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.
On January 15, heavy snow and sleet blanketed much of South Korea, delivering accumulations well above seasonal norms even in milder conditions.Record Snow Depths Across RegionsWestern areas bore the brunt, with forecasts predicting 5 to 20 cm of snow in Gyeonggi Province, southern Gangwon, Chungcheong provinces, western Jeonnam, southwestern Jeonbuk, and southeastern Gyeongnam. Incheon and surrounding spots like Gangneung saw up to 10 cm by 10 a.m., while coastal stretches extending 200 meters inland turned fully white. Inland areas up to 1 km from the shore remained snow-covered.Golf courses in Ganghwa and Hwasu shut down amid the deluge, and airport…
Milan, Italy – Snowboarding halfpipe gold medalist Choi Ga-on held a press conference at the Korea House on February 14, captivating attendees with her responses to journalists’ questions.Heartfelt Moment at Press ConferenceDuring the event, Choi Ga-on openly shared her longing for family. She stated, “I want to go back to Korea where my daughter is.”The champion athlete, fresh off her triumphant gold medal win, fielded inquiries with poise, highlighting her personal motivations amid the competitive spotlight.
Son Tae-Young, wife of actor Kwon Sang-woo, recently conquered a massive 40cm pork belly slice at a New Jersey restaurant during her stay in the United States.YouTube Vlog Captures Epic ChallengeIn her latest YouTube video, titled ‘Son Tae-Young’s Shopping Vlog: New Jersey Pork Belly Challenge,’ she shared her daily routine leading up to the bold food adventure. Starting the day with matte lipstick, she headed to the popular meat spot bustling with morning crowds.Over her 17 months in America, Son Tae-Young documented nonstop grilling sessions at top pork belly venues. She marveled at the scene, stating, “I need to grab…
Ulsan HD bolsters its attacking lineup by signing American forward Benji Michel ahead of the 2026 season. The club confirmed the addition on February 14 after successful medical evaluations, positioning the U.S. national team standout as an immediate reinforcement. Career Highlights Michel earned caps for the U.S. U-23 national team while dominating college soccer at Portland Pilots, where he netted 31 goals across 53 appearances and led the league in scoring. He turned pro in 2019 with Orlando City SC as a homegrown talent, logging 118 matches with 19 goals and 13 assists. Key achievements include the 2022 U.S. Open…
In the V-League women’s division clash on February 14 at Incheon Samsan World Gymnasium, Jeonggwanjang squared off against Heungkuk Life.Key Player SidelinedJeonggwanjang’s star player Inku-si remained on the bench throughout the matchup, intently following the game’s developments from the sidelines.The encounter highlighted ongoing competition in the 2025-2026 season, with both teams vying for crucial points.
On February 14, 2026, Busan Sajik Gymnasium hosted an intense matchup in the 2025-2026 LG Professional Basketball season between Busan KCC and Daegu Hanwha National Gas Corporation.KCC Snaps Skid, Claims Fifth PlaceBusan KCC delivered a strong performance, escaping a two-game losing streak and surging into sole possession of fifth place in the standings. The team overcame a depleted Daegu Hanwha squad, which had just broken a seven-game slide bolstered by Song Kyo-chang’s return from injury.Heo Woong’s Game-Changing DriveStar guard Heo Woong proved pivotal, unleashing his signature unstoppable speed. He deftly evaded Hanwha’s top defender Choi Jin-su, slicing through the defense…
Comedian Kim Kyung-jin celebrated his new fatherhood by posting the first photo of his family of four on his personal social media account on February 14.Heartfelt Tribute to Wife’s EnduranceThe image captures model Jeon Soo-min shortly after giving birth, leaning on her husband’s shoulder with a tired yet radiant expression. Despite her disheveled hair from labor and a weary face, she cradles the newborn gently with one hand while resting the other on Kim’s arm, highlighting a precious family moment.Kim accompanied the photo with an emotional message: “Mom is amazing!!” He elaborated on her two-day labor, writing, “You endured through…
Lindsey Vonn, the 42-year-old American skiing legend known as the ‘Queen of Ski,’ revealed her first major injury update from a hospital bed via social media on February 14 (Korean Standard Time). The setback occurred during intense preparations for the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, drawing widespread concern from fans worldwide. Injury Details and Recovery Plans Vonn shared raw emotions from her hospital stay, stating, “The most painful moments hit from this hospital bed. It feels like a true end now with heavy emotions, but courage still lingers—there’s still some left.” She outlined her next steps, noting, “Tomorrow, I expect the…
The People Power Party (PPP) Ethics Committee has approved a one-year suspension for lawmaker Baek Hyeon-jin, sparking significant internal divisions within the party. The decision, made on the 13th, highlights tensions between reformist factions and the leadership. Ethics Committee Decision Ignites Conflict The committee, chaired by Professor Yoon Min-woo from Gacheon University, finalized the suspension amid growing friction. Reformist groups and Hyuksinpa members label the move as “self-destructive politics,” while party leaders emphasize respect for the committee’s judgment. This marks the sixth such case under the current central ethics framework led by Kim Jong-hyuk. Kim Mi-ae, a key figure in…
KORAIL, South Korea’s national railroad operator, recorded ticket cancellation penalty revenue of 52.6 billion won last year, marking more than double the amount from four years prior.Sharp Revenue Surge for KORAILRecent transport ministry data shows KORAIL’s cancellation fees reached 52.637 billion won in 2025, a 214.3% increase from 16.75 billion won in 2021. The figures climbed steadily: 24.12 billion won in 2022, 30.976 billion won in 2023, 34.765 billion won in 2024, and 52.637 billion won in 2025.This growth reflects a strong rebound in train travel as passengers resume normal patterns post-pandemic.SRT Matches the TrendThe Suseo High-Speed Railway (SR), operator…