yna--2020-06-12--(LEAD) Attendance cap to remain for schools in capital area until June 30 amid uptick in infections

As the COVID-19 pandemic was considered manageable , the country eased its social distancing guidelines in early May .
In @ @ @ @ @ country reopened schools nationwide in a gradual manner over the last three weeks .
More @ @ @ @ @ go to school , although class schedules remain largely flexible depending on an individual school @ @ @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES with number of infected students in 6th para)
SEOUL, June 12 (Yonhap) -- The Ministry of Education on Friday extended a measure to reduce classroom crowding, as the country continued to see a worrisome uptick in coronavirus cases in Seoul and its adjacent cities.
The ministry said the measure to cap the number of students will be effective until June 30, which was originally scheduled to end this week. Elementary and middle schools are required to cap the number of students at one-third of the total student body and high schools at two-thirds.
On May 29, the ministry placed the limit to keep students at a safe distance with each other while clusters of infections spreading in the capital area worried education and health officials about a rise in the community spread.
As the COVID-19 pandemic was considered manageable, the country eased its social distancing guidelines in early May. In line with that, the country reopened schools nationwide in a gradual manner over the last three weeks. More than 5 million pupils now go to school, although class schedules remain largely flexible depending on an individual school's quarantine conditions.
The country added 56 new cases, including 43 local infections, raising the total caseload to 12,003, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
Since the country reopened schools on May 20, a total of 14 people, 12 students and four staff members, have been infected with the virus.
Pupils enter school in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, on June 11, 2020. (Yonhap)
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-12--S. Korean Bond Yields on Jun. 12, 2020

S. Korean Bond Yields on Jun. 12, 2020

(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--2020-06-12--(LEAD) Gyeonggi names 'danger zones' to block anti-N. Korean leaflets

Under the measure , the government said it plans to designate inter-Korean border areas in four cities and counties -- @ @ @ @ @ and Yeoncheon -- as danger zones that are off limits to suspected leaflet senders .
@ @ @ @ @ , as potential clashes stemming from the distribution of leaflets can be seen as a @ @ @ @ @ on the Management of Disasters and Safety , it explained , saying violators can face @ @ @ @ @ prison or a fine of up to 10 million won .
( US $ 8,300 @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES with more info in 3rd para and reactions in last eight paras; ADDS photo)
SEOUL, June 12 (Yonhap) -- The provincial government of Gyeonggi, which surrounds Seoul, said Friday it will thoroughly block any attempt to send anti-North Korea propaganda leaflets across the border by designating parts of its border areas as off-limits danger zones.
The Gyeonggi government said the planned designation is one of its three measures to prevent North Korean defectors and South Korean activists from sending anti-Pyongyang leaflets and materials into the North from the northern border areas.
Under the measure, the government said it plans to designate inter-Korean border areas in four cities and counties -- Gimpo, Goyang, Paju and Yeoncheon -- as danger zones that are off limits to suspected leaflet senders. The designation can be enforced, as potential clashes stemming from the distribution of leaflets can be seen as a social disaster under the Act on the Management of Disasters and Safety, it explained, saying violators can face up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 10 million won. (US$8,300).
The two other measures by Gyeonggi Province are the preemptive detection and prevention of any preparations to send leaflets, such as vehicle movements and filling balloons with gas, and the mobilization of special judicial police in crackdowns, investigations and legal complaints against leaflet senders, it said.
Gyeonggi Vice Governor for Peace Lee Jae-gang said in a news conference that his government will mobilize all possible administrative capabilities to protect the lives and safety of the provincial residents.
"The distribution of anti-North Korean leaflets goes beyond a simple expression of opinions and should be regarded as a dangerous, crisis-inciting act that can cause military conflicts," said Lee.
Provincial officials said all suspected senders of anti-Pyongyang leaflets and materials will be barred from entering the danger zones, and violators will be detained for legal punishment. Distributors of unregistered leaflets will also be fined under the outdoor advertisement management law, they added.
In addition, the provincial government will apply the Wastes Control Act in cracking down on and punishing those responsible for dumping leaflets and plastic bottles containing rice on the ground or into the sea, the officials said, adding that the High-Pressure Gas Safety Control Act will also be applied to regulate the use of high-pressure gas for the North-bound balloons.
The Gyeonggi government's measures came one day after the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae warned that the Moon Jae-in government would thoroughly crack down on campaigns to send propaganda leaflets into North Korea.
These file photos, provided by Fighters For a Free North Korea, show activists flying balloons containing anti-Pyongyang leaflets and materials towards the North from a location in Gimpo, west of Seoul, on May 31, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Defectors and anti-Pyongyang activists have sent a large number of leaflets and materials via giant balloons criticizing the communist regime and its leader Kim Jong-un. These are often launched with US$1 bills and USB memory sticks to get more North Koreans to pick up the leaflets.
The propaganda leaflets have lately emerged as a hot button issue after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's sister, Kim Yo-jong, last week condemned such leafleting as a hostile act running counter to inter-Korean peace agreements. In response, the Moon government immediately promised to ban such activities through legislation, though defectors and activists have vowed not to give up their campaigns.
But the Gyeonggi government's unprecedented crackdown plan has sparked a heated debate over legitimacy, as critics question whether clashes related to the distribution of anti-Pyongyang leaflets and materials can be viewed among social disasters under the current law.
The social disasters stipulated in the current disasters and safety management law only include damage beyond the scale prescribed by the presidential decree arising from fires, collapses, explosions, traffic accidents, CBR accidents and environmental pollution accidents, as well as paralysis of key national infrastructure, spread of infectious diseases or livestock epidemics and damage from fine dust air pollution.
Aware of such a possible legitimacy problem, the provincial government said it will conduct a full legal review for its danger zone designation plan.
So Sung-kyu, a law professor at Daejin University, said expanded interpretation of the law could be possible, as far as the danger zone controversy is concerned.
"Such a designation is unprecedented. The (leaflet crackdown) plan can be controversial if it is an expanded interpretation of abstract legal provisions," So said.
As expected, anti-Pyongyang activist groups strongly denounced the Gyeonggi government's crackdown plans.
"It's absurd. We have sent leaflets across the border over the past 16 years despite many obstructions," said Park Sang-hak, a North Korean defector and the head of Fighters For a Free North Korea, an anti-Pyongyang civic group.
"The latest may also end up as a rhetorical (crackdown). Before and after the June 25 anniversary of the Korean War, we plan to send about 1 million leaflets to the North as planned," Park said, suggesting that his group may use drones, instead of balloons, in the face of government crackdowns.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-12--(LEAD) Local transmissions balloon by double digits in Seoul

In the metropolitan area , one COVID-19 patient is estimated to spread the virus to roughly 1.8 people on average @ @ @ @ @ for other regions is around 0.6 , according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control @ @ @

(ATTN: ADDS details in paras 7, 10-11, 13-15, graphic)
SEOUL, June 12 (Yonhap) -- The number of newly confirmed cases from local transmissions in Seoul marked a double-digit growth for 11 straight days, raising concerns over a possibly bigger outbreak in the city where one-fourth of the population lives.
The number of daily local transmissions reported here from June 1-10 increased by two-digit numbers ranging from 13 to 29, according to an analysis of data by Yonhap News Agency.
On Thursday, the figure reached 23 as of 6 p.m., raising the total to 203.
This marks the longest double-digit growth streak since the new coronavirus pandemic broke out in South Korea.
The city saw four consecutive days of double-digit increases in March when a cluster infection broke out at a call center in the southwestern Seoul ward of Guro and another four-day streak linked to nightspots in Itaewon in May.
Health workers at a screening center in the eastern Seoul ward of Jungnang use ice packs to cool down on June 8, 2020. (Yonhap)
The latest data comes amid heightened worries over chain transmissions traced to massive infection clusters in the greater Seoul area that includes Incheon, west of Seoul, and Gyeonggi Province, which surrounds the capital.
In the metropolitan area, one COVID-19 patient is estimated to spread the virus to roughly 1.8 people on average, while the corresponding figure for other regions is around 0.6, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In addition to the nightspot and call center infections, the area has seen several cluster infections popping up -- including those linked to online retailer Coupang's warehouse, small churches and religious meetings, a door-to-door retailer that sells health products and a table tennis club.
Smaller sporadic infections have also been reported at a number of other facilities, such as call centers and private sector education institutes.
Most recently, a day care center for senior citizens in the northeastern Seoul ward of Dobong emerged as a new infection cluster. Fourteen cases have been identified as of Friday.
The Seoul city government has advised relevant facilities to close and families to take care of their elderly family members at home.
In an effort to clamp down on bigger chain transmissions, the government in late May tightened distancing measures in the greater Seoul area until June 14.
Graphic Confirmed COVID-19 cases in S. Korea (Yonhap)
On Friday, Health Minister Park Neung-hoo said the government has decided to extend the toughened measures until further notice.
Park said health authorities will come up with stricter social distancing guidelines if the virus situation does not improve.
As of Friday, South Korea's total confirmed cases of COVID-19 reached 12,003. It reported its first case on Jan. 20.
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-12--(LEAD) Trump wants to pull out troops from S. Korea, Japan, other allies: ex-U.S. envoy to Germany

`` It does n't feel like something that gives too powerful a message , other than Americans ... are getting @ @ @ @ @ too much for the defense of other countries .
And this has been a very @ @ @ @ @ has made for a long time . ''

(ATTN: ADDS defense ministry's stance in last 4 paras, photo)
SEOUL, June 12 (Yonhap) -- U.S. President Donald Trump was "very clear" that he wants to bring U.S. troops home from South Korea, Japan and other allies, his former ambassador to Germany said, stressing Americans are "tired of paying too much" for the defense of other countries.
Richard Grenell made the remarks in an interview with the German newspaper Bild earlier this week while confirming a plan to pull out 9,700 U.S. troops from Germany -- about 30 percent of the total 34,674 U.S. troops in the European country, according to the U.S. media outlet Politico.
The talk of the troop withdrawal came as Washington has been heaping pressure on Seoul to increase its financial contributions to the upkeep of the 28,500-strong U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) under the bilateral cost-sharing deal, called the Special Measures Agreement (SMA).
"This is a hotly contested issue in the United States. Donald Trump was very clear, we want to bring troops from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, from South Korea, Japan, from Germany," Grenell was quoted as saying.
"It doesn't feel like something that gives too powerful a message, other than Americans ... are getting a little tired of paying too much for the defense of other countries. And this has been a very political point that President Trump has made for a long time."
After the media reports emerged that the U.S. plans a partial withdrawal of troops from Germany, the White House said Monday that Trump is "continually reassessing" the American overseas military presence.
Amid the impasse in the SMA negotiations between Seoul and Washington, concerns have persisted that the U.S. could use the issue of the troop reduction as a bargaining chip, though the allies' defense officials have dismissed any future drawdown.
In the negotiations, Korea and the U.S. have drawn battle lines, casting their latest proposals as the final ones.
Seoul officials indicated a 13 percent increase from last year's SMA, around US$870 million, as the "best offer" Korea could make, while the U.S. has asked South Korea to pay US$1.3 billion a year -- an increase of about 50 percent from the 2019 SMA.
South Korea's defense ministry, however, said that no discussions have taken place between Seoul and Washington about any possible troop withdrawal from the Korean Peninsula.
"The U.S. reaffirmed its commitment to maintain the current level of American troops here. The issue has not been discussed between the two sides," a ministry official said.
According to the Joint Communique of the 51st Security Consultative Meeting between the South Korean and the U.S. defense chiefs in November last year, Secretary Mark Esper "reaffirmed the commitment to maintain the current level of the U.S. military personnel in the ROK and to enhance combat readiness" given "the current security environment."
The U.S.' National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) also bans the reduction of the number of American troops in South Korea below the current level unless the U.S. defense secretary certifies that it is in the U.S. national security interest, the official added.
This EPA photo taken Jan. 24, 2020, shows Richard Grenell speaking during a press conference in Serbia as the U.S. ambassador to Germany. (Yonhap)
sshluck@yna.co.kr
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-12--Summary of external news of North Korea this week

`` The United States supports inter-Korean cooperation and coordinates with our ROK ally to ensure inter-Korean cooperation proceeds in lockstep @ @ @ @ @ '' a State Department spokesperson said in response to a Yonhap query , referring to @ @ @ @ @ for its official name , the Republic of Korea .

SEOUL, June 12 (Yonhap) -- The following is a summary of external news of North Korea this week.
------------
U.S. supports inter-Korean cooperation together with progress on denuclearization: State Dept.
WASHINGTON, June 8 (Yonhap) -- The United States supports inter-Korean cooperation and works with South Korea to ensure cooperation proceeds together with progress in North Korea's denuclearization, the State Department said Monday amid Pyongyang's threats to abolish a joint liaison office with Seoul.
North Korea threatened last week to shut down the office in the border city of Kaesong unless Seoul stops North Korean defectors and activists from sending anti-Pyongyang leaflets into the North.
"The United States supports inter-Korean cooperation and coordinates with our ROK ally to ensure inter-Korean cooperation proceeds in lockstep with progress on denuclearization," a State Department spokesperson said in response to a Yonhap query, referring to South Korea by the acronym for its official name, the Republic of Korea.
------------
U.S. disappointed in N. Korea's recent actions to sever ties with S. Korea: State Dept.
WASHINGTON, June 9 (Yonhap) -- The United States is disappointed in North Korea's recent actions to sever ties with South Korea, the State Department said Tuesday, urging the communist nation to return to diplomacy and cooperation.
The comments came in response to a series of actions North Korea has taken in anger over anti-Pyongyang leaflets sent by defectors into the North.
Earlier Tuesday, the North vowed to cut off all inter-Korean communication lines and refused to answer South Korea's phone calls via liaison and military hotlines.
------------
Construction on Pyongyang hospital makes rapid progress: U.S. monitor
WASHINGTON, June 9 (Yonhap) -- Construction on a new hospital in Pyongyang has made rapid progress in the past month, a U.S. monitor said Tuesday, citing new commercial satellite imagery.
Work on the Pyongyang General Hospital began in March after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un attended its groundbreaking ceremony.
He ordered that the hospital be completed by Oct. 10, the 75th founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party.
------------
U.S. says full normalization of ties with N. Korea requires improving human rights
WASHINGTON, June 10 (Yonhap) -- The United States has made clear to North Korea that an improvement in human rights conditions, including religious freedom, will be required for a full normalization of bilateral ties, a State Department report said Wednesday.
According to the annual International Religious Freedom Report, the North Korean government continued to deny its people the right to religious freedom and committed violations that constituted crimes against humanity.
The report covered the period between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2019, and mostly summarized observations made by nongovernmental organizations and news media.
------------
U.S. willing to be 'flexible' to implement Singapore agreement on 2nd anniversary of summit
WASHINGTON, June 11 (Yonhap) -- The United States remains committed to implementing the Singapore summit agreement reached between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, and is willing to take a flexible approach, the State Department said Thursday ahead of the second anniversary of the historic meeting.
Trump and Kim met in Singapore on June 12, 2018, to negotiate the dismantlement of North Korea's nuclear weapons program in exchange for sanctions relief and other concessions.
At the end of the meeting, the first between sitting leaders of the two countries, Trump and Kim produced a joint statement committing the North to "work toward complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula" in return for U.S. security guarantees.
(END)


yna--2020-06-12--Summary of inter-Korean news this week

Summary of inter-Korean news this week

`` Our basic position is to comply with the agreements made by the leaders of the South and North , @ @ @ @ @ , '' the South 's unification ministry said in a statement , referring to the @ @ @ @ @ Moon Jae-in and his Northern counterpart , Kim Jong-un , from a summit at the @ @ @ @ @ on April 2018 .

SEOUL, June 12 (Yonhap) -- The following is a summary of inter-Korean news this week.
------------
N. Korea vows to abolish inter-Korean liaison office in anger over leaflets
SEOUL, June 6 (Yonhap) -- North Korea vowed Friday to abolish an inter-Korean liaison office in the first in a series of measures in anger over anti-Pyongyang leaflets sent from South Korea, even after Seoul promised to ban such leaflet campaigns.
The United Front Department (UFD), which handles inter-Korean affairs, said in a statement that leader Kim Jong-un's sister, Kim Yo-jong, ordered officials to look into implementing a series of measures she threatened to take a day earlier unless Seoul stops North Korean defectors from sending such leaflets.
The hardline statement came despite South Korea's promise to take legislative measures to ban flying-in of propaganda leaflets, and appears to be aimed at increasing pressure on Seoul to make sure to follow through with its pledge.
------------
Seoul committed to inter-Korean agreement despite harsh rhetoric from North
SEOUL, June 7 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean government said Sunday it remains committed toward upholding the agreements between the leaders of the two Koreas amid threats from the North to shut down an inter-Korean liaison office in protest of anti-Pyongyang leaflets sent from the South.
"Our basic position is to comply with the agreements made by the leaders of the South and North, such as the Panmunjom Declaration," the South's unification ministry said in a statement, referring to the agreement between South Korean President Moon Jae-in and his Northern counterpart, Kim Jong-un, from a summit at the DMZ truce village of Panmunjom on April 2018.
It was the first official response from Seoul after the North's United Front Department (UFD), which handles inter-Korean affairs, on Friday vowed to abolish an inter-Korean liaison office in the North's border town of Kaesong, in the first of a series of measures in anger over anti-North Korean leaflets sent from across the border.
------------
N.K. answers second liaison phone call from S. Korea amid leaflet tensions
SEOUL, June 8 (Yonhap) -- North Korea answered the second daily liaison phone call from South Korea on Monday, the unification ministry said, after an earlier call went unanswered and sparked speculation that Pyongyang might be carrying out its threat to abolish a joint liaison office.
Monday's twice-a-day liaison phone calls were a focus of attention as the two sides were to have such calls for the first time since the North vowed to scrap the joint liaison office in anger over anti-Pyongyang propaganda leaflets sent by defectors and activists in the South.
Many had feared that a lack of response would suggest Pyongyang is putting the threat into action. Such fears had appeared to be materializing when the North did not answer the first liaison call from the South on Monday morning, but Pyongyang answered the second call, officials said.
------------
N. Korea to cut off all inter-Korean communication lines at noon
SEOUL, June 9 (Yonhap) -- North Korea will cut off all communication lines with South Korea at noon Tuesday, state media reported, blasting Seoul for failing to stop defectors from sending anti-Pyongyang propaganda leaflets into the communist nation.
The decision came days after the North vowed to abolish an inter-Korean liaison office and completely shut down other major cross-border programs, denouncing leaflet-sending as a hostile act breaching a series of peace agreements between the two sides.
"The disgusting riff-raff have committed hostile acts against the DPRK by taking advantage of the south Korean authorities' irresponsible stance and with their connivance. They dared to hurt the dignity of our supreme leadership," the Korean Central News Agency said.
------------
N.K. refuses to answer calls from S. Korea at noon after vowing to sever all phone lines
SEOUL, June 9 (Yonhap) -- North Korea did not answer daily phone calls from South Korea via liaison and military hotlines on Tuesday after vowing to cut off all inter-Korean communication lines in anger over anti-Pyongyang leaflets sent from the South.
The decision to sever all phone lines at noon Tuesday was the latest in a series of angry protests the communist nation has made since last week while blasting Seoul for failing to stop North Korean defectors from sending propaganda leaflets criticizing Pyongyang's leadership.
Hours after announcing the decision, the North refused to answer a series of phone calls the South made Tuesday morning via liaison and military communication lines, officials at the unification and defense ministries said.
------------
S. Korea vows to fully implement inter-Korean military deal despite N.K. threats
SEOUL, June 10 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will fully implement a military tension-reduction agreement with North Korea despite Pyongyang's threat to scrap it, the defense ministry said Wednesday, amid heightened tensions over anti-Pyongyang leaflets.
During a meeting of top commanders presided over by Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo, officers said the agreement signed in 2018 has "specifically and practically" contributed to reducing tensions between the two Koreas, according to the ministry
"Despite the recent difficulty in inter-Korean relations, our military decided to fully implement the Sept. 19 military agreement to continue efforts for realization of reduction in military tensions, and to militarily back the government's policy for denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the peace process," the ministry said in a release.
------------
Cheong Wa Dae warns of tough crackdown on leaflet launches into N. Korea
SEOUL, June 11 (Yonhap) -- Cheong Wa Dae warned Thursday that the government would thoroughly crack down on a campaign to launch propaganda leaflets across the border into North Korea in its first official statement on Pyongyang's renewed brinkmanship highlighted by an announcement to sever all inter-Korean communication lines.
The office of President Moon Jae-in expressed "strong regret" over the continued launches of anti-Pyongyang leaflets by activists here, mostly defectors, citing a set of inter-Korean agreements intended to halt such acts.
The launches not only constitute a breach of South Korean laws, including the inter-Korean exchange and cooperation act, but also do not meet the accords between the two sides, Kim You-geun, deputy director of Cheong Wa Dae's national security office, said in a statement.
(END)


yna--2020-06-12--Summary of domestic news in North Korea this week

The meeting , held Sunday , came just two days after the North vowed to abolish an inter-Korean liaison office @ @ @ @ @ leaflets sent from South Korea .
Four items were on the agenda , but the @ @ @ @ @ of them , according to the Korean Central News Agency .

SEOUL, June 12 (Yonhap) -- The following is a summary of domestic news in North Korea this week.
------------
N. Korea's FM expresses strong support for China amid conflict with U.S.
SEOUL, June 5 (Yonhap) -- North Korea's top diplomat has expressed strong support for China amid the growing geopolitical conflict between Beijing and Washington, the North's media reported Friday.
North Korea's foreign minister, Ri Son-gwon, expressed support for Beijing during a meeting with Li Jinjun, Chinese ambassador to North Korea, at the Mansudae Assembly Hall in Pyongyang on Thursday, according to the North's official Korean Central News Agency,
In the meeting, Ri stated that the North "will continue actively support the position of China's party and government aimed at defending the sovereignty, safety and the total unification of its land."
------------
N. Korea's official paper ratchets up criticism over anti-Pyongyang leaflets
SEOUL, June 6 (Yonhap) -- North Korea's official newspaper on Saturday lashed out at South Korea over anti-Pyongyang leaflets sent by activists into the communist state, blaming Seoul for freezing inter-Korean relations with its irresponsible attitude and belated action.
The Rodong Sinmun, the organ of the North's ruling party, made the criticism, hours after Pyongyang vowed to close an inter-Korean liaison office in its border town of Kaesong over the leaflet-sending campaigns.
"The current situation clearly shows who is the culprit for freezing a good atmosphere again in relations between the North and the South and pushing things into a state of tension," the paper said.
------------
N.K. leader holds politburo meeting, makes no mention of inter-Korean issues
SEOUL, June 8 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has presided over a politburo meeting of the Workers' Party and discussed measures to develop the chemical industry, but inter-Korean issues and other external matters were not on the agenda, according to state media Monday.
The meeting, held Sunday, came just two days after the North vowed to abolish an inter-Korean liaison office in anger over anti-Pyongyang propaganda leaflets sent from South Korea. Four items were on the agenda, but the leaflet issue was not one of them, according to the Korean Central News Agency.
"The meeting discussed in depth some crucial issues arising in further developing the self-sufficient economy of the country and improving the standard of people's living," the KCNA said.
------------
N. Korea 'ablaze with fury' over anti-Pyongyang leaflets: Rodong Sinmun
SEOUL, June 10 (Yonhap) -- North Korea's main newspaper on Wednesday lashed out at South Korea over anti-Pyongyang leaflets sent by defectors and other activists into the communist state, saying "the whole country is ablaze with fury."
On Tuesday, the North called the South an "enemy" and vowed to cut off all inter-Korean communication lines in anger over such leafleting, and it has since not answered routine daily phone calls from the South via liaison and military hotlines.
The Rodong Sinmun, the organ of the North's ruling party, said the country's major women's organization, Socialist Women's Union of Korea, held a mass rally blasting South Korea for turning a blind eye to such leafleting.
------------
N. Korea to U.S.: Don't meddle if you want smooth presidential election
SEOUL, June 11 (Yonhap) -- North Korea warned the United States on Thursday not to meddle in inter-Korean relations if it wants to avoid experiencing an unspecified "hair-raiser" and hold November's presidential election smoothly.
Kwon Jong-gun, director general of the North Korean foreign ministry's American affairs department, made the remark after Washington voiced disappointment over Pyongyang's recent decision to cut off all communication lines with South Korea.
"If the U.S. pokes its nose into others' affairs with careless remarks, far from minding its internal affairs, at a time when its political situation is in the worst-ever confusion, it may encounter an unpleasant thing hard to deal with," Kwon said in an interview with the Korean Central News Agency.
------------
N. Korea vows to build up 'more reliable' force against U.S. threats
SEOUL, June 12 (Yonhap) -- North Korea said Friday its goal is to build up a "more reliable" force against long-term military threats from the United States as the two countries marked the second anniversary of the first-ever summit of their leaders.
North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Son-gwon made the remark, adding that Pyongyang would "never again" provide the U.S. with "another package" that President Donald Trump could use to boast as his political achievements.
"The secure strategic goal of the DPRK is to build up more reliable force to cope with the long-term military threats from the U.S. This is our reply message to the U.S. on the occasion of second anniversary of June 12," Ri said in a statement carried by the Korean Central News Agency.
------------
N. Korea slams U.N. chief for expressing regret over Pyongyang's move to cut inter-Korean hotlines
SEOUL, June 12 (Yonhap) -- North Korea on Friday criticized U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for expressing "regret" over the North's decision to cut off all inter-Korean communication channels.
Guterres expressed his regret over Pyongyang's announcement, warning that such channels "are necessary to avoid misunderstandings or miscalculations," according to U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric.
"If the Secretary-General truly desires peace and stability of the Korean peninsula, he shouldn't reel off such nonsense as 'regrets,' but harshly reprimand South Korea," a North Korean foreign ministry spokesperson was quoted by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) as saying.
(END)


yna--2020-06-12--Key developments on North Korea this week

-- U.S. willing to be 'flexible ' to implement Singapore agreement on 2nd anniversary of summit

SEOUL, June 12 (Yonhap) -- The following are key developments regarding North Korea this week.
------
June 5 -- N. Korea vows to abolish inter-Korean liaison office in anger over leaflets
7 -- N.K. leader holds politburo meeting, makes no mention of inter-Korean issues
9 -- N. Korea vows to cut off all inter-Korean communication lines at noon
-- U.S. disappointed in N. Korea's recent actions to sever ties with S. Korea: State Dept.
11 -- N. Korea accuses U.S. of interfering in inter-Korean affairs, warns of 'terrible' things
-- Cheong Wa Dae warns of tough crackdown on leaflet launches into N. Korea
-- U.S. willing to be 'flexible' to implement Singapore agreement on 2nd anniversary of summit
12 -- N. Korea vows to build up 'more reliable' force against U.S. threats
(END)


yna--2020-06-12--Seoul stocks end sharply lower on virus fears, won falls

SEOUL , June 12 ( Yonhap ) -- South Korean stocks closed sharply lower Friday as investor sentiment was hurt @ @ @ @ @ new coronavirus outbreak , analysts said .
The Korean won fell against the U.S. dollar @

SEOUL, June 12 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks closed sharply lower Friday as investor sentiment was hurt by renewed concerns over the new coronavirus outbreak, analysts said. The Korean won fell against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) declined 44.48 points, or 2.04 percent, to finish at 2,132.30. Trading volume was moderate at 681.3 million shares worth 14.7 trillion won (US$12.2 billion), with losers outpacing gainers 720 to 160.
The KOSPI declined for a second straight day following a nine-day winning streak. It marked the lowest close in eight sessions.
"Investors were spooked by concerns about a potential second wave of infections," Seo Sang-young, an analyst at Kiwoom Securities Co., said.
South Korean shares nosedived more than 4 percent at the opening bell, taking a cue from overnight plunges in U.S. markets over renewed fears about the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average tumbled 1,861.82 points, or 6.9 percent, to close at 25,128.17.
Investor sentiment remained subdued after the U.S. Federal Reserve warned of a "long road" to economic recovery Wednesday over the virus outbreak and vowed to keep interest rates low.
The Seoul market trimmed earlier losses after retail investors hunted for bargains.
Individual investors snapped up a net 554.3 billion won, while foreigners unloaded a net 265 billion won. Institutions sold more shares than they bought at 283 billion won.
Most stocks closed in negative terrain, led by falls in tech shares and automakers.
Market leader Samsung Electronics fell 3.68 percent to 52,300 won amid uncertainties surrounding Samsung Group's de facto leader Lee Jae-yong's legal battle in a succession probe.
No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix declined 3.73 percent to 85,200 won, and home appliances giant LG Electronics lost 1.74 percent to 67,800 won.
Top automaker Hyundai Motor shed 4.61 percent to 103,500 won, and its affiliate Kia Motors fell 1.96 percent to 35,000 won.
The local currency closed at 1,203.80 won against the U.S. dollar, down 7.40 won from the previous session.
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-13--New virus cases under 50, cluster infections linger in greater Seoul

While new virus cases have been plateauing in other areas , the metropolitan area that is home to half the @ @ @ @ @ million has been suffering from a string of cluster infections tied to religious gatherings , @ @ @ @ @ facilities .

SEOUL, June 13 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new virus cases fell below the threshold of 50 on Saturday, but cluster infections continued to persist in the greater Seoul area, putting strains on health authorities' efforts to fight the pandemic.
The country added 49 new cases, including 44 local infections, raising the total caseload to 12,051, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
Of the locally transmitted cases, all but one came from Seoul and surrounding areas.
One of the newly added cases reported a day earlier later retested negative.
While new virus cases have been plateauing in other areas, the metropolitan area that is home to half the country's population of 50 million has been suffering from a string of cluster infections tied to religious gatherings, a distribution center and sports facilities.
Late last month, the country implemented two weeks of tougher virus prevention guidelines for the metropolitan area, with measures including shutting down public facilities and regulating bars and karaoke rooms.
A staff member disinfects a middle school located in western Seoul on June 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
Earlier this week, however, South Korea decided to indefinitely extend the deadline previously set for Sunday, as nearly all locally transmitted cases have been reported in the metropolitan area this month.
The measure will be in place until the number of new cases falls back to a single digit, according to health authorities.
QR code-based entry logs for all visitors will also be mandatory for cram schools and PC rooms in the area, in addition to entertainment facilities.
Health authorities also warned that the country may roll back to strict social distancing nationwide again unless the virus curve flattens sharply.
South Korea had eased its strict nationwide social distancing guidelines on May 6 as the daily new COVID-19 cases reached single digits, with phased reopenings of schools starting in mid-May.
The country completed phased school reopenings this week, although some regulations, like a mix of online and offline classes, are still in force.
A visitor fills out documents before receiving a new coronavirus test at a makeshift clinic in southern Seoul on June 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
On Friday, cases traced to a warehouse run by e-commerce leader Coupang in Bucheon, just west of Seoul, reached 147, up one from a day earlier. Those linked to small churches in the metropolitan area rose by one to reach 95.
Cases tied to a door-to-door business establishment rose to 139 as of Friday, with patients aged 65 and above accounting for 44.6 percent.
COVID-19 cases linked to a table tennis gym in southwestern Seoul came in at 61.
Other smaller cluster infections were reported across the nation as well.
A total of 14 cases traced to a day care center for seniors in western Seoul have been reported so far.
Health authorities remain vigilant over asymptomatic "silent" virus spreaders as well. About 30 percent of COVID-19 patients here are asymptomatic, according to the KCDC.
The total death tally stayed unchanged at 277.
The total number of people released from quarantine after full recoveries stood at 10,691, up 22 from the previous day.
The country has carried out 1,094,704 COVID-19 tests since Jan. 3. The figure translates to roughly 1 out of every 50 South Koreans receiving COVID-19 tests.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-13--(URGENT) 22 more people released after full recovery from coronavirus, total cured patients at 10,69

(URGENT) 22 more people released after full recovery from coronavirus, total cured patients at 10,691: KCDC


yna--2020-06-13--(URGENT) S. Korea reports no additional virus deaths, death toll now at 277: KCDC


yna--2020-06-13--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 49 more cases of new coronavirus, total now at 12,051: KCDC


yna--2020-06-13--Right committee urges local governments to include foreigners in relief payout scheme

Both local governments identify `` foreign residents '' as foreigners who have resided in the respective areas for over 90 @ @ @ @ @ are entitled to the same rights as Korean residents unless there are separate clauses .

SEOUL, June 13 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's national human rights committee has advised the municipal governments of Seoul and Gyeonggi Province to include foreign residents in their relief payout schemes.
Civic groups representing foreign residents had lodged a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission of Korea, claiming the two municipal governments discriminated against foreign residents by excluding them from the scheme for no specific reason.
Both local governments identify "foreign residents" as foreigners who have resided in the respective areas for over 90 days and indicate that they are entitled to the same rights as Korean residents unless there are separate clauses.
However, foreign residents were excluded from the municipal governments' relief payouts aimed at easing damages from the new coronavirus that has infected more than 12,000 here.
In documents submitted to the committee, the municipal governments said the relief payout had to be distributed urgently amid the pandemic, which led to systemic and procedural issues that blocked them from including all foreign residents.
The human rights committee, however, ruled in favor of the plaintiffs on Thursday.
"At a time of COVID-19 disaster, foreigners are not different from (Koreans) in that their livelihoods are threatened. Like Koreans, foreigners are equally going through a disaster situation, including job losses, layoffs, wage inequality, a reduction in social ties and weakened accessibility to medical facilities," the committee said in a Korean-language statement.
"Due to this reason, it is not reasonable to include nationality, country of birth, form of family and family relationships as criteria in providing support that comes from municipal governments' limited resources."
The committee concluded that treating foreign residents differently is seen as discrimination without a reasonable cause, advising municipal governments to complement their policies going forward to not exclude foreign residents.
This photo taken on April 2, 2020, shows members of civic groups holding signs demanding a universal relief payout that includes foreign residents as beneficiaries in front of the National Human Rights Commission in central Seoul. (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-13--Telcos expand financial services in cooperation with local banks

The three firms -- SK Telecom Co. , KT Corp. and LG Uplus Corp. -- in recent months introduced various @ @ @ @ @ products to credit cards , and pushed their `` techfin '' drive .
Techfin refers @ @ @ @ @ leading the creation of financial services with tech solutions , such as big data and @ @

SEOUL, June 13 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's three major telecom firms are expanding financial services in cooperation with local banks, industry officials said Saturday, as they try to expand their businesses beyond the telecom sector.
The three firms -- SK Telecom Co., KT Corp. and LG Uplus Corp. -- in recent months introduced various financial services, from deposit products to credit cards, and pushed their "techfin" drive. Techfin refers to an information technology firm leading the creation of financial services with tech solutions, such as big data and blockchain.
This photo, provided by SK Telecom Co. on June 8, 2020, shows a consumer checking the company's deposit product in association with Korea Development Bank and Finnq. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
SK Telecom said it will launch a deposit product Monday that offers a maximum 2 percent interest rate to its subscribers after joining forces with the Korea Development Bank (KDB) and Finnq, a loan brokerage startup.
Last year, the nation's top mobile carrier and Finnq introduced savings account products with DGB Daegu Bank and KDB that offer a maximum 5 percent interest rate.
Last month, SK Telecom partnered with Hyundai Capital and e-commerce platform 11Street to release a loan product for online retailers and made a credit evaluation model using borrower's mobile telecommunications and sales data.
In April, KT signed a partnership with BNK Busan Bank, BNK Capital and Korea Credit Bureau to offer a service through which its subscribers can check financial products related to their mobile communication information.
This photo, provided by KT Corp. on April 22, 2020, shows a model introducing the company's online financial service in cooperation with BNK Busan Bank, BNK Capital and Korea Credit Bureau. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Using its artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm, KT will evaluate users' mobile credit rating, and based on that data, BNK Busan Bank and BNK Capital will offer extra financial benefits.
This week, KT introduced a mobile notification service for insurance information using blockchain technology after signing a deal with KB Insurance.
KT , which owns internet-only bank K-Bank and credit card firm BC Card, has been trying to find ways to improve their financial services using the company's technological know-how.
LG Uplus joined hands with Shinhan Financial Group on big data businesses. It recently partnered with Shinhan Card to release a credit card product for small business owners.
Last year, it released a savings account product with Welcome Savings Bank that offers a maximum 8 percent interest rate to its subscribers.
In this photo, provided by LG Uplus Corp. on April 5, 2020, models introduce a credit card product released by LG Uplus and Shinhan Card. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-13--S. Korea carries out civil service entrance exam after nearly 3-month delay

South Korea has adopted strict sanitary guidelines for applicants , including making it mandatory for them to wear protective masks @ @ @ @ @ when checking their identification , according to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety .

SEOUL, June 13 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Saturday carried out a written test for applicants seeking to become public servants nearly three months after the nationwide exam was delayed due to the new coronavirus pandemic.
The test for the lowest-ranked grade nine of civil workers was originally scheduled for March 28 but was delayed amid rising concerns over the possible spread of COVID-19 among test takers.
Around 200,000 applicants are expected to gather at 700 test venues across the country.
South Korea has adopted strict sanitary guidelines for applicants, including making it mandatory for them to wear protective masks at all times except for when checking their identification, according to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.
The number of test takers in a single room will be limited to 20, down from the previous guideline of 30, to maintain safe distances between people.
Two applicants who are under self-quarantine were allowed to take the exam at their homes as well.
South Korea had allowed some civil service applicants to take tests from home in 2015, when the country suffered from an outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).
The country has reported more than 12,000 COVID-19 cases so far since reporting the first infection from a Chinese person on January 20.
Staff members disinfect a test venue of the civil service entrance test in western Seoul on June 12, 2020, a day ahead of the exam date. (Yonhap)
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-13--(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on June 13)

(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on June 13)

The U.S. State Department has to date said it is sticking to the Singapore summit agreement and is willing to @ @ @ @ @ \ Seoul , however , seems to be in a hurry to appease the North @ @ @ @ @ cut off communication channels .
Since Kim Yo-jong , first vice department director of the @ @ @ @ @ Committee , and Kim Jong-un 's sister , pounced on the South for failing to @ @ @ @ @ Korean leaflets across the border , lawmakers have pledged to legislate a bill banning this @ @ @ @ @ to crack down on it and the unification ministry filed complaint against two defectors ' @ @ @ @ @ even as questions of freedom of expression were raised .

NK's offensives should not lead to provocative action
North Korea's recent verbal offensives unleashed on both South Korea and the United States are a regrettable reminder that the historic 2018 North Korea-U.S. summit in Singapore did not achieve much in the way of specifics for N.K.'s denuclearization and Korean peace.
On the second anniversary of the summit between U.S. President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, Friday, the North expressed "despair" and denounced the United States. Foreign Minister Ri Son-gwon said through the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), "Never again will we provide the U.S. chief executive with another package to be used for achievements without receiving any returns." He added, "Nothing is more hypocritical than an empty promise."
Ri also said the North sees little need to maintain personal ties between Trump and Kim ― who through "letter diplomacy" patched up possible diplomatic friction. He continued that North Korea will develop more reliable forces to counter the long-term U.S. military threat.
Unlike the livid commentaries against Seoul voiced on Rodong Sinmun during the past week, Ri's statement toward Washington was carried by the KCNA. Ri noticeably spoke of both "developing force" but also "receiving any returns," that could leave open the possibility for further negotiations.
Tactically, Pyongyang may be looking to have an impact on Washington using Seoul as an intermediary. With the U.S. presidential elections due in November, Pyongyang might be surmising that now is the time to apply pressure for action. Or by expressing "dismay and resentment" and now despair" at the lack of progress in getting U.S.-led economic sanctions relaxed after the denuclearization talks stalled, the North may be building up justification for provocative actions ― the least desirable scenario on the Korean Peninsula. Additionally, at the start of the year Kim vowed to bolster his nuclear deterrent.
The U.S. State Department has to date said it is sticking to the Singapore summit agreement and is willing to take a flexible approach.
\ Seoul, however, seems to be in a hurry to appease the North, despite the North having cut off communication channels. Since Kim Yo-jong, first vice department director of the Workers' Party's Central Committee, and Kim Jong-un's sister, pounced on the South for failing to stop the sending of anti-North Korean leaflets across the border, lawmakers have pledged to legislate a bill banning this. Then the government vowed to crack down on it and the unification ministry filed complaint against two defectors' group sending the leaflets, even as questions of freedom of expression were raised.
Understandably, one of President Moon Jae-in's central legacies is to spearhead Korean peace. But officials should seek to determine what the real intentions are behind the North's recent shift to hostility, and seek a wise response instead of a piece-meal one. Policymakers should also take inter-Korean steps that will be in concert with the larger geopolitical landscape and dynamics in Northeast Asia.
(END)


yna--2020-06-13--Top headlines in major S. Korean newspapers

Korean-language dailies -- 2nd wave of pandemic may come within month if current trend continues ( Kyunghyang Shinmun ) -- @ @ @ @ @ on concerns over pandemic in greater Seoul ( Kookmin Daily ) -- Trump wants to @ @ @ @ @ Korea , despite rising pressure from Pyongyang ( Donga llbo ) -- Enhanced quarantine measures @ @ @ @ @ ( Segye Times ) -- N. Korea hints of beefing up nuke capabilities on 2nd @ @ @ @ @ in Singapore ( Chosun Ilbo ) -- Are 'employed self-employed ' workers ghosts ?
( @ @ @ @ @ measures extended indefinitely as virus becomes three times more contagious in metropolitan area ( Hankyoreh @ @ @ @ @ S. Korea ( Hankook Ilbo ) -- 'Big ' ruling party pushes for real estate @ @ @ @ @ ) -- Global economy facing 'coronavirus dilemma ' ( Korea Economic Daily )

SEOUL, June 13 (Yonhap) -- The following are the top headlines in major South Korean newspapers on June 13.
Korean-language dailies
-- 2nd wave of pandemic may come within month if current trend continues (Kyunghyang Shinmun)
-- Enhanced quarantine measures extended indefinitely on concerns over pandemic in greater Seoul (Kookmin Daily)
-- Trump wants to reduce U.S. troops in S. Korea, despite rising pressure from Pyongyang (Donga llbo)
-- Enhanced quarantine measures in metropolitan area extended indefinitely (Segye Times)
-- N. Korea hints of beefing up nuke capabilities on 2nd anniversary of summit with U.S. in Singapore (Chosun Ilbo)
-- Are 'employed self-employed' workers ghosts? (JoongAng Ilbo)
-- Quarantine measures extended indefinitely as virus becomes three times more contagious in metropolitan area (Hankyoreh)
-- Perjury prevails in S. Korea (Hankook Ilbo)
-- 'Big' ruling party pushes for real estate regulations (Maeil Business Newspaper)
-- Global economy facing 'coronavirus dilemma' (Korea Economic Daily)
English-language dailies
-- QR code scanning to be mandatory at cram schools (Korea Times)
(END)


Saturday's weather forecast

SEOUL , Jun .
13 ( Yonhap ) -- The following is the weather forecast for South Korea 's 12 @ @ @ @ @ Saturday .


yna--2020-06-13--Polled citizens, experts prioritize fine dust in environmental policies

`` Recently , the public 's interest in and expectations for environmental policies have increased , due to a string @ @ @ @ @ dust pollution and environmentally harmful substances , '' the ministry said , vowing to continue @ @ @ @ @ so that the people can better experience the effects of each policy .

SEOUL, June 13 (Yonhap) -- Reducing fine dust particles should be the top priority among the government's environmental policies, according to a poll of ordinary citizens and experts released on Saturday.
The poll was conducted by the Ministry of Environment on 700 citizens and 510 experts last year to collect their opinions on environmental policy priorities and measure their policy satisfaction levels.
It found 37.9 percent of citizens and 37.3 percent of experts pointing to the creation of a safe atmospheric environment free from fine dust pollution as the highest priority among the ministry's policy tasks.
As a second policy priority, 21.6 percent of citizens and 23.7 percent of experts called for responding actively to climate change to realize a sustainable future society.
This undated file photo shows the sky over downtown Seoul thick with fine dust particles. (Yonhap)
In case of a third policy priority, 10.6 percent of citizens cited the creation of a safe drinking water supply base and the establishment of an integrated water management system, while 8 percent of experts asked for realizing a circular economic society through a virtuous cycle of resources.
The ministry said its fine dust policy last year scored a satisfaction score of 57.1 points from citizens, the lowest among its policy items. The polled citizens then gave 57.6 points to the ministry's climate change policy and 60.6 points to the circular economy policy.
By contrast, experts gave the highest satisfaction score of 65.8 points to the integrated water management policy, while issuing lower scores of 57.1 points, 61 points and 61.5 points for the four-river restoration policy, environmental industry and job creation policy and fine dust policy, respectively.
Asked about the reasons for low satisfaction with the fine dust policy in 2019, 37 percent of citizens said there were insufficient tangible policy effects. About 33 percent of them also stressed efforts for new legislation and legal revisions to enhance fine dust policy effects.
Meanwhile, the overall satisfaction score for the ministry's major policy measures was tallied at 60.1 points last year, up 0.4 from the previous year.
The level of satisfaction perceived by the public fell 0.3 point to 58.9 points, while the expert group increased their satisfaction score by 2.2 points to 62.9 points.
"Recently, the public's interest in and expectations for environmental policies have increased, due to a string of environmental problems involving fine dust pollution and environmentally harmful substances," the ministry said, vowing to continue to promote and manage policies so that the people can better experience the effects of each policy.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-13--(LEAD) Pentagon: S. Korea meets conditions to lift travel restrictions on U.S. troops

The restrictions were later updated .
Currently , a host nation or U.S. state or territory is designated a `` @ @ @ @ @ meets three conditions : removal of shelter-in-place orders or other travel restrictions in the area @ @ @ @ @ flu-like and COVID-19-like symptoms ; and 14-day downward trajectory of new COVID-19 cases or positive @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES with details, background from 4th para)
By Lee Haye-ah
WASHINGTON, June 12 (Yonhap) -- South Korea meets the conditions to lift travel restrictions that were placed on U.S. troops to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the Pentagon said Friday.
South Korea was added to a list of "green locations" as part of the Defense Department's move to a conditions-based, phased approach to personnel movement and travel, the Pentagon said in a press release.
The travel restrictions will be lifted subject to an assessment of conditions at individual military installations, it said.
The U.S. stations 28,500 troops in South Korea.
In March, the Pentagon announced a 60-day travel restriction for service members, Department of Defense civilians and families traveling to, from or through locations classified as Level 3 by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
South Korea was issued the highest Level 3, together with Italy, China and Iran.
The restrictions were later updated. Currently, a host nation or U.S. state or territory is designated a "green location" if it meets three conditions: removal of shelter-in-place orders or other travel restrictions in the area; 14-day downward trajectory of flu-like and COVID-19-like symptoms; and 14-day downward trajectory of new COVID-19 cases or positive tests.
The other host nations on the list are Bahrain, Belgium, Germany, Japan, and Britain.
In the U.S., the designation applies to 38 states, including New York and Texas; the District of Columbia; and Guam.
"The secretaries of the military departments, commanders of the combatant commands, and the chief management officer will assess specific DOD installations, facilities, or locations under their purview," the Pentagon said.
This AP file photo shows the Pentagon in Washington. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-13--Pentagon: S. Korea meets conditions to lift travel restrictions on U.S. troops

WASHINGTON , June 12 ( Yonhap ) -- South Korea meets the conditions to lift travel restrictions that were placed @ @ @ @ @ the spread of the coronavirus , the Pentagon said Friday .

WASHINGTON, June 12 (Yonhap) -- South Korea meets the conditions to lift travel restrictions that were placed on U.S. troops to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the Pentagon said Friday.
South Korea was added to a list of "green locations" as part of the Defense Department's move to a conditions-based, phased approach to personnel movement and travel, the Pentagon said in a press release.
The travel restrictions will be lifted subject to an assessment of conditions at individual military installations, it said.
The criteria for designation as a "green location" are: removal of shelter-in-place orders or other travel restrictions; 14-day downward trajectory of flu-like and COVID-19-like symptoms; and 14-day downward trajectory of new COVID-19 cases or positive tests.
This AP file photo shows the Pentagon in Washington. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-13--U.S. senators introduce resolution marking 70th anniversary of Korean War

The Senate also `` emphasizes '' that U.S .
Forces Korea remains prepared to counter aggression and relies on the @ @ @ @ @ dedicated Korean national employees of USFK , '' an apparent reference to the thousands of @ @ @ @ @ April due to the absence of a new cost-sharing agreement for the upkeep of the @ @ @ @

By Lee Haye-ah
WASHINGTON, June 12 (Yonhap) -- Two U.S. senators have introduced a resolution recognizing the importance of the South Korea-U.S. alliance on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Korean War.
The resolution was introduced Thursday by Sens. Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Ed Markey (D-MA), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.
"Seventy years after the outbreak of the Korean War, the alliance between the United States and South Korea remains ironclad," Gardner said in a statement.
"Our two nations stand shoulder-to-shoulder, and our continued partnership with South Korea is the linchpin of peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia," he said, adding that South Korea was also essential in helping his state of Colorado obtain testing kits for COVID-19.
This AP file photo shows Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO). (Yonhap)
Markey said the two countries' joint efforts to secure peace on the Korean Peninsula are as important as ever.
"Yet this deep relationship, anchored in shared democratic values, extends far beyond defense," he said in a statement.
The resolution marks the June 25 anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War and describes the events that followed, including the signing of a mutual defense treaty between the U.S. and South Korea on Oct. 1, 1953.
It recognizes that the bilateral alliance has since transformed itself from a security relationship into a comprehensive global partnership, as demonstrated in South Korea's contributions to fighting the coronavirus pandemic.
The resolution also notes that it is in the national interest of the U.S. to maintain an American troop presence in South Korea.
It "reaffirms" that South Korea and the U.S. must pursue a coordinated policy of diplomatic engagement, economic pressure, and military deterrence to achieve peace and the denuclearization of North Korea.
The Senate also "emphasizes" that U.S. Forces Korea remains prepared to counter aggression and relies on the "vital contributions of the dedicated Korean national employees of USFK," an apparent reference to the thousands of workers who were furloughed in April due to the absence of a new cost-sharing agreement for the upkeep of the 28,500 American troops.
The Senate "reaffirms that the United States-South Korea alliance is a critical force to uphold the post-World War II liberal global order built by our two nations," the resolution says.
This AFP file photo shows Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA). (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-13--(LEAD) N. Korea warns S. Korea of 'regretful and painful' times ahead

`` Their statement sounds like an apology or repentance , and their 'resolution to take counteraction ' sounds plausible , @ @ @ @ @ But it is hard to clear the doubt that it can be just a brainstorm @ @ @ @ @ over the present crisis .
Because its attitude of repentance is too timid , when @ @ @ @ @ the crime committed . ''

(ATTN: UPDATES throughout with KCNA's English statement, details; CHANGES headline)
SEOUL, June 13 (Yonhap) -- North Korea said Friday that it has lost all confidence in the South Korean government and warned of "regretful and painful" times ahead.
Jang Kum-chol, director of the North's United Front Department, made the statement to the official Korean Central News Agency, referring to Cheong Wa Dae's recent vow to deal strictly with activists' flying of anti-Pyongyang leaflets into the North.
"Their statement sounds like an apology or repentance, and their 'resolution to take counteraction' sounds plausible," Jang said. "But it is hard to clear the doubt that it can be just a brainstorm trick of Chongwadae to tide over the present crisis. Because its attitude of repentance is too timid, when compared with the gravity of the crime committed."
North Korea has strongly protested the leaflet campaigns in recent days and vowed to cut off all inter-Korean communication lines in response. It has also threatened to abolish an inter-Korean liaison office, scrap a military tension-reduction deal signed in 2018 and dismantle a now-shuttered industrial park in the North's border city of Kaesong.
"The recent incident has smashed to pieces the confidence in the south Korean authorities that we have made so much effort to build," Jang said.
"We really don't want to stand face to face with them as they often talk tall as if to achieve something great but fail in taking even a step in practice," he continued. "From now, time will be, indeed, regretful and painful for the south Korean authorities."
Jang accused the South of making promises in words only, and mocked its efforts to legislate a ban on sending the leaflets.
"Now they barely put to use the laws that had already been in place," he said. "A new law touted by them is still far way off. Can we pin any hope for the law to take effect?"
Jang argued that had the South been truly concerned about inter-Korean relations, it could have made "dozens of such laws" since President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un adopted the Panmunjom Declaration in April 2018. The declaration calls for complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and improving inter-Korean relations.
"Now Chongwadae, the ministry of Unification and even the ruling party are running helter-skelter, talking about 'good-for-nothing act' and 'stern counteraction,'" Jang said. "They say that they would check the leaflet-scattering by mobilizing the police forces but it is uncertain whether they can properly do their job as they fail to exercise even their public power."
The leaflets have been sent by North Korean defectors and conservative activists with messages sharply critical of the Pyongyang regime and its leader. The large balloons containing the leaflets also carry other items, such as USB memory sticks and one-dollar bills, to encourage North Koreans to pick them up.
The renewed tensions between South and North come as nuclear talks between Washington and Pyongyang have stalled for more than a year due to differences over the scope of North Korea's denuclearization and sanctions relief from the U.S.
"It will be most foolish for Chongwadae to calculate that it can calm down our people's rage which has erupted like a volcano with such third-rate farce and put the current grim situation under control with its imprudent words, and this will be another mockery of us," Jang said.
(END)


yna--2020-06-13--N. Korea says it has lost all confidence in S. Korean government

`` The times ahead will be truly regrettable and painful for the South Korean authorities , '' Jang said .
@ @ @ @ @ we ) tried so hard to have in the South Korean authorities has been shattered @ @

SEOUL, June 13 (Yonhap) -- North Korea said Friday that it has lost all confidence in the South Korean government and warned of "regrettable and painful" times ahead.
Jang Gum-chol, head of the North's United Front Department, made the statement to the official Korean Central News Agency, referring to Cheong Wa Dae's recent vow to deal strictly with activists' flying of anti-Pyongyang leaflets into the North.
"We have more doubt than trust" in the South Korean presidential office's statement, Jang said, questioning the South's sincerity.
North Korea has strongly protested the leaflet campaigns in recent days and vowed to cut off all inter-Korean communication lines in response.
"The times ahead will be truly regrettable and painful for the South Korean authorities," Jang said. "The confidence that (we) tried so hard to have in the South Korean authorities has been shattered."
(END)


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(END)


yna--2020-06-12--(URGENT) N. Korea says it has lost all confidence in S. Korean government

(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--2020-06-12--Foreign ministers of S. Korea, Ethiopia discuss COVID-19 response

Kang noted Ethiopia , which fought for South Korea in the Korean War , is one of the first African @ @ @ @ @ provided virus test kits and other humanitarian aid after the outbreak of the pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ increase its coronavirus assistance to Ethiopia and other African nations , the ministry said .

SEOUL, June 12 (Yonhap) -- The foreign ministers of South Korea and Ethiopia on Friday discussed cooperation in responding to the new coronavirus and further solidifying bilateral relations, the foreign ministry here said.
In a phone conversation with her Ethiopian counterpart, Gedu Andargachew, South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha called for continued bilateral collaboration over the pandemic and the broader health sector, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Kang noted Ethiopia, which fought for South Korea in the Korean War, is one of the first African nations to which South Korea provided virus test kits and other humanitarian aid after the outbreak of the pandemic. She vowed South Korea will increase its coronavirus assistance to Ethiopia and other African nations, the ministry said.
The Ethiopian minister expressed gratitude for the timely assistance on behalf of his nation, the ministry here said.
During the phone conversation, the two ministers also reaffirmed efforts to boost their countries' bilateral relationship, the ministry said.
This photo, provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, shows South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha (R) and Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedu Andargachew shaking hands during their meeting in July, 2019, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-12--(LEAD) LG Twins beat Lotte Giants in extra innings for 3rd straight KBO win

The missed opportunity bit the Giants in the end .
They also had a chance to reclaim the lead in @ @ @ @ @ with runners at first and second with two outs , Lee Dae-ho struck out looking @ @ @ @ @ Jung Woo-young .

(ATTN: ADDS comments in paras 16-19)
By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, June 12 (Yonhap) -- The LG Twins walked off on the Lotte Giants 3-2 in 10 innings on Friday, extending their Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) winning streak to three games while ending the Giants' run at six.
Veteran second baseman Jeong Keun-woo scored the tying run in the bottom eighth and then drove in the winning run in the bottom 10th at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul. The Twins improved to 21-12, while the Giants fell to 17-16.
Chae Eun-seong began LG's 10th-inning rally with a double off Lotte reliever Park Jin-hyung. Pinch runner Jung Ju-hyeon moved to third on a sacrifice bunt, and Lee Sung-woo drew a walk to put the men at the corners for Jeong.
Jeong then drove a 2-1 pitch to right-center gap to end the game.
LG Twins' players celebrate their 3-2 victory over the Lotte Giants with a 10th-inning single by Jeong Keun-woo (C) in their Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on June 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
The Twins were held to just one hit and one run against Lotte starter Dan Straily through seven innings, before Jeong jolted life back into his club with his feet in the eighth while his team was trailing 2-1.
Jeong drew a one-out walk, and then stole second base. He quickly got up and sprinted to third on a wild pitch in the same sequence.
On the very next pitch, Yoo Kang-nam's single brought Jeong home to tie the game at 2-2.
The Giants struck first in the top of the first, with Dixon Machado delivering a two-out RBI single. It was the Giant's third single of the first inning against LG starter Tyler Wilson.
Ji Seong-jun doubled the Giants' lead with a two-out single in the top third.
The Twins tried to rally in the bottom third but only managed to score one run after putting men at second and third with one out. That came courtesy of Lee Chun-woong's sacrifice fly.
Kim Hyun-soo stepped in with a man still at second, but he flied out to shallow center to end the inning.
The Giants, too, squandered a scoring opportunity in the top fourth, as they failed to take advantage of Wilson's shaky control.
Jeong Keun-woo of the LG Twins hits a game-winning single in the bottom of the 10th inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game against the Lotte Giants at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on June 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
Two walks and a single loaded the bases with one out for An Chi-hong, who flied out to shallow left, not deep enough for Han Dong-hee to come home from third.
Then cleanup Lee Dae-ho struck out swinging on four pitches.
The missed opportunity bit the Giants in the end. They also had a chance to reclaim the lead in the top ninth. But with runners at first and second with two outs, Lee Dae-ho struck out looking on three pitches against reliever Jung Woo-young.
Jeong, a 37-year-old veteran who has been splitting second base duty with Jung Ju-hyeon, came into Friday's game having gone hitless in his last 15 at-bats.
"I really wanted to bust out of the slump with the walk-off hit tonight," Jeong said. "I was hoping to have a chance to win the game. And I felt pretty calm when I got into the batter's box."
After Thursday's double header, most of the Twins players had only some light workout before Friday's game. Jeong was one of the first batters to show up and take swings in the cage.
"I've been getting a little jumpy at the plate," Jeong said. "But I've been practicing hard, and I knew I would come around soon enough."
The Giants wasted a gem by Straily, who faced just two over the minimum through seven innings while needing just 81 pitches. He retired the side in order on nine pitches in the fifth, 10 pitches in the sixth and seven pitches in the seventh.
Straily was lifted after giving up the game-tying single to Yoo. He pitched a season-high 7 1/3 innings and struck out seven. The hard-luck pitcher remained at 1-2 and his ERA is a tidy 2.08 after eight starts.
The Twins were missing cleanup hitter Roberto Ramos, who was placed on the injured list earlier Friday with ankle and back problems. Ramos is the league leader in home runs with 13.
Yoo Kang-nam of the LG Twins hits a game-tying single in the bottom of the eighth inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game against the Lotte Giants at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on June 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-13--(URGENT) Sister of N. Korean leader says Pyongyang will take 'next step' against S. Korea


yna--2020-06-13--KBO game suspended due to rain with club on verge of record-breaking losing streak

But the Eagles responded in the bottom first with a two-run home run by Kim Tae-kyun .
It was the @ @ @ @ @ by the much-maligned veteran , whose lack of production -- he entered the game batting @ @ @ @ @ this season -- has been drawing the ire of frustrated Hanwha fans .

DAEJEON, June 13 (Yonhap) -- Only Mother Nature could keep the Hanwha Eagles from setting the all-time record for futility in South Korean baseball on Saturday.
The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) regular season game between the home team Eagles and the Doosan Bears was suspended due to rain in Daejeon, 160 kilometers south of Seoul. The Bears were leading 4-3 in the bottom of the third, with Hanwha's Jung Eun-won at the plate at 2-2 count.
The teams will pick things up from that point at Hanwha Life Eagles Park at 2 p.m. Sunday. That game will be followed by their originally-scheduled Sunday game for a partial double header.
Members of the grounds crew for the Hanwha Eagles cover the field at Hanwha Life Eagles Park in Daejeon, 160 kilometers south of Seoul, with a tarp during a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game between the Eagles and the Doosan Bears on June 13, 2020. (Yonhap)
The Eagles are mired in an 18-game losing streak, tied with the 1985 Sammi Superstars for the longest slide in KBO history.
And the Eagles were locked in a seesaw battle with the Bears on Saturday, trying to avoid setting the dubious record, when the skies opened up and caused multiple delays. Umpires ultimately suspended the game.
The KBO brought suspended games into play for this season, whose start was delayed by more than a month due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In the past, a game that had to be stopped because of inclement weather before the completion of the fifth inning was wiped clean, and the teams had to play a new game from scratch at a later date.
This year, with the KBO trying to squeeze all 144 games into a much tighter window than usual, games that are halted before the fifth inning will be suspended and teams will resume action the following day where they left off.
The Eagles gave up two runs in the top of the first inning, with the 19-year-old rookie starter Han Seung-ju giving up an RBI single and a sacrifice fly.
Kim Tae-kyun of the Hanwha Eagles (L) celebrates his two-run home run against the Doosan Bears with his teammate Jared Hoying during a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Hanwha Life Eagles Park in Daejeon, 160 kilometers south of Seoul, on June 13, 2020. (Yonhap)
But the Eagles responded in the bottom first with a two-run home run by Kim Tae-kyun. It was the first dinger of the season by the much-maligned veteran, whose lack of production -- he entered the game batting just .204 with three RBIs this season -- has been drawing the ire of frustrated Hanwha fans.
The Bears came right back in the top second with a pair of solo home runs, which were separated by a 76-minute rain delay.
With two outs in the frame, Park Kun-woo took Han over left field for a solo blast that put the Bears up 3-2. A heavy downpour halted the game for over an hour, and Lee Hyun-ho relieved Han on the mound when action resumed.
Jose Miguel Fernandez greeted him with a solo homer for a 4-2 lead.
The Eagles weren't going down without a fight, with Roh Si-hwan launching a solo home run to cut the deficit to 4-3 in the bottom second.
The Eagles kept the Bears off the board in the top third, and never got to bat in the bottom half of that inning because of rain.
Lee Hyun-ho of the Hanwha Eagles pitches against the Doosan Bears during a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Hanwha Life Eagles Park in Daejeon, 160 kilometers south of Seoul, on June 13, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-13--S. Korea detains 6 more Chinese nationals suspected of illegal entry

Prosecutors believe a total of at least 18 Chinese people may have found their way into the country , using @ @ @ @ @ far .
At least six remain at large .

SEOUL, June 13 (Yonhap) -- Prosecutors on Saturday detained six more Chinese nationals suspected of having entered South Korea illegally, using small lifeboats to cross the waters between the two countries, bringing the total number of those detained to 12, prosecution officials said.
A district court in Daejeon, some 160 kilometers south of Seoul, issued arrest warrants for the six suspected illegal immigrants.
In this photo, taken May 27, 2020, a Chinese man (second from L) is taken to the Taean Coast Guard station in Taean, located some 130 kilometers southwest of Seoul in South Chungcheong Province, for questioning on suspicions of having illegally entered South Korea on a boat. (Yonhap)
The search for the illegal immigrants began in April when an unregistered white lifeboat was found ashore in Taean, South Chungcheong Province.
Items found on the boat suggested the boat was from China.
Two Chinese passengers of the boat were later found and detained, and said the boat had carried a total of five people trying to smuggle themselves into South Korea.
Two of the six detained Saturday are believed to have used the boat found in April to make their way into the country, according to the prosecution.
Two similar cases were later identified in Tongyeong, some 400 kilometers south of Seoul, and in Eumseong, located some 130 kilometers southwest of Seoul, near Taean.
Prosecutors believe a total of at least 18 Chinese people may have found their way into the country, using the three boats found so far. At least six remain at large.
Those detained have been confirmed to have previously stayed in South Korea illegally, they said.
Maritime police officials have said each of the illegal immigrants paid up to 15,000 Chinese yuan (US$2,120) for the unauthorized boat ride to South Korea.
"It appears they are using the sea route to reach South Korea since the air route has virtually been suspended because of the new coronavirus outbreak," a police official said.
(END)


yna--2020-06-13--(LEAD) N.K. tells S. Korea to 'stop nonsensical' talk about denuclearization

`` It is really preposterous to hear the balderdash of South Korean authorities -- who do not have either any @ @ @ @ @ the position to poke their noses into , the matters between the DPRK and the @ @ @ @ @ of nuclear issues -- are commenting on the resumption of DPRK-U.S. dialogue and interpreting the @ @ @ @ @ own choice , '' he said .

(ATTN: ADDS info in paras 7-12)
By Yi Wonju
SEOUL, June 13 (Yonhap) -- North Korea said Saturday that South Korea should stop "nonsensical" talk about denuclearization, saying Seoul is not qualified to discuss or "poke their noses into" nuclear talks between Washington and Pyongyang.
Kwon Jong-gun, director-general of the department of U.S. affairs of North Korea's foreign ministry, made the remark in a statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency, saying the South talking about denuclearization is like "burping after drinking a still water."
"It is really preposterous to hear the balderdash of South Korean authorities -- who do not have either any qualification to discuss, or the position to poke their noses into, the matters between the DPRK and the U.S., to say nothing of nuclear issues -- are commenting on the resumption of DPRK-U.S. dialogue and interpreting the issue of denuclearization at their own choice," he said.
DPRK is the acronym for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
The official also said that it is not because there is not "a mediator that the DPRK-U.S. dialogue has gone away and the denuclearization been blown off, and it is because conditions are not met for denuclearization."
"I want to make it clear that we will continue to build up our force in order to overpower the persistent threats from the United States, and such efforts of ours are in fact continuing at this point of time," he said.
"If they want to deal with us, they will have to approach us after racking their brains and founding a different method. We are not what we were two years ago. The change continues and will continue as ever in a tremendous way," he added. "It is better to stop a nonsensical talking about denuclearization."
Kwon Jong-gun, director-general of the department of U.S. affairs at North Korea's foreign ministry (Yonhap)
The latest statement comes a day after an official at South Korea's foreign ministry said that the government will continue to strive towards the swift resumption of U.S.-North Korea talks and inter-Korean relations, and called on efforts for complete denuclearization to continue.
On Friday, North Korea vowed to build up a "more reliable" force against military threats from the United States in a statement issued by Foreign Minister Ri Son-gwon on the second anniversary of the first-ever summit between leader Kim Jong-un and U.S. President Donald Trump.
North Korea has been lashing out at South Korea almost every day since last week in anger over anti-Pyongyang propaganda leaflets sent by defectors and activists across the border. Pyongyang has also cut off all communication lines with the South.
On Friday night, Jang Kum-chol, director of the North's United Front Department, said the North has lost all confidence in the South Korean government and warned of "regretful and painful" times ahead.
The renewed tensions between South and North come as nuclear talks between Washington and Pyongyang have stalled for more than a year due to differences over the scope of North Korea's denuclearization and sanctions relief from the U.S.
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-13--(2nd LD) Police arrest man for brutally abusing 9-year-old stepdaughter

The 35-year-old suspect was going to be summoned earlier this week , but it was delayed after the man attempted @ @ @ @ @ of the decision to place the family 's other children under temporary custody .

(ATTN: ADDS details in 4th para)
SEOUL, June 13 (Yonhap) -- The police on Saturday arrested a man on charges of brutally abusing his nine-year-old stepdaughter, around two weeks after the girl escaped from her home seeking help.
The 35-year-old suspect was going to be summoned earlier this week, but it was delayed after the man attempted to harm himself in protest of the decision to place the family's other children under temporary custody.
The suspect declined to answer questions asked by reporters.
During the investigation, however, he admitted to most of the allegations. The police also said they have found what motivated him to commit such abuses without providing further details.
The police plan to investigate the victim's 27-year-old mother, who was also hospitalized, in the near future as well.
On May 29, a barefooted 9-year-old girl was found wandering on a roadside by a neighbor in the southeastern city of Changnyeong.
It was later revealed that the girl escaped from her home after being brutally abused by her mother and stepfather, with her feet even seared with heated metal chopsticks.
The victim also testified to the child protection agency that she was given only one meal a day and that the parents also confined her with chains.
The police earlier raided the home of the girl and found a handful of items that are presumed to have been used to abuse the victim, including chains and a frying pan.
Investigators have secured two boxes of evidences so far.
Police can hold him for up to 48 hours from the moment of arrest before winning a court-issued warrant of confinement.
"We are making efforts to verify the allegations based on the testimonies from the victim," a police official said.
The police transfer a 35-year-old suspect accused of abusing his nine-year-old stepdaughter in the southeastern city of Changnyeong on June 13, 2020. (Yonhap)
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-13--(2nd LD) Fire at POSCO's steel mill under control, no casualties reported

`` The fire broke out on some of our production lines , and we are currently investigating to find out @ @ @ @ @ the damages , '' said an official from POSCO , South Korea 's top steelmaker @

(ATTN: RECASTS headline; UPDATES throughout)
SEOUL/POHANG, South Korea, June 13 (Yonhap) -- Firefighters put out a fire that broke out at POSCO's steel mill in the southeastern part of the country on Saturday, with no casualties reported.
The fire broke out at 12:30 p.m. at the steel mill in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, about 370 kilometers southeast of Seoul. It was extinguished about two hours later.
Firefighters have dispatched some 31 firetrucks and ambulances to the scene.
No casualties have been reported as the steel mill's workers evacuated immediately. The fire broke out at a stainless steel production plant.
"The fire broke out on some of our production lines, and we are currently investigating to find out the cause as well as the damages," said an official from POSCO, South Korea's top steelmaker.
POSCO, however, said there were no disruptions to its production as the line was already under maintenance.
Smoke billows as a fire occurs at a steel mill of South Korea's top steelmaker POSCO located in Pohang, 370 kilometers southeast of Seoul, in this photo provided by the Gyeongbuk Fire Service Headquarters on June 13, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-13--N.K. tells S. Korea to 'stop nonsensical' talk about denuclearization

SEOUL, June 13 (Yonhap) -- North Korea said Saturday that South Korea should stop "nonsensical" talk about denuclearization, saying Seoul is not qualified to discuss or "poke their noses into" nuclear talks between Washington and Pyongyang.
Kwon Jong-gun, director-general of the department of U.S. affairs of North Korea's foreign ministry, made the remark in a statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency, saying the South talking about denuclearization is like "burping after drinking a still water."
"It is really preposterous to hear the balderdash of South Korean authorities -- who do not have either any qualification to discuss, or the position to poke their noses into, the matters between the DPRK and the U.S., to say nothing of nuclear issues -- are commenting on the resumption of DPRK-U.S. dialogue and interpreting the issue of denuclearization at their own choice," he said.
DPRK is the acronym for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
The official also said that it is not because there is not "a mediator that the DPRK-U.S. dialogue has gone away and the denuclearization been blown off, and it is because conditions are not met for denuclearization."
"I want to make it clear that we will continue to build up our force in order to overpower the persistent threats from the United States, and such efforts of ours are in fact continuing at this point of time," he said. "It is better to stop a nonsensical talking about denuclearization."
Kwon Jong-gun, director-general of the department of U.S. affairs at North Korea's foreign ministry. (Yonhap)
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-13--(2nd LD) New virus cases under 50, cluster infections linger in greater Seoul

While new virus cases have been plateauing in other areas , the metropolitan area that is home to half the @ @ @ @ @ million has been suffering from a string of cluster infections tied to religious gatherings , @ @ @ @ @ facilities .

(ATTN: ADDS details throughout; CHANGES photo)
SEOUL, June 13 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new virus cases fell below the threshold of 50 on Saturday, but cluster infections continued to persist in the greater Seoul area, putting strains on health authorities' efforts to fight the pandemic.
The country added 49 new cases, including 44 local infections, raising the total caseload to 12,051, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
Of the locally transmitted cases, all but one came from Seoul and surrounding areas.
One of the newly added cases reported a day earlier later retested negative.
While new virus cases have been plateauing in other areas, the metropolitan area that is home to half the country's population of 50 million has been suffering from a string of cluster infections tied to religious gatherings, a distribution center and sports facilities.
Late last month, the country implemented two weeks of tougher virus prevention guidelines for the metropolitan area, with measures including shutting down public facilities and regulating bars and karaoke rooms.
An official at the test venue of an exam for public servants in Chuncheon, east of Seoul, sweats in the summer heat on June 13, 2020. (Yonhap)
Earlier this week, however, South Korea decided to indefinitely extend the deadline previously set for Sunday, as nearly all locally transmitted cases have been reported in the metropolitan area this month.
The measure will be in place until the number of new cases falls back to a single digit, according to health authorities.
QR code-based entry logs for all visitors will also be mandatory for cram schools and PC rooms in the area, in addition to entertainment facilities.
Health authorities also warned that the country may roll back to strict social distancing nationwide again unless the virus curve flattens sharply.
South Korea had eased its strict nationwide social distancing guidelines on May 6 as the daily new COVID-19 cases reached single digits, with phased reopenings of schools starting in mid-May.
The country completed phased school reopenings this week, although some regulations, like a mix of online and offline classes, are still in force.
Test takers have their body temperatures checked before entering the venue of an exam for public servants in the southern port city of Busan on June 13, 2020. (Yonhap)
On Saturday, cases linked to small churches in the metropolitan area rose by five to reach 100.
Cases tied to a door-to-door business establishment reached 153 on Saturday, up 14 from a day earlier. A whopping 56 percent of the related patients were aged 60 and above.
COVID-19 cases traced to a table tennis gym in southwestern Seoul came in at 62, up one from a day earlier.
Other smaller cluster infections were reported across the nation as well.
A total of 16 cases traced to a day care center for seniors in western Seoul has been reported so far.
South Korea is carrying out investigations on a handful of other smaller group infections in greater Seoul, including a language institution and a gym.
"Cluster infections among younger people from clubs and bars in May have spread to religious and sports facilities and eventually to day care centers for seniors, which can potentially lead to more deaths," KCDC Deputy Director Kwon Joon-wook said in a briefing.
Health authorities remain vigilant over asymptomatic "silent" virus spreaders as well. About 30 percent of COVID-19 patients here are asymptomatic, according to the KCDC.
The total death tally stayed unchanged at 277.
The number of imported cases advanced by five to reach 1,330, with around 86 percent of them being South Korean nationals.
The overall fatality rate reached 2.3 percent, although the figure reached 25.6 percent for those aged 80 and above. South Korea has not yet reported a death from a patient aged below 30.
The total number of people released from quarantine after full recoveries stood at 10,691, up 22 from the previous day, indicating nearly 89 percent of South Korean COVID-19 patients have been cured.
The country has carried out 1,094,704 COVID-19 tests since Jan. 3. The figure translates to roughly 1 out of every 50 South Koreans receiving COVID-19 tests.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-13--(URGENT) N. Korea calls on Seoul to 'stop nonsensical' talk about denuclearization


yna--2020-06-13--Today in Korean history

Today in Korean history

2007 -- Macau 's Banco Delta Asia transfers more than US $ 20 million in North Korean funds , which @ @ @ @ @ precondition to taking steps toward denuclearization .
The U.S. had earlier frozen the money for @ @ @ @ @ the bank of money laundering and counterfeiting for North Korea .
After the transfer , @ @ @ @ @ to nuclear talks , which it had been boycotting for more than a year .

June 14
1950 -- South Korea joins the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
1993 -- A helicopter carrying a crew filming the South Korean movie "Woman on Top of Man" crashes into the Han River in Seoul, killing seven people, including the film's director.
2000 -- President Kim Dae-jung takes part in the first inter-Korean summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-il in Pyongyang. They released a five-point joint statement aimed at increasing economic and social exchanges, and holding reunions of families separated since the division of the country before the Korean War.
2002 -- South Korea, co-hosting the FIFA World Cup with Japan, advance to the final 16 for the first time by beating Portugal. Korea later reached the semifinal but were defeated by Germany.
2003 -- South and North Korea hold ceremonies inside the Demilitarized Zone near the truce village of Panmunjom to mark the reconnection of railroads that have been severed since the 1950-53 Korean War. Reconstruction of the railroads was one of the agreements made at the inter-Korean summit in Pyongyang in 2000.
2007 -- Macau's Banco Delta Asia transfers more than US$20 million in North Korean funds, which North Korea requested as a precondition to taking steps toward denuclearization. The U.S. had earlier frozen the money for nearly two years, accusing the bank of money laundering and counterfeiting for North Korea. After the transfer, the communist North came back to nuclear talks, which it had been boycotting for more than a year.
2009 -- Officials disclose the abduction of a South Korean woman, along with eight other foreigners, by a group of insurgents in Yemen. The then-34-year-old woman was later reported to have been killed.
2011 -- The United States intercepts a North Korean ship suspected of carrying military-related contraband.
2014 -- A Seoul court rules that the state tax office refund Lone Star Funds 119 billion won (US$117 million) in taxes collected from the U.S. buyout fund in its sale of a stake in the Korea Exchange Bank.
2015 -- The World Health Organization warns that South Korea may have to brace for a drawn-out battle against the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, saying its outbreak is "large and complex."
2017 -- A North Korean soldier defects to South Korea after crossing the border bisecting the two Koreas.
2018 -- The two Koreas agree to completely restore their military communication lines during their first general-grade military talks in more than a decade.
(END)


yna--2020-06-13--(LEAD) Fire breaks out at POSCO's steel mill, no casualties reported

(ATTN: RECASTS headline; ADDS details throughout; CHANGES photo)
SEOUL/POHANG, South Korea, June 13 (Yonhap) -- A fire broke out at POSCO's steel mill in the southeastern part of the country, firefighters said Saturday.
The fire broke out at 12:30 p.m. at the steel mill in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, about 370 kilometers southeast of Seoul.
Firefighters said they have dispatched some 20 firetrucks and ambulances to the scene.
No casualties have been reported so far, as the steel mill's workers evacuated immediately.
"The fire broke out on some of our production lines, and we are currently investigating to find out the cause as well as the damages," said an official from POSCO, South Korea's top steelmaker.
The fire broke out on a stainless steel production line.
Smoke billows as a fire occurs at a steel mill of South Korea's top steelmaker POSCO located in Pohang, 370 kilometers southeast of Seoul, in this photo provided by a reader on June 13, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)