The History and Legacy of The Korea Times
As the oldest active daily English-language newspaper in South Korea, The Korea Times has served as a vital window into the peninsula for 75 years. Founded during one of the most turbulent periods in modern history, the publication has evolved from a two-page tabloid into a significant media institution, providing news and commentary to both local residents and the international community.
Today, the newspaper operates as a daily English-language publication, serving as a sister paper to the major Korean-language daily, Hankook Ilbo. While it has faced ownership changes and significant historical challenges, it remains a cornerstone of the South Korean media landscape.
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Key Facts
- Founded: November 1, 1950, by Helen Kim.
- Status: The oldest active daily English-language newspaper in South Korea.
- Ownership: Owned by Dongwha Enterprise; sister paper to Hankook Ilbo.
- Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea (Jung-gu district).
- Language: English.
- Political Alignment: Centre.
Founding and Wartime Resilience
The origins of The Korea Times are deeply intertwined with the Korean War. Founded by Helen Kim—who also served as the president of Ewha Womans University—the paper's first issue was published on November 1, 1950. The initial editorial team was comprised of English literature professors from Ewha.
The early years were marked by extreme instability. Following the Second Battle of Seoul, the publication was forced to relocate to Busan on January 3, 1951, during the Third Battle of Seoul. Staff members famously fled the capital on the last available train to escape advancing forces. During this period of displacement, the newspaper resumed publication in Busan with handwritten headlines.
A Legacy of Sacrifice
The newspaper's history is also marked by the loss of dedicated journalists. In 1958, managing editor Choi Byung-woo became the first Korean war correspondent to die while on duty after a boat carrying foreign correspondents capsized. His death served as a major inspiration for the founding of the Kwanhun Club, a fraternity for senior journalists, and contributed to the designation of April 7 as "Newspaper Day" in Korea.
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Evolution and Modernization
Throughout the mid-20th century, The Korea Times navigated complex political waters, maintaining close ties with the Syngman Rhee administration before eventually moving toward a more critical editorial stance. The paper survived a devastating fire in 1968 that destroyed its main office in Junghak-dong, killing seven workers. During the reconstruction, the paper relied on donations of typewriters from foreign organizations, including the American Embassy, to continue its mission.
Technological advancements have also shaped the publication:
- 1968: Published its first color image on Christmas Day.
- 1984: Converted from hot metal typesetting to a Cold Type System (phototypesetting).
- 1988: Published The Seoul Olympian, the official newspaper for the Summer Olympics.
Cultural Contributions and Awards
Beyond daily news, The Korea Times has played a significant role in promoting Korean culture and literature on the global stage.
Modern Korean Literature Translation Awards
Established in 1970, these awards aim to promote Korean literature internationally. The program has supported many rising stars in the field of translation, including notable winners such as Sora Kim-Russell, Bruce Fulton, and Brother Anthony. The awards continue to be judged by esteemed figures in the literary community.
Other Notable Initiatives
- Economic Essay Contest: An annual competition for university students, sponsored by Woori Bank.
- Global Korea Youth Awards: Established in 2012 (formerly the Multicultural Youth Awards) to support students from multicultural households.
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Summary of Publication Profile
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Daily newspaper |
| Format | Print and online |
| Founder | Helen Kim |
| Current Publisher | Oh Young-jin |
| Headquarters | Seoul, South Korea |
| Website | koreatimes.co.kr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the relationship between The Korea Times and Hankook Ilbo?
The Korea Times is a sister paper of the Hankook Ilbo, a major Korean-language daily. They share a headquarters building in Seoul.
Has the ownership of the newspaper changed?
Yes. For much of its history, it was published by the Hankook Ilbo Media Group. However, following an embezzlement scandal in 2013–2014, the paper was sold to Dongwha Enterprise in 2015.
What is the "Thoughts of the Times" column?
Debuting in 1968, "Thoughts of the Times" is a long-running column that provides space for community members to share their views. It has been a source of both significant discussion and various controversies throughout the paper's history.
Is The Korea Times the same as The Korea Daily News?
No. The Korea Times is distinct from a newspaper titled Korea Times that ran briefly from 1904 to 1910, and it is unrelated to another publication established in September 1945.
Does the newspaper cover international topics?
Yes, as an English-language daily in South Korea, it covers local and national news for an international audience, including significant coverage of historical events, cultural awards, and economic developments.