yna--2020-09-02--(News Focus) Billboard win brightens prospects of BTS' long-awaited Grammy nod

Now with that accomplishment out of the way , along with bagging Best Pop and three other awards at the @ @ @ @ @ the same week , the conversation and predictions surrounding BTS have naturally shifted toward whether @ @ @ @ @ finally become the first South Korean pop artist to receive a nomination from the Grammy @ @ @ @ @ .

By Chang Dong-woo
SEOUL, Sept. 2 (Yonhap) -- K-pop group BTS has taken the music industry by storm again, with its latest single debuting at No. 1 on Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart on Tuesday, making the band the first South Korean artist to achieve the landmark feat.
Now with that accomplishment out of the way, along with bagging Best Pop and three other awards at the MTV Video Music Awards in the same week, the conversation and predictions surrounding BTS have naturally shifted toward whether or not the band will finally become the first South Korean pop artist to receive a nomination from the Grammy Awards in the United States.
When it comes to the Grammys, BTS is actually no stranger to the annual ceremony run by the Recording Academy of the U.S., which recognizes achievements in the music industry. The band has made appearances twice at the event, as an award presenter in 2019 and as an onstage performer at the 62nd event held in January, where the K-pop septet appeared alongside rapper Lil Nas X for a joint performance.
BTS celebrates topping Billboard Hot 100, now ready to win 2021 Grammy Awards Youtube https://youtu.be/ItWSIsN_2Qw
This photo, provided by Big Hit Entertainment, shows the members of BTS posing for photos during an online media day event in Seoul on Sept. 2, 2020. The band's "Dynamite" topped Billboard's main Hot 100 singles chart in the United States on Aug. 31. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The seven band members and Big Hit Entertainment chief producer Bang Si-hyuk have even been invited by the Recording Academy to become its voting members, allowing them to cast votes starting this year.
Despite the band's wide-reaching global influence and staggering album sales, not just around the world but also in the U.S., BTS has not once received a nomination by the Recording Academy, which has been seen as a glaring snub for a band that matched the Beatles in earning three No. 1 Billboard 200 albums in a single year.
The conspicuous absence of BTS each year from the nomination list has prompted an annual guessing game among K-pop observers and journalists on whether the Grammys -- considered the most conservative among major U.S. music awards show -- would finally open its doors and recognize the artistic merits of pop music that isn't sung in English.
With the summer music release calendar at a close and Grammy prediction season in full swing, predictions on whether BTS will receive a nod from the Grammys are once again being made.
This photo, released by Big Hit Entertainment via social media on Aug. 19, 2020, shows a teaser for global K-pop band BTS' new song "Dynamite." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Whether it happens remains to be seen, but the chances of a nomination this time seem as likely as ever, as it would be harder for the Recording Academy to continue to ignore BTS after the band proved its wide-reaching popularity among the general American public with "Dynamite."
The online edition of American business magazine Forbes predicted Monday (U.S. time) that BTS studio album "Map of the Soul: 7," the highest-selling album in the U.S. during the first half, could possibly receive a nomination this year.
[Press Conference] Next goal? BTS solo stage at 2021 Grammys Youtube https://youtu.be/ZZZ2S4pC1ZQ
"The former chart-topper is one of the bestselling and biggest releases of 2020," Forbes said.
Forbes added, "While the band's new single "Dynamite" isn't featured on its tracklist, the fact that they just landed a historic No. 1 hit should remind voters how beloved and successful they are."
The album's lead track "ON" also made it to the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 when released in February of this year.
Jason Lipshutz, senior director at Billboard, noted in a conversation with fellow Billboard writers that "a Grammy win would represent a key acknowledgement from the Recording Academy, which has yet to formally recognize the staying power of K-pop."
This photo, provided by Big Hit Entertainment, shows a scene from the 90-minute online concert "Bang Bang Con the Live" hosted by BTS on June 14, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)
BTS is also not shying away from its Grammy ambitions.
"The Grammy Awards is an event that everyone dreams of (being part of). We want to perform solo and, of course, we want to be nominated and possibly win an award," BTS leader RM said during a press conference held Wednesday to mark the No. 1 debut of "Dynamite" on the Hot 100.
Suga shared his desire to perform again at the Grammys.
"We performed at the Grammys in a collaboration. This time we would like to perform as a stand-alone act," the singer-rapper said.
With its newfound exposure within the mainstream music industry in America, BTS has found its footing to be able to clinch another No. 1 hit single on the Hot 100 with relative ease, music critic Kim Young-dae said.
"Until now, the band's popularity has largely been sustained by its fandom. But now the band has arrived at a point where its music is starting to spread within the general public in America," Kim noted, adding that "I think it's possible" for BTS to achieve another No. 1 song.
This photo, provided by Big Hit Entertainment, shows BTS posing for a photo during a global news conference on its new album "Map of the Soul: 7" at COEX in Seoul on Feb. 24, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-02--(LEAD) Kakao Games sets record IPO subscription rate, deposits

Kakao Corp. owns the largest 58.96 percent stake in Kakao Games , which has been broadening its presence not only @ @ @ @ @ Asia with the help of KakaoTalk after its inception in April 2016 .
Kakao Games @ @ @ @ @ monthly active users .

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead, paras 2-4)
SEOUL, Sept. 2 (Yonhap) -- South Korean gaming company Kakao Games Corp. set a record subscription rate and deposits for new shares from retail investors Wednesday, heralding the country's most popular initial public offering (IPO).
Three IPO managers said Kakao Games shares were oversubscribed by 1,524.85 times by general investors as of 4 p.m., the deadline for a two-day public subscription.
The figure is far above the previous record IPO subscription rate set by SK Biopharmaceuticals earlier this year, which was 323 times oversubscribed.
Based on the completion rate, subscription deposits for Kakao Games shares were estimated at 58.55 trillion won (US$49.4 billion), almost double the 30.99 trillion won deposited for SK Biopharmaceuticals' IPO.
This photo, taken Sept. 2, 2020, shows investors at a brokerage office in Seoul applying for the public subscription of shares to be sold by Kakao Games Corp. in an initial public offering. (Yonhap)
Kakao Games will sell a total of 16 million shares through its upcoming debut on the tech-heavy KOSDAQ market, of which 20 percent, or 3.2 million, are allocated to individual investors.
The game affiliate of Kakao Corp., which operates the country's most-used mobile messenger KakaoTalk, plans to sell the new shares at a price range between 20,000 won and 24,000 won as part of its efforts to hone its competitive edge.
Kakao Games hopes to raise between 320 billion won and 384 billion won via the IPO, with the proceeds to be used in developing a lineup of new games.
Kakao Corp. owns the largest 58.96 percent stake in Kakao Games, which has been broadening its presence not only in South Korea but across Asia with the help of KakaoTalk after its inception in April 2016. Kakao Games currently has over 45 million monthly active users.
The company posted an operating profit of 35 billion won on sales of 391 billion won in 2019. In the first half of this year, its operating profit came to 28.7 billion won, up 63.7 percent from a year earlier.
(END)


yna--2020-09-02--Main opposition changes name to People Power Party

`` ( The party ) had strong negative images as a party falling behind the changes of the era , @ @ @ @ @ privileged and a party with divided factions fighting , '' Kim said during the meeting @ @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Sept. 2 (Yonhap) -- The main opposition United Future Party announced on Wednesday that it has decided to rename itself as People Power Party (PPP).
Having been proposed during the party's steering committee meeting earlier this week, the new party moniker was endorsed in a general meeting of party members.
A total of 578 members from across the country voted remotely as a precautionary measure amid the spread of the new coronavirus to approve a revision to the party constitution, including the renaming.
The move came less than seven months after the launch of the UFP through the merger of the Liberty Korea Party and minor conservative parties in mid-February.
The party explained the new name implies "the power coming from the people, exercised for the people and uniting the people into one."
Kim Chong-in, the caretaker leader of the party, vowed efforts to completely revamp the party after its crushing defeat in the April 15 parliamentary elections.
"(The party) had strong negative images as a party falling behind the changes of the era, a party siding with the privileged and a party with divided factions fighting," Kim said during the meeting at the National Assembly.
"But it will now evolve into a party that leads the country into a changing era, communicates with the people, accompanies the weak and leads the unity of the people," he added.
The party registered the new name at the National Election Commission later in the day to make it official.
Officials said the party also plans to change its campaign color from the current pink to another hue and formally announce it two weeks later.
Kim Chong-in (R), the caretaker leader of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), formerly the United Future Party, talks with a party official during a general meeting of party members at the National Assembly in Seoul on Sep. 2, 2020. (Yonhap)
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-02--(LEAD) Moon thanks nurses for dedicated services, vows full support

He added that people are well aware of their hard work and suffering throughout the summer at special outdoor medical @ @ @ @ @ patients , mentioning the news that IU , a singer and actress , has donated @ @ @ @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES with mention of singer IU's ice vest donation to nurses in paras 5-6)
SEOUL, Sept. 2 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in extended his gratitude Wednesday to nurses across South Korea for their dedicated services amid the continued spread of the novel coronavirus.
He pointed out that they have been shouldering the "burden of doctors" who are in a prolonged strike against the government's medical-sector reform plans.
In addition, they are said to be facing "criticism and verbal abuse," with patients' inconvenience mounting due to the vacuum of medical treatment attributable to doctors' collective action, according to Moon.
"I am very sorry to think of nurses who have to suffer poor working conditions, increased work burden and even emotional labor," he said via his social messaging account.
President Moon Jae-in talks with officials at the National Medical Center in Seoul during his visit there on Aug. 28, 2020. (Yonhap)
He added that people are well aware of their hard work and suffering throughout the summer at special outdoor medical centers for treatment of COVID-19 patients, mentioning the news that IU, a singer and actress, has donated ice vests to nurses.
IU made the donation of around 4,600 ice vests, worth a total of 100 million won (US$84,200), to the Korean Nurse Association.
"Please do not lose your courage and cheer up," the president said.
He pledged that the government will do its best to help lessen the difficulties of nurses, including the expansion of manpower and improvement of their working conditions.
"You nurses, thank you and I love you," he said.
Many trainee doctors have been staging a walkout since Aug. 21 in protest of the government's push for such reform measures as hikes in medical school admissions and the establishment of public medical schools.
A nurse working at a Seoul community health center is clad in protective gear against the new coronavirus, in this file photo. (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
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yna--2020-09-02--Police raid house of controversial pastor at center of coronavirus spike

He is also alleged to have violated a self-quarantine order and attended a massive anti-government rally in downtown Seoul on @ @ @ @ @ members and his political followers from around the country .
Two days later , he @ @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Sept. 2 (Yonhap) -- South Korean police on Wednesday raided the house of Jun Kwang-hoon, the pastor at the center of the recent spike in coronavirus outbreaks in the country.
Police also raided three other facilities related to Jun's Sarang Jeil Church in northern Seoul to secure evidence that the church has impeded the government's efforts to slow the virus spread.
Jun, who was discharged from hospital earlier in the day after being treated for COVID-19, is suspected of intentionally concealing the list of church's congregation, thereby hampering the state's contact tracing and isolation operation.
Jun Kwang-hoon, a conservative pastor who has led anti-government rallies in central Seoul, boards an ambulance in Seoul on Aug. 17, 2020. He tested positive for the new coronavirus on the day. (Yonhap)
He is also alleged to have violated a self-quarantine order and attended a massive anti-government rally in downtown Seoul on Aug. 15, leading church members and his political followers from around the country. Two days later, he tested positive for COVID-19.
On Aug. 16, the government and the Seoul city reported Jun and his church officials to police for allegedly violating infectious disease prevention laws.
Later that week, police and officials from the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) launched a nearly five-hour search operation at the church to obtain a list of its members.
The search operation Wednesday was to secure additional materials about the church members, police said.
The church and Jun have been magnets for conservatives critical of the Moon Jae-in government who flock to the church from around the country to attend Jun's sermons and political rallies.
As of Wednesday, a total of 1,117 cases have been traced to the Church, according to the KCDC.
Police officers head toward Sarang Jeil Church in Seoul on Aug. 21, 2020, for a search and seizure operation. A court issued a warrant after health authorities failed to secure the full list of the members of the church at the center of recent spikes in coronavirus infections in the country. (Yonhap)
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-02--Unification minister hopes for inter-Korean video reunions of separated families

`` Video reunions of separated families might be our only option in the age of 'untact ' and when the @ @ @ @ @ hope we can kick off video reunions over the Chuseok holiday , which can serves @ @ @ @ @ Lee said , referring to the non-contact trend amid the coronavirus pandemic .

SEOUL, Sept. 2 (Yonhap) -- Unification Minister Lee In-young on Wednesday voiced hopes the two Koreas could hold video reunions for families separated by the 1950-53 Korean War later this month, despite strained inter-Korean relations.
Lee made the remark during his meeting with Shin Hee-yong, the new chief of the Korean Red Cross, saying the South is ready to send North Korea video reunion equipment as soon as Pyongyang decides to hold reunions on the occasion of the Chuseok holiday set for late this month.
"Video reunions of separated families might be our only option in the age of 'untact' and when the coronavirus is spreading. I hope we can kick off video reunions over the Chuseok holiday, which can serves as a catalyst," Lee said, referring to the non-contact trend amid the coronavirus pandemic.
"We are making various preparations for the video reunion ... the equipment will be delivered any time once Pyongyang makes up its mind," he added after visiting a video reunion center set up at the Red Cross building.
Shin said allowing separated families to bury remains in their respective hometowns in the North may be another option. He also said he will actively cooperate with the unification and foreign ministries to create an opportunity for inter-Korean cooperation against infectious diseases.
In an interview with Yonhap News Agency last week, Shin said that reunions of separated families were his top priority in inter-Korean affairs.
The two Koreas held their last reunions of war-separated families in August 2018 at the Mount Kumgang resort on the North's east coast after inter-Korean Red Cross talks.
South Korea has sought to hold video reunions and secured relevant sanctions exemption on equipment to be sent to the North last year, but no progress has been made amid strained inter-Korean relations.
Unification Minister Lee In-young (R) visits a video reunion center for families separated by the 1950-53 Korean War at the Red Cross building in Seoul on Sept. 2, 2020. (Yonhap)
Unification Minister Lee In-young (R) poses for a photo with Shin Hee-yong, chief of Red Cross, during their meeting at the Red Cross building in Seoul on Sept. 2, 2020. (Yonhap)
julesyi@yna.co.kr
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yna--2020-09-02--Samsung unveils new home appliances, mobile devices for European consumers

`` This year has seen us completely re-evaluate our relationship with technology , in a way that no one could @ @ @ @ @ Benjamin Braun , chief marketing officer at Samsung Europe .
`` At Samsung , we @ @ @ @ @ , but aim to stay one step ahead , already innovating with the future in @ @ @

By Joo Kyung-don
SEOUL, Sept. 2 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Co. on Wednesday unveiled a set of new home appliances and gadgets for the European consumers that highlight human-centered solutions amid the pandemic.
At the Life Unstoppable online event, Samsung introduced its latest innovations, from washing appliances to smartphones, with a goal of delivering "connected, seamless experiences" to consumers.
The South Korean tech giant usually showcases its new home appliance products in the second half at the IFA, Europe's largest tech expo.
But this year, Samsung decided not to participate in the IFA due to the COVID-19 pandemic and instead hosted its own event that allows users to experience its latest products through an interactive virtual world.
This photo provided by Samsung Electronics Co. on Sept. 2, 2020, shows Samsung Europe's Chief Marketing Officer Benjamin Braun speaking at the Life Unstoppable event. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
"This year has seen us completely re-evaluate our relationship with technology, in a way that no one could have expected," said Benjamin Braun, chief marketing officer at Samsung Europe. "At Samsung, we not only embrace these changes, but aim to stay one step ahead, already innovating with the future in mind."
Hoping to ride on the pandemic-driven stay-at-home trend, Samsung unveiled a new home cinema projector, the Premiere, for the first time. The product's high-end model uses triple laser technology to deliver 4K picture quality.
The Terrace, Samsung's outdoor lifestyle TV that was first unveiled in the United States in May, made its European debut. The Terrace will be available in 55-, 65- and 75-inch models in Europe, according to the company.
For gamers, Samsung unveiled its new curved monitor, the Odyssey G5 series, offering more display options in addition to its Odyssey G9 and G7 products. The Odyssey G5, boasting 144Hz refresh rate, comes in 27-inch and 32-inch models.
This photo provided by Samsung Electronics Co. shows the company's Odyssey G5 monitor. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Samsung also introduced laundry appliances with upgraded artificial intelligence (AI) solutions and refrigerators highlighting customization features.
Samsung hopes its Bespoke refrigerator range can deliver brisk sales in Europe. The Bespoke refrigerator is built under the company's Project Prism, which aims to reflect consumers' lifestyles and allows them to personalize the materials, colors, shapes and designs of the products.
When it comes to mobile devices, Samsung showcased the Galaxy Tab A7 tablet with a 10.4-inch screen and the Galaxy A42 5G smartphone with a 6.6-inch screen and quad-camera setup.
The Galaxy Fit 2 wristband with upgraded features for fitness tracking was also unveiled.
To better assist consumers who use multiple mobile gadgets, Samsung introduced the Wireless Charger Trio that can charge three devices all at once.
This photo provided by Samsung Electronics Co. shows the company's Galaxy Fit 2 band. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-02--Samsung Electronics unveils new home cinema projector

The Premiere comes with a high-end model that boasts triple laser technology using red , blue and green laser light @ @ @ @ @ with a single laser system .
The home cinema project will be launched globally no @ @ @ @ @ Samsung said .

SEOUL, Sept. 2 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Co. on Wednesday unveiled its new home theater projector as it expects to see brisk sales amid the pandemic-driven stay-at-home trend.
The South Korean tech giant introduced the Premiere at the Life Unstoppable online event, where the company showcased various home appliance products centered on the European market.
The Premiere comes with a high-end model that boasts triple laser technology using red, blue and green laser light sources and a budget model with a single laser system. The home cinema project will be launched globally no later than this year, Samsung said.
The high-end model can deliver up to a 130-inch screen with 4K picture quality and boasts a maximum brightness of 2,800 ANSI lumens.
This photo provided by Samsung Electronics Co. on Sept. 2, 2020, shows people watching a movie through the company's new home cinema projector, the Premiere. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The Premiere is also equipped with Samsung's High Dynamic Range (HDR) 10+ video technology that optimizes brightness and contrast of a video on a frame-by-frame or a scene-by-scene basis. Users can also enjoy popular streaming services like YouTube and Netflix through the projector.
Samsung said the Premiere is one of its lifestyle TV products that reflect users' lifestyle and living patterns. Samsung's lifestyle TV lineup currently includes the Serif, a home decor-focused TV, and the Terrace, an outdoor TV.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-02--S. Korea needs economic growth, pension reform to maintain long-term fiscal soundness

In a long-term fiscal outlook , the Ministry of Economy and Finance said if state expenditures keep pace with the @ @ @ @ @ in the coming decades , the size of state debt could rise to 81.1 percent @ @ @ @ @ significantly higher than a 46.7 percent estimate for next year .

SEJONG, Sept. 2 (Yonhap) -- South Korea needs to revive economic growth and bring changes to the nation's creaking pension system in a bid to maintain fiscal soundness over the long haul, the finance ministry said Wednesday.
In a long-term fiscal outlook, the Ministry of Economy and Finance said if state expenditures keep pace with the country's nominal growth rate in the coming decades, the size of state debt could rise to 81.1 percent of GDP in 2060, significantly higher than a 46.7 percent estimate for next year.
Such a development is expected as South Korea's economy suffers from a rapidly aging population, which will reduce the country's workforce and adversely affect investment and industrial output.
If a slowdown in economic growth eases on rising productivity, the ratio of national debt to GDP could rise to 64.5 percent in 2060, the ministry said.
"The government aims to keep the state debt-to-GDP ratio at a level of some 60 percent in 2060 throughout fiscal reform and securing of future growth engines," the ministry said in a statement.
"There is a need to introduce fiscal rules and reform the social pension system," it said.
This photo, taken on June 1, 2020, shows piers for exports in Busan. (Yonhap)
According to the ministry, South Korea's GDP growth will hover at around 2.3 percent annually from 2020 through 2030 before falling off to around 1.3 percent in the 2030s and dropping below the 1 percent annual mark from 2040 onward.
The country's GDP growth is projected to average around 0.5 percent from 2050 to 2060.
The ministry, however, said that if spending is kept under control and there is a determined effort to regulate mandatory spending, as well as discretionary expenditures, government debt may actually dip to 55.1 percent of GDP in 2060.
Mandatory expenditures refer to outlays stipulated by law that cannot be changed. These generally encompass spending related to welfare and medicare.
On the issue of state pensions, the ministry's report said that at the current pace, the fund will start to post a deficit in 2041 and completely dry up by 2060.
As of June, the size of assets held by the National Pension Service stood at over 750 trillion won (US$632.7 billion).
The ministry said broad social consensus needs to be reached on reforming the system.
The Korea Teachers' Pension will also start posting a deficit in 2029 before being depleted in 2040, the ministry said.
Earlier this week, South Korea drafted next year's expansionary budget of 555.8 trillion won, up 8.5 percent from this year, to help the economy recover from the coronavirus pandemic.
The ministry said it will sell as much as 172.9 trillion won of national debt next year, compared with 167 trillion won planned for this year.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

The move came after two South Koreans aboard a Ghanaian-flagged fishing vessel were kidnapped by unidentified gunmen off the coast @ @ @ @ @ , just two months after five Korean sailors were abducted in waters off Benin .

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Wednesday.
----------------
Moon urges thorough preparedness against powerful typhoon
SEOUL -- President Moon Jae-in called on South Korea's national diaster authorities Wednesday to take "special" measures to minimize possible damages from Typhoon Maysak, feared to be one of the most powerful typhoons to hit the nation in years.
The season's ninth typhoon is fast approaching the peninsula, forecast to reach southeastern coastal areas in the early hours of Thursday.
-----------------
S. Korea seeks to send Coast Guard officer to Ghana after citizen kidnappings
SEOUL -- South Korea is seeking to send a Coast Guard official to Ghana as early as this month to better protect its citizens in piracy-ridden waters off West Africa, a government source said Wednesday.
The move came after two South Koreans aboard a Ghanaian-flagged fishing vessel were kidnapped by unidentified gunmen off the coast of Ghana in late August, just two months after five Korean sailors were abducted in waters off Benin.
-----------------
S. Korea, Singapore agree on 'fast-track' entry program for biz people amid COVID-19
SEOUL -- South Korea and Singapore agreed Wednesday to introduce a "fast-track" entry program this week for essential trips by businesspeople and others in exception to coronavirus entry restrictions, the foreign ministry said.
During telephone talks, Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and her Singaporean counterpart, Vivian Balakrishnan, reached the agreement on the streamlined entry procedures set to take effect on Friday. //
-----------------
LG Chem again seeks sanctions against SK Innovation for spoiling evidence
SEOUL -- LG Chem Ltd. has filed a motion with a U.S. trade panel, seeking the issuance of an order sanctioning its rival SK Innovation Co. ahead of a crucial verdict over their electric vehicle (EV) battery patent case.
LG Chem claimed that SK Innovation destroyed "highly relevant evidence" after its litigation against SK Innovation began.
-----------------
Cheong Wa Dae staffer named new deputy spokesperson
SEOUL -- Cheong Wa Dae said Wednesday that one of its staffers, handling policy for younger generation people, has been appointed as new presidential deputy spokesperson.
Lim Se-eun is succeeding Yoon Jae-kwan, who was promoted to the post of secretary for public information earlier this week, according to Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kang Min-seok.
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(LEAD) After 2 positive tests, rest of minor league baseball team tests negative for COVID-19
SEOUL -- Following positive cases for two of their players, the rest of the Hanwha Eagles' minor league affiliate has tested negative for the novel coronavirus.
The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) announced Wednesday that 95 of 97 players, coaches and staffers for the Eagles' Futures League club have tested negative for COVID-19.
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Samsung to manufacture Nvidia's latest gaming chips: sources
SEOUL-- Samsung Electronics Co. will manufacture Nvidia Corp.'s latest gaming chips, industry sources said Wednesday, as the South Korean tech giant eyes to expand its presence in the foundry industry.
Nvidia's new RTX 3000 series graphics processing units (GPUs) will be produced by Samsung's 8-nanometer (nm) process node, according to the sources. Nvidia's latest chips will be about 10 percent faster than other Samsung-made chips fabricated with the same 8-nm process, they added.
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Kakao Games logs record IPO subscription rate
SEOUL -- South Korean gaming company Kakao Games Corp. set a record subscription rate for new shares from retail investors Wednesday, heralding the country's most popular initial public offering (IPO).
Three IPO managers said Kakao Games shares were oversubscribed by 1,229 times from general investors as of 1 p.m., three hours before the deadline for a two-day public subscription.
-----------------
Doctors' strike at crossroads amid talks with ruling party
SEOUL -- The long-drawn strike by doctors in protest over the government's medical reform plan has reached a crossroads, as they are in talks with the ruling party to resolve differences, sources said Wednesday.
A group of doctors, represented by the Korean Medical Association's (KMA) chief Choi Dae-zip, met the ruling Democratic Party's policy committee chief Han Jeoung-ae late Tuesday to exchange views on how to end the standoff that comes as the country tries to cope with a resurgence of coronavirus cases.
(END)


yna--2020-09-02--S. Korea-U.S. working group useful, function can be adjusted: Cheong Wa Dae official

`` There is a problem , since ( they ) look at the matter with just the view that ( @ @ @ @ @ through pre-coordination with the U.S. as if they were discussing South-North relations there , '' @ @ @

SEOUL, Sept. 2 (Yonhap) -- A top Cheong Wa Dae official said Wednesday the South Korea-U.S. working group on North Korea is "useful," and discussions are under way on how to better operate it.
The remarks by President Moon Jae-in's top security adviser, Suh Hoon, during a National Assembly session came in response to talk of negative effects of the forum launched in 2018.
The working group's main aim is for the allies to coordinate efforts more effectively to achieve the denuclearization of Korea and bring lasting peace to the peninsula, as strategies on Pyongyang have at times been a source of thinly-veiled rifts between the two sides.
The North has accused the Moon administration of being beholden to the U.S. and hesitant in moving forward peace projects.
Asked about the concern by a lawmaker, Suh said, "Basically, the South Korea-U.S. working group is useful."
The allies are in consultations on how to better operate it by "adjusting the aspects of it being misunderstood and excessively functioning." Suh gave no details.
Suh Hoon, director of national security at Cheong Wa Dae, attends a National Assembly session in Seoul on Sept. 2, 2020. (Yonhap)
Suh, director of national security at Cheong Wa Dae, rather took issue with the "viewpoint" of critics.
"There is a problem, since (they) look at the matter with just the view that (South Korea) is going through pre-coordination with the U.S. as if they were discussing South-North relations there," he said.
Suh added that the government is aware of the opinion that the working group is a roadblock to inter-Korean ties.
"We've discussed (the issue) with the U.S. adequately and we'll reflect such a point going forward," he said.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-02--(LEAD) Doctors' strike at crossroads amid talks with ruling party

They have also objected to the creation of new public medical institutions that can cater to the needs of rural @ @ @ @ @ of more medical insurance coverage for oriental medicine treatment .

(ATTN: UPDATES with more details in paras 4, 14; CHANGES top photo)
SEOUL, Sept. 2 (Yonhap) -- The long-drawn strike by doctors in protest over the government's medical reform plan has reached a crossroads, as they are in talks with the ruling party to resolve differences, sources said Wednesday.
A group of doctors, represented by the Korean Medical Association's (KMA) chief Choi Dae-zip, met the ruling Democratic Party's policy committee chief Han Jeoung-ae late Tuesday to exchange views on how to end the standoff that comes as the country tries to cope with a resurgence of coronavirus cases.
Han said at the meeting that lawmakers can review all key issues from scratch, proposing to create a special commission to address matters that can improve the quality of the country's medical field.
The lawmaker said the reform plan cannot be changed, though how the plan is implemented can be discussed going forward.
Lawmakers of the ruling Democratic Party (L row) hold talks with representatives of the Korean Intern Resident Association in Seoul on Sept. 1, 2020. The two sides exchanged views on the government's medical reform plan that has triggered a doctors' strike. (Yonhap)
If talks progress, details on how to end the walkout can be ironed out through extensive dialogue between all interested parties, the sources said.
Earlier this week, a task force of the Korean Intern and Resident Association voted in favor of an indefinite walkout by its members.
Thousands of trainee doctors working at general hospitals began the strike on Aug. 21 to protest the government's medical reform scheme. The KMA, with over 130,000 members, has backed the move, with staff and major hospitals also siding with trainee doctors and medical students.
Doctors have steadfastly opposed the reform plan that will expand admission quotas at medical schools by 4,000 over the next 10 years, starting in 2022.
They have also objected to the creation of new public medical institutions that can cater to the needs of rural areas, and the provision of more medical insurance coverage for oriental medicine treatment.
Data showed that 77.8 percent of trainee doctors took part in the strike as of Tuesday, while the percentage for fellow doctors reached 30 percent. The figures are lower than Monday's 83.9 percent and 32.6 percent, respectively.
The government, which has so far baulked at scrapping the reform plan, said it will respect the outcome of talks between parliament and doctors.
A trainee doctor at Seoul National University Hospital in downtown Seoul holds a sign denouncing the government's medical reform plan, on Sept. 2, 2020. (Yonhap)
"The government is watching the discussions taking place and wishes for an amicable outcome," said ministry spokesman Son Young-rae, adding that the government will respect any understandings reached.
The country reported 267 new COVID-19 cases Wednesday, including 253 local infections, raising the total caseload to 20,449.
This marked the fourth day in a row that new coronavirus cases have stayed below 300, but health authorities remain vigilant as untraceable and critically ill patients are still at large.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-02--(LEAD) Seoul stocks up for 2nd day on retail buying

`` South Korean stocks traded near the 2,370 level on the back of robust U.S. data on manufacturing activity and @ @ @ @ @ foreigners ' net sales sent the KOSPI into negative terrain at one point , '' @ @ @ @ @ analyst at Daishin Securities Co. , said .

(ATTN: ADDS bond yields at bottom, photo)
SEOUL, Sept. 2 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks extended their winning streak to a second consecutive session Wednesday as retail investors scooped up stocks amid a letup in spiking virus cases. The Korean currency fell against the U.S. dollar.
After choppy trading, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 14.82 points, or 0.63 percent, to finish at 2,364.37. Trading volume was heavy at 1.4 billion shares worth 15.5 trillion won (US$13.1 billion), with gainers outnumbering losers 590 to 245.
"South Korean stocks traded near the 2,370 level on the back of robust U.S. data on manufacturing activity and Wall Street gains. But foreigners' net sales sent the KOSPI into negative terrain at one point," Lee Kyung-min, a market analyst at Daishin Securities Co., said.
Electronic signboards at a Hana Bank dealing room in Seoul show the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed at 2,364.37 on Sept. 2, 2020, up 14.82 points, or 0.63 percent, from the previous session's close. (Yonhap)
Seoul shares got off to a strong start following overnight gains in U.S. markets, prompted by tech rallies and improving economic data.
In the morning session, the stock index pared earlier gains, but retail investors' sustained buying supported the market in the afternoon trade.
Individual investors snapped up a net 332.4 billion won. But foreigners unloaded a net 264 billion won and institutions sold more shares than they bought at 91.1 billion won.
South Korea's daily coronavirus cases stayed below 300 for the fourth straight day Wednesday after the country recently imposed stricter social distancing across the nation.
Market kingpin Samsung Electronics gained 0.37 percent to 54,400 won despite the news that prosecutors indicted Samsung Group heir Lee Jae-yong on Tuesday for his role in a controversial merger and alleged accounting fraud.
No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix added 0.4 percent to 75,500 won, while consumer electronics giant LG Electronics lost 1.37 percent to 86,500 won.
Kakao, the operator of messenger app Kakao Talk, rose 2.62 percent to 412,000 won as its game affiliate Kakao Games has drawn explosive interest in public subscription for its initial public offering (IPO).
But top automaker Hyundai Motor fell 2.22 percent to 176,000 won, and its affiliate Kia Motors shed 2.2 percent to 42,200 won.
The local currency closed at 1,185.40 won against the U.S. dollar, down 2.4 won from the previous session.
Bond prices, which move inversely to yields, closed higher. The yield on three-year Treasurys fell 5.4 basis points to 0.923 percent, and the return on the benchmark five-year government bond shed 4.5 basis points to 1.228 percent.
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-03--S. Korea to object to British court's interim charging order over failed M&A deal

The official said the South Korean government has been in talks with the Dayyani family over how to pay 73 @ @ @ @ @ 61.5 million ) to the family behind Iranian business group Entekhab Industrial Group .

SEOUL, Sept. 3 (Yonhap) -- South Korea said Thursday that it will present its objections to a recent British court ruling in a case over a failed takeover of Daewoo Electronics by Iran's Dayyani family.
The move came after the High Court of Justice in Britain granted the Dayyani family an interim charging order against shares of Dana Petroleum, a wholly owned subsidiary of South Korea's state-run Korea National Oil Corp.
South Korea will raise objections with the British court this month, an official of the Financial Services Commission said, without providing a specific time frame.
The official said the South Korean government has been in talks with the Dayyani family over how to pay 73 billion won (US$61.5 million) to the family behind Iranian business group Entekhab Industrial Group.
The legal dispute dates back to 2010 when South Korea's state-run Korea Asset Management Corp. (KAMCO) picked Entekhab Industrial Group as the preferred bidder for a controlling stake in Daewoo Electronics.
Entekhab, represented by its Singapore-based firm D&A, paid 10 percent of the total value, or 57.8 billion won, after signing the deal. The deal, however, fell through as KAMCO terminated it in May 2011, citing funding uncertainties.
The Dayyani family asked KAMCO to return the paid amount, but creditors of Daewoo Electronics declined, attributing the cause of the deal failure to D&A.
The Iranian family sought an investor-state dispute settlement against Seoul for the 57.8 billion-won payment and filed the complaint with the International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), demanding 93.5 billion won, including interests and other costs.
In 2018, the ICSID ruled in favor of the Iranian family, ordering Seoul to pay 73 billion won in compensation, explaining that Daewoo Electronics creditors were responsible for the deal breakdown.
In December, the British court rejected Seoul's request to nullify the international ruling.
It was the first case the South Korean government lost against a foreign firm in an Investor-State Dispute Settlement, a system through which investors sue countries for discriminatory practices.
entropy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-03--Army soldier tests positive for new coronavirus after contact with infected colleague

The soldier has been in isolation after the colleague was confirmed to have COVID-19 following a visit to Seoul for @ @ @ @ @ greater Seoul area has seen a surge in the number of confirmed cases since around @ @ @

SEOUL, Sept. 3 (Yonhap) -- An Army soldier stationed in the eastern coastal county of Yangyang tested positive for the new coronavirus after coming into contact with an infected colleague, the defense ministry said Thursday.
The soldier has been in isolation after the colleague was confirmed to have COVID-19 following a visit to Seoul for vacation in mid-August. The greater Seoul area has seen a surge in the number of confirmed cases since around that time.
He initially tested negative but received a positive result in his second test conducted Wednesday before exiting quarantine, according to the ministry.
The latest case brought the total number of infections among military members to 110.
Since late last month, the ministry has restricted all service personnel from vacationing and off-installation trips to stem the spread of the virus.
Currently, 734 service members are in isolation in accordance with the health authorities' guidelines, and the military has quarantined an additional 1,938 people under stricter anti-virus schemes of its own as a preventive step.
South Korea reported 195 new COVID-19 cases, including 188 local infections, raising the total caseload to 20,644, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
A team from the Armed Force CBR Defense Command wears protective gear to carry out disinfection work at a nursing home in cohort isolation in Gwangju, 329 kilometers south of Seoul, on July 17, 2020. (Yonhap)(END)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-03--S. Korean Kwon Soon-woo eliminated in 2nd round of U.S. Open

But Kwon failed to win another set after that .
In the second , Shapovalov broke Kwon for the first @ @ @ @ @ lead and went on to take the set 6-4 to even the match .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Sept. 3 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's Kwon Soon-woo has been knocked out of the second round at the season's second Grand Slam tennis tournament.
Denis Shapovalov of Canada defeated Kwon 3-1 (6-7 (5-7), 6-4, 6-4, 6-2) in the second round of the U.S. Open at Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City on Wednesday (local time).
In this Associated Press photo, Kwon Soon-woo of South Korea hits a shot against Denis Shapovalov of Canada during the second round of the men's singles at the U.S. Open at Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City on Sept. 2, 2020. (Yonhap)
Kwon, ranked 73rd, was the third South Korean male to reach the second round of a major tournament, joining Lee Hyung-taik and Chung Hyeon.
But the 22-year-old couldn't get past the 17th-ranked Shapovalov, who outlasted the South Korean in a three-hour, 41-minute marathon.
Kwon claimed the opening set in a tiebreak. Neither could break the other, and in the tiebreak, Shapovalov jumped out to a 5-2 lead. Kwon battled back to win five straight points to snatch the first set, thanks to a combination of unforced errors and a double fault by Shapovalov.
In this Associated Press photo, Kwon Soon-woo of South Korea hits a shot against Denis Shapovalov of Canada during the second round of the men's singles at the U.S. Open at Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City on Sept. 2, 2020. (Yonhap)
But Kwon failed to win another set after that. In the second, Shapovalov broke Kwon for the first time to take a 3-2 lead and went on to take the set 6-4 to even the match.
Kwon broke Shapovalov to open up a 4-2 lead in the third set, but then Shapovalov grabbed the next four straight games, breaking Kwon twice in the process.
Shapovalov began the fourth set by breaking Kwon and eventually built a 4-1 lead. Serving while down 3-1, Kwon committed a double fault and a couple of unforced errors.
Kwon battled to force a deuce before losing the next game to go down 5-1. Kwon held his serve to stay alive for another game, before Shapovalov won the next game without dropping a point to close out the match.
Shapovalov had 20 aces, while Kwon only had two.
In this Associated Press photo, Kwon Soon-woo of South Korea celebrates a point against Denis Shapovalov of Canada during the second round of the men's singles at the U.S. Open at Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City on Sept. 2, 2020. (Yonhap)
In this Getty Images photo, Kwon Soon-woo of South Korea serves against Denis Shapovalov of Canada during the second round of the men's singles at the U.S. Open at Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City on Sept. 2, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-03--(LEAD) Moon says gov't to create 20 tln-won 'New Deal' fund, requests financial sector's support

`` Over the coming five years , 100 trillion won will be invested from policy financing in the Korean version @ @ @ @ @ from companies , and 70 trillion won from private financing , '' he said during @ @ @ @ @ with the leaders of the country 's major financial groups .

(ATTN: UPDATES with Moon's remarks; CHANGES headline, photo)
SEOUL, Sept. 3 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in announced Thursday that the government will create a 20 trillion-won (US$16.8 billion) "New Deal fund" for people to invest in relevant infrastructure projects.
He also pledged "bold" regulatory reform to facilitate the Korean-version New Deal program, as he sought support from South Korea's financial firms for funding.
"Over the coming five years, 100 trillion won will be invested from policy financing in the Korean version of the New Deal and from companies, and 70 trillion won from private financing," he said during a Cheong Wa Dae meeting with the leaders of the country's major financial groups.
It marked the inaugural session, chaired by Moon, to discuss detailed strategies on implementing the policy drive, which the president said would "open the future of the Korean economy."
He said the government plans to launch the New Deal fund, worth 20 trillion won, to enable ordinary people to join the government's initiative in person, with loss risks shared, tax benefits and stable profits.
President Moon Jae-in (C) speaks at the first meeting on Korean-version New Deal strategy at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Sept. 3, 2020. (Yonhap)
The president emphasized the role of the financial sector for the success of the so-called K-New Deal.
"Finance has played a big role whenever the country has faced a difficult time," he said. "The success of the Korean-version New Deal will be possible when private investment is activated and the people participate dynamically."
He assured the businesses that his administration will "push speedily for system improvements and regulatory reform, necessary for expediting the Korean-version New Deal."
Regulatory reform is, indeed, another prerequisite for the success of the initiative, he stressed, adding that the government will break regulations restricting the project and relevant corporate activities in a "bold" manner.
Among attendees were the chiefs of the country's 10 largest financial groups, including KB, Shinhan, Hana, Woori and Nonghyup, as well as the heads of several policy lenders.
Also present were Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki, Financial Services Commission Chairman Eun Sung-soo and Financial Supervisory Service Governor Yoon Seuk-heun.
The number of on-site attendees was limited to around 30 in consideration of social distancing guidelines against COVID-19, with some other government officials and private financiers joining it remotely.
The Korean version of the New Deal is aimed at creating jobs, revitalizing the economy and preparing for the post-coronavirus era. Moon said it represents the government's efforts to turn South Korea's economy into a "pace-setting" and low-carbon one.
Digital and green are two keywords in the initiative, with AI government, SOC digitalization, green energy and smart green industrial complex also among the major projects.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-03--(LEAD) S. Korea to set up 20 tln won fund for New Deal projects

SEJONG , Sept. 3 ( Yonhap ) -- South Korea will set up a fund worth 20 trillion won ( @ @ @ @ @ over the next five years to promote the Korean New Deal projects that will create @ @ @ @ @ the virus-ravaged economy , Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki said Thursday .

(ATTN: ADDS remarks, details in paras 5-9, new photo)
SEJONG, Sept. 3 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will set up a fund worth 20 trillion won (US$16.8 billion) over the next five years to promote the Korean New Deal projects that will create millions of jobs and revive the virus-ravaged economy, Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki said Thursday.
The fund will consist of 3 trillion won in government investment, 4 trillion won in investment from state-run financial institutions and 13 trillion won from private financial firms and the public, Hong told a meeting chaired by President Moon Jae-in.
The fund is expected to help channel excess liquidity into the real economy, Hong said.
To help people invest their money in the fund, the government will offer tax benefits, Hong said.
Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki briefs senior officials on details of the New Deal fund on Sept. 3, 2020. (Yonhap)
The New Deal fund is expected to "play a role to attract private investment to projects," Hong said.
If a person earns less than 200 million won in dividend income by investing money into the fund, the government will levy a lower tax rate of 9 percent. Currently, dividends are subject to a withholding tax rate of 22 percent, including local surtax.
The tax benefits will apply to a certain fund that invests more than half of the money into some infrastructure projects, according to the ministry.
To support the New Deal projects, state-run financial institutions will provide 100 trillion won in policy loans in the real economy over the next five years, financial regulators said.
Separately, private financial firms will inject 70 trillion won into the real economy, they said.
In July, South Korea said it will invest 160 trillion won by 2025 under the bold stimulus package that will create 1.9 million jobs and kick-start the coronavirus-hit economy.
Unlike conventional infrastructure projects, the deal features 28 projects that will transform the nation's fossil fuel-reliant economy into an eco-friendly one and increase state investment in artificial intelligence and fifth-generation (5G) telecommunication services.
The projects are aimed at laying the groundwork for economic growth in the long term while cushioning the economic blow from the pandemic and hastening a recovery.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-03--The Korea Interbank Offered Rates (KORIBOR)

SEOUL , Sep. 3 ( Yonhap ) -- The Korea Interbank Offered Rates ( KORIBOR ) as posted by Yonhap @ @ @ @ @ and information arm of Yonhap News Agency , at 11:00 a.m .

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


yna--2020-09-03--Critically ill virus patients surge amid slowdown in new cases

South Korea had kept the virus situation under control until early August .
But the daily new infections have been @ @ @ @ @ Aug. 14 , mostly traced to a conservative church in northern Seoul and an anti-government @ @ @ @ @ Aug. 15 Liberation Day .

SEOUL, Sept. 3 (Yonhap) -- The number of coronavirus patients in critical condition continued to rise on Thursday amid a slowdown in new infections, putting health authorities on alert over a possible hospital bed shortage and more fatalities.
South Korea added 195 new COVID-19 cases on the day, raising the total caseload to 20,644. It marked the first time the figure fell to below 200 in more than two weeks since Aug. 17.
Yet the number of patients in serious or critical condition rose to 154, up 31 from 123 reported the previous day. The comparable figure stood at just 12 two weeks ago.
The number of critically ill virus patients has been on the rise -- surpassing the 100 mark for the first time on Tuesday -- in line with the recent resurgence in the number of infections across the country.
The figure is feared to climb further as the vast majority of cases recently confirmed were elderly patients who are more vulnerable to the disease.
Of the patients newly confirmed Wednesday, 39 percent were age 60 or older.
As of Wednesday, 87 percent of seriously ill virus patients were age 60 or older.
Medical staff members work at a hospital in Seoul on Sept. 2, 2020, after an employee tested positive for the new coronavirus. At least 10 new cases have been traced to the hospital so far. (Yonhap)
Deaths are also higher among elderly virus patients with underlying health conditions.
South Korea added three more deaths Thursday, raising the death toll to 329.
Of the total, 20 deaths were reported in the past two weeks.
South Korea had kept the virus situation under control until early August. But the daily new infections have been in the triple digits since Aug. 14, mostly traced to a conservative church in northern Seoul and an anti-government rally in the capital on Aug. 15 Liberation Day.
Amid concerns over a possible hospital bed shortage, the government said it will secure more beds, injecting a total 105.4 billion won (US$88.7 million) into 23 medical institutions by the first half of next year.
As of Wednesday, 73 percent of the critically ill virus patients were in the Seoul metropolitan region, with only nine among 306 hospital beds for such patients available.
The emergency room of the Masan Medical Center in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, is closed on Aug. 22, 2020, after one of the hospital's nurses tested positive for the coronavirus. (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-03--Ministry receives human rights panel's recommendation on New Zealand sexual abuse case

Ministry officials said they would take `` necessary steps '' in response to the National Human Rights Commission 's nonbinding @ @ @ @ @ to reveal details of the recommendation , citing the sensitivity of the issue and its @ @ @ @ @ .

SEOUL, Sept. 3 (Yonhap) -- The state human rights watchdog has given the foreign ministry a recommendation of measures with regard to a sexual abuse case involving a South Korean diplomat once stationed in New Zealand, officials said Thursday.
Ministry officials said they would take "necessary steps" in response to the National Human Rights Commission's nonbinding recommendation, but they refused to reveal details of the recommendation, citing the sensitivity of the issue and its internal assessment of the recommendation.
A former local employee at Korea's Embassy in Wellington has accused the senior diplomat of groping him on three occasions in 2017, a case that resurfaced after New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern raised the issue in July phone talks with President Moon Jae-in.
"The ministry received the commission's recommendation and will take necessary steps after thoroughly poring over related content," a ministry official said on condition of anonymity.
A government institution is supposed to hand in its implementation plan within 90 days of its receipt of the commission's recommendation, though it is not legally binding.
The diplomat in question was moved to a new post in the Philippines in 2018 and was disciplined with a reduction in salary for a month. He recently came back home at the ministry's order after the case resurfaced.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-03--S. Korea's exports of agricultural goods up 5 pct through Aug.

South Korea said it will focus on promoting the exports of fresh products such as grapes , pears , and @ @ @ @ @ in line with their harvest season .

By Kang Yoon-seung
SEOUL, Sept. 3 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's outbound shipments of agricultural products rose nearly 5 percent on-year in the first eight months of 2020, data showed Thursday, helped by the rising demand for instant products amid the new coronavirus pandemic.
Exports of agricultural goods, which include processed foodstuffs, reached US$4.8 billion in the January-August period, according to the data compiled by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
Shipments of processed foodstuffs increased 6.2 percent over the period to reach $3.98 billion, while those of fresh goods edged down 0.8 percent to $861 million, the data showed.
South Korea's outbound shipments of kimchi, shot up 40.3 percent on-year in the January-August period to reach $98 million, apparently as the demand for nutritious products gained ground around the globe amid the virus pandemic.
Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish normally made of fermented cabbage, salt and hot peppers, and it is eaten with almost all meals.
Kimchi products are displayed at a supermarket in Seoul, in this file photo taken on Sept. 1, 2020. (Yonhap)
The ministry said local exporters also attracted new consumers by releasing new products, such as vegan kimchi.
Exports of kimchi to the United States jumped a whopping 70 percent, while those to Japan increased 30 percent over the period.
Outbound sales of instant noodles also increased, as more people dined at home due to lockdowns and social distancing measures. Exports of the products jumped 36.7 percent to reach $405 million.
Exports of processed rice products moved up 21.7 percent to reach $85 million, helped by the sharp increase in demand from the U.S. and China.
Overseas sales of chickens increased 24.2 percent over the first eight months on-year to $50 million, with exports to Hong Kong soaring 89.1 percent.
South Korea said it will focus on promoting the exports of fresh products such as grapes, pears, and strawberries in the second half in line with their harvest season.
The country's overall exports, meanwhile, extended their slump to a sixth month in August, as the resurgence of the new coronavirus around the globe continued to strain business activities.
Outbound shipments came to $39.6 billion last month, down 9.9 percent from $44 billion posted a year earlier.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-03--Telcos develop autonomous robots in fight against pandemic

The robot is able to roam around the restaurant and serve patrons with dishes autonomously through its 3D spatial mapping @ @ @ @ @ be updated based on its performance at the restaurant , according to a statement from @ @

SEOUL, Sept. 3 (Yonhap) -- South Korean telecom operators are expanding collaborations to develop robot-based services that counter the COVID-19 pandemic, industry officials said Thursday, as businesses and establishments seek to limit face-to-face contact to reduce the risk of infection.
LG Uplus Corp., the country's No. 3 mobile carrier, said it has partnered with robotics firm FutureRobot Co. and facial recognition service developer Neton to develop a 5G-powered robot to be used for preventative measures against the virus.
The three companies target deploying the autonomous robot in buildings to check whether passersby are properly wearing masks and detect their body temperatures, according to a statement from LG Uplus.
The robot employs facial recognition technology that can scan multiple faces simultaneously and automatically sends an alert when it detects a body temperature higher than 37.5 C.
LG Uplus Corp.'s robot co-developed by robotics firm FutureRobot Co. and facial recognition technology developer Neton checks a model's temperature and whether she is properly wearing a mask in this photo provided by the company on Sept. 3, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
LG Uplus said the robot is able to provide a live video feed to its operators and can be remotely controlled through a high-speed 5G network.
The robot will undergo testing from this month at H Plus Yangji Hospital in the southern ward of Gwanak in the capital before a wider rollout.
The country's top mobile carrier SK Telecom Co. also developed a similar robot for anti-infection measures earlier this year by partnering with factory automation firm Omron Electronics Korea Co. The robot is currently deployed at the mobile carrier's headquarters building in central Seoul.
Telecom operator KT Corp. has partnered with local restaurant franchise operator MFG Korea to test its artificial intelligence-powered server robot at a restaurant in southern Seoul.
The robot is able to roam around the restaurant and serve patrons with dishes autonomously through its 3D spatial mapping technology, and it will be updated based on its performance at the restaurant, according to a statement from KT.
The telecom operator said it expects the service to become popular, considering the non-contact trend driven by the pandemic.
KT Corp.'s artificial intelligence-powered robot takes food and drinks to a table at a Mad for Garlic restaurant in southern Seoul, in this photo provided by the company on Sept. 1, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-03--Samsung unveils 5G-supporting flexible laptop

The 2-in-1 product , which can easily convert from laptop to tablet with just a turn of a screen , @ @ @ @ @ 's latest processor , the 11th Gen Intel Core , as well as Intel Iris @ @ @ @ @ a speedy and seamless user experience , according to Samsung .

SEOUL, Sept. 3 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Co. on Thursday unveiled its 5G-supporting flexible laptop as the South Korean tech giant tries to increase sales of computing products amid the pandemic.
The Galaxy Book Flex 5G is Samsung's first 5G-equipped laptop boasting enhanced connectivity and performance. Samsung said it will reveal the launch date and its price once they are confirmed.
The 2-in-1 product, which can easily convert from laptop to tablet with just a turn of a screen, is powered by Intel Corp's latest processor, the 11th Gen Intel Core, as well as Intel Iris Xe graphics, to deliver a speedy and seamless user experience, according to Samsung.
This photo, provided by Samsung Electronics Co. on Sept. 3, 2020, shows the company's Galaxy Book Flex 5G. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The laptop is also equipped with a 13-megapixel world-facing camera for the first time among Samsung's lineup. The Galaxy Book Flex 5G also has a 720p front-facing camera.
The laptop, which weights 1.26 kilograms, comes with a high capacity 69.7 Wh battery. It offers 16 GB memory and 512 GB storage.
The Galaxy Book Flex 5G also comes with the S Pen stylus and enhanced features that allow users to interact with their other Galaxy devices.
Samsung hopes its latest laptop can post brisk sales, as the pandemic has spurred working from home and remote education.
According to market researcher International Data Corp., the global personal computing devices market, which includes PCs and tablets, is expected to grow 3.3 percent on-year this year, with shipment volumes reaching 425.7 million units.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-03--Typhoon Maysak causes heavy flood damage in eastern regions of N. Korea

`` Typhoon No .
9 as of 7 a.m. has reached the sea about 40 kilometers east from Gangneung , @ @ @ @ @ .
The entire region of Kangwon Province in our country and parts of North Hamgyong @ @ @ @ @ influence of the typhoon , '' the station reported .

SEOUL, Sept. 3 (Yonhap) -- Typhoon Maysak dumped torrential rains in eastern parts of North Korea on Thursday, causing heavy flooding in the coastal city of Wonsan and other damage, state media reported.
The Korean Central Television Broadcasting Station has been running breaking news in real time and updates on the ninth tropical storm of the season, nearly every hour since 6 p.m. Wednesday.
"Typhoon No. 9 as of 7 a.m. has reached the sea about 40 kilometers east from Gangneung, Kangwon Province in South Korea. The entire region of Kangwon Province in our country and parts of North Hamgyong Province has come under the influence of the typhoon," the station reported.
"Typhoon No. 9 is characterized by heavy rainfall more than strong winds," it added.
Among the affected regions by heavy rainfall was the country's eastern coastal town of Wonsan, which received up to 132 millimeters of rain in just three hours.
The station ran real-time video footage showing buildings and streets in downtown Wonsan surrounded by water at 6 a.m., including a square used to hold major political events.
It is also broadcasting updates on the typhoon through reporters covering the scene live in areas most affected, including Goseong and Wonsan in Kangwon Province and Sinpo and Hamheung in Hamgyong Province.
The North has been running real-time news updates since Typhoon Bavi last week. It is rare for the North's media to carry live news coverage from areas affected by a typhoon, considering that it normally does not reveal details of natural disasters.
This image, captured from North Korea's Korean Central Television Broadcasting Station, shows a flooded street in the eastern coastal town of Wonsan on Sept. 3, 2020. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
This image, captured from North Korea's Korean Central Television Broadcasting Station, shows an announcer reporting on the typhoon live from the eastern coastal town of Wonsan on Sept. 3, 2020. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-03--S. Korea to set up 20 tln won fund for New Deal projects

SEJONG, Sept. 3 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will set up a fund worth 20 trillion won (US$16.8 billion) over the next five years to promote the Korean New Deal projects that will create millions of jobs and revive the virus-ravaged economy, Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki said Thursday.
The fund will consist of 3 trillion won in government investment, 4 trillion won in investment from state-run financial institutions and 13 trillion won from private financial firms and the public, Hong told a meeting chaired by President Moon Jae-in.
The fund is expected to help channel excess liquidity into the real economy, Hong said.
To help people invest their money in the fund, the government will offer tax benefits, Hong said.
In July, South Korea said it will invest 160 trillion won by 2025 under the bold stimulus package that will create 1.9 million jobs and kick-start the coronavirus-hit economy.
Unlike conventional infrastructure projects, the deal features 28 projects that will transform the nation's fossil fuel-reliant economy into an eco-friendly one and increase state investment in artificial intelligence and fifth-generation (5G) telecommunication services.
The projects are aimed at laying the groundwork for economic growth in the long term while cushioning the economic blow from the pandemic and hastening a recovery.
Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki, who doubles as the deputy prime minister for economic affairs, speaks during a press conference at the government complex in Sejong, central South Korea, on Aug. 27, 2020, to unveil the government's proposal for a record 555.8 trillion-won (US$469.8 billion) budget for 2021 to kick-start a post-pandemic economic recovery, create more jobs, and expand social infrastructure and welfare schemes. (Yonhap)
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-03--Doosan Infracore bags order for 10 50-ton excavators

The excavators will be used in a large-scale construction project under way in Riyadh , the capital of the Middle @ @ @ @ @ said .

By Nam Kwang-sik
SEOUL, Sept. 3 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's top construction equipment maker Doosan Infracore Co. said Thursday it has signed a deal with a Saudi Arabian builder to provide 10 50-ton excavators.
The excavators will be used in a large-scale construction project under way in Riyadh, the capital of the Middle East country, Doosan Infracore said.
The unidentified builder also bought 10 dump trucks from Doosan Infracore early this year.
Doosan Infracore said it has taken up a 10 percent market share in the Middle East.
This photo provided by Doosan Infracore Co. shows its 50-ton excavator named the DX520LCA. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Doosan Infracore, a subsidiary of the cash-squeezed Doosan Heavy Industries Co., has reportedly been put up for sale to secure cash by its parent company.
The sale of Doosan Infracore has yet to be confirmed by Doosan Heavy Industries.
ksnam@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-03--(URGENT) Moon says gov't to create 20 tln won 'New Deal fund' for ordinary people


yna--2020-09-03--Imported car sales jump 21 pct in Aug. amid pandemic

Last July , Japan tightened regulations on exports to South Korea of three high-tech materials critical for the production of @ @ @ @ @ August , it removed South Korea from its list of countries given preferential treatment in @ @ @

SEOUL, Sept. 3 (Yonhap) -- Sales of imported vehicles in South Korea jumped 21 percent in August from a year earlier due to strong demand for German cars, an industry association said Thursday.
The number of newly registered foreign vehicles rose to 21,894 units last month from 18,122 a year earlier, the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association (KAIDA) said in a statement.
The three best-selling models were BMW's 520 gasoline sedan, Mercedes-Benz's A 220 sedan and BMW's 520d sedan, the statement said.
German brands -- Audi-Volkswagen Korea, BMW Group Korea and Mercedes-Benz Korea -- sold a combined 16,739 vehicles last month, up 38 percent from 12,103 a year ago. Eight out of 10 imported vehicles sold here last month were from Germany, it said.
From January to August, foreign carmakers sold 169,908 autos, up 16 percent from 146,889 in the same period of last year, KAIDA said.
In the first eight months, German vehicle sales jumped 39 percent to 113,799 units from 82,066 in the same period of last year.
But Japanese carmakers continued to struggle despite aggressive marketing over a protracted trade spat between South Korea and Japan.
Their combined sales plunged 53 percent to 13,070 units in the January-August period from 27,554 a year earlier, the statement said.
Five Japanese brands are available in the Korean passenger vehicle market -- Toyota Motor Corp. and its luxury brand Lexus, Honda Motor Co., and Nissan Motor Co. and its premium brand Infiniti.
Nissan is set to withdraw its operations from South Korea by December due to the worsening business environment amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last July, Japan tightened regulations on exports to South Korea of three high-tech materials critical for the production of semiconductors and displays. In August, it removed South Korea from its list of countries given preferential treatment in trade procedures.
Korea views the moves as retaliation against 2018 Supreme Court rulings here ordering Japanese companies to compensate Korean victims of forced labor during Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula.
Imported brands accounted for 14 percent of the Korean passenger vehicle market in July, down from 15 percent a year ago. Their market share for August will be available next month, KAIDA said.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-03--(LEAD) Blue Jays' Ryu Hyun-jin earns 3rd win of season after gutsy outing

After an uneventful first inning , Ryu did n't get any help from his defense in the second inning .
@ @ @ @ @ his own hands to keep the Marlins off the board .

(ATTN: CHANGES headline, lead; UPDATES with final score)
By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Sept. 3 (Yonhap) -- Toronto Blue Jays' starter Ryu Hyun-jin has survived a series of gaffes by his teammates to collect his third victory of the season.
Ryu held the Miami Marlins to a run on five hits over six gutsy innings at Marlins Park in Miami on Wednesday (local time). He struck out eight to tie his season high and walked two batters, while making a new season-high 99 pitches.
The bullpen took over to begin the seventh inning with the Blue Jays nursing a 2-1 lead, and A.J. Cole, Rafael Dolis and Anthony Bass each threw a scoreless inning to lock down the win by the same score.
It was Ryu's sixth consecutive start with no more than one earned run allowed. He improved to 3-1 and lowered his ERA from 2.92 to 2.72.
The Blue Jays are now 10-7 in one-run games, the most wins in the majors in that situation.
In this Getty Images photo, Ryu Hyun-jin of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches against the Miami Marlins in the bottom of the first inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game at Marlins Park in Miami on Sept. 2, 2020. (Yonhap)
After an uneventful first inning, Ryu didn't get any help from his defense in the second inning. So he took matters into his own hands to keep the Marlins off the board.
Brian Anderson led off the inning with a bloop single that dropped in shallow right field, with neither right fielder Teoscar Hernandez and second baseman Jonathan Villar able to get there in time.
Villar had an adventurous second inning. On the next batter, Villlar fielded a hard groundball moving to his left, but made a wide throw to second in an attempt to start a double play. Shortstop Santiago Espinal was pulled off the bag, and Villar was charged with a throwing error.
Lewis Brinson then hit a groundball that caromed off the mound and bounced toward center field. Villar caught the ball just behind the second base bag and threw out Brinson.
With runners at second and third, Ryu struck out the next two batters -- Jorge Alfaro swinging on a changeup and Jazz Chisholm fanning on a curveball.
In this Associated Press photo, Ryu Hyun-jin of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches against the Miami Marlins in the bottom of the first inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game at Marlins Park in Miami on Sept. 2, 2020. (Yonhap)
After a leadoff walk to Jesus Aguilar in the fourth, Ryu retired the next three hitters in order to keep it a scoreless game.
The Blue Jays' offense spotted Ryu a 2-0 lead in the top of the fifth, thanks to Lourdes Gurriel Jr.'s two-run homer. It was the team's first homer since last Friday.
It was also his way of atoning for an earlier baserunning miscue. The Blue Jays were sloppy on the base path all game, with Villar in the thick of the mess.
In the first inning, Villar lined a single to left but was thrown out by a mile at second trying to stretch it into a double.
In the top of the second, Gurriel Jr. was picked off at first base when he got a late jump on a pitch in the dirt and was slow to return to the bag.
Villar was picked off at third base with two outs in the top of the fourth, after straying too far off the bag as Teoscar Hernandez took off for second.
Ryu kept the Blue Jays in the game through all this, though he finally cracked with two outs in the bottom fifth.
Ryu struck out Jorge Alfaro after a 10-pitch battle. He retired Chisholm on a flyout but then gave up three straight singles, the last one being Garrett Cooper's RBI single to center that cut the Marlins' deficit to 2-1.
Ryu prevented further damage by striking out Aguilar.
The left-hander threw 89 pitches through five, but he came back out for the sixth inning. Anderson led off with a double to the right-center gap, but the Marlins helped out Ryu, as Corey Dickerson and Brinson flied out and grounded out swinging on the first pitch.
Anderson advanced to third on the Brinson grounder, but Ryu stranded the runner by striking out Alfaro with his 99th pitch of the game.
Ryu allowed just one hit over the first 18 batters he faced but then served up four against the last eight.
In this Getty Images photo, Ryu Hyun-jin of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches against the Miami Marlins in the bottom of the first inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game at Marlins Park in Miami on Sept. 2, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-03--Second cluster outbreak at Seoul apartments sparks concern

During a daily coronavirus briefing , however , Kwon Jun-wook , deputy director of the Korea Centers for Disease Control @ @ @ @ @ , said he did not believe the virus spread through ventilators `` given various factors @ @ @ @ @ resident on a higher floor was infected earlier , '' noting that the normal flow @ @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Sept. 3 (Yonhap) -- A cell of infections has appeared again at an apartment complex in Seoul, after a first such case popped up in another part of the city last month.
The second and latest cluster was reported in a 2000-unit apartment complex in the southern ward of Gangnam.
Since a security guard tested positive on Friday as the cell's first case, five more have contracted the virus, according to the Seoul city government on Wednesday.
The six cases -- two security guards, three residents and one person who visited the apartment complex -- were confirmed in three different buildings.
A sign says a management office is temporarily closed due to a coronavirus outbreak at an apartment building in southern Seoul on Sept. 2, 2020. (Yonhap)
Virus tests have been conducted for nearly 1,000 people at a makeshift testing center set up at the complex.
"We are contact tracing and conducting a study on transmission routes in apartment buildings, community centers and a nearby day care center," Park Yoo-mi, a health official of the city, said Wednesday.
Last month, a bigger apartment cluster broke out in the southwestern ward of Guro in the city's first such case.
Since the first case was identified on Aug. 23, 10 more have been infected.
As all the infected lived in the same building with corridor access, health officials have been checking if the virus spread through ventilators, the drainage system or elevators.
During a daily coronavirus briefing, however, Kwon Jun-wook, deputy director of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), said he did not believe the virus spread through ventilators "given various factors including the fact that a resident on a higher floor was infected earlier," noting that the normal flow of air moves upward.
The photo shows an apartment in Seoul's Guro Ward on Aug. 27, 2020, where a cluster of infections was reported. (Yonhap)
This photo shows an apartment with corridor access in Seoul's Guro Ward on Aug. 27, 2020, where a cluster of infections was reported. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-09-03--(LEAD) Typhoon Maysak rips through S. Korea, killing 1

South Korea was expected to stay rainy and windy until the typhoon moves further away from the country .
Strong @ @ @ @ @ forecast for the country 's central region until the afternoon , according to the KMA @

(ATTN: RECASTS lead; UPDATES details in paras 8-9, photos)
SEOUL, Sept. 3 (Yonhap) -- Typhoon Maysak, the season's ninth typhoon, stormed through South Korea on Thursday, killing one and disrupting flights and traffic across the country.
Typhoon wreak havoc in Korea.. another approaching Youtube https://youtu.be/K4o3W6pPLys
This photo, provided by reader Lee Ki-tae on Sept. 3, 2020, shows a traffic light that has fallen to the ground due to Typhoon Maysak in the southeastern port city of Busan. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)
The tropical storm was traveling northeast after arriving at the East Sea on 6:30 a.m., according to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA). Its maximum wind speed was 140 kph.
Maysak hit the country with strong winds and heavy rains, killing one and causing 22 people to evacuate from their destroyed homes in Gangwon, Jeju, South Gyeongsang Province and Busan.
The victim was a resident in her 60s in the southeastern port city of Busan. She died from injuries after strong winds shattered a terrace window at her home.
Commuters struggle to hold onto their umbrellas in central Seoul on Sept. 3, 2020. (Yonhap)
An uprooted tree blocks a road in the southeastern port city of Busan on Sept. 3, 2020 (Yonhap)
More than 2,200 have also temporarily evacuated from their homes in a precautionary measure against the typhoon, according to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters.
A combination of more than 800 facilities, vehicles, trees and other types of property were destroyed, with toppled trees and other fallen objects blocking roads.
The Shin-Kori 4 nuclear reactor was temporarily suspended due to an external power issue. There was no leakage of nuclear material, according to the government.
Power disruption was also reported at some 200,000 households, mostly in the country's southern and eastern coastal regions.
Ninety-two domestic flights were suspended as of 9 a.m., when an advisory on strong winds and the typhoon was still in place at airports, including those in Gimpo, Incheon and Jeju.
A toppled phone booth lies across the sidewalk in the southeastern city of Ulsan due to strong winds from Typhoon Maysak on Sept. 3, 2020. (Yonhap)
This photo, provided by the office of the eastern coastal city of Samcheok, shows an area near a port flooded from Typhoon Maysak on Sept. 3, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
South Korea was expected to stay rainy and windy until the typhoon moves further away from the country. Strong winds and heavy rains were forecast for the country's central region until the afternoon, according to the KMA.
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-03--Samsung may produce 800,000 Galaxy Z Fold 2 smartphones this year: sources

`` Samsung has reconfirmed its technological prowess in foldable smartphones , so it is likely to take a leading position @ @ @ @ @ time , '' Roh Kyoung-tak , an analyst at Eugene Investment & Securities , said @ @ @ @ @ foldable product lineup , Samsung 's foldable smartphone sales could expand to 8 million units @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Sept. 3 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Co. may produce up to 800,000 Galaxy Z Fold 2 foldable smartphones this year, industry sources said Thursday, as the South Korean tech giant looks to increase sales of foldable handsets with an expanded lineup.
The Galaxy Z Fold 2 was officially introduced Tuesday, with its global launch slated for Sept. 18. The price of the book-like folding device was set at US$1,999.
Industry insiders said Samsung is expected to produce 700,000 to 800,000 units of the Galaxy Z Fold this year, which is more than the first-year production volume of its predecessor Galaxy Fold.
Samsung is likely to produce the Galaxy Z Fold 2 not only in South Korea but also in Vietnam and Brazil, according to the sources.
This photo provided by Samsung Electronics Co. shows the company's Galaxy Z Fold 2 foldable smartphone. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
"Manufacturing the Galaxy Z Fold from overseas plants proves that its yield rate has been stabilized," an industry insider said on condition of anonymity. "It looks like Samsung is now trying to focus on cutting costs for foldable smartphone production."
For the Galaxy Z Fold 2, Samsung said it focused on improving user experience and solving problems with the Galaxy Fold that were raised by consumers.
The launch of the Galaxy Fold, Samsung's first foldable smartphone, was delayed about five months last year due to display problems.
Analysts here said Samsung's foldable mobile device sales could reach 3 million units this year as the company expanded its foldable smartphone lineup.
The Galaxy Z Fold 2 will compete with Microsoft's Surface Duo and Huawei's Mate X2, while the 5G variant of the Galaxy Z Flip, which will go on sale on Sept. 18, will go up against Motorola's upgraded Razr foldable phone.
But analysts said Samsung will likely move ahead against its competitors.
"Samsung has reconfirmed its technological prowess in foldable smartphones, so it is likely to take a leading position for quite an amount of time," Roh Kyoung-tak, an analyst at Eugene Investment & Securities, said. "With a diversified foldable product lineup, Samsung's foldable smartphone sales could expand to 8 million units in 2021."
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-03--S. Korea to step up cooperation with C. American nations

South Korea is set to provide US $ 112.5 million to the Central American financial institution in the coming years @ @ @ @ @ , the second-largest held by a non-regional member after the 11.62 percent controlled by Taiwan @ @ @ @ @ .

SEJONG, Sept. 3 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will step up economic cooperation with Central American nations, Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki said Thursday.
Hong made the remarks as he delivered a message at an online meeting of the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI), the region's multilateral lender, the ministry said in a statement.
South Korea and the CABEI should boost cooperation to jointly cope with economic and industrial changes in the post-pandemic era, Hong said.
South Korea and Central American nations will strengthen ties throughout various aid programs, Hong said.
In January, South Korea became the 15th member state of the multilateral lender.
South Korea is set to provide US$112.5 million to the Central American financial institution in the coming years for a 7.6 percent stake, the second-largest held by a non-regional member after the 11.62 percent controlled by Taiwan, according to the ministry.
Founded in 1960, CABEI is aimed at extending loans to private and government-led development projects in the Central America region.
Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki, who doubles as the deputy prime minister for economic affairs, speaks during a press conference at the government complex in Sejong, central South Korea, on Aug. 27, 2020. (Yonhap)
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-03--(LEAD) LG unveils smart home studded with latest tech

`` LG ThinQ Home is an experimental studio for shaping the future , testing and validating all those great ideas @ @ @ @ @ and value , where living takes on a whole new meaning of constant innovation , @ @ @ @ @ executive vice president of the LG 's Business Solutions Europe .

(ATTN: CHANGES quotes in 4th para; ADDS more info in 10th para)
SEOUL, Sept. 3 (Yonhap) -- LG Electronics Inc. on Thursday unveiled a smart home built in South Korea equipped with its latest products and technologies to demonstrate future home living.
LG ThinQ Home was introduced during the company's press conference at IFA 2020, Europe's largest tech expo that runs through Saturday in Berlin.
LG said it took about a year to build a four-story house in Pangyo, south of Seoul, that aims to deliver "zero energy," "zero effort," and "zero stress" to homeowners with its appliances and solutions.
This photo provided by LG Electronics Inc. on Sept. 3, 2020, shows the interior of its smart home, LG ThinQ Home, in Pangyo, south of Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
"LG ThinQ Home is an experimental studio for shaping the future, testing and validating all those great ideas to create a new insight and value, where living takes on a whole new meaning of constant innovation," said Kim Kyung-ho, executive vice president of the LG's Business Solutions Europe.
In the era of the coronavirus pandemic, LG said its smart home focused on showing three main values of home -- care, convenience and entertainment.
The main door of the ThinQ Home is equipped with face-recognition technology, with its door handle applied with an ultraviolet (UV) light technology for sterilization.
The house is full of LG's latest home appliance products, from steam closet to air purifiers. It also features LG's future products, such as smart hood, and windows with transparent OLED panels.
The house has a smart wall that moves with voice control. LG said its 77-inch OLED TV fully appears from the behind the wall when people want to watch TV.
ThinQ Home has smart mirrors, named Home Concierge, that allow people to control their home appliances, check home energy usage and have room-to-room communications.
"(Home Concierge) really is a brain of the house," said LG Chief Technology Officer Park Il-pyung.
The company said it has established a building integrated photovoltaic system for the smart home, with 998 solar modules installed on the roof and exterior of the house.
ThinQ Home also has an energy storage system (ESS) and an electric car charging station.
LG said the house is compatible with home energy management system that learns homeowners' living patterns and can automatically adjust energy use. ThinQ Home will also self-control temperature, humidity and analyzes fine dust levels to provide a clean indoor environment.
This photo provided by LG Electronics Inc. on Sept. 3, 2020, shows the exterior of its smart home, LG ThinQ Home, in Pangyo, south of Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-03--(LEAD) LG unveils future home life in new normal era of pandemic at IFA 2020

`` These unprecedented times have made us more uncertain about the future , '' said Park , who took the @ @ @ @ @ `` LG believes this presents a unique opportunity to make real change in the world @ @ @ @ @ for the home . ''

(ATTN: CHANGES quotes in 7th para; ADDS more info in 12th para)
SEOUL, Sept. 3 (Yonhap) -- LG Electronics Inc. on Thursday unveiled its vision of future home life at Europe's largest tech show, showcasing its latest innovations that could be helpful in the new normal era of the pandemic.
Under the theme of "Life's Good from Home," LG Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Park Il-pyung presented the vision that maximizes three core home values -- care, convenience and entertainment -- at the company's press conference for Internationale Funkausstellung (IFA) 2020.
"These unprecedented times have made us more uncertain about the future," said Park, who took the stage in hologram form. "LG believes this presents a unique opportunity to make real change in the world by realizing a new potential for the home."
This photo, provided by LG Electronics Inc. on Sept. 3, 2020, shows Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Park Il-pyung explaining LG's artificial intelligence (AI) platform, LG ThinQ, at an online press conference for IFA 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
At the conference, Park vowed that LG's artificial intelligence (AI) platform, LG ThinQ, will continue to deliver innovative services and new business models to lead the change.
The LG ThinQ app will deliver a user-centric experience that extends from customer support to purchasing supplies, the company said. Last year, the company started the Proactive Customer Care (PCC) service with the app, which analyzes the operational status of appliances and provides maintenance advice with AI technology.
LG added it plans to more than double the number of appliances and service items compatible with the LG ThinQ app while introducing the care service to other markets.
"This pandemic has brought so many people to the online economy," Park said. "To make real use of this opportunity, we need to start thinking of all our devices and appliances as a connected platform."
Park also explained that LG's CLOi line of robots will provide a "safe, socially distant way" to offer services in various sectors. LG CLOi ServeBots have been already deployed in commercial locations in South Korea since July.
The CTO emphasized that with the open-source Robot Operating System (ROS) 2, LG's CLOi line of robots could serve as "an efficient substitute for human interaction," as the company targets to expand the robot ecosystem.
Park revealed that LG is also developing technology for remote health care management, adding the company recently administered a pilot project with a Seoul hospital to enhance monitoring and care of patients with chronic conditions.
"Through AI, we can easily and more precisely monitor the health of consumers 24 hours a day, seven days a week," Park said.
Regarding its products to fight the virus, Park introduced LG PuriCare Wearable Air Purifier, a mask with air filter and light fans to assist breathing, and a smart thermal camera, which can read temperature and identify people with face recognition using its AI technology.
This photo, provided by LG Electronics Inc. on Sept. 3, 2020, shows Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Park Il-pyung explaining the LG ThinQ Home at an online press conference for IFA 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Also at the conference, LG unveiled the LG ThinQ Home, an actual house that LG built in Pangyo, south of Seoul, to show its latest smart home solutions.
Park introduced LG ThinQ Home Concierge, a smart mirror that allows users to monitor conditions of home appliances and check home energy usage. The high-tech panel is also connected to the home's electric car charging station, which enables homeowners to charge and monitor their electric cars remotely.
LG has not set up an offline exhibition area at this year's IFA in Berlin, Germany, due to the novel coronavirus concerns. Instead, the company decided to open a 3D virtual exhibition booth and the LG ThinQ Home to showcase its latest products and technologies.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-03--BTS' 'Dynamite' music video sets 3 Guinness World Records

Previously , the highest-charting South Korean artist ever on the Hot 100 was solo act PSY with his 2012 viral @ @ @ @ @ '' which peaked at the No .
2 spot .
The only Asian to make @ @ @ @ @ the Hot 100 in the past was Japanese singer Kyu Sakamoto with `` Sukiyaki '' @ @ @

SEOUL, Sept. 3 (Yonhap) -- BTS has broken three Guinness World Records (GWR) titles with the music video for "Dynamite," which became the first South Korean song to top Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart this week.
According to the website of GWR on Thursday, BTS' "Dynamite" has been certified as the most viewed YouTube video in 24 hours, the most viewed YouTube music video in 24 hours and the most viewed YouTube music video in 24 hours by a K-pop group.
The music video attracted more than 3 million concurrent viewers at its premiere on Aug. 21 and garnered 101.1 million views in 24 hours globally, making it the music video with the biggest first-day debut on YouTube to date.
The holder of the three GWR titles before BTS was K-pop girl group BLACKPINK, which set the previous records in July with the music video for "How You Like That."
A screenshot of a Twitter post by the Guinness World Records on Sept. 3, 2020, announcing the news that BTS set three records with the music video for the band's smash-hit single "Dynamite." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
On Tuesday, BTS debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's main singles chart with its latest single "Dynamite," becoming the first South Korean singer or group to achieve the feat.
Previously, the highest-charting South Korean artist ever on the Hot 100 was solo act PSY with his 2012 viral hit "Gangnam Style," which peaked at the No. 2 spot. The only Asian to make it to the top of the Hot 100 in the past was Japanese singer Kyu Sakamoto with "Sukiyaki" in 1963.
The group also won four awards at the MTV Video Music Awards -- Best Pop, Best Group, Best Choreography and Best K-pop -- on Monday for "ON," the lead song for "Map of the Soul: 7," released in February.
This photo, released by Big Hit Entertainment, shows a teaser for global K-pop band BTS' hit single "Dynamite." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)