Yonhap News Summary

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

■ (2nd LD) Seoul to continue taking necessary measures based on 'clear principles' over DMZ blast: Wi

SEOUL -- South Korea will continue taking necessary measures based on clear principles in response to the recent mine blast in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the country's top security adviser said Friday, reiterating the government's focus on establishing peace that eliminates the need for fighting.

National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac made the remarks at a press briefing following the detonation of North Korean land mines inside the DMZ in September that wounded three South Korean soldiers, two of them seriously.

■ SK Group retains SK hynix chief, reshuffles energy unit leadership

SEOUL -- SK Group, a South Korean conglomerate with business ranging from semiconductors to construction, said Friday it will retain the chief executive officers (CEOs) of major affiliates, including SK hynix Inc., while reshuffling the leadership at its energy-related units.

Industry observers say the annual executive reshuffle puts emphasis on maintaining stability in existing management structures while promoting business competitiveness through leaders with specialized expertise, following a sweeping management overhaul at major affiliates last year.

■ N. Korea slams S. Korea, U.S.' Freedom Flag air drills, vows to deter with force

SEOUL -- North Korea on Friday denounced the ongoing combined air drills between South Korea and the United States, vowing to "thoroughly" deter the allies' exercise with force, Pyongyang's state media reported.

A spokesperson at North Korea's defense ministry issued the statement as Seoul and Washington launched the biannual Freedom Flag exercise on Monday for a two-week run.

■ (2nd LD) Seoul shares dip over 3 pct on tech sell-off amid AI concerns

SEOUL -- South Korean shares dropped by more than 3 percent Friday, dragged down by a sell-off in semiconductor stocks amid lingering concerns over the sustainability of artificial intelligence (AI) investments. The Korean won strengthened against the U.S. dollar.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) lost 206.92 points, or 3.48 percent, to close at 5,730.74, after falling as low as 5,599.42.

■ Check-in system malfunction at Incheon airport causes major delays

INCHEON -- A check-in system malfunction occurred at Incheon International Airport on Friday, causing major delays in passenger processing, the airport operator said.

The malfunction began at 4:30 a.m. in an airline network connecting ticketing systems at the country's main gateway, leading to intermittent connectivity issues at eight airlines at Terminal 1 and five airlines at Terminal 2, according to Incheon International Airport Corp.

■ (LEAD) Lee extends deep condolences over death of veteran actor Choi Bool-am

SEOUL -- President Lee Jae Myung on Friday extended "deep condolences" over the death of popular veteran actor Choi Bool-am, calling him the "father of our era."

Choi died the previous day at the age of 87 at a hospital, where he was receiving treatment. Since beginning his television career in 1967, Choi had been known for his portrayals of paternal characters in popular TV series.