KOSPI Rises Over 2% Amid U.S. Semiconductor Surge with Foreign and Institutional Buying The KOSPI is showing a rise of over 2% thanks to simultaneous net buying by foreign and institutional investors. Following a strong performance in the U.S. stock market, particularly in semiconductor and artificial intelligence (AI) stocks, major semiconductor companies like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are leading the index's gains. The KOSDAQ index is also experiencing an increase of around 1%.According to the Korea Exchange, as of 9:10 a.m., the KOSPI has risen by 151.88 points (2.26%) to September 18, 2026

President Lee Declares Special Disaster Zone in Yeonggwang County Due to Heavy Rain Damage President Lee Jae-myung has declared Baeksu-eup in Yeonggwang County, South Jeolla Province, a special disaster zone following significant damage from record heavy rainfall.Kang Yu-jeong, the chief spokesperson for the Blue House, announced on the 18th that President Lee made the declaration around 9 p.m. the previous day after a central joint investigation.The Yeonggwang area experienced heavy rainfall from August 28 to September 1, with a particularly severe downpour of 344 mm on August 31, le September 18, 2026

Gwangju Education Office Trains School Facility Management Staff The Gwangju Education Office is providing training for facility management staff to prepare for the mandatory appointment of facility managers in schools and educational institutions. According to the Gwangju Education Office, training is underway for 45 facility management staff working in schools and institutions in the Jeonnam region to obtain HVAC technician certification. The training began on September 4 and will continue until October 23 at the Jeonnam campus of Korea Polytechnic Universi September 18, 2026

YK Law Firm Partners with EverX for Workplace Safety Collaboration YK Law Firm, led by Managing Partner Kang Kyung-hoon, announced on September 18 that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with digital healthcare company EverX. The two organizations plan to combine digital healthcare technology aimed at preventing musculoskeletal disorders with legal expertise in workplace safety and labor law to support the health management and safety systems of corporate employees.The signing ceremony took place on September 15 at YK's Gangnam office in Seoul, a September 18, 2026

International Oil Prices Drop Amid Saudi Supply Increase; Global Markets Rise International oil prices fell due to an increase in crude supply from Saudi Arabia and expectations of pipeline normalization. As concerns over high oil prices eased, stock markets in the U.S., Europe, and Japan also saw gains. However, uncertainties remain due to the potential for U.S. military action against Iran and trade tensions between the European Union and China, suggesting increased volatility in response to Middle Eastern dynamics, oil prices, and major countries' monetary policies.Acc September 18, 2026

EL&F to Expand NCM and LFP Production, Aiming for 4.5-Fold Increase by 2030 EL&F is restructuring its business portfolio around high-nickel NCM (nickel, cobalt, manganese) and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode materials. In response to the temporary demand stagnation in the electric vehicle market and changes in the battery sector, the company plans to significantly expand its LFP operations and target new demand areas such as 46mm batteries and robotics, with a goal of increasing total shipments to 4.5 times the 2025 level by 2030.According to industry sources, EL&F September 18, 2026

Gwangju City Council Member Visits Mokpo Senior Welfare Facilities Ahead of Chuseok Gwangju City Council Member Kang Seong-chan (Democratic Party, Mokpo 2) visited senior welfare facilities in Mokpo to check on the well-being of the elderly and listen to the voices from the welfare sector ahead of the Chuseok holiday. According to the Gwangju City Council on September 18, Kang visited the Mokpo Senior Welfare Center and the Hana Senior Welfare Center on September 17, where he delivered gifts and encouraged the staff. The visit aimed to assess the living conditions of local seni September 18, 2026

Construction Begins on Water Supply Facility for Yongin Semiconductor Complex The construction of a facility to supply 1.072 million tons of industrial water daily to the Yongin semiconductor industrial complex, which includes Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, is officially underway. The government plans to first establish a dedicated pipeline from the Paldang Dam to the Yongin complex to supply 310,000 tons of water per day, with plans to gradually expand capacity in the future.On September 18, the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment announced the start of constr September 18, 2026

Hanwha Systems to Develop Space Surveillance Network as Part of K-SSA Project 한화시스템이 통합 우주상황인식체계를 구축하며 우주공간의 위험을 파악하고 나선다. 한화시스템은 지난 9일 한국천문연구원과 ‘우주 기반 우주감시위성 및 지상연계 우주상황인식체계 개발’ 사업 계약을 체결했다고 18일 밝혔다. 국가 우주상황인식시스템(K-SSA)의 민간 체계개발업체로 참여한다. 우주상황인식이란 우주물체의 위치와 궤도 등을 관측·분석해 충돌·추락 같은 우주공간 위험을 파악·예측하는 활동을 말한다. 최근 저궤도 위성이 급격히 늘며 궤도상 인공·자연 우주물체와의 충돌 September 18, 2026

Hampyeong Moaksan Red Spider Lily Festival Peaks This Weekend with Performances and Activities The red spider lilies blooming at the foot of Moaksan Mountain in Hampyeong, South Jeolla Province, are reaching their peak, coinciding with a weekend full of performances and activities at the festival site.According to Hampyeong County, the 27th Hampyeong Moaksan Red Spider Lily Festival, which opened on September 16, will continue until September 20 at Haebomyeon Red Spider Lily Park.The festival has attracted many tourists and families eager to explore the red spider lily fields, with variou September 18, 2026