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

Korea Proposes Expanded AI and Autonomous Driving Cooperation at APEC Meeting The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of South Korea proposed expanding cooperation in future transportation areas, including artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous driving, among Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies.On September 22, the South Korean government delegation attended the 12th APEC Transportation Ministers' Meeting (TPTMM12) held in Beijing, China, where they discussed future transportation policy directions with member economies.High-level off September 22, 2026

Continued Optimism for Q4 Exports Driven by Key Sectors Domestic exporters anticipate improved conditions in the fourth quarter, particularly in semiconductors, shipbuilding, and wireless communication devices. However, rising raw material prices, exchange rate volatility, and increased logistics costs continue to pose challenges to profitability.The Korea International Trade Association's International Trade and Commerce Research Institute reported on September 22 that the Export Business Sentiment Index (EBSI) for the fourth quarter stands at 111.3 September 22, 2026

U.S. and South Korea Fail to Reach Agreement on Westinghouse Stake Investment Negotiations between South Korea and the United States regarding an investment in the U.S. nuclear company Westinghouse are ongoing, but the two sides have reportedly not narrowed their differences.On September 22, Reuters cited sources indicating that the U.S. and South Korea have yet to reach an agreement on the Westinghouse stake investment.The Westinghouse investment is a key issue in the $350 billion U.S. investment initiative that both countries are pursuing, alongside the construction of September 22, 2026

Ruling Party Urges Opposition to Stop Political Strife Ahead of Chuseok The Democratic Party urged the People Power Party on September 22 to cease its political strife, particularly as it plans to hold a 'national report meeting' criticizing the administration of President Lee Jae-myung ahead of the Chuseok holiday. During a meeting at the National Assembly, Han Byeong-do, the party's floor leader, stated, "Instead of focusing on the people's needs during Chuseok, they are once again trying to stir up political conflict." Han emphasized that the government has p September 22, 2026

Kim Min-seok and Kim Min-seob Advance to Men's 400m Individual Medley Final at 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games South Korean swimmers Kim Min-seok (Jeonju City Hall) and Kim Min-seob (Gyeongbuk Sports Council) have both qualified for the final of the men's 400m individual medley at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, setting their sights on a medal. On September 22, at the Tokyo Aquatics Center, Kim Min-seok recorded a time of 4:21.80 in the preliminary round, finishing third overall and securing a spot in the final for the top eight competitors. Kim Min-seob also advanced, placing seventh with a time of 4 September 22, 2026

Hyundai Supplies Electric Buses to Morocco Hyundai Motor Company, in collaboration with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), is supplying eco-friendly Elec City electric buses to Marrakech, Morocco.On September 21, Hyundai held a delivery ceremony for the electric buses at its Jeonju plant in Wanju, South Korea, attended by KOICA officials and representatives from the Moroccan embassy in South Korea. The event was announced on September 22.This supply is part of KOICA's official development assistance (ODA) project in Marr September 22, 2026

SM Group's Construction Affiliates Accelerate Subcontractor Payments Ahead of Chuseok SM Group's construction affiliates have expedited payments to subcontractors ahead of the Chuseok holiday.On September 22, SM Group announced that Samra, SM Line's construction division, and SM Steel's construction division have made early payments to subcontractors in light of the upcoming holiday. This measure aims to support partners facing increased short-term financial demands for raw materials, equipment rentals, wages, and bonuses during the festive season.The construction industry has be September 22, 2026