Journalist

Kang So-young
  • Autopsy: 3-year-old in Yangju died from head injury caused by external force
    Autopsy: 3-year-old in Yangju died from head injury caused by external force A 3-year-old child who died in a suspected abuse case in Yangju, south of Seoul, was killed by a head injury caused by an external impact, police said. Police said April 29 that the National Forensic Service concluded the boy, identified only as A, died of head trauma and that the injury appeared to have been caused by nonaccidental external force. The agency had earlier said in an initial verbal assessment that it was difficult to definitively determine whether the head injury was caused by abuse. The autopsy findings later clarified that the death resulted from an external impact. Investigators also found signs of bleeding in the child’s abdomen that appeared to have occurred in the past. Police said they will continue investigating the possibility the child was abused over an extended period. The child suffered a severe head injury at a home in Okjeong-dong, Yangju, at about 6:44 p.m. on April 9 and was taken to a nearby hospital. He underwent surgery for a brain hemorrhage but died five days later at about 11:33 p.m. on April 14. Gyeonggi Bukbu Provincial Police Agency said it arrested and forwarded the case on April 17, sending the child’s father, identified only as B, to prosecutors on suspicion of child abuse resulting in death. Police also searched the couple’s home and vehicle. During the investigation, police found messages exchanged by the couple over the past two years that they believe describe abuse of their son under the pretext of “discipline,” and are treating them as evidence of long-term abuse. B’s wife is being investigated without detention, with police citing that the family has multiple children. 2026-04-29 10:01:26
  • Lee Dong-gun in Talks to Join JTBC’s ‘Divorce Consideration Camp’ After Jin Tae-hyun Exit
    Lee Dong-gun in Talks to Join JTBC’s ‘Divorce Consideration Camp’ After Jin Tae-hyun Exit Actor Lee Dong-gun has been offered a role on JTBC’s “Divorce Consideration Camp” and is reviewing the proposal, according to reports. If he joins, he is expected to fill the spot left by actor Jin Tae-hyun. DongA.com reported on the 29th that Lee was initially said to have completed the show’s first recording last Saturday, but it was later confirmed he has only been approached to appear. His agency, W Plus Entertainment, said, “It is true he received an offer to appear on ‘Divorce Consideration Camp,’” adding, “He is considering it.” The program previously featured Jin and actor Park Ha-sun as “home investigators,” a supporting role in which they represented couples’ perspectives, showed empathy and offered blunt advice alongside the show’s panel. On the 27th, the show announced Jin’s departure, saying, “Jin Tae-hyun will be leaving the program,” and calling it a decision made “to bring change” after about two years on the show since 2024. Jin explained his exit the next day on social media. In a handwritten letter, he said, “There is still a lot of footage left to air, but since the article came out first, I’m saying goodbye in advance.” He added that he heard the production team’s explanation and decision through his manager and that he left the program after his final recording in early April. “My experience is limited and subjective, so I always wondered whether it was helpful,” he wrote. “Though I was lacking, I approached it with more sincerity than any other shoot.” He also thanked Seo Jang-hoon, saying he was grateful to “Jang-hoon hyung” for recommending him to join. Jin added that he would now live with his wife even more as an “encouragement-for-marriage couple,” with gratitude and love. Seo and Park will remain on the show. Lee married actor Jo Yoon-hee in 2017 and they had a daughter, but they divorced by mutual agreement in 2020. He has since pursued various activities, including running a cafe on Jeju Island. “Divorce Consideration Camp” airs Thursdays at 10:30 p.m. 2026-04-29 09:22:20
  • Man, 26, Indicted in Daegu for Beating Mother-in-Law to Death and Dumping Body in Suitcase
    Man, 26, Indicted in Daegu for Beating Mother-in-Law to Death and Dumping Body in Suitcase The Daegu District Prosecutors Office said it has indicted Jo Jae-bok, 26, in custody on allegations that he beat his mother-in-law to death and later dumped her body. A dedicated prosecution team said April 28 that Jo was charged with killing an ascendant relative and related offenses after allegedly placing the body in a travel suitcase and abandoning it along the Sincheon stream in Daegu. Prosecutors said they declined to indict his wife, identified only as A, and released her. According to prosecutors, Jo assaulted his mother-in-law, identified only as B, 54, for about 12 hours on March 18 at a one-room apartment in Daegu’s Jung District where they lived together, citing reasons such as that she did not keep things organized. After B died, prosecutors said Jo and A put her body in a suitcase and dumped it near the Sincheon. A told investigators she took part because her husband forced her to, and authorities found that after B’s death Jo controlled A, including confining her so she could not report the case, prosecutors said. At the time the case was sent to prosecutors, A was injured, including broken ribs, and prosecutors concluded she acted under coercion while unable to resist due to ongoing confinement and violence. Under Article 12 of the Criminal Act, an act compelled by irresistible violence, or by threats that leave no way to protect one’s own life or body or that of relatives, is exempt from punishment. A prosecution official said authorities will support A’s medical treatment as a victim of domestic violence and work with related organizations, including the Korea Legal Aid Center for Family Relations and local governments, to help her return to daily life after recovery. 2026-04-28 15:39:35
  • South Korean Court Acquits Security Guard After CCTV Shows Self-Defense
    South Korean Court Acquits Security Guard After CCTV Shows Self-Defense A security guard charged with assault for restraining a woman who kicked him in the groin has been acquitted after CCTV footage supported his account. According to legal officials on the 27th, the Changwon District Court’s Criminal Division 4, in a single-judge trial presided over by Judge Seok Dong-woo, found apartment security guard A, 30, not guilty of assault. Prosecutors said A assaulted B, 39, by knocking her to the ground after she kicked him in the groin at about 1:40 p.m. on Sept. 16 last year at the back gate of an apartment complex in Uichang-gu, Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province. The court heard that A had told B to remove all flyers she had posted and tried to stop her from leaving by holding her bag. B then punched A several times and kicked him in the groin, according to the account presented in court. The judge said it was confirmed that A had been handling complaints related to the flyers and that he was assaulted by B, including being kicked in the groin, even after he held her bag to prevent her from leaving the scene. The judge added that the CCTV video showed A supporting B as he brought her down so she would not be hurt by hitting the ground, then holding her down to calm her before releasing her. “Taken together, these circumstances show A’s actions amounted to self-defense to ward off B’s assault, or a justified act that does not violate generally accepted social norms,” the court said in explaining the verdict. 2026-04-27 17:08:24
  • Ju Haknyeon Seen at The Boyz Concert After Leaving Group Amid Private-Life Controversy
    Ju Haknyeon Seen at The Boyz Concert After Leaving Group Amid Private-Life Controversy Ju Haknyeon, who left the group The Boyz after controversy over a meeting with an adult video actress, has been spotted at a The Boyz concert venue. On the 26th, Ju posted photos on his social media account without comment. The images appeared to be taken from the audience and showed the stage from The Boyz concert “Interjection,” held over three days from the 24th to the 26th at KSPO Dome in Seoul’s Songpa district. Posts on social media and online communities also described sightings of Ju attending the concert with his face covered by a hat and other items. Ju was removed from the team after it became known that he had been drinking with adult video actress Asuka Kirara in May last year. At the time, Japan’s weekly magazine Shukan Bunshun published photos showing him hugging and otherwise engaging in physical contact with Asuka Kirara. The outlet sought confirmation from The Boyz’s agency, One Hundred, which said it was checking the facts. After discussions with the group’s members, the agency finalized Ju’s departure from the team and the termination of his exclusive contract. Ju, however, has flatly denied allegations raised by some that he solicited prostitution involving Asuka Kirara. 2026-04-27 10:33:15
  • Ok Taecyeon Wedding Photos Leak Sparks Privacy Concerns
    Ok Taecyeon Wedding Photos Leak Sparks Privacy Concerns 2PM member and actor Ok Taecyeon has come under scrutiny after photos from his private wedding to a non-celebrity woman were leaked online. On the 27th, images from the wedding held on the 24th spread across Chinese social media and online communities. Ok’s side had kept the ceremony closed to protect the bride’s privacy, but the leaked photos show the couple linking arms and include clear shots of the bride’s face. The images were reportedly taken by a tourist staying at the Shilla Hotel in Jangchung-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, where the wedding was held, and posted after being shot through a guest-room window. The poster wrote, “After checking into the hotel, I looked out the window and saw a wedding, and it turned out to be Ok Taecyeon’s.” Some users reacted with comments such as, “Tourists are faster than reporters,” “They didn’t expect a tourist to take photos,” and “The wedding photos look nice.” Others said the bride’s face being exposed amounted to an invasion of privacy, noting that Ok had previously asked for understanding so details of the ceremony would not be shared publicly. Ok debuted in 2PM in 2008 and began acting in the 2010 KBS2 drama “Cinderella’s Sister,” later appearing in a range of dramas. He married after dating his bride-to-be for 10 years. He is the second married member of 2PM, following Hwang Chan-sung, who married in 2022.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-27 09:34:07
  • South Korea Begins Paying High Fuel Price Relief Grants of Up to 600,000 Won
    South Korea Begins Paying High Fuel Price Relief Grants of Up to 600,000 Won High fuel price relief grants began being paid at 9 a.m. April 27 to basic livelihood recipients, the near-poor and single-parent families. According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety on April 27, basic livelihood recipients will receive 550,000 won per person. The near-poor and single-parent families will receive 450,000 won per person. Residents outside the Seoul metropolitan area and in depopulation areas will receive an additional 50,000 won per person, for a maximum of 600,000 won. To ease crowding during the first week of applications, both online and in-person applications will follow a day-of-week system based on the last digit of an applicant’s birth year. On April 27, applicants whose birth year ends in 1 or 6 may apply; April 28, 2 or 7; April 29, 3 or 8; and April 30, 4 or 9 and 5 or 0. With May 1, Labor Day, designated a public holiday, applicants with last digits 4 or 9 and 5 or 0 may both apply on April 30. The application deadline is 6 p.m. May 8, with applications accepted for two weeks through online and offline channels. Depending on the region, the day-of-week system may be extended for in-person applications. The grants will be provided as credit or debit card top-ups, prepaid cards, or local gift certificates. Card top-ups will be loaded the day after applying and will be used before other payment methods when making purchases. Mobile or card-type local gift certificates can be requested through the app or website of the local government with jurisdiction over the applicant’s address. Those seeking paper certificates or prepaid cards must apply in person at an 읍면동 administrative welfare center or resident service center. Eligible vulnerable recipients who miss the first application period may apply again during the second round, from May 18 to July 3. The general public may also apply during the second round. Payments are 100,000 won in the Seoul metropolitan area, 150,000 won outside the metropolitan area, 200,000 won in preferred depopulation areas, and up to 250,000 won in special depopulation areas. As in last year, the grants can be used at small businesses with annual sales of 3 billion won or less, including traditional markets, neighborhood supermarkets, restaurants and clothing stores. They cannot be used at department stores, large discount chains, corporate-run supermarkets, e-commerce sites or major-company delivery apps. However, they can be used through public delivery apps such as “Ttaenggyeoyo.” For restaurant franchises, use is limited to franchisee-run locations, not company-owned stores. The government plans to provide information on where the grants can be used through private map apps starting at the end of this month. The grants can be used through Aug. 31, and any unused balance will expire automatically. People who dispute their eligibility determination or payment amount may file objections from May 18 to July 17, either online through the National Petition Center or in person at 읍면동 administrative welfare centers and other local offices. Local governments will review submitted cases and notify applicants individually. For inquiries, tailored assistance is available through the government civil service call center, a dedicated call center, and call centers operated by each local government. 2026-04-27 08:46:03
  • South Korean Court Gives Suspended Sentence to Driver in Mokdong Market Crash That Killed 1, Hurt 11
    South Korean Court Gives Suspended Sentence to Driver in Mokdong Market Crash That Killed 1, Hurt 11 A 76-year-old driver who plowed a car into the Kkaebi Market in Mokdong, Seoul, in 2024, leaving 12 people dead or injured, has been sentenced to a suspended jail term. On the 23rd, the Seoul Southern District Court’s Criminal Division 5, Judge Seo Ji-won presiding, sentenced Kim, 76, to two years in jail, suspended for three years, for causing death and injury under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Settlement of Traffic Accidents. According to the indictment, Kim was driving a passenger car through the market on Dec. 31, 2024, when he struck victims at 76 kilometers per hour. A man in his 40s who ran a fruit shop was taken to a hospital but died. Eleven other pedestrians were injured. Kim initially told police he did not remember what happened. During the investigation, however, he admitted he accelerated to pass a village bus and applied the brakes only late, and he acknowledged the charges. Police said Kim had previously received treatment for dementia but stopped. He has been living in a care facility and stood trial without being detained. Prosecutors had sought a three-year jail term at a sentencing hearing held on the 14th. In his final statement, Kim said, “I am sorry for causing the accident because I could not judge properly,” and asked the court to consider that the crash was linked to cognitive impairment. The court said Kim caused “very serious harm” by speeding well above the limit to pass a bus, resulting in one death and injuries to 11 people requiring two weeks to six months of treatment. The judge also cited Kim’s pledge not to drive again, settlements reached with nine of the 12 victims, and statements from two others that they did not want punishment. The court also considered that Kim’s vehicle was covered by comprehensive auto insurance, which compensated property damage, and that he is elderly and in poor health, including dementia. The judge told Kim’s guardian, seated in the courtroom, to ensure he does not drive in the future.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-23 16:43:41
  • Analysts See SK Hynix Bonuses Averaging 600 Million Won per Employee Next Year
    Analysts See SK Hynix Bonuses Averaging 600 Million Won per Employee Next Year SK Hynix posted more than 37 trillion won in operating profit in the first quarter, and an analysis said the company’s average performance bonus paid early next year could exceed 600 million won per employee. Yonhap Infomax said on the 23rd that a consensus of 17 securities firms that issued reports over the past month forecast SK Hynix’s 2026 revenue at 301.1965 trillion won and operating profit at 227.8154 trillion won. Based on that outlook, the pool for the company’s profit-sharing bonus, known as PS, would total about 22.7 trillion won. A simple calculation suggests roughly 35,000 employees would receive an average of about 630 million won each before tax, though payouts vary by seniority. SK Hynix runs a bonus system that sets aside 10% of operating profit and pays a portion of annual salary once a year. Early this year, it paid a record 2,964% PS bonus based on 2025 results. Expectations are rising that next year’s payout could be more than four times larger. Separately, the company’s productivity incentive, or PI, paid when targets are met in the first and second halves, is also expected to reach a maximum level this year at 150% of base pay. Industry officials said top-tier compensation could help SK Hynix secure semiconductor talent and may also ease the concentration of students seeking medical school. SK Hynix said it recorded first-quarter revenue of 52.5763 trillion won. Revenue rose 198.1% from a year earlier and operating profit increased 405.5%. Operating margin was 72%, net profit was 40.3459 trillion won and net margin was 77%. That marked a sharp improvement from the previous quarter’s revenue of 32.8267 trillion won and operating profit of 19.1696 trillion won. The company said it plans to draw up an execution plan within the year to consider additional shareholder returns, including share buybacks and cancellations, based on an expanding net cash position, in addition to its existing dividend. 2026-04-23 15:26:01
  • Hong Joon-pyo Slams Chosun Ilbo Over Call for Jang Dong-hyeok to Step Down
    Hong Joon-pyo Slams Chosun Ilbo Over Call for Jang Dong-hyeok to Step Down Hong Joon-pyo, former mayor of Daegu, criticized the Chosun Ilbo after it urged People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok to resign, saying the times have changed. In a Facebook post on the 22nd, Hong said he had read a column by what he called a conservative media outlet calling for Jang to step down, adding that it contained “many correct points.” Chosun Ilbo ran a column titled “Chairman Jang Dong-hyeok, Now Is the Right Time to Step Down.” Hong responded by asking who was responsible for the collapse of South Korea’s conservative camp and who had helped elevate and create the Yoon Suk Yeol administration. He also asked who, under the Yoon administration, had encouraged Han Dong-hoon by saying he needed to differentiate himself from Yoon to become the next leader, adding that the Yoon administration was not ruined by conflict with Han. Hong accused those forces of manipulating the conservative camp with the arrogance that they could both install and bring down an administration, and said they were now trying to remove Jang without offering an alternative while bringing back a “immature narcissist” they had supported, which he said would again damage the conservative camp. He also suggested they might be trying to elevate Oh Se-hoon again, as he said happened during the June 2006 local elections if Oh loses the Seoul mayoral race. Addressing conservative media, Hong said they may once have “pulled the strings” in Korean society, but the era and media environment have changed. He said he hoped they would contribute to the country’s future, adding that it was no longer “your era,” but an era for all citizens. Hong previously declared he was cutting ties with Chosun Ilbo. During his 2020 run in Daegu’s Suseong-gu-eul district, Hong criticized Chosun Ilbo coverage that was critical of him, saying he was angered by “false and fabricated” reporting. He questioned whether the paper’s editorial policy was to demand that the public accept “schemes” by a small group of opposition vested interests, and said he would stop reading Chosun Ilbo after 40 years as a subscriber. 2026-04-23 11:20:14