Ruling Party to Address Farmers' Concerns Over Land Survey on September 21 The Democratic Party has decided to develop supplementary measures in response to growing concerns among farmers regarding the government's land survey before the Chuseok holiday. This move is seen as an effort to soothe public sentiment amid declining approval ratings for the ruling party. The party's Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Policy Coordination Committee announced on September 17 that it will hold a government-party meeting on September 21 at the National Assembly to review the p September 17, 2026

Negotiations on U.S. Investment Project Face Last-Minute Challenges Negotiations for the U.S. investment project are facing last-minute challenges. The report to the National Assembly, originally scheduled for today, has been postponed, which is likely to delay the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) expected soon. The government is mobilizing diplomatic and trade channels for final adjustments.According to relevant departments on the 17th, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy requested the National Assembly's Committee on Industry, Trade, and September 17, 2026

National Growth Fund Expands with Enhanced Management, Approves 18.9 Trillion Won The National Growth Fund has approved a total of 18.9 trillion won in funding from January to September this year, as financial authorities establish a Risk Management Committee and a Post-Management Committee to enhance decision-making objectivity and transparency.On September 17, the Financial Services Commission held a meeting of the National Growth Fund's Fund Management Review Committee, where it approved this restructuring of the decision-making system. On the same day, it also approved fi September 17, 2026

Ryu Jin, Chairman of the Korea Economic Association, Calls for Stronger US-Korea Alliance The Korea-U.S. alliance, which began amid the turmoil of the Korean War in 1950, has expanded over the past 70 years into economic and technological realms. The Korean business community expressed gratitude and respect for veterans and U.S. forces stationed in Korea while reflecting on the significance of the alliance that extends beyond security.The Korea Economic Association (KEA) announced that it held a "Thanksgiving Dinner for the 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Founding" on the afternoon of September 17, 2026

Trade Commission Proposes Five-Year Extension of Anti-Dumping Measures on Chinese H-Beams The Trade Commission of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy has recommended that the government maintain anti-dumping measures on Chinese H-beams for an additional five years. The commission also determined that a provisional anti-dumping duty of up to 27.96% should be imposed on Chinese rebar, which is used in the manufacturing of parts for automobiles and ships.During its 477th meeting on September 17, the Trade Commission reviewed and voted on the final determination of the anti-dumpin September 17, 2026

Hanwha Aerospace Launches Arion Smet, Plans Six UGVs by 2030 Hanwha Aerospace plans to secure six types of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) ranging from small to large by 2030. The company will also transition existing weapon systems, including the K9 self-propelled howitzer and the Chunmoo multiple launch rocket system, into AI-based manned-unmanned hybrid combat systems.On September 17, Hanwha Aerospace unveiled its roadmap for ground defense unmanned systems along with plans to establish a production system for the multipurpose unmanned vehicle, Arion S September 17, 2026

Korea Railroad Corporation Expands Global Rail Cooperation The Korea Railroad Corporation is exploring opportunities for overseas expansion in the K-Rail market through agreements with major clients and high-level meetings. On September 17, the corporation announced that it has strengthened its foundation for overseas expansion in the rail sector by collaborating with key international clients and organizations during the Global Infrastructure Cooperation Conference (GICC) 2026, held from September 15 to 17 at the Conrad Hotel in Yeouido. GICC is an int September 17, 2026

Research Impact Over Quantity Highlighted at 17th Korean University Ranking Forum A new paradigm for global university evaluation has emerged, emphasizing the actual impact of research, international collaboration, and social value, moving beyond mere publication counts and quantitative metrics. Amid the transformative AI revolution, leaders from top global university ranking organizations and domestic higher education experts convened to explore solutions for enhancing the global competitiveness and reputation of South Korean universities.Sookmyung Women's University announc September 17, 2026

People Power Party Adopts Bill to Abolish Early Voting The People Power Party has adopted a bill to abolish early voting and implement immediate vote counting at polling stations.Kim Tae-kyu, the party's chief spokesperson, announced this decision to reporters after a general meeting on September 17. The adopted election law amendment also includes provisions for printing ballots equal to the number of voters, monitoring all voting processes, expanding the size of the National Election Commission, and excluding judges from election commission roles. September 17, 2026

Electricity Rate Cut Insufficient for Steel Industry, Calls for Additional Support The South Korean government has decided to reduce industrial electricity rates outside the capital region by up to 10%. However, industry experts argue that this measure is insufficient to alleviate the financial burden on the steel sector. They advocate for separate support measures utilizing government finances and funds to facilitate the transition to electric and hydrogen-reduced steelmaking.On September 17, the National Assembly Steel Forum, composed of 29 lawmakers from both parties, held September 17, 2026