'Think, Make, Change': World Design Assembly to Launch 'Action Platform' in Seoul “Think, Make, Change.”The global design community will gather in Seoul this September to address pressing issues such as climate change, resource depletion, and rapid technological transitions. The aim is to reframe these challenges through design, moving from new perspectives and ideas to tangible solutions and change.On September 15, the Seoul Design Foundation unveiled the official brand identity (BI) that encapsulates Seoul's design vision and the direction of the 2027 World Desi September 15, 2026

Lee Hyung-il Apologizes for Non-Residence Controversy Lee Hyung-il, the nominee for Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, apologized for not residing in the home he owns. He clarified that he has held one house for a long time and had the intention to live there, but faced challenges.During a National Assembly confirmation hearing on the 15th, Lee stated in response to a question from lawmaker Moon Jin-seok, "I sincerely apologize for causing concern to the public regarding the non-residence issue."He added, "I have been a life September 15, 2026

BHC Opens First Store in Vietnam, Expanding International Presence to 10 Countries Dining Brands Group's chicken brand BHC has opened its first store in Ho Chi Minh City, marking its expansion into 10 countries.On September 12, BHC launched its first Vietnamese location at the Vincom Plaza Phan Van Tri shopping mall in the Go Vap district, according to a statement from Dining Brands Group on September 15. To enter the Vietnamese market, BHC signed a master franchise agreement with local food distribution company Hao Open Food in April.Vincom Plaza Phan Van Tri is a medium to l September 15, 2026

Samik Pharmaceutical Shares Surge 17% Amid Hair Loss Treatment Investment Boom As investment interest in hair loss treatment development companies continues to grow globally, South Korean pharmaceutical firm Samik Pharmaceutical is experiencing strong early trading gains.According to the Korea Exchange, as of 10:15 a.m. on September 15, Samik Pharmaceutical's shares rose by 1,580 won (17.04%) to 10,850 won. During the session, the stock peaked at 12,050 won, up 2,780 won (29.99%) from the previous trading day, before giving back some gains.The surge in Samik Pharmaceutical September 15, 2026

South Korea to Consolidate Public Institutions Under Science Ministry The Ministry of Science and ICT will reduce the number of its public institutions from 21 to 17.On September 15, the ministry announced plans for a "public institution function reform" aimed at streamlining similar and overlapping functions and enhancing inter-agency connectivity.First, the Korea Data Agency (K-DATA) will merge with the National Information Society Agency (NIA). The integration aims to combine NIA's data policy support capabilities with K-DATA's expertise in promoting the data i September 15, 2026

National Stockpile of Antiviral Drugs Falls Short for Second Consecutive Year The government’s stockpile of antiviral drugs, essential for responding to large-scale infectious disease outbreaks like COVID-19 and avian influenza, has fallen significantly short of targets for the second consecutive year. Despite new purchasing costs included in next year’s budget, a substantial amount will expire, leading to an anticipated shortfall of about 1 million doses next year, raising alarms about national health security.On September 15, Rep. Seo Mi-hwa of the Democratic Party, a m September 15, 2026

Pukyong National University Students Win Awards for Safety Innovations Students from Pukyong National University have received top honors in a competition focused on electrical and chemical safety.An undergraduate team from the Department of Safety Engineering identified gaps in the regulatory management of aging energy storage systems (ESS), while a graduate student developed an AI-based model for predicting acute toxicity of compounds.The team, consisting of Ha Dong-geun, Park Ji-yoon, Oh Na-yeon, and Ji Ho-jun, was awarded first place in the policy proposal cate September 15, 2026

Sangnok Mukhyang Association Enhances Sino-Korean Calligraphy Exchange in Liaocheng The Sangnok Mukhyang Association, led by President Song Young-mi, expanded artistic exchanges between South Korea and China through a calligraphy culture exchange event held in Liaocheng, Shandong Province.The second "Water City Ink Connection" Sino-Korean Calligraphy Culture Exchange event took place from September 10 to 13 in the Liaocheng area.The opening ceremony on September 11 at the Canal Culture Museum was attended by artists from the Sangnok Mukhyang Association and cultural figures fro September 15, 2026

Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hyung-il Emphasizes Sustainable Growth Amid Semiconductor Boom Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Lee Hyung-il stated that he will focus on stabilizing people's livelihoods, securing new growth engines, and enhancing external capabilities to connect the economic recovery driven by the semiconductor boom to sustainable growth.During his opening remarks at the National Assembly's Finance and Economy Committee confirmation hearing on the 15th, he said, "Rather than resting on our current opportunities, we must prepare for future threats."He assessed September 15, 2026

Federal Court Blocks Trump Administration's Restrictions on International Students The Trump administration's plan to limit the stay of international students and foreign journalists was halted by a federal court just one day before it was set to take effect. This decision has provided relief to over 10,000 South Korean students in the United States.On September 14, U.S. District Judge Dennis Saylor in Boston issued a preliminary injunction to temporarily block the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) new regulations, following a lawsuit filed by labor unions and education September 15, 2026