How a wartime newspaper became South Korea's most controversial English-language voice

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Founded in 1950 to inform UN troops, The Korea Times evolved into a fixture of South Korean media. From surviving fires and wartime evacuations to sparking national debates through its provocative opinion columns, the paper has shaped public discourse while navigating the complex pressures of politics, libel, and cultural identity.

Established on November 1, 1950, by Helen Kim, The Korea Times was initially a two-page tabloid designed to provide news to UN forces during the Korean War. Its early years were defined by instability; the editorial team fled Seoul for Busan in January 1951, resuming publication just 15 days later with handwritten headlines. The paper eventually became the nation's oldest active English-language daily, reaching its 20,000th issue in 2015.

The paper is perhaps best known for its opinion section, particularly the "Thoughts of the Times" column. This space has frequently courted controversy, leading to the detention of managing editors on multiple occasions. In 1958, Henry Chang was imprisoned for 16 days over a satirical piece, while in 2009, columnist Michael Breen faced legal action from Samsung after a satirical column lampooned the company's corporate culture. The paper has also faced criticism for publishing unverified content, including tabloid-style reports on UFOs and articles from The Onion.

Beyond its editorial volatility, the paper has played a significant role in Korean cultural promotion. In 1970, it launched the Modern Korean Literature Translation Awards, aiming to foster international recognition of Korean literature and help secure a Nobel Prize. It has also served as a unique bridge for public figures; notably, former President Kim Dae-jung taught himself English by reading the paper. Today, it continues to operate under an open-door policy, inviting diverse voices to contribute to the national conversation.

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