Journalist

LEE KEONHEE
  • Lee Chung Yong Joins Incheon United After Golf Celebration Controversy
    Lee Chung Yong Joins Incheon United After Golf Celebration Controversy Midfielder Lee Chung Yong, who drew criticism over a "golf celebration," has signed with K League 1 promoted side Incheon United. Incheon announced the signing on Tuesday. An Incheon official called Lee a proven veteran at home and abroad who will add stability and leadership, saying the club expects him to help younger players develop and boost competitiveness. Lee said, "I’m excited to start a new challenge at Incheon," adding, "I will pour all my experience and ability into the pitch so the team can move toward higher goals. I will repay the fans with strong performances." Lee made his pro debut with FC Seoul in 2006 and moved overseas in 2009. He returned to the K League in March 2020 by joining Ulsan, helping the club win three straight K League 1 titles from 2022-2024 and the Asian Football Confederation Champions League. Late last year, his on-field "golf celebration" sparked controversy, with some fans alleging it was aimed at Shin Tae Yong, a former Ulsan coach. Lee later expressed regret in a handwritten letter and parted ways with Ulsan last month. 2026-02-11 17:42:33
  • Shin Yu Bin and Lim Jong Hoon rise to No. 1 in ITTF mixed doubles rankings
    Shin Yu Bin and Lim Jong Hoon rise to No. 1 in ITTF mixed doubles rankings South Korean table tennis player Shin Yu Bin and partner Lim Jong Hoon have moved to No. 1 in the world in mixed doubles.  The International Table Tennis Federation posted updated world rankings on its website on Tuesday, listing the Lim-Shin pair at No. 1 in mixed doubles. They rose one spot from the Week 7 rankings released on Feb. 9, marking the first time the duo have topped the mixed doubles standings.  The pair were eliminated in the round of 16 at last month’s WTT Star Contender Doha. In the latest calculation, however, points from last year’s WTT Singapore event expired, benefiting Lim and Shin. Lin Shidong and Kuai Man, the previous No. 1 pair, fell two places to No. 3. Lin and Kuai had won Singapore Smash, but their number of ranking events dropped to five as they have played fewer international tournaments recently. WTT rankings can include up to eight tournaments, but points drop off after one year. Lim and Shin earned 1,500 points by winning last year’s Hong Kong Finals and have consistently competed, filling the maximum eight events used for ranking.  Lim and Shin are scheduled to compete at WTT Singapore Smash, running from Feb. 19 to March 1. Lin and Kuai, along with the world No. 2 pair Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha, will not participate. Under a rule allowing only one pair per country, the world No. 9 duo of Hwang Yu Jung and Chen Yi will enter instead. 2026-02-11 16:36:41
  • Actor Park Jung Min Apologizes After Life of Pi Show Is Canceled Minutes Before Curtain
    Actor Park Jung Min Apologizes After 'Life of Pi' Show Is Canceled Minutes Before Curtain Actor Park Jung Min apologized after the play "Life of Pi" was abruptly canceled shortly before it was to begin in Seoul. Park posted a message Tuesday through his agency, Sam Company, saying he was "sincerely sorry" to everyone who came to the show the night before. He said he used the agency account because he does not have a personal social media account. "No reason can ease the shock you felt in that moment, and I believe this was our fault," Park wrote. "Thinking of how empty you must have felt turning back with the theater doors still closed, I have nothing I can say." He added that the time, energy and support audiences gave to see the show were "a debt" he cannot repay. Park said he suggested adding a special performance and that the production company agreed. "I know a re-performance cannot make up for everyone’s disappointment, but I hope it can offer at least a small comfort," he wrote. He added, "I’m sorry to have put you through an experience you did not want. The actors and all staff will work even harder for the remaining performances. If you can, I hope to see you on the day of the re-performance. On behalf of the team, I apologize again." Online commenters responded with messages such as, "It’s not the actor’s fault," and, "I’m worried about his condition." The show scheduled to open Feb. 10 at GS Arts Center in Seoul notified audiences of the cancellation at about 7:25 p.m., about five minutes before the 7:30 p.m. start time. The production company said a sudden technical problem occurred in some lighting equipment before the performance. It said it attempted repairs but decided it could not proceed and canceled the show. After controversy over the cancellation, the "Life of Pi" production said it will stage an additional performance at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16 with the same cast. Audience members who had tickets for the canceled show can attend in the same seats and will receive a refund of 10% of the ticket price. Those who do not want to attend the additional performance will receive a refund of 110% of the ticket price. The following is Park Jung Min’s full statement. Hello. I’m Park Jung Min. First, I want to sincerely apologize to all the audience members who came to last night’s performance. It seems the production company decided to cancel because problems occurred with some lighting equipment and they judged it would cause major inconvenience. There also may have been safety concerns for the puppeteers who must move inside the puppets. However, I believe no reason can ease the shock you felt in that moment, and this was our fault. Thinking of how empty you must have felt turning back with the theater doors still closed, I have nothing I can say. I believe the precious time, energy and heartfelt support you gave to see this show are a debt that cannot be repaid. My apology comes late. Before apologizing, I felt I needed to work with the production company to prepare as much of an alternative as possible, even if it could not be enough. I also thought an apology without an alternative could be irresponsible. I suggested adding a special performance, and the production company willingly accepted. It seems time was needed to confirm details with the many people involved with the theater and the production, and with the audience members who came yesterday. I know a re-performance cannot make up for everyone’s disappointment, but I still hope it can offer at least a small comfort. Thanks to the many audience members who have come so far, the actors and staff go onstage each day with gratitude. It has been a while since I last performed onstage, so I am very nervous and afraid in every moment, but I feel your support gives me great strength. Even so, I’m sorry to have put you through an experience you did not want. For the remaining performances, the actors and all staff will work even harder. If you can, I hope to see you on the day of the re-performance. I will work very hard. And on behalf of the team, I once again offer my sincere apology. I’m sorry. Sincerely, Park Jung Min (I do not have a personal account, so I borrowed the company account to post this. Thank you for your understanding.) 2026-02-11 15:57:00
  • Injury-stricken Hwang Hee-chan adds to South Koreas woes ahead of World Cup
    Injury-stricken Hwang Hee-chan adds to South Korea's woes ahead of World Cup SEOUL, February 11 (AJP) - Striker Hwang Hee-chan has been sidelined for several weeks due to a calf injury, according to his club Wolverhampton Wanderers. "Channy is out and it'll be a few weeks. It's his calf. We'll rescan again a couple of weeks and see where he's at," manager Rob Edwards told reporters on Tuesday, days ahead of their away match against Nottingham Forest in the English Premier League. Hwang started the club's home match against Chelsea last weekend but was replaced in the 43rd minute due to pain in his calf. His injury is bad news for the Wanderers and also raises concerns for the national team ahead of this year's World Cup in North America, which kicks off in June. Hwang suffered a similar calf injury last October that kept him out for several weeks. 2026-02-11 14:06:25
  • LeBron James to Miss All-NBA Eligibility After Falling Short of 65-Game Minimum
    LeBron James to Miss All-NBA Eligibility After Falling Short of 65-Game Minimum LeBron James will not be eligible for All-NBA honors this season after falling short of the NBA’s minimum games requirement. The Los Angeles Lakers forward was left off the roster for a home game against the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday (Korean time) because of pain from arthritis in his left ankle. The absence will be his 18th missed game of the season, meaning he cannot meet the league’s 65-game minimum for regular-season awards eligibility. The All-NBA teams recognize 15 players each season, with five players named to each of the first, second and third teams. James had been selected to an All-NBA team in 21 straight seasons through last season, excluding his 2003-04 rookie year, but injuries have kept him from qualifying this year. He also did not make the NBA All-Star Game starters list after being a starter for 21 consecutive years from 2005 through last year. In addition, his streak of scoring in double figures ended on Dec. 5, snapping a run that had lasted 18 years.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-11 10:18:00
  • South Korea Denied Advance After Crash in Olympic Mixed Relay; ISU Protest Fee Draws Criticism
    South Korea Denied Advance After Crash in Olympic Mixed Relay; ISU Protest Fee Draws Criticism South Korea’s bid for a medal in the short track mixed 5,000-meter relay ended in disappointment, and online criticism has focused on the International Skating Union’s protest rules.  South Korea finished third in its semifinal on Monday (Korea time) at the Milan Ice Skating Arena in Italy, sending the team to the B final and a sixth-place overall finish.  The team said it was undone by bad luck. Midrace, American Corinne Stoddard, who was leading, slipped, and Kim Gil Ri, who was chasing, collided with her and fell. In some cases, skaters can be advanced when they are unable to compete normally due to unavoidable contact.  But South Korea did not receive an advance because it was running third at the moment of the collision. A team official said ISU rules require a team to be in first or second place at the time of the incident to qualify for an advance. “We were third at the time, so the rule was clear, and we had no choice but to accept the ISU decision,” the official said.  Coach Kim Min Jung drew attention by running to officials with $100 to lodge a protest. Under ISU rules, a written protest generally must be submitted with 100 Swiss francs or an equivalent amount in foreign currency to deter frivolous complaints. The fee is returned if the protest is upheld; if not, the ISU keeps it. In this case, South Korea did not even get to submit the $100 because officials did not accept the advance request.  Kim said she believed Kim Gil Ri was “level with” the second-place team when she fell and appealed because she thought there were grounds for an advance. “The officials judged we were in third, and if we protested further we could have been disciplined, so we had to accept it,” she added.  Some online commenters also questioned South Korea’s late-surging race strategy, saying it can leave teams without recourse when incidents occur before they move into the top two. Others criticized the pay-to-protest system, posting reactions such as, “Isn’t the ISU openly taking money?” and “Do you have to pay even when it feels unfair?”  2026-02-11 09:15:00
  • Wolves’ Hwang Hee-chan sidelined for weeks with calf injury
    Wolves’ Hwang Hee-chan sidelined for weeks with calf injury Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Hwang Hee-chan is out again with a calf injury. On the club website, Wolves manager Rob Edwards said at a news conference ahead of the team’s English Premier League road match against Nottingham Forest that Hwang will miss the game and is expected to be sidelined for weeks. “He will be out,” Edwards said. “It will take a few weeks (to return) because of a calf injury.” He added that Hwang will be re-evaluated in about two weeks, but “it will probably take a few weeks.” Hwang started the EPL’s Round 25 home match against Chelsea on Feb. 8 at Molineux Stadium in Wolverhampton, England, but went down with calf pain and was substituted in the 43rd minute of the first half with Wolves trailing 3-0. The setback is also expected to affect South Korea’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup in North America. Hwang injured his calf during national team duty in October and was sidelined for a period. With the injury recurring in an area prone to flare-ups, it adds to the concerns for South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo. 2026-02-11 08:24:00
  • Four players ejected after fight breaks out in Pistons-Hornets game
    Four players ejected after fight breaks out in Pistons-Hornets game A fight broke out on an NBA court.  The Detroit Pistons played the Charlotte Hornets in a 2025-2026 NBA regular-season game at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Monday (Korean time).  The altercation erupted midway through the third quarter after Detroit’s Jalen Duren was fouled while driving to the basket. Duren and Charlotte’s Moussa Diabate went forehead-to-forehead, and Duren shoved Diabate in the face. Diabate then threw a punch at Duren after breaking through teammates trying to hold him back.  Charlotte’s Miles Bridges followed with a left-handed punch at Duren. Detroit’s Isaiah Stewart ran onto the court and clashed with Bridges, grabbing him by the neck and throwing several punches.   Arena security and police were brought in as the situation escalated. After order was restored, officials ejected Duren, Stewart, Diabate and Bridges.  Midway through the fourth quarter, Charlotte coach Charles Lee was also ejected after strongly protesting a call and moving toward an official before being restrained. Lee later said, “As emotions ran high, the situation grew out of control.”  Detroit won 110-104. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-10 16:26:34
  • Catcher Choi Jae Hoon Out of South Korea’s 2026 WBC Team With Finger Injury; Kim Hyeong Jun Added
    Catcher Choi Jae Hoon Out of South Korea’s 2026 WBC Team With Finger Injury; Kim Hyeong Jun Added Hanwha Eagles catcher Choi Jae Hoon has been dropped from South Korea’s roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic after injuring a finger.  The Korea Baseball Organization’s national team strengthening committee said Tuesday that Kim Hyeong Jun of the NC Dinos will replace Choi, who recently broke a finger during Hanwha’s winter training.  Kim will join LG Twins catcher Park Dong Won as South Korea’s catchers for the WBC. Kim had been left off the roster while rehabbing after breaking a palm bone last year, but was added after showing a quick recovery.  Kim previously played in the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games held in 2023, the 2023 Asia Professional Baseball Championship and the 2024 WBSC Premier12. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-10 16:21:44
  • Pitcher Erick Fedde Agrees to One-Year Deal to Return to Chicago White Sox
    Pitcher Erick Fedde Agrees to One-Year Deal to Return to Chicago White Sox Former KBO MVP pitcher Erick Fedde is set to return to the Chicago White Sox.  MLB.com, citing sources, reported on Monday that the White Sox have agreed to a one-year contract with the right-hander. The team has not announced the deal, but only a physical remains, the report said.  Fedde starred for the NC Dinos in 2023, going 20-6 with a 2.00 ERA and 209 strikeouts to win the regular-season MVP and the pitching Golden Glove.  He returned to the majors in 2024 after signing a two-year, $15 million deal with the White Sox. He made 31 appearances that season and went 9-9 with a 3.30 ERA.  Last year, he struggled after stints with the St. Louis Cardinals, Atlanta Braves and Milwaukee Brewers, going 4-12 with a 5.76 ERA in 32 games. After moving to the bullpen in Milwaukee, he rebounded with a 3.38 ERA over seven outings, pitching 16 innings.  MLB.com said Fedde’s sweeper and changeup remain effective, noting opponents are hitting just .191 against his sweeper.  2026-02-10 10:18:00