Author: Seoul Reporter

Former professional baseball player and singer Yang Joon-hyuk stunned audiences with a bold confession on KBS 2TV’s ‘Bosses Are Looking for Staff: Donkey,’ also known as ‘Sadanggwi.’ The episode airs on April 19.Hong Kong Noodle Shop AdventureYang enters a 130-year-old historic noodle shop in Hong Kong, describing it as intimidating and lacking flavor. Despite this, he orders dishes using a blend of Korean and broken English phrases like “Best menu you contact,” turning heads with his unique approach.Fellow cast members express shock at his food choices, questioning, “Is that a chestnut?” as Yang dives into his meal with distinctive crunching…

South Korea’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economy, Gu Yoon-cheol, announced plans to accelerate the release of public stockpiles of vehicle urea and urea solution amid sharp price increases.Addressing Soaring CostsDuring a meeting with heads of non-major economic ministries on the 17th, Gu expressed concerns over recent price surges affecting vehicle urea and urea solution supplies. He stated that authorities are prioritizing the prompt deployment of reserve stocks to stabilize the market.”All offices maintain an excess supply equivalent to about three months’ demand,” Gu noted. “However, the top priority remains a targeted response to sudden, sector-specific spikes.”Enhancing Response CapabilitiesGu highlighted the…

Travel & Leisure CEO Offloads Shares Following Options ExerciseMichael Dean Brown, CEO of Travel & Leisure Co. (NYSE: TNL), sold 11,522 shares on April 14 and 15, 2026, generating proceeds of $910,416 at an average price of $79.02 per share.The transaction incorporated stock option exercises. Brown acquired the shares at an average strike price of $44.38, for a total exercise cost of $511,346. After the sale, he retains direct ownership of 487,303 shares.Wyndham Hotels Raises Dividend by 5%Wyndham Hotels & Resorts declared a quarterly dividend of $0.43 per share, reflecting a 5% annual increase. The payment schedules for March 30,…

International Paper (NYSE: IP; LSE: IPC), a leading provider of sustainable packaging solutions, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire North Pacific Paper Company (NORPAC) from One Rock Capital Partners for $360 million.Key Details of the DealNORPAC operates a major paper mill in Longview, Washington, employing around 500 workers. The facility runs three advanced machines that produce approximately one million tons of containerboard and other paper grades each year. This acquisition enhances International Paper’s production network on the West Coast.Strategic ExpansionThe move bolsters system flexibility, cuts operational costs, and meets rising demand for lightweight, high-performance recycled containerboard. NORPAC’s prime location…

In a gripping pitching duel at Incheon SSG Landers Field, the Doosan Bears fell 1-2 to the SSG Landers in the decisive third game of their series on April 16. Despite generating more hits, Doosan struggled to capitalize on scoring chances, extending their frustrating start to the 2026 SOL KBO League season. Pitching Battle Defines the Contest Doosan starter Kim Won-hyung delivered a solid outing but exited after six innings without run support. Reliever Kwak Bin took the mound in the seventh, facing immediate pressure. SSG’s Mi Chi-hwiteu matched him pitch for pitch, limiting Doosan’s threats in a tense affair.…

Samsung Lions secured a 6-1 victory over Hanwha Eagles in Daejeon on April 16, extending their winning streak to six games. Ariel Jurado delivered a standout performance, transforming early-season struggles into a dominant outing.Jurado’s Turnaround PerformanceJurado, who posted a 1-1 record with a 2.50 ERA across three starts, earned a quality start by pitching six innings and allowing just one run. He struck out key batters and limited damage, handing the ball to the bullpen with confidence.After consecutive outings where he failed to complete five innings—highlighted by two home runs surrendered to Hanwha’s Yang Chang-seop on April 15—Jurado rebounded strongly.…

Senior Presidential Secretary Jeong Seong-ho stated that scrutinizing former President Yoon Suk-yeol’s entire tenure poses no issue. He emphasized that displacing one obstructive individual daily from entrenched positions benefits everyone, as others suffer from such blockages.First Monthly Employment MeetingJeong made these comments during the inaugural Monthly Employment Meeting under the new administration, broadcast live on YouTube. He highlighted that converting non-regular workers to permanent roles represents the most significant gain, describing daily removals of position-hoarders as a matter of principle.As of June 1, Yoon’s initial two rounds of personnel interventions at the Ministry of Employment and Labor totaled 538 cases.Responses…

J.B. Hunt Transport Services (NASDAQ:JBHT) delivered first-quarter earnings that exceeded analyst forecasts, prompting Benchmark to lift its price target to $230 from a prior level. The company posted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.49, surpassing the FactSet consensus of $1.44 and Benchmark’s own estimate of $1.46. This outperformance occurred amid ongoing market volatility. Earnings Highlights The stock has surged 82% over the past year, signaling strong investor confidence despite revenue and operating income falling short of expectations, particularly in the Intermodal and Final Mile segments. Executives highlighted Intermodal performance during the earnings call, attributing softer volume trends to specific customer…

In an electrifying afternoon clash at Incheon SSG Landers Field, the SSG Landers faced off against the Doosan Bears in the 2026 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League on April 16.Starting Pitchers Set the ToneSSG Landers opted for White as their starting pitcher, while Doosan Bears selected Kwak Bin to take the mound, setting up a competitive battle from the outset.Jeong Seol-ah Energizes the CrowdSSG cheerleader Jeong Seol-ah stole the spotlight from the stage, rallying fans with vibrant cheers. Her flawless, porcelain-like fair skin drew admiring glances amid the high-energy atmosphere.

The Gyeongnam Regional Labor Relations Commission ruled on April 16 that Hanhwa Ocean must conduct negotiations with workers at Wellib, its primary outsourced service provider for shipbuilding operations.Union Push for Broader TalksLeaders from the Korea Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) Metal Workers’ Union presented the motion during a plenary session, designating Hanhwa Ocean as the key party in a private sector judgment case. They argued that Wellib handles critical tasks, including shipbuilding outsourcing, crew management, and administrative services in Seoul.Union officials emphasized the need for direct engagement, stating that Hanhwa Ocean’s claim of no production or employment ties with Wellib…