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Vietnam's Ride-Hailing Market Faces Commission Wars The actual earnings for drivers in Vietnam's ride-hailing market have become a new competitive standard. Recently, some drivers for Grab halted operations in protest against the variable app usage fees, while GreenSM and Be maintain a fixed revenue-sharing model. The key issue has shifted from simple commission rates to how much drivers can expect to earn after each ride.According to VnExpress on September 18, Grab, GreenSM, and Be show distinct differences in their revenue-sharing models. Grab employs a flexible system where commissions vary based on ride time, distance, and supply and demand, while Be and GreenSM maintain a relatively fixed distribution structure.Driver Earnings Differ by PlatformBe pays drivers approximately 63.6% of the total fare in Hanoi and about 69.4% in Ho Chi Minh City. GreenSM offers a distribution rate of up to 90% for motorcycles and 85% for cars, with drivers' actual earnings reported to be around 73% to 83% of the total payment.Grab's structure is more complex. The company applies a 'flexible app usage fee' that varies by ride. An analysis by VnExpress of 26 rides from September 10 to 12 found that drivers received about 64.6% for motorcycles and 65.6% for cars. However, some drivers claim their earnings, which previously ranged from 67% to 73%, have recently dropped to between 50% and 75% for certain rides, indicating an overall decrease in their share.Various additional costs also impact the net earnings. Grab applies separate charges for insurance and carbon-neutral initiatives, which can further reduce drivers' earnings on short rides. Even fixed platforms face complaints regarding the distribution of extra fees.Drivers are increasingly focused on the actual amount they receive from the fares paid by passengers rather than nominal commission rates. A market analyst from EBC Financial Group stated, "We need to look at the 'effective receipt rate,' which indicates how much drivers actually earn when customers pay."International Trends in Commission Caps and Transparency RegulationsThis flexible commission model is not unique to Vietnam. Grab also implements flexible fees in the Philippines and Thailand, but with caps of 20% and 25%, respectively. In Indonesia, the commission for motorcycle ride-hailing services has been limited to 8% since July, with platforms required to cover insurance costs.Chinese ride-hailing company DiDi also uses flexible commissions but has lowered the caps and allows drivers to see the commission rates for each ride. In the U.S., Uber employs an algorithm to calculate both passenger fares and driver earnings.In Vietnam, discussions about regulatory frameworks have begun. The National Competition Commission recently requested ride-hailing platforms to submit data regarding their pricing policies, commissions, discounts, and driver deductions. Be has argued that differing calculation standards across platforms make comparisons difficult, emphasizing the need for a common standard that discloses both driver and platform shares based on total amounts paid by passengers.Meanwhile, local users have expressed a need for a transparent structure that allows drivers to easily verify their actual earnings rather than focusing solely on commission rates. One user remarked, "Grab's commission structure is too complicated for drivers to understand," adding that it appears relatively high compared to other platforms. Another user noted, "With GreenSM, I can easily see my revenue, actual payments, and bonuses, making it straightforward to plan my earnings from the start." A different user commented, "Drivers bear the fuel costs directly, making it hard to calculate their actual earnings, and the current structure seems to favor Grab excessively."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-18 16:56:00
Ansan Mayor Lee Min-keun Inspects Local Facilities to Address Resident Concerns Lee Min-keun, the mayor of Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, visited four local sites in one day to hear residents' concerns and assess solutions to community issues. The mayor's commitment is rooted in the belief that "answers lie in the field." On September 17, as part of the "2026 Citizens' Dreams Reflected in the Budget" initiative, Mayor Lee toured the neighborhoods of 이동 and 월피동, directly inspecting parks, senior centers, parking lots, and rivers with residents. The locations he visited included 성호공원 철쭉동산, 이동경로당, the construction site of 월피동 171호 노외주차장, and the Ansan Stream walking path. At 성호공원 철쭉동산, the mayor engaged with residents, gathering feedback on green space management and the need for improved facilities. Residents requested better maintenance and additional rest areas to enhance accessibility to the park, which is a prominent feature for those entering Ansan via 수인산업도로. In response, Mayor Lee committed to installing shade structures and benches, as well as ongoing tree maintenance, including weed removal and irrigation. Next, at 이동경로당, he addressed the concerns of seniors regarding the cramped kitchen space, which serves about 30 meals daily. The mayor inspected the facility and instructed staff to explore improvement options, with plans to review the project scope and budget for potential inclusion in the 2027 budget. One resident remarked, "It was easier to convey our issues by showing them in person rather than just explaining them. I will be watching to see if our suggestions lead to real improvements." In the afternoon, he moved to the construction site of 월피동 171호 노외주차장. Mayor Lee checked on the progress of the project aimed at alleviating chronic parking shortages, which began construction in late June and is expected to be completed by June 2027. Residents expressed hope that the new parking lot would help resolve persistent parking issues and urged that the project stay on schedule. Finally, the mayor visited the Ansan Stream walking path to assess pedestrian safety features. During this visit, concerns were raised about the safety risks for seniors and individuals with mobility challenges using stone steps, with requests for the installation of safety rails and handholds. Mayor Lee pledged to secure funding to enhance pedestrian safety features, focusing on steps lacking handrails. He emphasized the importance of distinguishing between issues that can be addressed immediately and those requiring budget allocation for follow-up actions. Mayor Lee Min-keun stated, "For residents, even a small daily inconvenience can be a significant issue in their lives. I will walk the sites and listen to residents to determine what needs to be changed first, rather than relying solely on reports." He added, "I will ensure that the discussions we had today lead to tangible changes, prioritizing actionable items and carefully reviewing budget-dependent projects to deliver results that residents can feel." Looking ahead, Mayor Lee plans to continue his hands-on approach by visiting sites closely related to residents' lives to hear their voices and address local issues.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-18 16:48:00
Kim Do-young: No Health Issues, Focused on Winning at Asian Games Kim Do-young of the KIA Tigers, who has joined the South Korean baseball team for the Asian Games, addressed his health status. Upon arriving at Nagoya Chubu International Airport in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, on September 18, he told reporters, "I feel the same as when I played the season without injuries. I believe there are no issues now."He added, "My condition is fine. The priority is to avoid injuries before the games, and I will work hard to quickly regain my senses."Regarding his hitless performance in a recent exhibition game, he said, "I tried to make good contact, but it just didn’t happen. I never have good memories from practice games before international competitions. I will take that as comfort and strive to perform well in the actual games."Kim also stated, "I have no thoughts about the batting order. I will do my best in whatever position I am placed. Now that I am in Japan, I will approach this with a positive mindset. I am focused solely on winning and will work hard for that."On September 21, South Korea will face Taiwan, a strong contender for the championship, in their first game of the B group at Okazaki Central General Park in Aichi Prefecture.Meanwhile, on September 9, Kim suffered a facial injury when he attempted a surprise bunt against the NC Dinos and was hit by the bat. He underwent surgery for a fibula fracture and was discharged on September 11. He returned to play as the designated hitter in a game against the Hanwha Eagles on September 13.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-18 16:44:00
Borrowers Face Higher Payments as Fixed-Rate Periods End Borrowers who took out five-year hybrid mortgages during a low-interest period are now facing the reset of their interest rates. Those who initially enjoyed rates in the 2-3% range may see their payments increase significantly as they transition to current rates around 5%. Nearly 70% of recent borrowers have opted for variable rates, adding to the financial strain as both South Korea and the United States have raised their benchmark interest rates.According to financial sources on September 18, borrowers who secured five-year hybrid mortgages in 2021 are seeing their fixed-rate periods end this year. Hybrid mortgages typically offer a fixed rate for the first five years, after which the rate is reassessed every six months or annually.For instance, if a borrower took out a 300 million won loan at an annual rate of 2.98% in August 2021, their initial monthly payment would be approximately 1.26 million won. After five years, with a remaining principal of about 266.6 million won, if the new rate is set at 5.15%, their monthly payment would rise to about 1.58 million won, an increase of 320,000 won. This translates to an annual increase in principal and interest payments of about 3.84 million won.In a similar scenario, a borrower with a 500 million won loan would see their monthly payment jump from about 2.1 million won to 2.64 million won, resulting in an additional annual burden of around 6.4 million won. The actual reassessed rate and payment amounts may vary based on the specific loan terms, benchmark rates, and any preferential conditions.The exposure to rising interest rates is not limited to past hybrid loan borrowers. According to the Bank of Korea, as of July, 68.1% of new mortgage loans were issued at variable rates. This means that nearly seven out of ten new loans are subject to fluctuations in market interest rates, reflecting expectations of lower future rates compared to fixed-rate options.However, recent trends in interest rates have not aligned with borrowers' expectations. Following two consecutive rate hikes by the Bank of Korea, the U.S. Federal Reserve raised its benchmark rate by 0.25 percentage points to a range of 3.75% to 4.00% on September 16. With the Fed leaving the door open for further increases, domestic market rates may continue to face upward pressure.The new loan-based COFIX, which serves as a benchmark for variable-rate mortgages, remained at 3.18% last month, unchanged from the previous month. Although the upward trend that began in March has paused, there is a possibility that recent increases in deposit and bank bond rates will be reflected with a delay.Borrowers with variable-rate products that reassess rates every six months will start to feel the impact of the changing rate environment from loans taken out in the first half of this year. As of the previous day, the mortgage rates at the four major banks—KB Kookmin, Shinhan, Hana, and Woori—were reported to be between 4.95% and 6.91% for fixed and hybrid loans, and between 4.29% and 6.00% for variable loans.As the likelihood of further rate increases grows, more borrowers may consider switching from variable to fixed-rate loans. For example, a borrower with a 300 million won balance and a remaining term of 25 years could see their monthly payment decrease from about 1.78 million won at a 5.15% variable rate to approximately 1.71 million won at a 4.75% fixed rate, saving about 70,000 won per month.If both rates remain constant throughout the remaining term, the total interest savings could amount to approximately 20.92 million won. However, if variable rates decline in the future, the actual savings may be less. The refinancing rate will also depend on the borrower's creditworthiness, collateral value, and any preferential conditions.Borrowers should also consider prepayment penalties. For a 300 million won loan with a penalty rate of 0.65%, the initial cost would be 1.95 million won. To offset this cost with the monthly payment reduction, it would take about 28 months. However, actual penalties may vary based on the elapsed time since the loan was issued and the bank's calculation methods. Many products waive penalties after three years, allowing borrowers who took out hybrid loans in 2021 to switch without additional fees.Experts advise that borrowers should evaluate not only interest rate forecasts but also the duration of the loan, the rate reassessment period, and prepayment penalties when deciding on loan types.Jo Dong-geun, an emeritus professor of economics at Myongji University, stated, "Given the U.S. is raising rates, it is unlikely that South Korea can diverge from this trend, suggesting the possibility of further rate hikes. In a rising rate environment, choosing fixed-rate mortgages over variable ones may help reduce interest payment volatility."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-18 16:36:20
Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae Emphasizes Judicial Independence and Public Trust Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae stated that "the independence, fairness, integrity, and public trust in the judiciary must always be protected." His remarks come amid ongoing tensions with the Blue House over judicial appointments, suggesting that the standoff is likely to continue.Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 20th Asia-Pacific Chief Justices Conference held at the Grand Hyatt Seoul on September 18, Cho said, "While the legal systems and conditions of each country may differ, we share a fundamental duty to uphold the rule of law, protect fundamental rights, and realize justice fairly and independently."He added, "One clear takeaway from this conference is that while the judiciary must respond to changes, the principles that guide us must be steadfast. The independence, fairness, integrity, and public trust in the judiciary must always be protected."Earlier, during his opening remarks the previous day, Cho emphasized that "the independence of judicial authority must be upheld, regardless of the challenges we face." Legal experts interpret his continued emphasis on judicial independence following President Yoon Suk-yeol's comments at a Blue House press conference, where he suggested that the reasons for granting independence to national institutions should be reconsidered, as a clear indication that Cho will not yield to pressure from the Blue House.This conflict began when Cho nominated Song Bong-ki, a chief judge at the Daegu District Court, as a candidate to succeed former Supreme Court Justice Noh Tae-ack on August 18. However, the presidential office unusually expressed its refusal, stating it was an "unilateral nomination without substantial consultation" and demanded a re-nomination.The Blue House has pressured the Supreme Court to re-nominate a different candidate from the existing pool recommended by the Supreme Court Justice Candidate Recommendation Committee in January. However, there are growing opinions within the judiciary that a new recommendation committee should be formed in accordance with the Court Organization Act.After receiving the Blue House's re-nomination request on August 28, Cho indicated he would clarify his position the following week (early September). However, he unexpectedly faced a family bereavement and has been engaged in court schedules, including attending the Asia-Pacific Chief Justices Conference, leading to over 20 days of deliberation.Meanwhile, the Asia-Pacific Chief Justices Conference concluded with participation from approximately 40 chief justices and judges from various countries, marking the largest gathering of its kind, where judicial issues and directions for institutional development were shared. 2026-09-18 16:36:00
Former envoy says Trump could propose Pyongyang summit SEOUL, September 18 (AJP) - Former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun said President Donald Trump could propose a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un after the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in China in November, with Pyongyang potentially emerging as a venue despite slim prospects for an immediate diplomatic breakthrough. Speaking at the West Coast Exchange conference hosted by Korea Risk Group in Incheon on Thursday, Biegun said North Korea's restrained response to Trump's repeated signals of interest in talks suggested Pyongyang was “not closing the door” to renewed diplomacy. Biegun said it “would not be a surprise at all” if Trump proposed a meeting with Kim following the APEC summit, adding that such a meeting could even take place in Pyongyang. Biegun viewed renewed diplomatic engagement as unlikely but cautioned against ruling it out. The remarks come amid renewed speculation over leader-level diplomacy. Reuters reported last month that Trump was pressing aides to arrange a meeting with Kim as early as this fall and had privately discussed holding one during an Asia trip tied to the APEC summit in Shenzhen. Trump later publicly said he planned to meet Kim this year. Pyongyang, however, has continued to harden its public stance on its nuclear arsenal. North Korean officials this week reiterated that the country's nuclear status was irreversible and pledged to continue expanding its nuclear deterrent. Biegun served as Washington's special representative for North Korea during Trump's first term and played a central role in negotiations with Pyongyang before being promoted to deputy secretary of state. He delivered the keynote address at the three-day Korea Risk Group conference, which opened in Incheon on Sept. 17. AJP Takeaways - Stephen Biegun says Trump could seek another meeting with Kim after November's APEC summit. - Biegun says Pyongyang is “not closing the door” to renewed U.S.-North Korea diplomacy. - A future Trump-Kim meeting could even take place in Pyongyang, according to Biegun. 2026-09-18 16:34:34
U.S. Rate Hike Reduces Loan Limits and Increases Interest Burden for Homebuyers The U.S. Federal Reserve's recent interest rate hike, the first in over three years, is raising concerns about the financial burden on domestic borrowers. With the potential for higher mortgage rates, new borrowers may also see their loan limits reduced due to the total debt service ratio (DSR) regulations.As of September 18, the five major banks in South Korea—KB Kookmin, Shinhan, Hana, Woori, and NH Nonghyup—reported fixed mortgage rates ranging from 4.94% to 6.92%. This marks an increase from the end of last month, when rates were between 4.72% and 6.56%, with the lower end rising by 0.22 percentage points and the upper end by 0.36 percentage points.Compared to the end of June, before the Bank of Korea began raising its benchmark rate, the lower end has increased by 0.57 percentage points. Although the upper end has decreased by 0.45 percentage points, this is largely due to NH Nonghyup's recent decision to lower its mortgage rates by that same amount.Fixed mortgage rates are primarily linked to market interest rates, such as five-year bank bonds. Anticipation of U.S. rate hikes and potential domestic tightening measures have already influenced market rates, which began to rise even before the Fed's decision. With the Fed leaving the door open for further increases, domestic market rates may continue to face upward pressure.Bank funding costs and household loan management are also key factors. As market rates rise, banks' funding costs increase. If household loan growth continues, banks may reduce preferential rates or increase margins to manage demand. Analysts predict that under these conditions, some mortgage products could approach an annual interest rate of 8%.Park Hyung-jung, an economist at Woori Bank, stated, "Given the possibility of further rate hikes, the upward trend in market rates is likely to persist for the time being. Some loan products may see rates nearing 8%." Higher interest rates will not only increase the burden on existing borrowers but also affect the loan limits for new borrowers. Under the DSR regulation of 40%, a borrower with an annual income of 100 million won can afford to repay 40 million won in principal and interest over a year. As rates rise, the repayment amount for the same loan increases, necessitating a reduction in the loan principal to meet DSR requirements.For instance, assuming a 30-year equal principal and interest repayment method, a borrower with an annual income of 100 million won would have a loan limit of approximately 620.94 million won at a 5% interest rate. If the rate rises to 6%, the limit drops to about 555.97 million won, a decrease of 64.97 million won. At a 7% rate, the limit further declines to about 510.3 million won, nearly 120 million won less than at 5%.A borrower with an annual income of 60 million won would see their loan limit decrease from approximately 37.256 million won at 5% to about 33.358 million won at 6%, a reduction of 3.898 million won. This means that even with the same income, the amount available for purchasing a home can vary by millions depending on the interest rate.In reality, the new loan limits may be even lower. In regulated areas of the metropolitan area, a stress DSR system is applied to account for potential future rate increases when determining loan limits. If borrowers have other debts, such as credit loans or auto financing, their mortgage limits will be further reduced.Kim Hyo-sun, a senior real estate expert at KB Kookmin Bank, noted, "The mid-priced and essential housing market, which relies heavily on loans, is likely to be more significantly affected by interest rates. It is time to conduct a cash flow assessment based on conservative assumptions regarding the upper limits of interest rates."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-18 16:28:20
Costa Rica Joins DEPA as Fifth Member, Expanding Digital Market in Latin America Costa Rica has joined the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA) as its fifth member. Following Chile, the increase in Latin American participants is expected to expand opportunities for South Korean companies in the e-commerce and digital business sectors.The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on September 18 that Costa Rica's membership in DEPA has officially taken effect. With this addition, the DEPA now includes five countries: Chile, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and Costa Rica.DEPA is the first multilateral digital trade agreement aimed at establishing digital trade norms and enhancing cooperation. Chile, New Zealand, and Singapore signed the agreement in June 2020, which came into effect in January 2021, while South Korea became the first additional member in May 2024.Costa Rica is the second additional member after South Korea. The country officially applied for membership on December 23, 2022, and a working group chaired by New Zealand was established in October 2023. After announcing a substantial agreement on membership negotiations in January of last year, all necessary legal procedures were completed.DEPA includes norms and cooperation frameworks aimed at facilitating e-commerce, creating a reliable digital environment, and promoting data business. In the e-commerce sector, it regulates paperless trade, electronic certification, electronic signatures, and duty-free treatment for electronic transmissions. It also includes cooperation related to logistics, express shipments, electronic invoices, and electronic payments.Norms have been established to enhance trust in digital transactions, including personal data and online consumer protection, as well as spam message regulations. Cooperation among member countries in cybersecurity and online safety is also promoted. Regarding data business, the agreement includes provisions for facilitating cross-border information transfer, prohibiting the localization of computing facilities, and ensuring non-discriminatory treatment of digital products.The Ministry of Trade anticipates that Costa Rica's membership will broaden the foundation for digital cooperation in Latin America, thereby expanding opportunities for South Korean companies in e-commerce and digital business.Efforts to expand the agreement's scope are ongoing. DEPA is an open agreement that allows for the participation of new countries, and negotiations for Peru's membership have been substantially concluded. China and the United Arab Emirates are also in the process of negotiating membership.The government plans to continue discussions with member countries regarding digital trade norms and cooperation. Park Jeong-seong, head of the Ministry's Trade Negotiation Bureau, stated, "DEPA is a 'living agreement' that continuously enhances norms to adapt to the rapidly changing digital environment, deepens cooperation among member countries, and expands membership. The inclusion of Costa Rica is significant in broadening DEPA's scope and strengthening the capacity to respond to the evolving digital landscape." He added, "We will continue to collaborate to maximize the potential of digital innovation with DEPA member countries."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-18 16:28:00
Professors Criticize Lee Jae-myung Government's Free Tuition Policy for National Universities The Korean Association of Private University Professors (Sakyoryun) and the Korean Professors' Union, along with 56 other professor organizations, have sharply criticized the current government's higher education policies, labeling them as 'incompetent, shortsighted, and indifferent.' They condemned the Ministry of Education's plan to implement a 'zero tuition' policy for local national universities as a misleading populist measure that threatens the entire higher education ecosystem, calling for a fundamental overhaul of higher education policy that encompasses both national and private institutions. On the afternoon of September 18, the professor organizations held a joint press conference in front of the statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin in Gwanghwamun, stating, "The Lee Jae-myung government's free tuition policy for national universities has three fundamental flaws: incorrect diagnosis, inequity, and a complete reversal of priorities." "Three Major Flaws in the 'Zero Tuition' Policy: 15% Benefit for National Universities, 85% Neglect for Private Universities" In their statement, the professor organizations criticized the Ministry of Education's announcement to use surplus tax revenue from the semiconductor industry to fully fund tuition for local national universities, calling it a 'populist display of administrative generosity' just before the upcoming support for students. The first flaw they identified is the 'incorrect diagnosis.' They argue that the primary reason young people are leaving their regions is not the burden of tuition but rather the lack of quality jobs and living conditions. They noted that tuition at local national universities is already significantly lower than that of universities in the metropolitan area, suggesting that if tuition were the issue, youth migration would have stopped long ago. The second flaw is 'inequity and violation of constitutional values.' They assert that it is discriminatory to provide free benefits to only 15% of students attending local national universities while enforcing a tuition freeze on private universities, which accommodate 85% of all university students and have supported national development for over 15 years. This, they argue, directly violates the constitutional principle of equal educational opportunity. The third flaw is the 'distortion of higher education reform priorities.' They contend that immediate cash handouts are less urgent than necessary reforms, such as legislative adjustments, normalizing per-student higher education costs that are below primary and secondary education levels, increasing investment in graduate research, and improving the treatment of non-tenure-track faculty who are left in conditions akin to urban poverty. Yoo Won-jun: "If the government provides funding, it should prioritize graduate and vocational colleges... 'Regional settlement' labels create stigma" Yoo Won-jun, chairman of Sakyoryun, pointed out specific flaws and contradictions in the policy that were not included in the joint statement. He criticized the lack of public discourse with stakeholders, stating, "There was no minimum consultation process while executing taxpayer money." He added, "If scholarships are to be given to nurture talented individuals, they should be directed to graduate students, who are on the brink of collapse, and if we consider economic equity and regional settlement, supporting students at local vocational colleges would be more appropriate," emphasizing that the current free tuition policy for national universities misses the mark entirely. Yoo also strongly rebutted the government's claim of fostering 'regionally settled talent.' He argued, "Framing students with the message 'You should never leave this region' is neither educational nor beneficial, as it only creates a damaging stigma. We need to invest boldly in graduate programs and faculty to equip students with the competitiveness to thrive globally, rather than trying to keep them tied to the region." "Stop treating universities as five-year industrial policy appendages... Mergers that undermine diversity must cease" Yoo expressed deep concern over the bureaucratic control methods of the government that are damaging the entire higher education ecosystem. He stated, "The government, unable to foresee beyond five years, is subjugating universities to short-term industrial policies, like the recent trends in metaverse and coding. The essence of university education is to cultivate foundational skills that allow institutions to survive regardless of changing environments." He warned, "The lifeblood of an ecosystem is its diversity. The government's push for the integration of national universities is leading to a general decline in standards." He also called for a fundamental innovation in the financial support system for universities. Yoo suggested, "The Ministry of Education is pouring funds into vague projects that lead to 'ambiguous goals, labyrinthine paths, and no results.' Instead, they should provide comprehensive operational funding that can be used where it is needed most, along with transparent evaluations and post-monitoring." "Immediate dismissal of Education Minister Choi Kyo-jin... Call for direct response from the President and enactment of a 'University Law'" On the same day, the 56 professor organizations urged President Lee Jae-myung to "no longer remain silent on the dysfunction and incompetence in higher education and to make a direct decision and response." They also formally demanded that the government: 1) enact a 'University Law' that encompasses both national and private institutions for systematic legal and institutional reform; 2) immediately halt impulsive populist policies that incite conflict between national and private universities; 3) completely redesign the universal system for regional balance and university financial support; and 4) significantly improve the treatment of non-tenure-track faculty and increase investment in research infrastructure. In particular, they raised their voices for the immediate dismissal of the incompetent Education Minister Choi Kyo-jin, who has caused severe confusion in the university sector by pushing through unilateral policies without social consensus. They declared that if their demand for the establishment of an official consultative body with the field is not met, they will mobilize the capabilities of university members nationwide to launch a strong solidarity movement. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-18 16:28:00
Gwangmyeong City Council Inspects Traditional Market Prices Ahead of Chuseok The Gwangmyeong City Council visited traditional markets to assess prices of holiday essentials ahead of the Chuseok holiday. On September 18, council members visited Gwangmyeong Traditional Market to check prices of key items such as fruits, vegetables, and meat, which see increased demand during the holiday season. They engaged in conversations with market vendors. Led by Chair Lee Hyung-deok, the council members personally shopped to gauge the grocery prices that citizens experience. They also took note of the purchasing conditions and any inconveniences faced by shoppers. Market vendors reported that consumers are feeling the pressure of rising prices, compounded by a general decline in spending, making it increasingly difficult for them. Suggestions for increasing foot traffic to traditional markets and improving market conditions were also discussed. Citizens shopping at the market shared various opinions about the burden of holiday shopping and their experiences using traditional markets. One shopper noted, “With so many items like fruits and vegetables to prepare for Chuseok, I find myself comparing prices more carefully than before. I hope the cost of necessary items can be less burdensome.” A vendor added, “I can feel that customers are more sensitive to prices as the holiday approaches. I hope citizens can visit the market without financial stress, allowing vendors to thrive as well.” The council members listened to the vendors' concerns while also examining how to create a more convenient shopping environment for citizens. Chair Lee emphasized, “One of the most significant aspects citizens feel during their holiday shopping is the grocery prices.” He added, “I will ensure that the voices of citizens and vendors heard on-site are reflected in our legislative activities, and I will continue to monitor the living conditions closely.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-18 16:28:00