First U.S. Investment Project Set to Be Revealed Soon Amid Safety Concerns South Korea's first strategic investment project in the United States is expected to take shape this week. As discussions around increasing project costs and early fund disbursement arise, the effectiveness of safety measures for investment recovery and loss mitigation has become a key issue.According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Minister Kim Jeong-kwan met with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Rutnik from September 10 to 12 (local time) in New York to negotiate the target, sc September 13, 2026

Economic Policy Focuses on Active Fiscal Role Ahead of Confirmation Hearing Lee Hyung-il, the nominee for Economic Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, emphasized the need for an active fiscal role to secure growth ahead of his confirmation hearing on the 15th. However, he also expressed caution regarding the increase in national debt and mandatory spending. The balance between fiscal input for growth and fiscal soundness is expected to be a key point of discussion during the hearing.According to the materials submitted to the National Assembly by the Ministry September 13, 2026

Lee Faces Challenges in Communication Politics Ahead of Chuseok President Lee Jae-myung's approach to 'communication politics' is set to be tested again. Following the withdrawal of candidate Yong Hye-in for the Minister of Gender Equality and Family, the responsibility of the Blue House in personnel appointments has come under scrutiny. There is a growing demand for the president to address key issues such as the retreat from reforms, the deployment to the Hormuz Strait, and the controversy over constitutional amendments regarding term extensions. Attention September 13, 2026

First U.S. Strategic Investment Set to Launch as Construction Stocks Surge As negotiations for U.S.-Korea strategic investments conclude, the outline for the first major investment is expected to emerge this week. Among the prominent candidates are the Enchinal gas combined cycle power plant in Texas and eight new large nuclear power plants, leading to a surge in construction stocks in the capital market. Analysts suggest that the anticipation surrounding construction stocks has already been factored in, indicating a potential for differentiated performance among indiv September 13, 2026

Lady Gaga Welcomes First Child with Fiancé Michael Polansky Pop star Lady Gaga has welcomed her first child with fiancé Michael Polansky.On September 12, U.S. entertainment outlets People and Page Six reported that Gaga and Polansky were spotted with their newborn in Northern California. The baby's gender, name, and exact birth date have not been disclosed.The news of the global superstar's childbirth has drawn significant attention to Polansky, with whom Gaga has been linked since 2019. Polansky studied applied mathematics and computer science at Harvar September 13, 2026

Super Week for Confirmation Hearings: Clarifying Allegations and Avoiding Political Strife The National Assembly is entering a 'Super Week' for confirmation hearings. Following the Cabinet reshuffle on August 30, candidates including Lee Hyung-il for Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Kim Seung-won for Minister of Justice, Kang Shin-cheol for Minister of National Defense, Hong Ji-sun for Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and Lee So-young for Minister of SMEs and Startups will face scrutiny from lawmakers. With the Chuseok holiday approaching, the outcomes of September 13, 2026

Lee Chang-dong's 'Possible Love' Wins Jury Prize at Venice Film Festival Korean cinema has returned to the Venice Film Festival podium after 14 years. Lee Chang-dong's latest film, 'Possible Love,' won the Jury Prize at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival. This marks the first time a Korean film has received this award, which is the second highest after the Golden Lion. The last time a Korean film won an award in the Venice competition was in 2012 with Kim Ki-duk's 'Pietà.' For Lee, this is his first award since winning Best Director for 'Oasis' in 2002, and September 13, 2026

Son Heung-min Records 12th Assist, LAFC Falls to Last-Place Kansas City Son Heung-min, playing for Los Angeles FC (LAFC) in Major League Soccer (MLS), recorded his 12th assist of the season, but it was not enough to secure a victory for his team.On September 13, in a match against Sporting Kansas City at Sporting Park in Kansas City, Missouri, Son played the full game. In the second minute of the second half, with LAFC trailing 0-2, he provided an 'indirect assist' on Denis Bouanga's goal. Son passed the ball to Jacob Shaffelburg on the left, who then delivered a lo September 13, 2026

Yong Hye-in Resigns as Gender Equality Minister Nominee Amid Controversies Yong Hye-in, the nominee for the Gender Equality Family Ministry, voluntarily resigned just 14 days after her nomination amid various controversies, marking a continuation of the troubling history of ministerial appointments that began during the previous Ministry of Gender Equality and Family.According to political sources on the 13th, Yong is the third nominee to withdraw from consideration for the Gender Equality Family Ministry in the past three years, following Kim Haeng and Kang Sun-woo.Ju September 13, 2026

Premiums Exceeding 100 Million Won on Villas in Jangwi-dong Amid Redevelopment Hopes As demand surges for villas located in redevelopment zones in Seoul, some properties are seeing premiums exceeding 100 million won. With the rise in mid-range apartment prices, buyers are shifting towards villas, which require relatively lower financial burdens and offer potential improvements in living conditions through urban redevelopment.In the Jangwi-dong area of Seongbuk-gu, villas have been observed with premiums around 100 million won due to redevelopment expectations. A local real estat September 13, 2026