yna--2020-07-17--(LEAD) Audi Korea to fill 35 pct of lineup with EVs by 2030

`` One of the biggest challenges for EVs in every country in the world is how do I charge my @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Korea is probably world leader in public charging infrastructure and that 's probably @ @ @ @ @ time for us to introduce the car because you only have to drive 30 kilometers @ @ @ @ @ . ''

(ATTN: ADDS number of EV chargers in 9th para)
HONGCHEON, South Korea, July 17 (Yonhap) -- Audi Korea said it plans to launch more all-electric vehicles to fill 35 percent of its lineup with the emission-free models by 2030 amid rising demand for environment friendly cars.
Early this month, the German carmaker launched the e-tron 55 quattro sport utility vehicle, its first fully electric model, in South Korea following rollouts in Germany, the United States and China last year.
"The switch from combustion engines to electric vehicles is coming worldwide, not just in Korea. I believe that emission-free driving is a part of sustainability, like a focus of automotive companies," Audi Executive Director Jeff Mannering in charge of South Korean operations told reporters after a media test drive event held Monday.
In this photo, provided by Audi Korea and taken on July 13, 2020, Executive Director Jeff Mannering in charge of Audi's South Korean operations answers questions from reporters on its business strategy in Korea after a media test drive event held at Sagewood Hongcheon resort in Hongcheon, 100 kilometers east of Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
In the coming months, a lot of companies will start to introduce more electric vehicles in global markets, and Audi will do so as well, he said.
Audi currently sells the e-tron Sportback SUV in the U.S. and unveiled the Q4 e-tron SUV concept this month with an aim to mass-produce the model next year. It also unveiled the prototype of the e-tron S high-performance SUV in February.
The company said it is considering introducing the new e-tron models in the Korean market to take advantage of growing local appetite for EVs and improvements in the charging infrastructure.
Mannering said the rapidly increasing number of charging stations will enable the carmaker to launch more pure electric cars here.
"One of the biggest challenges for EVs in every country in the world is how do I charge my EV," said Mannering. "Korea is probably world leader in public charging infrastructure and that's probably why now is the right time for us to introduce the car because you only have to drive 30 kilometers to the next charging station."
A total of 20,947 chargers, including 7,243 fast chargers, were available across the country as of June 30, according to the transport ministry. The government aims to increase the number of fast chargers to 10,000 by 2022.
Audi Korea's aggressive EV push is in line with Audi AG's long-term business plan to increase its proportion of electrified vehicles, including plug-in hybrid models, to 33 percent by 2025. Audi AG aims to launch more than 20 kinds of electrified models globally by 2025 to sell over 800,000 units a year.
The current global situation reinforces the importance of sustainability economically, socially and environmentally. And emission-free drive systems have their part to play, Mannering said.
The e-tron 55 quattro SUV comes with a higher-capacity 95-kWh battery pack, and its two electric motors fitted to each axle on the front and rear can generate a combined 360 horsepower.
The company said it will deliver a three-year warranty for the e-tron, with the guarantee period for the battery reaching eight years.
It can travel up to 307 kilometers on a single charge and accelerate from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in 6.6 seconds. The zero-emission SUV is available for 117 million won (US$98,000).
Audi Volkswagen Korea sells four brands -- Audi, Volkswagen, Lamborghini and Bentley -- in Asia's fourth-biggest economy.
Its overall sales from January to June more than quadrupled to 17,751 vehicles of the four brands from 4,442 units in the year-ago period, according to data from the Korean Automobile Importers and Distributors Association (KAIDA).
Sales of Audi badge vehicles jumped nearly fourfold to 10,071 units from 2,560 during the same period, KAIDA said.
Audi Volkswagen Group resumed sales in South Korea in early 2018 after suspending normal operations in 2016 following an emissions cheating scandal that hurt consumer confidence in the brand.
These photos, taken on July 13, 2020, show the front and rear of the all-electric Audi e-tron 55 quattro model. (Yonhap)
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-17--JTBC takes lead in TV drama viewership battle in H1

`` Oh My Baby , '' about a workaholic single woman , recorded 2.9 percent in viewership rating at best @ @ @ @ @ episode on July 2 .
Premiering on June 20 , `` It 's OK , @ @ @ @ @ most anticipated TV series as Korean wave star Kim 's return project after his two-year @ @ @ @ @ audience share has been hovering around 5 percent .

SEOUL, July 17 (Yonhap) -- On the South Korean small screen, cable channel JTBC had a large lead over other big names on the back of well-made, eye-catching drama series in the first half of 2020.
The romance thriller "The World of the Married," the South Korean adaptation of BBC's "Doctor Foster," was the biggest hit TV series during the period, with its viewership reaching as high as 28.4 percent.
It is the highest-ever rating by a drama on a non-terrestrial TV channel.
The 16-episode drama, which features the revenge of a dedicated wife, played by Kim Hee-ae, coupled with intense suspense and unpredictable storytelling, also won director Mo Wan-il the best TV director award at this year's Baeksang Arts Awards.
JTBC's "Itaewon Class," starring star actor Park Seo-joon, was the No. 2 drama of the first half with viewership of 16.5 percent, the seventh-highest viewership rating in cable television history.
In a bid to maintain the competitive edge in the second half of the year, the broadcaster has launched the mystery "Graceful Friend," portraying close friends who face a murder in their town, and the crime drama "The Good Detective," a battle between detectives who reveal the truth and cover it up.
A scene from "The World of the Married" provided by JTBC (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
On the other hand, tvN, a cable channel run by entertainment giant CJ ENM, suffered a worse-than-expected first-half performance, except for the romantic comedy "Crash Landing On You," which started its 16-episode run in December last year.
Its prime-time series including the romantic comedy "Oh My Baby," starring Jang Na-ra, and the romance drama "It's OK to Not Be OK," starring Kim Soo-hyun, failed to impress South Korean viewers.
"Oh My Baby," about a workaholic single woman, recorded 2.9 percent in viewership rating at best and quietly finished its 16th episode on July 2. Premiering on June 20, "It's OK," was one of the most anticipated TV series as Korean wave star Kim's return project after his two-year military duty. But its audience share has been hovering around 5 percent.
To break the stalemate, tvN has come up with a star-studded lineup for the second half.
Starring Cho Seung-woo and Bae Doona, "Stranger 2," the sequel to the 2016 popular crime drama "Stranger," will air in August.
Heartthrob actor Park Bo-gum and "Parasite" star Park So-dam will star in tvN's romance "Record of Youth" in September, while Bae Suzi and Nam Joo-hyuk are cast for "Startup" slated for October.
A teaser image of "It's OK to Not Be OK" by tvN (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Terrestrial broadcasters like KBS and MBC remain in the doldrums as their shows hardly created a buzz over the first six months.
KBS' thriller "Woman of 9.9 Billion" and MBC's office comedy "Kkondae Intern," also known as "Old School Intern," are the only two series that made their presence felt on the small screen.
SBS received better results than the two rivals, with its medical drama "Dr. Romantic 2" and legal drama "Hyena" marking double-digit viewership ratings.
But its blockbuster fantasy show "The King: Eternal Monarch," starring Lee Min-ho, was a complete flop in the first half.
KBS's romantic comedy "Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol," MBC's science-fiction series "SF8" and SBS' musical drama "Do You Like Brahms?" will be their weapons of choice for the second half.
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-17--(LEAD) Court rejects police request for access to late mayor's mobile phones

The Seoul Northern District Court said while phone access can be granted in criminal investigations , there was `` a @ @ @ @ @ mandatory probe '' in this case .
There was no explanation of whether the cause @ @ @ @ @ to a crime , such as murder , it added .

(ATTN: ADDS details in last five paras, photo)
SEOUL, July 17 (Yonhap) -- A Seoul court has denied a police request to access mobile phones used by late Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon as part of their ongoing probe to determine the exact cause of his death, police said Friday.
Police had filed a request to acquire the call history for three mobile phones under Park's name, including his official phone that was retrieved when Park was found dead at a Seoul mountain last week.
The Seoul Northern District Court said while phone access can be granted in criminal investigations, there was "a lack of explanation for a mandatory probe" in this case. There was no explanation of whether the cause of his death was related to a crime, such as murder, it added.
This July 13, 2020, photo, taken at Seoul Memorial Park in southern Seoul, shows a person carrying late Seoul mayor Park Won-soon's portrait during his funeral. (Yonhap)
Park is suspected of taking his own life. Police said there were no signs of foul play and the city government released a handwritten note by Park, which said that he was "sorry" to everyone, without elaborating.
Park's abrupt death came a day after a former secretary filled a complaint with the police about his alleged sexual harassment. Civic groups and a lawyer representing the victim claimed that the public servant suffered unwanted physical contact and received inappropriate messages from Park for over four years.
Police reportedly have secured part of his call history for the day of his death and the previous day. An official said police plan to probe people with whom he talked to determine the exact cause of his death.
Investigators have been stepping up their probe surrounding the case, questioning former and incumbent officials, including Park's former chief secretary, at the city government.
Separately, the city government has said it plans to form an independent investigative committee, involving women's rights groups, human rights organizations and legal experts, to probe the sexual harassment allegations raised against the three-term mayor.
Officials at the Korea Women's HotLine and Korea Sexual Violence Relief Center, as well as Kim Jae-ryun (second from R), a lawyer representing a former secretary who accused late Seoul Mayor Park Won-son of sexually harassing her, hold a press conference in western Seoul on July 13, 2020. (Yonhap)
But the civic groups representing the victim have raised doubt over the probe, saying the municipal government appears "to not have (the power) to get down to the truth of the case nor the will to do so" in a statement released Thursday.
In a text message to reporters following the statement release, the city government said it plans to "accept the (civic groups') request in full breadth" in forming the committee and opening the probe.
In addition to the police probe and the city's investigative committee, other groups have also filed complaints for the case, which is widely seen as a typical instance of workplace sexual harassment involving a disparity in power.
The groups have filed complaints with the police and the national human rights commission, asking authorities to probe allegations that city officials turned a blind eye to the victim's request for help and that her rights were neglected through the incident.
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-17--The Korea Interbank Offered Rates (KORIBOR)

SEOUL , Jul .
17 ( Yonhap ) -- The Korea Interbank Offered Rates ( KORIBOR ) as posted by @ @ @ @ @ news and information arm of Yonhap News Agency , at 11:00 a.m .

(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--2020-07-17--LG to take part in Europe's largest consumer electronics fair

LG said its Chief Technology Officer Park Il-pyung will be one of the speakers at the tech expo 's press @ @ @ @ @ and will introduce the company 's vision in the era of `` new normal '' @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .

SEOUL, July 17 (Yonhap) -- LG Electronics Inc. said Friday it will participate in Europe's largest consumer electronics fair despite concerns of the novel coronavirus.
The South Korean tech firm said it will take part in the Internationale Funkausstellung (IFA) 2020 scheduled to take place from Sept. 3 to 5 in Berlin.
LG said its Chief Technology Officer Park Il-pyung will be one of the speakers at the tech expo's press conference on the opening day and will introduce the company's vision in the era of "new normal" sparked by the novel coronavirus pandemic.
This year's IFA will be scaled down due to the pandemic and will limit the number of daily visitors.
LG said it will actively use "contactless measures" to introduce its products and ideas.
Meanwhile, Samsung Electronics Co. said last month it will not join this year's IFA due to virus concerns.
This photo provided by LG Electronics Inc. on Sept. 5, 2019, shows the company's Chief Technology Officer Park Il-pyung at a conference at the IFA 2019 in Berlin. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-17--S. Korea to airlift more nationals from Iraq's growing virus infections next week

`` Some of the Korean workers in Iraq returned home on a chartered flight , but there are still 800 @ @ @ @ @ he noted , instructing officials from the land and foreign ministries to take charge of @ @ @ @

SEOUL, July 17 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will airlift more Korean workers next week from Iraq where new coronavirus infection cases are spiking, the prime minister said Friday as the country is on alert over imported virus cases from the Arab country.
South Korea has confirmed 34 infection cases among the about 100 Korean construction workers who returned from Iraq on a chartered flight earlier this week.
Health authorities warned that infection cases from the group could rise further, given COVID-19's incubation period, and voiced transmission concerns over hundreds of Koreans currently working at construction sites in the Middle Eastern country.
According to data from the World Health Organization, Iraq reported more than 2,000 new infections Thursday. The country's total caseload reached 83,867 on the day, with 3,432 deaths.
"To help these (Korean construction workers) promptly return home (from Iraq), the government decided to airlift them as early as next week and onward," Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said in a regular government COVID-19 response meeting.
"Some of the Korean workers in Iraq returned home on a chartered flight, but there are still 800 in the country," he noted, instructing officials from the land and foreign ministries to take charge of the repatriation mission.
The decision came as South Korea is on alert over the continuing flow of cases from outside of the country, especially Iraq.
On Friday, South Korea added 60 new daily infection cases, 39 of which were found among those arriving from overseas. It was the 22nd consecutive day that imported infection cases have been in double-digit numbers.
"Many of the infection cases confirmed recently (in South Korea) stem from workers who returned home after working in construction sites in Iraq, operated by Korean companies," Chung said.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun speaks during a regular government COVID-19 response meeting on July 17, 2020. (Yonhap)
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-17--Clubs going in opposite directions to continue their survival battle

The sixth place is the last spot for the upper group , or Final A , once the season kicks @ @ @ @ @ 22 matches .
The bottom six after the first 22 matches will be grouped in @ @ @ @ @ play their last five matches of the season within their group .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, July 17 (Yonhap) -- With a two-horse race at the top of South Korean football this season, perhaps the more intriguing battle may be taking place smack in the middle of the table between Gangwon FC and Busan IPark.
Ulsan Hyundai FC (26 points) and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (25 points) have mostly separated themselves from the pack in the K League 1. Sangju Sangmu, with 21 points, are in third place, but they've been assured of a relegation to the K League 2 next season because they will be relocated. Behind them are Pohang Steelers (20 points) and Daegu FC (19 points).
In this file photo from July 10, 2020, Lee Dong-jun of Busan IPark (L) dribbles past Kim Jin-ya of FC Seoul during the clubs' K League 1 match at Busan Gudeok Stadium in Busan, 450 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
Then it's Gangwon and Busan tied at 14 points, with the former ahead in the table thanks to the edge in goals scored, 16-14.
Gangwon will face Ulsan at 7 p.m. Sunday in Ulsan, 415 kilometers southeast of Seoul. Busan will host Gwangju FC at 6 p.m. Saturday in Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of the capital.
The sixth place is the last spot for the upper group, or Final A, once the season kicks into the split phase after 22 matches. The bottom six after the first 22 matches will be grouped in Final B. Teams will play their last five matches of the season within their group.
Once you're in Final A, you're guaranteed a place in the K League 1 for the following season. Fall to Final B, and you risk getting booted to the K League 2 the next year, if you finish dead last or lose in a promotion-relegation playoff against a K League 2 opponent.
Busan, who got promoted this year after spending four seasons in the K League 2, have bounced back from a lethargic start to 2020. They didn't record a win in their first seven matches, with four draws and three losses, but have since posted three wins and a draw.
In this file photo from June 5, 2020, Chae Gwang-hoon of Gangwon FC (C) celebrates his goal against Incheon United with teammates Kim Kyung-jung (L) and Shin Kwang-hoon during the clubs' K League 1 match at Incheon Football Stadium in Incheon, 40 kilometers west of Seoul. (Yonhap)
Gangwon, on the other hand, just snapped their four-match losing streak last week. They were the darlings of the K League in 2019 with an entertaining brand of football that made them the third-highest scoring team, but haven't quite captured the same magic in 2020.
Busan have the easier matchup this weekend, as Gwangju are mired in a four-match losing skid. One saving grace for Gwangju may be that they defeated Busan 3-1 in their first meeting of the season on June 14.
Gangwon lost to Ulsan 3-0 in their earlier match on June 16, and Ulsan have lost just once all season while leading the league with 26 goals scored.
Their MVP candidate Junior Negrao leads all scorers with 14, more than six of the 12 teams in the K League 1.
Elsewhere in the K League 1 on Saturday, Sangju will host Daegu FC, while Pohang Steelers will visit FC Seoul.
On Sunday, Jeonbuk will face last-place Incheon United for a chance to bag three points and return to first place. Incheon, with three draws and eight losses, are still looking for their first win of 2020.
The other Sunday match will pit Suwon Samsung Bluewings against Seongnam FC.
In this file photo from July 12, 2020, Junior Negrao of Ulsan Hyundai FC (L) celebrates his goal against Daegu FC with his teammate Shin Jin-ho during the clubs' K League 1 match at Forest Arena in Daegu, 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-17--S. Korea asks Canada to support Seoul minister's bid for WTO chief

Yoo has said that she will make efforts to make the WTO 's reform suitable to the 21st century , @ @ @ @ @ adjust to drastic changes in the world trade climate .

SEJONG, July 17 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's finance minister on Friday asked his Canadian counterpart to support a Seoul minister's bid to become the next director-general of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki held telephone talks with Canadian Finance Minister Bill Morneau earlier in the day during which Hong emphasized South Korea's role as an arbitrator among WTO members.
Morneau said Canada will "seriously review" Hong's request, the ministry said in a statement.
Last month, South Korean Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee announced her bid for the WTO top job.
The WTO plans to launch the process to pick its new leader on Sept. 7 as current Director-General Roberto Azevedo of Brazil is set to stand down in August, about a year before his term ends.
Yoo is competing for the top WTO post with candidates from seven countries -- Mexico, Nigeria, Egypt, Moldova, Kenya, Saudi Arabia and Britain.
Yoo has said that she will make efforts to make the WTO's reform suitable to the 21st century, as it has failed to adjust to drastic changes in the world trade climate.
South Korean Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee, who is running to be the next director general of the World Trade Organization, speaks during a press conference at the WTO headquarters in Geneva on July 16, 2020, after presenting her views on her goals for the trade body. (Yonhap)
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-17--SK invests additional 100 bln won in Chinese copper foil maker

The move came 15 months after the holding firm of South Korean energy and telecoms conglomerate SK Group invested 270 @ @ @ @ @ Copper Foil , becoming the second-largest shareholder of the Chinese company .

SEOUL, July 17 (Yonhap) -- SK Holdings Co. said Friday it has invested an additional 100 billion won (US$83 million) in Chinese copper foil manufacturer Lingbao Wason Copper Foil in the latest move to solidify its electric vehicle (EV) battery business.
The move came 15 months after the holding firm of South Korean energy and telecoms conglomerate SK Group invested 270 billion won in Lingbao Wason Copper Foil, becoming the second-largest shareholder of the Chinese company.
Lingbao Wason Copper Foil is the world's largest manufacturer of copper foil, a material used as the negative electrode current collector of a lithium ion battery.
The logo of SK Holdings Co. (Yonhap)
SK Holdings has made a series of investments in foreign companies in recent years as part of its efforts to diversify its revenue sources.
In May, SK Holdings Co. invested 8 billion won in Singapore's Hummingbird Bioscience, which focuses on the development of novel antibody-based therapeutics.
Last year, SK Holdings invested about $5 million in the Chinese biotech company Harbour BioMed.
In 2017, SK Holdings invested $1 billion in Eureka Midstream, a U.S. midstream energy company handling the gathering, transportation and compression of natural gas.
entropy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-17--Britain labels N.K. as human rights priority country for 5th straight year

North Korea continued to `` exert control over nearly every aspect of citizens ' lives : they were told what @ @ @ @ @ consume and where they could travel , '' the British government said .

SEOUL, July 17 (Yonhap) -- The British government has designated North Korea as a human rights priority country for the fifth consecutive year.
In the "Human Rights and Democracy: 2019 Foreign and Commonwealth Office" report released Thursday, the British foreign office claimed that the North's human rights situation showed no improvement last year. It labeled the North as a human rights priority country along with 29 others, including China and Russia.
North Korea continued to "exert control over nearly every aspect of citizens' lives: they were told what to believe, what to consume and where they could travel," the British government said.
The report pointed out that North Korean authorities continue to deny allegations of human rights violations and refuse to let human rights experts into the country.
"They continued to refuse to cooperate with the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights or with the U.N. Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights in North Korea," it said.
North Korea has long been labeled as one of the world's worst human rights violators. The regime does not tolerate dissent, holds hundreds of thousands of people in political prison camps and keeps tight control over outside information.
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-17--Court rejects police request for access to late mayor's mobile phones

SEOUL, July 17 (Yonhap) -- A Seoul court has denied a police request to access mobile phones used by late Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon as part of their ongoing probe to determine the exact cause of his death, police said Friday.
Police had filed a request to acquire the call history for three mobile phones under Park's name, including his official phone that was retrieved when Park was found dead at a Seoul mountain last week.
The Seoul Northern District Court said while phone access can be granted in criminal investigations, there was "a lack of explanation for a mandatory probe" in this case. There was no explanation of whether the cause of his death was related to a crime, such as murder, it added.
This July 13, 2020, photo, taken at Seoul Memorial Park in southern Seoul, shows a person carrying late Seoul mayor Park Won-soon's portrait during his funeral. (Yonhap)
Park is suspected of taking his own life. Police said there were no signs of foul play and the city government released a handwritten note by Park, which said that he was "sorry" to everyone, without elaborating.
Park's abrupt death came a day after a former secretary filled a complaint with the police about his alleged sexual harassment. Civic groups and a lawyer representing the victim claimed that the public servant suffered unwanted physical contact and received inappropriate messages from Park for over four years.
Police reportedly have secured part of his call history for the day of his death and the previous day. An official said police plan to probe people with whom he talked to determine the exact cause of his death.
Investigators have been stepping up their probe surrounding the case, questioning former and incumbent officials, including Park's former chief secretary, at the city government.
Separately, the city government has said it plans to form an independent investigative committee to probe the sexual harassment allegations raised against the three-term mayor.
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-17--(LEAD) Consumption shows signs of rebound, but export slump continues: finance ministry

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development ( OECD ) has predicted that South Korea 's economy could shrink 1.2 @ @ @ @ @ global economy is expected to have its worst year since the Great Depression of the @ @ @ @ @ .

(ATTN: ADDS vice minister's remarks, details in paras 9-10)
SEOUL, July 17 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's finance ministry said Friday that local consumption showed signs of a rebound, but the coronavirus pandemic continued to stagnate exports.
In a monthly report, called the Green Book, the Ministry of Economy and Finance painted a somewhat positive picture of the economy, compared with its June report.
"Domestic consumption showed signs of improvement and job losses have narrowed, but declines in exports and industrial output continued as COVID-19 weakened global demand," the report said.
"Worries about global economic recession are growing as risks increase in major economies," it said.
In the file photo, taken April 19, 2020, dozens of people are seen shopping at a mall in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds Seoul as the country continues to recover from the economic fallout of the new coronavirus pandemic. (Yonhap)
South Korea lost about 352,000 jobs in June, marking the fourth consecutive monthly decline in the number of employed people as the pandemic hammers job markets.
The pace of job losses has slowed since April. The nation shed 476,000 jobs in April and 392,000 jobs in May.
Consumer sentiment continued to rebound to a four-month high in June. The composite consumer sentiment index came to 81.8 in the month, up 4.2 points from a month earlier, according to the Bank of Korea.
However, exports dropped for the fourth consecutive month in June as overseas shipments collapsed, highlighting a drop in global trade volume and cross-border restrictions.
Earlier this month, the National Assembly approved a third extra budget of 35.1 trillion won ($29 billion) to help cushion the economic fallout from the pandemic.
Vice Finance Minister Kim Yong-beom said the budget will provide a total of 575,000 jobs in both the public and private sectors.
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has predicted that South Korea's economy could shrink 1.2 percent this year as the global economy is expected to have its worst year since the Great Depression of the 1930s due to the pandemic.
The world economy is expected to contract 6 percent this year, the OECD said.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-17--BOK, KDB to soon start purchasing corporate bonds

In June , bank loans extended to large conglomerates here dropped 3.4 trillion won from a month earlier .
The @ @ @ @ @ may have been caused by `` improved conditions '' for self-financing , at least for @ @ @

SEOUL, July 17 (Yonhap) -- The Bank of Korea (BOK) and state-run Korea Development Bank (KDB) will soon start purchasing corporate bonds, including low-rated debts, amid the pandemic-caused slump, the central bank said Friday.
The scheme was proposed in late May when KDB began purchasing such bonds from non-financial firms "in advance."
The BOK on Friday approved an 8 trillion won (US$6.64 billion) loan to a special purpose vehicle (SPV), to be set up by KDB.
"The SPV is set to start purchasing subprime corporate bonds and commercial papers, including those purchased by KDB in advance, tentatively from July 24," the BOK said in a press release.
"Once the SPV begins its operation in earnest, it is expected to help finance many low-rated firms that are still facing difficulties due to reduced investment," it added.
In June, bank loans extended to large conglomerates here dropped 3.4 trillion won from a month earlier. The BOK earlier said the drop may have been caused by "improved conditions" for self-financing, at least for large companies.
Bank loans to smaller firms, which often have lower credit ratings, gained 4.9 trillion won in June.
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-17--New virus cases hover around 60 for 2nd day, imported cases in focus

To bring the remaining workers home safely , the government said it plans to send a chartered flight to Iraq @ @ @ @ @ 800 South Korean workers are in Iraq , for a slew of construction projects , @ @ @ @ @ virus infections reaches around 2,000 .

SEOUL, July 17 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new daily virus cases came in at around 60 for the second straight day on Friday as the country grapples with rising imported cases and an uptick in local infections.
The country added 60 cases, including 39 imported cases, raising the total to 13,672, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
It marks the third time this week that the daily rise of virus cases reached 60 or above, following 62 new infections reported on Monday and 61 cases on Thursday.
Infections coming in from overseas have been on high plateau for weeks, rising by double-digit numbers for 22 consecutive days.
Of the 39 additional imported cases, 25 were detected at quarantine checkpoints of airports and sea ports. The total number of imported cases is now 2,005.
This photo taken on July 16, 2020, shows health workers disinfecting a Russian vessel at a port in Busan after its crewmembers tested positive for the novel coronavirus. (Yonhap)
Of the newly identified cases coming in from overseas, a large portion has traced to Iraq, with dozens of South Korean workers returning home from the Middle Eastern country testing positive for COVID-19 in recent days.
To bring the remaining workers home safely, the government said it plans to send a chartered flight to Iraq next week. At least 800 South Korean workers are in Iraq, for a slew of construction projects, where the daily number of virus infections reaches around 2,000.
South Korea is also alert over potential group infections tied to Russian-flagged vessels docked in the southern city of Busan. At least 19 virus-infected crewmen were confirmed to have contracted the virus on three ships.
It follows a cluster infection linked to Russia-flagged ships in Busan last month when 19 related cases reported.
Due to rising cases involving Russian seafarers, health authorities said they will conduct virus tests on all crewmembers of Russian ships that have a lot of contact with local workers.
To stem a further rise in imported cases, South Korea since Monday has required arrivals from four high-risk nations -- Bangladesh, Pakistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan -- to submit a certificate showing they tested negative for the virus.
South Korea will add two more countries from Monday, although it has not specified the countries for diplomatic reasons.
This photo taken on July 16, 2020, shows a health official clad in protective gear working at a nursing home in the southeastern city of Gwangju. (Yonhap)
The number of new local infections bounced back to surpass 20 for the first time in five days following sporadic outbreaks of COVID-19 across the country.
Of the 21 local transmissions, seven were reported in Seoul, five in Gyeonggi Province, surrounding the nation's capital.
Gwangju added five more cases. The country's southern resort island of Jeju also confirmed three cases of the novel coronavirus.
South Korea reported two additional deaths from the virus, bringing the death toll to 293, according to the KCDC.
The total number of people released from quarantine after full recoveries stood at 12,460, up 64 from the previous day, while 919 are currently under treatment, down six from a day earlier.
The country has carried out 1,451,017 tests since Jan. 3.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-17--(URGENT) 64 more people released after full recoveries from coronavirus, total cured patients at 12,

(URGENT) 64 more people released after full recoveries from coronavirus, total cured patients at 12,460: KCDC


yna--2020-07-17--Former Filipino amb. in S. Korea placed on Interpol's wanted list

The former ambassador , 69 , whose name remains withheld , was placed on the Red Notices whereby Interpol will @ @ @ @ @ cooperate in locating and arresting him , according to the National Police Agency .

SEOUL, July 17 (Yonhap) -- A former Filipino ambassador to South Korea has been placed on Interpol's wanted list for alleged sexual harassment of a South Korean woman while staying here, police said Friday.
The former ambassador, 69, whose name remains withheld, was placed on the Red Notices whereby Interpol will ask its member states to cooperate in locating and arresting him, according to the National Police Agency.
He is accused of sexually harassing a South Korean woman while serving in Seoul in December. He reportedly stepped down from the post earlier this year after the woman came forward with the accusation.
A foreign ministry official in Seoul said that any incidents related to foreign diplomats have been sternly dealt with but declined to provide details on the latest case, including his identity, citing diplomatic relations with the Philippines and privacy protection.
(END)


yna--2020-07-17--Former reporter arrested in blackmail case involving key aide to chief prosecutor

The inmate claimed that the former reporter pressed him by sharing the voice recording of a conversation between the reporter @ @ @ @ @ The prosecution is said to be using the recording made on Feb. 13 as key @ @ @ @ @ allegation .

SEOUL, July 17 (Yonhap) -- A former TV reporter was arrested Friday in an alleged blackmail case involving a key aide to the prosecutor general.
The Seoul District Court accepted the prosecution's request to issue a warrant for the arrest of Lee Dong-jae, a fired reporter of cable network Channel A, on attempted extortion charges.
Lee is suspected of using his close ties with ranking prosecutor Han Dong-hoon, a close associate of Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl, to blackmail a jailed financier into leaking allegedly corrupt acts by a pro-government commentator.
The inmate claimed that the former reporter pressed him by sharing the voice recording of a conversation between the reporter and the prosecutor Han. The prosecution is said to be using the recording made on Feb. 13 as key evidence to prove the collusion allegation.
The reporter denied the accusation.
Earlier this month, the case served as a flash point between Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae and the prosecutor general as the two displayed a vastly different approach as to how to investigate the sensitive case involving an incumbent prosecutor.
On July 2, Choo issued a rare directive ordering Yoon to stay away from the case, given his ties with Han, and to guarantee independence to a probe team in charge of the case.
Her order came following the Supreme Prosecutors Office's move to convene an advisory panel to review the case, which critics argued was a deliberate scheme to deter the ongoing probe.
A week later, the chief prosecutor backed down to accept the directive and take his hands off the sensitive case.
(END)


yna--2020-07-17--S. Korea approves phase 1 trials for Celltrion's COVID-19 treatment substance

The start of trials , meanwhile , brings to 13 the number of tests that are being conducted on COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ the country .
Of these , 11 are treatment drugs and two are vaccines , @ @ @ @ @ in from abroad like remdesivir , a drug developed by U.S.-based drug giant Gilead to @ @ @

SEOUL, July 17 (Yonhap) -- South Korea approved phase one clinical trials for Celltrion Inc.'s coronavirus antibody treatment substance, the country's drug safety agency said Friday.
The move to test CT-P59 marks the first time that a locally made genetic recombination antibody treatment material has been given the green light to be used on people, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said.
Past approvals given by the ministry were so-called repositioning research, to see if drugs already in use for other ailments are effective in combating COVID-19.
"Celltrion will be allowed to use the CT-P59 on 32 healthy volunteers to see if it is safe, and has no side effects," the ministry said. The tests will be carried out at Chungnam National University Hospital.
If the initial tests that should be completed by the third quarter are successful, the pharmaceutical company will conduct second and third phase clinical trials afterward, and if the data collected are all positive, production can begin,
The ministry, which is pushing hard to have a locally made treatment drug, said if all goes well, Celltrion could start mass producing the drug in the first half of 2021. The initial output could be for 5 million people.
Besides local testing, Celltrion is in the process of getting approval from Britain to conduct clinical trials for its material in that country.
Celltrion, meanwhile, said that CT-P59 has shown it can be effective in treating a mutated form of the coronavirus that is spreading in the country.
The start of trials, meanwhile, brings to 13 the number of tests that are being conducted on COVID-19 treatment and vaccine materials in the country. Of these, 11 are treatment drugs and two are vaccines, with most being materials brought in from abroad like remdesivir, a drug developed by U.S.-based drug giant Gilead to treat Ebola.
This file photo, provided by Celltion, shows a lab technician carring out tests. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-17--(2nd LD) Gov't revokes operation permits for 2 N.K. defector groups over leafleting

The decision to revoke the operation permits of the two groups -- Fighters for a Free North Korea and Kuensaem @ @ @ @ @ because the ministry said last month it would push for the revocation and filed a @ @ @ @ @ against the leaders of the two groups .

(ATTN: ADDS details in 7th, last paras)
By Yi Wonju
SEOUL, July 17 (Yonhap) -- The unification ministry revoked the operation permits of two North Korean defector groups Friday, saying their campaigns to send propaganda leaflets into the communist nation "gravely hindered" efforts toward unification.
The move came a month after North Korea blew up an inter-Korean liaison office in its border city of Kaesong in anger over leaflets criticizing leader Kim Jong-un, saying such leafleting violates a series of peace agreements between the two sides.
The decision to revoke the operation permits of the two groups -- Fighters for a Free North Korea and Kuensaem -- had been widely expected because the ministry said last month it would push for the revocation and filed a criminal complaint with the police against the leaders of the two groups.
"The act of scattering leaflets and goods by these entities ... gravely hindered the government's unification policies and efforts towards unification, jeopardized the lives and safety of residents in border regions and created a tense situation on the Korean Peninsula," the ministry said in a statement.
The ministry said the leafleting campaign goes beyond the intended purpose of the groups' establishments. It also said it comprehensively reviewed various evidence, including statements from the groups, before revoking their permits.
Losing operation permits will make it hard for the groups to raise money for their operations and activities, as revocation will make them ineligible for various benefits available to registered organizations.
Legal representatives for the two defector groups said they will seek an injunction on the revocation decision and file an administrative suit against it.
Sending leaflets across the border recently emerged as a major source of cross-border tensions since Pyongyang called it a violation of an inter-Korean summit agreement in 2018 and threatened to take a series of retaliatory steps against South Korea if it did stop such activity.
The government has advised against sending such leaflets, saying that such activity violates an inter-Korean exchange and cooperation act and that it also could jeopardize the safety of residents in border areas.
But they have ignored the appeal, citing their right to freedom of expression and emphasizing that their leafleting is aimed at providing information to people in the oppressive North Korean state.
On Thursday, the ministry said it will launch a probe into 25 government-registered civic groups, including 13 organizations consisting of North Korean defectors, later this month to look into whether they are involved in leafleting and other activities running counter to their declared purposes of operation.
This photo, provided by Fighters for Free North Korea, an organization of North Korean defectors advocating for North Korean human rights, on June 23, 2020, shows a balloon containing anti-Pyongyang leaflets being sent toward North Korea. The group claimed it dispatched the leaflets in the border town of Paju, north of Seoul, between 11 p.m. and midnight the previous day, while escaping police surveillance. The action came amid mounting inter-Korean tensions caused by the organization's previous leaflet distribution and the Seoul government's declared crackdown on it. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-17--S. Korea extends overseas travel watch until mid-Aug. amid pandemic fears

The latest decision was made based on the assessment of the current global situation surrounding the spread of COVID-19 , @ @ @ @ @ imported cases of the highly contagious disease in South Korea , the ministry said .

SEOUL, July 17 (Yonhap) -- The foreign ministry said Friday that it has extended its special overseas travel warning by another month until mid-August amid worries over the coronavirus pandemic.
The warning advising people against traveling overseas will be effective until Aug. 19 unless a further extension is made, according to the ministry.
The move represents the third extension this year since the travel warning was first issued in March. The current extension was set to expire Monday.
The latest decision was made based on the assessment of the current global situation surrounding the spread of COVID-19, and the steady number of imported cases of the highly contagious disease in South Korea, the ministry said.
On Friday, South Korea's health authorities reported 60 new confirmed infections of the coronavirus, including 39 imported ones, raising total cases to 13,672 since the first outbreak in mid-January here.
(END)


yna--2020-07-17--(LEAD) Gender minister vows to prevent sexual crimes in public sector

Besides such actions , the ministry said it is looking into the repercussions caused by social media , the press @ @ @ @ @ and coming up with ways to get such organizations to be responsible in what they @ @ @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES with more details on ministry-experts meeting in paras 7-11)
SEOUL, July 17 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's Minister of Gender Equality and Family Lee Jung-ok on Friday pledged to map out effective and strengthened measures to prevent further sexual crimes in public institutions amid an ongoing controversy over sexual abuse allegations of late Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon.
"As the minister in charge of preventing sexual harassment and protecting victims, I feel a great sense of responsibility," Lee said in a meeting with experts in sexual violence prevention at the government complex in Seoul.
The minister added she was "very worried about the victim who has been suffering from mental pressure and psychological pain."
Last week, Park was found dead a day after a former secretary filed a complaint with the police about his alleged sexual harassment. According to civic groups and her attorney, the victim had suffered unwanted physical contact and received inappropriate messages from Park for over four years.
The gender minister assessed that not enough was being done to eradicate sexual crimes in the public sector, including in local governments. Lee said the ministry will provide support to the victim in the case involving the late Seoul mayor.
"The ministry will come up with effective measures to help the victim return to her daily life and do its best to prevent any recurrence of such sexual harassment," the minister said. "And I will also improve the system to protect victims and punish perpetrators."
After the latest meeting, the ministry announced that discussions touched on getting the gender equality ministry or National Human Rights Commission to take charge of any probes if the alleged perpetrator of sexual offenses is the elected head of a local government.
"It is necessary for responsible agencies to get involved in such instances, because at present, there is no separate relief for the victim if the perpetrator is the head of a local government, unless it becomes a criminal case," an official said.
The official added that the ministry is checking all aspects of the case to make certain that it is processed fairly. The source said this can set a precedence for other victims who are reluctant to come out and report abuse.
The ministry said that based on how the matter is dealt with, changes to the reporting system can be made, as well as creating a social environment that permits victims to report abuse more easily.
Earlier this week, the ministry emphasized it will conduct a thorough inspection of the Seoul metropolitan government to check whether the municipality has complied with sexual harassment guidelines.
Besides such actions, the ministry said it is looking into the repercussions caused by social media, the press and broadcasters in such cases and coming up with ways to get such organizations to be responsible in what they say and report.
The government also announced a plan to launch a probe into allegations of sexual abuse by the city's late mayor, led by a joint investigative team involving women's rights and civic groups.
Minister of Gender Equality and Family Lee Jung-ok (R) speaks at a meeting with experts in sexual violence prevention at the government complex in Seoul on July 17, 2020. (Yonhap)
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-17--Hyundai Motor Group chief hospitalized but not in serious condition: group officials

Chung , 82 , is in hospital due to `` inflammation '' inside his large intestine , and treatment has @ @ @ @ @ officials said , adding that he will be released from the hospital as soon as @ @ @ @ @

SEOUL, July 17 (Yonhap) -- Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Mong-koo has been hospitalized for a health problem, but he is not in serious condition, group officials said Friday.
Chung, 82, is in hospital due to "inflammation" inside his large intestine, and treatment has been proceeding well, the officials said, adding that he will be released from the hospital as soon as the treatment is complete.
They, however, declined to provide details on when and where Chung has been hospitalized.
Rumors swirled later in the day that Chung's health is in serious condition and his death might be imminent.
Chung has served as chairman of the automaking conglomerate since 1999. He has been out of public view since September 2018, when his son and Executive Vice Chairman Euisun started to work as the de facto chief of the group.
Hyundai Motor Group is the world's fifth-largest automaker by sales and has Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Motors Corp. under its wing.
Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Mong-koo (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-07-17--(LEAD) S. Korea to build more offshore wind farms

The ministry said the latest project has paved the way for the country to reach the target by 2030 , @ @ @ @ @ projects pending in other areas , including in an island town in Sinan , about @ @ @ @ @ .

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead and throughout)
By Kang Yoon-seung
SEOUL, July 17 (Yonhap) -- South Korea said Friday it will build more wind farms off the southwestern coast of the country in line with its efforts to stay away from fossil fuel-powered energy generation and boost the virus-ravaged economy.
Under the plan, South Korea will complete the construction of offshore wind farms with a combined capacity of 2.4 gigawatts (GW) by 2028, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
The total budget for the project in North Jeolla Province is estimated at 14 trillion won (US$11.6 billion) and will be raised from the private sector.
The ministry said it will first carry out studies by building offshore wind power facilities with a combined capacity of 400 megawatts (MW) before beginning full-fledged construction in 2023.
When completed, the wind farms will be able to supply power to some 2.24 million households.
This undated file photo shows a wind power facility installed in waters off South Korea's southern island of Jeju. (Yonhap)
South Korea, which has been making efforts to reduce its consumption of traditional fossil fuels and instead use more sustainable resources, such as solar, wind and hydrogen, vowed to beef up its offshore wind power industry and expand capacity to 12 GW by 2030.
The goal is far above the country's current capacity estimated at around 124.5 MW.
The ministry said the latest project has paved the way for the country to reach the target by 2030, as there are also several projects pending in other areas, including in an island town in Sinan, about 400 kilometers southwest of Seoul.
Earlier this week, South Korea unveiled its Green New Deal, which centers on spending 73.4 trillion won to transform the nation's fossil fuel-reliant economy into an eco-friendly one.
The projects could create around 659,000 jobs and help the country overcome the COVID-19 crisis and prepare for the post-coronavirus era to be led by the fourth industrial revolution, according to the ministry.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

SEOUL -- The government will spend 18.5 trillion won ( US $ 15.35 billion ) over the next five years @ @ @ @ @ school buildings , as part of its `` New Deal '' project to create millions @ @ @ @ @ nation 's coronavirus-hit economy , the Ministry of Education said Friday .

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Friday.
----------------
(LEAD) Gov't revokes operation permits for 2 N.K. defector groups over leafleting
SEOUL -- The unification ministry revoked the operation permits of two North Korean defector groups Friday, saying their campaigns to send propaganda leaflets into the communist nation "gravely hindered" efforts toward unification.
The move came a month after North Korea blew up an inter-Korean liaison office in its border city of Kaesong in anger over leaflets criticizing leader Kim Jong-un, saying such leafleting violates a series of peace agreements between the two sides.
----------------
(2nd LD) Court rejects police request for access to late mayor's mobile phones
SEOUL -- A Seoul court has denied a police request to access mobile phones used by late Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon as part of their ongoing probe to determine the exact cause of his death, police said Friday.
Police had filed a request to acquire the call history for three mobile phones under Park's name, including his official phone that was retrieved when Park was found dead at a Seoul mountain last week.
----------------
Moon, Abe exchange letters over heavy rain damage in Japan
SEOUL -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in has received a letter from Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in response to his condolence message over recent heavy rain damage in the neighboring country, Cheong Wa Dae said Friday.
Abe's letter was delivered to Moon the previous day, a week after Moon sent condolences to the prime minister in connection with massive damage caused by torrential rains that pummeled a wide swath of Japan, including Kyushu Island, this month, according to Moon's office. The rains caused a number of floods and landslides.
----------------
(LEAD) Seoul stocks close higher on stimulus hopes
SEOUL -- South Korean stocks closed higher Friday on growing expectations for large-scale stimulus measures in major economies. The Korean won rose against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) gained 17.43 points, or 0.80 percent, to close at 2,201.19. Trading volume was moderate at about 561 million shares worth some 10.1 trillion won (US$8.4 billion), with gainers outnumbering losers 483 to 362.
----------------
Gov't to renovate 2,800 antiquated school buildings under 'New Deal' project
SEOUL -- The government will spend 18.5 trillion won (US$15.35 billion) over the next five years on renovating about 2,800 dilapidated school buildings, as part of its "New Deal" project to create millions of jobs and reinvigorate the nation's coronavirus-hit economy, the Ministry of Education said Friday.
The massive school renovation plan, dubbed "Green Smart Future School Project," was unveiled by Education Minister Yoo Eun-hae in a news conference at a western Seoul high school.
----------------
(3rd LD) New virus cases hover around 60 for 2nd day, imported cases in focus
SEOUL -- South Korea's new daily virus cases came in at around 60 for the second straight day on Friday as the country grapples with rising imported cases and an uptick in local infections.
The country added 60 cases, including 39 imported cases, raising the total to 13,672, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
(END)


yna--2020-07-17--Moon vows bold investment in offshore wind power industry

`` The government 's goal is clear and is to become one of the world 's top five offshore wind @ @ @ @ @ taking advantage of our geographical advantage of being surrounded by water on three sides , @ @ @ @ @ wind farm in Buan , about 280 kilometers southwest of Seoul .

SEOUL, July 17 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in pledged Friday to expand South Korea's offshore wind power capacity hundredfold by 2030 as a key engine for the nation's transition to renewable energy and environmentally-friendly growth.
Moon visited a wind power plant and a turbine research center on the southwestern coast in his first field inspection since unveiling a "New Deal" policy Tuesday to recover from the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus crisis.
"The government's goal is clear and is to become one of the world's top five offshore wind energy powerhouses by 2030, taking advantage of our geographical advantage of being surrounded by water on three sides," Moon said at the wind farm in Buan, about 280 kilometers southwest of Seoul.
The government aims to expand the nation's offshore wind power capacity to 12 gigawatts by 2030 from the current 124 megawatts, he noted.
President Moon Jae-in delivers an address during a visit to an offshore wind power plant in Buan, about 280 kilometers southwest of Seoul, on July 17, 2020. (Yonhap)
During his visit, central and local governments, businesses and local residents signed a memorandum of understanding to develop the plant located in two counties of Buan and Gochang, North Jeolla Province.
The governments seek to draw 14 trillion won (US$11.61 billion) in private investment in the project to increase capacity from the current 60MW to 2.46GW by 2028.
The plant operating since July 2019 is the largest among the nation's three offshore wind farms. Two others are located in South Jeolla Province and Jeju Island.
He projected the offshore wind energy industry would create up to ten times more quality jobs than other electricity generation sectors, and create new demand for the shipbuilding, steel and construction industries.
"The government will create initial demand through large-scale projects and continue to invest in technology development so that domestic companies can have competitive edge in both price and technology," he pledged.
On Tuesday, the president laid out his New Deal plan, under which the government will invest 160 trillion won by 2025 in promoting green, digital and smart technology industries, which he projected to create 1.9 million new jobs.
jjhwang@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-17--S. Korea preparing for prolonged virus battle, rules out another wave of outbreaks

`` We are now facing a real problem that the pandemic may last for more than a year , '' @ @ @ @ @ for the Ministry of Health and Welfare , said .
`` We need to prepare @ @ @ @ @ battle with the pandemic , including paying attention to non-COVID-19 patients and overcoming the society @ @ @ @

By Kang Yoon-seung
SEOUL, July 17 (Yonhap) --- South Korea said Friday it is preparing for a long battle against the new coronavirus amid the lack of an effective vaccine and treatment although the country is less likely to suffer another wave of the virus outbreak.
The country, which reported its first COVID-19 case on Jan. 20, was hit by more than 900 daily new infections in late February due mainly to cases traced to a religious sect in Daegu, 302 kilometers south of Seoul.
On the back of citizens' cooperation with the country's social distancing drive, the virus curve flattened sharply, according to Kwon Jun-wook, deputy director of the Central Disease Control Headquarters.
Kwon Jun-wook, deputy director of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, speaks during a press conference with foreign journalists in Seoul on July 17, 2020. (Yonhap)
"We have now learned more about COVID-19 and became aware of asymptomatic patients. Situations have changed, and more people are also wearing protective masks," Kwon said in a meeting with foreign correspondents here.
But health authorities are preparing for potential another wave of the virus and a prolonged virus battle.
"We are now facing a real problem that the pandemic may last for more than a year," Son Young-rae, a spokesman for the Ministry of Health and Welfare, said. "We need to prepare for side-effects of the long battle with the pandemic, including paying attention to non-COVID-19 patients and overcoming the society's stress."
Medical workers carry out new coronavirus tests at a makeshift clinic located in the southern resort island of Jeju on July 17, 2020. (Yonhap)
South Korea has been hailed as one of the most successful countries in containing the spread of the virus pandemic that has infected more than 13.7 million people around the globe, on the back of its aggressive testing regime and strict social distancing.
The country recently experienced an uptick in the number of new cases due to a rise in cases traced to religious gatherings, door-to-door sales businesses, and arrivals from foreign countries.
On Friday, South Korea added 60 new infections, including 39 imported cases, raising the total to 13,672. Infections coming in from overseas have been on a high plateau for weeks, rising by double-digit numbers for 22 consecutive days.
Health authorities said the country is making various efforts to cope with the rising number of imported cases, and is also working closely with the United States Forces Korea (USFK).
USFK has seen a marked increase in the number of COVID-19 patients among newly assigned service members and related personnel in recent weeks along with the fast spread of the virus in the U.S.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-17--S. Korea to build more wind farms

S. Korea to build more wind farms

By Kang Yoon-seung
SEOUL, July 17 (Yonhap) -- South Korea said Friday it will build more wind farms in southwestern parts of the country in line with its efforts to stay away from fossil fuel-powered energy generation.
Under the plan, South Korea will complete the construction of new wind energy plants with a combined capacity of 2.4 gigawatts (GW) by 2028, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
The total budget for the project in North Jeolla Province is estimated at 14 trillion won (US$11.6 billion) and will be raised from the private sector.
The ministry said it will first carry out studies by building wind energy facilities with a combined capacity of 400 megawatts (MW) before beginning full-fledged construction in 2023.
When completed, the wind farms will be able to supply power to some 2.24 million households.
South Korea, which has been making efforts to reduce its consumption of traditional fossil fuels and instead use more sustainable resources, such as solar, wind and hydrogen, vowed to beef up its wind power industry and expand the capacity to 12 GW by 2030.
The goal is far above the country's current capacity estimated at around 124.5 MW.
The ministry said the latest project has paved the way for the country to reach the target by 2030, as there are also several projects pending in other areas, including in an island town in Sinan, about 400 kilometers southwest of Seoul.
Earlier this week, South Korea unveiled its green New Deal, which centers on spending 73.4 trillion won to transform the nation's fossil fuel-reliant economy into an eco-friendly one.
The projects could create around 659,000 jobs and help the country overcome the COVID-19 crisis and prepare for the post-coronavirus era to be led by the fourth industrial revolution, according to the ministry.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-17--TWICE to hold online concert next month via Beyond Live platform

Overseas travel limitations and restrictions on public gatherings due to COVID-19 have hampered South Korea 's rising entertainment industry , @ @ @ @ @ .
But the pandemic-driven handicap also provided a golden opportunity , compelling K-pop stars , @ @ @ @ @ , and talent agencies to venture into the realm of ticketed online shows .

SEOUL, July 17 (Yonhap) -- K-pop act TWICE will hold an online concert for its global fans next month using the Beyond Live platform owned by SM Entertainment and Naver, the group's agency said Friday.
The virtual concert, "Beyond Live - TWICE: World In A Day," will be held Aug. 9 on Beyond Live, a streaming concert platform created in partnership between SM Entertainment and Naver, South Korea's No. 1 web portal, according to JYP Entertainment.
The nine-piece girl group will be the first non-SM act to hold a concert on Beyond Live.
The new platform, which utilizes the latest augmented reality technology and allows real-time artists-to-audience interaction, made its debut in April through the virtual concert by SM project boy band SuperM.
K-pop girl group TWICE attends the 34th Golden Disk Awards at Gocheok Sky Dome in southwestern Seoul on Jan. 4, 2020, in this file photo provided by the secretariat of the Golden Disk Awards. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Overseas travel limitations and restrictions on public gatherings due to COVID-19 have hampered South Korea's rising entertainment industry, led by the K-pop scene. But the pandemic-driven handicap also provided a golden opportunity, compelling K-pop stars, such as SuperM and BTS, and talent agencies to venture into the realm of ticketed online shows.
"With the successful world tour last year, TWICE has formed a solid global fanbase," JYP said in a statement.
TWICE will expand its activities to the digital space in line with the trend of the K-pop industry going online to engage with fans at home and abroad, the company added.
This image, provided by JYP Entertainment, shows a poster for "Beyond Live - TWICE: World In A Day," an upcoming virtual concert by K-pop group TWICE slated for Aug. 9. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-17--(LEAD) Gov't revokes operation permits for 2 N.K. defector groups over leafleting

(ATTN: ADDS more info throughout, photo)
By Yi Wonju
SEOUL, July 17 (Yonhap) -- The unification ministry revoked the operation permits of two North Korean defector groups Friday, saying their campaigns to send propaganda leaflets into the communist nation "gravely hindered" efforts toward unification.
The move came a month after North Korea blew up an inter-Korean liaison office in its border city of Kaesong in anger over leaflets criticizing leader Kim Jong-un, saying such leafleting violates a series of peace agreements between the two sides.
The decision to revoke the operation permits of the two groups -- Fighters for a Free North Korea and Kuensaem -- had been widely expected because the ministry said last month it would push for the revocation and filed a criminal complaint with the police against the leaders of the two groups.
"The act of scattering leaflets and goods by these entities ... gravely hindered the government's unification policies and efforts towards unification, jeopardized the lives and safety of residents in border regions and created a tense situation on the Korean Peninsula," the ministry said in a statement.
The ministry said the leafleting campaign goes beyond the intended purpose of the groups' establishments. It also said it comprehensively reviewed various evidence, including statements from the groups, before revoking their permits.
Losing operation permits will make it hard for the groups to raise money for their operations and activities, as revocation will make them ineligible for various benefits available to registered organizations.
Sending leaflets across the border recently emerged as a major source of cross-border tensions since Pyongyang called it a violation of an inter-Korean summit agreement in 2018 and threatened to take a series of retaliatory steps against South Korea if it did stop such activity.
The government has advised against sending such leaflets, saying that such activity violates an inter-Korean exchange and cooperation act and that it also could jeopardize the safety of residents in border areas.
But they have ignored the appeal, citing their right to freedom of expression and emphasizing that their leafleting is aimed at providing information to people in the oppressive North Korean state.
This photo, provided by Fighters for Free North Korea, an organization of North Korean defectors advocating for North Korean human rights, on June 23, 2020, shows a balloon containing anti-Pyongyang leaflets being sent toward North Korea. The group claimed it dispatched the leaflets in the border town of Paju, north of Seoul, between 11 p.m. and midnight the previous day, while escaping police surveillance. The action came amid mounting inter-Korean tensions caused by the organization's previous leaflet distribution and the Seoul government's declared crackdown on it. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-17--Gov't to renovate 2,800 antiquated school buildings under 'New Deal' project

SEOUL , July 17 ( Yonhap ) -- The government will spend 18.5 trillion won ( US $ 15.35 billion @ @ @ @ @ years on renovating about 2,800 dilapidated school buildings , as part of its `` New @ @ @ @ @ millions of jobs and reinvigorate the nation 's coronavirus-hit economy , the Ministry of Education @ @ @

SEOUL, July 17 (Yonhap) -- The government will spend 18.5 trillion won (US$15.35 billion) over the next five years on renovating about 2,800 dilapidated school buildings, as part of its "New Deal" project to create millions of jobs and reinvigorate the nation's coronavirus-hit economy, the Ministry of Education said Friday.
The massive school renovation plan, dubbed "Green Smart Future School Project," was unveiled by Education Minister Yoo Eun-hae in a news conference at a western Seoul high school.
The project calls for creating zero-carbon school buildings, smart classrooms based on advanced information and communications technologies, student-oriented spaces and links between local communities and school infrastructures, Yoo said.
Education Minister Yoo Eun-hae (L) speaks during a news conference at a high school in western Seoul on July 17, 2020, to announce the government's "Green Smart Future School Project." (Yonhap)
Under the project, 2,835 school buildings built more than 40 years ago will be transformed into futuristic school buildings from 2021 to 2025, she explained.
Renovated school buildings will have smart classrooms featuring electronic boards and will make possible various types of classes, including education through playing, ministry officials said.
In addition, exhibition and relaxation spaces and complex facilities to be shared by local residents will be created through the renovation project, they added.
At present, about 20 percent, or 7,980, of all school buildings nationwide are older than 40 years, the ministry said, raising concern about the safety of students and deterring the introduction of ICT-based education programs.
Excluding non-educational buildings, there are 6,088 school buildings aged 40 years or older. Of them, approximately half will be subject to renovation work centered on the installation of futuristic educational infrastructures, it noted, adding the renovation work for the remaining half will gradually begin from 2026.
The ministry expects the school building renovation project to create about 150,000 jobs and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 190,000 metric tons annually.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-17--(LEAD) Seoul stocks close higher on stimulus hopes

The U.S. Senate is likely to roll out a virus relief package worth some US $ 1 trillion next week @ @ @ @ @ recovery from the new coronavirus outbreak .

(ATTN: ADDS bond yields at bottom, photo)
SEOUL, July 17 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks closed higher Friday on growing expectations for large-scale stimulus measures in major economies. The Korean won rose against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) gained 17.43 points, or 0.80 percent, to close at 2,201.19. Trading volume was moderate at about 561 million shares worth some 10.1 trillion won (US$8.4 billion), with gainers outnumbering losers 483 to 362.
The stock index advanced on hopes for stimulus efforts in Europe and the United States, analysts said.
Electronic signboards at the trading room of Hana Bank in Seoul show the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed at 2,201.19 on July 17, 2020, up 17.43 points or 0.80 percent from the previous session's close. (Yonhap)
"There have been high expectations for the big U.S. stimulus package coming next week," Kiwoom Securities analyst Seo Sang-young said.
The U.S. Senate is likely to roll out a virus relief package worth some US$1 trillion next week, to support the economic recovery from the new coronavirus outbreak.
The European Central Bank announced that it would keep its mega-scale emergency monetary stimulus unchanged.
The rising COVID-19 infections at home, on the other hand, pose risks to such optimism over additional economy-boosting measures in major economies, analysts said.
In Seoul, most large caps finished higher.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics added 1.12 percent to 54,400 won, with No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix edging up 0.24 percent to 82,900 won.
Leading pharmaceutical firm Samsung Biologics rose 1.5 percent to 743,000 won, and Celltrion jumped 4.13 percent to 328,000 won.
Top automaker Hyundai Motor spiked 6.82 percent to 117,500 won, with its smaller affiliate Kia Motors jumping 4.25 percent to 36,800 won.
Internet giant Naver rose 1.1 percent to 276,000 won, and its rival Kakao advanced 0.93 percent to 325,000 won.
The local currency closed at 1,205.1 won per dollar, up 0.5 won from the previous session's close.
Bond prices, which move inversely to yields, closed higher. The yield on three-year Treasurys lost 1.7 basis points to 0.812 percent, and the return on the benchmark five-year government bond dipped 3.2 basis points to 1.080 percent.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-17--(LEAD) S. Korea to airlift more nationals from virus-hit Iraq next week

`` Some of the Korean workers in Iraq returned home on a chartered flight , but there are still 800 @ @ @ @ @ he noted , instructing officials from the land and foreign ministries to take charge of @ @ @ @

(ATTN: RECASTS headline; ADDS details in paras 7-8)
SEOUL, July 17 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will airlift more Korean workers next week from Iraq where new coronavirus infection cases are spiking, the prime minister said Friday as the country is on alert over imported virus cases from the Arab country.
South Korea has confirmed 34 infection cases among the about 100 Korean construction workers who returned from Iraq on a chartered flight earlier this week.
Health authorities warned that infection cases from the group could rise further, given COVID-19's incubation period, and voiced transmission concerns over hundreds of Koreans currently working at construction sites in the Middle Eastern country.
According to data from the World Health Organization, Iraq reported more than 2,000 new infections Thursday. The country's total caseload reached 83,867 on the day, with 3,432 deaths.
"To help these (Korean construction workers) promptly return home (from Iraq), the government decided to airlift them as early as next week and onward," Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said in a regular government COVID-19 response meeting.
"Some of the Korean workers in Iraq returned home on a chartered flight, but there are still 800 in the country," he noted, instructing officials from the land and foreign ministries to take charge of the repatriation mission.
The government said it plans to send chartered flights to Iraq between Wednesday and Saturday next week to bring the workers home safely. So far, some 200 workers have requested to be airlifted, it added.
Under South Korea's anti-virus rules, the workers will be put under quarantine for 14 days upon their arrival.
The decision came as South Korea is on alert over the continuing flow of cases from outside of the country, especially Iraq.
On Friday, South Korea added 60 new daily infection cases, 39 of which were found among those arriving from overseas. It was the 22nd consecutive day that imported infection cases have been in double-digit numbers.
"Many of the infection cases confirmed recently (in South Korea) stem from workers who returned home after working in construction sites in Iraq, operated by Korean companies," Chung said.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun speaks during a regular government COVID-19 response meeting on July 17, 2020. (Yonhap)
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-17--S. Korean Bond Yields on Jul. 17, 2020

S. Korean Bond Yields on Jul. 17, 2020

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


yna--2020-07-17--(3rd LD) New virus cases hover around 60 for 2nd day, imported cases in focus

South Korea is also alert over potential group infections tied to Russian-flagged vessels docked in the southern city of Busan @ @ @ @ @ crewmen were confirmed to have contracted the virus on three ships in the last two @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES paras 4, 10-11; ADDS 3rd photo)
SEOUL, July 17 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new daily virus cases came in at around 60 for the second straight day on Friday as the country grapples with rising imported cases and an uptick in local infections.
The country added 60 cases, including 39 imported cases, raising the total to 13,672, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
It marks the third time this week that the daily rise of virus cases reached 60 or above, following 62 new infections reported on Monday and 61 cases on Thursday.
Infections coming in from overseas have been on high plateau for weeks, rising by double-digit numbers for 22 consecutive days. Imported cases have been also outnumbering local infections since Sunday.
Of the 39 additional imported cases, 25 were detected at quarantine checkpoints of airports and sea ports.
By country, 20 cases came from Russia, followed by eight from the United States and six from Iraq. The total number of imported cases is now 2,005.
"There is little possibility that imported cases will lead to community spread in the country," KCDC Director Jeong Eun-kyeong said. "Half of imported cases are detected at quarantine checkpoints, and we are closely monitoring arrivals in their two-week self-isolation period."
Health workers conduct virus tests at a testing center in Jeju on Jeju Island on July 17, 2020. (Yonhap)
Of the cases coming in from overseas, a large portion has traced to Iraq in recent days with dozens of South Korean workers returning home from the Middle Eastern country testing positive for COVID-19.
At least 800 South Korean workers are in Iraq, for a slew of construction projects, where the daily number of virus infections reaches around 2,000.
The government said it plans to send chartered flights to Iraq between Wednesday and Saturday next week to bring the workers home safely. So far, some 200 workers have requested to be airlifted, it added.
"Once the workers arrive home, they will be isolated at a temporary shelter for two weeks," Yoon Tae-ho, a senior health official said.
South Korea is also alert over potential group infections tied to Russian-flagged vessels docked in the southern city of Busan. At least 22 virus-infected crewmen were confirmed to have contracted the virus on three ships in the last two days.
It follows a cluster infection linked to Russia-flagged ships in Busan last month when 19 related cases reported.
Due to rising cases involving Russian seafarers, health authorities will conduct virus tests on all crewmembers of Russian ships that have a lot of contact with local workers starting Monday.
Health workers speak with a tourist at Incheon International Airport in Incheon on July 17, 2020. (Yonhap)
To stem a further rise in imported cases, South Korea since Monday has required arrivals from four high-risk nations -- Bangladesh, Pakistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan -- to submit a certificate showing they tested negative for the virus.
South Korea will add two more countries from Monday, although it has not specified the countries for diplomatic reasons.
The number of new local infections bounced back to surpass 20 for the first time in five days following sporadic outbreaks of COVID-19 across the country.
Of the 21 local transmissions, seven were reported in Seoul and five in Gyeonggi Province, surrounding the nation's capital, after more cases tied to door-to-door businesses and office building outbreaks were confirmed.
Gwangju added five more cases. The country's southern resort island of Jeju also confirmed three cases of the novel coronavirus.
South Korea last month adopted a three-tier social distancing scheme that adjusts the intensity of virus prevention guidelines depending on the severity of the COVID-19 outbreak.
The country is currently at "Level 1" social distancing, although some municipalities have raised the level to stem the spread of the virus in the region.
Citizens wait to receive virus tests at a testing center Seoul on July 17, 2020. (Yonhap)
Health authorities said each municipality can raise the social distancing level when the basic reproduction rate, which denotes the number of people one patient can infect, reaches 1.3. For the greater Seoul area, if the daily number of virus cases reaches 40 or above on average for a one-week period, it can also raise the social distancing level.
South Korea reported two additional deaths from the virus, bringing the death toll to 293, according to the KCDC.
The total number of people released from quarantine after full recoveries stood at 12,460, up 64 from the previous day, while 919 are currently under treatment, down six from a day earlier.
The country has carried out 1,451,017 tests since Jan. 3.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-17--Former MVP-winning pitcher putting up ugly numbers, mixed in with bad luck

Yang 's fielding independent pitching ( FIP ) , an ERA-like metric that accounts for only the outcomes that pitchers @ @ @ @ @ as strikeouts , home runs and walks , is 5.23 , more than a run @ @ @ @ @ It 's still not pretty -- it puts him in 25th among 26 qualified pitchers @ @ @ @ @ FIP than ERA usually means the pitcher has been unlucky and his ERA should fall @ @ @ @

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, July 17 (Yonhap) -- Three years after winning the league MVP and a season after taking the ERA title, Kia Tigers' left-hander Yang Hyeon-jong appears to have hit a wall in 2020.
That Yang, 32, has struggled this year is an understatement as gross as his ERA. He was roughed up for seven runs on eight hits, including two home runs, in just 3 1/3 innings against the Samsung Lions on Thursday. He ranks last among 26 qualified pitchers with a 6.31 ERA in 13 starts, over which he's compiled a 5-5 win-loss record.
It's hard to believe this is the same pitcher who led the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) last year with a 2.29 ERA, while throwing two complete game shutouts and going 16-8.
Yang Hyeon-jong of the Kia Tigers pitches against the Samsung Lions in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Daegu Samsung Lions Park in Daegu, 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on July 16, 2020. (Yonhap)
Yang's numbers other than his ERA are just as ugly and paint a picture of a former ace perhaps in decline.
Yang is allowing 1.51 baserunners per inning, his worst number as a starter since 2010. Opponents are teeing it up on him, to the tune of a .293/.343./.509 line, compared to .241/.275/.317 in 2019. The on-base plus slugging percentage of .853 by opposing hitters this year is the highest among 26 qualified pitchers.
Yang has served up 11 home runs in 67 innings this year, after allowing only six in 184 2/3 innings in 2019. This year's total translates to 1.48 home runs given up per nine innings, by far his career worst.
The steady workhorse has thrown at least 170 innings in each of the past six seasons, but he may not get to that mark this year because he has been hit hard in early innings. He's sitting at 67 innings after 13 starts.
He pitched at least seven innings just once out of those 13 games this year, after doing so 14 times out of 29 starts in 2019.
Yang isn't missing as many bats as he used to. The whiff rate, or swinging strikes per swing, is at 19.9 percent, compared to 22.2 percent last year and 24.2 percent in 2018. His swinging strike rate, or the percentage of pitches that result in a swing and a miss, is at 12.6 percent. It was 13.7 percent in 2019 and 15.9 percent the year before that.
In this file photo from July 10, 2020, Yang Hyeon-jong of the Kia Tigers walks off the mound during the top of the sixth inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game against the Kiwoom Heroes at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field in Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
Other data indicates, however, that Yang has had some poor luck and his ERA may improve over time.
Yang's fielding independent pitching (FIP), an ERA-like metric that accounts for only the outcomes that pitchers have control over, such as strikeouts, home runs and walks, is 5.23, more than a run lower than his ERA. It's still not pretty -- it puts him in 25th among 26 qualified pitchers -- but having a lower FIP than ERA usually means the pitcher has been unlucky and his ERA should fall in the future.
Yang also has the KBO's lowest left-on-base (LOB) percentage of 60. This stat covers the percentage of baserunners that a pitcher doesn't allow to score. The league average sits in the 68-70 percent range, and a rate below 65 percent is considered poor.
Yang's career average in LOB percentage is 73.5 percent, and as a full-time starter, Yang has fallen below 70 percent just once -- 69.9 percent in 2014. The unusually low percentage this year also indicates Yang's ERA is expected to improve soon.
In another sign of bad luck for Yang, opposing hitters' batting average on balls in play (BABIP) against him is .324 this season, compared to his career mark of .313 and the current league average of .314.
At this point, though, one could only project that Yang's numbers will get better, based on his statistical profile. His recent performance on the mound -- 20 runs given up on 27 hits, including five home runs, in 13 innings in July -- hasn't given Tigers' fans any hope for such optimism.
Perhaps all those extra innings from postseasons and offseason international tournaments have caught up to him, and he may never be the same again.
Yang has thrown 1185 1/3 innings and made 193 starts since 2014, more than any other pitcher in the KBO in that span. He has rarely missed a start in those seasons, and maybe time has come for the Tigers to finally give him a breather and have his turn skipped in the rotation.
They're 6-7 when Yang starts, and 26-20 the rest of the time.
In this file photo from July 4, 2020, Yang Hyeon-jong of the Kia Tigers pitches against the NC Dinos in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Changwon NC Park in Changwon, 400 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-18--N. Korea claims it is developing coronavirus vaccine

The communist state , which has yet to report a single virus case in the country , added that scientists @ @ @ @ @ the third phase of clinical study .

SEOUL, July 18 (Yonhap) -- North Korea is developing a vaccine for the novel coronavirus on its own, Pyongyang's science research council said Saturday.
According to a report posted on Mirae, the website run by the North's State Commission of Science and Technology, its scientists are currently conducting clinical trials to develop a vaccine for COVID-19.
The report said the vaccine development is led by a medical biology institute under the North's Academy of Medical Science using angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2).
North Korea claimed it has confirmed the immunogenicity and safety of its candidate vaccine through animal tests and that clinical trials have started from this month.
The communist state, which has yet to report a single virus case in the country, added that scientists are in discussions on conducting the third phase of clinical study.
North Korea said the bioengineering branch of the State Academy of Sciences is also conducting research for the development of the novel coronavirus vaccine.
Pundits here, however, cast doubt on North Korea's vaccine development considering its financial and medical situations.
This image captured from North Korea's Korean Central Television on March 14, 2020, shows health officials packing face masks. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-18--New virus cases dip below 40, imported cases still worrisome

Health authorities are also on alert over potential group infections tied to Russian-flagged vessels docked in the southern city of @ @ @ @ @ crewmen were confirmed to have contracted the virus on three ships in recent days .

SEOUL, July 18 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new virus cases fell back to below 40 on Saturday, but health authorities are keeping their guards up as imported cases and cluster infections continue to put a strain on their efforts to contain the deadly disease.
The country added 39 cases, including 28 imported cases, raising the total caseload to 13,711, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
The tally marked a sharp fall from 62 new virus cases reported on Monday, 61 cases on Thursday and 60 cases on Friday this week. The daily rise in virus cases stayed below 40 on Tuesday and Wednesday, with 33 and 39 cases, respectively.
Infections coming in from overseas have been on a high plateau for weeks, with double-digit numbers for 23 consecutive days. Imported cases have also been outnumbering local infections since Sunday.
This photo taken on July 17, 2020, shows a health worker speaking to a citizen at a virus testing center in Seoul. (Yonhap)
Of the 28 additional imported cases, 12 were detected at quarantine checkpoints of airports and seaports. The total number of imported cases is now 2,032.
Of the cases coming in from overseas, South Korea has been keeping close tabs on workers returning home from Iraq after dozens of them tested positive for COVID-19 in recent days.
To bring the remaining workers home safely from Iraq, the government will send chartered flights to the Middle East nation next week.
Health authorities are also on alert over potential group infections tied to Russian-flagged vessels docked in the southern city of Busan. More than 20 crewmen were confirmed to have contracted the virus on three ships in recent days.
The number of new local infections dropped below 20 again. It had been under 20 from Monday to Thursday before the country reported 21 such cases on Friday.
Of the 11 local transmissions, nine were reported in the nation's Seoul metropolitan area -- six in Seoul, two in Gyeonggi Province and one in Incheon.
The country's southern resort island of Jeju and the southeastern industrial city of Ulsan each added one case of the novel coronavirus.
South Korea reported one additional death from the virus, bringing the death toll to 294, according to the KCDC.
The total number of people released from quarantine after full recoveries stood at 12,519, up 59 from the previous day, while 898 are currently under treatment, down 21 from a day earlier.
The country has carried out 1,460,204 tests since Jan. 3.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-18--(URGENT) 59 more people released after full recoveries from coronavirus, total cured patients at 12,

(URGENT) 59 more people released after full recoveries from coronavirus, total cured patients at 12,519: KCDC


yna--2020-07-18--(URGENT) S. Korea reports one additional coronavirus death, total death toll at 294: KCDC


yna--2020-07-18--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 39 more cases of new coronavirus, total now at 13,711: KCDC


yna--2020-07-18--Gov't to expand job insurance, IT jobs under New Deal project

In the labor market , the government plans to expand employment insurance to more workers , including artists and people @ @ @ @ @ contracts .
These workers are regarded as being in a `` blind spot '' as @ @ @ @ @ by companies and are not covered by employment insurance .

SEOUL, July 18 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in's ambitious policy project aimed at helping overcome the new coronavirus pandemic is expected to include expansion of employment insurance coverage and fostering of IT jobs for young job seekers.
Earlier this week, Moon announced plans to invest 160 trillion won (US$133 billion) by 2025 to create 1.9 million jobs under the Korean version of the New Deal. He described it as a campaign for the "grand transformation" of the nation in preparation for the post-coronavirus era.
An illustration depicting employment stability (Yonhap)
In the labor market, the government plans to expand employment insurance to more workers, including artists and people who are hired under special contracts. These workers are regarded as being in a "blind spot" as they are not directly employed by companies and are not covered by employment insurance.
The National Assembly has approved a bill to revise the current legislation to include artists and the government is pushing to expand this to special contract workers, such as delivery workers, insurance agents and caregivers.
As part of the initiative, the government also plans to expand state work injury insurance to more workers on special contracts.
The New Deal also includes fostering IT-related jobs for young job seekers amid grim outlooks for the economy and the job market in Asia's fourth-largest economy.
Under the plan, the government plans to provide financial support to small and mid-sized companies that hire young people for IT-related positions.
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-18--(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on July 18)

(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on July 18)

The top court 's decision is meaningful in that it has expanded , to a certain degree , the scope @ @ @ @ @ the political area .
At the center of the controversy was whether the governor lied @ @ @ @ @ abused his power to forcibly commit his elder brother to a mental hospital in June @ @ @ @ @ Seongnam mayor .
He denied in a live TV debate in 2018 that he had @ @ @ @ @ forced hospitalization of his brother .

'False info' ruling'
Supreme Court broadens scope of freedom of speech
The Supreme Court ruled Thursday that Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung should not be found guilty of violating the election law. The decision cleared him of criminal charges of spreading false information in the run-up to the 2018 gubernatorial election.
Lee won the high-profile court battle. The top court overturned a lower court decision that ordered him to pay a 3 million won (US$2,500) fine for making a false claim during the campaign period. Lee was indicted on four criminal charges, including abuse of power. A district court acquitted him of all charges, but an appeals court found him guilty of only one: circulating misinformation.
Finally, the 13-member Supreme Court ruled 7-5 in favor of the governor, sending his case back to the lower court for rehearing. Chief Justice Kim Myeong-su said in a verdict that Lee should not be punished for spreading false information for his remarks made during a televised debate with other candidates ahead of the local elections.
The verdict has saved his governorship. It has also given the green light to his political ambition to run for president on the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) ticket in 2022. Had the court upheld the lower court ruling, Lee would have been deprived of the elected post and banned from running in any election for five years.
Now Lee should focus on managing provincial affairs, especially to help about 13 million residents overcome the coronavirus crisis. He needs to prove his track record as governor in preparation for his bid to contend with other DPK presidential hopefuls such as former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon.
The not-guilty verdict is also good news for the governing party, which is now beleaguered with sexual harassment allegations against Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon, who died in an apparent suicide last week. The party has already been criticized for similar allegations against Oh Keo-don, who had to step down as Busan mayor in April. Former South Chungcheong Province Governor An Hee-jung resigned in 2018 and is imprisoned for sexually abusing his female secretary.
Gov. Lee welcomed the court action, thanking the top court for what he described as a fair and right decision. But he should not be too upbeat. He needs to understand why five justices were against him in the ruling. He and the ruling party should be careful not to become self-righteous and arrogant.
The top court's decision is meaningful in that it has expanded, to a certain degree, the scope of freedom of speech in the political area. At the center of the controversy was whether the governor lied about allegations that he had abused his power to forcibly commit his elder brother to a mental hospital in June 2012 when he served as Seongnam mayor. He denied in a live TV debate in 2018 that he had been being involved in the forced hospitalization of his brother.
Turning down the lower court's ruling, the Supreme Court decided that Lee's denial should not be seen as a deliberate and determined act to spread false information. This decision is likely to allow candidates to engage in more active and freer debates. But there are still concerns that candidates might try to use Lee's case as an excuse to spread groundless claims and misinformation against each other.
That is why lawmakers should revise the election law to make a clearer and more concrete definition of "false information" as well as what to do and what not to do. It is time to make fairer rules for election campaigns.
(END)