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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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Foreign Affairs

Slovak envoy highlights democracy, trade with Korea

Slovakia’s Ambassador to Korea Marek Repovsky underscored the enduring importance of democracy, the strength of constitutional governance and expanding ties with Korea during a reception marking the 33rd anniversary of the Slovak Constitution Day. Speaking at an event in Seoul on Tuesday evening, Repovsky recalled Slovakia’s adoption of its constitution on Sept. 1, 1992, describing it as a cornerstone of sovereignty and independence. “The importance of the constitution is appreciated during times of peace, but its value grows in times of internal challenges, which every state from time-to-time experiences,” he said. He noted that Korea, too, has demonstrated the resilience of democratic institutions. “Just a few months ago, we witnessed how the democratic checks and balances enshrined in Korea’s constitution worked well, allowing institutions to prevail and overcome crisis,” he added. Repovsky emphasized that these shared democratic experiences strengthen the bond between Slovakia, Korea and the broader democratic world. Turning to bilateral relations, the ambassador highlig

Sep 26, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
Slovak envoy highlights democracy, trade with Korea
Foreign Affairs

Saudi Arabia marks 95th National Day, highlights deepening ties with Korea

Saudi Arabian chargé d’affaires to Korea Fahad Barakah marked the kingdom’s 95th National Day in Seoul on Sept. 22 with a call to deepen cooperation with Korea, as the two nations pledged to expand their partnership in energy, technology and culture. The reception, held at a downtown hotel, drew diplomats, Korean officials and business leaders. Barakah welcomed Trade, Industry and Energy Minister Kim Jung-kwan as a guest of honor, praising Seoul’s role as a trusted partner of Riyadh. “It is my great honor to welcome you on this blessed evening as we celebrate together the 95th National Day of the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Barakah said. He extended congratulations to Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman and to the Saudi people, calling the anniversary a “historic milestone” that reflected the kingdom’s journey to become a strong and prosperous state. Barakah said Saudi Arabia has become an influential player on the global stage, with its Vision 2030 reform agenda setting a model for sustainable development. He highlighted deepening bilat

Sep 24, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
Saudi Arabia marks 95th National Day, highlights deepening ties with Korea
Foreign Affairs

Japan’s envoy confident of continued close Seoul-Tokyo ties despite leadership changes

Japan’s ambassador to South Korea is confident that Seoul-Tokyo ties will remain strong and continue to evolve, despite changes in political leadership in both countries, as the two nations need to cooperate on both regional and global challenges. Koichi Mizushima, the top envoy in Seoul, signaled a desire for stability amid an upcoming leadership transition at home, reflecting a broader effort to project continuity in Northeast Asian diplomatic order. Mizushima noted that while Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has announced his intention to step down, he will continue to represent Japan at international meetings for the time being, including this week’s United Nations General Assembly in New York. Diplomatic watchers say Japan’s next prime minister is likely to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Korea in late October. “The relationship between Japan and Korea is very important,” Mizushima told The Korea Times in an interview at his residence in Seoul Monday. “We share common values such as democracy, free trade and the rule of law. We would like to pursue a

Sep 24, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
Japan’s envoy confident of continued close Seoul-Tokyo ties despite leadership changes
Foreign Affairs

Indonesia Festival 2025 shines bright in Seoul

Colorful islands, dazzling dances and the aroma of Indonesian spices filled the air in central Seoul as the Indonesia Festival 2025 transformed the Yeouido Floating Stage into a vibrant celebration of culture and friendship. Held under the theme “Wonderful Indonesia: A Journey to Paradise,” the one-day event on Sept. 20 drew thousands of visitors, including Korean residents, Indonesian nationals and international tourists. The festival opened with a ceremony led by Indonesian Ambassador to Korea Cecep Herawan, joined by ASEAN ambassadors and Korean government officials. “This moment further strengthens the friendship between the two countries and will also become a wonderful memory of Indonesia,” said Jung Ga-yeon, deputy director general for ASEAN and Southeast Asia Affairs at Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ambassador added that the festival “is not merely a cultural celebration, but also a bridge of friendship that brings the beauty and diversity of Indonesia to the heart of Seoul, while at the same time strengthening ties between Indonesians, Koreans and ASEAN as

Sep 23, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
Indonesia Festival 2025 shines bright in Seoul
Politics

Lee to visit New York next week to attend UN General Assembly

President Lee Jae Myung will travel to New York on Monday to attend the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly and meet with U.S. and global leaders, his office said Friday. Lee will begin his trip Monday with a meeting with Larry Fink, CEO and chairman of BlackRock and chair of the World Economic Forum, to discuss cooperation on artificial intelligence and energy transition, according to National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac. He will also meet members of the U.S. Congress to discuss bilateral ties and hold a gathering with Korean residents in New York. On Tuesday, Lee will deliver a keynote address at the General Assembly, becoming the seventh world leader to take the podium among more than 190 scheduled speakers. He is expected to declare Korea’s return to democratic principles, outline Seoul’s vision for the Korean Peninsula, and present its contributions to global peace and prosperity. After his speech, Lee will meet U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to discuss multilateral cooperation and peace on the Korean Peninsula, before attending a dinner with U.S. opin

Sep 19, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
Lee to visit New York next week to attend UN General Assembly
Politics

Top court under pressure as ruling party raises impeachment threat

Korea’s ruling party is intensifying its campaign to oust Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae, escalating a political battle over judicial independence in a struggle that, while not new, has taken on a new and dangerous edge. The push to unseat Cho, led by the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), is fueled by reports that he may have discussed sensitive cases — including one involving President Lee Jae Myung, then the DPK leader — before the June 3 presidential election. The current struggle over the Supreme Court’s leadership is more than a simple partisan dispute. It is a new and dangerous test for Korea’s democratic institutions, as DPK leaders are using the threat of legislative action — an unprecedented move — to remove a sitting chief justice. The campaign signals a new phase in the country’s turbulent politics, where the judiciary is becoming a direct arena for political battle. Cho has vehemently denied the accusations, calling them “completely groundless” and stating publicly that he never discussed ongoing cases with any politicians. “I have never held such conversation

Sep 19, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
Top court under pressure as ruling party raises impeachment threat
Foreign Affairs

Lee to visit New York next week to attend UN General Assembly

President Lee Jae Myung will travel to New York on Monday to attend the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly and meet with U.S. and global leaders, his office said Friday. Lee will begin his trip Monday with a meeting with Larry Fink, CEO and chairman of BlackRock and chair of the World Economic Forum, to discuss cooperation on artificial intelligence and energy transition, according to National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac. He will also meet members of the U.S. Congress to discuss bilateral ties and hold a gathering with Korean residents in New York. On Tuesday, Lee will deliver a keynote address at the General Assembly, becoming the seventh world leader to take the podium among more than 190 scheduled speakers. He is expected to declare Korea’s return to democratic principles, outline Seoul’s vision for the Korean Peninsula, and present its contributions to global peace and prosperity. After his speech, Lee will meet U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to discuss multilateral cooperation and peace on the Korean Peninsula, before attending a dinner with U.S. opin

Sep 19, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
Lee to visit New York next week to attend UN General Assembly
Defense

APEC security drill at airport

Members of the Air Force’s 5th Air Mobility Wing and Korea Airports Corp. officials conduct a joint civilian-military aircraft accident response drill at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, Thursday. The exercise simulated an emergency landing and fuselage fire caused by a mechanical failure on an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) participants' aircraft. The airport will serve as the main gateway for the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, which will take place from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1 in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province. Yonhap

Sep 18, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
APEC security drill at airport
Foreign Affairs

ASEAN-Korea Centre hosts talks, workshop on ESG and AI collaboration

The ASEAN-Korea Centre kicked off the two-day "ASEAN-Korea Sustainable Innovation Talks" and workshop in Seoul, Thursday, bringing together around 100 experts, companies and policymakers from across ASEAN and South Korea to advance cooperation on environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices through the use of artificial intelligence (AI). In his opening remarks, Secretary General Kim Jae-shin welcomed participants and stressed the importance of pairing sustainability with digital innovation. “Amid rapid technological innovation, I am confident that ASEAN and Korea can leverage sustainability and AI as mutually reinforcing forces, driving responsible innovation, fostering inclusive growth and creating long-term value and a prosperous tomorrow,” Kim said. He thanked partners, including Yonsei University’s Digital Trade Research Center and the ASEAN Innovation Business Platform, for supporting the initiative, and emphasized the centre’s ongoing efforts to deepen ESG cooperation. Congratulatory remarks were also delivered by ASEAN Committee in Seoul Chairman and Singapore Am

Sep 18, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
ASEAN-Korea Centre hosts talks, workshop on ESG and AI collaboration
Society

PHOTOS Korea Times Global Conference

Choi Kyo-jin, fifth from left, deputy prime minister for social affairs and education minister, and Korea Times Chairman Seung Myung-ho, fourth from left, pose with university presidents during the 2025 Korea Times Global Conference titled "Beyond Borders: Strengthening Global Competitiveness of Korean Universities," at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Seoul, Wednesday. From left are Catholic University of Korea President Choi Jun-gui, Sookmyung Women's University President Moon Si-yeun, Kyungpook National University President Heo Young-woo, Seung, Choi, Seoul National University President Ryu Hong-lim, Korea University President Kim Dong-one, Ewha Womans University President Lee Hyang-sook, Kyung Hee University President Kim Jin-sang, Sungkyunkwan University President Yoo Ji-beom and Hankuk University of Foreign Studies President Park Jeong-woon. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul

Sep 17, 2025By Kim Hyun-binphoto
[PHOTOS] Korea Times Global Conference
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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.