yna--2020-01-16--(LEAD) Seoul stocks hit 9-month high after Sino-U.S. trade deal

Leading automaker Hyundai Motor jumped 3.04 percent to 118,500 won , after receiving some positive reviews for the first sport @ @ @ @ @ Genesis brand , the GV80 .
Auto parts maker Hyundai Mobis was up 1.84 percent @ @ @ @ @ Hyundai 's smaller sister company , Kia Motors , was 0.12 percent down at 41,150 @ @

(ATTN: CHANGES lead, headline; ADDS more info in 2nd para, photo and bond yields at bottom)
SEOUL, Jan. 16 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks advanced to a nine-month high on Thursday as investors scooped up major tech shares, buoyed by the signing of a preliminary Sino-American trade deal. The South Korean won lost ground against the U.S. dollar.
After a choppy session, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) gained 17.07 points, or 0.77 percent, to close at 2,248.05, marking its highest point since April 16, when it reached 2,248.63 points.
Trade volume was moderate at 796 million shares worth 6 trillion won (US$5.2 billion), with losers outnumbering gainers 437 to 374.
Foreigners and institutions offloaded a net 36.8 billion won and 198.8 billion won, respectively. Meanwhile, individuals scooped up a net 223.5 billion won.
An electronic signboard at KEB Hana Bank in Seoul shows the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) up 0.77 percent to close at 2,248.05 points on Jan. 16, 2020. (Yonhap)
The Seoul stock market initially opened lower as the phase-one trade deal between the world's two largest economies failed to completely soothe investor concerns over uncertainties.
The KOSPI, however, soon turned bullish as major tech shares, including market kingpin Samsung Electronics, made gains.
"There are still some uncertainties surrounding additional trade negotiations but expectations are high that a tariff war will eventually be eased in phases," said Kim Yoon-bo, an analyst at Cape Investment & Securities.
In Seoul, most large-cap shares ended higher.
Top cap Samsung Electronics gained 2.88 percent to end at an all-time high of 60,700 won, and No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix added 1.02 percent to close at 99,200 won.
Bio shares were also bullish. Major pharmaceutical firm Celltrion was up 2.27 percent, hitting 180,500 won on news that it may possibly merge with two affiliates. Samsung BioLogics, a bio affiliate of Samsung Group, added 0.46 percent to end at 436,500 won.
Leading automaker Hyundai Motor jumped 3.04 percent to 118,500 won, after receiving some positive reviews for the first sport utility vehicle under its premium Genesis brand, the GV80. Auto parts maker Hyundai Mobis was up 1.84 percent at 249,500 won, while Hyundai's smaller sister company, Kia Motors, was 0.12 percent down at 41,150 won.
The local currency closed at 1,161.1 to the U.S. greenback, down 4.1 won from the previous session's close.
Bond prices, which move inversely to yields, closed lower. The yield on three-year Treasurys jumped 3.5 basis points to stand at 1.426 percent, and the return on the benchmark five-year government bond added 3.4 basis points to reach 1.536 percent.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


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yna--2020-01-17--(LEAD) Indonesia releases ship with S. Korean crew members after 100 days of detention

The LPG carrier was en route to Singapore at the time of the seizure .
South Korean authorities plan to @ @ @ @ @ incident when the ship arrives in Singapore on Saturday .

(ATTN: ADDS more info in para 5; CHANGES photo)
JAKARTA, Jan. 17 (Yonhap) -- Indonesia released a ship carrying South Korean crew members Friday after about 100 days of detention for violating territorial waters, diplomatic sources said.
The Panama-flagged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carrier, named DL Lily, was seized by Indonesia's Navy on Oct. 9. Aboard were a South Korean captain and eight South Korean and eight Indonesian sailors.
The captain got back related documents, including passports, and was granted approval for departure by Indonesian authorities, according to the ship-owning company and South Korea's embassy in Indonesia.
The LPG carrier was en route to Singapore at the time of the seizure. South Korean authorities plan to conduct a probe into the incident when the ship arrives in Singapore on Saturday.
The ship company said the health conditions of the crew members appear to be good, adding it will provide necessary support.
Another South Korean cargo ship, named CH Bella, is still being held in Indonesia on the same charges. The ship that carries four South Koreans and 19 Indonesians was seized last week.
"We are closely cooperating with Indonesia's Navy over the issue," said a military attache in South Korea's embassy in Indonesia.
Crew members work inside DL Lily, a Panama-flagged LPG tanker, on Jan. 17, 2020, in this photo provided by its managing company. The vessel, with nine South Koreans and eight Indonesians aboard, was released by Indonesia after about 100 days of detention for violating territorial waters. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-01-17--(LEAD) Moon says reforms of prosecution, police should go in tandem

The meeting was joined by Rep. Lee In-young , the DP floor leader , and 13 other party officials who @ @ @ @ @ parties in the process of handling the bills , especially those on electoral and prosecution @ @

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead; ADDS more info throughout)
SEOUL, Jan. 17 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in called for legislation of police reform on Friday, following the recent passage of bills to transfer key investigative powers from the prosecution to police.
He made the remarks during a dinner with senior ruling party officials at the presidential compound, citing the need to balance reforms of the two agencies.
"As the police's authority has expanded significantly through the redistribution of investigative powers, legislation for police reform should follow," Moon said during the meeting with senior Democratic Party (DP) officials.
"The reforms of the prosecution and the police should go in tandem."
Moon hosted the dinner to thank DP leaders for the recent passage of several key bills, including proposals on prosecution reform.
The meeting was joined by Rep. Lee In-young, the DP floor leader, and 13 other party officials who led negotiations with minor opposition parties in the process of handling the bills, especially those on electoral and prosecution reform.
It was Moon's first dinner with the ruling party leadership at the presidential office in half a year.
The National Assembly recently passed key bills on prosecution reform -- proposals to create a special non-prosecution agency to look into corruption among high-ranking public officials and allow police to conduct criminal investigations independent of the prosecution.
Critics raised concerns that the liberal government's drive to reform the prosecution will grant police excessive power if measures to keep their authority in check are not drawn up.
Moon called for legislative efforts to reform the police, citing pending bills on the establishment of a state investigative agency and the introduction of autonomous police.
The president stressed that the National Assembly should prioritize the handling of bills related to people's livelihood issues.
This file photo, taken on July 23, 2019, shows President Moon Jae-in (2nd from R) holding a dinner meeting with senior ruling party lawmakers at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul. (Yonhap)
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-17--(LEAD) Mahindra vows Korean unit will make a turnaround by 2022

`` On top of its direct investment plans for a turnaround in SsangYong Motor , Mahindra said its business ties @ @ @ @ @ carmakers can help reinforce the competitiveness of the Korean unit , '' the KDB said @ @ @ @

(ATTN: CHANGES headline and lead; RECASTS throughout; ADDS 2nd photo)
By Choi Kyong-ae
SEOUL, Jan. 17 (Yonhap) -- Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. has vowed to turn around cash-strapped South Korean unit SsangYong Motor Co. in a move to secure fresh loans and a rollover of existing debts, the country's state-run lender said Friday.
Mahindra & Mahindra Managing Director Pawan Goenka flew into Seoul on Thursday to discuss with Korea Development Bank (KDB) Chairman Lee Dong-gull how to put SsangYong Motor back on track.
The KDB extended a loan of 100 billion won (US$86 million) to the loss-making SsangYong Motor last year.
"On top of its direct investment plans for a turnaround in SsangYong Motor, Mahindra said its business ties with the world's leading carmakers can help reinforce the competitiveness of the Korean unit," the KDB said in a statement.
But the KDB didn't mention whether Mahindra asked for a fresh loan for SsangYong Motor to help it keep up its operations.
A KDB spokesman said the bank has not received any concrete turnaround plans from Mahindra.
Goenka left for India Friday, and he will participate in SsangYong's board meeting scheduled for Jan. 30 through video conference from India, a SsangYong Motor spokesman said.
Mahindra & Mahindra Managing Director Pawan Goenka walks into the headquarters of the Korea Development Bank in Seoul to meet with KDB Chairman Lee Dong-gull and discuss measures to revive its South Korean unit SsangYong Motor on Jan. 16, 2020. (Yonhap)
In extended efforts to seek support for SsangYong Motor, Goenka had a meeting with Rhee Mok-hee, vice chairman of the Presidential Committee on Jobs, and Moon Sung-hyun, chairperson of the Economic Social & Labor Council, earlier in the day, to underscore Mahindra's investment plans for SsangYong.
"Goenka said Mahindra had submitted a package of business plans to the KDB to help SsangYong Motor make a turnaround by 2022. The KDB will consider it," Rhee told Yonhap over the phone.
In a meeting with Goenka, Rhee stressed that the turnaround plan should have "detailed and realistic" plans for investment in SsangYong Motor.
Goenka said the Indian carmaker will make a 230 billion-won (US$198 million) investment in SsangYong Motor after obtaining approval from its board during his meetings with SsangYong's union and the KDB chairman, according to the sources.
But Mahindra has said that the fresh cash injection could be made if the KDB extends a fresh loan to SsangYong Motor.
SsangYong Motor has struggled with deteriorating earnings results since 2017, when it shifted to a net loss of 66 billion won from a net profit of 58 billion won the previous year. In 2018, its net losses continued, reaching 62 billion won.
In 2019, SsangYong Motor's annual sales fell 6.5 percent to 132,799 vehicles from 141,995 units in the year-ago period due to lower demand. Earnings results for 2019 will be released in the coming weeks.
SsangYong Motor's lineup is composed of the flagship G4 Rexton, Tivoli, Korando and Rexton Sports.
In March 2011, Mahindra acquired a 70-percent stake in the carmaker in bankruptcy proceedings for 523 billion won as part of its "globalization strategy."
Mahindra currently owns a 74.65-percent stake in SsangYong Motor after two rounds of rights issues worth 130 billion won since 2013.
This file photo provided by SsangYong Motor shows the flagship G4 Rexton SUV. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-17--(2nd LD) BTS unveils single 'Black Swan' in the run-up to official album release next month

`` ( In the song , BTS ) suffers from a fear that the longer it does music , the @ @ @ @ @ them , but the moment the band comes face to face with the 'black swan @ @ @ @ @ , they ironically realize that music is their only thing , '' according to Big @ @

(ATTN: UPDATES with more info in paras 11, 15)
By Park Boram
SEOUL, Jan. 17 (Yonhap) -- K-pop super band BTS on Friday dropped "Black Swan," a track from the band's upcoming "Map of the Soul: 7" album, scheduled for official release next month.
The song hit major South Korean and overseas online music streaming services in the evening ahead of the full release of the fourth full-length album and second "Map of the Soul" album on Feb. 21.
"Black Swan," BTS' exploration of their inner selves as artists, is a continuation of the theme of exploring one's ego, from the 2019 album "Map of the Soul: Persona," inspired by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung's theories.
These images from the art video of BTS' "Black Swan" are provided by Big Hit Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Laced with trap drum beats and lo-fi-style guitar tunes, the echoing emo hip hop song delves into the seven BTS members' meditations on their dedication to music.
Along with the single, BTS released a YouTube video matching the new song, which features a modern dance performance by Slovenia-based MN Dance Company.
The art video is the K-pop band's latest venture to combine pop with modern arts after the band launched art exhibition projects featuring modern fine art creators in London earlier this week in its experimental "Connect, BTS" project as part of the second "Map of the Soul" album release.
"Black Swan" is richer in musical narrative and artistry than BTS' previous songs, inviting the group's devoted fans to the band's famous social message-laden musical journey to discover and love oneself.
"Black Swan" is a confession of BTS as globally sensational artists, according to a specification of the song provided by the band's management agency, Big Hit Entertainment.
The song compares the terrifying moment of the end as an artist that is lurking inside the BTS members to "black swan."
When the members encounter the black swan in their inside, it ironically awakens them to music's true value and meaning, according to Big Hit.
"(In the song, BTS) suffers from a fear that the longer it does music, the less music impresses or thrills them, but the moment the band comes face to face with the 'black swan' deep in their heart, they ironically realize that music is their only thing," according to Big Hit.
The artistic dedication by Martha Graham, a legendary American modern dancer and choreographer, was the key inspiration for the new BTS song.
The iconic dancer's famous statement, "A dancer dies twice -- once when they stop dancing, and this first death is the more painful," was cited in the opening scene of the art video released Friday.
Filmed against the backdrop of a vacant, run-down theater, MN Dance Company's video adds to the song's mystic and meditational air, by bringing up the image of a struggling black swan through movements performed by seven dancers.
This image of the album cover of BTS' "Map of the Soul: 7" is provided by Big Hit Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Within less than three hours of its release, "Black Swan" topped major domestic online music charts, including those by Soribada, Naver Music and Bugs.
A week earlier, BTS released "Interlude: Shadow," a hip hop number performed by member Suga, as the trailer of the band's imminent return to the world stage.
On Feb. 3, BTS is set to release its second trailer, "Eco."
Having scored its third No. 1 on Billboard 200 with its previous album, "Persona," in April last year, the new album is on its way to dazzling the music world and dedicated fans and bringing the band's global sensation one step further.
Pre-orders for the new album have topped 3.42 million copies in the first week since pre-sales began last week, the biggest pre-order volume ever for a South Korean album.
These images from the art video of BTS' "Black Swan" are provided by Big Hit Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-17--(LEAD) S. Korea, U.S. not discussing troops deployment as part of defense cost deal: Seoul envoy

`` We are not talking about troop deployment to the Strait of Hormuz or anything outside the framework of the @ @ @ @ @ Jeong told reporters at Washington 's Dulles International Airport , referring to the allies ' @ @ @ @ @ We are not discussing anything other than those aspects related to our contribution to the @ @ @

(ATTN: CHANGES dateline, lead; ADDS Seoul envoy's remarks upon arrival in Seoul in last 2 paras)
WASHINGTON/SEOUL, Jan. 17 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and the United States are not discussing the possible deployment of South Korean troops to the Middle East in connection with their defense cost-sharing talks, a chief Seoul negotiator has said.
Jeong Eun-bo, South Korea's ambassador to the defense cost-sharing negotiations with the United States, made the remark on Thursday as he departed Washington following a sixth round of talks that ended without an agreement.
He was addressing speculation that the two sides are discussing a South Korean troop deployment to the Strait of Hormuz, in support of U.S. security operations there, to partially offset Washington's demands for a large increase in Seoul's contributions to the cost of stationing 28,500 American troops on the Korean Peninsula.
"We are not talking about troop deployment to the Strait of Hormuz or anything outside the framework of the Special Measures Agreement," Jeong told reporters at Washington's Dulles International Airport, referring to the allies' defense cost-sharing deal. "We are not discussing anything other than those aspects related to our contribution to the alliance."
Jeong Eun-bo, South Korea's ambassador to defense cost-sharing talks with the United States, arrives at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, on Jan. 17, 2020. He flew in from Washington after a sixth round of talks that ended without an agreement. (Yonhap)
Jeong elaborated that in order to receive a "fair evaluation" of its contribution to the alliance, South Korea has been emphasizing its arms purchases from the U.S.
He denied reports, however, that the two sides are discussing specific arms purchases or that South Korea is considering making payments out of the defense ministry's procurements budget to cover some of Washington's demands.
Under the previous SMA, which expired at the end of December, Seoul was required to pay some US$870 million. In addition to higher financial contributions, Washington has sought to expand the SMA's coverage and get Seoul to shoulder the cost of rotational troop deployments to the peninsula.
"We are looking together at how to reach a win-win solution in a creative manner," Jeong said. "We're taking steps toward an agreement, but considering that both sides needs to make concessions for an agreement, I believe that we still need to resolve our differences."
Upon arrival in South Korea on Friday, Jeong reiterated that his country has contributed to enhancing the alliance with the U.S. in many ways, saying that Seoul was "shoulder-to-shoulder" with Washington in the process of resolving international disputes.
He also flatly denied speculation that the defense cost talks may be linked to the issue of possible deployment of Korean troops to the Strait of Hormuz.
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-17--(LEAD) BTS unveils single 'Black Swan' in the run-up to official album release next month

The art video is the K-pop band 's latest venture to combine pop with modern arts after the band launched @ @ @ @ @ fine art creators in London earlier this week in its experimental `` Connect , BTS @ @ @ @ @ the second `` Map of the Soul '' album release .

(ATTN: UPDATES with more info in paras 7-13, 15)
By Park Boram
SEOUL, Jan. 17 (Yonhap) -- K-pop super band BTS on Friday dropped "Black Swan," a track from the band's upcoming "Map of the Soul: 7" album, scheduled for official release next month.
The song hit major South Korean and overseas online music streaming services in the evening ahead of the full release of the fourth full-length album and second "Map of the Soul" album on Feb. 21.
"Black Swan," BTS' exploration of their inner selves as artists, is a continuation of the theme of exploring one's ego, from the 2019 album "Map of the Soul: Persona," inspired by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung's theories.
These images from the art video of BTS' "Black Swan" are provided by Big Hit Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Laced with trap drum beats and lo-fi-style guitar tunes, the echoing emo hip hop song delves into the seven BTS members' meditations on their dedication to music.
Along with the single, BTS released a YouTube video matching the new song, which features a modern dance performance by Slovenia-based MN Dance Company.
The art video is the K-pop band's latest venture to combine pop with modern arts after the band launched art exhibition projects featuring modern fine art creators in London earlier this week in its experimental "Connect, BTS" project as part of the second "Map of the Soul" album release.
"Black Swan" is richer in musical narrative and artistry than BTS' previous songs, inviting the group's devoted fans to the band's famous social message-laden musical journey to discover and love oneself.
"Black Swan" is a confession of BTS as globally sensational artists, according to a specification of the song provided by the band's management agency, Big Hit Entertainment.
The song compares the terrifying moment of the end as an artist that is lurking inside the BTS members to "black swan."
When the members encounter the black swan in their inside, it ironically awakens them to music's true value and meaning, according to Big Hit.
The artistic dedication by Martha Graham, a legendary American modern dancer and choreographer, was the key inspiration for the new BTS song.
The iconic dancer's famous statement, "A dancer dies twice -- once when they stop dancing, and this first death is the more painful," was cited in the opening scene of the art video released Friday.
Filmed against the backdrop of a vacant, run-down theater, MN Dance Company's video adds to the song's mystic and meditational air, by bringing up the image of a struggling black swan through movements performed by seven dancers.
This image of the album cover of BTS' "Map of the Soul: 7" is provided by Big Hit Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
A week earlier, BTS released "Interlude: Shadow," a hip hop number performed by member Suga, as the trailer of the band's imminent return to the world stage.
On Feb. 3, BTS is set to release its second trailer, "Eco."
Having scored its third No. 1 on Billboard 200 with its previous album, "Persona," in April last year, the new album is on its way to dazzling the music world and dedicated fans and bringing the band's global sensation one step further.
Pre-orders for the new album have topped 3.42 million copies in the first week since pre-sales began last week, the biggest pre-order volume ever for a South Korean album.
These images from the art video of BTS' "Black Swan" are provided by Big Hit Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-17--BTS unveils single 'Black Swan' in the run-up to official album release next month

Having scored its third No .
1 on Billboard 200 with its previous album , `` Persona , '' in @ @ @ @ @ new album is on its way to dazzling the music world and dedicated fans and @ @ @ @ @ sensation one step further .

SEOUL, Jan. 17 (Yonhap) -- K-pop super band BTS on Friday dropped "Black Swan," a track from the band's upcoming "Map of the Soul: 7" album, scheduled for official release next month.
The song hit major South Korean and overseas online music streaming services in the evening ahead of the full release of the fourth full-length album and second "Map of the Soul" album on Feb. 21.
"Black Swan," BTS' exploration of their inner selves as artists, is a continuation of the theme of exploring one's ego, from the 2019 album "Map of the Soul: Persona," inspired by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung's theories.
These images from the art video of BTS' "Black Swan" are provided by Big Hit Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Laced with trap drum beats and lo-fi-style guitar tunes, the echoing emo hip hop song delves into the seven BTS members' meditations on their dedication to music.
Along with the single, BTS released a YouTube video matching the new song, which features a modern dance performance by Slovenia-based MN Dance Company.
The art video is the K-pop band's latest venture to combine pop with modern arts after the band launched art exhibition projects featuring modern fine art creators in London earlier this week in its experimental "Connect, BTS" project as part of the second "Map of the Soul" album release.
This image of the album cover of BTS' "Map of the Soul: 7" is provided by Big Hit Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
A week earlier, BTS released "Interlude: Shadow," a hip hop number performed by member Suga, as the trailer of the band's imminent return to the world stage.
Having scored its third No. 1 on Billboard 200 with its previous album, "Persona," in April last year, the new album is on its way to dazzling the music world and dedicated fans and bring the band's global sensation one step further.
Pre-orders for the new album have topped 3.42 million copies in the first week since pre-sales began last week, the biggest pre-order volume ever for a South Korean album.
These images from the art video of BTS' "Black Swan" are provided by Big Hit Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-17--Indonesia releases ship with S. Korean crew members after 100 days of detention

JAKARTA, Jan. 17 (Yonhap) -- Indonesia released a ship carrying South Korean crew members Friday after about 100 days of detention for violating territorial waters, diplomatic sources said.
The Panama-flagged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carrier, named DL Lily, was seized by Indonesia's Navy on Oct. 9. Aboard were a South Korean captain and eight South Korean and eight Indonesian sailors.
The captain got back related documents, including passports, and was granted approval for departure by Indonesian authorities, according to the ship-owning company and South Korea's embassy in Indonesia.
The LPG carrier was en route to Singapore at the time of the seizure. South Korean authorities plan to conduct a probe into the incident when the ship arrives in Singapore on Saturday.
Another South Korean cargo ship, named CH Bella, is still being held in Indonesia on the same charges. The ship that carries four South Koreans and 19 Indonesians was seized last week.
"We are closely cooperating with Indonesia's Navy over the issue," said a military attache in South Korea's embassy in Indonesia.
(END)


yna--2020-01-17--(LEAD) Ex-Justice Minister Cho Kuk indicted in ex-vice mayor's bribery case

In late December , a Seoul court denied the prosecution 's request for an arrest warrant for Cho , saying @ @ @ @ @ been established , there is no concern the suspect will destroy evidence or flee .

(ATTN: ADDS more details in paras 2, 9-13)
SEOUL, Jan. 17 (Yonhap) -- Former Justice Minister and senior presidential secretary Cho Kuk was indicted Friday over his suspected role in ending an inspection into bribery allegations involving a former Busan vice mayor.
The Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors Office said it has indicted Cho on charges of power abuse, without detention.
The prosecutors office said Cho inappropriately ordered the suspension of an inspection into former Busan Vice Mayor Yoo Jae-soo, obstructing the inspection activities and breaching the inspection and human resources authority of the Financial Services Commission (FSC).
This file photo shows former Justice Minister Cho Kuk. (Yonhap)
Prosecutors have been looking into suspicions that presidential officials deliberately closed an inquiry into bribery allegations against the former Busan vice mayor.
Yoo, former deputy mayor of economic affairs in the southeastern port city, was indicted and detained for accepting bribes worth 49.5 million won (US$42,728) during his term at the state financial regulator FSC.
While Yoo was under surveillance by Cheong Wa Dae's special inspection team in 2017, supervised by then-civil affairs office chief Cho, he avoided punishment despite suspected bribery.
In 2018, Yoo became Busan's vice mayor.
The development raised suspicions that some presidential officials may have engaged in a cover-up of the bribery case.
In late December, a Seoul court denied the prosecution's request for an arrest warrant for Cho, saying that although the charges have been established, there is no concern the suspect will destroy evidence or flee.
As for the indictment, Cho said he will defend himself in court.
"I will thoroughly fight over the issue of my legal responsibility, based on facts and legal principles," Cho wrote on his Facebook account.
The prosecution indicted Cho last month on multiple separate charges, including bribery, in connection with alleged financial and academic wrongdoings involving his family.
Cho said Friday that he has no legal responsibility for Yoo's bribery case and his family-related allegations, but he shares "political and ethical" accountability for the cases.
This file photo shows former Busan Vice Mayor Yoo Jae-soo. (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-17--(4th LD) S. Korea says U.S. ambassador's remarks on inter-Korean ties 'very inappropriate'

Asked if Seoul could consider easing the sanctions it imposed in 2010 for the North 's deadly attack on a @ @ @ @ @ for individual tours , the ministry spokesperson said that previous governments took a flexible approach @ @ @ @ @ to facilitate exchanges between the two Koreas .

(ATTN: ADDS U.S. embassy spokesperson's comment in paras 4-5)
SEOUL, Jan. 17 (Yonhap) -- The office of President Moon Jae-in openly reproached U.S. Ambassador Harry Harris for his remark on Moon's stated plans to resume inter-Korean cooperation, calling it "very inappropriate."
"It's very inappropriate for the ambassador to make such a mention for media over remarks by the president of the hosting nation," a Cheong Wa Dae official told reporters.
The official stressed that inter-Korean cooperation is a matter to be decided by the South Korean government, although Seoul is "always" in close consultation with Washington in making constant efforts for substantive progress in inter-Korean ties and the early resumption of dialogue between the United States and North Korea.
A spokesperson at the U.S. Embassy declined to comment directly on the presidential aide's remarks.
"We are aware of the comment," he told Yonhap News Agency. "We have nothing to offer at this time, and would refer you to Ambassador Harris' recent public comments."
Harris reportedly urged Seoul to hold prior consultations with Washington in its pursuit of allowing its nationals to make "individual" tours of Mount Kumgang on North Korea's east coast.
It's "better" to run such an issue "through the working group" to avoid "misunderstandings" that might trigger sanctions, he reportedly told a group of foreign reporters here, referring to a working-level consultation channel between the allies on North Korea affairs.
His remarks were viewed by many as a thinly veiled warning and an attempt to put pressure on the Moon administration as it seeks to jump-start inter-Korean projects that are unaffected by U.N. sanctions on the communist neighbor in a bid to help facilitate Pyongyang-Washington nuclear talks.
The Ministry of Unification in charge of inter-Korean affairs earlier gave a terse response to the envoy's call as well.
"Our policy with regard to North Korea comes under our sovereignty," Lee Sang-min, the unification ministry's spokesperson, said in a regular press briefing. "The U.S. has repeatedly made it clear through diverse channels that it respects South Korea's sovereignty related to its North Korea policy."
Asked if Seoul could consider easing the sanctions it imposed in 2010 for the North's deadly attack on a South Korean corvette to allow for individual tours, the ministry spokesperson said that previous governments took a flexible approach in their enforcement when necessary to facilitate exchanges between the two Koreas.
As for the North's repeated demand for the removal of South Korean-built facilities at Mount Kumgang, he added that relevant government agencies are working together to draw up "practical" measures.
Sul Hoon, a four-term lawmaker of the ruling Democratic Party (DP), expressed "grave regret" over the ambassador's talk of sanctions in response to the government's efforts to improve inter-Korean ties.
"Such comments, like interference in domestic affairs, are not helpful to the alliance relationship," Sul said during a meeting of senior party officials at the National Assembly.
He stressed that private tourism, which is immune from international sanctions, could serve as a "breakthrough" amid the stalemate in North Korea-U.S. dialogue and the hiatus in inter-Korean talks.
Another DP heavyweight condemned Harris, likening his attitude to that of a "governor general" in the colonial era. Korea was a colony of Japan from 1910 to 1945.
"It's good to express his personal view, but if South Korea follows whatever a foreign ambassador says, he or she would be like a 'governor general' of the Japanese colonial government of Korea," Rep. Song Young-gil told a local radio program.
The four-term lawmaker, who serves as chairman of the party's special committee on peace and cooperation in Northeast Asia, accused Harris of making "rather reckless" comments that are not suitable for his ambassadorial job.
The lawmaker said he thinks Harris, a retired four-star admiral, is a little unfamiliar with diplomacy.
A progressive South Korean civic group member holds a sign reading, "Harris, shut your mouth," in front of the U.S. Embassy building in Seoul on Jan. 17, 2020. (Yonhap)
South Korea is looking into the possibility of individual tours to North Korea as part of efforts to expand cross-border exchanges.
While calling for the expansion of such exchanges during a press conference for the new year on Tuesday, Moon cited individual tours to the North as a possible route to take regardless of international sanctions on Pyongyang.
U.S. officials in Washington D.C. expressed reservations about Moon's initiative, with both the State Department and the White House National Security Council stressing the importance of carrying out sanctions.
On Thursday, government sources said that North Korea has demanded South Korea remove its facilities at the mountain resort by the end of February.
In October, North Korea asked the South to tear down all its Mount Kumgang facilities in a bid to end a long-suspended joint tour program to the mountain and build an international tourist destination of its own.
Pyongyang has rejected Seoul's offers for face-to-face talks to discuss the fate of the resort, insisting on discussions through exchanges of documents.
kokobj@yna.co.kr
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-17--(LAD) Moon urges 'tangible' results from New Northern Policy this year

Kwon briefed the president on the committee 's core strategy this year after the government made major achievements in its @ @ @ @ @ , highlighted by the successful hosting of a special group summit with the ASEAN member @ @ @ @ @ city of Busan , Han said .

(ATTN: UPDATES with press briefing in paras 6-7)
SEOUL, Jan. 17 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in called Friday for all-out efforts to pull off "tangible" accomplishments from his administration's New Northern Policy aimed at improving South Korea's partnerships with Russia and other countries located north of the peninsula.
He made the comment while receiving a briefing from Kwon Goo-hoon, chairman of the Presidential Committee on Northern Economic Cooperation, on the panel's major policy goals this year.
Moon launched the body weeks after taking office in May 2017 to spearhead a diplomatic campaign to strengthen economic and other cooperation with nations in the northern region, including those in Eurasia.
In 2020, South Korea celebrates the 30th anniversary of establishing its diplomatic relations with Russia and Mongolia.
Moon described it as "quite a good opportunity" that will rarely come again, according to Cheong Wa Dae's deputy spokesman Han Jung-woo.
In a press briefing later, Han said the presidential panel has designated 2020 as "the year of new northern cooperation" in a show of its determination to produce substantive results in Seoul's push for upgrading relations with the countries.
He did not elaborate, however, saying details of what was discussed in the session are related to the "national interest."
An image of President Moon Jae-in provided by Yonhap News TV (Yonhap)
Kwon briefed the president on the committee's core strategy this year after the government made major achievements in its New Southern Policy in 2019, highlighted by the successful hosting of a special group summit with the ASEAN member states in the southern port city of Busan, Han said.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

SEOUL -- Three children of a former chairman of Semo Group , which was involved in the operation of the @ @ @ @ @ South Korea 's southwestern coast in 2014 , were ordered by a local court Friday @ @ @ @ @ the state funds spent to deal with the ferry sinking .

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Friday.
----------------
(3rd LD) S. Korea says U.S. ambassador's remarks on inter-Korean ties 'very inappropriate'
SEOUL -- The office of President Moon Jae-in openly reproached U.S. Ambassador Harry Harris for his remark on Moon's stated plans to resume inter-Korean cooperation, calling it "very inappropriate."
"It's very inappropriate for the ambassador to make such a mention for media over remarks by the president of the hosting nation," a Cheong Wa Dae official told reporters.
----------------
Ex-Justice Minister Cho Kuk indicted in ex-vice mayor's bribery case
SEOUL -- Former Justice Minister and senior presidential secretary Cho Kuk was indicted Friday over his suspected role in ending an inspection into bribery allegations involving a former Busan vice mayor.
The Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors Office said it has indicted Cho on charges of power abuse.
----------------
(4th LD) BOK stands pat, previous cuts and improving conditions in focus
SEOUL -- As widely expected, South Korea's central bank on Friday left its policy rate frozen, citing slight improvements in the economic and trade conditions facing Asia's fourth-largest economy and the need to assess the effect of previous rate cuts.
The Bank of Korea (BOK)'s monetary policy board voted 5 to 2 to keep the rate steady at a record low 1.25 percent.
----------------
(Movie Review) 'The Man Standing Next' chronicles 1979 presidential assassination
SEOUL -- On Oct. 26, 1979, two gunshots changed modern Korean history. President Park Chung-hee, who had been in power for 18 years, was assassinated by Kim Jae-gyu, then director of the Korean Central Intelligence Agency (KCIA) and considered No. 2 in the regime.
Park, who took the helm through a military coup in 1961, had sought to stay in power for good but lost his life to his most trusted and closest confidant and a key member of the military maneuver 18 years ago.
----------------
(LEAD) Seoul stocks hit 15-month high on positive BOK note, Samsung
SEOUL -- South Korean stocks rose for the second consecutive day Friday to hit a 15-month high on a rosy economic outlook for Asia's fourth-largest economy and a rally by Samsung Electronics. The South Korean won gained ground against the U.S. dollar.
After choppy trading, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 2.52 points, or 0.11 percent, to close at 2,250.57, its highest level since Oct. 8, 2018. Trade volume was moderate at 568 million shares worth 5.2 trillion won (US$4.5 billion), with losers outnumbering gainers 448 to 354.
----------------
Ex-Semo chairman's family ordered to pay 70 pct of state expenses on Sewol ferry disaster
SEOUL -- Three children of a former chairman of Semo Group, which was involved in the operation of the Sewol ferry that sank off South Korea's southwestern coast in 2014, were ordered by a local court Friday to cover 70 percent of the state funds spent to deal with the ferry sinking.
The Seoul Central District Court ordered former Semo Group Chairman Yoo Byung-eun's three children -- 53-year-old daughter Yoo Sum-na, 51-year-old daughter Yoo Sang-na and 47-year-old son Yoo Hyuk-ki -- to pay a total of 170 billion won (US$147 million) to the state.
----------------
(END)


yna--2020-01-17--Ex-Semo chairman's family ordered to pay 70 pct of state expenses on Sewol ferry disaster

The state , which had incurred various expenses to handle the tragic ferry sinking , including financial compensation for victims @ @ @ @ @ Special Law , filed an indemnity suit against the family of the late Semo Group @ @ @ @ @ Marine Co. , the shipping company that owned the Sewol ferry , claiming that they @ @ @ @ @ sinking and thus must pay compensation of 421.3 billion won .

SEOUL, Jan. 17 (Yonhap) -- Three children of a former chairman of Semo Group, which was involved in the operation of the Sewol ferry that sank off South Korea's southwestern coast in 2014, were ordered by a local court Friday to cover 70 percent of the state funds spent to deal with the ferry sinking.
The Seoul Central District Court ordered former Semo Group Chairman Yoo Byung-eun's three children -- 53-year-old daughter Yoo Sum-na, 51-year-old daughter Yoo Sang-na and 47-year-old son Yoo Hyuk-ki -- to pay a total of 170 billion won (US$147 million) to the state.
The funds are related to the government spending on passenger search and rescue, compensation for victims, funerals and medical treatment of injured passengers.
The state, which had incurred various expenses to handle the tragic ferry sinking, including financial compensation for victims, under the Sewol Ferry Special Law, filed an indemnity suit against the family of the late Semo Group chairman and shareholders of Cheonghaejin Marine Co., the shipping company that owned the Sewol ferry, claiming that they are responsible for the ferry sinking and thus must pay compensation of 421.3 billion won.
The special law stipulates that the state can exercise a right to indemnity against those blamed for the ferry sinking.
The 6,800-ton Sewol ferry sank off the southwestern island of Jindo on April 16, 2014, claiming 304 lives, mostly high school students on a school trip to Jeju Island, in one of the country's worst maritime disasters. Former Semo Group chairman Yoo was found dead on a countryside farm in June of the same year. Cheonghaejin Marine was affiliated with Semo.
The Seoul court ruled that the former Semo chairman was one of the contributors in the ferry sinking, saying he exerted influence on Cheonghaejin Marine through equity holdings, played a role in the appointment and dismissal of its chief executives and approved remodeling of the Sewol ferry.
Cheonghaejin Marine's executives and employees committed illegal acts by neglecting the ferry's overloading and other problematic practices and Yoo neglected his surveillance and supervision despite being aware of such problems, it said.
But the court limited the scope of the Yoo family's responsibility to 372.3 billion won spent by the state for its rescue and search operations, compensation for victims, funeral services and medical treatment of the injured ferry passengers.
The court ruled that the Yoo family is responsible for 70 percent, or 260.6 billion won, of the state expenditures, noting an inefficient rescue operation by the Coast Guard and the Korea Shipping Association's poor supervision of the ferry operator were also blamed for the tragedy.
It then said the late Yoo's son and daughters should evenly share the 206.6 billion won compensation to the state. Excluding a deduction from the Korea Shipping Association, the actual sum to be paid by the three amounts to about 170 billion won.
Yoo Dae-hyun, the 49-year-old eldest son of the late Semo chairman, was also named as a defendant in the indemnity suit but was excluded from the compensation order because he had legitimately relinquished his inheritance, according to the court.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-17--(LEAD) Seoul stocks hit 15-month high on positive BOK note, Samsung

`` Solid U.S. economic data also brought positive effects to the local index .
However , there will be attempts @ @ @ @ @ profits , '' Seo Sang-young , an analyst at Kiwoom Securities , said .

(ATTN: ADDS photo and bond yields at bottom)
SEOUL, Jan. 17 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks rose for the second consecutive day Friday to hit a 15-month high on a rosy economic outlook for Asia's fourth-largest economy and a rally by Samsung Electronics. The South Korean won gained ground against the U.S. dollar.
After choppy trading, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 2.52 points, or 0.11 percent, to close at 2,250.57, its highest level since Oct. 8, 2018. Trade volume was moderate at 568 million shares worth 5.2 trillion won (US$4.5 billion), with losers outnumbering gainers 448 to 354.
An electronic signboard at KEB Hana Bank in Seoul shows the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) up 0.11 percent to close at 2,250.57 points on Jan. 16, 2020. (Yonhap)
Foreigners and individuals scooped up a net 94.7 billion won and 185.7 billion won, respectively. Meanwhile, institutions offloaded a net 298.7 billion won.
The index opened sharply higher after U.S. stocks shot to fresh record highs as investors digested the latest corporate earnings reports.
Investor sentiment was boosted by an upbeat assessment of economic conditions by the Bank of Korea, which left its policy rate steady at a record low of 1.25 percent.
But weaker-than-expected economic growth in China limited further gains. China's economy grew 6.1 percent last year, the slowest expansion in 29 years.
The index trimmed some early gains after the momentum caused by a preliminary trade deal between the United States and China partially disappeared.
"Solid U.S. economic data also brought positive effects to the local index. However, there will be attempts by investors to bank recent profits," Seo Sang-young, an analyst at Kiwoom Securities, said.
In Seoul, large-cap shares were mixed.
Top cap Samsung Electronics was up 0.99 percent to end at an all-time high of 61,300 won on a rosy outlook for the chip industry. Meanwhile, No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix lost 0.2 percent to close at 99,000 won.
Auto shares were also mixed. Leading automaker Hyundai Motor was unchanged at 118,500 won, and auto parts maker Hyundai Mobis was down 0.6 percent at 248,000 won. Meanwhile, Hyundai's smaller sister company, Kia Motors, was 0.61 percent up at 41,400 won.
Major pharmaceutical firm Celltrion fell 3.05 percent to 175,000 after jumping more than 3 percent a session earlier. Meanwhile, Samsung BioLogics, a bio affiliate of Samsung Group, gained 0.11 percent to end at 437,000 won.
The local currency closed at 1,159.4 to the U.S. greenback, up 1.7 won from the previous session's close.
Bond prices, which move inversely to yields, closed lower. The yield on three-year Treasurys added 0.7 basis point to stand at 1.433 percent, and the return on the benchmark five-year government bond was up 1.7 basis points to reach 1.553 percent.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-17--(3rd LD) S. Korea says U.S. ambassador's remarks on inter-Korean ties 'very inappropriate'

(ATTN: UPDATES lead paras with Cheong Wa Dae's response; RECASTS headline)
SEOUL, Jan. 17 (Yonhap) -- The office of President Moon Jae-in openly reproached U.S. Ambassador Harry Harris for his remark on Moon's stated plans to resume inter-Korean cooperation, calling it "very inappropriate."
"It's very inappropriate for the ambassador to make such a mention for media over remarks by the president of the hosting nation," a Cheong Wa Dae official told reporters.
The official stressed that inter-Korean cooperation is a matter to be decided by the South Korean government, although Seoul is "always" in close consultation with Washington in making constant efforts for substantive progress in inter-Korean ties and the early resumption of dialogue between the United States and North Korea.
Harris reportedly urged Seoul to hold prior consultations with Washington in its pursuit of allowing its nationals to make "individual" tours of Mount Kumgang on North Korea's east coast.
It's "better" to run such an issue "through the working group" to avoid "misunderstandings" that might trigger sanctions, he reportedly told a group of foreign reporters here, referring to a working-level consultation channel between the allies on North Korea affairs.
His remarks were viewed by many as a thinly veiled warning and an attempt to put pressure on the Moon administration as it seeks to jump-start inter-Korean projects that are unaffected by U.N. sanctions on the communist neighbor in a bid to help facilitate Pyongyang-Washington nuclear talks.
The Ministry of Unification in charge of inter-Korean affairs earlier gave a terse response to the envoy's call as well.
"Our policy with regard to North Korea comes under our sovereignty," Lee Sang-min, the unification ministry's spokesperson, said in a regular press briefing. "The U.S. has repeatedly made it clear through diverse channels that it respects South Korea's sovereignty related to its North Korea policy."
Asked if Seoul could consider easing the sanctions it imposed in 2010 for the North's deadly attack on a South Korean corvette to allow for individual tours, the ministry spokesperson said that previous governments took a flexible approach in their enforcement when necessary to facilitate exchanges between the two Koreas.
As for the North's repeated demand for the removal of South Korean-built facilities at Mount Kumgang, he added that relevant government agencies are working together to draw up "practical" measures.
Sul Hoon, a four-term lawmaker of the ruling Democratic Party (DP), expressed "grave regret" over the ambassador's talk of sanctions in response to the government's efforts to improve inter-Korean ties.
"Such comments, like interference in domestic affairs, are not helpful to the alliance relationship," Sul said during a meeting of senior party officials at the National Assembly.
He stressed that private tourism, which is immune from international sanctions, could serve as a "breakthrough" amid the stalemate in North Korea-U.S. dialogue and the hiatus in inter-Korean talks.
Another DP heavyweight condemned Harris, likening his attitude to that of a "governor general" in the colonial era. Korea was a colony of Japan from 1910 to 1945.
"It's good to express his personal view, but if South Korea follows whatever a foreign ambassador says, he or she would be like a 'governor general' of the Japanese colonial government of Korea," Rep. Song Young-gil told a local radio program.
The four-term lawmaker, who serves as chairman of the party's special committee on peace and cooperation in Northeast Asia, accused Harris of making "rather reckless" comments that are not suitable for his ambassadorial job.
The lawmaker said he thinks Harris, a retired four-star admiral, is a little unfamiliar with diplomacy.
A progressive South Korean civic group member holds a sign reading, "Harris, shut your mouth," in front of the U.S. Embassy building in Seoul on Jan. 17, 2020. (Yonhap)
South Korea is looking into the possibility of individual tours to North Korea as part of efforts to expand cross-border exchanges.
While calling for the expansion of such exchanges during a press conference for the new year on Tuesday, Moon cited individual tours to the North as a possible route to take regardless of international sanctions on Pyongyang.
U.S. officials in Washington D.C. expressed reservations about Moon's initiative, with both the State Department and the White House National Security Council stressing the importance of carrying out sanctions.
On Thursday, government sources said that North Korea has demanded South Korea remove its facilities at the mountain resort by the end of February.
In October, North Korea asked the South to tear down all its Mount Kumgang facilities in a bid to end a long-suspended joint tour program to the mountain and build an international tourist destination of its own.
Pyongyang has rejected Seoul's offers for face-to-face talks to discuss the fate of the resort, insisting on discussions through exchanges of documents.
kokobj@yna.co.kr
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-17--S. Korean Bond Yields on Jan. 17, 2020

S. Korean Bond Yields on Jan. 17, 2020

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


yna--2020-01-17--Ex-Justice Minister Cho Kuk indicted in ex-vice mayor's bribery case

The prosecutors office said Cho inappropriately ordered the suspension of an inspection into former Busan Vice Mayor Yoo Jae-soo , @ @ @ @ @ breaching the inspection and human resources authority of the Financial Services Commission ( FSC ) @

SEOUL, Jan. 17 (Yonhap) -- Former Justice Minister and senior presidential secretary Cho Kuk was indicted Friday over his suspected role in ending an inspection into bribery allegations involving a former Busan vice mayor.
The Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors Office said it has indicted Cho on charges of power abuse.
The prosecutors office said Cho inappropriately ordered the suspension of an inspection into former Busan Vice Mayor Yoo Jae-soo, obstructing the inspection activities and breaching the inspection and human resources authority of the Financial Services Commission (FSC).
This file photo shows former Justice Minister Cho Kuk. (Yonhap)
Prosecutors have been looking into suspicions that presidential officials deliberately closed an inquiry into bribery allegations against the former Busan vice mayor.
Yoo, former deputy mayor of economic affairs in the southeastern port city, was indicted and detained for accepting bribes worth 49.5 million won (US$42,728) during his term at the state financial regulator FSC.
While Yoo was under surveillance by Cheong Wa Dae's special inspection team in 2017, supervised by then-civil affairs office chief Cho, he avoided punishment despite suspected bribery.
In 2018, Yoo became Busan's vice mayor.
The development raised suspicions that some presidential officials may have engaged in a cover-up of the bribery case.
This file photo shows former Busan Vice Mayor Yoo Jae-soo. (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-17--(URGENT) Cheong Wa Dae says Amb. Harris' remarks on President Moon's plan for inter-Korean cooperati

(URGENT) Cheong Wa Dae says Amb. Harris' remarks on President Moon's plan for inter-Korean cooperation 'very inappropriate'


yna--2020-01-17--Seoul stocks hit 15-month high on positive BOK note, Samsung

SEOUL, Jan. 17 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks rose for the second consecutive day Friday to hit a 15-month high on a rosy economic outlook for Asia's fourth-largest economy and a rally by Samsung Electronics. The South Korean won gained ground against the U.S. dollar.
After choppy trading, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 2.52 points, or 0.11 percent, to close at 2,250.57, its highest level since Oct. 8, 2018. Trade volume was moderate at 568 million shares worth 5.2 trillion won (US$4.5 billion), with losers outnumbering gainers 448 to 354.
Foreigners and individuals scooped up a net 94.7 billion won and 185.7 billion won, respectively. Meanwhile, institutions offloaded a net 298.7 billion won.
The index opened sharply higher after U.S. stocks shot to fresh record highs as investors digested the latest corporate earnings reports.
Investor sentiment was boosted by an upbeat assessment of economic conditions by the Bank of Korea, which left its policy rate steady at a record low of 1.25 percent.
But weaker-than-expected economic growth in China limited further gains. China's economy grew 6.1 percent last year, the slowest expansion in 29 years.
The index trimmed some early gains after the momentum caused by a preliminary trade deal between the United States and China partially disappeared.
"Solid U.S. economic data also brought positive effects to the local index. However, there will be attempts by investors to bank recent profits," Seo Sang-young, an analyst at Kiwoom Securities, said.
In Seoul, large-cap shares were mixed.
Top cap Samsung Electronics was up 0.99 percent to end at an all-time high of 61,300 won on a rosy outlook for the chip industry. Meanwhile, No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix lost 0.2 percent to close at 99,000 won.
Auto shares were also mixed. Leading automaker Hyundai Motor was unchanged at 118,500 won, and auto parts maker Hyundai Mobis was down 0.6 percent at 248,000 won. Meanwhile, Hyundai's smaller sister company, Kia Motors, was 0.61 percent up at 41,400 won.
Major pharmaceutical firm Celltrion fell 3.05 percent to 175,000 after jumping more than 3 percent a session earlier. Meanwhile, Samsung BioLogics, a bio affiliate of Samsung Group, gained 0.11 percent to end at 437,000 won.
The local currency closed at 1,159.4 to the U.S. greenback, up 1.7 won from the previous session's close.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-18--(EDITORIAL from Korea JoongAng Daily on Jan. 18)

More baffling is a rush of high-level officials under investigation by the prosecution .
For instance , Hwang Un-ha , @ @ @ @ @ Metropolitan Police , is running even though he is accused of abusing his power to @ @ @ @ @ mayoral race following an order from the Blue House .
Youn Kun-young , director of @ @ @ @ @ Monitoring Office at the Blue House , is also running .
If they are under @ @ @ @ @ their criminal offenses , they must not run .

An ugly rush
A fierce battle is being waged by political parties to win the April 15 parliamentary election after the deadline for public officials to resign from their posts passed. The ruling Democratic Party (DP), in particular, is fueling competition by ordering all its members in the government or public corporations to be "mobilized." The DP behaves as if its election victory is the only thing that matters.
One third of the DP's preliminary candidates are former minister-level officials from the central government, secretaries in the Blue House, or heads of public corporations or local governments. This is unprecedented. Kim Kyung-wook, a former vice minister of the Ministry of Land and Infrastructure, stepped down in December — after only seven months in office — despite his responsibility to settle disputes over the introduction of van-hailing service Tada.
As a result of this stampede to the hustings, empty seats are plenty in the public sector. Kim Sung-ju, former chairman of the board of the National Pension Service, resigned 10 months early, and Lee Sang-jik, chairman of the Korea SMEs and Startup Agency, also stepped down to run. They cannot avoid the growing public suspicion that they took their jobs only to run in this election — not to fulfill their original mission.
More baffling is a rush of high-level officials under investigation by the prosecution. For instance, Hwang Un-ha, former head of the Ulsan Metropolitan Police, is running even though he is accused of abusing his power to meddle in the city's mayoral race following an order from the Blue House. Youn Kun-young, director of the State Affairs Planning and Monitoring Office at the Blue House, is also running. If they are under investigation because of suspicions of their criminal offenses, they must not run.
Another heated battle is being waged on the campaign promise front. The DP came up with the catchphrase "Free use of Wi-Fi for all!" to get votes from the young generation. The splinter opposition Justice Party took that a step further. It pledged to offer 30 million won ($25,900) in cash to all 20-year-olds to help them get a better start in life.
The main opposition Liberty Korea Party (LKP) presented commitments to stop the government's plan to phase out nuclear reactors, dismantle an extra law enforcement agency aimed at probing corruption by high government officials, and end the Moon Jae-in administration's scheme to put a price cap on new apartment offerings — all in a bid to restore a market economy and fundamental values of democracy.
Given its slowed growth, ultralow birthrates and a lack of jobs for the young, Korea is like the frog in a pot of water — with the water temperature rising rapidly. Yet our political parties present flowery campaign pledges. If they are engrossed in populism to snatch an election victory, our economy will be doomed. The decision is up to voters.
(END)


yna--2020-01-18--(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on Jan. 18)

(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on Jan. 18)

Now the question is whether the Kim regime will accept the South 's would-be proposal which is different from group @ @ @ @ @ tourism project .
The North had called for the resumption of the project which was @ @ @ @ @ South Korean tourist was shot dead by a North Korean guard .
Last October it @ @ @ @ @ permanently as the South failed to meet its demand due to the international sanctions .

Individual tours to North
Seoul, Washington should overcome differences in inter-Korean issues
The Moon Jae-in government is considering allowing South Koreans to travel to North Korea on an individual basis. The move is designed to promote inter-Korean cooperation and exchanges amid the stalled dialogue not only between Seoul and Pyongyang, but also between Washington and Pyongyang.
In a New Year's press conference Tuesday, President Moon floated the idea of individual tours to the North. The government is now studying ways of allowing South Koreans to travel to the North via a third country such as China if they obtain a visa from Pyongyang. Currently individual tours are available only for South Koreans with permanent overseas resident status.
The envisioned measure reflects Seoul's position that it cannot wait for Washington and Pyongyang to resume their talks which have been in limbo since the failure of the February 2019 summit between President Donald Trump and Chairman Kim Jong-un. Moon is apparently worried that his policy of active engagement with the North may falter further if the denuclearization talks slide into a prolonged impasse.
In this situation, allowing individual tours to the North appears to be a realistic step to move inter-Korean reconciliation and peace forward. If things goes well, enhanced cooperation and exchanges between the two Korea could hopefully lead to the resumption of the nuclear talks between Washington and Pyongyang. Officials said individual tours are not affected by U.N. sanctions on the North.
Now the question is whether the Kim regime will accept the South's would-be proposal which is different from group tours under the Mount Geumgang tourism project. The North had called for the resumption of the project which was suspended in 2008 after a South Korean tourist was shot dead by a North Korean guard. Last October it threatened to end the project permanently as the South failed to meet its demand due to the international sanctions.
Some North Korea experts say that Pyongyang may not accommodate individual tours by South Koreans, considering its hardened stance toward both Seoul and Washington. If the North accepts the proposal, there would be many thorny issues to be tackled.
Also at stake is the U.S.'s firm stance on "maximum pressure" and sanctions against the North. The Trump administration wants to ensure that the pace of inter-Korean detente should be in lockstep with the progress of the North's nuclear disarmament. Such a position could cause a dispute between Seoul and Washington.
U.S. Ambassador to Seoul Harry Harris touched off a controversy Thursday by calling on the South to consult closely with America about its inter-Korean exchange plans, including individual tours to the North. He certainly meant that such consultations are necessary to avoid any "misunderstanding" about Seoul's plans for engagement with Pyongyang.
But his remarks infuriated some South Korean lawmakers and officials. Rep. Song Young-gil of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea denounced him for trying to serve as "governor general." Lee Sang-min, spokesman of the Ministry of Unification, said Seoul's inter-Korean policy was a matter of sovereignty. The presidential office also condemned Harris for making "very inappropriate remarks."
It is disappointing to see the conflict taking place between the allies over the issue. We hope both sides will narrow their differences and step up collaboration in dealing with the North.
(END)


yna--2020-01-18--Top headlines in major S. Korean newspapers

Korean-language dailies -- Gov't says individual tours to N. Korea a matter of S. Korea 's sovereignty ( Kyunghyang Shinmun @ @ @ @ @ Harris ' remark inappropriate , S. Korea-U.S. in dissonance ( Kookmin Daily ) -- Ruling @ @ @ @ @ office criticize Harris in unison , S. Korea-U.S. ties face cold front ( Donga llbo @ @ @ @ @ visa-based trip to N. Korea via 3rd country ( Segye Times ) -- Ruling party @ @ @ @ @ launch full-scale criticism on U.S. ambassador ( Chosun Ilbo ) -- Ruling party , gov't @ @ @ @ @ ( JoongAng Ilbo ) -- Ruling party , gov't , presidential office lash out at @ @ @ @ @ , confirm will to carry out individual tours to N.K .
( Hankyoreh ) -- @ @ @ @ @ remark was 'very inappropriate ' in public warning ( Hankook Ilbo ) -- S. Korea @ @ @ @ @ individual tours to N. Korea ( Maeil Business Newspaper ) -- 5G , AI push @ @ @ @ @ industry ( Korea Economic Daily )

SEOUL, Jan. 18 (Yonhap) -- The following are the top headlines in major South Korean newspapers on Jan. 18.
Korean-language dailies
-- Gov't says individual tours to N. Korea a matter of S. Korea's sovereignty (Kyunghyang Shinmun)
-- Presidential office calls Harris' remark inappropriate, S. Korea-U.S. in dissonance (Kookmin Daily)
-- Ruling party, gov't, presidential office criticize Harris in unison, S. Korea-U.S. ties face cold front (Donga llbo)
-- Gov't mulls allowing visa-based trip to N. Korea via 3rd country (Segye Times)
-- Ruling party, gov't, presidential office launch full-scale criticism on U.S. ambassador (Chosun Ilbo)
-- Ruling party, gov't, presidential office slam Harris (JoongAng Ilbo)
-- Ruling party, gov't, presidential office lash out at Harris' remark in unison, confirm will to carry out individual tours to N.K. (Hankyoreh)
-- Presidential office says Harris' remark was 'very inappropriate' in public warning (Hankook Ilbo)
-- S. Korea, U.S. collide head-on over individual tours to N. Korea (Maeil Business Newspaper)
-- 5G, AI push return of boom in semiconductor industry (Korea Economic Daily)
English-language dailies
-- Blue House vents ire at Harris (Korea JoongAng Daily)
-- Seoul seeking own way to contribute security in Hormuz (Korea Times)
(END)


Saturday's weather forecast

SEOUL , Jan. 18 ( Yonhap ) -- The following is the weather forecast for South Korea 's 12 major @ @ @ @ @ .


yna--2020-01-18--Jeju to introduce reservation system for Mount Halla hikers

Indeed , the number of visitors to the five Mount Halla trails reached a record 1.25 million in 2015 after @ @ @ @ @ .
The visitor numbers have fluctuated since then , ranging from 1.06 million in 2016 @ @ @ @ @ but the proper capacity has already been exceeded , triggering growing calls for regulating the @ @ @ @

JEJU, South Korea, Jan. 18 (Yonhap) -- Hikers wanting to climb to the top of Mount Halla, South Korea's highest mountain on Jeju Island, will be required to book a visit in advance, starting next month, Jeju's provincial government said Saturday.
The Jeju government said it plans to enforce a pilot reservation system for hikers and tourists hoping to reach the 1,950-meter-high Baekrokdam, a crater lake on Halla, from February to December this year to better protect its ecology and prevent environmental pollution.
There are currently five major climbing courses on Mount Halla -- Seongpanak Trail, Gwaneumsa Trail, Eorimok Trail, Yeongsil Trail and Donnaeko Trail.
This photo provided by the Korea Forest Research Institute shows a snow-covered Baekrokdam on top of Mount Halla on Jeju Island. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Of them, the Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa trails, the only two courses leading directly to Baekrokdam, will be affected by the reservation system, the provincial government said.
Under the new policy, only 1,000 visitors a day will be permitted to access Seongpanak Trail, the longest and gentlest trail that takes three to four hours one way, and 500 visitors for Gwaneumsa Trail, a steep but scenic trail.
Reservations for the two trails can be made online or by phone on a first-come, first-served basis. The three other trails will remain open to all hikers.
The provincial government said the reservation system is being introduced, as the scenic Jeju mountain's ecology and environment have been threatened by a rapid growth in hikers and tourists. Congestion on mountain roads and a severe shortage of parking space have also caused headaches for the authorities.
Indeed, the number of visitors to the five Mount Halla trails reached a record 1.25 million in 2015 after topping 1 million in 2000. The visitor numbers have fluctuated since then, ranging from 1.06 million in 2016 to 840,000 last year, but the proper capacity has already been exceeded, triggering growing calls for regulating the number of visitors.
The Jeju government said it will formally implement the reservation system for Halla hikers next year after the 11-month pilot period.
In addition to the reservation system, the government will push to build a large transfer parking lot for Halla hikers at the foot of the mountain.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-18--U.S.-China trade deal 'hiatus' rather than resolution: report

`` From a macroeconomic perspective , S & P Global Ratings continues to believe the secondary effects of the tariff @ @ @ @ @ , the steps being taken to resolve it -- on the economy and borrowers we @ @ @ @ @ the near-term direct effects , '' it said .

SEOUL, Jan. 18 (Yonhap) -- The so-called "Phase One" trade deal between the United States and China will have a positive but limited impact on global trade because it is more of a ceasefire than resolution of the conflict, according to global credit rating agency S&P on Saturday.
"The signing of 'Phase One' of a U.S.-China trade deal is mildly positive for global trade, GDP growth, and credit in that it marks a de-escalation in tariffs and other restrictions," S&P Global Ratings said in a report published shortly after Washington and Beijing signed the initial trade deal on Wednesday (Washington time).
The photo, taken Jan. 1, 2020, shows rows of export containers waiting to be loaded onto ships at South Korea's largest seaport in Busan, 450 kilometers south of Seoul. South Korea reported a 10.3 percent on-year drop in exports in 2019, the largest on-year decline since 2009. (Yonhap)
The agreement was widely expected to lead to a recovery in global trade by putting an end to the prolonged Sino-Americano trade conflict, which has been partly blamed for a large, steady drop in South Korean exports.
South Korea's exports in 2019 fell 10.3 percent from a year earlier to US$542.4 billion, with shipments slipping for 13 consecutive months since December 2018.
The United States and China are the largest importers of South Korean goods and services.
S&P insisted the U.S.-China trade deal was simply a statement that would have little or no direct effect.
"From a macroeconomic perspective, S&P Global Ratings continues to believe the secondary effects of the tariff dispute -- and, now, the steps being taken to resolve it -- on the economy and borrowers we rate are more material than the near-term direct effects," it said.
Under the deal, China agreed to enhance its protection of intellectual property rights and market access and to import an additional $200 billion worth of American goods.
"However, the agreement on IP and market access is open to interpretation, and existing tariffs imposed by both countries remain largely unchanged," S&P noted.
"The chance that negotiations for a final agreement will stall, or enforcement of the Phase One deal doesn't materialize, continue to cast uncertainties over corporate supply-chain strategies," it added.
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-18--(News Focus) Parties rush to recruit fresh faces ahead of April election

`` I 'm an average woman who does not own much , but I came here thanks to the Democratic @ @ @ @ @ person like me to change politics .
...
I hope for a world in which @ @ @ @ @ having a disability is something of an inconvenience . ''

By Lee Minji
SEOUL, Jan. 18 (Yonhap) -- A ballerina-turned-disability rights activist, a North Korean defector, a former firefighter and a desert explorer.
These are some profiles of party members the ruling Democratic Party (DP) and the main opposition Liberty Korea Party (LKP) have recruited ahead of the parliamentary elections, now less than 100 days away.
As of Saturday, the liberal DP has unveiled nine new faces as its party members, while the conservative LKP has introduced four. The minor liberal Justice Party has also recruited new members, including a Philippines-born former lawmaker who was previously associated with the conservative Saenuri Party.
While the recruiting is criticized as a publicity stunt by some, it is also seen as a barometer of the party's value and goals, as well as an opportunity to reach out to potential supporters.
For this year's general election, major parties were seen aiming to scout little-known "average people" who represent social minorities or have overcome their limits to contribute to the public good.
Choi Hye-young (C), a ballerina-turned-disability rights activist, speaks at an event at the ruling Democratic Party headquarters in Seoul on Dec. 26, 2019. (Yonhap)
A day after Christmas, the DP unveiled its first recruit -- a 41-year-old professor who specializes in physical rehabilitation and doubles as a disability rights activist.
Choi Hye-young, who was a university student studying to become a ballerina, was diagnosed with quadriplegia and spinal paralysis following a car accident. Choi had to give up her dancing ambitions but instead became a vocal advocate of disability rights, contributing to mandating disability awareness education at workplaces.
In a press conference, she stressed how she is "an average woman" who hopes for a better world.
"I'm an average woman who does not own much, but I came here thanks to the Democratic Party that encouraged an average person like me to change politics. ... I hope for a world in which our children do not feel having a disability is something of an inconvenience."
Two weeks later, the LKP also announced two of its strategic recruits -- a North Korean defector who advocates for human rights in the communist country and a tennis coach who first joined the MeToo movement in the sports sector.
Ji Seong-ho, 39, became one of the world's most well-known defectors after he held up his crutches as U.S. President Donald Trump introduced him in a 2018 speech. Ji, who received cheers and a standing ovation, lost his left and leg in a train accident when he was a teenager in the North.
Kim Eun-hee, 28, sued her tennis coach who sexually abused her as an elementary student and shared the experience publicly in 2018, becoming the first female athlete to join the MeToo movement.
Acknowledging the LKP's not-so-favorable reputation among younger voters, Ji and Kim both mentioned how they were initially reluctant to join.
"It is true that the LKP has not properly dealt with human rights issues, but I had faith in a change after hearing they are preparing some practical measures," Ji said.
Kim echoed the sentiment.
"I felt my thoughts did not align with the party's values," she said, "But I (eventually) felt that the party's color is not a big issue in (resolving) human rights issues and felt its determination to solve human rights agendas."
Liberty Korea Party leader Hwang Kyo-ahn (C) poses with North Korean defector-turned-human rights activist Ji Seong-ho (L) and tennis coach Kim Eun-hee (R) who spoke out as part of the MeToo movement here at a National Assembly building in Seoul on Jan. 8, 2020. (Yonhap)
The ensuing list of the strategic recruits are mostly in line with Choi, Ji and Kim.
They include a working mom-slash-entrepreneur who successfully built up her career following a hiatus to look after her children, a former firefighter demanding better work conditions for colleagues and a young man in his 20s who was raised by a blind mother.
Both parties have not publicly laid out concrete career plans for the new recruits, such as a guaranteed proportional representative seat or a senior party post.
However, with their dramatic life stories of grit, courage and passion, they have already started to help their respective parties rebuild their images ahead of the upcoming election.
They may even play bigger roles in the current political landscape where the percentage of people who do not support any parties reached 27 percent, the highest since October, according to a poll by Gallup.
"The recruitment was a way of showing our firm will to commit to new politics based on ... the young, the average, the minority and the weak of our society," a DP official said after announcing Choi as a new party member.
LKP leader Hwang Kyo-ahn also said the party will strive to be "responsible" in helping achieve Ji's and Kim's goals.
Both parties are expected to unveil more strategic recruits over the next few weeks as they gear up to vie for a bigger stake of the 300-seat parliament on April 15.
mlee@yna.co.kr
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yna--2020-01-18--S. Korea's options on Hormuz strait appear shortlisted

`` As you know , we will have to make a decision in consideration of the people 's life and @ @ @ @ @ supply , '' the official said , adding relevant options are `` still being reviewed @ @ @ @ @ are under way as well , he added .

SEOUL, Jan. 18 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean government has yet to complete a review of options on how to contribute to security in the Strait of Hormuz, a Cheong Wa Dae official said Saturday amid reports that a final decision on whether to send troops there may be imminent.
"As you know, we will have to make a decision in consideration of the people's life and security as well as oil supply," the official said, adding relevant options are "still being reviewed."
Consultations with Iran are under way as well, he added.
Cheong Wa Dae's latest statement on the matter offered some clues. It said members of the National Security Council (NSC) discussed ways Thursday to protect South Korean people, companies and assets there and secure freedom of navigation for South Korean ships in the Middle East.
In a brief summary for media on the outcome of the weekly NSC standing committee meeting, it repeatedly used the word "our," which means South Korean, apparently emphasizing the rationale for South Korea to play a particular role in the region in consideration of its own interests.
On the results of the previous NSC session a week earlier, Cheong Wa Dae said top security officials "reviewed ways" to cooperate closely with the international community so that tensions in the Middle East can be eased and security conditions can be stabilized at an early date.
Speaking shortly after the NSC meeting held Thursday, Presidential Chief of Staff Noh Young-min told a local radio talk show, "There has been considerable progress, internally," in discussions on the sensitive issue of possible troop dispatch.
Earlier in the week, South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha met with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in California.
Among options considered, reportedly, are dispatching a military officer to the U.S.-led coalition, the International Maritime Security Conduct, and then expand the operational area of the its anti-piracy Cheonghae unit operating off the Somali coast to the strait. The unit has around 300 troops and a 4,400-ton destroyer.
Some observers raise the likelihood that Seoul will make public its decision after concluding thorny talks with Washington on splitting the cost for American troops stationed on its soil.
lcd@yna.co.kr
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yna--2020-01-18--U.S. military leader expresses full confidence in ability to defend against new N.K. missiles

`` Speed itself is efficiency .
Speed builds capability and savings into your programs .
But you have to be @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
`` And if the dictator of North Korea has learned how @ @ @ @ @ ca n't the United States learn how to accept failure ?
We need to understand @ @ @ @ @ from those failures , learn from the mistakes that we make , move quickly from @ @ @ @

By Lee Haye-ah
WASHINGTON, Jan. 17 (Yonhap) -- The vice chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff said Friday that he has "100 percent confidence" in the U.S. ability to defend itself from new North Korean missiles.
Air Force Gen. John Hyten made the remark during a seminar at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, noting that North Korea has made significant strides in its missile development.
"I don't say 100 percent very often. I have 100 percent confidence in those capabilities against North Korea," he said, referring to U.S. missile defense systems. "That's what they're built for. They're built for North Korea. They're not built for anything else ... and they're going to work against North Korea, God forbid, if we ever have to."
This AFP file photo shows Vice Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. John Hyten. (Yonhap)
At the same time, Hyten said, North Korea has developed a ballistic missile program that can threaten the U.S. despite being one of the poorest countries in the world.
"You want to know what's different about North Korea? They learned how to go fast," he said, citing the increase in missile tests under current leader Kim Jong-un.
Unlike his grandfather and father, previous leaders of North Korea who according to Hyten conducted nine and 22 tests each, Kim has launched 67 missiles, the vice chairman said.
"If you want to go fast in the missile business, you need to test fast, fly fast, learn fast," he said. "That is what North Korea has been doing and North Korea has been building new missiles, new capabilities, new weapons as fast as anybody on the planet with the 115th most powerful economy in the world."
Hyten went on to lament the lack of speed in the U.S.
"Speed itself is efficiency. Speed builds capability and savings into your programs. But you have to be able to accept failure," he said. "And if the dictator of North Korea has learned how to accept failure, why can't the United States learn how to accept failure? We need to understand what failure is and learn from those failures, learn from the mistakes that we make, move quickly from those mistakes."
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-18--U.S. says inter-Korean cooperation, denuclearization need to move in lockstep

`` The United States supports inter-Korean cooperation and coordinates with our ROK ally to ensure inter-Korean cooperation proceeds in lockstep @ @ @ @ @ '' the spokesperson told Yonhap News Agency , using the abbreviation for South Korea 's @ @ @ @ @ of Korea .

WASHINGTON, Jan. 17 (Yonhap) -- The United States and South Korea are working together to ensure that inter-Korean cooperation proceeds "in lockstep" with progress in North Korea's denuclearization, the State Department said Friday.
The comment by a department spokesperson suggests that Washington remains wary of any attempt by Seoul to revive inter-Korean projects without first consulting the U.S.
The issue has drawn renewed attention since President Moon Jae-in said in a press conference earlier this week that South Korea should expand cross-border cooperation as a way to facilitate stalled denuclearization talks between Washington and Pyongyang.
"The United States supports inter-Korean cooperation and coordinates with our ROK ally to ensure inter-Korean cooperation proceeds in lockstep with progress on denuclearization," the spokesperson told Yonhap News Agency, using the abbreviation for South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea.
Many of Moon's initiatives, including projects to reconnect railways and roads between the two Koreas, have stalled due to United Nations sanctions on Pyongyang.
The U.S. maintains that all sanctions should be fully enforced until the North takes concrete steps toward dismantling its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.
Asked about the Moon government's push to allow individual tours to North Korea, the spokesperson said the allies are committed to close coordination on "our unified response" to the North.
He did not specifically address the issue of individual tours, but added, "All U.N. Member States are required to implement U.N. Security Council (sanctions) resolutions" against North Korea.
This AFP file photo shows the U.S. Department of State in Washington. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-18--Kia workers OK revised wage offers for 2019

On top of the initial offers , the company proposed to donate 1 billion won to the union 's welfare @ @ @ @ @ to take off on May 4 to enjoy holidays from May 1-5 and set up @ @ @ @ @ to handle overtime work .

SEOUL, Jan. 18 (Yonhap) -- Unionized workers at Kia Motors Corp. have voted to accept the company's revised offerings in wage negotiations for the year of 2019, the company said Saturday.
In a vote held Friday, 59 percent of 27,923 Kia workers who cast a ballot stood for the company's revised wage proposals, union spokesman Lee Jang-hee said over the phone.
Last month, Kia and its union reached a tentative wage and collective bargaining deal but the union voted down the deal.
The 29,281-member union staged three rounds of partial strikes last month and held an eight-hour strike on Monday.
They demanded the company narrow an income gap with workers at bigger affiliate Hyundai Motor Co. But the company balked at it, citing growing uncertainties in global automobile markets.
Under the initial agreement, Kia offered to raise workers' basic monthly wage by 40,000 won (US$34) and provide bonuses worth one and a half months of wages plus cash of 3.2 million won per worker.
On top of the initial offers, the company proposed to donate 1 billion won to the union's welfare fund, allow all workers to take off on May 4 to enjoy holidays from May 1-5 and set up a labor-management task force team to handle overtime work.
For the whole of 2019, Kia's sales fell 1.5 percent to 2.77 million vehicles from 2.81 million units a year earlier due to lower demand in China and emerging markets.
In 2020, it aims to sell 2.96 million autos, helped by its SUV models such as the Telluride and the Sorento.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-18--No. of ASF-positive wild boars in S. Korea rises to 86

The confirmation came days after the wild boar carcasses were found in Paju , just north of Seoul , according @ @ @ @ @ Environmental Research , which is affiliated with the environment ministry .

SEOUL, Jan. 18 (Yonhap) -- Three more wild boars found dead near the border with North Korea have tested positive for African swine fever (ASF), authorities here said Saturday, bringing the number of such cases to 86 in South Korea.
The confirmation came days after the wild boar carcasses were found in Paju, just north of Seoul, according to the National Institute of Environmental Research, which is affiliated with the environment ministry.
The carcasses were buried later and the area where they were found was sterilized to prevent spread of the disease.
Of the 86 confirmed ASF cases from wild boars, 31 were from Paju, a town near the border with North Korea.
In May, North Korea confirmed its first outbreak of African swine fever on a pig farm near its border with China. South Korea has reported 14 cases of pigs infected with the disease on farms since September.
South Korea has not reported additional ASF cases on local farms since October, but wild boars continue to be found dead with the disease, mostly along the inter-Korean border.
It remains unclear whether the disease came from the North.
This file photo taken on Nov. 7, 2019, shows barbed-wire entanglements in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province, to prevent spread of African swine fever through wild boars. (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
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yna--2020-01-18--N. Korea slams Japan's plan to set up military space unit

`` Japan still remains a war criminal state , a war force dreaming of overseas invasion which has made desperate @ @ @ @ @ its blood-stained and crime-woven past , before the international community , '' the KCNA said @ @ @ @ @ all the moves of Japan are being rapidly directed to the realization of its wild @ @ @ @ @ giant and launching overseas invasion . ''

SEOUL, Jan. 18 (Yonhap) -- North Korea on Saturday slammed Tokyo's plan to establish a military space unit, saying the plan is a dangerous and reckless move to make Japan a "military giant."
"Japan is madly keen on exploiting even the outer space for its sinister purpose of building up 'defense capacity,'" the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Pyongyang's official mouthpiece, said in its editorial. "The outer space can never be reduced to a theatre for the state of aggression, the war-thirsty state."
Japan last year announced that its Self-Defense Forces (SDF) plan to create a military unit specializing in space matters by 2023.
The KCNA doubted the Asian neighbor's intention to build up its defense capacity in space.
"Japan still remains a war criminal state, a war force dreaming of overseas invasion which has made desperate efforts to whitewash and repeat its blood-stained and crime-woven past, before the international community," the KCNA said. "Worse still, all the moves of Japan are being rapidly directed to the realization of its wild dream of becoming a military giant and launching overseas invasion."
Experts here said North Korea's hostile reaction over Japan's military plan may come from the communist state's concern that Tokyo's upgraded space power could easily detect its missile tests and other military provocations.
In this Kyodo News photo, dated Oct. 17, 2019, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe greets the country's Self-Defense Forces soldiers in Fukushima, Japan. (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-01-18--(5th LD) 4 S. Korean trekkers go missing after avalanche hits Annapurna

Five other South Korean members of the crew took shelter at a nearly lodge after the four trekkers , along @ @ @ @ @ the advance team , lost contact .
The five have now been transferred to a @ @ @ @ @ .

(ATTN: UPDATES paras 4-5)
SEOUL/NEW DELHI, Jan. 18 (Yonhap) -- Four South Korean trekkers have gone missing after an avalanche hit the circuit trekking route of Annapurna in Nepal, Seoul's foreign ministry said Saturday.
The incident took place at an altitude of 3,230 meters around 10:30 and 11:00 a.m. (local time) on Friday, according to the ministry.
Five other South Korean members of the crew took shelter at a nearly lodge after the four trekkers, along with two local guides in the advance team, lost contact. The five have now been transferred to a safe place, authorities said.
Nepalese authorities began land and air search operations, but have yet to find the missing trekkers, according to the ministry, as inclement weather conditions are making the search difficult.
This EPA-Yonhap file photo shows Annapurna in Nepal in 2017. (Yonhap)
The missing trekkers -- two women in their 30s and 50s and two men in their 50s -- are teachers who were staying in Nepal for volunteer work. Officials said they appear to have gone on a weekend trekking trip.
The South Chungcheong Province Office of Education said a total of 11 teachers from 10 schools left South Korea on Monday to take part in the program that was scheduled to run until Jan. 25.
The other two teachers remained at their accommodations on the day of the hike due to health issues.
A South Korean emergency team comprised of officials from the foreign ministry and the education office, as well as the tourism agency, left for Nepal earlier in the day. Six members of the affected people's families accompanied the officials.
The South Korean mission in Nepal has requested active rescue operations in the area from the local authorities and vowed utmost efforts to provide necessary support to the families of the missing people, the ministry said.
This photo, taken on Jan. 18, 2020, shows officials at the South Chungcheong Province Office of Education gathered at the headquarters in Hongseong, 150 kilometers south of Seoul, after four South Korean teachers went missing while trekking in Annapurna, Nepal, the previous day due to an avalanche. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-01-18--(LEAD) Icefish festival kicks off in northeastern county

The centerpiece of the festival is catching smelt out of roughly 20-centimeter-wide ice holes .
Called `` bingeo '' in @ @ @ @ @ water colder than 10 C and are most active between December and February .

(ATTN: ADDS more info in paras 5-6)
INJE, South Korea, Jan. 18 (Yonhap) -- An annual ice fishing festival kicked off in a northeastern county on Saturday, organizers said.
The Inje Icefish Festival opened for a run till Feb. 2 on the vast frozen Soyang Lake in the mountainous county of Inje, 165 kilometers northeast of Seoul.
The centerpiece of the festival is catching smelt out of roughly 20-centimeter-wide ice holes. Called "bingeo" in Korean, smelt live in water colder than 10 C and are most active between December and February.
To that end, a 66,100-square-meter fishing zone was created on the ice, with some 2,000 holes bored for anglers to use.
This year's festival offers 33 programs and activities for visitors, ranging from tasting icefish and other foods to ice skating and sledding.
The organizers said more than 50,000 people attended the festival on the opening day.
The festival, which dates back to 1998, has developed into one of the country's most famous festivals over the past two decades.
People fish for smelt during the annual Inje Icefish Festival in Inje, 165 kilometers northeast of Seoul, on Jan. 18, 2020. The festival, which opened on the day, will continue until Feb. 2. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-01-18--(4th LD) 4 S. Korean trekkers go missing after avalanche hits Annapurna

(ATTN: UPDATES paras 2-4 with education office's briefing, minor edits)
SEOUL/NEW DELHI, Jan. 18 (Yonhap) -- Four South Korean trekkers have gone missing after an avalanche hit the circuit trekking route of Annapurna in Nepal, Seoul's foreign ministry said Saturday.
The incident took place at an altitude of 3,230 meters around 10:30 and 11:00 a.m. (local time) on Friday, according to the ministry.
Five other South Korean members of the crew took shelter at a nearly lodge after the four trekkers, along with two local guides in the advance team, lost contact. The five have now been transferred to a safe place, authorities said.
As of Saturday morning, Nepalese police were moving to the site of the incident on foot as inclement weather conditions were hampering helicopter rescue operations.
This EPA-Yonhap file photo shows Annapurna in Nepal in 2017. (Yonhap)
The missing trekkers -- two women in their 30s and 50s and two men in their 50s -- are teachers who were staying in Nepal for volunteer work.
The South Chungcheong Province Office of Education said a total of 11 teachers from 10 schools left South Korea on Monday to take part in the program that was scheduled to run until Jan. 25.
The other two teachers remained at their accommodations on the day of the hike due to health issues.
A South Korean emergency team comprised of officials from the foreign ministry and the education office, as well as the tourism agency, left for Nepal earlier in the day. Six members of the affected people's families accompanied the officials.
The South Korean mission in Nepal has requested active rescue operations in the area from the local authorities and vowed utmost efforts to provide necessary support to the families of the missing people, the ministry said.
This photo, taken on Jan. 18, 2020, shows officials at the South Chungcheong Province Office of Education gathered at the headquarters in Hongseong, 150 kilometers south of Seoul, after four South Korean teachers went missing while trekking in Annapurna, Nepal, the previous day due to an avalanche. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-01-18--N. Korea's economy up 1.8 pct in 2019: U.N. report

The North 's estimated gross domestic product ( GDP ) marked the first increase in three years after it backtracked @ @ @ @ @ in 2018 and 2017 , respectively , according to the U.N. Conference on Trade and @ @ @ @ @ and Prospects 2020 released Thursday .

SEOUL, Jan. 18 (Yonhap) -- North Korea's economy grew 1.8 percent on-year in 2019, with the growth expected to continue in the next few years despite international sanctions, a U.N. report has said.
The North's estimated gross domestic product (GDP) marked the first increase in three years after it backtracked 4.2 percent and 3.5 percent in 2018 and 2017, respectively, according to the U.N. Conference on Trade and Development's World Economic Situation and Prospects 2020 released Thursday.
The report forecast the growth trend to continue at 2.2 percent this year and 2.8 percent next year, though it did not elaborate further on its estimates.
North Korea's average GDP growth between 1997 and 2011 stood at 0.8 percent.
The estimate spiked to reach 3.9 percent in 2016 but reported a 4.2 percent contraction in 2018 amid multilayered sanctions imposed over the North's nuclear and missile provocations.
The report also said North Korea's consumer price inflation is estimated to have jumped 4.8 percent last year, with the uptrend expected to continue by 5 percent this year and 4.9 percent next year.
North Korea has been calling for stepped-up efforts to achieve wealth and prosperity without outside help, saying self-reliance is the best policy against "hostile forces' sanctions."
In a New Year's Day announcement, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said that he has no expectation of the U.S. lifting sanctions anytime soon and ordered his people to make a "frontal breakthrough" to build a self-reliant economy.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (C) inspects a fertilizer factory under construction in Sunchon, north of the capital Pyongyang, during his first "field guidance" of the new year, in this photo provided by the Korean Central News Agency on Jan. 7, 2020. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)