• Korea-France Elevate Ties to ‘Global Strategic Partnership’ at Summit Marking 140 Years of Diplomacy

    President Lee Jae-myung held a summit with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Blue House on April 3, where the two leaders discussed ways to advance bilateral relations recently elevated to a “Global Strategic Partnership,” as well as key regional and international issues.   The meeting coincided with the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and France. President Lee welcomed President Macron’s first visit to Korea since taking office, noting its significance as the first state visit by a European leader since the launch of Korea’s new administration. President Macron described the trip as especially meaningful, marking his first visit to Korea in 11 years as French president.   The two leaders exchanged views on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its broader implications, agreeing on the urgent need to restore stability and peace in the region. They also shared policy experiences and strategies aimed at minimizing economic disruptions and protecting livelihoods. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening energy security through expanded cooperation in nuclear energy and offshore wind power, as well as ensuring safe maritime transport routes in the Strait of Hormuz.   The summit also served as an opportunity to assess the progress of bilateral relations since the establishment of a “Comprehensive Partnership for the 21st Century” in 2004. The leaders highlighted the elevation of ties to a strategic level after 22 years and agreed to further deepen cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including defense and security, trade and investment, and advanced strategic industries such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum technology, space, and nuclear energy. Cultural and people-to-people exchanges were also identified as key areas for expansion.     On the occasion of the summit, the two countries revised three agreements and signed 11 memoranda of understanding and letters of intent, laying the institutional groundwork for future cooperation. The leaders also adopted a joint statement outlining the direction of bilateral relations moving forward.

• Korea National Arboretum, AFoCO Sign MOU to Expand Forest Biodiversity Cooperation

    The Korea National Arboretum of the Korea Forest Service announced on March 13 that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO) to strengthen forest biodiversity conservation and expand international cooperation.   The agreement follows the expiration of a previous MOU signed in 2021 and is intended to sustain and broaden the existing partnership. Under the renewed framework, the two institutions will collaborate across a range of areas, including forest biodiversity conservation and joint research, the exchange of expertise and research data, cooperation in international conferences and seminars, and network-building activities. The partnership will also promote biodiversity conservation efforts and public awareness through public-private cooperation.   Notably, the new agreement introduces initiatives aimed at raising awareness of biodiversity conservation through public-private partnerships, with plans to expand programs involving diverse stakeholders such as corporations and institutions. Given that many AFoCO member countries operate arboretums and botanical gardens, collaboration centered on these institutions is expected to play a key role in addressing both climate change and the global biodiversity crisis.   The Korea National Arboretum has also been advancing international cooperation through its partnership with Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI). Last year, the two organizations jointly proclaimed the International Day of Botanic Garden Education, an initiative designed to expand global networks among arboretumsand botanical gardens while strengthening responses to the climate crisis. This year, Brunei and Indonesia—both AFoCO member states—are expected to participate in the observance on June 12, further enhancing international collaboration based on arboretumsand botanical gardens.   Lim Young-seok, Director of the Korea National Arboretum, said the agreement will serve as an opportunity to deepen cooperation with AFoCO and expand global partnerships. He added that these efforts will contribute not only to forest biodiversity conservation but also to elevating the international standing and role of the national arboretum.

• APEC 2026 SOM1 and Related Meetings Held in Guangzhou

      The First Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM1) of the 2026 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum and its related meetings were held in Guangzhou from February 1 to 10. The Korean government delegation, led by Park Jong-han, Deputy Minister for Economic Diplomacy and Coordination at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, participated in the Senior Officials’ Meeting as well as the four main committees: the Committee on Trade and Investment (CTI), the Steering Committee on Economic and Technical Cooperation (SCE), the Economic Committee (EC), and the Budget and Management Committee (BMC). The delegation took part in discussions aimed at delivering substantive outcomes for APEC 2026. At the meeting, the Korean delegation, as the previous year’s host economy, expressed its support for a successful APEC 2026 and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the key outcomes of the 2025 Leaders’ Meeting are faithfully carried forward and further developed throughout the 2026 APEC process. China presented the theme and priority areas for APEC 2026 as “Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together: Openness, Innovation, Cooperation,” and outlined major deliverables under each priority area. It also announced plans to host more than ten sectoral ministerial meetings and high-level dialogues, including meetings of Ministers Responsible for Trade, Digital and AI Ministers, and Transport Ministers. In addition, China introduced its plan to organize various high-level forums on digitalization and innovation during a “Digital Week.” As discussions at the sectoral ministerial meetings are expected to culminate in outcomes at the Leaders’ Meeting in November, the Korean government plans to actively engage in the process to ensure that the key achievements of the 2025 Leaders’ Meeting are fully reflected throughout this year’s APEC agenda. On the sidelines of the meeting, Deputy Minister Park held bilateral consultations with major members, including China, Japan, Canada, and Vietnam. The discussions covered China’s priorities and key deliverables for APEC 2026, follow-up measures to the previous year’s Leaders’ Meeting hosted by Korea, and the review and revision of the Aotearoa Plan of Action. Meanwhile, as the previous host economy, Korea has assumed the chairmanship of the Budget and Management Committee (BMC), which oversees and manages APEC’s budget this year. Lee Ji-yoon, Director-General for International Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, chaired the first BMC meeting on February 9. Beginning with this first Senior Officials’ Meeting, APEC members will continue consultations centered on the theme and priority areas presented by China, with a view to advancing sustainable economic growth and regional economic integration in the Asia-Pacific region ahead of the Leaders’ Meeting scheduled for November 18–19.  

• ROK–NATO Hold 15th Policy Consultation in Brussels

    The 15th ROK–NATO Policy Consultation was held in Brussels on January 15, with senior officials from both sides meeting to exchange views on the international security environment and discuss ways to further strengthen the ROK–NATO partnership.   The meeting was co-chaired by Yoon Jong-kwon, Ambassador for International Cyber Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, and Boris Ruge, NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy. The two sides shared assessments of current global security challenges and explored avenues for enhancing bilateral cooperation.   Both sides agreed that, amid growing geopolitical uncertainty driven by factors such as U.S.–China competition and the war in Ukraine, cooperation among like-minded partners has become more important than ever in responding to complex and overlapping crises. They emphasized the need for close ROK–NATO coordination to address shared security threats, noting the increasing interconnectedness between security in Europe and the Indo-Pacific region.   The participants also noted that over the past four years, the ROK–NATO relationship has experienced remarkable growth through high-level exchanges, including the Republic of Korea’s participation in NATO summits and ministerial meetings. In this context, they welcomed the launch of the ROK–NATO Defense Industry Consultative Body last year, which has further expanded the scope of cooperation between the two sides.   Looking ahead, both sides reaffirmed the significant potential for deepening ROK–NATO cooperation across a wide range of areas, including cybersecurity, defense industry cooperation, advanced technologies, information sharing, and space security. They agreed to continue efforts to further strengthen and institutionalize practical cooperation going forward.

• Korea Designated as WHO Collaborating Centre for Food Safety Emergency Response

  The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) announced that it will hold a plaque-unveiling ceremony on November 27 at the first floor of its headquarters to mark the World Health Organization’s (WHO) designation of the MFDS as a WHO Collaborating Centre for Emergency Preparedness and Response in Food Safety.   The designation is the first of its kind globally in the field of food-safety emergency response. It reflects the WHO’s recognition of Korea’s contributions over the past decade to the International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN), where the MFDS has played a leading role in strengthening international cooperation on food-safety emergencies.   As a collaborating center, the MFDS will work with the WHO to provide education and training for INFOSAN member countries, offer technical support such as developing Food Safety Emergency Response (FSER) plans, and support global and regional meetings aimed at enhancing cooperation and networking among member states.   The MFDS expects the designation to bolster Korea’s international standing by highlighting the country’s food-safety systems and crisis-response capabilities. It also anticipates strengthened global confidence in the safety of K-Food.   MFDS Commissioner Oh Yu-kyung stated that the designation signifies meaningful international recognition of Korea’s food-safety emergency management system. “Building on this achievement, we will continue to position Korea as a global leader in responding to food-safety crises,” she said.     The MFDS added that it will continue to swiftly identify food-related risks at home and abroad, enhance its crisis-response capabilities to safeguard public health, and work to further elevate Korea’s global reputation in food-safety incident response.    

• Korea and EU Seek to Strengthen Strategic Cooperation in Advanced Industries

      Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jeong-kwan met with Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice President of the European Union, in Seoul on November 27 to discuss ways to enhance strategic cooperation in advanced industrial and technological sectors, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), future mobility, batteries, and supply chains.   The meeting was held during Executive Vice President Virkkunen’s visit to Korea, which focuses on key EU priorities such as technological sovereignty, security, and digital transformation. Both sides shared the view that the rapidly changing global economic environment, marked by intensifying protectionism and supply chain disruptions, requires closer joint responses and strengthened cooperation.   Kim and Virkkunen noted the long-standing strategic partnership between Korea and the EU in economic and technological fields and agreed to elevate this partnership into a more future-oriented framework encompassing economic security and advanced industries. They emphasized the complementary nature of the two sides’ semiconductor sectors, with Korea specializing in memory manufacturing and the EU leading in automotive semiconductors and advanced equipment. Amid growing global supply chain uncertainty, the two sides committed to closer collaboration to establish more stable supply chains. They also explored specific areas of cooperation in AI, future mobility, and battery technologies.   The two sides reaffirmed their progress through multilateral technology cooperation platforms such as Eureka. Korea, the first non-European country to join Eureka in 2009, has worked with Europe in sectors including IT, materials engineering, and biotechnology, and has been actively engaged since being appointed as a board member in 2023. Both parties agreed to further strengthen cooperation in advanced technologies and supply chain resilience. The Korean side also raised concerns over the EU’s FSR review of the Czech nuclear power project and the EU’s proposed new steel import regulations, requesting constructive and amicable resolutions. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy stated that the meeting served as an opportunity to deepen Korea–EU cooperation in advanced sectors such as semiconductors, AI, and future mobility while reinforcing supply chain stability. The ministry added that it would work to activate high-level consultation channels and develop the issues discussed into tangible cooperative projects.  

• 8월 상반기 캄보디아 한달 생활비 전달 - 190회

    8월 상반기 캄보디아 한달 생활비 보내기 를 리더스타인브 회원님들의 기사, 가치 봉사로 전달 하였습니다 ●쓰레이 까15세,6학년매우 활달하고 사교성이  리더십이 아주 좋습니다.빈민촌에 거주하지만 되는 것입니다. “Angel for Kor-Fils’s Journey”  

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  • 국제후원활동

  2026-08-26

• 7월 하반기 캄보디아 한달 생활비 전달 - 189회

  7월 하반기 캄보디아 한달 생활비 보내기 를 리더스타인브 회원님들의 기사, 가치 봉사로 전달 하였습니다 ● 픽 13세 초등학교 5학년 키가작아서 늘 걱정이 많습니다. 그래도 적극적인 성격에 모범이 되고  열정적인 성격이 매우 좋습니다. 선생님이 되어서  늘 가르치는 자리에 있기를  소원합니다.   “Angel for Kor-Fils’s Journey”

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  • 국제후원활동

  2026-08-26

• 7월 상반기 캄보디아 한달 생활비 전달 - 188회

    7월 상반기 캄보디아 한달 생활비 보내기 를 리더스타인브 회원님들의 기사, 가치 봉사로 전달 하였습니다 ●쓰레이 푸 15세 중학교 1학년 남들과 이야기도  잘안하는 말이 없고  조용한 아이입니다. 책읽기를 좋아하는  아이로 도서관을 운영하고 싶어하는게 꿈이고 소망입니다... “Angel for Kor-Fils’s Journey”

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  • 국제후원활동

  2026-08-24

• 6월 하반기 캄보디아 한달 생활비 전달 - 187회

  6월 하반기 캄보디아 한달 생활비 보내기 를 리더스타인브 회원님들의 기사, 가치 봉사로 전달 하였습니다 ● 쓰레이 너이 16세 고등학교 1학년 항상 수줍어하지만  남을 돕는 일에 솔선수범인  아이입니다. 노래도 잘하며 장래 꿈이  회사원입니다.   

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  • 국제후원활동

  2026-08-24

• 한국이 만든 페루 스마트도로 청사진, 페루 국가 법정계획으로 채택

  좌로부터 두 번째 최종욱 주페루 대사, 세 번째 알도 마르틴 프리에토 바레라 페루 교통통신부 장관 [리더스타임즈] 국토교통 ODA 사업으로 추진(’24.7월 ~ ’25.6월)했던 '페루 국도 스마트도로관리(재난·교통) 마스터플랜'이 페루 정부의 국가 법정계획으로 공식 채택됐다. 우리나라의 도로관리 정책과 ITS 기술력이 국가 정책으로 인정받으면서 향후 후속사업과 우리 기업의 현지 진출도 확대될 전망이다. 국토교통부는 6월 25일(현지시간) 페루 교통통신부(MTC, Ministerio de Transportes y Comunicaciones)가'페루 국도 스마트도로관리(재난·교통) 마스터플랜'을 국가 법정계획으로 공포했다고 밝혔다. 이날 법제화를 위한 기념행사는 페루 교통통신부 강당에서 개최됐으며, 알도 마르틴 프리에토 바레라(Aldo Martin Prieto Barrera) 페루 교통통신부 장관, 국토교통부 및 한국도로공사 관계자 등이 참석했다. 행사에서는 국토교통부를 비롯한 양국 주요 인사 축사를 시작으로 한국도로공사의 지능형교통체계 관련 기조강연, 페루 교통통신부의 마스터플랜 발표, 관계기관 패널토론 등이 진행됐다. 한국의 도로망 구축 컨설팅 결과가 페루의 법정계획으로 공포됨으로써 페루 정부 차원에서 해당 정책을 구체적으로 구현하기 위한 조직, 예산 등 확보가 가능해진다. 이번 법제화는 한국의 도로 관련 공적개발원조 사업의 결과가 단순 컨설팅에 그치지 않고 페루의 정책으로 직접 반영됐다는 점에서 의미가 크다. 향후 페루에 도로망 구축사업이 발주되면, 우리 민간기업이 참여하는 후속사업을 기대할 수 있다. 앞서 ’19년에 수행한 콜롬비아 국가 ITS 마스터플랜 수립 ODA사업 또한 콜롬비아 현지 교통부의 승인을 받아 ’22년에 법정 계획화된 이후 활발한 후속사업과 민간기업 진출이 이뤄진 바 있다. 이에 비추어 페루에서도 한국 ITS 기술의 현지 확산과 한국기업의 진출이 기대된다. 이번 마스터플랜 수립 ODA 사업은 한국도로공사 컨소시엄(한국도로공사·동명기술공단·이젠시스)이 ’24년 7월부터 ’25년 6월까지 수행했다. 주요 과업 내용으로는 페루 간선 국도인 판아메리칸 하이웨이 1,560km (트루히요~아레키파) 구간의 스마트 도로관리 마스터플랜 수립과 후속 사업 발굴이 포함됐다. 특히, 사고 및 재난 피해를 최소화하기 위해 ’35년까지 단계적으로 도입할 13개 지능형교통체계(ITS) 단기 서비스를 선정하고, 최우선 중점 사업 구간(133.2km)에 대한 개념설계 및 이행계획을 수립하는 성과를 거뒀다. 국토교통부는 올해 7월부터 국토교통 ODA 사업을 통해 본 마스터플랜의 후속사업인'페루 리마–찬카이 스마트 지능형교통체계(ITS) 구축사업 타당성 조사'를 수행한다. 이번 사업을 통해 페루 ITS 구축이 본격화되면서, 우리 기업의 해외 진출 기반도 한층 강화될 것으로 기대된다. 국토교통부 김석기 건설정책국장은 “이번 성과는 국토교통 ODA사업을 통해 한국의 도로·교통 운영 경험을 페루 현지 여건에 맞게 체계화한 결과로, 향후 페루 국도의 안전성과 운영 효율 향상은 물론, 우리기업의 해외 진출에도 기여할 것으로 기대한다”라고 밝혔다.

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  • 지구촌

  2026-06-28

• Honoring the Sacrifices of our Veterans: 76th Memorial

    Participating in the 76th anniversary of the Korean War as a Leaders Times youth reporter affords an opportunity to reflect upon past courage and sacrifice in Korea and on our ongoing obligations for the future. On June 25, 2026, a ceremony took place in Busan to honor the 76th anniversary of the Korean War. Many people attended the event like families of the veterans, military leaders, civilians even the university students in Busan and expressed their gratitude to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation and remembered the effects of the war. At the ceremony, there were speeches commemorating the anniversary of the war, there was a performance reminiscent of the song of the Korean War. These events illustrate that the Korean War is not history. It is a part of present day modern Korean society. The importance of Busan to Korean War history is immense. Thousands of refugees traveled through Busan during the Korean War, and the city served an integral role in protecting South Korea during the war. Thus, the significance of the events that occurred in Busan serve as meaningful means by which to reflect on the Korean War. The younger generation has an important role to play in recalling the history of the Korean War. While we generally take our freedom and peace for granted in our daily lives, participation in events such as these serve to remind the younger generation of those freedoms and peace, of all the fallen in that conflict and the sacrifices made for them, and of their continuing duty to pass the history of the Korean War along to future generations. For many students and young adults, the event is more than a ceremony; it provides an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of peace and strengthens their commitment to remember history. Although it has been more than sixty years since the Korean War ended, the lessons learned are still current today. The trip to Busan enabled me to directly see the significance of the Korean War as a historical event, rather than simply a textbook example. By being part of a community of people who honor the sacrifices of others, I am reminded that the peace which we enjoy today did not come freely and that we must continue to tell this story to future generations.

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  • 영어뉴스

  2026-06-27

• After visiting Cambodia to volunteer as a reporting journalist for Leaderstime, the effort to solve education inequality continued.

      Observing the Cambodian students’ passion for studying, even in such harsh conditions, we Leaderstimes reporters have visited, established a library, and filled the shelves with donated books, collected in both Korea and the U.S. This project aimed to give an opportunity for local students of all ages from elementary school to high school, who struggle to study within their underfunded environment. Even in unimaginable conditions compared to the average student in Korea or the U.S., I saw more passion and drive to learn from the Cambodian students. Thus, we have created our initiative with Angel’s for the Journey and Lumen Education to create a sustainable educational infrastructure for Cambodian students.   Initially, the project was initiated by designing and publishing books in Khmer, Korean, and English. We worked with the same local students, those in high school who could translate the English content into Khmer. Simultaneously, books were collected through donations. Expanding internationally, in high schools located in Saint Louis, Missouri and Layton, Utah, students collected books with the help of the school. Teachers, classmates, and families of the students donated books to support the education of the Cambodian students and the building of the libraries. From Thomas Jefferson School, 89 books were gathered and packed to be sent to Cambodia. From Utah, 74 books were gathered. Little by little, the books that were collected numbered in the hundreds and were donated to meet the needs of the libraries built in 3 locations throughout Siem Reap.   These libraries now stand to help and support the education of young Cambodian students, and the effect of these libraries is already spreading. A 12th grade student in Cambodia, Sokchanra Hun, to whom we have donated funds and study materials such as used phones and laptops on top of the books and novels, became inspired by our mission, passionately preparing to study abroad to create an impact for others herself: our contributions led her to study Psychology at Reed College starting this fall.   In the future, our contributions hope to continue to grant the opportunity for those in need to study what they want without suffering from a lack of resources. Driven causes with direct actions, like ours, toward resolving educational inequality are what is required for every voice to be heard.     Hyeonseok Rho, Thomas Jefferson School in St. Louis, Missouri.

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  • 영어뉴스

  2026-06-26

• 5월 하반기 캄보디아 한달 생활비 전달 - 185회

  리더스타임즈에서 진행 하였습니다   185회 째 한달 생활비를    아이입니다청소하는 것을 즐겨하며      

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  • 국제후원활동

  2026-06-15

• 5월 상반기 캄보디아 한달 생활비 전달 - 184회

    5월 상반기 캄보디아 한달 생활비 보내기 를 리더스타인브 회원님들의 기사, 가치 봉사로 전달 하였습니다 스카이12세 초등학교 6학년매일마다 율동하기를 아주 좋아하는 매우 좋아합니다.장래희망은 경찰관입니다.  “Angel for Kor-Fils’s Journey”  

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  • 국제후원활동

  2026-06-15

• 4월 하반기 캄보디아 한달 생활비 전달 - 183회

    4월 하반기 캄보디아 한달 생활비 보내기 를 리더스타인브 회원님들의 기사, 가치 봉사로 전달 하였습니다 ●롬둘10세, 초등학교 4학년명랑하고 발랄해서 율동을 아주 잘합니다...처음에는 쑥스러워 앞에  마음껏 끼를 발산하게 되었습니다.장래 희망은 선생님이 되는 것입니다.  “Angel for Kor-Fils’s Journey”

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  • 국제후원활동

  2026-06-09

실시간 Global News 기사

• 8월 상반기 캄보디아 한달 생활비 전달 - 190회

    8월 상반기 캄보디아 한달 생활비 보내기 를 리더스타인브 회원님들의 기사, 가치 봉사로 전달 하였습니다 ●쓰레이 까15세,6학년매우 활달하고 사교성이  리더십이 아주 좋습니다.빈민촌에 거주하지만 되는 것입니다. “Angel for Kor-Fils’s Journey”  

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  • 국제후원활동

  2026-08-26

• 7월 하반기 캄보디아 한달 생활비 전달 - 189회

  7월 하반기 캄보디아 한달 생활비 보내기 를 리더스타인브 회원님들의 기사, 가치 봉사로 전달 하였습니다 ● 픽 13세 초등학교 5학년 키가작아서 늘 걱정이 많습니다. 그래도 적극적인 성격에 모범이 되고  열정적인 성격이 매우 좋습니다. 선생님이 되어서  늘 가르치는 자리에 있기를  소원합니다.   “Angel for Kor-Fils’s Journey”

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  • 국제후원활동

  2026-08-26

• 7월 상반기 캄보디아 한달 생활비 전달 - 188회

    7월 상반기 캄보디아 한달 생활비 보내기 를 리더스타인브 회원님들의 기사, 가치 봉사로 전달 하였습니다 ●쓰레이 푸 15세 중학교 1학년 남들과 이야기도  잘안하는 말이 없고  조용한 아이입니다. 책읽기를 좋아하는  아이로 도서관을 운영하고 싶어하는게 꿈이고 소망입니다... “Angel for Kor-Fils’s Journey”

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  • 국제후원활동

  2026-08-24

• 6월 하반기 캄보디아 한달 생활비 전달 - 187회

  6월 하반기 캄보디아 한달 생활비 보내기 를 리더스타인브 회원님들의 기사, 가치 봉사로 전달 하였습니다 ● 쓰레이 너이 16세 고등학교 1학년 항상 수줍어하지만  남을 돕는 일에 솔선수범인  아이입니다. 노래도 잘하며 장래 꿈이  회사원입니다.   

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  • 국제후원활동

  2026-08-24

• “If Only He Had Come to Us a Little Sooner…”

    “If only he had come to us a little sooner…”Pastor Ko Kyung-soo of the Daegu Migrant Mission Center in Dalseong-gun, Daegu, looked troubled as he listened to the story of Mr. Yu, a migrant worker from Nepal.Mr. Yu said he had been riding an electric scooter when a car in front of him suddenly stopped, causing a collision. The impact dented the vehicle’s exhaust pipe and left a small scratch on the trunk. The real problem came afterward: the car owner demanded more than 10 million won in compensation.For a migrant worker, that was not an easy sum to bear.After hearing the circumstances, Pastor Ko immediately began looking for a solution. He believed Mr. Yu needed a lawyer who could carefully review the case from his perspective and represent his interests. At the same time, Mr. Yu’s financial situation had to be taken into account. Ko began exploring ways for him to receive legal assistance without taking on an excessive financial burden.He did not simply hand over the name of an agency or a phone number and send him away. Instead, he helped determine who could assist, what procedures needed to be followed, and what steps should come next.Disadvantaged Simply Because They Do Not Speak Korean WellPastor Ko said cases like this are not unusual.Migrants who are not fluent in Korean often struggle to explain what happened when they become involved in accidents or disputes. Even when they believe they have been treated unfairly, many do not know where to seek help or how to challenge what has happened.Ko said there are also cases in which people take advantage of that vulnerability.“Some people assume that because migrants do not speak Korean well, they will not be able to argue their case properly.”For migrants living in Korea, legal and administrative systems can be a formidable barrier. From visas and residency status to employment, wages and accident claims, many issues directly affecting their daily lives and livelihoods must be handled in an unfamiliar language and within an unfamiliar system.Yet, Ko said, Korean society often expects migrants to adapt to local practices rather than first trying to understand the linguistic and institutional difficulties they face.The people who visited the center that day were dealing with similar problems.One young man came because he did not know how to resolve a visa issue. Another migrant worker sought help after being asked to pay a large amount of compensation following an accident, with no idea how to respond.Visa, legal and administrative matters can be complicated even for Koreans. For migrants unfamiliar with the Korean language and system, those same problems can become even greater obstacles.The outcome can depend heavily on what information a person has and whether they know whom to turn to in a crisis. In some cases, the consequences can affect residency status, livelihood and the financial burden a person ultimately has to carry.Twenty-Three Years in the Same PlaceThe Daegu Migrant Mission Center was established in 2003. Since then, Pastor Ko has spent 23 years helping migrants deal with problems involving work, residency and everyday life.Of course, he does not have the answer to every problem.When he encounters something he does not know, he looks into it. When he cannot resolve an issue himself, he finds someone who can. If a lawyer is needed, he looks for one. If administrative assistance is required, he connects the person with the appropriate institution or specialist.But there is one principle he says he has never abandoned:Do not simply listen to someone’s problem and then send them somewhere else.The role of the center, he said, is to stand beside people who have been carrying their problems alone and to help them search for a solution together.Before the interview ended, one remark from Pastor Ko lingered.“No one should be placed at a disadvantage simply because they do not speak Korean well. If no one else will step forward, then we should.”It was not a grand declaration.But perhaps those few words explain why the Daegu Migrant Mission Center has remained in the same place, standing beside migrants, for the past 23 years.

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  2026-08-11

• Behind the Scenes of Honor: A Student Volunteer’s View from the Hospice Ward

    On the third floor of VAS Daegu Hospital, past the quiet halls where nurses move between rooms on an ordinary weekday morning, a different kind of ceremony takes place. It happens in the hospice ward, where Korean War veterans and their families receive medical care in recognition of their service and sacrifice.   For the past three years, one local high school student has spent time there almost every month, since the 9th grade, working alongside a team of trained volunteers who provide specialized care, including massage therapy for cancer patients.   “The majority of the work done in honoring the veterans occurs far away from any stage where a ceremony takes place,” the student said. “Few of them have become prominent names in history books, but every room in the hospice possesses the history of the Korean War and the Korean army.”   Unlike the professional volunteers who arrive with medical training, the student’s role is less visible but no less essential: preparing supplies and cleaning the materials that qualified volunteers need for patient care. “This minor task has allowed me to witness firsthand the delicate care our veterans need,” the student said.   That care extends beyond the ward itself. A small garden just outside the hospice offers some patients their only access to nature. When patients wish to go outside, the student accompanies them, pushing wheelchairs for those who need it, or simply walking alongside those who don’t, offering company as much as assistance.   Reflecting on three years of volunteering, the student described three lessons learned. The first was about the nature of service itself. “I believed that service means performing the most significant task in a given place,” the student said. “Upon volunteering in the hospice ward, I understood that the most important functions are usually performed by nurses, social workers, and trained volunteers. My service is meant to help them in their duties.” The second lesson concerned gratitude. Saying “thank you” to a veteran takes less than a minute, the student noted, but pushing someone in a wheelchair through the garden allows for a comfortable conversation. Gratitude, in other words, is measured in time given, not words spoken. The third lesson was the need for repeated remembrance. With the number of Korean War veterans declining each year, and hospices among the places where many spend their final days, the window for that remembrance is closing.   The student is urging peers to consider volunteering at hospitals like VAS Daegu, emphasizing that no special training is required to begin. “In order to become a volunteer, one does not need to have any special skills,” the student said. “The only thing required is to go whenever help is needed.” The student plans to continue volunteering at VAS Daegu Hospital and hopes classmates will consider doing the same. “Freedom was not cheap, and veterans still live among us,” the student said. “Let us interact with them while there is time.”      

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  2026-08-10

• The Invisible Difference: Why ADHD and Intellectual Disabilities Must Be Understood Correctly

    Volunteer work at a community welfare center for people with disabilities taught me an important lesson as a Leadertimes Youth Journalist: ADHD and intellectual disabilities should not be treated as the same condition.   Although both can affect school life and daily activities, their causes, characteristics, and support needs are clearly different. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect attention, impulse control, time management, and the ability to complete tasks. Students with ADHD do not struggle because they have low intelligence. Rather, they may find it difficult to stay focused, control impulses, organize their time, or plan tasks effectively.   For these students, short and clear instructions, step-by-step assignments, scheduling support, and a quiet learning environment can be helpful. These forms of support allow students with ADHD to manage their attention and complete their work more successfully.   Intellectual disabilities, on the other hand, are developmental disabilities that affect intellectual functioning and daily living skills. People with intellectual disabilities may need more time, repeated explanations, visual materials, and practical guidance to understand and apply new information.   During my visit to the welfare center, I observed a class in which participants practiced simple and repetitive activities, such as inserting wire rings into plastic pieces to make items used by people with disabilities. I helped support the class by assisting participants when they faced difficulties and by helping the activity run smoothly.   I also interviewed a child psychotherapist about support methods for children with various intellectual disabilities. He explained that some participants were able to join activities more comfortably when instructions were demonstrated directly or repeated several times.   “The most important part of disability support is not only looking at the diagnosis, but also understanding how each individual learns and communicates,” he said.   His words show that even people with the same diagnosis may need different kinds of support. This is especially important in schools. Students with ADHD may need a structured environment that helps them focus and manage themselves. Students with intellectual disabilities may need repeated learning, simple explanations, visual materials, and life-based practical support.   In both cases, it is wrong to simply say that a student is “not trying hard enough.” ADHD and intellectual disabilities are different conditions, but both are often misunderstood.   Before judging students who cannot focus or who learn more slowly, schools and communities should first ask what kind of support each student needs. My volunteer experience at the community welfare center showed me that disability should be understood not only as a diagnosis, but also as a matter of real-life support.   When ADHD and intellectual disabilities are understood correctly, students and community members can better show their abilities and participate more fully in society.

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  2026-07-08

• 한국이 만든 페루 스마트도로 청사진, 페루 국가 법정계획으로 채택

  좌로부터 두 번째 최종욱 주페루 대사, 세 번째 알도 마르틴 프리에토 바레라 페루 교통통신부 장관 [리더스타임즈] 국토교통 ODA 사업으로 추진(’24.7월 ~ ’25.6월)했던 '페루 국도 스마트도로관리(재난·교통) 마스터플랜'이 페루 정부의 국가 법정계획으로 공식 채택됐다. 우리나라의 도로관리 정책과 ITS 기술력이 국가 정책으로 인정받으면서 향후 후속사업과 우리 기업의 현지 진출도 확대될 전망이다. 국토교통부는 6월 25일(현지시간) 페루 교통통신부(MTC, Ministerio de Transportes y Comunicaciones)가'페루 국도 스마트도로관리(재난·교통) 마스터플랜'을 국가 법정계획으로 공포했다고 밝혔다. 이날 법제화를 위한 기념행사는 페루 교통통신부 강당에서 개최됐으며, 알도 마르틴 프리에토 바레라(Aldo Martin Prieto Barrera) 페루 교통통신부 장관, 국토교통부 및 한국도로공사 관계자 등이 참석했다. 행사에서는 국토교통부를 비롯한 양국 주요 인사 축사를 시작으로 한국도로공사의 지능형교통체계 관련 기조강연, 페루 교통통신부의 마스터플랜 발표, 관계기관 패널토론 등이 진행됐다. 한국의 도로망 구축 컨설팅 결과가 페루의 법정계획으로 공포됨으로써 페루 정부 차원에서 해당 정책을 구체적으로 구현하기 위한 조직, 예산 등 확보가 가능해진다. 이번 법제화는 한국의 도로 관련 공적개발원조 사업의 결과가 단순 컨설팅에 그치지 않고 페루의 정책으로 직접 반영됐다는 점에서 의미가 크다. 향후 페루에 도로망 구축사업이 발주되면, 우리 민간기업이 참여하는 후속사업을 기대할 수 있다. 앞서 ’19년에 수행한 콜롬비아 국가 ITS 마스터플랜 수립 ODA사업 또한 콜롬비아 현지 교통부의 승인을 받아 ’22년에 법정 계획화된 이후 활발한 후속사업과 민간기업 진출이 이뤄진 바 있다. 이에 비추어 페루에서도 한국 ITS 기술의 현지 확산과 한국기업의 진출이 기대된다. 이번 마스터플랜 수립 ODA 사업은 한국도로공사 컨소시엄(한국도로공사·동명기술공단·이젠시스)이 ’24년 7월부터 ’25년 6월까지 수행했다. 주요 과업 내용으로는 페루 간선 국도인 판아메리칸 하이웨이 1,560km (트루히요~아레키파) 구간의 스마트 도로관리 마스터플랜 수립과 후속 사업 발굴이 포함됐다. 특히, 사고 및 재난 피해를 최소화하기 위해 ’35년까지 단계적으로 도입할 13개 지능형교통체계(ITS) 단기 서비스를 선정하고, 최우선 중점 사업 구간(133.2km)에 대한 개념설계 및 이행계획을 수립하는 성과를 거뒀다. 국토교통부는 올해 7월부터 국토교통 ODA 사업을 통해 본 마스터플랜의 후속사업인'페루 리마–찬카이 스마트 지능형교통체계(ITS) 구축사업 타당성 조사'를 수행한다. 이번 사업을 통해 페루 ITS 구축이 본격화되면서, 우리 기업의 해외 진출 기반도 한층 강화될 것으로 기대된다. 국토교통부 김석기 건설정책국장은 “이번 성과는 국토교통 ODA사업을 통해 한국의 도로·교통 운영 경험을 페루 현지 여건에 맞게 체계화한 결과로, 향후 페루 국도의 안전성과 운영 효율 향상은 물론, 우리기업의 해외 진출에도 기여할 것으로 기대한다”라고 밝혔다.

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  • 지구촌

  2026-06-28

• Honoring the Sacrifices of our Veterans: 76th Memorial

    Participating in the 76th anniversary of the Korean War as a Leaders Times youth reporter affords an opportunity to reflect upon past courage and sacrifice in Korea and on our ongoing obligations for the future. On June 25, 2026, a ceremony took place in Busan to honor the 76th anniversary of the Korean War. Many people attended the event like families of the veterans, military leaders, civilians even the university students in Busan and expressed their gratitude to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation and remembered the effects of the war. At the ceremony, there were speeches commemorating the anniversary of the war, there was a performance reminiscent of the song of the Korean War. These events illustrate that the Korean War is not history. It is a part of present day modern Korean society. The importance of Busan to Korean War history is immense. Thousands of refugees traveled through Busan during the Korean War, and the city served an integral role in protecting South Korea during the war. Thus, the significance of the events that occurred in Busan serve as meaningful means by which to reflect on the Korean War. The younger generation has an important role to play in recalling the history of the Korean War. While we generally take our freedom and peace for granted in our daily lives, participation in events such as these serve to remind the younger generation of those freedoms and peace, of all the fallen in that conflict and the sacrifices made for them, and of their continuing duty to pass the history of the Korean War along to future generations. For many students and young adults, the event is more than a ceremony; it provides an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of peace and strengthens their commitment to remember history. Although it has been more than sixty years since the Korean War ended, the lessons learned are still current today. The trip to Busan enabled me to directly see the significance of the Korean War as a historical event, rather than simply a textbook example. By being part of a community of people who honor the sacrifices of others, I am reminded that the peace which we enjoy today did not come freely and that we must continue to tell this story to future generations.

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  2026-06-27

• After visiting Cambodia to volunteer as a reporting journalist for Leaderstime, the effort to solve education inequality continued.

      Observing the Cambodian students’ passion for studying, even in such harsh conditions, we Leaderstimes reporters have visited, established a library, and filled the shelves with donated books, collected in both Korea and the U.S. This project aimed to give an opportunity for local students of all ages from elementary school to high school, who struggle to study within their underfunded environment. Even in unimaginable conditions compared to the average student in Korea or the U.S., I saw more passion and drive to learn from the Cambodian students. Thus, we have created our initiative with Angel’s for the Journey and Lumen Education to create a sustainable educational infrastructure for Cambodian students.   Initially, the project was initiated by designing and publishing books in Khmer, Korean, and English. We worked with the same local students, those in high school who could translate the English content into Khmer. Simultaneously, books were collected through donations. Expanding internationally, in high schools located in Saint Louis, Missouri and Layton, Utah, students collected books with the help of the school. Teachers, classmates, and families of the students donated books to support the education of the Cambodian students and the building of the libraries. From Thomas Jefferson School, 89 books were gathered and packed to be sent to Cambodia. From Utah, 74 books were gathered. Little by little, the books that were collected numbered in the hundreds and were donated to meet the needs of the libraries built in 3 locations throughout Siem Reap.   These libraries now stand to help and support the education of young Cambodian students, and the effect of these libraries is already spreading. A 12th grade student in Cambodia, Sokchanra Hun, to whom we have donated funds and study materials such as used phones and laptops on top of the books and novels, became inspired by our mission, passionately preparing to study abroad to create an impact for others herself: our contributions led her to study Psychology at Reed College starting this fall.   In the future, our contributions hope to continue to grant the opportunity for those in need to study what they want without suffering from a lack of resources. Driven causes with direct actions, like ours, toward resolving educational inequality are what is required for every voice to be heard.     Hyeonseok Rho, Thomas Jefferson School in St. Louis, Missouri.

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  2026-06-26