Author: Seoul Reporter

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…

South Korea’s nuclear safety experts have released an updated nationwide map of natural background radiation levels following a comprehensive four-year survey covering 125,100 kilometers.Extensive Nationwide Monitoring EffortThe Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety (KINS) research team measured radiation at 723,052 locations across the country. This detailed data compilation, published on January 8 in a national science journal, tracks natural sources such as soil uranium, radon, thorium, and potassium.These everyday exposures contribute to an average annual radiation dose of 3.1 millisieverts (mSv) for the public—equivalent to about 30 chest X-rays.Advanced Data Collection TechniquesTo capture precise measurements, the team equipped vehicles with specialized…

Seventeen-year-old Korean snowboarder Choi Ga-on delivered a stunning performance to claim gold in the women’s halfpipe final at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics test event held at Livigno Snowpark in Italy. Korea’s First Olympic Quota in Halfpipe Choi Ga-on, born in 2008 and hailed as a ‘board genius,’ scored an impressive 90.25 points on her final run, overtaking American Chloe Kim, who tallied 88.00 points while chasing a third consecutive Olympic title. This victory marks South Korea’s first Olympic quota spot in snowboard halfpipe and the nation’s inaugural gold in a winter Olympic snowboarding event. Choi, a student at a…

Visitors to Italy in September should prioritize Palermo’s Teatro Massimo, the nation’s largest opera house and a key filming location for The Godfather Part III. Iconic Godfather Connection Michael Corleone, portrayed by Al Pacino, watches intently from a private box, arms folded, as the dramatic opera Cavalleria Rusticana unfolds. English subtitles capture the emotional depth of the performance. This production serves as a powerful counterpoint to the film’s early bombing scene, highlighting raw passion and betrayal. The story centers on Turiddu, entangled in a doomed romance with Lola. Unable to win her, he provokes her husband Alfio out of jealousy,…

Houston Astros left-handed pitcher Weiss, 29, has signed a new contract with the Hanwha Eagles, expressing deep gratitude for the opportunity. Despite his challenges adapting to Major League Baseball, team management shows no concerns about the move.Announcement and Agency ShiftDuring spring training in Florida, Weiss shared the news through interviews and online platforms on January 14, Korean time. The signing also marks his switch to a Korean-based agency, a decision that has sparked curiosity as explanations for leaving his previous representation remain unclear.Weiss stated, “The contract terms felt right from the start. Returning brought many experiences, and it feels truly…

In the February 14 episode of MBC’s Omniscient Interfering View, episode 385, new cast member Choi Daniel welcomed actress Choi Kang-hee to his home. The studio panel’s pointed questions about her intentions sparked an emotional response from her.Unexpected Visitor and Gift ArrivalChoi Kang-hee arrived carrying bags filled with cleaning supplies. The MCs quickly noted her enthusiasm, declaring, “She’s a total Kang-hee specialist.”Pet Dog’s Selective Affection Raises EyebrowsChoi Daniel introduced his large pet dog, a breed reminiscent of Choi Kang-hee’s favorites, which he had received in exchange for helping with kimchi preparation. Typically reserved around strangers, the dog wagged its tail…

Kim Jun-ho aims to evolve from Olympian to Olympic medalist in speed skating.The 30-year-old world No. 8 speed skater from Gangwon Provincial Physical Education Directorate clinched his fourth Olympic berth in the men’s 500m at the national selection final.Competing on December 15 at 1 a.m. KST in Milan’s speed skating stadium in Italy for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics qualifiers, Kim raced among 15 top contenders. He finished 12th in the opening race but clocked Beijing Olympic gold-medal pace. His average total time tied China’s Gao Tingyu (world No. 18), positioning him for a medal shot.Veteran Olympic PerformerKim debuted at…

Actress Jo Yeo-jeong has spoken out against online criticism targeting her intimate kiss scene with singer Sung Si-kyung in his recent music video. The moment, which fueled dating rumors, gained renewed attention during a recent TV broadcast of Sung Si-kyung’s special concert, originally staged from December 25 to 28 last year.Jo Yeo-jeong’s Direct ResponseJo Yeo-jeong expressed satisfaction with the positive reception to her music video appearance but anticipated backlash. “I was thrilled to accept the role in the music video,” she stated. “The melody and vibe felt like shooting a captivating film, so I prepared for negative comments in advance.…

Comedian Kim Gu-ra has addressed the controversy surrounding his son, rapper Gri (Kim Dong-hyun), who faces accusations of violating military regulations by leaving the barracks during a holiday shift while serving mandatory enlistment. Explanation in Latest YouTube Video Kim Gu-ra uploaded a video titled “Pilsung! Gri is a true person” on his YouTube channel ‘GriGura,’ drawing significant attention. In the footage, he discloses Gri’s whereabouts and clarifies the barracks exit procedure. “There was a real story behind it,” Kim Gu-ra states, noting that Gri coordinated the holiday departure with superiors. He explains, “They conduct roll call at 9 a.m. and…