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.
Singer and musical actress IVY has shared a harrowing experience from a past performance where an unexpected physical emergency nearly led her to retire from the stage. Appearing on the SBS show ‘What? Actually!’ on October 13th, IVY, alongside co-stars Cha Jung-won and Joo Hyun-young, captivated the audience with their charm and comedic timing. Stage Fright and a Critical Moment During the broadcast, IVY confessed to battling stage fright, revealing, “I still take medication before going on stage because of my stage fright.” This admission surprised her fellow guests. When comedian Boom, a seasoned performer himself, inquired if she had…
President Donald Trump has indicated that the United States may take direct control of the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that the U.S. should be compensated for ensuring the waterway’s security. This statement comes amid ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran over control and passage through the strategic maritime chokepoint. US to Secure, Control Strait of Hormuz, Trump States In a phone interview with Fox News on October 13th (local time), President Trump declared, “We are going to protect that waterway, and we will be running it.” He further elaborated on the U.S. role, stating, “We are going to be…
Actor Yoon Kyung-ho has successfully completed a 13-hour vow of silence, a public pledge made in conjunction with the SBS Friday-Saturday drama ‘Chief Detective 1958’. Following the completion of this unique challenge, he shared his profound reflections on the experience. A Promise Fulfilled: The 13-Hour Vow of Silence The commitment began on the afternoon of the 13th, when Yoon Kyung-ho initiated a live broadcast via his personal social media. This event marked the culmination of his promise, made during the press conference for ‘Chief Detective 1958’ held last month. At the time, he pledged that if the drama surpassed a…
A publisher accused of spreading defamatory falsehoods about Kim Hyun-ji, the First Deputy Secretary of the Presidential Secretariat, has been indicted. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s Financial and Economic Crimes Investigation Division announced on the 13th that they had sent the case to the prosecution without detention on May 26th. The individual in question, identified as Heo Mo, the representative director of Hanmi Ilbo, faces charges of defamation under the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, among other offenses. Allegations of Defamatory Reporting Heo Mo is alleged to have authored and published articles containing…
Comedian Hong Yun-hwa recently made a lighthearted remark about fellow comedian Kim Sung-hye’s pregnancy, playfully suggesting that Kim’s baby bump was more prominent than her own, despite Hong having recently undergone significant weight loss. Humorous Exchange on ‘Kim Sung-hye’ Channel The exchange occurred during a segment on Kim Sung-hye’s YouTube channel, titled ‘What is Tae-dong’s feeling… 25-26 weeks pregnant.’ The episode featured Kim Sung-hye, Hong Yun-hwa, and comedian Go Eun-young. While interacting with the camera, Go Eun-young and Hong Yun-hwa commented on Kim Sung-hye’s pregnancy. They humorously noted that Kim, despite being pregnant, appeared to be the slimmest among them.…
AC Milan manager Ruben Amorim, who previously managed Manchester United, is reportedly targeting former Manchester United player Noussair Mazraoui. Amorim, who took the helm at AC Milan last month after being dismissed from Manchester United, is keen on reuniting with players from his previous tenure. Amorim’s Pursuit of Former Protege The primary focus of Amorim’s transfer interest is Noussair Mazraoui, the Moroccan national team’s starting right-back. Mazraoui, born in 1997, delivered an impressive defensive performance during the recent World Cup in Qatar. He showcased tenacious defending and strong marking abilities, demonstrating high competitiveness against world-class forwards. Although Morocco’s World Cup…
In a move set to redefine long-term commitments in the KBO League, veteran pitcher Ha Young-min has signed a groundbreaking eight-year contract with the Kiwoom Heroes. The deal, reportedly worth 80 billion KRW (approximately $80 million USD) including annual salary and performance bonuses, cements Ha as a cornerstone of the Heroes’ pitching staff for years to come. This landmark agreement marks the largest non-free agent (non-FA) multi-year deal in the franchise’s history and underscores the team’s commitment to retaining its homegrown talent. Ha Young-min, who debuted in the professional league in 2014 with the Nexen Heroes (the franchise’s former name),…
A pivotal meeting is scheduled to convene on July 22nd, bringing together Baek Kyung-hoon, the Minister of Science and ICT, and the chief executive officers of South Korea’s three major telecommunications companies. The primary agenda for this second consultative session is to deliberate on strategies for fostering the growth of the Artificial Intelligence Data Center (AIDC) industry. This gathering follows an initial meeting held in April, where participants agreed to establish a quarterly consultative body to ensure ongoing dialogue and collaboration. Advancing the AIDC Sector: A Collaborative Effort The upcoming meeting, slated to take place at the SK Telecom headquarters…
Jeong Cheong-rae, a former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, has officially announced his candidacy for the party’s top leadership position, aiming to secure the chairmanship at the upcoming national convention in August. In a press conference held at the National Assembly, Jeong declared his intention to run, stating, “I will only rely on the will of the people and the party members for my candidacy.” He further emphasized his commitment, vowing, “I will not use the party leadership position for a proxy run,” and pledged to dedicate his life to the “re-establishment of the government.” Jeong Cheong-rae’s Candidacy…
The South Korean government’s plan to establish a major semiconductor cluster in the Muan-gun area of Jeollanam-do province hinges on the relocation of the existing military airport. This ambitious project, backed by significant investment pledges from industry giants like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix totaling approximately 800 trillion won, is now at a critical juncture. The final decision rests with local government heads, but local resident opposition could pose a substantial hurdle to the relocation proposal. The Semiconductor Cluster Initiative The proposed semiconductor cluster is envisioned as a vital industrial hub, aiming to leverage substantial private sector investment. The cornerstone…