yna--2020-07-28--Hyundai E&C wins $350 mln deal from Hong Kong

Hyundai E & C has obtained the order from Hong Kong Hospital Authority .
Local company Build King will also @ @ @ @ @ billion project to rebuild United Christian Hospital , the company said in a statement .

SEOUL, July 28 (Yonhap) -- Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co., South Korea's biggest builder by construction capability, said Tuesday it has received a US$350 million deal to build a hospital in Hong Kong by mid-2024.
Hyundai E&C has obtained the order from Hong Kong Hospital Authority. Local company Build King will also participate in the $1.17 billion project to rebuild United Christian Hospital, the company said in a statement.
United Christian Hospital, located in Kwun Tong, opened in 1973.
This rendering, provided by Hyundai E&C, shows United Christian Hospital once completed. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-07-28--No unusual military movement detected in N. Korea: defense ministry

The North 's military is also continuing preparations for an event to mark October 's 75th anniversary of the founding @ @ @ @ @ Party .
The ministry earlier said construction of new buildings was spotted in Pyongyang in @ @ @ @ @ could hold a large-scale military parade for the Oct. 10 anniversary .

SEOUL, July 28 (Yonhap) -- No unusual military movements have been detected in North Korea since leader Kim Jong-un suspended the military's "action plans" prepared to punish South Korea over anti-Pyongyang propaganda leaflets, the defense ministry said Tuesday.
In a report to parliament's defense committee, the ministry said the North has been conducting summertime trainings, but no unusual signs have been detected since Kim's order to halt military action against the South last month.
The ministry also said the North's 5-megawatt reactor at the Yongbyon nuclear complex remains suspended, with no unusual activities detected near the Punggye-ri nuclear test site. Yet personnel and vehicle movements continued at its missile facilities.
The North's military is also continuing preparations for an event to mark October's 75th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers' Party. The ministry earlier said construction of new buildings was spotted in Pyongyang in a possible sign the North could hold a large-scale military parade for the Oct. 10 anniversary.
The assessment came as Kim vowed to "never stop honing the most powerful national defense capacity" the previous day, marking the 67th anniversary of the signing of the armistice of the 1950-53 Korean War.
"Thanks to our reliable and effective self-defense war deterrence, there will no longer be war on this land and our national security and future will be firmly guaranteed permanently," Kim said during a national conference of veterans, according to the North's official Korean Central News Agency.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un speaks during a ceremony at the headquarters of the Party Central Committee in Pyongyang on July 26, 2020, to confer Paektusan commemorative pistols on the North Korean army's leading commanding officers, in this photo released by the Korean Central News Agency. The ceremony was held as part of events to mark the 67th anniversary of the 1950-53 Korean War armistice that falls on the next day. North Korea refers to the three-year conflict as the great Fatherland Liberation War. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-28--New virus cases under 30 for 2nd day on slowing imported cases; local infections at 1-week low

The daily new cases dropped to 25 on Monday as imported cases fell sharply , but the country is still @ @ @ @ @ rise in cases coming in from overseas with the gradual resumption of global air travel @ @ @ @ @ cases has risen by double-digit figures for more than a month .

SEOUL, July 28 (Yonhap) -- The number of daily new coronavirus cases in South Korea stayed below 30 for the second consecutive day on Tuesday as both imported and local cases showed a clear sign of a slowdown.
The country added 28 new cases, including 23 cases coming in from abroad, bringing the total to 14,203, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
The number of new cases reached a four-month high of 113 on Saturday as imported cases set a new record of 86 due mainly to infections among South Korean workers returning home from Iraq and Russian sailors.
The daily new cases dropped to 25 on Monday as imported cases fell sharply, but the country is still on guard against a steady rise in cases coming in from overseas with the gradual resumption of global air travel. The number of imported cases has risen by double-digit figures for more than a month.
As of Monday, at least 120 South Korean workers returning from Iraq have been confirmed to have contracted the virus. Of 290 people who returned home Friday, 76 workers have tested positive for the virus so far,
Since June, South Korea has also detected 78 virus cases from eight Russian ships docked here.
Airport staff members guide arrivals at Incheon International Airport in Incheon, west of Seoul, on July 27, 2020. (Yonhap)
South Korea's efforts to contain domestic cases seem to be successful, with just five cases added on Tuesday.
The country had been grappling with sporadic cluster infections tied to nightlife establishments, door-to-door sales businesses, churches and senior nursing homes.
Of the five locally transmitted cases reported on Tuesday, three came from the capital city of Seoul.
Cases tied to a nursing home in western Seoul reached 28 as of Monday, up three cases from the previous day. Infections traced to an office in Seoul's southwestern ward of Gwanak added one case to 38 as well.
The southern port city of Busan added one new case, with Gyeonggi Province that surrounds Seoul also adding one additional infection.
Health authorities have been keeping a watchful eye on cases tied to Russian sailors that led to domestic infections. A total of nine locally transmitted cases, traced to a Russian ship, have been identified so far.
South Korea gave the go-ahead to all church gatherings on Friday. Over the previous two weeks, meetings other than regular worship services were banned amid an increase in church-tied cluster infections.
Spectators were also allowed to attend sports events over the weekend on a limited basis, starting with baseball games.
The country reported one more death, raising the death toll to 300, according to the KCDC.
The number of patients fully cured of the virus reached 13,007, up 102 from the previous day.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-28--N.K. seals off Kaesong, tightens borders after defector returns with coronavirus symptoms

The North claimed Sunday that the defector returned to his hometown in Kaesong on July 19 and that multiple tests @ @ @ @ @ virus infection .
The North also said leader Kim Jong-un declared a state of emergency @ @ @ @ @ off the city to prevent the virus from spreading .

SEOUL, July 28 (Yonhap) -- North Korea is sealing off the border city of Kaesong and tightening its borders, state media said Tuesday, after it claimed that a defector suspected of having virus symptoms recently came back home from South Korea.
The North claimed Sunday that the defector returned to his hometown in Kaesong on July 19 and that multiple tests showed he is suspected of virus infection. The North also said leader Kim Jong-un declared a state of emergency for the region and blocked off the city to prevent the virus from spreading.
"The complete lockdown of Kaesong City, as well as quarantine measures by each region and virus tests are being strictly carried out," the North's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said Tuesday.
The North is providing various quarantine and medicine supplies to Kaesong and carrying out measures to provide the residents with food and sanitary goods, KCNA said.
It also said that the North is making all-out efforts to prevent COVID-19 from coming into the country via borders by strengthening the blockade of borders, demarcation lines and coastal lines and increasing the number of posts and personnel at its major checkpoints.
KCNA called on the health authorities to "strengthen tests on residents so as not to allow even the slightest loophole in quarantine efforts" and warned officials to wear masks and sanitize their hands.
North Korea has claimed to be coronavirus-free, but it has taken relatively swift measures, shutting down its borders since late January and tightening quarantine measures.
This photo, released by North Korean media, shows health workers disinfecting a hospital in Pyongyang on April 1, 2020, as a precaution against the new coronavirus. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-28--(URGENT) 102 more released from coronavirus treatment, total now at 13,007: KCDC

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


yna--2020-07-28--S. Korea, U.S. to hold summertime exercise for OPCON transfer test, readiness: ministry

The South and the U.S. have differed over how to program the exercise , with Seoul calling for a focus @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. maintaining it should focus on ways to boost their joint posture as a @ @ @ @ @ .

By Oh Seok-min
SEOUL, July 28 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and the United States plan to use an upcoming combined exercise to better prepare for Seoul to regain wartime operational control of its forces from Washington and to maintain their joint readiness posture, Seoul's defense ministry said Tuesday.
It is the first time that the government has confirmed the two countries will stage a major annual exercise this summer, which has drawn keen attention following the cancellation of their springtime one due to COVID-19.
"During the 2020 combined exercise, the two sides are pushing to carry out a Full Operational Capability (FOC) test by applying the future command structure," according to the ministry's document presented to the parliament's National Defense Committee on Tuesday.
The ministry did not specify detailed schedules and the scale for the upcoming exercise, but sources have said that the computer-simulated command post exercise will be held next month in an adjusted manner in consideration of the new coronavirus situation.
"By conducting important leader development trainings and education for officials, we also aim to maintain the Fight Tonight readiness posture and to guarantee conditions for the FOC test," the ministry added.
The South and the U.S. have differed over how to program the exercise, with Seoul calling for a focus on the FOC test and the U.S. maintaining it should focus on ways to boost their joint posture as a replacement of the springtime training.
This file photo taken Feb. 27, 2020, shows the U.S. Forces Korea's Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province. (Yonhap)
The planned FOC test is meant to verify if Seoul is on course to meet the conditions for the envisioned OPCON transition.
During the summertime exercise held in August 2019, Seoul and Washington conducted an initial operational capability (IOC) test, and their defense ministers decided to move on to the FOC test. Following the FOC test, the allies will carry out a Full Mission Capability (FMC) test.
The Seoul government seeks to retake OPCON under the current Moon Jae-in administration, whose term will end in May 2022, though the transition is not time-based but conditions-based.
The conditions for the transfer are Seoul's capability to lead the allies' combined defense mechanism, its capacity for initial responses to the North's nuclear and missile threats, and a stable security environment on the peninsula and in the region.
Last year, the two sides agreed to name a separate Korean four-star general to lead their envisioned future joint command, rather than having the chairman of its Joint Chiefs of Staff or chief of the Ground Operations Command double as the chief of the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command (CFC).
Currently, a four-star U.S. Army general helms the CFC. After Seoul retakes OPCON from Washington, a South Korean general is supposed to command the CFC.
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-28--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 1 additional coronavirus-related death, total now at 300: KCDC


yna--2020-07-28--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 28 more cases of new coronavirus, total now at 14,203: KCDC


yna--2020-07-28--Hyundai Rotem to build hydrogen reformer plant

In January , South Korea announced it will have an accumulated 2.9 million hydrogen vehicles running on the street by @ @ @ @ @ number of hydrogen charging stations to 310 by 2022 and to 1,200 by 2040 from @ @ @ @ @ country .

SEOUL, July 28 (Yonhap) -- Hyundai Rotem Co., a South Korean railway system and plant equipment maker, said Tuesday it will build a hydrogen reformer plant as part of its diversification strategy.
Hyundai Rotem will establish a hydrogen reformer production facility at its research and development complex in Uiwang, just south of Seoul, with a plan to produce 20 reformers a year starting from October, the company said in a statement.
A hydrogen reformer, equipment that extracts hydrogen from natural gas, is a core part of a hydrogen charging station.
Twenty hydrogen reformers will have a combined output capacity of 4,700 tons of hydrogen, which can fully fill up 850,000 units of Hyundai Motor Co.'s Nexo hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle, the statement said.
Hyundai Rotem said it will expand the reformer plant depending on market demands.
This rendering, provided by Hyundai Rotem, shows the company's hydrogen reformer plant to be built at its R&D center in Uiwang, just south of Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
In June, the company said it will venture into the hydrogen infrastructure market to secure a new growth driver.
It aims to achieve sales of 110 billion won (US$92.4 million) in the hydrogen charging facility market in 2022 and 350 billion won in 2025 amid growing awareness of hydrogen-powered vehicles and rising demand for environmentally friendly vehicles.
The hydrogen energy market is expected to grow to 3,000 trillion won in 2050, accounting for 18 percent of global energy demand, the company said, citing a McKinsey report titled "Hydrogen scaling up, 2017."
In January, South Korea announced it will have an accumulated 2.9 million hydrogen vehicles running on the street by 2040 and will increase the number of hydrogen charging stations to 310 by 2022 and to 1,200 by 2040 from the current 37 across the country.
Hyundai Rotem is an affiliate of Hyundai Motor Group, which plans to invest 7.6 trillion won in hydrogen car-producing facilities and related research and development activities by 2030.
The group plans to churn out 500,000 hydrogen vehicles in 2030 as it moves to morph into a future mobility solutions provider. A hydrogen car is considered to be environmentally friendly since it emits only water vapor as it generates electricity.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-28--Samsung Card Q2 net income up 54.3 pct. to 110.5 bln won

The operating profit was 9.9 percent higher than the average estimate , according to the survey by Yonhap Infomax , @ @ @ @ @ Yonhap News Agency .
The estimate of net profit was not available .

SEOUL, July 28 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Card Co. on Tuesday reported its second-quarter net profit of 110.5 billion won (US$ 92.7 million), up 54.3 percent from a year earlier.
The company said in a regulatory filing that it posted 147.6 billion won in operating profit for the quarter, compared with 96.6 billion won a year ago. Sales fell 2.6 percent to 802.9 billion won.
The operating profit was 9.9 percent higher than the average estimate, according to the survey by Yonhap Infomax, the financial data firm of Yonhap News Agency. The estimate of net profit was not available.
※ This article was generated by Yonhap's proprietary algorithm using data from Yonhap Infomax and Korea Exchange(KRX).
(END)


yna--2020-07-28--Apple given another month to unveil steps to correct anti-competitive practices

The FTC official said the two sides will come up with a preliminary corrective scheme in late August and hear @ @ @ @ @ and government ministries before the commission 's final approval .

SEJONG, July 28 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's antitrust regulator said Tuesday it has given Apple Korea another month to announce a set of measures to address its anti-competitive business practices here.
The Fair Trade Commission ordered the local unit of global tech giant Apple Inc. on June 17 to come up with its own steps to correct those practices within a month.
Apple Korea is accused of having required the country's three mobile operators -- SK Telecom Co., KT Corp. and LG Uplus Corp. -- to pay the cost of television advertisements and warranty service for its iPhones.
"The deadline has been delayed by another month to hold more discussions (between Apple Korea and the FTC) on details," a commission official said.
Apple Korea and the antitrust regulator are reportedly fine-tuning the details after agreeing on a broad framework for the company's corrective plan.
Earlier, Apple Korea proposed holding consultations with South Korean mobile phone carriers to reduce their burden and share advertising costs.
Apple Korea also suggested it would put forward measures to ease other unfair business practices with the mobile phone carriers and to create a fund meant for mutual benefits of relevant parties, including consumers.
The commission has said Apple holds a clear advantage over local mobile carriers and that handing over the cost of advertisements is only another means to squeeze their profits.
The FTC official said the two sides will come up with a preliminary corrective scheme in late August and hear opinions from the interested parties and government ministries before the commission's final approval.
South Korean law allows a company accused of anti-competitive practices to state a correction scheme without deliberating whether those practices violate the country's competition law.
(END)


yna--2020-07-28--(Yonhap Interview) QMIT monitors athletes' pain for their best performance

`` PLCO is to assist coaches not to replace them , '' the former soccer player said , adding that @ @ @ @ @ take care of an average of between 20 and 30 athletes in South Korea .

By Kim Han-joo
SEOUL, July 28 (Yonhap) -- Injuries are often considered an inevitable part of competitive sports. However, failing to promptly deal with repeated injuries can sometimes lead to professional players involuntarily retiring earlier than expected.
Lee Sang-gi, CEO of South Korea's tech startup QMIT Co., has learned such hard lessons from his past career as a professional soccer player and jumped on an idea to provide a service that assists competitive athletes.
"The average retirement age of athletes stands at 23.8 years old in this country," Lee told Yonhap News Agency. "As a former soccer goalie, I know the pain of sitting on the bench due to injuries and eventually retiring early."
Lee Sang-gi, CEO of South Korea's tech startup QMIT Co. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Founded in 2017, QMIT provides a mobile application called "PLCO" that foresees and prevents athletes' injuries by taking care of their conditions every day to ensure their best performance.
Players record various data such as the parts and intensity of their pain and their overall condition every morning, and a team of medical doctors and coaches at QMIT provide customized feedback based on big data using the so-called PQRST method.
PQRST is a method of assessing pain in which patients are able to describe and assess the amount of pain they are experiencing. It is considered an innovative tool to accurately describe and assess pain.
"QMIT has an accumulated 600,000 sets of data on pain and injuries, which allows us to assess what type of pain eventually leads to a specific injury," the 34-year-old entrepreneur said, adding that such a data base rarely exists in any club or organization.
Minor injuries, often ignored by the athletes themselves and coaches, can lead to bigger and irreversible injuries, Lee said, citing a recent report that showed 85 percent of players suffered injuries due to overtraining.
"PLCO is to assist coaches not to replace them," the former soccer player said, adding that between two and three coaches take care of an average of between 20 and 30 athletes in South Korea.
Even when athletes are in peak physical form, they can get hurt, Lee said, adding that PLCO can monitor and advise the latest trends in training as well.
Lee said such customized service is not only helpful for athletes but also for clubs as accumulated injuries lead to more vacancies and higher operating expenses.
QMIT's study showed that each club had an accumulated 1,597 days of its players sitting on the bench due to injuries, which accounts for about 40 percent of a club's expenses
Just three years after the launch, QMIT currently manages 3,360 athletes in 29 different sports, including 16 professional teams and 20 national teams, Lee said.
"We started with soccer and plan to add more sports next year," Lee said, adding that QMIT aims to advance its system by utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) technology by the fourth quarter of this year.
This undated photo, provided by QMIT Co., shows the South Korean tech startup's mobile application called "PLCO" that monitor's athletes' pain and conditions to provide customized feedback. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
In the long run, QMIT aims to accelerate its business push globally, noticeably to other parts of Asia and Europe, after its local business stabilizes, according to Lee.
There are total of some 40,000 sports teams in the country, with an estimated 8 million teams in Europe and the Southeast Asia, according to QMIT. The local sports industry is estimated at around 57 trillion won (US$47.5 billion), with the global industry at 1400 trillion won.
QMIT's unique business model caught attention with a slew of investments in the company, including securing Pre Series-A funding from a total of three investors earlier this year.
Naver's D2 Startup Factory, an accelerator for tech startups operated by South Korea's largest internet portal operator Naver Inc., also saw the startup's potential growth and decided to invest in early stage funding last year.
Naver has supported promising entrepreneurs with advanced technological skills since 2015. Only some 20 startups, including Soundable Health, were fortunate enough to qualify for the accelerator program out of more than 2,000 applicants
After starting his career as a goalkeeper at South Korean football club Seongnam Ilwha Chunma (now Seongnam FC) in 2010, Lee suffered repeated injuries before retiring from Suwon Samsung Bluewings in 2017.
"Many athletes often face difficulties in their careers after their retirements," Lee said. "I want to help my colleagues based on my past experience as a competitive athlete by infusing sports and technology."
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-28--Seoul stocks open sharply higher on hopes for economic rebound

A sharp drop in the number of new virus cases in South Korea , as well as a slowdown in @ @ @ @ @ , helped boost investor sentiment .

SEOUL, July 28 (Yonhap) -- South Korean shares opened sharply higher Tuesday on hopes for an economic rebound, as well as slowing new coronavirus infections in the United States.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 28.17 points, or 1.27 percent, to 2,246.03 in the first 15 minutes of trading.
Investor sentiment ran high on large-scale stimulus plans in the U.S. and Europe.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.43 percent on Monday (New York time), with the tech-heavy NASDAQ Composite up 1.67 percent and S&P 500 advancing 0.74 percent.
A sharp drop in the number of new virus cases in South Korea, as well as a slowdown in daily infections in the U.S., helped boost investor sentiment.
South Korea added 25 new cases on Monday, down from 58 new virus cases reported Sunday and a four-month high of 113 on Saturday.
In Seoul, most large caps traded higher.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics jumped 2.7 percent, with No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix gaining 0.97 percent.
Top pharmaceutical firm Samsung Biologics advanced 1.99 percent, and leading chemical maker LG Chem climbed 2.13 percent.
The country's largest automaker, Hyundai Motor, shed 0.4 percent, while leading steelmaker POSCO added 1.02 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,192.35 won against the U.S. dollar, up 3.75 won from the previous session's close.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-28--Former NL All-Star Addison Russell knocks in 2 runs in KBO debut

In his next time up in the fourth , Russell hit a broken-ban ground ball to second .
It was @ @ @ @ @ that Russell got his first hit in the KBO , a solid single to right @ @ @ @ @ game-tying rally .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, July 28 (Yonhap) -- In his South Korean debut on Tuesday, former major league All-Star shortstop Addison Russell got a lot of "firsts" out of the way.
He got his first hit, scored his first run and delivered his first RBI in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), as his Kiwoom Heroes defeated the Doosan Bears 6-2 in Seoul.
Batting third, Russell went 2-for-4 with two RBIs and a run scored while also looking solid on the field at shortstop.
Addison Russell of the Kiwoom Heroes (R) celebrates his two-run single against the Doosan Bears with his first base coach Oh Yoon in the top of the ninth inning of their Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on July 28, 2020. (Yonhap)
Russell, the 2016 National League All-Star for the Chicago Cubs, had his big moment in the top of the ninth at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul. Clinging to a 3-2 lead, the Heroes put together one last rally, opening the frame with a walk and a single against reliever Lee Hyeong-beom.
A sacrifice bunt advanced the runners, and Lee intentionally walked Kim Ha-seong to load the bases and set up a potential double play.
Given that Kim had hit a solo home run in the seventh and that Russell had never faced Lee before, perhaps the free pass was a defensible move.
Addison Russell of the Kiwoom Heroes runs to first base after a single against the Doosan Bears in the top of the sixth inning of their Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on July 28, 2020. (Yonhap)
Russell had other ideas, though, as he swung on the first pitch from Lee for a two-run single and a 5-2 lead.
Russell stepped in for the first time in the top of the first against starter Raul Alcantara and flied out to left field.
In his next time up in the fourth, Russell hit a broken-ban ground ball to second. It wasn't until the sixth inning that Russell got his first hit in the KBO, a solid single to right field as part of a game-tying rally.
The ball was tossed back to the Heroes' dugout as Russell's memento.
The Heroes were down 2-0 through five innings but got the first run off an error in the sixth, and then Russell scored the tying run on a sacrifice fly.
Russell was hit by a pitch in the seventh and got to see another at-bat in the ninth. He made the most of that last opportunity.
Addison Russell of the Kiwoom Heroes hits a two-run single against the Doosan Bears in the top of the ninth inning of their Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on July 28, 2020. (Yonhap)
On the field, Russell got the very first out in the bottom of the first, a routine grounder off the bat of Park Kun-woo. He handed another easy groundball in the second.
In the fourth inning, Russell fielded a grounder that went off the mound on its way to the middle of the field, and speedy runner Jung Soo-bin just beat the throw for an infield single.
In the fifth, Russell charged in on a soft roller by Jose Miguel Fernandez and made a running throw that just went off the mark. First baseman Park Byung-ho jumped to his left to make the catch and then applied the tag on Fernandez in one motion.
All in all, it was a solid debut for someone who hadn't played in nine months.
Addison Russell of the Kiwoom Heroes makes a throw to first base in the bottom of the fourth inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game against the Doosan Bears at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on July 28, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-28--Kiwoom Heroes rally past Doosan Bears in Addison Russell's KBO debut

Right after the Bears spotted him a 2-0 lead , Alcantara started to look shaky .
He gave up two @ @ @ @ @ and Russell to open the top sixth , and Kim moved to third base on @ @ @ @ @ Heroes runners at the corners .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, July 28 (Yonhap) -- Kim Ha-seong smacked a tiebreaking solo home run and former major league All-Star Addison Russell knocked in two insurance runs, helping the Kiwoom Heroes come from behind to defeat the Doosan Bears 6-2 on Tuesday.
In their second straight Tuesday meeting at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul, the Heroes avenged a 6-1 loss from last week.
In his much-anticipated Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) debut for the Heroes, Russell, the 2016 National League All-Star for the Chicago Cubs, went 2-for-4 with two RBIs and a run scored.
Kim Ha-seong of the Kiwoom Heroes comes home after hitting a solo shot against the Doosan Bears in the top of the seventh inning of their Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on July 28, 2020. (Yonhap)
Neither starter got a decision in a rematch from last week. Back then, Raul Alcantara tossed seven shutout innings for the Bears, while his counterpart, Eric Jokisch, fell apart in the sixth inning by giving up six runs.
This time, Alcantara gave up two runs -- one unearned -- on five hits in six frames, while Jokisch was charged with two runs on a season-high nine hits in five innings.
The two teams traded zeroes for four and a half innings before Jokisch blinked first in the bottom fifth.
After Oh Jae-il drew a one-out walk, Kim Jae-hwan followed up with an opposite field home run to left field for a 2-0 lead. It was Kim's third hit of the game.
That looked to be enough of a cushion for Alcantara, who held the Heroes to just one hit through four innings.
Alcantara got into trouble for the first time in the fifth, as a double and a walk put runners at the corners with two outs. Alcantara battled leadoff man Seo Geon-chang for eight pitches before striking him out swinging on a high fastball.
Addison Russell of the Kiwoom Heroes hits a two-run single against the Doosan Bears in the top of the ninth inning of their Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on July 28, 2020. (Yonhap)
Right after the Bears spotted him a 2-0 lead, Alcantara started to look shaky. He gave up two straight singles to Kim Ha-seong and Russell to open the top sixth, and Kim moved to third base on a flyout to give the Heroes runners at the corners.
Park Byung-ho then hit what appeared to be a routine fly to shallow right field. But the backpedaling second baseman Choi Joo-hwan dropped the ball, allowing Kim to come home and cut the deficit to 2-1.
A single by Park Dong-won loaded the bases for Kim Hye-seong, who hit a sacrifice fly to left as Russell scored the tying run for a 2-2 game.
The Bears went down quietly in the bottom sixth, and then the Heroes went ahead in the top seventh.
Left-handed reliever Lee Hyun-seung came on to open that inning and retired two straight left-handed batters before passing the baton to right-hander Hong Geon-hui.
That move proved disastrous for the Bears, and Kim Ha-seong smacked a frozen rope over the left-center field wall for a solo shot, putting the Heroes up 3-2.
An Woo-jin of the Kiwoom Heroes pitches against the Doosan Bears in the botom of the eighth inning of their Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on July 28, 2020. (Yonhap)
The ball had a launch angle of just 16.1 degrees but left Kim's bat at 171 kilometers per hour (106.3 miles per hour).
Russell, who hit a single in the sixth for his first KBO hit, provided crucial insurance runs in the top ninth.
Reliever Lee Hyeong-beom gave up a walk and a single to open the ninth. After a sacrifice bunt moved the runners up a base, Lee intentionally walked Kim Ha-seong to load the bases and set up a potential double play for Russell.
The strategy backfired, as Russell knocked a single to left to cash in two runs and give the Heroes a 5-2 lead.
Later in the inning, Park Dong-won drew a bases-loaded walk for a 6-2 Heroes advantage.
The Heroes' bullpen, which has had some rough outings of late, did the rest. Four relievers after Jokisch combined for four hitless innings, with four strikeouts and one walk.
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-28--(LEAD) S. Korea may ease some construction rules to supply more homes

`` The government can not just watch the market ( overheat ) , it will certainly come up with additional @ @ @ @ @ upcoming ones ) are not enough , '' the top policymaker added .

(ATTN: UPDATES with more info in last 4 paras)
SEJONG, July 28 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's policymakers have discussed easing some construction rules to supply more homes in Seoul and the neighboring area, Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki said Tuesday.
A potential measure may allow an apartment building to have more homes by raising the residential floor area ratio, Hong told lawmakers.
Another measure may ease rules on floor-to-floor height in an apartment building, Hong said.
Hong has said the government will soon draw up comprehensive measures to supply more homes in Seoul and the neighboring area.
Last week, Hong and senior policymakers held a meeting and discussed measures to help resolve the housing supply shortage in the densely populated area.
The meeting included Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo, raising speculation that military-owned land may be used to build homes.
Earlier this month, the government announced its toughest measures yet to rein in rising housing prices, as a series of steps, including tax hikes and loan regulations, failed to put the brakes on soaring home prices.
Record-low interest rates and excess liquidity, pumped into the market to help revive the virus-hit economy, have contributed to soaring home prices, analysts said.
Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki speaks at a parliamentary meeting on July 28, 2020. (Yonhap)
Officials at the ruling Democratic Party (DP) said the government and the party plan to announce the envisioned measures to boost supply on Aug. 4.
The DP said the measures could create more than 100,000 new homes.
As part of the announcement, the party is also planning to come up with a new measure aimed at curbing speculative home purchases by foreigners, according to sources.
"When the home supply measures are announced, I believe they will have various impacts and consequences in the market," the finance minister noted.
"The government cannot just watch the market (overheat), it will certainly come up with additional measures, if (the upcoming ones) are not enough," the top policymaker added.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-28--(2nd LD) Women's groups ask rights commission to probe allegations into late mayor

The victim , who worked as a secretary for Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon , filed a complaint with the police @ @ @ @ @ that he sexually harassed her over four years and that her repeated calls for help @ @ @ @ @ launched a probe into the case , but Park was found dead at a Seoul @ @ @ @ @ an apparent suicide .

(ATTN: ADDS details in last 4 paras)
By Lee Minji
SEOUL, July 28 (Yonhap) -- Women's groups and a lawyer representing a victim who accused a late Seoul mayor of sexually harassing her formally requested the national human rights commission to look into the high-profile case on Tuesday.
The victim, who worked as a secretary for Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon, filed a complaint with the police earlier this month, claiming that he sexually harassed her over four years and that her repeated calls for help went unanswered. The police launched a probe into the case, but Park was found dead at a Seoul mountain two days later in an apparent suicide.
Calling the case a typical case of power-based sexual abuse, the civic groups had rejected a proposal by the city government to launch an independent investigative committee to handle the case, saying the city government should also be probed instead of organizing it.
Officials from women's rights groups submit a request asking the National Human Rights Commission of Korea to probe sexual misconduct allegations raised against late Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon at the commission's office in central Seoul on July 28, 2020. (Yonhap)
Kim Jae-ryun, a lawyer defending the victim, said those representing the public servant decided to ask the National Human Rights Commission of Korea to launch an ex-officio investigation that encompasses not only the single case but the city government's overall work culture.
"The reason we decided to request an ex-officio probe, instead of filing a complaint, was so that the human rights commission can actively look into the issue that goes beyond the victim's accusations and advise on policy changes," she said ahead of submitting an application for the probe.
"There are many areas in this case that need to be (addressed and) improved. (We) urge the commission to investigate the case and make recommendations for policy change," Kim said.
A participant holds a picket demanding a "proper investigation" into sexual misconduct allegations raised against late Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon in a press conference held in front of Seoul City Hall in central Seoul on July 28, 2020. (Yonhap)
A document the civic groups submitted to the rights commission asks the commission to look into whether city officials neglected the case or took appropriate follow-up measures for the victim. It also questions how the complaint was leaked to city officials.
The civic groups also asked the commission to carry out research on whether there are sexually discriminative factors in hiring secretaries at the government and public organizations and to draw up preventive measures against various misconduct by elected public servants.
While the rights commission's recommendation is not legally binding, it "aims to recover the victim's rights and obtaining remedies to damages by conducting reconciliation between the parties, and other appropriate measures as dictated by the legal system," according to the commission's web site.
The victim and civic groups have urged the city to fix its work culture, which they claimed worsened the case.
In a July 22 press conference, they asked city officials to take responsibility, saying that the case "goes beyond issues personally related to Park" and is actually "an organized crime that was sustained by power."
The victim asked for help from around 20 people at the city government, including those in higher positions and in charge of human resources, but did not get any support, they said.
Tuesday's move took place in line with a march of dozens of supporters, clad in purple, a color associated with efforts to achieve gender equality, in solidarity with the victim. Holding violet umbrellas, the supporters raised a sign that read "Human rights to Seoul City, equality for women workers" as they marched from Seoul City Hall to the rights commission's office, both in central Seoul.
Participants, dressed in purple and holding violet-colored umbrellas, hold a press conference in front of Seoul City Hall in central Seoul on July 28, 2020, demanding a "proper investigation" into sexual misconduct allegations raised against late Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon. (Yonhap)
On Tuesday, the police also executed a court-approved raid on the computer servers of four internet forum sites in its broadening investigation into "secondary assaults" on Park's former secretary.
The police were looking into posts and comments on the four internet communities, including Clien, DC Inside and FM Korea, in search of potential evidence of online insults or slander targeting the secretary as of Tuesday evening, according to police officials.
The search comes after the former secretary filed a complaint with the police, requesting an investigation into online hate comments against her.
The police plan to bring online defamation cases, as well as criminal charges of insult, against those who are found to have inflicted secondary assaults, officials said.
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-28--Samsung Display recognizes workers' union in agreement

The Federation of Korean Trade Unions and business insiders said an agreement was reached between the management and the newly @ @ @ @ @ Workers ' Trade Union on Monday .
Under the pact , the display-making unit of @ @ @ @ @ an office for the company chapter of the umbrella union and allow the appointment of @ @ @ @ @ representatives .

SEOUL, July 28 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Display, one of the largest screen manufacturers in the world, has recognized an in-house union, ending its long-standing practice of operating without a bargaining unit made up of its employees, industry sources said Tuesday.
The Federation of Korean Trade Unions and business insiders said an agreement was reached between the management and the newly formed Federation of Korea Metal Workers' Trade Union on Monday. Under the pact, the display-making unit of Samsung Group agreed to provide an office for the company chapter of the umbrella union and allow the appointment of a union leader and full-time representatives.
The union is expected to formally start work on Aug. 3 and to focus on collective bargaining efforts to improve the rights of Samsung Display employees.
The latest agreement came after Samsung Group Vice Chairman and de facto leader Lee Jae-yong said in May that South Korea's No. 1 family-run conglomerate will scrap its "no union policy" once and for all as part of efforts to overhaul outdated practices. The latest development also marks the first time a Samsung company has set up a union after Lee's announcement.
This file photo, provided by Samsung Display, shows the company's Asan Campus, 90 kilometers south of Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-28--Retired diplomat appointed as ambassador for economy and trade

Choi Seok-young , former ambassador to the South Korean Permanent Mission in Geneva from 2012-15 , is expected to help @ @ @ @ @ with his valuable knowledge and experience he built over the years , the ministry said @

SEOUL, July 28 (Yonhap) -- The government has appointed a retired diplomat as ambassador for economy and trade, the foreign ministry said Tuesday.
Choi Seok-young, former ambassador to the South Korean Permanent Mission in Geneva from 2012-15, is expected to help the government promote national interests with his valuable knowledge and experience he built over the years, the ministry said.
He is also expected to help the government with its selection campaign for Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee, who is running for the secretary-general of the World Trade Organization.
The ambassador for economy and trade is an honorary post for a retired public official, appointed by President Moon Jae-in. Choi will serve for one year.
This file photo shows Choi Seok-young, former ambassador to the South Korean Permanent Mission in Geneva, who has been appointed as honorary ambassador for economy and trade. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-28--Tickets for K League football games to go on sale

Fans must go through temperature checks and leave their personal information , either by filling out visitor logs or scanning @ @ @ @ @ codes .
Once inside , they must sit apart from one another , even if @ @ @ @ @ group .
They 'll be banned from eating and drinking alcohol at their seats .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, July 28 (Yonhap) -- With South Korea's professional football clubs set to welcome back fans this weekend, tickets will go on sale starting Wednesday.
The top-division K League 1 and the second-tier K League 2 will both have supporters in the stands starting with matches Saturday.
Due to the coronavirus outbreak, the opening kickoff was pushed back from Feb. 29 to May 8, and the season began without fans.
A K League 1 match between Daegu FC and Busan IPark takes place at an empty Forest Arena in Daegu, 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on July 26, 2020. (Yonhap)
Then the government gave the green light last Friday, allowing sports teams to finally open their stadium gates. The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) got the ball rolling last Saturday, and the K League will follow suit soon.
For both baseball and football, teams will only be permitting fans for just 10 percent of their stadium capacity for the time being.
On Saturday, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors will host Pohang Steelers at Jeonju World Cup Stadium in Jeonju, 240 kilometers south of Seoul. Jeonbuk said 4,205 tickets will be available, and 3,000 of them will go on sale first for season ticket holders at 3 p.m. Wednesday. The rest will hit the market at 3 p.m. Thursday.
Seongnam FC will sell 1,650 tickets for Saturday's match against FC Seoul at Tancheon Sports Complex in Seongnam, just south of the capital city. Just like Jeonbuk, Seongnam will first make a portion of those tickets available to season ticket holders, starting at 10 p.m. Thursday. The rest will be available starting at 10 p.m. Friday.
Also on Saturday, Incheon United will host Gwangju FC at Incheon Football Stadium in Incheon, 40 kilometers west of Seoul.
Incheon said about 2,000 tickets will go on sale at 1 p.m. Wednesday.
For the entire league, tickets can only be purchased online with credit cards, and all box offices at stadiums will be closed. It's designed to eliminate person-to-person contact at box offices and to expedite contact tracing in case of positive COVID-19 tests.
Fans must go through temperature checks and leave their personal information, either by filling out visitor logs or scanning quick response (QR) codes. Once inside, they must sit apart from one another, even if they're traveling in a group. They'll be banned from eating and drinking alcohol at their seats.
Chanting, singing, and other cheering activities that present risks of COVID-19 infections through droplets will be prohibited.
A K League 1 match between Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and FC Seoul takes place at an empty Jeonju World Cup Stadium in Jeonju, 240 kilometers south of Seoul, on July 26, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-28--(LEAD) Moon vows continued support for global 'artificial sun' project, called ITER

`` Today , we have a cause to celebrate , as we embark on machine assembly for the ITER , @ @ @ @ @ remarks .
`` As the protection of climate and environment assumes even more importance in @ @ @ @ @ of COVID-19 , ITER and the member countries are presenting hope for the whole humanity @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES with Moon's message; RECASTS headline; ADDS photo)
SEOUL, July 28 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in stated Tuesday that his country remains committed to full support for a historic international project that seeks to create an artificial sun through fusion technology.
He was speaking in a video message to a ceremony, held in Cadarache, France, to commemorate the beginning of the assembly of the world's largest nuclear fusion reactor, which has the potential to solve mankind's energy needs.
South Korea is a member of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) consortium, launched in late 2006, along with the European Union, the United States, Russia, China, Japan and India.
"Today, we have a cause to celebrate, as we embark on machine assembly for the ITER," Moon said in pre-taped remarks. "As the protection of climate and environment assumes even more importance in the wake of the outbreak of COVID-19, ITER and the member countries are presenting hope for the whole humanity."
He called the artificial sun an "energy source of dreams."
He also pointed out the power of international cooperation in the ITER program.
"We were able to overcome such hurdles and reach the stage of machine assembly because the seven member countries chose to pool their wisdom, with ITER playing a central role," the president noted. "It is a proud achievement made possible by solidarity and cooperation among the international community."
President Moon Jae-in, in a file photo (Yonhap)
He highlighted South Korea's role in the process as the supplier of a massive tool, referred to as "giant," that is tasked with assembling the most critical vacuum vessel sector of the reactor.
"Korean industries developed such vacuum vessel sectors over the course of the past decade or so, and the first sector will soon arrive at the ITER construction site," he said. "Korea also led the way in international solidarity and cooperation through its unique brand of disease prevention measures and by sharing relevant equipment."
Moon pledged that South Korea will continue support for the ITER project, which is likely to face more challenges ahead throughout the assembly work.
He said his government would help "more talented scientists and engineers" to participate in it.
"We will work together with the international community to realize our common dream of creating a 'clean and safe fusion energy' by 2050," Moon stressed.
This file photo, provided by the science ministry, shows the massive subassembly tool that will put together the vacuum chamber sector of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor's nuclear fusion plant. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
South Korea's science authorities also took note of the nation's role.
"With the giant subassembly tool weighing 900 tons and standing 23 meters tall in place, ITER has started making the reactor with the goal of conducting a 'first plasma' test in December 2025," the science ministry and the National Fusion Research Institute (NFRI) said.
NFRI chief Yoo Suk-jae said that at the assembly phase, South Korea is responsible for over 70 percent of the work, far exceeding its total share in the ITER project of 9 percent.
Besides the subassembly tool, the country is responsible for supplying the thermal shield, blanket modules for the vacuum chamber and the toroidal field coil that keeps the plasma field in place.
ITER uses deuterium and tritium as fuel, which is injected into a huge vacuum chamber and able to contain a super-hot plasma field.
The plasma field, reaching temperatures of 150 million degrees Celsius, triggers the energy-generating fusion reaction creating helium, neutron particles and heat.
If this process can be sustained, it can theoretically create an artificial sun on Earth that can provide mankind with a limitless supply of power.
Deuterium and tritium can be found in the ocean and in fresh water, with pineapple-size deuterium-tritium fuel having the same amount of energy as 10,000 tons of coal.
The ITER plant is designed for 500 megawatt output, which if connected to a power grid translates into 200 MW of electricity, enough to provide power to 200,000 households.
A scaled-up commercial version could generate 2,000 MW of electricity that can be used by 2 million households.
Proponents of ITER said the cost of building and operating a commercial nuclear fusion reactor will be similar to that of a conventional fission nuclear power unit, but it will be carbon-free and without the added expenses of waste disposal or fear of catastrophic radiation-related accidents.
This image provided by the science ministry shows the major components that have been supplied by International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor consortium partners in the building of its main fusion reactor. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
yonngong@yna.co.kr
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-28--(LEAD) Moon appoints national intelligence service chief

The conservative party is taking issue with Park 's suspected forgery of his school records and the alleged signing of @ @ @ @ @ North Korea for the historic 2000 summit between then President Kim Dae-jung of South Korea @ @ @ @ @ Kim Jong-il .
Park played a key role in the summit process as a close @ @ @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES with background info from 4th para)
SEOUL, July 28 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in appointed Park Jie-won, a former lawmaker, as head of the National Intelligence Service on Tuesday, Cheong Wa Dae said.
The move came a day after Park went through the National Assembly's confirmation hearing.
Park's tenure is to begin Wednesday, according to Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kang Min-seok.
Hours earlier, the Intelligence Committee adopted a report on the results of the hearing despite a boycott by the main opposition United Future Party that called on the president to suspend a decision on his appointment.
The conservative party is taking issue with Park's suspected forgery of his school records and the alleged signing of a secret money deal with North Korea for the historic 2000 summit between then President Kim Dae-jung of South Korea and North Korea's leader Kim Jong-il. Park played a key role in the summit process as a close aide to Kim.
Early this month, the president nominated Park, known for his high level of understanding and expertise in North Korea affairs, to lead the state agency. Park is succeeding Suh Hoon, tapped as director of national security at Cheong Wa Dae.
Park Jie-won, newly appointed chief of the National Intelligence Service (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-28--Seoul begins probe into possible faulty parts in Tesla model

The Korea Automobile Testing & Research Institute ( KATRI ) of the Korea Transportation Safety Authority is looking into whether @ @ @ @ @ driver-assist feature has any safety problems , an official at the Ministry of Land , @ @ @ @ @ the phone .

SEOUL, July 28 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's transport ministry said Tuesday it has recently ordered a probe into Tesla Motors Inc.'s Model 3 for possible problems with parts.
The Korea Automobile Testing & Research Institute (KATRI) of the Korea Transportation Safety Authority is looking into whether the Model 3's Autopilot driver-assist feature has any safety problems, an official at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said over the phone.
"The probe will be focused on the anti-lock brake system and the lane-keeping assist system amid reports that the vehicle may have faulty parts related to its autonomous driving program," the official said.
If the Model 3 turns out to have faulty components, the ministry said it will order the U.S. electric carmaker to recall the model.
This undated file photo, provided by Tesla, shows the Model X, Model S and Model X being charged by superchargers. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The probe comes after Tesla posted stellar performance in South Korea this year.
Tesla sold a total of 7,079 vehicles in the Korean imported passenger car market from January to June, a whopping increase from just 422 units in the same period of last year.
In June alone, a record 2,827 units of the Model 3 were delivered, sharply up from 121 units a year ago. The spike has been fueled by the popularity of the relatively affordable Model 3.
Among imported carmakers, Tesla ranked fourth in terms of sales last month, following Mercedes-Benz with 7,672 units, BMW's 4,069 and Audi's 3,401, according to the Korea Automobile Importers and Distributors Association.
Tesla Korea sells models such as the Model 3, Model S and Model X in South Korea.
The Model 3, Model S and Model X are available at the starting prices of 54 million won (US$44,000), 114 million won and 121 million won, respectively.
Customers can purchase the models at lower prices with a central government subsidy of 8 million won and a provincial government subsidy worth up to 10 million won.
Since it entered the Korean market in March 2017, Tesla has built about 450 slow-charging stations and 32 superchargers across the country. It takes 10 hours to fully charge a Tesla vehicle with a slow charger, but it takes about an hour with a supercharger.
To further boost sales here, Tesla named a financial expert as country director for South Korea in May.
Kim Kyung-ho, 44, began his term at Tesla Korea on May 12 after serving as vice president at the Korean branch of U.S.-based bank State Street for 7 1/2 years.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-28--(LEAD) Foreign ministry cites need for international comity over 'Abe statue'

`` We intend to refrain from comments on a private-level event unrelated to the government , '' the ministry said @ @ @ @ @ .
`` However , the government believes it is necessary to take the aspect of @ @ @ @ @ into consideration as well . ''

(ATTN: REPLACES photos; RECASTS story with updated info on statues, other details)
By Kim Seung-yeon
SEOUL, July 28 (Yonhap) -- The foreign ministry said Tuesday that international courtesy for foreign leaders should be taken into consideration, after local media reported on a pair of bronze statues at a local botanical garden of a man bowing on his knees before a wartime sexual slavery victim.
The statues sparked controversy, as some media outlets reported that the male figure represented Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The garden's operator, based in the eastern county of Pyeongchang, later clarified that the man does not represent anyone, though he personally wants it to be Abe.
Controversial set of statues of a man on his knees before a wartime sexual slavery victim Youtube https://youtu.be/WtDIh6kPQNk
Japan has bristled at the statue, with Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga telling reporters Tuesday that the installation of such statues, if true, is "unacceptable" and would "decisively affect" the relations between the two countries.
Seoul's foreign ministry reacted cautiously.
"We intend to refrain from comments on a private-level event unrelated to the government," the ministry said in a press guidance statement. "However, the government believes it is necessary to take the aspect of international comity toward foreign leaders into consideration as well."
International comity refers to legally nonbinding diplomatic practices carried out by states for foreign countries out of courtesy, such as calling a foreign leader by his or her title.
The garden operator has canceled a plan for an unveiling ceremony for the 4-year-old statues as the controversy arose. He said he wants to see a responsible person, whether it be the Japanese leader or other politicians, apologizing for the wartime atrocities.
This photo, provided by a citizen on July 28, 2020, shows the controversial set of statues of a man bowing down on his knees before a wartime sexual slavery victim, at a botanical garden in South Korea's eastern county of Pyeongchang. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-28--Moon appoints national intelligence service chief

Early this month , the president nominated Park , known for a high level of understanding and expertise in North @ @ @ @ @ the state agency .

SEOUL, July 28 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in appointed Park Jie-won, a former lawmaker, as head of the National Intelligence Service on Tuesday, Cheong Wa Dae said.
The move came a day after Park went through the National Assembly's confirmation hearing.
Park's tenure is to begin Wednesday, according to Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kang Min-seok.
Early this month, the president nominated Park, known for a high level of understanding and expertise in North Korea affairs, to lead the state agency.
Park played a key role in the historic 2000 summit between then President Kim Dae-jung of South Korea and North Korea's leader Kim Jong-il.
Park Jie-won, newly appointed chief of the National Intelligence Service (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-28--(LEAD) Gov't holds diplomatic strategy meeting on growing U.S.-China tensions

The meeting came at a time when tensions between Washington and Beijing have escalated after they closed a consulate in @ @ @ @ @ putting Seoul in a difficult position as it tries to seek a balance between the @ @ @ @ @ relationships with both .

(ATTN: UPDATES story as meeting ended; REPLACES photos)
By Kim Seung-yeon
SEOUL, July 28 (Yonhap) -- Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha said Tuesday that South Korea should strengthen its alliance with the United States in the security sector and seek openness and inclusiveness in the economic fields as part of efforts to cope with the growing rivalry between the U.S. and China.
Kang made the remark after a meeting of the private-public Strategic Coordination Meeting on Foreign Affairs that was launched last year to map out Seoul's position in the face of the dispute between the two superpowers deeply tied to South Korea's security and economy.
"Even little frictions can escalate into fierce conflict. It appears more difficult to find a middle ground and seek cooperation," she said during the session. "Holding our balance and harmonizing various and often contradicting elements is vital under these changing circumstances."
The meeting came at a time when tensions between Washington and Beijing have escalated after they closed a consulate in each other's country, putting Seoul in a difficult position as it tries to seek a balance between the two sides to maintain good relationships with both.
As a way to better respond to the growing tensions, Kang proposed a set of principles in four areas: security, economy, science and technology, and values and norms.
For the security realm, she called for expanding Seoul's constructive role in strengthening the regional stability through the South Korea-U.S. alliance.
In the economy and trade fields, the government should enhance its principles of fairness, reciprocity, transparency and inclusiveness, Kang said. As for science and technology, the government will work to strengthen technological security, she said.
She also called for efforts to promote universal values.
Washington has increasingly been explicit in its call for allies, including Seoul, to join its China-bashing campaign, accusing Beijing of lacking transparency and undermining democratic values.
More than 50 government officials attended Tuesday's session, including those from related ministries and the presidential National Security Office, as well as academic experts.
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha speaks during the 3rd Strategic Coordination Meeting on Foreign Affairs at the ministry in Seoul on July 28, 2020. (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-28--Former NL All-Star Addison Russell to bat 3rd, play shortstop in KBO debut

`` No one wants him to put up that kind of number more than I do , '' Son said @ @ @ @ @ But more than anything else , I just hope he will stay healthy .
And @ @ @ @ @ I think he will have a positive impact on the rest of the lineup .
@

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, July 28 (Yonhap) -- Former major league All-Star Addison Russell will bat third and play shortstop for the Kiwoom Heroes in his South Korean league debut Tuesday.
The Heroes' manager Son Hyuk said he had mulled putting Russell in some other spots in the lineup but decided the No. 3 would be best suited for the 2016 National League All-Star for the Chicago Cubs.
"I hope he stays healthy and plays every game this season," Son said before his Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) club faced the Doosan Bears on the road at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul. "If he hits well tonight, I think it will set a positive tone for the whole team the rest of the season."
Addison Russell of the Kiwoom Heroes takes part in a fielding practice ahead of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game against the Doosan Bears at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on July 28, 2020. (Yonhap)
Russell, who spent five years with the Cubs and won the World Series in 2016, signed with the Heroes in late June. He served his mandatory 14-day quarantine after arriving in South Korea earlier this month and played two minor league games over the weekend.
He went 5-for-6 with two doubles in those two games. Based on his Double-A and Triple-A stats, the Heroes are projecting that Russell will bat .319/.411/.696 in the KBO this year. Before Tuesday's game, the Heroes had 74 games remaining in 2020.
"No one wants him to put up that kind of number more than I do," Son said with a smile. "But more than anything else, I just hope he will stay healthy. And if he does well, I think he will have a positive impact on the rest of the lineup."
With Russell batting third, the usual No. 3 hitter Lee Jung-hoo will bat cleanup. Slumping slugger Park Byung-ho has been removed from the cleanup spot and will bat fifth in his fourth straight game Tuesday.
Son said the Nos. 3, 4 and 5 spots will be flexible, and Russell, who hit a career-high 21 home runs in 2016, will also see some time as the cleanup hitter.
Son also guarded against putting too much pressure on Russell to produce immediately, since this will be his first action in nine months, save for the minor league appearances here last weekend.
Addison Russell of the Kiwoom Heroes (R) bumps gloves with his teammate Kim Hye-seong during a fielding practice ahead of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game against the Doosan Bears at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on July 28, 2020. (Yonhap)
"He's most comfortable at shortstop, but he'll also play occasional second base," Son said of a player who's appeared in 460 big league games at shortstop and 149 at second base. "He'll serve as the designated hitter down the road, too."
Kiwoom's incumbent shortstop, All-Star Kim Ha-seong, will move over to third to make room for Russell.
Son said his early impressions of Russell are that of a routine-oriented player who won't rush himself on the field.
"I think our players can learn that from him," the manager said. "He's obviously a very good player. He's bound to make a couple of mistakes here and there, but he's going to need some adjustment period.
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-28--Gold price hits fresh record high on weak U.S. dollar, economic uncertainties

A gram of gold was priced at 80,100 won ( US $ 66.89 ) on the Korea Exchange ( KRX @ @ @ @ @ from the previous session .
The gold price hit an intraday high of 82,970 won @

SEOUL, July 28 (Yonhap) -- The price of gold soared to a record high Tuesday, rising for a fifth straight session, amid economic uncertainties and the weak U.S. dollar.
A gram of gold was priced at 80,100 won (US$66.89) on the Korea Exchange (KRX), spiking 3.41 percent from the previous session. The gold price hit an intraday high of 82,970 won.
Market watchers said the prolonged uncertainties over the new coronavirus pandemic increased demand for safer destinations for assets.
In times of high economic uncertainty, the value of gold and other safer assets increases, they said.
This image, provided by the Korea Exchange (KRX) on July 27, 2020, shows gold bars certified by the South Korean bourse operator. (Yonhap)
In addition, massive stimulus measures in the major economies led to the weakening of the U.S. greenback.
"Under a real interest rate below zero, holding assets in cash brings losses," Song Jae-won, a private banker of Shinhan Bank, said.
The local currency closed at 1,196.90 won per dollar, down 0.8 won from the previous session's close.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) jumped 39.13 points, or 1.76 percent, to close at 2,256.99.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-28--(LEAD) S. Korea, U.S. to hold summertime exercise for OPCON transfer test, readiness: ministry

The South and the U.S. have differed over how to program the exercise , with Seoul calling for a focus @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. maintaining it should focus on ways to boost their joint posture as a @ @ @ @ @ .

(ATTN: ADDS defense chief's comments in paras 6-9, 14, photo)
By Oh Seok-min
SEOUL, July 28 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and the United States plan to use an upcoming combined exercise to better prepare for Seoul to regain wartime operational control of its forces from Washington and to maintain their joint readiness posture, Seoul's defense ministry said Tuesday.
It is the first time that the government has confirmed the two countries will stage a major annual exercise this summer, which has drawn keen attention following the cancellation of their springtime one due to COVID-19.
"During the 2020 combined exercise, the two sides are pushing to carry out a Full Operational Capability (FOC) test by applying the future command structure," according to the ministry's document presented to the parliament's National Defense Committee on Tuesday.
"By conducting important leader development trainings and education for officials, we also aim to maintain the Fight Tonight readiness posture and to guarantee conditions for the FOC test," the ministry added.
The South and the U.S. have differed over how to program the exercise, with Seoul calling for a focus on the FOC test and the U.S. maintaining it should focus on ways to boost their joint posture as a replacement of the springtime training.
Asked when the exercise would be staged, Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo told lawmakers that Seoul and Washington are "eyeing around mid-August, in consideration of diverse factors."
Sources have said that the computer-simulated command post exercise will be held in an adjusted manner in consideration of the new coronavirus situation.
"U.S. service members cannot come to South Korea at a normal level (due to the coronavirus), and those who arrive here need to be quarantined. We will find the optimum way under the current circumstances," Jeong said.
Upon arrival, U.S. personnel will undergo virus tests twice, and only those who test negative will take part in the exercise, he added.
This file photo, taken Feb. 27, 2020, shows the U.S. Forces Korea's Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province. (Yonhap)
The planned FOC test is meant to verify if Seoul is on course to meet the conditions for the envisioned OPCON transition.
During the summertime exercise held in August 2019, Seoul and Washington conducted an initial operational capability (IOC) test, and their defense ministers decided to move on to the FOC test. Following the FOC test, the allies will carry out a Full Mission Capability (FMC) test.
The Seoul government seeks to retake OPCON under the current Moon Jae-in administration, whose term will end in May 2022, though the transition is not time-based but conditions-based.
The conditions for the transfer are Seoul's capability to lead the allies' combined defense mechanism, its capacity for initial responses to the North's nuclear and missile threats, and a stable security environment on the peninsula and in the region.
Asked about the chances of the OPCON transfer missing the Seoul government's target date, the minister said Seoul "would need to accept inevitable situations," including a possible modification to the plan.
Last year, the two sides agreed to name a separate Korean four-star general to lead their envisioned future joint command, rather than having the chairman of its Joint Chiefs of Staff or chief of the Ground Operations Command double as the chief of the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command (CFC).
Currently, a four-star U.S. Army general helms the CFC. After Seoul retakes OPCON from Washington, a South Korean general is supposed to command the CFC.
South Korean Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo (R) and his U.S. counterpart, Mark Esper, pose for a photo prior to their talks at the Pentagon in Washington on Feb. 24, 2020, in this photo provided by the defense ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-28--Defense minister apologizes for defector's slipping across border back to North

But he emphasized that the military 's vigilance and combat readiness are `` not so bad as you might think @ @ @ @ @ assurances that the military 's system and equipment to protect the country are working well @

SEOUL, July 28 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo apologized on Tuesday for failing to prevent a North Korean defector from crossing the heavily guarded border to the North.
While attending the national defense committee's briefing at the National Assembly, the minister said, "I shoulder the ultimate responsibility as the defense minister" for what happened.
But he emphasized that the military's vigilance and combat readiness are "not so bad as you might think they are" and gave assurances that the military's system and equipment to protect the country are working well.
On Sunday, the North claimed that a "runaway" returned to his home in the border city of Kaesong on July 19 with symptoms of COVID-19, a claim that was rejected by South Korean health authorities.
"The person is neither registered as a COVID-19 patient nor classified as a person who came in contact with virus patients," Yoon Tae-ho, a senior health official, said in a press briefing on Monday.
The defense minister suspected that the North's regime had "political purposes" behind the claims and that it was trying to shift responsibility for the spread of the coronavirus to outside forces.
The convening of an emergency meeting Saturday by the Workers' Party of North Korea must have occurred "after taking into consideration various factors," he said. "The party must have a political purpose while stressing the potential risks of the spread of COVID-19."
At the politburo meeting, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un adopted a "maximum emergency system" against the coronavirus.
According to the South Korean military, the defector is believed to have swum across the border from the western border island of Gwanghwa after going through a drain under barbed wire fences to evade South Korean border guards.
Asked if he believed that the North was indirectly asking for help on the quarantine front, Jeong said, "I agree to some extent, but the (North's) intention should be interpreted from various aspects."
South Korea's Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo talks during a briefing at the National Assembly's national defense committee in Seoul on July 28, 2020. (Yonhap)
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Tuesday.
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(3rd LD) S. Korea allowed to develop solid-fuel space rocket under revised missile guidelines with U.S.
SEOUL -- South Korea announced Tuesday it has become able to develop solid-propellant space rockets under the new missile guidelines with the United States, saying the deal is expected to help sharply improve the military's intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities and boost the space program of the private sector.
The allies agreed to lift the decades-old restrictions on Seoul's use of solid fuels for its space rocket launch, effective as of the day, according to Kim Hyun-chong, deputy national security adviser.
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(3rd LD) New virus cases under 30 for 2nd day on slowing imported cases; local infections at 1-week low
SEOUL -- The number of daily new coronavirus cases in South Korea stayed below 30 for the second consecutive day on Tuesday as both imported and local cases showed a clear sign of a slowdown.
The country added 28 new cases, including 23 cases coming in from abroad, bringing the total to 14,203, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
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(News Focus) Reform committee's recommendations to diffuse chief prosecutor's power draw backlash
SEOUL -- Tensions are simmering again between Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae and Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl, after a ministry committee announced a list of prosecutorial reform measures that included depriving the top prosecutor of power to direct investigations.
The Judicial Affairs and Prosecutorial Reform Committee, under the justice ministry, on Monday urged the prosecution to abolish the top prosecutor's right to command and direct individual investigations. It also recommended that the top prosecutor be appointed from among a pool of outside experts with various backgrounds.
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(LEAD) Women's groups ask rights commission to probe allegations into late mayor
SEOUL -- Women's groups and a lawyer representing a victim who accused a late Seoul mayor of sexually harassing her formally requested the national human rights commission to look into the high-profile case on Tuesday.
The victim, who worked as a secretary for Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon, filed a complaint with the police earlier this month, claiming that he sexually harassed her over four years and that her repeated calls for help went unanswered. The police launched a probe into the case, but Park was found dead at a Seoul mountain two days later in an apparent suicide.
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S. Korea to invest 50 bln won in 32 firms to boost defense industry
SEOUL -- Thirty-two defense firms have been selected to receive a total of 50.7 billion won (US$42.4 million) in government funding for localization of key parts for weapons systems and other purposes, the arms procurement agency said Tuesday.
Of them, 11 small- and medium-sized companies will receive 30 billion won over the next five years to develop homegrown parts, while another eight firms will receive 14.1 billion won over the next three years to tap into overseas markets, according to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration.
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(LEAD) Defector's border crossing captured by military's surveillance equipment
SEOUL -- A North Korean defector was caught on military surveillance equipment as he fled across the border to his communist homeland, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said Tuesday.
The border crossing by the 24-year-old man, surnamed Kim, became known after North Korea revealed Sunday that a "runaway" returned home in the border city of Kaesong with coronavirus symptoms and the entire city was blocked off to prevent the spread of the virus.
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(LEAD) S. Korean stocks rally on stimulus hopes, foreign buying at 7-year high
SEOUL -- South Korean stocks rallied by almost 2 percent Tuesday on the back of massive foreign buying with techs and market heavyweights leading the market gain. The Korean won slightly fell against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) jumped 39.13 points, or 1.76 percent, to close at 2,256.99. Trading volume was high at about 851 million shares worth some 17.2 trillion won (US$14.4 billion), with losers outnumbering gainers 495 to 344.
----------------
S. Korea may ease some construction rules to supply more homes
SEJONG -- South Korea's policymakers have discussed easing some construction rules to supply more homes in Seoul and the neighboring area, Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki said Tuesday.
A potential measure may allow an apartment building to have more homes by raising the residential floor area ratio, Hong told lawmakers.
----------------
KBO to begin taking draft applications from overseas-based S. Korean players
SEOUL -- The nation's top baseball league announced on Tuesday it will start accepting applications for its amateur draft from overseas-based South Korean players.
The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) will hold its annual draft on Sept. 21. And starting Tuesday, players who hold South Korean citizenship and who have played amateur ball outside the country will be able to declare their intention to enter the draft.
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Intelligence chief nominee threatens legal action against opposition party's claim over inter-Korean secret deal
SEOUL -- South Korea's intelligence chief nominee warned of legal action Tuesday against an opposition lawmaker who claimed he signed an under-the-table deal with North Korea before the first-ever inter-Korean summit in June 2000.
During Monday's confirmation hearing for Park Jie-won, nominee for the National Intelligence Service director, Rep. Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the United Future Party (UFP), revealed a copy of an agreement, dated April 8, 2000, about the South's commitment of US$3 billion financial support to the North.
----------------
Foreign ministry cites need for international comity over 'Abe statue'
SEOUL -- The foreign ministry said Tuesday that international courtesy for foreign leaders should be taken into consideration, after a local botanical garden reportedly installed a pair of bronze statues of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bowing on his knees before a wartime sexual slavery victim.
The garden in the eastern county of Pyeongchang plans to unveil the statues next month, according to local media reports. Its sculptor told local media that Japan must atone for wartime atrocities until South Korea accepts and forgives it.
----------------
All options, including nationalization, on table for Asiana: regulator
SEOUL -- South Korea's financial regulator said Tuesday that all viable options are on the table to deal with Asiana Airlines Inc. as the sale of the country's No. 2 carrier is teetering on the brink of falling through.
An HDC Hyundai Development Co.-led consortium has been seeking to take over Asiana Airlines, but in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the deal runs the risk of collapsing.
(END)


yna--2020-07-28--Assembly of world's largest fusion reactor begins in France; S. Korea plays key role

Proponents of ITER said the cost of building and operating a commercial nuclear fusion reactor will be similar to that @ @ @ @ @ power unit , but it will be carbon-free and without the added expenses of waste @ @ @ @ @ radiation-related accidents .

SEOUL, July 28 (Yonhap) -- The assembly of the world's largest nuclear fusion reactor, which has the potential to solve mankind's energy needs, began in earnest in France on Tuesday, with South Korea playing a key role in the megaproject, the science ministry said.
The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) consortium formally announced in Cadarache, France, that it has started to put together the experimental unit that will help substantiate the feasibility of fusion power generation.
South Korea officially joined the next-generation nuclear fusion reactor consortium in late 2006 that is also comprised of the European Union, the United States, Russia, China, Japan and India.
The country has supplied the massive tool, referred to as "giant," that is tasked with assembling the most critical vacuum vessel sector of the reactor, according to the ministry.
This file photo provided by the science ministry shows the massive subassembly tool that will put together the vacuum chamber sector of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor's nuclear fusion plant. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
"With the giant subassembly tool weighing 900 tons and standing 23 meters tall in place, ITER has started making the reactor with the goal of conducting a 'first plasma' test in December 2025," the ministry and the National Fusion Research Institute (NFRI) said.
NFRI chief Yoo Suk-jae said that at the assembly phase, South Korea is responsible for over 70 percent of the work, far exceeding its total share in the ITER project of 9 percent.
Besides the subassembly tool, the country is responsible for supplying the thermal shield, blanket modules for the vacuum chamber and the toroidal field coil that keeps the plasma field in place.
ITER uses deuterium and tritium as fuel, which is injected into a huge vacuum chamber and able to contain a super-hot plasma field.
The plasma field, reaching temperatures of 150 million degrees Celsius, triggers the energy-generating fusion reaction creating helium, neutron particles and heat.
If this process can be sustained, it can theoretically create an artificial sun on Earth that can provide mankind with a limitless supply of power.
Deuterium and tritium can be found in the ocean and in fresh water, with pineapple-size deuterium-tritium fuel having the same amount of energy as 10,000 tons of coal.
The ITER plant is designed for 500 megawatt output, which if connected to a power grid translates into 200 MW of electricity, enough to provide power to 200,000 households.
A scaled-up commercial version could generate 2,000 MW of electricity that can be used by 2 million households.
Proponents of ITER said the cost of building and operating a commercial nuclear fusion reactor will be similar to that of a conventional fission nuclear power unit, but it will be carbon-free and without the added expenses of waste disposal or fear of catastrophic radiation-related accidents.
This image provided by the science ministry shows the major components that have been supplied by International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor consortium partners in the building of its main fusion reactor. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-28--(LEAD) Korea Aerospace Q2 net more than halves on pandemic

`` In particular , some of the planned supplying of parts to private-sector customers such as Airbus and Boeing has @ @ @ @ @ a delay in payments and an impact on the bottom line , '' she said @

(ATTN: REWRITES throughout)
SEOUL, July 28 (Yonhap) -- Korea Aerospace Industries Co. (KAI), the country's sole aircraft manufacturer, said Tuesday its second-quarter net profit slumped 55 percent from a year earlier due to the new coronavirus outbreak.
Net profit for the April-June quarter plunged to 41.8 billion won (US$35 million) from 92.8 billion won a year earlier as the COVID-19 pandemic drove down demand, a company spokeswoman said over the phone.
"In particular, some of the planned supplying of parts to private-sector customers such as Airbus and Boeing has been delayed, resulting in a delay in payments and an impact on the bottom line," she said.
Operating profit declined 48 percent to 61.2 billion won in the second quarter from 116.6 billion won a year ago. Sales fell 11 percent to 721.1 billion won from 805.3 billion won during the same period.
From January to June, net profit declined 10 percent to 121.2 billion won from 135.3 billion won in the year-ago period.
As of June 30, KAI has exported a total of 148 trainer jets worth US$3.1 billion -- 64 T-50 advanced trainer jets worth $2.4 billion and 84 KT-1 basic trainer jets worth $700 million -- to countries such as Indonesia, Iraq, Thailand, Turkey, Peru and the Philippines since its foundation in 1999.
This undated file photo provided by Korea Aerospace Industries Co. shows a TA-50 lead-in fighter aircraft. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-29--Gov't to review whether to request repatriation of defector accused of sexual assault

The 24-year-old former North Korean defector , known by his family name , Kim , was facing arrest on a @ @ @ @ @ raping a female acquaintance last month , according to police .
His return became known @ @ @ @ @ runaway came back home with coronavirus symptoms .

SEOUL, July 29 (Yonhap) -- The unification ministry said Wednesday it will mull whether or not to request the repatriation of a North Korean defector who is presumed to have swum back to the North after facing rape accusations in the South.
The 24-year-old former North Korean defector, known by his family name, Kim, was facing arrest on a court-issued warrant on charges of raping a female acquaintance last month, according to police. His return became known after the North said a runaway came back home with coronavirus symptoms.
"As the relevant institutions are currently carrying out detailed investigations, we will decide after comprehensive review of the results of the examination, inter-Korean relations and previous measures," Yoh Sang-key, the ministry's spokesperson, told a regular press briefing.
Some critics have called on the government to demand Kim's repatriation, citing last year's deportation of two North Korean fishermen to the communist nation.
In November, the two North Koreans were caught near the eastern inter-Korean sea border, but the South sent them back to the North over allegations they fled after killing fellow crew members while in the North.
The North Koreans expressed a desire to defect, but the South dismissed their intentions as insincere, saying that they could be a potential threat to the lives and safety of its citizens.
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-29--Popularity of car camping dents tourist lodging businesses

`` In the summer vacation season , East Sea beaches have always been bustling with people , but we have @ @ @ @ @ there are so few customers , '' he said .

GANGNEUNG, South Korea, July 29 (Yonhap) -- Lodging businesses in eastern coastal areas, already hit by the coronavirus pandemic, are suffering from a decreasing number of customers due to the popularity of car camping.
Large campervans are a common sight on seaside roads and in beach parking lots recently, as automobile camping gains popularity, allowing vacationers to avoid contact with people while spending time outdoors.
Small-scale tourist accommodations at beaches in Gangneung, 240 kilometers east of Seoul, saw reservations fall to 80 percent of last year's level, according to industry sources. In rural areas, booking rates are less than 50 percent of last year's.
Camping vans are parked on a road near a beach in Gangneung, 240 kilometers east of Seoul, on July 28, 2020. (Yonhap)
While the slump is largely attributable to the coronavirus and recent lower-than-average temperatures, a growing number of campers who sleep in their cars is also a factor.
"There are so many people sleeping in their camping cars," an owner of an accommodation facility said.
"In the summer vacation season, East Sea beaches have always been bustling with people, but we have nothing to do now because there are so few customers," he said.
Local residents complain of litter around camping cars and shortages of parking spaces. Seashore cafes and restaurants also worry that parked cars spoil their views.
(END)


yna--2020-07-29--Hyundai opens 3rd Genesis exhibition hall in S. Korea

SEOUL , July 29 ( Yonhap ) -- Hyundai Motor Co. said Wednesday it has opened the third exhibition hall @ @ @ @ @ Korea in an effort to improve its brand image as a premium carmaker .

SEOUL, July 29 (Yonhap) -- Hyundai Motor Co. said Wednesday it has opened the third exhibition hall for Genesis vehicles in South Korea in an effort to improve its brand image as a premium carmaker.
Hyundai Motor opened the Genesis Suji exhibition hall in Yongin, just south of Seoul, on Wednesday, following the opening of Genesis Gangnam and Genesis Hanam in recent years.
Hyundai launched the Genesis brand vehicles in the domestic market in 2015 and advanced to the U.S. market the following year.
The Genesis models -- the G70, G80 and G90 sedans and the GV80 sport utility vehicle -- are sold under an independent badge separate from other vehicles sold under the Hyundai name.
The maker of the Sonata sedan and Santa Fe SUV plans to add the GV70 SUV and an all-electric car by 2021.
This file photo provided by Hyundai Motor shows the Genesis Suji exhibition hall that opened on July 29, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-29--Seoul stocks extend gains late Wed. morning on techs, automakers

The local currency was trading at 1,195.50 won against the U.S. dollar , up 1.4 won from the previous session @ @ @

SEOUL, July 29 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks continued to rise late Wednesday morning on the back of advances in techs and automakers.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index rose 9.96 points, or 0.44 percent, to 2,266.95 as of 11:20 a.m.
Local exporters may get a boost from the weak U.S. dollar, according to analysts.
In Seoul, most large caps traded higher.
Market behemoth Samsung Electronics added 1.54 percent, with No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix edging up 0.12 percent.
Internet giant Naver climbed 0.35 percent, with its rival Kakao up 0.91 percent.
Top automaker Hyundai Motor gained 1.63 percent, and leading chemical firm LG Chem advanced 0.38 percent.
Among decliners, pharmaceutical giant Samsung Biologics lost 1.97 percent, with Celltrion down 3.78 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,195.50 won against the U.S. dollar, up 1.4 won from the previous session's close.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-29--(LEAD) New virus cases bounce back to over 40 on surge in imported cases

Of the 34 newly reported imported cases , 21 were detected at quarantine checkpoints at ports and airports .
By @ @ @ @ @ from Russia , followed by the United States with eight , Uzbekistan with seven and @ @ @ @

(ATTN: ADDS more info in paras 5-6, 8-13, 18, 2nd photo)
SEOUL, July 29 (Yonhap) -- The number of new daily coronavirus in South Korea bounced back to above 40 Wednesday as both imported cases and local transmissions climbed up.
The country added 48 cases, including 34 imported cases, raising the total caseload to 14,251, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
The tally marked a sharp increase from 25 new virus cases reported Monday and 28 cases Tuesday.
Infections coming in from overseas have risen steadily by double-digit numbers for 34 consecutive days. The number of imported cases spiked to a record 86 on Saturday before dropping to 46 Sunday and 16 Monday.
This photo taken on July 28, 2020, shows health workers guiding arrivals at Incheon International Airport in Incheon. (Yonhap)
Of the 34 newly reported imported cases, 21 were detected at quarantine checkpoints at ports and airports. By country, 13 cases were from Russia, followed by the United States with eight, Uzbekistan with seven and Kazakhstan with two.
The total number of imported cases in the country is now at 2,363.
The newly identified cases are mostly tied to Russian ships docked in the southeastern port city of Busan.
Health authorities said an additional 12 sailors on a 7,733-ton Russia fishing vessel have tested positive for COVID-19. The ship, which entered a Busan port on July 8, already reported 32 virus-infected crew members last week.
The number of cases tied to seafarers on Russia-flagged ships has now surpassed 90, with one case also being reported in Incheon, just west of Seoul.
To prevent further virus infections, health authorities said Russian sailors will be also required to submit certificates proving they tested negative for the novel coronavirus.
South Korea currently enforces such virus-prevention measure on foreign arrivals from six countries -- Bangladesh, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Philippines and Uzbekistan -- that are classified as high-risk nations.
Health authorities said they will also thoroughly check South Korean construction workers flying in from Iraq.
An additional 70 South Korean workers will return home Friday on a chartered flight, according to Sohn Young-rae, a senior health official. Of the 293 workers who were airlifted from virus-hit Iraq last week, 77 have so far tested positive for COVID-19.
This photo taken on July 28, 2020, shows a health worker disinfecting seats at a virus testing center in Seoul. (Yonhap)
Domestic infections also increased by a double-digit figure after marking nine cases on Monday and five cases on Tuesday.
Of the 14 local transmissions, 13 were from the greater Seoul area -- seven in Seoul, five in Gyeonggi Province and one in Incheon. The southeastern port city of Busan also reported one more COVID-19 case.
Health authorities are staying vigilant over sporadic outbreaks during the summer vacation season as the country also lifted some infection preventive measures.
South Korea gave the go-ahead to all church gatherings on Friday, while it also allowed people to attend sports events on a limited basis.
The country reported no additional deaths, keeping the death toll at 300, according to the KCDC, with the mortality rate reaching at 2.11 percent.
The number of patients fully cured of the virus reached 13,069, up 62 from the previous day, while 882 are currently under treatment, down 14 from a day earlier.
South Korea has carried out 1,547,307 tests since Jan. 3.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-29--The Korea Interbank Offered Rates (KORIBOR)

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

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


yna--2020-07-29--Military to resume reserve forces' training in September in scaled-back manner over coronavirus

The military authorities reported the first virus case at the barracks in late February , and have recorded 76 patients @ @ @ @ @ members are in quarantine in accordance with health authorities ' guidelines , and the military @ @ @ @ @ a preventive step .

SEOUL, July 29 (Yonhap) -- The defense ministry decided to hold this year's regular training sessions for reserve forces in a scaled-back manner starting in September after monthslong delay due to the new coronavirus, officials said Wednesday.
The training for the country's 2.75 million-strong forces was supposed to kick off in March across the nation, but it has been put off several times due to COVID-19.
South Korean men are required to go through one training session of one to three days in duration per year as reservists for six years after completing their mandatory military service.
"Each reservist can select a date to go through the four-hour training program this year," ministry official Choi Hwan-chul told reporters.
Key programs, such as shooting, are scheduled to be implemented, he added.
It is the first time that the military has adjusted the training for reservists since its implementation in 1968.
As a supplement, the military will launch online programs in November on a trial basis. Volunteers for this distance learning will be allowed to skip their due indoor courses for next year, according to the ministry.
"The decision was made by factoring in diverse factors with a goal to protect health conditions of our reserve forces while maintaining their combat skills and a readiness posture," the ministry official said.
"Any modification to the plan is possible along with how the COVID-19 situation unfolds down the road," he added.
The military authorities reported the first virus case at the barracks in late February, and have recorded 76 patients. Currently, 502 service members are in quarantine in accordance with health authorities' guidelines, and the military has isolated 1,976 others as a preventive step.
Reservists engage in a mock combat drill at a military training camp in the city of Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, on March 4, 2019. (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)