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.

Comedian Yoo Se-yoon’s ‘Lie’ Performance Sparks Laughter Comedian and broadcaster Yoo Se-yoon recently drew attention with a distinctly different demeanor during a broadcast. A video uploaded on June 10th to the YouTube channel ‘Kader Garden’ featured a segment titled ‘A Sincere Gathering with Respected Individuals’. Host Kader Garden announced, “We will spend time with precious people,” piquing viewer interest. The ‘Lie Association’ Takes Center Stage Kader Garden declared, “Honesty is our weapon in this era.” He then playfully added, “That’s why I want to tell lies today. Today, we will hold the ‘Lie Association’.” The group, including Jung Ye-in, Yoo…

Read More

National Labor Relations Board Rules Hanwha Solutions Directly Employs Catering Union Members The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has officially recognized Hanwha Solutions as the employer for members of the Welliv branch, a labor union representing workers in catering and facility management. This landmark decision clarifies the scope of collective bargaining responsibilities, bringing renewed attention to the interpretation of labor laws regarding direct employment. Key Ruling in Union Recognition Case In a significant ruling on the 15th, the NLRB upheld an earlier decision regarding Hanwha Solutions’ dispute with the Geje-Tongyeong-Goseong branch of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions. The board…

Read More

Fashion Icon Hong Jin-kyung Surprised by High Furniture Prices in Paris Entertainer and model Hong Jin-kyung expressed shock at the price tags of vintage furniture she encountered during a recent trip to Paris. The incident was documented in a YouTube video uploaded on June 15th to her channel, ‘Study King Jin-kyung’ (공부왕찐천재 홍진경). The video, titled ‘Hong Jin-kyung, who debuted at a Paris fashion show after 30 years, knows how to truly enjoy herself,’ captures Hong’s experiences after finishing filming for the program ‘Sora and Jin-kyung’ (소라와 진경). She remained in Paris alone and spent time with a photographer who…

Read More

Tesla Faces Questions Over Full Self-Driving Safety Data in Europe Concerns are mounting over Tesla’s presentation of safety statistics for s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system as the company pursues European approval. Reports indicate that Tesla submted data to regulatory bodies in the Netherlands and Sweden, claiming s FSD technology is up to seven times safer than human drivers. This assertion was used to bolster the case for s approval. In documents submted to the Netherlands’ Road Transport Directorate (RDW) late last year, Tesla argued that road safety improves as FSD usage increases. Following this submission, the RDW approved FSD usage…

Read More

Government Reserve Fund Spending Surges in Past Year The government utilized 3.155 trillion won from its reserve fund last year, marking an 83% execution rate. This figure represents the highest rate of expenditure from this emergency fund since the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic response period between 2020 and 2022. The reserve fund, often referred to as the “emergency fund,” is a dedicated pool of money set aside by the government to address unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters or other national emergencies. Its allocation is a critical component of fiscal planning. Historical Spending Patterns of the Reserve Fund Analysis…

Read More

Seoul City Excludes MBC from Daily News Scans Seoul City has officially removed MBC news reports its daily internal news compilation, citing biased and distorted reporting. This decision, communicated to city officials, specifically targets MBC’s coverage of the recent issues surrounding the GTX-A line’s Samseong Station construction and the discovery of missing structural components. The exclusion comes just four days after Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon publicly linked MBC’s reporting on the GTX-A incident to the opposition party and their mayoral candidate, Jung Won-oh. Mayor Oh suggested a “triangle relationship” between MBC, the Democratic Party, and Jung Won-oh’s campaign, implying a…

Read More

Police Seek Arrest Warrant for CEO Amid $30 Million Fraud Allegations Authorities have requested an arrest warrant for the CEO of Chaga-Won, also known as OneHundred Red Label, who is facing allegations of significant fraud totaling approximately 30 billion Korean Won (around $30 million USD). Details of the Allegations According to investigative sources, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s financial crime investigation unit recently submitted the warrant request to the Seoul Central District Court. The charges include fraud and violations of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Economic Crimes. It is alleged that the CEO…

Read More

Myeongdong Reclaims Its Retail Crown as Tourist Influx Drives Business Boom Myeongdong, Seoul’s iconic shopping district, is experiencing a significant retail resurgence, drawing major domestic and international brands back to its bustling streets. The return of foreign tourists is fueling a rapid recovery in commercial occupancy rates, signaling a strong comeback for the area. Global Fashion and Beauty Giants Re-establish Presence Uniqlo has made a notable return to Myeongdong, opening its largest domestic store in five years. The global apparel retailer’s comeback is seen as a symbolic moment in the district’s revitalization, especially after its previous Myeongdong branch closed in…

Read More

Lotte Giants Continue Losing Skid, Fall to Last Place The Lotte Giants have once again found themselves at the bottom of the league standings, marking their return to last place after a significant losing streak. This latest slump, which has seen the team lose seven consecutive series, culminated in a 1-6 defeat against the LG Twins on May 14th. This marks the first time the team has occupied the cellar position in 43 days, since May 2nd. Team’s Performance and Fan Reaction The Giants’ recent struggles have not gone unnoticed by their fanbase. The team’s official YouTube channel, ‘GiantsTV,’ has…

Read More

Police Scrutinize Starbucks Korea’s Internal Review in Marketing Probe Authorities are currently analyzing the results of an internal investigation conducted by Starbucks Korea as part of an ongoing probe into a controversial marketing campaign. The campaign, which reportedly coincided with the May 18th Gwangju Uprising commemoration, has sparked public outcry and led to a formal police inquiry. During a regular press briefing on the 15th, the head of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, Park Jeong-bo, affirmed that the investigation is proceeding with strict adherence to protocol. He also confirmed that interviews with individuals connected to Starbucks are being conducted as…

Read More