South Korea to Eliminate Joint Guarantees for Small Businesses, Targeting 4.5 Trillion Won The South Korean financial authorities will completely abolish joint guarantees for small businesses associated with primary collateralized bond obligations (P-CBO). A new program will lower the guarantee threshold for early-stage startups, and financial support for small businesses will be expanded to over 12 trillion won.On September 21, the Financial Services Commission held its 14th Policy Finance Support Council, where it discussed financial support measures for startups, small businesses, September 21, 2026

One in Eight School HVAC Units Exceeds Lifespan; Daejeon and Incheon Most Affected One in eight heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units in elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as special education schools, has exceeded its legal lifespan. In particular, regions like Daejeon and Incheon are leaving one in four units that have reached the end of their life cycle in operation, highlighting significant regional disparities. Despite a nearly 30% increase in average electricity costs per school over the past three years, the replacement of these units has be September 21, 2026

Fatalities in Early Morning Traffic Accidents Spike During Chuseok Holiday In the past five years, traffic accidents occurring between midnight and 6 a.m. during the Chuseok holiday accounted for less than 10% of total incidents, yet they represented approximately 28% of fatalities. The fatality rate for this time frame was about 3.5 times higher than during other hours, highlighting the need for heightened caution among drivers returning home during the early morning hours.On September 21, data submitted by Representative Hwang Hee of the Democratic Party to the Natio September 21, 2026

China Elevates Trade Representative Li Chenggang After Controversial Remarks The Chinese trade negotiator who sparked controversy last year with his "hellfire" remarks has effectively been promoted.On September 20, the State Council of China appointed Li Chenggang (李成鋼) as the "International Trade Negotiator of the People's Republic of China" (ministerial level), according to a report by the Chinese news outlet Pengpai on September 21. Li has been serving as the "International Trade Negotiator of the Ministry of Commerce" since last year. This appointment elevates him September 21, 2026

Shinhan Investment Corp. Experiences Connection Delays, Frustrating Investors Shinhan Investment Corp.'s mobile trading system (MTS) and home trading system (HTS) experienced connection delays, causing early-morning investors to face difficulties with stock orders.According to the financial investment industry, connection issues began shortly after the regular market opened at 9 a.m. on the 21st.Investors reported that the connection problems hindered their ability to execute trades. One user of Shinhan Investment Corp. stated, "I couldn't sell the stocks I wanted to offl September 21, 2026

Kyobo Life Expands Information Security for Retirement Pensions, Trusts, Funds, and Loans 교보생명이 퇴직연금·신탁·펀드·여신 등 금융업무 전반으로 정보보호 관리체계를 확대했다. 교보생명은 금융서비스 전반을 대상으로 ISMS-P(정보보호 및 개인정보보호 관리체계) 인증을 획득했다고 21일 밝혔다. 2023년 보험업무와 홈페이지를 대상으로 인증을 받은 데 이어 인증 범위를 대폭 확대한 것이다. 이번 인증에는 보험업무뿐 아니라 퇴직연금·신탁·펀드·여신 등 고객정보가 활용되는 주요 업무가 포함됐다. 교보생명은 금융업무 전반에 걸쳐 ISMS-P 인증을 받은 것은 국내 금 September 21, 2026

New Rules May Limit Public Bidding for Repeat Offenders of Bid Rigging Businesses that receive two corrective orders for bid rigging within a decade may soon face restrictions on their eligibility to participate in public tenders.The Fair Trade Commission announced on September 21 that it will revise its guidelines on "unfair joint practices in bidding and requests for restrictions on bidding qualifications," with a public notice period set to end on October 12.Under the current National Contract Act, if requested by the Fair Trade Commission, procurement agencies September 21, 2026

Financial Supervisory Service Calls Meeting with Securities Compliance Officers to Address Internal Control Issues 금융감독원이 주요 증권사 준법감시인들을 불러 과도한 신용·미수거래 유도와 수수료·비용 전가, 위법 과당매매 등 영업 현장의 내부통제 부실 사례를 점검했다. 금융상품 기획·심의 단계부터 준법감시부서가 이른바 '레드팀' 역할을 맡아 사전 예방 기능을 강화해야 한다고도 주문했다. 금감원은 21일 오전 서울 여의도 금융투자협회에서 21개 증권사 준법감시인을 대상으로 '투자자 중심 내부통제 강화를 위한 증권사 준법감시인 간담회'를 개최했다고 밝혔다. 간담회에는 종합금융투자사업자 10 September 21, 2026

LG Display Begins Mass Production of 720Hz Gaming OLED Panels Targeting eSports Market LG Display has officially begun mass production of a 24.5-inch gaming OLED panel with a 720Hz refresh rate, enhancing its focus on the eSports market. The company aims to penetrate the LCD-dominated eSports monitor sector by applying OLED technology to screens commonly used by professional gamers.On September 21, LG Display announced the launch of the world's first 24.5-inch 720Hz gaming OLED panel, achieving the highest refresh rate of 720Hz and a response time of 0.02ms among existing gaming O September 21, 2026

Privacy Commission Expands Data Innovation Zone to Include National Tax Service and Disease Control Agency The Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) has designated the National Tax Service and the Korea Disease Control Agency as additional operating institutions for the Personal Information Innovation Zone. This move aims to enhance the safe utilization of data closely related to citizens' lives, such as tax, finance, and infectious diseases.The PIPC announced on September 21 that the number of operating institutions for the Personal Information Innovation Zone will increase from the exis September 21, 2026