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Anna J. Park

Korea Times Politics & City Reporter

Anna Jiwon Park has been covering the politics at The Korea Times since the summer of 2024, when she joined the press pool for the Office of the President in Korea. Prior to that, she spent about five years reporting extensively on financial markets, regulatory authorities and the financial industry. She joined The Korea Times in 2019 after spending eight years as a broadcast journalist at Arirang TV, Korea’s leading global broadcaster, covering politics, defense and culture.

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Politics

EXPLAINER Possibility of evidence tampering key factor in ex-president's re-arrest

A high risk of evidence destruction and pressuring of key witnesses to change statements were the main reasons behind a court decision to issue an arrest warrant for former President Yoon Suk Yeol. Seoul Central District Court issued the warrant at around 2 a.m. Thursday, after weighing whether detention was necessary to investigate multiple charges against Yoon regarding his Dec. 3 martial law declaration. It was Yoon’s second arrest on treason allegations; he was detained for the first time on Jan. 19 and released on March 8. During the nearly seven hours of court review for the warrant, the special counsel team investigating his case emphasized what it called a high risk of evidence tampering on multiple fronts, highlighting Yoon’s alleged commands to key aides to destroy evidence. According to investigators, he ordered former Presidential Security Service (PSS) Deputy Chief Kim Sung-hoon to delete from unregistered secret phones the conversation records between the former president and three top military officials to whom he instructed the mobilization of troops to the National A

Jul 10, 2025By Anna J. Park
[EXPLAINER] Possibility of evidence tampering key factor in ex-president's re-arrest
Foreign Affairs

9 in 10 S. Koreans view US as most important ally: Pew Research Center

Nine out of 10 South Koreans regard the United States as their most important ally, with only a small minority viewing it as a significant threat. According to the latest findings from the U.S.-based Pew Research Center, released Tuesday local time, 89 percent of South Korean respondents identified the United States as their country’s most vital ally. The survey, conducted between Jan. 8 and April 26, included 28,033 respondents across 25 major countries. In South Korea, 1,042 adults aged 18 and older were interviewed by telephone during that period. This strong pro-U.S. sentiment places South Korea alongside Israel and Japan among the countries with the most favorable views of the U.S., out of the 25 nations surveyed. South Korea ranked second overall in pro-U.S. sentiment, following only Israel, where 95 percent of respondents named the U.S. as their most important ally. In comparison, 78 percent of Japanese respondents said the same, falling behind South Korea in terms of favorable views toward the U.S. Following Japan, where strong ties with the U.S. remain, 55 percent of Canadians

Jul 9, 2025By Anna J. Park
9 in 10 S. Koreans view US as most important ally: Pew Research Center
Foreign Affairs

Trump's tariff notice to Seoul fuels push for swift Korea-US summit

After Korea received a letter early Tuesday morning from U.S. President Donald Trump notifying Seoul of a 25 percent tariff set to take effect Aug. 1, attention has shifted to whether a summit between the two leaders can be arranged in time to address the issue at the highest level. While some have raised concerns about the start of the U.S. congressional summer recess and the logistical hurdles of organizing such a high-level meeting on short notice, others suggest that close coordination between Seoul and Washington could still create an opening for a swift, in-person summit between the two allied leaders. According to Korea’s presidential office, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac met with U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio in Washington, Monday, holding critical bilateral security talks amid escalating trade tensions. During the meeting, Wi emphasized the need for both countries to reinforce their alliance in tackling shared challenges, stressing that all dialogue must be grounded in a spirit of partnership. The top security adviser also underscore

Jul 8, 2025By Anna J. Park
Trump's tariff notice to Seoul fuels push for swift Korea-US summit
Politics

Ex-president allegedly attempted to mislead foreign media to justify martial law

Former President Yoon Suk Yeol allegedly attempted to mislead international press by orchestrating a false media narrative following his abrupt declaration of martial law in early December last year, according to the special counsel team investigating the case. The special counsel submitted a 66-page arrest warrant request on Sunday. It alleges Yoon deliberately presented the martial law declaration to foreign media as legally justified. The team described these claims as factually false and an unlawful abuse of presidential authority. Investigators allege that after martial law was lifted in the early morning of Dec. 4 — just hours after its abrupt declaration — Yoon, facing mounting political and legal pressure, called Ha Tae-won, then-presidential secretary for foreign public relations, personally in the afternoon on the same day. He allegedly instructed Ha to draft and distribute a press guidance document to international media outlets to portray the martial law decision as constitutionally grounded and legally and procedurally sound. Several foreign media reporters who spoke to

Jul 7, 2025By Anna J. Park
Ex-president allegedly attempted to mislead foreign media to justify martial law
Politics

New PM likely to have more powerful grip over state affairs

With parliamentary confirmation secured and his official letter of appointment delivered by President Lee Jae Myung on Friday, Kim Min-seok formally began his tenure as South Korea’s Prime Minister. His appointment is widely seen as the beginning of a potentially transformative chapter for the Prime Minister’s Office, which may soon see its authority significantly expanded. During the appointment ceremony, Lee urged the new prime minister to act swiftly and decisively. “Even before all ministers are appointed, please work closely with vice ministers to address urgent issues,” presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said at a press briefing. Kang added that Lee emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in public service. “Officials must acknowledge mistakes promptly, take responsibility and implement corrective measures when necessary.” In response, Kim pledged to accelerate the pace of governance, referring to himself as the “early-morning prime minister.” The nickname reflects his pre-appointment routine of early briefings and field visits, part of a bro

Jul 4, 2025By Anna J. Park
New PM likely to have more powerful grip over state affairs
Politics

President calls for dialogue with N. Korea, more summit diplomacy

President Lee Jae Myung emphasized the need to improve inter-Korean relations through dialogue and close cooperation with the United States, warning that a complete severance of communication with North Korea would be a “foolish act.” Speaking at a press conference marking his first 30 days in office on Thursday at the Yeongbingwan, or state reception hall of Cheong Wa Dae, Lee underscored the importance of fostering peace on the Korean Peninsula through sustained engagement with Pyongyang. “Dialogue, communication and cooperation are absolutely essential,” he told reporters. “Even during times of war, diplomacy continues. We must be willing to listen, even if we dislike the other party.” The liberal president’s remarks come as inter-Korean relations have been at their worst in recent years due to the hardline stance pushed by his conservative predecessor Yoon Suk Yeol. Lee also pointed to a recent response from North Korea regarding propaganda loudspeaker broadcasts as an encouraging sign. The South halted broadcasting toward the North on June 11, and the North suspended i

Jul 3, 2025By Anna J. Park
President calls for dialogue with N. Korea, more summit diplomacy
Politics

President's envisaged debt relief policy includes 2,000 foreign nationals

The inclusion of roughly 2,000 foreign nationals in President Lee Jae Myung’s debt relief program has ignited political controversy, as critics question the use of taxpayer money to write off debts held by non-citizens. According to Rep. Kim Jae-sub of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), data obtained from the Korea Asset Management Corp. (KAMCO) shows that roughly 2,000 foreign nationals are among those benefiting from the program, with their total debt amounting to 18.2 billion won ($13 million). KAMCO added it does not have statistics on the nationalities of the foreign debtors. The program is aimed at forgiving long-term, small-scale delinquent loans held by vulnerable groups, including small business owners. A key campaign promise by the president, the program involves a government-backed financial adjustment mechanism led by KAMCO to purchase and cancel or restructure individual debts under 50 million won that have been in arrears for over seven years. The government estimates the total amount of forgiven or restructured debt to reach 16.4 trillion won, with projections

Jul 2, 2025By Anna J. Park
President's envisaged debt relief policy includes 2,000 foreign nationals
Foreign Affairs

Seoul weighs China's invitation for president to attend Victory Day military parade

The South Korean government is weighing whether President Lee Jae Myung should attend China’s military parade, held in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of its victory over Japan during World War II. This will be another diplomatic test for the Lee administration, as the invitation, extended amid heightened regional tensions, reflects China’s efforts to reinforce its historical narratives and expand its regional influence. For South Korea, Lee’s potential attendance poses a delicate diplomatic balancing act — weighing the importance of its economic relationship with China against its security alliance with the United States and its deeply rooted historical tensions with Japan. Whether he accepts or declines could carry far-reaching implications for regional alignment and the evolving historical discourse in Northeast Asia. According to diplomatic sources, Wednesday, the Chinese government recently reached out through various diplomatic channels to explore the possibility of Lee attending the event on Sept. 3, called Victory Day and commemorated with a major military parade in

Jul 2, 2025By Anna J. Park
Seoul weighs China's invitation for president to attend Victory Day military parade
Foreign Affairs

Expectations rise for summer summit between leaders of Korea, US

Hopes are growing that the first summit between President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump could take place in late July or August, as diplomatic coordination between the two allies continues. According to local media reports, Seoul and Washington are actively coordinating plans for Lee’s possible visit to the United States, potentially as early as the week of July 21. If confirmed, the meeting would be the first face-to-face encounter between the two leaders since Lee took office in early June. The summit is expected to focus on tariff negotiations, increasing South Korea’s defense burden-sharing and other pressing issues. Anticipation is growing for the bilateral meeting between the two leaders, which has so far eluded them despite past multilateral gatherings — including last month’s G7 summit in Canada. Reports that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio may make a brief visit to Seoul in early July have fueled speculation. Rubio is expected to attend the ASEAN Regional Forum in Malaysia before potentially stopping in Seoul. There also appears to be a mutual underst

Jul 1, 2025By Anna J. Park
Expectations rise for summer summit between leaders of Korea, US
Politics

Renowned soprano Sumi Jo and first lady share surprising high school link

World-renowned soprano Sumi Jo shares a close personal connection with first lady Kim Hea Kyung, as both are counted among the notable alumni of Sunhwa Arts High School. The connection came to light during an arts and culture event hosted by the presidential office earlier this week. The gathering brought together leading figures from Korea’s artistic community and gave President Lee Jae Myung a chance to hear firsthand what support artists need to help K-culture thrive on the global stage. Jo and Kim, alumni of Sunhwa Arts High School’s second and sixth graduating classes, respectively, were seen warmly greeting each other at the event. Kim affectionately referred to Jo as her “sunbae,” a Korean term for senior, underscoring their school-year hierarchy and enduring friendship. The first lady studied piano at the arts high school. Their closeness was especially evident when the president posed a question to Jo. Turning to Kim, Jo playfully said, “I’m nervous, give me your hand,” before reaching out to hold both of the first lady’s hands. The affectionate moment drew cons

Jul 1, 2025By Anna J. Park
Renowned soprano Sumi Jo and first lady share surprising high school link
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