Author: Seoul Reporter

In response to public outcry and allegations of mishandling investigations, the national police agency is establishing a new task force and an internal affairs investigation unit. These initiatives aim to bolster public confidence in police investigations and prevent similar controversies from recurring. The move comes in the wake of the ‘Jang Yoon-gi incident,’ which involved accusations of improper investigation and evidence tampering concerning the death of a female student in Gwangju. Addressing Public Concerns Over Police Investigations The police agency announced on the 9th that it would create a ‘New Task Force for Enhancing Police Investigation Trust’ (referred to as…

Student athletes from the Baengseok High School baseball team have submitted statements explaining their use of controversial chants during a recent game, asserting they were unaware of the phrases’ connection to the 1980 Gwangju Uprising. The statements, submitted to National Assembly member Park Soo-min of the People Power Party by the Korea Baseball Softball Association (KBSA), detail the players’ perspectives on the incident that has sparked public outcry. Players’ Statements Detail Lack of Awareness According to reports, a significant number of the 36 student athletes involved stated they did not realize that phrases like “Starbucks” and “Tank Day” were considered…

Busan Metropolitan City has officially released the ‘2026 Taste of Busan’ guide, a comprehensive culinary map designed to showcase the region’s representative eateries. This initiative aims to support both local residents and tourists in exploring Busan’s vibrant food scene. The guide, which goes beyond simple restaurant listings, integrates public transportation routes, specifically subway lines, and provides mobile navigation features to enhance the ‘foodie tour’ experience for visitors. Comprehensive Culinary Guide for Visitors and Locals The ‘2026 Taste of Busan’ guide is structured into six distinct zones, reflecting the city’s administrative divisions: Geumjeong, Dongnae, Yeonje; Haeundae, Gijang; Busanjin, Dong, Yeongdo; Suyeong,…

The South Korean government is considering significant changes to its property tax system, potentially increasing the burden on homeowners. A new analysis suggests that raising the standard valuation ratio used for comprehensive real estate tax calculations could lead to a substantial rise in the average tax paid per individual. Comprehensive Real Estate Tax: Understanding the Valuation Ratio The comprehensive real estate tax (종합부동산세, Jongbusse) is a wealth tax levied on property owners in South Korea. A key component in determining this tax is the ‘public price ratio’ (공정시장가액비율, Gongjeong Sijang Gaaek Biyul). This ratio represents the percentage of the official…

A recent report from the U.S. House of Representatives concerning the South Korean company Coupang has ignited a political firestorm, with accusations that the report unilaterally presents Coupang’s claims without adequate evidence. This development has complicated diplomatic efforts between South Korea and the United States, particularly as the issue was not directly addressed during a recent meeting between South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and U.S. President Donald Trump in Turkey. Background of the Coupang Report The U.S. House report alleges that South Korea has discriminated against American businesses. This claim is central to the controversy and has prompted a strong…

During a press conference in Ankara, Turkey, on July 8, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump mistakenly referred to Iran as the “Islamic Republic of Japan” instead of its official name, the “Islamic Republic of Iran.” The incident occurred while Trump was discussing missile launches, stating, “Missiles were launched from the Islamic Republic of Japan.” This remark has sparked debate about whether it was a simple slip of the tongue or indicative of cognitive decline. Questions Raised About President’s Cognitive State The misstatement has led to speculation regarding President Trump’s cognitive abilities, particularly given his age. He turned 80 on June…

Japanese soccer star Kaoru Mitoma has been involved in a traffic accident in Tokyo, resulting in an apology from the player and his club. The incident occurred when Mitoma, driving his personal vehicle, collided with a cyclist. The accident led to minor injuries for the cyclist and a public statement of remorse from the Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder. Details of the Incident According to reports, the collision took place around 8:45 AM on a Tuesday in central Tokyo. Mitoma was reportedly driving through an intersection when his car struck a bicycle. The intersection was equipped with signals for both…

K-pop group BOYNEXTDOOR has achieved a significant milestone by completely selling out all three dates of their first world tour stop in Busan, South Korea. The concerts, part of their ‘BOYNEXTDOOR TOUR ‘KNOCK ON Vol.2′ IN BUSAN,’ have demonstrated the group’s growing popularity and strong fan base. BOYNEXTDOOR’s “KNOCK ON Vol.2” Tour Dominates Busan The highly anticipated Busan leg of BOYNEXTDOOR’s inaugural world tour has officially sold out. The group is scheduled to perform at the Busan Sajik Indoor Gymnasium from July 31st to August 2nd. This achievement follows their previous success in Seoul, where all concert dates were also…

South Korea’s Ministry of the Interior and Safety convened an emergency meeting on September 9th to assess the situation following intense rainfall that caused significant damage across several regions. The meeting, led by Kim Gwang-yong, Head of the Disaster and Safety Management Headquarters, focused on the immediate response to flooding and infrastructure damage reported overnight. Intense Rainfall Batters Central and Southern Regions The heavy downpour began overnight, concentrating its impact on areas including Daejeon, Sejong, and the Jeonbuk and Chungcheong provinces. By the morning of September 9th, rainfall rates reached an alarming 30 to 50 millimeters per hour in some…

The Samsung Lions’ foreign pitcher, Jack O’Rourke, endured a difficult outing, allowing 10 hits and 5 earned runs before being removed from the game. This performance marked what may have been his final appearance in a Samsung uniform. O’Rourke’s Difficult Night on the Mound O’Rourke struggled throughout the game against the LG Twins.