The Korea Times

President taps new aides for politics, communications and civil affairs

President Lee Jae-myung on Sunday appointed Woo Sang-ho, a prominent former Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) lawmaker, as his senior secretary for political affairs — a move seen as part of a broader shake-up aimed at bolstering political outreach, improving communication with the public and advancing prosecutorial reforms. Lee also named veteran journalist Lee Kyu-youn, former CEO of JTBC, as senior secretary for public relations and communication, and appointed Oh Kwang-soo, a former senior prosecutor, as senior secretary for civil affairs, according to Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik. Woo, 62, is a prominent figure from South Korea’s influential 1980s student activist movement, and part of the generation born in the 1960s that played a pivotal role in pro-democracy mobilization. Woo officially entered politics in 1998 as a deputy spokesperson for then-Seoul mayoral candidate Goh Kun under the National Congress for New Politics. Woo served multiple terms as party spokesperson across different liberal parties. Woo was first elected to the National Assembly in 2004 as a member of the now

Jun 8, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin

President taps new aides for politics, communications and civil affairs

Foreign Affairs

Norway commemorates 40 years of salmon sushi in Seoul

The Norwegian Seafood Council recently convened at the Norwegian ambassador's residence in Seoul to commemorate a culinary anniversary: the 40th year since the invention of salmon sushi. The event honored a gastronomic milestone that, beginning with a bold idea in 1985, has since transformed global palates. “It is indeed a great pleasure to welcome you to this very special celebration of Norwegian salmon sushi,” Norwegian Ambassador to Korea Anne Kari Hansen Ovind said in her opening remarks at the event Thursday. The event highlighted the origins of salmon sushi, tracing back to “Project Japan,” a promotional campaign launched by the Norwegian government in the mid-1980s. Norwegian seafood delegates proposed using farmed Atlantic salmon from Norway as a sushi ingredient in Japan, where raw salmon was traditionally avoided due to concerns about parasites in wild Pacific salmon. “While sushi might not be something that you think of as being a Norwegian food, fish certainly is,” Ovind said. “After all, fish has been important to the Norwegian economy and culture way back from

Jun 5, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin

Norway commemorates 40 years of salmon sushi in Seoul

Foreign Affairs

Italian National Day commemorates deepening cultural, strategic ties

The Embassy of Italy in Seoul marked the 79th anniversary of Italian Republic Day on Monday with a vibrant reception held at the residence of Italian Ambassador to Korea Emilia Gatto. Nearly 1,000 distinguished guests, representing Korea's political, economic, academic and cultural leadership, gathered for the occasion. The significant turnout underscored the profound and multifaceted nature of the bilateral relationship between Italy and Korea. “The Italian Republic Day testifies to the victory of democracy over totalitarianism, and of equality, justice and freedom over discrimination, iniquity and repression,” Gatto said. “Such conquests remind us of the foundations upon which the Italian Republic was constructed, and acquire further significance in the face of new global challenges.” Special guests included Kim Hee-sang, Korean deputy minister for Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Lee Han-kyung, vice minister for Disaster and Safety Management at the Ministry of Interior and Safety. Speaking before the crowd, Ambassador Gatto reflected on recent mileston

Jun 5, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin

Italian National Day commemorates deepening cultural, strategic ties

Foreign Affairs

World leaders extend congratulations to new Korean president

Following his victory in Tuesday’s snap election, triggered by the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung received congratulatory messages from world leaders. Their responses signal expectations of a recalibrated foreign policy and a renewed focus on strengthening regional partnerships. Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday congratulated Lee on his election victory, saying Beijing places a high priority on its relationship with Seoul and is ready to work closely with the incoming administration to deepen bilateral ties. “Congratulations to President-elect Lee Jae-myung on his election victory,” Xi said. “China highly values the relationship between our two countries.” In Japan, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba congratulated Lee, calling his election “a reflection of the will of the Korean people.” He expressed hope for renewed relations after years of strain between the two countries. “It is in our mutual interest to work closely together on issues of security, historical reconciliation and regional stability,” Ishiba said. He pr

Jun 4, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin

World leaders extend congratulations to new Korean president

Politics

New president to start term in Yongsan, eyes future move to Sejong

With his election victory, Lee Jae-myung is expected to begin his presidency at the current executive compound in Yongsan, Seoul. However, he has signaled intentions to eventually restore the former presidential office at Cheong Wa Dae and pursue a long-term relocation of the headquarters to the administrative capital of Sejong. With no transition team and limited time to coordinate a relocation, Lee is expected to temporarily continue operations from Yongsan — the same site used by his predecessor, impeached former President Yoon Suk Yeol. Aides say the move reflects practical constraints rather than a permanent choice. “President Lee has made it clear that Yongsan is not a permanent solution,” a campaign official said. “He intends to restore Cheong Wa Dae as the executive center and pursue the relocation of key state functions, including the presidential office and National Assembly, to Sejong during his term.” Lee had criticized the Yongsan move during his campaign, calling it costly and poorly planned. Instead, he advocated for a broader decentralization of power, citing n

Jun 4, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin

New president to start term in Yongsan, eyes future move to Sejong

Foreign Affairs

Foreign envoys eye stronger Korea ties with new president

With South Korea on the cusp of a leadership transition after Tuesday’s presidential election, foreign ambassadors in Seoul are voicing optimism for stronger bilateral cooperation and a renewed drive toward shared priorities under the new administration. German Ambassador to Korea Georg Schmidt said Berlin sees Korea as a vital partner, especially in the face of global and domestic challenges. “The Republic of Korea is a close partner for Germany and we look forward to deepening cooperation, particularly in fields like AI (artificial intelligence), green energy and semiconductors,” Schmidt said. “Social transformation like demography, social security reforms or migration affect our countries. Therefore, it is very helpful to exchange our experiences.” He also stressed the importance of cooperation on climate change, sustainable development and security. “Germany and Korea share the painful experience of national division. Dealing with this unique challenge creates a very special bond between our people,” he said. “Further increasing people-to-people contacts on all levels

Jun 3, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin

Foreign envoys eye stronger Korea ties with new president

Foreign Affairs

Egypt’s candidate for UNESCO director-general pledges renewal through unity and innovation

Khaled El-Enany, Egypt’s former minister of Tourism and Antiquities and a leading contender for UNESCO director-general for the 2025–2029 term, has unveiled an ambitious agenda to reinvigorate the global cultural and scientific organization. His campaign pivots on fostering international unity, aggressively advancing cultural diplomacy and integrating innovative approaches into the agency's core mission. In an interview with The Korea Times during his visit to Seoul on Friday, El-Enany underscored his career in education, culture and heritage — areas central to UNESCO’s mandate. “I’ve dedicated my entire career to UNESCO’s fields of competence,” he said. “Since 1993, I’ve taught at the university level, conducted research, managed museums and led cultural institutions. Working across cultures, especially in tourism, has given me first-hand experience in international collaboration.” If elected, El-Enany said his first priority would be to rebuild consensus among UNESCO’s member states and reduce political polarization. “UNESCO must remain a neutral platform,” h

May 30, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin

Egypt’s candidate for UNESCO director-general pledges renewal through unity and innovation

Foreign Affairs

Irish officials head to Korea to expand food trade

The Irish government will lead a trade mission to Seoul as part of a broader push to strengthen food and agriculture exports to Asia. The visit will be led by Ireland’s Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, and will include top officials from Bord Bia, Ireland’s food promotion agency. Heydon is scheduled to be in Seoul on June 9 and 10 for high-level meetings with his Korean government counterparts. Discussions will focus on improving market access, deepening trade relations and promoting Ireland’s sustainable and premium food offerings. “Korea is a priority market for Irish food and drink exports,” Heydon said. “This mission is about building on the strong trade relations we’ve developed and opening new avenues for collaboration.” The trip follows a significant milestone in 2024, when Irish beef gained access to the Korean market after years of negotiations. The move has opened new opportunities for Irish exporters amid rising demand for high quality beef in Asia. “Sustainability is increasingly a key factor for Korean buyers,” Heydon said.

May 29, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin

Irish officials head to Korea to expand food trade

Foreign Affairs

Thai ambassador inaugurates new consular office in Seoul

Thai Ambassador to Korea Tanee Sangrat officially opened a new consular office for the Royal Thai Embassy in Seoul on Wednesday, highlighting the expansion as a crucial step in better serving the nearly 200,000 Thai nationals residing in Korea. In his inaugural address at the opening ceremony, the ambassador expressed gratitude to community leaders, Thai government representatives, and guests in attendance, including Venerable Phra Khru Baiteeka Jirasak Ketumeto, the abbot of Wat Buddhaparam Korea. “It is an honor to stand before you today to inaugurate the new Consular Office of the Royal Thai Embassy in Seoul. I deeply appreciate everyone who made time to attend this important occasion,” Sangrat said. He explained that the consular section, overwhelmed by demand, had reached its operational limit. “The embassy handles consular services for one of the largest Thai expatriate populations in the world, receiving nearly 400 service requests per day,” he said. “Our former office space was no longer sufficient.” The new office is located at 45 Daesagwan-ro, Yongsan District — di

May 29, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin

Thai ambassador inaugurates new consular office in Seoul

Foreign Affairs

Dutch Embassy selects Hyundai IONIQ 9 as official vehicle

The Embassy of the Netherlands in Korea has officially adopted Hyundai Motor’s all-electric flagship SUV, the IONIQ 9, as its new ambassadorial vehicle — marking the mission's transition to a fully electric vehicle for official diplomatic use. In a ceremony held Tuesday at Hyundai’s Asan plant, Dutch Ambassador Peter van der Vliet received the IONIQ 9. The event also included a tour of the production line where the IONIQ 9 is assembled, giving the ambassador a first-hand look at Hyundai’s EV manufacturing capabilities. “The Netherlands is committed to advancing sustainability and reducing emissions in all sectors — including diplomacy,” the ambassador said. “We chose the IONIQ 9 for its exceptional range, energy efficiency and Hyundai’s proven innovation in eco-friendly technology. It’s an excellent fit for our values and mission in Korea.” As one of Europe’s leading nations in electric vehicle adoption and infrastructure, the Netherlands has long prioritized green transportation. The Dutch Embassy's decision to introduce an electric official vehicle highlights t

May 28, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin

Kim Hyun-bin

Read more

President taps new aides for politics, communications and civil affairs

Norway commemorates 40 years of salmon sushi in Seoul

Italian National Day commemorates deepening cultural, strategic ties

World leaders extend congratulations to new Korean president

New president to start term in Yongsan, eyes future move to Sejong

Foreign envoys eye stronger Korea ties with new president

Egypt’s candidate for UNESCO director-general pledges renewal through unity and innovation

Irish officials head to Korea to expand food trade

Thai ambassador inaugurates new consular office in Seoul

Dutch Embassy selects Hyundai IONIQ 9 as official vehicle

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