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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

Who is running in Seoul mayoral primaries?

As the June 3 local elections approach, the Seoul mayoral race is entering the primary phase, with the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) each fielding three contenders to compete for their party’s nomination. With neither side’s candidate finalized, the race remains in flux as parties move to select their standard-bearers. Recent opinion polls, while based on hypothetical matchups, suggest a stronger showing for DPK hopefuls, with several surveys indicating the party’s contenders leading potential PPP nominees and widening their advantage compared with earlier readings. DPK candidates Chong Won-o is a veteran local administrator who served three consecutive terms as the head of Seongdong District in Seoul, making him the only three-term district chief in the capital region. His long tenure is often cited as proof of administrative competence, with consistently high public satisfaction ratings. He is also credited with helping transform Seongsu-dong into one of Seoul’s most sought-after neighborhoods. However, his campaign has

Apr 3, 2026By Anna J. Park
Who is running in Seoul mayoral primaries?
Foreign Affairs

EU foreign affairs chief urges deeper Indo-Pacific alignment during Korea visit

David McAllister, chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, called for stronger cooperation among “like-minded countries,” highlighting South Korea as a key strategic partner as the European Union expands its engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. During a recent interview with The Korea Times, McAllister said cooperation with partners sharing similar values lies at the core of the EU’s foreign policy, framing it as an effort to build a global network of countries committed to common principles. “We are, as the European Union, knitting a network of like-minded countries and partners who believe in democracy who share our values,” he said, explaining that this type of approach is essential to maintaining the international order. “We stand together to uphold the rules-based multilateral order. We stand for open markets; we defend the rule of law,” he said. “We will be are very much engaged in building stronger partnerships with like-minded countries.” He emphasized the EU’s intention to further deepen relations with Korea. “Korea is a strategic

Apr 3, 2026By Anna J. Park
EU foreign affairs chief urges deeper Indo-Pacific alignment during Korea visit
Foreign Affairs

Canadian trade mission returns to Korea for defense, ICT, energy cooperation

Canada is seeking to deepen economic and strategic cooperation with Korea, as its top trade official led a large-scale business delegation to Seoul for the first time in two years. Maninder Sidhu, Canada’s minister of international trade, headed the Team Canada Trade Mission, which brought more than 110 companies from all 10 provinces to Korea for a four-day visit from late March to early April. The delegation focused on key sectors including defense, aerospace, information and communications technology (ICT), artificial intelligence (AI) and energy transition, reflecting shared priorities in advanced manufacturing and supply chain resilience. Korea is the first country the Team Canada Trade Mission has revisited since the program’s launch in 2023, following its previous visit in April 2024, according to the mission officials. In his opening remarks, Canada’s Ambassador to Korea Philippe Lafortune underscored the importance of strengthening bilateral ties amid growing global uncertainty and during the transition to a clean and sustainable economy. "Our two countries are important pa

Apr 2, 2026By Anna J. Park
Canadian trade mission returns to Korea for defense, ICT, energy cooperation
Arts & Theater

Czech Film Week 2026 brings contemporary Czech cinema to Seoul

Czech Film Week 2026, a five-day showcase of contemporary Czech cinema, is underway at the Seongsu Art Hall in eastern Seoul through April 4. Presented under the theme “Beyond Movies, Meet Czechia,” this year's festival offers a carefully curated lineup of recent Czech films spanning genres, such as historical drama, documentary and animation, creating a unique platform to experience the richness of Czech filmmaking on the big screen. The event is co-organized by the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Korea, the Czech Center Seoul and the Seongdong Foundation for Arts & Culture. It is also supported by the ČEZ Group, a major Czech energy company actively involved in strengthening cooperation between the two countries, particularly in nuclear energy. During the festival's opening ceremony, Czech Republic Ambassador to Korea Ivan Jančárek emphasized the significance of such cultural initiatives, noting that the partnership between the two countries continues to grow across multiple sectors. "Cinema is one of the most engaging ways to open a window into another society. Through stories

Apr 1, 2026By Anna J. Park
Czech Film Week 2026 brings contemporary Czech cinema to Seoul
People & Events

'Teacher of priests' Monsignor Jeong Ha-gwon dies at 99

Monsignor Floriano Jeong Ha-gwon, a Catholic priest who helped train more than 700 seminarians to be priests and came to be known as a “teacher of priests,” has died. He was 99. The Diocese of Masan announced on its official website the passing of Monsignor Floriano Jeong, who died at around 8 a.m. on Sunday. In the Catholic Church, the title Monsignor is an honorary distinction granted by the Pope to priests who have rendered long and distinguished service, held important roles or made significant contributions to their diocese or the Vatican. Born in 1927 in Gunwi County, North Gyeongsang Province, Jeong was ordained a priest in 1951 and began his ministry as pastor of Changnyeong Parish. He was also a classmate of the late Cardinal Stephen Kim Sou-hwan, with whom he was ordained in the same year. He later studied philosophy and theology at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland and the University of Paris in France. After returning to Korea in 1966, he resumed parish ministry while also beginning to teach at seminaries. From 1975, he served as a professor and dean at Gwangju Dae

Mar 31, 2026By Anna J. Park
'Teacher of priests' Monsignor Jeong Ha-gwon dies at 99
Politics

Lee vows to abolish statute of limitations for state violence at Jeju April 3 Uprising memorial

Seventy-eight years after tens of thousands of Jeju residents were killed in a state-led massacre, President Lee Jae Myung visited the island Sunday to honor the victims and pledge to ensure perpetrators of such violence can never outrun the law. “Remembering the Jeju April 3 Uprising and to prevent the recurrence of state violence, I will abolish the statute of limitations system for civil and criminal cases,” he wrote in the guestbook at the Jeju 4.3 Peace Park, where the tragedy — which killed nearly 10 percent of the island's population between 1948 and 1954 — is commemorated each year on April 3. After paying tribute, Lee and first lady Kim Hea Kyung shared a luncheon with bereaved families of the victims, offering comfort and expressing solidarity. In his opening remarks, Lee said that the Jeju April 3 Uprising is a chapter of history that must never be forgotten, while expressing respect and gratitude for the dedication of bereaved families and Jeju residents who have worked to uncover the truth. “Every April, Jeju comes to mind first, because the Jeju April 3 Uprising

Mar 29, 2026By Anna J. Park
Lee vows to abolish statute of limitations for state violence at Jeju April 3 Uprising memorial
Foreign Affairs

Greece celebrates 205th Independence Day in Korea

Greece marked its National Day with a formal reception in Seoul, bringing together diplomats, government officials and distinguished guests to commemorate the country’s independence and its enduring ties with Korea. Greece’s National Day, also known as Independence Day and celebrated annually on March 25, honors the start of the War of Greek Independence in 1821. Hosted by the Embassy of Greece in Seoul, Greek Ambassador to Korea Loukas Tsokos underscored the deepening partnership between Greece and Korea in his opening remarks at the reception, held at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, Wednesday, to mark the 205th anniversary of Greek independence. In his speech, the ambassador pointed to a series of high-level exchanges as evidence of strengthening ties between the two countries. These included visits to Korea by senior Greek officials in the previous year, such as the ministers of tourism and culture, as well as the deputy minister of maritime affairs. He also referenced bilateral political consultations held at the deputy foreign minister level in 2024, noting that such engagements

Mar 29, 2026By Anna J. Park
Greece celebrates 205th Independence Day in Korea
Foreign Affairs

Pakistan commemorates 86th National Day in Seoul, highlighting historic legacy

Pakistan commemorated its 86th National Day on March 23 with a flag-hoisting ceremony at its embassy in Seoul, attended by members of the Pakistani community and distinguished Korean guests. The event marked the historic adoption of the Lahore Resolution in 1940, widely regarded as a turning point that led to the creation of Pakistan. The ceremony brought together diplomats, community leaders and guests in a show of unity, reflecting both national pride and the strength of Pakistan’s ties with Korea. In his congratulatory remarks, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Korea Syed Moazzam H. Shah paid tribute to the country’s founding father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the leaders of the Pakistan Movement. He described the Lahore Resolution as a defining moment in the political awakening of Muslims in British India, paving the way for an independent and sovereign state. The ambassador touted the founding father's leadership, noting that his vision was grounded in democratic values, the rule of law, social justice and equal rights for all citizens regardless of faith or background. This

Mar 26, 2026By Anna J. Park
Pakistan commemorates 86th National Day in Seoul, highlighting historic legacy
Foreign Affairs

Iran offers conditional passage through Hormuz, envoy says

Iran has classified Korea as a "non-hostile country" in the current conflict and indicated that Korean vessels may pass through the Strait of Hormuz, provided they secure prior coordination with Tehran, Iran's ambassador to Korea said Thursday. Speaking at a press conference at the Iranian Embassy in Seoul, Ambassador Saeed Koozechi emphasized that Tehran does not regard Seoul as an adversary and that Korean vessels have not faced safety issues so far. "South Korea is considered a non-hostile country," he said, adding that Iran appreciates Seoul's stance of not joining Washington-led measures against Tehran. Koozechi stressed, however, that safe passage through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz is conditional. “There is no problem with safety, but any vessel must coordinate with the Iranian government in advance. Passage is only possible through prior agreement," he said. He noted that this was the reason Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi requested information on Korean-flagged vessels during a phone call with his Korean counterpart, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, Monday, desc

Mar 26, 2026By Anna J. Park
Iran offers conditional passage through Hormuz, envoy says
People & Events

From batik to Lao silk: ASEAN Culture House opens textile exhibition in Busan

A major exhibition spotlighting Southeast Asian textile heritage opens Wednesday at the ASEAN Culture House in Busan's Haeundae District. The exhibition, presented by the Korea Foundation (KF), will feature traditional fabrics, weaving tools and video installations that together will present the evolution and cultural significance of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) textile traditions. Titled “Weaving Hands, Women’s Time: Textile Traditions in ASEAN,” the exhibition brings together textile traditions from 11 Southeast Asian countries, offering a comprehensive look at both historical and contemporary practices. The exhibition aims to illuminate both the artistic value and everyday cultural significance of textile crafts, with particular focus on the role of women, according to KF. It highlights how generations of women’s labor have shaped Southeast Asia’s textile culture, preserving communal memory and cultural identity through continuous, repetitive craft practices. The exhibition also introduces textile traditions from the ASEAN region that have been inscribed on

Mar 25, 2026By Anna J. Park
From batik to Lao silk: ASEAN Culture House opens textile exhibition in Busan
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