President Lee Calls for Stabilization of Seoul Housing Market President Lee Jae-myung recently described the housing market in Seoul as undergoing a "stabilization process," while real estate experts assessed that the current demand shifts are largely temporary due to regulations. They emphasized that both supply expansion and improvements in regional living conditions are essential for market stability.During a press conference held at the Blue House on September 18, President Lee stated, "Recently, price declines have spread to areas including Gangnam, w September 18, 2026

Kim Min-seok: 'Another Opportunity for Inter-Korean Relations' 범여권 인사들이 18일 9·19 평양공동선언 및 남북군사합의 8주년을 계기로 남북 대화를 재개하고 과거 합의를 되살려야 한다고 입을 모았다. 김민석 더불어민주당 대표는 남북 관계와 관련해 "또 한 번의 기회가 오는 것 같다"며 "이재명 정부를 중심으로 평화를 만들어 가자"고 당부했다.김 대표는 이날 국회에서 열린 '9·19 평양공동선언 및 남북군사합의 8주년 행사'에 참석해 "민주당이 배출한 네 분의 대통령께서 개성은 다 다르지만 똑같은 게 있다면 남북 화해의 철학과 성과" September 18, 2026

Bank of Japan Breaks Pattern of Rate Increases, Signals More Ahead On September 18, the Bank of Japan (BOJ) raised its benchmark interest rate by 0.25 percentage points, indicating that it may consider further increases at its next meeting or even a 0.5 percentage point hike. This marks a departure from its previous pattern of raising rates every six months, as the BOJ aims to adjust the pace and magnitude of increases based on inflation conditions. BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda stated, "The phase of policy has changed," emphasizing the need for continued rate hikes September 18, 2026

Financial Supervisory Service Head Lee Chan-jin Visits Traditional Market to Support Vulnerable Communities Lee Chan-jin, head of the Financial Supervisory Service, engaged in charitable activities with financial companies at a traditional market ahead of Chuseok. On September 18, the Financial Supervisory Service announced that Lee visited Bangsin Traditional Market in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, alongside the Salvation Army of Korea, IBK Industrial Bank, Kiwoom Securities, KB Insurance, and Shinhan Card to conduct charitable activities. The Financial Supervisory Service and the participating financial compan September 18, 2026

Gwangmyeong Mayor Park Seung-won Institutionalizes Citizen Sovereignty with First 'Constitution-Friendly City Ordinance' in Korea Gwangmyeong Mayor Park Seung-won is drawing attention for institutionalizing a 'citizen sovereignty' policy that places the dignity and fundamental rights of citizens at the center of administration. On September 18, Mayor Park announced that the 'Ordinance on the Creation and Support of Constitution-Friendly City in Gwangmyeong' was approved during the 302nd regular session of the Gwangmyeong City Council. The ordinance is set to be promulgated in October and will take effect thereafter. September 18, 2026

Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae Emphasizes Judicial Independence and Public Trust Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae stated that "the independence, fairness, integrity, and public trust in the judiciary must always be protected." His remarks come amid ongoing tensions with the Blue House over judicial appointments, suggesting that the standoff is likely to continue.Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 20th Asia-Pacific Chief Justices Conference held at the Grand Hyatt Seoul on September 18, Cho said, "While the legal systems and conditions of each country may differ, we share a fun September 18, 2026

Medical Students' Lawsuit Against Cancellation of Enrollment Increase Dismissed A lawsuit filed by medical students seeking to cancel the government's decision to revoke a planned increase of 2,000 medical school admissions has been dismissed once again.The Administrative Division 3 of the Seoul Administrative Court, led by Chief Judge Ho Seong-ho, dismissed the lawsuit on September 18, brought by 4,058 students from 40 medical schools and graduate schools against the Minister of Health and Welfare and the Minister of Education. A dismissal occurs when a court ends a case w September 18, 2026

Choi Tae-won Appeals Supreme Court Ruling on Property Division of 944 Billion Won Choi Tae-won, chairman of SK Group, has filed an appeal with the Supreme Court against a ruling that ordered him to pay 944 billion won to Noh So-young, director of the Art Center Nabi. Choi's legal team is contesting only 244 billion won of the total amount.According to legal sources on September 18, the Supreme Court received the case involving Choi and Noh on September 14. The case has not yet been assigned to a panel of judges.After filing the appeal last month, Choi's team submitted a reque September 18, 2026

Vietnam's Ride-Hailing Market Faces Commission Wars The actual earnings for drivers in Vietnam's ride-hailing market have become a new competitive standard. Recently, some drivers for Grab halted operations in protest against the variable app usage fees, while GreenSM and Be maintain a fixed revenue-sharing model. The key issue has shifted from simple commission rates to how much drivers can expect to earn after each ride.According to VnExpress on September 18, Grab, GreenSM, and Be show distinct differences in their revenue-sharing models. Grab September 18, 2026

Ansan Mayor Lee Min-keun Inspects Local Facilities to Address Resident Concerns Lee Min-keun, the mayor of Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, visited four local sites in one day to hear residents' concerns and assess solutions to community issues. The mayor's commitment is rooted in the belief that "answers lie in the field." On September 17, as part of the "2026 Citizens' Dreams Reflected in the Budget" initiative, Mayor Lee toured the neighborhoods of 이동 and 월피동, directly inspecting parks, senior centers, parking lots, and rivers with residents. The locations he visited inclu September 18, 2026