Choi Won-suk is a photojournalist at The Korea Times. Before joining the newspaper, he also worked as a photojournalist with AFP and St. Joseph News-Press in Missouri. He spent 13 years in the United States, graduating with a Bachelor of Journalism degree (Cum Laude) from the University of Missouri - Columbia and a Master of Arts in Photography from Ohio University - Athens. Over the past 11 years, Choi covered various news events such as presidential elections, the 2019 North Korea-United States Hanoi Summit and 2022 Qatar World Cup. But above all, Choi believes in local journalism and finds a lot of joy telling life stories of ordinary citizens in small neighborhoods.
Japan upping military spending
Japan is set to increase military spending over the next five years to deter threats from China and Russia
Tokyo plans to purchase 45 F-35B advanced stealth fighter jets, Reuters reports.This aircraft can perform short take-offs and vertical landings.
These Japanese navy has two helicopter carriers called Izumo and Kaga.These are set to be modified with reinforced decks and may also be fitted with ramps for the new stealth fighter.
The country also plans to purchase Aegis Ashore air defense radars, Boeing KC-46 Pegasus refueling planes as well as the Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye early-warning planes and other equipment.
Additionally, Japan also plans to buy longer-range Raytheon SM-3 interceptor missiles to defend against North Korea if necessary. (Next Animation via Reuters)
F-35 Lightning II hovering against the sky. GettyimagesBank
By Choi Won-suk
An E-2C Hawkeye launches from aboard USS Enterprise. GettyimagesBank