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  • AI Reduces Semiconductor Design Time from Four Weeks to One Week
    AI Reduces Semiconductor Design Time from Four Weeks to One Week "By applying AI agents, we have reduced the time required for semiconductor design from four weeks to one week."Liu Weiping, chairman of Hua Da Jiu Tian (Empyrean Technology), a leading company in China's electronic design automation (EDA) sector, announced that the use of AI optimization algorithms and AI agents has significantly accelerated semiconductor design processes, according to a report by the South China Morning Post on September 13.As China seeks to achieve semiconductor self-sufficiency, the integration of AI into design software is emerging as a key method to enhance efficiency in semiconductor design.During a speech at the 2026 International Integrated Circuit Innovation Expo held in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, on September 9, Liu stated, "AI agents have brought a 'paradigm shift' to semiconductor design," noting a transition from a model where humans directly operate design tools to one where humans instruct AI agents to perform tasks.He predicted that the use of AI would also transform the business model of semiconductor design software. Traditionally, companies purchased licenses for EDA programs for a set period, but Liu suggested that a pay-per-use model based on AI agent utilization could become more common.Liu also mentioned that Empyrean is developing an 'agent-based EDA platform' that allows multiple AI agents to collaborate. This platform will enable not only their own AI but also AI agents developed by other companies to work together on semiconductor design tasks.EDA software is essential for designing circuits and verifying their functionality before semiconductor production. Currently, the global EDA market is dominated by Western companies, including U.S.-based Synopsys and Cadence, as well as Siemens' EDA division in Germany.In light of ongoing U.S. export restrictions on semiconductor technology to China, the country recognizes the need to secure both semiconductor design software and hardware to achieve technological independence, leading to a strong focus on domestic EDA development.On September 11, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China announced a special action plan for 'AI + Software,' aiming to promote the deep integration of industrial software, including EDA, with AI. The goal is to significantly enhance the global competitiveness of China's software industry by 2030.Wang Weiwei, deputy director of the IT Development Department at the Ministry, remarked, "The advancement of AI is changing existing software and development methods," describing it as a historic opportunity to alter competitive dynamics and surpass rival nations.Not only Chinese companies but also global EDA firms are actively utilizing AI. In June, U.S.-based Cadence unveiled its 'ChipStack AI Super Agent,' capable of autonomously performing complex semiconductor design and verification tasks.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-13 16:12:00
  • Interest Rates Surge for Overdraft Loans, Jumping from 4% to 7%
    Interest Rates Surge for Overdraft Loans, Jumping from 4% to 7% A borrower, identified as A, who took out an overdraft loan of 100 million won from a bank last September, was surprised to find that after extending the loan for another year, the interest rate had jumped from 4% to over 7%.The impact of rising benchmark interest rates is increasing the financial burden on overdraft loan borrowers. The one-year financial bond rate, which serves as the basis for overdraft loan rates, has risen to around 3.90%, leading to increased margins at internet banks.According to the Korea Federation of Banks on September 13, the average interest rate for new overdraft loans from the five major banks (KB Kookmin, Shinhan, Hana, Woori, and NH Nonghyup) was 5.01% in July, up 0.50 percentage points from 4.51% in the same month last year.During the same period, internet banks saw a sharper increase. The average interest rate for overdraft loans from three internet banks—Kakao Bank, K Bank, and Toss Bank—rose from 5.82% in July last year to 6.91% in July this year, an increase of 1.09 percentage points, which is about 2.2 times higher than the major banks. Kakao Bank led this increase, with its rate climbing from 5.75% to 7.74%, a rise of 1.99 percentage points.Notably, the increase in rates for borrowers with mid to low credit scores was significant. The interest rate for Toss Bank borrowers with credit scores between 651 and 700 jumped from 6.41% in July last year to 10.47% in July this year, an increase of 4.06 percentage points. Similarly, Kakao Bank's rates for borrowers with scores between 701 and 750 rose from 6.99% to 8.86%, an increase of 1.87 percentage points.The overall rise in overdraft loan rates is attributed to the increase in market interest rates following the benchmark rate hikes. The one-year financial bond rate (AAA-rated, unsecured) rose from 2.52% in July last year to 3.78% in July this year, an increase of 1.26 percentage points. It has since climbed to around 3.90% this month, prompting expectations of further increases in overdraft loan rates in September.Additionally, internet banks have faced rising margins. The average margin for the three internet banks increased from 3.26% in July last year to 3.69% in July this year, a rise of 0.43 percentage points, while the major banks' margins decreased from 3.54% to 3.29%, a drop of 0.25 percentage points.This trend is interpreted as a result of internet banks catering more to mid to low credit borrowers, which has lowered their average credit scores. In fact, Kakao Bank, which experienced the largest rate increase, reported that the average credit score of new overdraft loan borrowers in July was 862, down 65 points from 927 in the same month last year.A representative from Kakao Bank explained, "We operate separate emergency loan products for mid to low credit borrowers, so when the average credit score decreases, the average interest rate tends to rise as well." 2026-09-13 16:04:10
  • Lee Faces Challenges in Communication Politics Ahead of Chuseok
    Lee Faces Challenges in Communication Politics Ahead of Chuseok President Lee Jae-myung's approach to 'communication politics' is set to be tested again. Following the withdrawal of candidate Yong Hye-in for the Minister of Gender Equality and Family, the responsibility of the Blue House in personnel appointments has come under scrutiny. There is a growing demand for the president to address key issues such as the retreat from reforms, the deployment to the Hormuz Strait, and the controversy over constitutional amendments regarding term extensions. Attention is focused on whether President Lee can restore trust by directly communicating his commitment to reform and the direction of governance around the Chuseok holiday.On the morning of September 13, Yong held a press conference at the National Assembly, announcing her resignation from the ministerial candidacy. The Blue House, through Chief Spokesperson Kang Yu-jeong, stated, "We respect the candidate's decision and will ensure thorough verification and appointments that meet the expectations of the public." While the resignation is framed as voluntary, it is seen as a response to demands from the ruling party, making the issue of accountability for personnel appointments and verification unavoidable.Amid the rising accountability concerns, the Blue House is considering ways for the president to communicate directly with the public. With the inability of individual explanations from candidates or aides to alleviate distrust surrounding appointments and policies, there is an increasing need for the president to clarify the rationale behind decisions and future responses.The possibility of public communication has already been mentioned several times by Blue House officials. Chief of Staff Hong Ik-pyo noted on September 8 that the president is likely to express clearer intentions regarding the term extension issue through direct communication with the public. Chief of Public Communication Seong Gi-hong has also referred to various formats for public engagement.Consequently, there are speculations that President Lee may hold a press conference or meeting around Chuseok after completing his schedule for the Korea-Central Asia summit by September 16. Some suggest a press briefing could occur shortly after the summit on September 17 or 18.If direct communication takes place, President Lee is expected to focus on restoring trust in governance shaken by the personnel controversy and explaining the direction of reform efforts. He may reaffirm his commitment to reform while emphasizing the need for public understanding and persuasion, aiming to dispel concerns about a retreat from reform within progressive circles.Previously, President Lee posted on his X account, stating, "The biggest obstacle to reform is the obstruction of reform in the name of reform." He highlighted the necessity of reform while cautioning against excessive speed and competition for clarity that could provoke backlash against reform.This statement is interpreted as a response to the backlash from progressive circles regarding the proposed structure of the Public Prosecution Service and the appointment of candidates for the head of the Serious Crimes Investigation Unit. It clarifies that the approach is not about abandoning reform but rather about broadening consensus and reducing resistance to achieve results.The decline in approval ratings also underscores the urgency for direct communication. According to a survey released by Gallup Korea on September 11, 51% of respondents expressed disapproval of President Lee's governance. The main reasons cited for disapproval were issues related to real estate policies and personnel matters. There is a high likelihood that he will engage in specific communication regarding political issues such as the term extension debate and the Hormuz deployment, as merely reaffirming his commitment to reform or addressing individual controversies may not be sufficient to sway public sentiment.The cited opinion poll was conducted via telephone interviews with a random sample of 1,000 individuals aged 18 and older from September 8 to 10. The margin of error is ±3.1 percentage points at a 95% confidence level, with a contact rate of 46.7% and a response rate of 9.4%. More details can be found on the website of the National Election Survey Deliberation Commission.Um Gi-hong, a professor at Kyungpook National University, noted, "Recent opinion polls indicate a clear trend of declining approval ratings for the president's governance and the ruling party, marking a significant departure from the existing support base. However, it appears that these individuals are not immediately shifting their support to the opposition but are instead showing signs of withholding their support."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-13 16:04:00
  • Economic Policy Focuses on Active Fiscal Role Ahead of Confirmation Hearing
    Economic Policy Focuses on Active Fiscal Role Ahead of Confirmation Hearing Lee Hyung-il, the nominee for Economic Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, emphasized the need for an active fiscal role to secure growth ahead of his confirmation hearing on the 15th. However, he also expressed caution regarding the increase in national debt and mandatory spending. The balance between fiscal input for growth and fiscal soundness is expected to be a key point of discussion during the hearing.According to the materials submitted to the National Assembly by the Ministry of Finance on the 13th, Lee stated, "An active fiscal role is necessary to respond to external uncertainties and structural issues in our economy."However, he drew the line at unconditional fiscal expansion. Lee acknowledged the need for institutional measures to enhance fiscal sustainability, stating, "Excessive increases in national debt and mandatory spending can constrain fiscal capacity and negatively impact potential growth rates and future generations' burdens."He believes that fiscal efforts should focus on areas that can lead to growth. His plan is to create a virtuous cycle of growth and fiscal health by expanding supply capacity. If appointed as Deputy Prime Minister, he stated, "I will prioritize the rebound of potential growth rates and the reduction of polarization by strengthening inter-ministerial collaboration to enhance the speed and momentum of policies."The government's Future Response Fund, which will amount to 162.3 trillion won starting next year, is expected to serve as a litmus test for Lee's fiscal management philosophy. The fund is structured to allocate resources to areas such as youth, growth drivers, local development, education, and talent. The budget for next year alone is set at 45.4 trillion won, with 14.2 trillion won earmarked for the growth driver account to support future industries like artificial intelligence (AI).The actual investment capacity of the Korean version of a strategic sovereign wealth fund for strategic industries will also be a topic of discussion during the hearing. The government plans to launch the fund with an initial capital of over 20 trillion won, although a significant portion will consist of public institution shares and in-kind contributions.The Ministry of Finance stated, "We expect that cash assets available for investment in 2027 will be around 1 trillion won, including cash contributions and dividends from public institutions."In terms of taxation, Lee indicated a cautious approach, adjusting the pace based on market conditions. Regarding the introduction of a financial investment income tax and capital gains tax, he said, "This will be reviewed after market conditions stabilize sufficiently." This suggests a willingness to reform the tax system in line with changes in the financial market and industry while considering potential market shocks.Conversely, the taxation of virtual assets, scheduled for January next year, will proceed as planned, with specific tax standards to be established within the year. Lee explained, "The specific tax standards will be announced by the National Tax Service within the year, ensuring that taxpayers do not face difficulties in reporting."On real estate policy, Lee emphasized the principle of focusing on actual residence. He previously stated, "Establishing a housing market centered on actual residence is a firm principle." However, it has come to light that he has owned an apartment in Gwacheon since 2009, residing there for only a total of four months over 17 years, which is expected to be a point of inquiry during the hearing. He explained that the apartment is currently being demolished for reconstruction.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-13 16:04:00
  • First U.S. Strategic Investment Set to Launch as Construction Stocks Surge
    First U.S. Strategic Investment Set to Launch as Construction Stocks Surge As negotiations for U.S.-Korea strategic investments conclude, the outline for the first major investment is expected to emerge this week. Among the prominent candidates are the Enchinal gas combined cycle power plant in Texas and eight new large nuclear power plants, leading to a surge in construction stocks in the capital market. Analysts suggest that the anticipation surrounding construction stocks has already been factored in, indicating a potential for differentiated performance among individual stocks as investment projects become more concrete.According to the Korea Exchange (KRX), the KRX Construction Index rose by 9.44% from September 1 to 11, significantly outpacing the KOSPI's average increase of 1.32% during the same period. The KRX Construction Index is based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) and is composed of major stocks in the domestic construction sector weighted by market capitalization. Key companies included in the index are Hyundai Engineering & Construction, Samsung E&C, Daewoo Engineering & Construction, and GS Engineering & Construction.In terms of specific gains, Daewoo Engineering & Construction saw the largest increase of 9.35% over the nine trading days in September, followed closely by Hyundai Engineering & Construction at 9.41%, Samsung E&C at 8.28%, and GS Engineering & Construction at 6.06%. This upward trend contrasts with the KOSPI's stagnation amid rising international oil prices and interest rate concerns.The recent rise in construction stocks is attributed to heightened expectations for power plant construction contracts, as the South Korean government has identified nuclear power and other projects as the first initiatives under the strategic investment agreement signed with the U.S. last year.On September 7, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy reported in a closed-door meeting that it is considering the construction of the Enchinal gas combined cycle power plant in Texas as the first project under a $350 billion strategic investment initiative. Other major investment candidates include eight nuclear power plants and an Alaska LNG project.In this context, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jeong-kwan met with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and others in New York from September 10 to 12 to finalize negotiations regarding the scope, scale, and conditions of the U.S. investment projects. Minister Kim returned to Incheon International Airport on the afternoon of September 13 and plans to report the results of the negotiations to the National Assembly on September 17. The industry anticipates that the specific details of the investment projects will be revealed as early as the end of this week.Market analysts caution that while expectations have already been priced into construction stocks, subsequent investments should be approached with caution. The structure of the construction industry in the U.S. differs from that in South Korea, and risks will vary based on factors such as whether domestic companies participate in joint EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) arrangements with U.S. firms, the equity participation ratios among companies, and the scope of direct purchases from major equipment suppliers. In particular, the Alaska LNG project poses significant uncertainties regarding cost recovery due to its high technical challenges and astronomical initial costs associated with construction in polar regions.A securities industry representative stated, "The main issue for the construction sector in September is the visibility of the U.S. investment projects. However, since expectations for contracts have already been factored into stock prices, actual contract sizes and anticipated profitability will likely lead to significant volatility in stock prices as projects progress. Therefore, caution is advised for subsequent investments."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-13 16:00:20
  • Eo Won-jin Marks One Year as Financial Services Commission Chair with Focus on Productive Finance
    Eo Won-jin Marks One Year as Financial Services Commission Chair with Focus on Productive Finance Eo Won-jin, the Chair of the Financial Services Commission, will mark his one-year anniversary in office on September 15. Initially regarded as a practical economic bureaucrat from the Ministry of Economy and Finance, his status within the government has evolved to the point where he is now considered a candidate to succeed the head of the presidential policy office. He has focused on changing the flow of financial resources through 'productive finance' and has gained recognition for his swift responses to emerging issues.However, his personal belief in the 'separation of real estate and finance' remains an unfinished task, especially in light of the need to increase housing supply.Since taking office, Eo has positioned productive finance, inclusive finance, and consumer protection as the main pillars of financial policy. He was appointed on September 13, 2025, and officially began his duties two days later.Within the financial sector, Eo's rapid response to issues is noted as a hallmark of his work style. In May, when the long-term debt problem of the private bad bank 'Sangnoksoo' arose, he directed an investigation immediately after reports surfaced, leading the Financial Services Commission to convene a full staff meeting within about 10 hours. The scope of the response was later expanded to include not only the bonds eligible for the New Leap Fund but also the handling of remaining long-term debts and a review of bonds held by other securitization companies and public institutions. This example illustrates Eo's ability to connect immediate responses to institutional improvements.The most significant policy change has been the expansion of productive finance. The government has increased the size of the National Growth Fund from an initial 150 trillion won to 200 trillion won, boosting funding for advanced industries and innovative companies in sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology. Eo has also urged financial holding companies and banks to expand corporate financing and strategic industry investments, thereby shifting the direction of financial resource allocation.On the other hand, household debt and real estate finance remain challenges to address. In July, Eo stated in the National Assembly that his belief in the 'separation of real estate and finance' is a personal conviction. He emphasized the need for financial resources to shift away from supporting rising housing prices and instead flow toward businesses and industries.However, as the government accelerates housing supply, financial authorities find themselves in a dilemma, needing to manage the total amount of household loans while ensuring smooth funding for group loans and real estate project financing related to housing supply. Recent efforts to closely monitor project financing in the metropolitan area and encourage banks to provide funding for normal business operations reflect this policy dilemma.Ultimately, the success of Eo's policies in his second year will depend on how effectively he can distinguish between speculative demand and financing for genuine demand and supply in real estate finance. Productive finance will also enter a phase where it must demonstrate whether it leads to actual corporate investment and growth beyond supply plans.A financial sector official remarked, 'The past year has clarified the policy direction of productive finance and increased the speed of issue response. Moving forward, the ability to simultaneously address household debt stability, housing supply, and the expansion of industrial finance will become increasingly important.' 2026-09-13 16:00:00
  • Lady Gaga Welcomes First Child with Fiancé Michael Polansky
    Lady Gaga Welcomes First Child with Fiancé Michael Polansky Pop star Lady Gaga has welcomed her first child with fiancé Michael Polansky.On September 12, U.S. entertainment outlets People and Page Six reported that Gaga and Polansky were spotted with their newborn in Northern California. The baby's gender, name, and exact birth date have not been disclosed.The news of the global superstar's childbirth has drawn significant attention to Polansky, with whom Gaga has been linked since 2019. Polansky studied applied mathematics and computer science at Harvard University and has served as CEO of the Parker Group, founded by Sean Parker, the first president of Facebook.The couple's relationship began in 2019 when Gaga revealed that her mother, Cynthia Germanotta, first introduced her to Polansky through charity work. They met in person for the first time at Sean Parker's birthday party in Los Angeles that December, where they engaged in a lengthy conversation.Gaga and Polansky's relationship became public in early 2020 when they were seen together at the Super Bowl in Miami. Gaga later confirmed their romance by sharing photos of them together on her social media accounts.As the COVID-19 pandemic began that same year, the couple spent a significant amount of time together in Malibu, California. Gaga later reflected in an interview that this period allowed her to focus entirely on her relationship after years of concentrating on her career.After dating for several years, the couple got engaged in 2024. Polansky proposed after they went rock climbing together in April of that year. In July, during a visit to the Paris Olympics, Gaga publicly referred to Polansky as her fiancé, confirming their engagement.Polansky has also become a musical partner for Gaga. She has stated that he encouraged her to create pop music again. He contributed to the production of her 2025 album 'MAYHEM,' serving as the executive producer and co-writing seven tracks.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-13 15:36:00
  • Super Week for Confirmation Hearings: Clarifying Allegations and Avoiding Political Strife
    Super Week for Confirmation Hearings: Clarifying Allegations and Avoiding Political Strife The National Assembly is entering a 'Super Week' for confirmation hearings. Following the Cabinet reshuffle on August 30, candidates including Lee Hyung-il for Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Kim Seung-won for Minister of Justice, Kang Shin-cheol for Minister of National Defense, Hong Ji-sun for Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and Lee So-young for Minister of SMEs and Startups will face scrutiny from lawmakers. With the Chuseok holiday approaching, the outcomes of these hearings are expected to significantly impact the political landscape.Attention is particularly focused on Kim Seung-won, who is embroiled in various controversies. It is essential to thoroughly investigate the allegations against the candidates during the hearings. Ministers hold substantial power and responsibility. If there are suspicions, candidates must present evidence and facts to the public, and the National Assembly should verify whether their explanations are sufficient.However, it is undeniable that confirmation hearings have often devolved into political battlegrounds, where candidates are either unconditionally defended or attacked for minor flaws. The opposition party tends to seek out any blemish to launch attacks, while the ruling party often turns a blind eye to significant allegations. Consequently, the time meant for assessing policies and expertise is frequently consumed by disputes over personal issues, past statements, and controversies.This time, the hearings must be different. The opposition should focus on concrete evidence and factual relationships during their scrutiny. They should not seek political gain through exaggeration or humiliation. Likewise, the ruling party should not defend candidates solely because they were nominated by the president. If issues arise that do not meet public expectations, they must be prepared to call for the president to make a decision.Above all, the candidates' policy capabilities must be rigorously evaluated. Lee Hyung-il should be questioned on how he plans to address economic issues such as low growth, high exchange rates, and youth employment. Kim Seung-won should explain how he intends to lead judicial reform and the criminal justice system, while Hong Ji-sun should address how to resolve housing prices and supply issues. The primary purpose of the confirmation hearings is to verify what candidates will do once appointed as ministers.The Blue House also bears significant responsibility. If serious issues are uncovered during the hearings, they must be prepared to make tough decisions, even if it means facing political repercussions. Forcing appointments to avoid admitting a personnel failure could lead to greater burdens for governance. Conversely, they should not abandon capable candidates due to unfounded political attacks.Confirmation hearings represent the intersection of the president's appointment authority and the National Assembly's oversight power. This Super Week should not merely become a political event focused on whether candidates will be rejected or survive. Allegations must be thoroughly investigated, but political strife should be set aside. The public is watching to see if these candidates are truly fit to lead South Korea's key ministries.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-13 15:32:00
  • KB Financial Group CEO Transition Sparks Interest in Banking Leadership Changes
    KB Financial Group CEO Transition Sparks Interest in Banking Leadership Changes Yang Jong-hee's reappointment as chairman of KB Financial Group has fallen through, drawing attention to the future of CEO appointments in the financial sector. The decision to opt for generational change over the current chairman, who has maintained strong performance, raises questions about its impact on the industry’s hiring trends.On September 13, the KB Financial Chairman Candidate Recommendation Committee announced that Lee Jae-geun, head of KB Financial Group's division, has been selected as the final candidate for the next chairman. Given KB Financial's strong performance, with annual net profits projected to reach 6 trillion won, the outcome was unexpected.This choice is particularly noteworthy as recent appointments in financial holding companies have largely favored the reappointment of sitting chairmen. For instance, Ham Young-joo of Hana Financial was reappointed last year, and in March, Jin Ok-dong of Shinhan Financial and Im Jong-ryong of Woori Financial also secured reappointments. KB Financial is the only one among the four major financial groups to replace its sitting chairman.The committee cited 'bold change and generational transition' as the rationale behind this decision. Cho Hwa-jun, the committee chair, stated, "It is time for bold changes and generational transitions to enhance the group's fundamental competitiveness and secure future growth drivers, rather than resting on current achievements."KB Financial's decision aligns with ongoing discussions regarding improvements to governance structures in financial holding companies. President Lee Jae-myung highlighted the issue of reappointment practices among financial holding chairmen during a report to the Financial Services Commission last December. Since then, financial authorities have been discussing improvements to governance structures, including CEO succession processes and board independence.In this context, KB Financial's choice to pursue generational change instead of reappointing the sitting chairman may reflect considerations of potentially strengthened governance regulations. The government has indicated a desire to address issues related to long-term reappointments and so-called 'self-reappointments' among financial holding CEOs, suggesting that KB Financial may be responding to this policy direction.As interest grows regarding whether KB Financial's decision will influence broader hiring trends in the financial sector, attention also turns to the reappointment prospects of Lee Chan-woo, chairman of NH Nonghyup Financial Group, whose term expires on February 2 next year. NH Nonghyup is expected to initiate its management succession process three months prior to the chairman's term expiration, indicating that discussions about the next chairman will likely intensify alongside year-end appointments for its affiliates.By the end of this year, the terms of 54 CEOs across the five major financial holding companies will expire, including 10 from KB Financial, 12 from Shinhan Financial, 13 from Hana Financial, 12 from Woori Financial, and 7 from Nonghyup Financial.Particularly within KB Financial, there is speculation about how Yang's failed reappointment may affect the tenure of Lee Hwan-joo, the CEO of KB Kookmin Bank. Given the change in the group chairman, adjustments in the appointments of affiliate CEOs may be inevitable, suggesting that the selection of the next KB Kookmin Bank CEO may prioritize generational change and new management directions over continuity with the existing leadership.Kim Dae-jong, a professor at Sejong University’s Business School, remarked, "The KB Financial committee's decision is likely to have a significant impact on other financial holding companies. In particular, when deciding on the reappointment of sitting chairmen, there will be a stronger emphasis on evaluating not just management performance but also the transparency of CEO succession processes, the independence of the recommendation committee, and governance risks associated with long tenures." 2026-09-13 15:24:00
  • Son Heung-min Records 12th Assist, LAFC Falls to Last-Place Kansas City
    Son Heung-min Records 12th Assist, LAFC Falls to Last-Place Kansas City Son Heung-min, playing for Los Angeles FC (LAFC) in Major League Soccer (MLS), recorded his 12th assist of the season, but it was not enough to secure a victory for his team.On September 13, in a match against Sporting Kansas City at Sporting Park in Kansas City, Missouri, Son played the full game. In the second minute of the second half, with LAFC trailing 0-2, he provided an 'indirect assist' on Denis Bouanga's goal. Son passed the ball to Jacob Shaffelburg on the left, who then delivered a low cross into the penalty area, allowing Bouanga to score with his right foot.With this assist, Son's total for the season reached 12, placing him second in the league behind Lionel Messi of Inter Miami, who has 13 assists.Son's overall regular season stats now stand at 5 goals and 12 assists. Including all competitions, he has recorded 7 goals and 19 assists this season.However, Son's assist did not lead to a win for LAFC. Despite his contribution, the team was unable to equalize and conceded a third goal to Jacob Bartlett in the 71st minute, ultimately losing 3-1.LAFC, now facing a setback against last-place Kansas City, remains in sixth place among the 15 teams in the Western Conference, with a record of 11 wins, 7 draws, and 8 losses, totaling 40 points.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-13 15:20:10