yna--2020-10-12--(LEAD) S. Korea lowers social distancing but remains on alert over potential resurgence

In the greater Seoul area , the government still advises people to refrain from holding gatherings and mass events but @ @ @ @ @ If people are to hold events , like festivals , concerts and exhibitions , they @ @ @ @ @ on guests and spacing .
One person will be allowed per 4 square meters , @ @ @ @ @

(ATTN: ADDS photo and more info in paras 5,11)
SEOUL, Oct. 12 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Monday began implementing the lowest level of its social distancing guidelines following a slowdown in new cases in recent weeks, but the country remains vigilant over a possible resurgence of COVID-19.
Under the decision, the country eased the previous Level 2 social distancing measures to Level 1 in the three-tier system across the country.
The measure comes as the number of daily new infections has mostly increased by double digits over the past two weeks, sharply down from triple-digit growth in late August following a holiday and a mass rally that took place in central Seoul.
People gather at a karaoke center in Hongdae, western Seoul, on Oct. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
The government said it has decided to relax the social distancing measures considering the negative impact that stronger measures have had on people's sentiment and the domestic economy.
"We have returned to Level 1, though not completely, almost two months after Liberation Day (Aug. 15)," Health Minister Park Neung-hoo said in a regular government COVID-19 response meeting earlier in the day, urging the public to follow various measures.
The country first adopted the Level 2 distancing measures in Seoul and the surrounding Gyeonggi Province on Aug. 16 and Incheon on Aug. 19. It was expanded nationwide on Aug. 23.
Under the eased measure, operations of 10 kinds of high-risk facilities, such as karaoke centers, gyms, buffets and large cram schools with more than 300 registered students are allowed, health authorities said. People still must follow antivirus measures, such as wearing face masks and keeping entry logs.
Audiences of up to 30 percent of stadium capacity are allowed at sports matches, such as the professional soccer and baseball leagues, the authorities said.
The authorities, however, said they will selectively retain tougher measures, such as those against door-to-door sales.
Outdoor gatherings of 100 or more people are prohibited and indoor meetings of 50 or more were banned under the Level 2 distancing, but this rule is eased in the Level 1 scheme.
Restaurants such as buffets in the greater Seoul area are also expected to resume business later in the day.
In the greater Seoul area, the government still advises people to refrain from holding gatherings and mass events but does not ban them. If people are to hold events, like festivals, concerts and exhibitions, they have to follow new limits on guests and spacing. One person will be allowed per 4 square meters, according to the authorities.
Also, five kinds of nightlife establishments, such as night clubs, will be subject to the same rules and must break for one hour after three hours of business.
In-person worship services at churches are allowed in the greater Seoul area although they can only admit 30 percent of their seating capacity. Catering services and small group gatherings at churches are still banned under the eased guidelines.
South Korea's new virus cases showed signs of slowing on the back of enhanced restrictions. But sporadic cluster infections and untraceable cases have continued to strain the country's virus fight.
The country added 97 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, increasing by double digits for the fifth straight day.
Students enter an elementary school in Seoul on Oct. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-12--BLACKPINK's 1st full album hits No. 2 on Billboard in new milestone for K-pop girl group

In addition to being a record-setting achievement for a K-pop girl group , Billboard said that `` The Album '' @ @ @ @ @ an all-female group since Danity Kane 's second album `` Welcome to the Dollhouse '' @ @ @ @ @ in 2008 .

SEOUL, Oct. 12 (Yonhap) -- K-pop megastar BLACKPINK's first full-length album debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard main album chart this week, setting a new record in the history of South Korean girl groups.
"At No. 2 on the Billboard 200, BLACKPINK's debut full-length 'The Album' enters with 110,000 equivalent album units earned," Billboard reported Sunday (US time), one day before its chart will be updated.
The Billboard 200 is one of the U.S. music publisher's main charts, ranking the most popular albums of the week in the United States based on data, including album sales and streaming.
The Billboard feat marks another milestone for the K-pop act that has smashed records for a South Korean girl group.
The quartet previously ranked at No. 40 with its 2018 EP "Square Up" and at No. 24 with 2019 EP "Kill This Love" on the chart.
In addition to being a record-setting achievement for a K-pop girl group, Billboard said that "The Album" marks the highest-charting album by an all-female group since Danity Kane's second album "Welcome to the Dollhouse" debuted at No. 1 in 2008.
"The Album," released on Oct. 2, is the four-member band's first full-length album since its debut in 2016. It includes the main track "Lovesick Girls," as well as pre-released hits "How You Like That" and "Ice Cream."
This image, provided by YG Entertainment, shows members of K-pop quartet BLACKPINK. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)
This image, provided by YG Entertainment, shows a promotional image for the song "Lovesick Girls," the main track in the quartet's first full-length album "The Album." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
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yna--2020-10-12--Cultural Heritage Administration reopens indoor public facilities under eased virus curbs

The number of daily new infections has been mostly in double-digit figures over the past two weeks , sharply down @ @ @ @ @ August following a holiday and a mass anti-government rally that took place in central Seoul @

SEOUL, Oct. 12 (Yonhap) -- The Cultural Heritage Administration on Monday reopened 14 indoor public facilities, such as museums and memorial halls, under its control nationwide as the government eased tough virus curbs that had been in place since late August.
Among the 14 facilities are the National Palace Museum of Korea, Jungmyeongjeon and Seokjojeon of Deoksu Palace, and the Grand Greenhouse of Changgyeong Palace, all in Seoul, according to the CHA.
Also included are the museum of King Sejong of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) in Yeoju, the National Intangible Heritage Center in Jeonju and the Admiral Yi Sunsin Memorial Hall in Asan, it added.
The resumption of operations came as South Korea eased its social distancing guidelines to the lowest level on the three-tier scale Monday amid a slowdown in new COVID-19 cases in recent weeks.
The number of daily new infections has been mostly in double-digit figures over the past two weeks, sharply down from triple-digit growth in late August following a holiday and a mass anti-government rally that took place in central Seoul.
This file photo shows the National Palace Museum of Korea in the central Seoul ward of Jongno. (Yonhap)
The CHA, however, will still put a cap on the daily number of visitors to the facilities and make face masks and body temperature checks mandatory among the visitors, amid persisting concerns over the pandemic.
The National Palace Museum of Korea, for instance, will accept 1,000 visitors at most per day. The National Intangible Heritage Center will open up to 50 percent of its seats for performances while keeping a 10-person cap for each of its exhibition rooms.
Both facilities will operate for those who made online reservations in advance, according to the CHA.
Meanwhile, the National Palace Museum of Korea said it will extend the run of its ongoing special exhibition titled "New Era of the Royal Ceramics Embracing the Western-style Porcelain in the Joseon Royal Court" till Nov. 1.
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-12--LG Electronics to launch hair growth helmet this month

LG Pra.L MediHair was recently approved by Seoul 's drug safety ministry as a laser apparatus for medical use and @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) as a Class II device for home @ @

SEOUL, Oct. 12 (Yonhap) -- LG Electronics Inc., a major home appliance maker, said Monday it will launch a hair loss treatment device in South Korea later this month.
LG Pra.L MediHair was recently approved by Seoul's drug safety ministry as a laser apparatus for medical use and was also cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a Class II device for home use.
The wearable device combines 146 laser and 104 LED lights to stimulate hair follicle stem cells in the bulge region and support hair growth and slows down male pattern baldness, according to LG.
The hair growth helmet is based on Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT), which was cleared by the FDA for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.
This photo, provided by LG Electronics Inc. on Oct. 12, 2020, shows models promoting LG's hair growth helmet. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The helmet offers three hair care modes: total care for the entire scalp, front care for front and upper hair treatment, and top care for the parietal area. The device can recommend the best hair treatment options after its sensors analyze users' hair loss area.
Before the device's official launch, LG will hold a promotional event to give away its hair growth helmet to 100 selected consumers who sent stories on hair loss.
LG launched its beauty brand PRA.L in 2017 to introduce household beauty appliances, such as an LED mask and facial cleanser for skin care.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-12--Tax revenue tallied at 37.4 tln won in August

Dues collected from companies , on the other hand , reached 11 trillion won in the month , down 900 @ @ @ @ @ earlier due to the lackluster earnings of local firms .

SEJONG, Oct. 12 (Yonhap) -- South Korea collected 37.4 trillion won (US$32.3 billion) in taxes in August, up 4.8 trillion won from a year earlier, the finance ministry said Monday.
Income tax revenue amounted to 9.5 trillion won in August, up 3.2 trillion won from a year earlier, according to the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
Dues collected from companies, on the other hand, reached 11 trillion won in the month, down 900 billion won from a year earlier due to the lackluster earnings of local firms.
Taxes collected from customs also decreased 200 billion won over the period to 500 billion won due to the falling amount of imports.
South Korea's total expenditures in August reached 32.7 trillion won, up 2 trillion won from a year earlier.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-12--SK Telecom launches AI-based phone calling app

The mobile carrier said it integrated its NUGU AI platform , currently used in smart home devices , with its @ @ @ @ @ voice commands for tasks such as searching for contacts and checking phone and messaging records @

SEOUL, Oct. 12 (Yonhap) -- SK Telecom Co., South Korea's largest mobile carrier, said Monday it launched an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered phone calling application, as it seeks to bolster its presence in AI technology.
The mobile carrier said it integrated its NUGU AI platform, currently used in smart home devices, with its T Phone app, allowing voice commands for tasks such as searching for contacts and checking phone and messaging records.
The app also provides additional AI-assistant features, such as weather information and schedule management, and it is also able to recommend personalized content, such as music, based on usage patterns.
The mobile carrier said it plans to add AI recommendation-based shopping features by the first half of 2022, allowing users to make reservations, orders and payments within the phone app.
This photo, provided by SK Telecom Co. on Oct. 12, 2020, shows a model using the mobile carrier's artificial intelligence-based phone calling application and wireless earbuds. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)
The move is expected to help SK Telecom's AI services reach more users.
As of September, T Phone had 12 million monthly active users, according to the mobile carrier.
SK Telecom added that it also plans to launch AI-powered wireless earphones next month, named the NUGU Buds, allowing users to better access its phone app.
The carrier said the earbuds will feature U.S.-based Qualcomm Inc.'s Clear Voice Capture technology to ensure high-quality phone calls.
yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-12--(LEAD) New virus cases spike again on 1st day of eased social distancing scheme

Churches in the Seoul metropolitan area , which have been hotbeds of sporadic cluster infections , will still be banned @ @ @ @ @ regular worship services .
They can only fill up 30 percent of their seats as @ @ @ @ @ applies to sports event .

(ATTN: ADDS details throughout; CHANGES photos)
SEOUL, Oct. 12 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new virus cases spiked again Monday, though the daily tally stayed below 100 for the fifth consecutive day, as the country eased its tougher social distancing measures.
The country added 98 COVID-19 cases, including 68 local infections, raising the total caseload to 24,703, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
It marked a sharp rise from 58 cases reported Sunday and 72 cases identified Saturday. The daily figure had rebounded to 114 on Wednesday last week before falling back to 69 the following day.
Starting Monday, the country eased its social distancing scheme by one notch to Level 1, allowing people to normalize most of their daily activities while taking basic precautions.
Visitors wait to receive new coronavirus tests at a makeshift clinic in central Seoul on Oct. 11, 2020. (Yonhap)
So-called high-risk facilities in the greater Seoul area, such as clubs, karaoke rooms, bars and buffet restaurants, are also allowed to operate normally starting Monday.
Churches in the Seoul metropolitan area, which have been hotbeds of sporadic cluster infections, will still be banned from having gatherings other than regular worship services. They can only fill up 30 percent of their seats as well. The ceiling also applies to sports event.
South Korea earlier designated a special two-week period for toughened virus curbs, which ran through Sunday, designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 over the five-day Chuseok holiday, along with a separate three-day break from Friday to Sunday to celebrate the proclamation of the Korean alphabet.
Health authorities believe there have been no massive cluster infections traced to millions of people who traveled across the nation over the Chuseok holiday.
South Korea operates a three-tier social distancing system. Under the second level, indoor gatherings of more than 50 people are banned. The government has not yet issued the highest alert, which bans gatherings of 10 or more people, as it would come at a significant consequence in terms of the economy.
Despite the overall slowdown in the number of additional patients, health authorities are still raising their guard against COVID-19 cases with unidentified infection routes, which took up around 20 percent of the new infections over the past two weeks.
Cluster infections accounted for 22.3 percent of the new cases over the period as well, the latest data showed.
Citizens enjoy picnics at a park in western Seoul on Oct. 11, 2020. (Yonhap)
Of the newly identified local infections, 29 cases were reported in Seoul and 16 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital. Incheon, west of Seoul, reported three more cases.
The southern port city of Busan also added three cases, and the central city of Daejeon reported 13 more patients.
A hospital located in northern Seoul reported 59 COVID-19 cases as of noon Sunday.
Another hospital in Uijeongbu, north of Seoul, identified 51 patients as well. A youth welfare center in Hwaseong, south of the capital city, reported six patients.
Imported cases came to 29, marking the highest number since July 29.
The uptick apparently came as a group of students from Nepal who arrived here for a Korean-language course tested positive. Nepal accounted for 13 of the newly added imported infections here Monday.
Cases traced to India came to four, trailed by Uzbekistan with three. The United States and the Philippines accounted for two cases each.
South Korea added one more death, raising the death toll to 432.
The fatality rate came to 1.75 percent.
The number of patients in serious or critical condition came to 87, down two from the previous day.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 22,729, up 36 from the previous day. More than 92 percent of the COVID-19 patients reported here have been cured.
South Korea has carried out 2,415,610 COVID-19 tests since Jan. 3. On the previous day, the country carried out 5,127 tests, although more than 10,000 tests are normally conducted during weekdays.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-12--Samsung to supply digital signage for McDonald's drive-thru branches in S. Korea

Samsung said it has been commissioned to supply its SMART outdoor signage for McDonald 's Goyang Samsong drive-thru store in @ @ @ @ @ .
It will also deliver the product to all future drive-thru restaurants of McDonald 's @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Oct. 12 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Co. said Monday it will supply its digital signage products for McDonald's drive-thru restaurants in South Korea as it tries to ride the digital transformation wave in retail stores.
Samsung said it has been commissioned to supply its SMART outdoor signage for McDonald's Goyang Samsong drive-thru store in Goyang, north of Seoul. It will also deliver the product to all future drive-thru restaurants of McDonald's in South Korea.
Samsung has been supplying its signage for digital menu boards inside McDonald's stores since 2011, but this is the first time that the company is also installing outdoor signage for McDonald's drive-thru lanes.
This photo provided by Samsung Electronics Co. on Oct. 12, 2020, shows the company's outdoor digital signage installed at McDonald's Goyang Samsong drive-thru store in Goyang, north of Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Samsung said digital signage plays an integral part in the digital transformation and environmental-friendly trends of retail stores as the product enhances visibility of menus and advertisements compared with printed signage, while reducing costs and order times.
Samsung is also offering a MagicINFO program, in which store administrators can easily control content on digital menu boards in real time, to entire McDonald's restaurants in South Korea.
Samsung recently inked a similar digital signage supply deal with Starbucks in South Korea.
According to market researcher Omdia, Samsung was the top LCD smart signage vendor in the world with a 32.2 market share as of the first half of the year.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-12--(LEAD) LG Chem logs record operating income in Q3 on petchem, battery demand

LG Chem said it is on track to boost its production capacity to 100 gigawatt hours by the end of @ @ @ @ @ enough to supply batteries for about 1.7 million electric cars .

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead, throughout)
By Kim Kwang-tae
SEOUL, Oct. 12 (Yonhap) -- LG Chem Ltd., South Korea's leading chemical firm, said Monday its operating profit hit a quarterly record high in the third quarter amid robust sales at the petrochemical and electric vehicle (EV) battery units.
In its earnings guidance, the South Korean electric vehicle battery maker estimated its operating profit at 902 billion won (US$785 million) in the July-September period, up 158.7 percent from a year earlier.
The third-quarter operating income estimate beats the market consensus of 732.8 billion won in the data compiled by Yonhap Infomax, the financial arm of Yonhap News Agency.
LG Chem's factory in Cheongju, a city located about 130 kilometers south of Seoul (Yonhap)
Robust sales in the petrochemical and EV battery units helped the company continue to report a larger-than-expected profit in the third quarter.
LG Chem's sales also hit a quarterly record high of 7.5 trillion won in the third quarter, the company said, without providing a net result for the third quarter in the guidance.
The company has said its EV battery plant in Poland began to produce products in a stable manner as the defect rate declined, which in turn improved its bottom line.
LG Chem also operates electric vehicle battery plants in South Korea, China and the United States.
In July, LG Chem's battery business unit achieved an operating income of 155.5 billion won in the second quarter on quarterly record sales of 2.82 trillion won.
Cha Dong-seok, chief financial officer at LG Chem, said in July that the EV battery business unit could continue to post sharp growth in the third quarter due to increased shipments of EV batteries to Europe and increased sales of cylindrical batteries.
LG Chem is a key supplier of batteries to electric vehicles, including those of GM, Ford, Renault, Volvo, Audi, Volkswagen and Daimler, as well as South Korea's largest carmaker, Hyundai Motor Co., and its smaller affiliate, Kia Motors Corp.
LG Chem said it is on track to boost its production capacity to 100 gigawatt hours by the end of this year, which is enough to supply batteries for about 1.7 million electric cars.
LG Chem said its order backlog for EV batteries is currently valued at more than 150 trillion won.
The EV battery market has been on a roll as automakers around the world race to go electric and eco-friendly due to tightened regulations on greenhouse gas emissions, which scientists say are to blame for global warming.
LG Chem is scheduled to release its third-quarter net result on Oct. 21.
entropy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-12--(2nd LD) Exports drop 28.8 pct in first 10 days of October

Last month , South Korea saw exports rebound for the first time in seven months , helped by increased shipments @ @ @ @ @ major trade partners gradually resumed their business activities amid the pandemic .

(ATTN: ADDS details in last 6 paras)
SEJONG, Oct. 12 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's exports dropped 28.8 percent on-year in the first 10 days of October amid the fallout from the new coronavirus outbreak, customs data showed Monday.
The nation's outbound shipments stood at US$9.3 billion in the Oct. 1-10 period, compared with $13 billion a year ago, according to the data from the Korea Customs Service.
Per-day exports, however, rose 2.8 percent on-year in the Oct. 1-10 period, the Korea Customs Service said.
The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted trade and halted production around the globe, with a rising number of countries fully closing their borders.
Imports also declined 19.5 percent on-year to $11 billion in the 10-day period, according to the data.
By segment, exports of memory chips, a key item, rose 11.2 percent, but those of automobiles plunged 36 percent on-year in the 10-day period.
Semiconductors account for about one-fifth of outbound shipments in South Korea, home to Samsung Electronics Co., the world's largest memory chip maker, and its smaller rival SK hynix Inc.
By country, shipments to China -- South Korea's largest trading partner -- fell 20.9 percent on-year, and shipments to the United States declined 33.5 percent.
Last month, South Korea saw exports rebound for the first time in seven months, helped by increased shipments of chips and automobiles as major trade partners gradually resumed their business activities amid the pandemic.
Outbound shipments came to $48 billion last month, up 7.7 percent from $44.6 billion posted a year earlier.
The on-year gain in exports marked the largest increase since October 2018, officials said.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-12--New virus cases spike again on 1st day of eased social distancing scheme

SEOUL, Oct. 12 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new virus cases spiked again Monday, though the daily tally stayed below 100 for the fifth consecutive day, as the country eased its tougher social distancing measures.
The country added 98 COVID-19 cases, including 68 local infections, raising the total caseload to 24,703, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
It marked a sharp rise from 58 cases reported Sunday and 72 cases identified Saturday. The daily figure had rebounded to 114 on Wednesday last week before falling back to 69 the following day.
Starting Monday, the country eased its social distancing scheme by one notch to Level 1, allowing people to normalize most of their daily activities while taking basic precautions.
A cheerleader wearing a mask supports his team at a baseball stadium in Seoul on Oct. 11, 2020. (Yonhap)
So-called high-risk facilities in the greater Seoul area, such as clubs, karaoke rooms, bars and buffet restaurants, are also allowed to operate normally starting Monday.
Churches in the Seoul metropolitan area, which have been hotbeds of sporadic cluster infections, will still be banned from having gatherings other than regular worship services. They can only fill up 30 percent of their seats as well. The ceiling also applies to sports event.
South Korea earlier designated a special two-week period for toughened virus curbs, which ran through Sunday, designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 over the five-day Chuseok holiday, along with a separate three-day break from Friday to Sunday to celebrate the proclamation of the Korean alphabet.
Health authorities believe there have been no massive cluster infections traced to millions of people who traveled across the nation over the Chuseok holiday.
South Korea operates a three-tier social distancing system. Under the second level, indoor gatherings of more than 50 people are banned. The government has not yet issued the highest alert, which bans gatherings of 10 or more people, as it would come at a significant consequence in terms of the economy.
Despite the overall slowdown in the number of additional patients, health authorities are still raising their guard against COVID-19 cases with unidentified infection routes, which took up around 20 percent of the new infections over the past two weeks.
Cluster infections accounted for 22.3 percent of the new cases over the period as well, the latest data showed.
A statue is covered with a mask at a park in eastern Seoul on Oct. 11, 2020. (Yonhap)
Of the newly identified local infections, 29 cases were reported in Seoul and 16 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital. Incheon, west of Seoul, reported three more cases.
The southern port city of Busan also added three cases, and the central city of Daejeon reported 13 more patients.
A hospital located in northern Seoul reported 59 COVID-19 cases as of Sunday noon.
Another hospital in Uijeongbu, north of Seoul, identified 51 patients as well. A youth welfare center in Hwaseong, south of the capital city, reported six patients.
Imported cases came to 29, marking the highest number since July 29.
The uptick apparently came as a group of students from Nepal who arrived here for a Korean-language course tested positive.
South Korea added one more death, raising the death toll to 432.
The number of patients in serious or critical condition came to 87, down two from the previous day.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 22,729, up 36 from the previous day.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-12--S. Korea set to implement mandatory mask use

However , people aged under 14 and those who are unable to wear masks due to medical conditions will be @ @ @ @ @ People will also be allowed to skip masks in special cases , such as when @ @ @ @ @ , eating or swimming .

SEOUL, Oct. 12 (Yonhap) -- Poeple will be required to wear face masks on mass transportation and in public places starting Tuesday to help better combat the coronavirus outbreak.
The requirement is in line with the implementation of the country's infectious disease control and prevention act aimed at stemming the spread of the flu-like virus, officials said.
If people do not wear masks on public transportation and at demonstrations, as well as medical and care facilities, they will face a fine of up to 100,000 won (US$87).
Operators of those facilities and rally organizers will be fined up to 3 million won for failing to ensure that users or participants comply with the requirement.
However, people aged under 14 and those who are unable to wear masks due to medical conditions will be exempted from the requirement. People will also be allowed to skip masks in special cases, such as when they are washing their faces, eating or swimming.
The fine could also be imposed on people who wear masks under their noses in such spaces. Scarves or certain types of masks that cannot protect others from the virus will not be allowed under the obligation.
Public places subject to the obligation will depend on levels under South Korea's three-tier social distancing scale.
The government plans to start imposing fines on violators after a 30-day grace period starting Tuesday.
Local governments will be allowed to adjust the scope of places subject to mandatory mask use, depending on their coronavirus situations.
South Korea's new coronavirus cases hovered below 100 for the fourth consecutive day Sunday, adding 58 more COVID-19 cases. The country's total caseload came to 24,606, with the death toll reaching 432.
(END)


yna--2020-10-12--Senior nat'l football team prevails over U-23 squad in exhibition series

The senior team doubled the lead in the 88th minute thanks to An Chan-gi 's miscue .
The 22-year-old goalkeeper @ @ @ @ @ net trying to clear the ball out of the zone , but his header instead @ @ @ @ @ Lee Ju-yong , who calmly volleyed the ball into the empty net for a 2-0 @ @

GOYANG, South Korea, Oct. 12 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean men's senior national football team got the better of the under-23 national team in their special exhibition match series that concluded Monday.
Thanks to three second-half goals, the senior team took the second of two exhibition matches by 3-0 on Monday at Goyang Stadium in Goyang, just northwest of Seoul in Gyeonggi Province.
The two sides played to a 2-2 draw last Friday, and the senior squad, coached by Paulo Bento, finished with a 5-2 advantage in the aggregate score.
Lee Dong-gyeong, Lee Ju-yong and Lee Yeong-jae had a goal apiece for Bento in the second half, while the U-23 side, coached by Kim Hak-bum, failed to throw much of a counterpunch.
Lee Dong-gyeong (C) of the South Korean men's senior national football team celebrates his goal against the under-23 national team during their exhibition match at Goyang Stadium in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, on Oct. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
Lee Dong-gyeong (L) of the South Korean men's senior national football team scores against the under-23 national team during their exhibition match at Goyang Stadium in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, on Oct. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
The senior team got badly outplayed in the second half of the first match, and came out with more urgency in the opening 45 minutes of this one.
The older players had little trouble getting deep into the opposing zone, consistently breaking down the U-23 defense with quick passes and deft movements off the ball. Converting their advantage in ball possession into dangerous chances was a different matter, however, as the senior team players lacked delicate touch around the net.
They had an would-be goal wiped out because of an offside call in the fifth minute, with winger Kim In-sung getting behind the defense a step too early to set up midfielder Lee Dong-gyeong for an easy goal past goalkeeper Lee Gwang-yeon.
Kwon Kyung-won (L) of the South Korean men's senior national football team clears the ball ahead of Cho Gue-sung of the under-23 national team during their exhibition match at Goyang Stadium in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, on Oct. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
The U-23 players spent the majority of the first half in their own zone and busied themselves battling opponents near or inside the box and clearing the ball out of harm's way.
The U-23 team's only opportunity in the first half was also its most dangerous one. Defender Lee You-hyeon fired a quick shot from a few steps outside the box in the 24th minute, catching the defense off guard and forcing goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo to make a difficult save diving to his left.
In a goalmouth scramble following a 34th-minute corner, the senior team centerback Kwon Kyung-won tried to head home the loose ball, only to have it go off the top of the crossbar.
Kim In-sung (L) of the South Korean men's senior national football team and Cho Young-wook of the under-23 national team battle for the ball during their exhibition match at Goyang Stadium in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, on Oct. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
The U-23 showed some life in the opening moments of the second half, but it was the senior team that broke the deadlock in the 54th minute. Ironically, it was two players specially picked by Bento from the U-23 talent pool connecting for a perfectly-executed counterattack.
A long clearing pass from deep in the senior team's zone sent midfielder Lee Dong-jun on a fast break, with fellow midfielder Lee Dong-gyeong trailing him to his left.
Lee Dong-jun beat opposing midfielder Maeng Seong-ung in a foot race but nearly lost his balance inside the box. He managed to stay on his feet and fed the ball across to Lee Dong-gyeong, who made no mistake in beating new goalkeeper off the bench, An Chan-gi.
At the other end, the senior team goalkeeper Jo came through with a match-saving stop in the 67th minute, turning aside Oh Se-hun's header from close range.
Han Chan-hee of the of the South Korean men's under-23 national football team (L) tackles Sim Sang-min of the senior national team during their exhibition match at Goyang Stadium in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, on Oct. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
Jo took over the match in the final moments. In the 84th, Jo denied Oh again on a header. In the next minute, he made a diving save to keep out a hard strike from Kim Dae-won.
The senior team doubled the lead in the 88th minute thanks to An Chan-gi's miscue. The 22-year-old goalkeeper charged well out of the net trying to clear the ball out of the zone, but his header instead landed on the chest of Lee Ju-yong, who calmly volleyed the ball into the empty net for a 2-0 lead.
Two minutes later, Lee Yeong-jae, a second-half sub, rounded out the scoring after the deflated U-23 defense left him all alone following an innocuous pass from midfield.
This was the second of two exhibition matches between the two national teams. They played to a 2-2 draw last Friday.
The first match was played without fans. But after the government relaxed social distancing restrictions on Sunday, Goyang Stadium opened its gates to national team supporters, and 2,075 fans were on hand.
The Korea Football Association (KFA) organized these matches to give the two national teams much-needed action. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Bento's team hasn't played any official international matches this year, whiel Kim's side last competed in an international tournament in January this year.
Cho Gue-sung (C) of the South Korean men's under-23 national football team reaches for the ball during an exhibition match against the senior national team at Goyang Stadium in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, on Oct. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
Fans take in an exhibition match between the South Korean men's senior national football team and the under-23 national team at Goyang Stadium in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, on Oct. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
Fans take in an exhibition match between the South Korean men's senior national football team and the under-23 national team at Goyang Stadium in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, on Oct. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-12--(LEAD) U.N. Seoul human rights office meets brother of S. Korean official killed by N.K. soldiers

During the two-hour meeting , the human rights office said it will report the case to the U.N. General Assembly @ @ @ @ @ , according to Lee Rae-jin , the elder brother of the late official .

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead; UPDATES paras 2-5 with meeting results)
SEOUL, Oct. 12 (Yonhap) -- The Seoul office of the U.N. human rights body held a meeting Monday with a brother of a South Korean fisheries official killed by North Korea after he called for a U.N. probe into the killing.
During the two-hour meeting, the human rights office said it will report the case to the U.N. General Assembly as early as next week, according to Lee Rae-jin, the elder brother of the late official.
Lee earlier said he received an interview request from the U.N. office, calling it the first official reaction from the international organization after he called for an investigation into the incident.
The U.N. office said the purpose of the meeting was to gather information for an analysis, not for an investigation.
"When the case is reported, it will serve as a pressure on South and North Korea to come up with a clear stance," Lee told Yonhap News Agency.
The 47-year-old official was fatally shot by the North Korean military on Sept. 22 while adrift in the North Korean waters. Pyongyang has yet to respond to Seoul's calls for a joint probe into the incident.
Lee filed a request for a U.N. probe last week, raising strong doubts about the government's finding that his brother attempted to defect to North Korea.
The U.N. rights office in Seoul called on the two Koreas to conduct a prompt and impartial probe into the incident in line with international human rights law.
Lee Rae-jin (C), older brother of the South Korean fisheries official killed by North Korea's military at sea near the western maritime border last month, stands with Reps. Tae Young-ho (L) and Ha Tae-keung of the main opposition People Power Party on Oct. 6, 2020, before visiting the U.N. human rights office in Seoul to call for a fair probe into the incident. (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-12--(LEAD) Vice FM holds talks with top envoys from India, Russia

They concurred on the need to continue close communication via virtual meetings between the two governments and agreed to seek @ @ @ @ @ , such as a `` two plus two '' meeting between the foreign and defense @ @

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead; UPDATES throughout with Choi's meeting with Russian envoy; ADDS 2nd photo)
SEOUL, Oct. 12 (Yonhap) -- First Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong-kun met with ambassadors to South Korea from India and Russia on Monday for talks on improving bilateral ties and other issues, the foreign ministry said.
During the talks with India's top envoy to Seoul, Sripriya Ranganathan, the two agreed to continue efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation, especially in the defense industry and people-to-people exchanges.
They concurred on the need to continue close communication via virtual meetings between the two governments and agreed to seek ways to resume high-level talks, such as a "two plus two" meeting between the foreign and defense ministers.
First Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong-kun (R) stands with Indian Ambassador to South Korea Sripriya Ranganathan at the foreign ministry in Seoul, in this photo provided by the ministry on Oct. 12, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Choi also met with Russia's top envoy to Seoul, Andrey Kulik, the same day and expressed hope to improve relations between the two countries by holding regular meetings, including vice ministerial-level strategic talks, according to the ministry.
The vice minister welcomed the resumption of regular flights connecting South Korea and Russia and said he hopes to expand cooperation in the field of public health to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
Ambassador Kulik said Russia was ready to strengthen cooperation with South Korea for the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula, according to the ministry.
"The two sides agreed to closely communicate on the regional situation, including the Korean Peninsula, and other bilateral issues," the ministry said in a release.
They also agreed to hold various events to celebrate the South Korea-Russia Year of Exchange to mark the 30th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties. The two countries earlier agreed to extend the year until 2021 in the wake of the virus outbreak.
Choi also asked India and Russia to support South Korean Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee's bid to become the next director general of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the ministry added.
Yoo has entered the final round of the selection process, competing with Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala of Nigeria. The WTO is expected to announce the decision on the new leader around early November.
First Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong-kun (R) and Russia's top envoy to Seoul, Andrey Kulik, pose for a photo during a meeting at the foreign ministry in Seoul on Oct. 12, 2020, in this photo provided by the ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-12--Cram schools, buffets, nightclubs reopen under eased social distancing rules

The news came as a relief to such businesses , which were forced to close in August amid a spike @ @ @ @ @ country , but many business owners maintained a cautious outlook due to the strict social @ @ @ @ @ required to follow within their establishments .

SEOUL, Oct. 12 (Yonhap) -- Cram schools, buffet restaurants and gyms bustled with activity Monday as the government adjusted its coronavirus restrictions to the lowest tier -- Level 1.
The government announced Sunday that with falling new infections, 10 types of "high-risk" facilities would be allowed to reopen, including various bars, karaoke rooms, large cram schools with 300 or more registered students, and buffet restaurants.
The news came as a relief to such businesses, which were forced to close in August amid a spike in COVID-19 cases in the country, but many business owners maintained a cautious outlook due to the strict social distancing guidelines they will be required to follow within their establishments.
Students attend a class at a cram school in Mapo Ward, Seoul, on Oct. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
"I signed up for three months of TOEIC classes in August, but soon after, I had to take my classes online," said a 25-year-old job seeker, referring to a standard English language exam required by many employers.
"I struggled because I couldn't concentrate on my own, and came out for in-person classes as soon as I heard they were open again," he said, heading to his cram school near Gangnam Station in southern Seoul.
Inside the reopened schools, precautionary measures were taken in line with government guidelines with hand sanitizer on site, QR-code based entry logs and thermal cameras to check body temperatures.
As lunch time rolled around, patrons began to fill newly reopened franchise buffet restaurants.
One restaurant in the financial district of Yeongdeungpo Ward looked nearly full aside for the seats that were left empty to maintain social distancing.
After taking the temperatures and QR-code based logs of customers, employees issued constant reminders that masks and disposable gloves must be worn at all times when taking food from the buffet table.
A customer takes a plate of food at a buffet restaurant in Seoul on Oct. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
In the shopping district of Myeongdong, central Seoul, a Japanese buffet owner rushed to prepare for reopening on Tuesday.
"We've been closed since mid-August, and we've probably lost about 60 million won (US$52,300), including rent," the 44-year-old said. "I don't believe business will be good, but if we stay open, I may be able to pay rent."
Indoor gyms prepared to resume group exercise classes, with some establishments planning to take advance reservations.
For classes of 10 or more people, participants will be required to wear masks and maintain a safe distance from each other, according to one gym in central Seoul.
The earliest beneficiaries of the government's relaxed guidelines were the famous clubs of Hongdae, a college neighborhood in the capital known for its busy nightlife.
At only 10 minutes past midnight, a group of \people in their 20s was lined up outside one of these clubs.
"It was hard not having a place to dance, and I'm glad they're reopening before it gets colder," said a 22-year-old standing in line. "I bet there will be lots of people inside but I'll keep my mask on and be careful."
Clubs are among the facilities the government said will need to follow toughened restrictions if they reopen, by limiting their capacity to one person per 4 square meters.
Karaoke rooms also resumed business shortly after midnight, but most of them managed to attract only two or three groups of customers.
"We've reopened, but many people are still nervous, so we'll have to see how it goes," said 56-year-old Yun Jong-su, who has run a karaoke room in Hongdae for 24 years. "At least this street is popular among young people, so I hope I'll be able to stay in business."
People line up outside a club in Hongdae, Seoul, shortly after midnight on Oct. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-12--U.N. Seoul human rights office to meet brother of S. Korean official killed near sea border

`` I received an interview request and I am going to visit the human rights office in the afternoon , @ @ @ @ @ elder brother of the late official , told Yonhap News Agency .
`` This is @ @ @ @ @ we called for an investigation . ''

SEOUL, Oct. 12 (Yonhap) -- The Seoul office of the U.N. human rights body was to hold a meeting Monday with a brother of a South Korean fisheries official killed by North Korea after he called for a U.N. probe into the killing.
"I received an interview request and I am going to visit the human rights office in the afternoon," Lee Rae-jin, the elder brother of the late official, told Yonhap News Agency. "This is the first official reaction after we called for an investigation."
The U.N. office also confirmed that a meeting was taking place, although it made it clear that the purpose of the meeting was to gather information for an analysis, not for an investigation.
The 47-year-old official was fatally shot by the North Korean military on Sept. 22 while adrift in the North Korean waters. Pyongyang has yet to respond to Seoul's calls for a joint probe into the incident.
Lee filed a request for a U.N. probe last week, raising strong doubts about the government's finding that his brother attempted to defect to North Korea.
The U.N. rights office in Seoul called on the two Koreas to conduct a prompt and impartial probe into the incident in line with international human rights law.
Lee Rae-jin (C), older brother of the South Korean fisheries official killed by North Korea's military at sea near the western maritime border last month, stands with Reps. Tae Young-ho (L) and Ha Tae-keung of the main opposition People Power Party on Oct. 6, 2020, before visiting the U.N. human rights office in Seoul to call for a fair probe into the incident. (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-12--(LEAD) Military lifts vacation ban for troops as gov't eases social distancing scheme

`` We will recommend troops to postpone their vacationing if they are stationed in regions that report confirmed cases , @ @ @ @ @ that some restrictions on their one-day off-installation travel and meeting outside visitors will remain in @ @ @ @ @ efforts to stem the spread of the virus .

(ATTN: ADDS new virus case reported in Yangju base in paras 6-8)
SEOUL, Oct. 12 (Yonhap) -- The defense ministry decided to lift a vacation ban for enlisted service members after the government eased social distancing guidelines on the new coronavirus, officials said Monday.
Since mid-August, the military authorities banned rank-and-file troops from vacationing and off-base movement, as the country saw a surge in confirmed COVID-19 cases and implemented a tougher social distancing scheme.
However, as the guidance was adjusted to the lowest level starting Monday following a slowdown in new cases in recent weeks, the defense ministry decided to begin allowing service members to go on vacation normally starting Monday, according to the officials.
"We will have service members fully follow antivirus measures over the course of their off-base trips," deputy spokesperson Col. Moon Hog-sik told a regular briefing.
"We will recommend troops to postpone their vacationing if they are stationed in regions that report confirmed cases," Moon said, adding that some restrictions on their one-day off-installation travel and meeting outside visitors will remain in place as part of continued efforts to stem the spread of the virus.
On the same day, a soldier based in Yangju, north of Seoul, tested positive for the new virus, raising the total caseload reported in barracks to 154.
The soldier was in quarantine after four other service members at his unit tested positive.
The newly confirmed patient tested negative on an initial coronavirus test conducted following the series of infections, but he tested positive earlier in the day after showing symptoms, such as a headache, on Sunday, officials said.
Nationwide, the country reported 97 new virus cases, including 68 local infections, raising the total caseload to 24,703, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
Service members walk on a street in the border town of Hwacheon, Gangwon Province, on June 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-12--S. Korea vows to maintain exports recovery in Q4: finance minister

SEJONG , Oct. 12 ( Yonhap ) -- South Korea 's finance minister said Monday the government will spare no @ @ @ @ @ recovery in exports in the fourth quarter of this year .

SEJONG, Oct. 12 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's finance minister said Monday the government will spare no efforts to maintain momentum of recovery in exports in the fourth quarter of this year.
Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki made the remarks at a meeting with senior ministry officials earlier in the day, the Ministry of Economy and Finance said in a statement.
On Monday, South Korea eased social distancing rules as daily infections of the new coronavirus appeared to come under control, following a resurgence in mid-August.
Hong said the government will adjust economic measures to boost local consumption as social distancing rules softened.
Earlier in the day, South Korea reported a 28.8 percent drop in exports for the first 10 days of October, mainly due to fewer working days.
Per-day exports, however, rose 2.8 percent in the 10-day period and exports of semiconductors, the nation's key export item, gained 11.2 percent.
Last month, South Korea saw exports rebound after seven months of decline, helped by increased shipments of chips and automobiles as major trade partners gradually resumed their business activities amid the pandemic.
Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki takes an oath during a parliamentary inspection of his ministry at the government complex in Sejong, central South Korea, on Oct. 7, 2020. (Yonhap)
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

Moon raised the need to publicize that the minister with 25 years of experience in trade affairs is the right @ @ @ @ @ , speaking in the session joined by Yoo , Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun and Foreign @ @ @ @ @ to Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kang Min-seok .

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Monday.
-----------------
S. Korea, U.S. analyzing N. Korea's new ICBM: defense ministry
SEOUL -- Military authorities are analyzing details of North Korea's newest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) unveiled in a massive parade over the weekend, including how many warheads it can carry, officials said Monday.
During the Oct. 10 parade to mark the 75th anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party, the communist country showed off a new ICBM, along with a new submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) and other modernized weapons systems.
-----------------
(LEAD) 'Top-down' nuke diplomacy with N.K. may not continue if Biden wins Nov. election: Ambassador Lee
SEOUL -- The "top-down" nuclear diplomacy that U.S. President Donald Trump has employed toward North Korea may not be retained if Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden wins the November election, Seoul's top envoy in Washington has said.
During a video-linked parliamentary audit Sunday (Washington time), Ambassador Lee Soo-hyuck made the remarks in response to a lawmaker's question about the possibility of a change in the U.S. approach to the North following the Nov. 3 presidential vote.
-----------------
(3rd LD) New virus cases spike again on 1st day of eased social distancing scheme
SEOUL -- South Korea's new virus cases spiked again Monday, though the daily tally stayed below 100 for the fifth consecutive day, as the country eased its tougher social distancing measures.
The country added 98 COVID-19 cases, including 69 local infections, raising the total caseload to 24,702, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
-----------------
Moon vows watertight antivirus fight despite eased social distancing rules
SEOUL -- President Moon Jae-in assured the public Monday that his government will maintain strict measures to curb the spread of the new coronavirus in spite of the decision to relax social distancing guidelines.
"(The government) will ensure that there will be no loophole, even for a moment, in antivirus measures for high-risk and multiuse facilities," he said at the outset of a weekly meeting with senior Cheong Wa Dae aides.
-----------------
(LEAD) Seoul city lifts ban on rallies of 10 or more people, allows fewer than 100
SEOUL -- The Seoul city government on Monday eased tough restrictions on outdoor rallies as the country adjusted its social distancing to the lowest level.
The new guidelines allow rallies of fewer than 100 people, lifting an earlier ban on rallies of 10 or more, which had been in place since late August, the local government said.
-----------------
(LEAD) Moon holds high-level meeting on backing Yoo Myung-hee's WTO chief bid
SEOUL -- President Moon Jae-in convened a high-level meeting Monday to discuss strategies on supporting Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee's bid to become the head of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Cheong Wa Dae said.
Moon raised the need to publicize that the minister with 25 years of experience in trade affairs is the right figure to reform the WTO, speaking in the session joined by Yoo, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun and Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha, according to Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kang Min-seok.
-----------------
(2nd LD) LG Chem logs record operating income in Q3 on petchem, battery demand
SEOUL -- LG Chem Ltd., South Korea's leading chemical firm, said Monday its operating profit hit a quarterly record high in the third quarter amid robust sales at the petrochemical and electric vehicle (EV) battery units.
In its earnings guidance, the South Korean electric vehicle battery maker estimated its operating profit at 902 billion won (US$785 million) in the July-September period, up 158.7 percent from a year earlier.
-----------------
(LEAD) Seoul stocks up for 8th day on eased virus curbs, tech gains
SEOUL -- South Korean shares extended gains for an eighth consecutive session Monday on the back of strong advances by chipmakers and the government's decision to loosen quarantine measures against the new coronavirus pandemic. The Korean won rose against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 11.77 points, or 0.49 percent, to close at 2,403.73.
-----------------
BTS' online concert draws nearly 1 mln viewers from 191 countries: agency
SEOUL -- Nearly 1 million viewers watched an online concert of K-pop superstar BTS held over the weekend, the band's agency said Monday.
Some 993,000 viewers from 191 countries and territories watched "BTS MAP OF THE SOUL ON:E" that was streamed online due to the pandemic, according to Big Hit Entertainment.
-----------------
Preorders for NCT's upcoming album hit 1.1 million
SEOUL -- Preorders for South Korean boy group NCT's album reached a record 1.1 million ahead of its release later in the day, its agency said Monday.
This marks a new record for the 23-member group, which is set to release the album "RESONANCE Pt. 1" at 6 p.m., according to SM Entertainment.
(END)


yna--2020-10-12--(2nd LD) LG Chem logs record operating income in Q3 on petchem, battery demand

(ATTN: UPDATES with stock prices in last para)
By Kim Kwang-tae
SEOUL, Oct. 12 (Yonhap) -- LG Chem Ltd., South Korea's leading chemical firm, said Monday its operating profit hit a quarterly record high in the third quarter amid robust sales at the petrochemical and electric vehicle (EV) battery units.
In its earnings guidance, the South Korean electric vehicle battery maker estimated its operating profit at 902 billion won (US$785 million) in the July-September period, up 158.7 percent from a year earlier.
The third-quarter operating income estimate beats the market consensus of 732.8 billion won in the data compiled by Yonhap Infomax, the financial arm of Yonhap News Agency.
LG Chem's factory in Cheongju, a city located about 130 kilometers south of Seoul (Yonhap)
Robust sales in the petrochemical and EV battery units helped the company continue to report a larger-than-expected profit in the third quarter.
LG Chem's sales also hit a quarterly record high of 7.5 trillion won in the third quarter, the company said, without providing a net result for the third quarter in the guidance.
The company has said its EV battery plant in Poland began to produce products in a stable manner as the defect rate declined, which in turn improved its bottom line.
LG Chem also operates electric vehicle battery plants in South Korea, China and the United States.
In July, LG Chem's battery business unit achieved an operating income of 155.5 billion won in the second quarter on quarterly record sales of 2.82 trillion won.
Cha Dong-seok, chief financial officer at LG Chem, said in July that the EV battery business unit could continue to post sharp growth in the third quarter due to increased shipments of EV batteries to Europe and increased sales of cylindrical batteries.
LG Chem is a key supplier of batteries to electric vehicles, including those of GM, Ford, Renault, Volvo, Audi, Volkswagen and Daimler, as well as South Korea's largest carmaker, Hyundai Motor Co., and its smaller affiliate, Kia Motors Corp.
LG Chem said it is on track to boost its production capacity to 100 gigawatt hours by the end of this year, which is enough to supply batteries for about 1.7 million electric cars.
LG Chem said its order backlog for EV batteries is currently valued at more than 150 trillion won.
The EV battery market has been on a roll as automakers around the world race to go electric and eco-friendly due to tightened regulations on greenhouse gas emissions, which scientists say are to blame for global warming.
LG Chem is scheduled to release its third-quarter net result on Oct. 21.
Shares in LG Chem fell 2.89 percent to 672,000 won, underperforming the broader KOSPI's 0.49 percent gain.
entropy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-12--(LEAD) 'Top-down' nuke diplomacy with N.K. may not continue if Biden wins Nov. election: Ambassador

(LEAD) 'Top-down' nuke diplomacy with N.K. may not continue if Biden wins Nov. election: Ambassador Lee

`` The U.S. ' response is that the end-of-war declaration is sufficiently worth a consideration , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ U.S. is that as long as it does not entail any legal meaning , it @ @ @ @ @ to make the political declaration . ''

(ATTN: ADDS more ambassador's remarks in last para)
SEOUL, Oct. 12 (Yonhap) -- The "top-down" nuclear diplomacy that U.S. President Donald Trump has employed toward North Korea may not be retained if Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden wins the November election, Seoul's top envoy in Washington has said.
During a video-linked parliamentary audit Sunday (Washington time), Ambassador Lee Soo-hyuck made the remarks in response to a lawmaker's question about the possibility of a change in the U.S. approach to the North following the Nov. 3 presidential vote.
"Those who would take charge of diplomatic and security affairs (should Biden win the election) are those who held high-level positions under the past Obama administration," the ambassador said.
"If the past is any guide, I expect that they will more likely be taking the form of conducting reviews at the low levels and then making recommendations, with the president giving his approval rather than employing a top-down approach," he added.
Ambassador to the United States Lee Soo-hyuck speaks during a video-linked parliamentary audit session on Oct. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
Lee then forecast that if Trump wins reelection, the leader-to-leader approach to the North would continue or be further strengthened.
Trump has stuck to the top-down approach with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in apparent hopes of striking a denuclearization agreement in a more swift, comprehensive manner -- in a departure from the bottom-up approach that critics said was inefficient and time-consuming.
But skepticism has emerged as negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang have stalled, while the recalcitrant North has continued to develop seemingly longer-range, more refined ballistic missiles and other weapons systems as showcased during a military parade Saturday.
Commenting on the prospect of the nuclear negotiations under the Biden administration, the ambassador said that with Washington likely to focus on domestic and China issues, the Korean Peninsula issue could be treated as a "secondary" one.
"Candidly speaking, whether the Democratic Party or Republican Party, (Washington) has little room to pay attention to foreign policy," Lee said.
Touching on South Korean President Moon Jae-in's renewed push for the declaration of a formal end to the 1950-53 Korean War, Lee said the U.S. government has responded positively to that proposal.
"The U.S.' response is that the end-of-war declaration is sufficiently worth a consideration," he said. "The atmosphere in the U.S. is that as long as it does not entail any legal meaning, it is meaningful for concerned countries to make the political declaration."
The ambassador added that the declaration would be possible should the North agree to it.
"I am not to say that if the end of war is declared, the nuclear weapons will be abandoned like a magic wand," he said.
"But as it could have significant meaning for the denuclearization process, the U.S. shares this understanding, and we are waiting for the North's understanding."
With regard to Seoul's position on the growing U.S.-China rivalry, Lee said, "Just because South Korea chose the U.S. 70 years ago doesn't mean it has to choose the U.S. for the next 70 years too," stressing that the country's national interests should be put ahead of anything else in making such choices.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-12--S. Korea aims to develop 50 AI chips by 2030

SEOUL , Oct. 12 ( Yonhap ) -- South Korea targets to develop up to 50 types of artificial intelligence-focused @ @ @ @ @ the ICT ministry said Monday , as the country strives to take a leading position @ @ @ @ @ its traditional foothold in memory chips .

SEOUL, Oct. 12 (Yonhap) -- South Korea targets to develop up to 50 types of artificial intelligence-focused system semiconductors by 2030, the ICT ministry said Monday, as the country strives to take a leading position in the semiconductor sector beyond its traditional foothold in memory chips.
AI chips refer to high performance and power efficient semiconductors that specialize in AI services.
Early this year, South Korea placed big bets on developing the next-generation chips with a plan to spend around 1 trillion won (US$871 million) until 2029.
The ICT ministry said it plans to acquire homegrown technology to develop such chips by 2022, while fostering 3,000 experts in the sector over the next 10 years.
Under the state-led plan, the country aims to capture 20 percent of the global AI chip market by 2030.
The ministry said it plans to utilize 70 billion won from the local semiconductor fund, formed last year, to help AI chip companies in research and development as well as mergers and acquisitions.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun (3rd from L) listens to a briefing on artificial intelligence chips at the Gyeonggi Business Growth Center in Seongnam, south of Seoul, on Oct. 12, 2020. (Yonhap)
The country's move to nurture the AI chip sector comes as it seeks a new growth engine in the semiconductor industry.
The AI chip market is expected to grow rapidly, reaching US$117.9 billion by 2030, compared with $18.5 billion this year, according to the Korea Information Society Development Institute.
New AI services, such as self-driving cars, are expected to help propel the sector.
South Korea holds a tight grip over the global DRAM memory chip market. Samsung Electronics Co. and SK hynix Inc., the two major chipmakers, held a combined 73.6 percent of the market in the second quarter this year.
But the market is expected to decline by 0.5 percent annually until 2024, according to market tracker Gartner.
Samsung said in July that it would hire 1,000 new experts for chip design and artificial intelligence by the end of this year.
yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-12--(LEAD) Seoul stocks up for 8th day on eased virus curbs, tech gains

SEOUL , Oct. 12 ( Yonhap ) -- South Korean shares extended gains for an eighth consecutive session Monday on @ @ @ @ @ by chipmakers and the government 's decision to loosen quarantine measures against the new coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ rose against the U.S. dollar .

(ATTN: ADDS bond yields at bottom, photo)
SEOUL, Oct. 12 (Yonhap) -- South Korean shares extended gains for an eighth consecutive session Monday on the back of strong advances by chipmakers and the government's decision to loosen quarantine measures against the new coronavirus pandemic. The Korean won rose against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 11.77 points, or 0.49 percent, to close at 2,403.73.
Trading volume was moderate at about 832 million shares worth some 10.5 trillion won (US$9.2 billion), with gainers outnumbering losers 508 to 324.
Foreigners bought a net 138 billion won and institutions purchased a net 84 billion won, while retail investors sold a net 234 billion won.
Electronic signboards at a Hana Bank dealing room in Seoul show the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed at 2,403.73 on Oct. 12, 2020, up 11.77 points or 0.49 percent from the previous session's close. (Yonhap)
"(Local) stocks seem to have gone up due to the eased virus curbs here and the US$1.8 trillion stimulus proposal extended by the White House," said Korea Investment & Securities analyst Kim Ye-in.
On Monday, South Korea lowered its COVID-19 social distancing guidelines to the lowest level, raising hopes that the eased virus curbs can boost the economic recovery.
Chipmakers led the KOSPI's hike, buoyed by promising export data. In the first 10 days of October, exports of memory chips rose 11.2 percent on-year, while South Korean exports contracted 28.8 percent.
In Seoul, large caps closed mixed.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics added 1.17 percent to 60,400 won, with No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix spiking 3.14 percent to 85,500 won.
Top pharmaceutical firm Samsung Biologics gained 0.56 percent to 719,000 won. Celltrion shot up 4.39 percent to 273,500 won, following reports that the drugmaker successfully completed the phase one clinical trial for its coronavirus antibody treatment.
Internet portal giant Naver dipped 2.99 percent to 292,000 won, with its rival Kakao down 1.98 percent to 371,500 won.
Leading chemical maker LG Chem fell 2.89 percent to 672,000 won, and rechargeable battery maker Samsung SDI dropped 1.12 percent to 440,000 won.
Hyundai Motor, the country's largest automaker, slipped 0.28 percent to 180,000 won, and top steelmaker POSCO lost 0.48 percent to 207,000 won.
The local currency closed at 1,146.8 won per dollar, up 6.5 won from the previous session's close, marking the highest since April when the Korean won finished at 1,141.8.
Bond prices, which move inversely to yields, closed lower. The yield on three-year Treasurys rose 1.8 basis points to 0.925 percent, and the return on the benchmark five-year government bond added 1.8 basis points to 1.225 percent.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-12--S. Korean Bond Yields on Oct. 12, 2020

S. Korean Bond Yields on Oct. 12, 2020

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


yna--2020-10-12--Hanssem Q3 operating earnings up 236.4 pct. to 24 bln won

The operating profit was 9.1 percent higher than the average estimate , according to the survey by Yonhap Infomax , @ @ @ @ @ Yonhap News Agency .

SEOUL, Oct. 12 (Yonhap) -- Hanssem Co. on Monday estimated its third-quarter operating profit at 24 billion won (US$20.9 million), up 236.4 percent from a year earlier.
Sales increased 25.4 percent to 514.9 billion won. The data for net earnings was not available.
The operating profit was 9.1 percent higher than the average estimate, according to the survey by Yonhap Infomax, the financial data firm of Yonhap News Agency.
The company will release its final earnings report later.
(END)


yna--2020-10-12--(LEAD) Moon holds high-level meeting on backing Yoo Myung-hee's WTO chief bid

Yoo plans to leave for Europe on Tuesday for a home-stretch campaign drive , according to her ministry .
She @ @ @ @ @ , where the headquarters of the WTO is located , and other European cities , @ @ @ @ @ and envoys and discussions on ways to reform the global body with 164 member states @

(ATTN: UPDATES with Cheong Wa Dae's statement, Yoo's Europe visit plan in last 4 paras; ADDS photo, byline)
By Lee Chi-dong
SEOUL, Oct. 12 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in convened a high-level meeting Monday to discuss strategies on supporting Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee's bid to become the head of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Cheong Wa Dae said.
Moon raised the need to publicize that the minister with 25 years of experience in trade affairs is the right figure to reform the WTO, speaking in the session joined by Yoo, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun and Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha, according to Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kang Min-seok.
The president pledged to make every effort himself to help Yoo win the competition especially through personal letters to his foreign counterparts and phone talks.
This combined image provided by Yonhap News TV shows Yoo Myung-hee (L) of South Korea and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala of Nigeria, the two final candidates for the director general of the World Trade Organization. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The Cheong Wa Dae meeting came ahead of the opening of the two-way final round of the WTO chief race next week, which also involves Nigeria's former Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
Yoo reported to the president that she would concentrate on endeavoring to draw a broader range of support from the international community, not from specific nations or continents, Kang said.
The spokesman pointed out that avoiding vetoes is as important as gaining more votes.
President Moon Jae-in (2nd from L) holds a meeting with top government officials on supporting Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee's bid for the top post of the World Trade Organization at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Oct. 12, 2020, in this photo provided by Moon's office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Also attending the meeting, Kim Hyun-chong, deputy chief of Cheong Wa Dae's national security office, said it is necessary to emphasize that Yoo is the candidate capable of restoring multilateral trade. Kim served as Seoul's trade minister and ambassador to the United Nations.
The spokesman stated, meanwhile, that the government will mobilize all available capabilities to provide "systemic support," based on the division of roles by relevant authorities, for her campaign.
Other attendees included Industry Minister Sung Yun-mo, Koo Yun-cheol, minister for government policy coordination, Noh Young-min, presidential chief of staff, and Suh Hoon, director of national security at Cheong Wa Dae.
Yoo plans to leave for Europe on Tuesday for a home-stretch campaign drive, according to her ministry. She is scheduled to visit Geneva, where the headquarters of the WTO is located, and other European cities, for meetings with senior officials and envoys and discussions on ways to reform the global body with 164 member states.
WTO's first female boss? Seoul's trade minister Yoo Myung-hee's ambitious challenge Youtube https://youtu.be/6U0cNhu5spY
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-12--Nearly 90 pct of deceased last year cremated, but crematoriums in short supply: data

The southeastern city of Busan was the region preferring cremation the most , with 94.8 percent of the deaths reported @ @ @ @ @ ending up in cremation , followed by the western city of Incheon with a rate @ @ @ @ @ Gyeongsang Province reported a cremation rate of 93 percent , while Gyeonggi Province had 91.4 @ @ @ @ @ percent .
The rate was the lowest for the southern island of Jeju with 75.4 @ @

SEOUL, Oct. 12 (Yonhap) -- Nearly 90 percent of those who died last year were cremated, but crematorium services in South Korea are falling short of the growing demand, government data showed Monday.
According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare data submitted to Rep. Nam In-soon of the ruling Democratic Party, the bodies of 260,920, or 88.4 percent, of the 295,107 people who reportedly died last year were cremated.
The rate of cremation has been on a steady increase over the years, rising from 79.2 percent in 2014 to hit the 80 percent mark the next year. It has since posted further growth every year to 82.7 percent in 2016 and to 86.8 percent in 2018, according to the data.
Compared with the number in 2014, the 2019 figure marks a steep expansion of 9.2 percentage points.
The southeastern city of Busan was the region preferring cremation the most, with 94.8 percent of the deaths reported in the city last year ending up in cremation, followed by the western city of Incheon with a rate of 94 percent. South Gyeongsang Province reported a cremation rate of 93 percent, while Gyeonggi Province had 91.4 percent and Seoul reported 91.1 percent. The rate was the lowest for the southern island of Jeju with 75.4 percent.
Despite the soaring popularity of cremation, however, the number of crematoriums in the country has not changed much over the cited period, the data also showed.
The number of cremation facilities increased only by five to 60 last year, compared with 55 places recorded in 2014, the data showed.
As of last year, North Gyeongsang Province had the most crematoriums with 11, followed by South Gyeongsang Province with 10.
Busan and Incheon, where the cremation rates were the highest last year, had only one crematorium each, according to the data.
Nam pointed out that bereaved families have no choice but to pay on average six times more than the normal cost of cremation if they have the body of the deceased family member cremated in regions outside of their residence because of the shortage of local crematorium services.
"The national standard fee at cremation facilities is required, and there needs to be more supply to meet the demand," she added.
This file photo shows a cremation facility in South Korea. (Yonhap)
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-12--BTS' online concert draws nearly 1 mln viewers from 191 countries: agency

To make up for the change , Big Hit introduced an `` ARMY on air '' system so the band @ @ @ @ @ known as ARMY , could join the concert from their homes .
Faces of some @ @ @ @ @ installed at the stage so that BTS could connect with their fans and hear their @ @

SEOUL, Oct. 12 (Yonhap) -- Nearly 1 million viewers watched an online concert of K-pop superstar BTS held over the weekend, the band's agency said Monday.
Some 993,000 viewers from 191 countries and territories watched "BTS MAP OF THE SOUL ON:E" that was streamed online due to the pandemic, according to Big Hit Entertainment.
The two-day concert, held in Seoul on Saturday and Sunday, was initially planned to be held in person and livestreamed. But the agency decided to only livestream it, as the new coronavirus showed no sign of letting up.
To make up for the change, Big Hit introduced an "ARMY on air" system so the band's dedicated fans, also known as ARMY, could join the concert from their homes. Faces of some fans were livestreamed on screens installed at the stage so that BTS could connect with their fans and hear their voices.
BTS takes top 2 spots on Billboard Hot 100 and ends “MOTS ON:E” attracting 993,000 global viewers Youtube https://youtu.be/lGrRMuAmD9c
A multi-view mode allowed viewers to watch the concert from six different angles. The concert was also streamed through 4K and HD for an enhanced viewing experience, the agency said.
The weekend concert was the septet's second-ever online concert. The band held its first online concert "Bang Bang Con: The Live" in June, which attracted some 756,000 viewers from 107 countries and territories.
BTS recently made history by becoming the first K-pop act to top the Billboard 100 with its single "Dynamite."
The band is set to release its new album "BE" on Nov. 20.
This photo, provided by Big Hit Entertainment, shows BTS performing during its online concert held on Oct. 10-11, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)
This photo, provided by Big Hit Entertainment, shows BTS performing during its online concert held on Oct. 10-11, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)
This photo, provided by Big Hit Entertainment, shows BTS performing during its online concert held on Oct. 10-11, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)
This photo, provided by Big Hit Entertainment, shows BTS performing during its online concert held on Oct. 10-11, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-12--Virus cases under control in Jeju despite influx during extended holidays

As of now , the island also has no patient under treatment for the new coronavirus .
The most recent @ @ @ @ @ 59 , was released from the hospital after a full recovery on Oct. 2 .

JEJU, South Korea, Oct. 12 (Yonhap) -- Despite concerns from a large influx of outside visitors, South Korea's southern resort island of Jeju has managed to fend off new COVID-19 cases after two back-to-back extended holiday periods, according to officials Monday.
South Korea began its five-day fall harvest holiday of Chuseok on Sept. 30, but many started taking days off Sept. 26. People also enjoyed a three-day break this past weekend, starting with the national Hangeul Day holiday Friday.
According to officials, the combined number of outside visitors to the island from Sept. 26 to Sunday reached some 460,000. Of those, 281,258 arrived from Sept. 26 to Oct. 4 and 103,549 traveled to Jeju between Friday and Sunday.
In the file photo taken July 17, 2020, people receive coronavirus tests at a stadium in the town of Hallim on South Korea's largest island of Jeju after four of its residents tested positive for COVID-19. (Yonhap)
Notably, the island has not seen a new virus case reported since Sept. 23, according to health officials.
As of now, the island also has no patient under treatment for the new coronavirus. The most recent person, patient No. 59, was released from the hospital after a full recovery on Oct. 2.
Authorities attributed the strong disease control measures and compliance by residents and visitors to the island's virus-free streak.
During the period, local health authorities tested 351 visitors whose temperatures measured over 37.5 C, of whom all tested negative.
In the file photo taken July 17, 2020, people wait for coronavirus tests at a stadium in the town of Hallim on South Korea's largest island of Jeju after four of its residents tested positive for COVID-19. (Yonhap)
Also, 12 residents who traveled to the mainland during Chuseok were also ordered to take mandatory tests and later yielded negative results.
For the past 15 days, some 2,000 civil workers, tourism workers and volunteers associated with 196 organizations conducted a sweeping disinfection campaign of 4,451 public and commercial facilities on the island, officials said.
In the file photo taken Oct. 4, 2020, travelers head to the departure hall of Jeju International Airport on the southern resort island of Jeju. (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-12--Daewoo Shipbuilding wins 2 tln won worth of orders for 6 ships

Under the two separate deals , Daewoo Shipbuilding will deliver the vessels to the European companies by July and December @ @ @ @ @ shipbuilder said in regulatory filings , without providing the names of the clients .

By Nam Kwang-sik
SEOUL, Oct. 12 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's No. 2 shipbuilder, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., said Monday that it has signed deals worth 2 trillion won (US$1.7 billion) to build six liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers for two European companies.
Under the two separate deals, Daewoo Shipbuilding will deliver the vessels to the European companies by July and December 2023, respectively, the shipbuilder said in regulatory filings, without providing the names of the clients.
With the deals, Daewoo Shipbuilding has won orders worth about $3.3 billion for 13 vessels so far this year, achieving 46 percent of its annual order target of $7.21 billion.
Shares in Daewoo Shipbuilding edged up 0.82 percent to 24,500 won on Monday, roughly in line with the broader KOSPI's 0.49 percent gain.
This undated photo, released by South Korean shipbuilding giant Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering on Nov. 18, 2019, shows a liquefied natural gas carrier equipped with an air lubrication system, a method to reduce the resistance between the ship's hull and seawater using air bubbles. (Yonhap)
ksnam@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-12--Moon holds high-level meeting on backing Yoo Myung-hee's WTO chief bid

SEOUL, Oct. 12 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in convened a high-level meeting Monday to discuss strategies on supporting Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee's bid to become the head of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Cheong Wa Dae said.
Moon raised the need to publicize that the minister with 25 years of experience in trade affairs is the right figure to reform the WTO, speaking in the session joined by Yoo, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun and Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha, according to Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kang Min-seok.
The president pledged to make every effort himself to help Yoo win the competition especially through personal letters to his foreign counterparts and phone talks.
This combined image provided by Yonhap News TV shows Yoo Myung-hee (L) of South Korea and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala of Nigeria, the two final candidates for the director general of the World Trade Organization. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The Cheong Wa Dae meeting came ahead of the opening of the two-way final round of the WTO chief race next week, which also involves Nigeria's former Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
Yoo reported to the president that she would concentrate on endeavoring to draw a broader range of support from the international community, not from specific nations or continents, Kang said.
The spokesman pointed out that avoiding vetoes is as important as gaining more votes.
Also attending the meeting, Kim Hyun-chong, deputy chief of Cheong Wa Dae's national security office, said it is necessary to emphasize that Yoo is the candidate capable of restoring multilateral trade. Kim served as Seoul's trade minister and ambassador to the United Nations.
WTO's first female boss? Seoul's trade minister Yoo Myung-hee's ambitious challenge Youtube https://youtu.be/6U0cNhu5spY
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-13--(2nd LD) New virus cases bounce back to triple digits, cluster infections still drag in virus fight

The spike in new virus cases came as the country eased most of its strict restrictions on daily activities on @ @ @ @ @ no massive outbreaks traced to millions of people who traveled across the nation over the @ @ @

(ATTN: ADDS details throughout; CHANGES photos)
SEOUL, Oct. 13 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new virus cases rebounded to over 100 on Tuesday, snapping five consecutive days of a two-digit rise, as sporadic cluster infections continued across the nation and imported cases rose amid an eased social distancing scheme that went into effect this week.
The country added 102 COVID-19 cases, including 69 local infections, raising the total caseload to 24,805, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
It marked a slight rise from 98 cases reported on Monday and a sharp rise from 58 cases from Sunday. The daily figure rebounded to 114 on Wednesday last week before falling back to 69 the following day.
The spike in new virus cases came as the country eased most of its strict restrictions on daily activities on Monday as there have been no massive outbreaks traced to millions of people who traveled across the nation over the Chuseok holiday.
The country earlier suffered a major uptick in virus cases in mid-August, mostly traced to a conservative church in northern Seoul. After reaching 103 on Aug. 13, the figure shot up to 441 on Aug. 27. The figures stayed in the triple digits until reaching 82 on Sept. 20.
Despite some ups and downs, the daily new infections mostly stayed around 100 afterwards.
"When looking at the weekly figures, we cannot say that the country suffered a sharp uptick in virus cases on Monday and Tuesday," a health official said.
Commuters walk at a subway station in southern Seoul on Oct. 13, 2020. (Yonhap)
Under eased social distancing, high-risk facilities, such as clubs, karaoke rooms, bars and buffet restaurants, including those in the greater Seoul area, are now allowed to operate normally. They are, however, obligated to follow infection prevention measures, including having visitors wear masks, and keep entry logs.
Starting Tuesday, people are required to wear protective masks on public transportation and at medical facilities and rallies. Violators can be fined starting in November after a month of grace period.
Under the current Level 1 social distancing scheme, there are no limits to the number of participants in gatherings.
But considering religious facilities have been responsible for major cluster infections since the COVID-19 outbreak here, churches can fill up only 30 percent of their seats.
Sports event are also obligated to keep the ceiling of 30 percent at stadiums.
South Korea operates a three-tier social distancing system. Under the second level, indoor gatherings of more than 50 people are banned. The government has not yet issued the highest alert, which bans gatherings of 10 or more people.
The nationwide Level 2 social distancing went into effect from late August through Sunday, while the Seoul metropolitan area that houses around half of the nationwide population was also temporarily put under Level 2.5 over the period.
Health authorities have been warning that the country can become more vulnerable to another wave of pandemic over the winter.
Local COVID-19 cases with unidentified infection routes also took up around 20 percent of the new infections over the past two weeks. Cluster infections accounted for 21.2 percent of the new cases over the period, the latest data also showed.
Workers urge commuters to wear protective masks at a subway station in southern Seoul on Oct. 13, 2020. (Yonhap)
Of the newly identified local infections, 18 cases were reported in Seoul and 32 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital.
The southern port city of Busan added one new case as well. The central city of Daejeon added nine cases.
A funeral hall located in western Seoul reported 10 more patients as of noon Monday, raising the total caseload to 11.
A sports facility in Suwon, south of Seoul, reported six COVID-19 patients.
Another hospital in Busan has reported 15 cases so far.
Imported cases reached 33, up from 29 the previous day, marking the highest number since 34 reported on July 29.
Nepal accounted for three infections reported Tuesday.
Cases from Russia also jumped to 14, while Japan accounted for five.
The United States took up four cases, and there were also patients from Canada, Brazil and Uzbekistan.
South Korea added one more death, raising the death toll to 434.
The fatality rate reached 1.75 percent.
The number of patients in serious or critical condition came to 91, up four from the previous day.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 22,863, up 135 from the previous day. More than 92 percent of the patients reported here have been cured.
South Korea has carried out 2,428,771 tests since Jan. 3, including 13,161 the previous day.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-13--Seoul stocks turn lower late Tue. morning on virus resurgence

Investor sentiment worsened as the country 's new COVID-19 infections bounced back to the triple digits , stoking fears that @ @ @ @ @ damage on the economy .

SEOUL, Oct. 13 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks turned lower late Tuesday morning, as investors went risk-averse over the local resurgence of the new coronavirus.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) lost 14.43 points, or 0.6 percent, to 2,389.3 as of 11:20 a.m.
The KOSPI fell back into negative terrain after opening a tad higher following the overnight Wall Street rally.
Investor sentiment worsened as the country's new COVID-19 infections bounced back to the triple digits, stoking fears that the pandemic may inflict more damage on the economy.
In Seoul, most large caps traded mixed.
Market kingpin Samsung Electronics rose 0.5 percent, but No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix retreated 0.7 percent.
Internet portal giant Naver gained 1.2 percent, and its rival Kakao edged up 0.13 percent.
Leading chemical maker LG Chem dipped 3.12 percent, with rechargeable battery maker Samsung SDI slipping 0.11 percent.
Top pharmaceutical firm Samsung Biologics traded flat, but Celltrion shed 1.1 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,150.2 won to the U.S. dollar, down 3.4 won from the previous session's close.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-13--Illegal military service exemptions rise steadily every year

But most of those booked for illegal military exemptions were lightly punished , Ahn noted .
Of 152 suspects whose @ @ @ @ @ past four years , only four were given actual prison terms , with the rest @ @ @ @ @ of indictment .

SEOUL, Oct. 13 (Yonhap) -- The number of illegal exemptions from mandatory military service detected by local authorities has surged nearly 60 percent over the past five years, a ruling party lawmaker said Tuesday, calling for tougher punishments for draft dodgers.
Rep. Ahn Gyu-back of the Democratic Party, citing the Military Manpower Administration's data, said the number of people booked by police on charges of illegally receiving an exemption from military duty increased 59.6 percent from 47 in 2015 to 75 in 2019.
The number of illegal draft evasions caught by authorities also showed a steady annual growth in the in-between years, rising from 54 in 2016 to 59 in 2017 and 69 in 2018, Ahn said, adding 38 cases were booked in the first eight months of the year.
By law, all able-bodied South Korean men must carry out military service for about two years in a country that faces North Korea across one of the world's most heavily fortified borders.
The lawmaker said intentional weight management, or the act of deliberately gaining or losing weight, accounted for the largest portion of illegal methods of military exemption, at 115, from 2015 to August this year, followed by feigned mental disorders (68 cases), intentional tattooing (58), falsifying one's academic background (16) and pretended eye diseases (three).
Notably, three people were caught receiving military exemptions after intentionally cutting their fingers or toes, he said.
But most of those booked for illegal military exemptions were lightly punished, Ahn noted. Of 152 suspects whose sentences were confirmed over the past four years, only four were given actual prison terms, with the rest getting suspended sentences or suspension of indictment.
"It is necessary to raise the statutory sentences for crimes of military service exemptions or strengthen the relevant sentencing guidelines by the Supreme Court in order to prevent such crimes and meet the public's legal sentiment against military service evasion," Ahn said.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-13--S. Koreans spent record on Netflix in Sept.: data

WiseApp said in a post that Netflix 's total paid users and payment amount in the country are likely to @ @ @ @ @ its data do not include other payment methods , such as those made through app @ @ @ @ @ .

SEOUL, Oct. 13 (Yonhap) -- South Koreans' card payments to Netflix reached a fresh high of 46.2 billion won (US$40.2 million) last month, data showed Tuesday, a nearly twofold jump from a year earlier.
An estimated 3.36 million people here spent the record amount in September on the popular video streaming platform, according to app tracker WiseApp's data based on local payments made through credit and debit cards on Netflix.
Last month's figure marks a jump from the 24.1 billion won spent in September last year by an estimated 1.84 million users.
Netflix Inc.'s logo is shown in this undated file photo provided by the company. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The data showed that users in their 20s accounted for 38 percent of last month's paid users, followed by the 30-age group at 25 percent and 40-somethings at 19 percent.
WiseApp said in a post that Netflix's total paid users and payment amount in the country are likely to be higher than estimated as its data do not include other payment methods, such as those made through app stores and pay TV platforms.
The number of active mobile app users of Netflix in the country stood at an estimated 6.37 million in May, according to market researcher Nielsen KoreanClick.
WiseApp said the number of local Android phone users that accessed the Netflix app at least once last month stood at a record high of 5.27 million.
Netflix's growth in South Korea comes amid increasing competition from homegrown video streaming platforms, such as Wavve and Watcha.
Wavve said last month that its monthly active users reached 3.88 million in August this year.
yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-13--Upcoming blockbuster musicals set to lure fans amid coronavirus slump

`` The Count of Monte Cristo , '' a Korean adaptation of the Broadway musical based on the 1844 novel @ @ @ @ @ Alexandre Dumas , will also go on stage from Nov. 17 at LG Art Center @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Oct. 13 (Yonhap) -- Blockbuster musicals will go on stage in the coming months to lure fans to auditoriums that have been half-empty for months due to anti-virus guidelines.
The original French production of the musical "Notre Dame de Paris" will start its South Korean run from Nov. 10 at Blue Square Interpark Hall in central Seoul.
It is the first show produced by its original French crew in South Korea since 2015.
Its French cast and staff will go through a two-week mandatory self-quarantine later this month before staging the musical based on the novel of the same name written by Victor Hugo.
They will perform the new 2018 version of the show, celebrating its 20th anniversary, featuring upgraded costumes, choreography and lights.
Since its global premiere in 1998, the show has attracted 15 million theatergoers from 23 countries.
A scene from musical "Notre Dame de Paris" provided by Mast Entertainment (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
At the same time, the international production of the Tony Award-winning "Cats" has extended its Seoul run for a month to December on its sellout popularity.
The West End musical was originally to be staged from Sept. 9-Nov. 8 at the Charlotte Theater in eastern Seoul, the first original cast show in South Korea in five years.
"The Count of Monte Cristo," a Korean adaptation of the Broadway musical based on the 1844 novel of the same name by Alexandre Dumas, will also go on stage from Nov. 17 at LG Art Center in southern Seoul.
Theatrical stars Um Ki-joon, Shin Sung-rok and Ock Joo-hyun will star in the musical regarded as one of the most popular musicals in the country since its South Korean premiere in 2010.
Opening on Dec. 18, "Man of La Mancha," a story of the mad knight Don Quixote, will be one of the most anticipated shows of the winter season thanks to its lead actor Cho Seung-woo.
Cho is one of the most bankable stars on the South Korean musical scene, starring in a number of hit shows like "Jekyll & Hyde."
This combined image, provided by EMK Musical Company, shows cast members of the musical "Count of Monte Cristo." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Insiders expect that the upcoming shows will help musical theaters bustle with fans, coinciding with the eased social distancing guidelines this week.
Local productions lowered seating capacity at shows or canceled their schedules during the summer peak season due to tightened anti-virus restrictions imposed in mid-August.
According to the Korea Performing Arts Box Office Information System (KOPIS), the total ticket sales of musicals reached 3.4 billion won (US$2.96 million) from Aug. 16-Sept. 1, down 64 percent from the same period last year.
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)