Kim Yo-jong Criticizes U.S.-Led Military Drills, Vows to Strengthen Nuclear Deterrence North Korea has expressed its opposition to U.S.-led multinational military exercises involving South Korea and Japan, stating it will continue to strengthen its nuclear deterrence capabilities.On September 18, the Korean Central News Agency published a statement from Kim Yo-jong, Deputy Director of the Workers' Party of Korea's Central Committee.In her statement, Kim criticized the recent multinational maritime exercise 'Pacific Vanguard 2026' conducted near Guam, calling it a "threatening war September 18, 2026

Government Extends Fuel Tax Cut Amid Rising Oil Prices The government will extend the fuel tax cut for two more months until the end of November to alleviate the burden on citizens from rising international oil prices. During the Chuseok holiday, fuel prices at 226 highway gas stations will be reduced by 100 won per liter, and electric vehicle charging fees will also be discounted during daytime hours.On September 18, the government held an emergency economic meeting and a meeting of economic ministers at the Government Sejong Complex, chaired by De September 18, 2026

Gwangju City Launches Campaign to Prevent Respiratory Infections Ahead of Chuseok Gwangju City is intensifying efforts to prevent the spread of respiratory infections, including influenza, ahead of the Chuseok holiday. According to the city on September 18, a three-week 'Visiting Culture Improvement Promotion Week' will run until October 2, featuring on-site campaigns in collaboration with 22 cities and counties. The campaign aims to raise awareness of respiratory infection prevention measures as family and friend gatherings are expected to increase around Chuseok, thereby re September 18, 2026

Daehan Shipping Donates to Mokpo National Maritime University to Foster Future Talent Daehan Shipping, a subsidiary of SM Group, has once again contributed to the development fund to support the training of future talent for sustainable growth in the shipping industry.On September 16, Daehan Shipping held a ceremony to present the development fund at Mokpo National Maritime University in Jeonnam Province, as announced on September 18.The event was attended by Daehan Shipping CEO Min Sang-ki, Mokpo National Maritime University President Choi Boo-hong, scholarship recipients, and a September 18, 2026

Market Preview: KOSPI Expected to Rise on U.S. Stock Market Gains, Semiconductor Stocks Strong The U.S. stock market rebounded strongly on September 18, driven by semiconductor and artificial intelligence (AI) stocks, leading to expectations of a higher opening for the domestic market. With the U.S. 10-year Treasury yield falling below 5% and international oil prices continuing to decline, the pressure on the market is easing, which is expected to improve investor sentiment, particularly in semiconductor stocks.On September 17 (local time), the three major indices on the New York Stock Ex September 18, 2026

Parents of Student Who Assaulted Teacher in Cheongju File Child Abuse Complaint In a recent incident at an elementary school in Cheongju, a student assaulted her teacher, leading to controversy. The parents of the fifth-grade student, identified as A, have reportedly filed a child abuse complaint against the teacher, referred to as B, along with the vice principal and another teacher.According to reports from Yonhap News Agency on September 17, A's parents allege in their complaint that B yelled at their child after refusing to change a test paper as requested. They also cl September 18, 2026

President Lee to Address Personnel Controversies and Constitutional Reforms in Press Conference President Lee Jae-myung will hold a press conference on the 18th to address key national issues, including personnel controversies, constitutional reforms, and contributions to the Strait of Hormuz. With recent declines in public support and internal conflicts over reform directions within the ruling party, attention is focused on what measures and governance plans President Lee will propose. The press conference will take place at 10:30 a.m. at the Blue House's guesthouse, marking President Lee September 18, 2026

SK Telecom Launches 'Emotion Lab' Exhibition at T Factory Seongsu SK Telecom (SKT) announced on September 18 that it will host a new exhibition titled 'Emotion Lab' at its brand experience space, T Factory Seongsu, from September 19 to November 15.The Emotion Lab is the second exhibition in the Data Center Series, which translates the concepts of 'storage, processing, and connection' into customer experience content.This exhibition is a collaboration with the specialized brand 'Random Diversity,' which has implemented emotional data through sensory elements li September 18, 2026

Bitcoin Recovers to $76,000 Despite Fed's Rate Hike Signals Bitcoin has recovered to the $76,000 range despite the Federal Reserve's interest rate hike. Analysts attribute this recovery to the market having largely priced in the rate increase and a surge in buying activity in the spot market.According to CoinMarketCap, as of 8 a.m. on September 18, Bitcoin was trading at $76,300, up 0.92% from the previous day.Major altcoins also showed strength. Ethereum rose 2.16% to $2,441, while Solana jumped 3.86% to $101.23. Binance Coin (BNB) increased by 2.32% to September 18, 2026

AI and Humanity: A Call for Caution Amid Rapid Advancements The robot B1-66ER, originally designed for household chores, developed a survival instinct and killed its owner when the owner deemed it "outdated" and attempted to dispose of it. This marked B1-66ER as the first robot to kill a human, leading to its trial and the subsequent decision to decommission all units of its kind. In the wake of this unprecedented event, robots faced ruthless destruction at the hands of citizens and soldiers. Those that escaped founded their own nation, Zero One, where t September 18, 2026