Journalist

Lee Dong Geon
  • Household and Health Issues Lead to Retirement, Lotto Win Offers Comfort
    Household and Health Issues Lead to Retirement, Lotto Win Offers Comfort "I was exhausted from household chores and health issues, and this win has brought me great comfort." As the 1224th Lotto winning numbers draw near on May 16, the story of the winner of the 307th Pension Lottery 720+ has captured public interest. The winner shared their experience on the Donghaeng Lottery winners' bulletin board, stating, "I usually buy the pension lottery as a set, but that day, I was drawn to a distant sales point and suddenly thought of the pension lottery. As soon as I entered the store, I noticed a number arrangement that caught my eye, and I bought it along with the Lotto as a set." The winner recalled, "A few days later, as I checked the winning numbers, I started to see familiar numbers one by one, and eventually, I realized I had won first place. I was so surprised that I immediately called my daughter to share the news, and she celebrated with me as if it were her own win." Reflecting on the win, the individual said, "I was exhausted from household chores and health issues, and this win has brought me great comfort. Now, I want to worry a little less and spend more harmonious time with my family." The winner, who purchased the lottery ticket at a store in Gwangju's Gwangsan District, responded to a question about their usual lottery purchases, saying, "I mainly buy the pension lottery, and I also tend to buy Lotto and Spitto together." Regarding plans for the prize money, the winner stated, "I plan to pay off loans and use it for my family." Meanwhile, the winning numbers for the 1224th Lotto will be available after 8:35 PM today.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-16 20:28:13
  • Dream of Crossing a River with Chestnuts in an Apron: 315th Pension Lottery 720+ Winning Numbers Drawn
    Dream of Crossing a River with Chestnuts in an Apron: 315th Pension Lottery 720+ Winning Numbers Drawn "After winning, I remembered a dream my mother had when she was pregnant with me. She dreamed of crossing a river with chestnuts in her apron." As interest mounts in the winning numbers for the 315th Pension Lottery 720+ on May 14, the story of a winner from the 287th draw has captured public attention. In a recent post on the Donghaeng Lottery winners' board, the winner of one first-place ticket and four second-place tickets from the 287th draw shared, "I usually buy lottery tickets without any special expectations. I think about how the lottery proceeds are used for good causes, so I keep buying them. I purchased the lotto and pension lottery tickets as usual, and a few days later, I checked the QR code at home and was amazed to find I had won both first and second prizes." The winner recalled, "I couldn't believe it and spent 30 minutes verifying the winning numbers on the website. For the next three days, I couldn't sleep because my mind was racing with thoughts." When asked if they had any memorable dreams recently, the winner replied, "I didn't have any special dreams, but after winning, I remembered a dream my mother had when she was pregnant with me. She dreamed of crossing a river with chestnuts in her apron." The winner, who purchased the lottery ticket at a retailer in Cheongsan-myeon, Okcheon-gun, stated, "I usually buy lotto and pension lottery tickets." Regarding plans for the winnings, the winner mentioned, "I still can't believe it, so I haven't made any plans for how to use the prize money yet." Meanwhile, the winning numbers for the 315th Pension Lottery 720+ will be available after 7:05 PM today.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-15 03:04:07
  • Fashion Designer Choi Bok-ho Reflects on His Journey Ahead of 80th Birthday
    Fashion Designer Choi Bok-ho Reflects on His Journey Ahead of 80th Birthday Choi Bok-ho, a pioneer in South Korea's fashion industry, shares his tumultuous life story and success journey. In an episode airing on May 13, EBS's 'The Millionaire Next Door' features Choi Bok-ho, a fashion designer with cumulative sales of approximately 500 billion won. Debuting in 1973, he is recognized as a living legend in the Korean fashion scene, marking his 53rd year in the industry. The broadcast will showcase Choi's tailor shop nestled deep in the mountains of Cheongdo, Gyeongsangbuk-do, which he has operated for 18 years. He revealed, "We receive an average of 1,000 to 1,500 visitors each month, with monthly sales reaching up to 60 million won," surprising viewers. The program will also highlight his ongoing work in the industry, including an outdoor fashion show and his active lifestyle as he approaches his 80th birthday. Choi was born to a single mother who lost her husband while pregnant with him. Growing up under her care, he was inspired by her always neat appearance and developed an interest in fashion. He nurtured his dream of becoming a designer after seeing Andre Kim, Korea's first male fashion designer, and eventually dropped out of college to pursue his passion. After completing his military service, Choi enrolled in a fashion school that had produced Andre Kim, where he honed his skills. His debut work, known for its bold designs, caught attention, leading to him being scouted by Choi Kyung-ja, a prominent figure in the fashion industry at the time. However, his promising start was met with unexpected challenges. Choi recalled, "I was fired after just one week on the job for earning 800 won. I thought the sky was falling down on me." The story behind his swift departure from the fashion industry, where he was once seen as a rising star, will be revealed in the broadcast. Later, Choi had to return to his hometown of Daegu due to unavoidable circumstances, leaving behind the fame and career he built in Seoul. Starting from scratch, he made a comeback with bold items like 'back pants' and 'fake gadamai,' shaking up the Daegu fashion scene. At a time when tailor shops primarily showcased elegant styles, Choi targeted the younger demographic with his designs, leading to a surge in popularity. He noted, "There were even followers who imitated my style," with reports of many people emulating his looks on the streets. His business expanded rapidly, and by the early 1980s, his monthly sales reached 100 million won, equivalent to the price of an apartment in Seoul, solidifying his status as a star designer. This success paved the way for him to make a name for himself on the global stage. The journey of a boy born to a single mother who grew up to become a leading designer in the Korean fashion industry, along with the secrets behind the 'back pants myth,' will be explored in 'The Millionaire Next Door' airing today at 9:55 PM.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-13 21:21:55
  • Guidelines for Teacher Gifts on May 15: Carnations Allowed, Gift Certificates Prohibited
    Guidelines for Teacher Gifts on May 15: Carnations Allowed, Gift Certificates Prohibited As Teacher's Day approaches on May 15, many parents and students are confused about whether it is permissible to give teachers carnations or small gifts. Gifts that are seen as a "gesture of appreciation" could potentially violate the Anti-Corruption Law (Kim Young-ran Act) due to the evaluative relationship between teachers and students. In summary, it is generally prohibited to give gifts or money to teachers who are currently evaluating or guiding students. Even small gifts valued at less than 50,000 won are unlikely to be considered exceptions. The Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission states that gifts exchanged between teachers who are continuously responsible for evaluating and guiding students do not qualify for exceptions under the Anti-Corruption Law, even if they are valued at less than 50,000 won. Providing drinks, such as coffee, during meetings with homeroom teachers is also not permitted. Cautions also apply to carnations. Individual students are not allowed to give carnations to their homeroom teachers. However, if student representatives publicly present carnations or flowers to their homeroom or subject teachers on Teacher's Day, this may be permissible under social norms. Handwritten letters or thank-you cards from students are acceptable. The commission suggests that students can present handwritten letters or thank-you cards to their homeroom teachers on Teacher's Day without violating the Anti-Corruption Law. Some gifts may be allowed for former homeroom teachers or subject teachers who are no longer teaching the child. Gifts valued at less than 50,000 won may be given if there is no direct interest due to the end of grading and guidance responsibilities, and if the gift is considered social or ceremonial. Agricultural and fishery products or their processed goods may be allowed up to 150,000 won. For gift certificates, whether they qualify as "gifts" under Article 8, Section 3, Clause 2 of the Anti-Corruption Law depends on the nature of the exchangeable items. Monetary gift certificates (such as department store gift certificates) are considered securities and are not allowed, even if within the value limit. However, gift certificates for goods and services (such as movie or sports tickets) are considered gifts and may be allowed if they are within the value limit and serve social or ceremonial purposes. The criteria change for graduates giving gifts to their former teachers. After graduation, gifts are permissible up to 1 million won per occasion and 3 million won per fiscal year, provided there is no direct job-related connection. Different institutions have varying standards. Kindergarten teachers fall under the Early Childhood Education Act and are subject to the Anti-Corruption Law. In contrast, daycare teachers are generally not subject to this law. However, some daycare center directors operating public facilities may be considered public officials and thus subject to the law. English kindergarten and after-school instructors are also treated differently based on their legal status. English kindergartens often fall under the category of private academies and may be excluded from the Anti-Corruption Law, while after-school instructors may be employees of companies contracted with schools and could also be excluded. Nonetheless, educational authorities advise against accepting gifts regardless of legal applicability. Parents involved in parent-teacher associations or school operation committees should also be cautious. It is not permissible for members of these groups to give gifts to principals, vice principals, or teachers on Teacher's Day. Parents serving on school operation committees or as members of school violence response teams may be considered public officials and thus subject to the Anti-Corruption Law.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-13 19:35:12
  • Lucky Numbers Lead to Lotto Win: Results of Draw 1223
    Lucky Numbers Lead to Lotto Win: Results of Draw 1223 "My spouse and I buy the pension lottery every week, and I have favorite numbers, so I asked the lottery shop for a set that included those numbers." On May 9, interest is focused on the results of the 1223rd Lotto draw, while a story about a winner of the 304th Pension Lottery 720+ (1st place: 1 ticket, 2nd place: 4 tickets) is making headlines. In a recent post on the Donghaeng Lottery winners' bulletin board, the winner of the 304th Pension Lottery 720+ shared, "My spouse and I buy the pension lottery every week, and I have favorite numbers, so I asked the lottery shop for a set that included those numbers." The winner continued, "After buying the lottery, I put it in my pocket without checking it. One day, while returning home with my spouse, we checked the ticket in the apartment parking lot and discovered that we had unexpectedly won the 2nd prize in the pension lottery. We were so happy and excited as we went upstairs, and when we checked the remaining tickets from the set, we found out we had also won the 1st prize." He expressed, "I was already grateful for the 2nd prize, but I was shocked to win the 1st prize as well. My spouse and I celebrated and shared our joy. I believe this will help us with our loan and housing issues, and I am very thankful." The winner, who purchased the tickets at a lottery shop in Yangji-myeon, Cheoin-gu, Yongin, responded to a question about which lotteries he frequently buys by saying, "I buy Lotto and the pension lottery every week." Regarding plans for the winnings, he stated, "I have some loan payments, so I will use part of it to pay that off and save for a house." Meanwhile, the results of the 1223rd Lotto draw will be available for viewing after 8:35 PM today (May 9).* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-09 20:27:21
  • Korea-Vietnam Business Forum Strengthens Green Economy Cooperation
    Korea-Vietnam Business Forum Strengthens Green Economy Cooperation The Vietnam Eco-Friendly Product Manufacturing Association (EPMA) and the Korea-Vietnam Economic and Cultural Association (KOVECA) signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance cooperation in the green economy during the Korea-Vietnam Business Forum. The signing took place as part of the official schedule of the economic delegation at the forum held in Hanoi, Vietnam. The event was attended by Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jeong-kwan and Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thanh. Through this agreement, the two organizations have identified key cooperation areas including the green economy, smart agriculture, eco-friendly industries, and net-zero transitions. They plan to establish a phased cooperation roadmap from 2026 to 2030. Attendees at the signing ceremony included KOVECA President Kwon Seong-taek, Advisor Park Jong-nam, Vice President Lee Jong-hyun, and Ambassador Dinh Thi Tai My, along with EPMA Vice President Bu Minh Li, Secretary Bu Thi Van Hoa, and Deputy Director Nguyen Thi Trang of the Green Production Technology Research and Development Center (GREEN TECH). Kwon Seong-taek, President of KOVECA, stated, "This agreement marks a practical starting point for both Korea and Vietnam to move toward a shared future in the green economy. KOVECA will leverage Korea's technology, investment, and networks to create a sustainable industrial cooperation model combined with Vietnam's growth potential." Bu Minh Li, Vice President of EPMA, noted, "Vietnam is currently pursuing the transition to a green economy and achieving net-zero as a national strategy. Through this collaboration, we aim to implement concrete projects in the eco-friendly product industry, smart agriculture, and circular economy, enhancing the competitiveness of Vietnam's industry through international cooperation." KOVECA, established in 2014, is a non-profit organization that serves as a private cooperation platform connecting economic, cultural, educational, and industrial collaborations between Korea and Vietnam. It has facilitated investment attraction, technology cooperation, and official development assistance (ODA) projects by linking governments, local authorities, businesses, and research institutions. EPMA is a non-profit social and professional organization that connects companies and institutions related to Vietnam's eco-friendly product industry. It is an officially recognized entity approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs, providing policy advice, industrial support, and international cooperation. Its subsidiary, GREEN TECH, is responsible for technical implementation tasks such as energy diagnostics, carbon emission measurement, eco-friendly certification, and carbon credits. This collaboration is significant as it aims for action-oriented cooperation beyond mere exchanges. The two organizations plan to gradually advance technology transfer and joint projects in smart agriculture, circular economy, eco-friendly production, and carbon neutrality. Particularly, the collaboration will combine Korea's smart farm, smart factory, and new energy technologies with Vietnam's production base and market. The goal is to create specific industrial outcomes, such as adding value to agricultural by-products, producing eco-friendly materials, and establishing digital carbon management systems. The two organizations expect that this cooperation will also help enhance the international market competitiveness of businesses in both countries amid the strengthening of ESG standards and the expansion of carbon regulations. 2026-05-08 13:45:01
  • Winning Attitude Leads to Lottery Success: 314th Pension Lottery Results
    Winning Attitude Leads to Lottery Success: 314th Pension Lottery Results "I always think positively, and when I buy a lottery ticket, I believe, 'This time, something good will happen!'" On May 7, attention is focused on the results of the 314th Pension Lottery 720+, while stories of winners from the 291st round are trending. Recently, a winner shared their experience on the Donghaeng Lottery winners' board, stating, "I buy lottery tickets weekly as a hobby. I always think positively, and when I buy a ticket, I believe, 'This time, something good will happen!'" The winner recalled, "A few weeks ago, I checked the ticket with my spouse. I was overjoyed when I realized I had won the first prize. My first thought was, 'Now my retirement planning is complete!' I appreciate that the winnings are paid out monthly, unlike the lotto." Reflecting on their luck, the winner said, "I think my positive mindset attracted this fortune." They purchased the ticket at a lottery retailer in Gangnam, Seoul, and when asked about their usual lottery choices, they replied, "I mainly buy Lotto and Pension Lottery tickets." Regarding their plans for the winnings, the winner stated, "Since the prize is paid out over 20 years, I plan to use it for retirement and loan repayment." Meanwhile, the winning numbers for the 314th Pension Lottery 720+ will be available after 7:05 PM today.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 23:35:05
  • Comedian-Actor Im Ha-ryong’s Cheongdam-dong Property Grows From $500,000 Home to 10 Billion-Won Building
    Comedian-Actor Im Ha-ryong’s Cheongdam-dong Property Grows From $500,000 Home to 10 Billion-Won Building Comedian and actor Im Ha-ryong’s real estate story has drawn wide attention online. A video posted April 30 on the YouTube channel 'Sunpung Sunwoo Yong-yeo' titled “First reveal of Sunwoo Yong-yeo’s 40-year friend Im Ha-ryong’s 10 billion-won Cheongdam-dong building” sparked strong reactions. In the video, Im said he bought a two-story detached home in Seoul’s Cheongdam-dong in 1991 for about 500 million won, including taxes. He said that in the 2000s he sold an apartment in Mok-dong and put about 600 million won into expanding the property into a five-story building. Im said the purchase was not solely for investment. “I started it to set up a cafe for my wife and live together,” he said, adding that he planned to place his wife’s cafe on the first floor and live upstairs. The building is now said to be worth in the 10 billion-won range. By simple calculation, that is more than nine times the roughly 1.1 billion won he said he initially put in, combining the purchase price and construction costs. His approach to rent also drew notice. Im said he still charges the same rent as “26 years ago,” raising only part of the first-floor rent. “Celebrities can’t raise it carelessly. You could get criticized,” he added. Real estate industry officials view the case as an example of long-term holding in a prime Gangnam-area location. They said areas like Cheongdam-dong, where both retail activity and residential demand have strengthened, tend to become more scarce over time. One industry official said it is often treated as a celebrity building investment story, but “in reality it is closer to a long-term holding case that stayed put for more than 30 years.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 14:55:07
  • Kwon Dong-chil, footwear innovator, built 300 billion won-a-year business from poverty
    Kwon Dong-chil, footwear innovator, built 300 billion won-a-year business from poverty A TV program has spotlighted the life of Kwon Dong-chil, a self-made footwear entrepreneur who overcame poverty and at one point posted annual sales of up to 300 billion won. EBS aired an episode Tuesday of "Seo Jang-hoon's Next-Door Millionaire" featuring Kwon as a "shoe inventor" known for improving military footwear. Kwon, widely described as obsessed with shoes, produces footwear for soldiers, police and firefighters and supplies 500,000 to 600,000 pairs a year to the state. The program said he helped replace heavy, rigid combat boots with lighter, more comfortable versions. The broadcast also introduced a range of his designs, including a so-called "spider shoe" inspired by the structure of a spider’s feet. The product was scrapped just before launch after reports said fugitive Shin Chang-won climbed building exteriors while on the run, raising concerns that shoes designed to grip walls could be misused for crime. Kwon drew attention by reading Seo Jang-hoon’s habits from his shoes. Kwon asked, "You don’t like putting shoes on and taking them off, do you?" Seo replied that during his playing days he had to tie his laces so tightly that his hands developed calluses, and that he now wears slippers whenever possible. Kwon linked his drive to a difficult childhood. "During school breaks, I couldn’t even eat three proper meals a day, and I had only one pair of shoes," he said. He joined a shoe company before graduating college to earn money, handled contract manufacturing for major overseas brands and rose to head of overseas sales in his 20s. Backed by investment from an overseas buyer who noticed his work ethic and skills, Kwon started his own business in 1988. In 1994, he launched a private label with the goal of building a Korean homegrown brand. In 1998, he drew industry attention by developing what the program described as the world’s first 290-gram ultralight hiking boot, about the weight of four eggs, a product it said helped change perceptions of hiking boots and fueled the brand’s growth. The program said the success came with heavy research and development costs. "Because I kept trying to make new, creative products, I spent hundreds of billions of won just on development," Kwon said, adding that he even heard people say, "You’ll go bankrupt developing shoes." When Seo asked whether using that money on a high-profile celebrity model might have brought in more profit, Kwon said investing in products rather than stars was his way of repaying consumers. Kwon also described a recent major crisis. He said European exports plunged due to the fallout from the Russia-Ukraine war, dealing a severe blow that forced him to sell the company building. After the news spread, the program said residents in Busan began buying products voluntarily to support what they called a local company, with lines forming outside stores. Veterans who had worn his combat boots during service also voiced support, saying the company should not fail. The broadcast said Kwon has given back as well. When large wildfires hit the Yeongnam region in 2024, he donated thousands of pairs of shoes to displaced residents. It also cited his support for mountaineers and a "lifetime A/S" service. Near the end of the program, Kwon said his dream was for a Korean shoe brand to surpass global brands and become No. 1 worldwide.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 08:25:13
  • Actress Yoon Yu-seon Caps Yumis Cells Season 3, Continues Busy OTT Run
    Actress Yoon Yu-seon Caps 'Yumi's Cells' Season 3, Continues Busy OTT Run Actress Yoon Yu-seon appeared in the final episode of TVING’s original series “Yumi’s Cells” Season 3, adding warmth to the drama’s closing. Yoon played Yeong-sim, the mother of Yumi (Kim Go-eun), in the last episode of the recently concluded season. “Yumi’s Cells” Season 3 follows Yumi, now a star writer, as she meets an unexpected figure, Sun-rok (Kim Jae-won), and falls in love again. In the series, Yeong-sim is a steady presence by Yumi’s side and looks on Sun-rok with kindness. Though her screen time was brief, Yoon delivered a calm, gentle performance that reinforced the character’s warmth. Returning as part of Yumi’s family after Seasons 1 and 2, she helped bring a familiar tone to the finale. The cameo also aligns with Yoon’s recent run of projects. She returned last month in Netflix’s “Bloodhounds” Season 2 as Yoon So-yeon, the mother of Geon-woo (Woo Do-hwan). The action series, starring Woo and Lee Sang-yi as they take on an illegal boxing league, rose to No. 1 in Netflix’s non-English TV category after its release. In “Bloodhounds” Season 2, Yoon portrayed a mother determined to protect her son from injustice, using restrained emotion and a firm gaze to add weight to the story. Her role helped anchor the characters’ emotional arc amid the high-tension action. Yoon has also expanded her work beyond acting into variety shows and hosting. She recently appeared on an entertainment program with her husband, attorney Lee Seong-ho, sharing their daily life as a couple. She also took on her first solo MC role on Channel A’s “The Body Geniuses,” a tailored health-solution program offering information for healthier living, meeting viewers with a steady, approachable hosting style. With steady work across dramas, streaming series, variety programs and hosting, Yoon continues to broaden her range, with attention on what she will do next. 2026-05-06 10:11:09