Journalist

Park Hee-won
  • Seoul to Recruit Teens for 2026 Youth Orchestra Tour and Performances in Three European Countries
    Seoul to Recruit Teens for 2026 Youth Orchestra Tour and Performances in Three European Countries Seoul is recruiting participants for the “Seoul Youth Orchestra Performance Tour of Three European Countries,” a 7-night, 9-day program running from July 27 to Aug. 4, 2026, with conductor Baek Yun-hak. The city said the program is designed to help Seoul teenagers gain performance experience on an international stage and broaden their musical skills. Participants will join a youth orchestra festival in the Aix-en-Provence area of France, where they will perform and exchange with young musicians from other countries through music. Seoul said the tour is intended to offer practical arts experience through performances and cultural exchange, not just overseas travel. With Baek taking part, participants are expected to build ensemble and stage experience through orchestra rehearsals and concerts. “This performance tour will be an opportunity for Seoul youth to gain experience on the international stage and assess their own capabilities,” said Joo Ho-don, head of the Youth Policy Division at Seoul’s Lifelong Education Bureau. The program will be held in three European countries and aims to expand cultural and arts opportunities for teenagers.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-10 13:48:00
  • BDH Foundation Chair Bae Dong-hyun Congratulates Kim Yun-ji on Historic Paralympic Biathlon Gold
    BDH Foundation Chair Bae Dong-hyun Congratulates Kim Yun-ji on Historic Paralympic Biathlon Gold On March 8, Bae Dong-hyun, chair of the BDH Foundation, met BDH Paras athlete Kim Yun-ji at the awards ceremony site and congratulated her after she won a historic gold medal at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics. Competing in her first Paralympics, Kim won the women’s sitting 12.5-kilometer individual biathlon at the Tesero Cross-Country Stadium in Italy, taking first place in 38 minutes, 00.1 seconds. Kim drew attention for her focus and steady race management in biathlon, which combines cross-country skiing and shooting. The gold was South Korea’s first in biathlon across both the Olympics and Paralympics. It was also the first Winter Paralympics gold ever won by a South Korean woman. It marked South Korea’s second Winter Paralympics gold medal, following Shin Eui-hyun’s gold at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Paralympics. The article noted that both of South Korea’s Winter Paralympics gold medals have been won by athletes from BDH Paras. The foundation said the result reflected Bae’s long-running interest and support for the development of para sports and athlete assistance, including efforts to broaden participation and help create stable training conditions so athletes can compete internationally. Bae, who attended the ceremony to congratulate Kim, said, “I sincerely congratulate our athlete Yun-ji. I am very happy and proud that the effort and challenge she has quietly continued have led to such a valuable result on the world stage.” Kim has four more events remaining at the Games and is set to continue competing after her breakthrough gold in her Paralympic debut. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-09 13:03:00
  • Min Hee-jin offers to forgo 25.6 billion won to end all legal disputes with HYBE
    Min Hee-jin offers to forgo 25.6 billion won to end all legal disputes with HYBE Min Hee-jin, former CEO of HYBE sublabel ADOR and now CEO of OK Records, said she is willing to give up the 25.6 billion won she would receive after winning a first trial in a stock-sale payment lawsuit against HYBE, if the company agrees to halt all civil and criminal legal disputes. At a news conference on Tuesday afternoon, Min said, “If I put down the 25.6 billion won, I ask HYBE to stop all ongoing civil and criminal lawsuits and disputes.” She said her proposal would also cover ending all complaints and accusations involving not only her but also NewJeans members, outside partner companies and ADOR employees. Min said the main reason was “because of the NewJeans members,” adding, “It is painful that someone has to be on stage while someone else has to be in court.” She added, “You can’t create good culture with a heart torn to pieces.” On Feb. 12, the Seoul Central District Court’s Civil Division 31 ruled for Min in her lawsuit seeking payment for a stock sale. The court said HYBE must pay her about 25.5 billion won in put option proceeds. However, it accepted HYBE’s request to suspend enforcement, meaning forced collection is on hold until an appeals court ruling. Min’s remarks about NewJeans were seen as referring to issues including ADOR’s termination of its contract with member Danielle and a damages lawsuit. “HYBE and I belong not in court but on the creative stage,” Min said. She said she regretted not being able to complete the creative vision she had when launching NewJeans, and added she hoped HYBE’s promise to treat the group well if it returns would become reality. She also called for an environment where “all five” can pursue their dreams freely, saying the 25.6 billion won “is not bigger than a healthy K-pop ecosystem and artists’ peaceful daily lives.” Min appeared at the news conference in a black jacket and looked calmer than at her previous appearance. Referring to the recent ruling, she said the court found allegations such as an attempted management takeover and tampering were not true. Min recently launched the new label OK Records and announced plans to develop a rookie boy group. OK Records also plans to hold auditions. “I will take a new path as CEO of OK Records, leaving behind the label of former ADOR CEO,” Min said. “I hope there will be no more wasteful news conferences after today.” 2026-02-25 16:30:21
  • Mannatech Korea Launches CoQ10 Essential Supplement for Antioxidant and Blood Pressure Support
    Mannatech Korea Launches CoQ10 Essential Supplement for Antioxidant and Blood Pressure Support 글로벌 웰니스 기업 매나테크 코리아(대표 노재홍)가 현대인의 활력 증진과 혈관 건강 관리를 위한 신제품 ‘코큐텐 에센셜’을 출시했다고 25일 밝혔다. 매나테크 코리아는 이 제품이 바쁜 일상과 서구화된 식습관 속에서 놓치기 쉬운 기초 건강 관리를 돕도록 설계됐다고 설명했다. 회사 측은 예방 중심의 건강 관리 흐름 속에서 항산화 성분과 혈압 관리에 대한 관심이 커지고 있다며, 코큐텐 에센셜의 핵심 원료로 미토콘드리아에 필요한 성분인 코엔자임Q10을 채택했다고 밝혔다. 코엔자임Q10은 세포 내 에너지 생성을 돕고 유해산소를 억제하는 성분이지만, 20대 이후 체내 보유량이 급격히 줄어 외부 섭취가 필요하다고 회사는 전했다. 코큐텐 에센셜은 식약처 일일 섭취 권장량 최대치인 100mg을 한 캡슐에 담았다고 회사는 밝혔다. 회사는 하루 한 알로 에너지 대사를 활성화하고 전신 활력을 보강하는 데 도움을 줄 수 있다고 설명했다. 또 항산화와 혈압 조절의 ‘2중 기능성’을 갖췄다며, 유해산소로부터 세포를 보호하는 항산화 작용과 함께 높은 혈압을 낮추는 데 도움을 줄 수 있다고 밝혔다. 회사는 혈관 건강 관리가 필요한 중장년층과 업무·학업으로 지친 소비자들을 주요 대상으로 제시했다. 제품에는 비타민K와 셀렌, 아연, 망간 등 비타민·미네랄 성분을 포함했고, 녹차 추출물과 비트뿌리 추출물, 클로렐라 등 식물 유래 부원료를 더해 항산화 시너지를 높였다고 회사는 덧붙였다. 또 PTP 개별 포장을 적용해 산화를 줄이고 휴대와 섭취 편의성을 높였다고 밝혔다. 매나테크 코리아 관계자는 “나이가 들수록 자연스럽게 감소하는 체내 코큐텐 수치는 젊음과 활력의 핵심 척도”라며 “코큐텐 에센셜은 혈압 관리와 항산화를 동시에 챙기고 싶은 소비자들에게 최적의 선택이 될 것”이라고 말했다. 코큐텐 에센셜은 매나테크 코리아 공식 홈페이지 매나스테이션에서 주문할 수 있다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-25 10:03:23
  • Korea Association for Performing Arts for the Disabled to Hold 2026 D&LU Auditions for Blind Musicians
    Korea Association for Performing Arts for the Disabled to Hold 2026 D&LU Auditions for Blind Musicians The Korea Association for Performing Arts for the Disabled, led by Chairman Ryu Ji-hoon, said it will hold auditions for its “2026 D&LU (Discover & Level Up) Project,” aimed at building a professional performance pathway for blind musicians. The D&LU Project is a four-step training program: auditions, tailored lesson support, an intensive music academy and a final showcase concert. The association said the goal is to develop self-sustaining professional musicians through structured instruction and stage experience, rather than one-time support. The first-round audition will be based on one free-choice piece, with selections focused on musical potential and room for growth. In the second stage, participants will receive one-on-one lessons with expert instructors, along with theory and practical training. The third-stage music academy will provide intensive training and ensemble programs to strengthen performance readiness. The final-stage showcase will serve as an official stage to share the year’s results with the public. The program is supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation and the Korea Disability Arts & Culture Center. Applicants must be blind and living in South Korea; there are no limits on age, experience or nationality. Recruitment covers all music fields, including piano, strings, woodwinds, brass, vocal and a cappella. Applications will be accepted from Feb. 12 through 6 p.m. March 6. Performance evaluations are scheduled for 2 p.m. March 12 at the chapel of Hanshin University. Final results are to be announced March 16. A representative of the association called the D&LU Project “a platform to systematically identify blind artists with potential and help them grow into professional performers,” adding, “We look forward to strong participation from musicians with passion and promise.” Details on how to apply and other information are available on the association’s website.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-24 13:51:16
  • BDH Foundation chair praises BDH Paras after strong showing at national para winter games
    BDH Foundation chair praises BDH Paras after strong showing at national para winter games On Feb. 2, Bae Dong Hyun, chair of the BDH Foundation, encouraged athletes from BDH Paras, a global para sports team, after their strong performance at the 23rd National Para Winter Games, held for four days starting Jan. 27 across Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province. Hosted by the Korea Paralympic Committee, the event featured seven sports — cross-country skiing, biathlon, alpine skiing, snowboarding, ice hockey, curling and short track — and drew 1,127 participants, including 486 athletes. BDH Paras competed in cross-country skiing and biathlon, winning 14 medals — seven gold, three silver and four bronze. The team, which achieved a grand slam at the previous Summer National Sports Festival, also showcased its strength at the winter event. Kim Yun Ji, who recently won gold medals at the FIS World Cup in Finsterau, Germany, and the IBU World Cup in Jakuszyce, Poland, dominated again. She won four titles — biathlon 4-kilometer sitting sprint and 6-kilometer sitting individual, plus cross-country 3-kilometer sitting and 4-kilometer sitting — and was named the meet’s MVP. Shin Eui Hyun, a 2018 Pyeongchang Paralympics gold medalist, won three gold medals in the biathlon 6-kilometer sitting individual and the cross-country 3-kilometer sitting and 4-kilometer sitting events. Won Yu Min, an IPC athletes’ committee member, added two silver and two bronze medals, while Jung Jae Seok won one silver and two bronze. Bae said, “I pay my respects to all the athletes who competed and gave their best until the end, and I sincerely congratulate those who placed.” He added, “I hope the valuable experience gained at this competition becomes meaningful groundwork in the preparation process for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics, and we will continue to provide support so the athletes can prepare for the next stage without wavering.” The BDH Paras team will begin a 25-day training camp in Livigno, Italy, starting Feb. 4, as preparation for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics, which open March 6. The camp will focus on building fitness and improving performance in a high-altitude environment while maintaining race readiness.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-06 10:18:00
  • Gwangju Police Book 50-Something Woman for Drunk Driving After Red-Light Violation
    Gwangju Police Book 50-Something Woman for Drunk Driving After Red-Light Violation Gwangju Bukbu Police Station said Thursday it booked a woman in her 50s, identified only as A, on suspicion of driving under the influence in violation of the Road Traffic Act. Police said she is accused of driving about 2 kilometers while intoxicated, leaving a restaurant in Yongbong-dong, Buk-gu, at about 4 p.m. Wednesday and heading to an area near the Unam 2-dong Administrative Welfare Center. Officers said she ran a red light while driving through an intersection and was caught by nearby patrol police who witnessed the violation. Her blood alcohol concentration measured between 0.03% and 0.08%, a level that triggers license suspension, police said. Police said they are investigating the circumstances of her drinking.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-01-29 09:00:00
  • South Korean coach leads Viet Nam to victory in mens football at SEA Games
    South Korean coach leads Viet Nam to victory in men's football at SEA Games SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - Viet Nam's under-23 national team, led by South Korean coach Kim Sang-sik, won the men's football tournament at this year's Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. At the biennial multi-sport event featuring 11 Southeast Asian countries, Viet Nam came from behind in a dramatic fashion to beat host Thailand 3-2 in extra time in the final match in Bangkok on Wednesday, reclaiming the victory for the first time since 2021. The latest triumph comes after Viet Nam won the 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup earlier this year and the 2025 ASEAN U-23 Championship in July, making Kim the country's first coach to achieve the feat of winning all three major tournaments. Kim, who took the helm of the team in May last year, set a new milestone that his predecessor Park Hang-seo, who was hailed as a football hero during his stint there, did not achieve. Viet Nam reached the final by beating Laos and Malaysia in the group-stage matches before defeating the Philippines in the semifinals. Thailand advanced with group-stage wins over Singapore and Timor-Leste, followed by a semifinal victory against Malaysia. 2025-12-19 10:09:07
  • Seoul, Washington agree to speed up implementation of bilateral agreements
    Seoul, Washington agree to 'speed up' implementation of bilateral agreements SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - Some progress appeared to have been made in follow-up talks on the comprehensive joint fact sheet signed between Seoul and Washington last month, which outlines agreements on bilateral trade and security. National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lak, who met with key U.S. officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Energy Secretary Chris Wright earlier this week, reportedly said the two countries agreed to speed up the implementation of the bilateral agreement, although he did not elaborate. Along with reciprocal tariff-related deals, Seoul and Washington reached a broader agreement in late October that included a U.S. commitment to support the construction of nuclear submarines using U.S.-supplied fuel, the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel and uranium enrichment. Wi is set to travel from Washington, D.C., to New York before returning home. While in New York, he is scheduled to meet with senior United Nations officials to discuss security-related issues on the Korean Peninsula. 2025-12-19 09:02:01
  • Opposition parties push for independent probe into Unification Church scandal
    Opposition parties push for independent probe into Unification Church scandal SEOUL, December 18 (AJP) - The main opposition People Power Party (PPP) is working together with the minor centrist Reform Party (RP) to push for a probe by independent prosecutors into bribery allegations involving the Unification Church, also known as the Moonies. After a meeting between the two parties' floor leaders Song Eon-seok and Cheon Ha-ram on Wednesday, they agreed to proceed with it as early as this week, although they need to resolve some differences including the scope of the probe. The development comes amid a snowballing scandal involving the church’s leader Han Hak-ja who allegedly bribed a slew of government officials and politicians from both the ruling Democratic Party (DP) and opposition parties. But a bill for the probe would face an uphill battle in the National Assembly, where the DP holds a majority of seats and has firmly opposed it. Meanwhile, the widow of the church's founder, Moon Sun-myung, has been held in a remand prison in Uiwang, Gyeonggi Province since September on various corruption charges including bribery and embezzlement. 2025-12-18 09:23:15