Journalist
Kim Dae-sik
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
-
Shinsegae's Jung Yong-jin tapped to lead Asia arm of Trump-linked Rockbridge Network SEOUL, June 25 (AJP) - Shinsegae Group Chairman Jung Yong-jin is expected to take the helm of Rockbridge Asia, a new regional branch of the Rockbridge Network -- a powerful conservative political organization closely tied to former United States President Donald Trump and several key figures in his potential second administration. Multiple sources in South Korea's business and investment banking circles confirmed on Wednesday that Jung has agreed to lead Rockbridge's Asia operations. The new division, based in Seoul, marks the group's first foray into global expansion. Jung's expected appointment is drawing attention amid the Lee Jae-myung administration's efforts to deepen ties with Washington ahead of a possible Trump return. The Rockbridge Network was founded in 2019 by current U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and conservative commentator Christopher Buskirk. Known for its close alignment with Trump, the group includes Donald Trump Jr. and a range of high-profile players from Trump's previous administration. Among them are Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, who reportedly donated one million dollars' worth of Bitcoin to Trump, as well as technology investor David Sacks and prominent conservative donor Rebekah Mercer. Also affiliated are current administration officials such as White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Besant, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. The group's growing influence has attracted financial backing from major U.S. tech figures, including PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Rockbridge now aims to expand its political influence abroad, starting with Asia. South Korea has been selected as the hub for the region, with branches also planned in Taiwan and Japan. The expansion is widely viewed as a strategic effort to strengthen ties with U.S. allies in East Asia while building geopolitical leverage against China. Richard Tsai, chairman of Taiwan's Fubon Group, is expected to lead Rockbridge Taiwan, while Maeda Tadashi, chairman of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), will head the Japan branch. Jung will oversee the entire regional structure from the Seoul headquarters. Analysts see Rockbridge's launch in South Korea as highly significant. With the Lee administration expected to engage more actively with U.S. decision-makers on trade, North Korea, and regional security, Jung's leadership could offer a direct channel to key power centers in Washington. "Chairman Jung has been asked to take on the role at Rockbridge and is carefully considering whether to accept the offer," said one business source familiar with the matter. 2025-06-25 14:32:29 -
Yoon's legal team denounces arrest warrant as special counsel ramps up investigation SEOUL, June 25 (AJP) - Former President Yoon Suk Yeol's legal team filed a formal objection with the Seoul Central District Court on Wednesday, pushing back against an arrest warrant request from the special counsel investigating his December 3 martial law declaration. They argued that the warrant lacks legal basis and violates Yoon's right to a fair defense. Before the special counsel took over, Yoon had been summoned three times by the police -- on June 5, 12, and 19 -- but declined to appear on each occasion. He made it clear that he did not intend to respond during the police investigation phase, prompting concerns that he was trying to run out the clock on the limited-duration inquiry. In the written opinion submitted to the court, Yoon's lawyers claimed the request was procedurally improper and blindsided the former president. "President Yoon has not received a single summons from the special counsel. We have not been informed of where the office is located, who the lead prosecutor is, or where any questioning would take place," the lawyers said in a statement. "Skipping every basic procedure and going straight to an arrest request is impossible to understand and seriously infringes on his legal rights." The team also questioned the legitimacy of the warrant, noting that it was based on summons issued during an earlier police investigation. "The police and the special counsel are clearly separate investigative bodies," the statement read. "Basing a special counsel's arrest warrant on police summons lacks legal validity and procedural fairness." The court is currently reviewing the submission and could issue a decision as early as today. Unlike detention warrants, arrest warrants in South Korea can be granted without a formal hearing. Special Counsel Cho Eon-seok filed the arrest warrant on Jun. 24, just six days after formally launching the investigation. Yoon is facing multiple charges, including obstruction of official duties, abuse of power, and instigating violations of the Presidential Security Act. Prosecutors allege that he ordered the Presidential Security Service to block police from arresting him on Jan. 3, and that he later instructed top military intelligence officials to delete encrypted phone records linked to the martial law plan. Yoon's lawyers said he had intended to cooperate with the special counsel and appear voluntarily once a schedule was agreed upon. They characterized the arrest warrant as an ambush and reiterated that he is willing to respond to a properly issued summons. The charges stem from Yoon's declaration of martial law on Dec. 3, 2024. The move, which bypassed the National Assembly, included the deployment of military units and the activation of emergency communication protocols, raising serious constitutional concerns. Two failed attempts to arrest Yoon followed in January. On both January 3 and January 15, officers from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) were stopped by the Presidential Security Service at the gates of his residence. Yoon's legal team at the time argued the CIO lacked the authority to detain a sitting or former president under the Constitution. On April 4, 2025, the Constitutional Court upheld the National Assembly's impeachment of Yoon, officially removing him from office. It was the first time a South Korean president had been impeached and ousted over allegations related to insurrection. After the ruling, the case was transferred to prosecutors. In early June, the National Assembly passed legislation establishing a special counsel to investigate whether Yoon's actions amounted to insurrection or treason under the Criminal Act. Cho's team began its work on June 18 and has moved quickly. Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun was indicted for allegedly ordering the destruction of evidence, and prosecutors are now seeking an additional detention warrant for him. The special counsel has emphasized the urgency of the probe, which must be completed within 150 days by law. 2025-06-25 10:16:16 -
Chinese singer Nina makes confident K-pop debut with 'Never Afraid' SEOUL, June 19 (AJP) - Chinese singer Nina officially stepped into the K-pop spotlight on Thursday, Jun. 19, with the release of her debut mini album Never Afraid. Featuring four tracks, the album marks the beginning of her solo journey, blending her unique tone with a message of determination and self-belief. Before debuting, Nina steadily gained attention through cover videos and live content, quietly building a loyal fanbase. In an interview, she said her dream of becoming a singer has never wavered. "I never once gave up on my dream of becoming a singer, even back in school," she said during an interview with AJP on Jun. 16. "I discovered the joy of performing by covering K-pop dances with friends, and I practiced with all my heart every day during my trainee period. There were more exciting moments than hard ones." The title track, Freeze, reflects her emotions leading up to her debut. "I wanted to express the nervousness and determination I felt," she said. "The line 'More than expectations, may this feeling never fade' really reflects my mindset. I want to move forward without losing the feeling I had at the start." While most of the response has been positive, some critical voices have surfaced online. Nina remains unfazed. "I know that more people support me, so I won't be shaken," she said. "At first, even my parents were against my dream, but they recognized my sincerity and effort, and now they're my biggest supporters." She smiled and added, "If there's anything I need to improve, please let me know. I'll do better." Nina named BLACKPINK's Jennie as her role model. "I want to be an artist who shows outstanding talent and charm like Jennie," she said. "I hope to keep connecting with fans through diverse content and grow as an artist." With Never Afraid, Nina delivers a clear statement: she's here, she's ready, and she's not backing down. Through the dreamy mood and emotional tension of Freeze, she captures the uncertainty of first steps and the quiet strength it takes to keep moving forward. 2025-06-19 18:03:10 -
Iranian Embassy in Seoul condemns Israeli airstrikes, calls for international accountability SEOUL, June 18 (AJP) - Through a statement released Wednesday, the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Republic of Korea has condemned Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iranian territory and urged the international community to uphold international law and prevent further escalation. In the statement released on Jun. 18, Iranian Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Saeed Koozechi described the Jun. 13 attacks as a large-scale, coordinated assault involving air, missile, and drone strikes. According to the embassy, the attacks targeted residential neighborhoods, civilian infrastructure, and nuclear facilities that are under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards. One of the strikes reportedly killed 60 civilians, including 35 women and children. "The nature of the attack leaves no room for ambiguity," Ambassador Koozechi wrote. "It constitutes an act of aggression in direct violation of international law. The legal threshold has been clearly crossed." The statement emphasized that Iran’s nuclear installations have been consistently verified by the IAEA as peaceful and remain subject to what it called the most intrusive inspection regime in the world. It cited IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi and past General Conference resolutions that classify military attacks on safeguarded nuclear sites as violations of the UN Charter and international law. "These resolutions underscore the grave risks such attacks pose to nuclear safety and security and highlight their profoundly destabilizing impact on regional and international peace," the statement read. The embassy described the Israeli strikes as part of a broader pattern, accusing the government in Tel Aviv of repeatedly targeting civilians and defying international norms. It also pointed to ongoing proceedings at the International Court of Justice and allegations of war crimes committed by senior Israeli leaders. "The rule of law is not being neglected—it is being willfully dismantled," the statement said. Iran, the embassy noted, responded under Article 51 of the UN Charter, which guarantees the right to self-defense in the event of an armed attack. The ambassador said Iran's response was "carefully calibrated" to focus only on military targets while minimizing civilian harm, in line with international humanitarian law. The statement criticized the UN Security Council’s lack of action, contrasting it with the swift condemnation of Israel’s 1981 strike on Iraq’s Osirak reactor. "The law remains clear. Yet today, the Council stands paralyzed—its deliberations stifled by political pressure and the protective shield extended by a small group of powerful states." The statement concluded with a call for international solidarity: "Sovereignty is not negotiable. Nuclear installations under IAEA safeguards should not be targeted. Armed force must not be allowed to replace diplomacy. The path to peace begins with accountability, and the international system must summon the will to uphold it." 2025-06-18 16:08:08 -
Presidents Lee and Lula, once injured factory workers, meet for first time at G7 summit SEOUL, June 18 (AJP) - South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva met for the first time on Jun. 17 (local time) in Kananaskis, Canada, on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) summit. What could have been a routine diplomatic meeting carried an unexpected weight, shaped by the strikingly similar lives the two men have led. Both were invited to the summit as guest leaders. Their discussion covered bilateral cooperation, but it was their shared past, rooted in poverty, labor, injury, and political survival, that gave the meeting an uncommon sense of depth. During their conversation, President Lee spoke about working in a factory as an underage boy, where a press machine crushed his left arm and left it permanently damaged. Lula, who lost his left pinky finger in a factory accident at age 19, leaned in and asked, "How old were you when that happened?" The question landed with empathy -- one laborer to another. Lee’s life story is well known in South Korea. Born in 1964 in the southeastern city of Andong, he grew up in poverty and started working young. After his family moved to Seongnam, his mother sold toilet paper in a market while Lee worked in factories, where exposure to toxic chemicals cost him his sense of smell. In his memoir, he called his childhood "horrific," recalling how his family often survived on fruit discarded by vendors. Lula’s background has similar contours. He, too, came from a poor family, took up factory work early, and became active in Brazil’s labor movement after his accident. Both men were prosecuted. Lula served time in prison before his conviction was annulled, while Lee faced multiple investigations and legal battles before and after taking office. In early 2024, Lee survived a knife attack during a site visit in Busan. Their personal hardships and the political resilience that followed gave the meeting a human dimension that rarely accompanies first summits. It may also mark the beginning of a new phase in South Korea–Brazil relations. Despite strong ties, the two countries have never signed a free trade agreement. The shared understanding between the two leaders could open the door to future trade dialogue and deeper cooperation. Lula used the meeting to extend a formal invitation to President Lee to attend the 2025 UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), which Brazil will host. Lee thanked him, calling climate issues "very important," and said he would try to attend if possible. As they wrapped up, Lula offered a final piece of advice: "You must not forget why the people chose you." 2025-06-18 10:18:58 -
K-ART: Reimagining the Buddha's path: 'Eight Views, Eight Senses' SEOUL, June 17 (AJP) - In Eight Views, Eight Senses (팔관팔감, 八觀八感), artist Jeong Ha-yul takes on one of Buddhist art's most revered visual forms, the Palsangdo, or "Eight Scenes from the Life of the Buddha." Traditionally painted in temples, these works trace eight defining moments in Siddhartha Gautama's journey, from birth to enlightenment, and to final nirvana. But for Jeong, the Palsangdo is more than a historical or religious artifact. It's a reflection of the human condition. "The Palsangdo doesn't just recount the Buddha's life. It reflects our own," Jeong said during an interview at Moowoosoo Gallery in central Seoul on June 17. "It represents the Four Noble Truths: suffering, the cause of suffering, the end of suffering, and the path to that end. These aren't just abstract ideas. They're deeply human experiences we still live through." The exhibition reimagines each of the eight scenes using a different medium and technique. Gold pigment on black silk, soft silhouettes, layered narrative compositions, even stark ink on bare white cloth. Through these varied approaches, Jeong draws out the emotional nuance and spiritual gravity of each moment. The exhibition opened to considerable attention, much of it sparked online. "There was a lot of interest even before the exhibition started, especially on Twitter," she said. "So many people came, and I did my best to explain the meaning behind each piece to everyone who visited. I am not sure whether I successfully explained everything, but I was really happy whenever someone walked out smiling." Some works took months to complete, others more than a year. "Subjugation of Demons took about a year and three months," she said. "The next most time-consuming piece took around seven months." Despite the weight of the subject, the demon scene gave her a rare opportunity to play. "You can't really change the way the Buddha or the monks look. That's fairly fixed. But the demons? That's where I had fun," she said. "I hid in movie villains like the Joker, added demons weraing traditional Korean masks like Hahoetal and Gaksital, and scattered little references from pop culture all over the canvas." 〈Huming Bodhisattva〉 Painted in gold pigment on black silk, this piece portrays the moment from Queen Maya’s dream in which the white elephant-riding Huming Bodhisattva appears. The surreal atmosphere emphasizes the divine mystery of pre-birth and spiritual foreshadowing. 〈Birth〉 The Buddha’s first moment in Lumbini is rendered in silhouette, surrounded by the calligraphic inscription of “Cheonsang Cheonha Yu-a Dokjon (天上天下唯我獨尊),” or “Above and below heaven, I alone am honored.” A minimalist yet powerful expression of sacred emergence. 〈Departure from the Palace: Dreaming〉 This dreamlike scene captures the night Siddhartha chooses to renounce worldly life. Tucked within the inner folds of a palace maid’s robe, the depiction layers reality and dream, embodying the quiet solitude of awakening amidst slumbering illusions. 〈Leaving the Palace〉 Instead of a traditional depiction with a charioteer, Siddhartha rides alone, dressed in the attire of a Joseon Dynasty prince. The black mountain range in the distance symbolizes the Himalayas. This bold reinterpretation highlights personal will and cultural resonance. 〈Meditation〉 Rather than the gaunt figure often shown in traditional depictions, this Buddha is soft, approachable, and warmly illuminated. The reimagining invites viewers to see meditation not as ascetic suffering but as a calm, welcoming space of inner peace. 〈Subjugation of Demons〉 Inspired by the traditional version at Tongdosa Temple, this painting inserts iconic villains from modern pop culture into the crowd of demon armies. The juxtaposition adds both humor and a contemporary metaphor for personal and societal struggles. 〈First Sermon in the Deer Park〉 Painted using Geumni Chaesaek, a traditional method of mixing pure gold with animal glue on dark silk, this piece radiates quiet brilliance. It reflects the enduring glow of truth that transcends time, even in the depths of darkness. 〈Parinirvana〉 With only ink and light washes on white silk, this final piece evokes the serene stillness of the Buddha’s passing. The absence of color emphasizes the emotional clarity of grief, acceptance, and transcendence. 2025-06-17 17:18:28 -
G20 nations discuss stronger EPR cooperation for circular economy SEOUL, June 16 (AJP) - G20 member states and international organizations gathered on Jun. 10 for a high-level webinar to examine global cooperation on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems, a cornerstone policy tool for advancing the circular economy. The webinar, held under the G20 Resource Efficiency Dialogue (RED), was hosted by South Africa, the 2024 G20 presidency, and organized by the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG). The session focused on sharing lessons and challenges in EPR policy design and implementation across countries. The closed-door event was not open to the general public, ensuring more focused and specialized dialogue among officials and experts. EPR, or Extended Producer Responsibility, places legal responsibility on manufacturers for the post-consumer stage of products. By encouraging recycling and sustainable waste management, the system supports key goals in carbon neutrality, ESG performance, and the broader shift to resource-efficient economies. The discussion highlighted EPR’s relevance in packaging, electronics, and batteries—sectors facing new regulatory demands amid rapid growth in online commerce. Three panel sessions explored key areas, international EPR adoption and lessons learned, the experience of operating Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs), and regulatory approaches to e-commerce and digital sales channels. Speakers included officials and experts from the OECD, India, China, Germany, Brazil, South Africa, and Argentina. In the second session, moderated by attorney Park Sang-yeol of ELPS, a Seoul-based law firm specializing in ESG advisory, panelists from India, South Africa, and Argentina shared insights on building PROs, public-private cooperation models, and operational challenges. Park, who served as legal advisor to Korea’s Ministry of Environment for 16 years, provided expert commentary on EPR’s evolution and its future in both domestic and international contexts. The event went beyond information sharing, laying groundwork for deeper G20 policy collaboration, bilateral technical exchanges, and joint research initiatives. Participants also raised the possibility of forming a global EPR framework with shared standards. 2025-06-16 17:53:50 -
Peru and S. Korea mark International Potato Day in Pyeongchang SEOUL, June 16 (AJP) - The Peruvian Embassy in Seoul and the Highland Agriculture Research Institute (HARI), operated by the Rural Development Administration, joined hands to celebrate the first International Potato Day on May 30 at HARI's headquarters in Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province. The Peruvian Embassy said in a statement on Jun. 13 that the event, marking a United Nations-recognized day established in 2023, brought together diplomats, scientists, and researchers from both countries to share knowledge and deepen cooperation on potato research and food security. HARI, home to nearly 100 researchers, develops highland crop technologies, including hydroponic systems and disease-resistant potato varieties. During the visit, participants toured the facility and learned about its mission to support sustainable agriculture. A tasting session followed, featuring classic Peruvian potato dishes such as "papa a la huancaína," "causa," and "empanadas," offering guests a glimpse into Peru's culinary traditions. "This celebration allowed Peru and Korea to strengthen ties regarding potato research, explore possibilities for scientific and academic exchange, and promote the benefits of potato consumption," said Peruvian Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Paul Duclos. "We are committed to continuing to promote this valuable product as a bridge of understanding and cooperation between our nations." Peru, known as the birthplace of the potato, is home to more than 4,000 varieties and ancient preservation methods like chuño and tocosh. Its agricultural legacy continues through institutions like the International Potato Center (CIP), headquartered in Lima. The CIP supports research in over 20 countries, focusing on nutrition, sustainable business, and climate resilience. 2025-06-16 16:04:59 -
Chinese diplomat joins Seoul palace walk, highlights cultural connection SEOUL, June 15 (AJP) - Fang Kun, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Chinese Embassy in Seoul, said he believes walking tours like the one held Saturday offer a meaningful way to appreciate Korea's heritage and deepen ties between the peoples of China and South Korea. "I think this walking event gives everyone a chance to enjoy the beauty of Korea's historic palaces," Fang said during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Seoul Royal Palaces International Walk on Jun. 14. "Events like this help strengthen mutual understanding between our two countries. I hope everyone enjoys today, and I definitely want to join the next one." The annual event, co-hosted by Aju News Corporation and AJP, drew around 1,500 participants, including some 700 foreign nationals. The 6.3-kilometer (3.9-mile) route began at the Uijeongbuji Historic Site Square and passed through central Seoul landmarks including Gwanghwamun, Gyeongbokgung Palace, the front of the former presidential office's Chun Chu Gate, Changdeokgung Palace, and Changgyeonggung Palace. The opening ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Kwak Young-kil, Chairman of Aju News Corporation, Lim Kwu-jin, President of Aju Business Daily, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, National Assembly member Kwak Sang-eon, Seoul Metropolitan Council Chairman Choi Ho-jung, council member Yoon Jong-bok, and Seoul Tourism Organization CEO Gil Ki-yeon. Fang was joined by other members of the diplomatic corps, including Arman Narbayev, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Kazakhstan, and Naman Upadhyaya, First Secretary at the Embassy of India. Speaking to AJP after the ceremony, Fang said, "This is really the perfect season for walking in Seoul. On a day like today, with clear skies and fresh air, this event offers a great opportunity to experience the architecture and history of Korea's palaces, right in the middle of the city." He noted that a large portion of the foreign attendees were Chinese nationals living in South Korea. "From what I understand, about half of the foreign participants are Chinese residents here," he said. "Through cultural events like this, people can naturally experience Korean culture, and that helps broaden mutual understanding between our countries." Fang added, "Human exchange between Korea and China plays a key role in strengthening our relationship. I hope events like this continue to bring our people together more often." 2025-06-15 17:44:15 -
Over 1,500 join palace walk event in Seoul to promote cultural exchange SEOUL, June 15 (AJP) - With his son’s hand in his, Lee Bong-soo walked quietly through the grounds of Seoul’s royal palaces, taking in the scenes he had long wanted to share outside the pages of a textbook. "I always wanted to take my son to a palace, but the opportunity never really came up," said Lee, a resident of Goyang. "My workplace and home are far apart, which made it even harder. Palaces are full of historic sites and interesting things to see. My son has read a lot about them, but never had the chance to see them in real life. I wanted to give him that opportunity." Lee was among the roughly 1,500 participants, about 700 of them foreign nationals, who joined the 2025 Seoul Royal Palaces International Walk on Jun. 14. The event, co-hosted by Aju News Corporation and AJP, began at 8:40 a.m. with an opening ceremony and followed a 6.3-kilometer route through the heart of the capital. Starting from the Uijeongbu Site of State Council Historic Plaza, participants walked past Gwanghwamun, Gyeongbokgung Palace, the rear gate of the former presidential compound, then continued through Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung palaces. By 9 a.m., the plaza near Gwanghwamun had filled with eager walkers. A slight morning overcast gradually gave way to blue skies, lightening the mood as the crowd set off. The opening ceremony welcomed key figures including Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, Aju News Corporation Chairman Kwak Young-kil, Aju Business Daily CEO Lim Kwu-jin, National Assembly member Kwak Sang-eon, Seoul Metropolitan Council Chair Choi Ho-jeong, council member Yoon Jong-bok, and Seoul Tourism Organization CEO Gil Ki-yeon. Diplomatic guests included Fang Kun, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Chinese Embassy in Seoul, Arman Narbayev, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Kazakhstan, and Naman Upadhyaya, First Secretary at the Embassy of India, underscoring the event's international character. "This kind of walking event is really good for health," Mayor Oh said in his welcoming remarks. "Seoul will continue doing its best to create an environment where citizens can enjoy walking, exercise, and cycling." He added in English, "This is the best time for foreign tourists to visit Seoul. I hope you have a great experience here." First Secretary Upadhyay emphasized the unique blend of history, culture, and health. "I hope everyone can walk through and experience Korea's heritage," he said. "As we walk the same paths once walked by the kings of Joseon, may we feel the richness of this cultural legacy." Representing the Kazakhstan Embassy, Diplomatic Officer Dautov Bauyrzhan delivered a speech in fluent Korean, calling the event "a beautiful symbol of cultural connection" between Korea and Kazakhstan. Deputy Chief Fang Kun noted: "I believe today's walk offers a great opportunity to appreciate the beauty of Korea's historic palaces. This event will also help foster better understanding and feelings between the Chinese and Korean people. I hope everyone enjoys today and I would love to join again next time." The walk began at the Uijeongbu Site of State Council Historic Plaza, once home to Korea’s top governing body during the Joseon Dynasty. The site was excavated starting in 2016 and restored and reopened to the public in 2024 as a cultural heritage park. The route's first landmark was Gyeongbokgung Palace. In early summer, its grounds were shaded by vibrant green trees that paired elegantly with the palace's ornate, painted architecture. Lee Eun-hye, visiting from Mexico, shared her reason for joining: "I've lived in Seoul for a while, but I realized I’d never actually walked through the palaces like this. It feels great to enjoy it together with people from all over the world." Lim Hyun-joo, head of Korean Studies at the Autonomous University of Nayarit in Mexico, joined while on a study visit to South Korea. "It was lucky that this event fit my schedule. I plan to show the certificate to my students and tell them all about Korea’s palaces. It’s been a meaningful way to gather experiences I can share back home." Among the international participants was Frank, a French national. "I've never had the chance to visit any palaces before, but this event made it possible. A friend who works at Seoul City Hall recommended it. Everything was just perfect. Especially walking alongside people from so many countries." Najifa, a French exchange student, said: "I'd been to Gyeongbokgung before, but this was my first time visiting the other palaces. It was a great opportunity for foreigners like me. I can confidently say the palaces are the best places I’ve seen in Korea." Throughout the course, walkers, many wearing blue caps, could be seen stopping to take photos. At the rear gate of the former presidential office, many paused for commemorative snapshots. Others admired the tranquil beauty of Changdeokgung Palace and the charm of Changgyeonggung Palace, sharing laughs and conversations with family, friends, and fellow walkers. Among them was Oh Seung-bok, 63, who registered on-site after arriving in Gwanghwamun with friends for a casual morning walk. "I don’t often get to visit the palaces even though I live in Seoul, so I’m happy to have had this chance," she said. "It took us about three and a half hours to walk the course at a relaxed pace. Gyeongbokgung was beautiful, but I found Changgyeonggung especially lovely. If it’s held again next year, I’ll definitely join." At the end of the walk, returning to the starting point, Lee Bong-soo reflected on the day. "I’m glad my son had the chance to see the palaces in person and walk with people from different backgrounds. If there’s another event like this, we’ll definitely join again." 2025-06-15 16:11:41