I am an editorial writer at The Korea Times, focusing on foreign policy, North Korea and domestic politics. My key areas of interest include North Korea, foreign interference in elections, election integrity, cyberattacks and human rights. Prior to joining the Editorial Board, I served as both Politics Desk editor and Culture Desk editor. During my career, I have reported on the Presidential Office under the Lee Myung-bak administration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Assembly.
Photo essays: What to expect in South Korea's countryside
“You're So Cool. I Mean it”: A farmer smiles in this 2009 photo which was included in Yang Hae-nam's photo-poetry book “Capturing Winds.” Each photo is paired with a poem. The shy woman eventually agreed to pose for a photo after she initially refused Yang's request to take her picture. / Courtesy of Yang Hae-nam
By Kang Hyun-kyung
“Father, the Breadwinner”: A farmer harvests commercial ginseng on his farm in Geumsan, South Chungcheong Province in this 1992 photo. He ensured his children were fed and educated with the income he earned from selling ginseng. / Courtesy of Yang Hae-nam
“Farmer-Artist”: A ginseng farm in Geumsan is seen in this 2016 photo. Author Yang likened the farm to a work of art, calling it the best installation art he has ever seen. / Courtesy of Yang Hae-nam
“Bustling Market”: This 1993 photo shows the crowded Geumsan Market. It was once one of the nation's three largest traditional markets as the county is the leading region for primary production of premium four-year-old commercial ginseng. The market has lost its former popularity because of heavy competition and falling demand. / Courtesy of Yang Hae-nam
“The Last Sam-gwang-ee”: A blacksmith couple works on the agricultural instrument, called sam-gwang-ee which was used to harvest ginseng, in this 2015 photo. It's their final sam-gwang-ee project. Domestic makers of agricultural products are being driven out of business due to the availability of cheaper Chinese imports. / Courtesy of Yang Hae-nam
“Preparing for Winter”: A mother and a son work on firewood in this 2017 photo taken in Muju County. North Jeolla Province. In the poem paired with this photo, the son encourages his weary mother to stop working and stay warm inside their house, a call the mother declines as she is worried about her son. / Courtesy of Yang Hae-nam
“Capturing Winds”: Rye fields, in a peaceful place surrounded by low mountains, are a common sight in Geumsan and its neighboring counties. Local ginseng farmers grow rye to make their farmland soil suitable for ginseng production. / Courtesy of Yang Hae-nam