Journalist

Jeong Se-hee
  • Explosions Reported in Hormuz Strait Amid U.S.-Iran Tensions
    Explosions Reported in Hormuz Strait Amid U.S.-Iran Tensions On May 7, Iranian media reported explosions in the Hormuz Strait linked to U.S. military actions. According to Yonhap News, around 10 p.m. local time, the semi-official Mehr news agency noted that explosions were heard near Qeshm Island, close to Bandar Abbas in southern Iran. A source told Mehr that two drones were shot down near Bandar Abbas, separate from the situation at Qeshm Island. Additionally, the judiciary-run Mizan news agency reported that the Iranian military engaged in combat, targeting the Bahman dock on Qeshm Island. State-run IRIB claimed that U.S. forces attacked an Iranian oil tanker, prompting a missile counterattack from Iran that forced U.S. troops to retreat. The U.S. has not yet commented on these incidents. Just a day earlier, U.S. media, including Axios, reported that the U.S. and Iran were nearing a one-page memorandum of understanding regarding a ceasefire. However, the renewed clashes in the Hormuz Strait have escalated tensions once again. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the head of Iran's negotiating team, criticized the situation, stating, "We have returned to the typical 'fake Axios' operation," dismissing prospects for progress in negotiations.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-08 06:09:19
  • Davichi’s Kang Min-kyung denies using staff for solo Shanghai vlog, says she used tripod
    Davichi’s Kang Min-kyung denies using staff for solo Shanghai vlog, says she used tripod Davichi singer Kang Min-kyung has addressed criticism over how she filmed a YouTube video, denying claims that staff accompanied her on a solo trip. In a post on her YouTube channel, “Gyeong Mingyeong,” Kang said on the 6th that she has been “struggling to film vlogs on my own,” adding that it has now been nine years. “I’ve kept at it for nearly 10 years, so I thought people might recognize it by now, but I guess I still have a long way to go,” she said. She explained that one scene that drew attention was shot after she briefly set up a small tripod outside a restaurant so viewers could feel what she was feeling. Kang said the angle was possible because Shanghai, unlike parts of Europe, does not carry as high a risk of pickpocketing. She said she was offering a detailed explanation because some viewers questioned whether she had traveled with staff despite describing it as a solitary trip. “If it hadn’t been a trip I took alone, there would have been no reason to say it that way,” she said. Kang uploaded the video, titled “A solitary trip to Shanghai for the first time in 36 years,” to her channel on April 26. After a mid-video shot appeared to show someone filming her, some internet users raised suspicions that staff were present. Kang debuted in 2008 as part of Davichi. After the group scored a hit with its first album’s title track, “I Love You Even If I Hate You,” it released songs including “8282,” “Don’t Say Goodbye” and “Time, Stop.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 09:27:54
  • Trump Says Iran Deal Could Be Reached Before His China Trip
    Trump Says Iran Deal Could Be Reached Before His China Trip U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that an agreement with Iran could be reached before his planned trip to China next week, scheduled for 14-15. In an interview with PBS News cited by Yonhap News Agency, Trump was asked whether a deal with Iran was imminent. “I think so. I think there’s a very good chance we’ll reach an agreement,” he said. Asked whether it could be wrapped up before he leaves for China, Trump replied, “It’s possible,” adding that he has felt close to a deal in past talks with Iran and “we’ll have to see what happens.” If no agreement is reached, he said, “we’ll have to bomb them again.” Trump also disclosed parts of the proposal under negotiation. Asked whether the deal could include removing Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, possibly to the United States, he said it was not a “maybe.” “It will be sent to the United States,” he said. He said “yes” when asked whether the deal could include Iran not operating underground nuclear facilities. But he rejected the idea that, after a period of halting enrichment, Iran would be allowed to resume low-level enrichment at 3.67%. Trump said Iran would carry out nuclear-related steps for a long time to build trust and that if an agreement is reached, the United States would ease sanctions on Iran.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 05:57:16
  • Comedian Yang Sang-guk Apologizes After Backlash Over His Behavior on YouTube Show
    Comedian Yang Sang-guk Apologizes After Backlash Over His Behavior on YouTube Show Comedian Yang Sang-guk apologized after his remarks and attitude on the YouTube variety show 'Pinggyego' drew criticism. On May 3, a social media user wrote on Yang’s SNS that the comment section for 'Pinggyego' was “in an uproar” over how he addressed Yoo Jae-suk and over his views on dating as a “Gyeongsang-do man,” adding, “I want to keep watching you. I think you should go into humble mode.” Yang replied, “Yes. I’ll be more careful going forward.” The controversy followed an episode of 'Pinggyego' posted May 2 on the YouTube channel 'DdeunDdeun,' in which Yang appeared with Han Sang-jin and Nam Chang-hee. During the show, Nam said he is newly married and sees his wife off every day. Yang responded, “That’s dangerous. Seoul men are good at that. When they date, they take them home every time, but I’ve never taken a girlfriend home.” Yoo advised that even if not every day, it would be good to take a girlfriend home sometimes, saying it reflects wanting to spend more time together because you love the person. Yang pushed back, saying, “I usually listen to senior Yoo Jae-suk, but I don’t think so on this. I’m someone who dreams of marriage. I’m not at the age for kids’ dating.” Even after Yoo tried several times to persuade him, Yang said, “Mr. Yoo Jae-suk, if you say it one more time, I’ll scold you.” Watching the exchange, Han reacted, “It won’t be easy to make him a regular.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-04 14:46:54
  • Rain and Strong Winds to Linger Into Morning, Then Clear Gradually
    Rain and Strong Winds to Linger Into Morning, Then Clear Gradually On Monday, rain and gusty winds will affect parts of the country through the morning, then skies are expected to gradually clear from midday. Yonhap reported that rain will continue into the early morning in the Seoul metropolitan area, inland Chungcheong, eastern Jeolla and Jeju Island. Temperatures are forecast to range from 8-11 C in the morning to 18-21 C in the afternoon. Expected morning lows are 9 C in Seoul, Incheon and Cheongju; 8 C in Suwon; 58 in Chuncheon; 10 C in Gangneung and Daegu; and 11 C in Busan, Ulsan, Changwon and Jeju. Afternoon highs are forecast at 20 C in Seoul, Cheongju, Daejeon, Sejong, Busan and Ulsan; 18 C in Incheon, Gangneung and Jeju; 19 C in Suwon, Chuncheon, Jeonju, Gwangju and Changwon; and 21 C in Daegu. Forecast rainfall totals are 5-30 millimeters in Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi and Gangwon; 5-10 millimeters in Daejeon, Sejong, South Chungcheong, North Chungcheong and North Jeolla; and less than 5 millimeters in Gwangju, South Jeolla, southwestern inland and northern North Gyeongsang, and Jeju. Fine dust levels are expected to be in the "good" range nationwide. Most areas are also expected to see strong winds, with peak gusts around 55 kph, or about 70 kph in mountainous areas. Waves are forecast at 1.0-3.5 meters in the East Sea, 0.5-3.0 meters in the Yellow Sea and 0.5-2.5 meters in the South Sea. 2026-05-04 06:09:15
  • Trump Rejects Iran’s New 14-Point Counterproposal for War-End Talks
    Trump Rejects Iran’s New 14-Point Counterproposal for War-End Talks U.S. President Donald Trump said Saturday that Iran’s 14-point counterproposal for war-end negotiations was unacceptable, Israel’s public broadcaster Kan reported. In an interview cited by Yonhap News Agency, Trump repeated his rejection of the proposal, saying, “This is not acceptable. I reviewed everything, but it’s not acceptable.” The remarks came after the United States first presented a nine-point plan and Iran responded with a revised 14-point proposal. Earlier Saturday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Iran was reviewing the U.S. views delivered through Pakistan and that Iran’s response would be announced after the review. Baghaei said Iran’s 14-point proposal focused on ending the war and stressed that it did not include nuclear issues. Kan also reported that Trump again urged a pardon for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is on trial on charges including corruption. Trump, referring to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, said, “Tell your president to pardon Bibi,” using Netanyahu’s nickname. “If it weren’t for me and Bibi, Israel wouldn’t exist,” Trump added, saying Israel needs a prime minister who can focus on the war rather than “useless matters.” 2026-05-04 06:00:15
  • Apartment Fire in Uiwang Kills Couple, Injures 6
    Apartment Fire in Uiwang Kills Couple, Injures 6 A fire broke out at an apartment building in Naeson-dong, Uiwang, south of Seoul, killing a couple in their 60s and injuring six other residents, Yonhap News Agency reported Thursday. The fire started about 10:30 a.m. on the 14th floor of a 20-story building, officials said. A man in his 60s who lived in the unit where the fire began died after falling, and his wife, in her 50s, was found dead inside the apartment. Six residents suffered minor injuries, including smoke inhalation, and were taken to hospitals for treatment. The man was initially believed to have fallen while evacuating. However, the first 119 emergency call included a report that “there was a fire on an upper floor of the apartment and someone fell,” suggesting he fell early in the fire or just before it started. Fire authorities issued a Level 1 response at 10:45 a.m., deploying about 30 pieces of equipment, including pump trucks, and about 110 firefighters. They brought the main flames under control at 11:21 a.m., lifted the emergency order after a situation assessment meeting at 12:26 p.m., and fully extinguished the fire at 12:35 p.m., about two hours after it began. Police and fire officials plan to conduct an on-site inspection to determine the extent of the damage and the cause of the fire. The building has 20 floors above ground and one basement level, with a total floor area of about 8,800 square meters and 78 households.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-30 14:06:28
  • Actor Kim Jeong-tae Says He Had Liver Cancer Surgery, With 30% of Liver Removed
    Actor Kim Jeong-tae Says He Had Liver Cancer Surgery, With 30% of Liver Removed Actor Kim Jeong-tae has disclosed that he underwent surgery for liver cancer. On a TV Chosun episode of "Dad and Me" that aired on the 29th, Kim was shown visiting a university hospital. "Liver problems run in my family, so I had liver cancer surgery," Kim said. He said the illness developed around October 2018 and that he had surgery in November. He said he was filming a drama at the time but felt something was wrong and took a blood test. "Normal liver numbers are between 30 and 40, but mine were over 900," he said, adding that he turned pale. Kim said the operation was difficult. He said it was expected to take three hours but lasted nearly eight, and that family members outside were distraught, recalling that his mother-in-law lay down on the floor in shock. Kim's wife said he appeared to have had about 30% of his liver removed. She said the tumor's location was "too bad," and that he stopped all work to focus on recovery. She also said he is a hepatitis B carrier through his mother's side of the family and that there is no cure. "He always has the virus that can cause liver cancer, so it's not an illness that can be completely cured," she said, adding that he is being monitored to prevent it from worsening. The attending doctor also urged regular follow-up, saying there is no way to prevent it and that it is best not to go more than six months between tests.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-30 09:35:58
  • Singer Seo In-young Says First-Marriage Sofa Cost 25 Million Won
    Singer Seo In-young Says First-Marriage Sofa Cost 25 Million Won Singer Seo In-young reflected on her marriage in a recent YouTube video. A video titled “Seo In-young’s first reveal: cooking doenjang stew all day at home and rolling kimbap (-10kg diet kimbap)” was posted April 29 on her YouTube channel, “Gaegwacheonseon Seo In-young.” After the production team told her a home-tour video drew 20,000 comments, Seo said, “I cried. I was so grateful that I read them all night.” Asked by a subscriber about her sofa, Seo said she bought it at a furniture discount store in Gonjiam. “It was 5 million won, but I paid 3 million won. It’s not dirt cheap,” she said. She added that the one she bought during her first marriage “was almost 25 million won.” The production team responded, “So you spent all your money on that,” and Seo nodded, saying, “That’s right,” drawing laughter. Seo held a wedding ceremony in 2023 with a non-celebrity businessman but divorced in 2024. Seo debuted in 2002 as a member of the girl group Jewelry and later released hit songs through group and solo work, including “One More Time” and “Cinderella.” She also gained popularity for her candid personality on MBC’s 2008 variety show “We Got Married.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-30 07:57:21
  • Fed Holds Key Rate Steady for Third Straight Meeting, Citing Still-High Inflation
    Fed Holds Key Rate Steady for Third Straight Meeting, Citing Still-High Inflation The Federal Reserve on April 29 (local time) held its benchmark interest rate steady at 3.50% to 3.75%, marking its third consecutive decision to keep rates unchanged. According to Yonhap News Agency, the decision was made on the second day of the Federal Open Market Committee’s regular meeting. The Fed cut rates three times in a row last year — in September, October and December — but has kept them on hold three straight times this year, following decisions in January and March. With the latest move, the interest-rate gap between South Korea (2.50%) and the United States remained 1.25 percentage points at the upper end. Explaining the decision, the Fed said, “Inflation remains elevated, which partly reflects recent increases in global energy prices,” and added that shifts in the Middle East situation are creating “high uncertainty” for the economic outlook. It said recent indicators suggest economic activity is expanding at a solid pace. “Job gains have moderated on average,” it said, adding that the unemployment rate has been little changed in recent months. The Fed said the committee aims over the longer run to achieve maximum employment and 2% inflation, and that it will closely assess economic data, changes in the outlook and risk factors in future rate decisions. It also said it is prepared to adjust the stance of monetary policy as appropriate if risks emerge that could hinder its goals — a remark some interpreted as signaling the possibility of future rate cuts.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-30 06:07:24