yna--2020-03-04--(EDITORIAL from Korea JoongAng Daily on March 4)

On Monday , Daegu Mayor Kwon Young-jin asked President Moon to issue an emergency order .
The opposition United Future @ @ @ @ @ Association joined the chorus by calling for an immediate invocation of the law that allows @ @ @ @ @ secure enough medical facilities and manpower to cope with a national emergency .
On Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ war '' against Covid-19 and ordered all government organizations to tackle the crisis on a @ @ @ @ @ declared a war against the virus in January . )
Moon must take all possible @ @ @ @ @ before it 's too late .

Crisis mis-managers
After the number of Koreans infected with the new coronavirus (Covid-19) soared to over 5,000, a shortage of face masks, hospital beds and medical staff continues. But the Moon Jae-in administration's measures — and capabilities — to deal with such urgent issues are utterly disappointing.
In a weird turn, the government encouraged people to gather at government-run stores to get face masks despite its earlier ban on political and religious rallies to curb the spread of the potentially lethal virus. Such government actions are akin to the social engineering practices implemented by socialist states. On television, an infected man was seen in a long queue in front of a government-run shop in Daegu city to buy face masks though he was supposed to be in self-quarantine. "I could not get masks," he complained.
In Daegu and North Gyeongsang — where the infections are concentrated — a critical dearth of sickbeds has emerged as a serious problem due to slow reactions from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Interior and Safety and local governments. As a result, an increasing number of patients are dying at home without going to the hospital. Currently, approximately 1,800 people confirmed infected cannot get hospital beds.
Doctors and nurses cannot afford to treat endless lines of patients. They complain of a lack of protective suits and sleep even after Daegu and North Gyeongsang were designated a "special disaster area."
On Monday, Daegu Mayor Kwon Young-jin asked President Moon to issue an emergency order. The opposition United Future Party and the Korean Medical Association joined the chorus by calling for an immediate invocation of the law that allows a head of state to secure enough medical facilities and manpower to cope with a national emergency. On Tuesday, Moon declared a "war" against Covid-19 and ordered all government organizations to tackle the crisis on a 24-hour basis. (China declared a war against the virus in January.) Moon must take all possible actions allowed by the law before it's too late.
On Tuesday, Moon apologized for the shortage of face masks. On the same day, however, his policy chief Kim Sang-jo stirred controversy by stressing the need to reduce the growing demand for masks. When housing prices skyrocketed, the government tried to control the demand for apartments with suffocating regulations rather than increasing supplies. The real estate policy failed. We wonder how the president's policy chief can make such ridiculous remarks.
The government must squarely face that 12 million masks — Korea's production capacity per day — are not enough. Public distrust with the government's ability to deal with the crisis deepens. Moon must not forget his campaign slogan, "We will take responsibility for people's lives."
(END)


yna--2020-03-04--(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on March 4)

(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on March 4)

The church 's serious commitment is indeed in doubt .
In the conference , Lee vowed to fully cooperate with @ @ @ @ @ virus .
However , the church spokesman told reporters after the conference that the church @ @ @ @ @ `` witch-hunt '' , because `` it is not the church that made the virus @ @ @ @ @ 80 percent of virus infections in South Korea are now linked to the Shincheonji Church @ @ @ @ @ only deepen public mistrust of the religious group .
( END )

Church should fully cooperate in fighting coronavirus
Lee Man-hee, the 88-year-old founder of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, held a press conference, Monday, amid growing suspicions surrounding the secretive religious group at the center of the ballooning outbreak of the new coronavirus in South Korea.
He apologized to the public for the church's role in spreading the virus, but fell short of answering many questions, including those about the group's alleged ties to politicians. It is obvious that he created more questions than he answered.
The moment in the press conference that drew the most attention was when he got on his knees and bowed to apologize to the nation. A gold-colored watch bearing the signature of impeached former President Park Geun-hye engraved on it was visible on his left wrist.
This prompted speculation about Lee's possible political connections to the disgraced former President. Reportedly, Lee had long bragged about his friendship with Park to church members. He even bragged that he chose the name for the party that Park created, the Saenuri Party, which is now the United Future Party (UFP). "Shincheonji" and "Saenuri" have the same meaning, "new world."
After the press conference, UFP members tried to distance themselves from Lee. Some members said the watch must have been a fake, as Park's office only made silver watches as presents for presidential guests. Others said Lee showed the watch deliberately to seek "protection" from conservative politicians who are still loyal to Park and give a "warning" to others.
Lee definitely needs to offer an explanation about the watch because it may remain a source of speculation. If necessary, an investigation should be launched into the church's alleged ties to politicians. It is commonly said that the church's rapid growth would not have been possible without the help of politicians.
Notably, the Shincheonji Church has been one of the fastest-growing religious groups here. The church's questionable programs to increase the number of members have indeed unnerved mainstream congregations, leading them to condemn Shincheonji as a cult. Lee looked repentant in his news conference, but a couple of messages he has given to church members since the outbreak of the virus were quite offensive. He blamed "evil" for the rapid spread of the coronavirus in Korea, saying the church will be triumphant after all.
The church's serious commitment is indeed in doubt. In the conference, Lee vowed to fully cooperate with the government to combat the virus. However, the church spokesman told reporters after the conference that the church was the victim of a "witch-hunt", because "it is not the church that made the virus." Given that over 80 percent of virus infections in South Korea are now linked to the Shincheonji Church, such an attitude will only deepen public mistrust of the religious group.
(END)


yna--2020-03-04--(EDITORIAL from Korea Herald on March 4)

The North moved quickly to close its border with China to prevent the virus from reaching the impoverished state , @ @ @ @ @ and infrastructure to test and treat infected people .
The measure has significantly reduced imports @ @ @ @ @ .
North Koreans ' plight appears to be worsening as strengthened quarantine measures have led @ @ @ @ @ private markets , which are essential to their livelihoods amid longstanding international sanctions on the @ @ @

Renewed provocation
Threat of COVID-19 spread may lead Kim Jong-un to tighten grip on power
North Korea's launch of what is presumed to be short-range ballistic missiles amid rising fears over the rapid spread of the new coronavirus has made many pundits outside the reclusive state wonder about the motives behind the seemingly reckless, but probably well-calculated move.
On Monday, the North fired two projectiles from an area near its eastern coastal city of Wonsan into the East Sea. It is the first provocative act by the North since Nov. 28, when it launched two missiles. Last year, the recalcitrant regime test-fired weapons, including new types of short-range missiles and a submarine-launched ballistic missile, 13 times amid the stalled denuclearization talks with the US.
Pyongyang's latest provocation embarrassed South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who had proposed inter-Korean cooperation on health care a day earlier. In a speech to commemorate the 1919 public uprising against Japan's colonial rule of the peninsula, he said that all Koreans would be "safer" when the two Koreas jointly respond to tackle infectious diseases.
The North may not be inclined to consider Moon's offer, as it claims there has not been a single confirmed case of COVID-19 in the isolated state, while the South has been struggling to contain the mass outbreak of the deadly viral infection.
Critics here say Moon was inconsiderate to make the proposal at a time the health care system in the South is being stretched to its limit in the anti-virus fight.
According to some cynical observers, the North appears to have rebuffed what it saw as yet another unsubstantial offer by immediately countering it with a show of force.
Monday's launches are in line with Pyongyang's pledge to continue to build its military capabilities in a bid to strengthen its bargaining power.
In his New Year's message, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un warned that his regime would show off a "new strategic weapon" in the near future. The threat seemed to reflect his anger and frustration with Washington's refusal to make concessions without any significant progress in denuclearization.
The latest launches came days after the first anniversary of the second summit between Kim and US President Donald Trump in Hanoi on Feb. 27-28, 2019, which ended with no deal.
There is also speculation that the first missile test-firings in three months may be part of Kim's strategy to tighten the reins as his regime faces tougher conditions in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak in China in December.
The North moved quickly to close its border with China to prevent the virus from reaching the impoverished state, which lacks the medical supplies and infrastructure to test and treat infected people. The measure has significantly reduced imports of daily necessities from China. North Koreans' plight appears to be worsening as strengthened quarantine measures have led to the shutdown of most private markets, which are essential to their livelihoods amid longstanding international sanctions on the Kim regime.
An official at Pyongyang's Health Ministry said last week that the North would keep its border closed until effective means of diagnosis and treatment for the respiratory virus were "completely developed."
It is doubtful that the North is telling the truth when it claims to have seen no confirmed cases of COVID-19. According to its state-run media, nearly 7,000 people are being monitored for symptoms. Experts here suspect Pyongyang is hiding a massive number of confirmed infections.
Kim may now feel an urgent need to divert the growing anxiety and discontent among his people in order to avoid his regime being rattled beyond his control.
He made his first public appearance in more than three weeks on Feb. 16 when he visited the mausoleum of his late father.
He also supervised a joint strike drill Friday, ending the North's low-key military posture in the wake of the virus outbreak.
On the following day, he presided over a meeting of the politburo of the ruling Workers' Party to discuss anti-virus measures. During the meeting, two key members of the party's central committee were dismissed for being involved in corruption, in what observers see as a bid to pacify the public.
The virus outbreak may have made Kim aware of the risks of relying too heavily on China. After running out the clock on the epidemic, he may be seeking to reopen talks with Washington and Seoul.
(END)


yna--2020-03-04--Top headlines in major S. Korean newspapers

Korean-language dailies -- `` Monthly income tumbles to 200,000 won after coronavirus '' ( Kyunghyang Shinmun ) -- Shadow of 'all-out ' effort against coronavirus , elderly citizen died alone ( Kookmin Daily ) -- Need for intensive care for vulnerable elderly people suffering from underlying diseases ( Donga llbo ) -- Experts call for change of policy to financially support people as they face threat to livelihoods ( Seoul Shinmun ) -- `` Stay at home for 2 weeks , '' everyday quarantine measures are `` real vaccine '' ( Segye Times ) -- N.K .
leader 's sister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over projectile launches ( Chosun Ilbo ) -- 61 pct of `` middle-of-the-road voters '' says coronavirus will affect decision in April elections ( JoongAng Ilbo ) -- Those who fail to halt everyday life for livelihood ( Hankyoreh ) -- Few policy measures available on mask supply , hospital beds amid over 5,000 confirmed coronavirus patients ( Hankook Ilbo ) -- Gov't recommends reuse of masks in face of mask shortage ( Maeil Business Newspaper ) -- Due to coronavirus , 10 major groups modify business plans ( Korea Economic Daily )

SEOUL, March 4 (Yonhap) -- The following are the top headlines in major South Korean newspapers on March 4.
Korean-language dailies
-- "Monthly income tumbles to 200,000 won after coronavirus" (Kyunghyang Shinmun)
-- Shadow of 'all-out' effort against coronavirus, elderly citizen died alone (Kookmin Daily)
-- Need for intensive care for vulnerable elderly people suffering from underlying diseases (Donga llbo)
-- Experts call for change of policy to financially support people as they face threat to livelihoods (Seoul Shinmun)
-- "Stay at home for 2 weeks," everyday quarantine measures are "real vaccine" (Segye Times)
-- N.K. leader's sister slams Cheong Wa Dae for expressing concern over projectile launches (Chosun Ilbo)
-- 61 pct of "middle-of-the-road voters" says coronavirus will affect decision in April elections (JoongAng Ilbo)
-- Those who fail to halt everyday life for livelihood (Hankyoreh)
-- Few policy measures available on mask supply, hospital beds amid over 5,000 confirmed coronavirus patients (Hankook Ilbo)
-- Gov't recommends reuse of masks in face of mask shortage (Maeil Business Newspaper)
-- Due to coronavirus, 10 major groups modify business plans (Korea Economic Daily)
English-language dailies
-- Moon apologizes for continuing face mask shortage (Korea JoongAng Daily)
-- Korea tops 5,000 virus infections in 43 days since start of outbreak (Korea Herald)
-- Number of virus infections over 5,000 (Korea Times)
(END)


yna--2020-03-04--(LEAD) Trump says looking closely at S. Korea for possible travel restriction

The U.S. has imposed restrictions on travel from China and Iran to contain the spread of the virus .
As @ @ @ @ @ more than 100 infections and nine deaths tied to COVID-19 in the United States .

(ATTN: UPDATES with details, background)
By Lee Haye-ah
WASHINGTON, March 3 (Yonhap) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Washington is looking closely at the coronavirus outbreak in South Korea and will decide "at the right time" whether to impose travel restrictions on the country.
Trump was asked by a reporter if he is considering cutting off travel to and from South Korea and Italy, two countries hit hard by the disease.
This AP photo shows U.S. President Donald Trump speaking to members of the media before leaving the White House on March 3, 2020. (Yonhap)
"We're watching Italy very closely, South Korea very closely, even Japan very closely," the president said at the White House before departing for a roundtable briefing on the coronavirus. "And we'll make the right determination at the right time."
South Korea has seen a continued rise in the number of infections, with nearly 5,200 cases and more than 30 deaths as of Tuesday.
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, who is overseeing the U.S. response to the coronavirus, told reporters Monday that all airports in South Korea have begun screening travelers taking direct flights to the United States.
On Saturday the U.S. State Department raised its travel advisory for Daegu, the epicenter of the outbreak in South Korea, to the highest level, urging Americans not to travel there.
The rest of South Korea is under the second-highest travel advisory, which urges Americans to reconsider travel to the country.
Trump indicated that Washington is currently focused on South Korea and Italy when asked if he was considering travel restrictions on other countries.
"They are the hot spots right now," he said.
The U.S. has imposed restrictions on travel from China and Iran to contain the spread of the virus. As of Tuesday, there were more than 100 infections and nine deaths tied to COVID-19 in the United States.
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-04--(LEAD) Trump says he has no reaction to N.K. launches

`` No , I have no reaction , '' Trump said in response to a reporter 's question during a @ @ @ @ @ at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda , Maryland .
`` Short-term missiles .
@ @ @ @ @ . ''

(ATTN: UPDATES throughout with details)
By Lee Haye-ah
WASHINGTON, March 3 (Yonhap) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday he had "no reaction" to North Korea's projectile launches this week, calling them "short-term missiles" in an apparent bid to downplay the threat.
North Korea fired what appeared to be two short-range ballistic missiles on Monday, according to South Korea's military, the first such launch in about three months.
North Korean media later said it was a long-range artillery firing drill overseen by leader Kim Jong-un.
"No, I have no reaction," Trump said in response to a reporter's question during a roundtable briefing on the coronavirus at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. "Short-term missiles. No. No. None."
North Korea conducted similar weapons tests last year and each time the U.S. president dismissed them as unimportant because they involved short-range ballistic missiles, even though they are banned under U.N. Security Council resolutions.
Trump has instead taken credit for Pyongyang's suspension of nuclear and long-range missile tests, which he says is a result of his diplomatic engagement with the regime.
Trump and Kim have met three times to try to reach a deal on dismantling the North's nuclear weapons program in exchange for sanctions relief and other concessions.
Negotiations between the two countries have stalled since the pair's second summit in Vietnam in February 2019 ended abruptly over differences on how to match each side's steps.
This AP photo shows U.S. President Donald Trump (R) at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, on March 3, 2020. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-04--Seoul FX reserves slightly drop in Feb.

Seoul FX reserves slightly drop in Feb.

The country 's FX reserves came to US $ 409.17 billion as of end-February , down $ 480 million from @ @ @ @ @ 409.65 billion tallied a month before , according to the data from the Bank of @ @ @ @ @

SEOUL, March 4 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's foreign exchange (FX) reserves dropped slightly from a month earlier in February, central bank data showed Wednesday, largely on the strengthening of the U.S. dollar that reduced the dollar value of the country's reserves held in other currencies.
The country's FX reserves came to US$409.17 billion as of end-February, down $480 million from the record high of $409.65 billion tallied a month before, according to the data from the Bank of Korea (BOK).
In the file photo, a bank official inspects U.S. dollar bills at a Seoul bank. (Yonhap)
The BOK attributed the drop to the advance of the U.S. greenback against other currencies.
"This (drop) was mainly due to a cut in the dollar value of other foreign denominated assets caused by the strengthening of the U.S. dollar," it said.
At the end of February, the dollar traded at about $1.289 per British pound, up 1.5 percent from $1.309 per pound a month earlier, the BOK said in a press release.
The dollar also jumped 2.1 percent against the Australian dollar over the cited period, fetching $0.6579 per Australian dollar at end-February instead of $0.6718 at end-January.
As of end-February, South Korea held $371.22 billion in foreign securities, down $7.23 billion from a month earlier.
Its foreign savings, on the other hand, jumped $6.8 billion over the cited period.
Foreign exchange reserves also include special drawing rights, gold bullion and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reserve position.
The country's gold holdings remained unchanged at $4.79 billion, while its special drawing rights slipped $60 million to $3.27 billion.
South Korea's FX reserves are the world's ninth largest.
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-04--Trump says he has no reaction to N.K. launches

`` No , I have no reaction .
Short-term missiles , no , '' he said in response to a @ @ @ @ @ event on the coronavirus .

WASHINGTON, March 3 (Yonhap) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday he has "no reaction" to North Korea's projectile launches this week.
"No, I have no reaction. Short-term missiles, no," he said in response to a reporter's question during an event on the coronavirus.
This AP photo shows U.S. President Donald Trump (R) at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, on March 3, 2020. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-04--Trump says looking closely at S. Korea for possible travel restriction

`` And we 'll make the right determination at the right time .
We 've cut it off , as @ @ @ @ @ other countries , '' he said , apparently alluding to the U.S. travel restrictions on @ @ @ @

WASHINGTON, March 3 (Yonhap) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Washington is looking closely at the coronavirus outbreak in South Korea and will decide "at the right time" whether to impose travel restrictions.
Trump was asked by a reporter if he is considering cutting off travel to and from South Korea and Italy, two countries hit hard by the disease.
"We're watching Italy very closely, South Korea very closely, even Japan very closely," the president said at the White House before departing for a roundtable briefing on the coronavirus response.
"And we'll make the right determination at the right time. We've cut it off, as you know, with numerous other countries," he said, apparently alluding to the U.S. travel restrictions on China and Iran.
Trump indicated he was not considering travel restrictions on other countries.
"They are the hot spots right now," he said.
This AP photo shows U.S. President Donald Trump speaking to members of the media before leaving the White House on March 3, 2020. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-04--(LEAD) Italian volleyball player leaves S. Korean league during break forced by coronavirus

Meanwhile , the IBK Altos of the women 's V-League said its U.S. player , Adora Anae , is looking @ @ @ @ @ because of the novel coronavirus situation in the country .
She reportedly sent a letter @ @ @ @ @ pay the remaining salary on her contract .

(ATTN: ADDS more info at bottom)
SEOUL, March 4 (Yonhap) -- An Italian volleyball player has left the South Korean men's league, with on-court action suspended due to the continued surge in coronavirus cases here.
The Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance Bluefangs of the men's V-League said Wednesday its opposite hitter Andrea Santangelo left the country earlier in the day. His departure comes two days after the Korean Volleyball Federation (KOVO) decided to suspend the V-League as the nation grapples with the spread of the virus.
In this file photo from Nov. 17, 2019, Andrea Santangelo of the Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance Bluefangs (L) hits a spike against the Kepco Vixtorm in a men's V-League match at Suwon Gymnasium in Suwon, 45 kilometers south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
The team said Santangelo hoped to return to Italy because of uncertainty surrounding the V-League, and the two sides parted on amicable terms.
Santangelo is the first foreign player in South Korean pro volleyball to pack up and leave in light of the coronavirus outbreak. The Korean Basketball League (KBL) saw three foreign players leave in a two-day span last week, leading to fears of a mass exodus of import players.
Santangelo appeared in 25 of the team's 32 games and ranked 17th in the league with 294 points.
Meanwhile, the IBK Altos of the women's V-League said its U.S. player, Adora Anae, is looking to leave South Korea also because of the novel coronavirus situation in the country. She reportedly sent a letter and requested the team to pay the remaining salary on her contract.
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-04--(LEAD) S. Korea to sharply restrict face mask exports, rev up weekend production

South Korea has reported nearly 5,200 cases of the new coronavirus since its outbreak on Jan. 20 .
More than @ @ @ @ @ traced to a church of the religious sect Shincheonji in the southeastern city of Daegu @

(ATTN: ADDS finance minister's quotes in paras 6-9)
SEOUL, March 4 (Yonhap) -- Government, ruling party and presidential officials agreed Wednesday to sharply restrict exports of face masks and spur their production even during weekends to fight against the new coronavirus.
The government has begun to provide face masks via public organizations since last week amid a surge in infections. But many people still find it difficult to buy protective goods due to a sharp supply shortage.
The ruling Democratic Party (DP), the government and the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae discussed ways to cope with a shortage of mask supply in their consultative meeting held at the National Assembly.
"(The participants) decided to come up with all measures to increase the production of face masks," Lee Nak-yon, head of the party's COVID-19 response panel, said.
"The measures include sharply reducing exports of face masks and encouraging their production during weekends," he added.
Later in the day, Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki said the government is working on ways to maintain the output level during weekends, including providing subsidies to manufacturers.
He made the remark in an interview with a local cable new channel.
"In case manufacturers face labor shortages, we are ready to mobilize military personnel," he added.
The country's daily production of masks is estimated at around 10-11 million units.
Lee Nak-yon (C), head of the ruling Democratic Party's (DP) COVID-19 response panel, speaks at a consultative meeting among government, DP and presidential officials over the new coronavirus at the National Assembly in Seoul on March 4, 2020. (Yonhap)
At last week's Cabinet meeting, the government approved a plan to limit mask exports to a maximum of 10 percent of total output and distribute 50 percent through government and public organizations.
But demand far surpassed supply amid the fast spread of COVID-19 in communities, with many people waiting in long lines for hours to buy face masks provided via public channels.
The participants in the three-way meeting agreed to find ways to raise the fairness in mask distribution and prevent people from buying face masks multiple times.
In particular, they proposed utilizing an online shared information program on medications that is being used at pharmacies, called the Drug Utilization Review.
The program allows pharmacists to check a consumer's history of medication purchases so as to prevent excessive use of medicine.
South Korea has reported nearly 5,200 cases of the new coronavirus since its outbreak on Jan. 20. More than half the cases have been traced to a church of the religious sect Shincheonji in the southeastern city of Daegu.
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-04--Parliamentary panel passes bill to ban ride-hailing service Tada

`` The government and the National Assembly that should stand by people 's side and look toward the future are @ @ @ @ @ a service that helped mobility of some 1.7 million people , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ users , our startup colleagues and especially for our drivers whose livelihoods are now in @ @ @ @

SEOUL, March 4 (Yonhap) -- A South Korean parliamentary committee on Wednesday approved a bill aimed at banning Tada, a popular ride-hailing service.
The National Assembly legislation and judiciary committee passed a revision bill to the passenger transport service act, which calls for restricting the outsourcing of drivers for the use of rental vans with 11-15 seats to tour purposes only.
Under the revision, cars must be rented for at least six hours and users are required to possess boarding passes if vehicles are rented or returned at airports or seaports.
Tada -- which means "to ride" in Korean -- was launched in October 2018 and has become South Korea's leading ride-offering service. It operates mostly in the Seoul metropolitan area, offering services for 11-seat vans instead of sedans.
This file photo taken on Dec. 8, 2020, shows a van operated by local ride-hailing service provider Tada in Seoul. (Yonhap)
The bill is scheduled to be voted on by lawmakers at a plenary session on Thursday.
If approved, it may force the app-based Tada out of business. Value Creators & Company (VCNC), which operates the Tada service, will be given one and a half years to exit the business or stay in the market with the acquisition of a taxi service platform license to be introduced under the revised legislation.
The revision bill stipulates that it will take effect a year after promulgation, with punishments suspended for six months.
Lee Jae-woong, chief of SoCar, which owns VCNC, condemned the approval, saying that the government and the National Assembly are "dead."
"The government and the National Assembly that should stand by people's side and look toward the future are now trying to shut down a service that helped mobility of some 1.7 million people," he said. "I'm sorry for users, our startup colleagues and especially for our drivers whose livelihoods are now in great danger."
Last month, a Seoul court ruled that Tada was a legitimate rental car service and acquitted its executives of charges of violating the passenger transport service act.
This photo taken on March 3, 2020, shows Lee Jae-woong, chief of SoCar, speaking to reporters at the National Assembly in Seoul. (Yonhap)
Tada caused a heated controversy in the nation. Taxi drivers claimed that Tada violates the transportation law that forbids rented vehicles from offering rides in exchange for money.
Tada has argued that its business is within legal boundaries based on a written exception that specifically allows rented vans -- or vans with 11 to 15 seats -- to be offered with drivers.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-04--(LEAD) Three children dead in house fire

The fire was extinguished about 20 minutes later , but three children -- a four-year-old boy , four-year-old girl and @ @ @ @ @ dead at the scene , they said , adding an investigation is under way to @ @ @ @ @ accident .

(ATTN: ADDS more info at bottom)
SEOUL, March 4 (Yonhap) -- Three children were killed in a house fire in Seoul on Wednesday, police and fire fighters said.
The fire occurred on the third floor of a commercial-residential building in Godeok-dong, southeastern Seoul, at around 3 p.m., they said.
The fire was extinguished about 20 minutes later, but three children -- a four-year-old boy, four-year-old girl and seven-year-old girl -- were found dead at the scene, they said, adding an investigation is under way to determine the cause of the accident.
The fire authorities said the children were visiting their grandmother's home, but apparently there were no adults present when the fire broke out.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-04--(4th LD) 56 injured in Lotte Chemical plant fire

`` We are truly sorry for causing big concern among the public , '' Lotte Chemical CEO Lim Byung-yun said @ @ @ @ @ He said the company is doing its best to clean up the scene and come @ @ @ @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES with quote and details)
SEOUL/SEOSAN, South Korea, March 4 (Yonhap) -- At least 56 people in the southern city of Seosan were injured Wednesday following an explosion at Lotte Chemical Corp.'s plant.
Four company employees and residents were among those injured, Lotte said, adding that two of them have been hospitalized with serious burns. No deaths have been reported.
"We are truly sorry for causing big concern among the public," Lotte Chemical CEO Lim Byung-yun said in a news conference. He said the company is doing its best to clean up the scene and come up with compensation measures.
The fire broke out following an explosion at 2:59 a.m. at the naphtha cracking center in Daesan petrochemical complexm in Seosan, some 120 kilometers south of Seoul, according to fire officials.
The naphtha cracking plant produces ethylene, propylene and other petrochemical feedstocks.
The fire was mostly put out by 5:12 a.m., after more than 270 firefighters and 66 vehicles were mobilized in a major fire response.
Lotte Chemical said the explosion occurred while compressing naphtha, adding there was no risk of a toxic chemical leak or an additional explosion.
"We are investigating the exact cause based on the company's explanation that the explosion occurred during the compression process," a fire official said. The police have also set up a team to probe the case.
Lotte Chemical said it has suspended nine of its 13 facilities following the fire.
Sales from the Seosan plant account for 21.8 percent of Lotte Chemical's total sales, according to a regulatory filing. The company plans to post another regulatory filing once the scope of the damage is confirmed.
This photo, provided by a reader, shows a fire at Lotte Chemical Corp.'s plant in Seosan, South Chungcheong Province, on March 4, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-03-04--(3rd LD) 56 injured in Lotte Chemical plant fire

`` We are investigating the exact cause based on the company 's explanation that the explosion occurred during the compression @ @ @ @ @ official said .
The police have also set up a team to probe the case @

(ATTN: UPDATES figure in headline, lead; 2nd para; ADDS more info at bottom)
SEOUL/SEOSAN, South Korea, March 4 (Yonhap) -- At least 56 people in the southern city of Seosan were injured Wednesday following an explosion at Lotte Chemical Corp.'s plant here.
The Seosan city government said company employees and residents were among the 56 injured as of 5 p.m., up from 36 injured reported in the morning.
The fire broke out following an explosion at 2:59 a.m. at the Lotte affiliate's plant in South Chungcheong Province, according to fire officials. No deaths have been reported so far.
The fire was mostly put out by 5:12 a.m., after more than 270 firefighters and 66 vehicles were mobilized in a major fire response.
Lotte Chemical said the explosion occurred while compressing naphtha, adding there was no risk of a toxic chemical leak or an additional explosion.
"We are investigating the exact cause based on the company's explanation that the explosion occurred during the compression process," a fire official said. The police have also set up a team to probe the case.
Lotte Chemical said it has suspended seven of its 13 facilities following the fire.
Sales from the Seosan plant account for 21.8 percent of Lotte Chemical's total sales, according to a regulatory filing. The company plans to post another regulatory filing once the scope of the damage is confirmed.
Later in the day, Lotte Chemical CEO Lim Byung-yun apologized during a news conference. He said the company is doing its best to clean up the scene and come up with compensation measures.
This photo, provided by a reader, shows a fire at Lotte Chemical Corp.'s plant in Seosan, South Chungcheong Province, on March 4, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-03-04--Hanjin KAL recommends heir apparent as director ahead of vote showdown

Hanjin KAL Corp. , which owns shares in Korean Air Lines Co. , said its board members have suggested Hanjin @ @ @ @ @ Korean Air Chief Financial Officer Ha Eun-yong as executive directors at the holding firm , @ @ @ @ @ statement .

By Choi Kyong-ae
SEOUL, March 4 (Yonhap) -- Hanjin KAL Corp., the holding company of logistics-centered Hanjin Group, recommended the group's heir apparent as a member of its boardroom ahead of a vote showdown this month amid a family feud over the throne of the group.
Hanjin KAL Corp., which owns shares in Korean Air Lines Co., said its board members have suggested Hanjin Group Chairman Cho Won-tae and Korean Air Chief Financial Officer Ha Eun-yong as executive directors at the holding firm, the company said in a statement.
"The recommendations are aimed at seeking stability in management structure under the chairman's leadership and improving the group's financial status amid growing uncertainties," the statement said.
This image shows Hanjin Group's inheritors Cho Hyun-ah (L) and Cho Won-tae, chairman of the group and its flagship Korean Air Lines. (Yonhap)
One of the three director posts remains vacant following former Chairman Cho Yang-ho's death in April last year.
The suggestions for the two executive director posts are subject to approval at a shareholder meeting on March 27.
Hanjin KAL directors have also proposed doubling the number of outside directors to eight in a bid to enhance governance structure and secure transparency in management decisions.
Since taking over the helm of Hanjin Group last April, Chairman Cho Won-tae, 44, has been involved in a family feud following a rebellion led by his older sister Hyun-ah over control of the airline-to-logistics conglomerate.
Hyun-ah, 45, known for her "nut rage" incident in 2014, formed an alliance with the homegrown Korea Corporate Governance Improvement (KCGI) fund and local builder Bando Engineering & Construction Co. in January to challenge her brother's management of the group.
Hyun-ah has been at loggerheads with her brother Won-tae and other family members over the way of managing the airline-to-logistics conglomerate.
The alliance has argued that inviting a professional manager will help improve the group's management, financial status and shareholder value.
KCGI said the three-party alliance's combined stake in Hanjin KAL rose to 37.8 percent from 32.06 percent as of Feb. 20.
The stake is higher than the 33.45 percent collectively held by Won-tae, his mother, younger sister, related parties, Delta Air and the country's leading messaging app, Kakao Corp.
The alliance can exercise voting rights over a 31.98 percent stake they purchased last year at this year's shareholders' meeting, Korean Air said.
On Wednesday, Hanjin KAL jumped 4.8 percent to 84,700 won, Korean Air soared 7.1 percent to 24,000 won and its budget carrier Jin Air Co. climbed 4.9 percent to 12,850 won, all outperforming the broader KOSPI's 2.2 percent gain.
The airline stocks got a boost as investors expect the Hyun-ah alliance's challenge to the current leadership to help improve the group's governance structure, analysts said.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-04--(LEAD) Airlines suspend more flights amid coronavirus fears

The national flag carrier said it will extend flight suspensions to China by one month through April 25 .
It @ @ @ @ @ on 30 routes to China before the new coronavirus hit .
The numbers have plunged @ @ @ @ @ routes and look set to fall further unless the virus is contained .

(ATTN: UPDATES stock prices in 8th para)
By Choi Kyong-ae
SEOUL, March 4 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's two full-service carriers said Wednesday that they will temporarily suspend or reduce most of their flights to the United States and Europe due to declining air travel demand amid the spreading coronavirus outbreak.
The move comes as an increasing number of people opt not to travel amid virus fears and as the number of countries and regions restricting entry from coronavirus-hit South Korea has exceeded 90.
Out of 13 U.S. routes, Korean Air Lines Co., the country's biggest airline by sales, said it will temporarily suspend flights on eight routes and reduce the number of flights on 11 routes by late April.
The company also plans to halt services on eight out of 12 European routes by the end of March, while reducing flights on two routes and keeping current flight schedules on two other routes.
This photo taken on March 3, 2020, shows a check-in counter at Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport in Incheon, just west of Seoul. (Yonhap)
Asiana Airlines Inc. said that out of five U.S. routes, it will suspend the Incheon-Honolulu route from March 9-12, while considering decreasing flights on routes to Los Angeles, New York and Seattle.
The Incheon-San Francisco route will be suspended for 45 days through April 14 as punishment for its deadly crash landing in the U.S. city five years ago. In July 2013, an Asiana B777 crash-landed at San Francisco International Airport, killing three and injuring 49 out of 307 passengers.
Asiana has already halted six out of seven routes to Europe, with the Incheon-Frankfurt route in service.
The two airlines said they may reorganize further flights if the U.S. and Europe expand entry restrictions or quarantine procedures on people from South Korea, which has reported 5,621 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 33 related deaths as of Wednesday.
With the deadly respiratory illness showing now signs of slowing, local airlines began to reduce the number of flights on their routes -- or stop them altogether -- in late January to minimize the impact of the virus on their earnings.
Korean Air has switched to smaller planes on routes to Atlanta, Los Angeles and New York from March to reflect declining travel demand.
The national flag carrier said it will extend flight suspensions to China by one month through April 25. It served 204 flights a week on 30 routes to China before the new coronavirus hit. The numbers have plunged to 57 flights on 10 routes and look set to fall further unless the virus is contained.
Korean Air recently announced a plan to sell non-core assets, such as an idle property in central Seoul and its 100 percent stake in a leisure affiliate, in efforts to weather the fallout from the virus.
Asiana said it will halt more flights on Asian routes until mid-April. Its flights to China fell to 53 on 14 routes from 204 on 26 routes.
In self-help measures, Asiana asked all 10,500 employees to take turns going on 10 days of unpaid leave starting Feb. 19 so the company can cut costs and avoid snowballing losses.
The company also plans to cut the wages of executives and managers by up to 50 percent on a monthly basis until the virus outbreak slows down.
Korean Air's net losses deepened to 624.87 billion won (US$529 million) in 2019 from 185.65 billion won a year earlier. Asiana's net losses widened to 837.79 billion won from 195.86 billion won during the same period.
Low-cost carriers are taking similar steps to deal with the virus outbreak.
All executives at Air Seoul Inc. on Tuesday expressed their intention to resign in a show of their commitment to overcoming difficulties sparked by the coronavirus.
They also returned a portion of their salaries -- as much as 30 percent -- this month and won't accept salaries in March.
"Employees will take paid leave for the whole of next month with a salary worth 70 percent of their regular wages," a company spokeswoman said.
Air Seoul, a budget carrier unit of Asiana, said it will suspend all flights on 10 of its international routes from March 1-15, while continuing to serve the Incheon-Takamatsu route, which is not operated by any other local airline.
Air Busan Co., another Asiana budget carrier unit, on Friday asked all employees to take unpaid leave for at least 15 days or up to 30 days in March.
Jeju Air Co., the country's biggest low-cost carrier, entered an emergency management system last week to cut costs and stay afloat. It swung to a net loss of 34.1 billion won last year from a net profit of 70.88 billion won a year ago.
Out of its 17 routes to mainland China, Jeju Air currently only operates the Incheon-Weihai route. Its flights to Hong Kong and Macao are not in service, and flights to Taiwan were suspended on Wednesday.
Jin Air Co., a low-cost carrier unit of Korean Air, and Air Busan Co. have suspended all of their flights to China until the end of March.
Jin Air asked its cabin crew members to take one-month paid leave at a salary worth 70 percent of regular pay from March to May. It previously proposed unpaid leave for up to 12 months to all employees.
Eastar Jet paid 40 percent of its normal salaries to executives and employees this month.
South Korea has two full-service carriers -- Korean Air and Asiana Airlines -- and seven low-cost carriers -- Jeju Air, Jin Air, Air Busan, Air Seoul, Eastar Jet, T'way and Fly Gangwon.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-04--Three children dead in house fire

Three children dead in house fire

SEOUL, March 4 (Yonhap) -- Three children were killed in a house fire in Seoul on Wednesday, police and fire fighters said.
The fire occurred on the third floor of a commercial-residential building in Godeok-dong, southeastern Seoul, at around 3 p.m., they said.
The fire was extinguished about 20 minutes later, but three children -- a four-year-old boy, four-year-old girl and seven-year-old girl -- were found dead at the scene, they said, adding an investigation is under way to determine the cause of the accident.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-04--(LEAD) Tongyeong music fest canceled over coronavirus spread

`` As South Korea continues to be affected by outbreak of the COVID-19 virus , TIMF Concert Hall , along @ @ @ @ @ the country , has been closed , '' the TIMF Foundation said in an English-language @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Concerns for the safety of our participating artists and audiences have led the @ @ @ @ @ difficult decision to cancel the 2020 TIMF . ''

(ATTN: UPDATES with new cases in last para)
SEOUL, March 4 (Yonhap) -- The upcoming Tongyeong International Music Festival (TIMF), an annual classical music gala, has been canceled amid the wide spread of the new coronavirus in South Korea, organizers said Wednesday.
"As South Korea continues to be affected by outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, TIMF Concert Hall, along with many other venues across the country, has been closed," the TIMF Foundation said in an English-language statement posted on its website. "Concerns for the safety of our participating artists and audiences have led the TIMF Foundation to make the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 TIMF."
The 2020 TIMF was to kick off on March 27 and run through April 5 at TIMF Concert Hall in the southern coastal city of Tongyeong, with 363 artists from 23 countries set to perform.
It was founded in 2002 to commemorate South Korea's renowned composer Yun I-sang, who was born in Sancheong, near Tongyeong, in 1917.
South Korea had reported 5,621 confirmed cases of the coronavirus as of Wednesday, 44 days after the first case was reported on Jan. 20. The government raised the virus alert to the highest level late last month and has since asked people to refrain from outdoor activities.
The Concert Hall of the Tonyeong International Music Festival (TIMF) in Tongyeong, South Korea, in a photo provided by the TIMF Foundation (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-04--S. Korea extends closure of national museums, libraries over coronavirus

The list of the closed facilities include the National Museum of Korea and its 13 regional branches , the four @ @ @ @ @ of Modern and Contemporary Art as well as the three arms of the National Library @ @ @

SEOUL, March 4 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Wednesday decided to extend the closure of major state-run art and history museums as well as public libraries and theaters by two more weeks amid continuing coronavirus outbreaks.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said 36 state-run museums, libraries and theaters across the country will remain closed for two weeks longer than previously announced till late March as part of efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The culture ministry initially suspended operations of those state-run cultural facilities last week for a two-week period till this coming Sunday following a spike in coronavirus infections.
The latest extension will put the cultural facilities out of service till March 22 while the country fights to contain the spread of virus infections.
The list of the closed facilities include the National Museum of Korea and its 13 regional branches, the four outlets of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art as well as the three arms of the National Library of Korea.
In addition, five national performing art theaters such as the National Gugak Center and the National Theater of Korea, as well as seven state art companies including the Korean National Ballet and the Korea National Opera, will remain closed or suspend shows till March 22.
"The ministry will determine whether and when to reopen the state cultural and art facilities after March 23 after studying the development of the coronavirus spread," a ministry official said.
A visitor reads a notice of closure on a gate of the National Library of Korea, Sejong, on Feb. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-04--U.S. pushing to sell guided multiple launch rocket system to S. Korea

The sales plan is part of a US $ 1.1 billion contract Lockheed Martin Corp. was awarded by the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ the surface-to-surface system and its support equipment , according to the department on Thursday .

SEOUL, March 4 (Yonhap) -- The United States is pushing to sell a guided multiple launch rocket system to South Korea in a foreign military sales (FMS) arrangement, according to the U.S. department of defense.
The sales plan is part of a US$1.1 billion contract Lockheed Martin Corp. was awarded by the U.S. government for the production of the surface-to-surface system and its support equipment, according to the department on Thursday.
The guided multiple rocket launcher system is an "all-weather rocket designed for fast deployment that delivers precision strike beyond the reach of most conventional weapons," according to the U.S. arms manufacturer.
Under FMS, the U.S. government uses the department of defense's acquisition system to procure defense articles and services on behalf of foreign partners.
The announcement came as South Korea and the U.S. are in talks over how much Seoul should pay for the upkeep of the 28,500-strong American troops here.
The two countries have held six rounds of negotiations since September. But they have yet to reach an agreement amid Washington's demand for a sharp increase in Seoul's financial contribution.
South Korea has been emphasizing its arms purchase from the U.S. as part of its contribution to their alliance and the security on the Korean Peninsula.
This image, captured from the website of U.S. arms manufacturer Lockheed Martin Corp., shows the company's guided multiple launch rocket system. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-04--(5th LD) S. Korea's virus cases top 5,600, $9.8 bln stimulus package unveiled to stem fallout

Virus cases in Busan rose by three to 93 , with 33 patients linked to a Christian church in the @ @ @ @ @ patients linked to Shincheonji .
The 33 patients of the Oncheon church in Busan are @ @ @ @ @ three-day retreat that ended on Feb. 17 , officials said .
It is still unclear @ @ @ @ @ the virus .

(ATTN: UPDATES with KCDC's latest toll in first 3 paras, headline; ADDS KCDC chief's remarks in paras 19-22, new photo)
SEOUL, March 4 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's coronavirus caseload rose above 5,600 on Wednesday, with the outbreak in the southeastern city of Daegu, the hotspot here, showing little sign of a slowdown. The country unveiled an extra budget of 11.7 trillion won (US$9.8 billion) to help fight the virus and mitigate the economic fallout.
The 293 new cases, which were identified over the past 16 hours on Wednesday, brought the nation's total number of infections to 5,621, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said.
Wednesday's additional cases followed 516 news cases detected on Tuesday, 600 new cases on Monday, the nation's sharpest daily spike of 813 on Saturday.
So far, 33 people, mostly elderly patients with underlying illnesses, have died in South Korea from the respiratory virus that emerged in China late last year, the KCDC said.
Earlier in the day, Daegu reported the nation's 33rd fatality from the virus, a 67-year-old woman who had no underlying illness. KCDC Director-General Jeong Eun-kyeong said the woman died at a hospital after her pneumonia, caused by COVID-19, worsened.
Unveiling the extra budget, which is subject to approval from the National Assembly, Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki said 2.3 trillion won will be allocated to offer more medical equipment, hospital beds and facilities for patient treatment.
President Moon Jae-in canceled his planned visits to the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Turkey this month to focus on the fight against the virus, presidential spokesman Kang Min-seok said.
A Chinese mother wearing goggles and a mask and clutching her raincoat-clad child waits in the departure lounge of Incheon airport, west of Seoul, on March 4, 2020, amid concern about the spread of the new coronavirus. (Yonhap)
About 60 percent of confirmed cases have been linked to a branch of the Shincheonji religious sect in Daegu, the country's fourth-largest city, with a population of 2.5 million.
However, health authorities have shifted their focus to testing ordinary citizens in Daegu, citing an alarming level of community spread.
Of the 516 new cases detected on Tuesday, 405 are in Daegu and 89 are in neighboring North Gyeongsang Province, the two epicenters of the virus outbreak here, the KCDC said. The total confirmed cases in Daegu and North Gyeongsang stood at 4,006 and 774, respectively.
Six Korean people, as well as the Japanese spouse of one, who were brought back to South Korea last month from a virus-hit cruise ship in Japan, will be released from their two-week quarantine, Vice Health Minister Kim Gang-lip told reporters.
Twenty virus patients at the Daenam Hospital in Cheongdo, near Daegu, were also declared cured, Kim said. A total of 119 patients and medical staff at the hospital had been infected with the virus.
With the number of virus patients in Daegu skyrocketing, the city's hospital beds have been overwhelmed.
A total of 373 patients who have shown mild symptoms have been admitted to three state-run isolation facilities in Daegu and neighboring North Gyeongsang, Kim said. By the weekend, about 2,000 patients in the two areas will be admitted to such isolation facilities.
Aside from Daegu and North Gyeongsang, cases of community spread with unknown origins, mostly cluster and sporadic outbreaks, are gradually on the rise. Seoul's confirmed cases rose by one to 99, with 14 cases linked to Eunpyeong St. Mary's Hospital in Eunpyeong Ward. Another 12 cases in Seoul came from an apartment building in Seongdong Ward.
Virus cases in Busan rose by three to 93, with 33 patients linked to a Christian church in the Dongnae district and another nine patients linked to Shincheonji. The 33 patients of the Oncheon church in Busan are tied to the church's three-day retreat that ended on Feb. 17, officials said. It is still unclear how they were infected with the virus.
In the central cities of Cheonan and Asan, 55 of the total 81 patients came attended a Zumba dance class in Cheonan, officials said.
A group of 75 newly commissioned nurse officers arrive at their accommodation in coronavirus-hit Daegu on March 3, 2020, right after their commencement ceremony at Korea Armed Forces Nursing Academy in Daejeon, 160 kilometers south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
Jeong, the KCDC chief, told reporters that 65.6 percent of the total infections in South Korea came from clusters of infections. An epidemiological survey of the remaining cases is under way, Jeong said.
As virus tests on Shincheonji followers who show symptoms have been completed, Jeong said the KCDC will step up epidemiological surveys on sporadic cases with unknown origins in other regions.
New clusters of infections in other regions may be linked to Shincheonji's Daegu branch, Jeong said. About 9,000 Shinchenji followers who have shown no symptoms are under self-isolation.
Jeong suggested that aggressive testing on Shincheonji followers might have stopped the virus from spreading more widely nationwide.
Jeong, the nation's front-line commander-in-chief in the battle against the virus, assessed that the overall number of new infections, except in Daegu and North Gyeongsang, showed signs of declining as tests on Shincheonji followers have been completed.
Jeong renewed calls for people to refrain from going outside or attending gatherings and to work from home, while strictly following standard precautions such as hand washing and coughing etiquette.
Since raising the virus alert level to "red," the highest level, on Feb. 23, health authorities have focused on halting the spread of the virus in Daegu and North Gyeongsang.
KCDC Director-General Jeong Eun-kyeong speaks at a press briefing on March 4, 2020. (Yonhap)
According to the central government and Daegu city, about 2,300 confirmed cases in Daegu are tied to the Shincheonji Church of Jesus. About 11,000 ordinary citizens there with no connection to Shincheonji have undergone tests and 1,300 have tested positive for the virus.
Following the report of the first case in South Korea on Jan. 20, the pace of infections had not been alarming until Feb. 18, when a 61-year-old woman linked to the Shincheonji sect in Daegu tested positive for the virus.
Since then, the nation has seen an explosion in infections and has accelerated virus tests on potential cases.
South Korea has released 41 fully recovered novel coronavirus patients from hospitals as of Tuesday, up 7 from a day earlier, the KCDC said.
The number of people being checked for the virus and under quarantine came to 28,474 as of Tuesday, down 7,141 from the day before, it added. The country has tested a total of 131,379 suspected cases, with 102,965 testing negative.
Currently, there is no evidence that the new coronavirus is airborne. The World Health Organization said the virus is transmitted through droplets or close contact. The best measures to protect yourself from the virus are to wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds and avoid gatherings, health officials said.
To help raise awareness of the virus among foreigners in South Korea, Arirang TV and the state-run Korea Culture and Information Service (KOCIS) said they are offering simultaneous English-language translation services on daily media briefings by health authorities via Arirang TV's YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/user/arirang) and KOCIS' website (www.korea.net).
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-04--(2nd LD) U.S. Amb. Harris 'very impressed' by S. Korea's fight against COVID-19

SEOUL , March 4 ( Yonhap ) -- U.S .
Ambassador to South Korea Harry Harris said Wednesday that he @ @ @ @ @ by Seoul 's efforts to contain the spread of the new coronavirus , as the @ @ @ @ @ in combating the epidemic .

(ATTN: UPDATES in paras 2, 9-11, 13-14)
By Song Sang-ho
SEOUL, March 4 (Yonhap) -- U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Harry Harris said Wednesday that he was "very impressed" by Seoul's efforts to contain the spread of the new coronavirus, as the two countries step up coordination in combating the epidemic.
Harris made the remarks during a meeting with Vice Foreign Minister Cho Sei-young amid rising concerns that the United States could toughen quarantine measures against South Korean visitors as the Asian country has logged a total of 5,621 confirmed cases and 33 deaths.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he is watching the coronavirus outbreak in Korea "very closely," and that his government will make the "right determination at the right time."
"I think it's indicative of the fact that Korea's leading in the global fight," Harris said after Cho expressed his appreciation for making a "fair case" in Washington for Seoul's containment efforts.
South Korean Vice Foreign Minister Cho Sei-young and U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Harry Harris hold talks at the foreign ministry in Seoul on March 4, 2020. (Yonhap)
"We're very impressed with all that Korea's doing. Comprehensive measures, the tests, and take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19," the U.S. ambassador added.
Harris recently attended a global conference in Washington of the chiefs of U.S. diplomatic missions.
Cho pointed out that during Harris' absence in Korea, there has been a spike in coronavirus cases, while calling for joint efforts to handle the public health emergency.
"Sure. I think coordination between our two countries is very important and is, you know, causing good results," Harris said in turn.
At the meeting, Cho explained Korea's all-out efforts to contain the epidemic and asked the U.S. government to maintain its trust in Seoul's quarantine efforts and capacity, the foreign ministry said in a press release.
Cho also asked the U.S. to continuously maintain cooperation in ensuring that people-to-people exchanges between the two countries are not seriously affected by the outbreak.
Harris said in turn that he would continue to trust Seoul's efforts for "active and comprehensive" responses to the epidemic, according to the ministry.
As of Tuesday, the U.S. had reported more than 100 infections and nine deaths connected to the novel virus.
On Saturday the U.S. State Department raised its travel advisory for Daegu, the city at the center of the outbreak in South Korea, to the highest level, urging Americans not to travel there.
The rest of South Korea is under the second-highest travel advisory, which urges Americans to reconsider travel to the country.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-04--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 293 more cases of new coronavirus, total now at 5,621

(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--2020-03-04--Jailed ex-president Park urges conservative forces to unite

`` The nation is in big trouble .
Although there could be differences and gaps that are hard to fill @ @ @ @ @ all , who held up 'taegeukgi , ' to join forces as one , centered @ @ @ @ @ party , for a better Republic of Korea , '' she wrote .

By Lee Chi-dong
SEOUL, March 4 (Yonhap) -- Park Geun-hye, an impeached former president of South Korea, stepped back into politics Wednesday while in prison by sending a message calling for the country's conservatives to unite ahead of the April 15 parliamentary elections.
In a handwritten letter made public by her lawyer, Yoo Young-ha, Park asked them to come together around the "existing giant opposition party." Yoo read the letter aloud at a press briefing he held at the National Assembly.
Park was apparently referring to the main opposition United Future Party, headed by Hwang Kyo-ahn, who served as prime minister under her administration.
"The nation is in big trouble. Although there could be differences and gaps that are hard to fill, I appeal to you all, who held up 'taegeukgi,' to join forces as one, centered on the existing giant opposition party, for a better Republic of Korea," she wrote.
Taegukgi is the Korean word for South Korea's national flag.
It was a message to politicians and voters who are still loyal to her, as they are known for staging street rallies while waiving the South Korean national flag, which earned them a nickname, "Taegeukgi unit."
Former President Park Geun-hye's lawyer, Yoo Young-ha, holds up her letter from prison at the National Assembly in Seoul on March 4, 2020. (Yonhap)
"I will be with you united as one," Park added, apparently seeking to help the opposition bloc form a united front against the liberal Moon Jae-in administration and the ruling Democratic Party in the upcoming poll widely viewed as a de-facto mid-term election for the president.
Park said her heart is breaking over the news that more than 4,000 residents in Daegu and nearby North Gyeongsang Province have been infected with the new coronavirus. The regions, located about a three-hour drive southeast of Seoul, are Park's political home turf and a traditional stronghold of what's now the main opposition party.
Park was sworn as South Korea's president in 2013 and served until being impeached in 2017. She is serving a prison term of more than 20 years after being convicted of corruption.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

`` As the result of the steps taken by the U.S. Fed , the United States ' policy rate ( @ @ @ @ @ been lowered to a level similar to that of the country 's policy rate ( @ @ @ @ @ '' Bank of Korea ( BOK ) Gov .
Lee Ju-yeol said in an emergency @ @ @ @ @ review the impact of the U.S. rate decision .

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Wednesday.
-----------------
(LEAD) 94 countries, territories restricting entry from S. Korea over coronavirus concerns
SEOUL -- A total of 94 countries and territories were imposing entry restrictions or stricter quarantine procedures on people from South Korea over coronavirus concerns, Seoul's foreign ministry said Wednesday.
As of 2 p.m., 33 countries and territories imposed an outright entry ban for travelers who have visited Korea in the past two weeks, according to the ministry website.
-----------------
Gov't's new guideline advising face mask reuse sparks row amid coronavirus spread
SEOUL -- South Korea's revision of a guideline that temporarily advises the reuse of face masks to fight against the new coronavirus has caused a public uproar as the move runs counter to the recommendation by the U.N. health agency.
On Tuesday, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety unveiled a revised guideline on using face masks allowing for the reuse of cotton or disposable face masks on a temporary basis.
-----------------
(LEAD) BOK chief strongly hints at rate cut following U.S.'s unexpected move
SEOUL -- South Korea's central bank chief on Wednesday strongly hinted at a possible rate reduction down the road, hours after the U.S. Federal Reserve delivered an unexpected rate reduction to deal with the spread of the new coronavirus in the world's largest economy.
"As the result of the steps taken by the U.S. Fed, the United States' policy rate (1.0 percent-1.25 percent) has been lowered to a level similar to that of the country's policy rate (at 1.25 percent)," Bank of Korea (BOK) Gov. Lee Ju-yeol said in an emergency meeting with BOK officials to review the impact of the U.S. rate decision.
-----------------
(4th LD) S. Korea's virus cases top 5,300, $9.8 bln stimulus package unveiled to battle virus
SEOUL -- South Korea's coronavirus caseload rose above 5,300 on Wednesday, with the outbreak in the southeastern city of Daegu, the hotspot here, showing little sign of a slowdown. The country unveiled an extra budget of 11.7 trillion won (US$9.8 billion) to help fight the virus and mitigate the economic fallout.
The 516 new cases, identified on Tuesday, brought the nation's total number of infections to 5,328, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said.
-----------------
S. Korea vows 'stern' measures against volatility following U.S. rate cut
SEOUL -- South Korea's financial authorities on Wednesday said they will take steps to stabilize the local market if necessary, hours after the U.S. Federal Reserve delivered an unexpected rate cut in its first emergency move in more than a decade in light of the new coronavirus outbreak.
"(The government) will take stern measures under its contingency plan in case market volatility unusually increases, while closely monitoring market conditions in close cooperation with other related agencies," Vice Finance Minister Kim Yong-beom said in an emergency meeting attended by officials from various financial institutions, including the Bank of Korea (BOK), the Financial Services Commission and the Financial Supervisory Service.
-----------------
Airlines suspend more flights amid coronavirus fears
SEOUL -- South Korea's two full-service carriers said Wednesday that they will temporarily suspend or reduce most of their flights to the United States and Europe due to declining air travel demand amid the spreading coronavirus outbreak.
The move comes as an increasing number of people opt not to travel amid virus fears and as the number of countries and regions restricting entry from coronavirus-hit South Korea has exceeded 90.
-----------------
Online sales of masks, sanitizers soar in Jan. on virus
SEJONG -- Online sales of face masks and hand sanitizers spiked in January due to the new coronavirus outbreak, despite a slowdown in overall online shopping, government data showed Wednesday.
Purchases of face masks and other miscellaneous items made via computers, smartphones and tablets soared 57 percent on-year to 443 billion won (US$373 million) in January, according to the data from Statistics Korea.
(END)


yna--2020-03-04--S. Korea summons Singaporean envoy over expanded entry ban

Singapore announced early this week that it will bar the entry and transit of foreigners who have visited South Korea @ @ @ @ @ and Iran in the past two weeks , starting Thursday .
It has also urged @ @ @ @ @ travel to those regions .

SEOUL, March 4 (Yonhap) -- South Korea called in Singapore's ambassador on Wednesday to lodge a complaint after the Southeast Asian country expanded its entry ban on travelers from South Korea over coronavirus concerns.
Deputy Foreign Minister Kim Gunn met with Ambassador Eric Teo and sternly protested the decision, the ministry said.
Singapore announced early this week that it will bar the entry and transit of foreigners who have visited South Korea, China, northern Italy and Iran in the past two weeks, starting Thursday. It has also urged its people to avoid nonessential travel to those regions.
The city-state had banned visitors from Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province in Korea's southeast where the bulk of COVID-19 outbreaks have occurred.
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-04--(LEAD) Seoul stocks up for 3rd day on stimulus hope

Among decliners , Lotte Chemical fell 2.39 percent to 183,500 won after a fire at its plant in South Korea @ @ @ @ @ injured at least 31 people and led to the suspension of seven of its 13 @ @

(ATTN: ADDS photo and bond yields at bottom)
SEOUL, March 4 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks ended higher on Wednesday, extending their gains to a third straight session on an extra budget plan and a possible rate cut here following a surprise U.S. rate reduction. The Korean won rose against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 45.18 points, or 2.24 percent, to 2,059.33.
Foreigners turned net buyers for the first time in eight sessions, purchasing 149.5 billion won (US$126 million) worth of stocks and giving a boost to the main index.
This photo shows the trading room of Hana Bank in downtown Seoul on March 4, 2020. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index rose 45.18 points, or 2.24 percent, to 2,059.33. (Yonhap)
"The broad index ended higher due to the foreign buying and expectations of an extra budget and other policy issues as well as a possible rate cut," said Huh Jae-hwan, a strategist at Eugene Investment Co.
The U.S. Federal Reserve slashed interest rates by half a percentage point in an apparent move to mitigate the economic fallout from the coronavirus outbreak.
The Fed's move raised the possibility that South Korea's central bank could cut its key rate. Last week, the Bank of Korea froze the benchmark interest rate at 1.25 percent. The bank's next rate-setting meeting is scheduled for mid-April.
COVID-19 has killed 33 people and infected more than 5,300 others in South Korea.
Earlier in the day, South Korea proposed $9.8 billion in extra budget to tackle the economic fallout from the virus and improve its readiness against contagious diseases. The budget is subject to parliamentary approval.
In Seoul, most large-cap stocks advanced.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics rose 3.61 percent to 57,400 won, No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix was up 1.62 percent to 94,300 won and top carmaker Hyundai Motor fell 0.44 percent to 113,000 won.
Hanjin KAL, the holding company of Hanjin Group, which has Korean Air Lines Co. and low-cost carrier Jin Air Co. under its wing, rose 4.83 percent to a record high of 84,700 won amid the owner family's dispute over management control.
Among decliners, Lotte Chemical fell 2.39 percent to 183,500 won after a fire at its plant in South Korea's southwestern city of Seosan injured at least 31 people and led to the suspension of seven of its 13 facilities.
The local currency closed at 1,187.80 won against the U.S. dollar, up 7.40 won from the previous session's close.
Bond prices, which move inversely to yields, closed higher. The yield on three-year Treasurys fell 8.1 basis points to 1.029 percent, and the return on the benchmark five-year government bond shed 8.2 basis points to 1.116 percent.
entropy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-04--Gov't's new guideline advising face mask reuse sparks row amid coronavirus spread

`` By taking many factors into consideration , the government revised the guideline to ensure that people can reuse masks @ @ @ @ @ goods well , rather than approaching this issue from a negative perspective , '' Lee @ @ @ @ @ food and drug agency , said in a briefing Tuesday .

SEOUL, March 4 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's revision of a guideline that temporarily advises the reuse of face masks to fight against the new coronavirus has caused a public uproar as the move runs counter to the recommendation by the U.N. health agency.
On Tuesday, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety unveiled a revised guideline on using face masks allowing for the reuse of cotton or disposable face masks on a temporary basis.
The move came as demand has far surpassed supply amid a surge in COVID-19 infections. The country has suffered a sharp shortage of supply mainly due to illegal hoarding of face masks.
Lee Eui-kyung (C), chief of the food and drug agency, holds a briefing about face masks at the headquarters of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Cheongju, 137 kilometers south of Seoul, on March 3, 2020, in this photo provided by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The government stressed that it is a provisional advisory for emergency situations, but critics said the move runs counter to the global standard.
The World Health Organization (WHO) does not recommend the use of cotton masks and advises against the reuse of disposable face masks having filters.
The main bone of contention in the revised guideline lies in the government's assessment that cotton masks can be helpful in preventing droplets from coming in direct contact in case there are no available masks with filtering features.
In terms of face masks having filters, the government said people can reuse them if the protective products are used temporarily in an environment with a low risk of pollution.
"By taking many factors into consideration, the government revised the guideline to ensure that people can reuse masks safely if they handle the goods well, rather than approaching this issue from a negative perspective," Lee Eui-kyung, chief of the food and drug agency, said in a briefing Tuesday.
The government has begun to provide face masks through public organizations since late last week. But many people are waiting in long lines for hours to purchase masks provided via public channels, complaining about short supply.
Some South Koreans created cotton masks with filters by stitching a filter into two layers of cotton. A test showed that such masks are effective in curbing infections from droplets to some degree.
Lee Hae-chan, chairman of the ruling Democratic Party, supported the government's stance, citing a supply shortage of face masks.
"It is hard for every person to use one mask per day, given the current volume of supply," Lee said at a party meeting on Monday.
"I am using two masks during a week. At home, I don't use them, and it seems to be fine to use one mask for three days," he added.
But the main opposition United Future Party (UFP) condemned the government's stance about mask reuse on Wednesday, describing the move as "irresponsible."
"The people cannot help being angry at the government as what it has unveiled to cope with the 'mask fiasco' is to suppress demand," Rep. Shim Jae-chol, floor leader of the UFP, said at a party meeting.
South Korea has reported nearly 5,200 cases of the new coronavirus since its outbreak on Jan. 20. More than half the cases have been traced to a church of the Shincheonji religious sect in the southeastern city of Daegu.
This photo, taken on March 4, 2020, shows a sign at a pharmacy in Seoul that states sales of face masks for the day have ended. (Yonhap)
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-05--Stock-related floating money hits new high

`` The government seems to be poised to spend more to tackle the coronavirus impact .
And there is a @ @ @ @ @ conducting a rate cut at the planned meeting or ahead of it , '' said @ @ @ @ @ at Samsung Securities Co .

SEOUL, March 5 (Yonhap) -- Despite the coronavirus shock, money floating around the South Korean stock market has touched an all-time high, data showed Thursday, amid growing expectations of a market rally.
The amount of stock-related funds came to 124.1 trillion won (US$105 billion) as of the end of February, up 8.8 trillion won from a month earlier, according to the data from the Bank of Korea (BOK) and industry sources.
Stock-related funds refers to money sitting around the equity market in search of investment opportunities. They are comprised of investor deposits at securities firms, repurchase agreement (RP) balances and other funds.
The end-February figure includes 31.2 trillion won in investor deposits, 73.5 trillion won in RP balances and 10.4 trillion won in outstanding margin loans.
The amount is far larger than the previous record of 117.9 trillion won set at the end of January 2018.
Observers attributed the surge to investor expectations that stock prices may pick up down the road thanks to a government stimulus package and possible interest rate cuts, though the coronavirus crisis initially sent domestic and overseas stock markets into a free fall.
South Korea unveiled an extra budget of 11.7 trillion won on Wednesday to help fight the respiratory disease and mitigate the economic fallout.
A day earlier, the U.S. Federal Reserve slashed its policy interest rates by half a percentage point in an emergency move to try to minimize the economic fallout from the coronavirus.
The Fed's move has raised the possibility of a key rate cut by the BOK, which froze the benchmark interest rate at 1.25 percent last week.
Market watchers said the BOK may convene an emergency policy meeting to carry out a rate reduction ahead of its monthly rate-setting meeting slated for April 9.
"The government seems to be poised to spend more to tackle the coronavirus impact. And there is a high possibility of the BOK conducting a rate cut at the planned meeting or ahead of it," said Huh Jin-wook, a researcher at Samsung Securities Co.
Hit by the fast-spreading disease, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) tumbled to a six-month low of 1987.01 on Feb. 28 before switching to an upturn and rising more than 2 percent to the 2,060-point level Wednesday.
The coronavirus outbreak is widely expected to weigh further on the slowing South Korean economy. Last week, the BOK cut its growth forecast for this year to 2.1 percent from 2.3 percent estimated three months earlier, citing the impact from the novel coronavirus and other downside risks.
(END)


yna--2020-03-05--Samsung to supply 5G network equipment to New Zealand's No. 1 mobile carrier

Under the deal with Spark New Zealand Ltd. , Samsung will supply 5G network equipment and will help the mobile @ @ @ @ @ this year .
The value of the deal , however , was not revealed .

SEOUL, March 5 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Co. on Thursday said it will supply 5G network equipment to New Zealand's largest mobile carrier.
Under the deal with Spark New Zealand Ltd., Samsung will supply 5G network equipment and will help the mobile carrier develop its 5G infrastructure this year. The value of the deal, however, was not revealed.
The South Korean tech giant will provide its latest 5G new radio solutions, including massive MIMO radios that are easy to install and provide space savings on tower tops.
Samsung and Spark have been working together since last year, testing their equipment and technology to establish a 5G network in New Zealand.
"We are excited to begin this collaboration with Spark, which is a big step in bringing the power of 5G to New Zealand," Kim Woo-june, head of global sales and marketing at Samsung's networks business, said in a release.
Spark said it selected Samsung because of its 5G new radio solutions that deliver "enhanced network capability, high quality connections and state of the art technology."
Samsung is one of the companies that offers 5G end-to-end solutions ranging from chipset, radio and core to cloud platform for both mid-band and mmWave frequencies.
This file photo taken on Jan. 7, 2020, shows Samsung Electronics Co.'s 5G smartphones displayed at its exhibition booth at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-05--U.S. House panel adopts resolution calling for multi-year defense deal with S. Korea

`` The Trump administration started out by asking our allies to pay 400 percent more than they did before , @ @ @ @ @ While it is important for our partners to shoulder more of the burden over time @ @ @ @ @ the final agreement reflects our close partnership with the Republic of Korea and advances our @ @ @ @ @ and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific . ''

By Lee Haye-ah
WASHINGTON, March 4 (Yonhap) -- The U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee on Wednesday adopted a resolution calling for concluding a "mutually agreeable, multi-year" defense cost-sharing deal with South Korea as negotiations between the two countries remain stalled.
The resolution was introduced by Rep. Thomas Suozzi (D-NY) in January and amended by Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY), chairman of the committee, to highlight the ongoing negotiations on sharing the cost of keeping 28,500 American troops stationed in South Korea.
In particular, the resolution recognizes the 9,000 South Korean workers on U.S. bases who could be furloughed in April if the two countries fail to reach a deal.
This AFP file photo shows Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY). (Yonhap)
"The alliance between the Republic of Korea and the United States, our shared national security interests, the 9,000 South Korean civilians working to support the joint mission of United States Forces Korea and the 28,500 United States military service members currently stationed in South Korea, are best served by the conclusion of mutually agreeable, multi-year Special Measures Agreements," the text reads.
It goes further to say that the U.S. House of Representatives "calls for the strengthening and broadening of diplomatic, economic and security ties between the United States and the Republic of Korea, including through the conclusion of mutually agreeable multi-year Special Measures Agreements."
At a full committee markup of this and other resolutions, Engel called for a new Special Measures Agreement that reflects the two countries' close relationship.
"At a time when we face an increasingly aggressive China, a dangerously unhinged North Korea and a host of other challenges, including the coronavirus outbreak, it is imperative that we stay in lockstep with our partners in the region," he said.
"The Trump administration started out by asking our allies to pay 400 percent more than they did before," he continued. "While it is important for our partners to shoulder more of the burden over time, it is important that the final agreement reflects our close partnership with the Republic of Korea and advances our shared goal of preserving security and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific."
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


Thursday's weather forecast

SEOUL , March 5 ( Yonhap ) -- The following is the weather forecast for South Korea 's 12 major @ @ @ @ @ .


yna--2020-03-05--USFK reports 2 more cases of new coronavirus in Daegu, total now at 6

The sixth patient had been in self-quarantine since Feb. 28 and her spouse is now under self-quarantine at their off-post @ @ @ @ @ .
The military said she did not have contact with USFK affiliated personnel other than @ @ @

SEOUL, March 5 (Yonhap) -- Two dependents of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) personnel have tested positive for the new coronavirus, bringing the total number of USFK-related infection cases to six, the military said Thursday.
The fifth patient is a dependent of an active duty service member and the sixth is the spouse of a U.S. Department of Defense civilian employee, both based in the southeastern city of Daegu, according to USFK.
Daegu, about 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul, has been the heart of South Korea's COVID-19 outbreak, with the number of patients in the city skyrocketing due to a cluster of infections centered on the Shincheonji religious sect.
The fifth patient had been in self-quarantine since Feb. 26 and had not had contact with any other USFK-affiliated person since going into quarantine, it said.
"KCDC and USFK health professionals determined contact tracing was not necessary due to the patient's quarantine measures and lack of interaction with others," it said. KCDC stands for the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The sixth patient had been in self-quarantine since Feb. 28 and her spouse is now under self-quarantine at their off-post residence as a precautionary measure. The military said she did not have contact with USFK affiliated personnel other than her spouse.
USFK remains on "high" risk level peninsula-wide and is implementing all appropriate control measures to help mitigate the spread of the virus to protect the force, it said.
As of Wednesday, South Korea had reported 5,621 cases of the new coronavirus, including 35 deaths.
A military guard at U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, 70 kilometers south of Seoul, checks the temperature of a driver to screen entrants to the compound for the novel coronavirus, on Feb. 28, 2020, in this photo provided by United States Forces Korea. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


KOSPI 2,078.11 UP 18.78 points (open)


KOSDAQ 647.75 UP 6.02 points (open)


yna--2020-03-05--Dollar opens at 1,187.0 won DN from 1,187.8 won


yna--2020-03-05--Blue Jays' Ryu Hyun-jin strikes out 7 in simulated game

Ryu , the reigning major league ERA champion and runner-up in the 2019 National League Cy Young Award voting , @ @ @ @ @ after seven years to become the highest-paid pitcher in Blue Jays history with a four-year @ @ @ @ @ contract .
Ryu has been known for his own set of routines -- he does @ @ @ @ @ for one -- and throughout camp , the Blue Jays have appeared willing to give @ @ @ @ @ he needs to get ready for the season at his own pace .

SEOUL, March 5 (Yonhap) -- Toronto Blue Jays' Ryu Hyun-jin has completed his second start of spring training -- just not in an actual game.
Instead of starting a proper Grapefruit League game, the South Korean left-hander pitched a simulated game against Blue Jays minor league hitters at TD Ballpark in Dunedin, Florida, on Wednesday (local time).
His big league teammates were in Port Charlotte, about a two-hour drive south from Dunedin, to face the Tampa Bay Rays.
In this file photo from Feb. 27, 2020, Ryu Hyun-jin of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches against the Minnesota Twins in a Major League Baseball spring training game at TD Ballpark in Dunedin, Florida. (Yonhap)
Ryu threw 32 of his 50 pitches for strikes over 3 2/3 innings, giving up a run on three hits and a walk and striking out seven.
Ryu made his spring training debut for his new club last Thursday against the Minnesota Twins. He allowed a run on three hits, including a home run, in two innings. He threw 41 pitches in the game and 15 more in the bullpen afterward.
"Last outing my command wasn't as sharp as I'd hoped for, so I thought this would be a better setting to hone those skills," Ryu told reporters through an interpreter after the outing. "That was the main reason I decided to do a sim game as opposed to a real game."
Ryu's next spring training appearance will come next Monday. The Blue Jays will play split squad games that day, with one half staying in Dunedin to host the Rays and the other half traveling south to Bradenton to take on the Pittsburgh Pirates.
During spring training, the Blue Jays may be reluctant to show Ryu against the Rays, their American League East division foes who they'll face 19 times in the regular season.
Ryu, the reigning major league ERA champion and runner-up in the 2019 National League Cy Young Award voting, left the Los Angeles Dodgers after seven years to become the highest-paid pitcher in Blue Jays history with a four-year, US$80 million contract. Ryu has been known for his own set of routines -- he doesn't throw between starts, for one -- and throughout camp, the Blue Jays have appeared willing to give him as much leeway as he needs to get ready for the season at his own pace.
Ryu will likely get three more starts in spring training. Barring injury, he will be the Jays' Opening Day starter against the Boston Red Sox on March 26 at Rogers Centre in Toronto.
In this file photo from Feb. 27, 2020, Ryu Hyun-jin of the Toronto Blue Jays speaks to reporters at TD Ballpark in Dunedin, Florida, following his spring training start against the Minnesota Twins. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-05--(LEAD) Korea's current account surplus narrows sharply in Jan.

The country 's current account surplus came to US $ 1.01 billion in the month , compared with a surplus @ @ @ @ @ previous month and a $ 3.3 billion surplus the same month last year , according @ @ @ @ @ Bank of Korea ( BOK ) .

(ATTN: UPDATES with more details, additional information in paras 5-11)
By Byun Duk-kun
SEOUL, March 5 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's current account surplus narrowed sharply in January on shrinking exports, central bank data showed Thursday.
The country's current account surplus came to US$1.01 billion in the month, compared with a surplus of $4.33 billion the previous month and a $3.3 billion surplus the same month last year, according to the data from the Bank of Korea (BOK).
The drop was largely attributed to a dip in South Korea's goods account surplus, which shrank to $1.93 billion in January from $5.03 billion a month before.
Its exports, on a customs clearance basis, plunged 12.3 percent on-year to $43.44 billion, while imports slipped 5.2 percent to $41.52 billion.
This file photo, taken Dec. 1, 2019, shows stacks of export-import containers at South Korea's largest port in Busan, 450 kilometers south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
South Korea's exports had dropped for 14 consecutive months before posting a 4.5 percent on-year increase last month, due to an extended slump in chip prices and reduced shipments to China, the country's top trading partner.
The sharp drop in exports was in part attributed to reduced working days because of the Lunar New Year holiday that fell on Jan. 25.
The country continued to post a deficit in its service account, but the shortfall decreased sharply to $2.48 billion from $3.53 billion a year earlier on the back of an improvement in the travel account, the BOK said.
In January, the country's travel account deficit came to $1.33 billion, compared with a $1.53 billion deficit the same month last year.
This improvement came on a steady increase in the number of foreign visitors to South Korea, which jumped 15.2 percent on-year to 1.27 million in the month, while the number of South Koreans heading overseas plunged 13.7 percent to about 2.51 million.
The drop in the number of South Korean travelers was largely attributed to a 59.4 percent plunge in the number of South Koreans traveling to Japan in a boycott prompted last year by Japan's export restrictions against South Korea.
South Korea's intellectual property account deficit narrowed to $290 million in January from $490 million a year earlier, with its intellectual property account income growing to $590 million from $469 million over the cited period, according to the BOK.
Its primary income surplus came to $1.69 billion, shrinking from a $2.68 billion surplus the month before.
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-05--Korea's current account surplus narrows sharply in Jan.

SEOUL, March 5 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's current account surplus narrowed sharply in January on shrinking exports, central bank data showed Thursday.
The country's current account surplus came to US$1.01 billion in the month, compared with a surplus of $4.33 billion the previous month and a $3.3 billion surplus the same month last year, according to the data from the Bank of Korea (BOK).
The drop was largely attributed to a dip in South Korea's goods account surplus, which shrank to $1.93 billion in January from $5.03 billion a month before.
Its exports, on a customs clearance basis, plunged 12.3 percent on-year to $43.44 billion, while imports slipped 5.2 percent to $41.52 billion.
The country continued to post a deficit in its service account, but the shortfall decreased slightly to $2.48 billion from $2.5 billion the previous month and was significantly down from a $3.53 billion deficit in the same month last year.
Its primary income surplus came to $1.69 billion, shrinking from a $2.68 billion surplus the month before.
This file photo, taken Dec. 1, 2019, shows stacks of export-import containers at South Korea's largest port in Busan, 450 kilometers south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-05--(URGENT) Korea's current account surplus sharply narrows to US$1.01 bln in Jan.


yna--2020-03-05--(EDITORIAL from Korea JoongAng Daily on March 5)

We are deeply chagrined to see her dramatic about-turn .
One thing is clear .
Despite its reiterations of a @ @ @ @ @ peninsula , North Korea can not change overnight .
Its leader Kim Jong-un may have @ @ @ @ @ to issue a virulent statement toward South Korea .
We do not know the details @ @ @ @ @ Jae-in and leader Kim Jong-un had during their head-to-head meeting in Panmunjom .
But it @ @ @ @ @ really believes in Kim 's sincerity on the tricky issues that exist on the Korean @ @

A matter of pride
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's younger sister, Kim Yo-jong, hurled extreme insults at the Blue House on Tuesday. Kim, who has emerged as a big shot in North Korea after her recent appointment as the first vice-department director of the North's ruling Workers' Party Central Committee, issued a vitriolic statement on the Blue House's criticism of the North's firing of long-range rockets on Monday. She denounced the Blue House for behaving like "a mere child" and a "frightened dog." She said its reaction was "incoherent and imbecile."
North Korea's military exercise was apparently aimed at raising the level of tensions on the Korean Peninsula to gain an upper hand in the deadlocked denuclearization talks. Therefore, South Korea reacted to the threat appropriately. And yet, the Blue House is keeping silent in the face of insults. The presidential office must believe it is exercising "strategic patience" so as not to provoke the belligerent state across the border. We call it magical thinking.
North Korea's insults are nothing new. But Kim Yo-jong's rhetoric has splashed cold water on any hopes for rapprochement between South and North Korea. She served as a "peace messenger" with a dramatic appearance at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. Through that visit to South Korea with a North Korean delegation and athletes, she helped ease tensions heightened by the North's repeated nuclear and missile tests — partly thanks to her friendly and amicable attitude. She attended the 2018 inter-Korean summit at Panmunjom with Kim Yong-chol, a vice chairman of the Workers' Party in charge of inter-Korean affairs.
We are deeply chagrined to see her dramatic about-turn. One thing is clear. Despite its reiterations of a desire for peace on the peninsula, North Korea cannot change overnight. Its leader Kim Jong-un may have chosen to encourage his sister to issue a virulent statement toward South Korea. We do not know the details of the discussions President Moon Jae-in and leader Kim Jong-un had during their head-to-head meeting in Panmunjom. But it is extremely dangerous if Moon really believes in Kim's sincerity on the tricky issues that exist on the Korean Peninsula.
A bigger problem is the Blue House's silence in the face of such a nasty announcement from Pyongyang. Such a submissive attitude can critically damage the pride and integrity of our nation. Kim Yo-jong's statement came only a day after Moon proposed inter-Korean cooperation on public health to help North Korea control the spread of novel coronavirus infections. Pyongyang repaid his generosity of spirit with over-the-top ridicule. And yet Moon did not mention the issue in an address at the commencement ceremony of the Air Force Academy on Wednesday.
If Moon continues to show such a supine attitude toward Pyongyang, it will send the wrong message: that Seoul can be dragged by North Korea into its own view of the future.
Sometimes, it's wise to avoid provocations. But a government must first respect some principles, like national pride. Otherwise, it will not be respected by its own people.
(END)