Use of Mobile Payment Services Rises 16.8% in First Half of 2026 In the first half of 2026, the use of mobile payment and electronic payment processing services continued to grow at double-digit rates. Both the number and amount of mobile payment transactions increased, while person-to-person transfer transactions saw a decrease in volume but a significant rise in value.According to a report released by the Bank of Korea on September 18, the average daily usage of mobile payment services in the first half of this year reached 38.22 million transactions, with September 18, 2026

NIS Holds In-Person National Counterintelligence Strategy Meeting for First Time in Four Years 국가정보원이 형법상 간첩죄 적용 범위 확대를 계기로, 4년 만에 국가방첩전략회의를 대면 개최했다. 외국의 기밀 탈취와 첨단기술 유출 등에 대응하기 위한 범정부 방첩 공조도 강화한다. 국정원은 18일 이종석 국정원장 주재로 외교부와 통일부, 산업통상부, 중소벤처기업부, 서울시, 군·경찰 등 22개 유관기관의 차관급 관계자들이 참석한 가운데 제13회 국가방첩전략회의를 개최했다고 밝혔다. 국가방첩전략회의는 대통령령인 ‘방첩업무규정’에 근거해 국가 방첩정책을 심의하는 최고 기구다. 2013년 출범 이 September 18, 2026

Dongyang and Dongyangwoo Hit Upper Limits Amid AI Data Center and Airport Construction Hopes Dongyang and Dongyangwoo both reached their upper price limits on the stock market. Analysts attribute the surge to expectations of benefits from the expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers and the construction of the Gadeokdo New Airport.According to the Korea Exchange, as of 1:52 PM on the 18th, Dongyang was trading at 1,353 won, up 29.97% (312 won) from the previous trading day. Dongyangwoo also rose to its upper limit, increasing by 29.96% (2,460 won) to 10,670 won.On the same September 18, 2026

Ruling Party Plans Tailored Housing for Young and Newlyweds Amid Housing Crisis 더불어민주당은 17일 부동산 민심 악화에 대응하기 위해 청년·신혼부부, 고령층 등 주거 취약계층을 위한 맞춤형 주택을 공급하겠다는 계획을 밝혔다. 지방자치단체의 주거복지 재원을 마련하기 위해 올해 말 일몰되는 담배소비세분 지방교육세를 '지방주거복지세'로 전환하는 방안도 추진하기로 했다. 김남근 당 주거복지특별위원회 위원장은 이날 국회에서 열린 주거복지특별위원회 회의에서 "(부동산) 세제 개편부터 발표되다 보니 세제 정책으로 부동산에 대응하는 것 아니냐는 오해를 산 측면이 있다"며 &q September 18, 2026

Korean Air Enhances Safety Capabilities Ahead of Integrated LCC Launch Korean Air is strengthening its safety operations ahead of the launch of its integrated low-cost carrier (LCC). On September 18, Korean Air held a predictive maintenance workshop at its headquarters in Gangseo-gu. Approximately 30 maintenance officials from the integrated LCCs, including Jin Air, Air Busan, and Air Seoul, as well as from Asiana Airlines, attended the event. The workshop aimed to share Korean Air's predictive maintenance technology and operational know-how with its group comp September 18, 2026

KinoTone and Nonuni Special Forces Entertainment Partner for 'The-BOX' Immersive Theater KinoTone and Nonuni Special Forces Entertainment are collaborating on a new immersive theater project called 'The-BOX.' On September 18, the two companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to combine KinoTone's video, audio, and LED technology with Nonuni Special Forces' content planning, AI video production capabilities, and artist network. The first 'The-BOX' location is set to open in Seoul in the first half of 2027, with plans to expand to multiplex theaters both domestically and in September 18, 2026

Capital Market Research Institute Proposes Shift from Real Estate to Financial Investments To shift household assets concentrated in real estate to the capital market, a proposal has been made to reduce the proportion of real estate holdings from approximately 65% to 50% over the next decade, while increasing the share of financial investment products to 20%. This includes providing tax incentives for long-term investments and enhancing the capital market's ability to allocate funds to innovative companies and strategic industries.The Capital Market Research Institute held a conferenc September 18, 2026

Wonpung Industries Shares Plunge 46% on Final Trading Day Before Delisting Wonpung Industries, facing delisting due to insufficient market capitalization, saw its shares drop over 40% on the last day of trading.As of 1:30 PM on September 18, the Korea Exchange reported that Wonpung Industries shares were trading at 23 won, down 20 won (46.51%) from the previous trading day, with trading volume exceeding 5.6 million shares.The company was delisted due to a market capitalization falling below 20 billion won. Consequently, a final trading period has been conducted from Se September 18, 2026

Bank of Japan Raises Key Interest Rate to 1.25%, Highest in 31 Years The Bank of Japan (BOJ) raised its key interest rate to 1.25% on September 18, marking a 0.25 percentage point increase. This is the highest level since 1995 and the first hike in three months, aimed at curbing inflationary pressures from rising international oil prices and a weakening yen.During its monetary policy meeting, the BOJ decided to raise the target for the uncollateralized overnight call rate from 1.0% to 1.25%. Of the nine policy board members, seven voted in favor, while two oppose September 18, 2026

President Lee Says He Has No Plans for Reelection, Promises Review of Appointment System President Lee Jae-myung stated on September 18 that he has "no intention of seeking reelection" amid ongoing discussions about his potential for a second term. He also pledged to conduct a comprehensive review of the appointment system following recent controversies surrounding ministerial nominees. During a press conference at the Blue House, President Lee remarked, "It is constitutionally impossible for me to seek reelection through a constitutional amendment, and I have repeatedly stated tha September 18, 2026