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  • Weather Forecast: Mostly Clear Nationwide with Rain on the East Coast
    Weather Forecast: Mostly Clear Nationwide with Rain on the East Coast On Tuesday, September 15, the weather will be mostly clear across the country, with rain expected primarily along the eastern coast of Gyeongsang Province. Most areas, excluding the eastern coast, will experience significant temperature differences between day and night.According to the Korea Meteorological Administration on September 14, the morning low temperatures are forecasted to range from 12 to 20 degrees Celsius, while the daytime highs are expected to be between 24 and 29 degrees Celsius.Light rain, measuring less than 0.1 mm, may fall in the mountainous regions of Gangwon Province during the early morning hours. In the afternoon, rain is anticipated in the eastern coastal areas of North Gyeongsang Province and Ulsan, with expected precipitation of less than 5 mm in both regions.For the time being, most areas of the country, excluding the eastern coast, will experience significant temperature variations between day and night, so residents are advised to take care of their health.Wave heights are expected to be between 0.5 and 1.5 meters in the East Sea, and between 0.5 and 1.0 meters in the West and South Seas.In the offshore waters, about 200 km from the coastline, wave heights are forecasted to be 0.5 to 2.0 meters in the East and South Seas, and 0.5 to 1.5 meters in the West Sea.Looking at the expected temperatures for major regions, the morning lows are forecasted as follows: Seoul 15 degrees, Incheon 16 degrees, Suwon 15 degrees, Chuncheon 13 degrees, Gangneung 17 degrees, Cheongju 16 degrees, Daejeon 14 degrees, Sejong 14 degrees, Jeonju 15 degrees, Gwangju 17 degrees, Daegu 17 degrees, Busan 20 degrees, Ulsan 19 degrees, Changwon 19 degrees, and Jeju 21 degrees.The daytime highs are expected to be: Seoul 27 degrees, Incheon 26 degrees, Suwon 27 degrees, Chuncheon 26 degrees, Gangneung 25 degrees, Cheongju 27 degrees, Daejeon 26 degrees, Sejong 26 degrees, Jeonju 27 degrees, Gwangju 28 degrees, Daegu 28 degrees, Busan 28 degrees, Ulsan 26 degrees, Changwon 29 degrees, and Jeju 27 degrees.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-14 19:28:00
  • Mokpo University President Calls for Review of Site Evaluation Process
    Mokpo University President Calls for Review of Site Evaluation Process As the controversy surrounding the selection of candidate universities for the establishment of a national medical school in Jeonnam escalates into legal disputes, Mokpo National University has demanded that the site acquisition plan submitted by Sunchon National University be re-evaluated based on the plans presented at the time of assessment, rather than on potential post-evaluation adjustments.Specifically, there are concerns about whether Sunchon National University's proposal for a 'free lease of land owned by Suncheon City' was a viable option for establishing the medical school and how this was verified during the evaluation process.Mokpo University President Song Ha-cheol stated in a press release on September 14, "The key issue is not whether the site acquisition method can be supplemented after the evaluation, but whether the predetermined evaluation criteria were properly applied based on the plans and supporting documents submitted at the time of evaluation."According to Mokpo University, Sunchon National University included in its proposal that it would secure land for the medical school through a free lease of land owned by Suncheon City, thereby resolving site issues earlier than other candidate universities.Mokpo University argues that this is where the appropriateness of the evaluation must be scrutinized.Regardless of the possibility that the government may acquire the land or secure ownership or usage rights through other means after the evaluation, the question is whether the evaluation committee verified whether the plan itself met relevant laws and requirements for establishing a medical school at the time of assessment.President Song Ha-cheol emphasized, "Evaluations should be based on the materials submitted at the time of evaluation," and pointed out that explaining how issues can be resolved through new methods after the evaluation is a different matter from justifying the appropriateness of the plans submitted at that time.Mokpo University is particularly questioning the evaluation results regarding 'certainty of site acquisition.'According to Mokpo University, this evaluation criterion was scored out of five points, with both Mokpo University, which proposed national land, and Sunchon National University, which submitted a plan to utilize land owned by Suncheon City, receiving scores of 4.83.Mokpo University insists that there needs to be a clear explanation of the specific reasoning behind awarding the same score to two sites with different ownership and acquisition methods.The final evaluation scores for the candidate universities were 89.15 for Sunchon National University and 87.85 for Mokpo National University, a difference of 1.30 points. Given the narrow margin, Mokpo University argues that the verification process for individual evaluation criteria and the basis for score calculation are directly linked to the credibility of the results.Mokpo University has also called for public confirmation of the criteria for handling 'false entries or entries that differ significantly from the facts' included in the evaluation operation plan.If there were aspects of the site acquisition plan submitted at the time of evaluation that were difficult to implement or factually incorrect, the evaluation agency must clarify whether it verified these issues, what judgments were made if they were verified, and whether any penalties were applied.However, whether Sunchon National University's submitted site plan violated relevant laws or constituted 'false or significantly misleading entries' according to the evaluation operation plan should be determined by comprehensively reviewing relevant laws, submitted materials, and evaluation criteria.Mokpo University also emphasizes that rather than making definitive legal judgments, the focus should be on disclosing what reviews and judgments the evaluation agency made based on the materials at that time.President Song stated, "What Sunchon National University submitted at the time of evaluation was not a plan for the government to purchase the land, but a plan to secure land for the medical school by utilizing land owned by Suncheon City," and argued that any changes made after the issues were raised should be distinguished from justifying the appropriateness of the plans submitted at the time of evaluation.He added, "Mokpo University proposed national land as the site for the medical school from the beginning," and emphasized the need for an explanation of how the different conditions for site acquisition were verified in the evaluation and why they received the same score.President Song also stressed that this controversy should not be viewed merely as a competition between Mokpo University and Sunchon National University.He remarked, "If plans can be changed or supplemented after the evaluation, one must question the significance of setting submission deadlines and requiring supporting documents and evaluation criteria," and asserted, "What is needed now is not an explanation of post-evaluation supplements, but confirmation that the criteria were properly applied at the time of evaluation."He concluded, "If the evaluation was conducted fairly, it should be sufficiently explained through the submitted materials and evaluation basis, and if any incorrect aspects are confirmed, correcting them is the way to restore the credibility of the evaluation."Meanwhile, in the selection results for the candidate universities for the national medical school in Jeonnam, Sunchon National University received a score of 89.15, while Mokpo National University received 87.85, resulting in Sunchon National University being selected as the recommended candidate by a margin of 1.30 points. Mokpo University has since demanded a re-evaluation regarding site acquisition, faculty recruitment plans, the composition of evaluation committee members, and the application of evaluation criteria, and has initiated legal procedures, including a request for a stay of execution related to the selection and recommendation of candidate universities.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-14 19:12:00
  • Proportion of Workers Affected by Minimum Wage Drops to Half in Seven Years
    Proportion of Workers Affected by Minimum Wage Drops to Half in Seven Years The proportion of workers estimated to be affected by the minimum wage has significantly decreased over the long term, but experts caution that this should not be interpreted as an improvement in the wage conditions for low-wage workers. The increase in the minimum wage has not kept pace with the overall nominal wage growth, leading to a lower relative benchmark for the minimum wage itself.According to the Minimum Wage Commission on September 14, the impact rate of the minimum wage dropped from 25.0% in 2019 to 13.1% in 2026, halving over seven years. The number of affected workers also fell by more than 2 million, from 5.05 million to 2.904 million during the same period.The Korea Labor Institute's report on the 'Trends and Decline of Potential Minimum Wage Impact Rates' also indicates a long-term decline in the potential impact rate of the minimum wage. This rate refers to the proportion of workers whose current hourly wage is below the next year's average nominal wage increase, even if it is assumed to rise. Although the methods and timing of calculation differ from the Minimum Wage Commission's impact rate, both indicators are used to gauge the potential effects of minimum wage increases on wage distribution.The issue is that the recent decline in the potential impact rate is more influenced by the lower relative position of the minimum wage rather than an improvement in wages for low-income workers. An analysis by the Labor Institute categorized changes in the potential impact rate into 'benchmark effect' and 'other effects' related to wage distribution. From 2022 to 2025, the average annual increase in the minimum wage was recorded at 3.57%, which is 0.90 percentage points lower than the nominal wage growth rate of 4.47%.The benchmark effect, which lowers the relative standard of the minimum wage, significantly reduced the potential impact rate by 1.48 percentage points. In contrast, other effects, such as changes in wage distribution, increased the potential impact rate by 1.04 percentage points. The combined potential impact rate decreased by 0.44 percentage points during this period.Moreover, the relative wage conditions for low-income workers did not improve. From 2022 to 2025, the wage growth rate for the lowest 10% of workers averaged 5.69%, falling short of the median wage growth rate of 7.11%. Although both the minimum wage benchmark and the lower end of the wage distribution moved downward during this period, the shift in the minimum wage benchmark was more pronounced, according to the Labor Institute's analysis.This contrasts sharply with the significant increases in the minimum wage from 2017 to 2019, when the average annual increase was 11.52%, far exceeding the nominal wage growth rate of 5.29%. During that time, the wage growth rate for the lowest 10% was 12.15%, surpassing the median wage growth rate of 7.31%.Thus, the decline in the potential impact rate should not be hastily concluded as a reduction in low-wage workers or an improvement in wage conditions. The potential impact rate is defined in relation to the minimum wage, meaning it does not capture changes in low-wage workers who earn above the minimum wage but still fall short of two-thirds of the median wage.In fact, the proportion of low-wage workers earning less than two-thirds of the median wage has shown a decreasing trend but has recently stagnated or slightly increased, indicating a different trend from the potential impact rate. The Labor Institute recommends that future analyses should segment the size and characteristics of groups related to potential impact by industry, business size, employment type, and working hours.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-14 19:12:00
  • National Assembly Concludes Government Q&A Amid Political Strife
    National Assembly Concludes Government Q&A Amid Political Strife The National Assembly wrapped up its government question-and-answer session on September 14, focusing on education, culture, and social issues. This year's session, which lasted four days, has been criticized for prioritizing political conflict over addressing public concerns, particularly as discussions on constitutional amendments and cabinet reshuffles took center stage. Topics related to public welfare, such as real estate policies, ultimately devolved into blame-shifting without yielding significant solutions. Political disputes continued during the session. The first speaker, Seobum-soo of the People Power Party, pointed out the prolonged vacancies in the positions of police chief and prosecutor general. Prime Minister Han Seung-sook assured that appointments would be finalized soon, but Seobum-soo criticized, "In today's South Korea, there is no leader for safety, and self-interest is interfering with the rule of law. When power becomes arrogant, it fails to hear the voice of the people. Isn't that the case now?"Kim Jang-gyeom of the People Power Party raised concerns regarding the recent withdrawal of Yong Hye-in's nomination for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, suggesting that Kim Hyun-ji, the chief of the Presidential Office's first secretariat, is at the center of a leftist cartel. He asked the Prime Minister if she would consider replacing Kim to address public suspicions.In response, Choi Min-hee of the Democratic Party countered, stating, "It seems you are still unable to move on from memories of Kim Geon-hee," and urged government officials to provide clear answers. Discussions on Personnel Verification, Han Dong-hoon Investigations, and Real Estate PoliciesThe political conflict mirrored the discussions held during the government Q&A sessions from September 9 to 11. Lawmakers clashed over the personnel verification system for ministerial candidates on September 9. Na Kyung-won of the People Power Party criticized the recent cabinet reshuffle, stating, "In the second reshuffle, the key personnel cabinet has a total of 34 issues," calling it an "unacceptable personnel disaster."Democratic Party member Jeon Yong-ki targeted independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon, who had been leading attacks against Kim Seung-won, the nominee for Minister of Justice, saying, "The prosecution should not become a 'political sponsor' that extends the political life of former prosecutors by handing over internal investigation materials to specific politicians."On September 10, a staff member from the Prime Minister's Office, who referred to themselves as a regular citizen, sparked controversy by asking a question during a press conference held by a lawmaker. The lawmaker pointed out, "Is the Prime Minister's Office surveilling opposition lawmakers?" to which the Prime Minister replied, "Surveillance is an excessive expression." However, following the incident, the Prime Minister's Office issued a stern warning to the employee and subsequently suspended them from duty.On the third day of questioning, focused on economic issues, discussions on real estate policies led to further blame-shifting. Park Soo-min of the People Power Party stated, "Loan regulations and punitive taxes have caused tenants to suffer greatly. Homeowners should not have to worry about taxes. We need to distinguish between taxes and penalties," criticizing the current government's tax policies.In contrast, Democratic Party member Bok Gi-wang emphasized that the failure to supply 12,000 housing units was due to Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon not operating a pre-planning consultation body, defending the previous administration and asserting, "After over six years of managing Seoul, you still blame the Lee Jae-myung government for the housing supply issues."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-14 19:08:00
  • Mokpo Mayor Kang Seong-hwi Protests Outside Gwangju Court Over Medical School Selection
    Mokpo Mayor Kang Seong-hwi Protests Outside Gwangju Court Over Medical School Selection Mokpo Mayor Kang Seong-hwi held a one-person protest outside the Gwangju District Court on September 14, condemning the alleged illegality and unfairness in the selection process for the National Medical University candidates in Jeollanam-do.During the protest, Mayor Kang appealed for a fair and strict judicial ruling regarding the suspension request filed by Mokpo National University against the selection and recommendation process for the new National Medical University.The protest aimed to raise awareness of the procedural and legal issues surrounding the candidate selection process and to emphasize the necessity of granting the suspension request before the court's main ruling.Kang stated that the various controversies raised during the candidate selection process must be validated through judicial review to ensure procedural legitimacy and fairness.He particularly highlighted the aspirations of residents in the southwestern region of Jeollanam-do, who have been advocating for a national medical school for 36 years, urging the court to closely examine the issues raised regarding the selection process.Mokpo City and the local community have continuously demanded a review and rejection of the recommendation from the Ministry of Education and other authorities, questioning the appropriateness of the selection process following the recommendation of the National Medical University candidates.On September 4, local lawmakers from Mokpo and city council members issued a joint statement in the National Assembly.The following day, on September 5, Mayor Kang, along with Congressman Kim Won-yi, city council members, and 12 Mokpo University professors, shaved their heads in front of the Blue House to demand a review of the candidate selection and recommendation process.On September 9, mayors from eight cities and counties in the southwestern region issued a joint statement calling for a review of the candidate recommendation.Mokpo City has also sent official documents to the Presidential Office, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Health and Welfare, requesting a review of the issues raised in the candidate selection process.Kang Seong-hwi stated, "The process must be fair for the results to be accepted," adding, "If there were any illegal or unfair issues in the evaluation process, they must be corrected."He emphasized the need for clarity on the allegations and issues raised during the selection process to secure the legitimacy and fairness of establishing the medical school and to respond to the long-standing aspirations of the residents in the southwestern region.Meanwhile, the suspension request filed by Mokpo National University is a procedure to determine whether it is necessary to halt the effectiveness of the selection and recommendation process until the court makes a ruling. The court's decision on the suspension will be based on the application requirements and submitted materials, distinguishing it from the final judgment on the legality of the candidate selection process.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-14 19:00:00
  • Hana Bank to Hire Over 230 Employees in Second Half of 2026
    Hana Bank to Hire Over 230 Employees in Second Half of 2026 Hana Bank announced on September 14 that it will accept applications for its second half recruitment until the 28th of this month.This recruitment drive will include positions for △HanAXpert △local talent △Incheon Hana co-prosperity recruitment △Hana Green Leaders (special program for veterans) △NEXT CAREER regular positions, with plans to select over 230 candidates.Hana Bank has introduced the 'HanAXpert' program in this recruitment cycle. This initiative aims to cultivate specialized talent by considering applicants' majors and skills from the entry stage.The recruitment categories will be divided into specialized tracks, including △IB·credit·risk (corporate finance) △pension·trust·asset management (personal finance) △funds·foreign exchange △global △AI·data finance △local talent.The bank is also expanding its efforts to secure locally-based talent. In addition to hiring from the Yeongnam, Chungcheong, and Honam regions, it has established the 'Incheon Hana co-prosperity recruitment' program to commemorate the relocation of Hana Financial Group's headquarters to Incheon Cheongna.Additionally, the 'Hana Green Leaders' program for veterans has been introduced, and the bank plans to expand inclusive hiring initiatives through internship programs linked to specialized high schools to create social value.Successful candidates are expected to begin training for new employees at the Hana Global Campus in Incheon Cheongna at the end of November.A Hana Bank official stated, "We look forward to many applications from talented individuals who will lead the future of finance."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-14 19:00:00
  • Hae-nam Expands Access to Sports Facilities for Residents
    Hae-nam Expands Access to Sports Facilities for Residents Hae-nam County is enhancing access to public sports facilities, which have typically been used by specific sports organizations, by creating dedicated reservation spaces for residents.The Hae-nam Sports Park soccer field, completed last year, will waive usage fees entirely until the end of this year to encourage local residents to use the facility and attract outside soccer teams and training camps.The county announced plans to revamp the reservation system for sports facilities to improve convenience for residents and link sports marketing to local economic revitalization.The key change involves allocating specific areas within indoor sports facilities for general users, allowing residents to make online reservations regardless of their affiliation with sports organizations.Specifically, two of the seven badminton courts, two of the six tennis courts, one of the four squash courts, and three of the eleven table tennis tables will be designated for general public reservations.Reservations can be made through the Hae-nam County Sports Division website and the communication network.In August, the county held a meeting with sports organizations to gather feedback on the reservation system overhaul, with plans to implement changes to the online reservation system and promote usage methods within the month.Support for the activation of the Hae-nam Sports Park soccer field will also be expanded.The county will waive all fees for the soccer field until December 31. Both Hae-nam residents and outside soccer teams, as well as training camps and visitors, can use the facility for free with prior reservations and approval.This strategy aims to boost initial usage rates of the new sports facilities while increasing visits from external athletes, thereby linking sports marketing benefits to the local economy.County officials expect that an increase in stays by outside teams and training camps will benefit local businesses, including accommodations and restaurants in the Sam-san and Hae-nam areas.No Bong-jin, head of the Sports Marketing Team at the Hae-nam County Sports Division, stated, “We are broadening access to sports facilities for all residents while injecting vitality into the local economy through sports marketing. We will operate this without any issues to enhance Hae-nam's competitiveness as a sports city.”Additionally, Hae-nam County plans to review the results of the dedicated reservation spaces for residents and the usage rates of each facility, considering expanding the program to all sports facilities. The county aims to simultaneously increase participation in recreational sports and attract external athletes by linking the free use of the Sports Park with the revamped reservation system.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-14 18:52:20
  • 2026 Jangheung Hoeryeongpo Yi Sun-sin Festival Attracts 3,000 Visitors
    2026 Jangheung Hoeryeongpo Yi Sun-sin Festival Attracts 3,000 Visitors The '2026 Jangheung Hoeryeongpo Yi Sun-sin Festival,' which commemorates the patriotic spirit of Admiral Yi Sun-sin and the local residents of Hoeryeongpo, concluded successfully with approximately 3,000 attendees.Jangheung County reported on the 14th that around 3,000 people, including residents and tourists, participated in the festival held from September 11 to 13 at the Hoeyang Port area.The festival aimed to promote the spirit of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, who defended the seas during a national crisis, and to highlight the contributions of the local residents of Hoeryeongpo, while expanding the region's historical assets into cultural and tourism content.During the event, the area around Hoeyang Port transformed into a festival site, featuring historical reenactments, cultural performances, and family-oriented activities.The first day began with the entrance ceremony of the commander of the naval forces, followed by a sea parade showcasing 12 ships. A themed performance based on the history of Admiral Yi Sun-sin and Hoeryeongpo was also presented.The 'Son Seok-woo Song Festival,' honoring the musical achievements of the Jangheung-born composer, was held, adding a cultural dimension by spotlighting both the historical figure of Admiral Yi Sun-sin and the local popular music scene.On the second day, a cultural arts competition featuring local artists took place, followed by the national Hoeryeongpo Song Festival, which elevated the festive atmosphere with participants from across the country.The final day included a community demonstration involving local residents. The festival concluded with a performance of Ganggangsullae, a traditional dance symbolizing community culture, bringing together residents and tourists.Jangheung County aims to develop the festival into an event that combines the historical significance of Hoeryeongpo with local culture, arts, and community participation.Jangheung County Mayor Sa Sun-moon stated, “This festival has become an opportunity for residents and tourists to enjoy and resonate with the cultural heritage of Hoeryeongpo based on its historical assets. We will continue to enrich the historical and cultural content unique to Hoeryeongpo while inheriting the spirit of Admiral Yi Sun-sin.”Hoeryeongpo is recognized as a historical site linked to Admiral Yi Sun-sin's naval reconstruction during the Imjin War. Jangheung County plans to promote the historical value of Hoeryeongpo by connecting these historical resources with local cultural and tourism content to boost tourism.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-14 18:48:00
  • KAI and Hanwha Systems Compete for $1 Billion SAR Satellite Project
    KAI and Hanwha Systems Compete for $1 Billion SAR Satellite Project Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Hanwha Systems are engaged in a fierce competition for a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite project valued at 1 trillion won. As Hanwha Group's intent to acquire KAI becomes more apparent, a tense atmosphere is developing between the two companies.According to industry sources on September 14, the government is set to issue large-scale SAR satellite contracts this month. The Agency for Defense Development (ADD) initiated the bidding process for a 567.1 billion won project to develop a 'small satellite system SAR cluster' earlier this month, followed by the Aerospace Administration's multipurpose satellite No. 8 project, which is valued at around 400 billion won.SAR technology involves sending radio waves from a satellite to the ground and analyzing the reflected signals to create images. This technology is highly useful for military surveillance, reconnaissance, and disaster monitoring, as it can observe the ground in adverse weather conditions and at night.The competition between KAI and Hanwha Systems is heating up. Recently, Hanwha Group secured over 15% of KAI's shares, becoming the second-largest shareholder, while KAI has expressed a strong commitment to not fall behind Hanwha in the satellite business.Particular attention is focused on the small satellite system project. This initiative aims to deploy 40 SAR satellites in low Earth orbit to establish a joint military-civilian satellite network that closely monitors the Korean Peninsula and surrounding waters. The project has attracted significant industry interest since the beginning of the year.On September 7, ADD held a briefing at the Daejeon Military-Civil Cooperation Promotion Center to announce the start of the 'small satellite system SAR cluster development' project. KAI and Hanwha Systems, both developing SAR satellites, will participate in the project in a competitive bidding format.KAI will leverage over 30 years of accumulated expertise in satellite systems. Since participating in the development of the first multipurpose satellite in 1994, KAI has built its technical capabilities across the entire process from design to manufacturing, assembly, and testing of subsequent satellites.Hanwha Systems, on the other hand, boasts strong experience in developing and operating small SAR satellites. In December 2023, it launched the first domestically developed small SAR satellite by a private company and has since demonstrated its technological prowess by releasing satellite images.Both companies are preparing for the demand for mass production of small satellites by establishing their own space centers.The industry's focus on securing the small satellite project is driven by the potential for market growth. Unlike large satellites, which typically operate for over 10 years, small satellites have a lifespan of only 2 to 3 years, necessitating continuous replacement and creating ongoing demand for production and launches.According to market research firm MarketsandMarkets, the South Korean small satellite market is expected to grow from $80.1 million in 2025 to $169 million by 2030, representing a growth rate of approximately 33%. This growth is anticipated to be driven by the government's expansion of space projects and increasing national security demands.Following the small satellite project, the multipurpose satellite No. 8 initiative will also commence soon. According to the Public Procurement Service's announcement of the large project bidding plan for September, the multipurpose satellite No. 8 project is valued at 406.2 billion won, including 142.8 billion won for the main body development and 263.4 billion won for the payload development.The multipurpose satellite No. 8 is a next-generation SAR satellite system being developed as a successor to No. 6. The project aims to establish a formation of four satellites, including one main satellite and three small companion satellites, to secure high-resolution and wide-area observation capabilities.One industry insider noted, "While it is difficult to predict the outcome of the projects, Hanwha Systems may have an advantage in the small satellite sector due to its independent development experience, while KAI, with years of accumulated technical expertise, may excel in the medium to large satellite sector. The results of the technical and price evaluations are expected to clarify the project participants by the end of next month or early November."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-14 18:36:00
  • HS Hysol to Invest 1.2 Trillion Won in Ulsan Silicon Anode Production Facility
    HS Hysol to Invest 1.2 Trillion Won in Ulsan Silicon Anode Production Facility HS Hysol Energy Solutions Korea announced on September 14 that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish a silicon anode production facility at Ulsan City Hall. Under the agreement, HS Hysol Energy Solutions Korea plans to invest 1.2 trillion won in the Ulsan-Mipo National Industrial Complex by 2030 to set up a mass production system for silicon anodes. Silicon anodes are gaining attention as a key material for next-generation electric vehicle batteries due to their higher energy density and improved fast-charging capabilities compared to traditional graphite anodes. In the first phase, the company will invest 300 billion won to complete a plant with an annual capacity of 5,000 tons by the first quarter of 2028. The second phase will involve an additional investment of 300 billion won to build another plant of the same capacity between the first quarter of 2028 and the third quarter of 2029. In the third phase, 600 billion won will be invested to establish a plant with an annual capacity of 10,000 tons from the first quarter of 2029 to the third quarter of 2030. HS Hysol Energy Solutions Korea aims to prioritize hiring local residents during the establishment and operation of the facility, contributing to job creation and economic revitalization in the Ulsan area. The Ulsan city government plans to work closely with the company to ensure the investment proceeds smoothly and becomes firmly established in the region, providing various administrative support and permits. Lee Gi-soo, CEO of HS Hysol Energy Solutions Korea, stated, "This investment will contribute to nurturing next-generation battery materials as a national strategic business. By selecting Ulsan, the birthplace of the Hysol Group, as our first investment site, we aim to become an advanced materials company that grows together with the community." Ulsan Mayor Kim Sang-wook remarked, "This will be an opportunity for Ulsan to lead the global supply chain in next-generation battery materials, and we will spare no administrative support." HS Hysol Energy Solutions Korea is a joint venture established by the HS Hysol Group and the global company Umicore, based in Belgium, to enter the silicon anode business.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-14 18:28:00