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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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Politics

DPK unveils election campaign committee with emphasis on unity

Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate for the liberal Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), launched his election campaign committee on Wednesday, unveiling a leadership team that includes conservative figures and members of party factions previously critical of him — a step aimed at bridging internal divisions ahead of the June 3 presidential race. Notable appointments include former Environment Minister Yoon Yeo-joon, a respected conservative elder, and former lawmaker Park Yong-jin, who was at the center of a controversy surrounding the exclusion of members of anti-Lee factions during previous nominations. Their inclusion in the campaign team serves as a symbolic demonstration of Lee’s commitment to party unity. Former South Gyeongsang Province Gov. Kim Kyung-soo and ex-Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum, both seen as prominent anti-Lee figures, have also joined the committee as co-chairs. Kwon Oh-eul, a former conservative lawmaker aligned with centrist politician Yoo Seong-min, is expected to take part in the campaign as well. In addition, DPK floor leader Rep. Park Chan-dae will serve

Apr 30, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
DPK unveils election campaign committee with emphasis on unity
North Korea

N. Korean delegation visits Russia to bolster military ties, signaling deeper cooperation

A North Korean military delegation has departed for Moscow, Pyongyang's state media said Tuesday, a day after the North officially confirmed for the first time that it has deployed troops to Russia to support its war in Ukraine. The delegation, led by Pak Young-il, deputy director of the General Political Bureau of the Korean People's Army (KPA), left Pyongyang on Monday to attend an international anti-fascism event in Russia, Pyongyang's state-run Korean Central News Agency reported. The dispatch offered no further details, but the trip coincides with preparations for Russia’s 80th Victory Day celebrations, set for May 9. Pak is a prominent figure within North Korea's military establishment, holding a significant position within the KPA General Political Bureau. This powerful body is tasked with maintaining political control and ideological purity within the armed forces, as well as ensuring loyalty to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. As deputy director, Pak likely plays a key role in shaping the military's political landscape, enforcing the directives of the ruling Workers' Party,

Apr 29, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
N. Korean delegation visits Russia to bolster military ties, signaling deeper cooperation
Foreign Affairs

Turkey-Korea international conference highlights shared ancient heritage

Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced that the Turkiye-Hittite International Conference held at the Seoul Baekje Museum on April 18 helped strengthen ties between Turkey and Korea, according to the Embassy of Turkey on April 28. The conference coincided with the museum’s ongoing international exhibition, "Hittites: The Mightiest Empire of the Orient." Eleven distinguished archaeologists from Turkey, Germany and Korea presented research on the development and structures of the ancient Hittite and Baekje civilizations. Highlighted presentations included findings from key Hittite sites such as Hattusa and Orta Koy/Şapinuwa, while Korean scholars shared discoveries from the Baekje capitals of Hanseong, Ungjin, and Sabi, facilitating comparative discussions on ancient urbanization. Particularly notable was the participation of leading Turkish scholars, who shared firsthand research from Hittite archaeological sites and engaged in dialogue comparing it to Korea’s Baekje heritage. The session drew strong interest from attendees, who praised the multidimensional approach li

Apr 28, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
Turkey-Korea international conference highlights shared ancient heritage
Foreign Affairs

KGCCI celebrates 4th graduation of Ausbildung vocational program

The Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KGCCI) held its 2025 Ausbildung graduation ceremony in Seoul Thursday. The Ausbildung program, introduced to Korea by the KGCCI, is a dual vocational education system from Germany. Participants undergo a 36-month course combining 70 percent on-the-job training at companies and 30 percent academic study at universities. Upon completion, they receive an associate degree along with a certificate. The ceremony began with congratulatory remarks from the German Ambassador to Korea Georg Schmidt. “Ausbildung is more than just a vocational training program; it is a bridge connecting tradition and innovation, Germany and Korea and future talent with industry leaders," Schmidt said. "Graduates today will become key players in various industries, including the future mobility sector." A total of 58 trainees received Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) certifications during the ceremony, which also looked back on their three-year journey. Trainers offered congratulatory messages to the graduates and awards were presente

Apr 27, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
KGCCI celebrates 4th graduation of Ausbildung vocational program
Defense

US explores possibility of permanent deployment of F-35A stealth jets to S. Korea

The U.S. military is considering permanently stationing fifth-generation F-35A stealth fighters at Kunsan Air Base in South Korea to strengthen deterrence against North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats and to counter China’s regional influence. Local reports say the U.S. plans to initially deploy one squadron to the base in Gunsan, North Jeolla Province, with the possibility of rotating an additional squadron through the base. U.S. Forces Korea’s (USFK) fleet of fourth-generation F-16 fighters will be consolidated at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, while Kunsan Air Base will host the newer F-35As. The Republic of Korea Air Force is reportedly considering stationing an additional 20 F-35As — scheduled for introduction by 2027 — at Kunsan, potentially enabling U.S. and South Korean F-35s to operate jointly from the same location. Currently, the U.S. 7th Air Force has F-16 squadrons stationed at Kunsan’s 8th Fighter Wing and Osan’s 36th Fighter Squadron. However, these F-16s are being relocated entirely to Osan Air Base. Last July, the 7th Air Force announced

Apr 27, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
US explores possibility of permanent deployment of F-35A stealth jets to S. Korea
Foreign Affairs

Book launch in Seoul bridges cultures, boosts Korea-Central Asia tourism cooperation

A literary celebration turned into a platform for cultural diplomacy and tourism development on Wednesday, as Seoul hosted the launch of "Central Asia, the Curtain Rises: 12 Stories Unearthed from the Steppes," a new book by Korean academic Kim Ju-yeon. The event, jointly organized by the embassies of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, highlighted the diverse cultural narratives of the region while setting the stage for stronger tourism ties with Korea. Speaking at the event, Rhee Jong-kook, executive director of the Korea-Central Asia Cooperation Forum Secretariat, emphasized the secretariat’s growing efforts to deepen tourism collaboration between the two regions. “Our secretariat is making a tremendous effort to promote cooperation in tourism between Korea and Central Asia,” Rhee said. “We are currently working hard to form an East-Central Asia Tourism Council in collaboration with both sides’ tourism promotion agencies, travel companies, airlines and — most importantly — the embassies represented here today.” Rhee expressed hope that the

Apr 24, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
Book launch in Seoul bridges cultures, boosts Korea-Central Asia tourism cooperation
Foreign Affairs

Cuban ambassador visits KBO, highlights baseball as bridge between nations

Claudio Raul Monzon Baeza, Cuba’s newly appointed ambassador to Korea, visited the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) on Tuesday, emphasizing the growing role of baseball in strengthening ties between the two countries. Baeza, who formally began his role in January after presenting his credentials during a ceremony at Government Complex Seoul, thanked KBO Commissioner Heo Koo-youn for fostering opportunities for Cuban players to connect with Korean fans. His visit follows a series of recent exchanges between the two nations in the realm of sports diplomacy. The ambassador’s arrival marks a key step in deepening relations between Korea and Cuba. Diplomatic ties were established on Feb. 14, 2024, through an exchange of diplomatic notes via their missions at the United Nations in New York. Cuba has been a consistent source of elite baseball talent, with numerous players achieving stardom in the MLB. Beyond individual success, the island nation boasts a deep-rooted and passionate baseball culture that has significantly influenced the global game. Despite historical and political challeng

Apr 23, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
Cuban ambassador visits KBO, highlights baseball as bridge between nations
Foreign Affairs

Philippine Embassy, RMAF honor Korean Ramon Magsaysay laureates in Seoul

The Philippine Embassy in Seoul, in partnership with the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation (RMAF) in Manila, co-hosted a special gathering honoring Korean recipients of the Ramon Magsaysay Award, often referred to as Asia’s Nobel Prize, in Seoul Tuesday. Held in celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Korea, the event brought together distinguished laureates, diplomats and advocates of public service to reflect on the values of courage, leadership and integrity. The Magsaysay Laureate Reunion and Legacy Exchange showcased keynote speeches, a photo exhibition of past honorees and an open forum celebrating the award’s enduring legacy. Since its inception in 1957, the Ramon Magsaysay Award has recognized 353 individuals and organizations from 22 countries across Asia — including 20 distinguished recipients from Korea. Philippine Ambassador to Korea Theresa Dizon-De Vega opened the event by honoring the contributions of Korean awardees and reaffirming the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations. “This gathering, held in the season of s

Apr 22, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
Philippine Embassy, RMAF honor Korean Ramon Magsaysay laureates in Seoul
Foreign Affairs

Canadian veteran of Korean War buried in Korea in fulfillment of final wish

A Canadian veteran of the Korean War has been laid to rest in Korea, fulfilling his lifelong wish to remain in the country he once fought to defend. William Chrysler, who served as a private in the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment during the 1950–1953 Korean War, was honored with a ceremony Monday at Incheon International Airport. The ceremony was organized by Korea’s Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs. Chrysler’s remains arrived in Korea late Monday afternoon and were received by Patriots and Veterans Affairs Minister Kang Jung-ai, Canadian Ambassador to Korea Tamara Mawhinney and members of Chrysler’s family. Chrysler enlisted at the age of 20 and served until March 1952. A poignant photograph of him helping a wounded comrade after the Battle of Gapyeong became one of the most enduring images of the war’s human toll. The photo is currently archived at the Imperial War Museum in London. Chrysler’s battalion was later awarded the U.S. Presidential Unit Citation for its valor in the battle. After completing his military service, Chrysler returned to Korea in t

Apr 21, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
Canadian veteran of Korean War buried in Korea in fulfillment of final wish
Foreign Affairs

Former UN secretary general calls for end to global conflicts

Former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for an immediate end to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza and urged a revival of multilateralism and diplomacy during a gathering with members of the diplomatic corps at his hometown on Friday. The event, held at the Ban Ki-moon Peace Museum in Eumseong County, North Chungcheong Province, welcomed more than 100 guests, including foreign ambassadors in Korea and young Korean climate leaders. It marked the second such visit by the diplomatic corps to Ban’s hometown, following an inaugural trip in 2023. “I extend my heartfelt welcome to you all to my hometown, Eumseong-gun,” Ban said. “This is the second time that the Diplomatic Corps in Korea is visiting here so today is a very meaningful day for me.” Coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, the gathering served as both a celebration of the UN's legacy and a moment to confront present-day global challenges. “The UN has pursued its three key objectives, peace and security, human rights and development, yet many challenges remain,” Ban said. “The ongoing

Apr 18, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
Former UN secretary general calls for end to global conflicts
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