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South Korea Denies U.S. Request on Hormuz Deployment Deadline The South Korean government stated on September 11 that no decision has been made regarding the deployment to Hormuz. It emphasized that reports claiming the White House requested a response from the South Korean government regarding its 'contribution plan' related to the Strait of Hormuz by November 1 are not true.In a press release, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed regret, stating, "Incorrect reports can harm national interests on important policy matters."The ministry added, "Our government is closely consulting with the international community on practical contribution plans to protect citizens, safeguard economic interests, restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and promote peace and stability in the Middle East, but no specific contribution plan has been decided."In relation to this, the Ministry of National Defense also stated on September 9 that the reports are false.Meanwhile, the government has recently initiated practical review procedures, including sending a military local investigation team to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 2026-09-11 10:08:20 -
Participate Directly: 'Mugamseogi' Performance at Sejong Center "Typically, shaman rituals are performed by shamans to alleviate misfortune or provide comfort. It seems like the shaman will solve everything. However, 'Mugamseogi' conveys that if you truly want to receive blessings, you must participate in the ritual yourself. It’s about taking action to bring blessings rather than relying on someone else." (Yoon Hye-jung, Director of the Seoul City Dance Company) 'Mugamseogi' is a traditional folk practice where, at the peak of a shaman ritual, the person requesting the ritual wears the shaman's attire and dances spontaneously to the rhythm, releasing their emotions. This performance will be presented by the Seoul City Dance Company at the Sejong Center's main theater. During a press call for 'Mugamseogi' on September 10, Yoon Hye-jung stated, "Mugamseogi is a process of resolving pain and sorrow from within rather than blaming others and finding oneself." The concept of 'Mugamseogi' emphasizes that the individual does not merely rely on a shaman to pray for blessings but actively participates in the dance to welcome those blessings. Yoon found a relevant message in this practice for today’s society. He remarked, "I thought that in this era, we might need a process of self-reflection. I want to consider that our ancestors' 'Mugamseogi' contained the mindset and attitude of 'I had problems within me' and 'I can resolve them myself.'" The project originated from research on shaman dances conducted while preparing for the Seoul City Dance Company's 2025 work 'Mimesis.' Yoon explained, "In traditional Seoul shaman rituals, when the shaman was in the midst of a performance, a member of the family would take the shaman's attire and dance spontaneously like the shaman. 'Mugamseogi' is about surrendering to the music and dancing as your body leads you." To capture this spontaneity, the performance incorporates improvisation. Dancers, trained in precise choreography, are encouraged to express their own bodies and emotions. Additionally, the costumes are designed to appear different even with the same movements, with Yoon noting, "The angle and flow of the costumes are all directed by the dancer's fingertips, so even if the movements are the same, the way the costumes flow cannot be identical." Efforts were made to modernize the performance to resonate with the audience. Yoon stated, "Shaman rituals and shamans were elements of our ancestors' communal life. When something happened, people would gather to perform rituals and share food, turning it into a festive occasion." He added, "However, during the Japanese colonial period, the term 'superstition' was used to demean these practices. Through this opportunity, I want to discuss the folk elements that were integrated into our ancestors' lives." However, it is regrettable that the sense of joy and liberation inherent in 'Mugamseogi' was not fully realized on stage. The energy of a festival, where participants jump in and dance together, was not felt. Although the performance depicted a journey through anxiety, pain, awareness, and hope, it remained shrouded in darkness until the end, which was intended to be a liberating climax. The dreamlike music and movements, which seemed on the verge of bursting forth yet never did, suppressed the spontaneity and excitement of the ritual. While the performance delved deeply into pain, it did not reach the liberation that follows. The performance runs from September 10 to 13. 2026-09-11 10:08:10
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September Exports Surge 82.6%, Approaching $1 Trillion Mark South Korea's exports in early September surged over 82% compared to the same period last year, setting a new record for this timeframe. The increase was driven by a record high in semiconductor exports, along with gains in petroleum products and passenger cars.The Korea Customs Service reported on September 11 that the export value from September 1 to 10 reached $34.973 billion, marking an 82.6% increase year-on-year. This figure represents the highest amount recorded for this period. Cumulative exports for the year have also risen by 54.1% compared to the same period last year, totaling $728.561 billion.Considering the number of working days, the average daily export value stands at $4.11 billion, reflecting an 82.6% increase from the previous year, as the number of working days remained the same.South Korea's export performance has already surpassed last year's total. As of September 5, the cumulative export value reached $709.4 billion, exceeding last year's annual total of $709.3 billion. This indicates that the country has surpassed last year's export figures 117 days earlier than in 2025.Given this trend, the likelihood of achieving $1 trillion in exports this year appears high. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy anticipates that if the current robust export growth continues, the country will reach the $1 trillion mark. Only three countries— the United States, China, and Germany—have previously achieved this milestone.Semiconductors are leading the export charge. In early September, semiconductor exports soared by 207.1% to $16.483 billion, also a record for this period. The share of semiconductor exports in total exports increased by 23.9 percentage points to 47.1% compared to last year.High oil prices have contributed to a significant rise in petroleum product exports, which increased by 57.0%. Exports of passenger cars rose by 10.0%, while ship exports surged by 66.8%, and steel product exports grew by 10.3%. However, precision instrument exports fell by 4.8% to $19.9 million.Exports to major trading partners showed strong growth, with China (up 103.0%), the United States (up 137.5%), Taiwan (up 176.0%), Vietnam (up 42.2%), and the European Union (up 38.9%) all experiencing increases. The top three countries—China, the United States, and Vietnam—accounted for 51.9% of total exports.Imports also rose, increasing by 20.7% to $24.66 billion. The cumulative annual import value has grown by 18.9% to $515.57 billion. Semiconductor imports surged by 91.5% to $4.947 billion, while crude oil (up 3.5%) and semiconductor manufacturing equipment (up 44.8%) also saw significant increases. In contrast, machinery imports decreased by 2.7%.Energy imports, including crude oil, gas, and coal, rose by 1.5%. Crude oil and coal imports increased by 3.5% and 15.1%, respectively, reaching $2.473 billion and $459 million. However, gas imports fell by 9.7% to $807 million.By country, imports from China (up 50.0%), the United States (up 17.3%), the EU (up 6.5%), and Japan (up 39.8%) increased. However, imports from Australia (down 0.7%) and Saudi Arabia (down 11.7%) declined.With exports exceeding imports, the trade balance recorded a surplus of $10.367 billion, bringing the cumulative annual trade surplus to $212.99 billion.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-11 10:04:00
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Government Reports Strong Economic Recovery Amid High Inflation and Employment Challenges The government has assessed that a robust recovery in the economy is continuing, driven by increased exports and improvements in domestic consumption. However, it also noted ongoing challenges related to high inflation, employment conditions in vulnerable sectors, and uncertainties stemming from the conflict in the Middle East.The Ministry of Economy and Finance stated in its 'Recent Economic Trends for September 2026' report released on the 11th that, "Recently, our economy shows a solid recovery trend, with a significant increase in exports and improvements in domestic consumption." Exports were led by increases in semiconductors and computers. In August, exports reached $98.26 billion, a 68.7% increase compared to the same month last year. The average daily export amount, adjusted for working days, was $4.47 billion, up 72.5%.By category, computer exports surged by 419%, while semiconductors increased by 209%. Exports of cosmetics and secondary batteries rose by 52% and 24%, respectively. In contrast, automobile and ship exports fell by 30% and 46%, showing significant variation among categories. The trade balance for August recorded a surplus of $34.75 billion.Domestic indicators presented mixed signals. Retail sales in July decreased by 2.4% compared to the previous month, with declines in sales of durable goods (-7.7%), semi-durable goods (-1.4%), and non-durable goods (-0.1%). Service sector production also fell by 1.3%. While mining and manufacturing production increased by 0.2%, construction output dropped by 1.1%, leaving total industrial production unchanged from the previous month. However, capital investment rose by 7.5%.Preliminary consumer indicators for August showed both improvement and slowdown signals. Domestic card approvals, excluding utility payments, increased by 4.9% compared to the same month last year, surpassing July's growth rate of 3.7%. Conversely, domestic sales of locally produced passenger cars fell by 28.3%. The consumer sentiment index dropped to 104.5, down 2.3 points from the previous month. The Ministry of Economy and Finance identified the increase in card approvals as a positive factor for retail sales, while the decline in domestic car sales was seen as a negative factor.Inflationary pressures also persisted. In August, consumer prices rose by 3.1% compared to the same month last year, a larger increase than July's 2.8%. The base effect from last year's temporary halving of mobile phone fees in August influenced this rise. Core inflation, excluding food and energy, increased by 3.4%, while living costs rose by 3.2%.Prices for agricultural, livestock, and fishery products fell by 2.6%, but petroleum prices surged by 14.2%. The average monthly price of Dubai crude oil rose from $76.80 per barrel in July to $88.80 in August. The Ministry of Economy and Finance assessed that inflationary pressures continue amid heightened uncertainties due to the Middle East conflict and rising oil prices.Employment figures showed an overall increase, but disparities among sectors were evident. In August, the number of employed individuals rose by 184,000 compared to the same month last year, exceeding July's increase of 108,000. Employment in the service sector increased by 345,000, while manufacturing and construction sectors saw declines of 38,000 and 32,000, respectively. Employment in the accommodation and food service sector also decreased by 61,000.The government plans to strengthen supply management of key items to minimize the impact of the Middle East conflict and implement measures to stabilize prices of essential goods during the Chuseok holiday. It also aims to accelerate economic growth strategies for the second half of the year to address structural issues such as potential growth rate rebounds and polarization.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-11 10:00:20
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Jung Jeom-sik Calls for National Investigation into Kim Seung-won Jung Jeom-sik, the floor leader of the People Power Party, intensified his criticism of Kim Seung-won, the nominee for Minister of Justice, on September 11, stating that Kim should undergo a national investigation rather than a confirmation hearing.During a party strategy meeting at the National Assembly, Jung asserted, "The various allegations against the nominee are not merely personal corruption but involve lobbying and stock manipulation scandals."Jung claimed, "Kim, who was a member of the National Assembly at the time, had a drug that kills mice approved for clinical trials by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety just two weeks after contacting the agency's head," alleging that Kim exerted external pressure on the ministry at the request of an acquaintance.He also raised concerns about stock manipulation. Jung noted, "The stock price of Sejong Medical, the largest shareholder of Genensel, which developed the problematic drug, skyrocketed due to expectations of clinical approval, only to plummet after the announcement of the approval, resulting in a profit of 18 billion won for the operators while 30,000 individual investors suffered losses."Following the rejection of all witnesses proposed by the People Power Party for Kim's confirmation hearing, Jung emphasized, "Without witnesses, we cannot uncover whether there was any political interference in the lobbying and stock manipulation cases. A national investigation and even the introduction of a special prosecutor are necessary."Im Yi-ja, the policy chief of the People Power Party, raised suspicions about a connection between the judge who dismissed the arrest warrant for Genensel's founder and Kim. Im stated, "Kim claimed he did not contact the presiding judge, but it has come to light that the judge's son worked as a legislative assistant in Kim's office in 2024," criticizing, "One lie leads to another."Im also directed criticism at President Lee Jae-myung, saying, "If he continues to push through appointments while ignoring the public, it will be a declaration of war against public sentiment."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-11 10:00:00
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Korean Air to launch free Starlink in-flight Wi-Fi next week SEOUL, September 11 (AJP) - Korean Air will begin offering free in-flight Wi-Fi powered by Starlink on select flights starting from next week, the South Korean flag carrier said on Friday. With the launch of the service slated for Sept. 15, Korean Air will become the first major East Asian carrier to adopt Starlink's satellite-based internet, enhancing onboard connectivity. The service will initially be available on four retrofitted aircraft including three Airbus A350-900s and one Boeing 777-300ER. They will mostly be deployed on medium- and long-haul routes to the Americas, Europe and Southeast Asia, as well as some short-haul routes. Korean Air plans to expand the service to most of its fleet by the end of 2027 to provide all its passengers with reliable Wi-Fi connectivity, letting them enjoy the same in-flight experience. The Starlink-powered Wi-Fi will be available free of charge in all cabin classes, allowing passengers to access internet speeds fast enough to listen to music, watch videos on streaming sites, play online games and more. But internet-based voice or video calls, as well as live streaming on social media, though technically possible, will remain restricted under the airline's policies to help maintain a comfortable cabin environment and ensure aviation security. The introduction of Starlink is expected to be a major draw for Korean Air passengers, particularly on long-haul flights, where reliable internet connectivity has become an increasingly important competitive feature among major carriers. AJP Takeaways - Korean Air will launch free Starlink-powered in-flight Wi-Fi on Sept. 15, initially on four retrofitted aircraft: three Airbus A350-900s and one Boeing 777-300ER. - The service will be free in all cabin classes and will support streaming, web browsing, online gaming, music and messaging, while internet-based voice and video calls and social media live streaming will remain restricted. - Korean Air plans to expand Starlink Wi-Fi to most of its fleet by the end of 2027, initially focusing on medium- and long-haul routes to the Americas, Europe and Southeast Asia. 2026-09-11 09:57:18 -
SK Biopharm Pauses U.S. Clinical Trials for Epilepsy Drug Opacalim SK Biopharm has announced a partial hold on the Phase 2/3 clinical trials for its epilepsy drug candidate, Opacalim, which it is developing in collaboration with Biohaven. The company stated that it was aware of the potential risks at the time of the contract and expects the hold to be lifted by late October to November.According to SK Biopharm, Biohaven received notification from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on October 10, citing the need for additional nonclinical data as the reason for the partial hold on the trials.The FDA requested further information to determine whether the toxicity observed in nonclinical toxicity studies involving specific metabolites of Opacalim in rodents is a species-specific phenomenon. As a result, new patient enrollment has been temporarily suspended, but treatment for existing clinical trial participants will continue.SK Biopharm explained that prior to signing the contract, it reviewed this information and consulted external experts, concluding that the likelihood of similar issues arising in humans is low due to the species-specific nature of the findings.During a conference call on the morning of the announcement, SK Biopharm stated, "We were aware of the risk of a clinical hold from the outset and believe the chances of similar issues occurring in humans are low." The company added, "We anticipate that the hold will be resolved by October to November." To date, over 1,200 patients have participated in the clinical trials for Opacalim, and no adverse events directly related to the nonclinical toxicity findings have been identified. Biohaven plans to submit additional nonclinical study data regarding the specific metabolites to the FDA in hopes of lifting the clinical hold.Meanwhile, SK Biopharm secured a contract worth up to $795 million (approximately 1.07 trillion won) last month for the global exclusive development and commercialization rights to Opacalim. This move follows the acquisition of the epilepsy treatment Cenobamate (Xcopri), as part of the company's strategy to expand its product portfolio.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-11 09:52:00
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Democrat James Talarico Challenges Trump in Texas Senate Race Texas, traditionally a Republican stronghold, is emerging as a battleground ahead of the November midterm elections.James Talarico, a 37-year-old Democrat, is gaining traction in the Texas Senate race, prompting even former President Donald Trump to take direct action to secure the state for the GOP.According to Yonhap News, Talarico is closely trailing Republican candidate Ken Paxton, who has the backing of Trump and the MAGA movement. Recent polls even show Talarico with a slight lead.Since Ronald Reagan's election in 1980, Texas has consistently voted for Republican presidential candidates, and since 1990, Republican candidates have won every Senate election. Talarico's appeal lies in his emphasis on 'values' over 'ideology.' With a background in theology, he highlights 'love and inclusivity for neighbors' to attract traditional Republican supporters and moderates.Yonhap notes that the shift of suburban areas toward Democratic support and signs of Hispanic voter disengagement have contributed to Texas's transformation from a Republican stronghold to a competitive landscape. The influx of businesses and residents, drawn by low taxes and regulations, has altered the region's political character, while rising costs and strict immigration policies add to the challenges.This context has heightened Republican interest in Texas, with Trump planning to hold the first-ever Republican convention for the midterm elections in Dallas. It is unusual to host a convention ahead of midterms, rather than a presidential election.The urgency behind this move reflects a need to rally support. Midterm elections typically disadvantage the party of the sitting president, and the ongoing economic pressures from the prolonged Iran conflict and rising prices compound the situation. A Republican loss in the Texas Senate race could jeopardize their slim majority in the Senate.At the convention, Trump directly appealed to voters, promising that if the GOP wins both the House and Senate in the midterms, every adult American citizen would receive $5,000. Supporters in attendance responded positively, calling it a 'great idea.'Talarico is also addressing economic concerns. His campaign recently launched a 'Neighborly Grocery Donation' initiative in Dallas, where the Republican convention is being held, promoting a message of community solidarity in response to rising living costs, aiming to disrupt traditional Republican support.Ultimately, the Texas Senate race represents more than just the election of a single senator. If Texas, long considered a bastion of Republican strength, allows a Democratic challenge to gain ground, it could have ripple effects in other Republican strongholds. Conversely, if Trump successfully defends Texas, it could serve as a rallying point for a Republican base that is currently wavering ahead of the midterms.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-11 09:52:00
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Korea's Sept. 1-10 exports hit record $35 bn, up 83% on yr SEOUL, September 11 (AJP) - South Korea's exports roared on, surging 82.6 percent from a year earlier in the first 10 days of September to a record $35 billion and extending a blistering run that has already lifted this year's shipments past the country's full-year record for 2025. Imports rose 20.7 percent to $24.6 billion, leaving a trade surplus of $10.4 billion, according to preliminary Korea Customs Service data released Friday. The number of working days was unchanged at 8.5, putting average daily exports at $4.11 billion, also up 82.6 percent. The $35 billion export tally was the highest ever for the first 10 days of any month, topping the previous record of $30.0 billion set in July this year. Semiconductors again powered the increase. Chip exports more than tripled, jumping 270.1 percent from a year earlier to $16.5 billion, another record for the Sept. 1-10 period. Chips accounted for 47.1 percent of all exports, up 23.9 percentage points from a year earlier. Petroleum product exports rose 57.0 percent, ships 66.8 percent and computer peripherals 93.1 percent. Passenger-car exports increased 10.0 percent, while precision instruments fell 4.8 percent. Shipments to all of Korea's major trading partners also rose sharply. Exports to China doubled, gaining 103.0 percent to $8.0 billion, while shipments to the United States jumped 137.5 percent to $7.0 billion. Exports to Taiwan climbed 176.0 percent to $3.2 billion. China, the United States and Taiwan together accounted for 51.9 percent of total exports. The latest figures build on a milestone reached less than a week earlier. Korea Customs Service Commissioner Lee Jong-wook on Sept. 5 unveiled that cumulative exports had reached $709.4 billion as of that day, exceeding the record $709.3 billion shipped during the whole of 2025. Lee said the pace put South Korea within sight of $1 trillion in annual exports around early December, a threshold previously reached only by the United States, China and Germany. By Sept. 10, cumulative exports had risen further to $728.6 billion, up 54.1 percent from a year earlier. Imports totaled $515.6 billion, leaving a year-to-date trade surplus of nearly $213.0 billion, the customs data showed. The 10-day figures are preliminary short-term statistics and can be affected by the timing of working days and customs clearances, the office added. AJP Takeaways - Exports hit a record $35.0 billion in Sept. 1-10, up 82.6 percent, with semiconductor shipments soaring 270.1 percent to $16.5 billion. - Year-to-date exports reached $728.6 billion by Sept. 10, after already surpassing 2025's full-year record of $709.3 billion on Sept. 5. - Customs Commissioner Lee Jong-wook said the current pace could take Korea past $1 trillion in annual exports in early December, potentially making it the fourth economy to cross the threshold. 2026-09-11 09:48:06 -
Kakao Union Opposes Small Merger, Considers Joint Action with Minor Shareholders The Kakao Labor Union is taking action against the company's plan for a corporate split. The union is urging members and minor shareholders to express their opposition to the small merger between Kakao and Kakao Investment, and is considering joint action with minor shareholders depending on the company's explanations and negotiations in the future.On September 11, the Kakao branch of the National Chemical, Textile, and Food Industry Workers' Union stated its opposition, citing insufficient explanations and protective measures for workers and shareholders regarding the corporate split.Kakao plans to restructure its business into 'KakaoX,' which will handle investment and portfolio management, and 'KakaoAI,' which will focus on AI technology-based services. The union pointed out that while the company has presented the split structure and timeline, it has not adequately explained the necessity of the split, the issues that cannot be resolved under the current structure, or the burdens and risks associated with the split.The union also demanded specific protective measures for employment and working conditions. It insists that the company must clearly outline staffing standards, wage, evaluation, welfare, and tenure guarantees for each entity, and provide written assurances regarding employment retention in the event of organizational restructuring or redundancy.Concerns were also raised about KakaoX's responsibilities for subsidiary investments, sales, and asset liquidity following the split. The union emphasized the need for pre-established principles regarding employment succession, labor condition protection, and prior consultation with the labor union in case of business transfers, sales, or changes in control.Additionally, the union called for transparency for minor shareholders. It highlighted the potential risks to shareholder value during the post-split period, including additional listings, capital increases, and transactions between related companies, stressing the need for clear disclosure of the basis for split value assessment and subsequent business restructuring directions.Meanwhile, Kakao is also pursuing a small merger with Kakao Investment, scheduled for January 1, 2027. The surviving company will be KakaoX (tentative name), and the merger will be conducted with board approval instead of a shareholders' meeting.The union is encouraging its members to participate in expressing opposition to the small merger with Kakao Investment. If shareholders holding more than 20% of the total issued shares oppose within the designated period, the merger can only proceed with board approval. The union views this opposition as a separate action from the process opposing the corporate split itself, demanding that the opinions of workers and shareholders be reflected in the governance restructuring process, and is considering joint action with minor shareholders if necessary.Kakao branch president Seo Seung-wook stated, “The company must first answer why the split is necessary now and how it will protect the employment of workers and the value of minor shareholders.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-11 09:44:00