yna--2020-12-03--Army general appointed as new JCS vice chairman

The appointment was part of a regular shake-up that also included the promotion of a total of 10 generals to @ @ @ @ @ from the Army , two from the Navy and two from the Air Force .

SEOUL, Dec. 3 (Yonhap) -- Lt. Gen. Yoon Eui-chul, the head of the Army's training and doctrine command, was named Thursday as new vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the defense ministry said.
The appointment was part of a regular shake-up that also included the promotion of a total of 10 generals to the three-star rank -- six from the Army, two from the Navy and two from the Air Force.
Yoon, 56, worked as the chief of the crisis management center under the presidential National Security Council in 2018.
In Thursday's reshuffle, 19 generals -- 11 from the Army, two from the Navy and six from the Air Force -- were promoted to the two-star rank, according to the ministry.
Lt. Gen. Park Ju-kyeong was tapped as the Army's vice chief of staff, while Maj. Gen. Jung Sang-hwa was promoted to lieutenant general and appointed as the Air Force's vice chief of staff.
Maj. Gen. So Young-min was also promoted and tapped to lead the Army's Special Warfare Command, and Lt. Gen. Kim Jun-sik was named the commander of air force operations.
"We will continue to pursue fair and balanced personnel management by appointing talented individuals regardless of their background, gender or specialty," the ministry said in a release.
This photo, provided by the defense ministry, shows Lt. Gen. Yoon Eui-chul, the chief of the Army's training and doctrine command, who was named on Dec. 3, 2020, as the Joint Chiefs of Staff's (JCS) new vice chairman. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-03--Unification minister urges N.K. to refrain from provoking incoming U.S. administration

`` I have said this repeatedly on several occasions , but there should never be a provocation from North Korea @ @ @ @ @ the agreement signed by the two Koreas and it goes directly against the will of @ @ @ @ @ for peace , '' he said .

SEOUL, Dec. 3 (Yonhap) -- Unification Minister Lee In-young renewed calls for North Korea on Thursday to refrain from undertaking provocations amid concern that Pyongyang could try to test the incoming U.S. administration of President-elect Joe Biden.
Lee made the remarks during his virtual speech at a forum on peace, urging North Korea to abide by a summit agreement signed between South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in 2018 to reduce tensions and bolster cooperation.
"I have said this repeatedly on several occasions, but there should never be a provocation from North Korea as it runs counter to the agreement signed by the two Koreas and it goes directly against the will of our people and their desire for peace," he said.
Lee said that U.S. President-elect Joe Biden's approach toward North Korea may be flexible, pointing out that Biden has left room for the possibility of a summit meeting with Kim on the condition that Kim agrees to reduce his country's nuclear capabilities.
"We hope that the next six months or so will be a great opportunity to restart the peace process on the Korean Peninsula and to move toward complete denuclearization and lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula," he said.
Inter-Korean relations have stalled since a no-deal summit between the North and the United States in February last year. Many of the summit agreements signed by the two Koreas in 2018 have been on hold ever since.
The ties chilled further recently after North Korea cut off inter-Korean communication lines and blew up the liaison office in anger over the sending of anti-Pyongyang leaflets into the North from the South.
Unification Minister Lee In-young speaks during a forum at the National Assembly in Seoul on Nov. 23, 2020, to discuss ways to normalize communication lines between the two Koreas. Inter-Korean communication lines have remained severed since North Korea blew up the liaison office in its border town of Kaesong in June in protest of anti-Pyongyang leaflets sent from the South. (Yonhap)
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-03--(LEAD) China OKs S. Korean game for 1st time in nearly 4 years

`` China currently issues only one-tenth the video game licenses that it used to , '' Wi Jong-hyun , president @ @ @ @ @ , said in a Facebook post .
`` It would be naive to think that @ @ @ @ @ games will now receive licenses . ''

(ATTN: ADDS stock prices at bottom)
SEOUL, Dec. 3 (Yonhap) -- China's media regulator has approved a South Korean video game for the first time in nearly four years in what could be a relaxation of economic retaliation.
China's National Press and Publication Administration issued a license for "Summoners War" on Wednesday, paving the way for Com2uS Corp. to officially sell the mobile game in the Chinese market, according to the South Korean video game developer.
The decision marks a shift from China's reluctance to approve South Korean video games in apparent economic retaliation against Seoul over the deployment of an advanced U.S. missile defense system in South Korea.
In 2017, Seoul and Washington deployed the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system in South Korea to counter North Korea's evolving nuclear and missile threats.
China, South Korea's largest trading partner, has repeatedly pressed Seoul to withdraw the missile defense system, claiming it could hurt its security interests.
Com2uS Corp.'s popular mobile game "Summoners War" is shown in this undated image provided by the company. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Prior to the Chinese regulator's latest decision, no South Korean game had received a license since March 2017.
A Com2uS official said the company had sought approval for its game from the Chinese regulator since late 2016. "Summoners War" is Com2uS' flagship game that was globally released in June 2014.
Besides video games, other South Korean industries, such as tourism, have been hit hard by China's retaliation.
The number of Chinese tourists to South Korea fell by more than 30 percent in the 2017-2020 period from three years earlier amid the diplomatic row, according to data by the Korea Tourism Organization.
The latest video game approval raised hopes that more South Korean games could enter the Chinese market.
"The license approval for 'Summoners War' will raise expectations for the South Korean game industry to expand into the Chinese market," DB Financial Investment analyst Hwang Hyun-joon said.
Still, other game experts called for more support from the South Korean government to local game companies targeting the Chinese market.
"China currently issues only one-tenth the video game licenses that it used to," Wi Jong-hyun, president of the Korea Game Society, said in a Facebook post. "It would be naive to think that a string of South Korean games will now receive licenses."
"South Korea needs to continue to pressure (China) for more licenses," he added.
Com2uS' shares spiked 6.19 percent to close at 150,900 won, outperforming the broader KOSDAQ's 0.92 percent gain.
The news buoyed shares in other game giants, with Netmarble Corp. rising 3.59 percent, and Pearl Abyss Corp. soaring 14.11 percent.
yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-03--Seoul stocks finish record-high again on chip, auto gains; Korean won soars

SEOUL , Dec. 3 ( Yonhap ) -- South Korean stocks set another all-time high Thursday despite a resurgence in @ @ @ @ @ by strong advances by chip and auto heavyweights .
The Korean won sharply rose to @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. greenback .

SEOUL, Dec. 3 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks set another all-time high Thursday despite a resurgence in new coronavirus cases, led by strong advances by chip and auto heavyweights. The Korean won sharply rose to an almost 30-month high against the U.S. greenback.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 20.32 points, or 0.76 percent, to close at 2,696.22.
Stock trading hours were pushed back by 1 hour due to the nationwide college entrance exam.
Trading volume was moderate at about 810 million shares worth some 15.4 trillion won (US$14.1 billion), with gainers outnumbering losers 469 to 369.
Foreigners bought a net 212 billion won, and retail investors purchased a net 179 billion won. Institutions sold a net 388 billion won.
The KOSPI gained for a third consecutive session, briefly surging as high as 2,704.02 toward the session's close.
Trading of stocks, as well as the exchange traded fund (ETF) and bond markets, closed one hour later than usual at 4:30 p.m.,due to national college entrance exam.
After a choppy morning, stocks gained ground on strong gains by South Korea's two largest chipmakers, Samsung Electronics and SK hynix. Both firms closed at their all-time highs on brisk November exports and rosy forecasts for next year.
Stellar auto shares also lifted the stock index.
"Foreigners bought auto-related stocks as carmakers reported robust vehicle sales in the domestic market in November despite the pandemic," Shinhan Financial Investment analyst Choi Yoo-joon said.
The combined domestic sales by five homegrown carmakers in November jumped 5 percent on-year, according to data from the companies.
Large caps closed higher in Seoul.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics added 0.29 percent to record 69,700 won, and No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix hiked 2.29 percent to an all-time high of 111,500 won.
Hyundai Motor, the country's largest carmaker, spiked 7.67 percent, helped by expectations on its new EV platform technologies.
Leading chemical firm LG Chem moved up 0.59 percent to 846,000 won, while rechargeable battery maker Samsung SDI closed unchanged at 552,000 won.
Pharmaceutical giant Samsung Biologics advanced 1.9 percent to 805,000 won, while Celltrion rose 1.15 percent to 351,000 won.
Internet portal giant Naver went up 1.23 percent to 287,000 won, with its rival Kakao gaining 0.27 percent to 374,000 won.
The local currency closed at 1,097.0 won against the U.S. dollar, up 3.8 won from the previous session's close and the highest since June 14, 2018, when the comparable figure was 1,083.1 won.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-03--Disciplinary session for top prosecutor deferred again amid growing tension

As the culmination of yearlong tension between the two over a series of controversial investigations , the minister suspended Yoon @ @ @ @ @ and said she would discipline him over six counts of alleged misdeeds , including collecting @ @ @ @ @ charge of politically sensitive cases .

SEOUL, Dec. 3 (Yonhap) -- The Ministry of Justice said Thursday that it decided to postpone a meeting to discuss disciplinary measures against the country's chief prosecutor to next week amid increasing backlash over what has been slammed as hasty procedures.
"Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae decided to accept the prosecutor general's request to postpone the date and rescheduled it to Dec. 10 to guarantee his right to defend," the ministry said in a statement.
The announcement came soon after President Moon Jae-in emphasized procedural legitimacy and fairness in operating the disciplinary committee, originally slated to meet on Friday, against Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl. The meeting was already postponed once.
Yoon has demanded the meeting be rescheduled to a later date, citing a procedural error and the ministry's uncooperative attitude towards sharing documents related to his alleged misdeeds.
As the culmination of yearlong tension between the two over a series of controversial investigations, the minister suspended Yoon from duty earlier last week and said she would discipline him over six counts of alleged misdeeds, including collecting personal data of justices in charge of politically sensitive cases.
But Yoon has been restored to his position after a court on Tuesday accepted his injunction request on the ground that suspending Yoon from duty was tantamount to dismissing him, which damaged the prosecution's core principles of neutrality and independence.
On the same day, the ministry's inspection committee also took Yoon's side by advising against the suspension during a three-hour meeting, citing "procedural flaws."
Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl arrives at the Supreme Prosecutors Office on Dec. 1, 2020. (Yonhap)
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

Students arrived at their designated test facilities accompanied by their family members , but there was little of the cheer @ @ @ @ @ schools on exam day due to restrictions caused by the pandemic .

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Thursday.
-----------------
(3rd LD) New virus cases over 500 for 2nd day, no letup in sight despite tough virus curbs
(ATTN: ADDS details throughout; CHANGES photos)
SEOUL -- South Korea's new coronavirus cases stayed above 500 for the second consecutive day Thursday as locally transmitted cases continued to pile up across the country, further raising concerns over a bigger wave of the pandemic in the winter season.
The country added 540 more COVID-19 cases, including 516 local infections, raising the total caseload to 35,703, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). The capital city of Seoul accounted for 260 of the total.
-----------------
(3rd LD) Half a million take college entrance exam as virus surges
(ATTN: UPDATES with government official's warning in paras 11-12; CHANGES headline, photos)
SEOUL -- Hundreds of thousands of students took the annual national college entrance exam Thursday while taking extra precautions to guard against the continued surge of the coronavirus.
Students arrived at their designated test facilities accompanied by their family members, but there was little of the cheer typical of the scene outside schools on exam day due to restrictions caused by the pandemic.
-----------------
(2nd LD) Moon says 'procedural justification' is important over prosecution chief's fate
(ATTN: UPDATES with additional message, postponement of panel session, more background info in paras 10-11, 14-16; ADDS photos)
SEOUL -- President Moon Jae-in has emphasized the importance of "procedural justification and fairness" in deciding whether to discipline South Korea's top prosecutor over his alleged wrongdoings, Cheong Wa Dae said Thursday.
With regard to the operation of a related disciplinary committee against Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl, Moon said, "Procedural justification and fairness are very important," according to Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kang Min-seok.
-----------------
S. Korea inks coronavirus vaccine deal with AstraZeneca
SEOUL -- South Korea has signed a deal with British-Swedish bio giant AstraZeneca Plc. to purchase the company's COVID-19 vaccine, health officials said Thursday.
Seoul, however, didn't disclose the details of the contract, including financial terms and the amount of vaccines to be bought.
-----------------
(LEAD) SK Telecom CEO to double as SK hynix vice chairman
(ATTN: ADDS more details in paras 4, 11-12)
SEOUL -- South Korea's top mobile carrier SK Telecom Co.'s CEO Park Jung-ho was appointed as the vice chairman of its chipmaking affiliate SK hynix Inc., SK Group said Thursday, in a move to boost the companies' efforts in new tech businesses.
SK Group, the country's third-largest conglomerate, announced the new appointment for next year after a meeting by the group's top decision-making body as the mobile carrier enters new tech businesses, including artificial intelligence (AI) chips.
-----------------
(LEAD) Samsung Electronics continues to surge on rosy chip outlook
(ATTN: UPDATES info in paras 2, 7)
SEOUL -- Shares in Samsung Electronics Co. continued to surge on the Seoul bourse Thursday on the back of rosy outlook for its semiconductor business.
Samsung shares advanced 0.29 percent to close at a new all-time high of 69,700 won (US$63). During the session, Samsung shares surpassed the 70,000-won mark for the first time, reaching as high as 70,500 won at one point.
(END)


yna--2020-12-03--(3rd LD) Half a million take college entrance exam as virus surges

`` Beyond social distancing , our goal for this year 's CSAT is to clearly distinguish between general test-takers , @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 ) , those in self-quarantine and patients , and then to completely separate their @ @ @ @ @ measures at test centers to allow everyone to take the exam in a safe environment @ @ @ @ @ official said .

(ATTN: UPDATES with government official's warning in paras 11-12; CHANGES headline, photos)
By Lee Haye-ah
SEOUL, Dec. 3 (Yonhap) -- Hundreds of thousands of students took the annual national college entrance exam Thursday while taking extra precautions to guard against the continued surge of the coronavirus.
Students arrived at their designated test facilities accompanied by their family members, but there was little of the cheer typical of the scene outside schools on exam day due to restrictions caused by the pandemic.
This photo, provided by the Daejeon Metropolitan Office of Education, shows students preparing to take the College Scholastic Ability Test at a high school in Daejeon, 164 kilometers south of Seoul, on Dec. 3, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Health care workers deliver packed lunches to coronavirus-infected students taking the College Scholastic Ability Test at a medical facility in Pohang, 374 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on Dec. 3, 2020. (Yonhap)
Around 490,000 high school seniors, graduates and others signed up for the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), down 10 percent from last year and the smallest number since the current exam was introduced in the 1994 school year.
That included 35 coronavirus patients and 404 people in self-quarantine as of Tuesday, according to the education ministry. Hospital beds were set up for up to 205 COVID-19 patients and special test centers for up to 3,775 people in self-quarantine.
In Seoul, the city government banned cheering at test centers and urged parents not to wait outside due to concerns about the virus.
Many students hugged their family members quietly before walking into their classrooms, and parents turned back without waiting.
Some students wiped away tears, while others laughed with friends and took selfies outside the school gate.
Osan High School in the central ward of Yongsan looked abandoned, unlike other schools, as only six students in quarantine were due to take the exam there.
In the central city of Daejeon, 164 kilometers south of Seoul, a high school teacher who had planned to serve as an examiner tested positive Wednesday, leading the local education office to replace 19 examiners, including the patient.
Meanwhile, South Korea reported 540 new coronavirus cases Thursday, including 516 local transmissions, continuing a weeklong streak of more than 400 cases a day.
This footage from a closed circuit TV shows two students who have tested positive for the coronavirus taking the College Scholastic Ability Test at Seoul Medical Center on Dec. 3, 2020. (POOL PHOTO) (Yonhap)
A student taking the College Scholastic Ability Test arrives in a protective suit at a high school in Incheon, west of Seoul, on Dec. 3, 2020. (Yonhap)
Health authorities warned students and parents against letting down their guard after the exam, saying the pandemic is serious in the capital area.
"Please refrain as much as possible from getting together with friends or talking for long periods of time in restaurants and cafes that are in closed spaces," Son Young-rae, a health ministry spokesman, said at a background briefing with reporters.
Education authorities had said the exam would go ahead as planned with strict antivirus measures in place at 1,383 test centers and 31,291 classrooms nationwide, a nearly 50 percent increase from last year. The CSAT was already postponed once in November.
"Beyond social distancing, our goal for this year's CSAT is to clearly distinguish between general test-takers, those showing symptoms (of COVID-19), those in self-quarantine and patients, and then to completely separate their movements and take thorough antivirus measures at test centers to allow everyone to take the exam in a safe environment," an education ministry official said.
The CSAT is the culmination of years of hard work for many students, and the government not only increases public transport to help students get to their test centers on time but also bans overhead flights during the English listening section.
A student taking the College Scholastic Ability Test cries as she parts with her mother outside a high school in Busan, 453 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on Dec. 3, 2020. (Yonhap)
Test-takers experiencing COVID-19 symptoms were able to get tested for the virus until 10 p.m. Wednesday at designated public health centers. If the result came back positive during the night, the student would still be able to take the exam at hospitals specializing in infectious diseases or other designated facilities.
All students were required to wear a mask and get a temperature check before entering a test center. If an examiner asked to see the student's face for identification purposes, they were required to briefly take down the mask or face suspicions of cheating if they refused.
During breaks, test-takers were asked to refrain from gathering and talking. They were also required to bring a packed lunch to eat at their desks.
Water purifiers were not installed at test centers as an antivirus precaution, and students had to bring their own water.
Students were asked to dress appropriately to stay warm, as classrooms will be ventilated at the end of each session.
Under a two-week government campaign launched Nov. 19 to enhance antivirus measures ahead of the test, all high schools were required to conduct classes online starting Nov. 26, and all students were advised to stay home if possible and refrain from using crowded facilities.
With the increased number of test classrooms, the number of examiners and other staff on duty was also increased by around 30 percent from last year to about 120,000.
Classroom capacity was capped at 24 instead of 28, and each table was fitted with a plastic divider as an added precaution.
Parents pray for a good outcome on their children's College Scholastic Ability Test at Jogye Temple in central Seoul on Dec. 3, 2020. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-03--(LEAD) Samsung Electronics continues to surge on rosy chip outlook

`` DRAM demand growth in the next year is estimated to be around the high 10 percent range , but @ @ @ @ @ to be lower than that level , '' Hwang Ko-un , an analyst at KB @ @ @ @ @ DRAM prices could rebound from the end of the first quarter next year and start @ @ @ @ @ the industry . ''

(ATTN: UPDATES info in paras 2, 7)
By Joo Kyung-don
SEOUL, Dec. 3 (Yonhap) -- Shares in Samsung Electronics Co. continued to surge on the Seoul bourse Thursday on the back of rosy outlook for its semiconductor business.
Samsung shares advanced 0.29 percent to close at a new all-time high of 69,700 won (US$63). During the session, Samsung shares surpassed the 70,000-won mark for the first time, reaching as high as 70,500 won at one point.
Shares in Samsung have been skyrocketing recently with massive foreign buying on expectations of a big boom in the chip industry next year.
The share price of Samsung was only 57,400 won at the beginning of November.
"Samsung Electronics has been anchoring foreign investors' so-called 'buy Korea' trend recently," Hwang Min-seong, an analyst at Samsung Securities, said. "Next year's earnings recovery, shareholder return policy, and its valuation will be all reflected in its share price."
This image from Yonhap News TV shows South Korean chipmakers Samsung Electronics Co. and SK hynix Inc. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
South Korea's No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix Inc. also saw its stock price rally.
SK hynix shares hit a fresh new high as well, touching as high as 114,500 won before closing at 111,500 won, up 2.29 percent from a day earlier. The share price of SK hynix was only 79,600 won on Nov. 2.
A recent report from the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) boosted positive outlook for the chipmaking sector and pushed up local chipmakers' share prices, analysts said.
The industry body expected the global semiconductor market to grow 5.1 percent on-year to $433 billion this year, revising its previous forecast of 3.3 percent growth, and also predicted that its growth will reach 8.4 percent in 2021.
In particular, WSTS said it expects the memory sector to post 12.2 percent growth for 2020. Samsung and SK hynix are the world's two leading memory chip makers.
Analysts said the first-quarter earnings guidance revision from Micron Technology Inc., the world's third-largest DRAM maker, also backed the positive outlook for next year's chip industry.
Micron recently raised its guidance range for adjusted earnings per share for the first quarter to 69 cents to 73 cents from 40 cents to 54 cents, while increasing its midpoint revenue guidance from $5.2 billion to $5.73 billion.
Analysts expected the DRAM industry particularly could experience supply shortage next year.
"DRAM demand growth in the next year is estimated to be around the high 10 percent range, but the supply growth is expected to be lower than that level," Hwang Ko-un, an analyst at KB Securities, said. "DRAM prices could rebound from the end of the first quarter next year and start the 'super cycle' of the industry."
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-03--KOSPI 200 Closing Price List-5

KOSPI 200 Closing Price List-5

HYUNDAIDEPTST 75,200 0 KIH 77,900 UP 500 LOTTE Himart 31,500 DN 150 GS 36,700 DN 350 CJ CGV 24,500 DN @ @ @ @ @ 100 Fila Holdings 43,350 DN 150 HYUNDAIGLOVIS 186,500 UP 7,000 HANAFINANCIALGR 35,850 UP 400 HANWHA @ @ @ @ @ 195,500 UP 4,000 LF 15,150 UP 50 FOOSUNG 9,500 DN 90 SK Innovation 180,000 DN @ @ @ @ @ KBFinancialGroup 47,150 UP 350 Hansae 16,600 UP 150 LG HAUSYS 72,000 UP 200 Youngone Corp @ @ @ @ @ 41,150 UP 350 HanmiPharm 356,500 DN 16,500 BNK Financial Group 5,920 DN 50 emart 158,500 @ @ @ @ @ TEC HNOLOGY372 50 UP1900 KOLMAR KOREA 45,200 DN 100 DoubleUGames 59,700 UP 2,300 CUCKOO 96,200 @ @ @ @ @ 1,000 MANDO 54,600 UP 500 SAMSUNG BIOLOGICS 805,000 UP 15,000 INNOCEAN 59,500 UP 700 Doosan @ @ @ @ @ 13,750 UP 100 Netmarble 130,000 UP 4,500 HYUNDAI HEAVY INDUST RIES HOLDI NG S279000 DN2000 @ @ @ @ @ Retail 128,500 DN 500 SKCHEM 406,500 UP 3,000 HDC-OP 20,650 UP 350 WooriFinancialGroup 10,100 DN @ @ @ @

HYUNDAIDEPTST 75,200 0
KIH 77,900 UP 500
LOTTE Himart 31,500 DN 150
GS 36,700 DN 350
CJ CGV 24,500 DN 50
LIG Nex1 29,100 DN 100
Fila Holdings 43,350 DN 150
HYUNDAIGLOVIS 186,500 UP 7,000
HANAFINANCIALGR 35,850 UP 400
HANWHA LIFE 2,280 UP 80
AMOREPACIFIC 195,500 UP 4,000
LF 15,150 UP 50
FOOSUNG 9,500 DN 90
SK Innovation 180,000 DN 2,500
POONGSAN 27,700 DN 50
KBFinancialGroup 47,150 UP 350
Hansae 16,600 UP 150
LG HAUSYS 72,000 UP 200
Youngone Corp 31,500 DN 200
KOLON IND 41,150 UP 350
HanmiPharm 356,500 DN 16,500
BNK Financial Group 5,920 DN 50
emart 158,500 DN 500
지HANKOOK TIRE & TEC HNOLOGY372 50 UP1900
KOLMAR KOREA 45,200 DN 100
DoubleUGames 59,700 UP 2,300
CUCKOO 96,200 DN 600
COSMAX 94,400 DN 1,000
MANDO 54,600 UP 500
SAMSUNG BIOLOGICS 805,000 UP 15,000
INNOCEAN 59,500 UP 700
Doosan Bobcat 30,750 UP 400
H.S.ENTERPRISE 13,750 UP 100
Netmarble 130,000 UP 4,500
HYUNDAI HEAVY INDUST RIES HOLDI NG S279000 DN2000
ORION 121,500 UP 2,500
BGF Retail 128,500 DN 500
SKCHEM 406,500 UP 3,000
HDC-OP 20,650 UP 350
WooriFinancialGroup 10,100 DN 100
(END)


yna--2020-12-03--KOSPI 200 Closing Price List-4

KOSPI 200 Closing Price List-4

Asiana Airlines 5,430 0 COWAY 71,100 DN 100 LOTTE SHOPPING 106,000 UP 500 IBK 9,580 UP 20 NamhaeChem 8,480 DN @ @ @ @ @ BGF 4,465 DN 125 SamsungEng 13,600 DN 200 SAMSUNG C & T 122,000 0 PanOcean @ @ @ @ @ 34,400 DN 50 CheilWorldwide 20,900 DN 50 KT 24,350 UP 50 SHINSEGAE INTERNATIO NAL162500 0 @ @ @ @ @ LG Uplus 11,900 DN 100 SAMSUNG LIFE 73,500 0 KT & G 84,300 UP 100 @ @ @ @ @ Display 16,000 UP 150 Kangwonland 23,750 DN 100 NAVER 287,000 UP 3,500 Kakao 374,000 UP @ @ @ @ @ DSME 27,450 DN 100 DSINFRA 8,470 UP 270 POSCO INTERNATIONAL 14,100 DN 50 CJ CheilJedang @ @ @ @ @ B 175,500 DN 1,000 KEPCO KPS 29,250 DN 50 LGH & H 1,527,000 DN 14,000 @ @ @ @ @ E & C 16,900 UP 200 HYUNDAIHOMESHOP 75,700 UP 400 HALLA HOLDINGS 38,850 DN 450 @ @ @ @ @ LGELECTRONICS 90,300 UP 4,400 Celltrion 351,000 UP 4,000 Huchems 23,600 DN 600 DAEWOONG PHARM 113,500 @ @ @ @ @

Asiana Airlines 5,430 0
COWAY 71,100 DN 100
LOTTE SHOPPING 106,000 UP 500
IBK 9,580 UP 20
NamhaeChem 8,480 DN 120
DONGSUH 32,100 DN 600
BGF 4,465 DN 125
SamsungEng 13,600 DN 200
SAMSUNG C&T 122,000 0
PanOcean 4,275 DN 55
SAMSUNG CARD 34,400 DN 50
CheilWorldwide 20,900 DN 50
KT 24,350 UP 50
SHINSEGAE INTERNATIO NAL162500 0
LOTTE TOUR 17,400 UP 200
LG Uplus 11,900 DN 100
SAMSUNG LIFE 73,500 0
KT&G 84,300 UP 100
DHICO 15,000 DN 50
LG Display 16,000 UP 150
Kangwonland 23,750 DN 100
NAVER 287,000 UP 3,500
Kakao 374,000 UP 1,000
NCsoft 878,000 UP 19,000
DSME 27,450 DN 100
DSINFRA 8,470 UP 270
POSCO INTERNATIONAL 14,100 DN 50
CJ CheilJedang 360,500 UP 1,000
DongwonF&B 175,500 DN 1,000
KEPCO KPS 29,250 DN 50
LGH&H 1,527,000 DN 14,000
LGCHEM 846,000 UP 5,000
KEPCO E&C 16,900 UP 200
HYUNDAIHOMESHOP 75,700 UP 400
HALLA HOLDINGS 38,850 DN 450
HYUNDAI ROTEM 15,750 DN 150
LGELECTRONICS 90,300 UP 4,400
Celltrion 351,000 UP 4,000
Huchems 23,600 DN 600
DAEWOONG PHARM 113,500 UP 3,000
(MORE)


yna--2020-12-03--KOSPI 200 Closing Price List-3

KOSPI 200 Closing Price List-3

HtlShilla 82,600 UP 600 Hanmi Science 70,300 DN 2,100 SamsungElecMech 163,000 UP 1,000 GS Retail 34,150 UP 250 Hanssem 95,700 @ @ @ @ @ 300 TAEYOUNG E & C 10,100 0 IlyangPharm 62,500 DN 1,500 KSOE 103,500 0 HANWHA @ @ @ @ @ ELECTRIC 54,700 DN 700 KorZinc 392,000 DN 500 SamsungHvyInd 6,960 UP 80 SYC 52,600 UP @ @ @ @ @ HyundaiMipoDock 47,300 UP 200 Mobis 245,500 UP 5,000 HANWHA AEROSPACE 26,850 UP 300 HDC HOLDINGS @ @ @ @ @ 49,350 UP 1,300 S-1 80,000 DN 300 S-Oil 71,200 UP 400 LG Innotek 160,500 UP @ @ @ @ @ DN 2,000 HMM 12,950 DN 350 Hanchem 158,500 DN 1,500 HYUNDAI WIA 51,200 UP 1,950 @ @ @ @ @ 45,200 0 KEPCO 22,350 UP 650 SamsungSecu 41,500 UP 300 SKTelecom 238,500 DN 500 S @ @ @ @ @ 100 HyundaiElev 40,400 DN 100 AEKYUNG INDUSTRIAL 25,350 DN 250 Hanon Systems 16,550 UP 350 @ @ @ @ @ 3,685 DN 10 GKL 16,750 DN 50 Handsome 28,750 UP 100 ( MORE )

HtlShilla 82,600 UP 600
Hanmi Science 70,300 DN 2,100
SamsungElecMech 163,000 UP 1,000
GS Retail 34,150 UP 250
Hanssem 95,700 DN 700
OCI 72,000 DN 300
TAEYOUNG E&C 10,100 0
IlyangPharm 62,500 DN 1,500
KSOE 103,500 0
HANWHA SOLUTIONS 46,500 DN 600
LS ELECTRIC 54,700 DN 700
KorZinc 392,000 DN 500
SamsungHvyInd 6,960 UP 80
SYC 52,600 UP 200
KumhoPetrochem 141,000 DN 1,000
HyundaiMipoDock 47,300 UP 200
Mobis 245,500 UP 5,000
HANWHA AEROSPACE 26,850 UP 300
HDC HOLDINGS 10,450 DN 50
IS DONGSEO 49,350 UP 1,300
S-1 80,000 DN 300
S-Oil 71,200 UP 400
LG Innotek 160,500 UP 4,000
LOTTE CHEMICAL Corp 285,500 DN 2,000
HMM 12,950 DN 350
Hanchem 158,500 DN 1,500
HYUNDAI WIA 51,200 UP 1,950
DWS 30,550 UP 850
UNID 45,200 0
KEPCO 22,350 UP 650
SamsungSecu 41,500 UP 300
SKTelecom 238,500 DN 500
S&T MOTIV 50,300 DN 100
HyundaiElev 40,400 DN 100
AEKYUNG INDUSTRIAL 25,350 DN 250
Hanon Systems 16,550 UP 350
SK 238,500 UP 1,500
DAEKYO 3,685 DN 10
GKL 16,750 DN 50
Handsome 28,750 UP 100
(MORE)


yna--2020-12-03--KOSPI 200 Closing Price List-2

KOSPI 200 Closing Price List-2

CJ 80,300 DN 300 HANKOOK TECHNOLOGY G ROUP16100 UP50 KiaMtr 64,700 UP 3,900 Donga Socio Holdings 136,000 DN 500 SK @ @ @ @ @ 527,000 UP 1,000 HyundaiEng & Const 34,950 UP 300 CUCKOO HOMESYS 38,500 DN 500 SamsungF @ @ @ @ @ HANALL BIOPHARMA 37,650 DN 1,000 Kogas 28,850 0 KG DONGBU STL 11,350 UP 550 HANJINKAL @ @ @ @ @ 260 Donga ST 86,500 DN 300 HYUNDAIGREENFOOD 8,170 DN 40 POSCO 251,500 UP 1,500 SPC @ @ @ @ @ SDS 175,500 UP 500 KOREA AEROSPACE 24,300 DN 50 KUMHOTIRE 3,955 UP 100 LotteChilsung 99,300 @ @ @ @ @ DN 250 SamsungElec 69,700 UP 200 NHIS 11,400 UP 250 GCH Corp 36,100 DN 750 @ @ @ @ @ LS 67,900 DN 500 GC Corp 353,000 DN 7,000 GS E & C 32,200 UP @ @ @ @ @ UP 200 SAMSUNG SDI CO. , LTD .
552,000 0 KPIC 245,500 DN 4,500 MIRAE @ @ @ @ @ SKC 88,300 DN 600 LOTTE 35,600 UP 600 Binggrae 55,100 DN 100 Ottogi 558,000 0 @ @ @ @ @ 900 MERITZ SECU 3,735 DN 10 ( MORE )

CJ 80,300 DN 300
HANKOOK TECHNOLOGY G ROUP16100 UP50
KiaMtr 64,700 UP 3,900
Donga Socio Holdings 136,000 DN 500
SK hynix 111,500 UP 2,500
Youngpoong 527,000 UP 1,000
HyundaiEng&Const 34,950 UP 300
CUCKOO HOMESYS 38,500 DN 500
SamsungF&MIns 191,500 DN 1,000
HANALL BIOPHARMA 37,650 DN 1,000
Kogas 28,850 0
KG DONGBU STL 11,350 UP 550
HANJINKAL 68,000 0
DWEC 3,805 UP 260
Donga ST 86,500 DN 300
HYUNDAIGREENFOOD 8,170 DN 40
POSCO 251,500 UP 1,500
SPC SAMLIP 74,500 UP 200
SAMSUNG SDS 175,500 UP 500
KOREA AEROSPACE 24,300 DN 50
KUMHOTIRE 3,955 UP 100
LotteChilsung 99,300 UP 600
DB INSURANCE 44,600 DN 250
SamsungElec 69,700 UP 200
NHIS 11,400 UP 250
GCH Corp 36,100 DN 750
SK Discovery 66,300 DN 400
LS 67,900 DN 500
GC Corp 353,000 DN 7,000
GS E&C 32,200 UP 400
HANIL HYUNDAI CEMENT 26,250 UP 200
SAMSUNG SDI CO.,LTD. 552,000 0
KPIC 245,500 DN 4,500
MIRAE ASSET DAEWOO 10,150 UP 50
SKC 88,300 DN 600
LOTTE 35,600 UP 600
Binggrae 55,100 DN 100
Ottogi 558,000 0
F&F 86,600 DN 900
MERITZ SECU 3,735 DN 10
(MORE)


yna--2020-12-03--KOSPI 200 Closing Price List-1

KOSPI 200 Closing Price List-1

BoryungPharm 20,100 DN 2,350 L & L 10,300 DN 50 YUNGJIN PHARM 7,840 DN 120 KAL 26,050 UP 200 SGBC @ @ @ @ @ UP 3,000 Nongshim 288,000 UP 500 SsangyongCement 5,550 0 HYUNDAI STEEL 35,100 UP 100 Hyosung @ @ @ @ @ 99,800 UP 2,900 LG Corp. 73,300 0 LOTTE Fine Chem 58,000 UP 100 DOOSAN 54,200 @ @ @ @ @ 400 CJ LOGISTICS 162,500 UP 500 Yuhan 65,500 UP 300 SAMYANGHOLDINGS 65,500 DN 600 ShinhanGroup @ @ @ @ @ UP 1,100 LGInt 19,550 UP 50 JWPHARMA 33,400 DN 350 DongkukStlMill 7,700 UP 70 SBC @ @ @ @ @ & F INS 23,300 DN 100 LotteFood 323,500 DN 1,000 Daesang 25,350 DN 100 SKNetworks @ @ @ @ @ 13,250 DN 100 AmoreG 55,300 UP 500 HyundaiMtr 196,500 UP 14,000 BukwangPharm 25,000 DN 450 @ @ @ @ @ NEXENTIRE 6,150 UP 70 CHONGKUNDANG 170,000 DN 500 TaekwangInd 795,000 DN 4,000 KCC 172,000 0 @ @ @ @ @ 26,600 DN 100 DB HiTek 35,850 DN 850 ( MORE )

SEOUL, Dec. 3 (Yonhap) -- Thursday's closing prices (KRW) of
KOSPI 200 stocks traded on the main Korea Stock Exchange.
BoryungPharm 20,100 DN 2,350
L&L 10,300 DN 50
YUNGJIN PHARM 7,840 DN 120
KAL 26,050 UP 200
SGBC 40,450 DN 1,300
Shinsegae 238,000 UP 3,000
Nongshim 288,000 UP 500
SsangyongCement 5,550 0
HYUNDAI STEEL 35,100 UP 100
Hyosung 81,900 UP 400
POSCO CHEMICAL 99,800 UP 2,900
LG Corp. 73,300 0
LOTTE Fine Chem 58,000 UP 100
DOOSAN 54,200 UP 900
DaelimInd 81,400 UP 400
CJ LOGISTICS 162,500 UP 500
Yuhan 65,500 UP 300
SAMYANGHOLDINGS 65,500 DN 600
ShinhanGroup 34,050 DN 150
HITEJINRO 32,400 UP 1,100
LGInt 19,550 UP 50
JWPHARMA 33,400 DN 350
DongkukStlMill 7,700 UP 70
SBC 10,400 DN 250
Hyundai M&F INS 23,300 DN 100
LotteFood 323,500 DN 1,000
Daesang 25,350 DN 100
SKNetworks 4,880 UP 20
ORION Holdings 13,250 DN 100
AmoreG 55,300 UP 500
HyundaiMtr 196,500 UP 14,000
BukwangPharm 25,000 DN 450
ILJIN MATERIALS 46,750 DN 150
NEXENTIRE 6,150 UP 70
CHONGKUNDANG 170,000 DN 500
TaekwangInd 795,000 DN 4,000
KCC 172,000 0
SKBP 175,500 DN 2,000
Hanwha 26,600 DN 100
DB HiTek 35,850 DN 850
(MORE)


yna--2020-12-03--Int'l art fair kicks off in Busan

Int'l art fair kicks off in Busan

The BIAF , which provides artists and viewers with opportunities to make direct transactions , has been hailed for contributing @ @ @ @ @ reasonable way and thus enhancing the transparency of the art market .

BUSAN, Dec. 3 (Yonhap) -- This year's annual international art fair opened in the South Korean port city of Busan on Thursday, featuring around 3,000 artworks by about 250 local and foreign artists.
The 2020 Busan International Art Fair (BIAF), hosted by the K-Art International Exchange Association (K-Art), will be held at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center, commonly known as BEXCO, until Monday.
The BIAF, which provides artists and viewers with opportunities to make direct transactions, has been hailed for contributing to pricing artworks in a reasonable way and thus enhancing the transparency of the art market.
Visitors look at artworks on display at the 2020 Busan International Art Fair in the South Korean port city of Busan on Dec. 3, 2020. (Yonhap)
Visitors look at artworks on display at the 2020 Busan International Art Fair in the South Korean port city of Busan on Dec. 3, 2020. (Yonhap)
For the 19th edition of the fair, the K-Art focused on introducing artworks by up-and-coming painters and offered free guide services and discussion sessions between artists and visitors.
K-Art said it will donate the event's proceeds to UNICEF, or the United Nations Children's Fund, and a local fund to support young artists.
"We aim to promote transparent and reasonable transactions of artworks that satisfy all parties," K-Art chief Heo Sook said. "Through the BIAF, Korean artists and painters can go abroad and produce more creative works."
Visitors look at artworks on display at the 2020 Busan International Art Fair in the South Korean port city of Busan on Dec. 3, 2020. (Yonhap)
Visitors look at artworks on display at the 2020 Busan International Art Fair in the South Korean port city of Busan on Dec. 3, 2020. (Yonhap)
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-04--Employment rate for working moms with underage children falls amid pandemic

By industry , the number of such working moms who worked in the retail , food and accommodation sectors declined @ @ @ @ @ earlier , while that of the women engaged in the self-employed business or the public @ @ @ @ @ , according to the data .

SEOUL, Dec. 4 (Yonhap) -- The employment rate for working mothers with underage children declined during the six-month period ending in April as the job market remained sluggish amid the new coronavirus outbreak, data showed Friday.
The employment rate for working mothers with children aged under 18 reached 55.5 percent in the November 2019-April 2020 period, down 1.5 percentage points from a year earlier, according to the data by Statistics Korea.
The portion of such women who worked or sought to find jobs also fell to 56.8 percent in the cited period, down 1.6 percentage points from the previous year.
The number of working mothers with underaged children reached 4.81 million as of the end of April, accounting for 56.1 percent of all married women.
The fall in their employment rate and economic participation came as the COVID-19 pandemic hurt face-to-face service sectors, in which many married women work, according to the statistics agency.
This year South Korea's job market has remained bleak due to the fallout of the new coronavirus outbreak, with the country reporting job losses every month since March. In April, the country lost about 467,000 jobs, marking the sharpest monthly decline in more than 21 years.
By industry, the number of such working moms who worked in the retail, food and accommodation sectors declined by 70,000 from a year earlier, while that of the women engaged in the self-employed business or the public service segment fell by 56,000, according to the data.
Of the working moms, the number of regular workers reached 1.66 million, accounting for 76.6 percent, while that of temporary workers came to 507,000, or 23.4 percent of the total.
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


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(END)


yna--2020-12-04--Seoul stocks turn higher late morning on tech, bio gains

After touching the 2,700 milestone the previous day , the KOSPI continued its bullish run on account of tech , @ @ @ @ @ Analysts attributed the rally to investors ' expectations that early COVID-19 vaccine development may quicken @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Dec. 4 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks jumped more than 1.5 percent late Friday morning due to strong advances by tech and bio heavyweights, after the benchmark index closed at an all-time high the previous session.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 40.97 points, or 1.52 percent, to 2,737.19 as of 11:20 a.m.
After touching the 2,700 milestone the previous day, the KOSPI continued its bullish run on account of tech, financial and steel gains. Analysts attributed the rally to investors' expectations that early COVID-19 vaccine development may quicken the export-intensive economy.
Giant drugmakers also spiked because of surging new COVID-19 cases, with daily new cases in South Korea reaching a nine-month high and U.S. hospitalizations from the illness hitting an all-time high overnight.
Exports of test kits achieved a record high of $546 million in November, up from $412 million the previous month, according to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, and the Korea Customs Service.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged up 0.29 percent to 29,969.52 points overnight, but the S&P 500 slipped 0.06 percent due to pandemic concerns. The tech-laden Nasdaq Composite climbed 0.23 percent
Most large caps traded higher in Seoul.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics jumped 3.01 percent, and No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix surged 4.93 percent. Both firms closed at all-time highs the previous session on a rosy earnings forecast for next year.
Pharmaceutical giant Samsung Biologics rose 1.74 percent, and Celltrion sky-rocketed 8.97 percent on growing global demand for test kits.
Hyundai Motor, the country's largest carmaker, advanced 0.76 percent. Leading steelmakers POSCO went up 5.37 percent.
Leading chemical firm LG Chem moved up 0.59 percent, while rechargeable battery maker Samsung SDI retreated 0.54 percent.
Internet portal giant Naver increased 2.61 percent, and its rival Kakao advanced 4.41 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,088.45 won against the U.S. dollar, up 8.55 won from the previous session's close.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-04--(2nd LD) New virus cases at 9-month high of over 600, tighter curbs to be considered

By region , 291 new virus cases were reported in Seoul , 155 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the @ @ @ @ @ Incheon , west of Seoul , accounting for more than 77 percent of the country @ @ @ @ @ cases .
The greater Seoul area is home to around half of the nation 's @ @ @ @

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead; ADDS more info throughout; CHANGE photos)
SEOUL, Dec. 4 (Yonhap) -- The daily number of new coronavirus cases in South Korea topped 600 on Friday, the most in nearly nine months despite tightened antivirus measures, prodding authorities to consider adopting tighter virus restrictions.
The country added 629 more COVID-19 cases, including 600 local infections, raising the total caseload to 36,332, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). It reported seven additional coronavirus fatalities, bringing the total to 536.
What is more concerning is that the greater Seoul area, home to half of the country's population, has been witnessing its daily new cases soar to a record high for the past few days.
The number of daily locally transmitted cases is the third-highest total, another sign that the country is under a critical alert over a bigger wave of the pandemic coming during the winter, the authorities said.
Also, college entrance exams, which nearly half a million high school students and others took on Thursday, could serve as another source of infections, they added.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said the government will monitor the current pace until the weekend before deciding on whether to adopt additional measures on Sunday.
"The number of COVID-19 cases is again on an upward momentum, and the crisis is continuing," Chung said, adding that the greater Seoul area shows no signs of declines despite adopting enhanced Level 2 social distancing measures 10 days ago.
The authorities said they will designate Dec. 7 to Jan. 3 as a special period to strengthen quarantining amid concerns over year-end gatherings and parties.
South Korea reported more than 500 daily new infections for three consecutive days through Saturday last week, before briefly falling back to 450 cases Sunday due to less testing over the weekend.
The increase in daily cases stayed above 500 for the second consecutive day Thursday.
Authorities have repeatedly warned of a possible surge in virus cases during winter, urging people to follow elevated antivirus measures that have been in place since Tuesday.
They also warned that the country could report daily virus cases of between 700 and 1,000 in the next one or two weeks unless the current pace is curbed, as the country continues to report sporadic infection clusters from private gatherings, virus-prone facilities.
Health experts said the country should elevate the current social distancing Level 2 of its five-tier system by at least half a notch as the current level is ineffective.
Exam takers wait in line to receive body temperature checks before entering a building at Soongsil University in Seoul on Dec. 4, 2020, to take the school's essay test as part of a procedure to gain admission to the university. The essay test came one day after they sat for the state-administrated scholastic aptitude test. (Yonhap)
By region, 291 new virus cases were reported in Seoul, 155 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital and 17 cases in Incheon, west of Seoul, accounting for more than 77 percent of the country's daily new locally transmitted cases. The greater Seoul area is home to around half of the nation's 51.6 million population.
Noticeably, Seoul posted the highest number ever for the city, with the city government saying it plans to draw up additional antivirus measures.
Other municipalities reported new infections, with the southern port city of Busan reporting 31 cases, followed by South Chungcheong Province with 23 new cases and the central city of Daejoen with 21.
A total of 137 new cases were reported outside of the greater Seoul area Friday, exceeding the 100 mark every day since Nov. 24, except for Thursday.
The number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients came to 116 as of midnight, the KDCA said.
The country added 29 imported cases, up from 24 a day earlier, coming mainly from the United States and Asian countries, excluding China, the KDCA said.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 28,661, up 259 from the previous day.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-04--Unification minister cites European Coal and Steel Community as model for inter-Korean cooperation

SEOUL , Dec. 4 ( Yonhap ) -- Unification Minister Lee In-young said Friday that South and North Korea should @ @ @ @ @ build peace and prosperity just as the European Coal and Steel Community led Europe into @ @ @ @ @ of ideology and boundaries . ''

SEOUL, Dec. 4 (Yonhap) -- Unification Minister Lee In-young said Friday that South and North Korea should look for creative ways to build peace and prosperity just as the European Coal and Steel Community led Europe into unity "beyond the barrier of ideology and boundaries."
Lee made the remark during a video speech at a forum on peace in the demilitarized zone (DMZ), stressing the importance of inter-Korean dialogue and cooperation. The European Coal and Steel Community is an organization established in 1952 to integrate relevant industries in Western Europe.
"The European Coal and Steel Community led the future of Europe into unity and prosperity beyond the barrier of ideology and boundaries," Lee said.
"I hope the two Koreas will also move toward peace and prosperity through dialogue and cooperation beyond the barrier of division, at a point of political transition surrounding the fate of the Korean Peninsula," he added.
Unification Minister Lee In-young speaks during a meeting of the ministry at the government complex in Seoul on July 28, 2020. (Yonhap)
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-04--Samsung Electronics conducts reshuffle after strong Q3 results

In the promotions , the number of newly appointed foreign executives fell to two this time from four a year @ @ @ @ @ newly named female executives rose to eight from five during the same period , the @ @ @

SEOUL, Dec. 4 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Co., the world's leading smartphone and chipmaker, on Friday conducted a large-scale personnel reshuffle to reward employees after reporting robust third-quarter results.
Samsung Electronics has promoted a total of 214 officials to higher positions to reflect their contributions to the company's stellar performance in the July-September period, the company said in a statement.
In the first and biggest personnel changes in three years, 111 general managers were promoted as vice president positions, 55 vice presidents as senior vice presidents and 31 senior vice presidents to executive vice presidents, it said.
"The executives helped the company report sharply improved earnings results in the third quarter compared with a year earlier by properly responding to market demands despite growing uncertainties amid the coronavirus pandemic," a company spokesman said over the phone.
The size of personnel changes is bigger than 162 promotions in January and 221 at the end of 2017.
In the latest reshuffle, Samsung Electronics more than doubled the number of executive vice presidents to 31 from 14 last year, which means an expanded pool of qualified CEO candidates for the chip giant, as well as an upcoming generational change in management.
Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong currently leads the company after his father and longtime Samsung Group Chairman Lee Kun-hee died at age 78 in October.
Lee, the eldest child and only son of the late chairman, has been the de facto leader of the country's biggest conglomerate by assets since 2014 after his father collapsed from a heart attack.
In the third quarter, Samsung Electronics reported a 49 percent on-year jump in net profit to 9.36 trillion won from 6.29 trillion won a year earlier helped by strong mobile and home appliances sales.
Operating profit also surged 59 percent to 12.35 trillion won from 7.78 trillion won during the same period, while sales rose 8 percent to 66.96 trillion won from 62 trillion won.
In the promotions, the number of newly appointed foreign executives fell to two this time from four a year earlier, while that of newly named female executives rose to eight from five during the same period, the spokesman said.
This file photo taken Oct. 26, 2020, shows an outdoor sign of Samsung Electronics Co. at its office building in Seoul. (Yonhap)
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-04--The Korea Interbank Offered Rates (KORIBOR)

SEOUL , Dec. 4 ( Yonhap ) -- The Korea Interbank Offered Rates ( KORIBOR ) as posted by Yonhap @ @ @ @ @ and information arm of Yonhap News Agency , at 11:00 a.m .

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


yna--2020-12-04--6 soldiers, 1 Marine test positive for COVID-19

Another officer in the central city of Gyeryong tested positive while in quarantine after he was found to have had @ @ @ @ @ was later found to have contracted the virus .

SEOUL, Dec. 4 (Yonhap) -- Six Army soldiers and a Marine have tested positive for the new coronavirus, the defense ministry said Friday.
Three Army officers at the Sangmudae Artillery School in Jangseong, 310 kilometers south of Seoul, were diagnosed with COVID-19 while in quarantine after cluster infections were reported at the base, according to the ministry.
Another officer in the central city of Gyeryong tested positive while in quarantine after he was found to have had contact with a person who was later found to have contracted the virus.
The other soldiers -- based in the border county of Yeoncheon and the northeastern county of Inje, respectively -- tested positive after virus cases were reported at their bases.
The Marine Corps enlistee in the southeastern port city of Pohang tested positive while away from his unit for holiday before discharge after a family member was infected, the ministry said.
The latest infections brought the total number of virus cases reported among the military population to 396.
Nationwide, South Korea added 629 new cases, the largest daily figure in nearly nine months despite tightened antivirus measures. The total caseload rose to 36,332.
This photo, taken on Nov. 27, 2020, shows a soldier at Seoul Station in the capital city. (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-04--S. Korea probes 10 suspected cases of highly pathogenic bird flu

The first case was reported at a duck farm in Jeongeup of North Jeolla Province on Saturday , followed by @ @ @ @ @ egg farm in Sangju , 270 km southeast of Seoul , on Wednesday .

SEOUL, Dec. 4 (Yonhap) -- South Korea said Friday it is investigating 10 suspected cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) found from wild bird droppings, sparking concerns over the nationwide spread of the virus among poultry farms.
The new suspected cases came from samples gathered from major wild bird habitats across the nation, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
It will take up to five days to determine whether they are highly pathogenic.
Agricultural officials disinfect an automobile near a farm located in Sangju, 270 km southeast of Seoul, on Dec. 2, 2020. (Yonhap)
South Korea reported its first highly pathogenic AI case in 32 months in late October from Cheonan, 92 kilometers south of Seoul. Health authorities have since identified a total of 13 wild bird-related cases.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza is highly contagious and can cause severe illness and even death in poultry.
So far, the country has reported two such AI cases from poultry farms.
The first case was reported at a duck farm in Jeongeup of North Jeolla Province on Saturday, followed by a second infection from an egg farm in Sangju, 270 km southeast of Seoul, on Wednesday.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-04--(LEAD) Ruling party chairman's aide found dead amid investigation over campaign finance violation

He had been questioned until 6:30 p.m. at the prosecution office and failed to show up for more questioning after @ @ @ @ @ , who was working at the secretary office of the DP chairman , is said @ @ @ @ @ `` sorry '' before he went missing .

(ATTN: UPDATES with chairman's reaction in last 3 paras)
SEOUL, Dec. 4 (Yonhap) -- A close aide to the ruling Democratic Party (DP) chairman Lee Nak-yon has been found dead while under probe for an alleged breach of the political fund law, the prosecution said Friday.
The police discovered his body in a building near the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office in southern Seoul at around 9:15 p.m. Thursday, after his family reported him missing.
He had been questioned until 6:30 p.m. at the prosecution office and failed to show up for more questioning after dinner. The 54-year-old official, who was working at the secretary office of the DP chairman, is said to have told his family "sorry" before he went missing.
The police presumed he killed himself and were investigating the exact circumstances leading to his death. No suicide note has been found.
The official served as a special adviser on political affairs for Rep. Lee when he was South Jeolla Province governor from 2014-2017.
Last month, the Seoul city government's election commission reported two people, including him, to the prosecution on charges of violating the political fund law.
They were suspected of receiving 115,000 won (US$105) a month between February and May from Trust All, a company believed to be related to the Optimus fraud scandal. The money was for the payment of a rental fee for a multifunction printer at Lee's campaign office. Lee won a seat in the April parliamentary elections.
The Optimus fund scandal has been rocking the country for months, with investigation expanding into political and financial circles. The scandal centers on allegations that the private equity company solicited funds worth about 1.2 trillion won from thousands of people for investments in public institutions but actually funneled most of the money into risky assets, causing huge losses to the investors.
"We feel very sorry for what has happened, and we express our deepest condolences to his family," the prosecution said in a statement.
Lee expressed grief over the sudden death and extended condolences to the bereaved family.
"I have no means to suppress my grief ... I don't know how to console the bereaved family," Lee was quoted as saying by his chief of staff Rep. Oh Young-hun.
"I pray for the repose of the deceased's soul and extend my deep consolation to his family," Lee said.
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-04--S. Korea's exports of virus test kits reach US$2.3 bln this year

Globally , more than 60 million people have been infected with the new coronavirus since the first case was reported @ @ @ @ @ Wuhan late last year .

SEOUL, Dec. 4 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's exports of coronavirus test kits amounted to US$2.3 billion in the first 11 months of the year due to soaring demand amid the deepening pandemic, data showed Friday.
Exports of test kits hit a record high of $546 million in November, up from $412 million the previous month, according to the Ministry of Food and Drug Agency and the Korea Customs Service.
The country has shipped 497 million test kits valued at $2.27 billion to some 170 countries around the world since early this year, the data showed.
Demand for South Korea's virus test kits shot up on the back of the country's success in flattening the virus curve.
By country, exports to India accounted for 15.6 percent of the total shipments, followed by Germany with 13.2 percent and Netherland with 9.6 percent.
Since July, India, the country that reported the second-largest virus cases globally, has been the biggest buyer of Korean test kits.
Globally, more than 60 million people have been infected with the new coronavirus since the first case was reported in the Chinese city of Wuhan late last year.
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-04--(LEAD) Seoul logs record high 295 coronavirus cases

`` It 's hard for the antivirus measures to keep up with the pace of spread because cluster infections are @ @ @ @ @ of everyday life , '' acting Seoul Mayor Seo Jeong-hyup said during an interview on @ @ @ @ @ .

(ATTN: UPDATES throughout; CHANGES headline, photo)
SEOUL, Dec. 4 (Yonhap) -- Seoul posted 295 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, the most ever for the city, health authorities said.
The new high came only a day after the capital city set its previous record for daily coronavirus cases with 262 new infections on Wednesday.
Across the country 629 new cases were reported on Thursday, the highest total in nearly nine months, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency.
"It's hard for the antivirus measures to keep up with the pace of spread because cluster infections are emerging simultaneously in various parts of everyday life," acting Seoul Mayor Seo Jeong-hyup said during an interview on the CBS radio station Friday.
"There are also seasonal factors in that more people are staying indoors and in close proximity with one another in closed and densely populated spaces," he added.
The capital city is currently under Level 2 social distancing rules, the middle level of a five-tier scheme.
"If we enter into Level 3 of social distancing, all economic activities will effectively grind to a halt," Seo continued. "Level 3 is the last card we will use in a desperately dangerous situation."
Under Level 2, cafes are only allowed to serve takeout and delivery, while restaurants are required to do the same after 9 p.m. Cultural facilities are required to limit capacity to 30 percent and worship services to 20 percent.
As of Tuesday, Seoul has been placed under additional restrictions, including temporary closures of saunas and steam rooms in bathhouses.
"We will discuss additional (antivirus) steps with experts and may announce them as early as this afternoon," Seo said.
A major shopping mall in Seoul has few customers on Dec. 2, 2020. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-04--Proposed U.S. defense budget bill limits reduction of USFK troop level

According to the defense budget bill , the U.S. government may still reduce its troop level in South Korea , @ @ @ @ @ the defense secretary `` certifies '' to the U.S. Congress that a reduction will not @ @ @ @ @ of the United States or its allies in the region .

By Byun Duk-kun
WASHINGTON, Dec. 3 (Yonhap) -- The U.S. defense budget bill for next year seeks to prevent a reduction of U.S. troop levels in South Korea, a U.S. congressional record showed Thursday.
According to the Conference Report on the defense budget, the U.S. Congress seeks to prevent the use of the national defense budget to reduce the number of U.S. Forces Korea from the current level of 28,500.
"None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act may be used to reduce the total number of members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty who are deployed to South Korea below 28,500," the National Defense Authorization Act said, according to the conference report.
A conference report is an agreement on legislation that results from negotiations between the House of Representatives and the Senate.
President Donald Trump has suggested a possible reduction of U.S. troops in South Korea, possibly as a bargaining chip in burden-sharing talks with South Korea. But some still believed a reduction may be possible as part of the U.S.' global defense posture realignment.
According to the defense budget bill, the U.S. government may still reduce its troop level in South Korea, but only 90 days after the defense secretary "certifies" to the U.S. Congress that a reduction will not undermine the national security interests of the United States or its allies in the region.
The defense secretary must also have "appropriately consulted with allies of the United States, including South Korea and Japan, regarding such a reduction," the report said.
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-04--PM says virus crisis still ongoing, tougher measures to be considered

The prime minister also expressed concerns over rapid infections in other regions , pointing out that the average number of @ @ @ @ @ Gyeongsang region during the past week stood at 48.4 , the highest among regions outside @ @ @ @ @ .

SEOUL, Dec. 4 (Yonhap) -- Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said Friday that the country's latest COVID-19 infection crisis is still ongoing and that authorities will consider enforcing tougher antivirus measures after monitoring the situation.
"The number of new COVID-19 infections, which shrunk a bit as of late, is again increasing, and the crisis situation is still ongoing," Chung said during a government meeting of top officials in charge of dealing with the pandemic.
The meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters was held at the provincial government office of South Gyeongsang Province in Changwon, 398 kilometers southeast of Seoul.
Chung's comments came as the country reported 629 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, the most in nearly nine months despite tightened antivirus measures.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun (L) presides over a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters held at the provincial government office of South Gyeongsang Province in Changwon, 398 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on Dec. 4, 2020. (Yonhap)
"We will monitor the situation until the weekend and decide on whether to adopt additional antivirus measures," the prime minister said.
Chung noted that the growth in new infections in the greater Seoul area, despite the enforcement of tougher government-mandated social distancing rules starting 10 days ago, was especially alarming.
The prime minister also expressed concerns over rapid infections in other regions, pointing out that the average number of new infections in the South Gyeongsang region during the past week stood at 48.4, the highest among regions outside of the greater Seoul area.
Chung also requested that the public strictly follow social distancing guidelines and refrain from holding year-end gatherings.
He also asked students and those who took the College Scholastic Ability Test, an annual national college entrance exam, on Thursday to avoid visiting entertainment establishments such as karaoke rooms and PC cafes.
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-04--S. Korea's currency continues to strengthen on U.S stimulus talks

The U.S. dollar has also been weakening since the U.S. Federal Reserve said in its September rate-setting meeting that it @ @ @ @ @ zero until inflation is on track to meet its 2 percent target .

SEOUL, Dec. 4 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's currency continued to gain ground against the U.S. dollar Friday, as the risk appetite is growing over signs of progress in U.S. stimulus talks and developments of coronavirus vaccines.
The won was quoted at 1,092.30 won per U.S. dollar as of 9:04 a.m., up 4.7 won from the previous session's close.
On Thursday, the local currency closed at 1,097.00 won per U.S. dollar, marking the strongest level since June 14, 2018.
The won, along with other peers, has strengthened against the U.S. dollar due to optimism over vaccine developments, with U.S. President-elect Joe Biden promising to swiftly deal with stimulus packages.
The U.S. dollar has also been weakening since the U.S. Federal Reserve said in its September rate-setting meeting that it will keep interest rates near zero until inflation is on track to meet its 2 percent target.
Jeon Seung-ji, a currency analyst at Samsung Futures Inc., said the won is expected to test the 1,090 won level Friday, depending on whether foreign investors would become net buyers of local stocks.
Analysts have said the U.S. dollar's weakening may continue for the time being as investors sold safe-haven assets over developments of coronavirus vaccines.
Last month, Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki said financial authorities have been closely monitoring the foreign exchange market, warning that they are ready to take action at any time to smooth out the local currency's sharp gains.
Hong voiced concerns about the Korean currency's rapid strength against the U.S. dollar, saying that excessive currency volatility is not desirable.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-04--Military to use Samsung smartphone-based combat information device

`` The new combat command system is expected to be delivered for trial in the next three to six months @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` The military will decide whether to formally request its deployment after the @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Dec. 4 (Yonhap) -- The military will introduce a Samsung smartphone-based combat information device on a trial basis next year that will enable troops to view real-time battle information without relying on communications networks.
The Defense Acquisition Program Administration said it has signed a contract with LIG Nex1 Co. to buy the individual combat equipment for the Army and the Marine Corps, which will allow troops to communicate, sharing intelligence and battle situations, without a separate communications repeater.
Developed using the South Korean tech giant's Galaxy S20 Tactical Edition, the handheld device also provides a night display mode and stealth function to block communications, it said.
The new combat system is one of seven items South Korea decided to purchase under the rapid acquisition project.
"The new combat command system is expected to be delivered for trial in the next three to six months," an agency official said. "The military will decide whether to formally request its deployment after the trial use."
Other items to be introduced include indigenously developed drone-detecting radar and an unmanned multipurpose vehicle.
Launched in May, the rapid acquisition project is aimed at swiftly bringing in innovative items in the private sector for military purposes.
This image, provided by the arms procurement agency, shows a new combat command system developed by LIG Nex1 Co. using Samsung Electronics Co.'s Galaxy S20 smartphone. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-04--(LEAD) New virus cases at 9-month high of over 600, bigger wave of pandemic in progress

(ATTN: ADDS more info throughout, photo)
SEOUL, Dec. 4 (Yonhap) -- The daily number of new coronavirus cases in South Korea topped 600 on Friday, the most in nearly nine months despite tightened antivirus measures, putting the country under a critical alert over a bigger wave of the pandemic coming during the winter.
The country added 629 more COVID-19 cases, including 600 local infections, raising the total caseload to 36,332, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). It reported seven additional coronavirus fatalities, bringing the total to 536.
What is more concerning is that the greater Seoul area, home to half of the country's population, has been witnessing its daily new cases soar to a record high for the past few days.
A street in Gangnam, one of the busiest districts in Seoul, is mostly empty on Dec. 3, 2020, as South Korea has implemented strict antivirus measures to stop the spread of the new coronavirus. (Yonhap)
South Korea reported more than 500 daily new infections for three consecutive days through Saturday last week, before briefly falling back to 450 cases Sunday due to less testing over the weekend.
The increase in daily cases stayed above 500 for the second consecutive day Thursday.
Authorities have repeatedly warned of a possible surge in virus cases during winter, urging people to follow elevated antivirus measures that have been in place since Tuesday.
They also warned that the country could report daily virus cases of between 700 and 1,000 in the next one or two weeks unless the current pace is curbed, as the country continues to report sporadic infection clusters from private gatherings, virus-prone facilities.
Health experts said the country should elevate the current social distancing Level 2 of its five-tier system by at least half a notch as the current level is ineffective.
Amid concerns that a bigger wave of the pandemic is in progress, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said the government will monitor the current pace until the weekend before deciding on whether to adopt additional measures.
"The number of COVID-19 cases is again on an upward momentum, and the crisis is continuing," Chung said, adding that the greater Seoul area shows no signs of declines despite adopting enhanced social distancing measures, Level 2, 10 days ago.
A street in Myeongdong, a popular tourist and shopping district in Seoul, is quiet due to the impact of the new coronavirus on Dec. 3, 2020. (Yonhap)
By region, 291 new virus cases were reported in Seoul, 155 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital and 17 cases in Incheon, west of Seoul, accounting for more than 77 percent of the country's daily new locally transmitted cases. The greater Seoul area is home to around half of the nation's 51.6 million population.
Noticeably, Seoul posted the highest number ever for the city, with the city government saying it plans to draw up additional antivirus measures.
Other municipalities reported new infections, with the southern port city of Busan reporting 31 cases, followed by South Chungcheong Province with 23 new cases and the central city of Daejoen with 21.
A total of 137 new cases were reported outside of the greater Seoul area Friday, exceeding the 100 mark every day since Nov. 24, except for Thursday.
The number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients came to 116 as of midnight, the KDCA said.
The country added 29 imported cases, up from 24 a day earlier, coming mainly from the United States and Asian countries, excluding China, the KDCA said.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 28,661, up 259 from the previous day.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-04--FC Seoul become 2nd S. Korean club to be eliminated in AFC Champions League

The South Korean club did n't take its foot off the pedal , with Park Jung-in opening the scoring in @ @ @ @ @ Sang-heon doubling the lead in the 24th .
Bi Jinhao answered back for Shanghai at @ @ @ @ @ then Bjorn Johnsen put up two goals late in the second half to round out @ @ @ @ @

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Dec. 4 (Yonhap) -- Another one has bitten the dust.
FC Seoul became the second South Korean club to be knocked out of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League Thursday night, following their 2-1 loss to Melbourne Victory in Group E.
The narrow defeat at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, left FC Seoul in third place with six points from two wins and four losses. They only needed a draw against Melbourne to join Beijing Guoan in the round of 16, but they couldn't rally after falling behind 2-0 within the first half-hour of the match.
In this AFP photo, FC Seoul players react to their 2-1 loss to Melbourne Victory in their Group E match at the Asian Football Confederation Champions League at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, on Dec. 3, 2020. (Yonhap)
Marco Rojas and Jake Brimmer scored in the fifth and 23rd minutes for Melbourne, while Hwang Hyun-soo had FC Seoul's only response in the 64th.
FC Seoul fired 24 shots and put nine on target, while Melbourne took five shots and only two were on target.
Earlier in the week, the K League 1 champions Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors became the first South Korean club to be sent home.
In this Reuters photo, Lee Seung-jae of FC Seoul (R) battles Adam Traore of Melbourne Victory for the ball during their Group E match at the Asian Football Confederation Champions League at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, on Dec. 3, 2020. (Yonhap)
Also on Thursday, Ulsan Hyundai FC, runners-up to Jeonbuk in both the K League 1 and the Korean FA Cup, completed their undefeated group stage with a 4-1 thumping of Shanghai Shenhua at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha.
Ulsan had already secured the top spot in Group F before Thursday's match, and the rout capped off a run of five wins and one draw in the group stage. All five victories have come since the tournament resumed in the bubble set up in Doha on Nov. 21.
In this AFP photo, Yun Ju-tae of FC Seoul (L) takes a shot past Nicholas Ansell of Melbourne Victory in their Group E match at the Asian Football Confederation Champions League at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, on Dec. 3, 2020. (Yonhap)
Ulsan started some of their second-string players against Shanghai, which had to win Thursday just to have a shot at reaching the last 16.
The South Korean club didn't take its foot off the pedal, with Park Jung-in opening the scoring in the third minute and Lee Sang-heon doubling the lead in the 24th. Bi Jinhao answered back for Shanghai at the hour mark, but then Bjorn Johnsen put up two goals late in the second half to round out the scoring for Ulsan.
In this AFP photo, Bjorn Johnsen of Ulsan Hyundai FC (L) celebrates with teammate Shin Jin-ho after scoring a goal against Shanghai Shenhua during their Group F match at the Asian Football Confederation Champions League at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha on Dec. 3, 2020. (Yonhap)
Ulsan will face Melbourne in the round of 16 on Sunday at Education City Stadium. The kickoff is 5 p.m. in Qatar and 11 p.m. in South Korea.
Suwon Samsung Bluewings, the one remaining K League club, have a chance to join Ulsan in the knockouts Friday night.
In this AFP photo, Kim In-sung of Ulsan Hyundai FC (L) takes the ball past Qian Jiegei of Shanghai Shenhua during their Group F match at the Asian Football Confederation Champions League at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha on Dec. 3, 2020. (Yonhap)
They close out Group G action against Vissel Kobe at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha. Suwon are in third place with two points, three behind Guangzhou Evergrande, who have already completed their group play. Vissel Kobe have clinched the top spot.
To make up for their deficit in goal difference, Suwon must defeat Vissel Kobe by at least two goals to advance to the round of 16 as the Group G runners-up.
In this AFP photo, Jung Hoon-sung of Ulsan Hyundai FC (L) battles Wen Jiabao of Shanghai Shenhua for the ball during their Group F match at the Asian Football Confederation Champions League at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha on Dec. 3, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-04--Ruling party chairman's aide found dead amid investigation over campaign finance violation

SEOUL, Dec. 4 (Yonhap) -- A close aide to the ruling Democratic Party (DP) chairman Lee Nak-yon has been found dead while under probe for an alleged breach of the political fund law, the prosecution said Friday.
The police discovered his body in a building near the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office in southern Seoul at around 9:15 p.m. Thursday, after his family reported him missing.
He had been questioned until 6:30 p.m. at the prosecution office and failed to show up for more questioning after dinner. The 54-year-old official, who was working at the secretary office of the DP chairman, is said to have told his family "sorry" before he went missing.
The police presumed he killed himself and were investigating the exact circumstances leading to his death. No suicide note has been found.
The official served as a special adviser on political affairs for Rep. Lee when he was South Jeolla Province governor from 2014-2017.
Last month, the Seoul city government's election commission reported two people, including him, to the prosecution on charges of violating the political fund law.
They were suspected of receiving 115,000 won (US$105) a month between February and May from Trust All, a company believed to be related to the Optimus fraud scandal. The money was for the payment of a rental fee for a multifunction printer at Lee's campaign office. Lee won a seat in the April parliamentary elections.
The Optimus fund scandal has been rocking the country for months, with investigation expanding into political and financial circles. The scandal centers on allegations that the private equity company solicited funds worth about 1.2 trillion won from thousands of people for investments in public institutions but actually funneled most of the money into risky assets, causing huge losses to the investors.
"We feel very sorry for what has happened, and we express our deepest condolences to his family," the prosecution said in a statement.
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-04--New virus cases at 9-month high of over 600, bigger wave of pandemic in progress

They also warned that the country could report daily virus cases of between 700 and 1,000 in the next one @ @ @ @ @ current pace is curbed , as the country continues to report sporadic infection clusters from @ @ @ @ @ .

SEOUL, Dec. 4 (Yonhap) -- The daily number of new coronavirus cases in South Korea topped 600 on Friday, the most in nearly nine months despite tightened antivirus measures, putting the country under a critical alert over a bigger wave of the pandemic coming during the winter.
The country added 629 more COVID-19 cases, including 600 local infections, raising the total caseload to 36,332, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). It reported seven additional coronavirus fatalities, bringing the total to 536.
What is more concerning is that the greater Seoul area, home to half of the country's population, has been witnessing its daily new cases soar to a record high for the past few days.
A street in Gangnam, one of the busiest districts in Seoul, is mostly empty on Dec. 3, 2020, as South Korea has implemented strict antivirus measures to stop the spread of the new coronavirus. (Yonhap)
South Korea reported more than 500 daily new infections for three consecutive days through Saturday last week, before briefly falling back to 450 cases Sunday due to less testing over the weekend.
The increase in daily cases stayed above 500 for the second consecutive day Thursday.
Authorities have repeatedly warned of a possible surge in virus cases during winter, urging people to follow elevated antivirus measures that have been in place since Tuesday.
They also warned that the country could report daily virus cases of between 700 and 1,000 in the next one or two weeks unless the current pace is curbed, as the country continues to report sporadic infection clusters from private gatherings, virus-prone facilities.
Health experts said the country should elevate the current social distancing Level 2 of its five-tier system by at least half a notch as the current level is ineffective.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-04--Arrest warrants issued for 2 officials over Wolsong-1 shutdown controversy

They allegedly destroyed 444 files about the government 's decision to terminate the operation of Wolsong-1 , the country 's @ @ @ @ @ before the Board of Audit and Inspection ( BAI ) ordered the submission of the @ @ @ @ @

DAEJEON, Dec. 4 (Yonhap) -- A local court on Friday issued arrest warrants for government officials accused of deleting documents related to the controversial closure of the Wolsong-1 nuclear reactor.
The Daejeon Central District Court granted the warrants against two officials from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, whose names were withheld, on charges of disturbing the state auditors' examination.
However, the court rejected a request to issue an arrest warrant for another ministry official in connection with the case.
They allegedly destroyed 444 files about the government's decision to terminate the operation of Wolsong-1, the country's second-oldest nuclear reactor, right before the Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI) ordered the submission of the documents late last year.
Among the deleted data, officials were able to recover only 324 files.
The closure of Wolsong-1 has remained a hot-button topic in domestic politics since President Moon Jae-in decided in 2017 to decommission the reactor earlier than scheduled in line with his energy policy.
The BAI earlier concluded that the shutdown decision was based on biased research, which undervalued the reactor's economic viability.
The photo taken on Oct. 20, 2020, shows the Wolsong-1 nuclear reactor in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-12-04--Justice ministry appeals court's decision lifting top prosecutor's suspension

Earlier in the day , Yoon filed a complaint with the Constitutional Court over the `` unfairness '' of the @ @ @ @ @ requested an injunction to put off the disciplinary meeting until the Constitutional Court 's verdict @ @ @

SEOUL, Dec. 4 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's justice ministry has filed an appeal against a court's decision that lifted Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae's order to suspend Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl from duty, the ministry's legal representative said Friday.
Lee Oak-hyung, the lawyer for Choo, said the ministry has requested that a higher court review the Seoul Administrative Court's ruling on Tuesday that allowed Yoon to return to work.
Choo suspended Yoon from duty earlier last week and said she would discipline him over six counts of alleged misdeeds, including collecting personal data of justices in charge of politically sensitive cases.
The decision came as Choo and Yoon have been at odds over a series of politically sensitive cases and prosecution reform.
Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae comes out of the ministry's building at the government complex in Gwacheon, south of Seoul, on Dec. 4, 2020. (Yonhap)
The administrative court on Tuesday accepted Yoon's preliminary injunction request over Choo's move, saying suspending the chief prosecutor from duty is tantamount to dismissing him and that it damages the prosecution's core principles of neutrality and independence.
The justice ministry is scheduled to hold a disciplinary meeting Thursday to mete out punishment to the top prosecutor, but Yoon is also taking that case to the court.
Earlier in the day, Yoon filed a complaint with the Constitutional Court over the "unfairness" of the prosecutor disciplinary act and also requested an injunction to put off the disciplinary meeting until the Constitutional Court's verdict comes out.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-04--(4th LD) Seoul orders closure of stores, theaters, internet cafes after 9 p.m.

`` For the first time , Seoul has decided to turn off the city lights after 9 p.m. , '' @ @ @ @ @ speaks to the seriousness of the situation we 're in .
Until now we have @ @ @ @ @ with antivirus measures that would allow the economy to rotate as much as possible in @ @ @ @ @ by small businesses , but right now , our priority is to protect the safety @ @ @ @ @ . ''

(ATTN: RECASTS first 2 paras)
By Lee Haye-ah
SEOUL, Dec. 4 (Yonhap) -- The Seoul city government said Friday that stores, movie theaters and multiple other facilities must close after 9 p.m. for two weeks starting this weekend to help curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Acting Seoul Mayor Seo Jeong-hyup announced the new restriction during a virtual press briefing, saying the measure will go into force Saturday amid worries over spiking cases in the capital recently.
This photo, taken Nov. 23, 2020, shows a notice requiring customers to sign an entry log at a movie theater in Seoul. (Yonhap)
"Seoul is currently facing a desperately dangerous crisis," he said. "We have no room left to retreat. Starting tomorrow, we are halting Seoul after 9 p.m."
The order came after the city reported a record high 295 new coronavirus cases Thursday, the same day the country posted a nine-month high of 629 new infections in a day.
The city authorities later confirmed 195 more COVID-19 cases from midnight to 6 p.m. Friday, raising the city's cumulative virus caseload to 9,911.
Businesses subject to the new restriction include stores, movie theaters, internet cafes, game arcades, private academies, study halls, amusement parks, beauty salons, barber shops, large grocery stores and department stores. They can reopen at 5 a.m.
Exceptions will be made for small grocery stores and other shops that are less than 300 square meters in size and for restaurants offering takeout and delivery.
Buses and subways will run on a 30 percent reduced schedule after 9 p.m. The restriction will apply to buses starting Saturday and to subways starting Tuesday.
The capital city has been under Level 2 social distancing rules since Nov. 24, the middle level of a five-tier system.
Under Level 2, nightclubs and bars have been shuttered completely, while karaoke bars, indoor gyms and restaurants have been forced to close after 9 p.m. except for deliveries and takeout.
Since Tuesday, the city has also been under additional restrictions, such as the closure of indoor group exercise classes and water parks, as well as gyms, saunas, cafes and study rooms located inside apartment compounds.
"For the first time, Seoul has decided to turn off the city lights after 9 p.m.," Seo said. "This speaks to the seriousness of the situation we're in. Until now we have tried hard to come up with antivirus measures that would allow the economy to rotate as much as possible in consideration of the pain felt by small businesses, but right now, our priority is to protect the safety and lives of our citizens."
The acting mayor said all facilities run by the city and its individual districts, including museums, concert halls and libraries, will be shuttered completely during the two-week period.
Social welfare facilities will remain open for essential services.
Starting Monday, the city government and its district offices will require half their staff to work from home and stagger working hours to spread foot traffic.
Seo said he has asked the private sector to adopt the same system.
To religious communities, the acting mayor appealed again for online-only services, saying, "In order to have a happy Christmas, we must stop now."
Separately, the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education said middle and high schools in the city will be required to conduct all classes online for two weeks starting Monday.
The attendance cap for elementary schools and kindergartens will be maintained at one-third.
This photo, taken Nov. 27, 2020, shows a notice at Seoul's Sindorim Station announcing reduced subway services due to COVID-19. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-04--(4th LD) New virus cases at 9-month high of over 600, tighter curbs to be considered

By region , 291 new virus cases were reported in Seoul , 155 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the @ @ @ @ @ Incheon , west of Seoul , accounting for more than 77 percent of the country @ @ @ @ @ cases .
The greater Seoul area is home to around half of the nation 's @ @ @ @

(ATTN: ADDS more info in paras 3-4)
SEOUL, Dec. 4 (Yonhap) -- The daily number of new coronavirus cases in South Korea topped 600 on Friday, the most in nearly nine months despite tightened antivirus measures, prodding authorities to consider adopting tighter virus restrictions.
The country added 629 more COVID-19 cases, including 600 local infections, raising the total caseload to 36,332, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). It reported seven additional coronavirus fatalities, bringing the total to 536.
An additional 439 COVID-19 infections have been confirmed across South Korea as of 6 p.m. Friday, according to health authorities and local governments.
The tentatively compiled figure was about 60 more than the tally registered during the same time period a day earlier, raising the possibility that daily cases could exceed 600 again, given that there are several hours left until midnight.
What is more concerning is that the greater Seoul area, home to half of the country's population, has been witnessing its daily new cases soar to a record high for the past few days.
The number of daily locally transmitted cases is the third-highest total, another sign that the country is under a critical alert over a bigger wave of the pandemic coming during the winter, the authorities said.
Also, college entrance exams, which nearly half a million high school students and others took on Thursday, could serve as another source of infections, they added.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said the government will monitor the current pace until the weekend before deciding on whether to adopt additional measures on Sunday.
"The number of COVID-19 cases is again on an upward momentum, and the crisis is continuing," Chung said, adding that the greater Seoul area shows no signs of declines despite adopting enhanced Level 2 social distancing measures 10 days ago.
The authorities said they will designate Dec. 7 to Jan. 3 as a special period to strengthen quarantining amid concerns over year-end gatherings and parties.
South Korea reported more than 500 daily new infections for three consecutive days through Saturday last week, before briefly falling back to 450 cases Sunday due to less testing over the weekend.
The increase in daily cases stayed above 500 for the second consecutive day Thursday.
Authorities have repeatedly warned of a possible surge in virus cases during winter, urging people to follow elevated antivirus measures that have been in place since Tuesday.
They also warned that the country could report daily virus cases of between 700 and 1,000 in the next one or two weeks unless the current pace is curbed, as the country continues to report sporadic infection clusters from private gatherings, virus-prone facilities.
Health experts said the country should elevate the current social distancing Level 2 of its five-tier system by at least half a notch as the current level is ineffective.
Exam takers wait in line to receive body temperature checks before entering a building at Soongsil University in Seoul on Dec. 4, 2020, to take the school's essay test as part of a procedure to gain admission to the university. The essay test came one day after they sat for the state-administrated scholastic aptitude test. (Yonhap)
By region, 291 new virus cases were reported in Seoul, 155 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital and 17 cases in Incheon, west of Seoul, accounting for more than 77 percent of the country's daily new locally transmitted cases. The greater Seoul area is home to around half of the nation's 51.6 million population.
Noticeably, the Seoul metropolitan area posted the largest number ever for the city since the start of the coronavirus outbreak earlier this year.
The Seoul city government said it will reduce bus and subway services by 30 percent after 9 p.m. to help curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Also, stores, movie theaters and various other facilities will have to close down after 9 p.m., the city government said. Only small-sized vendors and takeout at restaurants will be allowed.
Other municipalities reported new infections, with the southern port city of Busan reporting 31 cases, followed by South Chungcheong Province with 23 new cases and the central city of Daejeon with 21.
A total of 137 new cases were reported outside of the greater Seoul area Friday, exceeding the 100 mark every day since Nov. 24, except for Thursday.
Various cluster cases occurred across the country, with 11 more patients reported in connection with a hospital in northern Seoul, bringing the total caseload to 12, the KDCA said.
Another hospital in Seoul's Dongdaemun Ward saw three new COVID-19 cases, resulting in 25 accumulated cases.
A restaurant located in central Seoul reported 33 new patients, and a dance academy in western Seoul added 21 more cases, bringing the total to 240.
The number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients came to 116 as of midnight, the KDCA said.
The country added 29 imported cases, up from 24 a day earlier, coming mainly from the United States and Asian countries, excluding China, the KDCA said.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 28,661, up 259 from the previous day.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-04--(3rd LD) Seoul orders closure of stores, theaters, internet cafes after 9 p.m.

(ATTN: ADDS more info in paras 5, 19)
By Lee Haye-ah
SEOUL, Dec. 4 (Yonhap) -- The Seoul city government said Friday that stores, theaters and multiple other facilities must close after 9 p.m. for two weeks to help curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Acting Seoul Mayor Seo Jeong-hyup announced the new restriction during a virtual press briefing, saying the order will go into force Saturday.
This photo, taken Nov. 23, 2020, shows a notice requiring customers to sign an entry log at a movie theater in Seoul. (Yonhap)
"Seoul is currently facing a desperately dangerous crisis," he said. "We have no room left to retreat. Starting tomorrow, we are halting Seoul after 9 p.m."
The order came after the city reported a record high 295 new coronavirus cases Thursday, the same day the country posted a nine-month high of 629 new infections in a day.
The city authorities later confirmed 195 more COVID-19 cases from midnight to 6 p.m. Friday, raising the city's cumulative virus caseload to 9,911.
Businesses subject to the new restriction include stores, movie theaters, internet cafes, game arcades, private academies, study halls, amusement parks, beauty salons, barber shops, large grocery stores and department stores. They can reopen at 5 a.m.
Exceptions will be made for small grocery stores and other shops that are less than 300 square meters in size and for restaurants offering takeout and delivery.
Buses and subways will run on a 30 percent reduced schedule after 9 p.m. The restriction will apply to buses starting Saturday and to subways starting Tuesday.
The capital city has been under Level 2 social distancing rules since Nov. 24, the middle level of a five-tier system.
Under Level 2, nightclubs and bars have been shuttered completely, while karaoke bars, indoor gyms and restaurants have been forced to close after 9 p.m. except for deliveries and takeout.
Since Tuesday, the city has also been under additional restrictions, such as the closure of indoor group exercise classes and water parks, as well as gyms, saunas, cafes and study rooms located inside apartment compounds.
"For the first time, Seoul has decided to turn off the city lights after 9 p.m.," Seo said. "This speaks to the seriousness of the situation we're in. Until now we have tried hard to come up with antivirus measures that would allow the economy to rotate as much as possible in consideration of the pain felt by small businesses, but right now, our priority is to protect the safety and lives of our citizens."
The acting mayor said all facilities run by the city and its individual districts, including museums, concert halls and libraries, will be shuttered completely during the two-week period.
Social welfare facilities will remain open for essential services.
Starting Monday, the city government and its district offices will require half their staff to work from home and stagger working hours to spread foot traffic.
Seo said he has asked the private sector to adopt the same system.
To religious communities, the acting mayor appealed again for online-only services, saying, "In order to have a happy Christmas, we must stop now."
Separately, the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education said middle and high schools in the city will be required to conduct all classes online for two weeks starting Monday.
The attendance cap for elementary schools and kindergartens will be maintained at one-third.
This photo, taken Nov. 27, 2020, shows a notice at Seoul's Sindorim Station announcing reduced subway services due to COVID-19. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
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