New Rental Housing Faces Long Vacancies Despite High Demand The government is expanding the supply of newly constructed rental housing, yet existing rental units are experiencing increasing long-term vacancies. While a new rental property in Seoul recorded a competition rate of 52 to 1 for occupancy, 259 units nationwide have remained vacant for over four years.As of the end of June, the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) reported that out of 200,324 rental units, 8,279 have been vacant for more than six months, accounting for 4.1% of the total inve September 15, 2026

Experts Warn Delayed Third New Towns Will Have Limited Housing Supply Impact The South Korean government is accelerating the supply of public housing in the metropolitan area, including the Third New Towns. However, experts argue that merely shortening the project timeline will not sufficiently stabilize the housing market in the region. Delays in the supply schedule for many projects, along with the need to align housing occupancy with the development of transportation networks and living infrastructure, are cited as reasons for the limited impact.According to the Minis September 15, 2026

Health Insurance Agency Rewards Whistleblowers for Reporting Fraud The National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) has decided to award a total of 469 million won to 18 courageous citizens who reported illegal and fraudulent claims related to health insurance, including so-called 'illegal medical centers' and 'fake patients.' The reported fraud amounts to over 6.2 billion won.On September 10, the NHIS held its second reward committee meeting for 2026, where it reviewed and approved the distribution of rewards for reports involving 12 healthcare institutions that f September 15, 2026

National Railroad Corporation Enhances Construction Equipment Safety Measures The National Railroad Corporation is taking steps to improve accident prevention and management of construction equipment used at railroad construction sites. On September 15, the National Railroad Corporation announced that it conducted a two-day training session on 'Construction Equipment Safety Inspection Practical Training for Railroad Field Technicians' at its headquarters in Daejeon, starting on September 14. This training targeted practical workers, including construction managers and rep September 15, 2026

Lee So-young, Ministerial Candidate, Plans Debate on Startup Regulations Lee So-young, the nominee for Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises and Startups, stated on September 15 that she wants to engage in public discussions with the Financial Services Commission chairman regarding policies affecting the KOSDAQ, which is primarily composed of small and medium enterprises. She also expressed a desire to debate startup regulations with fellow ministers during cabinet meetings.During her confirmation hearing at the National Assembly, when asked about three key tasks September 15, 2026

Pacific Law Firm and Trade Remedy Society Conclude Seminar on Global Trade Environment The Pacific Law Firm (BKL) and the Trade Remedy Society announced on September 14 that they held a policy seminar on September 10 at BKL's headquarters in Jongno-gu, Seoul, titled 'Challenges in the Changing Global Trade Environment: The Status and Improvement Directions of Bonded Factory Operations.'The seminar brought together experts from the government, academia, and national research institutions, as well as industry professionals from sectors such as steel, chemicals, textiles, and tires. September 15, 2026

70-Year-Old Woman Accused of Fraudulently Receiving $35,000 in Welfare Benefits A 70-year-old woman has been referred to prosecutors for allegedly fraudulently receiving social security benefits while driving a luxury foreign car registered in her daughter's name and illegally subletting a public housing apartment.The Jeonbuk Wansan Police Station announced on September 15 that the woman, identified as A, was sent to prosecutors without detention on charges of violating the National Basic Living Security Act and the Public Housing Special Act.According to police, A is accus September 15, 2026

Delays in New Town Projects in the Seoul Metropolitan Area Lead to Increased Costs The South Korean government is accelerating public land development projects, including the third new towns, to expand housing supply in the Seoul metropolitan area. However, as project timelines extend, costs are ballooning by billions of won, raising concerns about the impact on public housing prices and the financial burden on the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH).According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and LH, the construction period for the A3 block in the Wang September 15, 2026

Behind the Scenes of 'Big Light': Costume Choices and Ha Ji-won's Transformation Every production has numerous perspectives. Although the director and actors share the same space and time, their experiences may differ. 'Choi Song-hee's B-Cut' focuses on the vivid behind-the-scenes moments that go beyond the 'A-Cut' captured on screen. It reconstructs the more intense 'B-Cut' moments through interviews with the director and actors. (Editor’s note)The film 'Big Light' follows the story of a top star couple, Jung-gu (played by Ryu Seung-ryong) and Nam-mi (played by Ha Ji-won), September 15, 2026

New Chinese Exit Regulations Raise Concerns for Taiwanese Semiconductor Executives China has implemented new exit regulations starting September 15, allowing the government to restrict citizens' departures if national industrial or technological security is threatened. This has raised alarms in Taiwan.The Mainland Affairs Council, Taiwan's agency overseeing cross-strait relations, reported that the new regulations could lead to information leaks, hinder business activities, and pose personal safety risks, particularly for Taiwanese business leaders and high-tech personnel.Give September 15, 2026