Yonhap News Summary

Most of around 16,000 interns and residents at major general hospitals in the greater Seoul area , such as Seoul @ @ @ @ @ Samsung Medical Center , returned to the hospitals as of 7 a.m. , and other @ @ @ @ @ return later in the day .

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Tuesday.
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(2nd LD) Trainee doctors resume work, yet service normalization to take some time
SEOUL -- Thousands of trainee doctors resumed work Tuesday, ending their 18-day strike over a controversial medical reform plan, but it is expected to take some time for medical services to normalize completely.
Most of around 16,000 interns and residents at major general hospitals in the greater Seoul area, such as Seoul Asan Medical Center and Seoul Samsung Medical Center, returned to the hospitals as of 7 a.m., and other young doctors are set to return later in the day.
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(2nd LD) KCDC chief tapped as head of new state disease control agency
SEOUL -- President Moon Jae-in has picked Jeong Eun-kyeong, chief of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), as leader of the newly created agency to serve as South Korea's control tower of disease control and response, Cheong Wa Dae said Tuesday.
The government plans to reorganize the KCDC into an independent agency with more authority to respond to infectious diseases more effectively. The Korea Diseases Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) will be launched Saturday under an organizational change plan approved by the Cabinet earlier in the day. The KDCA head is a vice ministerial position.
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Poll shows anger and fear rising among Koreans after resurgence of coronavirus
SEOUL -- South Koreans are struggling with stronger feelings of anger and fear following the recent surge in new coronavirus cases after mid-August, a poll showed Tuesday.
According to the survey of 2,000 adults nationwide conducted from Aug. 25-28 by Seoul National University's Graduate School of Public Health, 47.5 percent counted anxiety as the strongest sentiment felt from news related to COVID-19.
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Nat'l Assembly returns to work after partial shutdown over COVID-19 case
SEOUL -- The National Assembly returned to work Tuesday afternoon after parts of the assembly buildings were closed due to a case of COVID-19 involving a reporter covering the legislature.
The reporter tested positive for the virus on Monday, leading to the closures of floors four to six of the main assembly building, the sixth floor of the assembly members' office building and another building's second floor, where the press room is located.
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Moody's expects recovery in vehicle sales next year
SEOUL -- Moody's Investors Service said Tuesday that vehicle sales are expected to recover in the next one and a half years after hitting bottom this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
A sharp decline in light vehicle sales as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic appears to be bottoming out, with sales expected to climb steeply over the next 12 to 18 months, Moody's said in a statement.
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(LEAD) Seoul restricts access to Han River parks to curb spread of COVID-19
SEOUL -- The Seoul metropolitan government on Tuesday restricted access to crowded areas of Han River parks starting at 2 p.m. to help contain the spread of COVID-19.
The affected areas are two squares at Yeouido Han River Park, parts of Ttukseom Park and two picnic zones at Banpo Han River Park.
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S. Korea's biggest art fair to go online due to coronavirus
SEOUL -- South Korea's biggest annual art show, the Korean International Art Fair (KIAF), will be held online later this month amid the prolonged novel coronavirus pandemic, the event's organizer said Tuesday.
At the KIAF Art Seoul 2020, some 4,000 artworks from 140 art galleries will be displayed through the online viewing room from Sept. 23-Oct. 18, according to the Galleries Association of Korea. A preview session for VIPs will open beginning Sept. 16.
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S. Korea to mass-produce antibody treatment of COVID-19 this month
SEOUL -- South Korea plans to mass-produce an antibody treatment of the novel coronavirus later this month, health authorities said Tuesday.
The country's drug ministry is currently reviewing phase 2/3 clinical tests for the antibody-based treatment and aims to mass-produce commercial antibodies for the novel coronavirus in September, according to Kwon Jun-wook, deputy chief at the Central Disease Control Headquarters.
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(LEAD) Im Sung-jae barely misses top 10 in PGA Tour season finale
SEOUL -- South Korean youngster Im Sung-jae has wrapped up his second PGA Tour season with an up-and-down round.
Im shot an even-par 70 for a four-round total of 10-under 274 at the Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta on Sunday (local time). He had been in second place halfway through the tournament before fading away over the final two rounds with 72-70.
(END)


yna--2020-09-08--(LEAD) Seoul stocks surpass 2,400-level on European monetary easing hopes

SEOUL , Sept. 8 ( Yonhap ) -- South Korean shares gained for a second consecutive session on Tuesday as @ @ @ @ @ possibility that the European Central Bank ( ECB ) may signal further easing moves in @ @ @ @ @ .
The Korean won rose against the U.S. dollar .

(ATTN: ADDS bond yields at bottom, photo)
SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) -- South Korean shares gained for a second consecutive session on Tuesday as investors pin hopes on the possibility that the European Central Bank (ECB) may signal further easing moves in its upcoming monetary policy meeting. The Korean won rose against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 17.69 points, or 0.74 percent, to close at 2,401.91. Trading volume was high at about 966 million shares worth some 17 trillion won (US$14.3 billion), with losers outnumbering gainers 528 to 313.
Foreigners sold a net 30 billion won and institutions offloaded a net 21 billion won, while retail investors purchased a net 35 billion won.
Electronic signboards at a Hana Bank dealing room in Seoul show the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed at 2,401.91 on Sept. 8, 2020, up 17.69 points or 0.74 percent from the previous session's close. (Yonhap)
The index closed above the 2,400-point mark as chipmakers continued to gain despite lingering valuation pressure on tech shares in major economies.
Stocks lifted on growing expectations that the ECB may extend the current low-interest rate drive on Thursday (Korea time), following the U.S. Federal Reserve, local analysts said.
"Hopes for ECB's dovish signal, as well as an investor rush for bottom fishing, raised key European indices over 2 percent, also affecting the KOSPI," said Kiwoom Securities analyst Seo Sang-young.
The rising U.S.-China political frictions pegged foreign buying on the main bourse, however.
On Monday (New York time), President Donald Trump said he intends to curb the U.S. economic relationship with China.
Most large caps closed lower in Seoul.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics spiked 3.89 percent to 58,700 won, with No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix adding 1.28 percent to 79,400 won.
Top pharmaceutical firm Samsung Biologics shed 0.26 percent to 774,000 won, while Celltrion surged 4.26 percent to 318,000 won.
Hyundai Motor, the country's largest automaker, lost 1.18 percent to 168,000 won, and top steelmaker POSCO dipped 0.53 percent to 187,000 won.
Internet portal giant Naver retreated 1.11 percent to 311,000 won, and its rival Kakao slipped 0.51 percent to 390,000 won.
Leading chemical maker LG Chem fell 1.53 percent to 709,000 won, but rechargeable battery maker Samsung SDI gained 1.28 percent to 435,500 won.
The local currency closed at 1,186.4 won per dollar, up 1.9 won from the previous session's close.
Bond prices, which move inversely to yields, closed higher. The yield on three-year Treasurys lost 2.4 basis points to 0.949 percent, and the return on the benchmark five-year government bond dropped 2.9 basis points to 1.234 percent.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-08--(LEAD) Seoul restricts access to Han River parks to curb spread of COVID-19

`` Even outdoor spaces are not free from the risk of infection , '' Shin Yong-mok , head of the @ @ @ @ @ charge of the riverside parks , said during a press briefing .
`` We came @ @ @ @ @ to the surge in visitors following the implementation of Level 2.5 guidelines . ''

(ATTN: UPDATES with health authorities' briefing in last 4 paras; UPDATES lead para to reflect start of restrictions; CHANGES headline)
SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) -- The Seoul metropolitan government on Tuesday restricted access to crowded areas of Han River parks starting at 2 p.m. to help contain the spread of COVID-19.
The affected areas are two squares at Yeouido Han River Park, parts of Ttukseom Park and two picnic zones at Banpo Han River Park.
Across the Han River parks, 28 stores and seven cafes will end at 9 p.m. every day. Forty-three parking lots at 11 Han River parks will also deny entry from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
This photo shows people relaxing at Yeouido Han River Park in Seoul on Sept. 6, 2020. (Yonhap)
The measure follows a resurgence in COVID-19 cases in the capital area, which has led to stricter social distancing guidelines and caused people to flock to the parks.
Under the Level 2.5 guidelines, restaurants and smaller eateries can operate until 9 p.m., and only takeout and delivery are permitted from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
For franchise coffee chains, bakeries and ice cream parlors, only takeout and delivery are allowed.
"Even outdoor spaces are not free from the risk of infection," Shin Yong-mok, head of the city government's department in charge of the riverside parks, said during a press briefing. "We came up with measures to respond to the surge in visitors following the implementation of Level 2.5 guidelines."
According to Shin, nearly half of all visitors to the parks went to the three parks designated for restricted access.
He also said the number of visitors to the Han River parks increased up to 40 percent from last year, with especially large crowds seen last weekend.
"The aim of this measure is to reduce the number of visitors, as well as the eating and drinking activities that fail to meet social distancing guidelines," he said.
The new measures will remain in effect until the end of the city's latest campaign to slow the spread of COVID-19, dubbed "Pause 10 million citizens week." The campaign was supposed to end Sunday but was extended for another week.
Shin called on citizens to refrain from gathering at Han River parks during the campaign period and to instead spend time with family at home on weekends.
"We ask that citizens refrain from meeting, drinking and eating at Han River parks for now to ensure that everyone can be safe at the parks," he said.
The city plans to step up nighttime patrols at the parks to urge visitors to refrain from eating and drinking after 9 p.m. It will also continue its campaign to encourage citizens to stay 2 meters apart and wear masks.
This photo shows people relaxing at Yeouido Han River Park in Seoul on Sept. 6, 2020. (Yonhap)
Health authorities said they have not found any cases of COVID-19 resulting from the crowds at Han River parks but called on people to continue wearing masks.
"As of now there are no confirmed cases of infection or spread of infection at the Han River parks," Kwon Jun-wook, deputy chief at the Central Disease Control Headquarters, said during a press briefing.
"We recommend that people wear masks inside convenience stores and other indoor facilities at the parks, and even outdoors where social distancing is difficult," he said.
Early this month, a COVID-19 patient was found to have visited a convenience store near the Ttukseom Park without properly wearing a mask, prompting authorities to trace all those that came into contact with the patient.
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-08--S. Korean Bond Yields on Sep. 8, 2020

S. Korean Bond Yields on Sep. 8, 2020

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


yna--2020-09-08--Moody's expects recovery in vehicle sales next year

A sharp decline in light vehicle sales as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic appears to be bottoming out , @ @ @ @ @ steeply over the next 12 to 18 months , Moody 's said in a statement @

SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) -- Moody's Investors Service said Tuesday that vehicle sales are expected to recover in the next one and a half years after hitting bottom this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
A sharp decline in light vehicle sales as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic appears to be bottoming out, with sales expected to climb steeply over the next 12 to 18 months, Moody's said in a statement.
"The stable outlook for the global automotive industry reflects rising sales through 2021, with continued, but slow, increases through 2023," Moody's Senior Vice President Bruce Clark said in the statement.
Nevertheless, auto shipments won't recover to pre-pandemic levels until the middle of the decade. The virus-driven downturn in unit sales is significantly worse than the 2009 decline, he said.
Moody's expected global light vehicle shipments to fall by 19 percent this year, to about 73 million units, then to rise to 80 million next year.
This photo, taken on March 18, 2020, shows completed vehicles lined up at Hyundai Motor's port in Ulsan, about 410 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-08--Seoul stocks surpass 2,400-level on European monetary easing hopes

SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) -- South Korean shares gained for a second consecutive session on Tuesday as investors pin hopes on the possibility that the European Central Bank (ECB) may signal further easing moves in its upcoming monetary policy meeting. The Korean won rose against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 17.69 points, or 0.74 percent, to close at 2,401.91. Trading volume was high at about 966 million shares worth some 17 trillion won (US$14.3 billion), with losers outnumbering gainers 528 to 313.
Foreigners sold a net 30 billion won and institutions offloaded a net 21 billion won, while retail investors purchased a net 35 billion won.
The index closed above the 2,400-point mark as chipmakers continued to gain despite lingering valuation pressure on tech shares in major economies.
Stocks lifted on growing expectations that the ECB may extend the current low-interest rate drive on Thursday (Korea time), following the U.S. Federal Reserve, local analysts said.
"Hopes for ECB's dovish signal, as well as an investor rush for bottom fishing, raised key European indices over 2 percent, also affecting the KOSPI," said Kiwoom Securities analyst Seo Sang-young.
The rising U.S.-China political frictions pegged foreign buying on the main bourse, however.
On Monday (New York time), President Donald Trump said he intends to curb the U.S. economic relationship with China.
Most large caps closed lower in Seoul.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics spiked 3.89 percent to 58,700 won, with No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix adding 1.28 percent to 79,400 won.
Top pharmaceutical firm Samsung Biologics shed 0.26 percent to 774,000 won, while Celltrion surged 4.26 percent to 318,000 won.
Hyundai Motor, the country's largest automaker, lost 1.18 percent to 168,000 won, and top steelmaker POSCO dipped 0.53 percent to 187,000 won.
Internet portal giant Naver retreated 1.11 percent to 311,000 won, and its rival Kakao slipped 0.51 percent to 390,000 won.
Leading chemical maker LG Chem fell 1.53 percent to 709,000 won, but rechargeable battery maker Samsung SDI gained 1.28 percent to 435,500 won.
The local currency closed at 1,186.4 won per dollar, up 1.9 won from the previous session's close.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-09--(2nd LD) Xi congratulates N.K. leader on state founding anniversary, stresses stronger ties

Putin also said the relations between the two countries have been of `` friendly and good-neighborly nature traditionally '' and @ @ @ @ @ and beneficial cooperation '' are in the interests of the two countries and contribute to @ @ @ @ @ the Korean Peninsula and in the region , it added .

(ATTN: ADDS more info in paras 9-15)
By Yi Wonju
SEOUL, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted growing ties with North Korea since the coronavirus outbreak in a congratulatory message sent to leader Kim Jong-un on the occasion the North's founding anniversary, according to state media Wednesday.
North Korea marks the 72nd anniversary of its state founding Wednesday as it has been intensifying efforts to strengthen ties with China during the global coronavirus pandemic amid stalemated nuclear talks with Washington.
Pyongyang has frequently praised Beijing's success in stemming the spread of the virus since it first broke out in China last December.
"After the outbreak of COVID-19, the two countries have supported and helped each other, further developing the China-DPRK friendship," Xi said in a message carried by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
Xi added that he gives "high priority to the development of China-DPRK relations and have a willingness to propel the traditional China-DPRK friendly and cooperative relations."
DPRK stands for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also sent a congratulatory message to Kim, stressing the close ties between the two countries, the KCNA said.
Putin also said the relations between the two countries have been of "friendly and good-neighborly nature traditionally" and the "constructive bilateral dialogue and beneficial cooperation" are in the interests of the two countries and contribute to promoting security and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the region, it added.
North Korea appears to be marking this year's anniversary without holding any celebratory events, as the country has been struggling to recover from damage wrought by recent back-to-back typhoons.
Typhoon Bavi lashed one of its major rice-producing regions in the southwestern province of Hwanghae in late August before Maysak pounded the eastern provinces of Hamgyong and Kangwon last week. State media earlier reported that the typhoon caused dozens of causalities and damaged more than 1,000 houses.
Typhoon Haishen, the 10th tropical storm of the season, hit its eastern region again this week.
"We need to finish our recovery efforts from the flood as soon as possible and push ahead to help provide stability and greater happiness to those suffering from the disaster," the Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the North's ruling party, said Wednesday.
The paper also said a division consisting of 12,000 party members in Pyongyang on Tuesday gathered in front of the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, the mausoleum where the bodies of Kim's late grandfather and father are enshrined, and held a rally before heading to the typhoon-hit Hamgyong Province to help with recovery efforts.
It has been a tradition on national anniversaries for Kim to pay a visit to the mausoleum, but no such visits have been reported by state media yet.
The North usually holds larger events on every fifth or 10th anniversary, with a military parade featuring newly developed weapons.
No unusual military activities have been detected in the North, military sources in Seoul said.
"We are closely monitoring North Korean military movements. There have not been specific moves to be noted so far regarding the anniversary," a military officer said.
The mass gymnastics and art performance "The Glorious Country" is held at the May Day Stadium in Pyongyang on Sept. 9, 2018, to mark North Korea's 70th anniversary of its founding day, in this photo carried by the country's Rodong Sinmun daily newspaper. Reports said the North's leader Kim Jong-un and his wife, Ri Sol-ju, watched the performance together. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


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

SEOUL , Sep. 9 ( Yonhap ) -- The Korea Interbank Offered Rates ( KORIBOR ) as posted by Yonhap @ @ @ @ @ and information arm of Yonhap News Agency , at 11:00 a.m .


yna--2020-09-09--S. Korea to allow reopening of ASF-hit farms

The move will pave the way for 261 farms in the Gyeonggi and Gangwon Provinces , which have been closed @ @ @ @ @ in 2019 , to gradually raise pigs again , according to the Ministry of Agriculture @ @ @ @ @ .

SEOUL, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korea said Wednesday it will allow pig farms hit by the African swine fever (ASF) last year to resume their operations, as no additional cases among domestic pigs were reported for about 11 months.
The move will pave the way for 261 farms in the Gyeonggi and Gangwon Provinces, which have been closed due to the massive outbreak in 2019, to gradually raise pigs again, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
The ASF swept through pig farms in the inter-Korean border area last year, prompting South Korea to cull about 400,000 pigs as part of preventive measures.
South Korea confirmed its first-ever outbreak of the animal disease in September 2019, but no new cases from local farms have been reported since October.
The country had been reluctant to give the go-ahead to the operations of pig farms in the area amid rising concerns over possible virus transmission from wild boars to domestic pigs.
The country has so far found 736 AFS cases among wild boars in the border area.
South Korea said it will have the farms to go through strict disinfection measures before allowing them to resume their operations.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-09--S. Korea, U.S. agree 'coming several months' crucial in denuclearization efforts

SEOUL , Sept. 9 ( Yonhap ) -- Top national security officials of South Korea and the United States agreed @ @ @ @ @ ways '' for the denuclearization of Korea and regional peace process , sharing the view @ @ @ @ @ months '' are crucial in the drive , Cheong Wa Dae said .

SEOUL, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- Top national security officials of South Korea and the United States agreed Wednesday to discuss "various ways" for the denuclearization of Korea and regional peace process, sharing the view that the "coming several months" are crucial in the drive, Cheong Wa Dae said.
The agreement came during phone talks between Suh Hoon, who serves as President Moon Jae-in's top national security adviser, and his American counterpart Robert O'Brien.
The two sides also reaffirmed a "firm commitment" to the alliance that shares common values, Cheong Wa Dae added.
Suh Hoon, director of Cheong Wa Dae's national security office, writes a memo in this file photo. (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-09--(2nd LD) Job losses extend into August amid pandemic, unemployment rate up to 3.1 pct

Separately , Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki said in a Facebook post that the government will draw up a fourth extra @ @ @ @ @ relief funds to people who lost their jobs and small merchants that suffered from lost @ @

(ATTN: ADDS vice finance minister's remarks, details in paras 6-9)
SEJONG, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korea lost about 274,000 jobs in August, marking a decline in the number of the employed for the sixth consecutive month, as the coronavirus pandemic hammered job markets, data showed Wednesday.
The country's jobless rate rose by 0.1 percentage point on-year to 3.1 percent in August, with the number of employed people falling to 27.08 million, according to the data compiled by Statistics Korea.
It marked the longest fall since the eight months of decline posted in 2009 amid the global financial crisis.
The employment rate for those aged between 15 and 64 reached 65.9 percent, down 1.1 percentage point on-year.
The unemployment rate for young adults -- those aged between 15 and 29 -- reached 7.7 percent in August, up 0.5 percentage point on-year.
Vice Finance Minister Kim Yong-beom said the employment situation is expected to further worsen this month, as the nation imposed stricter social distancing rules in mid-August to combat a resurgence of the new coronavirus.
The August job survey was conducted just before stricter distancing rules were imposed, Kim said.
The resurgence is expected to put a "significant burden" on job markets, Kim told a meeting with senior ministry officials.
Separately, Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki said in a Facebook post that the government will draw up a fourth extra budget this week to provide relief funds to people who lost their jobs and small merchants that suffered from lost income.
Jobseekers look at the floor plan of a recruitment event in Seoul on July 15, 2020. (Yonhap)
The coronavirus outbreak has hit temporary workers hard, with the number of those workers plunging by 318,000 in August, the data showed. Jobs for day laborers shed 78,000 over the period.
The total number of unemployed people here reached 864,000 in August, up 6,000 on-year.
The increase in the number of unemployed people was mostly attributable to those aged 40 and above.
By industry, the accommodation and food service segment saw a decrease of 169,000 jobs last month, and the wholesale and retail sector lost 176,000 jobs.
In contrast, the social welfare sector gained 160,000 jobs in August, and the logistics industry added 56,000 jobs.
The number of economically active people decreased 267,000 to reach 27.94 million, while those inactive expanded by 534,000 to reach 16.86 million, the data showed.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been widely considered to have had a full-fledged impact on local job markets over the second half considering the time lag of one to two quarters of an economic crisis.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-09--Vice FM Choi leaves for U.S. for talks with Biegun on peninsula peace process, alliance issues

`` There seems to be some difference between what we hear through the media and the reality , '' the @ @ @ @ @ As Biegun is an interlocutor that we have always been communicating with from the beginning @ @ @ @ @ I believe this will be a good opportunity to have candid talks . ''

SEOUL, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong-kun left for Washington on Wednesday for talks with his U.S. counterpart over joint efforts for peace on the Korean Peninsula and other bilateral alliance issues.
Choi, who took office last month, is scheduled to meet U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun on Thursday local time, as the two countries strive to address an array of pending issues, including stalled dialogue with North Korea and deadlocked defense cost-sharing talks.
"We will check the pending issues that South Korea and the U.S. have had for the last three years, and the Korean Peninsula peace process, and exchange each other's views on how to proceed with them down the road," Choi told reporters at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, before departing.
"In that sense, the talks will serve as an important opportunity to stably manage the alliance and share each other's thoughts," he added.
Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong-kun speaks to the press at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, before departing for Washington on Sept. 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
Asked to comment on the U.S.' apparent efforts to bring South Korea on its side amid its campaign to keep an increasingly assertive China in check, Choi said he will "calmly" take a look at the issue and communicate his thoughts with Biegun.
"There seems to be some difference between what we hear through the media and the reality," the vice minister said. "As Biegun is an interlocutor that we have always been communicating with from the beginning years of our administration, I believe this will be a good opportunity to have candid talks."
Their talks are also expected to include efforts to break an impasse in negotiations over the sharing of the cost for stationing 28,500 U.S. troops in South Korea and coordinate on inter-Korean economic cooperation and other alliance issues.
The two sides could also touch on a set of geopolitical issues, given that the U.S. has been trying to close ranks with its regional allies amid its intensifying rivalry with China on multiple fronts, including trade, technology and maritime security.
Last Wednesday, Choi and Biegun held their first phone talks.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-09--Doosan Heavy signs deal to provide artificial sun project with pressurizers

The pressurizers will be used to retain pressure and protect from overpressure of the heat exchange system to be mounted @ @ @ @ @ to be put together last month , the company said , without giving details on @ @ @ @ @ .

By Nam Kwang-sik
SEOUL, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's power plant builder Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction Co. said Wednesday that it has signed a deal to provide pressurizers to the global artificial sun project consortium.
Under the deal signed with the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) consortium launched in late 2006, Doosan Heavy Industries along with its British subsidiary Doosan Babcock will provide pressurizers by 2022, the company said in an emailed statement.
The pressurizers will be used to retain pressure and protect from overpressure of the heat exchange system to be mounted on the reactor that started to be put together last month, the company said, without giving details on the amount of the deal.
South Korea joined in the ITER consortium in 2003, which also includes the European Union, the United States, Japan, Russia, China and India.
The ITER is an experiment to determine if a super-hot plasma field, and naturally abundant tritium and deuterium, can be used to create an artificial sun on Earth, or a limitless energy resource.
The reactor is being built in Cadarache in the southeastern part of France with the aim of completion by 2025, and it is slated to be operated by 2042.
This photo provided by the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) consortium shows the construction site of ITER in Cadarache, France. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Cash-strapped Doosan Heavy Industries is to issue new shares worth 1.3 trillion won (US$1.1 billion) and sell them first to its shareholders and then to the public as part of its efforts to repay its debts worth 3 trillion won extended by its creditors including the Korea Development Bank (KDB).
Earlier, the power plant builder sold its 27-hole golf course Club Mow to a consortium led by Hana Financial Investment Co. for 185 billion won and the venture capital firm Neoplux Co. to Shinhan Financial Group Co. for 73 billion won.
Doosan Heavy has been pushing ahead with its plan to reorganize its business line to gas turbines, renewable energy, midsized nuclear reactors, hydrogen and fuel cells.
ksnam@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-09--Hyundai to launch facelifted G70 next month

SEOUL , Sept. 9 ( Yonhap ) -- Hyundai Motor Co. said Wednesday it will launch the upgraded G70 sedan @ @ @ @ @ in South Korea next month to boost sales amid the COVID-19 pandemic .

SEOUL, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- Hyundai Motor Co. said Wednesday it will launch the upgraded G70 sedan under its independent Genesis brand in South Korea next month to boost sales amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The facelifted G70 comes with a 2.0-liter gasoline turbocharged engine, a 2.2 diesel engine or a 3.3 gasoline turbocharged engine, the company said in a statement.
The upgraded version of the first-generation G70 underwent major design changes and features a wide and deep crest grille, quad headlamps and larger front air intakes, it said.
Further details about the new model will be released later.
This file photo provided by Hyundai Motor shows the upgraded G70 sedan. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-09--(Yonhap Interview) Korean-American hockey coach Sam Kim rides work ethic to NHL job

Specifics of Kim 's responsibilities are yet to be determined , since the Leafs are still trying to fill out @ @ @ @ @ under head coach Sheldon Keefe .
After taking over the bench from Mike Babcock in @ @ @ @ @ , Keefe finished the season with two assistants hired during Babcock 's tenure , Dave @ @ @ @ @ McFarland has since left to become head coach and general manager of the Kingston Frontenacs @ @ @ @ @ .
Last month , the Leafs also decided not to renew the contract of their @ @ @ @ @ opening up the position for Kim .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- As hockey career paths go, the one Sam Kim took to reach the heights he once thought impossible has been truly one of a kind.
Kim, born to Korean parents in Flushing, New York, was announced as the new video and coaching coordinator for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the National Hockey League (NHL) on Sept. 1. For the past two seasons, Kim had been the video coordinator for the Bakersfield Condors, the Edmonton Oilers' affiliate in the American Hockey League (AHL), where he was responsible for helping the coaching staff with video breakdown and analysis.
This photo, provided by the Bakersfield Condors on Sept. 9, 2020, shows Sam Kim, former video coach of the American Hockey League (AHL) club. Kim has been hired as video and coaching coordinator for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the National Hockey League. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
A jump from the AHL to the NHL seems ordinary enough. But there were plenty of other stops in between, including one as a mascot for an NHL team and another as a video coach for the South Korean men's national team at the 2018 Winter Olympics. Kim has tried to make sure he would take something from every job he had.
Along the way, Kim became a resounding answer to cynics who question the merits of the time-honored value of hard work.
"I was lucky to have had some people who helped me to connect with others, but for me, the most important thing is to work hard," Kim told Yonhap News Agency in a phone interview on Sunday. "People don't really want to help you out if you don't work hard."
Kim, 35, fell in love with hockey as a kid growing up in New York. But as much as he wanted to get to the NHL, Kim eventually realized he wasn't good enough to do so as a player.
"I knew I really loved hockey, and I wanted to work in hockey," Kim said. "I didn't know I could actually get to the NHL. I didn't know it was even possible."
In this photo provided by the Korea Ice Hockey Association on Sept. 9, 2020, Sam Kim (R), former video coach for the South Korean men's national team, works with a player on the ice at the Jincheon National Training Center in Jincheon, 90 kilometers south of Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
After earning his economics degree at Boston College and doing some video work for the school's hockey team, Kim did end up in the NHL in 2007 -- as an intern with the New York Islanders. The following year, Kim became the Islanders' mascot, Sparky the Dragon, surviving kicks, punches and tackles from unruly members of the crowd.
And in an impressive juggling act from 2009 to 2011, Kim also coached Columbia University's club team and served as a skating coach for his alma mater, Syosset High School. He found another job as director of hockey at World Ice Arena in Flushing, managing the hockey school and coaching clinics from 2010 to 2012.
Kim went to graduate school in the fall of 2012 and earned a master's degree in sport management from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
He then found himself working with an NCAA Division I program at the American International College, first as video coordinator and later as director of hockey operations. The stint in Springfield, Massachusetts, lasted from 2012 to 2014.
Kim spent one season as an assistant coach for the Springfield Pics of the United States Premier Hockey League, a junior circuit, and it was on to the AHL in 2015 -- as video and statistics coordinator for the Springfield Falcons, the Arizona Coyotes' affiliate.
The Falcons didn't make the playoffs that year, and Kim was staring at a long offseason. And that's when the South Korean men's national team came calling, with head coach Jim Paek asking Kim if he could come work during the world championships in Poland in April 2016.
Kim had been in touch with Paek a few years earlier for a networking project for his master's degree, but they only met for the first time in Poland.
"I did some video over there, and he talked afterward about having me move to Korea," Kim said of the time when he officially became the video coach for Paek.
As a young hockey player, Kim had admired Paek, the Seoul-born, Toronto-raised former NHL defenseman. Paek is the first Korean native to play in the NHL and also to have his name on the Stanley Cup, having captured back-to-back titles with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1991 and 1992.
"It was a privilege to work with him. I miss Jim a lot," Kim said. "I learned a lot from my time with the national team. If the opportunity (to coach in South Korea) came again, I know I'd be very excited about that."
Specifically, Kim said Jim challenged members of his staff to speak up and think for themselves, rather than just follow the lead of the bench boss.
"Something that I really appreciated about Jim is that he's a players' coach, and he treats the coaching staff the same way," Kim said. "He doesn't say, 'My way is the only way.' I think he likes to listen to everyone's opinions. It helped me grow up a lot and it made me more confident about what I believed.
In this photo provided by the Korea Ice Hockey Association on Sept. 9, 2020, Sam Kim (2nd from L), former video coach for the South Korean men's national team, works with players on the ice at the Jincheon National Training Center in Jincheon, 90 kilometers south of Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
"I knew things Jim wanted to see (in videos)," Kim continued. "He would always ask me first what I saw and what I thought. And I would always tell him, and then we would watch the video together. He was able to lead but not control us. I think that really helped me throughout my career."
Paek recalled sitting in his office with Kim and talking shop with him at tournaments, "just feeding off each other and brainstorming (about) what we can do better." The head coach also said even though Kim never played in the NHL, he "always did his homework and he understood the game."
"He did such a fine job of knowing exactly what I wanted and what the players wanted," Paek told Yonhap News Agency on Monday. "He had a special gift there. He really took advantage of that and helped me a tremendous amount, and helped this national team to be where it is today."
After two more years back in the AHL, Kim has finally landed his first NHL coaching gig with the Leafs. Paek said Kim will be surrounded by "really good people" on the Leafs' staff who have been in Kim's shoes before as underdogs, and added he has no doubt Kim will be a quick study at the highest level of the sport.
"Sam has worked for a lot of demanding people. I expected a certain caliber and he delivered that," Paek said. "He's used to the workload and he's self-motivated. He knows what he has to do and what he thinks will make the team better and what the coaches want. He's a pretty smart guy. He can bring all that technology and problem-solving (skills), and make the coaching staff very efficient and not waste time."
Specifics of Kim's responsibilities are yet to be determined, since the Leafs are still trying to fill out the rest of the staff under head coach Sheldon Keefe. After taking over the bench from Mike Babcock in November during the 2019-2020 campaign, Keefe finished the season with two assistants hired during Babcock's tenure, Dave Hakstol and Paul McFarland. McFarland has since left to become head coach and general manager of the Kingston Frontenacs in the Ontario Hockey League. Last month, the Leafs also decided not to renew the contract of their video coach Andrew Brewer, opening up the position for Kim.
"In general terms, I'll be watching a lot of video and making sure coaches have all the videos that they need," Kim said. "They have different opinions and philosophies on what's important."
In this photo provided by the Korea Ice Hockey Association on Sept. 9, 2020, Sam Kim (R), former video coach for the South Korean men's national team, works with a player on the ice at the Jincheon National Training Center in Jincheon, 90 kilometers south of Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The Leafs are one of the Original Six teams in the NHL -- the Boston Bruins, the Chicago Blackhawks, the Detroit Red Wings, the Montreal Canadiens and the New York Rangers are the others -- and they have won 13 Stanley Cups, second only to 24 by the Canadiens. Kim said it was "a huge privilege and an honor" to be a part of such a historic team.
Toronto is a hockey-crazed city that prides itself on being the center of the hockey universe. With such passion comes great expectations, especially since the Leafs haven't lifted a Stanley Cup since 1967 and haven't even won a playoff series since 2004.
The Leafs have a young, talented core of forwards, led by No.1 center Auston Matthews and playmaking winger Mitch Marner. Their window to contend and end the title drought is open now, and Kim admitted that "it's hard to ignore" the kind of pressure that the Leafs face.
But the key for him is to stick to the same mantra that has taken him to Toronto.
"If I try to think about how I could get to the NHL, it'd have been too overwhelming and the NHL seemed so far away," he said. "The most important thing is to do the best job I can every day. Everything will take care of itself. I know how important (winning the Stanley Cup) is for people in Toronto. The best way to handle it is to focus on doing the best job every day."
Kim also said he wants to be known for more than just his diligence.
"The thing I take the most pride in is that people remember me as just a really good person," he said. "Doing a good job is part of it. Whenever people hear my name, I want them to remember me as a good person."
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-09--Korean Air begins using converted planes to transport cargo

`` One of the two converted aircraft flew to the Rickenbacker International Airport in Ohio on Tuesday , and the @ @ @ @ @ to the same airport on Thursday , '' a company spokesman said .

SEOUL, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- Korean Air Lines Co. said Wednesday it has begun to use two converted planes to transport cargo on routes to the United States in the latest move to offset a sharp decline in air travel demand amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The biggest carrier in South Korea has recently converted two B777-300ER jets into cargo planes after obtaining approval from the transport ministry.
"One of the two converted aircraft flew to the Rickenbacker International Airport in Ohio on Tuesday, and the other is scheduled to fly to the same airport on Thursday," a company spokesman said.
This file photo provided by Korean Air shows employees removing seats on a B777-300ER jet to convert it into a cargo plane. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The move is in line with global airlines, which are now using their passenger planes for cargo flights, either by using cargo seat bags or removing seats.
In June, Korean Air began to carry cargo in cargo seat bags, which attach to the seats of passenger jets, as the pandemic drove down travel demand and its earnings.
Cargo-carrying demand has jumped this year as more than 180 countries and territories closed their borders or imposed entry restrictions on incoming passengers amid virus fears.
Increased cargo demand helped airlines offset a sharp decline in air travel demand in the April-June quarter.
On a parent basis, Korean Air shifted to a net profit of 162.4 billion won (US$137 million) in the second quarter from a net loss of 80.78 billion won a year earlier as it focused on obtaining more cargo-carrying orders.
Korean Air said it may consider making another request to the ministry to convert additional passenger jets into cargo planes if cargo demand continues to rise amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The government will review the request if there is an additional request from the national flag carrier for plane conversion, a ministry official said, adding safety should be guaranteed by manufacturer Boeing for the conversion.
Korean Air has a fleet of 143 passenger jets, including 26 B777-300ERs, and 23 cargo planes.
The carrier expects its overall cargo volumes will increase by at least 10 tons to 34 tons after the conversion.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-09--Cardinals' Kim Kwang-hyun back pitching at home park while recovering from kidney ailment

St. Louis manager Mike Shildt said Tuesday ( U.S. local time ) that Kim has thrown at Busch Stadium in @ @ @ @ @ two days and that the left-handed pitcher will meet with the medical staff in the @ @ @ @ @ far he has come along .
The club is hoping Kim will be able to @ @ @ @ @ week .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- The St. Louis Cardinals' South Korean pitcher Kim Kwang-hyun is back throwing in his home stadium as he recovers from a kidney ailment that left him hospitalized over the weekend in Chicago.
St. Louis manager Mike Shildt said Tuesday (U.S. local time) that Kim has thrown at Busch Stadium in St. Louis over the past two days and that the left-handed pitcher will meet with the medical staff in the coming days to see how far he has come along. The club is hoping Kim will be able to throw a bullpen session this week.
In this Getty Images photo, Kim Kwang-hyun of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches against the Cincinnati Reds in the bottom of the first inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Sept. 1, 2020. (Yonhap)
"Every day he gets a little stronger, builds back up and has energy and has ability to take that next step," Shildt said. "(We will) continue to evaluate him and make sure he can progress and everything's in the right spot. But so far so good."
Kim experienced abdominal pain Friday morning while in Chicago with the rest of the team for a road trip and was taken to the emergency room at a local hospital. He was diagnosed with renal infarction, caused by a blockage of blood flow to a kidney.
Kim was scheduled to start Sunday's game against the Chicago Cubs but was instead placed on the 10-day injured list. The Cardinals remain optimistic that he will rejoin the rotation as soon as he isn't susceptible to bleeding or bruising -- since he's on blood thinners.
As a big league rookie with 13 seasons from the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) under his belt, Kim has been one of the Cardinals' most reliable starters. He has a 0.44 ERA in four starts, and hasn't allowed an earned run in his last 17 innings.
In this UPI file photo from Aug. 27, 2020, Kim Kwang-hyun of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the top of the first inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-09--Regulator probes anti-competitive practices of dominant mobile OS

Although Joh did not mention Google by name , KFTC officials said they will send legal documents on alleged anti-competitive @ @ @ @ @ unit by the end of this year .

SEJONG, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's antitrust regulator has launched an investigation into anti-competitive practices of the dominant mobile operating system (OS), its chief said on Wednesday.
The remarks by Joh Sung-wook, the chairperson of the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC), are seen as a warning against Google's dominant Android mobile OS, KFTC officials said.
Google's Korean unit has been accused of allegedly forcing local smartphone manufacturers to stop using other mobile operating systems.
The company has also been suspected of allegedly forcing developers to sell smartphone apps via the Google Play store.
The KFTC "has launched an in-depth probe into whether there are anti-competitive behaviors by a company that dominates the mobile OS market," Joh told reporters.
Joh Sung-wook, head of the Fair Trade Commission, speaks during a breakfast meeting with officials of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in Korea at a Seoul hotel on May 19, 2020. (Yonahp)
"We will sternly deal with the matter if violations of laws are confirmed," Joh said.
Although Joh did not mention Google by name, KFTC officials said they will send legal documents on alleged anti-competitive behaviors to Google's Korean unit by the end of this year.
In January this year, South Korea's telecommunications regulator imposed a fine of 867 million won (US$740,000) on Google Limited Liability Corp. for violating local telecom laws in the operation of its YouTube Premium service.
The Korea Communications Commission found Google didn't properly notify the YouTube Premium service users of the fact that the streaming service converts to a paid service after a one-month free trial.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-09--(2nd LD) N.K. leader holds party meeting to discuss typhoon damage at large mine area

`` The Supreme Leader said that due to the unexpected damage by typhoon we are faced with the situation in @ @ @ @ @ but change the direction of our struggle after comprehensively considering the year-end tasks that were @ @ @ @ @ efforts , '' the KCNA said .

(ATTN: ADDS more info in paras 8, 12)
By Koh Byung-joon
SEOUL, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un presided over an enlarged meeting of the Central Military Commission of the ruling Workers' Party to discuss damage in an eastern mine region hit hard by last week's typhoon, state media reported Wednesday.
The meeting was held Tuesday to discuss "the severe damage done to the Komdok area of South Hamgyong Province" by Typhoon Maysak, according to the Korean Central News Agency. The east coast region is home to zinc, magnesite and other mines.
The KCNA said that "more than 2,000 dwelling houses and tens of public buildings were destroyed or inundated" in the area, while 60,000 meters of roads and 59 bridges collapsed, over 3,500 meters of railway roadbeds and more than 1,130 meters of rails were swept away.
"The Supreme Leader said that due to the unexpected damage by typhoon we are faced with the situation in which we cannot help but change the direction of our struggle after comprehensively considering the year-end tasks that were under way with the nation-wide efforts," the KCNA said.
Kim did not specify what the tasks were, but they apparently referred to his five-year economic development plan. In a party meeting held last month, Kim acknowledged a failure in achieving intended goals of the plan due to tough internal and external challenges, saying a new scheme will be unveiled in January during a rare party congress.
Kim said that restoration of the Komdok area is important not only for the protection of people and state property but also because it is "an urgent task that should be given top priority for reviving the important arteries of the national economy," according to the KCNA.
He "entrusted the reconstruction of the Komdok area to the People's Army once again on the basis of the examination of the scale of damage and reconstruction in the area, adding only the People's Army could form another front," the KCNA said.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un presides over a Central Military Commission meeting of the Workers' Party to discuss typhoon-caused damage in the country's eastern province, in this photo disclosed by the Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the ruling party, on Sept. 9, 2020. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
Kim ordered that damaged homes and railways be rebuilt by Oct. 10, the 75th party founding anniversary, and other affected facilities completely restored by the end of this year.
Typhoon Maysak lashed North Korea's eastern region last week, dumping heavy rain and causing flooding in areas, including the coastal city of Wonsan. State media earlier reported that the typhoon caused dozens of causalities and damaged more than 1,000 houses.
Maysak came as the North was scrambling to recover from a previous storm and heavy downpours that hit its western and eastern provinces in recent weeks. Typhoon Haishen, the 10th tropical storm of the season, hit its eastern region again this week.
On Saturday, leader Kim visited typhoon-hit areas in the country's eastern province and presided over a party meeting at the scene to discuss recovery efforts, state media earlier reported.
In an open letter sent to party members in Pyongyang, Kim also said about 12,000 "elite divisions" consisting of party members in Pyongyang will be sent to help with recovery efforts.
The newly formed divisions of elite party members left for typhoon-hit areas on Tuesday, along with trucks and trains loaded with construction tools and other supplies, the KCNA said.
Leader Kim has held a series of party meetings in recent weeks to discuss restoration of typhoon-caused damage. Observers say that such meetings and his trip to the affected areas last week appear to be intended to highlight his image as a leader caring for the livelihoods of ordinary people.
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-09--(LEAD) Xi congratulates N.K. leader on state founding anniversary, stresses stronger ties

(ATTN: ADDS N.K. military movements in last 2 paras)
By Yi Wonju
SEOUL, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted growing ties with North Korea since the coronavirus outbreak in a congratulatory message sent to leader Kim Jong-un on the occasion the North's founding anniversary, according to state media Wednesday.
North Korea marks the 72nd anniversary of its state founding Wednesday as it has been intensifying efforts to strengthen ties with China during the global coronavirus pandemic amid stalemated nuclear talks with Washington.
Pyongyang has frequently praised Beijing's success in stemming the spread of the virus since it first broke out in China last December.
"After the outbreak of COVID-19, the two countries have supported and helped each other, further developing the China-DPRK friendship," Xi said in a message carried by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
Xi added that he gives "high priority to the development of China-DPRK relations and have a willingness to propel the traditional China-DPRK friendly and cooperative relations."
DPRK stands for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also sent a congratulatory message to Kim, stressing the close ties between the two countries, the KCNA said.
Putin also said the relations between the two countries have been of "friendly and good-neighborly nature traditionally" and the "constructive bilateral dialogue and beneficial cooperation" are in the interests of the two countries and contribute to promoting security and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the region, it added.
North Korea is unlikely to hold large-scale celebratory events to mark Wednesday's anniversary as the country has been struggling to recover from damage wrought by recent back-to-back typhoons. The North usually holds larger events on every fifth or 10th anniversary.
No unusual military activities have been detected in the North, military sources in Seoul said.
"We are closely monitoring North Korean military movements. There have not been specific moves to be noted so far regarding the anniversary," a military officer said.
The mass gymnastics and art performance "The Glorious Country" is held at the May Day Stadium in Pyongyang on Sept. 9, 2018, to mark North Korea's 70th anniversary of its founding day, in this photo carried by the country's Rodong Sinmun daily newspaper. Reports said the North's leader Kim Jong-un and his wife, Ri Sol-ju, watched the performance together. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-09--PM deplores mass protest rallies planned for early Oct., pledges stern law enforcement

`` Some groups are planning to stage large-scale rallies on National Foundation Day , which falls during the Chuseok holiday @ @ @ @ @ very deplorable , '' Chung said during a government COVID-19 response meeting .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ they care about the lives and safety of the people at all . ''

SEOUL, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun on Wednesday denounced mass protest rallies planned by conservative civic groups for early October despite the rapid spread of COVID-19 in the country, pledging the government's stern law enforcement to stamp out any quarantine interference.
"Some groups are planning to stage large-scale rallies on National Foundation Day, which falls during the Chuseok holiday season, and this is very deplorable," Chung said during a government COVID-19 response meeting. "I want to ask them if they care about the lives and safety of the people at all."
The prime minister instructed the police and regional governments to sternly respond to any illegal acts that interfere with the government's quarantine operations.
"The government will unhesitatingly exercise its authority granted by the public against any acts that obstruct quarantine and pose threats to the safety of the community," Chung said.
The National Foundation Day rallies on Oct. 3, envisioned by right-wing civic groups critical of the Moon Jae-in administration, could pose a major challenge as quarantine authorities are scrambling to bring the recent flare-up in COVID-19 cases under control.
Another set of massive protest rallies in central Seoul on the Aug. 15 Liberation Day has been a source of mass infections, leading up to the recent flare-up, with more than 500 people having tested positive for the virus in relation with the rallies.
Among the groups that joined the Aug. 15 rallies was Sarang Jeil Church, the Protestant church in northern Seoul led by pastor Jun Kwang-hoon. More than 1,000 church members, including those who attended the rallies, have been infected with the virus.
The prime minister also called for extra precaution against the spread of the virus during the five-day Chuseok autumn harvest holiday between Sept. 30 and Oct. 4.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun presides over a government COVID-19 response meeting on Sept. 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-09--(LEAD) New virus cases under 200 for week, virus fight still harried by cluster infections

The number of patients in serious or critical conditions came to 154 , up four from the previous day .
@ @ @ @ @ number of such patients has been emerging as yet another concern for health authorities as @ @ @ @ @ out of hospital beds quickly .

(ATTN: ADDS details throughout; CHANGES photo)
SEOUL, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new virus cases stayed below 200 for the seventh consecutive day Wednesday, but health authorities are still on guard against sporadic cluster infections across the nation.
The country added 156 more COVID-19 cases, including 144 local infections, raising the total caseload to 21,588, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
It marked an increase from 136 new cases Thursday, which also slightly rose from 119 cases added the previous day, the fewest in 24 days.
Since Aug. 14, the country's daily new virus cases have been in triple digits as infections tied to a church in northern Seoul and a rally in mid-August continued to pile up.
The number of daily new cases has been gradually falling after hitting 441 additional cases on Aug. 27, despite some ups and downs, apparently on the back of the country's toughened social distancing measures.
A medical worker stands at a makeshift clinic in northern Seoul on Sept. 8, 2020. (Yonhap)
South Korea adopted what it calls the Level 2 social distancing scheme nationwide in mid-August, under which indoor meetings of more than 50 people and open-air gatherings of over 100 people are banned.
With the greater Seoul area, which houses half of the country's 51-million population, accounting for most of the recently added virus cases, South Korea also launched an enhanced social distancing plan in the wider capital area on Aug. 30.
Under the measures, restaurants in the Seoul metropolitan area can operate normally from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. but then can only offer takeout after that time. Franchise coffee chains, bakeries and ice cream parlors can only offer takeaway around the clock.
While the measure was originally planned to run through Sunday, health authorities decided to extend the scheme for another week through this coming Sunday, as untraceable cases and cluster infections from churches, apartments and offices continued to pop up.
Of the newly identified local infections, 48 cases were reported in Seoul and 51 from Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital.
Other municipalities reported new infections, with the southeastern port city of Busan adding two cases and the southwestern city of Gwangju reporting 17 new infections.
The central city of Daejeon added eight cases, and the southeastern city of Ulsan reported four additional infections.
Cases traced to Sarang Jeil Church in northern Seoul, a hotbed of the recent spike in new infections, reached 1,167 as of Tuesday.
The church-tied cases marked the largest cluster infection after more than 5,000 virus cases traced to the minor religious sect of Shincheonji were reported in Daegu in late February and early March.
Cases tied to the anti-government rally in Seoul on Aug. 15 rose seven to 539.
Other sporadic cluster infections continued throughout the nation. Cases traced to a call center in eastern Seoul reached 22.
A worker disinfects the floor of a fruit wholesale market in Gwangju, 320 kilometers south of Seoul, on Sept. 8, 2020. (Yonhap)
The ratio of patients with untraceable infection routes over the past two weeks came to 22.4 percent, also straining the country's virus fight.
The number of patients in serious or critical conditions came to 154, up four from the previous day. The recent hike in the number of such patients has been emerging as yet another concern for health authorities as the greater Seoul was running out of hospital beds quickly.
Although the country's enhanced social distancing scheme apparently helped slow the spread of COVID-19 here, health authorities are worried that South Korea may suffer another major uptick in the coming weeks due to the Chuseok fall harvest holiday.
This year's Chuseok holiday runs from Sept. 30 to Oct. 4. The Korean autumn harvest celebration is one of the country's biggest traditional holidays and serves as a chance for family members to visit their hometowns.
Health authorities asked South Koreans to skip this year's reunion.
The country, meanwhile, reported 12 imported cases. The accumulated number of such cases reached 2,933.
Of the newly added imported infections, four were from Russia and three from the United States. There were also cases from Uzbekistan, Qatar, Ukraine and Algeria.
South Korea reported three more deaths, raising the death toll to 344. The fatality rate came to 1.59 percent.
The country reported 10 deaths over the past three days, as elderly patients aged 60 and above accounted for more than 85 percent of those in critical condition.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 17,023, up 387 from the previous day.
South Korea has carried out 2,082,234 COVID-19 tests since Jan. 3. The country reported its first case on Jan. 20.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-09--U.S. sanctions on Huawei to hit S. Korean chipmakers

They further said Samsung Electronics could benefit from the U.S. move , as it may come as an opportunity to @ @ @ @ @ in the smartphone market and play catchup with the Chinese firm in the 5G sector @

SEOUL, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Co. and other South Korean memory chipmakers will feel the pinch of additional U.S. sanctions on Chinese telecom giant Huawei Technologies Co. that take effect next week, industry sources said Wednesday.
The new sanctions, which ban the supply of semiconductors made with U.S. equipment, software and design to Huawei without prior approval from Washington, are set to become effective next Tuesday.
Samsung Electronics, the world's top memory chip maker, SK hynix Inc. and most other global players will virtually stop shipments to the Chinese company next week, they said.
"I understand that Samsung Electronics will stop shipping chips to Huawei from next Tuesday, though there is a possibility of selling products after winning U.S. approval," an industry observer said.
In this undated AP photo, the corporate logo of Huawei appears on a monitor during U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's press conference in Washington. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
That is because U.S. technologies are used in almost all sectors of chip production from design software to production equipment, according to the sources.
Huawei is known as one of Samsung's top five customers. SK hynix reportedly depends on Huawei for some 10 percent of its sales.
The envisioned American sanctions are widely expected to have a negative impact on Samsung Electronics and other industry players over the short term, but they would unlikely have a great impact in the long haul, industry watchers said.
They further said Samsung Electronics could benefit from the U.S. move, as it may come as an opportunity to widen its gap with Huawei in the smartphone market and play catchup with the Chinese firm in the 5G sector.
The U.S. sanctions come as Washington has increasingly sought to ban the use of Chinese technology, citing national security concerns.
(END)


yna--2020-09-09--'Nervous' Park Sung-hyun among dozen S. Koreans in field for LPGA season's 2nd major

`` It 's really been a while since I 've been on the LPGA Tour .
I think I 'm @ @ @ @ @ be back , '' Park said through an interpreter at her pretournament press conference Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It 's been a while since I 've been in a competitive environment @ @ @ @ @ to keep that in mind while playing the four rounds this week . ''

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- World No. 4 Park Sung-hyun will headline a contingent of 12 South Korean players at the second major championship of the 2020 LPGA season this week.
Park will make her season debut at the ANA Inspiration at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California, starting Thursday. She will tee off with Nasa Hataoka at 1:18 p.m. Thursday local time, or 5:18 a.m. Friday in Seoul.
The 2020 season began in January with two tournaments in Florida. The tour moved to Australia for two more events, but the season came to a screeching halt in mid-February because of the coronavirus outbreak. The play only resumed on the last day of July.
In this file photo from May 14, 2020, Park Sung-hyun watches her drive during the first round of the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association Championship at Lakewood Country Club in Yangju, just north of Seoul. (Yonhap)
The ANA Inspiration, originally set for April 2-5 as the season's first major, will instead follow the Aug. 20-23 AIG Women's Open as the second major of the year. As has been the case for all events since the resumption, the ANA Inspiration will be played without fans.
Park, former world No. 1, had planned to make her season debut at the Feb. 27-March 1 HSBC Women's World Championship in Singapore, where she was the defending champion.
She had withdrawn from the third round of the 2019 season-ending CME Group Tour Championship last November with a left shoulder injury.
Park spent the hiatus in South Korea, playing at the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Championship in May and appearing in a charity skins game against world No. 1 Ko Jin-young.
Park opened 2020 as world No. 2 but has slipped two spots during her time off.
"It's really been a while since I've been on the LPGA Tour. I think I'm more nervous than excited to be back," Park said through an interpreter at her pretournament press conference Tuesday at Mission Hills Country Club. "It's been a while since I've been in a competitive environment, and I've got to keep that in mind while playing the four rounds this week."
Park said she doesn't have high expectations for herself immediately.
In this file photo from May 15, 2020, Park Sung-hyun prepares to tee off at the first hole during the second round of the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association Championship at Lakewood Country Club in Yangju, just north of Seoul. (Yonhap)
"I just hope to kind of get some momentum and play well in a competitive environment," she said. "There aren't that many tournaments this year, but I do hope to win at some point and finish the year on a high note."
Eight of the world's top-10 players will be in the field, the exceptions being Ko and No. 10 Kim Hyo-joo. They have both chosen to stay home in South Korea instead of traveling during the pandemic, with Ko becoming the first defending champion since 2004 to skip the ANA Inspiration.
Among 12 South Koreans in action, No. 8 Park In-bee will chase her second career ANA Inspiration title. She has posted two top-10s in two events since the restart.
Park won the ISPS Handa Women's Australian Open in February, the last tournament before the pandemic-induced hiatus. Park ranks second in money and Player of the Year points, both behind Korean-American star Danielle Kang.
No. 6 Kim Sei-young will be playing in her first major of 2020 this week. She currently leads the tour in scoring average (68.091) and greens in regulation (81.8 percent).
This file photo provided by Hyundai Card on May 24, 2020, shows South Korean LPGA player Park Sung-hyun in action in a charity skins game at the Ocean Course at Sky 72 Golf & Resort in Incheon, 40 kilometers west of Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-09--New virus cases under 200 for week, virus fight still harried by cluster infections

SEOUL, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new virus cases stayed below 200 for the seventh consecutive day Wednesday, but health authorities are still on guard against sporadic cluster infections across the nation.
The country added 156 more COVID-19 cases, including 144 local infections, raising the total caseload to 21,588, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
It marked an increase from 136 new cases Thursday, which also slightly rose from 119 cases added the previous day, the fewest in 24 days.
Since Aug. 14, the country's daily new virus cases have been in triple digits as infections tied to a church in northern Seoul and a rally in mid-August continued to pile up.
The number of daily new cases has been gradually falling after hitting 441 additional cases on Aug. 27, despite some ups and downs, apparently on the back of the country's toughened social distancing measures.
A medical worker stands at a makeshift clinic in northern Seoul on Sept. 8, 2020. (Yonhap)
South Korea adopted what it calls the Level 2 social distancing scheme nationwide in mid-August, under which indoor meetings of more than 50 people and open-air gatherings of over 100 people are banned.
With the greater Seoul area, which houses half of the country's 51-million population, accounting for most of the recently added virus cases, South Korea also launched an enhanced social distancing plan in the wider capital area on Aug. 30.
Under the measures, restaurants in the Seoul metropolitan area can operate normally from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. but then can only offer takeout after that time. Franchise coffee chains, bakeries and ice cream parlors can only offer takeaway around the clock.
While the measure was originally planned to run through Sunday, health authorities decided to extend the scheme for another week through this coming Sunday, as untraceable cases and cluster infections from churches, apartments and offices continued to pop up.
Of the newly identified local infections, 48 cases were reported in Seoul and 51 from Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital.
Other municipalities reported new infections, with the southeastern port city of Busan adding two cases and the southwestern city of Gwangju reporting 17 new infections.
Cases traced to Sarang Jeil Church in northern Seoul, a hotbed of the recent spike in new infections, reached 1,167 as of Tuesday.
The church-tied cases marked the largest cluster infection after more than 5,000 virus cases traced to the minor religious sect of Shincheonji were reported in Daegu in late February and early March.
Cases tied to the anti-government rally in Seoul on Aug. 15 rose seven to 539.
Other sporadic cluster infections continued throughout the nation. Cases traced to a call center in eastern Seoul reached 22.
A worker disinfects the floor of a fruit wholesale market in Gwangju, 320 kilometers south of Seoul, on Sept. 8, 2020. (Yonhap)
The ratio of patients with untraceable infection routes over the past two weeks came to 22.4 percent, also straining the country's virus fight.
The number of patients in serious or critical conditions came to 154, up four from the previous day. The recent hike in the number of such patients has been emerging as yet another concern for health authorities as the greater Seoul was running out of hospital beds quickly.
Although the country's enhanced social distancing scheme apparently helped slow the spread of COVID-19 here, health authorities are worried that South Korea may suffer another major uptick in the coming weeks due to the Chuseok fall harvest holiday.
This year's Chuseok holiday runs from Sept. 30 to Oct. 4. The Korean autumn harvest celebration is one of the country's biggest traditional holidays and serves as a chance for family members to visit their hometowns.
Health authorities asked South Koreans to skip this year's reunion.
The country, meanwhile, reported 12 imported cases.
South Korea reported three more deaths, raising the death toll to 344.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 17,023, up 387 from the previous day.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-09--Navy upgrades destroyer's combat system, sonar technology

The Yang Manchun was the first of three KDX-I destroyers to be upgraded under the Navy 's improvement project that @ @ @ @ @ arms procurement agency plans to complete the project on the two other ships by next @ @

SEOUL, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korea has upgraded the combat system and underwater target detection capability of a 3,200-ton destroyer in the country's first project to improve the Navy's surface vessels, the arms procurement agency said Wednesday.
Following the improvement, the Yang Manchun destroyer can now handle three times as much data on targets at a speed 100 times faster than the previous version, according to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration.
The system was upgraded with indigenous technologies, saving time on maintenance work and cutting related expenses.
The vessel's towed array sonar system was also upgraded to boost the Navy's capability to carry out anti-submarine operations, the agency said.
The Yang Manchun was the first of three KDX-I destroyers to be upgraded under the Navy's improvement project that began in 2016. The arms procurement agency plans to complete the project on the two other ships by next year.
"The successful localization of a destroyer-level combat system greatly contributes to the military's combat capacity, as well as to the country's defense industry," an official said, vowing to carry out the improvement project on the remaining two ships on schedule.
The upgraded Yang Manchun was to be delivered to the military at the Jinhae naval base in the southeastern city of Changwon on Wednesday.
This undated file photo, provided by the military, shows the 3,200-ton Yang Manchun destroyer near South Korea's easternmost islets of Dokdo. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-09--(News Focus) 'Digital Prison,' means to get justice, or breeding ground for false accusations?

`` Because of the judiciary 's repeated soft punishments , criminals become more sophisticated and grow in audacity , '' @ @ @ @ @ Digital Prison read .
`` We feel the limit in the country 's punishment for @ @ @ @ @ to face social judgment by disclosing their personal information . ''

By Woo Jae-yeon
SEOUL, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- When a South Korean court denied the request in July from the United States to extradite Son Jong-woo, the operator of one of the world's largest child sexual exploitation websites, and freed him, a local prison moved to take matters into its own hands.
It locked him up again -- virtually that is -- and punished him on its own terms. His personal information was made public in detail, along with his photo.
"Because of the judiciary's repeated soft punishments, criminals become more sophisticated and grow in audacity," the introduction of the website Digital Prison read. "We feel the limit in the country's punishment for worst offenders and want them to face social judgment by disclosing their personal information."
Son Jung-woo is released from the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, south of Seoul, about two hours after the Seoul High Court decided to reject his expatriation to the United States on July 6, 2020. (Yonhap)
The public cheered. Soon, more "private executions" of alleged pedophiles, child abusers and murderers followed. Even information about some judges deemed too lenient toward heinous criminals was posted.
While the website was created in a show of public distrust in the country's criminal judiciary system, the apparently illegal site carries a perennial risk of punishing a falsely accused person.
Last week, a 20-year-old university student in Seoul was found dead in his home in an apparent suicide.
He was one of the alleged criminals on Digital Prison, and his private information, including his phone number, the name of his university and major, became public on the website.
The site accused him of committing sex crimes by photoshopping the face of a female acquaintance onto pornographic pictures and spreading them online. The man reportedly denied any wrongdoing.
This graphic is provided by Yonhap News TV. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
In another case, a psychiatrist in Seoul was recently proved innocent by police after being wrongly accused in June of trying to buy sexual exploitation content online.
Psychiatry professor Chae Jung-ho at the Catholic University of Korea said he felt as if "the hell gate opened" and was "so scared" during a local radio interview Wednesday.
After his information was released on the website, he was literally inundated with more than 100 calls a day from anonymous haters, he said, not to mention dealing with the indiscriminate spread of false accusations about him online.
Even for a psychiatrist like himself who studied mental health for a long time, the incident was "too overwhelming" and he felt "helpless" in coping with it.
"The spread of false information in cyber-space could be more shocking than hurling insults face-to-face," he said, because it is being "disseminated indiscriminately" and shared by a large number of anonymous people.
In July, police started an investigation into the website for sharing illegal content, and they have been trying to track down its operators.
"It shouldn't happen in civilized society," said Han Sang-hyuk, chairman of the Korea Communications Commission, a state media regulation agency, during a parliamentary meeting Tuesday.
"What they do is (criminal) defamation," he said of releasing private information to punish alleged criminals.
Since Tuesday, access to the website has become forbidden.
Access to the website Digital Prison remains forbidden on Sept. 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-09--Seoul stocks trim losses late Wed. morning

The tech-laden Nasdaq Composite plummeted 465.44 points , or 4.11 percent , to 10,847.69 , after dipping nearly 5 percent @ @ @ @ @ The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 2.25 percent , with the S & P 500 @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korean shares trimmed part of their earlier losses late Wednesday morning after opening sharply lower on an overnight plunge on Wall Street.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) fell 18.28 points, or 0.76 percent, to 2,383.63 as of 11:20 a.m.
Investor sentiment turned risk-averse, as key U.S. stock indices tumbled. But a slight rebound in some tech shares partially buffered the fall.
The tech-laden Nasdaq Composite plummeted 465.44 points, or 4.11 percent, to 10,847.69, after dipping nearly 5 percent only two sessions ago. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 2.25 percent, with the S&P 500 down 2.78 percent.
Rising political tensions between the United States and China, South Korea's two largest trade partners, also fueled investor wariness.
In Seoul, most large caps traded lower.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics advanced 0.34 percent, while No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix lost 1.51 percent.
LG Electronics spiked 7.23 percent, after the firm announced a sales jump in electronic home appliance as more people stay and work at home.
Internet portal giant Naver retreated 2.09 percent, with its rival Kakao dipping 1.67 percent.
Leading chemical maker LG Chem dipped 1.41 percent, and rechargeable battery maker Samsung SDI dropped 1.61 percent.
Top pharmaceutical firm Samsung Biologics fell 2.2 percent, and Celltrion shed 3.14 percent.
Hyundai Motor, the country's largest automaker, gained 0.6 percent, but top steelmaker POSCO lost 1.06 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,190.15 won against the U.S. dollar, down 3.75 won from the previous session's close.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-09--(2nd LD) New virus cases under 200 for week, virus fight still harried by cluster infections

(ATTN: ADDS details throughout; CHANGES photo)
SEOUL, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new virus cases stayed below 200 for the seventh consecutive day Wednesday, but health authorities are still on guard against sporadic cluster infections across the nation.
The country added 156 more COVID-19 cases, including 144 local infections, raising the total caseload to 21,588, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
It marked an increase from 136 new cases Thursday, which also slightly rose from 119 cases added the previous day, the fewest in 24 days.
Since Aug. 14, the country's daily new virus cases have been in triple digits as infections tied to a church in northern Seoul and a rally in mid-August continued to pile up.
The number of daily new cases has been gradually falling after hitting 441 additional cases on Aug. 27, despite some ups and downs, apparently on the back of the country's toughened social distancing measures.
A medical worker carries out new coronavirus tests at a makeshift clinic in Gwangju, 320 kilometers south of Seoul, on Sept. 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
South Korea adopted what it calls the Level 2 social distancing scheme nationwide in mid-August, under which indoor meetings of more than 50 people and open-air gatherings of over 100 people are banned.
With the greater Seoul area, which houses half of the country's 51-million population, accounting for most of the recently added virus cases, South Korea also launched an enhanced social distancing plan in the wider capital area on Aug. 30.
Under the measures, restaurants in the Seoul metropolitan area can operate normally from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. but then can only offer takeout after that time. Franchise coffee chains, bakeries and ice cream parlors can only offer takeaway around the clock.
While the measure was originally planned to run through Sunday, health authorities decided to extend the scheme for another week through this coming Sunday, as untraceable cases and cluster infections from churches, apartments and offices continued to pop up.
"If we make more efforts in following the social distancing guidelines for the next five days, we may not have to further extend the measure," Sohn Young-rae, a senior health official, said during a daily briefing, urging residents in the greater Seoul to stay home until the weekend.
Health authorities are currently in talks with the Seoul government to ban the regular worship services of Buddhist temples and Catholic churches as well. Currently, only Protestant churches are banned from having gatherings.
Of the newly identified local infections, 48 cases were reported in Seoul and 51 from Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital.
Other municipalities reported new infections, with the southeastern port city of Busan adding two cases and the southwestern city of Gwangju reporting 17 new infections.
The central city of Daejeon added eight cases, and the southeastern city of Ulsan reported four additional infections.
Cases traced to Sarang Jeil Church in northern Seoul, a hotbed of the recent spike in new infections, reached 1,167 as of Tuesday.
The church-tied cases marked the largest cluster infection after more than 5,000 virus cases traced to the minor religious sect of Shincheonji were reported in Daegu in late February and early March.
Cases tied to the anti-government rally in Seoul on Aug. 15 rose seven to 539.
Other sporadic cluster infections continued throughout the nation. Cases traced to a call center in eastern Seoul reached 22.
Medical workers carry out new coronavirus tests at a makeshift clinic in Gwangju, 320 kilometers south of Seoul, on Sept. 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
The ratio of patients with untraceable infection routes over the past two weeks came to 22.4 percent, also straining the country's virus fight.
The number of patients in serious or critical conditions came to 154, up four from the previous day. The recent hike in the number of such patients has been emerging as yet another concern for health authorities as the greater Seoul was running out of hospital beds quickly.
Although the country's enhanced social distancing scheme apparently helped slow the spread of COVID-19 here, health authorities are worried that South Korea may suffer another major uptick in the coming weeks due to the Chuseok fall harvest holiday.
This year's Chuseok holiday runs from Sept. 30 to Oct. 4. The Korean autumn harvest celebration is one of the country's biggest traditional holidays and serves as a chance for family members to visit their hometowns.
Health authorities asked South Koreans to skip this year's reunion.
To induce more people to stay home, South Korea is currently planning to charge drivers at toll gates of major highways. The country normally exempts such fees over Chuseok.
The country, meanwhile, reported 12 imported cases. The accumulated number of such cases reached 2,933.
Of the newly added imported infections, four were from Russia and three from the United States. There were also cases from Uzbekistan, Qatar, Ukraine and Algeria.
South Korea reported three more deaths, raising the death toll to 344. The fatality rate came to 1.59 percent.
The country reported 10 deaths over the past three days, as elderly patients aged 60 and above accounted for more than 85 percent of those in critical condition.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 17,023, up 387 from the previous day.
South Korea has carried out 2,082,234 COVID-19 tests since Jan. 3. The country reported its first case on Jan. 20.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-09--(LEAD) S. Korea, U.S. agree 'coming several months' crucial in denuclearization efforts

Both sides noted that the coming several months are important for the progress of the denuclearization and peace-building process and @ @ @ @ @ `` various related ways '' to push for it , according to Cheong Wa Dae @

(ATTN: UPDATES throughout with details)
SEOUL, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- Top South Korean and U.S. national security officials agreed Wednesday that the "coming several months" are crucial in efforts for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the regional peace process, Cheong Wa Dae said.
Suh Hoon, who serves as President Moon Jae-in's top national security adviser, and his American counterpart Robert O'Brien agreed to continue discussing "various ways" for the peace drive, as they had their first phone talks since Suh assumed the post in early July.
They had "discussions on major pending bilateral issues between South Korea and the U.S. and the regional security conditions," Cheong Wa Dae said in a statement.
Both sides noted that the coming several months are important for the progress of the denuclearization and peace-building process and agreed to continue consultations on "various related ways" to push for it, according to Cheong Wa Dae.
They also reaffirmed a "firm commitment" to the alliance that shares common values and agreed to cooperate closely for a "complete end" to the COVID-19 outbreak, it added.
Suh and O'Brien agreed to seek to hold face-to-face consultations at an early date.
Cheong Wa Dae did not give further details in the brief press statement, including why the allies view the coming months as crucial for regional security. The U.S. presidential election is slated for early November.
Suh Hoon, director of Cheong Wa Dae's national security office, writes a memo in this file photo. (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-09-09--S. Korean trade minister heads to Paris to win support to become next WHO head

The WTO said that it will hold the first round of discussions on Sept. 7-16 to trim the number of @ @ @ @ @ to five .
That will be followed by another round of reviews where another three @ @ @ @ @ two contenders .

GENEVA, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korean Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee departed Geneva for Paris Wednesday as she drums up support for her bid to become the next head of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
"In the French capital, she is scheduled to meet with key figures to secure their support in the selection process," an insider said without providing details.
The minister is expected to remain in Paris till Friday.
Yoo traveled to Switzerland late last month and has been engaged in talks with representatives from various countries to outline her goals for the international organization and positive changes she can make down the road, an official source said.
Yoo has said that with her extensive experience as a trade negotiator, she is best qualified to head the WTO and help promote multinational trade arrangements.
WTO's first female boss? Seoul's trade minister Yoo Myung-hee's ambitious challenge Youtube https://youtu.be/6U0cNhu5spY
South Korean Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee (3rd R) holds talks with representatives of other countries in Geneva, on Sept. 2, 2020, in this file photo provided by her office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Her latest visit to Geneva, where the WTO is based, is the second of its kind, after she spent time here in July. The earlier trip came after Yoo formally announced her bid for the top post at the international trade organization.
The WTO said that it will hold the first round of discussions on Sept. 7-16 to trim the number of hopefuls from the current eight to five. That will be followed by another round of reviews where another three will be dropped, leaving two contenders.
The final decision on who will lead the organization is expected to be reached in early November.
(END)


yna--2020-09-09--(4th LD) New virus cases under 200 for week, virus fight still harried by cluster infections

South Korea , which said the previous day that it plans to mass-produce an antibody treatment for the novel coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday that the production does not mean that it will be used immediately .

(ATTN: UPDATES with the latest tally in paras 14, 34)
SEOUL, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new virus cases stayed below 200 for the seventh consecutive day Wednesday, but health authorities are still on guard against sporadic cluster infections across the nation.
The country added 156 more COVID-19 cases, including 144 local infections, raising the total caseload to 21,588, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
It marked an increase from 136 new cases Thursday, which also slightly rose from 119 cases added the previous day, the fewest in 24 days.
Since Aug. 14, the country's daily new virus cases have been in triple digits as infections tied to a church in northern Seoul and a rally in mid-August continued to pile up.
The number of daily new cases has been gradually falling after hitting 441 additional cases on Aug. 27, despite some ups and downs, apparently on the back of the country's toughened social distancing measures.
"The number slowed as numerous businesses cooperated with the stricter social distancing scheme at the cost of damage to their livelihoods," KCDC Director Jeong Eun-kyeong said during a daily briefing, implying there could be more "positive" outcomes if people continue to comply with the rules.
A medical worker works at a makeshift clinic in Gwangju, 320 kilometers south of Seoul, on Sept. 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
South Korea adopted what it calls the Level 2 social distancing scheme nationwide in mid-August, under which indoor meetings of more than 50 people and open-air gatherings of over 100 people are banned.
With the greater Seoul area, which houses half of the country's 51-million population, accounting for most of the recently added virus cases, South Korea also launched an enhanced social distancing plan in the wider capital area on Aug. 30.
Under the measures, restaurants in the Seoul metropolitan area can operate normally from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. but then can only offer takeout after that time. Franchise coffee chains, bakeries and ice cream parlors can only offer takeaway around the clock.
While the measure was originally planned to run through Sunday, health authorities decided to extend the scheme for another week through this coming Sunday, as untraceable cases and cluster infections from churches, apartments and offices continued to pop up.
"If we make more efforts in following the social distancing guidelines for the next five days, we may not have to further extend the measure," Sohn Young-rae, a senior health official, said during a daily briefing, urging residents in the greater Seoul to stay home until the weekend.
Health authorities are currently in talks with the Seoul government to ban the regular worship services of Buddhist temples and Catholic churches as well. Currently, only Protestant churches are banned from having gatherings.
Visitors wait to receive new coronavirus tests at a makeshift clinic in eastern Seoul on Sept. 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
Of the newly identified local infections, 48 cases were reported in Seoul and 51 from Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital.
An additional 42 cases were confirmed in Seoul between midnight Tuesday and 6 p.m. Wednesday, bringing the total caseload to 4,520, the city government said.
Other municipalities reported new infections, with the southeastern port city of Busan adding two cases and the southwestern city of Gwangju reporting 17 new infections.
The central city of Daejeon added eight cases, and the southeastern city of Ulsan reported four additional infections.
Cases traced to Sarang Jeil Church in northern Seoul, a hotbed of the recent spike in new infections, reached 1,167 as of Wednesday, remaining unchanged from the previous day.
The church-tied cases mark the largest cluster infection since more than 5,000 virus cases traced to the minor religious sect of Shincheonji were reported in Daegu in late February and early March.
Cases tied to the anti-government rally in Seoul on Aug. 15 rose by 12 to 551.
Health authorities said around 85 percent of the Seoul church members and people who participated in the rally have been tested.
Other sporadic cluster infections continued throughout the nation.
A Buddhist facility located in western Seoul reported two more patients, raising the related caseload to 14.
A logistics center of e-commerce giant Coupang located in eastern Seoul reported two additional cases, raising the toll to 12.
Another Catholic church in northern Seoul reported one additional case, reporting five patients so far.
Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. workers stand in line to receive new coronavirus tests at a makeshift clinic in Ulsan, 414 kilometers south of Seoul, on Sept. 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
The ratio of patients with untraceable infection routes over the past two weeks came to 22.2 percent, also straining the country's virus fight. A whopping 41.5 percent were linked to cluster infections.
Over the period, patients aged 60 and above accounted for 36.2 percent of the newly added cases.
The number of patients in serious or critical conditions came to 154, up four from the previous day. The recent hike in the number of such patients has been emerging as yet another concern for health authorities as the greater Seoul area was running out of hospital beds quickly.
Although the country's enhanced social distancing scheme apparently helped slow the spread of COVID-19 here, health authorities are worried that South Korea may suffer another major uptick in the coming weeks due to the Chuseok fall harvest holiday.
This year's Chuseok holiday runs from Sept. 30 to Oct. 4. The Korean autumn harvest celebration is one of the country's biggest traditional holidays and serves as a chance for family members to visit their hometowns.
Health authorities asked South Koreans to skip this year's reunion.
To induce more people to stay home, South Korea is currently planning to charge drivers at toll gates of major highways. The country normally exempts such fees over Chuseok.
Medical workers carry out new coronavirus tests at a makeshift clinic in eastern Seoul on Sept. 9, 2020. (Yonhap)
The country, meanwhile, reported 12 imported cases. The accumulated number of such cases reached 2,933.
Of the newly added imported infections, four were from Russia and three from the United States. There were also cases from Uzbekistan, Qatar, Ukraine and Algeria.
South Korea reported four more deaths, raising the total to 345. The fatality rate came to 1.59 percent.
The country reported 10 deaths over the past three days, as elderly patients aged 60 and above accounted for more than 85 percent of those in critical condition.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 17,023, up 387 from the previous day.
South Korea has carried out 2,082,234 COVID-19 tests since Jan. 3. The country reported its first case on Jan. 20.
Of the patients being newly tested positive for the virus, around 30 to 40 percent of them have been asymptomatic.
South Korea, which said the previous day that it plans to mass-produce an antibody treatment for the novel coronavirus later this month, clarified on Wednesday that the production does not mean that it will be used immediately.
"We need to carry out more clinical tests to find more details about the effectiveness of the treatment," Jeong said.
The KCDC also said there have been a number of patients who died after receiving remdesivir, an experimental drug conventionally used for Ebola, but that does not necessarily mean that its efficacy is questionable.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)