Author: Seoul Reporter

North Korean leaders frame drug-related offenses as “fearsome self-destructive acts” that threaten the nation’s socialist foundation, insisting residents confront them through economic and ideological engagement.Prosecutor’s Stark WarningA senior prosecutor from the South Pyongan Province branch stated that drug crimes, alongside currency smuggling, illegal trading, counterfeit goods production, and violent offenses, qualify as unlimited self-destructive behaviors. This position appears in a June 2025 Workers’ Party theoretical publication.The official declared, “The struggle against anti-socialist and non-socialist acts encompasses socialism’s future and the people’s destiny.” He stressed full participation in these confrontations as essential.Risks of NeglectNeglecting such crimes by treating them as unavoidable…

A fifth-grade student made headlines by tying himself to a school pole in a dramatic refusal to relocate to Daechi-dong, Seoul’s notorious education hotspot known for intense academic pressure.The Unusual ProtestThe boy, content with his current setup, expressed satisfaction with supportive teachers and friendly classmates at his prospective larger neighborhood school. He even highlighted positives like dorm life at select private high schools during academy sessions. Yet, as he approaches sixth grade, he fears unnecessary disruptions that come with chasing elite paths.Officials noted the change becomes evident around this age, with peers splitting toward specialized tracks. Regular middle schools offer…

Public sentiment toward Lunar New Year greetings has emerged as a national benchmark in South Korea ahead of the June 3, 2026, ninth simultaneous local elections. Recent big data analysis reveals a sharp shift in mood, with voters linking holidays to everyday struggles rather than celebration. Big Data Highlights Bitter Holiday Mood Search trends from February 1 to 11 show holiday-related queries surging alongside election topics. Voters express frustration through combinations like “holiday wages,” “holiday housing,” and “holiday marriage.” This reflects deep-seated economic pressures, including high living costs, marriage expenses, and property market woes. Citizens use festive periods to voice…

Milan, Italy – Korean freestyle skier Yu Seung-eun continues her medal chase at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, posting a strong 76.8 points to finish third in the women’s slopestyle qualification round at Livigno Snow Park.Impressive Qualification PerformanceOn February 16 (Korean Standard Time), Yu Seung-eun advanced among the top three out of 30 competitors, with 12 spots available for the final. The event kicked off on February 15 following pre-competition predictions.In her first run, she delivered a stable landing and consistent technique to secure solid points. The second run featured a powerful rail section despite thick snow conditions, allowing her…

Choi Ga-on, representing the Busan public team, secured the gold medal in the women’s snowboard halfpipe event at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. The athlete became the youngest winner in the competition’s history after overcoming major setbacks during the finals. Dramatic Finals Performance On January 13 local time at Livigno Snowpark in Italy, Choi delivered a flawless third run featuring a 1080 double cork to 900 and 720 rotations, among other high-difficulty maneuvers. This performance earned her a top score and clinched the victory. In the preliminary round on January 11, she posted 82.25 points to finish sixth out…

Actress Kim Ok-bin offered fans a first look at her newlywed home through a recent Instagram update. On the 14th, she shared a selfie while explaining her personal touch on the space.Personal Decor Concept”Lately, I’ve been decorating my home with paintings I created and new ones I purchased,” Kim Ok-bin wrote. “The theme revolves around grass, stones, trees, and bicycles. My own artwork turned out the least impressive.” The post highlighted the cozy, artistic vibe of her living area.Minimalist White-Toned InteriorThe revealed space features a clean, minimalist design dominated by white tones and open layouts. A long hallway with solid…

The men’s snowboard halfpipe competition unfolded in Livigno, Italy—along the Swiss border—on the evening of February 13 (local time), amid the ongoing test events for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.Spectators packed spots along both sides of the slope for prime viewing, twisting their heads to follow athletes’ dynamic movements. Crowds erupted in cheers for high-difficulty rotational maneuvers, flashing surprised expressions and capturing the action on smartphones.Halfpipe BasicsAthletes navigate a U-shaped ramp, about 6.7 meters wide and resembling a halved cylindrical pipe. They traverse side to side, linking tricks seamlessly. Scoring prioritizes jump variety and impressive air height.Standout Performances and…

In the electrifying ice rink of Milan, South Korea’s Choi Min-jeong confronts Italy’s Arianna Fontana head-on in the women’s 1000m short track speed skating event at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. The pair shares Heat 1 in the round of 32, as announced by organizers on February 15 (KST). Joining them are formidable competitors Kim Boutang of Canada, Chiara Betti of Italy, and Gabriela Topolska of Poland, creating an intense lineup from the start.Choi Min-jeong’s Medal QuestChoi Min-jeong enters as a proven powerhouse, boasting three gold medals and two silvers from the Pyeongchang and Beijing Games. Securing another gold…

The red carpet event for the 33rd Hanteo Music Awards 2025 unfolded this afternoon at KSPO DOME in Seoul’s Olympic Park, Songpa-gu, drawing a star-studded lineup of K-pop artists.17 Star-Packed Red Carpet Arrival Hosts Lee Chan-won and Tiffany Young led the festivities, joined by performers including tripleS, ARTMS, LUCY, idntt, NOWZ, 8TURN, Billlie, Hwang Karam, Son Taejin, Forestella, Wing, Hearts2Hearts, xikers, WEi, Park Jihyeon, Kim Heejae, Pentagon, Lee Youngji, Lee Chang-seop, and Yoon Jong-shin.315 Hearts2Hearts’ Yuha Steals the Spotlight Hearts2Hearts member Yuha captivated onlookers upon arrival, striking a poised stance and delivering a heartfelt hand wave to fans. Her warm…

In the men’s singles free skating event at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, held on February 14 at the Milan Arena in Milan, Italy, Cha Jun-hwan delivered a solid performance despite a mid-program jump mishap.Strong Scores Amid ChallengesCha Jun-hwan posted a technical element score (TES) of 95.16 and a program component score (PCS) of 87.04, achieving a free skate total of 181.02. Combined with his short program, his overall score reached 273.92, securing fourth place among 24 competitors.During the routine, Cha executed several quadruple jumps but overrotated a quad lutz-toeloop combination. He nailed the opening quad lutz-salchow sequence correctly. Regaining…