yna--2020-06-21--Police beef up security of Gyeonggi governor's residence following threats over leaflets

Earlier in the week , the Gyeonggi provincial government took one step further in its crackdown on the distribution of @ @ @ @ @ by issuing an administrative order banning anyone from entering its border areas to send leaflets @ @ @ @ @

SEOUL, June 21 (Yonhap) -- Police strengthened security around the residence of the governor of Gyeonggi Province after a member of a conservative group threatened to explode a gas canister in protest of the provincial government's decision to block attempts to send anti-Pyongyang leaflets into North Korea.
Earlier this month, the government of Gyeonggi, which surrounds Seoul and borders North Korea, announced it will designate four parts of its border areas as off-limits danger zones and thoroughly block any attempt to send anti-North Korea propaganda leaflets across the border.
The following day a member of a conservative group wrote a post on Facebook slamming such measures.
In another post he wrote days later, he vowed to send leaflets near Gov. Lee Jae-myung's house, saying he "will not hesitate to open and light up a hydrogen gas canister if the police uses force."
A police force has been dispatched to the provincial government building and to the official residence and private home of Lee since Saturday morning.
"Police will be deployed until Sunday at midnight as a precautionary measure against any emergency situation, such as the sending of leaflets to the North," a police official said.
Earlier in the week, the Gyeonggi provincial government took one step further in its crackdown on the distribution of propaganda leaflets into the North by issuing an administrative order banning anyone from entering its border areas to send leaflets and threatening legal punishments.
In the order, the Gyeonggi government said it will designate five cities and counties close to the inter-Korean border as off-limits danger zones until the end of November to prevent North Korean defectors and South Korean activists from dispatching anti-Pyongyang leaflets and materials across the border.
Police buses arrive at Imjingak in the South Korean border city of Paju, north of Seoul, on June 12, 2020, where anti-North Korea activist groups usually launch balloons toward North Korea carrying leaflets denouncing Pyongyang. The Gyeonggi provincial government said the same day it will thoroughly block any attempt to send anti-North Korea propaganda leaflets across the border by designating parts of its border areas as off-limits danger zones. (Yonhap)
This photo, provided by Gyeonggi Province, shows an administrative order issued on June 17, 2020, to designate its five border cities of Yeoncheon, Pocheon, Paju, Gimpo and Goyang as "dangerous zones," in which the act of sending balloons containing anti-Pyongyang leaflets into North Korea is banned until the end of November. The order was issued amid the North's warning of strong retaliatory steps against the act. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-21--LG Chem considering closing down phthalic anhydride line in Yeosu

Industry watchers believe that LG Chem 's plan stemmed from the oversupply of the organic compound caused by Chinese rivals @ @ @ @ @ into its profits , and a toxic gas leak in its Indian plant .

SEOUL, June 21 (Yonhap) -- LG Chem Ltd. is considering shutting down its production line in the southeastern tip of the country due to oversupply, industry and company sources said Sunday.
South Korea's No. 1 electric vehicle battery maker said it has informed its workers of the plan to close down the line in Yeosu, 455 kilometers southeast of Seoul, which produces 50,000 tons of phthalic anhydride annually.
This file photo provided by Yonhap News TV shows a logo of LG Chem Ltd. at its plant. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Phthalic anhydride is used in the manufacturing of polyesters.
Industry watchers believe that LG Chem's plan stemmed from the oversupply of the organic compound caused by Chinese rivals, which have been eating into its profits, and a toxic gas leak in its Indian plant.
"The phthalic anhydride production line has been operating so far," said an LG Chem official, adding the company has been reviewing the feasibility of the line and market situation.
ksnam@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-21--Top nuke envoys of S. Korea, U.S. share gravity of peninsula situation: source

`` If the U.S. and China can both work together on this , it seems that North Korea would understand @ @ @ @ @ to get back to the table and discuss their nuclear program , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ 's meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Yang Jiechi , a politburo @ @ @ @ @ Party .

By Song Sang-ho
SEOUL, June 21 (Yonhap) -- The top nuclear envoys of South Korea and the United States share the gravity of the situation on the Korean Peninsula, amid rising tensions caused by North Korea's demolition of a joint liaison office and bellicose rhetoric, a diplomatic source said Sunday.
Seoul's chief nuclear negotiator Lee Do-hoon held talks with his U.S. counterpart, Stephen Biegun, on Thursday during his low-key trip to Washington that followed the North's blowing up of the office in its border city of Kaesong on Tuesday and threats of military action against the South.
Lee returned home Saturday but waved away reporters' questions about his discussions with Biegun.
South Korea's top nuclear envoy, Lee Do-hoo, speaks to the press upon his arrival at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, on June 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
"Yes, it is a self-evident fact that the situation on the peninsula is grave," the source told Yonhap News Agency, touching on what was talked about during the meeting between Lee and Biegun.
The source refused to further comment on the talks, saying, "Let's wait and see."
Seoul and Washington officials remained low key about the talks between Lee and Biegun, apparently to avoid provoking the North that has berated the South for "servitude and submission" in a swipe at Seoul's policy coordination with the U.S.
Lee's unannounced trip to Washington despite the COVID-19 pandemic spawned speculation that the two nuclear envoys could explore ways to prevent further escalation of cross-border tensions through cooperation with China or other measures.
In an apparent appeal for China's role to tackle the North Korean issue, David Stilwell, the U.S. assistant secretary of state for East Asia, said Thursday that North Korea seems to be an "obvious" area of cooperation between Washington and Beijing.
"If the U.S. and China can both work together on this, it seems that North Korea would understand the importance and the need to get back to the table and discuss their nuclear program," he said during a briefing on Wednesday's meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Yang Jiechi, a politburo member of China's Communist Party.
In recent weeks, Pyongyang has been ratcheting up tensions, taking umbrage at Seoul's "connivance" of North Korean defectors and activists sending anti-Pyongyang leaflets into the North.
The South Korean military has been keeping tighter vigilance amid the possibility of North Korean provocations, such as a submarine-launched ballistic missile test.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-21--(LEAD) New virus cases down thanks to fall in imported cases, but local infections rise

In particular , the city of Sejong near Daejeon has emerged as a concern as many infections have been linked @ @ @ @ @ there .
The Sejong city government has since banned such door-to-door sales activity to prevent @ @ @ @ @

(ATTN: ADDS more details of community transmission in paras 7-9)
SEOUL, June 21 (Yonhap) -- South Korea reported 48 new cases of the coronavirus Sunday, down 19 from a day earlier thanks to a fall in imported cases, but local infections rose amid a continuing spread of the virus in the Seoul metropolitan area and the central city of Daejeon.
The new cases, 40 of them local infections and eight imported cases, raised the total caseload to 12,421, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
The tally marked a fall from 67 additional cases reported Saturday.
The Seoul metropolitan area accounted for most of the newly added virus cases this month.
Of the locally transmitted cases, 27 were reported in the densely populated Seoul and nearby metropolitan areas, where around half of the country's 50-million population lives.
Arrivals from London line up to be tested for COVID-19 on June 20, 2020, in Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul. (Yonhap)
Ten cases were reported in Daejeon, some 160 km south of Seoul, triggering concerns that a community spread may further accelerate outside the greater Seoul area.
That brought the number of coronavirus cases confirmed in and around Daejeon for the past week to 45.
In particular, the city of Sejong near Daejeon has emerged as a concern as many infections have been linked to a door-to-door sales company there. The Sejong city government has since banned such door-to-door sales activity to prevent the virus from spreading.
In Seoul, 480 coronavirus patients remained hospitalized as of Sunday, maintaining the upward trend of the number of uncured patients since early May. That raised concerns that the number of hospital beds for seriously ill patients could fall short.
The country reported eight additional imported cases, raising the total number of such cases to 1,435.
Due to a fresh rise in daily new cases in the Seoul metropolitan area, the country had imposed two weeks of tougher infection preventive measures in late May until June 14.
There were no additional deaths, keeping the total death toll at 280.
The total number of people released from quarantine after full recoveries stood at 10,868, up 12 from the previous day.
ksnam@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-21--Today in Korean history

Today in Korean history

2004 -- Kim Sun-il , a South Korean employee of a Baghdad-based foodstuff supplier for the U.S. Army , is @ @ @ @ @ a militant group threatened to behead him unless the Seoul government withdrew within 24 hours @ @ @ @ @ troops to Iraq , in addition to 660 noncombatants already operating in Iraq .

June 22
1946 -- The Independence Army of Korea returns from China following the restoration of Korea's sovereignty from Japanese colonial rule, which ended in August 1945. The voluntary force fought against Japanese troops in Manchuria and Shanghai under the command of the Korean Provisional Government.
1948 -- South Korea sends its athletes to participate in the Olympic Games, held that year in London, marking the first time for the country to compete in the quadrennial event.
1965 -- South Korea and Japan sign a treaty in Tokyo to normalize diplomatic relations, 20 years after Korea regained sovereignty from the colonial regime. As part of the agreement, Japan paid South Korea US$800 million in grants and loans in economic cooperation funds, not in the form of compensation.
2002 -- World Cup co-hosts South Korea defeats Spain in a penalty shootout, becoming the first Asian team to advance to the semifinals of the tournament.
2004 -- Kim Sun-il, a South Korean employee of a Baghdad-based foodstuff supplier for the U.S. Army, is found dead in Iraq after a militant group threatened to behead him unless the Seoul government withdrew within 24 hours its plan to send more troops to Iraq, in addition to 660 noncombatants already operating in Iraq.
2006 -- South Korea's Supreme Court allows legal gender change for transsexuals.
2014 -- An Army deserter gets apprehended after killing five soldiers and wounding seven others in one of South Korea's deadliest shooting rampages a day earlier at a general outpost in a South Korean town on the border with North Korea.
(END)


yna--2020-06-21--Military police launch investigation into lewd act between alleged soldiers posted online

Photos were posted on Twitter of the two performing sexual acts , including a selfie of themselves in Air Force @ @ @ @ @ Twitter account , which had some 5,100 followers , is currently deleted .

SEOUL, June 21 (Yonhap) -- The military police launched an investigation into photos posted online of two men dressed in military uniforms conducting sexual acts, according to military officials Sunday.
Photos were posted on Twitter of the two performing sexual acts, including a selfie of themselves in Air Force uniforms and hats. The Twitter account, which had some 5,100 followers, is currently deleted.
The military police are looking into whether the photos were taken within military premises and whether these men are currently soldiers on active duty.
South Korea's military penal code bans active soldiers from same-sex intercourse, making it a crime punishable by up to two years in prison.
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-21--S. Korea's household debt grew at alarming clip last year: BIS data

SEOUL , June 21 ( Yonhap ) -- South Korea 's household debt to the gross domestic product grew at @ @ @ @ @ countries in the world last year , leading the country 's overall private-sector debt to @ @ @ @ @ the biggest rates , data showed Sunday .

SEOUL, June 21 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's household debt to the gross domestic product grew at the fastest pace among 43 countries in the world last year, leading the country's overall private-sector debt to also expand at one of the biggest rates, data showed Sunday.
The ratio of the country's household debt to GDP reached 95.5 percent in the fourth quarter of 2019, up 1.6 percentage points from 93.9 percent the previous year, according to data provided by the Bank of International Settlements (BIS).
Hong Kong had the same growth in the ratio as South Korea, marking the fastest growth rate among 43 countries, including the United States, China and Japan, according to the data.
This illustration indicates a sharp rise in the household debt of South Korea. (Yonhap)
South Korea and Hong Kong were followed by Norway with 1 percentage point, China with 0.8 percentage point and Thailand with 0.6 percentage point.
South Korea's growth in the household debt is expected to rise this year due to massive lending by the government to overcome the financial difficulties caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
The ratio's on-year increase in the fourth quarter of 2019 was the fourth largest, gaining 3.6 percentage points, trailing Hong Kong with 8.3 percentage points, Norway with 4.6 percentage points and China with 3.7 percentage points.
In terms of the ratio of nonfinancial institutions' credit to GDP, South Korea reached 102.1 percentage points in the October-December period of 2019, up 1 percentage point from the previous quarter.
Over the cited period, the ratio of the private-sector debt to GDP climbed to 197.6 percent, up 2.6 percentage points from the previous quarter.
The ratio is the third fastest-growth rate, following Singapore with 7.2 percentage points and Chile with 3.1 percentage points.
ksnam@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-21--Stronger warning labels on cigarette packs in place

The latest decision comes after Seoul said in April it will change the images and warnings on cigarette packs .
@ @ @ @ @ to provide feedback on the images and warnings it will use , with one photo @ @ @ @ @ in the process .

SEOUL, June 21 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will require stronger graphic warning images on cigarette packs as part of its anti-smoking campaign, the health ministry said Sunday.
Of the 12 photos currently used on packs, nine will be replaced with new images starting Dec. 23, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare.
Warning images showcasing the heightened risk of laryngeal cancer, sexual dysfunction and dangers posed by electronic cigarettes will be retained as they have been shown to be effective in enhancing risk awareness it said.
These images, provided by the health ministry, show some of the graphic warning images that will appear on cigarette packs starting on Dec. 23, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The new images will highlight the greater chances of smokers contracting lung and oral cancer, heart disease, stroke and early death, as well as the dangers of secondhand smoking and smoking during pregnancy.
Under the rules, 75 percent of a cigarette pack is required to be covered in warning images and text. Of the total, warning images must account for 55 percent of the packs, with both the front and back required to show graphic pictures. These images need to be revised every 24 months.
The text used to discourage smoking will also be altered to be more concise.
The latest decision comes after Seoul said in April it will change the images and warnings on cigarette packs. It asked the general public to provide feedback on the images and warnings it will use, with one photo on indirect smoking being changed in the process.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-21--Constitutional Court halts interior remodeling work to give baby birds time to grow

Though they are not a rare or endangered species , the court decided to halt the construction work at the @ @ @ @ @ baby birds to grow because construction dust and noise could affect their growth , officials @ @

SEOUL, June 21 (Yonhap) -- The Constitutional Court has halted interior remodeling work at the courthouse building to give time for newly born birds found in a nest inside the building to grow and fly on their own, officials said Sunday.
Construction workers found the nest holding three eggs inside an open-roofed area of the building in central Seoul while replacing window frames Friday. The mother bird was often seen sitting on the eggs, and two baby birds have since hatched.
The baby birds were seen opening up their mouths wide repeatedly to ask for food, and their mother shuttled frequently from the nest to catch worms and insects to feed them, officials said.
The bird was later identified as the brown-eared bulbul, a resident bird in Korea.
Though they are not a rare or endangered species, the court decided to halt the construction work at the area to wait for the baby birds to grow because construction dust and noise could affect their growth, officials said.
"We decided to reschedule the overall construction schedule to help the birds grow well," an official said.
Officials said they expect it will take about two weeks for the birds to grow enough to fly.
This photo shows baby birds found in a nest inside the Constitutional Court building in Seoul with their mouths open on June 22, 2020. The court has halted construction work to give the brown-eared bulbuls time to grow. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-06-21--GM committed to making EVs reality in S. Korea

Asked if GM has a plan to work with LG Chem in the development of the million mile battery , @ @ @ @ @ of GM 's Autonomous and Electric Vehicle Programs , said , `` We do n't @ @ @ @ @ about future plans as we are focusing our efforts on producing the Ultium battery cells @ @ @ @ @ . ''

By Choi Kyong-ae
SEOUL, June 21 (Yonhap) -- General Motors Co. is committed to expanding its position in South Korea by introducing more electric vehicles amid growing appetite for zero-emission cars thanks to improving charging infrastructure and state subsidies, the company has said.
In a virtual media briefing held Wednesday, Jesse Ortega, architectural chief engineer at GM's Autonomous and Electric Vehicle Programs, said the Detroit carmaker is really committed to making EVs a reality in Korea.
"It (South Korea) is a very urban, very technologically advanced market with a more importantly technologically savvy customer base that gives us an opportunity to do that. You've got a strong infrastructure from IT," Ortega told reporters.
This photo taken on June 9, 2020 and GM Korea, shows the 2020 Bolt EV with an extended driving range of 414 kilometers on a single charge. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
This month, GM launched the 2020 Bolt EV, which can travel up to 414 kilometers on a single charge, in the Korean market. A total of 9,322 Bolt EVs were sold here over the past three years through 2019.
Globally, GM plans to reveal two new EV models this year -- the Cadillac Lyriq SUV and the GMC Hummer Electric Vehicle -- ahead of their launches in North America and other markets from next year, GM Senior Vice President Steve Kiefer said.
The planned launches are in line with its commitment to zero crashes, zero emissions, and zero congestion as its future vehicle strategy going forward, according to GM.
The U.S. carmaker said it will allocate more than US$20 billion to its EV and autonomous vehicle projects from 2020 until 2025.
To push forward its "unwavering" strategy, GM said it will continue to co-work with Korean battery suppliers such as LG Chem Ltd.
LG Chem set up a 50:50 joint venture with GM last year to build a $2.3 billion battery cell plant in Lordstown, Ohio, to supply them for GM's EV models. The plant's construction is set to begin this year.
"Our partnership with LG Chem will provide us with our battery technology, and we feel that this will allow us to drive battery costs well below $100 per kilowatt hour early in the platform cycle," Kiefer said.
In the United States, LG Chem has another car battery plant in Michigan. It also produces car batteries in China, Poland and South Korea.
Asked if GM has a plan to work with LG Chem in the development of the million mile battery, Ken Morris, vice president of GM's Autonomous and Electric Vehicle Programs, said, "We don't have any news to share about future plans as we are focusing our efforts on producing the Ultium battery cells in partnership with LG Chem."
If fully charged, the Ultium battery cells will allow an EV to travel 500 to 600 miles (800 to 970 kilometers), GM said.
The EV battery market has been on a roll as automakers race to go electric and eco-friendly due to tightened regulations on greenhouse gas emissions, which scientists say are to blame for global warming.
GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra said in December that GM looks forward to collaborating with LG Chem on future cell technologies.
"Combining our manufacturing expertise with LG Chem's leading battery-cell technology will help accelerate our pursuit of an all-electric future. That will continue to improve the value we deliver to our customers," Barra said in comments posted on the company's website.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-21--New virus cases down thanks to fall in imported cases, but local infections rise

SEOUL , June 21 ( Yonhap ) -- South Korea reported 48 new cases of the coronavirus Sunday , down @ @ @ @ @ thanks to a fall in imported cases , but local infections rose amid a continuing @ @ @ @ @ the Seoul metropolitan area and the central city of Daejeon .

SEOUL, June 21 (Yonhap) -- South Korea reported 48 new cases of the coronavirus Sunday, down 19 from a day earlier thanks to a fall in imported cases, but local infections rose amid a continuing spread of the virus in the Seoul metropolitan area and the central city of Daejeon.
The new cases, 40 of them local infections and eight imported cases, raised the total caseload to 12,421, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
The tally marked a fall from 67 additional cases reported Saturday.
The Seoul metropolitan area accounted for most of the newly added virus cases this month.
Of the locally transmitted cases, 27 were reported in the densely populated Seoul and nearby metropolitan areas, where around half of the country's 50-million population lives.
Arrivals from London line up to be tested for COVID-19 on June 20, 2020, in Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul. (Yonhap)
Ten cases were reported in Daejeon, some 160 km south of Seoul, triggering concerns that a community spread may further accelerate outside the greater Seoul area.
The country reported eight additional imported cases, raising the total number of such cases to 1,435.
Due to a fresh rise in daily new cases in the Seoul metropolitan area, the country had imposed two weeks of tougher infection preventive measures in late May until June 14.
There were no additional deaths, keeping the total death toll at 280.
The total number of people released from quarantine after full recoveries stood at 10,868, up 12 from the previous day.
ksnam@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-21--Solar eclipse to be visible in S. Korea on Sunday afternoon

The moon will start to move between the Earth and the sun at 3:53 p.m. , with the transit to @ @ @ @ @ the Gwacheon National Science Museum said .
It said at 5:02 p.m. the annual eclipse @ @ @ @ @ moon obscuring 45 percent of the sun when it is seen from most parts of @ @ @ @

SEOUL, June 21 (Yonhap) -- The most significant partial solar eclipse in eight years will be visible in South Korea on Sunday afternoon, leaving a little less than half the solar disk visible, a national science museum said.
The moon will start to move between the Earth and the sun at 3:53 p.m., with the transit to end at 6:04 p.m., the Gwacheon National Science Museum said. It said at 5:02 p.m. the annual eclipse will peak, with the moon obscuring 45 percent of the sun when it is seen from most parts of the Korean Peninsula.
During a partial eclipse on May 21, 2012, the moon covered around 80 percent of the sun's disk.
This photo provided by the Gwacheon National Science Museum shows a partial eclipse in progress in January 2019. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The science museum said that the celestial event will occur in parts of western Africa and most of Asia. It said people in northern India and certain places in China, as well as Taiwan, will only see an annular solar eclipse, with the moon appearing smaller than the sun.
The museum plans to broadcast the eclipse live from 3:50 p.m. till 6:10 p.m. via YouTube and Facebook
While the eclipse will be a valuable experience, extra caution is required.
Using telescopes or binoculars with no solar filters to view the eclipse can lead to instant blindness, with direct observation only possible if people use several layers of very dark cellophane, it said.
According to the museum, the next eclipse that can be observed from the Korean Peninsula will occur on June 1, 2030, with the moon expected to cover 71.7 percent of the sun's disk when it is viewed from the Earth.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-22--New infections dip to 1-month low of 17; cluster, imported cases still in focus

SEOUL , June 22 ( Yonhap ) -- New virus cases in South Korea dipped to a nearly one-month low @ @ @ @ @ testing over the weekend , but health authorities are keeping their guard up against cluster @ @ @ @ @ area and other regions , as well as rising imported cases .

SEOUL, June 22 (Yonhap) -- New virus cases in South Korea dipped to a nearly one-month low Monday due mainly to less testing over the weekend, but health authorities are keeping their guard up against cluster infections in the greater Seoul area and other regions, as well as rising imported cases.
The country added 17 new cases, including 11 local infections, raising the total caseload to 12,438, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
This was the first time since May 26 that the number of new daily COVID-19 cases fell below 20. It also marks a sharp drop from 67 cases Saturday and 48 cases Sunday.
This photo taken June 21, 2020, shows a health worker disinfecting an office of a door-to-door business company in Daejeon. (Yonhap)
Of the locally transmitted cases, seven were reported in the densely populated Seoul and nearby metropolitan areas, where around half of the country's 50-million population lives.
The Seoul metropolitan area accounted for most of the newly added virus cases this month, with cluster outbreaks at churches and door-to-door business establishments.
The country has also seen infections outside of the capital region. Two cases were reported in South Chungcheong Province and one identified in Daegu and North Jeolla Province each, raising concerns of further community spread outside Seoul.
The country reported six additional imported cases, raising the total number of such cases to 1,441.
In a bid to stem inflows of COVID-19 into the country, health authorities will limit the entry from some countries where virus infections persist via restrictions on flight services and visa issuances starting Tuesday.
In early May, the country eased its strict social distancing due to the flattened virus curve. The number of new daily cases peaked in late February at more than 900.
But a series of sporadic cluster infections in the Seoul area soon emerged, putting great strains on the country's virus fight.
Health authorities imposed tougher infection preventive measures in the region in late May for two weeks, which were later extended indefinitely as cluster infections.
Health authorities said the country may roll back to strict distancing in daily life if the number of new cases falls back to single digits.
There were no additional deaths, keeping the total death toll to 280.
The total number of people released from quarantine after full recoveries stood at 10,881 up 13 from the previous day.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-22--(URGENT) 13 more people released after full recovery from coronavirus, total cured patients at 10,88

(URGENT) 13 more people released after full recovery from coronavirus, total cured patients at 10,881: KCDC

(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--2020-06-22--(URGENT) S. Korea reports no additional virus deaths, total death toll at 280: KCDC


yna--2020-06-22--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 17 more cases of new coronavirus, total now at 12,438: KCDC


yna--2020-06-22--Man arrested for assaulting bus driver demanding face mask use

It marked the first case in which a violator of a mask use policy for public transportation was arrested .
@ @ @ @ @ month to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus .

SEOUL, June 22 (Yonhap) -- A man was arrested for physically assaulting a bus driver who demanded the man wear a face mask to ride the bus, police said Monday, in the first arrest case for a violation of mandatory mask use against COVID-19.
The police in the city's northeastern ward of Gwangjin said they had arrested the man in his 50s after the Seoul Eastern District Court issued a warrant sought by the police on Saturday.
According to police, the man attacked and verbally insulted the bus driver and also attacked a fellow bus rider who tried to stop him on Thursday.
It marked the first case in which a violator of a mask use policy for public transportation was arrested. The policy was introduced last month to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.
There have been a handful of similar cases.
On Tuesday, a man was taken into police custody for swearing and making a fuss on a bus after the driver asked him to wear a mask.
Late last month, a man in his 60s was booked for assaulting a bus driver for the same reason.
The undated file photo shows a sign that reads that bus riders without face masks are not allowed to get on the bus. (Yonhap)
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-22--(2nd LD) Korea's exports dip 7.5 pct in first 20 days of June

The International Monetary Fund ( IMF ) has predicted that South Korea 's economy will shrink 1.2 percent this year @ @ @ @ @ expected to have its worst year since the Great Depression of the 1930s .

(ATTN: ADDS details in last 5 paras)
By Kim Deok-hyun
SEJONG, June 22 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's exports fell 7.5 percent on year in the first 20 days of June amid the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, customs data showed Monday.
The nation's outbound shipments stood at US$25 billion in the June 1-20 period, according to the data from the Korea Customs Service.
The daily average exports during the 20-day period also slipped 16.2 percent on-year.
The data came amid growing concerns that the coronavirus pandemic is denting exports by South Korea's economy.
The new coronavirus has disrupted trade and halted production around the globe, with a rising number of countries fully shutting their borders.
By segment, exports of memory chips, a key item, rose 2.6 percent, but those of automobiles plunged 36.7 percent over the 20-day period from a year earlier.
By country, shipments to China gained 14.5 percent on-year, while shipments to the United States fell 10 percent.
Imports fell 12 percent on year to $24.5 billion in the June 1-20 period, according to the data.
The nation's exports tumbled 23.7 percent on-year to $34.8 billion in May.
So far this year, South Korea's exports and imports have fallen 10.9 percent and 8.9 percent on-year, respectively, the data showed.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has predicted that South Korea's economy will shrink 1.2 percent this year as the global economy is expected to have its worst year since the Great Depression of the 1930s.
The world economy is expected to contract 3 percent this year, the IMF said.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-22--Hot spell to prevail nationwide early this week

As of 9 a.m. , the temperature rose to 25.2 C in Seoul , 23.6 C in Incheon , 23.8 @ @ @ @ @ C in Busan and 22.3 C on Jeju Island , the agency noted , adding @ @ @ @ @ inland areas of Gangwon , North Chungcheong and North Gyeongsang provinces between late afternoon and @ @

SEOUL, June 22 (Yonhap) -- This week began with a hot spell across the nation, with the daily high temperatures forecast to soar above 35 C in Seoul and Gyeonggi, Gangwon and North Chungcheong provinces on Monday, meteorologists said.
The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said that the day's highs will range from 25 C to 36 C nationwide, issuing a heat wave advisory for some central inland areas and the southeastern province of North Gyeongsang, where the highest temperature will remain above 33 C.
A heat wave advisory is issued when the daytime high is projected to exceed 33 C for more than two days, or damage is expected due to prolonged hot weather. The KMA earlier forecast the number of heat wave days will double this summer from the 30-year average.
This file photo taken June 9, 2020, shows people walking by a water fountain in Daegu, southeastern South Korea. (Yonhap)
As of 9 a.m., the temperature rose to 25.2 C in Seoul, 23.6 C in Incheon, 23.8 C in Daejeon, 22.4 C in Busan and 22.3 C on Jeju Island, the agency noted, adding showers are expected in some inland areas of Gangwon, North Chungcheong and North Gyeongsang provinces between late afternoon and night.
According to the KMA, the latest hot spell will continue until Tuesday, as rain is forecast nationwide from Wednesday to Friday. On Sunday, rain is also forecast for the southwestern provinces of Jeolla and Jeju Island.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-22--'The Shaman Sorceress' awarded at Annecy film fest

`` The world has enjoyed the festival in its respective countries and places due to the coronavirus crisis , '' @ @ @ @ @ message uploaded on the event 's website .
`` 'The Shaman Sorceress ' is a @ @ @ @ @ .
We look forward to seeing all of you in theaters and sincerely hope for @ @ @ @ @ be able to remember every visitor . ''

SEOUL, June 22 (Yonhap) -- South Korean animated film "The Shaman Sorceress" won a special jury award at this year's Annecy International Animation Film Festival, the event's organizers said Monday.
Director Ahn Jae-huun's feature received the Contrechamp Jury Distinction prize at the festival that kicked off on June 15 and runs through June 30.
The film was nominated in the Contrechamp competition category for feature films along with nine others, including another South Korean animated film, "Beauty Water" by Cho Kyung-hun. The section was inaugurated in 2018 to showcase unique full-length films.
A scene from "The Shaman Sorceress" captured from the homepage of the Annecy International Animation Film Festival (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
"The world has enjoyed the festival in its respective countries and places due to the coronavirus crisis," Ahn said in an online message uploaded on the event's website. "'The Shaman Sorceress' is a musical with distinct Korean features. We look forward to seeing all of you in theaters and sincerely hope for the day when we will be able to remember every visitor."
"The Shaman Sorceress," an adaptation of a Korean novel with the same title, portrays the breakup of a traditional family after a religious clash between shamanism and Christianity.
Director Ahn Jae-hunn is the first South Korean filmmaker to make it to the competition section of the Annecy Film Festival twice. His hand-drawn animated film "Green Days: Dinosaur and I" was invited to the festival in 2011.
Meanwhile, South Korea's "Sura" directed by Jeong Hae-ji was awarded the Jury Distinction prize in the Graduation Films section.
Launched in 1960, the Annecy festival is one of the highest-profile animation events in the world. Its 2020 edition is being held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
South Korea's "My Beautiful Girl, Mari" and "Oseam" won best feature film in 2002 and 2004, respectively.
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-22--5 companies to recall nearly 14,000 vehicles

This is the latest in a series of recalls by carmakers operating in South Korea and vehicle importers due to @ @ @ @ @ vehicles they sell here .

SEOUL, June 22 (Yonhap) -- Audi-Volkswagen Korea, Toyota Motor Korea, Daimler Trucks Korea and two importers of motorcycles will voluntarily recall nearly 14,000 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 the components of vehicles they sell here.
The problems include starter alternator housing products in Audi's A6 40 TDI Premium, faulty control arms in Toyota's RAV4 hybrid AWD and defective air spoilers in Daimler Trucks' Arocs, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said in a statement.
Korea Motor Trading and Daijeon Machinery are also recalling the Yamaha GPD125-A and Kawasaki ZX-10R, respectively, due to faulty parts, it said.
Volkswagen Korea, Toyota Motor Korea and Korea Motor Trading will recall vehicles and motorcycles this week. Daimler Trucks Korea has begun recalling vehicles, and Daijeon Machinery is set to begin recalling motorcycles on July 4.
Vehicle owners can visit designated repair and service centers to replace the parts free of charge, the ministry said.
entropy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-22--2 clubs threatening to run away from rest of K League 1 competition

`` He 's able to play , and he 's been practicing with the team , '' Kim said after @ @ @ @ @ We rested him ( against FC Seoul ) for precautionary reasons .
We 'll send @ @ @ @ @ next match ( against Jeonbuk ) .
I know a lot of football fans will @ @ @ @ @ , and we 'll try to come away with the result we want . ''

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, June 22 (Yonhap) -- With its start pushed back by more than two months and its schedule reduced by nearly a dozen matches as a result, the 2020 K League 1 football season has been vastly different from 2019.
And yet, there's one common thread that has carried over from a season ago. Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Ulsan Hyundai FC are back on top, threatening to make this a two-horse race for the crown well before the halfway point of the season.
Through eight matches of the season, Jeonbuk are leading the way with 21 points from seven victories and a loss. Their path to an unprecedented fourth consecutive title will likely have to go through Ulsan, which are in second place with 20 points and remain the only undefeated club this season with six wins and two draws.
In this file photo from June 6, 2020, Lee Seung-gi of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (C) celebrates his goal against FC Seoul with teammates Lee Yong (L) and Choe Hee-won during their K League 1 match at Seoul World Cup Stadium in Seoul. (Yonhap)
No team outside Jeonbuk or Ulsan has even 20 points. Sangju Sangmu are the closest pursuer with 14 points, with Daegu FC and Pohang Steelers trailing Sangju at 13 points apiece.
The season began on May 8, as opposed to the originally scheduled Feb. 29, due to the coronavirus outbreak in the country. The 12 clubs will play 27 matches instead of their usual 38.
Under the split system that has been in place since 2012, the top six teams will be paired into "Final A" and the bottom six will end up in "Final B" after 22 matches. They will then play the remaining five matches of the season against five opponents within their group.
In a normal, 38-match season, teams would be divided into two tiers after 33 matches. This year, there's much less margin for error, and far fewer opportunities for teams to make up ground if they fall behind early in the season.
Sangju, a military club made up of conscripted players, have been this season's biggest overachievers, and their goal difference of minus-1 (nine goals scored against 10 conceded) suggests their 4-2-2 (wins-draws-losses) start is perhaps not sustainable. Sangju, Daegu and Pohang cannot match the depth and talent level of Jeonbuk and Ulsan.
Upon closer examination of the two leading clubs, Ulsan have been the more dominant of the two. They lead all clubs with 19 goals scored, and they're tied with Jeonbuk for the fewest goals allowed with four. Ulsan have scored at least three goals in four matches.
Jung Hoon-sung of Ulsan Hyundai FC (C) and Ju Se-jong of FC Seoul (R) battle for the loose ball during their K League 1 match at Seoul World Cup Stadium in Seoul on June 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
Their Brazilian striker Junior Negrao is the K League's top scorer this season with nine goals, the latest one coming in a 2-0 victory over FC Seoul on Saturday.
Five of Jeonbuk's seven wins have been by one goal. They have often had a sluggish first half, only to kick it up a notch in the second half. Of their 13 goals, 11 have come in the second half. In their most recent victory Saturday, Jeonbuk needed an 85th-minute score by Han Kyo-won to squeeze past Gwangju FC 1-0.
These two rivals will clash for the first time this season at 6 p.m. Sunday in Ulsan, 400 kilometers southeast of Seoul.
Ulsan saved veteran midfielder Lee Chung-yong, who'd been dealing with a bruised knee, in their Saturday's victory. Head coach Kim Do-hoon said Lee, who has now missed three straight matches, is good to go against Jeonbuk.
"He's able to play, and he's been practicing with the team," Kim said after Saturday's match. "We rested him (against FC Seoul) for precautionary reasons. We'll send him out there in our next match (against Jeonbuk). I know a lot of football fans will be watching that game closely, and we'll try to come away with the result we want."
Junior Negrao (L) and Bjorn Johnsen of Ulsah Hyundai FC celebrate Junior Negrao's goal against FC Seoul during their K League 1 match at Seoul World Cup Stadium in Seoul on June 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
While Kim appears to have been carefully building up for the match against Jeonbuk, his coaching counterpart, Jose Morais, appears to be doing the exact opposite.
"If anything, there's even less preparation for me to do for these big matches," Morais said Sunday. "Every player knows the importance of a match against Ulsan. I'll just give them some tactical instruction. The players will handle everything else. I am looking forward to a good match."
Last year, Jeonbuk and Ulsan finished tied for most points in the league at 79, with Jeonbuk capturing the title on a goals-scored tiebreaker, 72-71. The next-best team, FC Seoul, finished 23 points back in third place.
Ulsan took a three-point lead over Jeonbuk into the final day of the regular season. Needing only a draw against Pohang Steelers to secure their first championship since 2005, Ulsan instead lost 4-1. That, combined with Jeonbuk's 1-0 victory over Gangwon FC, resulted in the most spectacular final-day collapse in league history.
In this file photo from May 24, 2020, Lars Veldwijk of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (R) chases Jeong Tae-wook of Daegu FC during their K League 1 match at Jeonju World Cup Stadium in Jeonju, 240 kilometers south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-22--Seoul stocks open lower on increasing COVID-19 cases

The drop was mainly attributed to worsening investor sentiments , prompted by a steep rise in the number of new @ @ @ @ @ .

SEOUL, June 22 (Yonhap) -- South Korean shares opened lower Monday amid fears of a resurgence in the new coronavirus at home and abroad.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) fell 11.6 points, or 0.54 percent, to 2,129.72 in the first 15 minutes of trading.
The drop was mainly attributed to worsening investor sentiments, prompted by a steep rise in the number of new COVID-19 infections over the weekend.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported Sunday (Geneva time) that there were 183,020 new infections globally in the last 24 hours, the largest single-day hike in coronavirus cases.
South Korea added 67 new cases Saturday, the highest in 23 days, and 48 new infections Sunday, raising the accumulative total to 12,421.
Most large caps traded lower.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics lost 1.32 percent, with No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix dipping 0.94 percent.
Top pharmaceutical firm Samsung BioLogics slipped 0.37 percent, and leading chemical maker LG Chem stayed flat.
The local currency was trading at 1,213.95 won against the U.S. dollar, down 4.35 won from the previous session's close.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-22--Exhibition to open in gratitude for foreign Korean War veterans

The exhibition will open in sequence through November , starting at Incheon International Airport , the main gateway of South @ @ @ @ @ followed by openings at the War Memorial of Korea in Seoul and the United Nations @ @ @ @ @ southeastern city of Busan , according to the ministry .

SEOUL, June 22 (Yonhap) -- An exhibition of photos and paintings will kick off this week to honor foreign soldiers who fought in the 1950-53 Korean War as part of events to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the conflict, the veterans affairs ministry said Monday.
The exhibition will open in sequence through November, starting at Incheon International Airport, the main gateway of South Korea, on Tuesday, followed by openings at the War Memorial of Korea in Seoul and the United Nations Peace Memorial Hall in the southeastern city of Busan, according to the ministry.
The exhibition will display photos and paintings by South Korean artists created in remembrance of veterans from U.N. member nations that sent forces to South Korea, as well as children's paintings sent from those countries, it said.
Around 1.95 million people from 22 countries participated in the three-year war to help South Korea fight the North backed by the Soviet Union and China. The two Koreas are still technically at war as the conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty.
This image, provided by the veterans affairs ministry, shows a work of art to be displayed at an exhibition commemorating foreign veterans who fought in the 1950-53 Korean War in line with the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the conflict. The exhibition will open at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, on June 23, 2020, and run through November. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-22--(LEAD) Korea's exports dip 7.5 pct in first 20 days of June

The nation 's outbound shipments stood at US $ 25 billion in the June 1-20 period , according to the @ @ @ @ @ Service .

(ATTN: UPDATES with details)
By Kim Deok-hyun
SEJONG, June 22 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's exports fell 7.5 percent on year in the first 20 days of June amid the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, customs data showed Monday.
The nation's outbound shipments stood at US$25 billion in the June 1-20 period, according to the data from the Korea Customs Service.
The daily average exports during the 20-day period also slipped 16.2 percent on-year.
The data came amid growing concerns that the coronavirus pandemic is denting exports by South Korea's economy.
The new coronavirus has disrupted trade and halted production around the globe, with a rising number of countries fully shutting their borders.
By segment, exports of memory chips, a key item, rose 2.6 percent, but those of automobiles plunged 36.7 percent over the 20-day period from a year earlier.
By country, shipments to China gained 14.5 percent on-year, while shipments to the United States fell 10 percent.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


Monday's weather forecast

SEOUL , June 22 ( Yonhap ) -- The following is the weather forecast for South Korea 's 12 major @ @ @ @ @ .


KOSDAQ 742.98 UP 0.95 points (open)


KOSPI 2,126.38 DN 14.94 points (open)


yna--2020-06-22--S. Korea's exports dip 7.5 pct in first 20 days of June

The country 's outbound shipments declined 7.5 percent in the June 1-20 period from the same period last year , @ @ @ @ @ the Korea Customs Service .

SEJONG, June 22 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's exports fell moderately from a year earlier in the first 20 days of June amid the economic fallout from the new coronavirus, customs data showed Monday.
The country's outbound shipments declined 7.5 percent in the June 1-20 period from the same period last year, according to the data from the Korea Customs Service.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-22--Dollar opens at 1,213.4 won UP from 1,209.6 won


yna--2020-06-22--N. Korea preparing to send 12 mln leaflets to S. Korea via 3,000 balloons

North Korea has called South Korea an `` enemy '' and cut off all cross-border communication lines in anger over @ @ @ @ @ week , it even blew up a joint liaison office in its border town of @ @ @ @ @ a result of a 2018 summit between their leaders .

By Koh Byung-joon
SEOUL, June 22 (Yonhap) -- North Korea is preparing to send around 12 million propaganda leaflets to South Korea via some 3,000 balloons, state media reported Monday, saying, "The time for retaliatory punishment" is fast approaching.
North Korea has threatened to send propaganda leaflets into the South in retaliation against South Korea's failure to stop North Korean defectors and other activists from sending anti-Pyongyang leaflets into the communist state despite their 2018 summit agreement banning such activity.
"Publishing and printing institutions at all levels in the capital city have turned out 12 million leaflets of all kinds reflective of the wrath and hatred of the people from all walks of life," the Korean Central News Agency said.
"Various equipment and means of distributing leaflets, including over 3,000 balloons of various types capable of scattering leaflets deep inside South Korea, have been prepared," it added. "The time for retaliatory punishment is drawing near."
It did not mention when the leaflets will be dispatched, but observers say it will be just a matter of days or timed for Thursday, the 70th anniversary of the 1950-53 Korean War.
On Saturday, South Korea's unification ministry voiced regret over North Korea's plan to send leaflets and demand Pyongyang withdraw it immediately, calling it a violation of the inter-Korean summit agreement.
North Korea's United Front Department handling inter-Korean affairs dismissed the call and said that it has no intention to cancel or adjust the leaflet-sending plan, calling the summit agreement a "dead document." State media also disclosed leaflets showing South Korean President Moon Jae-in's face with denigrating rhetoric.
Dispatching propaganda leaflets into the South is one of the retaliatory measures the North has vowed to take in response to anti-Pyongyang leaflets that defectors in the South send via large balloons into the North.
The North has bristled at South Korea failing to stop defector groups and other activists from sending propaganda leaflets criticizing its leaders.
North Korea has called South Korea an "enemy" and cut off all cross-border communication lines in anger over the leafleting issue. Last week, it even blew up a joint liaison office in its border town of Kaesong that was opened as a result of a 2018 summit between their leaders.
The South Korean government has sought to legislate a ban against leafleting and filed a criminal complaint against two defector groups engaging in such activity. The North, however, criticized Seoul for acting too late and coming up with "little more advanced excuses."
This image captured from the website of the Korean Central News Agency on June 20, 2020, shows anti-Seoul leaflets stacked up at a printing institution in North Korea. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-22--(EDITORIAL from Korea JoongAng Daily on June 22)

According to Bolton , Moon strongly pushed for a Trump-Kim summit in Panmunjom shortly followed by a tripartite summit between @ @ @ @ @ there , but Moon 's idea was rejected by Kim who preferred Singapore for his @ @ @ @ @ With regard to a proposed declaration to end the Korean War , Bolton claimed that @ @ @ @ @ North Korea 's idea from the beginning , but it turned out to be part @ @ @ @ @ .
Bolton recalled that Trump also held the historic Singapore summit to attract international attention @ @ @ @ @ would succeed no matter what .

Naïve mediation
A memoir by former White House National Security Advisor John Bolton has stirred up controversy even before its release. The book claims that President Moon Jae-in relayed North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's promise of complete denuclearization to U.S. President Donald Trump. Bolton went on to say that Moon had notified Trump of his request to Kim to get rid of his nuclear weapons within a year and his "agreement to the scrapping of his nuclear arsenal."
Bolton also said that in contrast with Moon's overly optimistic views on denuclearization, Japanese Prime Minster Shinzo Abe told Trump not to believe what Kim said. If Bolton's memories are correct, we cannot rule out the possibility that Moon and his administration stretched the meaning of what Kim meant by "denuclearization" and conveyed that to Washington.
According to Bolton, Moon strongly pushed for a Trump-Kim summit in Panmunjom shortly followed by a tripartite summit between Moon, Trump and Kim there, but Moon's idea was rejected by Kim who preferred Singapore for his first summit with Trump. With regard to a proposed declaration to end the Korean War, Bolton claimed that he had thought it was North Korea's idea from the beginning, but it turned out to be part of Moon's unification agenda. Bolton recalled that Trump also held the historic Singapore summit to attract international attention with the conviction that it would succeed no matter what.
If Bolton is to be believed, the Singapore summit was more focused on promoting Moon's unification agenda and highlighting Trump's showmanship than on removing North Korean nuclear weapons. Bolton's remarks — such as "The whole diplomatic fandango was South Korea's creation" and "Kim had Trump hooked in Singapore" — suggest the summit was ill-conceived from the beginning.
The Moon administration played a key role in the two summits, as seen in the fact that the Singapore summit took place just three months after Moon's National Security Advisor Chung Eui-yong traveled to Washington after meeting with Kim in Pyongyang. But what Kim meant by "denuclearization" was the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, including the scrapping of U.S. nuclear arms in South Korea and Japan.
It remains to be seen if the Moon administration was willingly or inadvertently cheated by North Korea. Given the repeated provocations, the government cannot refute the criticism that it exaggerated Pyongyang's will to denuclearize and delivered it to Washington. The Moon administration must change its overly optimistic North Korea policy before it is too late.
(END)


yna--2020-06-22--Gov't to resume sale process of Woori Financial in H2

Last year , the government set up a blueprint for completing the privatization of Woori Financial by 2022 in a @ @ @ @ @ that were used to bail out the financial holding group in the wake of the @ @ @ @ @

SEOUL, June 22 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean government said Tuesday it will seek to sell its 17.25-percent stake in Woori Financial Holdings Co. in the second half of this year, depending on financial market conditions.
Last year, the government set up a blueprint for completing the privatization of Woori Financial by 2022 in a bid to recoup public funds that were used to bail out the financial holding group in the wake of the 1997-98 Asian financial Crisis.
The public funds oversight committee, which handles state asset sales, said it will closely monitor market situations to kick off the sales process in the second half, when market conditions are favorable, according to the Financial Services Commission (FSC).
This photo, taken on Feb. 11, 2020, shows the headquarters of Woori Financial Holdings Co. in central Seoul. (Yonhap)
The government was to begin the sale process in the first half but the plan did not proceed as financial markets were affected by the new coronavirus outbreak.
Shares of Woori Financial fell 1.29 percent to end at 9,190 won (US$7.57) on Monday. To recoup the public funds, the stake should be sold at some 12,300 won per share, according to market watchers.
The government poured a total of 12.8 trillion won into Woori Bank, which was turned into Woori Financial early last year, to keep it afloat in the aftermath of the financial crisis.
The government sold a 28-percent stake to institutional investors in 2016, but the state-run Korea Deposit Insurance Corp. is still the largest shareholder of Woori Financial.
As of end-February, the government had recouped 11.1 trillion won in public funds.
(END)


yna--2020-06-22--U.N. council adopts N.K. human rights resolution for 18th consecutive year

North Korea has long been labeled one of the worst human rights violators in the world .
Pyongyang has bristled @ @ @ @ @ it a U.S.-led attempt to topple its regime .

GENEVA, June 22 (Yonhap) -- The U.N. Human Rights Council on Monday adopted a resolution condemning North Korea's human rights violations for the 18th straight year.
During the 43rd session held in Geneva, Switzerland, the council, consisting of 47 member countries, passed the resolution by consensus.
North Korea has long been labeled one of the worst human rights violators in the world. Pyongyang has bristled at such criticism, calling it a U.S.-led attempt to topple its regime.
This photo, provided by China's Xinhua News Agency, shows a session held by the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva on June 19, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-06-22--S. Korea, Singapore hold defense strategy talks, discuss coronavirus

During the videoconference with his Singaporean counterpart , Teo Eng Dih , Deputy Defense Minister Chung Suk-hwan explained the government @ @ @ @ @ and the military 's contribution in stemming the spread of the virus , according to @ @ @

SEOUL, June 22 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and Singapore held defense strategy talks via video links Monday and shared their responses to the new coronavirus, Seoul's defense ministry said.
During the videoconference with his Singaporean counterpart, Teo Eng Dih, Deputy Defense Minister Chung Suk-hwan explained the government's response to COVID-19, and the military's contribution in stemming the spread of the virus, according to the ministry.
Teo praised Seoul's measures to control the virus and shared his country's response, it said.
During the talks, the two sides agreed to boost their cooperation in the fields of defense technology and humanitarian activities.
"The two sides agreed to hold (the South Korea-Singapore defense strategy dialogue) every year to further discuss ways to improve their defense cooperation," the ministry said in a release.
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-22--In 'Heng:Garae,' Seventeen delivers comforting pep talk for youths

`` I was n't exactly sure when I listened to the song for the first time .
It was n't @ @ @ @ @ tried in the past .
But when hearing it for the second time , I @ @ @ @ @ said .

By Chang Dong-woo
SEOUL, June 22 (Yonhap) -- It's natural for youth to torment themselves at life's pivotal moments, like potentially life-changing career decisions, all the way to the most mundane choices, such as what to have for dinner.
For today's youth, who face constant uncertainties, K-pop boy band Seventeen on Monday presented a dose of comfort and encouragement via the group's latest EP album "Heng:Garae," advising them to free themselves of anxieties when pursuing dreams and pushing toward challenges.
"We tried to fill the album with encouraging messages for today's youth who are pursuing their dreams," Woozi, vocalist and songwriter of Seventeen, said at a media showcase for its seventh EP album at the Intercontinental Seoul Coex Hotel in southern Seoul.
S.Coups, leader of K-pop boy band Seventeen poses for photos during a media showcase for the group's new EP album "Heng:Garae" at the Intercontinental Seoul Coex Hotel in southern Seoul on June 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
Woozi added, "For those feeling lost during their coming-of-age period, when we try to find answers to our worries, we wanted to suggest there is always a way up forward, as in the term Henggarae."
Henggarae is a Korean word meaning tossing up someone in celebration.
"Heng:Garae," Seventeen's first new record in nine months, contains six songs. It is fronted by "Left & Right," a funky rhythmic dance pop track that moves along hard piano bass lines paired with twangy rhythm guitars.
Other songs, mostly bright and inspirational, include "Fearless," "My My" and "Kidult." Concept-wise, "Heng:Garae" represents a stark departure from the band's previous album "Fear," which explored darker topics.
"When I first heard 'Left & Right,' I found myself humming and moving along with the song. I could envision us being on stage performing," main singer Seungkwan said.
Hoshi, Seventeen's main dancer, explained that he initially had reservations about "Left & Right" but later became hooked.
K-pop boy band Seventeen poses for photos during a media showcase for its new EP album "Heng:Garae" at the Intercontinental Seoul Coex Hotel in southern Seoul on June 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
"I wasn't exactly sure when I listened to the song for the first time. It wasn't a genre that we had tried in the past. But when hearing it for the second time, I had goosebumps," Hoshi said.
He added, "I thought 'now this is a what a title song sounds like.' I knew that Seventeen could try something that we haven't tried before."
The band, which debuted in 2015, is currently in its sixth year. Hence, according to singer DK, the band put in a lot of efforts in producing the album, constantly revising and re-recording the album.
"We sought out many details during the recording process. The theme of the album was youth, hence we tried to include a sound that suited the concept. We revised and tweaked a lot during the production," DK said.
The album is already poised to become a massive commercial success, having secured more than 1.06 million copies of retail pre-orders in South Korea. Nonetheless, the band is focused on receptions from fans and critics.
"We just hope that the album is received well. Sales numbers are important too but our goal is for the album to be received well by fans," said group leader S.Coups.
K-pop boy band Seventeen poses for photos during a media showcase for its new EP album "Heng:Garae" at the Intercontinental Seoul Coex Hotel in southern Seoul on June 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-22--(3rd LD) N. Korea reinstalling propaganda loudspeakers along border: military officials

According to the authorities , North Korea has been detected setting up loudspeakers again `` in multiple places '' inside @ @ @ @ @ ) from around Sunday .
It had dismantled dozens of loudspeakers in around 40 areas @ @ @ @ @ a first action to follow up on the Panmunjom Declaration .

(ATTN: ADDS defense ministry's reaction in 5th para)
By Oh Seok-min
SEOUL, June 22 (Yonhap) -- North Korea is reinstalling propaganda loudspeakers in regions along the inter-Korean border after removing them under a 2018 summit agreement with South Korea, military officials said Monday.
After the summit between President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on April 27, 2018, the two Koreas agreed to halt all hostile acts against each other and eliminate their means, including broadcasting through loudspeakers and distribution of leaflets.
According to the authorities, North Korea has been detected setting up loudspeakers again "in multiple places" inside the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) from around Sunday. It had dismantled dozens of loudspeakers in around 40 areas near the tense border in a first action to follow up on the Panmunjom Declaration.
"Such moves were spotted in more than 10 regions, which have taken place simultaneously," an official of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said.
"We are closely monitoring the North's military moves," the defense ministry said. "We are fully ready to immediately respond to various possibilities."
South Korea, in response, is also reviewing the option of restoring its loudspeakers. The South removed its loudspeaker broadcast equipment installed in around 40 front-line areas, including the border town of Paju, in May 2018 in accordance with the agreement.
The communist country has threatened to launch anti-South leaflets and to implement other actions against what it called "the enemy" in protest over Seoul's failure to stop defectors from conducting anti-regime propaganda leaflet campaigns.
Last week, it blew up the inter-Korean liaison office in the border town of Kaesong, a symbol of reconciliation between the two Koreas and a key achievement of the summit declaration.
This file photo taken on June 16, 2004, shows South Korean soldiers dismantling propaganda loudspeakers targeting North Korean soldiers at a border unit. The defense ministry said on April 30, 2018, that it would withdraw such loudspeakers from May 1 in accordance with agreements made at the recent inter-Korean summit. (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-22--Samsung Heavy averts damage claim by Petrobras America

In March 2019 , Petrobras America , a U.S. unit of Brazilian state-owned oil firm Petrobras , demanded the compensation @ @ @ @ @ that it was forced to shoulder increased charter costs of drill ships built by Samsung @ @ @ @ @ firm Pride Global Ltd .

By Nam Kwang-sik
SEOUL, June 22 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Heavy Industries Co. said Monday that a U.S. federal district court in Texas has turned down a US$250 million damage claim against the company filed by Petrobas America Inc.
In March 2019, Petrobras America, a U.S. unit of Brazilian state-owned oil firm Petrobras, demanded the compensation from Samsung Heavy, claiming that it was forced to shoulder increased charter costs of drill ships built by Samsung Heavy and delivered to U.S. firm Pride Global Ltd.
Petrobras claimed that a broker for the construction of the five drill ships bribed Petro officials with fees from Samsung, which led to an increase in charter costs.
Petrobras America clinched a deal with Pride Global to lease the drill ships for five years in 2011.
ksnam@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-22--(LEAD) N. Korea preparing military parade for party anniversary: defense ministry

`` The North Korean military is continuing activities to prepare for an event to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the @ @ @ @ @ '' the ministry said in the report , adding that repair work for Kimilsung Square @ @ @ @ @ under way .

(ATTN: ADDS defense minister's remarks, more info in paras 6-9, 12-13)
By Choi Soo-hyang
SEOUL, June 22 (Yonhap) -- North Korea is preparing to hold a large-scale military parade to mark October's 75th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers' Party, the defense ministry said Monday, amid speculation that the communist nation could use the event to showcase new strategic weapons.
In a report to the parliament's defense committee, the ministry said new buildings were spotted under construction at the Mirim airfield in Pyongyang, a possible sign the North could showcase an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) or a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) on Oct. 10.
"The North Korean military is continuing activities to prepare for an event to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of its party," the ministry said in the report, adding that repair work for Kimilsung Square was also seen to be under way.
The North has used military parades on important national days to flex its military muscle by displaying newly developed weapons, including missiles. It usually holds bigger events to celebrate anniversaries every fifth or 10th year.
The ministry said no unusual movements have been detected in relation to the North's nuclear program, but missile development activities have continued.
"No immediate signs have been detected (regarding the possible launch of ICBMs). But we are open to all possibilities and are closely monitoring the situation," Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo told a parliamentary defense committee session.
Amid stalled denuclearization talks with the U.S., North Korea has carried out major weapons tests since 2019 but has stopped short of launching ICBMs, which are deemed a red line for U.S. President Donald Trump.
Asked about a new submarine that North Korea is building, the minister said that Pyongyang seems "quite close" to securing technologies to launch SLBMs from the vessel, though it is hard to tell if it completed the construction of the new submarine.
The new asset is believed to be a 3,000-ton class submarine and may be capable of carrying three SLBMs.
In this file photo, taken on Feb. 2, 2018, and released by the North's official Korean Central News Agency the next day, Hwasong-15 missiles on mobile launchers are displayed during a military parade at Kimilsung Square in Pyongyang to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of its armed forces. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
The assessment came amid a surge in cross-border tensions after North Korea blew up an inter-Korean liaison office in its border town of Kaesong last week in anger over anti-Pyongyang leaflets sent across the border by activists here.
The North has since threatened to send troops to disarmed border regions and abolish an inter-Korean tension-reduction deal signed in 2018.
"We've kept close tabs on North Korea's moves round-the-clock and maintain a firm readiness posture. If the North carries out any provocative acts, we will take countermeasures immediately," Jeong told lawmakers.
South Korea has been employing a full range of surveillance assets, but it has no plan as of now to raise the military watch condition, he added.
South Korea and the U.S. have also boosted their joint monitoring and intel-sharing in light of the North's threats and will carry out their combined exercises this year at a level similar to last year's, according to the ministry.
In this file photo, taken on Sept. 9, 2018, and released by the North's official Korean Central News Agency, North Korean soldiers march during a military parade at Kimilsung Square in Pyongyang to mark the 70th anniversary of North Korea's founding day. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-22--(2nd LD) Seoul choked by season's highest temperature

The highest official temperature in Seoul in late June was recorded on June 24 , 1958 , when it surged @ @ @ @ @ highest of 35.6 C for late June was recorded on June 25 , 1958 and @ @ @ @ @ while the third highest of 35.5 C was on June 25 , 1929 , the @ @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES with details of fifth-highest late June temperature in Seoul in first four paras)
SEOUL, June 22 (Yonhap) -- This week began with a hot spell across the nation, with the season's highest temperature recorded in Seoul, meteorologists said.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), Seoul's daytime high soared to 35.4 C, the fifth highest temperature on record for late June.
The highest official temperature in Seoul in late June was recorded on June 24, 1958, when it surged to 37.2 C. The second highest of 35.6 C for late June was recorded on June 25, 1958 and June 30, 1920, while the third highest of 35.5 C was on June 25, 1929, the KMA noted.
This year's previous daily high of 33.5 C for Seoul was recorded on June 13. According to the KMA, Seoul's temperature topped the June 13 reading by reaching 33.7 C at 2 p.m.
Pedestrians cross a street in Yeouido, central Seoul, on June 22, 2020, amid sizzling terrestrial heat after the capital's daytime high soared above 35 C. (Yonhap)
The KMA earlier issued a heat wave advisory for the southeastern and northwestern parts of Seoul. It is the first time this year that Seoul's northwestern part has been put under a heat wave advisory.
"Heat has accumulated over Seoul due to extended clear weather in recent days. In addition, strong sunlight further pushed up the temperature," a KMA official said.
"There has been less wind in the center of the high pressure in the central regions, adding to the heat wave."
Elsewhere in the country, the temperature soared to 36.3 C in Chuncheon in Gangwon Province, 33.7 C in Daejeon and 32.5 C in Daegu as of 4 p.m., the KMA said.
A heat wave advisory has already been issued for Daejeon, Sejong and almost all inland areas of Gyeonggi, Gangwon, Chungcheong, North Jeolla and North Gyeongsang provinces.
A heat wave advisory is issued when the daytime high is projected to exceed 33 C for more than two days, or damage is expected due to prolonged hot weather. The KMA earlier forecast the number of heat wave days will double this summer from the 30-year average.
According to the KMA, the latest hot spell will continue until Tuesday, as rain is forecast nationwide from Wednesday to Friday. On Sunday, rain is also forecast for the southwestern provinces of Jeolla and Jeju Island.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-22--(2nd LD) N. Korea reinstalling propaganda loudspeakers along border: military officials

(ATTN: ADDS more details, comments in paras 3-4, 6)
By Oh Seok-min
SEOUL, June 22 (Yonhap) -- North Korea is reinstalling propaganda loudspeakers in regions along the inter-Korean border after removing them under a 2018 summit agreement with South Korea, military officials said Monday.
After the summit between President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on April 27, 2018, the two Koreas agreed to halt all hostile acts against each other and eliminate their means, including broadcasting through loudspeakers and distribution of leaflets.
According to the authorities, North Korea has been detected setting up loudspeakers again "in multiple places" inside the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) from around Sunday. It had dismantled dozens of loudspeakers in around 40 areas near the tense border in a first action to follow up on the Panmunjom Declaration.
"Such moves were spotted in more than 10 regions, which have taken place simultaneously," an official of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said.
"We are closely monitoring the North's moves to wage psychological warfare. We maintain a tight readiness posture to properly respond to any eventualities," he said.
South Korea, in response, is also reviewing the option of restoring its loudspeakers. The South removed its loudspeaker broadcast equipment installed in around 40 front-line areas, including the border town of Paju, in May 2018 in accordance with the agreement.
The communist country has threatened to launch anti-South leaflets and to implement other actions against what it called "the enemy" in protest over Seoul's failure to stop defectors from conducting anti-regime propaganda leaflet campaigns.
Last week, it blew up the inter-Korean liaison office in the border town of Kaesong, a symbol of reconciliation between the two Koreas and a key achievement of the summit declaration.
This file photo taken on June 16, 2004, shows South Korean soldiers dismantling propaganda loudspeakers targeting North Korean soldiers at a border unit. The defense ministry said on April 30, 2018, that it would withdraw such loudspeakers from May 1 in accordance with agreements made at the recent inter-Korean summit. (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-22--Newly assigned American service member tests positive for coronavirus; total at 36

`` USFK health professionals determined there was limited contact tracing due to the airman and all others on the chartered @ @ @ @ @ quarantined ; thorough cleaning of his quarantine room has been completed , '' USFK said @ @ @ @

SEOUL, June 22 (Yonhap) -- An American airman newly assigned to South Korea has tested positive for the new coronavirus, the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) said Monday.
The latest COVID-19 case brought the total number of infections among the USFK population to 36.
The service member arrived at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, some 70 kilometers south of Seoul, on a U.S. government-chartered flight on Wednesday, and was in mandatory quarantine at their facilities while awaiting his test result, according to USFK.
Since testing positive, the airman was moved to Osan's isolation facility designated for such patients, it added.
"USFK health professionals determined there was limited contact tracing due to the airman and all others on the chartered flight being tested and immediately quarantined; thorough cleaning of his quarantine room has been completed," USFK said in a statement.
USFK has reported several virus cases among its service personnel recently who arrived here from their home country.
All USFK-affiliated individuals arriving in South Korea from overseas are tested for COVID-19 and then quarantined for 14 days. Medical personnel administer another test prior to their release from isolation, according to the U.S. military.
A military guard at U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, 70 kilometers south of Seoul, checks the temperature of a driver to screen entrants to the compound for the novel coronavirus, on Feb. 28, 2020, in the photo provided by United States Forces Korea. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-22--S. Korea, Singapore begin talks on digital trade deal

The first official talks will be held in mid-July and negotiations will be held via videoconference for the time being @ @ @ @ @

SEOUL, June 22 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and Singapore on Monday kicked off negotiations toward a digital trade deal, Seoul's trade ministry said.
South Korean Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee and her Singaporean counterpart, Chan Chun Sing, announced the start of negotiations during their videoconference earlier in the day, the ministry said.
A digital trade deal includes provisions for non-discriminatory treatment for electronic transactions, easing of barriers on cross-border data flow and consumer protection.
If South Korea signs a deal with Singapore, it would be the first digital trade deal for Seoul.
Yoo said the two nations agreed to swiftly push for negotiations with the goal of making substantial progress by the end of this year.
If signed, a deal would help lower barriers on digital trade between the two nations, Yoo said.
The first official talks will be held in mid-July and negotiations will be held via videoconference for the time being, the ministry said.
South Korean Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee speaks during a videoconference with her Singaporean counterpart, Chan Chun Sing, on June 22, 2020, in this photo provided by the ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-06-22--(LEAD) Seoul choked by season's highest temperature

It became the hottest late June weather in 43 years since June 27 , 1977 , when the daytime high @ @ @ @ @ highest official temperature in Seoul in late June was recorded on June 24 , 1958 @ @ @ @ @ 37.2 C. The temperature also rose to 35.6 C on the following day , June @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES with record-high temperature in Seoul in headline and paras 1-8; CHANGES photo)
SEOUL, June 22 (Yonhap) -- This week began with a hot spell across the nation, with the season's highest temperature recorded in Seoul, meteorologists said.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), the temperature in Seoul rose to 35.2 C as of 4 p.m., breaking the capital's previous daily high of 33.5 C recorded on June 13. Seoul's temperature already topped the June 13 record by reaching 33.7 C as of 2 p.m.
It became the hottest late June weather in 43 years since June 27, 1977, when the daytime high rose to 34.6 C. The highest official temperature in Seoul in late June was recorded on June 24, 1958, when it surged to 37.2 C. The temperature also rose to 35.6 C on the following day, June 25.
Pedestrians cross a street in Yeouido, central Seoul, on June 22, 2020, amid sizzling terrestrial heat after the capital's daytime high soared above 35 C. (Yonhap)
The KMA earlier issued a heat wave advisory for the southeastern and northwestern parts of Seoul. It is the first time this year that Seoul's northwestern part has been put under a heat wave advisory.
"Heat has accumulated over Seoul due to extended clear weather in recent days. In addition, strong sunlight further pushed up the temperature," a KMA official said.
"There has been less wind in the center of the high pressure in the central regions, adding to the heat wave."
Elsewhere in the country, the temperature soared to 36.3 C in Chuncheon in Gangwon Province, 33.7 C in Daejeon and 32.5 C in Daegu as of 4 p.m., the KMA said.
A heat wave advisory has already been issued for Daejeon, Sejong and almost all inland areas of Gyeonggi, Gangwon, Chungcheong, North Jeolla and North Gyeongsang provinces.
A heat wave advisory is issued when the daytime high is projected to exceed 33 C for more than two days, or damage is expected due to prolonged hot weather. The KMA earlier forecast the number of heat wave days will double this summer from the 30-year average.
According to the KMA, the latest hot spell will continue until Tuesday, as rain is forecast nationwide from Wednesday to Friday. On Sunday, rain is also forecast for the southwestern provinces of Jeolla and Jeju Island.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-22--Korean shipyards sharply off order targets on pandemic

SEOUL , June 22 ( Yonhap ) -- South Korea 's shipbuilders , led by Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. , @ @ @ @ @ in new orders in the first five months of the year , falling sharply short @ @ @ @ @ due to the coronavirus outbreak and a drop in oil prices , the companies ' @ @ @ @

By Nam Kwang-sik
SEOUL, June 22 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's shipbuilders, led by Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., suffered from a sharp drop in new orders in the first five months of the year, falling sharply short of their annual order targets due to the coronavirus outbreak and a drop in oil prices, the companies' data showed Monday.
Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co. said its three shipbuilding subsidiaries have bagged a combined US$1.82 worth of orders to build a total of 29 ships in the January-May period, meeting a meager 10.4 percent of their annual order targets of $17.5 billion.
Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering is the holding company of Hyundai Heavy Industries, Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co. and Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries Co.
Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. has achieved 20 percent of its annual order target of $7.21 billion during the five-month period with just $1.43 billion worth of orders to build six ships.
Samsung Heavy Industries Co. achieved a mere 6 percent of its annual order target of $8.4 billion by clinching $490 million in orders, or five ships.
This file photo provided by Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co. shows a shipyard of Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. in Ulsan, 414 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Their dismal new orders were due mainly to the coronavirus pandemic that hurt global trade and led to a sharp drop in oil prices.
According to data provided by global market researcher Clarkson Research Service, global shipbuilding orders came to 4.66 million compensated gross tons (CGTs) in the January-May period, down 61.2 percent from a year ago.
Global shipbuilding orders are expected to decline by 23 percent to 21 million CGTs this year from a year earlier, the lowest level since 2016, when the comparable figure was 13.79 million CGTs.
"Oil prices and new orders were the lowest level since 2016, but investors have hoped for more orders of LNG carriers (in the second half)," Lee Dong-heon, an analyst at Daishin Securities Co., said in his report.
Analysts said a rise in oil prices may stoke demand for commercial vessels.
"If prices of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude move up over $40 a barrel, the production of shale gas and oil in the U.S. will rise, which will generate orders of commercial vessels," said Bae Se-jin, an analyst at Hyundai Motor Securities Co.
ksnam@yna.co.kr
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

SEOUL -- The Seoul metropolitan area is already in the second round of the new coronavirus outbreak , health authorities @ @ @ @ @ South Korea should prepare for a protracted virus fight as the pandemic is widely expected @ @ @ @ @ .

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Monday.
-----------------
(LEAD) N. Korea reinstalling propaganda loudspeakers in border areas: authorities
SEOUL -- North Korea is reinstalling propaganda loudspeakers in regions along the inter-Korean border after removing them under a 2018 summit agreement with South Korea, military authorities said Monday.
After the summit between President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on April 27, 2018, the two Koreas agreed to halt all hostile acts against each other and eliminate their means, including broadcasting through loudspeakers and distribution of leaflets.
-----------------
(4th LD) Greater Seoul already in 2nd wave of virus outbreak; new infection cases dip to 1-month low
SEOUL -- The Seoul metropolitan area is already in the second round of the new coronavirus outbreak, health authorities said Monday, warning that South Korea should prepare for a protracted virus fight as the pandemic is widely expected to continue through the summer.
The country added 17 new cases, including 11 local infections, raising the total caseload to 12,438, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC). The newly added daily cases marks the lowest in almost a month due mainly to less testing over the weekend.
-----------------
Bolton memoir feared to deepen U.S.-N.K. distrust amid deadlock in nuke talks
SEOUL -- The memoir of former U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton is feared to worsen distrust between the United States and North Korea amid their stalled nuclear diplomacy, as it reveals that President Donald Trump's policy was driven by what Bolton calls "reelection calculations."
In his upcoming book, "The Room Where It Happened," set to be published Tuesday (U.S. time), Bolton enumerated a series of Trump's foreign policy decisions that he claimed were affected by the president's pursuit of political interests.
-----------------
(2nd LD) Cheong Wa Dae says much of Bolton's memoir on Korea 'distorted,' urges U.S. gov't to address such 'dangerous' case
SEOUL -- The office of President Moon Jae-in on Monday strongly criticized former White House National Security Adviser John Bolton for his "distorted" account of what happened in brisk summit diplomacy last year involving the leaders of the United States and the two Koreas.
Chung Eui-yong, director of national security at Cheong Wa Dae, said in a statement that "A considerable portion of it is distorted."
-----------------
Key suspects in Telegram sex abuse indicted on additional charges
SEOUL -- The prosecution on Monday indicted key suspects in a high-profile Telegram sex abuse case on additional charges after concluding that the online ring can be seen as a criminal organization.
The Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office, which is looking into the case involving underaged victims, said it has indicted Cho Ju-bin, 24; Kang Hoon, 18; and six others on charges of organizing, joining and running a criminal organization.
-----------------
(LEAD) S. Korea to deploy Global Hawk unmanned aircraft as early as next month: sources
SEOUL, June 22 (Yonhap) -- The Air Force is planning to put the advanced unmanned aircraft Global Hawk into operational deployment as early as next month, with the fourth and last unit to arrive here soon, sources said Monday.
Under a 2011 deal with the United States, South Korea bought four RQ-4 Block 30 Global Hawk Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) and has so far brought in three units, with the first one arriving here in December last year.
-----------------
(END)


yna--2020-06-22--(4th LD) Greater Seoul already in 2nd wave of virus outbreak; new infection cases dip to 1-month low

`` We originally predicted that the second wave to emerge in fall or winter , '' Jeong said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ be wrong .
As long as people having close contact with others , we believe @ @ @ @ @ ''

(ATTN: RECASTS 4th para from bottom; ADDS more info throughout)
SEOUL, June 22 (Yonhap) -- The Seoul metropolitan area is already in the second round of the new coronavirus outbreak, health authorities said Monday, warning that South Korea should prepare for a protracted virus fight as the pandemic is widely expected to continue through the summer.
The country added 17 new cases, including 11 local infections, raising the total caseload to 12,438, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC). The newly added daily cases marks the lowest in almost a month due mainly to less testing over the weekend.
This was the first time since May 26 that the number of new daily COVID-19 cases fell below 20. It also marks a sharp drop from 67 cases Saturday and 48 cases Sunday.
A child care worker checks the temperature of a boy at a day care center in Daegu on June 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
KCDC chief Jeong Eun-kyeong said she believes that the second round of virus outbreak is in progress in the capital and its vicinity after the first wave of virus outbreak between February and March.
After peaking at over 900 cases a day in late February, the country's virus curve flattened due to massive testing and contact tracing, as well as strict social distancing.
But the country saw a steady rise in new infections in early May due to a large-scale cluster infection tied to a nightlife district of Itaewon, as well as a distribution center just west of Seoul.
The second wave of COVID-19 apparently started from sporadic cluster infections in the Seoul metropolitan area in early May, Jeong added.
"We originally predicted that the second wave to emerge in fall or winter," Jeong said. "Our forecast turned out to be wrong. As long as people having close contact with others, we believe that infections will continue."
Of the locally transmitted cases, seven were reported in the densely populated Seoul and nearby metropolitan areas, where around half of the country's 50-million population lives.
The Seoul metropolitan area accounted for most of the newly added virus cases this month, with cluster outbreaks at churches and door-to-door business establishments.
Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon said the nation's capital may have to return to strict social distancing if the city's cases for the next three days top 30 on average and the bed occupancy rate of the city's hospitals exceeds 70 percent, a level that is considered burdensome for the public health system.
The daily virus infections in Seoul stood at 17.9 as of Friday this month, a sharp rise from 7.4 in May and 5.2 in April, according to the Seoul city.
The country has also seen infections outside of the capital region. Two cases were reported in South Chungcheong Province and one identified in Daegu and North Jeolla Province each, raising concerns of further community spread outside Seoul.
Health workers disinfect a school in Gwangju on June 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
The country reported six additional imported cases, raising the total number of such cases to 1,441.
Imported cases have emerged as a new concern in recent days. The country reported 31 such cases Saturday, the biggest spike in more than two months.
In a bid to stem inflows of COVID-19 into the country, health authorities will limit the entry from some countries where virus infections persist via restrictions on flight services and visa issuance starting Tuesday.
Over the past week, a total of 90 imported cases were identified here, almost doubling from the previous week's 48.
The government will designate door-to-door businesses, logistics distribution centers, large private tutoring institutions and buffet restaurants as "high infection-risk facilities" also Tuesday, and they will be required to carry out stricter virus prevention measures.
Health authorities will look into unreported, unregistered door-to-door business establishments by July 5 and vowed mete out strong penalties should they violate quarantine guidelines.
So far, cases linked to door-to-door businesses have reached 254, with 205 of them detected in the greater Seoul area, according to the KCDC. Of the total, 140 were patients aged 60 or older.
To secure more hospitals beds, health authorities said they are planning to revise guidelines on patient treatment this week. Those showing minor symptoms may be headed directly to so-called treatment centers instead of going to hospitals.
People wait in the shade to receive virus tests at a public medical center in Seoul on June 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
In early May, the country eased its strict social distancing due to the flattened virus curve. The number of new daily cases peaked in late February at more than 900.
But a series of sporadic cluster infections in the Seoul area soon emerged, putting great strains on the country's virus fight.
Health authorities imposed tougher infection preventive measures in the region in late May for two weeks, which were later extended indefinitely as cluster infections.
Health authorities said the country may reinstate strict distancing in daily life if the number of new cases does not fall back to single digits.
There were no additional deaths, keeping the total death toll to 280.
The total number of people released from quarantine after full recoveries stood at 10,881, up 13 from the previous day, with 1,277 patients currently under treatment, according to the KCDC.
With the nation facing a hot spell this week, the KCDC recommended people limit outdoor activities and not wear masks outside if they can keep a 2-meter distance from other people.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-06-22--(LEAD) N. Korea reinstalling propaganda loudspeakers in border areas: authorities

After the summit between President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on April 27 , 2018 , the @ @ @ @ @ all hostile acts against each other and eliminate their means , including broadcasting through loudspeakers @ @ @ @ @

(ATTN: ADDS more details, comments in paras 2-7, photo)
SEOUL, June 22 (Yonhap) -- North Korea is reinstalling propaganda loudspeakers in regions along the inter-Korean border after removing them under a 2018 summit agreement with South Korea, military authorities said Monday.
After the summit between President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on April 27, 2018, the two Koreas agreed to halt all hostile acts against each other and eliminate their means, including broadcasting through loudspeakers and distribution of leaflets.
According to the authorities, North Korea has been detected setting up loudspeakers again "in multiple places" inside the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). It had dismantled dozens of loudspeakers in around 40 areas inside the tense border.
"We are closely monitoring the North's moves to wage psychological warfare. We maintain a tight readiness posture to properly respond to any eventualities," an official of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said.
The South, in response, is also reviewing the option of restoring its loudspeakers.
The communist country has threatened to launch anti-South leaflets and to implement other actions against what it called "the enemy" in protest over Seoul's failure to stop defectors from conducting anti-regime propaganda leaflet campaigns.
Last week, it blew up the inter-Korean liaison office in the border town of Kaesong, a symbol of reconciliation between the two Koreas and a key achievement of the April 27 Panmunjom Declaration.
This file photo taken on June 16, 2004, shows South Korean soldiers dismantling propaganda loudspeakers targeting North Korean soldiers at a border unit. The defense ministry said on April 30, 2018, that it would withdraw such loudspeakers from May 1 in accordance with agreements made at the recent inter-Korean summit. (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)