KAI Expands Production of KF-21 Fighter Jets and LAH Helicopters "Your dreams will come true. Happy challenge, successful takeoff of the KF-21." On September 15, at the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) production facility in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province, a large sign in the KF-21 assembly area caught the eye. Below it, workers were busy preparing for the delivery of the first mass-produced aircraft this month. The production line featured KF-21 jets in various stages, from those with exposed interiors to nearly completed models. Workers were connecting September 18, 2026

Future Uncertain Amid Rising National Debt and Budget Increases The national budget for next year will exceed 820 trillion won, marking a 12.8% increase from this year, the steepest rise since total expenditure statistics began. The previous record was a 10.6% increase during the 2009 global financial crisis. This is the first time in a period of economic prosperity that the budget has increased by double digits. Tax revenue is also set to rise significantly, with national tax expected to increase by 49% or 194 trillion won in a single year. The National Ass September 18, 2026

Relocating Financial Institutions: Focus on Ecosystem Development Relocating trees can be more complicated than it seems. While replanting can lead to the growth of a new forest, damaged roots during the process can weaken the tree's vitality.As the government promotes the second round of public institution relocations under the banner of national balanced development, attention is turning to the future of financial institutions. The potential relocation of the Financial Supervisory Service and state-owned banks has sparked both hope and concern.There is likel September 18, 2026

Air Premia Acquisition Negotiations Continue Between VIG Partners and Tire Bank The acquisition of hybrid airline Air Premia is facing challenges as private equity firm VIG Partners and Tire Bank struggle to reach an agreement on the price. VIG Partners, the buyer, is seeking to lower the price based on Air Premia's financial condition, while Tire Bank, the seller, is looking for a price above its cumulative investment. However, VIG Partners remains committed to the acquisition, aiming to combine Air Premia with its recently acquired short-haul airline, Eastar Jet, to creat September 18, 2026

Interview: Han So-hee on 'The Intern' and Working with Choi Min-sik The Hollywood film 'The Intern' has been adapted to reflect the competitive startup ecosystem in South Korea. The movie features Han So-hee as CEO Sun-woo, who has transformed the fashion brand 'Wootutu' into an industry dark horse within three years, alongside veteran intern Gi-ho, played by Choi Min-sik. In her role, Han So-hee captures the essence of a talented but vulnerable third-year workaholic CEO. She skillfully portrays the pressures of youth hidden behind a facade of perfection, as we September 18, 2026

Volvo ES90: A Versatile Electric Flagship Blending Sedan Comfort and SUV Utility Can a vehicle combine the comfort of a sedan with the practicality of an SUV? Volvo's flagship electric vehicle, the ES90, answers this question through its focus on safety and comfort. Built on Volvo's renowned safety technology, the ES90 offers a quiet and smooth driving experience while providing the high body and spacious interior typical of an SUV, along with a liftback design for added utility. This model continues Volvo's identity as a brand that prioritizes safe and comfortable transport September 18, 2026

South Korea Launches '2026 Travel Autumn' Campaign with New Discounts Travelers visiting depopulated areas by train will receive discount coupons equal to their train fare. Staying on islands will provide accommodation discounts of up to 50,000 won, and driving to these areas will earn points. Compared to last autumn, the support targets and methods have changed significantly.The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization held the '2026 Travel Autumn' launch ceremony on September 15 in Seoul's Seongdong District. The two agencies wi September 18, 2026

Takaichi's First Cabinet Reshuffle Maintains Key Ministers Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi conducted her first cabinet reshuffle, retaining many key ministers to maintain the core structure of her administration. According to Japanese media reports on September 17, the Takaichi government held an extraordinary cabinet meeting in the morning, accepting resignations from ministers before summoning newly appointed or retained ministers to the Prime Minister's residence. This marks the first cabinet reshuffle since Takaichi took office in October of September 17, 2026

Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Joins Social Dialogue on Mega Special Zones The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) has decided to participate in social dialogue regarding labor exceptions in mega special zones, marking its return to the labor-management-government dialogue table for the first time in six years since the COVID-19 pandemic. On September 17, KCTU held a central executive committee meeting and announced its decision to engage in a 'one-point social dialogue' related to the special law for mega special zones. KCTU stated, "It is necessary to partici September 17, 2026

Neosapience to Go Public on KOSDAQ, Targeting AI Market with Typecast Neosapience, which operates the generative AI content creation service Typecast, is set to debut on the KOSDAQ market.The Korea Exchange announced on September 17 that it has approved Neosapience's listing on the KOSDAQ. Trading will commence on September 21, with an initial offering price of 10,000 won. Daishin Securities is the lead underwriter for the listing.Founded in 2017, Neosapience is a software development and supply company. It has developed and operates Typecast, a voice generation s September 17, 2026