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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

Oman seeks to boost travel ties with Korea

The Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in Korea, in partnership with Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, held a promotional forum Friday aimed at enhancing travel and tourism cooperation between the two nations. The event, held in Seoul, brought together around 30 representatives from major Korean travel and tourism firms, along with officials from Oman Air’s Seoul office and other key industry figures. It aimed to showcase Oman’s natural beauty and cultural heritage to the Korean market and encourage local agencies to promote Oman as a preferred travel destination. Organizers said the forum is part of Oman’s broader Vision 2040 strategy, which emphasizes tourism development as a key pillar of economic diversification and sustainability, reducing the country’s dependence on oil revenues. Opening the event, the Omani Ambassador to Korea Zakariya bin Hamad Al-Saadi highlighted the importance of the gathering as a platform for public diplomacy. He called on Korean tourism professionals to help strengthen people-to-people ties and promote cultural exchange by showcasing Oman’

May 27, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
Oman seeks to boost travel ties with Korea
Society

Korean scout chief awarded Sakura Gold Medal

Lee Chan-hee, president of the Korea Scout Association and senior legal advisor at Yulchon LLC, was awarded the Sakura Gold Medal at the national jamboree of the Scout Association of Japan in Fukuoka on Saturday. The medal is the highest honor given by the Japanese Scouts to foreign leaders for exceptional contributions to international scouting. The Scout Association of Japan said it recognized Lee for revitalizing international exchange programs that had been suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic and for actively supporting youth engagement on the global stage since taking office in February 2024. A former Scout throughout his early school years, Lee graduated from Yongmoon High School and earned a law degree from Yonsei University. He passed Korea’s national bar exam in 1998, completed the Judicial Research and Training Institute in 1999 and began practicing law in 2001. Lee has held several prominent positions, including arbitrator at the Korean Commercial Arbitration Board, president of the Seoul Bar Association and president of the Korean Bar Association. He previously served as

May 27, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
Korean scout chief awarded Sakura Gold Medal
Foreign Affairs

PHOTO Indian parliamentary delegation visits Seoul

Indian Ambassador to Korea Amit Kumar, left, and the All-Party Parliamentary delegation, meet with Korean journalists in Seoul, Monday, reaffirming India’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism. The delegation visited Seoul during a multination tour of Asia amid rising tensions with Pakistan. Courtesy of Embassy of India in Seoul

May 27, 2025By Kim Hyun-binphoto
[PHOTO] Indian parliamentary delegation visits Seoul
Politics

DPK's presidential contender vows to form immediate economic task force if elected

Presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung said he would immediately establish an emergency task force led by the president to address the nation’s economic challenges if elected. His pledge underscores escalating public anxiety over Korea's economic outlook, particularly as the nation grapples with inflation, a looming demographic crisis and geopolitical uncertainties that threaten its export-driven growth model. “If I earn the people’s mandate, the first thing I will do is form an emergency economic response task force under the president’s direct command,” Lee said, speaking at a press briefing at the Democratic Party of Korea's (DPK) headquarters in Seoul on Sunday. Lee stressed that the incoming administration, set to take office on June 4, must take the helm of a nation facing a crisis akin to a sinking ship. “Only a prepared candidate and political party can navigate the treacherous waves ahead,” he said, adding that he would swiftly implement feasible economic measures to fight the domestic recession head-on. Lee called for bold government action to revive small businesses

May 25, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
DPK's presidential contender vows to form immediate economic task force if elected
Foreign Affairs

‘We’re still here because it’s not a president’s daughter in Gaza’

TEL AVIV, Israel — The father of U.S.-Israeli hostage Itay Chen, who was abducted by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, spoke out about his son’s captivity, the chaos that followed the attack, and the desperate international efforts to bring him and other hostages home. In a deeply emotional interview, he painted a vivid picture of a loving, courageous young man—and a family fighting tirelessly in the vacuum of government inaction. At just 18, Itay Chen chose to serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), turning down opportunities to study abroad. “He could have gone to college in the United States. He could have gone to Europe,” Judy Chen, his father, said, speaking to Korean journalists, including The Korea Times, Thursday. “But both my family and his mother’s family are Holocaust survivors. We understand the value of a Jewish state and the need to protect it.” Itay was stationed at Nahal Oz, a base near the Gaza border when Hamas launched its unprecedented attack. “He and his team were mobilized, and they fought and defended as much as they could,” his father recounted. “They

May 25, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
‘We’re still here because it’s not a president’s daughter in Gaza’
Foreign Affairs

REPORTAGE Israeli offensive continues as survivors recall deadly Hamas attacks

KFAR AZA, Israel — Thick plumes of smoke rose into the sky from the Gaza Strip Tuesday as Israeli tanks fired relentlessly toward targets across the border, the thunder of artillery echoing across the fields near the Kfar Aza kibbutz. Israeli forces resumed a large-scale ground offensive aimed at dismantling the Palestinian militant group Hamas and rescuing surviving hostages starting Monday. Reporters near the Gaza border witnessed sporadic bursts of gunfire throughout the day, underscoring the tense and volatile atmosphere. While much of the gunfire could be heard from a distance, the blasts grew louder and more jarring closer to Gaza. From a military observation post on a hill near the kibbutz in southern Israel, about five kilometers east of Gaza, journalists watched as Israeli armored units shelled the densely populated Palestinian enclave. Months of conflict have already reduced entire neighborhoods there to rubble. “Our forces are currently conducting precision strikes against Hamas infrastructure in northern and central Gaza,” an Israel Defense Forces spokesperson said on c

May 21, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
[REPORTAGE] Israeli offensive continues as survivors recall deadly Hamas attacks
Foreign Affairs

Netanyahu’s state visit invitation for Korean president still stands : Israeli lawmaker

JERUSALEM —Despite Korea's upcoming presidential election on June 3 and the recent impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, Israeli lawmaker Boaz Bismuth of the ruling Likud party confirmed Monday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's state visit invitation remains valid and will be extended to the incoming Korean leader. Speaking to Korean journalists at the Knesset, Bismuth said the Israeli government views the invitation as a standing one — regardless of Korea’s internal political transitions. The invitation was originally extended during a summit between Netanyahu and Yoon in New York in September 2022, on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly. “The invitation that you spoke about is, of course, relevant,” Bismuth said. “I think once you have the election, I think the invitation will be issued again.” If it goes forward, the visit would be the first time for a sitting Korean president to travel to Israel. Despite the historic nature of the opportunity, Korea has shown hesitation, citing growing security concerns in the Middle East, including Israel’s ongoing w

May 20, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
Netanyahu’s state visit invitation for Korean president still stands : Israeli lawmaker
Society

Litterbugs beware: Seoul's new trash reporting initiative aims to help clean up expressways

Seoul Facilities Corp. announced Friday a new campaign aimed at curbing illegal dumping along the city's major expressways, offering cash rewards to citizens who report violations through a dedicated mobile app. The initiative targets 12 major expressways in the capital, including Olympic-daero, Gangbyeonbuk-ro, Dongbu Expressway and Naebu Ring Road, which have long been blighted by illegal dumping. According to the corporation, an average of 160 metric tons of waste has been illegally dumped on these roads annually over the past five years. The waste found along these expressways varies widely and often poses safety risks. In addition to common trash like disposable containers and cardboard boxes, authorities frequently discover discarded furniture, household appliances and even construction materials dumped along road shoulders and embankments. Officials warn that such illegal dumping not only degrades the environment but also poses a significant risk to traffic safety. Debris left on or near roadways can lead to accidents, particularly during inclement weather or low visibility. In re

May 16, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
Litterbugs beware: Seoul's new trash reporting initiative aims to help clean up expressways
Politics

Conservative candidate blocked from participating in vigil marking Gwangju massacre

Organizers of a ceremony marking the anniversary of the Gwangju massacre are opposing the attendance of Kim Moon-soo, the presidential contender from the conservative People Power Party (PPP), at a commemorative event held on the eve of the anniversary. Officially known as the May 18 Democratic Uprising, the incident marks a pivotal moment in Korea’s pro-democracy struggle. In May 1980, the Korean military brutally suppressed civilian protests in the southwestern city, resulting in the deaths of several hundred — and possibly more than 2,000 — people. The tragedy remains a powerful symbol of resistance and sacrifice, commemorated each year with ceremonies and vigils in Gwangju to honor those who lost their lives. According to the organizing committee for the 45th anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, Thursday, the PPP’s Gwangju branch contacted organizers earlier this week to inquire about Kim’s attendance at the ceremony. In response, the committee expressed its disapproval, citing concerns over public safety. “While the vigil is open to everyone to honor those who

May 16, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
Conservative candidate blocked from participating in vigil marking Gwangju massacre
Foreign Affairs

Belgium promotes innovation and strategic ties with Korea

Belgium spotlighted its role as a hub for innovation, logistics and research in Europe during a high-level business event held in Seoul on Wednesday, emphasizing opportunities for Korean companies to expand into the European market. The forum, titled "Belgian Innovation at the Heart of Europe: Unlocking Business Opportunities," was organized by the Embassy of Belgium in Korea in cooperation with Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT) and the Wallonia Export & Investment Agency (AWEX). Speaking at the event, Bruno Jans, the Belgian ambassador to Korea, highlighted the country's unique cultural and linguistic diversity as a strength that fuels innovation and entrepreneurship. "Belgium is a diverse and dynamic market located at the crossroads of Europe," Jans said. "We attract a wide range of international businesses and talent, supported by a business-friendly environment and thriving sectors such as life sciences, green tech and semiconductors." He emphasized Korea’s potential as a strategic partner, praising its technological leadership and research and development (R&D) prowess. “The syn

May 15, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
Belgium promotes innovation and strategic ties with Korea
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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.