North Korea
Russia becomes more dangerous for North Korean escapees
The refugee policies of Russia, one of the three countries bordering North Korea, along with China and South Korea, have never been sympathetic to North Korean escapees.
Feb 7, 2024
Jung Min-ho
Korea Times Politics & City Reporter
Jung Min-ho has worked as a staff writer at The Korea Times since 2012, mostly covering social and political issues. He currently belongs to the Politics & City Desk where he covers topics such as health, labor and human rights. Prior to joining the team, he was responsible for covering North Korea and sports. His article about a biosecurity breach of Middle East respiratory syndrome won him an award from the Korea Science Journalists Association in 2016. He is also the co-author of the book, "Medical Pioneers of Korea" (2019). He served as the head of the international relations committee at the Journalists Association of Korea from 2021 to 2023.
Read more
Law & Crime
Ex-presidential chief of staff, ex-defense minister included on pardon list
Former Defense Minister Kim Kwan-jin and former presidential chief of staff Kim Ki-choon ― both of whom served under former President Park Geun-hye before her impeachment ― have been included on a special pardon list, the Ministry of Justice said on Tuesday.
Feb 6, 2024
North Korea
Market forces expand in North Korea despite repression
Despite state-led efforts to suppress market forces in North Korea, people there increasingly resort to one-on-one trade for survival amid a sluggish economy and growing distrust in their government, according to a report revealed Tuesday.
Feb 6, 2024
Politics
Outspoken critic of first lady within ruling party decides not to run for election
Kim Kyung-yul, the man believed to have caused recent political tensions between the ruling party and President Yoon Suk Yeol, said, Sunday, that he won’t seek a seat in the National Assembly for the upcoming elections.
Feb 4, 2024
Politics
Han reignites push for megacity
After a recent leadership change within the ruling People Power Party (PPP), questions were raised over the validity of an election pledge laid out three months ago for Seoul to absorb Gimpo and other neighboring cities under its new “megacity” development vision.
Feb 4, 2024
Politics
PPP interim leader proposes drastic cuts to lawmakers' salaries
Are Korean lawmakers are overpaid?
Feb 1, 2024
Politics
Ruling party denounces NK-led unification views expressed at Assembly seminar
The ruling People Power Party (PPP) on Wednesday denounced an opposition lawmaker for co-hosting a seminar at the National Assembly, during which it said “ludicrous” views on North Korea were expressed.
Jan 31, 2024
Politics
Opposition leader blames Yoon for security, economic, demographic ‘crises’
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), blamed President Yoon Suk Yeol for what he described as the country’s security, economic, demographic and democratic crises on Wednesday, claiming that his “dogmatic” leadership and “incompetence” resulted in the problems.
Jan 31, 2024
People & Events
N. Korean refugee content creators seek new narrative in US
A group of YouTubers originally from North Korea — who now live in South Korea — set out on a trip to the United States to inspire and be inspired by Americans, who share their concerns regarding the human rights violations in the reclusive and repressive country.
Jan 31, 2024
Foreign Affairs
Korea yet to designate Hamas as terrorist organization
Soon after Hamas militants carried out a surprise attacks in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing more than 1,000 people, many of whom were civilians, including children, South Korea denounced the assaults as “terrorist acts.”
Jan 30, 2024