Gunpo Mayor Han Dae-hee Receives National Award for Climate Response Policies Han Dae-hee, the mayor of Gunpo, South Korea, is gaining attention for his achievements in energy transition and citizen-focused climate change response policies utilizing existing urban infrastructure. On the day of the award ceremony held at BEXCO in Busan, Mayor Han received the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Award in the climate change (energy transition) category at the '2026 Korea Urban Awards.' This recognition acknowledges Mayor Han's efforts to produce renewable energy u September 9, 2026

President Lee Meets French National Assembly Speaker, Emphasizes Democracy President Lee Jae-myung emphasized the need for active parliamentary roles in advancing democracy and enhancing Korea-France relations during a meeting with Yael Bron-Pivet, the Speaker of the French National Assembly. Chief Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yu-jeong stated on September 9 that President Lee met with Speaker Bron-Pivet and requested the French Assembly's interest and cooperation. Speaker Bron-Pivet welcomed President Lee's visit to the National Assembly, noting that it signifies September 9, 2026

Gwangju Mayor Park Kwan-yeol Advocates for Collaborative Future Amid Semiconductor Development Park Kwan-yeol, the mayor of Gwangju, emphasized on September 9 that the goal is not to obstruct the establishment of the Yongin semiconductor national industrial complex but to collaboratively shape Gwangju's future.Mayor Park made this statement while urging for the successful advancement of the Yongin semiconductor national industrial complex and the development of practical coexistence measures for Gwangju.This reflects the need for the success of national strategic industries to align with September 9, 2026

President Lee Jae-myung: My Term is Constitutionally Limited, Restraint Needed When Energy Abounds President Lee Jae-myung: My Term is Constitutionally Limited, Restraint Needed When Energy AboundsPresident Lee Jae-myung stated on September 9 that his term is clearly limited by the constitution, emphasizing the need to act quickly to maximize its benefits. Speaking at a luncheon with expatriates in Paris, during the final leg of his state visit to France, he noted that establishing good relationships in the latter part of his term may lead to limited opportunities. He added that meetings betw September 9, 2026

Gwangmyeong Cave Completes Summer Season Without Safety Incidents Gwangmyeong Cave, a major tourist destination in Gwangmyeong, South Korea, successfully concluded its summer peak season without any safety incidents.On September 9, Gwangmyeong City Corporation reported that it held a session to encourage and communicate with staff who worked on-site to ensure tourist safety during the summer.This event was organized to recognize the efforts of employees in various roles, including ticketing, guidance, food and beverage services, and facility management, who di September 9, 2026

South Korea's Emergency Relief Team to Return from Nepal on September 11 The first team of South Korea's overseas emergency relief team (KDRT), dispatched to Nepal following severe flooding, will return home on September 11 after completing ten days of search and rescue operations.According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on September 9, the KDRT team, which was sent on September 1, is scheduled to return to South Korea aboard a KC-330 multi-purpose air refueling transport aircraft. The team has halted its search activities two days before the scheduled end of ope September 9, 2026

Anyang City Reviews Progress on 40% Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goal by 2030 Anyang City in Gyeonggi Province is working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 compared to 2018 levels, as part of its efforts to address the climate crisis. On September 9, the city held a meeting led by the Director of the Environment Bureau, who is responsible for implementing carbon neutrality, to review the progress of related policies and initiatives aimed at carbon neutrality and climate crisis adaptation. The meeting was attended by 24 department heads responsible for September 9, 2026

President Lee Jae-myung: My Term is Constitutionally Limited, Restraint Needed President Lee Jae-myung stated on September 9 that his term is "clearly limited by the Constitution, so it is essential to start quickly to enjoy its benefits for a long time."During a luncheon with expatriates at a hotel in Paris, part of his state visit to France, he noted, "Even if good relations are established in the latter half of my term, the opportunities to utilize them will inevitably be limited." His comments regarding term limits were made in the context of explaining his proactive a September 9, 2026

Constitutional Amendment Efforts Hinge on Cooperation with People Power Party Political analysts emphasize that bipartisan agreement is essential for any constitutional amendment. Without the support of the People Power Party, the leading opposition party, it is nearly impossible for any amendment proposal to pass through the National Assembly. Consequently, some suggest that the ruling Democratic Party may need to concede control of discussions to facilitate the process.According to reports on September 9, the People Power Party holds the key to any potential amendment. September 9, 2026

Debate Over Constitutional Reform Gains Momentum in South Korea There is a growing consensus in South Korea's political arena about the need to amend the current constitution, which has been in place for nearly 40 years since 1987. However, substantial discussions have yet to make significant progress. The core issue revolves around restructuring the power dynamics, particularly how much authority should be decentralized from the presidency. Experts highlight that the key to successful reform lies in both major parties finding a common 'greatest common divis September 9, 2026