South Korea Invests $2.89 Billion to Develop Global Research Centers for SMEs The South Korean government will invest 289.5 billion won (approximately $2.89 billion) from this year until 2031 to develop research centers for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into global technology hubs. This initiative aims to support research and development (R&D) in advanced industries such as semiconductors and secondary batteries, linking it with overseas validation and global commercialization.On September 14, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that it will h September 14, 2026

Samsung Display Develops World's First '2K·165Hz' Smartphone OLED Samsung Display has developed the world's first organic light-emitting diode (OLED) for smartphones that simultaneously achieves 2K resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate. This innovation aims to target the high-performance gaming smartphone market by providing high resolution and fast screen transitions while reducing power consumption.On September 14, Samsung Display announced that it will supply its 6.9-inch 2K·165Hz OLED to Vivo's premium brand iQOO for the upcoming gaming smartphone 'iQOO 16', September 14, 2026

Six Months After Hormuz Blockade, Middle East Exports Drop 15%, KOTRA Activates Alternative Logistics The ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran has persisted for six months, leading to prolonged logistical burdens for export companies in the Middle East. With maritime transport through the Strait of Hormuz still restricted and global shipping rates rising, KOTRA is reassessing logistics in 13 Middle Eastern countries and expanding support for alternative transport and logistics costs.The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) announced on September 14 that it will strength September 14, 2026

Bae Gang-hee Makes Screen Debut in 'Final Interview' Alongside Joy Hyun, Kim Jae-won, and Shin Seung-ho Rising star Bae Gang-hee is set to make her theatrical debut with the film 'Final Interview.'Scheduled for release in November, 'Final Interview' follows six candidates who gather for a final interview and discover mysterious envelopes containing their secrets, leading to suspicion and chaos among them. The intense competition and psychological warfare over a single position are key highlights of the film.In the film, Bae Gang-hee plays the role of Cha Joo-won, a perfectionist with an impressive September 14, 2026

Golfzon to Fully Support Recovery Costs for Flood-Damaged Screen Golf Stores Golfzon announced on September 14 that it will provide recovery support for screen golf stores affected by flooding due to heavy rainfall in the Geoje area of South Gyeongsang Province last August.This recovery support will target both franchised and non-franchised stores equipped with Golfzon simulators. The company has assessed the extent of the damage at these locations, focusing on stores in disaster-declared areas that experienced significant flooding. The affected areas include Geoje, Busa September 14, 2026

People Power Party Intensifies Criticism of Kim Seung-won Amid Ministerial Hearings The People Power Party has ramped up its attacks on the five ministerial candidates undergoing confirmation hearings this week. Following the resignation of former Minister of Gender Equality and Family candidate Yoon Hye-in, the party is now calling for the resignation of Kim Seung-won, the nominee for Minister of Justice.At a Supreme Council meeting on the 14th, party leader Jang Dong-hyuk stated, "The reason the President and the Democratic Party are going all in to save the candidate is ulti September 14, 2026

Mirae Asset Securities Reports Order Execution Error in Pre-Market Trading Mirae Asset Securities experienced a delay in order execution inquiries during pre-market trading on the morning of September 14. The issue affected both its Home Trading System (HTS) and Mobile Trading System (MTS) from 8:00 to 8:50 a.m.In a statement, Mirae Asset Securities acknowledged that "some customers are experiencing delays in order execution inquiries" and assured that they are working diligently to restore normal service as quickly as possible.A company representative explained that t September 14, 2026

South Korea Conducts Emergency Review of Oil Supply Amid Saudi Pipeline Attack As tensions in the Middle East escalate following the attack on Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline, the South Korean government has conducted an emergency review of domestic oil supply and tanker operations. The refining industry reported that it has secured over 90% of the oil needed for September and October compared to the same period last year, indicating limited short-term supply impacts.The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy held an emergency meeting on oil supply status on the 14th September 14, 2026

Hyundai Capital Offers Financial Support to Small Rental Car Companies Hyundai Capital is launching a financial support program for small rental car companies facing management challenges. The company announced on September 14 that it will implement measures to assist the small rental car sector.As part of the initiative, Hyundai Capital will defer the principal repayment of auto loans for small rental car companies for six months. Additionally, it plans to reduce the interest accrued during the deferment period by 50%.This program is available to small rental car September 14, 2026

China Appoints Former Power Company Officials in Preparation for AI Era As the importance of electricity in the future AI era becomes increasingly emphasized, China has been appointing officials from state-owned power companies. Since last year, 13 provincial secretaries of the Chinese Communist Party have been replaced, with three of them coming from power companies, according to a report by Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao on September 14. The secretary position is equivalent to that of a chief of staff in China. The provincial party committee secretary serves as the c September 14, 2026