Journalist

Kim Bongcheol
  • Korea, France summits to work on normalizing Hormuz
    Korea, France summits to work on normalizing Hormuz SEOUL, April 03 (AJP) -South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed Friday to strengthen cooperation in securing maritime shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz, as disruptions from the Middle East war continue to threaten global energy supply. Speaking at a joint press statement following their summit at Cheong Wa Dae, Lee said the two leaders aligned on a coordinated response to the economic and energy fallout from the conflict. “President Macron and I agreed to share policy experience and strategies to jointly respond to the economic and energy crisis caused by the Middle East war, and to work together to reduce global economic uncertainty,” Lee said. The two sides also agreed to deepen cooperation in nuclear power and offshore wind to bolster energy security. On trade, Lee noted that bilateral exchanges reached a record $15 billion last year but stressed the need to expand further. “We cannot be satisfied with that,” he said, setting a target of $20 billion by 2030. He highlighted a $3.5 billion investment by French industrial gas company Air Liquide in South Korea last year and expressed hope that expanded investment in emerging industries would help double employment at firms with bilateral ties from about 40,000 to 80,000 over the next decade. The summit produced 14 agreements spanning advanced industries and cultural cooperation. Among them was a memorandum of understanding between Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power and French firms Orano and Framatome to strengthen cooperation in the global nuclear market and secure stable fuel supplies through closer integration of the nuclear fuel supply chain. Additional agreements covered artificial intelligence, semiconductors and offshore wind. The two countries also revised their working holiday program to raise the eligible age to 18–35 from 18–30, alongside a letter of intent on language assistant exchanges and an MOU on cultural heritage cooperation. Lee said the nuclear partnership would help ensure stable fuel supplies for South Korea while laying the groundwork for joint expansion into overseas nuclear projects. On the Korean Peninsula, Lee said France — a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council — has consistently supported Seoul’s policy approach, adding that both leaders “deeply agreed” peace on the peninsula is critical to global stability. He said he outlined South Korea’s efforts to resume inter-Korean dialogue and pursue peaceful coexistence, with Macron reaffirming France’s continued support for stability in the region. Macron also formally invited Lee to attend the Group of Seven summit in June in Evian, France. Lee said he expects France, as G7 chair, to lead efforts to address global economic imbalances and reform international partnerships, adding that South Korea will play a constructive role. Lee expressed hope for closer cooperation with France “for the next 140 years,” marking the long-standing bilateral relationship. 2026-04-03 13:55:07
  • Korea and France hold summit to elevate ties to strategic partnership
    Korea and France hold summit to elevate ties to strategic partnership SEOUL, April 03 (AJP) -South Korea and France are elevating bilateral ties to a “global strategic partnership” during French President Emmanuel Macron’s two-day state visit — his first to Korea since taking office in 2017 and the first by a French president in 11 years — which began Friday amid mounting geopolitical tensions. Macron arrived in Seoul on Thursday for a two-day visit following a trip to Japan, in what French officials described as an effort to expand France’s strategic and economic role in the Indo-Pacific at a time of “strong international and regional tensions.” The two are set make a joint declaration after the summit with President Lee Jae Myung, focused to formalize the upgrade from the “comprehensive partnership for the 21st century” established in 2004, 22 years ago, the presidential office in Seoul said. “President Lee plans to strengthen strategic communication with France … and build a future-oriented partnership,” senior presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said in a written briefing. France, a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council and a key European Union country, is seen by Seoul as a critical partner in addressing global security and economic challenges. The two leaders are expected to discuss expanding cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including artificial intelligence, quantum technology, space, nuclear energy, trade and investment, as well as education, culture and people-to-people exchanges. In a contribution to French daily Le Figaro, Lee said bilateral ties must evolve beyond a traditional partnership into “strategic collaboration” encompassing key innovation sectors such as artificial intelligence and nuclear energy. The meeting marks the third in-person exchange between Lee and Macron, following talks on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada last June and the G20 summit in South Africa last November. South Korea and France were among some 40 countries that joined a videoconference hosted by British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper on Thursday, aimed at coordinating joint action to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The talks followed remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday that the strait could reopen “naturally,” adding that countries reliant on the waterway should take responsibility for securing it. “Just take it, protect it, use it for yourselves,” he said. Speaking in South Korea on Thursday, however, Macron dismissed the idea of a military seizure as “unrealistic.” “It would take an indefinite amount of time, and it would expose all those who venture through this Strait to coastal risks from the Revolutionary Guards, as well as ballistic missiles,” he said. 2026-04-03 11:01:57
  • Lee set for talks with Indonesian president
    Lee set for talks with Indonesian president SEOUL, April 1 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung is set to hold a summit with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Seoul on Wednesday. In a written press briefing, presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said the two leaders are expected to discuss ways to expand cooperation in trade, defense, and emerging fields such as artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies, while further deepening bilateral relations. Their discussions are expected to focus on defense cooperation including the export of homegrown KF-21 fighter jets to Indonesia. Along with various welcoming events including a taekwondo demonstration, a red carpet is set to be rolled out for Prabowo, who arrived in Seoul earlier this week for a three-day state visit. Lee will also present Prabowo with the Mugunghwa Order of Merit, the country's highest order of merit, in recognition of his efforts strengthen bilateral ties. The summit marks their second meeting after they met on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in the southeastern city of Gyeongju last fall. 2026-04-01 10:34:01
  • Lee weighs bold economic measures as Middle East conflict deepens
    Lee weighs bold economic measures as Middle East conflict deepens SEOUL, March 31 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday hinted at drastic measures to stabilize the economy amid the prolonged conflict in the Middle East. During a Cabinet meeting at Cheong Wa Dae in central Seoul, Lee said the government may take bold action including an emergency fiscal order if necessary, as the conflict that began with U.S.-led airstrikes on Iran late last month has escalated with no end in sight, setting off "warning signals" for the global economy. Under the Constitution, such an order allows a president to take urgent steps without parliamentary approval in cases deemed necessary to address a severe economic crisis. Lee pointed to warnings from international financial agencies including the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), which has lowered growth forecasts for major economies and warned that oil prices could jump to US$135 a barrel in the second quarter. Given South Korea's heavy reliance on overseas markets and energy supplies from the Middle East, Lee called for close monitoring and detailed contingency plans for possible emergencies, instructing key officials to keep monitoring developments and respond "boldly and preemptively" to any supply disruptions. Like naphtha-related measures already in place since last week, Lee urged strict management of other key raw materials such as urea and urea solution, maintaining stockpiles at levels comparable to those kept during wartime. He also added that similar measures should be applied to everyday necessities including medical supplies. 2026-03-31 14:21:58
  • Cheong Wa Dae revamps website to mark Lees 300 days in office
    Cheong Wa Dae revamps website to mark Lee's 300 days in office SEOUL, March 30 (AJP) - Cheong Wa Dae's official website was revamped on Monday to mark President Lee Jae Myung's 300th day in office, the presidential office said. Lee, who began his term in June last year without a usual two-month transition period following the ouster of disgraced former President Yoon Suk Yeol after the Constitutional Court upheld his impeachment over his botched Dec. 3, 2024 declaration of martial law was unable to put together a proper website and other administrative preparations in the early months of his presidency. The website was revamped with interactive menus intended to encourage users to participate by allowing them to leave messages and propose policies and ideas. Cheong Wa Dae said the site was redesigned to boost administrative transparency and better serve the public's right to access government information. "The revamp is a strong expression of our commitment to share the achievements of the Lee administration's first 300 days and to build future governance together with the public," said a Cheong Wa Dae official, adding that the website will serve as a "space where the people's voices are heard." Meanwhile, a recent poll showed that more than 60 percent of respondents believe Lee has been doing a good job. Pollster Realmeter surveyed some 2,513 adults nationwide last week and found his approval rating unchanged from the previous week at 62.2 percent. About 32.2 percent disapproved of his performance, while 5.6 percent remained undecided. 2026-03-30 11:04:39
  • South Korea honors fallen sailors of naval skirmishes in West Sea
    South Korea honors fallen sailors of naval skirmishes in West Sea SEOUL, March 27 (AJP) - South Korea honored some 50 sailors and other victims who died defending the maritime border in the West Sea at a ceremony in Daejeon on Friday. About 1,500 people gathered at Daejeon National Cemetery to mark the 11th anniversary of a joint commemoration honoring victims of naval incidents and skirmishes with North Korea including a naval battle near the border island of Yeonpyeong in June 2002, the sinking of the corvette Cheonan in March 2010, and the shelling of the same island in November 2010. The country has observed the fourth Friday of March as a day of remembrance, holding annual ceremonies since 2016 to honor those who gave their lives defending the nation. Among those in attendance were President Lee Jae Myung, the bereaved families of the fallen sailors, their surviving crewmembers, as well as military officials and veterans. In his speech, Lee vowed to ensure that the "blood and sweat shed by our heroes" would not be forgotten and prayed for their "eternal rest." He also offered condolences to families who "buried loved ones in their hearts" and thanked veterans living with "wounds and memories," saying, "Because you are here, South Korea stands firm today." Pledging proper treatment and compensation for those who served and sacrificed for the country, Lee said monthly payments will be handed out to spouses of war veterans to support their livelihoods, starting from May. He also promised that the number of medical institutions accessible to veterans and other national merit recipients would be increased to 2,000 nationwide by 2030, adding that "those in uniform" can serve their duties with greater pride. He said building a peaceful Korean Peninsula, free from the fear of war, is the legacy the West Sea heroes left behind. 2026-03-27 14:36:37
  • South Korean drug kingpin extradited from Philippines to face probe in Seoul
    South Korean drug kingpin extradited from Philippines to face probe in Seoul SEOUL, March 25 (AJP) - A South Korean detained in the Philippines was extradited to South Korea on Wednesday to face an investigation into alleged drug trafficking. In a written press briefing, presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said Park Wang-yeol, a notorious drug kingpin known by his alias "Jeonsegye" in Korean, which literally means "worldwide," was extradited from the Philippines early Wednesday morning after nearly a decade of efforts to bring him back to face criminal charges. She added that it demonstrates the government's "strong will that even criminals hiding overseas will pay the price." His extradition comes after President Lee Jae Myung's visit to Manila earlier this month, during which he asked Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to cooperate in combating transnational crimes. Park was extradited under a bilateral treaty as part of a temporary handover, which allows a suspect to be provisionally transferred for criminal proceedings in South Korea while trial or sentence enforcement in the Philippines is suspended. The 48-year-old was a key figure in an infamous case involving serial killers who used plantations to conceal victims, in which three South Koreans were killed. He was arrested by Philippine authorities in October 2022, sentenced to 60 years in prison, and had been held there. Even while in prison, he continued his crimes, drawing scrutiny after being caught distributing large quantities of drugs into South Korea via Telegram and other social media platforms. Kang said the government will "uncover his every criminal act to the end" while tracking down accomplices and punishing them strictly. She added that the government would respond to transnational crime with "zero tolerance" and strengthen international cooperation to ensure that criminals have nowhere to hide. 2026-03-25 09:33:55
  • Public servants required to alternate vehicle use
    Public servants required to alternate vehicle use SEOUL, March 24 (AJP) - Civil servants nationwide are required to alternate the use of their vehicles depending on the last digit of their license plates as part of measures to cope with energy shortages amid supply disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. At a cabinet meeting with key aides at Cheong Wa Dae on Tuesday, President Lee Jae Myung said, "Public institutions should lead by example, and I ask civil servants to join an energy-saving campaign by reducing electricity use in their daily lives." Starting Wednesday, workers at public institutions will be required to leave their cars at home at least one day a week and use public transportation instead. Drivers of eco-friendly vehicles, such as electric and hydrogen cars, are exempt, and private-sector workers are also encouraged to participate. Such mandatory measures were last implemented in 2011, when oil prices exceeded US$100 per barrel. This would also be the first time since the 1991 Gulf War that they have been extended to the private sector. Citing increasing uncertainty over crude oil and natural gas supplies amid the prolonged conflict that began with U.S.-led airstrikes on Iran late last month, Lee said, "To respond to this serious crisis, the government should proactively move into an emergency mode." "Because petrochemical products are used everywhere, it is hard to predict when, where and what problems may arise," Lee said, urging aides to "thoroughly prepare and implement contingency plans with the worst-case scenario in mind." Referring to suspected price gouging among refiners, Lee warned that inflating prices to take advantage of rising oil prices must be "rooted out and strictly punished." He also urged officials to ensure a 25 trillion-won ($16.7 billion) supplementary budget is swiftly implemented and properly planned so the public can feel its impact. Its parliamentary approval is scheduled for early next month. 2026-03-24 17:06:38
  • South Korea braces for supply disruptions after Irans attack on Qatari energy complex
    South Korea braces for supply disruptions after Iran's attack on Qatari energy complex SEOUL, March 20 (AJP) - The government is reviewing additional measures to cope with supply chain disruptions as the prolonged conflict in the Middle East affects supplies of naphtha and other petrochemical products, Cheong Wa Dae said on Friday. The remarks came after Iran's attack on Qatar's Ras Laffan Industrial City, the world's largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) complex, which accounts for about 20 percent of global supply. According to a senior Cheong Wa Dae official, South Korea is unlikely to face supply disruptions as it has alternative sources of gas. He added, "When it comes to liquefied natural gas supplies from Qatar, there is no problem with supply, as Qatar accounts for just 14 percent of imports this year and alternative sources are available." But the government is keeping a close watch on naphtha supply and prices to prepare for any potential disruptions. It also plans to implement measures to minimize overseas outflows of naphtha. QatarEnergy, Qatar's state-run petroleum company, said the previous day it may have to declare force majeure due to the attack on its LNG facilities earlier in the week, affecting long-term supply contracts with South Korea and other countries for up to five years. Force majeure is a measure taken to avoid liability when fulfilling a contract becomes difficult due to war, natural disasters, or other events. 2026-03-20 10:38:55
  • Cabinet approves bill to implement investment pledges under trade deal with US
    Cabinet approves bill to implement investment pledges under trade deal with US SEOUL, March 17 (AJP) - A special bill outlining South Korea's massive investment pledges to the U.S. was approved at a cabinet meeting chaired by President Lee Jae Myung at the government complex in the administrative city of Sejong on Tuesday. The approval comes about a week after the bill was passed at a plenary session in the National Assembly and roughly two months after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened in January to raise reciprocal tariffs on South Korea from 15 percent back to 25 percent, complaining about delays in Seoul's legislative process for the trade deal. The bill would provide a legal framework to establish a fund for implementing bilateral agreements with the U.S., along with investment pledges of US$350 billion under a broader trade deal reached between the two countries last fall that includes $150 billion for shipbuilding and $200 billion for other key strategic sectors such as semiconductors, critical minerals, energy, and artificial intelligence. The fund will be created with a capital of 2 trillion won (US$1.34 billion), fully funded by the government, with the exact timing and method of the contribution to be set by presidential decree. The fund will be used for areas of mutual interest between the two countries as well as for loans and guarantees supporting shipbuilding-related projects. The bill shall take effect three months after its promulgation. 2026-03-17 15:17:45