Republican Party Holds First-Ever Midterm Convention Amid Trump Dilemma The first-ever midterm convention of the Republican Party is taking place on September 9-10 in Dallas, Texas. Ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, the party is expected to focus on delivering messages to rally support in key battleground areas.This convention, planned by President Donald Trump, is being held at the American Airlines Center in downtown Dallas. Trump will serve as a key speaker, delivering the keynote address on the first day and closing remarks on the second day.Within the September 9, 2026

Joint Chiefs Chairman and USFK Commander Inspect Eastern Frontline Units Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Jin Young-seung and U.S. Forces Korea Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson visited the eastern front GP (guard post) and GOP (general outpost) units on September 9 to assess the operational situation in the demilitarized zone and the frontline readiness posture. The two officials checked the recent activities of North Korean forces near the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) and the readiness of the frontline units. Gen. Jin expressed serious concern over North Korean a September 9, 2026

Court Halts Fair Trade Commission's Data Submission Order Against Hanwha Group The effectiveness of a data submission order issued by the Fair Trade Commission (FTC) against Hanwha Group has been suspended by a court ruling. Hanwha initiated legal action, claiming procedural issues regarding the review and retention of personal cell phones during the FTC's investigation.On September 9, the Administrative Division 7 of the Seoul High Court granted Hanwha and an employee, referred to as A, a suspension of the data submission order. As a result, the order will remain inactive September 9, 2026

Financial Authority Reduces Dongyang Life's Penalty from 140 Billion to 7 Billion Won The Financial Services Commission has finalized a penalty of approximately 7 billion won against Dongyang Life for violating the Credit Information Act. This amount is one-twentieth of the 140 billion won penalty calculated during the Financial Supervisory Service's (FSS) disciplinary review. The reduction reflects a reassessment of the nature of the information provided, the purpose, and the extent of the violation, raising questions about its potential impact on penalties for Shinhan Life and September 9, 2026

Honda to Increase AI Experts to 1,000, Offering Up to 130,000 Won Monthly Bonus Japanese automaker Honda plans to increase its in-house artificial intelligence (AI) experts to over 1,000 in the coming years, more than tripling its current workforce. Certified professionals participating in AI projects will receive a monthly bonus of up to 150,000 yen (approximately 130,000 won) in addition to their regular salary. This strategy aims to cultivate employees familiar with automotive development into AI experts, driving innovation while preventing talent loss through additional September 9, 2026

South Korea Addresses Discussions on Potential Deployment to Hormuz Strait The South Korean government is working to clarify discussions surrounding the potential deployment of troops to the Hormuz Strait, stating that these talks have advanced beyond the government's review stage. The administration emphasized that contributing to freedom of navigation in the region does not necessarily equate to a decision to deploy troops, and any final judgment will be made following discussions at the National Security Council (NSC). Seong Gi-hong, the Chief of Public Communicatio September 9, 2026

Hyundai Card Expands Concert Marketing Amid Fierce Competition 현대카드가 자사의 대표 문화 콘텐츠인 ‘슈퍼콘서트’를 활용한 콘서트 특화 마케팅을 강화한다. 외부 유통·플랫폼 사업자의 고객을 끌어오는 기존 제휴카드와 달리, 직접 구축한 공연 브랜드를 카드 상품으로 확장해 충성 고객을 확보하겠다는 전략이다. 신한·삼성카드도 컬리·지그재그·포르쉐 등 특정 소비층을 보유한 브랜드와 손잡으며 카드업계의 고객 선점 경쟁이 치열해지고 있다. 9일 금융권에 따르면 현대카드는 올해 하반기를 목표로 콘서트 특화 마케팅을 검토하고 있다. 기존 슈퍼 September 9, 2026

Nepal Flood Relief: National Railway Corporation Donates Support Funds The National Railway Corporation has joined in humanitarian solidarity by contributing to the recovery efforts for the victims of the devastating floods in Nepal.On September 9, the National Railway Corporation announced that it has donated 3 million won (approximately $2,500) to the Korean Red Cross to assist those affected by the floods.On August 26, a massive glacier collapse in the upper Himalayas triggered significant landslides and flooding along the border between Nepal and the Tibet Auto September 9, 2026

South Korea Weighs Limited Deployment to Hormuz Amid U.S. Pressure The South Korean government is reviewing options for contributing to maritime safety in the Hormuz Strait, moving from international discussions to local assessments. As it becomes increasingly difficult to ignore U.S. requests for support, if South Korea decides to participate, a limited deployment focused on support roles appears to be a compromise. This would provide a political message of alliance to the U.S. while minimizing South Korea's direct combat involvement and domestic opposition.Fo September 9, 2026

Seoun District 4 Redevelopment Project Faces New Delays as SH Requests Conditional Approval The Seoul Housing and Urban Development Corporation (SH) has requested the Cultural Heritage Administration to resume the Seoun District 4 redevelopment project after it postponed the review of the heritage preservation plan.According to the real estate industry on September 9, SH has filed an objection to the Cultural Heritage Committee's decision to withhold the preservation plan for Seoun District 4 and is seeking a conditional approval to move forward with the project.The Cultural Heritage C September 9, 2026