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Mohammed bin Salman Makes Surprise Visit to Egypt Amid Regional Tensions Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, Mohammed bin Salman, made a surprise visit to Egypt, facing challenges from Houthi rebels to the west and Iran blocking the Strait of Hormuz to the east. Egypt has historically supported Saudi Arabia, notably during the Yemeni civil war in 2015, making this visit particularly noteworthy.On September 15, according to reports from the Jerusalem Post and other foreign media, bin Salman met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. An official from the Egyptian presidency indicated that the two leaders would discuss a wide range of mutual interests, but global attention is focused on security issues in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. The two leaders expressed their commitment to ensuring freedom and safety of navigation in the Gulf region.Previously, Saudi authorities had stated their intention to respond firmly to attacks from Houthi rebels. Egyptian media reported that since the resumption of the Yemeni civil war in July, Houthi forces have engaged in combat with government troops and have begun targeting Saudi vessels in the Red Sea. Given that the Houthis receive support from Iran while the Yemeni government is backed by Saudi Arabia, the conflict is increasingly seen as a proxy war between the two Islamic powers.However, the shipping situation for Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, is precarious. The ongoing conflict with Iran has disrupted exports through the Strait of Hormuz, leading Saudi Arabia to transport oil via east-west pipelines to the western port of Yanbu for shipment through the Red Sea. The Houthis' control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical passage from the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean, has raised alarms for Saudi oil exports. Additionally, Saudi east-west pipelines have reportedly been attacked by Iraqi militias believed to be supported by Iran, halting operations. Recovery of the facilities is expected to take three to five weeks, according to the Associated Press.On the day before bin Salman's visit, September 14, cities in western Saudi Arabia, including Khamis Mushait, Abha, and Taif, were targeted by missile and drone attacks, resulting in 13 injuries. In response, Saudi forces conducted 50 airstrikes against Houthi positions. The Houthi-controlled health ministry in the Yemeni capital of Sana'a reported that three people, including two children, were killed in the Saudi attacks, according to the New York Times.Bin Salman's visit has also drawn attention to the Sumed Pipeline, an alternative route bypassing the Houthi rebels. The Sumed Pipeline is a 320-kilometer oil pipeline that runs from Ain Sokhna on the eastern Red Sea coast of Egypt to Sidki Kerir on the Mediterranean coast. Oil is transported by tanker from Yanbu to Ain Sokhna, where it is then loaded for export to Europe and other destinations at Sidki Kerir. The operating company of this pipeline is jointly owned, with Egypt holding 50%, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates each holding 15%, and Qatar holding 5%. Last year, 365 million barrels of oil were exported through the Sumed Pipeline. The Voice of Emirates reported that "the kingdom controls oil production, but Egypt provides one of the most important land and sea routes for transporting oil to the Mediterranean."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 05:04:10
U.S. Interest Rate Hike Raises Concerns Over Auto Demand and Shipping Costs The volatility of international oil prices and exchange rates is increasing uncertainty for businesses, compounded by the potential for rising interest rates in the United States. An increase in U.S. rates would not only directly raise corporate funding costs but also impact the industry through a stronger dollar, reduced consumer spending, and higher investment costs.The U.S. Federal Reserve is holding a Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting on September 15-16 to determine its monetary policy direction. Changes in U.S. interest rates affect global financial market flows and exchange rates, prompting domestic companies to remain vigilant.The most immediate pressure from rising rates is the increase in financial costs for companies. Firms with significant variable-rate debt will face higher interest burdens, and the costs of raising funds through corporate bonds or new loans will also rise. Industries that rely heavily on external financing for large assets, such as airlines, shipping, and shipbuilding, are particularly sensitive to interest rate changes.For instance, Korean Air has 7.1 trillion won in variable-rate loans and 6.8 trillion won in fixed-rate loans. If loan rates were to rise by 0.25 percentage points, the annual interest expense would increase by nearly 18 billion won. Although the company manages interest rate risk separately, the cost of raising new funds will inevitably rise in a higher interest rate environment.Additionally, the aftermath of a stronger dollar following interest rate hikes will increase cost burdens. Many key expenses, including jet fuel, aircraft leasing fees, and overseas maintenance and parts costs, are paid in dollars. If the current strength of the won reverses, it could lead to foreign debt valuation losses and increased dollar payment costs.The shipbuilding and shipping industries also cite rising ship financing costs as a burden due to higher interest rates. Significant funding is required for ship construction and fleet expansion, so increased rates could raise the financial costs associated with new ship orders and asset acquisition. HMM has analyzed that a 1 percentage point increase in rates would reduce pre-tax profits by about 24.2 billion won, translating to over 6 billion won in losses for a 0.25 percentage point increase.In the automotive sector, rising financial burdens on consumers are a direct variable. In the car market, purchasing vehicles through financing options like installment plans and leases is common, so higher rates increase consumers' monthly payment burdens. Electric vehicles, in particular, may be sensitive to interest rates due to their relatively high prices and the tendency to spread initial purchase costs through financing products. This could lead consumers to delay new car purchases or opt for lower-priced models, potentially dampening sales.The semiconductor industry is also closely monitoring the potential for rising interest rates to increase large-scale capital investment costs. As companies continue to invest in new fabs and production equipment to meet demand for high-performance memory for artificial intelligence (AI), higher funding costs could increase the investment burden.An industry insider stated, "The rise in U.S. interest rates will not only increase borrowing costs but can also impact various sectors through multiple channels. With the addition of interest rates to existing variables like oil prices and exchange rates, the uncertainty in the business environment faced by companies has intensified."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 05:04:00
U.S. Interest Rate Shock Increases Burden on Korean Companies Amid Liquidity Divide The shock from rising U.S. interest rates is reverberating through South Korea's bond market, raising concerns that corporate financing costs could surge. With a significant number of corporate bonds maturing by the end of the year, the refinancing burden is expected to increase. The liquidity divide among companies based on credit ratings is likely to deepen further.On September 14, according to global financial information platform Investing.com, the yield on the benchmark U.S. 10-year Treasury note rose to 5.012%. This marks the first time since 2023 that the yield has exceeded 5%. The increase is attributed to a combination of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, rising international oil prices, renewed inflation concerns, and the U.S. fiscal deficit and Treasury supply pressures.Additionally, the possibility of the U.S. Federal Reserve raising interest rates is adding upward pressure. The Fed is set to hold a Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting on September 17 to decide on interest rates. Currently, the rate stands at 3.50% to 3.75%, with the market estimating a roughly 90% chance of a 0.25 percentage point increase. If implemented, this would be the first rate hike in nearly three years.An increase in the benchmark rate will inevitably raise financing costs for South Korean companies. Since U.S. Treasury yields serve as a benchmark for global financial markets, the domestic bond market is also expected to feel the impact. Even if a company's credit rating remains unchanged, rising yields on government bonds will lead to higher rates for new corporate bond issuances and refinancing existing bonds.The domestic market has already begun to reflect these shocks. On the previous day, the yield on three-year government bonds closed at 4.025%, up 12.5 basis points (1 basis point = 0.01 percentage points) in a week. The yield on 10-year bonds also rose by 15.1 basis points to 4.536%. The yield on three-year corporate bonds rated AA- increased by 11.3 basis points to 4.690%, nearly 20 basis points higher than the end of last month (4.516%).The issue is that a large number of corporate bonds are set to mature in the second half of this year. From now until the end of December, the total amount of maturing corporate bonds is expected to reach 18.2552 trillion won, approaching 19 trillion won. This is an increase of 3.2241 trillion won (20.5%) compared to the same period last year. In September alone, 3.4221 trillion won is due, followed by 7.0738 trillion won in October, 5.3673 trillion won in November, and 2.3920 trillion won in December, meaning over 10 trillion won must be repaid or refinanced by next month.Companies looking to refinance maturing bonds will face even greater cost burdens. Issuing new bonds at the current elevated interest rates will result in higher interest payments. Some companies may opt to repay using cash reserves or seek alternative financing methods such as bank loans. However, if the trend of rising market rates continues, these alternative options will also be affected by higher interest rates.The polarization in financing among companies is expected to become more pronounced. Well-established firms with strong financial structures and cash flows may continue to issue corporate bonds despite higher rates. In contrast, lower-rated companies may struggle to secure sufficient funds even if they offer higher interest rates. During periods of rising rates, investors tend to prefer safer, high-quality bonds, leading to liquidity issues for small and medium-sized enterprises.Cho Hye-kyung, head of the Financial Economic Research Institute, stated, "As we transition back to a high-interest rate era, market rates will continue to rise, and the bond issuance market is nearly in a state of collapse. When government bond yields increase, private bond yields will rise even more, significantly increasing corporate financing costs."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 05:04:00
U.S. Interest Rate Hike Raises Borrowing Costs, Tightens Capital Regulations As the likelihood of an interest rate hike in the United States increases, domestic companies are expected to adjust their funding strategies. Rising rates are intensifying borrowing burdens, while financial authorities are tightening scrutiny on capital increases, narrowing funding options.With the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting taking place on September 15-16, financial officers within companies are feeling heightened tension. If U.S. interest rate decisions impact domestic market rates and the bond market, conditions for new funding and refinancing existing loans could change. Companies with large borrowings or a high proportion of variable-rate loans will feel the effects of rising rates more acutely.Although banks have not yet raised the threshold for corporate loans, prolonged interest rate increases could lead to differences in lending conditions based on a company's creditworthiness and financial health. While financially sound companies may still have access to funding, those with lower credit ratings or weaker cash flows will face increased interest burdens and deteriorating financial stability.Raising funds through capital increases is also becoming challenging. The Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) is closely examining the necessity of large capital increases, the intended use of funds, and alternative funding methods. For instance, Hanwha Solutions initially planned a capital increase of 2.4 trillion won but reduced it to 1.7 trillion won after two rounds of corrections requested by the FSS. In this process, the amount allocated for debt repayment was also decreased from the original plan, and additional measures such as the sale of non-core assets and capital-raising strategies were incorporated into the securities registration statement.As large capital increases become more difficult, companies find it challenging to secure necessary funds in one go. They must also consider the dilution of existing shareholders' equity due to new share issuance.Other funding options beyond bank loans and capital increases include convertible bonds (CB), bonds with warrants (BW), and private placement bonds. However, instances of companies misusing these instruments for debt repayment or management defense have led to increased regulatory scrutiny, similar to capital increases.Alternative funding methods may also incur burdens in terms of costs and conditions. CBs and BWs can alter capital structures if converted into shares or if warrants are exercised, while private placement bonds often require higher costs than standard corporate bonds, depending on investor demands.Consequently, there are predictions that the ability of companies to secure funding will become increasingly polarized during periods of rising interest rates. Large corporations with ample cash reserves and high credit ratings can choose relatively favorable funding methods, while financially weaker companies may be tempted to resort to questionable funding practices.Rising funding costs are also expected to negatively impact investment decisions. Companies looking to invest in facilities or new businesses will have to reassess expected returns and funding costs as interest rates rise. Projects with lower profitability or longer payback periods are more likely to see delays or reductions in scale. If existing business expansions or research and development (R&D) investments are conducted conservatively, it could adversely affect corporate growth potential.Kim Dae-jong, a professor at Sejong University, stated, "As interest rates rise, corporate investment contracts, ultimately impacting employment and economic growth rates. It is crucial for the financial market to maintain stable liquidity and credit supply to prevent corporate funding from being obstructed."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 05:04:00
South Korea Signs Investment Protection Agreement with Turkmenistan The South Korean government has signed an investment protection agreement with Turkmenistan, aiming to expand its foothold in major infrastructure projects, including chemicals, plants, and smart water management.In a separate development, South Korea and Kazakhstan have upgraded their bilateral relations to a 'future-oriented comprehensive strategic partnership' for the first time in 17 years, enhancing cooperation in economic security and advanced industries, including oil supply chains, nuclear power, and urban air mobility.On September 15, President Lee Jae-myung held separate summits at the Blue House with Turkmenistan's President Serdar Berdymukhamedov and Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The two countries exchanged a total of 26 documents, including agreements and memorandums of understanding (MOUs).During his meeting with Berdymukhamedov, President Lee stated, "Turkmenistan's abundant resources will lead to high-value industries and job creation, and South Korea will work together to make the land connecting the Caspian Sea and Central Asia a new route for logistics and trade."He also expressed gratitude for Turkmenistan's support in facilitating the safe evacuation of South Korean citizens and their families through Turkmenistan during the tense situation in Iran last year. Lee remarked, "The warm hand extended in difficult times truly reflects the deep trust and friendship between our two countries."Berdymukhamedov responded by expressing hope that his first state visit to South Korea would mark a significant turning point in the development of bilateral relations. He also voiced support for the 'E.N.D. Initiative' proposed by President Lee, which stands for Exchange, Normalization, and Denuclearization.Berdymukhamedov thanked South Korea for supporting Turkmenistan's policy of permanent neutrality and for co-sponsoring the UN General Assembly resolution declaring 2028 as the 'International Year of Law.'A key economic outcome of the talks was the 'Agreement on the Promotion and Protection of Investments,' finalized for the first time in 16 years. This agreement stipulates fair and equitable treatment for investors from both countries, national treatment, and compensation principles for expropriation. It also guarantees investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) procedures and the free transfer of investment funds, establishing a stable institutional framework for investments by companies from both nations.Based on the MOUs in the chemical and infrastructure sectors, the two countries agreed to explore new projects in oil and gas, chemicals, construction, transportation and logistics, and smart cities. They also established an official cooperation framework in the railway sector to facilitate South Korean participation in Turkmenistan's railway modernization projects.In the water resources sector, they agreed to modernize infrastructure, including the Karakum Canal, a major water source for Turkmenistan, and to share smart water management technologies utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) and water reuse techniques. They also established a cooperation network for intellectual property protection, digital forest restoration, and responses to organized crime, including drug trafficking and money laundering.Following the exchange of agreements and MOUs, a state luncheon was held with the participation of over 50 dignitaries from both countries.President Lee then met with President Tokayev to discuss cooperation in economic and trade, energy and critical minerals, AI and science and technology, and human and cultural exchanges. The two leaders adopted a proposal to elevate their strategic partnership, established in 2009, to a 'future-oriented comprehensive strategic partnership.'A key achievement from the discussions with Kazakhstan was cooperation in oil supply chains. The two countries agreed to jointly respond to global oil supply disruptions and to expand the supply of Kazakh oil, including production from the Korea National Oil Corporation. They will also enhance cooperation across the entire oil value chain, including geological exploration, oil and gas field development, and research in oil and gas chemistry.In the nuclear sector, they plan to promote joint research and development of nuclear power and small modular reactors (SMRs), exchange information on nuclear industry policies, support nuclear and radiation safety technologies, and train professionals. They also established a foundation for cooperation to enhance the stability of the nuclear fuel supply chain with Kazakhstan, a major uranium producer, and to support the entry of South Korean companies into new nuclear projects locally.Procedures for sending and receiving Kazakh workers under the employment permit system were also established. Workers who pass objective assessments, such as the Korean language proficiency test, will be supplied to small and medium-sized enterprises in South Korea, ensuring public transparency in the selection process and entry procedures to protect workers' rights.In the field of future air mobility, they will promote the introduction of unmanned aerial systems and UAM traffic management systems, as well as technology transfer and exchanges. The Korea Airports Corporation has been designated as a partner for system construction and technology cooperation, laying the groundwork for exporting future air traffic management infrastructure developed in South Korea to Central Asia.The two countries agreed to apply AI to intellectual property administration and to strengthen cooperation in intellectual property transactions, financing, and counterfeit product prevention. They will also promote digital forest management using the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and information and communication technology (ICT), cultural cooperation from 2026 to 2030, and the preservation and management of sites related to the independence movement in Kazakhstan through joint academic research.Chief Presidential Secretary Kang Yu-jeong stated in a written briefing, "The government will continue to work to ensure that the results of this summit lead to tangible outcomes that our citizens can feel."Meanwhile, after completing state visits to Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan, President Lee is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with the leaders of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan on September 16 and preside over the first Korea-Central Asia Summit.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 04:56:00
Kim Seung-won Opposes Granting Special Prosecutors Authority to Drop Charges Kim Seung-won, the nominee for Minister of Justice, stated that there is no need to artificially grant special prosecutors the authority to dismiss charges.During a confirmation hearing held on September 15 by the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee, Kim responded to a related inquiry from Park Hyung-soo, a member of the ruling People Power Party, saying, "As a member of the National Assembly at the time, I opposed including a charge dismissal provision, believing it was unnecessary to do so artificially."Park pointed out that Kim had previously stated on a radio program before his nomination that it was appropriate for the Minister of Justice to dismiss charges, but after his nomination, he indicated he would not direct the prosecutor general to do so.In response, Kim explained, "The earlier statement was made as a member of the National Assembly to express public concern regarding fabricated charges. As the nominee for Minister of Justice, I promised to act in accordance with the law."Park countered Kim's remarks, stating, "Many citizens who feel wronged by fabricated charges have fought for their innocence in court and received acquittals. Is it not preferential treatment to end matters with a charge dismissal simply because the president says so?"Kim reiterated his opposition to granting special prosecutors the authority to dismiss charges, stating, "I will express my opinions during the legislative process in the National Assembly."Additionally, when asked by Yoon Sang-hyun, another member of the People Power Party, about the stance on charge dismissals related to President Yoon, Kim stated, "The authority to dismiss charges does not lie with the Minister of Justice, and I do not intend to exercise it through general directives to the prosecutor general."However, Kim emphasized, "It must be clearly established whether there were fabricated charges, which is a preliminary step before any charge dismissal. Investigative and prosecutorial powers must be exercised in the most fair, restrained, and politically neutral manner."He added, "I believe it is acceptable to think that I am completely different from former Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon," indicating he would not follow the precedents set by his predecessor.After the hearing was adjourned, both ruling and opposition parties provided contrasting evaluations regarding Kim's qualifications. Kim Ui-gyeom, the ruling party's secretary of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, told reporters, "There was nothing new revealed, and all the information had already been disclosed," asserting that there were no grounds for Kim's disqualification. He defended Kim, stating, "He explained himself sufficiently."In contrast, Park Hyung-soo, the opposition party's secretary, criticized Kim in a conversation with a media outlet, saying, "The nominee has not adequately addressed various allegations," and accused him of engaging in melodrama related to family matters instead of clarifying the allegations, expressing a stance against adopting the confirmation report. 2026-09-15 22:08:00
Over 300 Koreans Detained in Georgia Take Legal Action Against Trump Administration Koreans detained in Georgia file legal claims against Trump administrationOver 300 Korean workers who were detained by U.S. immigration authorities in Georgia last year have initiated legal action against the Trump administration. According to CNN on September 15, the workers, who were arrested at the construction site of a joint battery plant by Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution, have begun filing administrative claims as a preliminary step to a federal lawsuit. A Korean attorney representing the workers stated that they plan to submit claims against nine federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Department of Justice by the end of the year.UN Security Council convenes emergency meeting on Bab el-Mandeb StraitThe United Nations Security Council convened an emergency meeting on September 15 to discuss issues related to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, according to Reuters. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, located at the entrance to the Red Sea, is a critical global maritime trade route. The Houthi rebels, considered proxies of Iran, have recently expanded their control over strategic areas in southern Red Sea, rapidly extending their influence along the Bab el-Mandeb coast. Concerns are rising that if the Houthis gain complete control over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which Iran effectively controls in the Strait of Hormuz, international oil prices could surge further.Kim Boo-kyum likely candidate for new chair of National Integration CommitteeFormer Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum is reportedly a strong candidate to lead the National Integration Committee, which is directly under the President's office. According to sources within the ruling party on September 15, President Lee Jae-myung is considering Kim as a top candidate to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of former chair Lee Seok-yeon. The President believes Kim is well-suited to achieve social integration across generations, regions, and political factions. Kim is a prominent politician from Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province (TK) within the Democratic Party. He served as Minister of the Interior and Safety and as Prime Minister during the Moon Jae-in administration. In this year's local elections on June 3, he ran for mayor of Daegu as the Democratic candidate, receiving 45% of the vote but losing to incumbent Mayor Hong Joon-pyo.Kim Min-seok meets with Buddhist leaders to discuss national unityKim Min-seok, the leader of the Democratic Party, visited the Jogye Order and the Taego Order of Korean Buddhism on September 15, seeking their cooperation in addressing national unity and social issues. During his visit to Jogyesa Temple in Jongno, Seoul, he met with the head monk Jinwoo and proposed utilizing religious facilities for programs like temple stays for families of individuals with developmental disabilities. He also met with the head monk Sangjin of the Taego Order, expressing that the Taego Order has made significant contributions to Buddhism and national culture, and he hopes to seek their assistance in tackling social issues such as suicide and loneliness. In the guestbook, he wrote, 'I will practice politics that serves the people, guided by the teachings of compassion.'President Lee to hold press conference on constitutional amendment and troop deploymentPresident Lee Jae-myung will hold a press conference on September 18 to address key issues that have stirred the political landscape, including constitutional amendments, troop deployment to the Strait of Hormuz, and his request for the dismissal of charges in his criminal trial. Seong Gi-hong, the Chief of Public Communication at the Blue House, announced on September 15 during a briefing at the Chunchugwan that the press conference will take place at 10 a.m. at the Blue House's guesthouse, lasting approximately 90 minutes, including opening remarks, a Q&A session with reporters, and closing statements. About 150 journalists from domestic and international media will attend, marking the seventh press conference since President Lee took office. The conference will be divided into two main areas: politics and diplomacy, and policy and economy. Reporters will be allowed to ask questions freely without prior coordination, and the seating arrangement will be designed to minimize the distance between the President and the journalists. Additionally, questions from the public, gathered through live comments during the broadcast, will be included, especially those not previously addressed.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 22:00:00
Um Ji-sung's Hat Trick Leads South Korea to 4-1 Victory Over Qatar in Asian Games Opener The South Korean U-23 men's football team kicked off its campaign at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games with a decisive 4-1 victory over Qatar, setting the stage for a potential fourth consecutive title.Under the guidance of head coach Lee Min-seong, the team triumphed in their Group D opener on September 15 at the Mizuho Park Rugby Stadium in Nagoya, Japan, thanks to a hat trick from Um Ji-sung of Swansea City. South Korea aims to secure its fourth consecutive gold medal, following victories in Incheon in 2014, Jakarta-Palembang in 2018, and the 2022 Hangzhou Games.This tournament features 15 nations divided into four groups, with the top teams advancing to the knockout stage. South Korea will face Saudi Arabia in their next match on September 22.Lee Min-seong's squad featured Kim Myung-jun (Henk) leading the attack, supported by Um Ji-sung, Bae Jun-ho (Stoke City), and Yang Hyun-jun (Celtic) in the midfield. Captain Lee Gi-hyuk partnered with Lee Seung-won (Gangwon) in the center, while the defense comprised Kim Ji-soo (Brentford), Shin Min-ha (Gangwon), Choi Seok-hyun (Ulsan), and Bae Hyun-seo (Gyeongnam). The goalkeeper was Kim Jun-hong (Suwon).In a match against a Qatari team composed entirely of players born after 2005, South Korea dominated from the start.Um Ji-sung opened the scoring just seven minutes into the match, allowing South Korea to control the game. After a long pass from Kim Ji-soo, Um skillfully maneuvered into the penalty area from the left and scored with a left-footed shot.In the 20th minute, Um capitalized on a defensive error, netting another goal from the center of the penalty area with his right foot. He completed his hat trick in first-half stoppage time, receiving a pass from Lee Seung-won.The second half saw continued pressure from South Korea. In the 52nd minute, Bae Jun-ho's cross found Yang Hyun-jun, whose shot was saved by the goalkeeper. Shortly after, Kim Myung-jun had two attempts blocked following a cross from Choi Seok-hyun and a header from Um Ji-sung.Finally, in the 66th minute, Kim Myung-jun scored with an assist from Yang Hyun-jun, solidifying South Korea's lead.In the 72nd minute, Lee Min-seong substituted Kim Myung-jun, Bae Jun-ho, and Lee Seung-won for Yang Min-hyuk (Beveren), Lee Hyun-joo (Aroca), and Kang Sang-yoon (Jeonbuk), allowing the team to manage the game comfortably. However, in the 85th minute, they conceded a goal to Mirwan Hassan due to a lapse in defense during a free kick, but South Korea maintained a three-goal lead to finish the match.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 21:52:00
Over 300 Koreans Detained in Georgia Take Legal Action Against Trump Administration Last year, Korean workers detained by U.S. immigration authorities in Georgia are taking legal action against the Trump administration. On September 15, CNN reported that over 300 Korean workers, who were arrested and detained at the construction site of a joint battery plant by Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution, have begun filing administrative claims as a preliminary step toward a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration. A Korean attorney representing the workers stated that they plan to submit claims against nine federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Department of Justice by the end of the year. This marks the beginning of a collective legal process against the Trump administration by the workers. Previously, U.S. immigration authorities conducted a raid on September 4, 2022, at the construction site of the Hyundai electric vehicle plant in Georgia, detaining 475 workers, the majority of whom were Korean. The heavily armed agents were seen handcuffing individuals, including those holding B1/B2 visas, in a manner typically reserved for serious criminals, shocking many observers.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 21:32:00
India's Ramayana comes alive on Seoul stage through rhythm, gesture and Odissi SEOUL, September 15 (AJP) - Eight dancers stepped onto the stage in deep purple and silver costumes, their bare feet striking the floor as the sound of ankle bells followed almost every movement. The rhythm was distinctive. Knees bent low, wrists turned sharply and elbows shifted into angular positions, while fingers repeatedly formed delicate shapes, at times with three fingers extended. A slight movement of the eyes or fingertips could change the mood of a scene. For nearly the entire performance, there were no elaborate stage props. Yet the stage rarely felt empty. That was the language of Odissi on display Tuesday evening at Ewha Womans University’s Samsung Hall in western Seoul, where the 2026 Sarang Festival of India in Korea opened with “Siya Ram ... the eternal saga,” a full-length dance drama based on the Ramayana, one of India’s most revered epics. Presented by the Nrityantar Dance Ensemble and choreographed and directed by noted Odissi dancer Madhulita Mohapatra, the production followed Sita and Rama through love, exile, abduction, sacrifice, war and eventual reunion. Ramayana, Rama is the prince of Ayodhya and Sita his wife, whose relationship lies at the heart of the epic. Their story begins with love and marriage but is soon tested when Rama is sent into exile for 14 years. Sita chooses to accompany him, only to be abducted by Ravana, the powerful king of Lanka. Rama’s search for her ultimately leads to war and, after a long separation, their reunion. Tuesday’s production told that familiar Indian story largely through Sita’s eyes, placing greater emphasis on her memories, separation and endurance. Rather than treating her simply as the figure waiting to be rescued, the performance followed her emotional journey through love, fear, captivity and resilience. “A movement of the hand can tell a story, a glance can express an emotion, a sculptural pose can suddenly bring to life images that have adorned Indian temples for centuries,” Indian Ambassador to Korea Gourangalal Das said. Odissi is one of India’s classical dance traditions, originating in the eastern state of Odisha. Closely associated with the region’s temple heritage, it is known for sculptural poses, lyrical movements and expressive storytelling. “The performance felt lively overall, but much of it also had a calm and restrained quality, and so did the music,” said Most Ven. Bogeom Woneung, head monk of Gongdeokwon, a Korean Buddhist temple in India, and host of the YouTube channel Bogeom Sunim’s World Buddhist Journey. Some Korean audience members said they were initially unfamiliar with the art form but became increasingly drawn in as the story unfolded. “Indian culture felt quite different to me, so the performance was unfamiliar at first. But even though the dance team was made up entirely of women, the stage never felt empty, and I liked how the tension built as the story progressed. I was especially fascinated by the movements of their fingertips,” said Lee So-heun, 26, a Seoul resident. All eight performers were women, with the ensemble filling the stage through synchronized movement, shifting formations and expressive gestures rather than elaborate sets or props. “It was an extraordinary performance. It was something I had never seen anywhere else,” said Cho Sung-rae, who is in his mid-60s and attended after hearing about the event through an acquaintance. “It was a beautiful show. It was a pleasure to see a performance from my country here in Korea,” said Abinaya, 29, an Ewha Womans University student from India who has lived in Korea for three and a half years. The performance offered Seoul audiences a vivid glimpse of India’s classical dance tradition. 2026-09-15 21:24:40