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Choi Won-suk

Korea Times Photo Reporter

Choi Won-suk is a photojournalist at The Korea Times. Before joining the newspaper, he also worked as a photojournalist with AFP and St. Joseph News-Press in Missouri. He spent 13 years in the United States, graduating with a Bachelor of Journalism degree (Cum Laude) from the University of Missouri - Columbia and a Master of Arts in Photography from Ohio University - Athens. Over the past 11 years, Choi covered various news events such as presidential elections, the 2019 North Korea-United States Hanoi Summit and 2022 Qatar World Cup. But above all, Choi believes in local journalism and finds a lot of joy telling life stories of ordinary citizens in small neighborhoods.

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President Moon says North Korea's missile launch was a protest after failed Trump summit

South Korea's President Moon Jae-in said on Thursday (May 9) that North Korea's latest missile launch was probably a subdued protest against the United States after a failed summit of the two countries' leaders in Hanoi in February.North Korea fired what appeared to be two short-range missiles on Thursday, according to South Korea's military, days after its leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the test of multiple rockets and a missile."North Korea seemed to be discontented it could not reach a deal in Hanoi," Moon said in an interview with South Korean broadcaster KBS.Moon, who has strongly advocated engagement with North Korea, said that even if the missiles were short-range, they could still violate U.N. resolutions barring North Korea from developing ballistic missiles. (Reuters)President Moon Jae-in during a special interview with KBS at the presidential office, Cheong Wa Dae, on May 9, 2019. Photo by Presidential Photo OfficePresident Moon Jae-in during a special interview with KBS at the presidential office, Cheong Wa Dae, on May 9,

May 10, 2019By Choi Won-suk
President Moon says North Korea's missile launch was a protest after failed Trump summit
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Gaza border conflict

A Palestinian covers his face with a plastic bag to protect himself from tear gas fired by Israeli troops during a protest at the Israel-Gaza border fence, in the southern Gaza Strip May 3, 2019. Reuters Rockets are launched from Gaza Strip to Israel, Sunday, May 5, 2019. Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip on Sunday intensified a wave of rocket fire into southern Israel, striking towns and cities across the region while Israeli forces struck dozens of targets throughout Gaza, including militant sites that it said were concealed in homes or residential areas. AP Palestinians walk by a house following a late night Israeli missile strike in town of Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza Strip, Monday, May. 6, 2019. The Israeli military has lifted protective restrictions on residents in southern Israel while Gaza's ruling Hamas militant group reported a cease-fire deal had been reached to end the deadliest fighting between the two sides since a 2014 war. AP A picture taken on May 5, 2019, shows the remains of a building in Gaza City after it was hit during Israeli air strikes. -

May 8, 2019By Choi Won-suk
Gaza border conflict
Darkroom

Muslims welcome holy month of Ramadan

In this June 30, 2014 file photo, an Indian Muslim father holds the hands of his daughter in his palms and prays before breaking fast on the first day of holy month Ramadan at the Jama Mosque in New Delhi, India. Most Muslims around the world began fasting on Monday, May 6, 2019, for the start of the month of Ramadan.  AP Muslim people pray on the first night of the holy month of Ramadan at the Istiqlal Grand Mosque in Jakarta on May 5, 2019. - Ramadan in Indonesia begins on May 6, with devotees fasting from dawn to dusk until Eid celebrations marking the end of the holy month. AFP Muslim women perform an evening prayer called 'tarawih' during the first day of the fasting month of Ramadan at a mosque in Jakarta, Indonesia, Monday, May 6, 2019. AP Pakistani Muslims perform an evening prayer called 'tarawih' during the fasting month of Ramadan at a mosque in Peshawar, Pakistan, Monday, May 6, 2019. AP Pakistani Muslims pray during an evening prayer called 'tarawih' during the fasting month of Ramadan at a mosque in Peshawar, Pakistan, Monday, May 6, 2019. AP&nb

May 7, 2019By Choi Won-suk
Muslims welcome holy month of Ramadan
News

North Korean leader supervises testing of multiple rocket launchers

North Korea's state-run television KRT on Sunday (May 5) released several still photographs of leader Kim Jong Un supervising a military drill.KRT said North Korea conducted a "strike drill" for multiple launchers, firing tactical guided weapons into the East Sea on Saturday (May 4).The purpose of the drill was to test performance of "large-caliber long-range multiple rocket launchers and tactical guided weapons by defense units," the state media said.Military experts said the tactical guided weapons could be a short-range, ground-to-ground ballistic missiles. (Reuters)

May 7, 2019By Choi Won-suk
North Korean leader supervises testing of multiple rocket launchers
News

Guns out, cameras in: Korean truce village lets tourists back in

South Korea reopened the Joint Security Area (JSA) of the truce village of Panmunjom to the public on Wednesday (May 1), a year after a historic summit was held there between the two Korean leaders, Moon Jae-in and Kim Jong Un.The JSA, in the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas, has long been a popular tourist site, with its bright blue buildings and soldiers from both sides standing face to face, but tours have been suspended since October due to security issues, according to Seoul's Defence Ministry.Dozens of visitors armed with cameras and smartphones were seen gathered on both sides of Panmunjon on Wednesday. On April 27 last year, South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met there, shook hands and stepped over the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) into both territories.According to Lieutenant Colonel Sean Marrow of the United Nations Command Security Battalion, the guards there no longer carry weapons, and the area has been cleared of mines.The DMZ tourism plan was part of a military pact, sealed during a S

May 2, 2019By Choi Won-suk
Guns out, cameras in: Korean truce village lets tourists back in
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K-Pop stardom lures Japanese youth to Korea despite diplomatic chill

 A K-pop applicant performs at an audition in Tokyo, Japan, February 23, 2019. Reuters Japanese Yuuka Hasumi, 17, and Ibuki Ito, 17, also from Japan, who want to become K-pop stars, perform at an Acopia School party in Seoul, South Korea, March 16, 2019. Acopia is a prep school offering young Japanese a shot at K-pop stardom, teaching them the dance moves, the songs and also the language. Reuters Japanese Yuuka Hasumi, 17, who wants to become a K-pop star, sings a song as she spends time after class, in the Hongdae area of Seoul, South Korea, April 3, 2019. Hasumi put high school in Japan on hold and flew to South Korea in February to try her chances at becoming a K-pop star, even if that means long hours of vocal and dance training, no privacy, no boyfriend, and even no phone. "It is tough," Hasumi said. "Going through a strict training and taking my skill to a higher level to a perfect stage, I think that's when it is good to make a debut. Reuters Japanese Yuho Wakamatsu, 15, who wants to become a K-pop star, takes photographs of Japanese Yuuka Hasumi, 17, durin

May 2, 2019By Choi Won-suk
K-Pop stardom lures Japanese youth to Korea despite diplomatic chill
News

Spurned by US, Kim seeks friend in Putin

It was all smiles and bonhomie as President Vladimir Putin hosted Kim Jong Un in Vladivostok. But Kim's hopes of sanctions relief won't be realized soon. A clear message to the United States from Vladivostok: you're not the only show in town.Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Kim Jong Un on Thursday (April 25) on a Russian island, in a display of global clout for both.U.S. President Donald Trump's talks with Kim on Pyongyang's nuclear program broke down two months ago.And, now the Supreme Leader is keen to explore other options -- specially ones that help lift the weight of international and U.S. sanctions.Reuters' Christian Lowe in Moscow says Russia, an ally of Pyongyang, wants to be back at the table of any peace talks.CHRISTIAN LOWE, REUTERS MOSCOW BUREAU CHIEF, SAYING:"Russia is kind of back in the game, and I think that Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, is exploiting that. And he's using the summit to show the world that Russia can again have decisive influence over what happens with North Korea and is a major player on the world stage."Kim rolled acros

Apr 26, 2019By Choi Won-suk
Spurned by US, Kim seeks friend in Putin
  • NK leader Kim leaves Vladivostok
News

Russia's Vladivostok prepares for Kim's arrival for summit with Putin

Security preparations were underway in the Russian Pacific port of Vladivostok on Wednesday (April 24) ahead of a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.Putin and Kim are expected to meet for the first time on Thursday (April 25) on Russky Island in Vladivostok. The summit will take place on the campus of Far East Federal University where security has been tightened since last week.The sports complex at the university was closed on Tuesday (April 23) and workers were seen bringing in pieces of furniture, a Reuters TV crew at the site reported. A white tent had been erected next to the sports complex.Security guards at the entrance to the campus were stopping and searching vehicles as they drove in. There were no signs of preparation at Vladivostok railway station.Vladivostok is the closest major Russian city to the short stretch of border that Russia and North Korea share and can be reached from the border by train, Kim's preferred mode of international transport.The visit is part of Kim's effort to build foreign support af

Apr 24, 2019By Choi Won-suk
Russia's Vladivostok prepares for Kim's arrival for summit with Putin
News

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un departs for Russia by train

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un departed for Russia on Wednesday (April 24) morning by private train, state media reported.The North's official news agency KCNA released still photographs of Kim being seen off at Pyongyang railway station by high-ranking officials and residents.Kim was accompanied by senior officials including Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho and First Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui, KCNA said.North Korean leader and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet on Thursday (April 25) in the Russian Pacific port of Vladivostok to discuss the international standoff over Pyongyang's nuclear program, a Kremlin official said. (Reuters)

Apr 24, 2019By Choi Won-suk
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un departs for Russia by train
News

BTS says they want to express love on new album, as single smashes YouTube record

South Korean boy band phenomenon BTS on Wednesday (April 17) held a news conference in Seoul on their new album "Map of The Soul: Persona", after one of their new songs smashed a YouTube record.BTS, a seven-member band, released seven songs on April 12 including a track featuring U.S. singer-songwriter Halsey and another song featuring British musician Ed Sheeran.Their new title song "Boy With Luv" -- featuring Halsey -- recorded the most-viewed music video debut in YouTube history, with 74.6 million views in its first 24 hours, according to YouTube.BTS, together since 2013, has gained a worldwide following, winning over fans across continents and helping popularize the K-pop music genre further afield from Asia. The band is nominated for the 2019 Billboard Music Awards in the top duo/group and top social artist categories. (Reuters)

Apr 19, 2019By Choi Won-suk
BTS says they want to express love on new album, as single smashes YouTube record
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