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  • Jung Jeom-sik Warns of Dead Duck Presidency if Kim Seung-won is Appointed
    Jung Jeom-sik Warns of 'Dead Duck' Presidency if Kim Seung-won is Appointed On the first day of the National Assembly's confirmation hearings for five government minister nominees on September 15, the People Power Party called for the withdrawal of Kim Seung-won’s nomination as Minister of Justice. The opposition warned that if President Lee Jae-myung proceeds with Kim's appointment, it could lead to an early 'lame duck' situation for his administration.Jung Jeom-sik, the party's floor leader, stated at a policy meeting in the National Assembly, "(Kim) should be under investigation, not in a confirmation hearing," adding, "A Minister of Justice should not have any allegations of serious crimes against them."He criticized Kim for infringing on public safety by leading the abolition of the prosecution's supplementary investigation rights and for threatening citizens' health and lives through alleged lobbying related to COVID-19 treatments. In response to Kim's mention of reviewing the dissolution of the People Power Party as an unconstitutional party, Jung challenged, "If you are confident, go ahead and try. It’s a ploy to shift the narrative to a partisan conflict because he cannot explain his disqualifications."Jung urged President Lee to withdraw Kim's nomination, warning that if the appointment goes through, the administration's approval rating of 30% could plummet to a 'dead duck' status at 20%.Im Yi-ja, the party's policy chief, also criticized the government, stating, "With soaring housing prices, a rental crisis, tax burdens draining citizens' wallets, and a stock market turned into a gambling den, the government is only focused on 'saving Lee Jae-myung.'"She emphasized that the 33% approval rating for President Lee is a final warning from the public to completely overhaul the government's policies, stating, "If this stern warning is ignored and Kim's appointment is forced through, the result will be an irreparable paralysis of governance and public judgment against the administration."During the policy meeting, concerns were raised about the confusion and anxiety among farmers nationwide due to the government's farmland survey. It was noted that farmland prices plummeted following President Lee's directive in February for a comprehensive survey and sale orders.Jung questioned President Lee, asking, "Are you satisfied now?" He likened the situation to a 'Don Quixote' mistaking ordinary citizens for speculators, stating, "This government is robbing citizens of their homes and farmland. It is a truly exploitative regime."He concluded by stating that the People Power Party will address the fallout from the farmland survey and the real estate issues in the metropolitan area as a top priority in the upcoming regular session of the National Assembly, proposing that both parties work together to minimize related damages and discuss compensation for those already affected.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 11:24:00
  • Jongkundang Industries Opens Premium Senior Care Facility Bellforest Yongin
    Jongkundang Industries Opens Premium Senior Care Facility 'Bellforest Yongin' Jongkundang Industries announced on September 15 that it will open its premium senior care facility, 'Bellforest Yongin,' on the 21st in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province.Bellforest Yongin is a large facility located near Eonnam Elementary School in the Giheung District of Yongin, featuring two underground floors and four above-ground floors, with a total area of 6,060 square meters. It will operate a total of 100 beds, including those covered by long-term care insurance. The opening of this facility is a response to the growing demand for premium elderly care in an aging society. Jongkundang Industries stated, "We have acquired the existing 'Mujigae Silver Cares' to expand high-quality senior care services into the southern metropolitan area and have completely renewed it under the new brand, Bellforest Yongin." The facility will be operated by Heritage Nursing Home, which will implement proven programs and operational systems from both Heritage Nursing Home and Bellforest Gangil. The facility emphasizes specialized nursing to systematically manage seniors' complex chronic diseases and health conditions, linking personalized rehabilitation tailored to individual physical and cognitive functions. A professional physical therapist will provide one-on-one customized treatment based on cognitive and physical rehabilitation programs. Advanced rehabilitation equipment, such as aqua beds for physical relaxation and slings for strength and balance maintenance, will also be available. Inside, a 24-hour health monitoring system has been established, utilizing motion capture technology powered by artificial intelligence (AI), along with specialized nursing care rooms. One caregiver will be assigned for every 1.9 seniors to provide close care services. The facility plans to support not only the physical health of seniors but also their emotional stability and life satisfaction through cultural and leisure programs. A representative from Jongkundang Industries noted, "With the proximity to Singil IC and Shingal, Guseong, and Giheung stations, the accessibility to Seoul and Bundang is excellent, and we have a linkage system with major medical institutions such as Yongin Severance Hospital." They added, "We will present professional nursing and rehabilitation services along with meticulous senior care services to ensure that seniors can maintain a healthy and dignified daily life in the best living environment."Meanwhile, Jongkundang Industries is investing 2.2 trillion won to establish a knowledge industry center in the Baegot District of Siheung City. This center is expected to serve as a hub for bio and pharmaceutical research and development, in collaboration with institutions such as the Seoul National University Siheung Campus and Siheung Baegot Seoul National University Hospital. It is anticipated that industries related to the manufacturing of basic pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals, as well as medical and pharmaceutical research and development, will move in, with operations expected to commence in the second half of 2028.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 11:16:10
  • Doosan Fuel Cell Secures Additional $242 Million Fuel Cell Order in the U.S.
    Doosan Fuel Cell Secures Additional $242 Million Fuel Cell Order in the U.S. Doosan Fuel Cell announced that its U.S. subsidiary, HyAxiom, has signed a supply contract for phosphoric acid fuel cells (PAFC) worth 322.2 billion won ($242 million) on September 15. This follows a 501.4 billion won contract earlier this month, bringing the total contract value between the two companies to 823.6 billion won.The products from this latest order will be supplied to North America through HyAxiom starting in 2028. HyAxiom will provide engineering, commissioning, and long-term service agreements (LTSA) for these products.This additional order reflects the growing demand for on-site power generation systems near data centers, driven by increased power needs from artificial intelligence (AI) data centers. Fuel cells are emerging as a leading on-site power solution due to their short installation times and modular structure, allowing for incremental expansions.In the past month, Doosan Fuel Cell has secured approximately 930 billion won in overseas orders, including a 108.7 billion won contract for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stacks with Germany's Reverion GmbH in August. Combined with domestic supply contracts, the total order value for the year has reached approximately 1.1 trillion won.A representative from Doosan Fuel Cell stated, "This additional order is a recognition of our product competitiveness and supply responsiveness in the U.S. market. We will do our utmost to ensure stable delivery and quality management."Meanwhile, Doosan Fuel Cell is expanding its business beyond the domestic power generation fuel cell market into overseas markets in North America and Europe. By broadening its product range to include SOFCs in addition to PAFCs, the company aims to increase orders targeting new power demands from data centers and distributed power sources.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 11:16:10
  • Kim Seung-won Apologizes for Concerns Raised by Allegations
    Kim Seung-won Apologizes for Concerns Raised by Allegations Kim Seung-won, the nominee for Minister of Justice, expressed regret on September 15 for the concerns raised by recent allegations against him, stating, "I apologize for causing anxiety to the public due to the suspicions raised about me. I will sincerely explain the parts that are not true."During his opening remarks at the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing, Kim emphasized the significant responsibility he feels as the Minister of Justice nominee for the Lee Jae-myung government, stating that he must protect the rights and safety of the people.He also referenced his career as a judge, lawyer, and member of the 21st and 22nd National Assemblies. He highlighted his legislative achievements, including the proposal for the establishment of the Suwon Rehabilitation Court, which aimed to shorten the processing time for personal bankruptcy cases, and his advocacy for marginalized victims during the MBK and Homeplus incidents, asserting that "the protection of the law must first reach those who need it most."Kim noted the recent separation of investigation and prosecution, marking a significant overhaul of the criminal justice system after 70 years. He outlined four key policy priorities, identifying the establishment of the Public Prosecution Office and the successful separation of investigation and prosecution as top priorities, while also promising to implement a responsible criminal justice system. He described plans to prevent illegal and inadequate investigations and to resolve delays in investigations to achieve reforms that the public can feel.Additionally, he emphasized the need to strengthen responses to serious crimes, including stalking and relationship-based offenses, support for crime victims' recovery, free legal assistance, and the expansion of AI-based services to protect vulnerable populations.Kim also committed to revising livelihood-related legislation and reforming immigration and entry policies tailored to regional characteristics to support social integration and economic growth.He stated, "I will be strict with power and capital, and provide strong legal administration for victims and the socially vulnerable." He added, "I will use the authority entrusted to me by the public solely for the benefit of the people," and pledged to correct any shortcomings pointed out and to faithfully reflect the National Assembly's opinions in legal administration.The confirmation hearing is expected to see clashes between the ruling and opposition parties over various allegations related to Kim.The People Power Party is likely to launch a full-scale offensive against him, focusing on previously raised allegations, including accusations of soliciting new drugs, hiring family members at welfare organizations, and collusion with current judges.In contrast, the Democratic Party plans to label the opposition's verification efforts as false and fabricated, vowing to respond sternly to baseless allegations and personal attacks.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 11:16:00
  • Gwangmyeong City Launches Smart City Initiative to Combat Climate Crisis
    Gwangmyeong City Launches Smart City Initiative to Combat Climate Crisis Gwangmyeong City in Gyeonggi Province is taking action against the climate crisis by building a smart city that integrates energy, transportation, safety, and data. Kim Yeon-song, head of the Planning and Coordination Office, held a policy briefing on September 15 at the city hall to introduce the 'Carbon Neutral Smart City for Climate Crisis Response' project, which is based on the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's small-scale smart city development initiative. A total of 180 billion won, including 8 billion won from the national government, 8 billion won from the city, and private investments, will be invested in this project. The initiative aims to establish 10 smart services across four areas: energy, transportation, safety, and data, creating an urban management system that responds to the climate crisis by connecting the data generated by each service. Kim Yeon-song stated, "Rather than focusing on how innovative smart technology is, we concentrated on how it can enhance the quality of life for citizens and solve urban problems. We aim to create a sustainable city that actively responds to the climate crisis while ensuring the safety of our citizens and providing a prosperous life for future generations." Kim revealed plans to establish a circular energy system that utilizes locally produced renewable energy within the city. The project includes installing a 250 kW solar power facility at the Soha Drainage Pump Station, which is expected to generate approximately 200,000 kWh of electricity annually. This power will supply public facilities such as electric scooter battery exchange stations and smart bus stops, along with a virtual trading system to manage production and consumption in real-time. In the transportation sector, the city plans to expand the use of eco-friendly transportation options in daily life. The initiative will promote eco-friendly delivery using reusable containers and electric scooters, and an electric vehicle sharing service will be operated in the Gwangmyeong Station area. Demand-responsive transportation services will be introduced in Iljik, Hakwon, and Soha 2-dong to connect with major subway stations and encourage public transport use. The approach to climate disaster response will shift from reactive measures to proactive predictions. An AIoT-based integrated control system will be established to predict flooding and inundation risks by linking rainfall and water level data collected from 15 smart manholes and 28 surface water level gauges with data from the Korea Meteorological Administration and the Han River Flood Control Center. Notably, the data generated throughout the city will serve as a foundation for supporting carbon neutrality policies. The smart services will collect 32 types of data and link them with 86 internal city data types, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of urban conditions such as transportation demand, air quality, and flood risks. The city will also promote a carbon trading platform that connects carbon reduction activities of citizens, businesses, and public institutions to carbon credits. This initiative aims to ensure that carbon reduction efforts extend beyond individual actions to create economic value through project discovery, reduction amount calculation, and verification. A foundation will also be established for citizens, businesses, universities, and public institutions to collaboratively address urban issues. Centered around the Gwangmyeong Innovation Center 'G-Smart Hub,' the city plans to operate citizen living labs and corporate open labs to connect urban issues proposed by citizens with corporate technologies and implement them as actual services. Kim emphasized that the goal of this project is not only to establish individual smart services but also to develop a virtuous cycle structure that connects the data generated by each service to discover new policies and services. Meanwhile, Kim Yeon-song stressed, "Our aim is to effectively integrate smart technology throughout the city to flexibly respond to the changing urban environment and create a future city that citizens can truly experience." 2026-09-15 11:12:00
  • Lee Hyung-il: Adhering to $20 Billion Annual Investment Cap in U.S.
    Lee Hyung-il: Adhering to $20 Billion Annual Investment Cap in U.S. Lee Hyung-il, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance nominee, stated that he is committed to adhering to an annual investment cap of $20 billion and a total limit of $200 billion in negotiations regarding investments in the United States. He explained that safety measures concerning the payment and recovery of investment funds are currently under discussion with U.S. officials.During a National Assembly confirmation hearing on the 15th, when asked by lawmaker Yoon Young-seok about compliance with the U.S. investment cap, Lee responded, "We are negotiating within the framework of not exceeding $20 billion annually and a total of $200 billion."Yoon raised concerns about a reported investment of $22.3 billion for a power plant, questioning whether it exceeds the initially proposed annual limit. In response, Lee noted that specific details are difficult to disclose as individual projects are still under negotiation, stating, "We will negotiate within the limits outlined in the MOU."The effectiveness of investment safety measures was also a topic of discussion. Yoon referenced reports suggesting that the mechanism to secure a minimum of 45 business days for investment payments and the risk pooling for recovering principal and interest across multiple projects are unstable. Lee acknowledged, "We are also negotiating those aspects," but refrained from providing specifics on the application of these measures or the outcomes of the negotiations.When Yoon pressed for assurances regarding compliance with the annual investment cap, exclusion of projects lacking commercial viability, and securing risk pooling, Lee reiterated, "We are negotiating according to the MOU." He added that specific details would be reported to the relevant committee in accordance with future legislation.On the same day, Yoon expressed concerns that trust issues between South Korea and the U.S. regarding responses to the Hormuz crisis might negatively impact investment negotiations for South Korea. Lee stated that he would need to verify the situation accurately, emphasizing a commitment to strengthening the South Korea-U.S. alliance while considering strategic interests in negotiations.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 11:04:22
  • China Increases Purchases of U.S. LNG and Soybeans Ahead of U.S.-China Summit
    China Increases Purchases of U.S. LNG and Soybeans Ahead of U.S.-China Summit China's state-owned enterprises have confirmed a long-term contract to purchase large quantities of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from U.S. energy companies. This move comes as Chinese President Xi Jinping prepares for a visit to the United States next week, with China increasing its purchases of American energy and agricultural products.On September 15, U.S. LNG company Venture Global announced in a statement that it has signed a contract with China Gas to supply 500,000 tons of LNG annually starting in 2030. Including this contract, China Gas has now secured long-term LNG purchase agreements with Venture Global totaling 2.5 million tons per year.This development occurs amid a reduction in China's overall LNG purchases this year due to rising prices and declining demand. According to Bloomberg, the recent international LNG market has seen price increases due to reduced supply from Qatar, a major LNG producer and exporter, amid the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran.The timing of this long-term LNG purchase agreement is noteworthy, as it precedes the anticipated U.S.-China summit next week. China is the world's largest importer of oil and natural gas, while the U.S. is a key energy exporter.China had effectively halted imports of U.S. LNG after imposing retaliatory tariffs on American LNG in February 2025 due to the trade war. However, Chinese companies are now looking to secure U.S. natural gas through long-term contracts despite the tariff burden.In addition to energy, China is also increasing its purchases of U.S. agricultural products. According to Reuters, state-owned grain company Sinograin purchased approximately 1 million tons of U.S. soybeans last week. This purchase brings China's total U.S. soybean imports closer to half of the 25 million tons it agreed to buy annually under the trade agreement between the two countries.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 11:04:22
  • 14-Year-Old Filipino Boy Successfully Undergoes Heart Surgery in South Korea
    14-Year-Old Filipino Boy Successfully Undergoes Heart Surgery in South Korea A 14-year-old boy from the Philippines suffering from congenital heart disease has regained his health after undergoing surgery in South Korea.On September 15, Bundang Seoul National University Hospital reported that a surgical team led by Professor Lim Jae-hong of the Department of Cardiovascular Thoracic Surgery and Professor Lee Joo-won of the Department of Pediatrics successfully performed heart surgery on Vincent Valente, a Filipino national. Vincent was discharged on September 9 and is expected to return to the Philippines after about a week of outpatient treatment in South Korea.Vincent has suffered from heart disease since birth, but the treatment environment in the Philippines was inadequate. As a student at the 'Maria Boys' Home' in Cebu, he had to travel about five hours to receive heart care at a nearby hospital, and his family's financial situation made it difficult for him to receive proper treatment.At 11 months old, a German doctor visiting the Philippines suspected a heart condition and conducted an echocardiogram, diagnosing him with an atrial septal defect (ASD). However, he did not receive further treatment and experienced difficulties in daily life, such as shortness of breath with minimal exertion.A turning point came in November of last year when the Lee Jong-wook Global Health Center at Seoul National University conducted health screenings for students at the Maria Boys' Home as part of a project to improve health and nutrition for low-income youth in the Philippines. The center identified Vincent's condition and decided to invite him to South Korea for treatment at Bundang Seoul National University Hospital.Vincent was admitted to Bundang Seoul National University Hospital on September 1, where he underwent echocardiography and a cardiac CT scan. The tests revealed not only the existing atrial septal defect but also a partial anomalous pulmonary venous return.An atrial septal defect is a congenital heart defect characterized by a hole in the wall between the left and right atria. Partial anomalous pulmonary venous return occurs when some pulmonary veins connect to areas other than the left atrium. The combination of these two conditions had caused Vincent's heart to enlarge and his pulmonary vessels to dilate.The medical team performed surgery on September 4 to close the atrial septal defect and correct the connection of the pulmonary veins to the left atrium. Although the surgery was expected to be challenging due to the significant enlargement of the heart and pulmonary vessels, it was successfully completed.Vincent began breathing independently without a ventilator the day after the surgery and was discharged in good health on September 9. After returning to the Philippines, the Lee Jong-wook Global Health Center will monitor his health annually during visits to the country.Professor Lim Jae-hong expressed his sympathy for the child who had to endure heart disease for over a decade without proper care, stating, "We are all grateful that, with the help of various sponsoring organizations, he was able to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 11:04:10
  • Labor Minister Proposes Social Dialogue on Labor Exemptions in Mega Special Zone Law
    Labor Minister Proposes Social Dialogue on Labor Exemptions in Mega Special Zone Law Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon stated on September 15 that the labor exemptions being discussed in the process of establishing the Mega Special Zone Law represent a path not yet taken by our society. He proposed a 'one-point social dialogue' regarding labor exemptions related to the Mega Special Zone Law.During a briefing at the Government Seoul Complex, Kim emphasized that the government is pushing for the enactment of the Mega Special Zone Law to enhance industrial competitiveness, allowing companies in advanced sectors like semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI) to prepare for the future alongside local communities.The government is working on the Mega Special Zone Law to foster economic growth and strategic industries in five major regions. However, the inclusion of large-scale labor exemption provisions, such as white-collar exemptions (exceptions to working hour regulations for high-income workers), has sparked significant backlash from labor groups.On September 3, President Lee Jae-myung also discussed the Mega Special Zone Law with the leaders of the two major labor unions. At that meeting, the unions suggested resolving issues related to the Mega Special Zone Law through social dialogue, to which President Lee agreed.Kim's request for social dialogue appears to be a follow-up to this discussion. He noted, 'The labor exemptions being discussed in the Mega Special Zone Law are a path not yet taken by our society,' acknowledging that there will inevitably be differences of opinion between companies requesting exemptions and workers expressing concerns.He added, 'It is essential for both labor and management, as stakeholders, to engage in sufficient dialogue with each other,' emphasizing that discussions could encompass not only labor exemptions but also proposals aimed at protecting workers' health and enhancing corporate productivity.Kim concluded by stating, 'This will be a platform for dialogue and compromise where stakeholders can directly discuss strengthening industrial competitiveness and creating quality jobs.' He urged all parties involved in social dialogue to come together for the sake of future job opportunities and the future of society during this unprecedented transition.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 11:04:00
  • Housing Market Outlook Diverges Between Seoul and Regional Areas
    Housing Market Outlook Diverges Between Seoul and Regional Areas The outlook for the housing market is diverging between the metropolitan area and regional areas in South Korea. In Seoul and Gyeonggi Province, expectations of rising housing prices and government measures to boost supply have improved business prospects. In contrast, regional areas are facing significant deterioration due to unsold inventory and weak demand. On September 15, the Korea Housing Industry Research Institute reported that the housing business outlook index for September fell by 8.7 points to 79.9, down from 88.6 the previous month. The housing business outlook index quantifies the sentiment of housing developers; a score below 100 indicates that more companies expect the market to worsen than improve. In the metropolitan area, the outlook index rose by 3.1 points to 89.2. Seoul's index increased from 92.8 to 97.2, a rise of 4.4 points, while Gyeonggi Province saw a 7.4-point increase from 83.7 to 91.1. However, Incheon experienced a decline, dropping 2.5 points from 81.8 to 79.3. The research institute noted, "In the metropolitan area, the continued rise in sales prices in key regions, along with expectations for improved business conditions due to the August 13 measures, contributed to a slight increase in the index. However, ongoing financial burdens from mortgage regulations and rising market interest rates, as well as a decrease in transaction volumes, continue to create uncertainty in the market." Conversely, the outlook index for non-metropolitan areas fell by 11.2 points to 77.9. Jeju saw the largest drop, plummeting 32.8 points from 92.8 to 60.0. Ulsan and Chungbuk also experienced declines of 25.0 points, recording 75.0 and 62.5, respectively. Jeonnam fell by 19.1 points to 66.6, Gwangju dropped 16.8 points to 93.7, and Jeonbuk decreased by 15.0 points to 75.0. Busan recorded a decline of 13.0 points to 64.7, while Gangwon (-9.8 points), Daejeon (-6.3 points), Gyeongnam (-6.3 points), and Gyeongbuk (-6.1 points) also saw worsened outlooks. In contrast, Daegu rose by 8.6 points to 90.4, and Sejong increased by 7.2 points to 100.0. Chungnam was projected to rise by 1.9 points to 76.9. The research institute explained that while there had been expectations that the rising housing market in the metropolitan area would spread to regional areas, the recent months have seen a significant deterioration in outlook due to the announcement of policies targeting multiple homeowners, unsold inventory, and weak demand. Expectations for financing conditions have improved somewhat. The national financing index for September is projected to rise by 2.0 points to 75.4. However, the material supply index is expected to fall by 6.6 points to 88.7. The research institute stated, "The August 13 measures included financial support for housing supply projects, such as guarantees for project financing and expanded funding, as well as reduced guarantee fees, which likely contributed to improved expectations for financing conditions. However, the disappearance of hopes for the end of the Iran war and the ongoing burden of high construction costs and prices for key construction materials have led to a decline in the financing index."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 11:04:00