Author: Seoul Reporter

The presidential office has named first-term Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Jeong Eulho as its new political affairs secretary. Jeong, a proportional representative, will begin his duties on March 4. His departure from the National Assembly opens his seat to former National Intelligence Service Deputy Director Kim Jun-hwan, the next in line on the proportional list.Jeong Eulho’s Party Ties and RoleJeong brings extensive experience from years supporting the Democratic Party. Supporter networks praise his efforts to strengthen coordination between party leadership and the presidential office. During the recent presidential election, Jeong worked closely with Kim Hye-kyung, spouse of President Lee…

A former high-ranking police officer faces a six-year prison term after accepting bribes totaling 120 million won from individuals under investigation, by promising to exert influence over their cases. Court Imposes Harsh Sentence The Uijeongbu District Court Criminal Division 1, presided over by Judge Kim Hee-soo, convicted the officer, identified as A and in his 40s, on charges including violations of laws on aggravated punishment for bribery and accepting bribes. The court delivered the real-term sentence on the 3rd. The bench stated, “The defendant viewed his senior police position as absolute power, associated freely with suspects lacking any sense of…

Park Chan-wook’s latest film, Decision to Leave, has achieved a milestone by surpassing $10 million in North American box office earnings, marking the director’s highest-grossing release in the region despite no Oscar wins. Strong Box Office Run The thriller debuted in select North American theaters on December 25 before expanding to 695 screens on January 16, where it climbed to ninth place on the box office charts. By January 28, cumulative sales exceeded 10 million USD—equivalent to approximately 14.656 billion KRW—eclipsing the previous record set by Park’s Oldboy at $2.4 million (around 3.518 billion KRW). Industry Insights A CJ ENM…

Actor Park Shin-yang pushed through severe back pain during the run of the stage play Paris’s Lover at Baekjiyeon Theater, refusing to miss a single performance even after suffering a herniated disc. The Injury Strikes Mid-Performance During the premiere show, Park encountered a herniated disc after a scene involving a money bag prop struck him forcefully. Despite intense pain, he continued performing, later explaining that theater demands live execution without the option for reshoots available in filmed dramas. “If injured during filming, you can reshoot, but in live theater, you push forward,” Park stated. He received treatment but returned to…

ITZY member Yeji departed from Incheon International Airport early on March 3, heading to Paris, France, for an overseas schedule.Attending Paris Fashion WeekYeji is set to participate in a fashion show during the Fall/Winter 2026 Paris Fashion Week collections.Before boarding her flight, she posed charmingly for photos, showcasing a cute and vibrant girl-next-door vibe.

In an exciting World Baseball Classic matchup at Kyocera Dome in Osaka, Japan, South Korea’s Park Dong-won delivered the game’s opening run against the Orix Buffaloes.With bases loaded and one out in the top of the second inning, Park Dong-won smashed a timely RBI hit that brought a runner home, giving Korea a 1-0 lead. The slugger pumped his fist in celebration, energizing his teammates early in the contest.

Chinese nationals are hastily departing Iran amid ongoing US military strikes targeting key facilities. Families of high-ranking officials have also quietly exited the country, sources confirm.Government Warnings Spark Mass ExodusChina’s government issued urgent alerts to its citizens following the strikes. Personnel from Beijing-based firms active in Iran, Syria, and neighboring regions have evacuated, driving one-way flight prices up to 3 million yuan (roughly $420,000).Evacuees cross western Iranian borders before flying out from Damascus, Syria. Officials state this protects oil workers and others navigating US and Israeli aerial threats in trade tensions.Beyond Strikes: Rising Fears of HarassmentRisks extend past bombings. Chinese…

The success of the film The King’s Warden has triggered a fivefold increase in tourists visiting Cheongryeongpo in Yeongwol County, Gangwon Province, compared to the same period last year. Officials at the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety plan to heighten hygiene oversight at restaurants and eateries around major attractions like Cheongryeongpo.Cheongryeongpo: Key Filming Site and Historic LandmarkCheongryeongpo, a central backdrop for the movie, represents the exile ground of Joseon Dynasty’s sixth king, Danjong, and ranks as Yeongwol County’s top tourist draw.Joint Inspection CampaignThe ministry revealed plans on March 3 to partner with Yeongwol County authorities for hygiene and safety…

Lotte Wellfood achieved a double victory at the 2025 Best Processed Livestock Products Selection Competition, securing two major awards announced on March 3. Event Overview The competition, hosted by the Korea Processed Livestock Products Cooperative, highlights top livestock products to promote them to consumers and endorse them for business use. The 11th edition took place on February 26 at the aT Center in Seoul’s Yangjae-dong, featuring exhibitions across four pavilions. Award-Winning Products In the sausage category, Lotte Wellfood’s Essens Poduck earned the Grand Prize, presented by the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. The product impressed judges with its…

Seoul’s foreign exchange market opened with the US dollar trading at 1,462.3 Korean won, reflecting a sharp 22.6-won increase from Friday’s close of 1,439.7 won.Middle East Tensions Drive SurgeEscalating geopolitical risks in the Middle East, including recent US airstrikes on Iran and fears of Strait of Hormuz disruptions, propelled the won’s depreciation. Analysts point to heightened safe-haven demand for the dollar and surging oil prices as key factors amplifying the move.Market ImplicationsMarket observers warn of potential further upside toward 1,480 won in the short term, driven by persistent global uncertainties. Exporters may benefit from the weaker won, though importers face…