yna--2020-09-14--(LEAD) (News Focus) Suga as next Japanese premier likely to stay course on S. Korea relations: exper

(LEAD) (News Focus) Suga as next Japanese premier likely to stay course on S. Korea relations: experts

(ATTN: ADDS more info in 24th para; RECASTS 10th para; CHANGES photo)
By Song Sang-ho
SEOUL, Sept. 14 (Yonhap) -- As Yoshihide Suga, a key loyalist of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, is poised to succeed the hawkish leader, Tokyo is likely to stay the course in its hard-line stance on Seoul rather than seeking an immediate policy shift, analysts said Monday.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga won the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)'s leadership contest and is expected to be endorsed as new premier in a parliamentary vote slated for Wednesday. Abe announced his surprise decision to step down due to ill health last month.
Suga's election came after he garnered crucial support from five of the governing party's seven factions, many favoring policy continuity, in a reminder of the intricate political dynamics that make it difficult for a new leader to push for a drastic policy change.
Seoul-Tokyo relations under Suga Yoshihide: Japan’s soon-to-be next prime minister Youtube https://youtu.be/9-T7qjmqPVg
Suga could seek to call a snap general election to tighten his power grip and secure a stronger public mandate for his own brand of policy, but the imperative to rally right-wing voters for a win may keep him from drifting far away from Abe's conservative agenda, analysts said.
The leadership change in Japan comes in the midst of tensions between Seoul and Tokyo over trade and wartime history, which have stoked concerns over their failure to step up cooperation to meet shared challenges, such as North Korea's nuclear and missile threats.
"In the broad scheme of things, there may not be a big policy change under Suga, who was once a key member of the Japan Conference," Nam Chang-hee, a professor of international politics at Inha University, said, referring to Japan's largest ultraconservative group.
"Given that the Suga administration will operate within the LDP power dynamics, it may not be easy for him to independently push for policies of his own color immediately," he added.
During his campaign for the ruling party chief post, Suga hinted at his desire to inherit Abe's policies ranging from the "Abenomics" of fiscal and monetary stimulus and structural reforms to the security priority on the U.S.-Japan alliance.
During an election debate on Saturday, Suga said that he will "consult" with Abe on foreign policy while casting the outgoing leader's diplomacy as "truly amazing." But he also said that he will stick to "my own style," without elaboration.
Having taken a central role in the Abe administration over the last nearly eight years, Suga is not expected to depart much from key tenets of its policy agenda. But his unique background different from other political heavyweights, mostly with illustrious political pedigrees like Abe, raises cautious hopes that he could have more room for policy recalibration.
Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga waves after being elected head of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party at a Tokyo hotel on Sept. 14, 2020, in this photo released by Kyodo News. (Yonhap)
Suga, a son of a strawberry farmer and a self-made politician, is seen as largely free from pressure related to ancestral political traditions, or less fettered by factional demands from within the ruling party, analysts noted.
"There are two crucial differences. The first is that Suga is not bound by ancestral fealty to change Japan's constitution; he may support a strong and prosperous Japan's general goals, but he has more latitude about how to achieve those objectives," Patrick Cronin, the Asia-Pacific security chair at the Hudson Institute, told Yonhap News Agency via email.
"The second difference is that Suga can make a conscious choice to demonstrate his own brand by where he shifts course, however modestly, from Abe," he added.
Since the launch of the Abe administration, relations between Seoul and Tokyo have faltered due to territorial and historical issues stemming largely from Japan's 1910-45 colonization of the Korean Peninsula.
At present, the biggest irritants between the neighbors are the export curbs Japan slapped last year in apparent retaliation for the South Korean Supreme Court rulings in 2018 that ordered Japanese firms to compensate victims of colonial-era forced labor.
Tokyo argues that all reparation issues from Japan's colonial rule were settled under a 1965 treaty that normalized bilateral relations. But Seoul, focusing on its "victim-centric" approach, respects the court rulings on the forced labor issue.
The issue of Japan's wartime sexual slavery has also plagued the Seoul-Toyko ties, as the Abe government was seen as failing to atone fully for the humanitarian issue despite repeated calls from the victims, euphemistically called comfort women here.
A 2015 deal between the two governments appeared to offer an off-ramp from the comfort women issue. But it started to unravel as Seoul's Moon Jae-in administration embraced the claim that the deal was reached without full consent from the victims.
Abe's hard-line foreign policy stance came in line with his intent to shore up Japan's national pride, undermined by the rise of China, decades of economic stagnation and public angst stemming from repeated disasters, such as the Fukushima nuclear meltdown in 2011.
Abe's push for heavier armament and a stronger security role has further exacerbated historical enmity, as it evoked bitter memories of Japan's past militarism particularly amid continued colonial-era disputes.
With the relations between Seoul and Tokyo on a downward trajectory, the change of the hard-nosed leader, who critics said has centralized authority around his office and thus weakened voices of dissent, could create a much-needed opening for Korea to improve bilateral ties.
"The Moon administration should seek a fresh beginning with Suga because one good deed could start a virtuous cycle and produce a far more cooperative and forward-looking relationship between Seoul and Tokyo," Cronin said.
Moon has so far taken a two-pronged approach separating history issues from practical cooperation in economic and other realms. But calls have persisted for more active fence-mending efforts.
Moon and Suga could meet face-to-face later this year, as Seoul seeks to host the annual trilateral summit, which would also involve Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. Due to the new coronavirus, their talks could take place via videoconferencing.
Some foresee a U.S. role in promoting reconciliation between America's two core Asian allies whose cooperation is vital to its campaign to retain regional preeminence against an increasingly assertive China.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-14--Patrons fill cafes, gyms again as social distancing rules eased in greater Seoul

`` I moved to this neighborhood to go to a hagwon , but it is still closed and it 's @ @ @ @ @ a place to study , '' said one patron , who asked not to be @ @ @ @ @ reopened today , I came here to study . ''

SEOUL, Sept. 14 (Yonhap) -- Cafes and gyms began to fill with patrons again as South Korea's government loosened social distancing guidelines in the greater Seoul area starting Monday to mitigate economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic on local businesses.
At a branch of a coffeehouse chain in Noryangjin, southwest of Seoul, tables were occupied on Monday morning with patrons -- most of them students attending hagwon, or cram schools, in the neighborhood.
Half of the tables and chairs were stacked away in a corner of the cafe in order to maintain social distancing. People sat while keeping a distance from each other.
"I moved to this neighborhood to go to a hagwon, but it is still closed and it's been really hard to find a place to study," said one patron, who asked not to be named. "Since it reopened today, I came here to study."
Patrons work in a franchise cafe in Norayngjin, southwest of Seoul, on Sept. 14, 2020. (Yonhap)
On Sunday, the government relaxed social distancing regulations in the face of growing concerns over economic devastation from antivirus restrictions and a slowdown in new outbreaks.
Large coffeehouse chains, small- and mid-sized hagwon, "study cafes" and indoor sports facilities were allowed to resume normal operations. Restaurants can run without business hour restrictions.
At the entrance of a study cafe in Mokdong, western Seoul, a thermometer and an entry log were placed on a table. Only five seats were occupied among the total of 70.
"I've sent out a text message about the reopening, but still there aren't many customers," the owner said. "I feel relieved that I can open the business again after two weeks. The business has been really bad. I hope there are no more (forced) closures."
Visitors pack a cafe in Seoul on Sept. 14, 2020, the first day of the easing of toughened social distancing guidelines, as the number of new COVID-19 cases noticeably declined. Over the past two weeks, only takeout was available at cafes, while restaurants could only serve takeout and delivery after 9 p.m. amid the spreading virus. (Yonhap)
In Daechi-dong in southern Seoul, home to more than a thousand cram schools, many hagwon still remained closed.
"I am happy that the study rooms (partitioned private study spaces) are finally open," said a high school freshman who was heading to one to attend a remote class provided by a cram school.
A 52-year-old parent, surnamed Joo, from the southeastern ward of Songpa said he was relieved that study rooms and cram schools opened again.
His entire family had stayed at home for the last two weeks, he said. He worked from home; his oldest, university student son took online classes; and his youngest child, who is due to take a university entrance exam in December, also had to study at home.
"There are less than 100 days until the exam, so I hope there are no more disruptions (to the exam preparation) and no more closures of study rooms or hagwon," he said.
An internet cafe staff member sorts out items to prepare for closure in Seoul on Sept. 14, 2020, as the cafe went out of business. (Yonhap)
Internet cafes, or PC bang, also reopened Monday, in accordance with the government's policy, with limits. Food consumption and the entry of minors were banned.
At an internet cafe in the western ward of Mapo, staff members cleared out food shelves as the owner decided to discontinue the business.
At another internet cafe, only six seats out of 127 were occupied in the morning. The owner, 41, said he had closed down four other internet cafes within two months and lost a lot of money.
An anonymous, mobile chat room that the owner shared was brimming with angry responses from other internet cafe owners to the government's measures.
"It is really hard to respond to the government's sudden announcement (about internet cafe operations)," he said. "I am allowed to open around the clock now, but I didn't have time to hire an overnight worker."
"I fielded a question to the ward office if it is okay to sell a bottle of water or other drinks, but they said they would get back to me after asking the central government," he complained.
The undated file photo shows people, wearing masks, walking on treadmills. (Yonhap)
Gyms and other indoor sports facilities were filled with patrons, who were wearing masks and exercising. Those businesses were also allowed to open again after a two-week closure to tame the outbreak.
Some 20 people were exercising at a fitness center in Songpa Ward. "I feel charged up to workout again after two weeks," one patron said.
"People must have felt heavy for the past two weeks, since many of them have come to exercise from early in the morning," one of the gym's staff members said, adding that the center strictly followed antivirus guidelines.
But some gym owners expressed concerns over uncertainty going forward, as the government's regulations might change again during the Chuseok holiday early next month.
"I am happy to reopen, but I am not sure how the guidelines might change during the holiday," one gym owner wrote on an online forum.
"The government warned of a possible shutdown, so some patrons are hesitant to sign up," another said. "Reopening is still better than total shutdown, but (the uncertainty) is really frustrating."
Office workers enter a restaurant during lunch time in Seoul on Sept. 14, 2020, the first day of the easing of toughened social distancing guidelines, as the number of new COVID-19 cases noticeably declined. Over the past two weeks, only takeout was available at cafes, while restaurants could only serve takeout and delivery after 9 p.m. amid the spreading virus. (Yonhap)
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-14--(LEAD) Extended leave for justice minister's son approved according to regulations: defense ministry

`` His interview records show that Seo got the approval for the personal leave in advance , but the official @ @ @ @ @ issued belatedly .
The reasons for that are also under a probe , '' deputy @ @ @ @

(ATTN: ADDS defense minister nominee's comments in paras 9, 14)
By Oh Seok-min
SEOUL, Sept. 14 (Yonhap) -- A controversial medical leave for Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae's son during his military service was approved in accordance with due regulations and procedures, the defense ministry said Monday.
The 27-year-old son, surnamed Seo, faces allegations that he got special leave for 23 days in June 2017 for knee surgery thanks to the influence of his mother who was the chairwoman of the ruling Democratic Party at the time.
After an initially reported 10 days of sick leave, Seo extended it by nine days after getting approval from his superior officer by phone and then took another four days off as personal vacation.
"We believe that the vacation itself was approved in accordance with related regulations and procedures, as there exist related records of Seo talking to his superior officer," deputy spokesperson Col. Moon Hong-sik told a regular briefing.
Military rules stipulate that vacation for medical purposes can be extended by phone in case of unavoidable circumstances, and related documents shall be submitted afterward.
But no documents to confirm his medical leave exist in the military, according to the ministry. Seo's lawyer earlier said that he submitted a medical certificate via email that month.
"After reviewing medical records, the authorities are supposed to determine if a service member is entitled to receive sick leave. Without (the documents), his furlough should be calculated as personal vacation," the deputy spokesperson said.
"A prosecution probe is under way into why there were no such documents and whether it was appropriate to grant medical leave to him," he said.
Defense minister nominee Suh Wook said in written answers to questions from lawmakers Wednesday that whether to extend vacation for service members is subject to comprehensive judgment by their leadership, and there could be "some administrative errors" as to Seo's case.
As for allegations that the son took four extra vacation days without getting the approval first, the ministry said that the official confirmation appears to have been made belatedly.
"His interview records show that Seo got the approval for the personal leave in advance, but the official document seems to have been issued belatedly. The reasons for that are also under a probe," deputy spokesperson Moon said.
Seo served in the Korean Augmentation to the United States Army (KATUSA) for the 2nd Infantry Division of the U.S. Eighth Army in 2016 and 2017. All able-bodied South Korean men are obliged to serve in the military for about two years.
Prosecutors began an investigation into the allegations in January. On Sunday, Seo was questioned for the first time since the probe was launched.
"No discrimination or special favors should exist in the military. Any such irregularities should be sternly dealt with in accordance with law and regulations," the minister nominee said.
Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae leaves her home in Seoul for work on Sept. 14, 2020, one day after she apologized over allegations that she used her influence to seek special favors for her son during his mandatory military service. (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-14--Galaxy Z Fold 2 preorders in S. Korea to be around 60,000 units: sources

`` Considering that the Galaxy Z Fold 2 is an expensive smartphone , its preorder volume is high , '' @ @ @ @ @ local mobile carrier .
The Galaxy Z Fold 2 comes with a price tag of @ @ @ @ @ $ 2,020 ) in South Korea .

SEOUL, Sept. 14 (Yonhap) -- Preorder sales for Samsung Electronics Co.'s latest foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Z Fold 2, are estimated to be around 60,000 units in South Korea, industry sources said Monday.
So far, local mobile carriers have received 50,000 Galaxy Z Fold 2 preorders since they started early sales of the device last Friday, according to the sources.
Considering those who preordered the unlocked Galaxy Z Fold 2 smartphone, industry insiders estimated that the preorder sales volume of the book-like folding phone will reach 60,000 units in South Korea.
"Considering that the Galaxy Z Fold 2 is an expensive smartphone, its preorder volume is high," said an official with a local mobile carrier. The Galaxy Z Fold 2 comes with a price tag of 239.8 million won (US$2,020) in South Korea.
Those who preordered the Galaxy Z Fold 2 can activate the device starting Tuesday with local mobile carriers. The Galaxy Z Fold 2 will be officially launched Friday.
This photo, taken on Sept. 11, 2020, shows Samsung Electronics Co.'s Galaxy Z Fold 2 smartphone displayed at a KT store in Seoul. (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-14--(2nd LD) Prosecutors question justice minister's son over alleged special favors

`` I am not in a position to say anything on whether an aide did in fact make a phone @ @ @ @ @ reason the aide did it ( if the aide did it at all ) , @ @ @ @ @ to searing questions by Rep. Yun Jae-ok of the main opposition People Power Party .

(ATTN: UPDATES with justice minister's remarks in paras 8-11; ADDS photo)
By Lee Haye-ah
SEOUL, Sept. 14 (Yonhap) -- Prosecutors questioned Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae's son over the weekend over allegations he got special extended leave during his mandatory military service in 2017, the prosecution said Monday.
The Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors Office said they called in the 27-year-old, surnamed Seo, on Sunday, and one of Choo's former aides on Saturday.
Seo was questioned the same day Choo apologized for the scandal on her Facebook page.
The minister has come under fire over allegations she used her influence as the then-chairwoman of the ruling Democratic Party to get special extended leave for her son after he received knee surgery in June 2017.
Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae leaves her home in eastern Seoul on Sept. 14, 2020. (Yonhap)
She maintained in her apology that there was "absolutely no reason" to violate procedures as military rules recommend the maximum treatment.
The allegations are that Seo took four extra vacation days at the end of his medical leave without first getting approval or returning to base.
Seo served in the Korean Augmentation to the United States Army (KATUSA) for the 2nd Infantry Division of the U.S. Eighth Army.
A recent defense ministry document purported that Choo's side requested extension of the medical leave at the end of Seo's first 10-day medical leave. Later, it was extended by nine more days. A captain who worked for Seo's unit has alleged that one of Choo's aides made a call, inquiring about the extension at that time.
Appearing on a parliamentary interpellation session, Choo refused to elaborate on the allegations.
"I am not in a position to say anything on whether an aide did in fact make a phone call, or for what reason the aide did it (if the aide did it at all)," Choo said in response to searing questions by Rep. Yun Jae-ok of the main opposition People Power Party.
The justice minister also said that she neither contacted the military herself nor made an aide contact the military in pursuit of the leave extension.
Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae speaks during a National Assembly interpellation session on Sept. 14, 2020. (Yonhap)
Prosecutors began an investigation into the allegations in January but have announced no progress so far. This was the first time Seo was questioned in connection to the case. The former aide is suspected of having made a phone call to the military to inquiry about getting extended leave for Seo.
Two other people -- a captain and a former soldier -- were also summoned last week for the first time in three months.
In addition to the extended leave, Choo's family is suspected of making special requests to get Seo assigned to the Yongsan Garrison in central Seoul, not in Uijeongbu, north of the capital, where he did his service.
The family also allegedly pushed to have him selected as an interpreter for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Games.
Choo did not address these allegations in her apology.
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-14--(LEAD) Ruling party lawmaker charged with fraud, embezzling funds for ex-sex slaves

Meanwhile , prosecutors said Youn was involved in buying a victims ' shelter above market price , causing financial loss @ @ @ @ @ they did not charge her with dereliction of duty , citing the shelter 's market @ @ @ @ @ actual price it sold for in April , as well as the four years it @ @ @ @ @ .

(ATTN: UPDATES with details in paras 1-3, 7-12; RECASTS headline)
By Lee Haye-ah
SEOUL, Sept. 14 (Yonhap) -- Prosecutors on Monday indicted a ruling party lawmaker on charges of fraud and embezzlement of funds meant for elderly victims of wartime sexual slavery.
Rep. Youn Mee-hyang of the Democratic Party is charged with unlawfully accepting more than 360 million won (US$304,000) in government support funds for women who were forced to work at front-line brothels for Japanese troops during World War II, according to the Seoul Western District Prosecutors Office.
She has been indicted on eight counts of fraud and related charges, including spending 100 million won in donations and public funds for personal use.
This file photo shows Rep. Youn Mee-hyang of the Democratic Party. (Yonhap)
Youn won a parliamentary seat in the April 15 general elections after leading a civic group tasked with supporting the victims, who are euphemistically called "comfort women," for three decades.
One of the women, Lee Yong-soo, came forward in May to accuse the group of "using" the victims and never spending any funds on them.
Youn apologized for the controversy but denied the allegations.
According to prosecutors, Youn received some 300 million won from the culture ministry and the Seoul metropolitan government between 2013 and 2020 after unlawfully applying for financial assistance for the War and Women's Human Rights Museum, run by the civic group.
They said the application was unlawful because it was made to appear that the museum met the legal requirement for registration as a museum, which is to have a curator.
Separately, Youn and two employees of the civic group unlawfully accepted some 65 million won from seven projects run by the gender equality ministry between 2014 and 2020, the prosecutors said.
An executive of the group, Korean Council for Justice and Remembrance for the Issues of Military Sexual Slavery by Japan, was also indicted in the case.
The 100 million won that Youn allegedly embezzled was collected through her personal bank accounts or transferred from the group's accounts between 2011 and 2020, the prosecution said.
Meanwhile, prosecutors said Youn was involved in buying a victims' shelter above market price, causing financial loss to the group. But they did not charge her with dereliction of duty, citing the shelter's market price in August and the actual price it sold for in April, as well as the four years it took to sell the property.
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-14--Civic groups call for inter-Korean peace ahead of 2nd anniv. of Pyongyang summit

`` Inter-Korean exchanges and cooperation have been tied to the sanctions-oriented prescriptions of the United States delivered through a South @ @ @ @ @ government has not taken steps to resolve the distrust between the two Koreas , '' @ @ @ @ @ government 's effort to refrain from military drills and armament enhancement policies that can aggravate @ @ @

SEOUL, Sept. 14 (Yonhap) -- An alliance of religious and civic groups on Monday called for a grassroots movement to help repair inter-Korean relations, ahead of the second anniversary of a historic agreement reached at the end of the third summit between leaders of the two Koreas in 2018.
The Peace Campaign to End the Korean War, an alliance of seven religious orders and 353 religious and civic groups nationwide, made the plea to the public to support the inter-Korean peace movement during a news conference in Seoul.
Representatives of the Peace Campaign to End the Korean War hold a news conference in Seoul on Sept. 14, 2020, to call for civic movement to improve inter-Korean relations. (Yonhap)
The conference came ahead of the Sept. 19 anniversary of the Joint Pyongyang Declaration signed by President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in recognition of their joint determination to end military hostility across their border and to boost cooperation.
"At present, dialogue and cooperation between the two Koreas are suspended. If the situation is left unattended, it won't be possible to prevent it from returning to the situation before the agreement," the alliance said.
"Inter-Korean exchanges and cooperation have been tied to the sanctions-oriented prescriptions of the United States delivered through a South Korea-U.S. working group. The government has not taken steps to resolve the distrust between the two Koreas," it said, stressing the government's effort to refrain from military drills and armament enhancement policies that can aggravate military distrust.
The alliance said it will engage in various activities, including an online peace campaign, participation in a peace forum organized by Gyeonggi Province, one-person demonstrations and distribution of peace-themed posters, until Sept. 26.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

SEOUL -- Only one out of 1,440 people has antibodies for the new coronavirus in South Korea , a second @ @ @ @ @ the country showed Monday , reinforcing the notion that the nation 's aggressive containment efforts @ @ @ @ @ of the virus .

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Monday.
---------------------------
(3rd LD) New virus cases under 200 for 12th day; eased virus curbs applied in greater Seoul
SEOUL -- South Korea's new virus cases stayed below 200 for the 12th straight day Monday, but health authorities remain on alert over continued cluster infections across the nation and untraceable cases.
The country began eased virus curbs in the greater Seoul area for the next two weeks, allowing eateries, franchise coffee chains and other facilities to operate normally under stricter quarantine measures.
---------------------------
(LEAD) Tests on 1,440 people find only 1 has coronavirus antibodies in S. Korea: KDCA
SEOUL -- Only one out of 1,440 people has antibodies for the new coronavirus in South Korea, a second round of antibody tests in the country showed Monday, reinforcing the notion that the nation's aggressive containment efforts might have curbed the prevalence of the virus.
The result also indicated that herd immunity, which refers to a scenario where enough people in a community develop immunity to an infection so that the infection stops spreading, is impossible in South Korea, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
---------------------------
(LEAD) Moon says walking tightrope inevitable between virus control, economy
SEOUL -- President Moon Jae-in said Monday that South Korea should walk a fine line between antivirus efforts and measures to revitalize the economy, which is why the government has decided to relax some social distancing measures.
He was responding to a view that his administration was too "hasty" with its decision to lower the COVID-19 alert from Level 2.5 to Level 2 in the greater Seoul area, while the daily count of infections was staying in the triple digits.
---------------------------
(LEAD) N. Korea unlikely to test-fire SLBM around October anniv.: defense minister nominee
SEOUL -- North Korea has not shown signs of preparations to fire a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) anytime soon and chances of an SLBM launch on the occasion of October's founding anniversary of the Workers' Party appear low, defense minister nominee Gen. Suh Wook said Monday.
Suh made the comment in written answers to questions from lawmakers for his National Assembly confirmation hearing slated for Wednesday amid speculation that the North could test-fire an SLBM around the party's 75th anniversary on Oct. 10.
---------------------------
(LEAD) HDC, Asiana shares fall after deal collapses
SEOUL -- Shares in HDC Hyundai Development Co. and Asiana Airlines Inc. fell Monday after the property developer's planned acquisition of the debt-ridden carrier collapsed last week amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
HDC fell 0.2 percent to 24,700 won (US$21) and Asiana plunged 2.5 percent to 3,965 won, far underperforming the broader KOSPI's 1.3 percent gain.
---------------------------
(LEAD) Seoul stocks rally on tech gains, eased virus curbs
SEOUL -- South Korean shares jumped more than 1 percent Monday on the back of advances in tech shares and eased social distancing measures against the new coronavirus in the country. The Korean won rose against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 31.22 points, or 1.3 percent, to close at 2,427.91.
---------------------------
(LEAD) S. Korean trade minister to head to Washington to drum up support for her bid to become WTO chief
SEOUL -- South Korea's trade minister plans to visit the United States this week to win support for her bid to become the new head of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee will depart for her four-day trip to Washington on Tuesday, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, where she plans to meet U.S. government and business officials.
(END)


yna--2020-09-14--S. Korea's education ministry to launch inspection into online sexual abuse

Students -- from fourth grade in elementary school to second grade in high school -- will take part in the @ @ @ @ @ include questions on whether they have taken part in or have been victims of online @ @ @ @ @ illegal filming and distribution of sexually exploitative content .

SEOUL, Sept. 14 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's education ministry said Monday it plans to launch its first-ever survey on online sexual abuse cases at schools to better tackle the growing social issue.
The survey is part of an annual survey into school violence, which is set to begin later this week, according to the ministry and the progressive Justice Party.
Students -- from fourth grade in elementary school to second grade in high school -- will take part in the nationwide survey, which will include questions on whether they have taken part in or have been victims of online sexual abuse, such as illegal filming and distribution of sexually exploitative content.
While the survey on school violence has been conducted annually, this is the first time it includes questions on online sexual abuse.
The survey comes amid concerns over a rise in online sexual abuse cases involving minors, such as the notorious Telegram case in which videos exploiting underage victims were sold in group chat rooms.
In some schools, teachers were found to have illegally installed cameras in school bathrooms.
A 2019 study that the justice ministry provided to Rep. Sim Sang-jeung of the Justice Party showed that 3 percent of the 144,472 surveyed students identified themselves as victims of sexually exploitative content.
A safety officer checks for hidden cameras at a public toilet in central Seoul on May 6, 2020. (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-15--(URGENT) Prosecutors raid defense ministry over alleged power abuse scandal involving justice minist

(URGENT) Prosecutors raid defense ministry over alleged power abuse scandal involving justice minister's son

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


yna--2020-09-15--K-pop boy band members under probe for alleged illegal overseas gambling

Two members of SUPERNOVA have been booked for allegedly playing baccarat , a type of gambling , one or two @ @ @ @ @ 2016 to 2018 with stakes up to 50 million won ( US $ 42,297 ) @ @ @ @ @ Metropolitan Police Agency .

INCHEON, South Korea, Sept. 15 (Yonhap) -- Police said Tuesday they are investigating two members of a popular K-pop boy band for their alleged involvement in illegal overseas gambling.
Two members of SUPERNOVA have been booked for allegedly playing baccarat, a type of gambling, one or two times in the Philippines from 2016 to 2018 with stakes up to 50 million won (US$42,297), according to the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency.
They are also suspected of having participated in illegal online gambling in South Korea.
The boy band members, however, have claimed they did not go to the Philippines for the purpose of gambling and just happened to gamble by chance, according to the police.
The police were also trying to determine whether any gang members or other celebrities have also been involved in the overseas gambling case.
The sextet, also known as Choshinsung in Korean, debuted in 2007 and has been active in Japan, ranking high on Japanese Oricon charts.
After the news on the police probe spread, the group's management agency, SV Entertainment, apologized for causing trouble with the incident.
"We're sorry for causing trouble to you fans with the bad news about the careless behaviors of Yunhak and Sungje," the agency said, adding the two members deeply regret and are reflecting on their actions.
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-15--(LEAD) Cardinals' Kim Kwang-hyun at efficient best in impressive return from ailment

The most important of them came in the seventh , Kim 's final inning of work .
Through six frames @ @ @ @ @ 81 pitches , four shy from his season high , and he was going through @ @ @ @ @ the third time , albeit with the bottom three hitters due up .
In this @ @ @ @ @ statistical analysis , teams are increasingly reluctant to expose their starters for a third time @ @ @ @ @ on how their numbers get progressively worse as opposing hitters see them more often within @ @ @ @ @ are all but extinct .

(ATTN: ADDS comments in paras 6-7, 18-19)
By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Sept. 15 (Yonhap) -- In his young major league career so far, the St. Louis Cardinals' South Korean starter Kim Kwang-hyun has been an efficient pitcher, someone who pitches to contact after soft contact without overextending himself.
And his latest start, against the Milwaukee Brewers in Milwaukee on Monday (local time), was the perfect encapsulation of qualities that have made Kim such a reliable starter in 2020.
In this Associated Press photo, Kim Kwang-hyun of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers in the bottom of the first inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game at Miller Park in Milwaukee on Sept. 14, 2020. (Yonhap)
Kim held the Brewers to three hits over seven shutout innings, while striking out six. Both the innings total and strikeouts were his new season highs, as was his pitch total of 87. Kim settled for a no-decision in a 2-1, extra-inning loss in the opening game of a doubleheader.
Kim, who began the season as the closer, remained at 2-0, and his ERA is now a miniscule 0.63. As a starter, Kim has an incredible 0.33 ERA over 27 2/3 innings covering five outings. He hasn't allowed an earned run in 24 straight innings.
Kim was making his first start since Sept. 1. He was hospitalized for a kidney ailment in Chicago three days after that outing and was placed on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to Sept. 2.
With another scoreless start in the books, Kim proved that he's just fine, thank you very much, health-wise. Asked about his physical condition in his postgame Zoom call, Kim said in English, "Don't worry."
Then switching back to his native language, Kim said, "I am confident with my health. Unless I suffer an unexpected injury, I should have no health problems whatsoever. I didn't feel any discomfort on the mound."
The left-hander looked a bit rusty in the first frame, giving up a one-out double to Christian Yelich and falling behind each of the first four batters he faced.
But in the second, Kim only needed seven pitches to sit down three straight batters. It was one of three innings in which Kim retired the side in order in under 10 pitches.
In this Associated Press photo, Kim Kwang-hyun of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers in the bottom of the third inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game at Miller Park in Milwaukee on Sept. 14, 2020. (Yonhap)
The most important of them came in the seventh, Kim's final inning of work. Through six frames, he was sitting at 81 pitches, four shy from his season high, and he was going through the Brewers' order for the third time, albeit with the bottom three hitters due up. In this day and age of advanced statistical analysis, teams are increasingly reluctant to expose their starters for a third time through a lineup, based on how their numbers get progressively worse as opposing hitters see them more often within a game. Complete games are all but extinct.
The game was still 0-0, and because it was the first game of a seven-inning doubleheader, Kim had more than done his part as a starter with six shutout innings. It seemed to be a big ask for a pitcher who'd just recovered from a kidney ailment to go another inning.
But there Kim was to start the seventh, and he got his three outs on just six pitches.
The Brewers also helped out Kim by swinging early in the count and hitting into easy outs. Four times, a Milwaukee hitter swung on the first pitch. The results: two groundouts and two flyouts.
Prior to this contest, Kim had used his four-seam fastball about 45 percent of the time. He doubled down on that approach, throwing it 52 percent (45 out of 87 pitches) against the Brewers.
And that was with good reason, too. Kim held opponents to just a .139 batting average with his fastball, the fourth-lowest mark in the majors, and the Brewers had the worst batting average against fastballs with .227.
Four of Kim's six strikeouts were with the trusted four-seamer.
In this Associated Press photo, Kim Kwang-hyun of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers in the bottom of the third inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game at Miller Park in Milwaukee on Sept. 14, 2020. (Yonhap)
Kim is only averaging 90 miles per hour with his fastball, putting him in the 14th percentile in the majors. But it's not so much the velocity but the location with Kim. In the fourth, with runners at first and second, Kim jammed Luis Urias with an 88 mph fastball and got him to hit a soft grounder to third on a broken bat.
Kim said pitching coach Mike Maddux had told him the Brewers' hitters had been struggling with inside fastballs, and he made sure to stick to his approach.
"There was some weak contact, and some of the bats broke as well," Kim said. "Nothing special. Just following the game plan."
The biggest strikeout, though, came with a slider. In the bottom third, Avisail Garcia hit a two-out double, and Yelich, he of the first-inning double, stepped up to the plate.
The 2018 National League MVP is mired in an awful seasonlong slump -- he came in batting just .199 in 42 games -- but he still presented a threat with a man in scoring position. Kim fell behind 2-0, but then threw two straight fastballs to even the count. It set up an 87 mph slider to the outside corner that Yelich swung on and missed.
In this Associated Press photo, Kim Kwang-hyun of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers in the bottom of the first inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game at Miller Park in Milwaukee on Sept. 14, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-15--Unification minister to visit Panmunjom this week

His trip will likely include a visit to the conference building of the Military Armistice Commission and a footbridge in @ @ @ @ @ became famous after South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un took @ @ @ @ @ their first summit in 2018 .

SEOUL, Sept. 15 (Yonhap) -- Unification Minister Lee In-young will visit the inter-Korean truce village of Panmunjom this week to take a look at the area for the first time since he took office in July, officials said Tuesday.
During the visit set for Wednesday, Lee will tour major facilities there, including the South Korea-controlled Freedom House and Peace House, and encourage staff there, a ministry official said Tuesday.
His trip will likely include a visit to the conference building of the Military Armistice Commission and a footbridge in the Joint Security Area that became famous after South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un took a stroll across it during their first summit in 2018.
Lee is also likely to check the overall progress in efforts to resume the suspended tour programs to Panmunjom along the inter-Korean border.
Tours to Panmunjom in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which take visitors to the southern side of Panmunjom, were suspended in October last year, when the highly contagious African swine fever was reported near the border with North Korea.
The ministry postponed the resumption of the tour program earlier this year amid concerns over the new coronavirus.
The leadership of South Korea's ruling Democratic Party, led by chairman Lee Hae-chan, waves towards a group of North Korean students visiting the inter-Korean truce village of Panmunjom on the southern side of the village on May 31, 2019. Lee's group was on a security tour to the village on the occasion of the first anniversary of the April 27 joint declaration made between South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-15--Lone LPGA event in S. Korea canceled due to COVID-19

The LPGA thanked BMW and the city of Busan for their work in trying to make the 2020 tournament happen @ @ @ @ @ n't be played this year , the LPGA said it is in talks with BMW @ @ @ @ @ Korean golf and the Busan local community .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Sept. 15 (Yonhap) -- The only LPGA tournament scheduled to take place in South Korea this year has been canceled due to travel restrictions prompted by the coronavirus pandemic.
The LPGA Tour announced Tuesday that the BMW Ladies Championship, set for Oct. 22-25 in Busan, will not be played this year. The inaugural edition of the tournament took place at LPGA International Busan, some 450 kilometers southeast of Seoul, with the homegrown Jang Ha-na capturing the title in a playoff.
In this file photo from Oct. 27, 2019, Jang Ha-na (C) of South Korea raises the trophy after winning the BMW Ladies Championship at LPGA International Busan in Busan, 450 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
The LPGA thanked BMW and the city of Busan for their work in trying to make the 2020 tournament happen. Though the tournament won't be played this year, the LPGA said it is in talks with BMW on ways to improve South Korean golf and the Busan local community.
The COVID-19 pandemic has turned the 2020 LPGA season upside down. It opened in January with two tournaments in Florida and moved to Australia for two more events before the virus outbreak brought the season to an abrupt halt. The season only resumed on the final day of July.
The tour has an annual Asian Swing in October, with stops in South Korea, China, Taiwan and Japan. So far, tournaments in the first three of those countries have been wiped out.
In this file photo from Oct. 27, 2019, fans watch the final round of the BMW Ladies Championship at LPGA International Busan in Busan, 450 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-15--Seoul stocks extend gains late Tue. morning on brisk M&As, vaccine hopes

Growing optimism for COVID-19 vaccines also added vigor to the local stock market .
The chief executive of pharmaceutical giant @ @ @ @ @ would be able to deploy the COVID-19 shot before the end of the year .

SEOUL, Sept. 15 (Yonhap) -- South Korean shares extended gains late Tuesday morning, tracking overnight Wall Street gains that stemmed from brisk M&A deals and progress in coronavirus vaccine development.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 10.17 points, or 0.42 percent, to 2,438.08 as of 11:20 a.m.
The index started off with a mild gain following a three-session winning streak.
Investor sentiment was boosted by progress made in acquisition deals by large firms for tech and bio blue chips, including the video-sharing app TikTok and drugmaker Immunomedics.
Growing optimism for COVID-19 vaccines also added vigor to the local stock market. The chief executive of pharmaceutical giant Pfizer predicted that the U.S. would be able to deploy the COVID-19 shot before the end of the year.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 327.69 points, or 1.18 percent, to close at 27,993.33 on Monday (New York time). The Nasdaq Composite added 1.87 percent, and the S&P 500 advanced 1.27 percent.
In Seoul, most large caps traded higher.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics gained 0.5 percent, with No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix adding 2 percent.
Top pharmaceutical firm Samsung Biologics rose 1.7 percent, and Celltrion advanced 0.51 percent.
Leading chemical maker LG Chem climbed 0.84 percent, and rechargeable battery maker Samsung SDI added 1.26 percent.
Internet portal giant Naver jumped 2.81 percent, with its rival Kakao up 2.14 percent.
Hyundai Motor, the country's largest automaker, gained 0.56 percent, but top steelmaker POSCO retreated 0.26 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,180.3 won against the U.S. dollar, up 3.2 won from the previous session's close.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-15--Senior U.S. diplomat urges N. Korea to carry out summit deal on denuclearization

David Stilwell , assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs , did not say whether the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ the North is doing in the wake of a series of seasonal typhoons , but @ @ @ @ @ 's denuclearization would allow it to better cope with any such problems .

By Byun Duk-kun
WASHINGTON, Sept. 14 (Yonhap) -- A senior U.S. diplomat called on North Korea to return to its denuclearization agreement signed with the United States at their 2018 summit, stressing that doing so would place the country in a much better position to cope with various problems including the new coronavirus.
David Stilwell, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, did not say whether the U.S. has updated information on how the North is doing in the wake of a series of seasonal typhoons, but he insisted that the country's denuclearization would allow it to better cope with any such problems.
"Regarding the flooding, the typhoons, the situation in North Korea ... all of these things could be addressed if we had a follow-through on the Singapore agreement, to begin talks, sincere conversation on denuclearization," he said in a teleconference.
This file photo shows David Stilwell, U.S. assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs. (Yonhap)
Under the four-point agreement, signed at the end of the first-ever U.S-North Korea summit held between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in June 2018 in Singapore, Pyongyang agreed to work toward complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in exchange for a U.S. security guarantee.
Trump and Kim held a second summit in Hanoi in February 2019 to map out details of the denuclearization process, but the talks ended without a deal.
The two leaders met again, though only briefly, on June 30, 2019.
Their talks have stalled since.
Stilwell insisted North Korea's return to the dialogue table would also put it in a better position with its regional neighbors and the rest of the world.
"And so for North Korea, we need to go back to the original agreement. We need to insist that they follow through with that agreement," Stilwell said in the teleconference designed to explain the outcome of the annual meeting with foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Stilwell noted U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his ASEAN counterparts urged North Korea to give up its nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs.
They "called for the DPRK to abandon its WMD and ballistic missile programs as required by U.N. Security Council resolutions," he said, referring to North Korea by its official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-15--S. Korea, U.S. closely monitoring N.K. ahead of Oct. party anniversary: JCS

Defense Minister nominee Gen .
Suh Wook said Monday the North has not shown signs of preparations to fire a @ @ @ @ @ ) anytime soon and chances of its launch on the occasion of the October anniversary @ @ @ @ @ left until the event .

SEOUL, Sept. 15 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and the United States are closely monitoring North Korea ahead of the founding anniversary of its country's ruling Workers' Party next month, officials said Tuesday.
North Korea has been preparing to hold a large-scale military parade to mark the 75th anniversary of the party's founding on Oct. 10, raising speculation it could use the event to showcase new strategic weapons.
"The authorities of South Korea and the United States are closely monitoring related moves in cooperation," Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesperson Col. Kim Jun-rak said during a regular press briefing, declining to elaborate further.
Defense Minister nominee Gen. Suh Wook said Monday the North has not shown signs of preparations to fire a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) anytime soon and chances of its launch on the occasion of the October anniversary appear low considering the time left until the event.
North Korea usually holds bigger events to celebrate national anniversaries every fifth or 10th year.
In this file photo, taken Oct. 10, 2019, and released by the Korean Central News Agency the next day, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (C) watches a performance celebrating the 74th founding anniversary of the Workers' Party of Korea in Pyongyang. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-15--The Korea Interbank Offered Rates (KORIBOR)

SEOUL , Sep. 15 ( Yonhap ) -- The Korea Interbank Offered Rates ( KORIBOR ) as posted by Yonhap @ @ @ @ @ and information arm of Yonhap News Agency , at 11:00 a.m .


yna--2020-09-15--(LEAD) T'way Air to start flights to Wuhan, first in 8 months since virus outbreak

The number of flights to China plunged to 21 a week in the fifth week of August from 1,164 during @ @ @ @ @ , with the number of routes down to 16 from 84 during the same period @ @ @ @

(ATTN: RECASTS lead; ADDS Chinese routes in paras 9-10)
SEOUL, Sept. 15 (Yonhap) -- T'way Air, a South Korean low-cost carrier, will begin flights to the Chinese city of Wuhan on Wednesday, marking the reopening of the air service to the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak after eight months, the transport ministry said Tuesday.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport approved T'way Air's once-a-week flight on the Incheon-Wuhan route, which was already approved by the Chinese authorities late last year.
"We are planning to operate the Wuhan route until Oct. 24 for the summer season. For the winter season from late October through end-March, we will seek approval from Seoul and Beijing's authorities," a T'way Air spokesman said over the phone.
This photo taken July 28, 2020, shows a T'way Air plane at Gimpo International Airport in western Seoul. (Yonhap)
T'way Air was originally scheduled to begin services on the Wuhan route on Jan. 21, but the outbreak of the deadly respiratory illness temporarily suspended the plan.
T'way resumed flights to Yanji on Aug. 20 to meet business demand, while operating a sharply reduced number of flights on domestic routes since March.
Local airlines suspended all of their outbound flights to Wuhan on Jan. 23, two days after the first case of the COVID-19 pandemic was confirmed in South Korea.
Korean Air Lines Co. and China Southern Airlines were offering four flights a week on the Incheon-Wuhan route until Jan. 22.
With the addition of T'way's Wuhan route, a total of 10 routes to China will be available from Wednesday, the ministry said.
Currently, Korean Air offers once-a-week flights on routes from Incheon to Tianjin, Guangzhou and Shenyang. Asiana Airlines Inc. provides once-a-week flights on routes from Incheon to Changchun, Nanjing and Cheungdu.
Among low-cost carriers, Jeju Air Co. and Jin Air Co. serve the Incheon-Weihai and the Jeju-Xian routes.
The number of flights to China plunged to 21 a week in the fifth week of August from 1,164 during the winter season of 2019, with the number of routes down to 16 from 84 during the same period, it said.
South Korea has two full-service carriers -- Korean Air and Asiana Airlines -- and seven budget carriers -- Jeju Air, Jin Air, Air Busan Co., Air Seoul Inc., Eastar Jet, T'way Air and Fly Gangwon.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-15--SK Telecom to use quantum tech in gas facility safety system

The next-generation system detects gas leaks and its concentration at facilities by analyzing light wavelengths reflected from buildings and is @ @ @ @ @ infrared ray-based system , according to SK Telecom .

SEOUL, Sept. 15 (Yonhap) -- SK Telecom Co., South Korea's top mobile carrier, said Tuesday it partnered with the state-run Korea Gas Safety Corp. to develop a gas facility safety system using quantum technology.
The two will also work with the gas safety company Korea Plant Maintenance and the local optical sensor company QuantumSensing to incorporate quantum-based technology into safety management systems at gas facilities.
The next-generation system detects gas leaks and its concentration at facilities by analyzing light wavelengths reflected from buildings and is more accurate than the conventional infrared ray-based system, according to SK Telecom.
The companies aim to test the technology at a local large gas facility by the end of this year.
The mobile carrier said it plans to further upgrade the system by incorporating drones to allow remote testing at dangerous sites.
SK Telecom has recently focused on developing quantum technology, such as showcasing a single photon LiDAR sensor earlier this year for autonomous vehicles and releasing a smartphone with a quantum-safe cryptography solution with Samsung Electronics Co.
yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-15--Chips, computers boost S. Korea's ICT exports in Aug.

South Korea 's overall exports have been losing ground since early this year , as the COVID-19 pandemic has hurt @ @ @ @ @ In August , the country 's exports stood at $ 39.66 billion , down 9.9 @ @ @ @ @ and marking the sixth consecutive month that outbound shipments have lost ground .

SEJONG, Sept. 15 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's outbound shipments of information and communication technology (ICT) products edged up 0.3 percent on-year in August, data showed Tuesday, as exports of memory chips, computers and peripherals remained robust amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Exports of ICT products reached US$15.24 billion last month, according to the data compiled by the Ministry of Science and ICT. This marks the third month in a row that monthly exports have moved up compared with 2019.
Imports moved up 4.3 percent to $9.19 billion in August, resulting in a trade surplus of $6.05 billion in ICT trade, data showed.
ICT products, a key contributor to South Korean exports, have been hit by COVID-19. They plunged 15.3 percent on-year in April and contracted 2.6 percent in the following month before making a rebound in June with 1 percent growth, followed by an increase of 3.3 percent in July.
By segment, exports of semiconductors, a critical item for Asia's fourth-largest economy, gained 2.6 percent from the previous year to reach $8.29 billion.
This file photo shows semiconductors and image sensors on display at Samsung Electronics PR hall in southern Seoul. (Yonhap)
Outbound shipments of computers and related products nearly doubled over the period to reach $1.34 billion, as more people worked from home due to the virus outbreak.
Overseas sales of mobile devices, such as smartphones, on the other hand, plunged 33 percent to $700 million, with exports of displays falling 17 percent to $1.8 billion over the cited period.
Exports to China, the largest overseas market for locally made ICT products, backtracked 3.3 percent to $7.1 billion, with shipments to Vietnam down 2 percent to $2.76 billion.
Shipments to the United States, however, shot up 18 percent to $1.75 billion over the period.
South Korea's overall exports have been losing ground since early this year, as the COVID-19 pandemic has hurt both consumption and production. In August, the country's exports stood at $39.66 billion, down 9.9 percent from a year earlier and marking the sixth consecutive month that outbound shipments have lost ground.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-15--Rise in virus-related deaths poses new challenge

The country 's virus fatality rate currently stands at 1.63 percent as of Monday , while the rate came to @ @ @ @ @ their 80s , 6.52 percent for those in their 70s and 1.21 percent for those @ @ @ @ @ KDCA said .

SEOUL, Sept. 15 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new coronavirus cases have stayed below 200 for almost two weeks, but a rise in deaths is emerging as yet another challenge to the country's virus fight, according to health authorities Tuesday.
The country reported four more deaths, raising the death toll to 367, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
The country's daily new deaths briefly spiked in the southeastern city of Daegu, once the epicenter of the virus outbreak here, in February, but South Korea has since reported between zero and two daily new deaths, the KDCA said.
A medical worker treats a new coronavirus patient at a hospital in Suwon, south of Seoul, on Sept. 15, 2020, in this photo released by the government of Gyeonggi Province. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
A total of 26 COVID-19 patients died over the past week, with a daily average of three to four deaths, the KDCA said.
Health authorities said most of those who tested positive recently were 60 years old or above, an age group that is more likely to experience critical health complications caused by the deadly virus.
The KDCA said 1,362 out of 3,433 patients, or 39.7 percent, quarantined for treatment over the past two weeks are in that age group. Of them, 137, or 10 percent, are in critical condition.
The country's virus fatality rate currently stands at 1.63 percent as of Monday, while the rate came to 20.37 percent for those in their 80s, 6.52 percent for those in their 70s and 1.21 percent for those in their 60s, the KDCA said.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-15--(LEAD) N.K. leader lauds soldiers as 'creators of all miracles' for successful typhoon recovery work

`` The service personnel who rushed to the damaged area in response to the order of trust given by Kim @ @ @ @ @ of making the first report of victory to the Party Central Committee in the campaigns @ @ @ @ @ '' the Korean Central News Agency said , reporting on Kim 's visit to the @ @ @ @ @ Province .

(ATTN: ADDS report on premier's trip to eastern area in paras 7-8)
By Koh Byung-joon
SEOUL Sept. 15 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited a southwestern village newly built after typhoon damage, lauding soldiers mobilized for recovery work as "creators of all miracles" for rebuilding the village in a short period of time, state media reported Tuesday.
"The service personnel who rushed to the damaged area in response to the order of trust given by Kim Jong Un achieved proud success of making the first report of victory to the Party Central Committee in the campaigns for recovery from disaster," the Korean Central News Agency said, reporting on Kim's visit to the Kangbuk-ri village in North Hwanghae Province.
The KCNA quoted Kim as saying, "The People's Army is made up of creators of all miracles on this land.
"The genuine might of the People's Army lies not in the number of troops and the might of ammunitions but in their ardent love for their country and people and their mental power," Kim said, according to the KCNA.
Kim also said it is "imperative to set up the long-term goal of construction" in provincial areas "in a more realistic and planned way, while emphasizing the need to increase state assistance for the "development of high civilization of the rural areas."
Kim's trip to the village came days after he visited another flood-hit area in the same province late last week. His recent "field guidance" to those areas appears aimed at highlighting his image as a leader caring for people.
In a separate article, the KCNA said that Premier Kim Tok-hun visited typhoon-hit eastern areas where reconstruction projects are under way.
The premier stressed the need to "timely" provide cement and steel required to rebuild railways, roads and other facilities in the Komdok area of South Hamgyong Province and nearby villages hit by typhoons, it added.
Three consecutive typhoons have pounded North Korea in recent weeks and wrought havoc on its farming area, in particular, raising concerns that the country's food shortage could get worse.
State media have called for stepped-up efforts to minimize damage to crops and harvests, saying a sufficient stockpile of rice and food could help the push for self-reliance and self-prosperity against its enemies.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (C, front) inspects Kangbuk-ri, Kumchon County, North Hwanghae Province that was rebuilt from the damage by heavy rain and strong wind caused by Typhoon Bavi last month, in this undated photo released by the North's official Korean Central News Agency on Sept. 15, 2020. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-15--Seventeen earns fourth-consecutive Oricon album chart win with '24H'

Seventeen took the top spot on the Oricon weekly album chart with all of its previous releases -- EP records @ @ @ @ @ '' and `` Heng : garae , '' as well as its third studio record @ @ @ @ @ all of which were Korean-language records .

SEOUL, Sept. 15 (Yonhap) -- K-pop boy band Seventeen scored its fourth-straight win on Japan's Oricon weekly album chart with its latest Japanese record "24H," the group's management agency said Tuesday.
"24H," the 13-member boy group's second Japanese EP record, ranked at No. 1 on Oricon's weekly album chart for the week of Sept. 7-15, according to Pledis Entertainment. The album was released on Sept. 9.
This publicity photo provided by Pledis Entertainment shows K-pop boy group Seventeen. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Seventeen took the top spot on the Oricon weekly album chart with all of its previous releases -- EP records "You Made My Dawn" and "Heng:garae," as well as its third studio record "An Ode," all of which were Korean-language records.
According to Oricon, Seventeen was the first non-Japanese international male artist to achieve a fourth-consecutive win on the weekly album chart.
Ahead of its release, retail pre-orders of "24H" in Japan reached 450,000 units. Of those, some 240,000 copies were sold in its first week. In total, the band has sold 2.3 million albums in Japan so far this year.
Along with the lead track of the same name, "24H" consists of four Japanese tracks, "247," "Chilli" and "Pinwheel," and the Japanese version of "Together," previously from Seventeen's seventh EP "Heng:garae."
This publicity photo provided by Pledis Entertainment shows K-pop boy group Seventeen. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
This file photo shows K-pop boy band Seventeen posing for a photo during a media showcase for its new EP, "Heng:garae," at a hotel in southern Seoul on June 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-15--Pitching duel between ex-KBO MVPs ends in draw

Lindblom is 1-3 with a 5.26 ERA in 10 appearances , including eight starts .
Unlike Kim , Lindblom opened @ @ @ @ @ but was moved to the bullpen earlier this month because of his struggles .
He @ @ @ @ @ appearances before getting the start Monday for the first game of the doubleheader .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Sept. 15 (Yonhap) -- The major league starting pitching matchup between former South Korean league MVPs ended in a draw, with neither pitcher getting a decision despite scoreless outings.
The Milwaukee Brewers beat the St. Louis Cardinals 2-1 in extra innings to open their doubleheader at Miller Park in Milwaukee on Monday (local time). The Cardinals had South Korean left-hander Kim Kwang-hyun on the mount at the start, with the Brewers countering with American right-hander Josh Lindblom.
In this Associated Press photo, Kim Kwang-hyun of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers in the bottom of the first inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game at Miller Park in Milwaukee on Sept. 14, 2020. (Yonhap)
Kim was the regular season MVP in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) for the SK Wyverns in 2008. Lindblom earned the same honor while pitching for the Doosan Bears in 2019.
This was their first meeting in the majors. Kim signed last winter after 13 years in South Korea. Lindblom, who'd pitched in the KBO from 2015 to 2019 after four years in the majors, returned to the U.S. last offseason.
The two matched each other pitch for pitch as the teams traded zeroes. Kim, returning from a kidney ailment that had left him hospitalized less than two weeks ago, threw his season-high seven innings, striking out six and giving up three hits.
Lindblom also kept the Cardinals at bay, matching his season-best five innings while striking out half a dozen. He too served up only three hits.
In this Associated Press photo, Josh Lindblom of the Milwaukee Brewers pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals in the top of the third inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game at Miller Park in Milwaukee on Sept. 14, 2020. (Yonhap)
For the season, Kim is 2-0 with a 0.63 ERA and holds a 0.33 ERA as a starter. He began the season as the closer, despite having virtually no closing experience in the KBO, and notched a save in his only relief appearance before joining the injury-plagued rotation.
Kim has been a savior, having held opponents to just one earned run in 27 2/3 innings as a key rotation piece.
Lindblom is 1-3 with a 5.26 ERA in 10 appearances, including eight starts. Unlike Kim, Lindblom opened the year as the starter but was moved to the bullpen earlier this month because of his struggles. He had made two scoreless relief appearances before getting the start Monday for the first game of the doubleheader.
Kim and Lindblom went toe-to-toe four times during the regular season in the KBO. On April 16, 2019, Lindblom was the winning pitcher in the Bears' 8-3 victory, while Kim got the no-decision for the Wyverns.
Three other meetings came in 2016, while Lindblom was pitching for the Lotte Giants. Kim won twice and got one no-decision. Lindblom was the losing pitcher in all three.
In this Getty Images photo, Kim Kwang-hyun of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers in the bottom of the second inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game at Miller Park in Milwaukee on Sept. 14, 2020. (Yonhap)
Their lone postseason meeting as starters came in Game 4 of the 2018 Korean Series. The Bears prevailed 2-1 behind Lindblom's seven innings of one-run ball. Kim didn't get a decision despite six scoreless innings.
In the clinching Game 6 of that same Korean Series, both pitchers came on in relief, with Lindblom getting charged with a blown save and Kim earning the save in the Wyverns' 5-4 win in 13 innings.
The Bears led 4-3 with two outs in the top of the ninth. One strike away from a championship, Lindblom instead served up a game-tying solo home run to Choi Jeong.
The Wyverns went ahead in the top of the 13th on a solo home run by Han Dong-min. Kim then took the mound in the bottom of the inning and retired the side in order for his second career postseason save -- both in Korean Series title-clinching games.
The Cardinals and the Brewers face each other five times this week -- another doubleheader is set for Wednesday -- and they will close out their regular season with four games on Sept. 25-27, including one doubleheader.
In this Associated Press photo, Josh Lindblom of the Milwaukee Brewers pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals in the top of the first inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game at Miller Park in Milwaukee on Sept. 14, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-15--Cardinals' Kim Kwang-hyun at efficient best in impressive return from ailment

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Sept. 15 (Yonhap) -- In his young major league career so far, the St. Louis Cardinals' South Korean starter Kim Kwang-hyun has been an efficient pitcher, someone who pitches to contact after soft contact without overextending himself.
And his latest start, against the Milwaukee Brewers in Milwaukee on Monday (local time), was the perfect encapsulation of qualities that have made Kim such a reliable starter in 2020.
In this Associated Press photo, Kim Kwang-hyun of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers in the bottom of the first inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game at Miller Park in Milwaukee on Sept. 14, 2020. (Yonhap)
Kim held the Brewers to three hits over seven shutout innings, while striking out six. Both the innings total and strikeouts were his new season highs, as was his pitch total of 87. Kim settled for a no-decision in a 2-1, extra-inning loss in the opening game of a doubleheader.
Kim, who began the season as the closer, remained at 2-0, and his ERA is now a miniscule 0.63. As a starter, Kim has an incredible 0.33 ERA over 27 2/3 innings covering five outings. He hasn't allowed an earned run in 24 straight innings.
Kim was making his first start since Sept. 1. He was hospitalized for a kidney ailment in Chicago three days after that outing and was placed on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to Sept. 2.
The left-hander looked a bit rusty in the first frame, giving up a one-out double to Christian Yelich and falling behind each of the first four batters he faced.
But in the second, Kim only needed seven pitches to sit down three straight batters. It was one of three innings in which Kim retired the side in order in under 10 pitches.
In this Associated Press photo, Kim Kwang-hyun of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers in the bottom of the third inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game at Miller Park in Milwaukee on Sept. 14, 2020. (Yonhap)
The most important of them came in the seventh, Kim's final inning of work. Through six frames, he was sitting at 81 pitches, four shy from his season high, and he was going through the Brewers' order for the third time, albeit with the bottom three hitters due up. In this day and age of advanced statistical analysis, teams are increasingly reluctant to expose their starters for a third time through a lineup, based on how their numbers get progressively worse as opposing hitters see them more often within a game. Complete games are all but extinct.
The game was still 0-0, and because it was the first game of a seven-inning doubleheader, Kim had more than done his part as a starter with six shutout innings. It seemed to be a big ask for a pitcher who'd just recovered from a kidney ailment to go another inning.
But there Kim was to start the seventh, and he got his three outs on just six pitches.
The Brewers also helped out Kim by swinging early in the count and hitting into easy outs. Four times, a Milwaukee hitter swung on the first pitch. The results: two groundouts and two flyouts.
Prior to this contest, Kim had used his four-seam fastball about 45 percent of the time. He doubled down on that approach, throwing it 52 percent (45 out of 87 pitches) against the Brewers.
And that was with good reason, too. Kim held opponents to just a .139 batting average with his fastball, the fourth-lowest mark in the majors, and the Brewers had the worst batting average against fastballs with .227.
Four of Kim's six strikeouts were with the trusted four-seamer.
In this Associated Press photo, Kim Kwang-hyun of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers in the bottom of the third inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game at Miller Park in Milwaukee on Sept. 14, 2020. (Yonhap)
Kim is only averaging 90 miles per hour with his fastball, putting him in the 14th percentile in the majors. But it's not so much the velocity but the location with Kim. In the fourth, with runners at first and second, Kim jammed Luis Urias with an 88 mph fastball and got him to hit a soft grounder to third on a broken bat.
The biggest strikeout, though, came with a slider. In the bottom third, Avisail Garcia hit a two-out double, and Yelich, he of the first-inning double, stepped up to the plate.
The 2018 National League MVP is mired in an awful seasonlong slump -- he came in batting just .199 in 42 games -- but he still presented a threat with a man in scoring position. Kim fell behind 2-0, but then threw two straight fastballs to even the count. It set up an 87 mph slider to the outside corner that Yelich swung on and missed.
In this Associated Press photo, Kim Kwang-hyun of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers in the bottom of the first inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game at Miller Park in Milwaukee on Sept. 14, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-15--ADB maintains economic outlook for S. Korea

In a report , the ADB said the Korean economy `` is now projected to contract in 2020 but grow @ @ @ @ @ world economy recovers .
A third supplementary budget , worth $ 29 million , was @ @ @ @ @ the whole stimulus package to $ 230 million . ''

SEJONG, Sept. 15 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's economy is expected to retreat 1 percent this year over the coronavirus pandemic, but it will grow 3.3 percent next year as the world economy recovers, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) said Tuesday.
In its latest revision of regional growth projections, the ADB maintained its earlier forecast of 1 percent contraction for the Korean economy, while cutting the region's growth outlook to a contraction of 0.7 percent.
The coronavirus outbreak has plunged the Korean economy into a recession, as its gross domestic product shrank 3.3 percent in the second quarter after a 1.3 percent on-quarter retreat three months earlier.
In a report, the ADB said the Korean economy "is now projected to contract in 2020 but grow strongly in 2021 as the world economy recovers. A third supplementary budget, worth $29 million, was approved in July, raising the whole stimulus package to $230 million."
"With the export slump, the current account surplus will continue to narrow this year, as earlier projected. Uncertainty about COVID-19 remains the biggest risk to forecasts," it said.
Earlier this month, the state-run Korea Development Institute cut the nation's economic growth outlook to a contraction of 1.1 percent this year, a sharp downward revision of 0.2 percent expansion in its May forecast.
The downward revision is largely attributed to a recent resurgence of the new coronavirus that is widely expected to delay the pace of an economic recovery.
The ADB predicted Korea's inflation to remain muted in 2020, with both demand and commodity prices subdued, and then pick up in 2021.
The developing Asian region is expected to see its first economic contraction this year since the 1960s, the ADB said.
"Asia's path to recovery remains precarious half a year into the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, the regional economy will contract this year as the virus continues to spread and as ill effects linger from border restrictions, quarantines and stay-at-home orders," it said.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-15--Hyundai to launch new Tucson SUV next month

Hyundai has applied a new design concept to the upgraded model of the sixth-generation Grandeur that was launched in 2016 @ @ @ @ @ launched last year , the all-new Avante compact launched in April and the all-electric concept @ @

SEOUL, Sept. 15 (Yonhap) -- Hyundai Motor Co. said Tuesday it plans to launch the new Tuscon SUV in the domestic market next month to boost sales amid the prolonged coronavirus outbreak.
The fourth-generation Tucson SUV comes with a 1.6-liter gasoline turbocharged engine, a 1.6 turbocharged gasoline hybrid engine or a 2.0 diesel engine, the company said in a statement.
The new SUV is priced at 24 million won-33 million won (US$20,300-$28,000), with the hybrid model's price to be released next month, it said.
This photo provided by Hyundai Motor Co. shows the new Tuscon SUV. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The new parametric-jewel-pattern grille, which integrates both the headlamps and turn signals, presents a stronger aesthetic right from the front, Hyundai said.
Hyundai has applied a new design concept to the upgraded model of the sixth-generation Grandeur that was launched in 2016, the new Sonata sedan launched last year, the all-new Avante compact launched in April and the all-electric concept Prophecy.
Safety features include the blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, safe exit warning, blind-spot view monitor and rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist systems, it said.
This photo provided by Hyundai Motor shows the interior of the new Tucson SUV. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-15--S. Korean firms need to heed India's import regulations: report

In the first half of this year , South Korea 's exports to India sank 33.2 percent on-year to US @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic , with imports from India falling only 5.3 percent to $ 2.59 billion @ @ @ @ @ hike bilateral trade with India to $ 50 billion a year by 2030 .
Last @ @ @ @ @ $ 20.7 billion .
( END )

SEOUL, Sept. 15 (Yonhap) -- South Korean companies need to keep close tabs on India's anti-dumping rules and other trade remedies to protect its domestic industries, a report said Tuesday.
India, Asia's third-largest economy, has been beefing up efforts to shield its domestic industries from foreign competitors by sharply raising import regulation probes in recent years.
"India's import regulations have recently been very tough and aggressive," the report from the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) said. "South Korean exporters should pay closer attention to them."
In February, New Delhi amended its enforcement decrees on anti-dumping and countervailing duties, and subsidies in a show of its growing protectionist tendencies.
"In particular, South Korean steel and petrochemical manufacturers should preemptively brace for the potential risk of import controls as they are prone to India's anti-dumping and countervailing tariffs," the report said.
According to the report, India's new investigations for import restrictions came to an average 60.5 cases per year between 2016 and 2019, nearly double the 30.3 cases recorded from 2010-15.
China was the No. 1 target of India's probes with 77 cases since 2016, followed by South Korea with 24, Thailand with 22 and Malaysia with 21.
South Korean companies have been ramping up efforts to make forays into the world's second-most populous country, which has been emerging as one of the most promising markets in the world.
In the first half of this year, South Korea's exports to India sank 33.2 percent on-year to US$5.36 billion amid the coronavirus pandemic, with imports from India falling only 5.3 percent to $2.59 billion. Seoul is seeking to hike bilateral trade with India to $50 billion a year by 2030. Last year, bilateral trade reached $20.7 billion.
(END)


yna--2020-09-15--(LEAD) Jeonbuk continued to have Ulsan's number in K League football

`` If you watch all successful teams , they have strong defense , '' he said .
`` I had @ @ @ @ @ , come down and help out on defense , because if offensive players can go @ @ @ @ @ , it will help us win matches . ''

(ATTN: ADDS comments throughout)
JEONJU, South Korea, Sept. 15 (Yonhap) -- Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors own a lot of real estate in the collective head of Ulsan Hyundai FC.
How else to explain Ulsan's continued struggles against Jeonbuk in K League football?
Jeonbuk got the better of Ulsan again on Tuesday, prevailing 2-1 in a clash of the two best clubs this season. Mo Barrow scored the opening goal about 70 seconds in and assisted on Han Kyo-won's second-half insurance goal.
Mo Barrow (L) and Han Kyo-won of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors celebrate Han's goal against Ulsan Hyundai FC during a K League 1 match at Jeonju World Cup Stadium in Jeonju, 240 kilometers south of Seoul, on Sept. 15, 2020. (Yonhap)
Junior Negrao scored his league-best 23rd goal on a last-minute penalty to prevent Ulsan's second consecutive clean sheet loss to Jeonbuk.
In their first meeting of this season on June 28, Jeonbuk handed Ulsan their first loss 2020 with a 2-0 win. Ulsan had gone 11 matches since then without losing once, and it was Jeonbuk that ended the undefeated run Tuesday.
Ulsan have managed just one win in their last 10 meetings against Jeonbuk.
More importantly, Tuesday's result tightened the race at the top between these two clubs, as Jeonbuk have cut the gap from five points to two points, at 47-45, with six matches left this season.
"I think we maintained a good balance between offense and defense for the whole match," Jeonbuk coach Jose Morais said. "If we can play like this in upcoming matches, we could win the title."
Kim Bo-kyung of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (R) dribbles the ball past Won Du-jae of Ulsan Hyundai FC during a K League 1 match at Jeonju World Cup Stadium in Jeonju, 240 kilometers south of Seoul, on Sept. 15, 2020. (Yonhap)
After playing this coming Sunday, the 12 teams in the K League 1 will be split into two tiers: the top six into "Final A" and the rest into "Final B." Teams will then play five matches within their own group to close out the season.
Though match schedules will be announced later, Jeonbuk and Ulsan are assured of another showdown this season, most likely with a championship on the line.
Jeonbuk are trying to win their fourth consecutive title, something that no K League club has accomplished. During their dynasty run, this year's team may be their weakest. And with key defender Kim Jin-su bolting for Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr FC in August, Jeonbuk had gone winless in their season-high three matches prior to Tuesday.
Ulsan, boasting the league's deepest roster, should have run away with the title by now. Instead, they were held to consecutive 1-1 draws by underdogs Gwangju FC and Daegu FC over the past two weeks.
And those squandered opportunities came back to bite them Tuesday. Giving up a soft goal against Barrow just 70 seconds after the opening kickoff didn't help.
Ulsan head coach Kim Do-hoon said he wanted to play a tight defensive contest, but allowing the first goal so early ruined that plan. He acknowledged he "may have been overthinking" during his preparation for the match.
He also said his players have to overcome a mental block against Jeonbuk.
"I think my players are good enough to beat Jeonbuk, but the difference was in the level of confidence," Kim said. "And it's my fault that I didn't help them feel more confident."
Choi Chul-soon of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (R) tries to make a pass during a K League 1 match against Ulsan Hyundai FC at Jeonju World Cup Stadium in Jeonju, 240 kilometers south of Seoul, on Sept. 15, 2020. (Yonhap)
Forced to play catchup all match, Ulsan began to play with some energy after the half-hour mark. They outshot Jeonbuk 10-3 in the first half, but couldn't solve goalkeeper Song Bum-keun, who came up huge in a goalmouth scramble moments before the break.
Han Kyo-won doubled Jeonbuk's lead in the 63rd, and Song stood his ground against Ulsan's push. Junior Negrao's penalty didn't affect the match's outcome.
Morais said he was disappointed with a late lapse in concentration that led to the penalty, but he was mostly pleased with his team's defensive effort.
"If you watch all successful teams, they have strong defense," he said. "I had my wingers, like Han, come down and help out on defense, because if offensive players can go the extra mile on defense, it will help us win matches."
Ulsan let the championship trophy slip through their fingers last year, in one of the most stunning collapses in South Korean sports.
Heading into the season finale, Ulsan held down the top spot over Jeonbuk, 79-76. All they needed was a draw against Pohang Steelers and they would have their first title since 2005.
Instead, Ulsan fell to Pohang 4-1, while Jeonbuk beat Gangwon FC 1-0 to climb to a 79-79 tie in points. Jeonbuk edged out Ulsan in the first tiebreaker, goals scored, by 72-71, to become just the second club to pull off a "three-peat" in K League history.
In the final stretch this year, Ulsan now hold a two-point lead over Jeonbuk. Maybe Jeonbuk have Ulsan right where they want them.
"It won't be a true championship for us unless we beat Jeonbuk in the process," Kim said. "We'll try to win the next one against them."
Ulsan have the most runner-up finishes in league history with eight.
Gustavo of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (L) dribbles past Won Du-jae of Ulsan Hyundai FC during a K League 1 match at Jeonju World Cup Stadium in Jeonju, 240 kilometers south of Seoul, on Sept. 15, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-15--Jeonbuk continued to have Ulsan's number in K League football

After playing this coming Sunday , the 12 teams in the K League 1 will be split into two tiers @ @ @ @ @ `` Final A '' and the rest into `` Final B . ''
Teams will @ @ @ @ @ their own group to close out the season .

JEONJU, South Korea, Sept. 15 (Yonhap) -- Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors own a lot of real estate in the collective head of Ulsan Hyundai FC.
How else to explain Ulsan's continued struggles against Jeonbuk in K League football?
Jeonbuk got the better of Ulsan again on Tuesday, prevailing 2-1 in a clash of the two best clubs this season. Mo Barrow scored the opening goal about 70 seconds in and assisted on Han Kyo-won's second-half insurance goal.
Mo Barrow (L) and Han Kyo-won of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors celebrate Han's goal against Ulsan Hyundai FC during a K League 1 match at Jeonju World Cup Stadium in Jeonju, 240 kilometers south of Seoul, on Sept. 15, 2020. (Yonhap)
Junior Negrao scored his league-best 23rd goal on a last-minute penalty to prevent Ulsan's second consecutive clean sheet loss to Jeonbuk.
In their first meeting of this season on June 28, Jeonbuk handed Ulsan their first loss 2020 with a 2-0 win. Ulsan had gone 11 matches since then without losing once, and it was Jeonbuk that ended the undefeated run Tuesday.
Ulsan have managed just one win in their last 10 meetings against Jeonbuk.
More importantly, Tuesday's result tightened the race at the top between these two clubs, as Jeonbuk have cut the gap from five points to two points, at 47-45, with six matches left this season.
Kim Bo-kyung of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (R) dribbles the ball past Won Du-jae of Ulsan Hyundai FC during a K League 1 match at Jeonju World Cup Stadium in Jeonju, 240 kilometers south of Seoul, on Sept. 15, 2020. (Yonhap)
After playing this coming Sunday, the 12 teams in the K League 1 will be split into two tiers: the top six into "Final A" and the rest into "Final B." Teams will then play five matches within their own group to close out the season.
Though match schedules will be announced later, Jeonbuk and Ulsan are assured of another showdown this season, most likely with a championship on the line.
Jeonbuk are trying to win their fourth consecutive title, something that no K League club has accomplished. During their dynasty run, this year's team may be their weakest. And with key defender Kim Jin-su bolting for Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr FC in August, Jeonbuk had gone winless in their season-high three matches prior to Tuesday.
Ulsan, boasting the league's deepest roster, should have run away with the title by now. Instead, they were held to consecutive 1-1 draws by underdogs Gwangju FC and Daegu FC over the past two weeks.
And those squandered opportunities came back to bite them Tuesday. Giving up a soft goal against Barrow just 70 seconds after the opening kickoff didn't help.
Choi Chul-soon of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (R) tries to make a pass during a K League 1 match against Ulsan Hyundai FC at Jeonju World Cup Stadium in Jeonju, 240 kilometers south of Seoul, on Sept. 15, 2020. (Yonhap)
Forced to play catchup all match, Ulsan began to play with some energy after the half-hour mark. They outshot Jeonbuk 10-3 in the first half, but couldn't solve goalkeeper Song Bum-keun, who came up huge in a goalmouth scramble moments before the break.
Han Kyo-won doubled Jeonbuk's lead in the 63rd, and Song stood his ground against Ulsan's push. Junior Negrao's penalty didn't affect the match's outcome.
Ulsan let the championship trophy slip through their fingers last year, in one of the most stunning collapses in South Korean sports.
Heading into the season finale, Ulsan held down the top spot over Jeonbuk, 79-76. All they needed was a draw against Pohang Steelers and they would have their first title since 2005.
Instead, Ulsan fell to Pohang 4-1, while Jeonbuk beat Gangwon FC 1-0 to climb to a 79-79 tie in points. Jeonbuk edged out Ulsan in the first tiebreaker, goals scored, by 72-71, to become just the second club to pull off a "three-peat" in K League history.
In the final stretch this year, Ulsan now hold a two-point lead over Jeonbuk. Maybe Jeonbuk have Ulsan right where they want them.
Ulsan have the most runner-up finishes in league history with eight.
Gustavo of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (L) dribbles past Won Du-jae of Ulsan Hyundai FC during a K League 1 match at Jeonju World Cup Stadium in Jeonju, 240 kilometers south of Seoul, on Sept. 15, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-15--Jeonbuk beat Ulsan in battle of K League's top two clubs

Jeonbuk opened the scoring before Ulsan knew what hit them .
About 70 seconds in , Barrow sent a seemingly @ @ @ @ @ .
Fellow midfielder Han Kyo-won cut in toward the net trying to redirect the pass @ @ @ @ @ skidded past him , Han ended up screening goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo .
Jo was completely @ @ @ @ @ the ball rolled to the far corner .

JEONJU, South Korea, Sept. 15 (Yonhap) -- Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors defeated Ulsan Hyundai FC 2-1 in a battle of the two best clubs in South Korean football on Tuesday, adding further intrigue to the title race.
Midfielder Mo Barrow scored the opening goal and set up the insurance marker in the K League 1 showdown at Jeonju World Cup Stadium in Jeonju, 240 kilometers south of Seoul. Jeonbuk improved to 45 points, just two behind Ulsan for first place with six matches remaining.
Ulsan's undefeated run came to a screeching halt at 11 matches. They've lost only two matches out of 21 all season, and both of them have come against Jeonbuk, who won the first meeting 2-0 on June 28.
Mo Barrow of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (L) dribbles the ball against Ulsan Hyundai FC in a K League 1 match at Jeonju World Cup Stadium in Jeonju, 240 kilometers south of Seoul, on Sept. 15, 2020. (Yonhap)
Jeonbuk are going for an unprecedented fourth consecutive title, while Ulsan are chasing their first championship since 2005.
Last season, Ulsan sat in first place heading into the final day of the season, but snatched second place from the jaws of a championship. The combination of Ulsan's 4-1 loss to Pohang Steelers and Jeonbuk's 1-0 victory over Gangwon FC handed the trophy to Jeonbuk.
Jeonbuk came into this crucial match mired in their worst stretch of the season. They had gone winless in a season-high three matches, having surrendered seven goals in that span.
Ulsan failed to take advantage of Jeonbuk's struggles, settling for two consecutive draws at the start of September and holding just a five-point lead heading into Tuesday.
Jeonbuk opened the scoring before Ulsan knew what hit them. About 70 seconds in, Barrow sent a seemingly innocuous cross from left wing. Fellow midfielder Han Kyo-won cut in toward the net trying to redirect the pass, but as the ball skidded past him, Han ended up screening goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo. Jo was completely fooled and watched helplessly as the ball rolled to the far corner.
Jeonbuk continued to dominate possession while keeping Ulsan at bay at the other end.
Hong Chul of Ulsan Hyundai FC (L) and Gustavo of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors battle for the ball during a K League 1 match at Jeonju World Cup Stadium in Jeonju, 240 kilometers south of Seoul, on Sept. 15, 2020. (Yonhap)
Junior Negrao, Ulsan's top marksman and the league's leading scorer, was held out of the starting lineup. Trying to wrestle back control of the contest, Ulsan coach Kim Do-hoon brought the Brazilian forward off the bench in the 28th.
Just moments later, Ulsan midfielder Yoon Bitgaram took a free kick from outside the center of the box and forced Song Bum-keun to make a tough diving save.
That attempt appeared to jolt Ulsan's stagnant offense back to life. And they nearly leveled the score in the dying moments of the first half.
During injury time, Shin Jin-ho's volley from the point-blank range went off the body of Jeonbuk defender Hong Jeong-ho and out of play.
On the ensuing corner, Davy Bulthuis secured a rebound after a shot attempt but Song got a piece of Bulthuis' right-footed strike and had the ball go off the right goal post.
Jeonbuk tried to double the lead five minutes into the second half. Han Kyo-won teed one up for fullback Lee Yong, who stepped into the low, hard shot that Jo turned aside for his best save of the match.
Won Du-jae of Ulsan Hyundai FC (C) tries to head the ball against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors during a K League 1 match at Jeonju World Cup Stadium in Jeonju, 240 kilometers south of Seoul, on Sept. 15, 2020. (Yonhap)
Six minutes later, Jeonbuk's Gustavo connected with Takahiro Kunimoto on a counterattack opportunity but the Japanese midfielder airmailed his shot well over the target.
Jeonbuk finally got their second goal in the 63rd, with Barrow and Han once again being the principal figures.
Kunimoto sent Barrow deep into the box with a pretty pass, and Barrow crossed for the charging Han, who snuck in behind two defenders and scored off the leg of Jo for a 2-0 lead.
Attacking midfielder Bjorn Johnsen replaced defensive midfielder Won Du-jae for Ulsan in the 70th minute, though the substitution didn't amount to much.
Ulsan salvaged a goal in injury time as Junior Negrao converted a penalty for his league-best 23rd goal. He has now scored against every opponent this season, though the accomplishment was overshadowed by the dispiriting loss.
Lee Yong of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (L) tries to dribble past Hong Chul of Ulsan Hyundai FC during a K League 1 match at Jeonju World Cup Stadium in Jeonju, 240 kilometers south of Seoul, on Sept. 15, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-15--(LEAD) Parties agree to deal with coronavirus extra budget bill next week

`` We will need to swiftly review the bill , but we will do it thoroughly , '' Choo said @ @ @ @ @ no final agreement , proceedings in the plenary session could be delayed . ''

(ATTN: ADDS more info from 5th para)
SEOUL, Sept. 15 (Yonhap) -- Rival political parties agreed Tuesday to handle an extraordinary budget to cope with the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic next week.
The ruling Democratic Party (DP) and the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) reached an agreement to vote on this year's fourth supplementary budget bill on Sept. 22, Park Hong-keun, a DP lawmaker said.
Last week, the government submitted a 7.8 trillion won (US$6.6 billion) extra budget bill aimed at helping small merchants and self-employed people most affected by a recent resurgence of the new coronavirus. It marked the first time in 59 years for the South Korean government to allocate four extra budgets in a single fiscal year.
Parliament's special committee on budget and accounts will hold a meeting with Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki and other economic officials on Friday to review the supplementary budget bill.
This photo, taken on Sept. 14, 2020, shows Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun delivering a speech on the government's fourth supplementary budget bill at the National Assembly in Seoul. (Yonhap)
Although the two sides compromised on the schedule, they have yet to agree on the details of spending plans.
The DP and the PPP have been especially at odds over the government's plan to subsidize mobile service fees for all citizens aged 13 and older.
"We are willing to look into problems raised by opposition parties," Park said. "The review of the bill will be a process of finding common ground."
PPP lawmaker Choo Kyung-ho said it is up to the ruling bloc whether the legislative process of the bill goes ahead as scheduled.
"We will need to swiftly review the bill, but we will do it thoroughly," Choo said. "If there is no final agreement, proceedings in the plenary session could be delayed."
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)