yna--2020-12-06--Ex-MLB slugger Ryon Healy signs with KBO's Eagles

After launching 13 homers in 72 games as a rookie , Healy exploded for 25 home runs and 78 RBIs @ @ @ @ @ , tying for the second-most dingers on the Athletics .
He was traded to the @ @ @ @ @ and then blasted 24 home runs , along with 73 RBIs , in 133 games @ @ @ @ @ 2018 .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Dec. 6 (Yonhap) -- Former major league slugger Ryon Healy has landed in South Korea.
The Hanwha Eagles of the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) announced Sunday they have signed Healy to a one-year deal worth up to US$1 million. Healy will receive a guaranteed salary of $500,000 and a signing bonus of $300,000. He can make up to $200,000 in incentives.
The 28-year-old infielder has played in 405 major league games for three clubs since 2016. He was a third round pick by the Oakland Athletics at the 2013 draft and made his big league debut with the club three years later.
In this EPA file photo from March 21, 2019, Ryon Healy of the Seattle Mariners rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run against the Oakland Athletics in the top of the second inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo. (Yonhap)
After launching 13 homers in 72 games as a rookie, Healy exploded for 25 home runs and 78 RBIs in 149 games in 2017, tying for the second-most dingers on the Athletics. He was traded to the Seattle Mariners in November 2017 and then blasted 24 home runs, along with 73 RBIs, in 133 games for the new club in 2018.
Assorted injuries limited Healy to only seven home runs in 47 games in 2019, and he was released after the season.
Later that year, Healy signed a one-year contract with the Milwaukee Brewers but appeared only in four games in 2020.
For his big league career, Healy has a .261/.298/.450 line with 69 home runs and 214 RBIs.
The Eagles said they liked both Healy's power and his underlying contact numbers. In their press release, the Eagles cited Healy's batted ball data from Baseball Savant, Major League Baseball's official site for advanced batting and pitching numbers.
Healy's career zone contact rate, or the percentage of times a batter makes contact with pitches in the strike zone, came to 86 percent, above the major league average of 82.8 percent. And Healy's career hard-hit rate, or the percentage of balls hit with an exit velocity of at least 95 mph, came to 40.7 percent, compared with the MLB average of 34.9 percent.
"He combines power with contact ability," the Eagles said. "We expect him to add much-needed power to our lineup."
Healy has played both first base and third base in the majors, and is mostly expected to handle first base with the Eagles.
KBO teams are each permitted three foreign players, with no more than two pitchers, and the Eagles have filled their quota for 2021. Prior to signing Healy, they acquired pitchers Nick Kingham and Ryan Carpenter.
In this Getty Images file photo from April 18, 2019, Ryon Healy of the Seattle Mariners reacts to throwing out David Fletcher of the Los Angeles Angels for the final out of a Major League Baseball regular season game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim in Anaheim, California. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-06--Q1 exports outlook rosy: poll

Q1 exports outlook rosy: poll

In November , South Korea 's exports rebounded 4 percent on-year in the latest sign of a possible recovery down @ @ @ @ @ dipped more than 10 percent on-year in 2019 , due to a slump in the @ @ @ @ @ the trade feud between the world 's top two economies .

By Kang Yoon-seung
SEOUL, Dec. 6 (Yonhap) -- A majority of South Korean exporters expect their business conditions to improve in the first quarter of next year on the back of the growing hope over the post-pandemic economic recovery, a survey showed Sunday.
The country's export business survey index (EBSI) for the January-March period in 2021 came to 112.1, according to a survey carried out by the Korea International Trade Association (KITA).
It marks the first time since 2017 that the EBSI has exceeded 110. A reading above 100 means optimists outnumber pessimists, while a reading below the benchmark means the opposite. The survey was carried out on 967 exporters.
The improved sentiment was mostly attributable to an expected recovery in shipments of chips, petrochemical goods and automobiles, the survey showed.
Exporters, however, expected weaker global demand for electronics and agricultural goods during the January-March period.
Last week, KITA also said South Korea's exports are set to rise 6 percent in 2021 as pandemic-hit economies are expected to gradually recover.
Outbound shipments are estimated to be valued at US$538.2 billion in 2021, compared with this year's estimated $507 billion, the data showed.
In November, South Korea's exports rebounded 4 percent on-year in the latest sign of a possible recovery down the road. Outbound shipments dipped more than 10 percent on-year in 2019, due to a slump in the global chip market coupled with the trade feud between the world's top two economies.
Throughout 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has dealt a harsh blow on exports. Outbound shipments fell a whopping 25.6 percent in April, followed by another crash of 23.8 percent in May.
After extending that slump to a sixth month in August, they rebounded 7.3 percent in September but edged down 3.8 percent in October.
sam@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-06--New virus cases bounce back over 600, tighter curbs considered

The country 's social distancing level was pushed up to Level 2 , the third highest in the five-tier system @ @ @ @ @ area about two weeks ago , which includes the suspension of entertainment facilities , such @ @ @ @ @ for one week , the authorities implemented additional restrictions on saunas , aerobic centers and @ @ @ @ @ easily be spread .

SEOUL, Dec. 6 (Yonhap) -- The daily number of new coronavirus cases bounced back to over 600 on Sunday as authorities are considering raising social distancing measures to curb the relentless surge in COVID-19 transmissions.
The country added 631 more COVID-19 cases, including 599 local infections, raising the total caseload to 37,546, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). Five additional coronavirus fatalities were reported, bringing the total to 545.
Test-takers leave Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul after an essay examination, which is part of the national college entrance test process on Dec. 5, 2020. The university banned parents and vehicles from entering its campus to curb the spread of COVID-19. (Yonhap)
Health authorities will discuss whether to boost the social distancing measures by one notch from Level 2 in the greater Seoul area encompassing Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province and from Level 1.5 in other areas later in the day as the recently raised social distancing measures are considered ineffective.
The country's social distancing level was pushed up to Level 2, the third highest in the five-tier system, in the greater Seoul area about two weeks ago, which includes the suspension of entertainment facilities, such as nightclubs. Starting Tuesday for one week, the authorities implemented additional restrictions on saunas, aerobic centers and similar facilities where COVID-19 could easily be spread.
Despite the toughened social distancing steps, new coronavirus cases have skyrocketed, especially in the greater Seoul area, putting health officials on edge.
In a bid to curb the soaring infections in Seoul, the Seoul government said on Friday that stores, theaters and multiple other facilities must close after 9 p.m. with public transportation service reduced by 30 percent.
Of the additional locally transmitted cases, 253 from Seoul were reported and 176 from the surrounding Gyeonngi Province. Incheon, just west of Seoul, added 41 more cases. The greater Seoul area is home to about half of the country's 51.6 million population.
The number of imported cases came to 32, up from 24 the previous day.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 29,128, up 211 from Saturday.
ksnam@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-06--Seoul city to cancel year-end bell-ringing ceremony due to COVID-19

It is the first time in 67 years that the annual year-end celebration held at Bosingak Pavilion in central Seoul @ @ @ @ @ the year is called off since its first launch in 1953 .

SEOUL, Dec. 6 (Yonhap) -- The Seoul metropolitan government said Sunday that a traditional bell-ringing ceremony at midnight on New Year's Eve will be canceled amid a recent surge in novel coronavirus infections.
"Considering the rapid spread of COVID-19, we have to cancel the year-end bell-ringing ceremony," said an official from the municipal government of the capital city.
It is the first time in 67 years that the annual year-end celebration held at Bosingak Pavilion in central Seoul on the last day of the year is called off since its first launch in 1953.
The city government is also mapping up measures to deal with thousands of people who might gather around the city center on New Year's Eve to bid farewell to the old year, the official said.
South Korea has been struggling to slow down the upbeat pace of more than 500 daily new coronavirus cases centered in the populated greater Seoul area encompassing Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province.
With a record high 295 new coronavirus cases reported in the capital city alone Thursday, the Seoul city government imposed a nighttime curfew after 9 p.m., starting Saturday.
In this file photo taken Dec. 31, 2019, people celebrate the year-end bell-ringing ceremony at Bosingak Pavilion in downtown Seoul. (Yonhap)
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-06--(URGENT) 211 more patients released from coronavirus treatment, total now at 29,128: KDCA

(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--2020-12-06--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 5 additional coronavirus deaths, total now at 545: KDCA


yna--2020-12-06--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 631 more cases of new coronavirus, total now at 37,546: KDCA


Sunday's weather forecast

SEOUL , Dec. 6 ( Yonhap ) -- The following is the weather forecast for South Korea 's 12 major @ @ @ @ @ .


yna--2020-12-06--Defense chief to attend virtual Asia-Pacific defense ministers' meeting this week

`` Major international and regional security issues are expected to be on the table .
This year 's event will @ @ @ @ @ to discuss both traditional and non-traditional security challenges such as the new coronavirus , '' @ @ @ @ @

By Oh Seok-min
SEOUL, Dec. 6 (Yonhap) -- Defense Minister Suh Wook will join his counterparts from the United States, China, Japan and other countries in an annual Asia-Pacific defense ministers' meeting this week, officials said Sunday.
The 7th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) will be held via video link on Thursday, which will bring together top defense officials from 18 countries, also including the 10 ASEAN member states, Russia, India, Australia and New Zealand.
This year's event was supposed to take place in Vietnam, but the organizer and participants decided to hold the multilateral meeting online due to the global COVID-19 situation, according to the officials.
In this file photo taken Nov. 18, 2019, defense ministers of major countries hold hands during the 6th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Bangkok, Thailand. (Yonhap)
"Major international and regional security issues are expected to be on the table. This year's event will also serve as a venue to discuss both traditional and non-traditional security challenges such as the new coronavirus," a ministry official said.
Last month, the countries held working-level ADMM talks, and South Korea sought support for efforts for a lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula and shared the military's role in fighting the new coronavirus, according to the defense ministry.
Last year, South Korea's defense minister held one-on-one meetings with his counterparts from major countries, such as the U.S., China, and Japan, on the sidelines of the ADMM-Plus meeting in Bangkok.
Since taking office in September, Suh has held dialogues with U.S. and Chinese defense ministers but not with his Japanese counterpart amid frayed diplomatic ties between the neighbors.
Launched in 2010, the ADMM-Plus has been a venue for consultations on major regional security issues, counterterrorism and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. It had been held every two or three years but became an annual event from 2018.
This file photo, provided by the defense ministry and taken on Oct. 8, 2020, shows Defense Minister Suh Wook. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-06--(LEAD) S. Korea investigating another suspected case of bird flu from farm

SEOUL , Dec. 6 ( Yonhap ) -- South Korea is looking into another suspected case of highly pathogenic avian @ @ @ @ @ a chicken farm in the south of Seoul , in yet another sign that the @ @ @ @ @ nationwide .

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead; UPDATES throughout)
SEOUL, Dec. 6 (Yonhap) -- South Korea is looking into another suspected case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) from a chicken farm in the south of Seoul, in yet another sign that the disease could be spreading quickly nationwide.
Local authorities are carrying out an investigation into the suspected case at an egg farm in Yeoju, 105 kilometers south of Seoul, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. The farm raises around 193,000 chickens.
The ministry said it may take up to three days to determine whether the suspected case is highly pathogenic.
On Saturday, South Korea confirmed its third case of highly pathogenic AI at a duck farm in Yeongam, 308 km south of Seoul.
A quarantine official prepares to cull ducks from a poultry farm in Yeongam, 308 kilometers south of Seoul, on Dec. 5, 2020, after it reported a highly pathogenic avian influenza case. (Yonhap)
The first farm-related case of this year came from Jeongeup, 290 km south of Seoul, on Nov. 28, followed by the second case in Sangju, 270 km southeast of Seoul, on Wednesday.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza is contagious and can cause severe illness and even death in poultry.
South Korea reported its first highly pathogenic AI case in 32 months in late October from Cheonan, 92 km south of Seoul, from wild birds.
Since then, the country has confirmed 15 cases from wild birds.
In a separate move, the country is also studying 12 samples gathered from major wild bird habitats since last week.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-06--S. Korea investigating 12 suspected cases of highly pathogenic bird flu

The country is studying 12 samples gathered from major wild bird habitats since last week , according to the Ministry @ @ @ @ @ a few days to find out whether they are highly pathogenic .

SEOUL, Dec. 6 (Yonhap) -- South Korea is looking into more than 10 cases of suspected highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) from wild birds, the environment ministry said Sunday, amid growing concerns over the disease spreading to local poultry farms.
The country is studying 12 samples gathered from major wild bird habitats since last week, according to the Ministry of Environment. It takes a few days to find out whether they are highly pathogenic.
South Korea reported its first highly pathogenic AI case in 32 months in late October from Cheonan, 92 kilometers south of Seoul.
A quarantine official prepares to cull ducks from a poultry farm in Yeongam, 308 kilometers south of Seoul, on Dec. 5, 2020, after it reported a highly pathogenic avian influenza case. (Yonhap)
Since then, the country has confirmed 15 cases from wild birds.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza is contagious and can cause severe illness and even death in poultry.
Local authorities have been raising their guard against AI to prevent the virus from spreading to local poultry farms.
On Saturday, South Korea confirmed another case of highly pathogenic AI at a duck farm in Yeongam, South Jeolla Province, 308 km south of Seoul. It marked the third highly pathogenic AI case reported at a poultry house this year.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-06--(2nd LD) S. Korea to raise social distancing to Level 2.5 in capital area

`` I 'm deeply worried that a hike in the distancing level will restrict the daily lives of our people @ @ @ @ @ businesses , '' he said .
`` But we can go back to our everyday @ @ @ @ @ crisis . ''

(ATTN: ADDS details in paras 3, 12, 15-21; CHANGES photo)
SEOUL, Dec. 6 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Sunday decided to raise distancing regulations for the greater Seoul area to the second-highest level as part of its utmost efforts to stem a resurgence of the novel coronavirus.
The government announced that the Level 2.5 distancing, the second highest in the country's five-tier COVID-19 alert system, will be applied to the nation's capital area, which covers Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province, for the next three weeks starting Tuesday.
"Under the Level 2.5 social distancing scheme, all daily routines other than vital social and economic activities will be restricted," Health Minister Park Neunghoo said during a daily briefing.
Health Minister Park Neunghoo takes his mask off before holding a briefing in central Seoul on Dec. 6, 2020. (Yonhap)
"We've come upon a critical period in the fight against COVID-19," Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun also said during a government COVID-19 response meeting. "Despite our efforts to tighten social distancing, the daily number of infections rose to more than 500 last week from 400."
The prime minister asked South Koreans to refrain from having private gatherings and activities for the ensuing weeks and to join the nationwide campaign to curb the virus spread.
"I'm deeply worried that a hike in the distancing level will restrict the daily lives of our people and weigh heavily on small businesses," he said. "But we can go back to our everyday life only after overcoming this crisis."
The enhancement came as South Korea has been struggling with more than 500 daily new COVID-19 cases in recent days amid the third wave of the pandemic.
Under Level 2.5, gatherings with 50 or more people are prohibited, while door-to-door sales businesses, karaoke rooms, indoor fitness facilities and indoor concert venues that offer standing shows will be forced to close, in addition to nightclubs and bars that allow dancing.
Restaurants cannot receive customers after 9 p.m. but can offer takeout and delivery. Cafes are only allowed to serve takeout at all hours.
Movie theaters, internet cafes, private academies, study halls, amusement parks, beauty salons, barber shops, large grocery stores and department stores cannot operate past 9 p.m.
A street in downtown Seoul is relatively empty on Dec. 6, 2020. (Yonhap)
The nighttime curfew for those facilities has already been in place in Seoul since Saturday, a day after the metropolitan government announced measures to preemptively curb the soaring infections in the capital area. The city's public transportation service was also reduced by 30 percent.
Public transportation, such as KTX bullet trains and express buses, will be advised to fill only half of their capacities.
Sports events are allowed without spectators while religious services are only available online or via broadcasts. In-person religious activities, if needed, are permitted with 20 or less participants.
Areas other than greater Seoul will apply the relatively moderate Level 2 social distancing scheme.
"We understand that small shop owners will face trouble with their livelihood due to the toughened measures. The operation of 130,000 businesses in the greater Seoul will be suspended, with 460,000 others facing limits in opening time and visitors," Park said.
"But if our medical system reaches its limit, everyone will suffer major damage," Park added, urging people to comply with the toughened regulations.
While the latest policy is expected to run for three weeks, health authorities said they are open to adopting the highest level of three before the deadline, should the number of new cases fail to flatten.
South Korea can apply the Level 3 social distancing scheme should the number of daily patients hover around 800 to 1,000.
Over the past week, the average number of daily patients came to 514, with that of the greater Seoul area reaching a whopping 375.
The country adopted the Level 2 social distancing scheme in the greater Seoul area on Nov. 24. It added more regulations to the policy earlier this month amid no signs of a letup in cases before deciding to officially launch Level 2.5 this week.
brk@yna.co.kr
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-06--(4th LD) New virus cases hit highest since March, tougher curbs to be enforced

`` While we earlier expected that the country would experience the impact of the previous social distancing schemes , they @ @ @ @ @ clear effect in curbing the spread of the virus and the number of new patients @ @ @ @ @ `` It is likely that the effect will be limited down the road as well @ @

(ATTN: ADDS details throughout)
SEOUL, Dec. 6 (Yonhap) -- The daily number of new coronavirus cases bounced back to over 600 on Sunday, as authorities decided to raise social distancing measures to Level 2.5 in the greater Seoul area to curb the relentless surge in COVID-19 transmissions.
The country added 631 more COVID-19 cases, including 599 local infections, raising the total caseload to 37,546, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). Five additional coronavirus fatalities were reported, bringing the total to 545.
The number of daily patients was up 48 from 583 on Saturday, when it briefly fell below 600 a day after hitting a nine-month high the previous day. Sunday's figure is the highest during the third wave of the pandemic that began last month and the highest since the first wave peaked in February and early March.
Over the past week, the average number of daily patients came to 514, with that of the greater Seoul area reaching a whopping 375.
A restaurant in a large shopping mall in Seoul's Yeongdeungpo Ward is almost empty on Dec. 6, 2020. On the same day, the government announced its decision to raise the country's social distancing level to the second highest of the five-tier system, as the country's daily infections bounced back to over 600. (Yonhap)
Nationwide, the percentage of people testing positive for the virus was 4.39 percent Sunday, up 1.86 percentage points from 2.53 percent the day before.
The resurgence should be taken far more seriously considering that there are fewer people tested on weekends, according to health officials.
Health authorities decided late Sunday to raise the social distancing level by one notch to Level 2.5, the second highest in the five-tier system, in the greater Seoul area for three weeks starting Tuesday, to curb the relentless surge in COVID-19 transmissions.
"We have reached the conclusion that South Korea is on the brink of a major expansion of virus cases nationwide," Health Minister Park Neunghoo said during a briefing.
"While we earlier expected that the country would experience the impact of the previous social distancing schemes, they have not yet shown a clear effect in curbing the spread of the virus and the number of new patients," Park said. "It is likely that the effect will be limited down the road as well."
The distancing level in other areas will be upgraded to Level 2, the third-highest level.
The enhancement was made as the recently raised social distancing measures are considered ineffective.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun (L) presides over a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters in Seoul to discuss whether to raise the country's social distancing level on Dec. 6, 2020. (Yonhap)
The country's social distancing level was pushed up to Level 2 in the greater Seoul area about two weeks ago, which includes the suspension of entertainment facilities, such as nightclubs. Starting Tuesday for one week, the authorities implemented additional restrictions on saunas, aerobic centers and similar facilities where COVID-19 could easily be spread.
Despite the toughened social distancing steps, new coronavirus cases have skyrocketed, especially in the greater Seoul area, putting health officials on edge.
Under Level 2.5, gatherings with 50 or more people are prohibited, while door-to-door sales businesses, karaoke rooms, indoor fitness facilities and indoor concert venues that offer standing shows will be forced to close, in addition to nightclubs and bars that allow dancing.
Restaurants cannot receive customers after 9 p.m. but can offer takeout and delivery. Cafes are only allowed to serve takeout at all hours.
Movie theaters, internet cafes, private academies, study halls, amusement parks, beauty salons, barber shops, large grocery stores and department stores cannot operate past 9 p.m.
The nighttime curfew for those facilities has already been in place in Seoul since Saturday, a day after the metropolitan government announced measures to preemptively curb the soaring infections in the capital area. The city's public transportation service was also reduced by 30 percent.
Sports events are allowed without spectators while religious services are only available online or via broadcasts. In-person religious activities, if needed, are permitted with 20 or less participants.
"The Level 2.5 social distancing scheme is the final measure we can take before adopting the highest alert of three," Park said, urging people to cooperate with the guidelines.
"For example, just because restaurants are allowed to operate through 9 p.m., it does not mean that people should freely dine out before that time," the minister added. "People should refrain from making unnecessary trips and having social gatherings."
Another official said South Korea is open to adopting Level 3 depending on the situation within three weeks.
A special notice for the temporary closure of the National Palace Museum of Korea in downtown Seoul is put up in front of the main entrance on Dec. 6, 2020. (Yonhap)
The recent surge in COVID-19 patients is quickly depleting hospital beds for critical cases, according to health officials.
Of a total of 550 beds across the country, only 55, or 10 percent, are available now, including 20 in the greater Seoul area. All beds are occupied in Daejeon, North Jeolla, South Chungcheong and South Jeolla provinces, they said.
The number of COVID-19 patients with serious symptoms across the country reached 125, up from 121 on Saturday.
Health authorities said if the number of patients in critical condition continues to rise, the country may face a shortage of hospital beds within two weeks.
As a shortage of beds will immediately lead to more deaths, the authorities said they are currently making efforts to secure more beds for critically ill patients.
Of the additional locally transmitted cases, 253 were reported from Seoul and 176 from the surrounding Gyeonggi Province. Incheon, just west of Seoul, added 41 more cases. The greater Seoul area is home to about half of the country's 51.6 million population.
The accumulated number of confirmed COVID-19 patients in Seoul topped 10,000 as over a thousand new cases were reported for the past four days.
Seoul reported a total of 254 new daily cases, including one imported case, bringing the total to 10,205 as of the start of Sunday. The daily figure is the third largest since the outbreak began in January.
Gyeonggi Province recorded the highest single-day rise of 184 to raise its total caseload to 8,159.
A rise in community cases in greater Seoul was a main reason for the surge in new virus cases. In Seoul, confirmed cases were reported at a sauna, a musical practice room and restaurants, with Gyeonggi Province reporting new cases in a nursing home and a university hospital.
The number of imported cases came to 32, up from 24 the previous day. They include 12 from the United States, eight from Russia, and two each from India and Germany.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 29,128, up 211 from Saturday.
Citizens line up at a screening center of the National Medical Center in Seoul to take a coronavirus test on Dec. 6, 2020. (Yonhap)
ksnam@yna.co.kr
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-06--(3rd LD) New virus cases hit highest since March, tougher curbs to be enforced

The number of daily patients was up 48 from 583 on Saturday when it briefly fell below 500 a day @ @ @ @ @ the previous day .
Sunday 's figure is the highest during the third wave of @ @ @ @ @ month and the highest since the first wave peaked in February and early March .

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead; ADDS more info in paras 6-8, 11-15; CHANGES photo)
SEOUL, Dec. 6 (Yonhap) -- The daily number of new coronavirus cases bounced back to over 600 on Sunday, as authorities decided to raise social distancing measures to Level 2.5 in the greater Seoul area to curb the relentless surge in COVID-19 transmissions.
The country added 631 more COVID-19 cases, including 599 local infections, raising the total caseload to 37,546, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). Five additional coronavirus fatalities were reported, bringing the total to 545.
A restaurant in a large shopping mall in Seoul's Yeongdeungpo Ward is almost empty on Dec. 6, 2020. On the same day, the government announced its decision to raise the country's social distancing level to the second highest of the five-tier system in the greater Seoul area, as the country's daily infections bounced back to over 600. (Yonhap)
The number of daily patients was up 48 from 583 on Saturday when it briefly fell below 500 a day after hitting a nine-month high the previous day. Sunday's figure is the highest during the third wave of the pandemic that began last month and the highest since the first wave peaked in February and early March.
Nationwide, the percentage of people testing positive for the virus was 4.39 percent Sunday, up 1.86 percentage points from 2.53 percent the day before.
The resurgence should be taken far more seriously considering that there are fewer people tested on weekends, according to health officials.
Health authorities decided late Sunday to raise the social distancing level by one notch to Level 2.5, the second highest in the five-tier system, in the greater Seoul area for three weeks starting Tuesday, to curb the relentless surge in COVID-19 transmissions.
The distancing level in other areas will be upgraded to Level 2, the third-highest level.
The enhancement was made as the recently raised social distancing measures are considered ineffective.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun (L) presides over a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters in Seoul to discuss whether to raise the country's social distancing level on Dec. 6, 2020. (Yonhap)
A special notice for the temporary closure of the National Palace Museum of Korea in downtown Seoul is put up in front of the main entrance on Dec. 6, 2020. (Yonhap)
The country's social distancing level was pushed up to Level 2 in the greater Seoul area about two weeks ago, which includes the suspension of entertainment facilities, such as nightclubs. Starting Tuesday for one week, the authorities implemented additional restrictions on saunas, aerobic centers and similar facilities where COVID-19 could easily be spread.
Despite the toughened social distancing steps, new coronavirus cases have skyrocketed, especially in the greater Seoul area, putting health officials on edge.
Under Level 2.5, gatherings with 50 or more people are prohibited, while door-to-door sales businesses, karaoke rooms, indoor fitness facilities and indoor concert venues that offer standing shows will be forced to close, in addition to nightclubs and bars that allow dancing.
Restaurants cannot receive customers after 9 p.m. but can offer takeout and delivery. Cafes are only allowed to serve takeout at all hours.
Movie theaters, internet cafes, private academies, study halls, amusement parks, beauty salons, barber shops, large grocery stores and department stores cannot operate past 9 p.m.
The nighttime curfew for those facilities has already been in place in Seoul since Saturday, a day after the metropolitan government announced measures to preemptively curb the soaring infections in the capital area. The city's public transportation service was also reduced by 30 percent.
Sports events are allowed without spectators while religious services are only available online or via broadcasts. In-person religious activities, if needed, are permitted with 20 or less participants.
Citizens line up at a screening center of the National Medical Center in Seoul to take a coronavirus test on Dec. 6, 2020. (Yonhap)
The recent surge in COVID-19 patients is quickly depleting hospital beds for critical cases, according to health officials.
Of a total of 550 beds across the country, only 55, or 10 percent, are available now, including 20 in the greater Seoul area. All beds are occupied in Daejeon, North Jeolla, South Chungcheong and South Jeolla provinces, they said.
The number of COVID-19 patients with serious symptoms across the country reached 125, up from 121 on Saturday.
Of the additional locally transmitted cases, 253 were reported from Seoul and 176 from the surrounding Gyeonngi Province. Incheon, just west of Seoul, added 41 more cases. The greater Seoul area is home to about half of the country's 51.6 million population.
The accumulated number of confirmed COVID-19 patients in Seoul topped 10,000 as over a thousand new cases were reported for the past four days.
Seoul reported a total of 254 new daily cases, including one imported case, bringing the total to 10,205 as of the start of Sunday. The daily figure is the third largest since the outbreak began in January.
Gyeonggi Province recorded the highest single-day rise of 184 to raise its total caseload to 8,159.
A rise in community cases in greater Seoul was a main reason for the surge in new virus cases. In Seoul, confirmed cases were reported at a sauna, a musical practice room and restaurants, with Gyeonggi Province reporting new cases in a nursing home and a university hospital.
The number of imported cases came to 32, up from 24 the previous day. They include 12 from the United States, eight from Russia, and two each from India and Germany.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 29,128, up 211 from Saturday.
ksnam@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-06--Recovery of private consumption needs more expenditure by high-income group: report

Public consumption has recovered slightly from the second quarter of the year , but it is still lackluster compared with @ @ @ @ @ occurred , said the report by the Korea Institute of Finance ( KIF ) .

SEOUL, Dec. 6 (Yonhap) -- The high-income group should spend more to revive South Korea's public consumption amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a report said Sunday.
Public consumption has recovered slightly from the second quarter of the year, but it is still lackluster compared with before the new coronavirus pandemic occurred, said the report by the Korea Institute of Finance (KIF).
According to data from the Bank of Korea (BOK), private consumption rose an average 0.7 percent from 2017 to 2019.
But the first quarter of the year when the COVID-19 pandemic started saw pubic consumption contract 6.5 percent.
Private consumption edged up 1.5 percent in the second quarter but fell 0.1 percent in the third quarter.
Amid weak recovery in private consumption, the lower-income group has spent more than the higher-income group, the report said, citing data related to individual credit card usage.
The higher-income group's credit card spending in June fell short of that of January, while credit card spending by the lower-income group in June reached that of January, according to data from local credit appraiser KCB.
The recovery in the lower-income group's spending was thanks to subsidies by the government in the first half of the year to help the group combat economic trouble, the report said.
The slowdown in consumption by the high-income group was blamed on restrictions on consumption due to measures to contain the spread of the pandemic, the report said, adding steps to vitalize contactless economy activities should be taken.
This image provided by Yonhap News TV shows a consumer paying bills with a credit card. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-12-06--(LEAD) Seoul city to cancel year-end bell-ringing ceremony due to COVID-19

(ATTN: ADDS Seoul city's plan in 4th para)
SEOUL, Dec. 6 (Yonhap) -- The Seoul metropolitan government said Sunday that a traditional bell-ringing ceremony at midnight on New Year's Eve will be canceled amid a recent surge in novel coronavirus infections.
"Considering the rapid spread of COVID-19, we have to cancel the year-end bell-ringing ceremony," said an official from the municipal government of the capital city.
It is the first time in 67 years that the annual year-end celebration held at Bosingak Pavilion in central Seoul on the last day of the year is called off since its first launch in 1953.
Instead, the city government plans to hold the ceremony online, airing a pre-recorded bell-ringing video at the last minute of the year to help those in Seoul feel the festivity of the year-end countdown.
The city government is also mapping up measures to deal with thousands of people who might gather around the city center on New Year's Eve to bid farewell to the old year, the official said.
South Korea has been struggling to slow down the upbeat pace of more than 500 daily new coronavirus cases centered in the populated greater Seoul area encompassing Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province.
With a record high 295 new coronavirus cases reported in the capital city alone Thursday, the Seoul city government imposed a nighttime curfew after 9 p.m., starting Saturday.
In this file photo taken Dec. 31, 2019, people celebrate the year-end bell-ringing ceremony at Bosingak Pavilion in downtown Seoul. (Yonhap)
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-06--(LEAD) S. Korea to raise social distancing to Level 2.5 in capital area

The government announced that the Level 2.5 distancing , the second highest in the country 's five-tier COVID-19 alert system @ @ @ @ @ the nation 's capital area , which covers Seoul , Incheon and Gyeonggi Province , @ @ @ @ @ .
Health authorities are expected to announce when the upgraded rules will come into force @ @ @ @ @ for 5:30 p.m .

(ATTN: ADDS more comments and info in paras 2-3, 5-6, 9-13)
SEOUL, Dec. 6 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Sunday decided to raise distancing regulations for the greater Seoul area to the second-highest level as part of its utmost efforts to stem a resurgence of the novel coronavirus.
The government announced that the Level 2.5 distancing, the second highest in the country's five-tier COVID-19 alert system, will be applied to the nation's capital area, which covers Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province, for the next three weeks. Health authorities are expected to announce when the upgraded rules will come into force during a press briefing scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
The government is also reviewing upgrading the distancing level in other areas.
"We've come upon a critical period in the fight against COVID-19," Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said during a government COVID-19 response meeting. "Despite our efforts to tighten social distancing, the daily number of infections rose to more than 500 last week from 400."
The prime minister asked South Koreans to refrain from having private meetings and activities for the ensuing weeks and join the nationwide campaign to curb the virus spread.
"I'm deeply worried that a hike in the distancing level will restrict the daily lives of our people and weigh heavily on small businesses," he said. "But we can go back to our everyday life only after overcoming this crisis."
The enhancement came as South Korea has been struggling with more than 500 daily new COVID-19 cases in recent days amid the third wave of the pandemic.
Earlier in the day, 631 more infections were reported, including 599 local infections, raising the total caseload to 37,546. Among the local infections, 253 cases were from Seoul and 176 from the surrounding Gyeongi Province, while Incheon, just west of Seoul, added 41 more cases.
A street in downtown Seoul is relatively empty on Dec. 6, 2020. (Yonhap)
Under Level 2.5, gatherings with 50 or more people are prohibited, while door-to-door sales businesses, karaoke rooms, indoor fitness facilities and indoor concert venues that offer standing shows will be forced to close, in addition to nightclubs and bars that allow dancing.
Restaurants cannot receive customers after 9 p.m. but can offer takeout and delivery. Cafes are only allowed to serve takeout at all hours.
Movie theaters, internet cafes, private academies, study halls, amusement parks, beauty salons, barber shops, large grocery stores and department stores cannot operate past 9 p.m.
The nighttime curfew for those facilities has already been in place in Seoul since Saturday, a day after the metropolitan government announced measures to preemptively curb the soaring infections in the capital area. The city's public transportation service was also reduced by 30 percent.
Sports events are allowed without spectators while religious services are only available online or via broadcasts. In-person religious activities, if needed, are permitted with 20 or less participants.
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-06--S. Korea to raise social distancing to Level 2.5 in capital area

The government announced that the Level 2.5 distancing , the second highest in the country 's five-tier COVID-19 alert system @ @ @ @ @ the nation 's capital area , which covers Seoul , Incheon and Gyeonggi Province , @ @ @ @ @ .

SEOUL, Dec. 6 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Sunday decided to raise distancing regulations for the greater Seoul area to the second-highest level as part of its utmost efforts to stem a resurgence of the novel coronavirus.
The government announced that the Level 2.5 distancing, the second highest in the country's five-tier COVID-19 alert system, will be applied to the nation's capital area, which covers Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province, for the next three weeks.
"We've come upon a critical period in the fight against COVID-19," said Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun during a government COVID-19 response meeting. "Despite our efforts to tighten social distancing, the daily number of infections rose to more than 500 last week from 400."
The enhancement came as South Korea has been struggling with more than 500 daily new COVID-19 cases in recent days amid the third wave of the pandemic.
Earlier in the day, 631 more infections were reported, including 599 local infections, raising the total caseload to 37,546. Among them, 253 cases were from Seoul and 176 from the surrounding Gyeongi Province, while Incheon, just west of Seoul, added 41 more cases.
A street in downtown Seoul is relatively empty on Dec. 6, 2020. (Yonhap)
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-06--(2nd LD) New virus cases hit highest since March, tighter curbs considered

Under Level 2.5 , gatherings with 50 or more people are prohibited , while door-to-door sales businesses , karaoke rooms @ @ @ @ @ offer standing shows in addition to nightclubs and bars that allow dancing will be forced @ @ @ @ @ not receive customers after 9 p.m. but can offer takeout and delivery .
Cafes are @ @ @ @ @ at all hours .
Internet cafes , theaters , private academies and study halls can @ @ @ @ @ while the measures suspend operation of all indoor fitness facilities at all hours .
Class @ @ @ @ @ to one-third capacity .

(ATTN: UPDATES with more info in paras 4, 12-14, 19; ADDS photo)
SEOUL, Dec. 6 (Yonhap) -- The daily number of new coronavirus cases bounced back to over 600 on Sunday as authorities are considering raising social distancing measures to curb the relentless surge in COVID-19 transmissions.
The country added 631 more COVID-19 cases, including 599 local infections, raising the total caseload to 37,546, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). Five additional coronavirus fatalities were reported, bringing the total to 545.
A special notice for the temporary closure of the National Palace Museum of Korea in downtown Seoul is put up in front of the main entrance on Dec. 6, 2020. (Yonhap)
The number of daily patients was up 48 from 583 on Saturday when it briefly fell below 500 a day after hitting a nine-month high the previous day. Sunday's figure is the highest during the third wave of the pandemic that began last month and the highest since the first wave peaked in February and early March.
Nationwide, the percentage of people testing positive for the virus was 4.39 percent Sunday, up 1.86 percentage points from 2.53 percent the day before.
The resurgence should be taken far more seriously considering that there are fewer people tested on weekends, according to health officials.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun will convene a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters later in the day to discuss whether to boost the social distancing measures by one notch nationwide.
The government has been considering raising the measures to Level 2.5, the second highest in the five-tier system, in the greater Seoul area encompassing Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province and to Level 2 in other areas later as the recently raised social distancing measures are considered ineffective.
Citizens line up at a screening center of the National Medical Center in Seoul to take a coronavirus test on Dec. 6, 2020. (Yonhap)
The country's social distancing level was pushed up to Level 2 in the greater Seoul area about two weeks ago, which includes the suspension of entertainment facilities, such as nightclubs. Starting Tuesday for one week, the authorities implemented additional restrictions on saunas, aerobic centers and similar facilities where COVID-19 could easily be spread.
Despite the toughened social distancing steps, new coronavirus cases have skyrocketed, especially in the greater Seoul area, putting health officials on edge.
Under Level 2.5, gatherings with 50 or more people are prohibited, while door-to-door sales businesses, karaoke rooms and indoor concert venues that offer standing shows in addition to nightclubs and bars that allow dancing will be forced to close. Restaurants cannot receive customers after 9 p.m. but can offer takeout and delivery. Cafes are only allowed to serve takeout at all hours. Internet cafes, theaters, private academies and study halls cannot operate past 9 p.m. while the measures suspend operation of all indoor fitness facilities at all hours. Class sizes at schools are restricted to one-third capacity.
The nighttime curfew for restaurants, cafes and other multiuse facilities has already been in place in Seoul since Saturday, a day after the metropolitan government announced the measures to preemptively curb the soaring infections in the capital area. The city's public transportation service was also reduced by 30 percent.
Test-takers leave Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul after an essay examination, which is part of the national college entrance test process on Dec. 5, 2020. The university banned parents and vehicles from entering its campus to curb the spread of COVID-19. (Yonhap)
The recent surge in COVID-19 patients is quickly depleting hospital beds for critical cases, according to health officials.
Of a total of 550 beds across the country, only 55, or 10 percent, are available now, including 20 in the greater Seoul area. All beds are occupied in Daejeon, North Jeolla, South Chungcheong and South Jeolla provinces, they said.
The number of COVID-19 patients with serious symptoms across the country reached 125, up from 121 on Saturday.
Of the additional locally transmitted cases, 253 were reported from Seoul and 176 from the surrounding Gyeonngi Province. Incheon, just west of Seoul, added 41 more cases. The greater Seoul area is home to about half of the country's 51.6 million population.
The accumulated number of confirmed COVID-19 patients in Seoul topped 10,000 as over a thousand new cases were reported for the past four days.
Seoul reported a total of 254 new daily cases, including one imported case, bringing the total to 10,205 as of the start of Sunday. The daily figure is the third largest since the outbreak began in January.
Gyeonggi Province recorded the highest single-day rise of 184 to raise its total caseload to 8,159.
A rise in community cases in greater Seoul was a main reason for the surge in new virus cases. In Seoul, confirmed cases were reported at a sauna, a musical practice room and restaurants, with Gyeonggi Province reporting new cases in a nursing home and a university hospital.
The number of imported cases came to 32, up from 24 the previous day. They include 12 from the United States, eight from Russia, and two each from India and Germany.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 29,128, up 211 from Saturday.
ksnam@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-06--(URGENT) S. Korea to raise social distancing to Level 2.5 in capital area


yna--2020-12-06--S. Korea to give additional support to overseas Koreans' fight against recent COVID-19 surge

`` Considering the lingering fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic , we will keep offering financial support to overseas Koreans who @ @ @ @ @ the ministry said .

SEOUL, Dec. 6 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will support an additional 200 billion won (US$184,000) worth of relief and sanitary goods to help overseas Koreans fight against the novel coronavirus pandemic, the foreign ministry said Sunday.
Face masks, hand sanitizers and other health care items will be sent to 57 ethnic Korean associations in 26 countries, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The aid is aimed at helping overseas Koreans who are struggling with lockdowns or curfews in many countries amid the recent huge wave of coronavirus infections across the world.
It is a supplementary plan to the ministry's 530 billion-won project with the Overseas Koreans Foundation to help ethnic Koreans survive the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Considering the lingering fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, we will keep offering financial support to overseas Koreans who need our help," the ministry said.
This undated file photo shows face masks on sale at a supermarket in Seoul. (Yonhap)
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-06--S. Korea's economy forecast to recover in 2nd half of next year: report

But the report by the Hyundai Research Institute said the South Korean economy is expected to face another downturn in @ @ @ @ @ year if the pandemic resurges .

SEOUL, Dec. 6 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's economy is predicted to recover from the downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the second half of next year unless the pandemic resurges, a report said Sunday.
But the report by the Hyundai Research Institute said the South Korean economy is expected to face another downturn in the first quarter of next year if the pandemic resurges.
A resurgence of the pandemic next year would cause the economic recovery of the country to be delayed till the first half of 2022, the report said.
The country's economic conditions show signs of a modest recovery, hitting the bottom in the second quarter of the year, but decreased private consumption has hampered its economic recovery, the report added.
Exports rose 4 percent in November from a year ago due to a rise in the amount of exports, the report said, pointing to the fact that the recovery in exports remains unstable.
The prolonged economic slump has killed jobs in most local industries and may further deteriorate the local job market, the report said.
The country's economic stability depends on domestic consumption and the global economy trend, as well as exports, the report said.
This image depicts the economic downturn caused by the spread of COVID-19. (Yonhap)
ksnam@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-06--(LEAD) New virus cases hit highest since March, tighter curbs considered

(ATTN: ADDS more info in paras 3-6, 9-10, 11-15; CHANGES headline, photo)
SEOUL, Dec. 6 (Yonhap) -- The daily number of new coronavirus cases bounced back to over 600 on Sunday as authorities are considering raising social distancing measures to curb the relentless surge in COVID-19 transmissions.
The country added 631 more COVID-19 cases, including 599 local infections, raising the total caseload to 37,546, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). Five additional coronavirus fatalities were reported, bringing the total to 545.
Citizens line up at a screening center of the National Medical Center in Seoul to take a coronavirus test on Dec. 6, 2020. (Yonhap)
The number of daily patients was up 48 from 583 on Saturday when it briefly fell below 500 a day after hitting a nine-month high the previous day. Sunday's figure is the highest during the third wave of the pandemic that began last month and the highest since the first wave peaked in February and early March.
The resurgence should be taken far more seriously considering that there are fewer people tested on weekends, according to health officials.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun will convene a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters later in the day to discuss whether to boost the social distancing measures by one notch nationwide.
The government has been considering raising the measures to Level 2.5, the second highest in the five-tier system, in the greater Seoul area encompassing Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province and to Level 2 in other areas later as the recently raised social distancing measures are considered ineffective.
The country's social distancing level was pushed up to Level 2 in the greater Seoul area about two weeks ago, which includes the suspension of entertainment facilities, such as nightclubs. Starting Tuesday for one week, the authorities implemented additional restrictions on saunas, aerobic centers and similar facilities where COVID-19 could easily be spread.
Despite the toughened social distancing steps, new coronavirus cases have skyrocketed, especially in the greater Seoul area, putting health officials on edge.
Under Level 2.5, gatherings with 50 or more people are prohibited, while door-to-door sales businesses, karaoke rooms and indoor concert venues that offer standing shows in addition to nightclubs and bars that allow dancing will be forced to close. Restaurants cannot receive customers after 9 p.m. but can offer takeout and delivery. Cafes are only allowed to serve takeout at all hours. Internet cafes, theaters, private academies and study halls cannot operate past 9 p.m. while the measures suspend operation of all indoor fitness facilities at all hours. Class sizes at schools are restricted to one-third capacity.
The nighttime curfew for restaurants, cafes and other multiuse facilities has already been in place in Seoul since Saturday, a day after the metropolitan government announced the measures to preemptively curb the soaring infections in the capital area. The city's public transportation service was also reduced by 30 percent.
Test-takers leave Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul after an essay examination, which is part of the national college entrance test process on Dec. 5, 2020. The university banned parents and vehicles from entering its campus to curb the spread of COVID-19. (Yonhap)
Of the additional locally transmitted cases, 253 were reported from Seoul and 176 from the surrounding Gyeonngi Province. Incheon, just west of Seoul, added 41 more cases. The greater Seoul area is home to about half of the country's 51.6 million population.
The accumulated number of confirmed COVID-19 patients in Seoul topped 10,000 as over a thousand new cases were reported for the past four days.
Seoul reported a total of 254 new daily cases, including one imported case, bringing the total to 10,205 as of the start of Sunday. The daily figure is the third largest since the outbreak began in January.
Gyeonggi Province recorded the highest single-day rise of 184 to raise its total caseload to 8,159.
The number of imported cases came to 32, up from 24 the previous day. They include 12 from the United States, eight from Russia, and two each from India and Germany.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 29,128, up 211 from Saturday.
ksnam@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-07--S. Korea, Netherlands sign MOU on discovery of Dutch troops missing in Korean War

`` We will make utmost efforts to find fallen heroes and return them home as soon as possible , '' @ @ @ @ @ We will never forget their sacrifice and commitment , and push for diverse projects , @ @ @ @ @ , to remember and repay their service . ''

SEOUL, Dec. 7 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and the Netherlands agreed to expedite efforts to discover and identify Dutch troops who went missing during the 1950-53 Korean War, the defense ministry said Monday.
Defense Minister Suh Wook and the Dutch Ambassador to South Korea Joanne Doornewaard signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that calls on Seoul to establish a system designed to excavate the remains of service personnel missing in action and identify them in a swifter manner, according to the ministry.
The Netherlands also vowed to provide DNA and other related information to South Korea required for the work, according to the agreement.
The European nation sent a total of 5,322 service members back to South Korea between November 1950 and December 1954. Of them, five still remain missing.
"We will make utmost efforts to find fallen heroes and return them home as soon as possible," Minister Suh said. "We will never forget their sacrifice and commitment, and push for diverse projects, including the war remains excavation, to remember and repay their service."
During the three-year war, a total of 16 countries, including the Netherlands, sent troops, and five nations extended medical support to South Korea. Of around 2 million international service members, 600 people remain missing, according to government data.
South Korea's Defense Minister Suh Wook (2nd from R) and Dutch Ambassador to South Korea Joanne Doornewaard (2nd from L) sign a memorandum of understanding on the excavation and identification of missing personnel during the Korean War in Seoul on Dec. 7, 2020, in this photo provided by the defense ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-07--Brokerages' Q3 profit rises 19.3 pct on robust gain in commission fees

At the end of September , the combined assets of 56 brokerages stood at 597.2 trillion won , up 0.7 @ @ @ @ @ June , according to the data .

SEOUL, Dec. 7 (Yonhap) -- South Korean brokerage firms saw their combined net profit rise 19.3 percent in the third quarter from three months earlier due mainly to a robust gain in commission fees, data showed Monday.
The combined net profit of 56 brokerages stood at 2.16 trillion won (US$1.9 billion) in the July-September period, compared with 1.81 trillion won, according to the data from the Financial Supervisory Service.
The combined brokerage fees stood at 3.7 trillion won in the third quarter, compared with 3.2 trillion won in the second quarter.
The brokerages posted a combined profit of 11.9 billion won in derivative-related products in the third quarter, compared with a loss of 1.2 trillion won in the second quarter.
At the end of September, the combined assets of 56 brokerages stood at 597.2 trillion won, up 0.7 percent from the end of June, according to the data.
This composite image shows South Korean brokerage firms. (Yonhap)
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-07--Economic recovery momentum slows down amid flare-up in COVID-19 cases: KDI

The daily number of new virus cases surpassed 600 for the second straight day , spawning concerns that the country @ @ @ @ @ a third wave of the pandemic .

SEOUL, Dec. 7 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's economic recovery momentum is slowing down due largely to a resurgence in new coronavirus cases, despite improving exports, a state-run think tank said Monday.
The country's manufacturing sector sustained a moderate recovery on improving exports, but the service sector remained sluggish due to a flare-up in COVID-19 cases, according to a monthly economic assessment report by the Korea Development Institute (KDI).
"Despite a recovery in the manufacturing industry owed to improvements in overseas demand, the Korean economy is continuing to slow due to the rapid resurgence of COVID-19," the English-language report showed.
The country's exports grew 4 percent in November on-year on the back of strong sales of chips, rebounding for the first time in two months.
The South Korean economy grew at a faster-than-estimated pace of 2.1 percent in the third quarter from three months earlier on robust exports.
But the country's consumption and investment declined in October from a month earlier, in a sign that economic recovery still remains weak amid the pandemic. The nation's industrial output remained flat on-month in October.
The data came after the country's industrial output, consumption and investment returned to growth in September following monthslong slumps amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The KDI said the country's economic activity appears to be losing vitality to some degree, primarily led by slumps in the service sector, amid an uptick in virus cases and tougher social distancing measures.
South Korea reported 615 more COVID-19 cases, including 580 local infections on Monday, raising the total caseload to 38,161.
The daily number of new virus cases surpassed 600 for the second straight day, spawning concerns that the country is in the midst of a third wave of the pandemic.
The country decided Sunday to raise anti-virus curbs to Level 2.5, the second-highest in its new five-tier scheme, in the greater Seoul area for three weeks, effective from Tuesday.
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


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yna--2020-12-07--Seoul stocks turn lower amid virus concerns

Over the weekend , the government raised the social distancing scheme to the second-highest Level 2.5 , ordering karaoke centers @ @ @ @ @ close and limiting business hours for restaurants , cinemas and department stores .

SEOUL, Dec. 7 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks turned lower late Monday morning on concerns that strengthened social distancing measures may affect local businesses.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) fell 7.62 points, or 0.28 percent, to 2,723.83 in the first 15 minutes of trading.
The KOSPI trimmed its earlier gains after closing at an all-time high Friday, as toughened quarantine measures increased investors' desire to lock in gains.
Over the weekend, the government raised the social distancing scheme to the second-highest Level 2.5, ordering karaoke centers and indoor fitness facilities to close and limiting business hours for restaurants, cinemas and department stores.
Large caps traded mixed in Seoul, marked by chip advances and chemical losses.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics added 1.4 percent, while No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix traded flat.
Pharmaceutical giant Samsung Biologics gained 0.11 percent, but Celltrion jumped 3.16 percent.
Leading chemical firm LG Chem retreated 3.55 percent, with rechargeable battery maker Samsung SDI losing 1.27 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,083.25 won against the U.S. dollar, down 1.15 won from the previous session's close.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-07--(LEAD) Moon urges measures for thorough tracing of coronavirus infections

He called for measures to enhance the capabilities of tracking and tracing coronavirus-related contacts in response to continued surges in @ @ @ @ @ Seoul , according to Chung Man-ho , senior presidential secretary for public communication .

(ATTN: UPDATES throughout with more remarks, details)
SEOUL, Dec. 7 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in instructed the government Monday to mobilize "every available" workforce for thorough tracing of COVID-19 infections, Cheong Wa Dae said.
He called for measures to enhance the capabilities of tracking and tracing coronavirus-related contacts in response to continued surges in infections especially in and around Seoul, according to Chung Man-ho, senior presidential secretary for public communication.
Health authorities here have been suffering increased difficulties recently in tracing the source of virus spread, as the number of new daily confirmed cases across South Korea has exceeded 600.
Moon ordered preparations to enable all available resources, including civil servants and military and police manpower, to begin an on-site virus tracing work within this week.
He also stressed the need to expand the operation of coronavirus testing sites even at nighttime and on holidays and establish large-scale "drive-through" testing facilities, Chung said.
Moon's message came as the country struggles to curb virus transmissions.
The government earlier announced a decision to impose heightened social distancing rules for Seoul and nearby areas, effective at the start of Tuesday.
President Moon Jae-in (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-07--Korean Air to charge additional fees on emergency exit seats

South Korea 's biggest carrier said on its website that optional fees will be charged on exit row seats with @ @ @ @ @ located in the front row of each section of the economy class , starting Jan. @ @

SEOUL, Dec. 7 (Yonhap) -- Korean Air Lines Co. said Monday it will begin charging additional fees on emergency exit row seats when booking international flights next year.
South Korea's biggest carrier said on its website that optional fees will be charged on exit row seats with extra legroom, which are located in the front row of each section of the economy class, starting Jan. 14.
Emergency exit row seats will be limited to passengers that satisfy the official safety requirements, and those who book the seats will be required to follow crews' instructions during emergencies, the airline said.
Additional fees range from 20,000 won to 150,000 won (US$18.5-$138) depending on the place of departure.
Seats for handicapped people and pregnant women, as well as passengers with infants, will be available without additional fees, it noted.
Korean Air's price policy change is seen as a way to improve its revenue as airlines are grappling with weak passenger demand amid the pandemic.
The company swung to an operating loss of 11.74 billion won in the first nine months, and its sales declined 40 percent to 5.7 trillion won, its financial statement showed.
In the Oct. 4, 2020, file photo, airplanes of Korean Air Lines Co. arrive at Gimpo International Airport in western Seoul. (Yonhap)
ejkim@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-07--Foreign IBs slightly upgrade S. Korea's growth outlook

As of end-November , nine major global IBs , including Barclays and Goldman Sachs , projected Asia 's fourth-largest economy @ @ @ @ @ year , compared with their median outlook of 1.2 percent contraction offered a month earlier @ @ @ @ @ by the Korea Center for International Finance .

SEOUL, Dec. 7 (Yonhap) -- Foreign investment banks (IBs) have slightly upgraded their forecasts for South Korea's economic growth for this year on growing hopes of a recovery, a report showed Monday.
However, economic uncertainties are high over a third wave of coronavirus infections, with the country reporting more than 600 daily new cases for the second straight day.
As of end-November, nine major global IBs, including Barclays and Goldman Sachs, projected Asia's fourth-largest economy to shrink 1.1 percent this year, compared with their median outlook of 1.2 percent contraction offered a month earlier, according to the report by the Korea Center for International Finance.
The upgrade comes amid rising hopes for an economic rebound in Asia.
This file photo, taken June 4, 2020, shows stacks of import-export cargo containers at South Korea's largest seaport in Busan, 450 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
The latest growth outlook is in line with an estimate by the Bank of Korea. Last month, the central bank forecast a 1.1 percent contraction for 2020 amid signs of recovery in exports.
Those IBs have maintained South Korea's 2021 growth outlook at 3.3 percent, according to the report.
Last week, Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki said the Korean economy is expected to contract around 1 percent this year, bracing for the fallout of the new coronavirus outbreak.
But Hong said the nation's economy may grow in the 3 percent range next year on improving external conditions, citing outlooks presented by international organizations and investment banks.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-07--Daewoo Shipbuilding inks initial deal for 10 crude carriers

Daewoo Shipbuilding will have a chance to build vessels to be fueled by the two energy sources for the first @ @ @ @ @ is struck as planned , it said .

By Nam Kwang-sik
SEOUL, Dec. 7 (Yonhap) -- Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. said Monday it has signed an initial deal with a European company to build 10 very large crude carriers (VLCC).
The deal is expected to be concluded by the first quarter of next year, Daewoo Shipbuilding said in an emailed statement.
The 300,000-ton crude carriers will be propelled by both liquefied natural gas (LNG) and fuel oil, the shipbuilder said.
Daewoo Shipbuilding will have a chance to build vessels to be fueled by the two energy sources for the first time, if the deal is struck as planned, it said.
Seen in this photo provided by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. on Dec. 7, 2020, is a very large crude carrier (VLCC) built by the shipbuilder. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
ksnam@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-07--Military to maintain toughened social distancing rules until year-end

The announcement came a day after the government said the Level 2.5 distancing scheme will be enforced for the greater @ @ @ @ @ three weeks starting Tuesday as the recent spike in infections showed no signs of letting @ @

By Choi Soo-hyang
SEOUL, Dec. 7 (Yonhap) -- The military will maintain a toughened social distancing scheme until the end of the year, banning troops from vacationing and taking off-installation trips, the defense ministry said Monday, as South Korea struggles to stem the spread of the new coronavirus.
The military began enforcing Level 2.5 social distancing guidance late last month following a series of cluster COVID-19 infections at barracks across the country. The greater Seoul was placed under Level 2 distancing rules at that time.
The military's Level 2.5 scheme -- the second highest among its five-tier antivirus alert system -- was originally slated to remain in place for two weeks, but the military decided to extend it until Dec. 28, officials said.
The announcement came a day after the government said the Level 2.5 distancing scheme will be enforced for the greater Seoul area for the next three weeks starting Tuesday as the recent spike in infections showed no signs of letting up.
On Monday, the defense ministry said three Army officers, four enlisted soldiers and two airmen have tested positive for the new virus, raising the total caseload reported among the military population to 427.
Two enlistees and an officer in Incheon, west of Seoul, tested positive after their colleague was confirmed to have contracted the virus.
Two airmen in Gangneung, 230 kilometers east of the capital, also tested positive after coming into contact with their colleague who was confirmed infected after returning from vacation.
An officer and an enlistee in the border counties of Yeoncheon and Cheorwon, respectively, tested positive after mass infections were reported at their bases.
Another officer and enlistee were diagnosed with COVID-19 while away from their units before discharge, the ministry said.
Nationwide, South Korea added 615 new cases, bringing the total caseload to 38,161.
A soldier is seen at Seoul Station in the capital city on Nov. 27, 2020. (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-07--(LEAD) S. Korea to revamp taxation, set up fund for carbon neutrality goal

The country will also strive to support high-carbon emitting industries to help them transform to the low-carbon economic structure .
@ @ @ @ @ development of eco-friendly cars and nurture new industries to take the lead in such segments @ @ @ @ @ chips , according to the ministries .

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead; UPDATES with more details throughout)
SEOUL, Dec. 7 (Yonhap) -- South Korea said Monday it plans to overhaul a taxation scheme related to carbon emissions and set up a fund designed to fight climate change in a bid to achieve the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.
The country also plans to accelerate the reduction of reliance on coal as it nurtures eco-friendly industries and builds up the low-carbon economic structure to effectively reduce carbon emissions to zero by that year.
President Moon Jae-in announced in October that the country will seek to go carbon neutral by 2050 in an effort to transform the country's fossil-fuel reliant economy into an eco-friendly one.
Carbon neutrality has emerged as a global agenda for fighting climate change since the Paris climate accord went into effect in 2016. Major countries, including the European Union, China and Japan, have unveiled the timeline for their carbon zero goals.
This photo, provided by the Korea Forest Service on Aug. 7, 2020, shows solar panel facilities set up on a mountain. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The Korean government unveiled its commitment to "proactively" respond to climate change challenges and strategies in achieving carbon neutrality.
The move gained urgency as South Korea heavily relies on fossil fuels and its backbone industries -- manufacturers, steelmakers and the petrochemical segment -- are traditionally high carbon emitters.
The finance ministry said the country plans to overhaul the carbon pricing system after taking into account related taxes, financial burdens and carbon-emission trading scheme. It will also set up the tentatively named Climate Response Fund.
"As for (the introduction of) carbon taxes, the government plans to considerably review many factors, including the fallout on climate, income distribution, inflation and industrial competitiveness," Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki said at a press briefing.
"But at the current stage, it is not desirable to mention details about whether to introduce carbon taxes or raise taxes on diesel," he added.
The country plans to seek to support technical development in various fields, including power generation and transportation, in a bid to spur the early reduction of greenhouse gases, according to a joint statement by the finance, industry and science ministries.
In a related effort, the country will accelerate its efforts to scale down dependence on fossil fuels and further develop green energy sources such as hydrogen and renewable energy.
Of the country's power generation sources, coal accounted for 40.4 percent as of end-2019, followed by liquefied natural gas (LNG) with 25.6 percent and nuclear power with 25.9 percent.
The country will also strive to support high-carbon emitting industries to help them transform to the low-carbon economic structure. It will back up the development of eco-friendly cars and nurture new industries to take the lead in such segments as rechargeable batteries and power-efficient chips, according to the ministries.
The initiative is part of the Moon government's efforts to shift its energy policy from nuclear and fossil fuel-based power generation to renewable energy sources, such as solar power, under its nuclear phase-out policy.
The carbon neutrality campaign is also in line with the government's Green New Deal drive being pushed to achieve sustainable growth through eco-friendly policies.
The country said it will seek to slash the emissions of greenhouse gases in 2030 by 24.4 percent from the 2017 level.
The government said it plans to set up a presidential committee on a carbon-neutral campaign to push for the vision as it seeks to draw up detailed action plans starting next year.
This file photo, taken on May 27, 2020, shows a hydrogen charging station in Seoul's southeastern ward of Gangdong. (Yonhap)
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-07--(2nd LD) Biegun to visit Seoul for talks on alliance, N. Korea

`` He will meet with officials in the Republic of Korea to discuss the U.S.-ROK Alliance and our shared commitment @ @ @ @ @ , and prosperity throughout the Indo-Pacific , and continued close coordination on North Korea , @ @ @ @ @ in a statement .

(ATTN: ADDS meeting with unification minister in para 7)
By Kim Seung-yeon
SEOUL, Dec. 7 (Yonhap) -- U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun will visit Seoul this week for talks with South Korean officials about alliance issues and the stalled nuclear dialogue with North Korea, officials said Monday.
The four-day trip starting Tuesday is expected to be Biegun's last visit to Seoul as the No. 2 American diplomat and the U.S. point man on North Korea before the administration of President Donald Trump ends its four-year term.
"He will meet with officials in the Republic of Korea to discuss the U.S.-ROK Alliance and our shared commitment to regional security, stability, and prosperity throughout the Indo-Pacific, and continued close coordination on North Korea," the State Department said in a statement.
Those accompanying him on the trip will include Alex Wong, deputy assistant secretary of state for North Korea, and Allison Hooker, senior director for Asian affairs at the White House's National Security Council, diplomatic sources said.
On Wednesday, Biegun will meet with First Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong-kun before holding talks with Seoul's chief nuclear negotiator, Lee Do-hoon, to discuss the prolonged deadlock in the denuclearization talks with Pyongyang, the foreign ministry said in a statement.
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha plans to host a banquet for him Friday.
Unification Minister Lee In-young will meet with Biegun, his office said, though it did not provide details, such as when the meeting will take place.
During his visit, Biegun is also expected to deliver a lecture at a local think tank, sources said.
Biegun's trip comes amid concern that North Korea could make provocations to test the incoming administration of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden. His discussions are expected to focus on ways to keep the situation on the Korean Peninsula stable.
Other issues Biegun could discuss in Seoul include the stalled negotiations between the two countries to determine South Korea's share of the costs to maintain 28,500 American troops stationed here.
Biegun was appointed in August 2018 as the U.S. Special Representative for North Korea and promoted to deputy secretary in December last year. Despite the promotion, he has concurrently served as the lead interlocutor with the North.
The file photo taken Sept. 29, 2020, shows U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun speaking to reporters in Washington, D.C. (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-07--Movie theaters screen TV drama series amid protracted pandemic

According to CGV , it is the first time that a local cinema shows a full version of a Korean @ @ @ @ @ selected episodes have been shown at theaters in the past .

SEOUL, Dec. 7 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's movie theaters have been opening their doors to television series as part of efforts to survive the protracted novel coronavirus pandemic.
CGV, a multiplex chain run by entertainment giant CJ Group, will start screening the fantasy romance "Breakup Suspension" on Wednesday before the series hits the small screen later this month.
"Breakup Suspension," starring Yuri of K-pop girl band Girls' Generation and Hyun Woo, is a story about a woman who has to leave her fiance within a week to save his life.
CGV will show a 147-minute theatrical version of the drama, slightly condensed in addition to no commercials, while broadcaster SBS will release the 10-episode series of 30 minutes each on its cable channel and video streaming platform.
According to CGV, it is the first time that a local cinema shows a full version of a Korean TV drama, while some selected episodes have been shown at theaters in the past.
Earlier, another multiplex operator, Megabox, screened the Thai crime TV series "Bad Genius: The Series" (2020) at its theaters last month, and CGV showed 10 episodes of "Dekalog" (1988), the drama series of films directed by Polish director Krzysztof Kieslowski for television, in September.
The broadcasting of television shows at theaters is part of South Korean multiplexes' efforts to tackle the falling number of moviegoers and a lack of new film releases stemming from monthslong coronavirus disruptions.
CGV livestreamed a "League of Legends" (LoL) tournament in May at its 24 theaters and screened famous pop concerts, including the 2018 New York concert by American singer-songwriter Josh Groban and the live Metallica concert collaborating with the San Francisco Symphony in 2019.
Megabox has also carried out a "Classic Society" program to broadcast a number of classical music concerts performed by renowned orchestras, including operas "Rigoletto" by Giuseppe Verdi, "Madam Butterfly" by Giacomo Puccini and "Fidelio" by Ludwig Beethoven.
The number of moviegoers in South Korea plunged 71.6 percent on-year to 58.1 million for the first 11 months of 2020 from 204.2 million over the same period last year.
This image provided by CGV shows a poster of the fantasy romance "Breakup Suspension." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-07--SK to invest $200 mln in Roivant's targeted protein degradation platform

`` We believe that AI-powered targeted protein degradation will not only improve inefficiencies in the pharmaceutical industry , but also @ @ @ @ @ tackling unmet medical needs , '' said Jang Dong-hyun , CEO of SK Holdings .
@ @ @ @ @ partnership , we look forward to working together to innovate on other aspects of health @ @ @ @ @ . ''

SEOUL, Dec. 7 (Yonhap) -- SK Holdings Co., an investment arm of South Korean conglomerate SK Group, said Monday it has signed a strategic partnership deal with U.S. biopharmaceutical firm Roivant Sciences Ltd. to enter the targeted protein degradation drug market.
Under the deal, SK will invest US$200 million into Roivant's targeted protein degradation platform that will include novel degraders for multiple diseases across oncology, immunology and neurology.
Targeted protein degradation is a therapeutic approach that aims to destroy a disease-causing protein. It is believed to have better potency and selectivity compared to conventional small molecule inhibition, thus providing improved efficacy.
Roivant, founded in 2014, is known for its AI system and digital platform for drug development. It has designed degraders for six unique targets, and the first therapeutic candidate from its targeted protein degradation platform is scheduled to enter clinical studies next year, according to SK.
"We believe that AI-powered targeted protein degradation will not only improve inefficiencies in the pharmaceutical industry, but also generate significant social impact by tackling unmet medical needs," said Jang Dong-hyun, CEO of SK Holdings. "In addition to this partnership, we look forward to working together to innovate on other aspects of health care with a long-term vision."
This photo provided by SK Holdings Co. on Dec. 7, 2020, shows the company's CEO Jang Dong-hyun posing for a photo after signing a strategic partnership with U.S. biopharmaceutical firm Roivant Sciences Ltd. on a targeted protein degradation platform. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-07--Moon urges measures for thorough tracing of coronavirus infections

Moon also stressed the need to expand the operation of COVID-19 testing facilities , according to Chung Man-ho , senior @ @ @ @ @ .

SEOUL, Dec. 7 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in instructed the government Monday to mobilize "every available" workforce for thorough tracing of coronavirus infections, Cheong Wa Dae said.
Moon also stressed the need to expand the operation of COVID-19 testing facilities, according to Chung Man-ho, senior presidential secretary for public communication.
Moon's message came as a continued surge in the number of confirmed cases has unsettled the nation.
South Korea is set to impose heightened social distancing rules for Seoul and nearby areas, effective at the start of Tuesday.
President Moon Jae-in (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-07--The Korea Interbank Offered Rates (KORIBOR)

SEOUL , Dec. 7 ( Yonhap ) -- The Korea Interbank Offered Rates ( KORIBOR ) as posted by Yonhap @ @ @ @ @ and information arm of Yonhap News Agency , at 11:00 a.m .

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


yna--2020-12-07--(LEAD) Biegun to visit Seoul for talks on alliance, N. Korea

(ATTN: ADDS more details in paras 4, 7 and 10)
By Kim Seung-yeon
SEOUL, Dec. 7 (Yonhap) -- U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun will visit Seoul this week for talks with South Korean officials about alliance issues and the stalled nuclear dialogue with North Korea, officials said Monday.
The four-day trip starting Tuesday is expected to be Biegun's last visit to Seoul as the No. 2 American diplomat and the U.S. point man on North Korea before the administration of President Donald Trump ends its four-year term.
"He will meet with officials in the Republic of Korea to discuss the U.S.-ROK Alliance and our shared commitment to regional security, stability, and prosperity throughout the Indo-Pacific, and continued close coordination on North Korea," the State Department said in a statement.
Those accompanying him on the trip will include Alex Wong, deputy assistant secretary of state for North Korea, and Allison Hooker, senior director for Asian affairs at the White House's National Security Council, diplomatic sources said.
On Wednesday, Biegun will meet with First Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong-kun before holding talks with Seoul's chief nuclear negotiator, Lee Do-hoon, to discuss the prolonged deadlock in the denuclearization talks with Pyongyang, the foreign ministry said in a statement.
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha plans to host a banquet for him Friday.
During his visit, Biegun is also expected to deliver a lecture at a local think tank, sources said.
Biegun's trip comes amid concern that North Korea could make provocations to test the incoming administration of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden. His discussions are expected to focus on ways to keep the situation on the Korean Peninsula stable.
Other issues Biegun could discuss in Seoul include the stalled negotiations between the two countries to determine South Korea's share of the costs to maintain 28,500 American troops stationed here.
Biegun was appointed in August 2018 as the U.S. Special Representative for North Korea and promoted to deputy secretary in December last year. Despite the promotion, he has concurrently served as the lead interlocutor with the North.
The file photo taken Sept. 29, 2020, shows U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun speaking to reporters in Washington, D.C. (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-07--LG Uplus has fastest 5G download speed in S. Korea: report

The mobile carrier 's median 5G download speed in Seoul stood at 476.5 megabits per second ( Mbps ) , @ @ @ @ @ largest mobile carrier SK Telecom Co. at 436.2 Mbps and telecom giant KT Corp. at @ @ @ @ @ a report by market researcher RootMetrics ,

SEOUL, Dec. 7 (Yonhap) -- LG Uplus Corp., a major South Korean telecom operator, has the fastest 5G download speed among South Korean mobile carriers, a report showed Monday.
The mobile carrier's median 5G download speed in Seoul stood at 476.5 megabits per second (Mbps), followed by the country's largest mobile carrier SK Telecom Co. at 436.2 Mbps and telecom giant KT Corp. at 425.8 Mbps, according to a report by market researcher RootMetrics,
RootMetrics added that LG Uplus had greater accessibility to 5G in the capital at 90.9 percent, compared with KT at 78.8 percent and SK Telecom at 71.3 percent during its testing from Sept. 15 to Oct. 12.
This photo captured on Dec. 7, 2020, from RootMetrics' report shows 5G availability and 5G median download speeds in Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Accessibility to 5G measures how often a device is connected to 5G.
South Korea currently does not offer standalone 5G, requiring support from 4G LTE.
The market researcher noted that the new figures mark a vast improvement from a year earlier when South Korea was the first country to commercially roll out 5G.
According to RootMetrics, LG Uplus' median 5G download speed last year was at 426.4 Mbps, with SK Telecom at 286.9 Mbps and KT at 163 Mbps.
KT led 5G accessibility at the time at 45.6 percent, followed by LG Uplus at 44.6 percent and SK Telecom at 42.2 percent.
"5G performance in South Korea ... has shown huge improvement in a relatively short period of time," the report read.
As of end-October, South Korea had nearly 10 million 5G users, accounting for 14 percent of the country's total 70.3 million mobile subscriptions, according to government data.
yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-07--SK hynix develops 176-layer 4D NAND flash

The chipmaker said it first plans to release mobile solution products that have improved maximum read speed by 70 percent @ @ @ @ @ 35 percent in the middle of next year before it launches consumer and enterprise solid @ @ @ @ @ .

SEOUL, Dec. 7 (Yonhap) -- SK hynix Inc., South Korea's No. 2 chipmaker, said Monday it has developed a 176-layer 4D NAND flash chip that boasts better productivity and performance as the company expands its technological presence in the sector.
The samples of the 176-layer 512 Gigabit (Gb) Triple-Level Cell (TLC) 4D NAND flash was already provided to controller companies last month to make a solution product.
The new chip is the third generation of its 4D product that highlights the industry's best number of chips per wafer, according to SK hynix.
SK hynix has been promoting 4D technology from the 96-layer NAND flash products since 2018. Its 4D NAND flash incorporates peri under cell (PUC) technology into charge trap flash (CTF) cell structure to maximize space efficiency.
PUC is a technology that relocates peripheral circuits under the cell array. CTF stores electric charges in insulators, which eliminates interference between cells and reduces cell area per unit compared to floating gate technology.
"This allows the bit productivity to be improved by 35 percent compared to the previous generation with the differentiated cost competitiveness," the company said.
This photo provided by SK hynix Inc. on Dec. 7, 2020, shows the company's new 176-layer 512 Gigabit (Gb) Triple-Level Cell (TLC) 4D NAND flash. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Its new 176-layer NAND flash adopts 2-division cell array selection technology, increasing the read speed of cells by 20 percent over the previous generation, while its data transfer speed has been improved by 33 percent to 1.6Gbps, according to SK hynix.
The chipmaker said it first plans to release mobile solution products that have improved maximum read speed by 70 percent and maximum write speed by 35 percent in the middle of next year before it launches consumer and enterprise solid state drives (SSDs).
SK hynix said it wants to further boost its competitiveness in the NAND flash market by developing 1 Terabit (Tb) products with doubled density based on 176-layer 4D NAND.
SK hynix was the world's fourth-largest NAND flash supplier with a 11.3 percent market share in the third quarter, according to market researcher TrendForce. It recently inked a deal to acquire Intel Corp.'s NAND business for US$9 billion.
According to market researcher Omdia, the global NAND flash market is estimated to expand from 431.8 billion gigabytes in 2020 to 1.366 trillion gigabytes in 2024.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-07--LG Group sets up AI research hub for future growth

LG AI Research is joined by 16 affiliates of LG Group , including LG Electronics Inc. and LG Chem Ltd. @ @ @ @ @ .
The group will invest 200 billion won ( US $ 184 million ) in @ @ @ @ @ development ( R & D ) projects and recruitment of global talents in the next @ @ @

SEOUL, Dec. 7 (Yonhap) -- LG Group, South Korea's fourth-largest conglomerate, said Monday it has established an artificial intelligence (AI) research hub to explore growth opportunities and secure future technologies related with human-like algorithms.
LG AI Research is joined by 16 affiliates of LG Group, including LG Electronics Inc. and LG Chem Ltd., to study AI solutions. The group will invest 200 billion won (US$ 184 million) in the center's research and development (R&D) projects and recruitment of global talents in the next three years.
"LG's pursuit of AI is aimed at making people's lives more valuable beyond technology," said LG Group chief Koo Kwang-mo. "We will give our support so that it can serve as the center of the global ecosystem."
The AI think tank, which will be managed under the LG Management Development Institute, will research various AI technologies, from deep learning-based natural language processing to big data analysis.
This photo provided by LG Corp. on Dec. 7, 2020, shows Bae Kyung-hoon, chief of LG AI Research, speaking at the online opening ceremony of LG Group's AI research hub. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
LG expects its AI center to help solve problems related with their affiliates' businesses, including calculating life expectancy for rechargeable batteries and discovering new drug material candidates.
LG said Bae Kyung-hoon, previously the head of the AI division at LG Sciencepark, will lead the AI research unit, while Lee Hong-lak, a computer engineering professor at the University of Michigan, will serve as its chief scientist of AI (CSAI).
LG AI Research plans to expand its research workforce to 100 by next year. LG said the center will run training programs for group employees so that it can foster 1,000 AI experts by 2023.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)