Yonhap News Summary

He said that the call for a universal payment of even a smaller amount of money `` makes sense , @ @ @ @ @ people in South Korea tired of battling the pandemic , while cooperating with the anti-virus @ @

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Monday.
----------------
(LEAD) Moon seeks public understanding on 'tailored' emergency relief pay scheme
SEOUL -- President Moon Jae-in requested the people's support Monday for the government's decision to offer "tailored" financial support to the vulnerable suffering greater predicaments due to the drawn-out COVID-19 outbreak.
He said that the call for a universal payment of even a smaller amount of money "makes sense," with all of the people in South Korea tired of battling the pandemic, while cooperating with the anti-virus efforts.
----------------
Test kits for both COVID-19 and flu under review for approval: KCDC
SEOUL -- South Korea's health authorities said Monday that some test kits that can detect both the new coronavirus and seasonal flu are under review for approval of their use.
As autumn is approaching, health authorities are preparing to tackle both COVID-19 and flu as it is not easy to distinguish coronavirus cases from flu patients due to their similar symptoms such as coughing, sore throat and fever.
----------------
(3rd LD) New virus cases dip below 200 for 5th day; tougher virus curbs in greater Seoul extended
SEOUL -- The number of daily coronavirus cases in South Korea stayed below 200 for the fifth straight day on Monday, but health authorities remain alert over continued sporadic cluster infections across the country.
The country added 119 more COVID-19 cases, including 108 local infections, raising the total caseload to 21,296, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
----------------
(LEAD) Telephone wires cut, residents evacuate as Typhoon Haishen approaches N. Korea
SEOUL -- Streets were flooded and telephone wires were cut Monday as North Korea came under the influence of a powerful typhoon expected to make landfall in the country's east coast later in the day, state media reported.
The North's state TV station broadcast live updates on Typhoon Haishen in the usually off-air hours Monday morning, with reporters covering the scenes from Wonsan city and Tongchon County on the east coast, such as flooded streets, cut antennae and telephone wires.
----------------
(2nd LD) Trainee doctors set to return to work Tuesday, urge measures to protect medical students
SEOUL -- Thousands of trainee doctors will return to work this week, ending a weekslong collective action over a controversial medical reform plan, their representatives said Monday.
An emergency committee under the Korean Intern and Resident Association (KIRA) representing interns and residents at general hospitals said its members will return to hospitals as of 7 a.m. Tuesday.
----------------
(3rd LD) Typhoon Haishen moves off land through southeastern coastal cities, leaving 1 missing
SEOUL -- Typhoon Haishen escaped off the eastern coast of Gangneung on Monday afternoon, ripping through the country's eastern seaside cities after making landfall in Ulsan earlier in the day, the weather agency said.
The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said the season's 10th typhoon reached waters some 20 kilometers north of Gangneung, Gangwon Province, at 1:30 p.m., bringing pounding rains and high winds in its wake.
----------------
Webtoons carve out role behind popular films
SEOUL -- On the South Korean entertainment scene, webtoons, or web-based comics, have carved out a unique role as a source of fresh ideas for producers and screenwriters.
TV series like "Itaewon Class" (2020) and "Mystic Pop-up Bar" (2020), dramatized adaptations of popular web cartoon series with the same titles, are the most recent hits on the small screen.
----------------
Eastar to cut half of employees for new deal
SEOUL -- Embattled Eastar Jet Co. said Monday it will reduce its workforce by more than half as part of efforts to find a new investor after Jeju Air Co. scrapped its plan to acquire the smaller budget carrier amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Eastar plans to lay off 640 workers, or 53 percent, of its 1,216 employees on Oct. 14 before it begins the process of finding a new investor, Eastar Senior Vice President Kim You-sang said over the phone.
----------------
(LEAD) Seoul stocks rebound on Samsung, bio gains
SEOUL -- South Korean shares rebounded Monday, led by an advance in top cap Samsung Electronics and some bio stocks. The Korean won rose against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 15.97 points, or 0.67 percent, to close at 2,384.22.
----------------
Samsung to close TV factory in China
SEOUL -- Samsung Electronics Co. will close its TV manufacturing plant in Tianjin, China, sources here said Monday, as the company tries to boost efficiency in its supply chain management.
The South Korean tech giant plans to cease operations at its sole TV plant in China from end-November, according to the sources. The plant has some 300 workers.
(END)


yna--2020-09-07--(LEAD) SK Innovation pushes for 3rd EV battery plant in Hungary

`` We have just concluded that there is a need for further investments to prepare for an increase in car @ @ @ @ @ '' the company said in a statement .

(ATTN: ADDS company's response in paras 3-4)
SEOUL, Sept. 7 (Yonhap) -- SK Innovation Co., a South Korean refining-to-battery conglomerate, is pushing for its third battery plant in Hungary, people familiar with the issue said Monday.
SK Innovation has begun a process of selecting subcontractors for the construction of the proposed plant, they said.
SK Innovation denied that the selection process has begun, saying no decision has been made in regard to the third Hungarian plant.
"We have just concluded that there is a need for further investments to prepare for an increase in car battery demand in Europe," the company said in a statement.
Currently, SK Innovation runs a plant with an annual capacity of 7.5 gigawatt-hours (GWh) in the northwestern Hungarian city of Komarom.
SK Innovation has also been working to complete its second plant with a capacity of 9.8 GWh, next to the first plant, by 2022.
Komarom is home to assembly lines of German carmaker Audi and is not far from a plant of another German automaker, Daimler AG, which owns Mercedes-Benz.
The EV battery market has been on a roll as global automakers race to go electric due to tightened regulations on greenhouse gas emissions, which scientists say are to blame for global warming.
SK Innovation is South Korea's top oil refiner, but it has been moving into the electric vehicle battery business since 2008 as part of efforts to find new revenue sources.
entropy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-07--(LEAD) Pastor to be reincarcerated after court cancels bail

`` If a person is arrested at the single word of a president , this ca n't be considered a @ @ @ @ @ after police escorted him from his residence attached to the church to take him to @ @ @ @ @ `` The Republic of Korea has become a totalitarian state . ''

(ATTN: UPDATES with pastor's remarks in paras 4-5, 12; CHANGES photo)
SEOUL, Sept. 7 (Yonhap) -- A controversial pastor at the center of a COVID-19 resurgence in the country will be reincarcerated after a court canceled his bail Monday, legal sources said.
Jun Kwang-hoon, who pastors Sarang Jeil Church in northern Seoul, was accused by prosecutors last month of violating the conditions for his bail by taking part in large-scale anti-government rallies in downtown Seoul.
Jun Kwang-hoon (C), a pastor of Sarang Jeil Church, speaks to reporters outside the church in northern Seoul on Sept. 7, 2020. (Yonhap)
The prosecutors requested his bail be canceled, and the Seoul Central District Court accepted the request on Monday, according to the sources. The court also confiscated a deposit of 30 million won (US$25,284) from Jun.
"If a person is arrested at the single word of a president, this can't be considered a country," Jun said after police escorted him from his residence attached to the church to take him to a Seoul detention facility. "The Republic of Korea has become a totalitarian state."
Asked if he plans to appeal, Jun said, "Of course I will."
The decision comes 140 days after Jun was released on bail pending an investigation into charges he violated public election laws ahead of the April 15 parliamentary elections. He was also charged with libel against President Moon Jae-in.
Jun's conditions for bail included a ban on attending all illegal rallies or protests, or those related to the investigation.
In accepting the prosecution's request, the court cited Jun's violation of those conditions.
Jun tested positive for COVID-19 two days after he took part in the Aug. 15 rallies. He was subsequently hospitalized and later discharged from the hospital on Sept. 2.
Police have raided Jun's house and facilities related to the church to secure evidence that the church hampered the government's efforts to slow the spread of the virus.
The church and Jun have attracted conservative groups critical of the Moon Jae-in government.
Church members, local residents and reporters gathered outside Jun's home for his departure, leading to clashes between residents in the neighborhood who called for the church's removal and church members and their supporters.
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-07--Unemployment benefits fall from record high

The signs of improvement in the labor market , however , are unlikely to persist this month as the nation @ @ @ @ @ curb spikes in coronavirus infections , the Ministry of Employment and Labor said .

SEOUL, Sep. 7 (Yonhap) -- The amount paid out in jobless benefits fell slightly in August from the previous month while the number of employment insurance subscribers increased at a faster rate, data showed Monday.
The signs of improvement in the labor market, however, are unlikely to persist this month as the nation tightened social distancing again to curb spikes in coronavirus infections, the Ministry of Employment and Labor said.
The state jobless aid distributed in August came to 1.097 trillion won (US$923 million), up 51.2 percent from 725.6 billion won in the same month of 2019, according to statistics from the ministry.
The amount fell from a record high of 1.189 trillion won set in July and exceeded 1 trillion for the fourth consecutive month.
The number of recipients was 705,000, up 49 percent from 473,000 one year before and down slightly from 731,000 of July.
The number of new applicants for unemployment benefits was 90,000, the lowest since last November, when the number was 86,000. The number spiked to 156,000 in March but has been declining since April.
This undated file photo shows people waiting to apply for unemployment benefits at a labor ministry office in Seoul. (Yonhap)
The ministry also announced that the country had just over 14 million employment insurance subscribers, up 262,000, or 1.9 percent, from the same month last year.
The on-year growth slowed to 155,000 in May amid the coronavirus crisis but rebounded in June with 184,000 and 186,000 in July.
It is the first time that the number has exceeded 14 million.
The increase was led by the service sector, in which the subscriber number rose by 3.4 percent on-year to 9.647 million, while the number in the manufacturing sector declined 1.8 percent to 3.512 million.
The ministry is pessimistic with regard to this month's job market.
"With coronavirus spreading again in mid-August, employment conditions are getting much worse. The government is taking this trend very seriously," Hwang Bo-kook, a ministry official, said.
(END)


yna--2020-09-07--(LEAD) Vice FM Choi meets Chinese, Japanese ambassadors amid Sino-U.S. rivalry, looming leadership c

(LEAD) Vice FM Choi meets Chinese, Japanese ambassadors amid Sino-U.S. rivalry, looming leadership change in Japan

Since taking office last month , Choi has held and planned online and offline meetings with his foreign counterparts and @ @ @ @ @ part of efforts to ensure their support for Seoul 's policy agenda , including its @ @ @ @ @ the Korean Peninsula .

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead; UPDATES throughout; CHANGES photo; ADDS photo)
By Song Sang-ho
SEOUL, Sept. 7 (Yonhap) -- First Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong-kun met with the Chinese and Japanese ambassadors on Monday, amid the intensifying Sino-U.S. rivalry and a looming leadership change in Japan.
Since taking office last month, Choi has held and planned online and offline meetings with his foreign counterparts and ambassadors from major countries as part of efforts to ensure their support for Seoul's policy agenda, including its push for lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula.
He first met with U.S. Ambassador Harry Harris last week.
On Monday, Choi had a meeting with Japanese Ambassador Koji Tomita amid continuing tensions between Seoul and Tokyo over the long-running thorny issue of wartime forced labor and the latter's export restrictions.
First Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong-kun (R) and Japanese Ambassador Koji Tomita bump elbows before their talks at the foreign ministry in Seoul on Sept. 7, 2020. (Yonhap)
Their talks came after Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced his intent late last month to step down due to health problems -- a move that raised cautious hope for a possible shift in the taut relations between South Korea and Japan.
Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, a close aide to Abe, is seen as a front-runner to be the next premier, raising speculation that if he is elected, Tokyo's foreign policy could remain largely unchanged.
Later in the day, Choi met Chinese Ambassador Xing Haiming.
Their talks were arranged against the backdrop of an intensifying Sino-U.S. rivalry that has posed a tricky geopolitical quandary to South Korea.
First Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong-kun (R) and Chinese Ambassador Xing Haiming bump elbows before their talks at the foreign ministry in Seoul on Sept. 7, 2020. (Yonhap)
The two sides could discuss ongoing bilateral coordination to arrange a visit to Seoul by Chinese President Xi Jinping within this year as the two countries have mutually agreed to push for the visit.
Xi's visit, if realized, would come at a delicate time for Seoul's diplomacy, as the United States has recently been striving to close ranks with its key Asian allies amid tensions between the great powers on multiple fronts, including trade, technology and maritime security.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-07--Rolls-Royce New Ghost makes 1st Asian debut in S. Korea

`` This is no coincidence .
This year , South Korea has been more important to us as a business @ @ @ @ @ trends internationally in fashion , art and architecture , '' Paul Harris , Asia-Pacific regional @ @ @ @ @ in a statement .

SEOUL, Sept. 7 (Yonhap) -- Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, the luxury car brand under BMW Group, on Monday launched the all-new Ghost sedan in South Korea to capture growing demand for high-end models.
The launch of the New Ghost in South Korea marked its first debut in the Asia-Pacific region following its global unveiling on Tuesday.
"This is no coincidence. This year, South Korea has been more important to us as a business than ever. Korea sets trends internationally in fashion, art and architecture," Paul Harris, Asia-Pacific regional director of Rolls-Royce, said in a statement.
This file photo provided by Rolls-Royce shows the New Ghost. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The New Ghost sells at the starting price of 471 million won (US$396,000), with delivery scheduled to begin in December.
Rolls-Royce vehicle sales jumped 31 percent to 161 units in Korea in 2019 from 123 a year earlier, according to the Korea Automobile Importers and Distributors Association (KAIDA).
The Goodwood-based carmaker has two showrooms in Asia's fourth-biggest economy -- one in Seoul and the other in Busan, 453 kilometers south of Seoul.
Rolls-Royce began to sell its vehicles in Korea 16 years ago. Its current lineup includes the Phantom, Ghost, Wraith, Dawn and Cullinan.
The Rolls-Royce brand belongs to BMW Group, which also sells BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce models in Korea.
From January to August, BMW Group Korea sold a total of 43,818 vehicles, up 35 percent from 32,531 units in the year-ago period.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-08--(LEAD) Home prices in greater Seoul area show signs of stabilizing: finance minister

FAR is the ratio of the total plot area to the overall building area and is determined by the size @ @ @ @ @ of the road in front of the plot .

(ATTN: ADDS background in last 4 paras)
SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) -- Home prices in Seoul and its neighboring area have shown signs of stabilizing due to the government's measures to cool prices and supply more homes, Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki said Tuesday.
"Market sentiment in the greater Seoul area, which had showed signs of overheating, appeared to have become calm in August," Hong said.
Last month apartment prices in Seoul largely remained flat, Hong said, citing industry data.
Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki (R) speaks at a meeting with economy-related ministers on Sept. 8, 2020. (Yonhap)
Apartment prices in Seoul rose 0.01 percent in the final two weeks of August, compared with a gain of 0.04 percent in the first week of last month, Hong said.
In particular, apartment prices in Seoul's Gangnam Ward remained flat last month, Hong said.
In July, the government announced its toughest measures yet to rein in rising housing prices, as a series of steps, including tax hikes and loan regulations, failed to put the brakes on soaring home prices.
The following month, the government announced it will supply 132,000 homes, including 110,000 homes in Seoul, in the capital city and neighboring areas by 2028 by easing restrictions on the construction of residential buildings.
As part of the supply measure, the government will start selling 30,000 public units in 2021 and another 30,000 homes in 2022 in the greater Seoul area, Hong said.
The eased rules allow redevelopment of aging apartment complexes to increase their floor area ratio (FAR) to between 300 and 500 percent from the current 250 percent in order to build more units.
FAR is the ratio of the total plot area to the overall building area and is determined by the size of the plot and width of the road in front of the plot.
The rules also allow such redevelopment projects to build 50-story apartment buildings in the greater Seoul area, far higher than the existing 35-story height cap.
The plans are in line with the government's broad plan to supply a total of 1.27 million homes in Seoul and neighboring areas as early as 2028.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-08--Samsung to manufacture Qualcomm chips for 5G smartphones: sources

Samsung , the world 's largest memory chip producer , trails far behind TSMC in the foundry market .
According @ @ @ @ @ Samsung is estimated to have a 17.4 percent market share in the global foundry industry @ @ @ @ @ the year , while TSMC is expected to continue its dominance with a 53.9 percent @ @ @

SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Co. has reportedly secured an order to manufacture Qualcomm Technologies Inc.'s mobile application processor (AP) for 5G budget smartphones, industry sources said Tuesday, as the South Korean tech giant eyes boosting its presence in the foundry industry.
Samsung is likely to be a producer of the 5G version of Qualcomm's Snapdragon 4-series processors that are expected to be available on the market next year, according to the sources.
Handset makers, like Xiaomi, Oppo and Motorola, have reportedly decided to use Qualcomm's new chipset for their products.
This photo, provided by Samsung Electronics Co. on May 21, 2020, shows the company's chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Samsung has been getting foundry deals from major companies recently.
Last month, the company said it will manufacture IBM Corp.'s POWER 10 chip. Earlier this month, industry sources said Samsung will fabricate Nvidia Corp.'s new RTX 3000 series graphics processing units.
Samsung, the world's largest memory chip producer, trails far behind TSMC in the foundry market. According to market researcher TrendForce, Samsung is estimated to have a 17.4 percent market share in the global foundry industry in the third quarter of the year, while TSMC is expected to continue its dominance with a 53.9 percent market share.
Samsung has vowed to invest 133 trillion won (US$112 billion) to become the world's No. 1 logic chipmaker by 2030 and bolster its competitiveness in the system LSI and foundry businesses.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-08--Hyundai, SK to cooperate in EV battery business

`` The partnership with SK Innovation will help strengthen the EV competitiveness of Hyundai Motor Group and promote the spread @ @ @ @ @ Hyundai official said in the statement .

SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) -- Hyundai Motor Group and electric vehicle (EV) battery maker SK Innovation Co. said Tuesday they will cooperate in the EV battery business for win-win synergies.
The battery partnership comes as Hyundai and SK Innovation seek to foster future mobility solutions and EV batteries as new growth drivers, respectively.
The two companies recently signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate in the sale, management services and recycling of EV batteries, Hyundai said in a statement.
"The partnership with SK Innovation will help strengthen the EV competitiveness of Hyundai Motor Group and promote the spread of EVs," a Hyundai official said in the statement.
In this photo, provided by Hyundai Motor Group and taken on July 7, 2020, the group's Executive Vice Chairman Chung Euisun (R) shakes hands with SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won at SK Innovation's car battery plant in Seosan, 150 kilometers south of Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
In July, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Vice Chairman Chung Euisun and SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won met to discuss cooperation on next-generation EV battery technologies, power management chips, and the "battery-as-a-service (Baas)" platform.
Baas is a breakthrough business model mainly for EV battery rental and replacement services.
Chung and Chey also discussed ways to strengthen the charging infrastructure for all-electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel-cell EVs using SK Group's gas stations and charging stations.
Currently, Hyundai Motor Co. and its affiliate Kia Motors Corp. use SK Innovation Co.'s lithium ion batteries for their plug-in hybrid vehicles and all-electric models.
Moreover, Hyundai designated SK Innovation as a major battery supplier for an electric car that Hyundai is pushing to mass produce based on its own EV platform, called the electric-global modular platform (E-GMP), starting 2021.
At the end of last year, Hyundai Motor Group signed a 10 trillion won (US$8.2 billion) deal with SK Innovation to purchase batteries for 500,000 EVs over the next five years.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-08--BLACKPINK's 'How You Like That' tops 500 mln YouTube views at record speed

The girl group 's latest single , `` Ice Cream , '' also topped 200 million YouTube views earlier in @ @ @ @ @ than 10 days after it was dropped .
It became the second-fastest K-pop video to @ @ @ @ @ after `` How You Like That , '' which achieved the milestone in just seven @ @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) -- The music video of South Korean girl group BLACKPINK's hit song "How You Like That" exceeded 500 million YouTube views in the shortest time in K-pop history, the band's agency said Tuesday.
The music video surpassed the 500 million mark around 3:50 a.m. Tuesday, 73 days after its release in June, according to BLACKPINK's management agency, YG Entertainment. The feat was achieved some 40 days earlier than the previous record of 111 days held by the quartet's 2019 megahit song "Kill This Love."
An image of "How You Like That" by BLACKPINK, provided by YG Entertainment on Sept. 8, 2020 (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The girl group's latest single, "Ice Cream," also topped 200 million YouTube views earlier in the morning, slightly more than 10 days after it was dropped. It became the second-fastest K-pop video to reach the 200 million threshold after "How You Like That," which achieved the milestone in just seven days after its release.
"Ice Cream," with Selena Gomez as a guest singer, and "How You Like That" are prerelease singles from the band's inaugural studio album, titled "The Album," to be released in October.
Last week, the aggregated number of pre-orders for the album reached 800,000 copies, including 530,000 copies in South Korea and 270,000 units from the United States and Europe, according to YG Entertainment, heightening expectations for the potential biggest album debut for a K-pop girl group.
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-08--The Korea Interbank Offered Rates (KORIBOR)

SEOUL , Sep. 8 ( Yonhap ) -- The Korea Interbank Offered Rates ( KORIBOR ) as posted by Yonhap @ @ @ @ @ and information arm of Yonhap News Agency , at 11:00 a.m .

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


yna--2020-09-08--S. Korea to start purchase of rice for emergency reserves

Under the plan , the country will purchase 340,000 tons of rice for the reserves by the end of this @ @ @ @ @ tons for overseas aid , according to the Ministry of Agriculture , Food and Rural @ @

SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) -- The government said Tuesday it will start the annual purchase of rice for emergency reserves next week in line with efforts to stabilize the market price and brace for potential natural disasters.
Under the plan, the country will purchase 340,000 tons of rice for the reserves by the end of this year, along with 10,000 tons for overseas aid, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
The emergency reserve system is designed to store staple grains as a contingency against natural disasters or other food supply crises.
The government normally purchases around 17 to 18 percent of the annual consumption amount, about two months worth, as a backup.
The government plans to provide an advance payment of 30,000 won (US$25.2) per 40-kilogram sack of rice and cover the remaining amount by the end of this year.
The country has not yet set this year's price. It came to 65,750 won per sack in 2019.
The country also purchases sacks for overseas aid under the ASEAN+3 Emergency Rice Reserve project, which is aimed at safeguarding the region's food security in case of emergencies, such as floods and droughts.
Since 2017, South Korea has donated rice to Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and the Philippines in humanitarian aid under the program.
The file photo taken Aug. 31, 2020, shows a farmer harvesting rice at a farm in Busan, 453 kilometers south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-08--S. Korea to allow flexibility in state R&D projects amid pandemic

Under the plan , the country will lift regulations in industrial R & D programs and allow companies to revise @ @ @ @ @ project as well , according to the Ministry of Trade , Industry and Energy .

By Kang Yoon-seung
SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) -- South Korea said Tuesday it will provide more leeway to companies participating in state-sponsored research and development (R&D) projects, as the new coronavirus pandemic has led to more uncertainties in global industries.
Under the plan, the country will lift regulations in industrial R&D programs and allow companies to revise their research goals during their project as well, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
State-sponsored R&D projects were previously virtually banned from adjusting their goals or changing spending plans of their budget due to strings of regulations.
With the COVID-19 pandemic causing economic jitters for businesses, the country said it will also ease the financial burden of private companies in state R&D projects, and induce more small and medium-sized firms to join hands with conglomerates.
The industry ministry allocated 4.2 trillion won (US$3.53) in its R&D budget for 2020, rising sharply from 3.4 trillion won from 2019.
South Korea plans to disburse 4.9 trillion won in the area next year.
The ministry said international R&D projects, which currently account for less than 3 percent of the on-going programs, will account for up to 15 percent by 2023 by easing related regulations as well.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-08--(LEAD) Moon expects greater role for national disease control body with enhanced stature

A vice health minister , to be named later , needs to focus on developing South Korea 's health care @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus situation is stabilized , Moon said .
With the organizational change , the ministry @ @ @ @ @ , with another dealing with welfare policy .

(ATTN: UPDATES with more remarks, details in 3rd para, last 6 paras; ADDS photo)
SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in said Tuesday the elevation of South Korea's state disease control agency to an independent administration represents "epoch-making" progress in the nation's efforts to prevent and fight infectious diseases.
He made the remarks during a weekly Cabinet meeting at Cheong Wa Dae, in which he formally approved the plan to enhance the stature of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) to an organization with more power, authority and workforce.
The promotion of its status is "epoch-making progress in our infectious disease response system," Moon said.
The KCDC has so far played an excellent, pivotal role in South Korea's response to the COVID-19 outbreak and has been exemplary for the international community, the president noted.
On the basis of trust, the KCDC is being reborn as an administration, which is the control tower of handling infectious diseases with independence and strengthened expertise, he said.
President Moon Jae-in speaks during a Cabinet meeting at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Sept. 8, 2020. (Yonhap)
The administration will have "substantive authority" to establish "dense and systemic" networks to monitor, research, analyze and prevent such illness, and even respond to a crisis, Moon said.
Also, a national infectious disease research institute will be created for virus study, clinical testing and vaccine development support under the wing of the Korea National Institute of Health (KNIH), which belongs to the administration set to be launched on Saturday.
The administration's officials will total 1,476, a 42 percent rise from the current number.
Moon also attached significance to the decision to create a new vice ministerial position at the Ministry of Health and Welfare to be in charge of health care affairs.
It is expected to serve as an "opportunity to greatly strengthen the public medical and health care capabilities in the situation that a health care crisis, like the coronavirus one, becomes common," he said.
A vice health minister, to be named later, needs to focus on developing South Korea's health care system as soon as the coronavirus situation is stabilized, Moon said. With the organizational change, the ministry will have two vice ministers, with another dealing with welfare policy.
He stressed the need to "actively communicate" with the medical sector via a related council, cooperate with the National Assembly and collect people's opinions.
A Cabinet session, chaired by President Moon Jae-in, is under way at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Sept. 8, 2020. (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-08--Moon expects greater role for national disease control body with enhanced stature

SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in said Tuesday the elevation of South Korea's state disease control agency to an independent administration represents "epoch-making" progress in the nation's efforts to prevent and fight infectious diseases.
He made the remarks during a weekly Cabinet meeting at Cheong Wa Dae, in which he formally approved the plan to enhance the stature of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) to an organization with more power, authority and workforce.
The KCDC has so far played an excellent, pivotal role in South Korea's response to the COVID-19 outbreak and has been exemplary for the international community, the president noted.
On the basis of trust, the KCDC is being reborn as an administration, which is the control tower of handling infectious diseases with independence and strengthened expertise, he said.
President Moon Jae-in speaks during a Cabinet meeting at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Sept. 8, 2020. (Yonhap)
The administration will have "substantive authority" to establish "dense and systemic" networks to monitor, research, analyze and prevent such illness, and even respond to a crisis, Moon said.
He also attached significance to the decision to create a new vice ministerial position at the Ministry of Health and Welfare to be in charge of health care affairs.
It will serve as an "opportunity to greatly strengthen the public medical and health care capabilities in the situation that a health care crisis, like the coronavirus one, becomes common," he said.
A vice health minister, to be named later, needs to focus on developing South Korea's health care system as soon as the coronavirus situation is stabilized, Moon said. With the organizational change, the ministry will have two vice ministers, with another dealing with welfare policy.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-08--N.K. propaganda outlet slams U.S., Japan for strengthening defense cooperation

`` While the whole world is making all-out efforts to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus , the military @ @ @ @ @ Japan is strengthening more than ever , which is raising concerns within and outside the @ @ @ @ @ said .

SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) -- A North Korean propaganda outlet on Tuesday lashed out at the United States and Japan for deepening military cooperation even in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, calling their joint drills a "threat" to the region.
Meari, one of the North's propaganda websites, made the criticism, pointing out the multiple joint air and sea exercises the U.S. and Japan held in the South China Sea last month, involving the U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan and Japan's Ikazuchi destroyer.
It also denounced last month's meeting between U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper and Japanese Defense Minister Taro Kono in Guam where they discussed security issues including the North's missile program.
"While the whole world is making all-out efforts to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, the military collusion between the U.S. and Japan is strengthening more than ever, which is raising concerns within and outside the country," the outlet said.
"It goes without saying that the frequent military plots and collusion between the U.S. and Japan threaten peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the region," it added.
The outlet also slammed South Korea, saying it is desperate to participate in the "invasive military cooperation" between the U.S. and Japan.
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-08--LG Uplus develops SIM-less cellular tech with global partners

The latest technology will help device manufacturers to produce smaller products since it does not require space or additional components @ @ @ @ @ and will also allow companies to reduce production costs , according to LG Uplus .

SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) -- LG Uplus Corp., South Korea's third-largest mobile carrier, said Tuesday it has developed an advanced cellular module technology with global partners that does not require Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) cards in mobile devices.
In collaboration with cellular chipset developer Sony Semiconductor Israel, local communication module maker NTmore, and German digital security solutions provider Giesecke+Devrient, LG Uplus said it has verified integrated Universal Integrated Circuit Card (iUICC) solutions.
SIM cards store users' personal information, allowing mobile carriers to identify their plans and services.
The iUICC is a technology in which SIM functionality is implemented in a communication chipset that powers voice and data connection.
The latest technology will help device manufacturers to produce smaller products since it does not require space or additional components for a SIM card, and will also allow companies to reduce production costs, according to LG Uplus.
LG Uplus said it plans to first apply iUICC technology on Internet of Things (IoT) products, especially for tracking devices and outdoor inspection equipment.
This photo, provided by LG Uplus Corp. on Sept. 8, 2020, shows a communication chipset (L) developed with integrated Universal Integrated Circuit Card (iUICC) technology. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-08--Military club's midfielder named K League's top player for Aug.

Moon tied Gwangju FC striker Felipe for first by winning 16.7 percent of the vote from the K League 's @ @ @ @ @ accounts for 60 percent of the award .
In the fan voting , counting for @ @ @ @ @ ranked fourth with 0.8 percent .
But in a vote by FIFA Online 4 players @ @ @ @ @ 15 percent of the award , Moon led everyone with 11.5 percent of support .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) -- Sangju Sangmu midfielder Moon Seon-min has been named the top player for August in South Korean football.
The Korea Professional Football League (K League) announced Tuesday that Moon beat out three other candidates for the Player of the Month honor after scoring two goals and setting up three others in five matches last month.
In this file photo from Aug. 15, 2020, Moon Seon-min of Sangju Sangmu takes a shot against FC Seoul during a K League 1 match at Seoul World Cup Stadium in Seoul. (Yonhap)
This is Moon's second career monthly award. He was the top player for October last year when he was playing for Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. Moon joined Sangju for this season to complete his mandatory military service.
Moon tied Gwangju FC striker Felipe for first by winning 16.7 percent of the vote from the K League's performance evaluation committee, which accounts for 60 percent of the award. In the fan voting, counting for 25 percent, Moon only ranked fourth with 0.8 percent. But in a vote by FIFA Online 4 players, making up the final 15 percent of the award, Moon led everyone with 11.5 percent of support.
With those percentages converted into points, Moon came out on top with 28.94 points, about 3 points ahead of Jeonbuk midfielder Kim Bo-kyung.
Moon will receive a trophy built by Electronic Arts Korea, the official video game partner of the K League, and also will wear a patch showing his Player of the Month award on his uniform for the remainder of the season.
This caricature provided by the Korea Professional Football League (K League) on Sept. 8, 2020, shows Sangju Sangmu midfielder Moon Seon-min, the Player of the Month for August in the K League 1. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-08--Number of self-employed tumbles amid coronavirus

Asia 's fourth-largest economy had 5.548 million self-employed people as of the end of July , down 127,000 from the @ @ @ @ @ , according to the data from the Korea Small Business Institute and Statistics Korea .

SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) -- The number of self-employed people in South Korea has fallen at a far faster pace in 2020 than last year in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, data showed Tuesday.
Asia's fourth-largest economy had 5.548 million self-employed people as of the end of July, down 127,000 from the same month a year earlier, according to the data from the Korea Small Business Institute and Statistics Korea.
The decrease is far higher than the figure from a year earlier. In July last year, the number declined by 26,000 on-year.
Self-employed people with employees numbered 1.345 million as of end-July this year, down 175,000 from a year earlier.
In contrast, the number of self-employed people without employees came to 4.203 million, up 48,000 from a year earlier.
South Korea's self-employed people have been hit especially hard by the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent social distancing measures, which have sent the country's consumer spending tumbling.
Experts have urged the government to come up with measures to support the country's self-employed reeling from the virus-caused economic slump.
The government is mapping out an extra budget worth at least 7 trillion won (US$5.9 billion) to provide "tailored" state support for those battered by the COVID-19 pandemic, including the self-employed.
(END)


yna--2020-09-08--S. Korean shipyards retain top spot in new orders in August

According to the data provided by global market researcher Clarkson Research Service , the Korean shipbuilders ' new orders amounted @ @ @ @ @ ( CGTs ) , or 23 ships , in August , which took up 73 @ @ @ @ @ orders totaling 860,000 CGTs , or 36 ships , last month .

By Nam Kwang-sik
SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) -- South Korean shipbuilders took the No. 1 ranking in new shipping orders in August for the second consecutive month on the back of orders for liquefied natural gas carriers, industry data showed Tuesday.
According to the data provided by global market researcher Clarkson Research Service, the Korean shipbuilders' new orders amounted to 630,000 compensated gross tons (CGTs), or 23 ships, in August, which took up 73 percent of the global new orders totaling 860,000 CGTs, or 36 ships, last month.
Korean shipbuilders' new orders have been increasing since June, reaching 250,000 CGTs that month and 560,000 CGTs in July.
Korean shipbuilders were trailed by Chinese shipbuilders with 210,000 CGTs, or 12 ships, and Vietnamese shipbuilders with 20,000 CGTs, or one ship, in August.
This photo provided by Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co. shows a LNG carrier built by Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., a subsidiary of Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
However, Korean shipbuilders sharply fell behind Chinese rivals in terms of new orders in the first eight months of the year.
During the period, Korean shipbuilders won 2.39 million CGTs in new orders, or 75 ships, taking up 29 percent of the global new orders, following Chinese shipbuilders with 4.37 million CGTs, or 201 ships, accounting for 54 percent.
Japanese shipbuilders ranked third, bagging 680,000 CGTs in new orders, or 43 ships, and 8 percent of the global orders.
Global new orders for ships more than halved to 8.12 million CGTs in the first eight months of the year from 17.47 million tons a year earlier.
Global order backlogs were slightly down by 740,000 CGTs, or 1 percent, to 69.19 million CGTs at the end of August compared with the same period a month earlier.
Chinese shipbuilders' order backlogs reached 25.47 million CGTs, or 37 percent of the total, followed by South Korean shipbuilders with 19.15 million CGTs and Japanese shipbuilders with 9.34 million CGTs.
ksnam@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-08--Blue Jays' Ryu Hyun-jin touched for 3 home runs vs. Yankees

The Blue Jays got a run back in the bottom first with Rowdy Tellez 's RBI double , and then @ @ @ @ @ a game-tying single in the bottom second .
And after those two early homers , @ @ @ @ @ the Yankees off the board over the next two innings .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) -- Once again, Ryu Hyun-jin couldn't solve the New York Yankees.
The South Korean starter for the Toronto Blue Jays was roughed up for three home runs against the Bronx Bombers at Sahlen Field in Buffalo, New York, on Monday (local time), and was pulled after five innings with the Blue Jays trailing 5-2.
Ryu was charged with five earned runs in five innings. Three of the six hits he gave up went over the fence, including back-to-back jacks by Luke Voit and Aaron Hicks in the top of the first.
In this Associated Press photo, Ryu Hyun-jin of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches against the New York Yankees in the top of the first inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game at Sahlen Field in Buffalo, New York, on Sept. 7, 2020. (Yonhap)
Ryu's ERA ballooned from 2.51 to 3.19. He had allowed just four earned runs over his past six starts combined, spanning 34 innings, prior to this messy start.
The five runs allowed also tied Ryu's season high. He hadn't given up a long ball since Aug. 11 versus the Miami Marlins, five starts ago.
In three career starts against the Yankees, Ryu has served up seven home runs and 15 earned runs in 15 1/3 innings for an 8.80 ERA.
In his previous meeting against the Yankees while pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers in August last year, Ryu had also allowed three home runs. And this game had an inauspicious start, as Voit and Hicks each hit a solo shot with one out in the first.
The Blue Jays got a run back in the bottom first with Rowdy Tellez's RBI double, and then Santiago Espinal came through with a game-tying single in the bottom second. And after those two early homers, Ryu settled down to keep the Yankees off the board over the next two innings.
But with one out in the fourth, Ryu gave up a solo home run to Miguel Andujar that put the Yankees back up by 3-2.
The fifth inning sealed Ryu's fate. DJ LeMahieu and Voit reached with consecutive singles. Ryu retired Hicks on a pop fly to catcher, but cleanup Clint Frazier broke things open with a double to left field that scored both runners.
Left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. made a good throw home that could have nabbed Voit, but catcher Danny Jansen couldn't squeeze the ball as he tried a swipe tag.
The bullpen took over to begin the sixth.
On offense, the Blue Jays wasted a few early chances to take the lead. They wasted two singles in the bottom third, and stranded a pair of runners again in the bottom fourth after starter Jordan Montgomery walked two batters.
Gurriel Jr.'s one-out double in the fifth didn't amount to anything, as Jonathan Villar grounded out and Travis Shaw struck out.
This is the first game of a crucial three-game series with huge pennant race implications. The Blue Jays entered this contest in second place in the American League (AL) East at 22-18, one game ahead of the Yankees, who had lost 13 of their past 18 before Monday.
The top two clubs from each division will qualify for the postseason, joined by the next two best clubs.
In this Getty Images photo, Ryu Hyun-jin of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches against the New York Yankees in the top of the first inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game at Sahlen Field in Buffalo, New York, on Sept. 7, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-08--Tax revenue tallied at 54.4 tln won in July

Dues collected from companies , on the other hand , reached 1.5 trillion won in the month , down 100 @ @ @ @ @ earlier due to the lackluster earnings of local firms .

SEJONG, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) -- South Korea collected 54.4 trillion won (US$45.7 billion) in taxes in July, up 6.5 trillion won from a year earlier, the finance ministry said Tuesday.
Income tax revenue amounted to 8.1 trillion won in July, up 700 billion won from a year earlier, according to the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
Dues collected from companies, on the other hand, reached 1.5 trillion won in the month, down 100 billion won from a year earlier due to the lackluster earnings of local firms.
Taxes collected from customs also decreased 300 billion won over the period to 400 billion won due to the falling amount of imports.
Value-added tax revenue reached 17.4 trillion won in July, down 1 trillion won over the cited period, the data showed, mainly due to the reduced amount of paybacks for facility investment.
South Korea's total expenditures in July reached 40.1 trillion won, up 6.4 trillion won from a year earlier.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-08--S. Korea weighs measures to counter virus fallout

The move comes as the government and the ruling Democratic Party agreed to formulate the extra budget to provide `` @ @ @ @ @ those hit especially hard by the COVID-19 pandemic , including the unemployed , youth , @ @ @ @ @ merchants and the self-employed .

SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) -- The government is mapping out a package of measures to help cushion the economic fallout from the coronavirus outbreak and galvanize the economy, officials said Tuesday.
The emergency measures, which include an additional supplementary budget worth at least 7 trillion won (US$5.9 billion), are scheduled to be unveiled as early as this week.
"A comprehensive package of emergency measures, including the extra budget, are on the table as part of efforts to give a boost to economic vitality," a ranking government official said.
The move comes as the government and the ruling Democratic Party agreed to formulate the extra budget to provide "tailored" state support for those hit especially hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, including the unemployed, youth, freelancers, low-income people and merchants and the self-employed.
It would mark the first time in 59 years for the South Korean government to allocate four extra budgets in a single fiscal year.
On top of the envisioned supplementary budget, an additional 1 trillion won will be included in the package to help spur investment, exports and consumption, the official added.
The anti-virus package is expected to include steps to help virus-hit companies maintain workers on their payrolls and boost corporate hiring.
State-run corporations will expand their investments and private firms will be encouraged to invest more in a bid to help Asia's fourth-largest economy tide over virus-induced difficulties.
The government is also considering measures to stimulate flagging private consumption and stabilize soaring food and vegetable prices in the wake of typhoons and torrential rains.
Pounded by the coronavirus outbreak, the South Korean economy has plunged into a recession as its gross domestic product shrank 3.3 percent in the second quarter after a 1.3 percent on-quarter contraction three months earlier.
(END)


yna--2020-09-08--Asiana deal set to collapse due to pandemic this week

It has had all of its 10,500 employees take unpaid leave for 15 days a month since April until business @ @ @ @ @ executives have also agreed to forgo 60 percent of their wages , though no specific @ @ @ @ @ how long the pay cuts will remain in effect .

SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) -- HDC Hyundai Development Co.'s planned takeover of Asiana Airlines Inc. appears likely to collapse this week as the property developer failed to narrow differences with the airline's creditors over acquisition terms, people familiar with the matter said Tuesday.
The deal, if it falls through, would become the country's second botched deal in the coronavirus-hit airline sector this year, following Jeju Air Co.'s cancellation of its plan to acquire smaller rival Eastar Jet Co. in July.
Kumho Industrial Co., which holds a controlling stake in Asiana Airlines, is expected to notify HDC of the termination of the deal by Friday when government officials are set to meet to discuss ways to support the financially troubled carrier.
On Friday, ministers handling the Asiana deal and officials in charge of the state fund set up for the airline and other backbone industries are scheduled to have separate meetings.
Asiana's creditors -- the Korea Development Bank (KDB) and the Export-Import Bank of Korea (Eximbank) -- are expected to report their plan B for the country's second-biggest airline to the ministers following the deal's rupture, industry people said.
They said the state fund is likely to inject 2 trillion won (US$1.68 billion) into Asiana to help the cash-strapped carrier stay afloat this year.
The KDB and Eximbank have already extended a combined 3.3 trillion won, including 1.7 trillion won this year, in the past two years.
KDB Chairman Lee Dong-gull and HDC Chairman Chung Mong-gyu met late last month, but they failed to produce any breakthrough for the stalled deal amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lee reportedly suggested a sharp reduction in the acquisition price by 1 trillion won (US$840 million) in the last-ditch attempt to push the deal forward.
But HDC once again demanded another round of due diligence on Asiana, which was already rejected by the creditors and Kumho Industrial.
Once the two sides announce the deal's collapse, Asiana is expected to be placed under the control of the creditors and undergo restructuring to find a new owner.
In December, the HDC-led consortium signed the deal to acquire a 30.77 percent stake in Asiana from Kumho Industrial, a construction unit of Kumho Asiana Group, as well as new Asiana shares to be issued and the carrier's six affiliates, for 2.5 trillion won.
But the pandemic has emerged as a major stumbling block to the deal.
Asiana has suspended most of its flights on international routes since March.
It has had all of its 10,500 employees take unpaid leave for 15 days a month since April until business circumstances normalize. Asiana's executives have also agreed to forgo 60 percent of their wages, though no specific time frame was given for how long the pay cuts will remain in effect.
As a result, Asiana's net losses deepened to 432.88 billion won in the January-June period from 267.4 billion won a year earlier.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-08--New virus cases below 200 for 6th day; cluster infections still drag on virus fight

South Korea has been scrambling to contain a flare-up in virus cases as daily infections have been in the triple @ @ @ @ @ to cluster infections tied to churches and a large-scale rally in central Seoul in mid-August @

SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new virus cases stayed below 200 for the sixth consecutive day Tuesday, but sporadic cluster infections across the nation continued to put health authorities on edge.
The country added 136 more COVID-19 cases, including 120 local infections, raising the total caseload to 21,432, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
It marked a slight increase from 119 additional cases reported Monday, the fewest in 24 days.
This photo, taken on Sept. 7, 2020, shows a picture of King Jeongjo, the 22nd monarch of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), wearing a mask hung on a bulletin board of the municipal government of Suwon, just south of Seoul. The city government is staging a campaign calling on people to wear masks to contain the spread of the new coronavirus. (Yonhap)
South Korea has been scrambling to contain a flare-up in virus cases as daily infections have been in the triple digits since Aug. 14 due to cluster infections tied to churches and a large-scale rally in central Seoul in mid-August.
New virus cases soared to a five-month high of 441 on Aug. 27, but they have been on a downward trend on stricter social distancing measures, which health authorities called a "positive" sign in the virus fight.
The KCDC said the enhanced social distancing scheme, called Level 2.5 measures, currently being imposed in the greater Seoul has begun to have an effect.
After the eight-day operation, the country extended the tougher virus curbs by another week from Monday in the capital region, home to half of the country's 51.6 million population, as virus cases spiked at an alarming pace.
Under the scheme, eating at restaurants and small eateries is only allowed until 9 p.m. Franchise coffee chains, bakeries and ice cream parlors are permitted to offer only takeout and delivery.
The country also extended its Level 2 social distancing measures across the country by another two weeks until Sept. 20 as cluster infections continued to pop up nationwide.
This photo, taken on Sept. 7, 2020, shows a franchise bakery in Seoul, where tables and chairs were stacked as onsite eating is banned under the stricter social distancing scheme imposed in the greater capital region over the COVID-19 pandemic. (Yonhap)
Of the newly identified local infections, 67 cases were reported in Seoul and 29 from Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital. Incheon, just west of Seoul, reported two more cases.
Other municipalities reported new infections, with the southeastern port city of Busan adding one cases and the southwestern city of Gwangju reporting 12 new infections.
Cases traced to Sarang Jeil Church in northern Seoul, a hotbed of the recent spike in new infections, reached 1,163 as of noon Monday.
The church-tied cases marked the largest cluster infection after more than 5,000 virus cases traced to the minor religious sect of Shincheonji were reported in Daegu in late February and early March.
Cases tied to the anti-government rally in Seoul on Aug. 15 reached 532.
Sporadic cluster infections showed no signs of letup, with cases traced to a call center in eastern Seoul reaching 18. Infections tied to an eatery at a traditional market in Gwangju came to 11.
Health authorities remain vigilant against a potential rebound in virus cases due to people's movements during the upcoming Chuseok fall harvest holiday.
This year's Chuseok holiday runs from Sept. 30 to Oct. 4. The Korean autumn harvest celebration is one of the country's biggest traditional holidays and serves as a chance for family members to visit their hometowns.
This photo, provided by the National Assembly on Sept. 7, 2020, shows a quarantine official disinfecting the briefing room of parliament in Seoul after a journalist covering the assembly tested positive for the new coronavirus. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The country, meanwhile, reported 16 imported cases, with four cases coming from India and another four from Turkey.
South Korea reported five more deaths, raising the death toll to 341. The fatality rate was 1.59 percent.
The number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients reached 151 as of midnight, down 11 from the previous day.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 16,636, up 339 from the previous day.
The country has carried out 2,066,078 coronavirus tests since Jan. 3.
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-08--Seoul stocks open higher on tech, bio gains

The local currency was trading at 1,187.35 won against the U.S. dollar , up 0.95 won from the previous session @ @ @

SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) -- South Korean shares opened higher Tuesday, buoyed by tech and bio gains on the main bourse.
The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 16.84 points, or 0.71 percent, to 2,401.06 in the first 15 minutes of trading.
The index rose above the 2,400-point mark as chipmakers continued to gain despite lingering valuation pressure on tech shares in major economies.
Large caps traded mixed in Seoul.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics added 1.59 percent, with No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix edging up 0.13 percent.
Internet portal giant Naver shed 0.48 percent, while its rival Kakao added 0.51 percent.
Leading chemical maker LG Chem retreated 1.67 percent, and rechargeable battery maker Samsung SDI stayed flat.
Top pharmaceutical firm Samsung Biologics climbed 0.13 percent, but Celltrion dipped 1.64 percent.
Hyundai Motor, the country's largest automaker, advanced 0.29 percent, and top steelmaker POSCO rose 0.27 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,187.35 won against the U.S. dollar, up 0.95 won from the previous session's close.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-08--(LEAD) FM Kang voices concerns over U.S.-China tension, impact on S. Korea's diplomacy

`` The road ahead looks arduous in this effort to get North Korea to completely denuclearize , replace the seven @ @ @ @ @ formal peace treaty and build a prosperous future for all Koreans , especially when the @ @ @ @ @ currently is , '' she said .
`` But we are staying the course .
@

(ATTN: RECASTS lead; ADDS more info in paras 13-15)
SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) -- Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha said Tuesday that a growing Sino-U.S. rivalry makes South Korea's diplomatic endeavor to firm up relations with the major powers a "very tough task."
Kang delivered a speech on Seoul's response to the "challenging global context," its handling of the new coronavirus and the erosion of multilateralism, as a special speaker for a gathering of Romanian diplomats via video links.
"We are firmly committed to safeguarding and strengthening our security alliance with the U.S., which has served as a cornerstone of peace and security on the Korean Peninsula, and in Northeast Asia," Kang said.
"But we are also committed to further developing substantial ties in our strategic partnership with China. The growing U.S.-China competition and dwindling space for problem-solving dialogue between them makes this a very tough task," she added.
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha speaks during her video-linked participation in a Romanian diplomatic gathering, at the foreign ministry in Seoul on Sept. 8, 2020, in this photo provided by her office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Kang's remarks came as Seoul is striving to map out a coherent strategy to steer clear of the rising tensions between the great powers, promote cooperation between them and enhance its national interests.
In the face of the great-power rivalry, the minister pointed out that "much leverage lies in our geopolitical position and growing capacities."
"And we are endeavoring to solidify the areas of shared interests with the United States, China and other neighboring countries," she said.
While noting the elements that threaten multilateralism, Kang said "what concerns foreign policy actors the most" is the rising tensions between the major powers, and that the downward spiral in their relations has been "destabilizing" for the international community.
Kang also reiterated Seoul's "firm" commitment to shoring up multilateralism, stressing that her government is "realistic and clear-eyed" in its thinking of the future of multilateralism.
"COVID-19 has exacerbated the divisive trends that undermine multilateral cooperation. But it has also made clear how interdependent and vulnerable we are and the urgency of multilateral action to overcome it and prepare for the next global health crisis," she said.
Touching on the lackluster peace efforts with North Korea, Kang stressed Seoul's "unshaken" belief that peaceful engagement with Pyongyang is "the only way forward."
"The road ahead looks arduous in this effort to get North Korea to completely denuclearize, replace the seven decades old armistice with a formal peace treaty and build a prosperous future for all Koreans, especially when the dialogue is stalled as it currently is," she said. "But we are staying the course."
During a question-and-answer session, Kang stressed the need for countries to continue essential people-to-people exchanges despite the pandemic, as she noted that non-face-to-face diplomacy cannot completely replace in-person diplomacy, according to the foreign ministry.
Before her speech, Kang held telephone talks with Romanian Foreign Minister Bogdan Lucian Aurescu to discuss joint efforts to fight the virus, bilateral relations and cooperation on the global stage.
During the talks, Kang called for Romania's support for South Korean Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee's campaign for the director-generalship of the World Trade Organization.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-08--(3rd LD) Trainee doctors resume work, yet service normalization to take some time

The exam was held as scheduled after most medical students said they would not take it in protest over the @ @ @ @ @ 446 out of 3,172 people , or 14 percent , applied for the exam , @ @ @ @ @ .
On Tuesday , only six actually took the exam , with organizers fearing that @ @ @ @ @ similarly low for tests to be held up to Nov. 20 .

(ATTN: UPDATES with doctors' test info in paras 8, 11-13)
SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) -- Thousands of trainee doctors resumed work Tuesday, ending their 18-day strike over a controversial medical reform plan, but it is expected to take some time for medical services to normalize completely.
Most of around 16,000 interns and residents at major general hospitals in the greater Seoul area, such as Seoul Asan Medical Center and Seoul Samsung Medical Center, returned to the hospitals as of 7 a.m., and other young doctors are set to return later in the day.
Medical students enter a building in Seoul to take a state medical licensing exam on Sept. 8, 2020. (Yonhap)
Junior doctors at most of the general hospitals, however, will first have to take tests for the novel coronavirus before they are assigned to their services, hospital officials said.
They added that it would take at least two weeks and up to one month before scheduled surgeries and routine checkups return to normal, partially due to the Chuseok fall harvest holiday later this month.
"Patients also have to take COVID-19 tests and wait for the result before being admitted for surgery," said an official from Seoul Samsung Medical Center, adding that it is expected to take considerable time before hospital service normalizes completely.
However, some trainee doctors at general hospitals in other parts of the country have continued their collective action, calling for further measures to protect medical students who have not taken a state medical licensing exam held earlier in the day.
Health authorities said they will not allow medical students to retake the exam, as they have refused it once in the past. The test was postponed from Aug. 31.
The exam was held as scheduled after most medical students said they would not take it in protest over the agreement. A total of 446 out of 3,172 people, or 14 percent, applied for the exam, according to the health ministry. On Tuesday, only six actually took the exam, with organizers fearing that the participation rate may be similarly low for tests to be held up to Nov. 20.
Interns and residents enter Seoul National University Hospital in Seoul on Sept. 8, 2020, after resuming work. (Yonhap)
A day earlier, an emergency committee under the Korean Intern and Resident Association (KIRA) representing the young doctors said they will return to work.
However, they further warned they can take tougher collective action if the government does not come up with further measures within two weeks to support medical students who did not apply for the test.
Related to the test boycott that has been supported by an emergency student federation, an internal poll of Seoul National University Medical School students showed 81 percent of fourth year students saying they are opposed to continued rejection of the test and leaves of absence from studies as acts of protest.
A faculty member at the medical school said that more effort needs to be made to listen to various views, and that only way to resolve lingering tensions is to allow all students to take the state doctors' exam, which will require compromise.
On Tuesday, KIRA said it has formed a new committee representing them, which will further discuss how to deal with the current development. Trainee doctors claim that their views were not properly reflected in an agreement reached between representatives of the doctors and the ruling party.
On Friday, the country's largest doctors' association, the Korean Medical Association (KMA), agreed with the ruling party to end their nationwide strike after the government backed down and promised to put the medical reform plans on hold in a joint effort for the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Thousands of trainee doctors working at general hospitals began the strike on Aug. 21 to protest the government's medical reform scheme that calls for increasing the quota for medical students, establishing a new public medical school and giving medical insurance coverage to oriental medicine treatment.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-08--FM Kang voices concerns over U.S.-China tension, impact on S. Korea's diplomacy

SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) -- Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha voiced concerns Tuesday over an intensifying Sino-U.S. rivalry, saying it makes South Korea's diplomacy with the major powers a "very tough task."
Kang delivered a speech on Seoul's response to the "challenging global context," its handling of the new coronavirus and the erosion of multilateralism, as a special speaker for a gathering of Romanian diplomats via video links.
"We are firmly committed to safeguarding and strengthening our security alliance with the U.S., which has served as a cornerstone of peace and security on the Korean Peninsula, and in Northeast Asia," Kang said.
"But we are also committed to further developing substantial ties in our strategic partnership with China. The growing U.S.-China competition and dwindling space for problem-solving dialogue between them makes this a very tough task," she added.
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha speaks during her video-linked participation in a Romanian diplomatic gathering, at the foreign ministry in Seoul on Sept. 8, 2020, in this photo provided by her office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Kang's remarks came as Seoul is striving to map out a coherent strategy to steer clear of the rising tensions between the great powers, promote cooperation between them and enhance its national interests.
In the face of the great-power rivalry, the minister pointed out that "much leverage lies in our geopolitical position and growing capacities."
"And we are endeavoring to solidify the areas of shared interests with the United States, China and other neighboring countries," she said.
While noting the elements that threaten multilateralism, Kang said "what concerns foreign policy actors the most" is the rising tensions between the major powers, and that the downward spiral in their relations has been "destabilizing" for the international community.
Kang also reiterated Seoul's "firm" commitment to shoring up multilateralism, stressing that her government is "realistic and clear-eyed" in its thinking of the future of multilateralism.
"COVID-19 has exacerbated the divisive trends that undermine multilateral cooperation. But it has also made clear how interdependent and vulnerable we are and the urgency of multilateral action to overcome it and prepare for the next global health crisis," she said.
Touching on the lackluster peace efforts with North Korea, Kang stressed Seoul's "unshaken" belief that peaceful engagement with Pyongyang is "the only way forward."
"The road ahead looks arduous in this effort to get North Korea to completely denuclearize, replace the seven decades old armistice with a formal peace treaty and build a prosperous future for all Koreans, especially when the dialogue is stalled as it currently is," she said. "But we are staying the course."
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-08--(LEAD) Main opposition floor leader presses Moon to address people's 'grievances'

Choo 's son , a 27-year-old surnamed Seo , is suspected of getting an extra four vacation days without prior @ @ @ @ @ of his mother , who was then the chairwoman of the ruling Democratic Party ( @ @ @ @ @ military service in 2017 .
While public suspicions have grown over the issue , as @ @ @ @ @ row with the prosecution chief , Cheong Wa Dae has largely remained mum .

(ATTN: ADDS response from the ruling party in last 2 paras)
SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) -- The floor leader of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) accused President Moon Jae-in on Tuesday of not communicating with the public and "isolating himself" within the walls of Cheong Wa Dae.
"The president should honestly respond to what people are curious about, as well as the affairs that grieve them rather than just telling his side of the story via meetings of the Cabinet and top presidential officials," Rep. Joo Ho-young said in his speech to a plenary session of the National Assembly.
The parliamentary speech was part of a ceremony to mark the opening of the new regular National Assembly session, which kicked off on Sept. 1 for a 100-day run.
The main opposition floor leader's call comes as there has been growing discontent with the administration over issues ranging from increasing real estate prices to allegations of influence-peddling involving Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae.
Choo's son, a 27-year-old surnamed Seo, is suspected of getting an extra four vacation days without prior approval thanks to the influence of his mother, who was then the chairwoman of the ruling Democratic Party (DP), during his military service in 2017. While public suspicions have grown over the issue, as well as Choo's ongoing row with the prosecution chief, Cheong Wa Dae has largely remained mum.
Seizing on the power abuse allegations involving the justice minister, the PPP floor leader also claimed that Choo needs to allow an independent probe into the case and if she cannot do so, she must resign from the seat.
The floor leader also lashed out at the country's souring fiscal health under the Moon administration, demanding that the government come up with a clear answer to how to pay back the country's increasing debts.
"If the current pace continues, the Moon administration, at the end of its five-year term, will hand over more than 410 trillion won (US$234 billion) of additional national debt to the next government," Joo claimed.
"The government should promptly adopt a fiscal standard to stringently restrict the growth rate of national debt," he prodded.
The People Power Party's floor leader, Rep. Joo Ho-young delivers a speech at the National Assembly on Sept. 8, 2020. (Yonhap)
The floor leader also suggested that the government officially allow the domestic use of the locally-manufactured COVID-19 self-diagnosis kit so that "the entire South Korean population could be tested for the virus within a month or two."
As for the government's controversial medical reform plan, which was suspended in the wake of a large-scale medical strike last week, the PPP floor leader proposed forming a consultative body involving the ruling and main opposition parties as well as the government and the medical industry to enhance the country's medical services.
The leader also voiced the party's clear opposition to the government's push to launch a watchdog dedicated to the real estate market as well as the recent hike in the real estate ownership tax, vowing efforts to reverse the tax increase.
"It is regrettable that his speech was consistently critical, but we will not stop seeking cooperative politics," DP spokesman Shin Young-dae said.
He added that the opposition party should focus more on policies, not "political strife," and that both parties should "form a consultative body as soon as possible" to regularly discuss various issues.
The People Power Party's floor leader, Rep. Joo Ho-young delivers a speech at the National Assembly on Sept. 8, 2020. (Yonhap)
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-08--(LEAD) S. Korea to mass-produce antibody treatment of COVID-19 this month

The process , to be carried out at a commercial production facility , can later be used for large scale @ @ @ @ @ said .
Kwon said if it receives permission after more tests , the materials can @ @ @ @ @ use .

(ATTN: UPDATES with more details in lead, paras 2-4, 6; ADDS info on vaccine progress in last 3 paras)
SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) -- South Korea plans to mass-produce an antibody material later this month that can be used to treat the novel coronavirus, health authorities said Tuesday.
The country's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety is currently reviewing phase 2/3 clinical tests for the antibody-based treatment, and aims to mass-produce so-called production verification materials in September, according to Kwon Jun-wook, deputy chief at the government's Central Disease Control Headquarters.
The process, to be carried out at a commercial production facility, can later be used for large scale clinical trials, the official said. Kwon said if it receives permission after more tests, the materials can be produced for general commercial use.
Antibody treatment materials are made to enlist the help of immune systems through various means, to fight infection and defeat viruses.
This photo provided by Celltrion Inc. on July 17, 2020, shows bottles containing the company's candidate material for COVID-19 treatment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Health researchers are currently analyzing results of the phase 1 trial, which was approved by the drug safety ministry on July 17. They also earned approval for the phase 1 study of the treatment in Britain on July 29.
In addition to antibody treatment, Seoul has pushed for efforts to use blood plasma as a way to combat the pandemic. That requires collection of blood from people who have recovered from COVID-19.
For blood plasma-based treatment, health authorities said the drug ministry approved the phase 2 study of its development on Aug. 20, and six medical institutions, including Samsung Medical Center and Asan Medical Center, will verify its effectiveness and safety on COVID-19 patients.
Health authorities added the blood plasma material for the phase 2 trial will begin being produced Tuesday and supply of the substance will be completed in mid-October.
The disease control control tower agency then said while more time is still needed, every effort is being made to come up with a safe vaccine that can be given to people by the fall of 2021.
"By around this time next year all people should have been given a coronavirus vaccine," it said, although the dosage and other related reviews have to be made.
The headquarters expressed confidence that treatment and vaccines are forthcoming, but added that people need to be on guard and take extra safety measures till then.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-08--Kakao Games to debut on KOSDAQ on Thursday

Last year , Kakao Games posted an operating profit of 35 billion won on sales of 391 billion won .
@ @ @ @ @ this year , its operating profit came to 28.7 billion won , up 63.7 percent @ @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) -- Kakao Games, the game developing unit of South Korean mobile giant Kakao, will debut on the tech-heavy KOSDAQ market Thursday, the Korea Exchange (KRX) said Tuesday.
The company's public offering price is 24,000 won per share. It logged record-breaking IPO subscription early this month, far outperforming SK Biopharmacueticals Co., which went public in July.
Subscription deposits for Kakao Games shares were estimated at 58.55 trillion won (US$49.4 billion), almost double the 30.99 trillion won deposited for SK Biopharmaceuticals' IPO.
Last year, Kakao Games posted an operating profit of 35 billion won on sales of 391 billion won. In the first half of this year, its operating profit came to 28.7 billion won, up 63.7 percent from a year earlier.
This photo, taken Sept. 2, 2020, shows investors at a brokerage office in Seoul applying for public subscription of shares to be sold by Kakao Games Corp. in an initial public offering. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-09-08--Fitch lowers S. Korea growth forecast 0.2 pct point on COVID-19 fallout

It then said that while BOK is targeting consumer price growth of some 2 percent this year , this may @ @ @ @ @ said that under such circumstances , the country 's central bank will have to continue @ @ @ @ @ policy , and could even lower key rates 0.25 percentage point within the year , @ @ @ @ @ buying program .

SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) -- Fitch Ratings lowered the growth forecast for South Korea this year by 0.2 percentage point due to the fallout of the coronavirus outbreak, the credit appraiser said Tuesday.
The downgrade, would mean Asia's fourth largest economy will backtrack 1.1 percent this year from 2019. Fitch earlier predicted Seoul's economy to post negative growth of 0.9 percent. This is slightly better than the 1.3 percent contraction announced by the Bank of Korea (BOK) last month.
Fitch predicted that while the impact of the pandemic is less severe in South Korea than in most other countries, areas such as consumption have taken a hit and will continue to struggle in the third quarter in the face of social distancing rules.
Fitch Rating logo at its office in Seoul (Yonhap)
Fitch said that while the country's gross domestic product contracted 3.2 percent in the April-June period, which is worse than the 1.3 percent drop tallied for the first three months of 2020, the poor showing has mainly been caused by external developments like the economic problems facing many of South Korea's key trading partners.
It then said that while BOK is targeting consumer price growth of some 2 percent this year, this may not be realized. Fitch said that under such circumstances, the country's central bank will have to continue with its current monetary easing policy, and could even lower key rates 0.25 percentage point within the year, and start a limited asset buying program.
The country's key rate currently stands at a record low 0.5 percent.
On the country's handling of COVID-19, Fitch said that even with the recent rise in confirmed cases, the national quarantine effort has been successful, allowing the government not to enforce strict isolation measures.
It then predicted that South Korea's economy should steadily make a recovery in the second half.
(END)


yna--2020-09-08--U.S. advisory on N.K. ballistic missile procurement issued as guidance to private enterprises: sourc

U.S. advisory on N.K. ballistic missile procurement issued as guidance to private enterprises: source

While the advisory appears to have been written based on the premise that Washington regards the North 's ballistic missile @ @ @ @ @ , it should be seen more as guidance to caution companies against potential violation of @ @ @ @ @ message to the North , a source here said .

SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) -- A recent U.S. advisory cautioning against helping North Korea with its ballistic missile program is believed to be intended as guidance for private sector enterprises dealing related goods, rather than a warning to Pyongyang, a source said Tuesday.
Last week, the U.S. departments of state, treasury and commerce released the joint alert, saying that the North has continued to acquire technologies and equipment for its ballistic missile program, ranging from forestry trucks to make missile launchers to common metals that can be used in rockets.
They called for companies around the world to be wary of Pyongyang's efforts so as not to run the risk of even inadvertently violating U.S. and U.N. sanctions.
The first-ever joint advisory by U.S. government agencies came ahead of the November U.S. presidential election amid stalled denuclearization talks. Some observers viewed the advisory as Washington's warning to Pyongyang not to undertake another provocation around the election.
While the advisory appears to have been written based on the premise that Washington regards the North's ballistic missile program as a clear threat, it should be seen more as guidance to caution companies against potential violation of sanctions, rather than a message to the North, a source here said.
As the U.S. sanctions against the North are too broad for companies to be fully kept informed of, the U.S. government intends to give directions to companies to ensure that they do not let their products reach North Korean entities, the source said.
It usually takes about at least a couple of years to draw up such a government report in the U.S., the source added, suggesting that the report does not appear to have been released after a short period of preparations.
North Korea is under multiple U.S. and U.N. Security Council sanctions resolutions banning the communist regime from testing nuclear and ballistic missile technology.
Shown is a photo of the test-firing of North Korea's Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile on Nov. 29, 2017. The photo was released by the North's official Korean Central News Agency later in the day. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-08--Church blamed for mass infections to sue government

`` The government is suppressing freedom and Christianity with the COVID-19 fraud , '' they said .
They argued that @ @ @ @ @ the public by excessive use of authority under the name of virus control , including @ @ @ @ @ submit the full list of its members .

SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) -- A Protestant church blamed for a recent spike in coronavirus infections in the country threatened Tuesday to file a lawsuit against the Moon Jae-in administration over what it called harm to the public done by "COVID-19 fraud."
The announcement by Sarang Jeil Church came one day after its controversial pastor Jun Kwang-hoon was put in custody again after his bail was canceled for attending last month's anti-government protests in violation of his terms of release.
The rallies in central Seoul led to 539 new cases of coronavirus, while a total of 1,167 cases have been traced to the church, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"The court's decision to cancel his bail proves that South Korea is severely impaired," lawyers for the church said in a news conference at the church.
They accused President Moon of passing the responsibility for the resurgence of COVID-19 to the pastor while exaggerating the church's contribution to the spread of the virus.
"The government is suppressing freedom and Christianity with the COVID-19 fraud," they said. They argued that the government inflicted damage on the public by excessive use of authority under the name of virus control, including a demand that the church submit the full list of its members.
Jun Kwang-hoon, a pastor at Sarang Jeil Church, receives a barrage of questions in front of his residence in Seoul on Sept. 7, 2020, as he is taken by the police for incarceration after a court canceled his bail earlier in the day. (Yonhap)
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-08--Main opposition floor leader presses Moon to address people's 'grievances'

Choo 's son , a 27-year-old surnamed Seo , is suspected of getting an extra four vacation days without prior @ @ @ @ @ of his mother , who was then the chairwoman of the ruling Democratic Party , @ @ @ @ @ 2017 .
While public suspicions have grown over the issue , as well as Choo @ @ @ @ @ prosecution chief , Cheong Wa Dae has largely remained mum .

SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) -- The floor leader of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) accused President Moon Jae-in on Tuesday of not communicating with the public and "isolating himself" within the walls of Cheong Wa Dae.
"The president should honestly respond to what people are curious about, as well as the affairs that grieve them rather than just telling his side of the story via meetings of the Cabinet and top presidential officials," Rep. Joo Ho-young said in his speech to a plenary session of the National Assembly.
The parliamentary speech was part of a ceremony to mark the opening of the new regular National Assembly session, which kicked off on Sept. 1 for a 100-day run.
The main opposition floor leader's call comes as there has been growing discontent with the administration over issues ranging from increasing real estate prices to allegations of influence-peddling involving Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae.
Choo's son, a 27-year-old surnamed Seo, is suspected of getting an extra four vacation days without prior approval thanks to the influence of his mother, who was then the chairwoman of the ruling Democratic Party, during his military service in 2017. While public suspicions have grown over the issue, as well as Choo's ongoing row with the prosecution chief, Cheong Wa Dae has largely remained mum.
Seizing on the power abuse allegations involving the justice minister, the PPP floor leader also claimed that Choo needs to allow an independent probe into the case and if she cannot do so, she must resign from the seat.
The floor leader also lashed out at the country's souring fiscal health under the Moon administration, demanding that the government come up with a clear answer to how to pay back the country's increasing debts.
"If the current pace continues, the Moon administration, at the end of its five-year term, will hand over more than 410 trillion won (US$234 billion) of additional national debt to the next government," Joo claimed.
"The government should promptly adopt a fiscal standard to stringently restrict the growth rate of national debt," he prodded.
The People Power Party's floor leader, Rep. Joo Ho-young delivers a speech at the National Assembly on Sept. 8, 2020. (Yonhap)
The floor leader also suggested that the government officially allow the domestic use of the locally-manufactured COVID-19 self-diagnosis kit so that "the entire South Korean population could be tested for the virus within a month or two."
As for the government's controversial medical reform plan, which was suspended in the wake of a large-scale medical strike last week, the PPP floor leader proposed forming a consultative body involving the ruling and main opposition parties as well as the government and the medical industry to enhance the country's medical services.
The leader also voiced the party's clear opposition to the government's push to launch a watchdog dedicated to the real estate market as well as the recent hike in the real estate ownership tax, vowing efforts to reverse the tax increase.
The People Power Party's floor leader, Rep. Joo Ho-young delivers a speech at the National Assembly on Sept. 8, 2020. (Yonhap)
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-08--Rangers' Choo Shin-soo leaves game with sprained wrist

`` He 's a really good example to show our younger guys , the at-bat quality on a daily basis @ @ @ @ @ '' Woodward said .
`` The dialogue with him on a daily basis , how @ @ @ @ @ each at-bat , each pitcher , talking on the bench .
Those things are invaluable @ @ @ @ @ need to hear it . ''

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) -- A trying season has taken a turn for the worse for Choo Shin-soo.
The South Korean designated hitter for the Texas Rangers sprained his right wrist in a slide during the fourth inning of an 8-4 loss to the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park in Seattle on Monday (local time).
Choo suffered the injury sliding into home plate, as he tried to score from first on Joey Gallo's double. He was safe at the plate as he got around catcher Luis Torrens' tag, but jammed his right hand into the ground on the play. He stayed on the ground and grabbed the wrist immediately in obvious pain.
In this Associated Press photo, Choo Shin-soo of the Texas Rangers (L) scores on a double by Joey Gallo during the top of the fourth inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park in Seattle on Sept. 7, 2020. Choo sprained his right wrist on the play. (Yonhap)
Texas manager Chris Woodward said afterward X-rays came back negative, showing no structural damage.
"Fortunately, they didn't find a break, which I was a little worried about," Woodward said. "We'll see how he comes in tomorrow, how sore it is. I'm guessing he'll be down for a couple of days. Optimistically, I'm hoping he'll be back in the (Los Angeles) Angels series (which starts Tuesday)."
The loss was the Rangers' sixth straight. At 13-27, the Rangers are in last place in the American League (AL) West.
Choo, 38, is in the final year of his seven-year, US$130 million deal with the Rangers. He was involved in some trade speculation prior to the Aug. 31 deadline.
In this Associated Press photo, Choo Shin-soo of the Texas Rangers (R) is checked by a team trainer after spraining his right wrist on a slide during the top of the fourth inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park in Seattle on Sept. 7, 2020. (Yonhap)
He's batting only .229/.317/.394 this year in 32 games, with five home runs and 15 RBIs. He has also ceded his leadoff spot so that the team can develop younger players there.
Despite declining production, Choo has said he could play for another year or two, and Woodward said he appreciates what Choo can provide on and off the field.
"He's a really good example to show our younger guys, the at-bat quality on a daily basis and how to prepare," Woodward said. "The dialogue with him on a daily basis, how he goes through it with each at-bat, each pitcher, talking on the bench. Those things are invaluable to these guys. They need to hear it."
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-08--(LEAD) BOK to buy 5 tln won worth of state bonds by end-year to stabilize market

SEOUL , Sept. 8 ( Yonhap ) -- The Bank of Korea ( BOK ) said Tuesday it plans to @ @ @ @ @ trillion won ( US $ 4.2 billion ) directly from the market by the end @ @ @ @ @ bid to stabilize the debt market .

(ATTN: UPDATES with more details throughout)
SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) -- The Bank of Korea (BOK) said Tuesday it plans to buy state bonds worth 5 trillion won (US$4.2 billion) directly from the market by the end of this year in a bid to stabilize the debt market.
The move is aimed at tackling potential market jitters and easing a sharp rise in market rates in a preemptive manner as the government is expected to increase bond issuance, the BOK said in a statement.
The government plans to sell more bonds to finance the fourth extra budget designed to cushion the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The finance ministry is expected to submit a supplementary budget worth more than 7 trillion won to the National Assembly soon to provide support for those hit hard by the virus outbreak.
An increase in bond supply jacks up bond yields, raising market instability.
The BOK said it will carry out state bond purchases by taking into account the market situation.
The central bank also plans to take other measures to stabilize financial markets if market rates sharply rise.
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-08--Moon to meet ruling party leaders over coronavirus, budget

The government plans to submit to the ongoing regular parliamentary session a bill on the fourth batch of supplementary budgets @ @ @ @ @ state support for those hit especially hard by the COVID-19 pandemic .

SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in will hold a meeting with top ruling party officials at Cheong Wa Dae this week on COVID-19, state budgets and other pending issues, his office announced Tuesday.
Moon has invited Lee Nak-yon, head of the Democratic Party, and its floor leader Kim Tae-nyeon to the session slated for Wednesday, according to Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kang Min-seok.
Also attending it will be Park Kwang-on, secretary general of the party, and policy committee chief Han Jeoung-ae, Kang said.
Moon's meeting with them, which will be joined by some senior presidential aides, is aimed at "communication for the smooth operation of state affairs," Kang added.
This file photo shows President Moon Jae-in (L) and ruling Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yon (R) attending a Cheong Wa Dae session on Sept. 3, 2020. (Yonhap)
To be discussed are ways to overcome the coronavirus crisis and issues related to budgets and bills on major policy tasks, he said.
The government plans to submit to the ongoing regular parliamentary session a bill on the fourth batch of supplementary budgets to fund "tailored" state support for those hit especially hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-08--BOK to buy 5 tln won worth of state bonds by end-year to stabilize market

SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) -- The Bank of Korea (BOK) said Tuesday it plans to buy state bonds worth 5 trillion won (US$4.2 billion) directly from the market by the end of this year in a bid to stabilize the debt market.
The move is aimed at tackling potential market jitters and easing a sharp rise in market rates in a preemptive manner as the government is expected to increase bond issuance, the BOK said in a statement.
The government plans to sell bonds to finance its emergency handouts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)