yna--2020-07-24--(LEAD) Doosan Infracore Q2 net more than halves on pandemic

According to the data provided by the China Construction Machinery Association , Doosan Infracore 's share of the Chinese excavator @ @ @ @ @ in the first half of the year , compared with 12.9 percent in 2015 .

(ATTN: UPDATES with details throughout; ADDS photo)
SEOUL, July 24 (Yonhap) -- Doosan Infracore Co. on Friday reported its second-quarter net income of 78.1 billion won (US$ 65 million), down 54.8 percent from a year earlier due to a decline in sales caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
South Korea's largest construction equipment maker posted an operating income of 154.3 billion won in the April-June period, compared with 297.2 billion won a year ago. Revenue fell 10.2 percent to 1.97 trillion won over the cited period.
The operating profit was 4.1 percent higher than the average estimate, according to a survey by Yonhap Infomax, the financial data arm of Yonhap News Agency.
Doosan Infracore blamed its poor performance in the April-June period on a slump in the global market triggered by the coronavirus pandemic and deepened competition.
Although Doosan Infracore suffered a setback in other major markets, it enjoyed a hefty sales increase in China.
The company's sales of excavators rose 58 percent to 528 billion won in China in the second quarter from a year ago as the Chinese excavator market rapidly bounced back.
According to the data provided by the China Construction Machinery Association, Doosan Infracore's share of the Chinese excavator market expanded to 23 percent in the first half of the year, compared with 12.9 percent in 2015.
The company expected the size of the Chinese excavator market to reach 240,000 units, higher than the earlier estimation of 210,000 units.
Cash-strapped Doosan Group has been reported to send an investment guide to investors for the sales of the largest construction equipment maker.
This photo, provided by Doosan Co., the parent of Doosan Group, shows the group's logo. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
ksnam@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-24--KBO managers looking forward to welcoming fans back to stadiums

`` I think they 'll bring a lot of energy to the stadium , and the morale of the team @ @ @ @ @ Son said in his pregame media availability Friday .
`` But at the same time @ @ @ @ @ stay safe so that we can finish the season .
Once fans start coming in @ @ @ @ @ team once again that we must continue to be careful . ''

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, July 24 (Yonhap) -- South Korean professional baseball managers said Friday they were looking forward to having fans back at games in the coming days, adding that supporters will enliven games with their mere presence during the coronavirus pandemic.
In this file photo from July 14, 2020, members of the Kiwoom Heroes celebrate their 5-1 victory over the NC Dinos in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. (Yonhap)
The government announced earlier in the day that the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) clubs would be allowed to open stadium gates starting Sunday, with 10 percent of the seats to be made available in the early going to ensure safe distancing and prevent COVD-19 infections.
This is a welcoming piece of news for the league, whose teams have been struggling financially without any gate revenue the whole season. The start of the season was pushed back from March 28 to May 5 because of the virus outbreak, and after a couple of setbacks due to spikes in COVID-19 cases, teams will finally be able to start playing before fans.
Kiwoom Heroes' skipper Son Hyuk, whose team will host the Lotte Giants at Gocheok Sky Dome for three games starting Friday, said he's going to be "a little bit more nervous" managing in front of fans.
"I think they'll bring a lot of energy to the stadium, and the morale of the team will also improve," Son said in his pregame media availability Friday. "But at the same time, we all have to stay safe so that we can finish the season. Once fans start coming in, I'll remind our team once again that we must continue to be careful."
Son's counterpart for the Giants, Her Mun-hoe, said he was grateful that it's become safe enough for fans to start attending KBO games.
In this file photo from July 14, 2020, members of the Lotte Giants celebrate their 5-0 victory over the LG Twins in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Sajik Stadium in Busan, 450 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
"It wasn't just myself; our players and front office staff have all been waiting for this day," Her said. "I am thankful that we've been able to come this far into the season without problems, and that fans will now be there for us."
Son touched upon feeling nervous before fans. And after four months of playing intrasquad scrimmages, preseason games and regular season games in empty parks, having the crowd could be a jarring experience for fans and managers alike.
Both Son and Her have been coaches in the league, but this will be the first time they'll be managing in front of fans.
Unlike Son, Her said he doesn't think he will have butterflies in his stomach.
"I'll stick to my own pregame routine, and I don't think anything will really change," he added. "But obviously, I'll want to win the first game we play before our fans."
Her said his veteran-laden team should also handle the transition just fine and added, "I think they're going to enjoy having fans back behind them and thrive in that environment."
In this file photo from June 2, 2020, mascots for the LG Twins take a break during a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game between the Twins and the Samsung Lions at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


Yonhap News Summary

SEOUL -- About a year ago , leaders of the two Koreas and the United States had an unprecedented brief @ @ @ @ @ , coming after two Washington-Pyongyang summits .
Expectations were high that a peace regime on @ @ @ @ @ has been technically in a state of war for nearly seven decades , was just @ @ @ @

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Friday.
----------------
(3rd LD) Daily virus cases to spike over weekend, health authorities warn
SEOUL -- The number of new daily virus cases identified Friday in South Korea will surpass 100 due to infections detected among workers flown in from virus-hit Iraq and sailors on Russian ships docked here, health authorities warned.
Some 300 South Korean workers returned home from the Middle Eastern country earlier in the day, with around 90 of them showing virus symptoms, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
----------------
(2nd LD) S. Korea may add Russia to list of high-risk nations on spiking cases traced to ships
SEOUL/BUSAN -- South Korea is considering adding Russia to a list of countries requiring stronger quarantine checks as cluster infections on Russian ships have continued to swell, health authorities said Friday.
At least 32 sailors on a Russia-flagged fishing vessel docked in the southeastern city of Busan tested positive for the new coronavirus earlier in the day, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
----------------
U.S. Senate passes bill restricting troop drawdown in S. Korea
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Senate has passed its version of a defense policy bill that contains restrictions against the drawdown of troops in South Korea.
The Senate voted 86-14 in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2021 on Thursday, days after the House of Representatives passed its version.
----------------
(LEAD) Heavy downpours pummel S. Korea, unleash flash floods, leave 4 dead or missing
SEOUL -- Heavy downpours with strong winds have hit South Korea, causing flash floods that killed three people and left scores of people stranded in floodwater.
The Central Disaster Management Headquarters said three people were found dead in their cars Thursday night, submerged in rain water in an underpass in the southern port city of Busan. One man was reported missing after being swept away by a flooded stream in Ulsan, northeast of Busan.
----------------
Fugitive arrested in New York in investigation into 2014 S. Korean ferry sinking
SEOUL -- The second son of Yoo Byung-eun, the late head of Semo Group thought to be linked to a deadly 2014 ferry sinking, was arrested in the United States earlier this week, the New York Times has reported.
Yoo Hyuk-kee, 48, was arrested without incident on embezzlement charges at his home in New York on Wednesday, following a South Korean investigators' extradition request, the newspaper said, citing a U.S. Department of Justice spokeswoman.
----------------
S. Korea allows marketing authorization of remdesivir
SEOUL -- South Korea has granted marketing authorization to use remdesivir for coronavirus treatment, the country's drug safety agency said Friday.
The drug that is sold as Veklury and made by U.S. pharmaceutical giant Gilead Sciences Inc. contains the antiviral substance that has been shown to help COVID-19 patients, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said.
----------------
(Movie Review) 'Steel Rain 2: Summit': Cinematic simulation of peaceful Korean Peninsula
SEOUL -- About a year ago, leaders of the two Koreas and the United States had an unprecedented brief meeting at the Demilitarized Zone, coming after two Washington-Pyongyang summits. Expectations were high that a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula, which has been technically in a state of war for nearly seven decades, was just around the corner.
But a few months later, hopes were shattered as the U.S.-North Korea nuclear negotiations reached a deadlock as dozens of previous peace talks ended in vain.
----------------
(LEAD) Seoul stocks dip for 3rd day on virus fears, economic woes
SEOUL -- South Korean stocks closed lower for a third consecutive session on Friday, as investor sentiment worsened over the economic fallout from the new coronavirus pandemic. The Korean won fell against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) lost 15.75 points, or 0.71 percent, to close at 2,200.44. Trading volume was high at about 979 million shares worth some 16.1 trillion won (US$14 billion), with losers outnumbering gainers 583 to 279.
(END)


yna--2020-07-24--S. Korea allows marketing authorization of remdesivir

The ministry said the latest authorization is conditional on Gilead providing Seoul with final data on the most recent clinical @ @ @ @ @ safety control standards it is using for the production of the medicine within a set @ @ @ @

SEOUL, July 24 (Yonhap) -- South Korea has granted marketing authorization to use remdesivir for coronavirus treatment, the country's drug safety agency said Friday.
The drug that is sold as Veklury and made by U.S. pharmaceutical giant Gilead Sciences Inc. contains the antiviral substance that has been shown to help COVID-19 patients, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said.
Seoul has already allowed the special import of the drug for emergency use since June, with the latest move expected to make it easier to secure adequate supply of the medicine going forward, it said.
Domestically, the substance that was originally made to combat Ebola has been administered to 76 people at 27 hospitals as of Tuesday.
The ministry said the latest authorization is conditional on Gilead providing Seoul with final data on the most recent clinical tests and sending production and safety control standards it is using for the production of the medicine within a set period of time.
It said Japan, the European Union and Singapore have already all given the same kind of conditional authorization for Veklury based on results of tests conducted so far.
Marketing authorization, unlike special imports, indicates that considerable safety and effectiveness trials have been carried out on a substance, even though some tests results need to be checked and analyzed further.
"The latest move takes into account that Veklury has undergone extensive clinical trials in 10 countries and by 73 medical institutions, with initial reports indicating that it can reduce the hospitalization period of infected people by some 31 percent," the drug safety authority said.
It added that the move could allow South Korea to better respond to a possible spike in COVID-19 cases.
The country identified 41 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, raising the total caseload here to 13,979, with the death toll reaching 298, up one from the previous day.
This file photo shows Gilead's remdesivir stored in vials. (Yonhap)
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-24--(LEAD) Heavy downpours pummel S. Korea, unleash flash floods, leave 4 dead or missing

Heavy rain advisories are still in effect in parts of the country , including the provinces of Gangwon and North @ @ @ @ @ up to 50 mm is forecast to continue .
But showers will stop for the @ @ @ @ @ Incheon and Gyeonggi Province -- during the day on Friday .

(ATTN: ADDS photos; UPDATES with more info in para 8-9)
SEOUL, July 24 (Yonhap) -- Heavy downpours with strong winds have hit South Korea, causing flash floods that killed three people and left scores of people stranded in floodwater.
The Central Disaster Management Headquarters said three people were found dead in their cars Thursday night, submerged in rain water in an underpass in the southern port city of Busan. One man was reported missing after being swept away by a flooded stream in Ulsan, northeast of Busan.
Nationwide, some 195 people were evacuated to safety and at least 51 people were rescued, according to the national disaster management center.
This photo, contributed by a news reader, shows the underground parking space of a high-rise luxury apartment building in Busan hit by flash floods on July 23, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
In Busan, the country's second-biggest city, torrential rains of up to 80 millimeters per hour unleashed chaos, sending mudslides into construction sites and turning subway stations into indoor showers.
According to the national weather agency, the city's hourly precipitation on Thursday recorded the 10th highest since 1920.
Photos shared by residents there showed that rain water cascaded down into underground subway stations and buses ran in waist-high floodwaters. Normally busy streets turned into giant, shallow lakes.
In Busan, 162 cases of flooded homes were reported, the most in the country, where 43 roads were also submerged, temporarily trapping people in their vehicles.
The downpour hit a high-rise luxury apartment building in Busan's high-end commercial district of Centum City on Thursday night, soaking many luxury sedans parked underground, according to witnesses.
The building's underground parking lots and entrance fell into a state of chaos, as residents rushed to move their cars overground, they said. All of the building's six elevators also broke down amid the heavy rain.
A heavy rain advisory was also issued in the industrial city of Ulsan, home to Hyundai Motor's main domestic plants.
Downpours of 215.5 mm pummeled the city, triggering mudslides and flash floods that swallowed sidewalks and the pedestrian paths along Yeocheon Stream in southern Ulsan. A total of 44 damage reports were filed at the Ulsan Fire Station.
This photo, contributed by a reader, shows a subway station in Busan flooded with rain water on July 23, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
In the capital Seoul, some parts of intercity highways were closed due to rising waters. But damage otherwise was minimal. In Gwangju, Gapyeong and Paju of Gyeonggi Province, heavy downpours temporarily caused power outages at 1,100 households.
Heavy rain advisories are still in effect in parts of the country, including the provinces of Gangwon and North Gyeongsang, where more rainfall up to 50 mm is forecast to continue. But showers will stop for the capital area -- Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province -- during the day on Friday.
A riverside park is submerged in Busan, where torrential rains of up to 80 millimeters per hour unleashed chaos on July, 23, 2020. (Yonhap)
This photo, provided by the Busan Metropolitan Police Agency, shows firefighters searching an underpass submerged in rain water on July 24, 2020, after three people were found dead in their cars there the previous day. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-24--(LEAD) Seoul stocks dip for 3rd day on virus fears, economic woes

SEOUL , July 24 ( Yonhap ) -- South Korean stocks closed lower for a third consecutive session on Friday @ @ @ @ @ over the economic fallout from the new coronavirus pandemic .
The Korean won fell against @ @ @ @

(ATTN: ADDS bond yields at bottom, photo)
SEOUL, July 24 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks closed lower for a third consecutive session on Friday, as investor sentiment worsened over the economic fallout from the new coronavirus pandemic. The Korean won fell against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) lost 15.75 points, or 0.71 percent, to close at 2,200.44. Trading volume was high at about 979 million shares worth some 16.1 trillion won (US$14 billion), with losers outnumbering gainers 583 to 279.
Foreigners bought a net 87 billion won, while institutions offloaded a net 363 billion won. Retail investors bought a net 286 billion won.
Electronic signboards at the trading room of Hana Bank in Seoul show the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed at 2,200.44 on July 24, 2020, down 15.75 points or 0.71 percent from the previous session's close. (Yonhap)
Stocks closed bearish as investor sentiment weakened on disappointing economic indices at home and overseas.
South Korea warned that the country's export slump is likely to be deeper and prolonged due to a resurgence of the virus across the world.
Asia's fourth-largest economy contracted 3.3 percent in the second quarter from a quarter earlier, marking the worst reading in more than 20 years, according to the Bank of Korea.
The increase in weekly U.S. jobless claims also added to investor concerns. In addition, the political tensions between South Korea's two largest trade partners raised outside risks.
"The U.S.-China tension was partly reflected in the market, and the valuation pressure on large caps has been a pull-down factor," said Kiwoom Securities analyst Kim Yoo-mi.
Most large caps closed lower.
Market kingpin Samsung Electronics inched up 0.18 percent to 54,200 won, with No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix gaining 1.58 percent to 83,700 won.
Top pharmaceutical firm Samsung Biologics dropped 2.58 percent to 775,000 won, and leading steelmaker POSCO retreated 0.77 percent to 194,000 won.
Top game publisher NCSOFT dropped 1.11 percent to 802,000 won.
The country's largest automaker, Hyundai Motor, shed 1.61 percent to 122,500 won, with internet giant Naver losing 1.06 percent to 281,000 won.
The local currency closed at 1,201.5 won per dollar, down 4.2 won from the previous session's close.
Bond prices, which move inversely to yields, mostly closed higher. But the yield on three-year Treasurys rose 0.1 basis point to 0.799 percent, and the return on the benchmark five-year government bond added 0.1 basis point to 1.049 percent.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-24--(2nd LD) S. Korea may add Russia to list of high-risk nations on spiking cases traced to ships

At least 32 sailors on a Russia-flagged fishing vessel docked in the southeastern city of Busan tested positive for the @ @ @ @ @ day , according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( KCDC ) @

(ATTN: UPDATES with more details in paras 9, 12, 14-16; ADDS photo)
SEOUL/BUSAN, July 24 (Yonhap) -- South Korea is considering adding Russia to a list of countries requiring stronger quarantine checks as cluster infections on Russian ships have continued to swell, health authorities said Friday.
At least 32 sailors on a Russia-flagged fishing vessel docked in the southeastern city of Busan tested positive for the new coronavirus earlier in the day, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
Of 94 crewmembers aboard the 7,733-ton ship that entered a Busan port on July 8, 62 sailors tested negative for COVID-19.
With the newly identified cases, South Korea has detected 78 virus cases from eight Russian ships docked here since June.
"The government will consider designating Russia as a country subject to stricter quarantine steps," Yoon Tae-ho, a senior health official, told in a press briefing.
A Russia-flagged ship which reported 32 virus cases is docked at a port in South Korea's southern city of Busan on July 23, 2020, in this contributed photo. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The government has placed six countries -- Bangladesh, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Philippines and Uzbekistan -- on the list of such high-risk countries in an effort to contain imported cases.
Arrivals from the countries are required to submit a certificate showing they tested negative for the new coronavirus.
Last month, 19 virus cases traced to two Russia-flagged ships docked in Busan were first reported, putting health authorities on higher alert over foreign ships-tied cluster infections.
Since late June, South Korea has been conducting on-board quarantine checks of Russian ships arriving in Busan ports.
The latest cluster infections tied to the Russian vessel came to light after a South Korean ship repairman, who had boarded the ship repeatedly for repair work, tested positive for the virus Thursday.
Health officials doubted that the person contracted the virus from the infected Russian sailors.
The KCDC said five more cases tied to the repairman were reported as it has been conducting COVID-19 tests on some 150 people who have contacted the worker.
Early this month, authorities carried out on-board quarantine checks of the ship, but there were reportedly no sailors showing virus symptoms at that time.
The KCDC said it is conducting virus tests on 429 crewmembers aboard 13 Russian vessels that have been docked in Busan ports after making arrivals here since July 1.
"Health authorities see a very high possibility that more Russian sailors who are asymptomatic or show mild symptoms will be reported," KCDC Deputy Director Kwon Joon-wook said in a briefing.
The number of new daily virus cases identified Friday in South Korea will surpass 100 due to infections tied to the Russian sailors and workers flown from virus-hit Iraq, health authorities warned.
This photo, provided by fire service authorities in the southeastern port city of Busan on July 17, 2020, shows firefighters transferring Russian sailors infected with COVID-19 to a hospital for treatment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-24--(LEAD) Shinhan Financial's Q2 net falls 12.3 pct on loan-loss provisions

Shinhan Financial set aside 538.7 billion won as loan-loss provisions in the second quarter in a preemptive measure against the @ @ @ @ @ 274.9 billion won from a year earlier .

(ATTN: UPDATES with details and stock prices; ADDS photo)
SEOUL, July 24 (Yonhap) -- Shinhan Financial Group Co., a major South Korean banking group, said Friday its net profit fell 12.3 percent in the second quarter from a year earlier due to increased loan-loss provisions.
For the three months that ended June 30, Shinhan Financial posted a net profit of 873.1 billion won (US$725.9 million), compared with a net profit of 996.1 billion won a year earlier, the company said in a statement.
The banking group said the decline in net profit is blamed on increased loan-loss provisions.
Shinhan Financial set aside 538.7 billion won as loan-loss provisions in the second quarter in a preemptive measure against the pandemic fallout, up from 274.9 billion won from a year earlier.
This file photo shows the corporate logo of Shinhan Financial Group. (Yonhap)
Shinhan Financial's interest income rose 3.1 percent on-year to 4 trillion won during the January-June period.
Its net interest margin, a key barometer of profitability, fell to 1.84 percent at the end of June, compared with 2.05 percent from the same period of last year.
Flagship Shinhan Bank saw its net profit decline 22.5 percent on-year to 514.2 billion won for the second quarter.
Shares in Shinhan Financial remained unchanged at 30,500 won Friday, compared with the broader KOSPI's 0.71 percent loss.
entropy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-24--S. Korean Bond Yields on Jul. 24, 2020

S. Korean Bond Yields on Jul. 24, 2020

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


yna--2020-07-24--Doosan Infracore Q2 net income down 54.8 pct. to 78.1 bln won

The operating profit was 4.1 percent higher than the average estimate , according to the survey by Yonhap Infomax , @ @ @ @ @ Yonhap News Agency .
The estimate of net profit was not available .

SEOUL, July 24 (Yonhap) -- Doosan Infracore Co. on Friday reported its second-quarter net income of 78.1 billion won (US$ 65 million), down 54.8 percent from a year earlier.
The company said in a regulatory filing that it posted 154.3 billion won in operating profit for the quarter, compared with 297.2 billion won a year ago. Revenue fell 10.2 percent to 1.97 trillion won.
The operating profit was 4.1 percent higher than the average estimate, according to the survey by Yonhap Infomax, the financial data firm of Yonhap News Agency. The estimate of net profit was not available.
※ This article was generated by Yonhap's proprietary algorithm using data from Yonhap Infomax and Korea Exchange(KRX).
(END)


yna--2020-07-24--(LEAD) KCTU head offers to resign over breakdown of labor deal on COVID-19

Under the tentative agreement , the government had proposed to map out a universal employment insurance plan by year-end and @ @ @ @ @ that have temporarily suspended their businesses or asked employees to take leaves from work due @ @ @ @ @ virus .

(ATTN: ADDS more background in paras 4, 14; UPDATES with more details in paras 10-12)
SEOUL, July 24 (Yonhap) -- The head of South Korea's biggest trade union offered to resign Friday, holding himself responsible for the failure of a key labor agreement drawn up by the government and business and labor circles to deal with the economic fallout from the new coronavirus.
"As mentioned before, I still have some five months until my term ends, but I intend to resign to take responsibility," Kim Myung-hwan, chairman of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), announced at a press conference at the union's headquarters in central Seoul.
The announcement came a day after KCTU members voted to reject a tentative agreement between the government, business employers and the labor sector that centers on sustaining jobs and expanding the social safety net while easing financial burdens for companies.
The veto decision was reached Thursday after a 12-hour marathon meeting of some 1,500 KCTU representatives. A majority of voters, 805 out of 1,311, opposed the approval, according to the trade union. A total of 499 voted to approve the labor agreement, while seven counts were invalid.
Two other union executives, including Chief Vice Chairman Kim Kyung-ja, also offered to resign.
Kim Myung-hwan appeared disappointed at the union's rejection of the agreement Thursday, expressing his wish that the union stay connected and see eye-to-eye with the rest of the country and the people.
Kim Myung-hwan, chairman of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, speaks during a press conference at the union's headquarters in central Seoul on July 24, 2020. Kim offered to step down in response to the failure of a key labor agreement drawn up by the government and business and labor circles to deal with the economic fallout from the new coronavirus. (Yonhap)
"Due to my deficiencies, that appeal has not been met," said Kim.
Under the tentative agreement, the government had proposed to map out a universal employment insurance plan by year-end and provide financial support for companies that have temporarily suspended their businesses or asked employees to take leaves from work due to the fallout from the virus.
Businesses, meanwhile, had pledged to maintain employment, while the labor circle in turn said it planned to agree to cutting work hours and taking leaves for this goal.
Kim said he wanted the tentative deal to serve as an opportunity for the KCTU to push toward internal reform. At a recent delegate convention, the chairman has stated that partisanship within the union has hampered the institution's internal democracy.
The KCTU plans to convene a central executive committee meeting on Monday to form an emergency leadership committee. The committee will govern the KCTU until the scheduled election of a new leadership near the end of this year.
"While I step aside now, I will return to the field of labor and continue my efforts in realizing my goals as an average union member," Kim said.
Kim was among the first to propose talks between the government and business and labor circles. With Thursday's vote, the country's labor and business circles failed to reach a meaningful consensus on the first social agreement of its kind in 22 years.
The tentative agreement was the result of weekslong talks among six stakeholders -- the prime minister, the finance minister and the heads of the KCTU, Federation of Korea Trade Unions, Korea Employers Federation and Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry -- that kicked off in May.
A similar agreement was reached in 1998, when Asia's fourth-largest economy was going through the Asian financial crisis.
Kim Myung-hwan (3rd from L), chairman of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, speaks during at a press conference at the union's headquarters in central Seoul on July 24, 2020. Kim offered to step down in response to the failure of a key labor agreement drawn up by the government and business and labor circles to deal with the economic fallout from the new coronavirus. (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-24--Seoul stocks dip for 3rd day on virus fears, economic woes

SEOUL, July 24 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks closed lower for a third consecutive session on Friday, as investor sentiment worsened over the economic fallout from the new coronavirus pandemic. The Korean won fell against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) lost 15.75 points, or 0.71 percent, to close at 2,200.44. Trading volume was high at about 979 million shares worth some 16.1 trillion won (US$14 billion), with losers outnumbering gainers 583 to 279.
Foreigners bought a net 87 billion won, while institutions offloaded a net 363 billion won. Retail investors bought a net 286 billion won.
Stocks closed bearish as investor sentiment weakened on disappointing economic indices at home and overseas.
South Korea warned that the country's export slump is likely to be deeper and prolonged due to a resurgence of the virus across the world.
Asia's fourth-largest economy contracted 3.3 percent in the second quarter from a quarter earlier, marking the worst reading in more than 20 years, according to the Bank of Korea.
The increase in weekly U.S. jobless claims also added to investor concerns. In addition, the political tensions between South Korea's two largest trade partners raised outside risks.
"The U.S.-China tension was partly reflected in the market, and the valuation pressure on large caps has been a pull-down factor," said Kiwoom Securities analyst Kim Yoo-mi.
Most large caps closed lower.
Market kingpin Samsung Electronics inched up 0.18 percent to 54,200 won, with No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix gaining 1.58 percent to 83,700 won.
Top pharmaceutical firm Samsung Biologics dropped 2.58 percent to 775,000 won, and leading steelmaker POSCO retreated 0.77 percent to 194,000 won.
Top game publisher NCSOFT dropped 1.11 percent to 802,000 won.
The country's largest automaker, Hyundai Motor, shed 1.61 percent to 122,500 won, with internet giant Naver losing 1.06 percent to 281,000 won.
The local currency closed at 1,201.5 won per dollar, down 4.2 won from the previous session's close.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-25--(LEAD) Blue Jays' Ryu Hyun-jin gets no-decision on Opening Day

The South Korean left-hander was charged with three earned runs in 4 2/3 innings against the Tampa Bay Rays at @ @ @ @ @ , Florida , on Friday ( local time ) .
He left with two outs @ @ @ @ @ Jays leading 6-3 with a man at second base .
Reliever Jordan Romano walked the @ @ @ @ @ struck out Brandon Lowe to end the threat .

(ATTN: UPDATES with final score in 3rd para, more details at bottom)
By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, July 25 (Yonhap) -- Undone by a shaky fifth inning, Ryu Hyun-jin of the Toronto Blue Jays came up an out shy of qualifying for a victory in his second straight Opening Day assignment.
The South Korean left-hander was charged with three earned runs in 4 2/3 innings against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, on Friday (local time). He left with two outs in the fifth and the Jays leading 6-3 with a man at second base. Reliever Jordan Romano walked the first batter he faced but struck out Brandon Lowe to end the threat.
The Blue Jays hung on for a 6-4 win, with the Rays going 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position.
An otherwise solid, typical Ryu outing turned sour quickly in that fateful fifth inning.
The Jays had just spotted him a 6-1 lead in the top fifth, and Ryu got two quick groundouts in the bottom fifth.
In this Associated Press photo, Ryu Hyun-jin of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays in the bottom of the fourth inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, on July 24, 2020. (Yonhap)
Seemingly on his way to completing the fifth, Ryu walked Hunter Renfroe on six pitches. Ryu then got the full count on Yoshi Tsutsugo before giving up a two-run homer to left-center field.
That cut the lead to 6-3, and Ryu's night was done after Jose Martinez's double to left.
Ryu gave up four hits, all of them of the extra-base variety, and walked three batters. That's an uncharacteristically high number of free passes for the control artist, who only issued 24 walks in 182 2/3 innings last year.
Ryu, 33, was making his Blue Jays debut after inking a four-year, US$80 million contract as a free agent last December. He'd spent the past seven years with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was also their Opening Day starter in 2019, a year in which he led the majors with a 2.32 ERA and finished second in the National League Cy Young Award voting.
Ryu came into the truncated, 60-game season as the undisputed No. 1 starter in the revamped Toronto rotation.
Despite the delayed start to the season, caused by the coronavirus pandemic, and disruptions to his preseason prep, Ryu looked to be in midseason form early. He retired the first six batters he faced, three of them via groundballs.
Ryu then wiggled out of a mini jam in the bottom third. A leadoff double and a two-out walk put runners at the corners for Renfroe. On a 2-2 count, Ryu got him to fan on a changeup on the outside corner.
And then the Blue Jays gave Ryu a 3-0 lead in the top of the fourth.
In this Associated Press photo, Ryu Hyun-jin of the Toronto Blue Jays (C) gets taken out by manager Charlie Montoyo (R) during the bottom of the fifth inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, on July 24, 2020. (Yonhap)
They loaded the bases with Cavan Biggio's bunt single, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s single and Travis Shaw's walk. Randal Grichuk knocked in the first run with a single to left, and then back-to-back sacrifice flies by Rowdy Tellez and Teoscar Hernandez put the Blue Jays up 3-0.
Ryu gave a run back in the bottom fourth. With two outs and a runner at first, Mike Brosseau drove a double to the right-center gap, and Manuel Margot scored all the way from first to cut the Rays' deficit to 3-1.
The Blue Jays' offense came through for Ryu once again in the top fifth. Danny Jansen and Bo Bichette had consecutive singles to open things up, and Biggio smacked a three-run homer to right field to extend the lead to 6-1 and chase starter Charlie Morton.
Ryu couldn't capitalize on that five-run cushion, though, as he suddenly lost the command of his changeup, his usual bread-and-butter pitch.
After two perfect innings to start the game, Ryu allowed at least a baserunner in each of the next three.
An all-Korean matchup between Ryu and Tampa Bay infielder Choi Ji-man, two Dongsan High School alums, didn't materialize. Choi, who bats left-handed, began the game on the bench against the southpaw Ryu.
Choi pinch-hit for No. 9 hitter Mike Zunino with one out and two runners on in the eighth inning, and he drew a walk to load the bases. Choi stayed in the game as the first baseman and didn't get another plate appearance.
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-25--(LEAD) New virus cases spike to over 110 on cases coming in from Iraq, Russia

Some 30 sailors on a Russia-flagged fishing vessel docked in the southeastern city of Busan were also confirmed to have @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus .
Since June , South Korea has detected at least 78 virus cases from @ @ @ @ @ .

(ATTN: ADDS details throughout; CHANGES photos)
SEOUL, July 25 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new virus cases surged to an over 3-month high on Saturday as infections coming in from overseas reached a new record.
Local infections also continued to rise by double-digit figures on cluster infections in the Seoul metropolitan area.
The country reported 113 new cases of the coronavirus, raising the total caseload to 14,092, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC). Of the newly added cases, 86 were imported.
The surge in imported cases came as infections soared among South Korean workers returning home from Iraq on Friday and Russian sailors.
It marked the first time since April 1 for the country to report more than 100 cases. The number of daily cases peaked here on Feb. 29, when it reached 909. South Korea reported its first case on Jan. 20.
After falling below 30 for the first time in more than three weeks on Monday, the country's new virus cases gradually increased throughout the week on locally transmitted cases tied to a nursing home, churches and a front-line military base.
Imported cases also have increased by double-digit daily figures for 30 consecutive days.
Of the imported cases, 36 were from Iraq, followed by Russia with 34.
The Philippines accounted for five cases, and three cases came in from the United States, according to the KCDC.
The accumulated number of imported cases reached 2,244, with South Korean nationals accounting for 66.5 percent. Asian countries, excluding China, accounted for 42 percent, and the Americas took up 32.4 percent.
Crew members of a 7,733-ton Russian pelagic fishing boat disembark the ship to be transported to Busan Medical Center in Busan on July 24, 2020. Of the 92 crewmen, 32 tested positive for COVID-19. (Yonhap)
On Friday, some 300 South Korean workers returned home from the Middle Eastern country, with around 90 of them showing virus symptoms.
More related cases are feared to come down the road as health authorities are currently carrying out COVID-19 tests on more returned workers.
Some 30 sailors on a Russia-flagged fishing vessel docked in the southeastern city of Busan were also confirmed to have been infected with the new coronavirus. Since June, South Korea has detected at least 78 virus cases from eight Russian ships docked here.
In a bid to stem further inflows of the virus, South Korea placed six countries -- Bangladesh, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Philippines and Uzbekistan -- on a list of such high-risk countries, with foreign arrivals from those countries required to submit a certificate showing they tested negative for the new coronavirus.
South Korea is now considering adding Russia to the list.
Health authorities currently place all arrivals, including South Korean nationals, in a two-week quarantine, regardless of health certificates.
A staff member disinfects the government complex located in central Seoul on July 24, 2020, after a civil servant working in the building tested positive for the new coronavirus. (Yonhap)
Of 27 locally transmitted cases, 11 were from the capital city of Seoul.
A nursing home in western Seoul reported another new COVID-19 case on Friday, raising the total number of related cases to 21.
A church located in southern Seoul reported 10 new infections, raising the total number of related cases to 18, as its members did not follow social distancing guidelines that banned gatherings other than regular worship services.
Gyeonggi Province surrounding Seoul also reported 11 new infections. Busan added five cases.
South Korea has been raising its guard against imported cases, while easing social distancing as local infections have been judged to be under control.
The country will gradually allow spectators to attend sports events starting with baseball games on Saturday. On Monday, the country also reopened museums and libraries in the greater Seoul area.
South Korea gave the go-ahead to all church gatherings as of Friday. Over the previous two weeks, meetings other than regular worship services had been banned.
The country's death toll stayed at 298, according to the KCDC. The fatality rate slightly fell to 2.11 percent.
The number of patients fully cured of the virus reached 12,866, up 49 from the previous day.
South Korea carried out 1,518,634 tests since Jan. 3.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-25--New virus cases spike to over 110 on cases coming in from Iraq, Russia

SEOUL, July 25 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new virus cases surged to an over 3-month high on Saturday as infections coming in from overseas reached a new record.
Local infections also continued to rise by double-digit figures on cluster infections in the Seoul metropolitan area.
The country reported 113 new cases of the coronavirus, raising the total caseload to 14,092, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC). Of the newly added cases, 86 were imported.
The surge in imported cases came as infections soared among South Korean workers returning home from Iraq on Friday and Russian sailors.
It marked the first time since April 1 for the country to report more than 100 cases. The number of daily cases peaked here on Feb. 29, when it reached 909. South Korea reported its first case on Jan. 20.
After falling below 30 for the first time in more than three weeks on Monday, the country's new virus cases gradually increased throughout the week on locally transmitted cases tied to a nursing home, churches and a front-line military base.
Imported cases, however, also have increased by double-digit daily figures for 30 consecutive days.
A sailor from a Russian ship who tested positive for the new coronavirus is transported to Busan Medical Center in the southern port city of Busan on July 24, 2020. (Yonhap)
On Friday, some 300 South Korean workers returned home from the Middle Eastern country, with around 90 of them showing virus symptoms.
More related cases are feared to come down the road as health authorities are currently carrying out COVID-19 tests on more returned workers.
Some 30 sailors on a Russia-flagged fishing vessel docked in the southeastern city of Busan were also confirmed to have been infected with the new coronavirus. Since June, South Korea has detected at least 78 virus cases from eight Russian ships docked here.
In a bid to stem further inflows of the virus, South Korea placed six countries -- Bangladesh, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Philippines and Uzbekistan -- on a list of such high-risk countries, with foreign arrivals from those countries required to submit a certificate showing they tested negative for the new coronavirus.
South Korea is now considering adding Russia to the list.
Health authorities currently place all arrivals, including South Korean nationals, in a two-week quarantine, regardless of health certificates.
Staff members disinfect the government complex located in central Seoul on July 24, 2020, after a civil servant working in the building tested positive for the new coronavirus. (Yonhap)
Of 27 locally transmitted cases, 11 were from the capital city of Seoul.
A nursing home in western Seoul reported another new COVID-19 case on Friday, raising the total number of related cases to 21.
A church located in southern Seoul reported 10 new infections, raising the total number of related cases to 18, as its members did not follow social distancing guidelines that banned gatherings other than regular worship services.
Gyeonggi Province surrounding Seoul also reported 11 locally-transmitted cases.
South Korea has been raising its guard against imported cases, while easing social distancing as local infections have been judged to be under control.
The country will gradually allow spectators to attend sports events starting with baseball games on Saturday. On Monday, the country also reopened museums and libraries in the greater Seoul area.
South Korea gave the go-ahead to all church gatherings as of Friday. Over the previous two weeks, meetings other than regular worship services had been banned.
The country's death toll stayed at 298, according to the KCDC.
The number of patients fully cured of the virus reached 12,866, up 49 from the previous day.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-25--(URGENT) Imported cases in S. Korea hit a record high at 86 on Saturday: KCDC


yna--2020-07-25--(URGENT) 49 more released from coronavirus treatment, total now at 12,866: KCDC


yna--2020-07-25--(URGENT) S. Korea reports no additional coronavirus-related death, total now at 298: KCDC


yna--2020-07-25--(URGENT) S. Korea reports 113 more cases of new coronavirus, total now at 14,092: KCDC


yna--2020-07-25--Blue Jays' Ryu Hyun-jin gets no-decision on Opening Day

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, July 25 (Yonhap) -- Undone by a shaky fifth inning, Ryu Hyun-jin of the Toronto Blue Jays came up an out shy of qualifying for a victory in his second straight Opening Day assignment.
The South Korean left-hander was charged with three earned runs in 4 2/3 innings against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, on Friday (local time). He left with two outs in the fifth and the Jays leading 6-3 with a man at second base. Reliever Jordan Romano walked the first batter he faced but struck out Brandon Lowe to end the threat.
An otherwise solid, typical Ryu outing turned sour quickly in that fateful fifth inning.
The Jays had just spotted him a 6-1 lead in the top fifth, and Ryu got two quick groundouts in the bottom fifth.
In this Associated Press photo, Ryu Hyun-jin of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays in the bottom of the fourth inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, on July 24, 2020. (Yonhap)
Seemingly on his way to completing the fifth, Ryu walked Hunter Renfroe on six pitches. Ryu then got the full count on Yoshi Tsutsugo before giving up a two-run homer to left-center field.
That cut the lead to 6-3, and Ryu's night was done after Jose Martinez's double to left.
Ryu gave up four hits, all of them of the extra-base variety, and walked three batters. That's an uncharacteristically high number of free passes for the control artist, who only issued 24 walks in 182 2/3 innings last year.
Ryu, 33, was making his Blue Jays debut after inking a four-year, US$80 million contract as a free agent last December. He'd spent the past seven years with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was also their Opening Day starter in 2019, a year in which he led the majors with a 2.32 ERA and finished second in the National League Cy Young Award voting.
Ryu came into the truncated, 60-game season as the undisputed No. 1 starter in the revamped Toronto rotation.
Despite the delayed start to the season, caused by the coronavirus pandemic, and disruptions to his preseason prep, Ryu looked to be in midseason form early. He retired the first six batters he faced, three of them via groundballs.
Ryu then wiggled out of a mini jam in the bottom third. A leadoff double and a two-out walk put runners at the corners for Renfroe. On a 2-2 count, Ryu got him to fan on a changeup on the outside corner.
And then the Blue Jays gave Ryu a 3-0 lead in the top of the fourth.
In this Associated Press photo, Ryu Hyun-jin of the Toronto Blue Jays (C) gets taken out by manager Charlie Montoyo (R) during the bottom of the fifth inning of a Major League Baseball regular season game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, on July 24, 2020. (Yonhap)
They loaded the bases with Cavan Biggio's bunt single, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s single and Travis Shaw's walk. Randal Grichuk knocked in the first run with a single to left, and then back-to-back sacrifice flies by Rowdy Tellez and Teoscar Hernandez put the Blue Jays up 3-0.
Ryu gave a run back in the bottom fourth. With two outs and a runner at first, Mike Brosseau drove a double to the right-center gap, and Manuel Margot scored all the way from first to cut the Rays' deficit to 3-1.
The Blue Jays' offense came through for Ryu once again in the top fifth. Danny Jansen and Bo Bichette had consecutive singles to open things up, and Biggio smacked a three-run homer to right field to extend the lead to 6-1 and chase starter Charlie Morton.
Ryu couldn't capitalize on that five-run cushion, though, as he suddenly lost the command of his changeup, his usual bread-and-butter pitch.
After two perfect innings to start the game, Ryu allowed at least a baserunner in each of the next three.
An all-Korean matchup between Ryu and Tampa Bay infielder Choi Ji-man, two Dongsan High School alums, didn't materialize. Choi, who bats left-handed, began the game on the bench against the southpaw Ryu.
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-25--Seoul stocks set for mild gain next week: analysts

Local analysts said the KOSPI is likely to post a gradual hike next week , largely on hopes for a @ @ @ @ @ review .

By Chung Joo-won
SEOUL, July 25 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks are expected to log mild gains next week on hopes for a U.S. stimulus package in the pipeline, analysts said Saturday.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed at 2,200.44 points on Friday, nearly unchanged from 2201.19 points a week ago.
The index managed to stay above the psychologically important 2,200-point mark despite disappointing economic indices and Sino-American tensions.
Electronic signboards in the trading room of Hana Bank in Seoul show the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed at 2,200.44 on July 24, 2020, down 15.75 points, or 0.71 percent, from the previous session's close. (Yonhap)
Local analysts said the KOSPI is likely to post a gradual hike next week, largely on hopes for a massive U.S. stimulus package under review.
"The local stock markets will be largely affected by stimulus measures, such as the extra U.S. stimulus package," NH Investment & Securities analyst Noh Dong-kil said.
The U.S. relief plan, if approved, is expected to improve consumer sentiment and fuel anticipation for a quick economic rebound, he added.
Improving demand in China is another positive actor for the KOSPI's gain next week, analysts said.
China's gross domestic product in the second quarter grew 3.2 percent on-year, sharply rebounding from a 6.8 percent on-year contraction in the first quarter.
The U.S. GDP for the second quarter is set to be released on Thursday (Korea time).
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-25--(LEAD) 5 S. Koreans kidnapped in waters off Benin released

The South Koreans were released from southern Nigeria on Friday ( local time ) , around a month after being @ @ @ @ @ kilometers south from Cotonou Port of Benin , according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs @

(ATTN: RECASTS headline; ADDS details throughout, photo)
SEOUL, July 25 (Yonhap) -- Five South Korean nationals who were kidnapped by an unidentified armed group in waters off the western African country of Benin have been released, the foreign ministry said Saturday.
The South Koreans were released from southern Nigeria on Friday (local time), around a month after being abducted in waters about 111 kilometers south from Cotonou Port of Benin, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
On June 24, the armed group attacked a 994-ton fishing vessel. A total of 30 crewmen were aboard the Ghanaian-flagged Panofi Frontier, but only six of them were kidnapped.
The ministry said the released South Koreans are in good health and currently in a safe location prepared by its embassy in Nigeria.
The other abductee, a Ghanaian national, was also safely moved to the Ghanaian Embassy in the country.
The South Koreans will be transported to Ghana if they desire, as soon as a flight becomes available, it added.
(END)


yna--2020-07-25--(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on July 25)

(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on July 25)

Since the breakdown of the Hanoi summit in 2019 , the North has loudly demonstrated its dissatisfaction that U.S.-led international @ @ @ @ @ while Washington keeps to the goal of complete denuclearization of North Korea .
As we @ @ @ @ @ burden mainly falls on Seoul to restart Korean talks as well as mediate between North @ @ @ @ @ Thus his eloquence and resolution added with his political weight in the Moon Jae-in administration @ @ @ @ @ lull in inter-Korean relations and North Korea-U.S. ties .

Minister-nominee hearing
Constructive dialogue should lead to realistic approaches
Before the grilling began at his confirmation hearing, Unification Minister-nominee Lee In-young was almost poetic in his opening address as he vowed to bring about "bold change, to turn the clock from the time of North Korea and the United States, to that of North and South Korea." The four-term ruling Democratic Party lawmaker said that if needed, he would serve as special emissary to Pyongyang.
Since the breakdown of the Hanoi summit in 2019, the North has loudly demonstrated its dissatisfaction that U.S.-led international sanctions remain in place, while Washington keeps to the goal of complete denuclearization of North Korea. As we have repeatedly stressed, the burden mainly falls on Seoul to restart Korean talks as well as mediate between North Korea and the U.S. Thus his eloquence and resolution added with his political weight in the Moon Jae-in administration enhances hope amidst the unpredictable lull in inter-Korean relations and North Korea-U.S. ties.
Lee demonstrated however he was realistic by projecting that the current inter-Korean stalemate could continue through the November U.S. election and beyond. But humanitarian exchanges should take place. He said: "Issues related to eating, suffering and things that people want to see before they die" should be independent of political issues. Lee also called for expanding inter-Korean cooperation to matters of disease and disasters, and climate change, much akin to President Moon's proposal during a special address marking his third year in office.
Confirmation hearings at the National Assembly are never an easy hurdle to clear for nominees. At one point, Lee's hearing fell into a dispute over ideological inclinations, something the ruling party decried as anachronistic. As a college student in the 1980s he led an influential, now defunct, left-wing student group, the National Council of Student Representatives. Rep. Thae Yong-ho of the main opposition United Future Party, a former high-ranking North Korean defector, persistently questioned Lee on this asking him if he had renounced North Korea's juche ideology. Lee shot down the opposition lawmaker for lacking sufficient understanding of democracy, saying he was never a believer.
This "constructive dialogue," at the least, should address any lingering doubts some may have had about Lee's National Council days. Lee also successfully stood down other queries from opposition lawmakers regarding the National Council activities, making it irrelevant for the ruling and opposition parties to continue bickering over it.
Instead, the focus should be on Lee's policy of resuming inter-Korean talks, and recognizing the value of Seoul's alliance with Washington, even as he called for a "strategic and flexible approach" in the upcoming joint exercises between South Korea and the United States. It is such realistic flexibility that is required in the complex geopolitical theater Seoul lives in to strategically pursue the peaceful reconciliation of the two Koreas.
(END)


yna--2020-07-25--Five S. Korean crew members kidnapped in waters off Benin released

SEOUL, July 25 (Yonhap) -- Five South Korean nationals who were kidnapped by an unidentified armed group in waters off the western African country of Benin have been released, officials said Saturday.
The South Koreans were released from southern Nigeria on Friday (local time), around a month after being abducted in waters about 111 kilometers south from Cotonou Port of Benin, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The abduction happened on June 24, when the group attacked a 994-ton fishing vessel. A total of 30 crewmen were aboard the Ghanaian-flagged Panofi Frontier, but the kidnappers took off with only six.
(END)


yna--2020-07-25--Top headlines in major S. Korean newspapers

Korean-language dailies -- Baseball stadium reopens without fried chicken , beer ( Kyunghyang Shinmun ) -- Ruling party speeds up @ @ @ @ @ ; actual implementation to take time ( Kookmin Daily ) -- U.S. slams Xi , @ @ @ @ @ consulate ( Donga llbo ) -- 'Eye for eye , ' China shuts down U.S. @ @ @ @ @ Times ) -- 'No chance of winning , ' 30s give up dreams of buying @ @ @ @ @ -- Relocating administrative capital becomes political bomb ( JoongAng Ilbo ) -- S. Korea to @ @ @ @ @ public organizations ( Hankyoreh ) -- Shady tie between media , prosecution not acknowledged ( @ @ @ @ @ allowed at supermarkets , convenience stores ( Maeil Business Newspaper ) -- 'Panic buying ' @ @ @ @ @ ( Korea Economic Daily )

SEOUL, July 25 (Yonhap) -- The following are the top headlines in major South Korean newspapers on July 25.
Korean-language dailies
-- Baseball stadium reopens without fried chicken, beer (Kyunghyang Shinmun)
-- Ruling party speeds up moves to relocate public organizations; actual implementation to take time (Kookmin Daily)
-- U.S. slams Xi, China retaliates by closing U.S. consulate (Donga llbo)
-- 'Eye for eye,' China shuts down U.S. consulate in Chengdu (Segye Times)
-- 'No chance of winning,' 30s give up dreams of buying home (Chosun Ilbo)
-- Relocating administrative capital becomes political bomb (JoongAng Ilbo)
-- S. Korea to speed up discussions on relocating public organizations (Hankyoreh)
-- Shady tie between media, prosecution not acknowledged (Hankook Ilbo)
-- Banking allowed at supermarkets, convenience stores (Maeil Business Newspaper)
-- 'Panic buying' of properties spreads across Seoul (Korea Economic Daily)
English-language dailies
-- Infection clusters grow amid eased rules on quarantine (Korea Times)
(END)


Saturday's weather forecast

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


yna--2020-07-25--Seoul Int'l Book Fair rescheduled to October, to offer remote and in-person events

`` We 're trying out something new for the first time so it should provide a unique experience for both @ @ @ @ @ '' Yoon Cheol-ho , chairman of the Korean Publishers Association , said .

SEOUL, July 25 (Yonhap) -- The Seoul International Book Fair (SIBF), South Korea's largest annual publication trade show, will be held in October and will consist of both online and in-person programs, according to its organizers Saturday.
Under the theme "XYZ: Entanglement," SIBF 2020 will take place from Oct. 16-25 and will consist of both online and in-person exhibitions, and seminar and lecture programs, the Korean Publishers Association said.
The association said it will receive applications from publishers and vendors to participate in the fair.
This year's SIBF was initially scheduled for June but was postponed due to the spread of the new coronavirus. SIBF drew 160,000 people during its five-day run last year.
This year's fair will seek to offer experiences that traverse the online and offline worlds with books as intermediaries that connect the two worlds, organizers said.
"We're trying out something new for the first time so it should provide a unique experience for both publishers and book lovers," Yoon Cheol-ho, chairman of the Korean Publishers Association, said.
A poster for this year's Seoul International Book Fair featuring promotional ambassadors -- football star Son Heung-min, TV personality Song Eun-i and science fiction writer Kim Cho-yeop (from L to R) -- provided by the Korean Publishers Association. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-25--Pitcher honors injured teammates in KBO's 'beautiful tradition'

`` It 's an extra pitch that hitters have to worry about ( other than my fastball ) , '' @ @ @ @ @ 's obviously important to throw it well and get the hitters to fan on it @ @ @ @ @ to my advantage if I can just have them think about that new weapon and @ @ @ @ @ . ''

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, July 25 (Yonhap) -- While pitching for the KT Wiz in his first South Korean season last year, right-hander Raul Alcantara noticed something on his teammates' hats.
Whenever someone went down with an injury, players would write their numbers with a white marker on the hats, in a show of solidarity and support. Alcantara had never seen that before, and now pitching for the Doosan Bears for his second Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) season, the Dominican native decided to follow the practice.
Raul Alcantara of the Doosan Bears pitches against the Kiwoom Heroes in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on July 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
"I thought it was a beautiful tradition," Alcantara said Tuesday, after shutting down the Kiwoom Heroes over seven strong innings in a 6-1 victory. He scattered five singles while striking out eight and walking none.
To the right of the "D" logo on Alcantara's hat are numbers 34 and 45. They belong to two injured pitchers, Chris Flexen and Lee Yong-chan.
Flexen is expected to miss over a month with a broken foot after getting struck by a batted ball last week. Lee is out for the season following an elbow surgery in June.
"The guys aren't with the team at the moment, but I wanted to keep sending them my support," Alcantara said. "This is my way of telling them that we're all in this together."
Alcantara and Lee have formed a special bond this season. Alcantara said Lee taught him how to better grip the forkball, a pitch that has long been Lee's bread and butter, and Alcantara credited Lee's help with putting him on a dominant stretch in July.
Raul Alcantara of the Doosan Bears smiles as he returns to the dugout following the top of the seventh inning of a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game against the Kiwoom Heroes at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on July 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
In four starts this month covering 27 innings, Alcantara is 3-0 with a 1.00 ERA, plus 31 strikeouts against only one walk. He had been merely a good pitcher in May and June, with a 3.69 ERA and a 52-to-11 in strikeout-to-walk ratio over 63 1/3 innings. He's been virtually unhittable in July.
He threw his forkball only 0.1 percent of the time all of last season, and the usage rate has spiked to 11.5 percent this season. In Tuesday's start, Alcantara threw 20 forkballs out of 94 pitches, behind only his four-seam fastball (48 pitches) in frequency. Of Alcantara's eight strikeouts in that game, five came via forkballs.
Compared to last season, Alcantara's strikeout rate jumped from 13.8 percent to 22.7 percent. This stat -- strikeouts divided by total batters faced -- shows the frequency with which a pitcher strikes out batters, and Alcantara is fifth in the KBO in the category.
Alcantara had an interesting thought on his forkball, saying the effectiveness of the pitch is twfold -- physical and mental.
"It's an extra pitch that hitters have to worry about (other than my fastball)," Alcantara said. "It's obviously important to throw it well and get the hitters to fan on it. But it also works to my advantage if I can just have them think about that new weapon and keep them on their toes."
Raul Alcantara of the Doosan Bears pitches against the Kiwoom Heroes in a Korea Baseball Organization regular season game at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on July 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-25--(LEAD) U.S., dozens others accuse N. Korea of U.N. sanctions violations: report

The group said in a complaint to the U.N. Security Council North Korea sanctions committee that Pyongyang is estimated to @ @ @ @ @ million barrels of refined petroleum via 56 illicit tanker deliveries in the first five months @ @ @ @ @ reported .

(ATTN: UPDATES with details in last 3 paras)
WASHINGTON, July 24 (Yonhap) -- The United States and 42 other countries accused North Korea on Friday of importing more than the U.N.-permitted volume of refined petroleum and called for a halt to deliveries until the end of the year, according to a news report.
The group said in a complaint to the U.N. Security Council North Korea sanctions committee that Pyongyang is estimated to have imported more than 1.6 million barrels of refined petroleum via 56 illicit tanker deliveries in the first five months of this year, Reuters reported.
Under U.N. sanctions, North Korea can only import 500,000 barrels annually. The sanctions aim to get North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.
The countries asked the committee to make an official determination that North Korea had exceeded the limit and "inform member states that they must immediately cease selling, supplying, or transferring refined petroleum products to the DPRK for the remainder of the year."
DPRK stands for North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
The complaint also alleged that while China and Russia collectively reported 106,094.17 barrels of refined petroleum product transfers to North Korea from January through May, "The official accounting of the DPRK's imports vastly underrepresents the volume of refined petroleum products that actually enter the DPRK."
The countries urged the committee to call on member states to exercise enhanced vigilance regarding the North's attempts to procure additional refined petroleum products and to prevent their illicit transfers at sea, Reuters said.
The U.S. and some 20 other countries filed a similar complaint in June last year, but faced resistance from China and Russia, who argued that more information was needed on North Korea's imports of refined petroleum products.
The sanctions committee is made up of the 15 members of the U.N. Security Council and makes decisions by consensus.
South Korea signed on to the complaint in both cases.
This Oct. 28, 2018, photo published in the March 12, 2019, report by the U.N. Security Council committee on North Korea sanctions shows an illegal transfer on the high seas between a foreign vessel and North Korean tanker Yuk Tung. The report said North Korea's weapons programs, including nuclear arms and ballistic missiles, have remained intact, with the country finding new means to evade sanctions, including such ship-to-ship transfers of sanctioned material. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-25--U.S., dozens others accuse N. Korea of U.N. sanctions violations: report

WASHINGTON, July 24 (Yonhap) -- The United States and 42 other countries accused North Korea on Friday of importing more than the U.N.-permitted volume of refined petroleum and called for a halt to deliveries until the end of the year, according to a news report.
The group said in a complaint to the U.N. Security Council North Korea sanctions committee that Pyongyang is estimated to have imported more than 1.6 million barrels of refined petroleum via 56 illicit tanker deliveries in the first five months of this year, Reuters reported.
Under U.N. sanctions, North Korea can only import 500,000 barrels annually. The sanctions aim to get North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.
The countries asked the committee to make an official determination that North Korea had exceeded the limit and "inform member states that they must immediately cease selling, supplying, or transferring refined petroleum products to the DPRK for the remainder of the year."
DPRK stands for North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
The complaint also alleged that while China and Russia collectively reported 106,094.17 barrels of refined petroleum product transfers to North Korea from January through May, "The official accounting of the DPRK's imports vastly underrepresents the volume of refined petroleum products that actually enter the DPRK."
The countries urged the committee to call on member states to exercise enhanced vigilance regarding the North's attempts to procure additional refined petroleum products and to prevent their illicit transfers at sea, Reuters said.
This Oct. 28, 2018, photo published in the March 12, 2019, report by the U.N. Security Council committee on North Korea sanctions shows an illegal transfer on the high seas between a foreign vessel and North Korean tanker Yuk Tung. The report said North Korea's weapons programs, including nuclear arms and ballistic missiles, have remained intact, with the country finding new means to evade sanctions, including such ship-to-ship transfers of sanctioned material. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-25--U.S. official reaffirms commitment to N.K. denuclearization

`` The Assistant Secretary ... highlighted the ongoing U.S. commitment to supporting a meaningful Code of Conduct on the South @ @ @ @ @ final , fully verified denuclearization of North Korea , and called for the safe , @ @ @ @ @ sustainable return of Rohingya refugees and for the government of Burma to bring those responsible @ @ @ @ @ '' the department said .

By Lee Haye-ah
WASHINGTON, July 24 (Yonhap) -- A senior U.S. official has highlighted Washington's commitment to achieving the final, fully verified denuclearization of North Korea, the State Department said Friday.
David Stilwell, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, delivered the position during a videoconference with senior officials from member states of the ASEAN Regional Forum on Tuesday, the department said in a press release.
The ARF meetings are among the few multilateral events attended by North Korean officials.
"The Assistant Secretary ... highlighted the ongoing U.S. commitment to supporting a meaningful Code of Conduct on the South China Sea and achieving the final, fully verified denuclearization of North Korea, and called for the safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable return of Rohingya refugees and for the government of Burma to bring those responsible for atrocities to justice," the department said.
Stilwell also took part in a virtual meeting of the East Asia Summit on Monday, during which he emphasized the need for North Korea to abide by U.N. Security Council resolutions and return to diplomatic engagement, according to an earlier press release from the department.
Both the ARF and EAS bring together the 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and their partner countries across the Asia-Pacific region.
South Korea was represented at this week's virtual meetings by Deputy Foreign Minister Kim Gunn.
Ri Ho-jun, a North Korean diplomat in Vietnam, attended the ARF session but did not make any remarks, according to Seoul's foreign ministry.
This EPA file photo shows U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs David Stilwell. (Yonhap)
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)


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yna--2020-07-28--BLACKPINK to drop first full-length album on Oct. 2

`` How You Like That , '' released on June 26 as the first of two pre-release singles from the @ @ @ @ @ , landed at No .
33 on Billboard 's Hot 100 chart last month .
@ @ @ @ @ on the British official singles chart .

SEOUL, July 28 (Yonhap) -- K-pop quartet BLACKPINK will drop its first full studio album in October, the group's management agency said Tuesday.
On its official blog, YG Entertainment posted an album teaser poster titled "The Album," with a pink tiara in the middle and the date "2020.10.02" at the bottom.
It is expected to be the first full-length album produced by the foursome, which debuted in 2016.
"In 2020, BLACKPINK will target the global music market on the back of systemic and thorough plans," a YG Entertainment official said. "For a bigger expansion of BLACKPINK, our global project in cooperation with Universal Music Group is going on smoothly."
Under a 2018 deal with Interscope, a record label under Universal Music Group, the U.S. company will represent the group's music outside Asia.
"How You Like That," released on June 26 as the first of two pre-release singles from the group's inaugural studio album, landed at No. 33 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart last month. It also debuted at 20th on the British official singles chart.
The second single is expected to hit global charts next month.
One of the biggest K-pop girl groups today, BLACKPINK of YG Entertainment landed a successful debut in 2016, storming multiple music charts back to back with its edgy hip-hop tracks "Whistle" and "Boombayah." Other hits include "Playing With Fire" and "Kill This Love."
A teaser poster of BLACKPINK released by YG Entertainment (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-28--Women's groups ask rights commission to probe allegations into late mayor

The victim , who worked as a secretary for Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon , filed a complaint with the police @ @ @ @ @ that he sexually harassed her over four years and that her repeated calls for help @ @ @ @ @ launched a probe into the case , but Park was found dead at a Seoul @ @ @ @ @ an apparent suicide .

By Lee Minji
SEOUL, July 28 (Yonhap) -- Women's groups and a lawyer representing a victim who accused a late Seoul mayor of sexually harassing her formally requested the national human rights commission to look into the high-profile case on Tuesday.
The victim, who worked as a secretary for Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon, filed a complaint with the police earlier this month, claiming that he sexually harassed her over four years and that her repeated calls for help went unanswered. The police launched a probe into the case, but Park was found dead at a Seoul mountain two days later in an apparent suicide.
Calling the case a typical case of power-based sexual abuse, the civic groups had rejected a proposal by the city government to launch an independent investigative committee to handle the case, saying the city government should also be probed instead of organizing it.
Kim Jae-ryun, a lawyer defending the victim, said those representing the public servant decided to ask the National Human Rights Commission of Korea to launch an ex-officio investigation that encompasses not only the single case but the city government's overall work culture.
"The reason we decided to request an ex-officio probe, instead of filing a complaint, was so that the human rights commission can actively look into the issue that goes beyond the victim's accusations and advise on policy changes," she said ahead of submitting an application for the probe.
"There are many areas in this case that need to be (addressed and) improved. (We) urge the commission to investigate the case and make recommendations for policy change," Kim said.
Kim Jae-ryun, a lawyer defending a woman who accused late Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon of sexually harassing her, speaks during a press conference held in central Seoul on July 22, 2020. (Yonhap)
The victim and civic groups have urged the city to fix its work culture, which they claimed worsened the case.
In a July 22 press conference, they asked city officials to take responsibility, saying that the case "goes beyond issues personally related to Park" and is actually "an organized crime that was sustained by power."
The victim asked for help from around 20 people at the city government, including those in higher positions and in charge of human resources, they said.
Tuesday's move took place in line with a march of dozens of supporters, clad in purple, a color associated with efforts to achieve gender equality, in solidarity with the victim. Holding violet umbrellas, the supporters raised a sign that read "Human rights to Seoul City, equality for women workers" as they marched from Seoul City Hall to the rights commission's office, both in central Seoul.
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-28--LS Electric Q2 net profit down 3.7 pct. to 24.9 bln won

The operating profit was 12.5 percent lower than the average estimate , according to the survey by Yonhap Infomax , @ @ @ @ @ Yonhap News Agency .
The estimate of net profit was not available .

SEOUL, July 28 (Yonhap) -- LS Electric Co. on Tuesday reported its second-quarter net profit of 24.9 billion won (US$ 20.9 million), down 3.7 percent from a year earlier.
Operating income for the April-June period was 38.8 billion won, down 10.8 percent from a year ago, the company said in a regulatory filing. Revenue rose 3 percent to 598.3 billion won.
The operating profit was 12.5 percent lower than the average estimate, according to the survey by Yonhap Infomax, the financial data firm of Yonhap News Agency. The estimate of net profit was not available.
※ This article was generated by Yonhap's proprietary algorithm using data from Yonhap Infomax and Korea Exchange(KRX).
(END)


yna--2020-07-28--S. Korean stocks rally on stimulus, vaccine hopes

A sharp drop in the number of new virus cases in South Korea , as well as a slowdown in @ @ @ @ @ , helped boost investor sentiment .

SEOUL, May 28 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks extended gains late Tuesday morning on hopes of economic rebound and easing new coronavirus woes, with top cap Samsung Electronics spiking.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) jumped 40.25 points, or 1.81 percent, to 2,258.11 as of 11:20 a.m.
The market continued a bullish run amid massive stimulus efforts in the U.S. and Europe.
The weak U.S. dollar led to strong foreign buying in emerging economies, including South Korea.
Investor sentiment was further boosted by reports that the experimental COVID-19 vaccine, developed by the National Institutes of Health and Moderna Inc., entered final clinical trials.
A sharp drop in the number of new virus cases in South Korea, as well as a slowdown in daily infections in the U.S., helped boost investor sentiment.
South Korea added 28 new cases on Tuesday, up from 25 on Monday but sharply down from a four-month high of 113 on Saturday.
Most large caps traded higher.
Market bellwether Samsung Electronics spiked 4.86 percent on expectations that the company will benefit from the rising tensions between U.S. and China.
No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix gained 0.85 percent.
Top pharmaceutical firm Samsung Biologics advanced 1.46 percent and leading chemical maker LG Chem climbed 1.74 percent.
The country's largest automaker, Hyundai Motor, remained flat, while leading steelmaker POSCO added 1.28 percent.
The local currency was trading at 1,192.45 won against the U.S. dollar, up 3.65 won from the previous session's close.
jwc@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-28--Unification minister urges staff to play more active role in inter-Korean policy

Inter-Korean relations have fallen to one of the worst points in years since the North blew up a joint liaison @ @ @ @ @ of Kaesong last month in anger over anti-Pyongyang leaflets sent by activists in South Korea @ @ @ @ @ off all cross-border communication lines and threatened to take more retaliatory steps .

By Koh Byung-joon
SEOUL, July 28 (Yonhap) -- New Unification Minister Lee In-young urged his staff Tuesday to be more "proactive" in policymaking, saying that the ministry should turn itself into an organization capable of spearheading inter-Korean policies "from start to end."
Lee issued the appeal during a "brainstorming meeting" with senior ministry officials on his first full day in office amid criticism that the ministry has not been active enough in voicing its own opinions in crafting polices related to North Korea.
"The ministry should not be a paddy field dependent only on rain and an intermittent spring that moves only when things get activated," Lee said at the start of the meeting, which was arranged to listen to opinions from his staff.
"It should become an organization that is responsible for a long journey toward peaceful unification by planning, implementing and harvesting from start to end a peaceful unification," he added.
Lee urged his staff to ditch the mindset of working passively and playing a "supporting" role, and take a more active and swifter attitude in developing policy.
Tuesday's meeting marked the first of its kind since Lee, a four-term lawmaker, took office as head of the ministry Monday, replacing Kim Yeon-chul who resigned over recently strained inter-Korean ties.
Inter-Korean relations have fallen to one of the worst points in years since the North blew up a joint liaison office in its border town of Kaesong last month in anger over anti-Pyongyang leaflets sent by activists in South Korea. The North also cut off all cross-border communication lines and threatened to take more retaliatory steps.
The unification ministry has been under criticism for making insufficient efforts in breaking the logjam in stalemated inter-Korean relations.
Some say that it has not been strong enough to take the initiative as North Korea policy has been frequently driven by the presidential office and also dependent upon progress in denuclearization talks between Pyongyang and Washington.
Lee reiterated the importance of resuming talks with North Korea as the first step of what could be a long process of breaking the current deadlock in relations between the two Koreas.
"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with the first step," the minister said. "The starting point would be the resumption of talks between the South and the North, and humanitarian assistance to the North."
Unification Minister Lee In-young (L) speaks at a "brainstorming" meeting with his staff on July 28, 2020, a day after he took office as head of the ministry handling inter-Korean affairs. (Yonhap)
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-28--U.S. vice president sends condolence letter to widow of Korean general Paik

`` As the commander of our forces in South Korea noted , your husband helped forge our alliance and shape @ @ @ @ @ today .
In the spirit of that alliance and in honor of the shared sacrifices @ @ @ @ @ , we offer to you the sympathies and prayers of a Nation grateful for your @ @ @ @ @ the vice president said .

SEOUL, July 28 (Yonhap) -- U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has paid tribute to late Korean War hero Paik Sun-yup for Paik's lifelong national service and commitment to the Korea-U.S. alliance.
Pence made the comments in his letter to Paik's widow, Ro In-sook, which is dated July 15 and was delivered to Ro via the U.S. Embassy in Seoul on Monday, the Korea-U.S. Alliance Foundation said Tuesday.
Paik, South Korea's first four-star general and the best-known military leader of the 1950-53 Korean War, died on July 10 at age 99. His body was buried at the National Cemetery in the central city of Daejeon.
Ro In-sook, the widow of late Korean War hero Paik Sun-yup, attends her husband's funeral at the National Cemetery in Daejeon, 164 kilometers south of Seoul, on July 15, 2020. (Yonhap)
"On behalf of President Trump and the American people, I want to express my deepest condolences on the loss of your husband," Pence said.
"We honor him as more than a war hero -- we remember that even after performing his duties as a soldier, he continued to serve his country as a diplomat and a statesman," he noted.
Pence then praised Paik for his role in the foundation of the alliance between the two nations.
"As the commander of our forces in South Korea noted, your husband helped forge our alliance and shape it into what it is today. In the spirit of that alliance and in honor of the shared sacrifices upon which it was built, we offer to you the sympathies and prayers of a Nation grateful for your husband's service," the vice president said.
Shown here is the condolence letter U.S. Vice President Mike Pence sent to the widow of Korean general Paik Sun-yup dated on July 15, 2020, in this photo provided by the Korea-U.S. Alliance Foundation on July 28, 2020. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-28--Daekyo remains in red in Q2

Daekyo remains in red in Q2

The company said in a regulatory filing that it posted an operating loss of 13 billion won for the April-June @ @ @ @ @ profit of 3.6 billion won a year ago .
Sales fell 22.1 percent to 147.5 @ @ @

SEOUL, July 28 (Yonhap) -- Daekyo Co. on Tuesday reported its second-quarter net loss of 6.6 billion won (US$ 5.6 million), remaining in the red compared with a year ago.
The company said in a regulatory filing that it posted an operating loss of 13 billion won for the April-June period, compared with a profit of 3.6 billion won a year ago. Sales fell 22.1 percent to 147.5 billion won.
※ This article was generated by Yonhap's proprietary algorithm using data from Yonhap Infomax and Korea Exchange(KRX).
(END)


yna--2020-07-28--Defector's border crossing captured by military's surveillance equipment

`` We will analyze the JCS 's inspection results and take necessary steps , '' the ministry said in a @ @ @ @ @ .
`` After checking the facts , we will take stern action so that there @ @ @ @ @ cover-up . ''

SEOUL, July 28 (Yonhap) -- A North Korean defector was caught on military surveillance equipment as he fled across the border to his communist homeland, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said Tuesday.
The border crossing by the 24-year-old man, surnamed Kim, became known after North Korea revealed Sunday that a "runaway" returned home in the border city of Kaesong with coronavirus symptoms and the entire city was blocked off to prevent spread of the virus.
South Korean officials said Kim had been under investigation over allegations he raped a female defector.
"The JCS is closely analyzing a clip recorded on our monitoring equipment. Once we get the analysis results, we will give a clear explanation leaving no doubt whatsoever," JCS spokesperson Col. Kim Jun-rak said during a regular press briefing.
The defector is believed to have passed through a waterway on the western border island of Ganghwa to evade South Korean border guards before reaching the shore and swimming a few kilometers into North Korea.
Following the incident, the military is looking into the border security failure.
"We will analyze the JCS's inspection results and take necessary steps," the ministry said in a report to the National Assembly. "After checking the facts, we will take stern action so that there are no suspicions of a cover-up."
The latest incident brought the military under fire, as it has already faced intense public criticism for a series of security breaches indicating lax discipline.
Last year, a wooden boat carrying four North Koreans arrived at a South Korean port on the east coast without being detected, prompting Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo to apologize.
This photo, taken on July 27, 2020, shows a drain that runs under barbed wire fences in the northern part of Ganghwa Island, west of Seoul, which may have been used by a North Korean defector to return home. The military said a bag belonging to the 24-year-old man, only identified by his family name Kim, was found near the drain. Authorities speculated that the defector swam to North Korea. (Yonhap)
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-28--The Korea Interbank Offered Rates (KORIBOR)

SEOUL , Jul .
28 ( Yonhap ) -- The Korea Interbank Offered Rates ( KORIBOR ) as posted by @ @ @ @ @ news 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--2020-07-28--Two football juggernauts resume pursuit of tournament title this week

Ulsan have already defeated Gangwon twice during the league action , by a combined score of 4-0 .
Ulsan have @ @ @ @ @ several players who would be good enough to start for a lot of clubs have @ @ @ @ @ recent weeks .
Midfielders Yoon Bitgaram and Kim Tae-hwan will be raring to go after @ @ @ @ @

By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, July 28 (Yonhap) -- The top two clubs in South Korean professional football this season will resume their chase of a national tournament title on Wednesday.
Ulsan Hyundai FC, currently in first place in the K League 1, will host fellow K League 1 squad Gangwon FC in the quarterfinals of the Korea Football Association Cup, or simply FA Cup, on Wednesday. The kickoff at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium in Ulsan, 415 kilometers southeast of Seoul, is 7:30 p.m.
In this file photo from July 15, 2020, Oleg Zoteev of Jeonnam Dragons (L) and Han Kyo-won of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors chase a loose ball during their round of 16 match of the FA Cup at Jeonju World Cup Stadium in Jeonju, 240 kilometers south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
Also Wednesday evening, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, trailing Ulsan by three points in the K League 1, will face Busan IPark in the FA Cup quarterfinals, too.
All eight quarterfinalists at this year's tournament are from the top domestic league. Other matches will be FC Seoul against Pohang Steelers, and Seongnam FC against Suwon Samsung Bluewings.
The FA Cup champions qualify for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League for the following season.
In a normal season, some K League 1 clubs tended to play their reserves in early knockout matches at the FA Cup so that they could concentrate on the league action and also the AFC Champions League, a more prestigious competition with lucrative prize money.
But in 2020, the league schedule has been cut from 38 to 27 matches because of the coronavirus pandemic. The virus has also brought the AFC Champions League to a halt after just a couple of group matches, with no guarantee that it will resume in October as currently scheduled.
Four K League clubs who made it to the AFC Champions League this year -- Ulsan, Jeonbuk, FC Seoul and Suwon -- have all made it to the final eight at the FA Cup, and you can count on them to go all in from this point and on.
They're three wins away from winning the FA Cup and clinching a spot at next year's AFC Champions League. Ulsan and Jeonbuk, the two leading title contenders in the K League 1, will try to pull off the "double," or winning two major trophies in the same season.
In this file photo from July 15, 2020, FC Seoul players celebrate their 4-2 victory over Daejeon Hana Citizen on penalties in the round of 16 of the FA Cup at Daejeon World Cup Stadium in Daejeon, 160 kilometers south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
Ulsan have already defeated Gangwon twice during the league action, by a combined score of 4-0. Ulsan have such a deep squad that several players who would be good enough to start for a lot of clubs have been riding the bench in recent weeks. Midfielders Yoon Bitgaram and Kim Tae-hwan will be raring to go after sitting out last weekend.
Jeonbuk made a splash toward the end of the summer transfer window earlier this month, signing former Corinthians forward Gustavo and Swansea City winger Mo Barrow. Gustavo made an immediate impact by heading in his first K League goal in his Jeonbuk debut on Sunday, as they beat FC Seoul 3-0. It was Jeonbuk's first win of July.
FC Seoul have won just once in their past 10 league matches and are in danger of relegation to the K League 2 next year. They can salvage their lost season at the FA Cup, though Pohang's offense may be too hot for Seoul to handle.
Pohang beat Seoul 3-1 on July 18 in the K League 1. Pohang are second in the league with 26 goals scored, while Seoul have conceded a league-worst 29 goals.
Seongnam and Suwon, both plodding through a mediocre season in the K League, may be in for a low-scoring affair. Seongnam are dead last in the K League 1 with nine goals but have the third-stingiest defense with 14 allowed.
The FA Cup championship trophy sits on a table during the draw for the tournament's quarterfinals held at the Korea Football Association House in Seoul on July 21, 2020. (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-28--(LEAD) New virus cases under 30 for 2nd day on slowing imported cases; local infections at 1-week lo

(LEAD) New virus cases under 30 for 2nd day on slowing imported cases; local infections at 1-week low

The daily new cases dropped to 25 on Monday as imported cases fell sharply , but the country is still @ @ @ @ @ rise in cases coming in from overseas with the gradual resumption of global air travel @ @ @ @ @ cases has risen by double-digit figures for more than a month .

(ATTN: ADDS details throughout; CHANGES photos)
SEOUL, July 28 (Yonhap) -- The number of daily new coronavirus cases in South Korea stayed below 30 for the second consecutive day on Tuesday as both imported and local cases showed a clear sign of a slowdown.
The country added 28 new cases, including 23 cases coming in from abroad, bringing the total to 14,203, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
The number of new cases reached a four-month high of 113 on Saturday as imported cases set a new record of 86 due mainly to infections among South Korean workers returning home from Iraq and Russian sailors.
The daily new cases dropped to 25 on Monday as imported cases fell sharply, but the country is still on guard against a steady rise in cases coming in from overseas with the gradual resumption of global air travel. The number of imported cases has risen by double-digit figures for more than a month.
A staff members uses a heat sensor to check people for high temperatures at Seoul City Hall on July 27, 2020, after a person infected with the coronavirus attended a meeting there with around 10 people. (Yonhap)
As of Monday, at least 120 South Korean workers returning from Iraq have been confirmed to have contracted the virus. Of 290 people who returned home Friday, 76 workers have tested positive for the virus so far,
Since June, South Korea has also detected 78 virus cases from eight Russian ships docked here.
Of the imported cases reported on Tuesday, seven were from Kyrgyzstan, followed by the United States with four. Mexico and Morocco also accounted for two each. No new cases were traced to Iraq or Russia.
South Korea placed six countries -- Bangladesh, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Philippines and Uzbekistan -- on a list of high-risk countries, with foreign arrivals from those countries required to submit a certificate showing they tested negative for the new coronavirus.
South Korea's efforts to contain domestic cases seem to be successful, with just five cases added on Tuesday.
The country had been grappling with sporadic cluster infections tied to nightlife establishments, door-to-door sales businesses, churches and senior nursing homes.
Of the five locally transmitted cases reported on Tuesday, three came from the capital city of Seoul.
Cases tied to a nursing home in western Seoul reached 28 as of Monday, up three cases from the previous day. Infections traced to an office in Seoul's southwestern ward of Gwanak added one case to 38 as well.
The southern port city of Busan added one new case, with Gyeonggi Province that surrounds Seoul also adding one additional infection.
A sanitary worker disinfects a welfare center located in eastern Seoul on July 27, 2020, in this photo released by the office of Seongdong Ward. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Health authorities have been keeping a watchful eye on cases tied to Russian sailors that led to domestic infections. A total of nine locally transmitted cases, traced to a Russian ship, have been identified so far.
South Korea gave the go-ahead to all church gatherings on Friday. Over the previous two weeks, meetings other than regular worship services were banned amid an increase in church-tied cluster infections.
Spectators were also allowed to attend sports events over the weekend on a limited basis, starting with baseball games.
The country reported one more death, raising the death toll to 300, according to the KCDC. The fatality rate reached 2.11 percent.
The number of patients fully cured of the virus reached 13,007, up 102 from the previous day. The figure indicates that 91.6 percent of the total patients reported in South Korea have been released from quarantine.
South Korea carried out 1,537,704 tests since Jan. 3.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)


yna--2020-07-28--S. Korean diplomat elected chair of WTO subsidies committee

The committee is one of the 11 committees under the WTO 's Council for Trade in Goods that oversees the @ @ @ @ @ on disciplining the use of subsidies and regulation of actions countries can take to counter @ @ @ @ @

SEOUL, July 28 (Yonhap) -- A South Korean diplomat has been elected chair of the World Trade Organization Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures, Seoul's foreign ministry said Tuesday.
Choi Sung-yo, a councilor at the South Korean Permanent Mission in Geneva, has been elected by consensus of the committee members and will head the committee for one year, the ministry said in a statement.
The committee is one of the 11 committees under the WTO's Council for Trade in Goods that oversees the implementation of a WTO agreement on disciplining the use of subsidies and regulation of actions countries can take to counter the effects of subsidies.
This photo provided by Seoul's foreign ministry on July 28, 2020, shows Choi Sung-yo, a councilor at the South Korean Permanent Mission in Geneva, who has been elected the chair of the World Trade Organization Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)