Author: Seoul Reporter

Domestic Indices Slide Amid Hawkish Fed SignalsMajor Korean stock indices declined sharply on Friday, bucking a US market rally fueled by consumer price data. KOSPI 200 futures fell 0.33%, the KOSPI index dropped 0.28%, and Kosdaq tumbled 1.77%. The downturn accelerated after the release of Federal Reserve meeting minutes, which highlighted persistent inflationary pressures and a cautious stance on rate cuts.Foreign Selling Pressures Weigh on MarketForeign investors ramped up net selling, reaching monthly highs in short positions across KOSPI and Kosdaq. This activity overshadowed support from key sectors, including those emphasizing shareholder returns. Despite the pullback, select stocks provided a…

The entertainment industry observes the 8th anniversary of veteran actress Kim Ji-young’s passing on February 19, 2026. Known as the “Nation’s Mother,” she succumbed at age 79 to complications from a cerebellar hematoma linked to a benign brain tumor.Born in 1938 in Hamgyeongbuk-do Province, Kim relocated to South Korea via Japan in 1958. She launched her career in 1960 with the film The Heirs, quickly rising as a top drama star.Stellar Career Spanning Six DecadesKim captivated audiences in landmark dramas including Journal of the Exiled King, Northern Wife, The Era of the Mistress, and Toji. Her filmography boasted over 100…

Mint chocolate lovers worldwide marked National Chocolate Mint Day on February 19. This observance, recognized by the U.S. National Confectioners Association, traces its roots to 16th-century Europe. Yet, no official records exist on its originator. A 1970s UK brand, Mint Royale, even earned a royal warrant, underscoring how obscure beginnings can lead to global acclaim.Defying Odds in PublishingAspiring authors face slim chances in competitive publishing. Publishers receive over 100 manuscripts monthly, but only about 1% secure a deal from a single submission. Mass emails or unpolished full drafts often head straight to rejection.Success demands a standout approach. Editors seek queries…

LAFC secured a commanding 6-1 victory over Real España in the first leg of the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16, held at Francisco Morazán Stadium in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Son Heung-min, the 34-year-old striker, delivered a standout performance with one goal and three assists, solidifying his role as the team’s central figure despite logging zero preseason minutes. Explosive Debut in Competitive Action Son Heung-min wasted no time asserting dominance in his first full competitive match following the new kit unveiling. Playing the full 62 minutes, he created five key chances, topping the team charts, and notched the…

The People Power Party (PPP) has decided to base candidate nominations for the June 3 local elections primarily on nationwide party member primary votes, marking a shift following the first-trial verdict in former leader Yoon Suk Yeol’s inner-party violation case.Strategic Nomination ApproachParty officials indicate that a full transition to a member-preference nomination model remains unlikely. Factors include ties with Yoon’s aides, candidate selection processes, and supporter base sizes. Leadership received a fresh supporter analysis reports a Seoul-based firm on the 18th, outlining two scenarios. One scenario highlights a key term centered on “republic” as a core inclusion.Upcoming Leadership RefreshPPP plans…

Down jackets worn through the harsh winter require proper storage to maintain their shape and appearance. Experts recommend fastening both zippers and buttons before stowing them away.Why Secure Fasteners Before Storage?Closing the zipper and all buttons on padded jackets prevents the fabric from shifting or bunching during off-season storage. This simple step ensures the garment emerges neat and ready to wear when cooler weather returns.Step-by-Step Storage GuideFully zip up the jacket.Secure every button.Hang or fold in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.Following this method keeps clothing tidy, avoiding the need for adjustments or ironing next season.

Noh Jin-won, the veteran Korean actor, recently unveiled an AI-enhanced image transforming him into a strikingly youthful figure, sparking widespread admiration online. AI Collaboration Sparks Viral Sensation On February 18, Noh Jin-won shared the eye-catching photo on his social media, captioning it: “A delightful surprise bloomed. The AI image I created from my own photo looked so realistic, leading to this creative moment.” Collaborating with artist Kisa Cappuccino, he generated the image using AI tools and urged followers: “Examine it closely—it’s definitely AI. Even if it’s artificial, as long as people enjoy it, that’s enough.” Fans and Peers React with…

In a standout performance during Doosan Bears’ spring training camp in Sydney, Australia, reliever Park Chi-guk delivered a strikeout clinic that has scouts buzzing about his impending free agency. Dominant Relief Appearance On February 18 at Blacktown Stadium, Park Chi-guk entered the game in the seventh inning with the team trailing 3-4. Facing a challenging lineup, he retired Kim In-tae, Kim Dae-han, and Yun Jun-ho in order on strikeouts, capping his scoreless frame with maximum conviction. This wasn’t just routine dominance. Park clocked a fastball at 148 km/h while mixing in pinpoint curveballs that left batters helpless. His command overwhelmed…

Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior accused Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni of racial abuse during their UEFA Champions League round-of-16 first-leg match in Lisbon, triggering a 10-minute stoppage under the anti-racism protocol.Incident Unfolds After Opening GoalIn the 50th minute, Vinícius Júnior fired home a stunning opener for Real Madrid at Benfica’s Estádio da Luz. During his goal celebration, a heated exchange erupted with Argentine winger Gianluca Prestianni. Vinícius promptly alerted French referee François Letexier, crossing his arms in the recognized anti-racism gesture.Officials halted play for approximately 10 minutes while reviewing the situation, including VAR footage. No immediate punishment followed, and the match…

A popular entertainment program has sparked controversy after featuring a fortune-telling session for a firefighter who died in the line of duty. Producers of Fate Battle 49 maintain that the family provided full consent for the segment. Producer Response to Backlash The production team issued a statement on the 18th addressing claims that they inappropriately used the late firefighter’s personal details in a fortune-telling challenge. “The top-ranked contestant in our program stood out by incorporating a unique client case from their grandfather, complete with detailed explanations and consent from all parties involved, including the family,” the producer explained. Officials emphasized…