AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

Kim Hee-su
Kim Hee-su김희수
ReporterMinistry of Foreign Affairs, Seoul City Hall & Defense, Foreign Affairs
Kim Hee-su is a bilingual reporter at AJU Press, covering defense and foreign affairs. Before joining AJP in 2025, she worked at The Korea Times, where she wrote interview stories, including a profile of North Korean defector Kim Gum-hyok, and produced digital content. She also previously worked as a researcher for KBS News 9’s International News Department, supporting correspondents in 10 countries around the world. She graduated from the University of Toronto in Canada with a double major in Book and Media Studies and East Asian Studies. "I'm driven by storytelling."
Latest by Kim Hee-su
  • Flights to Southeast Asia hit hardest as fuel costs force LCCs to cut routes
    Flights to Southeast Asia hit hardest as fuel costs force LCCs to cut routes SEOUL, May 18 (AJP) - South Korean low-cost carriers are cutting more international flights, particularly on Southeast Asian routes, even as fuel surcharges for June eased slightly from their peak, raising concerns over passenger inconvenience and limited compensation. Since the outbreak of the Middle East war, domestic low-cost carriers (LCCs) and mid-tier carriers have reduced more than 1,100 round-trip international flights, with Southeast Asian routes accounting for a large portion of the cuts, according to industry officials. The benchmark Singapore jet fuel price used to calculate June fuel surcharges stood at 410.02 cents per gallon, down about 20 percent from 511.21 cents per gallon for May. Accordingly, international fuel surcharges fell to level 27 from the highest level of 33. Still, industry officials say fuel costs remain high compared with prewar levels. Even in July and August 2022, when global fuel prices surged following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, international fuel surcharges stood at level 22. Airlines usually decide which flights to reduce based on various factors, including profitability, passenger demand and alternative flight options. This time, routes with weaker demand and lower margins have been targeted first. Southeast Asian routes have been hit especially hard because they had been over-supplied amid fierce competition among LCCs. Vietnam routes, in particular, have become a major target for cuts as demand for Southeast Asian travel has weakened relatively compared to Japan and China. “Southeast Asian routes have seen softer demand compared with Japan routes,” an official from South Korean LCC Jin Air said. “Japan remains relatively resilient, supported by favorable exchange-rate conditions, while travel to Southeast Asia tends to be more affected by higher overall trip costs.” The official added that travelers to some Southeast Asian countries often face higher costs because they exchange money through the U.S. dollar first before converting it again locally. “Those extra costs appear to have affected demand,” the official said. “That is why many of the reductions have been concentrated on Southeast Asian routes.” Southeast Asian routes are often regarded as “mid-haul” routes that sit between short-haul and long-haul services. They require more fuel than flights to Japan or China, but airlines cannot charge fares as high as those on long-haul routes. Jin Air has cut 176 round-trip flights through this month due to the burden of higher fuel costs. The carrier canceled 45 round-trip flights on eight routes, including Guam, last month and 131 round-trip flights on 14 routes, including Phu Quoc, this month. The number could rise further once its June schedule is finalized. Jeju Air reduced flights from Incheon to Phu Quoc, Da Nang, Bangkok and Singapore from seven times a week to three or four times a week from May 8 to June 30. It also cut its Incheon-Hanoi service from seven times a week to four times a week from May 12 and suspended its Vientiane route for two months from April 29. Airportal data also shows that the cuts were concentrated in Southeast Asia even when all Korean carriers are included. Flights to Vietnam, the Philippines and Thailand fell far more sharply than the overall 7.9 percent decline in international flights from January to April. The Philippines posted the steepest percentage drop among the listed countries, down 43.8 percent, followed by Thailand at 38.7 percent and Vietnam at 31.3 percent. By contrast, Japan routes slipped only 5 percent, while China and U.S. routes increased. For passengers, however, the main issue is not just the number of flights being cut. Even if overall reductions remain limited, passengers whose flights are affected can face major disruptions to travel plans. “I’m planning to travel in July, but I think I’ll take my time and book only refundable accommodation because flight schedules seem uncertain,” one user wrote on an online travel community. The transport ministry said the cuts remain below the level that could lead to penalties. Airlines could lose route rights or airport slots if they cancel 20 percent or more of their approved flights, but no carrier has reached that threshold so far. 2026-05-18 15:47:32
  • Tway Air gains license to change name to Trinity Air
    T'way Air gains license to change name to Trinity Air SEOUL, May 18 (AJP) - South Korean low-cost carrier T'way Air is moving ahead with its transition to Trinity Air after receiving approval from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport for its new corporate name. T'way Air said Monday that it received a revised license from the ministry on May 15 to change its name to Trinity Air. The new name, Trinity, comes from the Latin word “Trinitas,” meaning the unity of three. The company said the name reflects its plan to expand beyond air travel by combining aviation, accommodation and travel services to offer a more integrated customer experience. The license change follows the company’s decision to adopt the new name at its annual shareholders’ meeting on March 31. However, the airline will not begin operating under the new name immediately. As an international air carrier, T'way Air must complete approval procedures with foreign aviation authorities before launching services under the Trinity Air name. The transport ministry approved the license change on condition that the airline take measures to prevent consumer confusion, maintain its safety management system and complete necessary approvals from overseas aviation authorities. Until all related procedures are completed, the airline will continue to operate under the T'way Air name. Its airline code, TW, and flight numbers will also remain unchanged. Passengers with existing reservations can use their tickets without any additional changes. “This license approval marks an important first step in our transition to Trinity Air,” a T'way Air official said. 2026-05-18 11:15:26
  • Koreas Cheonghae Unit departs for Gulf of Aden amid Hormuz tensions
    Korea's Cheonghae Unit departs for Gulf of Aden amid Hormuz tensions SEOUL, May 15 (AJP) - The South Korean Navy’s destroyer Wang Geon departed from Busan on Friday to replace the Cheonghae Unit currently operating in the Gulf of Aden, amid speculation that the unit could be deployed near the Strait of Hormuz depending on regional developments. The 4,400-ton Wang Geon, a Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin-class destroyer, left Busan Naval Base at 4 p.m. after a send-off ceremony attended by service members and their families. The 48th rotation of the Cheonghae Unit consists of about 260 personnel, including the ship’s crew, command staff, a UDT/SEAL boarding team, an aviation unit operating a Lynx maritime helicopter, and Marine Corps, medical and maintenance support personnel. The Navy said about 80 members, or roughly 30 percent of the unit, have previous experience serving with the Cheonghae Unit. The unit will carry out anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden, escort vessels and support safe navigation. It is also tasked with protecting South Korean nationals in emergencies and participating in maritime security operations led by the Combined Maritime Forces and the European Union Naval Force Somalia. Under the deployment approval passed by the National Assembly, the Cheonghae Unit’s operational area is limited to waters around the Gulf of Aden. However, speculation has grown that the unit’s mission area could be expanded to the Strait of Hormuz if Seoul decides to join U.S.-proposed military cooperation efforts aimed at reopening the key waterway. Such a move would require parliamentary approval. The 48th rotation has strengthened its counter-drone defense system, reflecting concerns over threats such as explosive drones used during the Iran war. A Navy official said the upgrade was not made with a possible Hormuz deployment in mind, but was intended to prepare for various threats that could arise during the unit’s mission. The currently deployed Dae Jo-yeong destroyer is also known to have established communication channels with South Korean vessels near the Strait of Hormuz and has been checking their safety conditions. The Cheonghae Unit is expected to take three to four weeks to reach the Gulf of Aden and replace the 47th rotation next month. At the ceremony, Navy Chief of Staff Adm. Kim Kyung-ryul said the Cheonghae Unit “symbolizes the strong naval power of the Republic of Korea” and shows the country’s role as a responsible global state. Col. Ahn Woo-jin, commander of the 48th rotation, said the unit would work as “one team” to complete its mission. Oceans Minister Hwang Jong-woo asked the unit to protect South Korean vessels, saying ships flying the Korean flag are “our territory moving across the world.” Launched in March 2009, the Cheonghae Unit has escorted more than 2,400 vessels and supported the safe navigation of about 39,000 ships over the past 17 years. 2026-05-15 17:43:31
  • Seoul offers Canadians a real undersea ride in last stretch of submarine race
    Seoul offers Canadians a real undersea ride in last stretch of submarine race SEOUL, May 15 (AJP) - A South Korean flag-bearing submarine will surface at the Port of Victoria, off Canada's western coast, later this month after a two-month journey with Canadian crew members aboard — sailing from Jinhae in southern Korea in a symbolic outreach as Ottawa weighs Team Korea against Europe for a multibillion-dollar submarine contract. The bid to supply Canada with up to 12 next-generation submarines has narrowed to consortia led by Korea's Hanwha Ocean and Germany's Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS). Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said Ottawa aims to decide on a supplier for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project by the end of next month. As Ottawa seeks to replace its aging Victoria-class fleet, analysts cited by Canadian media estimate the total cost at between 60 billion and 120 billion Canadian dollars over the submarines' life cycle, including roughly 24 billion to 30 billion for the initial purchase. Hanwha Ocean is offering a variant of South Korea's KSS-III Batch-II submarine, while TKMS is proposing the Type 212CD, jointly procured by Germany and Norway. Both are conventionally powered diesel-electric submarines. Seoul has mounted an unusually aggressive campaign. The Republic of Korea Navy's Dosan Ahn Chang-ho, a KSS-III-class vessel, left Jinhae Naval Base on March 25 on a 14,000-kilometer trans-Pacific voyage. The submarine is expected to arrive at CFB Esquimalt in Victoria, British Columbia, before participating in joint exercises with the Royal Canadian Navy in June. During a stop in Hawaii on May 7, two Canadian submarine crew members boarded the vessel to observe its operations firsthand. "The South Korean Navy has friendly ties with Canada," a South Korean Navy official said. "There have been several maritime exercises before, but this is the first time a South Korean submarine has gone there." The June exercise is expected to involve one submarine and one surface vessel from each side. The voyage allows South Korea to demonstrate both the submarine's capabilities and its ability to operate the platform across the Pacific — a pointed argument to Ottawa about operational reach. Diplomatic efforts are also intensifying. According to sources familiar with the matter, Seoul is considering sending a high-level government delegation, potentially including presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik, to Ottawa. Canada extended the bidding process in early April, giving the two remaining contenders more time to revise their proposals — a move widely seen as a signal that Ottawa wanted stronger economic and industrial benefits before making a final decision. Hanwha Ocean has since raised the value of its proposed economic benefits from 60 billion to about 70 billion Canadian dollars, and added a plan to produce military and industrial vehicles in Canada using local parts and labor. Germany is making an equally aggressive late push. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is expected to return to Ottawa in late May for CANSEC, Canada's largest defense industry exhibition. Earlier this month, German Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil also visited Canada to champion TKMS' bid. TKMS has emphasized industrial cooperation with Canadian companies, including Bombardier, framing its proposal as a long-term partnership rather than a traditional arms purchase. The geopolitical backdrop has added another layer of complexity. Trade pressure from the Trump administration has reinforced calls in Canada to reduce dependence on the United States and deepen strategic ties with Europe and Asia — a current that both bidders are trying to ride. Canada has not ordered a new submarine since the Cold War era and has never sought to acquire 12 at once. Its current fleet of four secondhand Victoria-class submarines has been plagued by persistent readiness problems, with reportedly only one vessel available for operations at times. On paper, TKMS holds a clear export advantage, having supplied submarines to navies around the world. Hanwha Ocean, by contrast, counts only one overseas submarine contract — with Indonesia. But Seoul is betting that a submarine arriving under its own power on Canada's doorstep, crewed in part by Canadians, makes an argument that no brochure can. The opportunity comes as South Korea pursues an ambitious goal of becoming one of the world's four largest defense exporters. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, South Korea ranked among the world's top ten arms exporters from 2020 to 2024, with systems including the K9 self-propelled howitzer, Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher and FA-50 light attack aircraft expanding Seoul's footprint in NATO markets. 2026-05-15 16:49:55
  • HD Hyundai Heavy skips first KDDX bid, expected to join second round
    HD Hyundai Heavy skips first KDDX bid, expected to join second round SEOUL, May 15 (AJP) - HD Hyundai Heavy Industries did not participate in the first round of bidding for ships for South Korea’s next-generation destroyer project, but is expected to join the second round. According to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration and industry officials on Friday, HD Hyundai Heavy did not complete preliminary registration for the designated competitive bidding process for the Korean Destroyer Next Generation, or KDDX, by Thursday’s deadline. However, the company said it is preparing to take part in the bidding process, signaling that it is likely to participate in the second round. With HD Hyundai Heavy absent from the first round, Hanwha Ocean was the sole bidder, meaning the bid effectively failed to meet the required conditions. DAPA is expected to issue a second bidding notice later this month to move the long-delayed project forward. “We are currently preparing to participate in the bidding,” an HD Hyundai Heavy official said. “But we need more time to comprehensively review the relevant conditions.” The KDDX project, worth 7.04 trillion won ($5 billion), aims to build six 6,000-ton-class destroyers, often referred to as “mini-Aegis” ships. Naval shipbuilding projects typically move from concept and basic planning to detailed engineering, construction and follow-on vessels. The KDDX contract is expected to be awarded through a competitive bidding process between HD Hyundai Heavy and Hanwha Ocean. DAPA had planned to select the final contractor within the first half of this year after issuing the bidding notice in March and completing proposal evaluations and negotiations. The agency aims to deliver the lead ship to the Navy by 2032. But with the bidding process for the detailed design and lead ship construction delayed, the final selection of the contractor is also expected to be pushed back. “As the project has already been delayed for a long time, we will promptly issue a rebid notice and proceed with the project without further setbacks,” a DAPA official said. 2026-05-15 16:26:32
  • Hanwha signs teaming agreement with Milrem Robotics for Romanian UGV program
    Hanwha signs teaming agreement with Milrem Robotics for Romanian UGV program SEOUL, May 15 (AJP) - Hanwha Aerospace has signed a teaming agreement with Estonia’s Milrem Robotics to jointly pursue Romania’s unmanned ground vehicle program, as the South Korean defense firm seeks to expand its presence in the European market. The agreement was signed during the Black Sea Defense & Aerospace, or BSDA 2026, exhibition in Bucharest by Hanwha Aerospace, its Romanian subsidiary Hanwha Aerospace Romania and Milrem Robotics, Hanwha Aerospace said Friday. Under the agreement, Hanwha Aerospace Romania is expected to serve as the prime contractor and lead local production, offering wheeled UGV platforms based on Hanwha’s Arion-SMET and the upgraded GRUNT variant. Milrem Robotics will provide its THeMIS tracked UGV platform and related technologies as part of Hanwha’s integrated proposal. Hanwha said the partnership is aimed at delivering a flexible and scalable unmanned solution tailored to Romania’s operational needs, while strengthening local industrial capabilities and broader European cooperation. “We are pleased to mark this collaboration at BSDA 2026, which represents an important step in bringing advanced unmanned capabilities into Romania through localized production and industrial cooperation,” said Lino Lim, CEO of Hanwha Aerospace Romania. Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics, said the company sees strong potential to expand manufacturing capabilities to Romania in cooperation with Hanwha. Ahead of the exhibition, Hanwha Aerospace and Milrem Robotics also conducted a live manned-unmanned teaming demonstration near Bucharest on May 12. 2026-05-15 15:25:27
  • Seoul to unveil nuclear-powered submarine roadmap as early as this month
    Seoul to unveil nuclear-powered submarine roadmap as early as this month SEOUL, May 15 (AJP) - South Korea is expected to unveil a roadmap for its nuclear-powered submarine program as early as the end of this month, government sources said Friday. The move is seen as an attempt by Seoul to present its own timeline for the long-sought project, as follow-up talks with Washington have been slow. The Ministry of National Defense, which leads an interagency task force on the issue, is expected to announce the plan, though the exact timing has yet to be finalized. The basic plan is expected to outline the mission and role of the submarines, including their defensive nature, as well as Seoul’s commitment to complying with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). During a visit to Seoul in April, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi said South Korea would need a separate safeguards arrangement with the agency if it moves ahead with nuclear-powered submarines, noting that “the nuclear material is not continuously accessible to inspectors” because of the nature of such vessels. He stressed the need for “technically sound arrangements” to verify that the material is used only for propulsion and does not contribute to nuclear proliferation. Nuclear-powered submarines have long been a priority for South Korea’s military, with discussions dating back to the Kim Young-sam administration. After years of failed attempts, the project gained momentum after South Korea and the United States agreed on the issue during their summit on the sidelines of last year’s APEC summit in Gyeongju. Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back recently discussed cooperation on South Korea’s nuclear-powered submarine program during his visit to the U.S., where he met with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the acting secretary of the Navy and key members of Congress. Powered by small nuclear reactors, nuclear-powered submarines can theoretically remain submerged for months and travel much faster than conventional diesel-electric submarines, making them a strategic asset. South Korea’s military has reviewed plans to build at least four nuclear-powered submarines with a displacement of 5,000 tons or more after the mid-2030s. As the project would mark the first domestic use of a nuclear reactor on a submarine, the government is also seeking to enact a special law on nuclear-powered submarines to establish a management framework for military nuclear energy. 2026-05-15 11:27:10
  • Air Force chief to accelerate F-5 phaseout, prepare manned-unmanned combat systems
    Air Force chief to accelerate F-5 phaseout, prepare manned-unmanned combat systems SEOUL, May 14 (AJP) - Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Son Seok-rak said South Korea will accelerate the phaseout of its aging F-5 fighter jets from 2030 to 2027, as the Air Force prepares to shift toward manned-unmanned combat systems. “We are preparing to withdraw the F-5 fighter jets from service before the end of next year,” Son said during a meeting with defense ministry correspondents in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, on Wednesday. The F-5 has long served as one of the Republic of Korea Air Force’s key light fighter jets. Introduced in the 1970s and later produced locally as the KF-5, the aircraft helped expand South Korea’s fighter fleet at a time when the country was strengthening its independent air defense capabilities. Son said the Air Force is also pushing to introduce low-cost unmanned assets such as LUCAS by the early 2030s, which could be deployed in large numbers during the initial stage of a war. “We are aiming to develop AI pilots by the 2040s and further prepare for a transition to unmanned combat squadrons,” he said. Son said the KF-21 alone would not be enough to meet future operational needs, stressing the need to speed up the development of unmanned attack aircraft and unmanned combat aircraft. “We will complete a manned-unmanned teaming system and connect it to a sixth-generation fighter system in the 2040s and 2050s,” he said. He added that unmanned systems are not intended to replace humans, but to enhance combat power. “The judgment and expertise of pilots will become even more important,” Son said. The Air Force is also stepping up efforts to build AI-based command and operational systems. Son said the Air Force is currently operating “Air Wars,” a generative AI platform developed in-house. “We have established the military’s first AI-based work management system,” he said. “The Air Force is also taking part in designing generative AI platforms for the defense ministry and the defense acquisition sector.” 2026-05-14 18:09:28
  • Korean arms gain strategic role as Southeast Asia balances US-China rivalry
    Korean arms gain strategic role as Southeast Asia balances US-China rivalry SEOUL, May 14 (AJP) - Southeast Asian countries are increasingly turning to South Korean weapons as they seek to modernize their militaries while navigating the intensifying rivalry between the United States and China. The trend is drawing growing attention as Washington expands its Indo-Pacific security operations beyond the Korean Peninsula and Japan, while Southeast Asian nations continue pursuing flexible defense ties with both major powers. According to industry sources, some U.S. Forces Korea units recently took part in multinational drills in the Philippines, an unusual move that underscored how U.S. assets stationed in South Korea could be used more flexibly for regional contingencies. The deployment followed remarks last month by Gen. Xavier Brunson, commander of the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command and U.S. Forces Korea, who proposed a “kill web” concept linking South Korea, Japan and the Philippines through a cyber-based network for intelligence sharing and joint military operations during a contingency. At the same time, Thailand has moved to deepen military engagement with China while maintaining its long-standing defense relationship with the United States. China’s defense ministry said it would hold the “Assault 2026” joint exercise in Thailand this month, focusing on operations in mountainous and jungle terrain. The drills come as Thailand continues to participate in Cobra Gold, one of the region’s largest U.S.-led multinational exercises. A report by the Asan Institute for Policy Studies said South Korea’s advanced technology, its status as a “non-threatening power,” and its relatively neutral image have made it an attractive partner for Southeast Asian countries seeking to modernize their militaries. In that environment, South Korean weapons are emerging as a practical option for countries seeking advanced but relatively affordable systems that are not directly tied to either Washington or Beijing. Indonesia has been South Korea’s largest customer in Southeast Asia, accounting for 55 percent of defense exports to the region over the past two decades, according to an analysis by the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Jakarta has imported Korean-made T-50 and KT-1 trainer aircraft, as well as Jang Bogo-class submarines, while also participating in the KF-21 fighter development program. The relationship has evolved beyond simple arms purchases into broader technology cooperation and joint development. Philippines has also emerged as one of Seoul’s key defense partners, particularly as Manila seeks to strengthen its air and maritime capabilities amid tensions in the South China Sea. The Philippine military operates FA-50PH light attack aircraft and has moved to expand its fleet, with Korea Aerospace Industries signing a deal in 2025 to supply 12 additional FA-50 jets after its initial contract for 12 aircraft in 2014. South Korea has also supplied frigates and corvettes to the Philippine Navy, making Korean weapons a major component of Manila’s military modernization efforts. Thailand, while carefully balancing ties between the United States and China, has likewise adopted Korean-made defense systems. The Royal Thai Air Force operates the T-50TH, a Thai variant of South Korea’s T-50 advanced trainer and light attack aircraft, while the country has also acquired Korean-built naval assets. The reported use of Korean-made guided munitions during Thailand’s border clashes with Cambodia in 2025 highlighted how Korean weapons are no longer merely procurement items, but could increasingly become part of real-world regional security dynamics. Malaysia has expanded its purchases of Korean defense systems from aircraft to naval air defense platforms. Kuala Lumpur signed a deal in 2023 to acquire 18 FA-50M light combat aircraft from Korea Aerospace Industries, strengthening South Korea’s role in Malaysia’s air force modernization program. In April 2026, Malaysia also signed a contract worth about $94 million with LIG Defense & Aerospace to purchase the Haegung, or K-SAAM, ship-launched surface-to-air missile system, which is expected to be installed on three Malaysian Navy vessels. The agreement marked the first overseas sale of the Haegung system. IISS senior fellow Thomas Daniel said developing countries have long sought defense equipment compatible with Western systems, a demand that “the major players have overlooked.” However, he also pointed to a potential challenge for Seoul as global demand for Korean weapons rises, questioning whether Southeast Asian buyers, which typically place smaller orders, could be pushed “to the back of the line.” Vietnam has recently emerged as a new market for South Korean ground weapons, with bilateral defense cooperation reaching a symbolic turning point through the K9 deal. In 2025, Hanwha Aerospace signed a deal worth about $250 million to supply 20 K9 self-propelled howitzers to Vietnam, marking South Korea’s first arms export to the country. The deal is significant not only because Vietnam has long relied heavily on Russian weapons, but also because it reflects how two countries that were once adversaries during the Vietnam War are now moving toward a strategic defense partnership. Vietnam’s purchase of the K9 is also seen as part of a broader effort to diversify defense procurement sources amid growing uncertainty surrounding Russian supply chains. Ian Storey of Singapore’s ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said South Korea has become an attractive option for Southeast Asian countries because Seoul offers advanced weapons at lower prices than Western suppliers and is more willing to transfer technology to support local defense industries. “South Korean arms are hi-tech and cheaper than Western defense equipment,” he said. Prashanth Parameswaran, a regional security analyst, said South Korea’s expanding security ties with ASEAN countries have created opportunities for Seoul but also pose challenges. While deeper defense cooperation gives South Korea room to expand its role as a regional security partner, it also exposes Seoul to the political risks of becoming more directly involved in Southeast Asia’s disputes and broader great-power competition. For Seoul, the question is whether it can remain primarily an arms supplier or whether growing demand for Korean weapons will push it toward a broader strategic role in Asia’s security order. As more Southeast Asian countries integrate Korean systems into their military modernization programs, defense exports may become increasingly difficult to separate from diplomacy and regional security politics. 2026-05-14 17:58:52
  • Foreign minister vows follow-up response over attack on HMM vessel Namu
    Foreign minister vows follow-up response over attack on HMM vessel Namu SEOUL, May 14 (AJP) - Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said Thursday that South Korea will take necessary follow-up measures over the recent attack on the HMM cargo vessel Namu after conducting an additional government investigation. “Based on the position that attacks on civilian vessels, including the Namu, cannot be justified or tolerated under any circumstances, we will continue consultations with relevant countries,” Cho said during a press briefing at the Foreign Ministry in central Seoul. Cho said the government will carry out an additional investigation into the attack and “take necessary response measures accordingly.” A senior Foreign Ministry official said debris from the incident, which had initially been kept at the South Korean Consulate General in Dubai, has been moved to the South Korean Embassy in Abu Dhabi and will be brought to Korea “as soon as possible.” “Once the debris is brought in, I believe our Defense Ministry’s expert investigative agency will conduct a thorough examination and uncover various details,” the official said. Regarding CCTV footage from the Namu that reportedly captured an aerial object, the official said the shipowner has so far declined to release the video, citing several reasons. “I have not seen it yet either,” the official said. “There are differences in views at the moment, but we will try to persuade them so that the CCTV footage can be disclosed and examined as part of the investigation.” Cho also said the Foreign Ministry is closely monitoring the course of the Middle East war and possible changes in the international order after the conflict ends, while preparing for any impact on South Korean nationals and national interests. “We will make swift and multifaceted efforts to turn various crises into opportunities,” Cho said. He added that the ministry is maintaining close cooperation and communication with major countries to ensure the free passage of vessels and the safety of South Korean seafarers, while upholding the principles of international maritime law and freedom of navigation. 2026-05-14 17:01:36