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  • Foreign Affairs

    Korean gov't condemns attack on Korean-operated vessel in Strait of Hormuz

    The presidential office on Monday condemned attacks on a bulk carrier operated by the Korean shipping company HMM near the Strait of Hormuz, calling attacks on civilian vessels unacceptable. While the government has not made a conclusion over who attacked the HMM Namu, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said it will join international efforts to guarantee safe passage and operation of ships through the strait. “The government strongly condemns attacks on civilian vessels such as the HMM Namu, as such actions cannot be justified or tolerated,” Wi said during a press briefing at Cheong Wa Dae. “We intend to identify the perpetrator, the exact type of equipment used and its physical specifications through further investigation. Accordingly, we will also consider necessary response measures.” His remarks came a day after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the initial findings regarding the investigation into the cause of an explosion and fire aboard HMM Namu. The ministry, citing an investigative team dispatched to the scene, said two separate airborne objects struck the shi

    3 MIN READBy Yi Whan-woo
    Korean gov't condemns attack on Korean-operated vessel in Strait of Hormuz
  • Foreign Affairs

    S. Korea, US defense chiefs meet amid OPCON push, Hormuz issue

    2 MIN READBy Yonhap
    S. Korea, US defense chiefs meet amid OPCON push, Hormuz issue
  • North Korea

    What happened to denuclearizing North Korea?

    6 MIN READBy NK News
    What happened to denuclearizing North Korea?
  • North Korea

    N. Korea marches in Russia's Victory Day parade in show of military bond: Seoul

    1 MIN READBy Yonhap
    N. Korea marches in Russia's Victory Day parade in show of military bond: Seoul
  • North Korea

    N. Korea flags hantavirus danger amid cruise ship outbreak

    1 MIN READBy Yonhap
    N. Korea flags hantavirus danger amid cruise ship outbreak
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Foreign Affairs

UAE Business Forum spotlights strategic ties, emerging opportunities for Korea-UAE collaboration

Partnership between Korea and the United Arab Emirates has evolved into a model of regional cooperation, and economic cooperation can further improve in sectors such as energy and biotech, top officials from the UAE said Friday. They underscored the importance of strategic ties between the two nations at a UAE Business Forum, which was held under The Korea Times' Global Business Club (GBC) and jointly hosted by the newspaper, UAE Embassy in Korea, Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD) Group and UAE Youth Councils. Bringing together senior government officials, business leaders and young professionals, the forum highlighted the growing depth and diversity of Korea-UAE relations, spanning clean energy, advanced manufacturing, biotech and Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies. Delivering the welcoming address, UAE Ambassador to Seoul Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi emphasized that the bilateral relationship has evolved into a model of regional cooperation. “The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Korea partnership is poised to become a model of economic cooperation between the Middle E

Jul 7, 2025By Kim Hyun-bin
UAE Business Forum spotlights strategic ties, emerging opportunities for Korea-UAE collaboration
Foreign Affairs

ContributionThe name of victory: Turkiye

On the night of July 15, 2016, the Republic of Turkiye faced one of the gravest threats in its modern history. The Fethullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), infiltrating the military and various state institutions over decades, attempted a bloody coup d’etat against the democratically elected government and the will of the Turkish people. That night, FETO’s treacherous network unleashed terror, bombing the Turkish Grand National Assembly, targeting the Presidential Complex and police headquarters and opening fire on innocent civilians. In the face of this unprecedented betrayal, the Turkish nation stood firm. Millions of citizens poured into the streets and squares, defending democracy and the republic at the cost of their lives. Under the determined leadership of our president, H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, this coup attempt was thwarted within hours. That night, Turkiye’s democracy prevailed. The people sent a historic message to the world: Sovereignty belongs unconditionally to the nation. The courage shown by ordinary citizens — armed with nothing but their resolve — demonst

Jul 7, 2025By Murat Tamer
The name of victory: Turkiye
North Korea

North Korea opens doors to Western tourists for trade fair, but bars journalists and influencers

A China-based North Korea travel agency is recruiting Western tourists for an international trade fair in Pyongyang this October, but is explicitly banning journalists, content creators and influencers from participating. Young Pioneer Tours, a tour operator specializing in travel to North Korea, announced on its website Sunday that it is accepting applications for a seven-night, eight-day trip to Pyongyang from Oct. 24 to Nov. 1. Although North Korea has not officially reopened its borders to general tourism since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the agency said it will offer travel visas for those attending the Pyongyang International Trade Fair, framing the opportunity as a rare exception. The tour includes visits to major landmarks such as Kim Il Sung Square and the USS Pueblo, along with attendance at the opening and closing ceremonies of the fair. A possible excursion to Mount Myohyang is also included in the itinerary — which, if realized, would mark the first visit by Western tourists to the mountain region since North Korea sealed its borders in early 2020. However, the age

Jul 7, 2025By Hankookilbo
North Korea opens doors to Western tourists for trade fair, but bars journalists and influencers
North Korea

N. Korea runs dining boats on Pyongyang's Taedong River

North Korea has launched a dining boat service, allowing tourists to enjoy food while drifting on the Taedong River that runs through Pyongyang, a pro-North news outlet reported Monday. A sightseeing round boat service is currently popular among tourists on the Taedong River, the Choson Sinbo, a pro-North Korean newspaper based in Japan, reported. The awning-roofed boats come in six-person and 12-person types, both steered by the passengers themselves and equipped with barbecue tables installed at the center, the newspaper said. The media quoted a transportation ministry official as saying that civilian demand for the river boat service is growing rapidly, mostly from families, and that it's difficult to meet demand on holidays. The Taedong River is a popular destination for both foreign and local tourists in North Korea. A cruise boat service launched on the river in 2013 can carry up to 300 passengers and includes a dining hall. The launch of the dining boat service comes as the country has developed various tourism programs aimed at earning foreign currency, as well as promoting domest

Jul 7, 2025By Yonhap
N. Korea runs dining boats on Pyongyang's Taedong River
North Korea

N. Korea highlights state founder Kim Il-sung's leadership ahead of the 31st anniv. of his death

North Korea on Monday heaped praise on state founder Kim Il-sung, recalling his leadership as flawless as the country marks the 31st anniversary of the late leader's death this week. "Our great leader led the revolution to victory without a single mistake (of deviating from) the policy line or showing even the slightest bias," the Rodong Sinmun, the North's most widely read newspaper, reported, calling Kim "a peerless great man." The newspaper said the founder's wish to build a powerful country is being realized by the current leader Kim Jong-un, adding that "all the dreams and ideals wished for by the people will be materialized into reality." The article came as Tuesday marks the 31st anniversary of the founder's death on July 8, 1994. Ahead of the anniversary, schoolchildren held a presentation event at the Mangyongdae Children's Palace in Pyongyang the previous day, while foreign organizations and others laid flower baskets at the founder's statue in the capital, according to North Korean media. Last year, Kim Jong-un visited and paid his respects at the family mausoleum on the 30th a

Jul 7, 2025By Yonhap
N. Korea highlights state founder Kim Il-sung's leadership ahead of the 31st anniv. of his death
Foreign Affairs

Top security adviser heads to US for talks on summit, tariffs

Korea's National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac left for Washington, D.C., on Sunday for talks with his U.S. counterparts on a wide range of issues that will include a possible summit between Korean President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump. During his three-day visit, Wi said he will also discuss the United States' evolving tariff scheme that includes 25 percent reciprocal duties on Korean goods, as well as sectoral tariffs on automobiles, steel and various other products. "Korea and the U.S. have been closely discussing trade and security issues, and my visit is intended to deepen those consultations," Wi said while speaking to reporters at Incheon International Airport. The security adviser added his visit comes at a "critical phase," following his earlier talks with his U.S. counterparts on the sidelines of the NATO summit last month. Wi's U.S. trip, the first of its kind since he took office last month, comes as a 90-day pause on the U.S.' reciprocal tariffs is set to expire Tuesday (U.S. time). In a parallel diplomatic effort, Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo also arrived in W

Jul 6, 2025By Yonhap
Top security adviser heads to US for talks on summit, tariffs
Foreign Affairs

Trade minister says 'all possibilities' remain open in trade talks with US

WASHINGTON — South Korea's Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo on Saturday stressed Seoul's focus on maximizing "practical interests" in ongoing trade talks with the United States, as he arrived in Washington with just days left before U.S. President Donald Trump's pause on steep tariffs expires. Speaking to the press, Yeo noted that "all possibilities" appear to remain open, saying that the pause on "reciprocal" tariffs could be extended beyond Tuesday, and that the two countries could also reach a broad agreement in principle rather than a full-fledged trade deal. Yeo's arrival came a little over a week after his last trip to the U.S. capital, underscoring the new South Korean government's commitment to striking a trade deal with the Trump administration. He was set to resume talks with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on the day. "Even if (the U.S.) unveils a new reciprocal tariff rate for each country, including South Korea, following the expiry of the July 8 pause on the tariffs, we anticipate that there could be a little (additional) period of pause," he told reporters as he walk

Jul 6, 2025By Yonhap
Trade minister says 'all possibilities' remain open in trade talks with US
Foreign Affairs

Top security adviser to visit US this week for alliance talks: presidential office

Korea's National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac will travel to the United States early this week for "in-depth" talks with officials of the Donald Trump administration on various bilateral issues, the presidential office said Saturday. Wi's three-day trip to Washington, starting Sunday, comes after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio scrapped plans for a visit to South Korea, initially set for later this week, citing various circumstances on his side. The cancelled visit by the top U.S. diplomat sparked concerns over the lack of high-level exchanges between the allies since the political crisis triggered by former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed imposition of martial law, which ultimately removed him from office. Wi will have "in-depth discussions" with U.S. officials on a wide range of bilateral issues during his visit to Washington, his office said. Wi's planned trip comes just days before Trump's 90-day pause on tariff hikes on Korea will expire on July 8.

Jul 5, 2025By Yonhap
Top security adviser to visit US this week for alliance talks: presidential office
Foreign Affairs

10 other Koreans, their Iranian family members evacuate Iran

Ten other South Koreans and their Iranian family members have evacuated Iran since Iran and Israel agreed to a ceasefire following an intense armed conflict, Seoul's foreign ministry said Friday. One South Korean and two Iranians departed Tehran between Wednesday and Thursday via a land route and safely arrived in Turkmenistan, the ministry said in a release. Separately, seven South Korean citizens flew out of the Islamic Republic, transiting through Oman and Dubai, and arrived home on Friday. A total of 66 South Koreans have left Iran since the Iran-Israel conflict began with Israel's airstrikes on Iran last month, the ministry said.

Jul 4, 2025By Yonhap
10 other Koreans, their Iranian family members evacuate Iran
Foreign Affairs

Lee seeks to send special envoys to 10 countries including US, Japan, China

President Lee Jae Myung is mulling sending special envoys to key nations this month, the presidential office said Friday, with countries under review reportedly including the United States, Japan, China and others in Europe and the Indo-Pacific region. "It is true the government is seeking to dispatch special envoys to major nations," the presidential office said in a notice, without providing further details, citing ongoing consultations with counterparts. The office is reportedly reviewing a plan that includes sending envoys to 10 countries, including the European Union, Australia, Canada, France and India, as part of broader diplomatic outreach efforts. The move is seen as an effort to strengthen the foundation for summit diplomacy by sending special envoys who can brief on Lee's state affairs policy and deliver friendly messages to widen exchange. A presidential official said the government plans to appoint special envoys, who can appropriately explain the new government's governing philosophy and foreign policy agenda. The presidential office was reportedly mulling whether to send a

Jul 4, 2025By Yonhap
Lee seeks to send special envoys to 10 countries including US, Japan, China
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