yna--2020-10-28--S. Korea to speed up development of robot tech, lift regulations

For example , South Korea plans to come up with new laws to allow self-driving delivery robots to run on @ @ @ @ @ South Korea will provide subsidies on the purchase of caretaker robots by 2024 as well @

By Kang Yoon-seung
SEOUL, Oct. 28 (Yonhap) -- South Korea said Wednesday it will allocate 194.4 billion won (US$172.5 million) next year for the development of robot technology in the latest move to brace for the post-pandemic era.
The figure represents a 32 percent hike from 2020, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
Under the blueprint, South Korea plans to have robots play bigger roles in terms of assisting workers through 2022, and eventually have them operate autonomously by 2026, the ministry said.
The size of South Korea's robot industry is expected to reach 20 trillion won in 2025, up from an estimated 5.8 trillion won in 2018, becoming one of the world's top four players in the sector.
This photo, provided by Incheon International Airport Corp. (IIAC), shows IIAC officials test-running a self-driving vehicle (R) and an autonomous cart robot in the departure lobby of the airport's second terminal on Oct. 14, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Over the period, the number of local professional robot companies could rise to 20 from just six in 2018.
South Korea plans to lift a set of regulations to pave the way for local firms to develop customized robots for four major areas, namely the industry, commerce, medical and public sectors.
"We plan to make preemptive efforts to adjust unnecessary regulations which may hinder adoption of robots in different industries," Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said.
The country has already kicked off efforts to revise 33 sets of related regulations in different industries.
For example, South Korea plans to come up with new laws to allow self-driving delivery robots to run on the sidewalk by 2025. South Korea will provide subsidies on the purchase of caretaker robots by 2024 as well.
Other projects also include setting new rules for valet parking robots or drawing up safety standards for those deployed in disinfection operations.
The ministry said the robot industry could help South Korea better prepare for growing demand for contact-free solutions. The country will be able to utilize robots to maintain social activities during a crisis such as pandemics, it added.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-28--Director Kim Ki-duk loses lawsuit against actress, broadcaster for airing sexual abuse allegations

Kim , later that year , filed a criminal complaint against the actress and the producers of the program for @ @ @ @ @ defamation .
Prosecutors cleared them of the charges , saying the accusations against Kim can @ @ @ @ @ false .
The director , however , brought a civil suit against the two on @ @ @ @ @ 2019 .

SEOUL, Oct. 28 (Yonhap) -- Kim Ki-duk, an internationally acclaimed filmmaker, has lost a compensation suit he filed against an actress and a local broadcaster, both of whom raised allegations of his sex crimes.
The Seoul Western District Court on Wednesday ruled for the defendants, dismissing Kim's claims that the actress and the broadcaster MBC falsely accused him of sexual assault, thereby defaming him. The director, who was at the center of a massive #MeToo scandal from 2017-2018, had sought 1 billion won (US$885,740) in damages from the two parties.
In its ruling, the court also ordered Kim to pay for the defendants' legal fees.
This file photo shows Kim Ki-duk, a 60-year-old South Korean filmmaker who became involved in a massive #MeToo scandal raised by actresses who worked with him. (Yonhap)
In 2017, the actress, whose identity was withheld, accused the director of coercion and sexual and physical assault.
In the lawsuit, she claimed that he forced her to perform unscripted sex scenes and slapped her face under the pretext of helping her empathize with her character's emotions during the shooting of one of his films in 2013.
After probing the case, the prosecution only gave him a summary fine of 5 million won for assault charges and dropped other charges, citing a lack of physical evidence.
The allegations against the director resurfaced in March 2018 when the MBC program aired an investigative report about the director's alleged sexual misconduct.
Kim, later that year, filed a criminal complaint against the actress and the producers of the program for allegedly making false accusations and defamation. Prosecutors cleared them of the charges, saying the accusations against Kim cannot be judged as being false. The director, however, brought a civil suit against the two on the same counts in March 2019.
Separately, he has sued a local feminist organization, which demanded an international film festival withdraw its decision to screen Kim's movie as the opening film, seeking 300 million won in damages.
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

Wrapping up the monthslong selection process marked by intense power politics and behind-the-scenes diplomacy , the WTO is set to @ @ @ @ @ the outcome of the third and last round of consultations during which they indicated their @ @ @ @ @ her Nigerian competitor , Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala .

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Wednesday.
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(News Focus) Bumpy road lies ahead for Samsung Group under new leadership
SEOUL -- Samsung Group, South Korea's top conglomerate, has ushered in a new leadership following the passing of its longtime chief Lee Kun-hee, but daunting tasks lie ahead for the tech titan, from a possible governance structure change to fierce challenges from its foreign rivals.
Lee, one of most influential businessmen in the country's post-war era, died Sunday at age 78, wrapping up his 33-year reign of the world's top smartphone maker and memory chipmaker.
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Front-runner in WTO chief race to emerge after last round of selection process
SEOUL -- A front-runner in the race for the helm of the World Trade Organization (WTO) is set to be revealed Wednesday, as South Koreans are holding their breath to watch the fate of their country's finalist candidate, Yoo Myung-hee, in the hard-fought contest.
Wrapping up the monthslong selection process marked by intense power politics and behind-the-scenes diplomacy, the WTO is set to notify its member states of the outcome of the third and last round of consultations during which they indicated their preferences for either Yoo or her Nigerian competitor, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
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(LEAD) Prosecution traces down alleged slush fund by Optimus CEO in fraudulent fund scheme case
SEOUL -- The prosecution is said to have been tracking down secret money allegedly hidden by the CEO of a financial company involved in a fraudulent fund scheme scandal, industry sources said Wednesday.
Prosecutors have secured testimony from a person familiar with the matter that Optimus CEO Kim Jae-hyun had stashed away around 20 billion won (US$17.7 million) in a real estate development company, which is constructing a resort in Incheon with an aim to finish in February 2022, according to the sources.
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(LEAD) Pro football player tests positive for COVID-19
DAEJEON -- A professional football player in the central city of Daejeon has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, becoming the first athlete from his sport to be infected during the pandemic.
According to the municipal authorities in Daejeon, 160 kilometers south of Seoul, late Tuesday, a member of Daejeon Hana Citizen in the second-tier K League 2 has tested positive for COVID-19.
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SM chief Lee Soo-man talks about online concerts, robots, avatars in future for K-pop
SEOUL -- Lee Soo-man, the chief producer and founder of one of South Korea's biggest music agencies SM Entertainment, mentioned the potential of online concerts, robots and avatars in the future for the K-pop industry during a forum here Wednesday.
The company, which manages K-pop megastars EXO, SHINee and NCT, was one of the first in the music industry to hold an online concert this year as the new coronavirus pandemic prompted governments to mandate social distancing and effectively blocked traditional concerts.
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Golf club gathering emerges as hotbed of novel coronavirus
SEOUL -- A gathering at a golf club in Yongin, south of Seoul, has emerged as a new hotbed for cluster infections of the new coronavirus, health authorities said Wednesday.
Virus cases traced to the golf gathering that took place on Oct. 17 came to 42, up 11 from a day earlier, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
-----------------
Retiring football legend says mental, not physical, issues pushed him into retirement
JEONJU -- Even at the age of 41, Lee Dong-gook has felt great physically in his 23rd professional football season.
But the Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors legend and K League's career scoring leader, in making his retirement official Wednesday, said he no longer has the mental toughness necessary to survive the grind.
(END)


yna--2020-10-28--LG Hausys Q3 net income up 345.2 pct. to 53.6 bln won

The operating profit was 22.2 percent higher than the average estimate , according to the survey by Yonhap Infomax , @ @ @ @ @ Yonhap News Agency .
The estimate of net profit was not available .
( END @

SEOUL, Oct. 28 (Yonhap) -- LG Hausys Ltd. on Wednesday reported its third-quarter net profit of 53.6 billion won (US$47.4 million), up 345.2 percent from a year earlier.
Operating income for the July-September period was 28.1 billion won, up 13 percent from a year ago, the company said in a regulatory filing. Revenue fell 2.2 percent to 770.9 billion won.
The operating profit was 22.2 percent higher than the average estimate, according to the survey by Yonhap Infomax, the financial data firm of Yonhap News Agency. The estimate of net profit was not available.
(END)


yna--2020-10-28--(LEAD) LG Innotek Q3 net down on poor sales, confirms LED biz exit

Meanwhile , LG Innotek announced that it decided to exit from the light emitting diode ( LED ) business in @ @ @ @ @ business portfolio and enhance its profitability .

(ATTN: CHANGES headline, lead; ADDS more info throughout, photo)
SEOUL, Oct. 28 (Yonhap) -- LG Innotek Co., a major electronics components maker in South Korea, on Wednesday reported poor third-quarter earnings results due to decreased sales amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The company posted a net profit of 26.9 billion won (US$23.8 million), down 78.5 percent from a year earlier.
Operating income for the July-September period was 89.4 billion won, down 52.1 percent from a year ago, the company said in a regulatory filing. Sales dropped 8.8 percent on-year to 2.22 trillion won.
This undated image, provided by LG Innotek Co., shows the company's headquarters building in Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
LG Innotek said the sales drop at its mainstay optical solutions business, which makes camera modules, dragged down the bottom line following its customers' production schedule changes.
Revenue from its optical solutions unit dipped 13 percent on-year to 1.4 trillion won.
However, sales at its substrates business increased 4 percent on-year to 319.2 billion won, while sales at its automotive components unit jumped 12 percent on-year to 328.2 billion won.
Meanwhile, LG Innotek announced that it decided to exit from the light emitting diode (LED) business in a move to streamline its business portfolio and enhance its profitability.
LG Innotek said fierce competition with Chinese players and decreased demand for LEDs used for LCD TV backlight units pushed the company to halt such business.
The company said it will not manufacture LED products after December, though it will keep its vehicle lighting module productions.
(END)


yna--2020-10-28--S. Korea to donate US$10 mln to support coronavirus vaccine supplies to developing countries

The money will be provided to the COVID-19 Vaccines Advance Market Commitment ( COVAX AMC ) to procure vaccines through @ @ @ @ @ distribute them to the relatively more vulnerable regions , the ministry said in a release @

SEOUL, Oct. 28 (Yonhap) -- South Korea decided to donate US$10 million to a multilateral platform designed to fund coronavirus vaccine distributions to developing countries, the foreign ministry said Wednesday.
The money will be provided to the COVID-19 Vaccines Advance Market Commitment (COVAX AMC) to procure vaccines through pre-purchase contracts with manufacturers and distribute them to the relatively more vulnerable regions, the ministry said in a release.
The COVAX AMC is run by the Gavi vaccine alliance, an international public-private partnership formed to secure affordable and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines worldwide. One of its key goals is to deliver 2 billion doses of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines by 2021.
South Korea is pushing to secure enough coronavirus vaccines to be administered to 30 million people, or 60 percent of the country's population, and plans to secure 20 percent of the vaccines needed through participation in the COVAX alliance.
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-28--Hyundai-Aptiv JV to launch robotaxi service in U.S. next year

There are five levels of driving automation defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers International .
At Level 4 , @ @ @ @ @ under limited conditions and will not operate if all required conditions are not satisfied .
@ @ @ @ @ vehicle 's automated driving features can drive under any conditions .

By Choi Kyong-ae
SEOUL, Oct. 28 (Yonhap) -- Motional, the Hyundai-Aptiv joint venture, said Thursday it has partnered with U.S. on-demand shuttle startup Via to launch a shared robotaxi service in the United States next year.
The business partnership comes amid growing demand for driverless transportation options in response to COVID-19 concerns, Motional said in a statement.
Recent U.S. research showed that 70 percent of Americans said the risk of coronavirus infection affects their transportation choices, and 1 out of 10 Americans are more interested in driverless vehicles than they were before the pandemic, the statement said.
In the partnership, Motional's self-driving vehicles serve as on-demand, shared robotaxies based on Via technology that covers booking, passenger and vehicle assignment and identification, and fleet management, it said.
"We are excited to partner with Motional to make autonomous shared ride programs an affordable and efficient transportation alternative to the private vehicle," Via co-founder and Chief Executive Daniel Ramot said in the statement.
This file photo provided by Hyundai Motor shows a G90 flagship sedan with the logo of the Motional brand. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
In March, Hyundai Motor set up the 50:50 joint company with Ireland-based self-driving technology startup Aptiv in order to test fully autonomous vehicles for ride-hailing services later this year.
Motional, headquartered in Boston, plans to develop a self-driving vehicle platform with Level 4 to 5 autonomous technology by 2022 and supply it to global carmakers.
Hyundai plans to provide its combustion engine and all-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles to the joint venture for research activities and road tests.
There are five levels of driving automation defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers International. At Level 4, a vehicle can drive itself under limited conditions and will not operate if all required conditions are not satisfied. At Level 5, a vehicle's automated driving features can drive under any conditions.
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-28--Korea Post tests autonomous mail delivery vehicles

Korea Post 's move comes as it looks to revamp the country 's mail logistics service in line with the @ @ @ @ @ under which the country plans to spend 58.2 trillion won ( US $ 51.5 billion @ @ @ @ @ public infrastructure with digital services and increase state investment in key technologies .

By Chae Yun-hwan
SEOUL, Oct. 28 (Yonhap) -- Korea Post said Wednesday it has tested a self-driving mail delivery vehicle, joining the country's race to introduce unmanned delivery services.
The agency said it tested the vehicle, developed by PostCube Co., a local automatic postal service developer, at the Korea University Sejong Campus in the central city of Sejong, 120 kilometers south of Seoul, delivering a package to a student on campus.
The unmanned vehicle, which serves as a standalone post office, has a digital kiosk inside that allows users to pick up their packages, according to the agency.
The service will be available for Sejong residents next year on roads near its main postal office.
This photo, provided by Korea Post on Oct. 28, 2020, shows the agency's autonomous mail delivery vehicle. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)
Korea Post's move comes as it looks to revamp the country's mail logistics service in line with the digital New Deal drive, under which the country plans to spend 58.2 trillion won (US$51.5 billion) by 2025 to update public infrastructure with digital services and increase state investment in key technologies.
The agency has been working on developing autonomous delivery services since May this year, with support from the Ministry Science and ICT.
Along with the self-driving vehicle, Korea Post is also developing an autonomous robot that carries packages and is able to follow postal workers all on its own.
The agency said the robot, developed by self-driving vehicle firm Unmanned Solution, will be used as a last-mile service to assist mail carriers in carrying heavy packages.
Korea Post also said it is developing an in-door mail delivery robot with local autonomous robot firm Twinny.
South Korean companies have been racing to develop self-driving delivery robots.
SK Telecom Co., the country's top wireless carrier, has partnered with top food delivery operator Woowa Brothers Corp. to develop a robot delivery service using 5G network technology.
This rendered image provided by Korea Post shows the agency's self-driving robot that carries packages and is able to follow mail carriers on its own. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)
yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-28--Top prosecutor ascends in poll of prospective presidential candidates

Yoon has never declared his political ambitions , though he said he will slowly think about how to serve Korean @ @ @ @ @ term ends .
The 59-year-old Yoon 's two-year term as the top prosecutor ends in @ @ @ @ @ commentators interpreted his remarks as leaving room for his possible entry into politics .

SEOUL, Oct. 28 (Yonhap) -- Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl has garnered more popularity as one of the nation's prospective presidential candidates than before following his straightforward remarks on key contentious issues during a parliamentary audit of his office last week, a poll showed Wednesday.
According to local pollster R&Search, 15.1 percent of 1,032 adults nationwide interviewed Sunday and Monday expressed a preference for Yoon as the nation's next political leader, marking a rise of 1 percentage point from a similar survey in August. The poll was not conducted last month.
In the latest poll, Gyeonggi Province Gov. Lee Jae-myung ranked first with an approval rate of 22.8 percent, trailed by Lee Nak-yon, chairman of the ruling Democratic Party, with 21.6 percent, the pollster said.
This file photo taken on Oct. 22, 2020, shows Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl speaking in a parliamentary audit in Seoul. (Yonhap)
Popularity rates of leading prospective presidential candidates from the opposition camp were dwarfed by that of Yoon, with the fourth-ranked independent lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo earning a mere 6.8 percent.
Ahn Cheol-soo, chairman of the People's Party, came next with 5.8 percent, followed by former lawmaker Oh Se-hoon with 3.1 percent, former lawmaker Yoo Seong-min with 3 percent and former opposition leader Hwang Kyo-ahn with 2.5 percent.
Yoon has never declared his political ambitions, though he said he will slowly think about how to serve Korean society and people after his term ends. The 59-year-old Yoon's two-year term as the top prosecutor ends in July next year. Some commentators interpreted his remarks as leaving room for his possible entry into politics.
During last Thursday's parliamentary audit broadcast live nationwide, Yoon said Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae's decision to take over his investigative command authority in a high-profile financial scam scandal was illegal and absurd. Yoon also declared that he is not a subordinate of the justice minister.
R&Search said the poll conducted at the request of online media Dailian has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points with a confidence level of 95 percent.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-28--Amorepacific Group Q3 net income down 93.8 pct. to 7 bln won

The operating profit was 83.4 percent higher than the average estimate , according to the survey by Yonhap Infomax , @ @ @ @ @ Yonhap News Agency .
The estimate of net profit was not available .
( END @

SEOUL, Oct. 28 (Yonhap) -- Amorepacific Group on Wednesday reported its third-quarter net profit of 7 billion won (US$6.2 million), down 93.8 percent from a year earlier.
The company said in a regulatory filing that operating income for the July-September period fell 49.4 percent on-year to 61 billion won. Revenue decreased 23 percent to 1.2 trillion won.
The operating profit was 83.4 percent higher than the average estimate, according to the survey by Yonhap Infomax, the financial data firm of Yonhap News Agency. The estimate of net profit was not available.
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

Big-name silver screen stars and filmmakers dressed to the nines walk down the red carpet for the glamorous opening ceremony @ @ @ @ @ lighting up the night sky and wows and applause from spectators filling the air .
@ @ @ @ @ fete , great numbers of film buffs from home and abroad stand in long lines @ @ @ @ @ for long-awaited titles , while some visitors watch buskers play music on the streets and @ @ @ @ @ food trucks .

The following is the first summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Thursday.
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(4th LD) Samsung expects profit decline after strong Q3 results
SEOUL -- Samsung Electronics Co. on Thursday expected its profitability to worsen in the fourth quarter after delivering a forecast-beating performance in the third quarter on its better-than-expected chip business and demand for its mobile and home appliance products amid the pandemic.
The world's largest memory chip and smartphone vendor said its net profit amounted to 9.36 trillion won (US$8.3 billion) in the third quarter, up 48.9 percent from a year earlier.
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(LEAD) Supreme Court confirms 17-year prison term for ex-President Lee Myung-bak in corruption case
SEOUL -- The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld a 17-year prison sentence handed down by an appeals court for former President Lee Myung-bak on embezzlement and bribery charges.
In February, the 78-year-old was sentenced to 17 years in prison, a fine of 13 billion won (US$10.9 million) and a forfeit of 5.7 billion won in a high-profile corruption case.
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(LEAD) S. Korea, Japan hold working-level talks on wartime history, trade
SEOUL -- Diplomats of South Korea and Japan held talks in Seoul on Thursday that were expected to focus on a prolonged row between the two countries over Tokyo's wartime forced labor and export curbs.
The meeting between Kim Jung-han, director general for Asia and Pacific affairs at the foreign ministry, and his Japanese counterpart, Shigeki Takizaki, marked the first such talks since Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga took office last month.
-----------------
New virus cases above 100 for 2nd day, cluster infections remain problem
SEOUL -- South Korea's new coronavirus cases rose by triple digits for the second straight day Thursday, as cluster infections at nursing homes and other risk-prone facilities continued to pile up amid eased social distancing measures.
The country added 125 more COVID-19 cases, including 106 domestic infections, raising the total caseload to 26,271, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
-----------------
(Yonhap Feature) COVID-19 dampens festivity of Busan film fest
SEOUL -- When it comes to an international film festival, typical scenes pop into one's mind.
Big-name silver screen stars and filmmakers dressed to the nines walk down the red carpet for the glamorous opening ceremony, with bright camera flashes lighting up the night sky and wows and applause from spectators filling the air. At major venues of the fete, great numbers of film buffs from home and abroad stand in long lines in hopes of getting tickets for long-awaited titles, while some visitors watch buskers play music on the streets and others enjoy light snacks at food trucks.
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Peace on Korean Peninsula ultimate goal of U.S. regardless of election outcome: Ambassador Lee
WASHINGTON -- Establishing peace on the Korean Peninsula will remain the ultimate goal of the U.S.-South Korea alliance regardless of who wins the upcoming U.S. presidential election, South Korea's top diplomat in the United States said Wednesday.
Ambassador Lee Soo-hyuck said that both the Republican and Democratic parties agree on the need to denuclearize North Korea and establish lasting peace on the peninsula.
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(LEAD) S. Korean candidate behind Nigerian rival in global trade-chief race
GENEVA/SEOUL -- South Korea's trade minister has failed to drum up landslide support from member countries of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to head the global trade body, with her Nigerian rival standing ahead in a two-way race, the outcome of a WTO General Council meeting showed Wednesday.
The WTO said Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala of Nigeria has garnered more support from the WTO's 164 member states than South Korea's Yoo Myung-hee.
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(END)


yna--2020-10-29--More Mt. Bukak trails to be opened to citizens: Cheong Wa Dae

The region was designated as a no-entry place following the so-called Jan. 21 incident in 1968 .
At the time @ @ @ @ @ sneaked onto the 342-meter-high mountain and approached Cheong Wa Dae in an apparent attempt to @ @ @ @ @ After two weeks of skirmishes around the mountain , all the intruders , except two @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Oct. 29 (Yonhap) -- The northern side of an ancient fortress wall on Mount Bukak, just behind the presidential compound in Seoul, will be open to citizens as a new trail course starting in November, 52 years after it became an off-limits zone for security reasons, Cheong Wa Dae announced Thursday.
"Mount Bukak will return to the arms of citizens," it said in a press release on the plan to allow them to trek the area beginning on Sunday.
It's part of Cheong Wa Dae's move to fully open the mountain to the public by the first half of 2022, which was one of President Moon Jae-in's campaign pledges.
A view of a Mount Bukak trail course to be open to citizens, in this photo provided by Cheong Wa Dae (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The 1.1 million-square-meter mountain, 4.8 times bigger than Yeouido in western Seoul, is known for well-preserved trail courses.
The region was designated as a no-entry place following the so-called Jan. 21 incident in 1968. At the time, 31 North Korean commandos sneaked onto the 342-meter-high mountain and approached Cheong Wa Dae in an apparent attempt to assassinate then-President Park Chung-hee. After two weeks of skirmishes around the mountain, all the intruders, except two, were killed.
In 2007, Cheong Wa Dae opened a few kilometers of trail along the wall to ordinary people with security restrictions and time limits in place.
The southern side of the stone wall will open by the first half of 2022.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-29--(LEAD) Supreme Court confirms 17-year prison term for ex-President Lee Myung-bak in corruption case

The court found that Lee used his presidential power to benefit DAS and himself .
Throughout Lee 's political career @ @ @ @ @ suspicions over whether he is the real owner of DAS .

(ATTN: ADDS details in last 5 paras, photo)
SEOUL, Oct. 29 (Yonhap) -- The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld a 17-year prison sentence handed down by an appeals court for former President Lee Myung-bak on embezzlement and bribery charges.
In February, the 78-year-old was sentenced to 17 years in prison, a fine of 13 billion won (US$10.9 million) and a forfeit of 5.7 billion won in a high-profile corruption case.
The former president, who governed the country from 2008-2013, was charged in April 2018 with 16 counts of criminal allegations, including embezzlement in connection with the auto parts company DAS and receiving bribes.
The file photo, taken Feb. 19, 2020, shows former South Korean President Lee Myung-bak greeting his supporters before attending his trial at the Seoul High Court. (Yonhap)
In October that year, a district court found him guilty or partly guilty of seven accounts, and sentenced him to 15 years in prison, making him the fourth ex-South Korean leader to be criminally convicted.
It also concluded that Lee was the de facto owner of DAS, an allegation Lee has consistently denied.
The Seoul High Court in February handed down a longer prison term of 17 years due to the increased amount of graft that Lee was found guilty of.
The court ruled that Lee embezzled 25.2 billion won from DAS, which it also concluded that Lee effectively owned, and convicted him of accepting bribes totaling 9.4 billion won, around 800 million won more than previously ruled.
The court found that Lee used his presidential power to benefit DAS and himself. Throughout Lee's political career, he was dogged by suspicions over whether he is the real owner of DAS.
Lee will be imprisoned again, as the highest court said that the lower court's February injunction to allow him out of jail became invalid.
Kang Hun, a lawyer for former President Lee Myung-bak talks to reporters outside the Supreme Court in Seoul, after the court upheld a 17-year prison sentence for Lee in a corruption case on Oct. 29, 2020. (Yonhap)
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-29--Temperatures nationwide drop to lowest this fall

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration , most areas posted a morning temperature of below 5 C while some parts @ @ @ @ @ North Jeolla Province and North Gyeongsang Province saw the mercury drop below zero .

SEOUL, Oct. 29 (Yonhap) -- Cold weather hit the nation on Thursday as most areas recorded the lowest morning temperature of this fall and Suwon saw its first ice of the season, weather authorities said.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, most areas posted a morning temperature of below 5 C while some parts of the central region, North Jeolla Province and North Gyeongsang Province saw the mercury drop below zero.
In Suwon, just south of Seoul, the morning low at 7 a.m. was 2.2 C, the city's lowest temperature this fall, accompanied by its first ice of the season.
The record came 10 days earlier than last year and one day later than the average year, the KMA said.
Seoul's morning low was 5.6 C, which was 6.8 C lower than on Wednesday and 1.6 C lower than in an average year.
Even within the capital city, temperatures ranged from minus 1 C in the northern ward of Eunpyeong to 8.7 C in the western ward of Yeongdeungpo.
Meanwhile, other areas that posted record lows of the season included the northeastern mountain pass of Daegwallyeong (minus 4.6 C), Geumsan, South Chungcheong Province (0.6 C), and Jangsu, North Jeolla Province (minus 1.1 C).
The KMA said temperatures are expected to rise past the morning.
This photo shows people in Seoul bundled up in warm clothes and folding their arms as cold weather hit the nation on Oct. 29, 2020. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-29--Seoul stocks extend losses late Thur. morning on global virus surge

SEOUL , Oct. 29 ( Yonhap ) -- South Korean stocks extended their earlier losses late Thursday morning on an @ @ @ @ @ as the new coronavirus outbreaks in the major global economies continued to surge at an @ @ @

SEOUL, Oct. 29 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks extended their earlier losses late Thursday morning on an overnight Wall Street plunge, as the new coronavirus outbreaks in the major global economies continued to surge at an alarming rate.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) fell 39.08 points, or 1.67 percent, to 2,306.18 as of 11:20 a.m.
Losses widened after opening sharply lower, tracking the 3.43 percent plunge on the Dow Jones Industrial Average on Wednesday (New York time). The tech-laden Nasdaq Composite tumbled 3.73 percent, and the S&P 500 plummeted 3.53 percent, amid massive foreign selling.
Investor sentiment grew risk-averse, as a resurgence in virus cases in the United States and Europe raised concerns that the worsening pandemic may deliver heavy damage to the global economy.
The U.S. daily COVID-19 hospitalization soared in the past week, with heavily populated parts of Europe tightening quarantine measures.
Most large caps traded lower, while pharmaceuticals fared better.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics dropped 1.69 percent. The tech giant reported robust third-quarter earnings shortly before the session's open.
No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix lost 2.29 percent.
Top pharmaceutical firm Samsung Biologics gained 1.41 percent, and Celltrion advanced 0.62 percent.
Internet portal giant Naver edged up 0.17 percent, while its rival Kakao dipped 1.59 percent.
Leading chemical maker LG Chem fell 1.09 percent, and rechargeable battery maker Samsung SDI dropped 1.98 percent.
Hyundai Motor, the country's largest automaker, retreated 2.59 percent, and top steelmaker POSCO declined 3.47 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,134.95 won against the U.S. dollar, down 4.35 won from the previous session's close.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-29--(2nd LD) Naver's Q3 net triples on record sales amid pandemic

`` Naver saw great progress on the back of new growth drivers , including commerce , fintech , contents and @ @ @ @ @ Han Seong-sook said in a statement .
`` We will boost our global competitiveness through @ @ @ @ @ as with CJ , and Line 's merger , which will serve as foundation for @ @ @ @ @ . ''

(ATTN: ADDS details from conference call throughout)
SEOUL, Oct. 29 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's top internet portal operator Naver Corp. said Thursday its net profit nearly tripled in the third quarter from a year earlier on the back of booming online goods transactions on its platform amid the pandemic.
Net profit reached 235.3 billion won (US$207.5 million) in the July-September period, up 176 percent from 85.3 billion won a year earlier, the company said in a regulatory filing.
Operating income reached 291.7 billion won in the third quarter, up 1.8 percent from the previous year. Sales reached the highest ever of 1.36 trillion won, up 24.2 percent over the same period, according to Naver.
This file photo taken Oct. 6, 2020, shows Naver Corp.'s headquarters in Seongnam, south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
The record sales in the third quarter exclude those from its messaging firm Line, following recent regulatory approval in Japan over its merger with Yahoo Japan. When Line's revenue is counted, Naver said its total sales reached 2.06 trillion won.
"Naver saw great progress on the back of new growth drivers, including commerce, fintech, contents and cloud," Naver CEO Han Seong-sook said in a statement. "We will boost our global competitiveness through synergy from partnerships, such as with CJ, and Line's merger, which will serve as foundation for growth in the long term."
Naver signed a share-swap deal worth 600 billion won with CJ Group on Monday to acquire stakes in CJ Logistics Corp., entertainment giant CJ ENM Corp. and Studio Dragon, a drama production company owned by CJ ENM.
Revenue from Naver's commerce business in the third quarter increased 40.9 percent on-year to 285.4 billion won thanks to increased online shopping in line with virus restrictions.
Naver also pointed out the rapid growth in its monthly subscription service, launched in June, which provides easy access to its content services and benefits in shopping services.
"Members have surpassed 1.6 million," Naver CEO Han Seong-sook said in a conference call. "We aim to reach 2 million by the end of this year."
The company's flagship search platform, which covers its ads business, also grew, with its sales rising 8.2 percent on-year to 710.1 billion won during the same period.
Revenue from its cloud business soared 66.2 percent on-year to 76.3 billion won in the third quarter as demand grew amid the remote working trend due to the pandemic.
Content sales rose 31.8 percent to 115 billion won over the same period due to increased global demand for its webtoons.
The company said global transactions from its webtoon business rose 40 percent on-year in the July-September period.
The CEO added that the company is currently forming a long-term environment, social and corporate governance (ESG) strategy to deal with risks, including climate change, data privacy and fair trade.
The comments come after South Korea's corporate watchdog, the Korea Fair Trade Commission, earlier this month accused Naver of manipulating search algorithms in favor of its own online shopping site and imposed a 26.7 billion-won fine.
Naver has said it is considering disputing the decision in court.
yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-29--Military says annual defense drill is defensive in nature amid N.K. criticism

On Monday , DPRK Today , one of the North 's propaganda websites , bristled at the exercise , saying @ @ @ @ @ blunt provocation against us , an intolerable , rash behavior that will exacerbate the already @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Oct. 29 (Yonhap) -- The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said Thursday an annual military exercise under way across the country is defensive in nature after North Korean propaganda outlets denounced it as an intolerable provocation.
South Korea kicked off the Hoguk exercise on Oct. 19, involving the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps, staging various programs including joint landing drills.
On Monday, DPRK Today, one of the North's propaganda websites, bristled at the exercise, saying it represents "yet another blunt provocation against us, an intolerable, rash behavior that will exacerbate the already sensitive situation."
Uriminzokkiri, another propaganda outlet, ran a similar article last week.
"The Hoguk exercise is a defensive drill we carry out in the second half every year that centers on maintaining our military readiness posture and improving joint operations capabilities," JCS spokesperson Col. Kim Jun-rak said during a regular press briefing.
Launched in 1996, the exercise has been held on an annual basis in the second half of each year amid persisting nuclear and missile threats from North Korea. This year's exercise will wrap up Friday.
The Koreas remain technically at war after the 1950-53 Korean War ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty.
Armored amphibious vehicles used to carry Marines move toward a beach under a smoke screen as the Marines engage in a landing drill on the coast of Pohang, southeastern South Korea, on Oct. 26, 2020, as part of the Hoguk exercise involving the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps against North Korea's possible provocations. The annual exercise, which started Oct. 19, will run through Oct. 30. (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-29--N.K. slams top S. Korean security official over remarks about inter-Korean ties

During the trip , Suh told reporters that inter-Korean relations `` can not be said to be a relationship between @ @ @ @ @ North '' and that it `` needs to be discussed , coordinated and conducted together @ @ @ @ @ neighboring countries . ''

By Yi Wonju
SEOUL, Oct. 29 (Yonhap) -- North Korea sharply criticized South Korea's national security adviser over his remarks during a recent trip to the United States that inter-Korean relations should be resolved through discussions with the U.S. and other countries in the region.
The official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said the remarks by Suh Hoon, chief of the South's presidential National Security Office, represent a "denial and betrayal" of a series of inter-Korean agreements.
"South Korea's security adviser secretly visited the United States and went fooling around with them," KCNA said, referring to Suh's trip to Washington earlier this month that included meetings with his counterpart Robert O'Brien and other top officials.
During the trip, Suh told reporters that inter-Korean relations "cannot be said to be a relationship between only the South and the North" and that it "needs to be discussed, coordinated and conducted together with the United States and neighboring countries."
KCNA slammed Suh's remarks as "absurd," saying they "degrade the sacred inter-Korean relations to something subordinate of international relations."
It then called his remarks Seoul's "public display of denial and betrayal" of several inter-Korean agreements, including the historic June 15 Joint Declaration in 2000, the Oct. 4 Pyongyang Declaration in 2007, as well as the 2018 Panmunjom Declaration and the Pyongyang Joint Declaration under President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
It also stressed that inter-Korean relations is not an issue to "leach off of a foreign country, discuss and get help from outsiders but rather a national issue that must be resolved between the two Koreas."
The rare criticism by state media against the top national adviser that handles President Moon's North Korea policies appears to be a warning against the strengthening alliance amid the upcoming U.S. presidential elections and stalled nuclear talks between Washington and Pyongyang.
South Korea's national security adviser Suh Hoon (R) poses for a photo with his U.S. counterpart Robert O'Brien during their meeting at the White House in Washington on Oct. 14, 2020, in this photo taken from the U.S. National Security Council's Twitter account. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-29--The Korea Interbank Offered Rates (KORIBOR)

SEOUL , Oct. 29 ( Yonhap ) -- The Korea Interbank Offered Rates ( KORIBOR ) as posted by Yonhap @ @ @ @ @ and information arm of Yonhap News Agency , at 11:00 a.m .

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


yna--2020-10-29--(3rd LD) Samsung expects profit decline after strong Q3 results

SEOUL , Oct. 29 ( Yonhap ) -- Samsung Electronics Co. on Thursday expected its profitability to worsen in the @ @ @ @ @ forecast-beating performance in the third quarter on its better-than-expected chip business and demand for its @ @ @ @ @ amid the pandemic .

(ATTN: CHANGES headline, lead; ADDS photo, more info in paras 6-9, 14, 21-25, 27-28)
By Joo Kyung-don
SEOUL, Oct. 29 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Co. on Thursday expected its profitability to worsen in the fourth quarter after delivering a forecast-beating performance in the third quarter on its better-than-expected chip business and demand for its mobile and home appliance products amid the pandemic.
The world's largest memory chip and smartphone vendor said its net profit amounted to 9.36 trillion won (US$8.3 billion) in the third quarter, up 48.9 percent from a year earlier.
Operating profit jumped 58.8 percent on-year to 12.35 trillion won in the third quarter of the year, marking its best quarterly performance since the third quarter of 2018, when it logged an operating profit of 17.5 trillion won.
Sales rose 8 percent on-year to 66.96 trillion won in the July-September period, its largest-ever quarterly sales, beating the previous record of 65.9 trillion won in the fourth quarter of 2017.
The figures were in line with the earnings guidance announced earlier this month that beat the market consensus.
Samsung attributed its upbeat performance to firm demand for smartphones and consumer electronics, while its chip business benefited from rush orders from Huawei Technologies Co. over U.S. sanctions despite a decline in memory prices.
But the South Korean tech giant predicted its fourth-quarter profitability to decline due to "weakening memory chip demand from server customers and intensifying competition in the mobile phones and consumer electronics sectors."
"Soft prices in server memory caused by customers' inventory adjustments will likely weigh down the memory business despite stable demand for mobile and laptop memory," Samsung said.
"Smartphone sales are likely to decline and marketing costs to increase due to the competitive market environment."
Looking ahead to 2021, Samsung expected a recovery in overall global demand but emphasized that uncertainties still remain over a potential resurgence of COVID-19.
In the third quarter, revenue from the semiconductor unit stood at 18.8 trillion won, a 6.87 percent increase from a year earlier. Its operating profit from the chip business nearly doubled to 5.54 trillion won from 3.05 trillion won a year ago.
"The memory business posted solid earnings as healthy demand for mobile and PC products led to higher-than-expected shipments, outweighing the impact of lower memory chip prices," Samsung said.
The company added that rush orders from Huawei, the world's top telecom equipment maker and No. 2 smartphone producer, helped both DRAM and NAND flash memory businesses.
Huawei, one of Samsung's largest customers, aggressively procured semiconductors ahead of the U.S. export restrictions that were put in place on Sept. 15.
Samsung also saw profit for its system LSI business improve on solid demand for mobile phone components, while its foundry business logged record quarterly revenue on the back of a recovery in mobile demand and increased demand for high-performance computing chips.
This photo, provided by Samsung Electronics Co. on May 21, 2020, shows the company's chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Samsung's IT & Mobile Communications (IM) division posted 30.49 trillion won in sales in the third quarter, up 4.23 percent from a year, while its operating profit surged 52.4 percent on-year to 4.45 trillion won, its largest quarterly operating income since the first quarter of 2014.
Samsung said its smartphone sales jumped nearly 50 percent from the previous quarter with the launch of new flagship models such as the Galaxy Note20 and Galaxy Z Fold2 and robust sales of mass-market models in key regions including India.
"Efficient cost management through component standardization and reduction in marketing expenses led to a significant improvement in profitability," it said. "Sales increase in tablets and wearables also contributed to the profit growth in the third quarter."
Samsung's consumer electronics division, comprised of visual display and digital appliance businesses, chalked up sales of 14.09 trillion won, up 28.91 percent from a year earlier. The business unit's operating profit nearly tripled from 550 billion won to reach a record 1.56 trillion won over the cited period.
"Demand for TVs surged both quarter-on-quarter and year-on-year as the 'at-home' trend buoyed sales of high-resolution home cinema," it said.
This file photo taken Aug. 7, 2020, shows Samsung Electronics Co.'s Galaxy Note 20 smartphone displayed at a store in Seoul. (Yonhap)
Samsung's display panel business was the only sector that posted negative growth in the third quarter. Its display panel unit posted sales of 7.32 trillion won, down 20.95 percent from a year earlier, while operating profit plunged 59.82 percent to 470 billion won.
Samsung's automotive system affiliate Harman International Industries posted 2.62 trillion won in sales in the third quarter, up 0.38 percent from a year ago, while operating income jumped 50 percent to 150 billion won.
To enhance its profitability in the future, Samsung said it aims to enhance its leadership in the memory chip sector by accelerating the conversion to 1z-nm DRAM and 6th-generation V-NAND.
For its system LSI business, Samsung vowed to focus on differentiated 5G system-on-chip products and high-resolution sensors. Its foundry business will keep trying to secure new major customers, the company added.
Samsung's mobile business aims to expand foldable and 5G model offerings globally, its display panel business plans to launch new quantum-dot displays next year.
This file photo taken Oct. 8, 2020, shows Samsung Electronics Co.'s QLED 8K TV displayed at a store in Seoul. (Yonhap)
Samsung's capital expenditures in the third quarter stood at 8.4 trillion won, including 6.6 trillion won spent on semiconductors and 1.5 trillion won on displays.
Samsung said its total capital expenditures for 2020 are expected to reach 35.2 trillion won, with 28.9 trillion won going to semiconductors and 4.3 trillion won to displays.
Meanwhile, the company will pay 354 won in dividends per share, delivering a total of 2.4 trillion won to its shareholders.
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-29--4 clubs still locked in head-spinning battle for KBO's No. 2 seed

The No .
3 team will advance to the first round , which begins on Nov. 4 .
The fourth- @ @ @ @ @ in the Wild Card round on Nov. 1 .
The No .
4 team will @ @ @ @ @ only needs to tie or win the first game to advance .
But the No @ @ @ @ @ two straight games to reach the next stage .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Oct. 29 (Yonhap) -- These teams aren't making it easy on themselves.
The LG Twins and the KT Wiz, the two clubs that entered the week with the best chance of finishing second in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) regular season, both lost in extra innings Wednesday night. That has further complicated the race for No. 2 seed, though it was already inducing enough headaches.
With two days worth of meaningful games left in the regular season, four clubs are still alive in the battle for the No. 2 spot.
KT Wiz players walk off the field after losing to the Kia Tigers 4-3 in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field in Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul, on Oct. 28, 2020. (Yonhap)
The NC Dinos clinched the top seed last weekend, and they're headed straight to the Korean Series, which begins on Nov. 17. They play one last makeup game against the Kia Tigers on Saturday, though all other games that count for postseason seeding will conclude Friday.
The second seed will get a bye to the penultimate playoff round, a best-of-five affair that starts on Nov. 9.
The No. 3 team will advance to the first round, which begins on Nov. 4. The fourth- and fifth-ranked teams will collide in the Wild Card round on Nov. 1. The No. 4 team will have a built-in victory and only needs to tie or win the first game to advance. But the No. 5 team must win two straight games to reach the next stage.
On Wednesday, the Twins squandered a 6-0 lead over the last-place Hanwha Eagles and lost 7-6 in 11 innings. The Wiz rallied from a 3-1 deficit in the ninth inning against the Kia Tigers, only to lose 4-3 in 10 innings.
In this file photo from Oct. 23, 2020, Oh Jae-il of the Doosan Bears (L) scores against the Kiwoom Heroes during the bottom of the seventh inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul. (Yonhap)
The Twins remained in second place at 79-60-4 (wins-losses-ties) with one game to go. The Wiz, who have two games left, are in third place at 80-61-1. The Twins are ahead by .001 point in winning percentage, .568 to .567.
In the KBO, the winning percentage is defined as wins divided by the sum of wins and losses. Ties don't come into play.
The Kiwoom Heroes, who have one game left, are lurking in fourth place at 80-62-1. The Doosan Bears, with two to play, are in fifth at 77-61-4.
The Wiz can simplify it all by winning their next two games, in which case they will claim the No. 2 seed.
Let's say the Wiz split their two games, both of which are against the Eagles, and things get quite interesting.
In that scenario, all the Twins have to do is to win their final game Friday and the second seed is theirs.
And if the Heroes also win Friday, then they will take the No. 3 spot, pulling the Wiz down to No. 4 and keeping the Bears at No. 5.
And if the Wiz split the next two and the Twins lose Friday, the Heroes can jump to the No. 2 spot with a win Friday.
In this file photo from Oct. 23, 2020, LG Twins third baseman Kim Min-sung takes his position during the bottom of the eighth inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game against the Kia Tigers at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field in Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
In that case, the Heroes and the Wiz will finish with an identical 81-62-1 record. They split their season series at 8-8, and the next tiebreaker is the runs scored in those 16 head-to-head games. The Heroes come out on top, 90-77.
The Bears still have a shot at the second seed. If the Wiz lose the next two and the Twins drop their Friday game, then the Bears can rise to No. 2 by winning their remaining two games.
But lose just once more, and the Bears will be locked into fifth place.
Though the top seed has been decided, the tight race for the remaining spots this year is reminiscent of the wild finish to the 2017 regular season.
That year, for the first time in league history, the top four seeds were determined on the last day of the regular season, with the Kia Tigers clinching the No. 1 seed with a win over the Wiz. The playoff matchups were all determined that day.
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-29--USFK puts Itaewon off-limits for Halloween weekend over virus concerns

Noting that the measure is `` due to the sheer number of people that are likely to attend this event @ @ @ @ @ the official said that travel to Itaewon during that time could be considered a violation @ @ @ @ @ health emergency guidelines .

By Oh Seok-min
SEOUL, Oct. 29 (Yonhap) -- The U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) has placed the popular nightlife district of Itaewon in central Seoul off-limits for the upcoming Halloween weekend to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.
The multicultural district has been popular among foreigners and some South Koreans for Halloween celebrations, but concerns have risen over possible COVID-19 infections among partygoers. Itaewon clubs were key sources of cluster infections in May.
These posters, released by the Seoul metropolitan government on Oct. 28, 2020, tell people to refrain from gathering during Halloween on Oct. 31 amid the coronavirus pandemic. One of the posters says, "I know what you did on Oct. 31." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
"The Itaewon entertainment district is off-limits to all USFK-affiliated personnel, between 3 p.m. Oct. 31, until 9 a.m., Nov. 1, because of the increased public health threat," a USFK official said during a Facebook broadcast Wednesday.
Noting that the measure is "due to the sheer number of people that are likely to attend this event from throughout Seoul," the official said that travel to Itaewon during that time could be considered a violation of the military's public health emergency guidelines.
Earlier this month, USFK eased anti-coronavirus restrictions for its personnel in the greater Seoul area, and it has placed the second-lowest warning level of "Bravo" across the peninsula, allowing its members to dine at restaurants and conduct off-base activities.
But the command continues to ban its personnel from visiting clubs, bars and adult-only establishments across the country.
"No Mask, No Candy! Trick or Treaters must wear masks if social distancing is not possible. Costume masks are not a substitute for a cloth mask," the official said, calling for gloves to be worn when distributing candy and contact-free methods of candy distribution.
"Be safe and have fun. Do the right thing. Don't go to Itaewon. Remember, 'I didn't know,' doesn't work as an excuse during COVID," he added.
The South Korean health authorities have also warned of risks associated with such large gatherings. Popular clubs in Itaewon and other key entertainment districts, such as Hongdae and Gangnam, have said they will close this Halloween weekend as a preventive step.
On Thursday, South Korea added 125 more COVID-19 cases, including 106 domestic infections, raising the total caseload to 26,271, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
A street in Seoul's nightlife district of Itaewon is quiet on Oct. 26, 2020, five days ahead of Halloween, when COVID-19 is feared to spread. (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-29--Supreme Court confirms 17-year prison term for ex-President Lee Myung-bak in corruption case

Lee will be imprisoned upon the highest court 's ruling , after spending about eight months out of jail since @ @ @ @ @ February against the appeals court 's decision to reject his bail request .

SEOUL, Oct. 29 (Yonhap) -- The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld a lower court ruling that sentenced former President Lee Myung-bak to 17 years in prison on embezzlement and bribery charges.
In February, the appeals court sentenced him to 17 years in prison, a fine of 13 billion won (US$10.9 million) and a forfeit of 5.7 billion won.
The 78-year-old former president, who governed the country from 2008-2013, was charged in April 2018 with 16 counts of criminal allegations, including embezzlement in connection with the auto parts company DAS and receiving bribes.
Lee will be imprisoned upon the highest court's ruling, after spending about eight months out of jail since he filed an injunction in February against the appeals court's decision to reject his bail request.
The file photo taken Feb. 19, 2020, shows former South Korean President Lee Myung-bak greeting his supports before attending his trial at the Seoul High Court. (Yonhap)
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-29--BOK again extends special lending program amid pandemic

SEOUL , Oct. 29 ( Yonhap ) -- The Bank of Korea ( BOK ) said Thursday it will again @ @ @ @ @ for financial institutions by three months to help them stem a possible funding squeeze amid @ @ @ @

SEOUL, Oct. 29 (Yonhap) -- The Bank of Korea (BOK) said Thursday it will again extend a special loan scheme for financial institutions by three months to help them stem a possible funding squeeze amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The central bank said its decision-making monetary policy board decided to extend the special loan facility, originally set to expire on Nov. 3, until Feb. 3.
It marks the second extension since the program's inception in May. In August, the BOK extended the special loan program by three months.
The BOK launched the 10 trillion-won (US$8.82 billion) lending program to permit banks, brokerages and insurers to take out loans from the central bank against collateral.
It represents the first time that, excluding banks, the BOK has decided to directly provide loans to brokerages and insurers.
In order to borrow from the central bank, those financial institutions should put up as collateral gilt-edged corporate bonds, including ones rated AA-, which mature within five years.
The special lending facility is part of South Korea's measures to minimize the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic on the local financial system.
(END)


yna--2020-10-29--(URGENT) Supreme Court confirms 17-year prison term for ex-President Lee Myung-bak in corruption cas

(URGENT) Supreme Court confirms 17-year prison term for ex-President Lee Myung-bak in corruption case


yna--2020-10-29--(LEAD) S. Korea, Japan hold working-level talks on wartime history, trade

Japan has warned of countermeasures if the procedure goes ahead and urged South Korea to come up with a solution @ @ @ @ @ that reparation issues stemming from the 1910-45 period when Korea was a Japanese colony were @ @ @ @ @ that normalized their bilateral relations .

(ATTN: RECASTS headline; UPDATES story as talks began; REPLACES photo)
By Kim Seung-yeon
SEOUL, Oct. 29 (Yonhap) -- Diplomats of South Korea and Japan held talks in Seoul on Thursday that were expected to focus on a prolonged row between the two countries over Tokyo's wartime forced labor and export curbs.
The meeting between Kim Jung-han, director general for Asia and Pacific affairs at the foreign ministry, and his Japanese counterpart, Shigeki Takizaki, marked the first such talks since Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga took office last month.
Takizaki arrived here Wednesday on a three-day visit.
Ahead of the talks with Kim, the Japanese official also met separately with Seoul's top nuclear negotiator, Lee Do-hoon, for discussions on the Korean Peninsula and North Korea's denuclearization. Takizaki doubles as Japan's chief nuclear envoy.
His visit comes at a time when relations between Seoul and Tokyo remain badly frayed over the issue of compensating Korean forced labor victims and Tokyo's export restrictions on Seoul imposed in retaliation for South Korean court rulings that ordered Japanese companies to pay damages to the victims.
South Korea has taken steps to auction off some of the South Korea-based assets owned by Nippon Steel Corp. to cash them out for the compensation.
Japan has warned of countermeasures if the procedure goes ahead and urged South Korea to come up with a solution, based on its claim that reparation issues stemming from the 1910-45 period when Korea was a Japanese colony were settled by a 1965 treaty that normalized their bilateral relations.
Also on the agenda for the talks was likely to be Japan's potential discharge into the sea of contaminated water from its Fukushima nuclear plant, to which Seoul is paying close attention in terms of potential environmental impacts.
Thursday's talks also marked the first in-person meeting between Kim and Takizaki since February, as the coronavirus pandemic has put restraints on physical meetings. Their last working level talks took place virtually in June.
Shigeki Takizaki (C), head of the Japanese foreign ministry's Asian and Oceanian affairs bureau, arrives at the foreign ministry in Seoul on Oct. 29, 2020, for talks with Seoul officials on the row over wartime history and trade and other regional issues. (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-29--Samsung's research group signs partnership with local IT service firm on AI tech

STAR Labs is also set to sign a partnership with a local financial firm in the near future on its @ @ @ @ @ , though it did n't reveal the name of the company .

SEOUL, Oct. 29 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Co. said Thursday its experimental research group has signed a partnership with a local IT service firm on artificial intelligence (AI) technologies as the South Korean tech giant tries to expand its presence in human-like algorithm solutions.
Samsung Technology and Advanced Research Labs, better known as STAR Labs, inked a deal with CJ OliveNetworks Co., to develop services using their AI technologies.
For their first project, the two sides will create an "influencer" in the virtual world to deliver various media content.
STAR Labs, led by 39-year-old computer scientist Pranav Mistry, made a splash at this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada with NEON, an AI chatbot in human-like form.
With NEON, STAR Labs aims to provide video content in areas like media, education and retail, and also offer customer reception services.
STAR Labs is also set to sign a partnership with a local financial firm in the near future on its NEON program, Samsung said, though it didn't reveal the name of the company.
These images provided by Samsung Electronics Co. on Oct. 29, 2020, shows services using NEON, an artificial intelligence chatbot in human-like form developed by Samsung Technology and Advanced Research Labs. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-29--(2nd LD) Samsung delivers estimate-beating Q3 results on chips, mobile recovery

SEOUL , Oct. 29 ( Yonhap ) -- Samsung Electronics Co. on Thursday reported forecast-beating business results in the third @ @ @ @ @ benefited from rush orders from Huawei Technologies Co. over U.S. sanctions , while its mobile @ @ @ @ @ on pent-up demand amid the pandemic .

(ATTN: CHANGES headline, lead; UPDATES paras 1-6; ADDS more info from 7th para, photos)
By Joo Kyung-don
SEOUL, Oct. 29 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Co. on Thursday reported forecast-beating business results in the third quarter as its chip business benefited from rush orders from Huawei Technologies Co. over U.S. sanctions, while its mobile sales and home appliances soared on pent-up demand amid the pandemic.
Its net profit stood at 9.36 trillion won (US$8.3 billion) in the third quarter, up 48.9 percent from a year earlier.
Operating profit jumped 58.8 percent on-year to 12.35 trillion won in the third quarter of the year, marking its best quarterly performance since the third quarter of 2018, when it logged an operating profit of 17.5 trillion won.
Sales rose 8 percent on-year to 66.96 trillion won in the July-September period, its largest-ever quarterly sales, beating the previous record of 65.9 trillion won in the fourth quarter of 2017.
The figures were in line with the earnings guidance announced earlier this month that beat the market consensus.
Samsung attributed its upbeat performance to firm demand for smartphones and consumer electronics, while its chip business posted better-than-expected results despite a decline in memory prices.
This photo taken Oct. 26, 2020, shows an outdoor sign of Samsung Electronics Co. at its office building in Seoul. (Yonhap)
Revenue from the semiconductor unit stood at 18.8 trillion won in the third quarter of the year, a 6.87 percent increase from a year earlier. Its operating profit from the chip business nearly doubled to 5.54 trillion won from 3.05 trillion won a year ago.
"The memory business posted solid earnings as healthy demand for mobile and PC products led to higher-than-expected shipments, outweighing the impact of lower memory chip prices," Samsung said.
The company added that rush orders from Huawei, the world's top telecom equipment maker and No. 2 smartphone producer, helped both DRAM and NAND flash memory businesses.
Huawei, one of Samsung's largest customers, aggressively procured semiconductors ahead of the U.S. export restrictions that were put in place on Sept. 15.
Samsung also saw profit for its system LSI business improve on solid demand for mobile phone components, while its foundry business benefited from increased orders for high-performance computing (HPC) chips and other applications.
This photo, provided by Samsung Electronics Co. on May 21, 2020, shows the company's chip plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Samsung's IT & Mobile Communications (IM) division posted 30.49 trillion won in sales in the third quarter, up 4.23 percent from a year, while its operating profit surged 52.4 percent on-year to 4.45 trillion won, its largest quarterly operating income since the first quarter of 2014.
Samsung said its smartphone sales jumped nearly 50 percent from the previous quarter with the launch of new flagship models such as the Galaxy Note20 and Galaxy Z Fold2 and robust sales of mass-market models in key regions including India.
"Efficient cost management through component standardization and reduction in marketing expenses led to a significant improvement in profitability," it said. "Sales increase in tablets and wearables also contributed to the profit growth in the third quarter."
Samsung's consumer electronics division, comprised of visual display and digital appliance businesses, chalked up sales of 14.09 trillion won, up 28.91 percent from a year earlier. The business unit's operating profit nearly tripled from 550 billion won to reach a record 1.56 trillion won over the cited period.
"Demand for TVs surged both quarter-on-quarter and year-on-year as the 'at-home' trend buoyed sales of high-resolution home cinema," it said.
Samsung's display panel business was the only sector that posted negative growth in the third quarter. Its display panel unit posted sales of 7.32 trillion won, down 20.95 percent from a year earlier, while operating profit plunged 59.82 percent to 470 billion won.
Samsung's capital expenditures in the third quarter stood at 8.4 trillion won, including 6.6 trillion won spent on semiconductors and 1.5 trillion won on displays.
This photo taken on Aug. 7, 2020, shows Samsung Electronics Co.'s Galaxy Note20 smartphone displayed at a store in Seoul. (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-29--(2nd LD) Daewoo E&C Q3 net up 17.9 pct on decreased costs

The builder 's operating profit declined 13.5 percent to 102.9 billion won in the third quarter .
Sales fell 8.9 @ @ @ @ @ from 2.08 trillion won during the same period , it said .

(ATTN: ADDS photo)
SEOUL, Oct. 29 (Yonhap) -- Daewoo Engineering & Construction Co., a major South Korean construction company, said Thursday its third-quarter net profit rose 17.9 percent from a year earlier due to decreased costs.
In the three months ending Sept. 30, Daewoo E&C posted a net profit of 56 billion won (US$49 million), compared with a profit of 47.5 billion won a year earlier, the company said in a regulatory filing.
The company said selling, general and administrative costs fell in the third quarter from a year earlier, which in turn improved its bottom line.
Selling, general and administrative costs included salaries of employees and advertising costs.
The builder's operating profit declined 13.5 percent to 102.9 billion won in the third quarter. Sales fell 8.9 percent to 1.89 trillion won from 2.08 trillion won during the same period, it said.
This photo, provided by Daewoo Engineering & Construction Co., shows its corporate logo atop its headquarters in central Seoul (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
entropy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-29--Xi renews commitment to firming up relations with N. Korea 'generation after generation'

It was the fourth message exchanged between Xi and Kim in less than a month on the occasion of state @ @ @ @ @ .
Last week , Kim also visited a cemetery of Chinese soldiers who fell during @ @ @ @ @ mark the 70th anniversary of their participation in the conflict .

By Koh Byung-joon
SEOUL, Oct. 29 (Yonhap) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has renewed his commitment to firm up relations with North Korea "generation after generation," saying the world is witnessing the "great rapid change unprecedented in 100 years," Pyongyang's state media reported Thursday.
Xi made the remarks in a response message to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un after Kim sent a congratulatory message earlier this month on the occasion of the 71st founding anniversary of China, according to the Korean Central News Agency.
The message appears aimed at demonstrating strong bilateral relations among the allies amid Beijing's deepening rivalry with the United States and stalled denuclearization talks with Washington. It also came days ahead of the U.S. presidential election scheduled for early next week.
It was the fourth message exchanged between Xi and Kim in less than a month on the occasion of state anniversaries of the two countries. Last week, Kim also visited a cemetery of Chinese soldiers who fell during the 1950-53 Korean War to mark the 70th anniversary of their participation in the conflict.
"I and Comrade Chairman (Kim) have got the relations between the two parties and between the two countries to enter a new historic period through close and deep communication in recent years," the KCNA quoted Xi as saying.
Saying that the world is witnessing a "great rapid change unprecedented in 100 years," Xi noted that China is willing to develop long and friendly relations with North Korea "generation after generation," while trying to provide the peoples of the two countries "with better welfare" and propel "regional peace, stability and development."
Xi did not specify what the unprecedented rapid change in 100 years is, but it could be referring to the coronavirus global pandemic and China's deepening rivalry with the U.S.
Mentioning the recent 75th founding anniversary of the Workers' Party of North Korea, Xi lauded Pyongyang for "great successes in the cause of socialist construction," the KCNA said.
Xi also voiced his belief that North Korea would carry out a "new strategic line" and achieve "rich success" in the development of its state so as to successfully greet the upcoming rare party congress scheduled for early next year.
China and North Korea have shown off their strong relations in what appears to be a move to strengthen their hand amid stalled denuclearization talks and deepening rivalry between Beijing and Washington.
Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un chat at the Kumsusan State Guesthouse in Pyongyang on June 21, 2019, in this photo released by the North's official Korean Central News Agency. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-29--Doosan Heavy wins 400 bln won order to build hydropower plant in Nepal

The South Korean company signed an agreement with Nepal Water & Energy Development Co. ( NWEDC ) to build a @ @ @ @ @ the Trishuli River , 70 kilometers north of Kathmandu , over the next five years @ @ @ @ @ a statement .

By Nam Kwang-sik
SEOUL, Oct. 29 (Yonhap) -- Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction Co. said Thursday it has obtained a 400 billion won (US$353 million) order to build a hydropower plant in Nepal.
The South Korean company signed an agreement with Nepal Water & Energy Development Co. (NWEDC) to build a 216-megawatt hydroelectric power station on the Trishuli River, 70 kilometers north of Kathmandu, over the next five years, the company said in a statement.
NWEDC, a special purpose entity for the project, is 50 percent owned by Korea South-East Power Co, a South Korean electric power company, Doosan Heavy said.
Doosan Heavy also signed a memorandum of understanding with Korea South-East Power to build a 215-megawatt hydropower plant in Pakistan, the company said. Construction of the plant will start in late 2022, it added.
This photo provided by Yonhap News TV Co. shows the logo of Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction Co. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
ksnam@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-29--S. Korea awards medals to USFK members to celebrate alliance

SEOUL , Oct. 29 ( Yonhap ) -- South Korea on Thursday presented medals to seven U.S .
Forces Korea @ @ @ @ @ Korean War veterans , in an event to mark the 70th anniversary of the outbreak @ @ @ @ @ defense ministry said .

SEOUL, Oct. 29 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Thursday presented medals to seven U.S. Forces Korea members who are descendants of Korean War veterans, in an event to mark the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the conflict, the defense ministry said.
Defense Minister Suh Wook hosted the ROK-U.S. Alliance Remembrance and Appreciation Event at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, 70 kilometers south of Seoul. ROK stands for South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea.
About 28,500 American troops are stationed in South Korea to deter North Korean aggression, a legacy of the 1950-53 conflict, which ended in a truce, not a peace treaty, leaving the divided peninsula still technically at war.
"The South Korea-U.S. alliance, forged through blood under gunfire during the Korean War, maintains peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and has become the foundation for South Korea's democracy and economic growth," Suh said in a welcoming speech.
Amid persisting nuclear and missile threats from North Korea, the minister called for a firm combined defense posture based on the alliance, saying South Koreans will forever remember all those who sacrificed for the country's freedom and peace.
Suh bestowed the Guardian of Freedom medals to five USFK officers and two civilian workers, who are descendants of Korean War veterans.
One of them is 1st Lt. Benjamin White of the U.S.-led United Nations Command, a Korea-born adoptee whose grandfather, George White, participated in the war.
He said he feels grateful to serve in the country where he was born, vowing to do his best for a firm South Korea-U.S. alliance.
In this photo, provided by the defense ministry, Defense Minister Suh Wook (L) poses for a photo with 1st Lt. Benjamin White of U.S.-led United Nations Command after awarding a medal of gratitude during an event to celebrate the alliance between South Korea and the United States at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, 70 kilometers south of Seoul, on Oct. 29, 2020. White's grandfather, George White, fought during the 1950-53 Korean War. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-29--SK hynix CEO says US$9bln Intel deal 'not expensive'

`` The reason why we invested in Kioxia was not for a short-term return but to create a new cooperation @ @ @ @ @ long term , '' he said .
`` Since its initial public offering ( IPO @ @ @ @ @ we will keep monitoring its strategic value . ''

SEOUL, Oct. 29 (Yonhap) -- Lee Seok-hee, the CEO of SK hynix Inc., said Thursday he believes the company's 10.3 trillion won (US$9 billion) acquisition of Intel Corp.'s NAND memory business is not an expensive deal.
South Korea's No. 2 chipmaker last week announced it agreed to buy Intel's non-volatile memory unit for $9 billion, including its solid state drive (SSD) business and a NAND flash chip plant in Dalian, China.
If completed, it will be the largest-ever acquisition by a South Korean firm, far exceeding Samsung Electronics Co.'s $8 billion deal in 2016 to buy Harman International Industries Inc.
"I don't think it is expensive," Lee told reporters after a Korea Semiconductor Industry Association event in Seoul. "It's a price that comprehensively reflects Intel's intangible assets, including its SSD capability and solutions. The valuation was fair."
Lee, a former Intel man who worked for the U.S. semiconductor giant between 2000 and 2010, said the reason why the company bought Intel's NAND unit was to boost its solutions capability.
"We developed the industry's first 128-layer NAND flash and already made a big advancement in chip manufacturing," he said. "But we wanted to beef up solution offerings and complete our product portfolio."
SK hynix CEO Lee Seok-hee speaks to reporters following an event hosted by the Korea Semiconductor Industry Association in Seoul on Oct. 29, 2020. (Yonhap)
The deal will make SK hynix the world's second-largest NAND flash chip producer.
According to market researcher TrendForce, SK hynix was the world's fourth-largest NAND flash maker with an 11.7 percent revenue share in the second quarter of the year, while Intel was ranked sixth with an 11.5 percent revenue share.
Samsung led the market with a 31.4 percent share, followed by Japan's Kioxia Corp. with 17.2 percent.
Shares in SK hynix have been falling since the company announced the deal, with analysts saying that investors are apparently concerned about the chipmaker paying a lump sum of money in a relatively short period of time.
Under the deal, SK hynix will first have to pay $7 billion to Intel by late 2021 and give the remaining $2 billion by March 2025.
SK hynix's share price was 85,200 won last Tuesday, but it closed at 81,700 won on the Seoul bourse Thursday.
This photo, taken on Oct. 20, 2020, shows South Korean chipmaker SK hynix Inc.'s plant in Icheon, south of Seoul.
To prepare funds for the deal, analysts here have been predicting that SK hynix might sell its stake in Kioxia.
In 2017, SK hynix joined a global consortium to invest in Kioxia., then known as Toshiba Memory Corporation Corp., and injected about 4 trillion won. The consortium, which includes Apple and Bain Capital, now has a 49.9 percent stake in Kioxia.
However, Lee hinted that such a move may not happen in the time being.
"The reason why we invested in Kioxia was not for a short-term return but to create a new cooperation opportunity and ecosystem in the long term," he said. "Since its initial public offering (IPO) has been postponed, we will keep monitoring its strategic value."
Meanwhile, Lee said SK hynix's latest M16 chip line in Icheon, south of Seoul, is set to be completed by the end of this year. He expected the facility to mass produce the fourth-generation 10-nanometer (1a) class DRAM chips with extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography technology in the second half of next year
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-29--(2nd LD) S. Korea urges Japan to show more sincerity to resolve forced labor row

They also exchanged views on ways to cooperate with each other , and with the United States , so as @ @ @ @ @ situation and to bring progress toward the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and settlement @ @ @ @ @ said .

(ATTN: UPDATES article with results of meetings; RECASTS headline)
By Kim Seung-yeon
SEOUL, Oct. 29 (Yonhap) -- South Korea urged Japan on Thursday to show more sincerity to resolve a prolonged row over wartime forced labor and swiftly remove its export curbs on Seoul, the foreign ministry said.
Kim Jung-han, director general for Asia and Pacific affairs at the foreign ministry, delivered the position during a meeting in Seoul with his Japanese counterpart, Shigeki Takizaki, in their first talks since Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga took office last month.
"Director General Kim again explained our stance regarding the force labor and highlighted the need for the Japanese government and defendant companies to show a more sincere attitude to resolve the problem," the ministry said in a release.
Kim also urged Tokyo to swiftly retract the export restrictions against Seoul, it said.
Relations between Seoul and Tokyo remain chilled over the issue of compensating Korean forced labor victims and Tokyo's export restrictions on Seoul imposed in retaliation for South Korean court rulings that ordered Japanese companies to pay damages to the victims.
South Korea has taken steps to auction off some of the South Korea-based assets owned by Nippon Steel Corp. to cash them out for the compensation.
Japan has warned of countermeasures if the procedure goes ahead and urged South Korea to come up with a solution, based on its claim that reparation issues stemming from the 1910-45 period when Korea was a Japanese colony were settled by a 1965 treaty that normalized their bilateral relations.
In Thursday's talks, Kim also "recalled the need for Tokyo to actively respond to the Seoul government's efforts to host the trilateral summit with Japan and China within this year," the ministry said.
On Japan's potential discharge into the sea of contaminated water from its Fukushima nuclear plant, Kim stressed that South Korea is acutely aware of the issue and has serious concerns.
Ahead of the talks with Kim, the Japanese official also met separately with Seoul's top nuclear negotiator, Lee Do-hoon, for discussions on the Korean Peninsula and North Korea's denuclearization. Takizaki doubles as Japan's chief nuclear envoy.
"The two sides, in particular, shared the view that major countries in the region, including Japan, support the resumption of dialogue with Pyongyang and that they should cooperate to that end," the ministry said in a separate release.
They also exchanged views on ways to cooperate with each other, and with the United States, so as to stably manage the current situation and to bring progress toward the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and settlement of permanent peace, it said.
Thursday's talks also marked the first in-person meeting between Kim and Takizaki since February, as the coronavirus pandemic has put restraints on physical meetings. Their last working level talks took place virtually in June.
Shigeki Takizaki (C), head of the Japanese foreign ministry's Asian and Oceanian affairs bureau, arrives at the foreign ministry in Seoul on Oct. 29, 2020, for talks with Seoul officials on the row over wartime history and trade and other regional issues. (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-29--Another delivery worker dies on duty: police

`` The deceased had complained of pain from overwork to his family , saying his job was too hard .
@ @ @ @ @ for the repeated deaths of ( delivery ) workers .
We will take the lead @ @ @ @ @ punishing those who are held accountable , '' the statement said .

SEOUL, Oct. 29 (Yonhap) -- Police said Thursday they are investigating the death of a parcel delivery worker on duty earlier this week, which could be the latest in a recent string of deaths among couriers largely blamed on their heavy workload.
The man in his 50s, who worked for a subcontractor of Hanjin Express, one of the nation's major logistics firms, collapsed at a Hanjin hub terminal in Daejeon, some 160 kilometers south of Seoul, at 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday. He was sent to a nearby hospital but died, according to the Daejeon Metropolitan Police Agency.
Activists rally in Seoul on Oct. 24, 2020, calling for measures to prevent parcel delivery workers from being overworked. (Yonhap)
He was reportedly in charge of driving parcel trucks between Daejeon and the southeastern port city of Busan. The police said they are investigating the exact cause of his death based on the fact he had an underlying illness.
On Oct. 12, a 36-year-old delivery worker who belonged to a Seoul branch of Hanjin Express was found dead at home, with civic activists attributing his death to overwork.
This year alone, more than 10 parcel delivery workers have died in cases believed to be related to overwork, according to the activists, as the new coronavirus outbreak triggered a surge in online shopping and parcel volumes.
The progressive Jinbo Party's chapter in Daejeon issued a statement calling for a thorough investigation into the cause of the Daejeon worker's death.
"The deceased had complained of pain from overwork to his family, saying his job was too hard. The company is clearly responsible for the repeated deaths of (delivery) workers. We will take the lead in uncovering the truth and punishing those who are held accountable," the statement said.
This file photo shows a parcel delivery terminal of Hanjin Express. (Yonhap)
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-29--Operator of irresponsible parent-naming website found not guilty of defamation

In the ruling on Thursday , the court took note that Kang did not intend to defame the man when @ @ @ @ @ that it would have been difficult for her to know that some of the allegations @ @ @ @ @ .

SEOUL, Oct. 29 (Yonhap) -- The operator of a website that exposes the identity of parents refusing to pay child support was found not guilty of defamation by a Seoul court on Thursday.
The Seoul Western District Court acquitted Kang Min-seo of defamation charges over disclosing a man's personal information on the website, Bad Parents, that she created in 2018.
The site publicly shares information, such as the name, age, residence and workplace, of parents who have been uncooperative in providing child support after divorce.
In June last year, she disclosed on the website the identity of the plaintiff, who allegedly failed to provide child support for around 20 years.
The man filed a criminal complaint against her, arguing that his reputation was damaged by the website's false accusation.
The prosecution had given her a summary fine of 1 million won (US$883) for posting some false information about the man, but she demanded she be judged at court.
In the ruling on Thursday, the court took note that Kang did not intend to defame the man when sharing the post, and that it would have been difficult for her to know that some of the allegations against the man were false.
"The post only emphasized the need for child support, with no trace of anger or personal feelings against the plaintiff," it said.
The court, however, added that the verdict was based on whether the defendant knew about the false statements, not on the "legality of disclosing personal information."
After the ruling, Kang thanked the court for acknowledging that her writing was not slander but for resolving child support issues. A legal fight between parents should be the last resort, and the government should play a more active role to resolve child support payment, she added.
Kang Min-seo, the operator of a website that discloses the information of parents who fail to provide child support, speaks to the press after she was acquitted of defamation charges against a parent in front of the Seoul Western District Court on Oct. 29, 2020. (Yonhap)
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-29--(LEAD) Ruling party unveils plan to compete in Seoul, Busan mayoral elections next year

But the Democratic Party has long remained unsure whether to take part in the elections , as its internal rule @ @ @ @ @ candidate in a by-election if the by-election is caused by a `` serious wrongdoing '' @ @ @ @ @ the post .

(ATTN: UPDATES with response from main opposition party in last 2 paras)
SEOUL, Oct. 29 (Yonhap) -- The ruling party on Thursday unveiled a plan to field candidates in the mayoral by-elections in Seoul and Busan next year.
The April 7 by-elections for mayoralties in the country's two largest cities are seen as a major barometer of public opinion ahead of the presidential election in March 2022.
But the Democratic Party has long remained unsure whether to take part in the elections, as its internal rule prohibits it from fielding a candidate in a by-election if the by-election is caused by a "serious wrongdoing" by party members resigning from the post.
The two seats were left vacant earlier this year by two DP members, Park Won-soon and Oh Keo-don, after both were accused of sexual misconduct.
"The party decided to hold a poll involving all party members to decide whether to go for a revision of the party constitution, which could open up the path for (such) nominations," Lee Nak-yon, the chairman of the Democratic Party (DP), told a general party meeting.
"Withholding nominations (for the seats) wouldn't be the only responsible choice. Going for the nominations and letting (the party) be judged by citizens would rather be the (more) responsible action," he said.
Lee also apologized to the people of Seoul and Busan for causing "administrative vacancies" in their cities.
Former Seoul Mayor Park was found dead in an apparent suicide in July, days after one of his former secretaries filed a sexual abuse complaint against him.
Former Busan Mayor Oh stepped down in April over a sexual misconduct claim raised against him by a female subordinate.
As the first step, DP plans to hold a poll on Sunday, asking all party members to support or oppose a revision of the party rule for the nomination plans, according to party officials.
If the party gets the nod from members, they say, it will immediately embark on the process to complete the revision sometime next week.
Rep. Lee Nak-yon, the chairman of the ruling Democratic Party, speaks during a general party meeting in Seoul on Oct. 29, 2020. (Yonhap)
The leader of the main opposition party slammed the latest decision by DP as "breaking of a promise."
"In their constitution, they had vowed not to field candidates if there's a cause for blame," Kim Chong-in, the interim leader of People Power Party, told reporters on the sidelines of his meeting in Jeonju with heads of municipalities in North Jeolla Province.
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-29--No causal links to overwork found in couriers' deaths: preliminary review

The police said they are waiting for the final autopsy reports .
`` Among the deceased included those with underlying @ @ @ @ @ brain , '' an agency official said .

SEOUL, Oct. 29 (Yonhap) -- Preliminary forensic studies into the recent deaths of parcel delivery workers have yielded no clear evidence that links their deaths to overwork, the police said Thursday.
Preliminary results of the National Forensic Service's autopsies on the bodies of six couriers who died this year produced no clear evidence linking the deaths to excessive work, according to the National Police Agency.
The police said they are waiting for the final autopsy reports. "Among the deceased included those with underlying symptoms in the heart and brain," an agency official said.
This year alone, 14 parcel delivery workers have died in cases claimed to be related to overwork, according to a couriers' advocacy group, as the new coronavirus outbreak triggered a surge in online shopping and parcel volumes.
Logistics companies have scrambled to announce measures to improve working conditions, with industry leader CJ Logistics pledging to hire 4,000 more workers in phases to handle only the sorting of parcels and set an appropriate daily workload based on expert recommendations.
A 2018 report by the Korea Transport Institute showed that delivery drivers worked 12.7 hours a day and 25.6 days each month on average. This translates to much longer working hours compared with the 52-hour workweek scheme mandated by the government.
Labor activists stage a rally in front of Hanjin Express headquarters in Seoul on Oct. 24, 2020, calling for measures to prevent parcel delivery workers from being overworked in the wake of a recent series of deaths of couriers who suffered from long work hours. (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-29--(3rd LD) Supreme Court confirms 17-year prison term for ex-President Lee Myung-bak in corruption cas

(3rd LD) Supreme Court confirms 17-year prison term for ex-President Lee Myung-bak in corruption case

The prosecution is allowing the former president time to prepare for his upcoming imprisonment .
Lee is scheduled to be @ @ @ @ @ Center on Monday , before being incarcerated again .
His term will be 16 years @ @ @ @ @ about one year behind bars .

(ATTN: UPDATES with latest details in last 2 paras)
SEOUL, Oct. 29 (Yonhap) -- The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld a 17-year prison sentence handed down by an appeals court for former President Lee Myung-bak on embezzlement and bribery charges.
In February, the Seoul High Court sentenced the 78-year-old to 17 years in prison, a fine of 13 billion won (US$10.9 million) and a forfeit of 5.7 billion won in a high-profile corruption case.
The former president, who governed the country from 2008-2013, was charged in April 2018 with 16 counts of criminal allegations, including embezzlement in connection with the auto parts company DAS and receiving bribes from various companies and individuals, including Samsung Electronics Co.
The file photo, taken Feb. 19, 2020, shows former South Korean President Lee Myung-bak greeting his supporters before attending his trial at the Seoul High Court. (Yonhap)
In October that year, a district court found him guilty or partly guilty of seven accounts, and sentenced him to 15 years in prison, making him the fourth ex-South Korean leader to be criminally convicted.
It also concluded that Lee was the de facto owner of DAS, an allegation Lee has consistently denied.
An appeals court in February handed down a longer prison term of 17 years due to the increased amount of graft that Lee was found guilty of.
Reporters wait in front of the house of former President Lee Myung-bak in southern Seoul on Oct. 29, 2020. (Yonhap)
The court ruled that Lee embezzled 25.2 billion won from DAS, which it also concluded that Lee effectively owned, and convicted him of accepting bribes totaling 9.4 billion won, around 800 million won more than previously ruled.
The court found that Lee used his presidential power to benefit DAS and himself. Throughout Lee's political career, he was dogged by suspicions over whether he is the real owner of DAS.
Lee will be imprisoned again, as the highest court said that the lower court's February injunction to allow him out of jail became invalid.
The prosecution is allowing the former president time to prepare for his upcoming imprisonment. Lee is scheduled to be detained in Seoul Dongbu Detention Center on Monday, before being incarcerated again. His term will be 16 years, as he already served about one year behind bars.
Later in the afternoon, Lee issued a statement strongly denouncing the court's decision as "unfair," and claiming that "the truth will eventually come out."
Kang Hun (R), a lawyer for former President Lee Myung-bak, talks to reporters outside the Supreme Court in Seoul after the court upheld a 17-year prison sentence for Lee in a corruption case on Oct. 29, 2020. (Yonhap)
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-10-29--S. Korea may find itself on 'front line of new Cold War' if it joins U.S.-led, anti-China alliance:

S. Korea may find itself on 'front line of new Cold War' if it joins U.S.-led, anti-China alliance: adviser

`` For North Korea , nuclear weapons are the only card for its survival , but it first demolished the @ @ @ @ @ and expressed its willingness to give up all nuclear facilities and even a research center @ @ @ @ @ U.S. did not accept it , '' Moon said .

YESAN, South Korea, Oct. 29 (Yonhap) -- South Korea could be placed onto the "front line of a new Cold War" should it join a U.S.-centric alliance architecture against China, a special security adviser to President Moon Jae-in said Thursday.
Moon Chung-in made the remarks during a forum on security, two days after he warned that if the United States forces South Korea to join a collective defense mechanism against China, it would pose an "existential dilemma" to Seoul as Beijing could "treat us as an enemy."
The U.S. has recently shown its desire to expand the Quad forum involving Australia, Japan and India into a broader security architecture as part of efforts to keep an increasingly assertive China in check.
"If South Korea partakes in the U.S.-centric alliance targeting China, it could stand on the front line of a new Cold War era," Moon said during the Pan Yellow Sea Forum in Yesan, 134 kilometers south of Seoul.
"If the U.S. deploys additional THAAD batteries to South Korea, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles targeting China, China would think of us as antagonistic," he added, referring to the U.S. missile defense system, called the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense.
This photo, taken on Oct. 27, 2020, shows Moon Chung-in, a presidential security adviser, speaking during a peace forum in Seoul. (Yonhap)
The adviser then said the military move against China could trigger Chinese actions such as aiming its Dongfeng ballistic missiles at South Korea and sending its fighters to frequently enter Korea's air defense identification zone.
Moon also voiced frustration over the deadlocked nuclear talks between Washington and Pyongyang, while noting a series of concessions or steps the North has made to move forward the negotiations.
"For North Korea, nuclear weapons are the only card for its survival, but it first demolished the nuclear testing site in Punggye-ri and expressed its willingness to give up all nuclear facilities and even a research center at Yongbyon. But the U.S. did not accept it," Moon said.
"When the North has shown all of its cards, the U.S. demands the North first give up all when it did not change course ... This lacks cogency," he added.
Touching on South Korea's push to secure more strategic military weapons systems, such as a light aircraft carrier and a nuclear-powered submarine, the security adviser said the move for the sake of peace could lead to an arms race in Northeast Asia.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)