison term for Son Jong-woo, the founder and operator of Welcome To Video, a massive underworld child abuse site that ran on the dark web, inaccessible by regular web browsers. The United States Department of Justice called it "the largest child sexual exploitation market by volume."
Lenient penalties for sexual predators had continued. In September last year, prosecutors requested a 2-year prison sentence for a man who inherited the Nth room from Moon. He subsequently got off with a sentence of 1-year in prison.
A 2017 report by the Korean Women's Development Institute found that fines accounted for 38.5 percent of the punishment for criminals who produced and distributed explicit videos or images involving minors, followed by suspended sentences at 37.2 percent.
The Nth Room Case appears to have served as a wake-up call for the country's judicial system, due to the severity of the sexual crimes committed against young children. And many hope that law enforcement agencies and the judiciary will finally heed growing calls for stronger punishment for those who sexually abuse children.
People protest against a court decision not to extradite Son Jong-woo to the United States in July 10, 2020. (Yonhap)
Under pressure from increasing public outcry, Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae in March bowed her head and issued an apology.
"The Ministry has not fulfilled its responsibility to root out digital sex crimes that ruin the lives of the victims," she said. "I feel heavy-hearted to acknowledge that the ministry failed to listen to victims' outcry for help and responded only half-heartedly." She vowed to respond sternly to heinous sex crimes, especially those against minors. "The ministry will take a zero-tolerance approach toward the digital sexual exploitation virus infiltrating many parts of our society."
The image provided by a group called KEDO OUT shows a billboard set up in Times Square in New York on Aug. 31, 2020, criticizing a decision by a South Korean court to reject the request by the United States to extradite Son Jong-woo. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)
Since then, efforts, however belated, have been made to tackle the issue.
In April, the Supreme Prosecutor Office raised the maximum sentencing request to life imprisonment for a criminal who produces and spreads explicit imagery online.
In line with the movement, the Sentencing Commission, affiliated with the Supreme Court of Korea, recommended last month a court issue a tougher punishment of up to 29 years and three months in jail term for those convicted of such crimes. It also laid out eight conditions for aggravated punishments, such as when victims take their own lives or suffer irreparable damage. The aggravated punishments require jail terms of six to 27 years for selling such content; four to 18 years for distribution; and one year and six months to six years and nine months for purchasing.
Now, a court verdict for Moon is due to come out on Nov. 19 at the Andong branch of Daegu District Court. All eyes will be on the ruling that many hope will speak louder than words.
Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae speaks during a press conference at the Seoul High Prosecutors Office on March 24, 2020, to announce the government will wage an all-out fight against digital sex crimes. (Yonhap)
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
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yna--2020-10-14--S. Korea to spend 7 tln won on R&D for new growth engines

`` The restructuring of the global value chain will likely impact not only material imports , but also exports in @ @ @ @ @ the Ministry of Science and ICT said in a statement .
`` In order to @ @ @ @ @ parts , materials and equipment in the mid-to-long term , it is essential to achieve @ @ @ @ @ ''

SEOUL, Oct. 14 (Yonhap) -- South Korea said Wednesday it will invest more than 7 trillion won (US$6.1 billion) over the next two years in research and development for new growth engines in the latest move to secure technology for essential components amid uncertainties over the coronavirus pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted global supply chains, compounding existing uncertainties stemming from trade disputes.
"The restructuring of the global value chain will likely impact not only material imports, but also exports in the long run," the Ministry of Science and ICT said in a statement. "In order to establish a stable ecosystem for parts, materials and equipment in the mid-to-long term, it is essential to achieve technological independence and development."
Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki (L) attends a meeting on developing technology for local materials, parts and equipment at the government complex in Seoul on Oct. 14, 2020. (Yonhap)
Last year, South Korea listed 100 local materials, parts and equipment that it aimed to reduce the country's heavy reliance on Japan.
In July last year, Japan imposed tighter regulations on exports to Seoul of three materials -- resist, etching gas and fluorinated polyimide -- that are critical for the production of semiconductors and flexible displays. Japan also later removed South Korea from its list of trusted trading partners.
Under the new plan, the Ministry of Science and ICT said it would add 85 materials, parts and equipment as core components for research and development that will help the country wean its reliance off global trade partners.
By 2022, the government will spend over 5 trillion won in research and development to secure technologies for new growth-engine sectors, according to the ministry.
It will also set aside an additional 2 trillion won in research and development in three industries -- logic chip businesses, biotechnology and future vehicles -- for next year.
yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
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yna--2020-10-14--Family of slain S. Korean demands release of colleagues' statements

INCHEON, Oct. 14 (Yonhap) -- The family of the South Korean fisheries official shot dead by North Korean troops at sea last month on Wednesday demanded the Coast Guard release statements from colleagues, casting doubt over authorities' assessment that the official sought defection to the North before meeting his doom.
Lee Rae-jin, the elder brother of the deceased official, held a press conference at the headquarters of the Korea Coast Guard in Incheon, west of Seoul. Along with a letter of protest, Lee filed a request with the Coast Guard demanding the release of statements from the nine colleagues who were aboard the Mugunghwa 10 with the official in the waters around Yeonpyeong Island on Sept. 22.
"If asked whether it was possible for (my brother) to defect to the North, all of them would answer that it is impossible," Lee claimed.
Lee Rae-jin (L), brother of a South Korean fishery official shot dead by North Korean troops at sea last month, delivers a letter protesting the Coast Guard's investigation of the deceased official at the Korea Coast Guard headquarters in Incheon, west of Seoul, on Oct. 14, 2020. (Yonhap)
The 47-year-old official was fatally shot by the North Korean military while adrift in North Korean waters. Pyongyang has yet to respond to Seoul's calls for a joint probe into the incident.
The Seoul government announced that the official appears to have jumped into the sea in a suspected attempt to defect to the North. But the bereaved family has strongly disputed the government conclusion.
Lee also questioned the basis on which the Coast Guard concluded that his brother tried to defect.
"I trusted the competency of the Coast Guard. But now it's hard to believe them ever since they kept flip-flopping on their investigation."
An attorney representing Lee said the release of statements would allow the public to see whether the Coast Guard knowingly announced its conclusion that the official tried to cross the border despite having statements from colleagues that suggest otherwise.
The brother also disclosed a letter from President Moon Jae-in delivered to the surviving son of the slain official. Last week, the son wrote a letter to Moon, demanding the president find the truth behind his father's death.
Moon wrote to the son that his heart ached while reading the letter full of both respect toward the father and sadness from the death, according to the slain official's brother.
He also asked the son to wait for the results of the Coast Guard's full investigation and for the search operation for the body to end, the brother said.
Lee Rae-jin, brother of a South Korean fishery official shot dead by North Korean troops at sea last month, holds up a letter from President Moon Jae-in sent to the son of a South Korean fishery official shot dead by North Korean troops at sea last month at the Korea Coast Guard headquarters in Incheon, west of Seoul, on Oct. 14, 2020. (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
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yna--2020-10-14--Korean Air extends paid leave until December on pandemic

The government has said airlines , shippers and others hit hard by the pandemic are eligible for the state fund @ @ @ @ @ more than 500 billion won in debt and more than 300 employees each .

SEOUL, Oct. 14 (Yonhap) -- Korean Air Lines Co., South Korea's biggest carrier, said Wednesday it will have 70 percent of its employees go on unpaid leave until December due to the prolonged coronavirus impact on the airline industry.
In April, the national flag carrier had 70 percent of its 18,000-strong workforce take paid leave for six months through Oct. 15 as part of self-help measures to overcome the unprecedented virus crisis.
With no end in sight for the COVID-19 pandemic, Korean Air has decided to extend the unpaid leave program, with government subsidies of up to 1.89 million won (US$1,600) per person, the company said in a statement.
This photo, taken July 7, 2020, shows Korean Air planes at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul. (Yonhap)
Korean Air has suspended most of its flights on international routes since March, dealing a blow to its first-half bottom line.
From January to June, its net losses widened to 619.49 billion won from 482.01 billion won in the same period of last year.
In February, Korean Air's parent company, Hanjin KAL Corp., came up with self-help measures, which include the sale of low-profit, non-core assets to focus on the mainstay airline and logistics business.
In August, the carrier signed a deal to sell its mainstay in-flight catering and duty-free business to local private equity fund Hahn & Company for 990.6 billion won to secure operating capital.
To offset a sharp decline in travel demand, Korean Air began in June to carry cargo in cargo seat bags, which attach to the seats of passenger jets.
The move is in line with global airlines, which are now using their passenger planes for cargo flights, either by using cargo seat bags or removing seats.
Last month, the carrier added two converted B777-300ER planes on U.S. routes to transport cargo.
Faced with growing uncertainties involving the virus, Korean Air said it will apply for financial support from the state-run Key Industry Stabilization Fund within this year.
The government has said airlines, shippers and others hit hard by the pandemic are eligible for the state fund's support if they have more than 500 billion won in debt and more than 300 employees each.
In early September, the fund approved a capital injection of 2.4 trillion won into Asiana Airlines Inc., the country's second-biggest carrier, to help the debt-laden carrier stay afloat.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
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