Lee Hyung-il Plans Flexible Application of Housing Residency Rules Lee Hyung-il, the nominee for Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, stated that he plans to consider the opinions of the National Assembly and specific cases regarding the scope of 'unavoidable reasons' for recognizing periods when individuals did not actually reside in their homes as part of the residency period.During a confirmation hearing at the National Assembly's Finance and Economy Committee on September 15, Lee expressed his intention to discuss this matter in depth alongside th September 15, 2026

Final Decision on 68 Questions from September Mock Exam for 2027 College Entrance Exam In the September mock exam for the 2027 College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), all 68 questions that were challenged have been deemed free of issues regarding the questions and answers. Consequently, the preliminary answers remain unchanged and have been finalized.The Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation announced the results of the review of the mock exam questions on September 15, confirming the final answers.After releasing the preliminary answers on September 2, the institute accep September 15, 2026

Shinhan and Hana Banks Compete for Incheon City Treasury The competition between Shinhan Bank and Hana Bank for the Incheon City Treasury, valued at 15 trillion won, is reaching its climax. Shinhan, which has held the treasury for nearly 20 years, is leveraging its extensive operational experience to maintain its position. Meanwhile, Hana Bank is expected to strengthen its local ties following the relocation of Hana Financial Group's headquarters to Cheongna, aiming to reclaim the treasury. According to Incheon City, Shinhan and Hana will conduct pr September 15, 2026

Japan Prepares for Extreme Weather Ahead of Asian Games As the Aichi and Nagoya Asian Games approach, set to begin on September 19, Japan has entered a state of emergency preparedness for heavy rain, extreme heat, typhoons, and even major earthquakes and tsunamis. Just ten days before the opening, record rainfall led to the evacuation of approximately 400 international athletes and staff who had already arrived. The organizing committee has activated a 24-hour weather monitoring system, deploying observation equipment and experts at each venue.Accord September 15, 2026

Kakao Games Acquires Social Casino Company Metoon to Expand Portfolio Kakao Games is expanding its game portfolio and strengthening its global business by acquiring the casual gaming company Metoon. This marks the first merger and acquisition (M&A) since the establishment of the new co-CEO system, aimed at securing a new genre portfolio and enhancing stable revenue streams for long-term performance improvement.On the morning of September 15, Kakao Games' board of directors resolved to acquire a 39.56% stake in Metoon for approximately 98 billion won. With this acq September 15, 2026

Lee So-young Outlines Regulatory Reform Plans Amid Controversies Lee So-young, the nominee for Minister of SMEs and Startups, presented her policy plans on regulatory reform, labor market flexibility, and alleviating the financial burden on small businesses during a confirmation hearing on September 15.Opening Remarks: "I Will Be a Minister for Regulatory Reform"In her opening remarks, Lee stated, "I will open a 'national startup era' where everyone can challenge and grow," expressing her commitment to finding solutions from the perspective of businesses and September 15, 2026

Boryung Establishes 'Boryung Pharma Solution' for Sales and Marketing Boryung has announced the establishment of a new commercial entity, 'Boryung Pharma Solution,' dedicated to sales and marketing of prescription drugs. This move is part of a strategy to enhance expertise by dividing operations into distinct areas: production and research and development (R&D), sales and marketing, and space life sciences research.On September 15, Boryung's board of directors approved the physical division necessary for the establishment of Boryung Pharma Solution. The new compan September 15, 2026

President Lee to Hold Press Conference on September 18 Amid Declining Approval Ratings President Lee Jae-myung will hold a press conference on September 18. With his approval ratings dropping to the 30% range for the first time since taking office, he will address key issues affecting the nation, including constitutional amendments, troop deployment to the Strait of Hormuz, and requests for the dismissal of charges in his criminal trial.Seong Gi-hong, the chief of public relations at the Blue House, announced during a briefing on September 15 that the press conference will take pl September 15, 2026

U.S. 10-Year Treasury Yield Surpasses 5%, Driving Up South Korean Bond Rates The yield on the U.S. 10-year Treasury has surpassed the psychological barrier of 5%. Concerns over inflation and the widening U.S. budget deficit have contributed to a sharp rise in long-term interest rates, which has also led to an increase in South Korean government bond rates. As South Korea has proactively entered a cycle of interest rate hikes, the likelihood of the U.S. shifting to a tightening stance has raised expectations for continued upward pressure on domestic market rates.According September 15, 2026

President Lee to Hold Press Conference on September 18 Amid Declining Approval Ratings President Lee Jae-myung will hold a press conference on September 18. With his approval ratings dropping to the 30% range for the first time since taking office, he will address key issues affecting the nation, including constitutional amendments, troop deployment to the Strait of Hormuz, and requests for the dismissal of charges in his criminal trial. Seong Gi-hong, the chief of public relations at the Blue House, announced during a briefing on September 15 that the press conference will take September 15, 2026