Author: Seoul Reporter

First Lady Kim Hye-kyung embarked on outreach activities for vulnerable populations in the lead-up to the Chuseok holiday. She met with individuals facing significant challenges, including those with disabilities and victims of domestic violence, to listen to their concerns and offer encouragement. Support for Individuals with Disabilities On September 18th, the First Lady attended the 7th-anniversary ceremony for the establishment of the Seoul National University Dental Hospital’s Center for the Oral Health of Persons with Disabilities. This specialized center provides dental care in a comfortable and safe environment for individuals who may find it difficult to receive treatment at general…

A Seoul court has temporarily suspended the effectiveness of a National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) decision that would have separated collective bargaining units for subcontractors of POSCO and Donghee Auto. This marks the first time a court has accepted an administrative stay request related to the “Yellow Envelope Law,” a contentious piece of legislation. The Seoul Administrative Court, presided over by Judge Lee Sang-deok, granted the stay requests filed by POSCO on October 18th. The court acknowledged an urgent need to halt the NLRC’s decision to prevent “irreparable harm” to POSCO, stating that the suspension would not significantly impact public…

A fire broke out on an escalator at Yeouido Station in Seoul during the evening commute on October 18th, causing temporary disruption and passenger evacuation. The incident occurred around 5:49 PM near Exit 5 of the busy subway station, according to fire authorities. The blaze was fully extinguished approximately 45 minutes later, at around 6:34 PM. Escalator Fire Erupts During Peak Commute The Seoul Metropolitan Fire & Disaster Headquarters received a report detailing smoke emanating from an escalator at Yeouido Station. In response, they deployed 14 fire vehicles and 58 personnel to the scene. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as…

Veteran actor Park Won-suk has shared a deeply personal and poignant account of his emotional state following the tragic death of his son. In a recent appearance on the YouTube channel ‘Song Sung-hwan’s Wonderful Life,’ Park recounted the profound disconnect he felt, even while working immediately after the devastating news. An Unsettling Professional Demeanor Amidst Personal Tragedy Park Won-suk recalled the first day of filming for the tvN drama ‘Dear My Friends.’ He revealed that his mother had passed away early that same morning. Despite the immense personal grief, Park felt compelled to fulfill his professional obligations. He explained that…

A significant error occurred during an Asian Games hockey match when the national anthem of North Korea was mistakenly played instead of South Korea’s. The incident took place on June 18th at the Green Stadium in Kakogawa, Japan, during a preliminary round match in Group A of the men’s hockey tournament for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, featuring South Korea and Bangladesh. Typically, before sporting events like hockey, football, or basketball, the national anthems of both competing teams are played with the athletes standing at attention. In this instance, the stadium announcer had indicated that South Korea’s national anthem would…

A prosecutor accused of leaking investigation details related to the late actor Lee Sun-kyun’s drug inquiry has received a suspended prison sentence. The Incheon District Court handed down the ruling on May 18, sentencing the prosecutor, identified as A, to one year in prison, suspended for two years, for violating the Public Service Secret Protection Act and other related offenses. Leak of Sensitive Investigation Information The court found that Prosecutor A, who was affiliated with the Incheon District Prosecutors’ Office, leaked crucial information pertaining to the investigation into actor Lee Sun-kyun’s alleged drug use. This leak occurred despite the sensitive…

Saudi Arabia has reportedly turned to China for assistance in mediating with Iran, seeking to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East. This development comes as China increasingly positions itself as a new global mediator, potentially filling a void left by the United States in certain geopolitical arenas. While the U.S. remains a dominant security provider, its diplomatic engagement with certain actors, such as the Houthi rebels in Yemen, has been described as less consistent. China’s Growing Role in Middle East Diplomacy Analysts suggest that while China may not possess the overwhelming military might of the U.S., it is leveraging its…

Two individuals involved in a sophisticated investment scam, acting as cash collectors and couriers for a fraudulent online trading group, have been apprehended by police. The Cheongju Sangdang Police Station in Chungbuk Province announced on November 18th that a man in his 40s, identified as Mr. A, and a 20-year-old foreign national, Mr. B, were arrested on suspicion of fraud. Details of the Investment Scam Unfold The arrests stem from an incident on November 8th, where Mr. A allegedly received 170 million won (approximately $130,000 USD) in cash from a victim, identified as Mr. C, on a street in Seowon-gu,…

A former investor has been arrested for allegedly manipulating the stock price of a KOSDAQ-listed company for over three years, amassing illicit profits of approximately 6.2 billion KRW (around $4.5 million USD). The suspect reportedly raised funds by borrowing money from acquaintances met at social gatherings, including wine clubs, and from individuals involved in cryptocurrency and precious metal trading. Authorities believe these borrowed funds were then used to orchestrate the stock price manipulation scheme. Allegations of Market Manipulation Uncovered The Seoul Southern District Prosecutors’ Office, Financial Investigation Unit 1, announced on the 18th that they had arrested a 35-year-old former…

SK Group Chairman Choi Tae-won has appealed a lower court’s decision regarding the division of assets in his divorce from Roh Soh-yeong, former director of the Art Center Nabi. The case has now reached the Supreme Court, with Chairman Choi having paid an interim payment of 850 million won. The Supreme Court received the appeal on the 14th, though the appellate panel has not yet been assigned. Background of the Asset Division Dispute The dispute centers on the division of assets between Chairman Choi and Ms. Roh. The Seoul High Court had previously ordered Chairman Choi to pay Ms. Roh…