The Korea Times

Yoon's US visit unlikely to boost approval rating

President Yoon Suk Yeol stares at the floor during an event in the presidential office in Seoul, April 6. According to a poll released by Gallup Korea Friday, his approval rating dropped to 27 percent in the wake of U.S. surveillance allegations. It was the first time it fell below 30 percent since November 2022 following the Itaewon crowd disaster that killed at least 158 people. YonhapPresident's popularity crisis revives after Pentagon wiretappingBy Jung Min-hoExpectations were high among presidential aides and ruling party politicians only two weeks ago when it was announced that President Yoon Suk Yeol would address the U.S. Congress on April 27 during his trip to Washington. Many thought that his state visit to the United States ― the first by a Korean head of state in 12 years ― would help him recover his image as a trusted leader and put a stop to his declining approval ratings following his hasty and controversial push to improve relations with Japan.Yet skepticism is now growing that his visit will do little to achieve those goals. A mix of U.S. surveillance allegations, Wa

Apr 16, 2023By Jung Min-ho

Yoon's US visit unlikely to boost approval rating

North Korea

North Korea likely fired solid-fuel ballistic missile

A TV screen is seen reporting North Korea's missile launch with file footage during a news program at Seoul Station in Seoul, Thursday. AP-YonhapPyongyang's technical breakthrough could offer shorter launch time, greater mobilityBy Jung Min-hoNorth Korea on Thursday fired what is believed to be a solid-fuel ballistic missile that landed between the Korean Peninsula and Japan, raising fears of possible technical advancement in its weapons program.Speaking to reporters, a Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) official said North Korea's military appears to have fired a new type of intermediate-range ballistic missile ― possibly running on solid fuel.Solid fuel offers greater mobility for missiles and reduces preparation time before launch, compared with liquid fuel that takes more preparation time requiring activities that could be detected, therefore, giving some time for South Korea and the United States to prepare before launch.“Given the significance of North Korean founder Kim Il-sung birthday on April 15, North Korea highly likely tested its solid-fuel ballistic missile,” Cheon

Apr 13, 2023By Jung Min-ho

North Korea likely fired solid-fuel ballistic missile

N. Korea says it tested new solid-fuel ICBM to improve nuclear counterattack posture

Foreign Affairs

Russia or China possibly behind 'altered' Pentagon documents: US experts

An activist waves a "red card" to protest the U.S.' alleged spy operations on South Korean security officials in front of the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap'We should not be shocked or let it damage Seoul-Washington alliance'By Jung Min-hoAs the United States' alleged attempt to spy on South Korea's top security officials is feared to raise trust issues between the two allies just two weeks before a summit in Washington, D.C., some U.S. experts are raising the possibility of a third country's role in leaking the classified Pentagon documents.Much of the story remains unclear: U.S. officials are investigating how the documents ended up recently on social media, including the source of the breach and the motive. Given that the leaked information is largely relevant to Russia's war in Ukraine and could damage efforts by the U.S. and its allies in that conflict by sowing distrust, Moscow and its partners are among the suspected perpetrators, experts contacted by The Korea Times said Wednesday.“There is the possibility that Chinese or Russian intelligence officials hacked so

Apr 12, 2023By Jung Min-ho

Russia or China possibly behind 'altered' Pentagon documents: US experts

North Korea

Seoul condemns Pyongyang for refusing to answer hotline calls, using its property

Unification Minister Kwon Young-se speaks during a press conference at the government complex in Seoul, Tuesday. NewsisIn rare move, unification minister criticizes North Korea's irresponsible attitudeBy Jung Min-hoSeoul on Tuesday condemned Pyongyang for refusing to answer regular inter-Korean liaison hotline calls over the past several days and using South Korean property without its consent, calling North Korea's behavior irresponsible.Unification Minister Kwon Young-se's remarks come as the North remains unresponsive to inter-Korean communication channels for the fifth straight day without giving any reasons.“The government expresses strong regret over its unilateral and irresponsible attitude. We sternly warn that North Korea is on the path to more serious trouble as it isolates itself [with such behavior],” Kwon said at the government complex in Seoul. “Moreover, North Korea has violated the property rights of our companies by using their equipment and facilities at the Kaesong Industrial Complex without their permission despite our government's requests and w

Apr 11, 2023By Jung Min-ho

Seoul condemns Pyongyang for refusing to answer hotline calls, using its property

North Korea

North Korea's underwater drones mean additional defense costs for Seoul: analysts

This photo, provided April 8 by the North's official Korean Central News Agency, shows a test of what North Korea claimed was an underwater nuclear-capable attack drone called Haeil-2, in North Korea's waters. Yonhap'Weapon capabilities may have been exaggerated, but allies should take it seriously'By Jung Min-hoAfter North Korea claimed it successfully tested a nuclear-capable underwater attack drone recently, South Korea's military immediately played it down, saying the capabilities of the weapon may have been exaggerated or even faked.That may be true. But, if left undisturbed, it could grow into a significant threat to Seoul and, in the long run, to its defense alliance with Washington, analysts told The Korea Times Monday.“One of North Korea's main goals in diversifying its delivery means for nuclear weapons is to increase the defense burden for South Korea and the United States. In that sense, the North will likely achieve what it wants by making the announcement,” said Park Won-gon, a professor of North Korean studies at Ewha Womans University. “The regime ma

Apr 10, 2023By Jung Min-ho

North Korea's underwater drones mean additional defense costs for Seoul: analysts

Others

Optimism prevails in Busan as Expo inspection ends

A Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) delegation leaves Korea amid a send-off by a children's choir at Gimhae International Airport, Busan, Friday, ending their four-day inspection of Busan, which is bidding to host World Expo 2030. Joint Press CorpsPublic's warm welcome, bipartisan support among highlights of BIE delegation's tripBy Jung Min-hoBUSAN ― A surge of positivity is apparently running through the minds of campaign officials for Busan's World Expo 2030 bid after a successful inspection by representatives of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the organizing body of the global exhibition. Speaking to reporters after the BIE delegation's press conference on Thursday, high-ranking government officials participating in the campaign said they were now more optimistic about the Korean city's chances of being selected.“It's quite obvious that they were deeply impressed by enthusiasm demonstrated by the citizens of Busan, which they mentioned repeatedly during the media conference,” an official said. “Given that a World Expo is a lengthy event t

Apr 7, 2023By Jung Min-ho

Optimism prevails in Busan as Expo inspection ends

Others

Busan has everything required to host 2030 Expo: BIE delegation chief

From left, Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) Secretary General Dimitri Kerkentzes, BIE Administration and Budget Committee President Patrick Specht, Busan World Expo Bidding Committee Secretary-General Yoon Sang-jick and Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon pose after a press conference at Signiel Busan in Busan, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chulDelegates especially impressed by enthusiasm shown by citizensBy Jung Min-hoBUSAN ― Representatives of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) affirmed Busan's readiness to host the World Expo 2030, as they concluded their inquiry mission, Thursday, to evaluate the Korean port city's ability to host the global event.Speaking at a press conference, delegates of the World Expo organizing body said they were especially impressed by and grateful for the enthusiasm demonstrated by citizens on the streets.“Busan has everything that it takes to host the World Expo,” Patrick Specht, president of the BIE Administration and Budget Committee, said. “In terms of hospitality, Busan is excellent.”During their five

Apr 6, 2023By Jung Min-ho

Busan has everything required to host 2030 Expo: BIE delegation chief

Others

Will public enthusiasm boost prospects for Busan's Expo bid?

Children wave the flags of different countries in support of Busan's bid to host World Expo 2030 at Busan Station in the southeastern port city, Tuesday, as they welcome the Bureau International des Expositions delegation. High enthusiasm demonstrated during their inspection visit is hoped to make the Korean port city stand out from the competition, officials said Wednesday. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chulBy Jung Min-hoPolitical leaders around the world would want to host a major international event such as a World Expo in their countries as part of their career portfolio. But the question is, would their people want it, too? Citizens of Busan have answered that question with demonstrable passion. Their city's bid to host the 2030 event is on the lips of many. Messages of support can easily be found on banners, shopping bags and T-shirts on almost every corner, with thousands of people volunteering to promote the bid.Such enthusiasm demonstrated during the visit of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) delegation is hoped to make Busan stand out from the competition, acc

Apr 5, 2023By Jung Min-ho

Will public enthusiasm boost prospects for Busan's Expo bid?

Others

Busan aims to win hearts of developing nations in Expo 2030 bid

Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon, left, smiles, as Prime Minister Han Duck-soo speaks to reporters at a restaurant in the southern port city, Tuesday. Courtesy of Prime Minister's SecretariatFor challenges facing humanity, mayor urges all member states to be part of solutionBy Jung Min-hoBUSAN ― Not all nations have something to boast about at an Expo world fair.When Joseon, the last dynasty of Korea, participated in the event for the first time in Chicago in 1893, it displayed traditional garments, kites and pottery among other small items in a tiny exhibition space that was less than 85 square meters in area.Wealthier countries, meanwhile, showed off their latest inventions such as the world's first moving walk and the original Ferris wheel, an 80-meter structure intended to rival the Eiffel Tower, the centerpiece of the previous Paris Expo in 1889.Korea's rise from that humble beginning ― the story of overcoming Japan's colonial occupation, war, extreme poverty and many other formidable challenges that followed ― is still an inspiration to the world and the ability to share that experi

Mar 26, 2023By Jung Min-ho

Busan aims to win hearts of developing nations in Expo 2030 bid

Hyundai Motor Group, Busan citizens launch all-out campaign for World Expo 2030

North Korea

Activist demands ICC arrest warrant for Kim Jong-un

A TV screen shows an image of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, Monday. A human rights activist has called on the International Criminal Court to issue an arrest warrant for Kim over the regime's systemic human rights violations and crimes against humanity. AP-YonhapAdvocates call for action marking 10th anniversary of landmark UN report on North Korea's human rights abusesBy Jung Min-hoJung Gwang-il, a longtime human rights activist from North Korea, was surprised to hear the news on March 17 that the International Criminal Court (ICC) approved an arrest warrant for Russia's President Vladimir Putin for allegedly deporting Ukrainian children against their will following Moscow's invasion last year.As a North Korean escapee who has been trying to raise awareness of the horrendous rights violations under the North's regime over the last 20 years, Jung was astonished by the court's swift action against Putin ― the action it has not taken against North Korean rulers in spite of overwhelming evidence collected for decades.“

Mar 20, 2023By Jung Min-ho

Jung Min-ho

Read more

Yoon's US visit unlikely to boost approval rating

North Korea likely fired solid-fuel ballistic missile

Russia or China possibly behind 'altered' Pentagon documents: US experts

Seoul condemns Pyongyang for refusing to answer hotline calls, using its property

North Korea's underwater drones mean additional defense costs for Seoul: analysts

Optimism prevails in Busan as Expo inspection ends

Busan has everything required to host 2030 Expo: BIE delegation chief

Will public enthusiasm boost prospects for Busan's Expo bid?

Busan aims to win hearts of developing nations in Expo 2030 bid

Activist demands ICC arrest warrant for Kim Jong-un

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