yna--2020-11-29--KBO's Eagles sign 2 new foreign pitchers

The Eagles , who finished in last place in 2020 , are undergoing a massive roster overhaul .
They 've @ @ @ @ @ veterans , and also with both of their two foreign players that finished the season @ @ @ @ @ outfielder Brandon Barnes .
They named former Milwaukee Brewers coach Carlos Subero as their new @ @

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 29 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean baseball club Hanwha Eagles announced Sunday they've acquired two new foreign pitchers for the 2021 season.
The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) club signed right-hander Nick Kingham to a one-year, US$550,000 deal, which includes a $100,000 signing bonus, and also acquired left-hander Ryan Carpenter on a one-year deal worth $500,000. Carpenter is also getting a $100,000 signing bonus.
In this file photo from May 12, 2020, Nick Kingham of the SK Wyverns pitches against the LG Twins in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul. (Yonhap)
This will be Kingham's second tour of duty in the KBO. The 29-year-old pitched for the SK Wyverns in 2020 but was limited to just two starts while battling injuries. The Opening Day starter was cut in early July and underwent elbow surgery.
The Eagles said they checked in with Kingham in person in the United States and determined that he will be back to his pre-injury, pre-surgery form.
Carpenter, 30, spent the 2020 season with the Rakuten Monkeys in the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) in Taiwan, going 10-7 with a 4.00 ERA in 26 games, including 25 starts.
Carpenter appeared in 15 games, all but one of them starts, for the Detroit Tigers in 2018 and 2019.
"Carpenter is a finesse pitcher who throws a good curveball and slider," the Eagles said. "We expect him to eat up a lot of innings in our rotation."
KBO teams are each allowed to sign up to three foreign players, with no more than two pitchers.
The Eagles, who finished in last place in 2020, are undergoing a massive roster overhaul. They've cut ties with several 30-something veterans, and also with both of their two foreign players that finished the season -- right-hander Warwick Saupold and outfielder Brandon Barnes. They named former Milwaukee Brewers coach Carlos Subero as their new manager.
With Kingham and Carpenter in the fold, the Eagles will need a position player to fill out their foreign player quota.
In this Getty Images file photo from June 9, 2019, Ryan Carpenter of the Detroit Tigers pitches against the Minnesota Twins during the top of the third inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game at Comerica Park in Detroit. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-29--Today in Korean history

Today in Korean history

2000 -- Two hundred separated families from South and North Korea hold tearful reunions in Seoul and Pyongyang for the @ @ @ @ @ Korean War .
The reunions were one of the crowning achievements from the landmark summit @ @ @ @ @ the two Koreas earlier in the year .

Nov. 30
1980 -- Local television and radio stations TBC and DBS air their last programs in the wake of the Chun Doo-hwan government's forcible merger and closure of media outlets nationwide. Chun, a general who seized power through a coup in 1979, gagged the press to prolong his regime.
1991 -- Sun Myung Moon, founder of the Unification Church, and Park Bo-hi, head of the church-affiliated Segye Times, visit Pyongyang to meet then North Korean leader Kim Il-sung. Kim died of heart failure three years later and his son Kim Jong-il inherited power.
2000 -- Two hundred separated families from South and North Korea hold tearful reunions in Seoul and Pyongyang for the first time since the 1950-53 Korean War. The reunions were one of the crowning achievements from the landmark summit talks between the leaders of the two Koreas earlier in the year.
2003 -- Two South Korean nationals are killed and two others wounded in an ambush in Iraq, the foreign ministry said. The first South Korean casualties since the Iraq war were confirmed to have been employees of an electric company in Seoul.
2015 -- South Korea ratifies its free trade agreement (FTA) with China, after inking the deal on June 1 of the same year. At the time of ratification, China was the world's largest importer of South Korean goods.
2016 -- The U.N. Security Council adopts Resolution 2321 in response to North Korea's fifth nuclear test on Sept. 9. A package of sanctions included a significant cap on Pyongyang's exports of coal.
2018 -- A South Korean train carrying dozens of officials and experts departs for North Korea to conduct an 18-day joint inspection of a 412-kilometer railway in western North Korea. The two Koreas held a groundbreaking ceremony for a joint project to modernize and reconnect roads and railways over the inter-Korean border the following month, but little progress was made afterward amid stalled denuclearization dialogue between the United States and North Korea.
(END)


yna--2020-11-29--Hopes for year-end rally growing after November's 16 pct advance

`` The first week of December may undergo an adjustment , but we see enough chances for a year-end rally @ @ @ @ @ Europe and cleared noises from the U.S. presidential election , '' said Jeong Myung-ji , @ @ @ @ @ at Samsung Securities Co .

SEOUL, Nov. 29 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks are expected to keep their upward momentum this year, after they hit all-time highs this month backed by extended foreign buying, analysts said Sunday.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed at an all-time high for the first time in almost three years Tuesday and exceeded the record twice to close at 2,633.45 points Friday.
In November, the KOSPI gained 16.1 percent, which investors hailed as a sign of a "Santa rally."
"The first week of December may undergo an adjustment, but we see enough chances for a year-end rally, including stimulus hopes in Europe and cleared noises from the U.S. presidential election," said Jeong Myung-ji, head of investment and research at Samsung Securities Co.
Electronic signboards at a Hana Bank dealing room in Seoul show the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed at 2,633.45 on Nov. 27, 2020, up 7.54 points, or 0.29 percent, from the previous session's close. (Yonhap)
Experts also picked vaccine hopes and the strong local currency against the U.S. dollar as positive factors for a December rally.
Investor sentiment ran high with reports that Pfizer submitted a request for emergency use of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Analysts said stimulus talks in major countries would speed up with the eased U.S. election uncertainties. The moves are expected to keep the U.S. greenback weak against the Korean won, helping foreigners' buying spree to continue in the local stock markets, they added.
The Korean won closed at 1,103.2 won per dollar Friday, up 1.4 won from the previous session's close to the highest since 1,097.8 won on June 15, 2018.
For downside risks in December, experts pointed to increased valuation pressure from the November rally, which may increase retail investors' moves to sell.
According to bourse operator data, the KOSPI fared stronger in January than December over the past 10 years.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-30--S. Korea mulls postponing U.N. peacekeeping conference amid pandemic

Defense Minister Suh Wook , Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and other senior officials held a preparatory meeting for the U.N. @ @ @ @ @ discussed adjusting the event schedule `` in consideration of the COVID-19 situation and opinions from @ @ @ @ @ , '' the defense ministry said .

By Choi Soo-hyang
SEOUL, Nov. 30 (Yonhap) -- South Korea is considering postponing the hosting of a U.N. ministerial conference on peacekeeping operations slated for next year amid the coronavirus pandemic, officials said Monday.
Defense Minister Suh Wook, Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and other senior officials held a preparatory meeting for the U.N. conference set for April and discussed adjusting the event schedule "in consideration of the COVID-19 situation and opinions from the U.N. and member states," the defense ministry said.
"We are considering postponing the event until the year-end," a ministry official said, adding that member countries want the conference to be a face-to-face meeting.
Discussions with member states will take place in December to finalize the plan, the official said.
South Korea plans to invite some 1,300 people from about 150 countries to discuss ways to strengthen technological and medical capabilities to enhance U.N. peace operations.
During the preparatory session, Suh said the U.N. conference will serve as an opportunity to discuss in-depth the global security situation and peacekeeping operations in the post-COVID-19 era.
The defense minister said South Korea will propose ways to contribute to the international community in the technology and medical sectors at the meeting.
Kang said the international community should restore the momentum for cooperation and boost effectiveness in the peacekeeping operations through the successful hosting of the meeting, according to the ministry.
The preparatory panel consists of senior officials from relevant government ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Police Agency.
In this file photo, taken June 3, 2020, troops of the Hanbit Unit, tasked with peacekeeping operations in South Sudan, arrive at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul. (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


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(END)


yna--2020-11-30--S. Korea in talks with WFP to redeem money sent for N.K. rice aid

`` We 've pushed ahead to provide the North with 50,000 tons of rice through WFP , but there has @ @ @ @ @ now , '' Yoh Sang-key , the ministry 's spokesperson , told a briefing .
@ @ @ @ @ discussions with this international organization to redeem $ 11.77 million of operating costs . ''

SEOUL, Nov. 30 (Yonhap) -- The unification ministry said Monday that it is in talks with the World Food Programme (WFP) to redeem the money it sent for a project to provide rice assistance to North Korea after Pyongyang rejected the offer.
In June last year, the ministry announced a plan to provide 50,000 tons of rice to North Korea through the WFP and sent the organization around US$11.6 million to cover transportation, equipment and monitoring costs.
The plan, however, has since been stalled as the North rejected the assistance offer in protest over joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States.
"We've pushed ahead to provide the North with 50,000 tons of rice through WFP, but there has been no change as of now," Yoh Sang-key, the ministry's spokesperson, told a briefing. "The government is conducting discussions with this international organization to redeem $11.77 million of operating costs."
Yoh said the government aims to redeem the money by year's end.
Despite multiple challenges facing the country, including the fallout of the prolonged antivirus campaign and its crippling economy, the North has rejected any outside help, saying foreign aid could increase the risk of a coronavirus outbreak.
North Korea has claimed to be coronavirus-free, but it has maintained a tight border closure since earlier this year.
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-30--(2nd LD) N.K. leader 'harshly criticizes' economic agencies ahead of party congress

In August , leader Kim said he will hold the party congress in early January where he plans to provide @ @ @ @ @ after admitting that his five-year development plan set to be completed this year has failed @ @ @ @ @ challenges .

(ATTN: ADDS unification ministry's remarks in paras 9-10)
By Koh Byung-joon
SEOUL, Nov. 30 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has held a politburo meeting of the Workers' Party and "harshly criticized" economic agencies for failing to handle policy in a scientific manner, state media reported Monday.
The criticism appears aimed at tightening discipline of economic officials ahead of a rare party congress that Kim plans to hold in early January for the first time in four years to unveil a new five-year economic development plan.
During the extended politburo meeting held Sunday, Kim also "discussed and studied as key agenda items the issue of hearing a report on the preparations for the 8th Congress of the WPK and taking corresponding measures," the Korean Central News Agency said.
The meeting also "harshly criticized economic guidance organs for failing to provide scientific guidance" and "failing to overcome subjectivism and formalism in their work," the KCNA added, though it did not provide further details.
"It stressed the need to put the operation and command for carrying out the Party's economic policies on a scientific basis and display great dedication and responsibility," the KCNA said.
"The Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the WPK discussed measures for important issues of carrying out immediate economic tasks for this year and adopted key decisions with unanimous approval," it added.
North Korea has been faced with a triple whammy of the fallout of summertime back-to-back typhoons, protracted border closure due to the global coronavirus pandemic and global sanctions on its economy.
South Korea's main intelligence agency said last week that North Korea executed a big shot in the country's money market in late October for a sudden exchange rate fluctuation amid speculation that the country's economic situations are getting worse.
South Korea's unification ministry said Pyongyang appears to emphasize the importance of strong discipline and unity in the face of "very tough" economic situations caused by the protracted border closure and other difficulties.
State media also reported earlier on a "serious crime" perpetuated by the party committee of Pyongyang University of Medicine, accusing related organizations for their "irresponsibility and extreme dereliction of duty."
In August, leader Kim said he will hold the party congress in early January where he plans to provide a new economic development scheme after admitting that his five-year development plan set to be completed this year has failed due to external and internal challenges.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (C) presides over a politburo meeting of the Workers' Party and discusses preparation for an upcoming rare party meeting, in this photo provided by the Korean Central News Agency on Nov. 30, 2020. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-30--S. Korea refutes China's claim on industrial standard for kimchi

`` Such attempts came as China lacks efforts to understand the culture and history of surrounding nations , '' Seo @ @ @ @ @ Sungshin Women 's University , told Yonhap News Agency .
`` Both the government and @ @ @ @ @ strong action against China 's moves to take cultural assets away from Korea . ''

By Kang Yoon-seung
SEOUL, Nov. 30 (Yonhap) -- Kimchi is not just fermented cabbage but a central part of Korea's food culture, and the process of making it has already been recognized as a global standard for nearly two decades, Seoul's agriculture ministry said Monday.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs made the remark to refute Chinese media's claim that Beijing has won a certification from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for its kimchi making process.
Korea’s kimchi vs. China’s paocai: Are they the same dish? Youtube https://youtu.be/J4BL8CTdwbo
A group of volunteers poses with kimchi, a traditional Korean side dish normally made of fermented cabbage, salt and hot peppers, during an event held in eastern Seoul on Nov. 18, 2020, in this photo released by the Seongdong Ward. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The ministry said Beijing won ISO certification for pao cai, another type of pickled vegetable consumed in China, which "has nothing to do with kimchi."
"We need to understand that pao cai is different from kimchi," the ministry said.
China began the process of standardizing pao chai in 2019, and five ISO members -- China, Turkey, India, Iran and Serbia -- last week approved categories of pao cai, according to the ISO document, which said, "This document does not apply to kimchi."
The ministry said the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), a body under the United Nations, officially recognized the industrial standard for kimchi in 2001, which stated ingredients, food additives labeling and the name of the product.
China's claim on making the international standard for kimchi sparked strong responses from local media, as many people regard it as Korea's soul food and often link it to the nation's identity.
This excerpt from a press release from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs shows a part of the ISO 24220 document. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The whole process of making kimchi, called "kimjang" -- washing and salting vegetables, saucing them with garlic, red pepper and salted fish, and burying them underground in breathable clay jars -- was designated UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2013.
Though making and sharing kimchi in large quantities in early winter was an essential part of community life in the past, more people in urban areas are buying packaged kimchi in supermarkets, with some storing them in special refrigerators for kimchi.
Experts say South Korea should remain alert over China's attempts to claim rights over cultural assets, pointing out that Chinese media reports' false alarm did not come as a coincidence.
"Such attempts came as China lacks efforts to understand the culture and history of surrounding nations," Seo Kyoung-duk, a professor at Sungshin Women's University, told Yonhap News Agency. "Both the government and civic groups need to take strong action against China's moves to take cultural assets away from Korea."
Seo argued that there is no doubt that kimchi has strong global recognition as an inherent part of the Korean culture.
"So-called cultural appropriation can happen when one group envies a tradition of another," Seo said. "With South Korea cultural content expanding its influence on a global scale, it seems that China is making efforts to claim that such content was traced to them."
Packages of kimchi are displayed at a supermarket in southern Seoulm in this file photo taken on April 6, 2020. (Yonhap)
In response to the neighboring nation's attempt to lay claim to Korean traditional food, the South Korean government vowed to step up efforts to promote kimchi at home and abroad by conducting academic research on its health benefits and supporting cultural events to boost related businesses.
"South Korea plans to continue making efforts to improve exports of kimchi by establishing a stable supply chain of ingredients and improving its quality and competitiveness," the ministry said.
Outbound shipments of kimchi came to US$109 million over the January-September period, up 38.5 percent from a year earlier, according to the ministry.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-30--Chief prosecutor's rating rises in presidential poll amid feud with Moon administration

But he said during a parliamentary session late last month that he would consider how to serve the nation after @ @ @ @ @ was interpreted as an indication of his willingness to enter politics .

SEOUL, Nov. 30 (Yonhap) -- Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl ranked second in a poll of potential presidential candidates released Monday, as his popularity continued to grow amid an escalating feud with the Moon Jae-in administration.
In a Realmeter survey conducted last week, Lee Nak-yon, chairman of the Democratic Party, retained his front-runner position with 20.6 percent. His rating was down 0.9 percentage point from the previous month, marking a decrease for the seventh consecutive month.
Yoon received 19.8 percent, up 2.6 percentage points, outstripping Gyeonggi Province Gov. Lee Jae-myung, affiliated with the DP, who ranked third with 19.4 percent, down 2.1 points.
Photos released by Yonhap News TV show Lee Nak-yon (L), chairman of the Democratic Party, Gyeonggi Province Gov. Lee Jae-myung (C) and Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl. (Yonhap)
Yoon's support appears to be boosted by a growing conflict between him and Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae.
On Tuesday, Choo suspended Yoon from duty and sought a disciplinary measure over allegations of interference in politically sensitive cases.
"It is analyzed that Justice Minister Choo's suspension of Prosecutor General Yoon played a major role in the hike of his support rating," Bae Cheol-ho, a senior researcher at the company, said.
Yoon has yet to announce his intention to run in the presidential election to be held in 2022.
But he said during a parliamentary session late last month that he would consider how to serve the nation after his retirement. The remark was interpreted as an indication of his willingness to enter politics.
The trio were followed distantly by three former presidential candidates -- independent lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo with 5.1 percent; Ahn Cheol-soo, chairman of the minor People's Party, with 3.5 percent; and former lawmaker Yoo Seong-min with 3.3 percent.
Choo and former Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon received 3.1 percent and 3 percent, respectively.
The survey was conducted on 2,538 voters across the country for five days from Monday. It has a margin of error of 1.9 percentage points.
(END)


yna--2020-11-30--Seoul stocks trade lower as investors cash in gains

South Korea 's new daily COVID-19 cases stood at under 500 for the second consecutive day Monday , keeping authorities @ @ @ @ @ wave of the pandemic .

SEOUL, Nov. 30 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks traded lower late Monday morning as investors cashed in profits after the benchmark index reached a new record high the previous session.
The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) fell 9.62 points, or 0.37 percent, to 2,623.83 as of 11:20 a.m.
Stocks turned lower after a muted start as investors locked in gains amid a recent resurgence in COVID-19 cases.
South Korea's new daily COVID-19 cases stood at under 500 for the second consecutive day Monday, keeping authorities on high alert over another wave of the pandemic.
In Seoul, large caps traded mostly lower.
Market behemoth Samsung Electronics retreated 0.44 percent, and No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix slipped 0.3 percent.
Internet portal giant Naver fell 1.23 percent, and its rival Kakao was down 1.21 percent.
Pharmaceutical giant Samsung Biologics declined 0.25 percent, while Celltrion jumped 4.64 percent.
Top automaker Hyundai Motor added 1.93 percent, while leading chemical company LG Chem fell 0.86 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,104 won against the U.S. dollar, down 0.8 won from the previous session's close.
yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-30--Jin Air to resume flights to Fukuoka next month

It provided flights on 32 international routes to Guam , Hawaii and Asian countries , as well as on four @ @ @ @ @ pandemic hit the airline industry early this year .

SEOUL, Nov. 30 (Yonhap) -- Jin Air Co., the budget carrier unit of Korean Air Lines Co., said Monday it will resume flights to Fukuoka next month on eased entry restrictions in Japan.
Jin Air will provide one flight a week on the Incheon-Fukuoka route from Tuesday mainly to meet business travel demand, the company said in a statement.
The Fukuoka route was suspended nine months ago as more than 180 countries and territories strengthened entry restrictions to stem the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jin Air currently provides flights to Tokyo and Osaka.
The carrier currently operates 27 passenger jets, which are composed of four B777-200ERs and 23 B737-800s, on five international routes and 15 domestic routes.
It provided flights on 32 international routes to Guam, Hawaii and Asian countries, as well as on four domestic routes, before the pandemic hit the airline industry early this year.
Among other carriers, Korean Air Lines Co. and Asiana Airlines Inc., the country's two biggest and full-service carriers, currently offer flights from Incheon to Tokyo and Osaka.
Budget carriers Jeju Air Co. and T'way Air also provide flights to Tokyo and Osaka.
This file photo provided by Jin Air shows a B737-800 passenger jet at Gimpo International Airport in western Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-30--(News Focus) China's push for FTA with S. Korea, Japan appears aimed at checking U.S. influence

`` Now that the RCEP has finally been clinched , the best platform for China to exclude the U.S. would @ @ @ @ @ with South Korea and Japan , which China may think will be a weak node @ @ @ @ @ , '' he added .

By Song Sang-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 30 (Yonhap) -- China's renewed pursuit of a free trade agreement (FTA) with South Korea and Japan appears aimed at undercutting U.S. influence and shaping regional economic cooperation on terms favorable to it, analysts said Monday.
During his visit to Seoul and Tokyo last week, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi voiced Beijing's desire for the trilateral FTA, as China appears leery of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden's plan to work with America's democratic allies to set global trading rules and reassert its leadership.
Beijing's refocus on the FTA came as China seeks to further cement its role in promoting multilateral cooperation after the Nov. 15 signing of the 15-member Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement (RCEP) that involves China, South Korea and Japan.
The United States is party to neither the RCEP nor another major trading deal, called the Comprehensive Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) -- an apparent sign that America's presence in the world's multilateral trading system has weakened amid President Donald Trump's inward-looking streak marked by his "America First" mantra.
"When President-elect Biden talks of even hosting a global summit for democracy, China might want to forge many platforms in which it can step in and maximize its regional engagement," Nam Chang-hee, professor of international politics at Inha University, said.
"Now that the RCEP has finally been clinched, the best platform for China to exclude the U.S. would be the trilateral trade deal with South Korea and Japan, which China may think will be a weak node it can take aim at," he added.
During his talks with Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha on Thursday, Wang stressed that South Korea and China are working together to "contribute to promoting regional economic integration and complementing the global governance system."
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha (R) and her Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, bump elbows before their talks at the foreign ministry in Seoul on Nov. 26, 2020. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
During a dinner with former ruling Democratic Party chief Lee Hae-chan on the same day, Wang expressed hope that by spurring efforts for a South Korea-China-Japan FTA, the three countries can engage in higher-level economic cooperation than the RCEP.
On Friday, Moon Chung-in, special foreign policy adviser to President Moon Jae-in, also called for a regional economic community in Northeast Asia as a way to break away from the "U.S. or China" framework. The adviser made the case after having a breakfast meeting with Wang earlier in the day.
On-again and off-again talks for the trilateral FTA opened officially in 2013. Progress has been limited due to differences on the extent of trade liberalization, with their bilateral diplomatic spats further compounding the negotiations.
Wang's call for the FTA came after Chinese President Xi Jinping told a virtual Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit earlier this month that Beijing will favorably consider joining the CPTPP -- remarks reinforcing China's image as a champion of free trade and multilateralism in the absence of America's presence in the agreement.
China did not participate in the negotiations of the TPP -- the precursor of the CPTPP -- due in part to the high level of market opening and other requirements. In 2017, the Trump administration pulled out of the TPP negotiated under Barack Obama.
Jee Maansoo, senior researcher at the Korea Institute of Finance, noted that China appears to be accelerating its efforts to strengthen footholds in the global multilateral trading system before the Biden administration is sworn in to begin earnest moves to reengage with the world.
"The fact that Biden said he would return to multilateralism and that the U.S. has yet to move (before his inauguration) ... this appears to motivate China to quicken its efforts in making first moves before the U.S. surely comes back," Jee said.
"China apparently wants to show that it has consistently been championing multilateralism and free trade, and wants to show it more robustly, when Biden says the U.S. would return as a rule setter," he added.
Uncertainty hangs over the prospects of the FTA among South Korea, China and Japan, as Seoul and Tokyo have been embroiled in a protracted row over wartime history and trade, with Beijing and Tokyo mired in a long-running dispute over a chain of islands in the East China Sea.
Tensions between Seoul and Beijing have also flared up at times, as Beijing remains uneasy about the presence of a U.S. anti-missile system on South Korean soil, which it argues undermines its security interests.
Both South Korea and Japan might also have to consider their decadeslong alliance partnerships with the U.S. as they consider forging a trade deal with China, which could develop geopolitical overtones, analysts said.
"Washington could feel wary of South Korea, China and Japan getting too close to one another," Nam said. "South Korea should strengthen the trilateral relationship with the U.S. and Japan, and try to create a virtuous cycle between the relationship and the South Korea-China-Japan partnership."
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-30--Seoul city introduces small public bikes for younger population

Starting Monday , younger users have access to smaller and lighter `` Ttaereungyi '' in the eastern wards of Songpa @ @ @ @ @ as the northwestern Eunpyeong Ward .

SEOUL, Nov. 30 (Yonhap) -- The Seoul city government said Monday it has made small public bicycles available for younger populations aged 13 years or older.
Starting Monday, younger users have access to smaller and lighter "Ttaereungyi" in the eastern wards of Songpa and Gangdong, as well as the northwestern Eunpyeong Ward.
"Ttaereungyi" are Seoul's public bikes that can be rented at unmanned rental stations installed across the city.
Previously, they were only available for those 15 years old or older.
The new bicycles have 20-inch wheels and weigh 16 kilograms, downsized from the original ones that have 24-inch wheels and weight 18 kg, city officials said.
The city government said it plans to add 2,000 small bicycles across Seoul by January.
This photo, provided by the Seoul city government on Nov. 30, 2020, shows the smaller version of "Ttaereungyi," Seoul's public bike, for younger users. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-30--The Korea Interbank Offered Rates (KORIBOR)

SEOUL , Nov. 30 ( Yonhap ) -- The Korea Interbank Offered Rates ( KORIBOR ) as posted by Yonhap @ @ @ @ @ and information arm of Yonhap News Agency , at 11:00 a.m .

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


yna--2020-11-30--2 service members test positive for new coronavirus

`` We 've wrapped up virus tests for around 800 members at the base and have taken measures to better @ @ @ @ @ contact tracing is under way , more could undergo tests , '' a ministry official @ @

SEOUL, Nov. 30 (Yonhap) -- Two service members tested positive for the new coronavirus, the defense ministry said Monday.
A soldier showed symptoms while being quarantined due to an infection cluster at his Army boot camp in the border county of Yeoncheon. The total number of infections there grew to 72, according to the ministry.
"We've wrapped up virus tests for around 800 members at the base and have taken measures to better manage troops there. As contact tracing is under way, more could undergo tests," a ministry official said.
An Army officer in Cheorwon, Gangwon Province, also tested positive after coming into contact with a colleague who tested positive earlier, the ministry said.
On Sunday, the ministry also reported two COVID-19 cases among the military population.
Up until Monday morning, the military has reported a total of 371 coronavirus cases since the pandemic broke out in the country early this year.
Currently, 2,068 service members are in isolation in accordance with the health authorities' guidelines, and the military has quarantined an additional 2,819 people under stricter antivirus schemes of its own as a preventive step, the ministry said.
Nationwide, the country added 438 more COVID-19 cases, including 414 local infections, raising the total caseload to 34,201, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
An ambulance leaves an Army boot camp in the county of Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province, on Nov. 26, 2020, where dozens of COVID-19 patients were reported over the past week. (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-30--Virus outbreaks hit key plants in S. Korea, production loss feared

Kia has eight plants in Korea -- two in Gwangmyeong , three in Hwaseong and three in Gwangju -- and @ @ @ @ @ in China and one each in the United States , Slovakia , Mexico and India @ @ @ @ @ 3.84 million units .

SEOUL, Nov. 30 (Yonhap) -- A series of new coronavirus outbreaks have been reported at major industrial plants amid growing concerns about production losses, companies said Monday.
COVID-19 infections have affected production and sales at local manufacturers this year.
Kia Motors Corp., the country's second-biggest carmaker, suspended two of its three plants in Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul on Monday, as four assembly line workers tested positive for COVID-19, a company spokesman said over the phone.
"The company had daytime workers at the No. 1 and No. 2 Gwangju plants stay at home. Night-duty workers are expected to come to the assembly lines," he said.
The maker of the K5 sedan and the Sorento SUV has reported dozens of COVID-19 cases at its local plants this year, resulting in output losses.
Kia has eight plants in Korea -- two in Gwangmyeong, three in Hwaseong and three in Gwangju -- and seven overseas ones -- three in China and one each in the United States, Slovakia, Mexico and India. Their overall capacity is 3.84 million units.
This photo, taken on Nov. 25, 2020, shows Kia workers leaving the Gwangju plant, 330 kilometers south of Seoul, after finishing their shortened four-hour daytime duty as part of a partial strike for higher wages. (Yonhap)
Samsung Electronics Co., the world's leading smartphone and chip maker, also halted one of its six domestic plants Monday after reporting two confirmed COVID-19 cases.
Two workers at the refrigerator assembly line of the company's plant in Gwangju, tested positive for the virus on Monday morning, a company spokesman said.
Samsung Electronics has also reported dozens of confirmed cases at its local production facilities this year.
The cellphone and chip giant has a total of 37 plants, including 31 overseas ones.
LG Chem Ltd, the country's leading chemical and battery company, has reported five COVID-19 cases at its Ochang plant in Cheongju, 140 km south of Seoul.
"The Ochang plant is in operation, as the five infected people are office workers in a separate building away from the production lines," a company spokesman said.
The company has making utmost effort to prevent the pandemic from affecting its production by having employees take turns to work from home, take leave and work shorter hours, he said.
LG Chem has 13 domestic plants and 22 overseas ones in Asia, Poland and the United States.
On Monday, South Korea added 438 more coronavirus cases, raising the total caseload to 34,201, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency.
It reported three additional coronavirus fatalities, bringing the total to 526.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-30--(LEAD) Infection tally under 500 for 2nd day; current antivirus curbs maintained

SEOUL , Nov. 30 ( Yonhap ) -- The daily number of new coronavirus cases in South Korea stayed in @ @ @ @ @ second day in a row Monday due apparently to less testing over the weekend , @ @ @ @ @ maintain the current antivirus curbs in the greater Seoul area for another week despite concerns @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .

(ATTN: ADDS more info throughout, photo)
SEOUL, Nov. 30 (Yonhap) -- The daily number of new coronavirus cases in South Korea stayed in the 400 range for the second day in a row Monday due apparently to less testing over the weekend, as health authorities opted to maintain the current antivirus curbs in the greater Seoul area for another week despite concerns over another wave of the pandemic.
The country added 438 more COVID-19 cases, including 414 local infections, raising the total caseload to 34,201, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). It reported three additional coronavirus fatality, bringing the total to 526.
People line up outside a testing center for COVID-19 set up at the National Medical Center in central Seoul on Nov. 29, 2020. (Yonhap)
The latest figure is down from 581 on Thursday, 555 on Friday, 503 on Saturday and 450 on Sunday, the KDCA said. However, fewer tests are usually carried out on weekends compared with weekdays.
The daily infection tally has stayed in the triple digits since Nov. 8, with the figure hovering above 300 since Nov. 18 except for Monday. Concerns have mounted since last week over the third wave of infections, as daily new cases peaked to an eight-month high.
On Sunday, the country decided to keep the greater Seoul area under Level 2 social distancing measures in its five-tier system, but it raised antivirus curbs in all other areas to Level 1.5.
Instead, more stringent antivirus curbs will be implemented in closed environments and facilities that are susceptible to virus infections in the wider Seoul area starting Tuesday for a week, and Level 1.5 social distancing will be put in place outside of Seoul for two weeks starting Tuesday.
A medical staff member works at a testing center for COVID-19 set up at the National Medical Center in central Seoul on Nov. 30, 2020. (Yonhap)
By region, 158 new virus cases were reported in Seoul, 69 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital and 34 cases in Incheon, west of Seoul. The greater Seoul area is home to around half of the nation's 51.6 million population.
Other municipalities reported new infections, with the southern port city of Busan adding 52 new cases, sharply up from 21 a day earlier.
The number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients came to 76 as of midnight, unchanged from the previous day.
The country added 24 imported cases, down from 37 a day earlier, coming mainly from Asian countries, excluding China, the KDCA said.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 27,625, up 83 from the previous day.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-30--K League chief thanks fans, clubs for completing season during pandemic

`` It was unfortunate that we were n't able to feel the passion and energy of our supporters at stadiums @ @ @ @ @ `` But in the meantime , we had more fans watching our matches on television @ @ @ @ @ and matches were livestreamed to viewers overseas .
We were able to identify our growth @ @ @ @ @ also realize once again that we could n't exist without our fans . ''

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 30 (Yonhap) -- The head of professional football in South Korea thanked fans and participating clubs on Monday for their role in completing the 2020 season during the coronavirus pandemic.
Kwon Oh-gap, president of the Korea Professional Football League (K League), issued a statement expressing his gratitude to clubs in the top-flight K League 1 and the second-tier K League 2 for their selflessness.
This file photo from Aug. 2, 2020, shows fans attending a K League 1 match between Busan IPark and Ulsan Hyundai FC at Busan Gudeok Stadium in Busan, 450 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
"All the clubs put aside their own interests and worked toward the common goal of ensuring safe operation of their leagues," Kwon said. "Their joint effort served as an impetus for the K League to overcome numerous hurdles."
The coronavirus outbreak forced the K League to postpone its opening kickoff from Feb. 29 to May 8. The K League 1 season was shortened from 38 matches to 27, while the K League 2 clubs saw their season cut from 36 matches to 27.
The season wrapped up with the final K League 2 promotion match between Suwon FC and Gyeongnam FC on Sunday.
Because of COVID-19 restrictions, clubs played most of the season without fans in the stands. Even during brief stretches when stadium gates were open, only a limited number of supporters could attend matches.
"It was unfortunate that we weren't able to feel the passion and energy of our supporters at stadiums," Kwon said. "But in the meantime, we had more fans watching our matches on television and new media platforms, and matches were livestreamed to viewers overseas. We were able to identify our growth potential this year, and also realize once again that we couldn't exist without our fans."
The K League 2 had a scare in late October when a Daejeon Hana Citizen player tested positive for COVID-19, but it only led to a minor adjustment to the league fixture without causing full stoppage.
"On behalf of the K League, I'd like to thank all the medical professionals for their hard work and dedication in their fight against COVID-19," Kwon said. "Though the pandemic hasn't ended, the K League will go on. It has been a challenging year but it will be a valuable learning experience for all of us. The K League will only grow from this."
In this file photo from Nov. 5, 2020, Korea Professional Football League President Kwon Oh-gap (L) poses with Ulsan Hyundai FC forward Junio Negrao during the annual K League Awards ceremony in Seoul. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-30--2nd phase clinical trial of S. Korean drug firm's COVID-19 treatment candidate approved in U.S.

SEOUL , Nov. 30 ( Yonhap ) -- South Korean drug firm GeneOne Life Science Inc. said Monday it has @ @ @ @ @ second phase clinical trial of its treatment candidate for the novel coronavirus in the United @ @

By Kim Han-joo
SEOUL, Nov. 30 (Yonhap) -- South Korean drug firm GeneOne Life Science Inc. said Monday it has won approval to conduct a second phase clinical trial of its treatment candidate for the novel coronavirus in the United States.
This image, captured from the website of South Korean drug firm GeneOne Life Science Inc., shows the company's logo. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved a phase two study of GLS-1027, an oral drug candidate known to prevent severe pneumonia caused by COVID-19 infection.
The candidate will be administered to 132 adult COVID-19 patients from the moment of their infection to evaluate the efficacy of preventing pneumonia, the company said.
GeneOne Life Science said that GLS-1027 significantly reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines resulting in pulmonary disease and lowered lung diseases in preclinical animal studies.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-30--Infection tally under 500 for 2nd day; current antivirus curbs maintained

SEOUL, Nov. 30 (Yonhap) -- The daily number of new coronavirus cases in South Korea stayed in the 400 range for the second day in a row Monday due apparently to less testing over the weekend, as health authorities opted to maintain the current antivirus curbs in the greater Seoul area for another week despite concerns over another wave of the pandemic.
The country added 438 more COVID-19 cases, including 414 local infections, raising the total caseload to 34,201, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). It reported three additional coronavirus fatality, bringing the total to 526.
People line up outside a testing center for COVID-19 set up at the National Medical Center in central Seoul on Nov. 29, 2020. (Yonhap)
The latest figure is down from 581 on Thursday, 555 on Friday, 503 on Saturday and 450 on Sunday, the KDCA said. However, fewer tests are usually carried out on weekends compared with weekdays.
The daily infection tally has stayed in the triple digits since Nov. 8, with the figure hovering above 300 since Nov. 18 except for Monday. Concerns have mounted since last week over the third wave of infections, as daily new cases peaked to an eight-month high.
On Sunday, the country decided to keep the greater Seoul area under Level 2 social distancing measures in its five-tier system, but it raised antivirus curbs in all other areas to Level 1.5.
Instead, more stringent antivirus curbs will be implemented in closed environments and facilities that are susceptible to virus infections in the wider Seoul area starting Tuesday for a week, and Level 1.5 social distancing will be put in place outside of Seoul for two weeks starting Tuesday.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-30--(URGENT) 111 more patients released from coronavirus treatment, total at 27,653: KDCA


yna--2020-11-30--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 3 additional coronavirus deaths, total at 526: KDCA


yna--2020-11-30--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 438 new coronavirus cases, total at 34,201: KDCA


yna--2020-11-30--N. Korean leader Kim given coronavirus vaccine from China: U.S. expert

`` While clearly the number of vaccine candidates and vaccinations point to tremendous progress in what is surely a record-setting @ @ @ @ @ the effectiveness and safety of these vaccines , as no phase three trial data has @ @ @ @ @ vaccines as of now , '' it said .

By Byun Duk-kun
WASHINGTON, Nov. 30 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has been vaccinated for the new coronavirus with a vaccine developed by China, a U.S. security expert said Monday, quoting Japanese intelligence sources.
The expert also said Kim was given the vaccine only a short time earlier.
"North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and 'multiple other high-ranking officials within the Kim family and leadership network' have been vaccinated for Coronavirus 'within the last two to three weeks' thanks to a vaccine candidate supplied by the Chinese government," Harry Kazianias wrote in an article published by an online magazine, 19FortyFive.
Kazianis serves as a senior director of Korean studies at the Center for the National Interest, Washington-based think tank.
The U.S. expert quoted two unidentified Japanese intelligence sources who, according to the report, refused to identify which candidate vaccine Kim and other ruling elites in the communist North have been given.
The report, however, noted there are currently three to four China-developed vaccines, while one of them stands out as it "has been used by nearly one million people within China."
"While clearly the number of vaccine candidates and vaccinations point to tremendous progress in what is surely a record-setting pace, questions remain over the effectiveness and safety of these vaccines, as no phase three trial data has been published on any Chinese vaccines as of now," it said.
North Korea has yet to report any confirmed case of the new coronavirus infection.
Still, a recent report from the World Health Organization suggests the impoverished country may have had more than 800 "suspected cases."
The North has maintained a tight seal on all its borders since January.
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-30--(2nd LD) FM calls for efforts to develop alliance, Korea peace process with Biden administration

As part of efforts to step up public diplomacy , the conference will also offer panel discussions , including an @ @ @ @ @ prospects for international relations after the November U.S. presidential election , in which about 100 @ @ @ @ @ to take part via virtual links , the ministry said .

(ATTN: UPDATES with Kang's remarks in paras 1-7; CHANGES headline, photos)
SEOUL, Nov. 30 (Yonhap) -- Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha called Monday for active efforts to develop the Seoul-Washington alliance and advance the Korean Peninsula peace process in cooperation with the incoming Joe Biden administration in the United States.
Kang issued the call during a videoconference late Monday with more than 180 South Korean ambassadors and consuls general, which marked the opening of a three-day conference the foreign ministry is hosting virtually this week.
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha speaks during a virtual conference with South Korean ambassadors and consuls general from the foreign ministry in Seoul on Nov. 30, 2020. (Yonhap)
"We must maintain close cooperation with the (Donald) Trump administration until the end, and make active efforts for the development of the South Korea-U.S. alliance and progress in the Korean Peninsula peace process by strengthening strategic communication with the new administration of (Joe) Biden," the minister said.
Kang noted the importance of further strengthening the two countries' bilateral and multilateral trade relations, as well as realizing their common values of democracy, peace, human rights and multilateral cooperation.
"In particular, we must strengthen our bilateral partnership to overcome COVID-19 and address the climate crisis, which are international issues we face," she added.
On China, Kang stressed the importance of maintaining close communication to continue to develop the bilateral strategic cooperation partnership, citing last week's visit to Seoul by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
On Japan, the minister called for maintaining the government's current policy of resolving historical rows and pursuing practical cooperation on separate tracks.
This photo shows a virtual conference between Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha (upper left-hand corner) and 186 South Korean diplomatic mission chiefs being broadcast on a monitor installed at the foreign ministry in Seoul on Nov. 30, 2020. (Yonhap)
Ambassadors, consuls general and other diplomatic mission chiefs from 186 posts around the world attended Monday's online meeting. President Moon Jae-in and National Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-seug also delivered video messages in a show of support.
"Regaining economic vitality is the most urgent task, and we need active economic diplomacy," Moon said in his message.
"I ask you to figure out each country's economic trends and ensure that the successes of 'K-quarantine' lead to increased exports," he added, referring to South Korea's aggressive response to the coronavirus pandemic.
During the conference, the participants discussed ways to enhance the functions of the overseas missions in a way that they would better adapt to the changing diplomatic and economic environments in the post-COVID-19 era, such as providing more adequate support for Korean citizens and businesspeople.
Running through Wednesday, the conference will feature various sessions, including virtual one-on-one meetings between businesspeople and officials from the overseas missions to hear their experience of and opinions about doing business abroad amid the pandemic and in the post-pandemic era.
As part of efforts to step up public diplomacy, the conference will also offer panel discussions, including an experts' session on the prospects for international relations after the November U.S. presidential election, in which about 100 citizens will also be able to take part via virtual links, the ministry said.
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-30--(LEAD) FM Kang holds videoconference with overseas mission chiefs

(ATTN: UPDATES with President Moon's comments in paras 4-5)
SEOUL, Nov. 30 (Yonhap) -- Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha presided over a videoconference late Monday with more than 180 South Korean ambassadors and consuls general to discuss ways to strengthen the roles of overseas diplomatic missions in the post-coronavirus era, her office said.
The meeting, which began at 9 p.m. (Seoul time), marked the opening of a three-day conference the foreign ministry is hosting virtually this week, with a series of online sessions involving officials at the overseas missions, businesspeople and the general public, the ministry said.
Ambassadors, consuls general and other diplomatic mission chiefs from 186 posts around the world attended Monday's online meeting. President Moon Jae-in and National Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-seug also delivered video messages in a show of support.
"Regaining economic vitality is the most urgent task, and we need active economic diplomacy," Moon said in his message.
"I ask you to figure out each country's economic trends and ensure that the successes of 'K-quarantine' lead to increased exports," he added, referring to South Korea's aggressive response to the coronavirus pandemic.
During the conference, the participants discussed ways to enhance the functions of the overseas missions in a way that they would better adapt to the changing diplomatic and economic environments in the post-COVID-19 era, such as providing more adequate support for Korean citizens and businesspeople.
Running through Wednesday, the conference will feature various sessions, including virtual one-on-one meetings between businesspeople and officials from the overseas missions to hear their experience of and opinions about doing business abroad amid the pandemic and in the post-pandemic era.
As part of efforts to step up public diplomacy, the conference will also offer panel discussions, including an experts' session on the prospects for international relations after the November U.S. presidential election, in which about 100 citizens will also be able to take part via virtual links, the ministry said.
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha (top L) presides over a virtual meeting with 186 chiefs of South Korean overseas missions in this photo provided by her office on July 10, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-30--FM Kang holds videoconference with overseas mission chiefs

SEOUL, Nov. 30 (Yonhap) -- Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha presided over a videoconference late Monday with more than 180 South Korean ambassadors and consuls general to discuss ways to strengthen the roles of overseas diplomatic missions in the post-coronavirus era, her office said.
The meeting, which began at 9 p.m. (Seoul time), marked the opening of a three-day conference the foreign ministry is hosting virtually this week, with a series of online sessions involving officials at the overseas missions, businesspeople and the general public, the ministry said.
Ambassadors, consuls general and other diplomatic mission chiefs from 186 posts around the world attended Monday's online meeting. President Moon Jae-in and National Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-seug also delivered video messages in a show of support.
During the conference, the participants discussed ways to enhance the functions of the overseas missions in a way that they would better adapt to the changing diplomatic and economic environments in the post-COVID-19 era, such as providing more adequate support for Korean citizens and businesspeople.
Running through Wednesday, the conference will feature various sessions, including virtual one-on-one meetings between businesspeople and officials from the overseas missions to hear their experience of and opinions about doing business abroad amid the pandemic and in the post-pandemic era.
As part of efforts to step up public diplomacy, the conference will also offer panel discussions, including an experts' session on the prospects for international relations after the November U.S. presidential election, in which about 100 citizens will also be able to take part via virtual links, the ministry said.
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha (top L) presides over a virtual meeting with 186 chiefs of South Korean overseas missions in this photo provided by her office on July 10, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-30--(LEAD) KBO asks MLB to post NC Dinos slugger Na Sung-bum

If the guaranteed value of the deal is US $ 25 million or less , then the fee will be @ @ @ @ @ .
And if the contract is worth between $ 25,000,001 and $ 50 million , @ @ @ @ @ percent of the first $ 25 million , plus 17.5 percent of any amount exceeding @ @ @ @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES headline, 2nd para with KBO's move; ADDS details in last 5 paras)
By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 30 (Yonhap) -- One of South Korea's premier sluggers will be knocking on the big league doors this winter.
The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) announced Monday it has asked Major League Baseball (MLB) to post NC Dinos outfielder Na Sung-bum for MLB's 30 clubs. The decision came after the Dinos requested the Korean league take that administrative step and give Na a chance to reach the big leagues.
In this file photo from Nov. 17, 2020, Na Sung-bum of the NC Dinos celebrates his RBI single against the Doosan Bears in the bottom of the first inning of Game 1 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. (Yonhap)
Under the posting system, any interested big league team will be able to negotiate with Na during a 30-day period. It will begin at 8 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the morning after MLB officially notifies its 30 clubs of Na's status and end at 5 p.m. ET on the 30th day.
Na, 31, joins Kiwoom Heroes' shortstop Kim Ha-seong as the second KBO player to ask to be posted this offseason. Na is represented by uber-agent Scott Boras.
Na appeared in 130 of 144 games this year, and batted .324/.390/.596 with a career-high 34 home runs and 112 RBIs. It was a nice bounceback season after Na missed most of 2019 with a knee injury. He split his time at right field and designated hitter in 2020.
If Na had stayed healthy in 2019, he would have completed his seventh full season and become eligible for posting. Instead, he only played in 23 games -- a player must be on the active roster for 145 days to qualify for a full season -- and had to wait another season to be posted.
A 10th overall pick out of college in the 2012 draft, Na has a lifetime .317 batting average in 937 games, along with 179 home runs and 729 RBIs.
In this file photo from Nov. 20, 2020, Na Sung-bum of the NC Dinos hits a solo home run against the Doosan Bears in the top of the first inning of Game 3 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. (Yonhap)
He helped the Dinos win their first Korean Series earlier this month. In a six-game victory over the Doosan Bears, Na batted .458/.440/.625 with a home run, six RBIs and three runs scored.
"We're happy to help Na Sung-bum chase his major league dreams," Dinos' general manager Kim Jong-moon said. "We hope Na will be recognized for his talent and help raise the profile of Korean baseball."
If Na signs a major league deal, the Dinos will receive a transfer fee, depending on the value of his contract.
If the guaranteed value of the deal is US$25 million or less, then the fee will be 20 percent of the contract. And if the contract is worth between $25,000,001 and $50 million, the fee will be 20 percent of the first $25 million, plus 17.5 percent of any amount exceeding that $25 million.
If Na signs for more than $50 million, the Dinos will receive $9,375,000 and then 15 percent of the amount exceeding $50 million.
Last winter, two KBO players, SK Wyverns' pitcher Kim Kwang-hyun and Doosan Bears' outfielder Kim Jae-hwan, were posted. Kim Kwang-hyun signed a two-year deal worth $8 million with the St. Louis Cardinals, but Kim Jae-hwan wasn't picked up by anyone and stayed in the KBO.
If Na is unable to reach an agreement during his 30-day period, then he won't be eligible for posting until Nov. 1 next year.
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-30--(2nd LD) Moon urges civil servants to follow his reform drive despite troubles

As the government is striving to turn the COVID-19 pandemic into an opportunity , it is time for public officials @ @ @ @ @ minds '' in coping with the crisis , Moon said in front of pool reporters @ @ @ @ @ weekly meeting with senior Cheong Wa Dae aides .

(ATTN: UPDATES with prime minister's remarks in paras 9-11)
By Lee Chi-dong
SEOUL, Nov. 30 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in issued an unusual message Monday in public for South Korea's civil servants, saying they need to break away from what is obsolete and put the interests of the whole community above those of their own organizations or groups.
The president reaffirmed his administration's "firm determination" to reform "power institutions" as one of his key policy agenda items, which also include the Korean-version New Deal, a carbon neutrality campaign and regulatory reform.
In general, power institutions here refer to the state prosecution service, police, the National Intelligence Service and the National Tax Service.
As the government is striving to turn the COVID-19 pandemic into an opportunity, it is time for public officials to "pull together their minds" in coping with the crisis, Moon said in front of pool reporters at the outset of his weekly meeting with senior Cheong Wa Dae aides.
"All public officials should return to the basics and fulfill their duty of serving the people and making the country better," he emphasized.
President Moon Jae-in speaks during a weekly meeting with his senior secretaries at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Nov. 30, 2020. (Yonhap)
He added that they should pioneer an era of upheaval with the attitude of caring more about the interests of the community, not organizations or groups, to which they belong.
Moon's remarks came as Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae and Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl are at loggerheads. Choo has even suspended Yoon from duty, citing allegations of several misdeeds. The Seoul Administrative Court had a hearing for about an hour Monday to review Yoon's petition against the measure.
Choo has been spearheading the prosecution reform drive and accused Yoon of using his power and authority to hamper it. The top prosecutor, however, said he is just carrying out his duty faithfully even with regard to some high-profile corruption scandals involving confidants to the president.
At a weekly meeting with the president on Monday, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun told Moon that the issue of disciplinary action against Yoon has become a "big burden" for the administration, according to multiple sources in the ruling party.
"Even disregarding the steps for disciplinary action, given that Prosecutor General Yoon has put himself in a situation where he can't carry out his duties, stepping down is unavoidable," Chung was quoted as saying.
Moon responded that he has also been thinking hard about the issue, the sources said.
Moon has publicly kept mum on the conflict between Choo and Yoon, which has made headlines in local newspapers for a number of days.
He apparently alluded to the sensitive issue, talking about the importance of reform during the Cheong Wa Dae session.
"Even if (we) go through difficulties and troubles, a new future will be opened when (we) boldly break away from obsolete things via reform and innovation and have the will for change," Moon said.
President Moon Jae-in holds a weekly meeting with his senior secretaries at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Nov. 30, 2020. (Yonhap)
Meanwhile, Moon vowed a "pan-governmental emergency response system" to ensure that the annual state college entrance exam will be held nationwide safely amid the rapid spread of the coronavirus.
"This week, entering December, is a very important period in many aspects," he said. "Above all, (we) should certainly turn around the upward trend of new infections. It's more important than any other thing to hold the CSAT safely, which is three days away." CSAT is the abbreviation for College Scholastic Ability Test.
Close to half a million students and others have applied to take the CSAT slated for Thursday, according to education authorities.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-30--(LEAD) Court not to decide Monday on top prosecutor's suspension

`` The business day is over , so no decision will be filed today , '' a court official said @ @ @ @ @ know when the decision will come . ''

(ATTN: UPDATES with court not issuing decision; CHANGES headline)
SEOUL, Nov. 30 (Yonhap) -- A Seoul court said that it will not make a decision on Monday on a crucial injunction case that could affect the fate of South Korea's top prosecutor amid an escalating standoff with the justice minister.
Last week, Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae suspended Prosecutor General Yoon Seoul-youl from duty as she sought a disciplinary measure against him over six counts of alleged misdeeds, including collecting personal information of justices in charge of cases related to a former justice minister and suspected election interference by presidential officials.
Yoon sought a court injunction Wednesday to stop the unprecedented order from going into effect, and filed a lawsuit at the Seoul Administrative Court the next day.
The Seoul Administrative Court held a hearing earlier Monday to deliberate on whether the suspension caused irreversible damage and the ministry's decision followed due legal process. The hearing was attended by the legal representatives of both parties.
"The business day is over, so no decision will be filed today," a court official said. "We do not know when the decision will come."
The ministry said earlier that a decision is expected by Tuesday morning at the latest, given the seriousness of the case.
If the court decides to grant an injunction, Yoon will get back to his work immediately.
The ministry will convene a seven-member committee Wednesday to decide on disciplinary action against Yoon. It asked Yoon or his lawyer to attend the meeting.
This photo shows the building of the Supreme Prosecutors Office in Seoul on Nov. 25, 2020. (Yonhap)
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-30--(2nd LD) Ex-president Chun found guilty of defaming 1980 massacre witness

During his sentencing hearing , Chun , who is said to be suffering from Alzheimer 's disease , was seen @ @ @ @ @ time .
Before he made a four-hour drive down to Gwangju , about 330 kilometers @ @ @ @ @ attend the trial in the morning , he was seen angrily shouting back at the @ @ @ @ @ his house in Seoul to demand he be held accountable for the brutal crackdown two @ @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES with details in paras 4, 10)
GWANGJU, Nov. 30 (Yonhap) -- A court on Monday found former President Chun Doo-hwan guilty of defaming a late activist who testified to having witnessed Chun's troops shooting from helicopters on pro-democracy demonstrators in Gwangju.
The Gwangju District Court endorsed the claims of late priest Cho Pius that there were shootings at civilians from helicopters during the 1980 Gwangju Uprising.
With the conviction, the court sentenced Chun to eight months in prison, suspended for two years.
The former president was also found guilty, and sentenced to death, in 1996 on mutiny and other charges. The Supreme Court commuted the death sentence to life in prison. Chun was released in December 1997 on a presidential pardon.
Former President Chun Doo-hwan arrives at Gwangju District Court in Gwangju, southwest of Seoul, to attend a libel case on Nov. 30, 2020. (Yonhap)
Chun's troops ruthlessly cracked down on the nine-day uprising which started on May 18, 1980, leaving more than 200 people dead and 1,800 others wounded, according to conservative official data.
During the sentencing, Judge Kim Jung-hoon said there were reasonable grounds to conclude that there were helicopter shootings on May 21 and 27, 1980, an issue that he called "historically very important."
He continued, "Given the defendant's position and his actions during the May 18 uprising, he must have been aware of the shootings from helicopters," rejecting Chun's consistent claims to the contrary.
The judge also said he had taken note of 16 eyewitness accounts of the aerial shootings, with eight of them, he said, being very trustworthy and backed by objective circumstantial evidence.
The biggest responsibility for the brutal crackdown falls on Chun, the judge said, urging that he should sincerely apologize for the suffering and pain he caused.
"However, because this trial is not a trial about the uprising itself, our decision was made from the standpoint of the violated rights and interests of the victims," the judge added.
A civic activist carries out a performance in front of the Gwangju District Court to demand former President Chun Doo-hwan be punished on Nov. 30, 2020. (Yonhap)
The 89-year-old was indicted in May 2018 for allegedly making slanderous statements toward Cho for making eyewitness accounts of the brutal crackdown in his controversial memoir published in 2017.
In the book, Chun refuted earlier claims made by the priest, who had testified to witnessing the aerial shootings against Gwangju citizens. Chun has insisted that Cho lied, calling him a "shameless liar"
As the crime of defaming the dead can be only acknowledged when it is proved that his or her honor is harmed with falsehood, Chun's conviction practically means that the court concluded that Chun had knowingly denied there were shootings from helicopters.
The undated file photo shows the late priest Cho Pius. (Yonhap)
During his sentencing hearing, Chun, who is said to be suffering from Alzheimer's disease, was seen nodding off from time to time. Before he made a four-hour drive down to Gwangju, about 330 kilometers south of Seoul, to attend the trial in the morning, he was seen angrily shouting back at the activists gathered in front of his house in Seoul to demand he be held accountable for the brutal crackdown two decades ago.
Outside the courthouse, some 100 Gwangju citizens and activists, holding signs that said "Arrest Chun Doo-hwan," urged the court to issue a heavy punishment for Chun.
A performance took place in the early winter cold, depicting a man in a cage wearing a prison uniform and a paper mask with Chun's picture on it, to the applause of gathered people, including the families of victims.
"People apologize even for a minor car accident. How come Chun never says sorry for mass murder of innocent people?" said Kim Mal-ok, 62, who lost her husband during the government crackdown.
Priest Cho Young-dae, a nephew of the late priest who had filed the lawsuit, welcomed the verdict, but said the suspended term was too lenient for the pain Chun caused the people.
Chun left the court, escorted by bodyguards, without responding to questions.
A civic activist demanding stern punishment for former President Chun Doo-hwan talks with police in front of Chun's residence in western Seoul on Nov. 30, 2020. (Yonhap)
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-30--Vice FM meets outgoing Malaysia ambassador

At the meeting , Choi thanked the ambassador for the contribution he has made to developing the bilateral relations during @ @ @ @ @ expressed hope for the two countries to continue efforts to further deepen ties .

SEOUL, Nov. 30 (Yonhap) -- First Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong-kun met with Malaysian Ambassador to South Korea Dato' Mohd Ashri Bin Muda on Monday and discussed joint efforts for cooperation in coronavirus responses and other areas, the foreign ministry said.
The meeting came as the top Malaysian envoy is scheduled to leave his post later this week. Ashri is due to retire next month.
At the meeting, Choi thanked the ambassador for the contribution he has made to developing the bilateral relations during his term in Seoul and expressed hope for the two countries to continue efforts to further deepen ties.
Choi also suggested the two sides can work together to allow expedited entry for essential travelers amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and for Malaysia to actively consider joining the Seoul-based International Vaccine Institute (IVI) to work together toward vaccine development.
Choi also asked for the Malaysian government's attention to and support for Seoul's New Southern Policy Plus, an upgrade of President Moon Jae-in's signature policy aimed at deepening ties with the Southeast Asian partners and India.
Ashri, in response, noted that Seoul's policy on Southeast Asia has helped their bilateral relations develop further and reaffirmed his country's continued commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation with South Korea, according to the ministry.
First Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong-kun (R) greets outgoing Malaysian Ambassador to Seoul Dato' Mohd Ashri Bin Muda with a fist bump ahead of their meeting at Seoul's foreign ministry in this photo provided by his office on Nov. 30, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-30--(LEAD) KT Wiz slugger Mel Rojas Jr. voted KBO's MVP

`` I 'd like to thank my family and fans for their support , '' Rojas Jr. said in a @ @ @ @ @ I could n't have won this award without my coaches , teammates and front office @ @ @ @ @ much hard work , and it led to great results on the field . ''

(ATTN: ADDS photos, details at bottom)
By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 30 (Yonhap) -- Mel Rojas Jr. slugged his way to the top individual award in South Korean baseball this season.
Rojas Jr., star outfielder for the KT Wiz, was voted the most valuable player (MVP) of the 2020 season in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) on Monday.
In this file photo from Oct. 11, 2020, Mel Rojas Jr. of the KT Wiz hits a solo home run against the Doosan Bears in the bottom of the fifth inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at KT Wiz Park in Suwon, 45 kilometers south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
Rojas Jr. led the KBO with 47 home runs and 135 RBIs, and finished third with a .349 batting average as he came up one category shy of winning the Triple Crown.
Rojas Jr. also topped all players with 116 runs scored, 374 total bases, .680 slugging percentage and 1.097 on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS).
Players received points for top-five votes. The first-place vote was worth eight points, followed by four points for second place, three points for third place, two points for fourth place and one point for fifth place.
This photo provided by the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) on Nov. 30, 2020, shows the vote tally for the MVP award during a ceremony in Seoul, with Mel Rojas Jr. of the KT Wiz (L) finishing ahead of Raul Alcantara of the Doosan Bears (C) and Yang Eui-ji of the NC Dinos. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Rojas Jr. earned 653 out of 896 possible points, with 71 first-place votes. NC Dinos' catcher Yang Eui-ji was the runner-up with 374 points from 19 first-place votes, followed by Doosan Bears' starter Raul Alcantara with 319 points from seven first-place votes.
"I'd like to thank my family and fans for their support," Rojas Jr. said in a pretaped video message. "I couldn't have won this award without my coaches, teammates and front office. I put in so much hard work, and it led to great results on the field."
In other categories, the 30-year-old ranked second in hits (192), sixth in doubles (39), third in on-base percentage (.417) and third in multihit games (58).
This photo provided by the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) on Nov. 30, 2020, shows Mel Rojas Jr. of the KT Wiz delivering an acceptance speech in a pretaped video for winning the MVP award at a ceremony in Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Behind Rojas' power surge, the Wiz finished the regular season in second place with a franchise-best 81 victories and reached the postseason for the first time since joining the KBO in 2015.
Rojas is the second straight foreign MVP winner and sixth overall. He joins Josh Lindblom (Doosan Bears, 2019), Dustin Nippert (Bears, 2016), Eric Thames (NC Dinos, 2015), Daniel Rios (Bears, 2007) and Tyrone Woods (Bears, 1998).
Rojas' teammate, starter So Hyeong-jun, was voted the Rookie of the Year earlier Monday. The Wiz became the sixth team to produce both the MVP and the Rookie of the Year in the same season, joining the 1985 Haitai (currently Kia) Tigers, 1993 Samsung Lions, 2006 Hanwha Eagles, 2007 Doosan Bears and 2012 Nexen (currently Kiwoom) Heroes.
In this file photo from Nov. 10, 2020, Mel Rojas Jr. of the KT Wiz follows through on his solo home run against the Doosan Bears in the bottom of the third inning of Game 2 of the second-round series in the Korea Baseball Organization postseason at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. (Yonhap)
Rojas has spent four productive seasons in the KBO, with a .321/.388/.594 line, 132 home runs and 409 RBIs in 511 games here.
He arrived as a midseason replacement for Johnny Monell in June 2017 and hit .301 with 18 homers and 56 RBIs in 83 games.
In 2018, his first full season, Rojas exploded for 43 home runs and 114 RBIs, while also stealing 18 bags.
He followed that up with a 24-homer, 104-RBI campaign in 2019 and then set the KBO on fire with his MVP season in 2020. Rojas set his KBO career highs in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, runs, hits, doubles, home runs, RBIs and total bases this year.
Rojas has reportedly been drawing interest from teams in Major League Baseball (MLB) and Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). The switch hitter was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the third round of the 2010 draft, but he hadn't yet made his big league debut when he signed with the Wiz in 2017. He has played in 259 games in Triple-A.
In this file photo from Nov. 10, 2020, Mel Rojas Jr. of the KT Wiz celebrates his solo home run against the Doosan Bears in the bottom of the third inning of Game 2 of the second-round series in the Korea Baseball Organization postseason at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-30--(LEAD) Ex-president Chun found guilty of defaming 1980 massacre witness

(ATTN: CHANGES headline, lead; ADDS more details in first 7 paras, paras 12-16, photos)
GWANGJU, Nov. 30 (Yonhap) -- A court on Monday found former President Chun Doo-hwan guilty of defaming a late activist who testified to having witnessed Chun's troops shooting from helicopters on pro-democracy demonstrators in Gwangju.
The Gwangju District Court endorsed the claims of late priest Cho Pius that there were shootings at civilians from helicopters during the 1980 Gwangju Uprising.
With the conviction, the court sentenced Chun to eight months in prison, suspended for two years.
Former President Chun Doo-hwan arrives at Gwangju District Court in Gwangju, southwest of Seoul, to attend a libel case on Nov. 30, 2020. (Yonhap)
Chun's troops ruthlessly cracked down on the nine-day uprising which started on May 18, 1980, leaving more than 200 people dead and 1,800 others wounded, according to conservative official data.
During the sentencing, Judge Kim Jung-hoon said there were reasonable grounds to conclude that there were helicopter shootings on May 21 and 27, 1980, an issue that he called "historically very important."
He continued, "Given the defendant's position and his actions during the May 18 uprising, he must have been aware of the shootings from helicopters," rejecting Chun's consistent claims to the contrary.
The judge also said he had taken note of 16 eyewitness accounts of the aerial shootings, with eight of them, he said, being very trustworthy and backed by objective circumstantial evidence.
The biggest responsibility for the brutal crackdown falls on Chun, the judge said, urging that he should sincerely apologize for the suffering and pain he caused.
A civic activist carries out a performance in front of the Gwangju District Court to demand former President Chun Doo-hwan be punished on Nov. 30, 2020. (Yonhap)
The 89-year-old was indicted in May 2018 for allegedly making slanderous statements toward Cho for making eyewitness accounts of the brutal crackdown in his controversial memoir published in 2017.
In the book, Chun refuted earlier claims made by the priest, who had testified to witnessing the aerial shootings against Gwangju citizens. Chun has insisted that Cho lied, calling him a "shameless liar"
As the crime of defaming the dead can be only acknowledged when it is proved that his or her honor is harmed with falsehood, Chun's conviction practically means that the court concluded that Chun had knowingly denied there were shootings from helicopters.
The undated file photo shows the late priest Cho Pius. (Yonhap)
During his sentencing hearing, Chun, who is said to be suffering from Alzheimer's disease, was seen nodding off from time to time. Before he made a four-hour drive down to Gwangju, about 330 kilometers south of Seoul, to attend the trial in the morning, he was seen angrily shouting back at the activists gathered in front of his house in Seoul to demand he be held accountable for the brutal crackdown two decades ago.
Outside the courthouse, some 100 Gwangju citizens and activists, holding signs that said "Arrest Chun Doo-hwan," urged the court to issue a heavy punishment for Chun.
A performance took place in the early winter cold, depicting a man in a cage wearing a prison uniform and a paper mask with Chun's picture on it, to the applause of gathered people, including the families of victims.
"People apologize even for a minor car accident. How come Chun never says sorry for mass murder of innocent people?" said Kim Mal-ok, 62, who lost her husband during the government crackdown.
Priest Cho Young-dae, a nephew of the late priest who had filed the lawsuit, welcomed the verdict, but said the suspended term was too lenient for the pain Chun caused the people.
Chun left the court, escorted by bodyguards, without responding to questions.
A civic activist demanding stern punishment for former President Chun Doo-hwan talks with police in front of Chun's residence in western Seoul on Nov. 30, 2020. (Yonhap)
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-30--Gov't to launch winter season fine dust management program next month

The environment ministry said the program will run from December to March of next year and will center around the @ @ @ @ @ and around Seoul , cuts in industrial emissions and suspensions of power generation by coal @ @

SEOUL, Nov. 30 (Yonhap) -- The government announced Monday that it will launch a national winter season fine dust management program next month centered around reducing the amount of air pollutants during the season.
The environment ministry said the program will run from December to March of next year and will center around the reduction of vehicle traffic in and around Seoul, cuts in industrial emissions and suspensions of power generation by coal plants.
The government first adopted the program last year to lower the fine dust levels of the country during the winter, when they are usually at the highest.
This file photo shows a housing neighborhood in Seoul blanketed with ultrafine dust on Nov. 26, 2020. (Yonhap)
"The seasonal fine dust management system implemented last year led to a considerable decrease in the intensity and frequency of occurrence of fine dust," Environment Minister Cho Myung-rae said during a press conference held at the government complex in Seoul.
Under the program, driving of grade 5 emission vehicles without low-emission functionalities will be banned from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. during non-holiday weekdays in Seoul, Gyeonggi Province and Incheon for four months.
A fine of 100,000 won (US$90) will be slapped on violators. The program, however, will be halted on the day of the national College Scholastic Ability Test, which falls on Dec. 3.
According to the ministry, parking fees will also be raised in public parking spaces during the period.
This file photo provided by Yonhap News TV shows emissions from a factory in South Korea. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
A total of 324 business establishments will also participate in the program by cutting emissions of fine dust, while state environmental agencies and local governments plan to inspect companies and industrial complexes that come under suspicion of illegal emissions.
Up to 16 coal plants also plan to halt operations from December to February, while other coal plants plan on maintaining output ceilings at 80 percent.
The environment ministry said it aims to cut down ultrafine dust emissions by some 6,729 tons during the period.
Environment Minister Cho Myung-rae speaks at a news conference on a seasonal fine dust management program at the government complex in Seoul on Nov. 30, 2020. (Yonhap)
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-30--U.S. flies reconnaissance planes over S. Korea: aviation tracker

Experts say the deployment of those reconnaissance aircraft would be part of their regular operations , but the U.S. might @ @ @ @ @ be spotted intentionally to send a message of pressure to the North .

SEOUL, Nov. 30 (Yonhap) -- U.S. reconnaissance planes flew over South Korea for the past several days in a row, an aviation tracker showed, in an apparent move to monitor North Korea.
The U.S. Air Force's RC-135W Rivet Joint was spotted flying over the western city of Incheon and the metropolitan areas early Monday, according to the tracker, No callsign.
It specializes in detecting telemetry signals before missile launches and analyzing trajectories of warheads.
Later in the day, one EO-5C Crazy Hawk aircraft, along with three A-10 Thunderbolt II fighters and two KC-135R aerial tankers, was also spotted over South Korea.
Over the weekend, the U.S. military flew the E-8C, or JSTARS, over South Korea's Yellow Sea and western regions, according to the aviation tracker.
The E-8C is also known to be capable of closely monitoring the movements of North Korean troops and equipment, including missiles and artillery guns.
The flights came amid speculation that the communist country could undertake provocations, such as missile launches, around the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden next month.
Experts say the deployment of those reconnaissance aircraft would be part of their regular operations, but the U.S. might have let some of them be spotted intentionally to send a message of pressure to the North.
"We are closely monitoring North Korean military moves. As of now, there are no signs that indicate imminent provocative moves by the North," an officer of South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said.
This image captured from the U.S. Air Force's website shows a USAF E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) aircraft. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
This image, captured from the website of the U.S. Air Force, shows a RC-135W Rivet Joint reconnaissance plane. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

SEOUL -- The daily number of new coronavirus cases in South Korea stayed in the 400 range for the second @ @ @ @ @ due apparently to less testing over the weekend , and health authorities warned that the @ @ @ @ @ `` biggest crisis '' in the upcoming winter season .

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Monday.
-----------------
(2nd LD) S. Korea braces for 'toughest' virus battle in winter, people urged to follow antivirus curbs
SEOUL -- The daily number of new coronavirus cases in South Korea stayed in the 400 range for the second day in a row Monday due apparently to less testing over the weekend, and health authorities warned that the country is bracing for the "biggest crisis" in the upcoming winter season.
The country added 438 more COVID-19 cases, including 414 local infections, raising the total caseload to 34,201, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). It reported three additional coronavirus fatality, bringing the total to 526.
-----------------
Gyms, saunas and other virus-prone facilities in capital area to shut down from Tuesday
SEOUL -- South Korea will maintain the current social distancing level in the greater Seoul area but will raise antivirus curbs, including restricting additional gatherings and activities, starting Tuesday, health authorities said Monday.
Seoul, the surrounding Gyeonggi Province and the western port city of Incheon will be under the current Level 2 of the country's five-tier social distancing system for a week, according to the authorities.
-----------------
(LEAD) Moon urges civil servants to follow his reform drive despite troubles
SEOUL -- President Moon Jae-in issued an unusual message Monday in public for South Korea's civil servants, saying they need to break away from what is obsolete and put the interests of the whole community above those of their own organizations or groups.
The president reaffirmed his administration's "firm determination" to reform "power institutions" as one of his key policy agenda items, which also include the Korean-version New Deal, a carbon neutrality campaign and regulatory reform.
-----------------
Kia workers to continue strike for higher pay amid pandemic
SEOUL -- Unionized workers at Kia Motors Corp. will extend their partial strike for several days to demand higher wages and bonuses amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the union said Monday.
Daytime and night-duty workers will hold a four-hour strike at Kia's three domestic plants in Gwangmyeong and Hwaseong, both near Seoul, and Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul, on Dec. 1-2 and 4, union spokesman Hwang Hyo-dong said over the phone.
-----------------
Ex-president Chun given suspended jail term in libel case
GWANGJU -- A court here on Monday gave out a suspended jail term to former President Chun Doo-hwan for defaming a late democratic activist in a historically important libel case.
The Gwangju District Court sentenced him to eight months in prison, suspending it for two years, after finding Chun guilty of defaming priest Cho Pius, who had testified to witnessing the military shootings at citizens from helicopters during the 1980 Gwangju Uprising against the authoritarian government led by Chun.
-----------------
E-scooter firms to limit service for unlicensed minors despite revised law
SEOUL -- Electric scooter sharing companies in South Korea will continue to prohibit unlicensed minors from using their services despite a new law easing the minimum age requirements, joining government-led efforts to address safety concerns, the transport ministry said Monday.
Local e-scooter sharing platforms currently offer their services to customers aged 18 years and older, or 16-17 years old with motorcycle licenses, but safety concerns have risen over teen users after a new law lowering the minimum age to 13 is set to take effect on Dec. 10.
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SMEs to be included in 52-hour workweek system from January as planned
SEOUL -- The government announced Monday that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are currently exempt from the country's 52-hour workweek system will be subject to the rule starting next year as scheduled.
In a press briefing at the government complex in Seoul, Labor Minster Lee Jae-kap said that the government won't extend the grace period that exempts SMEs with payroll sizes ranging from 50 to 299 from the 52-hour workweek scheme until the end of the year.
-----------------
Korean Air wins 150 bln won U.S. helicopter maintenance deal
SEOUL -- Korean Air Lines Co., South Korea's biggest carrier, said Monday it has received a 150 billion won (US$136 million) helicopter maintenance order from the United States.
In the nine-year deal with the U.S. Department of Defense, Korean Air will be in charge of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) work for the life extension of the H-53E helicopters deployed to the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps in the Asia-Pacific region, the company said in a statement.
(END)


yna--2020-11-30--Doosan Heavy to build Lao hydropower plant

The power plant builder will use the plant project as a chance to make a foray into the overseas market @ @ @ @ @ plants , it said .

By Nam Kwang-sik
SEOUL, Nov. 30 (Yonhap) -- Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction Co., South Korea's top power equipment maker, said Monday that it has signed a deal with Korea Western Power Co. to build a hydropower plant in Laos.
Doosan Heavy Industries will complete the construction of the 728-megawatt hydropower plant in the middle Mekong river in Laos by 2029, the company said.
Doosan Heavy will provide key equipment and build the plant under a US$2.4 billion EPC system, which stands for engineering, procurement and construction.
The power plant builder will use the plant project as a chance to make a foray into the overseas market of key equipment for hydropower plants, it said.
This photo, provided by Hangang Hydro Power, which operates hydropower plants on the Han River, on Aug. 4, 2020, shows a hydropower plant in the northeastern part of South Korea. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
ksnam@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-30--Rookie band ENHYPEN hopes to be remembered as 'global, fan-made group'

`` Most of us dreamed of becoming artists after seeing BTS .
It was an honor to cover their song @ @ @ @ @ to also get advice , '' Jay said , mentioning how the septet visited the @ @ @ @ @ to have more confidence and love themselves .

By Lee Minji
SEOUL, Nov. 30 (Yonhap) -- ENHYPEN, the seven-piece new boy band consisting of reality audition program "I-Land" winners, said they want to build a legacy as a "global, fan-made group."
"It would be an honor to be always remembered as a global, fan-made group since we are a group made together by global fans," member Jay said in the act's first-ever media showcase held Monday.
"We feel happy and responsible when we are called a global, fan-made group since it was thanks to the love of our global fans that we have come to stand where we are," member Sung-hoon said.
The multinational act's seven members -- Jung-won, Jake, Jay, Hee-seung, Sung-hoon, Ni-ki and Sunoo -- were speaking in their debut showcase ahead of dropping first album "Border: Day One."
This photo, provided by Belift Lab, shows members of rookie boy band ENHYPEN posing for a photo during a media showcase held online on Nov. 30, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Like Jay and Sung-hoon noted, fans have played a central role for ENHYPEN -- from its creation to debut. Viewers from more than 180 countries voted for their favorite members in "I-Land," the televised survival program co-produced by CJ ENM and Big Hit Entertainment.
The buzz also built up on social media even before the group's debut, with each of their social media accounts, such as Twitter, YouTube and TikTok, attracting more than 1 million subscribers.
While having their survival process streamed around the world was no easy task, the band's members said it turned out to be a time that helped them hone their skills and build teamwork.
"We were surprised and grateful when we got messages supporting us from fans and viewers around the world," Jung-won said. "Our singing and dancing grew a lot on 'I-Land' and we also learned a lot about facial expressions and our attitudes on stage. The time at I-land was invaluable."
Hee-seung noted how the shared ambition to officially debut was like glue for the seven members who are very different from one another.
"The memory of striving for a (shared) goal to officially debut is something that connects us. Despite our different ages, areas where we live and nationalities, we grew closer as we had a goal to debut."
ENHYPEN has members with South Korean, U.S., Australian and Japanese nationality.
This photo, provided by Belift Lab, shows members of rookie boy band ENHYPEN performing lead track "Given-Taken" during a media showcase held online on Nov. 30, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Appearing on the audition program had another takeaway -- getting advice and support from music industry gurus and stars, like Big Hit chief Bang Si-hyuk and global megastars BTS.
"Most of us dreamed of becoming artists after seeing BTS. It was an honor to cover their song on 'I-Land' and to also get advice," Jay said, mentioning how the septet visited the shoots and encouraged the trainees to have more confidence and love themselves.
"We tried to learn not only from BTS' music and performance but also their attitude as an artist. I hope that we can follow BTS to become a group that can promote K-pop around the world," he added.
Jung-won noted Bang's advice on being a musician in the K-pop industry.
"Bang told us that there is no K-pop musician without fans, which made us vow that ENHYPEN would be a group that is loved by global fans and that can return that (love)."
Monday's press conference, where the rookie band showcased two of their songs, "Let Me In (20 CUBE)" and "Given-Taken," was held online amid the new coronavirus outbreak.
The band is set to release its six-track album at 6 p.m. It includes the powerful lead track "Given-Taken," which members said depicts their thoughts on going through the transition from being trainees to singers.
This photo, provided by Belift Lab, shows members of rookie boy band ENHYPEN performing "Let Me In (20 CUBE)" during a media showcase held online on Nov. 30, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)