yna--2020-01-15--(LEAD) Seoul stocks snap 4-day winning streak on profit-taking

The index opened lower as investors parsed reports that U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods will remain in place even after @ @ @ @ @ to be signed later in the day .

(ATTN: ADDS photo and bond yields at bottom)
SEOUL, Jan. 15 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks took a breather on Wednesday, snapping a four-day winning streak as investors cashed in gains recent amid lingering concerns over a Sino-American trade deal. The South Korean won lost ground against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) lost 7.9 points, or 0.35 percent, to close at 2,230.98. Trade volume was moderate at 734 million shares worth 5.8 trillion won (US$5 billion), with gainers far outnumbering losers 513 to 279.
Foreign offloaded a net 86 billion won to end their eight-day buying binge. Institutions sold a net 244 billion won, while individuals scooped up a net 313 billion won.
An electronic signboard at KEB Hana Bank in Seoul shows the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) down 0.35 percent to close at 2,230.98 points on Jan. 15, 2020. (Yonhap)
The index opened lower as investors parsed reports that U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods will remain in place even after a preliminary trade deal scheduled to be signed later in the day.
"Investors attempted to cash in part of recent gains ahead of the signing of a phase-one trade agreement (between the United States and China)," Seo Sang-young, an analyst at Kiwoom Securities, said.
The KOSPI hit an almost nine-month high on Tuesday, driven by a continued rally in chipmakers and other market heavyweights ahead of the signing of the interim U.S.-China trade deal.
In Seoul, large-cap shares were mixed.
Chipmakers took a breather after a week-long rally as investors sought to profit from recent gains.
Market behemoth Samsung Electronics lost 1.67 percent to end at 59,000 won, and No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix shed 2.29 percent to close at 98,200 won.
Bio shares were in negative terrain, with pharmaceutical firm Samsung BioLogics decreasing 0.11 percent to 434,500 won. Celltrion lost 0.84 percent, hitting 176,500 won.
In contrast, leading game publisher NCsoft added 1.48 percent to close at a 52-week high of 619,000 won, on the back of the continued popularity of its mobile games.
Shares of Kakao, the operator of South Korea's largest messaging app, Kakao Talk, traded 1.8 percent higher to end at a yearly high of 170,000 won on the back of a rosy quarterly earnings outlook.
Auto shares were mixed. Leading automaker Hyundai Motor moved down 0.86 percent to 115,000 won, while its smaller sister company, Kia Motor, was 0.12 percent higher at 41,200 won. Auto parts maker Hyundai Mobis was up 0.41 percent at 245,000 won.
The local currency closed at 1,157.00 to the U.S. greenback, down 1.6 won from the previous session's close.
Bond prices, which move inversely to yields, closed mixed. The yield on three-year Treasurys added 0.5 basis point to stand at 1.391 percent, and the return on the benchmark five-year government bond shed 1.1 basis points to reach 1.502 percent.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-15--S. Korean Bond Yields on Jan. 15, 2020

S. Korean Bond Yields on Jan. 15, 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--2020-01-15--Samsung C&T wins 1.9 tln won deal for airport expansion in Bangladesh

Under the deal with Civilian Aviation Authority of Bangladesh , Samsung C & T will expand the Hazrat Shahjalal International @ @ @ @ @ of Dhaka over the next 48 months , the company said in a regulatory filing @

SEOUL, Jan. 15 (Yonhap) -- Samsung C&T Corp., the construction unit of Samsung Group, said Wednesday it has won a 1.9-trillion won (US$1.6 billion) deal to expand an airport in Bangladesh.
Under the deal with Civilian Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, Samsung C&T will expand the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in the Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka over the next 48 months, the company said in a regulatory filing.
Two Japanese companies -- Fujita Corp. and Mitsubishi Corp. -- signed the same deal to join the expansion project valued at 2.8 trillion won in total, a company spokesman said.
This file photo provided by Samsung C&T shows the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in the Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-01-15--Long working hours, falling wages threaten S. Korea's gig economy workers

`` The problem ( about getting jobs through platforms ) is that the price keeps falling .
I feel it @ @ @ @ @ but there 's always someone who will do the work for that amount .
That @ @ @ @ @ falling , '' one worker said .

By Lee Minji
SEOUL, Jan. 15 (Yonhap) -- Platform workers, the lifeblood of the country's emerging gig platforms that offer delivery, ride-hailing and housekeeping services, are often exposed to dire working conditions such as low pay and long working hours, a study showed Wednesday.
In contrast to the notion the lifestyle would give workers the freedom to choose their work schedules, a study by the National Human Rights Commission showed that gig economy workers often worked as much as full-time employees but faced job uncertainties and low wages.
A group representing drivers working for food delivery app Baemin holds a press conference in Seoul on Jan. 2, 2020, calling for improved working conditions. (Yonhap)
A majority of the surveyed workers said they opted for their careers on hopes they could freely choose the times they work. But the study showed that gig economy workers on average worked 8.22 hours daily, five to six days a week.
Their working hours could be longer given the "hidden working hours" in which they stay on the platforms or in mobile chat rooms to find new gigs, the study said.
"I'm on the app all day long," said one driver who works in the cargo delivery sector.
The study hinted that the gig economy workers, mostly in their 40s and 50s, had few options over choosing the type and scope of their work and relied heavily on piecemeal jobs.
The average ages of those providing housekeeping services and driving services were 55 and 50, respectively, while cargo drivers averaged 46, according to the survey.
A total of 64 percent of the surveyed workers did not have second or third jobs and were key breadwinners for their families, with their income accounting for 79 percent of their household income.
Their monthly income averaged 1.52 million won (US$1,313).
Despite the not-so-favorable working conditions, 90 percent of gig drivers and 80 percent of parcel delivery workers said they could not refuse certain gigs on fears it would hurt their job prospects.
Delivery workers associated with food delivery app Yogiyo hold a press conference in Seoul on Nov. 6, 2019, demanding better working conditions. (Yonhap)
The study, meanwhile, highlighted that the rapidly growing platform industry and the fresh inflow of new workers is forcing the workers to work for less.
"The problem (about getting jobs through platforms) is that the price keeps falling. I feel it's a ridiculous price, but there's always someone who will do the work for that amount. That's why the pay keeps falling," one worker said.
"I'm looking for another job since the wage has fallen too much and is not lucrative at all. (The pay fell) as more people came (to the gig economy platforms)," another worker said.
The human rights body's report was conducted based on online surveys and phone interviews. Researchers also joined mobile chat rooms to observe how platform workers communicate with each other.
South Korea's gig economy has grown explosively over the past few years on the success of food delivery apps such as Baemin and Yogiyo, which formed a 10 trillion-won market in 2018.
There were roughly 500,000 gig economy workers in Asia's fourth-largest economy in 2019, or around 2 percent of all employed workers, according to the Korea Employment Information Service.
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-15--LG Electronics to open robotics lab in Boston

In recent years , LG Electronics has been focusing on bolstering its robotics business , acquiring bot manufacturing and developing @ @ @ @ @ Brian Kwon said at Consumer Electronics Show ( CES ) 2020 in Las Vegas , @ @ @ @ @ the company will pursue production of bots for consumer use .

SEOUL, Jan. 15 (Yonhap) -- LG Electronics Inc. said Wednesday it will open a robotics lab in the United States to boost its competitiveness in bot technologies.
LG's new robotics lab, set to open later this month in Boston, will allow its researchers to better check the latest robotics technologies.
To beef up its robotics research, LG will also collaborate with Kim Sang-bae, a renowned robot scientist and a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) professor who has been leading MIT Biomimetics Robotics Lab since 2012.
LG Electronics chief technology officer Park Il-pyung (C), Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor Kim Sang-bae (R) and LG's robot research center chief Baek Seung-min pose at LG's R&D building in Seoul on on Jan. 14, 2020, in this photo provided by LG Electronics. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Using the MIT lab's infrastructure, LG Electronics said it plans to research and enhance robot's manipulation abilities, such as picking up and moving objects.
"We expect to see great synergy since LG is good at emotion recognition and navigation technologies, while Kim is a renowned scientist in four-legged walking robots and object manipulation technologies," the company said in a release.
In recent years, LG Electronics has been focusing on bolstering its robotics business, acquiring bot manufacturing and developing firms. LG Electronics CEO Brian Kwon said at Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada, last week that the company will pursue production of bots for consumer use.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-15--Seoul stocks snap 4-day winning streak on profit-taking

SEOUL, Jan. 15 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks took a breather on Wednesday, snapping a four-day winning streak as investors cashed in gains recent amid lingering concerns over a Sino-American trade deal. The South Korean won lost ground against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) lost 7.9 points, or 0.35 percent, to close at 2,230.98. Trade volume was moderate at 734 million shares worth 5.8 trillion won (US$5 billion), with gainers far outnumbering losers 513 to 279.
Foreign offloaded a net 86 billion won to end their eight-day buying binge. Institutions sold a net 244 billion won, while individuals scooped up a net 313 billion won.
The index opened lower as investors parsed reports that U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods will remain in place even after a preliminary trade deal scheduled to be signed later in the day.
"Investors attempted to cash in part of recent gains ahead of the signing of a phase-one trade agreement (between the United States and China)," Seo Sang-young, an analyst at Kiwoom Securities, said.
The KOSPI hit an almost nine-month high on Tuesday, driven by a continued rally in chipmakers and other market heavyweights ahead of the signing of the interim U.S.-China trade deal.
In Seoul, large-cap shares were mixed.
Chipmakers took a breather after a week-long rally as investors sought to profit from recent gains.
Market behemoth Samsung Electronics lost 1.67 percent to end at 59,000 won, and No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix shed 2.29 percent to close at 98,200 won.
Bio shares were in negative terrain, with pharmaceutical firm Samsung BioLogics decreasing 0.11 percent to 434,500 won. Celltrion lost 0.84 percent, hitting 176,500 won.
In contrast, leading game publisher NCsoft added 1.48 percent to close at a 52-week high of 619,000 won, on the back of the continued popularity of its mobile games.
Shares of Kakao, the operator of South Korea's largest messaging app, Kakao Talk, traded 1.8 percent higher to end at a yearly high of 170,000 won on the back of a rosy quarterly earnings outlook.
Auto shares were mixed. Leading automaker Hyundai Motor moved down 0.86 percent to 115,000 won, while its smaller sister company, Kia Motor, was 0.12 percent higher at 41,200 won. Auto parts maker Hyundai Mobis was up 0.41 percent at 245,000 won.
The local currency closed at 1,157.00 to the U.S. greenback, down 1.6 won from the previous session's close.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-16--Seoul stocks open lower despite U.S.-China trade deal

SEOUL , Jan. 16 ( Yonhap ) -- South Korean stocks opened mildly lower on Thursday even after the signing @ @ @ @ @ agreement between the United States and China .

SEOUL, Jan. 16 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks opened mildly lower on Thursday even after the signing of the long-awaited preliminary trade agreement between the United States and China.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) inched down 2.17 points, or 0.1 percent, to 2,228.81 in the first 15 minutes of trading.
Most major caps were mixed across the board.
Market kingpin Samsung Electronics advanced 0.68 percent, and No. 1 automaker Hyundai Motor jumped 3.91 percent.
In contrast, No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix lost 0.71 percent, and bio firm Samsung BioLogics was down 0.23 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,158.5 won against the U.S. dollar, down 1.5 won from the previous session's close.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


Thursday's weather forecast

SEOUL , Jan. 16 ( Yonhap ) -- The following is the weather forecast for South Korea 's 12 major @ @ @ @ @ .


yna--2020-01-16--N. Korea's paper calls self-reliance 'best policy' against sanctions

`` Our people are not such people who will be surprised or hesitate no matter how high the barrier of @ @ @ @ @ be .
Nor are they such people who will run away from self-reliance and self-existence @ @ @ @ @ , '' it added .

SEOUL, Jan. 16 (Yonhap) -- North Korea's official newspaper called Thursday for stepped-up efforts to achieve wealth and prosperity without outside help, saying that "self-reliance" is the "best policy" to neutralize hostile forces' sanctions against the communist country.
North Korea's media outlets have emphasized the importance of "self-reliance" in various areas almost daily since leader Kim Jong-un's recent call for intensified preparations for a protracted struggle against pressure led by the United States amid an impasse in denuclearization talks.
"Increasing our internal power and own strength through all possible ways is the best policy to neutralize hostile forces' sanctions and oppression scheme," the Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the North's ruling party, said in an article.
The paper said that internal power refers to the power of surviving on its own, triumphing against enemies and outside challenges and defending its dignity and rights.
"The whole nation should be full of a sense of self-confidence and audacity to neutralize hostile forces' sanctions and pressure with its own way and bring a bright future closer," the paper said.
"Our people are not such people who will be surprised or hesitate no matter how high the barrier of hostile forces' sanctions might be. Nor are they such people who will run away from self-reliance and self-existence for a spoonful of rice," it added.
North Korea hopes that progress in denuclearization negotiations with the U.S. could result in easing or lifting crippling sanctions and help revitalize its moribund economy, but nuclear talks have been stalled since the no-deal summit between North Korean leader Kim and U.S. President Donald Trump in February last year.
In a New Year's Day announcement, Kim said that he has no expectation of the U.S. lifting sanctions anytime soon, asking his people to make a "frontal breakthrough" to tackle challenges confronting the country and beef up efforts to build a self-reliant economy.
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-16--N. Korean media denounces U.S. over rotational deployment to S. Korea

`` On Saturday , the brigade announced the launch of transfer of its latest tanks and armored vehicles , '' @ @ @ @ @ Such U.S. attitude discloses the deceitfulness of its call for dialogue which it has been @ @ @ @ @ the world . ''

SEOUL, Jan. 16 (Yonhap) -- North Korea's state radio on Thursday lashed out at the United States over the rotational deployment of an Army unit to South Korea, branding Washington deceptive for talking of dialogue while bringing weapons to the Korean Peninsula.
Citing a Yonhap News Agency report, the North's Korean Central Broadcasting Station said equipment of the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Infantry Division in Fort Riley, Kansas, is being relocated to South Korea.
"On Saturday, the brigade announced the launch of transfer of its latest tanks and armored vehicles," the report said. "Such U.S. attitude discloses the deceitfulness of its call for dialogue which it has been speaking of in front of the world."
Earlier, the unit said the routine rotations to South Korea "add to the defense of the Asia-Pacific region and strengthen relationships with our allies and partners."
North Korea has long criticized the U.S. over its joint military exercises with South Korea and introduction of new weapons to the peninsula, calling them an expression of its ambition to invade.
The 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Infantry Division transports heavy equipment in preparation for its upcoming rotational deployment to South Korea in this photo posted by the unit on Facebook on Jan. 10, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-16--Yonhap news advisory for Thursday, Jan. 16

The following stories are scheduled to be covered by Yonhap News Agency .
Your queries are welcome .
Yonhap 's @ @ @ @ @ reached by telephone at 82-2-398-3451 ( general ) and 82-2-398-3460 ( economics ) , and @ @ @ @ @ yna.co.kr or sam @ yna.co.kr .

The following stories are scheduled to be covered by Yonhap News Agency. Your queries are welcome. Yonhap's English-language news desk can be reached by telephone at 82-2-398-3451 (general) and 82-2-398-3460 (economics), and by email at sshim@yna.co.kr or sam@yna.co.kr.
General
-- Moon to receive policy report from science ministry
-- Press conference for British rock band Queen's concert in Seoul
-- Results of S. Korea-U.S. defense cost talks
Economy & Finance
-- S. Korea to jack up state spending on sci-tech, AI in 2020
-- Data on money supply in Nov.
(END)


KOSPI 2,231.93 UP 0.95 points (open)


KOSDAQ 679.67 UP 0.51 points (open)


yna--2020-01-16--Dollar opens at 1,159.5 won UP from 1,157.0 won


yna--2020-01-16--Moon to receive policy report on AI, other science technologies

Moon picked the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Communications Commission as the first group of government offices @ @ @ @ @ policy reports , an apparent show of his focus on innovative growth .

SEOUL, Jan. 16 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's science ministry will brief President Moon Jae-in on Thursday on its key policy of the year, especially in response to the fourth industrial revolution.
Moon picked the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Communications Commission as the first group of government offices to provide him with annual policy reports, an apparent show of his focus on innovative growth.
The two organizations plan to detail their strategy on enhancing the country's competitiveness in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector and other new industries, a Cheong Wa Dae official said.
Moon is to receive new year policy reports from ministries through February under the slogan of "Tangible Changes, Republic of Korea 2020," according to the official.
President Moon Jae-in (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-16--S. Korea, U.S. end 2nd day of defense cost-sharing talks

The two teams , led by Jeong Eun-bo on the South Korean side and James DeHart on the U.S. side @ @ @ @ @ of negotiations in Washington on Tuesday and Wednesday to renew the countries ' Special Measures @ @ @ @ @

WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and the United States ended their second day of talks Wednesday on sharing the cost of the upkeep of some 28,500 American troops stationed on the Korean Peninsula.
Details of the outcome were not immediately available as both sides kept the negotiations tightly under wraps, but no additional meetings were scheduled for the current round.
The two teams, led by Jeong Eun-bo on the South Korean side and James DeHart on the U.S. side, held their sixth round of negotiations in Washington on Tuesday and Wednesday to renew the countries' Special Measures Agreement (SMA).
Under last year's SMA, which expired at the end of December, Seoul was required to pay some US$870 million.
Washington has demanded a significant increase in Seoul's financial contributions, along with additional cost categories, including payments for rotational troop deployments to the peninsula.
South Korea has maintained that the negotiations should proceed within the framework of the previous SMA.
Arriving in Washington on Monday, Jeong told reporters that the two sides are narrowing their differences but still remain apart on how to reach a "comprehensive" deal.
U.S. President Donald Trump has branded South Korea a rich country that should pay more for its defense. In a media interview over the weekend, he claimed, "They're going to pay us a lot more."
This photo, provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, shows Jeong Eun-bo (R), Seoul's chief negotiator, shaking hands with his U.S. counterpart, James DeHart, during their sixth round of talks in Washington on Jan. 14, 2020. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-16--(EDITORIAL from Korea JoongAng Daily on Jan. 16)

The two judges were members of groups of reform-minded judges .
Choi served as president of a progressive study group @ @ @ @ @ of a group studying international human rights law .
Both judges first raised suspicions about @ @ @ @ @ NCA ) 's abuse of power in 2018 .
They took the lead in attacking @ @ @ @ @ NCA for wielding influence in appointments of judges across the country in a crusade to @ @ @ @ @ and enhance public trust in the judiciary .
They are shaking the integrity of our @ @ @ @ @ really play the role of whistleblowers in a bid to shore up the dignity of @ @ @

Abdication of responsibility
Court trials can be excruciating processes. No one is 100 percent satisfied unless they win total victory. And yet the public respects courts and judges because of its trust in their conscience and independence. Any judge worthy of respect would reminded themselves of their sacred duty at every trial -- particularly when their own raison d'être is at stake.
But if they are suspected of trying to take advantage of their career for political purposes, their integrity and prestige immediately collapses because of the public's concern that they may deliver rulings that suit their own political calculations. Unfortunately, such a mishap occurred on Wednesday. Choi Gi-sang, a senior judge for the Seoul Northern District Court, tendered his resignation to allegedly run in the April 15 parliamentary election. Lee Su-jin, another senior judge at the Suwon District Court, took a similar path a few days ago.
The two judges were members of groups of reform-minded judges. Choi served as president of a progressive study group while Lee was a member of a group studying international human rights law. Both judges first raised suspicions about the National Court Administration (NCA)'s abuse of power in 2018. They took the lead in attacking the Supreme Court and the NCA for wielding influence in appointments of judges across the country in a crusade to protect independence in court trials and enhance public trust in the judiciary. They are shaking the integrity of our courts now. Did they really play the role of whistleblowers in a bid to shore up the dignity of the bench?
Shortly after the launch of the liberal Moon Jae-in administration in May 2017, Kim Hyung-yeon -- a senior judge and member of the international human rights law study group at the time -- resigned and started his career as secretary for legal affairs at the Blue House. Last May, he was promoted to head the Ministry of Government Legislation. The stampede of a number of judges to the Blue House or ruling party was unprecedented.
A Constitutional guarantee of judges' independence and their hefty pay translate into a demand for fair and upright rulings from them. It is discourtesy from such a noble tribe to enjoy such prestigious treatment and move on to desire political power.
We hope they wake up from their delusions of grandeur. If not, they will suffer a cold verdict from voters. Even when a foundation of democracy is shaking, Supreme Court Chief Justice Kim Myeong-soo is keeping mum. That's an abdication of responsibility.
(END)


yna--2020-01-16--(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on Jan. 16)

(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on Jan. 16)

Seemingly , Seoul is using the U.S. request for a naval dispatch as a bargaining tool to resume exchanges with @ @ @ @ @ been suspended due mainly to the stalled negotiations between the North and the U.S .
@ @ @ @ @ but can not be separable for diplomats .
Of course , there may be many @ @ @ @ @ consider in making any decision about protecting its national interest in the Middle East , @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. request provides a window of opportunity to the South to get inter-Korean relations @ @ @ @ @ shrewdness and flexibility are needed more than ever for the Moon Jae-in administration to produce @ @ @ @ @ future of this country .

Diplomatic flexibility
ROK, US should use each other to break deadlock in North Korea talks
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha stressed the need to revitalize inter-Korean projects as a means to break the deadlock in the denuclearization talks between Pyongyang and Washington during a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Tuesday.
Also on the table was South Korea's possible dispatch of naval assets to the Strait of Hormuz. Kang opened the possibility of sending a unit there as an option to support U.S.-led security operations in the volatile area amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
Seemingly, Seoul is using the U.S. request for a naval dispatch as a bargaining tool to resume exchanges with North Korea, which have been suspended due mainly to the stalled negotiations between the North and the U.S. They are separate issues, but cannot be separable for diplomats. Of course, there may be many more factors South Korea should consider in making any decision about protecting its national interest in the Middle East, but it is true that the U.S. request provides a window of opportunity to the South to get inter-Korean relations back on track. Diplomatic shrewdness and flexibility are needed more than ever for the Moon Jae-in administration to produce the best results for the future of this country.
According to the foreign ministry, Kang shared President Moon's renewed push for inter-Korean exchanges with Pompeo. Kang told reporters after the meeting that South Korea's relations with the North and U.S. relations with the North "cannot always move at the same pace." She said, "With no progress in North Korea-U.S. dialogue, we believe it is important for the South and the North to have dialogue and maintain the momentum for North Korea's engagement."
This apparently reflects the South's frustration over the long-stalled talks between the U.S. and the North as Seoul has been waiting for a deal with patience to use it as a catalyst for inter-Korean peace projects. More importantly, Kang's remarks can be a symbolic message that Seoul will move more independently from Washington in dealing with Pyongyang.
It is not new that the allies have differences over maintaining sanctions on North Korea amid the stalled denuclearization dialogue and renewed threats from the North. For the U.S., it is a useful -- if not the best -- option to use South Korea to bring the North back to the negotiating table and revive the dialogue momentum, instead of sticking to the sanctions regime.
In Seoul, Unification Minister Kim Yeon-chul vowed to take all possible measures to improve relations with North Korea, rather than waiting for progress in the U.S.-North negotiations. During a meeting with civic and religious groups, Kim said he will review various options, including cooperation with international organizations and civic exchanges, to revitalize inter-Korean exchanges, emphasizing that such efforts will help the U.S. and the North resume their talks.
Minister Kang said to Pompeo that Seoul is looking at ways to contribute to the international efforts to maintain security in the Middle East from "multiple" perspectives. Flexibility is also necessary for the U.S. to bring a positive change to the Korean Peninsula. The allies must reach a deal first before seeking a deal with North Korea.
(END)


yna--2020-01-16--(EDITORIAL from Korea Herald on Jan. 16)

It is also necessary to work out measures suited to the needs of different regions , where populations have aged @ @ @ @ @ different paces .
While many rural areas entered the super-aged society phase more than a @ @ @ @ @ has been relatively slow in Seoul and the vicinity due to an influx of young @ @

Aging population
Korea needs concerted efforts to help senior citizens lead active, healthy lives
The number of people aged 65 or older in South Korea surpassed 8 million for the first time last year, with the overall population growing at the slowest pace ever.
The country is one of the world's fastest-aging societies. The proportion of elderly people relative to the population as a whole exceeded 14 percent in 2017, making Korea an "aged society."
As of end-2019, the figure had climbed to 15.5 percent, exceeding an earlier estimate by the Bank of Korea of 14.9 percent.
The country is expected to see its population age at a faster pace down the road, as the baby boomer generation -- those born between 1955 and 1963, whose numbers amount to 7.3 million -- start joining the senior age group this year.
Korea's low fertility rate, which fell below one last year, will further accelerate that pace. The fertility rate measures the average number of children born to a woman in her lifetime.
The country is expected to become a super-aged society by 2026, when the elderly population makes up more than 20 percent of the total. That number is projected to rise to 30 percent by 2041 and 35 percent by 2050.
The average life expectancy of Koreans rose from 65 in 1980 to 82.4 in 2016.
The increased life expectancy has led to calls for increasing the legal age limit for various welfare programs for the elderly, which is now set at 65. According to a survey of about 3,000 Seoul citizens aged 65 or older, conducted last year, the proper age when one should be regarded as a senior citizen was 72.5 on average.
It is against this background that the government is considering revising the age limit for retirement benefits to 70.
The measure would help make welfare spending more sustainable. But implementing it without thorough preparations might throw many elderly people into desperate conditions.
In recent years, Korea has recorded the highest elderly poverty rate among the member states of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Poverty is seen as one of the main reasons that Korea's elderly suicide rate has remained highest among OECD members.
In terms of an index formulated by HelpAge International, a London-based rights group for older people, to evaluate conditions for seniors, Korea ranked 60th out of 96 nations in 2015. It came after Japan, Vietnam and China, which were placed eighth, 41st and 52nd, respectively.
It is necessary to increase fiscal spending to protect less fortunate elderly people from succumbing to poverty and disease. Efficient welfare spending should not be considered something that will hold back economic growth.
In addition, extraordinary efforts need to be exerted to make the aging society more vibrant by overhauling the health care, insurance, pension, housing and transportation systems and revising legal codes to adapt to demographic changes. In doing so, road maps and action plans set up by other advanced nations that have preceded Korea in becoming aged societies can be taken into account.
It is also necessary to work out measures suited to the needs of different regions, where populations have aged and continue to age at different paces. While many rural areas entered the super-aged society phase more than a decade ago, population aging has been relatively slow in Seoul and the vicinity due to an influx of young people.
For their part, individuals -- not just older people, but younger ones too -- need to make better preparations for their later years.
While increasing the birthrate is practically impossible in the near term, the country should prepare for a continuous decline in the working-age population. The number of people aged between 15 and 64 in Korea fell by more than 190,000 last year, marking the first contraction, according to recent data from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.
More immigrants, particularly skilled ones, need to be accepted and more women should be encouraged to join the workforce.
What complicates the problem is that youth unemployment is expected to continue to worsen amid the decrease in the working-age population.
According to a report released by the Bank of Korea earlier this week, people aged 25-29 accounted for 21.6 percent of jobless people in the country in 2018, the highest figure among OECD members. For the US and Japan, the corresponding figures were 13 percent and 12.6 percent, respectively.
Korea has seen its youth unemployment rate rise since 2013, but the increase has been steeper since President Moon Jae-in took office in 2017.
To create the kind of high-quality jobs that young people prefer, the Moon government should step up efforts to make the labor market more flexible and lift barriers to the development of new industries.
(END)


yna--2020-01-16--Top headlines in major S. Korean newspapers

Korean-language dailies -- Underground water at 5 U.S. military bases contaminated with carcinogen ( Kyunghyang Shinmun ) -- Naturalized national @ @ @ @ @ torrent of racist texts ( Kookmin Daily ) -- Senior Cheong Wa Dae official hints @ @ @ @ @ system ( Donga llbo ) -- Prosecution expected to oppose justice ministry-proposed reorganization of prosecution @ @ @ @ @ Cheong Wa Dae mentions approved home trading system , sparking debate over excessive control ( @ @ @ @ @ judges to criticize Cheong Wa Dae for denying constitution ( Chosun Ilbo ) -- Cheong @ @ @ @ @ , telling people to buy homes after approval ( JoongAng Ilbo ) -- Rival parties @ @ @ @ @ with campaign pledges ( Hankyoreh ) -- Cheong Wa Dae hints at approved trade system @ @ @ @ @ Hankook Ilbo ) -- Return of foreign investors jumps 35 times while KOSPI climbs only @ @ @ @ @ Newspaper ) -- At last , Cheong Wa Dae pulls out real estate transaction approval @ @ @ @ @ )

SEOUL, Jan. 16 (Yonhap) -- The following are the top headlines in major South Korean newspapers on Jan. 16.
Korean-language dailies
-- Underground water at 5 U.S. military bases contaminated with carcinogen (Kyunghyang Shinmun)
-- Naturalized national basketball player suffers from daily torrent of racist texts (Kookmin Daily)
-- Senior Cheong Wa Dae official hints at real estate transaction approval system (Donga llbo)
-- Prosecution expected to oppose justice ministry-proposed reorganization of prosecution (Seoul Shinmun)
-- Cheong Wa Dae mentions approved home trading system, sparking debate over excessive control (Segye Times)
-- Liberal judges to criticize Cheong Wa Dae for denying constitution (Chosun Ilbo)
-- Cheong Wa Dae considers unconstitutional rule, telling people to buy homes after approval (JoongAng Ilbo)
-- Rival parties begin race for parliamentary elections with campaign pledges (Hankyoreh)
-- Cheong Wa Dae hints at approved trade system for real estate market (Hankook Ilbo)
-- Return of foreign investors jumps 35 times while KOSPI climbs only 3.5 times (Maeil Business Newspaper)
-- At last, Cheong Wa Dae pulls out real estate transaction approval system (Korea Economic Daily)
English-language dailies
-- DP's bigwigs zero in on races they want to win (Korea JoongAng Daily)
-- Seoul considering Strait of Hormuz assistance from 'multiple angles' (Korea Herald)
-- Seoul reaffirms focus on NK engagement (Korea Times)
(END)


yna--2020-01-16--(LEAD) S. Korea seeks to find space within N.K. sanctions regime: Seoul official

`` The U.S. remains committed to fully implementing the Singapore Joint Statement , agreed to by President Trump and Chairman @ @ @ @ @ , fully verified denuclearization of the DPRK , a goal fully supported by our ally @ @ @ @ @ '' the senior U.S. official said , referring respectively to North Korea 's official name @ @ @ @ @ Republic of Korea , and South Korea 's formal name .

(ATTN: UPDATES with U.S. officials' remarks in last 4 paras)
By Lee Haye-ah
WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 (Yonhap) -- South Korea is seeking to find space within the international sanctions regime to conduct inter-Korean cooperation projects, Seoul's top nuclear envoy said Wednesday.
Lee Do-hoon, special representative for Korean Peninsula peace and security affairs, made the remark after arriving in Washington for talks with his American counterpart, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun.
The pair is slated to meet Thursday to discuss the way forward amid an impasse in denuclearization negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang.
Lee Do-hoon, special representative for Korean Peninsula peace and security affairs, arrives at Washington's Dulles International Airport on Jan. 15, 2020. (Yonhap)
"The momentum for dialogue is getting weaker and weaker, and under these conditions the task facing South Korea and the United States is to manage the situation in a stable manner and revive the momentum for talks," Lee told reporters at Washington's Dulles International Airport.
At his meetings with U.S. officials, Lee is expected to discuss President Moon Jae-in's initiative to resume inter-Korean projects as a way of facilitating U.S.-North Korea talks.
In particular, the issue of allowing individual tours to North Korea's Mount Kumgang will likely be subject to coordination between Seoul and Washington as the U.S. is wary of any projects that could undermine the international sanctions regime against the North.
"(Individual tours) are not banned under U.N. Security Council sanctions," Lee said. "The reason we are discussing this issue with the U.S. is that we are trying to find space within the sanctions framework agreed on by the international community."
A senior U.S. government official told Yonhap News Agency that Washington expects all U.N. member states to abide by all U.N. Security Council resolutions pertaining to North Korea.
A State Department spokesperson made a similar comment Tuesday, telling Yonhap that South Korea and the U.S. are committed to "close coordination on our unified response to North Korea."
Neither said whether individual tours fall under the scope of sanctions, but their comments suggest the U.S. hopes to keep pressure on the North.
"The U.S. remains committed to fully implementing the Singapore Joint Statement, agreed to by President Trump and Chairman Kim, including the final, fully verified denuclearization of the DPRK, a goal fully supported by our ally the Republic of Korea," the senior U.S. official said, referring respectively to North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and South Korea's formal name.
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-16--Trump likens N. Korea talks to 'beautiful game of chess'

`` China is helping us with a lot of the things that they can be helping us with , which @ @ @ @ @ a deal , but they have been very , very helpful with respect to Kim @ @ @ @ @ respect for President Xi , '' Trump said , referring respectively to North Korea 's @ @ @ @ @ Jinping .

By Lee Haye-ah
WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 (Yonhap) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday he views the on-again, off-again nuclear talks with North Korea as a "beautiful game of chess."
Trump made the remark during a White House signing ceremony for a phase-one trade deal between the United States and China, giving Beijing credit for "helping us with North Korea."
"China is helping us with a lot of the things that they can be helping us with, which you don't see in a deal, but they have been very, very helpful with respect to Kim Jong-un, who has great respect for President Xi," Trump said, referring respectively to North Korea's leader and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
U.S. President Donald Trump gestures during a signing ceremony for a U.S.-China trade agreement in the East Room of the White House in Washington on Jan. 15, 2020. (Yonhap)
He continued: "It's all a very, very beautiful game of chess, or game of poker, or -- I can't use the word checkers because it's far greater than any checker game that I've ever seen, but it's a very beautiful mosaic."
Trump appeared to describe North Korea and China as players in the game in which the U.S. ultimately seeks to dismantle Pyongyang's nuclear weapons program.
As North Korea's biggest ally and trading partner, China is seen as having considerable influence over Pyongyang's decisions.
Trump and Kim agreed at their first summit in Singapore in June 2018 to work toward complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in exchange for U.S. security guarantees.
Working-level talks to implement the deal have faltered since a second summit in February 2019 collapsed without an agreement due to differences over the scope of North Korea's denuclearization and U.S. sanctions relief.
Last week, Trump sent birthday greetings to Kim. A few days later, a senior North Korean official acknowledged receipt of the message but made clear that the regime will not return to the negotiation table unless its demands are met.
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-16--S. Korea seeks to find space within N.K. sanctions regime: Seoul official

In particular , the issue of allowing individual tours to North Korea 's Mount Kumgang will likely be subject to @ @ @ @ @ as the U.S. is wary of any projects that could undermine the international sanctions regime @ @ @ @

WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 (Yonhap) -- South Korea is seeking to find space within the international sanctions regime to conduct inter-Korean cooperation projects, Seoul's top nuclear envoy said Wednesday.
Lee Do-hoon, special representative for Korean Peninsula peace and security affairs, made the remark after arriving in Washington for talks with his American counterpart, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun.
The pair is slated to meet Thursday to discuss the way forward amid an impasse in denuclearization negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang.
"The momentum for dialogue is getting weaker and weaker, and under these conditions the task facing South Korea and the United States is to manage the situation in a stable manner and revive the momentum for talks," Lee told reporters at Washington's Dulles International Airport.
At his meetings with U.S. officials, Lee is expected to discuss President Moon Jae-in's initiative to resume inter-Korean projects as a way of facilitating U.S.-North Korea talks.
In particular, the issue of allowing individual tours to North Korea's Mount Kumgang will likely be subject to coordination between Seoul and Washington as the U.S. is wary of any projects that could undermine the international sanctions regime against the North.
"(Individual tours) are not banned under U.N. Security Council sanctions," Lee said. "The reason we are discussing this issue with the U.S. is that we are trying to find space within the sanctions framework agreed on by the international community."
Lee Do-hoon, special representative for Korean Peninsula peace and security affairs, arrives at Washington's Dulles International Airport on Jan. 15, 2020. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


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(END)


yna--2020-01-15--(LEAD) S. Korea beat Uzbekistan to win group at Olympic football qualifying tournament

South Korea and Uzbekistan traded a goal apiece in the first half .
South Korea got on the board in @ @ @ @ @ Jeong Seung-won 's shot from outside the box went in off Oh 's right shoulder @ @ @ @ @ -- which came after Jeong jumped on a botched clearing attempt by Khusniddin Alikulov -- @ @ @ @ @ review .

(ATTN: ADDS final Group C standings, details, comments)
RANGSIT, Thailand, Jan. 15 (Yonhap) -- South Korea defeated Uzbekistan 2-1 to take the top seed in their group at the Olympic men's football qualifying tournament on Wednesday.
Forward Oh Se-hun celebrated his 21st birthday with a two-goal performance, helping South Korea to their third straight victory in Group C at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-23 Championship at Thammasat Stadium in Rangsit, Thailand.
The AFC tournament doubles as the Asian qualifying event for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, with the top three teams here punching their tickets to Japan this summer. South Korea are trying to qualify for their ninth consecutive Olympics.
Oh Se-hun of South Korea (C) fires a shot against Uzbekistan during the teams' Group C match at the Asian Football Confederation U-23 Championship at Thammasat Stadium in Rangsit, Thailand, on Jan. 15, 2020. (Yonhap)
Coached by Kim Hak-bum, South Korea had already clinched a knockout berth by winning their first two Group C matches over China and Iran. South Korea only needed a draw on Wednesday to claim the first seed and set up a quarterfinals match against the Group D runner-up on Sunday at 5:15 p.m. local time, or 7:15 p.m. in Seoul.
As the Group C winner, South Korea will get to stay in Rangsit for the quarterfinals. From Group D, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Vietnam all have a chance to advance to the knockouts, depending on the results of their final group matches on Thursday.
Uzbekistan finished behind South Korea in Group C with four points. Iran also had four points but Uzbekistan had a better goal difference, plus-1 to Iran's zero. China ranked last in the group with three losses.
For Wednesday's contest, Kim replaced six starters from the previous match, as his lineup juggling continued. South Korea's second group match featured seven new faces who hadn't started in the first match.
South Korea and Uzbekistan traded a goal apiece in the first half. South Korea got on the board in the fifth minute, as Jeong Seung-won's shot from outside the box went in off Oh's right shoulder. The bizarre scoring play -- which came after Jeong jumped on a botched clearing attempt by Khusniddin Alikulov -- stood after a brief video review.
Uzbekistan tied things up in the 21st minute on Bobir Abdixolikov's floating header. Azizjon Ganiev sent a sharp cross from the right side and Abdixolikov beat defender Jeong Tae-wook to the ball and sent it over the head of goalkeeper Song Bum-keun.
South Korean players celebrate their first goal against Uzbekistan during their 2-1 victory in the teams' Group C match at the Asian Football Confederation U-23 Championship at Thammasat Stadium in Rangsit, Thailand, on Jan. 15, 2020. (Yonhap)
Jasurbek Yakhshiboev nearly put Uzbekistan ahead five minutes into the second half, as his left-footed shot from the center of the box rolled just right of the net.
Oh scored his second goal of the match -- this time, with his own foot -- in the 71st minute to break the deadlock.
Oh took a one-touch pass from Lee Dong-gyeong with his back turned to the net, and the forward deftly pivoted around Islomjon Kobilov and struck the ball into the bottom left corner.
Oh started the first group match against China last Thursday and struggled to handle passes in and around the box. He was relegated to the bench for the next match against Iran on Sunday, and watched his replacement, Cho Gue-sung, score a beauty in a 2-1 victory.
But Oh returned to action on Wednesday and staked a claim to the starting job by grabbing a brace.
Coach Kim praised his players for buying into his tactics, and said his team will keep getting better from here and on.
"We've been preparing for every match like it's our last, and that mindset will not change," Kim said. "Our players executed the game plan really well."
Kim said there's a great deal of confidence up and down his roster that anyone can step into the starting lineup and take care of business.
The coach also said he was pleased with the way Oh bounced back from his forgettable tournament debut from last week.
"Oh Se-hun has to be playing at a high level in order for us to get better as a team," Kim said. "I think this match has given him a boost of confidence."
Um Won-sang of South Korea (L) tries to dribble past Sanjar Kodirkulov of Uzbekistan during the teams' Group C match at the Asian Football Confederation U-23 Championship at Thammasat Stadium in Rangsit, Thailand, on Jan. 15, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-16--S. Korea, China hold working-level defense talks over peninsula peace, bilateral ties

During the 18th round of bilateral policy consultations , Lee Won-ik , director general of international policy at the Ministry @ @ @ @ @ his Chinese counterpart , Song Yan Chao , exchanged their assessments of the recent security @ @ @ @ @ according to the ministry .

SEOUL, Jan. 16 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and China held working-level defense talks in Seoul on Thursday on ways to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula and enhance bilateral cooperation, Seoul's defense ministry said.
During the 18th round of bilateral policy consultations, Lee Won-ik, director general of international policy at the Ministry of National Defense, and his Chinese counterpart, Song Yan Chao, exchanged their assessments of the recent security situation on the peninsula, according to the ministry.
They shared the need for support and cooperation by Beijing, as well as the international community, to denuclearize North Korea and establish a permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula, it added.
Negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang on the North's nuclear weapons program have been stalled since the breakdown of the summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Hanoi in February 2019.
Also on the table were a variety of measures to deepen bilateral ties, such as the South Korean defense minister's visit to China and enhanced communication mechanisms between the two sides, according to the ministry.
"With a goal to help bring the bilateral relations a notch higher, the two sides agreed to make proactive efforts for strengthening cooperation in defense fields," the ministry said in a release.
Seoul and Beijing have vowed to push for the opening of additional communication lines between their navies and air forces. Currently, Seoul and Beijing maintain one such line between their armies.
Bilateral military exchanges have recovered recently, after the serious deterioration of diplomatic ties following the installation of a U.S. missile defense system, called Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), in South Korea.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit South Korea in the first half of this year, according to officials. President Moon Jae-in invited Xi to the South during their summit talks in Beijing last month.
South Korean Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo (L) holds alks with Chinese Defense Minister Gen. Wei Fenghe (R) on the sidelines of the Asia Security Summit, better known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, in Singapore on June 1, 2019, in this photo provided by the South Korean defense ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-16--(LEAD) Ministry making list of possible inter-Korean cooperative projects: official

`` We are making a list of what we can do on our own with regard to inter-Korean relations , @ @ @ @ @ on condition of anonymity .
`` How the North will respond will be of most @ @ @ @ @ an eye on the North 's attitude and accordingly draw up realistic measures . ''

(ATTN: ADDS comments by presidential chief of staff in last 4 paras)
By Koh Byung-joon
SEOUL, Jan. 16 (Yonhap) -- The unification ministry is making a list of joint projects that South Korea can pursue with North Korea regardless of international sanctions on the communist nation, an official said Thursday.
Earlier this week, President Moon Jae-in stressed the need to expand inter-Korean exchanges and cooperation, saying it would be conducive to enlisting international support for sanctions relief for Pyongyang and help facilitate nuclear talks between the North and the United States.
"We are making a list of what we can do on our own with regard to inter-Korean relations," the official told reporters on condition of anonymity. "How the North will respond will be of most importance so we will keep an eye on the North's attitude and accordingly draw up realistic measures."
The official did not provide further details on what projects will be included in the list.
The ministry earlier said that it is exploring the possibility of "individual trips" to North Korea, saying that they are not subject to global sanctions. The ministry believes such trips could be pursued actively if the safety of its people is guaranteed.
South Korea, in particular, has sought to resume now-suspended tours to Mount Kumgang on the North's east coast, but little progress has been made amid worries that their resumption could undercut global coordination to apply maximum pressure for North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons.
Launched in 1998, the Mount Kumgang tour program was regarded as a key symbol of inter-Korean reconciliation. Group tours to the mountain have been suspended since 2008, when a South Korean traveler was shot dead by a North Korean guard.
North Korea has demanded South Korea remove its facilities, saying that it plans to build an international tourist zone of its own there. It has rejected Seoul's repeated offers for face-to-face talks on the fate of the mountain resort, insisting on discussions through exchange of documents.
Later Thursday, Noh Young-min, presidential chief of staff, also said South Koreans' tours to Mount Kumgang and individual trips across the border are not subject to U.N. sanctions.
"They can be implemented at any time and we are considering this," he said in a radio interview in response to a question on specific inter-Korean projects that Seoul had in mind.
"Inter-Korean relations and North Korea-U.S. ties impact each other and are linked with each other," Noh said. "I believe improving inter-Korean ties will help facilitate dialogue between North Korea and the U.S."
Noh said Seoul is "in close coordination" with Washington over U.N. and U.S. sanctions on North Korea, and added South Korea will actively engage in negotiations for exemptions from these sanctions when Seoul sees grounds for them.
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-16--U.S. envoy calls on S. Korea to consult with U.S. about N.K. engagement

He also said that the U.S. is using `` residual funds '' to minimize the impact from the Dec. 31 @ @ @ @ @ deal on South Korean workers hired by the U.S .
Forces Korea , and that @ @ @ @ @ mandated furlough notice soon , according to Reuters .

SEOUL, Jan. 16 (Yonhap) -- South Korea should consult with the U.S. about its plans to engage with North Korea to avoid any "misunderstandings" that may trigger sanctions, the top U.S. envoy to Seoul said Thursday.
Ambassador Harry Harris made the remark as South Korea is pushing to expand inter-Korean exchanges to facilitate the stalled nuclear negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang.
President Moon Jae-in said earlier this week that individual tours to the North do not violate the U.N. sanctions and that it could eventually induce the North to return to dialogue and win international support for partial relief of sanctions.
"President Moon's continued optimism is encouraging," Harris was quoted by Reuters as saying to foreign journalists in Seoul. "But with regard to acting on that optimism, I have said that things should be done in consultation with the United States."
This photo, filed Nov. 19, 2019, shows U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Harry Harris speaking during an interview with Yonhap News Agency. (Yonhap)
"In order to avoid a misunderstanding later that could trigger sanctions, it's better to run this through the Working Group," he said. The Working Group was set up in 2018 to coordinate North Korea-related issues.
Moon's remarks referred to the South Koreans' suspended tours to the North's Mount Kumgang on its east coast. Group tours to the scenic mountain were halted in 2008 after a South Korean tourist was shot and killed by a North Korean guard.
In response, the U.S. State Department said the allies are committed to a unified response to North Korea and that all U.N. member states are required to implement the sanctions resolutions. It did not comment on whether individual tours to the North fall under the scope of sanctions.
Washington has been wary of allowing exceptions to the U.N. sanctions regime out of concern they could undermine its "maximum pressure" campaign to denuclearize Pyongyang.
Regarding the negotiations currently under way on sharing the cost for stationing U.S. troops in Seoul, Harris said the two sides are "narrowing differences" although the gap remains.
He also said that the U.S. is using "residual funds" to minimize the impact from the Dec. 31 expiry of last year's deal on South Korean workers hired by the U.S. Forces Korea, and that they will be given a mandated furlough notice soon, according to Reuters.
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-16--Mahindra vows to make efforts to put SsangYong back on track

Mahindra & Mahindra Managing Director Pawan Goenka flew to Seoul on Thursday for a meeting with officials of the state-run @ @ @ @ @ ) , which is in charge of loans extended to SsangYong Motor , on the @ @ @

SEOUL, Jan. 16 (Yonhap) -- An executive from Indian carmaker Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. on Thursday vowed to present measures to put its cash-strapped South Korean unit, SsangYong Motor, back on track during a meeting with the carmaker's main creditor bank in Seoul.
Mahindra & Mahindra Managing Director Pawan Goenka flew to Seoul on Thursday for a meeting with officials of the state-run Korea Development Bank (KDB), which is in charge of loans extended to SsangYong Motor, on the same day.
"SsangYong Motor's earnings results have deteriorated due to lower demand in the global automobile market but Mahindra underlined that it, as the largest shareholder, is making 'responsible' efforts to revive SsangYong Motor," KDB said in a statement.
This file photo taken on Jan. 16, 2020, shows Mahindra & Mahindra Managing Director Pawan Goenka stepping into the Korea Development Bank's headquarters in Seoul for talks with KDB officials. (Yonhap)
On top of its direct investment plans for a turnaround in SsangYong Motor, Mahindra said its business ties with the world's leading carmakers can help reinforce the competitiveness of the Korean unit.
The KDB said it hopes that SsangYong Motor will turn around as quickly as possible through self-help programs.
The Mahindra executive appears to have sought financial help from the Korean state lender for SsangYong Motor.
Mahindra said it may consider injecting 230 billion won into SsangYong Motor to normalize its business during a meeting with the carmaker's labor union in India late last year.
But the Indian parent firm made it clear that the injection will be possible if the KDB extends an additional loan to its Korean unit. Mahindra & Mahindra owns a 72.85-percent stake in SsangYong Motor.
Goenka's visit comes ahead of SsangYong Motor's planned board meeting on Jan. 30. Goenka serves as chairman of SsangYong Motor's board.
For the whole of 2019, SsangYong Motor's sales fell 6.5 percent to 132,799 vehicles from 141,995 units in the year-ago period due to lower demand for its models.
SsangYong's lineup is composed of the flagship G4 Rexton, Tivoli, Korando, and Rexton Sports.
In March 2011, Mahindra acquired a 70-percent stake in the carmaker in bankruptcy proceedings for 523 billion won (US$450 million) as part of its "globalization strategy."
Mahindra currently owns a 74.65 percent stake in SsangYong Motor after two rounds of rights issues worth 130 billion won since 2013.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-16--Ex-civil servant tapped presidential secretary for digital innovation

It 's part of Cheong Wa Dae 's campaign to enhance South Korea 's competitiveness in response to the fourth @ @ @ @ @ such sectors as artificial intelligence and 5G networks .

SEOUL, Jan. 16 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in picked a former science ministry official as his Cheong Wa Dae secretary for digital innovation, a newly created post, Thursday.
Cho Kyeong-sik, currently an auditor at broadcaster EBS, has been nominated for the position born in Cheong Wa Dae's organizational change earlier this year, according to Moon's office.
It's part of Cheong Wa Dae's campaign to enhance South Korea's competitiveness in response to the fourth industrial revolution, especially in such sectors as artificial intelligence and 5G networks.
Cho earlier served at the science and ICT ministry and the Korea Communications Commission.
Cho Kyeong-sik, tapped as secretary to President Moon Jae-in for digital innovation, in a photo provided by Cheong Wa Dae (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-16--Queen: K-pop represents voice of new generation as Queen once did

`` With May and Taylor 's help , I quickly learned that instead of imitating and copying what Freddie did @ @ @ @ @ this work and to have some integrity is look at the songs as great pieces @ @ @ @ @ to communicate human experiences and be of service , '' Lambert said .

By Park Boram
SEOUL, Jan. 16 (Yonhap) -- Legendary British rock band Queen said during a news conference in Seoul on Thursday that K-pop, as represented by boy band BTS, is the voice of the new generation as Queen once was a voice of an emerging generation.
Queen arrived in South Korea on Wednesday for its first concerts in the country.
The band, now a three-member configuration including Adam Lambert as lead vocalist, is scheduled to perform on Saturday and Sunday at Gocheok Sky Dome in western Seoul under Hyundai Card Co.'s "Super Concert" series.
The concerts come after a 2018 film, "Bohemian Rhapsody," became a sensation, drawing a 9 million viewers -- in South Korea.
Queen once again came to focus when BTS performed at London's Wembley Stadium, the venue of Queen's legendary 1985 Live Aid concert, before sold out crowds of more than 90,000 for two nights last year.
British rock band Queen speaks during a press conference in Seoul on Jan. 16, 2020. (Yonhap)
"It has made a big impression on England, it's very big," Brian May, Queen's guitarist, said during the press conference, referring to the rise of K-pop.
"It's very interesting for me to wonder how it will evolve because when we were young, rock music was the language of the kids and it grew up and everybody thought rock and roll will be finished after a few years," May said.
"It's very interesting to see what happens when K-pop does grow with the generation, does it continue to be the voice of the generation?," he said.
The guitarist admitted, chuckling, that the sensational success of "Bohemian Rhapsody" in South Korea helped bring the nearly 50-year-old band back to life.
"It definitely brought a new generation to us. We witnessed at the airport young kids screaming at us, which we haven't seen for quite a while," he said. "It has given us a new life."
This year marks Queen's 10th year with Adam Lambert, an American singer who joined the band in 2011 for the role of Freddie Mercury, the famous founding frontman of Queen.
Mercury is Lambert's personal hero and replacing him in the band was intimidating at first.
"I knew living up to the standards is gonna be nearly impossible," he recalled.
"With May and Taylor's help, I quickly learned that instead of imitating and copying what Freddie did, the key to making this work and to have some integrity is look at the songs as great pieces of music and as ways to communicate human experiences and be of service," Lambert said.
The singer said once he got the comparison to Freddie out of his head, he started to communicate with audiences.
"There's only one Freddie Mercury and there will be only one Freddie Mercury," he said, adding, "It's such a joy to be onstage and celebrate him as an artist."
Roger Taylor, Queen's drummer, said the band's collaboration with Lambert was an "incredible discovery."
British rock band Queen's guitarist Brian May speaks during a press conference on Jan. 16, 2020. (Yonhap)
Working with the young musician is similar to but also distinct from how Queen worked with its original lineup, according to May.
"In some ways, it's very similar: we make music and we make people happy," he said.
"In some (other) ways, it's different because in those days, we were hacking out. We were creating a new situation for ourselves," May said, recounting Queen's old days.
"Whereas now, we are in a place where we know where we are. The nice thing is that we are still being creative and evolving things. Adam brings new interpretation and new life."
Nearly 50 years in, Queen still does a lot of sound checks, he also said, adding that the band continues to think of how it can change and how to move forward.
British rock band Queen pose for photos during a press conference in Seoul on Jan. 16, 2020. (Yonhap)
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-16--NSC discusses inter-Korean cooperation, Iran issue

In connection with the recent security conditions in the Middle East , they also reviewed how to protect South Korean @ @ @ @ @ there as well as secure freedom of navigation for South Korean ships , Cheong Wa @ @ @

SEOUL, Jan. 16 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's top security officials had discussions Thursday on the two major pending issues of resuming inter-Korean cooperation and contributing to security in the Middle East, according to Cheong Wa Dae.
In a standing committee session of the National Security Council (NSC), they discussed ways to "invigorate" the Korea peace process via a push for inter-Korean cooperation to support substantive progress in denuclearization talks between Pyongyang and Washington.
In connection with the recent security conditions in the Middle East, they also reviewed how to protect South Korean people, companies and assets there as well as secure freedom of navigation for South Korean ships, Cheong Wa Dae said.
It did not provide details in a three-paragraph press release on the results of the weekly NSC meeting presided over by Chung Eui-yong, director of national security at the presidential office.
Chung Eui-yong, director of Cheong Wa Dae's national security office, in a file photo (Yonhap)
The United States reportedly wants South Korea, one of its allies, to dispatch troops to the Strait of Hormuz.
President Moon Jae-in is also pushing for the resumption of some inter-Korean projects in a bid to help facilitate North Korea-U.S. dialogue.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-16--S. Korea heightens readiness against spread of China coronavirus in Asia

The KCDC said it plans to quickly check and isolate people suffering from fever , respiratory problems and other symptoms @ @ @ @ @ mode during the Lunar New Year holiday when a large number of people travel both @ @ @ @ @ .
This year 's holiday runs from Jan. 24-27 .

SEOUL, Jan. 16 (Yonhap) -- South Korea is heightening its response posture amid the spread of a new China coronavirus in Asia, the country's public health and safety agency said Thursday.
New cases of people coming down with pneumonia-like symptoms after visiting the city of Wuhan in Hubei Province have been reported in Japan and Thailand, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
Beijing has said that the new strain of coronavirus is not contagious between people, but the World Health Organization (WHO) is not ruling out person-to-person transmission under certain conditions, the center said.
South Korea reported a case involving a Chinese woman who visited Wuhan earlier in the month. She has since been released from quarantine after tests showed she did not have the same kind of virus found in China.
The KCDC said it plans to quickly check and isolate people suffering from fever, respiratory problems and other symptoms and will go into emergency mode during the Lunar New Year holiday when a large number of people travel both within the country and abroad. This year's holiday runs from Jan. 24-27.
Health authorities in major cities and provinces will be provided with a "pan-coronavirus" detection kit from Jan. 22 onward.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-16--KBO's Samsung Lions sign ex-MLB pitcher Buchanan

The Korea Baseball Organization ( KBO ) team said on Thursday Buchanan has agreed to a one-year deal worth up @ @ @ @ @ He 'll get $ 600,000 in salary and $ 100,000 in signing bonus , and @ @ @ @ @ 150,000 in incentives .

SEOUL, Jan. 16 (Yonhap) -- South Korean baseball club Samsung Lions have signed former major league right-hander David Buchanan.
The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) team said on Thursday Buchanan has agreed to a one-year deal worth up to US$850,000. He'll get $600,000 in salary and $100,000 in signing bonus, and he can make another $150,000 in incentives.
The Lions said Buchanan's arsenal includes a four-seam fastball, cutter, changeup, slider and curveball, and he's a groundball pitcher well suited for their Daegu Samsung Lions Park.
In this photo provided by the Samsung Lions on Jan. 16, 2020, David Buchanan, the club's newly acquired pitcher, holds up the Lions' jersey at Daegu Samsung Lions Park in Daegu, 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The 30-year-old made 35 starts for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2014 and 2015, going a combined 8-17 with a 5.01 ERA.
He spent the past three seasons in Japan with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, compiling a 20-30 record and a 4.07 ERA in 71 games, including 53 starts.
Buchanan's signing completes the foreign player puzzle for the Lions. They earlier re-signed right-hander Ben Lively and newly acquired utility player Tyler Saladino.
KBO teams can sign up to three foreign players, with no more than two pitchers.
In this EPA file photo from Sept. 3, 2014, David Buchanan of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches against the Atlanta Braves in the bottom of the first inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game at Turner Field in Atlanta. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-16--(LEAD) Hyundai, Kia invest $110 mln in UK-based EV startup

Hyundai and Kia have made the investment to jointly develop electric commercial vehicles , such as vans and buses , @ @ @ @ @ sell them to local logistics and mobility companies that provide on-demand ride-hailing and shuttle services @ @ @ @ @ in a statement .

(ATTN: CHANGES currency unit in headline and lead; ADDS executives' comments and details in paras 5-8, 11-17)
By Choi Kyong-ae
SEOUL, Jan. 16 (Yonhap) -- Hyundai Motor Co. and its affiliate Kia Motors Corp. said Thursday they have invested US$110 million in the U.K.-based electric vehicle startup Arrival as part of their future mobility strategy.
Hyundai and Kia have made the investment to jointly develop electric commercial vehicles, such as vans and buses, for the European market and sell them to local logistics and mobility companies that provide on-demand ride-hailing and shuttle services, Hyundai Motor Group said in a statement.
Hyundai and Kia injected $89 million and $22 million, respectively, in the British company, which has developed in-house software, components and other technologies for the development of a next-generation electric vehicles, it said.
They didn't provide further details of the investment.
Albert Biermann (R), head of the Hyundai Moto Group's R&D division, shakes hands with Arrival CEO Denis Sverdlov after signing a deal for the group's investment in the British company at the group's headquarters in Seoul on Jan. 16, 2020, in this photo provided by Hyundai. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
"The eco-friendly vehicle market in Europe is expected to grow rapidly due to the introduction of further environmental regulations," Albert Biermann, president and head of the research and development division at Hyundai Motor Group, said in the statement.
Through the partnership with Arrival, Hyundai Motor Group will be able to gain a competitive edge and make its presence felt in the global eco-friendly vehicle market, with Europe at the forefront, he said.
Arrival's Chief Executive Denis Sverdlov said, "Arrival has created a game changing product category -- Generation 2 Electric Vehicles. This strategic partnership will empower our companies to scale Generation 2 Electric Vehicles globally."
Hyundai and Kia will be able to use Arrival's "skateboard" vehicle platform, which has a modular component structure that makes it a cost-effective base and incorporates a battery pack, an electric motor and driveline components, the statement said.
The two carmakers said they expect the investment in Arrival to help them to develop purpose built vehicles (PBVs) that allow passengers to enjoy tailored services while traveling to their destinations.
After personalization, PBVs can function as restaurants, coffee shops or hotels -- even clinics and pharmacies -- in addition to being urban shuttles.
With the rapid growth of online shopping, the volume of light commercial vehicles in urban areas has increased. Demand for eco-friendly commercial vehicles is expected to rise as governments tighten environmental regulations further, the statement said.
As for Hyundai, it expects the partnership with Arrival will help it accelerate its two-track strategy of delivering hydrogen fuel-cell electric and battery electric solutions for the European commercial vehicle market.
Last year, Hyundai and Kia made aggressive investments in overseas EV companies to carve out a presence in the rapidly expanding EV market.
In May, the carmakers invested $90 million in Croatian high-performance EV firm Rimac for joint research activities.
In September, they signed a deal to acquire a 20 percent stake in IONITY GmbH, a joint venture between BMW Group, Ford Motor Co., Daimler AG and Volkswagen Group established in 2017.
IONITY currently has nearly 140 charging stations in Europe, with 50 more under construction. Its fast chargers provide a maximum charging power of 350 kilowatts, seven times more powerful than normal rapid chargers on the market.
Hyundai said its strategic partnership with IONITY will help its European customers reduce EV charging times and better facilitate long-distance travel.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

Earlier this week , President Moon Jae-in stressed the need to expand inter-Korean exchanges and cooperation , saying it would @ @ @ @ @ support for sanctions relief for Pyongyang and help facilitate nuclear talks between the North and @ @ @ @

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Thursday.
----------------
Ministry making list of possible inter-Korean cooperative projects: official
SEOUL -- The unification ministry is making a list of joint projects that South Korea can pursue with North Korea regardless of international sanctions on the communist nation, an official said Thursday.
Earlier this week, President Moon Jae-in stressed the need to expand inter-Korean exchanges and cooperation, saying it would be conducive to enlisting international support for sanctions relief for Pyongyang and help facilitate nuclear talks between the North and the United States.
----------------
Actor Joo Jin-mo apologizes to women mentioned in his hacked text messages
SEOUL -- Actor Joo Jin-mo, in trouble after his personal mobile text messages were leaked by hackers, apologized Thursday to his acquaintances and the women mentioned in the messages.
"Following the incident, I am leading a life in which I can't even breathe. I am sorry to everybody," he said in a message released through his legal representative.
----------------
PM says govt needs firm commitment to root out property speculation
SEJONG -- Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said Thursday the government needs to root out real estate speculation through a clear policy commitment while adhering to due process.
Chung made the remarks during a meeting with reporters in the administrative city of Sejong, amid speculation that the government could unveil stronger measures to curb rising housing prices.
----------------
(LEAD) Seoul stocks hit 9-month high after Sino-U.S. trade deal
SEOUL -- South Korean stocks advanced to a nine-month high on Thursday as investors scooped up major tech shares, buoyed by the signing of a preliminary Sino-American trade deal. The South Korean won lost ground against the U.S. dollar.
After a choppy session, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) gained 17.07 points, or 0.77 percent, to close at 2,248.05, marking its highest point since April 16, when it reached 2,248.63 points.
----------------
Samsung, LG launch air conditioners with upgraded AI, easy cleaning features
SEOUL -- South Korean home appliance makers are already gearing up for the summer season as they introduced their latest lineup of air conditioners to attract consumers here.
Samsung Electronics Co. and LG Electronics Inc. launched the 2020 versions of their air conditioners this week, emphasizing upgraded artificial intelligence (AI) and easy cleaning functions.
----------------
(LEAD) S. Korea to host ADB's annual meeting in May
SEJONG -- South Korea will host this year's annual meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in May, Seoul's finance ministry said Thursday.
The 53rd ADB meeting will be held on May 2-5 in Songdo, near Incheon International Airport, the ministry said in a statement.
----------------
(LEAD) S. Korea to raise annual R&D budget for bio industry to 4 tln won by 2025
SEONGNAM -- South Korea plans to raise its annual research and development budget for the biotechnology industry to 4 trillion won (US$3.4 billion) by 2025, Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki said Thursday.
Hong made the remarks as he visited a biotechnology firm in Seongnam, south of Seoul, earlier in the day.
(END)


yna--2020-01-16--(LEAD) S. Korea to raise annual R&D budget for bio industry to 4 tln won by 2025

The value of output in the local biotechnology industry was estimated at 10.48 trillion won in 2018 , compared with @ @ @ @ @ earlier , according to data by the Korea Biotechnology Industry Organization .

(ATTN: ADDS remarks in last 4 paras)
SEONGNAM, South Korea, Jan. 16 (Yonhap) -- South Korea plans to raise its annual research and development budget for the biotechnology industry to 4 trillion won (US$3.4 billion) by 2025, Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki said Thursday.
Hong made the remarks as he visited a biotechnology firm in Seongnam, south of Seoul, earlier in the day.
Last year, South Korea spent 2.5 trillion won for research and development for the biotechnology industry.
Hong also vowed to step up deregulations to help biotechnology startups become unicorns with a valuation of more than $1 billion.
"Regulations are the biggest hurdle for the biotechnology industry," Hong said.
Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki (2nd from L) visits a biotechnology firm in Seongnam, south of Seoul, on Jan. 16, 2020. (Yonhap)
Biotechnology startups have been able to develop products without regulatory hurdles. Under a so-called regulatory sandbox, biotechnology firms are exempted from strict regulation.
This year, the government will designate 10 industrial sectors, including the biotechnology industry, to benefit from the regulatory sandbox, Hong said.
South Korea's biotechnology industry output increased 3.3 percent in 2018 from the previous year on the back of robust growth of the outsourced sector.
The value of output in the local biotechnology industry was estimated at 10.48 trillion won in 2018, compared with 10.13 trillion won a year earlier, according to data by the Korea Biotechnology Industry Organization.
Hong told reporters that the interim Sino-American trade deal would bring "positive factors in general" to the Korean economy.
"The biggest positive factor is that uncertainties are resolved due to the first phase deal," Hong said.
The Korean government will nevertheless closely monitor how the U.S. and China negotiate toward a second phase deal, Hong said.
South Korea's main stock index climbed 0.8 percent on Thursday after the United States and China signed an initial trade deal.
(END)


yna--2020-01-16--LPGA legend Pak Se-ri to receive U.S. golf award

Pak , 42 , won 25 titles , including five majors , during her trailblazing LPGA career .
She exploded @ @ @ @ @ 1998 , capturing two majors en route to winning the tour 's Rookie of the @ @ @ @ @ victory came at the 1998 U.S. Women 's Open , where she became the youngest @ @ @ @ @ that point at age 20 .

SEOUL, Jan. 16 (Yonhap) -- South Korean LPGA legend Pak Se-ri has been named the recipient of a major award presented by the U.S. golf governing body.
The United States Golf Association (USGA) announced on Wednesday (local time) that Pak, a World Golf Hall of Famer, will receive the 2020 Bob Jones Award.
Named after the late golfing hero, the Bob Jones Award recognizes "an individual who demonstrates the spirit, personal character and respect for the game exhibited by Jones," the USGA said. The award has been presented annually since 1955.
In this file photo from July 3, 2019, former South Korean LPGA golfer Pak Se-ri speaks at a press conference in Seoul to announce the lineup for the Seolhaeone Legends Match, an exhibition golf competition pitting retired LPGA stars against active players. (Yonhap)
Pak, 42, won 25 titles, including five majors, during her trailblazing LPGA career. She exploded onto the LPGA scene in 1998, capturing two majors en route to winning the tour's Rookie of the Year award. Her signature victory came at the 1998 U.S. Women's Open, where she became the youngest champion in tournament history to that point at age 20.
Pak is credited with inspiring a whole generation of South Korean golfers who went on to dominate the tour, including LPGA Hall of Famer Park In-bee.
According to the USGA, Pak will receive the award during the week of the 2020 U.S. Open in June at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, New York.
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-16--Over 100 sex offenders caught working at child-related facilities

In the crackdown jointly conducted by various government agencies from February to November last year , a total of 108 @ @ @ @ @ crimes were found working at 106 schools , private academies , kindergartens and other institutions @ @ @ @ @ , the ministry said .

SEOUL, Jan. 16 (Yonhap) -- A recent government crackdown netted more than 100 sex offenders working at schools and other facilities related to children and youths, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family said Thursday.
In the crackdown jointly conducted by various government agencies from February to November last year, a total of 108 people with records of sexual crimes were found working at 106 schools, private academies, kindergartens and other institutions related to children and youths, the ministry said.
Fifty of them were operators of such institutions, with the remaining 58 being employees.
Of the 50 operators, 41 were ordered to close down their institutions, while nine others were ordered replaced, the ministry said, adding the dismissals of all 58 employees were demanded.
It said 91 of the 108 sex offenders have so far been expelled from their institutions, with the remaining 17 facing expulsion soon.
It also noted 30.56 percent of the 108 sex offenders worked for private education facilities, while sport facilities and security service businesses accounted for 23.15 percent and 11.12 percent, respectively.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-16--Hyundai Merchant to join major shipping alliance in April

Hyundai Merchant added that its 12 container ships in the 24,000-TEU , or twenty-foot equivalent unit , class are to @ @ @ @ @ April and that they will be used on a route connecting Asia and Europe .

SEOUL, Jan. 16 (Yonhap) -- Hyundai Merchant Marine Co., South Korea's leading shipper, said Thursday it will officially become a member of a major ocean carrier alliance in April.
Hyundai Merchant said it has received approval from the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission to join THE Alliance, one of the world's top three shipping alliances along with 2M Alliance and Ocean Alliance.
THE Alliance was formed in April 2017 by Hapag-Lloyd AG of Germany, Ocean Network Express Pte. Ltd. of Japan and Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp. of Taiwan.
This photo provided by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. on Jan. 12, 2020, shows a container ship to be operated by Hyundai Merchant Marine Co. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The South Korean shipper has been serving as a strategic partner for 2M Alliance, operated by Maersk Line of Denmark and Mediterranean Shipping Co. (MSC) of Switzerland, since April 2017, but their partnership is set to expire in March 2020.
Hyundai Merchant said becoming a member of THE Alliance will refresh its brand image in the shipping market and improve its earnings.
The company said it will first offer services on 27 of 33 shipping routes operated by THE Alliance.
Hyundai Merchant added that its 12 container ships in the 24,000-TEU, or twenty-foot equivalent unit, class are to operate in order starting in April and that they will be used on a route connecting Asia and Europe.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-16--Annual shopping festival for foreign tourists kicks off

Eight Korean air airlines , including Korean Air and Asiana Airlines , will provide up to 95-percent discounts on some @ @ @ @ @ Korean cities during the festival , while discounts on land transportation services will also be @ @ @ @ @ of the country .

SEOUL, Jan. 16 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's annual winter shopping festival for foreign tourists kicked off its 45-day run on Thursday.
Korea Grand Sale 2020 will run until Feb. 29, offering foreign visitors discounts at some 1,100 retailers and service providers across the country, a record high number.
Participants unfurl a giant invitation card at the opening ceremony of the 2020 Korea Grand Sale at the Welcome Center in Seoul on Jan. 16, 2019. Some 1,100 businesses, including airlines, hotels, shopping malls and restaurants, are participating in the campaign, which will continue until Feb. 29. (Yonhap)
Along major tourist routes across South Korea, the participating companies will provide discounts on accommodations, goods, transportation, food, museums and amusement park tickets for foreign tourists.
The events include special admissions to major K-pop programs, such as the annual "M Countdown" TV show by K-pop channel Mnet and the Seoul Music Awards set for January.
Eight Korean air airlines, including Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, will provide up to 95-percent discounts on some 100 flight routes to South Korean cities during the festival, while discounts on land transportation services will also be available for tourists from outside of the country.
Some 300 hotels across South Korea will also join the festival, providing up to 80-percent discounts, according to the committee.
The annual shopping event has been held since 2011.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-16--(2nd LD) S. Korea, U.S. wrap up defense cost talks without breakthrough

Later in the day , the foreign ministry said that South Korea 's possible troop deployment to the Strait of @ @ @ @ @ during the defense cost talks , rejecting speculation the issue could be used as a @ @ @ @ @ calls for allies to join its initiative to protect the key waterway .

(ATTN: ADDS foreign ministry's comments, other details in paras 8-13)
By Kim Seung-yeon
SEOUL/WASHINGTON, Jan. 16 (Yonhap) -- Differences still remain between South Korea and the United States over how to share the cost of stationing American troops in Korea, the foreign ministry said Thursday, after wrapping up the latest round of negotiations in Washington.
The two teams, led by Jeong Eun-bo on the South Korean side and James DeHart on the U.S. side, held their sixth round of talks on Tuesday and Wednesday (U.S. time) to renew the countries' Special Measures Agreement (SMA). The previous SMA expired at the end of last year.
"The two sides broadened their mutual understanding and consensus, but confirmed that there are still differences between them," the foreign ministry said in a statement Thursday without elaborating on what those differences are.
During the talks, the South stuck to its existing position that negotiations should be conducted within the framework of the current agreement and that a "reasonable and equitable" deal should be reached, the ministry said.
The two sides agreed to work together to conclude negotiations at an early date, it said.
The allies have shown disagreement over determining Seoul's payment for maintaining some 28,500 U.S. soldiers on its soil. Washington has demanded a significant increase in the financial contributions and creation of additional categories for Seoul to shoulder the cost for rotational troop deployments to the peninsula.
Under last year's SMA, Seoul was required to pay some US$870 million.
Later in the day, the foreign ministry said that South Korea's possible troop deployment to the Strait of Hormuz didn't come up during the defense cost talks, rejecting speculation the issue could be used as a bargaining chip amid Washington's calls for allies to join its initiative to protect the key waterway.
"There were no discussions in relation to the Hormuz during the SMA negotiations," ministry spokesperson Kim In-chul told a press briefing when asked about the possible troop dispatch.
What and how Seoul can contribute to the U.S. request apparently topped the agenda during the bilateral meeting between Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo near San Francisco on Tuesday.
The top U.S. diplomat called for collective efforts by the international community to safeguard the region, a Seoul official said after the meeting, suggesting that Washington wants commitments from Seoul.
South Korea has yet to make a decision on whether to contribute, considering its trade relations with Iran.
"Over the negotiation process, our side has said that our contribution to the alliance through indirect or direct support, besides the SMA, should be fairly assessed," Kim added.
Jeong made a similar comment that he has been emphasizing to the U.S. side that the South has made big contributions to the alliance, including arms purchases from Washington.
Arriving in Washington on Monday, Jeong told reporters that the two sides are narrowing their differences but remain apart on how to reach a "comprehensive" deal.
U.S. President Donald Trump has branded South Korea a rich country that should pay more for its defense. In a media interview over the weekend, he claimed, "They're going to pay us a lot more."
This photo, provided by South Korea's foreign ministry, shows Jeong Eun-bo (R), Seoul's chief negotiator, shaking hands with his U.S. counterpart, James DeHart, during their sixth round of talks in Washington on Jan. 14, 2020. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-16--PM says govt needs firm commitment to root out property speculation

During his New Year press conference on Tuesday , President Moon Jae-in said the government will enact strong countermeasures `` @ @ @ @ @ stabilize the housing market , in particular , in Seoul .
He even raised the @ @ @ @ @ soaring home prices .

SEJONG, Jan. 16 (Yonhap) -- Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said Thursday the government needs to root out real estate speculation through a clear policy commitment while adhering to due process.
Chung made the remarks during a meeting with reporters in the administrative city of Sejong, amid speculation that the government could unveil stronger measures to curb rising housing prices.
"There is a need to root out real estate speculation. But such efforts should be made in the legal and institutional realm," Chung said.
"(The government) cannot curb property speculation by force. It is right to do that job with the government's firm (policy) commitment and push for the drive under normal procedures," he added.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun meets with reporters in the government complex building in the administrative city of Sejong on Jan. 16, 2020. (Yonhap)
During his New Year press conference on Tuesday, President Moon Jae-in said the government will enact strong countermeasures "endlessly" if necessary to stabilize the housing market, in particular, in Seoul. He even raised the need for the reversal of soaring home prices.
Kang Gi-jung, senior Cheong Wa Dae secretary for political affairs, made a buzz on Wednesday by saying that the government should pay attention to calls to introduce a system that allows it to decide whether to permit real estate transactions in case of speculative investments.
The presidential office later dismissed Kang's remarks as his personal view, due to public backlash that the adoption of such a scheme runs counter to the principle of the market economy.
Chung declined to comment on Cheong Wa Dae's announcement, but stressed the need to make all-out efforts to stabilize the housing market.
"(Stabilizing home prices) is a task that the government needs to accomplish for people who feel underprivileged," he added.
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-16--(LEAD) Celltrion to build plant in China

`` We are in the final stage of signing a contract with the Chinese government .
We will soon announce @ @ @ @ @ '' Chairman Seo Jung-jin said during the annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco @ @ @ @ @ ) .

(ATTN: ADDS photo and more info in paras 5-7, 15-17)
By Kim Han-joo
SEOUL, Jan. 16 (Yonhap) -- Major South Korean biosimilar manufacturer Celltrion Inc. plans to build a plant in China in a move to directly advance into the world's second-largest biopharmaceutical market, its chief said.
"We are in the final stage of signing a contract with the Chinese government. We will soon announce details of the plant," Chairman Seo Jung-jin said during the annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco on Wednesday (local time).
The company's business roadmap centers on building a plant with a production capacity of 120,000 liters in China to boost capacity amid rising demand.
The planned factory will be the largest production facility in China, according to Celltrion.
This photo, provided by Celltrion Inc. on Jan. 16, 2020, shows Chairman Seo Jung-jin speaking during the annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco on Jan. 15, 2020 (local time). (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The business plan deviates from its earlier plan to set up a joint venture (JV), dubbed Vcell Healthcare Ltd., with Hong Kong-based Nan Fung Group in China.
"Celltrion will eventually also set up direct-sale system in China," Seo said. "A portfolio of 16 products that are tailored for the Chinese market will be set up by 2030."
Data from the World Health Organization showed that the Chinese biopharmaceutical market is expected to post annual growth of nearly 20 percent by 2025. It is currently behind the United States.
The company said it will also launch a system to sell drugs like Remsima SC directly.
In November, the European Medicines Agency gave the green light to Celltrion's application to sell Remsima SC, the subcutaneous (SC) version of Remsima, a biosimilar copy of Janssen Biotech, Inc.'s Remicade, for the treatment of autoimmune disease.
This undated photo, provided by Celltrion Inc., shows its biosimilar drug Remsima SC. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Celltrion also has recently finished registering patients for a phase-three clinical trial of its blockbuster biosimilar, Remsima, in China. The study began in October 2018.
"A direct-sales system in the global market will kick off next month in time for the launch of Remsima SC in Germany," the chairman said.
Remsima, administered through intravascular injections, is used in the treatment of a number of diseases, from rheumatoid arthritis to Crohn's disease, Celltrion said.
The SC version allows patients to inject it by themselves, unlike the intravenous formulation that requires patients to visit hospitals.
Earlier, Celltrion Healthcare, which handles Celltrion's overseas business, completed the establishment of corporate bodies in 10 countries to strengthen its direct-sales system.
Seo said Celltrion will also newly tap into the global diabetes market that is estimated to be worth 46 trillion won.
"We will eventually co-develop an insulin biosimilar through a 'license-in' method," Seo said.
The chairman also noted the possibility of merging Celltrion with its affiliates -- Celltrion Healthcare and Celltrion Pharma -- on the condition that company shareholders want the plan.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)