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  • Naju City Launches Naju-Style Just Dream Program to Support Residents
    Naju City Launches 'Naju-Style Just Dream' Program to Support Residents Naju City is attracting attention with its 'Naju-Style Just Dream' program.This initiative allows residents facing sudden financial difficulties to receive essential goods and welfare counseling services without complex procedures.According to Naju City on September 15, the Ministry of Health and Welfare is expanding the 'Just Dream' program, prompting Naju to implement its own version.Mayor Yoon Byeong-tae visited the Nohan-myeon Administrative Welfare Center on September 11 to assess the program's operations.During his visit, Mayor Yoon inspected the 'Just Dream' corner, checking the availability and shelf life of support items, user accessibility, and the status of program information and promotion, while listening to the challenges faced by staff.Naju City has established 'Just Dream' corners in 20 administrative welfare centers across towns and villages to provide assistance closer to residents who have difficulty visiting food bank locations. The program began operations in September.The centers operate flexibly two to three times a week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, considering local conditions and demand, to ensure residents can conveniently access food and essential items.Naju City plans to go beyond just providing goods by identifying residents who may need additional welfare services during the process and connecting them to counseling and support services, thereby enhancing early detection of households in crisis.The city will continuously monitor the operational status of each center and expand partnerships with public institutions, businesses, and private organizations to secure a stable supply of donated items.Feedback on inconveniences and areas for improvement raised on-site will be actively incorporated to develop 'Just Dream' into a community-focused welfare initiative that residents can truly feel.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 12:32:00
  • LG Electronics Launches First Apartment Heat Pump Electrification Project in South Korea
    LG Electronics Launches First Apartment Heat Pump Electrification Project in South Korea LG Electronics is set to install heat pumps in an apartment complex, marking the first such initiative in South Korea. The project aims to expand the existing heat pump business, which has primarily focused on single-family homes, into the multi-family housing sector, thereby leading the electrification market for heating and cooling in the country.On September 15, LG Electronics signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the Jeju International Convention Center with the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, Jeju Development Corporation, and the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology to promote the 'Electrification of Heating and Cooling in Multi-Family Housing and P2H (Power to Heat) Demonstration Project.'The demonstration project will take place at the Shin Hyo Apartment in Seogwipo City, which consists of 12 units across seven floors. Design work is expected to be completed by October, with construction beginning shortly thereafter and full operation anticipated by December.LG Electronics will oversee the design of the heat pump system, supply high-efficiency products, and handle commissioning, maintenance, and performance evaluation. The Jeju government will facilitate regulatory and policy connections, while Jeju Development Corporation will provide the demonstration building and manage its operation. The Korea Institute of Industrial Technology will be responsible for the design of the P2H system and data analysis.Key technologies being applied include an 'integrated heating and cooling system for each unit' and a 'centralized hot water P2H system.' The system will implement direct cooling and underfloor heating using a single outdoor unit, reducing installation space.In common areas, an air-source heat pump and a large-capacity hot water tank will be installed in the first-floor pilot space to ensure stable hot water supply. Notably, the P2H technology will utilize heat generated from surplus renewable energy, contributing to grid stabilization and reducing energy costs for residents.Based on operational data gathered from this demonstration, LG Electronics plans to establish a 'Korean Standard Model for Electrification of Multi-Family Housing' applicable to public rental housing, remodeling, and new construction projects.Oh Se-gi, Vice President and Head of LG Electronics' Energy Solutions Research Institute, stated, "This demonstration, conducted in an apartment where residents live, is significant for validating a heating and cooling electrification model optimized for multi-family housing. We aim to achieve a decarbonized electrification transition in the domestic residential environment based on our proven technology in the global market." 2026-09-15 12:32:00
  • Venice Film Festival Highlights Six Films in Early Oscar Race
    Venice Film Festival Highlights Six Films in Early Oscar Race In recent years, films that have their world premieres at the Venice Film Festival often gain attention at the Academy Awards. Notable examples include 'La La Land', 'Joker', 'Frankenstein', and 'The Innocents'. The Venice Film Festival is seen as the starting point for the Oscar race, as it allows industry insiders to predict potential Academy Award nominees based on the films showcased there. On September 12, the BBC highlighted six films from the recently concluded 83rd Venice International Film Festival that are already being discussed as potential Academy Award contenders. Among these is 'Possible Love', directed by Lee Chang-dong, which won the Silver Lion for Best Director. The six films identified by the BBC provide an early glimpse into the possible direction of next year’s Oscar race. Primetime 'Primetime' is another leading role for Robert Pattinson, who has appeared in several films this year, including 'Odyssey', 'The Drama', and 'Dune: Part 3'. The film is based on the American reality show 'To Catch A Predator', which aired from 2004 to 2007. The show was designed to catch child predators through sting operations, conducted in cooperation with law enforcement agencies across the United States. The film explores the show's inception, its peak, and the ambiguous ethics of its production team. Pattinson plays Chris Hansen, the show's host. The BBC praised Pattinson's performance, stating he captures Hansen's mannerisms while also conveying a reptilian sense of menace and obsessive madness. Given the Academy's history of favoring performances of real-life figures, there is growing anticipation that Pattinson may finally receive his first Oscar nomination. Wild Horse Nine 'Wild Horse Nine', which earned John Malkovich the Best Actor award at the Venice Film Festival, is also among the contenders. Directed by Martin McDonagh, known for 'Three Billboards' and 'The Banshees of Inisherin', the film is being discussed as a strong candidate for the Academy Award for Best Actor. The BBC described Malkovich as an actor with a unique magnetism, noting that in this film, he portrays a tormented elderly assassin with a complex and moving performance. If Malkovich receives a nomination, it would mark his third Oscar nod, having previously been nominated twice for Best Supporting Actor. This time, he is vying for his first Academy Award win in 33 years. Flesh Impact This 17-minute short film was created to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Marilyn Monroe's birth and is considered a strong contender in the Academy's short film category. The film depicts a 100-year-old Monroe auditioning for a Broadway play, where she shares stories from her life. Ellen Burstyn, at 93, plays the role of the elderly Monroe, while Dakota Johnson portrays her younger self. Directed and written by actress Maggie Gyllenhaal, the film is set to be showcased at this year's Busan International Film Festival, generating significant anticipation. Woman Unknown The fourth film, 'Woman Unknown', won the prestigious Golden Lion at this year's Venice International Film Festival. Directed by Danish filmmaker May El-Toukhy, it is the only film in the competition directed by a woman. Set in post-World War II Copenhagen, the story follows a young housemaid engaged to a wealthy employer whose past romance with a German soldier comes to light, putting her future at risk. The BBC explained that 'Woman Unknown' examines how far people will go to survive and how men justify their abuse of women. Possible Love Lee Chang-dong's 'Possible Love', his first film in eight years since 'Burning', is the fifth film on the list. It won the Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival. Featuring actors Jeon Do-yeon, Sul Kyung-gu, Jo In-sung, and Jo Yeo-jeong, the film tells the story of two couples making a documentary. Produced as a Netflix original, 'Possible Love' may have limited theatrical release opportunities. However, Lee has already been named a recipient of the Ebert Director Award at the ongoing Toronto International Film Festival, marking a historic first for a Korean director. The film is also expected to be featured at the New York Film Festival, Zurich Film Festival, and Vancouver International Film Festival, making it one of the most anticipated films of the year. If it enters the Oscar race, Netflix is expected to provide substantial support. Jeon Do-yeon is already being considered for the Academy Award for Best Actress. Musk Lastly, a lengthy documentary titled 'Musk', directed by Alex Gibney, explores the life of the world's richest man, Elon Musk. Spanning 3 hours and 45 minutes, the film covers Musk's childhood, his early years in Silicon Valley, and his rise to wealth exceeding $1 trillion through companies like Tesla and SpaceX. Musk himself criticized the film, calling it a “misguided, aggressive work” and “a four-hour bore.” However, the production company, Bleecker Street, plans to campaign for the film in all eligible categories, including Best Picture at the Oscars. As films that have made their mark at the Venice Film Festival begin to emerge as potential Oscar nominees, excitement is already building for next year’s Academy Awards. The race is on to see which films and actors will take home the coveted Oscar trophies in March. 2026-09-15 12:08:00
  • Asiana Airlines Mileage to Remain Separate for 10 Years Post-Merger
    Asiana Airlines Mileage to Remain Separate for 10 Years Post-Merger Following the merger of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, Asiana's mileage will remain usable separately for 10 years. When converted to Korean Air mileage, the flight accrual will be at a 1:1 ratio, while partner accruals from credit cards and other sources will be at a 1:0.82 ratio.Opportunities for bonus seat availability on routes to North America, Europe, and Oceania, which have previously been difficult to secure, will be expanded.The Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) announced on the 15th that it had finalized its approval of the mileage integration plan submitted by Korean Air on the 14th. The integration plan will take effect from the date of the merger, which is scheduled for December 17.Initially, during the review of the integration plan, the KFTC requested enhancements to expand mileage usage opportunities last December. They determined that Korean Air's incentive to provide sufficient mileage redemption options could diminish post-merger. After approximately nine months of discussions, including seven face-to-face meetings and four requests for revisions, the final proposal submitted by Korean Air on September 1 was approved.According to the integration plan, Asiana's mileage will be managed separately from Korean Air's for 10 years starting from the merger date. Consumers who do not wish to convert their mileage will automatically retain the existing deduction standards and validity periods of Asiana's mileage. After the merger, it can be used for bonus tickets, seat upgrades, mixed payments, and shopping on Korean Air routes.This means that the separate management period is 10 years. For example, mileage accrued in 2025 that is set to expire at the end of 2035 will maintain its validity period regardless of conversion. The effectiveness of permanent mileage, which has no expiration date, will also be preserved.If consumers wish to convert their mileage, they can apply at any time during the separate management period, but they must convert all of their Asiana mileage. After 10 years, any remaining mileage will be automatically converted at a specified rate. For instance, if a consumer holds 50,000 Asiana flight miles and 50,000 partner miles, the total after conversion to Korean Air mileage will be 91,000 miles. The actual decision to convert should consider not only the mileage amount but also the redemption standards and member benefits for the desired routes and seats.Korean Air will also manage actual flight performance through bonus tickets and seat upgrades. Over the next 10 years, the combined performance of both airlines must exceed their 2024 totals. Specifically, for routes to North America, Europe, and Oceania, the standards have been raised to maintain levels above those achieved in 2023, which was the highest in the past decade.If necessary, Korean Air will increase supply by deploying special mileage flights during peak seasons and popular routes. To prevent the practice of only increasing seats during off-peak seasons, the status of bonus seat supply during peak seasons will be reported annually to the implementation oversight committee.A new annual mileage usage total standard has also been established. Based on the combined usage in 2025, the target for 2027-2028 is set at 106%, 112% for 2029, and 121% for 2030-2036.The minimum usage for mixed payments, which combine cash, cards, and mileage, will be reduced from 500 miles to 100 miles, while the maximum limit will increase from 30% to 40% of the fare. The number of non-air products available for purchase with less than 2,000 miles will also double.Asiana's elite members will be granted corresponding status in Korean Air. If they met the conditions for maintaining their elite status before the merger, they will retain that status for 24 months from the original expiration date.The KFTC plans to continuously monitor compliance with the approval conditions, including bonus seat performance and mileage usage, through the implementation oversight committee. Jeon Seong-bok, head of the KFTC's Corporate Transaction Review Division, stated, "Asiana mileage holders will receive the same deduction standards and validity periods during the separate management period of 10 years, ensuring they can use their mileage on the expanded routes of both airlines without losing value."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 12:04:20
  • Koreas M2 growth slows for first time this year in July
    Korea's M2 growth slows for first time this year in July SEOUL, Sept. 15 (AJP) — South Korea's annual M2 growth slowed for the first time this year in July as readily accessible savings deposits fell while term deposits and money trusts increased as interest rates went higher. M2, a broad measure of money supply, rose 5.8 percent from a year earlier, easing from 6.0 percent in June, according to data released Tuesday by the Bank of Korea (BOK). On a seasonally adjusted monthly basis, M2 rose 0.3 percent to 4,225.6 trillion won, slowing from a 0.7 percent increase in June. The slowdown came in the month when the BOK raised its base rate by 25 basis points to 2.75 percent, its first increase of the current tightening cycle. The BOK said term deposits and money trusts with maturities of less than two years led the monthly increase. Term deposits with maturities of less than two years increased by 27.3 trillion won in July, up sharply from a 7.1 trillion won increase in June, as corporate surplus funds and money related to the derivatives market flowed in. Money trusts with maturities of less than two years increased by 11.4 trillion won, compared with a 6.3 trillion won increase in June, as semiconductor companies increased deposits. Readily accessible savings deposits, meanwhile, shrank by 27.0 trillion won after edging up by 0.4 trillion won a month earlier. M1, which mainly covers cash and deposits that can be used immediately, fell 2.2 percent from June after rising 0.4 percent the previous month. Its annual growth rate slowed sharply to 6.4 percent from 10.0 percent. Broader liquidity measures also declined. Liquidity at financial institutions, or Lf, fell 0.4 percent from June after rising 1.0 percent, while broad liquidity, or L, declined 0.5 percent after increasing 0.8 percent a month earlier. Their annual growth rates also eased, with Lf slowing to 7.5 percent from 8.5 percent and L to 8.0 percent from 9.4 percent. M2 holdings by economic sector maintained the pattern seen in June, although the size of the moves narrowed. Nonfinancial companies increased their M2 holdings by 20.6 trillion won, down from a revised 37.8 trillion won increase in June. Households and nonprofit organizations reduced their holdings by 11.6 trillion won, compared with a 19.8 trillion won decline a month earlier. M2 under the previous statistical definition also lost momentum, falling 0.8 percent from June as annual growth slowed to 10.3 percent from 12.2 percent. Investment-fund holdings remained a major contributor, rising 48.9 percent from a year earlier and adding 5.0 percentage points to annual growth in the old-definition M2 measure. AJP Takeaways - South Korea's annual M2 growth slowed to 5.8 percent in July from 6.0 percent in June, marking the first slowdown this year. - The slowdown came as the BOK raised its base rate by 25 basis points to 2.75 percent in July, while readily accessible savings deposits fell sharply. - Nonfinancial companies continued to add M2 holdings while households and nonprofit organizations reduced theirs, although both moves were smaller than in June. 2026-09-15 12:04:20
  • Budget Office Visits Child Welfare Facility Ahead of Chuseok
    Budget Office Visits Child Welfare Facility Ahead of Chuseok The Budget Office visited a child welfare facility to encourage staff and deliver donations ahead of the Chuseok holiday.On September 15, the office announced it visited the 'Samsin Neulpureun Dongsan' child welfare facility in Buyeo, South Chungcheong Province. This visit aimed to hear the voices from the local child care scene and promote a culture of sharing during the holiday.During the visit, Kim Myung-jung, head of the Planning and Coordination Office, listened to facility representatives discuss operational status and challenges. He expressed gratitude to the dedicated staff working under difficult conditions and spoke directly with the children, wishing them a healthy and warm Chuseok.Kim stated, "During the holidays, it is essential to show more care and warmth to our neighbors." He added, "The government will ensure that those in need are not overlooked and that all citizens can enjoy a warm holiday."The Budget Office has continued its visits and support activities for welfare facilities following the Lunar New Year. It plans to keep promoting a culture of sharing and consideration, especially during holidays and for those in need.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 12:04:10
  • Public Companies to Shift Merger Valuation from Market Price to Fair Value
    Public Companies to Shift Merger Valuation from Market Price to Fair Value The method for determining merger valuations for public companies will transition from market price to fair value. This change aims to move away from a uniform arithmetic average evaluation method and instead consider various valuation factors, including a company's assets and earnings. Additionally, the process will require the board of directors to prepare review opinions and obtain external evaluations.On September 15, the Financial Services Commission announced that from September 16 to October 6, it will seek public input on amendments to the 'Enforcement Decree of the Capital Markets and Financial Investment Business Act' and the 'Regulations on the Issuance and Disclosure of Securities.' The amendments to the Capital Markets Act were announced on September 8 and will take effect on December 9.Under the revised law, publicly listed companies must apply fair value, which considers market price, asset value, and earnings value, when determining the value of mergers, splits, significant business asset transfers, and comprehensive stock exchanges. Asset value is calculated by dividing net assets by the total number of issued shares, while earnings value refers to a reasonably assessed value using methods such as discounted cash flow (DCF) or dividend discount model (DDM).Previously, the valuation for mergers was based on the arithmetic average of the closing prices from one month, one week, or the most recent day prior to the contract date or board resolution date, with a possible discount or premium of up to 10%.The price for shareholder appraisal rights was also calculated using the arithmetic average of closing prices from two months, one month, or one week prior to the board resolution date. The Financial Services Commission will remove these specific calculation methods in the upcoming regulatory amendments.Furthermore, the board of directors will be required to draft and disclose an opinion on the purpose, expected effects, and appropriateness of the valuation for mergers, and must obtain an evaluation from an objective third party, which will also be disclosed. In cases of mergers between affiliates, additional disclosures regarding the interests between the related parties and the counterpart company will be required.The Financial Services Commission stated, "The external evaluation criteria will expand beyond just the appropriateness of the valuation and transaction conditions to include the appropriateness of the evaluation methods used, the reasonableness of the key assumptions underlying the valuation, and any difficulties encountered in the evaluation. This will enhance the amount of information available to shareholders and investors." It emphasized that the key issue is not just the quantity of disclosed information but how well shareholders can verify and confirm the rationality of the transaction procedures and judgments.In cases of mergers between affiliates, the securities registration statement must include details about investments, debt guarantees, concurrent positions of executives, and changes in shareholding between the related parties and the counterpart company. This aims to help shareholders and investors clearly understand the interests involved in the transaction.If negotiations on the buyback price for shareholder appraisal rights fail, an external evaluation agency will assess the appropriateness of the buyback price, and this information must also be disclosed in the securities registration statement.The Financial Services Commission will collect opinions on the amendments to the enforcement decree and disclosure regulations for 20 days, followed by regulatory reviews, decisions by the Securities and Futures Commission and the Financial Services Commission, legislative reviews, and decisions by the vice minister and cabinet meetings. The amendments will take effect on December 9. 2026-09-15 12:04:10
  • Government to Support Recovery of Key Minerals from Semiconductor Byproducts
    Government to Support Recovery of Key Minerals from Semiconductor Byproducts The government will support the demonstration of technologies to recover key minerals from semiconductor process byproducts, waste batteries, and solar panel waste. It is also promoting a project to secure sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) raw materials from food waste.The Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment announced on September 15 that it will recruit participants for three planned regulatory exemption projects in the circular economy sector from September 16 to October 30. The projects focus on establishing management standards for circular resources from semiconductor process byproducts, recovering key minerals from waste batteries and solar panel waste, and diversifying sources of SAF raw materials.The circular economy regulatory exemption allows companies to demonstrate new technologies and services in a limited period, location, and scale. If safety and effectiveness are proven, related regulations can be improved. This system was introduced in January 2024, and 63 projects have received exemptions to date.This time, the government is taking a planned approach by proposing projects first and then recruiting suitable participants. This initiative aims to secure key minerals from domestic waste resources in response to supply chain instability and competition for resource acquisition.In the semiconductor sector, technologies will be demonstrated to recover silicon, copper, and titanium from materials such as silicon and metal targets used in processes. Although these byproducts contain valuable minerals, the domestic recycling system has not been sufficiently established. The government will grant exemptions from waste regulations during the demonstration period and verify the harmfulness and economic viability of the processing methods. Based on this, it plans to establish usage and standards for managing these byproducts as circular resources.In the waste battery and solar panel sectors, the government will support companies that possess new resource recovery technologies but face challenges in commercialization due to existing recycling standards or the lack of separate criteria. Expanding the recycling of key minerals could reduce the demand for new mining. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that increasing recycling could decrease the need for new mining developments by 35% for copper and cobalt, over 20% for lithium, and 15% for nickel by 2050.In the aviation fuel sector, the government will explore the potential use of food waste classified as cooking oil waste, which has limited recycling applications. This is a measure to diversify raw material sources in preparation for the implementation of SAF blending obligations next year. After demonstrating the collection and traceability of food waste and the feasibility of recovering oil, the government will consider establishing new waste classification numbers and recycling types.Interested participants can apply through the one-stop service for environmental technology industries. The government will review the alignment with the projects and the specificity of the business plans, and after deliberation and approval by the pre-review committee and the review committee, exemptions will be granted. Approved participants will conduct demonstrations for a basic period of two years, extendable up to four years. The maximum demonstration project cost supported is 120 million won, with a maximum of 20 million won for liability insurance. Legal reviews will also be provided if necessary.Kim Go-eung, Director of the Resource Circulation Bureau at the Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment, stated, "Securing key minerals, essential materials for advanced industries such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI), is directly linked to national competitiveness. We will promote diverse support for recovering key minerals from waste resources, including planned projects for future waste resources, and improve the system accordingly."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 12:04:00
  • South Korea to Shift Renewable Energy Contracts to Long-Term Agreements
    South Korea to Shift Renewable Energy Contracts to Long-Term Agreements Starting next year, new renewable energy facilities in South Korea will transition to long-term fixed-price power purchase agreements with Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) through government competitive bidding. The existing renewable energy certificate (REC) spot market will continue to operate until the end of 2029 to mitigate the impact of this system change.The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment announced on the 15th that the revised law promoting the development, utilization, and dissemination of renewable energy will be enacted, transitioning the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to a competitive bidding-based contract market. The revised law, which passed the National Assembly on August 20, will take effect on January 1, 2027.Introduced in 2012, the RPS has contributed to the expansion of renewable energy, but it has faced criticism for revenue uncertainty due to fluctuations in REC prices and a complex trading structure. The ministry noted that it also limited the ability to lower generation costs and foster domestic industries.Under the new system, new facilities will compete within a contract market based on generation sources, adhering to a government-set price cap. Winning bidders will enter into long-term fixed-price contracts with KEPCO. The ministry expects that this will facilitate easier financing and lower financial costs for operators, as they will be able to predict long-term revenues. The price competition during the bidding process is also anticipated to reduce electricity purchasing costs, thereby alleviating the burden of electricity rates.In selecting operators, factors beyond price will be considered, including contributions to domestic industry, supply chains, and energy security, aiming to strengthen the domestic industrial base. Public institutions, such as power generation public enterprises and private power companies, will be designated as supply obligation and target management entities based on capacity, encouraging the expansion of facilities in line with national supply goals.Transitional measures for existing operators will also be implemented. The RPS will be phased out gradually, considering existing contracts, but RECs for current operators will continue to be issued for up to 20 years. The REC spot market will have a three-year grace period after the law takes effect, operating until December 31, 2029. A separate contract market for small-scale facilities will also be established.In relation to this, the ministry will hold a public hearing on the 30th at the Eliena Hotel in Gangnam, Seoul, to explain the operation of the contract market and the phase-out plan for the existing system. The hearing will include expert discussions and a Q&A session. Anyone can register online through the ministry and the Korea Energy Agency's websites.The ministry plans to finalize amendments to subordinate regulations by the end of the year, incorporating feedback from stakeholders gathered during the public hearing and legislative notice. Next year, the first competitive bidding for solar and wind contracts will be announced alongside the implementation of the revised law.Lee Kyung-soo, Director of Renewable Energy Policy at the Ministry of Climate, stated, "We will prepare subordinate regulations after sufficient discussions and aim to enhance the stability of renewable energy project revenues while systematically expanding renewable energy deployment and lowering prices, ushering in an era of transition to renewable energy."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 12:04:00
  • South Koreas Finance Ministry Assesses External Economic Factors Amid Global Uncertainties
    South Korea's Finance Ministry Assesses External Economic Factors Amid Global Uncertainties The Ministry of Finance and Economy has evaluated external economic factors that could impact South Korea's economy in the second half of the year, including risks associated with U.S. artificial intelligence (AI) investments and unusual weather patterns in Europe.On September 14, the ministry held a video conference with finance officials from 15 countries, led by Moon Ji-sung, the ministry's International Economic Management Director, at the Government Seoul Complex.The finance officials, stationed at 18 diplomatic missions, support external operations related to fiscal and economic cooperation with host governments and international organizations, as well as gathering information on major policy trends.This meeting was convened to identify factors that could affect the South Korean economy amid ongoing external uncertainties, including geopolitical tensions from the U.S.-Iran conflict and changes in major countries' trade policies, as well as the rise of protectionism.Participants discussed trends and risks in U.S. AI investments, as well as Japan's new investment framework aimed at fostering a 'strong and prosperous Japan.' They also examined the implications of the new British government's policy direction and the impact of heatwaves and droughts in the European Union on agriculture, energy, and logistics.Moon emphasized the importance of proactively monitoring changes in policies and market movements in a highly uncertain external environment. He urged participants to swiftly share any new issues identified locally, enabling the headquarters to prepare timely responses as needed.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 12:04:00