O Se-hoon Trial: Key Testimony Raises Questions About Guilt On September 16, during the fifth hearing of the appeal for O Se-hoon, the mayor of Seoul, at the Seoul High Court's Criminal Division 7, the voice of Myung Tae-kyun was played through a speaker. The recording, mixed with dialect and uneven sound quality, prompted the presiding judge to request, "Please turn up the volume." While some parts were clear, others were not."Anyway, O Se-hoon doesn’t know. Don’t worry. I’ll handle it myself," Myung said.The atmosphere in the courtroom shifted. Central September 21, 2026

Chinese Appliance Makers Strengthen Global Presence Through M&A and Localization Chinese appliance manufacturers are expanding their presence in overseas markets through strategies beyond just pricing. Acquiring local companies to absorb technology, brands, and distribution networks, along with increasing local production, has become a common approach.According to industry sources, Haier has utilized its 2016 acquisition of GE Appliances for $5.6 billion by maintaining existing brands and production and service systems. This strategy has reduced the time and costs needed to September 21, 2026

Domestic Oil Industry Faces Challenges Amid Price Controls and Supply Concerns The domestic oil industry is facing profitability pressures due to the prolonged implementation of price controls on petroleum products, with concerns growing that supply and procurement costs may intensify starting at the end of the year. While there are no significant supply issues until November, uncertainties surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and disruptions to key transport routes in Saudi Arabia suggest that challenges may arise after November.According to the government and the refining in September 21, 2026

Delays in Infrastructure Threaten Yongsan Semiconductor Cluster Operations As the production timeline for the Yongsan Semiconductor Cluster approaches within a year, key infrastructure projects are facing significant delays due to administrative procedures and compensation disputes. Concerns are growing that the delay in securing access roads for the delivery of advanced equipment worth trillions of won could hinder timely factory operations.According to government and industry sources on September 21, the expansion of Local Road 318, which serves as the main access ro September 21, 2026

Automakers Maintain Sales Amid Challenges, Hyundai Faces 160,000 Unit Shortfall Domestic automakers are experiencing mixed results amid steady overall sales. Hyundai Motor Company has seen a simultaneous decline in both domestic and international markets, leading to a significant sales gap. Despite launching new models like the redesigned Avante in the second half of the year, it remains uncertain whether these efforts will effectively boost sales.According to industry reports, from January to August this year, the five major domestic automakers (Hyundai, Kia, GM Korea, KG September 21, 2026

Chinese Electronics Expand into Southeast Asia and Europe Amid K-Home Appliance Dominance Chinese electronics companies are rapidly expanding their reach beyond their domestic market into Southeast Asia and Europe. Unlike in the past, when they relied on price competitiveness, these firms are now focusing on enhancing quality and strengthening local distribution and service networks to dominate the global appliance market. Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics are intensifying efforts to maintain their positions in the premium markets of Europe and India.According to market research September 21, 2026

Collapse of Lee Administration's 'Three Chief System' as Kang Hoon-sik Resigns Kang Hoon-sik, the presidential chief of staff, submitted his resignation to President Lee Jae-myung on September 21. His departure comes just 20 days after Kim Yong-beom stepped down, marking the effective collapse of the 'three chief system' that supported the early governance of the Lee administration. Seong Gi-hong, the chief of public relations at the Blue House, confirmed Kang's resignation during a briefing at the Chunchugwan. A senior Blue House official explained that Kang's decision wa September 21, 2026

Chinese Electronics Brands Compete with Samsung and LG in North America Chinese companies have risen to compete alongside Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics in the North American electronics market, a battleground for global brands. Concerns have been raised that they may fall behind in quality competition before the artificial intelligence (AI) home market fully develops.According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), Hisense achieved a satisfaction score of 81 for TVs, tying for first place with Samsung and Vizio in its recently released 2026 Ele September 21, 2026

U.S.-China Summit Approaches: Semiconductor Stocks Surge Amid AI Tensions As the U.S.-China summit approaches, interest in beneficiary stocks is intensifying. The focus of this major diplomatic event, the first in 11 years, is the escalating rivalry between the U.S. and China over artificial intelligence (AI) industry dominance. U.S. President Donald Trump has hinted at pressure regarding China's theft of AI technology, leading to expectations that South Korea's semiconductor and materials stocks, deeply involved in the U.S.-China semiconductor supply chain, will bene September 21, 2026

President Yoon Heads to New York Amid Domestic Challenges for UN Address 이재명 대통령이 오는 27일까지 미국 뉴욕과 멕시코를 방문한다. 이 대통령은 유엔총회 기조연설을 통해 유엔 개혁과 한반도 평화 공존 구상을 밝히고, 16년 만의 멕시코 국빈 방문을 통해 교역·투자와 첨단산업·문화 분야의 협력을 확대할 예정이다. 이 대통령은 21일 오후 경기 성남 서울공항을 통해 미국 뉴욕으로 출국했다. 잇단 장관 후보자 낙마와 SNS 논란 등으로 국정 지지율이 정체된 가운데 다자외교와 경제외교 성과를 통해 국정운영의 돌파구를 마련해야 하는 과제를 안고 순방길에 올랐다. 위성락 국가안보실장은 이날 September 21, 2026