Journalist
Lee Hugh
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Korean Confucian Institute Urges Simpler Lunar New Year Rites, Less Focus on Fried Foods The true meaning of the holiday is family harmony and happiness. The Korea Confucian Culture Promotion Institute’s Korean Etiquette Center on Thursday proposed “modern, tailored” guidelines for Seollal ancestral rites. Charye, which literally means a rite of offering tea, originally involved placing only three or four items such as tteokguk (rice cake soup), songpyeon (rice cakes) and fruit. But after Seollal and Chuseok became official holidays, the rites evolved into larger family gatherings and the table grew more elaborate. The center said excessive preparation and costs are widely cited as a main cause of holiday conflict. It said state rites such as the Jongmyo memorial service and ceremonies at long-established head families should strictly preserve their original forms, but ordinary households need alternative options that prioritize family harmony and happiness. It added that rules such as “hongdongbaekseo” — placing red fruit on the east and white fruit on the west — and “joyulisi,” a prescribed lineup of jujubes, chestnuts, pears and persimmons, lack clear documentary support. No traditional etiquette text strictly sets the types or placement of fruit, it said. The center advised that four to six items, centered on tteokguk, are enough. It said oily jeon (pan-fried dishes) were not recommended for charye in traditional etiquette studies. It also said offering foods an ancestor enjoyed in life or modern fruits can be a contemporary way to show respect, and suggested that placing an ancestor’s photo instead of a paper memorial tablet written in Chinese characters can be a worthwhile option that strengthens family bonds. Institute President Jeong Jae Geun said, “Tradition is not a fossilized relic; only when it flows with the times like running water does it remain with us.” He added, “This Seollal, I hope it will be a warm time of harmony, holding the hands of the family beside you as much as the sincerity you show in honoring your ancestors.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-13 08:39:00 -
Renault Korea Says New Filante Tops 5,000 Orders Ahead of March Deliveries Renault Korea said Thursday that cumulative orders for its Filante, launched last month, have topped 5,000 units. The Filante is designed to blend sedan and SUV features. It includes an illuminated signature lozenge logo, a “tech lounge” interior based on first-class lounge seats, a 250-horsepower Hybrid E-Tech powertrain and AI-based connectivity services. The Filante is priced at 43,319,000 won under reduced individual consumption tax and eco-friendly vehicle tax benefits, and deliveries are set to begin next month. Renault Korea will also hold Lunar New Year holiday promotions. From Thursday through Feb. 19, it will give a lozenge mini padded bag or mini umbrella to 2,026 people who visit showrooms nationwide for Grand Koleos purchase consultations or complete a test drive. Among customers who sign contracts during the period and take delivery by the end of February, 100 will be selected by drawing to receive maintenance coupons worth 100,000 won. Separately, Renault Korea is running a monthlong “Bonjour 2026” Grand Koleos event in February. Some customers who buy the Grand Koleos, or take a test drive or consultation, will receive prizes including a travel gift certificate worth 2 million won (one winner), Samsung steam robot vacuum cleaners (three winners) and CGV Gold Class vouchers for two (20 teams). The maximum Grand Koleos purchase benefit under February terms is 4.8 million won.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-13 08:36:00 -
Test drive: Genesis GV60 Magma balances high performance with daily comfort Genesis’ first high-performance electric vehicle, the GV60 Magma, stood out immediately with its vivid orange paint when it was shown Feb. 10 at Genesis Suji in Yongin, south of Seoul. The front blends Genesis’ signature twin-line headlamps with a wide grille-style panel, while the coupe-like roofline gives the SUV a more athletic profile. The rear finish and detailing are designed to look balanced and stable. The GV60 Magma’s strengths were clearer on the road. The test route covered about 100 kilometers round trip from the Genesis Suji showroom to the Korea Automobile Testing and Research Institute (KATRI) in Hwaseong, via the Suwon Northern Ring Road, the Gwacheon-Bongdam Urban Expressway and the Bibong-Maesong Urban Expressway. The mix of national roads, limited-access roads and highways highlighted both long-distance cruising and everyday drivability. One of the first things drivers notice is the seat. The Magma-specific bucket seats provide strong lateral support without becoming uncomfortable over longer stints, aiming to suit both spirited driving and daily use. A seat slab helps stabilize the lower body under acceleration and braking, while remaining comfortable on regular roads. Despite ultra-high-performance tires — 275 mm wide up front with a 35% aspect ratio — the cabin stays notably quiet for a performance EV. Genesis credits added sound-absorbing and insulating materials, motor control that reduces harmonic noise, and a design that suppresses gear noise. A key feature is Active Road Noise Control (ANC-R). Accelerometers mounted on the suspension detect low-frequency road noise, and the audio system plays an opposite-phase signal to cancel it. Cabin microphones continuously adjust the control logic to maintain quiet even at higher speeds. In city traffic and on major roads, Comfort or Range mode was sufficient, supported by a 175-kW front motor and a 303-kW rear motor. Switching to GT mode changes the electronically controlled suspension’s character: road feedback becomes clearer through the steering wheel, and steering weight increases. The ride does not become harsh, filtering unpleasant impacts while keeping the car usable on public roads. The variable electronic dampers control body motion without losing compliance. In gentle high-speed corners, the chassis allows natural roll without float, working with a thicker stabilizer bar to underline GT mode’s focus on high-speed cruising. GT mode also emphasizes power distribution. Even at higher speeds, it maintains rear-motor-biased driving, aiming to deliver the stable acceleration feel of rear-wheel drive while also improving efficiency — a key draw for long highway runs. Sprint mode opens up the full performance setup. The motors, suspension, steering and e-LSD switch to Sport Plus settings, delivering maximum output within the electronic stability control’s intervention range. Pressing the accelerator beyond 95% triggers a 15-second boost mode automatically. The suspension firms up without feeling rough, and the tires maintain confident contact on uneven pavement. On curving highway sections, restrained roll and smoothly building lateral acceleration support a steady driving rhythm. Genesis said the GV60 Magma reaches 100 kph from a standstill in 3.4 seconds and 200 kph in 10.9 seconds. In drag runs at the Automobile Safety Research Institute, the combination of launch control and boost mode delivered strong acceleration, and braking performance stood out. The vehicle remained stable under hard stops despite a curb weight of 2,250 kilograms. A Genesis official said the GV60 Magma was developed to prioritize balance rather than the traditional approach to luxury high performance. The official said the company aims to use new technology to position Magma not as a sub-brand, but as a way to showcase Genesis’ engineering globally.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-13 08:33:00 -
BTS to Livestream Goyang and Tokyo World Tour Concerts in Movie Theaters BTS’ new world tour will also be shown on the big screen. BIGHIT MUSIC, a HYBE Music Group label, said fans can watch live-viewing screenings of the “BTS World Tour Arirang” concerts set for April 11 in Goyang and April 18 in Tokyo. Live viewing refers to a broadcast service that lets large audiences gather in one venue to watch concerts or sporting events together. BTS are set to launch the tour April 9 at the main stadium of Goyang Sports Complex, beginning a large-scale run of 82 shows in 34 cities. The opening Goyang dates and the Tokyo concert, described as the starting point of the group’s global schedule, have drawn strong interest. The live-viewing plan will allow fans worldwide to share in the tour’s kickoff. The screenings will be held in more than 3,500 theaters across 75 countries and regions, the label said. Some locations will air the show on a delay because of time differences, and the number of participating countries, regions and theaters is expected to increase. In South Korea, screenings will be offered by the country’s three major multiplex chains: CGV, Lotte Cinema and Megabox. Ticket sales begin at 10 a.m. on the 25th. BTS have quickly sold out 41 North American and European tour dates, including Goyang. They will become the first Korean act to hold solo concerts at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa; Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso; Stanford Stadium; Gillette Stadium in Foxborough; M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore; AT&T Stadium in Arlington; King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, Belgium; and Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. At Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, they set a record for the highest seat occupancy for a single event. Separately, BTS will release their fifth full-length album, “Arirang,” at 1 p.m. on March 20. The label said the music reflects “BTS as they are now” and is expected to resonate with fans worldwide. From the album’s release date through April 12, the group will also run “BTS The City Arirang Seoul,” featuring experiential content combining music and media, with installations across Seoul designed to blend with the cityscape.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-13 08:15:00 -
BTS’ Gwanghwamun comeback show raises renewed concerns over ticket scalping Concerns are growing that ticket scalping could resurface ahead of BTS’ comeback performance at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square. According to the concert industry on Thursday, general ticket reservations for “BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang (ARIRANG),” set for March 21 around Gwanghwamun Square, will open at 8:00 p.m. on Feb. 23 through NOL Ticket. Reservations will be open to anyone, with no separate restrictions. The venue is expected to have about 15,000 to 17,000 spots combining standing and reserved areas. Sections will be divided between standing and reserved seating. Of the standing area, 2,000 spots will be allocated to ARMY membership holders who preordered the new “Arirang” album and entered a drawing. The show will be free. Still, critics warn that the same problems seen at past free events could return. When BTS held a free concert in 2022 to support Busan’s bid to host the World Expo, scalping was widespread. VIP tickets that were hard to verify reportedly climbed as high as 4 million won, and tickets for the free show were sold for cash through social media and open chat rooms. Other workarounds also spread, including moving ticket IDs using illegal macro programs. Some expect the government to step up efforts to block scalping, as Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister Choi Hwi-young has repeatedly called it “a chronic disease.” At a reporters’ briefing Wednesday, Choi said, “We’re watching it closely, since we’ve experienced the scalping problem before.” He added, “It’s hard to disclose countermeasures because if we do, (scalpers) could find ways around them.” He said the government would “do our best so nothing unpleasant happens.” Choi also said the head of HYBE participates in the Popular Culture Exchange Committee’s pop music subcommittee. “For urgent matters, they contact me directly,” he said, adding that working-level discussions are focused on safety and traffic issues. Amendments to the Performance Act and the National Sports Promotion Act, aimed at a scalping market estimated at more than 100 billion won, passed the National Assembly on Jan. 29. The revisions ban all fraudulent purchases and resales, including unfair sales using macro programs. Choi said the law would likely take effect “around fall,” and that the government would first launch a campaign urging people not to engage in scalping. “My dream is to see articles this fall — when the postseason and concerts overlap — saying scalping has disappeared,” he said. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-13 08:03:00 -
Actor Jung Eun Woo Laid to Rest; Burial at Byeokje Crematorium Actor Jung Eun Woo, whose real name was Jung Dong Jin, will be laid to rest Friday. A funeral procession is scheduled for noon, with burial at Byeokje Crematorium. Jung died suddenly on Tuesday. He was 39. Mourners left tributes on his social media accounts. Some said they were shocked because he had posted as recently as the day before his death. Jung studied theater and film at Dongguk University and debuted in 2006 on KBS2's "Sharp 3." He later appeared in SBS dramas including "Bride of the Sun," "Five Fingers," "One Well-Raised Daughter," and "Return of Hwang Geum Bok," as well as KBS2's "My Only One." ※If you are struggling with depression or thoughts of self-harm, or if a family member or friend is in crisis, you can reach suicide-prevention counseling at 109 or get 24-hour expert help through the Madlen SNS counseling service.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-13 07:57:25 -
South Korea’s Choi Ga On Wins Olympic Snow Sports First Gold in Women’s Halfpipe South Korea’s Choi Ga On (Sehwa High School) said she wants to “work even harder” and become an athlete who can surpass herself after winning the country’s first Olympic gold medal in a snow event. Choi won the women’s snowboard halfpipe final at Livigno Snow Park in Italy on Thursday (local time) with 90.25 points. She beat Chloe Kim of the United States, the gold medalist at the 2018 PyeongChang and 2022 Beijing Games. It was South Korea’s first Olympic gold in a snow sport and the first gold medal for the South Korean team at these Games. Choi fell on her first run when her board caught on the lip of the pipe while attempting a trick. She missed her landing again on the second run, putting her medal hopes in doubt. On her third run, she delivered her best performance, lowering the difficulty from the triple-rotation jump she tried earlier and instead landing a cab double cork 720 and a backside 900. The clean run earned 90.25 points and first place. After the competition, Choi said, “I’m happy my first Olympic medal is a gold,” adding, “It’s also an honor to win the first gold for the South Korean team.” Recalling her first-run crash, she said, “I fell pretty hard and thought I might have broken something and wouldn’t be able to get up,” but “I got my strength back in that moment and stood up.” She added, “I almost never fell in practice, but I think I made a mistake because I was nervous.” Choi said she kept going because the Olympics had been her dream since she was 7. “Even if I fell, I thought I should finish to the end,” she said. Asked about her tears on the podium, Choi said everything she had been through with her father and coach came to mind. “When I was injured, I wanted to give up, but I didn’t,” she said. “All of that suddenly came back to me.” She said the Olympics were her biggest motivation. “I don’t think there’s been anything bigger than this,” she said. “I just believed in myself and thought I should try again.” She added, “I want to work hard at snowboarding and become an athlete who can surpass myself.” To fans in South Korea, Choi said, “Thank you for believing in me and cheering for me,” adding, “I’ll keep working to show you an even better side of me.” * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-13 07:45:00 -
Olympics Stars: Protégé to pioneer: Choi Gaon's night of courage in Italy SEOUL, February 13 (AJP) -By any measure, it was a night that reshaped Korean snow sports. On a cold, wind-swept slope in northern Italy, 17-year-old Choi Gaon rose from pain, doubt and near withdrawal to seize Olympic gold — not just any gold, but South Korea’s first ever in a snow event — at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. She did it the hard way. The only way that truly lasts. After a frightening crash in her opening run and another failed attempt that left her visibly shaken, Choi stood on top of the halfpipe for her final descent with little left to prove — and everything left to risk. What followed was a composed, mature, technically clean run worth 90.25 points. It was the run of her life. And it was enough. Enough to deny her idol and mentor, Chloe Kim, a historic third straight Olympic title. Enough to rewrite Korean winter sports history. Enough to announce that a new era has arrived. For much of the night, it looked like Choi’s Olympic debut might end in heartbreak. Her first run ended in a heavy fall that brought medics onto the course. Her score: 10.00. Before her second attempt, “DNS” flashed beside her name. Few would have blamed her for stepping away. She didn’t. She dropped in again. Fell again. And still refused to surrender. By the time she stood in for her final run, she was no longer chasing medals. She was chasing herself — the athlete she had fought to become through back surgery, long rehabilitation and years in the shadow of her famous mentor. Conservative by her standards, precise by Olympic standards, her final run was a masterclass in judgment under pressure. While others struggled with slick, snowy conditions, Choi delivered when it mattered most. Veteran coaches call that “competitive intelligence.” Old reporters call it heart. Kim’s silver, earned with grace and dignity, closed one of snowboarding’s great Olympic chapters. Injured and short of competition this season, the American legend still showed her class. But even legends must eventually pass the torch. On this night, it passed to someone who once watched Kim on television and dreamed. Now, Choi is the youngest women’s halfpipe gold medalist in Olympic history — younger than Kim was in PyeongChang — and the face of Korea’s next generation of winter stars. The symbolism was unavoidable: the student surpassing the teacher, not in defiance, but in fulfillment. Choi’s triumph is part of a larger awakening. Just days before Choi’s dramatic breakthrough, 18-year-old Yu Seung-eun had already signaled that Korea’s snowboarders were ready for something bigger. Yu captured bronze in women’s big air at Livigno. For years, Korea’s winter ambitions revolved around skating and short track. Snowboarding lived on the margins, sustained by a handful of pioneers. A generation raised on global competition, overseas training and fearless ambition is now delivering results on the biggest stage. 2026-02-13 07:42:35 -
Choi Ga On wins Olympic gold in women’s halfpipe, South Korea’s first snow-sport title Choi Ga On of Sehwa High School won South Korea’s first Olympic gold medal in a snow sport. Choi scored 90.25 on her third run in the women’s halfpipe final at Livigno Snow Park in Italy to take gold at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. She beat top contender Chloe Kim, who scored 88.00. The medal was South Korea’s first gold of these Winter Games and the nation’s first Winter Olympic gold in skiing events, the report said. It also moved up the youngest gold-medalist mark set by Kim (17 years, 10 months) by seven months. In halfpipe, riders perform aerial tricks while moving up and down a U-shaped slope, with judges awarding points. South Korea has kept pushing in the event since Kim Ho Jun became the country’s first Olympic entrant at the 2010 Vancouver Games. Choi has been at the center of that effort. Influenced by a father who snowboarded as a hobby, she started the sport after learning figure skating while watching Kim Yuna. In January 2023, she became the youngest winner in the pipe event at the X Games at age 14 years, two months. That December, she won her first International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) Snowboard World Cup, drawing attention as a prodigy. Her career was not always smooth. In early 2024, she suffered a spinal fracture at a World Cup event in Laax, Switzerland, and underwent surgery. She missed the Gangwon Winter Youth Olympics that year and spent more than a year focused on rehabilitation. She returned to Laax last year and won bronze, signaling her comeback. She carried that form into the Olympic season, including back-to-back World Cup wins in December in Zhangjiakou, China, and at Copper Mountain in the United States. In her Olympic debut, Choi placed sixth in qualifying to become the first South Korean halfpipe rider to reach an Olympic final, then rode to gold. She struggled early in the final. On her first run, she fell hard after her second jump when her landing caught on the lip of the pipe. She fell again on the first jump of her second run. At that point, she had only 10 points and stood ninth among the 12 finalists. Choi stayed composed and delivered a comeback on her third run, starting without hesitation and landing five aerial moves cleanly. She was the only rider to score above 90 on the day. After finishing, she cried as she rode down the slope. “I’m so happy my first Olympic medal is a gold. I can’t believe it,” Choi said in an interview after winning. “It’s also an honor to win the first gold for the South Korean team.” 2026-02-13 07:12:00 -
Singer-Actor Lee Seung-gi to Become Father of Two as Wife Lee Da-in Is 5 Months Pregnant Singer and actor Lee Seung-gi is set to become a father of two. Big Planet Made Entertainment said on Feb. 12 that Lee’s wife, actor Lee Da-in, is five months pregnant. The agency said the couple are prioritizing her health and stability. Lee and Lee married in April 2023 and welcomed their first child, a daughter, in February 2024. Lee is currently appearing on the ENA variety show “Change Street.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-13 07:09:00