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  • Korea and Uzbekistan Aim for Unmatched Cooperation Through Local Government Collaboration
    Korea and Uzbekistan Aim for Unmatched Cooperation Through Local Government Collaboration Korea and Uzbekistan are exploring ways to achieve tangible economic cooperation through local government collaboration, focusing on investment and job creation. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Koo Yun-cheol emphasized the need for both countries to create "unmatched cooperation" that leverages regional strengths.Koo made these remarks during the Korea-Uzbekistan Local Government Cooperation Forum held in Seoul on September 11. The forum was co-hosted by the Korea Association of Mayors and the Embassy of Uzbekistan in South Korea, with over 150 participants, including officials from both central and local governments, business leaders, and experts from academia and the private sector.In attendance were Koo and Uzbekistan's Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev, along with representatives from local governments in Uzbekistan, including Fergana, Tashkent, and Namangan. Nine out of Uzbekistan's 14 regional administrative units participated in the forum.In his speech, Koo noted the significance of discussing local government cooperation ahead of the Korea-Central Asia Summit, stating, "In a situation where balanced regional development is a survival strategy for our economy, this forum holds great meaning."He described Korea and Uzbekistan as "the best partners to navigate the turbulent waters of the rapidly changing global economy," underscoring the importance of bilateral cooperation.Koo specifically highlighted the need for local governments to create "unmatched cooperation" that capitalizes on regional strengths, suggesting that successful models driven by local initiatives could foster a virtuous cycle that enhances cooperation between the two countries.He also proposed support measures to generate visible cooperation outcomes among local governments, stating, "We will actively support various policy financing, such as the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF), and address the challenges faced by businesses and local governments on the ground."Koo expressed hope that the discussions would lead to tangible results in investment projects and job creation.In his welcoming remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Khodjaev emphasized the need to expand cooperation in various fields, including resources, digital transformation, infrastructure, and tourism, to increase bilateral trade from $2 billion to $5 billion annually, stating, "A collaborative framework is essential for this."The government plans to enhance mutually beneficial economic cooperation in promising areas such as supply chains, advanced industries, and infrastructure. It aims to closely communicate with local governments to ensure that the benefits of economic cooperation spread to all regions of both countries.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-13 12:04:10
  • Korea Post Launches Special Delivery Service for Chuseok 2026
    Korea Post Launches Special Delivery Service for Chuseok 2026 Korea Post (우정사업본부) is implementing an emergency work system to ensure prompt delivery during the Chuseok holiday.On September 13, Korea Post announced that it will operate a '2026 Chuseok Special Delivery Period' from September 14 to 29.During this period, the agency expects to receive approximately 14.33 million parcel mail items nationwide, averaging about 1.43 million packages per day, similar to last year's Chuseok volume. To accommodate this, 24 major post offices and three logistics centers will operate at full capacity.Korea Post plans to prioritize the safety of its employees during this busy time by implementing accident prevention measures. Inspections of postal machinery, electrical facilities, and vehicles have been completed according to safety manuals. Additionally, employee training will be enhanced to prepare for potential weather alerts, including work stoppages and quick evacuations.The agency also advises customers to take note of specific packaging requirements, such as using ice packs for seafood and meat, repackaging items in paper boxes if they are in non-woven fabric, Styrofoam, or wrapping, and ensuring accurate postal codes, addresses, and phone numbers are provided.Park In-hwan, head of Korea Post, stated, "We will ensure the safe delivery of parcel mail received from the public during Chuseok," adding that some deliveries may be delayed due to a temporary surge in volume.Chuseok will be celebrated from September 24 to 26.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-13 12:04:10
  • South Korea to Launch Large-Scale Green Hydrogen Production Trials
    South Korea to Launch Large-Scale Green Hydrogen Production Trials The South Korean government is set to initiate large-scale green hydrogen production trials, targeting capacities between 50 to 100 megawatts in areas rich in renewable energy. This initiative aims to expand the clean hydrogen production base, leveraging operational experience from electrolysis facilities in Jeju.The Ministry of Climate Energy and Environment announced on September 13 that the '2026 Global Green Hydrogen Forum' will take place from September 14 to 16 at the Jeju International Convention Center in Seogwipo.Co-hosted by the ministry and the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, the event will be organized by the Green Hydrogen Glocal Research Center and will feature participation from 106 institutions, companies, and universities across nine countries, including the International Energy Agency (IEA) and embassies from Germany, Denmark, and Thailand.Participants will discuss the theme 'Jeju, the Climate Economic Capital, Setting New Standards for Global Energy Transition,' focusing on AI-based renewable energy innovations and collaboration in green hydrogen.Key topics will include innovations in the power market due to the expansion of renewable energy, integration of green hydrogen production and systems, hydrogen production, storage, utilization, safety technologies, and the expansion of the clean hydrogen demand market. The forum will also feature academic discussions, exhibitions, and site visits showcasing local green hydrogen pilot projects.Since starting a 250-kilowatt electrolysis pilot in 2017, the ministry and Jeju have been expanding the clean hydrogen production and utilization base, including the establishment of a 3.3-megawatt electrolysis complex in Haengwon, Jeju.The Haengwon electrolysis complex has been producing approximately 200 kilograms of hydrogen daily since September 2024, supplying it to 17 hydrogen buses and passenger vehicles in the Jeju region. Building on this pilot experience, the government plans to advance green hydrogen production trials in renewable energy-rich areas.On the final day of the forum, September 16, a sharing session on electrolysis technology will be held at the Haengwon electrolysis pilot complex. This session will allow for the exchange of experiences accumulated during the construction and operation of the complex, as well as discussions on the future direction of large-scale pilot projects.Park Deok-yeol, Director of Hydrogen and Thermal Industry Policy at the Ministry of Climate Energy and Environment, stated, "Clean hydrogen is a fundamental raw material for carbon reduction in industries where greenhouse gas reduction is challenging, and it serves as a clean energy source that complements renewable energy. We aim to accelerate the energy transition by linking renewable energy and hydrogen through large-scale electrolysis trials."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-13 12:04:10
  • Korea University of Technology and Defense Transition Center to Merge, Expanding Job Training for Veterans
    Korea University of Technology and Defense Transition Center to Merge, Expanding Job Training for Veterans 정부가 전역예정군인의 직업훈련과 취업 지원을 강화하기 위해 한국기술교육대학교와 국방전직교육원을 통합한다. 국방전직교육원의 군인 맞춤형 전직 지원 경험에 한기대의 직업훈련 인프라를 결합해 장기·전문 훈련까지 지원 범위를 넓힌다는 구상이다. 고용노동부와 국방부는 관계부처 합동 '공공기관 기능개혁 추진방안'의 후속 조치로 한기대와 국방전직교육원의 통합을 추진한다고 13일 밝혔다. 한기대는 고용서비스정책학과와 고용직업능력개발센터를 운영하며 고용서비스와 정책 개발 기능을 수행하고 있다. 민간 훈련기관과 훈련과정 심사·평가, 온라인 평생직업능력개발 플랫폼 'STEP' 운영, 직업훈련 교·강사 양성도 맡고 있다. 국방전직교육원은 전역예정군인을 대상으로 복무기간별 맞춤형 교육과 군 경력을 연계한 취업 상담을 제공한다. 지난해 약 2만9000명의 장병이 관련 서비스를 이용했다. 다만 기관 규모가 작아 교육과정 종류가 제한적이고 교육도 3~4일가량의 단기과정 위주로 운영됐다. 정부는 이번 통합을 통해 전역예정군인이 한기대의 온라인 훈련 콘텐츠와 국민내일배움카드를 활용한 약 3만개의 전문 직업훈련 과정에 쉽게 참여할 수 있도록 할 방침이다. 취업 지원도 확대한다. 교육·훈련 전후로 고용24를 통한 구인·구직 서비스와 전국 102개 고용복지플러스센터 전문상담사의 진로·취업 상담을 연계한다. 이번 통합은 단순한 기관 합병보다는 국방 분야에 머물던 전역 지원을 노동부의 직업훈련·고용서비스 체계와 연결하는 데 초점이 맞춰졌다. 다만 구체적인 통합 방식과 조직·인력 운영 방안은 향후 통합추진단 논의를 거쳐 확정된다. 양 부처는 통합 이후에도 군인 특화 전직지원 기능을 유지하고 임직원의 의견을 충분히 수렴하기로 했다. 통합 과정에서 직원의 노동조건과 복리후생이 저하되지 않도록 노력한다는 원칙도 세웠다. 이달 중 노동부와 국방부, 한기대, 국방전직교육원 및 직원 대표가 참여하는 통합추진단을 구성한다. 추진단은 법령과 예산, 조직, 직원 복리후생 등을 협의해 연내 세부 통합방안을 마련할 계획이다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-13 12:04:00
  • Government Implements Special Waste Collection System for Chuseok Holiday
    Government Implements Special Waste Collection System for Chuseok Holiday The government is activating a special waste collection system to prepare for the surge in household waste during the Chuseok holiday. It will also focus on inspecting excessive packaging of holiday gift sets and monitoring the accumulation of recyclables such as paper and plastic.The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment announced on September 13 that it will implement a "Special Management Plan for Household Waste during the Chuseok Holiday" in collaboration with local governments, the Korea Environment Corporation, and the Korea Expressway Corporation from September 14 to 30.Local governments across the country will operate waste management teams and mobile cleaning crews during the holiday period. They plan to quickly collect household waste while enhancing patrols and enforcement in areas prone to illegal dumping.Areas with high waste generation, such as traditional markets, terminals, and rest areas, will undergo intensive cleaning before the holiday. Additional cleaning personnel and temporary collection bins will be deployed during the holiday, and waste sorting facilities and storage sites will be inspected in advance.Each region will designate specific collection days for household waste during the holiday. Residents can check the collection schedule on local government websites and community bulletin boards, so they should review the schedule before disposal.Inspections will also be conducted on excessive packaging of holiday gift sets. The ministry will focus on compliance with packaging space ratios, the number of packaging layers, and proper labeling for recyclable materials in large stores until September 23.The Korea Environment Corporation will launch a "Food Waste Reduction Challenge" from September 17 to 30 to encourage the public to minimize food waste during Chuseok. Details on how to participate will be announced on the corporation's website.The Ministry of Climate, the Korea Environment Corporation, and the Korea Resource Circulation Support Center will also monitor the inflow and outflow of recyclables such as paper, plastic, and glass bottles, as well as market trends. If an accumulation of recyclables is anticipated, they plan to proactively expand storage.Kim Go-eung, Director of the Resource Circulation Bureau at the Ministry of Climate, stated, "We will operate a rapid collection system during the holiday to minimize public inconvenience and urge citizens to refrain from purchasing excessively packaged products and actively participate in proper waste separation."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-13 12:04:00
  • Koreas Supply Chain Restructured Through Third Countries Amid US-China Tensions
    Korea's Supply Chain Restructured Through Third Countries Amid US-China Tensions The prolonged trade conflict between the United States and China is leading to a restructuring of Korea's supply chain, with connections to the US and China increasingly routed through third countries like Vietnam. While direct economic ties between the US and China have weakened, supply chain links have remained intact. However, experts warn that if the US intensifies regulations such as origin rules or circumvention export investigations, the trade pressures faced by third countries could spill over to Korean companies.The Bank of Korea released a report on September 13 titled "How Global Economic Connections Are Restructured Amid Geopolitical Fragmentation."The report from the Bank of Korea's research division indicates that as direct economic ties between the US and China weaken, third countries are playing a crucial role as "connector countries" that maintain global economic connections. These connector countries, including Vietnam, India, and Mexico, link both the US final market and the China-centered production network.Korea's supply chain has also significantly strengthened its connections through connector countries like Vietnam. The share of value added from Korea's exports to Vietnam that ultimately connects to US final demand (consumption and investment) rose from 11.1% in 2016 to 18.5% in 2022. Similarly, the share leading to Chinese final demand increased from 7.3% to 13.9% during the same period.This trend is particularly evident in Korea's key industries, such as semiconductors and electronics. The share of value added from exports to Vietnam that connects to US final demand surged from 12.8% to 21.0%, while the share leading to China rose from 11.2% to 19.4%.In indirect routes where Korean intermediate goods pass through third countries to reach the US, the share via China decreased from 10.7% in 2016 to 6.8% in 2022, while the share via the five ASEAN countries expanded significantly from 4.9% to 8.3%. In the semiconductor and electronics sector, the share via ASEAN soared to 18.6%, surpassing the share via China, which stood at 17.0%.However, the increasing reliance on ASEAN production networks raises the scope of trade and supply chain risks that Korean companies must bear. Jeong Seon-young, head of the Bank of Korea's Asia-Pacific Economic Team, noted in a background briefing, "While connections through third countries serve as a buffer channel that solidifies economic ties, the potential risks we must bear have also increased." He added, "In addition to the direct tariff pressures from the US on Korea, the risks from third countries, such as circumvention export investigations or strengthened origin regulations affecting connector countries like Vietnam, have re-emerged, indicating that the scope and degree of risks we need to manage in the supply chain are much larger than in the past." Furthermore, there are concerns that the lengthening of production routes could lead to inflationary pressures and increased risks of supply chain disruptions. Jeong stated, "As production nodes increase, such as through ASEAN, and new investments are made, costs have risen compared to the past. Given the extended production bases, if bottlenecks occur in the middle, the risk of the entire supply chain coming to a halt is likely to be greater, similar to what we experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic." The Bank of Korea emphasized the need to utilize the buffering function of ASEAN while thoroughly managing the potential for shocks from policy changes in major countries or third-country production networks to spill over domestically. It advised that Korea should pursue strategic diversification of its supply chains to reduce dependence on specific production bases or routes.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-13 12:04:00
  • Seoul Bar Association Advocates for Constitutional Right to Legal Counsel
    Seoul Bar Association Advocates for Constitutional Right to Legal Counsel The Sangju Police Station in North Gyeongsang Province has sparked controversy by announcing that it could restrict legal counsel participation during suspect interrogations for certain types of crimes. In response, the Seoul Bar Association has raised strong objections. Following this, the National Police Agency's National Investigation Headquarters conducted a nationwide survey of police stations.On September 13, the Seoul Bar Association stated that it formally requested action regarding the Sangju Police Station's notice, which specified that participation by legal counsel would be limited for cases involving violations of the National Security Law, organized crime, drug offenses, and terrorism.The Sangju Police Station cited concerns that legal counsel could assist in evidence destruction or escape, significantly impacting investigations as reasons for the restrictions.However, Article 12, Section 4 of the Constitution guarantees the right to legal counsel immediately upon arrest or detention. Additionally, Article 243-2 of the Criminal Procedure Act ensures that legal counsel's participation in interrogations is protected unless there are legitimate reasons to deny it.According to police investigation regulations, legal counsel cannot be uniformly restricted based on specific crime types unless there are clear exceptions such as the disclosure of investigation secrets or obstruction of interrogation. The notice appears to have left unchanged the guidelines established when the legal counsel participation system was first introduced in 1999.After the Seoul Bar Association raised its concerns, the National Investigation Headquarters conducted a nationwide survey of 261 police stations, excluding Sangju Police Station. The investigation revealed that no other police stations had posted similar notices. The Sangju Police Station has since removed the notice and plans to issue a new one that guarantees the right to legal counsel.The Seoul Bar Association views the issue as significant, noting that the National Investigation Headquarters' nationwide survey and the corrective actions taken by the Sangju Police Station followed their objections. Chairman Cho Soon-yeol plans to visit the Sangju Police Station on the 16th to verify compliance with the corrective measures and discuss ways to ensure the effective protection of the right to legal counsel.Chairman Cho stated, "The right to legal counsel is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution and should not be undermined in any form during investigations. The Seoul Bar Association will continue to actively respond to ensure that the right to legal counsel is effectively protected."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-13 11:12:00
  • Shinhan Card Partners with Kakao to Offer AI-Driven Financial Services
    Shinhan Card Partners with Kakao to Offer AI-Driven Financial Services Shinhan Card is launching a service that allows users to receive card recommendations and access financial content through conversation, in collaboration with Kakao's artificial intelligence (AI) services.On September 13, Shinhan Card announced that it will provide its services, including card recommendations and financial lifestyle content, through 'ChatGPT for Kakao.' This marks the first time a domestic card company has integrated Kakao's AI services to offer financial services.The services include four features: card recommendations, popular card inquiries, detailed benefit inquiries, and consumer insights along with financial lifestyle content. Customers can add the Shinhan Card tool in 'Kakao Tools' and access these services through conversation without needing to navigate separate menus.By simply mentioning a specific card and asking about its benefits, users can receive information about the card's key advantages. Additionally, trend information and financial lifestyle content based on Shinhan Card's consumer data will be available.This service is implemented by linking Shinhan Card's card and content services to Kakao's open platform 'PlayMCP.' MCP is a standard method that allows AI to connect with external services to exchange data. Shinhan Card plans to expand the range of services offered in the future to include more public-oriented options.A Shinhan Card representative stated, "We will continue to connect with various AI platforms and services to expand AI-based customer touchpoints."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-13 11:08:20
  • Yong Hye-in Holds Press Conference Amid Resignation Speculation
    Yong Hye-in Holds Press Conference Amid Resignation Speculation Yong Hye-in, the nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, is drawing attention as she announces a press conference regarding her future.The Basic Income Party stated on the 13th that Yong will hold a press conference at 11:30 a.m. in the National Assembly's communication hall.Yong, who was nominated for the ministerial position on August 30, has faced calls for her resignation over issues related to her concurrent roles as a proportional representative lawmaker and a cabinet member.Even if she is appointed as minister, Yong is not required to resign from her position as a lawmaker. Current Article 29 of the National Assembly Act allows lawmakers to concurrently hold the positions of Prime Minister or cabinet members. Since the Minister of Gender Equality and Family is a cabinet member, Yong would not automatically lose her legislative seat upon taking office.On the 10th, Yong reaffirmed her stance during a press conference at the National Assembly, stating, "It is a principle that lawmakers can hold concurrent cabinet positions as permitted by law," and she reiterated her intention to maintain her legislative role. She also countered the tradition of proportional representatives resigning upon taking a ministerial position, arguing that resignation is not a legal requirement.If Yong were to voluntarily resign from her legislative seat, the situation would change. Unlike district representatives, a proportional representative's seat would not require a by-election; instead, the next candidate on the party's list would succeed the seat. According to Article 200 of the Public Official Election Act, the Election Commission must determine the successor within ten days of receiving notification of the vacancy, following the order of the party's proportional representation candidate list.Currently, the individual mentioned as a potential successor is Ko Jae-soon, the former secretary-general of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation. Yong returned to the Basic Income Party after being elected as the sixth proportional representative candidate for the Democratic Union in the 2024 general election. It is reported that the next candidate on the Democratic Union's list is Ko, who is in the 19th position.As Yong holds another press conference just three days later, observers are keen to see whether she will maintain her previous position or reveal a new stance regarding her future.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-13 11:08:00
  • National Tax Service to Guide Joint Homeowners on Property Tax Calculations
    National Tax Service to Guide Joint Homeowners on Property Tax Calculations The National Tax Service (NTS) will provide individual calculations for property tax benefits to couples who jointly own a single home starting this year. The agency plans to refund taxpayers who have overpaid due to a lack of awareness about special provisions or an inability to assess their tax benefits accurately.NTS Commissioner Lim Kwang-hyun announced on September 13 via social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that "for the first time this year, the NTS will calculate and inform joint homeowners of the most favorable property tax amounts." He added, "We will also identify and refund those who have overpaid due to a lack of knowledge about these provisions."From September 16 to 30, couples who jointly own a single home can apply for special provisions regarding property tax. If they apply, they can deduct 120 million won from the publicly assessed value of their home, similar to single homeowners, and receive tax deductions based on their age and ownership duration.Conversely, if they do not apply for the special provisions, they will not receive age and ownership duration deductions, but can benefit from a maximum combined deduction of 180 million won based on each spouse's share. This means that the tax burden will vary depending on the home's value, the taxpayers' ages, and the duration of ownership.The special provisions for couples jointly owning a single home were introduced in 2021. The comprehensive real estate tax was implemented in 2006 based on a household aggregation method, but after a constitutional court ruling in 2008 deemed it unconstitutional, it shifted to individual taxation. This change led to joint homeowners facing higher taxes than single homeowners, prompting the introduction of the special provisions.Previously, taxpayers had to determine which method was more beneficial for them. Taxpayers unfamiliar with tax laws had to access the Home Tax system, conduct simulations, and decide whether to apply for or cancel the special provisions, making it difficult to verify the accuracy of the calculations. This process was particularly burdensome for older taxpayers who are less comfortable with online environments.For the first time this year, the NTS will analyze individual tax burdens in advance and provide tailored estimates of the most favorable tax amounts. According to the NTS, approximately 5,700 taxpayers are identified as benefiting from applying for the special provisions, while about 2,900 existing applicants would benefit from canceling their applications.The NTS will notify these individuals of their most favorable estimated tax amounts via mobile or mail. Taxpayers can use the estimated amounts as a reference to apply for or cancel the special provisions from September 16 to 30. The most favorable calculated tax amounts will be automatically notified during the regular property tax assessment in November.Taxpayers who do not make a decision during the September application period can still report in a favorable manner during the regular property tax reporting period in December.Commissioner Lim stated, "We will actively seek out those who have overpaid due to a lack of knowledge about the special provisions or an inability to assess their benefits accurately. In line with the government's proactive administrative approach, we will expand tailored guidance in areas where taxpayers find it difficult to make judgments, reducing taxpayer inconvenience and ensuring they do not miss out on benefits."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-13 11:04:00