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The Star
5 hours ago
- The Star
Fatal shooting in South Korea sparks alarm over DIY firearms
Police tape sealed off the suspect's apartment in Dobong, Seoul, on July 21 after the authorities found and safely removed a makeshift explosive. - Photo: The Korea Herald/ANN SEOUL: A deadly domestic shooting in Songdo, Incheon, has reignited alarm in South Korea over the lack of regulation on homemade firearms and the ease of access to online content that teaches users how to build them. On Sunday (July 20), a 63-year-old man was arrested on charges of murder after allegedly shooting his son with a homemade shotgun filled with metal pellets at their residence in Songdo, Incheon. The victim, a 33-year-old man, was rushed to the hospital but did not survive his injuries. Police officials at Incheon Yeonsu Police Station later told the press that, during questioning, the suspect said he had learned how to make the gun by watching tutorial videos on YouTube. He cited ongoing family conflicts as the motive for the crime. Searching the suspect's vehicle, the police discovered nine gun barrels and additional raw materials needed to assemble guns, such as metal pipes, at his home. While searching his car and residence, police seized a total of 15 guns and explosive devices that he had made. After news of the suspect's confession, concerns have grown in Korea over how easy it is to access information on making weapons. A simple online search of keywords such as 'DIY gun' or 'homemade pistol' on platforms such as YouTube showed numerous videos demonstrating how to make guns with materials such as steel pipes, metal rods and even cardboard. On social platform X, posts offering instructions on how to manufacture a gun using a 3D printer or sharing links to websites offering such services were also easily accessible. Under Korean law, the possession, manufacture or distribution of firearms is prohibited without police authorization. Legal use is limited to specific purposes such as licensed hunting or military-related manufacturing. Violations of this law are punishable by three to 15 years in prison or fines ranging from 30 million won to 100 million won (US$22,000 to US$72,000). But while it is illegal to make a homemade gun, it is incredibly difficult to detect. Preventing them is also difficult — especially when tutorials on how to assemble such firearms are posted to online platforms by users outside Korea. According to the Korean National Police Agency, no illicit homemade firearms were confiscated in the last five years, from 2020 to 2024. Yet, four cases involving such weapons — two in 2023 and one each in 2022 and 2021 — were reported in the same period. Experts are calling for tighter controls on such homemade firearms to ensure the making of unregistered firearms is controlled to some degree. 'The government needs to take stronger action toward content posted online that provides instructions on how to assemble homemade guns,' professor Kwack Dae-gyung from Dongguk University's Department of Police Administration told The Korea Herald. 'Authorities must ramp up surveillance of such content and take appropriate actions against it, (to prevent it) from being distributed further online, such as permanently deleting similar content.' Experts also note that even with stricter content controls, enforcement alone may not be enough to prevent similar incidents, given the accessibility of the everyday materials used in such weapons. 'Since the firearm used in the recent Songdo shooting incident was made using parts that are commonly used (for everyday purposes), it seems difficult to establish countermeasures against the distribution of such materials,' professor Lee Keon-su from Baekseok University's Department of Police Administration added to The Korea Herald. 'Nevertheless, to prevent similar crimes, a reporting system should be established that allows people to report and provide tips to authorities when similar purchasing patterns that indicate possible danger are visible.' - The Korea Herald/ANN
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Lee Min Ho talks about ‘Omniscient Reader: The Prophet'; shares he had no idea about connection with BLACKPINK Jisoo - Deets inside!
' Omniscient Reader: The Prophet ' has been creating massive buzz online, and with only a day left before the film is officially released theatrically, fans have been dying to know more about the film from the star-studded cast. Lee Min Ho , who will be making his big screen debut after almost 9 years, recently delved into his role in the film and how everything feels for him to return with a fantasy-based role. Lee Min Ho delves into the challenges faced while filming for the project In an interview with The Korea Herald, Min Ho, who is also known for his roles in 'King: The Eternal Monarch' and 'Bounty Hunters', talked about the challenges he faced while filming for such a large-scale project. While talking about his character, who is meant to play a cold-hearted fighter, the actor revealed that "I'll be honest, it was lonely and desolate,' even pointing out that this worsened since most of it was filmed with CGI. He also talked about his connection in the film with BLACKPINK Jisoo 's character in the film, and also mentioned how most of it was a surprise to him. Due to the project's demand and high-scale production, a lot of aspects of the story came as a shock to him. 'I honestly had no idea how we were even connected', he added. About 'Omniscient Reader: The Prophet' Upcoming film 'Omniscient Reader: The Prophet' is based on a webtoon by the same name and follows the life of Dok Ja , whose life turns upside down as he ends up encountering characters from his favourite web novel in real life. The film blurs the lines between fantasy and reality and boasts a star-studded cast, which includes Ahn Hyo Seop, Chae Soo-bin, Nana, Shin Seung-ho, and Choi Young-joon . Lee Min Ho will play the role of Yoo Joong Hyuk , the main lead of the web novel, who will cross paths with Dok Ja and fight with him in order to take the lead of the future that is about to befall the earth.
Malay Mail
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
From aespa's universe to solo stage: SM virtual artist Naevis returns with new single ‘Sensitive' Aug 7
SEOUL, July 22 — SM Entertainment's virtual artist Naevis is set to return with a new single titled Sensitive, scheduled for release on August 7 at noon. The track marks her first comeback since her debut single Done dropped in September last year, according to a report published in The Korea Herald today. 'Sensitive is a pop dance track with a groovy, funk-infused bassline and rhythmic vocals,' SM Entertainment said. The agency said the lyrics show the virtual artist's emotional experience transitioning from the digital world into reality for the first time. Naevis was originally introduced as part of aespa's fictional universe. While aespa's narrative explores travel between real and virtual realms, Naevis acts as a support figure for both the real members and their avatars. She debuted the track Done during aespa's 2024 world tour Synk: Parallel Line ahead of its official release. Her upcoming single Sensitive was also performed during SM's joint concert The Culture, The Live in January.
Korea Herald
15 hours ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
Eastar Jet launches direct Busan-Almaty flights
Eastar Jet has launched a direct flight route between Busan, South Korea, and Almaty, Kazakhstan. The inaugural flight, ZE935, departed from Gimhae International Airport on July 15, operated using a Boeing 737 aircraft. The seven-hour flight carried 120 passengers, including tourists, students and transit travelers from Kazakhstan, Korea, and other countries, the Kazakh Embassy in Seoul told The Korea Herald. The new Busan–Almaty route brings the total number of weekly flights between Kazakhstan and Korea to 20, reflecting rising travel demand, the embassy said. The embassy added that Kazakhstan's diplomatic missions are committed to supporting the expansion of direct air routes. The launch event was attended by the consul general of Kazakhstan in Busan, Askar Aslan; Honorary Consul Lee Sang-hoon; and representatives from Eastar Jet.
The Star
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
K-drama When Life Gives You Tangerines sweeps Blue Dragon awards
South Korean actors IU (left) and Park Bo-gum received the Popular Star Award at the Blue Dragon Series Awards. Photo: IU/Instagram Hit K-drama When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025) dominated 2025's Blue Dragon Series Awards, taking home four trophies, including the top honour, the Grand Prize. Now in its fourth year, the annual ceremony is a spin-off of the prestigious Blue Dragon Film Awards, created to recognise excellence in South Korean streaming series. This year's event was held on July 18 at Paradise City in Incheon. The period romance emerged as the biggest winner of the night, securing awards for Grand Prize, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress and Popular Star Award. Stealing the spotlight was singer IU, who claimed her first Best Actress award for her dual performance in the 16-episode show. She portrayed both the young version of Ae-sun and her daughter Geum-myeong, delivering a powerful portrayal that resonated with global audiences and brought depth to the emotional arcs of both characters. 'This show will remain the greatest pride of my life,' IU, 32, said onstage as she accepted the award. 'I offer my deepest respect and gratitude to all the Ae-suns who lived boldly and clearly in a world that demanded they remain unseen, and to all the Geum-myeongs who firmly planted their desires and nurtured them into reality.' Yeom Hye-ran, 48, won Best Supporting Actress for her role as Gwang-rye, Ae-sun's mother. 'I've never received so many cheers and compliments in my life. I may not deserve them, but I'm deeply honoured,' she said, thanking the series' production team for their support. IU, whose real name is Lee Ji-eun, also received the Popular Star Award alongside actor Park Medical series The Trauma Code: Heroes On Call (2025) bagged several awards, including the Top Excellence Award, the second-biggest honour of the ceremony. Cast members Ju Ji-hoon and Choo Young-woo nabbed Best Male Actor and Best New Male Actor respectively. Best Supporting Actor went to Lee Kwang-soo for his role in the Netflix crime thriller Karma (2025), while Best New Actress was awarded to Kim Min-ha – better known globally as Pachinko – for her performance in Tving's romance drama Way Back Love (2025). – The Korea Herald/Asia News Network
