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Kim Hyun-bin

Korea Times Digital Media Reporter

Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.

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Society

Coca-Cola Korea names Lee Jun-yup as new CEO

Coca-Cola Korea has appointed former Procter & Gamble Korea Vice President Lee Jun-yup as its new chief executive, the company said Monday. Lee brings nearly three decades of experience at P&G, where he held senior roles across sales, brand strategy and e-commerce. He began his career in sales in 1997 and later led brand strategy planning and the global customer team at P&G Korea. Starting in 2006, he served in leadership positions overseeing brand strategy and digital commerce in key markets including the United States, Singapore and Japan. Since 2018, he had overseen nationwide sales operations as vice president of P&G Korea. “I am honored to join Coca-Cola Korea as its CEO and will do my utmost in this role,” Lee said in a statement.

Nov 18, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
Coca-Cola Korea names Lee Jun-yup as new CEO
Foreign Affairs

Oman Embassy launches book on 50 years of Korea ties

The Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in Korea hosted a ceremony on Nov. 14 to launch a commemorative book celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Titled “Oman and the Republic of Korea: Fifty Years of Diplomatic Relations,” the publication reflects on five decades of partnership spanning politics, the economy, culture, education and technology. The event was held under the patronage of Lee Kyung-chul, high representative for U.N. Security Council affairs at Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Omani Ambassador Zakariya bin Hamad Al Saadi. In attendance were senior Korean officials, Arab and international diplomats, cultural and media figures, business leaders, and representatives from Korean and Omani companies. In his remarks, Al Saadi praised the “strength and resilience” of bilateral ties since diplomatic relations were established in 1974. He thanked contributors to the project and said the book “embodies the history of cooperation and the spirit of friendship that has united the peoples of the Sultanate of Oman and the Rep

Nov 17, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
Oman Embassy launches book on 50 years of Korea ties
Defense

Korea, US speed up OPCON transfer as Lee seeks transition within term

South Korea and the United States agreed to accelerate the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) as part of efforts to “modernize the alliance,” a move that aligns with President Lee Jae Myung’s pledge to complete the transition within his term. The commitment, detailed Friday in a joint fact sheet, marks a critical step toward Korea taking full, independent responsibility for its own defense nearly 75 years after the 1950-53 Korean War. The fact sheet states that the two leaders will continue cooperation toward the transfer of OPCON, which would shift wartime authority from the U.S. to South Korea once Seoul is assessed to possess the required capabilities. “We reaffirmed our determination to strengthen national defense and reclaim OPCON, signaling our leadership over the defense of the Korean Peninsula,” Lee said while unveiling the document. “The United States expressed strong support.” The joint declaration of political resolve was immediately bolstered by National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac, who insisted that the highly complex transfer process is “progre

Nov 14, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
Korea, US speed up OPCON transfer as Lee seeks transition within term
Foreign Affairs

Beijing urges caution as Korea gains US support for nuclear sub capabilities

Chinese Ambassador to Korea Dai Bing issued a pointed warning Thursday over potential U.S.–Korea cooperation on nuclear-powered submarines, saying the initiative raises serious concerns for regional security and the global nuclear nonproliferation regime. Speaking at a news conference in Seoul on Thursday, Dai said China was “closely following” the discussions reaffirmed at an early-November summit between President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump, where the two leaders agreed to expand coordination on advanced naval capabilities, including avenues for cooperation on nuclear-powered submarines. The approval would propel Korea toward becoming a blue water navy, a term that refers to a naval force capable of operating globally across the deep waters of open oceans. So far, only the United States, China, Russia, Britain, France, India and Australia have taken that path. Dai said Beijing and the international community are “closely watching” the discussions, emphasizing that nuclear-powered submarine cooperation is “not a simple commercial or technical matter” bu

Nov 14, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
Beijing urges caution as Korea gains US support for nuclear sub capabilities
Foreign Affairs

Bangladeshi envoy travels to Gimhae to hear migrant workers’ concerns

The Bangladeshi ambassador to Korea paid his first official visit to the southeastern port city of Gimhae, where he met with Bangladeshi workers and self-employed residents to hear their concerns and offer encouragement, city officials said Tuesday. Gimhae officials said Ambassador Toufiq Islam Shatil met with members of the Bangladeshi community during a gathering on Nov. 9. As of late September, the city was home to 31,893 foreign residents — the largest such population in South Gyeongsang Province — including 804 from Bangladesh. The ambassador traveled to Gimhae following a visit to companies in Busan. More than 120 workers and small business owners attended the meeting, where Shatil listened to them describe the challenges facing the community and expressed appreciation for their contributions. “I am grateful for the warm welcome from Gimhae,” Shatil said. “This city is a good place for foreign residents, and I appreciate the care and support shown to help our people adapt and thrive.” Gimhae city officials said the visit offers meaningful support to Bangladeshi resident

Nov 13, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
Bangladeshi envoy travels to Gimhae to hear migrant workers’ concerns
Foreign Affairs

Unification minister meets Thai envoy, urges ASEAN to support peace on Korean Peninsula

Unification Minister Chung Dong-young met with Thai Ambassador to Korea Tanee Sangrat on Nov. 10, expressing hopes that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will play a larger role in promoting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula through the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). During their meeting at Government Complex Seoul, Chung said that “peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia directly and indirectly affect ASEAN,” calling for Thailand and ASEAN’s active engagement in regional stability efforts. Thailand currently serves as the ASEAN coordinator for dialogue with Korea and hosts the largest North Korean embassy among ASEAN member states. Chung also noted that “relations between Thailand and North Korea appear to be developing,” citing the participation of ASEAN representatives in North Korea’s recent military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea. “From North Korea’s perspective, ASEAN seems to play a significant role as a member of the international community,” Chung added. Ambas

Nov 12, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
Unification minister meets Thai envoy, urges ASEAN to support peace on Korean Peninsula
Foreign Affairs

French envoy unveils plans for 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties with Korea

French Ambassador to Korea Philippe Bertoux on Tuesday unveiled major events marking the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Korea and France in 2026, highlighting more than a century of enduring friendship and a forward-looking partnership. Speaking at a press conference at his official residence in Seoul, Bertoux said the upcoming year will mark a milestone in bilateral relations, providing both a moment of reflection and an opportunity to strengthen future cooperation. “We are delighted to introduce the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and Korea,” Bertoux said. “It will be a time to celebrate our shared achievements, to enjoy the cultural and human connections that bind us and to plan new heights for the next 140 years.” The ambassador also unveiled the official poster for the anniversary and introduced the slogan built around three keywords — creativity, opportunity and solidarity — that evoke France’s signature tripartite motto. Korea and France established diplomatic relations on June 4, 1886, through a treaty of friendship, commerce a

Nov 11, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
French envoy unveils plans for 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties with Korea
Foreign Affairs

Angola: Charting a path toward inclusive growth

The Republic of Angola, located along Africa’s southwest Atlantic coast, is emerging from a turbulent history and striving to turn its abundant resources and youthful population into lasting prosperity. Covering about 1.24 million square kilometers, roughly twice the size of France, Angola is among Africa’s largest nations. Its capital, Luanda, lies on the Atlantic Ocean and serves as the country’s political, cultural and economic hub. The nation’s population stands at about 39 million, and Portuguese is the official language, reflecting more than four centuries of colonial rule. Angola operates as a unitary presidential republic under President Joao Lourenço, who has led the country since September 2017. Portuguese explorer Diogo Cao reached Angola’s coast in 1484, marking the start of nearly 500 years of European involvement. The long struggle for independence, led by the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), culminated on Nov. 11, 1975. However, independence was quickly followed by a 27-year civil war between rival factions including UNITA, exacerbated

Nov 11, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
Angola: Charting a path toward inclusive growth
Foreign Affairs

Czech envoy marks friendly ties with 1st pitch at exhibition game in Seoul

Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) Commissioner Heo Koo-youn and Czech Ambassador to Korea Ivan Jancarek threw the ceremonial first pitch together at the opening game of the 2025 K-Baseball Series. The first game of the two-game exhibition series between Korea and the Czech Republic was held at Seoul’s Gocheok Sky Dome on Saturday. The friendly matches are part of preparations for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Heo and Jancarek previously attended a signing ceremony at KBO headquarters on July 28 to formalize the agreement for the exhibition series, pledging to make the first-ever matchup between the two countries a success. The K-Baseball Series aims to strengthen baseball exchanges between Korea and emerging baseball nations in Europe, while providing players with international experience ahead of major global tournaments. Korea won 3‑0 against the Czech Republic in the first exhibition game on Saturday and followed up with an 11‑1 victory, pounding out 17 hits, in the second game of the K‑Baseball Series on Sunday.

Nov 10, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
Czech envoy marks friendly ties with 1st pitch at exhibition game in Seoul
Foreign Affairs

Envoy highlights India’s textile heritage at Seoul festival

Indian Ambassador to Korea Gourangalal Das underscored the timeless artistry and cultural depth of India’s textile traditions during the 21st Celebrating India Festival, held in Seoul on Thursday. The event, organized by the North East Institute of Fashion Technology and hosted by the Embassy of India, showcased the rich heritage, vibrant textiles and contemporary creativity of the Indian subcontinent. “This evening we are here to celebrate some living stories — stories woven into the threads of India’s textile heritage,” Das said. “They are the stories of artisans, communities and generations who have turned skill into art.” He traced the origins of India’s textile craftsmanship back nearly 5,000 years, noting that “long before the world spoke of global trade, India’s textiles traveled across the seas, spreading cultural and technical knowledge along with the cloth itself.” Das emphasized that every region of India tells its own story through distinct fabrics, each reflecting centuries of tradition, identity and innovation. “Behind each intricate weave is the to

Nov 7, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
Envoy highlights India’s textile heritage at Seoul festival
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