Ban on Entrance Exams for Preschoolers Takes Effect Next Month The controversial entrance exams for preschool academies, known as the '4-year-old exam' and '7-year-old exam,' which have sparked intense competition and allegations of child abuse, will be abolished. Starting next month, all entrance exams and assessments aimed at admissions or level-based class assignments in preschool academies, including English kindergartens, will be completely banned. The Ministry of Education, led by Minister Choi Kyo-jin, announced on September 22 that the Cabinet appro September 22, 2026

Celltrion Completes EU-GMP Renewal for Songdo Plant, Plans 15% Production Increase Celltrion has completed the renewal of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) Good Manufacturing Practice (EU-GMP) certification for its production facilities at the Songdo campus in Incheon. The company plans to increase overall production at the Songdo campus by approximately 15% this year compared to the previous year.On September 22, Celltrion announced that it has finalized the EU-GMP renewal for its active pharmaceutical ingredient (DS) and finished pharmaceutical product (DP) production faci September 22, 2026

Daishin Securities Launches Automated Order Service for U.S. Stocks Daishin Securities announced on September 22 that it will launch an 'Automated Order Service for Overseas Stocks' to enhance trading convenience for U.S. stock investors.The automated order service allows customers to set trading conditions in advance, enabling real-time monitoring of stock prices and automatic order execution when conditions are met. This service targets stocks listed in the U.S. market, excluding over-the-counter (OTC) stocks.Customers can establish various monitoring conditio September 22, 2026

Financial Stability: Rising Housing Prices and Household Debt Prompt Warnings from Bank of Korea The Bank of Korea has warned that rising housing prices in the metropolitan area and increasing household debt could lead to a widening financial imbalance. While the economy continues to grow robustly, driven by a strong semiconductor market, the benefits of this growth are not evenly distributed, raising concerns about potential vulnerabilities in weaker sectors as interest rates rise.In its 'Financial Stability Situation' report released on September 22, the Bank of Korea's Monetary Policy Co September 22, 2026

Gunpo Urban Corporation Promotes Community Giving for Chuseok The Gunpo Urban Corporation has engaged in community giving ahead of the Chuseok holiday, supporting children at local centers.On September 21, the corporation announced that it had delivered 600 kg of rice to four local children's centers in collaboration with the NH Nonghyup Bank's Gunpo branch.The centers receiving the rice include Jeongwon, Haemal, Sarang-i Itneun, and Sharon, with each center receiving 150 kg.This donation was made possible through the 'Sunshine Sharing Fund,' which was est September 22, 2026

LG Group Expands Strategic Partnership with Microsoft for AI Initiatives LG Group is significantly expanding its strategic partnership with Microsoft to cover a wide range of AI initiatives, from next-generation AI data center (AIDC) infrastructure to physical AI and enterprise AI transformation (AX).On September 21, LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella held an executive meeting at Microsoft’s headquarters in Washington State, where they announced the partnership.Key executives from LG Group, including LG COO Kwon Bong-seok, LG Electronics C September 22, 2026

Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries Recovers 431 Million Won in Unpaid Wages Ahead of Chuseok Seafarers working at 36 workplaces across the country will receive a total of 431 million won in unpaid wages due to a special labor inspection by the government.The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries conducted focused inspections from August 19 to September 18, ahead of the Chuseok holiday, at 11 regional maritime affairs offices. The inspections targeted companies known for habitual wage violations and those at risk of such violations.The inspections revealed a total of 677 million won in unpaid September 22, 2026

Revisions to Agricultural Wholesale Market Regulations to Enhance Competition and Performance Management The performance management and competitive framework for agricultural wholesale market corporations and market wholesalers will be strengthened. The government has defined the bottom 10% of evaluations as 'underperforming evaluations' and has specified criteria for designation cancellation. Additionally, it has established guidelines and procedures for recommending adjustments to commission rates to protect the rights of producers and consumers.On September 22, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food September 22, 2026

South Korea and Japan to Enhance Semiconductor Cooperation with Forum in Sapporo South Korea and Japan's Hokkaido region are set to expand cooperation in the semiconductor and future growth industries. A forum will be held in Sapporo, Japan, in November to broaden the business collaboration between companies from both countries.The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy held a 'Korea-Japan (Hokkaido) Semiconductor Industry Cooperation Exchange Meeting' in Seoul on September 22. This event marks the first economic cooperation initiative between the ministry and Hokkaido's reg September 22, 2026

Government Accelerates Growth of Semiconductor and Robotics Industries in Jeonbuk The government is accelerating the development of specialized semiconductor materials, components, and equipment in Jeonbuk, focusing on the Wanju Industrial Complex and revitalizing aging industrial sites. The plan aims to strengthen the semiconductor chemical materials supply chain while transforming the Wanju Industrial Complex into a core hub for K-robotics and advanced mobility.On September 22, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy held a meeting in Iksan and Wanju, led by Yang Gi-wook September 22, 2026