Opinion - The Korea Times

ED K-reactor renaissance

Prompted by the recent increase in sales overseas, Korean nuclear plant builders are now witnessing a renaissance. Despite the booming sales of so-called K-reactors, however, concerns are growing over the delayed special bill for the treatment of high-level radioactive waste, now pending at the National Assembly.

Feb 29, 2024

ED Ukraine and Korean War

In some ways, the dynamics of the Ukraine-Russian conflict, which began two years ago this month, resemble those of the Korean War. First, there is a sudden attack by an invader who expects to achieve victory within weeks, if not days. Compare North Korea’s quick capture of Seoul in June 1950 with predictions that Kyiv would collapse almost immediately after Moscow launched its invasion.

Feb 28, 2024

ED Preventing unnecessary collapse

After more than a week of a mass walkout by junior doctors protesting against a rise in medical school admissions quotas, the government has issued a call for their return by tomorrow or warned of potential punitive measures. President Yoon Suk Yeol emphasized on Tuesday that collective action cannot be justified on any grounds, reiterating that an increase of 2,000 seats was the minimum requirement to ensure timely treatment for the sick. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo also asked the trainees to return to work. We hope this deadline can break the current stalemate at hospitals and jumpstart new talks on adjusting the enrollment quota at the medical schools.

Feb 27, 2024

ED Looming 2nd CHIPS Act

The United States and Japan are swiftly enhancing their semiconductor industries, prompting heightened vigilance among domestic stakeholders. For starters, Intel of the U.S. unveiled an ambitious plan Thursday to embark on the mass production of 1.8 nanometer chips from late this year to become the world’s second-largest foundry maker, outpacing Samsung Electronics.

Feb 26, 2024

ED Candidate selection in peril

The backlash by disgruntled politicians against a selection committee is a common occurrence preceding nearly every election, and the April 10 National Assembly elections are no different. As with any competition, there are winners and losers, leaving those who didn't make the cut feeling dissatisfied.

Feb 25, 2024

ED Chaos at hospitals

The mounting tumult in hospitals across the nation is indicating a worsening situation, as more and more trainee doctors are joining protests against the government's decision to raise the enrollment quota at medical schools. As of 10 p.m. Wednesday, 9,275, or 74.4 percent of the total trainee doctors across the country, have tendered their resignations. Of them, 64.4 percent, or 8,024, refused to return to work after applying for leaves of absence, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Feb 22, 2024

ED Korea's chip dilemma

Has Korea become too dependent on semiconductors, its main economic engine? It has been known for the last few years that Korea’s chip industry, which accounts for as much as a fifth of the country’s exports, faces two main challenges.

Feb 21, 2024

ED 'Big tent' dissolves

Lee Nak-yon, former co-chairman of the merged Reform Party, Tuesday convened a press conference and said he would be leaving the Reform Party, just 11 days after the merger announcement.

Feb 20, 2024

ED Seoul-Havana ties

The presidential office unveiled a list of possible benefits stemming from the newly reestablished diplomatic ties between Seoul and Havana on Sunday. The office said more Korean enterprises will be able to make inroads into Cuba especially in the areas of daily necessities and home appliances, led by leading domestic firms like Samsung and LG.

Feb 19, 2024

ED North Korea-Japan summit looms

A summit between Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un seems to be becoming more feasible, which raises a key question about South Korea's preparedness to buffer any possible fallout on its relations with Japan.

Feb 18, 2024

Editorial