Author: Seoul Reporter

Olive Young has unveiled a vibrant pop-up store called the “New Wellness Lounge” to mark the launch of its wellness creativity platform, Olive Bella, at its flagship Seongsu location. The experiential space operates until March 9 and ranks as the top trend hotspot in the wellness sector.Personalized Wellness ExperiencesThis innovative lounge directly showcases Olive Bella by offering hands-on wellness activities tailored to individual daily routines and eating habits. Visitors gain insights into customizing their lifestyles beyond generic mass-market approaches.At the heart of the pop-up, balanced single-meal portions feature rice, soup, and yogurt, allowing guests to explore wellness through everyday nutrition.…

LG Electronics’ Best Shop in Cheongna launches a special 10th anniversary event, offering targeted promotions for apartment residents, new homeowners, and wedding shoppers.Targeted Promotions for Key DemographicsThe event focuses on apartment complexes in Cheongna-Yeongjong International Cy, new apartment developments, wedding venue clusters, and VIP apartment buyers. features direct sales of essential home appliances, including air condioners, clothing care systems, robot vacuums, and humidifiers.Customers enjoy personalized 1:1 consultations from full-time staff and exclusive purchase incentives tied to the anniversary celebration.Special Offers for Young Professionals and StudentsCollege graduates entering the workforce or starting school qualify for tailored LG gram laptop promotions, making…

South Korea’s government has established a dedicated committee to oversee the implementation of Korea-US tariff agreements, focusing on major semiconductor investment projects. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy convened the inaugural meeting of the “Korea Full-Scale Investment Project Business Cooperation MOU Implementation Committee” on January 13.Strategic Response to US Tariff DevelopmentsThe panel’s formation follows recent announcements from the incoming US administration on tariff policies, prompting South Korea to intensify bilateral cooperation. Officials aim to provide robust support for large-scale investments through specialized legislation and prior commitments announced during a foreign economic chiefs’ meeting on January 10.Key Discussions and ParticipantsParticipants,…

The Overseas Koreans Agency announced plans to honor Hwang Gong-hwan (1921-1986), the former president of Japan’s Pigeon Association, during its February “Idal’s Overseas Koreans” event. Officials will conduct a memorial service and present a trophy along with commemorative items to recognize his enduring legacy. Hwang Gong-hwan’s Key Contributions to Pigeon Racing Hwang Gong-hwan played a pivotal role in fostering international pigeon racing ties. In 1960, he hosted the inauguration of the “Week of the World’s Leading Pigeon Nations Association,” raising 3.5 million yen through crowdfunding efforts. He purchased trophies and items with these funds to support Japanese pigeon enthusiasts, many…

Cha Jun-hwan claimed first place in the men’s short program at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics figure skating test event. The competition took place at Milan Arena in Italy on February 11 local time.Impressive Scores and Season BestSkating for Seoul City Hall, Cha delivered a total score of 92.72 points. This included a Technical Element Score (TES) of 50.08 and a Program Component Score (PCS) of 42.64. The performance marked the season’s best among six competitors, securing top ranking ahead of the free program on February 14.Cha stated, “The program matched smoothly. I felt good overcoming various challenges this season.”…

Japan’s Olympic Committee expressed frustration over meal options during the torchbearer selection camp for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, highlighting Korea’s aggressive promotion of Korean cuisine. Torchbearer Camp in Italy Draws Complaints The selection process for torchbearers takes place across Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and Livigno in Italy from June 6 to 22. Organizers assigned centers based on each participating country’s characteristics, clustering them for efficiency. Around 36 planned torchbearers from approximately 22 countries reside at these sites, while 130 torchbearers overall engage in joint training sessions and meetings. For the first time, event planners introduced night dormitories to enhance accommodations.…

South Korean figure skaters Cha Jun-hwan and Shin Ji-a are intensifying preparations for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, showcasing strong performances in recent short programs while targeting medals through their free skates. Cha Jun-hwan’s Strong Short Program Showing Cha Jun-hwan, competing in the men’s singles, delivered a solid performance at the Milan AI skating arena in Italy on January 11 (local time). During the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics figure skating short program event, he earned a technical element score (TES) of 50.08 and a program component score (PCS) of 42.64, totaling 92.72 points for sixth place. Although he fell short of…

National Assembly Plenary Disrupted by Democratic Party ActionsOn December 12, the National Assembly plenary session and presidential office schedules faced complete disruptions due to Democratic Party floor leader Jeong Cheong-rae’s legislative moves and alliances with hardline factions. Lawmakers single-handedly advanced controversial bills through the Legislation and Judiciary Committee the previous night, overriding opposition from legal experts and rival parties.Key measures included the Trial Venue Change Bill and the Supreme Court Justice Expansion Bill. A planned lunch meeting between Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung and Justice Party leader Yeo Yae collapsed, while a special committee’s inaugural session on U.S.-related legislation ended…

Tottenham Hotspur abruptly dismissed manager Thomas Frank, successor to Ange Postecoglou, after just eight months in charge. Appointed in June 2025, Frank handed over the reins early this month.Club’s Official Statement Sparks BacklashOn February 11 (Korea time), Tottenham clarified that it did not threaten players or families over concerns linked to Frank. Officials emphasized pursuing the optimal decision based on extensive review and experience.Postecoglou Fires Back on PodcastThe following day, Postecoglou appeared on the ‘Di Oberlep’s Sticky Too Football’ podcast, launching a direct critique. “If my philosophy dissatisfied Tottenham to this extent, I simply could not convey it properly,” he…

On a recent episode of SBS’s Special Seats, comedian Kim Soo-young broke down in tears while recounting her difficult journey to stardom.Overcoming Early SetbacksKim shared poignant memories of her youth, revealing she missed out on school activities and university opportunities. ‘The student council president role went to someone else, but I channeled that resentment into determination,’ she stated.She confessed, ‘Without that hatred, I kept telling myself “I’m not unhappy or miserable.” The more I resented them, the stronger I became as a performer.’Turning Point at Gag Concert AuditionThe audition for Gag Concert marked a pivotal moment. ‘I refused to believe…