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LS MnM CEO Dong-hwi Koo Pledges Support for Children's Healthy Growth LS MnM launched the first 'Better Tomorrow Campaign' on September 17 at the Seoul SOS Children's Village in Sinwol-dong, Yangcheon-gu, ahead of the Chuseok holiday. The initiative, in collaboration with the Good Neighbors Seoul Western Branch, aims to improve the living and activity spaces for children without family protection. CEO Dong-hwi Koo and about ten employees participated in organizing furniture in program rooms, tidying storage areas, sorting donated books, and cleaning the facility. They also replaced door handles with antimicrobial copper ones to inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms. Additionally, they prepared and delivered age-appropriate school supplies, snack kits, and encouragement letters. LS MnM has been involved in tailored support projects for vulnerable children and activities such as science camps. Dong-hwi Koo, CEO of LS MnM, stated, "As the holiday approaches, our employees came together to ensure that children can live in a more pleasant and healthy environment. We will continue to strive for the improvement of the environment for children, who are the future leaders of our society."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 14:04:00 -
Song Mi-ryung Inspects Traditional Market Ahead of Chuseok Song Mi-ryung, the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, visited a traditional market ahead of Chuseok to assess the supply of domestic agricultural products and the status of the Onnuri gift certificate cashback program.On September 17, Song visited the Sinyeong Market in Seoul to review the supply trends of Chuseok essential goods and check on the Onnuri gift certificate cashback event.The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has allocated 1.49 trillion won from September 3 to September 30 to support discounts of up to 40% on all domestic fresh agricultural products, including Chuseok essentials, at large supermarkets, small and medium-sized markets, eco-friendly stores, local food direct sales outlets, and online malls.In traditional markets, a separate cashback event for Onnuri gift certificates is being held. From September 16 to September 20, consumers can receive up to 30% cashback on purchases of domestic agricultural products at 300 traditional markets nationwide. The cashback limit is set at 20,000 won per person.For purchases between 34,000 won and 67,000 won, consumers can receive 10,000 won, while those spending over 67,000 won can receive 20,000 won.This year, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries' 'Korea Fisheries Festival' will coincide with the cashback event period. To enhance consumer convenience, a mobile waiting system has also been introduced. By entering their phone numbers at kiosks, customers can check real-time waiting information via KakaoTalk messages.Song stated, "We are implementing the cashback event to ensure that consumers purchasing our agricultural products in traditional markets without computerized systems can also benefit from discount support. We will do our utmost to help the public enjoy a more abundant holiday season through this cashback event."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 14:00:20
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Divorce Lawyer Yang Na-rae Ties the Knot, Husband's Identity Sparks Curiosity Divorce lawyer Yang Na-rae recently held her wedding, drawing attention to the identity of her undisclosed husband.On September 16, Yang shared a post on her Instagram, stating, "The happiest day of my life, 2026.9.13," along with photos from her wedding at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul.In the photos, Yang is seen smiling broadly in her wedding dress, while her husband's face remains hidden, only a silhouette visible.Yang explained her decision to keep her husband's identity private during an appearance on the YouTube channel 'VIVO TV.' Host Kim Sook expressed curiosity about her husband, saying, "People are so curious about who he is that there are even rumors he might be a National Intelligence Service agent. Why are you keeping him so hidden?" Yang responded, "It was one of the conditions of our marriage. My husband is very introverted. He said that if he had to talk about himself or be exposed, he would feel too embarrassed to live."She added, "He asked me not to talk about him publicly, and I respect his wishes by not revealing his identity."Regarding her decision to marry, Yang noted, "We communicate well. I believe it's important for a couple to express everything they want to say. When we express our feelings, it’s not just about emotional outbursts but ensuring we communicate clearly to avoid misunderstandings."She remarked, "I don’t think we’ve ever gone more than half a day after a disagreement without resolving it. I can be a bit sensitive, and after resolving an issue, I might say, 'I felt a bit hurt by what you said last time. I’ll be more careful in the future,' to which he sometimes replies, 'Don’t you have a great memory?'"Yang gained recognition through her appearances on JTBC's 'Divorce Counseling Camp' and MBC's 'Real Story Investigation.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 14:00:10
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Korean Deputy Minister Visits Hyosung Heavy Industries' U.S. Production Facility The South Korean government is stepping up support for local power equipment companies to localize production in the rapidly growing U.S. market, driven by increased investment in power infrastructure due to the expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers. Lee Ho-yeon, the Deputy Minister of the Climate Energy Environment Ministry, visited Hyosung Heavy Industries' U.S. high-voltage circuit breaker production facility to assess investment and local production status.The Climate Energy Environment Ministry announced on September 17 that Deputy Minister Lee visited the joint venture 'HYOSUNG HICO BREAKER' located in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, on September 16 (local time).This visit was organized to review the status of domestic power equipment companies' investments and localization efforts in the U.S. amid growing investments in power infrastructure driven by the growth of the AI industry, the expansion of large-scale data centers, the replacement of aging power grids, and the integration of renewable energy.According to Goldman Sachs, the power demand from U.S. data centers is expected to grow by an average of 15% annually through 2030, with approximately $50 billion projected to be invested in new power infrastructure to support this demand.In response to this increasing demand for power infrastructure, Hyosung Heavy Industries is also expanding its local production capacity. The joint venture visited by the Deputy Minister was established in July in collaboration with Quanta Services, a U.S. power and energy infrastructure company, and is set to begin full-scale production of high-voltage circuit breakers in October.Hyosung Heavy Industries has been expanding its local production capacity through its high-voltage transformer plant in Memphis, Tennessee, acquired in 2020. With the operation of this high-voltage circuit breaker production facility, the company will have the capability to produce all essential equipment for transmission and distribution power networks locally in the U.S.Since establishing its U.S. subsidiary in 2001, Hyosung Heavy Industries has continuously increased its local investments, securing approximately 1 trillion won in orders for 765kV high-voltage transformers this year.The government plans to continue providing policy support to help domestic power equipment companies expand their local production and supply chains in the U.S.Deputy Minister Lee stated, "Hyosung Heavy Industries' proactive investment and local production network contribute to enhancing the stability of the U.S. power grid and serve as an excellent model for cooperation in the energy and power equipment sectors between South Korea and the U.S. We will spare no policy support to ensure our companies can establish stable supply chains and expand their market dominance in the U.S."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 14:00:00
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Typhoon 'Dujuan' Expected to Pass by the Korean Peninsula Typhoon 'Dujuan,' the 25th typhoon of the season, is expected to pass by the Korean Peninsula.According to the Meteorological Agency on September 17, the typhoon was moving northeast over waters 670 kilometers northeast of Guam as of 3 a.m. today.It has a central pressure of 996 hPa and maximum sustained winds of 72 km/h, categorizing it as a level 1 typhoon.The agency forecasts that the typhoon will develop into a level 3 storm with maximum winds of 126 km/h by the 20th, moving northeast along the southern waters of Japan.As it moves northward, the typhoon is expected to rapidly strengthen.The projected path indicates it will remain far from the Korean Peninsula.By the 21st, it is expected to reach waters 280 kilometers south of Tokyo before gradually changing direction to the northeast.No typhoons have directly impacted the Korean Peninsula this year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 14:00:00
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China Faces Record Oil Prices Amid Middle East Turmoil As the largest oil importer in the world, China is experiencing a surge in oil prices, reaching record levels due to instability from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Analysts suggest that China's strategy of reducing oil imports and tapping into its reserves to stabilize international prices is nearing its limits.Shanghai crude oil futures hit $129, surpassing Brent crudeAccording to the Financial Times, on September 16, Shanghai crude oil futures traded at $129 per barrel, exceeding the previous high of $121.80 recorded at the onset of the Iran conflict. Following an attack on Saudi oil pipelines by Iranian-linked militias that halted operations over the weekend, prices surged by 14%.Shanghai crude oil futures typically trade at levels comparable to Brent crude, which was priced at approximately $108 per barrel on the same day. This means that Shanghai futures are now trading at a premium of $21 over Brent.The rising prices are largely attributed to Chinese refiners actively securing crude oil amid growing concerns over Middle Eastern exports.This year, China has reduced its oil imports and utilized its reserves to mitigate the impact of the Iran conflict, also raising domestic gasoline and diesel prices to curb consumption. These measures have helped prevent a more significant global spike in oil prices.However, as the conflict continues, China's capacity to defend against price increases using its reserves is diminishing, prompting a trend of increasing oil imports once again.Reports indicate that China's daily oil imports, which exceeded 12 million barrels before the conflict, plummeted to 7.1 million barrels in June. They rebounded to 8.9 million barrels in August, with September's imports expected to be around 9 million barrels.The Financial Times noted, "China has ended its 'extreme diet' and is starting to buy oil again." Guy Wolf, global market analyst at Marex, stated, "Shanghai crude oil futures are significantly influenced by Middle Eastern oil, and the defensive measures China has built up are gradually weakening." He predicted that as the war drags on, China's actual oil reserves will continue to dwindle.Saudi pipeline recovery efforts face ongoing supply chain uncertaintiesThe backdrop to China's oil supply concerns is the disruption of Saudi Arabia's oil exports.With the U.S.-Iran conflict effectively blocking oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz to Asia, Saudi Arabia has been utilizing the East-West pipeline, a crucial transport route that spans approximately 1,200 kilometers, to continue its oil exports. This pipeline transports oil from Saudi Arabia's eastern fields across the Arabian Peninsula to the Red Sea port of Yanbu.However, on September 12, Iranian-backed Iraqi militias attacked this pipeline, halting its operations. Additionally, the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels have rapidly expanded their influence in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, raising alarms over Saudi oil exports.In response, Saudi Arabia announced on September 16 that it aims to restore the pipeline's transport capacity to half within a few days and to full capacity within six weeks. The country also plans to increase oil supplies to Asia by transferring oil between vessels at the Port of Sohar in Oman. Following this news, international oil prices saw a temporary easing.Nevertheless, volatility in oil prices is expected to persist due to ongoing supply uncertainties in the Middle East. The intensified offensive by the Houthi rebels in Yemen poses additional risks to oil production and transportation in major producing countries, including Saudi Arabia.According to Reuters, on September 16, Saudi forces conducted airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, while the Houthis launched drones and missiles toward major Saudi cities. Saudi Arabia reported intercepting a Houthi drone aimed at the Islamic holy city of Mecca the previous day. The U.S. government has since heightened its travel advisory for Saudi Arabia, urging citizens to reconsider travel to the country. 2026-09-17 14:00:00
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KOSPI Continues Upward Trend Despite Fed Rate Hike The U.S. Federal Reserve has raised interest rates and hinted at the possibility of further increases this year, yet the KOSPI continues to rise. Despite a broad decline in the New York stock market overnight, buying interest in major stocks, including semiconductor companies like Samsung Electronics, has kept the index fluctuating around the 6,770 mark.As of 1:41 p.m. on September 17, the KOSPI was up 55.16 points (0.82%) at 6,773.13. The index opened at 6,779.02, up 61.05 points (0.91%) from the previous close, and has been trading around the 6,770 level.In the securities market, individual and institutional investors have made net purchases of 96.1 billion won and 245 billion won, respectively, driving the index higher. Foreign investors, however, have sold a net 37.1 billion won.Among the top market capitalization stocks, movements have been mixed. Samsung Electronics rose by 0.79%, SK Hynix by 0.23%, Hyundai Motor by 0.28%, KB Financial by 1.36%, and Samsung C&T by 0.99%. Conversely, Samsung Electro-Mechanics fell by 1.74%, LG Energy Solution by 0.27%, and Samsung Biologics by 1.06%.The KOSDAQ index also showed an upward trend. At the same time, the KOSDAQ index was up 8.27 points (1.01%) at 824.25. It started at 820.16, up 4.18 points (0.51%) from the previous session, and has since expanded its gains.In the KOSDAQ market, individual and institutional investors have made net purchases of 6.6 billion won and 20.9 billion won, respectively, while foreign investors have sold a net 38.1 billion won.Among the top KOSDAQ stocks, Alteogen fell by 0.39%, EcoPro BM by 0.29%, Wonik IPS by 0.34%, and Simtek by 0.88%. In contrast, EcoPro rose by 0.73%, JUSUNG Engineering by 1.73%, Rainbow Robotics by 1.89%, IOTech by 0.96%, and Rino Technology by 2.12%, while Roboteers increased by 1.29%.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 13:56:00
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Fall Festivals and Train Travel Highlight Autumn in Korea In October, a variety of train travel packages will take travelers deep into the heart of autumn. These packages connect major fall festivals and tourist attractions across the country, including the Andong Mask Dance, Jeongseon Silver Grass, and Yeongwol Red Buckwheat flowers. Korea Railroad Tourism Development announced on September 17 that it will hold a fall promotion for train travel packages departing in October, offering mobile coffee coupons to travelers. This event is organized ahead of the integration of high-speed rail services and the launch of the integrated corporation of Korea Railroad Tourism Development and Korea Railroad Networks. Travelers using the designated train travel packages will receive mobile coffee coupons. Details about the eligible packages and benefits can be found on the promotional page of the Korea Railroad Tourism Development travel mall. In October, numerous fall festivals across the country will be linked with train travel packages. Travelers can visit the Andong International Mask Dance Festival, the Gyeongju Cultural Arts Festival, the Herbal Medicine Festival, the Wine Festa, and the Yeongcheon Joint Festival, which features the Starry Night Hanwoo Grilled Beef Festival, as well as the Geumsan World Ginseng Festival, the Gimje Horizon Festival, and the Buyeo Baekje Cultural Festival through train travel. There are also packages designed to enjoy the autumn scenery, such as the Silver Grass Festival at Jeongseon Mindungsan Mountain and the Yeongwol Donggang Red Buckwheat Flower Festival, known for its stunning views. Additionally, regional tourism train packages like the Daejeon Bread Festival and the DMZ Peace Train will be available. Song Kwang-seok, CEO of Korea Railroad Tourism Development, stated, "We organized this event to express our gratitude to customers who have used train travel as we approach the integration of high-speed rail and the launch of our subsidiary corporation. We will continue to expand customer benefits through a variety of train travel products and services."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 13:56:00
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Government Supports Abolishing North Korean Contact Reporting Refusal The South Korean government has expressed support for a proposal to eliminate the legal basis that allows the Minister of Unification to refuse reports of contact with North Korean residents. According to the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee on September 17, the Ministry of Unification has provided a 'favorable' opinion on a revision to the Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Act proposed by lawmaker Kim Jun-hyung of the Justice Party. The key aspect of the proposed amendment is the removal of the Minister of Unification's authority to refuse reports of contact with North Korean residents. Under current law, South Korean citizens must report in advance if they wish to contact North Korean residents, and the government can refuse such requests if there are clear concerns about national security or public order. If the amendment passes, the obligation to report in advance will remain, but the government's authority to preemptively block contact based on its purpose and content will be eliminated. Contact between South and North Korean residents has required government 'approval' since the enactment of the Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Act in 1990. This requirement was relaxed to a reporting system in 2005, and in 2009, the criteria for refusal were narrowed to cases with 'clear concerns.' However, the government's authority to block contact in advance has remained intact. If the amendment passes the National Assembly, it will mark the first time in 36 years that such preemptive blocking measures are removed, effectively transitioning the contact system with North Korean residents from a de facto approval system to a true reporting system. The National Intelligence Service and the Ministry of Justice, which have previously taken a cautious stance, are also reported to have agreed to the intent of the amendment during government discussions. The Ministry of Unification explained that this move aims to expand the autonomy of civilian exchanges and operate the reporting system in line with its original purpose. However, even if the amendment is passed, the obligation to report contact with North Korean residents and the penalties for failing to report will remain in place. Opposition parties have raised concerns about the potential for illegal remittances to North Korea or misuse in North Korea's operations against the South, calling for necessary safeguards.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 13:52:20
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Hansem Group Expands Business in Uzbekistan, Considering Fashion and Content Ventures Hansem YES24 Group is set to expand its business in Uzbekistan, leveraging the automotive parts operations of Hansem Mobility. The group is also exploring local ventures in fashion and cultural content.On September 15, key executives from Hansem YES24 Group, including Vice Chairman Kim Seok-hwan, Vice Chairman Kim Ik-hwan of Hansem Industrial, and President Sung Nak-gon of Hansem Mobility, attended the 'Korea-Uzbekistan Business Forum' held at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul.The forum serves as a platform for Hansem YES24 Group to enhance its investments and localize its operations in Uzbekistan. Hansem Mobility has been collaborating with Uzbek automotive company UzAuto Motors from the outset, and it began local production of key components at the end of last year, with mass production starting this month.This year, Hansem Mobility plans to invest $13 million in Uzbekistan's Fergana region. An additional $12 million is expected next year, with a total investment of up to $25 million under consideration. A factory completion ceremony is scheduled for October 13 in the Fergana region.Hansem YES24 Holdings is promoting reading education initiatives through its educational and cultural content subsidiaries, Dong-A Publishing and the content platform YES24. The group is also considering the entry of its affiliates into Uzbekistan, including localizing apparel manufacturing and fashion brands.Vice Chairman Kim Ik-hwan stated, "We will explore localization in the cultural content and fashion sectors, leveraging our investment in the automotive parts industry. We aim to contribute to the economic development and exchange between the two countries by actively hiring talented individuals from Uzbekistan." 2026-09-17 13:48:00