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Ex-PM Lee Hong-koo dies at 91

Lee Hong-koo, a scholar-turned-politician who served as Korea’s prime minister in the 1990s and held key diplomatic posts in London and Washington, died on Tuesday. He was 91. Born in 1934, Lee graduated from Kyunggi High School and Seoul National University before studying politics at Emory University and Yale University in the United States. After receiving his Ph.D. in political science, he returned to Seoul National University as a political science professor and gained prominence through his academic work and newspaper columns that dissected contemporary Korean politics. Lee entered public office in 1988 during the Roh Tae-woo administration as the head of the National Unification Board, the predecessor of the Ministry of Unification. He later went on to serve as ambassador to Great Britain. Under President Kim Young-sam, Roh’s successor, Lee was appointed prime minister in 1994. Later, he moved into partisan politics as a key figure in the conservative New Korea Party and won a seat as a National Assembly member in 1996. Lee resigned his parliamentary seat in 1998 to serve as a

May 5, 2026By Jung Min-ho
Ex-PM Lee Hong-koo dies at 91

InterviewUkrainian student crowned third at Korea's iconic beauty pageant

Herasymenko Anhelina, 23, a Ukrainian graduate student at Kyungpook National University who is also known as Lina, claimed third place at a beauty pageant honoring one of Korea's most beloved literary figures. The win marks the second consecutive year a foreign student has taken an award at the Global Chunhyang Selection Contest, reflecting its push to expand its international reach. Last week's contest in Namwon, North Jeolla Province, named Herasymenko as Chunhyang Mi, the third of six titles — Jin, Seon, Mi, Jeong, Suk and Hyeon. “As Chunhyang Mi, I hope not only to deepen my own connection with Korea, but also to become a bridge through which others can form their own meaningful relationships with this country,” Lina told The Korea Times, adding that she hopes to help others experience Korea as more than just a destination. Lina said her interest in Korean traditional culture began in early adolescence. Over the years, she earned a Korean language teaching certification through the King Sejong Institute, and received a Korean government scholarship to pursue a master's degree i

May 5, 2026By Park Ung
Ukrainian student crowned third at Korea's iconic beauty pageant

Busan Int'l Performing Arts Festival to open with AlphaGo-inspired production

The 23rd Busan International Performing Arts Festival (BIPAF) will run from May 9-17 across nine venues in Busan, the festival's organizing committee said Monday. The nine-day event will include 52 productions from 13 countries at performance spaces including the Busan Cinema Center and Busan Citizens Hall. This year's festival runs under the theme "Difference & Repetition," which the organizers say reflects a commitment to exploring diversity through the convergence of different cultural and artistic languages. The opening production, "AlphaGo_Lee. Theory of Sacrifice," marks the Asian premiere of Poland’s STUDIO theatergallery's reimagining of the landmark 2016 go match between the AI program AlphaGo and Lee Se-dol by blending physical theater with digital imagery to probe the nature of human judgment in an algorithmic age. The opening ceremony is scheduled for 6 p.m. on May 9 at the Busan Cinema Center’s Sky Theater. The closing production is "MERRY-GO-ROUND," directed by Hungarian director Attila Vidnyanszky and co-produced by the National Theatre of Budapest and the Hungarian N

May 4, 2026By Jhoo Dong-chan
Busan Int'l Performing Arts Festival to open with AlphaGo-inspired production

Yongsan celebrates family month with slate of events in May

Yongsan District Office, which administers the Seoul neighborhoods of Itaewon, Hannam-dong, Bogwang-dong and Haebangchon, among others, announced a slate of cultural events for May to mark Korea’s Family Month. The programs are designed to mark the month’s festivities across the district’s various neighborhoods, with non-Korean residents also welcome to attend the series of family-oriented events. The events open Tuesday at the War Memorial of Korea with a children's cultural festival hosted by the Korea War Memorial Association. The festivities include face painting, balloon art and remote-controlled tank rides, alongside K-pop performances and demonstrations by the Marine Corps Band and a taekwondo team. On Thursday, the district will hold a singing contest for older adults at Yongsan Arts Hall's main theater, Mir. Participants who advanced through preliminaries will take the stage, joined by trot singers Choi Dae-sung and MC Hojo. The Yongsan History Museum will host a concert of traditional Korean music on May 16, featuring the ensemble Aranju. The 3 p.m. performance is themed

May 4, 2026By Jhoo Dong-chan
Yongsan celebrates family month with slate of events in May

Heaven Resort chairman receives honorary doctorate from Belhaven University

Kwon Mo-se, chairman of The Heaven Resort and a board member of the Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC)-Korea, was awarded an honorary doctorate from Belhaven University in the United States, in recognition of his contributions to corporate management and social responsibility. Belhaven University, a private Christian institution founded in 1883, said the degree honors Kwon’s dedication to public values, citing his role in regional economic development, job creation and his consistent history of philanthropic activities. "We highly value Chairman Kwon’s role in boosting the local economy and creating jobs through his business management. He has consistently realized public values through his ongoing donations and commitment to social contribution," the university said through FEBC-Korea, Monday. Located in Jackson, Mississippi, the university is known for its focus on developing global leaders through a values-based education. Upon receiving the honor on Saturday (local time), Kwon attributed his achievements to his faith and pledged to continue his philanthropic mission. "I believe

May 4, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
Heaven Resort chairman receives honorary doctorate from Belhaven University

Korean couple earns praise for running Dokdo Cafe in Philippines

A Korean couple running the Dokdo Cafe near Alona Beach in the Philippine province of Bohol has been credited with internationally promoting Korea’s sovereignty over the eastern islets and countering Japan’s territorial claims. Seo Kyoung-duk, a Sungshin Women's University professor and social activist well known for introducing Korean culture and history overseas, wrote on social media Thursday that the Dokdo Love Movement Headquarters has named Eom Sang-hyun and Park Jin-hwa as “Dokdo Heroes.” According to the nonprofit organization, the couple opened the coffee shop four years ago to help Filipinos and tourists recognize that the Dokdo islets belong to Korea. The organization added that booklets and various other materials about Dokdo have turned the store into a place to learn about Korean history and territory, not just a spot to drink coffee. “Our sincere explanations and steady efforts have helped locals who were unfamiliar with Dokdo open their minds,” the couple told the organization. Seo also visited the Dokdo Cafe in person, along with representatives of the organi

May 4, 2026By Park Jae-hyuk
Korean couple earns praise for running Dokdo Cafe in Philippines

Joseon Dynasty landscape recreated at Seoul Int'l Garden Show

Against the sprawling backdrop of Seoul Forest, the Korea Heritage Service (KHS) debuted the K-Heritage Garden, Monday, a centerpiece of this year’s Seoul International Garden Show that seeks to bridge the country’s storied past with modern horticultural design. The heritage service’s latest installation marks the first physical application of a long-term research project aimed at modularizing traditional landscape architecture. By documenting and systematizing centuries-old design principles — such as the specific placement of stone basins and the orientation of pavilions — officials hope to provide a template that can be easily integrated into contemporary urban planning. The installation at the Seoul International Garden Show draws its primary inspiration from the backyard garden of the Choe Jun house in Gyeongju. A prominent businessman and philanthropist in the early 20th century, Choe was a pivotal figure in the Korean independence movement, famously funneling his family’s vast wealth toward the liberation effort against colonial rule. By distilling the DNA of this ar

May 4, 2026By Jhoo Dong-chan
Joseon Dynasty landscape recreated at Seoul Int'l Garden Show

She quit TV at her peak to marry into Hyundai family — fans say she looks the same

Noh Hyun-jung, once one of South Korea’s most recognizable TV presenters, is trending again after a rare public appearance at a charity event—prompting a wave of nostalgia from fans who say she looks "just the same as before." A video released April 30 by Daily Fashion News shows Noh attending a fundraising bazaar hosted by Areumjigi, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving traditional Korean culture. The clip quickly spread online, drawing attention not only for her appearance but also for how little she seems to have changed since her broadcasting years. In the video, Noh explains the purpose of the event, saying, "Areumjigi holds a bazaar once a year to raise donations that support the preservation of Korean cultural traditions." She adds, "It’s nice to gather with friends, strengthen friendships, introduce good products and contribute together to a meaningful cause." The brief appearance was enough to ignite social media buzz, particularly among viewers who remember her as a household name in Korean entertainment during the 2000s. Comments ranged from admiration to disbelief at he

May 1, 2026By Xportsnews
She quit TV at her peak to marry into Hyundai family — fans say she looks the same

K-culture must evolve into sustainable global asset

K-culture has grown into a global phenomenon over the past few years. To maintain this momentum, industry leaders and policymakers emphasized that Korean culture must evolve beyond a temporary trend into a sustainable asset that connects the world during The Korea Forum 2026 on Thursday. Seung Myung-ho, chairman of The Korea Times and its sister paper the Hankook Ilbo, said he hopes Korean culture will continue to elevate the country. "I expect K-culture to become a driving force that raises the national prestige of Korea and strengthens the competitiveness of various industries," Seung said during his opening remarks at the forum hosted by the two newspapers. "The spirit of pursuing practicality and beauty has combined with the innovation of companies and the sense of creators to develop into the K-culture we see today." Under the theme "K-culture, A New Grammar Connecting the World," experts from various fields gathered to share their insights on how Korean culture can maintain its global influence and prepare for the next stage of growth. You Hong-june, director of the National Museum

Apr 30, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
K-culture must evolve into sustainable global asset

Late Korean, French veterans named Korean War heroes of May

The veterans ministry on Thursday appointed late staff sergeant Kim Young-deok and late French Army Lt. Col. Ralph Monclar as the Korean War heroes of May in recognition of their service during the 1950-53 Korean War. Kim, who enlisted in the Korean Army in 1952 to serve in the 8th Infantry Division, died while fighting against Chinese troops to gain control of enemy lines in May 1953, according to the ministry. He was promoted by one rank and posthumously awarded the Hwarang Order of Military Merit, a primary military decoration. Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Monclar held the rank of lieutenant general at the time of the Korean War, but he voluntarily reduced his rank to command the French battalion alongside the U.S. Army's 2nd Infantry Division. Under harsh conditions, Monclar led his battalion during the battle of Chipyong-ni, where they had to go up against a massive wave of Chinese forces in Yangpyeong, east of Seoul, from Feb. 13-16, 1951. Monclar was awarded the Legion of Merit, a U.S. decoration awarded to citizens of other nations, in recognition of his achievements that led to the victor

Apr 30, 2026By Yonhap
Late Korean, French veterans named Korean War heroes of May
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