Jung Min-ho has worked as a staff writer at The Korea Times since 2012, mostly covering social and political issues. He currently belongs to the Politics & City Desk where he covers topics such as health, labor and human rights. Prior to joining the team, he was responsible for covering North Korea and sports. His article about a biosecurity breach of Middle East respiratory syndrome won him an award from the Korea Science Journalists Association in 2016. He is also the co-author of the book, "Medical Pioneers of Korea" (2019). He served as the head of the international relations committee at the Journalists Association of Korea from 2021 to 2023.
Korea joins Freedom Online Coalition
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By Jung Min-ho
By Jung Min-ho
Korea, under President Yoon Suk Yeol's leadership, has officially embraced the Freedom Online Coalition (FOC) as a strategic partner, championing the cause of online freedoms and human rights in its diplomatic endeavors.
In an announcement made last week, the FOC said it welcomed the country as its 38th member.
“As a state party to several international treaties that relate to the FOC's mission, the ROK has demonstrated a commitment to human rights online both at a domestic level and in key international forums and initiatives,” the FOC said in a statement, referring to Korea by an acronym of its official name, the Republic of Korea. “The country has a track record of actively engaging in various forums and human rights bodies, having supported efforts to bring attention to topics concerning human rights violations occurring globally.”
Korea has been in talks with the United States, the current rotational chair, and other members to obtain partnership since early this year, a senior government official revealed in April.
The organization was launched in 2011 to advance internet freedom, mainly through shaping international norms. Its members are mostly EU countries as well as nations of the Asia-Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Mongolia and the Maldives.
Korea aims to become an “active member” in a joint effort to promote freedom of speech and connectivity, Foreign Minister Park Jin said.
“Given the rapid development of digital technology and its profound impact on our everyday lives, the international community must stay agile in harnessing its positive potential while addressing its risks,” Park said.
“The Freedom Online Coalition has been playing an important role in steering international efforts towards this goal. The Republic of Korea is pleased to join the coalition to support internet freedom and protect human rights online.”