Author: Seoul Reporter
The Seoul Reporter is an independent news platform uncovering untold stories from the heart of Korea. Our team of journalists and contributors expose corruption, highlight innovation, and bring unfiltered truth to readers worldwide from Seoul’s power corridors to its underground culture.
Colombo, January 31: England white-ball captain Harry Brook reveals he falsely claimed to be alone during a confrontation with a nightclub bouncer in New Zealand last October to shield his teammates from scrutiny. The incident occurred on October 31 in Wellington, where Brook was denied entry to the venue and subsequently struck by security. England was touring New Zealand at the time. The 26-year-old captain has since expressed regret over his actions, noting they caused embarrassment to himself and the team. Brook’s Statement on the Matter In a statement released on Friday, Brook takes full responsibility for his conduct. “I…
MELBOURNE, Jan 31 – Elise Mertens and Zhang Shuai, the fourth seeds, defeated Anna Danilina and Aleksandra Krunic 7-6(4), 6-4 to win the Australian Open women’s doubles championship on Saturday. This marks the first Grand Slam title for the seasoned pair.Achievements and Close CallsThe triumph brings Mertens her sixth Grand Slam doubles crown and Zhang her third. The duo faced a tense journey, nearly exiting in the second round after saving three match points against young talents Iva Jovic and Victoria Mboko.Final Match BreakdownEarly in the final, Mertens and Zhang trailed 1-4 against the seventh-seeded opponents but mounted a strong…
Moderate Rent Increases in Key AreasSINGAPORE: Shophouse rents in Singapore’s historic districts have risen at a moderate pace over the last two years, according to the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA). This update addresses concerns about rising costs for heritage businesses, including the upcoming closure of the long-standing nasi padang restaurant Warong Nasi Pariaman.Government data shows median rents increased by approximately 2 percent annually in Kampong Glam, 2.5 percent in Little India, and 1 percent in Chinatown. These figures align closely with the 2 percent yearly growth for traditional retail spaces in the Central Area, while remaining well below the 6.7…
A decade after crafting a paper flower hongbao box for her 2014 wedding, Koh Pei Li now designs massive floral installations displayed at prominent sites like Gardens by the Bay and various retail outlets in Singapore. Starting Small and Building a Passion Koh began styling weddings for friends as a side project while working in chemical sales. She named her venture 8Dec, combining her birthdate with ‘Dec’ for decor. In 2016, she left her corporate role to focus on raising her first daughter, handling wedding projects during nap times. Her second daughter arrived two years later. During the 2020 pandemic,…
SINGAPORE: The February 2026 Build-to-Order (BTO) sales exercise will launch nearly 4,700 flats across six projects, with more than 1,300 designated as shorter waiting time flats. Officials from the Housing and Development Board (HDB) announced on January 31 that these units contribute to over 4,000 shorter waiting time flats planned for sale this year, all under three years. Key Projects with Shorter Waiting Times Three projects stand out for their reduced completion timelines. Tampines Bliss offers the quickest wait at one year and 11 months, marking one of the fastest developments since the introduction of shorter waiting time flats in…
Washington, January 30 – Kevin Warsh, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Federal Reserve, has received more than $1 million in compensation since 2020 for his role on the board of directors at e-commerce giant Coupang. The company, headquartered in Seattle, currently faces scrutiny amid escalating trade tensions between the United States and South Korea. Warsh’s Board Role and Earnings Warsh joined Coupang’s board in October 2019 and has earned approximately $325,000 annually in total compensation since 2022. At age 55, Warsh previously served as a Federal Reserve governor from 2006 to 2011 and now teaches at Stanford University.…
Overview of Studio FreewillusionStudio Freewillusion, founded in 2023 by CEO Hansl Kwon, operates in the AI+Media and content sector. Currently in s seed investment stage, the company develops AI video generation solutions, AI content platforms, and AI-driven production tools. s technologies include computer vision, generative AI, vision-language models, AI agents, multi-agent systems, and multi-modal AI. Vis the company’s webse at studiofreewillusion.com for more details.Revolutionizing Video Production wh AI ModulesStudio Freewillusion creates high-qualy video content using advanced AI technologies, streamlining the entire filmmaking process. The company has earned the Grand Prize and Audience Award at the Dubai International AI Film Festival,…
Engaging in regular physical activity stands as a proven strategy to extend lifespan. Studies reveal strong connections between exercise and reduced risks of cancer, depression, dementia, Type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Health authorities advise at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise weekly, combined with two sessions of strength training. Benefits emerge quickly, with even four to five minutes of intense activity daily tied to improved longevity. “Some activity is beneficial, and more yields greater results,” notes Steven Moore, a metabolic epidemiologist at the National Cancer Institute.While maintaining activity levels proves essential, participating in sports introduces social interactions and…
At first glance, this 2,700-square-foot penthouse in River Valley embodies Japanese design principles through its traditional doma entryway, tatami mat platform, and clean, minimalist lines. However, the home goes beyond aesthetics to integrate authentic Japanese living rituals, creating distinct zones for sleep, play, and daily routines tailored to a family of five. Design Vision and Family Needs The project, named Sora House, was spearheaded by architect Leong Lai Ping of K2LD Architects. The homeowners—a couple with three children under eight—drew inspiration from their previous life in Japan. Upon purchasing the penthouse, they sought to recreate that familiar lifestyle in Singapore.…
Common Habit Among Sleepers WorldwideA recent global study tracked the sleep patterns of over 21,000 adults for six months using smartphone data. The findings reveal a common behavior: on more than half of the recorded nights, participants pressed the snooze button an average of 2.4 times before rising. Snoozing typically involves setting multiple alarms at short intervals to gain extra moments of rest before starting the day.Certain individuals tend to snooze more frequently, including night owls, those who feel groggy upon waking, and people who experience frequent nighttime awakenings.Why Experts Criticize the PracticeSleep scientists and physicians often point out potential…