yna--2020-10-24--Survival battle in S. Korean football pushed to final day after weekend drama

But Incheon United will need some help next week .
They first need to take care of their own business @ @ @ @ @ Then they will need Busan and Seongnam to end up in a draw .
In @ @ @ @ @ finish with 27 points , and Busan and Seongnam will each end with 26 points @ @ @ @ @ ahead of Seongnam thanks to their tiebreak edge in goals scored .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Oct. 24 (Yonhap) -- The battle for survival in the top-flight South Korean football league will go down to the wire, after some improbable drama unfolded Saturday.
Incheon United rallied for a 2-1 victory over Busan IPark in K League 1 action at Incheon Football Stadium in Incheon, 40 kilometers west of Seoul, on Saturday. Kim Dae-jung and Jung Dong-yun scored just a minute apart in the second half for the victorious side.
Incheon United players congratulate Jung Dong-yun (C) on his goal against Busan IPark during a K League 1 match at Incheon Football Stadium in Incheon, 40 kilometers west of Seoul, on Oct. 24, 2020, in this photo provided by the Korea Professional Football League. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The last-place club at the conclusion of the K League 1 season next weekend will be relegated to the K League 2 for 2021. Incheon remained at the bottom of the table, but they improved to 24 points, only one point behind Busan and Seongnam FC.
On Oct. 31, Busan and Seongnam will face each other, while Incheon will take on FC Seoul in a must-win match
Busan only needed a draw on Saturday to avoid relegation. Lee Dong-jun put Busan up 1-0 in the 43rd minute, but they couldn't hold on. Kim leveled the score with a header in the 74th, and in the very next minute, Jung netted the go-ahead marker.
It was the first goals of the year for both players.
Since the promotion-relegation system was introduced in 2013, Incheon United have built a reputation as the great escape artist. On several occasions, they have just barely avoided being relegated or falling into a promotion-relegation playoff against a team from the K League 2.
But Incheon United will need some help next week. They first need to take care of their own business by beating FC Seoul. Then they will need Busan and Seongnam to end up in a draw. In that case, Incheon will finish with 27 points, and Busan and Seongnam will each end with 26 points. Busan will then finish ahead of Seongnam thanks to their tiebreak edge in goals scored.
Regardless of Incheon's result, the winner of the Busan-Seongnam match will avoid relegation.
The start of the 2020 season was delayed by more than two months due to the coronavirus outbreak. It kicked off on May 8 and was shortened from 38 matches to 27 matches.
Fans of Incheon United cheer on their K League 1 club during a match against Busan IPark, in front of a banner that reads, "It's not over 'til it's over," at Incheon Football Stadium in Incheon, 40 kilometers west of Seoul, on Oct. 24, 2020, in this photo provided by the Korea Professional Football League. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
After 22 contests, the 12 clubs were divided into two tiers, Final A and Final B. They have since been playing opponents within their own groups.
The six teams in Final B will end their season on Oct. 31, followed by the remaining half-dozen teams in Final A on Nov. 1.
The league title is also up in the air, as Ulsan Hyundai FC and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors are tied with 54 points apiece heading into their crucial showdown on Sunday.
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-24--(2nd LD) S. Korea to continue flu vaccination program as no direct links with deaths found

The number of deaths following flu shots jumped to 48 as of 1 p.m. , up from 36 the previous @ @ @ @ @ suspected death was reported on Oct. 16 , according to the Korea Disease Control and @ @ @ @ @ .
About 80 percent of the dead were in their 70s and 80s .

(ATTN: ADDS more info in 11th para)
SEOUL, Oct. 24 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's health authorities said Saturday they will continue a free flu shots program despite dozens of recent deaths after vaccinations, as they found no links between vaccines and fatalities.
The number of deaths following flu shots jumped to 48 as of 1 p.m., up from 36 the previous day, after the first suspected death was reported on Oct. 16, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). About 80 percent of the dead were in their 70s and 80s.
"We are not in the stage of considering suspending the state-led free shot program, as interim autopsy results of 20 deceased people showed no direct link between their deaths and vaccines," KDCA Director Jeong Eun-kyeong said in a briefing.
This photo, taken on Oct. 19, 2020, shows a man receiving a seasonal flu shot at a hospital in southern Seoul. (Yonhap)
The health authorities are closely monitoring any possible links between vaccines and deaths, given a total of 1,154 people have reported side effects after getting the shots this year, Jeong said.
The authorities will work with experts to find out what exactly caused the deaths of people who received the flu shots, she said.
The director called on medical institutions to make a thorough diagnosis in advance before injecting senior citizens with shots.
The country has been pushing for a free state flu shot scheme to inoculate around 19 million people, including teenagers and senior citizens.
The free vaccination program -- which was expanded this year in an effort to prevent the potential "twindemic" of COVID-19 and flu during winter -- was joined by five major drugmakers, including GC Pharma and Ilyang Pharmaceutical Co.
Health experts agree that people should take flu shots before influenza season arrives here since more deaths could occur from serious complications triggered by the flu, such as pneumonia.
About 3,000 deaths related to flu complications are reported annually in South Korea.
Last year, the number of those aged 65 or older who died within one week of their flu vaccine inoculations was tallied at 1,500, the health authorities said.
Generally, flu season arrives between end-November and December. Considering that flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination, experts here recommend people get flu shots by mid-November.
However, experts are divided on whether people should take flu shots "immediately" at this moment when more suspected deaths are being reported nationwide in a relatively short period of time.
Health organizations are divided on whether to continue the vaccination in coming weeks.
The Korean Medical Association (KMA) recommended the government consider postponing the nationwide flu shot program for about a week, but the Korean Vaccine Society insisted that inoculations need to be continued since no causal links between vaccines and the recent deaths have been confirmed.
This photo, taken on Oct. 23, 2020, shows a man approaching a doctor to receive a flu shot at a hospital in western Seoul as public fear grows over a possible link between vaccines and recent deaths.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-24--No. of students infected with COVID-19 at Bucheon ballet institute rises to 13

As the confirmed cases are students of four different elementary schools , the health authorities have been conducting tests on @ @ @ @ @ teachers at the schools who might have come in contact with those carrying the virus @

BUCHEON, South Korea, Oct. 24 (Yonhap) -- The number of elementary school students infected with COVID-19 at a ballet institute in Bucheon, west of Seoul, rose to 13, the municipal authorities said Saturday, adding to concerns about sporadic cluster infections.
The city added 11 more virus cases to its tally of infections traced to the institute, bringing the total to 13. The new cases were confirmed as the authorities conducted virus tests on 208 students of the institute and its seven instructors.
The infections are believed to have started after an instructor living in the Guro district of Seoul was confirmed to have contracted the virus earlier this week.
As the confirmed cases are students of four different elementary schools, the health authorities have been conducting tests on hundreds of other students and teachers at the schools who might have come in contact with those carrying the virus.
"The scope of distance learning will be determined after we conduct environmental inspections at the four schools and in consideration of the test outcomes of those who came in contact with the confirmed cases," Bucheon Mayor Jang Deog-cheon said.
The city's COVID-19 caseload was tallied at 397 on Saturday.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-24--(LEAD) S. Korea to continue flu vaccination program as no direct links with deaths found

(ATTN: ADDS 2nd photo and details in paras 2, 4, 6)
SEOUL, Oct. 24 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's health authorities said Saturday they will continue a free flu shots program despite dozens of recent deaths after vaccinations, as they found no links between vaccines and fatalities.
The number of deaths following flu shots jumped to 48 as of 1 p.m., up from 36 the previous day, after the first suspected death was reported on Oct. 16, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). About 80 percent of the dead were in their 70s and 80s.
"We are not in the stage of considering suspending the state-led free shot program, as interim autopsy results of 20 deceased people showed no direct link between their deaths and vaccines," KDCA Director Jeong Eun-kyeong said in a briefing.
This photo, taken on Oct. 19, 2020, shows a man receiving a seasonal flu shot at a hospital in southern Seoul. (Yonhap)
The health authorities are closely monitoring any possible links between vaccines and deaths, given a total of 1,154 people have reported side effects after getting the shots this year, Jeong said.
The authorities will work with experts to find out what exactly caused the deaths of people who received the flu shots, she said.
The director called on medical institutions to make a thorough diagnosis in advance before injecting senior citizens with shots.
The country has been pushing for a free state flu shot scheme to inoculate around 19 million people, including teenagers and senior citizens.
The free vaccination program -- which was expanded this year in an effort to prevent the potential "twindemic" of COVID-19 and flu during winter -- was joined by five major drugmakers, including GC Pharma and Ilyang Pharmaceutical Co.
Health experts agree that people should take flu shots before influenza season arrives here since more deaths could occur from serious complications triggered by the flu, such as pneumonia.
About 3,000 deaths related to flu complications are reported annually in South Korea.
Generally, flu season arrives between end-November and December. Considering that flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination, experts here recommend people get flu shots by mid-November.
However, experts are divided on whether people should take flu shots "immediately" at this moment when more suspected deaths are being reported nationwide in a relatively short period of time.
Health organizations are divided on whether to continue the vaccination in coming weeks.
The Korean Medical Association (KMA) recommended the government consider postponing the nationwide flu shot program for about a week, but the Korean Vaccine Society insisted that inoculations need to be continued since no causal links between vaccines and the recent deaths have been confirmed.
This photo, taken on Oct. 23, 2020, shows a man approaching a doctor to receive a flu shot at a hospital in western Seoul as public fear grows over a possible link between vaccines and recent deaths.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-24--S. Korea to continue flu vaccination program as no direct links with deaths found

The number of deaths following flu shots jumped to 48 as of Saturday after the first suspected death was reported @ @ @ @ @ to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency ( KDCA ) .
About 80 percent @ @ @ @ @ their 70s and 80s .

SEOUL, Oct. 24 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's health authorities said Saturday they will continue a free flu shots program despite dozens of recent deaths after vaccinations, as they found no links between vaccines and fatalities.
The number of deaths following flu shots jumped to 48 as of Saturday after the first suspected death was reported on Oct. 16, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). About 80 percent of the dead were in their 70s and 80s.
"We are not in the stage of considering suspending the state-led free shot program, as interim autopsy results of 20 deceased people showed no direct link between their deaths and vaccines," KDCA Director Jeong Eun-kyeong said in a briefing.
The authorities will work with experts to find out what exactly caused the deaths of people who received the flu shots, she said.
This photo, taken on Oct. 19, 2020, shows a man receiving a seasonal flu shot at a hospital in southern Seoul. (Yonhap)
The country has been pushing for a free state flu shot scheme to inoculate around 19 million people, including teenagers and senior citizens.
The free vaccination program -- which was expanded this year in an effort to prevent the potential "twindemic" of COVID-19 and flu during winter -- was joined by five major drugmakers, including GC Pharma and Ilyang Pharmaceutical Co.
Health experts agree that people should take flu shots before influenza season arrives here since more deaths could occur from serious complications triggered by the flu, such as pneumonia.
About 3,000 deaths related to flu complications are reported annually in South Korea.
Generally, flu season arrives between end-November and December. Considering that flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination, experts here recommend people get flu shots by mid-November.
However, experts are divided on whether people should take flu shots "immediately" at this moment when more suspected deaths are being reported nationwide in a relatively short period of time.
Health organizations are divided on whether to continue the vaccination in coming weeks.
The Korean Medical Association (KMA) recommended the government consider postponing the nationwide flu shot program for about a week, but the Korean Vaccine Society insisted that inoculations need to be continued since no causal links between vaccines and the recent deaths have been confirmed.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-24--(2nd LD) New virus cases fall below 100 amid cluster infections

New virus cases exceeded 100 for the past two days .
Daily new cases came to 155 on Friday , @ @ @ @ @ 11 when the number hit 176 .
The uptick was due to continued cluster infections @ @ @ @ @ the elderly , who are vulnerable to COVID-19 .

(ATTN: ADDS 2nd photo and official's comments in paras 13-16, background in 20th para)
SEOUL, Oct. 24 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new coronavirus cases returned to below 100 on Saturday after triple-digit infections were reported for the past two days, as sporadic cluster infections continued at senior care hospitals and other risk-prone facilities.
The country added 77 more COVID-19 cases, including 66 domestic infections, raising the total caseload to 25,775, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
New virus cases exceeded 100 for the past two days. Daily new cases came to 155 on Friday, marking the highest since Sept. 11 when the number hit 176. The uptick was due to continued cluster infections at hospitals and facilities for the elderly, who are vulnerable to COVID-19.
Officials of a hospital in the southwestern city of Gwangju notify visitors that it has partially closed its wards on Oct. 23, 2020, after at least two coronavirus cases were reported. (Yonhap)
The country's new virus infections have been on a downward trend after a flare-up in the number of daily COVID-19 cases from mid-August to mid-September.
Compared with mid-August and early September when the tally rose by triple digits, the country has largely managed to slow the spread of the virus on the back of tougher social distancing measures.
Last week, the country relaxed its social distancing scheme to the lowest level in its three-tier system, after applying Level 2 measures across the nation since late August.
South Korea operates a three-tier social distancing system. Under the second level, indoor gatherings of more than 50 people are banned. The government has not yet issued the highest alert, which bans gatherings of 10 or more people.
The Level 2 social distancing was in effect from late August through Oct. 11, while the Seoul metropolitan area was temporarily put under Level 2.5 during the period.
The country's daily virus cases had been in the triple digits for more than a month since Aug. 14, due largely to a church in northern Seoul and an anti-government rally.
Under Level 1 measures, citizens are permitted to normalize most of their daily routines, with some infection prevention steps in place. Even risk-prone facilities, including clubs and bars, are allowed to operate after monthslong suspension as long as they keep entry logs and follow sanitary measures.
But continued rises in sporadic cluster infections at facilities for senior citizens have become the biggest huddle in the country's virus fight.
Residents are tested for COVID-19 at a temporary health clinic in southern Seoul on Oct. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
Health authorities urged people to thoroughly keep sanitary measures under the Level 1 virus curbs as cluster infections continue to rise at vulnerable facilities.
Kwon Joon-wook, deputy director of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, called on citizens to be vigilant, especially in the coming week through Halloween, which falls next Saturday.
"In particular, young adults and middle-aged people are required to not visit public facilities, such as karaoke, as the government has just controlled the number of virus cases at manageable levels," Kwon said in a press briefing.
He said the authorities will also step up efforts to prevent the spread of imported cases as COVID-19 infections continue to rise in Europe and the United States.
The U.S. reported more than 80,000 new virus infections Friday -- the highest daily case number since the pandemic began.
Of the newly identified local infections, 22 cases were reported in Seoul, 32 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital and two cases in Incheon, west of Seoul. The greater Seoul area is home to around half of the nation's 51.6 million population.
Other municipalities reported new infections, with the country's southwestern city of Daejeon adding five cases and South Chungcheong Province reporting five new cases.
The KDCA has warned that a resurgence in virus cases can happen anytime with sporadic outbreaks. It remains on alert over the possibility that the coronavirus outbreak and a seasonal flu could be in full swing together in the winter.
Since July, South Korea has administered remdesivir, an experimental drug developed by Gilead Sciences Inc. and conventionally used to treat Ebola, to 671 patients here.
The country, meanwhile, added 11 imported cases, bringing the total to 3,627. Four cases came from the United States, followed by three from the Philippines, and one each from India, Indonesia, Iraq and Ukraine.
South Korea reported two additional deaths, raising the death toll to 457. The fatality rate was 1.77 percent.
The number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients came to 60 as of midnight, down from 62 the previous day.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 23,834, up 117 from the previous day.
The country has carried out 2,528,621 coronavirus tests since Jan. 3, including 12,058 tests from the previous day.
The pandemic, which started in China late last year, has killed more than 1.1 million people worldwide and infected more than 42 million as of Saturday, according to a tally from Johns Hopkins University.
A customer holds up a Jeju Air Co.'s boarding ticket at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, on Oct. 23, 2020, for a special one-hour flight that departs from Incheon and returns to the airport as the carrier strives to survive the coronavirus crisis. (Yonhap)
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-24--Today in Korean history

Today in Korean history

2013 -- North Korea hands over six South Korean men and the body of a South Korean female at the @ @ @ @ @ The North 's media had reported in February 2010 that it was questioning four South @ @ @ @ @ illegally , while there was a separate report that one man entered the North a @ @ @ @ @ Tumen River from China 's Yanbian region .

Oct. 25
1995 -- South Korea establishes diplomatic ties with Laos.
1996 -- The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development admits South Korea as its 29th member.
2002 -- North Korea officially rejects a U.S. demand for the dismantlement of its nuclear program and instead demands that a non-aggression treaty be signed between it and the United States.
2004 -- South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun says he will no longer dispute the Constitutional Court's ruling against the relocation of the country's administrative capital outside of Seoul, pledging to continuously pursue balanced regional development through other projects.
2010 -- North Korea's heir apparent joins his father, Kim Jong-il, and a visiting top Chinese general in Pyongyang to watch a mass rally lauding the decades-old military alliance between the two countries.
2013 -- North Korea hands over six South Korean men and the body of a South Korean female at the border village of Panmunjom. The North's media had reported in February 2010 that it was questioning four South Koreans who entered the country illegally, while there was a separate report that one man entered the North a month earlier by crossing the Tumen River from China's Yanbian region.
2015 -- Hundreds of South Koreans held tearful reunions with their family members in North Korea amid tension sparked by the intrusion of a North Korean patrol boat over the demarcation line in the Yellow Sea. The 254 South Koreans, from 90 families, met their North Korean relatives on the second day of the three-day reunions for families separated by the 1950-53 Korean War at a scenic resort on Mount Kumgang in North Korea.
2018 -- South and North Korea wrap up the process of disarming the Joint Security Area in the Demilitarized Zone by completing the work of withdrawing military posts, armed troops and firearms from the area. The measures were in line with the inter-Korean military agreement signed on Sept. 19 aimed at reducing tensions and building mutual trust.
(END)


yna--2020-10-24--First frost of the season observed in Seoul

The first frost and freeze in Seoul this fall were spotted in the morning , arriving three days and 15 @ @ @ @ @ , respectively , as well as two days and six days earlier than the long-term @ @ @

SEOUL, Oct. 24 (Yonhap) -- Seoul observed the first frost and freeze of the season Saturday, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said.
The morning low dropped to 3.2 C in the capital as a cold front swept across the country, according to the weather agency.
The first frost and freeze in Seoul this fall were spotted in the morning, arriving three days and 15 days earlier than last year, respectively, as well as two days and six days earlier than the long-term average dates.
A wide swath of the nation was gripped by the season's lowest temperature the previous day. The cold wave is expected to gradually ease Saturday afternoon.
This combined photo provided by the Korea Meteorological Administration shows the first frost and freeze of the season observed in Seoul on Oct. 24, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-10-24--Tax agency mulls taxation for Google's 30 pct commission

In a written answer submitted to Rep. Kim Soo-hong of the ruling Democratic Party , the National Tax Service said @ @ @ @ @ to impose taxes on Google 's income from the fees and will closely monitor the @ @ @ @ @ in the domestic application market .

SEOUL, Oct. 24 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's tax agency said Saturday it will consider imposing taxes on Google Inc.'s planned enforcement of a 30 percent commission on in-app purchases of digital content from its Play Store next year.
In a written answer submitted to Rep. Kim Soo-hong of the ruling Democratic Party, the National Tax Service said it will consider various measures to impose taxes on Google's income from the fees and will closely monitor the size of Google's sales in the domestic application market.
The NTS said it can levy taxes on the U.S. tech giant as the company does business through agents or affiliated companies in Korea despite the lack of a physical office.
Google has recently come under intense scrutiny from regulators after it adopted a new policy last month to make all apps on its Play Store use its proprietary billing system.
Under the new policy set to take effect in October next year, Google plans to take a 30 percent commission on all digital content purchases by users.
In January, the tax agency slapped 600 billion won (US$532 million) in corporate taxes on Google Korea as it stated the U.S. company makes profits from its business in Korea.
Google Korea paid the taxes but at the same time it filed a complaint against the corporate tax with the Tax Tribunal.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-24--Rays' Choi Ji-man goes hitless in World Series loss

Choi led off the bottom of the seventh , now facing reliever Blake Treinen , and the Rays down 6-1 @ @ @ @ @ in play for the first time in the game , though he grounded out to @ @ @ @ @ who was playing in shallow right field in a shift .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Oct. 24 (Yonhap) -- Tampa Bay Rays' South Korean player Choi Ji-man went hitless in a World Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The South Korean first baseman went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts as the Rays fell 6-2 to the Dodgers in Game 3 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, on Friday (local time).
The Dodgers now lead the series 2-1.
Choi is batting 1-for-7 with three strikeouts so far in the World Series. He's the first South Korean position player to appear in the World Series.
In this EPA photo, Choi Ji-man of the Tampa Bay Rays (R) does a split at first base to field a throw from shortstop Willy Adames and put out Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers during the top of the first inning of Game 3 of the World Series at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, on Oct. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
The teams will go back at it for Game 4 at 7:08 p.m. Saturday in Texas, and 9:08 a.m. Sunday in South Korea. Globe Life Field will host every game of the best-of-seven series, as part of Major League Baseball's response to eliminate traveling during the coronavirus pandemic.
Choi got the start against the right-handed fireballer Walker Buehler and batted in his usual cleanup spot. Leading off the bottom of the second with the Rays down 1-0, Choi struck out looking at an outside fastball clocked at 97.3 miles per hour.
Choi was the first Rays batter in the fifth, with his club now trailing 5-0. And Buehler struck out Choi again, as the batter swung and missed on another outside fastball, this time at 97.1 mph.
In this Getty Images photo, Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Choi Ji-man (L) makes a leaping grab on a throw from third baseman Joey Wendle with Corey Seager of the Los Angeles Dodgers running during the top of the fourth inning of Game 3 of the World Series at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, on Oct. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
Choi led off the bottom of the seventh, now facing reliever Blake Treinen, and the Rays down 6-1. Choi put the ball in play for the first time in the game, though he grounded out to second baseman Chris Taylor, who was playing in shallow right field in a shift.
Choi got his final plate appearance with two outs in the ninth and flied out to left field against reliever Kenley Jansen.
Choi had a better day with his glove than his bat.
He wasted no time flashing his leather at first base. In the first, Choi did his patented full split to snag a short hop from shortstop Willy Adames to retire the speedy leadoff hitter Mookie Betts, while also giving social media zealots another memorable moment.
In this EPA photo, Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Choi Ji-man (R) tags out Corey Seager of the Los Angeles Dodgers during the top of the fourth inning of Game 3 of the World Series at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, on Oct. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
In the fourth, Choi made a jumping grab on a high throw from third baseman Joey Wendle and tagged out Corey Seager on his way down to end the inning.
Choi pulled off a similar play to end the top of the eighth, this time taking a wild throw from Adames with a leap and getting the tag on Betts.
Choi may start Game 4 on the bench against the Dodgers' left-handed starter Julio Urias. Choi, who bats left-handed and has struggled against southpaws, was also held out of the starting lineup against lefty Clayton Kershaw in Game 1.
In this Getty Images photo, Choi Ji-man of the Tampa Bay Rays returns to the dugout after striking out against Walker Buehler of the Los Angeles Dodgers during the bottom of the fifth inning of Game 3 of the World Series at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, on Oct. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-24--U.N. rights official slams N. Korea over killing of S. Korean at sea

The 47-year-old fisheries official was fatally shot by the North Korean military on Sept. 22 while adrift in its waters @ @ @ @ @ but has yet to respond to Seoul 's call for a joint probe .

NEW YORK, Oct. 24 (Yonhap) -- A U.N. human rights official has denounced North Korea's killing of a South Korean official last month as a violation of international human rights law during a meeting of the U.N. General Assembly.
Tomas Ojea Quintana, the U.N. special rapporteur on North Korea's human rights situation, raised the issue at the U.N. committee on social, humanitarian and cultural issues on Friday (local time).
The 47-year-old fisheries official was fatally shot by the North Korean military on Sept. 22 while adrift in its waters. The North has apologized but has yet to respond to Seoul's call for a joint probe.
In his report, Quintana said North Korea broke the international human rights law with the unlawful and arbitrary killing of a civilian who was not exhibiting any imminent threat.
He urged the North to change its policy that allows its soldiers to shoot at intruders of its borders to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Quintana also called for the international community to urgently consider lifting the sanctions on Pyongyang, citing the devastating impact on its trade and food security from the coronavirus outbreak.
This photo released by EPA shows Tomas Ojea Quintana, the U.N. special rapporteur on North Korea's human rights situation, during a news conference in 2018. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-10-25--(2nd LD) Samsung chief Lee dies, succession in focus for tech giant

Samsung stands at the center of the South Korean economy , with the group 's assets at 8 trillion won @ @ @ @ @ ) at the time Lee took the throne and now estimated at well beyond 400 @ @ @

(ATTN: RECAST headline, lead; ADDS details throughout)
SEOUL, Oct. 25 (Yonhap) -- Lee Kun-hee, chief of South Korea's top conglomerate, Samsung Group, died at a hospital in Seoul on Sunday at age 78, leaving a thorny succession challenge for his children.
The chairman of the flagship Samsung Electronics had been bedridden since May 2014 following a myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack.
"Chairman Lee passed away on October 25 with his family, including Vice Chairman Jay Y. Lee, by his side. Chairman Lee was a true visionary who transformed Samsung into the world-leading innovator and industrial powerhouse from a local business," Samsung said in a statement.
Lee inherited the Samsung crown in 1987 at the age of 45 when his father Lee Byung-chull, founder of the present day Samsung Group, died.
Under his leadership, Samsung has dozens of affiliates, including the world's top smartphone maker, Samsung Electronics Co., and Samsung Heavy Industries Co. under its wing.
Samsung Group, along with Hyundai Motor and LG, have been helping the country's stellar economic growth over the past decades.
Samsung stands at the center of the South Korean economy, with the group's assets at 8 trillion won (US$6.9 billion) at the time Lee took the throne and now estimated at well beyond 400 trillion won.
Lee is survived by his wife, Hong Ra-hee, and only son, Jae-yong, and two daughters, Boo-jin and Seo-hyun.
Jae-yong currently serves as vice chairman of Samsung Electronics, while Boo-jin leads Samsung's hotel arm, Hotel Shilla Co., and Seo-hyun is in charge of Samsung Welfare Foundation.
This file photo shows Samsung Electronics Co. Chairman Lee Kun-hee. (Yonhap)
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-25--Retail sales up in Sept. on strong performance of online shops

The combined sales of 26 major offline and online retailers reached 11.9 trillion won ( US $ 10 billion ) @ @ @ @ @ 11.16 trillion won posted last year , according to the data compiled by the Ministry @ @ @ @ @ Energy .

SEOUL, Oct. 25 (Yonhap) -- Retail sales in South Korea advanced 8.5 percent in September from a year earlier as online shops enjoyed brisk sales amid the new coronavirus pandemic, data showed Sunday.
The combined sales of 26 major offline and online retailers reached 11.9 trillion won (US$10 billion) last month, up from 11.16 trillion won posted last year, according to the data compiled by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
Online platforms led the overall growth, with their revenue advancing 20 percent over the period, the data showed, apparently as people purchased more goods through such stores amid the country's social distancing scheme.
Sales of foodstuffs from online stores jumped 60.2 percent over the cited period, and those of electronic goods and daily products advanced 26 percent and 14.7 percent, respectively, as well.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, sales of tour packages and concert tickets dipped 12.3 percent, while those of fashion items also moved down 1.6 percent, the data showed.
Sales from offline stores edged up 1 percent over the cited period as people purchased more gifts to celebrate the Chuseok holiday, which ran from late September to early October.
Convenience stores saw their sales improve 2.3 percent, tracking better sales of tobacco products and alcoholic beverages.
Sales from supermarkets also climbed 5.3 percent on the back of gift sales.
Department stores, on the other hand, saw their sales drop 6.2 percent due to sluggish demand for fashion goods.
In the first six months of the year, the combined retail sales reached 66.79 trillion won, up 3.7 percent from the previous year. Shipments by online stores advanced 17.5 percent, while those of offline stores dipped 6 percent.
In 2019, retail sales in South Korea rose 4.8 percent on-year. The revenue of online shopping malls advanced 14.2 percent, while that of offline stores shed 0.9 percent.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-25--S. Korea to check working environment for foreign crewmen

The country plans to look deeper into the working conditions of foreign workers on local fishing boats sized 20 tons @ @ @ @ @ period that will run through Nov. 20 , according to the Ministry of Oceans and @ @

SEOUL, Oct. 25 (Yonhap) -- South Korea said Sunday it will launch a special probe into the working environment for foreign crewmen working on local fishing boats to root out possible human rights violations by their employers.
The country plans to look deeper into the working conditions of foreign workers on local fishing boats sized 20 tons and above during the four-week period that will run through Nov. 20, according to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.
"Foreign workers are crucial for the country's fishery industry, and there should be no blind spots for them," the ministry said in a statement.
The country has been making efforts to improve the working conditions for foreign crews, amid rising criticism that some of them were not being paid minimum wage, while being physically abused by their employers.
Critics also say South Korea has been lacking measures to protect foreign fishermen from hazardous work conditions, although they accounted for more than 17 percent of the total workers in the segment as of 2018.
The ratio is expected to grow further down the road as more South Koreans seek less physically strenuous jobs.
To eradicate violations of labor rules, the ministry said it interviewed more than 450 foreign crewmen working on local fishing boats in the first half of 2020.
Earlier this year, South Korea also decided to raise a fund worth 170 billion won (US$141.8 million) to help smaller boat operators renovate their facilities as well, including having them be equipped with Wi-Fi equipment to help the foreign workers better contact their families back home.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-25--S. Korea reports 1st highly pathogenic avian influenza case in 32 months

The virulent avian influenza strain of H5N8 was discovered from a fecal sample collected from wild birds Wednesday in Cheonan @ @ @ @ @ Seoul , according to the Ministry of Agriculture , Food and Rural Affairs .

SEOUL, Oct. 25 (Yonhap) -- A highly pathogenic avian influenza case was reported in South Korea on Sunday, marking the first virulent bird flu case in the country in 32 months.
The virulent avian influenza strain of H5N8 was discovered from a fecal sample collected from wild birds Wednesday in Cheonan, 92 kilometers south of Seoul, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
In the file photo taken Oct. 8, 2020, a quarantine vehicle sprays disinfectant in Changnyeong, South Gyeongsang Province, to prevent a possible outbreak of the avian influenza virus in the winter. (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-25--N. Korea-China to enrich friendship, advance 'socialist achievement': N.K. paper

In its front-page editorial Sunday , the Rodong Sinmun , the official paper of the country 's ruling party , @ @ @ @ @ 's People 's Volunteer Army ( PVA ) in the 1950-1953 Korean conflict was a @ @ @ @ @ 's friendship and comradeship bound together by destiny .

SEOUL, Oct. 25 (Yonhap) -- North Korea and China seek to further develop their friendly relationship and pursue the advancement of socialist achievements, the North's official newspaper said Sunday, in marking the 70th anniversary of China's participation in the Korean War.
In its front-page editorial Sunday, the Rodong Sinmun, the official paper of the country's ruling party, said the participation of China's People's Volunteer Army (PVA) in the 1950-1953 Korean conflict was a display of the two country's friendship and comradeship bound together by destiny.
The paper described the nations' ties as "special and strong" and said that the relationship proved to display "great power" during times of severe hardships.
"It is our party's and the people's unshakable will to further develop the North Korea-China relation so that the world would envy and to actively advance socialist achievement through friendship and solidarity," the paper said.
North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un places a wreath at a cemetery for Chinese soldiers killed in the 1950-53 Korean War in Hoechang, South Pyongan Province, central North Korea, to mark the 70th anniversary of China's entry into the conflict, in which China fought alongside the North, in this photo released by the North's official Korean Central News Agency on Oct. 22, 2020. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
The Rodong Sinmun also carried four special reports focusing on the relationship of the two allies.
Last week, Pyongyang celebrated the 70th anniversary of the PVA's participation in the Korean War.
According to the North's official Korea Central News Agency, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un sent floral baskets to China to pay tribute to fallen PVA soldier and visited the cemetery of fallen Chinese soldiers in the North's South Pyongan Province and paid his respects.
He also pledged to further boost friendly relations with China in a reply message to Chinese President Xi Jinping, who sent a congratulatory letter to Kim to mark the 75th founding anniversary of the North's ruling Workers' Party.
China fought alongside the North against South Korean, U.S. and United Nations troops during the Korean War that ended in an armistice on July 27, 1953. Sunday marks the 70th anniversary of China's entry into the war.
Pyongyang has been seeking to maintain closer ties with its traditional ally amid an impasse in nuclear negotiations with Washington.
North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un places a wreath at a cemetery for Chinese soldiers killed in the 1950-53 Korean War in Hoechang, South Pyongan Province, central North Korea, to mark the 70th anniversary of China's entry into the conflict, in which China fought alongside the North, in this photo released by the North's official Korean Central News Agency on Oct. 22, 2020. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-25--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 1st highly pathogenic avian influenza case in 32 months

(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--2020-10-25--(LEAD) Samsung head Lee Kun-hee dies

(LEAD) Samsung head Lee Kun-hee dies

Lee received lung surgery in the late 1990s and had been suffering from respiratory complications since then .
Due to @ @ @ @ @ had stayed overseas during the winter season to prevent respiratory ailments .

(ATTN: ADDS details throughout)
SEOUL, Oct. 25 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Co. Chairman Lee Kun-hee died at a hospital in Seoul on Sunday at age 78.
His death came six years after he was hospitalized following a myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, on May 2014 to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Lee was sent to Samsung Medical Center in southern Seoul and was put on hypothermia treatment, which prevents the generation of toxic material in blood vessels by slowing the cell metabolism.
Sources said Lee had been in stable condition and was capable of breathing without medical instruments, although he never fully recovered.
Lee received lung surgery in the late 1990s and had been suffering from respiratory complications since then. Due to his medical history, Lee had stayed overseas during the winter season to prevent respiratory ailments.
This file photo shows Samsung Electronics Co. Chairman Lee Kun-hee. (Yonhap)
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-25--Samsung head Lee Kun-hee dies

Samsung head Lee Kun-hee dies

SEOUL , Oct. 25 ( Yonhap ) -- Samsung Electronics Co. Chairman Lee Kun-hee died at a hospital in Seoul @ @ @ @ @ for years following a heart attack in 2014 .
He was 78 .

SEOUL, Oct. 25 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Co. Chairman Lee Kun-hee died at a hospital in Seoul on Sunday after being hospitalized for years following a heart attack in 2014. He was 78.
This file photo shows Samsung Electronics Co. Chairman Lee Kun-hee. (Yonhap)
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-25--(URGENT) Samsung chief Lee Kun-hee dies

(URGENT) Samsung chief Lee Kun-hee dies


yna--2020-10-25--LG Electronics to release new budget smartphone in S. Korea

The Q52 applied optical pattern design used for its premium smartphone like the Velvet .
It makes the color of @ @ @ @ @ the viewing angle and the amount of light .

SEOUL, Oct. 25 (Yonhap) -- LG Electronics Inc. on Sunday introduced a new budget smartphone as the South Korean tech firm seeks to boost its presence in the mobile market with price-competitive devices.
LG said the Q52 will go on sale in South Korea on Wednesday with a price tag of 333,000 won (US$290). The handset is the fifth Q series model released this year.
The Q52 has upgraded features and design compared with its predecessor, the Q51. However, the latest smartphone does not support 5G.
The Q52 comes with a quad rear camera setup. It houses a 48-megapixel (MP) main camera, a 5MP wide lens, a 2MP depth sensor and a 2MP macro lens. On the front, it sports a 13MP selfie camera.
The smartphone, featuring a 6.6-inch punch-hole display, offers 4 gigabytes of RAM and a 64-gigabyte base storage option that can be expanded to up to 2 terabytes via a micro SD card. It packs a 4,000 mAh battery.
This photo provided by LG Electronics Inc. on Oct. 25, 2020, shows the company's new budget smartphone, the Q52. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The Q52 applied optical pattern design used for its premium smartphone like the Velvet. It makes the color of the cover different depending on the viewing angle and the amount of light.
LG hopes the expansion of its budget smartphone lineup can help its mobile business escape from a long slump.
LG's mobile communications business division posted an operating loss of 206.5 billion won in the second quarter of the year, extending its losses to 21 consecutive quarters. Its revenue also declined 18.9 percent on-year to 1.31 trillion won in the April-June period.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-25--(LEAD) New virus cases under 100 for 2nd day, sporadic cluster infections linger

Health authorities remain vigilant as the country may face another uptick in the number of new cases due to people @ @ @ @ @ enjoy autumn vacation .
A possible transmission of the virus among clubbers on Halloween is @ @ @ @ @ said .

(ATTN: ADDS details in last 5 paras)
SEOUL, Oct. 25 (Yonhap) -- South Korea reported fewer than 100 new coronavirus cases for the second consecutive day Sunday, but sporadic cluster infections among hospitals and other risk-prone facilities continued, straining the country's virus fight.
The country added 61 more COVID-19 cases, including 50 domestic infections, raising the total caseload to 25,836, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
South Korea added 77 new virus cases Saturday, dropping from 155 and 121 cases identified on Friday and Thursday, respectively.
Medical workers converse at a senior care center in Namyangju, northeast of Seoul, on Oct. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
The country has recently observed an uptick in daily new virus cases due to sporadic cluster infections at hospitals and facilities for the elderly, who are vulnerable to COVID-19.
So far, patients aged 70 and above account more than 80 percent of the country's COVID-19 deaths.
South Korea has been going through ups and downs in the number of new virus cases since the country eased its social distancing scheme on Oct. 12.
Previously, the country adopted Level 2 social distancing, in which indoor gatherings of 50 or more people were banned. High-risk facilities, such as clubs, were ordered to close as well.
Such restrictions are lifted under Level 1, in which people are required to only follow sanitary guidelines.
The country had kept the daily increase of COVID-19 infections in double digits for six consecutive day through Wednesday, before rebounding to yet another three-digit figure on Thursday.
The latest drop, however, was in part attributed to fewer tests carried out over the weekend.
Health authorities remain vigilant as the country may face another uptick in the number of new cases due to people traveling across the nation to enjoy autumn vacation. A possible transmission of the virus among clubbers on Halloween is also a concern, they said.
Cheerleaders wearing protective masks wait for the start of a basketball game in Wonju, 132 kilometers east of Seoul, on Oct. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
Of the newly identified local infections, 17 cases were reported in Seoul and 27 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital. The greater Seoul area is home to around half of the nation's 51.6 million population.
A total of 13 COVID-19 cases have been traced to a private gathering in the Guro Ward of Seoul so far.
A senior care center in northeastern Seoul reported 46 patients according to the latest data provided Saturday.
Another hospital in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, had 128 related COVID-19 cases as well.
The country added 11 imported cases.
Among the imported cases, Russia and the Philippines accounted for two each. There were also infections from India, Myanmar, Ukraine, France, Austria, Belgium and South Africa.
The number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients came to 53 on Sunday, down seven from the previous day.
No additional deaths were reported, keeping the total at 457. The fatality rate reached 1.77 percent.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 23,869, up 35 from the previous day. This indicates more than 92 percent of the COVID-19 patients reported here have been cured.
South Korea has carried out 2,546,146 COVID-19 tests so far, including 5,467 the previous day. The daily number of tests was far below the more than 10,000 tests typically carried out on a weekday.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-25--Sales of luxury imported cars hit new record in S. Korea

The combined sales of imported automobiles with a price tag of more than 100 million won ( US $ 88,600 @ @ @ @ @ the January-September period , marking the first time that annual sales have surpassed the threshold @ @ @ @ @ Automobile Importers & Distributors Association .

SEOUL, Oct. 25 (Yonhap) -- South Korea saw its sales of luxury imported cars rise sharply over the first nine months of the year despite the new coronavirus pandemic straining the economy, data showed Sunday.
The combined sales of imported automobiles with a price tag of more than 100 million won (US$88,600) surpassed 30,000 units over the January-September period, marking the first time that annual sales have surpassed the threshold, according to the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association.
The figure, which was the highest since the association started compiling related data in 2003, also marked a whopping 64 percent rise from 18,857 units posted over the same period in 2019.
Sales of cars priced 150 million won or higher reached 8,150 units over the first nine months of 2020, rising 34.3 percent on-year.
Imported cars account for around 17.5 percent of the South Korean market, according to the trade ministry.
Local sales of budget imported cars with price tags of around 40 to 50 million won also shot up 52 percent over the cited period to reach 31,871, the association added.
By brand, Mercedes-Benz topped the list by selling 52,571 units, with the E300 4MATIC sedan being the most popular model.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-25--New virus cases under 100 for 2nd day, sporadic cluster infections linger

SEOUL, Oct. 25 (Yonhap) -- South Korea reported fewer than 100 new coronavirus cases for the second consecutive day Sunday, but sporadic cluster infections among hospitals and other risk-prone facilities continued, straining the country's virus fight.
The country added 61 more COVID-19 cases, including 50 domestic infections, raising the total caseload to 25,836, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
South Korea added 77 new virus cases Saturday, dropping from 155 and 121 cases identified on Friday and Thursday, respectively.
Medical workers converse at a senior care center in Namyangju, northeast of Seoul, on Oct. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
The country has recently observed an uptick in daily new virus cases due to sporadic cluster infections at hospitals and facilities for the elderly, who are vulnerable to COVID-19.
So far, patients aged 70 and above account more than 80 percent of the country's COVID-19 deaths.
South Korea has been going through ups and downs in the number of new virus cases since the country eased its social distancing scheme on Oct. 12.
Previously, the country adopted Level 2 social distancing, in which indoor gatherings of 50 or more people were banned. High-risk facilities, such as clubs, were ordered to close as well.
Such restrictions are lifted under Level 1, in which people are required to only follow sanitary guidelines.
The country had kept the daily increase of COVID-19 infections in double digits for six consecutive day through Wednesday, before rebounding to yet another three-digit figure on Thursday.
The latest drop, however, was in part attributed to fewer tests carried out over the weekend.
Health authorities remain vigilant as the country may face another uptick in the number of new cases due to people traveling across the nation to enjoy autumn vacation. A possible transmission of the virus among clubbers on Halloween is also a concern, they said.
Cheerleaders wearing protective masks wait for the start of a basketball game in Wonju, 132 kilometers east of Seoul, on Oct. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
Of the newly identified local infections, 17 cases were reported in Seoul and 27 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital. The greater Seoul area is home to around half of the nation's 51.6 million population.
A total of 13 COVID-19 cases have been traced to a private gathering in the Guro Ward of Seoul so far.
A senior care center in northeastern Seoul reported 46 patients according to the latest data provided Saturday.
Another hospital in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, had 128 related COVID-19 cases as well.
The country added 11 imported cases.
The number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients came to 53 on Sunday, down seven from the previous day.
No additional deaths were reported, keeping the total at 457.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 23,869, up 35 from the previous day.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-25--(URGENT) 35 more patients released from coronavirus treatment, total now at 23,869: KDCA


yna--2020-10-25--(URGENT) S. Korea reports no additional coronavirus deaths, total now at 457: KDCA


yna--2020-10-25--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 61 more cases of new coronavirus, total now at 25,836: KDCA


yna--2020-10-25--S. Korea's trade volume dips 18.3 pct in Q2 amid virus pandemic: data

Asia 's No .
4 economy saw its exports and imports reach US $ 109 billion over the April-June period @ @ @ @ @ from the previous year , according to the data compiled by Rep. Yang Kyung-sook of @ @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Oct. 25 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's combined trade volume dropped 18.3 percent in the second quarter of 2020 from a year earlier amid the new coronavirus pandemic, data showed Sunday.
Asia's No. 4 economy saw its exports and imports reach US$109 billion over the April-June period, falling $24 billion from the previous year, according to the data compiled by Rep. Yang Kyung-sook of the ruling Democratic Party.
It marked a further drop compared with the 1.8 percent on-year decrease reported over the first quarter.
The country's trade dropped at a similar margin of 21.1 percent on-year in 2009 as South Korea suffered an economic fallout from the global financial crisis.
South Korea's exports, meanwhile, fell 5.8 percent on-year in the first 20 days of October amid the fallout from the new coronavirus outbreak, customs data showed last week.
The nation's outbound shipments stood at $25.2 billion in the Oct. 1-20 period, compared with $26.7 billion a year ago, according to the data from the Korea Customs Service.
By segment, exports of memory chips, a key item, rose 12.1 percent, but those of automobiles declined 7.1 percent on-year in the 20-day period.
Semiconductors account for about one-fifth of outbound shipments in South Korea, home to Samsung Electronics Co., the world's largest memory chip maker, and its smaller rival SK hynix Inc.
In September, South Korea's exports managed to rebound for the first time in seven months helped by increased shipments of chips and automobiles, rising 7.7 percent on-year.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


Sunday's weather forecast

SEOUL , Oct. 25 ( Yonhap ) -- The following is the weather forecast for South Korea 's 12 major @ @ @ @ @ .


(Copyright)

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(END)


yna--2020-10-24--(LEAD) NC Dinos capture 1st KBO regular season title

The season started on May 5 , about a month and a half behind schedule due to the coroanvirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ reached the top on May 13 .
They have n't come down since , though @ @ @ @ @ few occasions in the second half of the season when the Kiwoom Heroes and then @ @ @ @ @ at the top spot .

(ATTN: RECASTS headline; ADDS photos)
By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Oct. 24 (Yonhap) -- For the first time in their franchise history, the NC Dinos are the regular season champions in South Korean baseball.
The Dinos locked down the top seed in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) with a 3-3 tie against the LG Twins on Saturday at Changwon NC Park in Changwon, 400 kilometers southeast of Seoul. The Dinos will now head straight to the Korean Series, which begins Nov. 17.
The Dinos are 81-53-5 (wins-losses-ties) with five games left this season, and will not be caught at the top regardless of their results in remaining games. The Twins, in second place, are 79-59-4 with two games to go.
Members of the NC Dinos celebrate their first Korea Baseball Organization regular season title following a 3-3 tie with the LG Twins at Changwon NC Park in Changwon, 400 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on Oct. 24, 2020. (Yonhap)
The Dinos are the first club in KBO history to clinch the regular season crown with a tie.
The Dinos will be making their second appearance in the Korean Series. Their first trip came in 2016, when they were swept by the Doosan Bears in four games.
The Dinos joined the KBO as an expansion club in 2013. They finished seventh out of nine teams in their inaugural season and then reached the postseason in each of the next four years.
The Dinos suffered through their worst season in 2018 by finishing in last place but bounced back to reach the postseason again in 2019.
Yang Eui-ji of the NC Dinos hits a two-run home run against the LG Twins in the bottom of the fifth inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Changwon NC Park in Changwon, 400 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on Oct. 24, 2020. (Yonhap)
And this year, they look primed for their first-ever Korean Series championship. The top seed that earns a bye to the Korean Series has won the title about 80 percent of the time so far.
The season started on May 5, about a month and a half behind schedule due to the coroanvirus pandemic, and the Dinos first reached the top on May 13. They haven't come down since, though they came close on a few occasions in the second half of the season when the Kiwoom Heroes and then the Twins made a run at the top spot.
NC Dinos players throw their owner, Kim Taek-jin, in the air in celebration of their first Korea Baseball Organization regular season title following a 3-3 tie with the LG Twins at Changwon NC Park in Changwon, 400 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on Oct. 24, 2020. (Yonhap)
Behind the league's most lethal offense, the Dinos fended off those rivals and celebrated their first regular season crown in front of home fans.
It was an anticlimactic finish Saturday, though, as the Dinos clinched the pennant with a tie.
The Dinos went down 1-0 after just four pitches, as Hong Chang-gi led off the contest with a solo home run to right field.
Koo Chang-mo of the NC Dinos pitches against the LG Twins in the top of the fifth inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Changwon NC Park in Changwon, 400 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on Oct. 24, 2020. (Yonhap)
NC starter Mike Wright settled down after that, retiring the next nine batters in a row and then working out of a two-out, two-on jam in the fourth inning.
The Dinos knotted the score at 1-1 with Aaron Altherr's sacrifice fly in the bottom fourth. They went ahead 3-1 thanks to Yang Eui-ji's two-run blast in the fifth inning -- his third home run in two games.
Yang Eui-ji of the NC Dinos (C) is congratulated by teammates after hitting a two-run home run against the LG Twins in the bottom of the fifth inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Changwon NC Park in Changwon, 400 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on Oct. 24, 2020. (Yonhap)
The Twins weren't just going to lie down and let the Dinos celebrate. They erased that two-run deficit in the top eighth, with Kim Hyun-soo's triple followed by Chae Eun-seong's sacrifice fly.
The Twins' bats went cold, though, and they didn't have any baserunner in the final four innings.
Mike Wright of the NC Dinos pitches against the LG Twins in the top of the first inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Changwon NC Park in Changwon, 400 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on Oct. 24, 2020. (Yonhap)
The Dinos put a go-ahead run at second base twice in the bottom eighth but failed to cash in on that opportunity. In the bottom 11th, Park Min-woo hit a two-out double but was stranded on Lee Myung-ki's groundout.
None of that ultimately mattered, as the Dinos' bullpen kept putting up zeroes on the board to ensure the club would at least get a tie needed for the regular season crown.
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-25--(LEAD) Health Minister Park reiterates gov't stance on continuing flu vaccines amid deaths

As of 1 p.m. Saturday , 48 people have died after receiving flu vaccines , with the majority of them @ @ @ @ @ .
Park said a team of experts on vaccination has reviewed 26 of those 48 @ @ @ @ @ was `` very little causality '' between their deaths and flu shots .

(ATTN: ADDS more info at bottom)
SEOUL, Oct. 25 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's top health official said Sunday the nationwide free flu vaccination program will continue, saying no links have been found between vaccines and deaths among those who received those shots.
In a press briefing, Health Minister Park Neunghoo reiterated the stance expressed earlier by other national health authorities on the issue.
A man receives a seasonal flu shot at a hospital in Seoul on Oct. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
As of 1 p.m. Saturday, 48 people have died after receiving flu vaccines, with the majority of them in their 70s and 80s. Park said a team of experts on vaccination has reviewed 26 of those 48 cases and found that there was "very little causality" between their deaths and flu shots.
"Hence, we've concluded that we should continue with our flu vaccination program," Park said. "It is unscientific to simply halt vaccination when there is no link between flu shots and deaths. In fact, some experts believe it would be dangerous to stop the program."
Park said flu vaccines' effectiveness in saving lives has been "scientifically and historically proven."
"The seasonal flu has claimed some 3,000 lives a year in Korea alone," Park said. "Benefits of taking flu shots far outweigh any side effects."
Park also expressed concerns about a potential "twindemic" of COVID-19 and flu during winter, saying such a risk only underscores the need for flu vaccines.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) has also said the vaccination program should continue, in the absence of any direct link between flu shots and deaths.
Later Sunday, the KDCA released statistics showing that less than 1 percent of people aged 65 or older died within a week of receiving a flu shot last year and that their deaths had no connection with vaccination.
According to the KDCA, 6.68 million people who were 65 or older received flu vaccines between July 2019 and April 2020, and 1,531 of them, or 0.02 percent, died within seven days. They died because of pre-existing health conditions, not because of any issues with their flu shots, the KDCA explained.
South Korean Health Minister Park Neung-hoo speaks during a press briefing at the government complex in Seoul on Oct. 25, 2020. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-10-25--(2nd LD) Moon mourns passing of 'business icon' Lee Kun-hee

`` I 'd like to express my deepest condolences for the passing of Chairman Lee Kun-hee , an icon of @ @ @ @ @ '' Moon said .
`` With his audacious and innovative leadership , Chairman Lee developed @ @ @ @ @ major industry for Korea , and Samsung became the leader in the global smartphone market @ @ @ @ @ the Korean economy , Samsung led the way for the growth of our economy .
@

(ATTN: CHANGES headline, lead; UPDATES throughout with presidential aides' visit; ADDS photo)
SEOUL, Oct. 25 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in mourned the passing of Samsung Group Chairman Lee Kun-hee on Sunday, saying the country has lost an iconic figure whose leadership put its semiconductor industry on the global map.
Moon delivered his condolences through his chief of staff, Noh Young-min, and Cheong Wa Dae's senior secretary for economic affairs, Lee Ho-seung.
This file photo shows Samsung Electronics Co. Chairman Lee Kun-hee. He died at a hospital in Seoul on Oct. 25, 2020, at age 78. (Yonhap)
Lee Kun-hee, one of the most crucial business leaders in South Korea's post-war economic advancement, died earlier Sunday at age 78, more than six years after being hospitalized following a heart attack. The two presidential aides visited Lee's funeral home at Samsung Medical Center in southern Seoul on Sunday evening.
"I'd like to express my deepest condolences for the passing of Chairman Lee Kun-hee, an icon of the Korean business community," Moon said. "With his audacious and innovative leadership, Chairman Lee developed the semiconductor industry into a major industry for Korea, and Samsung became the leader in the global smartphone market. As the face of the Korean economy, Samsung led the way for the growth of our economy."
Moon also credited Lee's leadership for inspiring South Korean corporations today as they try to navigate difficult waters during the coronavirus pandemic.
Noh Young-min (C), chief of staff for President Moon Jae-in, and Lee Ho-seung (L), Cheong Wa Dae's senior secretary for economic affairs, enter the funeral home for late Samsung Group Chairman Lee Kun-hee at Samsung Medical Center in Seoul on Oct. 25, 2020. (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-25--As K League title slips away, Ulsan coach shoulders blame for loss

`` So many different things can happen in football .
Sometimes you just catch a bad break , and you @ @ @ @ @ , '' Kim said .
`` I think we ended up with this result because @ @ @ @ @ good job as head coach .
I should take responsibility for that .
The players @ @ @ @ @ . ''

ULSAN, Oct. 25 (Yonhap) -- After his K League 1 club suffered another devastating late-season loss on Sunday, Ulsan Hyundai FC head coach Kim Do-hoon tried to deflect blame away from his players and put it on his own shoulders.
Ulsan fell to rivals Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors 1-0 at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium in Ulsan, 415 kilometers southeast of Seoul. Mo Barrow scored the match's lone goal in the 63rd minute, when he redirected home a careless back pass by Ulsan defender Kim Kee-hee.
Ulsan Hyundai FC players react to their 1-0 loss to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in a K League 1 match at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium in Ulsan, 415 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on Oct. 25, 2020. (Yonhap)
The result left Ulsan in second place at 54 points, three back of Jeonbuk, with only one match left this season. Ulsan won't be able to end their 15-year title drought on their own: they will have to beat Gwangju FC next Sunday and hope Daegu FC will upset Jeonbuk that same afternoon.
"So many different things can happen in football. Sometimes you just catch a bad break, and you have to live with that," Kim said. "I think we ended up with this result because I didn't do a good job as head coach. I should take responsibility for that. The players did the best they could."
Despite fielding perhaps the deepest and most talented squad in the K League 1, Ulsan are on the verge of finishing runner-up to Jeonbuk for the second straight year.
Ulsan suffered a far more egregious collapse last season. They lost to Pohang Steelers 4-1 on the final day of the season when a draw would have been enough to give them the title. Jeonbuk squeezed past them with a 1-0 win over Gangwon FC the same day.
This year, Ulsan were in the driver's seat coming into Sunday. Though they were tied with Jeonbuk in points at 54, Ulsan held a substantial edge in the first tiebreaker, goals scored, by 51-43.
Kim Do-hoon, head coach of Ulsan Hyundai FC, waits for the start of a K League 1 match against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium in Ulsan, 415 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on Oct. 25, 2020. (Yonhap)
If Kim had been in the hot seat after last season, that seat is now practically scalding.
Kim demurred when asked about his future on Ulsan's bench.
"I don't get to assess my own performance. My job is to continue to prepare for every match, and challenge myself until the day I quit," Kim said. "Over the past two years, I think I've had really good experience with my players. I've been able to feel the joy of football and to learn how to accept results."
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-25--With title on horizon, coach for K League-leading Jeonbuk calls for coolheaded approach

`` I think our players are better able to maintain their concentration and battle hard thanks to their experience , @ @ @ @ @ I have n't heard any player say , ' I do n't think we 'll @ @ @ @ @ . '
They give their best every moment .
When I see my guys compete @ @ @ @ @ , 'This is how players on a first-place club are supposed to play . '
@ @ @ @ @ them . ''

ULSAN, Oct. 25 (Yonhap) -- His club may be on the verge of a historic championship, but Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors head coach Jose Morais wants his players to remain cool, calm and collected for their final K League 1 match of the season.
Jeonbuk climbed to the top of the league table with a 1-0 victory over Ulsan Hyundai FC on Sunday. Mo Barrow scored the winner in the 63rd minute at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium in Ulsan, 415 kilometers southeast of Seoul. Jeonbuk now lead Ulsan 57-54 in points, with each team having one match left to play next Sunday.
Players for Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (in green) celebrate their 1-0 victory over Ulsan Hyundai FC in the clubs' K League 1 match at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium in Ulsan, 415 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on Oct. 25, 2020. (Yonhap)
Jeonbuk will be hosting Daegu FC in Jeonju, about 240 kilometers south of the capital. Jeonbuk have beaten Daegu by 2-0 in each of their first two meetings this year, and they only need a draw for an unprecedented fourth consecutive title.
Morais insisted they won't be settling for a draw in front of their home fans.
"Since we're finishing up the season at home, we will try to lift the championship trophy before our supporters," Morais said after Sunday's win. "We've put ourselves in a good position with a win today, but at times like this, we have to stay calm. We want our fans to enjoy the title."
Jeonbuk and Ulsan also battled for the title last year, with Jeonbuk emerging with the trophy on the final day of the season. Morais, who took over Jeonbuk before the 2019 season, said his players have an abundance of big match experience and winning mentality that help them in critical junctures like Sunday.
Jose Morais, head coach of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, waits for the start of a K League 1 match against Ulsan Hyundai FC at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium in Ulsan, 415 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on Oct. 25, 2020. (Yonhap)
"I think our players are better able to maintain their concentration and battle hard thanks to their experience," Morais said. "I haven't heard any player say, 'I don't think we'll win the title this year.' They give their best every moment. When I see my guys compete, I think to myself, 'This is how players on a first-place club are supposed to play.' I learn a lot from them."
Morais, ever the optimist, said his prematch pep talk lasted "only 10 seconds."
"I told them, 'Do what you've always done, play with confidence, and have fun,'" Morais said.
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-25--KBO's regular season extended by one day with makeup game

The higher seed will go in with a built-in victory and will need either a win or a tie in @ @ @ @ @ on .
The lower seed must win two straight games to reach the next stage @

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Oct. 25 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean baseball regular season will go on for one extra day with a makeup game of a rained-out contest from earlier this month.
The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) announced Sunday that the NC Dinos and the Kia Tigers will close out the 2020 regular season with a game next Saturday. It will start at 5 p.m. at the Tigers' home, Gwangju-Kia Champions Field in Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul. The regular season was originally scheduled to end Friday.
This photo from Oct. 21, 2020, shows Gwangju-Kia Champions Field in Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul, after a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game between the Kia Tigers and the NC Dinos was canceled due to rain. (Yonhap)
The two clubs were scheduled to play that game last Wednesday, but it was canceled due to inclement weather.
The game will have no bearing on the postseason picture. The Dinos locked down the top seed Saturday, and the Tigers have already been eliminated from playoff contention.
It also doesn't affect the schedule for the postseason, which opens next Sunday with the Wild Card round between the No. 4 seed and the No. 5 seed.
The higher seed will go in with a built-in victory and will need either a win or a tie in the first game to move on. The lower seed must win two straight games to reach the next stage.
In this file photo from Oct. 20, 2020, Lee Myung-ki of the NC Dinos (R) scores past Kia Tigers catcher Kim Min-sik during the top of the fifth inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field in Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-25--Jeonbuk edge out Ulsan to inch toward 4th straight K League title

When a long pass came toward him from Jeonbuk 's end , Kim casually headed it back toward goalkeeper Jo @ @ @ @ @ lurking in the background and went charging toward the ball before Jo could get to @ @ @ @ @ piece of the ball with his left foot , enough to redirect it past Jo @ @ @ @ @ into the empty net , and there was no Ulsan player near the play to @ @ @

ULSAN, Oct. 25 (Yonhap) -- Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors defeated their K League 1 rivals Ulsan Hyundai FC 1-0 on Sunday to close in on a piece of South Korean football history.
Mo Barrow netted the second-half winner by capitalizing on a Ulsan miscue at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium in Ulsan, 415 kilometers southeast of Seoul. The victory lifted Jeonbuk (57 points) past Ulsan (54 points) into first place with one match remaining in the 2020 season.
Mo Barrow of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (R) scores past Ulsan Hyundai FC goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo during the clubs' K League 1 match at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium in Ulsan, 415 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on Oct. 25, 2020. (Yonhap)
Should Jeonbuk hold on, they'll become the first club in K League history to win four consecutive championships.
Jeonbuk will host Daegu FC for the season finale next Sunday, while Ulsan will bring Gwangju FC home on the same day.
Jeonbuk and Ulsan entered Sunday knotted at 54 points, though Ulsan were ahead in the table thanks to their 51-43 advantage in goals scored, the first tiebreaker.
For Ulsan to beat Jeonbuk for the title, they will have to beat Gwangju FC and hope that Daegu FC can upset Jeonbuk. In that scenario, Ulsan and Jeonbuk will be tied at 57 points, and Jeonbuk are unlikely to make up their still-significant deficit in the goals scored department, now at 51-44.
In Sunday's match, Barrow broke the scoreless deadlock in the 63rd minute, thanks to a careless back pass by Ulsan defender Kim Kee-hee.
Mo Barrow of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (R) celebrates his goal against Ulsan Hyundai FC during the clubs' K League 1 match at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium in Ulsan, 415 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on Oct. 25, 2020. (Yonhap)
When a long pass came toward him from Jeonbuk's end, Kim casually headed it back toward goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo. But Barrow was lurking in the background and went charging toward the ball before Jo could get to it. Barrow got a piece of the ball with his left foot, enough to redirect it past Jo. The ball rolled slowly into the empty net, and there was no Ulsan player near the play to stop it.
It was an anticlimactic way to decide a match in which each team found the woodwork twice and Jeonbuk missed a penalty.
Jeonbuk defender Lee Yong rattled the post with a low shot in the 16th minute. It was Ulsan's turn seven minutes later, as midfielder Yoon Bitgaram's free kick from just outside the box hit the crossbar.
In the 34th minute, Jeonbuk were awarded a penalty following a video review of a disputed play from moments earlier.
Jeonbuk forward Gustavo tried to head home a cross, but the attempt instead went off the right forearm of Ulsan midfielder Kim In-sung, who jumped in front of Gustavo and had his head turned left when the ball hit him. Though Kim clearly had no intention of getting his arm on the ball, he was still called for a handball violation.
Gustavo took the spot kick himself, but Ulsan goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo kicked the shot out of the net with his left leg as he was diving to his right.
Lee Chung-yong of Ulsan Hyundai FC (L) reacts to a missed scoring opportunity against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors during the clubs' K League 1 match at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium in Ulsan, 415 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on Oct. 25, 2020. (Yonhap)
Jeonbuk couldn't buy a break, with forward Cho Gue-sung hitting the left goal post with a volley attempt in the 44th minute. Then in the final play of the first half, Ulsan midfielder Lee Chung-yong misfired from close range after a perfect pass from Junior Negrao found him all alone on the right side of the box.
Jo came up with another big save for Ulsan in the 58th minute, denying Han Kyo-won on a header. On the ensuing corner, Hong Jeong-ho missed the net high with a header of his own.
Kim Min-hyeok of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (L) runs into Shin Jin-ho of Ulsan Hyundai FC (C) during the clubs' K League 1 match at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium in Ulsan, 415 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on Oct. 25, 2020. (Yonhap)
With Ulsan trailing 1-0 in the dying moments, Yoon took a free kick, from virtually the same spot where he'd taken one in the first half. And the result was also the same, as Yoon's shot struck the crossbar and stayed out of the net.
Yoon took one last desperate shot at the net during injury time, but goalkeeper Song Bum-keun made an easy save to preserve Jeonbuk's lead.
Jeonbuk beat Ulsan in all three meetings this season.
Gustavo of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (R) rises for a header against Ulsan Hyundai FC during the clubs' K League 1 match at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium in Ulsan, 415 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on Oct. 25, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-25--Health Minister Park reiterates gov't stance on continuing flu vaccines amid deaths

SEOUL, Oct. 25 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's top health official said Sunday the nationwide free flu vaccination program will continue, saying no links have been found between vaccines and deaths among those who received those shots.
In a press briefing, Health Minister Park Neunghoo reiterated the stance expressed earlier by other national health authorities on the issue.
A man receives a seasonal flu shot at a hospital in Seoul on Oct. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
As of 1 p.m. Saturday, 48 people have died after receiving flu vaccines, with the majority of them in their 70s and 80s. Park said a team of experts on vaccination has reviewed 26 of those 48 cases and found that there was "very little causality" between their deaths and flu shots.
"Hence, we've concluded that we should continue with our flu vaccination program," Park said. "It is unscientific to simply halt vaccination when there is no link between flu shots and deaths. In fact, some experts believe it would be dangerous to stop the program."
Park said flu vaccines' effectiveness in saving lives has been "scientifically and historically proven."
"The seasonal flu has claimed some 3,000 lives a year in Korea alone," Park said. "Benefits of taking flu shots far outweigh any side effects."
Park also expressed concerns about a potential "twindemic" of COVID-19 and flu during winter, saying such a risk only underscores the need for flu vaccines.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency has also said the vaccination program should continue, in the absence of any direct link between flu shots and deaths.
South Korean Health Minister Park Neung-hoo speaks during a press briefing at the government complex in Seoul on Oct. 25, 2020. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-10-25--(LEAD) Moon to send condolence message to family of late Samsung head

Moon 's chief of staff , Noh Young-min , and Cheong Wa Dae 's senior secretary for economic affairs , @ @ @ @ @ pay respects in person to Lee at the funeral home at the Samsung Medical Center @ @ @ @ @ Wa Dae spokesman Kang Min-seok said .

(ATTN: CLARIFIES time element in lead; RESTRUCTURES; ADDS more details in para 3)
SEOUL, Oct. 25 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in will deliver a condolence message to the bereaved family of Samsung Group chief Lee Kun-hee, who died at age 78, the presidential office said Sunday.
Moon's chief of staff, Noh Young-min, and Cheong Wa Dae's senior secretary for economic affairs, Lee Ho-seung, plan to pay respects in person to Lee at the funeral home at the Samsung Medical Center in southern Seoul, Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kang Min-seok said.
This file photo shows Samsung Electronics Co. Chairman Lee Kun-hee. He died at a hospital in Seoul on Oct. 25, 2020, at age 78. (Yonhap)
Noh will deliver Moon's verbal message to Lee's surviving family members, Kang added. The timing of the visit will be decided through consultation with the family, Kang said.
The president will also deliver a personally signed condolence wreath to Lee's funeral home.
Lee, Samsung Electronics Co. chairman, considered one of the most crucial business leaders in South Korea's post-war economic advancement, died Sunday after being hospitalized for years following a heart attack in 2014.
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-25--(3rd LD) New virus cases under 100 for 2nd day, sporadic cluster infections linger

(ATTN: ADDS details throughout)
SEOUL, Oct. 25 (Yonhap) -- South Korea reported fewer than 100 new coronavirus cases for the second consecutive day Sunday, but sporadic cluster infections among hospitals and other risk-prone facilities continued, straining the country's virus fight.
The country added 61 more COVID-19 cases, including 50 domestic infections, raising the total caseload to 25,836, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
South Korea added 77 new virus cases Saturday, dropping from 155 and 121 cases identified on Friday and Thursday, respectively.
A medical worker stands at a makeshift clinic in southern Seoul on Oct. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
The country has recently observed an uptick in daily new virus cases due to sporadic cluster infections at hospitals and facilities for the elderly, who are vulnerable to COVID-19.
So far, patients aged 70 and above account more than 80 percent of the country's COVID-19 deaths.
South Korea has been going through ups and downs in the number of new virus cases since the country eased its social distancing scheme on Oct. 12.
Previously, the country adopted Level 2 social distancing, in which indoor gatherings of 50 or more people were banned. High-risk facilities, such as clubs, were ordered to close as well.
Such restrictions are lifted under Level 1, in which people are required to only follow sanitary guidelines.
The country had kept the daily increase of COVID-19 infections in double digits for six consecutive day through Wednesday, before rebounding to yet another three-digit figure on Thursday.
The latest drop, however, was in part attributed to fewer tests carried out over the weekend.
Health authorities remain vigilant as the country may face another uptick in the number of new cases due to people traveling across the nation to enjoy autumn vacation. A possible transmission of the virus among clubbers on Halloween is also a concern, they said.
South Korea is currently carrying out inspections on major nightclub districts to check whether such business establishments are following antivirus guidelines.
In May, South Korea suffered major cluster infections from clubs in Seoul's nightlife district of Itaewon. Around 270 cases were traced to the group infections.
"While there have been no major group infections recently, there are still sporadic cluster infections from nursing homes and senior facilities," Health Minister Park Neunghoo said in a statement.
As South Koreans are resuming their social and economic activities after the social distancing scheme was adjusted to Level 1, authorities said the country can experience a massive outbreak at anytime.
Over the past two weeks, the daily average of new COVID-19 patients here reached 68.7, rising slightly from 59.4 posted in a 14-day period earlier.
Cheerleaders wearing protective masks wait for the start of a basketball game in Wonju, 132 kilometers east of Seoul, on Oct. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
Of the newly identified local infections, 17 cases were reported in Seoul and 27 cases in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital. The greater Seoul area is home to around half of the nation's 51.6 million population.
As of noon Sunday, a total of 27 COVID-19 cases have been traced to a private gathering in the Guro Ward of Seoul, up 14 from the previous day.
A senior care center in northeastern Seoul reported 49 patients, up three from a day earlier.
Another hospital in Gunpo, south of Seoul, added three more cases, raising the total to 40.
Over the past two weeks, around 10 percent of the newly added cases had unknown infection routes. Cluster infections accounted for around a quarter of the new cases over the period.
The country added 11 imported cases.
Among the imported cases, Russia and the Philippines accounted for two each. There were also infections from India, Myanmar, Ukraine, France, Austria, Belgium and South Africa.
The number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients came to 53 on Sunday, down seven from the previous day.
South Korea said a daily increase of around 210 patients is considered manageable for the country's medical infrastructure.
No additional deaths were reported, keeping the total at 457. The fatality rate reached 1.77 percent.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 23,869, up 35 from the previous day. This indicates more than 92 percent of the COVID-19 patients reported here have been cured.
South Korea has carried out 2,546,146 COVID-19 tests so far, including 5,467 the previous day. The daily number of tests was far below the more than 10,000 tests typically carried out on a weekday.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-25--Samsung Electronics' market cap sharply up under late group chief's leadership: data

When he took the top position of Samsung Group in November 1987 , shares in Samsung Electronics stood at around @ @ @ @ @ 10.60 ) , with its market cap at some 400 billion won , behind the @ @ @ @ @ , including the steelmaker now known as POSCO , according to data from Samsung Electronics @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Oct. 25 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Co., the flagship of the country's largest conglomerate, saw its market capitalization soar 500 times during the 27-year reign of late group chief Lee Kun-hee, data showed Sunday, as the company transformed from a small home-appliance maker to a global tech firm.
When he took the top position of Samsung Group in November 1987, shares in Samsung Electronics stood at around 12,000 won (US$10.60), with its market cap at some 400 billion won, behind the country's top industrial heavyweights, including the steelmaker now known as POSCO, according to data from Samsung Electronics and Korea Exchange.
The tech company's annual sales that year reached 2.3 trillion won, while net profit stood at 34.5 billion won.
By the time Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee stepped down from management following a heart attack in May 2014, the company's market cap reached 196.6 trillion won, while its stock price stood at 1.33 million won.
The company's stock price has since continued to climb, and it split its stock 50 to 1 in 2018 to enhance shareholder value. The tech giant's stock price closed at 60,200 won on Friday, and its market cap reached 360 trillion won.
The company's total sales in 2014 reached 206.2 trillion won, 87 times the figure in 1987, with net income growing 678 times to 23.4 trillion won over the same period.
This photo shows a flag with Samsung Electronics Co.'s logo in front of the company's headquarters in southern Seoul on Oct. 25, 2020. The company's Chairman Lee Kun-hee died at a Seoul hospital the same day. (Yonhap)
Samsung Electronics' rise to become one of the world's top tech giants was propelled by the late chairman's move to enter the semiconductor business.
In 1988, Lee merged Samsung Semiconductor & Telecommunications Co. with Samsung Electronics to boost focus in the sector, which bore fruition when the company developed the world's first 64M dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) chip in 1992. The company became the top global memory chip maker the following year.
Samsung Electronics' presence in the global memory chip market led its stock price to eventually reach 100,000 won per share in 1995.
Lee also focused on mobile phones, snatching the largest market share in the country that year.
The company's booming memory chip and mobile phone business eventually led its market cap to become the largest in the country in 1999 and its stock price to reach over 500,000 won in 2004.
This undated file photo shows the late Samsung Electronics Co. Chairman Lee Kun-hee. (Yonhap)
While Apple Inc.'s launch of the iPhone in 2007 threatened Samsung Electronics' presence in the global phone market, the South Korea company responded by launching its own smartphone Galaxy S in 2010.
The move led Samsung Electronics' stock price to rise to 1 million won in January 2011.
The company then surpassed Apple to take first place in global smartphone market share in the third quarter of 2011, with the release of its Galaxy S2.
The late chairman inherited the Samsung crown in 1987 at the age of 45 when his father Lee Byung-chull, founder of the present day Samsung Group, died.
yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-25--Moon to send condolence message to family of late Samsung head

Lee , Samsung Electronics Co. chairman , considered one of the most crucial business leaders in South Korea 's post-war @ @ @ @ @ after being hospitalized for years following a heart attack in 2014 .

SEOUL, Oct. 25 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in will deliver a condolence message on Sunday to the bereaved family of Samsung Group chief Lee Kun-hee, who died at age 78, the presidential office said.
The president will also deliver a personally signed wreath to Lee's funeral home at the Samsung Medical Center in southern Seoul, Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kang Min-seok said.
This file photo shows Samsung Electronics Co. Chairman Lee Kun-hee. He died at a hospital in Seoul on Oct. 25, 2020, at age 78. (Yonhap)
Moon's chief of staff, Noh Young-min, and Cheong Wa Dae's senior secretary for economic affairs, Lee Ho-seung, will pay respects to Lee at the funeral home in person, Kang added.
Lee, Samsung Electronics Co. chairman, considered one of the most crucial business leaders in South Korea's post-war economic advancement, died Sunday after being hospitalized for years following a heart attack in 2014.
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-25--Late chief's insights in chip, mobile help Samsung face off global peers

`` Chairman Lee was a true visionary who transformed Samsung into the world-leading innovator and industrial powerhouse from a local @ @ @ @ @ in a statement .
`` His 1993 declaration of 'New Management ' was the motivating @ @ @ @ @ vision to deliver the best technology to help advance global society . ''

By Joo Kyung-don
SEOUL, Oct. 25 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Group chief Lee Kun-hee, who died Sunday at the age of 78, has been recognized as a figure who led the tech giant to become the world's leading player in the semiconductor and mobile phone sectors with his unrivaled insights.
When Lee first took the helm of Samsung in 1987, the company was perceived as a second-tier electronics firm in the global market, behind Japanese firms like Sony.
But it was Lee's 1993 declaration of the "New Management" initiative that put Samsung on the global map. Sales of Samsung increased 39-fold from 9.9 trillion won in 1987 to 386 trillion won in 2018.
"Chairman Lee was a true visionary who transformed Samsung into the world-leading innovator and industrial powerhouse from a local business," Samsung said in a statement. "His 1993 declaration of 'New Management' was the motivating driver of the company's vision to deliver the best technology to help advance global society."
His "New Management" initiative, in a nutshell, was about improving the quality of Samsung's products and enhancing its manufacturing process from A to Z.
For instance, after his 1993 declaration, Samsung adopted a system that halts a production line immediately when manufacturing defects are discovered. With this system, Samsung said its defect rate in 1993 dropped by at least 30 percent compared to the previous year.
This photo, provided by Samsung Group on Oct. 25, 2020, shows Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Kun-hee at an event in 1988. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Samsung's two main pillars -- semiconductors and mobile phones -- were the fields that he believed would become revenue sources for the conglomerate. The two businesses made a big leap forward under Lee's leadership.
Lee decided in 1974 to enter the semiconductor business after acquiring Korea Semiconductor. Although other company officials cast doubt on the chip business, Lee reportedly insisted on Samsung investing in semiconductors, saying the IT business would be the key business sector in the future.
After massive R&D investments in the chipmaking sector, Samsung managed to emerge as the world leader in the memory chip market, developing the industry's first 4Gb dynamic random access memory (DRAM) chips in 2001 and 64Gb NAND Flash chips in 2007.
Since 1992, the company has been the top player in the DRAM market. As of the second quarter of this year, Samsung had a 43.5 percent share of the global DRAM market, according to market tracker TrendForce.
Samsung also controls the global NAND flash market with a 31.4 percent share as of the second quarter.
Lee transformed Samsung's mobile business in 1995 with a shocking event to show the company's resolve to improve product quality.
Facing mounting negative reviews of Samsung's wireless phones, Lee ordered the burning of 150,000 wireless phones produced at its plant in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, to send the message that he would not tolerate defective products.
Later, Samsung took off with its Anycall brand and topped the local wireless market in 1995.
This photo, taken on Oct. 25, 2020, shows the corporate flag of Samsung Group at its office building in Seoul. (Yonhap)
When Lee returned to manage the company in 2010 after a brief hiatus over a tax evasion case, he led Samsung to develop smartphones to challenge the U.S. tech titan Apple Inc.
After unveiling its first Galaxy device in 2010, Samsung's aggressive push in the smartphone business paid off. It has been the largest smartphone vendor since 2012.
According to Samsung, Lee also had a big influence on its recruiting system. As of end-2019, Samsung had more than 280,000 employees worldwide.
"Lee ordered Samsung to hire people based on their talents and work skills, not on their schools or genders," the company said. "He has been emphasizing that securing and fostering talented individuals are very important for the company's management."
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)