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dahyun08

Jung Da-hyun

Korea Times Politics & City Reporter

Jung Da-hyun is a reporter at The Korea Times, covering social issues in Korea, including foreign residents, education, environment and politics. Driven by a deep interest in people’s stories, she focuses on investigative and feature reporting through direct interviews and field coverage. She received the Amnesty International Korea Media Award for her “Deepfake Crisis at Schools” series. Reach her at dahyun08@koreatimes.co.kr. Always open to hearing your stories.

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Society

With higher education at turning point, Korea University calls for proactive approach

After securing the top spot in The Korea Times’ K-Universities Global Excellence Rankings 2026, Korea University is now focusing on the next phase of globalization: developing a new model of higher education that blends international standards with uniquely Korean values. “The future of universities remains uncertain, as the rapid rise of artificial intelligence threatens to make traditional academic systems quickly outdated,” said Song Sang-kee, vice president for international affairs at Korea University, in a written interview with The Korea Times. “In this changing environment, our task is to rediscover and redesign the unique experiences that only a university can offer.” Confronted with demographic decline and swift technological shifts, higher education institutions now view globalization as an imperative rather than an option. Korea University views globalization not merely as expanding overseas exchanges, but as an innovation strategy embedded across education, research and social value creation. The university is expanding its cooperation in research with leading univ

Oct 29, 2025By Jung Da-hyun
With higher education at turning point, Korea University calls for proactive approach
Society

Korea University’s global vision recognized with top spot in new university rankings

Korea University has solidified its position as a leader in the globalization of Korean higher education, taking the top spot in K-Universities Global Excellence Rankings 2026 (KGER) — a new evaluation assessing how effectively Korean universities are adapting to an increasingly borderless academic landscape. Launched this year, the rankings are designed to serve as a reliable guide for international students considering Korea as a study destination, while helping local universities gauge and strengthen their global competitiveness. Developed by The Korea Times in cooperation with external experts, the assessment is based entirely on verified data from the Ministry of Education and Naver Scholytics, ensuring both transparency and credibility. The rankings assessed 54 universities nationwide across four categories — 60 points for education, 50 for research, 40 for student support and 40 for graduate outcomes. The university topped the list with an overall score of 144.86 points, outperforming Seoul National University and Yonsei University. It ranked first in education, fifth in rese

Oct 29, 2025By Jung Da-hyun
Korea University’s global vision recognized with top spot in new university rankings
Society

Security ramped up to highest level in Gyeongju ahead of APEC summit

Security in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, has been raised to the highest level as world leaders and top business figures converge on the city for the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. Key areas such as Gyeongju Station and the Bomun Tourist Complex, where the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting will be held and hotels accommodating world leaders are located, will be subject to enhanced security and defense operations. Police plan to enforce strict security protocols around the Bomun complex, deploying up to 18,500 officers daily, with support from police special operations armored vehicles and helicopters. A three-tier security system will be in place to protect major figures, with personnel and equipment positioned across inner, middle and outer perimeters surrounding each individual. At Gyeongju Station, one of the city’s busiest public facilities, police are preparing precautionary measures, as multiple civic groups have announced plans to hold rallies there. In addition, 1,800 military personnel will be dispatched for ground security and patrol operations aro

Oct 26, 2025By Jung Da-hyun
Security ramped up to highest level in Gyeongju ahead of APEC summit
Society

Kyung Hee University calls for global recognition of 'K-education'

K-pop and K-dramas have propelled Korea’s cultural exports to unprecedented global heights, turning “K-” into a powerful global brand. Beyond the spotlight, Kyung Hee University President Kim Jin-sang pointed out that K-education and K-research still struggle to earn the same recognition — not for lack of quality, but because their value remains overlooked. “Korean universities maintain world-class standards, but global recognition has yet to follow,” Kim said in an interview with The Korea Times. “This is where universities like Kyung Hee must step in and play a greater role.” Kim considers Korea’s cultural ascent to be deeply connected to its strong educational foundation. “Two factors made K-culture possible — the nation’s high level of education and its dynamic, fast-paced mindset,” he said. “With more than 70 percent of Koreans having attended higher education institutions, one of the highest rates in the world, it was natural that our cultural output would reach global standards.” Kim emphasized that Korea must now channel its cultural momentum into de

Oct 24, 2025By Jung Da-hyun
Kyung Hee University calls for global recognition of 'K-education'
Society

Robot draws PM's portrait at APEC exhibition

Prime Minister Kim Min-seok poses for a robot drawing his portrait at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Exhibition Center in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Pronvince, Wednesday, as part of an inspection of venues for the international events. The APEC meetings are set to run in Gyeongju from Sunday through Nov. 1. Yonhap

Oct 23, 2025By Jung Da-hyunphoto
Robot draws PM's portrait at APEC exhibition
Society

After year in limbo, gender ministry gets reboot

After more than a year without a minister, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family is returning to the spotlight with a broader mandate and a new leader. However, controversy persists over the creation of a department focused on discrimination against men and the transfer of women’s employment policies from the labor ministry, a move critics say could undermine efforts to promote women’s employment. The ministry faced a sustained existential threat under previous President Yoon Suk Yeol, who fulfilled his pledge to leave the top position vacant for an extended period in an effort to push for the ministry's eventual abolition. Newly appointed Gender Equality Minister Won Min-kyong pledged to rebuild public trust and renew the ministry’s mission during a press briefing Thursday, acknowledging deepening divides over gender and generation in Korean society. “Our ministry must now move beyond a period of vacancy toward a period of restoration,” Won said. “Restoration doesn’t just mean normalizing the organization — it means rebuilding trust in gender equality policies and t

Oct 23, 2025By Jung Da-hyun
After year in limbo, gender ministry gets reboot
Society

Soongsil University charts new course as Korea’s first AI-focused campus

Soongsil University has announced plans to transform itself into Korea’s first university centered on artificial intelligence, pledging to integrate the technology into all aspects of teaching, research and campus operations under a new initiative known as AX. During the vision proclamation ceremony held on Friday, Soongsil University President Lee Youn-jai declared the beginning of the university’s next chapter as “AI Native Soongsil,” pledging to move beyond technology-driven innovation toward a human-centered and ethics-based model of AI education. “On 128 years of history, we will open the AX era that blends technology and humanity,” Lee said, adding that Soongsil aims to cultivate ethical AI leaders guided by Christian values. Emphasizing that humanity and AI should move toward a relationship of co-evolution rather than competition in an era of unprecedented technological advancement, the university’s new initiative aims to integrate AI not merely as a technical field, but across the humanities, social sciences and arts — pursuing a human-centered AI education model

Oct 21, 2025By Jung Da-hyun
Soongsil University charts new course as Korea’s first AI-focused campus
Education

To win global education race, Korea needs strategy, not speed: expert

Korean universities are sprinting to raise their global standing, but ambition alone may not be enough to cross the finish line, particularly as the pace of international competition accelerates, according to the head of QS Asia Pacific. “It’s a race, and the world isn’t slowing down,” said Jeroen Prinsen, executive director of APAC at QS, a global authority known for its influential university rankings, in an interview with The Korea Times. As higher education worldwide faces fierce competition, tightening budgets and shifting student demographics, Prinsen says Korea has the drive and potential to stand out, yet warns that execution, consistency and long-term strategy will determine whether it truly becomes a global hub for learning. “Korea has ambition. The real test is turning ambition into measurable progress,” he said. Prinsen highlighted the need to pursue a dual approach, setting bold, competitive goals to accelerate progress while taking a long-term, strategic view when it comes to building international networks. “Global influence isn’t built overnight,” he note

Oct 21, 2025By Jung Da-hyun
To win global education race, Korea needs strategy, not speed: expert
Education

Education minister puts diversity at center of higher education reform

Korea’s education system is at a turning point, facing both a declining student population and the pressures of a highly competitive academic environment, with Education Minister Choi Kyo-jin calling for greater diversity to drive innovation in higher education. “Diversity in the student body positively affects creative thinking and learning outcomes. It goes beyond equal opportunity — it plays a decisive role in improving the quality of university education,” Education Minister Choi Kyo-jin told reporters Monday at Government Complex Sejong. The press conference, held a month after Choi took office, outlined the ministry’s vision and priorities for higher education under the Lee Jae Myung administration. Citing examples from overseas, he noted that many foreign universities have established dedicated committees to promote diversity across race, gender and socioeconomic background. “Some Korean universities are also making such efforts, which is an encouraging sign,” he said. “Expanding diversity should be a key direction for the future of Korean higher education.” Amid

Oct 20, 2025By Jung Da-hyun
Education minister puts diversity at center of higher education reform
Society

Korea’s pet boom sparks street sanitation woes

With Korea home to more than 15 million companion animals, cleaning up after dogs has largely become second nature for most pet owners — at least when it comes to feces. Urine, however, remains an exception. People are increasingly expressing discomfort and frustration at the sight and smell of dog urine stains left on roads and sidewalks. According to a report by KB Financial Group, the country’s companion animal population has surpassed 15 million, with dogs being the most common at 5.46 million. As the daily lives of non-pet owners are increasingly affected by the behavior of pets and their owners, debates over “petiquette” — the rules of conduct pet owners should observe — have intensified. The issue of dog urine is one example. While it has become common practice for most dog owners to carry waste bags and clean up after their pets during walks, many still leave urine unattended. “In our apartment playground, the smell of dog urine and visible stains are common,” said Oh, a father of an elementary school child in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. “I understand that dogs ne

Oct 18, 2025By Jung Da-hyun
Korea’s pet boom sparks street sanitation woes
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