Korea Times Finance Reporter
Lee Hyo-jin covers the Bank of Korea, the banking industry and broader financial news. Her previous beats include foreign affairs, North Korea and general reporting on Korean society.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken waves as he arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, Sunday, to attend the Summit for Democracy which is scheduled to be held in Seoul from Monday to Wednesday. During his two-day visit, Blinken will join Foreign Affairs Minister Cho Tae-yul for a luncheon meeting on Monday, according to the foreign ministry. Yonhap
The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) is once again showing signs of internal discord over how to deal with a controversial candidate, with observers warning that the infighting could sour public opinion on the party with less than a month remaining until the April 10 general elections.
The detention of a South Korean national by Russian authorities on espionage allegations has emerged as a significant diplomatic challenge for Seoul, particularly against the backdrop of strained relations between the two nations.
Over the past couple of years, a Russian national, who identified herself only with her first name Aleksandra, has participated in nearly 100 protests across Seoul denouncing Russia's aggression in Ukraine. The 28-year-old is among a small group of Russians who take to the streets every Saturday or Sunday, brandishing pickets with slogans such as "No to war" and "Russia without Putin."
Two opposition parties are intensifying their offensives ahead of the April 10 general elections, threatening to launch separate special counsel probe bills targeting the ruling People Power Party (PPP) and the Yoon Suk Yeol administration.
Opposition parties have initiated a full-fledged offensive against the Yoon Suk Yeol administration over the contentious appointment of former Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup as ambassador to Australia, seamlessly integrating this issue into their campaigns with just one month left until voters cast their ballots for the general elections.
Concerns are mounting over the suitability of former Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup as the ambassador to Australia as he departed for the country on Sunday. His appointment is facing scrutiny because it was made while he was under a travel ban during the personnel vetting process.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, Thursday, it will downgrade the Office of Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs by placing it under a new entity tentatively named the Office of Diplomatic Strategy and Information, as part of a major reshuffle.
The National Innovation Party, a new liberal party launched by former Justice Minister Cho Kuk, is increasing its presence in the lead-up to the April 10 general elections, employing what observers perceive as a clever strategy involving the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK).
Over the past few decades, Korea has witnessed significant strides in the status of women, establishing pathways toward gender equality through basic laws, challenging the nation's predominantly patriarchal culture.