Gyeongnam, Daejeon, Jeonbuk, and Chungnam Designated as Specialized Zones for Materials, Parts, and Equipment 경남과 대전, 전북, 충남이 제3기 소재·부품·장비(소부장) 특화단지로 새로 지정됐다. 조선·방산·반도체 핵심 소재·부품의 국내 공급망을 강화하기 위해 2030년까지 민간에서 7조7000억원을 투자하고 정부도 연구개발(R&D)과 기반 구축 등에 1600억원을 투입한다.산업통상부는 17일 한국수출입은행에서 김정관 장관 주재로 '제18차 소재·부품·장비 경쟁력강화위원회'를 열고 신규 소부장 특화단지 지정안을 심의·의결했다고 밝혔다.새로 지정된 곳은 경남 거제 조선 September 17, 2026

EU Requests China to Cut Hybrid Car Exports by 15% or Face Tariff Hikes The European Union (EU) has requested China to voluntarily reduce its exports of hybrid cars to Europe by 15%, according to a report by the Financial Times citing three sources. This move comes as Chinese hybrid vehicles rapidly gain market share in Europe, prompting the EU to take action.Sources indicated that ahead of high-level trade talks scheduled for next month in China, the EU has demanded that the volume of hybrid car exports to the EU be limited to 15% of the market size. Currently, one September 17, 2026

Kim Yoon-ji: KCA to Evolve into a Comprehensive K-Culture Agency "I will elevate the Korea Creative Content Agency (KCA) to a comprehensive K-Culture agency that encompasses not only content but also lifestyle," said Kim Yoon-ji, the head of KCA, during a press briefing marking her 100 days in office at the CKL Business Support Center in Seoul on September 17.Kim emphasized the need to establish an IP (intellectual property)-centric business system, stating, "The core of our new strategy is to create an environment for content IP business that expands from fa September 17, 2026

SK Biopharm Acquires Parkinson's Disease Drug Candidate Worth Up to 430.8 Billion Won SK Biopharm is set to acquire a Parkinson's disease treatment drug candidate from domestic bio venture First Bio Therapeutics. The deal includes a technology transfer contract valued at up to 430.8 billion won and a strategic equity investment of 3 billion won. This move expands SK Biopharm's focus from epilepsy to Parkinson's disease, aiming to develop treatments that slow disease progression. On September 17, SK Biopharm announced it signed a licensing agreement with First Bio for global exclu September 17, 2026

Korea Eximbank to Invest 5 Trillion Won in Chungbuk's Strategic Industries The Korea Eximbank will provide 5 trillion won to support the development of advanced industries such as semiconductors, biotechnology, and mobility in Chungcheongbuk-do over the next three years.On September 17, the bank announced that it has signed a comprehensive financial cooperation agreement with Chungcheongbuk-do to foster regional growth engines and support balanced regional development.This agreement aims to cultivate key strategic industries in the region through financial and administ September 17, 2026

Seoul Land Offers Traditional Games and K-Ghost Content for Chuseok Holiday Seoul Land in Gwacheon is preparing traditional games and experiential programs for families to enjoy during the Chuseok holiday. According to Seoul Land on September 17, the '2026 Seoul Land Chuseok Festival' will take place from September 24 to 27. This year's event focuses on games that were popular in childhood, emphasizing programs that can be enjoyed by all generations. A highlight of the festival is 'Why Did You Come to Our House?' held in the World Square of Seoul Land. Participants will September 17, 2026

Shinla SG Chooses KOSDAQ Exit for KONEX Listing, Sparking Interest in Next Candidates Shinla SG, facing a delisting crisis on KOSDAQ due to insufficient market capitalization, has opted for a transfer listing to KONEX, drawing attention to potential candidates for the next KONEX transition. Companies such as Sejin T&S, Yukil C&S, and OSP are considered qualified candidates, although some firms are reportedly leaning towards remaining on KOSDAQ.According to financial investment industry sources on September 17, Shinla SG decided on September 11 to apply for preliminary consultatio September 17, 2026

South Korea and IEA Launch RISE ASIA for Energy Security in Asia 한국과 국제에너지기구(IEA)가 아시아 지역의 에너지 공급망과 전력시스템 회복력을 높이기 위한 새로운 협력체계를 가동한다. 화석연료 수급뿐 아니라 재생에너지 전환과 전기화, 전력시스템 안정성까지 포괄해 중동발 공급망 불안과 인공지능(AI)·데이터센터 확산에 따른 전력수요 증가 등에 공동 대응할 방침이다. 기후에너지환경부는 17일 서울 종로구 포시즌스호텔에서 IEA와 '아시아 에너지 안보 협력 한-IEA 양해각서(MOU)'를 체결하고 '회복탄력적·통합적 아시아 에너지 안보 협력(RISE ASIA)'을 September 17, 2026

Huawei to Launch Two New AI Chips Next Year Chinese tech giant Huawei plans to release two new artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductor products next year. As U.S. export controls make it difficult for the company to secure advanced AI chips from NVIDIA, Huawei is accelerating the development of its own chip and system technologies.According to reports from the China Securities Journal, Huawei's rotating chairman, Wang Tao, announced at the Huawei Connect conference in Shanghai on September 17 that the Ascend 960 series will include the September 17, 2026

Ansan Fire Department Conducts Safety Inspections Ahead of Chuseok On September 17, the Ansan Fire Department conducted joint safety inspections at an apartment complex in Ansan to prevent fire and electrical accidents ahead of the Chuseok holiday. According to the fire department, the inspections took place at the Gunja Jugong 13 Complex, in collaboration with Ansan City, the Korea Electrical Safety Corporation's Ansan-Siheung and Anyang branches, and the Housing Management Corporation, targeting vulnerable households. The initiative included checks on re September 17, 2026