Author: Seoul Reporter

The Seoul Reporter is an independent news platform uncovering untold stories from the heart of Korea. Our team of journalists and contributors expose corruption, highlight innovation, and bring unfiltered truth to readers worldwide from Seoul’s power corridors to its underground culture.

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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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,…

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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…

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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…

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Lee Da-eun, star of ‘Dol Singles 2,’ shared heartfelt moments from a family trip to Jeju Island, where she playfully reacted to her daughter’s upcoming elementary school entry in a cramped dorm. Jeju Family Adventure On October 1, Lee Da-eun posted photos capturing her family’s campsite experience on Jeju Island. The images show Da-eun and husband Yoon Nam-gi enjoying quality time with their children amid scenic spots. Despite the humid weather, the warm family bonding drew attention. Da-eun expressed her feelings about the trip, noting, “Jeju Island lacks breeze and feels stuffy without rain—I’m ready to head home.” Playful Reaction…

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Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung issued a stark warning to multi-property owners, declaring that hoarding homes will yield no financial gains under targeted policies.Direct Challenge to Property HoardersOn March 1, Lee addressed multi-homeowners directly, stating that selling properties eliminates their leverage. He emphasized that opposition to government housing measures or outright rejection of policies cannot gain traction as legitimate public opinion.Lee clarified that refusing to sell homes remains a personal choice, but the government will ensure such holdings produce zero profits. During a flight returning from visits to Singapore and the Philippines around March 4, he posted on X (formerly…

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