yna--2020-03-06--(EDITORIAL from Korea JoongAng Daily on March 6)

On Thursday , the Moon Jae-in administration added Gyeongsan , North Gyeongsang , to a list of `` special infectious @ @ @ @ @ with Daegu and Cheongdo County in North Gyeongsang .
As the number of people confirmed @ @ @ @ @ , officially named Covid-19 , has exceeded 5,000 , the Central Disaster Management Headquarters ( @ @ @ @ @ inspection of the headquarters of the Shincheonji church in Gwacheon , Gyeonggi .
The CDMH @ @ @ @ @ after some local municipalities complained about the credibility of a list of the followers of @ @ @ @ @ the church .
The CDMH explained that the inspection was aimed at `` getting accurate @ @ @ @ @ the quarantine of its members . ''

Stop political intervention
On Thursday, the Moon Jae-in administration added Gyeongsan, North Gyeongsang, to a list of "special infectious disease management areas" along with Daegu and Cheongdo County in North Gyeongsang. As the number of people confirmed infected with the novel coronavirus, officially named Covid-19, has exceeded 5,000, the Central Disaster Management Headquarters (CDMH) conducted an administrative inspection of the headquarters of the Shincheonji church in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi. The CDMH said it took the action after some local municipalities complained about the credibility of a list of the followers of the religious sect submitted by the church. The CDMH explained that the inspection was aimed at "getting accurate information on the church for the quarantine of its members."
But the CDMH's explanation changed from an earlier one. In a statement Monday, it downplayed the need for search and seizure at the church, saying, "The church's uncooperative attitude, such as its omission of related data, could not be affirmed." The disaster management headquarters added that if it carried out a raid at the church, it could have "a negative impact on their effective quarantine" because a tough approach could force its church members into hiding. We wonder why the CDMH changed its position in just three days. Why was such a flip-flop necessary?
On Sunday and Tuesday, the Daegu Metropolitan City Police requested a warrant from the prosecution to search the church's Daegu chapter. But the two requests were denied. The prosecution cited a lack of evidence of the church's "arbitrary omission on the list of its followers and properties." The prosecution also said that the police's request for a warrant did not specify exactly what kind of obstruction the church committed in its compliance with an epidemiological study demanded from the CDMH.
Then, Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae suddenly stepped in and pressured the prosecution to issue a warrant for a search and seizure operation at the church based on an unreliable public survey that showed "over 86 percent of the people support a search and seizure operation at the church." Earlier, she openly pressured the prosecution to start an investigation of the church in case it refuses the authorities' requests for medical tests of church members. Minister Choo's acts suggest political intervention in the epidemic crisis even though she is arguably responsible for the fast spread of the infections because she was reluctant to bar Chinese people from entering Korea in the initial stage of the infections.
On Sunday, Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon joined the chorus by publicly demanding the prosecution led by Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl arrest the founder of the church, Lee Man-hee. But it is not appropriate for the mayor and other politicians from the ruling party to try to find a scapegoat instead of taking responsibility for the government's poor handling of the virus crisis.
Given its accountability for the massive spread of the infections, the Shincheonji church must cooperate with public health authorities no matter what. But the government also must take responsibility for its utterly supine reaction from the start. It is the time for medical experts on the front line to raise their voices and tell us the way forward, not politicians.
(END)


yna--2020-03-06--(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on March 6)

(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on March 6)

Unfortunately , we can find no such sense of urgency in the BOK 's recent decision to hold its rate @ @ @ @ @ possible downside effects of a rate cut .
The Korean economy is in far worse @ @ @ @ @ and the virus outbreak is most serious here outside China .
COVID-19 not only hurts @ @ @ @ @ damages people 's regular lives .
Small businesses and the self-employed are finding it difficult @ @ @ @ @ losses and going into debt .
Procrastination at a moment like this is not caution @ @ @ @ @ swiftly .
If necessary , the central bank should advance its Monetary Policy Board meeting @ @ @ @ @ .
( END )

Fed's bold move
Bank of Korea needs to take action to ease virus shock
The U.S. Federal Reserve delivered an unexpected cut to its key interest rate Tuesday. The half a percentage point reduction was a bold move, breaking away from previous "baby-steps" that used to lower the rate by a quarter of a point at a time. The Fed seems to have decided on the emergency measure -- reminiscent of the 2008 global financial crisis -- taking into account growing uncertainty for the U.S. and other major economies amid the new coronavirus shock.
The U.S. central bank had been expected to cut the rate at its Federal Open Market Committee meeting scheduled for March 17, but brought the move forward. The U.S. rate falling to 1.00 percent to 1.25 percent means it has now become equal to Korea's benchmark rate. Taking a "worst-case scenario" into account, the action by the Federal Reserve contrasts sharply with the Bank of Korea's reluctance to lower its rate for fear of creating adverse effects. Now is the time for Korea to take a far bolder monetary policy than ever before.
Other major economies are likely to follow the U.S. example. In a conference call held at Washington's request, finance ministers and central bank heads of G7 countries issued a statement indicating they would mobilize all policy tools to prevent a global economic downturn, signaling they would also reduce rates. The OECD has already lowered its growth forecast for the global economy from 2.9 percent to 2.4 percent. The move reflects its awareness that the COVID-19 panic is spreading beyond China to the rest of the world, disrupting global supply chains and tourism business, and throwing the financial market into turmoil.
Unfortunately, we can find no such sense of urgency in the BOK's recent decision to hold its rate steady, stressing only the possible downside effects of a rate cut. The Korean economy is in far worse shape than America's, and the virus outbreak is most serious here outside China. COVID-19 not only hurts the overall economy, but damages people's regular lives. Small businesses and the self-employed are finding it difficult to go on without suffering losses and going into debt. Procrastination at a moment like this is not caution. BOK needs to move swiftly. If necessary, the central bank should advance its Monetary Policy Board meeting to make a timely decision.
(END)


yna--2020-03-06--(EDITORIAL from Korea Herald on March 6)

The Bank of Korea slashed its growth outlook for this year from 2.3 percent at the outset of the year @ @ @ @ @ , about a month after the country reported its first confirmed case of the respiratory @ @ @ @ @ Many international investment banks and local research institutes now forecast Asia 's fourth-largest economy would @ @ @ @ @ 2020 .

Anti-virus spending
Proposed extra budget would do little to boost economy, risk worsening fiscal health
President Moon Jae-in's administration has proposed an extra budget worth 11.7 trillion won ($9.86 billion) to help deal with the mass outbreak of the novel coronavirus here and minimize its impact on the economy.
The supplementary budget bill, which was submitted to the parliament for approval Thursday, is the country's largest-ever spending plan for handling the fallout from an infectious disease. In 2003, South Korea set aside 4.2 trillion won in additional fiscal expenditure in the wake of the SARS outbreak and 11.6 trillion won in 2015 to fight the MERS epidemic.
It is necessary for the National Assembly to pass the extra budget bill as soon as possible before its ongoing session ends on March 17 to support the anti-virus fight and ease deepening economic woes.
Still, the additional spending plan is far from sufficient to shore up Korea's faltering economy, which had already been slowing down before being hit by the rapid spread of COVID-19 that emerged in China last December.
The Bank of Korea slashed its growth outlook for this year from 2.3 percent at the outset of the year to 2.1 percent last week, about a month after the country reported its first confirmed case of the respiratory disease on Jan. 20. Many international investment banks and local research institutes now forecast Asia's fourth-largest economy would grow below 1 percent in 2020.
A bulk of the proposed extra budget has been allocated to strengthen the quarantine system, support the less-privileged, bolster employment and keep struggling small business owners afloat.
About 2 trillion won will be spent to boost domestic consumption. The government plans to provide gift vouchers to low-income workers and elderly people, while offering a 10 percent refund on the purchase of energy-efficient home appliances.
These and other measures designed to promote consumption spending can hardly be expected to give a significant boost to the floundering economy.
The government needs to go beyond resorting to more fiscal spending to revitalize the economy in the long term. It should carry out sweeping deregulation, make the labor market more flexible and cut taxes to encourage corporate investment.
Moon and his aides should ditch the income-led growth policy backed by a string of pro-labor measures, including sharp minimum wage hikes, which have prodded companies to reduce investment and employment at home and move production abroad to cope with rising costs.
Attesting to the failure of the misplaced policy implemented since Moon took office in 2017, recent data from the central bank showed Korea's per capita gross national income decreased 4.1 percent from a year earlier to $32,047 last year.
Economic woes aggravated by the spread of the epidemic should prompt the Moon administration to abandon its economic approach that has proved wrong.
It is worrying that the country's fiscal soundness has been deteriorating at an alarming pace under the Moon administration.
The latest and fourth extra budget it has proposed comes on the top of a record annual budget of 512.5 trillion won set for this year.
The Ministry of Economy and Finance plans to issue 10.3 trillion won worth of state bonds to finance the additional expenditure with the remaining 1.4 trillion won to be covered by leftover funds.
The deficit of the managed fiscal balance -- the shortfall in the government's income compared with its spending, excluding social security funds -- is forecast to soar to 82 trillion won, or 4.1 percent of the country's gross domestic product, this year, the largest proportion since 1998.
Accumulated national debt is projected to rise to 815.5 trillion won in 2020, accounting for 41.2 percent of GDP, the highest figure on record.
Fiscal imbalance is likely to worsen further if the government draws up additional extra budgets in the second half of the year if the coronavirus continues to spread and the economy remains sluggish.
Financial authorities should also be prepared to take steps to stabilize the local capital market if necessary.
Offshore investors sold a net $3 billion worth of Korean stocks in February, compared with net selling of $165 million a month earlier. Korea suffered the third largest foreign selloff last month amid global capital flights to safer assets, followed by Brazil at $4.24 billion and Taiwan at $3.57 billion. So far this month, foreign investors have been in net selling mode in local bourses.
The government needs to step up efforts to restore the currency swap line with the US and Japan and expand the scheme with other major economies.
(END)


yna--2020-03-06--Top headlines in major S. Korean newspapers

Korean-language dailies -- Has number of infections peaked ?
Too soon to be sure ( Kyunghyang Shinmun ) -- Japan @ @ @ @ @ , China for 2 weeks ( Kookmin Daily ) -- New gov't rule forces elderly @ @ @ @ @ masks ( Donga llbo ) -- Japan suspends visa waiver for S. Korea , visitors @ @ @ @ @ for 2 weeks ( Seoul Shinmun ) -- Abe orders restrictions on entry from China @ @ @ @ @ ) -- One day after Kim Yo-jong criticizes Cheong Wa Dae , Kim Jong-un proposes @ @ @ @ @ Ilbo ) -- Visitors from Korea to be quarantined for 2 weeks , passage to @ @ @ @ @ ) -- Criticized for failure to prevent epidemic , Japan 's Abe orders 2-week quarantine @ @ @ @ @ Hankyoreh ) -- Japan too shuts down , people arriving from Korea quarantined for 2 @ @ @ @ @ -- 1,000 firms call for help daily , requests for employment support fund explode ( @ @ @ @ @ Japan to block entry from Korea ( Korea Economic Daily )

SEOUL, March 6 (Yonhap) -- The following are the top headlines in major South Korean newspapers on March 6.
Korean-language dailies
-- Has number of infections peaked? Too soon to be sure (Kyunghyang Shinmun)
-- Japan to quarantine visitors from Korea, China for 2 weeks (Kookmin Daily)
-- New gov't rule forces elderly, babies to personally purchase masks (Donga llbo)
-- Japan suspends visa waiver for S. Korea, visitors from Korea to be quarantined for 2 weeks (Seoul Shinmun)
-- Abe orders restrictions on entry from China, Korea (Segye Times)
-- One day after Kim Yo-jong criticizes Cheong Wa Dae, Kim Jong-un proposes cooperation against epidemic (Chosun Ilbo)
-- Visitors from Korea to be quarantined for 2 weeks, passage to Japan blocked (JoongAng Ilbo)
-- Criticized for failure to prevent epidemic, Japan's Abe orders 2-week quarantine of visitors from Korea (Hankyoreh)
-- Japan too shuts down, people arriving from Korea quarantined for 2 weeks (Hankook Ilbo)
-- 1,000 firms call for help daily, requests for employment support fund explode (Maeil Business Newspaper)
-- Japan to block entry from Korea (Korea Economic Daily)
English-language dailies
-- Recoveries from virus more than double (Korea JoongAng Daily)
-- Elderly alienated from virus info (Korea Herald)
-- Government to ban export of face masks (Korea Times)
(END)


yna--2020-03-06--New York asks residents to self-isolate after returning from S. Korea

New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday that some 300 college students and faculty of the State University of @ @ @ @ @ University of New York are being asked to return from their study abroad programs in @ @ @ @ @ about the virus .

By Lee Haye-ah
WASHINGTON, March 5 (Yonhap) -- New York City is asking residents returning from South Korea and four other countries to self-isolate for 14 days as a precautionary measure against the spread of coronavirus, the office of the city's mayor said Thursday.
The office of Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the measure as the number of infections in the state of New York doubled overnight to 22.
This Reuters file photo shows New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio at a news briefing in the Manhattan borough of New York City on March 2, 2020. (Yonhap)
"The Department of Health is asking New Yorkers who return from the following countries to self-isolate for 14 days as a precaution: China, Iran, Italy, South Korea, and Japan," it said in a press release.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday that some 300 college students and faculty of the State University of New York and the City University of New York are being asked to return from their study abroad programs in the five countries over concerns about the virus.
He said the students will come back on a chartered plane and then be quarantined for 14 days in dormitory settings. The study abroad programs were being suspended, effectively immediately, he added.
The U.S. State Department has issued the second-highest travel advisory for South Korea, urging Americans to reconsider travel there, and the highest level for Daegu, asking that they do not travel to the country's hardest-hit city.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also issued the highest-level travel notice for South Korea, recommending that Americans avoid all nonessential travel to the country.
As of Thursday, there were 6,088 cases of the coronavirus in South Korea, with 42 deaths.
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-06--European nations at U.N. condemn N. Korean launches

`` We continue to urge the DPRK to engage in good faith in meaningful negotiations with the United States aimed @ @ @ @ @ concrete steps to abandoning all weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs in a @ @ @ @ @ manner , and to refrain from further provocations , '' Heusgen said , referring to @ @ @ @ @ name , the Democratic People 's Republic of Korea .

By Lee Haye-ah
WASHINGTON, March 5 (Yonhap) -- Five European nations on Thursday condemned North Korea's recent launch of projectiles, calling it "provocative" and unhelpful to negotiations on denuclearizing the regime.
Belgium, Britain, Estonia, France and Germany -- all members of the United Nations Security Council -- issued the statement three days after the launch, which South Korea's military said appeared to be of two short-range ballistic missiles.
North Korean state media said it was a long-range artillery firing drill overseen by leader Kim Jong-un.
The five countries are "deeply concerned by the testing of ballistic missiles" by North Korea, German Ambassador to the U.N. Christoph Heusgen told reporters at the U.N. headquarters in New York, flanked by his counterparts from the other four nations.
This Xinhua file photo shows a United Nations Security Council meeting at the U.N. headquarters in New York. (Yonhap)
"We condemn such provocative actions. They undermine regional security and stability, as well as international peace and security, and they are in clear violation of unanimously adopted U.N. Security Council resolutions," he said, referring to resolutions banning the North from testing ballistic missile technology.
This week's launch was the first of its kind in about three months and came as denuclearization negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang remain stalled.
The European nations urged the North to return to the talks.
"We continue to urge the DPRK to engage in good faith in meaningful negotiations with the United States aimed at denuclearization, to take concrete steps to abandoning all weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner, and to refrain from further provocations," Heusgen said, referring to the North by its official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
"There is no other way to achieve security and stability on the Korean Peninsula. Continued provocations risk undermining the prospect for successful negotiations," he added.
Meanwhile, the ambassador said, the international community should continue to enforce sanctions on Pyongyang.
"It is vital that the Security Council ensures full implementation of its resolutions and that sanctions remain in place," he said. "We call on the international community to comply with the obligation to strictly enforce these sanctions, including by reporting on their implementation, in accordance with the resolutions adopted by the council."
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-06--Cardinals' Kim Kwang-hyun tosses 2 shutout innings in relief

Kim , who signed with the Cardinals in December , was a high-end starter for the SK Wyverns in the @ @ @ @ @ ) for most of his 13-year career .
Kim has said he 'd be willing @ @ @ @ @ bullpen if necessary , and the Cardinals could give him some looks as a reliever @ @ @ @ @ left-hander Andrew Miller , who 's dealing with a mysterious ailment with his arm .

SEOUL, March 6 (Yonhap) -- Kim Kwang-hyun of the St. Louis Cardinals has extended his scoreless streak to five innings in his first major league camp, adding two shutout frames to the books in his third appearance.
The South Korean left-hander struck out two and pitched around three singles to keep the New York Mets off the board at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter, Florida, on Thursday (local time). He threw 18 of his 25 pitches for strikes.
Kim, battling for a rotation spot at the start of the regular season, has pieced together five shutout innings so far this spring in one start and two relief appearances. He has seven strikeouts against one walk, with three hits allowed.
In this file photo from Feb. 26, 2020, Kim Kwang-hyun of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches against the Miami Marlins in a Major League Baseball spring training game at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter, Florida. (Yonhap)
Kim had been scheduled to start Monday but was scratched because of mild groin soreness. He threw a successful bullpen session later that day, and the Cardinals had him lined up to start Thursday and throw three innings or 50 pitches.
But on the eve of the scheduled start, the Cardinals said veteran right-hander Adam Wainwright would get the start instead and Kim would immediately follow him with two innings out of the bullpen.
Kim took over from Wainwright to begin the top of the fifth, with the Cardinals ahead 6-5 after a three-homer, six-run explosion in the bottom fourth.
Kim gave up a leadoff single to Pete Alonso with his first pitch of the day. It was also the first hit off Kim all spring, but the lefty quickly settled down and retired the next three batters in order.
Dominic Smith grounded out to first as Alonso move to second, and then Ryan Cordell flied out to center on a 1-2 fastball.
Kim put on a clinic in striking out Tomas Nido on three pitches. He flipped in a curveball for a first-pitch strike at 69 miles per hour (mph), and got a swinging strike with an 85 mph slider. Nido then fanned on an 88 mph fastball in the dirt.
Kim struck out Will Toffey swinging on a 2-2 slider to begin the top of the sixth, but Jarrett Parker got an infield single to start a rally and moved to third on a follow-up single by Johneshwy Fargas.
Kim wiggled out of the jam unscathed. First, he got Amed Rosario to fly out to center, not deep enough to bring Parker home from third.
With Luis Carpio at the plate, Fargas stole second to get himself into scoring position. But Carpio hit a grounder back to Kim, who tossed it to first base to finish off the inning.
Kim offered four different pitches from his arsenal: four-seam fastball (11), slider (10), curveball (three) and change-up (one). His fastball topped out at 93 mph.
Kim, who signed with the Cardinals in December, was a high-end starter for the SK Wyverns in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) for most of his 13-year career. Kim has said he'd be willing to pitch out of the bullpen if necessary, and the Cardinals could give him some looks as a reliever given the absence of veteran left-hander Andrew Miller, who's dealing with a mysterious ailment with his arm.
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


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yna--2020-03-05--(4th LD) 100 countries, territories restricting entry from S. Korea over coronavirus concerns

Japan announced later Thursday that it will quarantine passengers flying in from South Korea and China at a designated place @ @ @ @ @ through the end of this month .
It will also limit the landing of all @ @ @ @ @ countries to two airports , one near Tokyo and one in Osaka .

(ATTN: UPDATES story with latest tally, more info)
By Song Sang-ho
SEOUL, March 5 (Yonhap) -- A total of 100 countries and territories are imposing entry restrictions or tougher quarantine procedures on people from South Korea on Thursday, amid fears about the new coronavirus outbreaks
As of 11 p.m., 37 countries and territories, including Australia, plan to enforce or imposed entry bans on people who have traveled to South Korea in the past two weeks, according to the foreign ministry.
Australia announced a plan to start enforcing a weeklong entry ban on foreigners travelling from South Korea at 7 p.m. Thursday (Korea time), its embassy in Seoul said. It will review in the next seven days whether to extend the ban.
Kazakhstan was added to the list as it announced it will bar the entry of foreigners who have visted South Korea, China and Iran, starting Sunday. The country had previously imposed quarantine measures for South Korea.
Sao Tome and Principe, an African island nation, has also adopted an entry ban of foreigners from seven countries, including Korea, China, Italy and Iran.
Six countries and territories, including Japan and Malaysia have imposed entry bans on people from parts of Korea, such as the country's southeastern city of Daegu and the adjacent Cheongdo County, where the bulk of COVID-19 infections have occurred.
Japan announced later Thursday that it will quarantine passengers flying in from South Korea and China at a designated place for two weeks starting Monday through the end of this month. It will also limit the landing of all incoming flights from the two countries to two airports, one near Tokyo and one in Osaka.
A total of 12 countries and territories, including Vietnam, have quarantined people from South Korea or other virus-affected countries.
The Republic of Congo now quarantines people flying in from South Korea, Iran, Italy and China at designated hotels.
The number of countries and territories that have strengthened immigration controls or recommended quarantine programs for Koreans was tallied at 45.
India was moved to this list from the entry ban list as its embassy in Seoul clarified that the restriction measure involves a tighter process for new visa issuances and invalidation of previously issued visas.
Among the countries was Mozambique, which imposes a 14-day self-quarantine for people from Korea with no symptoms or quarantines those with signs of illness at designated facilities.
Malta was also an addition to this list, as it started recommending a 14-day self-quarantine for foreigners arriving from South Korea, China, Japan, Iran and northern Italy.
In China, 17 provinces and cities, including the latest addition of Hunan Province, enforced quarantine programs for people arriving from South Korea or from parts of the country, like Daegu, mostly at designated hotels.
As of Thursday afternoon, a total of 1,226 South Koreans, including 860 in China and 318 in Vietnam, were in quarantine around the world.
As of Thursday, South Korea's coronavirus cases totaled 6,088 cases and 42 deaths.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-06--(8th LD) S. Korea hits back with countermeasures in response to Tokyo's entry restrictions

Tokyo has announced that from Monday through the end of this month , visitors from South Korea and China will @ @ @ @ @ designated facilities for two weeks and refrain from using public transportation .
It also plans @ @ @ @ @ entry program for South Koreans on Monday .

(ATTN: RECASTS paras 5, 7; ADDS more info in 8th para; TRIMS)
By Song Sang-ho
SEOUL, March 6 (Yonhap) -- South Korea said Friday it will halt a visa-free entry program for Japan and take other countermeasures in response to Tokyo's decision to impose new restrictions for South Korean visitors over coronavirus fears.
First Vice Foreign Minister Cho Sei-young announced the measures, hours after the foreign ministry voiced "extreme regrets" over Japan's immigration control plan, which it chastised as "unreasonable, unscientific and unfriendly."
"Our government once again expresses our deep regrets over Japan's measures that it unilaterally announced without prior consultations or notification," Cho told a press conference.
"It is difficult to accept the fact that Japan, which has shown opaque, passive quarantine moves, has unilaterally taken stronger entry restrictions against our citizens," he added.
First Vice Foreign Minister Cho Sei-young speaks during a press conference at the foreign ministry in Seoul on March 6, 2020. (Yonha)
Cho went on to stress that Japan's measures appear to have stemmed from a "lack of understanding" over South Korea's "advanced, outstanding" quarantine system.
Korea's countermeasures include the plan to suspend the 90-day visa-fee entry program for Japanese visitors and invalidate already issued visas from midnight Monday.
Seoul also plans to apply special entry procedures for all foreigners travelling from Japan, starting on Monday.
In addition, Seoul warned of "reciprocal" measures in response to Japan's decision to allow flights from South Korea to land only in Narita Airport near Tokyo and Osaka's Kansai Airport. It is considering choosing Korean airports in Incheon, Seoul, Gimhae or Jeju to impose its own restrictions for flights from Japan.
The government also plans to raise its travel advisory for the entirety of Japan to Level 2, which calls for citizens to refrain from travelling to Japan. This measure follows Japan's elevation of its travel alert for all of Korea.
Tokyo has announced that from Monday through the end of this month, visitors from South Korea and China will be asked to stay at designated facilities for two weeks and refrain from using public transportation. It also plans to suspend the 90-day visa-free entry program for South Koreans on Monday.
Japan has already banned the entry of people who have visited the southeastern city of Daegu and adjacent Cheongdo County, where the bulk of the country's COVID-19 infections have taken place.
To protest Japan's measures, Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha called in Japanese Ambassador Koji Tomita.
It is unusual for the minister to hold such a meeting with a foreign envoy to file a complaint, illustrating the seriousness South Korea attaches to the issue. Initially, Vice Foreign Minister Cho was to meet Tomita.
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha (R) talks with Japanese Ambassador to South Korea Koji Tomita at the foreign ministry in Seoul on March 6, 2020. (Yonhap)
"I express deep regrets over the fact that the Japanese government has taken such unreasonable steps although our government has been strictly controlling and managing the COVID-19 through an excellent quarantine system recognized by the world," Kang said.
"We cannot help but deplore the measure that Japan has pressed ahead without prior notification as well as sufficient consultations despite our repeated calls to refrain from additional measures," she added.
The minister raised doubts over the motivations behind Japan's latest restrictions, stressing that the measures came when South Korea's containment efforts are yielding progress.
"Japan's measures this time are not only unfriendly but also unscientific, and I strongly urge Japan to promptly retract them while facing the objective facts and situations," Kang said.
The minister also stressed that Korea's "objective" data, including the high number of COVID-19 tests, underscores the country's "active and preemptive" quarantine efforts rather than any failure to contain the virus.
"Rather, our government is watching Japan's response to COVID-19 with concern," Kang was quoted by her ministry as saying.
Tomita said in response that he would relay Kang's remarks to the Japanese foreign ministry.
"As you might be well aware of the situation in Japan regarding the new coronavirus, the next one or two weeks is a critical juncture that could determine whether the virus outbreaks can end," he said.
In the morning, the foreign ministry issued a strongly-worded statement, voicing "extreme regret" and raising doubts over Japan's intentions behind the restrictive measures.
"Given that this measure came when signs of progress in our containment efforts appear to have emerged, we cannot help but doubt whether Japan has other intentions than its considerations of the quarantine aspect," the ministry said.
Japan's latest restrictions angered South Korea in particular because Seoul has refrained from such extraordinary steps against Japanese nationals even at the onset of the outbreak on a virus-hit cruise ship off its coast.
Critics raised speculation that Tokyo might have decided to tighten restrictions on the entry of Koreans to help circumvent domestic criticism of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's handling of the virus outbreaks.
South Korea has so far reported 6,593 confirmed cases of the novel virus and 42 deaths. As of 3 p.m. Friday, 102 countries and territories planned to enforce or were imposing entry restrictions or stricter quarantine programs for people from South Korea.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-06--(3rd LD) Japan's entry restrictions deal bigger blow to airlines, travel agencies

Adding to their woes , Japan announced Thursday that visitors from South Korea and China will be requested to be @ @ @ @ @ two weeks and to refrain from using public transportation .
The restriction will be implemented @ @ @ @ @ of this month .
Japan also plans to suspend the 90-day visa-free entry program for @ @ @ @ @ period , according to diplomatic sources .

(ATTN: UPDATES Seoul's response to Japan's move and Korean Air's suspension plan in paras 4-5; ADDS details in para 3)
By Choi Kyong-ae
SEOUL, March 6 (Yonhap) -- Japan's entry restrictions for visitors from South Korea are dealing another blow to airlines and travel agencies already hit by the fast-spreading coronavirus outbreak, the companies said Friday.
Local airlines and travel agencies have been struggling with a sharp decline in air travel demand for more than a month after South Korea's first confirmed COVID-19 case was reported on Jan. 20.
Adding to their woes, Japan announced Thursday that visitors from South Korea and China will be requested to be quarantined at designated facilities for two weeks and to refrain from using public transportation. The restriction will be implemented from Monday through the end of this month. Japan also plans to suspend the 90-day visa-free entry program for South Koreans during the same period, according to diplomatic sources.
This photo taken on March 5, 2020, and provided by Korean Air shows a company employee checking the temperature of outbound passengers at a boarding gate at Incheon International Airport in Incheon, western Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
In response to Tokyo's new entry restrictions, South Korea said Friday it will suspend a visa-free entry program for Japanese nationals from Monday.
The move prompted Korean Air Lines Co., the country's biggest airline and national flag carrier, to suspend 16 of its flights on 17 routes, except for the Incheon-Narita route, to the neighboring country starting Monday.
Asiana Airlines Inc., South Korea's second-biggest airline, said it will suspend all of its flights to Japan from March 9-31 due to Japan's entry restrictions. It previously operated 11 routes to eight Japanese cities.
The two full-service carriers have continued to reduce or suspend flights on domestic and international routes since February.
Korean Air said 80 percent of its overall flights were not in operation as of March 2. It had provided passenger and cargo carrying services to 115 cities in 44 countries before the coronavirus hit.
Jeju Air Co., the country's largest low-cost carrier, said it will continue to serve two routes from Incheon to Tokyo and Osaka. Thirteen out of its 15 routes to Japan are not in operation.
"We have made the decision as there is travel demand to the cities due mainly to business reasons, though passengers will have to undergo a two-week quarantine upon arrival in Japan," a Jeju Air spokesman said.
As of Friday, South Korea had reported 6,593 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus and 42 deaths. At least 100 countries and territories plan to enforce or are imposing entry restrictions on visitors from South Korea.
Six other budget carriers -- Jin Air, Air Busan, Air Seoul, Eastar Jet, T'way and Fly Gangwon -- have already suspended all or most of their flights on international routes. Most of them have entered an emergency management system to stay afloat.
No flights to Japan from the country's seven budget carriers will be available from Monday.
Among industries affected by the virus outbreak, travel agencies are also bearing the brunt.
Most local travel agencies are deeply concerned about poor earnings results for the first quarter and a forced restructuring as bookings for overseas travel have fallen to rock bottom this month.
"The company asked all of its 5,000 employees to work for three days a week in March as there are no flight bookings for domestic and overseas travel," Lee Jae-min, who runs a Hana Tour travel agency in Seoul, said.
Travel agencies -- which mainly handle travel packages, business trips for local companies and cruise travel products -- will suffer the most from the coronavirus fallout in terms of business results, Lee said.
The Korea Association of Travel Agents, which represents 1,200 out of the country's 18,000 travel companies, is concerned that if airlines continue to suspend flights, many agencies will end up going bankrupt, KATA spokesperson Koo Jeong-hwan said.
"The airline and travel businesses are not alone. The virus outbreak is having negative implications for related industries -- hotels, duty free shops and restaurants, to name just a few," the spokesperson said.
KATA recently called for financial support from the government as their members badly need to maintain their workforce because the travel business, unlike manufacturers, depends heavily on experienced human resources, he said.
Airline and tourism stocks retreated Friday on concerns of poor earnings for the first quarter.
On Friday, Korean Air plunged 5.2 percent to 23,800 won, Asiana fell 3 percent at 4,260 won, Jeju Air declined 2.5 percent to hit 21,650 won and Hana Tour shed 2.1 percent to reach 45,750 won. Most of them underperformed the broader KOSPI's 2.2 percent loss.
This photo taken on Feb. 9, 2020, shows vacant travel agency counters at the No. 1 Terminal of Incheon International Airport amid the spreading coronavirus outbreak. (Yonhap)
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-06--(7th LD) S. Korea hits back with countermeasures in response to Tokyo's entry restrictions

(ATTN: CHANGES headline, lead; UPDATES throughout; TRIMS; ADDS photo)
By Song Sang-ho
SEOUL, March 6 (Yonhap) -- South Korea said Friday it will halt a visa-free entry program for Japan and take other countermeasures in response to Tokyo's decision to impose new restrictions for South Korean visitors over coronavirus fears.
First Vice Foreign Minister Cho Sei-young announced the measures, hours after the foreign ministry voiced "extreme regrets" over Japan's immigration control plan, which it chastised as "unreasonable, unscientific and unfriendly."
"Our government once again expresses our deep regrets over Japan's measures that it unilaterally announced without prior consulations or notification," Cho told a press conference.
"It is difficult to accept the fact that Japan, which has shown opaque, passive quarantine moves, has unilaterally taken stronger entry restrictions against our citizens," he added.
First Vice Foreign Minister Cho Sei-young speaks during a press conference at the foreign ministry in Seoul on March 6, 2020. (Yonha)
Cho went on to stress that Japan's measures stemmed from a "lack of understanding" over South Korea's "advanced, outstanding" quarantine system.
Korea's countermeasures include the plan to suspend the 90-day visa-fee entry program for Japanese visitors and invalidate already issued visas from midnight Monday.
Seoul also plans to apply special entry procedures for all foreigners travelling from Japan, starting on Monday.
In addition, Seoul warned of "reciprocal" measures in response to Japan's decision to allow flights from South Korea to land only in Narita Airport near Tokyo and Osaka's Kansai Airport. It plans to choose Korean airports in Incheon, west of Seoul, Gimhae or Jeju to impose its own restrictions for flights from Japan.
Tokyo has announced that from Monday through the end of this month, visitors from South Korea and China will be asked to stay at designated facilities for two weeks and refrain from using public transportation. It also plans to suspend the 90-day visa-free entry program for South Koreans on Monday.
Japan has already banned the entry of people who have visited the southeastern city of Daegu and adjacent Cheongdo County, where the bulk of the country's COVID-19 infections have taken place.
To protest Japan's measures, Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha called in Japanese Ambassador Koji Tomita.
It is unusual for the minister to hold such a meeting with a foreign envoy to file a complaint, illustrating the seriousness South Korea attaches to the issue. Initially, Vice Foreign Minister Cho was to meet Tomita.
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha (R) talks with Japanese Ambassador to South Korea Koji Tomita at the foreign ministry in Seoul on March 6, 2020. (Yonhap)
"I express deep regrets over the fact that the Japanese government has taken such unreasonable steps although our government has been strictly controlling and managing the COVID-19 through an excellent quarantine system recognized by the world," Kang said.
"We cannot help but deplore the measure that Japan has pressed ahead without prior notification as well as sufficient consultations despite our repeated calls to refrain from additional measures," she added.
The minister raised doubts over the motivations behind Japan's latest restrictions, stressing that the measures came when South Korea's containment efforts are yielding progress.
"Japan's measures this time are not only unfriendly but also unscientific, and I strongly urge Japan to promptly retract them while facing the objective facts and situations," Kang said.
The minister also stressed that Korea's "objective" data, including the high number of COVID-19 tests, underscores the country's "active and preemptive" quarantine efforts rather than any failure to contain the virus.
"Rather, our government is watching Japan's response to COVID-19 with concern," Kang was quoted by her ministry as saying.
Tomita said in response that he would relay Kang's remarks to the Japanese foreign ministry.
"As you might be well aware of the situation in Japan regarding the new coronavirus, the next one or two weeks is a critical juncture that could determine whether the virus outbreaks can end," he said.
Earlier in the day, the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae also expressed "strong regrets" over Japan's measures, after it convened a standing committee session of the National Security Council (NSC).
In the morning, the foreign ministry issued a strongly-worded statement, voicing "extreme regret" and raising doubts over Japan's intentions behind the restrictive measures.
"Given that this measure came when signs of progress in our containment efforts appear to have emerged, we cannot help but doubt whether Japan has other intentions than its considerations of the quarantine aspect," the ministry said.
Japan's latest restrictions angered South Korea in particular because Seoul has refrained from such extraordinary steps against Japanese nationals even at the onset of the outbreak on a virus-hit cruise ship off its coast.
Critics raised speculation that Tokyo might have decided to tighten restrictions on the entry of Koreans to help circumvent domestic criticism of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's handling of the virus outbreaks.
South Korea has so far reported 6,593 confirmed cases of the novel virus and 42 deaths. As of 3 p.m. Friday, 102 countries and territories planned to enforce or were imposing entry restrictions or stricter quarantine programs for people from South Korea.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-06--2nd foreign player in pro volleyball league to leave S. Korean club over coronavirus fears

Earlier in the week , Anae asked to be paid in full for the season , since she was leaving @ @ @ @ @ of her control , and threatened to take the case to the International Volleyball Federation @ @ @ @ @ demands were n't met .
But the Altos said Friday they and Anae had reached @ @ @ @ @ will only receive portions of her remaining salary , the amount of which will depend @ @ @ @ @ play and when the season finishes .

SEOUL, March 6 (Yonhap) -- American volleyball player Adora Anae decided to leave her South Korean club for her native land on Friday, becoming the second foreign volleyball player to quit in midseason over coronavirus fears.
The IBK Altos of the women's V-League said they were disappointed that Anae will no longer be part of the team, but wished her the best in the future. The V-league season was suspended indefinitely on Monday in the face of a nationwide surge in COVID-19 cases.
The women's teams play 30 matches a season and the six teams each have three or four matches remaining this season.
In this file photo from Oct. 30, 2019, Adora Anae of the IBK Altos receives the ball in a women's V-League match against the GS Caltex Kixx at Jangchung Arena in Seoul. (Yonhap)
Earlier in the week, Anae asked to be paid in full for the season, since she was leaving the league for reasons out of her control, and threatened to take the case to the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) if her demands weren't met. But the Altos said Friday they and Anae had reached an agreement under which she will only receive portions of her remaining salary, the amount of which will depend on when the league resumes play and when the season finishes.
On Wednesday, Andrea Santangelo of the Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance Bluefangs in the men's V-League left for his native Italy because of coronavirus concerns. The Blufangs said they parted with the player on amicable terms.
The Korean Volleyball Federation will meet Tuesday to discuss resumption of the league play and further scheduling changes.
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-06--(2nd LD) Samsung temporarily moves smartphone production to Vietnam over virus case

Samsung 's premium smartphones , the Galaxy S20 series and the Galaxy Note 10 , for the domestic market were @ @ @ @ @ .
Its plant in Vietnam will put out up to 200,000 smartphones a month and @ @ @ @ @ South Korea beginning late this month , according to Samsung .

(ATTN: CLARIFIES 3rd para; ADDS more info in paras 4-5, 9)
SEOUL, March 6 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Co. said Friday it will temporarily move some of its smartphone production to Vietnam, after shutting down a local factory following a positive coronavirus test there.
Samsung shut down the factory in the southeastern city of Gumi after a worker tested positive for the new coronavirus. Samsung said the plant will be closed through Saturday, while the floor where the employee worked will be shuttered through Sunday.
Samsung's premium smartphones, the Galaxy S20 series and the Galaxy Note 10, for the domestic market were being mostly produced in Gumi. Its plant in Vietnam will put out up to 200,000 smartphones a month and they will be shipped to South Korea beginning late this month, according to Samsung.
Samsung said once the virus crisis calms down, the production allocated to Vietnam will be transferred back to Gumi.
Samsung currently runs smartphone factories in Vietnam's Bac Ninh and Thai Nguyen provinces. They account for half of the company's smartphone shipment worldwide.
The world's largest smartphone maker has so far reported six virus-infected workers at its production sites in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, only about 50 kilometers north of Daegu, the epicenter of South Korea's virus outbreak.
In recent weeks, Samsung had to stop smartphone production lines in the city for days several times after its workers have tested positive for COVID-19.
Samsung also reported a virus-infected worker at its foundry factory in Yongin, about 50 kilometers south of Seoul, last week but said its chip production has not been affected.
Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong on Tuesday visited the company's manufacturing facilities in Gumi and encouraged employees to work to overcome the crisis.
In this photo provided by Samsung Electronics Co., Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong (R) inspects the company's factory in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, on March 3, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-06--Moon asks Turkish leader to ease travel restrictions

Turkey has suspended all passenger flights to and from South Korea .
It is also requiring those who 've visited @ @ @ @ @ for 14 days after arrival , regardless of symptoms .

SEOUL, March 6 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in asked Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan Friday to ease Turkey's travel restrictions on South Koreans due to the coronavirus outbreak here.
Moon spoke to President Erdogan on the phone for about 20 minutes to discuss the situation regarding COVID-19 and other matters of bilateral interest, according to Cheong Wa Dae.
Turkey has suspended all passenger flights to and from South Korea. It is also requiring those who've visited South Korea to be quarantined for 14 days after arrival, regardless of symptoms.
This photo released by Cheong Wa Dae on March 6, 2020, shows President Moon Jae-in on the phone with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Moon explained South Korea's efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19, and asked Turkey to consider resuming at least some flights so that essential business exchanges won't be affected.
According to Cheong Wa Dae, Erdogan praised South Korea's quarantine efforts and expressed hopes South Korea's strong measures will pave the way for a quick normalization of the two countries' exchanges.
Moon on Wednesday canceled his visit to Turkey, set for later this month, in order to focus on a nationwide fight against the novel coronavirus. Moon sought Erdogan's understanding of his decision.
Cheong Wa Dae said Erdogan acknowledged Moon's situation and that he hoped Moon will reschedule his visit in the near future. Erdogan also offered condolences to South Koreans who've succumbed to the virus.
Moon thanked Turkish first lady, Emine Erdoğan, for writing a letter to South Korean first lady Kim Jung-sook expressing her condolences for COVID-19 victims here.
(END)


yna--2020-03-06--(URGENT) S. Korea to impose special entry procedures for all foreigners flying in from Japan

(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--2020-03-06--(URGENT) S. Korea to suspend visa-free entry program for Japanese in response to Tokyo's new entry r

(URGENT) S. Korea to suspend visa-free entry program for Japanese in response to Tokyo's new entry restrictions


yna--2020-03-06--(LEAD) Samsung temporarily moves smartphone production to Vietnam over virus case

Samsung shut down the factory in the southeastern city of Gumi after a worker tested positive for the new coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ will be closed through Saturday , while the floor where the employee worked will be @ @ @ @

(ATTN: CHANGES headline, lead; ADDS details in 3rd para)
SEOUL, March 6 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Co. said Friday it will temporarily move some of its smartphone production to Vietnam, after shutting down a local factory following a positive coronavirus test there.
Samsung shut down the factory in the southeastern city of Gumi after a worker tested positive for the new coronavirus. Samsung said the plant will be closed through Saturday, while the floor where the employee worked will be shuttered through Sunday.
Samsung's premium smartphones, Galaxy S20 and Galaxy Note 10, were being produced entirely in Gumi. Its plant in Vietnam will put out up to 200,000 smartphones a month. They will be shipped to South Korea beginning late this month.
The world's largest smartphone maker has so far reported six virus-infected workers at its production sites in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, only about 50 kilometers north of Daegu, the epicenter of South Korea's virus outbreak.
In recent weeks, Samsung had to stop smartphone production lines in the city for days several times after its workers have tested positive for COVID-19.
Samsung also reported a virus-infected worker at its foundry factory in Yongin, about 50 kilometers south of Seoul, last week but said its chip production has not been affected.
In this photo provided by Samsung Electronics Co., Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong (R) inspects the company's factory in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, on March 3, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-06--(LEAD) USFK reports 1st coronavirus case at Camp Humphreys, total at 7

USFK remains on `` high '' risk level peninsula-wide and is implementing all appropriate control measures to help mitigate the @ @ @ @ @ protect the force , it added .

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead; UPDATES throughout with more info, latest figure)
SEOUL, March 6 (Yonhap) -- A South Korean employee of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) has tested positive for the new coronavirus, bringing the total number of USFK-related infection cases to seven, the military said Friday.
The seventh patient marks the first coronavirus case reported at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, where the USFK headquarters is located.
She is now in isolation at her off-base residence in the central city of Cheonan, according to USFK.
She visited a cafe and a post exchange in the base on Feb. 26 and took leave until she came back to work on Thursday.
"The individual took the test yesterday, the results came back this morning," Garrison Commander Col. Michael Tremblay told a Facebook live briefing. "We back-traced everywhere she has been."
All the people who had direct contact with the patient are now in self-quarantine, he added.
USFK remains on "high" risk level peninsula-wide and is implementing all appropriate control measures to help mitigate the spread of the virus to protect the force, it added.
As of Friday, South Korea had reported 6,593 virus patients, including 42 deaths.
A military guard at U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, 70 kilometers south of Seoul, checks the temperature of a driver to screen entrants to the compound for the novel coronavirus on Feb. 28, 2020, in the photo provided by United States Forces Korea. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-06--U.S.-bound passengers from S. Korea required to undergo health screening

In a joint statement with other government agencies , the justice ministry announced Friday that the mandatory health screenings will @ @ @ @ @ airports , as South Korea seeks to curb the spread of COVID-19 .
All travelers @ @ @ @ @ , regardless of their nationality , will be subject to the procedures .

SEOUL, March 6 (Yonhap) -- Starting next week, all U.S.-bound air travelers from South Korea will be required to undergo coronavirus screenings.
In a joint statement with other government agencies, the justice ministry announced Friday that the mandatory health screenings will take effect Tuesday at all airports, as South Korea seeks to curb the spread of COVID-19. All travelers headed to the United States, regardless of their nationality, will be subject to the procedures.
A three-step fever check system will also be put in place. Passengers who've visited dangerous areas within the past 14 days will not be allowed to board U.S.-bound flights.
All travelers going to the U.S. must fill out health questionnaires and those showing symptoms may be returned home.
Last Saturday, Washington raised its travel advisory for Daegu to the highest level, urging Americans not to travel to the South Korean city most affected by the coronavirus.
Passengers at Incheon International Airport in Incheon, just west of Seoul, are checked for fever on March 6, 2020. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-03-06--Samsung temporarily shuts down Gumi smartphone factory again over virus case

The world 's largest smartphone maker has so far reported six virus-infected workers at its production sites in Gumi , @ @ @ @ @ about 50 kilometers north of Daegu , the epicenter of South Korea 's virus outbreak @

SEOUL, March 6 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Co. said Friday it has temporarily shut down a smartphone plant in the southeastern city of Gumi after a worker tested positive for the new coronavirus.
Samsung said the plant will be closed through Saturday, while the floor where the employee worked will be shuttered through Sunday.
The world's largest smartphone maker has so far reported six virus-infected workers at its production sites in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, only about 50 kilometers north of Daegu, the epicenter of South Korea's virus outbreak.
In recent weeks, Samsung had to stop smartphone production lines in the city for days several times after its workers have tested positive for COVID-19.
Samsung also reported a virus-infected worker at its foundry factory in Yongin, south of Seoul, last week but said its chip production has not been affected.
Following a series of production disruptions at its Gumi plant, Samsung said the company plans to produce its premium smartphones, including the Galaxy S20 series, in Vietnam temporarily.
Sources said Samsung plans to produce 200,000 smartphones a month in Vietnam and will ship them back to South Korea.
In this photo provided by Samsung Electronics Co., Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong (R) inspects the company's factory in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, on March 3, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-06--(2nd LD) No. of coronavirus cases in military remains unchanged at 34

As part of efforts to stem the virus from further spreading , the ministry decided to extend an emergency working @ @ @ @ @ in Daegu for about a week under which all non-essential officers should work at home @ @ @ @ @ personnel are to stay at their bases on-call .

(ATTN: UPDATES throughout with latest figures, defense minister's Daegu visit)
By Choi Soo-hyang
SEOUL, March 6 (Yonhap) -- The military reported no additional cases of the new coronavirus among service personnel for the second straight day on Friday, with the total number of infections remaining unchanged at 34, the defense ministry said.
Of the total COVID-19 cases, 19 were in the Army, 11 in the Air Force, two in the Marine Corps and one each in the Navy and a unit under the direct control of the ministry, it said.
Around 5,020 service members were quarantined at their bases. Of them, around 820 have either shown symptoms or had direct contact with infected patients, while the remainder recently visited the southeastern city of Daegu, its surrounding North Gyeongsang Province or other virus-hit places, such as China.
Daegu, about 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul, has been the heart of South Korea's coronavirus outbreak, with the number of patients in the city skyrocketing due to a cluster of infections centered on the Shincheonji religious sect.
Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo visited the city Friday and encouraged soldiers taking part in the government's broader efforts to contain the virus.
"Think of this situation as a quasi-state of war and mobilize all available efforts and resources to do your best in protecting the lives and safety of the people who are having a difficult time to overcome COVID-19," Jeong said.
The minister also visited an air base in the city and called for watertight readiness despite non-military threats, such as the virus, according to the ministry.
As part of efforts to stem the virus from further spreading, the ministry decided to extend an emergency working system for service members stationed in Daegu for about a week under which all non-essential officers should work at home or designated facilities while core personnel are to stay at their bases on-call.
The veterans affairs ministry has canceled a planned ceremony to mark the 60th anniversary of a democratic movement that was originally scheduled to take place in the southeastern city of Changwon later this month.
The Korea Army Academy at Yeongcheon also held a scaled-back commencement and commissioning ceremony without the attendance of the new officers' parents.
Meanwhile, the ministry said it will reduce the number of masks it provides to service personnel in line with the government's decision to restrict the purchase of masks amid supply shortages.
Under the measure set to take effect Monday, people can purchase only two face masks per week from pharmacies on designated days of the week depending on their year of birth.
As of Friday, South Korea had reported 6,593 virus cases, including 42 deaths.
A military police officer checks the entry of vehicles into an Army hospital in the southeastern city of Gyeongsan on March 3, 2020. The hospital was asked to make preparations to house people infected with the new coronavirus from March 5. (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-06--First political party of N.K. defectors launched

`` Although we are few in number I feel that we have great potential ... just two months ago I @ @ @ @ @ as to whether or not we would be able to launch the party but a @ @ @ @ @ everyone here , '' Thae Yong-ho , a former No .
2 diplomat at North @ @ @ @ @ , said in his congratulatory speech at the ceremony to launch the Inter-Korean Unification Party @

SEOUL, March 6 (Yonhap) -- North Korean defectors launched a political party in South Korea for the first time Friday, vowing to work toward "liberating" people in their homeland from autocratic rule and promoting the rights of defectors.
"Although we are few in number I feel that we have great potential ... just two months ago I, myself, was skeptical as to whether or not we would be able to launch the party but a miracle happened today thanks to everyone here," Thae Yong-ho, a former No. 2 diplomat at North Korea's Embassy in London, said in his congratulatory speech at the ceremony to launch the Inter-Korean Unification Party.
The launch came after about 200 defectors formed a preparatory committee last month.
Thae, who defected to South Korea in 2016, joined what is now the main opposition United Future Party last month and announced his bid to run in the April 15 parliamentary elections, vowing to work for inter-Korean unification if elected.
"The number of defectors in South Korea is only few but the fact that a defector is running for parliament means that we have been accepted by society," he said.
"The ultimate goal of our party is the liberation of North Koreans, and the reason for launching the party is to protect the rights of defectors," according to the party's manifesto.
Forming a political party in South Korea requires more than 1,000 party members in five cities or provinces, according to the Political Parties Act. Organizers said they have fulfilled the requirement from Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi Province, South Gyeongsang and North Jeolla provinces during the period of Feb. 6 to March 1.
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-06--(6th LD) FM Kang calls in Japanese ambassador to protest new entry restrictions

(ATTN: ADDS more info in paras 10-11; UPDATES tally in last para)
By Song Sang-ho
SEOUL, March 6 (Yonhap) -- Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha on Friday called in Japan's ambassador and lodged a strong protest over Tokyo's decision to impose new entry restrictions for South Koreans over coronavirus fears, calling the measures "unfriendly" and "unscientific" and warning of a tit-for-tat response.
It is unusual for the minister to hold such a meeting with a foreign envoy to file a complaint, illustrating the seriousness South Korea attaches to the issue. Initially, First Vice Foreign Minister Cho Sei-young was to meet Japanese Ambassador Koji Tomita.
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha (R) talks with Japanese Ambassador to South Korea Koji Tomita at the foreign ministry in Seoul on March 6, 2020. (Yonhap)
Tokyo has announced that from Monday through the end of this month, visitors from South Korea and China will be asked to stay at designated facilities for two weeks and refrain from using public transportation. It also plans to suspend the 90-day visa-free entry program for South Koreans on Monday.
Japan has already banned the entry of people who have visited the southeastern city of Daegu and adjacent Cheongdo County, where the bulk of the country's COVID-19 infections have taken place.
"I express deep regrets over the fact that the Japanese government has taken such unreasonable steps although our government has been strictly controlling and managing the COVID-19 through an excellent quarantine system recognized by the world," Kang said.
"We cannot help but deplore the measure that Japan has pressed ahead without prior notification as well as sufficient consultations despite our repeated calls to refrain from additional measures," she added.
The minister raised doubts over the motivations behind Japan's latest restrictions, stressing that the measures came when South Korea's containment efforts are yielding progress.
"Japan's measures this time are not only unfriendly but also unscientific, and I strongly urge Japan to promptly retract them while facing the objective facts and situations," Kang said.
"I tell you that we cannot help but explore ways for necessary responses, including measures based on the principle of reciprocity, should Japan not withdraw them," she added.
The minister also stressed that Korea's "objective" data, including the high number of COVID-19 tests, underscores the country's "active and preemptive" quarantine efforts rather than any failure to contain the virus.
"Rather, our government is watching Japan's response to COVID-19 with concern," Kang was quoted by her ministry as saying.
Tomita said in response that he would relay Kang's remarks to the Japanese foreign ministry.
"As you might be well aware of the situation in Japan regarding the new coronavirus, the next one or two weeks is a critical juncture that could determine whether the virus outbreaks can end," he said.
Earlier in the day, the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae also expressed "strong regrets" over Japan's measures, after it convened a standing committee session of the National Security Council (NSC).
At the session, NSC members decided to weigh "necessary measures based on the principle of reciprocity."
Seoul officials said that such measures could come before Japan's new restrictions go into effect on Monday.
In the morning, the foreign ministry issued a strongly-worded statement, voicing "extreme regret" and raising doubts over Japan's intentions behind the restrictive measures.
"Given that this measure came when signs of progress in our containment efforts appear to have emerged, we cannot help but doubt whether Japan has other intentions than its considerations of the quarantine aspect," the ministry said.
"While placing the top priority on the health and safety of our citizens, the government is weighing all possible measures (in response to Japan's measure)," it added.
Japan's latest restrictions angered South Korea in particular because Seoul has refrained from such extraordinary steps against Japanese nationals even at the onset of the outbreak on a virus-hit cruise ship off its coast.
Critics raised speculation that Tokyo might have decided to tighten restrictions on the entry of Koreans to help circumvent domestic criticism of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's handling of the virus outbreaks.
As for the possible measures, observers said that Seoul could consider restricting the entry of people from Japan and halting the 90-day visa-free program for Japanese visitors.
But South Korea could face a dilemma, as critics argue it has not taken any tit-for-tat steps against the countries that have been enforcing entry bans or other forms of restrictions on Korean travelers.
Critics also claimed Seoul did not take any reciprocal action after Chinese provincial authorities quarantined some 860 South Koreans as precautions.
A Seoul official countered that South Korea has already taken a series of measures, including special entry procedures for arrivals from China at Incheon International Airport and other self-diagnosis applications for them.
"Things related to the quarantine of South Koreans have also been getting better after consultations with the Chinese provincial authorities," the official told reporters.
As of midnight, South Korea has reported 6,593 confirmed cases of the novel virus and 42 deaths. As of 3 p.m. Friday, 102 countries and territories planned to enforce or were imposing entry restrictions or stricter quarantine programs for people from South Korea.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-06--(LEAD) Moon orders flexible operation of new face-mask distribution system

But critics pointed out a shortcoming of the new system , as it does not allow people to buy face @ @ @ @ @ members , such as elderly people or children .
It only permits proxy-purchases of masks @ @ @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES with Moon's visit to mask producer in last 3 paras; ADDS photo)
SEOUL, March 6 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in ordered government officials Friday to flexibly implement a new system for distributing face masks to the public in a bid to reduce inconvenience for people fighting against the new coronavirus.
Under the measure that will take effect Monday, people may buy only two protective masks per week from pharmacies, on designated days of the week, depending on the final number of their year of birth.
The goal of the measure is to allow an even distribution of face masks amid a serious supply shortage, as many people have had to wait in long lines to purchase them through designated public channels.
But critics pointed out a shortcoming of the new system, as it does not allow people to buy face masks on behalf of family members, such as elderly people or children. It only permits proxy-purchases of masks for disabled people.
Citizens wait in long lines to buy face masks to protect themselves from the new coronavirus at a Nonghyup Hanaro Mart in Gwangju, 329 kilometers southwest of Seoul, on March 6, 2020. (Yonhap)
Moon instructed government officials to broaden the scope of people who can have family members or acquaintances purchase face masks on their behalf, according to Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kang Min-seok.
"The system itself works to address inconvenience and limitations among the public. There is a need to prevent the scheme from leading to new inconvenience," Moon was quoted as saying by Kang at a press briefing.
The president also ordered officials to expedite the development of an application that provides the information on mask stockpiles at pharmacies to help people avoid having to jump around to different pharmacies to make their purchase, Kang added.
Later in the day, Moon visited Wooil C&Tech Corp., a face mask-producing company in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, to look around the facility and encourage its workers.
Moon urged the company to "increase mask production adequately" as demand far surpasses supply amid the fast spread of the new coronavirus in communities.
After the COVID-19 outbreak ends, the government will buy leftover masks for state stockpiles and designate them as "strategic" items, Moon added.
President Moon Jae-in (C) visits Wooil C&Tech Corp., a face mask-producing company in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, on March 6, 2020, and looks around its storage of mask materials. (Yonhap)
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-06--Korean firms on alert as more countries restrict entry from S. Korea amid virus angst

`` Situations differ from country to country , so it 's difficult to assess the impact of entry restrictions in @ @ @ @ @ at Samsung Electronics Co. said .
`` Since those measures are not about restricting trade @ @ @ @ @ that there will be no problem in supply of materials and parts . ''

By Joo Kyung-don
SEOUL, March 6 (Yonhap) -- South Korean companies said Friday they are on high alert after many countries around the globe have imposed entry restrictions on travelers from South Korea over the novel coronavirus outbreak.
According to Seoul's foreign ministry, more than 100 countries and territories were restricting entry or imposing tougher quarantine procedures on people from South Korea as of Friday due to the novel coronavirus. South Korea has so far reported some 6,600 COVID-19 infections, second only to China, the epicenter of the global outbreak.
South Korean companies said their businesses have yet to experience significant fallout from entry restrictions, but their overseas sales and marketing may take a hit if the situation prolongs.
"Situations differ from country to country, so it's difficult to assess the impact of entry restrictions in general," an official at Samsung Electronics Co. said. "Since those measures are not about restricting trade of products, we estimate that there will be no problem in supply of materials and parts."
A thermal imaging camera is installed at Incheon International Airport in Incheon on March 6, 2020, as South Korean authorities try to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. (Yonhap)
Local exporters have been coping with the aggravating situations by expanding teleconferencing and using their staff at overseas offices, though some have complained that such measures are less efficient compared to face-to-face meetings.
"Our overseas sales now rely more on foreign branches, but since employees from South Korean headquarters are facing travel restrictions, we are seeing difficulties in some areas," a LG employee working on an overseas sales team said.
Entry restrictions by foreign countries may cause a big problem, especially to those companies that plan to build or expand overseas production facilities, because such projects usually require South Korean engineers.
Samsung Display Co. is one of the companies facing this problem in regards to its construction of a new plant in Noida, India, but the display panel maker said it has yet to face impacts from the country's entry restrictions.
India recently announced it will impose a tighter process for new visa issuances and invalidate previously issued visas.
"At this moment, we are not in a stage to send South Korean engineers to India," a Samsung Display official soaid. "So the construction project is going well as planned, but if the situation prolongs, it may be affected."
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-06--(LEAD) FM renews call on countries to not enact 'excessive' travel restrictions

`` I do hope that you ... advise your governments of the very thorough measures we 're taking , and @ @ @ @ @ but also make any travel restrictions on travelers from Korea commensurate with what we 're @ @ @ @ @ preparedness is back home , '' she said in her opening remarks .

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead; UPDATES story with Kang's remarks)
By Kim Seung-yeon
SEOUL, March 6 (Yonhap) -- Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha on Friday renewed a call for foreign countries to not take travel restrictions on South Koreans too far over coronavirus concerns.
Kang made the appeal as over 100 countries and territories are imposing entry restrictions or tougher quarantine procedures for people arriving from the South, a country hit hard by the outbreak of COVID-19, with its infection tally nearing 6,600.
Seoul has stepped up diplomatic efforts to persuade foreign countries to refrain from what it calls "excessive restrictions" against Koreans.
In the briefing session held for foreign diplomats, Kang requested the countries to refrain from taking excessive measures, reassuring them of Seoul's swift and transparent approach to contain the disease.
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha speaks during a briefing session for foreign diplomats to explain Seoul's anti-coronavirus efforts, at the ministry in Seoul on March 6, 2020. (Yonhap)
"I do hope that you ... advise your governments of the very thorough measures we're taking, and to be not excessive, but also make any travel restrictions on travelers from Korea commensurate with what we're doing here and what the preparedness is back home," she said in her opening remarks.
"Our approach to this from the very beginning has been to be open and transparent. We inform the public about every development, every action, every change of direction that this government is taking to deal with this public health crisis," she said.
In the meeting, Kang also took note of Korea's advanced diagnostic capabilities that have enabled prompt mass public testing, including the drive-through testing stations.
It marked the second such briefing session, after Deputy Foreign Minister Kim Gunn presided over a similar meeting on Feb. 25.
Kang has also spoken to a number of her counterparts around the world to reassure them of Seoul's full commitment to fighting the virus.
Officials from 112 embassies in Seoul, including 47 ambassadors, and other international organizations, attended the meeting. Also on hand at the meeting were officials from the Korean Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (KCDC).
On Friday, South Korea added 309 cases of virus infections, bringing the total to 6,593, with 42 fatalities.
This photo shows foreign diplomats in Seoul attending a briefing session on coronavirus hosted by the foreign ministry on March 6, 2020. (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-06--(LEAD) Theaters screen past hit films amid coronavirus struggle

The 4DX version of part three of the tale of teenage wizardry is popular among long-time `` Harry Potter '' @ @ @ @ @ physical effects such as sprays of wind and water and chair movements that reflect what @ @ @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES with latest cases in 3rd last para)
SEOUL, March 6 (Yonhap) -- South Korean movie theater chains are screening past blockbusters and classics as the spreading coronavirus has been keeping people from local cinemas.
The 2004 fantasy film "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" made a return to the South Korean silver screen in 4DX on Feb. 26.
The 4DX version of part three of the tale of teenage wizardry is popular among long-time "Harry Potter" fans, who enjoy the physical effects such as sprays of wind and water and chair movements that reflect what's happening onscreen.
It had attracted 1.24 million moviegoers as of Thursday, and its presale tickets were the second-most purchased on Friday, according to data from the Korean Film Council.
CGV, the leading multiplex franchise run by entertainment giant CJ Group, has launched a special program to screen famous films selected by film buffs.
This week, it has been showing the musical comedy-drama "Begin Again" (2013), romantic comedy "About Time" (2013), musical coming-of-age drama "Sing Street" (2016) and romantic melodrama "Carol" (2015).
This image captured from CGV's homepage shows the theater's special program of selected films. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Lotte Cinema, another multiplex chain, also started a project Thursday to help South Korean movie fans who have been struggling to keep their minds off the novel coronavirus through film.
The program includes the South Korean drama "Little Forest" (2018), American romantic comedy "Silver Linings Playbook" (2012) and Academy Award-winning "Green Book" (2018).
On March 12, it will also exclusively screen "Slumdog Millionaire" (2008), a crime movie that won eight Oscar trophies including best picture.
The South Korean movie industry has been hit hard by the outbreak of COVID-19, with the total number of confirmed cases in the country reaching 6,593 on Friday.
About 380,000 movie tickets were sold during the first five days of March, nosediving from the 2.5 million tallied over the same period last year.
Distributors have rescheduled the release of films set to hit local theaters in February and March.
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-06--(2nd LD) Charity group returns Shincheonji's 12 bln-won donation

The Shincheonji Church of Jesus , which is at the center of a rapid increase in coronavirus cases in South @ @ @ @ @ that it had donated 12 billion won ( US $ 10.1 million ) to the @ @ @ @ @ , saying that it feels responsibility for the massive number of virus infections .

(ATTN: UPDATES with latest cases in 2nd to last para)
SEOUL, March 6 (Yonhap) -- A charity group said Friday it has decided to return a huge donation made by a minor religious sect to help in the nationwide fight against the virus, citing the negative public sentiment against the group.
The Shincheonji Church of Jesus, which is at the center of a rapid increase in coronavirus cases in South Korea, said on Thursday that it had donated 12 billion won (US$10.1 million) to the Seoul-based Community Chest of Korea, saying that it feels responsibility for the massive number of virus infections.
"The Community Chest of Korea suggested it give back the money, citing negative public sentiment against the Shincheonji church," the church said. "We express our apologies to the public and will seek (other) ways to make a donation as soon as possible."
The charity confirmed that the donation was made without prior consultations with the group and that it will thus refund the donation.
"We've verified the intention to make the massive donation," the organization said. "Considering morally and legally sensitive situations surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak, we agreed with the Shincheonji church to return it."
The Daegu municipal government, meanwhile, also refused to accept part of the donation through the charity.
The church earlier said its branch in Daegu has offered 10 billion won and that its headquarters granted 2 billion won.
"We decided not to receive 10 billion deposited in the account of the Daegu office of the Community Chest of Korea by the Shincheonji church in Daegu," said Mayor Kwon Young-jin. "Shincheonji should focus more on supporting the government's quarantine measures, instead of paying money."
Kwon cited some cases of Shincheonji followers who refuse to be admitted to state-run treatment centers for coronavirus patients or to be tested for infection.
Last week, the city government took legal action against the local church for hindering the government-led disease control efforts by providing false information.
The branch of the Shincheonji church in the southeastern city of Daegu is thought to be the epicenter of the latest spike in infections. The number of COVID-19 infections in the country reached 6,593 on Friday.
Earlier this week, Lee Man-hee, the founder of the homegrown religion, apologized for the spread of the disease and vowed to fully cooperate with government efforts to combat it.
The Community Chest of Korea (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-07--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 483 more cases of new coronavirus, total now at 6,767


yna--2020-03-07--Seoul stocks set to move in tight range next week: analysts

In South Korea , COVID-19 has killed 42 people , mostly elderly patients with underlying illnesses , and infected more @ @ @ @ @ virus is blamed for the deaths of 12 people in the United States , with @ @ @ @ @

SEOUL, March 7 (Yonhap) -- South Korean shares are expected to move in a tight range next week amid worries over the spread of the new coronavirus and expectations of global policy coordination to fight the economic fallout from the virus, analysts said Saturday.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed at 2,040.22 points on Friday, up 2.6 percent this week.
Analysts said a key factor that could affect the South Korean stock markets next week is whether the spread of the coronavirus slows down.
In South Korea, COVID-19 has killed 42 people, mostly elderly patients with underlying illnesses, and infected more than 6,200 others. The virus is blamed for the deaths of 12 people in the United States, with about 100 confirmed cases.
Kim Byung-yeon, an analyst at NH Investment & Securities Co., said an expected slowdown in the pace of newly confirmed cases in South Korea and policy coordination in major countries could boost investor sentiment next week.
Kim said the number of newly confirmed cases here could fall as virus tests on potential cases are on the decline.
Earlier this week, the U.S. Federal Reserve slashed interest rates by half a percentage point in an apparent move to mitigate the economic fallout from the coronavirus outbreak.
Canada and Australia also slashed their key rates.
SK Securities Co. said the policy coordination had a positive impact on stock markets, adding that the European Central Bank and the Bank of Japan could also cut rates in coming weeks.
Kim Yong-ku, an analyst at Hana Financial Group, forecast the main index to trade at between 2,050 and 2,100 points next week.
entropy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-07--Residents at Daegu apartment tower in cohort isolation following group infection

The first cohort isolation at an apartment block came after 46 were infected with the COVID-19 virus in the residential @ @ @ @ @ , according to officials of the city where the largest numbers of infections have occurred @ @ @ @

DAEGU, March 7 (Yonhap) -- Residents at an apartment tower in the southeastern city of Daegu have entered cohort isolation following group infections, Daegu city officials said Saturday.
The first cohort isolation at an apartment block came after 46 were infected with the COVID-19 virus in the residential complex where 141 people live, according to officials of the city where the largest numbers of infections have occurred in the country.
The city government said it has sent text messages to residents notifying them of a full entry and exit ban, which applies to all residents and delivery workers.
The apartment block, which consists of two five-story buildings, is run by the city for unmarried women who are under 35 years old. A total of 141 people live in 137 flats.
Cohort isolation is a way to contain the virus by putting patients and medical personnel under a group quarantine.
Following a mass infection at a hospital ward in Cheongdo County in North Gyeongsang Province near Daegu, province officials recently carried out cohort isolation at 581 welfare facilities as part of precautionary measures.
A janitor walks through an empty underground market in the southeastern city of Daegu on March 5, 2020. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-03-07--(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on March 7)

(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on March 7)

Given it is a de facto entry ban for South Koreans , it was quite natural for the government to @ @ @ @ @ measures against visitors from Japan based on the principle of diplomatic reciprocity .
As a @ @ @ @ @ which had shown signs of revival since the two nations reached a fragile compromise in @ @ @ @ @ row mainly over historical issues , are likely to be chilled again .
It is @ @ @ @ @ deteriorating again at a time when they need close collaboration -- now more than ever @ @ @ @ @ rapid spread of the new virus .

Japan's new 'provocation'
Tokyo is obliged to explain measures against Seoul
A diplomatic row between Seoul and Tokyo is looming large -- yet again -- over the latter's "unilateral" two-week quarantine plan for all visitors from South Korea over concerns about the new coronavirus.
Given it is a de facto entry ban for South Koreans, it was quite natural for the government to decide Friday to take similar measures against visitors from Japan based on the principle of diplomatic reciprocity. As a result, Seoul-Tokyo relations, which had shown signs of revival since the two nations reached a fragile compromise in late 2019 on a years-long row mainly over historical issues, are likely to be chilled again. It is regrettable that bilateral ties are deteriorating again at a time when they need close collaboration -- now more than ever -- to fight against the rapid spread of the new virus.
The prime responsibility for what is happening between the two countries is with Japan. Tokyo announced Thursday that visitors from South Korea and China will have to stay at designated facilities for two weeks to be checked for infections and refrain from using public transportation. It also plans to suspend the 90-day visa-free entry program for South Koreans. The measures will take effect Monday and last until the end of this month.
Japan has already banned the entry of people who have visited the southeastern city of Daegu and surrounding areas, where over 90 percent of cases in South Korea have occurred -- most of them linked to the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, a secretive religious group. It was a reasonable and understandably necessary measure for Japan in order to contain the spread of the virus.
But the latest anti-virus measures it took are hardly understandable, not only because their effectiveness in overcoming the virus is doubtful but because, according to Seoul officials, Tokyo didn't consult with the South Korean government in the course of drawing up those measures and announcing them. So it is natural for Seoul to regard them as a "provocation," and believe that they were created in consideration of politics rather than being based on science.
South Korea has limited travel restrictions to minimal levels for visitors not only from China but also from other countries in accordance with the guidance of the World Health Organization, while also strengthening health checks for inbound and outbound travelers, which means the latest Japanese measures are truly regretful. It is all the more so because imposing an entry ban on a certain country to stop the local spread of the virus has proven ineffective as has now been seen in Japan, the United States and other countries.
So it is natural to suspect that the Shinzo Abe administration is using South Korea to help circumvent domestic criticism for the government's poor handling of the ballooning virus outbreak in Japan. It is obliged to fully explain why and how it has drawn up such measures against South Korea if they are not political.
(END)


yna--2020-03-07--Top headlines in major S. Korean newspapers

Korean-language dailies -- Efforts to buy masks 'in vain , ' will things get better next week ?
( Kyunghyang @ @ @ @ @ social distancing on concerns of group infection ( Kookmin Daily ) -- S. Korea hits @ @ @ @ @ to Tokyo 's entry restrictions ( Donga llbo ) -- S. Korea hits back with @ @ @ @ @ program against Japan ( Segye Times ) -- Grandma plants pansy in virus-hit Daegu ( @ @ @ @ @ Korea suspends visa-free entry program against Japan , questions Japan 's disease prevention system ( @ @ @ @ @ Korea hits back with countermeasures in response to Tokyo 's entry restrictions ( Hankyoreh ) @ @ @ @ @ to people more in need ' ( Hankook Ilbo ) -- S. Korea hits back @ @ @ @ @ to Tokyo 's entry restrictions ( Maeil Business Newspaper ) -- 'Export Korea ' faces @ @ @ @ @ key trade partners close doors ( Korea Economic Daily )

SEOUL, March 7 (Yonhap) -- The following are the top headlines in major South Korean newspapers on March 7.
Korean-language dailies
-- Efforts to buy masks 'in vain,' will things get better next week? (Kyunghyang Shinmun)
-- Gov't urges social distancing on concerns of group infection (Kookmin Daily)
-- S. Korea hits back with countermeasures in response to Tokyo's entry restrictions (Donga llbo)
-- S. Korea hits back with travel advisory, suspends visa-free program against Japan (Segye Times)
-- Grandma plants pansy in virus-hit Daegu (Chosun Ilbo)
-- S. Korea suspends visa-free entry program against Japan, questions Japan's disease prevention system (JoongAng Ilbo)
-- S. Korea hits back with countermeasures in response to Tokyo's entry restrictions (Hankyoreh)
-- 'Let's give masks to people more in need' (Hankook Ilbo)
-- S. Korea hits back with reciprocal measures in response to Tokyo's entry restrictions (Maeil Business Newspaper)
-- 'Export Korea' faces crisis, nine of 10 key trade partners close doors (Korea Economic Daily)
English-language dailies
-- Korea to suspend visa waiver program for Japanese people (Korea Times)
(END)


Saturday's weather forecast

SEOUL , Mar .
07 ( Yonhap ) -- The following is the weather forecast for South Korea 's 12 @ @ @ @ @ Saturday .

(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--2020-03-07--Samsung, LG begin duel in local dryer market

To boost its sales , LG said it will give away an air refresher to those who purchase its dryers @ @ @ @ @ month .
Those who buy its dryers with other home appliances can also get cashback @ @ @ @ @

SEOUL, March 7 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Co. and LG Electronics Inc. have begun their duel in the local dryer market, industry observers said Saturday, as they released new products with upgraded artificial intelligence (AI) and sanitizing features.
Industry officials expect that South Korea's clothes dryer market could grow up to 2 million units this year, and the two electronics giants have been claiming that they will take the lion's share in the sector.
Samsung was the first one to make the move, launching its Grande AI range of dryers on Jan. 29.
This photo provided by Samsung Electronics Co. on March 1, 2020, shows the company's Grande AI clothes dryer. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Samsung said sales of the Grande AI dryer have topped 10,000 units just a month after its launch, which is double the pace of its previous 16-kilogram dryer models.
"We believe that the dryer's upgraded AI system; better hygiene features against dust, water residue and rust; and its slim design have led to successful sales," Samsung said.
Samsung's Grande AI dryers are priced between 1.89 million won (US$1,580) and 1.99 million won in South Korea depending on options.
LG threw its hat into the ring on Thursday by launching its STEAM ThinQ dryer, emphasizing its "TrueSteam" technology that focuses on sterilizing bacteria and allergens.
Citing a test result from the Korea Apparel Testing & Research Institute, LG said its latest dryer's sanitize cycle can kill over 99.9 percent of germs found in clothing.
This photo provided by LG Electronics Inc. on March 5, 2020, shows models promoting the company's STEAM ThinQ dryer. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
To boost its sales, LG said it will give away an air refresher to those who purchase its dryers by the end of this month. Those who buy its dryers with other home appliances can also get cashback rewards, it added.
LG said its new dryer will sell for between 2 million won and 2.2 million won depending on options.
Industry insiders said LG will try to redeem its reputation in the dryer market with the latest product.
LG last year announced a voluntary recall of its clothes dryers sold in South Korea over the dryers' automatic condenser cleaning system. The move came after a series of consumer complaints that too much lint and dust accumulated in the condenser, a part that removes humidity by circulating air inside the tumble dryer.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-07--One in three employees at sports organs suffer harassment at work: poll

But only 10.2 percent of the victims of sexual harassment reported it to the authorities for the reasons of wanting @ @ @ @ @ at work or expecting little difference after , the survey showed .

SEOUL, March 7 (Yonhap) -- More than one in three employees at South Korea's sports-related organizations have suffered workplace harassment, such as verbal abuse, the nation's human rights watchdog said Saturday, citing its recent poll.
According to the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK), its poll of 1,378 employees at three major sports organizations found that 34.1 percent of them have experienced being harassed at their workplaces over the past year.
The NHRCK said its Special Investigation Team on Human Rights in Sports interviewed 541 female employees and 837 male employees at the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee, Korea Paralympic Committee and Korea Sports Promotion Foundation last year for the poll.
Notably, as many as 45.5 percent of female respondents said they experienced harassment at work.
This undated file photo shows the signboard of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea's Special Investigation Team on Human Rights in Sports in Seoul. (Yonhap)
The commission noted 16.7 percent of all respondents said they were forced to attend group dining events against their will, while another 16.2 percent said they suffered from backbiting or gossiping.
The poll also found 13.4 percent victimized by verbal abuse and intimidating words and deeds and 13.1 percent by forced drinking or smoking.
Most respondents said they suffered workplace harassment two to three times, while about 10 percent of them cited more than 10 times, indicating harassment is habitual and repetitive.
The survey showed sexual harassment is also serious at the local sports organizations, as about 10 percent complained about being sexually harassed or assaulted at workplaces.
The ratio of sexual harassment was higher at 21.1 percent among female respondents compared with 2.9 percent for men, it said, adding that most of the victims were psychologically traumatized later.
But only 10.2 percent of the victims of sexual harassment reported it to the authorities for the reasons of wanting to avoid being talked about at work or expecting little difference after, the survey showed.
"The latest survey indicates that the organizational culture of sports organizations is still authoritarian and male-oriented. Many respondents demanded greater efforts to boost human rights awareness among sports organization managers and executives," an official involved in the poll said.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)