Fed Signals Possible Rate Hike, Raising Concerns Over Korean Stock Market The U.S. Federal Reserve has indicated the possibility of an additional interest rate hike this year, raising concerns for the Korean stock market. As the KOSPI remains trapped in a trading range, fears are growing that declining trading volumes may become a permanent trend.On September 17, the KOSPI closed at 6,715.41, down 2.56 points (0.04%) from the previous trading day. The index opened at 6,779.02, up 61.05 points (0.91%), but fluctuated around the 6,770 mark before giving up its gains an September 17, 2026

Hanwha Engine Surges Over 10% Amid Market Activity Hanwha Engine has surged more than 10% in after-hours trading. In the KOSDAQ market, Bitsro Tech has hit its upper limit, while Naraspace Technology, Giosoft, and YJ Link have also seen significant gains.As of 5:46 PM, Hanwha Engine was trading at 53,200 won, up 5,150 won (10.72%) from the previous trading day, with a trading volume of 108.9 billion won and an intraday high of 54,200 won.The stock's rise is fueled by expectations for the expansion of its artificial intelligence data center (AIDC September 17, 2026

Financial Authority Revises Penalty System for Credit Information Law Violations 금융당국이 신용정보법 과징금 산정 체계를 손질한다. 동양생명에 대한 과징금이 금감원 단계의 1400억원대에서 금융위 의결을 거쳐 70억원대로 줄어든 데 이어 제도 개선까지 추진되면서 신한라이프와 라이나생명에 대한 제재에도 영향을 미칠지 주목된다.17일 금융권에 따르면 금융위는 전날 ‘신용정보법 과징금 산정기준 개선 태스크포스(TF)’ 회의를 열고 신용정보법 위반행위의 특성을 반영한 별도 산정 기준을 마련하기로 했다.현행 과징금은 전체 매출액의 3%를 법정 상한으로 두고 위반행위의 중대성에 따라 50%&midd September 17, 2026

Samsung and LG Expand Heat Pump Initiatives in Jeju to Develop Korean Model Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics are expanding their heat pump initiatives in Jeju. The region's relatively stable winter temperatures reduce initial testing burdens, while government support is rapidly increasing demand. Both companies aim to develop heat pump models suited to the domestic housing environment based on data collected in Jeju, preparing for future nationwide market expansion.According to industry sources, Samsung and LG have officially launched their residential heat pump p September 17, 2026

Takaichi Reshuffles Cabinet, Retains Key Economic and Security Officials Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi conducted her first cabinet reshuffle on September 17, retaining key ministers responsible for economic and foreign security policies, including Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama, Minister of Growth Strategy Minoru Kiuchi, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, and Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi. This decision reflects a preference for continuity in core policies over a major personnel overhaul, suggesting that Takaichi's administration will maintain its ex September 17, 2026

U.S.-South Korea Talks on Hormuz Contributions Postponed Government officials have postponed the National Security Council (NSC) standing committee meeting, indicating a cautious approach regarding military contributions in the Hormuz Strait. Instead of finalizing their stance, the government aims to narrow down support methods and scope after discussions at the U.S.-South Korea foreign minister meeting. On the morning of September 17, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun departed for Washington, D.C., to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubi September 17, 2026

KG Mobility Platform Executives Purchase $300,000 in Company Shares KG Mobility Platform, which operates South Korea's largest direct-used car platform K Car, has executed a stock buyback worth approximately 4 billion won (about $300,000).The company announced on September 17 that four key executives, including CEO Jeong In-guk, purchased a total of 63,000 shares on the open market.In this stock purchase, CEO Jeong acquired 40,000 shares, while Park Ji-won, head of the rental car division, and Jeon Ho-il, head of marketing, each bought 10,000 shares. Hwang Jae-h September 17, 2026

Weather Forecast: Rain Expected in Jeju, Southern and Eastern Coasts with Highs of 30°C On Friday, September 18, rain is forecasted for Jeju, as well as various areas along the southern and eastern coasts, with daytime temperatures reaching up to 30 degrees Celsius. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration on September 17, the rain that began in Jeju will expand to the southern coast of South Jeolla Province, the southern eastern coast of North Gyeongsang Province, and the coastal areas of South Gyeongsang Province. Rain is also expected in the eastern coastal areas of September 17, 2026

KOSPI Closes Slightly Lower Despite Hawkish Fed Signals and Foreign Selling Despite the U.S. Federal Reserve raising interest rates for the first time in over three years and hinting at further increases this year, the KOSPI index closed slightly lower. Foreign investors sold off more than 2 trillion won, yet the KOSPI managed to maintain its position above 6,700, showing resilience against the hawkish monetary policy.On September 17, the Korea Exchange reported that the KOSPI fell by 2.56 points (0.04%) to close at 6,715.41. The index opened at 6,779.02, up 61.05 point September 17, 2026

Constitutional Court Upholds Tax on E-Cigarette Liquid Volume The Constitutional Court has ruled that taxing e-cigarette liquid based on volume, regardless of nicotine content, does not violate the constitution. On September 17, the court unanimously upheld the provisions of the previous excise tax law that set tax rates for e-cigarette liquid, following a constitutional complaint filed by companies such as Haka Korea, which import and sell e-cigarette liquids. Previously, these companies argued that the nicotine used in their products was extracted from s September 17, 2026