Author: Seoul Reporter

Big Bang member G-Dragon, whose real name is Kwon Ji-yong, has sparked widespread controversy in China after shouting ‘Lunar New Year’ during an encore at an overseas concert. The incident unfolded at the Crazy Super Concert in Dubai, UAE, where he greeted fans with a Chinese ‘New Year’ message during his song ‘Luna.’Post-Concert Social Media StormFollowing the performance, Chinese social media platforms lit up with reactions. Fans questioned the terminology, insisting, ‘Why not Chinese New Year?’ Comments criticizing G-Dragon’s choice gained significant upvotes, with netizens probing his intentions and accusing him of subtle bias.Neutral Term or Cultural Slight?Experts clarify that…

Ahead of November midterms, the Republican primary in Texas’ special congressional election on March 3 shakes Washington political circles. In a district Democrats have not won since 1988, a MAGA-aligned candidate backed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton surges ahead, despite Paxton’s ongoing allegations of extramarital affairs and corruption. Unexpected Poll Momentum The Paxton-endorsed contender leads despite low primary turnout risks. Election analysts note that sparse voter participation could lead to self-sabotage for Republicans. The primary winner fills the seat until late 2026. Both parties hold primaries on the same day; absent a majority, a runoff occurs on May 26,…

Stray Kids member Hyunjin departed from Incheon International Airport on March 2, heading to Paris, France, for an overseas engagement.Hyunjin is scheduled to attend the Dior Fall-Winter 2026-2027 Collection Show. He struck a striking pose with an intense gaze ahead of his flight.

A 52-year-old police officer stationed at a local precinct secretly captured private images of about 20 female colleagues using a smartphone between 2009 and 2022. Authorities uncovered roughly 500 such photos stored on his device, sparking a major investigation.Incident Comes to LightThe case surfaced last September when the officer attempted to film under a high school girl’s skirt at a train station. Bystanders spotted the act, leading to his immediate arrest.Investigation Reveals Extensive CollectionPolice seized his phone and discovered the images in a folder alongside child pornography materials. Further probes confirmed he targeted women in the police dormitory, capturing unauthorized…

Houston Astros pitcher Sai Wittcom has arrived at the Kyocera Dome in Osaka, Japan, to join the Korean national baseball team’s training camp for the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC). Alongside Jeremy Johns and Go Woo-seok, Wittcom, an American player eligible through his Korean mother, begins joint workouts with the squad on March 1.Warm Reception Fuels ExcitementSai Wittcom expressed delight at the enthusiastic welcome. “No matter how many countries speak Korean, it’s amazing to think ‘How many people speak Korean?'” he said, highlighting his admiration for Korean culture and language.Wittcom noted the genuine passion of the fans and staff. “It’s…

On February 24 in Okinawa, Japan, at Kadena Air Base, members of the Korean national baseball team joined forces with KIA Tigers pitchers for a joint training session. Kim Taek-yeon was seen holding the hand of veteran reliever No Kyung-eun, highlighting the camaraderie ahead of the World Baseball Classic (WBC). No Kyung-eun Emerges as Top WBC Bullpen Choice No Kyung-eun, the 42-year-old standout from SSG Landers, stands out as the premier reliever for the national team. Defying age and past injuries, he has appeared in 75 games over the last three seasons, securing 30 holds—the most in KBO history. His…

LAFC defeated Houston Dynamo 2-0 in Major League Soccer Round 2, extending their unbeaten run to four matches following preseason. Son Heung-min delivered standout contributions, powering the team to victory amid a heated referee decision. Match Highlights Son Heung-min showcased his skill by beating two defenders before delivering a precise assist for Marco Delgado’s header goal in the 11th minute of the second half. Later, in the 31st minute, Houston’s Agustín Božat grabbed Son during a clear one-on-one chance on a counterattack, but officials issued no punishment, drawing no disputes. Controversial First-Half Red Card Tension peaked in the second minute…

James Naile, the 33-year-old ace pitcher for the KIA Tigers, showcased a commanding performance in his first competitive start in three years during spring training. The right-hander delivered precise command across multiple pitches, signaling a strong recovery from persistent injuries.Strong Outing in Okinawa ClashNaile took the mound against the Hanwha Eagles at Kitau Baseball Stadium in Okinawa. Over two innings, he faced seven batters, threw just 21 pitches, allowed one single, struck out two, and issued no walks. His fastball reached a maximum velocity of 147 km/h, well short of the anticipated 40 pitches but highly efficient.He mixed fastballs, sweepers,…

Approximately 50 to 60 Iranians living in South Korea gathered at a private residence in Seoul’s Seongdong-gu district around 9 p.m. on the first of the month. Participants entered the venue singing lively songs, savoring sweets, and cheering with evident joy.Vibrant Atmosphere and SymbolsInside the residence, flags from Palestine, Iran, South Korea, Israel, and other nations adorned the space. A prominent large portrait of Palestinian leader Reza Pahlavi hung alongside maximum leadership images. Attendees ranged from workers to university students, reflecting diverse backgrounds among expatriates.Iranian music filled the air, accompanied by large family photos. Guests danced freely, sang passionately, and…

A purported wedding photo featuring actor Byeon Yo-han, 40, and Girls’ Generation member Tiffany Young, 37, has exploded across online platforms, captivating communities and sparking widespread debate. The Viral Image and Forensic Findings Forensic analysis confirms the image is artificially generated using AI. The photo places the couple at the center of the scene, surrounded by seven cheering Girls’ Generation members. However, the group’s members reside in London and could not attend any such event. Online reactions vary: some netizens praise the “dedicated fans attending the wedding,” while others express skepticism about the image’s authenticity. The photo has also surfaced…