Journalist

Kang Sang Heon
  • LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil says Busan event will blend golf and entertainment
    LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil says Busan event will blend golf and entertainment LIV Golf, launched in 2022 and backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, has sought to reshape the sport by pairing competition with entertainment. The effort is led by CEO Scott O’Neil, a sports marketing executive who took the job in January last year. LIV Golf will return to South Korea this year with its second event in the country. After holding its first Korea tournament last year in Songdo, Incheon, the tour will stage “LIV Golf Korea 2026” from May 28 to 31 at Busan Asiad Country Club in Gijang, Busan. This outlet met O’Neil on April 27 at Busan Asiad Country Club. He said LIV’s strategy is to use entertainment to bring new audiences to golf. ◆Putting entertainment on the course O’Neil previously led Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, the parent company of the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and the NHL’s New Jersey Devils, and most recently served as CEO of Merlin Entertainments. He said LIV aims for a more energetic atmosphere than traditional tournaments, with music playing throughout and fans encouraged to react. “The average age of people watching golf on TV or attending tournaments is getting older by about one year every year,” O’Neil said. “If we want this sport to keep developing and growing, we need clear change. We have to bring younger generations to the course by blending culture — music, fashion, art.” He said he became convinced of entertainment’s pull after seeing the scale of fan turnout for BTS at a major U.S. venue he once managed. O’Neil pointed to Australia as an example of LIV’s impact. “After we held the event in Australia, golf participation among girls ages 8 to 16 increased by 200%,” he said. He added that waiting lists at some courses have stretched to three years, and that 40% of new members are under 35. “Our mission is to bring new life to golf by bringing in younger fans through entertainment.” ◆A ‘party’ atmosphere and a 4:35 round At a news conference the same day, O’Neil highlighted LIV’s shotgun starts, with all players beginning simultaneously across 18 holes. “A LIV round is more than an hour shorter than other tours,” he said. “Teenagers today don’t have long attention spans. A match that ends in 4 hours 35 minutes is a much more effective and attractive TV entertainment product than something that drags on for 11 hours.” LIV said its events have drawn large crowds, including 115,000 spectators in Australia, about 100,000 in South Africa, about 65,000 in the United Kingdom and about 60,000 in the United States. O’Neil said last year’s Korea event also showed signs of reaching new audiences. “Sixty percent of the gallery in Korea last year were first-time golf tournament attendees, and 40% of the total crowd were women,” he said. For Busan, he said he wants a festival-like setting. “What I want to bring to Korea is a perfect ‘party,’” O’Neil said. “Not a quiet tournament that demands silence, but a stage full of energy and passion where the gallery cheers loudly.” He cited last year’s South Africa event, where fans sang their national anthem together on the 18th green, and said he hopes to see a similar moment in Busan. Questions have been raised in some quarters about LIV’s long-term sustainability given its spending, and some foreign media have recently reported speculation about financial strain. O’Neil rejected that. “We have already secured enough funding to operate the 2026 season,” he said, adding that sponsorship from major partners has grown to about $500 million. LIV said this year’s revenue increased by $100 million from the previous year and global ticket sales jumped 129%. ◆Korean GC set for home debut With about a month to go before the Busan event, LIV will also feature the first home appearance for Korean Golf Club, a team newly made up entirely of South Korean players. The team changed its name from Iron Head GC and adopted a white tiger emblem symbolizing strength in Korea. The roster includes captain An Byeong-hun along with Kim Min-kyu, Song Yeong-han and Danny Lee. At a media day, O’Neil said the Korean GC players have “excellent star power, character and the persistence Koreans are known for,” and predicted they would perform strongly with home fans behind them in Busan. Top players are also expected to contend, including defending Korea champion Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, Dustin Johnson, Joaquin Niemann and Cameron Smith. 2026-04-29 00:03:34
  • Majesty Golf Signs Veteran Kim Young, Expands Customer Events in May
    Majesty Golf Signs Veteran Kim Young, Expands Customer Events in May Majesty Golf has signed veteran Kim Young to its Team Majesty roster and plans to step up customer outreach in May, which is widely observed in South Korea as Family Month. Kim has one win on the LPGA Tour, five on the KLPGA Tour and one on the JLPGA Tour, the company said. Majesty Golf said the partnership was built in part on Kim’s prior use of Majesty clubs when she won on the Japanese tour. With Kim’s addition, Majesty Golf said it will strengthen marketing around its recently released Prestigio 14 line. The company said it will move beyond product promotion by expanding opportunities for customers to experience the brand through club demo sessions and lesson events in which Kim will participate directly. Customer-participation programs are also planned throughout May across major channels including Shinsegae, Hyundai and Lotte department stores, as well as Golfzon Market and AK Golf, the company said. A Majesty Golf official said the company has continued activities to broaden customer contact since the launch of Prestigio 14 and will expand chances in May for customers to experience both a professional golfer and the brand. The official added that Majesty Golf will continue brand activities with Kim to communicate more closely with customers.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-28 17:45:15
  • Survey: 75% of South Korea visitors cite K-culture as key reason for trip
    Survey: 75% of South Korea visitors cite K-culture as key reason for trip K-culture is emerging as a major driver of South Korea’s tourism growth, with foreign visitors drawn by Korean music, TV and other cultural content staying longer and spending more than other travelers, according to an Airbnb global survey report. Airbnb released the findings at a media briefing on April 28 in Seongsu-dong, Seoul. The survey covered 4,500 travelers in the Asia-Pacific region and the United States who have visited South Korea or plan to visit. In the survey, 94% said K-culture influenced their interest in traveling to South Korea, and 75% cited it as a core reason for visiting. Those travelers spent an average of $435 more per person than travelers visiting for other reasons. In addition, 88% said they stayed, or plan to stay, at least three nights, and 68% said they tend to travel with friends or family. Sharon Chan, Airbnb’s head of communications for Asia-Pacific, said K-culture has become “a powerful magnet and engine” drawing travelers to South Korea. She said K-culture fans are not just consuming content but want to immerse themselves in everyday life and experience local culture firsthand. Airbnb said it is expanding hands-on offerings to turn that interest into real travel experiences. It will run a large pop-up in Seongsu-dong from May 1 to 7 in collaboration with the group Cortis. The “Airbnb Originals” experience is designed to reflect the artists’ personalities in the space and enable deeper interaction with fans. The company has pursued similar K-pop-linked stays and experiences in recent years, including accommodations tied to 2022’s “In the SOOP BTS ver. Season 2,” a 2024 stay recreating a space from Seventeen’s music video, and a 2025 experience marking a 10th debut anniversary. It has also offered immersive content by turning well-known landmarks into places to stay, including “Sky Suite, Hangang Bridge, Seoul,” and an overnight event at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP). Still, industry concerns remain that K-culture’s tourism spillover beyond Seoul will require addressing chronic lodging shortages in regional areas. In the survey, 83% of potential travelers said the availability of suitable accommodations outside major cities was an important factor in booking decisions. Among potential MZ-generation travelers who are driving K-culture trips, 53% said lodging availability, including shared accommodations, was a key factor in whether they would visit South Korea. Another 34% said they would delay or reconsider a trip if they could not find suitable lodging. Seo Ga-yeon, Airbnb Korea country manager, said the company’s goal is to help ensure strong interest in K-culture spreads nationwide and leads to “a complete trip” with deeper cultural engagement. She said Airbnb would actively cooperate on expanding lodging infrastructure and improving systems, including reforms to the foreign tourist city homestay business framework, and contribute in practical terms to achieving an era of 30 million foreign visitors. 2026-04-28 17:36:09
  • KOVO Names Lee Ho-jin as Its Ninth President
    KOVO Names Lee Ho-jin as Its Ninth President The Korea Volleyball Federation (KOVO) has appointed Lee Ho-jin, former chairman of Taekwang Group, as its ninth president. KOVO said it made the appointment at a board meeting and extraordinary general meeting held on the 28th at its conference room in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul. Team general managers had agreed at a meeting on the 18th to recommend Lee as the next president, and he accepted. His three-year term begins in July. KOVO said Lee was recommended for his strong willingness to lead the federation and for advantages as an owner of a club. It said having an owner serve as president was viewed as enabling more stable, long-term planning for league development, youth programs and international projects. The federation also cited Lee’s long-standing support for volleyball, following his father, the late former chairman Lee Im-yong. Taekwang Group has been closely tied to Korean volleyball for 55 years since founding the Taekwang Industries volleyball team in 1971, the predecessor of the women’s professional team Heungkuk Life. The group also runs volleyball programs at its affiliated Sewha Middle School and Sewha High School, focusing on identifying and developing prospects. Lee graduated from Seoul National University with a degree in economics, earned an MBA at Cornell University, and completed doctoral coursework in economics at New York University. He joined Heungkuk Life Insurance in 1993 and later served as CEO and chairman of Taekwang Industries. Since February, he has also served as owner of the Heungkuk Life volleyball club. KOVO said Lee helped stabilize the federation’s finances by securing Heungkuk Life Insurance as the V-League title sponsor for three years starting with the 2026~2027 season. It said he plans to work to raise the profile of professional volleyball and strengthen its international competitiveness.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-28 16:18:53
  • Yoon Ina Jumps to No. 39 in Women’s World Golf Ranking After Chevron T4
    Yoon Ina Jumps to No. 39 in Women’s World Golf Ranking After Chevron T4 Yoon Ina climbed to No. 39 in the women’s world golf ranking after posting her best finish in a major at the LPGA Tour’s Chevron Championship. In the rankings released April 28 (Korea time), Yoon moved up 14 spots from No. 53 last week. Yoon tied for fourth at the Chevron Championship, which ended April 27, finishing at 12-under 276. Yoon, who debuted on the LPGA Tour last year, has built momentum this season. She tied for sixth at last month’s Ford Championship, then set a personal best with a solo fourth at the JM Eagle LA Championship, which ended April 20. She followed with another tie for fourth at the Chevron to record top-five finishes in consecutive weeks. The result also marked Yoon’s best showing in a major. Her previous best was a tie for 14th at last year’s U.S. Women’s Open. Nelly Korda of the United States, who won the season’s first major title, returned to No. 1 in the world ranking. Korda had surrendered the top spot to Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand in August last year and regained it after eight months. Among South Koreans, Kim Hyo-joo held at No. 3. Kim Sei-young slipped to No. 11. Lee Ye-won, who won the KLPGA Tour’s Duksin EPC Championship, rose 17 places to No. 52.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-28 15:59:22
  • Si Woo Kim Rises to Career-High No. 25 in World Golf Ranking
    Si Woo Kim Rises to Career-High No. 25 in World Golf Ranking Si Woo Kim climbed to No. 25 in the world rankings, the best position of his career. In the men’s world golf rankings released April 28 (Korea time), Kim rose one place from last week’s No. 26. Kim’s move followed his third-place finish at the RBC Heritage, which ended April 20. He posted a 16-under 268, behind winner Matt Fitzpatrick of England and runner-up Scottie Scheffler of the United States, who both finished at 18-under 266. It was Kim’s third top-five result and fifth top-10 finish of the season. He had matched his previous career-best ranking by reaching No. 26, then improved again a week later. Kim is the only South Korean player inside the top 50. Im Sung-jae is No. 76, Kim Seong-hyeon No. 138, Kim Joo-hyung No. 144 and An Byeong-hun No. 147. There was no change at the top of the rankings from last week, with Scheffler No. 1, Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland No. 2 and Fitzpatrick No. 3.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-28 15:36:05
  • SEA LIFE COEX Aquarium to Host Zanmang Loopy Collaboration Campaign
    SEA LIFE COEX Aquarium to Host Zanmang Loopy Collaboration Campaign SEA LIFE COEX Aquarium will begin a special collaboration campaign with the popular character 'Zanmang Loopy' on May 1. The campaign will run through Aug. 2, about three months, and will feature Zanmang Loopy redesigned to match the aquarium theme. Visitors will see SEA LIFE-exclusive displays including 'Mermaid Zanmang Loopy' and 'Fish Zanmang Loopy' placed along visitor routes and in themed zones. The Rainbow Lounge zone will include a photo spot using Little Mermaid-style props. The aquarium also added hands-on events. Visitors who buy Zanmang Loopy photo cards or postcards can join a stamp rally and receive a campaign-limited sticker after completing missions. Standees inside the venue will be paired with point 안내 boards that explain nearby marine life in a playful way, the aquarium said. On-site perks and limited goods will also be offered. During the campaign, visitors can scan QR codes on in-venue installations to download six limited-edition smartphone wallpapers for free. Limited 'mermaid concept' items — including plush dolls, key rings and random badges — will be sold only during the campaign period. SEA LIFE COEX Aquarium said it will also sell discounted packages that combine admission tickets and goods exclusively through its official website and Naver Reservation. An aquarium official said the campaign is designed to add a new experience to the venue's marine-life exhibits by letting visitors connect with a popular character and make special memories. The official said it will give Zanmang Loopy fans nationwide a chance to enjoy the exhibition, merchandise and events in one place. 2026-04-28 15:22:14
  • PIC Guam Partners With Yohemity to Target Active Travelers
    PIC Guam Partners With Yohemity to Target Active Travelers South Pacific all-inclusive resort PIC Guam is launching a brand collaboration with premium sports nutrition brand Yohemity to strengthen its wellness- and sports-focused lifestyle offerings. Yohemity is known among active lifestyle consumers for energy gels and protein-based sports nutrition products used in running, outdoor activities and other performance settings. PIC Guam’s Korea PR office said it pursued the partnership because Yohemity’s brand direction is expected to align closely with the “active travel experience” promoted by the resort’s all-inclusive sports trip, “Explore PIC Guam & Beyond.” The adults-only program, known as “Expi Guam,” includes about 70 activities and sports programs, all meals and entertainment through a Gold Pass, and guided tours of southern Guam and the city with “clubmates.” The resort said the program has been viewed as expanding a standard vacation into an “experience-based sports lifestyle.” The joint promotion runs through May 27 to coincide with the launch of Yohemity’s new “Crunch Cacao” protein shake. Customers who buy the product and post a photo review will be entered in a drawing for a three-night Expi Guam stay for two adults at PIC Guam. The two companies said they expect the collaboration to link product use with real travel experiences and to create synergy by sharing a target customer base. PIC Guam said it plans to use the campaign to raise awareness of its wellness- and sports-centered travel offerings and broaden new customer touchpoints. A PIC Guam Korea PR office official said the collaboration was designed to naturally connect travel and sports nutrition experiences for active lifestyle consumers, adding that it is meaningful for expanding lifestyle engagement centered on wellness and sports. More information is available through Yohemity’s official sales channels and PIC Guam’s official channels.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-28 14:34:59
  • KOVO Fines Volleyball Setter Ahn Hye-jin 5 Million Won, Issues Warning Over DUI
    KOVO Fines Volleyball Setter Ahn Hye-jin 5 Million Won, Issues Warning Over DUI Ahn Hye-jin, a professional volleyball setter who sparked controversy over drunk driving ahead of free-agent talks, has been disciplined by the Korea Volleyball Federation (KOVO) with a stern warning and a 5 million won fine. KOVO said it convened its disciplinary committee on April 27 at its office in Seoul’s Mapo district and decided on the penalty after reviewing the case. The committee called drunk driving a serious antisocial act but said it considered several factors: her blood alcohol concentration at the time was relatively low at 0.032%; she voluntarily reported the incident to her club and the league after it occurred; and she has shown deep remorse. It also said it took into account that she has effectively been sidelined for a season as an unsigned free agent and was removed from the national team. Under KOVO rules, penalties for drunk driving range from a warning to expulsion, and a fine of at least 5 million won may also be imposed. The league said it weighed past cases and fairness. Ahn, wearing a black suit, attended the hearing and bowed as she apologized. “I’m sorry for causing concern. I will make sure this never happens again,” she said. Ahn was caught by police on April 16 for driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.032%, a level that triggers a license suspension, and was questioned. Her club notified KOVO the next day and requested discipline under league rules. The fallout has been significant. Ahn, the starting setter for GS Caltex in the 2025-2026 season, helped the team win the championship and was selected for the national team for the first time in five years after the season ended. She was dropped from the national team call-up list shortly after the drunk-driving case. She had been seen as a strong candidate for a major free-agent deal, but no club signed her, including GS Caltex. As a result, she remains unsigned and will be unable to play in the women’s V-League in the 2026-2027 season.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-27 18:11:14
  • Golfer Ham Jeong-woo claims maiden Asian Tour title at Singapore Open
    Golfer Ham Jeong-woo claims maiden Asian Tour title at Singapore Open SEOUL, April 27 (AJP) - Golfer Ham Jeong-woo won the Singapore Open on Sentosa Island on Sunday to secure his maiden Asian Tour title. In the fourth and final round of the championship at Sentosa Golf Club's Serapong course, presented by The Business Times, Ham finished at 16-under 268, beating runner-up Cameron John of Australia by two strokes. With Sunday's victory, he took home US$360,000 in prize money and also secured a spot at The Open, scheduled to be held at Royal Birkdale in the U.K. in July. "Staying focused on my play until the end allowed me to secure the win," Ham said after his victory. "It means a lot to me, as all the effort and preparation I've put in have finally paid off. I will use this win as a stepping stone to become a player who can confidently compete on bigger stages," he added. Among compatriots, Moon Do-yeop finished sixth, with Wang Jeung-hun tying for 26th, Choi Seung-bin tying for 52nd, and Kim Hong-taek tying for 56th. 2026-04-27 09:21:03