yna--2020-11-23--Nightclubs, late-night dining banned in greater Seoul under tougher virus curbs

Level 2 , the third-highest in the five-tier distancing scheme , comes as the country reported over 300 daily new @ @ @ @ @ five days , with the capital region accounting for most of the cases .

By Kim Eun-jung
SEOUL, Nov. 23 (Yonhap) -- Nightclubs and late-night dining will be banned in the greater Seoul area under toughened distancing guidelines, as authorities are scrambling to contain the recent coronavirus flare-up ahead of a nationwide college exam.
Health authorities raised the social distancing by one notch to Level 2 in the Seoul metropolitan area effective for two weeks starting Tuesday, only three days after enforcing Level 1.5 distancing in the nation's most populous region.
Level 2, the third-highest in the five-tier distancing scheme, comes as the country reported over 300 daily new COVID-19 patients in the last five days, with the capital region accounting for most of the cases.
A coffee shop in Hadong, South Gyeongsang Province, puts up a sign on keeping a distance between tables after the county enforced Level 2 social distancing on Nov. 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
Under Level 2, gatherings involving 100 or more people are banned, while nightclubs and other high-risk entertainment facilities must suspend their business.
Restaurants are allowed to serve food until 9 p.m., with only takeout and delivery services available afterward.
Indoor dining is not allowed in cafes throughout the day, and only takeout and delivery services are available.
Indoor sports facilities are required to halt their operations after 9 p.m., and public facilities will need to meet an admissions cap of 30 percent.
Sports events should have only 10 percent of their maximum capacity.
People stand in line for COVID-19 testing at the National Medical Center in Seoul on Nov. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
Under the strengthened measures, the attendance cap in the greater Seoul area is placed at one-third of students in kindergartens, primary schools and middle schools while the cap is placed at two-thirds of students in high schools.
One-third of all public servants and employees of public organizations and public companies will begin to work from home on Tuesday.
The latest measures are similar to distancing guidelines imposed from Aug. 30-Sept. 13 in the Seoul metropolitan area, following a sharp spike in new cases traced to mass demonstrations.
Health Minister Park Neunghoo on Sunday warned a third wave of virus outbreaks is in progress, calling for people to take extra precautions and avoid year-end gatherings of family and friends.
Health authorities said the tougher social distancing guidelines are inevitable to stop another wave of the pandemic, which could put a strain on daily lives and business activities, especially ahead of a nationwide college exam slated for Dec. 3.
ejkim@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-23--The Korea Interbank Offered Rates (KORIBOR)

SEOUL , Nov. 23 ( 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--2020-11-23--Ruling party expresses concerns over large-scale strike amid virus resurgence

It is yet unclear how many union members will take part in the walkout , but the group is expected @ @ @ @ @ the strike , which is planned at a time when sporadic cluster infections continue to @ @ @ @ @ against COVID-19 .

SEOUL, Nov. 23 (Yonhap) -- Top officials from the ruling Democratic Party (DP) on Monday expressed concerns over a major labor union's plan to stage a large-scale strike this week, amid fears that organized walkouts may hamper the government's efforts in battling a new wave of COVID-19 cases that has placed the nation on heightened alert.
The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), the country's largest umbrella trade union, plans to hold a nationwide one-day walkout Wednesday to oppose the government's plan to revise the law to ratify key International Labor Organization conventions.
"We ask that the union make a wise decision, including canceling the strike, in consideration of the people's worries," DP chief Rep. Lee Nak-yon said during a party leadership meeting.
Ruling Democratic Party chief Rep. Lee Nak-yon (on monitor) speaks during a meeting of the party's supreme council at the National Assembly in Seoul on Nov. 23, 2020. Lee joined the meeting through a video link, as he remains in quarantine after an acquaintance he met last week tested positive for COVID-19. (Yonhap)
Lee joined the meeting through a video link, as he has quarantined himself after an acquaintance he met last week tested positive for COVID-19. The DP chief has said he tested negative.
Rep. Kim Tae-nyeon, floor leader of the ruling party, also said the scheduled strike was "very worrisome."
"Even when promising to abide by distancing guidelines, it is not desirable to hold in-person protests when concerns of a new wave of COVID-19 remain high," he said.
Kim asked the organizers to "reconsider what KCTU's social responsibilities should be" during a time when the nation is suffering from the pandemic.
KCTU's planned group action will be its first general strike this year. The group, the more militant one of the nation's two largest umbrella labor organizations, held two such strikes last year, in March and July.
It is yet unclear how many union members will take part in the walkout, but the group is expected to face public criticism over the strike, which is planned at a time when sporadic cluster infections continue to dampen the country's fight against COVID-19.
Rep. Kim Tae-nyeon, floor leader of the ruling Democratic Party, speaks during a meeting of the party's supreme council at the National Assembly in Seoul on Nov. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-23--Retail sales up in Oct. on pandemic, promotional events

Sales of foodstuffs from online shops jumped 42.1 percent on-year in October , while those of electronics climbed 27.9 percent @ @ @ @ @ other consumer goods moved up 18.6 percent over the period , according to the data @

SEOUL, Nov. 23 (Yonhap) -- Retail sales in South Korea increased 8.4 percent in October from a year earlier on the back of the pandemic and consumption-boosting events, data showed Monday.
The combined sales of 26 major offline and online retailers reached 12.01 trillion won (US$10.7 billion) last month, up from 11.08 trillion won a year earlier, according to the data compiled by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
Online platforms led the overall growth, with their revenue advancing a whopping 17.2 percent over the period, as people continued to purchase daily necessities from home amid the resurgence of COVID-19 cases.
Sales of foodstuffs from online shops jumped 42.1 percent on-year in October, while those of electronics climbed 27.9 percent. Sales of furniture and other consumer goods moved up 18.6 percent over the period, according to the data.
Revenue from tour packages and concert tickets, however, dropped 18.1 percent amid the country's social distancing scheme.
Sales from offline stores, meanwhile, also edged up 2.1 percent over the cited period as people took advantage of various discount events from department stores and supermarkets, the data showed.
Local convenience stores saw their sales move up 2.9 percent on-year in October on brisk sales of tobacco products and alcoholic beverages.
Sales from department stores advanced 4.2 percent, with those of outdoor equipments rising 10.2 percent on the back of discount events.
Over the period, sales from supermarkets increased 2.3 percent as well on electronics and toys, the data showed.
In 2019, retail sales in South Korea rose 4.8 percent on-year. The revenue of online shopping malls advanced 14.2 percent, while that of offline stores shed 0.9 percent.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-23--Defense chief vows to safeguard peace with strength on N.K. attack anniversary

`` As the then chief of the Yeonpyeong unit , I never forgot for a moment that day ten years @ @ @ @ @ so in the years to come , '' Marine Corps commandant Lt. Gen. Lee Seung-do @ @ @ @ @ the sacrifice of the late service members .

SEOUL, Nov. 23 (Yonhap) -- Defense Minister Suh Wook vowed Monday to safeguard peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula with strength as he marked the 10th anniversary of North Korea's deadly artillery attack on a South Korean border island.
The shelling on Nov. 23, 2010, of Yeonpyeong Island, a front-line island near the Yellow Sea border, marked the North's first attack on South Korean territory since the 1950-53 Korean War. Two Marines and two civilians were killed.
"True peace needs to be supported by strong power," Suh said in a commemorative speech during a ceremony held at a national cemetery in the central city of Daejeon. "We will establish a strong defense posture and protect the Korean Peninsula's peace and prosperity in order not to repeat the past pain."
The Marine Corps said it will turn one of the artillery emplacements at the Yeonpyeong unit used to fire back in response to the North's attack into an exhibition hall for security education by next month.
"As the then chief of the Yeonpyeong unit, I never forgot for a moment that day ten years ago and will never do so in the years to come," Marine Corps commandant Lt. Gen. Lee Seung-do said, paying tribute to the sacrifice of the late service members.
This file photo, taken Nov. 23, 2016, shows a memorial ceremony under way at the national cemetery in the central city of Daejeon to mark the sixth anniversary of North Korea's shelling attack of Yeonpyeong Island near the tense western maritime border, killing two Marines and two civilians. (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-23--FM Kang voices hope for strengthening anti-virus cooperation with Latin America

`` We are in a situation that urgently calls for the entire world to respond to COVID-19 through solidarity and @ @ @ @ @ to further expand and strengthen bilateral cooperation , first of all in public health and @ @ @ @ @ said .

SEOUL, Nov. 23 (Yonhap) -- Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha expressed hope Monday for South Korea and Latin American countries to strengthen cooperation in overcoming the new coronavirus and charting a path for a post-pandemic economic recovery.
Kang delivered opening remarks during the 2020 Korea-LAC Future Cooperation Forum hosted by Seoul's ministries of foreign affairs and health to promote cooperation with Latin American and Caribbean countries.
"We are in a situation that urgently calls for the entire world to respond to COVID-19 through solidarity and cooperation, and we hope to further expand and strengthen bilateral cooperation, first of all in public health and quarantine areas," Kang said.
"We hope to strengthen mutual cooperation in terms of an economic recovery strategy for the post-COVID-19 era," she added, pointing to fifth-generation communications networks, electronic governance and cybersecurity as key areas of future cooperation.
Foreign Minister Kang Kyng-wha speaks during the 2020 Korea-LAC Future Cooperation Forum in Seoul on Nov. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
Health Minister Park Neunghoo also called for South Korea and Latin America to work together to nurture medical professionals, establish anti-pandemic systems based on information and communication technologies and ensure the fair distribution of vaccines and other therapeutics.
The forum, set to run through Tuesday online and offline, also involved senior foreign officials, including Ecuador's Foreign Minister Luis Gallegos.
First held in 2008, the forum is the largest Latin America-related event held in Korea.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-23--Military reports highest daily COVID-19 cases over cluster infection at border unit

Of the total , 26 enlisted soldiers and five Army officers were from the same base in Cheorwon , Gangwon @ @ @ @ @ officer at another unit in the town was confirmed to have been infected and the @ @ @ @ @ officer based in the northeastern county of Hwacheon , according to the ministry .

SEOUL, Nov. 23 (Yonhap) -- The military reported 33 new cases of the coronavirus on Monday, the highest daily total among service members, as cluster infections broke out at an Army unit in the border town of Cheorwon amid the nationwide spread of the virus.
Of the total, 26 enlisted soldiers and five Army officers were from the same base in Cheorwon, Gangwon Province, while an Army officer at another unit in the town was confirmed to have been infected and the other case is an Army officer based in the northeastern county of Hwacheon, according to the ministry.
The total cases at the Cheorwon unit rose to 37, and the figure is feared to grow as other members of the 200-strong unit are still awaiting their test results.
Monday's figure marks the highest daily record ever among the military population, according to the ministry data. The total number of confirmed cases among the military population grew to 263. The number has been on the rise since mid-November.
Currently, 1,673 service members are in isolation in accordance with the health authorities' guidelines, and the military has quarantined an additional 1,832 people under stricter antivirus schemes of its own as a preventive step.
Nationwide, the country added 271 more COVID-19 cases, including 255 local infections, raising the total caseload to 31,004, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
Medical workers prepare for COVID-19 tests at a makeshift center in the county of Hwacheon, Gangwon Province, on Nov. 22, 2020, in this photo provided by the local government. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-23--Samsung Heavy wins US$2.5 bln order from Europe

The deal , the largest order ever the shipyard has clinched , will be finalized in December 2025 , Samsung @ @ @ @ @ regulatory filing .

By Nam Kwang-sik
SEOUL, Nov. 23 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Heavy Industries Co. said Monday it has signed a US$2.5 billion deal with a European company to provide ship blocks and other equipment.
The deal, the largest order ever the shipyard has clinched, will be finalized in December 2025, Samsung Heavy Industries said in a regulatory filing.
So far this year, Samsung Heavy has secured orders worth $3.8 billion, achieving 45 percent of its annual order target for the year.
With the deal, Samsung Heavy's order backlogs also rose to $21.1 billion.
Samsung Heavy also said chances are high that it will get additional orders for large-scale liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects in Mozambique and Qatar.
This photo provided by Samsung Heavy Industries Co. shows a shuttle tanker built by the shipbuilder. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
ksnam@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-23--S. Korea's financial markets to open 1 hour later on college entrance exam

Trading of stocks , as well as the exchange traded fund ( ETF ) and bond markets , will begin @ @ @ @ @ at 4:30 p.m. , the Korea Exchange ( KRX ) said in a statement .

SEOUL, Nov. 23 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's financial markets will start trading an hour later than usual on Dec. 3 due to the nationwide college entrance exam, the bourse operator said Monday.
Trading of stocks, as well as the exchange traded fund (ETF) and bond markets, will begin at 10 a.m. and close at 4:30 p.m., the Korea Exchange (KRX) said in a statement.
Trading of derivatives will run from 10 a.m. to 16:45 p.m.
Among commodities, trading of gold will begin an hour late at 10 a.m. and close at the usual 3:30 p.m. Oil and emission trading hours will be unchanged.
About 493,000 high school seniors and graduates will take the one-day standardized College Scholastic Ability Test this year, according to the education ministry.
This undated photo shows the headquarters of the Korea Exchange in Seoul. (Yonhap)
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-23--(URGENT) 33 service members test positive for coronavirus, highest daily figure ever: defense minist

(URGENT) 33 service members test positive for coronavirus, highest daily figure ever: defense ministry


yna--2020-11-23--BLACKPINK's 'Ddu-du Ddu-du' tops 1.4 bln YouTube views in new milestone for K-pop group

The video hit the milestone at around 3:32 a.m. , YG Entertainment said , just about a year after it @ @ @ @ @ video to surpass the 1 billion mark last November .

SEOUL, Nov. 23 (Yonhap) -- South Korean all-female group BLACKPINK became the first K-pop act to top 1.4 billion views on YouTube on Monday with its music video for "Ddu-du Ddu-du."
The video hit the milestone at around 3:32 a.m., YG Entertainment said, just about a year after it became the first K-pop music video to surpass the 1 billion mark last November.
"Ddu-du Ddu-du," the main track of the four-member band's first EP "Square Up," released in 2018, is one of the group's most popular songs.
Two other music videos of BLACKPINK -- "Kill This Love" and "Boombayah" -- dropped in 2019 and 2016, respectively, also have over a billion views on the global video-sharing website at the moment.
The quartet is the second-most subscribed global artist on YouTube with 53.4 million subscribers.
This photo, provided by YG Entertainment, shows an image celebrating BLACKPINK's new YouTube milestone. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-23--(LEAD) New virus cases below 300 for first time in 6 days; tougher virus curbs imminent in greater S

(LEAD) New virus cases below 300 for first time in 6 days; tougher virus curbs imminent in greater Seoul

`` The third wave of the pandemic is under way due to the silent spread of the virus in our @ @ @ @ @ over 2,000 additional cases in a week , '' Second Vice Health Minister Kang Do-tae @ @ @ @ @ senior health officials .
`` If we fail to break the chain of infections , @ @ @ @ @ would not be sustainable . ''

(ATTN: UPDATES with more details, comments in paras 7-11; CHANGES photo)
SEOUL, Nov. 23 (Yonhap) -- The number of new coronavirus cases in South Korea fell below 300 for the first time in six days on Monday due to less testing on the weekend, as the greater Seoul area is set to be under tougher virus curbs starting Tuesday to prevent another wave of the pandemic.
The country added 271 more COVID-19 cases, including 255 local infections, raising the total caseload to 31,004, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
The latest figure fell from 330 on Sunday, which was attributable to the fewer number of tests conducted over the weekend.
The daily caseload has stayed in the triple digits since Nov. 8, with the figure hovering over 300 in the last five days.
A medical worker gets ready for COVID-19 testing at the National Medical Center on Nov. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
The recent surge of the virus prompted health authorities to raise the social distancing level by one notch to Level 2, the third-highest in the five-tier system, in the Seoul metropolitan area for two weeks starting Tuesday.
The latest measure comes only days after Seoul raised distancing by one notch to Level 1.5 on Thursday to urge people and business owners to take extra precautions.
Health authorities said the tougher antivirus actions are meant to stop another wave of the pandemic, which could overwhelm the nation's health care system.
"The third wave of the pandemic is under way due to the silent spread of the virus in our daily lives, leading to over 2,000 additional cases in a week," Second Vice Health Minister Kang Do-tae said in a meeting with senior health officials. "If we fail to break the chain of infections, antivirus measures and medical efforts would not be sustainable."
Unlike the previous outbreaks in the southeastern city of Daegu in February and Seoul in August, the latest outbreaks are harder to trace because they have occurred in small gatherings of family and friends, where people take off their masks.
"The pre-emptive antivirus measures are inevitable to prevent the next wave of the pandemic, which could put a serious strain on daily lives and the economy," he said.
The KDCA earlier said the nation's reproduction rate for COVID-19 has already topped 1.5, meaning that one patient infects more than 1.5 people. Authorities warned that the country could see more than 600 virus cases daily in early December unless the current pace is curbed.
Under the Level 2 scheme, gatherings involving 100 or more people are banned, while some virus-prone facilities, including nightclubs, need to suspend their business. Restaurants are allowed to serve food until 9 p.m., with only takeout and delivery services available afterward.
North and South Jeolla Provinces will be under the Level 1.5 distancing starting Tuesday, while other small cities and counties across the nation have enforced tougher distancing rules in accordance with the recent rise in new cases.
Health authorities warned a third wave of pandemic is under way due to cluster infections from private gatherings, public facilities and hospitals, calling for stronger action before a nationwide college exam in early December.
A high school student takes part in an online interview for college admission at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul on Nov. 22, 2020, amid concerns over COVID-19. (Yonhap)
Of the 255 locally transmitted cases, 206 were identified in the capital area, home to nearly half of the nation's population. Seoul added 109 more cases, while the surrounding Gyeonggi Province and western port city of Incheon reported 74 and 23 cases, respectively.
The capital region registered over 200 virus cases for the fourth straight day.
A total of 45 people tested positive from gatherings of family and friends in Incheon, and 69 cases were linked to a cram school in Seoul.
Most major cities and municipalities have reported new infections.
Gangwon Province registered 11 new cases, followed by North Jeolla Province with nine, South Chungcheong Province with eight and South Jeolla Province with five.
The number of new imported cases came to 16, down from 28 the previous day.
The country reported four additional deaths from COVID-19, raising the total to 509. The fatality rate was 1.64 percent.
The number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients came to 79.
The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries stood at 26,539, up 73 from the previous day.
ejkim@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-23--LG releases new 4K projector amid pandemic

The projector supports 4K resolution up to 300 inches with a 2,700 ANSI lumens of brightness .
It also comes @ @ @ @ @ detects the amount of the light in the room and adjusts brightness , and adaptive @ @ @ @ @ each frame to deliver the optimal contrast ratio .

SEOUL, Nov. 23 (Yonhap) -- LG Electronics Inc. on Monday introduced a new cinema projector in South Korea that boasts easy screen alignment amid the pandemic-driven stay-at-home trend.
The latest model of the LG CineBeam Laser 4K, the HU810PW, is equipped with a "triple image adjustment" feature that gives more installment options to users, the South Korean appliance maker said. It will be sold at 3.79 million won (US$3,400) here.
The new projector can create a rectangle screen even if it is positioned at the corner of a room and makes oblique projection. Its horizontal and vertical lens shift and screen enlargement with a maximum zoom ratio of 1.6 times allows easy alignment of the product, the company added.
The projector supports 4K resolution up to 300 inches with a 2,700 ANSI lumens of brightness. It also comes with Iris mode, which detects the amount of the light in the room and adjusts brightness, and adaptive contrast technology that automatically adjusts each frame to deliver the optimal contrast ratio.
It runs with LG's webOS platform, allowing users to access various streaming services, including YouTube, with an internet connection.
This photo provided by LG Electronics Inc. on Nov. 23, 2020, shows the company's new CineBeam Laser 4K projector, the HU810PW. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-23--Seoul morning temperature dips below zero

Cold wave advisories have been issued in parts of the Gyeonggi , Gangwon , Chungcheong and North Gyeongsang provinces .
@ @ @ @ @ the morning low remains below minus 12 C for two or more days , or @ @ @ @ @ drop in temperature that could lead to increased safety risks and large damage to crops @ @ @

SEOUL, Nov. 23 (Yonhap) -- The morning temperature in Seoul dropped to minus 1.5 degrees Celsius on Monday, marking the coldest weather this fall, according to the state weather agency.
The Korea Meteorological Administration said cold air from the northwest caused temperatures to drop by 4-12 degrees from Sunday, leading to below-zero temperatures in the central inland region and the eastern Gyeongsang provinces.
In the northwestern border city of Paju, the mercury dropped to minus 4.8 C, while the central border county of Cheorwon and the northeastern mountain pass of Daegwallyeong posted minus 2.9 C and minus 5 C, respectively.
Other parts of the country posted temperatures below 5 degrees.
Cold wave advisories have been issued in parts of the Gyeonggi, Gangwon, Chungcheong and North Gyeongsang provinces. The advisory goes out when the morning low remains below minus 12 C for two or more days, or if there is a sudden drop in temperature that could lead to increased safety risks and large damage to crops and facilities.
"The advisories could be lifted in the afternoon, but the weather will remain cold as morning temperatures will be similar Tuesday and Wednesday, and most parts of the central inland region will post below-zero temperatures," the KMA said.
This photo shows vapor from heating being released from buildings in central Seoul on Nov. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-23--KDB chief says integration of Korean Air, Asiana Airlines may generate 300 bln won in profit

Lee Dong-gull , chairman of the state-run Korea Development Bank ( KDB ) , offered the estimate in an interview @ @ @ @ @ adding that the two carriers can brace for the post-pandemic era in two to three @ @ @ @ @ restructure in a way that streamlines their routes and reduces maintenance costs .

SEOUL, Nov. 23 (Yonhap) -- Korean Air Lines Co.'s planned acquisition of rival Asiana Airlines Inc. and subsequent restructuring will lead to an annual profit of 300 billion won (US$269.6 million), the head of the main creditor of Asiana said Monday.
Lee Dong-gull, chairman of the state-run Korea Development Bank (KDB), offered the estimate in an interview with a local broadcaster, adding that the two carriers can brace for the post-pandemic era in two to three years if they push to restructure in a way that streamlines their routes and reduces maintenance costs.
Last week, the KDB signed an investment agreement with Korean Air's parent Hanjin KAL Corp. to inject 800 billion won into Hanjin KAL through a rights offering and convertible bonds. Hanjin KAL will then participate in a 2.5 trillion-won stock sale by Korean Air that will be used to acquire Asiana.
Still, the homegrown equity fund Korea Corporate Governance Improvement (KCGI), representing an alliance that opposes the deal, has filed an injunction against the KDB's plan to join Hanjin KAL's rights issue on the grounds that the share sale to the designated third party will damage the Hanjin Group holding firm's existing shareholders' value.
If the court accepts the fund's injunction request, the deal will fall apart and Asiana will be placed again under control of its creditors.
Lee said he hopes that a court will make a reasonable decision, noting there will be fallout if the deal falls apart.
The KDB will have a 10.66 percent stake in Hanjin KAL after investing the 800 billion won in the holding firm and is widely expected to help Chairman Cho and his related parties fend off offensives from an activist fund attempting to take control of Hanjin KAL.
Korean Air, currently the world's 18th largest airline by fleet, will become Asiana's biggest shareholder with a 63.9 percent stake if the acquisition is completed.
Hit hard by the pandemic, Korean Air and Asiana have suspended most of their flights on international routes since March, and travel demand has dried up.
entropy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-23--(LEAD) Aces high: Homegrown starter outduels American counterpart in Korean Series showdown

Flexen looked more dominant early on .
He was perfect through three innings , needing only 44 pitches to retire @ @ @ @ @ faced .
He sat down the first two in the fourth inning before allowing two @ @ @ @ @ got Kang Jin-sung to strike out swinging on a high fastball to keep the Dinos @ @ @ @

(ATTN: ADDS comments in last 6 paras, 4th photo)
By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 23 (Yonhap) -- A hyped-up pitching matchup in the South Korean baseball championship series didn't disappoint on Monday, with a homegrown starter getting the upper hand on his American counterpart.
Koo Chang-mo of the NC Dinos tossed seven scoreless innings and struck out five, helping his club shut out the Doosan Bears 5-0 in Game 5 of the Korean Series on Monday.
Koo scattered five hits and walked two batters at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul for his first postseason victory.
Koo Chang-mo of the NC Dinos pitches against the Doosan Bears in Game 5 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
For the Bears, Chris Flexen was charged with three runs on five hits in six innings to take the loss -- this after being perfect through 3 2/3 innings.
Flexen looked more dominant early on. He was perfect through three innings, needing only 44 pitches to retire the first nine batters he faced. He sat down the first two in the fourth inning before allowing two straight singles. But he got Kang Jin-sung to strike out swinging on a high fastball to keep the Dinos off the board.
Koo let the Bears create some traffic on the bases but wiggled out of one jam after another.
In the second, Koo gave up a walk and a double with one out, but dug deep and retired the next two batters on a lineout and a groundout.
Koo Chang-mo of the NC Dinos smiles during Game 5 of the Korean Series against the Doosan Bears at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
Koo allowed two straight singles with two outs in the third, but retired cleanup Kim Jae-hwan on a soft grounder to first.
Koo had his first three-up, three-down inning in the fourth, when he struck out two and needed just nine pitches to retire the side in order.
After one out, Koo got Choi Joo-hwan to fan on a 0-2 slider, and then froze Park Sei-hyok on a 0-2 fastball.
The left-hander dodged another bullet with two outs in the fifth, when Heo Kyoung-min doubled off the left field fence. Koo kept him there by retiring Jung Soo-bin on a grounder to second.
Flexen blinked first in the bottom fifth. He walked No Jin-hyuk on four pitches to start the inning, and No reached second on a follow-up groundout. Flexen battled Aaron Altherr for six pitches before the dangerous No. 8 hitter singled up the middle to score No for a 1-0 lead.
Koo Chang-mo of the NC Dinos pitches against the Doosan Bears in Game 5 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
With that slim lead, Koo went back out and sat down three straight batters in the sixth, and did so in only 10 pitches.
The Dinos added two more runs in the bottom sixth, courtesy of a two-run homer by Koo's batterymate, Yang Eui-ji. Flexen was gone after six.
That was more than Koo needed, and the lefty pitched a clean seventh inning using just 10 pitches again, with two flyouts sandwiching a soft lineout to shortstop.
The Dinos supplied two more runs for their ace in the bottom seventh. And with 92 pitches through seven, Koo went back out for the eighth inning.
Perhaps cooled off after an extended half inning, Koo promptly gave up a leadoff triple to Park Kun-woo, and Koo's night was done.
Reliever Kim Jin-sung made sure Koo would finish with seven shutout innings, retiring the next three batters and extending his own scoreless streak to 5 2/3 innings in this series.
The Bears sent four relievers while allowing two runs in the bottom seventh. In contrast, Kim and closer Won Jong-hyan combined for two scoreless innings for the Dinos.
Koo Chang-mo of the NC Dinos (R) bows to catcher Yang Eui-ji after getting pulled during the top of the eighth inning of Game 5 of the Korean Series against the Doosan Bears at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
Koo and Flexen also opposed each other in Game 2 last Wednesday, and Flexen was the winning pitcher in a 5-4 win for the Bears. Koo was solid, allowing two earned runs on seven hits in six innings, but he said he had a much better command of his fastball and breaking balls in Monday's victory.
"I am glad to help the team win such an important game," the 23-year-old said. "I was a bit nervous early in the game, but (catcher) Yang Eui-ji called a great game behind the plate. He helped me settle down and I was able to generate some weak contact to build my confidence."
Koo walked the first batter of the game, but got a double play ball against the next hitter. Another walk in the second inning also didn't end up hurting him.
"I tried to focus on maintaining a proper balance," Koo said. "I wasn't thinking about my own postseason win. I wanted to do the best I can to help the team win."
Koo's manager, Lee Dong-wook, also credited Yang with guiding the young left-hander.
"After that second inning jam, Koo found his release point," Lee said. "He used a lot of fastballs early and relied on breaking balls more later in the game. Yang Eui-ji showed him the way."
Chris Flexen of the Doosan Bears pitches against the NC Dinos in Game 5 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-23--ASEAN summit statements reaffirm support for Korea peace efforts

The statements noted progress in the peace process on the peninsula , reiterated the importance of `` sustainable '' dialogue @ @ @ @ @ of 2018 peace agreements between the two Koreas and between the United States and the @ @

SEOUL, Nov. 23 (Yonhap) -- Chair statements of this month's virtual summits involving the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have reaffirmed international support for efforts to foster lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula, the foreign ministry said Monday.
The three statements were issued late last week after the South Korea-ASEAN summit, the ASEAN Plus Three summit involving South Korea, China and Japan, and the East Asia Summit took place from Nov. 12-14, all via video links.
The statements noted progress in the peace process on the peninsula, reiterated the importance of "sustainable" dialogue and called for the implementation of 2018 peace agreements between the two Koreas and between the United States and the North.
"We stressed the importance of continued sustainable peaceful dialogue amongst all concerned parties in order to achieve peace and stability in a denuclearized Korean Peninsula," the chairman's statement of the ASEAN Plus Three summit read.
"We urged all parties concerned to resume peaceful dialogue and continue working constructively towards the goals of lasting peace and stability in a denuclearized Korean Peninsula," it added.
This photo, taken on Nov. 14, 2020, shows President Moon Jae-in, speaking during the video-linked ASEAN Plus Three summit at the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul. (Yonhap)
The virtual summits came as South Korea has been pushing to resume dialogue with the North, which has stalled amid a protracted deadlock in nuclear negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang.
The statement also reiterated the summit's commitment to the full implementation of U.N. Security Council resolutions and noted the importance of international efforts to bring about the "complete, verifiable and irreversible" denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
The chairman's statement of the South Korea-ASEAN summit noted that ASEAN leaders welcomed Seoul's New Southern Policy Plus, an upgraded version of its signature regional foreign policy initiative designed to deepen economic and diplomatic ties with the ASEAN and India.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-23--(LEAD) Dinos on verge of Korean Series title after shutting out Bears 5-0

`` It does n't really mean much , other than that it helped our team win today , '' Yang @ @ @ @ @ first run in the fifth , we needed some breathing room .
Flexen had been @ @ @ @ @ and I wanted to get to him .
It was pretty exciting to homer off @ @ @ @

(ATTN: ADDS comments throughout, last photo)
By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 23 (Yonhap) -- The NC Dinos are one win away from capturing their first South Korean baseball championship.
Starter Koo Chang-mo fired seven shutout innings, and cleanup Yang Eui-ji blasted a two-run home run in the bottom sixth, lifting the Dinos to a 5-0 victory in Game 5 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Monday.
Yang's shot followed Aaron Altherr's tiebreaking RBI single in the fifth. The Dinos added two insurance runs in the seventh.
After their second straight shutout, the Dinos lead the best-of-seven series 3-2. They can clinch the title in Game 6, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. start on Tuesday at the dome. They won Game 4 by 3-0.
Yang Eui-ji of the NC Dinos celebrates his two-run home run against the Doosan Bears in the bottom of the sixth inning of Game 5 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
In 37 previous Korean Series, teams have been tied at two games apiece nine times. And Game 5 winners went on to win the title on seven occasions.
The game had the makings of a pitching duel between the two starters, as Koo and his counterpart, Chris Flexen, traded zeroes through the first four innings.
It wasn't for the lack of chances by the two lineups.
Koo Chang-mo of the NC Dinos pitches against the Doosan Bears in Game 5 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
The Bears couldn't cash in after putting two aboard with a one-out walk and a follow-up double in the second inning. Park Sei-hyok and Oh Jae-il, a combined 5-for-28 (.179) this series before Monday, lined out and grounded out to kill the rally.
Back-to-back singles with two outs in the top third amounted to nothing for the Bears, as Kim Jae-hwan hit a soft grounder to first for the final out.
The Dinos had their first opportunity go to waste in the bottom fourth. After being held without a baserunner against Flexen, the Dinos got consecutive two-out singles ahead of Kang Jin-sung, who struck out swinging on a high fastball.
Yang Eui-ji of the NC Dinos (R) celebrates his two-run home run against the Doosan Bears with third base coach Jin Jong-kil in the bottom of the sixth inning of Game 5 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
The Dinos finally solved Flexen in the bottom fifth. No Jin-hyuk drew a four-pitch walk to lead things off, and reached second on a grounder. Aaron Altherr then hit a single to center, with No just beating the throw home with a head-first slide that made it 1-0 Dinos.
Yang then gave the Dinos a 3-0 advantage. Following Na Sung-bum's one-out single, Yang jumped on a 1-2 curveball from Flexen and drove it to straightaway center for his second career postseason home run.
Yang was the 2016 Korean Series MVP for the Bears when they swept the Dinos, and now he's inflicting damage on his former team. Yang also drove in the winning run with an RBI single in a 3-0 victory in Game 4 on Saturday.
Yang tried to downplay the significance of homering against his former team.
"It doesn't really mean much, other than that it helped our team win today," Yang said. "After that first run in the fifth, we needed some breathing room. Flexen had been the best pitcher this postseason and I wanted to get to him. It was pretty exciting to homer off of him."
Aaron Altherr of the NC Dinos hits an RBI single against the Doosan Bears in the bottom of the fifth inning of Game 5 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
The Dinos scored twice against the Bears' subpar bullpen in the seventh. With two aboard at one out, Mo Chang-min delivered a pinch-hit single, and Na Sung-bum followed with an RBI single of his own -- his third hit of the game.
Koo was hooked after allowing a leadoff triple to begin the eighth, but Kim Jin-sung and Won Jong-hyan slammed the door shut for the Dinos' second straight shutout.
NC manager Lee Dong-wook said he'd expected a pitching duel between Koo and Flexen, and scoring the first run was huge.
"Yang Eui-ji's two-run home run was the decisive blow," Lee said. "Koo Chang-mo got into some jams early but he escaped those nicely."
The Dinos earned a bye to the Korean Series by posting the best regular season record, and they went 16 days between the final regular season game and the first Korean Series game.
After winning the opener, the Dinos dropped Games 2 and 3. They've won the last two games by a combined 8-0.
"I think we finally played our game today. Winning Game 4 really lifted some pressure off our shoulders," Lee noted. "Our players are in perfect rhythm now, and we'll try to keep that up tomorrow."
Na Sung-bum of the NC Dinos hits an RBI single against the Doosan Bears in the bottom of the seventh inning of Game 5 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
The Bears' last run came in the bottom seventh in a 7-6 win in Game 3 on Friday. They became only the second team -- after the 2007 Bears -- to be shut out in two straight Korean Series games.
And with the majority of his regulars slumping, Doosan manager Kim Tae-hyoung said he can only juggle his batting order so much.
The one hitter who has remained in his spot the entire series, cleanup Kim Jae-hwan, also happens to be their worst hitter at the moment. After going 0-for-4 Monday, Kim is just 1-for-20 in the series.
"It's hard to get anything going when your cleanup hitter isn't doing anything," the manager said. "But (Kim Jae-hwan) has come this far, and he's got to take care of his business."
Manager Kim, who is managing in his sixth consecutive Korean Series with the Bears, said he hasn't seen a slump quite as extensive as this.
"I think the guys have lost confidence," he said. "In their mind, they want to go up there and do well. But their body isn't cooperating."
NC Dinos players celebrate their 5-0 victory over the Doosan Bears in Game 5 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-23--Rucinski looking to pitch Dinos to Korean Series title in Game 6

He threw 39 pitches , and 30 of them went for strikes .
It was a few more pitches than @ @ @ @ @ Lee Dong-wook had in mind , but Rucinski told the team he wanted to finish @ @ @ @ @ granted him that wish .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 23 (Yonhap) -- NC Dinos' right-hander Drew Rucinski already has a win and a save in this year's Korean Series. Another win on Tuesday will give his team the coveted championship.
With his Dinos leading the Doosan Bears 3-2 in the best-of-seven Korean Series, Rucinski will start Game 6 set for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul.
Rucinski has a tough act to follow, after left-hander Koo Chang-mo twirled seven scoreless innings in a 5-0 victory in Monday's Game 5.
Drew Rucinski of the NC Dinos pitches against the Doosan Bears in the bottom of the seventh inning of Game 4 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
The Bears will counter with right-hander Raul Alcantara, who will try to keep the team's repeat hopes alive. The Bears have won three of the past five championships.
It will be a starting pitching rematch from Game 1 last Tuesday, with Rucinski earning the victory and Alcantara getting charged with the loss in NC's 5-3 win.
Rucinski pitched in relief in Saturday's Game 4, just three days after starting in Game 1, and he tossed 2 2/3 shutout innings to nail down a 3-0 victory.
He threw 39 pitches, and 30 of them went for strikes. It was a few more pitches than what the Dinos' manager Lee Dong-wook had in mind, but Rucinski told the team he wanted to finish off the game and Lee granted him that wish.
Now he'll be going after two days' rest, with the Dinos' first championship within grasp.
In his Game 1 victory, Rucinski gave up three runs on five hits over 5 1/3 innings but only one of them was earned. He struck out four, walked three and hit one.
Raul Alcantara of the Doosan Bears pitches against the NC Dinos in Game 1 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 17, 2020. (Yonhap)
Alcantara pitched five innings and allowed four earned runs on seven hits in that opening game. He served up a home run to No. 8 hitter Aaron Altherr and also hit two batters.
No. 3 hitter Na Sung-bum went 3-for-3 with a double against Alcantara in that game. He had been 0-for-9 with six strikeouts against the right-hander in the regular season.
Alcantara will be pitching on six days' rest. But with their backs against the wall, the Bears will likely keep Alcantara on a short leash and relievers should be available to come in on a moment's notice.
The Bears used four relievers in Game 5 loss but saved their best arms for Game 6.
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-23--Aces high: Homegrown starter outduels American counterpart in Korean Series showdown

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 23 (Yonhap) -- A hyped-up pitching matchup in the South Korean baseball championship series didn't disappoint on Monday, with a homegrown starter getting the upper hand on his American counterpart.
Koo Chang-mo of the NC Dinos tossed seven scoreless innings and struck out five, helping his club shut out the Doosan Bears 5-0 in Game 5 of the Korean Series on Monday.
Koo scattered five hits and walked two batters at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul for his first postseason victory.
Koo Chang-mo of the NC Dinos pitches against the Doosan Bears in Game 5 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
For the Bears, Chris Flexen was charged with three runs on five hits in six innings to take the loss -- this after being perfect through 3 2/3 innings.
Flexen looked more dominant early on. He was perfect through three innings, needing only 44 pitches to retire the first nine batters he faced. He sat down the first two in the fourth inning before allowing two straight singles. But he got Kang Jin-sung to strike out swinging on a high fastball to keep the Dinos off the board.
Koo let the Bears create some traffic on the bases but wiggled out of one jam after another.
In the second, Koo gave up a walk and a double with one out, but dug deep and retired the next two batters on a lineout and a groundout.
Koo Chang-mo of the NC Dinos smiles during Game 5 of the Korean Series against the Doosan Bears at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
Koo allowed two straight singles with two outs in the third, but retired cleanup Kim Jae-hwan on a soft grounder to first.
Koo had his first three-up, three-down inning in the fourth, when he struck out two and needed just nine pitches to retire the side in order.
After one out, Koo got Choi Joo-hwan to fan on a 0-2 slider, and then froze Park Sei-hyok on a 0-2 fastball.
The left-hander dodged another bullet with two outs in the fifth, when Heo Kyoung-min doubled off the left field fence. Koo kept him there by retiring Jung Soo-bin on a grounder to second.
Flexen blinked first in the bottom fifth. He walked No Jin-hyuk on four pitches to start the inning, and No reached second on a follow-up groundout. Flexen battled Aaron Altherr for six pitches before the dangerous No. 8 hitter singled up the middle to score No for a 1-0 lead.
Koo Chang-mo of the NC Dinos pitches against the Doosan Bears in Game 5 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
With that slim lead, Koo went back out and sat down three straight batters in the sixth, and did so in only 10 pitches.
The Dinos added two more runs in the bottom sixth, courtesy of a two-run homer by Koo's batterymate, Yang Eui-ji. Flexen was gone after six.
That was more than Koo needed, and the lefty pitched a clean seventh inning using just 10 pitches again, with two flyouts sandwiching a soft lineout to shortstop.
The Dinos supplied two more runs for their ace in the bottom seventh. And with 92 pitches through seven, Koo went back out for the eighth inning.
Perhaps cooled off after an extended half inning, Koo promptly gave up a leadoff triple to Park Kun-woo, and Koo's night was done.
Reliever Kim Jin-sung made sure Koo would finish with seven shutout innings, retiring the next three batters and extending his own scoreless streak to 5 2/3 innings in this series.
The Bears sent four relievers while allowing two runs in the bottom seventh. In contrast, Kim and closer Won Jong-hyan combined for two scoreless innings for the Dinos.
Chris Flexen of the Doosan Bears pitches against the NC Dinos in Game 5 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-23--Dinos on verge of Korean Series title after shutting out Bears 5-0

The Dinos scored twice against the Bears ' subpar bullpen in the seventh .
With two aboard at one out @ @ @ @ @ pinch-hit single , and Na Sung-bum followed with an RBI single of his own -- @ @ @ @ @ game .

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 23 (Yonhap) -- The NC Dinos are one win away from capturing their first South Korean baseball championship.
Starter Koo Chang-mo fired seven shutout innings, and cleanup Yang Eui-ji blasted a two-run home run in the bottom sixth, lifting the Dinos to a 5-0 victory in Game 5 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Monday.
Yang's shot followed Aaron Altherr's tiebreaking RBI single in the fifth. The Dinos added two insurance runs in the seventh.
After their second straight shutout, the Dinos lead the best-of-seven series 3-2. They can clinch the title in Game 6, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. start on Tuesday at the dome. They won Game 4 by 3-0.
Yang Eui-ji of the NC Dinos celebrates his two-run home run against the Doosan Bears in the bottom of the sixth inning of Game 5 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
In 37 previous Korean Series, teams have been tied at two games apiece nine times. And Game 5 winners went on to win the title on seven occasions.
The game had the makings of a pitching duel between the two starters, as Koo and his counterpart, Chris Flexen, traded zeroes through the first four innings.
It wasn't for the lack of chances by the two lineups.
Koo Chang-mo of the NC Dinos pitches against the Doosan Bears in Game 5 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
The Bears couldn't cash in after putting two aboard with a one-out walk and a follow-up double in the second inning. Park Sei-hyok and Oh Jae-il, a combined 5-for-28 (.179) this series before Monday, lined out and grounded out to kill the rally.
Back-to-back singles with two outs in the top third amounted to nothing for the Bears, as Kim Jae-hwan hit a soft grounder to first for the final out.
The Dinos had their first opportunity go to waste in the bottom fourth. After being held without a baserunner against Flexen, the Dinos got consecutive two-out singles ahead of Kang Jin-sung, who struck out swinging on a high fastball.
Yang Eui-ji of the NC Dinos (R) celebrates his two-run home run against the Doosan Bears with third base coach Jin Jong-kil in the bottom of the sixth inning of Game 5 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
The Dinos finally solved Flexen in the bottom fifth. No Jin-hyuk drew a four-pitch walk to lead things off, and reached second on a grounder. Aaron Altherr then hit a single to center, with No just beating the throw home with a head-first slide that made it 1-0 Dinos.
Yang then gave the Dinos a 3-0 advantage. Following Na Sung-bum's one-out single, Yang jumped on a 1-2 curveball from Flexen and drove it to straightaway center for his second career postseason home run.
Yang was the 2016 Korean Series MVP for the Bears when they swept the Dinos, and now he's inflicting damage on his former team. Yang also drove in the winning run with an RBI single in a 3-0 victory in Game 4 on Saturday.
Aaron Altherr of the NC Dinos hits an RBI single against the Doosan Bears in the bottom of the fifth inning of Game 5 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
The Dinos scored twice against the Bears' subpar bullpen in the seventh. With two aboard at one out, Mo Chang-min delivered a pinch-hit single, and Na Sung-bum followed with an RBI single of his own -- his third hit of the game.
Koo was hooked after allowing a leadoff triple to begin the eighth, but Kim Jin-sung and Won Jong-hyan slammed the door shut for the Dinos' second straight shutout.
The Bears' last run came in the bottom seventh in a 7-6 win in Game 3 on Friday. They became only the second team -- after the 2007 Bears -- to be shut out in two straight Korean Series games.
Na Sung-bum of the NC Dinos hits an RBI single against the Doosan Bears in the bottom of the seventh inning of Game 5 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-23--(3rd LD) Exports rise 11.1 pct in first 20 days of November

Exports , which account for half of the South Korean economy , were battered by the fallout of the COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ the pace of the slump has eased since June , as major economies slowly began @ @ @ @ @ border lockdowns .

(ATTN: UPDATES with comments by finance minister and background in paras 11-13)
SEOUL, Nov. 23 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's exports rose 11.1 percent on-year in the first 20 days of November, customs data showed Monday, raising cautious hopes of an economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
The country's outbound shipments stood at US$31.3 billion in the Nov. 1-20 period, compared with $28.1 billion a year earlier, according to the data from the Korea Customs Service.
Per-day exports also increased 7.6 percent on-year in the Nov. 1-20 period, the data showed.
Imports gained 1.3 percent on-year to $27.9 billion in the 20-day period, according to the data.
Exports, which account for half of the South Korean economy, were battered by the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic this year. But the pace of the slump has eased since June, as major economies slowly began resuming business activities and lifting border lockdowns.
By sector, outbound shipments of memory chips, a key export item, jumped 21.9 percent from a year earlier in the first 20 days of November, while those of automobiles rose 11.9 percent.
Semiconductors account for about 20 percent of exports by South Korea, home to Samsung Electronics Co., the world's largest memory chip maker, and its smaller rival SK hynix Inc.
But exports of petrochemical products sank 48.2 percent on-year on low oil prices.
By country, shipments to China -- South Korea's largest trading partner -- rose 7.2 percent on-year, and exports to the United States gained 15.4 percent.
Last month, South Korea's exports declined 3.6 percent from a year earlier due to fewer working days and a resurgence in COVID-19 cases, snapping the previous month's brief rebound, according to data from the trade ministry.
Separately, Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki said that next year could be a "golden time" for South Korea to return to its pre-pandemic growth path.
The Bank of Korea has forecast the South Korean economy to retreat 1.3 percent this year and grow 2.8 percent next year, citing pandemic-caused uncertainties.
The South Korean economy grew 1.9 percent on-quarter in the third quarter, marking the first quarterly growth after two quarters of contraction, as exports rebounded amid eased global lockdowns.
This file photo, taken June 4, 2020, shows stacks of import-export cargo containers at South Korea's largest seaport in Busan, 450 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
(END)


yna--2020-11-23--(LEAD) Deputy FM Kim to visit Myanmar this week to discuss bilateral cooperation

During his visit to Myanmar from Tuesday to Friday , Kim plans to hold policy talks with his counterpart , @ @ @ @ @ ways to deepen practical cooperation on the occasion of the 45th anniversary this year of @ @ @ @ @ countries ' diplomatic ties , the ministry said .

(ATTN: UPDATES with first vice foreign minister's meeting with top envoys of ASEAN in paras 6-9)
SEOUL, Nov. 23 (Yonhap) -- Deputy Foreign Minister Kim Gunn will visit Myanmar this week for talks with his counterpart and other officials to discuss joint efforts to fight the new coronavirus and bilateral cooperation in other areas, the foreign ministry said Monday.
During his visit to Myanmar from Tuesday to Friday, Kim plans to hold policy talks with his counterpart, U Chan Aye, on ways to deepen practical cooperation on the occasion of the 45th anniversary this year of the establishment of the two countries' diplomatic ties, the ministry said.
The deputy foreign minister also plans to meet with other senior officials in Myanmar's capital of Naypyidaw and Yangon, and hold talks with South Korean businesspeople operating in the country.
Kim is expected to use the envisioned trip to promote Seoul's "New Southern Policy Plus," an upgraded version of its signature diplomatic initiative that President Moon Jae-in announced during a Nov. 12 summit involving the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The foreign policy drive is aimed at deepening diplomatic and economic ties with the regional bloc and India.
This file photo, taken July 28, 2020, shows Deputy Foreign Minister Kim Gunn speaking to the press after a diplomatic strategy meeting at the foreign ministry in Seoul. (Yonhap)
Also Monday, First Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong-kun met with the top envoys of ASEAN and vowed to further strengthen coordination on health care and economic cooperation, as well as non-traditional security threats, according to the foreign ministry.
The envoys expressed expectations for further improvement of South Korea's strategic partnership with ASEAN.
ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam.
South Korea has sought stronger economic ties with Southeast Asian countries to reduce its heavy reliance on large markets, like the United States and China, and to foster new growth drivers.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-23--(3rd LD) Moon names former lawmaker Kang Chang-il as new ambassador to Japan: Cheong Wa Dae

Moon 's choice of Kang , who has a wide web of personal networks with Japan though he is not @ @ @ @ @ the president 's will to normalize Seoul-Tokyo relations in cooperation with the Suga government , @ @ @ @ @ Dae official , who spoke to reporters on the condition of anonymity .

(ATTN: ADDS Kang's remarks in paras 8-9)
By Lee Chi-dong
SEOUL, Nov. 23 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in has picked Kang Chang-il, a former four-term ruling Democratic Party lawmaker, as South Korea's new ambassador to Japan, Cheong Wa Dae announced Monday, expressing expectations for his role in improving relations between the neighboring countries.
Moon's office took note of Kang's expertise in Tokyo-related affairs.
Having earned a master's degree and a Ph.D. from the University of Tokyo, he has long conducted academic research on Japan, Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kang Min-seok said. Earlier, he studied Korean history at Seoul National University.
He also used to co-head the South Korea-Japan Parliamentarians' Union.
On the occasion of the launch of Japan's Yoshihide Suga administration, Kang is expected to help produce a breakthrough in efforts to resolve pending bilateral issues and establish forward-looking relations on the basis of his "expertise, experience and high-level networks," the spokesman said in a statement.
The undated file photo shows Kang Chang-il, who has been tapped as South Korea's new ambassador to Japan. (Yonhap)
Moon's choice of Kang, who has a wide web of personal networks with Japan though he is not a career diplomat, reflects the president's will to normalize Seoul-Tokyo relations in cooperation with the Suga government, according to a Cheong Wa Dae official, who spoke to reporters on the condition of anonymity.
The two sides have long been in diplomatic standoffs with each other especially over Korean victims of forced labor at Japanese mines, factories and other facilities during World War II.
"It seems that the president picked me because I am a Japan expert," Kang told Yonhap on the phone.
"The government has a strong will to normalize relations between South Korea and Japan. The government will have a plan and I will deliver it well to Japan," he added.
Kang became a lawmaker in 2004 after working as a professor at Pai Chai University in Daejeon, 160 kilometers south of Seoul.
He is to replace Nam Gwan-pyo as Seoul's top envoy in Tokyo. Nam assumed the post in May 2019.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-23--Watchdog advises police to guarantee interpretation service to foreign nationals during probe

The NHRCK said , however , the police should not assume the man could understand the local criminal justice process @ @ @ @ @ have daily conversations in Korea .
It also said the police should prevent a situation @ @ @ @ @ disadvantages or are discriminated against '' because of language barriers .

SEOUL, Nov. 23 (Yonhap) -- The state human rights watchdog on Monday advised police to make interpretation services available when questioning foreign nationals involved in a criminal case.
The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) advised the National Police Agency chief to improve the system and remove language barriers in order to protect the lawful rights of foreign nationals under investigation.
This file photo shows the headquarters of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea in Seoul. (Yonhap)
The recommendation came as a result of a petition by a South Korean woman to the commission that her Moroccan husband was investigated without interpreter services in March. The NHRCK said that it violated the man's legal rights under the Constitution.
The Moroccan was arrested on charges of assault for allegedly getting into a fight with a pedestrian while working.
He was immediately taken into custody and investigated without an interpreter present. The police said the man, who has been living in South Korea since 2012, seemed to have no trouble communicating in Korean.
The NHRCK said, however, the police should not assume the man could understand the local criminal justice process, just because he could have daily conversations in Korea. It also said the police should prevent a situation where foreign nationals "experience disadvantages or are discriminated against" because of language barriers.
The watchdog recommended that the police take disciplinary actions against the police officers involved in the case and educate them on the issue.
In line with the recommendations, the human rights watchdog also advised the police to prepare documents related to the criminal investigation process, including the Miranda warning, in multiple languages at local police stations.
The Moroccan man was acquitted of his assault charges by the prosecution in June.
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-23--Bears' manager keeps it simple for final stretch in Korean Series

`` The situation dictates who gets to pitch in each game , '' Kim said in his pregame media session @ @ @ @ @ have been pitching often are the ones that have been doing well .
I am @ @ @ @ @ think will win the battle against batters . ''

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 23 (Yonhap) -- Whatever ideas he has on his mind with his bullpen usage or lineup construction, Doosan Bears' manager Kim Tae-hyoung isn't going to reveal much.
His team and the NC Dinos are tied at 2-2 in the best-of-seven Korean Series. Ahead of the fifth game at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Monday, Kim said he doesn't really have set plans for his bullpen management.
"The situation dictates who gets to pitch in each game," Kim said in his pregame media session. "The guys that have been pitching often are the ones that have been doing well. I am sending out pitchers that I think will win the battle against batters."
Doosan Bears' manager Kim Tae-hyoung watches his club in action against the NC Dinos in Game 4 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
Kim will be using his fifth different starting lineup of the series. Shortstop Kim Jae-ho, the one-man wrecking crew batting 7-for-12 with a team-best six RBIs, is moving up from sixth to fifth in the lineup. Right fielder Park Kun-woo, held out of the starting lineup while stuck in a 1-for-12 funk, is back and batting ninth.
"I penciled him in because I wanted him to go and finish the series on his own terms," the manager said. "When you're really struggling, sometimes you're better off being in a game and seeing live pitching."
In their 3-0 loss in Game 4, the Bears only managed three hits, and Kim Jae-ho had all three of them. The manager said his batters were due to wake up any moment.
"We've got to start hitting better to win. It's simple as that," he said. "Our young pitchers have been doing great, and veteran hitters have to start hitting. If they don't, we'll lose."
One of those young pitchers is right-hander Kim Min-gyu, who was a hard-luck loser in Game 4 after holding the Dinos to a run in 5 1/3 innings. He didn't even give up that run himself -- he left with a man on and reliever Lee Young-ha let that inherited runner score.
Park Kun-woo of the Doosan Bears heads to first base after hitting an RBI groundout against the NC Dinos in the bottom of the second inning of Game 3 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
That outstanding start came on the heels of lights-out relief appearances earlier in the postseason.
Kim, a third-year pro at 21, said those relief outings got him mentally prepared for his Game 4 start.
"I made pitches that I wanted to make, but I was disappointed we lost the game," Kim said. "Earlier in my career, I didn't know how to execute pitches because I got so nervous on the mound. I don't have that problem anymore."
Kim doesn't have overpowering stuff but gets by with guile and command. He said he is better suited to a starting job because of that, though he'd still like to throw his fastball harder.
For now, he's enjoying the spotlight that has accompanied his surprising postseason run.
"I can't believe I've been doing so well," Kim. "I think my confidence is growing with each game."
Kim Min-gyu of the Doosan Bears pitches against the NC Dinos in Game 4 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-23--U.S. security advisor says Korea-U.S. ties will remain strong 'whoever the president is'

Noting Vietnam -- the first leg of his Asia trip this week -- has made `` tremendous strides '' in @ @ @ @ @ and enhanced ties with the U.S , O'Brien stressed that Vietnam can be an example @ @ @ @ @ place in North Korea . ''

SEOUL, Nov. 23 (Yonhap) -- U.S. National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien said Monday that the decadeslong relationship between Seoul and Washington will remain strong "whoever" is inaugurated as president in January.
In a telephone conference with reporters during his visit to Manila, O'Brien also voiced hope that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will eventually live up to his denuclearization commitment, amid worries Pyongyang could undertake provocations to test the incoming Joe Biden administration.
"Whatever happens on January 20, whoever the president is ... I'm convinced that the relationship, which has endured for 70 years, will continue to endure and will be a strong partnership," O'Brien said.
"I think that sends a message to the DPRK," he added, referring to the North's official name, Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
The security advisor also said that Washington has been "gratified" as the North has not conducted any long-range ballistic missile or nuclear tests since U.S. President Donald Trump and Kim held a summit in 2018.
"So, we think that personal diplomacy between President Trump and Chairman Kim has led to that result," he said.
He then made a call for Kim to stick to his commitment to denuclearize.
"We are hopeful that Chairman Kim (Jong-un) will eventually live up to North Korea's commitment to denuclearize the peninsula, and we think that will be a tremendous step not just for South Korea and America, but for North Korea," he said.
Noting Vietnam -- the first leg of his Asia trip this week -- has made "tremendous strides" in reference to its economic achievements and enhanced ties with the U.S, O'Brien stressed that Vietnam can be an example of "what could take place in North Korea."
U.S. National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien speaks on a troop reduction plan at the White House in Washington on Nov. 17, 2020 in this photo released by the Associated Press. (Yonhap)
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-23--(LEAD) Korean firms tighten antivirus measures over resurgence of COVID-19

The group said 70 percent of its workers at the headquarters building are ordered to work from home at least @ @ @ @ @ has also banned gatherings and meetings involving 10 people or more , and advised workers @ @ @ @ @ .

(ATTN: ADDS more info in paras 6-7, 10)
By Joo Kyung-don
SEOUL, Nov. 23 (Yonhap) -- South Korean firms are again beefing up their virus prevention measures after the country decided to enforce enhanced social distancing rules in the greater Seoul area over a resurgence of the novel coronavirus, industry insiders said Monday.
Health authorities will start implementing the Level 2 distancing scheme, the third highest in the country's five-tier COVID-19 alert system, in the capital region, home to half of the nation's population, Tuesday as sporadic cluster infections continue to pile up.
To join the country's virus fight, companies here are expanding their remote working program, while asking their workers to limit meetings and staff dinners.
LG Group, South Korea's fourth-largest conglomerate, initiated its enhanced antivirus protocol this week after one of its employees at its headquarters in Seoul tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday.
The file photo taken Sept. 23, 2020, shows the corporate logo of LG Group at its headquarters in western Seoul. (Yonhap)
The group said 70 percent of its workers at the headquarters building are ordered to work from home at least for this week. It has also banned gatherings and meetings involving 10 people or more, and advised workers to suspend unessential business trips.
Hyundai Motor Group said at least 30 percent of its workers will work from home, and meetings will be limited to up to 15 people, while any group activity and gatherings outside its business sites will be banned.
SK Group, the country's No. 3 conglomerate, has reinforced its building entry procedures for visitors for its facilities. The group previously reported virus-infected workers at its office building in central Seoul.
Hanwha Group, a major defense and chemical conglomerate, also expanded its remote working program, while prohibiting staff dinners and unnecessary business trips this week.
POSCO, the country's largest steelmaker, said 30 percent of its employees have started remote working from this week. It has advised employees to refrain from holding meetings involving 10 people or more.
Samsung Electronics Co., the country's leading tech firm, has been already running a pilot remote working program for some of its set business units since last week and said it is considering implementing extra virus prevention measures following the elevation of the state-run social distancing scheme.
The world's largest smartphone maker on Monday reported a virus-infected worker at its mobile research lab in Suwon, south of Seoul. It added that the floor where the virus-infected employee worked will be shuttered through Wednesday.
South Korean companies previously enforced strengthened antivirus curbs in August and September due to massive virus outbreaks in the greater Seoul area.
This file photo taken Aug. 25, 2020, shows the lobby of SK Group's office building in Seoul. (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

Eight service members and three dependents arrived at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek , south of Seoul , on U.S. @ @ @ @ @ other 10 service members and a civilian contractor arrived here on commercial flights via Incheon @ @ @ @ @ the capital , according to the USFK .

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Monday.
-----------------
(LEAD) 22 more USFK-affiliated people infected with coronavirus
SEOUL -- Twenty-two more people affiliated with U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), including 18 service members, have tested positive for the new coronavirus upon their arrival in South Korea this month, the U.S. military said Monday.
Eight service members and three dependents arrived at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, on U.S. government-chartered flights, while the other 10 service members and a civilian contractor arrived here on commercial flights via Incheon International Airport, west of the capital, according to the USFK.
-----------------
(LEAD) Unification minister says breakthrough in inter-Korean ties could come 'sooner than expected'
SEOUL -- Unification Minister Lee In-young on Monday called on South Korean conglomerates to prepare for possible inter-Korean cooperation despite the current stalled relations, stressing that a breakthrough in cross-border ties could "come sooner than expected."
Lee made the remark at a meeting with officials from South Korean conglomerates, including Samsung Electronics, SK Group, LG Group and Hyundai Motor Group, whose leaders accompanied President Moon Jae-in during his visit to Pyongyang for his third inter-Korean summit in September 2018.
-----------------
Cheong Wa Dae officials subject to tougher internal social distancing restrictions
SEOUL -- Cheong Wa Dae said Monday it has toughened social distancing rules for its officials in line with the government decision to raise distancing in the greater Seoul area to the third highest level.
The presidential office has instructed all of its officials to cancel or indefinitely postpone nonessential private gatherings and events, according to its spokesman Kang Min-seok.
-----------------
(LEAD) U.S. space commander calls for deepening security ties with S. Korea in space field
SEOUL -- The chief of the U.S. Space Operations Command called Monday for closer defense cooperation with South Korea in the domain of space to better cope with emerging threats and boost mutual capacity.
Gen. John Raymond made the remarks in his video message for the 2020 Defense Space Power Development Symposium organized by Seoul's defense ministry and held in the day in Seoul.
-----------------
(LEAD) BTS wins two prizes at American Music Awards, performs 'Life Goes On'
SEOUL -- K-pop megastar BTS has bagged two prizes at the 2020 American Music Awards (AMA) and put on its first televised performance of "Life Goes On" in a purple-lit stadium.
The septet won the favorite duo or group in pop/rock for the second straight year and the favorite social artist for the third year in a row at the 2020 AMA show held at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday night (U.S. time).
-----------------
Discount coupon program for arts, leisure sectors to be suspended amid virus resurgence
SEOUL -- The government announced Monday that it will suspend a nationwide discount coupon program aimed at promoting spending in the arts and leisure industries, as health authorities and local governments remain on alert over a new wave of COVID-19 cases.
The culture ministry said it will halt the program that offers coupons in six areas -- concerts, exhibitions, films, sports, lodging and travel -- starting Tuesday.
-----------------
Seoul city toughens antivirus measures until year-end
SEOUL -- The Seoul city government on Monday announced toughened antivirus measures until the end of the year, including reduced public transport by night and a ban on rallies involving 10 or more people.
The measures will take effect Tuesday under a new campaign named "Emergency pause period for 10 million citizens" amid a spike in new COVID-19 cases in Seoul and the greater capital area. At midnight Monday, the same region will raise its social distancing rules to Level 2, the third highest of five levels.
-----------------
(LEAD) Nightclubs, late-night dining banned in greater Seoul under tougher virus curbs
SEOUL -- Nightclubs and late-night dining will be banned in the greater Seoul area under toughened distancing guidelines, as authorities are scrambling to contain the recent coronavirus flare-up ahead of a nationwide college exam.
Health authorities raised the social distancing by one notch to Level 2 in the Seoul metropolitan area effective for two weeks starting Tuesday, only three days after enforcing Level 1.5 distancing in the nation's most populous region.
(END)


yna--2020-11-23--(LEAD) Gov't in final stage of vaccine purchase negotiations with developers: PM

`` Following recent news of breakthroughs in COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials by global vaccine developing companies , the public 's @ @ @ @ @ vaccine procurement readiness has gone up , '' Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said during a @ @ @ @ @ Seoul .
`` We will soon be able to report on the efforts and the @ @ @ @ @ ''

(ATTN: UPDATES with comments from KDCA chief in paras 9-11)
SEOUL, Nov. 23 (Yonhap) -- Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said Monday that the government was currently at the last stage in negotiations with COVID-19 vaccine developers to purchase coronavirus vaccines and will soon report the progress of the talks to the public.
"Following recent news of breakthroughs in COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials by global vaccine developing companies, the public's interest in the government's vaccine procurement readiness has gone up," Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said during a vaccine procurement-related government meeting in Seoul. "We will soon be able to report on the efforts and the progress by the government."
South Korea plans to purchase 10 million doses through the global vaccine supply platform COVAX Facility, and another 20 million through separate negotiations with vaccine companies, according to health ministry officials.
This file photo shows Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun presiding over a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters at the government complex in Seoul on Nov. 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
The government's goal is "to secure enough vaccines at the right moment," he said.
But there have been "some misunderstandings and concerns" related to the government's vaccine procurement efforts, as officials were unable to disclose information during the course of the negotiations with individual companies, he added.
The prime minister ordered the officials to do their best in negotiations with individual companies "which are currently in the final stage" and report the results to the public transparently as soon as deals are closed.
He also instructed state agencies to consult with each other so as to allow smooth budget-related follow-up measures, such as prepayments, following deals with vaccine developers.
The meeting was attended by the foreign and health ministers, heads of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) and the Korea Food and Drug Administration, as well as vice ministers from the finance and science ministries.
KDCA chief Jeong Eun-kyeong said during a press briefing that the government plans to announce the type of vaccine it is currently seeking to purchase and its volume in early December.
"We are at the stage of reviewing contract details with a certain vaccine producer while still negotiating the terms of purchase with another company," Jeong said.
Jeong also assured people that the government "will be able to secure 30 million doses of vaccines" and that it was currently discussing procuring an additional amount of vaccines.
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-23--Upgraded distancing rules again disrupting daily life in Seoul

Another salaried employee in her late 20s said she has indefinitely postponed all of her year-end meetings with company and @ @ @ @ @ the government 's upgrade of social distancing level .
`` I already feel frustrated because @ @ @ @ @ at the house even at the end of the year , '' she said .

SEOUL, Nov. 23 (Yonhap) -- Many aspects of everyday life are again coming to a halt in the greater Seoul area, towards the normally busy year-end season, amid fears of a third wave of the new coronavirus.
The area's social distancing level will be upgraded to the third highest in a five-tier scheme from Tuesday to restrict gatherings of people and operations of business establishments.
A growing number of citizens are choosing to skip or cancel year-end appointments and meetings in accordance with health authorities' calls for minimizing social engagements to cope with a looming third wave of COVID-19 outbreaks.
On the opposite side of the cancelled meetings and events, owners of private business entities, including restaurants, cafes and bars, are again struggling with fears of a plunge in sales and even insolvency due to stringent operation restrictions or outright closures.
The Hongdae business district, one of Seoul's most popular shopping and entertainment areas, appears deserted on Nov. 23, 2020, amid toughened social distancing rules. (Yonhap)
The toughened social distancing measures are also impacting the lives of about 500,000 high school seniors and graduates set to take this year's College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) on Dec. 3, prospective brides and grooms planning weddings in coming weeks, and entertainers and artists preparing for year-end concerts and other events.
Many corporate workers interviewed by Yonhap News Agency said they have cancelled or are cancelling one year-end appointment after another.
"I've cancelled all appointments and meetings planned for December," said a company employee in his 30s, surnamed Kim. "It was heartbreaking to make such cancellations because all the appointments were fixed after lengthy fine-tuning of busy year-end schedules of participants, mostly office workers. But it was inevitable because the threat of COVID-19 has loomed larger lately," he said.
Another salaried employee in her late 20s said she has indefinitely postponed all of her year-end meetings with company and personal friends after learning of the government's upgrade of social distancing level. "I already feel frustrated because I may be locked up at the house even at the end of the year," she said.
A 27-year-old office worker surnamed Nam said he had managed to buy a ticket for a Korean Series baseball game this week but the ticket was cancelled due to the strengthened distancing rules.
"I'm at a loss because I've already taken a day off for the baseball game. I've also booked a ticket for a year-end musical performance but I'm worried this will also be cancelled," Nam said.
Chairs and tables are moved to a corner at a cafe in Seoul on Nov. 23, 2020, as toughened social distancing rules are to only allow takeout and delivery sales at the place. (Yonhap)
With year-end gatherings and events increasingly cancelled, a sense of disappointment and even crisis is spreading among private business owners.
Under Level 2, clubs, karaoke bars and three other high-risk entertainment facilities must suspend their business, while restaurants are allowed to serve food until 9 p.m. and only takeout and delivery services are allowed for cafes.
"My fixed expenses, including rent and salaries for part-time workers, reach several tens of millions of won every month. I had expected a rebound in year-end revenues but I was wrong," sighed a 55-year-old man surnamed Kim, who runs a pub near Gangnam Station in southern Seoul.
"Reservations for December are less than half of last year's. In the past, I used to recruit more part timers towards the year's end. This year, however, I'm planning on layoffs," Kim said.
A 31-year-old merchant, surnamed Park, who runs a cafe in Seoul's Seongdong Ward, said that he is worried because takeout sales won't be enough to cover his loan interest expenses.
A restaurant in Seoul's central shopping district of Myeongdong announces a temporary closure due to the coronavirus in a notice placed outside on Nov. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
As the number of guests per wedding ceremony is limited to less than 100 under Level 2 rules, prospective brides and grooms are embarrassed.
"I've put off my wedding from June to early December," said a 33-year-old office worker surnamed Kim.
"Until recently, I had made calls and sent out wedding invitations to my acquaintances, expecting little difficulty in conducting the ceremony. I now feel disoriented as the social distancing level has been abruptly upgraded," Kim said.
As this year's CSAT comes nearer, some school parents and high school students are calling for the postponement of one of the nation's most important academic events, though others say the best option for now is to minimize the spread of the virus.
Meanwhile, the municipal government of Seoul said it is considering downsizing its New Year bell-ringing ceremony at Bosingak Belfry in the heart of the capital on the last day of December or holding the traditional annual event online.
Various year-end festivals and events planned by local governments have also been cancelled, while pop concerts by singers and bands in Seoul and provincial cities have also been cancelled or postponed.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-23--American starter available out of bullpen for Dinos in key Korean Series game

`` It will be a similar situation as the one we had with Rucinski , and Wright has pitched in @ @ @ @ @ too , '' Lee said .
`` Considering the way he is preparing for games @ @ @ @ @ to pitch in relief .
Given his experience , I am not worried about him @ @

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, Nov. 23 (Yonhap) -- With the South Korean baseball championship round all knotted at two games, the NC Dinos are willing to use one of their American starters in relief in Monday's Game 5.
NC manager Lee Dong-wook said in his pregame media availability at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul that right-hander Mike Wright can come out of the bullpen in the fifth game if necessary.
The Dinos already enjoyed success with bringing in a starter out of the pen, as their other American starter, Drew Rucinski, threw 2 2/3 shutout innings to save a 3-0 victory in Game 4 last Saturday.
Rucinski had started Game 1 on Tuesday and pitched on three days' rest. Wright started Game 3 on Friday but lasted just two-plus innings and 55 pitches.
Mike Wright of the NC Dinos pitches against the Dosoan Bears in Game 3 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
"It will be a similar situation as the one we had with Rucinski, and Wright has pitched in relief in the U.S., too," Lee said. "Considering the way he is preparing for games, he should be able to pitch in relief. Given his experience, I am not worried about him."
Lee is also not worried about his defense, which has committed at least an error in every game so far for a total of seven. Lee simply said, "I haven't talked to them about (the errors)."
Lee made some lineup changes for Game 5, and veteran third baseman Park Sok-min, who missed Game 4 with a finger injury suffered during the third game, is back in the starting lineup.
While Park has disappointed both at the plate and on the field, first baseman Kang Jin-sung has been a pleasant surprise. He started the series batting ninth and has climbed up to fifth. He's batting 6-for-15 with three RBIs.
"He dealt with a finger injury late in the season, but he got his groove back during scrimmages as we were getting ready for the Korean Series," Lee noted. "He homered in our final scrimmages, and he's been able to keep that up into the Korean Series."
NC Dinos' manager Lee Dong-wook (C) argues with an umpire during Game 3 of the Korean Series against the Doosan Bears at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 20, 2020. (Yonhap)
Kang, who finally became a regular at age 27 after toiling for seven years, said he has been overachieving at the plate.
"I was nervous at the start of this series, but it's not the case anymore," Kang said. "I think my focus is a lot sharper now than during the regular season. I try to battle pitchers as much as I can."
Kang, who batted fifth most of the regular season, said he didn't mind batting ninth in the Korean Series because it meant less pressure. No matter where he hit, Kang said he just wanted to do his best and repay manager Lee's trust.
Kang is the son of an active Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) umpire, Kang Kwang-hoe, who is not allowed to work in any Korean Series games because his son is playing. And that may be a good thing for the family.
"He told me he can just watch these games stress-free, all thanks to me," the junior Kang said. "I think I am being a good son that way."
Kang Jin-sung of the NC Dinos hits an RBI single against the Doosan Bears in the top of the sixth inning of Game 4 of the Korean Series at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-23--(LEAD) 22 more USFK-affiliated people infected with coronavirus

(ATTN: UPDATES with renewal of public health emergency declaration)
SEOUL, Nov. 23 (Yonhap) -- Twenty-two more people affiliated with U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), including 18 service members, have tested positive for the new coronavirus upon their arrival in South Korea this month, the U.S. military said Monday.
Eight service members and three dependents arrived at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, on U.S. government-chartered flights, while the other 10 service members and a civilian contractor arrived here on commercial flights via Incheon International Airport, west of the capital, according to the USFK.
Eighteen of them tested positive on their first mandatory COVID-19 test prior to entering quarantine, while the four others were confirmed to have contracted the virus on their second mandatory test.
All USFK-affiliated individuals arriving in South Korea are required to undergo a virus test and are quarantined for 14 days. Medical personnel administer a second test prior to their release.
The latest cases brought the total number of USFK-related coronavirus infections to 368.
On Monday, South Korea added 271 more COVID-19 cases, raising the total caseload to 31,004.
With another wave of infections looming across the country, USFK Commander Gen. Robert Abrams has renewed the military's Public Health Emergency Declaration until Dec. 31, 2020.
The emergency declaration enables the commander "to maintain authorities needed during COVID-19 such as administering testing and quarantine measures for all USFK-affiliated personnel."
USFK first declared the emergency over the coronavirus pandemic in May, and has been extending the status as the virus showed no signs of a letup.
"Now is not the time to relax our guard against this insidious disease; rather, disciplined and deliberate continued action is necessary to ensure the health of our force," Abrams said.
This photo, taken Nov. 23, 2020, shows a gate of U.S. Forces Korea's base in Yongsan, central Seoul. (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-23--(LEAD) Unification minister says breakthrough in inter-Korean ties could come 'sooner than expected'

`` We can not rule out the possibility of economic cooperation between the two Koreas that may come sooner than @ @ @ @ @ something in the far future if we have the opportunity to see flexibility in North @ @ @ @ @ nuclear talks and the development of coronavirus vaccines , '' Lee said .

(ATTN: ADDS more info in para 7-8, photos)
By Yi Wonju
SEOUL, Nov. 23 (Yonhap) -- Unification Minister Lee In-young on Monday called on South Korean conglomerates to prepare for possible inter-Korean cooperation despite the current stalled relations, stressing that a breakthrough in cross-border ties could "come sooner than expected."
Lee made the remark at a meeting with officials from South Korean conglomerates, including Samsung Electronics, SK Group, LG Group and Hyundai Motor Group, whose leaders accompanied President Moon Jae-in during his visit to Pyongyang for his third inter-Korean summit in September 2018.
"We cannot rule out the possibility of economic cooperation between the two Koreas that may come sooner than expected and is not necessarily something in the far future if we have the opportunity to see flexibility in North Korean sanctions, progress in nuclear talks and the development of coronavirus vaccines," Lee said.
Lee pointed out that Pyongyang is likely to concentrate more on achieving economic progress next year amid a triple whammy of its ongoing antivirus campaign, devastation caused by recent typhoons and the fallout from global sanctions.
"We need to create strategic room to encourage the North to come forward for inter-Korean cooperation," he said.
The minister added that U.S. President-elect Joe Biden's approach toward North Korea may be more flexible than that of the current administration, pointing out that Biden has left room for the possibility of a summit meeting with Pyongyang on the condition that North Korea's nuclear capabilities will be reduced.
Lee said the ministry will seek close consultation with the incoming Biden administration to "restart the Korean Peninsula peace process," the ministry said in a press release after the meeting.
He also proposed holding regular meetings with business leaders to maintain communication in preparation for possible cross-border cooperation in the post-COVID19 era.
"The government plans to create an environment for economic cooperation, including overcoming risks, and to prepare for projects, such as allowing individual tours to North Korea, reconnecting railways and resuming the Kaesong Industrial Complex, and to discover and push ahead with very small but reciprocal projects between the two Koreas," Lee said.
The industrial complex was among key inter-Korean cooperation projects, along with the now-suspended tour program taking tourists from South Korea to the North's scenic Mount Kumgang.
The factory park was suspended in 2016 amid tensions over the North's nuclear and missile programs and the tour program was halted in 2008 after a South Korean tourist was shot dead near the mountain resort for allegedly trespassing in an off-limits area.
Unification Minister Lee In-young (L) speaks during a meeting with business leaders at a hotel in Seoul on Nov. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
Unification Minister Lee In-young (2nd from R), who is in charge of inter-Korean affairs, speaks during a meeting with business leaders at a Seoul hotel on Nov. 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-24--Household credit growth quickens in Q3 on home-backed lending

Mortgage loans rose 17.4 trillion won on-quarter to 890.4 trillion won in the third quarter , accelerating from a 14.8 @ @ @ @ @ second quarter .
The reading almost doubled from a 9.5 trillion won on-quarter gain the @ @ @ @ @ .

SEOUL, Nov. 24 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's household credit grew at a faster clip in the third quarter compared to three months earlier, driven by a rise in banks' home-backed loans, central bank data showed Tuesday.
Household credit reached a record high of 1,682.1 trillion won (US$1.51 trillion) as of September, up 44.9 trillion won from three months earlier, according to the data from the Bank of Korea (BOK).
Household credit refers to credit purchases and loans for households that have been extended by financial institutions, including commercial lenders and mutual savings banks.
The third-quarter tally compared with a 25.8 trillion won on-quarter rise in the second quarter. In the January-March period, household credit grew at the slowest pace in one year amid the virus outbreak.
The undated file photo shows a poster at a bank in Seoul advertising personal and home-backed loans. (Yonhap)
Household lending extended by banks and other financial institutions reached 1,585.5 trillion won in the July-September period, up 39.5 trillion won from three months earlier.
Mortgage loans rose 17.4 trillion won on-quarter to 890.4 trillion won in the third quarter, accelerating from a 14.8 trillion won increase in the second quarter. The reading almost doubled from a 9.5 trillion won on-quarter gain the same period of last year.
In the third quarter, loan demand to buy stocks also rose in line with the country's bull stock market. Despite the virus outbreak, Seoul's stock market gained ground amid ample liquidity sparked by a long streak of low rates.
Credit purchases stood at 96.6 trillion won as of end-September, up 5.4 trillion won from three months earlier, the BOK said.
Korea's household debt has been repeatedly cited as the main drag on Asia's fourth-largest economy, as households' high indebtedness is feared to curb domestic demand and thus crimp economic growth.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-11-24--Insurers' 9-month profit rises 6.1 pct on fewer accidents amid pandemic

SEOUL , Nov. 24 ( Yonhap ) -- The combined net profit of insurance firms in South Korea gained 6.1 @ @ @ @ @ nine months of this year , partly supported by fewer car accidents as people stayed @ @ @ @ @ , data showed Tuesday .

SEOUL, Nov. 24 (Yonhap) -- The combined net profit of insurance firms in South Korea gained 6.1 percent on-year in the first nine months of this year, partly supported by fewer car accidents as people stayed home amid the coronavirus pandemic, data showed Tuesday.
Life and non-life insurers saw their combined net profit increase by 319.5 billion won (US$286.8 million) to 5.5 trillion won for the January-September period, according to data from the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS).
In a statement, the FSS said profits of non-life insurers gained because of fewer claims as losses in car insurance products narrowed amid the pandemic.
The combined net loss of their insurance operations narrowed by 408 billion won to 17.6 trillion won in the nine-month period.
The loss was partly due to a decline in sales of savings-type insurance products.
Insurance firms in South Korea have been hesitant to sell savings-type insurance products to meet stricter capital requirement rules.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)