yna--2020-10-11--Biden will not treat allies as 'protection racket,' says adviser

`` I would say that if these negotiations are not concluded when President Biden takes office next year , we @ @ @ @ @ what has been discussed , but we would approach those negotiations in an objective manner @ @ @ @ @ a cudgel against our ally or treating the alliance in a transactional way , '' @ @ @ @ @ Thursday .

By Byun Duk-kun
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 (Yonhap) -- U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden will not treat U.S. allies as a source of revenue and instead honor and strengthen the partnership with South Korea and other allies, a key foreign policy adviser said in an exclusive interview with Yonhap News Agency.
Brian McKeon, one of Biden's three-member team of foreign policy advisers, accused President Donald Trump of treating allies like a "protection racket," saying that Biden would approach the long stalled negotiations with South Korea over the cost of maintaining U.S. troops in Korea "differently."
"I could not predict the timing of any agreement," he said when asked if a Biden administration would seek to conclude the burden-sharing negotiations at an early date.
"I would say that if these negotiations are not concluded when President Biden takes office next year, we would obviously have to review what has been discussed, but we would approach those negotiations in an objective manner and not use them as a cudgel against our ally or treating the alliance in a transactional way," McKeon said in the interview Thursday.
U.S. Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden (L) is seen holding a meeting with his campaign officials, including his foreign policy adviser Brian McKeon (R), in this undated photo provided by his election campaign. (Yonhap)
McKeon has spent most of his career working closely with Biden since he joined Biden's Senate office in 1985. He served as a foreign policy adviser to then Senator Biden from 1988 and 1995, and also worked as a principal deputy under secretary for policy at the Department of Defense under former President Barack Obama.
His remarks come amid a deadlock in the burden-sharing negotiations between Seoul and Washington.
Seoul has offered to increase its burden sharing by up to 13 percent from the US$870 million it paid under last year's agreement.
Washington, on the other hand, is said to be demanding a 50 percent spike to $1.3 billion, while earlier reports have suggested U.S. President Donald Trump may have demanded as much as $5 billion a year from South Korea, also threatening to pull out or reduce U.S. troops in South Korea.
McKeon said Trump simply does not understand the Korea-U.S. alliance and what it is built on.
"He continually criticized the alliance, called Seoul a free rider, and demanded, as you said, a large increase in burden sharing. And it seems to us that he just doesn't really understand how these alliances work and the sacrifice that our soldiers made and South Korean soldiers made during the (Korean) war or our country's history or strong people-to-people ties," he said.
Instead, Trump treats U.S. allies as a source of revenue, McKeon said.
"President Trump has treated our alliances in both Europe and Asia ... like they are a protection racket, rather than partnership between two or more countries that are bound by a treaty and long shared history. So we would certainly approach the negotiations differently," McKeon said.
On the possibility of a U.S. troop reduction in South Korea, McKeon doubted there would be any significant reduction of U.S. troops under a Biden administration but noted any change would depend on the outcome of its future assessment of the U.S. global force posture.
Still, Biden, if elected, would quickly reassure U.S. allies of his commitment to improving their alliances, McKeon said.
"One of the things he intends to do is restore and strengthen our alliances," he said. "He frequently says when he takes office, he will immediately get on the phone with some of our key allies in Europe and Asia, and centrally say, 'America is back, and we have your back.'"
In the file photo taken Dec. 8, 2013, then U.S. Vice President Joe Biden looks at North Korea through binoculars during his visit to a guard post near the Demilitarized Zone that divides the two Koreas. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
McKeon said Biden believes alliances are mutually beneficial.
"The reason Biden believes in alliances is because he thinks they make us and allies stronger. They are what people in the Pentagon would like to say our force multiplier. And Korea is one of our best allies," he told Yonhap.
McKeon said a Biden administration would also work with its allies, as well as China, in an objective and "coordinated" manner to denuclearize North Korea.
"We would undertake, you know the Biden administration, a principled approach to the North Korea challenge, and work in a close coordinated campaign with our treaty allies in Japan and Korea, as well as working with the People's Republic of China toward what we think is a common goal that everyone shares -- denuclearized North Korea and ensuring peace and prosperity in the region," he said.
Biden would also promote cooperation between U.S. allies, such as South Korea and Japan.
The relationship between Seoul and Tokyo is currently at a record low after Japan imposed trade restrictions on South Korea in a row over wartime forced labor last year, prompting Seoul to threaten to end a military intelligence sharing arrangement between the two countries.
"It is regrettable that the relationship has deteriorated," McKeon said of Seoul-Tokyo ties.
"We think it is important to our security and the security of the region, particularly with regard to the DPRK nuclear issue and as we work together to end the pandemic and work toward post-COVID economic recovery," he said, referring to North Korea by its official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
With regard to the U.S. push for a NATO-like multilateral structure in the Indo-Pacific region, known as the Quad, McKeon said a Biden administration would support a "rules-based order" in the region but hinted at a possible change in its strategy.
"You could look for several elements in a Biden administration's approach ... which is restoring and strengthening our core alliances, whether that's with Korea or Japan or Australia, as well (as) the Philippines and Thailand, investing in our political and security relationships, as was done in the Obama-Biden administration," McKeon said.
"And the key element of our policy would be promoting a rules-based order and stability in the region, which no country, including China, can threaten their neighbors with impunity."
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-11--(Yonhap Interview) Biden will meet Kim Jong-un if necessary to denuclearize N. Korea: adviser

`` Any meeting would have to be preceded by some serious diplomatic work at a lower level , rather than @ @ @ @ @ the two leaders , because , as you know , any complicated negotiation on a @ @ @ @ @ nuclear issue , you just ca n't expect two top leaders to do that in @ @ @ @ @ , '' McKeon said .

By Byun Duk-kun
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 (Yonhap) -- U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, if elected, would be willing to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un if the meeting is preceded by necessary groundwork and helps denuclearize the communist nation, a key foreign policy adviser said.
Brian McKeon, a longtime Biden aide who also served as principal deputy under secretary of defense for policy, also said that Biden's approach toward the communist state will be different from that of President Donald Trump.
"I certainly think it would be different than the Trump administration's. Joe Biden understands that the North Korea issue is pretty complicated, and you can't just solve it with a couple of leader-to-leader summits," McKeon said in an exclusive interview with Yonhap News Agency.
Joe Biden (R), the U.S. Democratic presidential nominee, and his long-time foreign policy adviser Brian McKeon are seen talking with each other in this undated photo provided by Biden's election campaign. (Yonhap)
Still, McKeon said Biden would meet with Kim if progress was possible.
"I think he would be willing to meet with (Kim) if it was part of an actual strategy that moves us forward on the denuclearization objective," he said in the interview held Thursday, adding that Trump "started with a leader meeting rather than having a detailed strategy to get to our objectives."
It marked the first time that a Biden foreign policy adviser has held an interview with South Korean media.
McKeon is considered one of the closest aides to Biden, working closely with the former U.S. vice president since 1985. He also served as a foreign policy adviser to Biden from 1988 to 1995 while Biden was a member of the U.S. Senate.
He is currently on leave from his senior director post at the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement.
"We would undertake a principled approach to the North Korea challenge, and work in a close coordinated campaign with our treaty allies in Japan and Korea, as well as working with the People's Republic of China toward what we think is a common goal that everyone shares -- denuclearized North Korea and ensuring peace and prosperity in the region," McKeon said.
Trump has held three bilateral meetings, including two summits, with the North Korean leader, but the U.S.-North Korea denuclearization talks have stalled since the second Trump-Kim summit, held in February 2019, ended without a deal.
Biden has long accused Trump of "cozying up" to dictators, such as Kim, by granting them meetings and making concessions with little or nothing in return. One of such concessions came when Trump scaled down joint military exercises with South Korea, McKeon said.
This AP photo shows Joe Biden delivering his presidential nomination acceptance speech at the Democratic Party National Convention in Delaware on Aug. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
"That was a concession that President Trump made without getting anything significant or tangible in return," he said. "And having been a senior official of the Defense Department under President Obama, I know these exercises are very important to the joint readiness of the United States and Korean forces."
McKeon highlighted the importance of groundwork before a meeting.
"Any meeting would have to be preceded by some serious diplomatic work at a lower level, rather than just granting a meeting between the two leaders, because, as you know, any complicated negotiation on a challenge like the North Korean nuclear issue, you just can't expect two top leaders to do that in a one- or two-hour meeting," McKeon said.
"There have to be detailed negotiations and understandings and documents written down on paper for the leaders to approve and review and sign," he added.
How a Biden administration would actually deal with the North Korean issue would depend on a future assessment of the current situation, but it will certainly be different from that of the Trump administration, as well as the Barack Obama administration where Biden served as vice president, McKeon said.
"Joe Biden is not President Obama, and the world is different now four years later because the North Korean nuclear program has moved on, and we will have to assess the situation that he inherits and then develop the strategy, and we know we can't go back to January 2017," he said.
But even without an assessment, Biden supports resuming humanitarian assistance for the North Korean people, as well as a resumption of the reunion of Korean families long separated by the division of the two Koreas, according to McKeon.
"On humanitarian assistance, certainly Vice President Biden supports providing assistance to the North Korean people," McKeon said. "In terms of exchanges and family reunions, we would obviously work with the Korean government on that and advancing that goal, including taking actions to encourage family reunions."
Inter-Korean relations and exchanges have been stalled amid the deadlock in nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and the North and international sanctions on Pyongyang. Critics say sanctions make it difficult to provide the North with humanitarian assistance.
"We would certainly want to look at working within the existing sanctions framework to make sure that humanitarian assistance can get through into North Korea and make it easier for international humanitarian organizations to deliver these items," McKeon said.
The captured image from the website of the U.S. Department of Defense shows former Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Brian McKeon. (Yonhap)
He said whether the new administration would remove or at least ease some of the sanctions currently placed on North Korea would again depend on its assessment of the current situation but noted sanctions themselves cannot be an end.
"Sanctions are certainly part of the toolkit to pressure the North Korean regime to negotiate seriously about denuclearization. Sanctions are not an end in themselves," he said.
When asked about the South Korea-U.S. alliance, McKeon said Biden would immediately reassure the U.S.' commitment to its alliances.
"One of the things he intends to do is restore and strengthen our alliances," McKeon said. "He frequently says when he takes office, he will immediately get on the phone with some of our key allies in Europe and Asia, and centrally say, 'America is back, and we have your back.'"
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-11--(2nd LD) U.S. 'disappointed' to see N. Korea prioritize weapons: U.S. official

`` But , if , and if , any forces infringe upon the security of our state and attempt to @ @ @ @ @ against us , I will enlist all our most powerful offensive strength in advance to @ @ @ @ @ added .

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead paras; UPDATES with reports of remarks from a senior U.S. official in paras 2-4)
By Byun Duk-kun
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 (Yonhap) -- The United States government finds it "disappointing" that North Korea continues to prioritize its weapons development, a senior U.S. official said Saturday, calling on the communist state to return to denuclearization negotiations.
The official, while speaking on condition of anonymity, said the U.S. remains committed to the countries' denuclearization agreement signed by U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in their first bilateral summit held in Singapore in June 2018.
"It is disappointing to see the DPRK continuing to prioritize its prohibited nuclear and ballistic missile program," the official told Yonhap News Agency.
"The United States remains guided by the vision President Trump and Chairman Kim set forth in Singapore and calls on the DPRK to engage in sustained and substantive negotiations to achieve complete denuclearization," he added, referring to North Korea by its official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
Shown in this image captured from Korean Central Television footage on Oct. 10, 2020, is North Korea's new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which was displayed during a military parade held in Pyongyang to mark the 75th founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
The remarks came hours after the communist state staged a massive military parade, showcasing a new intercontinental ballistic missile that is believed to be its largest so far.
John Supple, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Defense, said the U.S. was analyzing the event in consultation with its Asian allies.
"We are aware of reports related to the parade. Our analysis is ongoing and we are consulting with our Allies in the region," he told Yonhap.
The North's newly disclosed ICBM was carried on a transporter erector launcher (TEL) with 22 wheels, indicating it is longer than any of the previous long-range missiles.
"Such a massive road-mobile missile -- likely the biggest such missile on the planet -- would have the capability to add either increased range or be able to carry a bigger payload," said Harry Kazianis, senior director of Korean studies at a Washington-based policy think tank, the Institute for the National Interest.
In a midnight speech marking the 75th founding anniversary of the North's ruling Workers' Party, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said his country will never use its defense capabilities "as a means for preemptive strike," but that it will continue to build up its war deterrent.
"But, if, and if, any forces infringe upon the security of our state and attempt to have recourse to military force against us, I will enlist all our most powerful offensive strength in advance to punish them," he added.
Kim made no mention of the United States, which is traditionally a key topic of any major speech given by a North Korean leader.
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)


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yna--2020-10-10--(LEAD) U.S. analyzing N. Korea's military parade in consultation with allies: defense dept.

(ATTN: UPDATES with more details, additional background from 4th para; ADDS photo)
By Byun Duk-kun
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 (Yonhap) -- The United States is in consultation with its Asian allies to analyze North Korea's latest military parade, a U.S. defense official said Saturday, hours after the communist state showcased a new intercontinental ballistic missile that is believed to be its largest so far.
"We are aware of reports related to the parade," John Supple, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Defense, told Yonhap News Agency.
"Our analysis is ongoing and we are consulting with our Allies in the region," he added.
N. Korea's new ICBM Shown in this image captured from Korean Central Television footage on Oct. 10, 2020, is North Korea's new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which was displayed during a military parade held in Pyongyang to mark the 75th founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
The North's newly disclosed ICBM was carried on a transporter erector launcher (TEL) with 22 wheels, indicating it is longer than any of the previous long-range missiles.
"Such a massive road-mobile missile -- likely the biggest such missile on the planet -- would have the capability to add either increased range or be able to carry a bigger payload," said Harry Kazianis, senior director of Korean studies at a Washington-based policy think tank, the Institute for the National Interest.
In a midnight speech marking the 75th founding anniversary of the North's ruling Workers' Party, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said his country will never use its defense capabilities "as a means for preemptive strike," but that it will continue to build up its war deterrent.
"But, if, and if, any forces infringe upon the security of our state and attempt to have recourse to military force against us, I will enlist all our most powerful offensive strength in advance to punish them," he added.
Kim made no mention of the United States, which is traditionally a key topic of any major speech given by a North Korean leader.
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-10--BTS online concert: the best of an online gig, complete with ARMY

`` We had thought that we could go on stage in May or June and as the concerts were postponed @ @ @ @ @ tough for all seven of us ... Until Oct. 10 , ( I think I @ @ @ @ @ a person I am , '' he said , adding that Saturday 's concert helped @ @ @ @ @

By Lee Minji
SEOUL, Oct. 10 (Yonhap) -- The new coronavirus has proven to be a longer-than-expected obstacle that has pushed the global music industry out of its comfort zone and into uncharted land where the heat and energy of live gigs no longer exist.
But it couldn't stop BTS and its dedicated fan base ARMY from connecting and proving their strong bond during the K-pop superstars' latest online concert, held Saturday.
BTS, the South Korean act that has made history with a Billboard No. 1 hit, "Dynamite," held its second-ever online concert on Saturday in the first session of a two-day schedule that was held virtually amid the ongoing pandemic.
BTS “Map of the Soul ON:E” completed with ARMY, Jimin sheds tears during the concert Youtube https://youtu.be/SCZl8XmcvF8
For BTS and its agency, Big Hit Entertainment, it was their second time experimenting with the new format after successfully holding their first-ever online concert, "Bang Bang Con: The Live," which drew some 756,000 viewers from across the world.
The agency said that the concert titled, "BTS MAP OF THE SOUL ON:E," will be a grander version of the June concert, with a budget scale that is eight times bigger than the first concert and features high-tech features, like augmented reality and extended reality.
This photo, provided by Big Hit Entertainment, shows BTS during its online concert on Oct. 10, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)
Saturday's stage was made possible by technology, Big Hit said.
Like the June concert, a multi-screen mode livestreamed the event, allowing viewers to watch the whole show through six different camera angles, and zoom in on their favorite members or take in the whole stage from a bird's eye view.
On one side of the screen, a chat window that allows fans to leave comments real-time was visible. There was also a virtual "ARMY bomb," or the band's signature light stick, that fans could shake.
Solo performances by some members, such as RM's "Persona" and Jungkook's "My Time," used visual technology to show larger-than-life versions of the singers in meticulously-produced stages.
But the near 3-hour show was more than a showcase of technology and production.
From the septet's powerful group dances to songs and performances focusing on specific members, the online concert invited fans to listen to both the group's latest and earliest songs, ranging from "Dynamite" to "No More Dream."
This screenshot of BTS' online concert "BTS MAP OF THE SOUL ON:E" on Oct. 10, 2020 shows a multi-view mode that allows viewers to watch the concert from various angles. This image is provided by Big Hit Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Aesthetically-produced videos in modern art style and intermission-type talk segments that were scheduled in between the songs allowed fans to engage in the band's both artistic yet friendly side.
The true charm of Saturday's gig, however, came later in the show when the group showed up in a relatively small cube-like stage -- with walls of screens showing fans from around the world -- to sing "Butterfly."
The band's members seemed pleasantly surprised to see fans watching live, stepping closer to the screens to watch handwritten signs and their smiling face as they eagerly waved their glowing ARMY bombs.
The chat screen next to the multi-screen showing the show also exploded with purple heart emojis and names of the band's seven members as BTS and their loyal fans strongly bonded to overcome distance and time zones.
The remaining show was held at a bigger stage where members sang "Run" and "Dynamite." A huge screen behind the band was filled with faces of fans, allowing them to occasionally take part in group singing known as "ddechang" and chant BTS.
A screenshot of BTS' online concert "BTS MAP OF THE SOUL ON:E" on Oct. 10, 2020, provided by Big Hit Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The more intimate ambience of the later part of the show reached a climax when the members took turns talking about their feelings about preparing show amid the pandemic and not being able to reunite with their fans.
"It was quite tough preparing for the concert," Jimin said in a trembling voice before breaking down into tears in a sign of how much the band missed being together with ARMY.
Members, like Suga, also openly spoke about how the last few months have been tough for the band.
"We had thought that we could go on stage in May or June and as the concerts were postponed and cancelled it was really tough for all seven of us ... Until Oct. 10, (I think I) forgot what kind of a person I am," he said, adding that Saturday's concert helped stave off that sentiment.
Jungkook expressed his gratitude to fans.
"To hear your voices and shouting after such a long time, it reminded (me) of the good memories we built together. I was really happy," he said.
A screenshot of BTS' online concert "BTS MAP OF THE SOUL ON:E" on Oct. 10, 2020, provided by Big Hit Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
This photo, provided by Big Hit Entertainment, shows BTS during its online concert on Oct. 10, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The show's visual climax came with the final song, "We are Bulletproof: the Eternal," as the seven-member band sang on a purple-lit stage with floating lights and cubes mirroring the faces of ARMY.
"We are literally strong. The ARMYs I know and the BTS you all know, we're all strong. We'll find a way, we always have. If there's no way, let's draw the map. No worries, we're strong, we're still connected," RM said ahead of the song, reminding the band and their fans of the strength that has led them to where they are now.
BTS will return on Sunday for the second day of its concert, with another set list.
A screenshot of BTS' online concert, "BTS MAP OF THE SOUL ON:E" on Oct. 10, 2020, provided by Big Hit Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Live reaction of BTS' "MOTS ON:E" Day 1. ARMY raises over 110 million fan engagements Youtube https://youtu.be/kNSv__sdW1Y
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-10--U.S. analyzing N. Korea's military parade in consultation with allies: defense dept.

WASHINGTON , Oct. 10 ( Yonhap ) -- The United States is in consultation with its Asian allies to analyze @ @ @ @ @ parade , a U.S. defense official said Saturday , hours after the communist state showcased @ @ @ @ @ that is believed to be its largest so far .

WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 (Yonhap) -- The United States is in consultation with its Asian allies to analyze North Korea's latest military parade, a U.S. defense official said Saturday, hours after the communist state showcased a new intercontinental ballistic missile that is believed to be its largest so far.
"We are aware of reports related to the parade," John Supple, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Defense, told Yonhap News Agency.
"Our analysis is ongoing and we are consulting with our Allies in the region," he added.
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-10--(URGENT) U.S. in consultation with Asian allies to analyze N. Korea's military parade: defense dept.

(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--2020-10-11--Health experts split on relaxed social distancing measures

`` Regions other than the greater Seoul area have reported small numbers of virus cases , so they should not @ @ @ @ @ distancing , '' said Jung Ki-suck , a doctor at Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital @ @ @ @ @ with strict social distancing would explode in December ( if the distancing level is not @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Oct. 11 (Yonhap) -- South Korean health experts were split on the government's decision to ease the level of social distancing in its virus fight as some of them said that the move could worsen the country's virus situation.
Health authorities on Sunday announced that the Level 1 distancing, the lowest in the country's three-tier social distancing scheme, will be enforced from Monday, ending the Level 2 distancing that has been in place for nearly two months.
Under the eased measures, operations of 10 kinds of high-risk facilities, such as karaoke rooms, gyms, buffets, and large-scale cram schools with more than 300 registered students will be allowed, though they must follow antivirus measures, such as wearing face masks and keeping entry logs.
Sports teams can admit crowds up to 30 percent of stadium capacity, while in-person religious services are also allowed in the greater Seoul area with limited admissions.
According to Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters' social distancing guidelines set in June, the country can apply the Level 1 distancing measures when the daily average number of virus cases fall below 50 and the portion of cases with unclear transmission routes stays below 5 percent.
People picnic at a park in Seoul on Oct. 11, 2020. (Yonhap)
In the past two weeks, the average number of new virus cases was 59.4, while 19 percent of the total cases had unclear transmission routes, which did not meet health authorities' Level 1 distancing criteria.
Although recent figures suggest that the country may not be ready for the Level 1 distancing, the government said it decided to relax the virus curbs considering people's sentiment and damage on the economy.
Some health experts said lowering the intensity of social distancing appears to be an adequate move at this point.
"Regions other than the greater Seoul area have reported small numbers of virus cases, so they should not placed in the Level 2 distancing," said Jung Ki-suck, a doctor at Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital. "People's discontent with strict social distancing would explode in December (if the distancing level is not lowered)."
But others said easing social distancing measures could put the country at risk with concerns of a possible next wave of COVID-19 infections.
"This could be the government's misdiagnosis," said an infectious disease professor at Korea University Guro Hospital in Seoul. "As fewer tests are carried out, it appears that the number of virus cases in the country recently was not reflected properly."
This photo shows empty seats at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on Oct. 11, 2020. (Yonhap)
Kim said people are stressed over the country's strategy on virus prevention.
"People feel stress from the situation where tensions get tightened and eased repeatedly over the government's virus data," Kim said. "Although the number of virus cases did not increase sharply recently, it's not clear the situation is under stable control."
Health Minister Park Neunghoo emphasized that easing the country's social distancing level does not mean that distancing efforts are over.
"There are still various risks and tasks ahead of us," he said. "We must prepare for both flu in the winter and COVID-19 outbreaks, which could be a 'twindemic.'"
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-11--(3rd LD) S. Korea eases social distancing to lowest level amid coronavirus downward trend

In the greater Seoul area , the government still advises people to refrain from holding gatherings and mass events , @ @ @ @ @ .
If people are to hold events , like festivals , concerts and exhibitions , @ @ @ @ @ limits on guests and spacing .
One person will be allowed per four square meters @ @ @ @ @ .

(ATTN: ADDS more info in paras 7, 11-12, 14, 17, 2nd photo)
SEOUL, Oct. 11 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Sunday decided to lower its social-distancing guidelines to the lowest level on the three-tier scale amid a slowdown in new cases in recent weeks.
The number of daily new infections have mostly increased by double-digits over the past two weeks, sharply down from triple-digits growth in late August following a holiday and a mass rally that took place in central Seoul.
Under the decision, the country will ease the current Level 2 social distancing measures to Level 1 across the country, effective from Monday, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said.
The country designated two weeks ending Sunday as a special period for an intensive antivirus campaign due to concerns that new virus cases may resurge after back-to-back holidays, including a three-day Chuseok fall harvest holiday.
A mall in the western Seoul ward of Yeongdeungpo is busy with weekend shoppers on Oct. 11, 2020. (Yonhap)
"The average number of local infections fell to less than 60 on a daily basis over the past two weeks and the reproduction rate declined to 'below 1,' which led us to judge that the spread is being contained," the prime minister said during a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters.
Chung said the government has decided to relax the social distancing measure considering the negative impact stronger measures have had on people's sentiment and the domestic economy.
South Korea first adopted the Level 2 distancing measures in Seoul and the surrounding Gyeonggi Province on Aug. 16 and Incheon on Aug. 19. It was expanded nationwide on Aug. 23.
Under the eased measures, operations of 10 kinds of high-risk facilities such as karaoke rooms, gyms, buffets, and large-scale cram schools with more than 300 registered students will be allowed, health authorities said. People still must follow antivirus measures such as wearing face masks and keeping entry logs.
Audiences of up to 30 percent of stadium capacity will be allowed at sports matches, such as professional soccer and baseball leagues, the authorities said.
The prime minister, however, said the government will selectively retain tougher measures, such as those against door-to-door sales.
People enjoy picnic at a garden at Chonnam National University in Gwangju on Oct. 11, 2020. (Yonhap)
Outdoor gatherings of 100 or more people are prohibited and indoor meetings of 50 or more are banned under the Level 2 distancing, but this rule will be eased in the Level 1 scheme.
In the greater Seoul area, the government still advises people to refrain from holding gatherings and mass events, but does not ban them. If people are to hold events, like festivals, concerts and exhibitions, they have to follow new limits on guests and spacing. One person will be allowed per four square meters, according to the authorities.
Also, five kinds of nightlife establishments such as night clubs will be subject to the same rules and must break for one hour after three hours of business.
In-person worship services at churches are allowed in the greater Seoul area although they can only admit 30 percent of their seating capacity. Catering services and small group gatherings at churches are still banned under the eased guidelines.
Some measures will remain in place for the greater Seoul area where a fall in new cases has been relatively slow, Chung said, adding that seating arrangements based on social distancing will stay at cafes and restaurants.
Also, attendance caps at all schools nationwide will be eased to two thirds starting on Oct. 19, which will allow students to attend schools every day in regions other than the densely populated greater Seoul area.
"We believe the COVID-19 outbreak will continue and crisis can come at any time," Health Minister Park Neung-hoo said. "This adjusted of social distancing does not mean we can stop distancing efforts."
A lion statue wears a face mask at an amusement park in Gwacheon, just outside of Seoul, on Oct. 11, 2020. (Yonhap)
South Korea's new virus cases showed signs of slowing on the back of enhanced restrictions. But sporadic cluster infections and untraceable cases have continued to strain the country's virus fight.
The country added 58 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, increasing by double digits for the fourth straight day.
Of the newly identified local infections, 19 cases were reported in Seoul and 18 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital. Incheon, west of Seoul, reported one additional case.
With tightened social distancing imposed on the greater Seoul area for weeks, the daily number of new COVID-19 cases has been hovering around 100 since early September.
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-11--Hyundai Motor to recall overseas Kona EVs over potential battery fire risks

Meanwhile , LG Chem Ltd. , which supplies lithium ion car batteries to Hyundai Motor , has rebutted the transport @ @ @ @ @ that the exact cause of the recent fires in the Kona Electric car has yet @ @ @ @ @ the company will jointly investigate with Hyundai on the cause of the incidents .

SEOUL, Oct. 11 (Yonhap) -- Hyundai Motor Co. has decided to voluntarily recall its Kona all-electric models sold overseas, industry insiders said Sunday, after the automaker vowed to take the same step on the home turf over potential battery fire risks.
Hyundai will globally recall some 77,000 Kona Electric models manufactured between September 2017 and March, 2020, industry insiders said.
The recall comes after 13 fires in the model have been reported since 2018.
The South Korean automaker already decided to recall 25,564 Kona electric vehicles (EVs) sold in the domestic market after the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport on Thursday pointed out that a possible short circuit in the faulty battery cell system may start a fire in the pure EV model.
Hyundai's U.S. unit reportedly filed its recall plan to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently.
Hyundai reportedly plans to recall more than 11,000 units of Kona Electric in North America and more than 37,000 units in Europe, as well as 3,000 units sold in other countries, industry sources said.
In South Korea, the carmaker will start updating the battery-related software program for the EV vehicles subject to the recall from Friday and replacing the battery system.
Hyundai is expected to offer similar services overseas.
Meanwhile, LG Chem Ltd., which supplies lithium ion car batteries to Hyundai Motor, has rebutted the transport ministry's findings, saying that the exact cause of the recent fires in the Kona Electric car has yet to be determined and that the company will jointly investigate with Hyundai on the cause of the incidents.
This file photo provided by Hyundai Motor shows the Kona Electric model. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-11--(LEAD) S. Korea to ease attendance cap in schools following relaxation of social distancing measures

`` It is possible for schools to have in-person classes daily with various operating schedules , but we advise them @ @ @ @ @ allowing all students to go to schools en masse , like in the past , @ @ @ @

(ATTN: ADDS comments in paras 4, 9)
SEJONG, Oct. 11 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's education ministry on Sunday said it will ease attendance caps for schools after health authorities decided to enforce the lowest level of social distancing measures.
Schools around the nation are required to operate with antivirus limits amid the coronavirus pandemic. Currently, attendance is capped at one-third in elementary and middle schools, and two-thirds in high schools.
But starting Oct. 19, the attendance cap for all schools will be set at two-thirds, Seoul's education ministry said.
"The number of virus-infected students and teachers has gone down sharply this month and has shown a stable trend," said Education Minister Yoo Eun-hye. "With prolonged remote learning, there have been requests to expand in-person classes to reduce the learning gap between students."
The latest move is in line with health authorities' decision to lower the country's social distancing scheme to Level 1 from Monday in the three-tier system.
Schools that have small classroom populations and are located in regions with relatively small virus caseloads can further ease the cap to accommodate more students, the ministry said. However, schools in the greater Seoul area and have big classroom population are strictly required to follow the cap.
This photo taken on Sept. 21, 2020, shows students wearing face masks at a middle school in Incheon, west of Seoul. (Yonhap)
The ministry said schools can decide their class operation schedules depending on their situation, and can expand in-class activities by staggering school hours, or running different time tables for each class.
Such eased rules will allow some schools to have full-time in-class activities daily, according to the ministry.
"It is possible for schools to have in-person classes daily with various operating schedules, but we advise them to be very careful about allowing all students to go to schools en masse, like in the past," Yoo said.
Meanwhile, the ministry said bans on gatherings at private academies and cram schools with more than 300 students will be lifted from Monday, allowing them to physically hold classes. They are obligated to follow core virus prevention measures, such as wearing masks.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-11--(2nd LD) S. Korea eases social distancing to lowest level amid coronavirus downward trend

`` The average number of local infections fell to less than 60 on a daily basis over the past two @ @ @ @ @ declined to 'below 1 , ' which led us to judge that the spread is @ @ @ @ @ prime minister said during a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters .

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead; UPDATES with more info throughout)
SEOUL, Oct. 11 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Sunday decided to lower its social-distancing guidelines to the lowest level on the three-tier scale amid a slowdown in new cases in recent weeks.
The number of daily new infections have mostly increased by double-digits over the past two weeks, sharply down from triple-digits growth in late August following a holiday and a mass rally that took place in central Seoul.
Under the decision, the country will ease the current Level 2 social distancing measures to Level 1 across the country, effective from Monday, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said.
The country designated two weeks ending Sunday as a special period for an intensive antivirus campaign due to concerns that new virus cases may resurge after back-to-back holidays, including a three-day Chuseok fall harvest holiday.
A mall in the western Seoul ward of Yeongdeungpo is busy with weekend shoppers on Oct. 11, 2020. (Yonhap)
"The average number of local infections fell to less than 60 on a daily basis over the past two weeks and the reproduction rate declined to 'below 1,' which led us to judge that the spread is being contained," the prime minister said during a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters.
Chung said the government has decided to relax the social distancing measure considering the negative impact stronger measures have had on people's sentiment and the domestic economy.
Under the eased measures, operations of 10 kinds of high-risk facilities such as karaoke rooms, gyms, buffets, and large-scale cram schools with more than 300 registered students will be allowed, health authorities said. People still must follow antivirus measures such as wearing face masks and keeping entry logs.
Audiences of up to 30 percent of stadium capacity will be allowed at sports matches, such as professional soccer and baseball leagues, the authorities said.
The prime minister, however, said the government will selectively retain tougher measures, such as those against door-to-door sales.
High-risk gatherings of more than 100 people, such as festivals, concerts and exhibitions, will be subject to new limits on guests and spacing, they said. One person will be allowed per four square meters, they said.
Also, five kinds of nightlife establishments such as night clubs will be subject to the same rules and must break for one hour after three hours of business.
Some measures will remain in place for the greater Seoul area where a fall in new cases has been relatively slow, Chung said, adding that seating arrangements based on social distancing will stay at cafes and restaurants.
Also, attendance caps at all schools nationwide will be eased to two thirds starting on Oct. 19, which will allow students to attend schools every day in regions other than the densely populated greater Seoul area.
The prime minister thanked the public for following anti-virus measures and urged them to always wear masks and refrain from group meetings and trips.
South Korea's new virus cases showed signs of slowing on the back of enhanced restrictions. But sporadic cluster infections and untraceable cases have continued to strain the country's virus fight.
The country added 58 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, increasing by double digits for the fourth straight day.
Of the newly identified local infections, 19 cases were reported in Seoul and 18 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital. Incheon, west of Seoul, reported one additional case.
With tightened social distancing imposed on the greater Seoul area for weeks, the daily number of new COVID-19 cases has been hovering around 100 since early September.
A lion statue wears a face mask at an amusement park in Gwacheon, just outside of Seoul, on Oct. 11, 2020. (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-11--Under eased social distancing rules, baseball league to reopen stadiums on Tuesday

However small the size of the crowd may be , having any fans back in the stands should be a @ @ @ @ @ in their final stretch of the season .
The regular season is scheduled to wrap @ @ @ @ @ with the postseason to follow in the beginning of November .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Oct. 11 (Yonhap) -- With social distancing rules during the coronavirus pandemic eased across the nation, the top baseball league here will reopen stadium gates on Tuesday.
The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) made the announcement on Sunday, hours after the government decided to lower the level of social distancing restrictions from Level 2 to Level 1, the lowest in the three-tier system.
The government said teams could admit crowds of up to 30 percent of their stadium capacity. But to maintain sufficient distancing between fans and ensure safe viewing environments, KBO teams will keep their cap on about 20 percent.
A Korea Baseball Organization regular season game between the LG Twins and the NC Dinos is being played without fans at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on Oct. 11, 2020. (Yonhap)
During a small window in early August, before the social distancing scheme was raised to Level 2, KBO teams had also admitted fans at about 20 percent capacity of their ballparks.
Tickets will go on sale Monday, the designated offday in the KBO, and they may only be purchased online with credit cards. This is to prevent any crowds forming at box offices and to facilitate contact tracing in case of COVID-19 infections among fans.
The league said the same set of rules will apply to visiting fans, including mandatory mask-wearing and temperature checks at entrances. Fans will not be allowed to consume any food in their seats -- they must use concessions areas -- and vocal cheering and singing will be banned.
However small the size of the crowd may be, having any fans back in the stands should be a welcome sight for KBO clubs in their final stretch of the season. The regular season is scheduled to wrap up on Oct. 30, with the postseason to follow in the beginning of November.
This file photo from Aug. 23, 2020, shows a K League 1 match between Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Sangju Sangmu being played without fans at Jeonju World Cup Stadium in Jeonju, 240 kilometers south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
The Korea Professional Football League (K League), whose seasons in the two divisions of men's football are also in the stretch drive, said they are also ready to welcome back fans.
The top-flight K League 1 is in the midst of an international break and will return to action on Friday. The league office said it will likely stick to about 25 percent of the stadium capacity, the same level as August.
The Korean Basketball League (KBL) and the Women's Korean Basketball League (WKBL) opened their 2020-2021 seasons on Friday and Saturday, respectively, without fans. The KBL will meet with marketing representatives from its 10 teams to discuss the size of the crowd to be admitted to arenas, and then determine when those doors will open.
The WKBL said it expects to be able to start accepting fans two weeks later.
The new pro volleyball season will begin on this coming Saturday, and the Korea Volleyball Federation said the early matches will be played without fans, as planned.
A Korean Basketball League regular season game between the SK Knights and the Mobis Phoebus takes place at an empty Jamsil Students' Gymnasium in Seoul on Oct. 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-11--(LEAD) S. Korea to ease social distancing to lowest level, retain stronger measures as needed

(ATTN: ADDS more info throughout; RECASTS headline and lead with government announcement)
SEOUL, Oct. 11 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Sunday decided to lower the tough virus curbs in place across the country since late August on due to the slowing number of new cases.
Under the decision, the country will ease the current Level 2 social distancing measures, the second-highest on a three-tier system, to Level 1 across the country, effective from Monday, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said.
The country designated two weeks ending that day as a special period for an intensive antivirus campaign due to concerns that new virus cases may resurge after back-to-back holidays, including a three-day Chuseok fall harvest holiday.
The country imposed the current social distancing measures in late August as cases spiked following a holiday and a mass rally that took place in central Seoul.
A mall in the western Seoul ward of Yeongdeungpo is busy with weekend shoppers on Oct. 11, 2020. (Yonhap)
"The average number of local infections fell to less than 60 on a daily basis over the past two weeks and the reproduction rate declined to 'below 1,' which led us to judge that the spread is being contained," the prime minister said during a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters.
Chung said the government has decided to relax the social distancing measure considering the negative impact stronger measures have had on people's sentiment and the domestic economy.
Under the eased measures, gatherings of 50 or more people at 10 kinds of indoor facilities, such as karaoke rooms and gyms will be allowed, health authorities said. People still must follow antivirus measures such as wearing face masks and keeping entry logs.
The prime minister, however, said the government will selectively retain tougher measures, such as those against door-to-door sales.
Some measures will remain in place for the greater Seoul area where a fall in new cases has been relatively slow, Chung said, adding that seating arrangements based on social distancing will stay at cafes and restaurants.
Also, attendance caps at all schools nationwide will be eased to two thirds starting on Oct. 19, which will allow students to attend schools every day in regions other than the densely populated greater Seoul area.
The prime minister thanked the public for following anti-virus measures and urged them to always wear masks and refrain from group meetings and trips.
South Korea's new virus cases showed signs of slowing on the back of enhanced restrictions. But sporadic cluster infections and untraceable cases have continued to strain the country's virus fight.
The country added 58 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, increasing by double digits for the fourth straight day.
Of the newly identified local infections, 19 cases were reported in Seoul and 18 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital. Incheon, west of Seoul, reported one additional case.
With tightened social distancing imposed on the greater Seoul area for weeks, the daily number of new COVID-19 cases has been hovering around 100 since early September.
A lion statue wears a face mask at an amusement park in Gwacheon, just outside of Seoul, on Oct. 11, 2020. (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-11--With social distancing rules eased, fans to be admitted for football exhibition match

The men 's senior national team and the under-23 national team will collide for the second of their two exhibition @ @ @ @ @ at Goyang Stadium in Goyang , just northwest of Seoul in Gyeonggi Province .
The @ @ @ @ @ in a 2-2 draw last Friday , was played without spectators in the stands .
@ @ @ @ @ Level 2 in the three-tier social distancing scheme , which meant sports matches could n't @ @ @ @ @ .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Oct. 11 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean football governing body announced Sunday fans will be admitted to an upcoming exhibition match between two men's national teams, following the government's easing of social distancing rules during the coronavirus pandemic.
The men's senior national team and the under-23 national team will collide for the second of their two exhibition matches at 8 p.m. Monday at Goyang Stadium in Goyang, just northwest of Seoul in Gyeonggi Province. The first match, which ended in a 2-2 draw last Friday, was played without spectators in the stands. South Korea was still under Level 2 in the three-tier social distancing scheme, which meant sports matches couldn't have fans in the stands.
An exhibition match between the South Korean men's senior national football team and the under-23 national team takes place at an empty Goyang Stadium in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, on Oct. 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
It was lowered to Level 1 on Sunday, and the government said sports games would now be able to admit crowds of up to 30 percent of stadium capacities.
Soon after the decision was announced, the Korea Football Association (KFA) said 3,000 tickets will go on sale at 3 p.m. Monday. Tickets can only be purchased online at the ticketing site, Interpark, to prevent a gathering of any crowd at the stadium box office.
The KFA has also implemented other regulations to ensure safe viewing experience for spectators.
Supporters must wear masks, go through temperature checks and fill out a digital entry log using QR code. They will not be allowed to bring in food or eat from their seats. Vocal cheering will also be prohibited.
With rigorous safety checks at the stadium, the KFA encouraged fans to arrive well in advance of the kickoff. Gates will open at 5 p.m.
The winning team of the two will donate 100 million won (US$87,450) in its name to aid the nation's fight against COVID-19. The senior team, coached by Paulo Bento, was the home team in the first game. The U-23 squad, coached by Kim Hak-bum, will be the home side on Monday.
The aggregate score will determine the winner, with the away goals rule in effect. In case of a tie after two matches, the teams will go to a penalty shootout without playing any extra period.
An exhibition match between the South Korean men's senior national football team and the under-23 national team takes place at an empty Goyang Stadium in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, on Oct. 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-11--S. Korea to ease attendance cap in schools following relaxation of social distancing measures

Schools that have small classroom populations and are located in regions with relatively small virus caseloads can further ease the @ @ @ @ @ , the ministry said .
However , schools in the greater Seoul area and have @ @ @ @ @ required to follow the cap .

SEJONG, Oct. 11 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's education ministry on Sunday said it will ease attendance caps for schools after health authorities decided to enforce the lowest level of social distancing measures.
Schools around the nation are required to operate with antivirus limits amid the coronavirus pandemic. Currently, attendance is capped at one-third in elementary and middle schools, and two-thirds in high schools.
But starting Oct. 19, the attendance cap for all schools will be set at two-thirds, Seoul's education ministry said.
The latest move is in line with health authorities' decision to lower the country's social distancing scheme to Level 1 from Monday in the three-tier system.
Schools that have small classroom populations and are located in regions with relatively small virus caseloads can further ease the cap to accommodate more students, the ministry said. However, schools in the greater Seoul area and have big classroom population are strictly required to follow the cap.
This photo taken on Sept. 21, 2020, shows students wearing face masks at a middle school in Incheon, west of Seoul. (Yonhap)
The ministry said schools can decide their class operation schedules depending on their situation, and can expand in-class activities by staggering school hours, or running different time tables for each class.
Such eased rules will allow some schools to have full-time in-class activities daily, according to the ministry.
Meanwhile, the ministry said bans on gatherings at private academies and cram schools with more than 300 students will be lifted from Monday, allowing them to physically hold classes. They are obligated to follow core virus prevention measures, such as wearing masks.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-11--KBO's top catcher named Player of the Month for Sept.

The Korea Baseball Organization ( KBO ) announced Yang as the winner of the monthly award on Sunday .
Yang @ @ @ @ @ votes from the media to lead all six candidates .
Yang finished second in fan @ @ @ @ @ the Kia Tigers ' pitcher Aaron Brooks garnered 109,635 votes .
When the vote totals @ @ @ @ @ Yang came out on top with 41.42 points .
Brooks , who picked up five @ @ @ @ @ finished with 36.73 points .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Oct. 11 (Yonhap) -- The NC Dinos' catcher Yang Eui-ji has been named South Korean baseball's top player for September.
The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) announced Yang as the winner of the monthly award on Sunday. Yang earned 20 out of 30 votes from the media to lead all six candidates. Yang finished second in fan voting with 31,209, while the Kia Tigers' pitcher Aaron Brooks garnered 109,635 votes. When the vote totals were converted into points, Yang came out on top with 41.42 points. Brooks, who picked up five votes from the media, finished with 36.73 points.
Yang batted .367/.422/.673 in 25 September games and led everyone with 32 RBIs and a .673 slugging percentage that month. Widely considered the KBO's finest catcher, Yang drove in seven runs against the SK Wyverns on Sept. 18.
The winner will receive 2 million won (US$1,750) in prize money and a gold bar worth 600,000 won, courtesy of the league's title sponsor, Shinhan Bank.
In this file photo from Sept. 24, 2020, Yang Eui-ji of the NC Dinos hits a single during the bottom of the eighth inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game against the LG Twins at Changwon NC Park in Changwon, 400 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-11--(URGENT) Attendance cap eased in all schools nationwide, in-class activities possible every day


yna--2020-10-11--(3rd LD) Cheong Wa Dae reviews NK leader's speech, says inter-Korean accords should be honored

Kim warned that his country would keep bolstering its nuclear deterrent , as its military displayed what seems to be @ @ @ @ @ ( ICBM ) and an upgraded submarine-launched ballistic missile ( SLBM ) during the event @ @ @ @ @ the 75th founding anniversary of the Workers ' Party of Korea .

(ATTN: ADDS more info in last 3 paras)
By Lee Chi-dong
SEOUL, Oct. 11 (Yonhap) -- Cheong Wa Dae on Sunday analyzed North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's message in his speech during a military parade the day earlier and stressed that existing inter-Korean agreements should be honored to prevent the recurrence of an armed conflict on the peninsula.
The presidential office convened an emergency session of the National Security Council (NSC) standing committee to discuss the issue. Suh Hoon, director of national security at Cheong Wa Dae, presided over the meeting that was joined by other top national security officials, including the foreign, defense and unification ministers.
They reviewed the content of Kim's address and "emphasized that various accords between the South and the North for the prevention of bilateral armed clashes and war should be kept at any cost," Cheong Wa Dae said in a press statement.
Shown in this image captured from Korean Central Television footage on Oct. 10, 2020, is what appears to be North Korea's new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that was displayed during a military parade held in Pyongyang to mark the 75th founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
Kim warned that his country would keep bolstering its nuclear deterrent, as its military displayed what seems to be a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and an upgraded submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) during the event held in Pyongyang to mark the 75th founding anniversary of the Workers' Party of Korea.
The NSC officials agreed to continue analyzing the strategic meaning of those newly unveiled weapon systems and specifics, according to Cheong Wa Dae.
They took note of Kim's expression of hope for the day when the two Koreas will "join hands" after the COVID-19 crisis is over.
The NSC members construed Kim's message as reflecting Pyongyang's position that it will seek to restore inter-Korean relations as soon as appropriate conditions are created.
They agreed that relevant authorities will cope with the matter in a coordinated stance, Cheong Wa Dae said.
They also urged Pyongyang to respond positively to Seoul's offer that the two sides conduct a joint inquiry into the gunshot killing by the North's troops of a South Korean government worker just north of the Yellow Sea border last month, it added.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (C) attends a military parade to mark the 75th founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party, in Pyongyang on Oct. 10, 2020, in this photo released by Korean Central News Agency. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
In its first known large-scale military parade in two years, the North showed off what appeared to be a larger ICBM mounted on a 22-wheel transporter erector launcher (TEL). North Korea watchers said it might be a multiple-warhead long-range missile.
It remains unconfirmed whether the North has fully mastered ICBM technologies, especially that of atmospheric reentry.
In a press briefing, South Korea's defense ministry voiced concern about the North's demonstration of the new strategic weapon.
"In connection with North Korea's weapon system that has been newly open to the public, the intelligence authorities of South Korea and the United States are closely analyzing," the ministry said.
It then pointed out Kim's remark that his nation won't use its military force preemptively.
The ministry called on the North to work together to reduce military tensions substantively through the complete implementation of the Sept. 19 bilateral military agreement signed in 2018.
It called for the reconnection of the inter-Korean military communication line in order to find the truth behind the killing of the maritime ministry official via a joint probe.
In a separate statement, Seoul's foreign ministry voiced expectation that the North would accede to President Moon Jae-in's recent proposal for the Northeast Asia Cooperation Initiative for Infectious Disease Control and Public Health and his renewed call for the declaration of a formal end to the 1950-53 Korean War.
The ministry also redoubled calls for the North to return to dialogue to achieve substantive progress in the efforts for lasting peace on the peninsula.
The unification ministry also voiced hopes that leader Kim's message wishing South Korea a fast recovery from the coronavirus pandemic during his speech may lead to "peace in the Korean Peninsula and improvement in inter-Korean relations."
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-11--Average monthly income of individual YouTubers stood at 1.78 mln won in 2019: data

Yang said a total of 691 YouTubers have registered their YouTube content creation business with the tax agency since it @ @ @ @ @ for YouTube creators in September last year .
Among them , 332 creators were individuals @ @ @ @ @ facilities and receive tax exemption while 359 others worked with their own employees and facilities @

SEOUL, Oct. 11 (Yonhap) -- YouTube content creators who work alone earned an average monthly income of 1.78 million won (US$1,540) last year, a ruling party lawmaker said Sunday.
Fifty eight "one-person" YouTubers reported a combined annual income of 1.24 billion won ($1.07 million) to the tax authority in 2019, according to Rep. Yang Hyang-ja of the Democratic Party, citing data from National Tax Service.
The figure translates to a monthly income of 1.78 million won per person on average.
Yang said a total of 691 YouTubers have registered their YouTube content creation business with the tax agency since it introduced a new industry code for YouTube creators in September last year. Among them, 332 creators were individuals that work alone without any facilities and receive tax exemption while 359 others worked with their own employees and facilities.
This is the first time that revenue specifics of independent YouTubers have been disclosed.
According to separate data submitted to the National Assembly earlier, the average monthly earnings of the 359 YouTubers was 9.33 million won per person in the second half of 2019. This is more than five times the average monthly salary of YouTubers who worked alone last year.
"Fewer individual YouTube creators register their business or report their income than YouTubers with a large number of subscribers," Yang said, calling for more active measures to encourage them to report their income to the tax authority.
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-11--S. Korea to ease social distancing to lowest level, retain stronger measures as needed: PM

`` The average number of local infections fell to less than 60 on a daily basis over the past two @ @ @ @ @ declined to 'below 1 , ' which led us to judge that the spread is @ @ @ @ @ Minister Chung Sye-kyun said in a Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting .

SEOUL, Oct. 11 (Yonhap) -- South Korea has decided to lower the tough virus curbs in place across the country since late August on views that the numbers of cases are slowing, the country's prime minister said Sunday.
The country designated two weeks ending that day as a special period for an intensive antivirus campaign due to concerns that new virus cases may resurge after back-to-back holidays, including a three-day Chuseok fall harvest holiday finish.
The country imposed the Level 2 social distancing measures, the second-highest on a three-tier system, in late August as cases spiked following a holiday and a mass rally that took place in central Seoul.
A mall in the western Seoul ward of Yeongdeungpo is busy with weekend shoppers on Oct. 11, 2020. (Yonhap)
"The average number of local infections fell to less than 60 on a daily basis over the past two weeks and the reproduction rate declined to 'below 1,' which led us to judge that the spread is being contained," Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said in a Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting.
Chung said the government has decided to lower the social distancing measure to Level 1 considering the negative impact stronger measures have had on people's sentiment and the domestic economy.
The prime minister, however, said the government will selectively retain tougher measures, such as those against door-to-door sales.
Some measures will remain in place for the greater Seoul area where a fall in new cases has been relatively slow, Chung said, adding that seating arrangements based on social distancing will stay at cafes and restaurants.
The prime minister thanked the public for following anti-virus measures and urged them to always wear masks and refrain from group meetings and trips.
South Korea's new virus cases showed signs of slowing on the back of enhanced restrictions. But sporadic cluster infections and untraceable cases have continued to strain the country's virus fight.
The country added 58 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, increasing by double digits for the fourth straight day.
With tightened social distancing imposed on the greater Seoul area for weeks, the daily number of new COVID-19 cases has been hovering around 100 since early September.
A lion statue wears a face mask at an amusement park in Gwacheon, just outside of Seoul, on Oct. 11, 2020. (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-11--(2nd LD) Cheong Wa Dae reviews NK leader's speech, says inter-Korean accords should be honored

(ATTN: UPDATES with defense ministry's statement, details in last 7 paras; ADDS photo)
By Lee Chi-dong
SEOUL, Oct. 11 (Yonhap) -- Cheong Wa Dae on Sunday analyzed North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's message in his speech during a military parade the day earlier and stressed that existing inter-Korean agreements should be honored to prevent the recurrence of an armed conflict on the peninsula.
The presidential office convened an emergency session of the National Security Council (NSC) standing committee to discuss the issue. Suh Hoon, director of national security at Cheong Wa Dae, presided over the meeting that was joined by other top national security officials, including the foreign, defense and unification ministers.
They reviewed the content of Kim's address and "emphasized that various accords between the South and the North for the prevention of bilateral armed clashes and war should be kept at any cost," Cheong Wa Dae said in a press statement.
Shown in this image captured from Korean Central Television footage on Oct. 10, 2020, is what appears to be North Korea's new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that was displayed during a military parade held in Pyongyang to mark the 75th founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
Kim warned that his country would keep bolstering its nuclear deterrent, as its military displayed what seems to be a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and an upgraded submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) during the event held in Pyongyang to mark the 75th founding anniversary of the Workers' Party of Korea.
The NSC officials agreed to continue analyzing the strategic meaning of those newly unveiled weapon systems and specifics, according to Cheong Wa Dae.
They took note of Kim's expression of hope for the day when the two Koreas will "join hands" after the COVID-19 crisis is over.
The NSC members construed Kim's message as reflecting Pyongyang's position that it will seek to restore inter-Korean relations as soon as appropriate conditions are created.
They agreed that relevant authorities will cope with the matter in a coordinated stance, Cheong Wa Dae said.
They also urged Pyongyang to respond positively to Seoul's offer that the two sides conduct a joint inquiry into the gunshot killing by the North's troops of a South Korean government worker just north of the Yellow Sea border last month, it added.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (C) attends a military parade to mark the 75th founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party, in Pyongyang on Oct. 10, 2020, in this photo released by Korean Central News Agency. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
In its first known large-scale military parade in two years, the North showed off what appeared to be a larger ICBM mounted on a 22-wheel transporter erector launcher (TEL). North Korea watchers said it might be a multiple-warhead long-range missile.
It remains unconfirmed whether the North has fully mastered ICBM technologies, especially that of atmospheric reentry.
In a press briefing, South Korea's defense ministry voiced concern about the North's demonstration of the new strategic weapon.
"In connection with North Korea's weapon system that has been newly open to the public, the intelligence authorities of South Korea and the United States are closely analyzing," the ministry said.
It then pointed out Kim's remark that his nation won't use its military force preemptively.
The ministry called on the North to work together to reduce military tensions substantively through the complete implementation of the Sept. 19 bilateral military agreement signed in 2018.
It called for the reconnection of the inter-Korean military communication line in order to find the truth behind the killing of the maritime ministry official via a joint probe.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-11--(LEAD) Cheong Wa Dae reviews NK leader's speech, says inter-Korean accords should be honored

(ATTN: UPDATES throughout with details; MODIFIES headline)
By Lee Chi-dong
SEOUL, Oct. 11 (Yonhap) -- Cheong Wa Dae on Sunday analyzed North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's message in his speech during a military parade the day earlier and stressed that existing inter-Korean agreements should be honored to prevent the recurrence of an armed conflict on the peninsula.
The presidential office convened an emergency session of the National Security Council (NSC) standing committee to discuss the issue. Suh Hoon, director of national security at Cheong Wa Dae, presided over the meeting that was joined by other top national security officials, including the foreign, defense and unification ministers.
They reviewed the content of Kim's address and "emphasized that various accords between the South and the North for the prevention of bilateral armed clashes and war should be kept at any cost," Cheong Wa Dae said in a press statement.
Shown in this image captured from Korean Central Television footage on Oct. 10, 2020, is what appears to be North Korea's new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that was displayed during a military parade held in Pyongyang to mark the 75th founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
Kim warned that his country would keep bolstering its nuclear deterrent, as its military displayed what seems to be a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and an upgraded submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) during the event held in Pyongyang to mark the 75th founding anniversary of the Workers' Party of Korea.
The NSC officials agreed to continue analyzing the strategic meaning of those newly unveiled weapon systems and specifics, according to Cheong Wa Dae.
They took note of Kim's expression of hope for the day when the two Koreas will "join hands" after the COVID-19 crisis is over.
The NSC members construed Kim's message as reflecting Pyongyang's position that it will seek to restore inter-Korean relations as soon as appropriate conditions are created.
They agreed that relevant authorities will cope with the matter in a coordinated stance, Cheong Wa Dae said.
They also urged Pyongyang to respond positively to Seoul's offer that the two sides conduct a joint inquiry into the gunshot killing by the North's troops of a South Korean government worker just north of the Yellow Sea border last month, it added.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-11--(URGENT) S. Korea to lower social distancing measures to lowest level: PM


yna--2020-10-11--Cheong Wa Dae says inter-Korean accords should be honored

It was briefing the media on the outcome of an emergency National Security Council ( NSC ) meeting held a @ @ @ @ @ what seems to be a new intercontinental ballistic missile ( ICBM ) during the Pyongyang @ @ @ @ @ founding anniversary of the Workers ' Party of Korea .
The North 's leader Kim @ @ @ @ @ .

SEOUL, Oct. 11 (Yonhap) -- Cheong Wa Dae stressed Sunday that existing inter-Korean agreements should be honored at any cost to prevent the recurrence of an armed conflict on the peninsula, responding to North Korea's latest military parade.
It was briefing the media on the outcome of an emergency National Security Council (NSC) meeting held a day after the North displayed what seems to be a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) during the Pyongyang event to mark the 75th founding anniversary of the Workers' Party of Korea. The North's leader Kim Jong-un also delivered a speech.
NSC officials reviewed what Kim said in the address and also agreed to continue to analyze newly unveiled weapons, Cheong Wa Dae said in a statement.
They "emphasized that various accords between the South and the North for the prevention of bilateral armed clashes and war should be kept at any cost," it added.
Shown in this image captured from Korean Central Television footage on Oct. 10, 2020, is what appears to be North Korea's new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that was displayed during a military parade held in Pyongyang to mark the 75th founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-11--(URGENT) Cheong Wa Dae reviews N. Korea's military parade in NSC meeting, says inter-Korean accords

(URGENT) Cheong Wa Dae reviews N. Korea's military parade in NSC meeting, says inter-Korean accords should be implemented

(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--2020-10-11--1 more delivery worker dies on duty, more safety measures necessary: union

The union also took issue with the government and industry 's recent promise to hire more workers to help with @ @ @ @ @ saying it was not kept at the terminal where the deceased delivery worker was employed @

SEOUL, Oct. 11 (Yonhap) -- Another delivery worker recently died while working, an umbrella union said Sunday, demanding safety measures for workers in the rigorous industry.
A 48-year-old delivery worker, associated with CJ Logistics Corp., was sent to the hospital after reporting breathing difficulty Thursday evening but passed away, according to the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions.
The veteran worker with 20 years of experience had delivered around 400 parcels on average each day, working from 6:30 a.m. to around 9 to 10 p.m., the union said.
The union said the delivery worker did not suffer any other health conditions, attributing his untimely death to overworking amid the new coronavirus.
The union also took issue with the government and industry's recent promise to hire more workers to help with sorting at logistics centers, saying it was not kept at the terminal where the deceased delivery worker was employed.
"Of the eight delivery workers who died from overworking, five of them worked for CJ Logistics," the union said. "The government and the logistics industry should come up with measures to prevent more deaths."
Members of the Korean Confederation of Trade hold a press conference in front of the National Assembly in western Seoul on Oct. 8, 2020. (Yonhap)
This Sept. 23, 2020, file photo shows CJ Logistics workers busy at a terminal in Gimpo, outside of Seoul, ahead of the annual Chuseok holiday. (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-12--Gov't calls for fair probe into death of S. Korean businessman in Iraq

The late businessman was in charge of the on-site supervision of the project to develop the new Fao port in @ @ @ @ @ key infrastructure projects pushed for by the Iraqi government .

SEOUL, Oct. 12 (Yonhap) -- South Korea has called on Iraqi authorities to carry out a fair investigation into the death of a South Korean businessman involved in a large port construction project in the Middle Eastern country, the foreign ministry said Monday.
The senior director at Daewoo Engineering & Construction Co. was found dead Friday in the company compound located in the southern province of Basra, and Iraqi police initially concluded that he committed suicide.
But Iraq's interior ministry formed a committee to launch a fresh probe into the case after several local lawmakers and officials raised questions about the findings, according to a news report.
"The South Korean Embassy in Iraq has requested that the Iraqi authorities conduct a swift and fair investigation," a foreign ministry official in Seoul said, adding that the government will actively provide the bereaved family with necessary consular assistance.
The late businessman was in charge of the on-site supervision of the project to develop the new Fao port in Basra, one of the key infrastructure projects pushed for by the Iraqi government.
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-12--Military lifts vacation ban for troops as gov't eases social distancing scheme

`` We will recommend troops to postpone their vacationing if they are stationed in regions that report confirmed cases , @ @ @ @ @ that some restrictions on their one-day off-installation travel and meeting outside visitors will remain in @ @ @ @ @ efforts to stem the spread of the virus .

SEOUL, Oct. 12 (Yonhap) -- The defense ministry decided to lift a vacation ban for enlisted service members after the government eased social distancing guidelines on the new coronavirus, officials said Monday
Since mid-August, the military authorities banned rank-and-file troops from vacationing and off-base movement, as the country saw a surge in confirmed COVID-19 cases and implemented a tougher social distancing scheme.
However, as the guidance was adjusted to the lowest level starting Monday following a slowdown in new cases in recent weeks, the defense ministry decided to begin allowing service members to go on vacation normally starting Monday, according to the officials.
"We will have service members fully follow antivirus measures over the course of their off-base trips," deputy spokesperson Col. Moon Hog-sik told a regular briefing.
"We will recommend troops to postpone their vacationing if they are stationed in regions that report confirmed cases," Moon said, adding that some restrictions on their one-day off-installation travel and meeting outside visitors will remain in place as part of continued efforts to stem the spread of the virus.
On Monday, the country reported 97 new virus cases, including 68 local infections, raising the total caseload to 24,703, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
Service members walk on a street in the border town of Hwacheon, Gangwon Province, on June 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-12--Civic activists to launch legal battle to protect 'Statue of Peace' in Berlin

The Korean Council for Justice and Remembrance for the Issues of Military Sexual Slavery by Japan , a Seoul-based civic @ @ @ @ @ of Korean victims of wartime sexual slavery , has sent a letter to the United @ @ @ @ @ arguing that any attempt to remove the statue is a challenge to the U.N. 's @ @ @ @ @ norms by viewing violence against women as a universal human rights issue .

SEOUL/BERLIN, Oct. 12 (Yonhap) -- Civic activists based in Germany are planning to apply for an injunction Monday against Berlin city authorities' removal order for a statue erected in the German capital of a girl symbolizing Korean victims of wartime sexual slavery, informed local sources said.
The injunction application will be filed by Korea Verband, a Germany-based civic group with South Korean ties, with Berlin's administrative court during the day, they said.
Korea Verband and its supporters set up the statue, formally called "The Statue of Peace," in a public place in Berlin's Mitte district last month to internationally publicize the issue of wartime sexual slavery victims.
Nine days after its unveiling ceremony, however, the Mitte district office ordered Korea Verband to remove the statue by Oct. 14 after the Japanese government expressed regrets over its installation. The district office threatened to forcibly execute its order if the removal is not finished by the deadline.
This file photo, taken on Sept. 27, 2020, shows German citizens reading the epitaph of "The Statue of Peace" set up on a street in Berlin. (Yonhap)
The planned legal battle to protect the statue came amid an ongoing civic petition campaign opposing the removal order. The campaign under way at www.petitionen.com had received signatures from nearly 1,800 people, mostly Germans, as of 2 p.m. Sunday.
German civic activists and Korean residents in Germany are also planning to hold a rally near the statue Tuesday to protest against the Berlin authorities' removal order.
A separate online petition campaign has been launched in South Korea through the website of Cheong Wa Dae, the South Korean presidential office.
The Korean Council for Justice and Remembrance for the Issues of Military Sexual Slavery by Japan, a Seoul-based civic group working for the rights of Korean victims of wartime sexual slavery, has sent a letter to the United Nations' special rapporteurs, arguing that any attempt to remove the statue is a challenge to the U.N.'s efforts to rewrite human rights norms by viewing violence against women as a universal human rights issue.
The Korean Council also insisted that Berlin city authorities' removal order for the Statue of Peace and pressure from Japan's government and right-wing groups are a disparagement of efforts to remember the sexual slavery issue involving the Japanese imperial army and violate the rights to freedom of expression.
The sexual slavery victims, euphemistically called "comfort women," are one of the many thorny issues stemming from the 1910-45 period when Korea was a Japanese colony.
Historians have said around 200,000 Asian women, mostly Koreans, were forcibly sent to front-line brothels to provide sex services for Japanese soldiers during World War II.
It is the third comfort women statue installed in Germany and the first to stand in a public place with approval from the Berlin authorities. The other two statues are erected on private properties.
Officials at Korea Verband said they expect the Berlin court to accept its application for an injunction, as the Mitte district office claimed in its removal order that it was not informed of the content of the statue's inscribed epitaph in advance, though it had caused diplomatic tension between Germany and Japan.
The officials said they had not been asked by Berlin city authorities to present the content of the epitaph in advance and its content is not problematic.
The epitaph pays tribute to victims of Japanese wartime sexual slavery and honors the courage of survivors who have stood up publicly to raise awareness and prevent future war crimes and atrocities.
"Some lawyers say the Mitte district office was supposed to demand the replacement of the epitaph ahead of issuing a removal order," a Korea Verband official said.
"The possibility of the court accepting the injunction application seems very high because the Mitte district office's decision was an unreasonable administrative order," the official said.
The injunction application, if approved, will lead to a formal court hearing, suggesting it will take considerable time before the court makes its final judgment.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-12--The Korea Interbank Offered Rates (KORIBOR)

SEOUL , Oct. 12 ( Yonhap ) -- The Korea Interbank Offered Rates ( KORIBOR ) as posted by Yonhap @ @ @ @ @ and information arm of Yonhap News Agency , at 11:00 a.m .


yna--2020-10-12--7 companies to recall nearly 50,000 vehicles

The problems include a possible leakage in a fuel supply hose in Kia Motors Corp. 's Carnival minivan , a @ @ @ @ @ combustion engine of the BMW 520d sedan , a faulty propeller shaft component in Mercedes-Benz @ @ @ @ @ SUV and a faulty horn sound system in Kawasaki 's ZX-6R two wheeler , it @ @

SEOUL, Oct. 12 (Yonhap) -- Hyundai Motor Co., BMW, Mercedes-Benz and four other companies will voluntarily recall nearly 50,000 vehicles to fix faulty components, the transport ministry said Monday.
This is the latest in a series of recalls by carmakers operating in South Korea and vehicle importers due to problems with vehicle components.
The four other companies are Kia Motors Corp., Audi-Volkswagen Korea, Jaguar Land Rover Korea and Daijeon Machinery Co., which imports Kawasaki motorcycles, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said in a statement.
The seven companies are recalling a combined 49,959 units due to faulty components in 64 models, the statement said.
The problems include a possible leakage in a fuel supply hose in Kia Motors Corp.'s Carnival minivan, a faulty timing belt in the combustion engine of the BMW 520d sedan, a faulty propeller shaft component in Mercedes-Benz's GLK 220 CDI 4MATIC SUV and a faulty horn sound system in Kawasaki's ZX-6R two wheeler, it said.
The companies have begun to provide or will offer repair and replacement services. Vehicle owners can contact or visit designated repair and service centers to replace the parts free of charge, the ministry said.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-12--(LEAD) BLACKPINK's 1st full album hits No. 2 on Billboard in new milestone for K-pop girl group

In addition to being a record-setting achievement for a K-pop girl group , Billboard said that `` The Album '' @ @ @ @ @ an all-female group since Danity Kane 's second album `` Welcome to the Dollhouse '' @ @ @ @ @ in 2008 .

(ATTN: ADDS details throughout, photo)
SEOUL, Oct. 12 (Yonhap) -- K-pop megastar BLACKPINK's first full-length album debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard main album chart this week, setting a new record in the history of South Korean girl groups.
"At No. 2 on the Billboard 200, BLACKPINK's debut full-length 'The Album' enters with 110,000 equivalent album units earned," Billboard reported Sunday (US time), one day before its chart will be updated.
Of the total, 81,000 came from traditional album sales, while the remaining came from streaming and digital downloads, according to Billboard.
The Billboard 200 is one of the U.S. music publisher's main charts, ranking the most popular albums of the week in the United States based on data, including album sales and streaming.
The Billboard feat marks another milestone for the K-pop act that has smashed records for a South Korean girl group.
The quartet previously ranked at No. 40 with its 2018 EP "Square Up" and at No. 24 with 2019 EP "Kill This Love" on the chart.
In addition to being a record-setting achievement for a K-pop girl group, Billboard said that "The Album" marks the highest-charting album by an all-female group since Danity Kane's second album "Welcome to the Dollhouse" debuted at No. 1 in 2008.
This image, provided by YG Entertainment, shows members of K-pop quartet BLACKPINK. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
This image, provided by YG Entertainment, shows a promotional image for the song "Lovesick Girls," the main track in the quartet's first full-length album "The Album." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Ahead of the U.S. chart feat, "The Album" also ranked No. 2 on the main album chart of Official Charts, which compiles album performances in Britain.
Presales of the album also topped 1 million, including overseas orders, according to YG Entertainment.
"The Album," released Oct. 2, is the four-member band's first full-length album since its debut in 2016. It includes the main track "Lovesick Girls," as well as prereleased hits "How You Like That" and "Ice Cream" featuring Selena Gomez.
This image, provided by YG Entertainment, shows members of K-pop quartet BLACKPINK. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-12--S. Korea's parliament runs hydrogen shuttle bus

The National Assembly became the country 's first state organization to adopt a hydrogen bus , and it will use @ @ @ @ @ transport people within the parliament and from neighboring subway stations , the parliament said in @ @ @

SEOUL, Oct. 12 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's parliament said Monday it has adopted a hydrogen fuel-cell electric bus as it pushes to promote hydrogen-powered vehicles.
The National Assembly became the country's first state organization to adopt a hydrogen bus, and it will use the zero-emission bus to help transport people within the parliament and from neighboring subway stations, the parliament said in a statement.
"We will initially operate the hydrogen bus two to four times a day as a shuttle bus for those who visit the National Assembly, along with other combustion engine buses," a National Assembly official said.
The hydrogen bus, manufactured by Hyundai Motor Co., is priced at 600-700 million won (US$520,000-$610,000).
The National Assembly set up a hydrogen charging station inside the parliament in September last year and enacted a law aimed at promoting the use of hydrogen as an alternative energy source in January.
The hydrogen bus can travel up to 434 kilometers on a single charge, and it takes about 13 minutes to fully charge the 180 kilowatt-hour battery installed in the bus, the statement said.
This file photo shows the hydrogen charging station at the National Assembly in Yeouido, western Seoul. (Yonhap)
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-12--Fans set to return to KBO games as pennant race intensifies

The LG Twins , the only club to draw more than 1 million fans in the pre-pandemic age of 2019 @ @ @ @ @ in the league now .
They swept the league-leading NC Dinos in four straight games @ @ @ @ @ included a doubleheader -- to extend their winning streak to six games .
It has @ @ @ @ @ at the start of last week to second place .
The Dinos are in the @ @ @ @ @ slide , and their lead over the Twins is five games .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Oct. 12 (Yonhap) -- As the South Korean baseball league enters its third-to-last week of the regular season, stadium gates will open back up for fans who have been itching to return to seats.
The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) clubs will play their final two three-game sets this week, with makeup games of rained-out affairs to follow from Oct. 20 to 30. They received some welcoming bit of news Sunday, as the government eased social distancing restrictions to allow sports teams to start playing in front of fans again during the coronavirus pandemic.
The LG Twins' closer Go Woo-suk (R) bumps fists with his catcher Lee Sung-woo after finishing off a 7-3 victory over the NC Dinos in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on Oct. 11, 2020. (Yonhap)
KBO clubs enjoyed a brief stretch, from late July to mid-August, when fans were admitted to games, albeit in limited capacity. Before the government implemented tight social distancing regulations and forced sports stadiums to be shut, KBO teams had crowds of about 25 percent of their stadium capacity.
The number will stay around the level this time around. No matter the size of the crowd, fans will witness firsthand what continues to be a fascinating pennant race.
The LG Twins, the only club to draw more than 1 million fans in the pre-pandemic age of 2019, are the hottest team in the league now. They swept the league-leading NC Dinos in four straight games -- a weekend series that included a doubleheader -- to extend their winning streak to six games. It has catapulted them from fourth place at the start of last week to second place. The Dinos are in the midst of their season-worst five-game slide, and their lead over the Twins is five games.
Oh Ji-hwan of the LG Twins (L) beats the throw to second base with the NC Dinos' shortstop No Jin-hyuk on the bag during the bottom of the sixth inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on Oct. 11, 2020. (Yonhap)
With 14 games to go, the Dinos would have to suffer a truly epic collapse to fall from the top. That leaves others to play for second place, and the Twins, with a relatively soft week coming up, have a chance to solidify their grip on that spot.
The Twins open the new week by facing the Lotte Giants for three games and then will host the Kia Tigers for three more.
Both the Giants and the Tigers are fading fast from playoff contention. The Tigers are 2-8 in their past 10 games and remain 4.5 games out of the fifth and final postseason berth. The Giants are half a game back of the Tigers. They both face the Twins and the Dinos this week.
The only saving grace may be that both teams have 16 games remaining, more than any other team in the league.
Three clubs right behind the Twins all have a legitimate shot at claiming that second spot.
Bae Jung-dae of the KT Wiz watches his walk-off hit during the bottom of the 10th inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game against the Doosan Bears at KT Wiz Park in Suwon, 45 kilometers south of Seoul, on Oct. 11, 2020. (Yonhap)
The KT Wiz are just half a game behind and will start the week with a three-game series at home against the Kiwoom Heroes, which have fallen one game back of the Wiz in fourth place. The Heroes are trying to pick up the pieces after their manager Son Hyuk abruptly resigned last Thursday, while the club was still in third place. The Heroes are 2-2 under interim manager Kim Chang-hyeon.
The Wiz will face the ninth-place SK Wyverns on the weekend, while the Heroes get a tougher assignment with a three-game set against the Doosan Bears.
The Bears, now one game behind the Heroes in fifth place, start off the week with a series against the last-place Hanwha Eagles. The Bears have won seven of their past 10 as they get ready for a title defense.
Of the top five clubs, the Heroes have the fewest games left with eight. They play their home games at the league's only domed stadium, Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, and have had fewer rainouts than other clubs.
The Dinos and the Wiz each have 14 games remaining.
Jose Miguel Fernandez of the Doosan Bears hits an RBI single against the KT Wiz during the top of the fifth inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game against the Doosan Bears at KT Wiz Park in Suwon, 45 kilometers south of Seoul, on Oct. 11, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)