The Korea Times

WEEKENDER K-defense exports enter new phase

Korea’s defense industry stands at a critical crossroads, as its export boom gives way to a new phase in which major overseas buyers are demanding local production and supply chains in their own markets. From K9 self-propelled howitzers and K2 battle tanks to Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers and air defense systems, Korean-made weapons have rapidly expanded their presence across Europe and other regions. The export boom has transformed the defense industry from a largely domestic-oriented sector into one of Korea’s emerging global growth engines. But the next stage may prove more challenging. Korean defense firms can no longer rely solely on their traditional strengths of competitive prices, fast delivery and proven manufacturing capabilities. As major customers increasingly demand technology transfers, local production and participation in their own defense industries, Korean companies are pushed to become not just arms exporters, but long-term industrial partners. That shift could determine whether the current K-defense boom develops into a sustainable global business or remains a t

Cheong Wa Dae says Lee's 'no war intervention' remark not a rejection of Trump's Hormuz request

Cheong Wa Dae said Saturday that President Lee Jae Myung's remarks ruling out troop dispatches that could involve the country in a war were not a refusal of U.S. President Donald Trump's request for Seoul to send forces to the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The presidential office clarified the position after the New York Times reported that Lee's comments at a press conference Friday amounted to a rejection of Trump's appeal for Seoul's military cooperation in the Middle East. "Lee did not turn down Trump's request for Korea's cooperation on Middle East-related issues during yesterday's press conference," a presidential official told reporters on condition of anonymity. "The government has been reviewing practical ways to contribute in close communication with the international community, including the United States, in order to protect our citizens and safeguard national interests." Seoul will continue to examine concrete options under its stated principle of not intervening in a war or combat, the official added. On Friday, Lee said during the nationally televised press conference that "

Cho, Rubio agree to work together for 'good' results from talks on US investment projects

Bucheon festival brings comics to life with global cosplay, community fun

BUCHEON, Gyeonggi Province — The area around the Korea Manhwa Museum in Bucheon turned into a lively celebration of pop culture on Friday as colorful comic panels came to life for the opening day of the 29th Bucheon International Comics Festival. Running through Sunday under the theme "Comics & Webtoons: Easy to Love, Endless to Enjoy," the annual three-day event kicked off with a rich mix of global cosplay competitions, interactive community programs and passionate fans bringing their favorite characters into reality. Friday's opening day offered a rich variety of experiences, drawing families, international visitors and dedicated pop culture enthusiasts. Inside the museum, local volunteers warmly greeted young visitors at hands-on craft booths, guiding children as they decorated everyday items like keyboards and hand mirrors with cartoon characters. "We joined the festival as volunteers out of a shared passion as Bucheon residents to promote our city's signature cultural identity," a local volunteer said. "At first, seeing all the cosplayers felt a bit unfamiliar. But seeing how passi

More than half of SMEs to skip Chuseok bonuses

More than half of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are expected to forgo Chuseok bonuses for their employees this year, citing financial difficulties. According to a survey of 1,000 SME member companies conducted by the Korea Federation of SMEs from Sept. 1-7, 45.1 percent said they plan to provide Chuseok bonuses. Of these, 1.2 percent plan to increase bonus payments, 40.5 percent to maintain last year’s level and 3.4 percent to reduce them. More than half, or 54.9 percent, said they had either decided not to provide bonuses — including 30.8 percent that have never provided separate bonuses and 7.7 percent that will not provide them this year due to financial difficulties — or had yet to make a decision (16.4 percent). Among companies planning to provide bonuses, those paying a percentage of salary will provide an average of 37.7 percent of employees’ base pay, while those paying a fixed amount will provide an average of 665,000 won ($493) per employee. By region, companies outside the Seoul metropolitan area reported higher bonus levels than those in the capital region

Coupang turns to Taiwan as key hub for global growth

Taiwan has emerged as a key strategic hub for Coupang’s global growth, as the company brings fast delivery to more regions and develops AI-powered logistics technologies. Taiwan is a relatively new market for the New York Stock Exchange-listed company, which began expanding into the country in October 2022. The move came after the e-commerce giant established a strong presence in Korea, where it has operated since 2010. In just a few years, Coupang connected more than 300,000 sellers on its platform in Korea, the United States, China, Japan and Hong Kong with consumers in the Taiwanese market. Coupang recently completed its fourth fulfillment center in Taiwan, which opened in April. Located in the Bausan Guanyin Logistics Park in Taoyuan City in northwestern Taiwan, the facility was designed to accelerate exports, particularly from U.S. businesses, to the Taiwanese market. “By removing traditional barriers such as complex logistics, long shipping times and high costs, we made it easier for U.S. companies to expand internationally," the company said in a statement released after the

Who helped Samsung become chip giant

Through the 1980s, Japan pushed the United States — the birthplace and longtime leader of the semiconductor industry — out of the world memory chip market, and the damage ran deep enough that Intel gave up DRAM, the short-term memory that holds a computer's working data. American chipmakers came to believe Japan could not be beaten in memory chips, and Washington and the industry began looking for ways to counter it. Two questions followed: how to contain Japan, and where to find a viable challenger to it. The country that emerged as a memory chip powerhouse in the 1990s was Korea, and Intel had a hand in how Korea overtook Japan to dominate the world market. Chip business nearly dropped "Hey, drop it." Samsung Group founder Lee Byung-chul shook his head in disbelief while he sat through a report on the semiconductor company his son had bought. The son was Lee Kun-hee, former Samsung chairman. Lee, then a director at Samsung's broadcasting branch TBC, had acquired Hankook Semiconductor in 1974 after the chipmaker went bankrupt due to financial strain. Hankook Semiconductor, an early Ko

N. Korea rejects IAEA resolution, vows to maintain nuclear force amid US threats

Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, on Saturday rejected a recent resolution by the U.N. nuclear watchdog against Pyongyang's nuclear program, vowing to maintain the credibility of the country's nuclear capabilities in the face of what she called nuclear threats from the United States and others. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) adopted the resolution at its 70th General Conference in Vienna on Thursday, reaffirming that North Korea cannot have nuclear-weapons-state status under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and calling on Pyongyang to immediately cease all related activities. "The IAEA forcibly adopted an anti-DPRK 'resolution' that takes issue with our country's self-defensive and legitimate nuclear activities while turning a blind eye to the grave reality that our security environment is constantly exposed to external nuclear threats," Kim said in a statement carried by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). DPRK stands for North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Kim's statement came two days af

Korean Air faces mounting mileage-related liability

Korean Air is facing a growing mileage-related liability as it moves to integrate its mileage program with that of Asiana Airlines, with higher redemption requirements adding pressure on the combined carrier’s ticket sales and profitability. Last week, the Fair Trade Commission (FTC) approved the airlines’ mileage integration plan, requiring Korean Air to provide more opportunities for customers to use their accumulated miles. Under the plan, Asiana miles will remain separately available for 10 years after the merger. As of the end of June, Korean Air’s consolidated mileage-related deferred revenue stood at 4.07 trillion won ($2.94 billion), including 3.12 trillion won for Korean Air and 946.3 billion won for Asiana, according to the companies’ interim reports. The amount represents the value allocated to unused miles that have yet to be redeemed and is recorded as a liability until the related services are provided. The figure does not represent conventional debt that Korean Air must repay in cash. Rather, it reflects future service obligations. When customers redeem their mile

TEST DRIVE Renault Filante blends commanding size with agile drive

Renault Korea’s flagship crossover, the Filante, looks imposing at first glance, but feels surprisingly agile behind the wheel. Its planted ride, refined cabin and better-than-expected fuel economy give the large crossover a distinctive mix of comfort and driving appeal. The Filante was driven for about 400 kilometers on a round trip between Seoul and Daejeon, covering a mix of urban roads and highways. Across the route, the crossover delivered a stable ride and impressive fuel efficiency, making a strong overall impression. The Filante shares some of its design cues with Renault Korea’s popular Grand Koleos SUV, but carries a more upscale and sportier character. Measuring 4,915 millimeters in length and 1,635 millimeters in height, it has a substantial presence. Yet its low, flowing roofline and floating rear spoiler give the large body a sleeker profile, blending elements of a sedan and an SUV. The difference becomes more apparent once the car gets moving. The Filante’s driving character can be summed up in one word: planted. Its E-Tech hybrid powertrain combines a 1.5-liter turbo

Korea, US vow to strengthen cooperation to accelerate wartime OPCON transition in defense talks

Korea and the United States pledged to reinforce cooperation to accelerate the transition of wartime operational control (OPCON) to Seoul from Washington during their senior-level defense talks this week, a joint statement said Friday. The allies held the 29th Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue (KIDD) in Korea's southeastern city of Busan from Wednesday to Friday, as President Lee Jae Myung's administration seeks to retake wartime OPCON before the end of its term in 2030. "Both sides evaluated the work to modernize the alliance in the face of an evolving security environment," they said in the statement. "They also assessed progress on the Conditions-based Wartime Operational Control Transition Plan, and pledged to strengthen cooperation to accelerate the transition of wartime OPCON," they added. Seoul and Washington have been working on the conditions-based OPCON transfer since they agreed on it in October 2014. The conditions include Korea's capabilities to lead combined Korea-U.S. forces, its strike and air defense capabilities, and a regional security environment conducive to suc

Son Ye-jin reveals why she covers husband Hyun Bin's face with stickers

Actress Son Ye-jin has revealed why she covers her husband Hyun Bin’s face with stickers when sharing family photos on social media. A new episode of Netflix Korea’s web variety show “I Came to Promote, But…” uploaded to its official YouTube channel on Thursday featured Son, Ji Chang-wook and Nana, the lead actors of the upcoming Netflix series “The Scandal.” During the show, Son talked about her life recently, saying with a laugh, “These days, I’ve been raising my baby.” She also said that taking a recent family trip was the happiest thing she had done. Son said she had traveled to Okinawa, Japan, and the United States with her family. “I went to relax after finishing a project, but traveling with a child isn’t really a relaxing trip,” she said. “We packed the schedule around our child,” she continued. “It was tiring, but I think traveling with my family is incredibly happy.” The conversation then turned to photos Son had posted on social media during the family trip. She has drawn attention by covering her husband’s face with stickers whenever she sha

Toxic humidifier survivors face daily struggles, discrimination

"I want to take my shirt off and exercise like my friends do, too!" Lim Jae-i, 80, cannot forget her grandson's anguished cry years ago. Lee Hyun-seo, 25, was exposed to humidifier disinfectant — an antibacterial liquid added to humidifier water — while still in the womb and was born prematurely. He cycled in and out of hospitals with nontuberculous lung disease, a chronic lung condition unrelated to tuberculosis, and he almost never complained. Then adolescence arrived and he reached a breaking point. Facing a mirror, he saw a chest left concave by years of drug treatment and labored breathing and a body that remained thin. He realized that his life would never resemble those of his peers. The infants who bore the brunt of Korea's humidifier disinfectant disaster have reached young adulthood. A 2025 Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment survey of victims drew 1,213 responses, 321 (26.5 percent) of which came from victims in their 20s or younger. A tragedy the public still associates primarily with infant fatalities now runs through its survivors as an unfinished daily grind o

Incheon airport braces for record foreign arrivals, with up to 60,000 expected per day

More than 50,000 foreign nationals are expected to enter Korea through Incheon International Airport each day from Sept. 30 to Oct. 3, around China's National Day holiday on Oct. 1, prompting immigration authorities to activate emergency measures. According to the Incheon Airport Immigration Office under the Ministry of Justice, Thursday, between 198,000 and 220,000 foreign nationals are expected to enter the country through Incheon International Airport over the four-day period. That translates to an average of 49,500 to 55,000 arrivals per day, well above the daily average of 45,640 recorded from Sept. 30 to Oct. 4 last year. The number of foreign arrivals is expected to reach as many as 60,000 on Oct. 2, ahead of the weekend. That would slightly exceed this year's record high of 59,000 foreign arrivals in a single day. In response, the Incheon Airport Immigration Office will implement emergency measures for four days starting Sept. 30. The number of immigration officers assigned to arrival halls will be increased to 188, up from 128 during normal operations and 166 during special mea

Woman under probe for allegedly eavesdropping on singer Cha Eun-woo

A woman is being investigated on suspicion of eavesdropping on singer-actor Cha Eun-woo by installing a recording device under a cafe table last month, police said Friday. The woman in her 50s was caught by police on Aug. 30 while removing the device from the cafe in Seoul's Yongsan Ward where Cha was meeting with an acquaintance, according to the Yongsan Police Station. She allegedly used the same method twice last month to eavesdrop on Cha's conversations. Police are reportedly determining whether she had any accomplices and how she got hold of the device by conducting a forensic analysis of her phone, among other measures.