Journalist

Kang Sang-heon
  • Callaway Golf Korea Opens Brand Pop-Up at Shinsegae Gangnam
    Callaway Golf Korea Opens Brand Pop-Up at Shinsegae Gangnam Callaway Golf Korea said it is operating an experiential brand pop-up, “Nothing Beats This Park,” based on its 2026 brand campaign “Golf, Nothing Beats This,” through April 5 at the Open Stage on the first floor of Central City at Shinsegae Department Store’s Gangnam branch. The pop-up, which opened March 24, was planned as an interactive space themed “golf’s best moments.” The company said it is designed to let visitors experience Callaway’s innovation and brand story and explore their own golf style. The space is laid out as a journey toward a “best moment.” Visitors receive a stamp-tour mission on entry and move through the zones in order; those who complete the missions receive various rewards. A smart waiting system is also in place to reduce lines, the company said. The “Callaway Driver History” zone introduces the company’s innovation and brand philosophy. In the “360-degree photo zone,” visitors can try Callaway apparel and clubs in a tour-locker-themed setting and record their performance style with 360-degree video. A “Putting Challenge” zone lets visitors test their touch using Odyssey putters, with programs also offered for families. A “Scoreboard photo zone” is set up for visitors to record and share their experience. A Callaway Golf Korea official said the pop-up goes beyond a product display and was designed as a brand space where visitors can experience what the company means by “Golf, Nothing Beats This.” The official said the company hopes visitors will discover and share their own “best moments.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-25 17:36:22
  • KLPGA Players Pick Rising Star Kim Min-sol as Top Grand Prize Contender
    KLPGA Players Pick Rising Star Kim Min-sol as Top Grand Prize Contender Players preparing for the 2026 Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour domestic opener singled out 20-year-old rising star Kim Min-sol as a leading candidate for the season’s grand prize award. The KLPGA Tour begins its domestic schedule April 2-5 with The Siena Open at The Siena Belluto Country Club in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province. The 2026 season opened earlier with the Rejuran Championship, held March 12-15 in Chonburi, Thailand. The Siena Open carries a total purse of 1 billion won. Ahead of the domestic opener, the tour held its ‘Opening Ceremony’ on March 25 in Seoul. Attendees included last year’s money leader Hong Jeong-min, along with fan vote top finishers Im Hee-jeong and Park Hyeon-gyeong, and players Kim Min-sol, Park Gyeol, Park Min-ji, Park Hye-jun, Bae So-hyeon, Yoo Hyeon-jo, Lee Ga-young, Lee Se-hee and Lee Yul-lin. At media day, much of the focus was on the expected battle for the season’s top honors. Players pointed to Kim, praising her combination of distance and precision. Born in 2006, Kim won twice last year. Im, a five-time KLPGA winner, said Kim “hits it long and has a good short game,” adding that “if she builds experience well, she can be a strong grand prize candidate this season.” Park Hyeon-gyeong also backed Kim. “The one player who immediately comes to mind as a grand prize candidate is Kim Min-sol,” she said. “She has distance, and she’s strong across the technical parts. I think she’ll have a good season.” Kim thanked the senior players for their support. “I’m grateful they picked me as a grand prize candidate,” she said. “My goal this year is to live up to those expectations.” She named Park Hye-jun as her own pick, saying Park “showed a lot of good things last year.” Veterans also laid out their goals. Park Min-ji, who would set a new KLPGA career wins record with two more victories, said she is entering her 10th year on tour after going winless last season for the first time. “I think it became a turning point for me,” Park said. “I’d been winning every year and got complacent. This year I want to start over from the beginning like a rookie. I’m desperate to win.” Born in 1998, Park added that younger players “come out in short sleeves even in spring and fall,” while she needs “three layers,” and said she needs more fitness work and better body management to keep up. Bae So-hyeon, born in 1993, laughed at Park’s comments. “I’m thinking, what is she talking about?” Bae said, adding that adjusting preparation as players get older “looks professional,” but that it might be “a bit early” for Park to say. Park Gyeol, born in 1996 and in her 12th year on tour, said, “My stamina may be lower than the younger players, but I have the advantage of experience,” adding, “We can win, too.” Several players who joined new teams also set clear targets. Yoo Hyeon-jo, last year’s grand prize winner and scoring average leader, said joining Lotte brings some pressure, but she wants to do better than last year. “I especially want to be the multiple-wins leader,” Yoo said. “Last year I missed out on a lot of wins. I want to fix that and try to lead in wins.” Hong, last year’s money leader and co-leader in wins with three titles, said she has a new sponsor, Korea Land Trust, and is aiming higher. “Since I’m newly sponsored by Korea Land Trust, I’ll set a goal of more than last year’s three wins — four,” Hong said. “I’ll focus on four wins and keep pushing.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-25 16:18:00
  • KBO preseason sets attendance record with 440,247 fans in 60 games
    KBO preseason sets attendance record with 440,247 fans in 60 games The KBO League drew a record number of fans to its preseason schedule this year. The Korea Baseball Organization said Tuesday that 440,247 fans attended 60 games in the 2025 Shinhan SOL KBO League preseason through Monday, the highest single-season total in preseason history. The previous record was 321,763 set last year. With the regular season a week away, attendance topped 80,000 on consecutive days March 21-22, for a combined 163,626. On March 22, the KBO set a single-day preseason record with 83,584 fans. Cumulative attendance rose 36.8% from a year earlier. Average attendance per game was 7,337, down about 4.2% from last year’s record 7,661 over 42 games, affected by eight games scheduled at Futures League parks such as Icheon and Masan. Games averaged 2 hours, 52 minutes, up 7 minutes from last year. Strikeouts per game fell 4.4% to 14.45, while walks rose 0.3% to 7.88. The leaguewide ERA increased 35.0% to 5.25 from 3.89. Hits per game climbed 12.7% to 18.23 from 16.17. Home runs rose 57.1% to 1.98 per game from 1.26, and batting average increased 9.0% to .267 from .245.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-25 14:00:35
  • Public Golf Course Visits in South Korea Fell 4.2% in 2025; Green Fees Also Down
    Public Golf Course Visits in South Korea Fell 4.2% in 2025; Green Fees Also Down The Korea Public Golf Course Association said average visits to public golf courses in 2025 fell 4.2% from 2024. In data released March 25, the association said the average number of visitors per 18-hole course was 85,642 in 2025, down from 89,376 in 2024. It said attendance has declined each year since 2022. Green fees also fell. In the Seoul metropolitan area, the average weekday fee was 146,000 won, down 8.2% from 159,000 won in 2024. The average weekend fee was 188,000 won, down 8.7% from a year earlier. Outside the metropolitan area, average fees were estimated to have dropped about 1% to 2%. The association said it held its 2026 regular board meeting and general assembly March 24 at Olympic Parktel in Songpa-gu, Seoul. It reviewed and approved its 2025 business results and financial statements and a proposed 2026 budget totaling about 1.696 billion won. At the general assembly, the association also reported its efforts to seek changes to laws and systems affecting the golf industry. It cited proposals to revise what it called unreasonable rules in standard contract terms related to deposits and cancellation fees; to exclude self-employed caddies from coverage under the national pension and health insurance; and to introduce systems reflecting industry conditions in connection with the “Basic Act for Working People” bill and the “worker presumption system.” The association said it supports member companies by providing statistical analysis and publishing a professional bulletin, “Public Golf Course Management Brief.” It said key initiatives this year include regularizing personnel and information exchanges with the Japan Golf Course Managers Association; supporting course management in response to abnormal weather through on-site diagnostics and soil and water-quality analysis; and expanding issuance of official certificates for special achievements such as holes-in-one. At the meeting, Hong Jae-won, CEO of Bellastone CC, and Kim Nam-il, president of the Gyeongsangbuk-do Culture and Tourism Organization, which operates Bomun GC and Andong Lake GC, received top awards for management innovation. Excellence awards went to Hwang Yong-hae, deputy general manager at Diamond CC; Son Hyun-kyung, deputy general manager at Solago CC; Lee Ji-min, assistant manager at Seven Valley CC; and Kang Min-su, an employee at West Ocean CC. Association Chairman Woo Jeong-seok said the golf industry’s business environment is changing faster than ever amid domestic and global economic conditions, shifting consumer trends, and new systems and regulations. He said the association will “push forward more strongly” its roles and responsibilities across various areas to improve conditions for public golf courses facing many challenges. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-25 09:15:00
  • Omega to Provide Official Timekeeping for TGL Final Series
    Omega to Provide Official Timekeeping for TGL Final Series Swiss watchmaker Omega is providing timekeeping technology throughout the TGL screen golf league season, aiming to support a faster, more structured competition format. Omega has handled timekeeping for all TGL matches held since December at the SoFi Center in Florida, including the league’s central “40-second shot clock.” As the official timekeeper, the company said its role goes beyond measuring time, helping raise pace and tension while influencing players’ strategic decisions. TGL is a hybrid golf league that combines simulator-based long-game play with short-game shots on an indoor, high-tech green. The 40-second shot clock is designed to create quicker action and a team strategy-focused structure, making time a decisive factor. Omega has placed shot-clock timing displays on both sides of the venue’s large front screen to heighten visual engagement. “Precision, power, time, technology and team dynamics are Omega’s core values, and they align with TGL’s fast, technology-driven play and emphasis on teamwork,” Omega said. The company added that TGL’s push to reshape traditional golf also matches Omega’s “pioneering spirit,” calling the partnership a way to put those values into practice. Omega’s timekeeping will continue during the final series, scheduled for March 24 and 25 in a best-of-three format. Jupiter Links GC, featuring Tiger Woods and Kim Ju-hyeong, will face Los Angeles Golf Club, which includes Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose, with the title at stake. Omega has served as an official timekeeper at international sports events for more than 90 years, starting with the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics. Since 2001, it has also been the title sponsor of the Omega European Masters, maintaining ties to golf.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-25 08:36:18
  • KBO Season Opens With LG, KT and Samsung Slight Favorites; Asia Quota Looms Large
    KBO Season Opens With LG, KT and Samsung Slight Favorites; Asia Quota Looms Large The KBO League heads into the 2026 regular season with what analysts expect to be one of its tightest races in years, with a newly introduced “Asia quota” rule seen as a key variable that could swing the standings. The 2026 season opens March 28 and will run 144 games per team, 720 games total. Five openers are scheduled for 2 p.m.: KT Wiz vs. LG Twins at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul; Kiwoom Heroes vs. Hanwha Eagles at Hanwha Life Ballpark in Daejeon; KIA Tigers vs. SSG Landers at Incheon SSG Landers Field; Lotte Giants vs. Samsung Lions at Daegu Samsung Lions Park; and Doosan Bears vs. NC Dinos at Changwon NC Park. Commentators said the league looks unusually balanced. Min Hoon-ki, a SPOTV analyst, said in a phone interview March 23 that while the past two or three seasons were competitive, “this year is truly an all-time scramble.” Excluding Kiwoom, he said, the other nine clubs have improved and “a dogfight without a runaway team” could last to the end. Kim Sun-woo, an MBC Sports Plus analyst, also said the field has leveled out enough that it is difficult to pick even the top five. Even so, analysts gave a slight edge to LG, Samsung and KT. Min said defending champion LG has fewer uncertainties and strong depth. He said KT has a solid pitching staff and strengthened its lineup by adding Kim Hyun-soo and Choi Won-jun. Min said Samsung upgraded its offense by signing Choi Hyeong-woo, but added that staying healthy will be crucial. Kim said exhibition games suggested LG “still looks strong,” and that Samsung’s lineup remains potent despite injuries, with the two clubs appearing a step ahead. The new Asia quota system is expected to be the biggest wild card. Under the rule, teams can sign one player from an Asian league — including Australia — at up to $200,000, with no position restrictions. Nine of the 10 clubs used the slot on a pitcher. KIA was the only team to sign a position player, adding Australian infielder Jared Dale. By nationality, seven of the Asia-quota players are Japanese, two are Australian and one is Taiwanese. Min said the change effectively gives teams a fourth foreign player and could have an outsized impact if an Asia-quota pitcher emerges as an ace or a closer. Kim said the rule is likely to influence the standings because nearly every club, except KIA, used it to bolster pitching. He added that for SSG — with ace Kim Kwang-hyun no longer on the roster — the performance of Japan’s Takeda Shota has become “extremely important.” Another storyline is whether Lotte, which finished first in the exhibition standings, can carry that momentum into the season. It was Lotte’s first time atop the exhibition table since 2022, when it tied for first with LG and KIA, and its first outright exhibition title since 2011. Kim credited Lotte’s strong exhibition run to standout performances by younger players and intense internal competition that has lifted the team’s hitting. He said Lotte lacked power and home runs last season, but could be worth watching if its revamped offense translates to the regular season. Min was more cautious, saying the key question is whether a young core can withstand a long season, adding that while Lotte should compete, it is unclear whether it has top-five strength.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-25 00:06:00
  • KBO League draws record preseason crowds, fueling 10 million-fan expectations
    KBO League draws record preseason crowds, fueling 10 million-fan expectations The 2026 KBO League is drawing big crowds even before opening day, raising expectations it could top 10 million fans for a third straight season. Momentum has also been boosted by South Korea’s run to the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, setting up what analysts expect will be an even tougher ticket hunt. The KBO has set attendance records in each of the past two seasons, cementing its status as the country’s most popular sport. After breaking the 10 million mark for the first time in 2024 with 10,887,705 fans, last season drew a record 12,312,519. In the 2025 season, 331 of 720 games sold out, a sellout rate of about 46%, and seat occupancy reached 82.9%. This year’s outlook has been lifted by the WBC, which ended March 18 (Korean time). South Korea reached the quarterfinals for the first time in 17 years, drawing renewed attention from fans. The surge showed up in TV ratings. Nielsen Korea reported combined ratings for the three major terrestrial broadcasters of 16.5% for the game against Japan, 12.4% for the game against Australia that clinched a quarterfinal berth, and 9.5% for the quarterfinal against the Dominican Republic. The early demand was also clear in exhibition games. The Korea Baseball Organization said attendance on March 21 and 22 was 80,042 and 83,584, respectively. Both days surpassed the previous single-day exhibition record of 71,288 set on March 9 last year. Commentators said the crowds point to another strong season. Min Hun-gi, a SPOTV analyst, said he was surprised to see nearly 20,000 fans at Busan’s Sajik Baseball Stadium for an exhibition game. “Now pro baseball has firmly become a major social and cultural phenomenon beyond just a sport,” Min said. “This year it will be really hard for fans to get tickets.” Kim Sun-woo, an MBC Sports Plus analyst, said the exhibition-game atmosphere suggests the league could again reach 10 million fans. “In the WBC, young players became the focal point and delivered results, which raised interest among baseball fans,” Kim said. “That energy will carry straight into strong support for each club in the regular season.” The KBO is also moving quickly to match fan demand. Starting March 27, it will team up with Starbucks Korea to release new stadium-themed drinks, food and goods. The league also renewed a digital partnership with TikTok for a third straight year, planning original content and interactive events to expand its online outreach.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-25 00:03:00
  • Kim Hyo-joo jumps to No. 4 in women’s golf world ranking after Founders Cup win
    Kim Hyo-joo jumps to No. 4 in women’s golf world ranking after Founders Cup win Kim Hyo-joo, the Fortinet Founders Cup champion on the LPGA Tour, climbed to No. 4 in the women’s world golf ranking after earning her eighth career victory. In the rankings released March 24 (Korean time), Kim rose four spots from No. 8 last week to No. 4, matching her career-high position for the first time since March 2015. Kim opened her season with a solo third-place finish at the LPGA Tour’s Honda Thailand, then captured her first win of the season in her third start at the Founders Cup. She won the title March 23 at 16-under 272, edging Nelly Korda of the United States by one stroke (15-under 273). It was Kim’s first LPGA Tour victory in a year, since the Ford Championship in March last year. Kim led from the opening round through the final round for a wire-to-wire win and reclaimed the Founders Cup title 11 years after first winning the event in 2015, her LPGA Tour debut season. Kim Sei-young, who tied for third at the Founders Cup, moved up one spot from No. 10 to No. 9 in the world ranking. Yoo Hae-ran stayed at No. 13 and Choi Hye-jin held at No. 15. Kim A-lim was No. 25, Hwang Yoo-min No. 31 and Ko Jin-young No. 37. Lim Jin-hee, who also tied for third at the Founders Cup, jumped 10 places from No. 49 to No. 39. The top three remained unchanged: Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand at No. 1, Korda at No. 2 and Charley Hull of Britain at No. 3.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-24 17:12:00
  • Tottenham Slips Toward Relegation Zone After Son Heung-min Exit, Winless Run Grows
    Tottenham Slips Toward Relegation Zone After Son Heung-min Exit, Winless Run Grows Tottenham Hotspur’s slump has deepened into a relegation fight in the English Premier League, with local media pointing to a leadership vacuum after captain and star Son Heung-min left for Los Angeles FC and to criticism of the club’s top management. After 31 league matches, Tottenham sits 17th at 7-9-15 for 30 points, just one point above 18th-place West Ham United (7-8-16, 29). In the EPL, the teams finishing 18th through 20th after 38 rounds are relegated to the Championship. The recent form is worse. Tottenham is winless in 13 straight league matches (5 draws, 8 losses) and has not won since a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Dec. 29. The club has not won a league match this year, its longest winless run in 91 years. Home results have been especially poor. Tottenham has only two home league wins in 16 matches (4 draws, 10 losses). The Independent reported that, excluding second-division Sheffield Wednesday, which was docked points for financial issues, it is the worst home record across England’s top four professional divisions. The season did not begin this way. Tottenham started under then-coach Thomas Frank and picked up notable wins, including against Manchester City. But results collapsed from November, and Frank was fired on Feb. 11. Interim coach Igor Tudor has failed to lift the mood, going 1 draw and 4 losses in five league matches since taking over. British outlets have cited the loss of a team focal point. The Guardian, in a March 12 analysis of what it described as a growing defeatist mood in the squad, said Tottenham has failed to replace players who “truly loved the club” and connected teammates and fans, including Son, Harry Kane (Bayern Munich) and Eric Dier (AS Monaco). Questions have also followed the new captain. Romero, a central defender, has been unable to anchor the back line because of frequent dismissals and disciplinary bans. Tottenham has conceded 50 goals in 31 league matches (1.61 per game), the league’s fourth-worst defensive record by that measure. Injuries have compounded the problems. Midfield playmaker James Maddison tore an anterior cruciate ligament during a preseason friendly at Seoul World Cup Stadium in August and was ruled out for the season. More key players later went down, and seven regulars missed the March 22 match at Nottingham Forest, a 3-0 loss, because of injuries. Criticism of the club’s leadership has intensified. The Guardian faulted what it called an obsession with commercialization, writing that even as the team slid, the stadium video boards flashed ads for revenue-generating events such as the Skywalk attraction, rugby, the NFL and pop concerts. It also argued that frequent coaching changes have taken a toll, saying players who repeatedly heard they were steeped in a “culture of failure” since Mauricio Pochettino eventually began to play that way. The Independent also criticized Daniel Levy, identified as the club’s previous chairman, and majority owner ENIC Group. In a March 23 report, it said “years of underinvestment, shortcuts and poor management” had caught up with Tottenham, and singled out the appointments of CEO Vinai Venkatesham and sports director Johan Lange as among the club’s worst hiring decisions.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-24 15:19:29
  • KPGA Says Busan Assault Suspect Was Expelled in 2015, Not a Current Member
    KPGA Says Busan Assault Suspect Was Expelled in 2015, Not a Current Member KPGA said on the 23rd that the man accused in a recent sexual assault and beating case involving a golf lesson student in Busan is not affiliated with the association. The association said it has confirmed the suspect is a 60-year-old man identified only by the surname Kim, who was expelled in January 2015 and is not a current KPGA member. JTBC's "Case Chief" reported in February that a man working as an instructor at a golf practice range in Busan repeatedly sexually assaulted a female student and, after she resisted, assaulted her indiscriminately at a restaurant. The program also aired CCTV footage showing the attack. The Busan District Court sentenced the assailant to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years. After the broadcast, speculation spread online while the suspect's identity remained unclear. Based on a phrase used in the report, a man identified only by the surname Shin, who had competed on the KPGA Tour, was wrongly named as the assailant. JTBC later said comments identifying Shin as the attacker were "clearly false." Shin also strongly denied any connection. Even so, KPGA members in the Busan and South Gyeongsang region said they suffered tangible fallout, including students avoiding lessons. As the damage from unverified claims grew, Shin Hee-taek, chair of the KPGA disciplinary committee, and regional members moved to determine the suspect's identity. The KPGA office said it made repeated calls with the victim and local members, conducted a full review of eight members in the Busan and South Gyeongsang region born in 1966, and sought legal advice. It ultimately identified Kim as the suspect and said he had been expelled for long-term nonpayment of dues. "Members in the Busan and South Gyeongsang region and association staff communicated closely to identify the perpetrator," Shin said. "Kim is currently in no way connected to the association." KPGA said it is checking indications that Kim continued giving golf lessons after his expulsion and is also reviewing whether he impersonated KPGA membership. Depending on the findings, the association said it is considering legal action over defamation and obstruction of business and will cooperate if investigative authorities request assistance. Kim Jin-hyeong, a KPGA Tour director, said the core of the case was not misconduct by an active professional but a personal crime by someone who had been expelled. He said the association shares the victim's pain and the distress felt by Shin and other members in the Busan area. He said KPGA maintains a zero-tolerance stance on sex crimes and will consider strong legal steps if needed, while working to build systems to prevent recurrence so the public can trust KPGA members. The association said it also views impersonating KPGA membership, including by expelled individuals, as a serious matter that undermines order and will respond actively after confirming facts if similar cases arise.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-23 17:36:00