SHIN MIN-HEE - koreajoongangdaily

SHIN MIN-HEE

shin.minhee@joongang.co.kr

Silent no longer: Webtoon artist Jeon Ju-ok brings digital life to childhood memories of North Korea

She grew up hearing gunshots in her border town in North Korea: "I thought I would go insane if I kept living there."

2026.6.8

Education superintendent candidate Cho Jeon-hyeok speaks during a press conference in front of Seoul City Hall in Jung District, central Seoul, on May 7. [YONHAP]

Superintendent candidate who vowed to 'expel queer education' places second in Seoul election

Education superintendent candidate Cho Jeon-hyeok, who campaigned on a pledge to ban LGBTQ+ education, came in second, according to an exit poll for the local elections on Wednesday.

2026.6.3

Seoul Upcycling Plaza to guide startups with entrepreneurship program

The Seoul Upcycling Plaza (SUP) is set to run an entrepreneurship program for both current and aspiring upcycling startups through November, the Seoul Design Foundation said on Tuesday.

2026.6.2

Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon shaves his head in front of the National Assembly in Yeouido, western Seoul, on March 23 to call for the enactment of a special act on the southeastern port city's ″global hub″ initiative. [LIM HYUN-DONG]

[WHY] Korea's hair-itage: The history of head-shaving in politics

In the history of Korean politics, head-shaving ceremonies have been a recurring tactic used by people to show their resolve or make a dramatic appeal. The upcoming June 3 local elections, set for next Wednesday, are no exception.

2026.5.30

Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, right, meets with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in New York on Sept. 26, 2025. [MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS]

Korean foreign minister urges Iranian counterpart to clarify ship attack facts

Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun urged Iran to clarify the recent HMM Namu attack near the Strait of Hormuz. Both nations emphasized the need for safe navigation and effective communication as investigations continue.

2026.5.17

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk speaks during a press conference at the Seoul Global Center in Jongno District, central Seoul, on May 13. [YONHAP]

UN human rights chief calls for 'guardrails' in AI development, expresses concern about North Korea

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk stressed the need for human rights to serve as the "DNA" of AI development during a press conference in Seoul on Wednesday.

2026.5.13

People smoke around an ashtray bin in Hongdae in Mapo District, western Seoul, on May 2. [SHIN MIN-HEE]

담배 연기와 악취 끌어들이는 홍대 공공 꽁초 수거함

Placed just a couple of feet apart, their ash-stained slots were almost like an invitation for a quick puff. Walking along the streets of Hongdae, secondhand smoke felt like an unwelcome party guest that refused to leave.

2026.5.11

Three different types of Argentine Malbec were recommended and displayed inside Hidden Barrel Hannam in Yongsan District, central Seoul, on April 18 as part of 'Argentina Malbec Weekend,' hosted by the Argentine Embassy in Korea [SHIN MIN-HEE]

Argentine Embassy hosts Malbec World Day event to commemorate flagship varietal

The Argentine Embassy in Korea hosted a special wine-pairing event over the weekend to celebrate the annual Malbec World Day, commemorating Argentina’s flagship wine varietal.

2026.4.19

Johnny Somali arrives at the Seoul Western District Court in Mapo District, western Seoul, on April 15 to attend his sentencing hearing. [YONHAP]

Why did streamer Johnny Somali get jail time in Korea? And what's next for the notorious provocateur?

Johnny Somali, a U.S. streamer, was sentenced to six months in a Korean prison for disruptive antics like spilling noodles and kissing memorials to victims of wartime atrocities. Who knew YouTube fame could lead to jail time?

2026.4.16

BCD Tofu House's Los Angeles store [SCREEN CAPTURE]

Lee Tae-ro, co-founder of Korean restaurant chain BCD Tofu House, dies at 88

Lee Tae-ro, the co-founder of the U.S.-based Korean restaurant chain BCD Tofu House, has died, according to a recent family statement. He was 88.

2026.4.3