By Lee Kap-soo LG Electronics' CEO William Cho and key company executives introduced the strategies that LG is implementing to achieve its 'Future Vision 2030' goal, during a press conference held for Korean media in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A., on January 10. The CEO began the proceedings by noting that LG had identified three major inflection points – electrification, servitization and digitalization – that will ultimately reshape business and the customer experience. The company aims to overcome challenges, such as persistent market and supply chain uncertainties, and accelerate growth by bui
By Kayla Lee A solo exhibition by leading Korean sculptor Han Jin-sub, titled, "S. Andreas Kim Tae-gon, unveiled at the Vatican," has been held at the Gana Art Center in Pyeongchang-dong until January 14. Han Jin-sub is the first Korean artist to have a sculpture of St. Andrew Kim Tae-gon (1821-1846) installed at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. This solo exhibition, held at the Gana Art Center for the first time in nearly a decade since 2014, will introduce the process in detail and shed light on the artistic world that Han Jin-sub pursues. Beginning with an introduction to the process of
By Lee Kap-soo The Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in Korea held an annual event with the participation of the Belarusian diaspora and foreign guests, dedicated to the celebration of Christmas at the embassy in Seoul on Jan. 5. The invited participants of the meeting were representatives of South Korean English–language media, including Diplomacy Journal, the Korea Herald, Korea Post, cultural and business circles, including Little Angels and the International Conference on Foreigners Welfare, as well as Korean universities - Chungbuk National University and Kyungpook National University. D
By Lee Kap-soo| “The Philippines and South Korea signed the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on Sept. 7, 2023. The enhance partnership supported by the FTA can lead to more strategic investments in priority sectors and industries for both the Philippines and Korea,” said Amb. Theresa Dizon-De Vega of the Philippines in Seoul. In an exclusive interview with UN Journal, the sister media of Diplomacy Journal, Amb. Dizon-De Vega said, “The Philippines’ Department of Trade and Industry has already begun actively promoting Korean investments particularly in industries or sectors where South Korea is consi
By Lee Kap-soo The Korea Space Administration Act, which has been called the "Korean version of NASA," has passed the plenary session of the National Assembly. At the plenary session of the National Assembly on Jan. 9, the 'Special Act on the Establishment and Operation of the Korea Aerospace Administration' (KAIA Act) was passed with 263 votes in favor, 0 against, and 3 abstentions out of the 266 lawmakers present. The enactment of the Act follows President Yoon Suk-yeol's pledge to establish a national control tower to lead space development. The bill establishes the agency under the Ministr
By Lee Kap-soo The following article on excerpts from the interview of the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, with Egemen Qazaqstan newspaper, was contributed by the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Seoul to Diplomacy Journal. –Ed. “We will continue a constructive and balanced foreign policy, taking into account the national interests of the country. In 2024, our country will host a number of representative summits and forums. Kazakhstan will chair several authoritative international organizations at once, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Collective Security Treaty Org
By Lee Kap-soo Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS) announced on Dec. 7 that Prof. Kim Jin-ah of the LD Department of the university has been appointed as a member of the UN Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters under the umbrella of UN Secretary-General António Guterres. The UN Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters, established by agreement of the UN General Assembly in 1978, consists of 15 ambassadors and civilian experts. Prof. Kim is the third South Korean and first civilian to be appointed to the member of the UN Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters. Beginning her term in January
By Kayla Lee Boogie Moli, better known as Boogie, is a contemporary street artist born in 1995 in Kinshasa, Congo. The exhibition is being held at Doonamjae Gallery (located at 45, Tehyeran-ro 4-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul) from January 5 to February 18, organized by Oasis Art, CEO of Sublime Kim Ho-jae and CEO of Cuba Art Sunter Cha Hyo-joon. Boogie and his family immigrated to England when he was 10 years old, and soon after, his passion for soccer led him to play in the streets with his friends. His talent was soon recognized, and in 2009, he played for Liverpool FC, before signing a professiona
By Kayla Lee The Future Minerals Forum's (FMF) Ministerial Roundtable, scheduled to take place on January 9, ahead of the third Forum, is expected to break records in terms of the number of participants, FMF has announced. As confirmed to date, more than 45 out of 80 countries will send ministerial representatives to participate in discussions with stakeholders at the meeting. In addition, 20 official international organizations, 30 non-governmental organizations, and 13 business associations will also participate. As the world's highest-level gathering on minerals, the Roundtable marks a hist
By Kayla Lee The Adora Magic City, a 130,000-ton cruise ship built by China, arrived in Jeju for the first time on Dec. 28, 2023. The number of international cruise ships to and from Jeju in 2024, including this one, is expected to more than double after visiting Gangjeong Village about 80 times in 2023, raising expectations in the tourism industry. At around 11:30 a.m. on this day, Jeju Complex Tourism Port in Gangjeong-dong, Seogwipo City, was bustling with 2,600 passengers on the Adora Magic City, which arrived in Jeju from Shanghai, China, via Kagoshima, Japan. The passengers were immediat
By Lee Jon-young Former Chungbuk National Police Chief Chung Yong-geun (58), who is running for the 22nd general election for the People Power Party in Chungju, announced on Jan. 2 that he will give up the privilege of non-arrest of lawmakers. Chung said, "There are many privileges of lawmakers in Korea, and I will give them all up. I know better than anyone else the aspirations of citizens for a new politics." In a written pledge, Chung said, "I pledge before the people that if I am elected as a member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea and a motion to arrest me is submitted du
By Lee Jon-young The UN Security Council on Jan. 3 held its first open meeting on the continuing attacks by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, which are becoming an increasing threat to global trade and the stability of the entire region as the intense fighting between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza continues, the UN News reported. At the meeting, UN Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari said, “No cause or grievance could justify continuing Houthi attacks against freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. All incidents originating in Houthi controlled areas must stop.” He encouraged “all c
By Lee Kap-soo The following is the full-text of the New Year message delivered by UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Dec. 28, 2023. -- Ed. 2023 has been a year of enormous suffering, violence, and climate chaos. Humanity is in pain. Our planet is in peril. 2023 is the hottest year on record. People are getting crushed by growing poverty and hunger. Wars are growing in number and ferocity. And trust is in short supply. But pointing fingers and pointing guns lead nowhere. Humanity is strongest when we stand together. 2024 must be a year for rebuilding trust and restoring hope. We must com
By Lee Kap-soo Ilhwa Co. announced on Dec. 29 that it has signed a supply contract to export its barley carbonated beverage 'Mc Col' to South Africa. By signing a supply agreement with Trilion Cart, a local network group with many large affiliates in South Africa, Ilhwa will officially introduce Mc Col to the African market. The supply agreement totals 200,000 cans. Mc Col is Korea's leading longevity brand, launched in 1982. It is characterized by its cool and refreshing barley flavor. It has rich nutritional ingredients such as vitamins B1, B2, and vitamin C. It is currently exported to the
By Kayla Lee Seoul Tourism Organization (STO), led by CEO Gil Ki-yeon, has reorganized the Seoul Lantern Festival & Gwanghwamun Square Market into Season 2 for the New Year 2024. Season 2 will run from January 1 to 21. First of all, the Seoul Lantern Festival will add a media show for the New Year and conduct various experience programs. A projection mapping content 'New Year Media Show' will be held from 9:50 p.m. to 10 p.m. every day until the 21st in the White Hall, a 360-degree sphere representing the universe, wholeness, and earth. Various videos symbolizing the city, people, and natu