Novo Nordisk Pushes for Health Insurance Coverage of Wegovy in South Korea As Novo Nordisk seeks health insurance coverage for its obesity treatment drug Wegovy, Hanmi Pharmaceutical is expected to launch its domestic obesity medication Epe, intensifying price competition in the obesity treatment market.On October 12, the pharmaceutical industry reported that Novo Nordisk Korea submitted a request for a health insurance reimbursement decision for Wegovy to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. The company aims to improve treatment accessibility for patien October 12, 2026

Controversy Over College Application Processing Firms' Alleged Collusion and Sponsorships Allegations have emerged that college application processing firms have been dividing the market and colluding by providing tens of billions of won in sponsorships for sports events and music concerts to secure contracts with universities. Lawmakers criticized these firms for neglecting necessary system upgrades and failing to obtain essential liability insurance, which contributed to a significant application system failure.During a National Assembly audit on October 12, Rep. Kim Jun-hyuk of th October 12, 2026

Allegations Arise Against Kim Ji-yong for Ignoring Whistleblower Claims Allegations have emerged that Kim Ji-yong, the nominee for the inaugural chief of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, ignored whistleblower claims during his time as head of the inspection division at the Supreme Prosecutor's Office. A former investigator who reported misconduct related to the Asan Cham Hospital investigation has demanded Kim's resignation, stating that the Supreme Prosecutor's Office did not even summon him for questioning before closing the case.According to documents obt October 12, 2026

Korea Electric Power Corporation Chief Warns of 20% Cost Burden for Semiconductor Cluster Without Special Law Support The Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) will bear about 20% of the costs for the first phase of power supply to the Honam semiconductor cluster if there is no support from the Special Semiconductor Act.During a National Assembly audit on October 12, KEPCO President Kim Dong-cheol responded to a question from ruling party lawmaker Kim Do-eup regarding the budget for transmission facilities, stating, "KEPCO's share is less than 20%, and Samsung and SK Hynix will cover the rest."According to K October 12, 2026

Nvidia to Invest $1 Billion in U.S. Science and Quantum Computing Over Five Years Nvidia plans to invest a total of $1 billion over the next five years to support scientific research and quantum computing in the United States. The investment aims to enhance research capabilities in areas critical to U.S. competitiveness, including quantum computing, healthcare, and energy security.The announcement was made on October 12 during the "Science: A New Golden Age" summit held in Washington, D.C. The event brought together government officials, industry leaders, and scientists to di October 12, 2026

Advertising Genius Lee Jae-seok Launches Public Service Campaign Criticizing Political Response to Mine Explosions A public service advertisement has emerged criticizing the political focus on disputes rather than soldier safety following a mine explosion in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).According to Yonhap News on October 12, Lee Jae-seok, known as an 'advertising genius,' and his agency conducted a guerrilla public service campaign in military border areas of Gimpo and Paju, as well as Yongsan Park in Seoul, on October 10 and 11.The campaign featured a two-meter tall billboard depicting a soldier in uniform October 12, 2026

Korea Railroad Corporation's Ticketing System Expansion Halted by Technical Issues The Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) has halted its ticketing system expansion project aimed at reducing wait times during the Chuseok holiday due to technical issues that emerged in May. As a result, the company faced challenges in shortening wait times during last month's ticket sales for the holiday.According to a report from the National Assembly's Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee, the details were revealed by Representative Jeong Hee-yong of the ruling People Power Party, who October 12, 2026

Political Clash Over Lee Jin-sook's Visit to President Lee Jae-myung's Parents' Grave On October 12, lawmakers clashed during a National Assembly audit of the Science, Technology, Information, and Broadcasting Committee over Lee Jin-sook's visit to the grave of President Lee Jae-myung's parents. The Democratic Party criticized Lee's actions as "political misconduct," while Lee defended her visit as raising concerns about alleged violations of agricultural land laws.Lee visited the grave in Bonghwa County, North Gyeongsang Province, on October 10, and later posted on Facebook, sta October 12, 2026

Korea's Major Crimes Investigation Agency Launches Probe into Gwangju Chief's Criticism The Major Crimes Investigation Agency has officially begun an investigation into Im Eun-jung, the Gwangju regional chief, who has been critical of Kim Ji-yong, the agency's nominee for chief.On October 12, the agency announced that it received a directive for the investigation from Yoon Ho-joong, the Minister of the Interior and Safety, and immediately instructed Heo Seong-hwan, the acting chief of the investigation office, to proceed with the inquiry. The agency plans to conduct a thorough and October 12, 2026

High-Speed Rail Usage Up 12%, But Safety Concerns Arise Amid Delays The National Assembly's audit of Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) and the Korea Railroad Corporation is set to take place on October 13. Although high-speed rail ridership increased by 12% in the first month of KTX and SRT integration compared to the previous year, safety management and the scheduling of major rail projects remain under scrutiny.According to the rail industry, KORAIL and SR reported that 9.36 million passengers used high-speed trains last month, marking a 12% increase from th October 12, 2026