Journalist

by Jun Sung-min
  • Former Trade Negotiator Kim Hyun-jong Appointed Co-Chair of KADEX 2026
    Former Trade Negotiator Kim Hyun-jong Appointed Co-Chair of KADEX 2026 The organizing committee for the Korea Defense Industry Exhibition (KADEX 2026) announced on May 17 that it has appointed Kim Hyun-jong, who played a key role in the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement and the termination of the U.S.-Korea missile guidelines, as the co-chair of KADEX 2026. KADEX 2026 has received applications from over 450 companies across 21 countries, with confirmed participation from ten nations, including the United States, Saudi Arabia, India, Canada, the Netherlands, Finland, Sweden, Vietnam, Latvia, and Portugal. Internationally, 63 companies from 20 countries will participate with 350 booths. Additionally, the committee has recently signed a contract with GLOBSEC, one of the world's top five security forums, which will feature more than four speakers at the ministerial level. The KADEX organizing committee stated, "By appointing Kim Hyun-jong, one of our country's leading experts in trade and security, we aim to maximize the effectiveness of Korea's representative defense exhibition." Kim, the new co-chair of KADEX, previously served as the head of the international trade advisory group during Lee Jae-myung's presidential campaign. During Roh Moo-hyun's presidency, he was the head of the Trade Negotiation Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, where he designed and concluded simultaneous FTA negotiations with 45 countries, including the U.S.-Korea FTA. Under the Moon Jae-in administration, he aggressively concluded the renegotiation of the U.S.-Korea FTA, securing exemptions from tariffs on Korean steel. Later, as the second deputy director of the National Security Office, he is credited with fully terminating the 42-year-old U.S.-Korea missile guidelines through negotiations with both the Trump and Biden administrations, thereby restoring South Korea's sovereignty over missiles and space launch vehicles. Eom Gi-hak, co-chair of KADEX 2026, remarked, "As K-defense aims to become one of the world's top four defense exporters, the addition of someone who has actually led defense technology sovereignty recovery and U.S.-Korea security negotiations will elevate KADEX's international status and credibility. The new co-chair will oversee the attraction of official foreign delegations and the establishment of government cooperation channels with major defense importers, enhancing overall international exchanges."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-17 18:06:00
  • North Korean Womens Soccer Team Visits South Korea for First Time in Eight Years
    North Korean Women's Soccer Team Visits South Korea for First Time in Eight Years The Naegohyang Women's Football Team, representing North Korea, arrived in South Korea on May 17, 2026, for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women's Champions League (AWCL) semifinals, marking the first visit by a North Korean sports team in eight years. The team landed at Incheon International Airport around 2:20 PM, consisting of 27 players and 12 staff members, totaling 39 individuals, according to the Ministry of Unification. This is the first time a North Korean team has participated in a sports event in South Korea since the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Tour Grand Finals held in Incheon in December 2018. Additionally, it is the first visit by a North Korean women's soccer team since the 2014 Incheon Asian Games, which took place 12 years ago. The Naegohyang team is set to face Suwon FC Women at the Suwon Sports Complex on May 20. The team departed Pyongyang on May 12 via a flight from Air Koryo, arriving in Beijing, where they trained near the North Korean embassy before flying to South Korea on a China International Airlines flight. According to a 'Cheering Support Reference Material' released by the Ministry of Unification on May 14, over 3,000 members from around 200 civic groups, organized by the National Council for Reconciliation and Cooperation, will form a joint cheering squad for the AFC AWCL. The ministry stated, "We respect the voluntary discussions and agreements of civic groups and are facilitating orderly cheering in accordance with AFC regulations," adding that they have provided guidance on prohibited items and the ban on political and religious messages at the venue. As a result of discussions with civic organizations, the joint cheering squad will utilize banners, cheering towels, cheering sticks, and flags from both clubs, all compliant with AFC regulations. 2026-05-17 15:12:00
  • Lee to Hold Summit with Japans Prime Minister Takaichi on May 19
    Lee to Hold Summit with Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi on May 19 The Blue House announced on May 17 that Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae will be welcomed with honors equivalent to a state visit ahead of the upcoming South Korea-Japan summit on May 19. This summit marks the first return visit since President Lee Jae-myung met with Prime Minister Takaichi in Nara Prefecture, Japan, in January, and will take place in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, the president's hometown. Blue House spokesperson Kang Yu-jeong stated, "This visit is significant as it serves as a return gesture for President Lee's visit to Prime Minister Takaichi's hometown in Nara Prefecture in January, and we expect it to further deepen the trust and friendship between the two leaders." This will be the third meeting between the two leaders, following President Lee's visit to Nara in January and a summit held during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in Gyeongju last October. Prime Minister Takaichi is scheduled to arrive at Daegu Airport on the afternoon of May 19, where he will be greeted by Deputy Foreign Minister Kim Jin-ah before heading to a hotel for a series of meetings. President Lee will personally welcome Prime Minister Takaichi at the hotel entrance. A traditional honor guard and military band will escort the prime minister's vehicle, and 12 honor guards will be stationed at the hotel entrance to extend state visit-level honors, according to spokesperson Kang. Following their meeting, the two leaders will hold a joint press conference, followed by a dinner and social event. The dinner will feature fusion Korean dishes inspired by the traditional recipe book "Suwun Japbang," including Andong Jjimdak, a dish that originated as a chicken dish served to esteemed guests, along with grilled Andong Hanwoo beef ribs, Andong rice, and Sinseollo. This menu reflects the Andong spirit of hospitality, which emphasizes the importance of welcoming friends with sincerity, Kang explained. To symbolize the friendship and unity between the two nations, the dinner will include traditional Andong liquor, Tesa-ju and Andong Soju, alongside sake from Nara Prefecture, Prime Minister Takaichi's hometown. For dessert, a plate will feature a type of traditional Korean sweet called Jeonyak and the Japanese dessert Mochi. Kang added, "The dinner will showcase the elegance of Andong's traditions blended with modern sensibilities, in collaboration with Kim Do-eun of 'Rakgojae Suwun Japbang Heritage Dining' and the Westin Chosun. A performance by Korean-Japanese pianist Yang Bang-ean will follow the dinner." Afterward, the two leaders will travel to Hahoe Village, where a special traditional cultural event, the 'Seonyu Jullbul Nori,' will be held for Prime Minister Takaichi. This event, which takes place annually in the seventh month of the lunar calendar, involves scholars from Hahoe Village enjoying poetry and festivities along the Nakdong River. They will also witness the 'Nakhwa Nori,' where bundles of burning pine branches are dropped from the cliffs of Buyongdae. Additionally, a creative pansori performance titled 'Like Scattering Sparks,' inspired by the Seonyu Jullbul Nori and featuring verses from a classical Chinese poem, will be presented. 2026-05-17 13:58:07
  • Prime Minister Kim Warns Samsung Strike Could Cost Up to 100 Trillion Won
    Prime Minister Kim Warns Samsung Strike Could Cost Up to 100 Trillion Won The government stated on May 17 that it is "very concerned about the significant damage to the national economy" if a strike at Samsung Electronics materializes, emphasizing that it recognizes the situation as extremely serious. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok explained that the economic damage could reach up to 100 trillion won, warning that South Korea could lose the strategic advantage it has gained in the global AI semiconductor race to competing nations. He urged both labor and management to make efforts to find common ground. In a public address at the Government Seoul Building, Kim requested that the Samsung Electronics union prioritize dialogue and compromise over a strike, stating, "If a situation arises where significant damage to the national economy is expected due to a strike, the government will have no choice but to consider all possible measures, including emergency mediation, to protect the economy." The government held its second emergency ministerial meeting that morning. Kim remarked, "The government is acutely aware of the current situation," and expressed the need to convey the government's firm stance to the public, urging both sides to resolve this crisis through dialogue and compromise rather than resorting to extreme measures like a strike. He added that negotiations on May 18 represent a crucial opportunity to prevent a strike, stressing that both labor and management should not take this moment lightly. Samsung Electronics accounts for 22.8% of South Korea's exports (as of the first quarter of 2026) and comprises 26% of the total market capitalization, employing over 120,000 people and serving as a core pillar of the economy alongside more than 1,700 partner companies, according to Kim. Kim warned, "If this strike occurs, the economic losses we face will be beyond imagination," noting that even a single day of halted operations at Samsung's semiconductor plants could lead to direct losses of up to 1 trillion won. He further expressed concern that, due to the nature of semiconductor production lines, a brief stoppage could lead to months of disruption, with potential economic damages from wafer disposal during a strike estimated to reach up to 100 trillion won. "Most concerning is that South Korea could entirely relinquish the strategic advantage it has painstakingly secured in the global AI semiconductor war to competing nations," he added. Kim reiterated his strong request to both labor and management at Samsung Electronics, urging them to quickly establish a reasonable and mutually beneficial solution through sincere dialogue that aligns with the public's expectations. He concluded by stating, "The government will actively support dialogue between labor and management to prevent any strike under any circumstances," and urged both sides to seek a path of cooperation for the future of South Korea's economy and businesses." Kim emphasized, "However, if a situation arises where significant damage to the national economy is anticipated due to a strike, the government will have no choice but to consider all possible measures, including emergency mediation, to protect the economy."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-17 11:34:00
  • South Korea and U.S. Near Agreement on Transition of Wartime Operational Control
    South Korea and U.S. Near Agreement on Transition of Wartime Operational Control Wiesungrak, the Chief of the National Security Office, stated on May 17 that discussions regarding the transition of wartime operational control between South Korea and the United States are progressing, with both sides nearing agreement on the timing. "There is not a five to ten year gap between our positions; we are close to consensus on the timing of the transition," he said. During an appearance on KBS's Sunday Diagnosis, Wiesungrak noted that military consultations are ongoing and that there are no significant differences in conditions or timing for the transition, emphasizing that it is fundamentally a political decision. U.S. Forces Korea Commander General JB Vowell recently mentioned in a congressional hearing that the first quarter of 2029 is the target for the transition. Wiesungrak reiterated that the government's official stance is to aim for a swift transition within the current administration, adding that final details could be addressed at high-level talks between the leaders or their representatives. He also mentioned that a roadmap for the transition will be developed in the second half of this year, and once full operational capability is verified, a proposal for the transition timing will be made. Discussions on the timing will then intensify, where compromises between the U.S. and South Korea will need to be found. Regarding the strategic flexibility of U.S. Forces Korea, Wiesungrak explained that while the U.S. military operates under the command of the U.S. President, it also operates under South Korean sovereignty. Therefore, any flexibility exercised by the U.S. must respect South Korean interests. In response to concerns that U.S. military movements could lead to diplomatic issues between China and South Korea in the event of a conflict in the Taiwan Strait, Wiesungrak stated, "If we maintain the framework of agreement and operational nuances between South Korea and the U.S., we can manage to avoid unwanted disputes, so this is not a major concern." Wiesungrak also mentioned efforts to advance discussions on issues such as nuclear reprocessing and nuclear submarines between South Korea and the U.S., expressing hope to report positive developments soon. Regarding the attack on the HMM Namooho in the Strait of Hormuz, Wiesungrak said, "I cannot say it was Iran, and it is not the right time to delve into who within Iran may be responsible." He added, "We have brought the necessary evidence to Seoul, and investigations are currently underway." He concluded by stating, "We will quickly ascertain the facts and disclose them as soon as possible, taking necessary actions without any other considerations."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-17 10:51:29
  • North Korean womens soccer team to visit South Korea for AFC semifinal this weekend
    North Korean women's soccer team to visit South Korea for AFC semifinal this weekend SEOUL, May 14 (AJP) - The Unification Ministry here has approved a visit by North Korea's women's soccer team to participate in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women's Champions League next week. A total of 39 North Korean footballers and sports officials are set to arrive on Sunday for the tournament's semifinal match against Suwon FC Women, scheduled for May 20 in Gyeonggi Province. They will be allowed to stay in South Korea until May 24. It will be the first time in seven years and five months that a North Korean team has visited South Korea for a sports event, since the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Tour Grand Finals in Incheon in December 2018. It will also be the first visit by a North Korean women's soccer team since the 2014 Asian Games in the same port city, 12 years ago. The ministry said up to 300 million won will be spent from the inter-Korean cooperation fund to help cover cheering-related expenses, with about 3,000 people from some 200 civic groups expected to participate. The ministry said it has provided guidance on "generally prohibited items" and advised a ban on political or religious messages under AFC regulations. 2026-05-14 17:54:16
  • South Korea Approves Visit of North Korean Womens Football Team
    South Korea Approves Visit of North Korean Women's Football Team South Korea's Ministry of Unification announced on May 14 that it has approved the visit of the North Korean women's football team, Naegohyang, to participate in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women's Champions League (AWCL) semifinals scheduled for May 20 in Suwon. The approved delegation consists of 39 members, the same number initially submitted by North Korea to the AFC. The visit is authorized from May 17 to May 24. Once the visit is approved, an entry permit will be issued, which is required under South Korea's Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Act for North Korean officials visiting the South. The entry permit serves as a document to verify identity in place of a passport during the entry screening process. A Ministry of Unification official stated that North Korea defines inter-Korean relations as involving two separate states. Regarding the possibility of the North Korean delegation presenting passports during entry screening at Incheon International Airport on May 17, the official said, "The screening will fundamentally follow the Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Act, but if the North Korean football team presents passports, it will be used as supplementary material for photo verification on a practical level." The Naegohyang women's football team is set to arrive at Incheon International Airport on May 17 and will face Suwon FC Women at the Suwon Sports Complex on May 20. This marks the first time a North Korean sports team has visited South Korea for a competition since the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Tour Grand Finals held in Incheon in December 2018, and it is the first visit by the North Korean women's football team since the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon. The Ministry of Unification has decided to support up to 300 million won (approximately $250,000) from the Inter-Korean Cooperation Fund for the expenses of cheering groups from the private sector. According to a reference document released by the Ministry, the joint cheering group organized by over 200 civic organizations, including the National Council for Reconciliation and Cooperation, will consist of approximately 3,000 members. The Ministry stated, "We respect the autonomous discussions and negotiations of civic groups and are communicating to ensure that cheering is conducted in an orderly manner within the framework of AFC regulations," adding that it has provided guidance on prohibited items and the ban on political and religious messages in the stadium. As a result of discussions with civic organizations, the joint cheering group has agreed to use cheering tools such as banners, cheering towels, cheering sticks, and club flags from both sides, in accordance with AFC regulations.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 17:35:04
  • South Koreas Foreign Minister Condemns Attack on HMM Cargo Ship Namwoo
    South Korea's Foreign Minister Condemns Attack on HMM Cargo Ship Namwoo Cho Hyun, South Korea's Foreign Minister, stated on May 14 that the attack on the HMM cargo ship Namwoo and other civilian vessels is "unjustifiable and unacceptable under any circumstances." He emphasized the government's commitment to ongoing consultations with relevant countries regarding the incident. During a press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Cho announced that the government will conduct a further investigation into the attack on the Namwoo and take necessary measures based on the findings. A senior official from the Foreign Ministry noted that the wreckage of the vessel was initially at the South Korean consulate in Dubai but has since been moved to the South Korean embassy in Abu Dhabi. The official stated, "We expect to bring the wreckage to Korea as soon as possible. Once it arrives, we believe that the specialized investigation agency at the Ministry of National Defense will conduct a thorough examination to uncover various details." In addition to analyzing the wreckage of the aircraft engine, the investigation will also accelerate on-site assessments. The Ministry of National Defense dispatched a technical analysis team consisting of over ten experts from the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) and other institutions to Dubai on May 13. The team plans to conduct a detailed investigation and analyze various pieces of evidence while collaborating with relevant countries to establish accurate facts. Closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage is also a critical factor in the investigation. The senior official mentioned that the shipowner has cited various reasons for not releasing the CCTV footage that captured the aircraft. "I have not seen it yet, but there are currently differing opinions. However, we hope to persuade them to release the footage, which could become part of the investigation process," the official said. Cho added, "We will closely monitor the developments of the war in the Middle East and changes in the international order following the conflict, particularly in terms of their impact on our citizens and national interests. We will make agile and multifaceted efforts to turn various crises into opportunities." Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry warned against overinterpreting comments made by a senior official who stated that while the possibility of an attack from entities other than Iran is currently unknown, it is not likely based on common sense, as there were no pirates in the vicinity. During a regular briefing in the afternoon, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Park Il emphasized, "The government will work to identify the cause of the incident and the perpetrator through the analysis of the recovered aircraft engine wreckage and the dispatch of the technical analysis team for further investigation. We wish to refrain from mentioning specific countries at this time, as the perpetrator has not yet been identified, and we will take necessary measures based on confirmed facts from the investigation."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 16:44:56
  • Air Force Chief Son Seok-rak Announces Early Retirement for F-5 Fighters
    Air Force Chief Son Seok-rak Announces Early Retirement for F-5 Fighters Air Force Chief Son Seok-rak announced plans to accelerate the retirement of the long-serving F-5 fighter jets from 2030 to 2027. During a meeting with defense reporters in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, on May 13, Son stated, "We are preparing for the F-5 fighters to retire honorably before the end of next year." He added, "We will push for the introduction of low-cost unmanned systems like LUCAS, which can be deployed in large numbers at the beginning of a conflict by the early 2030s," and mentioned plans to develop AI pilots aimed for the 2040s, further transitioning to unmanned combat squadrons. Son emphasized that relying solely on the KF-21 would be insufficient, stating, "We must expedite the development of unmanned attack and combat aircraft, completing a combined manned and unmanned system to transition to a sixth-generation fighter system in the 2040s to 2050s." He clarified that unmanned systems are not meant to replace humans but to enhance combat capabilities, asserting that the judgment and expertise of pilots will become increasingly important. The Air Force is actively working on establishing an AI-based command and operational system. Son noted, "The Air Force is currently operating its own generative AI platform, 'AirWars.' We have established the military's first AI-based reporting management system," and added that the Air Force is leading in military AI initiatives, participating in the design of generative AI platforms for the Ministry of National Defense and defense projects. He further stated, "We are now accelerating the introduction of AI into military operations, following its application in administrative tasks," explaining the use of AI for geographic information collection and target processing systems.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 14:34:09
  • South Koreas Foreign Minister Calls for Action Following Attack on HMM Cargo Ship
    South Korea's Foreign Minister Calls for Action Following Attack on HMM Cargo Ship South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun emphasized on May 14 that attacks on civilian vessels, including the HMM cargo ship Namoo, cannot be justified under any circumstances. He stated that the government will continue to consult with relevant countries regarding the incident.During a press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jongno, Seoul, Cho announced that the government will conduct a further investigation into the attack on the Namoo and take necessary response measures.A senior official from the ministry noted that the wreckage was initially at the consulate in Dubai and has now been moved to the UAE embassy in Abu Dhabi, with plans to return it to Korea as soon as possible. "Once we have the wreckage, I believe our specialized investigation agency at the Ministry of National Defense will conduct a thorough examination to uncover various details," the official said.Regarding the CCTV footage that reportedly captured the incident, the official mentioned, "The shipowner has stated they will not release it for various reasons, so I have not seen it yet. While there are currently differing opinions, we hope to persuade them to make the footage public, and it may become part of the investigation process."Cho also stated that the ministry will closely monitor the developments of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the changes in international order following the war, ensuring that the impact on South Korean citizens and national interests is thoroughly addressed. He pledged to transform various crises into opportunities through proactive and multifaceted efforts.He added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is maintaining close cooperation and communication with major countries to secure the safety of South Korean sailors and uphold the principles of international maritime law and freedom of navigation.Reflecting on the achievements of the Lee Jae-myung administration in its first year, Cho noted that the government began with participation in the G7 summit, followed by visits to 15 countries and over 45 summits, as well as participation in the UN General Assembly, ASEAN summit, and G20 summit, culminating in the successful hosting of the APEC summit in Gyeongju. "Our diplomacy has been racing to establish a foundation for practical diplomacy centered on national interests, beyond just the successful return of democratic South Korea to the international community," he remarked.Regarding South Korea-U.S. relations, Cho highlighted the announcement of a tariff agreement and a joint fact sheet on strategic cooperation, which turned economic challenges into opportunities. He also mentioned progress in acquiring nuclear submarines and capabilities for peaceful enrichment and reprocessing.On relations with China and Japan, he noted the successful state visit of the Chinese president after 11 years and the South Korean president's state visit to China earlier this year, which facilitated mutual state visits in the shortest time possible, fully restoring South Korea-China relations. He also mentioned the rapid restoration of shuttle diplomacy with Japan, resulting in six active summits to establish a future-oriented cooperative relationship addressing common social issues, advanced technology, and supply chain collaboration.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 13:37:26