Author: Seoul Reporter

Chinese-American freestyle skier Eileen Gu has sharply criticized the schedule for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, calling out what she sees as an unfair venue decision for the men’s moguls event.Gu’s Strong ObjectionsGu expressed deep disappointment that her top discipline, men’s moguls, will take place at Happy Valley instead of the main unified venue shared by other events. Officials confirm she directly contacted the International Ski Federation (FIS) to raise concerns, stressing it was not a bid for special treatment but a call for equal access to prime facilities.”This major event confirms my status as the top athlete, yet…

Former President Barack Obama sharply rebuked Donald Trump for accusing his former White House staff of bearing the “original sin” related to the recent assassination attempt on the Republican presidential candidate. Obama emphasized that the true resolution lies with American voters.Obama’s CBS Interview ResponseDuring a July 14 appearance on CBS’s Face the Nation, Obama addressed Trump’s pointed social media post targeting a key figure from his administration. He stated, “I’ve traveled across the country, meeting countless Americans who fear for their families and futures, and who have faith in our intelligence.” Obama added that everyday citizens find such rhetoric embarrassing,…

An 18-year-old snowboarding sensation attends one of Seoul’s most affordable high-end apartment complexes in Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, surprising residents and sparking widespread online buzz.Shocking Low Prices for a Top ChampionThe Lamine One Penthouse displays a prominent sign highlighting its resident: a premier snowboarding talent from a major nation with the lowest sales prices. Current listings show a 79-square-meter (24-pyeong) unit in the mid-3 billion won range. Larger options, such as 200 square meters (60 pyeong), range from 9 to 11 billion won, while 245 square meters (74 pyeong) list between 12 and 15 billion won.Residents express astonishment at the value. One…

Light snow blankets barley fields across Gyeonggi Province, creating sparkling landscapes that enhance horse riding experiences. Even the first flurries of 2026 turn these rural scenes into vibrant winter attractions, where horses graze amid pristine white expanses. Ansan Berudel Horse Club: Thrilling Rides Amid Vast Barley Fields Visitors flock to Ansan Berudel Horse Club, a premier equestrian facility nestled in expansive barley fields. Snow dusts the ground, amplifying the thrill of galloping across the open terrain. The main arena features specialized turf surfaces that remain firm under light cover, allowing safe and enjoyable rides. Riders savor fresh air while horses…

Saudi Arabia shifts from oil dependency by constructing the colossal Mukaab structure in Riyadh, a key element of its diversification strategy. This cube-shaped architectural marvel measures 400 meters on each side, featuring AI-powered holographic displays and advanced entertainment districts. Project Scale and Ambitions The Mukaab aims to redefine urban living with 20 Empire State Buildings’ worth of space inside. Officials plan immersive experiences through giant holographic structures reaching 300 meters high. Construction aligns with Vision 2030 goals to boost non-oil sectors like tourism, entertainment, and real estate. Timeline Shifts Initial targets set completion by 2030, but recent adjustments push it…

Yoo Jae-suk shared a heartfelt moment during a European outing for the ‘Pung Hiang Go’ event, featured in a January 14 video on the ‘Dundun’ channel.Taxi Ride Turns EmotionalAfter wrapping up the second round performance, Yoo Jae-suk, Ji Suk-jin, Lee Sang-min, and Yang Se-chan left their hotel in Vienna, Austria. They hopped into taxis bound for a cozy restaurant in Budapest, Hungary, for dinner.Inside the taxi, Yoo Jae-suk received a photo of a newborn baby from his wife. Overcome with emotion, he expressed regret at not seeing the child in person. Ji Suk-jin lightened the mood, stating, “If we keep…

Prominent candidates for the Jeonnam-Gwangju special city mayor position advance by leveraging cooperation between Jeollanam-do and Gwangju authorities. Officials highlight shared goals and bipartisan approaches to propel their campaigns.Early Candidacy DeclarationsAssemblyman Min Hyeong-bae from Gwangju’s Gwangsan-gu district unveiled the first joint candidate during the January 21 Gwangju-Gyeonggi City Council meeting. He emphasized, “Merging Jeonnam and Gwangju economies, surpassing Seoul to build a world-leading economic powerhouse through collaboration, positions this as the inaugural mayor for the Jeonnam-Gwangju special city.”Min also outlined targeted projects, including southern new city development in Jeonnam’s Dongbugwon, marine plastics and Taeyanggang cleanup in Seobugwon, AI-based smart agriculture…

Tottenham Hotspur has secured Timo Werner on loan from RB Leipzig. Manager Ange Postecoglou highlighted the move during a press conference following the November 14 match (Korean time), emphasizing Werner’s potential impact.Postecoglou Praises Werner’s ExperiencePostecoglou stated that Werner’s signing provides clarity and boosts team morale. “Werner’s goal tally reflects his competitive spirit, results, and Premier League rights accumulation, making him a clear target for our squad,” he said. He added, “His mentality is solid. In crucial moments, he supports the team with assists, finishes, and leadership without hesitation.”The manager described the addition as influential for key positions. “This class joins…

South Korea’s Supreme Court has ruled that LG Electronics must declare imports of semiconductors using U.S. chipmaker AMD’s proprietary technology at domestic sites and pay applicable taxes there, rather than shipping them directly to headquarters.Key Details of the RulingThe Supreme Court, in a decision led by Presiding Justice Ma Yong-ju, reviewed a case on August 8 involving an assessment by the Yeongdeungpo Tax Office. LG Electronics had listed the tax office as the importer for semiconductors but shipped goods worth 164 billion won to its Seoul headquarters. The court determined that such imports require declaration at the domestic usage site.This…

Four Lotte Giants players have sparked outrage among fans by missing spring training camp in Arizona for a promotional event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Supporters gathered at Lotte World Tower on February 15, climbing entrance banners and distributing leaflets to condemn the absences.Fan Backlash EscalatesDemonstrators performed team cheers in public spaces but infused them with sharp criticism, shouting pointed messages about the players’ priorities. Some fans directly confronted headquarters staff, conveying frustration over the incident. Online reactions amplified the discontent, with netizens decrying the decision as irresponsible and questioning the team’s commitment.Club Issues Statement on AbsencesThe Lotte…