Journalist

Kim Hee-su
  • South Korea set to face Kuwait in final Asian qualifier after securing World Cup berth
    South Korea set to face Kuwait in final Asian qualifier after securing World Cup berth SEOUL, June 10 (AJP) - South Korea is set to face Kuwait in a home match in Seoul on Tuesday evening, which serves as the final round of Asian qualifiers for next year's FIFA World Cup. After beating Iraq 2-0 in an away match last week, the country has already secured its berth for the quadrennial event, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the U.S. next summer. Grouped with Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman and Palestine, South Korea has secured 19 points from five wins and four draws to advance to the next round as the top finisher, along with second-ranked Jordan, which has earned 16 points with four wins, four draws and one loss. Head coach Hong Myung-bo is expected to experiment with a lineup of younger players to test their skills in Tuesday's match, as the country's advancement to the tournament round won't be affected even if it loses to Kuwait, which has been eliminated after finishing at the bottom of the group with five draws and four losses. "With the match being held in Seoul, South Korean footballers are in high spirits," Hong said, vowing to wrap up the final match with a win. However, Captain Son Heung-min of Tottenham Hotspur, who only warmed the bench in last Thursday's match against Iraq due to a lingering foot injury from April, is unlikely to be in the starting lineup again. In an apparent sign of that, midfielder Lee Jae-sung, wearing the captain's armband instead, attended a press event in Paju, Gyeonggi Province the previous day along with Hong. "Son looks fit enough to play, though it remains to be seen whether he can last the full 90 minutes," Hong said. 2025-06-10 15:00:52
  • South Korean musical makes for real happy ending, sweeping Tony Awards
    South Korean musical makes for real 'happy ending,' sweeping Tony Awards SEOUL, June 9 (AJP) - South Korean musical "Maybe Happy Ending" took home the top honor along with five other gongs at this year's Tony Awards in the U.S. on Sunday, making for a real happy ending to the night. At an awards ceremony held in New York, the musical, which received ten nominations, won six awards for its Broadway production including "Best Musical," "Best Book of a Musical," "Best Original Score," "Best Scenic Design of a Musical," "Best Direction of a Musical," and "Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical." The futuristic musical revolves around two obsolete robots, created to assist humans, who start with an "awkward encounter" and end up falling in love amid their doomed existence. After premiering here in 2016, the critically-acclaimed show has become a sleeper hit, leading to its Broadway debut in November last year. Thanks to a strong reception, its U.S. run has been extended through January next year. A special performance in celebration of its 10th anniversary is slated for this fall in Seoul. Established in 1947, the annual awards are widely considered the most prestigious honors in the American theater and musical industry. 2025-06-09 10:54:49
  • Event promotes tourism to Georgia amid growing interest among South Korean travelers
    Event promotes tourism to Georgia amid growing interest among South Korean travelers SEOUL, June 5 (AJP) - An event promoting tours to Georgia was held at a hotel in central Seoul on Wednesday, bringing together tourism officials, representatives from travel agencies and other participants. Riding the wave of increasing number of visitors to the South Caucasus country in Eastern Europe, the event, hosted by the Georgian Embassy in Seoul, offered them an opportunity to learn about the country's historic and cultural heritage, tourist attractions, and authentic cuisine along with travel tips and other useful information. Under the banner of "Emotions Are Georgia," the event highlighted Georgia's long-standing tradition of hospitality, known for its warm welcome and hearty meals. "It's about infinite hospitality with a genuine smile, and treating every guest as if they were sent by God," said Georgian Ambassador to Seoul Tarash Papaskua. "In 2024 alone, we welcomed more than 27,000 visitors from South Korea — a whopping 80 percent increase from the previous year ," he said, adding that this reflects "growing curiosity" about the country's hidden tourist gems and also suggest strong potential for further exchanges between the two countries. Maia Omiadze, head of the Georgian National Tourism Administration, also expressed hope for stronger collaboration with Seoul, pledging to bring more participants from the private sector to next year's event. When asked what he particularly wanted to share with South Koreans interested in traveling to Georgia, Papaskua quipped with a warm smile. "One practical tip for visiting Georgia? Bring clothes one size bigger. Travelers often end up gaining weight somehow, even after just a few days," he said. "Everything is so delicious, and every occasion turns into a big fat feast," he added. "We always gather around the table to share wine and food, tell stories, and raise toasts with our guests. That's our tradition." Meanwhile, as part of its efforts to promote the country, the embassy is also taking part in the annual Seoul International Tourism Fair, which runs until this weekend at COEX in southern Seoul, with a booth providing travel information. 2025-06-05 16:53:56
  • US congratulates Lee on election win
    US congratulates Lee on election win SEOUL, June 4 (AJP) - The U.S. congratulated South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on his election as the country's 21st president and reaffirmed Washington's commitment to its bilateral alliance with Seoul. In a statement released on Tuesday, the U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, "We congratulate to bolster regional security, enhance economic resilience, and defend our shared democratic principles," the statement said. Lee is soon expected to talk with U.S. President Donald Trump over the phone on Wednesday night. Meanwhile, the two could meet in person if Lee decides to attend the upcoming G7 summit in Canada slated for later this month, though it remains uncertain with the multilateral gathering less than two weeks away. 2025-06-04 17:13:51
  • Canadian orchestra and S. Korean pianist collaborate to display friendship and partnership
    Canadian orchestra and S. Korean pianist collaborate to display friendship and partnership SEOUL, June 02 (AJP) - The grandeur of the Seoul Arts Center came alive last Saturday night as Canada's National Arts Centre Orchestra and acclaimed South Korean pianist Son Yeol-eum delivered an evening of musical collaboration. The performance, part of the NAC Orchestra's first-ever tour to South Korea, marked a highlight in the yearlong celebration of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Under the baton of Music Director Alexander Shelley, the NAC Orchestra presented a wide-ranging program, from the lush romanticism of Richard Strauss's Don Juan to the cosmic modernity of Canadian composer Kelly-Marie Murphy's Dark Nights, Bright Stars, Vast Universe. Specially commissioned by the NAC Orchestra, Murphy's piece was performed in Korea for the first time, conceived as a contemporary response to Don Juan. "Tonight, we present to you music which brings us together and inspires us across time and across culture," Shelley said in his opening remarks. "We are very privileged to be working with one of your great artists, Son Yeol-eum." Son performed Maurice Ravel's Piano Concerto in G Major with precision and dazzling flair, capturing the emotional heart of the evening. Composed in 1929 and inspired by Ravel's trip to the U.S., the piece reflects the rapid cultural shifts of the era, delivered here through Son’s interpretation. The concert concluded with a thunderous performance of Beethoven's Symphony No. 5, capping a two-hour musical journey spanning from the 1800s to 2025, featuring Canadian and South Korean musicians. Canadian Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Tamara Mawhinney reflected on the evening's resonance. "What we saw tonight, the symbiosis between a Canadian orchestra and a remarkable Korean pianist, was a beautiful image for us all to take away of the bilateral warmth between our two countries. I felt tonight the strength of our friendship and partnership." "Canada's National Arts Center is our nation's home for the performing arts, located in the country's capital city of Ottawa. Despite our long history of touring, this is our very first tour to Korea, and we are delighted to finally meet the Korean audience," said Christopher Deacon, President and CEO of the National Arts Centre. Adding a historical dimension to the celebration, former South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin reminded attendees of Canada's sacrifice during the Korean War. "Seventy-five years ago, Canada sent more than 26,000 young men and women to defend Korea's peace and democracy during the Korean War. It was a sacrifice we Koreans will never forget," he said. As the evening came to a close, the music served not only as entertainment but also as a bridge across continents, affirming that art, like diplomacy, resonates most deeply when shared. 2025-06-02 15:20:25
  • New report reveals massive arms transfers between Pyongyang and Moscow
    New report reveals massive arms transfers between Pyongyang and Moscow SEOUL, May 30 (AJP) - North Korea has supplied Russia with large quantities of munitions and missile-related equipment, according to a report released Thursday by a multinational team that monitors UN Security Council sanctions on the renegade country. In its inaugural report, the Multinational Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT) said, "Since and raise awareness of ongoing attempts to violate and evade UN sanctions." 2025-05-30 15:59:16
  • Seoul ranks 15th in Global Cities Index, second among Asian cities after Tokyo
    Seoul ranks 15th in Global Cities Index, second among Asian cities after Tokyo SEOUL, May 28 (AJP) - Seoul placed 15th overall in a global ranking of urban economies, according to a report released on Wednesday. Seoul climbed 26 spots from 41st last year to become the second-highest ranked Asian city after Tokyo which came in 9th, in an index by Oxford Economics that evaluated 1,000 of the world's largest cities across five categories - economy, human capital, quality of life, environment, and governance - to compare each city's strengths and weaknesses. With eight of the top ten cities remaining unchanged from the previous year, New York ranked first, followed by London, Paris, San Jose, Seattle, and Melbourne. Sokoto, Nigeria, was the lowest-ranked city in the ranking. The U.K.-based research firm hailed Seoul as "one of the major economic centres in both Asia and the world." In particular, Seoul ranked among the top 20 cities in the economics category, "primarily due to its substantial GDP size, achieved over several decades of remarkable economic growth," which transformed it from "a war-torn nation into one of the world’s leading economies." But the city ranked lowest in the environment category due to "relatively poor air quality." The index also pointed out that South Korea "now faces a period of political turmoil that began with President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law in December 2024 and his subsequent impeachment," suggesting that future rankings may change depending on "how the political crisis is resolved." Meanwhile, the firm offered a positive outlook for the global economy despite looming uncertainties. "Trade tensions and deglobalisation are causing considerable headwinds to economic growth worldwide, potentially triggering substantial shifts in supply chains and the way countries do business with each other over the coming years," the report forecast, adding that "the world's leading cities have historically demonstrated resilience, making them best placed to navigate current challenges." 2025-05-28 14:58:08
  • Two former acting presidents slapped with travel ban
    Two former acting presidents slapped with travel ban SEOUL, May 27 (AJP) - Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and former Minister of Economy and Finance Choi Sang-mok have been slapped with a travel ban over their alleged involvement in former disgraced President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched martial law debacle late last year, policed said on Tuesday. It was revealed a day after investigators summoned them for questioning related to the debacle the previous day. The two briefly served as acting presidents after a motion to impeach Yoon was passed in the National Assembly shortly after the debacle. The similar ban was also extended to former Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min, who has already been barred from leaving the country since last December. Based on relevant documents and other evidence, investigators reportedly questioned them about their knowledge of Yoon's Dec. 3 overnight gambit, as they gave slightly differing accounts. Han apparently maintained his position that he was not aware of Yoon's martial law plan in advance and strongly opposed it as soon as he learned of it. 2025-05-27 17:56:42
  • Mt. Kumgang poised for UNESCO World Heritage listing
    Mt. Kumgang poised for UNESCO World Heritage listing SEOUL, May 27 (AJP) - Mt. Kumgang in North Korea is set to be included on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which serve as advisory bodies to the World Heritage Committee, have jointly recommended the North's scenic mountain for inclusion on the list, according to UNESCO's tentative lists released on Tuesday. The recommendation comes after North Korea's application for inscription in 2021, which was delayed mainly due to the coronavirus pandemic. None of their recommendations have been rejected so far. The international body described it as "a strikingly beautiful mountain with numerous peaks and curious rock formations, featuring some 12,000 waterfalls and pools formed by crystal-clear waters flowing through hundreds of gorges, along with a seascape stretching along the coastline." It added, "Mt. Kumgang is permeated with numerous legends and cultural relics handed over down through generations," praising its natural settings with "buildings with long history and unique architectural forms." The listing will be determined at the upcoming session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Paris, France in July. If listed, it will become North Korea's third World Heritage site, after the Complex of Koguryo Tombs inscribed in 2004 and the Historic Monuments and Sites in Kaesong in 2013. 2025-05-27 16:07:45
  • Busan offers free pet insurance to encourage dog adoptions
    Busan offers free pet insurance to encourage dog adoptions SEOUL, May 26 (AJP) - The southern port city of Busan is offering a year of free pet insurance to people who adopt abandoned dogs, hoping the move will ease concerns over veterinary costs and boost adoption rates. The program, announced Monday, applies to anyone who has adopted a stray dog in Busan since Jan. 1. To qualify, the dog must be adopted through one of the city’s six animal protection centers or two adoption agencies and registered with an RFID chip. The insurance covers 70 percent of treatment costs for injuries or illness, whether surgery, hospitalization, or outpatient care, up to 10 million won ($7,323) per year. It also includes up to 10 million won in liability coverage for damages caused by the dog to others or their pets. “A lot of people are hesitant to adopt abandoned dogs as they’re worried the animals may have undiagnosed illnesses,” Busan’s animal welfare bureau official Kwon Na-yeon said. “That’s why we’re offering insurance for the first year, to encourage more people to open up to these animals.” Pet ownership in South Korea has steadily risen. A government survey found that 28.6 percent of households had pets in 2022, up from 17.4 percent in 2010. But the cost of care remains a major concern. Unlike human healthcare, veterinary services aren’t standardized, and fees often vary depending on the animal’s size and species. The pet industry itself is booming. According to a report by KPMG Korea’s Issue Monitor, the market reached $6.2 billion in 2022 and is projected to more than double to $15.2 billion by 2032. “Interest in adopting abandoned dogs still exists, but adoption rates have stagnated these days,” Kwon added. “We hope this support will provide that final push for those who are still undecided.” 2025-05-26 17:07:26