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.
A serious workplace accident at the OurHome Yongin 2 plant, where a worker was critically injured in a similar entanglement incident just over a year ago, has reignited debate about the effectiveness of the company’s safety protocols. The incident raises questions about whether the safety investments and enhanced management systems implemented after the previous fatality have been adequately translated into tangible improvements on the factory floor. Repeat Entanglement Accident at OurHome Facility The latest incident occurred around May 8th at the OurHome Yongin 2 plant in Cheoin-gu, Gyeonggi Province. A worker in their 50s, employed by a subcontractor, suffered a…
The tumultuous era of the Three Kingdoms was marked by shifting alliances, brutal warfare, and the relentless pursuit of power. Amidst this chaos, the actions of key figures like Dong Zhuo and Sun Jian dramatically shaped the fate of the Han Dynasty. This period saw Dong Zhuo’s audacious seizure of the capital and Sun Jian’s initial, yet ultimately thwarted, advance, setting the stage for a bitter confrontation. Dong Zhuo’s Reign of Terror and Sun Jian’s Initial Setback Dong Zhuo, a powerful warlord, plunged the capital into turmoil, setting the imperial palace ablaze. Simultaneously, Sun Jian, a formidable general, concealed the…
Germany’s defense firm TKMS (ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems) has been chosen as the preferred bidder for Canada’s multi-billion dollar submarine procurement project, according to Canadian media reports. The Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP) aims to acquire 12 new submarines, a deal estimated to be worth up to C$60 billion over its lifecycle, including maintenance and support. Preferred Bidder Status Awarded to TKMS The Globe and Mail reported on July 6th (local time) that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to announce Germany’s TKMS as the preferred supplier for the next-generation submarine fleet. While this designation is not a final contract,…
K-pop idol Nichkhun, a member of the iconic group 2PM, has shared details about a recent, intense weight loss regimen undertaken after comments about his appearance led to public discussion. The singer appeared on the SBS variety show ‘Aigojin’ (which translates to ‘Oh, but really!’) alongside his bandmates Jun. K, Taecyeon, Wooyoung, and Chansung. Public Discussion Over Nichkhun’s Appearance During the broadcast, fellow entertainer Lee Sang-min directly addressed Nichkhun’s recent change in appearance, asking, “Why have you become so much chubbier?” Another panelist, Lee Ji-hye, added her observation, noting, “I saw a video and felt like you seemed closer, like…
The People Power Party (PPP) has strongly criticized the dismissal of Lee Byeong-tae, a deputy chairman of the Presidential Committee on Inclusive Nation, labeling it a “priority that acts on the pretense of calling for unity.” The party asserted that the government’s action, stemming from a controversial remark made by Lee, represents a suppression of dissenting opinions under the guise of national reconciliation. Controversial Remarks Lead to Dismissal The controversy began on October 29th when Lee Byeong-tae made a remark during a baseball game at Cheongnyonggi Baseball Stadium. While cheering, he reportedly used the phrase “Starbucks Gaya-ji,” which subsequently sparked…
A minor earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 2.1 occurred on the evening of June 6th, shaking an area approximately 13 kilometers north of Gimcheon city in North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. The tremor was registered at 8:57:24 PM local time, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA). The earthquake’s epicenter was located at a depth of 9 kilometers, with coordinates pinpointed at 36.23 degrees North latitude and 128.20 degrees East longitude. Understanding the Tremor’s Intensity The KMA analyzed the seismic intensity of the earthquake, estimating it to be at a maximum of III on the seismic intensity scale. This…
A special prosecutor’s team has had its request for an arrest warrant against Kim Tae-young, CEO of the interior design firm ’21 Grams,’ denied by the court. The firm is under investigation for its alleged involvement in the presidential transition process. The Seoul Central District Court rejected the warrant, which sought Kim’s detention on charges including abuse of power and obstruction of business, according to judicial sources on the 6th. Investigation Details and Allegations The court cited insufficient grounds for detention, stating that the necessity and proportionality of arresting Kim were difficult to acknowledge after reviewing his testimony. The special…
CJ CheilJedang, a prominent South Korean food conglomerate, participated in the 14th annual Daegu Chimac Festival, a major summer event drawing over a million visitors annually. The company aimed to connect with consumers and promote its newly launched fried chicken brand, Sobaba. The festival, held from July 1st, provided a platform for CJ CheilJedang to showcase its offerings and engage directly with the public. Promoting Sobaba at the Chimac Festival At the festival, CJ CheilJedang operated a dedicated booth named ‘Sobaba Hwanggeumholic’. This booth featured the ‘Sobaba Hwanggeumholic Fried Chicken Sunsal Chicken’ as its centerpiece, complemented by three distinct dipping…
Prosecutors have indicted 11 individuals and four companies in connection with the collapse of the Gwangju Metropolitan City Library construction site, an incident that resulted in the deaths of four workers. The indictments come approximately seven months after the tragic event. Investigation Findings The Gwangju District Prosecutors’ Office announced on July 6 that the accused face charges including professional negligence and violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Among those indicted, four individuals, including the representative of a steel fabrication and installation subcontractor, the site supervisor for the steel installation, and the site supervisor for the main construction company,…