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.
Legislative efforts for the establishment of a new immigration agency are gaining traction in the National Assembly, marking progress in the government's plan to establish a "control tower" for handling affairs related to foreign residents.
A pathologist conducts drug screening tests on urine samples at a medical checkup center for military enlistees at the Seoul Regional Military Manpower Administration, Thursday. Starting from July, drug screening will be mandatory for all conscripts amid a rising number of drug crimes among younger generations. Currently, prospective enlistees undergo drug testing only if they disclose past drug use or if a medical officer deems it necessary. Joint Press Corps
With only 70 days left before the April 10 general elections, the prospect of new political parties uniting under a "big tent" seems to be fading, as they are discovering more differences than commonalities.
Politicians from the ruling People Power Party (PPP) who are vying for the upcoming April 10 general elections apparently face a dilemma over whether to align more closely with President Yoon Suk Yeol or the party's interim leader Han Dong-hoon.
Lee Jun-seok, leader of the Reformist Party and former chairman of the conservative ruling People Power Party (PPP), is in the media spotlight, again, due to his contentious pledges which critics say are highly likely to cause further social divisions, specifically between generations as well as genders.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in the hot seat for its lukewarm response to Japan's removal of a memorial stone that was dedicated to Korean victims of wartime forced labor, with observers criticizing the government's passive stance regarding Tokyo's attempt to distort or ignore historical events.
After a series of assaults on politicians raised concerns about potential copycat attacks ahead of the April 10 general elections, the police said Monday that they will create a task force with each party to strengthen protections.
South Korea's already-strained relations with Russia have worsened further following Defense Minister Shin Won-sik's remarks on offering "full support" to Ukraine. Moscow interpreted this as a potential indication of Seoul providing military aid to Kyiv and warned of a "complete breakdown" of bilateral ties.
China is either unwilling or unable to play a constructive role in addressing North Korea's nuclear threats despite repeated calls from the international community. This observation comes in the wake of the latest appeal made during a recent meeting between the top security official of the United States and China's top diplomat.
President Yoon Suk Yeol announced plans to expand the Great Train Express (GTX) high-speed train lines, Thursday, renewing his campaign pledge to reduce commuting times to the 30-minute range for people living in the greater Seoul area.