yna--2020-12-26--(4th LD) S. Korea adds over 1,100 virus cases as toughest distancing rules weighed

(ATTN: UPDATES with the latest tally in paras 4-5)
SEOUL, Dec. 26 (Yonhap) -- South Korea reported more than 1,100 daily new coronavirus cases on Saturday, adding pressure on authorities to tighten social distancing rules to flatten the curve of infections.
The country reported 1,132 more COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, including 1,104 local infections, putting the total caseload at 55,902, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
The tally is slightly lower than Friday's new record high of 1,241. The death toll rose by 20 to 793, with the fatality rate at 1.42 percent.
An additional 662 COVID-19 infections have been confirmed across South Korea from the start of Saturday till 6 p.m., according to health authorities and local governments.
The tentatively compiled figure was about 64 less than the tally registered during the same time period a day earlier.
The country's daily COVID-19 caseload first breached the 1,000 mark on Dec. 13 and has hovered between 800 and 1,000, including a five-day streak of over 1,000 last week.
South Korea is grappling to contain yet another wave of virus infections with the toughest social distancing rules banning gatherings of five or more people and shutting down popular venues around the Christmas and New Year's holiday season.
The uptrend in the daily caseload is adding pressure on the government to apply the most stringent Level 3 social distancing rules, a measure tantamount to a lockdown.
Medical workers conduct COVID-19 tests at a temporary screening center outside Seoul Station in central Seoul on Dec. 26, 2020. (Yonhap)
Health experts said Saturday's figure demonstrates the virus spread is accelerating as the number turned out to be high even though fewer tests were conducted the previous day on the Christmas holiday.
A mass infection of more than 514 cases traced to a detention center in eastern Seoul has become the latest source of the spike in infections.
Seoul Dongbu Detention Center added six cases on Saturday after reporting nearly 300 cases the previous day, putting the total caseload at 520, the Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH) said in a briefing later in the day.
New infections from nursing homes on the outskirts of the capital and religious gatherings in provincial cities continue to be reported, as well as those linked to small and private gatherings.
The CDCH said untraceable cases account for 28.6 percent of the 14,169 newly confirmed patients since Dec. 13, up 1.4 percentage points from the previous day.
The CDCH found in its latest study on 15,111 confirmed patients that one in every four of them was infected with COVID-19 through a family member.
Health Minister Kwon Deok-cheol stressed that the third wave of infection is spreading rapidly into every corner of society, renewing calls for strict adherence to the restrictions.
"Standing at the crossroads of the third wave, whether we can stem the trend of virus proliferation depends on how we're going to spend the year-end and New Year's season," he said during a government COVID-19 response meeting.
The government has urged citizens to strictly comply with the distancing rules so that the antivirus measures can produce results. It has warned that any violations will face a fine of up to 3 million won (US$2,700).
The government has kept social distancing at the second highest of Level 2.5 in the five-tier system in the greater Seoul area, home to half of its 51.6 million population. It is trying hard not to raise the curb level considering the potential economic impact.
But given the unabated spread of the virus, the health authorities plan to decide Sunday on whether to raise the distancing guidelines to Level 3.
The current Level 2.5 distancing scheme in the greater Seoul area, and Level 2 in the rest of the country, is due to end Monday.
People line up to take COVID-19 tests at a temporary screening center outside Seoul Station in central Seoul on Dec. 26, 2020. (Yonhap)
The CDCH also said the country will toughen the screening procedure for arrivals from South Africa, where a new variant of COVID-19 virus was found. Arrivals will be required to take an additional virus test at the end of the 14-day mandatory quarantine.
South Korea has already halted all flights from Britain until Dec. 31 after the country reported a new COVID-19 variant that is believed to spread much faster.
Of the 1,104 locally transmitted cases reported Saturday, 457 were reported in Seoul. The surrounding Gyeonggi Province added 250 cases, with Incheon, west of Seoul, reporting 55.
Busan, the country's second-most-populous city, reported 26 new cases. The central South Chungcheong Province added 61, followed by North Chungcheong Province with 38 and North Jeolla Province with 37.
Nationwide, the country had 299 seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients, down from the previous day's 311.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 38,532, up 484 from the previous day.
The agency also reported 28 more infection cases from overseas, bringing the total to 5,273. They were from the United States, France, Turkey, Russia, the Philippines and Bangladesh, among others.
This photo shows a nearly empty street in the downtown of the southeastern city of Daegu on Dec. 26, 2020. (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-26--Activists stage 'drive-thru' labor rallies despite coronavirus concerns

They began marching from three different locations in Seoul , while canceling the parade from near the Federation of Korean @ @ @ @ @ , in southern Seoul , organizers said in a news conference .

SEOUL, Dec. 26 (Yonhap) -- Progressive activists went ahead with "drive-thru" rallies for labor rights in Seoul on Saturday, defying a police ban amid surging coronavirus infections.
More than 200 vehicles participated in the parades demanding legislation for tougher punishment of companies over serious industrial accidents and legal grounds to prohibit the firing of irregular workers.
The protest was organized by a coalition of labor and civic groups.
They began marching from three different locations in Seoul, while canceling the parade from near the Federation of Korean Industries, a business lobby, in southern Seoul, organizers said in a news conference.
They planned to drive past the Seoul labor agency en route to the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae.
Seoul city government and the police banned the gathering over coronavirus fears. Police set up a wall with buses and blocked the parades.
South Korea recorded an all-time high of 1,241 COVID-19 cases on Friday and 1,132 on Saturday.
Police block activists' drive-thru protest in southern Seoul on Dec. 26, 2020. They rallied to highlight their demand for legislation toughening punishment for companies in case of serious industrial accidents and other pro-labor measures. Police banned their demonstration due to concern over the new coronavirus. (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-26--(3rd LD) S. Korea adds over 1,100 virus cases as toughest distancing rules weighed

The government has kept social distancing at the second highest of Level 2.5 in the five-tier system in the greater @ @ @ @ @ half of its 51.6 million population .
It is trying hard not to raise the @ @ @ @ @ economic impact .

(ATTN: ADDS more details from gov't virus briefing in paras 9-12, 19-20; REPLACES photos)
SEOUL, Dec. 26 (Yonhap) -- South Korea reported more than 1,100 daily new coronavirus cases on Saturday, adding pressure on authorities to tighten social distancing rules to flatten the curve of infections.
The country reported 1,132 more COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, including 1,104 local infections, putting the total caseload at 55,902, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
The tally is slightly lower than Friday's new record high of 1,241. The death toll rose by 20 to 793, with the fatality rate at 1.42 percent.
The country's daily COVID-19 caseload first breached the 1,000 mark on Dec. 13 and has hovered between 800 and 1,000, including a five-day streak of over 1,000 last week.
South Korea is grappling to contain yet another wave of virus infections with the toughest social distancing rules banning gatherings of five or more people and shutting down popular venues around the Christmas and New Year's holiday season.
The uptrend in the daily caseload is adding pressure on the government to apply the most stringent Level 3 social distancing rules, a measure tantamount to a lockdown.
Medical workers conduct COVID-19 tests at a temporary screening center outside Seoul Station in central Seoul on Dec. 26, 2020. (Yonhap)
Health experts said Saturday's figure demonstrates the virus spread is accelerating as the number turned out to be high even though fewer tests were conducted the previous day on the Christmas holiday.
A mass infection of more than 514 cases traced to a detention center in eastern Seoul has become the latest source of the spike in infections.
Seoul Dongbu Detention Center added six cases on Saturday after reporting nearly 300 cases the previous day, putting the total caseload at 520, the Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH) said in a briefing later in the day.
New infections from nursing homes on the outskirts of the capital and religious gatherings in provincial cities continue to be reported, as well as those linked to small and private gatherings.
The CDCH said untraceable cases account for 28.6 percent of the 14,169 newly confirmed patients since Dec. 13, up 1.4 percentage points from the previous day.
The CDCH found in its latest study on 15,111 confirmed patients that one in every four of them was infected with COVID-19 through a family member.
Health Minister Kwon Deok-cheol stressed that the third wave of infection is spreading rapidly into every corner of society, renewing calls for strict adherence to the restrictions.
"Standing at the crossroads of the third wave, whether we can stem the trend of virus proliferation depends on how we're going to spend the year-end and New Year's season," he said during a government COVID-19 response meeting.
The government has urged citizens to strictly comply with the distancing rules so that the antivirus measures can produce results. It has warned that any violations will face a fine of up to 3 million won (US$2,700).
The government has kept social distancing at the second highest of Level 2.5 in the five-tier system in the greater Seoul area, home to half of its 51.6 million population. It is trying hard not to raise the curb level considering the potential economic impact.
But given the unabated spread of the virus, the health authorities plan to decide Sunday on whether to raise the distancing guidelines to Level 3.
The current Level 2.5 distancing scheme in the greater Seoul area, and Level 2 in the rest of the country, is due to end Monday.
People line up to take COVID-19 tests at a temporary screening center outside Seoul Station in central Seoul on Dec. 26, 2020. (Yonhap)
The CDCH also said the country will toughen the screening procedure for arrivals from South Africa, where a new variant of COVID-19 virus was found. Arrivals will be required to take an additional virus test at the end of the 14-day mandatory quarantine.
South Korea has already halted all flights from Britain until Dec. 31 after the country reported a new COVID-19 variant that is believed to spread much faster.
Of the 1,104 locally transmitted cases reported Saturday, 457 were reported in Seoul. The surrounding Gyeonggi Province added 250 cases, with Incheon, west of Seoul, reporting 55.
Busan, the country's second-most-populous city, reported 26 new cases. The central South Chungcheong Province added 61, followed by North Chungcheong Province with 38 and North Jeolla Province with 37.
Nationwide, the country had 299 seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients, down from the previous day's 311.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 38,532, up 484 from the previous day.
The agency also reported 28 more infection cases from overseas, bringing the total to 5,273. They were from the United States, France, Turkey, Russia, the Philippines and Bangladesh, among others.
This photo shows a nearly empty street in the downtown of the southeastern city of Daegu on Dec. 26, 2020. (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-26--Today in Korean history

Today in Korean history

2017 -- A foreign ministry task force releases the outcome of its months-long probe into how a 2015 deal on @ @ @ @ @ was reached between the South Korean government of President Park Geun-hye and Japan .
It @ @ @ @ @ part of the deal secret from the public in order to avoid criticism for concessions @ @ @ @ @ ( END )

Dec. 27
1904 -- Korea's royal court under the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) appoints U.S. diplomat D.W. Stevens as its foreign affairs adviser.
1945 -- Top diplomats from the United States, Britain and the Soviet Union hold a meeting in Moscow and announce a five-year United Nations trusteeship over Korea.
1978 -- Park Chung-hee is inaugurated as the ninth president of South Korea. He immediately pardons then pro-democracy leader Kim Dae-jung.
2000 -- Delegates from South Korea arrive in Pyongyang to hold the first preliminary meeting on the establishment of inter-Korean economic cooperation talks.
2013 -- The transportation ministry issues a license for a new affiliate of the state-run Korea Railroad Corp. in its uncompromising stance against striking workers, ending a decadeslong loss-incurring rail monopoly.
2017 -- A foreign ministry task force releases the outcome of its months-long probe into how a 2015 deal on Japan's wartime sexual slavery was reached between the South Korean government of President Park Geun-hye and Japan. It said Park's government kept part of the deal secret from the public in order to avoid criticism for concessions it made to Tokyo.
(END)


yna--2020-12-26--Authorities in talks about KATUSA troops getting USFK's COVID-19 vaccine: official

If the vaccination is granted , the soldiers will be the first to get the shots in the country , @ @ @ @ @ over the government 's belated move to secure COVID-19 vaccines for its people .

SEOUL, Dec. 26 (Yonhap) -- The defense ministry is in talks with related authorities to see if South Korean Army troops assigned to the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) can get the COVID-19 vaccine shipped from America for its soldiers here, officials said Saturday.
A cargo plane carrying Moderna's vaccine arrived in South Korea on Friday from Memphis, in the first shipment of vaccines to be administered to American troops and citizens here. The shipment was delivered to Allgood Army Community Hospital inside Camp Humphreys, the U.S. military headquarters in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul.
The arrival of vaccines has raised the possibility that the Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army, better known as KATUSA, working with the USFK could be subject to the inoculation.
Some 40 KATUSA soldiers are working inside the Allgood Army Community Hospital, according to officials.
A defense ministry official in Seoul confirmed talks about the potential vaccination are ongoing.
"But we have yet to receive a formal request (from the USFK) regarding the matter," the official said.
If the vaccination is granted, the soldiers will be the first to get the shots in the country, where concerns have been mounting over the government's belated move to secure COVID-19 vaccines for its people.
USFK has reportedly contacted the Army for information related to the KATUSA program in relation to the vaccination, an informed source said.
Currently, there are more than 3,000 Army troops working as part of KATUSA in U.S. military installations.
A truck carrying the first shipment of Moderna's coronavirus vaccine for the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) leaves a freight terminal of Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, after it was unloaded from a FedEx cargo plane amid the COVID-19 pandemic on Dec. 25, 2020. (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-27--42 conglomerates earned 1.42 tln won in brand license fees from affiliates last year

But some big-name business groups have used the scheme as a tool to strengthen the grip of founding families over @ @ @ @ @ to improve the transparency of management .

SEOUL, Dec. 27 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's antitrust watchdog said Sunday 42 large business groups earned a combined 1.42 trillion won (US$1.29 billion) by selling brand licenses to their affiliates last year amid concerns conglomerate owners could glean profits from such transactions.
The 2019 tally marked a 7.6 percent rise from the previous year's 1.32 trillion won, according to the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC).
Of 64 business groups that are required to disclose such data, 42 conglomerates, or 65.6 percent, raised brand commission fees from their affiliates last year, the watchdog said.
SK and LG topped the list by charging their affiliates 270.5 billion won and 267.3 billion won, respectively.
Next were Hanwha with 147.5 billion won and Lotte with 102.4 billion won.
Conglomerates with assets of over 5 trillion won are required to publicly disclose the details of brand license contracts with affiliates every year.
South Korea's family-run conglomerates, called chaebol, have been under fire for cross-shareholding arrangements among affiliated companies, often meant to strengthen owner families' control of the entire group.
The government has encouraged conglomerates to adopt holding company systems to resolve cobweb-like ownership structures.
But some big-name business groups have used the scheme as a tool to strengthen the grip of founding families over affiliated firms, rather than to improve the transparency of management.
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


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yna--2020-12-27--S. Korea to shorten approval process of COVID-19 vaccines, treatments

It usually takes about 180 days for a vaccine to be approved under a standard licensing procedure , but the @ @ @ @ @ Safety said it aims to shorten the approval process to as low as 40 days @ @ @ @ @ urgency .

SEOUL, Dec. 27 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's medicine regulator said Sunday it will shorten an approval process of COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, as the nation signed deals to import coronavirus vaccines amid the winter wave of the pandemic.
It usually takes about 180 days for a vaccine to be approved under a standard licensing procedure, but the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said it aims to shorten the approval process to as low as 40 days due to the pandemic's urgency.
In South Korea, a vaccine must win additional approval before it is distributed and sold.
Such an approval process takes two or three months, but the ministry said it plans to shorten the process for sale to as low as 20 days.
Last week, the government said South Korea has signed deals with Johnson & Johnson's Janssen and Pfizer to purchase COVID-19 vaccines for a total of 16 million people.
Previously, the government said it had signed deals to secure vaccines for 44 million people.
South Korea added 970 more COVID-19 cases on Sunday, raising the total caseload to 56,872, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-27--Military to launch vegan diet for vegetarians, Muslims next year

Currently , two soldiers in service have officially identified themselves as a vegetarian and a Muslim , respectively .
The @ @ @ @ @ diet without any meat .

SEOUL, Dec. 27 (Yonhap) -- The military will provide vegetarian and Muslim enlistees with a vegan diet excluding any meat and ham starting next year, the defense ministry said Sunday.
From February, prospective draftees will be asked to mark if they are a vegetarian when they take physical examinations, the ministry said.
Two columns marked as "vegetarian" in both Korean and English will be available on the form.
Such personal information will be sent to the unit that the enlistees will serve in, allowing for a systematic ration program for vegetarian and Muslim soldiers.
"As soon as we identify the number of vegetarian and Muslim soldiers next year, we will develop customized menus," a military source said.
Currently, two soldiers in service have officially identified themselves as a vegetarian and a Muslim, respectively. The military currently provides them a diet without any meat.
The ministry's decision appears to reflect the trend of a growing number of vegetarians and enlistees from multicultural families.
This photo, provided by the defense ministry on Dec. 27, 2020, shows a vegetarian meal consisting of cereal, salad, bread and soy milk. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-27--S. Korea issues nationwide standstill order on poultry farms amid bird flu cases

Until Sunday , all poultry farms and livestock production facilities , including their vehicles and personnel , will be subject @ @ @ @ @ with disinfection work to be carried out during the period , authorities said .

SEOUL, Dec. 27 (Yonhap) -- South Korea issued a 24-hour standstill order on Sunday on all poultry farms across the country following a series of highly pathogenic bird flu cases.
Until Sunday, all poultry farms and livestock production facilities, including their vehicles and personnel, will be subject to the movement ban, with disinfection work to be carried out during the period, authorities said.
It was the second time this month that a nationwide standstill order was issued over bird flu cases. On Dec. 12, a 48-hour standstill order was issued.
Violators of the order could face up to one year in prison or a fine of 10 million won (US$9,000).
Last week, South Korea confirmed three more cases of highly pathogenic bird flu in poultry, raising this year's total caseload to 22 amid growing concerns over the disease spreading across the nation.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said it has identified avian influenza of the H5N8 strain at a fowl farm in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, just south of Seoul.
The country has culled about 6.3 million poultry as farm-related H5N8 infections have been reported across the nation since late November.
Officials prepare to cull birds at an egg farm in Yeoju, 105 kilometers south of Seoul, on Dec. 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-12-27--(LEAD) Gov't seeks 3 mln-won small biz relief grants

The country 's third round of emergency relief package , expected to reach nearly 5 trillion won , will likely @ @ @ @ @ week , after being approved in a senior ruling party-government meeting and the regular weekly @ @ @ @ @ according to ruling party and government officials .

(ATTN: AMENDS headline for clarity)
SEJONG, Dec. 27 (Yonhap) -- South Korea is seeking to include relief grants of up to 3 million won (US$2,700) for small business owners in a new COVID-19 economic relief program expected to be announced this week, according to officials Sunday.
The country's third round of emergency relief package, expected to reach nearly 5 trillion won, will likely be announced later in the week, after being approved in a senior ruling party-government meeting and the regular weekly Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, according to ruling party and government officials.
This photo, taken on Dec. 17, 2020, shows almost no people at Namdaemun Market in central Seoul, one of South Korea's biggest traditional markets, amid the new coronavirus outbreak. (Yonhap)
The move comes as more smaller merchants and self-employed people are facing the growing burdens of paying rental fees due to the government's order to suspend their business amid the protracted pandemic.
The government is reportedly planning to provide up to 1 million won to 2 million won to small retail business sites as "business stability funds," with roughly 1 million won in additional funds for subsidies for rent.
The grants will only be available to businesses that have undergone forced closures and suspensions due to the government's strengthened social distancing rules.
The government is also considering raising the amount of tax credits to landlords who voluntarily reduce rents for small businesses from the current 50 percent to up to 70 percent.
Officials are also considering including contract workers and freelancers in the new relief program. Such workers were eligible to receive 500,000 won in emergency funds in the government's fourth supplementary budget passed earlier this year.
This photo, taken Dec. 17, 2020, shows a sign calling for a cut in rental fees that was put up at an underground shopping mall in Seoul's shopping district of Myeongdong. (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-27--(LEAD) New virus cases under 1,000, tougher pandemic rules under consideration

Since last Wednesday , the greater Seoul area has banned gatherings of five or more people .
Restaurants in the @ @ @ @ @ fine if they allow gatherings of more than four people .
The strongest-ever measures have @ @ @ @ @ Thursday as well .

(ATTN: ADDS details in last 4 paras)
By Kim Deok-hyun
SEOUL, Dec. 27 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's daily new coronavirus cases fell below 1,000 on Sunday, mainly due to less testing over the weekend, as the government is considering whether to raise social distancing rules to the highest level to contain the winter wave of the virus.
The country added 970 more COVID-19 cases, including 946 local infections, raising the total caseload to 56,872, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
The tally marked a decline from 1,132 cases Saturday, 1,241 cases Friday, 985 cases Thursday and 1,090 cases Wednesday. In the span of the past 10 days, the nation's daily virus cases hovered around 1,000.
Fifteen people died from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, raising the death toll to 808.
Medical workers conduct COVID-19 testing at a temporary screening center outside Seoul Station in central Seoul on Dec. 26, 2020. (Yonhap)
Health authorities have been considering whether to raise the country's social distancing guidelines to Level 3, the highest in its five-tier scheme.
However, authorities said they are aiming to contain the current wave of the pandemic without raising virus curbs to the toughest level on concerns over the impact on the economy.
Instead of applying measures that would deal a severe blow to millions of small merchants, health authorities have deployed "targeted" virus curbs.
Since last Wednesday, the greater Seoul area has banned gatherings of five or more people. Restaurants in the greater Seoul area face a fine if they allow gatherings of more than four people. The strongest-ever measures have been applied nationwide since last Thursday as well.
Ski resorts and famous tourism venues were shut down to slow the spread of the virus during the Christmas and New Year's holiday season.
South Korea has been applying Level 2.5 social distancing rules in the greater Seoul area, home to half of its 51.6 million population, and Level 2 rules in the rest of the country.
A normally busy street in the southeastern city of Daegu is nearly empty amid increasing coronavirus infections on Dec. 26, 2020. (Yonhap)
Of the newly identified local infections, 359 cases were reported in Seoul and 237 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital. Incheon, west of Seoul, reported 60 more cases.
Other municipalities reported new infections, with the country's largest port city of Busan adding 40 cases and South Gyeongsang Province reporting 44 new cases.
The number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients reached 293, compared with 299 from the previous day.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 39,040, up 508 from the previous day.
The country, meanwhile, added 24 imported cases, increasing the total to 5,297.
Eight cases came from Russia, followed by four from the United States and four from Indonesia.
The country has carried out 4,006,412 coronavirus tests since Jan. 3, including 36,997 tests in the past 24 hours. The country reported its first case on Jan. 20.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-27--Gov't seeks 3 mln-won small biz relief funds, landlord tax credit hike in new virus handouts

SEJONG, Dec. 27 (Yonhap) -- South Korea is seeking to include relief grants of up to 3 million won (US$2,700) for small business owners in a new COVID-19 economic relief program expected to be announced this week, according to officials Sunday.
The country's third round of emergency relief package, expected to reach nearly 5 trillion won, will likely be announced later in the week, after being approved in a senior ruling party-government meeting and the regular weekly Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, according to ruling party and government officials.
This photo, taken on Dec. 17, 2020, shows almost no people at Namdaemun Market in central Seoul, one of South Korea's biggest traditional markets, amid the new coronavirus outbreak. (Yonhap)
The move comes as more smaller merchants and self-employed people are facing the growing burdens of paying rental fees due to the government's order to suspend their business amid the protracted pandemic.
The government is reportedly planning to provide up to 1 million won to 2 million won to small retail business sites as "business stability funds," with roughly 1 million won in additional funds for subsidies for rent.
The grants will only be available to businesses that have undergone forced closures and suspensions due to the government's strengthened social distancing rules.
The government is also considering raising the amount of tax credits to landlords who voluntarily reduce rents for small businesses from the current 50 percent to up to 70 percent.
Officials are also considering including contract workers and freelancers in the new relief program. Such workers were eligible to receive 500,000 won in emergency funds in the government's fourth supplementary budget passed earlier this year.
This photo, taken Dec. 17, 2020, shows a sign calling for a cut in rental fees that was put up at an underground shopping mall in Seoul's shopping district of Myeongdong. (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-27--New virus cases under 1,000, tougher pandemic rules under consideration

SEOUL, Dec. 27 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's daily new coronavirus cases fell below 1,000 on Sunday, mainly due to less testing over the weekend, as the government is considering whether to raise social distancing rules to the highest level to contain the winter wave of the virus.
The country added 970 more COVID-19 cases, including 946 local infections, raising the total caseload to 56,872, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
The tally marked a decline from 1,132 cases Saturday, 1,241 cases Friday, 985 cases Thursday and 1,090 cases Wednesday. In the span of the past 10 days, the nation's daily virus cases hovered around 1,000.
Fifteen people died from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, raising the death toll to 808.
Medical workers conduct COVID-19 testing at a temporary screening center outside Seoul Station in central Seoul on Dec. 26, 2020. (Yonhap)
Health authorities have been considering whether to raise the country's social distancing guidelines to Level 3, the highest in its five-tier scheme.
However, authorities said they are aiming to contain the current wave of the pandemic without raising virus curbs to the toughest level on concerns over the impact on the economy.
Instead of applying measures that would deal a severe blow to millions of small merchants, health authorities have deployed "targeted" virus curbs.
Since last Wednesday, the greater Seoul area has banned gatherings of five or more people. Restaurants in the greater Seoul area face a fine if they allow gatherings of more than four people. The strongest-ever measures have been applied nationwide since last Thursday as well.
Ski resorts and famous tourism venues were shut down to slow the spread of the virus during the Christmas and New Year's holiday season.
South Korea has been applying Level 2.5 social distancing rules in the greater Seoul area, home to half of its 51.6 million population, and Level 2 rules in the rest of the country.
A normally busy street in the southeastern city of Daegu is nearly empty amid increasing coronavirus infections on Dec. 26, 2020. (Yonhap)
Of the newly identified local infections, 359 cases were reported in Seoul and 237 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital. Incheon, west of Seoul, reported 60 more cases.
Other municipalities reported new infections, with the country's largest port city of Busan adding 40 cases and South Gyeongsang Province reporting 44 new cases.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-27--(URGENT) 508 more patients released from coronavirus treatment, total now at 39,040: KDCA

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


yna--2020-12-27--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 15 additional coronavirus deaths, total now at 808: KDCA


yna--2020-12-27--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 970 new coronavirus cases, total at 56,872: KDCA


Sunday's weather forecast

SEOUL , Dec. 27 ( Yonhap ) -- The following is the weather forecast for South Korea 's 12 major @ @ @ @ @ .


yna--2020-12-27--(4th LD) S. Korea to extend current distancing rules in capital area until Jan. 3

`` The special measure that we are already implementing includes steps that are even tougher than that of Level 3 @ @ @ @ @ said during an interagency meeting on the COVID-19 response .
`` I once again earnestly @ @ @ @ @ to join in and cooperate with ( anti-virus measures ) . ''

(ATTN: ADDS more info in 6th para)
SEOUL, Dec. 27 (Yonhap) -- South Korea decided to extend the current social-distancing restrictions in the greater Seoul area until Jan. 3, opting not to raise them to the toughest level, despite the winter wave of the novel coronavirus, officials said Sunday.
Health Minister Kwon Deok-cheol announced that the Level 2.5 distancing, the second highest in the country's five-tier COVID-19 alert system, will remain in effect in the nation's capital area, which covers Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province.
Although the nation's daily new virus cases have hovered around 1,000, the government aims to bring the winter wave under control without raising virus curbs to the toughest level because it would deal a severe blow to millions of small merchants.
In the rest of the country, Level 2 restrictions, the third highest level, will be applied until Jan. 3, officials said.
As for a reason why the authorities decided to retain the current distancing level, they cited recent daily tallies hovering steadily around 1,000 and a decrease in people's weekend movements since the rollout, on Thursday, of strict antivirus measures, such as a ban on gatherings of more than four people.
The authorities also pointed out that the virus reproduction rate in the capital area decreased to 1.07 from 1.27 recorded the previous week -- a development that authorities said marked a positive sign for the fight against the pandemic.
"We are responding to the pandemic by continuously supplementing quarantine and medical response capabilities and it is difficult to characterize the current situation as having reached a limit," Kwon told a press briefing.
"While watching the situation over the next one week, we will carry out a comprehensive review of all social distancing measures and make adjustments before Jan. 3," the official added.
Kwon also urged citizens to "persevere" and avoid private gatherings, stressing that the country is still in a "precarious crisis."
Under the Level 2.5 restrictions, gatherings of more than 50 people are banned, but the government has already enforced more stringent antivirus measures, including a nationwide ban on private gatherings of five or more people, since last Wednesday.
The measure to extend the current distancing level included toughened steps, such as barring fast-food chains from offering tables to customers buying only beverages or dessert under Level 2 or higher.
The move came as franchise cafe operators complained that hamburger joints and other fast-food restaurants have been allowed to seat customers at tables while only takeaway and delivery services were allowed for cafes.
Shortly before health authorities announced the extension of tougher distancing rules on the greater Seoul area, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun indicated that the government is likely to stick to the current level.
"The special measure that we are already implementing includes steps that are even tougher than that of Level 3 social distancing," Chung said during an interagency meeting on the COVID-19 response. "I once again earnestly call on people to continue to join in and cooperate with (anti-virus measures)."
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun speaks during a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters at the government complex in Seoul on Dec. 27, 2020. (Yonhap)
kdh@yna.co.kr
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-27--(4th LD) S. Korean posthumously tests positive for COVID-19 after return from Britain, variant possi

(4th LD) S. Korean posthumously tests positive for COVID-19 after return from Britain, variant possibility being examined

Following his death , the three underwent virus tests again and were confirmed to have contracted COVID-19 on Sunday .
@ @ @ @ @ in self quarantine while the other was recently released from self-isolation .

(ATTN: UPDATES throughout)
SEOUL/SUWON, South Korea, Dec. 27 (Yonhap) -- An elderly South Korean man, who recently returned from Britain, has posthumously tested positive for COVID-19, with three of his family members confirmed to have contracted the virus, officials said Sunday.
The infections prompted authorities to look into whether they were infected with a new variant of the new coronavirus fast spreading in the European country. South Korea has so far reported no case of the mutated virus from Britain.
The Central Disease Control Headquarters said that test results on whether the virus is the new variant are expected to come out as early as this week.
The man in his 80s had remained in self-quarantine at his home in Goyang, northwest of Seoul, after he and two family members arrived from Britain on Dec. 13. He died Saturday morning at a hospital after experiencing cardiac arrest.
Samples from the man's body revealed that he was positive with COVID-19.
Two family members who arrived from Britain together with the deceased man initially tested negative. The other, who arrived from Britain on Dec. 8, also tested negative.
Following his death, the three underwent virus tests again and were confirmed to have contracted COVID-19 on Sunday. Two of them have been in self quarantine while the other was recently released from self-isolation.
The country has halted all flights from Britain until Dec. 31 after the European nation reported a new COVID-19 variant that is believed to spread much faster.
The new strain is believed to transmit 50 to 70 percent faster than any other variant found in the United Kingdom, according to Britain's preliminary research outcome.
A board shows the arrival time of a flight from London at Incheon airport, west of Seoul, on Dec. 24, 2020, as South Korea has suspended flights arriving from Britain until the end of this year over concerns about a new strain of the novel coronavirus. (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-27--(4th LD) New virus cases under 1,000; current social distancing level extended

(ATTN: ADDS more info in 5th para)
By Kim Deok-hyun
SEOUL, Dec. 27 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's daily new coronavirus cases fell below 1,000 on Sunday, due mainly to less testing over the weekend, as the government opted not to raise social distancing rules to the toughest level with a renewed plea for citizens' strict adherence to antivirus steps.
The country added 970 more COVID-19 cases, including 946 local infections, raising the total caseload to 56,872, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
The tally marked a decline from 1,132 cases Saturday, 1,241 cases Friday, 985 cases Thursday and 1,090 cases Wednesday. In the span of the past 10 days, the nation's daily virus cases hovered around 1,000.
Fifteen people died from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, raising the death toll to 808.
Medical workers conduct COVID-19 testing at a temporary screening center outside Seoul Station in central Seoul on Dec. 26, 2020. (Yonhap)
On Sunday, as of 6 p.m., the number of new virus cases was tallied at 559, down 103 from Saturday's tally during the same time period. Of the total, 362 cases, or 64.8 percent, were from the greater Seoul metropolitan area, including 180 in the capital.
Later in the day, health authorities decided to extend the current Level 2.5 social-distancing restrictions in the greater Seoul area until Jan. 3, opting not to raise them to the highest level in the five-tier system.
In the rest of the country, Level 2 restrictions, the third highest level, will be applied until Jan. 3, officials said.
Although the nation's daily new virus cases have hovered around 1,000, the government has sought to bring the winter wave under control without raising virus curbs because it would deal a severe blow to millions of small merchants.
Instead of applying sweeping measures that could worsen economic woes, health authorities have deployed "targeted" virus curbs.
Since last Wednesday, the greater Seoul area has banned gatherings of five or more people. Restaurants in the greater Seoul area face a fine if they allow gatherings of more than four people. The strongest-ever measures have been applied nationwide since last Thursday as well.
Ski resorts and famous tourism venues were shut down to slow the spread of the virus during the Christmas and New Year's holiday season.
To help find unconfirmed infections with no symptoms, health authorities have expanded anonymous testing since Dec. 14. A total of 1,252 infections, including 111 cases in the past 24 hours, has been confirmed through such testing so far, the KDCA said.
Cars line up at a drive-thru COVID-19 testing center in Seoul on Dec. 27, 2020. (Yonhap)
Of the newly identified local infections, 359 cases were reported in Seoul and 237 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital. Incheon, west of Seoul, reported 60 more cases.
Other municipalities reported new infections, with the country's largest port city of Busan adding 40 cases and South Gyeongsang Province reporting 44 new cases.
South Korea had managed to bring two waves of virus infections under control since the pandemic began, but health authorities are struggling to contain the current wave because clusters continue to emerge in the densely populated capital area. At the same time, clusters showed signs of growing across the nation.
A detention center in Seoul's Songpa Ward reported eight additional patients, raising the caseload to 528, while a nursing home in Seoul's Yangcheon Ward identified 27 more cases, with the total reaching 28.
Other major cluster infections included a nursing home in Goyang, north of Seoul, which added two more patients, raising the total to 86. A religious facility in Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul, has reported 33 patients.
South Korea temporarily halted all flights from Britain until Thursday due to concerns over a new variant of COVID-19, believed to spread faster, in London.
An elderly Korean man in his 80s, who recently returned from Britain, has posthumously tested positive for COVID-19, prompting authorities to look into whether he contracted the new variant. Two of his family members have also tested positive.
Health authorities said that test results on whether the virus is the new variant are expected to come out during the first week of January.
People line up to take COVID-19 tests at a temporary screening center outside Seoul Station in central Seoul on Dec. 27, 2020. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency reported 970 new COVID-19 cases on the day, putting the total caseload at 56,872. (Yonhap)
The number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients reached 293, compared with 299 from the previous day.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 39,040, up 508 from the previous day.
The country, meanwhile, added 24 imported cases, increasing the total to 5,297.
Eight cases came from Russia, followed by four from the United States and four from Indonesia.
The country has carried out 4,006,412 coronavirus tests since Jan. 3, including 36,997 tests in the past 24 hours. The country reported its first case on Jan. 20.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-27--(3rd LD) S. Korea to extend current distancing rules in capital area until Jan. 3

(ATTN: ADDS more info in paras 10-11)
SEOUL, Dec. 27 (Yonhap) -- South Korea decided to extend the current social-distancing restrictions in the greater Seoul area until Jan. 3, opting not to raise them to the toughest level, despite the winter wave of the novel coronavirus, officials said Sunday.
Health Minister Kwon Deok-cheol announced that the Level 2.5 distancing, the second highest in the country's five-tier COVID-19 alert system, will remain in effect in the nation's capital area, which covers Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province.
Although the nation's daily new virus cases have hovered around 1,000, the government aims to bring the winter wave under control without raising virus curbs to the toughest level because it would deal a severe blow to millions of small merchants.
In the rest of the country, Level 2 restrictions, the third highest level, will be applied until Jan. 3, officials said.
As for a reason why the authorities decided to retain the current distancing level, they cited recent daily tallies hovering steadily around 1,000 and a decrease in people's weekend movements since the rollout, on Thursday, of strict antivirus measures, such as a ban on gatherings of more than four people.
"We are responding to the pandemic by continuously supplementing quarantine and medical response capabilities and it is difficult to characterize the current situation as having reached a limit," Kwon told a press briefing.
"While watching the situation over the next one week, we will carry out a comprehensive review of all social distancing measures and make adjustments before Jan. 3," the official added.
Kwon also urged citizens to "persevere" and avoid private gatherings, stressing that the country is still in a "precarious crisis."
Under the Level 2.5 restrictions, gatherings of more than 50 people are banned, but the government has already enforced more stringent antivirus measures, including a nationwide ban on private gatherings of five or more people, since last Wednesday.
The measure to extend the current distancing level included toughened steps, such as barring fast-food chains from offering tables to customers buying only beverages or dessert under Level 2 or higher.
The move came as franchise cafe operators complained that hamburger joints and other fast-food restaurants have been allowed to seat customers at tables while only takeaway and delivery services were allowed for cafes.
Shortly before health authorities announced the extension of tougher distancing rules on the greater Seoul area, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun indicated that the government is likely to stick to the current level.
"The special measure that we are already implementing includes steps that are even tougher than that of Level 3 social distancing," Chung said during an interagency meeting on the COVID-19 response. "I once again earnestly call on people to continue to join in and cooperate with (anti-virus measures)."
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun speaks during a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters at the government complex in Seoul on Dec. 27, 2020. (Yonhap)
kdh@yna.co.kr
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-27--(3rd LD) S. Korean posthumously tests positive for COVID-19 after return from Britain, variant possi

(3rd LD) S. Korean posthumously tests positive for COVID-19 after return from Britain, variant possibility being examined

Samples from the man 's body revealed that he was positive with COVID-19 .
Health authorities are examining whether the @ @ @ @ @ is that of the new variant reportedly spreading fast in Britain .

(ATTN: UPDATES 5th para)
SEOUL/SUWON, South Korea, Dec. 27 (Yonhap) -- An elderly South Korean man, who recently returned from Britain, has posthumously tested positive for COVID-19, officials said Sunday, prompting authorities to look into whether he contracted a new variant fast spreading in the European nation.
The man in his 80s had remained in self-quarantine at home in Goyang, northwest of Seoul, after arriving from Britain on Dec. 13. He died Saturday morning at a hospital after experiencing cardiac arrest.
Samples from the man's body revealed that he was positive with COVID-19. Health authorities are examining whether the virus strain from the body is that of the new variant reportedly spreading fast in Britain.
Health authorities have said they have not detected the mutated virus here yet.
The Central Disease Control Headquarters said that test results on whether the virus is the new variant are expected to come out as early as this week.
Meanwhile, two family members of the elderly man tested positive for COVID-19, while the man's wife was waiting for her test results.
The three also recently arrived from Britain, according to officials. Their virus samples will be examined for whether they are of the variant type.
The country has halted all flights from Britain until Dec. 31 after the European nation reported a new COVID-19 variant that is believed to spread much faster.
The new strain is believed to transmit 50 to 70 percent faster than any other variant found in the United Kingdom, according to Britain's preliminary research outcome.
A board shows the arrival time of a flight from London at Incheon airport, west of Seoul, on Dec. 24, 2020, as South Korea has suspended flights arriving from Britain until the end of this year over concerns about a new strain of the novel coronavirus. (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-27--(3rd LD) New virus cases under 1,000; current social distancing level extended

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead; UPDATES in paras 5-6)
By Kim Deok-hyun
SEOUL, Dec. 27 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's daily new coronavirus cases fell below 1,000 on Sunday, due mainly to less testing over the weekend, as the government opted not to raise social distancing rules to the toughest level with a renewed plea for citizens' strict adherence to antivirus steps.
The country added 970 more COVID-19 cases, including 946 local infections, raising the total caseload to 56,872, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
The tally marked a decline from 1,132 cases Saturday, 1,241 cases Friday, 985 cases Thursday and 1,090 cases Wednesday. In the span of the past 10 days, the nation's daily virus cases hovered around 1,000.
Fifteen people died from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, raising the death toll to 808.
Medical workers conduct COVID-19 testing at a temporary screening center outside Seoul Station in central Seoul on Dec. 26, 2020. (Yonhap)
Later in the day, health authorities decided to extend the current Level 2.5 social-distancing restrictions in the greater Seoul area until Jan. 3, opting not to raise them to the highest level in the five-tier system.
In the rest of the country, Level 2 restrictions, the third highest level, will be applied until Jan. 3, officials said.
Although the nation's daily new virus cases have hovered around 1,000, the government has sought to bring the winter wave under control without raising virus curbs because it would deal a severe blow to millions of small merchants.
Instead of applying sweeping measures that could worsen economic woes, health authorities have deployed "targeted" virus curbs.
Since last Wednesday, the greater Seoul area has banned gatherings of five or more people. Restaurants in the greater Seoul area face a fine if they allow gatherings of more than four people. The strongest-ever measures have been applied nationwide since last Thursday as well.
Ski resorts and famous tourism venues were shut down to slow the spread of the virus during the Christmas and New Year's holiday season.
To help find unconfirmed infections with no symptoms, health authorities have expanded anonymous testing since Dec. 14. A total of 1,252 infections, including 111 cases in the past 24 hours, has been confirmed through such testing so far, the KDCA said.
Cars line up at a drive-thru COVID-19 testing center in Seoul on Dec. 27, 2020. (Yonhap)
Of the newly identified local infections, 359 cases were reported in Seoul and 237 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital. Incheon, west of Seoul, reported 60 more cases.
Other municipalities reported new infections, with the country's largest port city of Busan adding 40 cases and South Gyeongsang Province reporting 44 new cases.
South Korea had managed to bring two waves of virus infections under control since the pandemic began, but health authorities are struggling to contain the current wave because clusters continue to emerge in the densely populated capital area. At the same time, clusters showed signs of growing across the nation.
A detention center in Seoul's Songpa Ward reported eight additional patients, raising the caseload to 528, while a nursing home in Seoul's Yangcheon Ward identified 27 more cases, with the total reaching 28.
Other major cluster infections included a nursing home in Goyang, north of Seoul, which added two more patients, raising the total to 86. A religious facility in Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul, has reported 33 patients.
South Korea temporarily halted all flights from Britain until Thursday due to concerns over a new variant of COVID-19, believed to spread faster, in London.
An elderly Korean man in his 80s, who recently returned from Britain, has posthumously tested positive for COVID-19, prompting authorities to look into whether he contracted the new variant. Two of his family members have also tested positive.
Health authorities said that test results on whether the virus is the new variant are expected to come out during the first week of January.
People line up to take COVID-19 tests at a temporary screening center outside Seoul Station in central Seoul on Dec. 27, 2020. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency reported 970 new COVID-19 cases on the day, putting the total caseload at 56,872. (Yonhap)
The number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients reached 293, compared with 299 from the previous day.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 39,040, up 508 from the previous day.
The country, meanwhile, added 24 imported cases, increasing the total to 5,297.
Eight cases came from Russia, followed by four from the United States and four from Indonesia.
The country has carried out 4,006,412 coronavirus tests since Jan. 3, including 36,997 tests in the past 24 hours. The country reported its first case on Jan. 20.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-27--(2nd LD) S. Korea to extend current distancing rules in capital area until Jan. 3

(ATTN: ADDS more info in paras 5-8)
SEOUL, Dec. 27 (Yonhap) -- South Korea decided to extend the current social-distancing restrictions in the greater Seoul area until Jan. 3, opting not to raise them to the toughest level, despite the winter wave of the novel coronavirus, officials said Sunday.
Health Minister Kwon Deok-cheol announced that the Level 2.5 distancing, the second highest in the country's five-tier COVID-19 alert system, will remain in effect in the nation's capital area, which covers Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province.
Although the nation's daily new virus cases have hovered around 1,000, the government aims to bring the winter wave under control without raising virus curbs to the toughest level because it would deal a severe blow to millions of small merchants.
In the rest of the country, Level 2 restrictions, the third highest level, will be applied until Jan. 3, officials said.
As for a reason why the authorities decided to retain the current distancing level, they cited recent daily tallies hovering steadily around 1,000 and a decrease in people's weekend movements since the rollout, on Thursday, of strict antivirus measures, such as a ban on gatherings of more than four people.
"We are responding to the pandemic by continuously supplementing quarantine and medical response capabilities and it is difficult to characterize the current situation as having reached a limit," Kwon told a press briefing.
"While watching the situation over the next one week, we will carry out a comprehensive review of all social distancing measures and make adjustments before Jan. 3," the official added.
Kwon also urged citizens to "persevere" and avoid private gatherings, stressing that the country is still in a "precarious crisis."
Under the Level 2.5 restrictions, gatherings of more than 50 people are banned, but the government has already enforced more stringent antivirus measures, including a nationwide ban on private gatherings of five or more people, since last Wednesday.
Shortly before health authorities announced the extension of tougher distancing rules on the greater Seoul area, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun indicated that the government is likely to stick to the current level.
"The special measure that we are already implementing includes steps that are even tougher than that of Level 3 social distancing," Chung said during an interagency meeting on the COVID-19 response. "I once again earnestly call on people to continue to join in and cooperate with (anti-virus measures)."
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun speaks during a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters at the government complex in Seoul on Dec. 27, 2020. (Yonhap)
kdh@yna.co.kr
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-27--(2nd LD) Gov't to offer relief grants of up to 3 mln won to virus-hit small biz

After the meeting , the ruling party announced the decision to offer 1 million won to all small businesses owners @ @ @ @ @ 1 million won to stores subject to partial restrictions , or an additional 2 million @ @ @ @ @ shut down entirely due to toughened schemes .

(ATTN: REWRITES headline, lead; UPDATES with results of ruling party-gov't policy meeting throughout)
SEJONG, Dec. 27 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will offer relief grants of up to 3 million won (US$2,700) for small business owners hit by the new coronavirus outbreak, ruling party and government officials said Sunday.
The decision on the country's third round of emergency relief package was reached during a high-level policy discussion between officials from Cheong Wa Dae, the government and the ruling party at the National Assembly.
After the meeting, the ruling party announced the decision to offer 1 million won to all small businesses owners, and provide an additional 1 million won to stores subject to partial restrictions, or an additional 2 million won to businesses forced to shut down entirely due to toughened schemes.
The government's goal is to provide the relief grants within January.
This photo, taken on Dec. 17, 2020, shows few people at Namdaemun Market in central Seoul, one of South Korea's biggest traditional markets, amid the new coronavirus outbreak. (Yonhap)
The move comes as more small merchants and self-employed people are facing the growing burden of paying fixed rent fees amid government orders to suspend their businesses to curb the spread of community transmissions.
The government will also provide low-interest loans to small businesses and allow deferrals of electricity and insurance bills of store owners from January to March.
The government also plans to offer support for medical institutions dealing with the pandemic. Specifically, the government will help provide additional negative pressure room sick beds for hospitals dedicated to treating infectious disease and compensate damage stemming from dealing with the coronavirus.
The ruling party and the government also decided to raise the amount of tax credits offered to landlords who voluntarily reduce rents for small businesses, from the current 50 percent to up to 70 percent for the corresponding discounted amount.
The program will not apply universally to all landlords but only to those with incomes "under a certain level."
The government will also offer grants to contract workers and freelancers in the new relief program. Such workers were eligible to receive 500,000 won in emergency funds in the government's fourth supplementary budget passed earlier this year.
This photo, taken Dec. 17, 2020, shows a sign calling for a cut in rental fees that was put up at an underground shopping mall in Seoul's shopping district of Myeongdong. (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-27--(LEAD) S. Korea to extend current distancing rules in capital area until Jan. 3

(ATTN: UPDATES with extension of distancing rules; CHANGES headline)
SEOUL, Dec. 27 (Yonhap) -- South Korea decided to extend the current social-distancing restrictions in the greater Seoul area until Jan. 3, opting not to raise them to the toughest level, despite the winter wave of the novel coronavirus, officials said Sunday.
Health Minister Kwon Deok-cheol announced that the Level 2.5 distancing, the second highest in the country's five-tier COVID-19 alert system, will remain in effect in the nation's capital area, which covers Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province.
Although the nation's daily new virus cases have hovered around 1,000, the government aims to bring the winter wave under control without raising virus curbs to the toughest level because it would deal a severe blow to millions of small merchants.
In the rest of the country, Level 2 restrictions, the third highest level, will be applied until Jan. 3, officials said.
Under the Level 2.5 restrictions, gatherings of more than 50 people are banned, but the government has already enforced more stringent antivirus measures, including a nationwide ban on private gatherings of five or more people, since last Wednesday.
Shortly before health authorities announced the extension of tougher distancing rules on the greater Seoul area, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun indicated that the government is likely to stick to the current level.
"The special measure that we are already implementing includes steps that are even tougher than that of Level 3 social distancing," Chung said during an interagency meeting on the COVID-19 response. "I once again earnestly call on people to continue to join in and cooperate with (anti-virus measures)."
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun speaks during a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters at the government complex in Seoul on Dec. 27, 2020. (Yonhap)
kdh@yna.co.kr
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-27--(URGENT) Gov't to extend current social distancing scheme for capital area until Jan. 3


yna--2020-12-27--PM says current distancing measures already tougher than Level 3, urges strict adherence

SEOUL, Dec. 27 (Yonhap) -- Some of the special distancing measures currently in place are even stronger than those required under the highest Level 3 of social distancing, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said Sunday, a strong indication that the government is likely to stick to the current level.
Chung's remarks came shortly before the government's decision on whether to raise social distancing to the highest level from the current Level 2.5.
"The special measure that we are already implementing includes steps that are even tougher than that of Level 3 social distancing," Chung said during an interagency meeting on the COVID-19 response. "I once again earnestly call on people to continue to join in and cooperate with (anti-virus measures)."
Last week, the government enforced more stringent antivirus measures, including a nationwide ban on private gatherings of five or more people, and closures of ski slopes and other winter sports facilities, as well as popular year-end tourist attractions, until Jan. 3.
Authorities opted to impose tougher special measures instead of elevating the official social distancing scheme in the capital area from 2.5 to Level 3, despite having reported over 1,000 daily confirmed cases for multiple days, due to fears of an economic slowdown.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun speaks during a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters at the government complex in Seoul on Dec. 27, 2020. (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-27--(2nd LD) S. Korean posthumously tests positive for COVID-19 after return from Britain, variant possi

(2nd LD) S. Korean posthumously tests positive for COVID-19 after return from Britain, variant possibility being examined

(ATTN: UPDATES with more details in paras 6-7)
SEOUL/SUWON, South Korea, Dec. 27 (Yonhap) -- An elderly South Korean man, who recently returned from Britain, has posthumously tested positive for COVID-19, officials said Sunday, prompting authorities to look into whether he contracted a new variant fast spreading in the European nation.
The man in his 80s had remained in self-quarantine at home in Goyang, northwest of Seoul, after arriving from Britain on Dec. 13. He passed away Saturday morning at a hospital after experiencing cardiac arrest.
Samples from the man's body revealed that he was positive with COVID-19. Health authorities are examining whether the virus strain from the body is that of the new variant reportedly spreading fast in Britain.
Health authorities have said they have not detected the mutated virus here yet.
The Central Disease Control Headquarters said that test results on whether the virus is the new variant are expected to come out during the first week of January.
Meanwhile, two family members of the elderly man tested positive for COVID-19, while the man's wife was waiting for her test results.
The three also recently arrived from Britain, according to officials. Their virus samples will be examined for whether they are of the variant type.
The country has halted all flights from Britain until Dec. 31 after the European nation reported a new COVID-19 variant that is believed to spread much faster.
The new strain is believed to transmit 50 to 70 percent faster than any other variant found in the United Kingdom, according to Britain's preliminary research outcome.
A board shows the arrival time of a flight from London at Incheon airport, west of Seoul, on Dec. 24, 2020, as South Korea has suspended flights arriving from Britain until the end of this year over concerns about a new strain of the novel coronavirus. (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-27--Banks to verify authenticity of customers' passports presented as ID in real time

This allows banks to check the authenticity of the customer 's identity by comparing in real time the passport presented @ @ @ @ @ information registered by facilities that handle passport issuance .
South Korean banks currently run a @ @ @ @ @ driver 's licenses and identification cards of its customers .

SEOUL, Dec. 27 (Yonhap) -- South Korean banks plan to introduce a new service to check the authenticity of its customers' passports used as an identification method, officials said Sunday.
The verification system will be available in 12 local banks starting from Monday and will expand to other banks and savings banks next year, according to the foreign ministry, Financial Services Commission (FSC) and Korea Financial Telecommunications & Clearings Institute (KTC).
This allows banks to check the authenticity of the customer's identity by comparing in real time the passport presented by the customer with the information registered by facilities that handle passport issuance. South Korean banks currently run a similar system that verifies the driver's licenses and identification cards of its customers.
The foreign ministry expects the new service to facilitate financial transactions for customers that use passports as their major identification method, including minors and overseas South Koreans. It is also expected to prevent accidents by preventing the use of forged or stolen passports.
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-27--Gov't to begin vaccinations of medical workers, elderly in Feb.: presidential chief of staff

He also expected collective herd immunity among the general population to be formed in a similar time frame or faster @ @ @ @ @ The government is doing all it can to advance this time frame and is also @ @ @ @ @ said .

SEOUL, Dec. 27 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will begin administering coronavirus vaccines to medical workers and the elderly from February, presidential chief of staff Noh Young-min said Sunday.
Noh made the remark during a high-level policy discussion between officials from Cheong Wa Dae, the government and the ruling party at the National Assembly.
"In terms of volume, we've already secured enough (vaccines) to protect our people. Vaccinations of medical workers and the elderly will begin in February of next year," Noh said during the meeting.
Noh said that other nations are expected to offer inoculations to the general public during the second quarter and that "South Korea too will likely start vaccinations of average people around the same period."
He also expected collective herd immunity among the general population to be formed in a similar time frame or faster than foreign countries. "The government is doing all it can to advance this time frame and is also making progress," Noh said.
Key participants of a high-level meeting between Cheong Wa Dae, the government and the ruling party pose for photos at the National Assembly in Seoul on Dec. 27, 2020. (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-27--(2nd LD) New virus cases under 1,000, tougher pandemic rules under consideration

(ATTN: ADDS details in 10th para, paras 14-18, new photos)
By Kim Deok-hyun
SEOUL, Dec. 27 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's daily new coronavirus cases fell below 1,000 on Sunday, mainly due to less testing over the weekend, as the government is considering whether to raise social distancing rules to the highest level to contain the winter wave of the virus.
The country added 970 more COVID-19 cases, including 946 local infections, raising the total caseload to 56,872, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
The tally marked a decline from 1,132 cases Saturday, 1,241 cases Friday, 985 cases Thursday and 1,090 cases Wednesday. In the span of the past 10 days, the nation's daily virus cases hovered around 1,000.
Fifteen people died from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, raising the death toll to 808.
Medical workers conduct COVID-19 testing at a temporary screening center outside Seoul Station in central Seoul on Dec. 26, 2020. (Yonhap)
Health authorities have been considering whether to raise the country's social distancing guidelines to Level 3, the highest in its five-tier scheme.
However, authorities said they are aiming to contain the current wave of the pandemic without raising virus curbs to the toughest level on concerns over the impact on the economy.
Instead of applying measures that would deal a severe blow to millions of small merchants, health authorities have deployed "targeted" virus curbs.
Since last Wednesday, the greater Seoul area has banned gatherings of five or more people. Restaurants in the greater Seoul area face a fine if they allow gatherings of more than four people. The strongest-ever measures have been applied nationwide since last Thursday as well.
Ski resorts and famous tourism venues were shut down to slow the spread of the virus during the Christmas and New Year's holiday season.
To help find unconfirmed infections with no symptoms, health authorities have expanded anonymous testing since Dec. 14. A total of 1,252 infections, including 111 cases in the past 24 hours, has been confirmed through such testing so far, the KDCA said.
South Korea has been applying Level 2.5 social distancing rules in the greater Seoul area, home to half of its 51.6 million population, and Level 2 rules in the rest of the country.
Cars line up at a drive-thru COVID-19 testing center in Seoul on Dec. 27, 2020. (Yonhap)
Of the newly identified local infections, 359 cases were reported in Seoul and 237 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital. Incheon, west of Seoul, reported 60 more cases.
Other municipalities reported new infections, with the country's largest port city of Busan adding 40 cases and South Gyeongsang Province reporting 44 new cases.
South Korea had managed to bring two waves of virus infections under control since the pandemic began, but health authorities are struggling to contain the current wave because clusters continue to emerge in the densely populated capital area. At the same time, clusters showed signs of growing across the nation.
A detention center in Seoul's Songpa Ward reported eight additional patients, raising the caseload to 528, while a nursing home in Seoul's Yangcheon Ward identified 27 more cases, with the total reaching 28.
Other major cluster infections included a nursing home in Goyang, north of Seoul, which added two more patients, raising the total to 86. A religious facility in Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul, has reported 33 patients.
South Korea temporarily halted all flights from Britain until Thursday due to concerns over a new variant of COVID-19, believed to spread faster, in London.
An elderly Korean man in his 80s, who recently returned from Britain, has posthumously tested positive for COVID-19, prompting authorities to look into whether he contracted the new variant. Two of his family members have also tested positive.
Health authorities said that test results on whether the virus is the new variant are expected to come out during the first week of January.
People line up to take COVID-19 tests at a temporary screening center outside Seoul Station in central Seoul on Dec. 27, 2020. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency reported 970 new COVID-19 cases on the day, putting the total caseload at 56,872. (Yonhap)
The number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients reached 293, compared with 299 from the previous day.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 39,040, up 508 from the previous day.
The country, meanwhile, added 24 imported cases, increasing the total to 5,297.
Eight cases came from Russia, followed by four from the United States and four from Indonesia.
The country has carried out 4,006,412 coronavirus tests since Jan. 3, including 36,997 tests in the past 24 hours. The country reported its first case on Jan. 20.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-27--Today in Korean history

Today in Korean history

1908 -- After colonizing the Korean Peninsula in 1905 , the Japanese colonial government establishes the Oriental Development Company in @ @ @ @ @ to control Korea 's land and business .
Japan forced Korea to transfer the ownership @ @ @ @ @ the company on the pretext of modernizing agriculture , and the Japanese company lent money @ @ @ @ @ interest rates , controlling nearly a third of the cultivated land on the peninsula within @ @ @

Dec. 28
1908 -- After colonizing the Korean Peninsula in 1905, the Japanese colonial government establishes the Oriental Development Company in Seoul as an economic base to control Korea's land and business. Japan forced Korea to transfer the ownership of some state land to the company on the pretext of modernizing agriculture, and the Japanese company lent money to Korean farmers at high interest rates, controlling nearly a third of the cultivated land on the peninsula within 20 years.
1926 -- Independence fighter Na Seok-ju shoots himself to death after throwing grenades into a Japanese-owned bank and the Oriental Development Company in Seoul. Born in Jaeryong, Hwanghae Province, now in North Korea, in 1892, Na left for northeast China at age 23 for military training and joined the Korean exile government in Shanghai as a fund collector and security guard.
1989 -- South Korea establishes diplomatic relations with Yugoslavia.
1991 -- North Korea declares its northeastern maritime cities of Rajin and Sonbong to be "free economic zones" ready to provide benefits to foreign investors in an effort to enliven the country's faltering economy.
2000 -- South Korea and the United States complete a revised Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), which expanded South Korean jurisdiction over U.S. military suspects and set legal grounds for environmental protection on U.S. military bases.
The agreement, made after five years of negotiations, came amid growing public antagonism toward the U.S. after a bombing incident in Maehyang-ri, the pollution of the Han River by a U.S. base and the revelation that U.S. soldiers had killed hundreds of Korean civilians during the Korean War.
The revision called for the handover of U.S. soldiers accused of murder, rape or 10 other serious crimes to South Korean authorities at the time of their indictment.
2010 -- The Constitutional Court declares the telecommunications law that punishes internet users for spreading false information online is unconstitutional, a move seen as upholding freedom of expression on the web.
The decision comes after a famous online pundit known by his pen name "Minerva" filed a petition with the top court after being indicted on charges of spreading false information on the web. He was later acquitted.
2015 -- South Korea and Japan reach a deal to resolve the issue of Korean women forced into sexual slavery for Japanese soldiers during World War II.
2018 -- South Korea's defense ministry expresses deep concerns and regrets over Japan's release of a 13-minute video clip showing the operation of its Maritime Self-Defense Force's P-1 patrol aircraft to back up its claim that a South Korean naval destroyer targeted its warplane with its fire-control radar a week earlier.
(END)


yna--2020-12-27--(LEAD) S. Korean posthumously tests positive for COVID-19 after return from Britain, variant possibi

(LEAD) S. Korean posthumously tests positive for COVID-19 after return from Britain, variant possibility being examined

(ATTN: UPDATES with more details in 5th para)
SEOUL/SUWON, South Korea, Dec. 27 (Yonhap) -- An elderly South Korean man, who recently returned from Britain, has posthumously tested positive for COVID-19, officials said Sunday, prompting authorities to look into whether he contracted a new variant fast spreading in the European nation.
The man in his 80s had remained in self-quarantine at home in Goyang, northwest of Seoul, after arriving from Britain on Dec. 13. He passed away Saturday morning at a hospital after experiencing cardiac arrest.
Samples from the man's body revealed that he was positive with COVID-19. Health authorities are examining whether the virus strain from the body is that of the new variant reportedly spreading fast in Britain.
Health authorities have said they have not detected the mutated virus here yet.
The Central Disease Control Headquarters said that test results on whether the virus is the new variant are expected to come out during the first week of January.
The country has halted all flights from Britain until Dec. 31 after the European nation reported a new COVID-19 variant that is believed to spread much faster.
The new strain is believed to transmit 50 to 70 percent faster than any other variant found in the United Kingdom, according to Britain's preliminary research outcome.
A board shows the arrival time of a flight from London at Incheon airport, west of Seoul, on Dec. 24, 2020, as South Korea has suspended flights arriving from Britain until the end of this year over concerns about a new strain of the novel coronavirus. (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-27--S. Korean posthumously tests positive for COVID-19 after return from Britain, variant possibility be

S. Korean posthumously tests positive for COVID-19 after return from Britain, variant possibility being examined

SUWON, South Korea, Dec. 27 (Yonhap) -- An elderly South Korean man, who recently returned from Britain, has posthumously tested positive for COVID-19, authorities said Sunday, with officials looking into whether the virus is a new variant fast spreading in the European nation.
The man in his 80s had remained in self-quarantine at home in Goyang, northwest of Seoul, after arriving from Britain on Dec. 13. He passed away Saturday morning at a hospital after experiencing cardiac arrest.
Samples from the man's body revealed that he was positive with COVID-19. Health authorities are examining whether the virus strain from the body is that of the new variant reportedly spreading fast in Britain.
Health authorities have said they have not detected the mutated virus here yet.
The country has halted all flights from Britain until Dec. 31 after the European nation reported a new COVID-19 variant that is believed to spread much faster.
The new strain is believed to transmit 50 to 70 percent faster than any other variant found in the United Kingdom, according to Britain's preliminary research outcome.
A board shows the arrival time of a flight from London at Incheon airport, west of Seoul, on Dec. 24, 2020, as South Korea has suspended flights arriving from Britain until the end of this year over concerns about a new strain of the novel coronavirus. (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-28--S. Korea gives conditional approval to Delivery Hero's takeover of Woowa

`` We 've decided to attach the condition on the judgment that there is a high concern that the proposed @ @ @ @ @ it would have a far-reaching impact on various stakeholders of multifaceted markets linked to delivery @ @ @ @ @ restaurants , consumers and delivery workers , '' the regulator said in a statement .

By Kim Soo-yeon
SEOUL, Dec. 28 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's antitrust regulator on Monday gave a conditional approval to a US$4 billion deal for Germany's Delivery Hero (DH) to buy the country's top food delivery app operator, Woowa Brothers.
The Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) said it granted the permission for the takeover on condition that DH sells its food delivery affiliate here, Yogiyo.
DH, which has No. 2 food delivery app brand Yogiyo under its wing, announced in December 2019 that it will acquire an 88 percent stake in Woowa, the operator of delivery app Baedal Minjok, or Baemin.
"We've decided to attach the condition on the judgment that there is a high concern that the proposed takeover could limit competition as it would have a far-reaching impact on various stakeholders of multifaceted markets linked to delivery app platforms, such as restaurants, consumers and delivery workers," the regulator said in a statement.
The graphics show the corporate logos of Baedal Minjok and Yogiyo. (Yonhap)
The KFTC ordered DH to unload a 100 percent stake in its South Korean affiliate Delivery Hero Korea, operator of Yogiyo, within six months. Until the sale is complete, DH should maintain Yogiyo's asset value and service quality at the current level.
The approval came almost one year after DH requested the KFTC to review the deal in what could herald a shake-up in the fast-growing delivery app market.
Founded in 2010, Woowa Brothers has quickly become the country's top online food delivery services firm, accounting for some 60 percent of the market.
The number of average monthly users of Baemin topped 13 million in September, followed by Yogiyo with 6.6 million, in a country with some 50 million population, according to market researcher Nielsen Koreanclick.
Critics said if the deal is approved, the combined market share of Baemin and Yogiyo will account for some 99 percent, spawning concerns that the merger could lead to a market monopoly and hurt competition.
The KFTC took in to account such concerns, saying that the market dominance from the merger between Baemin and Yogiyo could hamper competition.
The food delivery app market, valued at 10 trillion won ($9.1 billion) last year here, sharply grew this year amid the new coronavirus outbreak, as more people refrained from dining out of concerns about infection risks.
The regulator also said if Baemin and Yogiyo do not compete, it could reduce consumers' benefits and raise commission fees for eateries.
If the two biggest local delivery service providers are merged, consumers may not be able to use food delivery services at a cheaper price as there would be no competition for discount programs.
The regulator said the conditional approval will allow Baemin and Yogiyo to keep competing in order to promote consumers' benefits.
"We also permitted the DH's acquisition of Woowa Brothers so that the two firms create synergy through cooperation by combining DH's technology and Woowa's marketing ability," the watchdog said.
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-28--Investment advisory firms swing to profit in H1 on stock rally

The 215 investment advisers reported a combined net profit of 128.3 billion won ( US $ 117 million ) in @ @ @ @ @ to the data from the Financial Supervisory Service ( FSS ) .

SEOUL, Dec. 28 (Yonhap) -- Investment advisory firms in South Korea swung to a profit in the first half of fiscal 2020 as the local stock market remained bullish, data showed Monday.
The 215 investment advisers reported a combined net profit of 128.3 billion won (US$117 million) in the April-September period, according to the data from the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS).
It marks a sharp turnaround from a total net loss of 22.7 billion won recorded during the previous six months.
The financial watchdog attributed the stellar performance to increased fees and returns from investments thanks to the bullish stock market.
Of the total, 164 companies, or 76 percent, turned a profit in the six-month period, with the remainder losing money. Six months earlier, 70 percent of local investment advisory firms reported losses.
As of end-September, those investment advisory firms had contracts worth a combined 12.4 trillion won, up 600 billion won from six months earlier.
Their average return on equity, a measure of profitability, stood at 45.3 percent, compared with minus 10.7 percent six months ago.
(END)


yna--2020-12-28--S. Korea's media ad market at over 14 tln won in 2019: report

The Ministry of Science and ICT said online ad spending here stood at 6.5 trillion won in 2019 , up @ @ @ @ @ year , with much of it focused on mobile platforms .
Mobile advertisements accounted for @ @ @ @ @ online ads at 4.7 trillion won , up 27 percent from the previous year .

SEOUL, Dec. 28 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's media advertising market is estimated at 14.4 trillion won (US$13.1 billion) for last year, up 4.9 percent from a year earlier, on the back of a boost in online ads, a government report showed Monday.
The Ministry of Science and ICT said online ad spending here stood at 6.5 trillion won in 2019, up 14.1 percent from the previous year, with much of it focused on mobile platforms. Mobile advertisements accounted for 71.3 percent of the total online ads at 4.7 trillion won, up 27 percent from the previous year.
In comparison, computer-based online ads stood at 1.9 trillion won, down 8.9 percent over the same period.
As online mobile ads surged, broadcast TV advertising dropped to 3.8 trillion won last year, down 4.1 percent from the previous year.
The ministry added that advertisements on print media rose 1.1 percent to 2.4 trillion won over the same period, thanks to an increase in newspaper ads.
The report estimated the country's media ad market to slightly grow this year to reach 14.6 trillion won and top 15 trillion won in 2021.
yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
(END)


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(END)


yna--2020-12-28--(LEAD) USFK to begin COVID-19 vaccination Tuesday

USFK received the first shipment of Moderna 's vaccine on Friday as Camp Humphreys was chosen by the U.S. government @ @ @ @ @ outside the continental U.S. that will receive the initial vaccination .

(ATTN: ADDS discussions on KATUSA's possible inoculation in last 3 paras)
By Oh Seok-min
SEOUL, Dec. 28 (Yonhap) -- U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) will start administering its initial doses of a COVID-19 vaccine this week, beginning with health care workers, officials said Monday.
USFK received the first shipment of Moderna's vaccine on Friday as Camp Humphreys was chosen by the U.S. government as one of four sites outside the continental U.S. that will receive the initial vaccination.
"The inoculation will begin (Tuesday) on three locations -- our Pyeongtaek, Osan and Kunsan Bases," a USFK official said Monday. "According to our phased distribution plan, front-line health care workers and first responders will get the first opportunity."
The vaccine will be administered in three phases, and around 100 people will get the shot first, he added.
USFK commander Gen. Robert Abrams said earlier that his command is expected to receive additional shipments for all eligible USFK-affiliated community members as production and distribution increases.
The vaccine was authorized for emergency use and vaccination is voluntary, but the command strongly recommends its members receive the vaccine.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Moderna's vaccine earlier this month as the country's second COVID-19 vaccine after Pfizer's.
Around 40 South Korean service members affiliated with the Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army, known as KATUSA, are working at Allgood Army Community Hospital inside Camp Humphreys, and they could also be subject to the inoculation, officials said.
"Currently, working-level talks between the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), USFK and the defense ministry are under way about the matter," ministry spokesperson Boo Seung-chan told a regular briefing.
USFK is expected to make an official request for formal consultations with the Seoul ministry, and the two sides will make a related decision accordingly, a ministry official said.
A truck carrying the first shipment of Moderna's coronavirus vaccine for the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) leaves a freight terminal of Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, after it was unloaded from a FedEx cargo plane amid the COVID-19 pandemic on Dec. 25, 2020. (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-28--Seoul stocks up Monday morning on U.S. stimulus deal, eased Brexit uncertainties

Investor sentiment remained high on imminent U.S. fiscal spending aimed at coping with the virus fallout in addition to eased @ @ @ @ @ from the European Union ( EU ) .

SEOUL, Dec. 28 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks traded higher late Monday morning, backed by a fresh U.S. stimulus deal and eased uncertainties from Brexit.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 16.48 points, or 0.59 percent, to 2,823.34 as of 11:20 a.m.
Stocks traded bullish after finishing at an all-time high the previous session, led by chip and bio advances.
Investor sentiment remained high on imminent U.S. fiscal spending aimed at coping with the virus fallout in addition to eased woes over Britain's departure from the European Union (EU).
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics added 1.93 percent, and No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix added 0.42 percent.
Pharmaceutical giant Samsung Biologics advanced 0.5 percent, and Celltrion edged up 0.14 percent.
Internet portal giant Naver and its rival Kakao both retreated 0.53 percent.
Leading chemical firm LG Chem dropped 0.49 percent, and rechargeable battery maker Samsung SDI declined 0.53 percent.
Hyundai Motor, the country's largest carmaker, moved up 0.8 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,097.5 won against the U.S. dollar, up 5.5 won from the previous session's close.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-28--USFK to begin COVID-19 vaccination Tuesday

SEOUL, Dec. 28 (Yonhap) -- U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) will start administering its initial doses of a COVID-19 vaccine on Tuesday, beginning with health care workers, officials said.
USFK received the first shipment of Moderna's vaccine on Friday as Camp Humphreys was chosen by the U.S. government as one of four sites outside the continental U.S. that will receive the initial vaccination.
"The inoculation will begin tomorrow on three locations -- our Pyeongtaek, Osan and Kunsan Bases," a USFK official said Monday. "According to our phased distribution plan, front-line health care workers and first responders will get the first opportunity."
The vaccine will be administered in three phases, and around 100 people will get the shot first, he added.
USFK commander Gen. Robert Abrams said earlier that his command is expected to receive additional shipments for all eligible USFK-affiliated community members as production and distribution increases.
The vaccine was authorized for emergency use and vaccination is voluntary, but the command strongly recommends its members receive the vaccine.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Moderna's vaccine earlier this month as the country's second COVID-19 vaccine after Pfizer's.
A truck carrying the first shipment of Moderna's coronavirus vaccine for the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) leaves a freight terminal of Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, after it was unloaded from a FedEx cargo plane amid the COVID-19 pandemic on Dec. 25, 2020. (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-28--(LEAD) N. Korea's paper emphasizes 'self-reliance' as 80-day campaign draws to end

`` Nobody will help us and want us to be strong and prosperous , '' the Rodong Sinmun , the @ @ @ @ @ 's ruling party , said .
`` All we can trust is none other than @ @ @ @ @

(ATTN: ADDS info on when 80-day campaign will be completed at bottom)
SEOUL, Dec. 28 (Yonhap) -- North Korea's official newspaper on Monday urged stepped-up efforts for "self-reliance" as the year-end deadline approaches for its "80-day campaign" aimed at staving off the coronavirus pandemic and achieving economic development goals.
"Nobody will help us and want us to be strong and prosperous," the Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the North's ruling party, said. "All we can trust is none other than our own power."
"The historical lesson learned from socialism campaign shows that achievements earned at the expense of blood could be lost overnight if we fail to grow our own power and depend upon others," the paper added.
North Korea has intensified calls for efforts to be independent of outside help in its economic development since early this year as leader Kim Jong-un expressed frustration with the little progress in easing or lifting sanctions amid stalled denuclearization talks with Washington.
In October, Kim ordered the launch of the "80-day campaign" to achieve the country's national and economic goals by the end of the year ahead of a rare party congress scheduled for January.
Kim has rejected any outside help despite multiple challenges facing his country, including the fallout from the protracted fight against the coronavirus pandemic and global sanctions.
He earlier acknowledged the failure in achieving the current economic development plans, saying a new development scheme will be unveiled at the upcoming party meeting.
North Korea has not specified when the 80-day campaign will be finalized, but Seoul's unification ministry presumes it to be completed Wednesday based on its analysis of state media reports.
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-28--The Korea Interbank Offered Rates (KORIBOR)

SEOUL , Dec. 28 ( 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--2020-12-28--Claims over EV faulty parts soar in past 5 years

But at the same time , the number of claims for EV defective parts also surged to 276 from only @ @ @ @ @ , the ministry said .

SEOUL, Dec. 28 (Yonhap) -- Claims over faulty parts in electric vehicles have soared in South Korea over the past five years, the transport ministry said Monday.
The number of registered EVs jumped to 131,923 units at the end of November this year from a meager 10,855 at the end of 2016, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
But at the same time, the number of claims for EV defective parts also surged to 276 from only six during the same period, the ministry said.
The government plans to provide 1.13 million pure EVs and 200,000 hydrogen fuel-cell EVs by 2025 as global carmakers are moving to fill their lineups with more electrified models.
Industry people say the government needs to increase the number of battery experts to investigate possible defective EVs and strengthen the charging infrastructure in order to boost EV sales.
(END)