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Korea's Financial Regulator Addresses Market Volatility in London 이찬진 금융감독원장이 영국 런던에서 글로벌 투자자들을 만나 한국 증시의 변동성과 이른바 ‘빚투’ 문제를 직접 설명했다. 외국인 투자자들의 한국 증시에 대한 관심이 이어지는 가운데 금융당국이 레버리지 투자 확대에 따른 시장 변동성을 관리하고 장기투자 기반을 마련하겠다는 입장을 밝혔다. 10일 금융감독원에 따르면 이 원장은 지난 8일 런던에서 열린 ‘INVEST K-FINANCE: LONDON IR 2026’에 참석해 골드만삭스와 모건스탠리 등 글로벌 투자은행(IB) 및 자산운용사 22곳의 고위급 관계자들과 한국 자본시장 현안을 논의했다. 신한금융지주와 우리금융지주, 한국투자증권, NH투자증권 등 국내 금융회사도 참여했다. 이 자리에서 글로벌 투자자들은 최근 한국 증시의 변동성과 원·달러 환율 움직임, 장기투자 환경 등에 대해 질문했다. 특히 증시 변동성에 대한 질문에 이 원장은 레버리지와 빚투 등으로 시장 변동성이 과도하게 확대되지 않도록 세밀한 관리에 나서고 있다고 설명했다. 향후에도 증시 수급과 산업 구조 등을 종합적으로 모니터링하면서 건전한 장기투자 기반이 정착될 수 있도록 지원하겠다는 방침이다. 금감원은 이번 IR에서 특정 종목에 대한 쏠림과 투자자의 단기매매 성향, 코스닥 시장의 경쟁력 저하 등을 한국 자본시장의 주요 과제로 제시했다. 환율에 대한 질문도 나왔다. 이 원장은 상반기 한국 증시 급등 이후 외국인 투자자금의 차익실현과 리밸런싱에 따른 주식 매도 물량이 늘면서 원·달러 환율 상승 요인으로 작용했다고 설명했다. 다만 7월 이후에는 수출업체의 네고 물량 등이 출회하면서 환율이 하락했다고 밝혔다. 이 원장은 한국 증시의 장기투자 매력을 높이기 위한 제도 개선도 강조했다. 코스닥 진입·퇴출 기준을 정비하고 대형 IB의 모험자본 공급을 활성화하는 한편 결제주기 단축과 거래시간 연장, 토큰증권 인프라 구축 등을 추진하겠다고 설명했다. 기업가치 제고와 시장 신뢰 회복도 주요 메시지였다. 금융당국이 시장교란 행위에 엄정 대응하고 저평가 기업의 자발적인 가치 제고를 유도하는 동시에 금융회사 지배구조를 선진화해 투자자가 믿고 투자할 수 있는 시장을 만들겠다는 것이다. 글로벌 투자자들은 상법 개정과 외국인투자자등록제 폐지 등 한국의 기업가치 제고 및 시장 접근성 개선 노력을 긍정적으로 평가한 것으로 전해졌다. 다만 실질적인 자본시장 경쟁력 강화로 이어지기 위해서는 정책의 일관성과 안정적인 제도 정착이 필요하다는 의견도 제시했다. 이 원장은 이번 런던 방문 기간 영국 영업행위감독청(FCA), 건전성감독청(PRA), 재무보고위원회(FRC) 최고위급 인사들과도 만나 소비자보호와 금융회사 건전성 규제, 디지털 운영리스크, 가상자산·스테이블코인, 회계부정 대응 등을 논의했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 12:04:10 -
Surge in Nominal Growth Rate Boosts South Korean Economy Amid Inflation Concerns Driven by a semiconductor boom, South Korea's nominal growth rate has surged unusually high, with positive effects expected to spread across the economy, including improved corporate performance, increased investment, higher tax revenue, and enhanced household income. However, there are concerns that rising incomes may lead to increased consumer spending, heightening demand-side inflation pressures and stimulating housing demand and household debt, which could exacerbate financial imbalances.The Bank of Korea reported on September 10 that the nominal growth rate for the first half of this year exceeded 20%, indicating an unusual expansion. This surge in nominal growth is attributed to improvements in trade conditions driven by rising export prices. In the second quarter, nominal GDP increased by 9.2% from the previous quarter and rose 26.4% compared to the same period last year, marking the highest level since the third quarter of 1979 (27.7%).Improved trade conditions are leading to increased corporate profits. The Bank of Korea noted that not only the information technology sector but also other manufacturing industries, such as shipbuilding and machinery, have seen profitability improvements, resulting in a significant increase in capital investment. The central bank anticipates that this trend will continue into next year, sustaining high growth in capital investment.Corporate performance improvements are expected to have a ripple effect on the government and households. Thanks to strong corporate results, national tax revenue in the first half of this year has significantly increased compared to last year, and the Bank of Korea predicts that tax revenue will continue to rise next year, enhancing the government's fiscal capacity. Households are also expected to see gradual improvements in income conditions, leading to increased consumption capacity.Considering these trends, the surge in nominal growth is expected to contribute to robust economic growth through expanded investment, rising wages, and increased tax revenue.However, rising incomes do not necessarily guarantee economic recovery. The Bank of Korea forecasts that demand-side pressures will gradually increase, causing inflation rates to exceed target levels for an extended period. In particular, as increased income translates more into private consumption rather than savings or asset acquisition, inflationary pressures may intensify.There are also potential burdens on the financial market. While the increase in nominal GDP may lower the household debt ratio relative to GDP, the Bank of Korea assesses that it remains high compared to major advanced countries. The improvement in income conditions could lead to increased housing demand, indicating that the need for household debt management remains significant.In a context of high expectations for rising asset prices, the Bank of Korea warned that expanded leverage and interactions in the asset market could heighten the risk of financial imbalances.The Bank of Korea stated, "The surge in nominal growth is expected to have significant impacts not only on growth but also on inflation and financial stability across the macroeconomy, necessitating an effective policy mix."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 12:04:10
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Financial Services Commission Chair Lee Eok-won Inspects PF Funding in Gyeonggi Province The financial authorities are enhancing funding for normal real estate project financing (PF) sites to expand housing supply. The Korea Housing Finance Corporation is increasing its public guarantees for PF, while closely managing financial challenges at 325 PF sites in the metropolitan area expected to start construction or be completed next year.On September 10, Financial Services Commission Chair Lee Eok-won visited the Pungmu District urban development project site in Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province, to assess the PF funding situation and listen to financial and construction industry representatives about on-site financial difficulties.This visit is a follow-up to the comprehensive financial measures announced on August 13 aimed at stabilizing the real estate market. The Financial Services Commission is strengthening financial support to ensure timely funding for normal projects while addressing issues at troubled sites in the real estate PF market.The Pungmu District project is a large-scale urban development initiative covering approximately 870,000 square meters, expected to provide over 6,522 housing units. Initially, the project faced delays due to the real estate market downturn in 2022-2023 and uncertainties in the sales market, leading to increased financial burdens. However, with stabilized PF funding, the project has returned to normal operations.The project developer, Hoban Construction, secured around 600 billion won through the Korea Housing Finance Corporation's PF guarantees. As construction costs and interest rates rose, they utilized the 'Construction Cost Plus PF Guarantee' to secure additional funding even after construction began. The Financial Services Commission views this as a successful example of financial support leading to actual housing supply.Lee emphasized, "For rapid housing supply, there must be a proactive commitment from developers, seamless construction progress from contractors, reliable funding from private financial institutions, and supportive public guarantees from the Korea Housing Finance Corporation, all working together." The Korea Housing Finance Corporation has increased its PF guarantee supply target for this year from 6 trillion won to 9 trillion won following the August 13 measures. It is also pursuing institutional improvements to promote housing supply, including new guarantee products for redevelopment and rental businesses.Private financial institutions are also expanding their funding. KB Kookmin Bank CEO Lee Hwan-joo stated that the bank has handled approximately 4 trillion won in PF loans this year and is committed to actively supporting housing supply. Kookmin Bank plans to significantly increase its internal limits related to PF.The financial authorities plan to strengthen management of PF sites in the metropolitan area for housing supply. Lee announced that they will closely manage the 325 PF projects expected to start construction or be completed next year. He also urged project managers to actively communicate on-site difficulties and suggestions through the financial and construction industry support center.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 12:04:10
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Government to Monitor Prices of Key Holiday Items Ahead of Chuseok The National Data Agency is conducting daily surveys of prices for 36 essential items, including holiday foods and dining options, to support the government's measures for stabilizing living costs ahead of Chuseok. This initiative aims to monitor real-time price fluctuations and implement timely supply stabilization measures.On September 10, the agency announced that the daily price survey will take place from today until September 23.The survey will cover a total of 36 items, including key holiday essentials such as beef and yellow corvina, as well as petroleum products and dining options. Among these, 24 items are agricultural and marine products, including apples, pears, chestnuts, beef, eggs, and yellow corvina. Processed foods will include five items such as flour, tofu, and cooking oil, while petroleum products will consist of three items: gasoline, diesel, and kerosene. Dining options will include four items: pork belly and chicken.The National Data Agency will conduct both in-person interviews and online surveys in seven major cities, including Seoul and Busan. The results will be shared daily with relevant government departments to enhance the effectiveness of price management.Prior to the survey, Ahn Hyung-jun, head of the National Data Agency, visited the Namgu Market in Seoul on September 8 to check the price trends of key holiday items such as apples and pears. He expressed gratitude to the surveyed stores that have cooperated with consumer price surveys, emphasizing the importance of building trust in statistical production through on-site communication.Ahn stated, "The precise data obtained from the daily price survey will serve as essential foundational material for stabilizing the supply of holiday essentials and establishing effective price policies. We will continue to strive to provide accurate and timely statistical services that the public can feel in their daily lives." He also encouraged field survey staff to remain diligent in their efforts despite the increased workload leading up to the holiday.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 12:04:00
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Supreme Court Confirms Suspended Sentence for Former Samyang Foods Chairman Jeon In-jang The Supreme Court has confirmed a suspended prison sentence for Jeon In-jang, the former chairman of Samyang Foods, who was accused of embezzling company funds through the issuance of false tax invoices via paper companies. This decision comes seven years after he was indicted.On September 10, the Supreme Court's second division, led by Justice Oh Kyung-mi, dismissed Jeon's appeal regarding charges of violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (issuing false tax invoices) and upheld the original sentence of three years in prison, suspended for five years, along with a fine of 19.1 billion won.Additionally, Samyang Foods and two of its affiliates, which were also indicted for violating tax laws, were each fined 10 million won.Jeon, the eldest son of the company's founder, was charged in December 2019 for issuing a total of 538 billion won in false invoices and tax documents through two paper companies between 2010 and 2017.In the first trial, Jeon received a sentence of three years in prison, suspended for five years, and a fine of 19.1 billion won. However, the second trial reduced his sentence to one year and six months in prison, suspended for three years, and a fine of 650 million won, acquitting him of tax law violations.In February of last year, the Supreme Court ruled that the second trial's acquittal on certain transactions was also related to the issuance of false tax invoices and sent the case back to the Seoul High Court. In November of the same year, the retrial court imposed the same sentence as the first trial: three years in prison, suspended for five years, and a fine of 19.1 billion won. Jeon appealed this decision, prolonging the legal proceedings.Previously, Jeon was also indicted for embezzling over 4.9 billion won by falsely claiming that Samyang Foods had received packaging boxes and food materials from paper companies between 2008 and 2017.In 2019, he was sentenced to three years in prison for this case and was taken into custody. The following year, the Supreme Court upheld the sentence, and Jeon completed his term and was released in January 2022.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 12:00:00
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Supreme Court Confirms Life Sentence for Kim Nok-wan, Leader of Vigilante Group Kim Nok-wan, the leader of the sexual violence group known as the 'vigilante group,' has had his life sentence confirmed by the Supreme Court.On September 10, the Supreme Court's second division, led by Justice Kwon Young-jun, upheld the life sentence originally imposed on Kim for violations of the Youth Protection Act, the Sexual Violence Punishment Act, the Child Welfare Act, forced molestation, and rape.The court also maintained the original ruling that includes a 30-year electronic monitoring order, a 10-year employment restriction in institutions related to children, youth, and the disabled, and a 10-year public disclosure and notification order. In total, Kim has been found guilty of 25 different crimes.In addition to Kim, two other defendants who participated in the crimes under the title of 'evangelist' received prison sentences of two years and six months and one year and six months, respectively.From August 2020 to January of last year, Kim organized the 'vigilante group,' which became the largest cyber sexual violence crime group in the country, referring to himself as a pastor within the organization. They were arrested and indicted in February of last year for allegedly sexually assaulting minors and producing and distributing sexual exploitation materials.According to prosecutors, the vigilante group used social media to identify women who posted physical photos or sought casual encounters, or to gather personal information about men trying to enter Telegram groups focused on adult content. They then threatened to distribute this information, obtaining nude photos and producing and distributing sexual exploitation materials, with some victims being lured and directly sexually assaulted.A total of 261 individuals have been identified as victims of the vigilante group, a figure that exceeds the 73 victims from the previously notorious Telegram 'Doctor's Room' case. The sexual exploitation materials produced and distributed by Kim and his associates are estimated to number over 2,000.In the first trial, held in November of last year, Kim was sentenced to life imprisonment. Ten other defendants, who were also indicted for directing crimes or seeking victims while holding titles such as 'senior evangelist,' 'evangelist,' and 'prospective evangelist,' received various prison sentences and probation. However, the court found them not guilty of charges related to organizing, joining, or participating in a criminal group.The second trial court upheld the original ruling, confirming Kim's life sentence and maintaining the not guilty verdict on the criminal organization charges. The court criticized Kim, stating, "There was no minimum respect for human dignity in the defendant Kim Nok-wan. The physical and mental pain, shame, humiliation, and despair that the victims felt during the commission of the crimes are beyond measure."Most of the vigilante group members, including Kim, appealed the original ruling, but the Supreme Court's decision remained unchanged. The court stated, "Even considering the various circumstances claimed in the appeal, it cannot be seen that the original ruling of life imprisonment is extremely unfair," and dismissed the appeal, confirming the sentence.Meanwhile, another female accomplice who acted as an 'evangelist' in the vigilante group, identified as Jo, had her five-year prison sentence confirmed by the Supreme Court in June.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 11:52:00
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Jang Dong-hyuk: Lee's Claim of Not Seeking Reelection Lacks Credibility Jang Dong-hyuk, the leader of the People Power Party, criticized President Lee Jae-myung on September 10, stating, "He has not actually said he will not seek reelection."During a Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly, Jang remarked, "(President Lee) only mentioned the part about his term being clearly limited by the constitution, omitting the latter part that would require a crafty constitutional amendment to run again."He added, "In the end, he is not saying, 'There will be no crafty constitutional amendment for reelection' or 'I will not seek reelection.' I will not believe anything he says."Regarding the second cabinet reshuffle of the Lee administration, Jang stated, "The essence is the dismissal of charges and the leftist cartel," asserting, "This reshuffle was an attempt to extend dictatorship, and it has led to this disaster. Ultimately, this reshuffle will be the grave of this administration."He specifically targeted Kim Seung-won, the nominee for Minister of Justice, and Yong Hye-in, the nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, claiming, "President Lee must have been aware of Kim Seung-won's allegations of stock manipulation, misuse of public funds, and drunk driving offenses. He likely appointed him as a strike force for dismissing charges because the more flaws he has, the more obedient he will be to his words." Jang further stated, "Yong Hye-in's 'under organization' is Lee Jae-myung's 'under organization,'" criticizing, "All of this leads to a plan for dismissing charges and a constitutional amendment for reelection under leftist dictatorship."Meanwhile, Jang expressed concerns regarding the government's consideration of deploying troops to the Hormuz Strait, stating, "Regardless of whether or not troops are deployed, the only ones who will suffer are the citizens, yet the government is still deliberating. We must restore the Korea-U.S. alliance and cut off pro-China and pro-North Korea policies. If this continues, we cannot guarantee the safety of the people's property or security."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 11:48:00
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SK Square Emerges as an 'AI Native' Investment Company SK Square is accelerating its transformation into an 'AI Native' investment company by applying artificial intelligence (AI) to its investment operations and portfolio business models. On September 10, SK Square announced that it is focusing all its efforts on innovating investment operations and portfolio business models through its newly established 'AI Innovation' organization. The company has introduced a 'sandbox strategy' that allows for the development and experimentation of AI in a free environment, moving away from traditional corporate methods. Employees are supported in developing AI agents under a nearly unlimited pricing model. More than 80 SK Square employees have developed over 90 AI agents that are now being applied in real-world operations. Additionally, the company has opened its internal security infrastructure to create an environment without restrictions on the use of AI agents. SK Square has also established a knowledge data hub called Kiwi, which automatically accumulates work-related data into a shared system managed by AI, facilitating knowledge sharing and providing ideas for work improvement. The company has boldly innovated the business models of its portfolio companies by transforming the AX tasks of the group’s ICT services. A task force called '10x TF'—comprising elite developers from various companies—has developed and implemented an AI-based work automation system, enhancing the value of portfolio companies. As a result, the operational costs of the 11th Street operations center, which handled simple repetitive data management tasks, were reduced by approximately 50%. Looking ahead, SK Square plans to expand these innovations to group ICT services and accelerate the establishment of an AI-based integrated data management system. Kim Yong-hoon, Chief AI Innovation Officer at SK Square, stated, "As the next step in the development of AI chips and infrastructure, service competitiveness is becoming increasingly important. We aim to innovate customer services for our portfolio companies with AI, creating a significant turning point in our business models."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 11:44:00
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Local Councils Join Call for Transparency in National Medical School Selection Opposition to the selection of a candidate for a national medical school in the southwestern region of Jeonnam is spreading from local government leaders to city councils. On September 10, the nine city and county councils in the southwestern region issued a joint statement calling for the immediate withdrawal of the candidate recommendations for the establishment of a national medical school in the integrated city of Gwangju, urging the Ministry of Education to directly select the candidates. This follows a joint response from local government leaders the previous day, as the local councils, representing the residents, voiced their concerns, indicating that the opposition to the establishment of a medical school at Mokpo National University is gaining traction beyond political circles and resonating throughout the community. The joint statement included participation from the Mokpo City Council, as well as councils from Gangjin, Haenam, Yeongam, Muan, Hampyeong, Wando, Jindo, and Sinan. The councils emphasized the significance of '36 years' in their statement. They noted that the establishment of a national medical school at Mokpo National University has been a long-standing aspiration of the residents of the southwestern region for 36 years, asserting that the establishment of the medical school is not merely about the interests of a specific region or university, but rather a matter of addressing the medical gap in Jeonnam and safeguarding the lives and health of the residents. The residents of the southwestern region have not simply been waiting to attract a medical school to their area for 36 years. Their underlying demand is for a healthcare environment that ensures timely treatment for critically ill and emergency patients, regardless of where they live, thereby safeguarding the golden hour of life. In particular, the joint statement directly questioned the transparency of the evaluation process and the small score difference between the candidate universities. The councils pointed out that the final score difference between Mokpo National University and Suncheon National University was only 1.30 points, arguing that if such a narrow margin determines the outcome of a 36-year-long aspiration, the evaluation criteria and process must be thoroughly verified for objectivity and fairness. They demanded that the detailed evaluation criteria, scoring, individual university scores and their bases, evaluation materials, as well as the composition and expertise of the review committee, including any potential conflicts of interest, be transparently disclosed throughout the selection process. They insisted that residents should not be required to accept the recommendation results without verification and transparency. The council leadership emphasized that the criteria for selecting candidate universities for the national medical school should be based on medical realities rather than political judgments or regional biases between the eastern and western parts of the province. They argued that factors such as medical vulnerability, essential medical gaps, accessibility, demographic changes, and long-term medical demand should be comprehensively reviewed. If the integrated city of Gwangju cannot ensure the fairness and objectivity of the selection process, the Ministry of Education should intervene and select candidates based on objective criteria. With local councils now joining the collective response, the issue of the national medical school is evolving beyond mere competition between universities to a matter of the basic medical rights of the residents in the southwestern region. Yang Geun-hyung, a 55-year-old resident of Namak, stated, "What we have been waiting for over 36 years is not to see which university wins or loses. We have been waiting for a minimum healthcare environment that allows us to receive treatment nearby when we are sick and not to have to travel long distances in emergencies." He added, "The medical school that our parents' generation began waiting for is now being awaited by the next generation. If the decision was made based on a 1.30-point difference, shouldn't the evaluation process and basis be made more transparent so that all residents can accept the results?" The nine city and county councils clearly outlined three demands: they called on the mayor of the integrated city of Gwangju, Min Hyung-bae, to withdraw the candidate selection and recommendation decision, urged the Ministry of Education to halt the ongoing follow-up procedures, and demanded a reassessment of the candidates based on a comprehensive reflection of long-term healthcare development plans, demographic changes, regional medical disparities, medical vulnerability, essential medical gaps, and accessibility. With local councils now stepping forward following the local government leaders, the collective response from the southwestern region regarding the national medical school issue is expected to intensify. For the residents of the southwestern region who have waited 36 years for a national medical school, this controversy is not merely about university selection. It is a desperate demand that the opportunity for treatment and the golden hour of life should not vary based on where one lives. In the closing of their joint statement, the nine city and county councils asserted, "We cannot conclude 36 years of aspirations amid hasty and unfair controversies," reiterating their call for the withdrawal of the candidate recommendations and for the Ministry of Education to directly select candidates through a fair and transparent process that residents can accept.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 11:44:00
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LG CNS to Hire Hundreds of New Employees in Key Areas This Fall LG CNS announced it will hire hundreds of new employees this fall in key business areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and consulting.The recruitment will cover nine positions: AI, robotics, consulting, digital transformation (DX) engineer, cloud application modernization (AM), architect, enterprise resource planning (ERP), smart factory, and convergence engineer.The AI role involves designing and implementing AI models and services optimized for client businesses. New hires will plan specialized AI services across various industries, including finance, public sector, manufacturing, and logistics, and can grow into AI transformation (AX) experts.The robotics position focuses on applying robots in manufacturing and logistics and verifying the feasibility of next-generation robotic technologies in the field. LG CNS is expanding its robotics transformation (RX) business, having launched the integrated platform 'Physical Works' in May.The consulting role analyzes client business issues to establish AX and digital transformation (DX) strategies. DX engineers will develop core systems and services for various industries, including digital finance, public sector, and telecommunications.Graduates with a bachelor's degree or higher, as well as those expected to graduate in February 2027, can apply regardless of their major. LG CNS plans to prioritize candidates with relevant experience and expertise in the nine positions.The hiring process will consist of document screening, written tests, practical interviews, and final interviews. The written test will include an aptitude test and a 'CNS specialized test.'The CNS specialized test was newly established to evaluate interest in the latest technology and industry trends, as well as skills in utilizing generative AI. It will assess understanding of global technology and industry trends across all positions, with coding and planning components to verify generative AI capabilities based on the applied role.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 11:40:10