2026 Gwangju ACE Fair Showcases Domestic and International Cultural Content, Including AI-Based Innovations "Ms. Jo, how did you feel after finishing the Ave Maria?"When a visitor asked the question to the virtual soprano Jo Su-mi displayed on a kiosk screen, the AI responded, "I felt pain in my heart when I sang after my father passed away, but I was comforted by the audience's applause." The virtual Jo Su-mi answered various questions from attendees with ease.The '2026 Gwangju ACE Fair,' held on October 11 at the Kim Dae-jung Convention Center, showcased a variety of domestic and international cultu September 11, 2026

Japanese Manufacturers Face Earnings Concerns Amid Unexpected Yen Strength The yen-dollar exchange rate has recently dropped by about 10 yen, falling below the expected rates applied to the earnings forecasts of more than half of Japan's major companies. Approximately 90% of the profit increase for 20 major manufacturers in the April to June period was due to the weaker yen, indicating that the yen's appreciation could negatively impact manufacturing performance.According to the Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei) on September 11, a report from financial information firm QUI September 11, 2026

Dongin Law Firm Receives Seoul City Council Chair Award for Social Contributions Dongin Law Firm announced that it has received the Seoul City Council Chair Award for its contributions to the promotion of community sharing culture and social welfare.The award was presented during the '2026 Seoul Welfare Conference' held on September 10 at the Seoul Women's Plaza International Conference Hall in Daebang-dong, Seoul, in celebration of the 27th Social Welfare Day.Dongin received this honor based on a recommendation from the Seoul Women's Protection Center, which it has supporte September 11, 2026

National Railroad Corporation Launches Public Safety Campaign The National Railroad Corporation has enhanced safety awareness among rail passengers and the public while promoting a culture of rail safety.On September 11, the National Railroad Corporation announced the conclusion of its "Public Rail Safety Campaign," which ran from August 14 to September 11 across six regional offices nationwide.This campaign aimed to directly inform the public about safety rules to follow when using railways, such as at train stations and level crossings, and to encourage September 11, 2026

Moon Sang-ho Acquitted of Military Secrets Leak Charges On December 2, 2024, Moon Sang-ho, a former commander of the Defense Intelligence Command, was acquitted of charges related to leaking military secrets to Noh Sang-won, a former commander of the Army Intelligence Command, who was a civilian at the time. The Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 26, presided over by Judge Lee Hyun-kyung, delivered the not guilty verdict on September 11. The special investigation team for insurrection, led by Special Prosecutor Jo Eun-seok, had sought September 11, 2026

Government Questions Spark Debate Over Expansionary Fiscal Policy On September 11, lawmakers clashed during a government questioning session in the National Assembly over the Lee Jae-myung administration's second cabinet reshuffle and its expansionary fiscal policy. The Democratic Party emphasized the necessity of the government's three major mega projects, while the People Power Party criticized the rising national debt. People Power Party lawmaker Song Eon-seok stated, "The South Korean economy is facing a crisis of accelerated aging. The growth rate contin September 11, 2026

GM Korea Research Union to Hold Partial Strike on September 15 General Motors' (GM) Korea research and development organization, GM Technical Center Korea (GMTCK), is set to initiate a partial strike. The strike by the research team responsible for new vehicle development raises concerns about potential impacts on ongoing domestic production programs.According to industry sources, the GMTCK union held a strategy meeting on September 11 and decided to proceed with a partial strike on September 15. The strike will involve all union members participating for f September 11, 2026

LG AI Research Institute Partners with National Pension Service to Develop AI for Fund Management LG AI Research Institute is collaborating with the National Pension Service to develop artificial intelligence (AI) specialized for pension fund management.On September 11, LG AI Research Institute announced that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the National Pension Service at its headquarters in Magok, Seoul, to jointly develop AI for pension fund management.The two parties plan to combine LG AI Research Institute's AI technology with the investment expertise of the National P September 11, 2026

KDRT Second Team Arrives in Nepal for Flood Relief Efforts The second team of the Korea Disaster Relief Team (KDRT) arrived in Nepal on September 11 to assist with recovery efforts following severe flooding. Yoon Joo-seok, the designated relief leader and a diplomat at the South Korean Embassy in the United States, is expected to arrive on September 12.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that until Yoon's arrival, Lee Gyu-ho, the Director of the Development Cooperation Bureau, will serve as the acting relief leader. Lee previously led the first KDRT September 11, 2026

KDRT Second Team Arrives in Nepal for Flood Relief Efforts The second team of the Korea Disaster Relief Team (KDRT) arrived in Nepal on September 11 to assist with recovery efforts following severe flooding. Yoon Joo-seok, the designated relief leader and a diplomat at the South Korean Embassy in the United States, is expected to arrive on September 12.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that until Yoon's arrival, Lee Gyu-ho, the Director of the Development Cooperation Bureau, will serve as the acting relief leader. Lee previously led the first KDRT September 11, 2026