yna--2020-10-09--(LEAD) African swine fever reemerges; pig cull conducted

SEOUL , Oct. 9 ( Yonhap ) -- South Korea said Friday it has completed the culling of pigs at @ @ @ @ @ to be infected with African swine fever ( ASF ) and neighboring farms after the @ @ @ @ @ disease since October 2019 .

(ATTN: CHANGES photo, headline and lead)
SEOUL, Oct. 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korea said Friday it has completed the culling of pigs at a farm that was confirmed to be infected with African swine fever (ASF) and neighboring farms after the first outbreak of the animal disease since October 2019.
The country culled some 1,500 pigs within a 10-kilometer radius of the infected farm, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
Three pigs were found dead at a farm in Gangwon Province late Thursday, and test results showed that they were infected with the deadly animal disease. The infected farm had been raising some 940 pigs.
The country issues a special 48-hour travel ban on livestock-related facilities in Gyeonggi and Gangwon Province, effective of 5:00 a.m.
This photo taken on Oct. 9, 2020, shows quarantine workers burying culled pigs near a hog farm in Hwacheon, 120 kilometers east of Seoul, after an outbreak of African swine fever was reported in the region for the first time since October 2019. (Yonhap)
Last year, ASF swept through pig farms in northern regions covering Gyeonggi and Gangwon Provinces, prompting authorities to cull about 400,000 pigs nationwide as part of preventive measures. A total of 14 farms were infected.
Although no new ASF cases had been reported from local farms since October last year, the virus was prevailing among wild boars, which can potentially again infect domestic pigs through contact.
So far, South Korea has reported more than 750 cases of ASF from wild boars from the border areas, according to the latest data.
ASF does not affect humans but is deadly to pigs. There is currently no vaccine or cure for the disease.
South Korea has been moving to allow pig farms in the inter-Korean border area to resume their operations, as no additional cases among domestic pigs were reported for about 11 months.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-09--(LEAD) Tower block fire sends 88 to hospital; no deaths reported

The fire is presumed to have broken out on the 12th floor of the building , which houses more than @ @ @ @ @ , and investigation is under way to find what caused the fire , according to @ @ @

(ATTN: ADDS more details in last 4 paras, photos)
SEOUL/ULSAN, South Korea, Oct. 9 (Yonhap) -- Firefighters struggled to completely put out a fire at a high-rise apartment building in the southeastern city of Ulsan Friday after at least 88 people were sent to hospitals for smoke inhalation.
The blaze broke out at around 11:07 p.m. Thursday at the 33-story Samhwan Art Nouveau commercial and residential building in Ulsan, and flames spread by strong winds to engulf the entire building at one point, sending hundreds of people to evacuate.
Smoke and flames are seen at a 33-story apartment building in South Korea's southern city of Ulsan on Oct. 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
The fire was brought under control about two hours later but has not been extinguished completely as of Friday morning, with embers flaring up again due to strong winds.
At least 88 people were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment for smoke inhalation, but no deaths were reported, officials said.
Firefighters continued searching for anyone who might be inside.
The fire is presumed to have broken out on the 12th floor of the building, which houses more than 120 households and shopping units, and investigation is under way to find what caused the fire, according to the officials.
Witnesses said that the exterior walls of the building, possibly insulation, appear to have caused the fire to spread quickly.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun called for mobilizing all resources available to put out the fire and ensure the safety of the people, and Interior and Safety Minister Chin Young visited the scene to check responses.
A 33-story apartment building in South Korea's southern city of Ulsan is engulfed in fire on Oct. 8, 2020, in this photo provided by a witness. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Debris from a 33-story apartment building in Ulsan is scattered on nearby streets on Oct. 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
Smoke and flames are seen at a 33-story apartment building in South Korea's southern city of Ulsan on Oct. 9, 2020, in this photo provided by the Ulsan Fire Department. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-09--Senior N.K. officials visit mausoleum for late leaders ahead of party anniversary

The Oct. 10 founding anniversary is one of the North 's biggest national holidays , along with the birthdays of @ @ @ @ @ The North is expected to hold larger celebratory events this year as the regime usually @ @ @ @ @ and 10th anniversary .

SEOUL, Oct. 9 (Yonhap) -- Senior North Korean officials paid their respects at the mausoleum for the country's late leaders ahead of the 75th founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party, state media reported Friday.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was not among the visitors to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, where the bodies of founding leader Kim Il-sung and his late successor Kim Jong-il lie in state, according to the official Korean Central News Agency.
A floral basket was placed in the name of leader Kim before the late leaders' statues, KCNA said.
The senior North Korean officials included the North's No. 2 leader Choe Ryong-hae, president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly; Pak Pong Ju, a vice chairman of the State Affairs Commission and a former premier; and current Premier Kim Tok-hun.
The Oct. 10 founding anniversary is one of the North's biggest national holidays, along with the birthdays of the two late leaders. The North is expected to hold larger celebratory events this year as the regime usually does so on every fifth and 10th anniversary.
It is unusual for leader Kim to skip a visit to the mausoleum because this year is a fifth anniversary. Since taking over as leader after his father's death in late 2011, Kim has visited the mausoleum five times to mark the party anniversary -- in 2012, 2013, 2015, 2018 and last year.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (C) enters Kumsusan Palace of the Sun on Feb. 16, 2020, to pay tribute to his late father and the country's former leader Kim Jong-il, in this image captured from the North's Korean Central TV Broadcasting Station. It was Kim's first reported public appearance since January 25, when he attended a concert in Pyongyang celebrating Lunar New Year's Day. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-10-09--(LEAD) Daily infections stay below 100 for 2nd day at 54, potential spike still worrisome

The number of newly identified imported cases came to 16 , up from nine a day earlier .
Of them @ @ @ @ @ from the United States , two each from Indonesia and the Philippines and one each @ @ @ @ @ , Mexico , Ethiopia and Nigeria .
The country 's total number of imported cases @ @ @ @

(ATTN: CHANGES headline and lead; ADDS details throughout)
SEOUL, Oct. 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korea reported 54 new cases of the coronavirus Friday, the second straight day of fewer than 100 cases, with health authorities on alert over a possible spike in infections following the Chuseok holiday.
Of the total, 38 were local infections and the rest imported cases, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). The country's total caseload has risen to 24,476.
Daily infections bounced back to 114 on Wednesday after rising by double digits the previous six days. But the daily cases fell back to double digits on Thursday.
Health authorities have warned that the country could see an uptick in COVID-19 cases after the five-day Chuseok holiday that ran through Sunday.
In this photo taken on Oct. 8, 2020, a participant speaks at a seminar held to discuss ways to support the musical performance industry amid the coronavirus outbreak at MPMG, a performance organizer in Mapo, western Seoul. (Yonhap)
The government urged people to stay home during the fall harvest holiday, but around 30 million people are estimated to have traveled across the nation to visit their family members and relatives during the holiday.
Adding to concerns, a three-day break began on Friday, a national holiday marking the invention of the Korean alphabet of hangeul. The country had earlier designated a special two-week period for toughened anti-virus measures until Sunday.
Of the newly identified local infections, 17 cases were reported in Seoul and nine cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital. Incheon, west of Seoul, reported no additional cases.
The number of newly identified imported cases came to 16, up from nine a day earlier. Of them, there were seven cases from the United States, two each from Indonesia and the Philippines and one each from India, the Netherlands, Mexico, Ethiopia and Nigeria. The country's total number of imported cases is now at 3,350
There was one additional death from COVID-19, raising the death toll to 428. The fatality rate was 1.75 percent.
The number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients came to 94 as of midnight, down from 97 a day earlier.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 22,569, up 106 from the previous day, with 1,479 people isolated for COVID-19 treatment, down 53 from a day ago.
The country has carried out 2,400,233 coronavirus tests since Jan. 3.
Daily infections peaked at 441 on Aug. 27, days after cluster infections were found to be linked to a Seoul church and an anti-government rally in the capital on Aug. 15.
With tightened social distancing imposed on the greater Seoul area for weeks, the daily number of new COVID-19 cases has been hovering around 100 since early September.
The 38 new cases Tuesday marked the fewest since Aug. 11, when the country reported 34 additional infections.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-09--Group visits to view autumn leaves at nat'l parks discouraged

Where social distancing is difficult , the KNPS will completely ban entry during the two months .
The restriction applies @ @ @ @ @ national parks , including some popular peaks and outlooks on Mounts Jiri and Naejang , @ @ @ @ @ with tape and notices .

SEOUL, Oct. 9 (Yonhap) -- Group visits to national parks will be discouraged during the peak autumn foliage season of October and November to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the environment ministry said.
In line with the announcement Wednesday, the Korea National Park Service planned to restrict access of large vehicles to 21 national parks around the country during the designated period and recommend visits in small numbers.
The restriction on large vehicles will last for 16 days on dates chosen by each park.
The KNPS also planned to enhance its social distancing campaign on trails and popular tourist spots.
Where social distancing is difficult, the KNPS will completely ban entry during the two months. The restriction applies to 58 zones in 21 national parks, including some popular peaks and outlooks on Mounts Jiri and Naejang, and they will be marked with tape and notices.
On Mounts Seorak and Naejang, cable cars will run at 50 percent capacity.
The autumn foliage can also be enjoyed virtually on a YouTube channel run by the KNPS.
This photo provided by the Office of the Mount Seorak National Park shows leaves turning red in the mountains. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-09--(EDITORIAL from Korea JoongAng Daily on Oct. 9)

On Thursday , President Moon Jae-in once again called for a declaration of an end to the Korean War .
@ @ @ @ @ of peace on the Korean Peninsula , he said .
His remarks came 15 days @ @ @ @ @ call in a video speech to the United Nations General Assembly on Sept. 23 .
@ @ @ @ @ with that address even after one of our fisheries officials was fatally shot by North @ @ @ @ @ Sea .
Moon tried to avoid any responsibility for the tragic death of the official @ @ @ @ @ the maritime border as a case of defection .

Fatal obsession
On Thursday, President Moon Jae-in once again called for a declaration of an end to the Korean War. That would mark the beginning of peace on the Korean Peninsula, he said. His remarks came 15 days after he made the same call in a video speech to the United Nations General Assembly on Sept. 23. The president had pressed ahead with that address even after one of our fisheries officials was fatally shot by North Korean soldiers on the Yellow Sea. Moon tried to avoid any responsibility for the tragic death of the official by portraying his crossing of the maritime border as a case of defection.
As a result, the murdered official's son, a high school student, sent a handwritten letter to Moon asking if the president would react that way if the tragedy had occurred in his family. In a reply, Moon expressed his regrets and said he shared the pain of the bereaved family, saying, it should hold any judgement until it sees the results of a Coast Guard probe of the case.
Even before the family's tears have dried, Moon is promoting an end-to-the war declaration and greater cooperation with North Korea. Yoo Seong-min, former leader of an opposition party, criticized Moon for being engrossed in the issue of the declaration for the sake of "fake peace" despite the brutal killing of one of our citizens.
No one opposes peace. But appropriate steps should be taken on any path to peace. North Korea still continues enriching nuclear materials and possesses 20 to 60 nuclear weapons. A rush to a declaration under such circumstances would only hurt international sanctions — arguably the only means to curb the North's nuclear armaments — and force them to lose momentum. That's not all. The leftist forces in South Korea will undoubtedly demand the United Nations Command and U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) be dismantled immediately as the danger of war has disappeared.
In that case, North Korea will become even more high-handed. An end-of-war declaration will only lead to our insecurity and the North's emergence as a nuclear power.
With nearly one and a half years left in his term, Moon wants to leave a monumental legacy. But he must not ignore the public's rage over the cruel slaughter of an unarmed South Korean citizen. Moon must squarely face the reality that both North Korea and America have given a cold reaction to his proposal.
Moon must denounce North Korea's killing of our citizen, console the bereaved family and demonstrate a determination to prevent such a mishap in the future. He must make Pyongyang realize that peace on the peninsula can only be achieved after its denuclearization. There is no other way.
(END)


yna--2020-10-09--(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on Oct. 9)

(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on Oct. 9)

This episode is taking place at a time when inter-Korean relations have hit a snag .
It also comes after @ @ @ @ @ was shot dead by North Korean military personnel in the West Sea last month .
@ @ @ @ @ lawmakers for trying to divert the public 's attention from the government 's failure to @ @ @ @ @ official .
But we should not go too far .
The Moon administration should strive @ @ @ @ @ deteriorating further .
( END )

Better protection for defectors
Question raised over disclosure of envoy's defection
The belated disclosure of the defection of a high-ranking North Korean diplomat to South Korea has raised questions about whether the authorities are doing their best to ensure his personal security and prevent his family in the North from suffering persecution.
Critics argue that politicians should have kept the defection of Jo Song-gil, the North's former acting ambassador to Italy, secret. His arrival in South Korea was made public Tuesday when a local broadcaster reported it. Rep. Ha Tae-keung of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), a member of the National Assembly Intelligence Committee, confirmed it on Facebook.
On Wednesday, Rep. Jeon Hae-cheol, the chairman of the committee and a member of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), acknowledged Jo's defection. According to him, Jo defected to the South in July 2019. "He had repeatedly expressed his wish to come to South Korea," Jeon said.
Jo made headlines across the world in November 2018 when he disappeared while serving as the North's acting ambassador in Rome just before his term expired. He was widely reported to be seeking asylum in a third country. But he finally chose to begin a new life with his wife in the South.
Jo's defection must be good news for South Korea. He is seen as the highest ranking former North Korean official to seek asylum here since Hwang Jang-yop, the former secretary of the North's ruling Workers' Party, defected to the South in 1997. He is also the first ambassador-level Pyongyang official to settle in the South since Kim Jong-un took power in 2011.
However, the Moon Jae-in administration kept quiet on Jo's defection. It is still refusing to officially confirm it for several reasons. Firstly, Jo wanted to keep his defection low key to protect his daughter and other family members living in North Korea.
His teenage daughter was repatriated from Italy to the North in February 2019. Not only his daughter but also his father and father-in-law could suffer under the iron-fisted rule of the reclusive regime if news of Jo's defection to the South was made public.
Secondly, the administration did not want to jeopardize President Moon's active engagement policy with North Korea. It goes without saying that the revelation of Jo's defection would negatively affect Moon's peace initiative on the peninsula, as well as aggravating inter-Korean relations. It was appropriate for the government to remain silent on the issue.
More importantly, the authorities should do everything they can to protect North Korean defectors and help them lead a decent life here without having to worry about their personal security. In this regard, Reps. Ha and Jeon should have been more cautious about making news of Jo's defection public.
Some pundits may argue that more details about Jo's asylum-seeking should be disclosed to respect the public's right to know. But it is desirable for the government and the media to maintain a low-key position in order to better protect Jo and his family. Such a position is also required not to provoke the Kim Jong-un regime which is undergoing difficulties arising from international sanctions, COVID-19 and floods.
This episode is taking place at a time when inter-Korean relations have hit a snag. It also comes after a South Korean fisheries official was shot dead by North Korean military personnel in the West Sea last month. Some people are criticizing the lawmakers for trying to divert the public's attention from the government's failure to prevent the death of the official. But we should not go too far. The Moon administration should strive to prevent South-North relations from deteriorating further.
(END)


yna--2020-10-09--(EDITORIAL from Korea Herald on Oct. 9)

(EDITORIAL from Korea Herald on Oct. 9)

The US Senate Democrats presented a bill to provide more than $ 350 billion over a decade to build its @ @ @ @ @ pushing `` Made in China 2025 '' a strategic plan to further develop the manufacturing @ @ @ @ @ But Korea is trying to shackle its firms and tell them to compete in the @ @ @ @ @ reconsider legislation of the bills .

Let firms loose
Democratic Party should review regulation bills, accept offer to revamp labor laws
Business lobbies vowed to try to block legislation of three business regulation bills on Wednesday.
Their joint response reflects their sense of crisis and the urgency of the legislation situation.
The government has proposed bills to revise the commercial law and the fair trade law and enact the financial group supervision law. It trumpets them as "a trio of fair economy bills." But Sohn Kyung-shik, chairman of the Korea Enterprises Federation, warned that "they regulate businesses more strongly than global standards do" and that "they can shake the managerial right of businesses."
Sohn warned that if foreign speculative capital and investors are allowed to be board members, technology and business secrets can be exposed to competitors.
But the presidential office said that the three bills should be legislated without a hitch.
In his meeting with chief executives of large companies, hosted by the federation on Tuesday, Rep. Lee Nak-yon, chair of the party, said that "it is difficult to delay legislation of the bills or change their direction." He effectively confirmed that the party will push legislation as scheduled.
Businesses gasp in a flood of regulations.
"More than 200 business regulation bills are already introduced to the National Assembly," Sohn said, "They can undermine the foundation of managerial rights and strike a heavy blow to the execution of corporate (investment)."
Furthermore, the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is threatening the survival of many companies.
Companies are leading the nation's efforts to revive the economy in this difficult time. Now is time to encourage them.
The US Senate Democrats presented a bill to provide more than $350 billion over a decade to build its industrial capacity. China is pushing "Made in China 2025" a strategic plan to further develop the manufacturing sector into high-end producers. But Korea is trying to shackle its firms and tell them to compete in the global market. It should reconsider legislation of the bills.
Recently, Kim Chong-in, chairman of the emergency committee of the main opposition People Power Party, proposed to the ruling party to revise labor laws.
He offered to revamp labor laws simultaneously with the legislation of the three bills. "Labor laws have been a sanctuary so far," he said Monday. "This issue should be resolved now that the economy is in a state of transition to the post-COVID fourth industry."
Rigid labor laws and manufacturing-oriented industrial relations will lose much of their footing in the process of shifting to the "fourth industrial revolution." The labor market is one of the areas that Korea urgently needs to rectify.
South Korea ranked No. 13 out of 141 countries surveyed in the World Economic Forum's competitiveness index in 2019. But it ranked 84th in the flexibility of wage determination, 102nd in hiring and firing practices, and 130th in industrial relations. The International Monetary Fund and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development would urge Korea frequently to increase its labor flexibility.
Recently Hyundai Motors disciplined a number of assembly workers at its Ulsan plant for their abnormal working practices, such as two or three workers taking turns resting while one worker does their jobs as well. They were found to have watched movies on their cellphones while resting.
Notwithstanding this situation, Lee said that "an argument that firing should be made easy and wages should be determined flexibly are so harsh on workers." He expressed objection to Kim's labor reform proposal.
The playing field of labor relations has become severely lopsided in favor of unions, particularly those of large companies like Hyundai Motors, under the government of President Moon Jae-in.
In case that labor unions strike, backed by their militant and gigantic umbrella groups, lockout is the only response available to make for their companies. Businesses are not allowed to put in substitute workers during the period of strike.
The Moon administration has poured out pro-labor policies. They include a semimandatory conversion of outsourced workers into in-house employees, a sharp rise in the minimum wage and a rigid 52-hour workweek. These are steps to increase the corporate burden.
If it keeps choking businesses, the Korean economy will slide backward. The ruling party must defer the business regulation bills and accept the labor reform proposal.
(END)


yna--2020-10-09--Top headlines in major S. Korean newspapers

Korean-language dailies -- Gov't seeks ways to revitalize stock market , political circle forgets taxation fairness ( Kyunghyang Shinmun ) @ @ @ @ @ , 15 hours of hard work per day ' ( Kookmin Daily ) -- Huge @ @ @ @ @ building ( Donga Ilbo ) -- Moon calls for special protection of workers involved in @ @ @ @ @ Shinmun ) -- Moon again calls for declaring end to Korean War when N. Korea @ @ @ @ @ Segye Times ) -- Ex-Lime Asset chief claims to have given 50 million won to @ @ @ @ @ ) -- Ex-Lime Asset chief suspected of delivering 50 million won in cash to Kang @ @ @ @ @ -- Taxation fairness that even shakes ruling party ( Hankyoreh ) -- Coast Guard chief @ @ @ @ @ killing incident of S. Korean official by N. Korea ( Hankook Ilbo ) -- Young @ @ @ @ @ recession ( Maeil Business Newspaper ) -- Samsung Electronics was different : it is to @ @ @ @ @ won ( Korea Economic Daily )

SEOUL, Oct. 9 (Yonhap) -- The following are the top headlines in major South Korean newspapers on Oct. 9.
Korean-language dailies
-- Gov't seeks ways to revitalize stock market, political circle forgets taxation fairness (Kyunghyang Shinmun)
-- 'Choco pie for meal, 15 hours of hard work per day' (Kookmin Daily)
-- Huge fire at 33-story Ulsan apartment building (Donga Ilbo)
-- Moon calls for special protection of workers involved in indispensable face-to-face activities (Seoul Shinmun)
-- Moon again calls for declaring end to Korean War when N. Korea, U.S. remain mum (Segye Times)
-- Ex-Lime Asset chief claims to have given 50 million won to Kang Gi-jung (Chosun Ilbo)
-- Ex-Lime Asset chief suspected of delivering 50 million won in cash to Kang Gi-jung (JoongAng Ilbo)
-- Taxation fairness that even shakes ruling party (Hankyoreh)
-- Coast Guard chief goes back on words on killing incident of S. Korean official by N. Korea (Hankook Ilbo)
-- Young shop owners get over COVID-19 recession (Maeil Business Newspaper)
-- Samsung Electronics was different: it is to record sales of 66 trillion won (Korea Economic Daily)
English-language dailies
-- Consumer rebound gives Samsung a good Q3 (Korea JoongAng Daily)
-- S. Korea's Yoo advances to final round in WTO leadership race (Korea Herald)
-- Moon renews calls for end to Korean War (Korea Times)
(END)


yna--2020-10-09--Virus cases stay below 100 for 2nd day, potential spike still worrisome

Adding to concerns of the government , Korea is set to have a three-day break from Friday to Sunday when @ @ @ @ @ the Korean alphabet , is combined with the weekend .
The country earlier designated a @ @ @ @ @ virus curbs until Sunday to prevent outbreaks .

SEOUL, Oct. 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's daily new coronavirus cases stayed below 100 for the second straight day Friday, with health authorities on alert over a possible spike in infections following the Chuseok holiday.
The country added 54 more COVID-19 cases, including 38 local infections, raising the total caseload to 24,476, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
Daily infections bounced back to 114 on Wednesday after rising by double digits the previous six days. But the daily cases fell back to double digits on Thursday.
Health authorities have warned that the country could see an uptick in COVID-19 cases after the five-day Chuseok holiday that ran through Sunday.
In this photo taken on Oct. 8, 2020, a participant speaks at a seminar held to discuss ways to support the musical performance industry amid the coronavirus outbreak at MPMG, a performance organizer in Mapo, western Seoul. (Yonhap)
The government urged people to stay home during the fall harvest holiday, but around 30 million people are estimated to have traveled across the nation to visit their family members and relatives during the holiday.
Adding to concerns of the government, Korea is set to have a three-day break from Friday to Sunday when Hangeul Day, which celebrates the Korean alphabet, is combined with the weekend. The country earlier designated a special two-week period for toughened virus curbs until Sunday to prevent outbreaks.
Of the newly identified local infections, 17 cases were reported in Seoul and nine cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital. Incheon, west of Seoul, reported no additional cases.
The number of newly identified imported cases came to 16, up from nine a day earlier. The country's total number of imported cases is now at 3,350
There was one additional death from COVID-19, raising the death toll to 428. The fatality rate was 1.75 percent.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 22,569, up 106 from the previous day.
The country has carried out 2,400,233 coronavirus tests since Jan. 3.
Daily infections peaked at 441 on Aug. 27, days after cluster infections were found to be linked to a Seoul church and an anti-government rally in the capital on Aug. 15.
With tightened social distancing imposed on the greater Seoul area for weeks, the daily number of new COVID-19 cases has been hovering around 100 since early September.
The 38 new cases Tuesday marked the fewest since Aug. 11, when the country reported 34 additional infections.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-09--(URGENT) 106 more patients released from coronavirus treatment, total now at 22,569: KDCA

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


yna--2020-10-09--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 1 additional coronavirus death, total now at 428: KDCA


yna--2020-10-09--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 54 more cases of new coronavirus, total now at 24,476: KDCA


yna--2020-10-09--Fire continues to burn at tower block in Ulsan; 88 taken to hospital

SEOUL/ULSAN , South Korea , Oct. 9 ( Yonhap ) -- Firefighters struggled to completely put out a fire at @ @ @ @ @ the southeastern city of Ulsan for more than nine hours Friday after at least 88 @ @ @ @ @ for smoke inhalation .

SEOUL/ULSAN, South Korea, Oct. 9 (Yonhap) -- Firefighters struggled to completely put out a fire at a high-rise apartment building in the southeastern city of Ulsan for more than nine hours Friday after at least 88 people were sent to hospitals for smoke inhalation.
The blaze broke out at around 11:10 p.m. Thursday at the 33-story Samhwan Art Nouveau commercial and residential building in Ulsan, and flames spread by strong winds to engulf the entire building at one point, sending hundreds of people to evacuate.
The fire was brought under control about two hours later but has not been extinguished completely as of Friday morning, with embers flaring up again due to strong winds.
At least 88 people were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment for smoke inhalation, but no deaths were reported, officials said.
A 33-story apartment building in South Korea's southern city of Ulsan is engulfed in fire on Oct. 8, 2020, in this photo provided by a witness. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Smoke and flames are seen at a 33-story apartment building in South Korea's southern city of Ulsan on Oct. 9, 2020, in this photo provided by the Ulsan Fire Department (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


Friday's weather forecast

SEOUL , Oct. 9 ( Yonhap ) -- The following is the weather forecast for South Korea 's 12 major @ @ @ @ @ .


yna--2020-10-09--Monthlong Korean royal palace fest to begin this weekend

The remaining three weeks will focus more on virtual programs , such as streamings of exhibitions and performances held at @ @ @ @ @ and food kits will also be available so that participants can enjoy the festival from @ @ @

SEOUL, Oct. 9 (Yonhap) -- A monthlong heritage festival that explores South Korea's royal palaces and culture will kick off this weekend, with some of this year's events scheduled to be held online amid the new coronavirus, officials said Friday.
The sixth Royal Culture Festival will take place at Gyeongbok, Changdeok, Deoksu and Changgyeong palaces as well as Jongmyo Shrine -- all in central Seoul -- from Oct. 10 to Nov. 8, according to the Cultural Heritage Administration and the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation.
This photo, provided by the Cultural Heritage Administration, shows the royal palace festival taking place at Gyeongbok Palace in central Seoul in 2019. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
A performance that showcases different programs of the festival will open the event on Saturday. The opening performance will be held at Gyeonghoeru in Gyeongbok Palace, an iconic pavilion where K-pop superstars BTS recently performed.
The first week of the festival will center on events held at the palaces, offering visitors a chance to explore Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) era heritage. Some programs include making oriental medicine-based tea bags or learning culinary traditions.
The highlight of the week will be a media performance scheduled for Oct. 17, based on the folk story Shim Cheong that blends traditional dance and music with the latest lighting technologies, organizers said.
This photo, provided by the Cultural Heritage Administration, shows the royal palace festival taking place at Deoksu Palace in central Seoul in 2019. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The remaining three weeks will focus more on virtual programs, such as streamings of exhibitions and performances held at the festival venues. Craft and food kits will also be available so that participants can enjoy the festival from their homes.
Tickets to some of the programs held at the palaces have to be reserved in advance at the festival website (www.royalculturefestival.org) or the ticket platform Auction.
All the palaces, which usually close once a week, will remain open in the first week of festival, between Oct. 10 and 18.
This image, provided by the Cultural Heritage Administration, shows a promotion poster for this year's Royal Culture Festival that is scheduled to take place from Oct. 10 to Nov. 8 at royal palaces in central Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-09--(Yonhap Feature) Young consumers' growing demand for imported cars reflects changing values, tough r

(Yonhap Feature) Young consumers' growing demand for imported cars reflects changing values, tough reality

Over the past several years , the total number of vehicles , both domestic and foreign brands , purchased by @ @ @ @ @ 30s has been on a constant decrease .
But the proportion of foreign cars among @ @ @ @ @ percent in 2016 to 28.5 percent in 2017 and further to 31 percent in 2018 @ @ @ @ @ by KAIDA and the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association ( KAMA ) .

By Oh Seok-min
SEOUL, Oct. 9 (Yonhap) -- This summer, Jeong Hong-woo, a 33-year-old architect, opted for a Mercedes-Benz sedan as his first car, an unexpected choice for him as he had long considered the brand as suited to successful middle-aged men.
"Many of my colleagues and friends have chosen foreign brands recently, and I came to be interested in them," he said. "This is a bit expensive, but I wanted something special, and it really is worth the money. It gives me extra satisfaction."
Jeong added he can afford it as he has no plan to get married within the next few years and buying a house is not his priority. He was able to secure a down payment "easily," as he was forced to cancel a planned trip to Europe this year due to the new coronavirus.
This image shows logos of major foreign car brands. (Yonhap)
Related data shows his purchase fits a consumption pattern among young customers of late.
According to the Korea Automobile Importers and Distributors Association (KAIDA), people in their 30s accounted for 33 percent, or the largest share, of the foreign vehicle market last year, followed by those in their 40s at 31.7 percent and those in their 50s at 19.6 percent. Those in their 20s took up 5.8 percent of the total imported car buyers in 2019.
Over the past several years, the total number of vehicles, both domestic and foreign brands, purchased by customers in their 20 and 30s has been on a constant decrease. But the proportion of foreign cars among them has risen from 27.2 percent in 2016 to 28.5 percent in 2017 and further to 31 percent in 2018, according to the data by KAIDA and the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association (KAMA).
Some regard the young generation's preference for foreign brands as an act of "flexing," or ostentatiously displaying luxury items on social media or YouTube. Stories of the "car poor" have often made headlines, referring to those who own an expensive car while struggling to make a living.
Critics argue that showing off symbols of wealth is a way to hide their insecurities.
But young customers say it is a matter of personal choice at a time when a wider range of options is available.
"I don't think my choice is meant to overshadow other people, though attention from others is not bad," Park Yoon-soo, 35, said. He bought an Audi sedan in June to replace an old car of a local brand that his father gave him years ago.
"Now I feel like I am a grown-up. I just want to enjoy my single life to the fullest extent, and this car is the maximum happiness I now can achieve within my capacity. You know, this is not a super expensive sports car," the office worker said.
Smaller vehicles have long been popular choices here. Of the total imported vehicles sold over the past five years, the proportion of those with an engine capacity of 2,000 cc or under rose by more than 13 percent to 66.8 percent last year, according to KAMA.
This combined image captured from Instagram on Oct. 8, 2020, shows young customers' "proof shots" of their new foreign vehicles. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Others offer a more pessimistic take, saying that the younger generation's preference for foreign vehicles is, at least in part, a way of expressing frustration with harsh reality.
"Amid a prolonged economic slowdown, young people have faced a tougher job market. In addition, housing prices have surged in recent years, making it more difficult for them to buy their own house," Kwak Keum-joo, a professor of psychology at Seoul National University, said.
"Under the circumstances, more tend to focus on the 'here and now' rather than the uncertain future, and cars have become something like a must-have item for young people," the professor said, adding that a competitive spirit or mob mentality appears to maintain the popularity of foreign brand cars among them.
Housing prices in South Korea, particularly in Seoul and some metropolitan cities, have risen rapidly over the past couple of years. Data by KB Kookmin Bank shows that the average price of an apartment in Seoul surpassed 1 billion won (US$863,558) in September this year for the first time ever, a marked jump from 600 million won in March 2017.
The number of South Koreans getting married sank to an all-time low last year, and the average age of men and women getting married reached a record high of 33.4 and 30.6, respectively, up nearly two years in a decade, according to the data from Statistics Korea.
"I don't think buying a cheaper car will help me purchase a house more easily. We got married last year and have lived on a jeonse contract, but we are not in a rush for a house of our own. It is more like an elusive dream," Lee Hye-jin, a 39-year-old instructor at a local cram school, said.
But the couple was quick to get a new car, as they have become interested in camping recently. Though they do not have children, their choice was a seven seater Peugeot SUV.
This image provided by Lotte Department Store on Aug. 6, 2020, shows a car camping setup. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Sales of imported vehicles among young customers in South Korea have not been affected by COVID-19 this year, and the pandemic instead appears to have whetted their appetites.
The number of car buyers in their 20s and 30s marked an upturn for the first time in four years in the first half of this year. Of 80,195 individuals who bought imported cars during the January-June period, more than 35 percent were in this age group, according to the KAIDA and KAMA data.
"It is partly thanks to the government's tax incentives. Given that the millennial generation tends to be more familiar with sharing a car compared to other age groups, however, COVID-19 is responsible for their growing pursuit of their own safe space," said professor Kim Pil-soo of Daelim University College.
"Domestic travel in place of going abroad amid the coronavirus also seems to have boosted their demand," he said.
With a goal to better cater to young customers, foreign carmakers have launched aggressive marketing efforts and released new lineups.
"Competition is quite fierce particularly in the 'entry market' where drivers buy vehicles for the first time, as their first choice is believed to highly affect their brand loyalty," an employee at a BMW dealership in Seoul said. "More brands are moving to expand more efficient and stylish products to better cater to young, auto-savvy customers."
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-09--Over 630 teachers disciplined for sexual offenses since 2017

SEOUL , Oct. 9 ( Yonhap ) -- More than 630 teachers at elementary and secondary schools were disciplined for @ @ @ @ @ three years , but nearly 30 percent of them got off lightly , a ruling @ @ @ @ @ citing government data .

SEOUL, Oct. 9 (Yonhap) -- More than 630 teachers at elementary and secondary schools were disciplined for sexual offenses over the past three years, but nearly 30 percent of them got off lightly, a ruling party lawmaker said Friday, citing government data.
According to the education ministry data released by Rep. Park Chan-dae of the Democratic Party, 633 elementary and secondary school teachers were referred to the disciplinary committees from 2017 to June this year for committing sexual crimes, including sexual harassment, assaults and trafficking.
The figure is broken down into 170 in 2017, 163 in 2018, 233 in 2019 and 67 in the first half of this year.
But as many as 173, or 27.3 percent, of the 633 perpetrators got off with light punishments, such as a salary reduction, reprimand and warning, Park said.
In particular, half of the sexual trafficking offenders were punished lightly, he noted.
By the type of schools, 127 sexual offenders were from elementary schools, 172 from middle schools and 324 from high schools.
Teachers of national and public schools accounted for 342 of the offenders, with the remaining 291 belonging to private schools, he said.
By region, Seoul accounted for 130 of the disciplined teachers, followed by Gyeonggi Province with 128 and Gwangju with 45.
By the type of victims, students were victims in 396 cases, while school personnel and ordinary citizens were victims in 133 and 104 cases, respectively.
"The majority of sexual offense victims in schools are students. But as many as 27 percent of the teachers accused of sexual crimes have been lightly disciplined, indicating widespread insensitivity to sex crimes at schools," Park said.
"All sexual offenses against students should be punished under the principle of zero tolerance," he stressed.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-09--S. Korea again reports African swine fever case since 2019

According to the ministry , three pigs were found dead at a farm in Gangwon Province late Thursday , and @ @ @ @ @ were infected with the deadly animal disease .
The infected farm has been raising some @ @ @

SEOUL, Oct. 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korea confirmed a African swine fever case on Friday, marking the first outbreak of the animal disease since October 2019, the agriculture ministry said.
According to the ministry, three pigs were found dead at a farm in Gangwon Province late Thursday, and test results showed that they were infected with the deadly animal disease. The infected farm has been raising some 940 pigs.
The country issues a special 48-hour travel ban on livestock-related facilities in Gyeonggi and Gangwon Province, effective of 5:00 a.m.
Local authorities plan to cull some 1,500 pigs within a 10-kilometer radius of the infected farm.
Last year, ASF swept through pig farms in northern regions covering Gyeonggi and Gangwon Provinces, prompting authorities to cull about 400,000 pigs nationwide as part of preventive measures. A total of 14 farms were infected.
Although no new ASF cases had been reported from local farms since October last year, the virus was prevailing among wild boars, which can potentially again infect domestic pigs through contact.
So far, South Korea has reported more than 750 cases of ASF from wild boars from the border areas, according to the latest data.
ASF does not affect humans but is deadly to pigs. There is currently no vaccine or cure for the disease.
South Korea has been moving to allow pig farms in the inter-Korean border area to resume their operations, as no additional cases among domestic pigs were reported for about 11 months.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-09--Kim's get-well message to Trump a "good sign" for progress: Knapper

`` The reason he will do that is because , one , Trump as an individual does n't like loose @ @ @ @ @ loose end , and two , this person said , Trump went all in on @ @ @ @ @ is no other issue where he personally went all in on in his first term @ @ @ @ @ virtual seminar .

By Byun Duk-kun
WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's recent "get-well wish" note to U.S. President Donald Trump may be a "good sign" for progress down the road, a senior U.S. diplomat said Thursday, noting the message marked the first of its kind in nearly two decades.
Marc Knapper, deputy assistant secretary of state for Korea and Japan, also urged North Korea to return to the dialogue table, saying his country remains open and committed to the 2018 denuclearization agreement the countries signed.
"It's a good sign, I suppose, that Chairman Kim is watching and expressing concern about our leader," Knapper said of Kim's letter to Trump.
The captured image from the website of the Center for Strategic and International Studies shows Marc Knapper, deputy assistant secretary of state for Korea and Japan, speaking in a webinar hosted by the Washington-based think tank on Oct. 8, 2020. (Yonhap)
In his letter, dated Oct. 2, Kim offered his "sympathy to the president (Trump) and the first lady. He sincerely hoped that they would be recovered as soon as possible," according to an earlier report by the North's Korean Central News Agency.
The letter came one day after the U.S. first couple was diagnosed with the new coronavirus.
Knapper noted the letter marked the first of its kind in 19 years.
"The last time the North Koreans publicly expressed sympathy towards the United States was 911. So, it has been 19 years since we have had that kind of, you know, public expression of sympathy," he told a webinar hosted by the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies.
Knapper's remark comes amid a deadlock in denuclearization talks between the United States and North Korea.
Trump and Kim have exchanged more than two dozen letters since their historic first summit in 2018. They have held three meetings, including two bilateral summits held in June 2018 and February 2019, but their talks have stalled since their second summit in Hanoi ended without progress.
The U.S. diplomat said his country remains committed to the spirit of the countries' denuclearization agreement that came at the end of their first bilateral summit, but that it will maintain its pressure against the communist state until Pyongyang denuclearizes.
"We have continued to maintain and state publicly...that we remain open to dialogue, remain open to a diplomatic solution, that we continue to hope to actualize, you know, the spirit of the Singapore statement," Knapper said.
"And at the same time, until North Korea responds to the will of the international community and addresses its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, the pressure campaign will continue," he added.
The captured image from the website of the Center for Strategic and International Studies shows participants of a virtual seminar hosted by the Washington-based think tank on Oct. 8, 2020. They are (from top R, clockwise) former U.S. ambassador to South Korea Mark Lipper, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for Korea and Japan Marc Knapper, Victor Cha, head of the Korea Chair at CSIS, and Sue Mi Terry, a CSIS fellow. (Yonhap)
Victor Cha, head of the Korea Chair at CSIS and former director for Asian affairs at the U.S. National Security Council, said Trump, if reelected, will "right away" hold another summit with the North Korean leader and possibly reach a deal, citing an unnamed source close to Trump.
"The reason he will do that is because, one, Trump as an individual doesn't like loose ends and this is a loose end, and two, this person said, Trump went all in on North Korea. Like there is no other issue where he personally went all in on in his first term," Cha told the virtual seminar.
Meanwhile, Knapper said the U.S. was continuing to "positively" consider launching a new alliance dialogue with South Korea, which was proposed by South Korean Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong-kun during his trip here last month.
Choi earlier said the allies have agreed to launch a new director-level alliance dialogue.
"We are continuing to look at it positively. (We) have not decided either way, but I think it is safe to say that conversations at various levels between our two countries are always welcome," said Knapper.
"But we are still looking at it and, you know, (we) need to figure out sort of how it would fit in among the other dialogues we have going on," he added.
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-09--Nat'l football teams take draw in 1st exhibition match

Jo made a spectacular save on Cho Young-wook 's shot , and Cho Gue-sung got the rebound on the left @ @ @ @ @ toward the middle .
The attempted pass pinballed off the leg of defender Kwon , @ @ @ @ @ Kwon 's knee again on its way into the net .

GOYANG, South Korea, Oct. 9 (Yonhap) -- A rare exhibition match between South Korea's senior men's national football team and under-23 team ended in a 2-2 draw on Friday.
The young guns nearly got the better of their older counterparts, but senior team striker Lee Jeong-hyeop spoiled that with his 89th-minute equalizer at Goyang Stadium in Goyang, just northwest of Seoul in Gyeonggi Province.
The two teams will go at it again at 8 p.m. Monday at the same stadium. The U-23 squad will be the home team in the second contest.
The U-23 team scored twice in the second half to erase an early 1-0 deficit. Song Min-kyu, in his first national team appearance, made it a 1-1 tie in the 50th minute for the younger squad, and an own goal by the senior team captain, Kwon Kyung-won, put the U-23 side ahead.
Song Min-kyu of the South Korean men's under-23 national football team celebrates his goal against the senior national team during an exhibition match at Goyang Stadium in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, on Oct. 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
The aggregate score will determine the winner, with the away goal rule in effect. In case of a tie after two matches, the teams will go to a penalty shootout, without playing extra periods.
The winning team will donate 100 million won (US$87,370) in its name to aid the country's fight against the coronavirus.
The Korea Football Association (KFA) organized these matches to give fans a long-awaited glimpse of their national teams and also allow coaches -- Paulo Bento for the senior team and Kim Hak-bum for the U-23 side -- to test potential candidates for future competitions.
Lee Jeong-hyeop (C) of the South Korean men's senior national football team watches his shot go into the net against the under-23 national team during an exhibition match at Goyang Stadium in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, on Oct. 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
Bento's team hasn't played any international match this year, due to effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. They would have completed the second round of the Asian qualifying for the 2022 FIFA World Cup this year. Their last official competition was in December last year.
Kim's U-23 team qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics by winning the Asian qualifying tournament in January, but the Olympic Games have been postponed by a year because of the pandemic. The U-23 team hasn't had any official matches since January.
Players for the South Korean men's under-23 national football team (in white) and senior national team stand for the national anthem before their exhibition match at an empty Goyang Stadium in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, on Oct. 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
Because of 14-day quarantine required for all inbound travelers to South Korea, overseas-based stars were not selected for these exhibition matches. The 23-man rosters for the two sides are entirely made up of players from the domestic K League.
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors defender Lee Ju-yong opened the scoring for Bento's team in the 14th minute. He was left wide open when he took a pass on the left wing, and he cut to the center of the box and fired a shot past defender Yoon Jong-gyu and into the net.
The U-23 squad had some promising moments in the first half, with Song's header off a Yoon Jong-gyu cross going right at goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo.
Song, the 21-year-old Pohang Steelers forward, broke through five minutes into the second half with some great individual effort. After taking control of the ball just outside the box, Song charged in and danced past three defenders before firing a left-footed shot past Jo for a 1-1 tie.
Song is tied for most goals by a South Korean player in the K League 1 this season with 10.
Eight minutes later, the U-23 team took the lead with some fortuitous bounces.
Cho Young-wook (L) of the South Korean men's under-23 national football team tries to make a pass past Lee Ju-yong of the senior national team during an exhibition match at Goyang Stadium in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, on Oct. 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
Jo made a spectacular save on Cho Young-wook's shot, and Cho Gue-sung got the rebound on the left side and headed the ball toward the middle. The attempted pass pinballed off the leg of defender Kwon, the right goal post and Kwon's knee again on its way into the net.
The senior team generated few scoring chances the rest of the way. The U-23 nearly took a 3-1 lead in the 81st minute, when Um Won-sang, after a pretty give-and-go play with Oh Se-hun, fired a shot from the right side and forced Jo to make a difficult save.
They would rue that missed opportunity, as a pair of second-half subs for the senior side connected for a late game-tying goal.
On a rare counterattack chance in the 89th minute, midfielder Kim In-sung charged toward the net up the middle and found Lee Jeong-hyeop to his right. The striker for Busan IPark made no mistake with his low shot past diving goalkeeper Song Bum-keun.
The goal saved face for Bento's team, who got outplayed for most of the second half.
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-09--(LEAD) Qatar selected as centralized venue for S. Korean clubs at Asian football tournament

The group stage for the East Zone will resume on Nov. 18 , after more than eight months of inaction @ @ @ @ @ .
The tournament kicked off in February but was forced to press pause in early @ @ @ @ @ outbreak .

(ATTN: RECASTS lead; FIXES paras 2-3 with Qatar's selection for all group matches)
By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Oct. 9 (Yonhap) -- Qatar will host remaining group matches for four South Korean teams at Asia's top club football tournament next month.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced Friday that Doha will be the centralized venue for remaining contests for Groups E, F, G and H for the AFC Champions League, following its agreement with the Qatar Football Association.
Clubs in the East Zone -- South Korea, Australia, Malaysia, Thailand, China and Japan -- are in Groups E, F, G and H. Malaysia was announced earlier as the centralized venue for teams in Groups G and H, but Qatar will host all four groups instead.
In this file photo from Feb. 18, 2020, FC Seoul players celebrate a goal against Melbourne Victory during their Group E match in the Asian Football Confederation Champions League at Seoul World Cup Stadium in Seoul. (Yonhap)
Four clubs from South Korea's K League 1 are competing in this year's AFC Champions League: FC Seoul in Group E, Ulsan Hyundai FC in Group F, Suwon Samsung Bluewings in Group G and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in Group H.
The group stage for the East Zone will resume on Nov. 18, after more than eight months of inaction caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The tournament kicked off in February but was forced to press pause in early March because of the virus outbreak.
Some teams played two group matches, while a few others played just one. Three of the four teams from China haven't played any.
The first match back for the East Zone will be Nov. 18 between Perth Glory and Shanghai Shenhua FC in Group F.
FC Seoul will return to action against Beijing FC on Nov. 21 in Group E, followed by back-to-back matches against Chiangrai United on Nov. 24 and Nov. 27. Then it's against Beijing FC on Nov. 30 and Melbourne Victory on Dec. 3. FC Seoul beat Melbourne Victory 1-0 on Feb. 18 in their only group match so far.
In Group F, Ulsan's first match back is against Shanghai Shenhua FC on Nov. 21. Ulsan will then face Perth Glory on Nov. 24 and 27, followed by Tokyo FC on Nov. 30 and Shanghai Shenhua FC on Dec. 3.
In this file photo from Feb. 11, 2020, Lee Dong-geong of Ulsan Hyundai FC (R) takes a shot against FC Tokyo during their Group F match at the Asian Football Confederation Champions League at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium in Ulsan, 415 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
In Group G, Suwon will take on Guangzhou Evergrande FC on Nov. 22, Johor Darul Ta'zim on Nov. 25, Guangzhou again on Dec. 1 and Vissel Kobe on Dec. 4.
Jeonbuk will play their Group H match against Shanghai SIPG FC on Nov. 22, followed by Sydney FC on Nov. 25, Yokohama F. Marinos on Dec. 1 and Shanghai on Dec. 4.
Those in the West Zone, with clubs in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Iraq, have already completed their group phase, and Persepolis FC of Iran have booked a spot in the final, scheduled for Dec. 19.
The top two clubs from each group will advance to the knockout stage. All knockout matches, including the championship final, will now be one-and-done affairs, instead of the usual home-and-away series where the aggregate score determines the winners.
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-09--Moody's says S. Korea's new fiscal rules to support credit quality

`` Even in the event that its debt burden reaches the prospective ceiling of 60 percent of GDP , we @ @ @ @ @ less indebted than advanced economies that share a similar rating , such as France ( @ @ @ @ @ UK ( Aa2 negative ) , '' Moody 's said in the report .

SEOUL, Oct. 9 (Yonhap) -- Credit rating agency Moody's Investors Service has said South Korea's proposed new fiscal rules meant to ensure budgetary consolidation will, if passed by parliament, support its sovereign credit quality.
On Monday, South Korea unveiled the proposal that will limit its debt to 60 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) and its fiscal deficit to 3 percent from 2025.
If the fiscal deficit exceeds the limit, the government will be required to draw up measures to ensure fiscal soundness, according to the Ministry of Economy Finance.
However, exceptions to those rules can be granted in a time of crisis, like the coronavirus pandemic, the ministry said.
"If passed by the National Assembly, the new rules will support sovereign credit quality, particularly in light of a sharp near-term rise in government debt and climbing fiscal pressures from an aging population over the longer term," Moody's said in a report on Thursday.
In May, Moody's kept its rating on South Korea at "Aa2" with a stable rating outlook.
Moody's rating for Asia's fourth-largest economy has been Aa2, the third-highest level on the company's table, since 2015, when it upgraded it from Aa3.
The rating agency said it views the implementation of new fiscal rules as "a prudent measure" that will stabilize South Korea's debt burden as the government signals continued fiscal accommodation beyond the pandemic shock.
South Korea projects the consolidated fiscal balance to remain in deficit through 2024, while the debt burden will reach 58.6 percent of GDP by 2024, up more than 20 percentage points from 2019.
The debt burden is expected to reach 43.9 percent this year as South Korea drew four rounds of extra budgets meant to ease the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic.
Moody's said the proposed fiscal rules will preserve South Korea's strong fiscal position relative to peers.
"Even in the event that its debt burden reaches the prospective ceiling of 60 percent of GDP, we expect that Korea will remain less indebted than advanced economies that share a similar rating, such as France (Aa2 stable) and the UK (Aa2 negative)," Moody's said in the report.
entropy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-09--Korea Vaccine recalls 615,000 doses of flu vaccines

The ministry said white particles appeared to be protein and it believed that the efficacy and safety of vaccines were @ @ @ @ @ Vaccine , the maker of the vaccines , has decided to voluntarily recall them .

SEOUL, Oct. 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's drug safety agency said Friday it has ordered Korea Vaccine Co. to recall 615,000 doses of flu vaccines.
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety issued the recall after it confirmed white particles were found in flu vaccines in the public health center in Yeongdeok, a county located about 350 kilometers southeast of Seoul.
The ministry said white particles appeared to be protein and it believed that the efficacy and safety of vaccines were not compromised, but Korea Vaccine, the maker of the vaccines, has decided to voluntarily recall them.
The vaccines were refrigerated throughout the entire distribution process, according to the ministry.
The ministry said 17,812 people were injected with the vaccines that are subject to the recall.
entropy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-09--(2nd LD) N.K. likely to unveil new ICBM during parade: sources

Last month , North Korea built a structure on an uninhabited island in the East Sea , which is presumed @ @ @ @ @ target for its test-firing of missiles , according to Rep. Yoon Ju-keyng of the main @ @ @ @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES with Korea's state TV likely to broadcast pre-recorded military parade on Sunday in paras 7-8, minor edits)
SEOUL, Oct. 9 (Yonhap) -- North Korea has shown signs of preparing to unveil a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) during a military parade expected to take place on Saturday to mark the 75th founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party, sources said.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un could also deliver an address during the event, the sources said.
"Preparations for the parade are at the final stage, and North Korea is likely to go ahead with it as widely expected," a military official said.
During a parliamentary audit earlier this week, Seoul's Defense Minister Suh Wook said that the North is expected to mobilize strategic weapons in a show of force, and the unification ministry noted that the possible display of newly developed weapons would aim at strengthening internal unity amid economic difficulties.
The upcoming parade has drawn keen attention, as the communist country could unveil new strategic weapons that leader Kim pledged to show off in his New Year's message, such as an ICBM and a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM).
The Seoul government reportedly detected signs that Kim Jong-un will deliver a speech during the parade.
Initially, there was a possibility that the Korean Central Television could air the parade live, but it appears that the state-run broadcaster could record the parade and air it on Sunday.
In April 2017, North Korea broadcast live a military parade to mark the 105th birth anniversary of Kim's grandfather, the late North Korea founder Kim Il-sung.
At that time, the regime showed off a new ICBM and diverse types of weapons, and the then-vice chairman of the party delivered a speech to warn of war if the U.S. takes military action.
This photo, released on April 16, 2017, by the Rodong Sinmun, a daily of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party, shows presumed-to-be new intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) first disclosed at a military parade at Kim Il-sung Square in Pyongyang to mark the 105th birth anniversary of the late North Korea founder Kim Il-sung the previous day. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
North Korea tends to mark every fifth or 10th anniversary with larger-scale events, such as missile launches and parades of troops and advanced military hardware.
Chances for the North to test-launch such strategic weapons this time remain low, but the authorities are closely monitoring related movements in close coordination with the United States, the Seoul official added.
Last month, North Korea built a structure on an uninhabited island in the East Sea, which is presumed to be used as a target for its test-firing of missiles, according to Rep. Yoon Ju-keyng of the main opposition People Power Party.
Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Won In-choul said Thursday that the military "bears in mind diverse possibilities" regarding those activities, vowing a staunch readiness posture.
Hwasong-15 missiles on mobile launchers are displayed during a military parade at Kim Il-sung Square in Pyongyang on Feb. 8, 2018, in this photo released by the North's official Korean Central News Agency the next day. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-09--(2nd LD) S. Korea to cull nearly 2,500 pigs following year's first outbreak of African swine fever

The country plans to cull a total of 2,465 pigs -- 940 in the farm in the eastern county of @ @ @ @ @ neighboring farms within a 10-kilometer radius of the infected farm , according to the Ministry @ @ @ @ @ Rural Affairs .

(ATTN: CHANGES headline and lead; ADDS ministry official's comments in paras 3-4, background in last 2 paras)
SEOUL, Oct. 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korea said Friday it will cull nearly 2,500 pigs after confirming the country's first outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in a year.
The country plans to cull a total of 2,465 pigs -- 940 in the farm in the eastern county of Hwacheon and 1,125 in two neighboring farms within a 10-kilometer radius of the infected farm, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
"The government is looking into the transmission route of ASF, while focusing on quarantine measures to prevent the spread of the deadly disease," a ministry official said over the phone.
Wild boars are widely presumed to have infected pigs in the affected farm but the investigation is under way, he said.
This photo taken on Oct. 9, 2020 shows quarantine workers in the culling of pigs at a farm confirmed to be infected with African swine fever in Hwacheon, 120 kilometers east of Seoul. (Yonhap)
Three pigs were found dead at the Hwacheon farm late Thursday, and test results showed that they were infected with the animal disease. The infected farm had been raising some 940 pigs.
The country issues a special 48-hour travel ban on livestock-related facilities in Gyeonggi and Gangwon Province, effective of 5:00 a.m.
Last year, ASF swept through pig farms in northern regions covering Gyeonggi and Gangwon Provinces, prompting authorities to cull about 400,000 pigs nationwide as part of preventive measures. A total of 14 farms were infected.
Although no new ASF cases had been reported from local farms since October last year, the virus was prevailing among wild boars, which can potentially again infect domestic pigs through contact.
So far, South Korea has reported more than 750 cases of ASF from wild boars from the border areas, according to the latest data.
ASF does not affect humans but is deadly to pigs. There is currently no vaccine or cure for the disease.
South Korea has been moving to allow pig farms in the inter-Korean border area to resume their operations, as no additional cases among domestic pigs were reported for about 11 months.
South Korea reported its first African swine fever outbreak on Sept. 16, last year, about four months after North Korea confirmed its first case.
Most of the confirmed cases in South Korea have been reported from areas near the inter-Korean border, with bodies of infected wild boars discovered there.
This photo taken on Oct. 9, 2020, shows quarantine workers burying culled pigs near a hog farm in Hwacheon, 120 kilometers east of Seoul, after an outbreak of African swine fever was reported in the region for the first time since October 2019. (Yonhap)
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-09--(3rd LD) Tower block fire sends 93 to hospital; no deaths reported

An investigation is under way to find out what caused the fire , and the Ulsan Metropolitan Police Agency set @ @ @ @ @ 40 officials for a probe as well as a separate team in charge of supporting @ @ @ @ @ officials .

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead with latest info; UPDATES 3rd para with latest info)
SEOUL/ULSAN, South Korea, Oct. 9 (Yonhap) -- Firefighters brought a fire at a high-rise apartment building in the southeastern city of Ulsan under complete control on Friday after nearly 16 hours of battling the flames, officials said.
The blaze broke out at around 11:07 p.m. Thursday at the 33-story Samhwan Art Nouveau commercial and residential building in Ulsan, and flames spread quickly by strong winds to the entire building.
Hundreds of people evacuated and a total of 93 people, including a firefighter, were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Three of them suffered serious injuries, but no deaths were reported, according to the Ulsan Fire Department.
Smoke billows from a 33-story apartment building in the southeastern city of Ulsan on the morning of Oct. 9, 2020, after a fire broke out there at around 11 p.m. the previous day amid strong winds. (Yonhap)
The fire is presumed to have broken out on the 12th floor of the building, which houses more than 120 households and shopping units.
An investigation is under way to find out what caused the fire, and the Ulsan Metropolitan Police Agency set up a task force involving 40 officials for a probe as well as a separate team in charge of supporting victims, according to the officials.
Witnesses said that the exterior walls of the building, possibly insulation, appear to have caused the fire to spread quickly.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun called for mobilizing all resources available to put out the fire and ensure the safety of the people, and Interior and Safety Minister Chin Young visited the scene to check responses.
A 33-story apartment building in South Korea's southern city of Ulsan is engulfed in fire on Oct. 8, 2020, in this photo provided by a witness. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Debris from a 33-story apartment building in Ulsan is scattered on nearby streets on Oct. 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
Smoke and flames are seen at a 33-story apartment building in South Korea's southern city of Ulsan on Oct. 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-09--(LEAD) N.K. likely to unveil new ICBM during parade; Kim's live speech expected: sources

North Korea last carried live a military parade in April 2017 , which was to mark the 105th birth anniversary @ @ @ @ @ founder Kim Il-sung .
At that time , the regime showed off a new ICBM @ @ @ @ @ , and the then-vice chairman of the party delivered a speech to warn of war @ @ @ @ @ action .

(ATTN: ADDS more details in paras 2, 5-7, photo)
SEOUL, Oct. 9 (Yonhap) -- North Korea has shown signs of preparing to unveil a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) during a military parade expected to take place on Saturday to mark the 75th founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party, sources said.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un could also deliver an address during the event, the sources said, citing signs of the North's state TV station preparing to broadcast a parade live for the first time since 2017.
"Preparations for the parade are at the final stage, and North Korea is likely to go ahead with it as widely expected," a military official said.
During a parliamentary audit earlier this week, Seoul's Defense Minister Suh Wook said that the North is expected to mobilize strategic weapons in a show of force, and the unification ministry noted that the possible display of newly developed weapons would aim at strengthening internal unity amid economic difficulties.
The upcoming parade has drawn keen attention, as the communist country could unveil new strategic weapons that leader Kim pledged to show off in his New Year's message, such as an ICBM and a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM).
The Seoul government reportedly detected signs that Kim Jong-un will deliver a speech during the parade, which will be broadcast live.
North Korea last carried live a military parade in April 2017, which was to mark the 105th birth anniversary of the late North Korea founder Kim Il-sung. At that time, the regime showed off a new ICBM and diverse types of weapons, and the then-vice chairman of the party delivered a speech to warn of war if the U.S. takes military action.
This photo, released on April 16, 2017, by the Rodong Sinmun, a daily of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party, shows presumed-to-be new intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) first disclosed at a military parade at Kim Il-sung Square in Pyongyang to mark the 105th birth anniversary of the late North Korea founder Kim Il-sung the previous day. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
North Korea tends to mark every fifth or 10th anniversary with larger-scale events, such as missile launches and parades of troops and advanced military hardware.
Chances for the North to test-launch such strategic weapons this time remain low, but the authorities are closely monitoring related movements in close coordination with the United States, the Seoul official added.
Last month, North Korea built a structure on an uninhabited island in the East Sea, which is presumed to be used as a target for its test-firing of missiles, according to Rep. Yoon Ju-keyng of the main opposition People Power Party.
Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Won In-choul said Thursday that the military "bears in mind diverse possibilities" regarding those activities, vowing a staunch readiness posture.
Hwasong-15 missiles on mobile launchers are displayed during a military parade at Kim Il-sung Square in Pyongyang on Feb. 8, 2018, in this photo released by the North's official Korean Central News Agency the next day. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-09--(2nd LD) Daily infections stay below 100 for 2nd day at 54; potential spike still worrisome

The number of newly identified imported cases came to 16 , up from nine a day earlier .
Of them @ @ @ @ @ from the United States , two each from Indonesia and the Philippines and one each @ @ @ @ @ , Mexico , Ethiopia and Nigeria .
The country 's total number of imported cases @ @ @ @

(ATTN: ADDS 1st photo, KDCA chief's comment in 4th para, background in paras 9-10, last para)
SEOUL, Oct. 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korea reported 54 new cases of the coronavirus Friday, the second straight day of fewer than 100 cases, with health authorities on alert over a possible spike in infections following the Chuseok holiday.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) remains on high alert during the three-day break that began Friday, a national holiday marking the invention of the Korean alphabet hangeul, to stem the spread of COVID-19.
The authorities have warned that the country could see an uptick in COVID-19 cases as the three-day break comes only days after the five-day Chuseok holiday that ran through Sunday.
KCDA Director Jeong Eun-kyeong said Friday there is no immediate sharp increase in new virus cases following the Chuseok holiday but asked the whole nation to be on high alert until Oct. 11.
This photo taken on Oct. 9, 2020, shows students and teachers of Daejeon Duwon Middle and High School in Daejeon, 160 kilometers south of Seoul, receiving coronavirus tests after two students at the middle school and three students at the high school tested positive for COVID-19 the previous day. (Yonhap)
Of the total daily cases, 38 were local infections and the rest imported cases, showed data from KDCA. The country's total caseload has risen to 24,476.
Daily infections bounced back to 114 on Wednesday after rising by double digits the previous six days. But the daily cases fell back to double digits on Thursday.
The government urged people to stay home during the fall harvest holiday, but around 30 million people are estimated to have traveled across the nation to visit their family members and relatives during the holiday.
To prevent the respiratory illness from spreading further, the country had earlier designated a special two-week period for toughened anti-virus measures until Sunday.
On Friday, police mobilized hundreds of buses to cordon off Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul and nearby areas to prevent illegal large-scale rallies.
Conservative civic groups had planned to hold protests against the government at the square on the Hangeul Day holiday, but a court issued a ban, citing concerns that such gatherings could spread COVID-19.
Of the newly identified local infections, 17 cases were reported in Seoul and nine cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital. Incheon, west of Seoul, reported no additional cases.
The number of newly identified imported cases came to 16, up from nine a day earlier. Of them, there were seven cases from the United States, two each from Indonesia and the Philippines and one each from India, the Netherlands, Mexico, Ethiopia and Nigeria. The country's total number of imported cases is now at 3,350
There was one additional death from COVID-19, raising the death toll to 428. The fatality rate was 1.75 percent.
The number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients came to 94 as of midnight, down from 97 a day earlier.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 22,569, up 106 from the previous day, with 1,479 people isolated for COVID-19 treatment, down 53 from a day ago.
The country has carried out 2,400,233 coronavirus tests since Jan. 3.
Daily infections peaked at 441 on Aug. 27, days after cluster infections were found to be linked to a Seoul church and an anti-government rally in the capital on Aug. 15.
With tightened social distancing imposed on the greater Seoul area for weeks, the daily number of new COVID-19 cases has been hovering around 100 since early September.
The 38 new cases Tuesday marked the fewest since Aug. 11, when the country reported 34 additional infections.
The pandemic, which started in China late last year, has killed more than 1 million people worldwide and infected nearly 37 million as of Friday, according to a tally from Johns Hopkins University.
In this photo taken on Oct. 8, 2020, a participant speaks at a seminar held to discuss ways to support the musical performance industry amid the coronavirus outbreak at MPMG, a performance organizer in Mapo, western Seoul. (Yonhap)
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-09--Police set up 'bus walls' to prevent massive rallies on Hangeul Day over virus concerns

Activists instead held small-scale protests and press conferences in downtown Seoul on Friday , and some conservatives are to stage @ @ @ @ @ in southern Seoul later in the day .
Around 11,000 police officers are on duty @ @ @ @ @ according to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency .

SEOUL, Oct. 9 (Yonhap) -- Police mobilized hundreds of buses Friday to cordon off Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul and nearby areas to prevent illegal large-scale rallies amid concerns over the new coronavirus.
Conservative civic groups had planned to hold protests against the government at the square on the national Hangeul Day holiday, but a court issued a ban, citing concerns that such gatherings could spread COVID-19.
The government has taken a hard-line stance against public rallies after anti-government protests on Aug. 15 were partly blamed for a flare-up in new virus cases in South Korea. Under the government's anti-virus guidelines currently in place, outdoor gatherings of more than 100 people are prohibited.
Activists instead held small-scale protests and press conferences in downtown Seoul on Friday, and some conservatives are to stage "drive-thru" anti-government rallies in southern Seoul later in the day. Around 11,000 police officers are on duty to manage the situation, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency.
On Friday, South Korea reported 54 new COVID-19 cases, including 38 local infections, and the country's total caseload stood at 24,476, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
Police buses are parked in lines on streets around Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on Oct. 9, 2020, in a bid to prevent illegal rallies. (Yonhap)
Police officers stand in line to prevent protesters' possible access to Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on Oct. 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
Police officers block civic activists from marching in central Seoul on Oct. 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-09--Hyundai E&C wins $330 mln railway deal in Philippines

Hyundai E & C will build two station buildings and a 17 kilometer-long railway on elevated bridges as part of @ @ @ @ @ to Clark Railway Project ( PKGI ) for the next four to five years , @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Oct. 9 (Yonhap) -- Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co. said Friday it has signed a US$330 million deal with the Philippine transportation ministry to participate in a local railway project.
It is the first time for Hyundai E&C to win a construction project in the Philippines since it won a contract to build the Asian Development Bank headquarters building in 1986.
Hyundai E&C will build two station buildings and a 17 kilometer-long railway on elevated bridges as part of the $573 million Malolos to Clark Railway Project (PKGI) for the next four to five years, the statement said.
The Korean builder expected the latest deal with the Philippine government to help it win other railway projects in the Southeast Asian country.
This image provided by Hyundai E&C shows the location of a railway to be constructed over the next four years in the Philippines. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-10-09--(2nd LD) Tower block fire sends 88 to hospital; no deaths reported

(ATTN: UPDATES throughout with latest situation; ADDS photo)
SEOUL/ULSAN, South Korea, Oct. 9 (Yonhap) -- Firefighters brought a fire at a high-rise apartment building in the southeastern city of Ulsan under complete control on Friday after nearly 14 hours of battling the flames, officials said.
The blaze broke out at around 11:07 p.m. Thursday at the 33-story Samhwan Art Nouveau commercial and residential building in Ulsan, and flames spread quickly by strong winds to the entire building.
Hundreds of people were evacuated and at least 88 people were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment for smoke inhalation, but no deaths were reported, according to officials.
Firefighters continued work to prevent embers from flaring up again amid strong winds and to search for anyone who might be inside.
Smoke billows from a 33-story apartment building in the southeastern city of Ulsan on the morning of Oct. 9, 2020, after a fire broke out there at around 11 p.m. the previous day amid strong winds. (Yonhap)
The fire is presumed to have broken out on the 12th floor of the building, which houses more than 120 households and shopping units.
An investigation is under way to find out what caused the fire, and the Ulsan Metropolitan Police Agency set up a task force involving 40 officials for a probe as well as a separate team in charge of supporting victims, according to the officials.
Witnesses said that the exterior walls of the building, possibly insulation, appear to have caused the fire to spread quickly.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun called for mobilizing all resources available to put out the fire and ensure the safety of the people, and Interior and Safety Minister Chin Young visited the scene to check responses.
A 33-story apartment building in South Korea's southern city of Ulsan is engulfed in fire on Oct. 8, 2020, in this photo provided by a witness. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Debris from a 33-story apartment building in Ulsan is scattered on nearby streets on Oct. 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
Smoke and flames are seen at a 33-story apartment building in South Korea's southern city of Ulsan on Oct. 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-09--Today in Korean history

Today in Korean history

2014 -- South and North Korea exchange machine gun fire across the tense border after the North apparently tries to @ @ @ @ @ propaganda leaflets floated by civic activists in the South .
There were no reports of @ @ @ @ @ South Korea .
( END )

Oct. 10
1932 -- Korean independence fighter Lee Bong-chang, who attempted to assassinate Japanese Emperor Hirohito, dies at a prison in Japan. The Korean Peninsula was under Japanese colonial rule from 1910 to 1945.
1990 -- South and North Korea host a joint film festival in New York for the first time since the division of the Korean Peninsula in 1945.
1993 -- A 110-ton ferry sinks in waters off Buan on South Korea's west coast, killing 268 people on board.
1997 -- "Nanta," a non-verbal show combining cooking and high-energy percussion, is performed for the first time at a Seoul theater. It later became a hit and opened on Broadway.
2014 -- South and North Korea exchange machine gun fire across the tense border after the North apparently tries to shoot down balloons carrying anti-Pyongyang propaganda leaflets floated by civic activists in the South. There were no reports of casualties or property damage in South Korea.
(END)


yna--2020-10-09--Qatar selected as centralized venue for S. Korean clubs at Asian football tournament

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Oct. 9 (Yonhap) -- Qatar will host remaining group matches for a pair of South Korean teams at Asia's top club football tournament next month.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced Friday that Doha will be the centralized venue for remaining Group E and Group F matches for the AFC Champions League, following its agreement with the Qatar Football Association.
Clubs in the East Zone -- South Korea, Australia, Malaysia, Thailand, China and Japan -- are in Groups E, F, G and H. Malaysia was announced earlier as the centralized venue for teams in Groups G and H.
In this file photo from Feb. 18, 2020, FC Seoul players celebrate a goal against Melbourne Victory during their Group E match in the Asian Football Confederation Champions League at Seoul World Cup Stadium in Seoul. (Yonhap)
Four clubs from South Korea's K League 1 are competing in this year's AFC Champions League: FC Seoul in Group E, Ulsan Hyundai FC in Group F, Suwon Samsung Bluewings in Group G and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in Group H.
The group stage for the East Zone will resume on Nov. 18, after more than eight months of inaction caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The tournament kicked off in February but was forced to press pause in early March because of the virus outbreak.
Some teams played two group matches, while a few others played just one. Three of the four teams from China haven't played any.
The first match back for the East Zone will be Nov. 18 between Perth Glory and Shanghai Shenhua FC in Group F.
FC Seoul will return to action against Beijing FC on Nov. 21 in Group E, followed by back-to-back matches against Chiangrai United on Nov. 24 and Nov. 27. Then it's against Beijing FC on Nov. 30 and Melbourne Victory on Dec. 3. FC Seoul beat Melbourne Victory 1-0 on Feb. 18 in their only group match so far.
In Group F, Ulsan's first match back is against Shanghai Shenhua FC on Nov. 21. Ulsan will then face Perth Glory on Nov. 24 and 27, followed by Tokyo FC on Nov. 30 and Shanghai Shenhua FC on Dec. 3.
In this file photo from Feb. 11, 2020, Lee Dong-geong of Ulsan Hyundai FC (R) takes a shot against FC Tokyo during their Group F match at the Asian Football Confederation Champions League at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium in Ulsan, 415 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
In Group G, Suwon will take on Guangzhou Evergrande FC on Nov. 22, Johor Darul Ta'zim on Nov. 25, Guangzhou again on Dec. 1 and Vissel Kobe on Dec. 4.
Jeonbuk will play their Group H match against Shanghai SIPG FC on Nov. 22, followed by Sydney FC on Nov. 25, Yokohama F. Marinos on Dec. 1 and Shanghai on Dec. 4.
Those in the West Zone, with clubs in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Iraq, have already completed their group phase, and Persepolis FC of Iran have booked a spot in the final, scheduled for Dec. 19.
The top two clubs from each group will advance to the knockout stage. All knockout matches, including the championship final, will now be one-and-done affairs, instead of the usual home-and-away series where the aggregate score determines the winners.
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-09--POSCO Energy files $800 mln suit against U.S. firm over license deal

On Wednesday , POSCO Energy filed the suit with the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce @ @ @ @ @ and Singapore , demanding FuelCell Energy pay for the loss of $ 800 million caused @ @ @ @ @ unilateral cancellation of their license contract in the fuel cell business , the company said @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Oct. 9 (Yonhap) -- POSCO Energy, a wholly owned energy unit of South Korean steelmaker POSCO, said Friday it has filed a 922 billion-won (US$800 million) claim against U.S.-based FuelCell Energy for damages involving their license deal.
On Wednesday, POSCO Energy filed the suit with the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in London and Singapore, demanding FuelCell Energy pay for the loss of $800 million caused by the U.S. firm's unilateral cancellation of their license contract in the fuel cell business, the company said in a statement.
The move comes three months after FuelCell Energy filed a $200 million complaint against POSCO Energy and its wholly owned fuel cell business unit Korea Fuel Cell Co. with the ICC in London and Singapore for violation of their business contract in late June.
POSCO Energy signed the license deal with FuelCell Energy in 2007 to have the exclusive rights for the sale of the U.S. firm's fuel cell products in Asian markets until 2023.
Under the deal, FuelCell Energy is required to consult with POSCO Energy if it wants to independently advance to South Korean and other Asian markets.
The U.S. firm appears to have terminated the deal as it seeks to enter the Korean market, where demand for fuel cells is growing rapidly due to the government's push for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen-based energy consumption.
POSCO Energy has invested a total of $84 million in FuelCell Energy since 2007 for further cooperation in the fuel cell business.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-09--(LEAD) Rays' Choi Ji-man has one hit in ALDS loss

In Game 5 , Choi will likely find himself back in the starting lineup against the Yankees ' right-hander Gerrit @ @ @ @ @ pitching on three days ' rest .
Choi smoked a two-run homer off Cole in @ @ @ @ @ is 10-for-19 with four home runs , three doubles and 10 RBIs against the ace @ @ @ @ @ the postseason .
Choi has more hits against Cole than any other pitcher in the @ @ @ @ @ homered more than twice against anyone other than Cole .

(ATTN: ADDS details in paras 8-10)
By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Oct. 9 (Yonhap) -- The Tampa Bay Rays' South Korean first baseman Choi Ji-man picked up a hit in a postseason losing cause.
Choi went 1-for-4 as the Rays fell to the New York Yankees 5-1 in Game 4 of their American League Division Series (ALDS) at Petco Park in San Diego on Thursday (local time). The best-of-five series is now tied at two games apiece, and the two clubs will go right back at it Friday at the same ballpark.
Choi batted cleanup in each of the first three games of the series, with a right-handed starter on the mound. With the Yankees sending left-hander Jordan Montgomery to the hill in Game 4, Choi, who bats left-handed and has struggled against same-handed pitchers, remained in the cleanup spot in the starting lineup.
Choi grounded out weakly to first base in his first time up against Montgomery in the top of the second, when he got jammed on an inside sinker.
In this EPA photo, Choi Ji-man of the Tampa Bay Rays hits a single against the New York Yankees in the top of the fourth inning of Game 4 of the American League Division Series at Petco Park in San Diego on Oct. 8, 2020. (Yonhap)
Choi led off the top fourth, with Montgomery still pitching, and lined a sharp single to right field. It would be Choi's only hit of the game and one of just three hits all game by Tampa Bay.
During the regular season, Choi experimented with switch-hitting. Against left-handers, he was just 1-for-13, but 0-for-6 from the left side of the plate.
Choi flied out to center field in the top sixth against right-handed reliever Chad Green. Then against left-handed closer Aroldis Chapman, Choi led off the ninth inning with a pop fly to the catcher.
With the lone hit in this game, Choi now has the most career postseason hits by a South Korean player with seven. Choi is 7-for-32 with two home runs, four RBIs and 10 walks in 12 playoff games.
Choi had been tied with Choo Shin-soo of the Texas Rangers, who has six hits in seven career postseason games.
In Game 5, Choi will likely find himself back in the starting lineup against the Yankees' right-hander Gerrit Cole, who will be pitching on three days' rest. Choi smoked a two-run homer off Cole in Game 1 on Monday and is 10-for-19 with four home runs, three doubles and 10 RBIs against the ace in his career, including the postseason. Choi has more hits against Cole than any other pitcher in the majors. He hasn't homered more than twice against anyone other than Cole.
Choi is the only South Korean still left in the postseason. Ryu Hyun-jin of the Toronto Blue Jays and Kim Kwang-hyun of the St. Louis Cardinals were sent home after the Wild Card Series, while Choo and the Rangers didn't qualify for the postseason.
In this Getty Images photo, the Tampa Bay Rays' first baseman Choi Ji-man (L) fails to scoop the ball as DJ LeMahieu of the New York Yankees is called safe at the bag during the bottom of the first inning of Game 4 of the American League Division Series at Petco Park in San Diego on Oct. 8, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


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yna--2020-10-09--N. Korea likely to stage military parade as expected; preparations at final stage: officials

The parade for the Oct. 10 anniversary has drawn keen attention , as the communist country could unveil new strategic @ @ @ @ @ intercontinental ballistic missile ( ICBM ) and a submarine-launched ballistic missile ( SLBM ) , @ @ @ @ @ to show off in his New Year 's message .

SEOUL, Oct. 9 (Yonhap) -- North Korea is likely to hold a military parade this weekend as expected to mark the 75th founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party, military officials in Seoul said Friday.
The parade for the Oct. 10 anniversary has drawn keen attention, as the communist country could unveil new strategic weapons, such as an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), that leader Kim Jong-un pledged to show off in his New Year's message.
"Preparations for the parade are at the final stage, and North Korea is likely to go ahead with it as widely expected," a military official said.
During a parliamentary audit earlier this week, Seoul's Defense Minister Suh Wook said that the North is expected to mobilize strategic weapons in a show of force, and the unification ministry noted that the possible display of newly developed weapons would aim at strengthening internal unity amid economic difficulties.
North Korea tends to mark every fifth or 10th anniversary with larger-scale events, such as missile launches and parades of troops and advanced military hardware.
Chances for the North to test-launch such strategic weapons this time remain low, but the authorities are closely monitoring related movements in close coordination with the United States, the Seoul official added.
Last month, North Korea built a structure on an uninhabited island in the East Sea, which is presumed to be used as a target for its test-firing of missiles, according to Rep. Yoon Ju-keyng of the main opposition People Power Party.
Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Won In-choul said Thursday that the military "bears in mind diverse possibilities" regarding those activities, vowing a staunch readiness posture.
Hwasong-15 missiles on mobile launchers are displayed during a military parade at Kim Il-sung Square in Pyongyang on Feb. 8, 2018, in this photo released by the North's official Korean Central News Agency the next day. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)