Author: Seoul Reporter

In an era where AI reshapes creative industries, traditional craftsmanship stands resilient. Artisans craft enduring pieces amid rapid technological advances, ensuring handmade works remain irreplaceable. Even in luxury sectors prioritizing innovation, the allure of tactile, human-made art persists. This recognition highlights how skilled makers preserve cultural legacies, with the 2026 Loewe Craft Prize underscoring Korean talents prominently. Loewe Craft Prize: A Legacy of Excellence Launched in 2016, the Loewe Craft Prize celebrates global craftsmanship, artistry, and innovation while discovering new talents. The 2026 edition reveals its finalists: 30 standout works from 133 regions and over 5,100 submissions worldwide. These pieces…

San Diego Padres outfielder Song Sung-mun made his MLB spring training debut on February 23 (Korean time) against the Los Angeles Dodgers at the Peoria Sports Complex in Arizona.Debut At-Bats Show PromiseSung-mun entered as a pinch hitter in the bottom of the sixth inning. Facing Dodgers pitcher Carlos Duran, he struck out looking on the fourth pitch. In his second at-bat in the bottom of the ninth against Christian Suarez, Sung-mun ripped a line drive that shortstop snared for an out, going 0-for-2 overall.Despite the hitless outing, Sung-mun displayed solid contact ability and good plate discipline, signaling strong potential early…

An 80-year-old man faces arrest after igniting a mountain fire in Danyang, Chungbuk, while seeking warmth amid dementia symptoms and disorientation. Arrest and Initial Findings Authorities arrested the suspect, identified only as A, on charges of violating forest protection laws. Officials discovered him at the scene of a blaze in the expansive Simya Private Gunyurim forest. A had permission to burn branches and agricultural waste near his container home in Jangnim-ri, Daegang-myeon, but the fire escalated beyond control. Investigators found small wood scraps and other materials at the site. A carried a lighter and was constructing rafters, though part of…

Bucheon Ojeong Police Station has filed non-custodial charges against a Bucheon City Council member, identified as A, for allegedly violating the Special Act on the Punishment of Domestic Violence Crimes.Incident DetailsThe council member faces accusations of assaulting his wife at their home in Ojeong-gu around 11 p.m. on December 12. Officers responded to a domestic disturbance call at the residence and took immediate action against the suspect.Investigation ProgressFollowing the initial response, the council member voluntarily appeared at the station on December 13 for questioning. Police relation officers confirm they plan to wrap up the probe soon and forward the case…

Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix anticipate operating profs reaching 200 trillion won and 100 billion dollars (approximately 145 trillion won), respectively, driven by surging demand for AI memory chips. This projection emerges as both companies ramp up real wafer production twofold whin two months to meet explosive needs. SK Hynix Accelerates Prof Growth SK Group Chairman Choi Tae-won announced at the ‘TPD 2026’ event in the Uned States on the 20th that SK Hynix’s overall operating prof will surpass 100 billion dollars. Previously targeting 50 billion dollars by the end of 2025 and achieving 70 billion in January, the company…

105 Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) lawmakers officially launched a parliamentary group on February 23 dedicated to seeking dismissal of the indictment against party leader Lee Jae-myung and advancing a special counsel investigation.Group Demonstration in National AssemblyThe initiative, known as the Prosecution Dismissal Committee, drew 105 participants, including 60 current members. Lawmakers gathered in the National Assembly corridor for a demonstration, waving picket signs that read: “Direct Push for Prosecution Dismissal Committee and Special Counsel Investigation” and “Political Prosecution OUT, Fabricated Charges OUT.”DPK Spokesman References Lula da Silva’s ComebackDPK floor spokesman Park Sung-jun invoked the example of Brazilian President Luiz…

A chicken restaurant in Incheon’s Namdong-gu district, linked to former President Yoon Suk-yeol’s hometown and featuring a ‘Yoon family favorite’ sign, now confronts an 80 million won enforcement penalty for an unauthorized full-color LED display.Recent Inspection Uncovers ViolationDistrict authorities conducted an on-site review on February 23, confirming the illegal electronic signboard installation at the restaurant’s entrance. Officials issued a formal notice to the owner, demanding immediate removal of the non-compliant LED screen.Prior issues with the property remain unresolved, despite repeated directives. The restaurant has until early next month—specifically March 6—to rectify the installation. Failure to comply will trigger the full…

Suwon FC bolsters its attacking lineup by signing towering Norwegian forward Martin Huol Andersen, known professionally as Huol and assigned jersey number 17. The 1.87m physical specimen brings complete skill set and versatility to soothe defensive pressures across the front line. Proven Goal Scorer from Norway Born in 1995, Huol has built a solid reputation in Norwegian football. He honed his craft with clubs including Kongsvinger IL, Osterås IF, and Skeid Fotball, amassing valuable experience in competitive leagues. A natural center forward who excels as a midfielder or winger, Huol embodies the multi-role player ideal. His career totals stand at…

Song Sung-mun of the Samsung Lions delivered a standout performance in his Major League Baseball spring training debut during the LA Dodgers’ exhibition game against the San Diego Padres in Peoria, Arizona. Impressive Contact Against Elite Velocity The right-handed third baseman started as the designated hitter and went hitless in two at-bats with one sacrifice fly. Despite the Dodgers’ 5-1 victory, Song demonstrated elite bat speed against top-tier pitching. In the sixth inning, with the Padres trailing 0-4 and two outs plus runners on second and third, Manny Machado pinch-hit instead. Earlier, Song battled Dodgers pitcher Carlos Duran, pulling a…

A prominent Democratic Party lawmaker, Jeong Cheong-rae, faces expulsion from the popular online fan community ‘Jaemyeong’s Village,’ dedicated to presidential hopeful Lee Jae-myung. The decision stems from accusations of undermining party unity following a recent election setback. Overwhelming Vote in Favor of Expulsion On the 22nd, cafe administrators announced the results of a poll targeting Jeong Cheong-rae and supreme committee member Lee Sung-yoon. Out of 1,231 total votes cast, 1,001 (81.3%) supported expulsion, while 230 (18.7%) opposed it. The cafe operator stated that Jeong Cheong-rae and Lee Sung-yoon bear the original responsibility for the party’s leadership election loss, as they…