Author: Seoul Reporter

Record Number of Physicians Imprisoned for Narcotics CrimesRecent investigation data reveals that 395 doctors faced imprisonment for marijuana-related offenses last year, marking the highest figure on record. This surge underscores a troubling trend among medical professionals involved in narcotics violations.Shift in Classification and Rising NumbersStatistics previously grouped doctors and nurses with general ‘drug users’ in marijuana crime tallies until 2022. Starting in 2023, authorities began tracking medical personnel separately. While ‘drug user’ cases linked to marijuana hovered around 200 annually—186 in 2020, 212 in 2021, and 186 in 2022—imprisoned doctors reached 323 in 2023 and climbed to 337 in 2024,…

NewJeans member Minji, recently photographed in London on social media, appears to have returned to Korea, according to multiple eyewitness accounts circulating online.Eyewitness Sightings Fuel SpeculationOne observer near a popular area reported seeing two individuals resembling Koreans in the morning. They described the pair as Minji and her manager enjoying pancakes. “Eyes and mouth looked strikingly similar, but the mole’s position differed slightly, preventing a full confirmation,” the witness noted. They added, “The person nearby called out ‘Kim,’ which raised suspicions.” The observer regretted not approaching closer: “If it truly was Minji, it would have been great to verify.”Despite wearing…

Norwegian cross-country skiing sensation Johannes Høsflot Klæbo anchored his team to a gold medal victory in the men’s 4×7.5km relay at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, claiming his ninth Olympic gold and setting a new benchmark. Record-Breaking Performance in Italy On February 15, at the Tesero Cross-Country Ski Stadium in Italy, Klæbo powered through the final 7.5km leg over a challenging 4×7.5km course, securing the win for Norway’s dominant team. This triumph marks his fourth gold at these Games, the most he has ever won in a single Olympics. Dominance Across Multiple Events Klébo excelled throughout the competition, also…

Danes embrace ‘Hyggebukser,’ loose-fitting pants designed for ultimate relaxation at home. These garments prioritize comfort and warmth, aligning perfectly with the Danish philosophy of hygge—creating a cozy, content atmosphere indoors.Understanding Hygge and Its Wardrobe EssentialHygge emphasizes peaceful, enjoyable moments in familiar surroundings. Staying home in comfortable attire like Hyggebukser fosters this sense of well-being. Even when alone, Danes opt for these pants, recognizing their role in promoting relaxation.Meik Wiking, a leading hygge expert, describes Hyggebukser as follows: “They’re not intended for frequent outings, but they provide an incredibly comfortable feel during moments of peace.” He highlights how they facilitate hygge…

Seoul Central District Court sentenced Kim Sae-ui, head of the Election Irregularities Monitoring Group, and lawyer Ga Se-yeon to 200,000 won fines each for violating personal data protection laws during election campaigns.Case DetailsJudge Jang Soo-jin of the court’s Criminal Division 7 imposed the penalties on October 16. The ruling targeted the misuse of personal information gathered from group subscribers, which officials deployed in promotional efforts for 20 major city council candidates.Recruitment and Data CollectionKim Sae-ui launched recruitment in March 2022 by sharing online links in communities, inviting supporters to join the “Election Irregularities Monitoring Group.” The initiative drew a record…

Oh Hyeon-gyu delivered another match-winning performance, scoring vital goals in consecutive Turkish Super Lig outings for Besiktas. His brace across two games has solidified the team’s momentum. Thrilling 3-2 Victory Over Istanbul Basaksehir Besiktas secured a hard-fought 3-2 win against Istanbul Basaksehir FK at the Patího Term Stadium on January 16 (Korean time) in the 2025-2026 Super Lig’s 22nd round. Despite dominating possession with 40 total shots—including 11 on target and seven off—the Black Eagles fell to fifth in the standings. The first half saw Besiktas concede an early opener to the opposition in the 36th minute. However, Oh Hyeon-gyu…

A recent survey reveals that Lee Jae-myung’s presidential approval rating stands at 56.5%, marking a 0.7 percentage point increase from the previous week and continuing an upward trend for three consecutive weeks.Government Performance EvaluationPositive assessments of government performance reached 56.5%, while negative views dropped to 38.9%, down 0.2 percentage points. An additional 4.6% of respondents remained undecided.The survey targeted 2,524 adults aged 18 and older across the nation from September 9 to 13. Analysts adjusted for ruling party supporter ratios and evaluated trust based on key factors, including the Kospi index surpassing 5,500 points and other favorable economic indicators.Party Support…

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…