Journalist

Kang Min seon
  • SB Electric Deploys SolarDoctorPatch Monitoring on Vietnam Rooftop Solar Sites
    SB Electric Deploys SolarDoctorPatch Monitoring on Vietnam Rooftop Solar Sites SB Electric, a solar power plant specialist, has deployed its panel-level monitoring solution, SolarDoctorPatch, at rooftop solar facilities on buildings in Vietnam’s Long An province and Ho Chi Minh City. The company said the project was carried out to apply panel-level monitoring and fire-safety technology at rooftop systems at an industrial facility and a newspaper company in Vietnam. At Songwol Towel’s factory in Long An, the rooftop solar plant, with a capacity of about 148.59 kilowatts, was upgraded from inverter-level monitoring to a panel-level control system. The site also added a rapid shutdown (RSD) function designed to cut voltage in an emergency. In central Ho Chi Minh City, the technology was piloted on one of four inverter sections at the rooftop solar plant at Tuổi Trẻ newspaper, a 17.70-kilowatt system. The building is in an environment where nearby structures create shading that reduces output. SB Electric said panel-level monitoring and booster equipment confirmed improved generation efficiency in shaded areas. “For rooftop solar plants and solar installations on urban buildings, panel-level monitoring and output-optimization technology are key factors that determine operating efficiency,” an SB Electric official said. The official added that the company plans to manage an expansion of the technology’s application to commercial and office buildings in urban areas based on the latest deployment.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-06 10:03:19
  • ChungjuMan’s Kim Seon-tae launches personal YouTube channel, draws ad buzz in comments
    ChungjuMan’s Kim Seon-tae launches personal YouTube channel, draws ad buzz in comments Online posts have highlighted a wave of promotional comments tied to the launch of a personal YouTube channel by Kim Seon-tae, known as “ChungjuMan” for running the official YouTube channel of Chungju city in North Chungcheong province. On March 5, multiple online communities circulated posts pointing to comments that appeared to show companies and public institutions boosting the new channel. The posts listed comments from more than 50 companies, including Kyobo Life Insurance, Kia, Lotte Wellfood, Binggrae, Samsung SDS, Samil Pharmaceutical, Speak and YouTube Korea. They also cited participation from more than 20 institutions, including the National Agricultural Museum, the National Institute of Ecology, the National Health Insurance Service, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and the Republic of Korea Army. In the comments, some wrote, “You said you want to make money, so we came. We’re here to plant a money tree to celebrate your YouTube opening,” and “Looks like there will be a long line of advertisers — should we line up on CatchTable?” Others added, “We heard you want to make money. We’re ready,” “We’ll make sure there are no tax issues all the way to the Blue House,” and “We’ll get in line first. Can we send a transfer?” Kim previously addressed his plans in a video posted March 3 titled “I’m Kim Seon-tae,” saying he “wanted to make more money.” His channel drew attention after surpassing 900,000 subscribers within three days of opening, and many companies have been sending advertising inquiries, according to the report. Some commenters reacting to the posts speculated about potential ad revenue, writing, “How much would the ad fees be if he takes all of that?” and “If you assume 20 to 30 million won per deal, just filming those would come to about 2 billion won in ad pay.” Others wrote, “Even just leaving a comment becomes viral in communities,” and “He quit being a public official to make money — the path is already laid out from the first try.” A separate post on Blind, an anonymous workplace community, showed criticism of Kim’s move. On March 5, a public official posted under the title “Chungju’s Kim Seon-tae is kind of cold,” arguing, “If you’re making a new promotional YouTube, you should bring the people from the same team with you.” The writer added, “With 800,000 subscribers, it becomes a company, and you need staff,” and said that because they were on the same team and appeared in videos together, “there’s some bond, but he’s going out alone.” Another public official responded, “There are a lot of gloomy public officials. They have no ability, but they’re the best at criticizing others.” Kim earned the nickname “ChungjuMan” while handling production and operations for Chungju’s promotional YouTube content, the report said. It also said he submitted a resignation letter to the personnel department on the 13th and then began a long leave. At the time, Kim said, “After 10 years in public service and seven years living as ChungjuMan, I’m now going to say goodbye.” He added, “The fact that someone as lacking as me was lucky enough to succeed was thanks to subscribers’ support.” He also said, “I want to thank the citizens of Chungju who supported me and my colleagues at Chungju City Hall who always showed consideration. The seven years I spent with you were the happiest time of my life. I hope you will continue to love Chungju.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-05 09:58:02
  • SBS Leads Ratings for Two WBC Tune-Up Broadcasts
    SBS Leads Ratings for Two WBC Tune-Up Broadcasts SBS’ broadcasts of World Baseball Classic tune-up games topped ratings again, reinforcing the network’s long-running reputation for baseball coverage. The broadcast of the March 3 game against Orix drew a peak household rating of 1.3% despite airing in a weekday daytime slot. SBS also ranked No. 1 in the advertiser-coveted 20-49 demographic rating and in total viewers, leading rival networks by nearly twofold (Nielsen Korea, Seoul metropolitan area). Much of the attention centered on analyst Lee Dae-ho’s candid, detailed commentary. “I will meet Noh Si-hwan in person. If I can help the team even a little,” Lee said on air. From the booth, Lee addressed Noh’s recent hitting struggles with advice that went beyond mechanics. As Noh appeared to have trouble with timing during the game, the broadcast revisited Noh’s earlier remark that he had “found the feel.” Lee responded by reflecting on his own career. “Baseball is really hard. In fact, I played 22 years as a pro, and until I retired I never once said, ‘I found the feel,’” Lee said. The comment framed even elite performance as a constant challenge and sought to ease the pressure on the younger hitter. After fellow analyst Lee Soon-cheol asked him to encourage Noh, Lee said he would speak with him directly, offering support ahead of the tournament proper. While Noh was quiet at the plate, Kim Do-young powered the lineup with home runs on consecutive days. After Kim hit a three-run homer in the top of the second inning, Lee said, “It looks like he hits better than I did in my prime. It’s impressive he can drive a mistake pitch like that.” Lee also shared his own experience while offering encouragement during home runs by Ahn Hyun-min and Shea Whitcomb. When discussion turned to pitching decisions and the strike zone, Lee drew on his experience as a high school pitcher. “Pitchers are stubborn, but umpires are stubborn, too. You have to learn to use that quickly,” he said, offering a practical point for younger players preparing for the main event. South Korea’s national team is set to open the tournament against the Czech Republic on March 5. SBS said it will cover the WBC from Japan starting tomorrow, with analysts Lee Dae-ho and Lee Soon-cheol and play-by-play announcer Jung Woo-young.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-04 11:06:00
  • Mannatech Korea Launches Brain Plus Supplement With Phosphatidylserine and L-Theanine
    Mannatech Korea Launches Brain Plus Supplement With Phosphatidylserine and L-Theanine Mannatech Korea said it launched a new product, “Brain Plus,” on Feb. 27, aimed at supporting cognitive function and easing tension. The company said the product was developed with a focus on helping prevent age-related cognitive decline and reducing stress-related tension. The main ingredient, phosphatidylserine, is included at 300 mg. The company said the ingredient provides a functional benefit for cognitive improvement and also supports skin health, including protection from UV-related skin damage and helping maintain moisture. The product also contains 200 mg of L-theanine, which the company noted has been recognized by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for its tension-relief function. Mannatech Korea said the formula was systemized based on its technology and combines 16 additional ingredients, including proprietary components such as aloe vera gel powder, tragacanth gum and trehalose, along with ginkgo leaf extract, silk peptide, turmeric and black pepper extracts, and taurine. The product comes in tablet form and is designed to be taken once a day, three tablets per dose. The company said it is targeting older adults who want to manage memory, students preparing for exams who need focus, and office workers who frequently face job-related stress. “We arranged the ingredients so consumers can manage physical cognitive health and psychological tension in combination,” a Mannatech Korea official said. “It will be a suitable option for consumers seeking to maintain a healthy daily life.” The company said the product can be found on Mannatech Korea’s official website. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-04 09:36:00
  • Korea Otsuka Pharmaceutical Unveils New SOYJOY Ads Featuring Actor Chae Won-bin
    Korea Otsuka Pharmaceutical Unveils New SOYJOY Ads Featuring Actor Chae Won-bin Korea Otsuka Pharmaceutical has named actor Chae Won-bin as the new face of its health snack brand SOYJOY and released a new ad campaign titled, “A snack you can feel confident about — in your mouth and in your body.” The company said the ads highlight SOYJOY’s brand identity — “enjoy nutritious soy” — and aim to ease the sense of guilt some consumers feel when eating snacks, encouraging them to choose a healthier option in everyday life. A SOYJOY official at Korea Otsuka Pharmaceutical said Chae’s “trustworthy and healthy image” aligns with the brand’s values and is expected to create “good synergy.” The official added that the company plans to expand consumer touchpoints through a range of brand activities with Chae. SOYJOY, first launched in June 2024, has continued to grow as the “healthy pleasure” trend spreads, the company said. It currently comes in eight flavors. Each bar uses about 35 soybeans, is baked without flour, and is positioned as high in protein and dietary fiber. The product is sold through major online shopping sites and nationwide channels including convenience stores, big-box retailers, supermarkets and Olive Young.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-03 11:15:00
  • Pirelli Names Dario Marafuschi Head of Motorsport Unit
    Pirelli Names Dario Marafuschi Head of Motorsport Unit Pirelli has appointed Dario Marafuschi to lead its motorsport business unit, succeeding Mario Isola. Marafuschi began the role on March 1 and will report on business progress to Giovanni Tronchetti Provera, executive vice president in charge of sustainability, new mobility and motorsport, as Isola did. Isola will support the transition through July 1 to ensure a smooth handover, then leave the company for a new professional challenge. Marafuschi joined Pirelli in 2008 and has extensive Formula 1 experience in research and development. In recent years, he has overseen development of the company’s standard road products. Pirelli thanked Isola for his dedication and passion, citing his contribution to the growth of the motorsport unit. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-03 10:51:17
  • Cheonwoo Motors Wins Lexus Korea’s 2025 Best Dealer Award for Fifth Time
    Cheonwoo Motors Wins Lexus Korea’s 2025 Best Dealer Award for Fifth Time Lexus authorized dealer Cheonwoo Motors was named “Best Dealer” at the “2025 Lexus Dealer Convention” selected by Lexus Korea, held on Feb. 10. The honor marked Cheonwoo Motors’ fifth win, the most among Lexus’ eight dealer groups. Cheonwoo Motors first won in 2009 and has since received the award in 2019, 2020, 2023 and 2025. The company said the recognition followed strong results in Lexus Korea’s annual internal evaluation based on objective criteria. Cheonwoo Motors attributed the performance to customer care built around the idea that “the sale is not the end, but the beginning.” The company said it has worked to stay connected with customers after delivery by running invitation programs such as golf, horseback riding, baseball and billiards lessons, as well as a camping festival, to boost retention. CEO Jung Se-rim said the fifth award reflects efforts beyond sales. “This fifth win is the result of Cheonwoo’s work to move beyond simply selling more cars and to delight each customer by meeting their car-life needs,” Jung said. “We will continue to pursue change, improvement and new challenges.” 2026-02-19 10:19:11
  • South Korean lawmaker to host forum on adding handball to Sports Toto betting program
    South Korean lawmaker to host forum on adding handball to Sports Toto betting program Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Cho Kye Won, a member of the National Assembly’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee, will host a forum on adding handball to Sports Toto and pursuing sport-specific reforms at 10 a.m. on the 24th at the National Assembly Members’ Office Building, Room 1. The forum is intended to explore government-level institutional support to help handball — once a standout at the Olympics and other international competitions — and other less-popular sports regain competitiveness and build a self-sustaining ecosystem. Organizers plan to focus on adding handball as a new event to Sports Toto (the sports promotion lottery), aiming to boost public interest and diversify funding that has largely depended on government budgets and corporate sponsorships. The discussion will also examine ways to develop the sport into an industry, similar to baseball and soccer. The event is co-hosted by Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee Chairman Kim Kyo Heung, committee secretary Lim Oh Kyung, and lawmakers Min Hyung Bae, Park Soo Hyun and Yang Moon Seok, along with Education Committee lawmaker Kim Moon Soo. Cho is scheduled to deliver congratulatory remarks on securing the survival and public role of less-popular sports. Lim will lead discussions on policy and institutional reforms centered on the realities of the sports field. Presentations will cover “Korean handball’s past and present” and “self-help efforts in the handball community, including the H League.” Professor Kim Dae Hee of Pukyong National University is set to propose a development model for less-popular sports that combines corporate investment with government policy support, under the theme “A Korean-style sustainable sports model and the government’s role.” “Even though handball has produced the best results among Olympic ball sports, it has long faced the limits of being a less-popular sport, so it needs to be included in Sports Toto to secure stable funding and broaden its base,” Cho said. “We must build a structure that allows handball to move beyond simply maintaining the status quo and to become industrially self-reliant and grow sustainably.” Lim said handball “has history and commercial appeal, is a major Olympic sport, and as a team sport best fits the fair and transparent operation of the sports promotion lottery,” adding that its inclusion in Sports Toto should be actively reviewed. The forum is expected to draw Democratic Party lawmakers on the committee, officials from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation and the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee, as well as representatives from the Korea Handball Association and the Korea Handball Federation, coaches and athletes. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-13 14:21:00
  • Korea Artists Welfare Foundation Unveils 2026 Plan to Expand Safety Net for Artists
    Korea Artists Welfare Foundation Unveils 2026 Plan to Expand Safety Net for Artists The Korea Artists Welfare Foundation, an affiliate of South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, announced its 2026 business plan focused on strengthening artists’ professional status and the social safety net around their work. The foundation set industrial accident prevention and expanded access to social insurance as key priorities, aiming to better support artists facing risks and instability in the field. National pension support expanded to include artists enrolled in industrial accident insurance In 2026, the foundation will broaden eligibility for its National Pension premium support program, which covers 50% of premiums paid by freelance artists who enroll as local (voluntary) subscribers. The expanded coverage will include artists who are enrolled in industrial accident insurance, with the goal of bringing more artists into the retirement income system. “Yesul-ro” program expansion includes full industrial accident insurance premium support The foundation will also expand its “Yesul-ro” program, which promotes collaboration between artists and companies or institutions to improve job stability and spread the artistic and social value of their work. For participating artists, it will fully cover industrial accident insurance premiums (Grade 1) during the program period to reduce the burden of accidents and risks tied to artistic activity. Artists whose careers were interrupted by childbirth, parenting or illness will receive preferential treatment in calls for collaboration and regional projects. The foundation will also link career assessments, consulting and tailored training to support their return to work and continued activity. Jeonse loan cap raised to support housing stability Financial support for housing will expand under the foundation’s living stability loan program. The cap for jeonse deposit loans will rise to 120 million won from 100 million won, with an interest rate of 1.95%, reflecting higher housing costs. This low-interest loan program targets freelance artists who have difficulty using mainstream financial services. In addition to jeonse deposits, it offers living stability loans at a 2.5% interest rate for medical expenses, parental caregiving costs, funeral expenses and wedding funds. Rights protection education expanded with new video courses To promote fairness and gender equality in the arts, the foundation will add new video courses to its artists’ rights protection education program, including “Practical responses to arts contracts through case studies” and “Gender sensitivity education for the performing arts.” By expanding remote learning, it will provide essential information on contracts, copyright, prevention of sexual harassment and sexual violence, and the Artists’ Rights Guarantee Act without limits of time or place. It will continue operating existing rights protection services, including the “Artists’ Ombudsman,” legal counseling and consulting, reporting and counseling for sexual harassment and sexual violence, reporting and counseling for written contract violations, and support for electronic contract services. Programs aim to reduce gaps in artistic activity The foundation’s “Art Activity Preparation Fund” program, which provides 3 million won per person so artists do not stop working for non-art-related reasons such as financial hardship, will support about 18,000 people this year. It will also run life-cycle welfare programs, including a savings account program to help young artists build assets, childcare support with weekend and nighttime care, psychological counseling for mental health, and an “Artist Pass” offering discounts for performances, exhibitions and daily life. Artists Welfare Fund to launch The foundation said this year marks a turning point in building a more tailored welfare system to support artists’ lives and working conditions, including the launch of an “Artists Welfare Fund” to provide stable backing for mutual aid products and other welfare services. It plans to revise related rules in the first half of the year and prepare detailed programs, including mutual aid products, then roll out products in stages starting in the second half. “So artists can be fully guaranteed their basic rights as professionals” The foundation said schedules and details for its 2026 program announcements are available through a program guide on its website and through program videos on its YouTube channel. The videos provide sign language and caption interpretation to improve access to information. Foundation CEO Jeong Yong Uk said the 2026 plan focuses on ensuring artists “can be fully guaranteed their basic rights as professionals within the social security system.” He said the foundation will strengthen the safety net centered on social insurance such as industrial accident insurance and the National Pension, and will build a more comprehensive welfare base through the launch of the Artists Welfare Fund to support artists’ lives and artistic activity. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-13 13:36:00
  • Korean Heritage Campaign Brings Performances, Media Art to Times Square
    Korean Heritage Campaign Brings Performances, Media Art to Times Square South Korea’s Korea Heritage Service and its affiliated National Heritage Promotion Agency, working with the Korean Cultural Center New York, opened a promotional event for the “Visit Korean Heritage” campaign in New York on Feb. 11 (local time) under the title “Korea on Stage in New York.” Organizers themed the program “Golden Blessings: Discovering Korean Cultural Heritage,” launching it in Times Square with heritage videos on major screens and a special performance. The event also features media art, traditional arts performances and a temple-food experience to promote the value of South Korea’s national heritage. Since Feb. 9, advertising videos highlighting South Korea’s national heritage have been running on Times Square’s large electronic billboards. The videos feature national heritage sites, traditional crafts and court dance, presenting what organizers described as the roots of today’s globally popular K-culture. At 3 p.m. Feb. 11 in Times Square, the Chumnuri Korean Traditional Dance Company (KTDOC) and the National Heritage Promotion Agency’s arts troupe staged a roughly 30-minute special performance, “Wishes in Motion Times Square.” The program included performances with the modeumbuk drum, the sogo drum dance and the Jindo bukchum drum dance. Afterward, hat-shaped promotional items were handed out and quickly ran out. An opening ceremony followed at 7 p.m. at the Korean Cultural Center New York, attended by about 250 people, including Korea Heritage Service Administrator Heo Min, National Heritage Promotion Agency Director Lee Gui Young, Korean Cultural Center New York Director Kim Cheon Su, South Korea’s ambassador to the United Nations, Cha Ji Hoon, and Lee Sang Ho, acting consul general in New York, along with local arts and culture figures. At the ceremony, Heo presented Kevin Woo — who played the lead vocalist of “Saja Boys” in the film “K-pop Demon Hunters” — with a “Visit Korean Heritage Passport,” which organizers said symbolized an invitation to visit South Korea and experience K-heritage firsthand. Guests also exchanged Lunar New Year greetings for Seollal. In opening remarks, Heo said it was meaningful to introduce South Korea’s national heritage in New York, calling it a center of global culture. He said the event would help show that K-culture’s popularity is rooted in the depth and beauty of Korean heritage built over thousands of years. With the launch, performances and hands-on programs promoting Korean heritage also began. Starting Feb. 12, traditional arts performances by the agency’s arts troupe and a temple-food class with Venerable Jeong Kwan, a master of temple cuisine, drew more than 1,700 applicants as soon as reservations opened. A “Visit Korean Heritage Passport” produced for the event also proved popular. Participants who collected stamps after visiting experiences on each floor received K-heritage goods such as a saekdong key ring and a gat key ring. Participants said they wanted to visit South Korea with the passport after experiencing the programs. More information is available on the official Visit Korean Heritage campaign website and the Korean Cultural Center New York website. The Korea Heritage Service and the National Heritage Promotion Agency said they plan to expand programs following “Korea on Stage in New York” to promote the value of South Korea’s national heritage worldwide and strengthen it as a signature cultural content.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-13 10:06:00