yna--2020-05-31--(LEAD) Trump says he plans to invite S. Korea to G7 summit in September

In recent weeks he has often claimed that Moon praised the U.S. for doing well on testing people for COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ to boast that the U.S. was conducting more tests than South Korea , where an @ @ @ @ @ reported to have contained the disease .

(ATTN: UPDATES with background from 7th para)
By Lee Haye-ah
WASHINGTON, May 30 (Yonhap) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Saturday that he plans to invite South Korea to a Group of Seven summit in September.
South Korea is not a member of the G7, which comprises Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Britain and the United States, but the country has drawn widespread praise from around the world for its handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
"I don't feel that as a G7 it properly represents what's going on in the world," he told reporters on Air Force One, according to a pool report. "It's a very outdated group of countries."
Trump said he also plans to invite Russia, Australia and India.
Trump, who previously suggested hosting the summit at Camp David in June, said the meeting will be postponed until September.
White House spokeswoman Alyssa Farah added that the meeting will bring together traditional U.S. allies to talk about how to deal with the future of China, the pool report said.
This AFP photo shows U.S. President Donald Trump speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, on May 30, 2020. (Yonhap)
Trump has publicly blamed China for the coronavirus pandemic that has claimed more than 103,000 lives in the U.S., according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
Tensions between the two countries have escalated as China has moved to crack down on civil liberties in Hong Kong. On Friday, Trump announced that his administration would begin to roll back privileges Hong Kong has enjoyed with Washington.
The Associated Press reported that Trump said he had not set a date for the G7 meeting, but that it could take place around the time of the annual U.N. General Assembly in New York in September, or even after the U.S. presidential election in November.
Trump has spoken favorably of President Moon Jae-in, calling him "a friend of mine."
In recent weeks he has often claimed that Moon praised the U.S. for doing well on testing people for COVID-19. Trump has also liked to boast that the U.S. was conducting more tests than South Korea, where an aggressive testing regime was widely reported to have contained the disease.
Trump and Moon have worked together to engage North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in diplomatic talks over dismantling Pyongyang's nuclear weapons program.
The negotiations have all but stopped since a second summit between Trump and Kim in Vietnam in February 2019 ended abruptly due to differences over the scope of North Korea's denuclearization and sanctions relief from the U.S.
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-31--S. Korea reports 27 new virus cases as cluster infections still in focus

A distribution facility run by e-commerce leader Coupang Inc. in Bucheon , just west of Seoul , has emerged as @ @ @ @ @ authorities have been grappling with mass infections tied to nightclubs and bars in Seoul 's @ @ @ @ @ this month .

SEOUL, May 31 (Yonhap) -- South Korea reported 27 more cases of the new coronavirus Sunday as health officials try to stem infections linked to a logistics center in the Seoul metropolitan area.
The new cases, 15 of them local infections, raised South Korea's total coronavirus caseload to 11,468, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
The daily rise of new virus cases reached nearly a two month-high of 79 on Thursday, then declined to 58 Friday and 39 Saturday.
But health authorities remain on high alert amid concerns recent cluster infections could develop into another wave of massive infections amid school reopenings.
This photo taken on May 30, 2020, shows people waiting to be tested for the novel coronavirus at a public medical center in Busan. (Yonhap)
A distribution facility run by e-commerce leader Coupang Inc. in Bucheon, just west of Seoul, has emerged as a cluster infection as health authorities have been grappling with mass infections tied to nightclubs and bars in Seoul's nightlife neighborhood of Itaewon earlier this month.
So far, more than 100 cases have been traced to the distribution center since the first patient was confirmed last week, according to the KCDC.
The country reported one additional death, bringing the total death toll at 270. The fatality rate was 2.35 percent.
The total number of people released from quarantine after full recoveries stood at 10,405, up seven from the previous day, with 793 people currently under treatment.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-31--(URGENT) 7 more people released after full recovery from coronavirus, total cured patients at 10,405

(URGENT) 7 more people released after full recovery from coronavirus, total cured patients at 10,405: 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--2020-05-31--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 1 additional virus death, death toll now at 270: KCDC


yna--2020-05-31--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 27 more cases of new coronavirus, total now at 11,468: KCDC


yna--2020-05-31--N.K. propaganda outlet says protest growing against new interceptor missiles on THAAD base

Seongju residents are opposed to the stationing of the battery in their village , citing environmental and other concerns .
@ @ @ @ @ with police as they tried to block new equipment and other supplies from entering the @ @ @ @ @ military to use air transportation to move supplies .

SEOUL, May 31 (Yonhap) -- A North Korean propaganda outlet on Sunday reported on new interceptor missiles brought into a U.S. THAAD missile defense base in South Korea, saying local residents are condemning the South's defense ministry for helping the transport.
Replacement interceptors were brought onto the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense base in the central town of Seongju in a surprise overnight operation, sparking angry protests from local residents.
Tongil Voice, a North Korean propaganda radio broadcast, criticized the replacement missiles, saying "voices have grown among all sectors in South Korea condemning the defense ministry for supporting the entry of equipments in the U.S. army base Seongju."
"The public, including Seongju residents, has condemned the defense ministry for ignoring the demands of the public and being fooled into posing as a human shield for the U.S.," it said.
The shipment, including multiple interceptor missiles, power generators and electronic equipment for data collection, was made by ground.
Seongju residents are opposed to the stationing of the battery in their village, citing environmental and other concerns. They have often clashed violently with police as they tried to block new equipment and other supplies from entering the base, forcing the U.S. military to use air transportation to move supplies.
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-31--S. Koreans held 3.9 credit cards on average in 2019: data

`` In addition to the government 's policy support , more people are using credit cards as their main payment @ @ @ @ @ pay their taxes and other micropayments with credit cards , '' the association said .
@ @ @ @ @ mobile , online-based easy payment services emerged in the market , but since many of @ @ @ @ @ cards , there seems to be no major impact on people 's credit card holdings @ @

SEOUL, May 31 (Yonhap) -- South Korean held 3.9 credit cards on average last year, data showed Sunday, as credit card holdings in the country continue to increase as more people use credit cards as their preferred payment method.
There were 110.98 million credit cards in South Korea as of end-2019, up 5.92 million from a year earlier, according to the Credit Finance Association.
South Korea's economically active population, or the number of people aged 15 years or older who are willing to work, held 3.9 credit cards per person last year, data showed.
The number of credit cards held by the economically active population topped 4.8 in 2011. It dropped to 3.4 in 2014, but has been increasing since.
This photo, provided by Samsung Card on Feb. 16, 2020, shows credit cards released by the company. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Last year, the value of credit card spending in South Korea reached a total of 806.19 trillion won (US$651 billion), with 105 trillion won being credit card loans.
Credit card use accounted for 71.7 percent of total private spending last year. Including debit cards, the use of non-cash, electronic-based payment methods accounted for 90 percent of total private spending.
"In addition to the government's policy support, more people are using credit cards as their main payment method as they began to pay their taxes and other micropayments with credit cards," the association said. "Since 2014, many mobile, online-based easy payment services emerged in the market, but since many of them also rely on credit cards, there seems to be no major impact on people's credit card holdings."
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-31--Trump says he plans to invite S. Korea to G7 summit in September

`` I do n't feel that as a G7 it properly represents what 's going on in the world , @ @ @ @ @ Air Force One , according to a pool report .
`` It 's a very @ @ @ @ @ ''

WASHINGTON, May 30 (Yonhap) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Saturday that he plans to invite South Korea to a Group of Seven summit in September.
South Korea is not a member of the G7, which comprises Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Britain and the United States.
"I don't feel that as a G7 it properly represents what's going on in the world," he told reporters on Air Force One, according to a pool report. "It's a very outdated group of countries."
Trump said he also plans to invite Russia, Australia and India.
Trump, who previously suggested hosting the summit at Camp David in June, said the meeting will be postponed until September.
White House spokeswoman Alyssa Farah added that the meeting will bring together traditional U.S. allies to talk about how to deal with the future of China, the pool report said.
This AFP photo shows U.S. President Donald Trump speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, on May 30, 2020. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-31--(URGENT) Trump says he plans to invite S. Korea to G7 summit in September


Sunday's weather forecast

SEOUL , May 31 ( Yonhap ) -- The following is the weather forecast for South Korea 's 12 major @ @ @ @ @ .


yna--2020-05-31--Singer Rain of 'Gang' sensation forms project K-pop team for TV

The strange popularity of the video , which many describe as corny and out-of-touch , has led to an online @ @ @ @ @ a day , '' referring to the act of viewing the video on YouTube at @ @ @ @ @

SEOUL, May 31 (Yonhap) -- Doubling down on a recent viral sensation surrounding one of his past obscure songs, K-pop singer Rain has formed a one-off K-pop team as part of a reality TV project.
Rain, whose real name is Jung Ji-hoon, appeared on television forming a project coed band with Lee Hyo-ri, former member of '90s girl group FIN.K.L, and star comedian-emcee Yoo Jae-suk on MBC TV's "Hang Out with Yoo" on Saturday.
The episode featured the trio discussing the group's concept and direction, as well as footage of the team performing past hit songs by the two K-pop stars.
The team, which could add more members down the line, plans to release a retro '90s or 2000s-style summer dance song in the near future.
The weekend prime time TV show centers around Yoo, one of the biggest celebrity comedians in South Korea, tackling various vocational projects, such as cooking and stage acting, in a reality TV format.
Last year, Yoo released a three-track EP record, "Bbong For Yoo," under the comedic alter ego of Yoo San-seul, creating huge buzz within the pop culture landscape.
One of the biggest K-pop stars during the 2000s, Rain, who has experienced a career lull in recent years, has returned to the public spotlight amid a hate-watching boom towards the music video for his 2017 song "Gang."
The strange popularity of the video, which many describe as corny and out-of-touch, has led to an online movement called "one Gang a day," referring to the act of viewing the video on YouTube at least once a day.
The view count for the music video has recently surpassed the 10-million mark. It has also led to the creation and uploading of a vast number of parody videos on the internet.
This composite image provided by MBC TV shows highlights from the network's weekend variety show "Hang Out With Yoo," starring comedian Yoo Jae-suk and K-pop stars Rain and Lee Hyo-ri. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


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yna--2020-05-30--(6th LD) S. Korea's daily COVID-19 tally drops below 40 amid push to contain logistics center cluste

(6th LD) S. Korea's daily COVID-19 tally drops below 40 amid push to contain logistics center cluster infection

`` We are conducting tests on and putting into self-quarantine all the employees who have worked at the logistics center @ @ @ @ @ Kwon said , adding that the number of infections may go up when considering that @ @ @ @ @ and that the incubation period of the coronavirus is 14 days .

(ATTN: ADDS details in paras 8, 12)
SEOUL, May 30 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's daily number of new coronavirus cases dropped below 40 Saturday, amid a stepped-up push to contain cluster infections traced to a distribution center just west of Seoul and fend off a potential virus resurgence.
The country logged 39 additional COVID-19 cases, down 19 from the previous day, bringing the total caseload to 11,441, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
The latest tally marked a drop from the nearly two-month high of 79 on Thursday. But the authorities remained on high alert amid concerns recent bouts of infections could hamper efforts to return to normal after months of the grueling fight against the pandemic that has disrupted daily life and dented economic growth.
A mask-wearing visitor attends a ceremony marking Buddha's Birthday at a temple on the southern resort island of Jeju on May 30, 2020. (Yonhap)
In a renewed plea for public cooperation, KCDC Deputy Director Kwon Joon-wook said that the next two weeks will be a "crucial juncture" in flattening the infection curve.
"We need to take greater caution, particularly in the densely populated Seoul metropolitan area," he told a regular press briefing.
"When the scale of COVID-19 infections grows, the virus could infiltrate medical, welfare and religious facilities where there are many vulnerable classes of people," he added.
He also said that there could "inevitably" be long-term restrictions imposed on operations of facilities that have not properly practiced everyday social distancing.
The slowdown in new infections appears to be attributable to the health and quarantine officials' aggressive campaign to stop the spread of infections from a distribution center of e-commerce leader Coupang in Bucheon, west of Seoul.
The facility has emerged as a focus of the country's containment campaign following mass infections traced to clubs and bars in the nightlife district of Itaewon in central Seoul.
As of 11 a.m. Saturday, the number of virus cases traced to the Coupang center was 108, an increase of six from a day earlier, the KCDC said, urging citizens to avoid large crowds and outdoor activities over the weekend.
All of the 108 cases were confirmed in Seoul and its surrounding areas. Of them, 73 patients are employees of the center with the remainder being people that came into close contact with them.
But when including another case that occurred in Bucheon after 11 a.m., the number of cases linked to the Coupang logistics center are estimated to be at least 109.
The number of infections linked to Itaewon clubs reached 269 as of noon Saturday, up three from the previous day, according to the KCDC.
"We are conducting tests on and putting into self-quarantine all the employees who have worked at the logistics center since May 12," Kwon said, adding that the number of infections may go up when considering that tests are still under way and that the incubation period of the coronavirus is 14 days.
The cases from the logistics center have laid bare the vulnerabilities of enclosed workplaces, particularly those where social distancing protocols are loosely applied due to heavy workloads.
Health workers disinfect a classroom at a high school in the southeastern port city of Busan on May 30, 2020, after a senior at the school tested positive for the new coronavirus earlier this week. (Yonhap)
The drop in new cases in Saturday's tally was a relief for the quarantine authorities fretful over the possible new wave of infections.
Late last week, the daily number of new cases hovered a little over 20 and then dropped below 20 early this week. But the figure shot up to 40 on Wednesday and to 79 the following day, with Friday's tally standing at 58.
Despite the slowdown, the health authorities remain wary of additional transmission, as a high-school third grader in the southeastern city of Busan was confirmed to have contracted the virus on Friday, the first case since schools recently started phased reopenings.
Authorities have yet to identify the high school senior's infection route, with screening tests of 125 people who were found to have contacted the student under way.
The KCDC said that 27 of Saturday's new cases were confirmed in Seoul and its surrounding areas, while the southern cities of Daegu and Gwangju reported two new cases each. Busan, South Jeolla Province and Gwangwon Province added one case apiece.
The country, meanwhile, added 12 imported cases and reported no additional deaths, with the total death toll staying at 269.
The total number of people released from quarantine after full recoveries stood at 10,398, up 35 from the previous day.
In related news, the defense ministry said that one of the 12 COVID-19 patients in the military, whose infections are linked to the Itaewon district, fully recovered from the infectious disease in the first such recovery case related to the cluster infection.
A student walks into a coronavirus testing center in the southeastern port city of Busan on May 30, 2020. (Yonhap)
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-30--N. Korea's state broadcaster reports on George Floyd's death

Protests have exploded across the United States as people have gathered to grieve the killing of the 46-year-old who died @ @ @ @ @ a white police officer .

SEOUL, May 30 (Yonhap) -- North Korea's state broadcaster on Saturday reported on the death of George Floyd, an unarmed African American man who died while being restrained by police.
In its regular news program aired at 8 p.m., the North's Korean Central Television said that "a murder of a black person by a white police officer occurred on May 25 in Minneapolis, Minnesota."
The state broadcaster showed a video explaining the case and said that "actions of complaint condemning the police's racist action against black people" have broken out there.
"The Minnesota governor has declared a state of emergency as the spirit of resistance became stronger," it added.
Protests have exploded across the United States as people have gathered to grieve the killing of the 46-year-old who died after being pinned down by a white police officer.
This photo, captured from North Korea's Korean Central Television, shows the state media reporting on George Floyd's death in its regular news program on May 30, 2020. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-05-31--(4th LD) S. Korea to tighten quarantine rules despite drop in new infection cases

As of noon , 111 cases have been traced to the distribution center run by e-commerce leader Coupang , up @ @ @ @ @ , according to the KCDC .
The first patient from the distribution center was confirmed @ @ @ @

(ATTN: CHANGES headline, lead; UPDATES with remarks from health minister, additional information in paras 2-14; RECASTS 15th para to clarify six of 12 imported cases came from the Americas)
By Joo Kyung-don
SEOUL, May 31 (Yonhap) -- South Korea plans to further enhance its steps aimed at preventing the spread of the new coronavirus, especially at those facilities considered high risk, the country's health minister said Sunday, despite a steady decline in the number of new infection cases.
As of Sunday, the country had confirmed 27 additional cases of the new coronavirus, bringing its total caseload to 11,468, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
It marks the first time in five days that the daily number of virus cases was below 30. It also marks a steady drop from a near two-month high of 79 cases reported Thursday, followed by 58 cases Friday and 39 Saturday.
Starting from Tuesday, however, those facilities considered high risk, including bars and karaoke rooms, will be required to keep a quick response (QR) code-based customer register, Health Minister Park Neung-hoo said in a press briefing.
Health workers disinfect a lodging facility in Jeju on May 31, 2020, after a virus patient visited the building. (Yonhap)
The move comes after local health authorities struggled to locate thousands of visitors to nightspots in Seoul's international district of Itaewon, to which 270 infection cases have so far been linked.
Park said the identity of visitors to high-risk facilities and their records of visit will be kept separately to prevent any possible leak of personal information and only be matched for identification when needed.
Also, the stored information will be automatically deleted after four weeks, he added.
The government earlier said it will inspect some 39,000 construction sites and manufacturing businesses throughout the country for infection risks after a distribution facility in Bucheon, just west of Seoul, emerged as the origin of a new cluster of infections in the capital region.
As of noon, 111 cases have been traced to the distribution center run by e-commerce leader Coupang, up three from the previous day, according to the KCDC. The first patient from the distribution center was confirmed on May 23.
The health minister said the government will check some 4,300 distribution and logistics centers throughout the nation to prevent any new cluster infections.
"The next one or two weeks will be crucial to breaking the chain of infections in the capital region," Park said.
Still, the health minister said the latest wave of infection cases was not serious enough to reintroduce an all-out social distancing campaign.
Of the new cases reported Sunday, 15 were local infections while the remaining 12 came from other countries, according to the KCDC.
Seoul saw its infection cases rise by six to 861, while nearby Gyeonggi Province and Incheon had their totals increase by 12 and three, respectively, to 840 and 206.
Of the 12 new imported cases, half of them were from the Americas.
The entrance to a public library in Goyang, north of Seoul, is closed on May 31, 2020, as state-run facilities, such as libraries and museums, in Seoul and its surrounding areas suspended operations for two weeks due to a recent resurgence in new coronavirus cases. (Yonhap)
The country reported one additional death, bringing the total death toll at 270. The fatality rate was 2.35 percent.
The total number of people released from quarantine after full recoveries stood at 10,405, up seven from the previous day, with 793 people currently under treatment.
The resurgence in new virus cases in recent days has put South Korea's "everyday life quarantine" scheme, which enables citizens to carry out social and economic activities under quarantine rules, in jeopardy.
There has been speculation that the country may return to its strict social distancing scheme. The country Thursday opted to impose tighter virus prevention measures in the capital and densely populated metropolitan area, which includes shutdowns of public facilities, over the next two weeks through June 14.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-31--S. Korea to inspect construction sites, manufacturing businesses for virus infection risks

`` We 've witnessed that our quarantine system is vulnerable in some sectors , '' Chung said in a government @ @ @ @ @ a recent resurgence in new coronavirus cases linked to the logistics center run by e-commerce @ @ @ @ @ , just west of Seoul .

SEOUL, May 31 (Yonhap) -- The government will inspect about 38,000 construction sites and manufacturing workplaces as a precautionary measure to prevent coronavirus infections, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said Sunday, after a cluster infection broke out at a logistics center near Seoul.
"We've witnessed that our quarantine system is vulnerable in some sectors," Chung said in a government response meeting, referring to a recent resurgence in new coronavirus cases linked to the logistics center run by e-commerce leader Coupang Inc. in Bucheon, just west of Seoul.
As of Sunday at noon, 111 cases have been traced to the facility.
Some 15,000 building sites and 24,000 manufacturing workplaces are subject to the inspections.
At the same time, the government will also conduct on-site inspections of 1,700 businesses like call centers.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun speaks at a government meeting held in Seoul on May 31, 2020. (Yonhap)
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-31--Samsung considering expanding online recruitment process

Under the new system , job applicants were asked to take the test at home using their personal computers .
@ @ @ @ @ a video using their smartphones to show a monitor screen , a mouse and their @ @ @ @ @ an exam proctor could monitor possible cheating practices in real time .

SEOUL, May 31 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Group, South Korea's top conglomerate, said Sunday it is considering expanding its remote hiring process after wrapping up its first-ever online recruitment exam amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The Global Samsung Aptitude Test (GSAT), an entrance exam for those who seek jobs at Samsung, was conducted online for the first time this weekend.
"With the result of the first online exam, we will upgrade our hiring system and plan to utilize online-related solutions in various recruiting areas," the group said.
A supervisor looks at a monitor as applicants take Samsung Group's recruitment exam on May 31, 2020, in this photo provided by Samsung Electronics Co. The test, named the Global Samsung Aptitude Test (GSAT), was conducted online this year amid concerns over the new coronavirus. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Under the new system, job applicants were asked to take the test at home using their personal computers. They were required to record a video using their smartphones to show a monitor screen, a mouse and their face and hands so that an exam proctor could monitor possible cheating practices in real time.
Samsung said those who are caught cheating will be banned from taking its test for five years. So far, no cheating or program malfunctions have been reported, the group said.
Samsung didn't reveal how many people took the online exam, but industry sources said the figure may be smaller than a year ago.
However, Samsung positively evaluated its first online GSAT, saying it contributed to the country's fight against the novel coronavirus.
"The online exam is a suitable recruitment system in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and it is a path that we should move toward someday," the group said. "It also contributed to reducing various social costs compared with a massive offline test."
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-31--S. Korea to talk with U.S. on G-7 invitation: Cheong Wa Dae

The U.S. invitation and the possible forming of a new G-11 group coincide with heightening tensions between Washington and Beijing @ @ @ @ @ latter for the coronavirus pandemic and the crackdown on the civil movement in Hong Kong @

SEOUL, May 31 (Yonhap) -- South Korea has not received an invitation to a Group of Seven summit from the United States but will discuss the matter with Washington, an official from the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae said Sunday.
U.S. President Donald Trump, the chair of this year's G-7 members, said Saturday (U.S. time) that he plans to invite South Korea to a G-7 summit meeting rescheduled for September, along with the non-G-7 countries of India, Australia and Russia.
The summit of leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Britain and the U.S. was originally to take place in March but has been postponed for months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"That's what we will discuss with the U.S. side," a Cheong Wa Dae official told reporters, adding that he is now aware of President Trump's invitation. "But we've not been notified of the request in advance."
The U.S. invitation and the possible forming of a new G-11 group coincide with heightening tensions between Washington and Beijing as the former blames the latter for the coronavirus pandemic and the crackdown on the civil movement in Hong Kong.
It will highlight South Korea's upgraded international reputation for successfully handling the coronavirus infection, but could also present complications for South Korea's diplomacy if the U.S. tries to use such a forum to increase pressure on China.
In this photo by AFP, U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One while en route to Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland on May 30, 2020. (Yonhap)
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-31--N. Korea seeks to have Mount Paekdu listed as UNESCO global geopark

Following the decision by the North Korean National Commission for UNESCO to enlist the Mount Paekdu area as a global @ @ @ @ @ North submitted an application to the U.N. body the following year , the report said @

SEOUL, May 31 (Yonhap) -- North Korea is actively seeking to enlist the country's sacred Mount Paekdu as a UNESCO global geopark, state media reported Sunday.
"Scientists in relevant fields of the DPRK made scientific proof of its geological features and world value through scores of years-long survey and research," the North's official Korean Central News Agency said, stressing the mountain's rich biodiversity and geological significance.
DPRK stands for the North's official name, Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
A geopark is an area with geological heritage of international significance designated by UNESCO.
Following the decision by the North Korean National Commission for UNESCO to enlist the Mount Paekdu area as a global geopark in 2018, the North submitted an application to the U.N. body the following year, the report said.
The application for Mount Paekdu is currently under examination by UNESCO, it added.
Mount Paekdu is propagandized in the country as the birthplace of North Korean founding leader Kim Il-sung, a claim that is widely disputed by outside experts.
This pool photo, taken Sept. 20, 2018, shows Chonji, a crater atop the volcanic Mount Paekdu. The South and North Korean first couples visited the site during their excursion to the tallest mountain on the Korean Peninsula through the rarely opened North Korean side, the last schedule of South Korean President Moon Jae-in's three-day trip for summit talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (Yonhap)
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-31--Hyundai Motor, Hanwha Q Cells join hands for ESS development

Under the memorandum of understanding , the two sides will cooperate to find a business solution that recycles EV batteries @ @ @ @ @ lower cost .
They plan to develop home-use ESS products together , targeting European and @ @ @ @

SEOUL, May 31 (Yonhap) -- Hyundai Motor Group, South Korea's leading carmaker, said Sunday that it has joined hands with local solar cells and modules manufacturer Hanwha Q Cells to develop energy storage system (ESS) with used electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
Under the memorandum of understanding, the two sides will cooperate to find a business solution that recycles EV batteries and makes ESS at a lower cost. They plan to develop home-use ESS products together, targeting European and North American customers.
The two companies also agreed to explore solar-related ESS projects by utilizing their infrastructure and supply channels.
Hyundai Motor Group said the partnership will facilitate expansion of renewable energy use and support its efforts to establish an environmental-friendly ecosystem for the EV industry.
The South Korean automotive titan in recent years has been pushing to develop ESS in the after-market use of EV batteries.
In 2018, Hyundai signed a strategic partnership with Finnish energy giant Wartsila on developing the commercial market for ESS using recycled EV batteries. Last year, it decided to join forces with local solar energy firm OCI Co. for an ESS project.
This photo provided by Hyundai Motor Group on May 31, 2020, shows officials from Hyundai Motor Group and Hanwha Q Cells posing after signing a partnership for ESS development. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-31--(3rd LD) S. Korea's new virus cases drop to 27, continuing downward trend

It marks the first time in five days that the daily number of virus cases was below 30 .
The @ @ @ @ @ cases reached nearly a two month-high of 79 on Thursday , then declined to 58 @ @ @ @ @

(ATTN: ADDS more info in paras 7-10; UPDATES 14th para)
By Joo Kyung-don
SEOUL, May 31 (Yonhap) -- South Korea reported 27 new cases of the coronavirus Sunday, the lowest since a logistics center-linked cluster infection brought the daily new cases to nearly a two-month high last week, as health officials kept up efforts to prevent similar collective infections.
The new cases, 15 of them local infections, raised South Korea's total coronavirus caseload to 11,468, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
It marks the first time in five days that the daily number of virus cases was below 30. The daily rise of new virus cases reached nearly a two month-high of 79 on Thursday, then declined to 58 Friday and 39 Saturday.
But health authorities remain on high alert amid concerns recent cluster infections could develop into another wave of massive infections amid school reopenings.
Health workers disinfect a lodging facility in Jeju on May 31, 2020, after a virus patient visited the building. (Yonhap)
Of the new cases, six were in Seoul. Nearby Gyeonggi Province and Incheon accounted for 12 and three cases, respectively.
A distribution facility run by e-commerce leader Coupang Inc. in Bucheon, just west of Seoul, has emerged as a cluster infection as health authorities have been grappling with mass infections tied to nightclubs and bars in Seoul's nightlife neighborhood of Itaewon earlier this month.
As of noon, 111 cases have been traced to the distribution center, up three from the previous day, according to the KCDC. The first patient from the distribution center was confirmed on May 23.
So far, 270 cases have been linked to the Itaewon cluster, the KCDC added, with nearly half of them identified in Seoul.
Health authorities are also keeping a watchful eye on sporadic outbreaks in the nation's capital area, including cases coming from Campus Crusade For Christ and an announcer academy in Seoul.
Of the 12 new imported cases, half of them were from the United States.
The entrance to a public library in Goyang, north of Seoul, is closed on May 31, 2020, as state-run facilities, such as libraries and museums, in Seoul and its surrounding areas suspended operations for two weeks due to a recent resurgence in new coronavirus cases. (Yonhap)(END)
The country reported one additional death, bringing the total death toll at 270. The fatality rate was 2.35 percent.
The total number of people released from quarantine after full recoveries stood at 10,405, up seven from the previous day, with 793 people currently under treatment.
The resurgence in new virus cases in recent days has put South Korea's "everyday life quarantine" scheme, which enables citizens to carry out social and economic activities under quarantine rules, in jeopardy.
There has been speculation that the country may return to its strict social distancing scheme. The country Thursday opted to impose a tighter virus prevention mesures in the capital and densely populated metropolitan area, which includes shutdowns of public facilities, over the next two weeks through June 14.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-31--Amount of idle money in S. Korea hits record high

`` It is likely that short-term floating capital will move to other asset markets as the interest rate falls , @ @ @ @ @ senior researcher at the Korea Capital Market Institute , said .
`` Since the regulation @ @ @ @ @ is expected to be reinforced , it is likely that the idle money will flow @ @ @ @ @ ''

SEOUL, May 31 (Yonhap) -- The volume of short-term floating capital in South Korea hit an all-time high of more than 1,100 trillion won (US$888 billion) amid low interest rates and increased uncertainties over the novel coronavirus pandemic, data showed Sunday.
Cash and other forms of short-term capital, including demand deposits and money market funds (MMFs), totaled 1,106.3 trillion won as of end-March, Bank of Korea and the Korea Financial Investment Association data showed. The amount was the largest since the institutions began to record such statistics.
The country's short-term floating capital surpassed 1,000 trillion won last November and has been rapidly increasing for five straight months.
In particular, the country's idle capital rose by 47 trillion won in February, its largest ever monthly increase.
This image, created by Yonhap News TV, shows a money counting machine. South Korea's short-term floating capital hit an all-time high of more than 1,100 trillion won as of end-March. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Market observers said investors have opted to park their money in short-term investment vehicles due to a lack of attractive financial products as the country's central bank cut its key rate to a record low in order to boost the economy amid the virus pandemic.
The Bank of Korea slashed the base rate from 1.25 percent to 0.75 percent in March. On Thursday, it further trimmed the key rate by a quarter percentage point to a record low of 0.50 percent.
Experts said the country's floating money is likely to flow into the stock market with the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) recently recovering the psychologically significant 2,000-point mark after a market clash caused by the pandemic.
"It is likely that short-term floating capital will move to other asset markets as the interest rate falls," Hwang Se-woon, a senior researcher at the Korea Capital Market Institute, said. "Since the regulation on the local property market is expected to be reinforced, it is likely that the idle money will flow into the stock market."
The country's investor deposits at securities firms have been on a steady increase this year.
The amount of retail investors' deposits that can be used to buy stocks came to 44.5 trillion won as of Friday, up 63.1 percent from 27.3 trillion won in December.
"The South Korean stock market has been experiencing an inflow of funds," Hwang said. "This is partly because investors went for bargain hunting for quite a while, but it is also due to an influx of stray liquidity.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-31--(3rd LD) Trump says he plans to invite S. Korea to G7 summit in September

In recent weeks he has often claimed that Moon praised the U.S. for doing well on testing people for COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ to boast that the U.S. was conducting more tests than South Korea , where an @ @ @ @ @ reported to have contained the disease .

(ATTN: EXPANDS dateline; UPDATES with S. Korean official's comments, analysis)
By Lee Haye-ah
WASHINGTON/SEOUL, May 31 (Yonhap) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Saturday that he plans to invite South Korea to a Group of Seven summit in September.
South Korea is not a member of the G7, which comprises Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Britain and the United States, but the country has drawn widespread praise from around the world for its handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
"We want Australia. We want India. We want South Korea. And what do we have? That's a nice group of countries right there," he told reporters on Air Force One, according to a pool report. He also listed Russia.
Trump said he feels the G7 doesn't properly represent what is happening in the world and that with the additions it could become a "G10 or G11."
"It's a very outdated group of countries," he said of the G7, adding that he has "roughly" discussed the new idea with the leaders of the four countries he would like to add.
Trump, who previously suggested hosting the summit at Camp David in June, said the meeting could be postponed until the weekend before or after the U.N. General Assembly in New York, currently scheduled to begin Sept. 15.
"Maybe I'll do it after the election," he mused, referring to the U.S. presidential election in November. "I think a good time would be before the election."
This AFP photo shows U.S. President Donald Trump speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, on May 30, 2020. (Yonhap)
White House spokeswoman Alyssa Farah said that the meeting will bring together traditional U.S. allies to talk about how to deal with the future of China, the pool report said.
In Seoul, a foreign ministry official said that the country has not yet received an invitation.
"As this year's chair, the U.S. can invite South Korea, but we've not yet received an invitation or heard from the U.S. about it," the official said.
The proposed invitation underlines South Korea's raised international profile, especially in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, and could lead to the forming of a new G11 group that could give Seoul diplomatic opportunities to take the lead on global issues.
However, such an expansion could present complications for South Korea's diplomacy, if the U.S. tries to use the enlarged group to rally support for its campaign to increase pressure on China, amid intensifying tensions between the two superpowers.
Trump has publicly blamed China for the coronavirus pandemic that has claimed more than 103,000 lives in the U.S., according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
Tensions between the two countries have escalated as China has moved to crack down on civil liberties in Hong Kong. On Friday, Trump announced that his administration would begin to roll back privileges Hong Kong has enjoyed with Washington.
Trump has spoken favorably of President Moon Jae-in, calling him "a friend of mine."
In recent weeks he has often claimed that Moon praised the U.S. for doing well on testing people for COVID-19. Trump has also liked to boast that the U.S. was conducting more tests than South Korea, where an aggressive testing regime was widely reported to have contained the disease.
Trump and Moon have worked together to engage North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in diplomatic talks over dismantling Pyongyang's nuclear weapons program.
The negotiations have all but stopped since a second summit between Trump and Kim in Vietnam in February 2019 ended abruptly due to differences over the scope of North Korea's denuclearization and sanctions relief from the U.S.
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-31--Today in Korean history

Today in Korean history

2005 -- The flow of water through the restored stream of the Cheonggyecheon in central Seoul is successfully tested .
@ @ @ @ @ flowing west to east through downtown Seoul , was covered with concrete for roads in @ @ @ @ @ liberated from Japan .
In July 2003 , then Seoul Mayor Lee Myung-bak , who @ @ @ @ @ a project to remove the elevated highway and restore the stream .

June 1
1981 -- The Kyobo Book Center, or Kyobo Mungo, opens in Kyobo Building in Gwanghwamun, central Seoul. The bookshop is the largest and most famous bookstore in South Korea, now boasting ten stores across the country.
1982 -- Fifty-three soldiers are killed as a military transportation plane crashes near Seongnam, just south of Seoul.
2005 -- The flow of water through the restored stream of the Cheonggyecheon in central Seoul is successfully tested. Cheonggyecheon, a 5.8-kilometer creek flowing west to east through downtown Seoul, was covered with concrete for roads in 1948 after South Korea was liberated from Japan. In July 2003, then Seoul Mayor Lee Myung-bak, who later became president, initiated a project to remove the elevated highway and restore the stream.
2012 -- South Korea and Mongolia sign an agreement to streamline the visa process for each other's citizens in a bid to boost people-to-people exchanges and economic cooperation.
2016 -- South Korean firms suffering monthslong financial damage from the shutdown of a joint industrial complex in North Korea express discontent with government support measures, saying the partial aid is not enough to compensate them for their losses.
2018 -- South Korean footballer Ki Sung-yueng appears in his 100th international match at a friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina at Jeonju World Cup Stadium in Jeonju, 240 kilometers south of Seoul. He becomes the 10th South Korean in the Century Club by FIFA's count, with Cha Bum-kun and Hong Myung-bo tied atop the list with 136 caps.
2019 -- The Ukrainian captain of a cruise ship was formally arrested after a Hungarian court issued an arrest warrant involving a deadly collision that left 25 South Koreans dead and one missing.
(END)


yna--2020-05-31--(2nd LD) Trump says he plans to invite S. Korea to G7 summit in September

(ATTN: UPDATES with Trump's remarks in paras 3-7)
By Lee Haye-ah
WASHINGTON, May 30 (Yonhap) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Saturday that he plans to invite South Korea to a Group of Seven summit in September.
South Korea is not a member of the G7, which comprises Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Britain and the United States, but the country has drawn widespread praise from around the world for its handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
"We want Australia. We want India. We want South Korea. And what do we have? That's a nice group of countries right there," he told reporters on Air Force One, according to a pool report. He also listed Russia.
Trump said he feels the G7 doesn't properly represent what is happening in the world and that with the additions it could become a "G10 or G11."
"It's a very outdated group of countries," he said of the G7, adding that he has "roughly" discussed the new idea with the leaders of the four countries he would like to add.
Trump, who previously suggested hosting the summit at Camp David in June, said the meeting could be postponed until the weekend before or after the U.N. General Assembly in New York, currently scheduled to begin Sept. 15.
"Maybe I'll do it after the election," he mused, referring to the U.S. presidential election in November. "I think a good time would be before the election."
This AFP photo shows U.S. President Donald Trump speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, on May 30, 2020. (Yonhap)
White House spokeswoman Alyssa Farah added that the meeting will bring together traditional U.S. allies to talk about how to deal with the future of China, the pool report said.
Trump has publicly blamed China for the coronavirus pandemic that has claimed more than 103,000 lives in the U.S., according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
Tensions between the two countries have escalated as China has moved to crack down on civil liberties in Hong Kong. On Friday, Trump announced that his administration would begin to roll back privileges Hong Kong has enjoyed with Washington.
Trump has spoken favorably of President Moon Jae-in, calling him "a friend of mine."
In recent weeks he has often claimed that Moon praised the U.S. for doing well on testing people for COVID-19. Trump has also liked to boast that the U.S. was conducting more tests than South Korea, where an aggressive testing regime was widely reported to have contained the disease.
Trump and Moon have worked together to engage North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in diplomatic talks over dismantling Pyongyang's nuclear weapons program.
The negotiations have all but stopped since a second summit between Trump and Kim in Vietnam in February 2019 ended abruptly due to differences over the scope of North Korea's denuclearization and sanctions relief from the U.S.
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-31--Private equity fund-led deals hit record high in 2019

At the end of last year , there were 721 private equity funds with assets under management of 84.3 trillion @ @ @ @ @ data .

SEOUL, May 31 (Yonhap) -- Investment deals by South Korea's private equity funds hit a record high in 2019, but their investments were still centered on local firms, government data showed Sunday.
Local private equity funds invested 16 trillion won (US$12.9 billion) in 500 companies last year, up from 13.9 trillion won in 2018, according to the data from the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS).
They invested 12.8 trillion won in 421 South Korean companies and 3.2 trillion won in foreign companies, the data showed.
Last year's investments by private equity funds were significantly higher than a previous three-year average investment of 11.7 trillion won, it said.
At the end of last year, there were 721 private equity funds with assets under management of 84.3 trillion won, according to the data.
This file photo shows the logo of the Financial Supervisory Service in front of its headquarters in Yeouido, western Seoul. (Yonhap)
entropy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-31--(2nd LD) S. Korea's new virus cases drop to 27, continuing downward trend

(ATTN: CHANGES headline; CLARIFIES lead, ADDS more info in 5th para, 2nd photo)
By Joo Kyung-don
SEOUL, May 31 (Yonhap) -- South Korea reported 27 new cases of the coronavirus Sunday, the lowest since a logistics center-linked cluster infection brought the daily new cases to nearly a two-month high, as health officials kept up efforts to prevent similar collective infections.
The new cases, 15 of them local infections, raised South Korea's total coronavirus caseload to 11,468, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
It marks the first time in five days that the daily number of virus cases was below 30. The daily rise of new virus cases reached nearly a two month-high of 79 on Thursday, then declined to 58 Friday and 39 Saturday.
But health authorities remain on high alert amid concerns recent cluster infections could develop into another wave of massive infections amid school reopenings.
Health workers disinfect a lodging facility in Jeju on May 31, 2020, after a virus patient visited the building. (Yonhap)
Of the new cases, six were in Seoul. Nearby Gyeonggi Province and Incheon accounted for 12 and three cases, respectively.
A distribution facility run by e-commerce leader Coupang Inc. in Bucheon, just west of Seoul, has emerged as a cluster infection as health authorities have been grappling with mass infections tied to nightclubs and bars in Seoul's nightlife neighborhood of Itaewon earlier this month.
So far, more than 100 cases have been traced to the distribution center since the first patient was confirmed on May 23, according to the KCDC.
The country reported one additional death, bringing the total death toll at 270. The fatality rate was 2.35 percent.
The total number of people released from quarantine after full recoveries stood at 10,405, up seven from the previous day, with 793 people currently under treatment.
The resurgence in new virus cases in recent days has put South Korea's "everyday life quarantine" scheme, which enables citizens to carry out social and economic activities under quarantine rules, in jeopardy.
There has been speculation that the country may return to its strict social distancing scheme. The country Thursday opted to impose a tighter virus prevention mesures in the capital and densely populated metropolitan area over the next two weeks through June 14.
The entrance to a public library in Goyang, north of Seoul, is closed on May 31, 2020, as state-run facilities, such as libraries and museums, in Seoul and its surrounding areas suspended operations for two weeks since last Friday due to a recent resurgence in new coronavirus cases. (Yonhap)(END)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-31--(LEAD) Moon replaces seven secretaries at Cheong Wa Dae

Tak is known for his experience and expertise in organizing events .
He led the government 's preparations for the @ @ @ @ @ last year to commemorate the first anniversary of the historic summit between Moon and North @ @ @ @ @ the truce village .

(ATTN: UPDATES with details in paras 3-4, last para; ADDS photo)
SEOUL, May 31 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in replaced seven presidential secretaries on Sunday, including naming a former Cheong Wa Dae staffer known as one of Moon's closest aides as his new protocol secretary.
Park Kyung-mee, a former ruling party lawmaker, has been named secretary for education, with Tak Hyun-min, a former Cheong Wa Dae staffer, appointed as new protocol secretary, according to Cheong Wa Dae.
Park was a professor of mathematics education at Hongik University and lawmaker with the Democratic Party. She was defeated in the April 15 parliamentary election.
Tak is known for his experience and expertise in organizing events. He led the government's preparations for the Panmunjom ceremony on April 27 last year to commemorate the first anniversary of the historic summit between Moon and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un at the truce village.
Photos of newly appointed presidential secreties released by Cheong Wa Dae; from left, Park Kyung-mee, Tak Hyun-min, Han Jung-woo, Lee Ji-soo, Kim Jae-joon, Lee Ki-heon and Jo Kyung-ho. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Moon also replaced some of key players in the public communication team. He tapped Han Jung-woo, director of the Chunchugwan presidential press center, as secretary for public information and Lee Ji-soo, executive at the Korean Standards Association, as secretary for foreign press.
The president promoted Kim Jae-joon, who is working at the Personal Secretary Office of Cheong Wa Dae, to succeed Han.
The other Cheong Wa Dae officials -- Lee Ki-heon and Jo Kyung-ho -- have been promoted to serve as secretary civil participation and secretary for social unity, respectively.
The new lineup of secretaries, apparently familiar with details of Moon's policies, comes as his administration is striving to overcome the COVID-19 crisis and gear up for the post-coronavirus era.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-31--Moon replaces seven secretaries at Cheong Wa Dae

Moon replaced some of key players in the public communication team .
He tapped Han Jung-woo , director of the @ @ @ @ @ as secretary for public information and Lee Ji-soo , executive at the Korean Standards Association @ @ @ @ @ press .

SEOUL, May 31 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in replaced seven presidential secretaries on Sunday, including naming a former Cheong Wa Dae staffer known as one of Moon's closest aides as his new protocol secretary.
Park Kyung-mee, a former ruling party lawmaker, has been named secretary for education, with Tak Hyun-min, a former Cheong Wa Dae staffer, appointed as new protocol secretary, according to Cheong Wa Dae.
Moon replaced some of key players in the public communication team. He tapped Han Jung-woo, director of the Chunchugwan presidential press center, as secretary for public information and Lee Ji-soo, executive at the Korean Standards Association, as secretary for foreign press.
The president promoted Kim Jae-joon, who is working at the Personal Secretary Office of Cheong Wa Dae, to succeed Han.
The other Cheong Wa Dae officials -- Lee Ki-heon and Jo Kyung-ho -- have been promoted to serve as secretary civil participation and secretary for social unity, respectively.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-31--(LEAD) S. Korea's new virus cases drop to 27, continuing downward trend

(ATTN: CHANGES headline, lead, photo; UPDATES paras 2-3, ADDS more info in last 2 paras)
By Joo Kyung-don
SEOUL, May 31 (Yonhap) -- South Korea reported 27 new cases of the coronavirus Sunday, the lowest since a logistics center-linked cluster infection brought the daily new cases to nearly a two-month high, as health officials kept up efforts to prevent similar collective infections.
The new cases, 15 of them local infections, raised South Korea's total coronavirus caseload to 11,468, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
It marks the first time in five days that the daily number of virus cases was below 30. The daily rise of new virus cases reached nearly a two month-high of 79 on Thursday, then declined to 58 Friday and 39 Saturday.
But health authorities remain on high alert amid concerns recent cluster infections could develop into another wave of massive infections amid school reopenings.
Health workers disinfect a lodging facility in Jeju on May 31, 2020, after a virus patient visited the building. (Yonhap)
A distribution facility run by e-commerce leader Coupang Inc. in Bucheon, just west of Seoul, has emerged as a cluster infection as health authorities have been grappling with mass infections tied to nightclubs and bars in Seoul's nightlife neighborhood of Itaewon earlier this month.
So far, more than 100 cases have been traced to the distribution center since the first patient was confirmed last week, according to the KCDC.
The country reported one additional death, bringing the total death toll at 270. The fatality rate was 2.35 percent.
The total number of people released from quarantine after full recoveries stood at 10,405, up seven from the previous day, with 793 people currently under treatment.
The resurgence in new virus cases in recent days has put South Korea's "everyday life quarantine" scheme, which enables citizens to carry out social and economic activities under quarantine rules, in jeopardy.
There has been speculation that the country may return to its strict social distancing scheme. The country Thursday opted to impose a tighter virus prevention mesures in the capital and densely populated metropolitan area over the next two weeks through June 14.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-31--Japan keeps mum on S. Korea's call to lift trade curbs as deadline looms

`` We have been opening dialogue channels even on weekends , '' said an official from Seoul 's trade ministry @ @ @ @ @ will wait until midnight for Japan 's answer .
`` At this point , we @ @ @ @ @ will respond or not , and what it is going to say . ''

SEOUL, May 31 (Yonhap) -- Japan has not responded to South Korea's renewed call to swiftly retract export restrictions imposed in a row over wartime forced labor, officials here said Sunday, as the deadline for an answer neared.
Earlier this month, Seoul gave Tokyo until the end of May to lift the export curbs imposed in July last year on three key industrial materials in apparent retaliation over a row surrounding the wartime forced labor. Japan also removed South Korea from its list of trusted partners.
"We have been opening dialogue channels even on weekends," said an official from Seoul's trade ministry, who added South Korea will wait until midnight for Japan's answer. "At this point, we do not know whether Japan will respond or not, and what it is going to say."
Industry observers said it is unlikely that Japan will drastically change its stance at a time when the forced labor row showed no signs of resolution.
Japan imposed the export curbs after South Korea's Supreme Court ordered Japanese firms to compensate Koreans forced into hard labor when Korea was a Japanese colony from 1910-45.
If Japan does not come up with a positive response, experts predicted that South Korea may resume its complaint process at the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Hoping for a breakthrough, South Korea in November decided to suspend its lawsuit filed with the WTO and conditionally put off the termination of the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) with Japan.
In December, Tokyo partially lifted curbs on exports to South Korea of photoresist in an apparent goodwill gesture ahead of their summit.
Experts said if Japan persists with its trade curbs, South Korea may ask the WTO to open a panel. Under the organization's rules, the WTO Dispute Settlement Body can open up a panel to look further into the case, when the two sides fail to reach an agreement.
South Korea could again come up with an option of withdrawing from military information sharing pact of GSOMIA, but experts said that is not likely, considering that it caused a strong objection and criticism from the United States.
Japan has been claiming that the GSOMIA issue is separate from the export restrictions.
"We will first have to check Japan's response, and then make our moves after analyzing situations comprehensively," a government official said.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-31--Newly-launched National Assembly has highest number of female lawmakers

By age group , 177 are in their 50s , taking the largest portion of 59 percent , followed by @ @ @ @ @ with 72 and fortysomethings with 38 .
Only two lawmakers are in the 20-29 age @ @ @ @ @ are in their 30s .

SEOUL, May 31 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's National Assembly has begun its four-year term with the highest number of female lawmakers, including the country's first-ever female vice speaker of the unicameral legislature.
Among the 300 representatives, who started their four-year term Saturday, 57 members, or 19 percent, are women, marking the largest number in South Korean history, according to data released by the National Assembly secretariat.
Parliament will also select four-term lawmaker Rep. Kim Sang-hee of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) as its first female deputy speaker.
The data showed that there are 151 new members in total across both the ruling and opposition sides in the 21st National Assembly, accounting for 50.3 percent, up from 44 percent of backbenchers in the 20th parliament.
Rep. Park Byeong-seug of the ruling DP, who began his sixth term, is the longest serving lawmaker among all ruling and opposition lawmakers and will take the speaker position.
By age group, 177 are in their 50s, taking the largest portion of 59 percent, followed by people aged 60 or older with 72 and fortysomethings with 38. Only two lawmakers are in the 20-29 age bracket, while 11 lawmakers are in their 30s.
The youngest lawmaker was Rep. Ryu Ho-jeong of the minor opposition Justice Party, who is 27 years old, while the oldest is 73-year old Rep. Kim Jin-pyo of the ruling DP.
The National Assembly kicked off its new term Saturday, with the ruling DP holding a majority 177 seats and the main opposition United Future Party (UFP) taking 103.
In this photo taken on May 20, 2020, first-time lawmakers-elect pose in front of the National Assembly in Seoul. (Yonhap)
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-01--One month in, NC Dinos lead KBO behind young pitcher's breakout campaign

Offense ?
They lead the league with 152 runs scored , a .370 on-base percentage and a .482 slugging percentage @ @ @ @ @ have gone deep 35 times , more than any other club .
Pitching ?
Their @ @ @ @ @ ERA , and they have given up fewer runs than anyone with 92 .
With @ @ @ @ @ per innings ( WHIP ) , the Dinos have allowed the fewest base runners per @ @ @ @ @ Opponents have put up just .243/.318/.378 in batting average , on-base percentage and slugging percentage @ @ @ @ @ of them the lowest in the league .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, June 1 (Yonhap) -- There are many different ways to measure the excellence of a baseball team. And sitting atop the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) standings after the first month of the season, the NC Dinos check off many boxes.
Offense? They lead the league with 152 runs scored, a .370 on-base percentage and a .482 slugging percentage. Long balls? They have gone deep 35 times, more than any other club. Pitching? Their staff has the league-low 3.73 ERA, and they have given up fewer runs than anyone with 92. With 1.30 in walks and hits per innings (WHIP), the Dinos have allowed the fewest base runners per inning in the KBO. Opponents have put up just .243/.318/.378 in batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage against the Dinos, each of them the lowest in the league.
In this file photo, from May 28, 2020, members of the NC Dinos celebrate their 9-6 victory over the Kiwoom Heroes in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Changwon NC Park in Changwon, 400 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
These gaudy numbers translate into the league-leading record of 18-5, two games better than the LG Twins.
Leading the early season surge has been the brilliant performance by the 23-year-old starter Koo Chang-mo.
The fifth-year left-hander tossed six shutout innings against the Samsung Lions on Sunday, as the Dinos cruised to an 18-7 victory. At 4-0, Koo is tied for the KBO lead in wins. He is alone at the top in innings pitched (35), strikeouts (38), ERA (0.51) and WHIP (0.60).
Koo has already locked down the Pitcher of the Month award for May, as the KBO's ERA leader for the month.
He is expected to be up for the Player of the Month, too, with a first-year import slugger for the league's second-best team also likely to contend for the honor.
Roberto Ramos, the new cleanup hitter for the Twins, swung a hot bat in May, to the tune of the league-leading 10 home runs. He also leads the KBO with an .813 slugging percentage and 1.263 on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS).
The defining moment for Ramos in the early going came on May 24, when he delivered a game-winning grand slam in the bottom of the ninth inning for a 9-7 victory over the KT Wiz. It was only the second walkoff slam in franchise history.
Koo Chang-mo of the NC Dinos pitches against the Samsung Lions in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Daegu Samsung Lions Park in Daegu, 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on May 31, 2020. (Yonhap)
The defending champions Doosan Bears are lurking in third place at 14-9, four games back of the Dinos. The Bears have the league's worst ERA, and their defense is rated as the most porous in the KBO by advanced fielding metrics. Without the hitting brilliance of Jose Miguel Fernandez, the Bears would be far lower in the standings.
The second-year Cuban designated hitter tops the KBO with 44 hits and a .468 batting average. He is also among the league leaders in doubles, total bases, runs scored, RBIs, on-base percentage and slugging percentage.
In the lower part of the standings, the Hanwha Eagles have fallen to last place at 7-17 by losing their past eight straight games. That included a three-game series sweep against the SK Wyverns, who climbed out of the league cellar on the final day of May.
The Wyverns once suffered a 10-game losing slide but are now riding a four-game winning streak that has taken them to 7-16.
They have had rotten luck with injuries early in the season, having lost starting catcher Lee Jae-won, slugging outfielder Han Dong-min and No. 1 starter Nick Kingham for multiple weeks. But they received an unexpected boost over the weekend.
Roberto Ramos of the LG Twins celebrates his double against the Kia Tigers in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field in Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul, on May 31, 2020. (Yonhap)
Lee Heung-ryun, a third-string catcher with the Bears who joined the Wyverns in a four-player trade Friday, has homered in each of his first two games in an SK uniform, while batting 4-for-8 with three RBIs.
The Kiwoom Heroes and the Kia Tigers are tied for fourth place at 12-12, with the Lotte Giants, last-place team from 2019, sitting half a game back at 11-12.
The KT Wiz have underachieved so far at 10-13, with the KBO's worst bullpen having blown a league-high six saves.
The Samsung Lions, having missed the postseason for a franchise-worst four consecutive years, look destined to be spectators for yet another season with an underwhelming 10-14 record.
In this file photo, from May 28, 2020, Jose Miguel Fernandez of the Doosan Bears hits an RBI single against the SK Wyverns in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-01--S. Korea adds 35 more virus cases; sporadic cluster infections in focus

At least 111 cases have been traced to the facility since the first patient was confirmed in late May , @ @ @ @ @ local governments .

SEOUL, June 1 (Yonhap) -- South Korea reported 35 more cases of the new coronavirus Monday due mainly to infections tied to a logistics center in a city just west of Seoul, putting health officials on edge over further spread.
The new COVID-19 cases, including 30 local infections, raised the total caseload to 11,503, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
Monday's newly added cases marked a slight rise from 27 identified the previous day. But the tally appears to be on a downward trend after it hit a nearly two-month high of 75 on Thursday.
Most of the new infections are tied to a distribution facility run by e-commerce leader Coupang in Bucheon, just west of Seoul.
Citizens line up to receive tests for the new coronavirus at a "walk-through"-style testing site in the financial district of Yeouido in Seoul on May 31, 2020. (Yonhap)
At least 111 cases have been traced to the facility since the first patient was confirmed in late May, according to the KCDC and local governments.
Health authorities remain on high alert over a potential wave of mass infections in Seoul and the surrounding metropolitan area, home to half of the country's population of 50 million.
Incheon, west of Seoul, reported 18 new cases, followed by 12 in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital and one in Seoul.
The country has continued to report sporadic infections in places such as cram schools and churches, at a time when it is still grappling with cases traced to Seoul's nightlife area of Itaewon.
The total caseload linked to Itaewon reached 270 as of noon Sunday, according to the KCDC.
Alarmed by the spike in virus cases, health authorities imposed a tighter social distancing campaign in the densely populated metropolitan area of Seoul and the surrounding region over the next two weeks through June 14.
The country, meanwhile, added five imported cases and one additional death, raising the total death toll to 271.
The total number of people released from quarantine after full recoveries stood at 10,422, up 17 from the previous day.
This photo, taken on May 31, 2020, shows a statement on the suspension of operations of the National Palace Museum of Korea through June 14 over the new coronavirus. (Yonhap)
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-01--S. Korea to send 25,000 masks to independence fighters, families

About 500 independence fighters or their bereaved families living in 15 countries will receive the masks , along with a @ @ @ @ @ Affairs Minister Park Sam-deuk thanking them for their sacrifice for the country 's liberation from @ @ @ @ @ , ministry officials said .

SEOUL, June 1 (Yonhap) -- The government will provide 25,000 face masks to independence fighters and their family members living overseas to help them fight the new coronavirus, the veterans affairs ministry said Monday.
About 500 independence fighters or their bereaved families living in 15 countries will receive the masks, along with a letter from Patriots and Veterans Affairs Minister Park Sam-deuk thanking them for their sacrifice for the country's liberation from Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule, ministry officials said.
Earlier, the ministry also delivered masks to 150 descendants of independence fighters living in China, Korean War veterans in 22 countries, and Navajo veterans who fought in 1950-53 Korean War in an expression of gratitude for their sacrifice.
(END)


yna--2020-06-01--(URGENT) 17 more people released after full recovery from coronavirus, total cured patients at 10,42

(URGENT) 17 more people released after full recovery from coronavirus, total cured patients at 10,422: 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--2020-06-01--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 1 more virus death, death toll now at 271: KCDC


yna--2020-06-01--Gov't, ruling party push to pass 'biggest' COVID-19 response budget this month

`` It will be the biggest single supplementary budget ( bill ) in history , which takes all into account @ @ @ @ @ 's ) financial capability , boosting the economy in the latter half of the year @ @ @ @ @ net , '' according to the finance minister .

SEOUL, June 1 (Yonhap) -- The government and the ruling party agreed Monday to earmark "the biggest single supplementary budget" for the country's third round of emergency COVID-19 response financing, aimed at helping the economy fight the impact of the new coronavirus pandemic.
The government and the Democratic Party (DP), during their meeting, also vowed to pass a bill on the new COVID-19 response budget through the National Assembly in June and execute 75 percent of the budget in the next three months.
Attending the meeting, Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki said the government plans to submit the extra budget bill to the chamber Thursday.
"It will be the biggest single supplementary budget (bill) in history, which takes all into account, bolstering (the country's) financial capability, boosting the economy in the latter half of the year and expanding the social security net," according to the finance minister.
"The government will make preparations in a way that 75 percent of the new extra budget can be spent in the following three months upon its parliamentary passage," he also said.
In late April, the National Assembly approved a 12.2 trillion-won (US$9.9 billion) extra budget as the country's second COVID-19 response special budget following the first related budget of 11.7 trillion won, approved in March.
The upcoming extra budget is widely reported to surpass the 30 trillion-won level.
Speaking to the meeting, DP floor leader, Rep. Kim Tae-nyeon said, "Ample national finances will serve as a bulwark for (securing) liquidity and stable employment."
Kim also vowed efforts for the parliamentary approval of the bill in June on behalf of his party, which controls a majority of 177 seats in the 300-member chamber.
Floor Leader Rep. Kim Tae-nyeon of the ruling Democratic Party (3rd from L), Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki (5th from L) and other party officials pose for photos during a government-party meeting held at the National Assembly in Seoul on June 1, 2020. (Yonhap)
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-01--LG licenses robot vacuum technologies to Germany's Miele

Under their license agreement , Miele can use three robot vacuum technologies owned by LG to make its products .
@ @ @ @ @ was not disclosed .

SEOUL, June 1 (Yonhap) -- LG Electronics Inc. said Monday it has licensed its patented robot vacuum cleaner technologies to German home appliance maker Miele & Cie. KG.
Under their license agreement, Miele can use three robot vacuum technologies owned by LG to make its products. The value of the deal was not disclosed.
LG's licensed technologies include an infrared solution that makes a robot vacuum return precisely to a charging dock after completing its work. The South Korean tech firm said it has more than 700 global patents related to robot vacuum cleaners.
The latest patent license deal follows LG's license agreement with U.S. home appliance maker GE Appliances on refrigerator door ice-making technology in June 2019.
This photo provided by LG Electronics Inc. on June 1, 2020, shows the charging dock for the company's R9 ThinQ robot vacuum cleaner. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-01--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 35 more cases of new coronavirus, total now at 11,503: KCDC


yna--2020-06-01--Pompeo mentions S. Korea as 'good partner' in defending Western values against Chinese threats

`` I think the people of Europe will come to see that along with the United States we can work @ @ @ @ @ , to protect our people and to keep the entire world in a place where @ @ @ @ @ not dominate the next century , '' he said .

WASHINGTON, May 31 (Yonhap) -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Sunday that South Korea and other allies can be "good partners" in efforts to safeguard Western values from Chinese threats.
His remarks on Sunday (U.S. time) appear aimed at reinforcing Washington's call for other countries to join its China-bashing campaign, a day after U.S. President Donald Trump said he plans to invite Seoul to a Group of Seven summit in September.
"With respect to the Chinese Communist Party's military advances, they are real ... Indeed, we can be good partners with our allies from India, from Australia, from South Korea, from Japan, from Brazil, from Europe, all around the world," Pompeo said in an interview with Fox News.
"We can be good partners alongside them and ensure that the next century remains a Western one modeled on the freedoms that we have here in the United States," he said.
On Saturday, Trump called the G-7 "a very outdated group of countries" and suggested the new group would be "G-10 or G-11". White House spokeswoman Alyssa Farah said later that the meeting would bring together allies to talk about how to deal with the future of China.
The Trump administration has accused China of causing the coronavirus pandemic by withholding information and blamed it for its push for security laws intended at tightening control on Hong Kong.
Such a move by Washington has flared up fresh concerns about Seoul falling into the pressure of having to walk a tightrope between the world's two major powers -- its traditional ally and its largest trade partner.
In the interview, Pompeo repeatedly described China's ruling Communist Party as "aggressive" and as an "authoritarian" regime that "views itself as intent upon the destruction of Western ideas, Western democracies and Western values."
Pompeo also claimed that European countries that had been reluctant to join the U.S.-led initiative to refrain from using Chinese tech giant Huawei Technologies Co. are starting to "recognize the risk" in light of the company's connection with the Chinese government.
"I think the people of Europe will come to see that along with the United States we can work together to build our economies, to protect our people and to keep the entire world in a place where the Chinese Communist Party does not dominate the next century," he said.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaks during a press briefing at the State Department in Washington, D.C., in this AP photo filed on May 20, 2020 (U.S. time). (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-06-01--Top 10 firms' share of stock market value nears 45 pct

Top-cap Samsung Electronics Co. and nine other large-cap companies accounted for 44.7 percent of the combined market capitalization of 789 @ @ @ @ @ bourse Friday , according to the data from the Korea Exchange .

SEOUL, June 1 (Yonhap) -- The proportion of South Korea's top 10 market-cap firms to the total stock market value has risen this year to nearly 45 percent amid the novel coronavirus outbreak, data showed Monday.
Top-cap Samsung Electronics Co. and nine other large-cap companies accounted for 44.7 percent of the combined market capitalization of 789 issues traded on the main bourse Friday, according to the data from the Korea Exchange.
The figure was up 2.6 percentage points from Jan. 2, the year's first trading day, and 8.9 percentage points from Jan. 2, 2019.
The increase was attributed to a sharp rise in shares in biopharmaceutical and other "untact" companies amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Samsung Electronics, the world's No. 1 smartphone and memory chip maker, remained the top-cap company, though its market value edged down 0.4 percentage point to 23 percent over the cited period.
Chip behemoth SK hynix Inc. came second with a 4.5 percent share, down 0.4 percentage point from Jan. 2.
Top pharmaceutical firm Samsung Biologics ranked third with 3.1 percent, followed by internet portal leader Naver with 2.8 percent and another pharmaceutical giant, Celltrion, with 2.2 percent.
Leading automaker Hyundai Motor Co. placed 10th with 1.6 percent, down 0.2 percentage point from the start of this year.
The data also showed the top 15 companies took up 51.4 percent of the total stock market capitalization, up 2.5 percentage points from Jan. 2.
(END)


yna--2020-06-01--Seoul stocks open higher on eased US-China tension worries

The gains were largely attributed to a recent announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump .
The U.S. president 's sanctions @ @ @ @ @ officials came with harsh rhetoric yet lacked specifics , leaving room for a future de-escalation @ @ @ @

SEOUL, June 1 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks opened higher Monday, buoyed by the milder-than-expected U.S. countermeasures against China's passing of the national securities law on Hong Kong.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 14.83 points, or 0.73 percent, to 2,044.43 in the first 15 minutes of trading.
The gains were largely attributed to a recent announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump. The U.S. president's sanctions against Chinese and Hong Kong officials came with harsh rhetoric yet lacked specifics, leaving room for a future de-escalation of the tensions.
In Seoul, most large caps traded higher.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics gained 0.39 percent, while No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix advanced 1.1 percent.
Top pharmaceutical firm Samsung BioLogics climbed 0.32 percent, with leading chemical maker LG Chem adding 0.26 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,229.40 won against the U.S. dollar, up 9.1 won from the previous session's close.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-01--(LEAD) S. Korea's May exports dip 24 pct amid pandemic, trade balance turns to black

The May decline was roughly in line with what the market had expected .
According to a poll by Yonhap @ @ @ @ @ of Yonhap News Agency , the country 's exports were estimated to have dipped by @ @ @ @ @ with a year earlier .

(ATTN: RECASTS lead; ADDS details throughout; ADDS photo)
By Kang Yoon-seung
SEJONG, June 1 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's exports sank 23.7 percent in May due to the growing economic fallout from the new coronavirus pandemic that has disrupted the global supply chain, data showed Monday, but the fall was slightly cushioned by the recovery in exports of chips.
Outbound shipments came to US$34.8 billion last month, compared with $45.7 billion posted a year earlier, according to the data compiled by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
Imports also surrendered 21.1 percent to $34.4 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $440 million. The country snapped its 98 straight months of having more exports than imports in April.
The May decline was roughly in line with what the market had expected. According to a poll by Yonhap Infomax, the financial arm of Yonhap News Agency, the country's exports were estimated to have dipped by 22.5 percent last month compared with a year earlier.
Exports by Asia's No. 4 economy were expected to rebound from last year's 10 percent drop in annual exports, which was mostly attributable to the weak global chip prices coupled with the Sino-American trade war.
In February, South Korea enjoyed a 4.5 percent rise in its outbound shipments, the first on-year rebound in 14 months.
The recovery, however, was short-lived due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has clobbered the supply chain with lockdowns and social-distancing drives.
The decrease nevertheless slightly narrowed from April's 25 percent on-year drop.
South Korea said the relatively better data came as exports of chips, the mainstay product, advanced 7.1 percent on-year despite the pandemic.
Outbound shipments to China returned to the level before the COVID-19 pandemic as well, according to the ministry. More details will be provided later in the day.
Exports of products considered beneficiaries of the global pandemic also cushioned the falling exports from other areas.
Sales of biohealth items shot up 59.4 percent over the period on the growing popularity of South Korean COVID-19 test kits.
Due to the rising number of people working from home, exports of computers nearly doubled, jumping 82.7 percent in May. Processed foodstuffs were also among products that gathered ground amid the pandemic.
The grim export data cast a shadow on South Korea's overall economy.
Last week, the Bank of Korea projected the nation's economy to shrink by 0.2 percent on-year this year on projection that the global COVID-19 pandemic reaches its peak during the second quarter.
But the central bank pointed out that South Korea's economy may contract as much as 1.8 percent if new infections do not plateau by the third quarter.
The South Korean economy grew 2 percent in 2019, marking the slowest expansion since 2009, when it increased 0.8 percent in the aftermath of the global financial crisis.
South Korea had some ups and downs in its own number of new coronavirus patients, with the figure experiencing a slight uptick in May due to a rise in new cases traced to clubs and a logistics center.
The country has been considered one of the most successful countries in containing the spread of the highly infectious disease, with around 11,500 COVID-19 patients reported here so far since Jan. 20.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-01--BTS' 'DNA' music video tops 1 bln YouTube views

BTS is also the first male K-pop group with a music video with over 1 billion views .
Singer Psy @ @ @ @ @ to achieve the milestone with his 2012 global hit `` Gangnam Style , '' with @ @ @ @ @ racking up more than 1 billion views with `` Ddu-du Ddu-du '' in November of @ @ @

SEOUL, June 1 (Yonhap) -- The music video of BTS' 2017 hit song "DNA" topped 1 billion YouTube views on Monday, becoming the band's first music video to surpass that milestone.
"DNA," the lead track of BTS' 2017 album "Love Yourself: Her," achieved the feat early Monday morning, according to the band's label-management agency Big Hit Entertainment.
Released in September 2017, the song stayed on Billboard's Hot 100 chart for four consecutive weeks, and in February the following year, it was certified "Gold" by the Recording Industry Association of America.
"DNA" is so far the most viewed video in BTS' globally acclaimed catalogue, followed by "Boy With Luv" featuring Halsey, with over 700 million views, and "Fire," "MIC Drop" and "Idol," each with over 600 million views.
The septet has announced that it is currently producing a new album to be released in the coming months. BTS also plans to hold a paid online concert, Bang Bang Con the Live, on June 14.
BTS is also the first male K-pop group with a music video with over 1 billion views. Singer Psy was the first Korean artist to achieve the milestone with his 2012 global hit "Gangnam Style," with K-pop girl band BLACKPINK also racking up more than 1 billion views with "Ddu-du Ddu-du" in November of last year.
This file photo, provided by Big Hit Entertainment, shows BTS posing for photos during a global news conference for its new album "Map of the Soul: 7" at COEX in Seoul on Feb. 24, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-01--S. Korea's May exports dip 24 pct amid pandemic, trade balance turns to black

By Kang Yoon-seung
SEJONG, June 1 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's exports sank 23.7 percent in May in the face of growing economic fallout from the new coronavirus pandemic that has disrupted the global supply chain, data showed Monday.
Outbound shipments came to US$34.8 billion last month, compared with $45.7 billion posted a year earlier, according to the data compiled by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
Imports also surrendered 21.1 percent to $34.4 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $440 million. The country snapped its 98 straight months of having more exports than imports in April.
The May decline was roughly in line with what the market had expected. According to a poll by Yonhap Infomax, the financial arm of Yonhap News Agency, the country's exports were estimated to have dipped by 22.5 percent last month compared with a year earlier.
Exports by Asia's No. 4 economy were expected to rebound from last year's 10 percent drop in annual exports, which was mostly attributable to the weak global chip prices coupled with the Sino-American trade war.
In February, South Korea enjoyed a 4.5 percent rise in its outbound shipments, the first on-year rebound in 14 months.
The recovery, however, was short-lived due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has clobbered the supply chain with lockdowns and social-distancing drives.
The grim export data cast a shadow on South Korea's overall economy.
Last week, the Bank of Korea projected the nation's economy to shrink by 0.2 percent on-year this year on projection that the global COVID-19 pandemic reaches its peak during the second quarter.
But the central bank pointed out that South Korea's economy may contract as much as 1.8 percent if new infections do not plateau by the third quarter.
The South Korean economy grew 2 percent in 2019, marking the slowest expansion since 2009, when it increased 0.8 percent in the aftermath of the global financial crisis.
South Korea had some ups and downs in its own number of new coronavirus patients, with the figure experiencing a slight uptick in May due to a rise in new cases traced to clubs and a logistics center.
The country has been considered one of the most successful countries in containing the spread of the highly infectious disease, with around 11,500 COVID-19 patients reported here so far since Jan. 20.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


Monday's weather forecast

SEOUL , June 1 ( Yonhap ) -- The following is the weather forecast for South Korea 's 12 major @ @ @ @ @ .


KOSPI 2,037.04 UP 7.44 points (open)


KOSDAQ 716.96 UP 3.28 points (open)


yna--2020-06-01--Dollar opens at 1,230.3 won DN from 1,238.5 won


yna--2020-06-01--(URGENT) S. Korea's May exports sink 23.7 pct to US$34.8 bln on pandemic


yna--2020-06-01--Major tour agencies' Q2 sales forecast to tumble on virus

The coronavirus pandemic has also dealt a harsh blow to local duty-free shops due to a tumble in customers .
@ @ @ @ @ industry leader Lotte Duty Free and No .
2 Shilla Duty Free on Monday shuttered @ @ @ @ @ resort island of Jeju , a popular destination for Chinese travelers , for one month @ @ @ @

SEOUL, June 1 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's major travel agencies are expected to see their second-quarter sales tumble due to the fallout of the novel coronavirus outbreak, a market tracker said Monday.
Local brokerage houses have projected industry leader HanaTour will register sales of 50.1 billion won (US$40.7 million) for the April-June period, down a whopping 74.1 percent from a year earlier.
HanaTour is thus forecast to chalk off an operating loss of 27.5 billion won for the three-month period, compared with a 3.6 billion won operating income a year ago.
Runner-up Mode Tour's second-quarter sales are predicted to plunge 79.3 percent on-year to 14.6 billion won, with its operating loss widening to 11.5 billion won from 200 million won.
Travel agency counters at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, remain deserted on April 22, 2020, amid the coronavirus pandemic. (Yonhap)
Lotte Tour Development and other tour agencies are also feared to see their second-quarter sales and profits worsen sharply from the same period a year earlier.
Local tour operators have been hit hard by the global spread of COVID-19, which has resulted in a tumble in travel demand following lockdowns in the United States and major European countries. More than 140 countries have imposed entry bans on South Koreans.
The number of outbound travelers came to 31,425 in April, down a staggering 98.6 percent from 2.25 million a year earlier. Foreign tourist arrivals numbered just over 29,000, down 98.2 percent.
With overseas travel almost impossible, the government has joined hands with travel agencies to boost domestic tourism in a bid to help them tide over the crisis.
Travel agencies, in turn, are struggling to overcome the coronavirus fallout with furloughs and other cost-cutting measures.
The coronavirus pandemic has also dealt a harsh blow to local duty-free shops due to a tumble in customers. In their latest countermeasures, industry leader Lotte Duty Free and No. 2 Shilla Duty Free on Monday shuttered their outlets on the southern resort island of Jeju, a popular destination for Chinese travelers, for one month.
(END)


yna--2020-06-01--(LEAD) S. Korea tests QR registration at nightclubs, eateries to contain virus

Some 270 infections have been linked to the Itaewon cluster so far , including scores traced to an Incheon clubber @ @ @ @ @ area and carried on with his teaching jobs at a cram school in the port @ @

(ATTN: CHANGES headline, lead; ADDS details in paras 2, 6-7, photo)
SEOUL, June 1 (Yonhap) -- South Korea started testing of quick response (QR) code-based entry logs at nightclubs, eateries and churches on Monday in its latest efforts to better track and contain the new coronavirus.
Under the plan, the government will check the digital entry registers at 17 facilities in Seoul, Incheon and Daejeon through Sunday before expanding the system across the country.
Visitors to the facilities have to get a one-time QR code via smartphone apps and submit it to the venue. The venue manager would then scan the code and include it in a digital customer register.
If a group infection occurs, health authorities would match the digital entry log stored at the Social Security Intelligence Service with individual QR code data provided by the app operator to track visitors at the specific facility.
All information will be stored for up to four weeks.
This composite image shows a sample of a QR code-based digital log against a background of file photos of facilities categorized as carrying high risks of infection. (Yonhap)
The facilities and business establishments that run the pilot program included risky venues, such as karaoke facilities, nightclubs and bars. Also included were libraries, restaurants and a hospital.
The government had originally planned to conduct the test in 19 facilities, but two dropped out during the training session.
The test started from 7 p.m. Monday.
Starting June 10, the government plans to launch the system at high-risk facilities, which include bars, nightclubs, karaoke facilities, standing concert halls and indoor gyms that run group exercises, like Zumba and spinning.
QR code-based entry logs have emerged as a tool to better track and contain possible infections after thousands of names on entry logs at nightclubs in the Seoul neighborhood of Itaewon turned out to be inaccurate.
Health authorities and city officials had to rely on closed-circuit television footage, mobile access records and credit card transactions to identify visitors who were not reachable through the phone numbers they left on the paper registers.
Some 270 infections have been linked to the Itaewon cluster so far, including scores traced to an Incheon clubber who lied about visiting the area and carried on with his teaching jobs at a cram school in the port city.
An employee at an internet cafe in Seoul demonstrates the scanning of a patron's quick response (QR) code on June 1, 2020. (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-01--(2nd LD) Incheon reports 29 church-related virus cases

The health authorities suspected pastors from the small churches visited each other 's churches for bible study and worship services @ @ @ @ @ almost every day in cramped spaces , and did not comply with quarantine guidelines , @ @ @ @ @ distance from each other .

(ATTN: UPDATES figure and details in headline, paras 1-2, 4, 7)
INCHEON, June 1 (Yonhap) -- At least 29 infections traced to a local church were reported in the western port city of Incheon on Monday, raising alarm over additional new coronavirus cases in the wider metropolitan area.
They include 16 pastors, five family members and eight churchgoers from 15 different churches. Of them, at least 18 people attended a meeting at a church in the Incheon ward of Michuhol on Thursday, according to city officials.
The participants, who came from small churches in Incheon and nearby Gyeonggi Province, are assumed to have contracted the infectious virus from a 57-year-old pastor who attended the same event.
Campaigners promoting quarantine guidelines walk past a church in Incheon, west of Seoul, on June 1, 2020, following group infections reported at the religious facility. (Yonhap)
The health authorities suspected pastors from the small churches visited each other's churches for bible study and worship services. Some of them gathered almost every day in cramped spaces, and did not comply with quarantine guidelines, like wearing masks and keeping distance from each other.
"Most of the patients were found not to have worn face masks during the church event," a Michuhol Ward official said, adding that the church did not hold a Sunday service over the weekend.
Authorities have yet to identify the infection route of the 57-year-old, who started showing symptoms Thursday.
Officials said they plan to tighten inspections of a total of 4,234 religious facilities in the city. They are also considering imposition of a set of mandatory quarantine rules, such as keeping entry logs of all worshipers, banning the provision of food and designating a point person who oversees the quarantine process.
South Korea reported 35 new cases Monday, bringing its total COVID-19 caseload to 11,503.
Of the 35 cases, 30 cases were local infections that were reported in Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province. The remaining were imported cases.
(END)