yna--2020-12-30--(2nd LD) Industrial output rises, but consumption falls for 2nd month in Nov.

Meanwhile , the two main indexes gauging the current economic situations and the future ones rose in tandem for the @ @ @ @ @ , the longest streak since the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis , the data showed .

(ATTN: UPDATES with more info in paras 12-19)
By Kim Soo-yeon
SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's industrial output rose in November from a month earlier on improving exports, but consumption declined for the second straight month amid a resurgence in new coronavirus cases, data showed Wednesday.
The nation's overall industrial production increased 0.7 percent in November from the previous month, compared with a 0.1 percent on-month fall in October, according to the data compiled by Statistics Korea.
Compared with a year earlier, the industrial output fell 0.6 percent in November.
Production in the mining, manufacturing, gas and electricity industries gained 0.3 percent on-month, as production of chips and display panels increased, helping the country post robust exports.
But retail sales dropped for the second straight month in November as people refrained from visiting offline stores amid tougher virus curbs.
This file photo, taken Dec. 17, 2020, shows only a few people at Namdaemun Market in central Seoul, one of South Korea's biggest traditional markets, amid the third wave of the new coronavirus outbreak. (Yonhap)
Retail sales fell 0.9 percent from a month earlier, compared with a 1 percent on-month decline in October, the data showed. From a year earlier, they fell 1.5 percent, marking the second straight month of an on-year decline.
On Nov. 24, the country raised social distancing guidelines by one notch to Level 2, the third highest in its five-tier system, in the Seoul metropolitan area for two weeks over a flare-up in virus infections.
Sales of food and other nondurable goods rose 1.3 percent on-month. But those of semidurable ones, including clothes, declined 6.9 percent, and durable goods, such as cars, dropped 0.9 percent, the data showed.
Sales of winter clothes declined amid tougher social distancing rules and relatively warm weather, according to the statistics agency.
Facility investment rose 3.6 percent on-month in November, a turnaround from a 3.2 percent fall in the previous month.
The country's industrial output, consumption and investment returned to growth in September following monthslong slumps amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The statistics office said retail sales and the face-to-face service sector may shrink in December amid spiking COVID-19 cases.
"As (virus infections) have continued to flare up since November, uncertainty heightened for December," Ahn Hyung-jun, a senior Statistics Korea official, said at a press briefing.
On Dec. 8, South Korea tightened its virus curbs to Level 2.5, the second highest, in the Seoul metropolitan area, home to half of its 51.6 million population, and Level 2 in the rest of the country.
The country's daily coronavirus infections have hovered around 1,000 for the past two weeks as cluster infections have popped up across the nation.
Meanwhile, the two main indexes gauging the current economic situations and the future ones rose in tandem for the sixth straight month in November, the longest streak since the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis, the data showed.
The so-called cyclical component of the composite coincident index, which reflects current economic situations, rose by 0.5 point on-month to 98.8.
The cyclical component of the composite leading index, which predicts the turning point in business cycles, advanced by 0.7 point on-month to 102.5, on improving consumer sentiment, according to the agency.
But Statistics Korea cautioned against reading into the data too much, as economic uncertainty stemming from the pandemic would make it harder to predict the pace of an economic recovery.
This file photo, taken June 4, 2020, shows stacks of import-export cargo containers at South Korea's largest seaport in Busan, 450 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
Economic data indicated an uneven economic recovery, as the country's exports are improving, while private consumption remained weak amid the protracted pandemic.
In November, South Korea's exports grew 4 percent on-year on the back of strong sales of chips, rebounding for the first time in two months.
Asia's fourth-largest economy grew at a faster-than-estimated pace of 2.1 percent on-quarter in the third quarter on a recovery in exports, marking the first quarterly growth after two quarters of contraction.
The Bank of Korea (BOK) revised up its 2020 growth outlook to a 1.1 percent contraction from its previous forecast of a 1.3 percent retreat. The finance ministry also expects the Korean economy to retreat 1.1 percent for this year.
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-30--(LEAD) New virus cases above 1,000 for 2nd day, toughest virus curbs eyed

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

(ATTN: UPDATES with details in paras 6-19; ADDS 2nd photo)
SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new coronavirus cases stayed above 1,000 for a second straight day Wednesday as the government is mulling the toughest distancing rules to curb the pandemic.
The country added 1,050 more COVID-19 cases, including 1,025 locally transmitted infections, bringing the total caseload to 59,773, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
The daily infections fell slightly from 1,046 cases a day earlier amid the stricter Level 2.5 virus curbs in the greater Seoul area, which were extended earlier by one week until Sunday.
South Korea's daily cases have hovered around 1,000 for the past week due mainly to mass cluster infections.
Twenty people have died from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, raising the death toll to 879, with the fatality rate of 1.47 percent.
This undated Yonhap News TV image shows medical workers at a temporary testing center in southern Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
On Sunday, the KDCA extended the current Level 2.5 distancing measures in the greater Seoul area and the Level 2 restrictions in the rest of the country until Jan. 3 on concerns over the impact on the economy.
Health authorities will decide whether to raise the social distancing measures to Level 3, the highest in the five-tier scheme, before the extended deadline.
Instead of applying measures that would deal a heavy blow to millions of small merchants, health authorities have deployed "targeted" virus curbs.
Since last Wednesday, the greater Seoul area has banned gatherings of five or more people. Restaurants in the greater Seoul area face a fine if they allow gatherings of more than four people. The strongest-ever measures have been applied nationwide since last Thursday as well.
Ski resorts and famous tourism venues were shut down to slow the spread of the virus during the Christmas and New Year's holiday season.
Adding woes to the country's battle against the pandemic, the KDCA on Monday confirmed a new, potentially more transmissible coronavirus variant from three people who arrived from Britain last Tuesday.
The government said it will suspend all flights from London to Incheon until Jan. 7 to prevent the virus variant from spreading in Korea, while making all incoming passengers from Britain and South Africa submit documents that prove they tested negative for COVID-19.
The government has vowed to accelerate the launch of the vaccination program after detecting the virus variant from Britain.
It plans to start its vaccination in February, with health workers and vulnerable people first in line.
U.S. biotech firm Moderna has agreed to supply COVID-19 vaccine doses for 20 million people to South Korea during a phone conversation between President Moon Jae-in and Moderna Chief Executive Stephane Bancel, the presidential office said Tuesday.
With the deal, South Korea expects to be able to secure enough doses for its 52 million people by the end of next year.
The third wave of the pandemic is raging across the nation. Of the newly identified local infections, about 70 percent of Wednesday's cases were reported in the capital and the surrounding areas.
Of the local infections, 383 cases were reported in Seoul and 274 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital. Incheon, west of Seoul, reported 48 more cases.
Other municipalities reported new infections, with the country's third-biggest city of Daegu adding 49 cases and North Chungcheong Province reporting 45 new cases.
The number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients reached 332, up from 330 a day earlier.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 41,435, up 732 from the previous day.
This undated Yonhap News TV image shows a coronavirus vaccine against the background of a port and new notes. (Yonhap)
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-30--(LEAD) S. Korea investigating 2 suspected cases of highly pathogenic bird flu

The latest two cases were discovered in samples from a duck farm in Gokseong , about 400 kilometers south of @ @ @ @ @ egg farm in Gimpo , west of Seoul , according to the ministry .

(ATTN: ADDS new confirmed cases, details in paras 3-6)
By Kang Yoon-seung
SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's agricultural ministry said Wednesday it is investigating two suspected cases of highly pathogenic bird flu from local farms, amid growing concerns that the disease may penetrate deeper into the local poultry industry.
Authorities are investigating the two suspected cases from ducks farms in North Jeolla Province and South Chungcheong Province, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
Separately, the ministry said it confirmed two highly pathogenic H5N8 strains of bird flu on Wednesday.
The latest two cases were discovered in samples from a duck farm in Gokseong, about 400 kilometers south of Seoul, and from an egg farm in Gimpo, west of Seoul, according to the ministry.
Health authorities were culling poultry within a 3-km radius of the farm and issued a standstill order on poultry farms within a 10-km radius for 30 days, the ministry said.
Since identifying the first infection in late November, South Korea has reported 37 cases of the highly pathogenic H5N8 strain of bird flu from local farms.
Officials prepare to cull chickens at a farm in Yeoju, 105 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on Dec. 29, 2020. (Yonhap)
As of Wednesday, local authorities have culled more than 10 million birds.
The ministry said the domestic market for poultry products nevertheless remains stable, pointing out that the culling of birds had only a limited impact on supply.
Meanwhile, 44 bird flu cases in wild birds have been confirmed since late October.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-30--(LEAD) Several of Moon's key aides offer resignations: Cheong Wa Dae

The moves come as Moon 's job approval ratings have markedly dropped to below 40 percent in recent weeks apparently @ @ @ @ @ toward the monthslong political tug-of-war between the justice minister and the prosecution chief and controversies @ @ @ @ @ vaccine procurement policy , among others .

(ATTN: ADDS details in last 2 paras)
SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Yonhap) -- Several of President Moon Jae-in's top aides tendered their resignations Wednesday in order to alleviate the political burden of the president facing criticisms on several key domestic fronts, Cheong Wa Dae said.
Noh Young-min, presidential chief of staff, Kim Sang-jo, the president's chief of staff for policy, and Kim Jong-ho, senior presidential secretary for civil affairs, all offered their resignations, Chung Man-ho, senior presidential secretary for public communication, said during a press briefing.
The moves come as Moon's job approval ratings have markedly dropped to below 40 percent in recent weeks apparently due to the public fatigue toward the monthslong political tug-of-war between the justice minister and the prosecution chief and controversies over the government's COVID-19 vaccine procurement policy, among others.
Moon was widely expected to carry out a partial reshuffle soon of the Cabinet and key Cheong Wa Dae aides.
According to multiple sources close to the ruling party, President Moon is likely to name a new chief of staff on Thursday.
Yoo Young-min, who served as science minister between 2017 and 2019, is likely to be named the new chief of staff, the sources said.
These file photos show (from L to R) Noh Young-min, President Moon Jae-in's chief of staff, Kim Sang-jo, Moon's chief of staff for policy, and Kim Jong-ho, the president's senior secretary for civil affairs. All three offered to resign on Dec. 30, 2020, in order to alleviate the political burden of the president facing criticisms on several key domestic fronts.
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-30--(2nd LD) Prosecutors demand 9 years in prison for Samsung heir in retrial of bribery case

`` Samsung is a group with overwhelming power , to the extent that people say our nation 's businesses are @ @ @ @ @ '' the prosecutors ' statement , read at the Seoul High Court , said .
@ @ @ @ @ wholesome development , Samsung 's position is such that it should demonstrate a firm stance @ @ @ @ @ example . ''

(ATTN: UPDATES with details in paras 5-7, 15)
SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Yonhap) -- Prosecutors on Wednesday demanded nine years in prison for Samsung heir Lee Jae-yong in a retrial of a bribery case involving former President Park Geun-hye.
Lee, vice chairman of Samsung Electronics Co., faces charges of bribing the former president's longtime friend, Choi Soon-sil, in order to get government help in succeeding his father and securing control of Samsung Group.
Lee Jae-yong (C), vice chairman of Samsung Electronics Co., arrives at the Seoul High Court in southern Seoul on Dec. 30, 2020, to attend a hearing of a retrial of a bribery case involving former President Park Geun-hye. (Yonhap)
"Samsung is a group with overwhelming power, to the extent that people say our nation's businesses are either Samsung or non-Samsung," the prosecutors' statement, read at the Seoul High Court, said. "For our society's wholesome development, Samsung's position is such that it should demonstrate a firm stance against corruption and set an example."
Moreover, Samsung has tried to evade responsibility, the prosecutors said.
The Samsung heir voiced regret about his action and vowed to create a "new Samsung."
"I stand here with a repentant mind," Lee said at the court, "I sat down with former President Park at a time when my father, Chairman Lee, had suddenly collapsed and I was confused. If it were now, I would never have acted like that."
"I want to be a good son for my father, whom I respect and respect, by making a new Samsung that fits national dignity," said Lee, who appeared emotional throughout his final testimony.
Lee was initially sentenced to five years in prison in 2017 but freed the following year after an appellate court reduced the term to 2 1/2 years, suspended for four years.
Prosecutors accused Lee of giving 29.8 billion won (US$27.4 million) worth of bribes and promising 21.3 billion won more.
In the initial ruling, Lee was found guilty of providing 7.2 billion won in support for Choi's daughter's equestrian training and a 1.6 billion-won donation to a sports foundation run by Choi's family.
The appellate court partially acquitted him of those charges and reduced the sentence.
In August 2019, however, the Supreme Court overturned the ruling, saying the 3.4 billion won used to purchase horses for Choi's daughter and the donation to the sports foundation should be considered bribes and sent the case back to the Seoul High Court for reconsideration.
In both the first and second trials, prosecutors had demanded 12 years in prison for Lee.
They said they lowered the term to nine years considering that some of the charges had been dismissed by the Supreme Court.
The court is set to hand down its ruling on Jan. 18.
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-30--(4th LD) New infections above 1,000 for 2nd day, variant cases rise to 5

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

(ATTN: UPDATES with new tally in paras 6-7)
SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new coronavirus cases stayed above 1,000 for a second straight day Wednesday and variant cases rose to five amid tougher virus curbs across the country.
The country added 1,050 more COVID-19 cases, including 1,025 locally transmitted infections, bringing the total caseload to 59,773, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
The daily infections fell slightly from 1,046 cases a day earlier amid the stricter Level 2.5 virus curbs in the greater Seoul area, which were extended earlier by one week until Sunday.
South Korea's daily cases have hovered around 1,000 for the past week due mainly to mass cluster infections.
Twenty people have died from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, raising the death toll to 879, with the fatality rate of 1.47 percent.
By 6 p.m. Wednesday, the country confirmed 613 additional cases, 76 fewer than at the same time on Tuesday, according to health authorities.
The capital area comprising Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province accounted for 71.5 percent of the total, with 438 new cases. The KDCA compiles tallies of newly confirmed infections nationwide by midnight and announces an update the following morning.
Medical workers collect specimens from people at a temporary testing center in Seoul on Dec. 30, 2020. (Yonhap)
Adding woes to the country's battle against the pandemic, the KDCA confirmed two coronavirus variant cases, bringing the Britain-originated virus cases to five.
Of the two additional cases, one of them died at home during a two-week quarantine period from Dec. 13. His wife, daughter and son-in-law took virus tests and await the results.
The health agency on Monday confirmed a new, potentially more transmissible coronavirus variant from three people who arrived from Britain last Tuesday.
The government said it will suspend all flights from London to Incheon until Jan. 7 to prevent the virus variant from spreading in Korea, while making all incoming passengers from Britain and South Africa submit documents that prove they tested negative for COVID-19.
In extended efforts to contain the virus, KDCA chief Jeong Eun-kyeong had an online meeting with Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), on Tuesday for cooperation in tackling the pandemic.
The online conference came as South Korea vowed to accelerate the launch of vaccinations after detecting the virus variant from Britain.
South Korea plans to start vaccinations in February, with health workers and vulnerable people first in line.
U.S. biotech firm Moderna has agreed to supply COVID-19 vaccine doses for 20 million people to South Korea during a phone conversation between President Moon Jae-in and Moderna Chief Executive Stephane Bancel, the presidential office said Tuesday.
With the deal, South Korea expects to be able to secure enough doses for its 52 million people by the end of next year.
People line up to take coronavirus tests at a temporary testing center at Seoul Station on Dec. 30, 2020. (Yonhap)
On Sunday, the KDCA extended the current Level 2.5 distancing measures in the greater Seoul area and the Level 2 restrictions in the rest of the country until Jan. 3 on concerns over the impact on the economy.
Health authorities will decide whether to raise the social distancing measures to Level 3, the highest in the five-tier scheme, before the extended deadline.
Instead of applying measures that would deal a heavy blow to millions of small merchants, health authorities have deployed "targeted" virus curbs.
Since last Wednesday, the greater Seoul area has banned gatherings of more than five people. Restaurants in the greater Seoul area face a fine if they allow gatherings of more than four people. The strongest-ever measures have been applied nationwide since last Thursday as well.
Ski resorts and other tourist spots were shut down to slow the spread of the virus during Christmas and New Year holidays.
The third wave of the pandemic is raging across the nation. Of the newly identified local infections, about 70 percent of Wednesday's cases were reported in the capital and the surrounding areas.
Of the local infections, 383 cases were reported in Seoul and 274 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital. Incheon, west of Seoul, reported 48 more cases.
Other municipalities reported new infections, with the country's third-biggest city of Daegu adding 49 cases and North Chungcheong Province reporting 45 new cases.
The number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients reached 332, up from 330 a day earlier.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 41,435, up 732 from the previous day.
In this composite photo, a researcher tests drugs to develop a coronavirus vaccine at the research lab of local pharmaceutical firm Cellid in Seongnam, just east of Seoul, on Dec. 30, 2020. (Yonhap)
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-30--(3rd LD) Moon picks three-term lawmaker as new justice minister

Kim began his career as a judge in 1995 after passing the state bar exam .
He later worked as @ @ @ @ @ and Chang law firm for 12 years from 1998 .
Kim joined the Constitutional Court @ @ @ @ @ and served in key positions , including chief of staff , senior researcher and director @ @ @ @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES with quotes in paras 7-9, 14-15)
SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in on Wednesday nominated a three-term ruling party lawmaker as the new justice minister and picked a Constitutional Court scholar to head a powerful new investigation agency handling corruption by high-ranking officials, Cheong Wa Dae said.
Following the nominations, several of Moon's top aides offered to resign in order to lessen the political burden of the president facing criticism on several key domestic issues.
Moon named Rep. Park Beom-kye of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) to replace incumbent Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae. She tendered her resignation earlier this month following a monthslong political tug-of-war with Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl over prosecution reform.
These photos, provided by Cheong Wa Dae on Dec. 30, 2020, show Democratic Party Rep. Park Beom-kye (L), who was nominated by President Moon Jae-in as the new justice minister, and Constitutional Court scholar Kim Jin-wook, who was tapped as the inaugural head of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Park started his career as a judge in 1994 after passing the state bar exam and later worked at Cheong Wa Dae as a presidential secretary during the Roh Moo-hyun administration. He was first elected to the National Assembly in 2008.
Cheong Wa Dae credited Park with having strong insight and expertise from his work in the judiciary, government and National Assembly and expected him to complete the work of prosecution reform being pushed by the administration.
If confirmed, Park would be the fourth justice minister under the Moon administration. Park also is in line with Moon's previous justice minister picks without a prosecution career background.
Park said he will "complete prosecution reform by closely listening to the voice of the people."
"There have been many developments in prosecution reform. For the remaining part, (I) will sufficiently collect the opinions of the people, the National Assembly and negotiation body," he told reporters at parliament following the nomination.
The lawmaker also said he will "find an answer" for the prosecution reform drive, which has a history that runs from the administration of former president Roh Moon-hyun to current president Moon.
Moon also tapped Kim Jin-wook, a former judge serving as a senior researcher at the Constitutional Court, as the inaugural chief of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO).
Kim began his career as a judge in 1995 after passing the state bar exam. He later worked as an attorney at the Kim and Chang law firm for 12 years from 1998. Kim joined the Constitutional Court as a scholar in 2010 and served in key positions, including chief of staff, senior researcher and director general for international affairs.
The establishment of the CIO, independent from the state prosecution service, was one of Moon's major presidential campaign pledges. It is part of his government's drive to reform the prosecution often accused of having excessive power and authority.
Moon choosing a former judge, as opposed to someone with a prosecution background, to lead the CIO is seen as reflecting the president's will to push the administration's prosecution reform initiative much further.
Kim acknowledged the weight of becoming the inaugural chief of the CIO.
"I understand the anticipation and the concerns over the launching of the CIO," he said in a statement sent to reporters, adding that he will do his best to prepare for the confirmation hearing.
The CIO is expected to officially launch in January following Kim's official appointment.
Moon also tapped Rep. Han Jeoung-ae, the DP's policy chief, as the new environment minister and picked Hwang Ki-chul, former chief of staff of the Navy, to head the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs.
The four new nominees will face National Assembly confirmation hearings, which have yet to be scheduled.
These file photos show Rep. Han Jeoung-ae (L) and Hwang Ki-chul, nominated to head the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, respectively, on Dec. 30, 2020. (Yonhap)
Cheong Wa Dae also announced that three top aides to Moon together offered to resign.
Noh Young-min, the presidential chief of staff; Kim Sang-jo, the president's chief of staff for policy; and Kim Jong-ho, senior presidential secretary for civil affairs, all offered to resign, Chung Man-ho, senior presidential secretary for public communication, said during a press briefing.
Noh has served in the position for nearly two years, and Kim, the presidential policy chief, has worked for around 18 months. The senior secretary for civil affairs was appointed merely four months ago.
The moves come as Moon's job approval ratings have markedly dropped to below 40 percent in recent weeks apparently due to public fatigue with the monthslong political tug-of-war between the justice minister and the prosecution chief, soaring housing prices and controversies over the government's COVID-19 vaccine procurement policy, among others.
Chung said the three aides offered their resignations "to alleviate President Moon Jae-in's burden of administration and in hopes for him to use (their collective resignation) as an opportunity to renew the state of government affairs."
These file photos show (from L to R) Noh Young-min, President Moon Jae-in's chief of staff; Kim Sang-jo, Moon's chief of staff for policy; and Kim Jong-ho, the president's senior secretary for civil affairs. All three offered to resign on Dec. 30, 2020, in order to alleviate the political burden of the president facing criticism on several key domestic fronts. (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-30--S. Korean stock market logs stellar gains in 2020, set for rosy 2021

Since March , stocks gained high popularity among individuals as a lucrative tool to make money , as the Bank @ @ @ @ @ interest rate twice in March and May to a record low of 0.5 percent to @ @ @ @ @ .

By Chung Joo-won
SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's benchmark stock index skyrocketed over 30 percent this year from a year ago, buoyed by strong buying of individual investors and expectations of a speedy recovery from the pandemic next year, the bourse operator said Wednesday.
In the final trading session of 2020 on Wednesday, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed at a record 2,873.47 points, up 30.75 percent from last year's final closing at 2,197.67.
The total market capitalization also rose 34.2 percent on-year to 1,981 trillion won (US$1.82 trillion), mostly aided by advances in market heavyweights such as chipmakers, KRX data showed.
The average daily turnover soared 144.5 percent to 12.2 trillion won, with trading volume surging 90.2 percent, indicating the high volatility on the market this year.
In addition, the tech-heavy KOSDAQ logged stellar performance in 2020, finishing at 968.42 points, up 44.6 percent from 669.83 a year ago.
The KOSDAQ's total market cap surged 59.8 percent to 385.6 trillion won. The daily trading volume surged 150.9 percent, and daily turnover leaped 97.8 percent, according to the KRX data.
Executives of main bourse operator Korea Exchange celebrate the closing of this year's last trading day on Dec. 30, 2020. (Yonhap)
Analysts said the emergence of retail investors opened a new chapter in the local stock market in 2020, particularly in the worst moments of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Retail investors were net sellers in 2019, but they raked in a massive 16.3 trillion won on the main KOSPI market this year.
In contrast, foreign investors sold a net 147.6 billion won, and institutions offloaded a net 10.5 trillion won. Foreign stock holdings accounted for 36.4 percent of the market capitalization this year, down from the previous year's 38.4 percent, the KRX said.
Since March, stocks gained high popularity among individuals as a lucrative tool to make money, as the Bank of Korea slashed the key interest rate twice in March and May to a record low of 0.5 percent to minimize the pandemic's fallout.
Previously considered a minor force in the foreigner-dominated local market, individuals are credited for the KOSPI's v-shaped rebound from the intraday bottom of 1,456.64 on March 19 to the all-time peak at 2782.79 on Dec. 14.
In the period from March 1-Dec. 30, individuals bought a net 38.1 trillion won worth of local stocks on the main bourse, while foreigners dumped a net 21.5 trillion won and institutions offloaded a net 8.2 trillion won.
Analysts said individuals helped accelerate the re-evaluation of South Korean stocks, undervalued in the eyes of foreigners for many years compared with their Asian peers.
Electronic signboards at a Hana Bank dealing room in Seoul show the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed at 2,873.47 on Dec. 30, 2020, up 52.96 points, or 1.88 percent, from the previous session's close. (Yonhap)
Local experts expected the KOSPI to further hike next year, with multiple brokerages forecasting the index to top 3,000 points.
"Some indicators show the stock prices may have exceeded their true value since the fourth quarter this year," Kim Dae-joon, a researcher at Korea Investment Co., said.
"But (the KOSPI) is likely to climb higher, considering potential boosters such as (U.S.) stimulus efforts and vaccine hopes; domestic economic support; improving corporate earnings; and high inflow of foreign investment," he added.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-30--USFK extends 3rd-highest antivirus scheme across S. Korea

Earlier this month , USFK enforced the Health Protection Condition ( HPCON ) Charlie , or HPCON C , the @ @ @ @ @ five-tier system , as South Korea saw another wave of the pandemic with the daily @ @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Yonhap) -- U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) decided Wednesday to maintain its anti-virus alert at the current level for all areas of South Korea amid the continued spread of the pandemic in the country.
Earlier this month, USFK enforced the Health Protection Condition (HPCON) Charlie, or HPCON C, the third-highest warning level in its five-tier system, as South Korea saw another wave of the pandemic with the daily caseload hovering around 1,000.
Under the scheme, only "mission essential" individuals will report for duty, with all others teleworking.
Non-necessary off-post activities are also restricted, such as visiting gyms outside the barracks, clubs, shopping centers and theaters.
"Based on the continued high numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Korea, USFK will remain in HPCON Charlie and will make an official reassessment of our HPCON level on Jan. 12, 2021," USFK said in a Facebook post.
Earlier, the U.S. military said it would make an assessment regarding the warning level early next year.
"USFK wants to remind our community that the threat still exists and we must adhere to our core tenets and risk mitigation measures," the message said.
Up until Monday, USFK reported a total of 480 COVID-19 patients, most of whom tested positive upon arrival in South Korea from the U.S.
On Tuesday, USFK began administering its initial doses of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine to health care workers, first responders and its command team, after the first shipment of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine arrived in South Korea last week.
South Korea added 1,050 COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, including 1,025 locally transmitted infections, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
The daily figure stayed above 1,000 for a second straight day, and variant cases came to five, KDCA said.
This photo, provided by U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), shows a U.S. medical staff administering one of the first COVID-19 vaccines to a service member at Brian D. Allgood Army Community Hospital at U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys, South Korea, on Dec. 29, 2020. The hospital is one of three U.S. Department of Defense medical treatment facilities in South Korea inoculating medical staff and other key personnel during the initial worldwide distribution of the vaccine. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-30--(LEAD) Prosecutors demand 9 years in prison for Samsung heir in retrial of bribery case

(ATTN: UPDATES with details from 3rd para)
SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Yonhap) -- Prosecutors on Wednesday demanded nine years in prison for Samsung heir Lee Jae-yong in a retrial of a bribery case involving former President Park Geun-hye.
Lee, vice chairman of Samsung Electronics Co., faces charges of bribing the former president's longtime friend, Choi Soon-sil, in order to get government help in succeeding his father and securing control of Samsung Group.
Lee Jae-yong (C), vice chairman of Samsung Electronics Co., arrives at the Seoul High Court in southern Seoul on Dec. 30, 2020, to attend a hearing of a retrial of a bribery case involving former President Park Geun-hye. (Yonhap)
"Samsung is a group with overwhelming power, to the extent that people say our nation's businesses are either Samsung or non-Samsung," the prosecutors' statement, read at the Seoul High Court, said. "For our society's wholesome development, Samsung's position is such that it should demonstrate a firm stance against corruption and set an example."
Moreover, Samsung has tried to evade responsibility, the prosecutors said.
Lee was initially sentenced to five years in prison in 2017 but freed the following year after an appellate court reduced the term to 2 1/2 years, suspended for four years.
Prosecutors accused Lee of giving 29.8 billion won (US$27.4 million) worth of bribes and promising 21.3 billion won more.
In the initial ruling, Lee was found guilty of providing 7.2 billion won in support for Choi's daughter's equestrian training and a 1.6 billion-won donation to a sports foundation run by Choi's family.
The appellate court partially acquitted him of those charges and reduced the sentence.
In August 2019, however, the Supreme Court overturned the ruling, saying the 3.4 billion won used to purchase horses for Choi's daughter and the donation to the sports foundation should be considered bribes and sent the case back to the Seoul High Court for reconsideration.
In both the first and second trials, prosecutors had demanded 12 years in prison for Lee.
They said they lowered the term to nine years considering that some of the charges had been dismissed by the Supreme Court.
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-30--Digital sex crime police unit busted 3,500 suspects over nine months

Of them , 1,875 people were found to have purchased or possessed illegal sexual video clips , while 1,170 were @ @ @ @ @ them and 511 of producing sex exploitation footage or operating chat rooms .
Among the @ @ @ @ @ 71 percent , were in their teens or 20s .

SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Yonhap) -- A special police unit handling digital sex crimes will wrap up its activities this week after apprehending over 3,500 suspects over the past nine months, the National Police Agency (NPA) said Wednesday.
The special headquarters under the NPA was launched in late March amid public uproar over an online sexual abuse ring called Baksabang,
The organization, consisting of 4,283 police officers across the country, is scheduled to disband Thursday.
The unit has cracked down on a total of 3,575 suspects in 2,807 cases, according to the NPA.
Of them, 1,875 people were found to have purchased or possessed illegal sexual video clips, while 1,170 were accused of selling and distributing them and 511 of producing sex exploitation footage or operating chat rooms. Among the suspects, 2,538, or 71 percent, were in their teens or 20s.
This file photo, taken on March 25, 2020, shows Cho Ju-bin, operator of Baksabang, at Jongno Police Station in central Seoul. (Yonhap)
The unit has arrested 245 suspects, including Cho Ju-bin, 24, the leader of Baksabang, whose members allegedly blackmailed dozens of women including minors into providing sexual images of themselves and sold them on the chatting app Telegram from May 2019 to February this year.
Cho was sentenced to 40 years in prison by a Seoul court in November.
Another notorious criminal who was arrested is Moon Hyung-wook, 24, an alleged mastermind of a similar sexual slavery ring, called the "nth room." He is currently under trial.
A total of 1,094 victims were provided with customized care and supported by police officers of the same sex, the NPA said.
The police said specialized investigation units in local police agencies nationwide will continue to clamp down on digital sex crimes.
The NPA said it will push for legislation to enable undercover investigations into digital sex offenses, especially against minors.
"Due to advancement in information technology, digital sex crimes are evolving in a more secretive, intelligent and systemized way," an official at NPA said. "Police will work hard to improve their capacity to respond to such crimes."
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

On Monday , the Korea Baseball Organization ( KBO ) handed down a two-month suspension to Hur Min , chairman @ @ @ @ @ Kiwoom Heroes , for `` inappropriate and unnecessary behavior '' stemming from a 2019 incident @ @ @ @ @ following day that they will `` ask judicial authorities to make their decision , '' @ @ @ @ @ of saying they were taking legal action against the KBO over that suspension .

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Wednesday.
-----------------
(2nd LD) Moon picks three-term lawmaker as new justice minister
SEOUL -- President Moon Jae-in on Wednesday nominated a three-term ruling party lawmaker as the new justice minister and picked a Constitutional Court scholar to head a powerful new investigation agency handling corruption by high-ranking officials, Cheong Wa Dae said.
Following the nominations, several of Moon's top aides offered to resign in order to lessen the political burden of the president facing criticism on several key domestic issues.
-----------------
(3rd LD) S. Korea to allow troops, citizens working for USFK to get COVID-19 vaccinations
SEOUL -- The defense ministry decided Wednesday to allow South Korean soldiers and civilian workers affiliated with the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) to get COVID-19 vaccinations with doses shipped from the U.S. for its service members stationed here, officials said.
The South Korean troops affiliated with the Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army, known as KATUSA, as well as civilians working for USFK, are eligible for the inoculation according to the U.S. government's vaccination plan, and USFK and Seoul's defense ministry have discussed the matter.
-----------------
Prosecutors demand 9 years in prison for Samsung heir in retrial of bribery case
SEOUL -- Prosecutors on Wednesday demanded nine years in prison for Samsung heir Lee Jae-yong in a retrial of a bribery case involving former President Park Geun-hye.
Lee, vice chairman of Samsung Electronics Co., faces charges of bribing the former president's longtime friend, Choi Soon-sil, in order to get government help in succeeding his father and securing control of Samsung Group.
-----------------
(LEAD) 5 N.K. defectors face forcible repatriation after arrest in China: UN human rights office
SEOUL -- Five North Korean defectors, including a teenager and a pregnant woman, are facing forcible repatriation after they were arrested in China in September, according to a letter released by the U.N. human rights agency.
The Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) disclosed a letter that the U.N. Working Group on Arbitrary Detention and two U.N. special rapporteurs sent to the Chinese government in October to express "serious concern" about their arrest and detention.
-----------------
(News Focus) KBO club threatens legal action vs. league office over discipline of team exec
SEOUL -- Things could get even uglier now.
On Monday, the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) handed down a two-month suspension to Hur Min, chairman of the board for the Kiwoom Heroes, for "inappropriate and unnecessary behavior" stemming from a 2019 incident. The Heroes responded the following day that they will "ask judicial authorities to make their decision," which was a euphemistic way of saying they were taking legal action against the KBO over that suspension.
-----------------
(3rd LD) New infections above 1,000 for 2nd day, variant cases rise to 5
SEOUL -- South Korea's new coronavirus cases stayed above 1,000 for a second straight day Wednesday and variant cases rose to five amid tougher virus curbs across the country.
The country added 1,050 more COVID-19 cases, including 1,025 locally transmitted infections, bringing the total caseload to 59,773, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
-----------------
(LEAD) Seoul stocks close final session of 2020 at all-time high
SEOUL -- South Korean stocks finished the final session of 2020 with a Santa rally Wednesday, hitting an all-time high for a fourth straight day. The Korean won rose against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 52.96 points, or 1.88 percent, to close at 2,873.47.
-----------------
Pastor acquitted of pre-electioneering, libel against Moon
SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Yonhap) -- A conservative pastor, best known for his mass anti-government rallies in central Seoul, was acquitted Wednesday of charges of premature electioneering and libel against President Moon Jae-in.
The Seoul Central District Court made the ruling in the case of Jun Kwang-hoon, 64, head pastor of Sarang Jeil Church in northern Seoul, who was indicted in March over remarks he made during some of the protests and prayer services.
(END)


yna--2020-12-30--(3rd LD) S. Korea to allow troops, citizens working for USFK to get COVID-19 vaccinations

The South Korean troops affiliated with the Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army , known as KATUSA , as well @ @ @ @ @ , are eligible for the inoculation according to the U.S. government 's vaccination plan , @ @ @ @ @ defense ministry have discussed the matter .

(ATTN: ADDS USFK's statement in paras 7-9)
By Oh Seok-min
SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Yonhap) -- The defense ministry decided Wednesday to allow South Korean soldiers and civilian workers affiliated with the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) to get COVID-19 vaccinations with doses shipped from the U.S. for its service members stationed here, officials said.
The South Korean troops affiliated with the Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army, known as KATUSA, as well as civilians working for USFK, are eligible for the inoculation according to the U.S. government's vaccination plan, and USFK and Seoul's defense ministry have discussed the matter.
"We've notified USFK of our decision that the inoculation will be possible if the Korean nationals can make a voluntary decision and the U.S. military provides a list of those taking shots to our side," the defense ministry said in a statement.
They will be first South Koreans to receive COVID-19 vaccines in the country. South Korea plans to start its vaccination program in February.
USFK began administering its initial doses of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine Tuesday to health care workers, first responders and its command team, after the first shipment of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine arrived in South Korea last week.
The Moderna vaccine was authorized for emergency use and vaccination is voluntary, though USFK strongly recommends its members take the shots.
"USFK applauds MND's decision to allow Korean Nationals and KATUSAs to be vaccinated alongside their USFK teammates," USFK said in a statement, referring to South Korea's Ministry of National Defense by its acronym.
"We will begin to inoculate those who volunteer within the next few days as appointments become available within their designated group," it added.
The Seoul ministry said the vaccinations for the South Koreans will take place according to USFK's own plan. The inoculation is likely to begin as early as Monday.
U.S. service members stand in line to receive a COVID-19 vaccine at Brian D. Allgood Army Community Hospital at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, on Dec. 29, 2020, in this photo provided by the USFK. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Exactly how many South Koreans will subject to the inoculation campaign was not immediately known.
Currently, there are more than 3,000 Army troops working as part of KATUSA at U.S. military installations, and around 40 KATUSA soldiers are working inside the U.S.' Allgood Army Community Hospital inside Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, where the USFK headquarters are located.
USFK is also reviewing putting on the inoculation list South Koreans affiliated with the Combined Forces Command and other entities working closely with USFK, according to the defense ministry.
"USFK is expected to decide the list of priority according to its phased plan. South Koreans working at the U.S. military medical facilities would be first in line," a ministry official said.
Those who develop any side effects or adverse reactions will receive treatment at USFK medical facilities, and they can seek compensation for possible damage, according to the ministry.
An official of South Korea's Central Disease Control Headquarters told reporters that the latest move means that the government would not restrict the citizens' own decision about the inoculation.
"Allowing them to get a vaccine does not mean that the (South Korean) authorities made any judgment on the safety of the vaccine," she said.
This photo, provided by the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), shows USFK Commander Gen. Robert Abrams getting a COVID-19 vaccine at Brian D. Allgood Army Community Hospital at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, on Dec. 29, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Officials move Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine delivered to Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, on Dec. 28, 2020, in this photo provided by the U.S. Forces Korea. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-30--(2nd LD) Moon picks three-term lawmaker as new justice minister

(ATTN: COMBINES with earlier stories slugged Moon-CIO chief, presidential aides-resignation; UPDATES with more details throughout
SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in on Wednesday nominated a three-term ruling party lawmaker as the new justice minister and picked a Constitutional Court scholar to head a powerful new investigation agency handling corruption by high-ranking officials, Cheong Wa Dae said.
Following the nominations, several of Moon's top aides offered to resign in order to lessen the political burden of the president facing criticism on several key domestic issues.
Moon named Rep. Park Beom-kye of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) to replace incumbent Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae. She tendered her resignation earlier this month following a monthslong political tug-of-war with Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl over prosecution reform.
These photos, provided by Cheong Wa Dae on Dec. 30, 2020, show Democratic Party Rep. Park Beom-kye (L), who was nominated by President Moon Jae-in as the new justice minister, and Constitutional Court scholar Kim Jin-wook, who was tapped as the inaugural head of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Park started his career as a judge in 1994 after passing the state bar exam and later worked at Cheong Wa Dae as a presidential secretary during the Roh Moo-hyun administration. He was first elected to the National Assembly in 2008.
Cheong Wa Dae credited Park with having strong insight and expertise from his work in the judiciary, government and National Assembly and expected him to complete the work of prosecution reform being pushed by the administration.
If confirmed, Park would be the fourth justice minister under the Moon administration. Park also is in line with Moon's previous justice minister picks without a prosecution career background.
Moon also tapped Kim Jin-wook, a former judge serving as a senior researcher at the Constitutional Court, as the inaugural chief of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO).
Kim began his career as a judge in 1995 after passing the state bar exam. He later worked as an attorney at the Kim and Chang law firm for 12 years from 1998. Kim joined the Constitutional Court as a scholar in 2010 and served in key positions, including chief of staff, senior researcher and director general for international affairs.
The establishment of the CIO, independent from the state prosecution service, was one of Moon's major presidential campaign pledges. It is part of his government's drive to reform the prosecution often accused of having excessive power and authority.
Moon choosing a former judge, as opposed to someone with a prosecution background, to lead the CIO is seen as reflecting the president's will to push the administration's prosecution reform initiative much further.
The CIO is expected to officially launch in January following Kim's official appointment.
Moon also tapped Rep. Han Jeoung-ae, the DP's policy chief, as the new environment minister and picked Hwang Ki-chul, former chief of staff of the Navy, to head the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs.
The four new nominees will face National Assembly confirmation hearings, which have yet to be scheduled.
These file photos show Rep. Han Jeoung-ae (L) and Hwang Ki-chul, nominated to head the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, respectively, on Dec. 30, 2020. (Yonhap)
Cheong Wa Dae also announced that three top aides to Moon together offered to resign.
Noh Young-min, the presidential chief of staff; Kim Sang-jo, the president's chief of staff for policy; and Kim Jong-ho, senior presidential secretary for civil affairs, all offered to resign, Chung Man-ho, senior presidential secretary for public communication, said during a press briefing.
Noh has served in the position for nearly two years, and Kim, the presidential policy chief, has worked for around 18 months. The senior secretary for civil affairs was appointed merely four months ago.
The moves come as Moon's job approval ratings have markedly dropped to below 40 percent in recent weeks apparently due to public fatigue with the monthslong political tug-of-war between the justice minister and the prosecution chief, soaring housing prices and controversies over the government's COVID-19 vaccine procurement policy, among others.
Chung said the three aides offered their resignations "to alleviate President Moon Jae-in's burden of administration and in hopes for him to use (their collective resignation) as an opportunity to renew the state of government affairs."
These file photos show (from L to R) Noh Young-min, President Moon Jae-in's chief of staff; Kim Sang-jo, Moon's chief of staff for policy; and Kim Jong-ho, the president's senior secretary for civil affairs. All three offered to resign on Dec. 30, 2020, in order to alleviate the political burden of the president facing criticism on several key domestic fronts. (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-30--(profile) Veteran lawmaker nominated to lead push for carbon neutrality as environment minister

After returning to South Korea in the early 2000s , Han served as the head of the union at the @ @ @ @ @ Agency .
She put in six years at the Federation of Korean Trade Unions before @ @ @ @ @ the first time in 2012 .

SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Yonhap) -- Former labor activist and three-term lawmaker Han Jeoung-ae has been nominated as the new environment minister, with a national drive for carbon neutrality by 2050 expected to be her key task.
The 54-year-old has worn several hats this year, including serving as the director of the policy committee at the ruling Democratic Party and the co-leader of the National Assembly Forum on Climate Change.
Han cut her academic teeth in engineering, having earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in environmental engineering in Busan. She then got her Ph.D. in industrial engineering at the University of Nottingham.
After returning to South Korea in the early 2000s, Han served as the head of the union at the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency. She put in six years at the Federation of Korean Trade Unions before being elected to parliament for the first time in 2012.
This photo provided by Cheong Wa Dae on Dec. 30, 2020, shows Han Jeoung-ae, nominated as the new environment minister. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
While at the National Assembly, Han's focus shifted back toward environmental issues and climate change.
In announcing Han's appointment Wednesday, Cheong Wa Dae said Han has developed "a deep understanding" of environmental policies as the co-head of the National Assembly Forum on Climate Change. It added Han was the perfect fit to lead the government's push to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, given her "considerable expertise and initiative."
Earlier this month, President Moon Jae-in declared his vision for carbon emission reduction in all areas of industry, economy and society over the next three decades, saying he wanted South Korea to take the global leadership role with inclusive and sustainable growth.
"We expect Han to produce concrete results in major policy areas, such as building an integrated hydro management system, reducing fine dust, and ensuring effective processing of waste," the presidential office said.
Han Jeoung-ae, head of the policy committee at the Democratic Party, speaks at a party meeting at the National Assembly in Seoul on Dec. 29, 2020. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-12-30--(profile) Former judge committed to prosecution reform tapped as justice minister

Since 2012 , Park has won three straight terms as a National Assembly lawmaker representing a district in the central @ @ @ @ @ assignments on the Legislation and Judiciary Committee and the Strategy and Finance Committee .

SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Yonhap) -- Park Beom-kye, nominated Wednesday as the new justice minister, is a third-term lawmaker of the ruling Democratic Party who has demonstrated his commitment to prosecution reform.
The former judge, 57, has served in the presidential campaigns of both late former President Roh Moo-hyun and President Moon Jae-in.
This file photo shows Park Beom-kye, nominated as new justice minister on Dec. 30, 2020. (Yonhap)
While training to be a judge, Park interviewed then lawyer Roh for a student magazine for which he served as editor-in-chief.
After joining Roh's campaign in 2002, Park went on to work in the Roh administration as presidential secretary for civil affairs and presidential secretary for legal affairs.
During that time, he worked with Moon, then the senior presidential secretary for civil affairs.
Since 2012, Park has won three straight terms as a National Assembly lawmaker representing a district in the central city of Daejeon, with assignments on the Legislation and Judiciary Committee and the Strategy and Finance Committee.
In the last presidential election, he worked as chief of the Moon campaign's situation room.
Highlighting his commitment to prosecution reform, Park recently introduced a revised bill aimed at facilitating the launch of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials.
He made news this year for berating Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl, who has been at odds with Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae for months over prosecution reforms.
At a parliamentary session, Park accused Yoon of carrying out "selective justice" and scolded him for not sitting up straight in his chair.
In 2013, Park had made comments in support of Yoon on his Facebook page and called him a "righteous prosecutor."
The pair entered the Judicial Research and Training Institute the same year in order to train for their legal careers.
Park was born in Yeongdong County, North Chungcheong Province, in 1963 and graduated from Yonsei University in Seoul with a law degree.
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-30--(LEAD) Seoul stocks close final session of 2020 at all-time high

The first trading session of the new year will begin one hour later at 10 a.m. on Monday .
It @ @ @ @ @ time of 3:30 p.m. , according to the Korea Exchange ( KRX ) .

(ATTN: ADDS bond yields at bottom, photo)
SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks finished the final session of 2020 with a Santa rally Wednesday, hitting an all-time high for a fourth straight day. The Korean won rose against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 52.96 points, or 1.88 percent, to close at 2,873.47.
Trading volume was high at about 1.1 billion shares worth some 17.7 trillion won (US$16.3 billion), with gainers outnumbering losers 651 to 191.
Foreigners bought a net 245 billion won, while retail investors sold a net 492 billion won. Institutions purchased a net 197 billion won.
Electronic signboards at a Hana Bank dealing room in Seoul show the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed at 2,873.47 on Dec. 30, 2020, up 52.96 points or 1.88 percent from the previous session's close. (Yonhap)
Stocks widened gains after a weak start on profit-taking, helped by strong advances on chips and battery heavyweights.
Analysts largely attributed the gains to expectations of speedy recovery from the pandemic next year.
"The KOSPI rallied despite the absence of concrete events (to influence the markets)," Shinhan Financial Investment analyst Choi Yoo-joon said.
"Year-end sessions are usually marked by lackluster trading, but today, the daily turnover made a steep increase," he added.
Most large caps closed higher.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics jumped 3.45 percent to record 81,000 won, and No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix added 2.16 percent to 118,500 won.
Top pharmaceutical firm Samsung Biologics gained 0.49 percent to 826,000 won, while Celltrion lost 0.42 percent to 359,000 won.
Internet portal giant Naver advanced 3.36 percent to 292,500 won, with its rival Kakao moving up 1.3 percent to 389,500 won.
Leading chemical maker LG Chem rose 1.35 percent to 824,000 won, and rechargeable battery maker Samsung SDI spiked up 4.49 percent to 628,000 won.
Hyundai Motor, the country's largest automaker, climbed 0.79 percent to 192,000 won, and top steelmaker POSCO hiked 0.74 percent to 272,000 won.
The local currency closed at 1,086.3 won per dollar, up 5.8 won from the previous session's close.
Bond prices, which move inversely to yields, closed lower. The yield on three-year Treasurys rose 0.5 basis point to 0.978 percent, and the return on the benchmark five-year government bond added 0.8 basis point to 1.335 percent.
The first trading session of the new year will begin one hour later at 10 a.m. on Monday. It will close at the usual time of 3:30 p.m., according to the Korea Exchange (KRX).
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-30--(2nd LD) S. Korea decides to allow troops, citizens working for USFK to get COVID-19 vaccinations

(ATTN: ADDS official's comment in last 2 paras)
By Oh Seok-min
SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Yonhap) -- The defense ministry decided Wednesday to allow South Korean soldiers and civilian workers affiliated with the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) to get COVID-19 vaccinations with doses shipped from the U.S. for its service members stationed here, officials said.
The South Korean troops affiliated with the Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army, known as KATUSA, as well as civilians working for USFK, are eligible for the inoculation according to the U.S. government's vaccination plan, and USFK and Seoul's defense ministry have discussed the matter.
"We've notified USFK of our decision that the inoculation will be possible if the Korean nationals can make a voluntary decision and the U.S. military provides a list of those taking shots to our side," the defense ministry said in a statement.
They will be first South Koreans to receive COVID-19 vaccines in the country. South Korea plans to start its vaccination program in February.
USFK began administering its initial doses of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine Tuesday to health care workers, first responders and its command team, after the first shipment of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine arrived in South Korea last week.
The Moderna vaccine was authorized for emergency use and vaccination is voluntary, though USFK strongly recommends its members take the shots.
Additional vaccine shipments will arrive in South Korea to become available for all eligible members, according to the U.S. military.
"The vaccinations for the South Koreans will take place according to USFK's own plan," the ministry said.
U.S. service members stand in line to receive a COVID-19 vaccine at Brian D. Allgood Army Community Hospital at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, on Dec. 29, 2020, in this photo provided by the USFK. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Exactly how many South Koreans will subject to the inoculation campaign was not immediately known.
Currently, there are more than 3,000 Army troops working as part of KATUSA at U.S. military installations, and around 40 KATUSA soldiers are working inside the U.S.' Allgood Army Community Hospital inside Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, where the USFK headquarters are located.
USFK is also reviewing putting on the inoculation list South Koreans affiliated with the Combined Forces Command and other entities working closely with USFK, according to the defense ministry.
"USFK is expected to decide the list of priority according to its phased plan. South Koreans working at the U.S. military medical facilities would be first in line," a ministry official said.
Those who develop any side effects or adverse reactions will receive treatment at USFK medical facilities, and they can seek compensation for possible damage, according to the ministry.
An official of South Korea's Central Disease Control Headquarters told reporters that the latest move means that the government would not restrict the citizens' own decision about the inoculation.
"Allowing them to get a vaccine does not mean that the (South Korean) authorities made any judgment on the safety of the vaccine," she said.
This photo, provided by the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), shows USFK Commander Gen. Robert Abrams getting a COVID-19 vaccine at Brian D. Allgood Army Community Hospital at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, on Dec. 29, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Officials move Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine delivered to Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, on Dec. 28, 2020, in this photo provided by the U.S. Forces Korea. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-30--S. Korean Bond Yields on Dec. 30, 2020

S. Korean Bond Yields on Dec. 30, 2020

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


yna--2020-12-30--(LEAD) Military finalizes requirement plan for light aircraft carrier

Many say that South Korea 's choice would be the F-35B aircraft , as it is the only model that @ @ @ @ @ .
The number of the aircraft to be introduced is expected to hover around 20 @

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead with latest; ADDS more details in paras 2, 6-10)
By Oh Seok-min
SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Yonhap) -- The military decided Wednesday to push for a project to acquire a light aircraft carrier in earnest in an effort to boost its defense capabilities, officials said, despite controversy over its effectiveness.
During the closed-door meeting presided over by Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) Chairman Gen. Won In-choul, military leaders also discussed the need to introduce vertical landing jets, according to the officials.
The Navy has sought to build a 30,000 ton-class light aircraft carrier, stressing that the asset is needed to deal with growing threats from all directions in the future. The 2 trillion won (US$1.74 billion) project calls for putting the ship into operation around 2033.
But critics and some lawmakers have raised questions about the usefulness and cost-effectiveness of the project, arguing that the deployment of a light aircraft carrier would not be very helpful in boosting the country's defensive capabilities against North Korea.
"The light aircraft carrier project has been one of the military's long-term plans. Upon today's decision, it has now become a mid-term plan and will proceed in earnest," a military official said.
Related agencies will begin to draw up basic strategies and carry out a feasibility test, he added.
Also on the table was the introduction of the vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) jets for its envisioned light aircraft carrier.
"The attendees shared the need to acquire VTOL jets. The exact type of VTOL aircraft will be decided later during a related government meeting," another official said.
Wednesday's meeting was also attended by chiefs of the Army, the Navy, the Air Force and the Marine Corps.
Many say that South Korea's choice would be the F-35B aircraft, as it is the only model that meets the country's requirement. The number of the aircraft to be introduced is expected to hover around 20.
The acquisition of VTOL jets is likely to require an additional 2 trillion won.
Of the 52.8 trillion won defense budget for next year, South Korea earmarked 100 million won for research on the light aircraft carrier project.
This image, provided by the defense ministry on Aug. 10, 2020, shows the envisioned light aircraft carrier South Korea is pushing to secure by 2033. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-30--Daewoo Shipbuilding cancels 891 bln-won deal

The unidentified African company signed the deal with Daewoo Shipbuilding in December last year , but it has since not @ @ @ @ @ the deal to take effect , Daewoo Shipbuilding said in a regulatory filing .

SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Yonhap) -- Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. said Wednesday that it has canceled an 891 billion-won (US$820 million) container ship deal due to a shipper's failure to comply with contract terms.
The unidentified African company signed the deal with Daewoo Shipbuilding in December last year, but it has since not carried out conditions necessary for the deal to take effect, Daewoo Shipbuilding said in a regulatory filing.
Daewoo Shipbuilding said the deal cancellation did not cause financial loss as it has yet to launch the construction of the ships.
Shares of Daewoo Shipbuilding rose 1.67 percent to close at 27,400 won on the Seoul bourse on Wednesday.
Daewoo Shipbuilding has achieved 75 percent of its order targets so far this year.
This file photo, provided by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. on May 22, 2020, shows a 24,000-TEU container carrier built by the shipbuilder. TEU stands for twenty-foot equivalent unit, a measurement of cargo capacity. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
ksnam@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-30--Prosecutors demand 9 years in prison for Samsung heir in retrial of bribery case

He was initially sentenced to five years in prison in 2017 but freed the following year after an appellate court @ @ @ @ @ 1/2 years , suspended for four years .

SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Yonhap) -- Prosecutors on Wednesday demanded nine years in prison for Samsung heir Lee Jae-yong in a retrial of a bribery case involving former President Park Geun-hye.
Lee, vice chairman of Samsung Electronics Co., faces charges of bribing the former president's longtime friend, Choi Soon-sil, in order to get government help in succeeding his father and securing control of Samsung Group.
He was initially sentenced to five years in prison in 2017 but freed the following year after an appellate court reduced the term to 2 1/2 years, suspended for four years.
In the retrial held at the Seoul High Court, prosecutors said Lee deserves nine years in prison, given Samsung's position and the example his imprisonment would set for the nation.
Lee Jae-yong (C), vice chairman of Samsung Electronics Co., arrives at the Seoul High Court in southern Seoul on Dec. 30, 2020, to attend a hearing of a retrial of a bribery case involving former President Park Geun-hye. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-31--(LEAD) Medical students to be given second chance to take state licensing exam

The health ministry earlier repeated its stance that the medical students will not be allowed to retake the exam , @ @ @ @ @ so would be unfair .
The government has said public opinion is still overwhelmingly negative @ @ @ @ @ students who withdrew their applications .

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead; ADDS photo; UPDATES with more info throughout)
SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- After months of controversies, the government decided Thursday to give a second chance to take the state medical licensing exam to fourth-year medical students who boycotted it in protest of a medical workforce reform plan.
Around 2,700 senior students refused to take the state licensing exam, which took place in September, as they joined a nationwide strike by doctors, urging the government to withdraw its plan to increase admission quotas at medical schools.
The annual exam will be held twice next year, with the first one slated for late January, as a total of 6,000 medical students are expected to take the exams, the Ministry of Health and Welfare said.
The ministry said the decision to grant the second chance was made as general hospitals across the country may suffer major manpower shortages next year amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The health ministry earlier repeated its stance that the medical students will not be allowed to retake the exam, as allowing them to do so would be unfair. The government has said public opinion is still overwhelmingly negative toward giving another chance to students who withdrew their applications.
"We express regret for causing such confusion and discomfort for the people," Lee Ki-il, a senior health ministry official, told a press conference Thursday, adding that the exams will be swiftly taken to secure internship positions needed in non-capital areas.
The government's plan to expand the number of medical students by 4,000 over the next 10 years and open a new public medical school sparked tensions within the medical sector.
Thousands of trainee doctors staged a strike for 18 days starting in mid-August over the policy.
A group of doctors and the ruling party agreed in early September to end a nationwide walkout on concerns that the prolonged collective action could disrupt the health care system amid the new coronavirus outbreak.
In response to the deal, the government backed down and promised to suspend the medical reform plan in early September.
But the public has been skeptical about giving a second chance to the students as they claim their move to skip the exam was their own decision.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-31--BOK chief to pay more attention to jobs in 2021 monetary policy

It marked the longest streak of job losses since the number of employed people declined for the 16th consecutive month @ @ @ @ @ the fallout of the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis .

SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's central bank will pay more attention to jobs in its monetary policy next year, Bank of Korea (BOK) Gov. Lee Ju-yeol said Thursday, as the coronavirus pandemic has ravaged the labor market.
The BOK will "take into consideration the employment situation as an important factor of decisions in guiding monetary policy," Lee said in his New Year's address.
Lee's remarks came amid growing calls for the BOK to have legal responsibility for the job market's stability in an economic crisis like the pandemic.
The number of employed people in South Korea declined for the ninth straight month in November as the pandemic continued to deal a blow to the job market.
It marked the longest streak of job losses since the number of employed people declined for the 16th consecutive month in April 1999 due to the fallout of the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis.
Lee said the BOK will maintain an accommodative monetary policy next year to help the nation's economic recovery from the pandemic.
The BOK will also take "market stabilization measures" in the foreign exchange and financial markets in a timely manner, Lee said.
Last month, the BOK held its policy rate unchanged at a record low of 0.5 percent while slightly revising up this year's economic outlook, amid growing concerns over the nation's third wave of coronavirus infections.
Driven by signs of a modest recovery in exports, the BOK revised up this year's economic growth outlook to a 1.1 percent contraction, compared with a previous forecast of a 1.3 percent retreat.
The BOK expected the economy to grow 3 percent next year, faster than a previous forecast of 2.8 percent expansion for 2021.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


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yna--2020-12-31--(2nd LD) S. Korea to decide level of virus curbs this week amid no letup in virus resurgence

Gatherings of more than five people have been banned in the greater Seoul area since Dec. 23 .
Restaurants face @ @ @ @ @ gatherings of more than four people .
The strongest-ever measures have been applied nationwide since @ @ @ @ @

(ATTN: CHANGES headline, paras 1-2, 4)
SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- South Korea said Thursday it will decide this week whether to raise the social distancing scheme to the highest level or maintain the current second-highest measures amid no signs of a letup in the coronavirus resurgence.
The country's new virus infections fell below 1,000 Thursday for the first time in three days but the level of new cases remains still high due mainly to cluster infections from churches, private gatherings and other facilities.
The country added 967 more COVID-19 cases, including 940 locally transmitted infections, bringing the total caseload to 60,740, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
The government will hold a meeting on Saturday to adjust the level of virus curbs, according to health authorities.
This photo taken on Dec. 31, 2020, shows the Homigot (Cape Homi) square, a famous sunrise spot, in Pohang, 370 kilometers south of Seoul, with a notice that says people are banned from entering the square until Jan. 3, 2021, to stem the spread of COVID-19.
Thursday's daily caseload is slightly down from 1,050 cases Wednesday and 1,045 Tuesday amid the stricter Level 2.5 virus curbs, the second-highest in the five-tier restrictions, in the greater Seoul area and other targeted curbs.
Daily cases have hovered around 1,000 for the past week due mainly to mass cluster infections from churches, private gatherings and a correctional facility.
Twenty-one people have died from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, raising the death toll to 900, with the fatality rate at 1.48 percent.
Adding woes to the country's battle against the pandemic, the country has reported five cases of a new coronavirus variant reported first in Britain.
Seoul said earlier it would suspend all flights from London until Jan. 7 to prevent the virus variant from spreading here, while making all incoming passengers from Britain and South Africa submit documents that prove they tested negative for COVID-19.
With no signs of virus infections slowing down, health authorities have vowed to accelerate the launch of the vaccination program after detecting the virus variant from Britain.
The KDCA plans to start vaccinations in February, with health workers and vulnerable people first in line.
U.S. biotech firm Moderna has agreed to supply COVID-19 vaccine doses for 20 million people to South Korea during a phone conversation between President Moon Jae-in and Moderna Chief Executive Stephane Bancel, the presidential office said Tuesday.
With the deal, South Korea expects to be able to secure enough doses for its 52 million people by the end of next year.
A plane takes off from Incheon International Airport, just west of Seoul, on Dec. 31, 2020, amid the continued spread of COVID-19. (Yonhap)
On Sunday, the KDCA extended the current Level 2.5 distancing measures in the greater Seoul area and the Level 2 restrictions in the rest of the country until Jan. 3 on concerns over the impact on the economy.
Health authorities will decide whether to raise the social distancing measures to Level 3, or maintain the current anti-virus curbs, before the extended deadline.
Instead of applying measures that would deal a heavy blow to millions of small merchants, health authorities have deployed "targeted" virus curbs.
Gatherings of more than five people have been banned in the greater Seoul area since Dec. 23. Restaurants face a fine if they allow gatherings of more than four people. The strongest-ever measures have been applied nationwide since Dec. 24 as well.
Ski resorts and other tourist spots were shut down to slow the spread of the virus during the Christmas and New Year's holidays.
The third wave of the pandemic is raging across the nation. Of the newly identified local infections, 365 cases were reported in Seoul and 219 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital. Incheon, west of Seoul, reported 59 more cases.
Other municipalities reported new infections, with the country's major port city of Ulsan adding 35 cases. Gangwon Province and Daegu reported 36 and 32 new cases, respectively.
The number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients reached 344, up from 332 a day earlier.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 42,271, up 836 from the previous day.
The country, meanwhile, added 27 imported cases, increasing the total to 5,385. Thirteen cases came from Asian countries except for China, followed by seven from the United States and seven from Europe.
The country has carried out 4,213,880 coronavirus tests since Jan. 3, including 54,358 tests in the past 24 hours.
In this photo taken on Dec. 30, 2020, quarantine officials guide incoming passengers at Incheon International Airport in Incheon, just west of Seoul. (Yonhap)
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-31--Navy receives new anti-submarine warfare frigate

The vessel has been built by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. since 2016 as a second frigate under the @ @ @ @ @ acquisition project .
The first one is the frigate Daegu , which was delivered to @ @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- A new guided missile frigate boasting enhanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities was delivered to the Navy on Thursday, the arms procurement agency said.
The 2,800-ton Gyeongnam ship features stealth design and is equipped with a towed array sonar system (TASS) and long-range anti-submarine torpedoes, which improves its detection and strike capabilities, according to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).
It also adopts a hybrid electric drive propulsion system, which reduces noise and enables rapid maneuvers, it added.
The vessel has been built by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. since 2016 as a second frigate under the country's Batch-II new frigate acquisition project. The first one is the frigate Daegu, which was delivered to the Navy in 2018.
"We are working to construct six more frigates of this second batch version and plan to deliver them to the Navy by 2023," a DAPA official said.
This image provided by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) on Dec. 31, 2020, shows South Korea's new guided missile frigate Gyeongnam. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-31--(LEAD) S. Korea imposes highest-tier social distancing rules on prison facilities

The announcement follows an alarming increase in coronavirus cases tied to the Dongbu Detention Center in southeastern Seoul .
As @ @ @ @ @ total of 807 cases were tied to the facility , most of them current and @ @ @ @ @ -- one from the Dongbu Detention Center and the other from the Seoul Detention Center @ @ @ @ @ of the capital -- have died of COVID-19 complications .

(ATTN: UPDATES case numbers in 3rd para)
SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Thursday imposed the highest-tier social distancing measures on prison facilities nationwide, banning visits and canceling all work and classes to break the trend of mass coronavirus infections among inmates.
The Level 3 restrictions will be in force for two weeks until Jan. 13 and aim to minimize contact between and among inmates, outside visitors and the prison staff. Meetings with lawyers will be restricted and all staff will work on a reduced schedule.
An inmate infected with COVID-19 holds up a message through a window at Dongbu Detention Center in Seoul on Dec. 29, 2020. In the message, the inmate complains that eight infected patients are confined in a cell. (Yonhap)
The announcement follows an alarming increase in coronavirus cases tied to the Dongbu Detention Center in southeastern Seoul. As of midnight Wednesday, a total of 807 cases were tied to the facility, most of them current and former inmates. Two prisoners -- one from the Dongbu Detention Center and the other from the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, just south of the capital -- have died of COVID-19 complications.
"The justice ministry tried to prevent the spread of COVID-19 inside correctional facilities, which are vulnerable to infection, but this situation arose from the limitations that are inherent to detention facilities and our failure to take antivirus steps in advance," Vice Justice Minister Lee Yong-gu said during a press briefing at the main government complex in Seoul.
"We are sorry to the nation ... The justice ministry will strengthen antivirus measures and inspections at correctional facilities to ensure no further infections, and do everything we can to stabilize the situation," Lee said.
Buses carrying some inmates infected with COVID-19 leave Dongbu Detention Center in Seoul on Dec. 30, 2020, for a medical clinic. (Yonhap)
The ministry has been looking at ways to transfer more inmates from the Dongbu Detention Center to ease the population density there. The center is currently above capacity at 116.6 percent.
Hundreds of prisoners, including those who have tested positive for the coronavirus, have already been transferred to prison facilities nationwide.
The ministry is also considering releasing more inmates on parole, especially if they have an underlying disease or have demonstrated exemplary behavior.
To prevent further infections from asymptomatic patients, the ministry will conduct mass testing on all prison staff and inmates and set up more residential treatment centers within the prison compounds and in the surrounding neighborhoods to treat mild cases.
The ministry blamed the mass infections at Dongbu Detention Center on its layout and poor ventilation system, high population density and failure to anticipate the spread of the virus through asymptomatic patients.
The detention centers have added to South Korea's woes in combating the virus.
The country has reported around 1,000 new coronavirus cases a day since the middle of the month.
The capital area comprising Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province is currently under Level 2.5 restrictions, while the rest of the nation is mostly under Level 2.
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-31--Gov't to allow medical students to retake state licensing exam

The exam will be held twice next year , with the first one slated for late January , as a @ @ @ @ @ are expected to take the exams next year , the ministry said .

SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- The government will give a second chance to take the state medical licensing exam to fourth-year medical students who boycotted it in protest of a medical workforce reform plan, the health ministry said Thursday.
Around 2,700 senior students boycotted the state licensing exam, which took place in September, as they joined a nationwide strike by doctors, urging the government to withdraw its plan to increase admission quotas at medical schools.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare said the decision was made as general hospitals may suffer major manpower shortages next year amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The exam will be held twice next year, with the first one slated for late January, as a total of 6,000 medical students are expected to take the exams next year, the ministry said.
The government's plan to expand the number of medical students by 4,000 over the next 10 years and open a new public medical school sparked tensions within the medical sector.
Thousands of trainee doctors staged a strike for 18 days starting in mid-August over the policy.
A group of doctors and the ruling party agreed in early September to end a nationwide walkout on concerns that the prolonged collective action could disrupt the health care system amid the new coronavirus outbreak.
In response to the deal, the government backed down and promised to suspend the medical reform plan in early September.
But the public has been skeptical about giving a second chance to the students as they claim their move to skip the exam was their own decision.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-31--S. Korea's bird flu countermeasures put to test as farm-linked caseload nears 40

SEOUL , Dec. 31 ( Yonhap ) -- South Korea was struggling to contain the spread of highly pathogenic bird @ @ @ @ @ as the number of such cases reached nearly 40 on Thursday , but the influx @ @ @ @ @ strain the antivirus fight .

By Kang Yoon-seung
SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- South Korea was struggling to contain the spread of highly pathogenic bird flu among local poultry farms as the number of such cases reached nearly 40 on Thursday, but the influx of migratory birds continued to strain the antivirus fight.
The latest highly contagious H5N8 strain of bird flu was found from a duck farm in Gimpo, just north of Seoul, on the previous day, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
Among the 37 farm-related cases reported so far, 10 came from Gyeonggi Province that surrounds Seoul, while South Jeolla Province accounted for nine.
The number of birds destroyed by local authorities reached 11.5 million as of Thursday. Birds within a 3-kilometer radius of infected farms are culled under the local quarantine law.
South Korea has also been experiencing an increase in the number of avian influenza cases among wild birds. So far, 45 cases have been reported from their habitats.
With migratory birds expected to fly into the country through early 2021, local authorities are vigilant over possible transmissions of the disease to the poultry farms.
Quarantine officials prepare to cull chickens at an egg farm in Yeoju, east of Seoul, on Dec. 29, 2020, after avian influenza antigens of the H5 strain were detected there. (Yonhap)
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-31--Nominee dismisses concerns about excessive power of new graft investigation body

`` There are concerns that the CIO may become an all-powerful institution , but its authority comes from the people @ @ @ @ @ upon arriving at his office in central Seoul set up to prepare for the upcoming @ @ @

SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- The nominee for the chief of a high-profile corruption investigation agency on Thursday dismissed concerns the new body would exercise unchecked power, as he began preparations for his confirmation hearing.
Kim Jin-wook, a 54-year-old former judge, was selected by President Moon Jae-in on Wednesday as the inaugural chief of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO).
"There are concerns that the CIO may become an all-powerful institution, but its authority comes from the people," he told reporters upon arriving at his office in central Seoul set up to prepare for the upcoming parliamentary hearing.
He said he will ponder how to exercise the CIO's mandate in a way that serves the people.
"Under the Constitution, all powers come from the people. Powers must not lord it over the people and such powers cannot and must not exist under the Constitution," he added.
Kim Jin-wook, nominee for the inaugural chief of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, answers a reporter's question on Dec. 31, 2020, as he arrives at his office in central Seoul to prepare for his upcoming parliamentary hearing. (Yonhap)
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-31--Unification ministry to scale up financial support for N. Korea aid groups

Currently , local nongovernmental organizations providing aid to the North can each receive financial support from the ministry once a @ @ @ @ @ are also required to self-finance at least 50 percent of the costs for projects subject @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- The unification ministry said Thursday it will allow North Korea aid groups to receive state financial support multiple times a year in an effort to facilitate humanitarian assistance to the impoverished nation.
Currently, local nongovernmental organizations providing aid to the North can each receive financial support from the ministry once a year. The aid groups are also required to self-finance at least 50 percent of the costs for projects subject to state support.
The ministry said it has revised the regulation to allow financial support to the groups up to three times a year, with the exception of projects that overlap with existing ones.
It has also eased the requirement for self-financing from the previous 50 percent to 30 percent.
"We hope the revision boosts the nongovernmental organizations' humanitarian cooperation projects in North Korea and improves the effectiveness of the projects," the ministry said in a press release.
The ministry plans to issue the revised regulation on Jan. 4.
An image of South Korea's humanitarian aid for North Korea (Yonhap)
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-31--S. Korea expected to roll out its own coronavirus vaccine late next year, PM says

`` ( The government ) will be able to introduce a COVID-19 vaccine , which we are developing independently , @ @ @ @ @ end of next year , '' he said during the session held at the government @ @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will be able to develop its own COVID-19 vaccine late next year, in addition to foreign products to be shipped here in the near future, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said Thursday.
He was speaking in public at the outset of an interagency meeting on the virus response.
"(The government) will be able to introduce a COVID-19 vaccine, which we are developing independently, to the people around the end of next year," he said during the session held at the government office complex in Seoul.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun presides over an interagency meeting on the COVID-19 response at the government office complex in Seoul on Dec. 31, 2020. (Yonhap)
He also pointed out that foreign-made vaccines are scheduled to be administered in South Korea starting as early as in February.
"A review on a treatment, developed by our company, for permission started a few days ago as well," he added, apparently referring to Celltrion Inc.'s antibody treatment waiting for approval by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.
Chung expressed optimism that South Korea will win the fight against the coronavirus faster than any other nation if it secures such a treatment and vaccines on the basis of its robust virus control and prevention system.
He stressed that the government is "managing the situation" without such measures as lockdowns or travel restrictions.
The country achieved early success in its antivirus campaign with aggressive efforts to "test, trace and treat" infections.
But it is now gripped by another wave of large-scale transmissions, which Chung described as "the most critical moment in the final phase" of the coronavirus crisis.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-12-31--Man fined for rejecting breathalyzer test after allegedly riding e-scooter drunk

Before the revision , an electric scooter was classified as a mini-sized motorcycle , and those who ride them under @ @ @ @ @ face up to a five-year prison term or 20 million-won fine .
But the revised @ @ @ @ @ , thereby making them subject to a fine of only up to 30,000 won .

CHUNCHEON, South Korea, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- A man has been fined for rejecting a breathalyzer test after allegedly riding an electric scooter under the influence of alcohol, a local court said Thursday.
The Chuncheon District Court, about 80 kilometers east of Seoul, said it has fined a 37-year-old man 5 million won (US$4,600) for violating the Road Traffic Act.
In July, the man who appeared to be drunk was discovered by police officers while riding an e-scooter in Hongcheon, a Gangwon Province city below Chuncheon.
The police officers requested the man take a breathalyzer test, but he refused. The man, alleged to be red in the face and staggering, cursed at the officers and argued that e-scooters were not cars.
This image, provided by Yonhap News TV, shows electric scooters. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The court said the defendant's act is worse in nature than drunk driving as it could hamper police officers' efforts to make roads safe.
"He committed an offense again despite his two previous criminal convictions for drunk driving," it added.
But the court said it took into consideration that the defendant's e-scooter is not a personal transportation device subject to criminal punishment under the revised Road Traffic Act, which took effect Dec. 10.
Before the revision, an electric scooter was classified as a mini-sized motorcycle, and those who ride them under the influence of alcohol could face up to a five-year prison term or 20 million-won fine. But the revised law labeled e-scooters as bicycles, thereby making them subject to a fine of only up to 30,000 won.
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)