Kim Hyun-bin

Visitors tour Cheong Wa Dae

Philippines woos Korean investors with defense, energy, tech incentives

Philippine officials made a fresh pitch to Korean companies to invest in sectors ranging from defense to clean energy, highlighting new incentive packages and strategic opportunities during a business-to-business meeting (B2B) held at the Korea Chamber of Commerce in Seoul on Monday. The event, held on the sidelines of the Philippine Business Forum, was aimed at boosting bilateral economic cooperation and drawing Korean firms into the Philippines’ ambitious push for industrial modernization. Gene Angelo Ferrer, the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone's manager of the business development and marketing division, said, “We’re looking for locators and investors in the Philippines." "With the meetings we have now, we hope to ensure that the Philippines and Korea have balanced trade — and beyond that, strengthen the defense industries of both countries.” Ferrer said the Philippine government has adopted a “self-reliant defense posture” policy, seeking to develop a domestic defense industry with technological support from allies like Korea. “We just had a meeting with Starcom, which sp

Korea faces declining blood donors amid low birthrate, aging population

Korea is seeing a steady decline in the number of blood donors, with experts warning of long-term risks to the nation's blood supply as the country grapples with a low birthrate and rapidly aging population. Data released Sunday by the Korean Red Cross and Statistics Korea show that while the total number of blood donation cases reached 2.86 million in 2023 — a modest rebound from pandemic-era lows — the number of actual donors continued to fall for the second consecutive year. Only about 1.26 million people donated blood at least once last year, down from 1.33 million in 2022 and marking the lowest figure since national records began in 2005. The 2023 figure also dipped below the number recorded during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. The drop represents a 25 percent decline compared to a decade earlier, when nearly 1.7 million individuals donated blood in 2014. Despite the shrinking donor pool, the total number of donations has been sustained in part by repeat donors. The average number of donations per person rose to 2.26 last year, up from 1.8 a decade ago. Ac

Korea grants special residency status to Indonesian wildfire heroes

Korea will grant special residency status to three Indonesian nationals who helped evacuate elderly residents during a massive wildfire in the southeastern region last month, officials said Sunday. The announcement came during a government emergency response meeting held in Sejong, where officials laid out new measures to prevent landslides in wildfire-hit areas and stabilize housing for thousands of displaced residents. Lee Han-kyung, deputy chief of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, said the three Indonesian nationals helped evacuate numerous elderly residents when a wildfire broke out in the eastern county of Uiseong on March 25 and spread to nearby coastal villages. “These individuals risked their own safety to save lives,” Lee said. “We are deeply grateful for their bravery and have decided to grant them special contributor residency status.” According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the Indonesian nationals — including 31-year-old Sugi Anto — alerted villagers and helped evacuate them as flames approached the area. The wildfire, am

Foreign envoys praise Constitutional Court ruling on Yoon’s impeachment

Foreign diplomats in Seoul hailed Korea’s Constitutional Court for its unanimous decision Friday to uphold the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, describing the ruling as a testament to the country’s democratic resilience and institutional strength. The court voted 8-0 to affirm the National Assembly’s impeachment motion, which had accused Yoon of repeated violations of the Constitution, abuse of power and undermining democratic checks and balances. The ruling is final and cannot be appealed. “I think it was extremely important that the Constitutional Court has managed to reach the decision unanimously. With that it has put itself above the politics, proved to be the guardian of the constitution and disabled any possible speculations about political interference and thus politically biased ruling,” said a deputy ambassador to Korea, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Hopefully the ruling, which is final and binding, will bring an end — or at least the beginning of an end — to this complicated time for Korea. I hope it will also represent a wake-up call to the poli

India, Seoul city partner for reforestation, strengthen green ties

The Embassy of India in Seoul, in partnership with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, organized a tree-planting event at Boramae Park last week as part of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam," or "One Tree in the Name of Mother" campaign. The event also highlighted Arbor Day in Korea, observed on April 5, focusing on the preservation of trees, protection of forests and enhancement of green cover. Indian Ambassador to Korea Amit Kumar and Deputy Mayor of Seoul for Political Affairs Kim Byeong-min joined members of the Indian diaspora on March 28 to plant 25 plum and red plum trees each in an area designated as the “India-Korea Friendship Garden” under the initiative. The campaign combines environmental action with a tribute to mothers. Launched by Indian Prime Minister Modi on World Environment Day 2024, it encourages people to honor and celebrate motherhood by planting a tree in the name of their mothers, creating a lasting memory while contributing to environmental sustainability. Separately, Kumar, along with the deputy mayor, Seoul Metropolitan Council’

Italian Embassy, Kyochon Chicken ink MOU for Italian-style menu

Kyochon Chicken, one of Korea’s leading restaurant franchises, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Italian Embassy in Korea to foster mutual cooperation the Italian embassy said Thursday. The agreement, signed Monday, is designed to promote culinary exchange between Korea and Italy, support Kyochon’s global menu development and further the internationalization of Korea’s restaurant industry. Under the collaboration, Kyochon is launching a new premium menu, Kyochon Italia, incorporating authentic Italian ingredients such as balsamic vinegar, Parmigiano Reggiano and in-oil condiments. The menu will be officially introduced on June 2 as part of Italy’s National Day celebration. The Italian Embassy’s event is expected to draw more than 1,000 influential figures from politics, business and culture. Kyochon’s participation marks a rare occasion where a restaurant brand has been given an official platform to debut its offerings at a diplomatic event. In a clear indication of strengthening relationships, Kyochon Chairman Kwon Won-gang has been invited by the Italian Embass

Embassies in Korea issue alerts ahead of impeachment ruling

Foreign embassies in Korea are closely monitoring the situation and advising their citizens to exercise caution ahead of the Constitutional Court’s ruling Friday on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment. The U.S. Embassy in Seoul issued an advisory Wednesday, cautioning American citizens of the potential for large protests and increased police presence in the capital. “In connection with the Constitutional Court's verdict on the impeachment of President Yoon, U.S. citizens should anticipate large-scale demonstrations and an increased police presence," the embassy said in a posting on X. "Avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place, and exercise caution in the vicinity of any large crowds, gatherings, protests, or rallies." Potential protest sites include the National Assembly, Gwanghwamun Square, the Constitutional Court, the presidential office and the official residence. The embassy also announced the suspension of routine consular services at its Gwanghwamun location on Thursday afternoon and throughout Friday. The Russian Embassy issued a similar advisory, warning its nati

INTERVIEW Moroccan envoy highlights $1.5 bil. Hyundai Rotem deal, strengthening economic ties

Moroccan Ambassador to Korea Chafik Rachadi highlighted the growing economic partnership between the two countries, highlighting Hyundai Rotem’s recent $1.5 billion (2.2 trillion won) contract with Morocco’s national railway operator as a landmark achievement. “Companies are increasingly recognizing Morocco’s strategic advantages, and the recent $1.5 billion contract between Hyundai Rotem and the Moroccan national railway operator is a testament to the country’s attractiveness as an investment destination,” Rachadi said in an interview with The Korea Times at the Embassy of Morocco in Seoul on March 24. “This contract, the largest ever secured by Hyundai Rotem, involves the delivery of double-deck electric trains and represents a significant step in Morocco’s preparations for co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup.” On Feb. 26, Morocco’s state-owned rail operator ONCF announced it will purchase 168 trains from France, Spain and Korea for $2.9 billion to expand its network. For Hyundai Rotem, the contract entails the delivery of 110 commuter trains, contributing to Morocc

Families of diplomats from 12 nations visit Everland Tulip Festival

Families of ambassadors from 12 countries, including the Netherlands, Germany and Mexico, visited the Tulip Festival at the Everland amusement park in Yongin, south of Seoul, to experience Korea’s vibrant seasonal flower displays. Everland said Sunday that 33 family members of ambassadors from countries including Latvia, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Spain, Ireland, Ukraine, Colombia, Peru and Australia visited the festival on Saturday. Their visit was organized by Joan Mitchell van der Vliet, the wife of the Dutch ambassador to Korea. They toured the Four Seasons Garden, where tulips, daffodils and muscari were in full bloom. They joined other festivalgoers in admiring the floral displays, capturing moments at character-themed photo zones and soaking themselves in the spring atmosphere. The festival showcases around 1.2 million flowers from over 100 varieties. This year, the festival runs from March 21 to June 15 and includes collaborations featuring globally popular characters from Sanrio Company, such as Hello Kitty, My Melody and Kuromi. Since its opening, the festival has drawn more tha