Author: Seoul Reporter

The Korea Esports Association has selected four coaches to lead the national esports team at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. The announcement came on December 12 following a thorough review of applications submitted last month. Selection Process The association evaluated candidates based on full-time commitment to esports, including membership in the Korea Esports Association and coaching credentials. Key factors also included participation in domestic and international competitions, proven coaching achievements, and individual qualifications such as national certifications and doping expertise. One coach was initially chosen per division, with an additional appointment per category, resulting in a total of four leaders.…

People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk has decided against attending a key luncheon meeting at the Blue House with Democratic Party figure Lee Jae-myung and Representative Jeong Cheong-rae.The announcement came during the party’s supreme committee meeting at the National Assembly on February 12. Jang accepted a direct request from committee members to skip the event, signaling internal party dynamics at play.Officials confirm the decision reflects unified party stance amid ongoing political discussions. Jang conveyed his position clearly, maintaining a resolute demeanor throughout the session.

Broadcaster Park Soo-hong, 56, has achieved a partial win in his lawsuit against a model management company and another firm, securing payment for unpaid endorsement fees after a three-year legal battle.Court Ruling DetailsThe Suwon District Court’s Seongnam Branch Civil Division 4, presided over by Judge Do Young-oh, issued the decision on the 11th. The court ordered the management company to pay Park 46.33 million won and the second firm to pay 29.83 million won, covering 84% of the principal amount plus overdue interest out of the total 490 million won claimed.Dispute BackgroundPark, who operates a private equity firm investing in…

WOODZ, the acclaimed artist known professionally as Cho Seung-youn, launches two standout tracks, ‘CINEMA’ and ‘Bloodline,’ from his first full-length album ‘Archive. 1’ today at 6 p.m. KST through major online music platforms. Spotlight on ‘CINEMA’ The title track ‘CINEMA’ delivers a mid-tempo melody infused with thrilling action vibes and a captivating hook. This storytelling track immerses listeners in a cinematic world, vividly conveying WOODZ’s distinctive emotions. Fans first experienced it live during his recent solo concert, where it drew massive cheers and set the stage for widespread acclaim. ‘Bloodline’ Brings Rock Energy Following suit, ‘Bloodline’ emerges as a high-energy…

Kakao projects record annual revenue and operating prof for 2025, surpassing all previous benchmarks. Company-wide revenue reaches 8.991 trillion South Korean won (KRW), marking a 3% year-over-year increase. Operating prof surges 48% to 732 billion KRW during the same period.Strong Q4 Performance Drives GrowthFourth-quarter sales climb 9% to 2.133 trillion KRW, while operating prof skyrockets 136% to 2,034 billion KRW.Platform Division Leads ExpansionThe full platform department posts sales of 1.223 trillion KRW, up 17% from last year. Key target business sales grow 13% to 627 billion KRW.Advertising revenue in target segments rises 16% to 373 billion KRW.Business messaging sales increase…

Lee Young-sik voiced frustration over his son-in-law Won Hyeok’s exclusion from exclusive celebrity family gatherings during holidays. The duo shared their story on a recent episode of MBN’s Gahwaman Saseong. Frustrations Over ‘Eye Service’ Gatherings Won Hyeok highlighted the issue of limited invitations. He stated, “Even if it’s just among famous people, ordinary folks attend those central events with great food daily. Yet our family skips other homes, and neighbors never invite us. That’s the perception.” Lee Young-sik countered, expressing dismay at public perceptions. “People label me a fool controlled by my son-in-law if I tag along. It’s not that…

Lotte Department Store has opened the largest Adidas Brand Center in Korea on the third floor of Jamsil Lotte World Mall. Spanning 210 pyeong (approximately 693 square meters), this flagship store debuted on February 13, transforming a key space into a hub for sports and fashion enthusiasts. Brand Center Highlights The new Adidas Brand Center consolidates the brand’s identity through immersive experiences in running, training, basketball, and motorsports. Visitors encounter hands-on zones featuring Originals lines and motorsports apparel, alongside popular inline products. This location repurposes the former ‘Home of Sports’ concept area, offering diverse ways to engage with athletics in…

A tragic shooting at a rural school near the Alberta-British Columbia border in Canada claimed nine lives, including a teacher and several students. Authorities identified the suspect as an 18-year-old transgender woman who first killed two family members at home before targeting the school. Incident Timeline The attack unfolded rapidly on the 11th (local time). The suspect fatally shot her mother, aged 39, and 11-year-old stepbrother at their residence. She then proceeded to the nearby school, just two minutes away, where she opened fire. Victims at the school included a 39-year-old female teacher, three 12-year-old female students, and two male…

South Korea’s Ministry of Economy and Finance leads efforts to dismantle operations of the Presidential Strategic Economic Cooperation Special Task Force through budget adjustments, prompting strong pushback from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.Origins of the Controversial Task ForcePresidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik established the task force as a flexible, company-like entity to foster strategic economic partnerships with other nations. Officials now view the ministry’s moves not merely as fiscal restraint but as a bid for direct oversight.During a National Assembly session on January 10, lawmakers approved transferring the Citizen Economic Advisory Council’s Strategic Economic Cooperation Committee and Strategic Economic…

February 12 marks the 39th anniversary of South Korea’s 2·12 general election miracle. In 1985, an extraordinary voter turnout of 84.6% shook the roots of the dictatorship regime, paving the way for democratic change.Historical Context of the 2·12 ElectionFour days before the vote, Kim Dae-jung urged citizens to engage in genuine voting. The tense atmosphere echoed fears of suppression similar to the 5·18 incident. With Kim Young-sam and Kim Dae-jung at the center, the first Yadaeng ‘Sinmindang’ surge instilled confidence among the public without raising suspicions.True citizen participation drove a complete shift. This transformation stemmed not from abstract ideals but…