South Korea Denies U.S. Request on Hormuz Deployment Deadline The South Korean government stated on September 11 that no decision has been made regarding the deployment to Hormuz. It emphasized that reports claiming the White House requested a response from the South Korean government regarding its 'contribution plan' related to the Strait of Hormuz by November 1 are not true.In a press release, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed regret, stating, "Incorrect reports can harm national interests on important policy matters."The ministry added, "Our gov September 11, 2026

September Exports Surge 82.6%, Approaching $1 Trillion Mark South Korea's exports in early September surged over 82% compared to the same period last year, setting a new record for this timeframe. The increase was driven by a record high in semiconductor exports, along with gains in petroleum products and passenger cars.The Korea Customs Service reported on September 11 that the export value from September 1 to 10 reached $34.973 billion, marking an 82.6% increase year-on-year. This figure represents the highest amount recorded for this period. Cumulativ September 11, 2026

Government Reports Strong Economic Recovery Amid High Inflation and Employment Challenges The government has assessed that a robust recovery in the economy is continuing, driven by increased exports and improvements in domestic consumption. However, it also noted ongoing challenges related to high inflation, employment conditions in vulnerable sectors, and uncertainties stemming from the conflict in the Middle East.The Ministry of Economy and Finance stated in its 'Recent Economic Trends for September 2026' report released on the 11th that, "Recently, our economy shows a solid recove September 11, 2026

Apple's First Foldable Phone 'iPhone Duo' Boosted by K-Semiconductors and Displays Apple's first foldable phone, the 'iPhone Duo,' is expected to significantly influence the performance of domestic component suppliers in the second half of the year. With a supply chain that encompasses displays, memory, and optical modules, the sales of the iPhone Duo will directly benefit these suppliers.On September 9, Apple unveiled the iPhone Duo, a foldable smartphone, at its Apple Park in Cupertino, California. The flexible organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panels that define the folda September 11, 2026

Jung Jeom-sik Calls for National Investigation into Kim Seung-won Jung Jeom-sik, the floor leader of the People Power Party, intensified his criticism of Kim Seung-won, the nominee for Minister of Justice, on September 11, stating that Kim should undergo a national investigation rather than a confirmation hearing.During a party strategy meeting at the National Assembly, Jung asserted, "The various allegations against the nominee are not merely personal corruption but involve lobbying and stock manipulation scandals."Jung claimed, "Kim, who was a member of the September 11, 2026

Exchange Rate Drop Complicates Profit Calculations for Food Industry The won-dollar exchange rate has dropped to the 1300s for the first time in about ten months, complicating profit calculations for the food industry. Companies with high import ratios for raw materials may benefit from lower procurement costs, while those with significant overseas sales could see a decrease in their won-converted earnings, leading to mixed fortunes across the sector.As of 3:30 PM on September 10, the won-dollar exchange rate stood at 1339.2 won, a decline of over 200 won compare September 11, 2026

Is the New Hyundai Avante Worth Its Price Tag? The Hyundai Avante stands out in the compact sedan segment. It offers more space than a subcompact while maintaining lower maintenance costs than a mid-size car, making it a popular choice for first-time buyers. Recently, it has been relaunched as the fully redesigned eighth-generation model, the 'All-New Avante.'The new Avante has undergone significant changes, with an increase in length by 55 mm and a height increase of 5 mm. Its width is now 1,855 mm, just 5 mm less than the Sonata (1,860 mm) September 11, 2026

SK Biopharm Pauses U.S. Clinical Trials for Epilepsy Drug Opacalim SK Biopharm has announced a partial hold on the Phase 2/3 clinical trials for its epilepsy drug candidate, Opacalim, which it is developing in collaboration with Biohaven. The company stated that it was aware of the potential risks at the time of the contract and expects the hold to be lifted by late October to November.According to SK Biopharm, Biohaven received notification from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on October 10, citing the need for additional nonclinical data as the re September 11, 2026

Democrat James Talarico Challenges Trump in Texas Senate Race Texas, traditionally a Republican stronghold, is emerging as a battleground ahead of the November midterm elections.James Talarico, a 37-year-old Democrat, is gaining traction in the Texas Senate race, prompting even former President Donald Trump to take direct action to secure the state for the GOP.According to Yonhap News, Talarico is closely trailing Republican candidate Ken Paxton, who has the backing of Trump and the MAGA movement. Recent polls even show Talarico with a slight lead.Since Ro September 11, 2026

Hong Jun-pyo Resumes Law Practice, Focusing on Consultations Hong Jun-pyo, the former mayor of Daegu, is resuming his law practice. This comes after he declared his retirement from politics following his defeat in last year's presidential primary.On the morning of September 11, Hong announced on his Facebook page, "I am starting my law practice again today," adding, "I have been unemployed for a while, but I am re-registering as a lawyer and beginning my work."He has not set up a separate office, stating, "I have registered my residence as my office," and September 11, 2026