Author: Seoul Reporter

Hanwha Eagles reliever Lee Min-woo, 33, expresses regret over a quiet start to the season but shows promising signs during spring training in Okinawa.From 64 Games to No AppearancesLee Min-woo debuted with the KIA Tigers as a first-round pick in the 2015 Shin In Draft before transferring to Hanwha in April 2022. Last year, he excelled in 64 games with two wins, one loss, one save, and 10 holds, posting a 3.76 ERA. This season, however, he has yet to pitch even a single inning, fueling anxiety amid limited opportunities and fewer selection calls.Spring Camp TurnaroundDuring spring training, Lee steps…

South Korea’s main opposition Democratic Party plans to introduce amendments to three key judicial bills on the 24th during a National Assembly plenary session. These include revisions to the Judge Quota Act, Supreme Court Organization Act, and a bill establishing a court administrative office. Key Proposed Changes The amendments target an expansion of Supreme Court justices from 14 to 26 positions. Officials cite ongoing judge transfers as justification for broadening the quota and enhancing recruitment flexibility. This move aligns with a personnel policy emphasizing expertise in criminal trials for central roles. Under current frameworks, Korea maintains a fixed judge quota…

Kim Ji-seon, who underwent a hysterectomy due to uterine fibroids, openly shares her heartfelt decision to adopt a puppy as her youngest ‘daughter’ named Mummu. This move directly addresses her deepest family concerns about expanding her household. Emotional Reveal on YouTube During a recent broadcast on the YouTube channel ‘Eom Syo,’ Kim Ji-seon introduced Mummu, hugging the puppy tightly. She revealed, “The biggest worry at home was having another child.” The adoption stemmed from a dire situation where the puppy faced euthanasia at a shelter. Kim explained that Mummu had been confined to a tiny cage, unable to venture out…

The US economy expanded at an annualized rate of 1.4% over the last four quarters from October to December, falling well short of market expectations, according to recent data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Key Growth Figures Released Officials announced on the 20th local time that this seasonally adjusted growth rate, compared to the prior period, measures just 1.4%. Analysts had projected 2.5%, highlighting a notable slowdown in momentum. Annualization Method for GDP Reporting Unlike some nations, the US converts quarterly growth rates into annualized figures to provide comparable statistics across periods. This approach underscores the moderated pace despite…

South Korea’s Ministry of Education plans a comprehensive nationwide survey of textbook prices across all schools. This marks the largest such effort to date, aimed at precisely assessing the financial burden on households.Massive Scale Survey RevealedOfficials detailed the initiative during a recent parliamentary education committee session. The survey focuses on a special large-scale assessment of textbook unit prices. Participants included representatives from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Presidential Education Policy Office, Prime Minister’s Policy Planning Committee, and Ministry of SMEs and Startups—five agencies in total.The ministry will coordinate with 17 metropolitan and provincial education offices to…

Prominent South Korean novelist Lee Hye-kyung, aged 66, faces arrest for the murders of his son and two grandchildren. Authorities charge that he locked the victims inside a room before carrying out the killings. The incident shocks the literary world, given Lee’s stature as a respected author and former pastor.Details of the CaseInvestigators describe Lee as the primary suspect in the tragic deaths. The case unfolds amid reports of his devout service as a pastor, adding layers to the profound circumstances. Police took him into custody on the 20th, confirming his direct involvement through evidence at the scene.Distinguished Literary CareerBorn…

Seoul Prosecutors Forgo Supreme Court ChallengeProsecutors have decided against appealing a second-trial acquittal for Song Young-gil, former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, in the high-profile money envelope distribution case tied to the party’s 2021 leadership convention.The Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office announced the decision on February 20, 2026, just ahead of the appeal screening deadline. This move confirms Song’s acquittal on all charges.Case Background and ChargesSong faced accusations of orchestrating the distribution of cash envelopes totaling 66.5 million won to incumbent lawmakers and regional party officials ahead of the Democratic Party’s convention. Authorities alleged his involvement in handing…

Eteri Tutberidze, the coach linked to Kamila Valieva’s 2022 doping violation, has taken on a prominent role with international figure skaters at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. On February 8, teams conducted testing at the Milan Ice Skating Arena, where Tutberidze guided sessions for athletes including Nika Egadze of the Georgian national team.Tutberidze’s Coaching Role in MilanTutberidze participated in high-intensity practice sessions ahead of key selections, such as those for Adeliia Petrosian. Officials note her involvement maximizes performance for the upcoming competitions. Italy and other nations have integrated her expertise into their Olympic preparations for the Milan-Cortina Games.Revival of 2022…

Actor Lee Ho-won takes center stage in the upcoming musical Golf Friends, generating significant buzz ahead of its premiere.Musical ‘Golf Friends’ BackgroundGolf Friends adapts a track from Matthew Sweet’s album of the same name into a compelling story set in the 1990s. It explores the bond between two high school seniors, Will and Mike, facing graduation and life’s uncertainties. The production earned praise for its artistic depth during runs in the US and Japan, heightening anticipation for its Korean debut.Lee Ho-won’s Key RoleLee Ho-won embodies Mike, the team’s leader and an unlikely athletic standout with a rugged exterior. This complex…

Lee Sung-hoon, a contestant on Netflix’s popular dating show Single’s Inferno 5, has publicly dismissed rumors suggesting he is the grandson of former South Korean President Lee Myung-bak. The speculation arose due to physical resemblances and voice similarities, sparking widespread online chatter. Addressing the Rumor on HAHA Podcast During a January 17 appearance on the YouTube channel HAHA Podcast, Lee directly confronted the claims. When questioned if he was “the grandson of former President Lee Myung-bak,” he responded, “No,” adding that he had already clarified publicly, “It’s not true.” The hosts noted how such rumors spread easily online, with one…