my timesThe Korea Times
ksw

Kang Seung-woo

Korea Times Business Reporter

Kang Seung-woo is the Business Desk editor at The Korea Times. Prior to this position, he covered politics, national affairs, finance and sports.

Go to Email

Read more

Foreign Affairs

Seoul likely to be under continuous pressure to choose between Washington, Beijing

gettyimagesbankAfter Biden-Xi summit, South Korea is urged to make most of diplomatic situation to its advantage By Kang Seung-wooThe virtual summit between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Nov. 15 (local time), was a welcome sign that the two powerhouses are likely moving toward a managed strategic competition to stop mounting tensions from turning into a catastrophe. At first sight, South Korea, which has retained its longstanding course of keeping a “middle” ground in the U.S.-Sino competition, seems to now have some leeway from the rivalry. But many diplomatic observers believe nothing has changed for Seoul, which means competition will be the main theme governing U.S.-China relations in pursuit of their respective interests, with the South Korean government under constant pressure to choose between the two.Since his inauguration in January, Biden has pursued stronger security cooperation with traditional allies, including South Korea, in thwarting moves by China, leaving the government here scrambling to seek measures to avoid possible diplo

Nov 19, 2021By Kang Seung-woo
Seoul likely to be under continuous pressure to choose between Washington, Beijing
Defense

Planned export of missile system to UAE to raise Korean defense industry's competitiveness

By Kang Seung-wooAs the United Arab Emirates is close to purchasing Korean-made mid-range surface-to-air missiles (M-SAM), the envisaged weapons exports is expected to pave the way for local defense companies to gain global standing.A South Korean guided missile is fired from a launcher of the Cheongung-II anti-aircraft missile defense system. Courtesy of Defense Acquisition Program AdministrationThe UAE defense ministry announced via Twitter, Wednesday, its intention to acquire the Korean air defense system, adding that it will constitute a qualitative addition to its national air defense capabilities, and that the value of the deal may reach about $3.5 billion (4 trillion won).The Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) confirmed that the negotiations were underway even though the deal has yet to be finalized. If struck, the deal will become the single most lucrative weapons export in the history of the nation's defense industry. Until now, the largest single defense industry export, valued at about 1 trillion won, was submarines for Indonesia. According to t

Nov 18, 2021By Kang Seung-woo
Planned export of missile system to UAE to raise Korean defense industry's competitiveness
North Korea

Korean Peninsula issue neglected in titans' showdown

U.S. President Joe Biden meets virtually with Chinese President Xi Jinping from the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., Monday (local time). AP-YonhapUS-Sino cooperation on North Korea's denuclearization unlikely: experts By Kang Seung-wooThe highly-touted virtual summit between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping revealed that issues regarding the Korean Peninsula, specifically the denuclearization of North Korea, were not a priority between the two superpowers that have a large influence on the matter. Biden and Xi held the remote talks for three-and-a-half hours, which mainly featured the topics of trade, Chinese aggression toward Taiwan and human rights, leaving diplomatic observers to surmise that the North Korean issue has been put on the back burner for the time being.The White House's post-summit statement mentioned North Korea only briefly, noting the two leaders “also exchanged views on key regional challenges, including DPRK, Afghanistan, and Iran.” DPRK stands for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, North Korea's

Nov 16, 2021By Kang Seung-woo
Korean Peninsula issue neglected in titans' showdown
  • Businesses expect US-China summit to ease supply chain concerns
Foreign Affairs

US official's Seoul visit focuses on global supply chain issue, sidelining denuclearization talks

By Kang Seung-wooPresident Moon Jae-in's ambitious proposal for an official declaration to end the Korean War, which he hopes to use as part of his efforts to engage North Korea in denuclearization talks, seems to have been shelved by the United States, with a senior U.S. official's visit here seemingly having a different primary agenda.Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and the Pacific Daniel Kritenbrink arrives at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul, Thursday. YonhapAssistant Secretary of State for East Asia and the Pacific Daniel Kritenbrink is on a three-day trip to Seoul that started Wednesday, which features meetings with his South Korean counterpart Yeo Seung-bae, deputy minister for political affairs, and First Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong-kun.However, his itinerary also includes talks with senior officials from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, as well as Deputy Minister for Economic Affairs Lee Seong-ho under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, raising expectations that they may discuss Washington's push to rally allies to establish supply chains that

Nov 11, 2021By Kang Seung-woo
US official's Seoul visit focuses on global supply chain issue, sidelining denuclearization talks
Politics

Opposition candidate apologizes for defending ex-dictator

Yoon Seok-youl, center, the presidential candidate of the main opposition People Power Party, offers a silent tribute to victims of the 1980 Gwangju pro-democracy movement at the May 18th National Cemetery in the southwestern city, Wednesday. Yonhap By Kang Seung-wooYoon Seok-youl, the presidential candidate of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), made an apology in Gwangju, Thursday, for his complimentary remarks toward former President Chun Doo-hwan, who brutally suppressed the pro-democracy movement there in 1980. “I bow my head and apologize to everyone who was hurt by my words,” Yoon said at the May 18th National Cemetery, where the victims of the military suppression are buried. “I clearly remember the sacrifices made by the citizens of Gwangju 40 years ago with blood and tears for the democracy of Korea.”The “apology tour” visit to the southwestern city ― his first regional stop since his Friday nomination as candidate ― comes 22 days after Yoon's praise of the former dictator angered residents of Gwangju and the Jeolla region who r

Nov 10, 2021By Kang Seung-woo
Opposition candidate apologizes for defending ex-dictator
Foreign Affairs

'US waits for next South Korean government over China issue'

By Kang Seung-wooUnusual meetings scheduled for the U.S. diplomat in charge of East Asia policy and the presidential candidates of South Korea's two main political parties are offering a hint that the Joe Biden administration is waiting for the next government to be installed here before discussing bilateral issues, including containing China.Daniel Kritenbrink / Korea Times fileAssistant Secretary of State for East Asia and the Pacific Daniel Kritenbrink, who arrives in Seoul Wednesday, will have separate talks with Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, and Yoon Seok-youl of the main opposition People Power Party, Thursday and Friday, respectively, according to the parties.Along with the meetings, the American diplomat will also meet with his South Korean counterpart and other senior officials here to discuss North Korea and other regional issues.Although it is not known yet why Kritenbrink is seeking to meet the presidential candidates, it is regarded as quite exceptional for a U.S. official to meet the candidates openly, given that six

Nov 9, 2021By Kang Seung-woo
'US waits for next South Korean government over China issue'
Politics

Presidential candidates of both ruling, opposition parties struggle to win public support

Presidential candidates Lee Jae-myung of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, left, and Yoon Seok-youl of the main opposition People Power Party / Yonhap Yoon leads Lee by almost 12 percentage points in pollBy Kang Seung-wooLee Jae-myung of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and Yoon Seok-youl of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) have won their parties' nominations as the candidates for next year's presidential election, but their respective primaries showed that they both have the task of raising their low popularity among the general public. In light of both candidates' low approval ratings, the election, scheduled for March 9, 2022, is feared to end up a choice between the lesser of two evils. In that respect, Lee, who is being plagued by a land development speculation scandal, and Yoon, who failed to win support from young voters in the primary, are seeking to improve their images as grassroots-friendly candidates, while appealing to young vo

Nov 8, 2021By Kang Seung-woo
Presidential candidates of both ruling, opposition parties struggle to win public support
  • Can Moon finish his term without lame duck period?
  • Both ruling, opposition presidential candidates face 'wife risks'
Politics

Ruling party, government clash over universal relief fund, taxation on virtual assets

Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, speaks during a meeting of the party's election committee at the National Assembly in Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap By Kang Seung-wooTension between the ruling party and the government seems to be escalating as its presidential candidate is floating ideas that go against the administration's policies.Ahead of the presidential election in March, Lee Jae-myung, the candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), said he would give a new COVID-19 relief payment to all Koreans, and delay the government's planned taxation of virtual assets ― presumably to appeal to young and centrist voters.Earlier this week, Lee said the government should provide an additional 300,000 won ($253) to 500,000 won per person in relief funding as the government is expected to log a larger-than-expected surplus in tax revenue this year and many people are still suffering from the economic aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.“We have to take care of small business owners, who have borne the brunt of the coronavirus, and the peo

Nov 3, 2021By Kang Seung-woo
Ruling party, government clash over universal relief fund, taxation on virtual assets
Travel & Food

Activist professor, comedian promote makgeolli

Professor Seo Kyoung-duk, left, and comedian Jeong Jun-ha / Courtesy of Seo Kyoung-dukBy Kang Seung-wooSeo Kyoung-duk, a professor of Sungshin Women's University known for his efforts to promote Korean culture abroad, has joined hands with comedian and TV personality Jeong Jun-ha to promote makgeolli, a Korean alcoholic drink made from fermenting rice. According to the professor, the two launched a multilingual video advertising the milky alcoholic drink on the occasion of “Makgeolli Day” that falls on the last Thursday in October. The four-minute clip is available in Korean and English on YouTube.Makgeolli Day was first designated by the government in 2011 as a day to introduce the world to a new line of makgeolli made of freshly harvested rice.The video explains the history of makgeolli and the reason why it has been popular as a “national alcoholic beverage” made of fermented rice and water. In addition, it also features visits to historic breweries.“I wanted to spread makgeolli-making, which was designated as a national intangible cultural asset this

Nov 3, 2021By Kang Seung-woo
Activist professor, comedian promote makgeolli
Society

Korea vows to take leading role in fighting climate change

President Moon Jae-in delivers a speech on Seoul's efforts to fight climate change at the 26th Conference of the Parties in Glasgow, Scotland, Monday (local time). YonhapSeoul comes with ambitious package against climate crisisBy Kang Seung-wooSouth Korea, regarded as a late starter in moves toward attaining carbon neutrality, has unveiled ambitious proposals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with the goal of taking a leading role in the global fight against climate change. President Moon Jae-in made the proposals in a speech at the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland, Monday (local time). Moon officially introduced South Korea's accelerated goal for carbon neutrality ― the country is committed to cutting carbon emissions by 40 percent from 2018 levels by 2030. The reduction target was raised from the 26.3 percent set in 2020 and from 35 percent stated in a relevant bill passed at the National Assembly in August“This is a bold objective that was raised by about 14 percentage points from the previous target,” Moon told the climate summit, which is

Nov 2, 2021By Kang Seung-woo
Korea vows to take leading role in fighting climate change
  • Reporter's Notebook Gov't pushing forward daring carbon neutrality measures
previous page
4344454647
next page

Top 5 stories

Korea Times
About Us
Introduction
History
Contact Us
Products & Services
Subscribe
E-paper
RSS Service
Content Sales
Site Map
Policy
Code of Ethics
Ombudsman
Privacy Policy
Youth Protection Policy
Terms of Service
Copyright Policy
Family Site
Hankookilbo
Dongwha Group
FacebookXYoutubeInstagram
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.