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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

Korea reviewing invitation to Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’

Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Tuesday it has received an invitation related to U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace” but is still reviewing whether to participate, as the initiative faces early resistance from several U.S. allies. “We can confirm that we have received an invitation from the U.S. side,” a ministry official said. “This proposal was made only recently, and it is not something that can be decided within a day or two. We need time to review it.” The official said Seoul is examining the nature and structure of the proposed body and monitoring how other countries respond, noting reports that more than 60 nations were invited. “Not all invited countries are expected to take part,” the official said. “We need to look at the situation comprehensively.” The proposal has already drawn pushback in Europe. French President Emmanuel Macron declined an invitation to join the panel, which was also extended to leaders such as Belarus’ longtime autocratic leader Alexander Lukashenko. Trump responded by threatening a 200 percent tariff

Jan 20, 2026By Kim Hyun-bin
Korea reviewing invitation to Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’
Foreign Affairs

Korea, Kazakhstan discuss transport, logistics cooperation

Nurgali Arystanov, Kazakhstan’s ambassador to Korea, met Tuesday with Rep. Maeng Seong-gyu, a member of the National Assembly and chair of its Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee, to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation in transport and logistics. During the meeting in Seoul, the two sides exchanged views on strengthening cooperation in infrastructure development and logistics networks, areas described as a strategic priority of Kazakhstan’s national development policy under President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. They also underscored the importance of cooperation on the Alatau Smart City project, highlighting a memorandum of understanding signed in December 2025 between Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Industry and Construction, the state fund Alatau City Authority and the Korea Overseas Infrastructure & Urban Development Corporation. Arystanov invited Maeng to visit Kazakhstan to attend upcoming international events in Astana, according to officials familiar with the meeting. Both sides noted positive momentum in bilateral exchanges, including growing tourism and people-to-people t

Jan 19, 2026By Kim Hyun-bin
Korea, Kazakhstan discuss transport, logistics cooperation
Society

Seoul expands EV subsidies to speed shift away from internal combustion cars

Seoul will expand incentives for electric vehicle (EV) purchases this year by adding city-funded subsidies to national support, as part of efforts to accelerate the shift away from internal combustion engine vehicles and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Under the plan, buyers who replace gasoline or diesel vehicles with electric models will be eligible for an additional 300,000 won ($203) from the Seoul Metropolitan Government, on top of a 1 million won subsidy provided by the central government, city officials said Sunday. Seoul plans to earmark 22,526 EVs for subsidies this year, up about 18 percent from 19,081 supplied in 2024. Of the total, 22,409 vehicles are set for the private sector and 117 to public institutions. Private allocations include passenger cars, cargo trucks, taxis, vans and school buses. Electric passenger vehicles will be eligible for subsidies of up to 7.54 million won. Buyers who scrap an internal combustion engine vehicle and purchase an electric passenger car or truck can receive up to 1.3 million won in additional conversion incentives, combining national and

Jan 18, 2026By Kim Hyun-bin
Seoul expands EV subsidies to speed shift away from internal combustion cars
Defense

Korea deploys Hyunmoo-5 'monster missile' to frontline units

South Korea has begun deploying its most powerful conventional ballistic missile, the Hyunmoo-5 — dubbed the “monster missile” for its massive warhead — to frontline units, military officials said Sunday, a move that underscores Seoul’s effort to strengthen deterrence against North Korea. The ground-to-ground missile, capable of carrying a warhead of up to eight tons, began entering frontline units late last year and is expected to complete full operational deployment before the current administration leaves office in 2030, according to military officials. It is considered South Korea’s most powerful weapon to date. The Hyunmoo-5 is designed to target deeply buried underground facilities, including command bunkers believed to be used by North Korea’s leadership and strategic forces. It was publicly unveiled during South Korea’s Armed Forces Day events in 2024 and 2025, drawing attention for its size and destructive potential amid heightened regional security tensions. Despite the missile’s power, analysts caution against overstating its ability to neutralize North Kore

Jan 18, 2026By Kim Hyun-bin
Korea deploys Hyunmoo-5 'monster missile' to frontline units
Foreign Affairs

Foreign envoys take part in Hwacheon ice fishing festival

Foreign diplomats stationed in Korea visited the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival, experiencing one of the country’s signature winter celebrations blending together ice fishing, regional cuisine and cultural exchanges. According to Hwacheon County, a 32-member diplomatic delegation from 11 countries traveled from Seoul to the northeastern county on Jan. 13. The group included ambassadors from Malaysia, Tajikistan, Kenya and Iraq, as well as diplomats representing the United States, Bangladesh, Laos, Honduras, Argentina, Zambia and Congo. The delegation began its visit with lunch at a local restaurant to sample a variety of dishes made with the mountain trout that gives the festival its name. They then toured a promotional hall for a scholarship program supporting descendants of Ethiopian veterans of the Korean War, and participants tasted coffee prepared in a traditional Ethiopian style by beneficiaries of the initiative. The diplomats later headed to a designated zone for foreigners to try ice fishing, a centerpiece of the festival. Cheers and applause broke out as participants haule

Jan 16, 2026By Kim Hyun-bin
Foreign envoys take part in Hwacheon ice fishing festival
Foreign Affairs

PHOTO US Embassy thanks Korea

James R. Heller, left, chargé d’affaires ad interim at the U.S. Embassy, and Park Gwan-cheon, deputy chief of the Presidential Security Service, pose for a photo during a reception at the U.S. ambassador’s residence in Seoul, Jan. 12. The reception was hosted by the U.S. Embassy to express appreciation for security cooperation during U.S. President Donald Trump's state visit to Korea for the Gyeongju APEC Leaders’ Meeting. Courtesy of Presidential Security Service.

Jan 15, 2026By Kim Hyun-bin
[PHOTO] US Embassy thanks Korea
Foreign Affairs

Korea, Singapore seek stronger strategic partnership as global risks grow

National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik met with Singapore’s ambassador to Korea earlier this week to discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation as both countries navigate growing global uncertainty, according to the National Assembly. Woo received Ambassador Wong Kai Jiun at his office at the National Assembly in Seoul, where he highlighted the importance of trust-based strategic cooperation between Korea and Singapore, which marked 50 years of diplomatic relations last year. “Since establishing diplomatic ties in 1975, Korea and Singapore have consistently supported the free trade order,” Woo said. “At a time of increasing uncertainty in the international environment, it is important for the two countries to further strengthen strategic cooperation based on mutual trust.” Woo also referred to his upcoming official visit to Singapore scheduled for next week, saying he looked forward to holding “meaningful and constructive discussions” on expanding cooperation between the two legislatures. He added that the visit would offer an opportunity to closely examine S

Jan 15, 2026By Kim Hyun-bin
Korea, Singapore seek stronger strategic partnership as global risks grow
Foreign Affairs

Korea, Czech Republic deepen energy cooperation

Jung Chung-rae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said Jan. 13 that Korea and the Czech Republic have strong potential to deepen cooperation across the energy sector and play an expanded role as strategic and comprehensive partners. Jung made the remarks during a meeting with Ivan Jancarek, the Czech ambassador to Korea, at the National Assembly in Seoul. He said the two countries share common perspectives on major global challenges, including energy security, carbon neutrality and responses to climate change. “Korea and the Czech Republic maintain cooperation across the broader energy field, and I believe that as strategic and comprehensive partners, the two countries can play a sufficient and meaningful role together,” Jung said. Jung pointed to recent high-level exchanges as evidence of growing bilateral engagement. He noted that about a month earlier Korea’s interior and safety minister visited the Czech Republic, where the two sides discussed cooperation in areas such as digital government, disaster and safety management, and local administration. He added that Seoul a

Jan 14, 2026By Kim Hyun-bin
Korea, Czech Republic deepen energy cooperation
Companies

BBQ chicken boss donates $750,000 to alma mater to help aspiring entrepreneurs

Emphasizing a deeper managerial pool — not larger cash reserves — as a potential buffer against economic uncertainties, Genesis BBQ Chairman Yoon Hong-geun recently donated 1 billion won ($750,000) to his alma mater, Chosun University, to support programs aimed at educating the next generation of entrepreneurs. Genesis BBQ Group said the funds will be used by the private university in Gwangju to expand education and research infrastructure, improve learning environments, and support programs aimed at cultivating globally competitive experts. Genesis BBQ, founded in 1995 as a fried chicken restaurant in Gyeonggi Province, now runs nearly 4,000 outlets in 57 countries. With Korea’s market nearing saturation, Yoon is betting on skilled employees to keep Genesis BBQ competitive. Yoon said the contribution was intended to return the support he received as a student and to help build a foundation for aspiring young people to succeed internationally. Genesis BBQ’s initiatives extend beyond Korea. In 2023, the company visited the Culinary Institute of America to take part in discussions o

Jan 14, 2026By Kim Hyun-bin
BBQ chicken boss donates $750,000 to alma mater to help aspiring entrepreneurs
Foreign Affairs

EU Business Hub to host Semiconductors Korea 2026 in Seoul

European and Korean companies will gather in Seoul next month for Semiconductors Korea 2026, a business mission organized under the EU Business Hub program to promote cross-border cooperation in the semiconductor industry. The two-day event will be held Feb. 11-12 at Sono Felice Convention near Coex in southern Seoul. A business exhibition will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Ruby Hall, featuring around 50 European small and medium-sized enterprises and startups showcasing semiconductor technologies and related solutions. According to organizers, participating companies will present innovations across a broad range of fields, including chip design and manufacturing, materials and equipment, testing and packaging, advanced electronics, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and mobility solutions. The exhibition will be accompanied by one-on-one business meetings, giving Korean companies an opportunity to explore potential partnerships with European firms. On Feb. 11, a business networking reception will be hosted at Lotte Hotel World by the Delegation of the European Union t

Jan 13, 2026By Kim Hyun-bin
EU Business Hub to host Semiconductors Korea 2026 in Seoul
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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.