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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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Defense

Controversy erupts as Korea moves to reward soldiers for defying martial law orders

The Ministry of National Defense has announced plans to reward military personnel who refused to carry out unlawful or inappropriate orders during the martial law crisis last December, emphasizing that their actions defended the public and upheld constitutional order. This initiative is part of a fact-finding investigation, launched by the ministry on Friday, to identify service members who “fulfilled their duty by resisting illegal or improper commands” during the incident. The investigation is expected to last between one week and one month and will inform decisions on commendations, such as early promotions for enlisted troops and preferential consideration for officers during long-term service reviews. These decisions may influence the upcoming fall cycle of officer promotions. While ministry officials framed the initiative as a morale-boosting measure and a recognition of ethical military conduct, the announcement has triggered strong public and internal backlash. “Soldiers live and die by orders,” said a man in his 40s surnamed Choi. “If they start deciding on their own w

Jul 21, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
Controversy erupts as Korea moves to reward soldiers for defying martial law orders
North Korea

APEC summit in S. Korea fuels speculation for possible Kim-Trump meeting

Speculation is mounting over the possibility of a high-stakes summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on the sidelines of the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) gathering in South Korea this autumn, rekindling memories of their earlier diplomatic encounters that once captivated global attention. Trump is expected to attend the APEC summit scheduled for Oct. 31 to Nov. 1 in the southeastern city of Gyeongju. While no formal plans for a meeting with Kim have been announced, analysts say shifting geopolitical dynamics and the leaders’ history of personal diplomacy have opened a narrow but significant window for talks. Speculation intensified following the United States’ late June airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, which heightened Pyongyang’s concerns about its own strategic vulnerabilities. Victor Cha, president of the Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, noted that while a summit remains possible, it would take place “under a different context,” with Kim like

Jul 20, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
APEC summit in S. Korea fuels speculation for possible Kim-Trump meeting
Foreign Affairs

ASEAN, Korean youth step up as leaders in regional green innovation

The ASEAN-Korea Centre launched the 2025 ASEAN-Korea Youth Network Workshop, gathering 50 students from Southeast Asia and Korea for a weeklong program focused on green innovation and inclusive growth. Held from Wednesday to July 22 in Incheon and Phnom Penh, Cambodia, the event's theme is “Strengthening ASEAN-Korea Youth’s Engagement: Leveraging the Green Economy for Inclusive Growth.” The 11th edition of the annual workshop is organized in collaboration with Yonsei University's Underwood International College and the Royal University of Phnom Penh’s Institute for International Studies and Public Policy. The workshop features expert lectures, policy discussions and field visits aimed at equipping participants with a deeper understanding of sustainable development, climate action and green economic transformation. Students were selected through open applications and embassy nominations from the 10 ASEAN member states and Korea. “This workshop serves as a meaningful platform for youth leaders to discuss the challenges of achieving inclusive growth through a green economy and to

Jul 17, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
ASEAN, Korean youth step up as leaders in regional green innovation
Foreign Affairs

New Zealand, Korea mark decade of free trade, doubling bilateral commerce

New Zealand and Korea are celebrating the 10th anniversary of their Free Trade Agreement (KNZFTA), a milestone that has more than doubled bilateral trade since its launch in 2015. Korea is now New Zealand’s fifth-largest trading partner, reflecting deepening economic ties under the deal. The KNZFTA has continued to open new markets for exporters on both sides, with recent developments allowing New Zealand to export blueberries and dairy products to Korea, and Korea gaining access to the New Zealand market for mandarins. Officials from both countries have agreed to explore the possibility of upgrading the agreement to further expand shared economic opportunities. Korea’s strengths in technology and manufacturing paired with New Zealand’s expertise in premium foods, beverages, education and sustainability offer a promising foundation for continued growth. To commemorate the anniversary, the New Zealand Embassy in Seoul launched a three-part video series highlighting cooperation beyond trade. In "K-Food Meets Kiwi Wine," New Zealand Ambassador Dawn Bennet and Korean chef Keewuk Lee sh

Jul 17, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
New Zealand, Korea mark decade of free trade, doubling bilateral commerce
Society

Misto Holdings chairman awarded honorary doctorate by HUFS

Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS) awarded an honorary doctorate in business administration Monday to Misto Holdings Chairman Yoon Yoon‑soo for his leadership in advancing Korea’s industrial development and globalization, along with realizing public value through corporate philanthropy. A 1966 graduate of HUFS in political science and diplomacy, Yoon is recognized as a self-made entrepreneur. He founded Fila Korea in 1991 and made headlines in 2007 by acquiring Fila’s Italian parent company — marking a milestone as a Korean firm taking control of a global brand’s headquarters. The ceremony was held at the university’s Seoul campus, in the Fila Acushnet Hall. HUFS President Park Jeong-woon and executives from Misto Holdings attended the event. “In addition to his global business leadership that has elevated our country’s economic growth and international stature, Chairman Yoon has contributed significantly to his alma mater with integrity and transparency,” said Park. “This honorary doctorate is HUFS’ expression of deep respect for his achievements.” In 20

Jul 16, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
Misto Holdings chairman awarded honorary doctorate by HUFS
Foreign Affairs

KBIZ chairman, Chinese envoy seeks SME cooperation

Korea and China are seeking to deepen cooperation between their small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as business leaders from both countries highlighted the importance of grassroots economic engagement during a meeting in Seoul on Monday. Kim Ki-mun, chairman of the Korea Federation of SMEs, known as KBIZ, met with Chinese Ambassador to Korea Dai Bing at the federation’s headquarters in Seoul to discuss ways to expand bilateral collaboration in the SME sector. “With China being Korea’s largest trading partner and an important economic counterpart, we ask for the Chinese Embassy’s active support in strengthening cooperation in the SME sector,” Kim said. He added that Korea-China ties have been improving under the new Korean administration, citing recent high-level exchanges. Kim also noted that the recent implementation of a bilateral visa waiver has led to a surge in people-to-people exchanges, presenting new opportunities for business partnerships at the SME level. China is allowing Korean citizens to enter visa-free for up to 30 days through Dec. 31, for tourism, busine

Jul 15, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
KBIZ chairman, Chinese envoy seeks SME cooperation
Foreign Affairs

French envoy hails Franco-Korean ties at Bastille Day celebration

France’s top envoy to Korea praised the resilience of Korea's democracy, underscored shared global responsibilities and pledged stronger Franco-Korean cooperation in high-tech sectors and climate action, as the French Embassy marked Bastille Day in Seoul on Monday. Speaking to lawmakers, diplomats and French nationals gathered for the celebration, French Ambassador Philippe Bertoux highlighted the importance of solidarity in the face of unprecedented global shifts, from climate change to international security threats. “This year’s celebration is taking place in an unprecedented context,” Bertoux said. “Unprecedented because of the speed at which our societies, our planet and the international situation are evolving.” The ambassador acknowledged Korea’s recent political turbulence following the imposition of martial law in December, but praised the nation for maintaining its democratic foundations. “Fortunately, Korean democracy has demonstrated its solidity,” he said, referring to the June 3 presidential election. “A new page is being written.” Bertoux reaffirmed Fr

Jul 15, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
French envoy hails Franco-Korean ties at Bastille Day celebration
Law & Crime

Probe into former first lady likely to accelerate with arrest of ex-president

The re-arrest of former President Yoon Suk Yeol is expected to inject new momentum into a separate special counsel probe targeting his wife, Kim Keon Hee, as investigators intensify efforts to examine allegations involving the former first couple. A team of 120 prosecutors is currently investigating both Yoon and his wife. Judge Nam Se-jin of the Seoul Central District Court issued an arrest warrant for Yoon early Thursday, citing concerns over potential evidence tampering. The decision came after a nearly seven-hour pretrial detention hearing on Wednesday, addressing charges that include obstruction of official duties. Yoon, by then officially suspended from his presidential powers and duties, was arrested on Jan. 15, 2025, on insurrection charges. He was released 52 days later, after a Seoul court nullified his arrest, ruling that prosecutors had filed the indictment after his detention order had expired — a procedural lapse that made his confinement unlawful. With Yoon back in custody, legal experts say the special counsel team led by Special Prosecutor Min Joong-ki — widely known

Jul 11, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
Probe into former first lady likely to accelerate with arrest of ex-president
North Korea

Satellite images confirm N. Korea's demolition of inter-Korean reunion center

North Korea has been steadily dismantling a crucial inter-Korean facility in the Mount Geumgang tourist zone for more than six months, with recent satellite images confirming the removal of rooftop structures from a family reunion center, a site once symbolic of cross-border reconciliation for families separated by the 1950-53 Korean War. According to a report by 38 North, a U.S.-based North Korea monitoring site, high-resolution satellite images taken on July 5 reveal that rooftop structures at the reunion center have been dismantled, exposing the building’s interior. The facility’s demolition appears to have been underway since late last year. South Korea’s Unification Ministry said in February that North Korea had begun tearing down the upper floors of the 12-story building, including its observatory and exterior tiles. Other civilian-run structures in the area, such as the golf resort clubhouse and spa, have already been completely demolished. Satellite images clearly show that only the foundations of these buildings remain. Although the demolition is progressing, 38 North note

Jul 11, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
Satellite images confirm N. Korea's demolition of inter-Korean reunion center
Foreign Affairs

Busan mayor, acting US envoy discuss bilateral cooperation

Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon met with Joseph Yun, acting U.S. ambassador to Korea, on Wednesday to discuss ways to enhance cooperation and mutual development between Busan and the United States, the city government said Thursday. The meeting took place at the Westin Josun Busan hotel and covered topics such as shipbuilding cooperation between Korea and the United States and the construction of the new Gadeok Island airport. Yun, who previously served as U.S. ambassador to Malaysia and U.S. special representative for North Korea policy, assumed his current role in January under the Trump administration. He remarked that “Busan holds a key position on the Korean Peninsula” and expressed hope for deeper U.S.-Busan ties. Park highlighted Busan’s vision of becoming a global hub city, focusing on five core areas: logistics, finance, new industries, cultural content and international tourism. He asked for continued U.S. interest and support. “I believe Ambassador Yun’s extensive diplomatic experience will help further solidify Korea-U.S. cooperation and support Busan’s leap toward be

Jul 10, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
Busan mayor, acting US envoy discuss bilateral cooperation
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