Seoul City Bus Labor Negotiations Reach Agreement with 3.2% Wage Increase Negotiations between the Seoul city bus labor union and management reached a resolution early on September 16. According to Yonhap News, the bus union announced it would cancel a planned strike set to begin at 4 a.m. and operate all routes normally.The Seoul City Bus Labor Union and the Seoul City Bus Transportation Business Association finalized their agreement during a second mediation meeting at the Seoul Regional Labor Relations Commission around 1:50 a.m.The parties accepted the mediation p September 16, 2026

South Korea and China Expand Air Travel Options with New International Routes The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has allocated additional international air transport rights, focusing on routes to China, in response to the growing passenger demand between South Korea and China. Direct flights connecting major Chinese cities from regional airports such as Busan, Cheongju, and Daegu are expected to expand.On September 15, the ministry announced that it had distributed air transport rights for 25 international routes to 10 national airlines following a review September 16, 2026

Kim Jong-in's Testimony on Oh Se-hoon in Court In criminal trials, the consistency of a person's actions with their motivations is a crucial factor. This is particularly relevant in the fourth appeal hearing on September 11 regarding Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon's alleged violation of the Political Fund Law, where Kim Jong-in, former chairman of the People Power Party, provided significant testimony. Kim testified that on March 19, 2021, Oh approached him expressing a desire to withdraw from the mayoral race. He noted that Oh seemed to believe he September 16, 2026

Workplace Harassment Reporting System Needs Reform After Six Years Six years have passed since the introduction of the workplace harassment reporting system following the amendment of the Labor Standards Act in 2019. During this time, the number of reported cases to labor authorities has surged from 5,823 in 2020 to 16,373 last year, nearly tripling. While societal awareness and utilization of the system have increased, the operational framework has not significantly changed since its inception. The numbers have risen, but the system remains the same.The curren September 16, 2026

Mohammed bin Salman Makes Surprise Visit to Egypt Amid Regional Tensions Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, Mohammed bin Salman, made a surprise visit to Egypt, facing challenges from Houthi rebels to the west and Iran blocking the Strait of Hormuz to the east. Egypt has historically supported Saudi Arabia, notably during the Yemeni civil war in 2015, making this visit particularly noteworthy.On September 15, according to reports from the Jerusalem Post and other foreign media, bin Salman met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. An official from the Egyptian pre September 16, 2026

U.S. Interest Rate Hike Raises Concerns Over Auto Demand and Shipping Costs The volatility of international oil prices and exchange rates is increasing uncertainty for businesses, compounded by the potential for rising interest rates in the United States. An increase in U.S. rates would not only directly raise corporate funding costs but also impact the industry through a stronger dollar, reduced consumer spending, and higher investment costs.The U.S. Federal Reserve is holding a Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting on September 15-16 to determine its monetary p September 16, 2026

U.S. Interest Rate Hike Raises Borrowing Costs, Tightens Capital Regulations As the likelihood of an interest rate hike in the United States increases, domestic companies are expected to adjust their funding strategies. Rising rates are intensifying borrowing burdens, while financial authorities are tightening scrutiny on capital increases, narrowing funding options.With the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting taking place on September 15-16, financial officers within companies are feeling heightened tension. If U.S. interest rate decisions impact domestic marke September 16, 2026

U.S. Interest Rate Shock Increases Burden on Korean Companies Amid Liquidity Divide The shock from rising U.S. interest rates is reverberating through South Korea's bond market, raising concerns that corporate financing costs could surge. With a significant number of corporate bonds maturing by the end of the year, the refinancing burden is expected to increase. The liquidity divide among companies based on credit ratings is likely to deepen further.On September 14, according to global financial information platform Investing.com, the yield on the benchmark U.S. 10-year Treasur September 16, 2026

South Korea Signs Investment Protection Agreement with Turkmenistan The South Korean government has signed an investment protection agreement with Turkmenistan, aiming to expand its foothold in major infrastructure projects, including chemicals, plants, and smart water management.In a separate development, South Korea and Kazakhstan have upgraded their bilateral relations to a 'future-oriented comprehensive strategic partnership' for the first time in 17 years, enhancing cooperation in economic security and advanced industries, including oil supply chains, nucle September 16, 2026

Individual Investors Buy U.S. Treasury ETFs Amid Rising Interest Rates Individual investors are actively purchasing U.S. long-term Treasury exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that have recently dropped to near their annual lows. This surge in buying is interpreted as a strategy to capitalize on what is seen as a low point, following a recent rise in Treasury yields that has led to falling ETF prices. However, forecasts suggest that the upward trend in U.S. long-term Treasury yields may not reverse soon.According to data from Korea Exchange and Koscom ETF Check on Septemb September 15, 2026