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.
Gyeonggi Province Gov. Kim Dong-yeon, left, shakes hands with Indian Ambassador to Korea Amit Kumar in his office at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government, Aug. 14. The meeting marked a farewell visit by Kumar, who is set to leave his post later this month. The two discussed potential partnerships in sectors including semiconductors, artificial intelligence and biotech. Courtesy of Gyeonggi Provincial Government
As Indian Ambassador to Korea Amit Kumar concludes his tenure, he took time to reflect on the progress made in bolstering the India-Korea Special Strategic Partnership and outlined the opportunities that lie ahead. "As my close to three-year term comes to an end in Korea, with which we enjoy a Special Strategic Partnership, I draw satisfaction from the fact that we moved the needle on several facets of our partnership," Kumar said in a recent written interview with The Korea Times. "These include new dialogue mechanisms, including trilateral dialogues with the U.S. and Japan on technology cooperation and policy planning, and deeper economic and commercial ties encompassing new areas of cooperation." Kumar highlighted how Korean investments in India exceeded $2 billion over the last two years, with more expected across equities, infrastructure and renewable energy. He also pointed to growing awareness about India in Korea, although he stressed that "both sides need to invest more efforts in promoting better understanding of emerging opportunities in our partnership." The ambassador under
Oman’s top energy official urged stronger cooperation with Korea on green hydrogen on Monday, saying both nations are well positioned to lead the global transition to clean energy and address the growing challenges of climate change. Mohsin Hamad Al Hadhrami, undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, made the comments in a keynote address at the Korea-Oman Green Hydrogen Forum at the Embassy of Oman in Seoul. The event was co-hosted by Oman’s Ministry of Energy and Minerals and the Omani Embassy, with support from the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA). It marked Al Hadhrami’s second visit to Korea, following an initial trip two years ago. He said he was encouraged by the pace of progress in bilateral energy cooperation. “This is my second time, and I can feel the momentum that is sustained by the two nations,” he said. “Progress of humanity is all about connection. Without connection there is no progress, and that is why Korea and Oman must continue to work together.” Green hydrogen is a clean fuel made by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen
Naju Mayor Yoon Byung-tae met with Sri Lankan Ambassador to Korea Savitri Panabokke on Sunday to discuss measures to protect the rights of Sri Lankan migrant workers following a recent human rights violation in the area. During the meeting, the mayor expressed deep regret over the incident in which a worker was mistreated at a local brick factory. A 31-year-old Sri Lankan migrant worker, identified only as A, was bound to a stack of bricks with plastic wrap and hoisted by a forklift at a brick factory in Naju, South Jeolla Province on Feb. 26. Co-workers filmed and laughed as he was dragged around the site. “I extend my sincere apologies to the Sri Lankan people and the victims who may have been hurt by this regrettable human rights violation in our city,” the mayor said, adding that the city is committed to ensuring both recovery for victims and prevention of future incidents. Yoon further explained that the city is providing a range of support services — livelihood assistance, psychological counseling, labor consultation and interpretation — for the victim’s recovery. The cit
Korea criticized Japanese Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi after he visited the Yasukuni Shrine on Friday, the anniversary of Japan’s World War II surrender, undercutting recent gestures of reconciliation by the two countries’ leaders. The visit highlighted the lingering historical tensions that continue to shape relations between Seoul and Tokyo. The son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, Shinjiro is regarded as an influential up-and-coming politician and has cultivated an image as a modern, reform-minded leader. Just days earlier, he visited Korea’s National Cemetery, sparking speculation that he could help improve ties between the neighboring countries. His gesture, along with casual remarks about enjoying Korean food, briefly raised hopes in Seoul that he represented a new generation of Japanese leadership. But his visit to Yasukuni — where 14 convicted Class-A war criminals are enshrined alongside 2.46 million war dead — appeared to reaffirm his alignment with Japan’s nationalist right. The move drew inevitable comparisons to his father, whose frequent sh
The Daejeon Chamber of Commerce and Industry said Sunday it hosted a luncheon meeting with Uzbek Ambassador to Korea Alisher Abdusalomov on Aug. 8 to discuss ways to deepen investment and cooperation between local businesses and Uzbekistan. The event brought together regional business leaders, municipal officials and embassy representatives. The program began with video presentations highlighting the investment climates of both Daejeon and Uzbekistan. Attendees then engaged in open discussions on how to strengthen corporate partnerships, with particular emphasis on potential joint projects in satellite manufacturing and services, water purification initiatives and high-speed rail construction. Local executives shared firsthand experiences of operating in foreign markets and offered proposals to make Uzbekistan more accessible to Korean companies. Key suggestions included streamlining tax incentives, simplifying documentation requirements and improving customs clearance procedures for imports and exports. “Uzbekistan is a country with high growth potential based on abundant natural res
The Korea Muslim Federation (KMF) celebrated 70 years of Islam in Korea with an international halal seminar and gala dinner in Seoul on Wednesday, bringing together key figures from Islamic countries and domestic halal organizations. In his opening remarks, Kim Dong-eok, KMF president, expressed deep gratitude to the guests who traveled from abroad to attend the milestone event. “May the peace of Allah always be with you all,” Kim said. He singled out notable attendees including Ahmad Haikal Hasan, minister of Indonesia’s Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Produk Halal (BPJPH); Osama bin Ahmad Al-Jaffal, undersecretary of the Saudi Ministry of Religious Affairs; and Saleh I. Babear, secretary-general of the World Assembly of Muslim Youth. Kim traced the long history of Islamic ties to the Korean Peninsula, noting that Arab merchants were trading with Silla in the middle of the ninth century and that the name “Korea” was first introduced to the West by Arab merchants during the Goryeo Dynasty in the early 11th century. He also cited historical records of Quran recitations at the royal
Former Korean Ambassador to the European Union Kim Hyoung-zhin introduced his new book titled “Why is the EU Not Prominently Visible in Korea’s Diplomacy?” at a book launch event Tuesday at the EU Delegation in Seoul. The event drew senior diplomats, foreign envoys, government officials and scholars involved in Korea-Europe relations. Opening the event, EU Ambassador to Korea Maria Castillo Fernandez warmly praised Kim as a “dear friend and trusted companion” throughout her five years in Korea. She recalled their first meeting in Seoul and how insights from their ongoing conversations enriched her understanding of Korea’s complex diplomatic landscape. “I’m really very pleased to have Ambassador Kim Hyoung-zhin with us today,” Ambassador Fernandez said. “He was one of the first persons I met when I arrived, coming also from Brussels. We met at the Seoul Metropolitan Office, where ambassadors often gather. Over the years, he has been one of my closest friends within government and beyond, always sharing wisdom and a nuanced perspective on Korea and Europe.” The ambas
A part of Dongbu Expressway in northeastern Seoul's Nowon District is flooded after Jungnang Stream overflowed following heavy rain. Heavy rain warnings and alerts were issued for Seoul and surrounding Gyeonggi Province, with roads closed and houses inundated. The rain is forecast to continue through Thursday morning. Yonhap
Inspire Entertainment Resort on Monday named Lee Sang-won as its new chief transformation officer, the company said. Lee, a veteran in strategic planning and operational execution, will oversee strategic planning, data analytics and IT, leading projects aimed at boosting competitiveness, streamlining operations and enhancing customer experience. He has held senior roles at McKinsey & Company, LG Electronics and Serveone, and has worked with more than 30 major organizations on mergers and acquisitions, business strategy and operational improvements. The company said his work has delivered measurable transformations and strengthened organizational performance. Lee earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Seoul National University and holds master’s degrees in electrical engineering and business administration from Columbia University in the United States. “Sangwon Lee’s expertise and leadership mark a critical inflection point in Inspire’s growth journey,” Inspire President Chen Si said in a statement. “We will further enhance our global competitiveness and c