Kim Hyun-bin

South African envoy, Korean biz leaders emphasize deeper ties at investment seminar

South African Ambassador to Korea Sindiswa Mququ and Korean business leaders emphasized the need for more inclusive and strategic economic cooperation between Korea and Africa during the South Africa-Korea Trade & Investment Seminar in Seoul on Thursday, highlighting sustainability, infrastructure and investment as key pillars of the relationship. Mququ praised the seminar as a critical venue for dialogue. “This seminar would not be a success without the participation of everyone here today. The Chair of the Chamber of Commerce in Korea, and every partner involved, contributed to this momentum.” She also emphasized that Korea’s recognition of South Africa as a strategic partner following global sustainability discussions, such as COP28, shows "we are aligned on building partnerships that harness global capabilities to confront the enormous challenges our world is facing.” Vice President of the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) Kim Gi-hyun underscored Korea’s growing institutional commitment to Africa. “Earlier this year, we launched the Korea-Africa Economic Coope

North Jeolla Province, Dutch Embassy sign MOU on alternative proteins

North Jeolla Province signed a memorandum of understanding with the Embassy of the Netherlands in Seoul on Tuesday to collaborate on developing alternative proteins, a move aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in the growing food-tech sector. The agreement was signed at the North Jeolla provincial government office during Dutch Ambassador to Korea Peter van der Vliet’s first official visit to the province since assuming his post. Under the agreement, the two sides will conduct a joint analysis of the alternative protein industry, promote exchanges between delegations, foster partnerships between companies and research institutes and explore joint participation in “Horizon Europe” — the European Union’s largest multinational research and innovation program. Alternative proteins, derived from sources such as soy, wheat and yeast, are considered a sustainable solution to the environmental challenges posed by conventional meat production. Provincial officials expressed hope that the agreement would serve as a catalyst for increased technology exchange and collaborative rese

Rivalry between Korean shipbuilders at center of delayed next-gen destroyer project

A growing rivalry between Korea’s two major shipbuilders, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean, has been at the center of the country’s next-generation destroyer program — a project viewed as vital to both national defense and future export prospects in a rapidly expanding global arms market. The 7.8 trillion won ($5.48 billion) Korean Destroyer Next-Generation (KDDX) program aims to deliver six state-of-the-art, 6,000-ton Aegis-equipped destroyers by 2030. Designed and built entirely with domestic technology, the ships would be the first homegrown vessels of their kind, enhancing Korea’s naval capabilities and bolstering its credibility as a defense exporter. However, a bitter dispute between the two contractors over who should lead the project had plagued decision-making and cast uncertainty over the program’s future. Hanwha Ocean, which handled the concept design, accused HD Hyundai of illegally obtaining military secrets during the bidding process. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), which traditionally awards the prime contract to the basic des

Indian envoy shares spiritual legacy at Buddha’s birthday lantern ceremony

Indian Ambassador to Korea Amit Kumar joined religious and academic leaders at Dongguk University on Thursday for a vibrant lantern lighting ceremony to celebrate the birth of Buddha. The event, organized by Dongguk University in partnership with the Embassy of India, drew over 500 participants and featured the lighting of 16,000 lanterns to symbolize the universal values of compassion and wisdom. In a speech delivered at the ceremony, Kumar reflected on the enduring relevance of Buddha’s teachings and the deep historical and spiritual connections between Korea and India. “It is a great honor for me and my spouse to join you all at this auspicious and beautifully illuminated ceremony to celebrate the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha. I extend my warm greetings to you all,” the ambassador said. He emphasized the civilizational journey of Buddhism, which spread from Korea to India through peaceful means led by monks, scholars and spiritual seekers — not through conquest. “Lord Buddha’s core teachings — the Middle Path, the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path — offer tim

Eastar Jet rolls out preorder vegetarian, Halal in-flight meals

Korean budget airline Eastar Jet is expanding its in-flight meal options to better serve global travelers, introducing preorder vegetarian dishes and halal-certified instant noodles for Muslim passengers. The new offerings include a ragout meatball penne pasta made with plant-based meat and a hoagie sandwich packed with fresh vegetables and a carrot ravigote — both aimed at vegetarian passengers seeking meat-free alternatives during international flights. In a nod to religious dietary needs, Eastar Jet has also launched chicken-flavored halal ramen. The airline said the product reflects the religious profile of Kazakhstan, where over 70 percent of the population is Muslim. Eastar Jet began operating two flights per week to Almaty, Kazakhstan, on Monday. The move marks the first time a Korean low-cost carrier has introduced halal food options, the company said. Passengers on international routes can preorder the meals up to 72 hours before departure. “Our goal is to offer more inclusive meal options for diverse travelers,” an Eastar Jet spokesperson said. “We’re committed to deve

Rwandan envoy urges global responsibility at 31st genocide commemoration

Rwanda’s Ambassador to Korea Nkubito Manzi Bakuramutsa called for greater global accountability and solidarity during a ceremony Monday in Seoul, marking the 31st commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. “Today, we gather for the 31st commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi — a solemn moment to remember over one million innocent lives taken in just 100 days,” the ambassador said. “It is a time to honor the victims, to comfort the survivors and to salute those who stopped the genocide and rebuilt our country from its ashes.” In a deeply reflective speech, Bakuramutsa underscored that the genocide was not a spontaneous event but the culmination of decades of systemic ethnic hatred. “The genocide did not happen in a vacuum. It was the result of decades of ethnic-based hatred and division, introduced during colonial rule and perpetuated by successive regimes,” he said. “From 1959 to 1994, Tutsi were marginalized, persecuted, and repeatedly targeted in mass killings — all under a system that fostered impunity and enshrined divisionism.” The amba

Korea, foreign military attachés discuss excavation of Korean War dead

South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense Agency for KIA Recovery and Identification (MAKRI) hosted an event Tuesday inviting members of the foreign defense attaché corps stationed in Seoul to discuss ways to cooperate on recovering the remains of fallen soldiers from the 1950-53 Korean War. The event was held as part of commemorations marking the 75th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War and focused on honoring the sacrifices of United Nations forces who fought alongside South Korea to defend its democracy. Fought from 1950 to 1953, the Korean War began when North Korea invaded the South, prompting a U.N.-led military response. Troops from 22 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Canada, Australia and Italy, participated in combat or medical support operations under the U.N. Command. The war ended in an armistice rather than a peace treaty, leaving many soldiers still unaccounted for. During the event, South Korean officials expressed gratitude to the participating nations for their support during the war and briefed attendees on the current s

Kazakh envoy welcomes launch of Eastar Jet Seoul-Almaty route

Korean low-cost carrier Eastar Jet launched its first direct flight between Seoul and Almaty on Monday, becoming the first Korean budget airline to operate a route to Kazakhstan, the Embassy of Kazakhstan said Wednesday. The new service deepens the growing ties between Korea and Central Asia, reflecting a shared commitment to expanding economic cooperation and enriching cultural exchanges. Kazakhstan's Ambassador to Korea Nurgali Arystanov welcomed the development at a launch event in Seoul, noting that there are now 11 direct flights per week between the two nations. The Eastar Jet addition brings two more flights, creating what Arystanov described as a new “aviation bridge.” “This new route will further stimulate business ties and tourism between our countries,” Arystanov said. “People-to-people exchanges are accelerating, helping foster mutual trust and understanding.” According to the Kazakh Embassy, the number of Korean visitors to Kazakhstan reached 40,180 in 2024, marking a 12 percent increase from the previous year. During the same period, 53,224 Kazakh nationals trav

Luxembourg’s envoy shares diplomatic insights with students

The University of Utah Asia Campus (UAC) welcomed Luxembourg Ambassador to Korea Jacques Flies for a special lecture in Incheon on Tuesday, aimed at deepening students’ understanding of global diplomacy and the relationship between Luxembourg and Korea. Titled “From Luxembourg to Seoul: A Diplomatic Journey & Luxembourg-Korea Relations,” the lecture drew students, faculty and staff eager to gain insights from the ambassador, whose decadeslong career in diplomacy has taken him from West Africa to the United Nations and now Seoul. Speaking at the university situated in Incheon Global Campus, Flies reflected on Luxembourg’s unique diplomatic identity as a small but influential European state and its evolving strategic ties with Korea. “Diplomacy goes beyond state-to-state relations — it’s about connecting people, cultures and building trust,” Flies said. “It’s a pleasure to share Luxembourg’s experience, especially as our relationship with Korea continues to grow stronger.” Flies emphasized the critical role of multilateral diplomacy, noting that smaller states like

Yoon still occupies official residence