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Ministries Share 93 Technological Achievements at Smart Manufacturing R&D Event The Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Ministry of Science and ICT jointly held a technology exchange event for their smart manufacturing research and development (R&D) project.The Korea Institute of Startup and Entrepreneurship Development announced on September 16 that it hosted the '2026 Smart Manufacturing Innovation Technology Development Project Technology Exchange Conference' at the KT Human Resources Development Center in Daejeon on September 15. The event aimed to share technological achievements and research experiences from 93 R&D projects in smart manufacturing and to promote collaboration among the projects.During the technology exchange, R&D projects in the smart manufacturing sector were categorized by similar technology groups, allowing participants to share project details and technological outcomes while exploring potential connections and collaborations. In ten technical subcommittees, project presentations and Q&A sessions with technology experts facilitated the sharing of experiences and technical challenges encountered during the research process. Notably, projects from both ministries participated, sharing technology development content and real-world application cases, and discussing ways to link and collaborate on R&D outcomes between the ministries.The institute also operated a 'field clinic' to support the resolution of practical challenges faced by companies during the R&D process. Selected companies, identified through a pre-event survey, received one-on-one consultations from accountants and patent attorneys on issues such as R&D expense execution and settlement, as well as securing patents and intellectual property. Additionally, the latest trends in necessary systems and technologies for research fields, including cybersecurity issues like ransomware and core patent and IP creation, were shared.Director Ahn Kwang-hyun stated, "Smart manufacturing technology can create greater effects in the field when various technologies and experiences are interconnected beyond the research outcomes of individual projects. I hope this technology exchange will lead to more active sharing of R&D achievements and experiences between the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Ministry of Science and ICT, and foster subsequent collaboration between research institutions and executing companies."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 14:36:10 -
Concerns Over Safety of Chinese Agricultural Products Demand Stronger Inspections Concerns about the safety of Chinese agricultural products are growing among consumers following recent controversies. Notably, issues arose regarding the use of formaldehyde in Chinese cabbage and food coloring in stem lettuce.The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety confirmed that no Chinese cabbage implicated in the formaldehyde controversy was imported into South Korea. Emergency inspections of 82 samples of Chinese cabbage kimchi, cabbage, and pickled cabbage currently on the market found no traces of formaldehyde. Similarly, the stem lettuce that raised concerns over food coloring was also determined not to have been imported into the country.While the findings from the Ministry are reassuring, consumer concerns extend beyond whether the problematic agricultural products entered the country in their raw form. There is apprehension that cabbage and vegetables produced in China could be processed by local manufacturers into kimchi, pickled products, and various processed foods before being imported into South Korea.Chinese kimchi is particularly significant to the South Korean diet, widely consumed in restaurants and by catering services. If issues arise during the production or processing stages in the country of origin, the repercussions could be substantial. This is likely why the Ministry has investigated the sourcing of raw materials from HACCP-certified manufacturers exporting cabbage kimchi to South Korea and conducted inspections of domestic distribution products. Currently, only cabbage kimchi produced by HACCP-certified overseas manufacturers can be imported into the country.As safety concerns regarding Chinese agricultural products and consumer anxiety rise, there is an increasing need for a permanent safety management system rather than one-time inspections. When food safety issues arise in China, it is crucial to quickly identify the affected regions, manufacturers, and supply chains, and to connect with domestic importers for tracking. It is also essential to expand the scope of inspections to include not only the problematic agricultural products themselves but also processed products like kimchi and pickled foods that use these ingredients.Inspections at the customs stage must also be strengthened. For countries, regions, and items with known issues, the proportion of detailed inspections should be increased, and stricter standards should be applied to foreign manufacturers and importers with a history of non-compliance. Additionally, random sampling inspections should be expanded at the domestic distribution stage, and when non-compliant products are found, immediate sales suspension and recalls should be enforced. Recently, the Ministry took recall action on imported mushrooms that exceeded pesticide residue standards.Transparency in information is also vital. Consumer anxiety about food safety increases with a lack of information. The government should not only announce whether problematic products have entered the country but also provide timely and transparent information about where they were produced, what inspections similar products undergo before import, and the results of those inspections.Food safety knows no borders. In the era of global supply chains, it is important to verify not only where agricultural products are produced but also where they are processed and what raw materials are used. As the volume of inexpensive imported agricultural products and processed foods increases, the government's responsibility for oversight becomes heavier.It is fortunate that the recent controversies surrounding Chinese cabbage and stem lettuce did not lead to domestic harm. However, this should not lead to complacency. The most important aspect of food safety is prevention rather than post-incident explanations. Strengthening detailed inspections at the import stage and establishing a robust tracking and management system from local production and processing to domestic distribution is essential to prevent non-compliant products from reaching consumers' tables. Ensuring that the public can trust their food is the most fundamental duty of food safety authorities. 2026-09-16 14:36:10 -
Jung Jeom-sik Calls for Withdrawal of Kim Seung-won's Nomination, Criticizes Hearing Jung Jeom-sik, the floor leader of the People Power Party, criticized the confirmation hearing for Kim Seung-won, the nominee for Minister of Justice, calling it a farce on September 16.During a press conference at the National Assembly, Jung stated, "From the start, the hearing was a shield for the nominee and a deception of the public."He responded to remarks made by Democratic Party lawmakers during the hearing, who used terms like devil, weapon, and viper against People Power Party members, saying, "It is devilish behavior to administer a drug that kills hamsters to humans, and those who exploit it for stock manipulation are like vipers. The nominee, who facilitated such drugs, is the true social weapon."Jung accused the Democratic lawmakers of abandoning their role as evaluators during the hearing, stating, "Chairperson Seo Young-kyo openly conducted the hearing in a biased manner while showering embarrassing praise. Is this a confirmation hearing or a political 'super chat'?"He also emphasized that the nominations of Kang Shin-cheol for Minister of National Defense and Hong Ji-sun for Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport are inappropriate, urging for their withdrawal. He particularly highlighted concerns about Hong, who was a key official in basic housing during Lee Jae-myung's tenure as governor of Gyeonggi Province, stating, "There are significant worries that she will merely serve as a practical minister who thoroughly obeys the Blue House's wishes."Jung warned President Lee Jae-myung, who is scheduled to hold a press conference on the 18th, saying, "If you cannot demonstrate a 180-degree shift in national policy, this press conference will be worse than the recent cabinet reshuffle." He urged the president to show practical actions, including a comprehensive review of real estate policies, a clear expression of respect for the separation of powers regarding the Chief Justice's recommendation authority, an explanation of the situation regarding the deployment to the Strait of Hormuz, and the withdrawal of Kim's nomination.Meanwhile, Jung, who marks 100 days since his election as floor leader on the 17th, reflected, "I didn't even realize it had been 100 days. The party has stabilized significantly during this time, which I believe is due to the support of the members. I will continue to unite with the members to fight against the Lee Jae-myung administration and the Democratic Party."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 14:32:10 -
Major Banks Prepare for Leadership Changes Amid Regulatory Scrutiny As the terms of the leaders of South Korea's five major banks are set to expire at the end of the year, attention is turning to whether the role of the banks' nomination committees will be expanded in the selection process. The Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) has publicly pointed out that the role of these committees is limited in the succession procedures for CEOs of subsidiaries led by financial holding companies. On September 16, FSS Chairman Lee Chan-jin stated during an executive meeting that, "The succession procedures for subsidiary CEOs established by most holding company nomination committees are inadequate, and the role of the subsidiary nomination committees is also limited." This criticism is particularly focused on the succession processes for subsidiary CEOs, including bank presidents, rather than the holding company chairpersons. The terms of the presidents of KB Kookmin, Shinhan, Hana, Woori, and NH Nonghyup banks all end on December 31. The FSS is primarily concerned with whether the nomination committees are effectively involved in the management, evaluation, and narrowing down of candidates for bank president positions. Best practices in governance suggest that holding companies should share the status and changes of the candidate pool for bank presidents with the nomination committees and grant them the authority to recommend candidates or provide input during the evaluation process. Currently, the FSS has found that such sharing of candidate information or granting of recommendation authority is limited to some holding companies. There are also differences in the actual operational methods among financial holding companies. Hana Financial specifies in its annual report that the holding company receives the list of CEO candidates recommended by the Hana Bank nomination committee. Although NH Nonghyup Financial does not explicitly outline this process in its annual report, during the selection of NH Nonghyup Bank President Kang Tae-young in 2024, the bank's nomination committee provided the status of candidates and received recommendations, with the committee chair participating in candidate interviews to offer input. In contrast, the governance reports and internal regulations of KB, Shinhan, and Woori Financial do not clearly indicate that the bank nomination committees directly recommend or participate in the evaluation of candidates before the final selection by the holding companies. However, Woori Bank has stated that the nomination committee has been granted the authority to recommend candidates. As a result, the upcoming selection of the five major bank presidents at the end of this year is expected to serve as a test of how much influence the nomination committees can exert in the actual selection process. With the financial authorities' proposals for governance improvements delayed, the FSS is taking the initiative to strengthen oversight of the succession procedures ahead of the year-end selections. A financial industry source noted, "Given that the FSS has publicly pointed out the limited role of the bank nomination committees, it is highly likely that each financial holding company will consider strengthening the powers of these committees during the year-end selection process. In light of the announced plans for enhanced oversight, it will be difficult to avoid supplementing related procedures." 2026-09-16 14:32:10 -
US Pressures Mexico to Increase North American Content in AI Hardware The Trump administration is pressuring Mexico to adopt new origin rules that would increase the proportion of North American components used in the production of artificial intelligence (AI) hardware. This move aims to prevent foreign companies, including those from China, from circumventing U.S. tariffs and trade regulations by routing products through Mexico.On September 15, the Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. is demanding limits on the share of components sourced from outside North America for semiconductors and servers used in AI hardware produced and assembled in Mexico.This issue is part of ongoing discussions related to the renegotiation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The U.S. has been seeking to expand origin rules, previously applied to automobiles, to other strategic industries, including AI hardware. For automobiles, products must have at least 75% of their value sourced from North America to qualify for tariff exemptions.Trade officials from the U.S. and Mexico are expected to hold further negotiations in Washington as early as next week. However, sources indicate that the U.S. proposal is still in its early stages. Specific requirements regarding the proportion of North American or U.S. components and the grace period for companies to adapt to the new regulations have yet to be determined.This year, AI hardware has emerged as a major export from Mexico to the U.S., surpassing automobiles. According to S&P Global, Mexico exported $83 billion worth of computer servers used in AI data centers in the first half of the year, with 94% of those exports heading to the U.S., marking an increase of over 170% compared to the same period last year.The Wall Street Journal noted that while the Trump administration imposes tariffs on automobiles, auto parts, and high-end semiconductors, some general-purpose semiconductors used in AI infrastructure enter the U.S. essentially duty-free. This suggests that the U.S. aims to close potential tariff loopholes that Chinese companies might exploit.Senator Bernie Moreno, a Republican, told the WSJ that he discussed the introduction of origin rules with the Mexican industry, stating, "Products may appear to be Mexican but are actually from China. We must not allow Chinese companies to bypass U.S. trade regulations through the Western Hemisphere."The U.S. is also reportedly considering expanding origin rules beyond AI hardware to other industries, including medical devices. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer mentioned in July the need to extend origin rules to strategic industries such as electronics and pharmaceuticals. He stated that efforts are underway to strengthen the origin rules in the USMCA and to identify industries that could expand production bases in Mexico and the U.S.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 14:32:00 -
Samsung and Kyobo Join Forces to Support Healthcare for Elderly Living Alone 生명보험업계가 취약계층 독거노인을 위한 헬스케어 지원사업에 100억원 이상을 투입하는 방안을 추진한다. 생명보험협회가 마련하기로 한 50억원에 삼성생명과 교보생명 등 개별 보험사들이 추가로 참여하면서 사업 규모가 당초 계획 대비 두 배 이상으로 커질 전망이다. 16일 금융권에 따르면 금융위원회와 생명보험협회는 독거노인 헬스케어 지원사업 재원을 당초 50억원 이상에서 100억원 이상으로 확대하는 방안을 논의하고 있다. 생명보험사들이 상생 기금 내 추가 지원을 마련하는 방식이다. 삼성생명과 교보생명 등이 참여 보험사로 거론되고 있으며 다른 생보사들도 참여 여부를 논의 중인 것으로 알려졌다. 지원 대상은 65세 이상 독거노인 가운데 기초생활수급자 등 취약계층이다. 건강상담과 복약 안내 등 고령층에게 필요한 헬스케어 서비스를 제공하는 것이 사업의 골자다. 금융당국과 생보업계는 세부적인 지원 방식과 참여 회사 등을 조율한 뒤 내년 1분기 사업을 시행하는 것을 목표로 하고 있다. 이번 사업은 보험업계가 추진하는 포용금융 일환이다. 금융 지원에 집중됐던 기존 포용금융 범위를 건강관리 영역으로 넓히면서 생명보험업계의 전문성을 활용하겠다는 취지다. 생명보험사들은 장기간 보험계약을 관리하며 질병과 수명, 수술 등 건강 관련 위험을 분석해 왔다. 최근에는 이러한 경험을 바탕으로 건강관리 서비스를 새로운 사업 분야로 확대하고 있다. 취약계층 헬스케어 지원사업에서도 보험업계가 축적한 건강관리 역량을 활용할 수 있을 것으로 기대된다. 삼성생명은 지난달부터 건강관리 서비스의 운영·중개·판매 사업을 시작했다. 한화생명은 오는 12월 말부터 건강관리센터를 운영할 예정이며, 교보생명은 헬스케어 전문 자회사인 교보다솜케어를 설립해 관련 전문성을 강화하고 있다. 금융권 관계자는 “생명보험과 손해보험의 사업 영역이 겹치면서 헬스케어가 보험업계의 새로운 성장 분야로 떠오르고 있다”며 “업계가 보유한 역량을 활용해 포용금융을 실천할 수 있을 것”이라고 말했다. 보험업계는 헬스케어를 비롯해 취약계층의 보험료와 의료·돌봄 부담을 낮추는 방향으로 포용금융 사업을 확대하고 있다. 향후 5년간 총 2조원 규모의 포용금융을 추진하고, 취약계층 지원을 위한 300억원 규모의 상생기금도 조성하기로 했다. 이달부터는 신용생명보험과 상생손해보험 등 상생보험 상품을 잇달아 선보이고 있다. 손해보험업계도 내년 출시를 목표로 포용금융 성격을 띤 어린이보험을 준비 중이다. 또 다른 금융권 관계자는 “보험업계의 포용금융은 취약계층에 실질적인 혜택을 무상으로 제공하는 데 중점을 두고 있다”며 “치매보험과 어린이보험, 취약계층 간병비 지원 등 보험업 특성을 살린 다양한 지원 방안을 검토하고 있다”고 말했다. 2026-09-16 14:32:00 -
Gunpo Mayor Opposes Additional Investment in Logistics Terminal, Calls for Relocation Gunpo Mayor Han Dae-hee expressed opposition on September 15 to the expansion and additional investment in the Gunpo Logistics Terminal, stating that the terminal should be relocated outside of Gunpo in the long term.During a meeting with over 300 local leaders at the Gunpo Cultural Arts Center, Mayor Han explained the current issues surrounding the logistics terminal and outlined future response strategies.The Gunpo Logistics Terminal is a national logistics facility covering approximately 700,000 square meters (about 210 acres) near the Dong Gunpo Interchange on the Yeongdong Expressway, housing over 30 large warehouses.For more than 30 years, the terminal has been a source of traffic congestion, road damage, emissions, and noise due to the constant entry and exit of large trucks, which have been identified as significant local issues.According to a study conducted in 2021, Mayor Han estimates that the annual socio-economic costs associated with the operation of the logistics terminal exceed 85 billion won (approximately $71 million). In contrast, the annual local tax revenue generated from the terminal is only about 5 billion won (approximately $4.2 million).This discrepancy arises because the terminal site is owned by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and the facility was constructed with private capital, which is then transferred to the state after a certain period, resulting in tax exemptions and reductions on public property.Mayor Han believes that while the benefits of the national logistics facility are enjoyed nationwide, the costs and damages related to traffic and the environment are borne by Gunpo, making this structural imbalance unacceptable.He highlighted 2028 as a critical turning point for the logistics terminal, as the contract for Zone 1 will expire that year. If new investments are made at that time, it could lead to an extended operation of the facility, making future relocation virtually impossible.“If new investments occur at the expiration of Zone 1, the relocation of the facility will be effectively impossible for at least several decades,” Mayor Han stated, adding, “I oppose any expansion or additional investment after the contract expires.” He emphasized the need for the terminal to eventually leave Gunpo.Mayor Han has also proposed utilizing the space vacated by the logistics terminal for new urban development in Gunpo. This plan includes collaborating with the government, Gyeonggi Province, and Gunpo City to develop a logistics function relocation strategy, securing alternative logistics sites, and repurposing the terminal site for Gunpo's future growth.Local leaders who attended the meeting acknowledged the seriousness of the logistics terminal issue, noting that they found the specific figures presented by Mayor Han enlightening. One attendee remarked, “Hearing concrete numbers about the current situation and the serious cost imbalance of the logistics terminal was beneficial. Now that I understand the painful reality of Gunpo, I will take a more active interest in local issues.”Mayor Han urged the local leaders to ensure that citizens accurately recognize the seriousness of the logistics terminal issue and spread awareness throughout the community.As the 2028 contract expiration approaches, Mayor Han plans to prevent additional investments and facility expansions while continuing discussions with the central government and relevant agencies regarding the terminal's relocation and logistics function reallocation.Meanwhile, the issue of relocating the Gunpo Logistics Terminal is emerging as a key concern, as it will determine whether the local traffic and environmental burdens can be reduced and whether the terminal site can be utilized as a new growth area for Gunpo in the future.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 14:24:00 -
Seong Seung-min Ranks Second in Fencing at Asian Games Modern Pentathlon The fencing ranking round for the women's individual event in modern pentathlon took place on September 16 at the Aichi Prefecture Anjo Sports Park in Japan.Seong Seung-min, a bronze medalist in the women's individual event at the 2024 Paris Olympics, initially struggled with a record of 3 wins and 3 losses, placing 17th midway through the competition. However, she rallied to finish with 24 wins and 8 losses, securing second place. Japan's Saito Ayumu took first with 25 wins and 7 losses, while China's Zhang Mingyu finished third with 24 wins and 8 losses.Kim Eun-joo also performed well, finishing fourth with 23 wins and 9 losses. Shin Soo-min ended the round in 11th place with 19 wins and 13 losses, and Jang Ha-eun placed 14th with 18 wins and 14 losses.Before the competition, Seong set a goal to win medals in both the individual and team events, following her success in the team event at the previous Hangzhou Games. She emphasized the importance of executing a stable race in the newly introduced obstacle event.In the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, the South Korean modern pentathlon team achieved a total of two gold medals, two silver medals, and one bronze medal, finishing first overall. Historically, they have won a total of 10 gold, 10 silver, and 8 bronze medals, the highest in the event's history.The results from the fencing ranking round do not determine the final medal standings. The team will continue with swimming and laser run preliminaries on the 17th, with individual and team medals to be decided in the finals on the 20th, the day after the opening ceremony.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 14:24:00 -
Kim Do-young Takes Office as President of Jeju Development Corporation, Prioritizing Jeju Samdasu Competitiveness Kim Do-young officially took office as the new president of the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Development Corporation on September 16. He plans to prioritize enhancing the competitiveness of Jeju Samdasu while focusing on management innovation and sustainable growth.The Jeju Development Corporation announced that Kim began his official duties as the 13th president after receiving his appointment letter from Governor Wi Seong-gon of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province earlier that morning.A native of Jeju, Kim graduated from Ohyeon High School and earned a degree in business administration from Seoul National University. He has approximately 27 years of experience in the private sector, having worked at LG Uplus and GS Construction, where he was responsible for sales, distribution, new business development, and management. Throughout his career, he has gained extensive experience in formulating sales strategies, discovering new business opportunities, and managing organizations and projects.Upon taking office, Kim intends to focus his efforts on strengthening the competitiveness of Jeju Samdasu. With increasing competition in the bottled water market and rapidly changing consumer and distribution environments, he aims to assess core operations and enhance the brand's position as the leading domestic product.Kim plans to apply his management experience from the private sector to the corporation's operations. He aims to combine the speed and innovation of private enterprises with the responsibilities and public nature of a public corporation, seeking a balance between public service and profitability. He will also emphasize on-site management, open communication, and the establishment of a transparent organizational culture.“I will combine the speed and innovation of the private sector with the responsibilities and public nature of a public corporation, ensuring that the achievements from enhancing Jeju Samdasu's competitiveness benefit Jeju and its residents,” Kim said. “I will seek answers in the field and demonstrate results,” he added.On his first day in office, Kim will begin on-site management by visiting key business locations. After receiving his appointment letter, he will pay respects at the Jeju Anti-Japanese Memorial Hall, the National Jeju Veterans Cemetery, and the Jeju 4.3 Peace Park. In the afternoon, he will hold an inauguration ceremony at the Samdasu business site with employees and union members.Following the ceremony, he plans to visit the union office, the research building and office at the Samdasu business site, the Samdasu factory, and the Citrus Factory No. 1, where he will gather feedback from employees.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 14:20:00 -
Discussion Intensifies on 2045 National Development Strategy Focused on AI and Demographic Changes The Ministry of Strategy and Finance, along with the National Economic Advisory Council and the National Science and Technology Advisory Council, has begun formulating a long-term national development strategy aimed at 2045. The strategy will address challenges such as artificial intelligence (AI), climate and energy transition, demographic changes, and the restructuring of supply chains and international order, while seeking to enhance both growth and the quality of life for citizens.On September 16, a joint seminar titled '2045 Long-term National Development Strategy and Partnership with Future Generations' was held at the Fairmont Ambassador in Seoul.Park Hong-geun, Minister of Strategy and Finance, stated in his opening remarks, "AI, climate and energy transition, demographic changes, and the restructuring of supply chains and international order are all occurring simultaneously," emphasizing the need for a national-level response. He also noted the widening gaps in growth potential among industries, businesses, regions, youth, and older generations, as well as disparities in income and assets.Minister Park outlined three key directions for South Korea by 2045: a 'South Korea that continues to grow through innovation,' a 'South Korea where innovation benefits the lives of its citizens,' and a 'South Korea that the world trusts and wants to collaborate with.'To achieve these goals, he stressed the importance of increasing investments in AI, advanced technologies, and talent, while addressing regulatory and institutional bottlenecks to secure new growth drivers. He highlighted the need for proactive investment in strategic technologies related to future industries such as energy, quantum, advanced biotechnology, and aerospace, as well as focusing national research and development capabilities in these areas.During the seminar, proposals were made to expand economic and social participation for youth and future generations.Kim Mi-ru, head of the Macroeconomic and Financial Policy Research Department at KDI, suggested that a national development strategy should enhance productivity and industrial competitiveness, leading to stability in jobs, education, housing, and care. She proposed five key transitions: life, innovation, space, generations, and national roles, and called for a reform of the financial system to align with changes in demographics and economic structure. She also emphasized that financial management should focus on the effectiveness of policy solutions and cost efficiency rather than merely the scale of financial input.In the comprehensive discussion, participants agreed on the need to provide research experience to youth through national research and development projects and to expand opportunities for first career formation through collaboration among businesses, government, and universities. There were also suggestions for the state and society to share the costs of initial learning and experience for youth, and to link technology and industrial policies with education, employment, and regional policies.Lee Kyung-soo, vice chairman of the National Science and Technology Advisory Council, stated that the process of AI transition should involve designing pathways for technological advancement and talent development together, asserting that national research and development should support not only the development of advanced technologies but also the first research experiences and career formation for the next generation.Kim Sung-sik, vice chairman of the National Economic Advisory Council, emphasized that the partnership with future generations should not be limited to youth-targeted policies but should allow future generations to directly participate in a long-term national development strategy that includes innovation, inclusivity, human capacity, and quality of life.The Ministry of Strategy and Finance plans to incorporate the suggestions made during the seminar into the future establishment of the 2045 long-term national development strategy.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 14:12:10


