yna--2020-10-02--Seoul city aims to nurture 1 mln urban farmers by 2024

For those who want to begin farming in their neighborhoods , the city said it plans to help set up @ @ @ @ @ and supply gardening tools .
It also plans to run farming support centers in all @ @ @ @ @ wards and run exchange programs with rural areas across the country .

SEOUL, Oct. 2 (Yonhap) -- The Seoul city government on Friday unveiled an ambitious plan to nurture 1 million farmers over the next four years in the densely populated capital of 10 million.
The city plans to invest 251.4 billion won (US$216.1 million) until 2024 to expand patches of land for farming, teach farming skills and build communities of urban farmers, according to the city government.
As part of the plan, the city aims to expand urban farming space from 202 hectares to 240 hectares by 2024. Considering the city's limited size, officials plan to encourage the use of "vertical" gardens and farms on rooftops and building walls.
This photo, provided by the Seoul city government, shows a vertical garden installed on the facade of a city-run cultural facility in central Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
For those who want to begin farming in their neighborhoods, the city said it plans to help set up gardens at houses and schools and supply gardening tools. It also plans to run farming support centers in all of the city's 25 wards and run exchange programs with rural areas across the country.
The city said it hopes to help create more jobs and social enterprises based on farming considering that the city's population is quickly aging and its baby boomers are retiring.
The number of urban farmers in Seoul was estimated at 647,000 as of 2019, compared with 45,000 in 2011, according to the city government's data. Farming spaces totaled 202 hectares last year, growing sevenfold from 29 hectares in 2011.
This photo, provided by the Seoul city government, shows a rooftop farm in Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-02--Mobile carriers set for robust Q3 earnings on increased 5G subscribers: poll

`` The net increase in 5G subscribers in August is expected to reach 700,000 , while the figure in September @ @ @ @ @ Kim Hong-sik , an analyst at Hana Financial Investment Co. , said in a report @ @ @ @ @ mobile revenues on the back of the increase in 5G subscribers will be in full-swing @ @ @ @ @ ''

SEOUL, Oct. 2 (Yonhap) -- South Korean mobile carriers are tipped to post improved earnings in the third quarter this year on the back of increased 5G subscribers, analysts said Friday.
The combined operating profits of the country's three major telecom operators -- SK Telecom Co., KT Corp. and LG Uplus Corp. -- are estimated at 898.1 billion won (US$765 million) in the July-Sept. period, compared with 770.4 billion won the previous year, according to a poll by Yonhap Infomax, the financial arm of Yonhap News Agency.
The upbeat forecast comes as new 5G phones from Samsung Electronics Co., such as the Galaxy Note 20 and the Galaxy Z Fold 2, propelled the country's transition to the pricier high-speed network and helped carriers' bottom lines.
Samsung Electronics Co.'s new 5G phone, the Galaxy Z Fold 2, is displayed at KT Corp.'s store in central Seoul on Sept. 11, 2020. (Yonhap)
South Korea had 7.9 million 5G subscriptions as of July, up half a million from the previous month and accounting for 11 percent of the country's total 69.8 million mobile accounts, according to ICT ministry data.
South Korea was the first country to release the latest generation network in April last year.
"The net increase in 5G subscribers in August is expected to reach 700,000, while the figure in September will likely expand," Kim Hong-sik, an analyst at Hana Financial Investment Co., said in a report. "The rise in mobile revenues on the back of the increase in 5G subscribers will be in full-swing from the third quarter."
Analysts expect LG Uplus Corp. to post the largest rise in operating profit in the third quarter at 219 billion won, up 41 percent from the previous year, thanks to its robust mobile business.
"The healthy stream of new subscribers in the third quarter is expected to lead to improvements in mobile services sales," Shin Eun-jung, an analyst at DB Financial Investment Co., said.
The carrier had 14.5 million mobile subscribers in July, accounting for 21 percent of the total.
SK Telecom's operating profit is also expected to jump 14 percent to 345 billion won over the same period, while KT's operating profit is forecast to rise 7 percent to 334 billion won.
The country's growth in 5G users is expected to continue in the final quarter, with the release of Apple Inc.'s new iPhone and data-intensive services such as cloud gaming.
SK Telecom Co.'s 5GX Cloud Game service, launched in partnership with Microsoft Corp., is shown in this file photo taken on Sept. 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
"If Apple's new 5G model is released in late October, a net monthly rise of one million 5G users could be possible from November," Kim said.
As for cloud gaming, SK Telecom has partnered with Microsoft Corp. to launch its Xbox console game streaming service earlier this month, while LG Uplus has offered Nvidia Corp.'s GeForce NOW service since last year.
KT launched its own platform GameBox last month by partnering with Taiwan-based cloud gaming firm Ubitus Inc. and has racked up over 40,000 users within a month of its release.
The three carriers promised earlier this year to commit 25.7 trillion won into updating their network infrastructure and to establish a nationwide 5G network by 2022.
yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-02--(LEAD) N.K. leader inspects flood recovery efforts together with sister

`` Hearing the report that about 88 percent of the total construction project has now been done for nearly 1,000 @ @ @ @ @ in ( the ) township area and single-story dwelling houses in the ri of the @ @ @ @ @ great satisfaction that the People 's Army is making world-startling achievements under the energetic leadership @ @ @ @ @ Party , '' the agency said .

(ATTN: ADDS paras 6-7; photo)
By Yi Wonju
SEOUL, Oct. 2 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited a flood-hit border village to check recovery efforts, state media said Friday, along with his sister, Kim Yo-jong, who made her first public appearance in two months.
Kim inspected the reconstruction site in the central border county of Kimhwa and learned in detail about damage to dwellings, farms, transportation, the power grid and telecommunications, and heard about progress in the recovery efforts, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.
"Hearing the report that about 88 percent of the total construction project has now been done for nearly 1,000 families -- several-story dwelling houses in (the) township area and single-story dwelling houses in the ri of the county, he said with great satisfaction that the People's Army is making world-startling achievements under the energetic leadership and meticulous guidance of our Party," the agency said.
Kim stressed that "this year has been the one of unprecedented hardships but it will be a year of great victory with particularly great worth of struggle," the KCNA said.
He was accompanied by sister Kim Yo-jong on the trip in her first public appearance since late July.
The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the North's ruling party, carried a photo of her dressed in a beige trench coat, following leader Kim from a close distance.
State media did not provide an exact date of leader Kim's visit, but he appears to have made the field inspection on Thursday, as his activities are usually carried on state media the following day.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (C) smiles as he talks to officials during a visit to the reconstruction site in the central border county of Kimhwa, Gangwon Province, in this photo provided by Rodong Sinmun on Oct. 2, 2020. He was accompanied by Kim Yo-jong (2nd from L), his younger sister and first vice department director of the ruling Workers' Party's Central Committee. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-02--N.K. leader inspects recovery efforts at flood-hit area in Gangwon Province

SEOUL, Oct. 2 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited a flood-ravaged border county to check recovery efforts, state media said Friday, along with his sister, Kim Yo-jong, who made her first public appearance in two months.
Kim inspected the reconstruction site in the central border country of Kimhwa and learned in detail about damage to dwellings, farms, transportation, the power grid and telecommunications, and hear about progress in the recovery efforts, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.
"Hearing the report that about 88 percent of the total construction project has now been done for nearly 1,000 families -- several-story dwelling houses in (the) township area and single-story dwelling houses in the ri of the county, he said with great satisfaction that the People's Army is making world-startling achievements under the energetic leadership and meticulous guidance of our Party," the agency said.
Kim stressed that "this year has been the one of unprecedented hardships but it will be a year of great victory with particularly great worth of struggle," the KCNA said.
He was accompanied by Kim Yo-jong on the field inspection in her first public appearance since late July.
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-02--KOICA pushes for US$8.5 million project to support Cambodia's infectious disease responses

The project is the second phase of a broader program that the KOICA and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control @ @ @ @ @ have led to support the Southeast Asian country 's efforts to strengthen its public health @ @

SEOUL, Oct. 2 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's overseas aid agency is pushing for a US$8.5 million project to help Cambodia strengthen its infectious disease control capabilities from this year through 2025, officials said Friday.
Under the project, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) plans to help reinforce the safety of Cambodia's biological laboratories, build an emergency response system for disease control and nurture infectious disease experts, including epidemiological investigators.
The project is the second phase of a broader program that the KOICA and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (USCDC) have led to support the Southeast Asian country's efforts to strengthen its public health system.
During the first phase of the program that began in 2017, more than 69 epidemiological investigators have been produced.
The second phase of the program seeks to nurture at least one epidemiological investigator each for all 163 districts in Cambodia's 25 provinces, the agency said.
Last week, the KOICA signed related arrangements with Cambodia's health ministry and the USCDC to push for the second phase.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-02--Air Force launches naming contest for new indigenous fighter jet

The new fighter 's prototype is expected to be rolled out in the first half of next year under a @ @ @ @ @ by 2026 .

SEOUL, Oct. 2 (Yonhap) -- The Air Force has launched a naming contest for the country's next-generation fighter jet under development, officials said Friday.
South Korea is building the first prototype jet for the KF-X project after its design was confirmed last year, according to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration.
Through Oct. 30, South Koreans can submit suggestions for the new fighter with an explanation on how they represent the new jet's mission.
The winner will be given a model aircraft with an award from the Air Force chief of staff, officials said.
Under the KF-X project worth 8.8 trillion won (US$7.5 billion), South Korea has been working since late 2015 to develop a homegrown cutting-edge fighter aircraft to replace the Air Force's aging fleet of F-4 and F-5 jets.
The new fighter's prototype is expected to be rolled out in the first half of next year under a plan to complete the development by 2026.
This undated photo provided by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration on Sept. 3, 2020, shows a prototype of South Korea's envisioned fighter jet being assembled at the Korea Aerospace Industries Co. facility in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province, southeastern South Korea. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-02--(LEAD) Post-election U.S. likely to see changes in N. Korea policy: experts

`` I think that on North Korea , it 's my view that a Biden administration would be much more @ @ @ @ @ this issue than a second Trump administration would be , and that the Biden ministration @ @ @ @ @ and other partners to set up a process to try to get there .
That @ @ @ @ @ going to be the top of the list of priorities for a new administration , @ @ @ @ @ to South Korea by its official name , the Republic of Korea .

(ATTN: UPDATES with additional remarks in paras 11-14)
By Byun Duk-kun
WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 (Yonhap) -- The next U.S. administration would be inclined, if not forced, to employ a different approach toward North Korea regardless of who wins the upcoming presidential election, given the changes in the environment and apparent failure of the incumbent administration to rein in the communist state's nuclear ambitions, experts here said Thursday.
They also noted the North Korean issue would likely be put aside in the early stages of the new administration, which they said will be too caught up in dealing with its own domestic issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I think (the) second highest priority is going to be, or maybe the highest priority, will be pandemic recovery," Susan Thornton, former acting assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, said in a virtual seminar hosted by New York-based think tank, the Korea Society.
"This will sort of consume any administration that comes in in January, I think, not only dealing with the health crisis but certainly dealing with the economic recovery and the fallout from the pandemic," she added.
The captured image shows Susan Thornton, former acting assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, speaking in a virtual seminar hosted by New York-based think tank, the Korea Society, on Oct. 1, 2020. (Yonhap)
Thornton insisted a Joe Biden administration would likely get more progress on the North Korean issue than President Donald Trump, but that Biden would first seek to realign the country's foreign policy in general.
"I think that on North Korea, it's my view that a Biden administration would be much more likely to get progress on this issue than a second Trump administration would be, and that the Biden ministration would work with the ROK and other partners to set up a process to try to get there. That said, this is not going to be the top of the list of priorities for a new administration," she said, referring to South Korea by its official name, the Republic of Korea.
She predicted a change in the U.S. administration to lead to a North Korean provocation shortly after the election.
"I think that we can expect probably a provocation from the North after the election to bring the issue back into the focus of attention for the new administration," said Thornton.
Daniel Russel, former assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, agreed.
"I think that it is prudent to anticipate, particularly in the event of a Biden administration, that we should expect some provocations from North Korea. That's certainly the playbook that is familiar to us from the past," he told the webinar.
They both expressed doubt the communist North would stage an "October surprise" provocation before the Nov. 3 presidential election.
"I heavily discount the possibility of an October surprise coming from North Korea or China or other adversaries, just given that most of those parties do not want to disrupt the election, or think that whatever provocation they might entertain would not have the intended result," said Thornton.
Russel argued a pre-election event may not have much of an impact on the election.
"We've had surprises, more surprises, I think, (than) most American voters can handle already in the campaign and, frankly, they haven't really moved the needle all that much. So I'm not convinced that a foreign policy October surprise would necessarily be dispositive in the election," he said.
He also noted a North Korean provocation may not work to its advantage by limiting policy options that may be available to a new U.S. administration.
"Of course there are number of options, and one concern I think will be that the new Biden administration could get locked into such a hard and adversarial response that it precludes the possibility of a more creative outreach early on," he said.
But even in the event of Trump's reelection, the U.S. would likely have to change its approach toward North Korea, he argued.
"I think first and foremost, the winner of the election is going to face a situation in which the United States just has so much less credibility and respect in Northeast Asia than at any other time in our modern history," said Russel.
"America's image in the region and Asian countries' confidence in the United States have really taken a beating or (been) given a series of shocks throughout the last four years," he said of the reason.
The captured image shows U.S. experts speaking in a virtual seminar hosted by the New York-based Korea Society on Oct. 1, 2020. They are (from top right, clockwise) Daniel Russel, former assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, Susan Thornton, former acting assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, and Stephen Noerper, senior director at the Korea Society. (Yonhap)
He also discredited Trump's historic meetings with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un for giving too much and not getting anything in return.
"The idea of dealing directly with the leader in an authoritarian dictatorship was not a new idea, and I struggled to try to find a way to credit the Trump administration for doing this," said Russel.
"But the fact is, number one, the way they went about it, utterly without laying the groundwork, without preparation, squandered one of the few points of real leverage that the United States has with North Korea -- the desire dating back to Kim Il-sung to be shown as a peer to the president of the United States, a legitimate international leader," he added, referring to the late North Korean founder and Kim Jong-un's grandfather.
Trump has held three meetings with Kim since June 2018, but their talks have stalled since their second bilateral summit in Hanoi in February 2019 ended without a deal.
The U.S. president strongly denies having given anything but a "meeting" to the North Korean leader.
Russel insisted the U.S. was now "far worse off" because of the Trump-Kim meetings.
"When you look at the outcome, frankly we are far worse off in the aftermath of the three encounters than we were before," he said. "North Korea's arsenal has grown many times over. Sanctions enforcement has been dealt a real setback by the legitimacy that was conferred on Kim Jong-un."
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-02--(URGENT) N.K. leader's sister makes first public appearance in two months

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


yna--2020-10-02--S. Korea starts monitoring impact of Trump's COVID-19 infection on financial markets

SEOUL , Oct. 2 ( Yonhap ) -- South Korea has started monitoring the possible impact of U.S. President Donald @ @ @ @ @ new coronavirus on the financial markets around the world , a government source said Friday @

SEOUL, Oct. 2 (Yonhap) -- South Korea has started monitoring the possible impact of U.S. President Donald Trump's infection with the new coronavirus on the financial markets around the world, a government source said Friday.
Earlier in the day, Trump announced in a tweet that he and first lady Melania Trump tested positive for COVID-19 and that they would begin their quarantine and recovery process immediately.
"As U.S. President Trump's infection could amplify uncertainty in the financial markets, the government has started to run a monitoring system," the source said on condition of anonymity.
"We are keeping close tabs on the potential ramifications, given that should uncertainty increase, this could affect our financial market after the holiday period," the source added.
Currently, the finance ministry's bureaus in charge of economic policy and international finance, along with other related agencies, have been closely monitoring developments on the world's financial markets.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-02--(LEAD) BTS performs 'Mikrokosmos' on Jimmy Fallon show

In a prerecorded nighttime live performance , the seven-member band sang the song from its 2019 album , `` Map @ @ @ @ @ , '' on Gyeonghoeru , an iconic pavilion in Gyeongbok Palace .
It was the @ @ @ @ @ in the special weeklong series .

(ATTN: RECASTS lead for clarity)
SEOUL, Oct. 2 (Yonhap) -- K-pop superstar BTS performed its hit song "Mikrokosmos" at a royal palace in Seoul as part of the "BTS Week" special on NBC's "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," aired Friday (Korea time).
In a prerecorded nighttime live performance, the seven-member band sang the song from its 2019 album, "Map of the Soul: Persona," on Gyeonghoeru, an iconic pavilion in Gyeongbok Palace. It was the second performance at the palace in the special weeklong series.
At the end of the performance, the computer graphic logo of BTS' fan club, Army, appeared in the night sky, and then Jimin, a member of the band, shouted, "We love you," in a display of his affection to Army.
On Tuesday, BTS, donning the traditional Korean attire of "hanbok," performed another hit song, "IDOL," in front of Geunjeongjeon Hall of the palace.
The special program featuring BTS, which opened Tuesday, is designed to showcase different music performances of the band each night, including live performances, comedy bits and virtual interviews.
This photo, provided by Big Hit Entertainment on Sept. 29, 2020, shows K-pop group BTS posing for a photo in front of Geunjeongjeon Hall of Gyeongbok Palace in Seoul, South Korea, where the band filmed a performance for the "BTS Week" special on NBC's "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" in the United States. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-10-02--Court conditionally approves another drive-thru Oct. 3 rally amid virus worries

The court , however , set forth a series of conditions , such as allowing only one person in a @ @ @ @ @ of car doors and the chanting of any slogan during the rally , abiding by @ @ @ @ @ after the rally .

SEOUL, Oct. 2 (Yonhap) -- A Seoul court has conditionally approved another drive-thru anti-government rally planned by conservative protesters for this weekend, sources said Friday, in a fresh setback to the Seoul municipality's push to ban them to stop COVID-19 transmission.
The Seoul Administrative Court's decision cleared the way for the protesters to hold an afternoon drive-thru rally in Seoul on National Foundation Day on Saturday. The ruling followed the court's earlier approval of a similar rally involving less than 10 vehicles.
The court, however, set forth a series of conditions, such as allowing only one person in a vehicle, banning the opening of car doors and the chanting of any slogan during the rally, abiding by traffic rules and dispersing immediately after the rally.
In its approval for the rally, the court said a small-scale rally involving less than 10 people has low risks of virus transmission and might not seriously impact traffic conditions on the designated route of the rally.
The protesters plan to stage their rally on a route that includes the neighborhoods of former and current justice ministers whose prosecution reform drive has faced continued attacks from the conservative camp.
This photo, taken on Sept. 26, 2020, shows vehicles engaging in an anti-governemnt drive-thru rally in Seoul. (Yonhap)
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-02--(LEAD) No. of people reporting abnormal reactions to mishandled vaccines reaches 12

Of the total , three are under the age of 10 , two in their teens , three in their @ @ @ @ @ 50s and one 60-something .

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead; UPDATES throughout)
SEOUL, Oct. 2 (Yonhap) -- The number of people who have reported abnormal reactions to potentially defective flu vaccines has reached 12, up four from the previous tally, health authorities said Friday.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said four more people complained of symptoms, including a fever, on Thursday. Their conditions are improving, the agency said.
The 12 people are among 2,290 people that have been injected with the vaccines that were not supposed to be administered after being exposed to room temperatures.
Of the total, three are under the age of 10, two in their teens, three in their 30s, three in their 50s and one 60-something.
"Those symptoms were mild, and their conditions have improved," a KDCA official said, referring to some of the people who said they had abnormal reactions to the vaccines.
"But the relation between the vaccine injection and the symptoms has not been proven yet."
Last month, the KDCA temporarily halted its plan to offer free seasonal flu shots after some of the about 5 million doses of flu vaccines were partially exposed to temperatures outside the storage range.
Inactivated vaccines should be stored in a refrigerator, and exposure to room temperature could result in decreased vaccine potency and increased risk of vaccine-preventable diseases.
But the safety of those vaccines exposed to room temperature has yet to be determined.
The file photo, taken Sept. 23, 2020, shows a person getting an influenza vaccine at a medical clinic in western Seoul. (Yonhap)
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-02--Number of S. Koreans injected with mishandled flu vaccines tops 2,000

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said a total of 2,290 people in 15 cities and provinces were found @ @ @ @ @ the vaccines that were not supposed to be administered after being exposed to room temperatures @

SEOUL, Oct. 2 (Yonhap) -- The number of South Koreans injected with potentially defective flu vaccines has surpassed 2,000, health authorities said Friday.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said a total of 2,290 people in 15 cities and provinces were found to have been injected with the vaccines that were not supposed to be administered after being exposed to room temperatures.
The figure marked a hike of 380 from the previous day.
By region, Gyeonggi Province topped the list with 673 people, followed by Gwangju with 361, North Jeolla Province with 326, Incheon with 214, North Gyeongsang Province with 161 and Seoul with 149.
Inactivated vaccines should be stored in refrigerators, and exposure to room temperatures could result in decreased vaccine potency and increased risk of vaccine-preventable diseases.
But the safety of those vaccines exposed to room temperatures has yet to be determined.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-02--Moon sends message to Trump, first lady wishing for quick recovery from COVID-19

It was not the first time that Moon has sent such a message to a foreign leader infected with the @ @ @ @ @ Moon tweeted a similar message to Britain 's Prime Minister Boris Johnson after he was @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Oct. 2 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in sent a message to U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump on Friday, wishing for their quick recovery from COVID-19, his office said.
The message came hours after Trump tweeted that he and his wife tested positive for the new coronavirus and that they would begin their quarantine and recovery process immediately.
"My wife and I, along with the South Korean people, wish for the president and first lady's swift recovery," Moon wrote in the message.
"We'd also like to send special words of solace and encouragement to your family and U.S. citizens," he added.
It was not the first time that Moon has sent such a message to a foreign leader infected with the virus. In April, Moon tweeted a similar message to Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson after he was hospitalized for COVID-19.
President Moon Jae-in holds phone talks with U.S. President Donald Trump on June 1, 2020, in this photo released by the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-02--(URGENT) Moon sends message to Trump wishing for quick recovery from COVID-19


yna--2020-10-02--(LEAD) Ryu Hyun-jin returns home after successful 1st season with Blue Jays

The Blue Jays spent the entire season away from home .
Due to border restrictions between Canada and the United @ @ @ @ @ pandemic , the Blue Jays were not allowed to play at their home stadium , @ @ @ @ @ .
Their bids to share stadiums with the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Baltimore Orioles were @ @ @ @ @ Jays found their temporary home in their Triple-A park , Sahlen Field in Buffalo , @ @ @

(ATTN: CHANGES photo)
By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Oct. 2 (Yonhap) -- South Korean major league pitcher Ryu Hyun-jin returned home Friday after completing a successful first season with the Toronto Blue Jays -- a disappointing postseason start earlier this week notwithstanding.
Ryu will be reunited with his wife and their 5-month-old daughter once he completes his mandatory, 14-day quarantine, imposed on all international travelers to South Korea during the coronavirus pandemic.
Ryu served as the Blue Jays' new No. 1 starter after signing a four-year, US$80 million contract as a free agent last winter. In the abbreviated, 60-game regular season, Ryu went 5-2 with a 2.69 ERA, the fourth-best mark in the American League.
South Korean major league pitcher Ryu Hyun-jin arrives at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, on Oct. 2, 2020. (Yonhap)
The Blue Jays reached the postseason as the eighth seed in the revamped format this year but were knocked out of the best-of-three first round after losing two straight games to the top-seeded Tampa Bay Rays.
Ryu started the second game of the series at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, on Wednesday (local time) but was roughed up for seven runs -- four unearned -- on eight hits in just 1 2/3 innings in an 8-2 loss. Ryu served up two home runs, including a grand slam to Hunter Renfroe that chased him from the game. It was Ryu's shortest outing of 2020.
Though the year ended on a sour note, Ryu was just the stabilizing and consistent presence at the top of the rotation that the Blue Jays had hoped. He's the highest-paid pitcher in Blue Jays history.
The Blue Jays spent the entire season away from home. Due to border restrictions between Canada and the United States brought on by the pandemic, the Blue Jays were not allowed to play at their home stadium, the Rogers Centre in Toronto. Their bids to share stadiums with the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Baltimore Orioles were rejected, and the Blue Jays found their temporary home in their Triple-A park, Sahlen Field in Buffalo, New York.
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-02--BTS performs 'Mikrokosmos' on Jimmy Fallon show

SEOUL, Oct. 2 (Yonhap) -- K-pop superstar BTS performed its hit song "Mikrokosmos" at a royal palace in Seoul on Friday (Korea time) as part of the "BTS Week" special on NBC's "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon."
In a prerecorded nighttime live performance, the seven-member band sang the song from its 2019 album, "Map of the Soul: Persona," on Gyeonghoeru, an iconic pavilion in Gyeongbok Palace. It was the second performance at the palace in the special weeklong series.
At the end of the performance, the computer graphic logo of BTS' fan club, Army, appeared in the night sky, and then Jimin, a member of the band, shouted, "We love you," in a display of his affection to Army.
On Tuesday, BTS, donning the traditional Korean attire of "hanbok," performed another hit song, "IDOL," in front of Geunjeongjeon Hall of the palace.
The special program featuring BTS, which opened Tuesday, is designed to showcase different music performances of the band each night, including live performances, comedy bits and virtual interviews.
This photo, provided by Big Hit Entertainment on Sept. 29, 2020, shows K-pop group BTS posing for a photo in front of Geunjeongjeon Hall of Gyeongbok Palace in Seoul, South Korea, where the band filmed a performance for the "BTS Week" special on NBC's "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" in the United States. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-10-02--Ryu Hyun-jin returns home after successful 1st season with Blue Jays

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Oct. 2 (Yonhap) -- South Korean major league pitcher Ryu Hyun-jin returned home Friday after completing a successful first season with the Toronto Blue Jays -- a disappointing postseason start earlier this week notwithstanding.
Ryu will be reunited with his wife and their 5-month-old daughter once he completes his mandatory, 14-day quarantine, imposed on all international travelers to South Korea during the coronavirus pandemic.
Ryu served as the Blue Jays' new No. 1 starter after signing a four-year, US$80 million contract as a free agent last winter. In the abbreviated, 60-game regular season, Ryu went 5-2 with a 2.69 ERA, the fourth-best mark in the American League.
In this Getty Images photo, Ryu Hyun-jin of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays during Game 2 of the American League Wild Card Series at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, on Sept. 30, 2020. (Yonhap)
The Blue Jays reached the postseason as the eighth seed in the revamped format this year but were knocked out of the best-of-three first round after losing two straight games to the top-seeded Tampa Bay Rays.
Ryu started the second game of the series at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, on Wednesday (local time) but was roughed up for seven runs -- four unearned -- on eight hits in just 1 2/3 innings in an 8-2 loss. Ryu served up two home runs, including a grand slam to Hunter Renfroe that chased him from the game. It was Ryu's shortest outing of 2020.
Though the year ended on a sour note, Ryu was just the stabilizing and consistent presence at the top of the rotation that the Blue Jays had hoped. He's the highest-paid pitcher in Blue Jays history.
The Blue Jays spent the entire season away from home. Due to border restrictions between Canada and the United States brought on by the pandemic, the Blue Jays were not allowed to play at their home stadium, the Rogers Centre in Toronto. Their bids to share stadiums with the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Baltimore Orioles were rejected, and the Blue Jays found their temporary home in their Triple-A park, Sahlen Field in Buffalo, New York.
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-02--(LEAD) BLACKPINK hopes to show growth, share positive energy with 1st full album

`` We wanted to not only express various emotions on love but also show girls that have grown up .
@ @ @ @ @ 'Pretty Savage ' have a feeling of boldness and confidence , and since it 's @ @ @ @ @ wanted to imbue words that people think of when they think of BLACKPINK , '' @ @ @ @ @ press conference .

(ATTN: ADDS details throughout, photo)
By Lee Minji
SEOUL, Oct. 2 (Yonhap) -- K-pop group BLACKPINK said Friday it wanted to show its growth as an artist and send out a message of hope and positive energy with its first-ever full-length album.
Earlier in the day, the quartet unveiled the album "The Album," which includes main track "Lovesick Girls" as well as hits that have broken into music charts such as "How You Like That" and "Ice Cream" featuring Selena Gomez.
While BLACKPINK, the country's highest-charting female act on global pop charts, has churned out megahits such as "Ddu-du Ddu-du," "Kill This Love" and "Boombayah," this is the first full-length album Jisoo, Jennie, Rose and Lisa are releasing since their debut in August 2016.
"We wanted to not only express various emotions on love but also show girls that have grown up. The lyrics and ambience of 'Pretty Savage' have a feeling of boldness and confidence, and since it's our first album, we wanted to imbue words that people think of when they think of BLACKPINK," Jennie said in a livestreamed press conference.
This image, provided by YG Entertainment, shows K-pop group BLACKPINK. The group released its first full-length album on Oct. 2, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Regarding "Lovesick Girls," which Jennie said all members were happy to choose as the main track, the group hoped that the song will send out positive vibes to listeners.
"People all go through the experience of despair, whether it happens while racing for a dream or falling in love. We wanted to capture the story of life, how despite the falls, we find something and stand up. It's not a sad song but a song we wanted to put in a message of hope and positive energy," said Jisoo.
The dance track, which mixes country music-themed guitar tunes with a sophisticated melody, talks about "still looking for love" despite the heartaches that come from "slippin' and fallin'." Jisoo and Jennie also took part in composing and songwriting.
This image, provided by YG Entertainment, shows K-pop group BLACKPINK members Jisoo (from L), Jennie, Lisa and Rose. The group released its first full-length album on Oct. 2, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The members, meanwhile, said they look forward to collaborating with more artists and are grateful for how such experiences have helped shape their musical journey. For this album, they worked with Selena Gomez on the adorable tune "Ice Cream" and rapper Cardi B on the catchy track "Bet You Wanna."
"Ice Cream," which was pre-released in late August, debuted at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100, and its music video has racked up more than 303 million views on YouTube in just over a month.
"We're very honored and grateful to be working with artists we enjoyed listening to when we were young," said Lisa.
Jisoo, meanwhile, said the collaborations have helped the group move beyond its musical boundaries.
"We're very honored to do collaborations. We always want to show a new and different side of us, and when we work with another artist, (our different sides) blend and bring out songs with a different edge," she said.
This image, provided by YG Entertainment, shows K-pop group BLACKPINK. The group released its first full-length album on Oct. 2, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The new coronavirus has pounded the global music industry, and BLACKPINK is no exception.
Friday's press conference was livestreamed on YouTube, and the group has no fixed schedule on meeting with fans in person.
But the K-pop sensation, which has racked up 49.2 million YouTube subscribers to become the world's second-most subscribed musician on the global platform, said it has something for fans to wait for.
"It's really sad that we have to perform onstage without our fans, but when things become safer, we'd like to go on a tour. We really miss our fans -- both here and abroad -- and we are preparing for something, so please look forward to it," said Lisa.
A teaser poster for BLACKPINK released by YG Entertainment (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Preorders for "The Album" have topped 1 million, including 670,000 in South Korea and 340,000 from overseas, according to YG Entertainment, the group's management agency.
If the album records 1 million copies in actual sales in its first week, it will set a record for a girl group in the history of K-pop, the agency said.
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-02--U.S. retail sales of Hyundai Motor rise 7 pct on-yr in Q3

`` Our strong September sales performance was led by record setting sales of three of our popular and capable SUVs @ @ @ @ @ Seltos , and also marked the brand 's best-ever quarterly sales total in our 25-year @ @ @ @ @ '' Bill Peffer , vice president of Kia Motors America , said in a statement @

SEOUL, Oct. 2 (Yonhap) -- Retail sales of Hyundai Motor Co. in the United States rose 7 percent in the third quarter from a year earlier on rising demand for its sport utility vehicles (SUVs), the carmaker's U.S. unit said Friday (Korean time).
Hyundai sold a total of 170,838 units stateside in the July-September period, down 1 percent, or 2,200, from a year earlier, according to a release by Hyundai Motor America on its website.
But its retail sales reached 161,254 units over the three months, up 7 percent from the same period last year
"Retail sales in the third quarter also increased, another indication that sales are recovering from the pandemic," Randy Parker, vice president of Hyundai Motor America, was quoted as saying.
The growth was led by a 21 percent on-year growth in September retail sales.
Hyundai America sold 51,784 retail units last month, while its total sales gained 5 percent on-year to 54,790 for the month.
Sales of its midsize SUV Palisade soared 125 percent on-year in September, with a 44 percent gain in sales of the Kona, a subcompact crossover SUV, and a 17 percent rise for the five-door SUV Santa Fe.
This promotional image provided by Kia Motors America shows the Telluride (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Meanwhile, Kia Motors America saw its September sales jump 24.4 percent on-year to 55,519 units, with its retail sales surging 35.3 percent to a record 53,513 vehicles.
It is the highest monthly retail sales record since Kia Motors, a sister company of Hyundai Motor, entered the U.S. market in 1994.
Its midsize crossover SUV Telluride and subcompact sedan Forte were its two bestselling models with 8,829 units and 7,643 units, respectively.
"Our strong September sales performance was led by record setting sales of three of our popular and capable SUVs, Telluride, Sportage and Seltos, and also marked the brand's best-ever quarterly sales total in our 25-year history in the U.S.," Bill Peffer, vice president of Kia Motors America, said in a statement.
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-02--BLACKPINK hopes to show growth, share positive energy with 1st full album

By Lee Minji
SEOUL, Oct. 2 (Yonhap) -- K-pop group BLACKPINK said Friday it wanted to show its growth as an artist and send out a message of hope and positive energy with its first-ever full-length album.
Earlier in the day, the quartet unveiled the album "The Album," which includes main track "Lovesick Girls" as well as hits that have topped music charts such as "How You Like That" and "Ice Cream" featuring Selena Gomez.
"We wanted to not only express various emotions on love but also show girls that have grown up. The lyrics and ambience of 'Pretty Savage' have a feeling of boldness and confidence, and since it's our first album, we wanted to imbue words that people think of when they think of BLACKPINK," Jennie said in a livestreamed press conference.
This image, provided by YG Entertainment, shows K-pop group BLACKPINK. The group released its first full-length album on Oct. 2, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Regarding "Lovesick Girls," which Jennie said all members were happy to choose as the main track, the group hoped that the song will send out positive vibes to listeners.
"People all go through the experience of despair, whether it happens while racing for a dream or falling in love. We wanted to capture the story of life, how despite the falls, we find something and stand up. It's not a sad song but a song we wanted to put in a message of hope and positive energy," said Jisoo.
The dance track, which mixes country music-themed guitar tunes with a sophisticated melody, talks about "still looking for love" despite the heartaches that come from "slippin' and fallin'."
This image, provided by YG Entertainment, shows K-pop group BLACKPINK members Jisoo (from L), Jennie, Lisa and Rose. The group released its first full-length album on Oct. 2, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The members, meanwhile, said they look forward to collaborating with more artists and are grateful for how such experiences have helped shape their musical journey. For this album, they worked with Selena Gomez on the adorable tune "Ice Cream" and rapper Cardi B on the catchy track "Bet You Wanna."
"We're very honored and grateful to be working with artists we enjoyed listening to when we were young," said Lisa.
Jisoo, meanwhile, said the collaborations have helped the group move beyond its musical boundaries.
"We're very honored to do collaborations. We always want to show a new and different side of us, and when we work with another artist, (our different sides) blend and bring out songs with a different edge," she said.
This image, provided by YG Entertainment, shows K-pop group BLACKPINK. The group released its first full-length album on Oct. 2, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The new coronavirus has pounded the global music industry, and BLACKPINK is no exception.
Friday's press conference was livestreamed on YouTube, and the group has no fixed schedule on meeting with fans in person.
But the K-pop sensation, which has racked up 49.2 million YouTube subscribers to become the world's second-most subscribed musician on the global platform, said it has something for fans to wait for.
"It's really sad that we have to perform onstage without our fans, but when things become safer, we'd like to go on a tour. We really miss our fans -- both here and abroad -- and we are preparing for something, so please look forward to it," said Lisa.
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-02--Three children show abnormal reactions to mishandled flu vaccines

Out of the eight people who have complained of symptoms that include headaches , chills and nausea , one is @ @ @ @ @ , two are teenagers , three are in their 30s and two are in their @ @ @ @ @ .

SEOUL, Oct. 2 (Yonhap) -- Three out of the eight South Koreans who have shown abnormal reactions to potentially defective flu vaccines are children, the public health agency said Friday.
A total of 1,910 people were injected with the vaccines that were suspected to have been exposed to room temperature, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
Out of the eight people who have complained of symptoms that include headaches, chills and nausea, one is under the age of 10, two are teenagers, three are in their 30s and two are in their 50s, the KDCA said.
"Those symptoms were mild, and their conditions have improved," a KDCA official said. "But the relations between the vaccine injection, and the symptoms have not been proven yet."
Last month, the KDCA temporarily halted its plan to offer free seasonal flu shots after some of the about 5 million doses of flu vaccines were partially exposed to temperatures outside the storage range.
Inactivated vaccines should be stored in a refrigerator, and exposure to room temperature could result in decreased vaccine potency and increased risk of vaccine-preventable diseases.
But the safety of those vaccines exposed to room temperature has yet to be determined.
The file photo taken Sept. 23, 2020, shows a person getting an influenza vaccine at a medical clinic in western Seoul. (Yonhap)
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-02--Analysts divided over Big Hit's target prices

Last week , the agency decided to switch BTS ' `` BTS MAP OF THE SOUL ON : E '' @ @ @ @ @ .
It said offline performances were `` technically impossible , '' as long as the @ @ @ @ @ and gatherings continues .

By Chung Joo-won
SEOUL, Oct. 2 (Yonhap) -- South Korean analysts offer a wide range of target prices for Big Hit Entertainment, an agency of K-pop superstar BTS, ahead of the company's market debut slated for this month.
Big Hit Entertainment's listing, set for Oct. 15, is one of this year's mega IPO deals, thanks to the K-pop septet's global fame.
The initial public offering (IPO) price was set at 135,000 won (US$115), but analysts' target prices range from 160,000 won to 380,000 won.
Brokerage houses' forecasts vary over how the company will perform in the pandemic-hit entertainment markets.
Last week, the agency decided to switch BTS' "BTS MAP OF THE SOUL ON:E" concert to an online event. It said offline performances were "technically impossible," as long as the government ban on mass conventions and gatherings continues.
This photo, provided by Big Hit Entertainment on Sept. 21, 2020, shows K-pop group BTS performing on the "Tiny Desk Concert" show on National Public Radio in the United States. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Hana Financial Investment, which suggested the highest target price, said online concerts are unlikely to hurt the agency's revenue.
"Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, BTS had already experienced online tour and V-LIVE performances during the 2019 Wembley Stadium concert," Hana Financial Investment analyst Lee Ki-hoon said.
"We assume that (Big Hit's) content sales will grow regardless of COVID-19, considering BTS' massive global fandom and its ability to fill up three stadium-scale concerts per city," he said.
But some brokerages put more weight on long-term risks, such as the agency's heavy dependence on BTS.
"BTS' intellectual property is subject to the artists, not the company," Meritz Securities Korea analyst Lee Hyo-jin said.
BTS accounted for 98.2 percent of the agency's annual sales in 2018 and 97.4 percent in 2019, according to the agency data.
In response, Big Hit has been spurring efforts to diversify its business portfolio through its acquisition and content platform business.
Big Hit shares, new souvenir for BTS ARMYs? Youtube https://youtu.be/gd3klCOXzqI
Big Hit Entertainment has built up its own K-pop empire since it was founded in 2005 by former JYP Entertainment producer Bang Si-Hyuk.
After the IPO, Bang will be the company's largest shareholder with a 36.6 percent stake. Game publisher Netmarble will hold a 20.9 percent stake, with 16.9 percent being publicly owned.
Last year, the agency's annual sales almost doubled to 587.2 billion won, with an operating profit of 98.7 billion won.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-02--(2nd LD) New virus cases stay below 100, but gov't remains cautious against possible rebound after h

(2nd LD) New virus cases stay below 100, but gov't remains cautious against possible rebound after holiday

As South Korea has been enjoying the five-day Chuseok holiday , the Korean equivalent of Thanksgiving , since Wednesday , @ @ @ @ @ down its guard in the ongoing fight against the coronavirus .

(ATTN: ADDS more info, comments in paras 12, 15-18)
SEOUL, Oct. 2 (Yonhap) -- South Korea reported 63 more cases of the novel coronavirus Friday, posting a double-digit daily growth for the second day in a row, while health authorities remain vigilant against possible mass infections during the Chuseok holiday this week.
The country added 63 more COVID-19 cases, including 53 local infections, bringing the total caseload to 23,952, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
People get tested for the novel coronavirus at a test center in Seongnam, south of Seoul, on Oct. 1, 2020, in this photo provided by Seongnam City. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The daily new cases remained below the 100 mark for the second consecutive day, following the previous day's 77 infections.
As South Korea has been enjoying the five-day Chuseok holiday, the Korean equivalent of Thanksgiving, since Wednesday, the government is not letting down its guard in the ongoing fight against the coronavirus.
The daily new infections peaked at 441 on Aug. 27, days after cluster infections were found to be linked to a Seoul church and an anti-government rally in the capital on Aug. 15.
With tightened social distancing imposed on the greater Seoul area for weeks, the daily number of new COVID-19 cases has been hovering around 100 since early September.
The 38 new cases Tuesday marked the lowest since Aug. 11, when the country reported 34 additional infections.
A hospital in northern Seoul is closed on Sept. 30, 2020, after 28 patients tested positive for the novel coronavirus there. (Yonhap)
Health authorities are worried that increased mobility from hometown visits and family gatherings, which are typical on the Chuseok holiday, may lead to a surge in COVID-19 as experienced after the summer vacation season.
The country also has a break from Oct. 9-11, prompting the government to designate Monday to Oct. 11 as a special period for strengthened virus curbs to better contain local transmissions.
People are asked to stay at home during the holidays, with the middle Level 2 social distancing guidelines imposed over the two-week period.
Under the current requirements, indoor meetings of 10 or more people are prohibited, while 100 or more people are banned from having outdoor events.
"We kindly ask people to refrain from having meetings with close friends or attending religious and public events during the holiday," KCDA Director Jeong Eun-kyeong said in a press briefing.
People stand in line at a test center in central Seoul on Oct. 2, 2020. (Yonhap)
Meanwhile, Seoul reported nine new virus cases Friday, and the surrounding Gyeonggi Province added 19, according to the KDCA.
The southeastern port city of Busan had 16 more new cases, while four cases each came from Incheon and North Gyeongsang Province.
Sporadic cluster infections continued to pop up across the nation.
Two more patients were traced to a residential building in southern Seoul, raising the total to 55, while cases related to a medical clinic in western Seoul added two to 12.
A total of 11 people tested positive for the coronavirus at a sauna in Busan.
The portion of untraceable cases accounted for 18.6 percent of the total reported over the past two weeks.
The domestic departure terminal of Jeju International Airport is crowded with travelers on Oct. 2, 2020. (Yonhap)
The country also reported 10 new imported cases, remaining unchanged from a day earlier, bringing the total caseload to 3,247, the KDCA said.
Seven patients from Asian countries other than mainland China, and three people came from Europe.
On Friday, one additional death was reported, raising the death toll to 416. The fatality rate was 1.74 percent.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries increased to 21,733, up 67 from the previous day.
The number of COVID-19 patients in serious or critical condition stood at 107 on Friday, according to the authorities.
People visit Gyeongbok Palace in central Seoul on the Chuseok holiday on Oct. 1, 2020. (Yonhap)
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-02--Today in Korean history

Today in Korean history

2017 -- Kim Un-yong , former vice president of the International Olympic Committee ( IOC ) , passes away at @ @ @ @ @ instrumental role in helping Seoul win the right to host the 1988 Summer Olympics .
@ @ @ @ @ founding president of the World Taekwondo Federation -- presently World Taekwondo -- and of the @ @ @ @ @ .

Oct. 3
1979 -- South Korea's National Assembly, controlled by President Park Chung-hee's ruling party, deprives Kim Young-sam, head of the then opposition New Democratic Party, of his parliamentary seat in connection with his anti-government activities. The ouster touched off nationwide pro-democracy protests. A few weeks later, Park was assassinated by his intelligence chief, Kim Jae-kyu.
1999 -- Twenty-two workers are exposed to a radioactive leak at the Wolsong No. 3 nuclear power plant. The incident prompts a comprehensive safety check of all nuclear power plants in the country.
2005 -- Eleven people are crushed to death and 70 others are injured at a public stadium in Sangju, some 270 kilometers southeast of Seoul, as concertgoers were caught in a stampede.
2006 -- North Korea says it will conduct a nuclear test in the future, claiming U.S. hostile policy compels the communist country to do so. Defying severe criticism from the international community, North Korea conducted its first known nuclear test six days later on Oct. 9.
2007 -- South Korean President Roh Moon-hyun and North Korean leader Kim Jong-il hold summit talks in Pyongyang, the first inter-Korean summit in seven years after the one between then President Kim Dae-jung and Kim in June 2000.
2015 -- A man stabs the owner of an indoor shooting range and flees with a .45-caliber handgun and 18 bullets in the southern port city of Busan. The 29-year-old man was arrested after hours on the run. Police retrieved the weapon and bullets from the suspect.
2017 -- Kim Un-yong, former vice president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), passes away at 86. Kim played an instrumental role in helping Seoul win the right to host the 1988 Summer Olympics. He also served as the founding president of the World Taekwondo Federation -- presently World Taekwondo -- and of the South Korean national Olympic committee.
2019 -- Ten people are killed and four others go missing as Typhoon Mitag, the season's 18th typhoon, lashes the southern and eastern regions of South Korea.
(END)


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(END)


yna--2020-10-03--Police on standby to deter illegal rallies on national holiday amid virus outbreak

The government has issued warnings against illegal anti-government rallies planned by some conservative groups on concerns that the mass gatherings @ @ @ @ @ efforts to contain the spread of the new coronavirus .

SEOUL, Oct. 3 (Yonhap) -- Police stepped up their guards Saturday to prevent conservative activists from holding abrupt and illegal rallies in central Seoul amid concerns about the spread of the new coronavirus.
Several conservative groups are planning rallies to protest the liberal government's policies on National Foundation Day despite the government's strong warnings amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Police said they set up inspection points in 90 locations connecting to central Seoul and are checking entering vehicles.
Police buses were placed in lines on the main streets linking Gwanghwamun and City Hall in central Seoul. Subways were not stopping at nearby stations.
Police also set up fences in Gwanghwamun Square where outdoor rallies are often held.
Police buses are placed in lines on streets around Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on Oct. 3, 2020, in a bid to prevent illegal rallies on National Foundation Day. (Yonhap)
Some conservative groups are known to have plans to push for a press conference or one-person rally in the public plaza.
Two separate groups plan to hold drive-thru rallies in southern Seoul as a local court approved such demonstrations involving less than 10 cars under strict anti-infection measures.
The government has issued warnings against illegal anti-government rallies planned by some conservative groups on concerns that the mass gatherings could hamper the country's efforts to contain the spread of the new coronavirus.
Thousands of people, led by conservative groups, held massive rallies on Aug. 15, the country's Liberation Day, in central Seoul. The protests have been partly blamed for a resurgence in COVID-19 cases since mid-August, with cases tied to the rallies reaching more than 600.
The country's daily infections spiked to triple-digit figures for more than a month from Aug. 14, until they slowed down on the back of tougher virus curbs.
In a preemptive measure, the Seoul city government banned all rallies of 10 or more people and designated parts of central Seoul as no-assembly zones. The capital also banned rallies in the form of car parades.
Under the Level 2 social distancing rules imposed at a nationwide level, outdoor gatherings of 100 or more people are prohibited and indoor meetings of 50 or more are also banned.
This photo, taken on Oct. 3, 2020, shows police buses parked along streets around Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul to deter illegal rallies. (Yonhap)
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-03--S. Korean bio firms in race for COVID-19 treatment, vaccine development

The company is currently conducting phase two trials on around 300 people with mild and severe symptoms of the virus @ @ @ @ @ to better check CT-P59 's efficacy against COVID-19 and its overall safety .

By Kim Han-joo
SEOUL, Oct. 3 (Yonhap) -- South Korean pharmaceutical companies have joined the global race to develop vaccines and treatments for the novel coronavirus, and several of them have received approval for clinical trials from the country's drug safety agency.
Among the front-runners is Celltrion Inc.'s antiviral antibody treatment candidate called CT-P59 that is currently undergoing phase two and three trials both at home and abroad.
Celltrion said it has completed phase one clinical trials on 32 healthy adults in the country and has not found any abnormal case.
This undated image, provided by Celltrion Inc., shows the company's corporate logo. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The company is currently conducting phase two trials on around 300 people with mild and severe symptoms of the virus, which will allow researchers to better check CT-P59's efficacy against COVID-19 and its overall safety.
Phase three, involving around 720 people, will be carried out to see if the candidate material is actually effective against viral infections, according to the pharmaceutical giant.
Celltrion said that besides South Korea, it has requested clinical trials of CT-P59 in the United States, Romania and three other countries as part of its ongoing effort to find viable treatment materials to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
Small drug firm Bioneer Corp. is also in the process of developing a COVID-19 vaccine, with the aim of conducting clinical trials early next year.
The drug is a type of RNA treatment that directly attacks the genome of the COVID-19 virus and dismantles it, company officials said.
This photo, provided by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety on Sept. 10, 2020, shows health authorities visiting a SK Bioscience plant that is in the process of developing a COVID-19 vaccine. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
SK Bioscience Co., a vaccine unit of South Korea's SK Group, is considered one of the front-runners in developing a safe and effective vaccine against the new coronavirus.
The company, which currently receives government funding, is in the process of vaccine development, with a plan to start phase one clinical trials in early October.
The company has also recently inked deals to work together with British-Swedish bio giant AstraZeneca Plc. to produce vaccines once they are ready.
The government earlier announced that it will spend a total of 94 billion won (US$80.3 million) this year to help local firms develop homegrown vaccines and treatment drugs
The government also plans to set aside 260.4 billion won next year to develop vaccines and treatment drugs against the new coronavirus.
Currently, clinical trials of 15 treatment drugs and one vaccine are under way in the country, according to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-03--(LEAD) New virus cases below 100 for 3rd day; holiday effect on COVID-19 spread in focus

The country is wary of the impact of drive-thru rallies to be held by conservative groups later in the day @ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus , after it reported more than 600 virus cases tied to an anti-government @ @ @ @ @ mid-August .

(ATTN: UPDATES with more details throughout; ADDS photo)
SEOUL, Oct. 3 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new coronavirus cases stayed below 100 for the third straight day Saturday, but health authorities remain on alert over a potential rebound in virus cases after an extended fall harvest holiday.
The country added 75 more COVID-19 cases, including 52 local infections, raising the total caseload to 24,027, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
It marked an increase from 63 new cases reported Friday but stayed lower than 77 cases Thursday. After daily infections hit 133 on Wednesday, they have declined back to double-digit figures. But the fall in daily cases was in part affected by fewer tests during the holiday.
This photo, taken on Oct. 2, 2020, shows Jeju International Airport bustling with people preparing to depart the southern resort island of Jeju after spending the Chuseok fall harvest holiday there. (Yonhap)
As South Koreans took the three-day Chuseok autumn holiday from Wednesday to Friday and are enjoying an uninterrupted weekend, health authorities remain on alert over the impact of people's mass movement to visit their hometowns or travel on the spread of coronavirus.
During the traditional holiday, many South Koreans usually travel across the country to reunite with family members and relatives.
Health authorities designated Monday to Oct. 10 as a special two-week period for toughened virus curbs on concerns that new virus cases may resurge again.
The country is wary of the impact of drive-thru rallies to be held by conservative groups later in the day in Seoul on the spread of coronavirus, after it reported more than 600 virus cases tied to an anti-government rally in central Seoul in mid-August.
A court approved a drive-thru rally involving less than 10 vehicles on National Foundation Day under strict quarantine steps at a time when the Seoul city government has banned rallies of 10 or more people.
The country's new virus cases had been in the triple digits for more than a month since Aug. 14, due mainly to cases tied to a church in northern Seoul and the protest on Aug. 15. Daily infections soared to 441 on Aug. 27.
But new COVID-19 cases have slowed on the back of tightened social distancing rules. The country reported 38 new cases Tuesday, marking the first time that daily infections fell below 50 since Aug. 11.
Sporadic cluster infections and untraceable cases still put a strain on the country's virus fight. South Korea is implementing the Level 2 social distancing guidance in its three-tier scheme across the nation.
This photo, taken on Oct. 2, 2020, shows a sign hung on pine trees at a beach in the eastern city of Gangneung that calls on citizens to wear masks and keep a safe distance amid the COVID-19 pandemic. (Yonhap)
Of the newly identified local infections, 25 cases were reported in Seoul and eight cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital. Incheon, west of Seoul, reported seven more cases.
Other municipalities reported new infections, with the southeastern port city of Busan adding eight cases and the central city of Daejeon reporting one new case.
The country, meanwhile, added 23 imported cases, increasing the total to 3,270. Five cases came from Uzbekistan, followed by four from the Philippines and three from Ukraine.
South Korea reported four additional deaths, raising the death toll to 420. The fatality rate was 1.75 percent.
The number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients came to 104 as of midnight, down three from the previous day.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 21,787, up 54 from the previous day.
The country has carried out 2,339,859 coronavirus tests since Jan. 3.
Citizens wait in line to receive coronavirus tests at a testing site in central Seoul on Oct. 2, 2020. (Yonhap)
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-03--No. of teenage gambling addiction patients surges over 5-year period: lawmaker

According to data from the state-run Korea Center on Gambling Problems , which was released by Rep. Bae June-young of @ @ @ @ @ Party , the number of teenagers who received treatment at the center for gambling addiction @ @ @ @ @ 71 in 2015 to 981 in 2019 .

SEOUL, Oct. 3 (Yonhap) -- The number of South Korean teens suffering from gambling addiction exploded at an alarming rate over five years from 2015, according to an opposition lawmaker Saturday.
According to data from the state-run Korea Center on Gambling Problems, which was released by Rep. Bae June-young of the main opposition People Power Party, the number of teenagers who received treatment at the center for gambling addiction has increased nearly fourteenfold from 71 in 2015 to 981 in 2019.
The number of reported national teenage gambling addiction cases increased to 240 in 2016, 345 in 2017 and 714 in 2018 and was 549 as of August this year.
By region, Gyeonggi Province had the most patients as of last year, with 143, followed by Seoul, Daejeon and Gwangju with 109, 104 and 101, respectively.
The majority of teenage patients, or 60.4 percent, received treatment for sports gambling, followed by 34.6 percent for "mini game" gambling last year. Online gambling accounted for 98.5 percent of reported teenage cases.
Bae called for the government to come up with measures to tackle the problem, pointing out that the Ministry of Education has no designated department or allocated budget on the matter.
"The education ministry should be in charge of managing the problems of student gambling but is neglecting them," the lawmaker said. "This is very problematic."
An illustration highlighting gambling addiction among some South Korean teenagers (Yonhap)
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-03--New virus cases below 100 for 3rd day; holiday effect on COVID-19 spread in focus

As South Koreans took the three-day Chuseok autumn holiday from Wednesday to Friday and are enjoying an uninterrupted weekend , @ @ @ @ @ over the impact of people 's mass movement to visit their hometowns or travel on @ @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Oct. 3 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new coronavirus cases stayed below 100 for the third straight day Saturday, but health authorities remain on alert over a potential rebound in virus cases after an extended fall harvest holiday.
The country added 75 more COVID-19 cases, including 52 local infections, raising the total caseload to 24,027, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
It marked an increase from 63 new cases reported Friday but stayed lower than 77 cases Thursday. After daily infections hit 133 on Wednesday, they have declined back to double-digit figures. But the fall in daily cases was in part affected by fewer tests during the holiday.
This photo, taken on Oct. 2, 2020, shows Jeju International Airport bustling with people preparing to depart the southern resort island of Jeju after spending the Chuseok fall harvest holiday there. (Yonhap)
As South Koreans took the three-day Chuseok autumn holiday from Wednesday to Friday and are enjoying an uninterrupted weekend, health authorities remain on alert over the impact of people's mass movement to visit their hometowns or travel on the spread of coronavirus.
During the traditional holiday, many South Koreans usually travel across the country to reunite with family members and relatives.
Health authorities designated Monday to Oct. 10 as a special two-week period for toughened virus curbs on concerns that new virus cases may resurge again.
The country's new virus cases had been in the triple digits for more than a month since Aug. 14, with daily infections soaring to 441 on Aug. 27.
But new COVID-19 cases have slowed on the back of tightened social distancing rules. The country reported 38 new cases Tuesday, marking the first time that daily infections fell below 50 since Aug. 11.
Sporadic cluster infections and untraceable cases still put a strain on the country's virus fight. South Korea is implementing the Level 2 social distancing guidance in its three-tier scheme across the nation.
Of the newly identified local infections, 25 cases were reported in Seoul and eight cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital. Incheon, west of Seoul, reported seven more cases.
Other municipalities reported new infections, with the southeastern port city of Busan adding eight cases and the central city of Daejeon reporting one new case.
The country, meanwhile, added 23 imported cases, increasing the total to 3,270
South Korea reported four additional deaths, raising the death toll to 420. The fatality rate was 1.75 percent.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 21,787, up 54 from the previous day.
The country has carried out 2,339,859 coronavirus tests since Jan. 3.
Citizens wait in line to receive coronavirus tests at a testing site in central Seoul on Oct. 2, 2020. (Yonhap)
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-03--(URGENT) 54 more patients released from coronavirus treatment, total now at 21,787: KDCA

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


yna--2020-10-03--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 4 additional coronavirus death, total now at 420: KDCA


yna--2020-10-03--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 75 more cases of new coronavirus, total now at 24,027: KDCA


Saturday's weather forecast

SEOUL , Oct. 03 ( Yonhap ) -- The following is the weather forecast for South Korea 's 12 major @ @ @ @ @ .


yna--2020-10-03--Interference with ambulances to be punished by up to 5 years in prison

Also , the fine for a false call for help will increase to 5 million won from the current 2 @ @ @ @ @ require health officials to report infectious disease patients or suspected patients to the fire agency @ @ @ @ @ and warehouses to report when and if they stop storing or producing chemicals for more @ @ @ @ @ city government .

SEOUL, Oct. 3 (Yonhap) -- The legal grounds for punishing interference with ambulances has been created, the fire agency said Saturday.
The National Fire Agency said the revisions to the laws related to relief operations passed the National Assembly last month, which are expected to be made public this month.
The revised laws stipulate acts that get in the way of an ambulance are punishable by up to five years in prison or a fine of less than 50 million won (US$42,567). Previously, the loosely worded laws only said those who impede rescue and first aid operations could face the same penalty.
The move came after a taxi driver in June blocked an ambulance carrying a patient in serious condition from reaching a hospital. The patient eventually died.
Also, the fine for a false call for help will increase to 5 million won from the current 2 million won. Other changes require health officials to report infectious disease patients or suspected patients to the fire agency director, and chemical companies and warehouses to report when and if they stop storing or producing chemicals for more than three months to their city government.
The revised laws will go into effect early next year, three months after the public announcement.
The file photo taken Sept. 9, 2020, shows an ambulance parked at Seoul National University Hospital in Seoul. (Yonhap)
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-03--S. Korea extends incentives for primary dealers to stabilize bond market

The ministry launched the incentive programs for primary dealers , who buy state bonds directly from the government and sell @ @ @ @ @ in April this year as it sought to stabilize the bond market in the face @ @ @ @ @ of state bonds to fight the coronavirus pandemic .

SEJONG, Oct. 3 (Yonhap) -- South Korea has extended incentive programs for primary dealers in state bond auctions until the end of this year, as part of its efforts to stabilize the bond market, according to the finance ministry Saturday.
The ministry launched the incentive programs for primary dealers, who buy state bonds directly from the government and sell them to the market, in April this year as it sought to stabilize the bond market in the face of a hike in sales of state bonds to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
The temporary programs had been set to expire at the end of September, but the ministry extended them until the end of December.
Under the incentive programs, primary dealers, mostly banks and brokerages designated by the government, are allowed to make additional purchases of 10 percent to 35 percent of the accepted bid amount within three business days after the auction, the ministry said in a recent statement.
Up to 25 percent of the option is granted to the top-performing primary dealers, and 20 percent is granted to the second best-performing primary dealers, according to the statement.
Observers said such incentives would help markets digest the supply of state bonds despite a steady increase in sales.
South Korea has increased its cap on selling treasury bonds to 167.8 trillion won (US$139 billion) this year, from an initial ceiling of 130.2 trillion won, to cope with the pandemic.
Ministry officials have said they will take swift measures to stabilize the bond market if volatility grows.
Last month, the National Assembly approved the fourth supplementary budget worth 7.8 trillion won, mainly aimed at helping small merchants and self-employed people cushion the economic impact of the recent resurgence of the new coronavirus.
Along with the fourth extra budget, the size of the stimulus packages increased to 277 trillion won.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-03--Controversy stirs over bidding process in Navy's destroyer project

The project again faced an unexpected development on local reports that a Hyundai Heavy Industries official allegedly stole a conceptual @ @ @ @ @ by Daewoo Shipbuilding in 2014 with the help of Navy officers and then used it @ @ @ @ @ for the destroyer .

By Nam Kwang-sik
SEOUL, Oct. 3 (Yonhap) -- Controversy has been heating up over the South Korean Navy's next-generation destroyers as a series of legal issues in the bidding process continued to pop up, industry sources said Saturday.
In mid-July, Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. and Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. submitted their bids for the design of the 6,000-ton class destroyers, called the Korea Destroyer Next Generation (KDDX).
Before the announcement of the prime bidder for the project in October, the country's arms procurement agency Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) informed the two shipbuilders of its evaluation of their proposals.
Hyundai Heavy beat Daewoo Shipbuilding by a margin of 0.056 point.
Earlier in September, Daewoo Shipbuilding lodged an appeal against DAPA over its evaluation, while asking for a court injunction seeking to stop the selection of the prime bidder for the project.
The project again faced an unexpected development on local reports that a Hyundai Heavy Industries official allegedly stole a conceptual design for the KDDX drawn by Daewoo Shipbuilding in 2014 with the help of Navy officers and then used it to draw the basic design for the destroyer.
This photo, provided by Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., shows the South Korean Navy's first aegis destroyer King Sejong the Great, built by the shipbuilder. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The case came to the fore this month, though the probe into the case started two years ago.
The military authorities have been looking into the case since 2018, and around a dozen Hyundai Heavy officials are also under investigation by the civilian prosecution.
In connection with the reports, Daewoo Shipbuilding showed no reaction.
"The reports have nothing to do with Daewoo Shipbuilding," Yoon Yohan, a spokesman at Daewoo Shipbuilding, told Yonhap News Agency.
But residents of the southeastern city of Geoje, where Daewoo Shipbuilding is based, have called on DAPA to reevaluate the proposals from Hyundai Heavy and Daewoo Shipbuilding, denouncing Hyundai Heavy's alleged illegal acts.
On Sept. 27, Byun Gwang-yong, the mayor of Geoje, said the KDDX project should be reviewed during the parliamentary inspection of government offices to be held next month.
As a prolonged slump paints a gloomy outlook for the shipbuilding industry, residents of Geoje became more concerned about whether Daewoo Shipbuilding will win the order for the project.
Despite growing controversy, DAPA recently said the project has been going on in accordance with due procedures and regulations.
The 21 billion won (US$17.6 million) project will be finished in 36 months after the selection of a prime bidder, the arms procurement agency said.
The basic design of the destroyer includes procedures to determine the size, performance, weapon system and equipment deployment of the destroyer.
After the completion of the basic design, DAPA will invite bids for the detailed design of the destroyer slated to be launched in 2024, according to the agency.
ksnam@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-03--(LEAD) N.K. leader wishes Trump quick recovery from COVID-19

`` He offered his sympathy to the president and the first lady , '' the KCNA said .
`` He @ @ @ @ @ be recovered as soon as possible .
He hoped they will surely overcome it .
@ @ @ @ @ them . ''

(ATTN: ADDS photo)
SEOUL, Oct. 3 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un sent a message to U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday, wishing him and first lady Melania Trump a quick recovery from COVID-19, state media reported.
The message came a day after Trump tweeted that he and his wife tested positive for the virus.
In the message, Kim said he "heard the sudden news" that Trump and his wife tested positive for the virus, the official Korean Central News Agency said.
"He offered his sympathy to the president and the first lady," the KCNA said. "He sincerely hoped that they would be recovered as soon as possible. He hoped they will surely overcome it. He sent warm greetings to them."
This marks the first time Kim has sent a message to the president or leader of a country wishing recovery after they tested positive for the new coronavirus.
U.S. President Donald Trump (R) talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as they meet at the Freedom House on the southern side of the truce village of Panmunjom in the Demilitarized Zone, which separates the two Koreas, on June 30, 2019. (Yonhap)
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-03--N.K. leader wishes Trump quick recovery from COVID-19

SEOUL, Oct. 3 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un sent a message to U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday, wishing him and first lady Melania Trump a quick recovery from COVID-19, state media reported.
The message came a day after Trump tweeted that he and his wife tested positive for the virus.
In the message, Kim said he "heard the sudden news" that Trump and his wife tested positive for the virus, the official Korean Central News Agency said.
"He offered his sympathy to the president and the first lady," the KCNA said. "He sincerely hoped that they would be recovered as soon as possible. He hoped they will surely overcome it. He sent warm greetings to them."
This marks the first time Kim has sent a message to the president or leader of a country wishing recovery after they tested positive for the new coronavirus.
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-03--(URGENT) N.K. leader wishes Trump quick recovery from COVID-19


yna--2020-10-03--Hacking attempts on S. Korean military info system on constant surge over past 5 years: data

A majority of the IP addresses used for the recent attacks were traced to China and the United States , @ @ @ @ @ detect where those attacks actually originated from as hackers often use proxy addresses , according @ @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Oct. 3 (Yonhap) -- The number of hacking attempts on South Korea's defense information system has risen rapidly over the past five years, prompting the defense ministry to beef up efforts to fend off cyberattacks, officials said Saturday.
The defense information system refers to a set of equipment and software that deal with national security-related information, and the system is connected to both the military intranet and internet networks.
A total of 8,700 hacking attempts on the system were detected as of end-August this year, with the figure for all of 2019 coming to 9,121, according to the data compiled by the defense ministry.
The ministry detected 3,150 hacking attempts in 2016, which grew to 3,986 in 2017 and further to 5,444 in 2018, the data showed.
A majority of the IP addresses used for the recent attacks were traced to China and the United States, but it is hard to detect where those attacks actually originated from as hackers often use proxy addresses, according to defense ministry officials.
In 2016, classified military documents were leaked, as the military's intranet was hacked, for which North Korea was believed to be responsible.
"No sensitive military information has since been compromised. We've been working on the establishment of a multilayered protection system," a ministry official said.
With a goal to better cope with growing cybersecurity threats, the defense ministry earmarked around 250 billion won (US$213.6 million) in 2018 for a five-year comprehensive plan to develop technology and train manpower for cyberwarfare.
The ministry also plans to commission a research project on ways to better ensure the security and stability of the national defense information system, according to the official.
cygraceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-03--Pompeo's visit to Seoul to focus on regional cooperation: Stilwell

The State Department earlier said the top U.S. diplomat will visit South Korea on Oct. 7-8 , following his trip @ @ @ @ @ attend a four-way meeting with his counterparts from Australia , India and Japan in what @ @ @ @ @ .

WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 (Yonhap) -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to South Korea this month will partly focus on enhancing the countries' regional cooperation, a senior U.S. diplomat said Friday, amid the U.S.' push for a NATO-like multilateral alliance designed to counter China's growing presence in the region.
"In Korea, we will reaffirm the ironclad U.S.-ROK alliance, which is the linchpin of peace and security in the region," said David Stilwell, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs. ROK stands for South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea.
"ROK is a critical partner on regional and global issues including combating COVID-19, advancing peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and strengthening regional ties into the Indo-Pacific strategy," he told a teleconference.
The State Department earlier said the top U.S. diplomat will visit South Korea on Oct. 7-8, following his trip to Tokyo where he will attend a four-way meeting with his counterparts from Australia, India and Japan in what is known as the Quad.
Washington has been increasingly pushing for the multilateral structure amid its growing tension with China.
Pompeo and other U.S. officials have stressed the need to expand the structure into the so-called Quad Plus, calling on Seoul and its other allies and partners in the region to join.
South Korea has remained reluctant, citing its economic ties with China, which accounts for nearly one quarter of its overall exports.
Stilwell highlighted strong ties between South Korea and his country.
"On economic and people to people ties, the United States is ROK's second-largest trading partner and top foreign investor after Japan. The ROK is a major investor in the United States, our country share a commitment to free trade, human rights and democracy," he said.
"And now we continue to advance our cooperation on regional and global issues under the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy," the U.S. diplomat added.
He also underscored the importance of cooperation between the allies in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, noting South Korea has set an example of how a democracy can successfully combat the pandemic "with openness and transparency."
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)


(Copyright)


yna--2020-10-03--(4th LD) Conservatives stage 'drive-thru' rallies in Seoul on nat'l holiday amid virus fears

Two separate groups staged rallies involving nine vehicles each on National Foundation Day to protest the government 's prosecution reform @ @ @ @ @ took off from the southern district of Seocho on a route that included the neighborhoods @ @ @ @ @ ministers , and were planning to make their way up to the central Gwanghwamun , @ @ @ @ @ hold press conferences .

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead; UPDATES paras 2-4, 7, 9-10 with more info; RESTRUCTURES)
SEOUL, Oct. 3 (Yonhap) -- Conservative groups staged "drive-thru" anti-government rallies in southern Seoul on Saturday after winning court approval to hold demonstrations only under certain conditions to prevent another coronavirus resurgence from mass gatherings.
The protesters stopped short of reaching central Seoul near the presidential office, as the Gwanghwamun area was practically sealed off by tight police cordons set up to prevent any illegal protests.
Two separate groups staged rallies involving nine vehicles each on National Foundation Day to protest the government's prosecution reform and other issues. They took off from the southern district of Seocho on a route that included the neighborhoods of former and current justice ministers, and were planning to make their way up to the central Gwanghwamun, where they were going to hold press conferences.
The scaled-down rallies took place after a local court conditionally approved the demonstrations based on freedom of assembly as long as they comply with strict anti-infection measures.
The court allowed nine people -- each in their cars -- to hold a rally for two hours but set forth conditions such as banning the lowering of car windows and the chanting of slogans during the rally.
The demonstrations came as the government has vowed a stern response against mass rallies after anti-government protests on Aug. 15 were partly blamed for a flare-up in new virus cases.
No major clashes broke out between the protesters and law enforcement, as the demonstrations proceeded within the confines of the rules set forth by the court.
Police said in a statement the rallies ended without a mass gathering of people, thanks to the measures taken to prevent a resurgence of the coronavirus and citizens' compliance with the measures.
But the police took stringent steps to virtually seal off Gwanghwamun, installing around 90 checkpoints at entries to Seoul to screen vehicles and blocking streets and alleys with police vehicles. About 800 police officers were mobilized to respond to protests.
Some subway lines skipped their stops at Gwanghwamun Station and nearby stations until 5 p.m. Officials also set up fences in Gwanghwamun Square, where outdoor rallies are often held, denying public access to the plaza.
Conservative activists hold a drive-thru rally in southern Seoul on Oct. 3, 2020, to call for the resignation of Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae. (Yonhap)
Except for the two drive-thru protests, a court had rejected conservative groups' request to suspend the Seoul municipality's bans on their plans for rallies involving some 1,000 participants or a protest parade with about 200 cars on the national holiday.
"Legal rallies need to be respected, as the Constitution stipulates freedom of assembly. But as for illegal demonstrations, police should respond to them with a no-tolerance principle," Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said during his visit to the national police agency.
Despite the government's warning, several conservative groups attempted to enter the public plaza, but they were foiled by police. Instead, they held press conferences in the vicinity and condemned the government for denying freedom of assembly.
Police also thwarted some right-wing activists' attempt to hold a rally in central Seoul and disbanded them.
Police buses are parked in lines on streets around Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on Oct. 3, 2020, in a bid to prevent illegal rallies on National Foundation Day. (Yonhap)
The government has issued warnings against illegal anti-government rallies planned by some conservative groups on concerns that the mass gatherings could hamper the country's efforts to contain the spread of the new coronavirus.
Thousands of people, led by conservative groups, held massive rallies on Aug. 15, the country's Liberation Day, in central Seoul.
The country's daily infections spiked to triple-digit figures for more than a month from Aug. 14, until they slowed down on the back of tougher virus curbs. Cases tied to the rallies reached more than 600.
Health authorities remain on alert over a potential rebound in COVID-19 cases after the Chuseok fall harvest holiday that ran from Wednesday till Friday.
In a preemptive measure, the Seoul city government banned all rallies of 10 or more people and designated parts of central Seoul as no-assembly zones. The capital also banned rallies in the form of car parades.
Under the Level 2 social distancing rules imposed at a nationwide level, outdoor gatherings of 100 or more people are prohibited and indoor meetings of 50 or more are also banned.
Police seek to deter conservative activists' attempt to hold an anti-government rally on Oct. 3, 2020, National Foundation Day. (Yonhap)
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-03--Over 2,300 people in S. Korea injected with mishandled flu vaccines

SEOUL , Oct. 3 ( Yonhap ) -- More than 2,300 people in South Korea have been injected with flu @ @ @ @ @ exposed to room temperature instead of being refrigerated , health authorities said Saturday .

SEOUL, Oct. 3 (Yonhap) -- More than 2,300 people in South Korea have been injected with flu vaccines that may have been exposed to room temperature instead of being refrigerated, health authorities said Saturday.
Thirteen more cases were added to the tally of those who received the potentially defective flu vaccines, bringing the total to 2,303 as of Friday, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said.
Of the total, Gyeonggi Province surrounding Seoul had the most cases at 673, followed by 361 from the southwestern provincial city of Gwangju and 326 from North Jeolla Province. Seoul recorded 149, and Busan had 109 cases.
The number of people who have reported abnormal reactions, such as a fever and chills, stood at 12, unchanged from the previous day.
Last month, the KDCA temporarily halted its plan to offer free seasonal flu shots after some of about 5.78 million doses of flu vaccines were partially exposed to temperatures outside the storage range.
Inactivated vaccines should be stored in a refrigerator, and exposure to room temperature could result in decreased vaccine potency and increased risk of vaccine-preventable diseases.
But the safety of those vaccines exposed to room temperature has yet to be determined.
(END)