Law Firm Hwa Woo Welcomes Energy Expert Baek Jong-kwan as Senior Foreign Attorney Law firm Hwa Woo announced on September 17 that it has recruited Baek Jong-kwan as a senior foreign attorney specializing in nuclear power, small modular reactors (SMR), and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contracts for energy plant exports.With over 35 years of experience in energy, EPC, foreign investment, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and international litigation and arbitration, Baek is recognized as an expert in nuclear energy and international transactions. He has accumu September 17, 2026

Venture Capital and Investment Sectors Clash Over Liability in New Technology Financing As the venture capital and finance sectors express significant differences regarding the scope of responsibility in new technology financing, financial authorities have announced plans to examine investment contract practices that impose excessive burdens on one party. The government aims to improve contract practices by listening to diverse opinions from market participants.The Financial Services Commission held a meeting on the 16th, chaired by Kim Jin-hong, Director of the Financial Industry September 17, 2026

Rural ESG Excellence Awards Focus on Activity Outcomes Starting This Year The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy will jointly select companies and institutions that have contributed to rural areas and agriculture through ESG activities such as rural cooperation and social contribution. Starting this year, the evaluation system will shift from merely confirming participation in related activities to assessing the actual level and outcomes of these activities.On September September 17, 2026

Minister Park Hong-geun: Budget Should Reflect Contribution to Nation and Citizens Park Hong-geun, Minister of the Ministry of Planning and Budget, stated on September 17, "The reason for the establishment of the ministry must be proven," adding that "the budget should be evaluated based on how much it contributes to the future and lives of the nation and its citizens."During a visit to commemorate the opening of the ministry's press room, Minister Park emphasized the significance of the ministry, which has been operational for nine months. He noted that unlike during the prev September 17, 2026

BNK Financial Group Revamps CEO Selection Process to Enhance Transparency BNK Financial Group is overhauling its management succession system to enhance the transparency and fairness of the selection process for its holding company chairman and subsidiary CEOs. Notably, the bank's Executive Candidate Recommendation Committee will have increased authority in recommending candidates and will be able to directly provide input during the CEO selection process for subsidiaries. On September 17, BNK Financial Group announced that its Executive Candidate Recommendation Comm September 17, 2026

hy's Yakult XO Surpasses 40 Million Sales Milestone hy announced that its Yakult XO, launched in May 2025, has surpassed 40 million units sold in just over a year. After reaching 25 million units in May, the product added another 15 million in just four months, demonstrating rapid growth.Yakult XO is the first zero-calorie fermented milk product introduced under the Yakult brand by hy. It eliminates sugar, carbohydrates, and fat, reducing calories to just 10 kcal per 100 ml. Despite this, it contains five patented strains and 5 billion CFU of pro September 17, 2026

Daewoong Pharmaceutical's Pexuclu Achieves 92% Success Rate in Helicobacter Pylori Treatment Daewoong Pharmaceutical announced that its reflux disease treatment, Pexuclu (ingredient name: Pexuprazan hydrochloride), achieved a 92.0% eradication rate in a study targeting Helicobacter pylori treatment among patients who completed the therapy, as reported on September 17.Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that resides in the stomach lining and is a major cause of chronic gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, and an increased risk of stomach cancer. When an infection is confirmed, eradicat September 17, 2026

Seongnam Mayor Shin Sang-jin Advocates for Sustainable Transportation Integration with Advanced Technology Seongnam Mayor Shin Sang-jin emphasized on September 16 that "advanced technology must be easily accessible to all citizens and organically connected to existing transportation systems to establish sustainable transportation."During an online webinar hosted by the UN Economic and Social Affairs, Mayor Shin presented Seongnam's sustainable transportation policies, highlighting the city's commitment to enhancing collaboration with the international community.The event, themed "Ensuring Sustainable September 17, 2026

Ruling Party to Adopt Report on Kim Seung-won Amid Opposition Pushback The Democratic Party announced plans to adopt a report on Kim Seung-won, the nominee for Minister of Justice, during the National Assembly's Legislative and Judiciary Committee meeting scheduled for September 17, despite pushback from the People Power Party. This is expected to lead to a significant clash between the ruling and opposition parties during the session.Jeon Eun-soo, the party's floor spokesperson, spoke to reporters after a policy coordination meeting at the National Assembly, confi September 17, 2026

Interior Ministry Defends Kim Ji-yong Amid Controversies Over Prosecutorial Role The Ministry of the Interior and Safety defended Kim Ji-yong, the candidate for the inaugural chief of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, stating that he has consistently opposed indictments during his leadership of major cases. This response comes amid various allegations regarding his qualifications and past actions.Kim Min-jae, the ministry's vice minister and head of the agency's preparatory committee, held a briefing on September 17 at the Government Seoul Complex in Jongno, addressin September 17, 2026