• 
  Snowboarder Lee Chae-woon reflects after landing historic trick but finishing sixth at Milan Olympics South Korea’s Lee Chae-woon, who finished sixth at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics despite landing a world-first trick, shared a measured reaction in a social media post. Lee wrote on his SNS account on Feb. 17 that he had returned to South Korea after “the huge dream stage called the Olympics,” adding, “I thought about a lot of things.” “Even though I landed the world’s first frontside triple 1620, I still don’t know why I got 87.50 points and ended in sixth,” he wrote. “But I don’ February 17, 2026
• 
  NBC Ranks Choi Ga-on’s Comeback Halfpipe Gold Over Chloe Kim Among Top Milan Highlights Choi Ga-on’s comeback win in the women’s snowboard halfpipe at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics was named one of NBC’s top 10 moments from the first half of the Games. On Feb. 17 (local time), NBC, the U.S. Olympic rights holder, posted its “top 10 moments” list covering the first 10 days after the opening of the Olympics. Choi’s gold medal was ranked No. 8. In an article headlined, “Choi Ga-on beats Chloe Kim (USA) to win halfpipe gold,” NBC wrote that Kim “seemed certain” to February 17, 2026
• 
  Lee Ho-seon Quits Disney+ Variety Show 'Fate War 49' After One Episode Counseling expert and TV personality Lee Ho-seon said she left the Disney+ variety show “Fate War 49” after just one episode. In a post on social media on the 16th, Lee wrote, “No matter what anyone says, I am a Christian for life,” adding that she has done counseling “for a long time, though shorter than that.” She also shared a photo bearing the phrase “jagoejisim,” a term meaning self-reproach. Lee wrote that she is always mindful of “God’s gaze” and prays for the people she counse February 17, 2026
• 
  South Korea’s Mini-Car Sales Hit Record Low in 2025, Show Early 2026 Uptick Domestic sales of new mini cars in South Korea fell to about 70,000 units last year, the lowest level on record, data showed. According to Kaizu Data Research Institute on Monday, 74,600 new mini passenger cars were sold domestically last year, down 24.8% from a year earlier. It was the first time in the past 20 years that mini-car sales dropped into the 70,000 range, and the lowest figure since domestic sales by vehicle class began being tallied. Data from the Korea Autom February 17, 2026
• 
  Hyundai, Kia Aim to Top 1 Million Cumulative EV Sales in Europe in First Half Hyundai and Kia are expected to surpass 1 million cumulative electric-vehicle sales in Europe in the first half of this year, as the region accelerates its shift to electrification. The milestone would come about 12 years after the brands launched their first EV in Europe, the Soul, in 2014. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, battery-electric vehicle sales in Europe totaled 217,898 in December, up 51% from a year earlier. BEVs took a 22.6% market share in De February 17, 2026
• 
  KakaoPay Data: Most Middle and High Schoolers Got 100,000 Won in New Year’s Money Middle and high school students’ “standard” New Year’s cash gift is rising. The most common amount given to teens last year increased from 50,000 won to 100,000 won, according to KakaoPay data. With grocery prices also climbing, many consumers say holiday spending feels burdensome ahead of the Lunar New Year. KakaoPay said Monday that its analysis, released through the finance brand journal PayAttention, found 100,000 won was the most frequently received amount among middle and high school February 17, 2026
• 
  Winter Holiday Road-Trip Checklist: Tires, Battery and Emergency Towing Tips With cold snaps and heavy snow continuing this winter, drivers face greater need to check key vehicle components. With large day-to-night temperature swings, road conditions can change quickly, making thorough preparation important before long-distance travel. Reborncar, a non-face-to-face, directly operated certified used-car platform, released a “safe drive checklist” on Tuesday with Lunar New Year holiday vehicle-care guidance and driving tips. ◆From tires to brakes: What to check fi February 17, 2026
• 
  Aron to Offer Free Mobile EV Charging at Honam Expressway Rest Stops for Lunar New Year Travel EV charging solutions company Aron said Tuesday it will provide a free mobile EV charging service at expressway rest stops during the Lunar New Year holiday, in partnership with hy Mobility. The program, promoted by the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment and the Korea Automobile Environmental Association, places mobile EV charging vehicles at major highway rest stops nationwide to ease charging inconvenience during peak long-distance travel. Aron will oversee operations in February 17, 2026
• 
  South Korea Women’s Curling Rallies Past China by 1, Moves Into Tie for Second South Korea’s women’s curling team pulled off a late comeback to beat China by one point in Olympic round-robin play, moving into a tie for second place. Gyeonggi Province Office, led by skip Kim Eun-ji with third Kim Min-ji, second Kim Su-ji, lead Seol Ye-eun and fifth Seol Ye-ji, defeated China 10-9 in its sixth round-robin game at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, on Tuesday (Korea time). After blanking the first two ends to keep last-stone advantage, So February 17, 2026
• 
  Naver Pay, Kakao Pay waive fees for small merchants ahead of Lunar New Year Naver Pay and Kakao Pay are offering fee relief for micro and small merchants ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday, aiming to ease costs for small businesses and expand inclusive finance. Naver Pay said Tuesday it is covering 100% of payment fees for eligible micro and small in-store merchants through Feb. 22. The support is applied automatically with no separate application. Fees are refunded for transactions paid with points or money via QR payments or Samsung Pay. The company has previ February 17, 2026