President Yoon Named One of Time's '100 Most Influential People'... Director Hwang Dong-hyuk Also Included (Comprehensive)

Capture: Time announces '100 Most Influential People in the World 2022'

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] President Yoon Suk-yeol has been named one of TIME magazine's '100 Most Influential People in the World 2022.'

According to TIME magazine on the 23rd (local time), President Yoon was selected as the third most influential figure in the 'Leaders' category among South Korean presidents, following former Presidents Moon Jae-in (2018) and Park Geun-hye (2013). Since 2004, TIME has annually selected and announced a total of 100 individuals across six categories: Leaders, Pioneers, Artists, Innovators, Icons, and Titans.

TIME introduced President Yoon by stating, "In a situation where tensions on the Korean Peninsula are escalating amid concerns over North Korea's preparations to resume nuclear tests, former prosecutor Yoon, who has little diplomatic experience, is determined to meet that challenge."

It also emphasized that unlike his predecessor, who pursued a policy of engagement with North Korea as a candidate of the conservative People Power Party, President Yoon demands a tougher stance. The outlet mentioned that in his inauguration speech on May 10, President Yoon proposed a 'bold plan' to assist North Korea's economy if it chooses complete denuclearization. However, it added that there is analysis suggesting that North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un is unlikely to accept this.

TIME also highlighted that President Yoon is emphasizing the strengthening of the South Korea-US alliance. While President Yoon wants to get closer to the US, South Korea's most important military ally, this could cause friction with China, South Korea's largest trading partner.

Furthermore, TIME stated, "If President Yoon has big international goals, he will also need to prove himself domestically," adding, "As a populist leader, he promises to heal economic and political divisions." The outlet noted that a public opinion poll (April Gallup Korea) showed only 55% approval for President Yoon's job performance, reporting that "not everyone is confident in his abilities."

Among the 100 most influential people in the world in the Leaders category, besides President Yoon, were heads of state such as Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados; Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine; Xi Jinping, President of China; Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission; Joe Biden, President of the United States; Vladimir Putin, President of Russia; and Olaf Scholz, Chancellor of Germany.

Besides President Yoon, TIME also selected director Hwang Dong-hyuk, who directed 'Squid Game,' in the 'Titans of the Year' category. The outlet praised, "Director Hwang's success is due to his ability to brightly illuminate the emotions of characters and perfectly construct plausible lives," adding, "As a TV and film director, he knows well how to weave stories where whatever choices characters make feel natural." Other figures in this category included Tim Cook, CEO of Apple; Oprah Winfrey; and Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank (ECB).

Additionally, Michelle Zauner, the Korean-American leader of the indie rock band Japanese Breakfast and author of 'Crying in H Mart,' was selected in the Innovators category. Zauner's touching coming-of-age essay was a bestseller in US bookstores shortly after publication and was also recommended by former US President Barack Obama.

The announcement of the 100 Most Influential People in the World will also be featured in the June 6 and 13 issues of TIME magazine.