Yonhap News Summary

The May 18 Democratization Movement Truth Commission said it will look into who was responsible for the use of military @ @ @ @ @ the junta of then Gen. Chun Doo-hwan , who took power in a military coup @ @ @ @ @ Park Chung-hee months earlier .

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Tuesday.
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(LEAD) Committee launches fact-finding mission over 1980 pro-democracy movement
SEOUL -- An independent committee launched an investigation Tuesday into the bloody crackdown on a 1980 pro-democracy uprising in the southwestern city of Gwangju, it said, as next week marks the 40th anniversary of the tragedy.
The May 18 Democratization Movement Truth Commission said it will look into who was responsible for the use of military force against civilians protesting against the junta of then Gen. Chun Doo-hwan, who took power in a military coup after the assassination of President Park Chung-hee months earlier.
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Rookie skipper grateful for veteran leadership
SEOUL -- Having just completed his first week of the regular season as manager, Kiwoom Heroes skipper Son Hyuk is counting his blessings.
Before his Heroes hosted the Samsung Lions at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Tuesday, Son spoke of how clubhouse leaders for his team are making life easy for him in the young Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) season.
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(3rd LD) Infections linked to Itaewon clubs reach 102
SEOUL -- New coronavirus infections connected to bars and clubs in Seoul's multicultural district of Itaewon have reached 102 nationally, health authorities said Tuesday, amid concerns the figure may rise after more visitors are tested for COVID-19.
The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said that as of Tuesday noon, 102 confirmed cases have been traced to the Itaewon cluster, with 64, or more than half of the total infections, reported in Seoul.
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(LEAD) Hanwha Aerospace Q1 net losses widen on currency losses
SEOUL -- Hanwha Aerospace Co., a defense industry unit of South Korea's Hanwha Group, said Tuesday its first-quarter net losses widened compared to a year earlier due to currency-related losses.
Net losses deepened to 9.1 billion won (US$7.4 million) in the January-March quarter from 7.5 billion won in the year-ago period, the company said in a statement.
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S. Korea, Germany to bolster ties in transition towards renewable energy
SEOUL -- South Korea said Tuesday it has agreed with Germany to expand ties in a wide array of energy-related projects, including the decommissioning of nuclear plants, in line with their quests to utilize more sustainable resources.
The cooperation came as a follow-up to an agreement reached by Industry Minister Sung Yun-mo and German counterpart Peter Altmaier in Berlin last year, in which they vowed to bolster cooperation in the energy segment.
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S. Korea calls for 'contingency guidelines' to keep up trade amid crisis
SEOUL -- South Korea on Tuesday suggested that the World Trade Organization (WTO) draw up "contingency guidelines" to brace for major events, such as the ongoing new coronavirus pandemic, that could put global trade under major strain.
Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee made the remark during the virtual meeting with WTO Director-General Roberto Azevedo, where the two shared ideas on ways to minimize the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic on global trade, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy.
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U.S. amb tweets Biegun making S. Korean chicken stew on Mother's Day
SEOUL -- U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun may feel deprived of the chance to savor his favorite Korean chicken stew in Seoul, given the lack of in-person diplomacy amid the coronavirus pandemic.
But it has certainly not stopped him from making the dish at home.
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USFK labor union thanks Seoul gov't for special law, urges U.S. to make swift defense deal
SEOUL -- The labor union of South Korean employees for the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) thanked the government Tuesday for enacting a special law providing financial support for furloughed workers, while calling on the United States to swiftly clinch a defense cost-sharing deal.
Around 4,000 employees were placed on unpaid leave starting April 1 amid the protracted stalemate in negotiations to work out a new Special Measures Agreement (SMA) that stipulates how much Seoul would pay for the upkeep of the 28,500-strong USFK.
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U.S. offers to S. Korea declassified documents on 1980 pro-democracy movement: ministry
SEOUL -- The United States has provided South Korea with declassified diplomatic documents on a 1980 pro-democracy movement here, the foreign ministry said Tuesday, raising hopes that the documents could shed more light on a bloody military crackdown on the uprising.
On Monday, Washington handed over copies of about 140 pages of State Department documents, including those produced by the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, regarding the May 18 movement in the southwestern city of Gwangju.
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Telegram sex chatroom operator admits to wrongdoings, apologizes to victims
ANDONG, South Korea -- An operator of Telegram chat rooms in which dozens of people were coerced into performing obscene acts, admitted to his wrongdoings and apologized to victims on Tuesday.
The 24-year-old university student, who confessed to using the alias "God God" in the Telegram chat service, answered "Yes, I admit it" when asked by reporters whether he admits to charges against him.
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S. Korea to enhance resource security under new blueprint
SEOUL -- South Korea on Tuesday unveiled a new blueprint for its resource development projects with a goal of enhancing "resource security" amid increased uncertainties and protectionism.
Under the 2020-2029 vision, the country plans to diversify its resource portfolio and reinforce its readiness against external crises, such as the virus pandemic, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
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(LEAD) Game maker NCsoft Q1 net soars on new title
SEOUL -- South Korea's leading game publisher NCsoft Corp. said Tuesday its first-quarter earnings rose more than doubled thanks to strong sales of a new mobile game.
Consolidated net income stood at 195.4 billion won (US$159 million) in the January-March period, up 162 percent from a year earlier, the company said in a regulatory filing.
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S. Korea renews call for Japan to lift exports curbs
SEOUL -- South Korea on Tuesday renewed its call for Japan to lift trade regulations against its neighbor, stressing that the Asian neighbors should join forces to overcome economic jitters sparked by the new coronavirus pandemic.
Tokyo initiated a trade war against Seoul in July last year by imposing restrictions on exports of three key industrial materials critical for South Korea's chip and display industries, namely photoresist, etching gas, and fluorinated polyimide.
(END)


yna--2020-05-12--(LEAD) Committee launches fact-finding mission over 1980 pro-democracy movement

(ATTN: ADDS new quote, more info last 3 paras; CHANGES photo)
SEOUL, May 12 (Yonhap) -- An independent committee launched an investigation Tuesday into the bloody crackdown on a 1980 pro-democracy uprising in the southwestern city of Gwangju, it said, as next week marks the 40th anniversary of the tragedy.
The May 18 Democratization Movement Truth Commission said it will look into who was responsible for the use of military force against civilians protesting against the junta of then Gen. Chun Doo-hwan, who took power in a military coup after the assassination of President Park Chung-hee months earlier.
The tank-led crackdown resulted in hundreds of deaths.
South Korea passed a special law in 2018 to launch the commission. It will operate for two years, with a one-year extension allowed if necessary.
One of the major issues to be investigated is who ordered the helicopter gunship attacks on the protesters. A separate fact-finding committee under the defense ministry earlier confirmed that the martial law forces fired shots from choppers, but it failed to reveal who ordered the operation.
"The commission's goal lies in seeking the truth and reconciliation, not in punishment," its chief Song Sun-tae said, vowing to carry out the investigation in line with international standards.
The commission plans to secure more documents from overseas, including the United States and Japan, to uncover the truth behind the deadly quashing of the movement.
On Monday, the U.S. provided South Korea with some 140 pages of declassified State Department documents on the incident following a request from Seoul.
"It is presumed that a considerable amount of documents are stored in Japan," Song said during a press conference in Seoul. "We plan to collect relevant data from Japan as well."
Song Sun-tae, chief of the May 18 Democratization Movement Truth Commission, speaks during a press conference in Seoul on May 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-12--Rookie skipper grateful for veteran leadership

He recounted an exchange he had with team captain and veteran reliever Kim Sang-su during the preseason last month .
@ @ @ @ @ Kim , knowing that Son had been stressing over small stuff for days , told @ @ @ @ @ 'll try to win a lot of games for you this year .
So you @ @ @ @ @ about a thing . ''

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, May 12 (Yonhap) -- Having just completed his first week of the regular season as manager, Kiwoom Heroes skipper Son Hyuk is counting his blessings.
Before his Heroes hosted the Samsung Lions at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Tuesday, Son spoke of how clubhouse leaders for his team are making life easy for him in the young Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) season.
This file photo from May 5, 2020, shows Kiwoom Heroes' manager Son Hyuk (R) receiving a bouquet of flowers from his general manager Kim Chi-hyun after recording his first win as a Korea Baseball Organization manager against the Kia Tigers at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field in Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
He recounted an exchange he had with team captain and veteran reliever Kim Sang-su during the preseason last month. After winning a game, Kim, knowing that Son had been stressing over small stuff for days, told the manager, "We'll try to win a lot of games for you this year. So you don't have to worry about a thing."
"I was with a couple of other veteran guys at the time, and I just shrugged it off and said, 'Yeah, sure.'" Son said. "But deep inside, I was really grateful. As a manager, I couldn't have asked for more."
Son recalled another recent conversation he had with a former KBO general manager, who told him that the key to success for any skipper is to surround himself with quality veterans.
"Some of the older guys on this team are leading by example, and they're usually the biggest cheerleaders in the dugout," Son said. "I really don't have much to worry about."
Son added that the first week, during which the Heroes went 5-1, went "much better than I'd expected."
Son said he also feels "fortunate" to have two capable catchers who can split time behind the plate. Park Dong-won and Lee Ji-young have each had three starts out of the first six games so far, with Park getting the nod for Tuesday.
Either would be good enough to be a full-time catcher on most teams, but Son is trying to conserve their energy in preparation for a long grind.
With the usual 144 games squeezed into a compressed calendar following a delayed start to the season, carrying two starter-caliber catchers is clearly an advantage.
"I am blessed with two good catchers," Son said. "We'll be playing double headers at some point this year, and given the way we're rotating them, these two catchers should be able to stay fresh."
This file photo from May 5, 2020, shows Kiwoom Heroes' manager Son Hyuk (R) celebrating the team's 11-2 victory over the Kia Tigers for his first win as a Korea Baseball Organization manager at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field in Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-12--(3rd LD) Infections linked to Itaewon clubs reach 102

By age , 67 of the cases were in their 20s , followed by 23 in their 30s and four @ @ @ @ @ 50s .
There were three under 19 and one aged over 60 .

(ATTN: ADDS details in paras 5-6, 10, 12)
SEOUL, May 12 (Yonhap) -- New coronavirus infections connected to bars and clubs in Seoul's multicultural district of Itaewon have reached 102 nationally, health authorities said Tuesday, amid concerns the figure may rise after more visitors are tested for COVID-19.
The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said that as of Tuesday noon, 102 confirmed cases have been traced to the Itaewon cluster, with 64, or more than half of the total infections, reported in Seoul.
This marks the biggest cluster infection in the capital city after 98 cases were reported in relation to a call center in the city's southwestern ward of Guro.
Outside of the capital, 23 cases were reported in the surrounding Gyeonggi Province, followed by seven in Incheon, west of Seoul, five in North Chungcheong Province and one each in North Jeolla Province, the southeastern port city of Busan and the southern island of Jeju.
By age, 67 of the cases were in their 20s, followed by 23 in their 30s and four each in their 40s and 50s. There were three under 19 and one aged over 60.
By gender, 92 were men, while 10 were women, according to the KCDC.
Earlier in the day, the KCDC said the country added 27 cases Monday, bringing total infections to 10,936 as of midnight.
Health workers are seen disinfecting streets in Itaewon located in the central Seoul ward of Yongsan on May 11, 2020. (Yonhap)
The latest figure comes amid concerns that visitors to the affected facilities who show no or mild symptoms may further spread the virus in local communities.
Health authorities have been on alert after a 29-year-old tested positive after visiting five clubs and bars in Itaewon on May 1-2, in the first local infection reported in a few days.
The case quickly swelled into an infection cluster, affecting not only the 73 who had been in Itaewon but also 29 who were infected through secondary transmission. No tertiary transmission has been reported yet.
Health authorities have urged people who visited the area in late April and early May to voluntarily get checked for the virus.
The government has so far checked around 10,300 people, including 8,490 who had signed entry logs at affected facilities or voluntarily visited screening centers.
But identifying all possible cases has proven to be a tough task as entry logs at the clubs turned out to carry false information in many cases.
As of Tuesday, some 2,000 of 5,500 visitors who visited Itaewon clubs in the affected period were still not accounted for.
People stand in line as they wait to be checked for the coronavirus at a screening center run by Yongsan Ward in central Seoul on May 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon said the city has secured a list of 10,905 visitors in the area through data provided by mobile operators and it has sent text messages urging them to go through virus screening.
The city also secured a list of 494 people through credit card transactions in the affected period, he said.
Park also said the number of people who have been screened has more than doubled over the past few days after the city government began to offer anonymous testing for those who do not want to be identified.
In addition to tracking and quarantining possible patients, municipal governments across the country have suspended entertainment facilities to further contain the virus.
As of Tuesday, 12 municipal governments -- including Seoul, Daegu, Incheon and Daejeon -- have ordered or were planning to impose an administrative order for shutdowns.
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-12--(LEAD) Hanwha Aerospace Q1 net losses widen on currency losses

The company shifted to an operating profit of 3.2 billion won in the first quarter from an operating loss of @ @ @ @ @ ago .
Sales rose 7.6 percent to 1.03 trillion won from 954.8 billion won over @ @ @ @ @ said .

(ATTN: REWRITES throughout; ADDS photo)
SEOUL, May 12 (Yonhap) -- Hanwha Aerospace Co., a defense industry unit of South Korea's Hanwha Group, said Tuesday its first-quarter net losses widened compared to a year earlier due to currency-related losses.
Net losses deepened to 9.1 billion won (US$7.4 million) in the January-March quarter from 7.5 billion won in the year-ago period, the company said in a statement.
"The value of dollar-denominated debts increased in the first quarter due to the won's weakness against the dollar. It weighed on the quarterly results," a company spokesman said.
The dollar rose to an average of 1,193.60 won in the first quarter from 1,125.08 won a year earlier, according to the Bank of Korea.
This file photo provided by Hanwha Aerospace shows the manufacturing process of an aircraft engine at the company's plant in Changwon, 400 kilometers south of Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The company shifted to an operating profit of 3.2 billion won in the first quarter from an operating loss of 9.09 billion won a year ago. Sales rose 7.6 percent to 1.03 trillion won from 954.8 billion won over the cited period, it said.
Hanwha Aerospace's acquisition of U.S. aircraft engine maker EDAC Technologies Holding Company and enhanced profitability in long-term airplane parts supply deals helped the company swing to an operating profit in the March quarter, the spokesman said.
Hanwha Aerospace expects the world's aircraft engine market to grow an average of 6 percent per year to reach $54.2 billion in 2025 on the back of rising travel demand and increased freight cargo.
Its parent firm Hanwha Group announced last year that it will invest 4 trillion won in its aircraft parts and defense industry businesses by 2022.
EDAC Technologies Holding Company owns U.S. aircraft engine manufacturer EDAC Technologies LLC, which has mainly supplied aircraft engine components like integrally bladed rotors (IBR) and cases to U.S. aircraft engine makers such as Pratt & Whitney and General Electric.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-12--S. Korean Bond Yields on May. 12, 2020

S. Korean Bond Yields on May. 12, 2020

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


yna--2020-05-13--LPGA stars from S. Korea to meet in match play

Ko enjoyed an outstanding 2019 season , counting two majors among her four titles while also sweeping the Player of @ @ @ @ @ title , the Vare Trophy as the scoring leader , and the Annika Major Award @ @ @ @ @ with the best performance across five LPGA major tournaments .
Ko won the Rookie of @ @ @ @ @

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- Two of the biggest names in women's golf will go head-to-head in a skins match in South Korea this month.
World No. 1 Ko Jin-young and world No. 3 Park Sung-hyun will meet in the "Hyundai Card Super Match" on May 24 at Sky 72 Golf & Resort, adjacent to Incheon International Airport, just west of Seoul.
In this Getty Images file photo from Nov. 24, 2019, Ko Jin-young of South Korea poses with the Vare Trophy as the LPGA Tour's scoring leader and the Player of the Year trophy after the conclusion of the CME Group Tour Championship at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida. (Yonhap)
Hyundai Card, the title sponsor of the event, said Wednesday it will be the first "Super Match" event in nine years. Hyundai Card launched the exhibition series with tennis in 2005, pitting superstars Maria Sharapova and Venus Williams against each other in Seoul. The company has also organized events in figure skating, snowboarding and dance sports.
Ko and Park, who have combined for four LPGA major titles over the past three seasons, will play a skins match, meaning the player with the lowest score on a given hole will win money. If the players are tied on one hole, the money at stake carries over to the next hole.
The total purse is 100 million won (US$81,510), and the two players will donate their winnings to charities of their choices.
In this EPA file photo from July 28, 2019, Park Sung-hyun of South Korea watches her shot during the fourth round of the Evian Championship at Evian Resort Golf Club in Evian-les-Bains, France. (Yonhap)
"We're hoping everybody will overcome the coronavirus pandemic as quickly as possible and return to normal life," the players said in a statement released by their Seoul-based agency, SEMA Sports Marketing. "With that in mind, we'll try to play the best golf we can in support."
Ko enjoyed an outstanding 2019 season, counting two majors among her four titles while also sweeping the Player of the Year, the money title, the Vare Trophy as the scoring leader, and the Annika Major Award, given to the player with the best performance across five LPGA major tournaments. Ko won the Rookie of the Year in 2018.
Park, former No. 1, won both the Rookie of the Year and the Player of the Year honors in 2017, becoming the first player to do so since Nancy Lopez in 1978. She has won seven LPGA titles, including a major each in 2017 and 2018.
Due to lingering COVID-19 concerns, the skins match will be played without fans. The players, their caddies and other match-day officials must go through temperature checks.
This image provided by Hyundai Card on May 13, 2020, shows the promotional poster for "Hyundai Card Super Match" between LPGA stars Ko Jin-young (L) and Park Sung-hyun. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-13--KT&G Q1 net income up 7.3 pct. to 293.9 bln won

The operating profit was 11.1 percent lower than the average estimate , according to the survey by Yonhap Infomax , @ @ @ @ @ Yonhap News Agency .
The estimate of net profit was not available .

SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- KT&G Corp. on Wednesday reported its first-quarter net profit of 293.9 billion won (US$ 239.6 million), up 7.3 percent from a year earlier.
The company said in a regulatory filing that operating profit for the January-March period fell 9.5 percent on-year to 315 billion won. Revenue decreased 0.6 percent to 1.17 trillion won.
The operating profit was 11.1 percent lower than the average estimate, according to the survey by Yonhap Infomax, the financial data firm of Yonhap News Agency. The estimate of net profit was not available.
※ This article was generated by Yonhap's proprietary algorithm using data from Yonhap Infomax and Korea Exchange(KRX).
(END)


yna--2020-05-13--Gov't targets tracing all visitors to Itaewon clubs this week for virus tests: PM

SEOUL , May 13 ( Yonhap ) -- The government is working to trace all visitors to clubs and bars @ @ @ @ @ of Itaewon within this week and have them get tests for the coronavirus , the @ @ @ @ @

SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- The government is working to trace all visitors to clubs and bars in Seoul's multicultural district of Itaewon within this week and have them get tests for the coronavirus, the prime minister said Wednesday.
The number of Itaewon club-related infections has surpassed 100, putting public health authorities on alert over community spread of COVID-19. The majority of the more than 5,000 club goers are still out of reach.
"The government has a goal of finding all visitors within this week for coronavirus tests," Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said at a meeting on the government's response to the virus.
Chung called for Itaewon visitors to swiftly and voluntarily take virus tests as authorities are conducting anonymous testing for those who do not want to reveal their identities.
"Except for asking if people visited Itaewon, we will ask nothing to prevent their identities from being reveled in the testing process," he said.
"Even if people test positive for the virus, we will delete detailed personal data and disclose minimal information about their routes," Chung said.
As of Tuesday at noon, 102 confirmed cases have been traced to the Itaewon cluster, with 64 reported in Seoul.
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-13--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 1 more virus death, raising death toll to 259: KCDC


yna--2020-05-13--(URGENT) 25 more people released after full recovery from coronavirus, bringing total to 9,695: KCDC


yna--2020-05-13--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 26 more cases of new coronavirus, total now at 10,962: KCDC


yna--2020-05-13--Military looking into engine malfunction detected in patrol boats

`` The troubled parts have been replaced and the boats are now operational , but we concluded additional measures were @ @ @ @ @ cause of the malfunction and prevent the same failure recurring , to stably operate the @ @ @ @ @ officer said .

SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- An investigation is under way to determine what caused the same engine problem with four of South Korea's recently upgraded high-speed patrol boats deployed to guard the sea border with North Korea and carry out other missions, military officials said Wednesday.
The Navy found a breakage in the engine cylinder head of a 230-ton Gumdoksuri-B class Patrol Killer Medium Rocket (PKMR) boat during a regular inspection, and found the same failure in three other boats of the same model.
The Defense Agency for Technology and Quality is now working to determine the exact cause of the malfunction. The results are likely to be out by the end of next month.
"The troubled parts have been replaced and the boats are now operational, but we concluded additional measures were necessary to find the exact cause of the malfunction and prevent the same failure recurring, to stably operate the boats," a Navy officer said.
Built by local shipyard Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction Co., the PKMR was first deployed in 2017 to replace the 170-ton Chamsuri-class vessels.
This undated file photo, provided by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, shows a 230-ton Gumdoksuri-B class Patrol Killer Medium Rocket (PKMR) ship. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-13--KT Q1 net income down 12.8 pct. to 226.6 bln won

The operating profit was 10.2 percent higher than the average estimate , according to the survey by Yonhap Infomax , @ @ @ @ @ Yonhap News Agency .
The estimate of net profit was not available .

SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- KT Corp. on Wednesday reported its first-quarter net income of 226.6 billion won (US$ 184.7 million), down 12.8 percent from a year earlier.
Operating income for the January-March period was 383.1 billion won, down 4.7 percent from a year ago, the company said in a regulatory filing. Sales fell 0 percent to 5.83 trillion won.
The operating profit was 10.2 percent higher than the average estimate, according to the survey by Yonhap Infomax, the financial data firm of Yonhap News Agency. The estimate of net profit was not available.
※ This article was generated by Yonhap's proprietary algorithm using data from Yonhap Infomax and Korea Exchange(KRX).
(END)


yna--2020-05-13--Credit card spending dips at slower pace in April

South Korea had added fewer than 15 daily cases since mid-April , with the number of domestic infections even falling @ @ @ @ @ before double-digit figures were reported recently due to a cluster infection linked to clubs and @ @ @ @

SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- Credit card spending in South Korea fell at a slower pace in April than a month earlier amid signs of the coronavirus outbreak easing, data showed Wednesday.
Credit card purchases approved by the country's eight card firms -- Shinhan, Samsung, KB Kookmin, Hyundai, BC, Lotte, Woori and Hana -- reached 54.6 trillion won (US$44.5 billion) last month, down 2.9 percent a year earlier, according to the data from the office of Rep. Park Kwang-on of the ruling Democratic Party.
April's decline represents a slowdown from March's 6.7 percent on-year shrinkage, which is seen as an indication of a slight recovery in consumer confidence in Asia's fourth-largest economy.
Credit card spending gained 4.6 percent and 5.2 percent in January and February, respectively, before tumbling in March due to the fast spread of COVID-19.
This undated file photo shows a deserted Myeongdong, a popular shopping spot in Seoul. (Yonhap)
March marked the first time that overall credit card spending has dropped on-year since April 2014 in the aftermath of the Sewol ferry sinking that claimed more than 300 lives.
April's slowed decrease came amid signs of the coronavirus outbreak waning in the country.
South Korea had added fewer than 15 daily cases since mid-April, with the number of domestic infections even falling to zero at some points before double-digit figures were reported recently due to a cluster infection linked to clubs and bars in Seoul.
According to the data, online card spending jumped 21.3 percent on-year to about 9.7 trillion won last month due to increased teleworking and social distancing measures. In the first four months of the year, online credit card purchases surged 25 percent from a year earlier.
In contrast, offline credit card purchases fell 6.9 percent on-year to 44.8 trillion won in April. The decrease slowed from an 11.8 percent drop in March.
The virus outbreak has forced many citizens in South Korea to avoid non-essential outings and purchase food and other daily necessities online.
(END)


yna--2020-05-13--(2nd LD) S. Korea's drop in jobs sharpest since 1999 amid virus pandemic

The labor force participation rate , which refers to the percentage of those who are aged 15 or older and @ @ @ @ @ by either being employed or actively looking for jobs , also fell 1.6 percentage points @ @ @ @ @ , according to the data compiled by Statistics Korea .

(ATTN: ADDS finance minister's remarks, details in paras 6-10, photo)
By Kim Deok-hyun
SEJONG, May 13 (Yonhap) -- South Korea reported the sharpest drop in its April employment since 1999 as the coronavirus pandemic hammered job markets, data showed Wednesday.
The number of employed people in South Korea stood at 26.56 million in April, 476,000 people fewer than a year ago, marking the biggest on-year decline since February 1999.
The labor force participation rate, which refers to the percentage of those who are aged 15 or older and remain in the labor force by either being employed or actively looking for jobs, also fell 1.6 percentage points to 62 percent in April, according to the data compiled by Statistics Korea.
It also marked the sharpest decline since 2000, when the nation's job markets were crippled in the wake of the Asian financial crisis.
The nation's jobless rate fell by 0.2 percentage point on-year to 4.2 percent in April.
Graphic Trends of Job Additions & Unemployment (END)
Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki called the slump in job markets "grave," saying the workforce could further shrink in the coming months.
The government will discuss measures to create more than 550,000 jobs, Hong told a meeting with top economic policymakers.
The number of economically inactive people rose by 5.1 percent to 16.99 million in April, marking the biggest jump since June 2000, the data showed.
"Given grim outlooks on the global economy and uncertainties in virus containment situations, it is difficult to predict how long the dark tunnel of job markets will last," Hong said.
The third extra budget, which will be unveiled early next month, will focus on protecting jobs, Hong said.
The employment rate for young adults -- those aged between 15 and 29 -- also fell 1.4 percentage point on-year to 65.1 percent last month.
The coronavirus outbreak has hit temporary and daily employees hard, with the number of temporary workers plunging by 800,000 in April, the data showed.
People attend a presentation at an office of the labor ministry in Seoul on April 13, 2020, about applying for unemployment benefits. The amount of state allowances paid to those unemployed or seeking jobs soared to a record high of nearly 900 billion won (US$738 million) in March due largely to the negative economic impact from the coronavirus outbreak. (Yonhap)
April's tumble was attributed to the novel coronavirus outbreak, which has dealt a harsh blow to consumer spending and corporate activities, as people have been urged to avoid going out to help curb the spread of the disease.
By industry, the wholesale and retail sector lost 123,000 jobs, and the accommodation and food service segment saw a decrease of 212,000 jobs last month.
In contrast, the farm and fisheries sector added 73,000 jobs and the health care and social welfare sector gained 77,000 jobs last month.
"The number of employed people sharply fell in sectors that require face-to-face meetings," a Statistics Korea official said.
Observers said the impact of the coronavirus may appear in the country's jobs data in the second half of the year, given the time lag of one to two quarters for an economic crisis.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-13--Seoul stocks open lower on escalating U.S.-China tension

Investors were also concerned that a hasty reopening of business activities around the globe may lead to a resurgence of @ @ @ @ @ , including South Korea , have already eased all-out social distancing .

SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks opened lower Wednesday tracking overnight losses on Wall Street after U.S. President Donald Trump continued to excoriate Beijing amid their prolonged trade row.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) fell 15.74 points, or 0.82 percent, to 1,906.43 in the first 15 minutes of trading.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.89 percent overnight, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite slid 2.06 percent on renewed concerns over the Sino-American trade tension.
Trump ruled out possibilities that Washington and Beijing will renegotiate their phase-one trade deal reached earlier, while expressing discontent over China's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Investors were also concerned that a hasty reopening of business activities around the globe may lead to a resurgence of COVID-19 infections. Major economies, including South Korea, have already eased all-out social distancing.
In Seoul, market kingpin Samsung Electronics slid 1.15 percent, and No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix decreased 2.8 percent.
Top carmaker Hyundai Motor decreased 0.98 percent, and its sister Kia Motors shed 2.02 percent. Auto parts maker Hyundai Mobis moved down 1.47 percent.
Pharmaceutical shares, on the other hand, traded higher, with Samsung BioLogics increasing 2.7 percent and Celltrion advancing 0.95 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,228.25 won against the U.S. dollar, down 3.45 won from the previous session's close.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-13--Playing time or not, KBO catcher just wants to win

Before the Heroes took the lead in the sixth , Park 's homer remained the Heroes ' only hit against @ @ @ @ @ It was a crucial homer that kept the Heroes in the game long enough for @ @ @ @ @ , but Park shrugged it off as something `` not that critical . ''

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- Kiwoom Heroes' catcher Park Dong-won is a manager's dream.
He does not care about his playing time. He does not care about his personal stats. As long as his Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) club keeps on winning, Park is a happy man.
And the Heroes have done quite a bit of winning lately. They defeated the Samsung Lions 3-2 at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Tuesday for their fourth straight victory and climbed to first place in the young 2020 season at 6-1.
Park delivered a game-tying solo home run to make it 1-1 in the bottom of the second inning, and added a double in the eighth for his second extra-base hit.
Park Dong-won of the Kiwoom Heroes looks out to the field during a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game against the Samsung Lions at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on May 12, 2020, in this photo provided by the Heroes. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
With Park calling the game, starter Eric Jokisch tossed six strong innings, giving up just one unearned run on three singles while striking out seven.
Before the Heroes took the lead in the sixth, Park's homer remained the Heroes' only hit against Samsung starter Ben Lively. It was a crucial homer that kept the Heroes in the game long enough for their mashers to come through, but Park shrugged it off as something "not that critical."
"If I hadn't hit one out, someone else would have done it," Park said. "We were able to win today because Jokisch pitched a great game."
Park has become a personal catcher for Jokisch. He also catches homegrown right-hander Choi Won-tae. The Heroes' other catcher, Lee Ji-young, catches American right-hander Jake Brigham and Korean left-hander Lee Seung-ho.
In seven games this season, Park has made four starts behind the plate, and Lee has done so three times. They are both good enough to be a full-time backstop on many teams, but manager Son Hyuk is trying to keep them fresh for a grind of double headers and seven-game weeks.
Before the game, Son said he felt "fortunate" to have two capable catchers. Both are off to solid starts both at and behind the dish, and Park stressed that winning trumps all.
Park Dong-won of the Kiwoom Heroes watches his solo home run against the Samsung Lions in the bottom of the second inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on May 12, 2020, in this photo provided by the Heroes. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
"I am speaking from the bottom of my heart; as long as we win, it doesn't matter who's playing," Park said. "Pundits see us as a title contender this year. And Ji-young and I are only concerned about winning."
The Heroes made a run at a championship last year, only to be swept by the Doosan Bears in four games in the Korean Series. Park was injured, and Lee caught all four games.
It is a memory that gnaws at Park to this day.
"Before the start of every game, our captain Kim Sang-su tells the guys, 'Let's go win again,'" Park said. "Our immediate goal is to keep winning and stay near the top of the standings. The ultimate goal is to win a championship."
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


Wednesday's weather forecast

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


yna--2020-05-13--LG Chem sends officials to India over deadly gas leak

SEOUL , May 13 ( Yonhap ) -- South Korean chemical giant LG Chem Ltd. said Wednesday that it has @ @ @ @ @ to find out the cause of a recent gas leak that killed 12 people .

SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- South Korean chemical giant LG Chem Ltd. said Wednesday that it has sent a team to India to find out the cause of a recent gas leak that killed 12 people.
A team of eight officials, led by Noh Kug-lae, president of the petrochemicals business, also plans to check the safety of LG Polymers India to prevent the reoccurrence of such an accident.
The chemical giant's action comes six days after the deadly gas leak that sickened more than a thousand near the plant in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
This AFP photo shows people gathering in front of the LG Polymers chemical plant in Visakhapatnam in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh on May 7, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
LG Polymers India said last week that its initial investigations suggested that the cause of the incident is prima facie the leaking vapor from the styrene monomer storage tank.
LG Polymers India, an affiliate of LG Chem, has created a special task force to help victims and families resolve any related issues and provide assistance to the bereaved families.
Noh is set to meet with local residents affected by the accident to explain the company's assistance measures. He also plans to meet with Indian officials.
On Friday, India's National Green Tribunal directed LG Polymers India to deposit an initial amount of 500 million Indian rupees (US$6.6 million) for the damage caused by the gas leak, according to The Hindu, an Indian English-language newspaper.
The LG Polymers plant, which LG Chem acquired from Hindustan Polymers in 1996, produces a wide range of polystyrene, including engineering plastic, an industrial raw material for automobiles and electronic parts.
entropy@yna.co.kr
(END)


KOSPI 1,897.50 DN 24.67 points (open)


KOSDAQ 676.53 DN 7.68 points (open)


yna--2020-05-13--(LEAD) S. Korea's drop in jobs sharpest since 1999 amid virus pandemic

(ATTN: UPDATES throughout with details; CHANGES headline)
By Kim Deok-hyun
SEJONG, May 13 (Yonhap) -- South Korea reported the sharpest drop in its April employment since 1999 as the coronavirus pandemic hammered job markets, data showed Wednesday.
The number of employed people in South Korea stood at 26.56 million in April, 476,000 people fewer than a year ago, marking the biggest on-year decline since February 1999.
The labor force participation rate, which refers to the percentage of those who are aged 15 or older and remain in the labor force by either being employed or actively looking for jobs, also fell 1.6 percentage points to 62 percent in April, according to the data compiled by Statistics Korea.
It also marked the sharpest decline since 2000, when the nation's job markets were crippled in the wake of the Asian financial crisis.
The nation's jobless rate fell by 0.2 percentage point on-year to 4.2 percent in April.
The employment rate for young adults -- those aged between 15 and 29 -- also fell 1.4 percentage point on-year to 65.1 percent last month.
The coronavirus outbreak has hit temporary and daily employees hard, with the number of temporary workers plunging by 800,000 in April, the data showed.
April's tumble was attributed to the novel coronavirus outbreak, which has dealt a harsh blow to consumer spending and corporate activities, as people have been urged to avoid going out to help curb the spread of the disease.
By industry, the wholesale and retail sector lost 123,000 jobs, and the accommodation and food service segment saw a decrease of 212,000 jobs last month.
In contrast, the farm and fisheries sector added 73,000 jobs and the health care and social welfare sector gained 77,000 jobs last month.
"The number of employed people sharply fell in sectors that require face-to-face meetings," a Statistics Korea official said.
Observers said the impact of the coronavirus may appear in the country's jobs data in the second half of the year, given the time lag of one to two quarters for an economic crisis.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-13--Dollar opens at 1,228.0 won UP from 1,224.8 won


yna--2020-05-13--Renault launches compact SUV Captur in S. Korea

The Renault Captur is the second generation of the QM3 compact SUV manufactured in Renault Samsung 's plant in Busan @ @ @ @ @ Seoul .
The Captur was sold as QM3 with the Renault Samsung badge in Korea @

SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- Renault Samsung Motors Corp. on Wednesday launched the compact sport-utility vehicle Captur in South Korea as it strives to revive sales amid the coronavirus impact on vehicle sales.
The Renault Captur comes in two versions, one with a 1.3-liter turbo control efficiency (TCe) gasoline engine and the other with a 1.5-liter direct common rail injection (dCi) diesel engine, the company said in a statement.
The all-new Renault Captur is equipped with the Getrag seven-speed wet dual clutch transmission and equipped with safety features, such as the advanced emergency braking system, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and blind spot warning systems.
The Renault Captur is the second generation of the QM3 compact SUV manufactured in Renault Samsung's plant in Busan, 450 kilometers south of Seoul. The Captur was sold as QM3 with the Renault Samsung badge in Korea.
The Captur is produced in the company's parent Renault S.A.'s plant in Spain and shipped to South Korea where it will be sold with the Renault plaque.
The 1.3 gasoline model sells at 25 million-27 million won (US$20,400-$22,000) and the 1.5 diesel model sells at 24 million-17 million won.
From January to April, Renault Samsung's sales fell 22 percent to 41,477 vehicles from 52,930 units in the same period a year ago due to lack of new models and lower demand amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
The company's current passenger car lineup includes the all-electric SM3 Z.E. sedan, the SM6 sedan, the XM3 sport-utility vehicle and the QM6 SUV.
Renault holds an 81 percent stake in Renault Samsung.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-13--S. Korea to invest 1.2 tln won in medical equipment sector

The planned spending through 2025 aims to boost locally made biotech and quarantine-related products after the country has been touted @ @ @ @ @ that successfully controlled the spread of COVID-19 , according to the Ministry of Science and @ @

SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- South Korea plans to invest 1.2 trillion won (US$980 million) in the medical equipment sector that has attracted global attention amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, the science ministry said Wednesday.
The planned spending through 2025 aims to boost locally made biotech and quarantine-related products after the country has been touted as one of the countries that successfully controlled the spread of COVID-19, according to the Ministry of Science and ICT.
As of Tuesday, the country reported 10,936 people infected with the novel coronavirus, along with 258 deaths, with its new virus cases showing signs of a slowdown, although a recent cluster tied to clubs and bars emerged as a new threat to the country's quarantine efforts.
The government has set up a research and development group made up of officials from several ministries, and the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to better manage the investment projects, the ministry said.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-13--FM Kang holds teleconference with ambassadors in 6 countries, EU over coronavirus response

Twenty-six new cases of COVID-19 were reported Wednesday , with 18 of them tied to nightclubs and bars in the @ @ @ @ @ in downtown Seoul , bringing the nation 's total coronavirus cases to 10,962 , according @ @ @ @ @ Disease Control and Prevention .

SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha held a teleconference on Wednesday with South Korean ambassadors in six countries and the European Union (EU) to discuss measures in fighting the novel coronavirus, the foreign ministry said.
Ambassadors to the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia and the EU took part in the talks, the ministry said in a press release.
This photo, taken on March 6, 2020, shows Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha speaking during a briefing session with foreign diplomats on COVID-19 at the foreign ministry in Seoul. (Yonhap)
During the talks, Kang noted South Korea's increased role in the international community amid the coronavirus crisis and stressed the need for diplomacy to adapt to the new environment, including the use of teleconferences.
Twenty-six new cases of COVID-19 were reported Wednesday, with 18 of them tied to nightclubs and bars in the popular nightlife district of Itaewon in downtown Seoul, bringing the nation's total coronavirus cases to 10,962, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-13--S. Korean, Chinese defense chiefs vow enhanced cooperation in defense ties, virus response

`` The ministers agreed to strive together to push for their defense exchanges and cooperation and the establishment of military @ @ @ @ @ and navies , among other measures , without a hitch in consideration of the COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ said in a release .

SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- The defense chiefs of South Korea and China held phone talks Wednesday and vowed to boost their defense exchanges and enhance cooperation against the coronavirus, Seoul's defense ministry said.
During the conversation, Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo and his Chinese counterpart, Wei Fenghe, exchanged opinions on the situation on the Korean Peninsula, their responses to the COVID-19 virus and ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in defense fields, according to the ministry.
Jeong introduced the country's anti-virus measures as well as the military's role in the country's fight against the coronavirus, and stressed joint efforts by the international community to overcome such a non-traditional security threat, the ministry said.
The Chinese minister praised the two countries' efforts to contain the coronavirus and shared the need to continue cooperation between Seoul and Beijing, it added.
"The ministers agreed to strive together to push for their defense exchanges and cooperation and the establishment of military hotlines between their air forces and navies, among other measures, without a hitch in consideration of the COVID-19 situation," the ministry said in a release.
The two countries have been pushing to set up more military hotlines. Currently, they have one such channel.
South Korea's Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo (L) shakes hands with his Chinese counterpart, Wei Fenghe, during their bilateral meeting in Bangkok on Nov. 17, 2019. (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-13--(3rd LD) Itaewon cluster caseload soars to 120, more secondary infections confirmed in Incheon, Busa

(3rd LD) Itaewon cluster caseload soars to 120, more secondary infections confirmed in Incheon, Busan

While a majority of the patients were in their 20s and 30s , there were 11 who were under 19 @ @ @ @ @ or older , including a 1-year-old in Busan who was reportedly infected by his uncle @ @ @ @ @ in Incheon who were infected by their cram school tutor .
Both the uncle and @ @ @ @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES with the latest tally in headline, lead, 2nd para)
By Lee Minji
SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- Cases linked to nightspots in the Seoul neighborhood of Itaewon hit 120 on Wednesday as secondary infections surfaced across the country, stoking concerns over the possibility of a bigger outbreak.
Infections in Seoul accounted for more than half of the cases at 70, with the number feared to rise after more visitors to the affected area are tested for the coronavirus. Some 20,000 have so far been tested, according to the health minister.
Authorities have been on the alert after a 29-year-old tested positive following visits to five clubs and bars -- King Club, Trunk, Queen, Soho and H.I.M -- in Itaewon, a popular nightlife district also known for its international community, in early May.
In less than a week, the case quickly swelled to a cluster infection, affecting not only those who had been to Itaewon but 43 who were infected through secondary transmission.
Volunteer workers disinfect a street in Itaewon located in the central Seoul ward of Yongsan on May 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
Patients were reported throughout the country, ranging from the wider capital area, including Gyeonggi Province and Incheon, to the southern port city of Busan and the resort island of Jeju.
While a majority of the patients were in their 20s and 30s, there were 11 who were under 19 and three who were 60 or older, including a 1-year-old in Busan who was reportedly infected by his uncle, as well as teenagers in Incheon who were infected by their cram school tutor. Both the uncle and the tutor visited Itaewon.
By gender, 102 were men and 17 were women.
While no tertiary transmission has yet been confirmed, the development has put health authorities on alert over "silent transmission" by patients showing no or mild symptoms.
The recent cases have also prompted the country to brace itself for another massive wave of infections following those related to the minor religious sect of Shincheonji in February.
Plans to reopen schools starting this week were postponed by a week after the Itaewon case emerged. Universities that were slowly resuming in-person classes have shifted back to remote learning.
The fact that infections were reported among people who visited other facilities in Itaewon or the university district of Hongdae in western Seoul has made the situation more challenging for health authorities.
Residents queue at a community health center in the Seoul ward of Yongsan on May 12, 2020, to get tested for the coronavirus. (Yonhap)
Officials urged Itaewon visitors to come forward and get tested, assuring them that their privacy and personal details will be protected.
"(Containing) contagious diseases is a matter of speed. Voluntary screening is more important than anything. Please get checked immediately if you visited clubs in Itaewon between April 24 and May 6," Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon said in a press briefing.
The city has also been attempting to track down possible patients through credit card transactions, closed-circuit TV footage and mobile access records after entry logs at some clubs turned out to carry false information.
Park said Wednesday that the city has secured a list of 10,905 people believed to have been in the area during the cited period based on data provided by mobile operators.
The city sent text messages urging them to self-isolate and get tested regardless of symptoms, including English-language texts sent to around 1,210 foreign nationals.
Health authorities offer consultation to visitors at an outdoor virus screening center in Incheon, west of Seoul, on May 13, 2020. (Yonhap)
Officials at the city government and the ward office of Yongsan, meanwhile, said they plan to expand checks into visitors at four other Itaewon venues -- Made, Pink Elephant, Pistil and the Fountain -- where infections were reported.
The Yongsan ward office said it has wrapped up its initial probe into 5,517 people who had visited the five affected clubs, adding that it has reached 1,289 of the nearly 2,000 people who were unaccounted for.
A list of people who are still unavailable has been sent to the police for further probe, it said.
The city stressed that the club-related tests are conducted for free and that visitors who are concerned about reporting their personal details can receive anonymous testing.
As of Tuesday, a dozen municipal governments across the country, including Seoul and its surrounding Gyeonggi Province, have imposed or planned to impose an administrative order suspending business at nightlife facilities to prevent further transmission.
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-13--(4th LD) S. Korea tracking hidden virus cases tied to Itaewon cluster amid community spread concerns

The number of cases connected to the Itaewon cluster has reached at least 120 , including 70 from Seoul , @ @ @ @ @ growing concerns over a possible new wave of infections in the country , according to @ @ @ @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES with the latest tally in 3rd para)
SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's health authorities on Wednesday again urged those who visited Itaewon in Seoul, the site of another infection cluster, to receive coronavirus tests amid growing concerns over community spread.
Twenty-six new cases of COVID-19 were reported Wednesday, with 18 of them tied to nightclubs and bars in the popular nightlife district in downtown Seoul, bringing the nation's total coronavirus cases to 10,962, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
The number of cases connected to the Itaewon cluster has reached at least 120, including 70 from Seoul, as of late Wednesday amid growing concerns over a possible new wave of infections in the country, according to the Seoul city government.
Of those cases, 43 were family members or acquaintances of people who visited Itaewon clubs.
By age group, 73 patients were in their 20s, while 11 were aged 19 or younger, the KCDC said.
So far, 22,000 people have received virus tests over the virus outbreak in Itaewon, according to the KCDC.
Health workers at the National Medical Center in Seoul prepare to work on May 13, 2020. (Yonhap)
Health authorities once again pressed those who visited Itaewon clubs and bars between April 24 and May 6 to be tested for COVID-19 and fully cooperate with their epidemiological investigations.
"Preventing community spread of the virus is a time game," Vice Health Minister Kim Ganglip said. "If health authorities can't take actions properly due to incorrect statements, we may not stem secondary and tertiary infections and our entire society could be put at risk again."
Kim said the government will revise information disclosure guidelines on the movements of virus patients to better protect their privacy and to encourage more people to get tested.
Health authorities added people can now get tested anonymously across the nation.
The country had been adding fewer than 15 cases of COVID-19 since mid-April, with the number of domestic infections even falling to zero at some points.
But the number of daily new cases has been hovering around 30 for the past three days after the country saw an unexpected spike in cases coming from entertainment facilities, with secondary and suspected tertiary infections also reported.
KCDC chief Jeong Eun-kyeong said health authorities are also keeping a watchful eye on cases identified in entertainment facilities outside Itaewon, which includes a bar in the university district of Hongdae, western Seoul.
Jeong said there is a need to reinforce the system of assessing virus risks according to facility, so that the country can better deal with virus prevention measures.
A health worker collects sample from a police for the novel coronavirus test at the National Medical Center in Seoul on May 13, 2020. (Yonhap)
Imported cases, previously the biggest threat for South Korea's quarantine operations over recent days, are now less of a concern, though the country still reported four more such cases, raising total infections coming from overseas to 1,142.
South Korea's virus death toll climbed to 259 after adding one more fatality, according to the KCDC, with the mortality rate reaching 2.36 percent.
The total number of people released from quarantine after full recoveries stood at 9,695, up 25 from a day earlier, bringing the nation's virus recovery rate to 88.4 percent.
After flattening the curve of COVID-19, South Korea gave the go-ahead last Wednesday to its "everyday life quarantine" scheme, the normalization of public facilities and other business establishments, under the condition they follow basic sanitation measures.
But due to the recent surge in virus cases, the country decided to push back the reopening of schools by one week, making students physically attend classes in phases starting next Wednesday.
Seoul and other municipal governments have issued an administrative order that bans gatherings at entertainment establishments, a de facto instruction that has forced club and bar owners to suspend their businesses.
Health authorities, however, said they are not considering withdrawing the eased social distancing drive yet, adding that they will make a decision after analyzing the recent virus situation in the country.
Health workers conduct virus tests on residents in the Michuhol district in Incheon on May 13, 2020, after a virus patient visited a church there. (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-13--Korea Film Council vows to ensure safe environment for film industry

Cinema operators have to ventilate and disinfect the space after every movie screening and ensure that people maintain a safe @ @ @ @ @ theaters .
Their employees are also required to comply with quarantine rules , such as @ @ @ @ @ have a fever or cough and washing their hands frequently .

SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- South Korean moviegoers will be advised not to chat and eat popcorn in theaters to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.
The Korean Film Council (KOFIC), the country's film industry governing body, released detailed quarantine rules for movie theaters and filming sites Wednesday in accordance with eased social distancing.
It has also set up a special safety management committee consisting of health experts and film employees.
Under the precautionary guidelines, moviegoers should go through temperature checks at entrances, have seats at an adequate distance from one another, wear face masks and refrain from eating popcorn and chatting with friends.
The country relaxed intensive social distancing last week, as the country's daily new COVID-19 cases had remained around 10 for weeks. But recent cluster infections related to clubs in Seoul have stoked concerns about a new wave of infections.
Experts said theaters will be safe if people do not take off their face masks to eat movie snacks or talk with friends.
"There is very low possibility of infection when people with no fever wear face masks properly and do not have conversations at cinemas," Jun Byung-yool, a former head of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), from the nine-member KOFIC committee said in a press conference in Seoul.
Cinema operators have to ventilate and disinfect the space after every movie screening and ensure that people maintain a safe distance when entering and exiting theaters. Their employees are also required to comply with quarantine rules, such as taking days off if they have a fever or cough and washing their hands frequently.
At the same time, the committee has come up with similar preventive measures to protect film crews and actors at filming locations. For instance, film studios have to prepare temperature screening equipment and review their measures if one of their employees show coronavirus-related symptoms.
The committee said outdoor shoots will be as safe as professional sports like baseball and football, which kicked off without spectators last week, if all participants comply with the rules.
The film industry is one of the worst-hit sectors amid the coronavirus pandemic in South Korea, as people have been asked to stay home and avoid mass gatherings.
The monthly number of viewers hit 972,000 for April, marking the first time the figure fell below the 1-million threshold since box office data was first compiled in 2004.
The South Korean government has planned to inject 17 billion won (US$13.8 million) into the film industry as part of emergency plans to rescue the sector.
A theater in the southern port city of Busan is relatively empty on May 6, 2020. (Yonhap)
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-13--(LEAD) Korean Air to raise 1 tln won via stock sale amid virus woes

Shareholders of the country 's biggest carrier will be given the rights to buy 79 million stocks to be issued @ @ @ @ @ .
The new shares will be listed on July 29 , the statement said .

(ATTN: ADDS details throughout)
By Choi Kyong-ae
SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- Korean Air Lines Co. said Wednesday it will raise 1 trillion won (US$820 million) by selling stocks as part of self-help measures amid the growing coronavirus impact on the airline sector.
The rights issue is one of the options that Korean Air has reviewed to raise the capital needed to ride out the coronavirus crisis, the company said in a statement.
Shareholders of the country's biggest carrier will be given the rights to buy 79 million stocks to be issued at 12,600 won per share. The new shares will be listed on July 29, the statement said.
Korean Air's parent, Hanjin KAL Corp., plans to hold a board meeting on Thursday to decide whether to inject 300 billion won into the national flag carrier. Hanjin owns a 29.96 percent stake in Korean Air.
Korean Air employees come to work at the national flag carrier's office building in Seosomun, central Seoul, on May 13, 2020, amid growing concerns over the coronavirus. (Yonhap)
Korean Air currently offers 55 flights a week on 13 international routes, sharply down from more than 900 flights on 110 long-haul routes before the airline industry was hit by the coronavirus. Starting in June, 146 flights on 32 international routes will be available.
The company has suspended more than 90 percent of flights on international routes since late March, as an increasing number of countries have closed their borders or have taken other measures related to incoming passengers.
It plans to resume flights on 19 international routes on June 1 as the country's top flag carrier strives to offset a sharp decline in passenger travel demand with an increased demand for cargo deliveries.
The reopening routes include Washington, D.C., Seattle, Vancouver, Toronto, Frankfurt, Singapore, Beijing and Kuala Lumpur.
The move is aimed at preparing for increased travel demand after countries ease their entry restrictions on incoming passengers to stem the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
As part of self-rescue efforts, Korean Air had 70 percent of its 20,000-strong workforce take paid leave for six months starting April 16, and it is in the process of selling non-core assets to secure cash.
Last week, Korean Air asked Credit Suisse (CS) to provide consulting services on the reorganization of its business units in return for a planned capital injection of 1.2 trillion won from two state lenders -- the Korea Development Bank and the Export-Import Bank of Korea.
But the company denied that it has selected CS as the lead manager for the sale of certain business units to raise capital.
This undated file photo shows planes of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul. (Yonhap)
Korean Air has reportedly been considering selling core business units involving in-flight meals and maintenance, repair and operation (MRO), and property assets, as the creditor banks want the airline to submit its self-rescue measures within this month.
Korean Air is expected to report poor first-quarter earnings results later this week and an earnings shock is likely for this year if the coronavirus outbreak prolongs throughout the year.
For the whole of 2019, its net losses widened to 624.87 billion won from 185.65 billion won a year earlier due to a weak won and lower demand.
Its net borrowings reached 15.49 trillion won with a debt-to-equity ratio of 871 percent in 2019. This year, analysts expect the borrowings to rise to nearly 17 trillion won, with a debt ratio of 1,300 percent, due to the virus impact.
On Wednesday, Korean Air shares fell 0.6 percent to 18,200 won, its budget carrier unit Jin Air Co. declined 1.8 percent to 9,800 won and Hanjin KAL plunged 13 percent to 11,800 won ahead of the widely expected capital increase news.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-13--Korean Air to raise 1 tln won via stock sale amid virus woes

The capital increase is one of the options that Korean Air has reviewed to ride out the coronavirus crisis .
@ @ @ @ @ biggest carrier will be given the rights to buy the stocks to be issued , @ @ @ @

By Choi Kyong-ae
SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- Korean Air Lines Co. said Wednesday it will raise 1 trillion won (US$820 million) by selling stocks as part of self-help measures amid the growing coronavirus impact on the airline sector.
The capital increase is one of the options that Korean Air has reviewed to ride out the coronavirus crisis. Shareholders of the country's biggest carrier will be given the rights to buy the stocks to be issued, the company said.
Korean Air's parent Hanjin KAL Corp. is expected to inject 300 billion won into the national flag carrier given that it owns a 29.96 percent stake in the carrier.
Korean Air employees come to work at the national flag carrier's office building in Seosomun, central Seoul, on May 13, 2020, amid growing concerns over the coronavirus. (Yonhap)
Korean Air currently offers 55 flights a week on 13 international routes, sharply down from more than 900 flights on 110 long-haul routes before the airline industry was hit by the coronavirus. Starting in June, 146 flights on 32 international routes will be available.
The company has suspended more than 90 percent of flights on international routes since late March, as an increasing number of countries have closed their borders or have taken other measures related to incoming passengers.
It plans to resume flights on 19 international routes on June 1 as the country's top flag carrier strives to offset a sharp decline in passenger travel demand with an increased demand for cargo deliveries.
The reopening routes include Washington, D.C., Seattle, Vancouver, Toronto, Frankfurt, Singapore, Beijing and Kuala Lumpur.
The move is aimed at preparing for increased travel demand after countries ease their entry restrictions on incoming passengers to stem the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
As part of self-rescue efforts, Korean Air had 70 percent of its 20,000-strong workforce take paid leave for six months starting April 16, and it is in the process of selling non-core assets to secure cash.
Last week, Korean Air asked Credit Suisse (CS) to provide consulting services on the reorganization of its business units in return for a planned capital injection of 1.2 trillion won from two state lenders -- the Korea Development Bank and the Export-Import Bank of Korea.
But the company denied that it has selected CS as the lead manager for the sale of certain business units to raise capital.
This undated file photo shows planes of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul. (Yonhap)
Korean Air has reportedly been considering selling core business units involving in-flight meals and maintenance, repair and operation (MRO), and property assets, as the creditor banks want the airline to submit its self-rescue measures within this month.
Korean Air is expected to report poor first-quarter earnings results later this week and an earnings shock is likely for this year if the coronavirus outbreak prolongs throughout the year.
Its net losses widened to 624.87 billion won last year from 185.65 billion won a year earlier due to a weak won and lower demand.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-13--Moon to address WHO forum on coronavirus next week

Moon 's address comes at the request of Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus , director general of the World Health Organization ( @ @ @ @ @ the request during their phone talks last month .

SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in will deliver a keynote speech at the World Health Assembly, to be held next week via videoconferencing, a Cheong Wa Dae official said.
Moon's address comes at the request of Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the World Health Organization (WHO), who made the request during their phone talks last month.
The virtual World Health Assembly session is slated for next Monday.
"In the keynote speech, President Moon will share South Korea's quarantine efforts and accomplishments in connection with COVID-19," a Cheong Wa Dae official said.
This file photo, dated March 26, 2020, shows President Moon Jae-in attending a videoconfence of Group of 20 leaders. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-13--(LEAD) Instructor in trouble for lying about occupation after visit to Itaewon

So far , five high school students attending the Incheon academy have tested positive for the coronavirus .
A female @ @ @ @ @ by him , her twin brother and their mother have also contracted the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ brother 's private tutor and one of the academy 's instructors have been confirmed to @ @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES throughout with new figures; ADDS more details in paras 7-11; CHANGES photo)
SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- Municipal authorities of Incheon, west of Seoul, said Wednesday they are planning to file a criminal complaint against a private academy instructor for lying about his occupation after his recent visit to a club in Seoul's Itaewon district, which has resulted in a cluster of coronavirus infections involving himself and 11 others, including his students.
The instructor, identified only as a 25-year-old man, tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday after visiting King Club, one of Itaewon's entertainment spots that are emerging as a hotbed of the coronavirus, on the night of May 2.
The man, a university senior, reportedly told Incheon's quarantine officials in an early interview that he has no occupation, though he has been teaching at a private academy in the port city, about 50 kilometers west of Seoul.
A private academy is closed in Incheon, where a cluster of coronavirus infections has been traced to an instructor who visited an Itaewon club, on May 13, 2020. (Yonhap)
As his statements did not match his movements, quarantine officials and police conducted a probe into his mobile phone location information and found he has taught young students at a private academy in Incheon's Michuhol Ward.
So far, five high school students attending the Incheon academy have tested positive for the coronavirus. A female middle school student privately tutored by him, her twin brother and their mother have also contracted the virus. In addition, the twin brother's private tutor and one of the academy's instructors have been confirmed to be infected.
Quarantine officials are seeking to prevent infections among people who have come into contact with the 11 patients related to the academy.
For instance, they plan to conduct coronavirus tests on about 1,000 people who went to Sunday services at two separate churches in Incheon, which were allegedly attended by some of the patients.
Meanwhile, public outrage has mounted over the instructor's dishonesty and his visit to a crowded club amid the social distancing campaign.
"At first, the man said he has no job but confessed later he is an instructor. How come he's that irresponsible as a teacher?" said an Incheon citizen in an online cafe.
Many other citizens also expressed anger toward the instructor for lying about his occupation and spreading the virus. They said that infections could have been prevented if the instructor had revealed his occupation from the beginning.
South Korea on Wednesday reported 26 more coronavirus cases following the cluster infection linked to clubs and bars in Seoul. The number of cases connected to bars and clubs in Itaewon has approached 120 amid growing concerns over a possible new wave of infections.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-13--Many parents considering spending virus relief funds on children's private education

This is due to the fact that the handouts come with several notable caveats -- the funds ca n't be @ @ @ @ @ at major discount retailers such as E-Mart , department stores or entertainment establishments such as @ @ @ @ @ Also , the amount of money not spent by Aug. 31 will be automatically donated @ @ @ @

SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- Many South Korean families could use their emergency coronavirus relief funds on private education costs due to the rather broad spending restrictions, online comments and opinions suggested Wednesday.
Earlier in the day, the government began offering emergency funds in the forms of credit or debit card points -- 1 million won each to households with four or more members. The program, approved by the National Assembly late last month, is aimed at helping families lessen the financial strain brought on by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Blogs and online communities, especially on parenting and child rearing, have been flooded with comments and tips on where and how to use the funds.
So-called mom cafes, mother-exclusive online communities, were abundant with suggestions on spending the money on "hagwon," or after-school private education institutions, for students.
This is due to the fact that the handouts come with several notable caveats -- the funds can't be used for online shopping or at major discount retailers such as E-Mart, department stores or entertainment establishments such as nightclubs and karaoke rooms. Also, the amount of money not spent by Aug. 31 will be automatically donated to state coffers.
"Payments with emergency relief funds are apparently possible at hagwon," one parent wrote in a major mom cafe community. Another person commented that she was able to make an upfront payment for three months at her child's hagwon.
Another mother, who said she lives in Seoul's Mapo district, said, "Since we can't spend the money at large discount retailers, the only areas really the money can be spent are food and hagwon."
"I'm relieved that the funds are allowed for hagwon. I'll ask my child's hagwon if they will receive upfront payments for a few months," she added.
South Korean parents are famous for their extraordinary craze to have their children excel academically and are reluctant to reduce spending on education, even if they have to tighten their belts in other areas. In 2019, national spending on private education spiked to a 10-year high of 20.99 trillion won (US$17.6 billion), according to government data.
Many university students and graduates preparing for public servant exams also expressed optimism, considering the hefty cost of hagwon that specialize in tests to obtain civil service positions.
But some online users advised against paying upfront for several months worth of hagwon costs amid fears of further outbreaks, following a spike in new cases tied to nightclubs and bars in the popular nightlife district of Itaewon in downtown Seoul.
"The government could again shut down hagwon if the virus situation gets worse again," one online user wrote.
The comment comes as authorities in Incheon, west of Seoul, announced plans to charge a 25-year-old male hagwon instructor for lying about his occupation by saying he was jobless after his recent visit to a club in Itaewon. So far, 11 new coronavirus cases, including five students at the hagwon, have been traced to the instructor.
This file photo shows a worker at the local government office of Seongbuk Ward in Seoul answering calls from applicants for emergency coronavirus relief funds on May 4, 2020. (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-13--S. Korea renews call for Japan to retract trade curbs after giving deadline of end-May

In particular , Kim thanked Japan for its assistance in the return of a young South Korean girl battling leukemia @ @ @ @ @ crisis .
The girl and her family flew out of the country aboard a special @ @ @ @ @ and arrived in Korea via Tokyo early this month .

By Kim Seung-yeon
SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- South Korea renewed its call for Japan on Wednesday to "swiftly retract" export restrictions imposed in a row over wartime forced labor, the foreign ministry said, a day after Seoul gave Tokyo until the end of this month to put it into action.
Kim Jung-han, director-general for Asia and Pacific affairs at Seoul's foreign ministry, repeated the call during phone talks with his Japanese counterpart, Shigeki Takizaki, earlier in the day, the ministry said in a press release.
The phone call comes a day after South Korea's trade ministry demanded Japan take steps to lift the trade curbs by the end of May, citing that Korea has revised its trade laws to ensure better control and monitoring of exports related to conventional weapons.
"Director Kim explained the measures we have taken, including the revision of the law, and urged the Japanese government to swiftly retract the unfair export restrictions," the ministry said.
Japan slapped export restrictions against South Korea in apparent retaliation for South Korean Supreme Court rulings that ordered Japanese firms to compensate Korean victims of forced labor when Korea was a Japanese colony from 1910-45.
Seoul hit back with a decision to terminate a military information-sharing pact with Tokyo but later suspended the termination decision at the last minute as the two sides agreed to resolve the matters through diplomacy.
The two sides have held a series of working-level talks between foreign ministry officials and also between trade authorities but have made little progress.
In Wednesday's talks, they also exchanged views on other issues of mutual concern, including discussing ways to tackle the coronavirus pandemic, the ministry said.
In particular, Kim thanked Japan for its assistance in the return of a young South Korean girl battling leukemia from India amid the virus crisis. The girl and her family flew out of the country aboard a special flight arranged by Japan Airlines and arrived in Korea via Tokyo early this month.
Kim and Takizaki also shared assessments on the outbreak situation in each other's countries and agreed on the importance of keeping close communication so as to cope with the disease and protect the citizens living abroad.
The two diplomats last met face-to-face in February and most recently talked in a videoconference early last month.
This file photo from July 11, 2019, shows Kim Jung-han, director-general for Asia and Pacific affairs at the foreign ministry. (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-13--Police unveil identity of key suspect in Telegram sex crime case

The decision to reveal his identity was reached after considering whether the disclosure is in the public 's best interest @ @ @ @ @ from occurring , on top of the public 's right to know .

ANDONG, South Korea, May 13 (Yonhap) -- The identity of a key suspect of the high-profile Telegram sex crime case was made public by police on Wednesday.
North Gyeongsang Provincial Policy Agency revealed private information of Moon Hyung-wook, an alleged creator and operator of online chat rooms that circulated illegal sexual content on the messaging application Telegram.
Known to have some 260,000 users, videos of at least 74 people, including 16 underage girls, are believed to have been distributed through several chatrooms.
Moon, a 24-year-old university student, was arrested Tuesday on charges of violating laws to protect children and adolescents from sex crimes. He admitted to the charges brought against him.
Moon Hyung-wook is taken to a court in the southeastern city of Andong on May 12, 2020, to attend a hearing to review whether a warrant will be granted for his arrest in connection with the so-called Nth room case. (Yonhap)
Moon, previously known only by his alias "God God," was accused of creating the so-called "Nth Room" and making profits by selling obscene, and sometimes gruesome, photos and videos produced through blackmailing and coercing victims.
The decision to reveal his identity was made through careful deliberation Wednesday by a seven-member advisory group, including three police officers and a lawyer.
The police called his alleged offenses of "calling women slaves and producing sexually exploitative content" "malicious and repetitive."
Police also said the suspect was believed to have committed a "grave" crime against as many as 10 underage victims, and that it secured "sufficient" evidence to prove his guilt.
The decision to reveal his identity was reached after considering whether the disclosure is in the public's best interest and helps deter similar crimes from occurring, on top of the public's right to know.
The identities of three other key suspects connected to the so-called Nth Room case have also been released.
This photo, provided by North Gyeongsang Provincial Policy Agency, is of Moon Hyung-wook, a key suspect of the high profile Telegram sex crime case. (No distribution) (Yonhap)
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

Twenty-six new cases of COVID-19 were reported Wednesday , with 18 of them tied to nightclubs and bars in the @ @ @ @ @ Seoul , bringing the nation 's total coronavirus cases to 10,962 , according to the @ @ @ @ @ and Prevention ( KCDC ) .

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Wednesday.
-----------------
(3rd LD) S. Korea tracking hidden virus cases tied to Itaewon cluster amid community spread concerns
(ATTN: UPDATES 5th para; ADDS more info in paras 13-14)
SEOUL -- South Korea's health authorities on Wednesday again urged those who visited Itaewon in Seoul, the site of another infection cluster, to receive coronavirus tests amid growing concerns over community spread.
Twenty-six new cases of COVID-19 were reported Wednesday, with 18 of them tied to nightclubs and bars in the popular nightlife district in downtown Seoul, bringing the nation's total coronavirus cases to 10,962, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
-----------------
(2nd LD) Infections linked to Itaewon clubs soar to 119, stoke fears on additional transmission
(ATTN: ADDS details in paras 2, 5, 10, 13-16, photo; RECASTS lead)
SEOUL -- Seoul saw another spike in infections linked to nightspots in the Seoul neighborhood of Itaewon on Wednesday, bringing the number of cases across the country to 119 and spurring fears over the possibility of a bigger outbreak.
Of the total, infections in Seoul reached 69, up from 61 a day earlier, with 14,121 people having undergone tests for the coronavirus, Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon said in a press briefing.
-----------------
(2nd LD) N. Korea presumed to have replaced chief of military intelligence bureau
(ATTN: ADDS photo)
SEOUL -- North Korea is believed to have replaced the chief of its primary intelligence agency accused of a string of secret operations against South Korea, including the 2010 sinking of a warship, according to Seoul's latest who's who in Pyongyang's ruling elite.
Rim Kwang-il, an army general, replaced Jang Kil-song last December as head of the Reconnaissance General Bureau, the North's military intelligence agency, according to the who's who book, titled "Information on key figures in North Korea."
-----------------
(2nd LD) KT Q1 net down 13 pct on virus fallout
(ATTN: ADDS more info in paras 6, 10, 12)
SEOUL -- KT Corp., South Korea's leading telecommunications firm, on Wednesday said its first-quarter net profit dropped from a year ago due to the novel coronavirus fallout.
KT reported a net profit of 226.6 billion won (US$184.7 million) on a consolidated basis in the first three months of the year, down 12.8 percent from a year earlier.
-----------------
(LEAD) S. Korea secured 'decisive' evidence to believe N. Korea's DMZ gunfire accidental: sources
(ATTN: ADDS more details regarding N.K. responses in paras 11-12)
SEOUL -- South Korea has secured "decisive" evidence that North Korea's recent shooting at one of its guard posts across the border was not intentional, sources said Wednesday.
The assessment is in line with the United States' determination that the incident was "accidental."
-----------------
(LEAD) Seoul stocks rebound on bargain hunting
(ATTN: ADDS bond yields at bottom; CHANGES photo)
SEOUL -- South Korean stocks closed higher Wednesday as investors scooped up bargains amid renewed concerns over the trade row between the United States and China. The Korean won gained against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) moved up 18.25 points, or 0.95 percent, to finish at 1,940.42. Trading volume was moderate at 608 million shares worth 8.79 trillion won (US$7.18 billion), with gainers outpacing losers 426 to 403.
-----------------
Moon seeks Green New Deal, Cheong Wa Dae says
SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in would like to link the envisioned "New Deal" project with green growth and called on related authorities to map out concrete plans, Cheong Wa Dae said Wednesday.
The president is to receive a joint report from four ministries over the project: The Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, according to presidential spokesman Kang Min-seok.
(END)


yna--2020-05-13--(3rd LD) Itaewon cluster caseload soars to 119, more secondary infections confirmed in Incheon, Busa

(3rd LD) Itaewon cluster caseload soars to 119, more secondary infections confirmed in Incheon, Busan

(ATTN: RECASTS lead and headline; ADDS details in first 12 paras, photo)
By Lee Minji
SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- Cases linked to nightspots in the Seoul neighborhood of Itaewon hit 119 on Wednesday as secondary infections surfaced across the country, stoking concerns over the possibility of a bigger outbreak.
Infections in Seoul accounted for more than half of the cases at 69, with the number feared to rise after more visitors to the affected area get tested for the coronavirus. Some 20,000 have so far been tested, according to the health minister.
Authorities have been on the alert after a 29-year-old tested positive following visits to five clubs and bars -- King Club, Trunk, Queen, Soho and H.I.M -- in Itaewon, a popular nightlife district also known for its international community, in early May.
In less than a week, the case quickly swelled to a cluster infection, affecting not only those who had been to Itaewon but 43 who were infected through secondary transmission.
Volunteer workers disinfect a street in Itaewon located in the central Seoul ward of Yongsan on May 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
Patients were reported throughout the country, ranging from the wider capital area, including Gyeonggi Province and Incheon, to the southern port city of Busan and the resort island of Jeju.
While a majority of the patients were in their 20s and 30s, there were 11 who were under 19 and three who were 60 or older, including a 1-year-old in Busan who was reportedly infected by his uncle, as well as teenagers in Incheon who were infected by their cram school tutor. Both the uncle and the tutor visited Itaewon.
By gender, 102 were men and 17 were women.
While no tertiary transmission has yet been confirmed, the development has put health authorities on alert over "silent transmission" by patients showing no or mild symptoms.
The recent cases have also prompted the country to brace itself for another massive wave of infections following those related to the minor religious sect of Shincheonji in February.
Plans to reopen schools starting this week were postponed by a week after the Itaewon case emerged. Universities that were slowly resuming in-person classes have shifted back to remote learning.
The fact that infections were reported among people who visited other facilities in Itaewon or the university district of Hongdae in western Seoul has made the situation more challenging for health authorities.
Residents queue at a community health center in the Seoul ward of Yongsan on May 12, 2020, to get tested for the coronavirus. (Yonhap)
Officials urged Itaewon visitors to come forward and get tested, assuring them that their privacy and personal details will be protected.
"(Containing) contagious diseases is a matter of speed. Voluntary screening is more important than anything. Please get checked immediately if you visited clubs in Itaewon between April 24 and May 6," Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon said in a press briefing.
The city has also been attempting to track down possible patients through credit card transactions, closed-circuit TV footage and mobile access records after entry logs at some clubs turned out to carry false information.
Park said Wednesday that the city has secured a list of 10,905 people believed to have been in the area during the cited period based on data provided by mobile operators.
The city sent text messages urging them to self-isolate and get tested regardless of symptoms, including English-language texts sent to around 1,210 foreign nationals.
Health authorities offer consultation to visitors at an outdoor virus screening center in Incheon, west of Seoul, on May 13, 2020. (Yonhap)
Officials at the city government and the ward office of Yongsan, meanwhile, said they plan to expand checks into visitors at four other Itaewon venues -- Made, Pink Elephant, Pistil and the Fountain -- where infections were reported.
The Yongsan ward office said it has wrapped up its initial probe into 5,517 people who had visited the five affected clubs, adding that it has reached 1,289 of the nearly 2,000 people who were unaccounted for.
A list of people who are still unavailable has been sent to the police for further probe, it said.
The city stressed that the club-related tests are conducted for free and that visitors who are concerned about reporting their personal details can receive anonymous testing.
As of Tuesday, a dozen municipal governments across the country, including Seoul and its surrounding Gyeonggi Province, have imposed or planned to impose an administrative order suspending business at nightlife facilities to prevent further transmission.
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-13--(3rd LD) S. Korea tracking hidden virus cases tied to Itaewon cluster amid community spread concerns

But the number of daily new cases has been hovering around 30 for the past three days after the country @ @ @ @ @ cases coming from entertainment facilities , with secondary and suspected tertiary infections also reported .

(ATTN: UPDATES 5th para; ADDS more info in paras 13-14)
SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's health authorities on Wednesday again urged those who visited Itaewon in Seoul, the site of another infection cluster, to receive coronavirus tests amid growing concerns over community spread.
Twenty-six new cases of COVID-19 were reported Wednesday, with 18 of them tied to nightclubs and bars in the popular nightlife district in downtown Seoul, bringing the nation's total coronavirus cases to 10,962, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
The number of cases connected to the Itaewon cluster has reached 119 as of Wednesday at noon amid growing concerns over a possible new wave of infections in the country, the KCDC said.
Of those cases, 43 were family members or acquaintances of people who visited Itaewon clubs.
By age group, 73 patients were in their 20s, while 11 were aged 19 or younger, the KCDC said.
So far, 22,000 people have received virus tests over the virus outbreak in Itaewon, according to the KCDC.
Health workers at the National Medical Center in Seoul prepare to work on May 13, 2020. (Yonhap)
Health authorities once again pressed those who visited Itaewon clubs and bars between April 24 and May 6 to be tested for COVID-19 and fully cooperate with their epidemiological investigations.
"Preventing community spread of the virus is a time game," Vice Health Minister Kim Ganglip said. "If health authorities can't take actions properly due to incorrect statements, we may not stem secondary and tertiary infections and our entire society could be put at risk again."
Kim said the government will revise information disclosure guidelines on the movements of virus patients to better protect their privacy and to encourage more people to get tested.
Health authorities added people can now get tested anonymously across the nation.
The country had been adding fewer than 15 cases of COVID-19 since mid-April, with the number of domestic infections even falling to zero at some points.
But the number of daily new cases has been hovering around 30 for the past three days after the country saw an unexpected spike in cases coming from entertainment facilities, with secondary and suspected tertiary infections also reported.
KCDC chief Jeong Eun-kyeong said health authorities are also keeping a watchful eye on cases identified in entertainment facilities outside Itaewon, which includes a bar in the university district of Hongdae, western Seoul.
Jeong said there is a need to reinforce the system of assessing virus risks according to facility, so that the country can better deal with virus prevention measures.
A health worker collects sample from a police for the novel coronavirus test at the National Medical Center in Seoul on May 13, 2020. (Yonhap)
Imported cases, previously the biggest threat for South Korea's quarantine operations over recent days, are now less of a concern, though the country still reported four more such cases, raising total infections coming from overseas to 1,142.
South Korea's virus death toll climbed to 259 after adding one more fatality, according to the KCDC, with the mortality rate reaching 2.36 percent.
The total number of people released from quarantine after full recoveries stood at 9,695, up 25 from a day earlier, bringing the nation's virus recovery rate to 88.4 percent.
After flattening the curve of COVID-19, South Korea gave the go-ahead last Wednesday to its "everyday life quarantine" scheme, the normalization of public facilities and other business establishments, under the condition they follow basic sanitation measures.
But due to the recent surge in virus cases, the country decided to push back the reopening of schools by one week, making students physically attend classes in phases starting next Wednesday.
Seoul and other municipal governments have issued an administrative order that bans gatherings at entertainment establishments, a de facto instruction that has forced club and bar owners to suspend their businesses.
Health authorities, however, said they are not considering withdrawing the eased social distancing drive yet, adding that they will make a decision after analyzing the recent virus situation in the country.
Health workers conduct virus tests on residents in the Michuhol district in Incheon on May 13, 2020, after a virus patient visited a church there. (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-13--Moon seeks Green New Deal, Cheong Wa Dae says

The president is to receive a joint report from four ministries over the project : The Ministry of Environment , @ @ @ @ @ Industry and Energy , the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Ministry of Land @ @ @ @ @ according to presidential spokesman Kang Min-seok .

SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in would like to link the envisioned "New Deal" project with green growth and called on related authorities to map out concrete plans, Cheong Wa Dae said Wednesday.
The president is to receive a joint report from four ministries over the project: The Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, according to presidential spokesman Kang Min-seok.
Moon was quoted as saying that the Green New Deal itself can create a lot of jobs and that the international community wants South Korea's role in the field.
The Green New Deal means the pursuit of ways to create jobs in addition to responding to climate change, including efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions. The Green New Deal aims to address the climate and economic crises at the same time amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Moon earlier announced plans for the Korean version of the New Deal over the economic fallout of the COVID-19 case.
He then said the project will focus on establishing digital infrastructure.
Moon has urged the authorities to explore ways to harmonize digital and the green growth programs in the project, Kang said.
President Moon Jae-in in a file photo (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-05-13--Korea Gas Q1 net profit up 1.8 pct. to 542 bln won

The company said in a regulatory filing that it posted 959 billion won in operating profit for the quarter , @ @ @ @ @ a year ago .
Sales fell 8.4 percent to 7.96 trillion won .

SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- Korea Gas Corp. on Wednesday reported its first-quarter net income of 541.9 billion won (US$ 442.8 million), up 1.8 percent from a year earlier.
The company said in a regulatory filing that it posted 959 billion won in operating profit for the quarter, compared with 869.5 billion won a year ago. Sales fell 8.4 percent to 7.96 trillion won.
※ This article was generated by Yonhap's proprietary algorithm using data from Yonhap Infomax and Korea Exchange(KRX).
(END)


yna--2020-05-13--S. Korean Bond Yields on May. 13, 2020

S. Korean Bond Yields on May. 13, 2020

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