yna--2020-11-20--(LEAD) Korean Air's Asiana acquisition faces bumpy road after injunction

`` In case of any ( of Cho 's ) violations of the agreement , the KDB will have the @ @ @ @ @ 's stake in Hanjin KAL and the Korean Air stake worth 730 billion won to @ @ @ @ @ in order to pay a 500 billion-won penalty for breach of contract and other compensation @ @ @ @ @

(ATTN: ADDS KCGI's latest request in last 2 paras)
SEOUL, Nov. 20 (Yonhap) -- Creditors' plan to sell the debt-laden Asiana Airlines Inc. to its bigger rival Korean Air Lines Co. faces a bumpy road as a local equity fund has filed an injunction against the plan.
On Tuesday, Asiana's main creditor, the Korea Development Bank (KDB), signed an investment agreement with Korean Air's parent Hanjin KAL Corp. to inject 800 billion won (US$723 million) into Hanjin KAL through a rights offering and convertible bonds. Hanjin KAL will then participate in a 2.5 trillion-won stock sale by Korean Air that will be used to acquire Asiana.
A day later, the homegrown equity fund Korea Corporate Governance Improvement (KCGI), representing an alliance that opposes the deal, filed an injunction against the KDB's plan to join Hanjin KAL's rights issue on the grounds that the share sale to the designated third party will damage the Hanjin Group holding firm's existing shareholders' value.
If the court accepts the fund's injunction request, the deal will fall apart and Asiana will be placed again under control of its creditors.
KDB Executive Director Choi Dae-hyon gives a briefing on the integration of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines at an online press conference held at the state bank's headquarters in Yeouido in Seoul on Nov. 19, 2020, in the photo provided by the Korea Development Bank. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The KDB held an online press conference Thursday in what appears to be an effort to ease concerns over the deal's future and push forward the deal without delays or another rupture.
In the conference, KDB Executive Director Choi Dae-hyon said Hanjin KAL's planned share sale to the designated party is aimed at injecting money into the cash-strapped Asiana through Korean Air by the year's end.
Under the agreement also signed with Cho Won-tae, chairman of Hanjin KAL and Korean Air, the chairman will step down if the integrated company of the two airlines reports poor earnings under his leadership, the official said.
"Chairman Cho provided all of his (6.52 percent) stake in Hanjin KAL valued at 170 billion won as security (to creditors). The KDB will sell the stake and have him quit the chairman position if the combined airline fails to meet expectations in terms of performance and post-merger integration," Choi said.
The KCGI, the biggest shareholder in Hanjin KAL, expressed concerns that Hanjin KAL may suffer financial damage unless the deal goes as planned. But the holding firm won't have to pay compensation for any damage under the agreement, the director said.
"In case of any (of Cho's) violations of the agreement, the KDB will have the right to sell the chairman's stake in Hanjin KAL and the Korean Air stake worth 730 billion won to be purchased by Hanjin KAL in order to pay a 500 billion-won penalty for breach of contract and other compensation," he said.
In other measures to keep the management in check, the KDB, Hanjin KAL and the chairman also agreed to not allow the chairman's family members to participate in the management of Hanjin KAL and its airline affiliates.
Under the agreement, the chairman's younger sister Cho Hyun-min is required to quit her chief marketing officer position at Hanjin KAL. But she will continue to serve as CMO at logistics affiliate Hanjin Transportation Co.
This illustrated image shows Hanjin Group Chairman Cho Won-tae (R) and his elder sister Hyun-ah with Hanjin Group's logo in the background. (Yonhap)
The KDB's comments come as the three-party alliance led by the chairman's elder sister Cho Hyun-ah, who gained global notoriety for the "nut rage" incident in 2014, took issue with the Asiana takeover plan.
Chairman Cho, 44, had sparred with Hyun-ah, 45, as she formed the alliance with the KCGI and local builder Bando Engineering & Construction Co. in January. The alliance argued that inviting a professional manager would improve Hanjin Group's management, financial status and shareholder value.
But the alliance failed to dethrone the chairman and has been widely expected to make another attempt at Hanjin KAL's shareholders meeting in March next year.
The alliance has recently increased its combined stake in Hanjin KAL to 46.71 percent, higher than the 41.3 percent held by Won-tae, his mother, younger sister, related parties, Delta Air Lines, Inc. and Kakao Corp., the operator of the country's leading messaging app.
To seek economies of scale, Korean Air plans to raise 2.5 trillion won via rights offerings early next year. Of the proceeds, it will spend 1.5 trillion won to buy new shares to be sold by Asiana and 300 billion won worth of Asiana perpetual bonds.
The KDB will have a 10.66 percent stake in Hanjin KAL after investing the 800 billion won in the holding firm and is widely expected to help Chairman Cho and his related parties fend off offensives from an activist fund attempting to take control of Hanjin KAL.
"The KDB will not exercise the voting rights in favor of any single party. The bank will exercise the rights in a fair and transparent manner through a committee also attended by outside experts," Choi said.
Korean Air, currently the world's 18th largest by fleet, will become Asiana's biggest shareholder with a 63.9 percent stake if the acquisition is completed.
Currently, the majority 30.77 percent stake in Asiana is held by Kumho Industrial Co., an affiliate of airline-to-petrochemical conglomerate Kumho Asiana Group.
In September, Asiana's creditors ended a drawn-out deal to sell Asiana to a consortium led by HDC Hyundai Development Co. due to differences over terms of the 2.5 trillion-won deal amid the pandemic.
Hit hard by the pandemic, Korean Air and Asiana have suspended most of their flights on international routes since March, and travel demand has dried up.
Korean Air's net losses narrowed to 651.84 billion won from January to September from 707.14 billion won in the year-ago period as it focused on winning more cargo delivery deals to offset a sharp decline in travel demand.
But Asiana's net losses deepened to 623.85 billion won from 524.14 billion won during the same period.
Korean Air and Asiana collectively have 247 aircraft, exceeding Air France's 220 but falling behind Lufthansa Deutsche Lufthansa AG's 280.
Korean Air had 22.46 trillion won in debt on assets worth 25.51 trillion won as of the end of September, while Asiana held debts worth 11 trillion won on assets worth 12.34 trillion won at the end of June.
In the process of the deal, Asiana's heavy debts remain a major worry for Korean Air.
Meanwhile, KCGI on Friday demanded that Hanjin KAL hold an extraordinary shareholders' meeting to have the current board members take responsibility for the decision to acquire Asiana and select new directors.
The fund plans to seek changes in the articles of association to improve the governance structure at Hanjin KAL at the shareholders meeting possibly to be held early next year.
The image shows an Asiana Airlines passenger jet against the background of the Kumho Asiana Group and Korean Air headquarters. (Yonhap)
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

BTS , the K-pop act that has grown into one of the biggest pop groups in the world , is @ @ @ @ @ concerts were indefinitely postponed , and the band 's seven members began to question what @ @ @ @ @ when they ca n't perform in front of fans .

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Friday.
-----------------
Foreign ministers of S. Korea, China to hold talks in Seoul next week
SEOUL -- Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha will hold talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Seoul next week, her ministry announced Friday, amid expectations the two sides will likely focus on bilateral relations and cooperation ahead of a leadership change in the United States.
The talks will take place on Thursday, a day after Wang arrives in Seoul for a three-day visit, according to the ministry. Wang will fly in from Japan after a two-day trip there. He last visited Seoul in December last year.
-----------------
Unification minister renews calls for inter-Korean virus cooperation amid criticism
SEOUL -- South Korea will push actively ahead with cooperation with North Korea once coronavirus vaccines and cures are developed, Unification Minister Lee In-young said Friday, after coming under fire for calling for sharing coronavirus vaccines with the North.
"When vaccines and treatment for COVID-19 are developed and distributed in the near future, a new environment will be created in the Korean Peninsula in which people and goods can come and go," Lee said during a meeting with medical experts Friday.
-----------------
Japan willing to work with S. Korea on monitoring of Fukushima water treatment: embassy official
SEOUL -- Japan is willing to work with South Korea on the monitoring of the envisioned treatment and release into the ocean of contaminated water from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear power plant, a senior embassy official said Friday.
The official's remark comes as Tokyo is expected to soon announce its plan to gradually discharge into the sea more than 1.2 million tons of radioactive water stored in tanks since the 2011 meltdowns following an earthquake and tsunami.
-----------------
(LEAD) Defense committee passes bill allowing distinguished pop stars to defer enlistment
SEOUL -- The National Assembly's defense committee on Friday approved a bill that would allow distinguished male pop culture artists to postpone their mandatory military duties.
The committee gave its nod to the bill to revise the Military Service Act to grant an exceptional right to defer military duties of acclaimed pop artists, such as BTS, who are recognized to have contributed to the elevation of the country's global reputation.
-----------------
(LEAD) BTS returns with simple, strong truth that 'life goes on' in new album 'BE'
SEOUL -- The year 2020 has been one of the most dismal years for many around the globe, jolting people to face a harsh new reality where the most mundane things in life have become a luxury.
BTS, the K-pop act that has grown into one of the biggest pop groups in the world, is no exception. Carefully planned concerts were indefinitely postponed, and the band's seven members began to question what it means to be musicians when they can't perform in front of fans.
-----------------
Korean Air's Asiana acquisition faces bumpy road after injunction
SEOUL -- Creditors' plan to sell the debt-laden Asiana Airlines Inc. to its bigger rival Korean Air Lines Co. faces a bumpy road as a local equity fund has filed an injunction against the plan.
On Tuesday, Asiana's main creditor, the Korea Development Bank (KDB), signed an investment agreement with Korean Air's parent Hanjin KAL Corp. to inject 800 billion won (US$723 million) into Hanjin KAL through a rights offering and convertible bonds. Hanjin KAL will then participate in a 2.5 trillion-won stock sale by Korean Air that will be used to acquire Asiana.
-----------------
AI education to begin in high schools next year
SEOUL -- Artificial intelligence (AI) will be introduced as a new subject in local high schools next year before being expanded to the curriculums of kindergartens and elementary and middle schools by 2025, the education ministry said Friday, declaring a bid to strengthen AI education in preparation for a digital future.
The government's AI education blueprint was announced after Minister of Education Yoo Eun-hae presided over a meeting of social affairs ministers for discussions on adjusting its education policies to better foster human resources in the era of AI.
(END)


yna--2020-11-20--Bears' manager to keep riding young bullpen arms in Korean Series

`` They 've been pitching well so far , and I 'll continue to run them out there , '' @ @ @ @ @ of the South Korean baseball championship round against the NC Dinos .
`` We have @ @ @ @ @ really have n't shown much so far .
If our starters ( in the next @ @ @ @ @ us about five innings , then I 'll go with our young relievers . ''

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 20 (Yonhap) -- When it comes to his bullpen usage, Doosan Bears' manager Kim Tae-hyoung will not fix anything that isn't broken during the Korean Series.
His 20-something relievers have thrived all postseason, despite their lack of experience, and Kim said Friday he will stick to those young guns.
"They've been pitching well so far, and I'll continue to run them out there," Kim said before Game 3 of the South Korean baseball championship round against the NC Dinos. "We have a couple of veterans who really haven't shown much so far. If our starters (in the next two games) can give us about five innings, then I'll go with our young relievers."
Lee Seung-jin of the Doosan Bears pitches against the NC Dinos in the bottom of the eighth inning of Game 2 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 18, 2020. (Yonhap)
Kim was referring to the likes of the 22-year-old Park Chi-guk, the 25-year-old Lee Seung-jin and the 21-year-old Kim Min-gyu.
Park has not yet allowed a run in five innings covering five appearances. He has struck out six.
Lee has struck out six batters in five innings across six postseason games, while giving up two runs.
Kim Min-gyu recorded a save in Game 2 of the Korean Series Wednesday, when he retired the final two batters to lock down a 5-4 victory and strand two runners aboard.
Kim has been so effective that he will start Saturday's Game 4, the manager said.
"When he's out there, I have the confidence that he will throw strikes," Kim Tae-hyoung said.
Lee Seung-jin, who arrived in a trade from the SK Wyverns in May, said in his own pregame media conference that the key to his success has been to maintain the same mindset as the regular season.
"To be honest, this feels the same as the regular season, because we're still trying to win games," Lee said. "And I don't feel as nervous now as I did late in the pennant race, when teams were jostling for playoff positions."
Lee was on the Wyverns' postseason roster in 2018 but didn't pitch. He recalled his main responsibility then was to open the bullpen door for his teammates. He said it's a "miracle" that he finds himself playing a key role out of the bullpen, because he isn't doing anything different now than before.
Doosan Bears' manager Kim Tae-hyoung speaks to reporters before Game 2 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 18, 2020. (Yonhap)
"Now that I am pitching in some key situations, I am pretty proud of myself," Lee said. "But at the same time, I know I have to take care of business or I'll put the team in a bad spot."
Lee said he constantly talks with Park and Kim Min-gyu but added, "We don't really talk that much about baseball. We just try to pull each other."
Kim will get to enjoy the spotlight on Saturday as the Game 4 starter, but Lee said he's perfectly happy with his current role.
"I prefer to pitch in a lot of games as a middle reliever," Lee said. "If the team ends up in a situation where I have to make a start, then I'd do it. But I'd like to stay in the bullpen."
Lee Seung-jin of the Doosan Bears pitches against the NC Dinos in the bottom of the eighth inning of Game 2 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 18, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-20--(LEAD) Seoul stocks up for 3rd day on foreign buying

SEOUL , Nov. 20 ( Yonhap ) -- Despite surging new coronavirus cases , South Korean stocks continued their upward @ @ @ @ @ streak to a third day on Friday on strong foreign buying .
The Korean won @ @ @ @ @ .

(ATTN: ADDS bond yields at bottom, photo)
SEOUL, Nov. 20 (Yonhap) -- Despite surging new coronavirus cases, South Korean stocks continued their upward march to extend their winning streak to a third day on Friday on strong foreign buying. The Korean won rose against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 6.08 points, or 0.24 percent, to close at 2,553.5 points, the highest since Feb. 1, 2018.
Trading volume was moderate at about 1.1 billion shares worth some 12.1 trillion won (US$10.9 billion), with gainers outnumbering losers 553 to 267.
Foreigners purchased a net 102 billion won, while institutions sold a net 231 billion won. Retail investors bought a net 124 billion won.
Electronic signboards at a Hana Bank dealing room in Seoul show the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed at 2,553.5 on Nov. 20, 2020, up 6.08 points or 0.24 percent from the previous session's close. (Yonhap)
Analysts largely attributed the KOSPI's gain to foreigners' 12-session buying spree -- the longest buying streak in 46 months.
"Local stocks traded choppy from impacts of the U.S. economic lockdown, but eventually rebounded on strong foreign buying," said Kiwoom Securities analyst Seo Sang-yong.
But investors are wary of rising virus cases at home and abroad.
South Korea's new daily cases exceeded 300 for the third consecutive day Friday, with authorities warning against a third wave of mass infection.
Most large caps closed mixed in Seoul.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics edged up 0.15 percent to 64,700 won, but No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix shed 1.43 percent to 96,800 won.
Top pharmaceutical firm Samsung Biologics retreated 1.11 percent to 799,000 won, while Celltrion advanced 0.85 percent to 296,500 won.
Internet portal giant Naver inched up 0.18 percent to 281,000 won, and its rival Kakao closed unchanged at 365,500 won.
Leading chemical maker LG Chem added 0.42 percent to 724,000 won, but rechargeable battery maker Samsung SDI dropped 0.58 percent to 515,000 won.
Hyundai Motor, the country's largest automaker, fell 1.67 percent to 177,000 won, while top steelmaker POSCO moved up 0.64 percent to 237,500 won.
The local currency closed at 1,114.3 won per dollar, up 1.3 won from the previous session's close.
Bond prices, which move inversely to yields, closed lower. The yield on three-year Treasurys rose 0.8 basis point to 0.963 percent, and the return on the benchmark five-year government bond added 0.7 basis points to 1.299 percent.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-20--S. Korean Bond Yields on Nov. 20, 2020

S. Korean Bond Yields on Nov. 20, 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--2020-11-20--(LEAD) Memorial service for ex-President Kim Young-sam held in Seoul

The prime minister said during the service that the government will move first to uphold the former president 's will @ @ @ @ @ '' and bring reforms and changes .

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead; UPDATES with more details in first 7 paras)
SEOUL, Nov. 20 (Yonhap) -- A memorial service commemorating late former President Kim Young-sam, who ended decades of military rule in South Korea, was held Friday afternoon in Seoul.
High-profile politicians, including National Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-seug and Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, attended the service, marking the fifth anniversary of his death, at Seoul National Cemetery in the southern Dongjak Ward.
Also in attendance were leaders of rival parties, Rep. Kim Tae-nyeon, the floor leader of the ruling Democratic Party, as well as Kim Chong-in and Rep. Joo Ho-young, the interim chief and floor leader of the main opposition People Power Party, respectively.
President Moon Jae-in sent a wreath of flowers to pay his respects.
National Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-seug, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyuen, interim chief of the main opposition People Power Party Kim Chong-in and ruling Democratic Party floor leader Kim Tae-nyeon (From L to R) pay silent tribute during a memorial service for late former President Kim Young-sam on Nov. 20, 2020, at Seoul National Cemetery in the southern Dongjak Ward. (Yonhap)
The late president's "last words were about integration and reconciliation," Park said, emphasizing that South Korean politicians today need to "stop the politics of conflict and disintegration."
The prime minister said during the service that the government will move first to uphold the former president's will of "integration and tolerance" and bring reforms and changes.
The memorial service was followed by the reopening ceremony of the Kim Young Sam President Memorial Library, a public library named after the former president, which went through two years of renovation.
Kim served as the 14th president of South Korea from 1993 to 1998 before passing away in 2015 at the age of 88.
As one of the most powerful political rivals to the country's authoritarian leaders, Park Chung-hee and Chun Doo-hwan, Kim's presidency helped the country peacefully move from the decades of military juntas to a civilian regime.
In his final years as president, South Korea became severely engulfed by the 1997 Asian financial crisis, which forced the country to receive a massive international bailout from the International Monetary Fund.
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-20--(LEAD) BTS returns with simple, strong truth that 'life goes on' in new album 'BE'

`` Moments when we forget about who we are come quite often , '' RM said .
`` Staying firmly @ @ @ @ @ continuing to do something and most importantly offering moments of comfort at such a difficult @ @ @ @ @ United States , in Korea , all around the world , that 's the best @ @ @ @ @ do . ''

(ATTN: UPDATES with details, photos from press conference)
By Lee Minji
SEOUL, Nov. 20 (Yonhap) -- The year 2020 has been one of the most dismal years for many around the globe, jolting people to face a harsh new reality where the most mundane things in life have become a luxury.
BTS, the K-pop act that has grown into one of the biggest pop groups in the world, is no exception. Carefully planned concerts were indefinitely postponed, and the band's seven members began to question what it means to be musicians when they can't perform in front of fans.
The answer to that question is their latest full album "BE," which reminds listeners of a simple but strong truth -- "life goes on." It's also the title of the lead track that talks about living life regardless of what comes your way.
"'Life Goes On' is a song that is weighty and firm but also soft and comforting in a sincere way," RM said, "It's a track in which we tried to show the obvious yet stern truth that life goes on, in a warm way through the color of BTS."
RM explained how the underlying theme of the song comes from the same roots as the chart-breaking hit "Dynamite" that propelled the group's success to become the first K-pop act to top the Billboard Hot 100. The pre-released song was included as the final track of "BE."
Members of K-pop group BTS pose for a photo shoot ahead of a press conference held at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza in central Seoul on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
The album, packed with eight songs that were partially written by its seven members, addresses what it means to live at a time when travelling is no longer possible and meeting fans in person is a distant dream.
"We encountered a situation where everything came to a stop. I feel that the past year was spent in confusion and in emptiness ... we tried to honestly put in that sentiment in the album," Jin said in a press conference held at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza in central Seoul. "We felt it would be great for listeners to empathize and comfort each other and people around them."
Jimin said the process of questioning their roles as musicians in an age of pandemic, talking it through with his bandmates and turning that into a whole new album was itself an act of comfort for him.
"I started to feel that I don't know what to do ... but talking with the members on what we were each thinking offered comfort," he said. "That helped me realize why I like this so much and why I'm striving so much. It eventually helped me stand up from despair."
Members of K-pop group BTS enter the venue for a press conference held at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza in central Seoul on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
Compared with previous albums where most details were kept secret until release, the septet opened up to fans more than ever by sharing details of the production stages and the roles they took for the album.
Jimin, for instance, took part as a music project manager, going back and forth between BTS and their management agency Big Hit Entertainment to tweak the details, while V supervised the overall visuals of the album. Jungkook directed the teasers for the lead track.
"Everything is contact-free, and I felt that the physical connection was severing. Like how good restaurants share the recipe for their sauce, we experimented with this," RM said. "We had to. I hope this gives a feeling of connectedness."
The band's members -- all of them in their 20s -- said the attempt to take a more hands-on approach to the album helped them show their more natural side.
"Instead of the fancy versions of us, we wanted to show the everyday lives of men in their 20s in the concept clips," J-Hope said. "We took selfies and chatted and played around when we did the shoots."
After spending seven eventful years together and cementing their status as a major player in the global music industry in 2020, the band's members said they sometimes feel burdened by all the pressure and gossip that follows.
BTS is constantly mentioned in debates on whether celebrities should be exempted from the mandatory military service and has recently been embroiled in a diplomatic incident. The band's name also made headlines after its management agency debuted in the stock market.
"Like some people say that fame is some form of tax, I always feel a certain level of pressure," RM said. "But we are still immensely loved. Although the things that happen are not always right or rational, I try to accept the noise as part of fate as a musician."
Jungkook, however, said the joy of standing on stage and sharing messages outweighs that pressure.
"The reason we dance and sing is not only to accomplish something but because we are people who are so happy on stage," he said. "I don't want to linger on rankings, but I want to perform the songs that we can and share the messages that we can."
This photo, provided by Big Hit Entertainment, shows K-pop megastars BTS. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
After ruling global music charts and sweeping awards at pop music ceremonies, the hype surrounding their possible Grammy nomination -- a first for a Korean musical act -- has become bigger than ever.
BTS acknowledged the situation and said it would be a great honor to be nominated.
"I think the feat we would like to additionally achieve is the Grammy," said Jin. "We have the Billboard Hot 100 achievement, which is also very honorable, but I hope our name is called during the Grammy nominations announcement."
The band, however, said their yearning for a nomination and a possible trophy is not because of the award's reputation but because of the meaning it holds for them in their growth.
"It was a stage that left the biggest footprint when we were trainees who were dreaming and growing ... It was one of our goals and thoughts that kept us as a team. I think I'll be in tears when I receive it," said RM, adding the team will probably be staying up for the nomination announcement next week.
RM of BTS poses for the camera during a press conference held at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza in central Seoul on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
Jin of BTS poses for the camera during a press conference held at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza in central Seoul on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
J-Hope of BTS poses for the camera during a press conference held at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza in central Seoul on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
Jimin of BTS poses for the camera during a press conference held at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza in central Seoul on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
V of BTS poses for the camera during a press conference held at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza in central Seoul on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
Jungkook of BTS poses for the camera during a press conference held at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza in central Seoul on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
Rather than having a set goal for the future, the septet said they plan to take on things as they happen going forward.
"Like we met 'Dynamite' in a destined way, I'm sure there will be songs we are destined to meet if we keep doing what we like," J-Hope said.
"I don't know what kind of music we'd like to do in the future. ... It will depend on how things unfold in the future. The music that we would have to do will depend on that," RM added.
But despite all the musical milestones, the band's ultimate goal is to be there for listeners.
"Moments when we forget about who we are come quite often," RM said. "Staying firmly planted on ground, while continuing to do something and most importantly offering moments of comfort at such a difficult time to people in the United States, in Korea, all around the world, that's the best work and business we can do."
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-20--Seoul stocks up for 3rd day on foreign buying

SEOUL , Nov. 20 ( Yonhap ) -- Despite surging new coronavirus cases , South Korean stocks continued their upward @ @ @ @ @ streak to a third day on Friday on strong foreign buying .

SEOUL, Nov. 20 (Yonhap) -- Despite surging new coronavirus cases, South Korean stocks continued their upward march to extend their winning streak to a third day on Friday on strong foreign buying.
The Korean won rose against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 6.08 points, or 0.24 percent, to close at 2,553.5 points, the highest since Feb. 1, 2018.
Trading volume was moderate at about 1.1 billion shares worth some 12.1 trillion won (US$10.9 billion), with gainers outnumbering losers 553 to 267.
Foreigners purchased a net 102 billion won, while institutions sold a net 231 billion won. Retail investors bought a net 124 billion won.
Analysts largely attributed the KOSPI's gain to foreigners' 12-session buying spree -- the longest buying streak in 46 months.
"Local stocks traded choppy from impacts of the U.S. economic lockdown, but eventually rebounded on strong foreign buying," said Kiwoom Securities analyst Seo Sang-yong.
But investors are wary of rising virus cases at home and abroad.
South Korea's new daily cases exceeded 300 for the third consecutive day Friday, with authorities warning against a third wave of mass infection.
Most large caps closed mixed in Seoul.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics edged up 0.15 percent to 64,700 won, but No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix shed 1.43 percent to 96,800 won.
Top pharmaceutical firm Samsung Biologics retreated 1.11 percent to 799,000 won, while Celltrion advanced 0.85 percent to 296,500 won.
Internet portal giant Naver inched up 0.18 percent to 281,000 won, and its rival Kakao closed unchanged at 365,500 won.
Leading chemical maker LG Chem added 0.42 percent to 724,000 won, but rechargeable battery maker Samsung SDI dropped 0.58 percent to 515,000 won.
Hyundai Motor, the country's largest automaker, fell 1.67 percent to 177,000 won, while top steelmaker POSCO moved up 0.64 percent to 237,500 won.
The local currency closed at 1,114.3 won per dollar, up 1.3 won from the previous session's close.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


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(END)


yna--2020-11-21--About 60,000 take teacher exam despite virus spike

A total of 60,233 people applied for the test .
Applicants who have tested positive were barred from the exam @ @ @ @ @ in self-quarantine or subject to COVID-19 testing took it at separate sites .

SEOUL, Nov. 21 (Yonhap) -- About 60,000 people took a state-run teacher employment examination across the country Saturday despite a new spike in coronavirus cases.
The education ministry went ahead with the test to pick new teachers for public middle and high schools despite a cluster infection at a private institute for aspiring teachers in Seoul.
A total of 39 cases, mostly students, had been confirmed at a cram school for the examination in Noryangjin, southern Seoul, as of Friday.
The exam was conducted at 110 sites across the country under strict guidelines to prevent infections. All test-takers had their temperatures taken before entering test sites and sat 2 meters apart from each other.
An official holds up a sign on coronavirus prevention guidelines as applicants wait in line to enter a test site for a state-run teacher employment examination in the central city of Daejeon on Nov. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
A total of 60,233 people applied for the test. Applicants who have tested positive were barred from the exam, while those who are in self-quarantine or subject to COVID-19 testing took it at separate sites.
The country reported 386 more confirmed COVID-19 cases Saturday, raising the total caseload to 30,403. The daily caseload exceeded 300 for the fourth consecutive day and has stayed in the triple digits since Nov. 8, according to the Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
Applicants for a state-run teacher employment examination enter a test site in Seoul on Nov. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-11-21--BTS' new album 'BE' tops iTunes charts in 90 countries

In a press conference in Seoul on Friday , the septet hoped their new songs would offer a message of @ @ @ @ @ world suffering from the protracted COVID-19 pandemic .

SEOUL, Nov. 21 (Yonhap) -- K-pop sensation BTS has topped 90 regional iTunes charts with its latest album titled "Be," the band's agency said Saturday.
Released the previous day, the band's fifth Korean-language studio album debuted at No. 1 on the iTunes Top Albums charts in 90 countries, including the United States and Britain, according to Bit Hit Entertainment.
At the same time, the title track, "Life Goes On," ranked first on the iTunes Top Songs chart in 90 countries.
Sales of the eight-track album, which also houses the chart-breaking single "Dynamite," have surpassed 200,000 copies, the agency added.
In a press conference in Seoul on Friday, the septet hoped their new songs would offer a message of hope to listeners around the world suffering from the protracted COVID-19 pandemic.
This composite image provided by Big Hit Entertainment shows members of K-pop group BTS in the music video for the song "Life Goes On." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-21--Moon to join virtual G-20 summit, focused on pandemic response

`` We will cooperate to facilitate the movement of essential goods and services , as well as the essential movement @ @ @ @ @ manner , identifying and resolving unnecessary barriers to trade and strengthening the resilience of our @ @ @ @ @ 2020 Kuala Lumpur Declaration read .

SEOUL, Nov. 21 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in will participate in a virtual conference along with the leaders of 19 other major economies Saturday, Cheong Wa Dae said.
The two-day Group of 20 (G-20) summit, chaired by Saudi Arabia, is scheduled to open at night (Seoul time) for discussions on pending global issues -- from climate change to growing inequality.
This year's event comes as the world is gripped by the COVID-19 pandemic and its crippling economic impact.
With the theme of "Realizing the Opportunities of the 21st Century for All," the leaders are expected to seek closer cooperation to protect livelihoods and ensure an inclusive, sustainable and resilient recovery.
An image of the Group of 20 (Yonhap)
For his part, Moon plans to deliver a speech on South Korea's antivirus efforts and its ambitious push for fostering green and digital economies under the Korean-version New Deal, according to Cheong Wa Dae.
He will also call for "international cooperation to advance the recovery of the global economy and sustainable development," a Cheong Wa Dae official told reporters.
The summit will serve as an important chance for the G-20 members, including the United States and China, to strengthen coordination to overcome the pandemic and restore the global economy, the official added.
The logo of the G-20 Virtual Leaders' Summit to be hosted by Saudi Arabia, in this photo provided by the nation's embassy in Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Their economies together account for 85 percent of the world's total gross domestic product and two-thirds of its population. The G-20 was launched in 1999.
On Friday, Moon joined an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, held via video links, and stressed the need to facilitate cross-border movement of essential personnel despite border controls aimed at curbing the coronavirus spread.
The participating leaders of 21 APEC members adopted a joint statement at the end of the session hosted by Malaysia.
"We will cooperate to facilitate the movement of essential goods and services, as well as the essential movement of people in a safe manner, identifying and resolving unnecessary barriers to trade and strengthening the resilience of our supply chains," the 2020 Kuala Lumpur Declaration read.
It added, "We recognize the importance of working together to ensure trade and investment can continue to flow in these trying times."
South Korean President Moon Jae-in takes part in an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, held online, at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-21--(LEAD) New virus cases exceed 300 for 4th day amid concerns of 3rd wave of infections

The South Korean health authorities said a third wave of virus infections is in progress in the greater Seoul area @ @ @ @ @ February-March in Daegu and the second in August also in Seoul .

(ATTN: ADDS more info in paras 9-12, photos)
SEOUL, Nov. 21 (Yonhap) -- The number of daily new coronavirus cases in South Korea exceeded 300 for the fourth consecutive day Saturday due to sporadic cluster infections across the country, casting concerns over a third wave of the pandemic.
The country added 386 more COVID-19 cases, including 361 local infections, raising the total caseload to 30,403, according to the Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
The daily caseload has stayed in the triple digits since Nov. 8, with the figure exceeding 300 for the first time since late August on Wednesday with 313 cases. The country confirmed 343 cases on Thursday and 363 on Friday.
The accumulative number of infections topped the 30,000 mark Friday, 10 months after the country reported its first case on Jan. 20.
The South Korean health authorities said a third wave of virus infections is in progress in the greater Seoul area, following the first in February-March in Daegu and the second in August also in Seoul.
People wait in line to get tested for COVID-19 at a medical center in Gwangju, some 330 km south of Seoul, on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
They have put constant efforts to control cluster infections occurring sporadically across the nation linked to private gatherings, public facilities and hospitals.
The state-run social distancing level was raised by one notch to Level 1.5 under a new five-tier scheme in the greater Seoul and southern city of Gwangju for two weeks since Wednesday in order to prevent another wave of virus infections.
The city of Suncheon in South Jeolla Province, about 415 km southeast of Seoul, started to enforce Level 2 social distancing rules Friday as a precautionary move, becoming the first municipality in the country to enforce the third highest level.
Seoul City Hall is closed on Nov. 20, 2020, after a COVID-19 case was reported. (Yonhap)
Of the 361 locally transmitted cases, 262 were identified in the capital area, home to half of the country's 51 million population. Seoul added 154 more cases, while the surrounding Gyeonggi Province and western port city of Incheon reported 86 and 22 cases, respectively.
At the same time, the daily number of COVID-19 cases reported outside the greater Seoul area reached 99, including 19 from North Chungcheong Province, 18 from South Jeolla Province and 14 from Gwangwon Province.
The number of new imported cases came to 25, down from 43 the previous day.
Of the newly confirmed imported cases, 12 were from the United States, followed by three from Japan. The total number of imported cases is now at 4,380.
A street in Shinchon, western Seoul, is relatively empty on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
The country reported two additional deaths from COVID-19, raising the total to 503.
More deaths could be reported down the road as the number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients came to 86, up two from Friday.
The number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries came to 102, raising the total to 26,365.
A section of the government complex in Sejong, some 120 km south of Seoul, is closed on Nov. 20, 2020, after an official tested positive for COVID-19. (Yonhap)
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-21--Highly anticipated games unveiled at G-star

Mir 4 , a sequel in the popular Mir series , features 3-D graphics that will provide an unprecedented level @ @ @ @ @ players compared to its predecessors , according to the company .

By Kim Han-joo
SEOUL, Nov. 21 (Yonhap) -- South Korean gaming developers and publishers have been unveiling their latest titles featuring cutting-edge graphics and technology at an ongoing game expo.
This year's G-Star Global Game Exhibition is not operating offline booths due to concerns over the COVID-19 outbreak, and fans must participate in the Thursday-Sunday event through the online streaming platform Twitch.
This undated photo, provided by WeMade Co., shows the gaming firm's first massively multiplayer online role-playing (MMORPG) title Mir 4. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Game developer WeMade Co. showcased its first massively multiplayer online role-playing (MMORPG) Mir 4 for mobile platforms. The game will be co-published by Kakao Games.
Mir 4, a sequel in the popular Mir series, features 3-D graphics that will provide an unprecedented level of freedom of movement for players compared to its predecessors, according to the company.
Meanwhile, online gaming company Krafton Inc. is scheduled to showcase its MMORPG title "Elyon" later in the day. The game will be published by Kakao Games.
"Elyon" is Kakao Games' first PC MMORPG, while it is Krafton's latest release following the global-hit shooter "PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds."
Details of gaming giant Nexon Co.'s upcoming titles -- "KurtzPel" and "KonoSuba" -- will also be revealed during the weekend, according to event organizers.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-21--Seoul shares likely to further rise on vaccine, recovery hopes in coming week

He said the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to have limited impact on the local market , @ @ @ @ @ experimental COVID-19 vaccines and the governments ' reluctance to adopt full-fledged economic lockdown policies .

By Chung Joo-won
SEOUL, Nov. 21 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks are likely to further rise in the coming week on hopes for economic recovery and vaccines against the new coronavirus, analysts said Saturday.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed at 2,553.5 points Friday, up 2.39 percent from a week ago.
The KOSPI refreshed its 33-month high during the past three sessions, thanks to the eased U.S. election uncertainties, vaccine hopes and corporate earnings rebound.
But the KOSPI has more room for gains, according to analysts.
"The KOSPI looks set for additional gains, as (the hike is) linked to positive changes in fundamentals," KTB Securities analyst Park Seok-hyun said.
He said the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to have limited impact on the local market, considering the efficacy of the experimental COVID-19 vaccines and the governments' reluctance to adopt full-fledged economic lockdown policies.
But investors may be tempted to lock in recent gains, applying downward pressure, he noted.
Electronic signboards at a Hana Bank dealing room in Seoul show the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed at 2,553.5 on Nov. 20, 2020, up 6.08 points, or 0.24 percent, from the previous session's close. (Yonhap)
Analysts predicted the local currency is likely to strengthen even further in the coming week, stoking further inflows of foreign capital into the market.
"Continued recovery momentum in exports seems to add to the appeal of local stocks for foreign investors," said NH Investment & Securities analyst Kwon Ah-min.
According to the data from the Korea Exchange (KRX), foreigners extended their buying streak to a 12th session Friday, raking in a net 5.38 trillion won (US$4.83 billion) on the main bourse in the Nov. 5-20 period. Individuals sold a net 4.14 trillion won, and institutions dumped a net 1.1 trillion won during the cited period.
South Korea's average daily exports gained 5.4 percent on-year in October, marking the fastest jump in 13 months, according to the Korea Customs Service data.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-21--Top headlines in major S. Korean newspapers

Korean-language dailies -- 3rd wave of coronavirus pandemic , it 's safe to be spaced out ( Kyunghyang Shinmun ) @ @ @ @ @ cancel year-end gatherings ( Kookmin Daily ) -- Experts warn of more than 1,000 coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ llbo ) -- Daily virus infections surge , S. Korean disease control at crossroads ( @ @ @ @ @ Port governing body suspected of engaging in secret business with N. Korea ( Chosun Ilbo @ @ @ @ @ cool down property market ends in vain ( JoongAng Ilbo ) -- Mass infection from @ @ @ @ @ employment exam this weekend ( Hankyoreh ) -- More than 300 daily local infections , @ @ @ @ @ Hankook Ilbo ) -- Small , midsized companies feared of punitive damages suits ( Maeil @ @ @ @ @ Chem sweeps deals to provide batteries to Tesla in China ( Korea Economic Daily ) @ @ @

SEOUL, Nov. 21 (Yonhap) -- The following are the top headlines in major South Korean newspapers on Nov. 21.
Korean-language dailies
-- 3rd wave of coronavirus pandemic, it's safe to be spaced out (Kyunghyang Shinmun)
-- Gov't asks people to cancel year-end gatherings (Kookmin Daily)
-- Experts warn of more than 1,000 coronavirus cases per day (Donga llbo)
-- Daily virus infections surge, S. Korean disease control at crossroads (Segye Times)
-- Busan Port governing body suspected of engaging in secret business with N. Korea (Chosun Ilbo)
-- Four-year battle to cool down property market ends in vain (JoongAng Ilbo)
-- Mass infection from students preparing for state-run teacher employment exam this weekend (Hankyoreh)
-- More than 300 daily local infections, 3rd wave of pandemic (Hankook Ilbo)
-- Small, midsized companies feared of punitive damages suits (Maeil Business Newspaper)
-- LG Chem sweeps deals to provide batteries to Tesla in China (Korea Economic Daily)
(END)


yna--2020-11-21--New virus cases exceed 300 for 4th day, amid concerns about 3rd wave of pandemic

SEOUL, Nov. 21 (Yonhap) -- The number of daily new coronavirus cases in South Korea exceeded 300 for the fourth consecutive day Saturday due to sporadic cluster infections across the country, casting concerns over a third wave of the pandemic.
The country added 386 more COVID-19 cases, including 361 local infections, raising the total caseload to 30,403, according to the Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
The daily caseload has stayed in the triple digits since Nov. 8, with the figure exceeding 300 for the first time since late August on Wednesday with 313 cases. The country confirmed 343 cases on Thursday and 363 on Friday.
The accumulative number of infections topped the 30,000 mark Friday, 10 months after the country reported its first case on Jan. 20.
The South Korean health authorities said a third wave of virus infections is in progress in the greater Seoul area, following the first in February-March in Daegu and the second in August also in Seoul.
People wait in line to get tested for COVID-19 at a medical center in Gwangju, some 330 km south of Seoul, on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
They have put constant efforts to control cluster infections occurring sporadically across the nation linked to private gatherings, public facilities and hospitals.
The state-run social distancing level was raised by one notch to Level 1.5 under a new five-tier scheme in the greater Seoul and southern city of Gwangju for two weeks since Wednesday in order to prevent another wave of virus infections.
The city of Suncheon in South Jeolla Province, about 415 km southeast of Seoul, started to enforce Level 2 social distancing rules Friday as a precautionary move, becoming the first municipality in the country to enforce the third highest level.
The country reported two additional deaths from COVID-19, raising the total to 503.
More deaths could be reported down the road as the number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients came to 86, up two from Friday.
The number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries came to 102, raising the total to 26,365.
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-21--(URGENT) 102 more patients released from coronavirus treatment, total at 26,365: KDCA


yna--2020-11-21--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 2 additional coronavirus deaths, total at 503: KDCA


yna--2020-11-21--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 386 new coronavirus cases, total at 30,403: KDCA


Saturday's weather forecast

SEOUL , Nov. 21 ( Yonhap ) -- The following is the weather forecast for South Korea 's 12 major @ @ @ @ @ .


yna--2020-11-21--Resumption of humanitarian aid may send 'good' message to N. Korea: Kurt Campbell

`` So , we 'd certainly want to look at working within the existing sanctions framework to make sure that @ @ @ @ @ into North Korea and make it easier for international humanitarian organizations to deliver these items @ @ @ @ @ the pockets of the leadership , '' he had said .

By Byun Duk-kun
WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 (Yonhap) -- Resuming humanitarian assistance for North Korea may send a good message to the communist state to be patient while it may also enhance joint efforts by South Korea and the United States to denuclearize the North, a former U.S. diplomat said Friday.
The remarks from Kurt Campbell, former assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, were made in a meeting with three visiting South Korean lawmakers.
"Sending a message to North Korea to be patient through humanitarian assistance is a good idea," Campbell was quoted as telling the South Korean lawmakers, led by Rep. Song Young-gil of the ruling Democratic Party.
The former U.S. diplomat also insisted U.S. President-elect Joe Biden may do so, adding "such an approach may also be a chance to further strengthen the joint efforts of South Korea and the United States," according to the South Korean delegation.
Kurt Campbell (fourth from L), former U.S. assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, and Rep. Song Young-gil (third from L) of South Korea's ruling Democratic Party pose for a photo after holding a meeting in Washington on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
International support for the communist North has nearly been halted amid a wide range of U.S. and U.N. Security Council sanctions imposed on the North for its military provocations that have so far included six nuclear tests and a series of long-range missile launches.
Pyongyang has maintained a self-imposed moratorium on nuclear and long-range missile testing since November 2017, but the international sanctions remain intact amid stalled denuclearization talks between the U.S. and North Korea.
Biden, however, is widely expected to consider resuming U.S. assistance for North Korean people when he is inaugurated on Jan. 20.
"On humanitarian assistance, certainly Vice President Biden supports providing such assistance to North Korean people who've suffered for many years under successive Kim regimes," Brian McKeon, a key foreign policy adviser to Biden, said in an exclusive, pre-election interview with Yonhap News Agency.
"So, we'd certainly want to look at working within the existing sanctions framework to make sure that humanitarian assistance can get through into North Korea and make it easier for international humanitarian organizations to deliver these items, but not funneled into the pockets of the leadership," he had said.
Many observers and experts here have highlighted the need for the new Biden administration to quickly send a message to North Korea, which they believe will likely seek to test the incoming U.S. administration with provocations.
"It is entirely possible that we could see a missile test or other provocation. Pyongyang will look for opportunities to strengthen its position and drive wedges as Biden seeks to shore up alliance relationships in Asia and manage a fraught relationship with an assertive China," Kathleen Stephens, former U.S. ambassador to South Korea, said earlier.
"I hope they will be patient, and keep their options open," she has said.
The South Korean lawmakers underscored the need for the Biden administration to quickly come up with a North Korea policy.
"The issue we are facing now is to help the Biden administration, so it can swiftly undertake its North Korea policy review," Rep. Song said in a press release.
"Should the Biden administration learn from the previous administration's experience and improve, it will help reduce a significant amount of time than starting from the scratch," added Song.
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-21--(LEAD) Shortstop comes through for family, backs strong bullpen in Korean Series win

On the mound , reliever Kim Kang-ryul was the adult in the room when most other pitchers had trouble throwing @ @ @ @ @ in the fourth to put out the fire after the Dinos took a 6-5 lead @ @ @ @ @ first seven batters he faced and tossed 2 2/3 innings of one-hit ball .

(ATTN: ADDS comments in paras 7-12, 18-21)
By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 21 (Yonhap) -- He was playing in a tie game in the South Korean baseball championship series on Friday. The other team was bringing in a new pitcher as he was waiting on deck.
Through all this, Doosan Bears' shortstop Kim Jae-ho was so relaxed he spent a few minutes chatting with his children in the stands during that pitching change.
Kim Jae-ho of the Doosan Bears celebrates his RBI single against the NC Dinos in the bottom of the seventh inning of Game 3 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
In the seventh inning of Game 3 of the Korean Series against the Doosan Bears, the 35-year-old veteran posed for photos as his son held up his smartphone, and bumped fists with his daughter through the backstop netting.
A few minutes later, their daddy went out and delivered a tiebreaking single. It gave the Bears a 7-6 lead, and hung on to win by the same score.
One small step for the baseball team. One giant leap for all fathers.
As Kim headed toward first base, he pointed toward his family with a knowing smile, as if to tell his children, "I told you." Then once he reached the bag, he made a heart sign with his hands.
Kim Jae-ho of the Doosan Bears (L) speaks with his daughter before Game 3 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
Kim said his young family hadn't been able to come to games until recently, while stadiums across the league remained closed during the coronavirus pandemic.
"I wanted my children to see me play and do some good things on the field," Kim said. "I am proud of what I did today. It feels great to take the lead in the series."
Kim said the heart sign was intended for his wife, who drove to the game with their two children while pregnant with the couple's third child.
"I think it's thanks to my wife's support that I've been playing so well," Kim said. "I wanted her to feel loved."
Kim has emerged as an early candidate as the Korean Series MVP, but his focus remained on the team.
"First and foremost, we have to keep winning games," he said. "We want to have the last laugh."
Kim Jae-ho of the Doosan Bears (L) speaks with his daughter before Game 3 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
It was the third RBI of the game for Kim, who has emerged as an unlikely offensive star of the series. In the Bears' 5-4 victory in Game 2 Wednesday, Kim hit his first career postseason home run and drove in two runs.
Friday's contest was an entertaining back-and-forth affair that saw four lead changes through the first four innings.
Kim broke a 3-3 tie with a two-run single in the bottom third. The Dinos reclaimed the lead in a three-run fourth inning, and the Bears knotted the score at 6-6 in the top fifth.
In the decisive seventh, Kim came on with runners at the corners. The bat broke on contact but Kim got enough of the ball to dump it into center field for a run-scoring single.
On the mound, reliever Kim Kang-ryul was the adult in the room when most other pitchers had trouble throwing strikes. He came on in the fourth to put out the fire after the Dinos took a 6-5 lead. Kim sat down the first seven batters he faced and tossed 2 2/3 innings of one-hit ball.
Kim, 32, was making his first appearance of the series, and it was his first Korean Series game since 2017. He missed the 2018 and 2019 series with injuries.
"I didn't think I'd have a lot of opportunities to pitch, but I figured I'd get at least one shot," Kim said. "That was my mindset as I was getting ready."
Doosan manager Kim Tae-hyoung had said before the game that he didn't have much faith in Kim Kang-ryul. The skipper repeated that after the victory, saying he was surprised by how well the righty pitched.
"As one of the veterans, I am supposed to be the leader of the bullpen, but young guys have really stepped up," the pitcher said. "I feel bad about that. But as long as we each do our part, we'll be fine."
Park Chi-guk, who followed Kim, earned the victory 1 1/3 shutout innings. Lee Seung-jin nailed down a four-out save.
Kim Kang-ryul of the Doosan Bears pitches against the NC Dinos in the top of the fifth inning of Game 3 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-21--(LEAD) Bears squeeze past Dinos 7-6 to take Korean Series lead

The Bears were n't going anywhere .
With a man at third with two outs in the bottom fifth , @ @ @ @ @ the hole on the left and shortstop No Jin-hyuk , though he got to the @ @ @ @ @ it roll through the wicket .
The game was tied 6-6 .

(ATTN: ADDS comments in paras 7, 24-25)
By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 21 (Yonhap) -- Kim Jae-ho drove in three runs and broke a tie with a single in the seventh, helping the Doosan Bears past the NC Dinos 7-6 on Friday and putting his team ahead in the South Korean baseball championship round.
The Bears now lead the best-of-seven Korean Series 2-1. Game 4 is 2 p.m. Saturday, back at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul.
Kim Jae-ho of the Doosan Bears celebrates his two-run single against the NC Dinos in the bottom of the third inning of Game 3 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
The Dinos and the Bears had split the first two games of the series before Friday. There have been 15 other occasions in Korean Series history when contestants were knotted at 1-1 after two games, and Game 3 winners have gone on to win the title 14 times.
Kim, a light-hitting shortstop, played the offensive hero for the second straight game. He had a home run and two RBIs in Wednesday's 5-4 victory. He batted 2-for-2 with three RBIs, two walks and a run scored Friday.
In a game in which neither starter got out of the third inning, Doosan reliever Kim Kang-ryul shined with 2 2/3 shutout innings. After the Dinos took a 6-5 lead in the fourth, Kim entered the game and retired the first seven batters he faced. He struck out three and allowed only one single.
Park Chi-guk was credited with the win with 1 1/3 scoreless innings.
"This was a tough game to win," Doosan manager Kim Tae-hyoung said. "It takes pressure off our team going into the next game."
There were four lead changes through the first four innings of this seesaw game.
Kim Kang-ryul of the Doosan Bears pitches against the NC Dinos in the top of the fifth inning of Game 3 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
Na Sung-bum gave the Dinos a 1-0 lead with a solo home run off starter Choi Won-joon in the top of the first. It was Na's sixth career postseason home run and first in the Korean Series.
The Bears responded with a solo shot of their own, delivered by Jose Miguel Fernandez off starter Mike Wright in the bottom second.
The Bears added another run in the same inning. Wright gave up a walk and a double immediately after Fernandez's blast, and Park Kun-woo cashed in a run with a groundout.
But the Dinos fought back to reclaim the lead in the top of the third. They had two straight bloop singles to start the rally. After a sacrifice bunt put runners at second and third, Na made it 2-2 with a sacrifice fly to right field.
With Yang Eui-ji at the plate, Park Min-woo sprinted home from third on a passed ball. Catcher Park Sei-hyok picked up the ball that squirted to his right. But as he dove toward the plate to tag the runner, Park Min-woo deftly slid around the outstretched arms of the catcher and touched the plate for a 3-2 Dinos lead.
The Bears had an answer with a three-spot in the bottom third.
Jung Soo-bin led off with a triple and Choi Joo-hwan's infield single brought him home for a tying run.
Wright gave up another hit and was gone from the game. With runners at second and third, reliever Kim Young-kyu then gave up a two-run single to Kim Jae-ho that put the Bears ahead 5-3.
Jose Miguel Fernandez of the Doosan Bears (R) hits a solo home run against the NC Dinos in the bottom of the second inning of Game 3 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
The game was just getting started.
The Dinos came back and put up three runs on the board with two outs in the top fourth. They began with two straight singles. Doosan reliever Hong Geon-hui struck out the next two batters but issued a walk to load the bases.
No. 2 hitter Lee Myung-ki then snapped a 0-for-8 funk with an RBI single up the middle, bringing the Dinos to within 5-4.
Na then stepped up and picked up two more RBIs with a single to center. The Dinos were now back up by 6-5.
The Bears weren't going anywhere. With a man at third with two outs in the bottom fifth, Fernandez hit a grounder to the hole on the left and shortstop No Jin-hyuk, though he got to the ball in time, let it roll through the wicket. The game was tied 6-6.
Choi Joo-hwan of the Doosan Bears celebrates his RBI single against the NC Dinos in the bottom of the third inning of Game 3 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
The Bears took the lead for good in the bottom seventh, when they took advantage of the shaky Dinos bullpen.
Left-hander Lim Jung-ho came on to start the seventh and couldn't find the zone. He hit the first batter he faced. A steal and a wild pitch moved the runner to third. With one out and facing new pitcher Kim Jin-sung, Kim Jae-ho dumped a broken-bat single to shallow center for a 7-6 lead.
NC manager Lee Dong-wook rued those miscues in the seventh, with Lim hitting Choi Joo-hwan at two strikes and throwing a wild pitch when Kim Jae-hwan showed bunt.
"Ultimately, we didn't score when we had opportunities," Lee added. "I think Lim Jung-ho may have been a bit too nervous there. But physical errors are all part of the game. We just have to keep them to a minimum in the postseason."
The Dinos tried to start another rally in the top eighth, but Lee Jae-yul, who pinch ran for Kang Jin-sung following his single, got caught stealing second base. A walk and a single later in the inning amounted to nothing.
Kim Jae-ho of the Doosan Bears hits an RBI single against the NC Dinos in the bottom of the seventh inning of Game 3 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-21--Righty looking to give Bears commanding Korean Series lead

Kim Min-gyu has been outstanding out of the bullpen so far this postseason .
In Game 2 of this series @ @ @ @ @ 5-4 victory by retiring the final two batters in the bottom ninth and stranding two @ @ @ @ @ round , Kim gave the Bears 5 2/3 shutout innings across two games .
In @ @ @ @ @ Wiz , Kim relieved starter Yoo Hee-kwan after just one out in the first inning @ @ @ @ @ off the board for the next 4 2/3 frames to earn his first career postseason @ @

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 21 (Yonhap) -- The Doosan Bears will start one of their most effective relievers with a sight on taking a stranglehold in the ongoing South Korean baseball championship series Saturday.
The Bears lead the NC Dinos 2-1 in the best-of-seven Korean Series, following a 7-6 victory on Friday at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul.
They will now turn to 21-year-old right-hander Kim Min-gyu to start Game 4, with first pitch at 2 p.m. Saturday at the dome.
Kim Min-gyu of the Doosan Bears pitches against the NC Dinos in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 2 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 18, 2020. (Yonhap)
A 3-1 series lead will put the Bears in prime position to defend their Korean Series title. Only one team, the 2013 Samsung Lions, has rallied from a 3-1 deficit to take the Korean Series.
Kim Min-gyu has been outstanding out of the bullpen so far this postseason. In Game 2 of this series, Kim nailed down a 5-4 victory by retiring the final two batters in the bottom ninth and stranding two runners. In the previous round, Kim gave the Bears 5 2/3 shutout innings across two games. In Game 2 against the KT Wiz, Kim relieved starter Yoo Hee-kwan after just one out in the first inning, and kept the Wiz off the board for the next 4 2/3 frames to earn his first career postseason win.
Kim made four starts during the regular season and can give the Bears some length. His most recent start was Oct. 16, when he threw 5 1/3 innings against the Kiwoom Heroes.
During the regular season, Kim recorded a save in three appearances versus the Dinos. He held them hitless in 2 1/3 innings.
The Dinos will counter with the 20-year-old right-hander Song Myung-gi.
Song was 9-3 with a 3.70 in 36 games split between the rotation and the bullpen. He was excellent as a starter down the stretch, winning his final six starts with a 2.53 ERA. Game 4 will be his Korean Series debut.
Song faced the Bears four times during the regular season -- three of them in relief -- and went 1-0 with a 4.70 ERA over 7 2/3 innings. He got knocked around for 11 hits, including a home run by Jose Miguel Fernandez.
Kim Jae-hwan and Park Kun-woo had two hits apiece against Song.
In this file photo from Oct. 28, 2020, Song Myung-gi of the NC Dinos pitches against the Lotte Giants in the bottom of the first inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Sajik Stadium in Busan, 450 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-21--(LEAD) Dinos' 20-year-old starter prevails in unexpected Korean Series pitching duel

Rucinski , who would have been lined up to start Game 5 on Monday after five days ' rest , @ @ @ @ @ to lock down the save .
He made 39 pitches -- 30 of them for @ @ @ @ @ ruled him out for Game 5 .
NC manager Lee Dong-wook announced left-hander Koo Chang-mo @ @ @ @ @ for Monday .
Koo started Game 2 on Wednesday and pitched six innings on 100 @ @ @ @ @ .

(ATTN: ADDS 5th photo, comments, details throughout)
By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 21 (Yonhap) -- A 20-year-old right-hander got the upper hand in an unlikely pitching duel against a 21-year-old righty in a Korean Series game on Saturday, with both pitchers making their first career postseason starts.
The NC Dinos evened the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) championship round against the Doosan Bears at two games apiece, thanks to their 3-0 win at Gocheok Sky Dome on Saturday.
Song Myung-gi of the NC Dinos pitches against the Doosan Bears in Game 4 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
Song Myung-gi of the Dinos, in his postseason debut, tossed five shutout innings for the victory. He struck out four and gave up just two hits, both of them by No. 6 hitter Kim Jae-ho.
Song got into his first serious jam in the bottom fifth, with a leadoff double and a two-out walk putting two men aboard for Heo Kyoung-min. After a brief mound visit from his pitching coach Son Min-han, Song got a fielder's choice grounder off Heo's bat.
After Song completed five innings, his teammates put up two runs on the board in the top sixth. During that inning, Song was playing catch near the warning track to stay warm, but coach Son ordered Song back to the dugout, apparently notifying him that his day was done.
Drew Rucinski of the NC Dinos celebrates after completing the bottom of the eighth inning against the Doosan Bears in Game 4 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
Having thrown just 82 pitches, Song was seen pleading his case with Son to stay in the game, but the decision had already been made to go to the bullpen.
Song was the Dinos' No. 4 starter down the stretch in the regular season, and was a perfect 5-0 with a 2.77 ERA in October. And he picked up where he left off in November.
In addition to his four strikeouts, Song generated three groundouts and eight groundouts.
Song, the first pitcher born in 2000 or later to win a KBO postseason game, said he wanted to leave everything on the mound.
"I told the coach that I wanted to pitch more, but he said I should try to get ready for the next outing," Song said. "I tried to lean on my regular season experience and pitch with confidence."
NC Dinos' starter Song Myung-gi (C) is congratulated by teammates after completing the bottom of the third inning against the Doosan Bears in Game 4 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
The Dinos scored their first two runs after the Bears' 21-year-old starter, Kim Min-gyu, left the game in the sixth inning.
Kim, who had made three relief appearances earlier this postseason, got the hook after a one-out single -- only the Dinos' fourth hit against him. Reliever Lee Young-ha let the inherited runner score and break the scoreless tie. Lee allowed another run in the inning for a 2-0 Dinos lead, and made a hard luck loser out of Kim.
The Dinos' bullpen, on the other hand, was virtually untouchable.
Kim Min-gyu of the Doosan Bears pitches against the NC Dinos in Game 4 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
Left-hander Lim Jung-ho began the sixth but was gone after giving up a leadoff walk. Righty Kim Jin-sung took over and finished off the inning. Then after a one-out single in the seventh inning, Drew Rucinski, who started Game 1 on Tuesday, relieved Kim and retired the next two batters on six pitches.
Rucinski came back out to begin the eighth and struck out the side, pitching around a two-out error by second baseman Park Min-woo.
Rucinski, who would have been lined up to start Game 5 on Monday after five days' rest, pitched the perfect ninth inning to lock down the save. He made 39 pitches -- 30 of them for strikes -- and this has ruled him out for Game 5. NC manager Lee Dong-wook announced left-hander Koo Chang-mo as his Game 5 starter for Monday. Koo started Game 2 on Wednesday and pitched six innings on 100 pitches in a 5-4 loss.
NC Dinos' pitcher Drew Rucinski (L) shakes hands with catcher Yang Eui-ji after closing out a 3-0 victory over the Doosan Bears in Game 4 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
Behind the plate for the Dinos, Yang bounced back from an uncharacteristically sloppy performance in Friday's Game 4. He also knocked in the first run of the game in the sixth inning.
Song said afterward he trusted Yang, who told the young pitcher to stay relaxed on the mound and do what he usually does.
Yang said he didn't ask Song to do anything special.
"Because he is still so young and inexperienced, I just didn't know when he would run into trouble," Yang said. "I wanted to think one inning at a time. He was really steady on the mound today. All of our pitchers were great and we hitters fed off their energy."
Yang also thanked Rucinski for getting the last eight outs for the save.
"He was pitching on three days' rest, but his stuff was really good," Yang said. "He slammed the door shut on those key late innings. I am grateful for his effort."
NC manager Lee Dong-wook said he had planned to let Rucinski make about 30 pitches but that the American ace wanted to finish off the game.
"I thought about lifting him in the ninth inning, but he said he wanted to close it out," Lee said. "But he still belongs in the rotation. His next outing will be as a starter."
Kim Min-gyu of the Doosan Bears pitches against the NC Dinos in Game 4 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-21--(LEAD) Dinos blank Bears 3-0 to even Korean Series at two games

The Dinos ' bullpen made the lead stand .
Rucinski , who started Game 1 on Tuesday , came on @ @ @ @ @ seventh for his first relief appearance of the season , and recorded the final eight @ @ @ @ @ four and allowed just one baserunner on an error by second baseman Park Min-woo in @ @ @

(ATTN: ADDS comments, details throughout; FIXES age in para 2)
By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 21 (Yonhap) -- Cleanup Yang Eui-ji broke a scoreless deadlock with a single in the sixth and backed starter Song Myung-gi's scoreless effort, as the NC Dinos beat the Doosan Bears 3-0 on Saturday to even the Korean Series at two games apiece.
Kang Jin-sung also had an RBI single in the sixth for the Dinos at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. Song, a 20-year-old righty, earned the victory in his postseason debut, and No. 1 starter Drew Rucinski recorded the final eight outs in relief to lock down the save.
The best-of-seven series resumes with Game 5 at 6:30 p.m. Monday, back at the dome.
Yang Eui-ji of the NC Dinos celebrates his RBI single against the Doosan Bears in the top of the sixth inning of Game 4 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
The two teams traded 22 hits and 13 runs in Game 3 that ended close to 11 p.m. Friday night, and with a quick turnaround for a 2 p.m. start Saturday, the bats stayed silent through five innings.
The two young starters did their part in ensuring zeroes would dominate the board early. Song held the Bears to just two hits over five shutout innings. His Bears' counterpart, 21-year-old Kim Min-gyu, allowed only three singles through the first five innings.
The Dinos broke the tie after Kim left the game. Lee Myung-ki hit a one-out single in the sixth, which prompted the Bears to replace Kim with Lee Young-ha.
Lee retired Na Sung-bum on a groundout but couldn't get past Yang, who knocked a single to right and scored pinch runner Kim Seong-uk from second.
Yang advanced to second on a wild throw home and scored the Dinos' second run on Kang Jin-sung's follow-up single.
Song Myung-gi of the NC Dinos pitches against the Doosan Bears in Game 4 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
The Dinos' bullpen made the lead stand. Rucinski, who started Game 1 on Tuesday, came on with one out in the seventh for his first relief appearance of the season, and recorded the final eight outs. He struck out four and allowed just one baserunner on an error by second baseman Park Min-woo in the eighth.
Dinos' manager Lee Dong-wook said Song "pitched like a veteran" in the win.
"He has been stopping our losing streaks all year long and did it again today," Lee said, with the Dinos winning on Saturday after dropping the previous two games. "Our bullpen was excellent today. Yang Eui-ji's RBI in the sixth lifted a lot of pressure off the shoulders of our relievers."
Chi Seok-hoon of the NC Dinos heads to first base after hitting an RBI double against the Doosan Bears in the top of the ninth inning of Game 4 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
The Dinos got an insurance run in the ninth inning, when the bottom of their lineup came through. Aaron Altherr singled and stole second to get himself into scoring position, and Chi Seok-hoon, making his first start of the series in place of injured Park Sok-min, brought him home with a double to left field. It was Chi's first Korean Series hit and RBI.
"That run was huge. Two runs would have been too close for comfort," manager Lee said. "Chi struggled earlier in the game, but he was still making some solid contact. He is a superb defender, and this hit should get him going at the plate, too."
Kang Jin-sung of the NC Dinos hits an RBI single against the Doosan Bears in the top of the sixth inning of Game 4 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
The Bears managed just three hits, and No. 6 hitter Kim Jae-ho had all of them.
Their 3-4-5 hitters, Choi Joo-hwan, Kim Jae-hwan and Jose Miguel Fernandez, went 0-for-12 with three strikeouts.
Doosan manager Kim Tae-hyoung said as disappointing as Lee Young-ha was in relief in the sixth, he was more concerned about his hitters.
"If Lee Young-ha is struggling, then I don't have to use him. But I can't do that with the hitters," Kim said. "They're really off their game."
Kim Jae-ho is batting 7-for-12 (.583) with a home run and six RBIs in the series. The rest of the team is 22-for-115 (.191) with two homers and seven RBIs.
Yang Eui-ji of the NC Dinos hits an RBI single against the Doosan Bears in the top of the sixth inning of Game 4 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
Drew Rucinski of the NC Dinos pitches against the Doosan Bears in the bottom of the seventh inning of Game 4 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-21--Dinos' 20-year-old starter prevails in unexpected Korean Series pitching duel

Rucinski , who would have been lined up to start Game 5 on Monday after five days ' rest , @ @ @ @ @ to lock down the save .
He made 39 pitches -- 30 of them for @ @ @ @ @ to rule him out for a Game 5 start .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 21 (Yonhap) -- A 20-year-old right-hander got the upper hand in an unlikely pitching duel against a 21-year-old righty in a Korean Series game on Saturday, with both pitchers making their first career postseason starts.
The NC Dinos evened the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) championship round against the Doosan Bears at two games apiece, thanks to their 3-0 win at Gocheok Sky Dome on Saturday.
Song Myung-gi of the NC Dinos pitches against the Doosan Bears in Game 4 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
Song Myung-gi of the Dinos, in his postseason debut, tossed five shutout innings for the victory. He struck out four and gave up just two hits, both of them by No. 6 hitter Kim Jae-ho.
Song got into his first serious jam in the bottom fifth, with a leadoff double and a two-out walk putting two men aboard for Heo Kyoung-min. After a brief mound visit from his pitching coach Son Min-han, Song got a fielder's choice grounder off Heo's bat.
After Song completed five innings, his teammates put up two runs on the board in the top sixth. During that inning, Song was playing catch near the warning track to stay warm, but coach Son ordered Song back to the dugout, apparently notifying him that his day was done.
Drew Rucinski of the NC Dinos celebrates after completing the bottom of the eighth inning against the Doosan Bears in Game 4 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
Having thrown just 82 pitches, Song was seen pleading his case with Son to stay in the game, but the decision had already been made to go to the bullpen.
Song was the Dinos' No. 4 starter down the stretch in the regular season, and was a perfect 5-0 with a 2.77 ERA in October. And he picked up where he left off in November.
In addition to his four strikeouts, Song generated three groundouts and eight groundouts.
NC Dinos' starter Song Myung-gi (C) is congratulated by teammates after completing the bottom of the third inning against the Doosan Bears in Game 4 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
The Dinos scored their first two runs after the Bears' 21-year-old starter, Kim Min-gyu, left the game in the sixth inning.
Kim, who had made three relief appearances earlier this postseason, got the hook after a one-out single -- only the Dinos' fourth hit against him. Reliever Lee Young-ha let the inherited runner score and break the scoreless tie. Lee allowed another run in the inning for a 2-0 Dinos lead, and made a hard luck loser out of Kim.
The Dinos' bullpen, on the other hand, was virtually untouchable.
Kim Min-gyu of the Doosan Bears pitches against the NC Dinos in Game 4 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
Left-hander Lim Jung-ho began the sixth but was gone after giving up a leadoff walk. Righty Kim Jin-sung took over and finished off the inning. Then after a one-out single in the seventh inning, Drew Rucinski, who started Game 1 on Tuesday, relieved Kim and retired the next two batters on six pitches.
Rucinski came back out to begin the eighth and struck out the side, pitching around a two-out error by second baseman Park Min-woo.
Rucinski, who would have been lined up to start Game 5 on Monday after five days' rest, pitched the perfect ninth inning to lock down the save. He made 39 pitches -- 30 of them for strikes -- and this seems to rule him out for a Game 5 start.
Kim Min-gyu of the Doosan Bears pitches against the NC Dinos in Game 4 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-21--Dinos blank Bears 3-0 to even Korean Series at two games

The Dinos got an insurance run in the ninth inning , when the bottom of their lineup came through .
@ @ @ @ @ second to get himself into scoring position , and Chi Seok-hoon , making his first @ @ @ @ @ place of injured Park Sok-min , brought him home with a double to left field @ @ @ @ @ first Korean Series hit and RBI .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 21 (Yonhap) -- Cleanup Yang Eui-ji broke a scoreless deadlock with a single in the sixth and backed starter Song Myung-gi's scoreless effort, as the NC Dinos beat the Doosan Bears 3-0 on Saturday to even the Korean Series at two games apiece.
Kang Jin-sung also had an RBI single in the sixth for the Dinos at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. Song, a 21-year-old righty, earned the victory in his postseason debut, and No. 1 starter Drew Rucinski recorded the final eight outs in relief to lock down the save.
The best-of-seven series resumes with Game 5 at 6:30 p.m. Monday, back at the dome.
Yang Eui-ji of the NC Dinos celebrates his RBI single against the Doosan Bears in the top of the sixth inning of Game 4 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
The two teams traded 22 hits and 13 runs in Game 3 that ended close to 11 p.m. Friday night, and with a quick turnaround for a 2 p.m. start Saturday, the bats stayed silent through five innings.
The two young starters did their part in ensuring zeroes would dominate the board early. Song held the Bears to just two hits over five shutout innings. His Bears' counterpart, 21-year-old Kim Min-gyu, allowed only three singles through the first five innings.
The Dinos broke the tie after Kim left the game. Lee Myung-ki hit a one-out single in the sixth, which prompted the Bears to replace Kim with Lee Young-ha.
Lee retired Na Sung-bum on a groundout but couldn't get past Yang, who knocked a single to right and scored pinch runner Kim Seong-uk from second.
Yang advanced to second on a wild throw home and scored the Dinos' second run on Kang Jin-sung's follow-up single.
Song Myung-gi of the NC Dinos pitches against the Doosan Bears in Game 4 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
The Dinos' bullpen made the lead stand. Rucinski, who started Game 1 on Tuesday, came on with one out in the seventh for his first relief appearance of the season, and recorded the final eight outs. He struck out four and allowed just one baserunner on an error by second baseman Park Min-woo.
The Dinos got an insurance run in the ninth inning, when the bottom of their lineup came through. Aaron Altherr singled and stole second to get himself into scoring position, and Chi Seok-hoon, making his first start of the series in place of injured Park Sok-min, brought him home with a double to left field. It was Chi's first Korean Series hit and RBI.
The Bears managed just three hits, and No. 6 hitter Kim Jae-ho had all of them.
Their 3-4-5 hitters, Choi Joo-hwan, Kim Jae-hwan and Jose Miguel Fernandez, went 0-for-12 with three strikeouts.
Chi Seok-hoon of the NC Dinos heads to first base after hitting an RBI double against the Doosan Bears in the top of the ninth inning of Game 4 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
Kang Jin-sung of the NC Dinos hits an RBI single against the Doosan Bears in the top of the sixth inning of Game 4 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
Yang Eui-ji of the NC Dinos hits an RBI single against the Doosan Bears in the top of the sixth inning of Game 4 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
Drew Rucinski of the NC Dinos pitches against the Doosan Bears in the bottom of the seventh inning of Game 4 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-21--(3rd LD) New virus cases exceed 300 for 4th day amid concerns of 3rd wave of infections

(ATTN: ADDS more comments in paras 7-9, photo)
SEOUL, Nov. 21 (Yonhap) -- The number of daily new coronavirus cases in South Korea exceeded 300 for the fourth consecutive day Saturday due to sporadic cluster infections across the country, casting concerns over a third wave of the pandemic.
The country added 386 more COVID-19 cases, including 361 local infections, raising the total caseload to 30,403, according to the Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
The daily caseload has stayed in the triple digits since Nov. 8, with the figure exceeding 300 for the first time since late August on Wednesday with 313 cases. The country confirmed 343 cases on Thursday and 363 on Friday.
The accumulative number of infections topped the 30,000 mark Friday, 10 months after the country reported its first case on Jan. 20.
The South Korean health authorities said a third wave of virus infections is in progress in the greater Seoul area, following the first in February-March in Daegu and the second in August also in Seoul.
"We are at a crossroads as we experience a huge nationwide wave that may outclass the previous tides," Lim Sook-young, a senior official of the KDCA, said.
Applicants for a state-run teacher employment examination come out of a test site in Seoul on Nov. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
"If we don't stop the current pace of the spread, we might face 400 daily new cases next week and 600 next month," she added. "The nation's reproduction rate has already topped 1.5, meaning that one patient infects more than 1.5 people."
The figure represents the number of people a patient is likely to infect and is a leading indicator of an epidemic.
The agency asked people to refrain from having unnecessary gatherings and meetings until the rapid spread of infections slows down.
People wait in line to get tested for COVID-19 at a medical center in Gwangju, some 330 km south of Seoul, on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
They have put constant efforts to control cluster infections occurring sporadically across the nation linked to private gatherings, public facilities and hospitals.
The state-run social distancing level was raised by one notch to Level 1.5 under a new five-tier scheme in the greater Seoul and southern city of Gwangju for two weeks since Wednesday in order to prevent another wave of virus infections.
The city of Suncheon in South Jeolla Province, about 415 km southeast of Seoul, started to enforce Level 2 social distancing rules Friday as a precautionary move, becoming the first municipality in the country to enforce the third highest level.
Starting Saturday, the county of Hadong in South Gyeongsang Province, about 360 kilometers south of Seoul, also implemented Level 2 social distancing to prevent the further spread of the virus.
The KDCA said it is mulling heightening the level in the Seoul metropolitan area in the near future as the region has faced an average 175.1 daily new cases in the recent week.
Seoul City Hall is closed on Nov. 20, 2020, after a COVID-19 case was reported. (Yonhap)
Of the 361 locally transmitted cases, 262 were identified in the capital area, home to half of the country's 51 million population. Seoul added 154 more cases, while the surrounding Gyeonggi Province and western port city of Incheon reported 86 and 22 cases, respectively.
At the same time, the daily number of COVID-19 cases reported outside the greater Seoul area reached 99, including 19 from North Chungcheong Province, 18 from South Jeolla Province and 14 from Gwangwon Province.
Among virus clusters, nearly 70 people have been infected with the new coronavirus in cases tied to a Seoul cram school in western Seoul. They were barred from Saturday's state-run teacher employment exam.
Infections from a sauna in southern Seoul added 27 more cases, increasing the caseload to 41, while a total of 90 people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in connection to a middle school and a fitness center in Gyeonggi Province.
The number of cases connected to a family gathering in Incheon increased by 12 to 41, while 32 cases have been confirmed to be related to a family meeting in North Gyeongsang Province.
The KDCA said 91 people have tested positive for the virus in a nationwide examination on nursing hospitals and day care centers.
The number of new imported cases came to 25, down from 43 the previous day.
Of the newly confirmed imported cases, 12 were from the United States, followed by three from Japan. The total number of imported cases is now at 4,380.
A street in Shinchon, western Seoul, is relatively empty on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
The country reported two additional deaths from COVID-19, raising the total to 503.
More deaths could be reported down the road as the number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients came to 86, up two from Friday.
The number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries came to 102, raising the total to 26,365.
A section of the government complex in Sejong, some 120 km south of Seoul, is closed on Nov. 20, 2020, after an official tested positive for COVID-19. (Yonhap)
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-21--Today in Korean history

Today in Korean history

2016 -- The South Korean government approves a controversial intelligence sharing pact with Japan .
The pact allows the two @ @ @ @ @ Pyongyang without having to go through the United States .

Nov. 22
1974 -- U.S. President Gerald Ford visits South Korea.
1980 -- The military-backed government of President Chun Doo-hwan issues a decree allowing the partial resumption of political activities.
1989 -- President Roh Tae-woo visits Hungary, becoming the first South Korean president to visit the former Soviet bloc country.
2001 -- South Korea test-fires a 100-kilometer-range missile.
2008 -- A United Nations committee approves a resolution on North Korean human rights.
2011 -- South Korea's ruling party-controlled National Assembly approves a free trade agreement with the United States despite strong protests from opposition lawmakers.
2015 -- Former President Kim Young-sam, who formally ended decades of military rule in South Korea and accepted a massive international bailout during the 1997-1998 Asian financial crisis, dies at the age of 88.
2016 -- The South Korean government approves a controversial intelligence sharing pact with Japan. The pact allows the two countries to share information on Pyongyang without having to go through the United States.
2019 -- South Korea delays the termination of the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), a military information-sharing accord with Japan, amid a trade row between the two neighboring countries.
(END)


yna--2020-11-21--(2nd LD) New virus cases exceed 300 for 4th day amid concerns of 3rd wave of infections

(ATTN: ADDS more info, comments in paras 6, 10-11, 14-17)
SEOUL, Nov. 21 (Yonhap) -- The number of daily new coronavirus cases in South Korea exceeded 300 for the fourth consecutive day Saturday due to sporadic cluster infections across the country, casting concerns over a third wave of the pandemic.
The country added 386 more COVID-19 cases, including 361 local infections, raising the total caseload to 30,403, according to the Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
The daily caseload has stayed in the triple digits since Nov. 8, with the figure exceeding 300 for the first time since late August on Wednesday with 313 cases. The country confirmed 343 cases on Thursday and 363 on Friday.
The accumulative number of infections topped the 30,000 mark Friday, 10 months after the country reported its first case on Jan. 20.
The South Korean health authorities said a third wave of virus infections is in progress in the greater Seoul area, following the first in February-March in Daegu and the second in August also in Seoul.
"We are at a crossroads as we experience a huge nationwide wave that may outclass the previous tides," the KDCA said.
People wait in line to get tested for COVID-19 at a medical center in Gwangju, some 330 km south of Seoul, on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
They have put constant efforts to control cluster infections occurring sporadically across the nation linked to private gatherings, public facilities and hospitals.
The state-run social distancing level was raised by one notch to Level 1.5 under a new five-tier scheme in the greater Seoul and southern city of Gwangju for two weeks since Wednesday in order to prevent another wave of virus infections.
The city of Suncheon in South Jeolla Province, about 415 km southeast of Seoul, started to enforce Level 2 social distancing rules Friday as a precautionary move, becoming the first municipality in the country to enforce the third highest level.
Starting Saturday, the county of Hadong in South Gyeongsang Province, about 360 kilometers south of Seoul, also implemented Level 2 social distancing to prevent the further spread of the virus.
The KDCA said it is mulling heightening the level in the Seoul metropolitan area in the near future as the region has faced an average 175.1 daily new cases in the recent week.
Seoul City Hall is closed on Nov. 20, 2020, after a COVID-19 case was reported. (Yonhap)
Of the 361 locally transmitted cases, 262 were identified in the capital area, home to half of the country's 51 million population. Seoul added 154 more cases, while the surrounding Gyeonggi Province and western port city of Incheon reported 86 and 22 cases, respectively.
At the same time, the daily number of COVID-19 cases reported outside the greater Seoul area reached 99, including 19 from North Chungcheong Province, 18 from South Jeolla Province and 14 from Gwangwon Province.
Among virus clusters, nearly 70 people have been infected with the new coronavirus in cases tied to a Seoul cram school in western Seoul. They were barred from Saturday's state-run teacher employment exam.
Infections from a sauna in southern Seoul added 27 more cases, increasing the caseload to 41, while a total of 90 people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in connection to a middle school and a fitness center in Gyeonggi Province.
The number of cases connected to a family gathering in Incheon increased by 12 to 41, while 32 cases have been confirmed to be related to a family meeting in North Gyeongsang Province.
The KDCA said 91 people have tested positive for the virus in a nationwide examination on nursing hospitals and day care centers.
The number of new imported cases came to 25, down from 43 the previous day.
Of the newly confirmed imported cases, 12 were from the United States, followed by three from Japan. The total number of imported cases is now at 4,380.
A street in Shinchon, western Seoul, is relatively empty on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
The country reported two additional deaths from COVID-19, raising the total to 503.
More deaths could be reported down the road as the number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients came to 86, up two from Friday.
The number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries came to 102, raising the total to 26,365.
A section of the government complex in Sejong, some 120 km south of Seoul, is closed on Nov. 20, 2020, after an official tested positive for COVID-19. (Yonhap)
brk@yna.co.kr
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