King Gongmin and the challenges of reform

This spring in Kaesong, I stood before Hyonjongnung, the paired tombs of King Kongmin and Princess Noguk. Their symmetrical burial mounds, carved stone screens and guardian figures preserve the aesthetics and engineering of late Goryeo (sometimes spelled Koryo). Today, they form part of UNESCO’s Historic Monuments and Sites in Kaesong. Wang Gi (1330–1374), a 12th-generation descendant of Goryeo founder Wang Kon (also known as Taejo of Goryeo), became the dynasty’s 31st king in 1351, 17 years bef

2026-10-15 09:07:42:00

North Korea says latest missile launch tested upgraded tactical ballistic missile

North Korea's missile launch on Monday was a major success in improving its weapons systems, the North's state-run Korean Central News Agency reported Tuesday. "The Missile Administration announced that the technological upgrades to key components verified through the test represent a major achievement that heralds significant advances in the performance and precision of all offensive weapons systems," the KCNA said. The agency said the launch was part of routine activities by the Missile Admini

2026-10-13 14:52:04:00

Lee vows to maintain direct public engagement despite criticism

President Lee Jae Myung is doubling down on communicating through social media, despite criticism and mixed assessments of his communication style. "I may be criticized for lacking dignity or authority, but I will continue visiting back alleys where ordinary people live, with minimal security, communicating through social media and engaging with people in their own language," Lee wrote on X late Saturday. "That is because the president is the people's foremost public servant," he added. Lee also

2026-10-11 10:45:40:00

Suspected North Korean land mine found on Incheon beach

An antipersonnel land mine believed to have washed ashore from North Korea was discovered on a beach in Ganghwa-gun, Incheon, on Thursday, prompting authorities to urge residents and visitors to exercise caution. According to Ganghwa officials on Friday, the mine was found around 3:20 p.m. Thursday near Daebinchang Beach on Jumun Island, Seodo-myeon, by an environmental cleanup worker. The worker immediately reported the discovery to the relevant authorities. The Marine Corps' 2nd Division dispa

2026-10-09 15:16:34:00

Opposition bigwig slams Lee over Ukraine dispute, thanks Zeleskyy for NK POWs

Rep. Na Kyung-won of the main opposition People Power Party on Friday slammed the Lee Jae Myung administration over the ongoing dispute with Ukraine, accusing the Seoul government of pushing relations with Kyiv into crisis. Na is a five-term lawmaker and former floor leader of the People Power Party’s predecessor, the Liberty Korea Party. Na revealed in a Facebook post that she planned to send a letter of gratitude to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to “correct the government’s misguided

2026-10-09 11:43:10:00

Lee puts CPTPP application on hold

President Lee Jae Myung has ordered the government not to apply to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership this year, saying trust with farmers and fishers must come before any push to enter the major regional trade pact. Senior presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said Thursday that Lee issued the instruction following discussions at Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting over South Korea’s potential CPTPP membership. But Lee decided against pursuing an application w

2026-10-08 17:05:34:00

Gangneung readies for ITS World Congress

Gangneung, Gangwon Province, is making final preparations for the Intelligent Transport Systems World Congress, which will bring together experts, industry leaders and government officials to discuss the future of smart mobility in midsized cities. This year’s congress will run from Oct. 19 to 23, with about 60,000 participants from more than 90 territories expected to attend a range of events, including ministerial talks, high-level roundtable discussions, exhibitions, demonstrations and public

2026-10-08 16:42:15:00

North rejects Seoul’s medical aid, claims offer is ‘political provocation’

Kim Yo-jong, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s sister, on Thursday denounced South Korea’s plan to provide medical equipment to the North, calling it an “insult” and a “political provocation.” In a statement carried by the Korean Central News Agency, Kim criticized Seoul for seeking a sanctions exemption from the UN Security Council’s North Korea sanctions committee, known as the 1718 Committee, to send medical equipment to a hospital in Pyongyang. Kim described the aid initiative as “another fa

2026-10-08 15:35:07:00

The three treasures of Kaesong: A waterfall, an artist and a sage

When I visited Bangnyeon Falls near Kaesong during April’s spring drought, the diminished flow revealed names carved into cliffs normally obscured by falling water. Among them was Hong Sun-hyeong, a former minister of justice who served as governor of Kaesong in 1892. His name remains prominently carved in stone. But the city’s most enduring names suggest other ways to outlive one’s time. Kaesong, historically known as Songdo, celebrates three treasures as Songdosamjeol: Bangnyeon Falls, one of

2026-10-07 16:29:41:00

Defense minister rejects criticism of passivity, vows firm stance on provocations

South Korea is responding firmly to North Korea, Minister of Defense Kang Shin-chul said Tuesday, rejecting criticism that Seoul is remaining passive despite provocations. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Kang said that South Korean military’s demining operation carried out the previous day was the first of its kind, and that it was a “firm response.” “(South Korean soldiers) were serious injured by land mines North Korea planted as part of their so-called ‘border fortification.’ Our military t

2026-10-06 16:39:37:00