Author: Seoul Reporter

Harold Rogers, Coupang’s interim CEO, testified in a closed-door session before the US House Judiciary Commtee on February 23 (local time) amid a massive personal data breach affecting millions of Koreans. The interrogation lasted seven hours at the commtee’s non-public hearing.Hearing DetailsRogers entered the Rayburn Building in Washington, D.C., at 9:42 a.m. for the session, which focused on administration, rules, jurisdiction, and subcommtee matters. The probe concluded around 5 p.m.Commtee Chair Jim Jordan and Rep. Scott Fzgerald requested Rogers’ appearance on February 5 through channels involving the Korean government, shared materials, and official data highlighting severe impacts on Coupang’s operations.US…

Comedian and host Jeon Hyun-moo, 48, has issued a heartfelt apology after referring to the sudden death of a fallen police officer as ‘kkalpang’ during a recent TV broadcast. The incident occurred on DJ Zinaple’s survival program Unmyeong Jeonjang 49, where celebrities tackle missions to uncover causes of death.Details of the Controversial MomentThe episode featured participants, including shamans, psychology students, tarot readers, and agency workers, investigating the circumstances surrounding the officer’s line-of-duty death. Despite the heavy atmosphere at the death site, Jeon entered the room and remarked, ‘It’s kkalpang,’ using the slang term for a sudden or shocking demise. He…

Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung sharply criticized current housing policies, labeling government promises of market normalization as empty rhetoric. In a post on X dated February 24, he highlighted the abnormal state of the real estate sector, particularly multi-family apartments, and called for public pressure on officials.Push for Bold NormalizationLee declared that citizens recognize irregularities in the property market, especially apartment pricing, and actively seek genuine reforms. “There are words not to say to the president, but there are also words not to say to the government,” he stated, urging outspoken criticism.He argued that power can transform non-political issues into…

Mexican security forces recently dismantled a key hideout belonging to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), Mexico’s dominant marijuana trafficking organization, in a joint operation with U.S. intelligence support. The raid, however, has unleashed a wave of violence, raising questions about whether it stemmed from tracking a romantic partner of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho.”Details of the Tapalpa OperationThe confrontation occurred in Tapalpa, a remote mountainous resort area in Jalisco state enveloped by dense pine forests, making it a prime spot for illicit marijuana production. Defense Secretary Ricardo Treviño stated that a senior 60-year-old CJNG operative…

A fire broke out early this morning at the Eunma Apartment complex in Seoul’s Gangnam-gu, claiming one life and injuring three others. Firefighters fully contained the blaze in just over one hour and 20 minutes. Incident Overview The alarm sounded at 6:18 a.m. from the 8th floor of Building 25. Responders mobilized 143 firefighters and 35 vehicles, achieving full extinguishment by 7:36 a.m. Authorities continue to probe the exact cause. Casualties and Injuries A teenage girl perished in the flames. Three others sustained injuries, including one from smoke inhalation and two from burns sustained during evacuation. All injured parties remain…

San Francisco Giants outfielder Jeong Hoo Lee, captain of South Korea’s World Baseball Classic preparation team, delivered a standout performance batting cleanup in a scrimmage against the Oakland Athletics. He recorded multiple hits, including a crucial two-run homer, helping secure a 6-2 victory on February 24 Korean time at Scottsdale Stadium.Lee’s Offensive FirepowerLee went 3-for-3 with a double, a single, and a two-run homer. Trailing 0-2 in the third inning with one out and runners on first and second, he crushed a home run on a full-count fastball from Drew Gilbert, neutralizing a potential big inning for the Athletics.In his…

Dramatic Family Confrontation Unfolds on Reality ShowTwin daughters publicly challenged their birth father during a recent episode of the family reunion program, leading to raw emotional exchanges and tears. The reunion highlighted deep-seated pain from years of separation, as the daughters questioned his approach to reconciliation.Father Endures Hidden Pain Amid Harsh WordsThe father, appearing for the second time on the show, faced intense scrutiny from his daughters. They pointed out perceived shortcomings without holding back, prompting him to defend himself while revealing profound anxiety. Officials close to the production noted the father’s massive emotional shock, concealed behind a facade of…

Hanwha Eagles slugger Kang Baek-ho solidified his role as the team’s first baseman during spring training in Okinawa, Japan, on February 21. The powerhouse hitter demonstrated intense focus in extra batting sessions, drawing praise from management.Manager Highlights Improved Swing MechanicsManager Kim Kyung-moon watched Kang’s practice swings alongside the Lotte Marines and approved of his progress. “We considered shifting him from first base to the outfield, but seeing his work ethic, he’s handling outside pitches without yanking them and locking down clutch hits,” Kim remarked. Kang has amassed 100 home runs over four seasons with Hanwha since signing as a free…

A viral post on X highlights a stark contrast in social media influence among Japan’s political figures. Sanae Takaichi boasts 2.6 million followers, dwarfing Yoshihiko Noda’s 64,000 by a factor of 40—the largest gap ever between major party leaders.Viral Momentum Fuels Digital Politics ShiftThis disparity underscores shifting public sentiment, especially online, where anti-establishment voices gain traction during elections. Traditional media spotlights Takaichi, yet internet buzz predicts a strong showing for her party, potentially securing over one additional seat.Internet-driven politics traces back to 2008 with Barack Obama’s campaign and Donald Trump’s 2016 “America First” rise. Now, digital platforms propel newcomers like…

A major forest fire in Miryang, South Gyeongsang Province, has achieved a 33% suppression rate, with authorities transferring unified command authority to the Korea Forest Service director ahead of further spread.Fire Origin and ProgressThe blaze ignited in the Samnangjin area of Miryang at 4:10 p.m. on January 23. By the following day, firefighters had suppressed 1.65 kilometers out of a 5-kilometer full containment line, reaching the 33% mark. The fire has scorched approximately 95 hectares, marking it as the largest active wildfire nationwide.Suppression efforts slowed after sunset when helicopters withdrew, allowing the flames to advance more steadily despite ongoing ground…