Job Skills Bank Reduces Hiring Burden with 20 Certificates for 62 Qualifications Examples of effective use of the Job Skills Bank, which consolidates individual qualifications, education, training, and career information, were revealed. Utilizing the National Competency Standards (NCS), the retention rate for new employees increased by more than 13 percentage points.On September 11, the Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Korea Industrial Human Resources Corporation held the '2026 Job Skills Bank Utilization Best Practices Contest and NCS Corporate Utilization Awards Ce September 11, 2026

Rising Gas Prices Boost Popularity of Hybrid Cars as Hyundai and Kia Target U.S. Market As international oil prices continue to soar above $100 per barrel, hybrid vehicles are gaining traction in the U.S. auto market. With electric vehicles facing declining interest due to policy changes and rising gasoline prices, consumers are increasingly turning to hybrids, which offer better fuel efficiency. Hyundai Motor and Kia are ramping up their market strategies by launching new models and expanding their hybrid lineups.On September 10, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil futures for September 11, 2026

Council Member Lee Jeong-woon Calls for Reduction of Predictable Budget Surplus Lee Jeong-woon, a council member from the Democratic Party representing Muan 2, emphasized the need to reduce predictable budget surpluses and strengthen management of budget reallocations during a settlement review.During the Administrative and Fire Safety Committee's review of the 2025 fiscal year on September 10, Lee addressed the execution status of personnel operation expenses, public employee training expenses, overseas travel expenses, and performance bonuses.Lee stated, "Items such as pe September 11, 2026

Chungnam National University and Kongju National University Merger Vote Fails Amid Wage Disputes Chungnam National University (CNU) and Kongju National University (KNU) are facing a potential collapse of their merger plans due to opposition from CNU members. This follows the failed merger with Hanbat National University, which has left the proposal to merge with KNU without sufficient support.Underlying this opposition are complex issues, including ongoing wage disputes within the university and a lack of communication from the administration, compounded by KNU's unreasonable demands. There September 11, 2026

Ansan City Council Approves Candidate for Ansan Environment Foundation CEO The Urban Environment Committee of the Ansan City Council held a confirmation hearing on September 10 for Kim Je-yeon, the candidate for CEO of the Ansan Environment Foundation, and adopted a report stating that Kim is suitable for the position. According to the city council, the committee verified Kim's morality, job performance ability, expertise, and awareness of key issues facing the foundation during the seventh meeting of the 305th extraordinary session. This confirmation hearing was the f September 11, 2026

Three Universities Selected for 'Creating 10 Seoul National Universities' Initiative The Lee Jae-myung administration's national project, known as the 'Creating 10 Seoul National Universities' initiative, has selected three universities—Pusan National University, Chonnam National University, and Chungnam National University—as the first recipients of substantial government support. This large-scale project will allocate approximately 70 billion won (about $60 million) annually to each university over the next five years, drawing significant attention from the academic community. September 11, 2026

NH Nonghyup Bank Cuts Mortgage Rates by Up to 0.45% to Ease Borrower Burden NH Nonghyup Bank is reducing household loan interest rates to alleviate financial burdens for borrowers.According to the financial sector on September 11, NH Nonghyup Bank will lower its face-to-face mortgage loan rates starting September 16. The upper limit will decrease by 0.45 percentage points, while the lower limit will drop by approximately 0.20 percentage points.The bank will also reduce the upper limit on credit loan rates by about 0.20 percentage points. A representative from NH Nonghyu September 11, 2026

Insurance Companies to Strengthen Actuarial Management and Assess GA Operational Risks 보험회사의 보험부채 평가에 활용되는 계리가정 관리가 강화된다. 법인보험대리점(GA) 판매 과정에서 발생하는 운영위험도 경영실태평가에 반영된다. 금융위원회는 11일 이 같은 내용을 담은 보험업감독규정 개정안을 마련하고 규정변경예고를 실시한다고 밝혔다. 개정안에 따르면 보험사는 손해율·사업비 등 계리가정의 산출 근거와 변경사항, 검증 결과 등을 담은 계리가정 보고서를 작성해야 한다. 계리가정을 연중 변경할 경우에는 변경 사유와 내용, 재무영향 등을 위험관리위원회에 보고해야 한다. 금리리스크 관리도 강 September 11, 2026

Choi Eun-seok: Prime Minister's Office Staff Questioned Without Revealing Identity is Unacceptable Choi Eun-seok, the chief spokesperson for the ruling People Power Party, stated on September 11 that it is "unacceptable" for a staff member of the Prime Minister's Office to question independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon without disclosing their identity. He indicated that the party would take further action regarding the incident. After a meeting of the party's floor leadership at the National Assembly, Choi told reporters, "This should not have happened, and it must not happen in the future." He September 11, 2026

KFTC Considers Lowering Registration Requirements for Franchisee Associations The Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) is considering lowering the minimum registration requirements for franchisee associations, responding to concerns that small franchise operators may find it difficult to register.KFTC Chairman Joo Byung-ki announced on September 11 that he held meetings with franchisees and franchisors regarding amendments to the Franchise Business Act. The franchisee meeting included representatives from the National Franchisee Council and franchisee groups from CU, Gupne September 11, 2026