Yonhap News Summary

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Monday.

■ Lee says aware of farmers' concerns over CPTPP membership, vows to prevent unfair damage

SEOUL -- President Lee Jae Myung on Monday acknowledged concerns among farmers and fishermen over South Korea's potential entry into the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), ensuring he will make efforts to prevent any unfair damage to them.

The president made the pledge during a meeting with representatives from the agricultural, fisheries, forestry and livestock industries as he sought to address controversies facing the sectors, including CPTPP membership.

■ (2nd LD) Seoul shares dip over 1 pct ahead of earnings reports, Fed decision

SEOUL -- Seoul shares ended lower Monday, tracking losses on Wall Street, as investors remained cautious ahead of third-quarter earnings reports from major chipmakers and the U.S. Federal Reserve's rate decision later this week.

The Korean won rose against the U.S. dollar.

■ (LEAD) Woman in military custody over unauthorized entry into restricted front-line border area

SEOUL -- South Korean authorities are questioning a woman in her 30s after she made an unauthorized entry into a civilian restricted area near the inter-Korean border, a military official said Monday.

The individual, whose identity has been withheld, was taken into custody Sunday after illegally entering the Civilian Control Line (CCL) south of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) in the front-line border region of Cheorwon, about 80 kilometers northeast of Seoul, a Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) official said.

■ Samsung aims to cut chip material development time using AI

SEOUL -- Samsung Electronics Co. said Monday it aims to use artificial intelligence (AI) to cut the time needed to develop new semiconductor materials by three years.

The company announced the goal at a forum hosted by the Korea Industry Association Forum, where participants discussed the use of AI in industrial research and development (R&D).

■ FM Cho to visit U.S. for G20 foreign ministers' meeting this week

SEOUL -- Foreign Minister Cho Hyun plans to visit the United States this week to attend a Group of 20 (G20) foreign ministers' meeting to discuss ways to address global challenges with partner nations and strengthen international cooperation, the foreign ministry said Monday.

During his five-day visit to Atlanta starting Thursday, Cho plans to exchange views with his counterparts on major challenges facing the international community, including geopolitical issues, energy and supply chains, and discuss ways to promote cooperation within the G20, according to a ministry official.