Efforts Underway to Restore the Name 'Hankyesan' in Inje County Efforts are underway to restore the name 'Hankyesan' (寒溪山), which was recognized as a separate mountain from Seoraksan during the Joseon Dynasty. Inje County in Gangwon Province plans to secure historical evidence through academic research and develop cultural tourism resources linked to Hankyesanseong and hiking trails.According to Inje County, the county and the Gangwon History and Culture Research Institute will hold an academic conference titled 'Measures for Preserving the Hankyesan Plac September 16, 2026

Danggeun Launches Korea's First Advertising MCP with AI Data Analysis Danggeun has announced the launch of Korea's first advertising Model Context Protocol (MCP) aimed at advertisers.The MCP is a technology that allows artificial intelligence (AI) models or agents to connect with various systems and data to retrieve information or perform actual tasks.The 'Danggeun Advertising MCP' enables users to link their AI with their Danggeun advertising account, allowing them to check and analyze advertising data through conversation with the AI. Users can verify their adve September 16, 2026

Graduate Student Sentenced to Probation for Sending Drone to North Korea A graduate student accused of sending a drone to North Korea without government notification has been sentenced to probation in a first-instance ruling.The Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 38-3, presided over by Judges Choi Young-gak, Jang Seong-jin, and Jeong Su-young, sentenced the individual, identified as Oh, to eight months in prison, suspended for two years, for violations of the espionage law and the aviation safety law. Two accomplices received six-month prison sentences, September 16, 2026

Hwacheon County Supports 615 Households and 237 Residents Ahead of Chuseok Hwacheon County in Gangwon Province will provide support to 615 households receiving basic living and medical benefits, as well as 237 residents of social welfare facilities, ahead of the Chuseok holiday. Additionally, 514 veterans will receive rice and fruit, and measures will be taken to prevent meal gaps for vulnerable children during the holiday period. According to Hwacheon County, the holiday support will take place from September 18 to 23. Each household receiving basic living and medical September 16, 2026

Court Grants Temporary Release to Lee Man-hee on September 17 Lee Man-hee, the leader of the Shinchonji Church of Jesus, has been granted a temporary release on September 17 after being charged with directing his followers to join the People Power Party.According to legal sources on September 16, the Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 27 accepted Lee's request for a temporary release.This temporary release is a provision that allows for short-term release due to urgent circumstances such as serious illness, childbirth, or family funerals. Lee September 16, 2026

Dunamu Targets Kazakhstan Market with Digital Financial Infrastructure Dunamu is exploring the potential for building digital financial infrastructure in Kazakhstan, including the tokenization of real-world assets (RWA) and stablecoins.On September 16, Dunamu announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Alatau City Development Agency and Alatau City Bank to advance digital financial infrastructure in Kazakhstan.The agreement was finalized during a business roundtable held in a hotel in Jongno-gu, Seoul, coinciding with the visit of Kaza September 16, 2026

Central Asia's Silk Road Reopens: Opportunities for South Korea Amid Great Power Rivalry Central Asia is once again capturing global attention. Positioned between Russia, China, Europe, and the Middle East, the region has primarily been viewed through the lens of great power dynamics, including Russian influence, China's Belt and Road Initiative, and Western efforts to counter Russia. However, the five Central Asian countries—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—are now leveraging their strategic value to expand their relationships with Europe, Turkey, an September 16, 2026

Job Openings for AI Positions Surge 128% in First Half of 2026 Hiring for artificial intelligence (AI) roles is rapidly expanding beyond development and data positions to include planning and content areas. On September 16, AI and data-driven HR tech platform Job Korea reported that over 18,000 AI-related job postings were recorded in the first half of this year.Job postings designated as AI specialist roles increased by 128% compared to last year, with experienced positions rising by 140%, surpassing the 55% increase in entry-level postings.Despite the gro September 16, 2026

Opposition Party Calls for Testimony from Major Securities Executives on ETF Issues The opposition People Power Party has requested testimony from senior officials of financial authorities and private securities firms during the upcoming National Assembly audit to hold them accountable for the 'single-stock leveraged exchange-traded fund (ETF) incident.' The party aims to elevate the issue of leveraged ETFs to the forefront of the audit, intensifying its criticism of the government and ruling party while building public support for a national investigation and special prosecuti September 16, 2026

President Lee Distributes Chuseok Gifts to Veterans and Families of Industrial Accident Victims President Lee Jae-myung has distributed Chuseok gifts to various sectors of society, including national veterans, socially disadvantaged groups, and families of victims of industrial accidents.The Blue House announced on September 16 that President Lee prepared the gifts to express wishes for national unity and the well-being of all citizens.The recipients include prominent figures who have contributed to national development, as well as national heroes, veterans, and socially disadvantaged indi September 16, 2026