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.

Former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon, recently expelled from the party, launches a nationwide tour on the 25th starting in Daegu to reconnect with conservative voters.Focus on Conservative Sentiment in DaeguHan plans to visit Daegu’s bustling Seomun Market on the 25th, marking the kickoff of his tour aimed at gauging and bolstering conservative support. This move follows his recent speech where he outlined intentions to engage directly with regional communities.Call to Restore Nation and Rebuild BaseAmid a high-profile first-trial life sentence for a ringleader in an alleged insurrection linked to former President Yoon Suk-yeol, Han delivered a rallying message:…

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Tae Jin-ah, the renowned trot singer, will not perform at the 3.1 Festival commemoration concert scheduled for March 2 at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. His agency firmly denied the circulating rumors, emphasizing that claims of his participation are entirely untrue.Agency Issues Strong DenialIn a statement released on February 22, the agency clarified that Tae Jin-ah has no plans to appear at the event. “The assertion that he agreed to perform at this event is completely false,” the agency stated. They stressed that Tae Jin-ah focuses on preparing major projects rather than unconfirmed appearances.Rumors Stem from YouTube Channel and PostersThe…

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YouTuber Rallal shared a positive update on her recovery six days after under-eye fat repositioning and nose surgery. The images reveal noticeable reduction in swelling, showcasing smoother eye contours and a sharper side profile.Progress Despite Lingering PuffinessRallal captioned her February 22 post, “Under-eye fat + nose surgery day 6,” adding, “It even seems a bit softer and prettier now.” Her front-facing photos highlight striking features even with residual swelling. In the early recovery stage, her defined facial lines create a refreshed, gentler aura.Initial Post-Surgery StrugglesEarlier, Rallal detailed the challenges right after the procedures. She explained, “Under-eye fat repositioning is supposed…

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Apink captivated audiences with their 2026 debut 15th anniversary concert, The Origin: APINK, held over two days on the 21st and 22nd at Seoul’s Jangchung Gymnasium. The shows sold out completely within just one month and two weeks, drawing fans of all ages, including those who supported the group since their 2012 debut.Sold-Out Triumph and Nostalgic PerformancesThe group delivered a full retrospective of their career, performing iconic hits like ‘Nonono,’ ‘Mr. Chu,’ and ‘LUV,’ alongside tracks from their recent full album title song ‘LUV Me More.’ Interactive segments featured fan chants, parody skits, and heartfelt moments, with supporters fully immersed…

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A Jeju court has acquitted a man in his 50s accused of aiding a minor theft involving hair gel worth 30,000 won ($22) from a local convenience store, sparking criticism over the initial prosecution. The Incident On June 27, 2024, a suspect identified as B stole six bottles of hair gel valued at 30,000 won from an outdoor display at a Japamart convenience store in Jeju City. Witnesses reported B grabbing the items and fleeing the scene. Investigation and Charges The store filed a complaint, prompting police to investigate. Officers summoned the man in his 50s, known as A, after…

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Investigators suspect all individuals who contacted a 21-year-old woman accused of murdering two men in their 20s through drug-laced drinks could be accomplices in the Gangbuk serial killings. Police launched a comprehensive review of such contacts, mirroring patterns observed with known victims.Case Details EmergeThe suspect, identified as Kim Mo, faces charges for the murders. Authorities arrested her on January 19 following evidence of hallucinogenic substances mixed into alcohol served to the victims.Analysis indicates Kim targeted the men similarly since December, luring approximately three others in their 20s to the same location with tainted beverages. No additional victims have surfaced yet.Key…

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YouTuber and broadcaster Lal Lal has shared a candid glimpse of her transformed appearance following recent eye and nose procedures.Recent SNS UpdateOn February 22, Lal Lal posted a selfie on her social media, captioning it playfully: “Even with a bare face and colored lenses, where on earth am I headed?” The photo captures her sporting an eye patch while opening her eyes wide, exuding a cute vibe.Details of the ProceduresLal Lal underwent eye fat repositioning revision and rhinoplasty on February 18. She explained: “The eye procedure causes no bruising or swelling at all, but my sensitive skin makes my eyes…

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A man in his 50s who struck a North Korean defector with his vehicle just two weeks after his release from custody now faces a suspended sentence of one year and eight months. Details of the Latest Accident Officials from the Cheongju District Prosecutor’s Office announced the sentencing on the 22nd. The driver, identified as A, crashed into a pedestrian in Hwungdeok-gu, Cheongju, Chungbuk Province, at around 3:30 a.m. on October 11. Witnesses reported that he remarked, “It feels like hitting something akin to a grandmother stabbed by a knife,” before fleeing the scene. Upon rearrest, A admitted partial responsibility,…

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Democratic Party floor leader Jo Sung-rae pledges to secure victory in all upcoming June 3 by-elections, targeting People Power Party (PPP) leadership under President Yoon Suk-yeol’s influence. He insists that even disbanding the party would not suffice, demanding the removal of pro-Yoon faction members known as ‘Yoon Kids’.Persistent Public Resentment Despite Leadership ChangesJo highlights that public dissatisfaction lingers from the PPP’s top leadership election and related decisions. Recent polls, including Gallup surveys, show the party’s approval rating remains below 30%, reflecting unresolved grievances from the December 3 incident. Officials confirm that citizens’ livelihoods have not improved post-power shift.Addressing the National…

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Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to deploy the country’s first integrated AI and drone surveillance unit in southwestern districts next April. This marks the initial private-sector field command operation in active duty, announced on the 22nd.Integrated Surveillance OperationsA Seoul city official stated, “Special intelligence teams and duty officers currently handle reports, but this new single unit will operate a major deployment by early April.” Each unit equips patrol vehicles and compact cars with three advanced AI cameras.AI Camera CapabilitiesThese cameras perform precise facial recognition without relying on fingerprints. They detect subtle physical traits like moles or freckles and differentiate between a…

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