yna--2020-09-15--Parties agree to deal with coronavirus extra budget bill next week

Last week , the government submitted a 7.8 trillion won ( US $ 6.6 billion ) extra budget bill aimed @ @ @ @ @ self-employed people most affected by a recent resurgence of the new coronavirus .
It marked @ @ @ @ @ years for the South Korean government to allocate four extra budgets in a single fiscal @ @

SEOUL, Sept. 15 (Yonhap) -- Rival political parties agreed Tuesday to handle an extraordinary budget to cope with the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic next week.
The ruling Democratic Party and the main opposition People Power Party reached an agreement to vote on this year's fourth supplementary budget bill on Sept. 22, Park Hong-keun, a DP lawmaker said.
Last week, the government submitted a 7.8 trillion won (US$6.6 billion) extra budget bill aimed at helping small merchants and self-employed people most affected by a recent resurgence of the new coronavirus. It marked the first time in 59 years for the South Korean government to allocate four extra budgets in a single fiscal year.
Parliament's special committee on budget and accounts will hold a meeting with Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki and other economic officials on Friday to review the supplementary budget bill.
This photo, taken on Sept. 14, 2020, shows Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun delivering a speech on the government's fourth supplementary budget bill at the National Assembly in Seoul. (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-15--Samsung releases titanium model of Galaxy Watch 3

Samsung launched the Galaxy Watch 3 last month with stainless steel material .
It came with a 41mm variant with @ @ @ @ @ 45mm version with a 1.4-inch screen .
The latest smartwatch has the rotating control bezel @ @ @ @ @ used in Samsung 's previous smartwatches .

SEOUL, Sept. 15 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Co. said Tuesday it will release the titanium model of its latest smartwatch that boasts advanced health monitoring and fitness features.
The titanium model of the Galaxy Watch 3 will hit shelves in South Korea on Friday, with a price tag of 770,000 won (US$650), according to Samsung.
It will be available in a 45mm Bluetooth variant in mystic black color. The product will also include a premium metal strap.
"For the first time, Samsung has created a titanium smartwatch model, bringing a new design to Galaxy Watch 3 that is elegant and lightweight, yet durable," the company said.
The titanium version will have all the advanced features of the standard Galaxy Watch 3.
It will include blood pressure, electrocardiogram monitoring features and other health management programs, such as home training and sleep management.
This photo provided by Samsung Electronics Co. on Sept. 15, 2020, shows the titanium model of the Galaxy Watch 3 smartwatch. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The product also supports "smart caddie" app that provides yardage information on 40,000 golf courses around the world.
Samsung launched the Galaxy Watch 3 last month with stainless steel material. It came with a 41mm variant with a 1.2-inch display and a 45mm version with a 1.4-inch screen. The latest smartwatch has the rotating control bezel instead of the touch bezel used in Samsung's previous smartwatches.
The South Korean tech giant said the limited edition of the Galaxy Watch 3 titanium model will go on sale in partnership with global golf clubs and equipment maker Parsons Xtreme Golf (PXG).
Only 1,000 units of the Galaxy Watch 3 Titanium PXG Edition, which will include PXG accessories, will be sold on the market, according to Samsung. In South Korea, the special edition will be sold at 990,000 won.
Samsung was the world's fourth largest smartwatch vendor in the first half of the year after Apple Inc., Garmin Ltd. and Huawei Technologies Co., according to industry tracker Counterpoint Research.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-15--Driver who used drugs found responsible for seven-fold collision in Busan

The driver is accused of driving the Porsche at a speed of at least 140 kilometers per hour at the @ @ @ @ @ as the car was taped on another car 's dashboard camera traveling about 160 meters @ @ @ @ @ The speed limit on the road is 50 km per hour .

BUSAN, Sept. 15 (Yonhap) -- A seven-vehicle collision that turned Busan's tourist district of Haeundae into a mess earlier this week was caused by a driver under the influence of drugs, police said Tuesday.
The pileup occurred in this southern port city's Haeundae Ward at 5:43 p.m. Monday, when a Porsche sedan driven by a man in his 40s collided from behind into a Grandeur sedan and a motorcycle before causing a chain reaction of collisions involving four more vehicles waiting for a traffic signal.
Drugged driving causes seven-fold collision in Busan Youtube https://youtu.be/dOU9AcDLUmM
A Porsche sedan is upside down after causing a seven-vehicle collision in Busan's Haeundae ward on Sept, 14, 2020, in this photo provided by the Busan Metropolitan City Fire & Disaster Headquarters. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Seven people were seriously or lightly injured in the collision, police said.
The Busan Metropolitan Police Agency said it has determined drug-induced hallucination by the Porsche driver as the cause of the pileup after he allegedly confessed to inhaling cannabis inside his car just before the accident.
The driver is accused of driving the Porsche at a speed of at least 140 kilometers per hour at the time of the accident, as the car was taped on another car's dashboard camera traveling about 160 meters in just three seconds. The speed limit on the road is 50 km per hour.
The driver is also suspected of failing to brake prior to the collision because no skid marks were found on the spot, the police agency said.
It also said it has been confirmed that before the pileup the driver had caused two more hit-and-run accidents on an underpass about 500 meters from the site of the pileup.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-15--Samsung expands 0.7-micrometer pixel image sensor lineup

The latest 0.7-micrometer pixel-based image sensors are up to 15 percent smaller than the products with 0.8-micrometer pixels of the @ @ @ @ @ the height of the camera module by up to 10 percent , allowing smartphone manufacturers @ @ @ @ @ designs , Samsung said .

SEOUL, Sept. 15 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Co. on Tuesday introduced four new image sensors with the industry's smallest pixel size as the South Korean tech firm expands its ultra-high-resolution offerings to smartphones.
Samsung's four ISOCELL image sensors -- 108-megapixel (Mp) HM2, 64Mp GW3, 48Mp GM5 and 32Mp JD1 -- boast 0.7-micrometer pixel technology that offers better light sensitivity and smaller designs for mobile devices.
The latest 0.7-micrometer pixel-based image sensors are up to 15 percent smaller than the products with 0.8-micrometer pixels of the same resolution and can reduce the height of the camera module by up to 10 percent, allowing smartphone manufacturers to develop handsets with sleeker designs, Samsung said.
Samsung said it incorporated its ISOCELL Plus solution, which retains the received light with a wall-like structure around the pixel, and Smart-ISO technology, which adjusts light sensitivity rating for optimal exposure, for the 0.7-micrometer pixel products.
This image provided by Samsung Electronics Co. on Sept. 15, 2020, shows the company's mobile image sensor with 0.7-micrometer pixel technology. (Yonhap)
The HM2 is Samsung's third 108Mp image sensor after the HMX and HM1. The GW3 is an image sensor featuring gyro-based electronic image stabilization for sharper still photos and steadier videos.
The GM5 is designed for use in telescoping or ultra-wide angle cameras, according to Samsung. The JD1 is the industry's smallest 32Mp-image sensor at 1/3.14-inches.
Samsung, the world's leading memory chip and smartphone maker, said ISOCELL HM2, GW3 and JD 1 products are currently in mass production, while sampling GM5.
In the fourth quarter, Samsung said it will apply more advanced pixel technology, ISOCELL 2.0, to its latest 0.7-micrometer pixel products. The new technology can boost light sensitivity up to 12 percent compared to the current ISOCELL Plus technology, the company added.
According to market researcher Omdia, Samsung had a 21.7 percent share in the global image sensor market in the second quarter of the year, trailing only industry leader Sony Corp. with a 42.5 percent market share.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-15--N. Korea touches on Hong Kong, South China Sea issues at last week's ARF session

Touching on the controversy over Beijing 's overall policy on its semi-autonomous territory of Hong Kong , An was said @ @ @ @ @ as a domestic affair of China 's -- in line with Pyongyang 's position against @ @ @ @ @ a country 's internal matters .

SEOUL, Sept. 15 (Yonhap) -- North Korea touched on regional issues, such as Hong Kong and the South China Sea, during last week's annual multilateral security forum, a source said Tuesday, in contrast to their past remarks focusing on their own security issues.
Pyongyang did not send its top diplomat to the foreign ministerial session of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), which was held via video links on Saturday. An Kwang-il, its top envoy in Indonesia, attended it instead.
Touching on the controversy over Beijing's overall policy on its semi-autonomous territory of Hong Kong, An was said to have described the issue as a domestic affair of China's -- in line with Pyongyang's position against outside forces' intervention in a country's internal matters.
Regarding the long-simmering maritime disputes in the South China Sea, An was said to have called for a peaceful resolution through dialogue.
In the past, the North used the ARF forum to defend its push for nuclear deterrence or highlight the security conditions on the Korean Peninsula as well as what it calls America's hostile policy against its regime.
The ARF is a rare Asia-Pacific security meeting involving the North.
At the session, An also explained Pyongyang's fight against the new coronavirus, ascribing its response to the virus to the leadership of leader Kim Jong-un. The North claims to have no COVID-19 case.
At the ARF session, Seoul's Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha called for Asia-Pacific countries to send a "unified message" for the resumption of dialogue with the North, renewing Seoul's resolve to forge ahead with efforts for lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Kang also highlighted South Korea's push to improve inter-Korean ties through various projects for cross-border cooperation, which she called a "cornerstone" of peace on the peninsula.
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and her counterparts from Asia-Pacific countries attend the ASEAN Regional Forum via videoconference on Sept. 12, 2020, in this photo released by the foreign ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-15--Fierce competition to get tickets expected for scaled-down Busan film fest

Considering the fact that there are only five theaters available , each film will likely be shown once or twice @ @ @ @ @ .
Moreover , the capacity of each theater will be limited to 50 people and @ @ @ @ @ online .

SEOUL, Sept. 15 (Yonhap) -- With this year's Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) set to be held in a reduced format due to the prolonged novel coronavirus pandemic, South Korean film buffs are expected to face fierce competition to get tickets for highly acclaimed movies from home and abroad.
Organizers of Asia's biggest film festival said its 25th edition will kick off on Oct. 21 and run through Oct. 30 in the southern port city of Busan, without in-person opening and closing ceremonies. No silver screen stars or filmmakers from overseas will attend the 10-day festival, while other related events, like the Asian Film Awards, will go virtual.
Instead, 192 invited films will be screened offline in five theaters at the Busan Cinema Center, the main venue of the festival, under strict social distancing guidelines. There will be no online screenings of those selected movies due to copyright issues, according to BIFF.
Considering the fact that there are only five theaters available, each film will likely be shown once or twice at most during the festival. Moreover, the capacity of each theater will be limited to 50 people and all tickets will be booked online.
Officials from the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) hold an online press conference on Sept. 14, 2020, in this photo provided by BIFF. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
"According to distancing guidelines, only indoor meetings of less than 50 people are permitted," Nam Dong-chul, program director of BIFF, said in an online press conference held on Monday. "An estimated 10,000 audience members can enjoy the festival if our five theaters reach full capacity."
He said that about 200,000 people have visited BIFF annually in the past, with 300 films screened two or three times each in about 40 theaters at the Busan Cinema Center and other adjacent cinemas, with no distancing limitations.
In addition, BIFF's lineup is attractive and high-profile enough to spur movie enthusiasts in South Korea to secure a seat for long-waited titles, making the online ticketing competition fiercer.
"Septet: The Story of Hong Kong," an omnibus film by seven Hong Kong directors, including Sammo Hung, Ann Hui, Patrick Tam and Yuen Wo Ping, will open this year's BIFF, while the Japanese animated film "Josee, the Tiger and the Fish," directed by Tamaru Kotaro, will close the festival.
A scene from "Josee, the Tiger and the Fish" provided by the Busan International Film Festival (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Among the 192 BIFF invitees are films that have been invited to or received awards at major international film festivals, including the Cannes, Berlin and Venice festivals.
In particular, out of 56 films selected by this year's Cannes Film Festival, 23 will be screened at BIFF.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cannes canceled the 73rd event but announced a list of 56 official selections in June. It did not distinguish between titles picked for competition or non-competition categories.
It allowed all selected films to be branded with the official Cannes 2020 label at other international festivals, should they happen later this year, and commercial screenings at the box office.
Along with the opener "Septet," BIFF will show "True Mothers" by Naomi Kawase, "Peninsula" by Yeon Sang-ho, "Falling" by Viggo Mortensen and "Striding into the Wind" by Wei Shujun.
A restored version of "In the Mood for Love" (2000) by Hong Kong director Wong Kar-Wai and the Disney and Pixar animated film "Soul" are also among the BIFF's Cannes selections.
There are also winners of the 2020 Berlin International Film Festival held in February, including "There Is No Evil" by Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof, which was awarded the highest Golden Bear.
Films recently released at the Venice International Film Festival, which closed last Saturday, are also awaiting Korean audiences at Busan. Its opening film "The Ties" by Daniele Luchetti was invited to BIFF, along with "And Tomorrow the Entire World" by Julia von Heinz and "The Macaluso Sisters" by Emma Dante.
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

SEOUL -- South Korea is on alert to rein in new coronavirus cases during an upcoming major holiday when tens @ @ @ @ @ travel across the country to reunite with their families and relatives .

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Tuesday.
---------------------------
(2nd LD) New daily virus cases under 200 for nearly 2 weeks, untraceable infections at worrisome level
SEOUL -- South Korea's new virus cases stayed below 200 for the 13th consecutive day Tuesday as the country's tougher social distancing scheme has taken effect, but untraceable cases reached yet another fresh high, straining the country's virus fight.
The country added 106 more COVID-19 cases, including 91 local infections, raising the total caseload to 22,391, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
---------------------------
Reining in COVID-19 cases during Chuseok key agenda for S. Korea
SEOUL -- South Korea is on alert to rein in new coronavirus cases during an upcoming major holiday when tens of millions of people usually travel across the country to reunite with their families and relatives.
This year, South Koreans are set to enjoy five days off including the three-day Chuseok holiday that falls from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2. Chuseok is one of the country's biggest traditional holidays, during which families hold traditional rituals thanking their ancestors.
---------------------------
(2nd LD) Prosecutors raid defense ministry over alleged power abuse involving justice minister's son
SEOUL -- Prosecutors raided the Ministry of National Defense on Tuesday over broadening allegations that Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae used her influence to get her son an extended leave during his mandatory military service in 2017.
The Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors Office handling the case dispatched investigators to the ministry's inspector-general office as well as its computing information arm and civil affairs office in search of related materials.
---------------------------
(LEAD) FM to visit Vietnam later this week
SEOUL -- Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha will visit Vietnam later this week for talks with her counterpart about cooperation in coronavirus responses and other bilateral issues, her office said Tuesday.
Kang will leave for Hanoi on Thursday and plans to hold talks with Vietnam's Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh the following day, the ministry said.
---------------------------
S. Korea allows export of all protective face masks
SEOUL -- South Korea allowed the export of all types of face masks that can be used to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus on Tuesday amid sufficient domestic supply, the Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) said.
The move comes as supplies of surgical and anti-droplet masks in the country have stabilized.
---------------------------
(LEAD) Schools in greater Seoul area to reopen next week
SEOUL -- The Ministry of Education on Tuesday said all schools in Seoul and its adjacent cities will resume in-person classes next week as the spread of the new coronavirus has slowed down recently.
The move, which will be enforced until Oct. 11, was made to keep with the relaxed social distancing guidelines announced Sunday amid a recent drop in new coronavirus cases and deepening economic difficulties.
---------------------------
Five typhoon-hit areas designated as special disaster zones
SEOUL -- President Moon Jae-in on Tuesday declared five southern and eastern regions, recently battered by powerful typhoons, as special disaster zones eligible for speedy state assistance in recovery work and relief funds, Cheong Wa Dae said.
The five areas are Samcheok City and Yangyang County in Gangwon Province, as well as Yeongdeok, Uljin and Ulleung counties in North Gyeongsang Province.
---------------------------
(LEAD) Seoul stocks up for 4th day to over 2-year high on tech gains, vaccine hopes
SEOUL -- South Korean shares extended their winning streak to a fourth session on Tuesday to close at a more than two-year high, helped by advances in tech heavyweights and progress in coronavirus vaccine development. The Korean won rose against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 15.67 points, or 0.65 percent, to close at 2,443.58.
---------------------------
(END)


yna--2020-09-15--(LEAD) FM to visit Vietnam later this week

In the talks with Minh , Kang is expected to try to persuade the Vietnamese government to create an expedited @ @ @ @ @ , such as businesspeople , to help them continue their overseas work amid the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ said .

(ATTN: ADDS more info in paras 5-8, byline)
By Kim Seung-yeon
SEOUL, Sept. 15 (Yonhap) -- Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha will visit Vietnam later this week for talks with her counterpart about cooperation in coronavirus responses and other bilateral issues, her office said Tuesday.
Kang will leave for Hanoi on Thursday and plans to hold talks with Vietnam's Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh the following day, the ministry said.
"The ministers will discuss cooperation in coronavirus responses, ways to promote the two countries' strategic cooperation partnerships and regional and international situations," ministry spokesperson Kim In-chul said in a press briefing.
She will also pay a courtesy call on Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.
In the talks with Minh, Kang is expected to try to persuade the Vietnamese government to create an expedited entry system for essential travelers, such as businesspeople, to help them continue their overseas work amid the pandemic, a foreign ministry official said.
The two sides will also discuss resuming regular flights between the countries.
Seoul has been trying to persuade foreign countries to establish such entry exceptions for South Korean businesspeople. China, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia and Singapore have so far created "fast-track" entry programs.
About 9,000 South Koreans, mostly businesspeople, have been allowed to enter Vietnam in exception to entry curbs since the virus outbreak took hold, the ministry official said.
Kang's visit to Hanoi will be her second trip abroad since the global spread of COVID-19 put a curb on diplomatic travels. She visited Germany early last month in the first such trip since the pandemic.
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha speaks during an ASEAN Plus Three meeting held via videoconferencing in this photo provided by her office on Sept. 9, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-15--(LEAD) Seoul stocks up for 4th day to over 2-year high on tech gains, vaccine hopes

SEOUL , Sept. 15 ( Yonhap ) -- South Korean shares extended their winning streak to a fourth session on @ @ @ @ @ more than two-year high , helped by advances in tech heavyweights and progress in coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ won rose against the U.S. dollar .

(ATTN: ADDS bond yields at bottom, photo)
SEOUL, Sept. 15 (Yonhap) -- South Korean shares extended their winning streak to a fourth session on Tuesday to close at a more than two-year high, helped by advances in tech heavyweights and progress in coronavirus vaccine development. The Korean won rose against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 15.67 points, or 0.65 percent, to close at 2,443.58.
Tuesday's closing marks the highest since June 12, 2018, when the index closed at 2,468.83 points.
Trading volume was moderate at about 840 billion shares worth some 11.7 trillion won (US$9.9 billion), with losers outnumbering gainers 423 to 411.
Foreigners bought a net 253 billion won, while retail investors sold a net 77 billion won. Institutions offloaded a net 199 billion won.
Electronic signboards at the trading room of Hana Bank in Seoul show the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed at 2,443.58 on Sept. 15, 2020, up 15.67 points or 0.65 percent from the previous session's close. (Yonhap)
Major tech shares led the KOSPI's gain, after a 1.3 percent jump in the previous session, although increased valuation concerns pegged a further hike, analysts said.
"The local stock market showed limited gains today, as some investors apparently turned to profit-taking after yesterday's rally," said Kiwoom Securities analyst Seo Sang-young.
"Still, chipmakers' advances and foreign buying kept the markets bullish," he added.
Growing optimism for COVID-19 vaccines also added vigor to the local stock market.
The chief executive of pharmaceutical giant Pfizer predicted that the United States would be able to deploy a COVID-19 vaccine before the end of the year.
In Seoul, most large caps closed higher.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics gained 0.99 percent to 61,000 won, with No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix jumping 2.38 percent to 81,900 won.
Top pharmaceutical firm Samsung Biologics rose 1.31 percent to 773,000 won, while Celltrion closed flat at 296,000 won.
Leading chemical maker LG Chem climbed 1.97 percent to 726,000 won, and rechargeable battery maker Samsung SDI surged 3.78 percent to 452,500 won.
Internet portal giant Naver advanced 2.97 percent to 312,000 won, with its rival Kakao up 2.01 percent to 381,000 won.
Hyundai Motor, the country's largest automaker, lost 0.56 percent to 179,000 won, and top steelmaker POSCO retreated 0.26 percent to 189,500 won.
The local currency closed at 1,179 won against the U.S. dollar, up 4.5 won from the previous session's close.
Bond prices, which move inversely to yields, closed higher. The yield on three-year Treasurys lost 1.2 basis points to 0.907 percent, and the return on the benchmark five-year government bond fell 1.9 basis points to 1.198 percent.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-15--S. Korean Bond Yields on Sep. 15, 2020

S. Korean Bond Yields on Sep. 15, 2020

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


yna--2020-09-15--Prosecutors demand 2 years in prison for Incheon instructor who lied after COVID-19 infection

`` I had no idea that something so serious could happen as a result of what I said , '' @ @ @ @ @ bearing scars on his left arm .
`` After I saw that someone had written @ @ @ @ @ and die , ' I wanted to ( take my own life ) . ''

INCHEON, Sept. 15 (Yonhap) -- Prosecutors on Tuesday demanded a two-year prison term for a private academy instructor who lied about his job and whereabouts after testing positive for COVID-19.
The 24-year-old suspect tested positive on May 9 after visiting a club and an eatery that sells alcohol in the Seoul neighborhood of Itaewon.
During an epidemiological survey, he lied to health authorities and told them he was unemployed. He also did not disclose the fact that he had taught at a private academy in Michuhol Ward in Incheon, about 50 kilometers west of Seoul, only days earlier.
"The defendant visited a gym on the day of the epidemiological survey and later went to a coffee shop," the prosecution said in a statement during a hearing held at the Incheon District Court. "Due to the defendant's complacency, 80 other people tested positive for COVID-19, making the crime especially bad."
People whose infections were traced to the instructor included a taxi driver who drove him on May 4. Forty related infections were reported in Incheon alone, including many of his students.
The defendant broke down in tears as he spoke about his regret after lying and then trying to take his own life.
"I had no idea that something so serious could happen as a result of what I said," he said in court, bearing scars on his left arm. "After I saw that someone had written online that I should 'go and die,' I wanted to (take my own life)."
Judge Kim Yong-hwan urged the defendant not to blame himself too much, as time has passed.
The defendant's attorney said his client admits to all charges and has received treatment for depression. He asked that the judge allow for the fact that this was his first offense.
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-15--(LEAD) Rise in virus-related deaths poses new challenge

The country 's virus fatality rate currently stands at 1.63 percent as of Tuesday , while the rate came to @ @ @ @ @ their 80s , 6.53 percent for those in their 70s and 1.2 percent for those @ @ @ @ @ KDCA said .

(ATTN: UPDATES with the latest tally in paras 3, 7-8; CHANGES photo)
SEOUL, Sept. 15 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new coronavirus cases have stayed below 200 for almost two weeks, but a rise in deaths is emerging as yet another challenge to the country's virus fight, according to health authorities Tuesday.
The country reported four more deaths, raising the death toll to 367, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
A medical worker helps a visitor receive a coronavirus test at a makeshift clinic at the National Medical Center in Seoul on Sept. 15, 2020. South Korea's new virus cases stayed below 200 for the 13th consecutive day as the country's tougher social distancing scheme has taken effect, but a rise in untraceable cases and cluster infections are still a drag on the country's virus fight. (Yonhap)
The KDCA said 344 of them, or 93.7 percent, were age 60 or older, followed by 17 deaths of those in their 50s.
The country's daily new deaths briefly spiked in the southeastern city of Daegu, once the epicenter of the virus outbreak here, in February, but South Korea has since reported between zero and two daily new deaths, the KDCA said.
A total of 26 COVID-19 patients died over the past week, with a daily average of three to four deaths, the KDCA said.
Health authorities said most of those who tested positive recently were 60 years old or above, an age group that is more likely to experience critical health complications caused by the deadly virus.
The KDCA said 158 COVID-19 patients are in critical condition as of Tuesday, with 137 of them, or 86.7 percent, age 60 or over.
The country's virus fatality rate currently stands at 1.63 percent as of Tuesday, while the rate came to 20.66 percent for those in their 80s, 6.53 percent for those in their 70s and 1.2 percent for those in their 60s, the KDCA said.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-15--Coronavirus infections break out at Seoul face mask company

A total of 52 people , including the staff and contacts of the patients , took virus tests , and @ @ @ @ @ positive while 15 tested negative for the virus .
Others were waiting for their test @ @

SEOUL, Sept. 15 (Yonhap) -- A new cluster infection broke out at a face mask company based in Seoul, the Seoul metropolitan government said Tuesday, raising concerns over a possibly bigger outbreak here.
As of Tuesday, 14 infections were linked to a health product business in the southeastern Seoul ward of Gangnam that distributes and exports face masks, according to the city government.
A company staff member first tested positive on Wednesday last week, and 10 more cases were reported until Sunday. On Monday, three additional cases were identified.
A total of 52 people, including the staff and contacts of the patients, took virus tests, and among them, 13 tested positive while 15 tested negative for the virus. Others were waiting for their test results.
The city government attributed the mass transmission to the workers, who were suspected of not wearing their face masks properly and of eating together in an office without sufficient ventilation.
Apart from the cluster infection at the face mask company, infections connected to religious facilities continued in Seoul.
A total of 10 infections, including cases involving a pastor and three church members, were connected to an outbreak at a protestant church in Songpa Ward, next to Gangnam, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
The church was shut down after its members were found to have gathered at the church for worship services on Aug. 30 and Sept. 6 despite a government order banning on-site worship since Aug. 19.
The city government urged all religious facilities to stick to online events and refrain from having meetings.
The country added 106 more COVID-19 cases, including 91 local infections, raising the total caseload to 22,391, according to the KDCA.
This combined image provided by Yonhap News TV shows face masks, a crowded street and people eating together amid the new coronavirus pandemic. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-15--(2nd LD) Prosecutors raid defense ministry over alleged power abuse involving justice minister's son

The former aide stated during the questioning that he called the military unit at the request of Choo 's son @ @ @ @ @ .
He also reportedly said he had at least three phone conversations with military officials @ @ @ @ @ leave extension , but they were simply for inquiries , not a request .

(ATTN: UPDATES with more info in paras 3, 9-11, 14-15)
SEOUL, Sept. 15 (Yonhap) -- Prosecutors raided the Ministry of National Defense on Tuesday over broadening allegations that Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae used her influence to get her son an extended leave during his mandatory military service in 2017.
The Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors Office handling the case dispatched investigators to the ministry's inspector-general office as well as its computing information arm and civil affairs office in search of related materials.
A related raid of the Army's information system management arm at the Gyeryongdae military headquarters in the central city of Gyeryong was also launched earlier in the day.
Prosecutors refused to provide details of the raid, but they are believed to be trying to collect records from the ministry's main computer servers.
According to government sources, the servers retain recordings of all outside calls to its civil affairs office made since 2015, possibly including those related to the power abuse allegations.
Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae arrives at the government complex in central Seoul on Sept. 15, 2020, to attend a Cabinet meeting. (Yonhap)
Prosecution investigators enter into the civil affairs office of the Ministry of National Defense in central Seoul on Sept. 15, 2020, to secure evidence for the power abuse scandal involving Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae's son. (Yonhap)
Choo is suspected of having used her influence as the then-chairwoman of the ruling Democratic Party to get an extended 23-day leave for her son after his knee surgery.
The 27-year-old son, surnamed Seo, was given four extra vacation days at the end of his 19-day medical leave while he served in the Korean Augmentation to the United States Army (KATUSA) for the 2nd Infantry Division of the U.S. Eighth Army.
Choo's side allegedly made calls to the military to get Seo's first 10-day medical leave extended by nine more days. The extension was approved over the phone and Seo submitted his medical records to back up the extended medical leave only later, without having to return to the base.
Prosecutors questioned the son and the former aide to the justice minister who is suspected of having inquired by phone over the weekend about the possibility of extending the leave.
The former aide stated during the questioning that he called the military unit at the request of Choo's son, according to media reports. He also reportedly said he had at least three phone conversations with military officials in relation with the medical leave extension, but they were simply for inquiries, not a request.
After securing the related data, prosecutors are expected to proceed by identifying the alleged callers and determining whether the calls, if any, constituted a request for special favors for Seo.
Portraying this as preferential treatment that is not allowed for other conscripts, opposition lawmakers have mounted a firestorm of criticism against Choo and called for her resignation.
In addition to the extended leave, Choo's family is suspected of making special requests to get Seo assigned to the Yongsan Garrison in central Seoul, not in Uijeongbu, north of the capital, where he did his service.
The family also allegedly pushed to have him selected as an interpreter for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Games.
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-15--(LEAD) Instagram introduces anti-bullying features

Instagram said blocked users will still be able to see their comments on a post , but the comments will @ @ @ @ @ else .

(ATTN: RECASTS headline; UPDATES with more details throughout)
By Kim Han-joo
SEOUL, Sept. 15 (Yonhap) -- Global photo and video-sharing platform Instagram on Tuesday introduced various new safety features in its latest effort to fight online bullying and other kinds of online harassment.
The new features come as the social media platform has been criticized for becoming the center of various bullying acts, especially among young adults and teens, globally.
This undated photo, provided by Facebook Inc., shows the Instagram logo. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The Facebook Inc.-owned application said it is making it easier to block multiple people at once and offering tools to restrict who can tag users.
Among the new tools is allowing Instagram users to block comments on their posts from a certain user without the user knowing, according to Instagram.
Instagram said blocked users will still be able to see their comments on a post, but the comments will not be visible to anyone else.
The company also rolled out a new tool to control what comments can appear on users' posts so that they can guard themselves against unwanted followers.
Instagram also said it uses both artificial intelligence (AI) technology and human resources to help control abusive content and spam on the platform.
Machine learning-based technology first detects contents that violate the company guidelines, and reports them to a team of human officials who review the contents before deciding whether they violate Instagram's policy.
Another AI tool, to be adopted later this month, works by identifying words and phrases that have been reported in the past as offensive, according to Instagram.
The AI tool then detects offensive language in comments and will send prompts to the writers, allowing the account users to rework their comments before posting them.
In an effort to prevent suicide and self-injuries, Instagram said it does not show any hashtag related to such content.
Instagram said it has cooperated with various agencies globally to prevent suicide, including inking a partnership with the Korea Suicide Prevention Center.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-15--(LEAD) Seventeen earns fourth-consecutive Oricon album chart win with '24H'

Seventeen took the top spot on the Oricon weekly album chart with all of its previous releases -- EP records @ @ @ @ @ '' and `` Heng : garae , '' as well as its third studio record @ @ @ @ @ all of which were Korean-language records .

(ATTN: UPDATES with details of members' collaboration project at bottom)
SEOUL, Sept. 15 (Yonhap) -- K-pop boy band Seventeen scored its fourth-straight win on Japan's Oricon weekly album chart with its latest Japanese record "24H," the group's management agency said Tuesday.
"24H," the 13-member boy group's second Japanese EP record, ranked at No. 1 on Oricon's weekly album chart for the week of Sept. 7-15, according to Pledis Entertainment. The album was released on Sept. 9.
This publicity photo provided by Pledis Entertainment shows K-pop boy group Seventeen. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Seventeen took the top spot on the Oricon weekly album chart with all of its previous releases -- EP records "You Made My Dawn" and "Heng:garae," as well as its third studio record "An Ode," all of which were Korean-language records.
According to Oricon, Seventeen was the first non-Japanese international male artist to achieve a fourth-consecutive win on the weekly album chart.
Ahead of its release, retail pre-orders of "24H" in Japan reached 450,000 units. Of those, some 240,000 copies were sold in its first week. In total, the band has sold 2.3 million albums in Japan so far this year.
Along with the lead track of the same name, "24H" consists of four Japanese tracks, "247," "Chilli" and "Pinwheel," and the Japanese version of "Together," previously from Seventeen's seventh EP "Heng:garae."
Pledis also announced that group members Joshua and DK will be featured in the remix track of American singer-songwriter Pink Sweats' "17" scheduled to be released Wednesday (Korea time).
"17," a warm romantic love song, was originally part of Pink Sweats' EP album "The Prelude" released in July.
Pledis said the remix will offer a different unique charm from Pink Sweats' original track thanks to the added vocals from Joshua and DK.
This publicity photo provided by Pledis Entertainment shows K-pop boy group Seventeen. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
This file photo shows K-pop boy band Seventeen posing for a photo during a media showcase for its new EP, "Heng:garae," at a hotel in southern Seoul on June 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-18--LG Chem says IPO of new battery unit could take about a year

`` It will be an opportunity to properly evaluate the value of the company since we will be able to @ @ @ @ @ materials and bio businesses , '' he said .
`` If necessary , we will @ @ @ @ @ acquisition deals and partnerships in those businesses to further raise the company value . ''

SEOUL, Sept. 18 (Yonhap) -- LG Chem Ltd., South Korea's leading chemical company, said Friday that the initial public offering (IPO) of its planned spin-off battery business unit could take about a year as it seeks ways to strengthen its leading position in the market.
LG Chem on Thursday decided to spin off its battery business to better cope with growing demand for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The new entity -- tentatively called LG Energy Solutions and to be wholly owned by LG Chem -- is set to be launched on Dec. 1.
LG Chem Chief Financial Officer Cha Dong-seok said Thursday in a conference call for shareholders that the company will draw up the IPO plan for the new battery unit.
But he suggested that the new entity is likely to be listed on the stock market in late 2021 or early 2022, saying the process could take about a year even if it pushes for the plan right at this moment.
This undated photo provided by LG Chem Ltd. shows the company's researchers checking a battery product. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Cha hinted that about a 20-30 percent stake in the battery unit could be up for the IPO, emphasizing that LG Chem will still hold the dominant stake.
Following the spin-off announcement, investors of LG Chem worried that the decision could undermine the value of the company since the battery business has been considered the future growth engine for the chemical firm.
Shares in LG Chem were up 3.88 percent at 670,000 won as of 11:10 a.m., after plunging 6.11 percent on Thursday.
However, Cha refuted such concerns, saying that the battery business could grow further with the IPO and that will be reflected in the shareholder value of LG Chem.
He added that LG Chem will also strive to beef up its other businesses.
"It will be an opportunity to properly evaluate the value of the company since we will be able to focus on petrochemical, advanced materials and bio businesses," he said. "If necessary, we will also push for merger and acquisition deals and partnerships in those businesses to further raise the company value."
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-18--S. Korea to hold scaled-down Armed Forces Day ceremony amid pandemic

The ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Army 's Special Warfare Command in Icheon , some 80 kilometers @ @ @ @ @ Sept. 25 , according to the ministry .
It is the first time that the @ @ @ @ @ be held at the headquarters .

SEOUL, Sept. 18 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will celebrate the 72nd Armed Forces Day on a smaller scale next week amid the coronavirus pandemic, the defense ministry said Friday.
The ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Army's Special Warfare Command in Icheon, some 80 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on Sept. 25, according to the ministry. It is the first time that the Armed Forces Day event will be held at the headquarters.
Armed Forces Day falls on Oct. 1, but the event will be held in advance due to the Chuseok holiday, it added.
Given the COVID-19 situation, the ministry plans to mobilize a minimum level of troops and equipment for the event, and fewer than 100 people will be invited.
But some events such as a flyby involving the F-35A next-generation stealth fighters and F-15K jets will take place, according to officials.
During last year's event, nearly 3,000 people were invited and diverse advanced weapons were on display. The country also showcased F-35A jets to the public for the first time on that occasion.
"The ceremony will serve as a chance to show off our troops' might. We will also display the Army's future vision that aims at creating peace," the ministry said in a statement.
President Moon Jae-in (R) reviews an F-35A stealth fighter during a ceremony to mark the 71st Armed Forces Day at an Air Force base in Daegu, 302 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on Oct. 1, 2019. (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-18--S. Korea extends warning against overseas travel amid prolonged pandemic

The advisory , first imposed in March , also calls for South Koreans staying outside of the country to take @ @ @

SEOUL, Sept. 18 (Yonhap) -- The foreign ministry decided Friday to extend its special advisory recommending against traveling overseas, citing the continuing spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
The advisory, first imposed in March, also calls for South Koreans staying outside of the country to take extra precaution.
Officials said they decided to renew the advisory as foreign countries maintain their entry restrictions and flight suspensions over virus fears.
The advisory will be effective until Oct. 19 and can be extended again.
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-18--Classical, theater circles start paid online streaming services amid pandemic

The KNO said it is also planning to live broadcast its upcoming performances of `` Fidelio '' by Ludwig Beethoven @ @ @ @ @ Boheme '' by Giacomo Puccini in December .

SEOUL, Sept. 18 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean classical and theatrical scenes are preparing to launch paid online streaming services as part of their efforts to make profits amid the prolonged novel coronavirus pandemic.
A scene from the opera "Manon" by the Korea National Opera (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The Korea National Opera (KNO) said Friday that it will livestream the opera "Manon," a French repertoire by Jules Massenet, on Naver TV at 7:30 p.m. next Friday.
Tickets cost 20,000 won (US$17) each, compared to 150,000 won for the most expensive seat at an in-person show.
It is the first paid online streaming show by a classical company in South Korea, according to the KNO.
The KNO said it is also planning to live broadcast its upcoming performances of "Fidelio" by Ludwig Beethoven next month and "La Boheme" by Giacomo Puccini in December.
A scene from "Fireworks" by the National Theater Company of Korea (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Moreover, the National Theater Company of Korea has put the online edition of its new original series "Fireworks" on sale.
The play will be streamed online on its homepage next Friday and Saturday for 2,500 won.
The paid online streaming services have emerged as a way for the South Korean performing arts industry to survive the protracted COVID-19 pandemic.
Most production companies have complained of decreased revenues, as they have to lower seating capacity at shows or cancel their schedules due to the tightened social distancing guidelines.
The musical "Mozart!," a Korean adaptation of the German-language production of the same name, started to charge for its online version set to air on Naver TV next month.
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-18--Seoul city to file 4.6 bln-won compensation suit against pastor blamed for virus resurgence

`` Even limiting the damages to cases reported within Seoul , the ( damages ) inflicted upon the city government @ @ @ @ @ offices , the country and the health insurance institution are estimated at 13.1 billion won @ @ @ @ @ said in a press release .

SEOUL, Sept. 18 (Yonhap) -- The Seoul city government said Friday it plans to file a 4.6 billion-won (US$3.9 million) compensation suit against a pastor blamed for worsening the new coronavirus outbreak here by holding mass rallies in central Seoul.
Despite warnings against holding mass rallies, Jun Kwang-hoon, who pastors Sarang Jeil Church in northern Seoul, is suspected of leading anti-government protests in central Seoul in mid-August that thousands of people attended.
"Even limiting the damages to cases reported within Seoul, the (damages) inflicted upon the city government, transportation agency, ward offices, the country and the health insurance institution are estimated at 13.1 billion won," the city government said in a press release.
The city claimed that Jun not only disrupted efforts to trace cases but submitted false documents on church members, leading to a resurgence of virus cases in the greater Seoul area.
The city said it plans to submit relevant documents for the suit to the Seoul Central District Court at 4 p.m.
Rev. Jun Kwang-hoon looks at his mobile phone while waiting to be transported to a nearby hospital for new coronavirus treatment on Aug. 17, 2020. (Yonhap)
Thousands of people take part in an anti-government rally in central Seoul on Aug. 15, 2020. (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-18--Ex-Girls' Generation singer to release book on S. Korean showbiz

The novel revolves around Kim who signs up with major management agency DB Entertainment and practices as a trainee for @ @ @ @ @ to debut as a K-pop star .
But her life goes on a completely different @ @ @ @ @ Lee , a top celebrity .

SEOUL, Sept. 18 (Yonhap) -- Former Girls' Generation singer Jessica will release an autobiographical novel this month that is based on her experience in South Korea's entertainment industry, the book's publisher said Friday.
The Korean version of the book "Shine," a "hyper realism" story that follows the fictional K-pop star Rachel Kim, will be released Sept. 29, RH Korea said. The book was originally written in English.
The novel revolves around Kim who signs up with major management agency DB Entertainment and practices as a trainee for six years in South Korea to debut as a K-pop star. But her life goes on a completely different course after she meets Jason Lee, a top celebrity.
"Jessica's novel is depicted with realism based on the lives of a K-pop star, such as the long training process, the harsh assessments from people, strict routines, the seemingly endless envy, the covert PR moves and the unfair treatments that female stars are subject to," the publisher said.
The book has secured publishing contracts from 11 countries, including South Korea, Brazil, Indonesia and Vietnam. The former singer is currently working on a sequel titled "Bright."
Jessica debuted in 2007 as a member of Girls' Generation, one of the biggest K-pop girl groups to date. She parted ways with the band in 2014 amid a feud with management company SM Entertainment over her personal fashion businesses. She has been active as a solo artist and a fashion business entrepreneur since the departure.
This photo provided by management agency Coridel Entertainment shows ex-Girls' Generation singer Jessica. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-18--The Korea Interbank Offered Rates (KORIBOR)

SEOUL , Sep. 18 ( Yonhap ) -- The Korea Interbank Offered Rates ( KORIBOR ) as posted by Yonhap @ @ @ @ @ and information arm of Yonhap News Agency , at 11:00 a.m .


yna--2020-09-18--Executives of tech firms vow to boost investments

The Ministry of Science and ICT said it will set up a working group with the companies next month to @ @ @ @ @ investments and projects .

SEOUL, Sept. 18 (Yonhap) -- Executives of Samsung Electronics Co. and other South Korean tech companies pledged Friday to work together with the government to increase investments and create more jobs.
The Ministry of Science and ICT said it will set up a working group with the companies next month to draw up plans for future investments and projects.
Other companies are LG Electronics Inc.; the country's three leading mobile carriers -- SK Telecom Co., KT Corp. and LG Uplus Corp.; and two major internet portal operators -- Naver Corp. and Kakao Corp.
"The government and private sector will pool resources to find growth opportunities that can transform the country into a leader in the digital tech field," Science Minister Choi Ki-young in a meeting with the executives.
No details of the proposed investments were immediately available.
South Korea announced in July that it is striving to digitalize every aspect of the country's social overhead capital under the digital New Deal plan.
The government said it plans to spend 58.2 trillion won (US$49.8 billion) by 2025 to update related infrastructure and increase state investment in key cutting-edge technologies.
The move is expected to create some 900,000 jobs and lead to sustainable growth that is critical in helping the country cope with the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-18--Auto exports down for 5th consecutive month in Aug. amid virus jitters

Local carmakers shipped 136,538 units of cars overseas last month , down 15.8 percent from a year earlier , according @ @ @ @ @ the Ministry of Trade , Industry and Energy .
In terms of value , auto @ @ @ @ @ the period to reach US $ 2.6 billion .

By Kang Yoon-seung
SEOUL, Sept. 18 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's exports of automobiles plunged nearly 16 percent in August from a year earlier, data showed Friday, due mainly to the global virus pandemic dealing a harsh blow to consumer sentiment around the world.
Local carmakers shipped 136,538 units of cars overseas last month, down 15.8 percent from a year earlier, according to the data compiled by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. In terms of value, auto exports shed 12.8 percent over the period to reach US$2.6 billion.
In the first eight months of 2020, the country shipped 1,143,839 units of automobiles, down 28.9 percent on-year, the data added.
Industry leader Hyundai Motor Co.'s exports dropped 31.3 percent over the period due to unsold inventories in the overseas market.
Kia Motors Corp., an affiliate of Hyundai Motor, saw its exports remain nearly unchanged on-year on the back of the strong sales of eco-friendly models and SUVs, despite the overall global slump.
Exports of Renault Samsung Motors Corp. and SsangYong Motor Co. fell 71.9 percent and 37.5 percent, respectively, over the cited period.
Outbound shipments of GM Korea Co., the South Korean unit of General Motors Co., however, rose 17.5 percent on the back of the strong sales of minicars and SUVs.
By destination, exports to North America climbed 12.3 percent, while shipments to the European Union slipped 26.9 percent.
Outbound shipments to the Middle East halved, while those to Asian nations dipped 36.3 percent, according to the data.
South Korea's combined auto production decreased 6.4 percent on-year to 233,357 units in August as some lines of Hyundai and Kia went through renovations, while the virus pandemic also slowed down such activity.
Domestic sales edged down 1.2 percent to 135,349 units amid the country's social distancing.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-18--Visitors to local beaches down 60 pct amid virus pandemic

The number of beachgoers this year came to 26.8 million , compared to 67.6 million posted a year earlier , @ @ @ @ @ Oceans and Fisheries .
The southern port city of Busan accounted for more than half @ @ @ @ @ data showed .

SEOUL, Sept. 18 (Yonhap) -- South Korea said Friday the number of beachgoers plummeted 60 percent in 2020 from a year earlier, as the country limited the number of visitors to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.
The number of beachgoers this year came to 26.8 million, compared to 67.6 million posted a year earlier, according to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. The southern port city of Busan accounted for more than half of the visitors, the data showed.
Amid the virus pandemic, South Korea only opened 251 out of 274 public beaches in this year's vacation season. They were shut down on Aug. 23, as the country rolled out the Level 2 social distancing scheme.
People can still visit the beaches, but they will not be allowed to rent beach equipment or use shower booths.
People swim at Gyeongpo Beach in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, on Aug. 22, 2020. All the beaches around the country will be closed from midnight Saturday due to the coronavirus pandemic. (Yonhap)
Under the Level 2 restrictions, outdoor gatherings of more than 100 people are strictly restricted. If they are held indoors, the ceiling is 50 people.
South Korea has also been adopting an alert system on major beaches that bans the entry of additional visitors in crowded areas to stem the spread of the new coronavirus.
Under the measure, authorities issue the "red" alert when the number of visitors at beaches exceeds the level where they can keep a safe distance.
"So far, there have been no cluster infections from beaches, as people cooperated with the country's anti-virus measures," an official from the ministry said.
On Friday, South Korea reported 126 more COVID-19 cases, raising its caseload to 22,783.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-18--Gov't to expand job insurance to artists starting in Dec.

The decision to include artists in the state insurance program is part of the government 's efforts aimed at protecting @ @ @ @ @ are regarded as being in a `` blind spot '' as they are not directly @ @ @ @ @ not covered by employment insurance .

SEOUL, Sept. 18 (Yonhap) -- South Korea plans to put artists and people working in cultural industries under a state employment insurance program beginning in December this year, the labor ministry said Friday.
Under the move, artists will be eligible to receive jobless benefits when they lose their jobs. Artist employees and employers are set to pay half of the insurance fee, respectively, with the insurance fee set at 0.8 percent.
The scheme only covers people whose monthly income from culture and arts-related jobs is at least 500,000 won (US$428). The ministry estimated some 70,000 in the industry of 170,000 to be eligible.
In addition to the jobless benefits, artists will also receive state subsidies if a change in job leads to income loss. They will also be eligible for 90-day postpartum leave that is funded by the government.
The decision to include artists in the state insurance program is part of the government's efforts aimed at protecting temporary workers and freelancers who are regarded as being in a "blind spot" as they are not directly employed by companies and are not covered by employment insurance.
In July, Labor Minister Lee Jae-gap said the government aims to expand employment insurance to all working citizens by 2025.
Officials affiliated with the progressive Jinbo Party hold a press conference on swiftly expanding state employment insurance to all citizens in front of the government complex in central Seoul on Aug. 28, 2020. (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-18--(Yonhap Interview) PGA Tour executive sees new opportunity with S. Korean tournament shifted to U.S.

`` In the three years where we 've had the privilege of visiting Jeju Island for the CJ Cup @ @ @ @ @ @ has spoken highly of the tournament .
CJ Group goes out of their way to @ @ @ @ @ great and enjoyable experience , both on and off the golf course , and help @ @ @ @ @ their families too , '' Votaw wrote in an email interview with Yonhap News Agency @

By Yoo Jee-ho and Kim Dong-chan
SEOUL, Sept. 18 (Yonhap) -- The coronavirus pandemic has forced the PGA Tour to move its only annual tournament in South Korea to the United States this fall, but the change presents a new opportunity for the tour to promote Korean culture in America, a senior executive for the tour said Friday.
The CJ Cup @ Nine Bridges, scheduled to take place on the South Korean resort island of Jeju in October, will instead open in Las Vegas on Oct. 15. Given global travel restrictions in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, the CJ Cup wouldn't have drawn international players, big names or not, to Jeju, something it had little trouble doing since its inception in 2017.
This photo, provided by the PGA Tour on Sept. 18, 2020, shows Ty Votaw, the tour's executive vice president of international affairs. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Ty Votaw, PGA Tour's executive vice president of international affairs, said the CJ Cup has been one of the popular events among the players and that won't change even if it's played at Shadow Creek Golf Course in Las Vegas this year.
"In the three years where we've had the privilege of visiting Jeju Island for the CJ Cup @ Nine Bridges, every player has spoken highly of the tournament. CJ Group goes out of their way to ensure our players have a great and enjoyable experience, both on and off the golf course, and help provide a memorable time for their families too," Votaw wrote in an email interview with Yonhap News Agency.
"Our players enjoy the opportunity to learn new cultures, and Korean food is simply outstanding. As we will be playing in the U.S. in October, I'm aware the CJ Group is making efforts to ensure our players continue to enjoy a similar experience at Shadow Creek and that includes bringing the very best of Korean food."
Votaw said the CJ Cup will continue to support charitable initiatives and added, "I am very thankful that The CJ Cup serves as the bridge for Korean and Asian golfers to compete in a PGA TOUR event, which we believe will help grow our sport in what is an important region to the game."
In this Penta Press file photo from Oct. 20, 2020, Justin Thomas (C) is flanked by CJ Group Chairman Lee Jae-hyun (L) and PGA Tour Executive Vice President of International Affairs Ty Votaw during the victory ceremony at the CJ Cup @ Nine Bridges golf tournament at the Club at Nine Bridges in Seogwipo, Jeju Island. (Yonhap)
Votaw said American sports fans are "always very interested in (PGA Tour's) international players" and said the tour has been fortunate to witness the emergence of young and talented Korean golfers, including the 2018-2019 Rookie of the Year Im Sung-jae.
"What's also interesting is the fact that most Asian golfers have unique backstories about their involvement and rise in the game, which make them stand out even more," Votaw went on. "Very often, their stories are about perseverance, dedication and hard work, which inspire our fans."
Votaw said the CJ Cup serving as South Korea's only PGA Tour event has contributed to the rise of Korean golfers in a positive manner.
"We certainly value the presence of Asian players as it is representative of what the PGA Tour is all about," he said. "We are a global organization representing a global membership and have a global vision to grow the game collectively with our partners and stakeholders such as CJ Group."
This file photo, from Oct. 17, 2019, shows the 10th fairway at the Club at Nine Bridges in Seogwipo, Jeju Island, during the opening round of the CJ Cup @ Nine Bridges golf tournament. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-18--S. Korea calls for early development, fair distribution of COVID-19 vaccines

`` The coronavirus pandemic is still an ongoing crisis and to ensure the safety of everyone , vaccines must be @ @ @ @ @ , and they need to be fairly distributed , '' he said Thursday in a @ @ @ @ @ 20 Finance and Health Ministers .

SEOUL, Sept. 18 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's health minister has called for early development and fair distribution of coronavirus vaccines as countries around the world try to stem the spread of the pandemic.
Park Neunghoo urged countries to invest more in health and medical infrastructure that can provide greater access to vital services for the general public.
"The coronavirus pandemic is still an ongoing crisis and to ensure the safety of everyone, vaccines must be produced as soon as possible, and they need to be fairly distributed," he said Thursday in a videoconference of the Group of 20 Finance and Health Ministers.
Park said that South Korea fully supports efforts by the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator (ACT-A) system set up by the World Health Organization and the European Union, and the COVAX Facility that is at the forefront of international efforts to find treatment and facilitate distribution.
South Korea said earlier this month that it will take part in the ACT-A as a facilitation council member and will contribute funds to the COVAX Facility.
COVAX is a global initiative designed to work with vaccine manufacturers to provide equitable access to safe and effective vaccines to countries worldwide.
Park said that South Korea is engaged in a so-called K-Health international cooperation project that will help support Association of Southeast Asian Nations in better responding to infectious diseases and further strengthen their medical service coverage to benefit more people.
South Korean Health Minister Park Neunghoo takes part in a videoconference of the Group of 20 Finance and Health Ministers at his office in Seoul on Sept. 17, 2020, in this photo provided by his office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-18--S. Korea's overseas direct investment sinks in Q2 over pandemic

The value of investments made by South Korean companies came to US $ 12.14 billion in the April-June period , @ @ @ @ @ for the same quarter last year , according to the data compiled by the Ministry @ @ @ @ @

SEJONG, Sept. 18 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's overseas direct investment sank 27.8 percent on-year in the second quarter of this year, as the coronavirus pandemic weighed on investment flows around the world, data showed Friday.
The value of investments made by South Korean companies came to US$12.14 billion in the April-June period, compared with $16.82 billion for the same quarter last year, according to the data compiled by the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
It marked the sharpest quarterly decline since the first quarter of 2018, the data showed.
South Korean companies invested $2.18 billion in the United States in the second quarter, down 38.5 percent on-year.
By sector, investments made by South Korean financial and insurance companies slipped 21.3 percent on-year to $5.05 billion in the second quarter.
Manufacturing firms' combined investments plunged 62.7 percent on-year to $2.1 billion in the second quarter, according to the ministry.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-18--(LEAD) Yoo returns home from U.S. trip amid WTO's election process for new leader

When asked about the trade row between the U.S. and China , the world 's top two economies last month @ @ @ @ @ a direct statement but reiterated that she will serve all members of the WTO .
@ @ @ @ @ same stance over the yearlong trade row between South Korea and Japan .

(ATTN: ADDS details in last 4 paras)
By Kang Yoon-seung
SEOUL, Sept. 18 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's trade minister returned home Friday after a four-day trip to the United States meant to secure Washington's support for her campaign to become the next leader of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee met with U.S. government and business officials and discussed a wide array of bilateral issues, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
During her stay, Yoo especially focused on winning Washington's support for her bid to become the next head of the WTO.
U.S. support is widely seen as crucial in winning the top post of the WTO as the U.S. is the biggest contributor to the WTO in terms of budget.
Yoo vowed to focus on rebuilding trust in the multilateral trading system by making it more relevant, resilient and responsive, once she gets picked as the new leader.
South Korean Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee arrives at Incheon airport, west of Seoul, on Sept. 15, 2020, before her departure for Washington to win support for her bid to become the new head of the World Trade Organization. (Yonhap)
Yoo is currently competing against candidates from seven countries -- Mexico, Nigeria, Egypt, Moldova, Kenya, Saudi Arabia and Britain. The WTO member countries will provide a maximum of four preferences, after which three candidates will be removed from the list.
The global trade body is anticipated to deliver the results of the first round of the selection process later Friday (Geneva time).
After carrying out another round of the process to pick two shortlisted candidates, the final result is widely anticipated to be delivered in early November.
Yoo was appointed as trade minister in February last year, becoming the first woman to be named to the top-ranking position in the 70-year history of the trade ministry.
When asked about the trade row between the U.S. and China, the world's top two economies last month, Yoo did not provide a direct statement but reiterated that she will serve all members of the WTO. Yoo added she holds the same stance over the yearlong trade row between South Korea and Japan.
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to leave the global trade organization.
"The United States must be allowed to defend itself against unfair trade practices, and the Trump Administration will not let China use the WTO to take advantage of American workers, businesses, farmers and ranchers," U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer said earlier this week.
The remark came after the WTO ruled that some tariffs imposed by the U.S. against Chinese goods violated rules.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-18--Coronavirus pandemic accelerates digital transformation: finance minister

`` We recognize that the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need to strengthen health systems and has shown vulnerabilities in @ @ @ @ @ to prevent , detect and respond effectively to pandemic threats , '' they said in @ @ @

SEJONG, Sept. 18 (Yonhap) -- The coronavirus pandemic is accelerating digital transformation and the world needs to prepare for this structural change in a post-pandemic era, South Korea's finance minister has said.
Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki made the remarks at an online meeting of the Group of 20 Finance and Health Ministers on Thursday, the ministry said in a statement.
Hong said the pandemic has accelerated digital transformation and contactless solutions in businesses and society, while increasing the need for an eco-friendly economy.
Hong also briefed participants about South Korea's stimulus packages to recover from the pandemic.
In July, South Korea said it will invest 160 trillion won (US$137 billion) by 2025 under the bold stimulus package that could create 1.9 million jobs and kick-start the coronavirus-hit economy.
Unlike conventional infrastructure projects, the deal features 28 projects that will transform the nation's fossil fuel-reliant economy into an eco-friendly one and increase state investment in artificial intelligence and fifth-generation (5G) telecommunication services.
During the online meeting, G-20 ministers admitted vulnerability in coping with the pandemic.
"We recognize that the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need to strengthen health systems and has shown vulnerabilities in the international community's ability to prevent, detect and respond effectively to pandemic threats," they said in a statement.
"This reinforces the need to deliver on commitments to strengthen health systems, particularly enhancing preparedness, prevention, detection and response capacities," the statement said.
Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki attends an online meeting of the Group of 20 Finance and Health Ministers on Sept. 17, 2020, in this photo provided by the ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-18--Top diplomats of S. Korea, Vietnam to hold talks on easing of COVID-19 entry curbs, bilateral ties

Kang is likely to use the meeting to ask for Vietnam 's support for Seoul 's efforts to resume stalled @ @ @ @ @ her government 's commitment to firming up ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations @ @ @ @ @ .

SEOUL/HANOI, Sept. 18 (Yonhap) -- The top diplomats of South Korea and Vietnam were set to hold talks in Hanoi on Friday to discuss the easing of coronavirus entry restrictions for essential business travelers, bilateral relations and other issues, officials said.
During the talks, Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and her Vietnamese counterpart, Pham Binh Minh, are expected to focus on crafting a "fast-track" program that would allow businesspeople to use a streamlined entry procedure in exception to stringent COVID-19 entry restrictions.
Kang is likely to use the meeting to ask for Vietnam's support for Seoul's efforts to resume stalled dialogue with Pyongyang and reiterate her government's commitment to firming up ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations under its New Southern Policy.
On Thursday, Kang began her two-day trip and paid a courtesy call on Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.
At the meeting with Phuc, Kang stressed the need to install the fast-track entry program, noting that small and midsized South Korean enterprises have had difficulties due to the entry restrictions.
Phuc said that a domestic review is under way to craft measures to allow South Korean businesspeople to enter Vietnam under "more advantageous" conditions.
Later in the day, Kang plans to meet Park Hang-seo, the South Korean head coach of the Vietnamese men's national football team, and hold talks with South Korean residents in the country.
Kang's visit to Hanoi marks her second trip abroad since the global spread of COVID-19 triggered restrictions on diplomatic trips. The minister visited Germany early last month in her first such trip since the pandemic early this year.
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha (L) speaks with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in Hanoi during her courtesy call on Sept. 17, 2020. (Yonhap)
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-18--(LEAD) New virus cases under 200 for 16th day; no letup in local infections weighs on virus fight

The country 's new virus cases have been in the triple digits for over a month , due mainly to @ @ @ @ @ in northern Seoul and a political rally in the capital in mid-August .
Daily infections @ @ @ @ @ 27 .

(ATTN: UPDATES with more details from para 11; ADDS photo)
SEOUL, Sept. 18 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new coronavirus cases stayed below 200 for the 16th straight day on Friday, but local infections remained in the triple digits on rises in sporadic cluster infections and untraceable cases.
The country added 126 more COVID-19 cases, including 109 local infections, raising the total caseload to 22,783, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). Five more patients died, raising the death toll to 377.
It marked a fall from 153 new cases reported Thursday, but the tally was higher than 113 cases Wednesday. Health authorities are seeking to bring the daily new cases down under 100.
The number of locally transmitted infections remained in the triple digits for the third straight day.
This photo, taken on Sept. 17, 2020, shows health workers at Severance Hospital, a general hospital in western Seoul, where cluster infections of the new coronavirus were reported. (Yonhap)
The country's new virus cases have been on a slowing trend on the back of tougher social distancing guidelines, but a marked slowdown appears to be some way off due to cases with unknown infection routes and cluster infections.
Over the past two weeks, the number of cases with unidentified transmission routes reached a fresh record high of 26.4 percent of the total new cases.
The country's new virus cases have been in the triple digits for over a month, due mainly to cases tied to a church in northern Seoul and a political rally in the capital in mid-August. Daily infections soared to 441 on Aug. 27.
To contain the fast spread of COVID-19, the country adopted an enhanced social distancing scheme, called Level 2.5 guidelines, in the densely populated Seoul metropolitan area on Aug. 30 and applied it for two weeks.
But in the face of slowing virus cases and economic pains for the self-employed, the country began relaxing the tougher virus curbs on Monday for the next two weeks, allowing restaurants and cafes to operate normally.
Health authorities face a tough challenge in tackling a potential rebound in new virus cases during the upcoming Chuseok fall harvest holiday and curbing both COVID-19 and the flu in the winter.
This photo, taken on Sept. 17, 2020, shows a sign put up at an eatery in Seoul's shopping district of Myeongdong informing people that it will temporarily close due to the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Yonhap)
Of the newly identified local infections, 46 cases were reported in Seoul and 32 in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital. Incheon, west of Seoul, reported four more cases.
Other municipalities reported new infections, with the southeastern city of Daegu adding two cases and the central city of Daejeon reporting two new cases.
Cases traced to Sarang Jeil Church in northern Seoul, a hotbed of the recent spike in new infections, have stayed unchanged at 1,168 since Friday. Infections tied to the anti-government rally in Seoul on Aug. 15 came to 604 as of noon Thursday.
Sporadic cluster infections continued to pop up, with cases linked to Severance Hospital, a general hospital in western Seoul, reaching 46. Cases tied to plants of No. 2 automaker Kia Motors, south of Seoul, hit 11.
The country, meanwhile, reported 17 imported cases, with four coming from Uzbekistan and another four from the United States. The total imported cases came to 3,063.
The number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients came to 150 as of midnight, down 10 from the previous day.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 19,771, up 228 from the previous day.
The country has carried out 2,206,365 coronavirus tests since Jan. 3.
This photo, taken on Sept. 17, 2020, shows Gyeongbok Palace in central Seoul, where it is hard to find foreign tourists due to the new coronavirus outbreak. (Yonhap)
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-18--Changes at top, bottom of K League table looming

After opening the season with a 15-match winless streak , Incheon United have come alive with four wins in their @ @ @ @ @ run that has them primed for a vault out of the league cellar .
No @ @ @ @ @ points than Incheon 's 13 in that span .
Ulsan pounded Incheon 4-1 in their @ @ @ @ @ 4 , but this is a different Incheon team now .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Sept. 18 (Yonhap) -- By Sunday evening, there could be a new team at the top of South Korean football for the first time in two months.
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors will try to overtake Ulsan Hyundai FC for first place in the K League 1 when they both take the field Sunday.
By beating Ulsan 2-1 on Tuesday, Jeonbuk closed the gap to two points, 47-45. The win also snapped Jeonbuk's season-high winless skid at three.
Mo Barrow (L) and Han Kyo-won of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors celebrate Han's goal against Ulsan Hyundai FC during a K League 1 match at Jeonju World Cup Stadium in Jeonju, 240 kilometers south of Seoul, on Sept. 15, 2020. (Yonhap)
In a winnable match on Sunday, Jeonbuk will host Busan IPark, who are stuck in 10th place with 21 points and are in danger of being relegated to the K League 2 just one season after earning the promotion. Busan have just one win in their last six.
Sunday is the final day before the 12 clubs are split into two tiers. The top six will be paired into "Final A," and the rest will make up "Final B." They will then play five matches within their own groups to close out the season.
All matches on Sunday will kick off at 3 p.m. While trying to handle Busan, Jeonbuk players will also be rooting hard for Incheon United, the last-place club who will host Ulsan the same day.
After opening the season with a 15-match winless streak, Incheon United have come alive with four wins in their last half-dozen matches, a run that has them primed for a vault out of the league cellar. No team has picked up more points than Incheon's 13 in that span. Ulsan pounded Incheon 4-1 in their most recent meeting on July 4, but this is a different Incheon team now.
FC Seoul goalkeeper Yang Han-been (L) makes a save on a shot by Stefan Mugosa of Incheon United during a K League 1 match at Incheon Football Stadium in Incheon, 40 kilometers west of Seoul, on Sept. 16, 2020, in this photo provided by the Korea Professional Football League. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
"We won't be pushed around," said Incheon head coach Jo Sung-hwan after Wednesday's victory. "They'd better be prepared for us."
Incheon have pulled into a tie in points with Suwon Samsung Bluewings at 18, though Suwon are in 11th place for now because of their edge in the goals scored tiebreaker (18-15).
Suwon have been stuck in neutral for a couple of months now, and the recent coaching change that brought in former franchise star Park Kun-ha hasn't produced desired results. Park has had one loss and one draw so far. The sample size is admittedly small, but there are only six matches left this year and time isn't on Suwon's side.
Suwon will take on Gangwon FC, who are in a battle of their own.
Gangwon are presently holding down the sixth and the last spot for Final A with 24 points, but FC Seoul also have 24 points while trailing Gangwon in the goals scored department, and Gwangju FC and Seongnam FC are only two points back.
Getting into Final A guarantees teams that they won't finish the season lower than sixth. But any club in Final B faces the danger of relegation -- especially so this season as only six points separate the bottom six teams.
Cesinha of Daegu FC (C) is congratulated by his teammates after assisting on a goal by Dejan Damjanovic against Seongnam FC during a K League 1 match at DGB Daegu Bank Park in Daegu, 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on Sept. 16, 2020. (Yonhap)
FC Seoul will play Daegu FC, likely without veteran midfielder Ki Sung-yueng. Ki suffered a knee injury during Wednesday's 1-0 loss to Incheon United.
Seongnam and Gwangju will face each other with a top-six berth at stake.
In a match with perhaps the least on the line, No. 3 Sangju Sangmu and No. 4 Pohang Steelers will square off.
Both clubs are locked into Final A. Sangju have been the league's biggest overachiever this season, but in exchange for relocating to another city next year, the club made up of conscripted players will face automatic relegation to the K League 2, regardless of where they finish.
The third-place team will get into the playoffs for next year's Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League. And with Sangju ineligible for the tournament even if they finish third, the fourth-place club will then take the AFC ticket.
Pohang are sitting five points ahead of Daegu.
Manuel Palacios of Pohang Steelers (C) tries to move past Suwon Samsung Bluewings defenders during a K League 1 match at Suwon World Cup Stadium in Suwon, 45 kilometers south of Seoul, on Sept. 16, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-18--Army to unveil monument commemorating West Point graduates killed in Korean War

That is in addition to two monuments already set up at the Korea Military Academy campus to honor U.S. service @ @ @ @ @ 1949 and 1950 killed in the war , officials said .

SEOUL, Sept. 18 (Yonhap) -- The Army was set to unveil a monument Friday to commemorate U.S. Military Academy graduates killed in the 1950-53 Korean War, officials said.
The monument, erected at the Korea Military Academy in Seoul, bears the names of 17 fallen officers from the West Point Class of 1948, Army officials said.
That is in addition to two monuments already set up at the Korea Military Academy campus to honor U.S. service members from the Classes of 1949 and 1950 killed in the war, officials said.
The Army plans to build four more for those from the Classes of 1945, 1946, 1947 and 1951 by 2023, and turn the area into a zone to remember the fallen U.S. soldiers.
"The freedom and peace on this land that the young heroes wanted to protect 70 years ago have become the foundation of South Korea's economic prosperity and vibrant democracy today," the Korean academy's superintendent Lt. Gen. Chung Jin-kyung said.
The Korea Military Academy in northern Seoul (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-18--(LEAD) Ruling party expels son of former President Kim over ethical issues

He has been criticized for failing to fully disclose his wealth during his mandatory property filing with the election watchdog @ @ @ @ @ parliamentary elections in April .
Kim omitted his ownership of a purchase right to an @ @ @ @ @ the National Election Commission that he owned three homes .

(ATTN: UPDATES with minor edits)
SEOUL, Sept. 18 (Yonhap) -- The ruling Democratic Party (DP) on Friday expelled the third son of the late former President Kim Dae-jung, over allegations of underreporting wealth and ownership of multiple homes.
The party's ethics inspection body launched probes this week into allegations of wrongdoing raised against some party lawmakers, including Rep. Kim Hong-gul.
"The party decided to deprive Rep. Kim of party membership as he appeared to not sincerely cooperate with the body in the probe," Rep. Choi In-ho, a party spokesman, said in a briefing at the National Assembly.
The decision took effect immediately and Kim will remain an independent member of the National Assembly.
He has been criticized for failing to fully disclose his wealth during his mandatory property filing with the election watchdog in the run-up to the parliamentary elections in April. Kim omitted his ownership of a purchase right to an apartment when he reported to the National Election Commission that he owned three homes.
His father, Kim Dae-jung, won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2000 for the first-ever inter-Korean summit between him and then North Korean leader Kim Jong-il.
This photo taken on Sept. 16, 2020, shows Rep. Kim Hong-gul of the ruling Democratic Party at the National Assembly. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-09-18--FM Kang sees slim chance of U.S.-N.K. talks before U.S. election

The minister said though South Korea has offered to hold talks with the North and send humanitarian aid , and @ @ @ @ @ it is ready for dialogue with Pyongyang , there are no behind-the-scenes talks underway , @ @ @ @ @ .

SEOUL, Sept. 18 (Yonhap) -- Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha said Friday chances are slim of progress in stalled nuclear talks between the United States and North Korea before the U.S. presidential election in November.
Kang made the remarks during a meeting with South Korean correspondents in Hanoi after talks with her Vietnamese counterpart Pham Binh Minh.
"Chances are small that something will happen between North Korea and the United States before the U.S. election," she said when asked about the possibility of a dialogue between the two sides.
"North Korea appears to focus on domestic issues, making efforts to recover from flood damages and prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic," she added.
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha speaks during a meeting with Korean reporters in Hanoi on Sept. 18, 2020. (Yonhap)
The minister said though South Korea has offered to hold talks with the North and send humanitarian aid, and the U.S. is indicating that it is ready for dialogue with Pyongyang, there are no behind-the-scenes talks underway, as far as she knows.
Nuclear talks between Washington and Pyongyang have been stalled since the summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un ended without a deal in Hanoi in February last year. as they differed over the extent of Pyongyang's denuclearization steps and Washington's compensation in return.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-18--(LEAD) Nat'l pension fund employees under drug probe: police

The police probe began in July when the NPSIM filed a criminal complaint against the four employees after in-house rumors @ @ @ @ @ abuse .
The state-run agency excluded all of the four from duty and ordered them @ @ @ @ @ appointment before reporting their cases to police .

(ATTN: ADDS test results in paras 5-6)
SEOUL, Sept. 18 (Yonhap) -- Four employees of the National Pension Service Investment Management (NPSIM) have been under criminal investigation over suspected drug charges, police said Friday.
According to the Jeonbuk Provincial Police Agency, the four employees, who had previously served as fund managers for the world's leading pension operator, have been booked without detention on suspicion of inhaling cannabis, a banned substance in South Korea.
The four, whose identities were withheld, confessed to using cannabis during questioning, said the police agency in Jeonju, the capital of North Jeolla Province, where the NPSIM is located.
This file photo shows the headquarters of the National Pension Service Investment Management in Jeonju, southwestern South Korea. (Yonhap)
The police agency said it has yet to obtain material evidence to back up their criminal charges.
The agency initially said all the suspects tested negative for drugs but later said two of them tested positive.
The NPS is the world's third-largest pension fund, with 752 trillion won (US$648 billion) under its management as of June.
The police probe began in July when the NPSIM filed a criminal complaint against the four employees after in-house rumors circulated about their alleged drug abuse. The state-run agency excluded all of the four from duty and ordered them to stand by for an appointment before reporting their cases to police.
According to police officials, the suspects allegedly inhaled cannabis at one of their homes from February and June, while one of them bought the drug via a social networking service.
The officials speculated that the suspects may have encountered the drug while studying in the United States, where cannabis is legal.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-18--(2nd LD) Top diplomats of S. Korea, Vietnam hold talks on easing of COVID-19 entry curbs, bilateral

(2nd LD) Top diplomats of S. Korea, Vietnam hold talks on easing of COVID-19 entry curbs, bilateral ties

At the talks , the two sides also agreed to seek the early resumption of flights on routes between Incheon @ @ @ @ @ and Ho Chi Minh upon the conclusion of last-stage consultations between the two countries ' @ @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES throughout; TRIMS; ADDS photos)
By Song Sang-ho
SEOUL/HANOI, Sept. 18 (Yonhap) -- The top diplomats of South Korea and Vietnam held talks in Hanoi on Friday to discuss the easing of coronavirus entry restrictions for essential business travelers, bilateral ties and regional issues.
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and her Vietnamese counterpart, Pham Binh Minh, shared the understanding on the need to introduce a special entry procedure for businesspeople travelling between the two countries, the foreign ministry said.
In particular, Minh noted that measures to allow South Korean businesspeople to enter Vietnam under "more advantageous" conditions appear likely to be crafted soon, despite the pandemic.
Kang began her two-day trip on Thursday, as Seoul pushes to reach agreements with foreign governments on streamlined entry procedures for business travelers as part of efforts to mitigate the economic fallout from the virus.
At the talks, the two sides also agreed to seek the early resumption of flights on routes between Incheon and Hanoi and between Incheon and Ho Chi Minh upon the conclusion of last-stage consultations between the two countries' aviation authorities.
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha (L) shakes hands with her Vietnamese counterpart, Pham Binh Minh, before their talks in Hanoi on Sept. 18, 2020. (Yonhap)
"With support from Vietnam, this year's ASEAN chair country, we would like to create momentum to develop not only relations between the two countries, but also South Korea's ties with the ASEAN," Kang said in her opening remarks.
ASEAN refers to the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Noting that Kang is the first foreign top diplomat to officially visit Vietnam since the COVID-19 outbreak, Minh said that Kang's visit attests to the good relations between the two countries.
Kang also expressed hope that South Korea and Vietnam will work together to ensure "fair access" to COVID-19 vaccines, currently under development, and other therapeutics.
"We need to cooperate beyond the borders to ensure the smooth development and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and treatment as public goods for humankind," Kang was quoted by her office as saying.
In a show of Seoul's resolve to further deepen ties with the ASEAN, Kang said that her government is making efforts to reflect the regional bloc's needs for cooperation in health care, digital, science and technology sectors in its signature New Southern Policy.
South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha (L) and her Vietnamese counterpart, Pham Binh Minh (2nd from R), hold talks in Hanoi on Sept. 18, 2020. (Yonhap)
Kang also expressed gratitude over the ASEAN's support for Seoul's position on the Korean Peninsula situation, while Minh pledged to continue efforts for the denuclearization, peace and stability on the peninsula.
In addition, Kang and Minh agreed that South Korea and Vietnam will work closely together to prepare for the 10th South Korea-Mekong foreign ministers' meeting set to take place via video links on Sept. 28.
Later in the day, Kang met Park Hang-seo, the South Korean head coach of the Vietnamese men's national football team before talks with South Korean residents in the country.
Kang expressed her gratitude to Park for his contribution to Korea's public diplomacy.
Kang's visit to Hanoi marks her second trip abroad since the global spread of COVID-19 triggered restrictions on diplomatic trips. The minister visited Germany early last month in her first such trip since the pandemic early this year.
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha (R) meets Park Hang-seo, the South Korean head coach of the Vietnamese men's national football team, in Hanoi on Sept. 18, 2020, during her visit aimed at promoting cooperation between the two countries in coronavirus responses and regional issues. (Yonhap)
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-18--(LEAD) Gov't to ease restrictions on in-person church services

Starting from this week , South Korea lowered the nation 's social distancing scheme from Level 2.5 down to Level @ @ @ @ @ the number of daily new virus cases , while still in the triple digit range @ @ @ @ @ downward trajectory .

(ATTN: CHANGES headline and lead; REFLECTS decision in paras 3-5)
SEOUL, Sept. 18 (Yonhap) -- The government and the religious community have agreed to ease restrictions on in-person services of large churches starting this weekend, in line with a nationwide lowering of social distancing guidelines over COVID-19, officials said Friday.
All in-person religious events and chapel services in Seoul and its surrounding areas have been prohibited since mid-August amid a recent resurgence in new virus cases being largely linked to Protestant church gatherings.
Exceptionally, large churches with more than 300 seats have been allowed to hold services with attendance of fewer than 20 to produce footage for online worship.
A consultative body of the government and seven religions, including Protestantism, Buddhism and Catholicism, recently discussed raising the in-person attendance ceiling of large churches, from 20 to 50 starting this Sunday, according to officials familiar with the matter.
Under the eased guidelines, around 10-20 percent of nearly 25,000 Protestant churches in the Seoul metropolitan area would benefit from the eased restriction, officials said.
Starting from this week, South Korea lowered the nation's social distancing scheme from Level 2.5 down to Level 2 as the growth in the number of daily new virus cases, while still in the triple digit range, has shown a stable downward trajectory.
Yoido Full Gospel Church holds an online service on Sept. 13, 2020 in this photo provided by the church. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-18--Ex-major leaguer White out for KBO season with broken hand

The SK Wyverns of the Korea Baseball Organization ( KBO ) said Friday that White has been ruled out for @ @ @ @ @ bone in his left hand .
With the regular season set to end on Nov. @ @ @ @ @ of playoff contention , White is done for the year after just nine games with @ @ @

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Sept. 18 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean stint for former major leaguer Tyler White has ended prematurely due to a hand injury.
The SK Wyverns of the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) said Friday that White has been ruled out for eight weeks with a broken bone in his left hand. With the regular season set to end on Nov. 2 and the Wyverns out of playoff contention, White is done for the year after just nine games with the Wyverns.
Tyler White of the SK Wyverns (L) smiles in the dugout after hitting a three-run home run against the Kia Tigers in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field in Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
White was hit in the left hand by a pitch from NC Dinos' starter Drew Rucinski in Thursday's game.
White signed with the Wyverns in July. He made his KBO debut in late August, after serving his mandatory, 14-day quarantine upon arriving in South Korea.
White broke a bone in his right hand after getting nailed by a pitch in just his second KBO game on Aug. 25. He returned on Sept. 10 and then got hurt again in his seventh game back.
White batted .136/.367/.318 with a home run, four RBIs and three runs scored.
Tyler White of the SK Wyverns (R) comes home after hitting a three-run home run against the Kia Tigers in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field in Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-18--Ruling party to expel son of former President Kim over ethical issues

Kim is facing criticism for failing to fully disclose his wealth during his mandatory property filing with the election watchdog @ @ @ @ @ parliamentary elections in April .
Kim omitted his ownership of a purchase right to an @ @ @ @ @ the National Election Commission that he owned three homes .

SEOUL, Sept. 18 (Yonhap) -- The ruling Democratic Party (DP) decided Friday to expel the third son of the late former President Kim Dae-jung, over allegations of underreporting wealth and ownership of multiple homes
The party's ethics inspection body launched probes this week into allegations of wrongdoing raised against some party lawmakers, including Rep. Kim Hong-gul.
"The party decided to deprive Rep. Kim of party membership as he appeared to not sincerely cooperate with the body in the probe," Rep. Choi In-ho, a party spokesman, said in a briefing at the National Assembly.
Kim is facing criticism for failing to fully disclose his wealth during his mandatory property filing with the election watchdog in the run-up to the parliamentary elections in April. Kim omitted his ownership of a purchase right to an apartment when he reported to the National Election Commission that he owned three homes.
His father, Kim Dae-jung, won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2000 for the first-ever inter-Korean summit between him and then North Korean leader Kim Jong-il.
This photo taken on Sept. 16, 2020, shows Rep. Kim Hong-gul of the ruling Democratic Party at the National Assembly. (Yonhap)
(END)