Chris Infotainment

Duong secretly admired a Japanese colleague at his hospital, but it took him two years to confess his love because he was afraid she would report him for harassment. In 2019, Hoang Khanh Duong, then 31, a native of Thai Binh, went to Aichi, Japan to work as a nursing intern. With limited Japanese proficiency, he struggled to navigate and settle into life in the foreign land. His romance began in 2020 when he went to submit a job application at a local hospital. While waiting for the elevator, he saw a nurse drop a stack of documents, and he immediately bent down to pick them up for her. "Be careful, don't drop them again," he said in his still-awkward Japanese. The girl smiled and thanked him. The moment their eyes met, the young man felt as if they "had known each other from a past life". He kept thinking about her big, round eyes for many days afterwards. Duong and his girlfriend during their trip to Vietnam in spring 2025. Photo courtesy of Duong Her ...

Introduction to K-EXAONE: A Breakthrough in AI Development LG AI Research has introduced a new artificial intelligence (AI) model named ‘K-EXAONE (EXAONE)’. The research team highlighted that the model showcased exceptional performance across multiple benchmark evaluations, outperforming well-known models from the United States and China. This achievement places K-EXAONE as the leading domestic model and among the top global AI models. Development of K-EXAONE K-EXAONE was created by leveraging the technological expertise LG AI Research has developed over the past five years in building AI foundation models. Unlike other approaches that focus primarily on increasing data volume, the team concentrated on improving the model’s architecture to enhance performance while simultaneously reducing learning and operational costs. This strategy resulted in a high-efficiency, low-cost structure. Advanced Technology Integration The research team applied an advanced version of its core technol...

The Rise of Daiso's Exclusive Brand 'Zoom by Jung Saem-mul' Daiso, a well-known retail giant, has recently made waves in the beauty industry with the launch of its exclusive brand 'Zoom by Jung Saem-mul.' This collaboration with the renowned South Korean makeup artist Jung Saem-mul has resulted in an overwhelming response from consumers. The brand was released on the 5th and quickly sold out both online and offline. As of the morning of the 10th, all eight products, including the Glossy Up Cushion, Light Prep Booster, Makeup Fixer, and Skin Pad, were completely out of stock. Affordable Luxury with High-Quality Products 'Zoom by Jung Saem-mul' offers a range of base makeup products such as foundation, cushion, and fixer, with prices ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 Korean won. This is significantly lower compared to Jung Saem-mul’s existing brand, which typically ranges from 20,000 to 50,000 Korean won. The price difference can be as high as 90%, making these ...

President Lee Jae-myung recently captured the attention of both the public and media by sharing a selfie with Chinese President Xi Jinping, taken using a Xiaomi smartphone during his visit to Beijing. This event has led to a significant promotional campaign by Xiaomi Korea. Xiaomi Korea announced on the 9th that it would launch a price discount promotion for its flagship smartphone, the ‘Xiaomi 15 Ultra.’ The promotion ran from that day until the 15th, offering the device—which normally retails for 1,699,000 Korean won—for 1,299,000 Korean won, a 400,000 Korean won discount over approximately one week. The model being discounted is the same one that President Lee and First Lady Kim Hea-kyung used to take a selfie with President Xi and Peng Liyuan on the 5th, which attracted considerable public interest. The device was gifted to President Lee by President Xi during the November APEC summit in Gyeongju last year. Cheong Wa Dae confirmed that President Lee personally instructed his sta...

South Korean-American singer Tiffany, a member of K-pop group Girls’ Generation, and actor Byun Yo Han have confirmed that they are in a serious relationship and are considering marriage. South Korean-American singer Tiffany (R) and her boyfriend, actor Byun Yo Han. Photo from Tiffany's Instagram Byun’s agency, Team Hope, told local media on Friday that the two entertainers are "currently in a serious relationship with marriage in consideration," while emphasizing that no wedding date has been set. The agency added that both Byun and Tiffany hope to inform fans directly once their plans are finalized. "We appreciate the warm interest and kindly ask for blessings with the hope that grace and love accompany the couple’s future," the agency said. Earlier media reports suggested the couple were planning to marry next fall, citing their growing closeness after working together on the Disney+ original series "Uncle Samsik," which was released in May 20...

Strengthening Economic and Construction Ties Between Ethiopia and South Korea Ethiopia and South Korea have made significant progress in enhancing their long-term economic and construction-sector collaborations through the Ethio–Korea Specialty Contractors Business Forum, which took place in Addis Ababa. This event marked a crucial step forward in transforming discussions into actionable projects, with Korean contractors showing strong interest in implementing concrete initiatives backed by thorough feasibility studies and risk analyses. The forum served as a platform for both nations to explore opportunities for investment and development. South Korea reaffirmed its role as a key strategic partner of Ethiopia, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, information and communication technology (ICT), digital systems, and industrial modernization. This partnership is expected to bring substantial benefits to Ethiopia's growing economy. Korean companie...

The sole perfect scorer on the 2026 academic year college entrance exam in Gwangju Metropolitan City has become a topic of interest after it was revealed that the individual had previously demonstrated remarkable math skills on a YouTube channel. This revelation has sparked curiosity about the student's background and approach to education. According to the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education, Choi Jang-woo, a third-year humanities student at Gwangju Seoseok High School, achieved a perfect score on this year’s exam. Among the five perfect scorers, one is a current student from Gwangju, two from Seoul, and one from Jeollabuk-do, while the remaining individual is a retaker from Seoul. Choi has applied to the Department of Economics at Seoul National University through the non-regular admissions general track and is currently waiting for the final result. His journey to success has not gone unnoticed, especially due to his previous appearance on a YouTube channel where he show...

Lim Se-ryeong, vice chairwoman of Daesang Group, has attracted public attention for her distinctive fashion choices during a significant event. She was seen wearing an “all-black” outfit at the naval officer commissioning ceremony of her son, Lee Ji-ho, who is 24 years old. The event took place on the 28th of last month at the Naval Academy in Jinhae-gu, Changwon, Gyeongsangnam-do. Lim’s appearance at the 139th Navy and Marine Corps Officer Candidate School graduation and commissioning ceremony was marked by her choice of clothing. She arrived in a complete black ensemble, which included black sunglasses, a black coat, and a black bag. This monochromatic look not only highlighted her personal style but also drew considerable media and public interest. The coat Lim wore is reported to be the “Michael Rider” coat from the 2026 Spring/Summer collection of the French luxury brand Celine. While the official sales price of this piece has not been disclosed, it is expected to carry a pr...

Rise in Online Lectures and Challenges of Academic Integrity Following the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, online education has become a significant part of academic life, especially at major universities in Seoul. As a result, there have been growing concerns about the rise in academic dishonesty, particularly with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to assist in cheating. Institutions such as Seoul National University, Yonsei University, and Korea University have reported multiple instances of AI-assisted misconduct, leading to criticism that non-face-to-face lectures are contributing to this issue. According to data from eight universities in Seoul, including Seoul National University, Yonsei University, Korea University, and others, the number of online lectures has seen a dramatic increase. Before the pandemic, in the second semester of 2019, these institutions offered only 162 online courses. By the second semester of 2025, this number had risen to 854, representin...

Paik Jong-won's Sudden Move and the Fate of His YouTube Channel The video in which Paik Jong-won, CEO of The Born Korea, announced the suspension of his broadcasting activities has mysteriously disappeared from his personal YouTube channel. This move has sparked widespread speculation about his future plans and actions. As of the 24th, a video titled “Let’s Start Over from the Beginning,” which was originally posted on Paik’s YouTube channel in May, has been taken down. In this video, Paik addressed various controversies that had arisen, including issues related to origin labeling errors and poor hygiene management. He expressed his apologies and declared a temporary suspension of his broadcasting activities. In the video, Paik stated, “All problems lie with me,” and added, “From now on, I will suspend all broadcasting activities except for the program currently being filmed.” He also mentioned, “As Paik Jong-won, an entrepreneur rather than a broadcaster, I will focus all my p...

Actor Lee Jang-woo, 39 years old, and Jo Hye-won, 31 years old, made their wedding day even more memorable by featuring a unique ‘walnut pastry bouquet’ as part of the ceremony. The couple exchanged vows on the 23rd at Lotte Hotel World in Jamsil, Songpa-gu, Seoul. During the main ceremony, Jo Hye-won wore a silk dress with a halter neck design and carried a vibrant bouquet that captured everyone's attention. After the official ceremony, the bride's bouquet was replaced with a special creation—a ‘walnut pastry bouquet.’ This unique gesture was made possible by Boochang Jegwa, a renowned brand known for its ‘Lee Jang-woo Walnut Pastries.’ The company shared a photo on its official Instagram account, captioning it with, “A surprise gift made from Boochang Jegwa’s walnut pastry molds accompanied Lee Jang-woo’s wedding.” The image showed Jo Hye-won smiling while pointing at the bouquet with her finger. The Boochang Jegwa walnut pastries, which were launched in October of last ye...

Actor Im Hyun-sik shared a shocking incident from his past where he accidentally consumed pesticide and was rushed to the emergency room. During an appearance on MBN’s Alto Ran on the 23rd, he spoke about his experience of trying to live longer and make efforts to improve his health, but feeling as though no matter how hard he tried, the outcome remained the same. This led him to adopt a more laid-back approach to life. He also revealed details about a traditional Korean house spanning 1,000 pyeong, which was prepared by his late mother. He now manages the property after inheriting it. Im Hyun-sik mentioned that he has 20 apple trees at home that require careful management. However, during the weeding process, he accidentally ingested pesticide. The incident caused him to start sneezing and experience severe dizziness, leading to a loss of consciousness and a trip to the emergency room. After undergoing a stomach wash and receiving treatment, he regained his senses. The event highl...

A Legacy of Laughter and Longevity Nam Po-dong, a revered actor known for his iconic comedic roles during the 1970s to 1990s, passed away on the 23rd at the age of 81. His contributions to Korean cinema and television left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, with many remembering him as a beloved figure who brought joy to audiences through his unique performances. Early Career and Rise to Fame Nam Po-dong made his debut in 1965 with the comedy film I Can Also Fall in Love . This marked the beginning of a career that would span several decades. He quickly gained popularity for his distinctive comedic style, which was characterized by his ability to deliver humor with a mix of charm and wit. Over the years, he became a staple in various films, including Whale Hunting (1984), Winter Wanderer (1986), Two Cops 2 (1996), and Two Cops 3 (1998). These films not only showcased his talent but also solidified his status as a household name in South Korea. Expanding into Tele...

Strengthening Korea-Japan Relations Through Civilian Cooperation Prime Minister Kim Min-seok met with the Japanese delegation of the Korea-Japan/Japan-Korea Cooperation Committee on the 24th, highlighting the importance of expanding next-generation exchanges between the two nations. During the meeting, the Prime Minister also requested Nakasone Hirofumi, chairman and close aide to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, to help facilitate communication between the governments of South Korea and Japan. The Japanese delegation, which visited South Korea on the 22nd to attend the 58th joint general meeting of the Korea-Japan/Japan-Korea Cooperation Committee held in Jeju, was hosted by Prime Minister Kim at the Government Complex Seoul on the morning of the 24th. The delegation included several key figures, such as Nakasone Hirofumi, acting chairman and former foreign minister; Nagashima Akihisa, vice chairman and former chief national security advisor; Yamaguchi Tsuyoshi, standing dir...

Song Ji-hyo, a 44-year-old actress and television personality, has recently found herself at the center of controversy following allegations involving her father’s financial obligations. Her agency, Nexus E&M, has issued a strong response to these claims, emphasizing that they will not tolerate any actions that threaten the reputation of their affiliated artist or disrupt business operations. The legal representative of Nexus E&M, Law Firm Namsan, released a detailed statement on the 21st, addressing concerns raised by an email received by the company. According to the statement, the email contained suspicions that a company operated by Song Ji-hyo’s father was in a state of debt default. Along with this information, the email included a questionnaire and materials such as a banner design that read, “Parents of a famous celebrity, renowned for ferry business on TV!” The agency interpreted the distribution of the banner design as more than just an inquiry. It was seen as an a...

Overview of the International Competition for the National Symbol Zone An international competition has been launched to determine the master plan for the National Symbol Zone in Sejong City. This area will house key institutions such as the presidential office and the National Assembly building, along with civic spaces that reflect the nation's dignity and future aspirations. The competition has received 13 entries from domestic and international urban and architectural design experts. The final selection of the winning design is scheduled to be announced on the 12th of next month, incorporating public opinion into the decision-making process. Background and Objectives of the Competition The National Agency for Administrative City Construction (NAACC) announced on the 21st that a total of 13 teams submitted their proposals for the international competition. These teams consist of professionals from various fields, including urban planning and architecture. According to an NAAC...

Criticism of Former President Yoon Suk-yeol Kim Byung-kee, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, recently criticized former President Yoon Suk-yeol for his actions during a Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly. Kim expressed strong disapproval, stating, “Even former President Chun Doo-hwan, whom you claim to like, did not act as miserably as you did by shifting responsibility to his subordinates to save himself.” This statement was made on the 21st, highlighting the criticism directed at Yoon's handling of various issues. Kim emphasized that if Yoon had any regard for national interest and dignity, he should “shut your mouth, stop making excuses, and go to prison yourself to spend the rest of your life in repentance.” The remarks were a clear indication of the political tension surrounding Yoon’s tenure and the ongoing scrutiny of his decisions. Insights from Yoon’s Testimony On the 19th, Kim referenced former President Yoon’s testimony as a witne...

A European-Style Christmas Market at Lotte Department Store Lotte Department Store is set to open a European-style Christmas market that spans 800 pyeong. The event, named the ‘Lotte Town Christmas Market,’ will be held at the World Park Plaza of Lotte World Tower in Jamsil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, starting on the 20th and running for 46 days until January 4th of next year. The first weekend batch of ‘Fast Pass’ entry reservations, which were available on the 10th, sold out in just 10 minutes. This highlights the immense popularity of the event among visitors. The Christmas market will operate daily from 10:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. during the operating period. A total of 51 booths have been set up, offering a wide range of Christmas-related products, food, and beverages, as well as experiential stores. Entry is free before 4:00 p.m., but after that time, paid entry tickets must be purchased. The ‘Fast Pass’ allows quick access without waiting and costs 10,000 Korean won. It also includes a ...

Samsung Regains Top Position in Global DRAM Market Samsung Electronics has once again claimed the top position in the global DRAM market for the third quarter of this year, according to a recent survey. The company's strong performance was highlighted by a significant increase in sales revenue and market share. According to market research firm China Flash Market (CFM) , Samsung’s third-quarter DRAM sales revenue rose by 29.6% compared to the previous quarter, reaching $13.942 billion (approximately 20.44 trillion Korean won). This achievement allowed Samsung to secure a 34.8% market share, regaining its position as the leading player in the DRAM market. CFM noted that the overall DRAM sales hit a record high, driven by rising prices in general-purpose DRAM, which enabled Samsung to reclaim its top spot. Recovery from Previous Setbacks Samsung had previously lost its DRAM market leadership to SK Hynix in the first quarter, following a decline in its dominance within the high-...

Overview of the 27th Gachon Filial Piety Grand Prize Eighteen individuals, including teenagers who have demonstrated filial piety and 'filial daughters' who have cared for their families abroad, have been chosen as winners of the 27th Gachon Filial Piety Grand Prize. These recipients will be awarded a total scholarship of 101 million Korean won. The Gachon Cultural Foundation announced on the 19th that it selected 18 winners across four categories through a final deliberation committee composed of 10 experts from various fields. This selection followed document reviews and on-site inspections of candidates who applied nationwide. Male Category: Encouraging Filial Piety Among Teenagers In the male category of the Gachon Filial Piety Award, which encourages teenagers who have practiced filial piety toward their parents, Kim Jae-u, 24 years old, a third-year student at Hansung University, was selected. Mr. Kim donated his liver to his father, who was suffering from liver cance...