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Mayor Choi Daeh-ho: Aim to Make Anyang Dance Festival a Community Celebration Choi Daeh-ho, the mayor of Anyang, expressed on September 16 that he aims to make the Anyang Dance Festival a community celebration for all citizens. On this day, Mayor Choi stated, "The '2026 Anyang Dance Festival,' taking place from September 18 to 20 at Pyeongchon Central Park, will be a multifaceted cultural festival that citizens can enjoy together while invigorating the local economy." This year's festival will feature not only dance performances but also a variety of food, family experiences, local products, and social economy goods, all designed to provide a comprehensive experience. During the festival, the Pyeongchon Central Park multipurpose sports field will host the '2026 Anyang Food Festival.' A total of 21 food booths will participate, showcasing a diverse array of culinary offerings. To ensure that citizens can enjoy the festival safely, efforts will be made to lower prices and enhance hygiene and safety management. Mayor Choi also hinted that the festival will focus on eco-friendly operations, such as reducing single-use items by using reusable containers. There will be plenty of experiential programs for families. Activities include pickle-making, low-sodium salt production, a food safety experience booth, and urban healing agriculture experiences, allowing participation from children to seniors. Seating will also be available for visitors with pets to enjoy the festival together. A sharing event in collaboration with local businesses is also planned. On September 19 and 20, local food manufacturers such as Ottogi, Dong-A Otsuka, and B.R. Korea will participate in a free sharing event for citizens. Programs aimed at promoting the social economy and local cooperation will also draw attention. On September 19 and 20, a social solidarity economy sharing market (experience exhibition) will be held on the car-free street of Pyeongchon Central Park, featuring 18 local social enterprises, cooperatives, and village businesses. Citizens will have the opportunity to explore baked goods, floral products, eco-friendly food, and artworks by individuals with severe developmental disabilities, as well as participate in various handicraft experiences like leather crafting and bead flowers. Mayor Choi plans to expand the event's impact beyond simply promoting social economy products, aiming to provide citizens with a direct experience and understanding of the social value created in the community, including job creation for vulnerable groups and the provision of social services. Citizens are expressing their excitement for the festival. One citizen remarked, "I thought the dance festival was just about performances, but it seems there are a variety of food and experience programs, making it a great way to spend a day with family." Another citizen, who plans to visit the festival with their child, said, "I appreciate that there are programs where kids can make and experience things themselves, and I hope the food and safety management are thoroughly prepared." Meanwhile, Mayor Choi stated, "We have prepared related events so that citizens and visitors to the Anyang Dance Festival can enjoy not only dance performances but also a variety of food, experiences, and local social economy products together." He added, "I hope this will be a time for families and neighbors to come together and experience the diverse culture and local content of Anyang."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 20:32:00 -
Uiwang Fire Department Promotes Fire Safety Ahead of Chuseok The Uiwang Fire Department on September 16 raised awareness about home fire prevention and the importance of fire safety equipment among citizens visiting traditional markets ahead of the Chuseok holiday. According to the fire department, a campaign promoting the installation of home fire safety equipment was conducted at Uiwang Dokkebi Market, with participation from firefighters and volunteer firefighters. The campaign aimed to increase public interest in fire prevention and inform citizens about safety regulations as the holiday approaches. Since September 9, the fire department has been actively promoting fire prevention and safety regulations through various media and on-site activities for three weeks. At the market, visitors were informed about the installation of home fire safety equipment and the fire insurance program for vulnerable households in Gyeonggi Province. Home fire safety equipment helps detect smoke or fire in the early stages, reducing the risk of fire damage in homes. Alongside the campaign, participants also engaged in community clean-up activities around the market. They collected litter to contribute to a clean and safe market environment. Market visitors expressed a renewed awareness of the need for safety management in their daily lives as they learned about fire prevention regulations and home fire safety equipment ahead of the holiday. In particular, the initiative provided an opportunity to directly convey safety information to citizens frequenting traditional markets, increasing their interest in fire prevention. Fire Chief Lee Jeong-yong stated, "Home fire safety equipment plays a crucial role in protecting lives and property in the event of a fire. I hope citizens adhere to fire prevention regulations and enjoy a safe holiday during Chuseok." 2026-09-16 20:12:00
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Privacy Breach Reports Surge 2.7 Times in Three Years Amid Staffing Challenges As large-scale data breaches involving companies like Coupang, SK Telecom, and KT continue to rise, the workload for the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) has also increased. However, the number of specialized investigators handling these cases remains critically low. There are calls for collaboration with external experts, similar to practices in other countries.According to the PIPC, the number of reported data breaches has escalated from 167 in 2022 to 318 in 2023, 307 in 2024, and 447 in 2025. In the first half of this year alone, 432 reports were received, nearly matching last year's total.In contrast, the number of investigators responsible for these inquiries has only grown from 31 in 2022 to 43 at the end of last year, and 47 as of August this year. Among the newly added staff, 11 are focused on compliance checks and preventive measures, leaving only six specialized investigators. A total of 37 investigators are tasked with examining all hacking incidents that occur domestically.In 2022, each investigator was responsible for an average of 5.4 data breach cases annually. By 2025, this number is expected to rise to 10. This year, investigators have been assigned an average of 9 cases in just the first half, indicating that the limited number of specialized staff are handling more than two cases each month.A PIPC official noted that the complexity of investigations has increased. With the evolving information technology landscape, cases now require not only verification of data breaches but also an examination of breach pathways, data flows, outsourcing relationships, and behavioral data processing. Consequently, the number of investigators and the duration of investigations for each case have lengthened.When a major hacking incident occurs, it inevitably delays the investigation schedule for other cases. For instance, during the SK Telecom incident, the PIPC had to augment its team with personnel from the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA) to form a dedicated task force. As resources are concentrated on larger incidents, smaller cases inevitably face longer investigation times.The investigation into the data breach at SK Shieldus, which occurred last September, has yet to yield results. The prioritization of limited investigative resources for major incidents has prolonged the investigation timelines for other cases.Recruiting new specialized personnel is also challenging. Any increase in the number of public servants requires approval from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and even once positions are secured, actual hiring takes additional time. Finding and hiring experts who understand both data protection and IT technology is difficult. While the PIPC is striving to enhance the efficiency of its limited workforce, the task remains daunting.In other countries, external experts are utilized to supplement the expertise of regulatory agencies. The European Union's European Data Protection Board (EDPB) operates a pool of technical experts to assist national data protection authorities with investigations and enforcement in areas such as digital forensics, cloud computing, and cryptography.However, the PIPC explains that directly applying foreign systems domestically is not straightforward. A PIPC official stated, “The PIPC is an organization that issues sanctions, so we are cautious about seeking external assistance.” They emphasized that involving external experts in the investigation process raises concerns about information security, potential conflicts of interest, and the independence of sanction decisions. 2026-09-16 19:20:00
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Financial Commission Takes Action Against Haitai Confectionery for Accounting Violations The Securities and Futures Commission, under the Financial Commission, announced on September 16 that it has decided to designate an auditor and impose penalties on Haitai Confectionery for violating accounting standards in its financial statements.According to Yonhap News, the investigation revealed that Haitai Confectionery inflated its sales and cost of goods sold by issuing false tax invoices and omitting accounting for sales discounts and promotional expenses.It was also found that the company used financial statements prepared in violation of accounting standards in its securities registration statement. The investigation uncovered that Haitai obstructed external audits by presenting false transaction evidence and requiring clients to respond falsely to receivable inquiries.As a result, the Commission decided to designate an auditor for Haitai Confectionery for three years and impose fines. The head of the finance department has been recommended for dismissal and suspended from duty for six months, while significant measures equivalent to dismissal have been decided for the former auditor.The head of the finance department and the former auditor have been reported to the prosecution. The final amount of the fines will be determined by the Financial Commission in the future.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 19:16:00
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Rising Costs and Tariffs Challenge South Korean Tire Makers in Second Half of 2026 South Korea's three major tire manufacturers—Hankook, Kumho, and Nexen—are facing significant challenges in maintaining profitability in the second half of 2026. The impact of the Middle East conflict has led to increased logistics costs, compounded by rising raw material prices and tariffs from the United States and the European Union (EU). How effectively these companies can offset the increased costs will be crucial moving forward.According to industry sources, the pressure on profitability for the tire manufacturers is intensifying in the third quarter of this year. The most significant burden comes from the rising logistics costs stemming from the Middle East. Prolonged geopolitical uncertainties surrounding the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz have forced shipping companies to reroute, resulting in increased logistics expenses for manufacturers.Indeed, maritime freight rates have surged compared to pre-war levels. The Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI), which reflects global container freight rates, recorded 3,662.18 on September 11. This marks an increase of approximately 2.75 times compared to 1,333.11 on February 27, just before the outbreak of the conflict, representing a rise of 174.7%. Tire manufacturers, heavily reliant on maritime transport, are particularly burdened by these costs.Additionally, the rise in raw material prices and tariffs adds further risk. Due to instability in the Middle East, international oil prices remain high, causing the price of synthetic rubber, a key tire material, to rise again. According to the Chinese raw material data firm Sunsirs, the price of butadiene rubber (BR), primarily used in tires, increased by 11.2% to 15,290 yuan per ton as of September 15 compared to a month earlier.The anti-dumping tariffs imposed by the U.S. and EU also pose a challenge to profitability in the second half of the year. The European Commission confirmed anti-dumping tariffs on Chinese-made passenger and light truck tires in July. The U.S. Department of Commerce also announced anti-dumping tariffs on South Korean passenger and light truck tires in July. As a result, the three tire manufacturers now face tariffs on exports to both the EU and the U.S., raising concerns about their performance in the market.Market analysts expect a decline in profitability for the second half of the year. Financial information provider FnGuide estimates that the combined operating profit for the three tire manufacturers in the third quarter will be approximately 729.6 billion won, a decrease of about 1.5% from 741 billion won in the same period last year. Ultimately, how these companies strategize to offset rising costs will be critical for their performance in the latter half of the year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 19:00:20
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Regulating High-Cost Mobile Plans: Communications Commission to Address Unfair Practices The Broadcasting and Media Communications Commission (BMCC) plans to take strict action against unfair practices by mobile phone retailers that encourage high-cost plans or additional services.On September 16, the BMCC held its 35th plenary meeting at the Government Complex in Gwacheon, where it reviewed and approved measures aimed at enhancing user rights and preventing unfair practices in the mobile device distribution environment.These measures were developed in response to the repeal of the Mobile Device Distribution Improvement Act (Device Subsidy Law) in July of last year and the subsequent amendments to the Telecommunications Business Act, which aim to protect users.First, the BMCC will establish a 'Distribution Environment Improvement Council' involving experts, telecommunications companies, and manufacturers. This initiative is based on the recognition that government-led post-regulation has limitations in detecting and penalizing market violations.Market monitoring will also be conducted, including checks on discriminatory subsidy practices between telecommunications subsidiaries and small budget carriers. Additionally, the compliance of budget carrier subscription procedures will be examined to prevent the activation of unauthorized phones.Policies to enhance user convenience will also be implemented. Telecommunications companies will be required to send automatic notification messages to users when the contract period for their subscribed plan expires, allowing them to choose a more suitable plan.In addition to the 'common support fund' information currently disclosed by telecommunications companies, a standard format will be established for retailers to post information about additional support funds.Measures to address user harm have also been developed. Users who suffer damages due to poorly written contracts will be able to report issues directly through a 'user participation reporting system' by submitting relevant documentation.Furthermore, initiatives to promote self-regulation among telecommunications companies and distribution networks will be pursued. To prevent issues such as sales staff leaving without fulfilling promised support during the contract process, a 'sales responsibility system' will be expanded to register and manage retail staff. Oversight of agencies will also be strengthened to curb incomplete sales practices by unauthorized retailers.BMCC Chairman Kim Jong-cheol emphasized, "Through the establishment and implementation of this policy, which centers on user benefits and rights, we will boldly eliminate unfair practices and behaviors in the market."The BMCC plans to form the 'Distribution Environment Improvement Council' based on these measures to implement policy tasks and continuously monitor unfair practices in the mobile device distribution market.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 19:00:00
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Democratic Party Supports Budget Policies in Daejeon, Focuses on Public Institution Relocation and Future Industries The Democratic Party held a budget policy council in Daejeon on September 6, pledging support for local projects, including the second phase of public institution relocation and the establishment of Daejeon Medical Center.Kim Min-seok, the party leader, stated at the council meeting held at Daejeon City Hall, "The Democratic Party will work to ensure that Daejeon becomes the center of revitalizing the region and the country in all aspects of budget and policy." He noted, "Daejeon was designated as an innovation city in 2002, and while the relocation of public institutions will proceed, we will strive to ensure that the projects that have not yet been realized are successfully implemented."Floor Leader Han Byeong-do emphasized, "During the previous Yoon Suk-yeol administration, cuts to research and development (R&D) budgets discouraged researchers and caused significant difficulties for the local economy. Now is the time for bold investments and assured budget support for Daejeon, which has led the future of South Korea."He also committed to closely examining key budgets related to the establishment of Daejeon Medical Center, the promotion of essential social overhead capital (SOC) projects, the relocation of Daejeon Prison, and the nurturing of future industries.Lee Kwang-jae, chairman of the National Assembly's Budget and Accounts Committee, remarked, "Daejeon is one of the most promising places to become the second Pangyo. I hope to transform this area, which includes KAIST, Chungnam National University, and Daedeok Special Zone, into a business city covering approximately 20 million pyeong."He added, "If we lift the height restrictions in Daedeok Special Zone, venture companies will not need to move to Seoul; they can live, work, and establish their businesses here. Daejeon will become a hub for ventures, and with the best talents at KAIST, opportunities will open up."Daejeon Mayor Heo Tae-jeong proposed 13 projects to the party leadership, including the establishment of a national semiconductor research institute, the operation of a public children's rehabilitation hospital, and the construction of the CTX railway segment in the Chungcheong region.Kwon Chil-seung, the policy committee chair, stated, "Regarding CTX, I noticed that an additional 1.7235 trillion won was reflected last year, which was not included in the original government plan. I will closely monitor how it is being utilized and ensure that issues related to the national railway network plan are addressed at the central party level."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 18:48:10
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Chojung-sik Advocates for Legislative Improvements Reflecting Voices of SMEs Chojung-sik, the Speaker of the National Assembly, met with Kim Ki-moon, President of the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Businesses, on September 16 to discuss key legislative issues affecting small and medium enterprises (SMEs).During the meeting, Speaker Chojung-sik noted, "Despite the challenging economic conditions this year, SME exports reached a record high of $64 billion in the first half of the year," expressing gratitude for the significant contributions of various sectors, including cosmetics and semiconductors, to the country's export growth.He pledged that the National Assembly would work harder to ensure that the voices of SMEs are adequately reflected in legislation and institutional improvements, stating, "We will also strive to enhance the system to establish a fair market order."Chojung-sik emphasized the need for active government support and urged SMEs to turn crises into opportunities, particularly in the context of the transition to artificial intelligence (AI) and the era of carbon neutrality.In response, Kim Ki-moon acknowledged the Speaker's deep commitment to supporting SMEs across various sectors, including legislation. He requested special attention to the serious issue of polarization among SMEs.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 18:48:00
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Semiconductor Stocks Continue to Rise in Aftermarket; KOSDAQ Sees Surge Semiconductor stocks that showed strength during regular trading hours are continuing their upward trend in the aftermarket. Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are both up by 1% to 3%, while the KOSDAQ market is seeing significant gains among high-volume stocks.According to the Korea Exchange, as of 6:24 PM, Samsung Electronics is trading at 253,000 won, up 4,500 won (1.81%) from the previous trading day. SK Hynix has risen by 6,400 won (3.79%) to 1,754,000 won. SK Square and Samsung SDI are also trading higher, up 1.80% and 4.10%, respectively, at 18,000 won and 54,000 won.These stocks also closed higher during regular trading. Samsung Electronics rose by 1.61%, while SK Hynix increased by 3.85%. SK Square and Samsung SDI saw gains of 1.80% and 4.33%, respectively.In contrast, major stocks in the KOSDAQ market are experiencing declines. Alteogen is trading at 256,500 won, down 3,500 won (1.35%). EcoPro and EcoPro BM have also fallen by 2.37% and 2.24%, trading at 82,400 won and 104,600 won, respectively.However, several stocks in the KOSDAQ market are seeing significant increases in trading volume. Daehan Optical Communication recorded the highest trading volume at 44.03 million shares, with its stock price rising by 14.43%. Other notable gainers include SRA Semiconductor (8.26 million shares), Seongho Electronics (5.01 million shares), LS Materials (4.21 million shares), and KM W (3.03 million shares), which saw increases of 3.02%, 10.59%, 4.18%, and 13.32%, respectively.On this day, the KOSPI closed at 6,717.97, up 90.71 points (1.37%) from the previous trading day. The index opened at 6,611.24, down 16.02 points (0.24%), but reversed course after fluctuating in early trading. It expanded its gains throughout the session, ultimately closing at 6,717.97.In the securities market, institutions made a net purchase of 1.4351 trillion won, while individuals and foreigners sold a net 1.6794 trillion won and 1.4130 trillion won, respectively. The KOSDAQ index closed at 815.98, up 3.57 points (0.44%) from the previous trading day.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 18:40:10
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Korean National Assembly Speaker Meets with Kazakhstan President to Discuss Energy and AI Cooperation Jong-sik Cho, the Speaker of the National Assembly, met with Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on September 16 to discuss strengthening cooperation between the two countries in areas such as energy supply chains and artificial intelligence (AI).During their meeting at the National Assembly, Cho expressed his pleasure that Tokayev's visit to South Korea would elevate the bilateral relationship to a future-oriented, comprehensive strategic partnership.He noted, "Kazakhstan was the first country to welcome ethnic Koreans who migrated to Central Asia, and currently, 120,000 Koreans reside in Kazakhstan." He also thanked the Kazakh government for its support in repatriating the remains of General Hong Beom-do to his homeland.In response, President Tokayev stated, "The Republic of Korea is one of Kazakhstan's most trusted and friendly partners," and expressed his satisfaction with the active cooperation between the two countries' parliaments.He added, "Currently, over 1,000 joint ventures involving Korean capital are operating in Kazakhstan, and our bilateral relations are developing in various fields. Next year marks the 90th anniversary of Koreans settling in Kazakhstan, and I hope we can celebrate this together."Additionally, President Tokayev requested an official visit from Cho to Kazakhstan and expressed his commitment to enhancing exchanges and cooperation between the two countries' parliaments.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 18:40:00