my timesThe Korea Times
ejb

Bahk Eun-ji

Korea Times Politics & City Reporter

Bahk Eun-ji has been with The Korea Times since 2012, building a career across multiple desks. She began at the Business Desk, where she conducted in-depth interviews with key figures in Korea's corporate world. Later, she moved to the Politics & City Desk, focusing on education policy and social affairs. She later served as team leader of the digital content team, leading curation efforts on the newspaper’s homepage and reshaping print stories for social media audiences to enhance digital reach. Now back on the Politics Desk, she covers the National Assembly and the Ministry of National Defense, with a renewed focus on political developments.

Go to Email

Read more

Politics

Cho Kuk, Han Dong-hoon bid for Assembly seats, raising stakes for by-elections

The parliamentary by-elections, scheduled alongside the June 3 local elections, are quickly becoming a political battleground in their own right, with the entry of high-profile candidates drawing comparisons to a “mini-general election.” The race gained further momentum when Cho Kuk, leader of the Rebuilding Korea Party, formally declared his candidacy in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, shaking up the political landscape in the capital region. According to political observers, at least 10 constituencies have been confirmed for the by-elections so far and this number is expected to rise to as many as 14, depending on whether incumbent lawmakers step down to run in local races. Although the contests are technically held in tandem with the local elections, they are increasingly seen as a national-level test of political strength. The growing number of candidates has been fueled by the entry of high-profile figures. Cho’s decision to run in Pyeongtaek has been matched by former People Power Party (PPP) leader Han Dong-hoon, who has declared his candidacy in Busan’s Buk District. Both ar

Apr 15, 2026By Bahk Eun-ji
Cho Kuk, Han Dong-hoon bid for Assembly seats, raising stakes for by-elections
Foreign Affairs

Who is Michelle Park Steel, Trump’s pick for ambassador to Korea?

U.S. President Donald Trump nominated Michelle Park Steel, Monday (local time), a former Republican congresswoman from California, as ambassador to South Korea, a move that could end a vacancy that has lasted for more than 15 months. If confirmed by the Senate, Steel would become the second Korean American to serve in the post, after former Ambassador Sung Kim, who served from 2011 to 2014. Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul welcomed the nomination, with foreign ministry spokesperson Park Il saying Korea is in close communication with the U.S. and that Steel, if formally appointed, "is expected to contribute to strengthening bilateral ties and promoting friendship between the two countries." The nomination drew attention not simply because of Steel's ethnic background, but because she comes from an elected office rather than the foreign service. In Washington and Republican circles, she has long been viewed as a Trump ally with direct political access, someone capable of carrying the administration’s message to Seoul more directly than a conventional diplomat. Her husband, Shawn Steel, a former cha

Apr 14, 2026By Bahk Eun-ji
Who is Michelle Park Steel, Trump’s pick for ambassador to Korea?
Politics

PHOTO 50 days until local elections

Officials review voting procedures and promotional materials at the office of the Daegu Metropolitan Election Commission in Seo District, Daegu, Tuesday, with 50 days to go until the June 3 local elections. Early voting will be held May 29 and 30. Yonhap

Apr 14, 2026By Bahk Eun-ji
[PHOTO] 50 days until local elections
Politics

Gov’t to spend 85% of supplementary budget by June

The government will execute 85 percent of its supplementary budget within the first half of this year, in an effort to help boost consumer spending and revitalize the economy as the Middle East crisis continues to weigh on energy costs and supply chains. Government officials and members of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea announced Monday that they are pushing to front-load spending and roll out relief measures for households. As part of the scheme, the government will accelerate the execution of a 26.2 trillion won ($17.7 billion) supplementary budget passed earlier this month, in order to deliver support quickly to households and businesses. “The supplementary budget must be implemented swiftly to ensure it reaches those who need it without delay,” said Rep. Ahn Do-geol, a senior lawmaker involved in the discussions. Alongside the spending plan, officials are also preparing to lower vehicle insurance premiums, citing reduced driving under emergency traffic restrictions. As the energy supply has become unstable, the government implemented a two-day vehicle rotation system for th

Apr 13, 2026By Bahk Eun-ji
Gov’t to spend 85% of supplementary budget by June
Politics

Ruling party rides early momentum as key battlegrounds take shape

With about 50 days remaining until the June 3 local elections, the ruling and opposition parties are moving at different speeds in preparing for the vote. While the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) has finalized candidates in key regions and shifted into campaign mode, the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) is still working through delays and internal friction in several races. This difference in pace is beginning to define the broader contours of the election, although major battlegrounds remain unsettled. According to sources in political circles, candidates from both major parties have now been confirmed in five of the 16 metropolitan races, including those in Incheon, Gangwon, Ulsan, South Gyeongsang and Busan. In several other regions, nominations are in their final stages, with parties expected to finalize their lists in the coming days. The DPK has taken the lead in this process. It has either confirmed or is close to finalizing candidates in major regions, in some cases opting for single nominations to avoid prolonged primaries. Rep. Choo Mi-ae, the party’s candidate

Apr 12, 2026By Bahk Eun-ji
Ruling party rides early momentum as key battlegrounds take shape
Politics

DPK far outpaces PPP in nominations for Daegu mayoral election

The race for Daegu mayor ahead of the June 3 local elections is beginning to take shape, but the two major parties are moving at noticeably different speeds. The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) has already locked in its candidate, while the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) is still dealing with fallout from its nomination process, with disputes continuing inside the party and outside challengers emerging as a real possibility. The liberal DPK moved early, confirming former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum as its sole candidate in the city, a longtime stronghold for conservatives, and shifting quickly into campaign mode. Party leaders have since visited Daegu and begun coordinating support, signaling that the race is already underway for the party. Kim, a four-term lawmaker who represented Daegu’s Suseong District and later served as prime minister, is one of the party’s most recognizable figures. The party is betting on his experience and name recognition in a region where it has long struggled to gain ground. During a visit to Daegu, DPK leader Jung Chung-rae made that point

Apr 10, 2026By Bahk Eun-ji
DPK far outpaces PPP in nominations for Daegu mayoral election
Politics

Chong Won-o named DPK candidate for Seoul; Chun Jae-soo for Busan

Chong Won-o, a former chief of Seoul’s Seongdong District, was nominated as the Democratic Party of Korea's (DPK) candidate for Seoul mayor, Thursday, ahead of the June 3 local elections. He won the three-way primary against Reps. Park Ju-min and Jeon Hyun-heui. In the primary that reflected party member voters and public opinion polls 50-50, Chong secured more than half of the votes, avoiding a runoff. Speaking after the result was announced, Chong framed the mayoral election as a referendum on the current city administration run by Mayor Oh Se-hoon, who is a member of the main opposition People Power Party. “We will judge the 10 years of incompetence under Mayor Oh and repeat the success of the Lee Jae Myung administration in Seoul,” he said. He also called for party unity, saying the outcome reflects “a clear mandate to win Seoul as one united DPK.” Chong, who won three consecutive elections in 2014, 2018 and 2022 to serve as Seongdong District chief, rose as a leading contender for Seoul mayor after President Lee publicly praised his administrative performance. In December la

Apr 9, 2026By Bahk Eun-ji
Chong Won-o named DPK candidate for Seoul; Chun Jae-soo for Busan
Defense

Finland orders 112 more K9 howitzers in $635 mil. follow-up deal

Finland signed a deal worth 940 billion won ($635 million) to purchase additional K9 self-propelled howitzers from Korea, placing a follow-up order after operating the system for several years. According to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), the contract was signed in Helsinki under a government-to-government framework between Finland’s Ministry of Defense and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), which acted as the contracting party on behalf of the Korean government. Such government-led deals are commonly used for defense exports to ensure accountability and consistent execution. The latest deal follows Finland’s initial introduction of the K9 in 2017, when it agreed to acquire 96 howitzers under a separate government-to-government contract. The system has since been deployed in active service, forming part of Finland’s artillery capabilities. Officials said the new order reflects the Finnish military’s assessment following years of field use, making it a repeat purchase based on operational experience rather than a first-time acquisition. DAPA

Apr 9, 2026By Bahk Eun-ji
Finland orders 112 more K9 howitzers in $635 mil. follow-up deal
Foreign Affairs

Republicans face midterm risks as Middle East crisis drags on, former Trump official says

The conflict in the Middle East could prove costly for Republicans in the 2026 midterm elections, a former senior Trump administration official warned Wednesday, cautioning that the crisis risks pulling U.S. President Donald Trump's attention away from the economic issues critical to securing his political base. Fred Fleitz, a former chief of staff of the U.S. National Security Council, said the war could complicate the political landscape as the midterms approach. “I think the midterms are going to be very hard for Republicans to hold the House,” Fleitz told The Korea Times, Wednesday. He urged the Trump administration to refocus on domestic priorities, particularly the economy, to maintain support among his base as well as independents. “The president and his team really need to double down right now, reassuring the American people and focusing on economic issues,” he said. Fleitz said international developments risk pulling attention away from that effort. “These international issues are distracting Trump from what he needs to do to nail down his base and independents,” he s

Apr 8, 2026By Bahk Eun-ji
Republicans face midterm risks as Middle East crisis drags on, former Trump official says
  • Former Trump official proposes expanding Quad to include S. Korea as 'Quint'
People & Events

Remains of soldier killed in Korean War return home after 75 years

The remains of a South Korean soldier killed in the Korean War (1950-53) have been returned to his family after 75 years, the Ministry of National Defense said Wednesday. The soldier was identified as Jeon Seung-nam, who was 19 at the time and served in the Army’s 8th Division. He was killed during a fight at Mount Baekseok in Gangwon Province in October 1951. His remains were recovered in Yanggu, Gangwon Province, in November 2024, and his identity was later confirmed through DNA analysis, the ministry recovery unit said. Born in 1931 in Naju, South Jeolla Province, Jeon volunteered for service in May 1951 during the height of the war. After completing training, he was assigned to the 8th Division and deployed to the front lines, where fighting remained intense. The fighting was part of a series of intense clashes in the area, as South Korean forces sought to secure key high ground against North Korean and Chinese troops during armistice talks. It took years to confirm his identity. DNA samples were first collected from his younger sister in 2017, with additional samples from his brot

Apr 8, 2026By Bahk Eun-ji
Remains of soldier killed in Korean War return home after 75 years
previous page
56789
next page

Top 5 stories

Korea Times
About Us
Introduction
History
Contact Us
Products & Services
Subscribe
E-paper
RSS Service
Content Sales
Site Map
Policy
Code of Ethics
Ombudsman
Privacy Policy
Youth Protection Policy
Terms of Service
Copyright Policy
Family Site
Hankookilbo
Dongwha Group
FacebookXYoutubeInstagram
CEO & Publisher: Oh Young-jinDigital News Email: webmaster@koreatimes.co.krTel: 02-724-2114Online newspaper registration No: 서울,아52844Date of registration: 2020.02.05Masthead: The Korea TimesCopyright © koreatimes.co.kr. All rights reserved.