yna--2020-03-25--(EDITORIAL from Korea Herald on March 25)

Cho approached women through a messaging app and offered to give them money if they sent him photos of their @ @ @ @ @ chat room of the app .
Some accepted the offer because the room does not @ @ @ @ @ his accomplice accessed a government computer network to acquire personal information , which was used @ @ @ @ @ They forced them to take videos of brutal sex acts and send them to Cho @ @ @ @ @ 16 middle school girls , were victimized .

Disclose identities
Members of sex abuse chat rooms must be punished; penalties must be strengthened
A sex crime scandal involving a group chat room on an internet messenger service has jolted the South Korean society.
More than 2 million people have signed an online petition demanding the government unveil the identities of not only its operator but also its members.
President Moon Jae-in said Monday that police should not limit the investigation to the "baksa room," but investigate all members of "nth rooms."
"Baksa room" and "nth room" are Telegram chat rooms where members share videos of child sexual exploitation. "Nth room" is the first room that spawned similar sex chat rooms, including "baksa room." Baksa is the nickname of the room operator.
Police disclosed only the surname of Baksa as Cho, but hours after Moon's remarks, local news media revealed his identity -- 25-year-old Cho Ju-bin -- along with a photo of his face.
The baksa room is estimated to have more than 10,000 members, some of whom paid up to 1.5 million won ($1,190) to watch videos.
Cho approached women through a messaging app and offered to give them money if they sent him photos of their naked bodies through an anonymous chat room of the app. Some accepted the offer because the room does not reveal personal information. But his accomplice accessed a government computer network to acquire personal information, which was used to threaten the women. They forced them to take videos of brutal sex acts and send them to Cho. Seventy-four women, including 16 middle school girls, were victimized.
Cho ran three chat rooms for paid members, and the level of exposure and brutality is said to have risen depending on the membership fee.
Sex crimes devastate victims, sometimes cornering them to feeling they must take their own lives. Particularly digital sex exploitation videos spread at lightning speed, spiraling out of control.
Considering the social impact of this scandal and the necessity to prevent secondary damage and recurrence of similar crimes, the disclosure of the identity of the chat room operator looks inevitable.
The petition drew more than 2.3 million signatures in just five days. The number is the largest since the online petition system was launched under the Moon administration. Moon answered the petition very quickly. It usually takes more than two months for Cheong Wa Dae to answer an online petition. The petition was filed on March 18, and five days later Moon answered. This indicates he takes the case seriously.
But his answer leaves one thing to be desired.
Precisely what the petition demanded was that a cap and mask be taken off and the suspect be shown before the media.
News media disclosed his face, but it seems unlikely to see his perp walk.
Former Justice Minister Cho Kuk banned the disclosure of personal information on suspects in December, and accordingly the prosecution abolished public summons of suspects and witnesses. When his wife was summoned by the prosecution as a suspect of a corruption scandal, she was the first to benefit from the ban on perp-walking.
At that time, many criticized the ban as hypocritical. Now the petition has gathered the largest number of signatures ever. Moon said he sympathizes with the public fury. But there was no mention of a perp-walk. The ban on perp-walks needs to be reconsidered.
A digital sex crime tends to develop into collective sexual violence because participants can hide in the anonymity of the internet. This is why their identities must be exposed to eliminate sex crimes like in the nth room.
According to a 2020 white paper from the Justice Ministry on sex crimes, the number of crimes using hidden cams surged from 412 in 2013 to 2,388 in 2018. Response to digital sex crimes needs to be strengthened. But the reality is disappointing. In Korea, possession of child pornography is punishable with up to one year in prison or a fine of 20 million won. This is a slap on the wrist compared to the US (maximum 20 years behind bars). To root out child sex exploitation, sentencing guidelines ought to be set from the standpoint of victims.
Where there is a demand, there is supply. Those who paid fees to watch sex exploitation videos must be punished as accomplices. The first step is to disclose their identities.
(END)


yna--2020-03-25--Top headlines in major S. Korean newspapers

Korean-language dailies -- Companies struck by COVID-19 ( Kyunghyang Shinmun ) -- All members of Telegram sex video case to @ @ @ @ @ Kookmin Daily ) -- Moon vows to stop companies from bankruptcy ( Donga llbo ) @ @ @ @ @ virus aid package worth over 100 tln won ( Seoul Shinmun ) -- 100 tln @ @ @ @ @ help firms ( Segye Times ) -- 100 tln won in emergency aid to stop @ @ @ @ @ -- Moon pledges 100 tln won of emergency funding for virus-stricken business sector ( JoongAng @ @ @ @ @ won detected in bitcoin account of Telegram sex video case suspect ( Hankyoreh ) -- @ @ @ @ @ sector doubled to 100 tln won ( Hankook Ilbo ) -- Moon pledges 100 tln @ @ @ @ @ stop bankruptcy ( Maeil Business Newspaper ) -- Moon vows 100 tln won of emergency @ @ @ @ @ )

SEOUL, March 25 (Yonhap) -- The following are the top headlines in major South Korean newspapers on March 25.
Korean-language dailies
-- Companies struck by COVID-19 (Kyunghyang Shinmun)
-- All members of Telegram sex video case to be treated as accomplices (Kookmin Daily)
-- Moon vows to stop companies from bankruptcy (Donga llbo)
-- S. Korea unveils emergency virus aid package worth over 100 tln won (Seoul Shinmun)
-- 100 tln won to be provided to help firms (Segye Times)
-- 100 tln won in emergency aid to stop bankruptcy (Chosun Ilbo)
-- Moon pledges 100 tln won of emergency funding for virus-stricken business sector (JoongAng Ilbo)
-- 3.2 bln won detected in bitcoin account of Telegram sex video case suspect (Hankyoreh)
-- Emergency funding for virus-stricken business sector doubled to 100 tln won (Hankook Ilbo)
-- Moon pledges 100 tln won of emergency funding to stop bankruptcy (Maeil Business Newspaper)
-- Moon vows 100 tln won of emergency funding (Korea Economic Daily)
English-language dailies
-- Name, pic of Telegram trafficker disclosed (Korea JoongAng Daily)
-- Korea vows 100 tln won rescue package for virus-hit business, financial sectors (Korea Herald)
-- 100 tln won in aid set for economic stimulus (Korea Times)
(END)


yna--2020-03-25--Trump boasts U.S. has tested more people for virus than S. Korea

`` It 's important to remember we 've done more tests in eight days than South Korea has done in @ @ @ @ @ repeated .
`` And our tests are better .
They 're highly sophisticated .
And @ @ @ @ @ .
It 's not the most pleasant thing in the world .
I will tell @ @ @ @ @ going to have a much simpler test very soon , but we have a really @ @ @ @ @ 've done more in eight days .
Nobody knows that .
I just heard this @ @ @ @ @ . ''

By Lee Haye-ah
WASHINGTON, March 24 (Yonhap) -- U.S. President Donald Trump boasted Tuesday that the United States has tested more people for the coronavirus in eight days than South Korea did in eight weeks.
Trump sounded jubilant after Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus response coordinator, shared the statistics during a virtual town hall hosted by Fox News at the White House.
The lack of testing and test kits has added to criticism of the Trump administration's response to the fast-growing pandemic in the country.
This UPI photo shows U.S. President Donald Trump speaking during a Fox News Virtual Town Hall on the coronavirus in the Rose Garden of the White House on March, 24, 2020. (Yonhap)
"And I didn't even know -- I just heard the number for the first time from Deborah that in a short period of time we've done more testing than South Korea," Trump said.
"You're not going to read that in the newspapers because they don't like to write things like that. But I'd love you to say that one more time because that's a big number," he said, turning to Birx, who confirmed that over the last seven to eight days the U.S. had tested more than 300,000 people for the virus.
As of Tuesday South Korea had tested 348,582 people since the virus was first detected on its soil on Jan. 20. Total infections reached 9,037, including 124 deaths.
The U.S. has reported 44,183 cases and 544 deaths.
Trump claimed that the tests were better in the U.S.
"It's important to remember we've done more tests in eight days than South Korea has done in eight weeks," he repeated. "And our tests are better. They're highly sophisticated. And frankly, I took one. It's not the most pleasant thing in the world. I will tell you that. We're going to have a much simpler test very soon, but we have a really good test, and we've done more in eight days. Nobody knows that. I just heard this number a few minutes ago."
Earlier this month, Trump downplayed the effectiveness of drive-through testing centers in South Korea before he announced their nationwide introduction days later.
Meanwhile, in a phone call with South Korean President Moon Jae-in earlier Tuesday, Trump asked for South Korea's assistance with medical equipment, according to Moon's office.
The phone call was arranged at Trump's "urgent" request and Moon promised "maximum" assistance depending on availability, Cheong Wa Dae said.
The White House issued a brief release stating that the two leaders discussed their nations' respective efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic.
"President Trump reiterated his commitment to employ the full weight of the United States Government and work with global leaders to save lives and restore economic growth," White House deputy press secretary Judd Deere said.
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-25--(3rd LD) Trump requests S. Korea's medical device support to fight COVID-19 in phone summit with Moo

(3rd LD) Trump requests S. Korea's medical device support to fight COVID-19 in phone summit with Moon

He then pointed out that approval by the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) might be required .
In @ @ @ @ @ would make immediate action for that `` within today , '' Cheong Wa Dae spokesman @ @ @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES with White House readout in paras 11-12)
By Lee Chi-dong
SEOUL, March 24 (Yonhap) -- U.S. President Donald Trump expressed hope Tuesday, in a phone conversation with President Moon Jae-in, that South Korea could provide medical equipment support, according to Cheong Wa Dae.
Moon replied that his government would provide "maximum support" if available, as the two leaders discussed bilateral cooperation in the fight against the novel coronavirus pandemic.
He then pointed out that approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) might be required. In response, Trump said he would make immediate action for that "within today," Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kang Min-seok said.
Trump showed his interest in the trend of infections in South Korea and said the country is "doing very good," he added.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in holds phone talks with U.S. President Donald Trump at Cheong Wa Dae on March 24, 2020, in this photo provided by Moon's office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
South Korea has been widely lauded for its effective and swift response to the spread of the virus, taking advantage of its advanced testing capabilities. It has been exporting test kits to a number of countries.
In the 23-minute conversation, made at Trump's "urgent request," Moon said the establishment of a US$60 billion currency swap line between the two countries earlier this week was a "very timely" measure to help stabilize the international financial market.
Held two days ahead of the Group of 20 (G-20) special teleconference, it marked their first phone talks of this year and 23rd in total.
Regarding the G-20 session, Moon stressed the importance of its member states sending a "unified message" in both quarantine measures and efforts to prop up the economy hard hit by the pandemic.
He also held out expectations for in-depth discussions on ways to promote trade and protect activities by business people in a way not to affect quarantine steps.
Trump agreed to talk about the issue in the upcoming G-20 session. Moon and Trump also exchanged views on the issue of postponing the Tokyo Olympic Games, Kang said without elaborating.
White House deputy press secretary Judd Deere issued a brief release stating that the two leaders discussed their nations' respective efforts to combat the pandemic.
"President Trump reiterated his commitment to employ the full weight of the United States Government and work with global leaders to save lives and restore economic growth," he said.
Earlier in the day, Moon also had phone talks with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia in connection with the COVID-19 outbreak that has affected the entire world.
This file photo, dated Sept. 24, 2019, shows South Korean President Moon Jae-in (L) shaking hands with U.S. President Donald Trump during a meeting in New York. (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


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(END)


yna--2020-03-24--(2nd LD) Trump requests S. Korea's medical device support to fight COVID-19 in phone summit with Moo

(2nd LD) Trump requests S. Korea's medical device support to fight COVID-19 in phone summit with Moon

(ATTN: UPDATES with more of Trump's remarks, Tokyo Olympics issue, other details)
By Lee Chi-dong
SEOUL, March 24 (Yonhap) -- U.S. President Donald Trump expressed hope Tuesday, in a phone conversation with President Moon Jae-in, that South Korea could provide medical equipment support, according to Cheong Wa Dae.
Moon replied that his government would provide "maximum support" if available, as the two leaders discussed bilateral cooperation in the fight against the novel coronavirus pandemic.
He then pointed out that approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) might be required. In response, Trump said he would make immediate action for that "within today," Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kang Min-seok said.
Trump showed his interest in the trend of infections in South Korea and said the country is "doing very good," he added
South Korean President Moon Jae-in holds phone talks with U.S. President Donald Trump at Cheong Wa Dae on March 24, 2020 in this photo provided by Moon's office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
South Korea has been widely lauded for its effective and swift response to the spread of the virus, taking advantage of its advanced testing capabilities. It has been exporting test kits to a number of countries.
In the 23-minute conversation, made at Trump's "urgent request," Moon said the establishment of a US$60 billion currency swap line between the two countries earlier this week was a "very timely" measure to help stabilize the international financial market.
Held two days ahead of the Group of 20 (G-20) special teleconference, it marked their first phone talks of this year and 23rd in total.
Regarding the G-20 session, Moon stressed the importance of its member state sending a "unified message" in both quarantine measures and efforts to prop up the economy hard hit by the pandemic.
He also held out expectations for in-depth discussions on ways to promote trade and protect activities by business people in a way not to affect quarantine steps.
Trump agreed to talk about the issue in the upcoming G-20 session. Moon and Trump also exchanged views on the issue of postponing the Tokyo Olympic Games, Kang said without elaborating.
Earlier in the day, Moon also had phone talks with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia in connection with the COVID-19 outbreak that has affected the entire world.
This file photo, dated on Sept. 24, 2019, shows South Korean President Moon Jae-in (L) shaking hands with U.S. President Donald Trump during a meeting in New York. (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-24--(LEAD) Trump requests S. Korea's medical device support to fight COVID-19 in phone summit with Moon

(ATTN: UPDATES throughout with details; ADDS photo)
By Lee Chi-dong
SEOUL, March 24 (Yonhap) -- U.S. President Donald Trump expressed hope Tuesday, in a phone conversation with President Moon Jae-in, that South Korea could provide medical equipment support, according to Cheong Wa Dae.
Moon replied that his government would provide "maximum support" if available, as the two leaders discussed bilateral cooperation in the fight against the novel coronavirus pandemic.
He then pointed out that approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) might be required. In response, Trump said he would make immediate action for that "within today," Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kang Min-seok said.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in holds phone talks with U.S. President Donald Trump at Cheong Wa Dae on March 24, 2020 in this photo provided by Moon's office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
South Korea has been widely lauded for its effective and swift response to the spread of the virus, taking advantage of its advanced testing capabilities. It has been exporting test kits to a number of countries.
In the 23-minute conversation, made at Trump's "urgent request," Moon said the establishment of a US$60 billion currency swap line between the two countries earlier this week was a "very timely" measure to help stabilize the international financial market.
Held two days ahead of the Group of 20 (G-20) special teleconference, it marked their first phone talks of this year and 23rd in total.
Regarding the G-20 session, Moon stressed the importance of its member state sending a "unified message" in both quarantine measures and efforts to prop up the economy hard hit by the pandemic.
He also held out expectations for in-depth discussions on ways to promote trade and protect activities by business people in a way not to affect quarantine steps.
Earlier in the day, Moon also had phone talks with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia in connection with the COVID-19 outbreak that has affected the entire world.
This file photo, dated on Sept. 24, 2019, shows South Korean President Moon Jae-in (L) shaking hands with U.S. President Donald Trump during a meeting in New York. (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-24--S. Korea forced to readjust focus with Tokyo Olympics postponed

`` Since the situation with the coronavirus has not settled down , we should definitely welcome the postponement of the @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` On the other hand , there are a lot of aging athletes @ @ @ @ @ their last Olympics .
An extra year of preparation could put so much burden on @ @ @ @ @ latest news , our athletes and coaches will have trouble staying focused . ''

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, March 24 (Yonhap) -- With the Tokyo Summer Olympics having been postponed due to the global coronavirus pandemic, South Korea, like other countries, will be in a scrambling mode as its athletes seek to readjust their focus and survive in the increasingly volatile sporting world.
The COVID-19 outbreak has claimed its latest victim in sports, perhaps its biggest one to date, as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Tokyo agreed on Tuesday to reschedule the 2020 Summer Games. A joint statement by the IOC and Tokyo's organizing committee noted that the competition will be moved "to a date beyond 2020 but not later than summer 2021."
This file photo provided by the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee shows screening checkpoints for COVID-19 at the entrance to the Jincheon National Training Center in Jincheon, 90 kilometers south of Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
This year's Olympic Games were scheduled to open on July 24. But one by one, with the coronavirus wreaking havoc around the world, Olympic qualifying events kept getting postponed and rescheduled. As a growing number of countries shut down sports facilities to discourage mass gathering and closed borders to slow the spread of the virus, athletes were left with few options, if any, to train for the quadrennial event.
South Korean elite athletes, though, have been among the few lucky ones. They have been holed up inside the Jincheon National Training Center in Jincheon, some 90 kilometers south of Seoul. It's tucked in a remote corner of a small town in North Chungcheong Province, ideal for high-intensity athletic training thanks to absence of distractions.
But Shin Chi-yong, director of the training center, said some unexpected distractions had been trickling into athletes' quarters -- news reports about the status of the Tokyo Olympics.
As recently as last week, the IOC said it was fully committed to staging the Olympics as scheduled, a stance that was quickly met with a major pushback from athletes and even IOC members for being tone-deaf and irresponsible.
South Korean athletes said all the right things -- that they were only going to stay focused on their preparations and not worry about the Olympics until a decision was made.
And with the decision made, Shin had mixed feelings.
South Korean Olympic rowers train at Chungju Tangeum Lake International Rowing Center in Chungju, 150 kilometers south of Seoul, on March 24, 2020. (Yonhap)
"Since the situation with the coronavirus has not settled down, we should definitely welcome the postponement of the Olympic Games," Shin said. "On the other hand, there are a lot of aging athletes who were viewing this as their last Olympics. An extra year of preparation could put so much burden on them. And with this latest news, our athletes and coaches will have trouble staying focused."
These athletes had been under strict quarantine orders, as they're barred from leaving the center. There may be a few cases of cabin fever, if not actual fever. The Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC) will sit down with the sports ministry in the coming days to make any necessary adjustments to operations of the training center, now that the Olympic Games have been pushed back.
According to the KSOC, 157 South Korean athletes in 19 sports had secured Tokyo Olympic spots as of March 10. The IOC will have to work on the qualifying details and determine whether those athletes will still be assured of their places next year or they have to qualify all over again.
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-25--Romania sends NATO cargo plane to pick up S. Korean virus protective gear

SEOUL , March 25 ( Yonhap ) -- Romania has sent a NATO aircraft to South Korea to pick up @ @ @ @ @ use to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus , military and diplomatic sources here @ @ @

SEOUL, March 25 (Yonhap) -- Romania has sent a NATO aircraft to South Korea to pick up protective gear it plans to use to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus, military and diplomatic sources here said Wednesday.
The C-17 heavy military cargo plane landed at Incheon International Airport, just west of Seoul, earlier in the day. After a brief stay, it took off from the airport, the main gateway of South Korea.
"Romania mobilized a NATO cargo plane to transport protective gear," a foreign ministry official said. The plane, known to be based in Hungary, seems to have used the civilian airport since it was on a non-military mission.
Romania, one of 29 members of the North Atlantic military alliance, has reported 726 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with eight deaths, according to its health authorities.
The country has signed a contract with a South Korean firm for the supply of 20,000 coronavirus testing kits, the ministry said.
A NATO C-17 heavy lift aircraft lands at Incheon International Airport on March 25, 2020, in this photo provided by a South Korean civilian. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-25--(LEAD) Laos to resume flight to Incheon; Czech removes S. Korea from virus-related 'high-risk' count

(LEAD) Laos to resume flight to Incheon; Czech removes S. Korea from virus-related 'high-risk' country list

HANOI/BERLIN , March 25 ( Yonhap ) -- Laos plans to resume commercial flight service to South Korea soon and @ @ @ @ @ to lift a ban on the operation of direct flights to the Northeast Asian nation @ @ @ @ @ of the new coronavirus .

(ATTN: UPDATES with Czech government's measure; CHANGES headline, dateline)
HANOI/BERLIN, March 25 (Yonhap) -- Laos plans to resume commercial flight service to South Korea soon and the Czech Republic has decided to lift a ban on the operation of direct flights to the Northeast Asian nation amid reports of slowing spread of the new coronavirus.
According to South Korea's Embassy in Laos, Lao Airlines, the national airline of the Southeast Asian nation, agreed during recent consultations to operate one flight per week between Vientiane and Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul.
The flight service would be able to begin as early as on April 1, it added.
The airliner suspended its direct flight service to and from Incheon in late February amid concern about the spread of COVID-19.
Travelers have since had to transfer either in Bangkok or the Chinese city of Guangzhou.
A plane of Lao Airlines in a file photo (Yonhap)
The Czech Republic has made a similar decision, removing South Korea from the list of high-risk countries in connection with the pandemic, Seoul's Ambassador to Prague Kim Tae-jin said.
The move came as Kim's embassy has constantly explained the notable progress in South Korea's fight against the virus.
Hyundai Motor, South Korea's leading carmaker, also announced a plan recently to donate 500 million (US$400,000) and 20,000 face masks to help Czech deal with COVID-19.
Czech suspended regular flight operation between Prague and Incheon as of March 5.
It is expected to take some time for flight service to resume, as the European Union has imposed a travel ban on all foreigners through April 16.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-25--(LEAD) USFK declares public health emergency over coronavirus

While noting that USFK has made `` significant progress '' in containment efforts , Abrams stressed that now is `` @ @ @ @ @ our guard , '' and called on everyone to do their part to stop the @ @ @ @ @ .

(ATTN: ADDS more details in paras 3-8, photo)
SEOUL, March 25 (Yonhap) -- U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) Commander Gen. Robert Abrams declared a public health emergency on Wednesday as part of efforts to contain the coronavirus, his office said.
The declaration came in accordance with the U.S. State Department's issuance of a global level 4 travel advisory and USFK installations' increased exposure to COVID-19, USFK said in a release.
"In order to ensure I possess the necessary authorities needed to enforce compliance and protect the force, I have declared a Public Health Emergency for all U.S. commands and military installations in the Republic of Korea," Abrams said, vowing to continue to monitor and assess virus-related situations.
The decision, however, does not induce changes in any of the military's preventive measures being taken, or indicate an increased risk level on its installations, according to his office.
USFK remains at a level "high" risk across the peninsula, and has implemented various control measures to stop the spread of the virus.
The call will remain in effect through April 23, unless it is renewed or terminated sooner by the commander, USFK said.
While noting that USFK has made "significant progress" in containment efforts, Abrams stressed that now is "not the time to lower our guard," and called on everyone to do their part to stop the spread and kill the virus.
As of Wednesday, USFK had reported a total of 10 confirmed virus cases. Nationwide, South Korea had reported 9,137 cases, including 126 deaths, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
This photo shows a gate of the U.S. base Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul. The U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) said in a tweet on March 8, 2020, that the U.S. Department of the Army has ordered its soldiers and their families to stop movement to and from South Korea amid concerns over the new coronavirus. (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-25--USFK declares public health emergency over coronavirus

The decision , however , does not induce changes in any of the preventive measures being taken , it said @ @ @ @ @ will remain in effect through April 23 , unless it is renewed or terminated sooner @ @ @ @

SEOUL, March 25 (Yonhap) -- U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) Commander Gen. Robert Abrams declared a public health emergency on Wednesday as part of efforts to contain the coronavirus, his office said.
The declaration came in accordance with the U.S. State Department's issuance of a global level 4 travel advisory and USFK installations' increased exposure to COVID-19, according to USFK.
The decision, however, does not induce changes in any of the preventive measures being taken, it said, adding that the call will remain in effect through April 23, unless it is renewed or terminated sooner by the commander.
As of Wednesday, USFK had reported a total of 10 confirmed virus cases.
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-25--(URGENT) U.S. troops in S. Korea declare 'public health emergency' over coronavirus

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


yna--2020-03-25--S. Korea, Laos likely to resume bilateral flight service soon: embassy

According to South Korea 's Embassy in Laos , Lao Airlines , the national airline of the Southeast Asian nation @ @ @ @ @ to operate one flight per week between Vientiane and Incheon .

HANOI, March 25 (Yonhap) -- South Korea said Wednesday Laos Airlines is expected to restart commercial flight service to Incheon International Airport next month.
According to South Korea's Embassy in Laos, Lao Airlines, the national airline of the Southeast Asian nation, agreed during recent consultations to operate one flight per week between Vientiane and Incheon.
The flight service would be able to begin as early as on April 1, it added.
The airliner suspended its direct flight service to and from Incheon in late February amid concern about the spread of COVID-19.
Travelers have since had to transfer either in Bangkok or the Chinese city of Guangzhou.
A plane of Lao Airlines in a file photo (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-25--GM Korea, union reach provisional agreement on wage talks

The carmaker said that while it could not afford to increase wages for its employees , it will give so-called @ @ @ @ @ want to buy new GM cars .
The employee discounts will allow deductions ranging from @ @ @ @ @ $ 810-2,400 ) per person , depending on the model .

SEOUL, March 25 (Yonhap) -- GM Korea Co. and its labor union said Wednesday that they have reached a provisional agreement on their long-drawn wage talks.
The understanding on wages and collective bargaining for the 2019 calendar year, comes after nine months of negotiations, with unionists giving up their demands for an increase in basic wages and special bonuses, the South Korea unit of U.S. auto giant GM said.
The carmaker said that while it could not afford to increase wages for its employees, it will give so-called incentive vouchers to those who want to buy new GM cars. The employee discounts will allow deductions ranging from 1-3 million won (US$810-2,400) per person, depending on the model.
The two sides said they will hold further talks on the issue of legal actions taken by management against employees who engaged in unauthorized strikes last year.
Wage talks began in July, but little headway was made, with workers staging full or partial walkouts that lasted over a month from Aug. 20. All negotiation effectively broke down in October over the wage increase and bonus issues, before dialogue resumed this year.
The agreement is expected to be voted on by union workers next Monday and Tuesday. More than half of those that vote must agree to the conditions for the pact to be finalized.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-25--Gov't mulls online classes for schools due to COVID-19 uncertainty

Local universities have delayed the start of the spring semester , originally scheduled for early this month , by two @ @ @ @ @ of them are now offering online classes to help curb the spread of COVID-19 at @ @ @ @ @ ministry .

SEOUL, March 25 (Yonhap) -- The Ministry of Education said Wednesday it is considering introducing online classes for elementary, middle and high schools nationwide, if the ongoing spread of the coronavirus outbreak shows little sign of letting up by April 6, the rescheduled start date of the spring semester.
Elementary and secondary schools were scheduled to begin their school year on March 2, but have delayed the start date three times, to the first Monday of April, due to fears of COVID-19 transmissions in classrooms.
As the daily number of confirmed coronavirus cases in South Korea has hovered around 100 over the past week, however, the possibility of a fourth postponement of the school start date cannot be ruled out. The nation's total confirmed cases rose by 100 to 9,137 as of Wednesday morning.
With another possible postponement in mind, the ministry said it will consider various countermeasures, including online classes, to help the schools meet the statutory yearly school days.
This file photo shows an online class at a South Korean school. (Yonhap)
"Both offline and online classes are under consideration, due to the possibility of community and classroom transmissions," the ministry said in a press statement, noting the government will map out guidelines for counting distance learning among the statutory school days.
The current Enforcement Decree of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act stipulates that heads of schools can remotely operate classes using information and communication media.
The online education system usually refers to a form of education in which students ask questions and receive instructions over the internet, while their teachers broadcast a lesson from classrooms.
However, the education authorities do not currently have such a system in place.
In this regard, metropolitan and provincial offices of education plan to test-operate their distance learning systems at selected schools next week.
Local universities have delayed the start of the spring semester, originally scheduled for early this month, by two to four weeks and many of them are now offering online classes to help curb the spread of COVID-19 at the recommendation of the education ministry.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-25--(LEAD) Moon to share S. Korea's coronavirus experience in G-20 summit

Saudi Arabia will chair the videoconference as it holds this year 's G-20 presidency .
South Korea has reported a @ @ @ @ @ daily coronavirus infections over the past several days amid a steady increase in the number @ @ @ @ @ It is widely recognized for its early `` testing , tracing and treatment '' in @ @ @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES with details from 4th para)
By Lee Chi-dong
SEOUL, March 25 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in will brief global leaders on his country's "effective" response to the novel coronavirus when they hold a special teleconference this week, Cheong Wa Dae said Wednesday.
The Group of 20 (G-20) major economies are scheduled to open the session at 9 p.m. Thursday (Seoul time) for discussions on COVID-19 following Moon's proposal during his phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron earlier this month.
High on the agenda are ways to strengthen international cooperation in the health care and quarantine sectors and minimize the economic fallout of the pandemic, according to Cheong Wa Dae's deputy spokesman Yoon Jae-kwan.
Moon, in particular, plans to "share the experience of South Korea responding effectively to COVID-19 with the international community," he said in a press statement.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in in a file photo (Yonhap)
The president is to introduce the country's measures including swift and transparent information provision to the public, self-diagnosis smartphone apps and the people's voluntary participation in the campaign against the viral disease, he added.
Moon will then talk about his administration's steps to support businesses and vulnerable households directly hit by the pandemic.
"Second, he plans to stress the need for essential economic exchanges," despite overseas travel restrictions globally in place, Yoon said.
For the rapid recovery of the world economy, Moon believes, it's important to "maintain the indispensable flow of country-to-country economic exchanges." The president has repeatedly suggested exceptions to an entry ban for business people with government-endorsed health certificates.
Meanwhile, the G-20 leaders plan to issue a joint declaration on international cooperation against COVID-19, Yoon said.
Saudi Arabia will chair the videoconference as it holds this year's G-20 presidency. South Korea has reported a drop in the number of daily coronavirus infections over the past several days amid a steady increase in the number of fully cured patients. It is widely recognized for its early "testing, tracing and treatment" in the anti-virus war.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-25--S. Korea arranges special flights to help 780 citizens return from virus-hit Peru, Italy

The ministry official said that about 170 Koreans in Mongolia could return home around this weekend on one or two @ @ @ @ @ Korean nationals in Rwanda may also be able to board a U.S.-arranged chartered flight to @ @ @ @ @ the official .

By Kim Seung-yeon
SEOUL, March 25 (Yonhap) -- The foreign ministry has arranged a series of special flights to help about 780 South Koreans return home from the coronavirus-hit Peru and Italy by next week, a ministry official said Wednesday.
A total of 202 people in Peru, including tourists and volunteers of the state aid agency KOICA, will fly out of Lima to Mexico City on a government-arranged special flight before heading home from there on the same flight, the official said.
They are expected to arrive in Incheon, west of Seoul, on Saturday.
"The schedules may change, as you know, depending on the circumstances, but we are working to set the schedule with the aim of (having the flights) arrive in Incheon on Saturday morning," the official said.
For those in Italy, the government arranged two chartered flights to bring back 581 people, including Koreans and their Italian family members, the official said.
The first plane, carrying 151 people from Rome, is scheduled to return next Wednesday, with the second flight, from Milan, carrying the rest to land in Incheon the following day.
The ministry official said that about 170 Koreans in Mongolia could return home around this weekend on one or two such special flights. Seven Korean nationals in Rwanda may also be able to board a U.S.-arranged chartered flight to come home, according to the official.
South Korea has been in talks with the governments of foreign countries to arrange non-regular flights to help the return of Korean citizens stranded there following border controls and suspension of flight operations to stem the virus spread.
Korean nationals who were evacuated from Iran aboard a government chartered flight arrive in Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, on March 19, 2020 (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-25--Samsung unveils new mid-range smartphone with quad rear camera setup

The world 's largest smartphone maker said the Galaxy A31 sports a 48-megapixel ( MP ) main camera , along @ @ @ @ @ , a 5-MP macro lens and a 5-MP depth sensor on the back .
When @ @ @ @ @ , the A31 features a 20MP shooter .

SEOUL, March 25 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Co. on Wednesday unveiled a new mid-range smartphone with a quad rear camera setup, as it aims to expand mobile sales amid the novel coronavirus outbreak.
The world's largest smartphone maker said the Galaxy A31 sports a 48-megapixel (MP) main camera, along with an 8-MP ultra-wide lens, a 5-MP macro lens and a 5-MP depth sensor on the back. When it comes to the front, the A31 features a 20MP shooter.
The latest mobile handset has a 6.4-inch FHD+ OLED screen and packs a 5,000 mAh battery, it added.
Samsung said the A31 comes in four colors: black, blue, red and white. However, it didn't unveil the price or release date of the product.
Samsung and other smartphone makers have been struggling to increase their sales due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
According to data from market tracker Strategy Analytics, global smartphone shipments in February tumbled 38 percent on-year to 61.8 million units.
Samsung was the No. 1 vendor last month, but its February smartphone shipments only reached 18.2 million units, down from 20.1 million units in January.
This photo provided by Samsung Electronics Co. shows the company's Galaxy A31 smartphone. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

SEOUL -- South Korean stocks rallied for the second day in a row on Wednesday as investor sentiment improved on @ @ @ @ @ around the globe to tackle the economic fallout from the new coronavirus pandemic .
The @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. dollar .

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Wednesday.
-----------------
Moon to share S. Korea's coronavirus experience in G-20 summit
SEOUL -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in will brief other global leaders on his country's "effective" response to the novel coronavirus when they hold a special teleconference this week, Cheong Wa Dae said Wednesday.
The Group of 20 (G-20) major economies are scheduled to open the session at 9 p.m. Thursday (Seoul time) for discussions on COVID-19 following Moon's proposal during his phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron earlier this month.
-----------------
(LEAD) Seoul stocks rally for 2nd day on stimulus measures, Korean won sharply up
SEOUL -- South Korean stocks rallied for the second day in a row on Wednesday as investor sentiment improved on the back of stimulus measures around the globe to tackle the economic fallout from the new coronavirus pandemic. The Korean won sharply rose against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) soared 94.79 points, or 5.89 percent, to close at 1,704.76, extending gains from the previous session. On Monday, the index spiked 8.6 percent, its sharpest daily increase since Oct. 30, 2008.
-----------------
47 countries ask about coronavirus test kits, 39 call for humanitarian aid: official
SEOUL -- A total of 47 countries have asked about importing South Korean-made coronavirus test kits while an additional 39 countries requested the kits as humanitarian aid, a foreign ministry official said Wednesday.
Such calls have been rising as Seoul has recently been garnering global recognition for its diagnostic capabilities, quarantine efforts and medical infrastructure that have led to a relatively low fatality rate despite an increase in new COVID-19 cases.
-----------------
(4th LD) Telegram sex offender's case sent to prosecution
SEOUL -- A man suspected of blackmailing dozens of victims, including minors, into performing violent sex acts and selling the videos in mobile chat rooms was handed over to the prosecution on Wednesday for further investigation.
At least 74 people, including 16 underage girls, are known to have been exploited in the case, widely known as the "Nth room case," in which prime suspect Cho Ju-bin allegedly lured victims into taking photos and later coerced them into performing more gruesome sex acts.
-----------------
(2nd LD) USFK begins issuing furlough notices to Korean employees
SEOUL -- U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) began notifying 5,000 South Korean employees Wednesday that they would be furloughed starting next month, officials said, as defense cost-sharing talks between the two countries remain stalled.
The two sides have been negotiating a new Special Measures Agreement (SMA) that stipulates how much Seoul should pay for the upkeep of the 28,500-strong USFK. Salaries of about 9,000 South Korean employees are also funded under the agreement.
-----------------
(3rd LD) S. Korea to require arrivals from U.S. to self-isolate for 2 weeks as imported cases jump
SEOUL -- South Korea reported an uptick in new cases of the novel coronavirus on Wednesday, driven by a steady rise in infections in the Seoul metropolitan area and a jump in imported cases, prompting the authorities to require passengers coming from the U.S. for long-term stay to self-isolate for two weeks.
The 100 new cases, which were detected on Tuesday and up from 76 new cases a day earlier, marked the 14th consecutive day that there were 100 or fewer additional cases, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC). Fifty-nine virus patients are in critical condition.
-----------------
S. Korea's recovery rate for COVID-19 patients tops 40 pct
SEOUL -- The recovery rate of patients infected with the new coronavirus topped 40 percent, data showed Wednesday.
Since its first outbreak on Jan. 20, the country has reported a total of 9,137 confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of Wednesday, with 3,730 of them, or 40.8 percent, being fully recovered and released from quarantine, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
(END)


yna--2020-03-25--N.K. media advise avoiding crowded areas in anti-virus efforts

`` There is a risk of transmission of the coronavirus through the eyes ... the respiratory system is not the @ @ @ @ @ new coronavirus can spread , '' the paper said .
It advised medical staff to @ @ @ @ @ patients .

SEOUL, March 25 (Yonhap) -- North Korea on Wednesday advised its people against going to crowded areas, saying the coronavirus can be transmitted even through eye infections.
Introducing a medical study conducted abroad, the Rodong Sinmun, the daily of the North's ruling Worker's Party, highlighted social distancing measures as the COVID-19 virus was found to be more contagious than previously known.
"There is a risk of transmission of the coronavirus through the eyes ... the respiratory system is not the only route through which the new coronavirus can spread," the paper said. It advised medical staff to wear protective goggles while treating patients.
The newspaper also stressed the need to avoid standing in long lines at shops or going to crowded places as part of social distancing efforts to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.
Uriminzokkiri, a propaganda outlet, also reported that all borders, including land, sea and air routes, have been sealed off preemptively and strict measures have been implemented to prevent the virus.
"The emergency epidemic prevention measures carried out by our party and the government are highly trustworthy preemptive and decisive measures that ensure the survival and safety of our people."
The North's official Korean Central News Agency also carried a report on the country's efforts to provide special care to pregnant women self-quarantined in the provinces, including delivery of nutritious food.
The report came as North Korea has closed all ports of entry for nearly two months, though it has repeatedly claimed it has no confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Concerns are lingering, however, that North Korea could be vulnerable as it shares a long and porous border with China, where the virus originated, and lacks key medical supplies and infrastructure to test and treat infected people.
This photo, one of several that the Korean Central News Agency released on March 4, 2020, shows North Korea's ongoing efforts to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-25--Korean firms forced to pivot on marketing plans over Olympics postponement

`` Not only will they lose a stage to show off their technology , the companies will have to see @ @ @ @ @ 8K TV market and 5G commercialization , '' an official at an electronics firm said @ @ @ @ @ sentiment contracted due to the COVID-19 pandemic , it is also uncertain when they would @ @ @ @ @ . ''

SEOUL, March 25 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's major companies have been forced to change their marketing campaigns for this summer, industry officials said Wednesday, after the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games were pushed back amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Japan on Tuesday agreed to postpone the Tokyo Olympics until 2021 due to the global spread of the new coronavirus. The quadrennial multi-sport event in the Japanese capital was originally scheduled for July 24 to Aug. 9.
Industry officials said the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics will adjust the marketing activities South Korean companies have planned for this year and could even drag down their sales.
In this photo taken by Samsung Electronics Co. on March 12, 2019, Koh Dong-jin (C), CEO of the IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung Electronics, Timo Lumme (R), Managing Director of International Olympic Committee Television and Marketing Services, and Toshiro Muto, the Director General of the Tokyo Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, pose for a photo at the Galaxy Harajuku showcase event in Tokyo. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Among South Korean firms, Samsung Electronics Co. is expected to take the biggest hit from the Olympics postponement, as the company is the exclusive worldwide Olympic partner in the wireless communications equipment and computing equipment category.
Samsung has been sponsoring the Olympic Games since 1988. In 2018, the South Korean tech giant signed a deal to extend its global Olympic partnership through 2028.
"We respect the decision of the IOC and the organizing committee of the Tokyo Olympics," Samsung said of the Olympics' postponement. "We will closely cooperate with the IOC and the organizing committee of the Tokyo Olympics to assist in the safe hosting of the event."
Samsung last month unveiled the Olympic edition of its flagship Galaxy S20 Plus smartphone and planned to promote the product alongside its latest foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Z Flip.
Samsung also needs to delay its plan to advertise its smartphones through its Athlete Phone Program, in which the company provides limited edition Olympic Galaxy smartphones to all participating athletes in cooperation with the IOC and the Tokyo Olympics organizing committee.
Industry officials said Samsung and its smaller rival LG Electronics Inc. will also have to lower their expectations on 8K TV sales.
In this photo provided by LG Electronics Inc. on March 8, 2020, models watch a football match on the company's 8K OLED TV. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Usually, TV manufacturers see major sporting events as an opportunity to sell their latest TV sets. This year, they aimed to promote their 8K TVs because the major broadcasters planned to cover the Tokyo Summer Games in 8K.
8K is the highest-resolution standard for video content and offers four times the number of pixels of a 4K UHD screen and 16 times that of a full HD screen. Having so many pixels means a higher image density, which should deliver a clearer, better defined picture.
Samsung has been promoting its 8K QLED TVs, while LG has been advertising its 8K OLED TVs, both claiming their TVs provide the best consumer experience for watching sporting events.
Industry officials said local electronics makers and mobile carriers will also have to scale down their marketing plans regarding the 5G mobile network.
"Not only will they lose a stage to show off their technology, the companies will have to see a later blooming of the 8K TV market and 5G commercialization," an official at an electronics firm said. "With global consumer sentiment contracted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is also uncertain when they would see a recovery in demand."
Some South Korean firms have been already suffering from suspension of football competitions in Europe after the novel coronavirus hit the region. The European football governing body has pushed back its continental championship to 2021, and pro football leagues in Spain and Italy have been suspended indefinitely.
Local firms like Hyundai Motor, Hankook Tire and Kumho Tire have been sponsoring football clubs and competitions in Europe as part of their marketing strategy there.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-25--Moon to share S. Korea's coronavirus experience in G-20 summit

The Group of 20 ( G-20 ) major economies are scheduled to open the session at 9 p.m. Thursday ( @ @ @ @ @ on COVID-19 following Moon 's proposal during his phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron @ @ @ @

SEOUL, March 25 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in will brief other global leaders on his country's "effective" response to the novel coronavirus when they hold a special teleconference this week, Cheong Wa Dae said Wednesday.
The Group of 20 (G-20) major economies are scheduled to open the session at 9 p.m. Thursday (Seoul time) for discussions on COVID-19 following Moon's proposal during his phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron earlier this month.
High on the agenda are ways to strengthen international cooperation in the health care and quarantine sectors and minimize the economic fallout of the pandemic, according to Cheong Wa Dae's deputy spokesman Yoon Jae-kwan.
Moon, in particular, plans to share South Korea's experience from its "effective response" to the virus with the international community, he said.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in in a file photo (Yonhap)
The president is to introduce the country's measures including swift and transparent information provision to the public and the people's voluntary efforts to fight the viral disease.
Moon will also stress the importance of maintaining country-to-country "essential economic exchanges" despite travel restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of the virus.
The G-20 leaders plan to issue a joint declaration on international cooperation against COVID-19, Yoon said.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-25--S. Korean Olympic body respects decision to postpone Tokyo Olympics

The KSOC added it would keep its athletes up to date on developments regarding the new schedule and qualifying procedures @ @ @ @ @ a joint task force with the Sports Ministry to better prepare for the rescheduled Olympics @ @ @ @ @ new training programs .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, March 25 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean Olympic body said Wednesday it respects the recent decision to reschedule the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in light of the global coronavirus outbreak.
The Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSCO) hailed the move by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Tokyo on Tuesday to postpone the July 24-Aug. 9 Games to 2021 in order to protect the health and safety of athletes, Olympic stakeholders and the international community.
This file photo, from Feb. 11, 2019, shows the logo for the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee. (Yonhap)
"We expect this postponement to provide fair opportunities for all participating athletes," the KSOC said in a statement. "We'll continue to cooperate with the IOC and Tokyo's organizing committee to ensure that the Olympic Games will take place in a safe environment for everyone."
The KSOC added it would keep its athletes up to date on developments regarding the new schedule and qualifying procedures. The KSOC will form a joint task force with the Sports Ministry to better prepare for the rescheduled Olympics and help athletes with their new training programs.
In this Associated Press photo, a man walks past a Tokyo Olympics logo at the Tokyo metropolitan government headquarters building in Tokyo on March 25, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-25--(URGENT) Moon to share S. Korea's coronavirus experience in G-20 teleconference to open at 9 p.m. Th

(URGENT) Moon to share S. Korea's coronavirus experience in G-20 teleconference to open at 9 p.m. Thursday: Cheong Wa Dae


yna--2020-03-25--(URGENT) G-20 leaders to issue joint declaration on int'l coordination against coronavirus, Cheong W

(URGENT) G-20 leaders to issue joint declaration on int'l coordination against coronavirus, Cheong Wa Dae says


yna--2020-03-25--(LEAD) Seoul stocks rally for 2nd day on stimulus measures, Korean won sharply up

SEOUL , March 25 ( Yonhap ) -- South Korean stocks rallied for the second day in a row on @ @ @ @ @ on the back of stimulus measures around the globe to tackle the economic fallout from @ @ @ @ @ The Korean won sharply rose against the U.S. dollar .

(ATTN: ADDS bond yields at bottom)
SEOUL, March 25 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks rallied for the second day in a row on Wednesday as investor sentiment improved on the back of stimulus measures around the globe to tackle the economic fallout from the new coronavirus pandemic. The Korean won sharply rose against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) soared 94.79 points, or 5.89 percent, to close at 1,704.76, extending gains from the previous session. On Tuesday, the index spiked 8.6 percent, its sharpest daily increase since Oct. 30, 2008.
It was also the first time since March 16 that the index had closed above the 1,700-level.
Trading volume was high at 852 million shares worth 12.4 trillion won (US$10 billion), with gainers far outpacing losers 872 to 33.
A currency dealer walks by a screen showing the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) at a dealing room at Hana Bank in Seoul on March 25, 2020. (Yonhap)
The index got off to a solid start, following a record rally on Wall Street. The Dow Jones Industrial Average on Tuesday skyrocketed 11.4 percent to close at 20,704.91, its biggest one-day gain since 1933, on hopes of a massive U.S. stimulus package.
The index received a further boost in the afternoon and touched as high as 1,709.45 following the news that U.S. Senate leaders and the White House have reached an agreement to pass an estimated US$2 trillion rescue package.
"It appears that expectations of the U.S. passing a massive stimulus bill boosted risk appetite," said Seo Sang-young, an analyst at Kiwoom Securities. "Also with the rising possibility of the Asian supply network returning to its normal level, the local market reacted positively."
Analysts said investor sentiment also improved after finance ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) advanced economies vowed to restore economic growth in the face of the pandemic.
Foreigners extended their selling streak to a 15th consecutive session, offloading 333 billion won worth of stocks on the main bourse. Institutions dumped a net 105 billion won, while retail investors scooped up a net 451 billion won.
Large-caps were bullish across the board.
Top market cap Samsung Electronics moved up 3.62 percent to 48,650 won, and No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix advanced 7.37 percent to 84,500 won.
No. 1 carmaker Hyundai Motor spiked 12.97 percent to 84,500 won, and its auto parts arm Hyundai Mobis skyrocketed 17.3 percent to 169,500 won. Kia Motors added 8.87 percent to reach 25,150 won.
However, pharmaceutical firms were in negative terrain, with Samsung BioLogics falling 0.21 percent to 475,000 won and Celltrion dropping 0.54 percent to 183,000 won.
The local currency closed at 1,229.90 won against the U.S. dollar, sharply up 19.7 won from the previous session's close.
Bond prices, which move inversely to yields, closed mixed. The yield on three-year Treasurys rose 0.4 basis point to 1.131 percent, but the return on the benchmark five-year government bond fell 2.2 basis points to 1.408 percent.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-25--Foreign sell-off extends to 15th session amid virus woes

On top of that , policy lenders will provide 58.3 trillion won to help smaller shops and smaller companies hit @ @ @ @ @ Big South Korean companies could also receive the financial support , if necessary , according @ @ @ @ @ .

SEOUL, March 25 (Yonhap) -- Foreign investors continued to sell local stocks for a 15th consecutive session, with the new coronavirus still taking hold of the global economy, data showed Wednesday.
Offshore investors offloaded a net 332.8 billion won (US$270.6 million) worth of local stocks on Wednesday.
Since March 5, foreigners have net sold a total of 10.2 trillion won in stocks. They sold a net 1.31 trillion won on March 9, marking the biggest daily selling.
The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened investor concerns over prolonged economic fallout, spurring the exodus of foreign money from the local bourse.
An electronic signboard at Hana Bank in Seoul shows the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) gaining 5.89 percent to close at 1,704.76 on March 25, 2020. (Yonhap)
Foreigners' weekslong sell-off was countered by retail investors' net buying, which pulled up the South Korean benchmark index, the KOSPI, by 5.89 percent to close at 1,704.76.
Foreigners' sell-off volume has declined from last week, followed by stimulus measures around the globe to minimize the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.
The U.S. revealed unlimited amounts of bond purchases to shore up the faltering markets, in addition to zero-range rate cuts and major Treasury purchase programs.
On Tuesday, South Korea unveiled an emergency aid package worth 42 trillion won to help ease the credit crunch and stabilize financial markets hit hard by the spread of the new coronavirus.
On top of that, policy lenders will provide 58.3 trillion won to help smaller shops and smaller companies hit hard by the virus. Big South Korean companies could also receive the financial support, if necessary, according to the Financial Services Commission.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-26--Q1 earnings outlook cut for most listed firms on virus

According to FnGuide , operating income forecasts for the January-March period have been downgraded for 84.4 percent of the 65 @ @ @ @ @ Jan. 20 , when South Korea reported its first confirmed case of the novel coronavirus @

SEOUL, March 26 (Yonhap) -- South Korean brokerage houses have trimmed their first-quarter earnings outlook for more than 80 percent of major listed firms on the coronavirus outbreak, a market tracker said Thursday.
According to FnGuide, operating income forecasts for the January-March period have been downgraded for 84.4 percent of the 65 listed companies from estimates made Jan. 20, when South Korea reported its first confirmed case of the novel coronavirus.
The businesses, which belong to the top 100 firms listed on the main stock market, cover those for which three or more local securities companies have put forward first-quarter forecasts.
The downgrade comes as the new coronavirus has turned into a pandemic, sparking worries over a global economic recession, or at least two consecutive quarters of contraction.
Largest-cap Samsung Electronics Co., the world's top smartphone and memory chip maker, has seen its earnings outlook slashed 5.4 percent to 6.4 trillion won (US$5.2 billion) over the cited period.
The revised figure represents a 3.2 percent increase from the same period a year earlier, but some brokerages have forecast Samsung's first-quarter operating profit to shrink on-year.
DB Financial Investment Co. has projected Samsung's operating profit to reach 5.9 trillion won in the first quarter, down 4.6 percent from a year earlier.
"Samsung may inevitably suffer weaker earnings for its semiconductor and display sectors in the wake of COVID--19 amid sluggish sales of smartphones and home electronics products," said Eo Kyu-jin, an analyst at DB Financial Investment.
Another chip giant, SK hynix Inc., has seen the median forecast for its first-quarter operating income cut 22.9 percent to 457 billion won in the period. The downgraded figure is down a whopping 66.6 percent from a year earlier.
The average outlook for leading automaker Hyundai Motor Co. stands at 926.4 billion won for the current quarter, down 15.4 percent from two months earlier.
Top air carrier Korean Air Lines Co. has suffered the biggest downgrade with 94.2 percent, followed by Hyundai Steel Co. with 61.2 percent and electric vehicle and smartphone battery maker Samsung SDI Co. with 58.5 percent.
Securities companies have forecast major oil refiners SK Innovation and S-Oil will switch to a loss for the first quarter.
Only 10 firms, including major liquor maker Hite Jinro Co. and instant noodle giant Nongshim, have basked in earnings upgrades over the cited period.
With growing worries over first-quarter earnings, local brokerages have also lowered their target prices for more than six out of the 100 largest-cap businesses.
Cited as another destabilizing factor for their prices is foreign investors' selling binge of South Korean stocks. Offshore investors extended their net selling to 15 sessions at Wednesday's close, with Samsung Electronics bearing the brunt of their brutal sell-off.
(END)


yna--2020-03-26--Seoul stocks open higher on U.S. stimulus hopes

U.S. stocks rallied after the White House and congressional leaders said they had agreed to a massive stimulus bill to @ @ @ @ @ the new coronavirus pandemic .

SEOUL, March 26 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks opened higher Thursday, tracking overnight gains on Wall Street buoyed by U.S. stimulus hopes amid the new coronavirus pandemic.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) had risen 15.24 points, or 0.89 percent, to 1,720.00 as of 9:15 a.m.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average posted its first back-to-back gain since February by climbing 2.4 percent to end at 21,200.55 points on Wednesday (local time).
U.S. stocks rallied after the White House and congressional leaders said they had agreed to a massive stimulus bill to tackle the economic slowdown from the new coronavirus pandemic.
However, the market cooled down later after some Senators said they plan to put a hold on the stimulus bill over an unemployment insurance proposal.
In Seoul, large-cap stocks had a mixed start.
Market kingpin Samsung Electronics moved up 0.51 percent, and No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix advanced 2.72 percent.
No. 1 carmaker Hyundai Motor jumped 3.20 percent, and its auto parts affiliate Hyundai Mobis climbed 1.47 percent.
However, leading pharmaceutical firm Samsung BioLogics shed 1.26 percent, while top steelmaker POSCO lost 0.62 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,228.40 won against the U.S. dollar, up 1.5 won from the previous session's close.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-26--Nat'l football governing body to temporarily cut pay in coronavirus crunch

The men 's national team was to host Turkmenistan on Thursday in a World Cup qualifying match , but it @ @ @ @ @ to the virus .
The next home match is supposed to be against North Korea @ @ @ @ @ that is also in doubt .

SEOUL, March 26 (Yonhap) -- Faced with a financial crunch stemming from the coronavirus pandemic, the South Korean national football federation will temporarily slash the pay of its executives.
The Korea Football Association (KFA) said Thursday the monthly salaries for its senior executives, starting from department directors and above, will be cut by 20 percent beginning this month. The pay cut may remain in effect through the end of the year, according to a KFA official.
The KFA's revenue is expected to fall by an estimated 5 billion won (US$4.1 million) this year, due to a handful of international matches postponed in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, and it has entered "an emergency management system," the official said.
This image provided by the Korea Football Association (KFA) on March 26, 2020, shows the KFA's emblem. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The men's national team was to host Turkmenistan on Thursday in a World Cup qualifying match, but it has been postponed indefinitely due to the virus. The next home match is supposed to be against North Korea on June 4, but that is also in doubt.
At the under-23 level, the South Korean men's Olympic team had planned to host friendly matches in March and June in preparation for the Tokyo Summer Games. All March matches have been scrapped, and June contests may not be held anyway, as the Tokyo Olympics have been postponed to 2021.
The women's national team was slated to host the first leg of a home-and-home Olympic qualifying playoff series against China on March 6. That showdown has been pushed back to June 4, though that may be rescheduled depending on the situation with COVID-19.
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-26--LG Displays workers cleared for Guangzhou entry amid restrictions

LG Display planned to begin mass production for OLED display panels at the Guangzhou plant in the first quarter of @ @ @ @ @ schedule apparently faced a roadblock after China became the epicenter of the global novel coronavirus @ @ @ @ @

SEOUL, March 26 (Yonhap) -- LG Display Co. said Thursday it will send 290 workers to Guangzhou, China, to prepare for OLED display panel production there, after the Chinese government granted special entry for them amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.
LG Displays said its engineers departed for Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport on a chartered flight earlier in the day. They will stay at a quarantine facility arranged by the company before starting their work at the Guangzhou plant.
Since last week, the city of Guangzhou has been conducting virus tests on all arrivals and has mandated a 14-day quarantine.
LG Display said its workers will enter the country with a virus test certificate. The company said it will try to cut the quarantine period for them after negotiating with the municipal health authorities.
LG Display planned to begin mass production for OLED display panels at the Guangzhou plant in the first quarter of the year, but its schedule apparently faced a roadblock after China became the epicenter of the global novel coronavirus outbreak earlier this year.
Local analysts think LG Display will suffer poor earnings this year, as global TV sales are expected to decline due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
This undated photo provided by LG Display Co. shows the company's OLED display panel plant in Guangzhou, China. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-26--S. Korea marks 10th anniversary of Cheonan sinking

The warship Cheonan went down near the Northern Limit Line , the de facto maritime border between the two Koreas @ @ @ @ @ 2010 , killing 46 sailors .
After an international probe , the South concluded the @ @ @ @ @ torpedo attack by a North Korean submarine .

SEOUL, March 26 (Yonhap) -- South Korea was to hold a ceremony Thursday to mark the 10th anniversary of North Korea's deadly sinking of a South Korean warship, the Navy said.
The warship Cheonan went down near the Northern Limit Line, the de facto maritime border between the two Koreas, on March 26, 2010, killing 46 sailors. After an international probe, the South concluded the sinking was caused by a torpedo attack by a North Korean submarine.
Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo was to preside over the memorial ceremony at the Navy's 2nd Fleet Command in Pyeongtaek, 70 kilometers south of Seoul. Also in attendance will be survivors and the bereaved families of the fallen sailors.
The Navy said the event will be held in a scaled-back manner with tightened quarantine measures due to the new coronavirus.
Sailors aboard the 2nd Naval Fleet's patrol ship Hwang Do-hyeon offer flowers to the waters off the northern border island of Baeknyeong on March 23, 2020, to honor 46 soldiers who were killed in North Korea's submarine torpedoing of the South Korean Cheonan warship on March 26, 2010, in this photo provided by the Navy. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


Thursday's weather forecast

SEOUL , March 26 ( Yonhap ) -- The following is the weather forecast for South Korea 's 12 major @ @ @ @ @ .

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


KOSPI 1,699.11 DN 5.65 points (open)


KOSDAQ 506.51 UP 0.83 points (open)


yna--2020-03-26--Dollar opens at 1,226.0 won DN from 1,229.9 won


yna--2020-03-26--(Yonhap Feature) S. Koreans turn to social media challenges to beat coronavirus blues

`` I 've never had a similar experience .
The view count started to soar by some 600,000 a day @ @ @ @ @ YouTuber Ddulgi , with some 196,000 subscribers , said Monday .
`` It has been @ @ @ @ @ there has been an increasing number of viewers coming in from the United States this @ @ @

By Choi Soo-hyang
SEOUL, March 26 (Yonhap) -- When YouTuber Ddulgi uploaded a four-minute video on making dalgona coffee on the global video-sharing platform in mid-February, she did not expect it to turn into a mega-hit garnering over 3 million views in less than a month.
Amid "social distancing" measures due to COVID-19, more South Koreans are turning to social media challenges and sharing their experiences online to stay connected, like the arduous job of stirring quickly to make creamy hand-beaten coffee.
"I've never had a similar experience. The view count started to soar by some 600,000 a day in late February," YouTuber Ddulgi, with some 196,000 subscribers, said Monday. "It has been mostly South Koreans, but there has been an increasing number of viewers coming in from the United States this month."
It is not easy to make dalgona coffee, a milk-based drink topped with handmade toffee. It requires whipping by hand a mixture of instant coffee, sugar and hot water more than 400 times, though those who have tried say it feels like you have to whip over 4,000 times.
Yet social media has been flooded with photos uploaded by people who have taken up the online challenge, from ordinary citizens to K-pop celebrities to 73-year-old YouTube star Park Mak-rye. As of Wednesday, over 93,000 posts on Instagram had the hashtag #dalgonacoffee in Korean.
This photo captured on March 25, 2020, from YouTuber Ddulgi's clip uploaded on the global video-sharing platform, shows dalgona coffee. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)
"Koreans, stuck at home, are cooking everything and anything," Park said in a video while preparing to whip up the drink. "I guess Koreans just can't live without work to do."
Moon Jeong-gyeong, 28, a tour agency marketer, said the challenge of making dalgona coffee helped her beat the coronavirus blues after her first week of leave due to the coronavirus.
"More time at home meant more Instagram, so after bumping into these photos of dalgona coffee over and over again, I thought maybe I should try too," she said.
Though experts warn against spending too much time on social media and exposure to virus-related news, Moon said the shared experience helped her.
"At least I don't have to think about bad news while doing that, and I felt like I've done something exciting, finally," she said. "Filming it and sharing with friends were part of the fun."
Other challenges trending among South Koreans on social media include whipping eggs 1,000 times and eating a lemon.
In this photo captured from YouTuber Park Mak-rye's channel on March 25, 2020, Park stirs eggs as part of a challenge to make fried eggs after whipping 1,000 times. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
You Myoung-soon, a professor at Seoul National University's Graduate School of Public Health, said the trend appears to be part of people's efforts to build bonds and to overcome loneliness.
South Korea has dealt with other contagious diseases, such as the MERS outbreak in 2015, but the situation is different now, You says.
"MERS was mostly about infections in hospitals, but the new coronavirus cases are being reported everywhere," the professor said. "It is much more common, and the anxiety and fear people are experiencing is much bigger."
Since South Korea reported its first coronavirus case in mid-January, the number of infections in the country has risen to 9,137 as of midnight, including 126 deaths.
The number of new cases has recently shown signs of slowing, but South Korea is still on the alert due to sporadic cluster infections and mounting imported cases.
The authorities have been urging people to stay away from each other and encouraging them to work remotely to prevent the virus from spreading.
Religious, indoor sports and entertainment facilities have also been mostly shut down after the government warned last week of an administrative order to ban gatherings if they do not abide by guidelines on business operations during the pandemic.
As the pandemic has disrupted lives for months, health experts say more attention should be paid to the psychological toll the outbreak has on ordinary citizens, whether infected or not.
Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, an infectious disease expert at the World Health Organization, said that while it is absolutely essential for people to keep physical distance from one another, that doesn't mean that "socially we have to disconnect from our loved ones."
"Technology right now, it has advanced so great that we can keep connected in many ways without actually physically being in the same room or physically being in the same space with people," she said during a press briefing Friday.
After weeks of campaigning for "social distancing" in the fight against the new virus, the U.N. agency is now using a new phrase, calling for "physical distancing."
"Find ways through the internet, through different social media, to remain connected, because your mental health going through this is just as important as your physical health," Van Kerkhove said.
People cross a street junction in Seoul on March 24, 2020. (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-26--Moon to join G-20 virtual summit on coronavirus response, share S. Korea's strategy

Seven nations , hard hit by the coronavirus , have been invited as observers -- Spain , Singapore , Switzerland @ @ @ @ @ the United Arab Emirates and Jordan .
The United Nations and the World Health Organization @ @ @ @ @ , along with some other international organizations .

By Lee Chi-dong
SEOUL, March 26 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in will have discussions with major global leaders on a coordinated response to the novel coronavirus during their virtual summit Thursday, Cheong Wa Dae said.
The Group of 20 (G-20) advanced economies plans to open the emergency video session, officially named "Extraordinary Virtual Leaders' Summit on COVID-19," at 9 p.m. following Moon's offer to hold such an event earlier this month.
Moon will use it to share South Korea's know-how to counter the virus and policy to limit the economic fallout of it, according to Cheong Wa Dae.
South Korea is said to have responded relatively effectively to the outbreak with thorough quarantine measures highlighted by quick and accurate medical testing.
The number of daily additional infections has dropped to around 100, many of which are linked to South Koreans and foreigners arriving from foreign countries.
Moon also plans to suggest a travel ban waiver for business people with an official document showing they have tested negative, a measure aimed at maintaining "essential" cross-border business-related activities.
Cheong Wa Dae said the G-20 members would adopt a joint declaration at the meeting, and it expects Moon's proposal to be included.
President Moon Jae-in (L) speaks at a meeting with heads of South Korea's biotech firms in Seoul on March 25, 2020. (Yonhap)
Saudi Arabia's King Salman will chair the session as the country holds this year's G-20 presidency.
The other G-20 members are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Britain, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, Turkey, the United States and the European Union.
Seven nations, hard hit by the coronavirus, have been invited as observers -- Spain, Singapore, Switzerland, Senegal, Vietnam, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan. The United Nations and the World Health Organization are also joining the meeting, along with some other international organizations.
The G-20 summit was launched in 2008 for a joint response to a global financial crisis at that time.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-26--(LEAD) S. Korea loosens FX liquidity guidelines, uses foreign reserves amid market jitters

Early this week , the country unveiled a 42 trillion-won ( US $ 34.1 billion ) aid package to buttress @ @ @ @ @ as well as the bond market , which has been pummeled by growing woes over @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus on the economy .

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, paras 1-2; ADDS details throughout, photo)
SEOUL, March 26 (Yonhap) -- South Korea said Thursday the country will ease foreign exchange liquidity rules temporarily for three months and use part of its foreign reserves to ease the dollar shortage.
Under the plan, the foreign exchange liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) for banks will be lowered to 70 percent by the end of May from the current 80 percent, thus making them provide more dollars into the market.
Local financial institutions have been required to hold an adequate amount of foreign currency assets on hand to get over short-term liquidity disruptions. The FX LCR is measured as high-quality liquid foreign assets to projected net cash outflows over 30 days.
South Korea said it will also temporarily exempt a levy on local financial firms to ease their burden in obtaining foreign currencies for a three-month period.
The levy is imposed on financial firms to maintain market stability in case the country suffers sudden inflows and outflows of foreign capital.
The measure is the latest in a series of steps to stem market turmoil and provide a buffer against the fallout from the COVID-19 outbreak.
Early this week, the country unveiled a 42 trillion-won (US$34.1 billion) aid package to buttress up the stock market, as well as the bond market, which has been pummeled by growing woes over the impact of the new coronavirus on the economy.
South Korea also struck a US$60 billion currency swap deal with Washington last week, which will be in place for at least six months. It is the second of its kind since 2008.
"The country will promptly add liquidity to businesses and financial firms by utilizing the fund raised from the swap deal with Washington, along with foreign currency reserves," Vice Finance Minister Kim Yong-beom said during a meeting on macroeconomic policies.
The country's financial authorities raised the cap on foreign currency forward positions for local banks to 50 percent of their equity capital, from the current 40 percent, in an effort to ease a dollar shortage in the capital market.
South Korea, hit by the growing outbreak of COVID-19, is set to implement an extra budget worth 11.7 trillion won to help the economy chug along.
The central bank cut its policy rate by half a percentage point to a record low of 0.75 percent.
The country had added 100 more cases of novel virus infections as of Tuesday, bringing up the total to 9,137.
(END)


yna--2020-03-26--S. Korea loosens FX liquidity guidelines on virus jitters

Local financial institutions have been required to hold an adequate amount of foreign currency assets on hand to get over @ @ @ @ @ FX LCR is measured as high-quality liquid foreign assets to projected net cash outflows over @ @ @

SEOUL, March 26 (Yonhap) -- South Korea said Thursday the country will ease foreign exchange liquidity rules temporarily through May to ease the dollar shortage.
Under the plan, the foreign exchange liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) for banks will be lowered to 70 percent from the current 80 percent.
Local financial institutions have been required to hold an adequate amount of foreign currency assets on hand to get over short-term liquidity disruptions. The FX LCR is measured as high-quality liquid foreign assets to projected net cash outflows over 30 days.
South Korea said it will also temporarily exempt a levy on local financial firms to ease their burden in obtaining foreign currencies for a three-month period.
The levy is imposed on financial firms to maintain market stability in case the country suffers sudden inflows and outflows of foreign capital.
(END)


yna--2020-03-26--(LEAD) Trump again boasts higher testing numbers than S. Korea despite conflicting time frames

`` I just spoke with President Moon , '' Trump said at a White House press briefing later Wednesday .
@ @ @ @ @ good conversation about numerous other things .
But they 've done a very good job @ @ @ @ @ now are doing more testing than anybody by far .
We do more in eight @ @ @ @ @ eight weeks .
And we go up on a daily basis exponentially .
So it @ @ @ @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES with Trump's remarks during press briefing in last 3 paras)
By Lee Haye-ah
WASHINGTON, March 25 (Yonhap) -- U.S. President Donald Trump boasted again Wednesday that the United States has tested more people for coronavirus than South Korea, even though there were discrepancies in the time frames the tests were conducted in.
Facing one of the biggest challenges of his presidency, Trump appeared to want to underscore the testing numbers that Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus response coordinator, shared in a virtual town hall both attended at the White House on Tuesday.
Birx said at the time that the U.S. had tested more than 300,000 people in eight days, which she said was more than South Korea had tested in eight weeks.
This AFP photo shows U.S. President Donald Trump speaking during the daily briefing on the novel coronavirus at the White House on March 24, 2020. (Yonhap)
"Just reported that the United States has done far more 'testing' than any other nation, by far!" Trump tweeted Wednesday. "In fact, over an eight day span, the United States now does more testing than what South Korea (which has been a very successful tester) does over an eight week span. Great job!"
Trump seized on Birx's words during the town hall, saying he was hearing the numbers for the first time and asking the doctor to repeat them.
He also claimed the tests in the U.S. were better and "highly sophisticated."
The lack of testing and test kits has added to criticism of the Trump administration's response to the fast-growing pandemic in the country.
The latest figures from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention put the number of COVID-19 patients at 54,453, including 737 deaths.
Birx later appeared to contradict her own statement when she told a White House press briefing Tuesday that of a total of 370,000 tests done in the U.S., more than 220,000 had been done in the last eight days.
As of Tuesday, South Korea had tested 348,582 people since the virus was first detected on its soil on Jan. 20, or in just over eight weeks. By Wednesday, 357,896 people had been tested.
Earlier this month, Trump downplayed the effectiveness of drive-through testing centers in South Korea before he announced their nationwide introduction days later.
And in a phone call with South Korean President Moon Jae-in Tuesday, Trump asked for South Korea's assistance with medical equipment, according to Moon's office.
The phone call was arranged at Trump's "urgent" request and Moon promised "maximum" assistance depending on availability, Cheong Wa Dae said.
The White House said in a brief statement that the two leaders discussed their nations' respective efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic but it made no mention of any request for help.
"I just spoke with President Moon," Trump said at a White House press briefing later Wednesday. "We had a very good conversation about numerous other things. But they've done a very good job of testing. But we now are doing more testing than anybody by far. We do more in eight days than they do in eight weeks. And we go up on a daily basis exponentially. So it's really good."
Trump also suggested that Moon praised the U.S.
"They called me and they told me, 'It's amazing. Your testing procedures are amazing,'" he said.
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-03-26--(EDITORIAL from Korea JoongAng Daily on March 26)

Despite the urgent need to help these workers survive , our social safety networks have large holes .
Compared to @ @ @ @ @ , they are in a bind .
For instance , employees at small firms with @ @ @ @ @ not eligible for 70 percent of their normal paychecks as workers at larger companies get @ @ @ @ @ and daily laborers barely qualify for unemployment benefits due to regulations .

Protect the vulnerable
The economic impact of the Covid-19 outbreak is rapidly expanding to the employment front. According to the Ministry of Employment and Labor, the number of applicants for unemployment benefits increased by more than 30 percent so far this month compared to the same period last year.
The number of companies that applied for government subsidies to maintain their employees also has increased by a large amount. The pandemic will have a strong impact on our struggling economy in the long term.
Those most vulnerable to the shocks from the outbreak are in the lower income brackets, including contract workers and daily laborers across the country. Employees of small businesses that employ fewer than five are included.
Despite the urgent need to help these workers survive, our social safety networks have large holes. Compared to full-time workers at large companies, they are in a bind. For instance, employees at small firms with fewer than five workers are not eligible for 70 percent of their normal paychecks as workers at larger companies get "subsistence allowances," and daily laborers barely qualify for unemployment benefits due to regulations.
The self-employed and mom-and-pop stores are also at the cliff's edge. The Moon Jae-in administration promised them delayed interest payments on their loans for six months, yet that may not be enough. Despite the government's pledge to create a 100 trillion won ($81.4 billion) emergency fund to help struggling employers stay afloat, the money won't necessarily be used efficiently.
Despite all the buzz about the central government's offer of basic incomes in a time of trouble, local governments are doling out cash on their own due to a critical lack of specific guidelines.
The government must immediately fix the welfare system to address the gaping holes in our social safety nets, including overly rigorous requirements for unemployment benefits for the underprivileged.
To prepare for a drastic surge in jobless claims, the government must have enough money to spend. It also must increase the budget to help small businesses maintain their employees to more than 500 billion won, as it promised earlier.
An economic panic deals a critical blow to the vulnerable class. Once their livelihoods collapse, they cannot stand on their own feet. The government must ensure they can withstand this peril. At the same time, it must reinforce its incentives for companies to keep their workers.
Next week, the government plans to announce steps to help the underprivileged overcome the crisis. We hope they are successful.
(END)


yna--2020-03-26--(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on March 26)

Some infected travelers who do n't show symptoms at the time of arrival could become a major threat if mishandled @ @ @ @ @ 33-year-old Korean woman living in Busan was confirmed as the 108th patient in the city @ @ @ @ @ trip to the U.S. and Mexico .
When she arrived at Incheon International Airport via @ @ @ @ @ March 18 , she had a fever , but it was not high enough to @ @ @ @ @ for the virus .
In Busan alone , six people have been tested positive for @ @ @ @ @ weeks right after returning from overseas trips .

Imported COVID-19 cases
: Good to conduct tests on all travelers from US
The government said Wednesday it will conduct coronavirus tests on all passengers arriving from the United States, and place them under a mandatory two-week self-quarantine beginning Friday, regardless of whether or not they have symptoms.
The administration had already implemented similar measures for all arrivals from Europe last week, and has strengthened screening procedures for travelers arriving from other continents as well, although it has kept travel restrictions at minimal levels.
The planned measures for those traveling to Korea from the U.S., albeit belated, will be helpful in containing the spread of the virus here as Korea, like other countries, has seen the number of COVID-19 cases in those arriving from overseas soar recently.
The rise is largely thanks to the aggressive implementation of virus tests for travelers from abroad. Stricter measures must be applied, including expanding travel restrictions or quarantining inbound travelers in confinement facilities, if needed, as more people may enter the country in the coming weeks due to spikes of confirmed cases in the U.S. and Europe.
South Korea has been relatively successful in dealing with the outbreak and there indeed have been encouraging signs of stabilization here. But it is too early to relax. We should learn lessons from Hong Kong, which is suffering from a new wave of infections after it rushed to ease restrictions and reopen government institutions.
Some infected travelers who don't show symptoms at the time of arrival could become a major threat if mishandled. For instance, a 33-year-old Korean woman living in Busan was confirmed as the 108th patient in the city after returning from a month-long trip to the U.S. and Mexico. When she arrived at Incheon International Airport via a flight from Cancun on March 18, she had a fever, but it was not high enough to require her to be tested for the virus. In Busan alone, six people have been tested positive for COVID-19 in the past two weeks right after returning from overseas trips.
According to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the authorities detected 51 new "imported cases" ― 43 South Korean nationals and eight foreigners ― on Tuesday alone, the biggest single-day rise so far. Of the 51 cases, 34 were detected at airports. As of Wednesday afternoon, the country reported a total of 101 imported cases, but this is expected to surge once virus tests on all travelers from the U.S. take effect.
What is also urgent is to map out measures for foreigners staying illegally in Korea who are avoiding tests due to concerns about possible repercussions. In particular, there should be a thorough inspection of nursing homes, restaurants and small factories, where many illegal immigrants are presumed to be working. The government estimates that roughly 400,000 foreigners are staying in the country illegally, or 15 percent of the total foreign population here.
(END)