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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

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
Politics

President to hold press conference on July 3 to mark 30 days in office

President Lee Jae Myung will hold a press conference at 10 a.m. on Thursday, marking his first month in office, the presidential office announced Monday. Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said the event will adopt a dialogue-style format designed to facilitate more direct interaction with the media. Questions and responses will be structured around key themes, including the economy, livelihoods, politics, foreign affairs, national security and social issues. “This press conference aims to underscore the speedy consolidation of President Lee Jae Myung’s administration, established without a transition team and to proactively convey the administration’s future governance direction and principal policy initiatives,” Kang said during a press briefing at the presidential office. Addressing why Lee’s first press conference comes at the 30-day mark — well ahead of the usual 100 days — Kang explained that the goal is to spotlight the administration’s policy priorities and direction, established without a transition team, and to address the public’s questions directly.

Jun 30, 2025By Anna J. Park
President to hold press conference on July 3 to mark 30 days in office
Politics

President Lee nominates 6 new ministers

President Lee Jae Myung nominated Koo Yun-cheol, a special-appointed professor of economics at Seoul National University, as minister of economy and finance, Sunday. The nomination was part of a broader set of Cabinet appointments that included several ministerial appointments and two senior presidential secretaries. During a press briefing, presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik stated that Koo's widely respected policy expertise was a key reason for his appointment. "Koo has previously served as budget director and second vice minister of strategy and finance, as well as minister for government policy coordination," Kang said. "As demonstrated in his books such as 'Revolution Korea' and 'AI Korea,' he is deeply engaged in Korea's innovation strategy. With his expertise in national finance and broad policy knowledge, he is the right person to guide Korea's next phase of growth," Kang added. For minister of justice, Rep. Jeong Seong-ho, a five-term lawmaker from the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) was nominated. Kang noted that Jeong has extensive experience in judicial affairs

Jun 29, 2025By Anna J. Park
President Lee nominates 6 new ministers
Business

Korea Water Cluster launches pilot project for low-carbon mineral detergent innovation

The Korea Water Cluster, a government-led hub supporting R&D and commercialization in the water sector, announced Friday that it has partnered with LG Electronics and the Korea Water Forum — Korea’s leading international nonprofit organization in the water sector — to launch a pilot project focused on developing and validating low-carbon mineral detergent technology. The initiative centers on the mechanism of mineral detergent washing, which leverages soluble glass and other mineral-based ingredients to achieve low-temperature washing performance, significantly reducing energy consumption, water usage and reliance on commercial chemical detergents. The project aims to deliver a synergetic effect by combining cutting-edge technology with sustainable practices to promote broader societal adoption of eco-conscious cleaning methods. The project offers specialized performance, enabling effective cleaning with low damage to laundry while also prioritizing user safety. A clinical test for sensitive skin safety is being conducted to ensure the detergent’s suitability for everyday use a

Jun 29, 2025By Anna J. Park
Korea Water Cluster launches pilot project for low-carbon mineral detergent innovation
Global Community

SK Group chairman's son-in-law part of US Special Forces airstrike in Iran

Kevin Liu Huang, the husband of SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won’s second daughter, Choi Min-jung, is serving with the U.S. Combined Special Operations Joint Task Force — Central (CSOJTF-C) in the Middle East, and is reported to have taken part in a recent Israeli airstrike operation against Iran. In a LinkedIn post shared earlier this week, Huang wrote, “I thought deploying to the Middle East with a joint task force headquarters would be 'sleepy' vs. working in Ukraine or INDOPACOM.” He added that he never imagined witnessing during his deployment “the fall of the Assad regime, the Houthis’ capitulation to our bombing campaigns, or joining the Israelis in directly bombing Iran.” Based on his post, Huang is believed to have participated in multiple key military operations, including the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria last December and a bombing campaign against Houthi rebels in Yemen that recently ended in a ceasefire deal. Most notably, he reportedly took part in the U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities Sunday (local time), which involved B-2 stealth

Jun 26, 2025By Anna J. Park
SK Group chairman's son-in-law part of US Special Forces airstrike in Iran
Politics

Korea faces critical moment to revive economy: president

Now is the critical point to revive the nation’s sluggish economy, and a supplementary budget is a vital tool to confront economic headwinds and safeguard social cohesion, President Lee Jae Myung said, Thursday. He appealed for bipartisan unity for swift passage of the 30.5 trillion won ($22.4 billion) supplementary budget bill, in his first address to the Assembly since taking office on June 4. Stressing the need to jump-start the economy and bolster support for vulnerable communities, the president said it would be “irresponsible” for the government to cling to austerity in the middle of an economic crisis and such inaction would be a “denial of the very purpose of government.” "The government’s greatest duty is to protect the lives of its people," Lee said. "Timing is everything in the economy, and now is the moment to act by implementing the supplementary budget." Lee said on his first day in office, his very first executive order was to establish an emergency economic response task force to overcome the economic downturn and restore people’s livelihoods. To address a st

Jun 26, 2025By Anna J. Park
Korea faces critical moment to revive economy: president
Politics

On Korean War anniversary, president prioritizes peace for national security

Marking the 75th anniversary of the Korean War’s outbreak, President Lee Jae Myung underscored the vital importance of peace, saying the strongest form of national security is creating conditions that eliminate the need for conflict. In a message posted Wednesday on his official Facebook page, Lee highlighted the limitations of relying solely on military strength in today’s security environment. “The era of defending a nation solely through military power is now behind us,” he wrote. “Winning without fighting is more important than winning through conflict.” Reflecting on the devastation of the 1950–1953 Korean War, Lee spoke of the enduring pain and loss suffered by millions. Despite this painful history, he highlighted the resilience and determination of the Korean people in rebuilding the nation. "We rose again with hope, overcame our scars and moved forward toward a better tomorrow,” he added. The president highlighted South Korea’s remarkable progress since the war’s end. In 1953, per capita income stood at just $67, but the country has since grown into a global e

Jun 25, 2025By Anna J. Park
On Korean War anniversary, president prioritizes peace for national security
Politics

Lee Jae Myung keeps outgoing agriculture minister, stressing competence

In a highly unusual move, Song Mi-ryung, who served as minister of agriculture under former President Yoon Suk Yeol, has been reappointed to the same post by President Lee Jae Myung — becoming the only member of the previous cabinet to retain her position. Song was among 11 ministerial nominees announced earlier this week by the presidential office. While there have been rare instances of Cabinet continuity in Korea — such as Defense Minister Kim Kwan-jin serving under the presidencies of both Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye — Song’s reappointment marks the first time a minister has been retained across a change in ruling parties. Ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) spokesperson Bak Seung-a hailed the decision as “a prime example of President Lee’s inclusive governance, where competence takes precedence over ideology,” speaking to reporters at the National Assembly, Tuesday. The presidential office also underscored that Song’s reappointment reflects Lee’s pragmatic approach to leadership. “Minister Song’s reappointment represents a merit-based, nonpartisan appoint

Jun 25, 2025By Anna J. Park
Lee Jae Myung keeps outgoing agriculture minister, stressing competence
Politics

FULL TEXT President Lee Jae Myung's congratulatory message to Korea Times-AMCHAM Forum

I extend my heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of the Korea Times-AMCHAM Forum. My sincere appreciation goes to Chairman Seung Myung-ho of The Korea Times, Chairman James Kim of the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM Korea) and all the dedicated team members who made this significant event possible. A warm welcome as well to Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy, former White House acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, GM Korea President Hector Villarreal and many distinguished guests in attendance. The Republic of Korea and the United States are allies who face the critical task of deepening exchanges, cooperation and solidarity between the two countries amid rapidly evolving global dynamics, including challenges in the energy sector and international trade. At this pivotal moment, this forum, which is themed "Strategic Proposals for Korea-U.S. Partnership," is both timely and highly meaningful. I expect that today’s discussions, which have brought together experts from both countries’ leading industries and prominent American figures well-versed in President Donald Trump’s po

Jun 24, 2025By Anna J. Park
[FULL TEXT] President Lee Jae Myung's congratulatory message to Korea Times-AMCHAM Forum
Politics

President highlights AI industry as key for regional, national growth

President Lee Jae Myung made it clear that his administration is placing top priority on advancing Korea to become one of the world’s top three artificial intelligence (AI) powerhouses with his attendance at the launch ceremony of a local AI data center in Ulsan on Friday. The visit marked his first industrial site visit since taking office early this month. His move is seen widely as a clear declaration that fostering the AI industry will be one of his administration’s highest priorities over the next five years. Strengthening the country’s global competitiveness in AI has been a consistently emphasized key pledge since his presidential campaign. Highlighting the broader significance of the initiative, the president described the launch of the AI data center in Ulsan as a source of “new hope” for regional industries and local economic revitalization. The 103-megawatt data center will be built jointly by SK Group and Amazon Web Services (AWS). “The reason I made time to visit here is because I firmly believe this AI data center will serve as a beacon of hope for local economi

Jun 20, 2025By Anna J. Park
President highlights AI industry as key for regional, national growth
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